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THE 


DISPENSATORY 


OF  THE 

NITED  STATES  OF  AM 


ERICA. 


BY 

GEORGE  B.  WOOD,  M.D., 

PROFESSOR  OF  THE  THEORY  AND  PRACTICE  OF  MEDICINE  IN  THE  UNIVERSITY  OF 
PENNSYLVANIA, 

PRESIDENT  OF  THE  COLLEGE  OF  PHYSICIANS  OF  PHILADELPHIA, 

ONE  OF  THE  PHYSICIANS  OF  THE  PENNSYLVANIA  HOSPITAL,  ETC.  ETC. 

AND 

FRANKLIN  BACHE,  M.D., 

PROFESSOR  OF  CHEMISTRY  IN  JEFFERSON  MEDICAL  COLLEGE  OF  PHILADELPHIA, 
PRESIDENT  OF  THE  AMERICAN  PHILOSOPHICAL  SOCIETY,  ETC.  ETC. 


d 


TENTH  EDITION, 
CAREFULLY  REVISED. 


k> 


V 

PHILADELPHIA: 

LIPPINCOTT,  GRAMBO,  AND  CO. 
1 8 54. 


Entered,  according  to  the  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1854, 

By  George  B.  Wood,  M.  D.,  and  Franklin  Bache,  M.  D., 

in  the  Clerk’s  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  United  States  in  and  for  the 
Eastern  District  of  Pennsylvania. 


PHILADELPHIA : 

T.  K.  AND  P.  G.  COLLINS,  PRINTERS. 


/ 


O' 


m t '/ 

PREFACE 


TO 


THE  FIRST  EDITION. 


The  objects  of  a Dispensatory  are  to  present  an  account  of  medicinal 
substances  in  the  state  in  which  they  are  brought  into  the  shops,  and  to 
teach  the  modes  in  which  they  are  prepared  for  use.  The  importance 
of  these  objects,  and  the  general  value  and  even  necessity  of  a work  of 
this  nature,  will  not  be  disputed.  It  may,  however,  be  a question,  how 
far  the  wants  of  the  medical  and  pharmaceutical  community  in  this 
country  are  supplied  by  the  Dispensatories  already  in  circulation ; and 
whether  such  a deficiency  exists  as  to  justify  the  offer  of  a new  one  to 
the  public  attention.  The  great  merits  of  the  works  severally  entitled 
“The  Edinburgh  New  Dispensatory,”  and  “ The  London  Dispensatory,” 
the  former  edited  by  the  late  Andrew  Duncan,  M.  D.,  the  latter  by 
Anthony  Todd  Thomson,  M.  D.,  are  well  known  wherever  the  English 
language  is  spoken.  Founded,  as  they  both  are,  upon  the  excellent 
basis  laid  by  Lewis,  they  are  nevertheless  entitled,  from  the  great  addi- 
tion of  valuable  materials,  and  the  distinctive  character  exhibited  in  the 
arrangement  of  these  materials,  to  be  considered  as  original  works : 
wdiile  the  style  in  which  they  have  been  executed  speaks  strongly  in 
favour  of  the  skill  and  industry  of  their  authors.  But  they  were  calcu- 
lated especially  for  the  sphere  of  Great  Britain,  and  are  too  deficient 
in  all  that  relates  exclusively  to  this  country,  to  admit  of  being  received 
as  standards  here.  In  the  history  of  our  commerce  in  drugs,  and  of 
the  nature,  growth,  and  collection  of  our  indigenous  medical  plants ; in 
the  chemical  operations  of  our  extensive  laboratories  ; and  in  the  modes 
of  preparing,  dispensing,  and  applying  medicines,  which  have  gradually 
grown  into  use  among  us : there  is  much  that  is  peculiar,  a knowledge 
of  which  is  not  to  be  gained  from  foreign  books,  and  is  yet  necessary 
to  the  character  of  an  accomplished  American  pharmaceutist.  We 
have,  moreover,  a National  Pharmacopoeia,  which  requires  an  explana- 
tory commentary,  in  order  that  its  precepts  may  be  fully  appreciated. 


iv  Preface  to  the  First  Edition. 

and  advantageously  put  into  practice.  On  these  accounts  it  is  desirable 
that  there  should  he  a Dispensatory  of  the  United  States,  which,  while 
it  embraces  whatever  is  useful  in  European  pharmacy,  may  accurately 
represent  the  art  as  it  exists  in  this  country,  and  give  instruction  adapted 
to  our  peculiar  wants.  It  appears  due  to  our  national  character,  that 
such  a work  should  be  in  good  faith  an  American  work,  newly  prepared 
in  all  its  parts,  and  not  a mere  edition  of  one  of  the  European  Dispen- 
satories, with  here  and  there  additions  and  alterations,  which,  though 
they  may  be  useful  in  themselves,  cannot  be  made  to  harmonize  with 
the  other  materials  so  as  to  give  to  the  whole  an  appearance  of  unity, 
and  certainly  would  not  justify  the  assumption  of  a new  and  national 
title  for  the  book.  Whether,  in  the  Dispensatories  which  have  been 
published  in  the  United  States,  these  requisites  have  been  satisfactorily 
fulfilled,  it  rests  with  the  public  to  determine.  That  valuable  treatises 
on  Materia  Medica  and  Pharmacy  have  been  issued  in  this  country,  no 
candid  person,  acquainted  with  our  medical  literature,  will  be  disposed 
to  deny.  In  offering  a new  work  to  the  medical  and  pharmaceutical 
professions,  the  authors  do  not  wish  to  be  considered  as  undervaluing 
the  labours  of  their  predecessors.  They  simply  conceive  that  the  field 
has  not  been  so  fully  occupied  as  to  exclude  all  competition.  The 
pharmacy  of  continental  Europe  is  ground  which  has  been  almost  un- 
touched ; and  much  information  in  relation  to  the  natural  history,  com- 
merce, and  management  of  our  own  drugs,  has  lain  ungathered  in  the 
possession  of  individuals,  or  scattered  in  separate  treatises  and  periodi- 
cals not  generally  known  and  read.  Since  the  publication  of  the  last 
edition  of  our  National  Pharmacopoeia,  no  general  explanation  of  its 
processes  has  appeared,  though  required  in  justice  both  to  that  work 
and  to  the  public.  The  hope  of  being  able  to  supply  these  deficiencies 
may,  perhaps,  be  considered  a sufficient  justification  for  the  present 
undertaking. 

The  Pharmacopoeia  of  the  United  States  has  been  adopted  as  the 
basis  of  this  Dispensatory.  It  is  followed  both  in  its  general  division 
of  medicines,  and  in  its  alphabetical  arrangement  of  them  under  each 
division.  Precedence  is,  in  every  instance,  given  to  the  names  which 
it  recognises,  while  the  explanations  by  which  it  fixes  the  signification 
of  these  names,  are  inserted  in  immediate  connexion  with  the  titles  to 
which  they  severally  belong.  Every  article  which  it  designates  is  more 
or  less  fully  described  ; and  all  its  processes,  after  being  literally  copied, 
are  commented  on  and  explained  whenever  comment  and  explanation 
appeared  necessary.  Nothing,  in  fine,  has  been  omitted,  which,  in  the 
estimation  of  the  authors,  could  serve  to  illustrate  its  meaning,  or 


Preface  to  the  First  Edition. 


v 


promote  the  ends  which  it  was  intended  to  subserve.  This  course  of 
proceeding  appeared  to  be  due  to  the  national  character  of  the  Phar- 
macopoeia, and  to  the  important  object  of  establishing,  as  far  as  possible, 
throughout  the  United  States,  uniformity  both  in  the  nomenclature  and 
preparation  of  medicines.  In  one  particular,  convenience  required  that 
the  plan  of  the  Pharmacopoeia  should  be  departed  from.  The  medicines 
belonging  to  the  department  of  Materia  Medica,  instead  of  being 
arranged  in  two  divisions,  corresponding  with  the  Primary  and  Se- 
condary Catalogues  of  that  work,  have  been  treated  of  indiscriminately 
in  alphabetical  succession ; and  the  place  which  they  respectively  hold 
in  the  Pharmacopoeia  is  indicated  by  the  employment  of  the  term 
Secondary , in  connexion  with  the  name  of  each  of  the  medicines  in- 
cluded in  the  latter  catalogue. 

But,  though  precedence  has  thus  been  given  to  the  Pharmacopoeia 
of  the  United  States,  those  of  Great  Britain  have  not  been  neglected. 
The  nomenclature  adopted  by  the  different  British  Colleges,  and  their 
formulae  for  the  preparation  of  medicines,  have  been  so  extensively 
followed  throughout  the  United  States,  that  a work  intended  to  repre- 
sent the  present  state  of  pharmacy  in  this  country  would  be  imperfect 
without  them ; and  the  fact  that  the  writings  of  British  physicians  and 
surgeons,  in  which  their  own  officinal  terms  and  preparations  are  exclu- 
sively employed  and  referred  to,  have  an  extensive  circulation  among 
ns,  renders  some  commentary  necessary  in  order  to  prevent  serious 
mistakes.  The  Pharmacopoeias  of  London,  Edinburgh,  and  Dublin 
have,  therefore,  been  incorporated,  in  all  their  essential  parts,  into  the 
present  work.  Their  officinal  titles  are  uniformly  given,  always  in 
subordination  to  those  of  the  United  States  Pharmacopoeia,  when  they 
express  the  same  object ; but  in  chief,  when,  as  often  happens,  no 
corresponding  medicine  or  preparation  is  recognised  by  our  national 
standard.  In  the  latter  case,  if  different  names  are  applied  by  different 
British  Colleges  to  the  same  object,  that  one  is  generally  preferred 
which  is  most  in  accordance  with  our  own  system  of  nomenclature,  and 
the  others  are  given  as  synonymes.  The  medicines  directed  by  the 
British  Colleges  are  all  described,  and  their  processes  either  copied  at 
length,  or  so  far  explained  as  to  be  intelligible  in  all  essential  par- 
ticulars. 

Besides  the  medicinal  substances  recognised  as  officinal  by  the  Phar- 
macopoeias alluded  to,  some  others  have  been  described,  which,  either 
from  the  lingering  remains  of  former  reputation,  from  recent  reports  in 
their  favour,  or  from  their  important  relation  to  medicines  in  general 
use,  appear  to  have  claims  upon  the  attention  of  the  physician  and 


vi  Preface  to  the  First  Edition. 

apothecary.  Opportunity  has,  moreover,  been  taken  to  introduce 
incidentally  brief  accounts  of  substances  used  in  other  countries  or  in 
former  times,  and  occasionally  noticed  in  medical  books ; and,  that  the 
reader  may  be  able  to  refer  to  them  when  desirous  of  information,  their 
names  have  been  placed  with  those  of  the  standard  remedies  in  the 
Index. 

In  the  description  of  each  medicine,  if  derived  immediately  from  the 
animal,  vegetable,  or  mineral  kingdom,  the  attention  of  the  authors  has 
been  directed  to  its  natural  history,  the  place  of  its  growth  or  produc- 
tion, the  method  of  collecting  and  preparing  it  for  market,  its  com- 
mercial history,  the  state  in  which  it  reaches  us,  its  sensible  properties, 
its  chemical  composition  and  relations,  the  changes  which  it  undergoes 
by  time  and  exposure,  its  accidental  or  fraudulent  adulterations,  its 
medical  properties  and  application,  its  economical  uses,  and  the  phar- 
maceutical treatment  to  which  it  is  subjected.  If  a chemical  prepara- 
tion, the  mode  and  principles  of  its  manufacture  are  indicated  in  addition 
to  the  other  particulars.  If  a poison,  and  likely  to  be  accidentally 
taken,  or  purposely  employed  as  such,  its  peculiar  toxicological  effects, 
together  with  the  mode  of  counteracting  them,  are  indicated ; and  the 
best  means  of  detecting  its  presence  by  reagents  are  explained. 

The  authors  have  followed  the  example  of  Dr.  A.  T.  Thomson,  in 
giving  botanical  descriptions  of  the  plants  from  which  the  medicines 
treated  of  are  derived.  In  relation  to  all  indigenous  medicinal  plants, 
and  those  naturalized  or  cultivated  in  this  country,  the  advantages  of 
such  descriptions  are  obvious.  The  physician  may  often  be  placed  in 
situations,  in  which  it  may  be  highly  important  that  he  should  be  able 
to  recognise  the  vegetable  which  yields  a particular  medicine ; and  the 
apothecary  is  constantly  liable  to  imposition  from  the  collectors  of 
herbs,  unless  possessed  of  the  means  of  distinguishing,  by  infallible 
marks,  the  various  products  presented  to  him.  A knowledge  of  foreign 
medicinal  plants,  though  of  less  importance,  will  be  found  useful  in 
various  ways,  independently  of  the  gratification  afforded  by  the  indul- 
gence of  a liberal  curiosity  in  relation  to  objects  so  closely  connected 
with  our  daily  pursuits.  The  introduction  of  these  botanical  notices 
into  a Dispensatory  appears  to  be  peculiarly  appropriate ; as  they  are 
to  be  considered  rather  as  objects  for  occasional  reference  than  for 
regular  study  or  continuous  perusal,  and  therefore  coincide  with  the 
general  design  of  the  work,  which  is  to  collect  into  a convenient  form 
for  consultation  all  that  is  practically  important  in  relation  to  medicines. 
The  authors  have  endeavoured  to  preserve  a due  proportion  between  the 
minuteness  of  the  descriptions,  and  their  value  as  means  of  information 


Preface  to  the  First  Edition.  vii 

to  the  student ; and,  in  pursuance  of  this  plan,  have  generally  dwelt 
more  at  length  upon  our  native  plants,  than  upon  those  of  foreign 
growth : but,  in  all  instances  in  which  they  have  deemed  any  botanical 
description  necessary,  they  have  taken  care  to  include  in  it  the  essential 
scientific  character  of  the  genus  and  species,  with  a reference  to  the 
position  of  the  plant  in  the  artificial  and  natural  systems  of  classifica- 
tion ; so  that  a person  acquainted  with  the  elements  of  botany  may  be 
able  to  recognise  it  when  it  comes  under  his  observation. 

In  preparing  the  Dispensatory,  the  authors  have  consulted,  in  addition 
to  many  of  the  older  works  of  authority,  the  greater  number  of  the 
treatises  and  dissertations  which  have  recently  appeared  upon  the 
various  subjects  connected  with  Pharmacy,  and  especially  those  of  the 
French  writers,  who  stand  at  present  at  the  head  of  this  department  of 
medical  science.  They  have  also  endeavoured  to  collect  such  detached 
facts,  scattered  through  the  various  scientific,  medical,  and  pharmaceu- 
tical journals,  as  they  conceived  to  be  important  in  themselves,  and 
applicable  to  the  subjects  under  consideration;  and  have  had  frequent- 
recourse  to  the  reports  of  travellers  in  relation  to  the  natural  and  com- 
mercial history  of  foreign  drugs.  The  occasional  references  in  the  body 
of  the  work  will  indicate  the  sources  from  which  they  have  most  largely 
drawn,  and  the  authorities  upon  which  they  have  most  relied.  In 
relation  to  our  own  commerce  in  drugs,  and  to  the  operations  of  our 
chemical  laboratories,  they  are  indebted  for  information  chiefly  to  the 
kindness  of  gentlemen  engaged  in  these  branches  of  business,  who  have 
always  evinced,  in  answering  their  numerous  inquiries,  a promptitude 
and  politeness  which  merit  their  warm  thanks,  and  which  they  are 
pleased  to  have  this  opportunity  of  acknowledging.* 

It  has  not  been  deemed  necessary  to  follow  the  example  of  the  British 
Dispensatories,  by  inserting  into  the  work  a treatise  upon  Chemistry, 
under  the  name  of  Elements  of  Pharmacy.  Such  a treatise  must  neces- 
sarily be  very  meagre  and  imperfect ; and,  as  systems  of  chemistry  are 
in  the  hands  of  every  physician  and  apothecary,  would  uselessly  occupy 
the  place  of  valuable  matter  of  less  easy  access. 

The  authors  may,  perhaps,  be  permitted  to  observe,  in  relation  to 
themselves,  that  they  have  expended  much  time  and  labour  in  the  pre- 

* The  authors  deem  it  proper  to  state  that  they  are  peculiarly  indebted  for  assistance 
to  Sir.  Daniel  B.  Smith,  president  of  the  Philadelphia  College  of  Pharmacy,  to  whom, 
besides  much  important  information  in  relation  to  the  various  branches  of  the  apothe- 
cary's business,  they  owe  the  prefatory  remarks  on  Pharmacy  which  are  placed  at  the 
commencement  of  the  second  part  of  the  work,  and  the  several  articles,  in  the  Materia 
Medica,  upon  Leeches,  Carbonate  of  Magnesia,  and  Sulphate  of  Magnesia. 


viii  Preface  to  the  First  Edition. 

paration  of  the  work;  have  sought  diligently  for  facts  from  every  readily 
accessible  source ; have  endeavoured,  by  a comparison  of  authorities, 
and  a close  scrutiny  of  evidence,  to  ascertain  the  truth  whenever  prac- 
ticable ; and  have  exerted  themselves  to  the  extent  of  their  abilities  to 
render  the  Dispensatory  worthy  of  public  approbation,  both  for  the 
quality  and  quantity  of  its  contents,  and  the  general-  accuracy  of  its 
statements.  They  are  conscious,  nevertheless,  that,  in  so  great  a mul- 
tiplicity of  details,  numerous  errors  and  deficiencies  may  exist,  and  that 
the  faults  of  undue  brevity  in  some  cases,  and  prolixity  in  others,  may 
not  have  been  entirely  avoided  ; but  they  venture  to  hope  that  a candid 
public  will  make  all  due  allowances ; and  they  take  the  liberty  to  invite 
from  all  those  who  may  feel  interested  in  the  diffusion  of  sound  phar- 
maceutical knowledge,  the  communication  of  friendly  suggestions  or 
criticisms  in  relation  to  the  objects  and  execution  of  the  work. 


Philadelphia , January , 1833. 


PREFACE  TO  THE  TENTH  EDITION. 


In  the  foregoing  preface  to  the  first  edition  of  this  work,  sufficient 
has  been  said  of  its  objects,  the  plan  upon  which  it  was  written,  and 
the  sources  whence  the  materials  composing  it  were  originally  derived. 
A modification  of  its  arrangement  was  made  in  the  second  edition,  by 
the  introduction  of  an  Appendix,  containing  an  account  of  drugs  not 
recognised  by  the  American  or  British  Pharmacopoeias,  yet  possessing 
some  interest  from  their  former  or  existing  relations  to  Medicine  and 
Pharmacy.  This  Appendix  has  been  so  much  enlarged  by  the  nume- 
rous additions  subsequently  made  to  it,  that  it  might  well  be  considered 
as  a third  part  of  the  Dispensatory ; so  that  the  work  may  be  said  to 
consist  of  three  divisions,  the  first  treating  exclusively  of  the  medicines 
included  in  the  Materia  Medica  catalogues  of  the  Pharmacopoeias,  the 
second  of  the  Preparations,  and  • the  last  of  substances  not  strictly 
officinal.  A precision  has  thus  been  given  to  its  arrangement  which 
was  at  first  wanting.  In  the  several  editions  which  have  followed,  it 
has  been  the  aim  of  the  authors  to  keep  pace  with  the  progress  of 
Materia  Medica  and  Pharmacy,  making  changes  corresponding  with 
those  of  the  officinal  codes  acknowledged  by  them  as  authoritative,  and 
introducing  more  or  less  in  detail  all  the  new  facts,  views,  and  pro- 
cesses, as  they  came  to  public  notice.  In  the  last  edition,  that,  namely, 
of  1851,  it  was  necessary  to  make  a thorough  revision  of  the  whole 
work,  and  in  a considerable  degree  to  rearrange  the  materials,  in  con- 
sequence of  the  then  recent  appearance  of  new  and  greatly  altered 
editions  of  our  national  Pharmacopoeia,  and  of  those  of  the  London  and 
Dublin  Colleges.  We  refer  to  these  changes  now,  in  order  to  call  atten- 
tion to  the  new  division  of  weights  adopted  by  the  Dublin  College, 
which,  though  the  same  in  terms  as  those  in  general  use,  differ  from 
them  materially  in  value,  and,  therefore,  required  much  caution,  on  the 


X 


Preface  to  the  Tenth  Edition. 

part  of  the  authors,  to  guard  against  serious  mistakes.  It  will  be  seen, 
by  consulting  the  formulas  of  the  several  Pharmacopoeias,  that  care  has 
been  taken,  in  all  cases  in  which  the  result  would  be  affected  by  a mis- 
understanding of  the  denominations  of  weight  employed,  to  refer  within 
brackets  to  their  proper  signification.  Thus,  the  pound  and  ounce  of 
the  Dublin  processes  are  designated  as  belonging  to  the  avoirdupois 
weight,  and  the  subdivisions  of  drachms  and  scruples  to  the  Lublin 
weights , the  value  of  which  is  indicated  by  a table  in  the  Appendix. 
The  measures  now  employed  by  all  the  British  Colleges  are  the  Impe- 
rial gallon  and  its  subdivisions,  differing  more  or  less  in  value  from  the 
similar  denominations  of  the  wine  measure  used  in  the  U.  S.  Pharma- 
copoeia ; and  it  has  been  necessary,  on  this  point  also,  to  guard  against 
error  by  a particular  reference  to  the  fact,  in  every  formula  in  which 
entire  accuracy  is,  essential. 

In  regard  to  the  present  edition,  the  authors  have  only  to  say  that 
they  have  exercised  no  less  vigilance  than  on  former  occasions,  to  let 
nothing  escape  them  which  could  add  to  the  value  of  the  work,  and 
make  it,  what  it  aims  to  be,  a representative  of  the  existing  state  of 
Pharmacy,  and  a safe  guide  for  the  student  and  practitioner.  Within 
the  three  years  which  have  elapsed  since  the  publication  of  the  last 
edition,  the  improvements  in  Materia  Medica  and  Pharmacy  have  kept 
pace  with  the  general  progress  in  other  departments  of  science  and  art; 
and  it  has  been  necessary  to  make  many  additions  and  modifications  in 
the  Dispensatory  in  accordance  with  these  improvements.  The  great 
difficulty  of  the  authors  has  been  to  prevent  the  work  from  swelling 
beyond  the  limits  of  a single  volume,  and  thus  becoming  inconvenient 
for  reference.  By  discarding,  however,  whatever  seemed  to  them  to 
have  become  useless  through  the  advance  of  knowledge  or  change  of 
opinion,  by  aiming  at  the  greatest  conciseness  of  expression  consistent 
with  clearness  in  regard  both  to  the  old  and  the  new  matter,  and  by 
care  to  avoid  any  waste  of  space  in  the  method  of  arranging  the  mate- 
rials for  the  pj'ess,  they  trust  that  they  have  succeeded  in  accomplishing 
this  object  without  impairing  the  usefulness  of  the  work ; but  they  have, 
nevertheless,  found  it  necessary  somewhat  to  increase  the  number  of 
pages,  as  well  as  slightly  to  enlarge  the  dimensions  of  the  page,  by 


Preface  to  the  Tenth  Edition. 


xi 


which  means  considerable  space  has  been  gained.  With  these  few  pre- 
liminary explanations,  they  offer  the  Dispensatory  for  the  tenth  time  to 
the  public,  hoping  that  it  may  meet  with  that  approval  from  the  medical 
and  pharmaceutical  professions,  of  which  it  has  always  been  their  aim 
to  render  it  deserving. 

Philadelphia , July , 1854. 


r 


ABBREVIATIONS  EMPLOYED  IN  THE  WORK. 


U.  S. — “The  Pharmacopoeia  op  the  United  States  op  America.  By 
authority  of  the  National  Medical  Convention,  held  at  Washington,  A.  D. 
1850.” 

Lond. — London  Pharmacopoeia,  A.  D.  1851. 

Ed. — Edinburgh  Pharmacopoeia,  A.  D.  1841. 

Dub. — Dublin  Pharmacopoeia,  A.  D.  1850. 

Off.  Syn. — Officinal  Synonymes,  or  the  titles  employed  by  the  Pharmaco- 
poeias with  the  accompanying  explanations,  when  these  titles  are  not  given 
in  chief. 

Sex.  Syst. — The  Sexual  System,  or  the  artificial  system  of  Linnaeus,  founded 
on  the  sexual  organization  of  plants. 

Nat.  Ord. — The  Natural  Order  to  which  any  particular  genus  of  plants 
belongs.  When  not  otherwise  stated,  it  is  to  be  understood  that  the  natural 
orders  referred  to  are  those  recognised  by  Professor  Bindley,  of  the  University 
of  London,  in  his  “ Introduction  to  the  Natural  System  of  Botany.” 

Gen.  Ch. — The  Generic  Character,  or  scientific  description  of  any  particular 
genus  of  plants  under  consideration. 

Off.  Prep. — Officinal  Preparations;  including  all  the  preparations  into 
which  any  particular  medicine  directed  by  the  U-  S.  Pharmacopoeia  or  the 
British  Colleges  enters.  When  the  same  preparation  has  received  different 
names  in  the  different  Pharmacopoeias,  only  one  of  these  names  is  mentioned, 
and  precedence  is  always  given  to  that  of  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia. 

Sp.  Gr. — Specific  Gravity. 

Equiv.,  or  Eq. — Chemical  Equivalent,  or  the  number  representing  the 
smallest  quantity  in  which  one  body  usually  combines  with  others. 

Linn.,  Linnaeus. — Juss.,  Jussieu. — De  Cand.,  De  Candolle. — Willd.  Sp. 
Plant.,  Willdenow’s  edition  of  the  species  plantarum  of  Linnhius. 
— Woodv.  Med.  Bot.,  Woodville’s  Medical  Botany,  2d  edition. — B., 
Baumes  Hydrometer. 

Fr.,  Erench. — Germ.,  German. — Ital,  Italian. — Span.,  Spanish. — Arab., 
Arabic. 


THE 


DISPENSATOEY 

OF 

THE  UNITED  STATES, 


PART  I. 


MATERIA  MEDICA. 

The  Materia  Medica,  in  its  most  comprehensive  sense,  embraces  all  those 
substances  which  are  capable  of  making  sanative  impressions  on  the  human 
system ; but,  as  the  term  is  employed  in  this  work,  it  has  a more  restricted 
signification.  The  Pharmacopoeias  of  the  United  States  and  Gi'eat  Britain 
very  appropriately  arrange  medicines  in  two  distinct  divisions,  one  including 
all  those  which  are  furnished  immediately  by  nature,  or  thrown  into  com- 
merce by  the  manufacturer ; the  other,  those  which  are  prepared  by  the 
apothecary,  and  are  the  objects  of  officinal  directions.  The  former  are  enu- 
merated under  the  title  of  “ Materia  Medica;”  the  latter,  under  that  of 
“ Preparations,”  or  “ Preparations  and  Compositions.”  In  Dispensa- 
tories, which  may  be  considered  as  commentaries  on  the  Pharmacopoeias,  the 
same  arrangement  is  usually  followed ; and  the  authors  of  the  present  work 
adopt  it  the  more  willingly,  as,  independently  of  the  weight  of  authority  in 
its  favour,  it  has  the  recommendation  of  being  the  most  convenient.  By  this 
plan,  all  the  directions  which  relate  to  the  practical  operations  of  the  apothe- 
cary are  collected  in  one  place,  and  are  thus  more  easily  referred  to  than  if 
mixed  indiscriminately  with  other  matters,  as  they  must  be  by  any  mode  of 
arrangement  which  makes  no  distinction  between  the  original  medicinal  sub- 
stances and  their  preparations.  Under  the  head  of  Materia  Medica,  there- 
fore, in  this  Dispensatory,  we  treat  of  medicines  in  the  state  only  in  which 
they  are  produced  by  nature,  or  come  into  the  hands  of  the  apothecary.  Of 
these  medicines,  such  as  are  recognised  by  our  National  Pharmacopoeia  are 
most  minutely  described;  but  we  consider  also  all  that  are  included  in  the 
officinal  catalogues  of  the  British  Colleges. 

Another  point  in  which  we  accord  with  the  Pharmacopoeias  is  the  alpha- 
betical arrangement  of  the  objects  of  the  Materia  Medica.  As  a Dispensatory 
is  intended  rather  for  reference  than  for  regular  perusal,  it  is  important  that 
its  contents  should  be  so  disposed  as  to  facilitate  consultation.  Medicines,  in 
a work  of  this  kind,  are  considered  as  independent  objects,  to  be  studied 


2 


Materia  Medica. 


PART  I. 


separately,  and  without  any  reference  to  community  of  source,  or  similarity 
of  character.  Their  scientific  classification  belongs  to  works  which  treat  of 
them  rather  in  their  relations  than  their  essential  properties  ; and  different 
systems  have  been  adopted,  according  to  the  set  of  relations  towards  which  the 
mind  of  the  author  has  been  especially  directed.  Thus,  the  naturalist  classi- 
fies them  according  to  the  affinities  of  the  several  objects  in  nature  from  which 
they  are  derived ; the  chemist,  according  to  their  composition;  the  practi- 
tioner of  medicine,  according  to  their  effects  upon  the  system  in  a state  of 
health  and  disease.  But  none  of  these  classifications  is  without  imperfections  ; 
and  a simple  alphabetical  arrangement  is  decidedly  preferable,  in  every  case 
in  which  the  medicines  are  considered  solely  in  their  individual  capacity. 
Yet,  as  it  comes  within  the  scope  of  this  work,  to  treat  of  their  physiological 
and  therapeutical  effects,  and  as  the  terms  by  which  these  effects  are  expressed 
are  also  the  titles  of  classes  to  which  the  medicines  belong,  it  will  not  be 
amiss  to  present  the  reader  with  the  outlines  of  a system  of  classification,  by 
consulting  which  he  will  be  enabled  to  ascertain  the  precise  meaning  we  attach 
to  the  terms  employed  to  designate  the  peculiar  action  of  different  medicinal 
substances. 

Remedies  are  divided  into  general  and  local,  the  former  acting  on  the  whole 
system,  the  latter  on  particular  parts  or  organs. 

I.  GENERAL  REMEDIES  include  1.  Arterial  Stimulants,  some- 
times called  Incitants,  which,  while  they  raise  the  actions  of  the  system 
above  the  standard  of  health,  exhibit  their  influence  chiefly  upon  the  heart 
and  arteries ; 2.  Narcotics,  which  especially  affect  the  cerebral  functions, 
and  are  either  stimulant  or  sedative  according  as  they  increase  or  diminish 
action;  3.  Antispasmodics,  which,  with  a general  stimulant  power,  exert  a 
peculiar  influence  over  the  nervous  system,  exhibited  in  the  relaxation  of 
spasm,  the  calming  of  nervous  irritation,  &c.,  without  any  special  and  decided 
tendency  to  the  brain  ; 4.  Tonics,  which  moderately  and  permanently  exalt 
the  energies  of  all  parts  of  the  frame,  without  necessarily  producing  any 
apparent  increase  of  the  healthy  actions;  and  5.  Astringents,  which  have 
the  property  of  producing  contraction  in  the  living  tissues  with  which  they 
may  come  in  contact. 

II.  LOCAL  REMEDIES  may  be  divided  into  four  sections : a.  Those 
affecting  the  function  of  a part,  namely,  1.  Emetics,  which  act  on  the  sto- 
mach, producing  vomiting;  2.  Cathartics,  which  act  on  the  bowels,  pro- 
ducing a purgative  effect ; 3.  Diuretics,  which  act  on  the  kidneys,  producing 
an  increased  flow  of  urine ; 4.  Antilithics,  which  act  on  the  same  organs, 
preventing  the  formation  of  calculous  matter ; 5.  Diaphoretics,  which  in- 
crease the  cutaneous  discharge ; 6.  Expectorants,  which  augment  the  se- 
cretion from  the  pulmonary  mucous  membrane,  or  promote  the  discharge  of 
the  secreted  matter ; 7.  Emmenagogues,  which  excite  the  menstrual  secre- 
tion; 8.  Sialagogues,  which  increase  .the  flow  of  saliva ; and  9.  Errhines, 
which  increase  the  discharge  from  the  mucous  membrane  of  the  nostrils : 
b.  Those  affecting  the  organization  of  a part,  including  1.  RUBEFACIENTS, 
which  produce  redness  and  inflammation  of  the  skin ; 2.  Epispastics  or 
Vesicatories,  which  produce  a serous  discharge  beneath  the  cuticle,  forming 
a blister;  and  3.  Escharotics  or  Caustics,  which  destroy  the  life  of  the 
part  upon  which  they  act : c-  Those  operating  by  a mechanical  agency,  con- 
sisting of  1.  Demulcents,  which  lubricate  the  surface  to  which  they  are 
applied,  and  prevent  the  contact  of  irritating  substances,  or  mingle  with 
these  and  diminish  their  acrimony;  and  2.  Emollients,  which  serve  as 
vehicles  for  the  application  of  warmth  and  moisture,  at  the  same  time  ex- 
cluding the  air:  d.  Those  which  act  on  extraneous  matters  contained  u-ithin 


PART  I. 


Materia  Medica. 


3 


the  organs,  including  1.  Anthelmintics,  which  destroy  worms,  or  expel 
them  from  the  bowels;  and  2.  Antacids,  which  neutralize  acid,  whether 
existing  in  the  alimentary  canal,  or  circulating  with  the  blood. 

It  is  believed  that  all  substances  employed  as  medicines,  with  the  exception 
of  a very  few  which  are  so  peculiar  in  their  action  as  scarcely  to  admit  of 
classification,  may  be  distributed  without  violence  among  the  above  classes. 
Some  substances,  however,  in  addition  to  the  properties  of  the  classes  to  which 
they  are  severally  attached,  possess  others  in  common,  which  give  them 
practical  value,  and  authorize  their  association  in  distinct  groups,  not  recog- 
nised in  the  system  of  classification,  but  constantly  referred  to  in  medical 
language.  Thus,  we  have  Refrigerants,  which,  when  internally  adminis- 
tered, diminish  animal  temperature;  Alteratives,  which  change,  in  some 
inexplicable  and  insensible  manner,  certain  morbid  actions  of  the  system;  and 
Carminatives,  which,  by  promoting  contraction  in  the  muscular  coat  of  the 
stomach  and  bowels,  cause  the  expulsion  of  flatus.  It  is  common,  moreover, 
to  attach  distinct  names  to  groups  of  remedies,  with  reference  to  certain 
eflrects  which  are  incident  to  the  properties  that  serve  to  arrange  them  in  some 
more  comprehensive  class.  Thus,  Narcotics  frequently  promote  sleep  and 
relieve  pain,  and,  in  relation  to  these  properties,  are  called  Soporifics  and 
Anodynes  ; and  various  medicines,  which,  by  diversified  modes  of  action, 
serve  to  remove  chronic  inflammation  and  enlargements  of  the  glands,  or 
viscera,  are  called  Deobstruents.  These  terms  are  occasionally  employed 
in  the  following  pages,  and  are  here  explained,  in  order  that  the  sense  in 
which  we  use  them  may  be  accurately  understood.  W. 


4 


Absinthium. 


past  I. 


ABSINTHIUM.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed. 

Wormwood. 

The  tops  and  leaves  of  Artemisia  Absinthium.  U S.  The  herb  in  flower. 
Lond.  The  herb.  Ed. 

Absinthe,  Fr. ; Gemeiner  Wermuth,  Germ,.;  Assenzio,  Ital. ; Artemisio  Axenjo,  Span. 

Artemisia.  Sex.  Syst.  Syngenesia  Superflua. — Nat.  Ord.  Composite 
Senecionideae.  De  Cand.  Asteraceae.  Lindley. 

Gen.  Ch.  Receptacle  sub-villous,  or  nearly  naked.  Seed-down  none. 
Calyx  imbricate,  with  roundish,  converging  scales.  Corollas  of  the  ray  none. 
Willd. 

Several  species  of  Artemisia  have  enjoyed  some  reputation  as  medicines. 
The  leaves  of  A.  Abrotanum,  or  southernwood,  have  a fragrant  odour,  and  a 
warm,  bitter,  nauseous  taste ; and  were  formerly  employed  as  a tonic,  deob- 
struent, and  anthelmintic.  Similar  virtues  have  been  ascribed  to  A.  San- 
tonica.  A.  pontica  has  been  occasionally  substituted  for  common  wormwood, 
but  is  weaker.  A.  vulgaris,  or  mugwort,  formerly  enjoyed  considerable 
reputation  as  an  emmenagogue,  and  a few  years  since  came  into  notice,  in 
consequence  of  the  recommendation  of  its  root  in  epilepsy  by  Dr.  Burdaeh 
of  Germany.  For  this  purpose,  it  should  be  collected  in  autumn  or  early  in 
the  spring,  and  the  side  roots  only  dried  for  use.  These  should  be  powdered 
as  they  are  wanted,  the  ligneous  portion  being  rejected.  The  dose  is  about  a 
drachm,  to  be  administered  in  some  warm  vehicle  in  anticipation  of  the  pa- 
roxysm, and  to  be  repeated  once  or  twice,  at  intervals  of  half  an  hour,  till 
perspiration  is  produced,  the  patient  being  confined  to  bed.  In  the  intervals, 
it  may  be  given  every  second  day.  This  is  merely  the  revival  of  an  old 
practice  in  Germany.  Dr.  Neumeister,  of  Arneburg,  has  recently  used  mug- 
wort,  in  connexion  with  assafetida,  successfully  in  chorea.  He  adds  a pound 
of  the  tops  to  a gallon  of  water,  digests  for  three  days,  then  strains,  adds 
three  ounces  of  assafetida,  and  gives  a teacupful  for  a dose.  The  proportion 
of  assafetida  might  be  reduced  to  one-third,  if  well  mixed.  (See  Ed.  Month. 
Journ.  of  Med.  Sci.  xiii.  482.)  A.  vulgaris  of  this  country  is  thought  by 
Nuttall  to  be  a distinct  species,  and  may  not  possess  similar  properties.  In 
China,  moxa  is  said  to  be  prepared  from  the  leaves  of  Artemisia  Chinensis, 
and  A.  Indica.  The  medicine  known  in  Europe  by  the  name  of  wormseed, 
is  probably  the  product  of  different  species  of  Artemisia.  (See  Wormseed  in 
the  Appendix.)  The  only  species  which  requires  particular  description  here 
is  A.  Absinthium. 

Artemisia  Absinthium.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  iii.  1844;  Woodv.  Med.  Bot. 
p.  54,  t.  22.  Wormwood  is  a perennial  plant,  with  branching,  round,  and 
striated  or  furrowed  stems,  which  rise  two  or  three  feet  in  height,  and  are 
panicled  at  their  summit.  The  lower  portion  of  the  stem  lives  several  years, 
and  annually  sends  up  herbaceous  shoots,  which  perish  in  the  winter.  The 
radical  leaves  are  triply  pinnatifid,  with  lanceolate,  obtuse,  dentate  divisions ; 
those  of  the  stem,  doubly  or  simply  pinnatifid,  with  lanceolate,  somewhat 
acute  divisions;  the  floral  leaves  are  lanceolate;  all  are  hoary.  The  flowers 
are  of  a brownish-yellow  colour,  hemispherical,  pedicelled,  nodding,  and  in 
erect  racemes.  The  florets  of  the  disk  are  numerous,  those  of  the  ray  few. 

This  plant  is  a native  of  Europe/where  it  is  also  cultivated  for  medical 
use.  It  is  among  our  garden  herbs,  and  has  been  naturalized  in  the  moun- 
tainous districts  of  New  England.  The  leaves  and  flowering  summits  are  the 
parts  employed,  the  larger  parts  of  the  stalk  being  rejected.  They  should  be 


PART  I. 


Absinthium. — Acacia. 


5 


gathered  in  July  or  August,  when  the  plant  is  in  flower.  They  preserve 
their  peculiar  sensible  properties  long  when  dried. 

Wormwood  has  a strong  odour,  and  an  intensely  bitter,  nauseous  taste, 
which  it  imparts  to  water  and  alcohol.  It  yields  by  distillation  a volatile  oil 
(oleum  absinthii'),  usually  of  a dark-green  colour,  sometimes  yellow  or 
brownish,  having  a strong  odour  of  the  plant,  an  acrid  peculiar  taste,  and 
the  sp.  gr.  0.972.  It  is  sometimes  adulterated  with  alcohol,  oil  of  turpen- 
tine, &c.,  which  lessen  its  specific  gravity.  The  other  constituents,  according 
to  Braconnot,  are  a very  bitter,  and  an  almost  insipid  azotized  matter,  an  ex- 
cessively bitter  resinous  substance,  chlorophylle,  albumen,  starch,  saline 
matters,  and  lignin.  The  cold  infusion  becomes  olive-green  and  turbid  on 
the  addition  of  sesquichloride  of  iron,  indicating  the  probable  existence  of  a 
small  proportion  of  tannic  acid.  ( Pereira. ) Among  the  saline  substances, 
Braconnot  found  one  consisting  of  potassa,  and  an  acid  which  he  supposed  to 
be  peculiar,  and  denominated  absinthic  acicl,  but  which  is  said  to  be  identical 
with  the  succinic.  This  acid  may  be  recognised  among  the  products  of  the 
dry  distillation  of  wormwood.  ( Annal . der  Chem.  und  Pharm.,  xlviii.  122.) 
The  substance  formerly  called  salt  of  wormwood  ( sal  absinthii ) is  impure 
carbonate  of  potassa,  obtained  by  lixiviating  the  ashes  of  the  plant.  By  pre- 
cipitating an  infusion  of  wormwood  with  acetate  of  lead,  separating  the  excess 
of  lead  by"  sulphuretted  hydrogen,  evaporating  the  liquor  to  dryness,  digesting 
the  residue  in  a mixture  of  alcohol  and  ether,  and  submitting  the  resulting 
tincture  to  slow  evaporation,  Caventou  obtained  a very  bitter,  imperfectly 
crystalline  substance,  which  he  considered  as  the  active  principle,  and  for 
which  the  name  of  absinthin  has  been  proposed.  Dr.  E.  Luck  has  obtained 
pure  absinthin  by  a process  which  may  be  seen  in  the  Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm., 
(xxiii.  858.) 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Wormwood  was  known  to  the  ancients. 
It  is  highly  tonic  ; and  its  active  principles  probably  enter  the  circulation, 
as  it  is  said  to  render  the  flesh  and  milk  of  animals  fed  with  it  bitter.  It 
formerly  enjoyed  great  reputation  in  numerous  complaints,  attended  with  a 
debilitated  condition  of  the  digestive  organs,  or  of  the  system  generally. 
Before  the  introduction  of  Peruvian  bark,  it  was  much  used  in  the  treatment 
of  intermittents.  It  has  also  been  supposed  to  possess  anthelmintic  virtues. 
At  present,  however,  it  is  little  used  in  regular  practice  on  this  side  of  the 
Atlantic.  A narcotic  property  has  been  ascribed  to  it  by  some  writers,  in 
consequence  of  its  tendency  to  occasion  headache,  and,  when  long  continued, 
to  produce  disorder  of  the  nervous  system.  This  property  is  supposed  to 
depend  on  the  volatile  oil,  and,  therefore,  to  be  less  obvious  in  the  decoction 
than  in  the  powder  or  infusion.  In  large  doses,  wormwood  irritates  the 
stomach,  and  excites  the  circulation.  The  herb  is  sometimes  applied  exter- 
nally, by  way  of  fomentation,  as  an  antiseptic  and  discutient.  The  dose  in 
substance  is  from  one  to  two  scruples ; of  the  infusion,  made  by  macerating 
an  ounce  in  a pint  of  boiling  water,  from  one  to  two  fluidounces.  W. 

ACACIA.  U.  Lond.,  Dub. 

Gum  Arabic. 

The  conci’ete  juice  of  Acacia  vera  and  other  species  of  Acacia.  U S.,  Land. 
The  gum  of  Acacia  vera.  Dab. 

Off.  Syn.  GrUMMI  ACACLE.  Gum  of  various  species  of  Acacia.  Ed. 

Gomme  Arabique,  Fr. ; Arabisches  Gummi,  Germ.  ; Gemma  Arabica,  Ital.  ; Goma 
Arab®,  Span. ; Samagh  Arabee,  Arab. 


6 


Acacia. 


PART  i. 


Acacia.  Sex.  Syst.  Polygamia  Moncecia. — Nat.  Ord.  Leguminosse.  Trib. 
Mimosese. 

This  genus  is  one  of  those  into  which  the  old  genus  Mimosa  of  Linnaeus 
was  divided  by  Willdenow.  The  name  of  Acacia  was  employed  by  the  .an- 
cient Greeks  to  designate  the  gum-tree  of  Egypt,  and  has  been  appropriately 
applied  to  the  new  genus  in  which  that  plant  is  included. 

Gen.  Ch.  Hermaphrodite.  Calyx  five-toothed.  Corolla  five-cleft,  or 
formed  of  five  petals.  Stamens  4-100.  Pistil  one.  Legume  bivalve.  Male. 
Calyx  five-toothed.  Corolla  five-cleft,  or  formed  of  five  petals.  Stamens 
4-100.  WiUd. 

Several  species  of  Acacia  contribute  to  furnish  the  gum  Arabic  of  the 
shops.  Among  the  most  important  are  A-  vera  and  A.  Arabica,  confounded 
together  by  Linnreus  under  the  title  of  Mimosa  Nilotica. 

Acacia  vera.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  iv.  1805  ; Hayne,  Darstel.  und  Besehreib. 
&c.  x.  34.  This  is  a tree  of  middling  size,  with  numerous  scattered  branches, 
of  which  the  younger  are  much  bent,  and  covered  with  a reddish-brown  bark. 
The  leaves  are  alternate  and  bipinnate,  with  two  pairs  of  pinnae,  of  which  the 
lower  are  usually  furnished  with  ten  pairs  of  leaflets,  the  upper  with  eight. 
The  leaflets  are  very  small,  oblong-linear,  smooth,  and  supported  upon  very 
short  footstalks.  On  the  common  petiole  is  a gland  between  each  pair  of 
pinnai.  Both  the  common  and  partial  petiole  are  smooth.  Two  sharp  spines, 
from  a quarter  to  half  an  inch  long,  of  the  colour  of  the  smaller  branches, 
and  joined  together  at  their  base,  are  found  at  the  insertion  of  each  leaf. 
The  flowers  are  yellow,  inodorous,  small,  and  collected  in  globular  heads  sup- 
ported upon  slender  peduncles,  which  rise  from  the  axils  of  the  leaves,  in 
number  from  two  to  five  together.  The  fruit  is  a smooth,  flat,  two-valved 
legume,  divided  by  contractions,  occurring  at  regular  intervals,  into  several 
roundish  portions,  each  containing  a single  seed.  This  species  flourishes  in 
Upper  Egypt  and  Senegal,  and  is  probably  scattered  over  the  whole  inter- 
vening portions  of  the  African  continent. 

A.  Arabica.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  iv.  1805  ; Hayne,  Darstel.  und  Besclireib.  x. 
32;  Carson,  I/lust,  of  Med.  Bat.  i.  31. — Acacia  Nilotica,  Deli  lie,  I/lust.  Flor. 
de  V Egypt,  p.  79.  This  species,  though  often  little  more  than  a shrub,  attains 
in  favourable  situations  the  magnitude  of  a considerable  tree,  being  sometimes 
forty  feet  high,  with  a trunk  a foot  or  more  in  diameter.  The  leaves  are 
alternate  and  doubly  pinnate,  having  from  four  to  six  pairs  of  pinna;,  each  of 
which  is  furnished  with  from  ten  to  twenty  pairs  of  minute,  smooth,  oblong- 
linear  leaflets.  The  common  petiole  has  a gland  between  the  lowest  pair  of 
pinnae,  and  often  also  between  the  uppermost  pair.  Both  the  common  and 
partial  petioles,  as  well  as  the  young  branches,  are  downy.  The  thorns  are 
straight,  and  disposed  as  in  the  former  species.  The  flowers  are  also  arranged 
as  in  A.  vera,  and  the  fruit  is  of  a similar  shape.  A.  Arabica  is  perhaps  the 
most  widely  diffused  of  the  gum-bearing  species.  It  grows  in  Upper  and 
Lower  Egypt,  Senegal,  and  other  parts  of  Africa,  flourishes  also  in  Arabia, 
and  is  abundant  in  Hindostan,  where  its  gum  is  used  for  food  by  the  natives. 

Besides  the  two  species  above  described,  the  following  afford  considerable 
quantities  of  gum: — A.  Karroo,  of  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope,  formerly  consi- 
dered by  some  as  identical  with  A.  vera ; A.  Senegal,  a small  tree,  inhabiting 
the  hottest  regions  of  Africa,  and  said  to  form  vast  forests  in  Senegambia ; 
A.  gummifera,  seen  by  Broussonet  in  Morocco  near  Mogador;  A.  Ehra  - 
bergiana,  a shrub  six  or  eight  feet  high,  named  in  honour  of  the  German 
traveller  Ehrenberg,  who  observed  it  in  the  deserts  of  Libya,  Xubia,  and 
Dongola ; A.  Seyal,  growing  in  the  same  countries  with  the  last-mentioned 
species,  and  also  in  Upper  Egypt  and  Senegambia;  A.  Adansonii  of  the 


PART  I. 


Acacia. 


7 


Flore  de  SenSgambie,  which  is  said  to  contribute  a portion  of  the  Senegal 
gum  ; and  A.  tortilis,  which  sometimes  attains  the  height  of  sixty-feet,  and 
inhabits  Arabia  Felix,  Nubia,  Dongola,  and  the  Libyan  desert.  It  is  highly 
probable  that  gum  is  obtained  also  from  other  species  not  hitherto  described, 
growing  in  the  hot  latitudes  of  Africa.  A.  decurrens  and  A.  jloribunda  are 
said  to  yield  it  in  New  Holland.  Other  trees,  moreover,  not  belonging  to 
the  genus,  afford  a similar  product,  especially  Feronia  elephantum  of  Hin- 
dostan,  the  gum  of  which,  according  to  Ainslie,  is  used  for  medical  purposes 
by  all  the  practitioners  of  Lower  India. 

The  gum-bearing  Acacias  are  all  thorny  or  prickly  trees  or  shrubs,  calcu- 
lated by  nature  for  a dry  and  sandy  soil,  and  flourishing  in  deserts  where  few 
other  trees  will  grow.  We  are  told  that  camels,  attached  to  the  caravans, 
derive  from  them  their  chief  sustenance  in  many  parts  of  those  desolate  regions 
in  which  Africa  abounds.  In  these  situations,  they  have  a stunted  growth, 
and  present  a bare,  withered,  and  uninviting  aspect;  but  in  favourable  situa- 
tions, as  on  the  banks  of  rivers,  they  are  often  luxuriant  and  beautiful. 

Their  bark  and  unripe  fruit  contain  tannic  and  gallic  acids,  and  are  some- 
times used  in  tanning.  An  extract  was  formerly  obtained  from  the  immature 
pods  of  A.  Arabica  and  A.  vera,  by  expression  and  inspissation.  It  was 
known  to  the  ancients  by  the  name  of  acacise  verse  succus,  and  was  highly 
lauded  by  some  of  the  Greek  medical  writers  ; but  is  at  present  little  used. 
It  is  a solid,  heavy,  shining,  reddish-brown  substance,  of  a sweetish,  acidu- 
lous, styptic  taste,  and  soluble  in  water.  Its  virtues  are  probably  those  of  a 
mild  astringent.  On  the  continent  of  Europe,  a preparation  is  said  to  be 
substituted  for  it  called  acacia  nostras,  obtained  by  expression  and  inspis- 
sation from  the  unripe  fruit  of  the  Prunus  spinosa,  or  wild  plum  tree. 

The  gum  of  the  Acacias  exudes  spontaneously  from  the  bark,  and  hardens 
on  exposure ; but  incisions  are  sometimes  made  in  order  to  facilitate  the 
exudation.  This  is  supposed  to  be  favoured  by  disease ; and  it  is  stated  by 
Jackson  that,  in  Morocco,  the  greatest  product  is  obtained  in  the  driest  and 
hottest  weather,  and  from  the  most  sickly  trees.  An  elevated  temperature 
appears  to  be  essential ; for  in  cooler  climates,  though  the  tree  may  flourish, 
it  yields  no  gum.  According  to  Ehrenberg,  the  varieties  in  the  characters 
of  the  gum  do  not  depend  upon  difference  in  the  species  of  the  plant.  Thus, 
from  the  same  tree,  it  will  exude  frothy  or  thick,  and  clear  or  dark- 
coloured,  and  will  assume,  upon  hardening,  different  shapes  and  sizes;  so 
that  the  pieces,  when  collected,  require  to  be  assorted  before  being  delivered 
into  commerce. 

Commercial  History  and  Varieties.  The  most  common  varieties  of  this 
drug  are  the  Turkey , the  Barbary,  the  Senegal,  and  the  India  Gum ; to 
which  may  be  added  the  Cape  and  the  Australian  Gum. 

1.  Turkey  Gum.  Gum  Arabic  was  formerly  procured,  chiefly  if  not 
exclusively,  from  Egypt  and  the  neighbouring  countries;  and  much  is  still 
obtained  from  the  same  sources.  It  is  collected  in  Upper  Egypt,  Nubia, 
Kordofan,  and  Darfur,  whence  it  is  taken  down  the  Nile  to  Alexandria.  We 
obtain  it  in  this  country  through  Smyrna,  Trieste,  Marseilles,  or  some  other 
entrepot  of  the  Mediterranean  commerce.  Two  varieties  have  long  been 
noticed,  one  more  or  less  coloured,  the  other  white,  which  were  formerly  dis- 
tinguished by  the  titles  of  gum  gedda  and  gum  turic,  derived  from  the  ports 
of  the  Fed  Sea,  Jidda  and  Tor,  from  which  the  varieties  were  erroneously 
supposed  to  be  respectively  exported.  The  gum  from  Egypt  is  commonly 
known  to  our  druggists  by  the  name  of  Turkey  gum,  and  is  the  kind  with 
which  apothecaries  are  usually  supplied.  Though  interspersed  with  round- 
ish pieces  of  various  sizes,  it  consists  chiefly  of  small,  irregular  fragments, 


8 


Acacia. 


PART  I. 


commonly  whitish,  or  slightly  tinged  with  yellow  or  reddish-yellow.  It  is, 
on  the  whole,  lighter  coloured,  more  brittle,  more  readily  soluble,  and  freer 
from  impurities  than  the  other  commercial  varieties,  and  contains  much  of 
that  form  of  gum  Arabic,  which  is  characterized  by  innumerable  minute 
fissures  pervading  its  substance,  and  impairing  its  transparency. 

2.  Barbary  Gum.  Much  gum  Arabic  is  obtained  from  Barbary ; and 
Mogador,  a port  of  Morocco,  is  the  chief  entrepot  of 'the  trade.  It  is  pro- 
bably derived,  in  part  at  least,  from  Acacia  gummifera.  According  to 
Jackson,  the  natives  call  the  tree  which  affords  it  attaleh.  They  gather  it 
in  July  and  August,  when  the  weather  is  hot  and  very  dry.  Two  kinds  are 
brought  to  Mogador,  one  from  the  neighbouring  provinces,  the  other  by  cara- 
vans from  Timbuctoo.  This  may  account  for  the  fact.,  that  Barbary  gum  in 
part  resembles  the  Turkey,  in  part  the  Senegal.  When  first-  deposited  in  the 
warehouses,  it  has  a faint  smell,  and  makes  a crackling  noise,  occasioned  by 
the  rupture  of  the  small  masses  as  they  become  more  dry.  Barbary  gum  is 
exported  in  casks,  and  reaches  the  United  States  through  English  commerce. 

8.  Senegal  Gum.  This  variety  was  introduced  into  Europe  by  the 
Dutch.  The  French  afterwards  planted  a colony  on  the  western  coast  of 
Africa,  and  took  possession  of  the  trade;  but  since  the  last  great  European 
war,  it  has  been  largely  shared  by  the  English.  St.  Louis,  at  the  mouth  of 
the  Senegal,  and  Portendic,  considerably  further  north,  are  the  ports  in  which 
the  commerce  in  gum  has  chiefly  centred.  Immense  forests  of  Acacia  exist 
at  some  distance  in  the  interior.  These  are  composed  chiefly  of  two  trees, 
called  by  the  natives  verech  or  nereclc,  and  nebuel  or  ncbued,  the  former  yield- 
ing a white  gum,  the  latter  a red.  These  are  probably  distinct  species,  the 
vereck  being,  according  to  M.  Rain,  A.  vera,  and  the  nebuel,  A.  Senegal. 
According  to  Adanson,  there  are  several  other  species  in  the  neighbourhood 
which  yield  gum.  The  juice  begins  to  exude  in  November.  The  dry  winds, 
which  prevail  after  the  rainy  season,  cause  the  bark  to  crack ; the  juice  flows 
out,  and  hardens  in  masses,  which  are  often  as  largo  as  a pigeon’s  egg,  and 
sometimes,  according  to  M.  Rain,  as  the  egg  of  the  ostrich.  At  this  period, 
the  Moors  and  negroes  proceed  to  the  forests  in  caravans,  collect  the  gum  in 
leather  sacks,  and  convey  it  to  the  coast.  Senegal  gum  is  imported  into  the 
United  States  chiefly  from  Bordeaux.  It  is  usually  in  roundish  or  oval 
unbroken  pieces,  of  various  sizes,  sometimes  whitish,  but  generally  yellow- 
ish, reddish,  or  brownish-red,  larger  than  those  of  Turkey  gum,  less  brittle 
and  pulverizable,  and  breaking  with  a more  conchoidal  fracture.  The 
French  give  the  name  of  Gum  Galam  ( Gamine  de  Galam ) to  a variety 
consisting  of  pieces  more  irregular  in  shape,  often  angular  and  broken,  and 
mixed  with  small  fragments,  so  as  to  resemble  Turkey  gum. 

4.  India  Gum.  Considerable  quantities  of  gum  are  imported  into  this 
country  from  India.  Ainslie  states  that  it  is  derived  from  A.  Arabica.  Most 
of  it  is  taken  to  Bomba-yin  Arab  vessels  from  Cape  Gardafui  and  Berbera  on 
the  north-eastern  coast  of  Africa,  where  it  is  collected,  or  from  the  ports  of 
the  Red  Sea.  It  is  in  pieces  of  various  size,  colour,  and  quality,  some 
resembling  the  broken  fragments  of  Turkey  gum,  though  much  less  chinky ; 
others  large,  roundish  and  tenacious,  like  the  Senegal.  Its  taste  is  sweeter 
than  that  of  the  other  varieties.  It  is  usually  much  contaminated,  contain- 
ing, besides  genuine  gum  Arabic,  portions  of  a different  product,  having  the 
characteristic  properties  of  Bassora  gum.  This  is  distinguished  by  its  inso- 
lubility in  water,  with  which,  however,  it  unites,  swelling  up,  and  forming  a 
soft  viscid  mass.  It  owes  its  properties  to  the  presence  of  bassorin.  The 
pieces  of  this  gum  bear  a considerable  resemblance  to  those  of  the  genuine 
article,  and  may  easily  escape  detection.  Their  want  of  solubility,  however, 


PART  I. 


Acacia. 


9 


is  a ready  test.  Besides  this  impurity  in  the  India  gum,  there  are  often 
others  more  readily  detected.  Among  these,  we  have  observed  a yellowish- 
white  resinous  substance,  which  has  the  sensible  properties  of  the  turpen- 
tines. If  care  be  used  in  assorting  this  commercial  variety,  it  may  be 
employed  for  all  the  purposes  of  good  gum  Arabic.  India  gum  is  brought 
into  this  country,  partly  from  Calcutta  or  Bombay,  and  partly  by  way  of 
England.  It  usually  comes  in  large  cases.  We  have  seen  a parcel  said  to 
have  come  directly  from  the  Red  Sea,  enclosed  in  large  sacks  made  of  a kind 
of  matting,  and  bearing  a close  resemblance  to  the  gum  from  Calcutta,  except 
that  it  was  more  impure,  and  contained  numerous  large,  irregular,  very 
brittle  masses,  not  much  less  than  the  fist  in  size. 

5.  Cape  Gum.  Pereira  mentions  that  gum  has  recently  been  imported 
into  Great  Britain  from  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope,  where  it  is  collected  probably 
from  Acacia  Karroo,  which  grows  abundantly  on  the  banks  of  the  Gariep 
and  in  other  parts.  Dr.  Pappe,  of  Cape  Town,  refers  it  to  Acacia  horrida 
of  Willdenow.  ( Flor . Capens.  8.)  It  is  of  a pale-yellow  colour,  in  tears  or 
fragments,  and  is  considered  an  inferior  variety. 

6.  Australian  Gum.  Considerable  quantities  of  gum  have  been  imported 
into  England  from  South  Australia.  It  is  in  pieces  elongated  or  globular, 
rough  and  even  wrinkled  upon  the  surface,  and  of  a violaceous  tint,  which 
distinguishes  it  from  other  varieties.  It  is  not  entirely  soluble  in  water,  to 
which  it  imparts  less  viscidity  than  ordinary  gum  Arabic. 

General  Properties.  Gum  Arabic  is  in  roundish  or  amorphous  pieces,  or 
irregular  fragments  of  various  sizes,  more  or  less  transparent,  hard,  brittle, 
pulverizable,  and  breaking  with  a shining  fracture.  It  is  usually  white,  or 
yellowish-wdiite ; but  frequently  presents  various  shades  of  red,  and  is  some- 
times of  a deep  orange  or  brownish  colour.  It  is  bleached  by  exposure  to  the 
light  of  the  sun.  In  powder  it  is  always  more  or  less  purely  white.  It  is 
inodorous,  has  a very  feeble,  slightly  sweetish  taste,  and  when  pure  dissolves 
wholly  away  in  the  mouth.  The  sp.  gr.  varies  from  1'31  to  1'48.  Gum 
Arabic  consists  essentially  of  a peculiar  proximate  principle  usually  called 
gum,  but  for  which  the  name  of  arabin ,*  originally  proposed  by  Chevreul, 

* Much  confusion  lias  existed  in  the  use  of  the  word  gum,  which  has  been  employed 
to  express  various  concrete  vegetable  juices,  and,  at  the  same  time,  a peculiar  proxi- 
mate principle  of  plants.  It  is  now  proposed  to  restrict  the  term  to  the  former  of 
these  applications,  and  to  designate  the  principle  alluded  to  by  a distinct  name.  The 
subject  of  the  gums  was  investigated  by  M.  GuCrin,  who  repeated  and  corrected  the 
experiments  of  former  chemists,  and  threw  new  light  upon  the  nature  of  these  sub- 
stances. Several  of  the  facts,  mentioned  in  the  text  were  derived  from  his  memoir, 
published  in  the  Ann.  de  Chim.  et  de  Phys..  t.  xlix.  pi.  248.  M.  Guerin  considers  as 
characteristic  of  gums,  the  property  of  affording  mueic  acid,  when  acted,  on  by  nitric 
acid.  He  recognises  in  the  different  gums  three  distinct  proximate  principles  ; namely, 
1.  arabin,  or  the  pure  gum  of  chemical  writers,  which  is  the  essential  constituent  of  gum 
Arabic;  2.  bassorin,  which  enters  largely  into  the  composition  of  Bassora  gum  and 
tragacanth ; and  3.  cerasin,  which  constitutes  the  portion  of  cherry  gum  insoluble  in 
cold  water.  Of  arabin  sufficient  is  said  in  the  text.  Bassorin  will  be  treated  of  under 
the  head  of  Bassora  gum.  (See  Appendix.)  Of  cerasin  it  may  be  proper  to  say  a few 
words  in  this  place.  The  gums  which  exude  from  the  cherry,  apricot,  peach,  and  plum 
trees,  and  which  the  French  call  gomme  du  pays,  appear  to  be  identical  in  composition, 
consisting  of  a portion  soluble  in  cold  water,  which  is  arabin,  and  a portion  insoluble, 
which  was  formerly  thought  to  be  bassorin,  but  has  been  proved  by  M.  Guerin  to  be 
different,  and  is  appropriately  denominated  cerasin.  This  principle  is  colourless,  semi- 
transparent, tasteless,  inodorous,  uncrystallizable,  insoluble  in  alcohol,  insoluble  in  cold 
water,  in  which  it  softens  and  swells  a little,  and  convertible  by  the  action  of  boiling 
water  into  arabin,  with  which  it  appears  to  be  isomeric.  In  this  last  property  it  differs 
from  bassorin,  which  is  not  changed  by  boiling  water.  M.  Guerin  suggests  that  the 
natural  heat  of  the  climate,  in  tropical  countries,  produces  the  same  effect  upon  the 


10 


Acacia. 


part  I. 


has  been  adopted.  In  describing  its  chemical  relations,  therefore,  we  de- 
scribe those  of  the  principle  alluded  to.  Water,  either  cold  or  hot,  dissolves 
it,  and  forms  a viscid  solution  called  mucilage,  which,  when  evaporated,  yields 
the  gum  unchanged.  (See  Mucilago  Acacias.)  It  is  insoluble  in  alcohol, 
ether,  and  the  oils;  and  alcohol  precipitates  it  from  its  aqueous  solution. 
Diluted  acids  dissolve  it,  but  not  more  freely  than  water.  The  concentrated 
acids  decompose  it.  Triturated  with  sulphuric  acid  at  ordinary  tempera- 
tures, it  is  converted  into  a substance  similar  to  the  gummy  product  which 
results  from  the  action  of  the  same  acid  on  linen  rags  and  sawdust.  Heated 
with  concentrated  sulphuric  acid,  it  is  decomposed  with  the  evolution  of 
carbon.  The  diluted  acid,  when  boiled  with  it,  gives  rise  to  the  formation 
of  a saccharine  substance.  Strong  nitric  acid  converts  it  into  mucic  acid, 
and  at  the  same  time  produces  oxalic  and  malic  acids.  It  combines  with 
several  salifiable  bases.  With  the  alkalies  and  earths  it  forms  soluble  com- 
pounds. By  the  subacetate  of  lead  it  is  precipitated  from  its  solution,  in 
the  form  of  a white  insoluble  compound  of  gum  and  protoxide  of  lead ; and 
a delicate  test  of  its  presence  in  any  liquid  is  thus  afforded.  It  enters  into 
combination  with  several  salts.  A solution  of  borax  coagulates  it.  When 
added  to  a solution  of  silicate  of  potassa,  it  precipitates  a compound  of  gum, 
potassa,  and  silica,  while  a compound  of  gum  and  potassa  remains  dissolved. 
Its  solution  yields  a precipitate  with  nitrate  of  mercury,  and  forms  a brown, 
semi-transparent  jelly,  with  a strong  solution  of  sesquiehloride  of  iron.  In 
solution  it  unites  with  sugar;  and  the  liquid,  when  evaporated,  yields  a 
transparent,  solid  substance,  insusceptible  of  crystallization. 

Gum  Arabic  undergoes  no  change  by  time,  when  kept  in  a dry  place.  Its 
aqueous  solution,  if  strong,  remaius  for  a considerable  time  unaltered,  but 
ultimately  becomes  sour,  from  the  production  of  acetic  acid.  The  tendency 
to  become  sour  is  increased  by  employing  hot  water  to  dissolve  it.  Between 
300°  and  400°,  the  gum  softens,  and  may  be  drawn  into  threads.  At  a red 
heat  it  is  decomposed,  yielding,  among  other  substances,  a minute  proportion 
of  ammonia.  When  burnt,  it  leaves  about  three  per  cent,  of  ashes,  consist- 
ing, according'  to  Gubrin,  of  carbonates  of  potassa  and  lime,  a little  phosphate 
of  lime,  chloride  of  potassium,  oxide  of  iron,  alumina,  magnesia,  and  silica. 
The  lime  exists  in  the  gum  combined  with  an  excess  of  malic  acid,  which 
gives  to  its  solution  the  property  of  reddening  litmus  paper.  In  consequence 
of  the  presence  of  lime,  oxalate  of  ammonia  occasions  a precipitate  with  the 
solution.  Besides  pure  gum,  or  arabin,  gum  Arabic  contains  a very  small 
proportion  of  an  azotized  body,  which  is  thought  to  occasion  a slight  opa- 
lescence in  its  solution,  several  saline  substances,  and  1G  or  17  per  cent,  of 
uncombined  water.  ( Guirin .)  Pure  gum  may  be  obtained  by  treating  the 
compound  of  gum  and  protoxide  of  lead  with  sulphuretted  hydrogen.  Its 
ultimate  constituents  are  carbon,  hydrogen,  and  oxygen.  Its  formula  has 
been  variously  given,  C12H10O10;  and  C,  JIuOn. 

The  properties  above  enumerated  belong  to  gum  Arabic  generally.  There 
are,  however,  pharmaceutic  varieties  with  differences  which  deserve  notice. 
1.  Gum  that  is  transparent  and  readily  soluble.  This  constitutes  by  far 
the  greater  portion  of  the  commercial  varieties  distinguished  by  the  names 
of  Turkey  and  Senegal  gum.  It  is  characterized  by  its  transparency,  ready 

exuded  gums  as  artificial  heat,  in  colder  regions,  and  that  consequently  the  acacia  gum 
consists  chiefly  of  arabin. — Note  to  the  third  edition. 

From  the  observations  of  Dr.  Kiitzing,  it  would  appear  that  the  spontaneously- 
exuded  gum  of  the  plum,  cherry,  &c.  is  sometimes  at  least  the  product  of  a diseased 
cell-action,  and  contains  remains  of  the  celts,  probably  analogous  to  the  epithelial  con- 
stituent of  animal  mucus.  (See  Am.  Journ.  o/Pharm.,  xxv.  39.) — Note  to  the  tenth  edition. 


PART  I. 


Acacia. 


11 


solubility,  and  the  comparatively  slight  degree  of  thickness  and  viscidity  of 
its  solution.  Under  this  head  may  be  included  the  gomme  blanche  fendillee 
of  G-uibourt.  It  is  distinguished  by  the  whiteness  and  deficient  transparency 
of  the  pieces,  attributable  to  the  minute  cracks  or  fissures  with  which  they 
abound,  and  which  render  them  very  brittle  and  easily  pulverizable.  This 
peculiar  structure  is  generally  ascribed  to  the  influence  of  solar  heat  aud 
light;  but  is  conjectured  byHayneto  arise  from  the  exudation  of  the  juice 
in  the  frothy  state  noticed  by  Ehrenberg.  Though  the  unbroken  pieces  are 
somewhat  opaque,  each  minute  fragment  is  perfectly  transparent  and  homo- 
geneous. This  variety,  in  consequence  of  its  prompt  and  entire  solubility, 
is  usually  preferred  for  medical  use,  and  for  most  purposes  in  pharmacy. 
2.  Gum  less  transparent  and  less  soluble.  Guibourt  has  proposed  for  por- 
tions of  this  gum  the  name  of  gomme  pelliculee , from  the  circumstance  that 
the  masses  are  always  apparently  covered,  on  some  part  of  their  surface,  by 
a yellowish  opaque  pellicle.  Other  portions  of  it  have  a mammillary  appear- 
ance on  the  surface.  It  is  less  transparent  than  the  former  variety,  is  less 
freely  and  completely  dissolved  by  water,  and  forms  a more  viscid  solution. 
It  melts  with  difficulty  in  the  mouth,  and  adheres  tenaciously  to  the  teeth. 
It  is  found  in  all  the  commercial  varieties  of  gum,  but  least  in  that  from 
Egypt.  Its  peculiarities  may  be  ascribed  to  variable  proportions  of  bassorin 
associated  with  the  soluble  arabin.  Between  these  two  varieties  of  gum  there 
are  insensible  gradations,  so  that  it  is  not  always  easy  to  classify  specimens. 

Impurities  and  Adulterations.  In  parcels  of  gum  Arabic  there  are  some- 
times pieces  of  a dark  colour,  opaque,  and  incorporated  with  ligneous,  earthy, 
or  other  impurities.  The  inferior  are  often  mixed  wfith  or  substituted  for 
the  better  kinds,  especially  in  powder;  and  portions  of  insoluble  gum, 
bdellium,  and  other  concrete  juices  of  unknown  origin,  are  found  among 
the  genuine.  Flour  or  starch  is  sometimes  fraudulently  added  to  the  pow- 
der, but  is  easily  detected  by  the  blue  colour  which  it  produces  with  tincture 
of  iodine.  In  consequence  of  the  impurities,  and  difference  in  quality,  gum 
Arabic  should  generally  be  assorted  for  pharmaceutical  use.  A foreign 
substance  sometimes  adheres  to  its  surface,  giving  it  a bitter  taste,  from 
which  it  may  be  freed  by  washing  in  water.*  Dextrin  broken  into  small 
fragments  has  been  mingled  with  parcels  of  gum.  It  may  be  known  by 
yielding  in  solution,  a reddish-purple  colour  with  solutiou  of  iodiue.  It 
does  not,  like  gum,  produce  a yellowish  or  brownish  jelly  with  solutions  of 
the  sesquisalts  of  iron. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  This  gum  is  used  in  medicine  chiefly  as  a 
demulcent.  By  the  viscidity  of  its  solution,  it  serves  to  cover  and  sheathe 
inflamed  surfaces ; and,  by  blending  with  and  diluting  irritating  matters, 
blunts  their  acrimony.  Hence,  it  is  advantageously  employed  in  catarrhal 
affections  and  irritation  of  the  fauces,  by  being  held  in  the  mouth  and 
allowed  slowly  to  dissolve.  Internally  administered,  it  has  been  found  use- 
ful in  inflammations  of  the  gastric  and  intestinal  mucous  membrane;  and  its 
employment  has  even  been  extended  to  similar  affections  of  the  lungs  and 
urinary  organs.  Whether  it  is  beneficial,  in  the  latter  cases,  in  any  other  man- 
ner than  by  the  dilution  resulting  from  its  watery  vehicle  is  doubtful.  By 
some  physicians  it  is  thought  to  possess  a positively  sedative  influence  over 
inflamed  surfaces  to  which  it  may  be  applied  in  the  state  of  solution.  As  an 
article  of  diet  in  febrile  cases,  and  others  requiring  a very  rigid  regimen,  it 

* M.  Picciotto  proposes  to  purify  coloured  gum  by  dissolving  it  in  six  or  eight  parts 
of  a strong  and  pure  solution  of  sulphurous  acid,  heating  the  solution,  treating  it 
with  carbonate  of  baryta  in  excess,  then  filtering,  and  evaporating  at  a moderate 
heat.  ( Pharm . Journ.  and  Trans.,  ix.  16.) — Note  to  the  ninth  edition. 


12 


Acacia. — Acetum. 


PART  I. 


is  perhaps  superior  to  almost  any  other  substance.  If  not  positively  sedative, 
it  is  certainly  not  in  the  least  irritating ; while  it  is  sufficiently  nourishing 
to  prevent  the  injurious  action  of  the  organs  upon  themselves.  Its  nutritive 
properties  have  been  denied;  but  the  fact  of  their  existence  rests  on  incon- 
trovertible evidence.  The  Moors  and  negroes  live  on  it  almost  exclusively 
during  the  period  of  its  collection  and  conveyance  to  market ; the  Bushman 
Hottentots,  in  times  of  scarcity,  support  themselves  upon  it  for  days  together; 
and  we  are  told  that  the  apes  of  South  Africa  are  very  fond  of  it.  Six 
ounces  a day  are  said  to  be  sufficient  to  sustain  life  in  a healthy  adult.  In 
many  cases  of  disease,  its  solution  may  constitute,  for  a time,  the  exclusive 
drink  and  food  of  the  patient.  It  is  best  prepared  by  dissolving  an  ounce 
of  the  gum  in  a pint  of  boiling  water,  and  allowing  the  solution  to  cool.  An 
excellent  demulcent,  called  gum  pectoral,  is  made  by  dissolving  equal  parts 
of  gum  Arabic  and  sugar  in  water,  and  evaporating  by  means  of  a water- 
bath.  It  is  held  in  the  mouth,  and  allowed  slowly  to  dissolve.  In  phar- 
macy, gum  Arabic  is  extensively  used  for  the  suspension  of  insoluble  sub- 
stances in  water,  and  for  the  formation  of  pills  and  troches. 

Off.  Prep.  Confectio  Amygdalae  ; Mistura  Amygdalae ; Mistura  Cretae ; 
Mistura  Glycyrrhizae  Composita;  Mistura  Guaiaci;  Mucilago  Acaciae ; Pul- 
vis  Cretae  Compositus;  Pulvis  Tragacanthae  Comp.;  Syrupus  Acaciae; 
Trochisci  Acaciae.  M . 


ACETUM.  TJ.  S.,  Loud. 

Vinegar. 

Impure  dilute  acetic  acid  prepared  by  fermentation.  TJ.  S.  British  vine- 
gar, prepared  by  fermentation,  of  the  sp.  gr.  1'019.  Land. 

Off  Sjjn.  ACETUM  BRITANNICUM.  British  vinegar.  Ed.  ACETUM 
GALLICIJM.  French  vinegar.  Ed.,  Dub. 

Vinaigre,  Fr. ; Essig,  Germ.  ; Aceto,  Ital.  : Yinagre,  Span. 

Vinegar  is  a sour  liqirid,  the  product  of  the  acetous  fermentation.  Viewed 
chemically,  it  is  a very  dilute  solution  of  acetic  acid,  containing  foreign  mat- 
ters. (See  Acid  uni  Aceticum.') 

The  acetous  fermentation  maybe  induced  in  all  liquors  which  have  under- 
gone or  are  susceptible  of  the  vinous  fermentation.  Thus  sugar  and  water, 
saccharine  vegetable  juices,  infusion  of  malt,  cider,  and  wine,  may  be  con- 
verted into  vinegar,  if  subjected  to  the  action  of  a ferment,  and  exposed,  with 
access  of  air,  to  a temperature  between  75°  and  90°.  Sea-weeds,  covered 
with  water,  and  heated  sufficiently,  will  undergo  the  acetous  fermentation, 
and  may  thus  be  made  a source  of  vinegar.  (Stenkouse,  Phil.  Mag.,  4th 
series,  i.  24.)  During  the  acetous  fermentation,  a microscopic  fungus,  called 
torula  aceti,  is  developed. 

Vinegar  is  generally  made  by  the  German  process,  by  which  the  time  con- 
sumed in  its  formation  is  greatly  abridged.  A mixture  is  prepared  of  one  part 
of  alcohol  of  80  per  cent.,  four  or  six  parts  of  water,  and  one-thousandth  of 
honey  or  extract  of  malt,  to  act  as  a ferment.  This  mixture  is  allowed  to 
trickle  through  a mass  of  beech  shavings,  previously  steeped  in  vinegar,  and 
contained  in  a deep  oaken  tub,  called  a vinegar  generator.  The  tub  is  fur- 
nished, near  the  top,  with  a wooden  diaphragm  perforated  with  numerous 
small  holes,  which  are  loosely  filled  with  packthread  about  six  inches  long, 
prevented  from  slipping  through  by  a knot  at  one  end.  The  alcoholic  mix- 
ture, heated  to  between  75°  and  88°,  is  placed  on  the  diaphragm,  and  slowly 
percolates  the  beech  shavings,  whereby  it  becomes  minutely  divided.  It  is 


PART  I. 


Acetum. 


13 


essential  to  the  success  of  the  process  that  a current  of  air  should  pass  through 
the  tub.  In  order  to  establish  this  current,  eight  equidistant  holes  are  pierced 
near  the  bottom  of  the  tub,  forming  a horizontal  row,  and  four  glass  tubes 
are  inserted  vertically  in  the  diaphragm,  of  sufficient  length  to  project  above 
and  below  it.  The  air  enters  by  the  holes  below,  and  passes  out  by  the 
tubes.  The  contact  of  the  air  with  the  minutely  divided  liquid  rapidly  pro- 
motes the  acetification,  which  consists,  essentially,  in  the  oxidation  of  the 
alcohol.  During  the  process,  the  temperature  rises  to  100°  or  104°,  and 
remains  nearly  stationary  while  the  process  is  going  on  favourably.  The 
liquid  is  drawn  off  by  a discharge  pipe  near  the  bottom,  and  must  be  passed 
three  or  four  times  through  the  tub,  before  the  acetification  is  completed, 
which  generally  occupies  from  twenty-four  to  thirty-six  hours.  According 
to  Wimmer,  pieces  of  charcoal,  about  the  size  of  a walnut,  may  be  substituted 
for  the  beech  shavings  in  the  process,  with  the  effect  of  expediting  the  ace- 
tification. The  charcoal  must  be  deprived  of  saline  matter  by  diluted 
muriatic  acid,  and  afterwards  washed  with  water. 

In  England,  vinegar  is  at  present  made  from  the  infusion  of  malt  by  the 
German  process,  which  is  said  to  have  originated  with  Mr.  Ham,  of  Bristol, 
England,  as  early  as  1822.  The  fermented  wort  is  made  to  fall  in  a shower 
upon  a mass  of  faggots  of  birch  twigs,  occupying  the  upper  part  of  a large 
vat,  and,  after  trickling  down  to  the  bottom,  is  pumped  up  repeatedly  to 
the  top,  to  be  again  allowed  to  fall,  until  the  acetification  is  completed.  This 
mode  of  oxidizing  the  alcohol  in  the  fermented  wort,  has  the  advantage  of 
rendering  insoluble  certain  glutinous  and  albuminous  principles,  which,  if 
not  removed,  would  cause  a muddiness  in  the  vinegar,  and  make  it  liable  to 
spoil. 

In  the  United  States,  vinegar  is  often  prepared  from  cider.  When  it  is 
made  on  a large  scale,  the  cider  is  placed  in  barrels  with  their  bung-holes 
open,  which  are  exposed  during  the  summer  to  the  heat  of  the  sun.  The 
acetification  is  completed  in  the  course  of  about  two  years.  The  progress  of 
the  fermentation,  however,  must  be  watched ; and,  as  soon  as  perfect  vine- 
gar is  formed,  it  should  be  racked  off  into  clean  barrels.  Without  this  pre- 
caution, the  acetous  fermentation  would  run  into  the  putrefactive,  and  the 
whole  of  the  vinegar  be  spoiled. 

Vinegar  may  be  clarified,  without  impairing  its  aroma,  by  throwing  about 
a tumbler  full  of  boiling  milk  into  from  fifty  to  sixty  gallons  of  the  liquid, 
and  stirring  the  mixture.  This  operation  has  the  effect,  at  the  same  time,  of 
rendering  red  vinegar  pale. 

The  series  of  changes  which  occur  during  the  acetous  fermentation  is  called 
acetification.  During  its  progress,  there  is  a disengagement  of  heat;  the 
liquor  absorbs  oxygen  and  becomes  turbid;  and  filaments  form,  which  are 
observed  to  move  in  various  directions,  until,  finally,  upon  the  completion  of 
the  fermentation,  they  are  deposited  in  a mass  of  a pultaceous  consistence. 
The  liquor  now  becomes  transparent,  its  alcohol  has  disappeared,  and  acetic 
acid  has  been  formed  in  its  place.  How  then  is  this  change  of  alcohol  into 
acetic  acid  effected?  Liebig  supposes  that  it  takes  place  in  consequence  of 
the  formation  of  a new  substance,  called  aldehyd,  into  which  the  alcohol  is 
changed  by  the  loss  of  a part  of  its  hydrogen.  The  alcohol,  consisting  of 
four  eqs.  of  carbon,  six  of  hydrogen,  and  two  of  oxygen,  loses  two  eqs.  of 
hydrogen  through  the  influence  of  the  atmosphere,  and  becomes  aldehyd, 
composed  of  four  eqs.  of  carbon,  four  of  hydrogen,  and  two  of  oxygen.  This, 
by  the  absorption  of  two  eqs.  of  oxygen,  becomes  four  eqs.  of  carbon,  four  of 
hydrogen,  and  four  of  oxygen  ; that  is,  hydrated  acetic  acid.  Thus  the  con- 
version of  alcohol  into  acetic  acid  consists  in,  first,  the  removal  of  two  eqs.  of 


14 


Acetum. 


PART  I. 


hydrogen,  and  afterwards  the  addition  of  two  eqs.  of  oxygen.  AMehyd  is  a 
colourless,  very  inflammable,  ethereal  liquid,  having  a pungent  taste  and 
smell.  Its  density  is  0 79.  It  absorbs  oxygen  with  avidity,  and  is  thus 
converted  into  acetic  acid,  as  just  stated.  Its  name  alludes  to  its  relation  to 
alcohol,  alcohol  de/iyrfrogenated.  Its  aqueous  solution  is  decomposed  by 
caustic  potassa,  with  formation  of  aldehyd  resin.  This  is  a soft  light-brown 
mass,  which,  when  heated  to  212°,  gives  off  a very  nauseous  soapy  smell. 

Properties.  Vinegar,  when  good,  is  of  an  agreeable  penetrating  odour,  and 
pleasant  acid  taste.  The  better  sorts  have  a grateful  aroma,  which  is  proba- 
bly due  to  the  presence  of  an  ethereal  substance,  perhaps  acetic  ether.  The 
colour  of  vinegar  varies  from  pale  yellow  to  deep  red.  When  long  kept,  par- 
ticularly if  exposed  to  the  air,  it  becomes  muddy  and  ropy,  acquires  an  un- 
pleasant smell,  putrefies,  and  loses  its  acidity. 

The  essential  ingredients  of  vinegar  are  acetic  acid  and  water;  but  besides 
these  it  contains  various  other  substances,  derived  from  the  particular  vinous 
liquor  from  which  it  may  have  been  prepared.  Among  these  may  be  men- 
tioned, colouring  matter,  gum,  starch,  gluten,  sugar,  a little  alcohol,  and  fre- 
quently malic  and  tartaric  acids,  with  a minute  proportion  of  alkaline  and 
earthy  salts.  According  to  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia,  vinegar  should  be  de- 
void of  free  sulphuric  acid,  as  shown  by  its  yielding  no  precipitate  when  boiled 
with  a solution  of  chloride  of  calcium,  and  of  such  a strength  that  a fluid- 
ounce  would  require,  for  saturation,  about  thirty-five  grains  of  crystallized 
bicarbonate  of  potassa. 

In  the  Edinburgh  Pharmacopoeia,  two  kinds  of  vinegar  are  officinal,  malt 
vinegar  and  wine  vinegar,  under  the  names  of  British  vinegar  and  French 
vinegar.  The  former  is  stated  to  vary  in  density  from  1'006  to  1'019,  the 
latter  from  P014  to  P022.  Specific  gravity,  however,  is  not  an  accurate 
index  of  the  strength  of  vinegar.  'The  London  Pharmacopoeia  recognises 
only  British  vinegar;  the  Dublin,  only  the  French. 

Malt  vinegar  (Acetum  Britannicum)  has  a yellowish-red  colour.  The 
strongest  kind,  called  proof  vinegar,  contains  from  4‘6  to  5 per  cent,  of  acetic 
acid.  That  of  British  manufacture  usually  contains  sulphuric  acid,  which 
the  manufacturer  is  allowed  by  law  to  add  in  a proportion  not  exceeding  one- 
thousandth  part.  This  addition  was  at  one  time  thought  necessary  to  pre- 
serve the  vinegar ; but  it  is  now  admitted  that,  if  the  vinegar  is  properly 
manufactured,  it  does  not  require  to  be  protected  by  sulphuric  acid.  The 
Edinburgh  College  does  not  recognise  this  impurity,  although  sanctioned  by 
the  British  laws,  and,  therefore,  rejects  the  vinegar  if  it  gives  evidence  of 
the  presence  of  free  sulphuric  acid.  On  the  contrary,  the  London  College 
admits  the  vinegar,  if,  after  the  addition  of  ten  minims  of  solution  of  chloride 
of  barium  to  a fluidounce  of  it,  and  the  separation  of  the  precipitate  by  filtra- 
tion, it  deposits  nothing  on  the  further  addition  of  the  solution. 

Wine  vinegar  (Acetum  Gallicum)  is  nearly  one-sixth  stronger  than  pure 
malt  vinegar.  It  is  of  two  sorts,  the  white  and  the  red,  according  as  it  is 
prepared  from  white  or  red  wine.  White  wine  vinegar  is  usually  preferred, 
and  that  made  at  Orleans  is  the  best.  Red  wine  vinegar  may  be  deprived 
of  its  colour  and  rendered  limpid,  by  being  passed  through  animal  charcoal. 
According  to  the  Edinburgh  Pharmacopoeia,  wine  vinegar  may  be  distin- 
guished from  malt  vinegar  by  the  addition  of  ammonia  in  slight  excess,  which 
causes  in  the  former  “ a purplish  muddiness,  and  slowly  a purplish  precipi- 
tate,” and  in  the  latter,  either  no  effect,  or  a dirty  brownish  precipitate. 

Adulterations.  The  principal  foreign  substances  which  vinegar  is  liable  to 
contain,  are  sulphuric  and  sulphurous  acids,  certain  acrid  substances,  and  cop- 
per and  lead,  derived  from  improper  vessels  used  in  its  manufacture.  Muri- 


PART  I. 


Acetum. — Acidum  Aceticuvi. 


15 


atic  and  nitric  acids  are  but  rarely  present.  Chloride  of  calcium  will  detect 
free  sulphuric  acid,  when  boiled  with  the  vinegar,  without  causing  the  least 
precipitate  with  the  minute  quantity  of  sulphates,  almost  always  present  in 
the  liquid.  (. Boettger .)  Chloride  of  barium  is  not  a suitable  test  here;  as  it 
will  cause  a precipitate  with  these  sulphates,  when  no  free  sulphuric  acid  is 
present.  Sulphurous  acid  may  he  detected  and  estimated,  by  first  precipi- 
tating the  sulphates  and  free  sulphuric  acid  by  baryta  water,  nest  acting  on 
the  vinegar  with  arsenic  acid,  which  converts  sulphurous  into  sulphuric  acid, 
and  finally  precipitating  the  newly  formed  sulphuric  acid  by  chloride  of  ba- 
rium. From  the  sulphuric  acid  in  the  last  precipitate,  its  equivalent  of  sul- 
phurous acid  is  easily  calculated.  ( Laroqve .)  Muriatic  acid  may  be  disco- 
vered by  adding  to  a distilled  portion  of  the  suspected  vinegar,  a solution  of 
nitrate  of  silver,  which  will  throw  down  a curdy  white  precipitate.  If  nitric 
acid  be.  present,  an  improbable  impurity,  it  may  be  detected  by  producing 
a yellow  colour,  when  the  suspected  vinegar  is  boiled  with  indigo.  The  acrid 
substances  usually  introduced  into  vinegar  are  red  pepper,  long  pepper,  pelli- 
tory,  grains  of  paradise,  and  mustard  seed.  These  may  be  detected  by  evapo- 
rating to  an  extract,  which  will  have  an  acrid,  biting  taste,  if  any  one  of  these 
substances  be  present.  By  far  the  most  dangerous  impurities  in  vinegar  are 
copper  and  lead.  The  former  may  be  detected  by  a brownish  precipitate  on 
the  addition  of  ferrocyanuret  of  potassium  to  the  concentrated  vinegar;  the 
latter,  by  a blackish  precipitate  with  sulphuretted  hydrogen,  and  a yellow  one 
with  iodide  of  potassium.  Pure  vinegar  is  not  discoloured  by  sulphuretted 
hydrogen.  According  to  Chevallier,  wine  vinegar,  which  has  been  strength- 
ened with  acetic  acid  from  wood,  sometimes  contains  a minute  proportion  of 
arsenic.  In  this  case  the  deleterious  metal  is  probably  derived  from  arsenife- 
rous  sulphuric  acid,  employed  in  preparing  the  acetic  acid. 

Medical  Properties.  Vinegar  acts  as  a refrigerant  and  diuretic.  With  this 
view  it  is  added  to  diluent  drinks  in  inflammatory  fevers.  It  is  sometimes 
used  as  a clyster,  diluted  with  twice  or  thrice  its  bulk  of  water.  It  has  been 
supposed  to  be  a powerful  antidote  to  the  narcotic  poisons,  but  this  is  a mis- 
take. In  the  case  of  opium,  the  best  authorities  unite’  in  considering  it  worse 
than  useless ; as  it  gives  activity  to  the  poison  rather  than  neutralizes  it. 
Externally  it  is  employed  as  a fomentation  or  lotion  in  bruises  and  sprains. 
Diluted  with  water,  it  forms  the  best  means  of  clearing  the  eye  from  small 
particles  of  lime.  Its  vapour  is  inhaled  in  certain  states  of  sore  throat;  and  it 
is  diffused  through  sick  rooms  under  the  impression  that  it  destroys  unwhole- 
some effluvia,  though,  in  fact,  it  has  no  other  effect  than  to  cover  unpleasant 
smells.  The  dose  is  from  one  to  four  fluidrachms;  as  a clyster,  the  quantity 
used  is  one  to  two  fluidounces. 

Off.  Prep.  Acetum  Destillatum ; Ceratum  Saponis  Compositum ; Lini- 
mentum  rEruginis ; Syrupus  Aceti ; Tinctura  Opii  Acetata.  B. 

ACIDUM  ACETICUM.  U.  S..,  Load. 

Acetic  Acid. 

Acetic  acid  of  the  sp.  gr.  P041.  U.  S-,  1'048.  Land. 

Off.  Syn.  ACIDUM  PYROLIGNEUM.  Pyroligneous  Acid.  Diluted 
acetic  acid,  obtained  by  the  destructive  distillation  of  wood.  Density  at  least 
1-034.  Ed.  ACIDUM  ACETICUM  E LIGNO  VENALE.  Acetic  Acid 
of  commerce.  Purified  Pyroligneous  Acid.  Sp.  gr.  D044.  Dub. 


16 


Acidum  Aceticum. 


PART  I. 


ACIDUM  ACETICUM  GLACIALE.  Dub. 

Glacial  Acetic  Acid. 

The  sp.  gr.  of  this  acid  is  1'065.  Dub. 

Off.  Syn.  ACIDUM  ACETICUM.  The  density  is  commonly  from  D063 
to  1'065,  but  must  not  exceed  1'0685.  Ed. 

ACIDUM  ACETICUM  FORTE.  Dub. 

Strong  Acetic  Acid. 

The  sp.  gr.  of  this  acid  is  D066.  Dub. 

Exclusive  of  Acidum,  Aceticum  Dilutum,  which  will  be  noticed  in  the  second 
part  of  this  work,  three  strengths  of  acetic  acid  are  now  officinal  in  the  U.  S. 
and  British  Pharmacopoeias,  assuming  those  acids  to  be  identical  which  ap- 
proach most  nearly  to  equality  in  specific  gravity.  The  following  table  pre- 
sents a view  of  the  names  and  densities  of  the  several  acids. 


ACETIC  ACID. 

U.S. 

Lond. 

Ed. 

Dub. 

Highest  off. 

Acidum  Aceti- 
cum. 

Acidum  Aceti- 
cum Glaciale. 

strength.  f 

Sp.  gr.  1 -063  to 
1-065. 

Sp.  gr.  1-065. 

Intermediate  | 

Acidum  Aceti- 
cum Forte. 
Sp.  gr.  1-066. 

strength.  f 

Lowest  i 

strength.  [ 

Acidum  Aceti- 
cum. 

Sp.  gr.  1 -041. 

Acidum  Aceti- 
cum. 

Sp.  gr.  1-048. 

Acidum  Pyro- 
ligneum. 

Sp.  gr.  1-034. 

Acidum  Aceti- 
cum e Ligno 
Venale. 

Sp.  gr.  1-044. 

We  shall  take  up  the  three  grades  of  acid  separately,  in  the  order  in  which 
they  are  mentioned  in  the  table. 

Acidum  Aceticum  Glaciale,  sp.  gr.  1'065.  Dub.  Acidum  Aceticum, 
sp.  gr.  U063-5.  Ed.  The  following  are  the  processes  of  the  Dub.  and  Ed. 
Colleges  for  these  acids. 

“ Take  of  Acetate  of  Lead,  any  convenient  quantity : place  it  in  an  oven 
at  about  the  temperature  of  300°,  until  it  ceases  to  lose  weight,  and,  having 
then  brought  it  by  trituration  to  a fine  powder,  let  it  be  introduced  into  a 
flask  "or  retort,  and  exposed  to  an  atmosphere  of  dry  muriatic  acid  gas,  until 
very  nearly  the  whole  of  it  exhibits  a damped  appearance.  The  flask  or  re- 
tort being  now  connected  in  the  usual  manner  with  a Liebig’s  condenser,  let 
heat  be  applied  by  means  of  a chloride  of  zinc  bath,  until  the  entire  of  the 
acetic  acid  shall  have  distilled  over. 

“ The  muriatic  acid  gas  should  be  slowly  disengaged  from  the  materials 
directed  in  the  formula  for  Acidum  Muriaticum  \_Purum,  Dub.],  using  eight 
ounces  of  salt  for  every  pound  of  anhydrous  acetate  of  lead  [avoirdupois 
weight] ; and,  to  render  it  quite  dry,  it  should,  before  being  conducted  into 
the  vessel  containing  the  sugar  of  lead,  be  made  to  bubble  through  oil  of 
vitriol,  and  then  pass  through  a long  tube  packed  with  small  fragments  of 
fused  chloride  of  calcium.”  Dub. 


PART  I. 


Acidum  Aceticuvi. 


17 


“ Take  of  Acetate  of  Lead  any  convenient  quantity  ; heat  it  gradually  in  a 
porcelain  basin,  by  means  of  a bath  of  oil  or  fusible  metal  (8  tin,  4 lead,  3 
bismuth),  to  320°  F. ; and  stir  till  the  fused  mass  concretes  again  : pulverize 
this  when  cold,  and  heat  the  powder  again  to  320°,  with  frequent  stirring,  till 
the  particles  cease  to  accrete.  Add  six  ounces  of  the  powder  to  nine  flui- 
drachms  and  a half  of  pure  Sulphuric  Acid,  contained  in  a glass  matrass ; 
attach  a proper  tube  and  refrigeratory,  and  distil  from  a fusible  metal  bath 
with  a heat  of  320°  to  complete  dryness.  Agitate  the  distilled  liquid  with  a 
few  grains  of  Red  Oxide  of  Lead  to  remove  a little  sulphurous  acid,  allow 
the  vessel  to  rest  a few  minutes,  pour  off  the  clear  liquor,  and  redistil  it.”  Ed. 

These  processes,  when  carefully  conducted,  furnish  an  acid  of  the  maximum 
strength,  consisting  of  one  eq.  of  dry  acid,  and  one  of  water.  The  acetate  of 
lead  is  first  freed  from  water  of  crystallization  by  heat,  and  then  decomposed. 
The  agent  of  decomposition  is  dry  muriatic  acid  gas  in  the  Dublin  formula, 
and  sulphuric  acid  in  the  Edinburgh.  When  muriatic  acid  is  used,  water 
and  chloride  of  lead  are  formed,  and  monohydrated  acetic  acid  distils  over ; 
when  sulphuric  acid  is  employed,  sulphate  of  protoxide  of  lead  is  formed. 
As  a boiling  temperature  is  not  sufficient  for  decomposing  the  acetate  of  lead, 
a chloride  of  zinc  bath  is  used  in  the  Dublin  process,  and  one  of  oil  or  fusible 
metal  in  the  Edinburgh.  On  the  other  hand,  the  use  of  a sand-bath  would 
incur  the  risk  of  too  high  a temperature,  which  would  give  rise  to  a por- 
tion of  acetone.  The  red  oxide  of  lead,  used  in  the  Edinburgh  formula, 
removes  the  sulphurous  acid,  by  combining  with  it  in  such  a way  as  to 
form  sulphate  of  protoxide  of  lead,  by  a transfer  of  oxygen  from  the  oxide 
to  the  acid. 

Acetic  acid  of  maximum  strength  may  likewise  be  obtained  by  distilling 
binacetate  of  potassa,  at  a heat  between  390°  and  570°.  One  eq.  of  mono- 
hydrated acetic  acid  distils  over,  and  neutral  acetate  of  potassa  is  left.  The 
binacetate  may  be  formed  by  distilling  the  neutral  acetate  with  an  excess  of 
watery  acetic  acid.  In  this  process,  the  same  acetate  of  potassa  serves  re- 
peatedly for  conversion  into  binacetate,  and  subsequent  decomposition. 

Acidum  Aceticum  Forte,  sp.  gr.  1'066,  Dub.  This  acid,  introduced  for 
the  first  time  into  the  Dublin  Pharmacopoeia  of  1850,  is  prepared  according 
to  the  following  formula. 

“Take  of  Glacial  Acetic  Acid  six  fluidounces;  Distilled  Water  four  ounces. 
Mix.”  Dub. 

The  only  use  made  by  the  Dublin  College  of  glacial  acetic  acid  is  to  form 
the  Acidum  Aceticum  Forte,  as  above ; and  the  latter  acid  enters  into  two 
preparations  only,  namely,  Acetum  Cantharidis  and  Acidum  Aceticum  Cam- 
phoratum.  The  reasons  which  induced  the  Dublin  and  Edinburgh  Colleges 
to  introduce  glacial  acetic  acid  into  their  officinal  lists  are  not  very  obvious. 
The  acid  is  too  strong  even  for  external  use. 

Acidum  Aceticum,  U.  S.,Lond.  (sp.gr.  P041  U.  S.,  1'048  Lond .)  Aci- 
dum Pyroligneum  (sp.  gr.  1’034),  Ed.  Acidum  Aceticum  e Ligno  Venale  (sp. 
gr.  1'044),  Dub.  This  is  the  acid  resulting  from  the  purification  of  the  crude 
acetic  acid,  obtained  by  the  destructive,  distillation  of  wood.  It  is  the  acid 
most  useful  to  the  apothecary,  and  which  forms  the  heading  of  this  article. 
The  corresponding  acid  of  the  former  U.  S.  and  London  Pharmacopoeias  was 
placed  among  the  preparations,  being  obtained  from  the  acetate  of  soda  by 
the  action  of  sulphuric  acid ; but  in  the  new  editions  of  those  works,  it  has 
been  placed  in  the  materia  medica  list.  As  this  grade  of  acid  has  its  source 
in  the  impure  acetic  acid,  resulting  from  the  destructive  distillation  of  wood, 
it  will  be  proper  to  premise  some  account  of  the  crude  acid,  called  crude  py- 
roligneous acid. 


18 


Acidum  Aceticum. 


PART  I. 


Wood,  when  charred,  yields  many  volatile  products,  among  which  are  an 
acid  liquor,  an  empyreumatic  oil,  and  tar  containing  creasote  and  some  other 
proximate  principles.  When  the  carbonization  is  performed  in  close  vessels, 
these  products,  which  are  lost  in  the  ordinary  process  of  charring,  may  be 
collected,  and,  at  the  same  time,  a large  amount  of  charcoal  is  obtained. 

The  carbonization  of  wood  in  close  vessels,  with  a view  to  preserve  the 
condensible  products,  was  first  put  in  practice  by  Mollerat  in  France.  The 
apparatus  employed  at  Choisy,  near  Paris,  is  thus  described  by  Thenard.  It 
consists  of,  1st,  a furnace  with  a movable  top  ; 2d,  a strong  sheet-iron  cylinder, 
standing  upright,  sufficiently  capacious  to  contain  a cord  of  wood,  and  furnished 
with  a sheet-iron  cover;  3d,  a sheet-iron  tube,  proceeding  horizontally  from  the 
upper  and  lateral ‘part  of  the  cylinder  to  the  distance  of  about  a foot;  4th,  a 
copper  tube  connected  with  the  last,  which  is  bent  in  such  a manner  as  to 
plunge  successively  to  the  bottom  of  two  casks  filled  with  water,  and,  after 
rising  out  of  the  second,  is  bent  back,  and  made  to  terminate  in  the  furnace. 
At  the  bottom  of  each  cask,  the  tube  dilates  into  a ball,  from  the  under  part 
of  which  another  tube  proceeds,  which,  passing  water-tight  through  the  cask, 
terminates  above  a vessel,  intended  to  receive  the  condensible  products. 

The  sheet-iron  cylinder,  being  filled  with  wood,  and  closed  by  luting  on  its 
cover  with  fire  clay,  is  let  down  into  the  furnace  by  the  help  of  a crane.  The 
fire  is  then  applied;  and,  when  the  process  is  completed,  the  cylinder  is  re- 
moved by  the  same  means,  to  be  replaced  by  another.  Paring  the  carbon- 
ization, the  volatile  products  are  received  by  the  tube;  and  those  which  are 
condensible,  being  an  acid  liquor  and  tar,  are  condensed  by  the  water  in  the 
casks,  and  collect  in  the  lower  bends  of  the  tubes,  from  which  they  run  into 
the  several  recipients;  while  the  incondensible  products,  being  inflammable 
gases,  are  discharged  into  the  furnace,  where,  by  their  combustion,  they  assist 
in  maintaining  the  heat.  Eight  hundred  pounds  of  wood  afford,  on  an  average, 
thirty-five  gallons  of  acid  liquor,  weighing  about  three  hundred  pounds. 

This  is  the  crude  pyroligneous  acid,  sometimes  called  pyroligneous  vinegar. 
It  is  a dark -brown  liquid,  having  a strong  smoky  smell,  and  consists  of  acetic 
acid,  diluted  with  more  or  less  water,  and  holding  in  solution  chiefly  tar  and 
empyreumatic  oil,  with  pvroxylic  spirit,  and  probably  a small  proportion  of 
creasote.  It  is  from  this  crude  acid  that  the  U.  S.  and  London  acetic  acid, 
corresponding  to  the  acetic  acid  of  commerce,  is  obtained.  The  purification 
is  effected  as  follows.  The  acid  is  saturated  with  cream  of  lime,  whereby 
acetate  of  lime  is  formed  in  solution,  and  a good  deal  of  the  tarry  matter 
precipitated.  The  solution  of  acetate  of  lime  is  then  mixed  with  a concen- 
trated solution  of  sulphate  of  soda,  and,  by  double  decomposition,  acetate  of 
soda  is  formed  in  solution,  and  sulphate  of  lime  precipitated.  The  solution 
of  the  acetate  is  next  to  be  subjected  to  evaporation,  during  which  further 
impurities  that  separate  on  the  surface  are  to  be  skimmed  off.  The  solution, 
being  duly  concentrated,  is  set  aside  to  crystallize ; and  the  impure  salt,  thus 
obtained,  after  having  been  partially  purified  by  solution  and  recrystalliza- 
iion,  is  fused  in  an  iron  vessel,  stirred  until  it  dries,  and,  the  heat  being 
carefully  raised,  subjected  to  incipient  carbonization,  whereby  remaining 
empyreumatic  matters  are  carbonized,  with  little  damage  to  the  salt.  The 
mass  is  then  dissolved  in  water,  and  the  solution,  being  strained  and  recrys- 
tallized, furnishes  pure  acetate  of  soda.  (See  Sodas  Acetas .)  Finally,  this 
salt  is  distilled  with  from  34  to  35  per  cent,  of  its  weight  of  sulphuric  acid, 
when  it  yields  the  acetic  acid  of  commerce,  the  residue  being  sulphate  of 
soda,  which  is  reserved  for  decomposing  fresh  portions  of  acetate  of  lime. 
The  acid  has  still  an  empyreumatic  flavour,  which  is  removed  by  filtering  it 
through  animal  charcoal. 


PART  I. 


Acidum  Aceticum. 


19 


Sometimes  the  acetate  of  lime  is  distilled  with  sulphuric  acid  directly, 
without  having  been  previously  converted  into  acetate  of  soda,  by  which  mode 
of  proceeding  a step  in  the  process  is  saved.  But  this  decomposition  is  at- 
tended with  many  inconveniences,  and  the  acetic  acid  obtained  is  apt  to  be 
contaminated  with  sulphuric  acid.  The  same  step  is  saved,  but  without  this 
risk,  by  distilling  the  acetate  of  lime  with  hydrochloric  acid,  as  recommended 
by  Christl ; and  if  the  acid  be  not  used  in  excess,  the  acetic  acid  obtained 
scarcely  contains  a trace  of  chlorine. 

The  sp.  gr.  of  the  different  acetic  acids  increases  with  their  strength  up  to 
the  density  of  P0735  (maximum),  after  which  it  decreases  until  it  reaches 
1-063,  the  density  of  the  strongest  acid  ( glacial  acid').  The  following  table, 
condensed  from  one  given  by  Pereira  on  the  authority  of  Mohr,  exhibits  the 
sp.  gr.  of  acetic  acid  of  different  strengths,  including  the  officinal  Acidum 
Aceticum  Dilutum.  The  officinal  and  commercial  acids  are  noted  opposite 
to  their  several  densities,  and  the  corresponding  number  in  the  column  on 
the  left  gives  the  per  centage  of  monohydrated  acid  in  each. 


Per  cent. 

Per  cent. 

of  Ackl. 

Specific  Gravity. 

of  Acid. 

Specific  Gravity. 

100 

1-063  Acetic  acid,  Ed* 

37 

1-048  Acetic  acid,  Land. 

99 

97 

1-065  Glacial  acetic  acid,  Dub. 
1-068 

33 

1 -044  I acid  of  com- 

\ merce,  Dub. 

90 

80 

1-073 

1-0735  Maximum  density. 

32 

j f Scotch  acid  of  com- 

\ merce  (strongest). 

70 

1-070 

31 

1 -041  Acetic  acid,  U.  S. 

60 

1-067 

30 

1-040 

59 

1-066  Strong  acetic  acid,  Dub. 

25 

1-034  Pyroligneous  acid,  Ed. 

54 

f Acid  corresponding  in 

20 

1-027 

1 sp.  gr.  to  the  strongest. 

10 

1-015 

52 

1-062 

6 

1-008  Diluted  acetic  acid,  Lond. 

50 

1-060 

5 

1 -006  Diluted  acetic  acid,  Dub. 

40 

1-051 

4 

1-0055 

39 

1-050  I English  acid  of  com- 

3 

1-004  Diluted  acetic  acid,  U.  S. 

\ merce. 

Up  to  the  specific  gravity  P062,  the  density  of  acetic  acid  is  a pretty  ac- 
curate index  of  its  strength;  but,  above  that  specific  gravity,  two  acids  of 
different  strengths  may  coincide  in  density.  Thus,  by  the  table,  it  is  seen 
that  an  acid  weighing  1’063  may  be  either  the  strongest  possible  liquid  acid, 
or  an  acid  containing  only  54  per  cent,  of  such  acid.  The  ambiguity  may 
be  removed  by  diluting  the  acid  with  a portion  of  water,  when,  if  the  density 
be  increased,  the  given  specimen  is  the  stronger  acid  of  the  two  having  the 
same  density.  The  density  of  the  English  and  Scotch  acetic  acid  of  com- 
merce is  given  on  the  authority  of  Dr.  Christison. 

It  is  shown  by  the  table  that  the  Dublin  “strong  acetic  acid”  is  an  acid 
of  intermediate  strength,  containing  59  per  cent,  of  monohydrated  acid;  while 
the  officinal  acid  of  commerce  contains  variously  from  25  to  37  per  cent,  of 
the  same  acid ; the  Edinburgh  acid  being  the  weakest,  and  the  London  the 
’strongest. 

Properties  of  the  Glacial  Acid  (Acidum  Aceticum  Glaciale,  Pul.).  This 
acid,  sometimes  called  radioed  vinegar,  is  a colourless,  volatile,  inflammable 
liquid,  possessing  a corrosive  taste,  and  an  acid,  pungent,  and  refreshing 
smell.  At  the  temperature  of  about  40°  it  becomes  a crystalline  solid.  Its 


* Varies  to  1-065. 


20 


Acidum  Aceticum. 


part  I. 


sp.  gr.  is  1'063.  The  anomaly  of  its  having  first  an  increasing  and  then  a 
decreasing  density,  upon  dilution  with  water,  has  been  already  noticed.  It 
possesses  the  property  of  dissolving  a number  of  substances,  such  as  volatile 
oils,  camphor,  resins  and  gum-resins,  fibrin,  albumen,  &c.  As  it  attracts 
humidity  from  the  atmosphere,  it  should  be  preserved  in  well  stopped  bottles. 
Its  combinations  with  salifiable  bases  are  called  acetates.  It  consists  of  one 
eq.  of  dry  acid  51,  and  one  of  water  9=60.  The  dry  acid  has  been  isolated 
by  C.  G-erhardt,  who  finds  it  to  be  a limpid  liquid,  heavier  than  water,  and 
having  a constant  boiling  point  of  279°.  (CAem.  Gaz.,  June  15,  1852.)  Its 
formula  is  C4H303. 

Properties  of  the  Acid  of  Commerce  (Acidum  Aceticum,  V-  S-,  Loud-). 
This  acid  has  similar  properties  to  those  of  the  glacial,  but  milder  in  degree. 
It  is  a colourless,  volatile  liquid,  having  a sharp  taste  and  pungent  smell.  It 
unites  in  all  proportions  with  water,  and  to  a certain  extent  with  alcohol.  It 
is  incompatible  with  the  alkalies  and  alkaline  earths,  both  pure  and  carbon- 
ated, with  metallic  oxides,  and  with  most  substances  acted  on  by  other  acids. 
It  is  wholly  volatilized  by  heat,  and  yields  no  precipitate  with  chloride  of 
barium  or  nitrate  of  silver.  Any  fixed  residue  is  impurity ; and  precipitates 
by  the  tests  mentioned  show  the  presence  of  sulphuric  and  muriatic  acids. 
Sulphohydr#e  of  ammonia  does  not  discolour  it.  If  sulphuretted  hydrogen 
produces  a milkiness,  sulphurous  acid  is  present.  "When  saturated  with  am- 
monia, it  gives  no  precipitate  with  iodide  or  ferrocyanuret  of  potassium, 
which  proves  the  absence  of  lead  and  copper.  If  silver  be  digested  in  it,  and 
chlorohydric  acid  afterwards  added,  no  precipitate  will  be  produced.  The 
negative  indication  of  this  test  shows  the  absence  of  nitric  acid.  Of  the  U. 
S.  acid  “ 100  grains  saturate  60  grains  of  crystallized  bicarbonate  of  potassa, 
and  contain  36  grains  of  monohydrated  acetic  acid.”  This  statement  does 
not  agree  with  that  contained  in  the  foregoing  table,  which  gives  31  as  the 
per  centage  of  monohydrated  acid,  contained  in  an  acid  of  the  sp.  gr.  1041. 
Taking  the  results  of  Mohr,  as  given  in  the  table,  the  acids,  included  under 
this  head,  contain  the  following  per  centages  of  monohydrated  acid.  Ed.  25 ; 
U.  S.  31;  Pub.  33  ; and  Land.  37.  Thus  it  is  seen  that,  of  the  acids  here 
classed  as  the  acetic  acids  of  commerce,  the  Edinburgh  is  the  weakest.  It 
is  also  somewhat  different  in  properties.  The  Ed.  acid  has  a pale  straw  colour, 
and  a strong  acetic  odour,  scarcely  empyreumatic,  if  the  acid  be  well  pre- 
pared. One  hundred  minims  of  it  neutralize  fifty-three  grains  of  carbonate 
of  soda.  When  acid  of  this  strength  is  diluted  with  three  parts  of  water,  it 
forms  the  wood  vinegar  of  the  shops,  containing  6’25  per  cent,  of  monohy- 
drated acid.  As  tests  of  its  freedom  from  copper,  lead,  and  sulphuric  acid, 
the  Edinburgh  College  directs  that  it  should  be  “ unaffected  by  sulphuretted 
hydrogen  or  solution  of  nitrate  of  baryta.”  This  acid  is  used  by  the  College 
as  a chemical  agent  in  preparing  iodide  of  lead. 

Uses  of  Crude  Pyroligneous  Acid.  This  acid  having  been  incidentally 
mentioned  and  described  as  the  source  of  the  acetic  acid  of  commerce,  it  may 
be  proper  in  this  place  to  notice  its  uses.  It  has  been  employed  as  an  appli- 
cation to  gangrene  and  ill-conditioned  ulcers.  It  acts  on  the  principle  of  an 
antiseptic  and  stimulant;  the  former  property  being  probably  chiefly  due  to 
the  presence  of  creasote.  Several  cases  in  which  it  was  successfully  em- 
ployed are  reported  in  a paper  by  Dr.  T.  Y.  Simons,  of  Charleston,  S.  C. 
(Am.  Journ.  of  Med.  Sci.,  O.  S.,  v.  310.) 

The  crude  acid  is  advantageous]}'  applied  to  the  preservation  of  animal 
food.  Mr.  William  Ramsey  (Edin.  Phil.  Journ.,  iii.  21)  made  some  inte- 
resting experiments  with  it  for  that  purpose.  Herrings  and  other  fish,  simply 
dipped  in  the  acid  and  afterwards  dried  in  the  shade,  were  effectually  pre- 


PART  I. 


Aciduni  Aceticum. — Acidum  Arseniosum. 


21 


served,  and,  when  eaten,  were  found  very  agreeable  to  the  taste.  Herrings, 
slightly  cured  with  salt  by  being  sprinkled  with  it  for  six  hours,  then  drained, 
next  immersed  in  pyroligneous  acid  for  a few  seconds,  and  afterwards  dried 
in  the  shade  for  two  months,  were  found  by  Mr.  Ramsey  to  he  of  fine  quality 
and  flavour.  Fresh  beef,  dipped  in  the  acid  in  summer  for  the  space  of  a 
minute,  was  perfectly  sweet  in  the  following  spring.  Professor  Silliman 
states  that  one  quart  of  the  acid,  added  to  the  common  pickle  for  a barrel 
of  hams,  at  the  time  they  are  laid  down,  will  impart  to  them  the  smoked 
flavour  as  perfectly  as  if  they  had  undergone  the  ordinary  process  of  smoking. 

Medical  Properties  of  Acetic  Acid  of  Commerce  (Acidum  Aceticum,  U S., 
Loncl.).  Acetic  acid  of  about  this  strength  acts  as  a stimulant  and  tonic. 
When  diluted  sufficiently,  it  is  refrigerant,  diaphoretic,  and  diuretic.  Owing 
to  its  volatility  and  pungency,  its  vapour  is  frequently  applied  to  the  nostrils 
as  an  excitant  in  syncope,  asphyxia,  and  headache.  When  employed  in  this 
manner,  it  is  generally  added  to  a small  portion  of  sulphate  of  potassa,  so  as 
to  moisten  the  salt,  and  the  mixture  is  put  into  small  glass  bottles  with 
ground  stoppers. 

Medical  Properties  of  the  Glacial  Acid.  This  acid  is  only  used  externally, 
and  acts  as  a rubefacient,  vesicant,  or  caustic,  according  to  the  length  of  time 
it  is  applied.  Its  applica|ion  requires  caution.  It  is  sometimes  employed 
as  a substitute  for  cantharides,  when  a speedy  blister  is  desired;  as,  for  ex- 
ample, in  croup,  sorethroat,  and  other  cases  of  internal  inflammation.  It 
may  he  applied  by  means  of  blotting  paper  or  cambric  moistened  with  the 
acid.  It  is  a good  corrosive  for  destroying  warts  and  corns,  and  is  also  a 
valuable  remedy  in  scaldhead. 

Off.  Prep,  of  Acetic  Acid  of  Commerce.  Acetum  Cantharidis;  Acetum 
Colchici ; Acetum  Scilke ; Acidum  Aceticum  Dilutum ; Extractum  Col- 
chici  Aceticum  ; Morphias  Acetas ; Oxymel ; Plumbi  Acetas  ; Potassae 
Acetas ; Sodas  Acetas. 

Off.  Prep,  of  Glacicd  Acetic  Acid,  Dub.,  Ed.  Acetum  Cantharidis,  Ed. ; 
Acidum  Aceticum  Camphoratum,  Ed. ; Acidum  Aceticum  Forte ; Mistura 
Creasoti. 

Off.  Prep,  of  Strong  Acetic  Acid,  Dub.  Acetum  Cantharidis ; Acidum 
Aceticum  Camphoratum.  B. 

ACIDUM  AESENIOSUM.  U.S.,  Loncl. 

Arsenious  Acid. 

Sublimed  arsenious  acid  in  masses.  U.  S-,  Lond. 

Off.  Syn.  ARSENICUM  ALBUM.  Ed.  ARSENICI  OXYDUM  AL- 
BUM VENALE.  White  Oxide  of  Arsenic  of  Commerce.  Dub. 

White  arsenic;  Acide  arsenieux,  Arsenic  blanc,  Fr. ; Arsenichte  Saure,  Weisser 
Arsenik,  Germ. ; Arsenik,  Dan.,  Swed.,  Polish;  Acido  arsenioso,  Arsenico,  pal.  ; Ar- 
senico  bianco,  Span. 

Arsenious  acid  is  prepared  chiefly  in  Bohemia  and  Saxony,  where  it  is 
procured  on  a large  scale,  as  a collateral  product,  during  the  smelting  of 
cobalt  ores,  which  are  almost  invariably  accompanied  by  arsenic.  These 
ores  are  roasted  in  reverberatory  furnaces,  with  long  horizontal  flues.  The 
arsenic  is  converted  by  combustion  into  arsenious  acid,  which  rises'  in  va- 
pour, and  condense^  on  the  sides  of  the  flues.  In  this  state  it  is  not  pure, 
and  requires  a second  sublimation,  which  is  performed  in  cast  iron  vessels, 
fitted  with  conical  heads  of  the  same  material,  having  an  opening  at  the  sum- 
mit. The  vessels  are  placed  over  a furnace,  and  brought  to  a red  heat,  when 
a portion  of  the  impure  arsenious  acid  is  thrown  in  through  the  opening, 


Aciclum  Arseniosum. 


PART  I. 


99 


which  is  immediately  stopped.  This  portion  being  sublimed,  a second  por- 
tion is  introduced  in  a similar  manner.  Finally,  the  vessels  are  allowed  to 
cool ; and,  upon  removing  the  heads,  the  purified  acid  is  found  attached  to 
them  in  vitreous  layers,  at  first  as  transparent  as  glass,  but  gradually  be- 
coming, by  contact  with  the  air,  opaque  at  their  surface.  These  are  broken 
into  fragments  of  a convenient  size,  and  thrown  into  commerce.  The  arse- 
nious  acid  which  reaches  this  country  is  generally  packed  in  casks,  contain- 
ing from  two  to  five  hundred  pounds,  and  is  shipped  principally  from  the 
ports  of  Hamburg  and  Bremen. 

Properties.  Arsenious  acid,  as  it  occurs  in  commerce,  is  in  masses,  exhi- 
biting a vitreous  fracture.  It  is  of  a milk-white  colour  exteriorly,  but,  in- 
ternally, often  perfectly  transparent.  As  first  sublimed,  the  whole  mass  is 
transparent ; but  it  gradually  becomes  white  and  opaque,  the  change  pro- 
ceeding progressively  from  the  surface  inwards.  This  change  has  not  been 
well  explained;  but  it  probably  depends  upon  the  absorption  of  moisture, 
causing  a gradual  passage  of  the  acid  from  the  amorphous  to  the  crystalline 
state.  (Pereira.')  According  to  Guibourt,  the  sp.  gr.  of  the  transparent 
variety  is  3'73,  of  the  opaque  3‘69.  The  experiments,  however,  of  Dr.  J. 
K.  Mitchell  and  Mr.  Durand  make  the  density  of  the  former  variety  from 
3'208  to  3‘333.  As  it  occurs  in  the  shops  for. medical  use,  it  is  often  in 
the  form  of  a white  powder,  almost  as  fine  as  flour.  In  this  state  it  is  some- 
times adulterated  with  powdered  chalk,  or  sulphate  of  lime,  a fraud  which  is 
easily  detected  by  exposing  the  powder  to  a heat  sufficient  to  evaporate  the 
arsenious'  acid,  when  these  impurities  will  be  left  behind.  In  consequence  of 
the  liability  of  the  acid  to  contain  impurities  when  in  powder,  it  is  directed 
in  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia  to  be  kept  in  masses.  When  pure,  it  is  com- 
pletely dissolved  by  boiling  water.  It  has  been  erroneously  stated  to  have 
an  acrid  taste.  Dr.  Christison  asserts  that  it  possesses  hardly  any  taste;  in- 
asmuch as  it  produces  merely  a faint  sweetish  impression  on  the  palate.  In 
strong,  hot  solution,  it  has  an  austere  taste,  most  nearly  resembling  that  of 
sulphate  of  zinc.  ( Mitchell  and  Durand.)  It  has  no  smell,  even  in  the  state 
of  vapour.  The  garlicky  odour,  sometimes  attributed  to  it,  belongs  only  to 
the  vapour  of  the  metal,  and,  when  apparently  arising  from  the  acid  itself,  is, 
in  fact,  owing  to  its  reduction.  Its  point  of  sublimation,  according  to  Berze- 
lius, is  at  an  incipient  red  beat;  but,  according  to  Mitchell  and  Durand,  it  is 
lower  than  that  of  metallic  arsenic,  being  only  425°  of  Fabr.  When  slowly 
sublimed,  it  condenses  in  regular  octohedral  crystals,  exhibiting  a sparkling 
lustre.  It  consists  of  one  equivalent  of  arsenic  75,  and  three  of  oxygen 
24=99. 

Arsenious  acid  is  soluble  in  water.  According  to  Bussy,  at  the  temperature 
of  55°,  a pint  of  water  dissolves  293  grains  of  the  transparent  variety,  and 
only  about  92  grains  of  the  opaque.  Thus  the  transparent  acid,  so  far  from 
being  less,  as  heretofore  supposed,  is  much  more  soluble  than  the  opaque 
variety.  The  following  particulars  are  given  on  the  same  authority.  The 
transparent  acid  dissolves  much  more  rapidly  than  the  opaque.  By  prolonged 
ebullition  with  water,  the  opaque  variety  attains  the  same  solubility  as  the 
transparent,  and  may  be  supposed  to  be  converted  into  the  latter.  Thus,  at 
the  boiling  temperature,  a pint  of  water  dissolves  807  grains  of  both  varieties. 
The  transparent  variety,  in  cold  saturated  solution,  gradually  lessens  in  solu- 
bility, until  it  reaches  the  solubility  of  the  opaque,  no  doubt  in  consequence 
of  being  changed  into  the  latter.  Pulverization  lessens  the  solubility  of  the 
transparent  variety,  without  affecting  that  of  the  opaque.  The  mixture  of 
the  two  varieties  of  the  acid  in  the  same  solution  serves  to  explain  the  ano- 
malies heretofore  observed  in  its  solubility.  ( Journ . dc  Pharm.,  Nov.  1847.) 


PART  I. 


Acidum  Arseniosum. 


23 


In  relation  to  some  of  these  results,  Bussy  has  been  anticipated  by  Taylor. 
(See  Loncl.  and  Ed.  Philos.  Mag.  for  Nov.  1837.) 

Medical  Properties.  Internally,  the  action  of  the  preparations  of  arsenic 
is  alterative  and  febrifuge ; externally,  for  the  most  part,  violently  irritant. 
They  have  been  considered  as  peculiarly  applicable  to  the  treatment  of  dis- 
eases of  a periodical  character.  At  the  commencement  of  their  exhibition, 
the  dose  should  be  small,  and  afterwards  gradually  increased,  the  operation 
being  carefully  watched.  When  the  specific  effects  of  the  medicine  are  pro- 
duced, it  must  be  immediately  laid  aside.  These  are,  a general  disposition 
to  oedema,  especially  of  the  face  and  eyelids,  a feeling  of  stiffness  in  these 
parts,  itching  of  the  skin,  tenderness  of  the  mouth,  loss  of  appetite,  and 
uneasiness  and  sickness  of  the  stomach.  The  peculiar  swelling  produced  is 
called  oedema  arsenicalis.  Sometimes  salivation  is  produced,  and  occasion- 
ally the  hair  and  nails  fall  off.  The  principal  preparations  now  in  use  are 
the  arsenious  acid,  the  substance  under  consideration,  and  the  solution  of 
arsenite  of  potassa,  or  Fowler’s  solution.  The  arseniates  of  potassa  and  soda 
are  also  occasionally  employed.  One  grain  of  arseniate  of  soda,  dissolved  in 
a fluidouuce  of  water,  forms  the  arsenical  solution  of  Pearson. 

It  may  be  questioned  whether  the  different  arsenical  preparations,  when 
exhibited  internally,  act  precisely  in  the  same  way.  It  is  supposed  by  some 
that  the  selection  need  only  be  regulated  by  the  convenience  of  exhibition. 
The  late  Dr.  Physick  held  a different  opinion;  for,  with  regard  to  the  ar- 
senious acid  and  the  solution  of  arsenite  of  potassa  (Fowler’s  solution),  the 
result  of  his  experience  was  that  they  act  differently,  and  cannot  be  substi- 
tuted for  each  other.  Cases  of  the  efficacy  cf  the  metal,  in  the  form  of 
Fowler’s  solution,  will  be  noticed  under  the  head  of  Liquor  Potassse  Arsen- 
itis.  For  a complete  list  of  the  diseases  in  which  arsenic  has  been  tried,  the 
reader  is  referred  to  Mr.  Hill’s  paper  in  the  Ed.  Med.  Journ.,  vols.  v.  and  vi. 

Some  writers  have  entirely  proscribed  the  use  of  the  arsenical  preparations 
in  medicine,  and  have  deprecated  their  introduction  into  the  Pharmacopoeias 
as  a great  evil,  on  the  ground  of  the  facilities  afforded,  by  legalizing  the  medi- 
cinal use  of  the  poison,  for  its  employment  in  poisonous  doses  by  mistake  or 
design.  We  confess  that  we  do  not  share  these  opinions.  Arsenic  is  a virulent 
poison,  and  is  frequently  resorted  to  for  criminal  purposes;  but,  when  it  is 
considered  how  extensively  it  is  used  in  the  arts,  it  is  questionable  whether 
its  exclusion  from  the  Materia  Medica  would  materially  lessen  the  facility  of 
obtaining  it.  On  the  other  hand  it  may  be  asked,  are  poisons  more  dangerous 
as  medicines  than  other  medicinal  substances,  if  given  in  their  appropriate 
doses  ? We  think  not;  though  we  admit  that  dangerous  mistakes  are  more 
apt  to  occur  from  their  use. 

Arsenious  acid  has  been  exhibited  in  a great  variety  of  diseases,  the  prin- 
cipal of  which  are  scirrhus  and  cancer,  especially  cancer  of  the  lip ; anomalous 
ulcers ; intermittent  fever ; chronic  rheumatism,  particularly  that  form  of 
it  attended  with  pains  in  the  bones ; diseases  of  the  bones,  especially  nodes, 
and  firm  swellings  of  the  small  joints  of  the  hands;  frontal  neuralgia;  and 
different  painful  affections  of  the  head,  known  under  the  names  of  hemicrania 
and  periodical  headache.  In  some  trials  made  with  it,  in  1850,  by  Andral, 
in  intermittent  fever,  its  ancient  reputation  in  the  cure  of  that  disease  was 
fully  confirmed.  It  was  usually  given  by  him  daily,  or  every  second  day, 
in  the  large  dose  of  between  four  and  five-tenths  of  a grain  in  solution,  ad- 
ministered in  wine,  about  five  hours  before  the  occurrence  of  the  fit.  Usually, 
nausea  was  produced  for  several  hours,  and  sometimes  vomiting.  Mr.  Henry 
Hunt,  of  Dartmouth,  England,  found  it  useful  in  mitigating  the  pain  of 
ulcerated  cancer  of  the  uterus,  and  in  menorrhagia  ; also  in  irritable  uterus, 


24 


Acidum  Arseniosum. 


part  I. 


attended  with  pain  and  hearing  down  in  the  erect  posture.  He  gave  it  in 
pill,  in  the  dose  of  a twentieth  of  a grain  three  times  a day.  In  this  dose 
the  remedy  seldom  produces  unpleasant  feelings,  and  may  he  continued  for 
three  or  four  months,  for  which  period  it  must  sometimes  he  employed,  in 
order  to  produce  the  desired  effect  on  the  uterus.  Arsenious  acid  has  been 
extolled  as  a remedy  in  certain  cutaneous  affections,  particularly  lepra.  Dr. 
Pereira  says  that  he  has  seen  it  used  in  a large  number  of  cases  of  this  dis- 
ease without  a single  failure.  It  is  thought  highly  of  by  some  in  the  treat- 
ment of  lupus,  and  of  ill-looking  sores  of  the  face,  lips,  and  tongue,  and 
sometimes  effects  a cure. 

The  external  application  of  arsenic  has  been  principally  restricted  to  can- 
cer, and  anomalous  and  malignant  ulcers,  especially  of  the  kind  denominated 
noli  me  tang  ere.  Dupuytren  was  in  the  habit  of  using  with  advantage  a 
powder,  composed  of  one  part  of  arsenious  acid  and  twenty-four  parts  of  calo- 
mel, as  a topical  application  to  herpes  exedens,  and  to  the  foul  ulcers  occur- 
ring in  those  who  have  undergone  repeated  courses  of  mercury. 

Arsenic  is  the  chief  ingredient  in  nearly  all  the  empirical  remedies  for  the 
cure  of  cancer  by  external  application.  PlunTcet’s  caustic  was  a remedy  of 
this  kind,  of  great  celebrity,  and  consisted  of  the  Ranunculus  acris  and 
Ranunculus  Flammula,  each  an  ounce,  bruised,  and  mixed  with  a drachm  of 
arsenious  acid,  and  five,  scruples  of  sulphur.  The  whole  was  beaten  into  a 
paste,  formed  into  balls,  and  dried  in  the  sun.  When  used,  these  balls  are 
rubbed  up  with  yolk  of  egg,  and  spread  on  pig’s  bladder.  The  use  of  the 
vegetable  matter  is  to  destroy  the  cuticle ; for,  unless  this  is  done,  the  arsenic 
will  not  act.  Mr.  Samuel  Cooper  thinks  that  this  caustic  was  never  of  any 
permanent  benefit  in  genuine  cancer,  but  has  effected  perfect  cures  in  some 
examples  of  lupus,  and  malignant  ulcers  of  the  lips  and  roots  of  the  nails. 
In  onychia  maligna,  Mr.  Luke,  of  London,  regards  an  ointment  composed  of 
two  grains  of  arsenious  acid  and  an  ounce  of  spermaceti  ointment  as  almost 
a specific.  (Pereira,  Mat.  Med.') 

At  Paris,  an  arsenical  paste  of  the  following  composition  is  used  as  an  ap- 
plication to  malignant  ulcers: — Red  sulphuret  of  mercury  70  parts;  dragon’s 
blood  22  parts;  arsenious  acid  8 parts.  It  is  applied,  made  up  into  a paste 
with  saliva.  The  pain  produced  by  this  composition  is  very  severe,  and  its 
application  dangerous.  The  practice  of  sprinkling  unmixed  arsenious  acid  on 
ulcers  is  properly  reprobated,  as  fraught  with  the  greatest  danger.  Mr.  S. 
Cooper  characterizes  it  as  a murderous  practice.  The  acid  may,  however,  be 
used  either  in  solution,  or  reduced  by  some  mild  ointment.  A lotion  may 
be  formed  of  eight  grains  of  arsenious  acid  and  the  same  quantity  of  carbonate 
of  potassa,  dissolved  in  four  fluidounces  of  distilled  water;  and  a cerate,  of 
half  a drachm  of  arsenious  acid  and  six  drachms  of  simple  cerate.  The 
cerate  is  sometimes  formed  of  half  this  strength.  The  lotion  is  in  effect  a 
solution  of  arsenite  of  potassa. 

Febure’s  remedy  for  cancer  consisted  of  ten  grains  of  arsenious  acid,  dis- 
solved in  a pint  of  distilled  water,  to  which  were  added  an  ounce  of  extract  of 
conium,  three  fluidounces  of  solution  of  subacetate  of  lead,  and  a fluidrachm 
of  tincture  of  opium.  With  this  the  cancer  was  washed  every  morning. 
Febure’s  formula  for  internal  exhibition  was,  arsenious  acid  two  grains,  rhu- 
barb half  an  ounce,  syrup  of  chicory,  q.  s.,  distilled  water,  a pint.  Of  this 
mixture,  a tablespoonful,  which  contained  about  the  sixteenth  of  a grain  of 
the  acid,  was  given  every  night  and  morning,  with  half  a fluidrachm  of  the 
syrup  of  poppies.  The  dose  was  gradually  increased  to  six  tablespoonfuls. 

The  average  dose  of  arsenious  acid  is  the  tenth  of  a grain,  three  times  a 
day,  given  in  the  form  of  pill.  It  is  sometimes  combined  with  opium,  which 


PART  I. 


Acidum  Arseniosum. 


25 


enables  the  stomach  to  bear  the  medicine  better.  A convenient  formula  is  to 
mix  one  grain  of  the  acid  with  ten  grains  of  sugar,  and  to  beat  the  mixture 
thoroughly  with  crumb  of  bread,  so  as  to  form  a pilular  mass,  to  be  divided 
into  ten  pills.  The  Asiatic  pills,  so  called,  consist  of  arsenious  acid  and 
black  pepper,  in  the  proportion  of  1 part  of  the  former  to  80  of  the  latter. 

Properties  of  Arsenious  Acid  as  a Poison.  Arsenious  acid,  in  an  overdose, 
administered  internally,  or  applied  externally,  acts  with  very  great  energy, 
and  generally  destroys  life  in  a short  time;  but,  in  some  rare  cases,  no  well 
marked  symptoms  are  developed  until  eight  or  nine  hours  after  the  ingestion 
of  the  poison.  The  symptoms  it  produces  are  an  austere  taste ; fetid  state 
of  the  mouth;  frequent  ptyalism;  continual  hawking;  constriction  of  the 
pharynx  and  oesophagus;  the  sensation  of  the  teeth  being  on  edge;  hickup; 
nausea;  anxiety;  frequent  sinkings;  burning  pain  at  the  praecordia ; inflam- 
mation of  the  lips,  tongue,  palate,  throat,  bronchi,  and  oesophagus;  irritable 
stomach,  so  as  not  to  be  able  to  support  the  blandest  drinks ; vomiting  of 
matters,  sometimes  brown,  at  other  times  bloody ; black,  horribly  fetid 
stools ; small,  frequent,  concentrated,  and  irregular  pulse,  but  occasionally 
slow  and  unequal ; palpitations ; syncope ; insatiable  thirst ; burning  heat 
over  the  whole  body,  or  a sensation  of  icy  coldness;  difficult  respiration; 
cold  sweats;  suppression  of  urine;  scanty,  red,  bloody,  and  sometimes  albu- 
minous urine ; change  in  the  countenance ; a livid  circle  round  the  eyelids  ; 
swelling  and  itching  of  the  body ; livid  spots  over  the  surface,  and  occasion- 
ally a miliary  eruption  ; prostration  of  strength  ; loss  of  feeling,  especially 
in  the  feet  and  hands;  deliritfm;  convulsions,  often  accompanied  with  insup- 
portable priapism ; falling  off  of  the  hair,  detachment  of  the  cuticle,  &c. 
Sometimes  there  exist  inflammation  and  burning  pain  in  the  urino-genital 
organs.  It  is  very  rare  to  observe  all  these  symptoms  in  the  same 
individual.  Sometimes,  indeed,  they  are  nearly  all  wanting,  death  taking 
place  without  any  pain  or  prominent  symptom.  Occasionally  the  symptoms 
have  a perfect  resemblance  to  those  of  Asiatic  cholera,  in  the  stage  of  col- 
lapse. After  death,  the  morbid  appearances  are  various.  In  some  cases, 
no  vestige  of  lesion  can  be  discovered.  The  appearances,  however,  in  the 
generality  of  cases,  are  the  following.  The  mouth,  stomach,  and  intestines 
are  inflamed  ; the  stomach  and  duodenum  exhibit  spots  resembling  eschars, 
and  perforations  of  all  their  coats ; and  the  villous  coat  of  the  former  is  in 
a manner  destroyed,  and  reduced  to  the  consistence  of  a reddish-brown 
pulp.  In  cases  of  recovery,  it  has  been  a question  how  long  it  takes  for  the 
poison  to  be  eliminated  from  the  system.  In  a case,  reported  by  Dr.  D. 
Maclagan,  in  which  about  two  drachms  of  the  poison  were  swallowed,  and 
in  which  magnesia  was  used  successfully  as  an  antidote,  arsenic  was  detected 
in  the  urine  by  Marsh’s  test  as  late  as  the  twentieth  day.  (Ed.  Monthly 
Journ.  of  Med.  Sci.  for  Feb.  1852.) 

In  view  of  the  numerous  accidents  and  crimes,  caused  by  the  use  of  arseni- 
ous acid,  its  sale  should  be  regulated  bylaw  in  all  the  States  of  the  Union. 
In  1851,  an  act  for  this  purpose  was  passed  by  the  British  Parliament. 

Dr.  Christison  divides  the  poisonous  effects  of  arsenious  acid  into  three 
orders  of  cases,  according  to  the  character  and  violence  of  the  symptoms.  In 
the  first  order,  the  poison  produces  symptoms  of  irritation  and  inflammation 
along  the  course  of  the  alimentary  canal,  and  commonly  kills  in  from  one  to 
three  days.  In  the  second,  the  signs  of  inflammation  are  moderate,  or  even 
altogether  wanting,  and  death  occurs  in  five  or  six  hours,  at  a period  too  early 
for  inflammation  to  be  always  fully  developed.  In  the  third  order  of  cases, 
two  stages  occur,  one  in  which  inflammatory  symptoms  are  developed,  as  in 
the  first  order;  the  other,  marked  by  symptoms  referable  to  nervous  irritation, 


Acidum  Arseniosum. 


PAKT  I. 


26 

such  as  imperfect  palsy  of  the  arms  or  legs,  epilepsy,  tetanus,  hysterical  affec- 
tions, mania,  and  coma.  It  is  a general  character  of  this  poison  to  induce 
inflammation  of  the  stomach  in  almost  all  instances,  provided  death  does  not 
take  place  immediately,  whatever  be  the  part  to  which  it  is  applied.  Thus 
the  poison,  when  applied  to  a fresh  wound,  will  give  rise  to  the  same  morbid 
appearances  in  the  stomach  and  intestines,  as  when  it  is  swallowed.  In  some 
cases,  observed  by  Drs.  Mall  and  Bailie,  the  rectum  was  much  inflamed,  while 
the  colon  and  small  intestines  escaped. 

The  precise  rank  which  should  be  assigned,  in  the  scale  of  poisons,  to 
arsenious  acid  when  applied  externally,  is  still  undetermined.  One  set  of 
observers  contend  that  its  external  application  is  not  attended  with  great 
danger ; while  another  party  conceives  that  it  acts  as  a virulent  poison. 
Hunter,  Sir  Bverard  Home,  Joeger,  Brodie,  Dr.  Campbell,  of  Edinburgh, 
Smith,  and  Orfila,  have  all  adduced  experiments  on  the  inferior  animals,  which 
prove  that  arsenious  acid,  inserted  into  a recent  wound,  causes  death  after  a 
longer  or  shorter  period.  Indeed,  some  observations  go  to  prove  that  its 
poisonous  effects  are  developed  by  a smaller  amount,  used  in  this  way,  than 
when  taken  into  the  stomach.  Nor  are  there  wanting  many  well  authenticated 
facts  of  its  deleterious  effects,  externally  applied,  on  the  human  constitution. 
Roux  reports  the  case  of  a young  woman  under  his  care,  whose  death  was 
caused,  after  agonizing  sufferings,  by  the  application  of  an  arsenical  paste  to 
a cancerous  breast.  A case  is  related  of  death  from  the  application  of  an 
arsenical  paste  to  a soft  tumour  of  the  temple ; the  poisonous  effects  on  the 
system  at  large  being  the  cause  of  the  fatal  result.  (. Archives  Generates,  ii. 
230.)  Sir  Astley  Cooper,  in  his  lectures,  bears  testimony  to  the  dangerous 
effects  of  arsenic,  externally  applied.  On  the  other  hand,  some  writers  assert 
the  safety  of  the  external  application  of  this  poison.  Mr.  Blackadder  applied 
it  in  large  quantities  to  sores,  and  never  witnessed  a single  instance  in  which 
it  acted  constitutionally.  The  late  Dr.  Randolph,  of  this  city,  stated  that 
Dr.  Physick  frequently  and  successfully  employed  arsenic  by  external  appli- 
cation, without  its  being  productive  of  the  injurious  consequences  which  have 
been  attributed  to  it.  (North  Amer.  Med.  and  Surg.  Journ.,  v.  257.)  In 
weighing  such  conflicting  testimony,  we  are  constrained  to  believe  that  the 
circumstances  of  the  different  experiments  and  observations  must  have  been 
different;  and  we  think  that  the  observations  of  Blackadder  and  Harles  show 
in  what  this  difference  consists.  It  seems  to  depend  entirely  on  the  circum- 
stances of  the  application,  as  being  favourable  or  otherwise  to  absorption. 
Blackadder  attributes  his  very  success  to  the  large  quantities  of  the  arsenic 
which  he  employs,  and  which,  he  contends,  kills  the -part  without  being  ab- 
sorbed; and  this  is  probably  the  fact.  Harles’s  observations  may  be  explained 
on  the  same  principle.  He  contended  that  the  outward  application  of  arsenic 
is  comparatively  safe  to  ulcers,  either  common  or  malignant;  but  is  dangerous 
to  parts  recently  wounded  and  pouring  out  blood.  Here  the  difference  would 
seem  to  consist  in  the  greater  liability  to  absorption  in  the  latter  than  in  the 
former  case.  The  very  dilution  caused  by  the  blood  may  be  an  efficient  pro- 
moter of  absorption;  for  the  experiments  of  Dr.  Campbell  show  that  arsenic- 
acts  with  more  energy  when  dissolved  in  water,  than  when  in  the  solid  state. 
The  case  in  which  Dr.  Randolph  employed  this  mineral,  by  the  advice  of  Dr. 
Physick,  was  one  of  ulcerated  scrotum,  in  which  it  acted  by  producing  the 
death  of  the  diseased  part,  a state  evidently  unfavourable  to  absorption. 
The  formula  employed  was  one  part  of  arsenious  acid  to  five  of  sublimed 
sulphur. 

Arsenious  acid,  when  it  produces  the  death  of  a part,  does  not  act,  strictly 
speaking,  as  an  escharotie.  According  to  Liebig  and  other  physiologists, 


PART  I. 


Aciduvi  Arseniosum. 


it  destroys  the  vitality  of  the  organized  structure,  by  entering  into  combina- 
tion with  it.  The  true  escharotic  produces  the  decomposition  of  the  part  to 
which  it  is  applied,  a state  incompatible  with  life. 

Upon  the  whole,  new  facts  are  wanting  to  clear  up  this  difficult  subject. 
Judging  from  the  lights  we  possess,  the  external  application  of  arsenious  acid, 
in  case  it  is  absorbed,  is  attended  with  very  great  danger;  and  the  conditions 
of  a part,  and  of  the  system  at  large,  favourable  or  otherwise  to  absorption, 
are  too  little  understood,  to  make  it  warrantable  to  use  this  poison  externally 
without  the  greatest  caution. 

Treatment  of  Poisoning  by  Arsenious  Acid.  Before  the  antidote,  to  be 
mentioned  presently,  can  be  obtained,  the  poison  should  be  dislodged  as  far 
as  possible  by  free  vomiting,  induced  by  the  finger,  the  feather  part  of  a quill, 
and  the  administration  of  an  emetic  of  sulphate  of  copper,  or  sulphate  of  zinc. 
The  same  object  is  promoted  by  the  use  of  the  stomach-pump.  Demulcent 
drinks  should  at  the  same  time  be  freely  given,  such  as  milk,  white  of  eggs 
and  water,  or  flour  and  water,  which  serve  to  encourage  the  vomiting  and 
envelope  the  poison. 

The  antidote  above  referred  to  is  the  hydrated  sesquioxide  (peroxide)  of 
iron  in  the  moist  or  pulpy  state.  As  soon  as  it  is  ready,  it  must  be  given  in 
doses  of  a tablespoonful  to  an  adult,  of  a dessertspoonful  to  children,  every 
five  or  ten  minutes,  until  the  urgent  symptoms  are  relieved.  It  is  calculated 
that  the  quantity  taken  should  be  at  least  twelve  times  the  supposed  amount 
of  the  poison  swallowed ; but,  as  the  antidote  is  perfectly  innocent,  it  is  pru- 
dent to  give  it  in  larger  quantities.  According  to  the  experiments  of  E. 
Riegel,  one  part  of  arsenious  acid  in  solution  is  so  fully  precipitated  by  ten 
of  the  dry  oxide,  that,  after  its  action,  not  a trace  of  the  poison  can  be  de- 
tected, even  by  Marsh’s  test.  ( Ghem.  Gaz.,  Aug.  1,  1847.)  Its  efficacy  is 
of  course  greater,  the  sooner  it  is  administered  after  the  ingestion  of  the 
poison ; but,  even  after  delay,  its  use  will  prove  advantageous,  so  long  as 
there  is  reason  to  believe  that  a portion  of  the  poison  still  remains  in  th< 
stomach.  The  antidote  acts  by  producing  with  the  poison,  by  a transfer  o 
oxygen  from  the  oxide  to  the  acid,  an  insoluble,  and  therefore  inert,  sub- 
arseniate  of  protoxide  of  iron  (•2Fe203andAs03=4Fe0,As05).  The  manner 
of  preparing  the  antidote  will  be  given  under  another  head.  (See  Ferri. 
Oxidum  Hydratum,  U.  S.)  It  should  be  kept  by  all  apothecaries  ready 
for  use. 

This  antidote  for  arsenious  acid  was  discovered  by  Drs.  Bunsen  and  Ber- 
tholcl,  of  Gottingen,  in  1884;  and  its  efficacy  has  been  abundantly  confirmed 
by  experiments  on  inferior  animals,  and  by  its  successful  application  to  nume- 
rous cases  of  poisoning  in  the  human  subject.  Among  others,  the.  reader  is 
referred  to  the  following: — 1.  The  case  of  M.  Blondel,  in  which  two  drachms 
of  arsenic  had  been  swallowed.  (Amer.  Journ.  of  Pharm. , new  series,  i.  850, 
from  the  Journ.  de  Chim.  Mecl.)  2.  Two  cases  treated  by  Dr.  Buzorini. 
(. French  Lancet,  Nov.  17,  1835.)  3.  A case  reported  by  Mr.  John  Bob- 
son,  in  which  more  than  a drachm  and  a half  of  the  poison  had  been  swal- 
lowed, and  the  antidote  was  not  administered  until  two  hours  after  the  poison 
had  been  taken.  In  the  last-mentioned  case,  about  an  hour  after  the  ingestion 
of  the  poison,  the  stomach-pump  was  used,  but  unsuccessfully,  on  account  of 
the  instrument  becoming  choked  with  the  remains  of  food.  ( Amer.  Journ.  of 
the  Med.  Sci.,  xx.  522,  from  the  London  Med.  Gazette,  Nov.  5, 1836.)  4.  Case 
related  by  Dr.  Thomas,  of  Baltimore,  in  which  twenty  grains  of  the  poison 
had  been  swallowed.  {Amer.  Med.  Library  and  Intelligencer,  ii.  205.)  5.  Case 
of  Dr.  Macdonald  in  the  Neie  York  Journ.  of  Medicine  and  Surgery,  ii.  205. 
6.  Case  reported  by  Dr.  Gerhard.  (Med.  Exam.,  iii.  250.)  7.  Cases  related 


28 


Aciduin  Arseniosum. 


PART  I. 


by  Drs.  Smiley  and  Wallace,  of  this  city.  Eight  persons  in  one  family  were 
poisoned,  of  whom  six  recovered  and  two  died.  In  the  fatal  cases,  the  patients 
could  not  retain  the  antidote.  {Med.  Exam.,  iii.  679.) 

Several  valuable  observations  have  been  latterly  made  in  relation  to  the 
antidotal  powers  of  the  different  oxides  of  iron,  and  the  circumstances  which 
influence  their  efficacy.  The  forms  of  oxide  experimented  with  are  the  anhy- 
drous sesquioxide  (colcothar),  the  dry  hydrated  sesquioxide  (rust  of  iron,  and 
the  subcarbonate  of  iron  of  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia,  which  are  both  essen- 
tially hydrated  oxides),  the  hydrated  oxide  in  the  state  of  pulp  or  magma, 
and  the  same  oxide  kept  under  a stratum  of  water.  Orfila  has  shown  that 
colcothar  is  without  effect,  because  it  does  not  combine  with  the  arsenious 
acid.  Dr.  Yon  Specz,  of  Vienna,  has  proved  that  rust  of  iron  acts  as  an 
antidote  to  arsenious  acid ; but,  as  it  is  much  less  powerful  than  the  pulpy 
hydrate,  it  should  be  used  only  in  the  absence  of  the  latter,  and  until  it  can 
be  procured.  Orfila  agrees  with  Yon  Specz  as  to  the  degree  of  efficacy  of 
the  rust,  and  attributes  its  inferior  power  to  its  inability  completely  to  neu- 
tralize the  arsenious  acid.  According  to  the  French  toxicologist,  it  forms 
with  the  acid  a subsalt  which  is  poisonous,  though  much  less  so  than  the 
free  arsenious  acid.  All  the  best  authorities  unite  in  considering  the  hydrated 
oxide  in  the  state  of  pulp  or  magma  to  be  the  best  form  of  the  antidote ; 
but  opinions  are  divided  as  to  the  necessity  of  its  being  freshly  prepared  as 
well  as  moist,  and  as  to  the  relative  advantage  of  much  or  little  water,  to 
maintain  it  in  the  moist  state.  An  able  paper,  published  by  Prof.  William 
Procter,  jun.,  of  this  city,  appears  to  have  settled  these  disputed  points. 
( Amer . Journ.  of  Pharmacy,  xiv.  29,  April,  1842.)  He  has  proved  that 
the  moist  oxide  gradually  decreases  in  its  power  of  neutralizing  arsenious 
acid,  the  longer  it  is  kept ; and  that  this  decrease  in  power  is  more  rapid  in 
the  oxide,  when  mixed  with  much  water,  than  when  in  the  form  of  a thick 
magma.  The  cause  of  this  diminution  of  neutralizing  power,  on  the  part  of 
the  moist  oxide  by  being  kept,  is  explained  by  the  experiments  of  G-.  C. 
Wittstein.  This  chemist  finds  that  the  hydrated  oxide  of  iron,  recently  pre- 
cipitated, dissolves  readily  in  acetic  and  other  vegetable  acids  in  the  cold, 
but  becomes  nearly  insoluble  when  kept  for  some  time  under  water.  This 
change  in  solubility  is  attributed  by  Wittstein  to  two  causes,  the  gradual 
change  of  the  oxide  from  the  amorphous  to  the  crystalline  state,  and  its  par- 
tial dehydration  ; for,  after  being  kept  a long  time,  the  oxide  loses  half  its 
water.  From  these  considerations,  Wittstein  prefers  the  more  recent  oxide 
as  an  antidote  for  arsenic,  and  recommends  that  the  preparation  should  be 
re-made  every  six  months  or  year,  by  dissolving  the  old  oxide  in  muriatic 
acid,  and  re-precipitating  with  ammonia.  {Journ.  cle  Pharm.,  Fev.  1847, 
from  Buchner’s  Report.,  xliii.  366.)  In  the  latter  remarks,  Wittstein  has 
only  confirmed  what  had  been  previously  observed  by  Procter. 

It  follows  from  the  above  facts  and  observations,  that  the  forms  of  sesqui- 
oxide of  iron  are  efficacious  as  antidotes  to  arsenic  in  the  following  order, 
beginning  with  the  one  having  the  least  power  : — 1,  dry  hydrated  oxide ; 2, 
hydrated  oxide,  long  kept  and  mixed  with  much  water;  3,  the  same,  long 
kept,  and  in  the  form  of  a thick  magma;  4,  the  same  just  precipitated  and 
still  pulpy.  The  form  of  antidote  which  can  be  obtained  first  must  be  used 
first,  although  not  the  best,  and  may  be  replaced  by  a better  as  soon  as  it 
can  be  procured.  The  apothecary  should,  therefore,  always  keep  the  oxide 
in  the  form  of  thick  magma,  and  be  prepared,  at  a moment’s  warning,  to 
make  the  antidote.  When  applied  to  for  it,  he  must  instantly  furnish  the 
magma,  or,  if  unprovided  with  this,  the  rust  or  precipitated  subcarbonate, 
and  immediately  proceed  to  prepare  the  antidote,  which  may  be  done  in  ten 


PART  I. 


Acidum  Arseniosum. 


29 


or  fifteen  minutes,  if  the  proper  solutions  are  always  kept  ready  for  effecting 
the  precipitation.  (See  Ferri  Oxidum  Ilydratum.) 

The  antidote  having  been  faithfully  applied,  the  subsequent  treatment 
consists  in  the  administration  of  mucilaginous  drinks.  Should  the  patient 
survive  long  enough  for  inflammatory  symptoms  to  arise,  these  must  be  com- 
bated on  general  principles.  Accordingly,  venesection  and  leeches  may  be- 
come necessary ; and,  in  the  course  of  the  treatment,  emollient  enemata, 
antispasmodics,  and  narcotics  will  often  prove  useful  in  mitigating  pain  and 
allaying  nervous  irritation.  Convalescence  is  generally  long  and  distressing; 
and  hence  it  is  of  the  greatest  importance  to  attend  to  the  diet,  which  should 
consist  exclusively  of  milk,  gruel,  cream,  rice,  and  similar  bland  articles. 

Bussy  has  proposed  light  magnesia,  or  the  kind  which  has  not  been  too 
strongly  calcined,  as  well  as  recently  precipitated  gelatinous  magnesia,  as  an 
antidote  for  arsenious  acid ; and  a case  is  given  by  him  in  which  it  proved 
efficacious.  ( Journ . de  Pharm.,  x.  81.)  The  dense  kind  has  very  little  effi- 
cacy. Dr.  Ohristison  also  saw  a case  in  which  this  antidote  seemed  very 
serviceable.  A successful  case  is  also  reported  by  Cadet-de-Gfassicourt 
[Journ.  de  Pliarm.,  Mars,  1848);  and  another  by  Dr.  E.  Bissel,  of  Norwalk, 
Conn.  [Am.  Journ.  of  Med.  Pci.  for  July,  1848.)  For  the  full  precipita- 
tion of  arsenious  acid,  eighteen  times  its  weight  of  anhydrous  magnesia  are  re- 
quired. [E.  Riegel. ) Like  the  sesquioxide  of  iron,  the  magnesian  antidote 
is  conveniently  kept,  in  a pulpy  state,  in  stoppered  bottles  under  water.  M. 
Sckroff  has  made  some  experiments  on  rabbits,  to  determine  the  comparative 
efficacy,  as  antidotes,  of  the  sesquioxide  and  magnesia,  and  gives  the  prefer- 
ence to  the  latter.  For  the  salts  of  the  acids  of  arsenic,  the  subaeetate  of  the 
sesquioxide  of  iron  has  been  suggested  as  an  antidote  by  Duflos.  In  poison- 
ing by  these  salts,  the  sesquioxide  is  said  to  be  without  effect. 

Reagents  for  detecting  Arsenious  Acid.  As  arsenic  is  so  frequently  em- 
ployed for  criminal  purposes,  it  becomes  important  to  detect  its  presence  in 
medico-legal  investigations.  The  tests  for  it  may  be  divided  into,  1st,  those 
which  indicate  indirectly  its  presence ; and  2d,  those  which  demonstrate  its 
presence  incontestably,  by  bringing  it  to  the  metallic  state.  The  former 
embrace  all  the  liquid  reagents,  so  called  ; the  latter,  the  different  processes 
for  metallization. 

The  most  characteristic  reagents,  according  to  Dr.  Christison,  are  sul- 
phuretted hydrogen,  ammoniacal  nitrate  of  silver,  and  ammoniacal  sidphate 
of  copper.  In  the  opinion  of  that  writer,  the  concurrent  indications  of  these 
three  tests  are  all-sufficient  for  detecting,  in  an  infallible  manner,  the  pre- 
sence of  arsenious  acid ; but  we  think  that,  in  questions  involving  life,  the 
metallization  of  the  poison  should  never  be  omitted. 

In  using  sulphuretted  hydrogen,  the  solution  must  be  neutral.  An  excess 
of  alkali  may  be  neutralized  with  acetic  acid;  and  an  excess  of  nitric" Or  sul- 
phuric acid  by  potassa.  A slight  excess  of  acetic  acid  is  not  hurtful,  but 
rather  favours  the  subsidence  of  the  precipitate,  which  is  the  tersulphuret  of 
arsenic.  According  to  Dr.  Christison,  this  test  is  so  exceedingly  delicate, 
that  it  detects  the  poison  when  dissolved  in  one  hundred  thousand  parts  of 
water.  The  colour  it  produces  is  lemon  or  sulphur-yellow ; but  the  presence 
of  vegetable  or  animal  matter  commonly  gives  it  a whitish  or  brownish  tint. 
Some  medical  jurists  recommend  the  use  of  sulphuretted  hydrogen  water; 
but  the  gas  is  far  preferable.  It  can  be  applied  with  much  convenience  by 
using  one  of  Dr.  Hare’s  self-regulating  gas  generators. 

The  ammoniacal  sulphate  of  copper  is  a test  of  very  great  delicacy.  The 
precipitate  occasioned  by  it  is  the  arsenite  of  copper,  of  an  apple-green  or 


30 


Acidum  Arseniosum. 


PART  i. 


grass-green  colour.  Its  operation  is  prevented  by  muriatic,  nitric,  sulphuric, 
acetic,  citric,  and  tartaric  acids  in  excess ; as  also  by  ammonia. 

Of  the  three  tests  mentioned,  perhaps  sulphuretted  hydrogen  is  the  most 
delicate  ; and  it  has  the  advantage  of  yielding  a precipitate  eligible  for  sub- 
sequent reduction.  But  they  are  all  liable  to  the  objection  of  being  obscured 
in  their  indications,  where  the  amount  of  poison  is  minute,  by  the  presence  of 
organic  principles ; a complication  constituting  the  most  difficult  problem  that 
can  be  presented  to  the  attention  of  the  medical  jurist.  As  this  case  includes 
all  others  of  more  easy  solution,  we  shall  suppose  it  to  occur,  and  shall  indi- 
cate the  steps  which  are  to  be  pursued. 

Having  obtained  general  indications  of  the  presence  of  arsenic,  the  first 
step  will  be  to  separate  the  organic  matters ; the  second,  to  throw  down  the 
arsenic  by  means  of  sulphuretted  hydrogen ; and  the  third,  to  reduce  the 
precipitate  obtained  to  the  metallic  state. 

The  following  are  the  directions  given  by  Dr.  Christison  for  separating  the 
organic  principles.  Boil  the  suspected  matter  with  distilled  water  for  half 
an  hour,  and  filter,  first  through  gauze  to  separate  the  coarser  particles,  and 
afterwards  through  paper.  To  the  transparent  solution  thus  obtained,  add 
acetic  acid,  which  will  coagulate  some  animal  principles.  To  ascertain 
whether  the  solution  has  been  sufficiently  freed  from  animal  matter  by  this 
measure,  neutralize  with  ammonia,  and  test  a small  portion  of  it  with  the 
ammoniacal  nitrate  of  silver.  If  this  gives  a characteristic  precipitate,  the 
solution  is  sufficiently  deprived  of  animal  matter;  if  not,  another  measure 
must  be  adopted  to  separate  it.  This  consists  in  first  rendering  the  solution 
neutral  or  slightly  alkaline,  next  faintly  acidulating  with  muriatic  acid,  and 
then  adding  an  excess  of  nitrate  of  silver.  This  salt  precipitates  the  animal 
matter  in  combination  with  oxide  of  silver.  After  this  step,  the  excess  of 
silver  is  thrown  down  by  a slight  excess  of  chloride  of  sodium,  and  the  solu- 
tion filtered. 

The  solution  having  in  this  manner  been  disembarrassed  of  organic  matter, 
the  free  nitric  acid  is  neutralized  by  potassa  in  slight  excess,  and  the  solution 
acidulated  with  acetic  acid.  A stream  of  sulphuretted  hydrogen  is  then 
passed  through  it,  which  will  throw  down  the  arsenic  as  the  tersulphuret. 
If  the  proportion  of  arsenic  be  very  small,  a yellowishness  only  will  be  pro- 
duced, owing  to  the  precipitate  being  soluble  in  an  excess  of  the  precipitant. 
In  this  case  it  is  necessary  to  boil,  to  drive  off  the  excess  of  sulphuretted 
hydrogen.  The  precipitate  is  then  collected  and  dried.  If  it  be  very 
minute,  it  must  be  allowed  to  subside,  and,  the  clear  liquid  having  been  with- 
drawn, the  remainder  is  to  be  poured  upon  a filter.  After  filtration,  the 
precipitate  is  washed  down  to  the  bottom  of  the  filter,  by  means  of  the  pipette, 
an  instrument  employed  for  washing  scanty  precipitates.  The  filter  is  then 
gently  pressed  between  folds  of  bibulous  paper,  and  the  precipitate  removed 
with  the  point  of  a knife  before  it  dries,  ancl  then  dried  in  little  masses  on  a 
watch-glass.  In  this  manner,  Dr.  Christison  states  that  it  is  easy  to  collect 
a portion  of  the  tersulphuret  so  small  as  the  twenty-fifth  part  of  a grain. 
When  the  precipitate  is  small  and  not  easily  separated,  Devergie  recommends 
to  dissolve  it  in  a small  quantity  of  ammonia,  to  filter  the  solution,  and  then 
evaporate  it  in  a watch-glass,  when  the  tersulphuret  will  be  left.  The  pre- 
cipitate is  then  to  be  reduced  by  means  of  a flux,  which  this  author  recom- 
mends to  consist  of  two  parts  of  ignited  carbonate  of  soda  and  one  of  char- 
coal, as  preferable  to  black  flux.  The  best  flux  for  arsenious  acid  is  freshly 
ignited  charcoal. 

Some  years  ago,  it  occurred  to  Dr.  Clarke,  of  Aberdeen,  that  arsenic  might 
be  separated  and  detected  by  taking  advantage  of  the  volatility  of  its  chloride. 


PART  I. 


Acidum  Arseniosum. 


31 


Following  up  this  idea,  Dr.  Andrew  Fyfe,  of  Aberdeen,  has  applied  it  to  the 
separation  of  arsenic  when  mixed  with  organic  matter.  For  this  purpose, 
he  heats  the  arsenical  liquid  with  sulphuric  acid  in  a flask,  to  which  a bent 
tube  and  cooled  receiver  are  adapted.  When  the  mixture  is  brought  to 
the  boiling  point,  a little  dried  sea-salt  is  added,  the  receiver  is  connected, 
and  the  distillation  is  continued  for  some  time.  Hydrochloric  acid  is  evolved, 
which,  by  reacting  with  the  arsenious  acid,  produces  terchloride  of  arsenic, 
which  distils  over  free  from  organic  matter.  The  terchloride  of  arsenic  is 
then  to  be  precipitated  by  a stream  of  sulphuretted  hydrogen,  to  obtain  the 
yellow  tersulphuret  of  arsenic.  ( Philos . Mag.,  4th  series,  ii.  487.) 

The  general  formula  for  reduction  is  as  follows.  The  operation  is  per- 
formed in  a small  glass  tube.  If  the  matter  to  be  operated  on  is  small,  it  is 
introduced  to  the  bottom  of  the  tube,  and  then  a little  of  the  flux  is  added  to 
cover  it,  care  being  taken  that  the  materials  are  conducted  to  the  place  they 
are  to  occupy,  by  means  of  a small  glass  funnel  with  a slender  stem,  without 
soiling  the  empty  part  of  the  tube.  The  heat  is  applied  by  means  of  a spirit 
lamp,  the  upper  part  of  the  material  being  first  heated  with  a small  flame, 
and  afterwards  the  lower  part  with  a larger  flame.  A little  water,  disengaged 
at  first,  should  be  removed  by  a roll  of  filtering  paper,  before  sufficient  heat 
has  been  applied  to  sublime  the  metal.  When  the  dark  crust  begins  to  form, 
the  tube  should  be  held  quite  steady,  and  in  the  same  part  of  the  flame. 
This  crust  is  the  metallic  arsenic,  having  the  surface  next  the  tube  resplendent 
and  polished,  and  the  interior  surface  crystalline.  Its  characters  are  quite 
distinct,  even  when  it  does  not  amount  to  more  than  the  three-hundredth 
part  of  a grain.  If  any  doubt  should  be  felt  as  to  the  nature  of  the  crust,  it 
may  be  driven  up  and  down  the  tube,  so  as  to  convert  it  into  sparkling  octo- 
hedral  crystals  of  arsenious  acid,  the  triangular  facets  of  which  may  be  seen 
with  a magnifying  glass.  Finally,  the  crystals  may  be  dissolved  in  a drop 
or  two  of  distilled  water,  and  the  solution  will  react  characteristically  with 
the  liquid  tests. 

Another  method  of  testing  for  arsenic  has  been  proposed  by  Mr.  Marsh. 
(Edin.  New.  Phil.  Jouvn.  for  Oct.  1836.)  It  consists  in  taking  advantage 
of  the  power,  which  nascent  hydrogen  possesses,  of  decomposing  the  acids  of 
arsenic,  with  the  result  of  forming  water  and  arseniuretted  hydrogen.  The 
liquid  from  the  stomach,  or  obtained  from  its  contents  by  boiling  water,  is 
mixed  with  some  dilute  sulphuric  acid,  and  placed  in  a self-regulating  gene- 
rator of  hydrogen,  in  which  a piece  of  zinc  is  suspended.  The  materials  are 
here  present  for  the  production  of  hydrogen;  but  if  the  liquid  from  the  sto- 
mach contain  arsenic,  the  nascent  hydrogen  will  combine  with  the  metal,  and 
the  nature  of  the  compound  gas  formed  may  be  ascertained  by  burning  a jet 
of  it  from  a fine  jet-pipe  connected  with  the  generator.  The  flame  will  have 
a characteristic  blue  colour,  and,  by  holding  a porcelain  plate  over  it,  a thin 
film  of  metallic  arsenic  will  be  deposited.  Liebig  and  Mohr  bear  testimony 
to  the  delicacy  of  this  test ; but,  to  remove  every  source  of  fallacy,  it  is  neces- 
sary to  be  sure  of  the  purity  of  the  apparatus  by  a preliminary  trial  of  the 
hydrogen,  before  the  suspected  liquid  is  added;  as  zinc  and  sulphuric  acid 
are  both  liable  to  contain  a minute  proportion  of  arsenic.  The  pieces  of  zinc 
employed  should  be  changed  after  every  experiment.  A modification  of 
Marsh’s  apparatus,  which  is  praised  by  Berzelius  for  the  certainty  and  dis- 
tinctness of  its  results,  is  figured  in  the  54th  No.  of  the  Chem.  Gazette. 

Marsh’s  test  has  been  objected  to  by  Mr.  L.  Thompson,  who  alleges  that 
antimony  forms  a compound  with  hydrogen,  very  similar  to  arseniuretted 
hydrogen,  both  in  the  colour  of  its  flame,  and  in  the  metallic  spot  which  it 
deposits  during  combustion  on  cold  surfaces.  Still,  the  two  metals  may  be 


82 


Acidum  Arseniosum. — Acidum  Citricum. 


PART  I. 


discriminated  by  acting  on  tbe  metallic  spot  with  a drop  or  two  of  fuming 
nitric  acid,  with  the  aid  of  heat.  Arsenic  will  thus  be  converted  into  soluble 
arsenic  acid,  prec-ipitable  brick-red  by  nitrate  of  silver;  antimony,  on  the 
other  hand,  into  insoluble  antimonic  acid.  Another  way  of  distinguishing 
them,  is  to  apply  to  them  a solution  of  hypochlorite  of  soda,  which  instantly 
dissolves  the  arsenical  spots,  without  affecting  those  of  antimony. 

Another  mode  of  discriminating  between  arsenical  and  antimonial  crusts  or 
spots,  dependent  on  the  difference  of  temperature  at  which  the  two  metals 
are  sublimed,  has  been  recently  proposed  by  Dr.  D.  Maclagan,  of  Edinburgh. 
It  consists  in  subjecting  the  metallic  spot  to  about  the  temperature  of  500°, 
by  means  of  a bath  of  olive  oil ; when  it  will  be  totally  volatilized,  if  arsenic, 
but  remain  unchanged,  if  antimony.  ( Ed . Month.  Jowrn .,  Nov.  1848.) 

Professor  Reinsch  has  proposed  a new  method  for  detecting  arsenic  in 
organic  liquids,  which  is  praised  by  Dr.  Christison  as  having  the  advantage 
of  leaving  none  of  the  metal  in  the  subject  of  analysis,  It  also  has  the  merit 
of  facility  and  celerity.  It  consists  in  acidulating  the  suspected  liquid  with 
muriatic  acid,  and  boiling  in  it,  for  ten  minutes,  a slip  of  copper  foil,  on  which 
the  arsenic  is  deposited  as  a white  alloy;  and  then  separating  it  in  the  state 
of  arsenious  acid,  by  subjecting  the  copper,  cut  into  small  chips,  to  a low  red 
heat  in  the  bottom  of  a small  glass  tube.  The  peculiar  crystalline  appearance 
of  arsenious  acid,  mentioned  in  the  last  page,  is'  conclusive  of  its  presence. 
The  form  of  copper,  preferred  by  Dr.  Maclagan,  is  that  of  copper  wire,  No. 
24,  made  bright  by  being  rubbed  with  sand-paper,  and  rolled  into  a loose 
spiral,  about  an  inch  long,  by  being  twisted  round  a small  pencil.  In  this 
form,  the  copper  is  easily  removed  from  the  organic  mixture,  and  affords  an 
extensive  surface  for  the  deposition  of  the  arsenic.  The  merit  of  Reinsch’s 
test  is  not  that  it  gives  a characteristic  deposit  on  the  copper;  for  bismuth, 
tin,  zinc,  and  antimony  give  a similar  deposit ; but  that  the  copper  collects 
all  the  arsenic  from  the  organic  liquid,  and  presents  it  in  a convenient  form 
for  applying  the  liquid  and  subliming  tests. 

It  has  been  shown  by  MM.  Malaguti  and  Sarzeau  that,  for  the  detection 
of  minute  quantities  of  arsenic  in  the  viscera  of  exhumed  bodies,  the  best 
method  of  proceeding  is  to  distil  them  with  aqua  regia,  made  by  mixing  one 
part  of  nitric  with  three  of  hydrochloric  acid.  The  animal  matter  (the  liver 
for  example),  cut  into  small  pieces,  is  dried  by  a gentle  heat,  and  mixed 
with  a quantity  of  the  aqua  regia,  equal  to  the  weight  of  the  matter  before 
being  dried.  The  mixture  is  distilled,  and  the  arsenic,  if  pi'esent,  comes 
over  in  the  form  of  the  volatile  terchloride,  which  may  be  converted  into  the 
tersulphuret  in  the  usual  manner.  ( Journ . de  Pharm.,  xxiii.  27,  Jan.  1853.) 

Off.  Prep.  Acidum  Arseniosum  Purum;  Arsenicum  Purum;  Liquor  Ar- 
senici  Chloridi ; Liquqr  Potassas  Arsenitis.  B. 

ACIDUM  CITRICUM.  U.  S.,  Loncl.,  Ed.,  Dub. 

Citric  Acid. 

Acidum  limonis,  Lat. ; Acide  citrique,  Ft.  ; Citroneusaure,  Germ. ; Acido  citrico, 
Ital.,  Span.  ■ 

Citric  acid  is  the  peculiar  acid  to  which  limes  and  lemons  owe  their  sour- 
ness. It  is  present  also  in  the  juice  of  other  fruits ; such  as  the  cranberry, 
the  red  whortleberry,  the  berry  of  the  bittersweet,  the  red  gooseberry,  the 
currant,  the  strawberry,  the  raspberry,  the  tamarind,  and  the  red  elderberry 
(fruit  of  Sambucus  racemosa  rubra).  The  latter  berry  contains  citric  acid 
so  abundantly,  that  it  has  been  proposed  as  a source  of  the  acid  by  M. 
Thibierge,  of  Versailles. 


PART  I. 


Acidurn  Gitricum. 


33 


The  acid  is  extracted  from  lemon  or  lime  juice  by  a very  simple  process, 
for  which  we  are  indebted  to  Scheele.  The  boiling  juice  is  first  completely 
saturated  with  carbonate  of  lime  (chalk  or  whiting)  in  fine  powder,  and  the 
citrate  of  lime  formed  is  allowed  to  subside.  This  is  then  washed  repeatedly 
with  water,  and  decomposed  by  diluted  sulphuric  acid.  An  insoluble  sul- 
phate of  lime  is  immediately  formed,  and  the  disengaged  citric  acid  remains 
in  the  supernatant  liquor.  This  is  carefully  concentrated  in  leaden  boilers, 
until  a pellicle  begins  to  form,  when  it  is  transferred  to  other  vessels  in  order 
to  cool  and  crystallize. 

Preparation  on  the  Large  Scale.  The  juice  is  placed  in  a large  vat, 
closed  at  the  top,  and  saturated  with  whiting  (carbonate  of  lime).  Carbonic 
acid  gas  is  evolved,  which  passes  out  by  an  exit-pipe,  and  may  be  used  in 
the  manufacture  of  bicarbonate  of  soda;  and  citrate  of  lime  precipitates.  The 
supernatant  liquor,  containing  much  extractive  matter,  is  drawn  off;  and  the 
citrate  of  lime  is  decomposed  by  dilute  sulphuric  acid,  liberating  the  citric 
acid,  and  precipitating  the  lime  as  a sulphate.  The  mixture  of  citric  acid 
and  sulphate  of  lime  is  run  off  into  a wooden  filter  back,  furnished  with  a 
perforated  false  bottom,  and  lined  throughout  with  lead,  covered  with  stout 
twilled  flannel.  The  solution  of  citric  acid  passes  off  through  a pipe,  leading 
from  the  bottom  of  the  back,  to  suitable  reservoirs.  The  sulphate  is  washed, 
until  it  becomes  tasteless,  and  the  washings  are  run  off  into  the  same  reser- 
voirs. The  filtered  acid  solution  is  then  concentrated  by  evaporation  in 
wooden  vessels  lined  with  lead,  through  which  steam  is  made  to  pass  by 
means  of  coiled  lead  pipes.  As  citric  acid  is  liable  to  decomposition,  if 
subjected  to  too  high  a temperature,  the  use  of  the  vacuum  pan  is  highly 
advantageous  in  concentrating  the  solution.  When  the  liquor  is  sufficiently 
concentrated,  it  is  transferred  to  cylindrical  sheet-lead  vessels,  placed  in  a 
warm  situation,  to  crystallize.  The  crystals,  as  first  obtained,  are  coloured. 
In  order  to  purify  them,  they  are  redissolved  in  a small  quantity  of  water, 
with  the  assistance  of  heat,  and  the  solution  is  digested  with  purified  animal 
charcoal,  filtered,  and  recrystallized.  The  crystals,  after  having  been  washed 
and  drained,  are  dried  on  wooden  trays,  lined  with  sheet-lead,  placed  in  a 
room  heated  by  steam. 

The  citrate  of  lime  of  the  above  process  should  be  decomposed  without 
delay;  for,  if  kept,  it  will  undergo  a true  fermentation,  with  the  effect  of 
destroying  the  citric  acid.  According  to  Personne,  the  products  of  this 
fermentation  are  acetic  and  butyric  acids,  while  carbonic  acid  and  hydrogen 
are  evolved. 

According  to  the  late  Mr.  Parkes,  a gallon  of  good  juice,  if  the  process  be 
well  conducted,  will  yield  eight  ounces  of  white  crystals.  But  the  product 
depends  very  much  on  the  proportion  of  citric  acid  in  the  juice,  which  is  very 
variable.  The  more  recent  the  juice  the  better  the  quality.  That  which  is 
stale  will  sometimes  be  quite  sour,  without  containing  any  citric  acid,  in  con- 
sequence of  its  having  undergone  the  acetous  fermentation. 

It  is  desirable  to  have  a slight  excess  of  sulphuric  acid;  as  it  rather  favours 
than  otherwise  the  crystallization  of  the  citric  acid.  It  is  found  necessary, 
also,  to  add  occasionally  a small  proportion  of  sulphuric  acid  to  the  citric  acid 
liquor,  during  the  progress  of  its  concentration. 

Citric  acid  is  properly  placed  in  the  Materia  Medica  list  of  the  United 
States,  London,  and  Dublin  Pharmacopoeias,  as  an  article  purchased  from  the 
manufacturing  chemist.  The  Edinburgh  College  places  it  among  the  pre- 
parations, and  makes  it  by  a process  of  which  the  following  is  an  outline. 
Boil  eighty  fluidounc-es  of  lemon  juice,  and  allow  it  to  rest,  in  order  that  the 
mucilage  and  other  impurities  may  subside.  Pour  off  the  clear  liquor,  and, 


34 


Acidum  Gitricum. 


PART  I. 


having  brought  it  to  the  boiling  point,  add  by  degrees  four  and  a half  ounces 
of  prepared  chalk,  or  as  much  as  may  be  sufficient  to  saturate  the  acid.  Col- 
lect the  precipitate,  and  wash  it  with  hot  water  until  the  water  passes  colour- 
less. Then  subject  it  to  a powerful  press,  and,  having  mixed  it  uniformly 
with  forty  fluidounces  of  distilled  water,  add  officinal  diluted  sulphuric,  acid 
by  degrees,  in  the  proportion  of  eight  fluidounces  for  every  ounce  of  chalk 
expended  in  the  saturation,  constantly  stirring  the  mixture.  Separate  now 
the  clear  liquor  by  subsidence  or  filtration,  wash  the  insoluble  matter  with 
cold  water,  add  the  washings  to  the  liquor,  concentrate  it  with  a gentle  heat 
until  crystals  form  on  the  surface,  and  set  it  aside  to  cool  and  crystallize. 
The  crystals  are  then  to  be  subjected  to  repeated  solution  and  crystallization 
until  they  are  colourless. 

If  the  citrate  of  lime  be  exactly  decomposed  by  the  sulphuric  acid,  without 
the  latter  being  in  excess,  the  citric  acid  set  free  will  not  be  contaminated  by 
sulphuric  acid.  In  order  to  determine  whether  the  acid  liquor,  remaining 
after  the  subsidence  of  the  sulphate  of  lime,  is  all  citric  acid,  the  Edinburgh 
College  directs  that  a small  filtered  portion  of  it  should  be  tested  with  nitrate 
of  baryta.  If  the  acid  liquor  contain  only  citric  acid,  the  precipitate  will  be 
citrate  of  baryta,  and  wholly  soluble  in  nitric  acid ; but  if  sulphuric  acid  be 
present  also,  it  will  be  a mixture  of  citrate  and  sulphate  of  baryta,  and  not 
wholly  soluble  in  nitric  acid,  the  sulphate  not  being  soluble  in  that  acid. 
Accordingly,  if  the  precipitate  be  not  wholly  soluble  in  nitric  acid,  citrate 
of  lime  must  be/added  to  the  acid  liquor  until  the  sulphuric  acid  is  almost 
entirely  removed. 

The  preliminary  boiling  of  the  lemon  juice,  directed  by  the  Edinburgh 
College,  is  intended  to  render  the  mucilage  and  other  impurities  insoluble, 
whereby  they  are  got  rid  of  by  subsidence.  According  to  Dr.  Christison, 
the  juice  may  be  advantageously  clarified  by  albumen. 

Properties.  Citric  acid  is  a white  crystallized  solid,  often  in  large  crystals, 
having  the  form  of  rhomboidal  prisms  with  dihedral  summits.  It  is  perma- 
nent in  a dry  air,  but  becomes  moist  in  a damp  one.  Its  sp.  gr.  is  16.  Its 
taste  is  strongly  acid,  and  almost  caustic.  When  heated,  it  dissolves  in  its 
water  of  crystallization,  and,  at  a higher  temperature,  undergoes  decomposi- 
tion, becoming  yellow  or  brown,  and  forming  a very  sour  syrupy  liquid,  which 
is  uncrystallizable.  By  destructive  distillation,  it  gives  rise  to  water,  ernpy- 
reumatic  oil,  acetic  and  carbonic  acids,  carburetted  hydrogen,  and  a number 
of  pyrogenous  acids,  among  which  is  the  aconitic.  A voluminous  coal  is  left. 

Citric  acid  dissolves  in  three-fourths  of  its  weight  of  cold,  and  half  its  weight 
of  boiling  water.  It  is  also  soluble  in  alcohol.  A weak  solution  of  it  has  an 
agreeable  taste,  but  cannot  be  kept,  as  it  undergoes  spontaneous  decomposi- 
tion. It  is  incompatible  with  alkaline  solutions,  whether  pure  or  carbonated, 
converting  them  into  citrates ; also  with  the  earthy  and  metallic  carbonates, 
most  acetates,  the  alkaline  sulphurets,  and  soaps.  It  is  characterized  by 
its  taste,  by  the  shape  of  its  crystals,  and  by  forming  an  insoluble  salt  with 
lime,  and  a deliquescent  one  with  potassa.  If  sulphuric  acid  be  present,  the 
precipitate  by  acetate  of  lead  will  not  be  entirely  soluble  in  nitric  acid ; the 
insoluble  portion  being  sulphate  of  lead.  Sometimes  large  crystals  of  tartaric 
acid  are  substituted  for  or  mixed  with  the  citric,  a fraud  which  is  readily 
detected  by  adding  a solution  of  carbonate  of  potassa  to  one  of  the  suspected 
acid;  when,  if  tartaric  acid  be  present,  a crystalline  precipitate  of  bitartrate 
of  potassa  (cream  of  tartar)  will  be  formed.  Lime  or  other  fixed  impurity  is 
detected  by  incinerating  the  acid,  either  alone  or  with  red  oxide  of  mercury, 
when  the  fixed  matter  will  be  left.  According  to  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia, 
100  grains  of  citric  acid  saturate  150  grains  of  bicarbonate  of  potassa. 


PART  I. 


Acidum  Citricum. — Acidum  Muriaticum. 


35 


Composition.  The  formula  of  this  acid,  considered  dry,  as  it  exists  in  the 
citrate  of  silver,  is  C^HjOu-  When  crystallized  from  its  solution  by  cooling, 
it  contains  four  eqs.  of  water,  three  of  which  are  basic. 

Medical  Properties.  Citric  acid  is  principally  employed  for  making  a sub- 
stitute for  lemonade,  and  in  the  composition  of  effervescing  draughts.  It  is 
used  also  for  preparing  the  neutral  mixture.  (See  Liquor  Potassee  Citratis.') 
When  added  in  the  quantity  of  nine  drachms  and  a half  to  a pint  of  distilled 
water,  it  forms  a solution  of  the  average  strength  of  lemon  juice.  Of  this 
solution,  or  of  lemon  juice,  a scruple  of  bicarbonate  of  potassa  saturates  three 
fluidrachms  and  a half;  a scruple  of  carbonate  of  potassa,  four  fluidrachms; 
and  a scruple  of  carbonate  of  ammonia,  six  fluidrachms.  Half  a fluidounce 
of  lemon  juice,  or  of  an  equivalent  solution  of  citric  acid,  when  saturated,  is 
considered  a dose.  An  agreeable  substitute  for  lemonade  may  be  made  by 
dissolving  from  two  to  four  parts  of  the  acid,  mixed  with  sugar  and  a little 
oil  of  lemons,  in  nine  hundred  parts  of  water;  or  a scruple  of  the  acid  may 
be  dissolved  in  a pint  of  water,  and  sweetened  to  the  taste  with  sugar  which 
has  been  rubbed  on  fresh  lemon  peel. 

Off.  Prep.  Ferri  Ammonio-citras;  Ferri  Citras;  Liquor  Ammonias  Citra- 
tis; Liquor  Magnesiae  Citratis;  Liquor  Potassas  Citratis;  Potassae  Citras; 
Pulveres  Effervescentes  Citrati;  Syrupus  Acidi  Citrici.  B. 

ACIDUM  MURIATICUM.  U.  S. 

Muriatic  Acid. 

An  aqueous  solution  of  chlorohydric  acid  gas  of  the  specific  gravity  1T6. 
U.S. 

Off.  Syn.  ACIDUM  HYDROCHLORICUM.  Land.  ACIDUM  MU- 
RIATICUM PURUM.  Ed.,  Dub.  ACIDUM  MURIATICUM.  Hydro- 
chloric  Acid  of  Commerce.  Ed.  ACIDUM  MURIATICUM  YENALE. 
Commercial  Muriatic  Acid.  Dub. 

Spirit  of  sea-salt,  Marine  acid,  Hydrochloric  acid,  Chlorohydric  acid ; Acide  liydro- 
chlorique,  Fr.  ; Salzsaure,  Kochsalzsaure,  Germ.  ; Acido  muriatico,  Ital.,  Span. 

The  muriatic  acid  of  pharmacy  and  the  arts  is  a solution  of  muriatic  acid 
gas  in  water.  It  is  sometimes  called  liquid  muriatic  acid,  but  more  properly 
aqueous  muriatic  acid.  The  acid  is  officinal  in  its  pure  form  in  the  U.  S. 
and  London  Pharmacopoeias,  and  both  in  its  pure  and  commercial  forms  in 
the  Edinburgh  and  Dublin.  The  sp.  gr.  of  the  pure  acid  is  directed  to  be 
1T6  in  the  U.  S.  and  London  Pharmacopoeias,  117  in  the  Edinburgh,  and 
1Y76  in  the  Dublin.  The  Edinburgh  and  Dublin  Colleges  give  processes 
for  the  preparation  of  the  pure  acid;  while,  in  the  United  States  and  London 
Pharmacopoeias,  it  is  placed  exclusively  in  the  list  of  the  Materia  Medica,  as 
an  article  to  be  procured  from  the  manufacturing  chemist. 

Preparation.  Muriatic  acid  is  obtained  by  the  action  of  sulphuric  acid  on 
chloride  of  sodium  or  common  salt.  The  commercial  acid  is  procured,  on  a 
large  scale,  by  distilling  the  salt  with  an  equal  weight  of  sulphuric  acid,  some- 
what diluted  with  water,  from  iron  stills  furnished  with  earthen  heads,  into 
earthenware  receivers  containing  water.  When  thus  obtained,  it  is  contami- 
nated with  iron  and  other  impurities,  and  is  not  fit  for  medicinal  purposes. 

Commercial  muriatic  acid  is  now  procured  in  large  quantities  in  England, 
during  the  decomposition  of  common  salt  for  the  purpose  of  making  sulphate 
of  soda,  from  wrhich  soda-ash  and  carbonate  of  soda  are  afterwards  manufac- 
tured in  immense  quantities.  When  the  object  is  to  obtain  sulphate  of  soda, 
the  decomposition  of  the  sea  salt  is  performed  in  semi-cylindrical  vessels,  the 


36 


Acidum  Muriaticum. 


PART  I. 


curved  part,  next  the  fire,  being  made  of  iron,  and  the  upper  or  flat  surface, 
of  stone.  If  the  acid  be  saved,  it  is  conveyed  by  a pipe  to  a double-necked 
stoneware  receiver,  half  filled  with  water,  and  connected  with  a row  of  similar 
receivers,  likewise  containing  water. 

The  acid,  when  required  to  be  pure,  is  generally  prepared  by  saturating 
distilled  water  with  the  gas  in  a Woulfe’s  apparatus.  A quantity  of  pure 
fused*  common  salt  is  introduced  into  a retort  or  matrass,  placed  on  a sand- 
bath.  The  vessel  is  then  furnished  with  an  S tube,  and  connected  with  a 
series  of  bottles,  each  two-thirds  full  of  water.  A quantity  of  sulphuric  acid 
is  then  gradually  added,  equal  in  weight  to  the  common  salt  employed,  and 
diluted  with  one-third  of  its  weight  of  water.  The  materials  ought  not  to 
occupy  more  than  half  the  body  of  the  retort.  When  the  extrication  of  the 
o-as  slackens,  heat  is  to  be  applied,  and  gradually  increased  until  the  water  in 
the  bottles  refuses  to  absorb  any  more,  or  until  no  more  gas  is  found  to  come 
over.  As  soon  as  the  process  is  completed,  boiling  water  should  be  added  to 
the  contents  of  the  retort  or  matrass,  in  order  to  facilitate  the  removal  of  the 
residue.  During  the  progress  of  the  saturation,  the  water  in  the  several 
bottles  increases  in  temperature,  which  lessens  its  power  of  absorption.  It 
is,  therefore,  expedient,  in  order  to  obtain  a strong  acid,  to  keep  the  bottles 
cool  by  means  of  water  or  ice.  The  connecting  tubes  need  not  plunge  deeply 
into  the  acid. 

The  rationale  of  the  process  for  obtaining  this  acid  is  very  simple.  Com- 
mon salt  is  a compound  of  chlorine  and  sodium ; muriatic  acid,  of  chlorine 
and  hydrogen ; and  liquid  sulphuric  acid,  of  dry  sulphuric  acid  and  water. 
The  water  is  decomposed;  its  oxygen,  combining  with  the  sodium  of  the 
common  salt,  generates  soda,  which  unites  with  the  sulphuric  acid  to  form 
sulphate  of  soda;  while  the  hydrogen  and  chlorine,  being  both  in  the  nascent 
state,  combine  and  escape  as  muriatic  acid  gas.  The  residue  of  the  process  is 
consequently  sulphate  of  soda,  or  Glauber's  salt.  It  is  reserved  by  the  Edin- 
burgh College  to  be  dissolved  and  crystallized,  in  order  to  form  the  officinal 
sulphate  of  soda.  (See  Sodse  Sulphas .) 

In  making  pure  muriatic  acid,  the  Edinburgh  College  directs  equal  weights 
of  purified  and  well  dried  salt,  pure  sulphuric  acid,  and  water.  The  following 
is  the  Dublin  process,  the  ounces  emplojmd  being  avoirdupois  ounces.  Pour 
upon  48  ounces  of  dried  salt,  previously  introduced  into  a globular  flask  having 
the  capacity  of  at  least  a gallon  (Imp.  measd),  44  fluid  ounces  (equal  to  about 
814  ounces)  of  sulphuric  acid  of  commerce,  diluted  with  32  ounces  of  water, 
and  allowed  to  cool  before  being  added.  Then,  applying  a gentle  heat,  con- 
duct the  muriatic  acid  gas  into  a bottle,  containing  44  ounces  of  distilled 
water,  by  means  of  a bent  tube  dipping  about  half  an  inch  beneath  its  surface, 
and  continue  to  distil  until  3 pints  (Imp.  meas.)  of  product  are  obtained. 
Throughout  the  operation,  the  temperature  of  the  distilled  water  must  be 
prevented  from  rising  by  the  application  of  cold. 

In  the  process  for  muriatic  acid,  theory  calls  for  a little  less  than  82  parts 
of  liquid  sulphuric  acid  to  100  of  common  salt.  Thus  it  appears  that  the 
Edinburgh  College,  directing  100  of  acid  to  100  of  salt,  uses  a considerable 
excess  of  the  former,  which  to  this  extent  may,  perhaps,  be  useful,  to  insure 
the  complete  decomposition  of  the  salt;  but  the  excess  of  acid,  used  by  the 
Dublin  College,  is  so  great  as  to  create  a suspicion  that  the  quantity  pre- 
scribed is  a misprint.  The  quantity  of  acid,  directed  by  the  College,  is  suf- 
ficient to  decompose  twice  the  quantity  of  common  salt  taken. 

* According  to  Thenard,  the  fusion  of  the  common  salt  will  very  much  facilitate  the 
conducting  of  the  process. 


PART  I. 


Acidum  Muriaticum. 


37 


The  common  salt  is  directed  to  be  purified  by  the  Edinburgh  College  by 
dissolving  it  in  boiling  water,  concentrating  the  solution,  skimming  off  the 
crystals  as  they  form  on  the  surface,  draining  from  them  the  adhering  solu- 
tion, and  subsequently  washing  them  slightly  with  cold  water.  Dr.  Chris- 
tison  states  that  the  object  of  this  treatment  is  to  separate  nitrate  of  soda, 
which  is  almost  always  present  in  the  common  salt  of  commerce.  It  will 
also  separate  nitrate  of  potassa  if  it  happen  to  be  present.  The  same  College 
directs  pure  sulphuric  acid,  on  the  ground  that  the  commercial  usually  con- 
tains nitrous  acid.  (See  Acidum  Sulphuriatm  Purum. ) 

Properties  of  the  Pure  Acid.  Muriatic  acid,  when  pure,  is  a transparent 
colourless  liquid,  of  a suffocating  odour  and  corrosive  taste.  Exposed  to  the 
air  it  emits  white  fumes,  owing  to  the  escape  of  the  acid  gas,  and  its  union 
with  the  moisture  of  the  atmosphere.  When  concentrated,  it  blackens  or- 
ganic substances  like  sulphuric  acid.  Its  sp.gr.  varies  with  its  strength. 
When  as  highly  concentrated  as  possible,  its  density  is  1'21.  The  medicinal 
acid  has  the  sp.gr.  1T6,  and  100  grains  of  it  saturate  132  grains  of  crys- 
tallized carbonate  of  soda.  When  of  this  strength,  it  contains  rather  more 
than  33-9  per  cent,  of  muriatic  acid  gas.  (Phillips.')  It  freezes  at  —60°. 
When  exposed  to  heat,  it  continues  to  give  off  muriatic  acid  gas,  with  the 
appearance  of  ebullition,  until  its  sp.  gr.  falls  to  1’094,  when  it  properly 
boils,  and  distils  over  unchanged. 

As  it  is  desirable  to  know,  on  many  occasions,  in  chemical  and  pharmaceu- 
tical operations,  the  quantity  of  strong  aqueous  acid,  of  acid  gas,  and  of  chlo- 
rine, contained  in  samples  of  acid  of  different  densities,  we  subjoin  a table 
by  Dr.  Ure,  containing  this  information. 


Table  of  the  quantity  of  Aqueous  Muriatic  Acid  of  sp.  gr.  1'2,  of  Muriatic 
Acid  Gas,  and  of  Chlorine,  in  100  parts  of  Aqueous  Acid  of  different 
densities. 


Sp.  gr. 

Aqueous  ■ 
Acid  of 
sp.gr.  1-2 

■Acid  Gas. 

’ " “ ’ 

Chlorine.  1 

Sp.  gr. 

Aqueous 
Acid  of 
sp.  gr.  1-2 

Acid  Gas. 

Chlorine. 

1-2000 

100 

40-777 

39-675  j 

1-1102 

55 

21-822 

22-426 

11910 

95 

38-738 

37-692 

1-1000 

50 

20-388 

19-837 

11822 

90 

36-700 

35-707 

1-0899 

45 

18-348 

17-854 

1-1721 

85 

34-660 

33-724 

1-0798 

40 

16-310 

15-870 

1-1701 

84 

34-252 

33-328 

1-0697 

35 

14-271 

13-887 

1-1620 

80 

32  621 

31-746 

1-0597 

30 

12-233 

11-903 

1-1599 

79 

32-213 

31-343 

1-0497 

25 

10-194 

9-919 

1-1515 

75 

30-582 

29-757 

1-0397 

20 

8-155 

7-935 

1-1410 

70 

28-544 

27-772 

1 -0298 

15 

6-116 

5-951 

1-1308 

65 

26-504 

25-789 

1-0200 

10 

4-078 

3-968 

1-1206 

60 

24-466 

23-805 

1-0100 

5 

2-039 

1-984 

Muriatic  acid  is  characterized  by  forming,  on  the  addition  of  nitrate  of 
silver,  a white  precipitate  (chloride  of  silver),  which  is  insoluble  in  nitric  acid, 
but  readily  soluble  in  ammonia.  It  is  incompatible  with  alkalies  and  most 
earths,  with  oxides  and  their  carbonates,  and  with  sulphuret  of  potassium, 
tartrate  of  potassa,  tartar  emetic,  tartrate  of  iron  and  potassa,  nitrate  of  silver, 
and  solution  of  subacetate  of  lead. 

Adulterations.  This  acid,  when  pure,  will  evaporate  without  residue  in  a 
platinum  spoon.  If  sulphuric  acid  be  present,  a solution  of  chloride  of  barium 
will  cause  a precipitate  of  sulphate  of  baryta  in  the  acid,  previously  diluted 


38 


Acidum  Muriaticum. 


part  I. 


with  distilled  water.  Iron  may  be  detected  by  saturating  the  dilute  acid  with 
carbonate  of  soda,  and  then  adding  ferrocyanuret  of  potassium,  which  will 
strike  a blue  colour  if  that  metal  be  present.  Free  chlorine  may  be  dis- 
covered by  the  acid  having  the  power  to  dissolve  gold-leaf.  Any  minute 
portion  of  the  leaf  which  may  be  dissolved,  is  detected  by  adding  a solution 
of  protochloride  of  tin,  which  will  give  rise  to  a purplish  tint.  The  free  chlo- 
rine is  derived  from  the  reaction  of  nitric  or  nitrous  acid  on  a small  portion 
of  the  muriatic  acid,  which  is  thus  deprived  of  its  hydrogen.  Hence  it  is 
that,  when  free  chlorine  is  present,  nitrous  acid,  or  some  other  oxide  of  nitro- 
gen is  also  present  as  an  impurity.  The  nitric  and  nitrous  acids  are  derived 
from  nitrates  in  the  common  salt,  and  from  nitrous  acid  in  the  commercial 
sulphuric  acid,  employed  in  the  preparation  of  the  muriatic  acid. 

Muriatic  Acid  of  Commerce.  This  acid  has  the  general  properties  of  the 
pure  aqueous  acid.  It  has  a yellow  colour,  owing  to  the  presence  of  sesqui- 
chloride  of  iron,  or  of  a minute  proportion  of  organic  matter,  such  as  cork, 
wood,  &c.  It  usually  contains  sulphuric  acid,  and  sometimes  free  chlorine  and 
nitrous  acid.  But  the  most  injurious  impurity,  to  those  who  consume  it  in 
the  arts,  is  sulphurous  acid.  Mr.  T.  H.  Savory  analyzed  three  samples  of 
commercial  muriatic  acid,  each  having  a sp.gr.  of  between  1T6  and  ITT, 
and  found  them  to  contain  from  7 to  nearly  11  per  cent,  of  sulphurous  acid. 
To  detect  this  acid,  M.  Girardin  has  proposed  a very  delicate  test,  namely, 
the  protochloride  of  tin.  The  mode  of  using  the  test  is  to  take  about  half  an 
ounce  of  the  acid  to  be  tested,  and  to  add  to  it  two  or  three  drachms  of  the 
protochloride.  The  mixture  having  been  stirred  two  or  three  times,  as  much 
distilled  water  as  of  the  protochloride  is  to  be  added.  If  sulphurous  acid  be 
present,  the  muriatic  acid  becomes  turbid  and  yellow  immediately  upon  the 
addition  of  the  protochloride  ; and,  upon  the  subsequent  addition  of  the  water, 
a slight  evolution  of  sulphuretted  hydrogen  takes  place,  perceptible  to  the 
smell,  and  the  liquid  assumes  a brown  hue,  depositing  a powder  of  the  same 
colour.  The  manner  in  which  the  test  acts  is  as  follows.  By  a transfer  of 
chlorine,  the  test  is  converted  into  bichloride  and  metallic  tin,  the  latter  of 
which,  by  reacting  with  the  sulphurous  acid,  gives  rise  to  a precipitate  of  the 
deutoxide  and  protosulphuret  of  tin.  In  case  the  sulphurous  acid  forms  but 
one-half  of  one  per  cent,  of  the  commercial  acid,  the  precipitate  may  not  be 
perceptible.  Under  these  circumstances,  a solution  of  sulphate  of  copper 
must  be  added  to  the  liquid  previously  warmed,  when  a brown  precipitate  of 
sulphuret  of  copper  will  be  immediately  formed.  ( Heintz .)  M-  Lembert  has 
proposed  the  following,  which  he  considers  as  a more  delicate  test  of  sulphu- 
rous acid.  Saturate  the  suspected  muriatic  acid  with  carbonate  of  potassa. 
Then  add  successively  a little  weak  solution  of  starch,  one  or  two  drops  of  a 
solution  of  iodate  of  potassa,  and  sulphuric  acid,  drop  by  drop.  If  sulphu- 
rous acid  be  present,  it  will  be  set  free  along  with  iodic  acid,  and  these,  by 
reacting  on  each  other,  will  develope  iodine,  which  will  cause  a blue  colour 
with  the  starch. 

Another  impurity  occasionally  present  in  the  commercial  acid,  as  shown  by 
Dupasquier,  is  arsenic.  The  immediate  source  of  this  impurity  is  the  sul- 
phuric acid  used  to  prepare  the  muriatic  acid.  The  sulphuric  acid  derives 
the  arsenic  from  the  sulphur  used  in  its  manufacture,  and  this  last  from 
pyrites  containing  a little  of  the  poisonous  metal.  The  arsenic,  when  present, 
is  in  the  form  of  a chloride,  and,  from  its  volatility  in  this  state  of  combina- 
tion, is  transferred  to  the  muriatic  acid,  distilled  from  the  commercial  acid. 
This  impurity  is  separated  by  diluting  the  acid  with  an  equal  volume  of 
water,  and  passing  through  it  sulphuretted  hydrogen,  which  throws  down  the 
arsenic  as  a sulphuret.  Where  leaden  vessels  are  used  in  preparing  muriatic 


PART  I. 


Acidum  Muriaticum. 


39 


acid,  it  is  apt  to  contain  chloride  of  lead,  which  may  he  detected  by  sulphu- 
retted hydrogen.  This  impurity,  being  fixed,  may  be  got  rid  of  by  distilling 
the  acid.  ( Dr . A.  Vogel , Jr.) 

Muriatic  acid  of  commerce  is  officinal  only  in  the  Edinburgh  and  Dublin 
Pharmacopoeias.  The  density  of  the  Edinburgh  acid  is  directed  to  be  at  least 
1'180.  Dr.  Christison  states  that  it  varies  in  this  respect  from  1T80  to 
1'216.  Thus  the  commercial  is  stronger  than  the  pure  acid  of  the  Edinburgh 
Pharmacopoeia,  and  consequently  more  fuming.  Mr.  Phillips  states  that  he 
has  never  found  the  commercial  acid  nearly  so  strong,  and  suspects  that, 
when  of  this  specific  gravity,  it  must  contain  a very  large  admixture  of  sul- 
phuric acid.  The  commercial  acid  is  defined  by  the  Edinburgh  College  to 
be  always  yellow,  and  commonly  to  contain  a little  sulphuric  acid,  oxide  of 
iron,  and  chlorine. 

Properties  of  Muriatic  Acid  Gas.  Muriatic  acid  gas  is  a colourless  elastic 
fluid,  possessing  a pungent  odour,  and  the  property  of  irritating  the  organs 
of  respiration.  It  destroys  life  and  extinguishes  flame.  It  reddens  litmus 
powerfully,  and  has  the  other  properties  of  a strong  acid.  Its  sp.  gr.  is  1 '269. 
Subjected  to  a pressure  of  40  atmospheres,  at  the  temperature  of  50°,  it  is 
condensed  into  a transparent  liquid,  to  which  alone  the  name  of  liquid  muri- 
atic acid  properly  belongs.  It  absorbs  water  with  the  greatest  avidity,  and, 
according  to  the  temperature  and  pressure,  unites  with  a greater  or  less  quan- 
tity of  that  liquid.  Water,  at  the  temperature  of  69°,  takes  up  464  times 
its  volume  of  the  gas,  increasing  one-third  in  bulk,  and  about  three-fourths  in 
weight.  Water  thus  saturated  constitutes  the  strong  aqueous  acid  already 
described. 

Composition.  Muriatic  acid  gas  consists  of  one  eq.  of  chlorine  35‘42,  and 
one  of  hydrogen  1 = 36‘42 ; or  of  one  volume  of  chlorine  and  one  of  hydro- 
gen, united  without  condensation. 

Medical  Properties.  Muriatic  acid  is  tonic,  refrigerant,  and  antiseptic. 
It  is  exhibited,  largely  diluted  with  water,  in  low  fevers,  some  forms  of  syphilis, 
and  to  counteract  phosphatic  deposits'  in  the  urine.  Dr.  Paris  has  given  it 
with  success  in  malignant  cases  of  typhus  and  scarlatina,  administered  in  a 
strong  infusion  of  quassia.  It  proves  also  a good  adjunct  to  gargles  in 
ulcerated  sorethroat  and  scarlatina  maligna.  The  dose  for  internal  exhibi- 
tion is  from  ten  to  twenty  minims,  in  a sufficient  quantity  of  some  bland 
fluid,  as  barley  water  or  gruel.  In  the  composition  of  gargles,  it  may  be 
used  in  the  proportion  of  from  half  a fluidrachm  to  two  fluidrachms,  mixed 
with  six  fluidounces  of  the  vehicle.  (See  Acidum  Muriaticum  Dilutum.) 

Toxicological  Properties.  Muriatic  acid,  when  swallowed,  is  highly  irri- 
tating and  corrosive,  but  less  so  than  sulphuric  and  nitric  acids.  It  pro- 
duces blackness  of  the  lips,  fiery  redness  of  the  tongue,  hiccough,  violent 
efforts  to  vomit,  and  agonizing  pain  in  the  stomach.  There  is  much  thirst, 
with  great  restlessness,  a dry  and  burning  skin,  and  a small  concentrated 
pulse.  If  the  acid  has  been  recently  swallowed,  white  vapours  of  a pungent 
smell  are  emitted  from  the  mouth.  The  best  antidote  is  magnesia,  which 
acts  by  saturating  the  acid.  Soap  is  also  useful  for  the  same  reason.  In 
the  course  of  the  treatment,  bland  and  mucilaginous  drinks  must  be  freely 
given.  When  inflammation  supervenes,  it  must  be  treated  on  general 
principles. 

Pharm.  Uses.  Muriatic  acid  is  used  as  a chemical  agent  in  the  prepara- 
tion of  Acidum  Tartaricum;  Antimonii  et  Potassas  Tartras;  Antimonii  Ox- 
idum ; Calcis  Phosphas  Praecipitatum ; Carbo  Auimalis  Purificatus;  Hydrar- 
gyrum Purum ; Potassae  Bicarbonas  ; Quinias  Sulphas ; Sodas  Bicarbonas  ; 
Strychnia;  Sulphur  Prascipitatum ; Veratria. 


40 


Acidum  Muriaticum. — Acidum  Nitricum. 


PART  I. 


Off.  Prep,  of  Muriatic  Acid.  Acidum  Hydrocyanicum  Dilutum  ; Acidum 
Muriaticum  Dilutum ; Acidum  Nitromuriaticum  ; Barii  Chloridum  ; Calc-ii 
Cliloridum  ; Ferrum  Ammoniatum  ; Liquor  Arsenici  Chloridi ; Liquor  Calcii 
Cbloridi  ; Morphias  Murias ; Tinctura  Ferri  Chloridi ; Zinci  Chloridum. 

Off.  Prep,  of  Muriatic  Acid,  of  Commerce.  Antimonii  Terchloridi  Liquor; 
Calcis  Murias;  Chlorinii  Liquor;  Ferri  Muriatis  Tinctura;  Zinci  Chloridi 
Liquor.  B. 

ACIDUM  NITRICUM.  U.  S.,  Lond. 

Nitric  Acid. 

Nitric  acid  of  the  specific  gravity  142.  U.  S.,  Lond. 

Off.  Syn.  ACIDUM  NITRICUM.  Nitric  Acid  of  Commerce,  sp.gr.  1'38 
to  1-39  .Ed.;  ACIDUM  NITRICUM  YENALE.  Commercial  Nitric  Acid. 
Dub. 

Spirit  of  nitre ; Aqua  fortis ; Aeide  nitrique,  Acide  azotique,  Ft.  ; Salpetersaure, 
Germ.;  Zalpeterzuur,  Sterkwater,  Dutch;  Skedwatter,  Swed. ; Acido  nitrico,  Ital., 
Span. 

Nitric  acid  is  now  officinal  in  four  forms ; the  pure  acid  of  the  sp.  gr.  15, 
the  pure  acid  of  the  sp.  gr.  1 ‘42,  the  commercial  acid,  and  the  diluted.  The 
acid  of  1'42  and  the  commercial  acid,  being  placed  exclusively  in  the  Materia 
Medica  list,  will  be  noticed  here,  and  the  other  two,  for  which  formulas  are 
given,  will  be  described  under  the  preparations.  (See  Acidum  Nitricum 
Purum  and  Acidum  Nitricum  Dilutum .) 

The  usual  process  adopted  in  the  laboratory  for  obtaining  this  acid,  is  to 
add  to  nitrate  of  potassa  in  coarse  powder,  contained  in  a retort,  an  equal 
weight  of  strong  sulphuric  acid,  poured  in  by  means  of  a tube  or  funnel,  so 
as  not  to  soil  the  neck.  The  materials  should  not  occupy  more  than  two- 
thirds  of  the  capacity  of  the  retort.  A receiver  being  adapted,  heat  is  ap- 
plied by  means  of  a spirit-lamp,  the  naked  fire,  or  a sand-bath,  moderately  at 
first,  but  afterwards  more  strongly  when  the  materials  begin  to  thicken,  in 
order  to  bring  the  whole  into  a state  of  perfect  fusion.  Red  vapours  will  at 
first  arise,  and  afterwards  disappear  in  the  progress  of  the  distillation.  To- 
wards its  close  they  will  be  reproduced,  and  their  reappearance  will  indicate 
that  the  process  is  completed. 

The  proportion  of  equal  weights,  as  above  given,  corresponding  nearly  to 
one  eq.  of  nitrate  of  potassa,  and  two  of  monohydrated  sulphuric  acid,  is  the 
best  for  operations  on  a small  scale  in  the  laboratory.  This  proportion  is 
preferred  by  Thenard.  In  operations  on  a large  scale,  where  an  iron  vessel 
is  used,  a strong  heat  applied,  and  water  placed  in  the  receivers  to  condense 
the  acid,  less  sulphuric  acid  may  be  advantageously  employed. 

Monohydrated  Nitric  Arid.  Nitrate  of  Water.  This  is  the  strongest 
liquid  nitric  acid  that  can  be  procured,  and  may  be  supposed  to  be  obtained 
by  distilling  one  eq.  of  pure  and  dry  nitre,  with  two  eqs.  of  monohydrated 
sulphuric  acid.  One  eq.  of  monohydrated  nitric  acid  distils  over,  and  one 
eq.  of  monohydrated  bisulphate  of  potassa  remains  behind.  KO,NOs  and  2 
(H0,S03)  = H0,N05  and  K0,2S03-f-H0.  Acid  of  this  strength  is  very 
difficult  to  get,  and  requires  for  its  preparation  the  most  elaborate  attention 
to  separate  the  superabundant  water.  According  to  Mr.  Arthur  Smith,  of 
London,  acid,  dehydrated  as  far  as  possible,  is  perfectly  colourless,  boils  at 
184°,  has  the  sp.  gr.  1'517  at  60°,  and  nearly  approaches,  in  composition, 
to  a monohydrate.  Acid  of  this  strength,  even  at  the  boiling  temperature, 
has  not  the  slightest  action  on  tin  or  iron.  (Phil.  Mag.,  Dec.  1847.)  Accord- 
ing to  Millon,  the  true  mouohydrate  has  a sp.  gr.  as  high  as  1'521. 


PART  I. 


Acidum  Nitricum. 


41 


Nitric  Acid  ( sp . gr.  1'42).  Quadriliy  dr  cited  Nitric  Acid.  This  is  the  acid, 
newly  adopted  in  the  U.  S.  and  London  Pharmacopoeias,  in  the  place  of  the 
acid  weighing  1'5.  Acid  of  the  density  1’5  was  not  found  in  any  of  the 
shops,  and  much  pains  were  required  to  get  it  of  that  strength.  Besides,  acid 
of  the  density  1'5  was  not  necessary  for  any  process  of  the  Pharmacopoeia. 
Considerations  of  this  kind  induced  the  revisers  of  our  national  standard  of 
1850,  to  lower  the  strength  of  officinal  nitric  acid  to  1'42,  its  purity  in  other 
respects  remaining  the  same.  To  satisfy  the  tests  given  in  the  U.  S.  Phar- 
macopoeia, it  must  be  colourless,  entirely  volatilized  by  heat,  and,  when  diluted 
with  distilled  water,  not  precipitable  by  nitrate  of  silver  or  chloride  of  barium. 
Acid  of  the  density  P42  is  the  most  stable  of  the  hydrated  compounds  of 
nitric  acid,  and  boils  at  250°.  When  either  stronger  or  weaker  than  this,  it 
distils  over  at  a lower  temperature  ; and,  by  losing  more  acid  than  water  in 
the  first  case,  and  more  water  than  acid  in  the  second,  constantly  approaches 
to  the  sp.gr.  P42,  when  its  boiling  point  becomes  stationary.  These  facts 
in  relation  to  quadrihydrated  nitric  acid  were  first  observed  by  Dalton,  and 
have  since  been  confirmed  by  Mr.  Arthur  Smith,  of  London.  (Phil.  Mag., 
Dec.  1847.)  This  acid  consists  of  one  eq.  of  dry  acid  and  four  of  water. 
(4HO,NOs.)  But,  as  only  one  of  the  eqs.  of  water  is  basic,  the  other  three 
being  constitutional,  the  true  formula  is  H0,N03-k3H0. 

Commercial  Nitric  Acid,  Pd.,  Pub.  The  Edinburgh  commercial  acid  is 
stated  to  have  a density  varying  from  1‘38  to  1'39.  It  is  colourless  or  nearly 
so,  and,  if  diluted  with  distilled  water,  precipitates  but  slightly,  or  not  at  all, 
with  solution  of  nitrate  of  baryta  or  of  nitrate  of  silver.  The  Dublin  com- 
mercial acid  is  not  defined,  either  as  to  specific  gravity  or  grade  of  purity. 
According  to  M.  Lembert,  the  nitric  acid  of  commerce  sometimes  contains 
iodine,  probably  derived  from  the  native  nitrate  of  soda,  in  which  he  found 
that  element.  It  may  be  detected  by  saturating  the  suspected  acid  with  a 
carbonated  alkali,  pouring  in  a little  clear  solution  of  starch,  and  then  adding 
a few  drops  of  sulphuric  acid.  If  iodine  be  present,  the  sulphuric  acid  will 
set  it  free,  and  the  starch  solution  will  become  blue. 

Nitric  Acid  of  the  Arts.  Two  strengths  of  this  acid  occur  in  the  arts; — 
double  aqua  fortis  (sp.gr.  1'36),  which  is  half  the  strength  of  concentrated 
nitric  acid,  and  single  aqua  fortis  (sp.gr.  1’22),  which  is  half  as  strong  as  the 
double.  Aqua  fortis  is  sometimes  obtained  by  distilling  a mixture  of  nitre 
and  calcined  sulphate  of  iron.  By  an  interchange  of  ingredients,  sulphate  of 
potassa  and  nitrate  of  iron  are  formed,  the  latter  of  which,  at  the  distilling 
heat,  readily  abandons  its  nitric  acid.  The  sulphate  of  potassa  is  washed  out 
of  the  residue,  and  the  sesquioxide  of  iron  which  is  left,  is  sold,  under  the 
name  of  colcothar,  to  the  polishers  of  metals.  The  distillation  is  performed 
in  large  cast-iron  retorts,  lined  on  the  inside  with  a thick  layer  of  red  oxide 
of  iron,  to  protect  them  from  the  action  of  the  acid.  The  acid  is  received  in 
large  glass  vessels  containing  water.  A considerable  portion  of  the  acid  is 
decomposed  by  the  heat  into  reddish  vapours,  which  subsequently  dissolve 
in  the  water,  and  absorb  the  oxygen  which  had  been  disengaged.  The  acid 
thus  obtained  is  red  and  tolerably  strong,  but  is  diluted  with  water  before 
being  thrown  into  commerce. 

In  France,  nitric  acid  is  manufactured  on  the  large  scale  from  nitre  and 
sulphuric  acid  in  cast-iron  cylinders.  The  cylinders  are  disposed  horizontally 
across  a furnace,  and  are  strewed  internally  throughout  their  whole  length 
with  nitre.  Two  circular  cast-iron  plates,  each  pierced  with  a hole,  serve  to 
close  the  ends.  At  one  end,  the  sulphuric  acid  is  poured  in,  and,  by  means 
of  a stoneware  tube  connected  with  the  other  end,  the  nitric  acid  is  conducted 
to  receivers.  The  sulphate  of  potassa  is  removed  after  each  operation.  The 
iron  cylinders  are  acted  upon  by  the  acid;  yet,  notwithstanding  this  disad- 


42  Acidum  Nitricum.  part  I. 

vantage,  the  process,  when  conducted  in  such  vessels,  is  attended  with  a 
great  saving  of  expense. 

In  England,  nitric  acid  is  generally  procured  for  the  purposes  of  the  arts, 
by  distilling  the  materials  in  earthenware  retorts,  or  cast-iron  pots  with 
earthen  heads,  connected  with  a series  of  glass  or  stoneware  receivers  con- 
taining water.  The  proportion  of  sulphuric  acid,  employed  by  the  manu- 
facturer, is  between  one  and  two  equivalents  to  one  of  the  salt;  and  hence  the 
product  has  an  orange-red  colour,  which  is  removed  by  heating  the  acid. 

In  the  United  States,  nitric  acid  is  made,  on  the  large  scale,  in  a distillatory 
apparatus,  having  the  same  general  arrangement  as  in  France  and  England. 
Sometimes  a cast-iron  cylinder  is  used  as  in  France,  and  sometimes  a thick 
cast-iron  pot,  with  an  earthenware  head.  The  pot  is  set  in  brick-work  over 
a fire-place,  and  the  materials  having  been  placed  in  it,  the  head  is  luted  on 
with  a fat  lute,  and  made  to  communicate  with  two  receivers,  either  of  stone- 
ware or  glass,  connected  together  by  means  of  a tube.  Large  demijohns  of 
glass  answer  the  purpose  of  receivers  very  well.  The  incondensible  products 
are  made  to  pass  by  means  of  a tube  into  a portion  of  water.  The  quantity 
of  sulphuric  acid,  employed  in  different  establishments,  varies  from  one-half 
to  two-thirds  of  the  weight  of  the  nitre.  Nitrate  of  soda  (cubic  nitre), 
imported  into  the  United  States  from  Peru,  is  used  by  some  manufacturing 
chemists  to  obtain  nitric  acid.  One  objection  to  this  salt  is  that  it  often 
contains  much  common  salt.  Supposing  it  pure,  it  yields  ten  per  cent  more 
acid  for  a given  weight  than  nitrate  of  potassa;  but  the  residuum,  sulphate 
of  soda,  is  less  valuable  than  sulphate  of  potassa.  The  latter  salt,  under 
the  name  of  sal  enixurn,  is  sold  to  the  alum  makers. 

Mallet,  of  Paris,  has  proposed  to  obtain  nitric  acid  from  nitrate  of  soda, 
by  distilling  it  with  dried  boracic  acid.  In  this  case,  biborate  of  soda  or 
borax  is  the  residue. 

General  Properties  of  Nitric  Acid.  Nitric  acid,  so  called  from  nitre,  is  a 
liquid,  extremely  sour  and  corrosive.  It  was  discovered  by  Raymond  Lully, 
in  the  18th  century,  and  its  constituents,  by  Cavendish,  in  1784.  When 
perfectly  pure,  it  is  colourless;  but,  as  usually  obtained,  it  has  a straw  colour, 
owing  to  the  presence  of  nitrous  acid.  The  concentrated  acid,  when  exposed 
to  the  air,  emits  white  fumes,  possessing  a disagreeable  odour.  By  the  action 
of  light,  it  undergoes  a slight  decomposition,  and  becomes  yellow.  It  acts 
powerfully  on  animal  matter,  causing  its  decomposition.  On  the  living  fibre 
it  operates  as  a strong  caustic.  It  stains  the  skin,  and  most  animal  sub- 
stances of  an  indelible  yellow  colour.  On  vegetable  fibre  it  acts  peculiarly, 
abstracting  hydrogen  or  water,  and  combining  with  its  remaining  elements. 
When  diluted,  nitric  acid  converts  most  animal  and  vegetable  substances  into 
oxalic,  malic,  and  carbonic  acids.  The  general  character  of  its  action  is  to 
impart  oxygen  to  other  bodies,  which  it  is  enabled  to  do  in  consequence  of 
the  large  quantity  of  this  element  which  it  contains  in  a state  of  loose  com- 
bination. It  acidifies  sulphur  and  phosphorus,  and  oxidizes  all  the  metals, 
except  chromium,  tungsten,  columbium,  cerium,  titanium,  osmium,  rhodium, 
gold,  platinum,  and  iridium.  In  the  liquid  state,  it  always  contains  water, 
which  is  essential  to  its  existence  in  that  state.  It  combines  with  salifiable 
bases,  and  forms  nitrates.  When  it  is  mixed  with  muriatic  acid,  mutual  de- 
composition takes  place,  and  a liquid  is  formed,  capable  of  dissolving  gold, 
called  nitromuriatic  acid  or  aqua  regia.  (See  Acidum  Nitromuriaticum .) 

As  a nitric  acid  below  the  standard  strength  is  necessarily  employed  in 
many  chemical  and  pharmaceutical  operations,  it  often  becomes  important  to 
know  the  proportion  of  dry  acid,  and  of  acid  of  the  strength  of  1 '5,  contained 
in  an  acid  of  any  given  specific  gravity.  The  following  table,  drawn  up 
from  experiments  by  Dr.  Ure,  gives  information  on  these  points. 


PART  I. 


Acidum  Nitricum. 


43 


Table  showing  the  Quantity  of  Hydrated  Nitric  Acid  (sp.  gr.  1'5),  and  of 
Dry  Nitric  Acid,  contained  in  100  parts  of  the  Acid  at  Different  Densities. 


Sp.  Gr. 

Hyd. 
Acid 
in  100 

Dry 
Acid 
in  100 

Sp.Gr. 

Hyd. 
Acid 
in  100 

Dry 
Acid 
in  100 

Sp.  Gr. 

Hyd. 
Acid 
in  100 

Dry 
Acid 
in  100 

Sp.Gr. 

Hyd. 
Acid 
in  100 

Dry 
Acid 
in  100 

1-500 

100 

79-700 

1-4189 

75 

59-775 

1-2947 

50 

39-850 

1-1403 

25 

19-925 

1-498 

99 

78-903 

1-4147 

74 

58-978 

1-2887 

49 

39-053 

1-1345 

24 

19-128 

1-4960 

98 

78-106 

1-4107 

73 

58-181 

1-2826 

48 

38-256 

1-1286 

23 

18-331 

1-4940 

97 

77-309 

1-4065 

72 

57-384 

1-2765 

47 

37-459 

1-1227 

22 

17-534 

1-4910 

96 

76-512 

1 -4023 

71 

56-587 

1-2705 

46 

36-662 

1-1168 

21 

16-737 

1-4880 

95 

75-715 

1-3978 

70 

55-790 

1-2644 

45 

35-865 

1-1109 

20 

15-940 

1-4850 

94 

74-918 

1-3945 

69 

54-993 

1-2583 

44 

35-068 

1-1051 

19 

15-143 

1-4820 

93 

74-121 

1-3882 

68 

54-196 

1-2523 

43 

34-271 

1-0993 

18 

14-346 

1-4790 

92 

73-324 

1-3833 

67 

53-399 

1-2462 

42 

33-474 

1 -0935 

17 

13-549 

1-4760 

91 

72-527 

1-3783 

66 

52-602 

1-2402 

41 

32-677 

1-0878 

16 

12-752 

1-4730 

90 

71-730 

1-3732 

65 

51-805 

1-2341 

40 

31-880 

1-0821 

15 

11-955 

1-4700 

89 

70-933 

1-3681 

64 

51  -068 

1-2277 

39 

31-083 

1-0764 

14 

11-158 

1-4670 

88 

70-136 

1-3630 

63 

50-211 

1-2212 

38 

30-286 

1 -0708 

13 

10-361 

1-4640 

87 

69-339 

1-3579 

62 

49-414 

1-2148 

37 

29-489 

1-0651 

12 

9-564 

1-4600 

86 

68-542 

1-3529 

61 

48-617 

1-2084 

36 

28-692 

1 -0595 

11 

8-767 

1-4570 

85 

67-745 

1-3477 

60 

47-820 

1-2019 

35 

27-895 

1-0540 

10 

7-970 

1-4530 

84 

66-948 

1-3427 

59 

47-023 

1-1958 

34 

27-098 

1-0485 

9 

7-173 

1-4500 

83 

66-155 

1-3377 

58 

46-226 

1-1895 

33 

26-301 

1-0430 

8 

6-376 

1-4460 

82 

65-354 

1-3323 

57 

45-429 

1-1833 

32 

25-504 

1-0375 

7 

5-579 

1-4424 

81 

64-557. 

1 -3270 

56 

44-632 

1-1770 

31 

24-707 

1-0320 

6 

4-782 

1-4385 

80 

63-760] 

1-3216 

55 

43-835 

1-1709 

30 

23-910 

1-0267 

5 

3-985 

1-4346 

79 

62-963 

1-3163 

54 

43-038 

1-1648 

29 

23-113 

1-0212 

4 

'3-188 

1-4306 

78 

62-166] 

1-3110 

53 

42-241 

1-1587 

28 

22-316 

1-0159 

3 

2-391 

1-4269 

77 

61-369 

1-3056 

52 

41-444 

1-1526 

27 

21-519 

1-0106 

2 

1 -594 

1-4228 

76 

60-572 

1-3001 

51 

40-647 

1-1465 

26 

20-722 

1-0053 

1 

0-797 

Tests.  Nitric  acid,  when  uncombined,  is  recognised  by  its  dissolving  cop- 
per with  the  production  of  red  vapours,  and  by  its  forming  nitre  when 
saturated  with  potassa.  When  in  the  form  of  a nitrate,  it  is  detected  by  its 
action  on  gold-leaf,  after  the  addition  of  muriatic  acid,  in  consequence  of  the 
evolution  of  chlorine;  or  it  may  be  discovered,  according  to  Dr.  O’Shaugh- 
nessy,  by  heating  the  supposed  nitrate  in  a test  tube  with  a drop  of  sulphuric 
acid,  and  then  adding  a crystal  of  morphia.  If  nitric  acid  be  present,  it  will 
be  set  free  by  the  sulphuric  acid,  and  reddened  by  the  morphia.  The  same 
effect  is  produced  by  brucia ; as  also  by  commercial  strychnia,  on  account  of 
its  containing  brucia.  To  prevent  all  ambiguity,  arising  from  the  accidental 
presence  of  nitric  acid  in  the  sulphuric  acid  employed,  the  operator  should 
satisfy  himself  by  a separate  experiment,  that  the  latter  acid  has  no  power 
to  produce  the  characteristic  colour  with  morphia.  Another  test  for  nitric 
acid,  is  to  add  pure  sulphuric  acid  to  the  concentrated  liquid,  suspected  to 
contain  it,  together  with  a little  concentrated  solution  of  the  sulphate  of 
protoxide  of  iron.  The  smallest  trace  of  nitric  acid  affords,  when  the  mix- 
ture is  warmed,  a pink-red  colour ; and,  if  it  be  present  in  considerable 
amount,  the  liquid  becomes  almost  black. 

The  most  common  impurities  in  nitric  acid  are  sulphuric  acid  and  chlorine ; 
the  former  derived  from  the  acid  used  in  the  process,  the  latter  from  common 
salt,  which  is  not  an  unfrequent  impurity  in  nitre.  They  may  be  detected 
by  adding  a few  drops  of  the  solution  of  chloride  of  barium  and  of  nitrate  of 
silver  to  separate  portions  of  the  nitric  acid,  diluted  with  three  or  four  parts 
of  distilled  water.  If  these  reagents  should  produce  a precipitate,  the  chloride 
will  indicate  sulphuric  acid,  and  the  nitrate,  chlorine.  These  impurities  may 


44 


Acidurn  Nitricum. 


PART  I. 


be  separated  by  adding  nitrate  of  silver  in  slight  excess,  which  will  precipi- 
tate them  as  sulphate  and  chloride  of  silver,  and  then  distilling  nearly  to 
dryness  in  very  clean  vessels.  The  sulphuric  acid  may  also  be  got  rid  of  by 
distilling  from  a fresh  portion  of  nitre.  The  chlorine  may  be  separated, 
without  the  use  of  nitrate  of  silver,  by  distilling  the  commercial  acid,  and 
rejecting  the  first  eighth  or  fourth  which  comes  over,  according  to  the  quality 
of  the  acid,  and  reserving  that  which  passes  subsequently,  which  is  abso- 
lutely pure.  ( Ch.  Barreswil.)  These  impurities,  however,  do  not  in  the 
least  affect  the  medicinal  properties  of  the  acid. 

Composition.  The  composition  of  the  officinal  acid  of  the  density  1'42 
has  already  been  given.  It  contains  about  75  per  cent,  of  nitric  acid  of  the 
sp.gr.  1*5.  The  composition  of  the  officinal  commercial  acid  is  necessarily 
variable.  The  Edinburgh  commercial  acid  contains  from  67  to  68  per  cent, 
of  nitric  acid  of  the  density  of  15.  The  strength  of  the  Dublin  commercial 
acid  is  left  indefinite  ; as  no  sp.  gr.  is  assigned  to  it.  Anhydrous  nitric  acid 
consists  of  one  eq.  of  nitrogen  14,  and  five  eqs.  of  oxygen  40  = 54;  or,  in 
volumes,  of  one  volume  of  nitrogen  and  two  and  a half  volumes  of  oxygen, 
supposed  to  be  condensed,  to  form  nitric  acid  vapour,  into  one  volume.  In 
1849,  the  interesting  discovery  was  made  by  M.  Deville,  of  Besangon,  of  the 
means  of  isolating  anhydrous  nitric  acid.  The  method  pursued  was  to  pass 
perfectly  dry  chlorine  over  nitrate  of  silver.  The  auhydrous  acid  is  in  the 
form  of  colourless,  brilliant,  limpid  crystals,  which  melt  at  85°  and  boil  at 
113°.  In  contact  with  water,  they  form  a colourless  solution  with  evolution 
of  heat,  without  the  disengagement  of  gas.  ( Journ . de  Pharm.  et  de  Chim., 
March,  1849,  p.  207.) 

Medical  Properties.  Nitric  acid  is  tonic  and  antiseptic.  Largely  diluted 
with  water,  it  forms  a good  acid  drink  in  febrile  diseases,  especially  typhus. 
In  syphilis,  and  in  the  chronic  hepatitis  of  India,  it  is  highly  extolled  by  Dr. 
Scott,  formerly  of  Bombay.  It  has  occasionally  excited  ptyalism.  It  can- 
not be  depended  upon  as  a remedy  in  syphilis,  but,  in  worn-out  constitutions, 
is  often  an  excellent  adjuvant,  either  to  prepare  the  system  for  the  use  of 
mercury,  or  to  lessen  the  effects  of  that  metal  on  the  economy.  Externally, 
it  has  been  used  with  advantage  as  a lotion  to  ulcers,  of  the  strength  of 
about  twelve  minims  to  the  pint  of  water.  This  practice  originated  with  Sir 
Everard  Home,  and  is  particularly  applicable  to  those  ulcers  which  are  super- 
ficial and  not  disposed  to  cicatrize.  In  sloughing  phagedama,  strong  nitric 
acid  is  one  of  the  best  remedies,  applied  by  means  of  a piece  of  lint,  tied 
round  a small  stick.  As  nitric  acid  dissolves  both  uric  acid  and  the  phos- 
phates, it  was  supposed  to  be  applicable  to  those  cases  of  gravel  in  which  the 
uric  acid  and  the  phosphates  are  mixed;  but  experience  has  not  confirmed 
its  efficacy  in  such  cases.  Nevertheless,  when  the  sabulous  deposit  depends 
upon  certain  states  of  disordered  digestion,  this  acid  may  prove  serviceable 
by  restoring  the  tone  of  the  stomach.  The  dose  is  from  five  to  twenty 
minims  in  three  fluidounces  or  more  of  water,  given  three  or  four  times 
a-day.  The  diluted  acid  is  more  convenient  for  prescribing.  (See  Acidum 
Nitricum  Dilutum. ) 

Nitric  acid,  in  the  state  of  vapour,  is  considered  useful  for  destroying  con- 
tagion, and  hence  is  employed  for  purifying  gaols,  hospitals,  ships,  and  other 
infected  places.  It  is  prepared  for  use  by  the  extemporaneous  decomposi- 
tion of  nitre  by  sulphuric  acid.  Half  an  ounce  of  powdered  nitre  is  put  into 
a saucer,  which  is  placed  in  an  earthen  dish  containing  heated  sand.  On 
the  nitre,  two  drachms  of  sulphuric  acid  are  then  poured,  and  the  nitric  acid 
fumes  are  immediately  disengaged.  The  quantities  just  indicated  are  con- 
sidered to  be  sufficient  for  disinfecting  a cubic  space  of  ten  feet.  Fumiga- 
tion in  this  manner  was  first  introduced  by  an  English  physician,  Dr.  Car- 


PART  I. 


Acidum  Nitricum. — Acidum  Sulphuricum. 


45 


michael  Smyth,  who  received  from  the  British  Parliament,  for  its  discovery, 
a reward  of  five  thousand  pounds.  It  may  be  well  doubted  whether  the 
nitric  acid,  as  a disinfecter,  is  at  all  comparable  to  chlorine;  and,  since  the 
introduction  of  chlorinated  lime,  and  the  solution  of  chlorinated  soda  as  dis- 
infecting agents,  this  gas  has  been  brought  into  so  manageable  a form,  that 
its  use  may  very  well  supersede  that  of  every  other  agent  employed  with 
similar  intentions.  (See  Calx  Chlorinata  and  Liquor  Sodas  Ohlorinatse.') 

Properties  as  a Poison.  Nitric  acid,  in  its  concentrated  state,  is  one  of 
the  mineral  poisons  most  frequently  taken  for  the  purpose  of  self-destruction. 
Immediately  after  swallowing  it,  there  are  produced  burning  heat  in  the 
mouth,  oesophagus,  and  stomach,  acute  pain,  disengagement  of  gas,  abundant 
eructations,  nausea,  and  hiccough.  These  effects  are  soon  followed  by  re- 
peated and  excessive  vomiting  of  matter  having  a peculiar  odour  and  taste, 
tumefaction  of  the  abdomen  with  exquisite  tenderness,  a feeling  of  coldness 
on  the  surface,  horripilations,  icy  coldness  of  the  extremities,  small  depressed 
pulse,  horrible  anxieties,  continual  tossings  and  contortions,  and  extreme 
thirst.  The  breath  becomes  extremely  fetid,  and  the  countenance  exhibits 
a complete  picture  of  suffering.  The  cases  are  almost  always  fatal.  The 
best  remedies  are  repeated  doses  of  magnesia  as  an  antidote,  mucilaginous 
drinks  in  large  quantities,  olive  or  almond  oil  in  very  large  doses,  emollient 
fomentations,  and  clysters.  Until  magnesia  can  be  obtained,  an  immediate 
resort  to  a solution  of  soap  in  large  amount  will  be  proper. 

Pharm.  Uses.  Nitric  acid  is  used  as  a chemical  agent  to  prepare  Acidum 
Phosphoricum  Dilutum;  Antimonii  et  Potassae  Tartras ; Ferri  Ferrocyanu- 
retum ; Ferri  Oxidum  Hydratum ; Hydrargyri  Oxidum  Bubrum ; Zinci 
Chloridum. 

Off.  Prep,  of  Nitric  Acid.  Acidum  Nitricum  Dilutum ; Acidum  Nitro- 
muriaticum  ; Argenti  Nitras  ; Argenti  Nit-ras  Fusus ; Bismuthi  Subnitras ; 
Liquor  Ferri  Nitratis ; Spiritus  vEtheris  Nitrici;  Unguentum  Hydrargyri 
Nitratis. 

Off.  Prep,  of  Commercial  Nitric  Acid.  Acidum  Nitricum  Dilutum  ; Bis- 
muthum  Album.  The  commercial  acid  is  used  chemically  to  prepare  Fer- 
rugo,  Ed.,  and  Zinci  Sulphas,  Dub.  B. 

ACIDUM  SULPHURICUM.  U.S.,Lond. 
Sulphuric  Acid. 

Sulphuric  Acid  of  the  specific  gravity  1'845.  U.  S.,  Lond. 

Of.  Si/n.  ACIDUM  SULPHURICUM.  Sulphuric  Acid  of  Commerce. 
Ed.;  ACIDUM  SULPHURICUM  YENALE.  Commercial  Sulphuric 
Acid ; Oil  of  Vitriol.  Dub. 

Oil  of  vitriol ; Acide  sulfurique,  Fr. ; Vitriolol,  Seliwefelsaure,  Germ.  ; Acido  sol- 
forico,  Ital. ; Acido  sulfurico,  Span. 

Sulphuric  acid  is  placed  in  the  Materia  Medica  list  of  all  the  Pharmaco- 
poeias noticed  in  this  work,  as  an  acid  to  be  obtained  from  the  wholesale 
manufacturer.  Its  officinal  sp.  gr.,  as  given  in  the  U.  S.  and  London  Phar- 
macopoeias, is  1'845;  in  the  Edinburgh,  1'840  or  near  it.  In  the  Dublin 
Pharmacopoeia,  no  specific  gravity  is  given  for  the  commercial  acid. 

Preparation.  Sulphuric  acid  is  obtained  by  burning  sulphur,  mixed  with 
one-eighth  of  its  weight  of  nitre,  over  a stratum  of  water,  contained  in  a 
chamber  lined  with  sheet  lead.  If  the  sulphur  were  burned  by  itself,  the 
product  would  be  sulphurous  acid,  which  contains  only  two-thirds  as  much 
oxygen  as  sulphuric  acid.  The  object  of  the  nitre  is  to  furnish,  by  its  de- 
composition, the  requisite  additional  quantity  of  oxygen.  To  understand  the 


46 


PART  I. 


Acidum  SulpJiuricum. 

process,  it  is  necessary  to  bear  in  mind  that  nitric  acid  contains  five,  sulphuric 
acid  three,  sulphurous  acid  two,  nitric  oxide  two,  hyponitrous  acid  three,  and 
nitrous  acid  four  equivalents  of  oxygen,  combined  with  one  eq.  of  their  several 
radicals.  One  eq.  of  sulphur  decomposes  one  eq.  of  nitric  acid  of  the  nitre, 
and  becomes  one  eq.  of  sulphuric  acid,  which  combines  with  the  potassa  of 
the  nitre  to  form  sulphate  of  potassa.  In  the  mean  time,  the  nitric  acid,  by 
furnishing  three  eqs.  of  oxygen  to  form  the  sulphuric  acid,  is  converted  into 
one  eq.  of  nitric  oxide,  which  is  evolved.  This  gas,  by  combining  with  two 
eqs.  of  the  oxygen  of  the  air,  immediately  becomes  nitrous  acid  vapour, 
which  diffuses  itself  throughout  the  leaden  chamber.  While  these  changes 
are  taking  place,  the  remainder  of  the  sulphur  is  undergoing  combustion, 
and  filling  the  chamber  with  sulphurous  acid  gas.  One  eq.  of  nitrous  acid 
gas,  and  one  eq.  of  sulphurous  acid  gas,  being  thus  intermingled  in  the 
chamber,  react  on  each  other,  by  the  aid  of  moisture,  so  as  to  form  a crystal- 
line compound,  consisting  of  one  eq.  of  sulphuric  acid  and  one  eq.  of  hyponi- 
trous acid,  united  with  a portion  of  water.  This  compound  falls  into  the 
water  of  the  chamber,  and  instantly  undergoes  decomposition.  The  sul- 
phuric acid  dissolves  in  the  water,  and  the  hyponitrous  acid,  resolved,  at  the 
moment  of  its  extrication,  into  nitrous  acid  and  nitric  oxide,  escapes  with 
effervescence.  The  nitrous  acid  thus  set  free,  and  that  reproduced  by  the 
nitric  oxide  uniting  with  the  oxygen  of  the  atmosphere,  again  react  with 
sulphurous  acid  and  humidity,  and  give  rise  to  a second  portion  of  the  crys- 
talline compound,  which  undergoes  the  same  changes  as  the  first.  In  this 
manner,  the  nitric  oxide  performs  the  part  of  a carrier  of  oxygen  from  the 
air  of  the  chamber  to  the  sulphurous  acid,  to  convert  the  latter  into  sulphuric 
acid.  The  residue  of  the  combustion  of  the  sulphur  and  nitre,  consisting  of 
sulphate  of  potassa,  is  sold  to  the  alum  makers. 

Preparation  on  the  Large  Scale.  The  leaden  chambers  vary  in  size,  but 
are  generally  from  thirty  to  thirty-two  feet  square,  and  from  sixteen  to 
twenty  feet  high.  The  floor  is  slightly  inclined  to  facilitate  the  drawing  off 
of  the  acid,  and  covered  to  the  depth  of  several  inches  with  water.  There 
are  several  modes  of  burning  the  mixture  of  sulphur  and  nitre,  and  other- 
wise conducting  the  process ; but  that  pursued  in  France  is  as  follows.  Near 
one  of  the  sides  of  the  chamber,  and  about  a foot  from  its  bottom,  a cast-iron 
tray  is  placed  over  a furnace,  resting  on  the  ground,  its  mouth  opening  ex- 
ternally, and  its  chimney  having  no  communication  with  the  chamber.  On 
this  tray  the  mixture  is  placed,  being  introduced  by  a square  opening,  which 
may  be  shut  by  means  of  a sliding  door,  and  the  lower  side  of  which  is  level 
with  the  surface  of  the  tray.  The  door  being  shut,  the  fire  is  gradually 
raised  in  the  furnace,  whereby  the  sulphur  is  inflamed,  and  the  products 
already  spoken  of  are  generated.  When  the  combustion  is  over,  the  door  is 
raised,  and  the  sulphate  of  potassa  removed.  A fresh  portion  of  the  mix- 
ture is  then  placed  on  the  tray,  and  the  air  of  the  chamber  is  renewed  by 
opening  a door  and  valve  situated  at  its  opposite  side.  Next,  the  several 
openings  are  closed,  and  the  fire  is  renewed.  These  operations  are  repeated, 
with  fresh  portions  of  the  mixture,  every  three  or  four  hours,  until  the  water 
at  the  bottom  of  the  chamber  has  reached  the  sp.gr.  of  about  1'5.  It  is 
then  drawn  off  and  transferred  to  leaden  boilers,  where  it  is  boiled  down 
until  it  has  attained  the  sp.gr.  1'7.  At  this  density  it  begins  to  act  on  lead, 
and,  therefore,  its  further  concentration  must  be  conducted  in  large  glass  or 
platinum  retorts,  where  it  is  evaporated  as  long  as  water  distils  over.  This 
water  is  slightly  acid  and  is  thrown  back  into  the  chamber.  When  the  acid 
is  fully  concentrated,  opaque  grayish-white  vapours  arise,  the  appearance  of 
which  indicates  the  completion  of  the  process.  The  acid  is  allowed  to  cool, 
and  is  then  transferred  to  large  demijohns  of  green  glass,  called  carboys, 


part  I.  Acidum  Sulphuricum.  47 

which,  for  greater  security,  are  surrounded  with  straw  or  wicker-work,  and 
packed  in  square  boxes,  enclosing  all  the  carboy  except  the  neck. 

As,  in  the  manufacture  of  sulphuric  acid,  the  nitre  is  the  most  expensive 
material,  many  plans  have  been  resorted  to  for  the  purpose  of  obtaining  the 
necessary  nitrous  acid  at  a cheaper  rate.  One  plan  is  to  procure  it  by  treat- 
ing molasses  or  starch  with  common  nitric  acid.  In  this  case,  the  manufac- 
turer obtains  oxalic  acid  as  a collateral  product,  which  serves  to  diminish  his 
expenses. 

In  some  manufactories  of  sulphuric  acid,  nitrate  of  soda  is  substituted  for 
nitre.  The  advantages  of  the  former  salt  are  its  greater  cheapness,  and  the 
circumstance  of  its  containing  a larger  proportional  amount  of  nitric  acid. 

A new  method  is  now  practised  by  some  manufacturers  for  making  sul- 
phuric acid.  It  consists  in  filling  the  leaden  chamber  with  sulphurous  acid 
by  the  ordinary  combustion  of  sulphur,  and  afterwards  admitting  into  it 
nitrous  acid  and  steam.  The  nitrous  acid  is  generated  from  a mixture  of 
sulphuric  acid  with  nitrate  of  potassa  or  nitrate  of  soda,  placed  in  an  iron 
pan,  over  the  burning  sulphur  in  the  sulphur  furnace,  where  the  draught 
serves  to  conduct  the  nitrous  acid  fumes  into  the  chamber.  As,  under  these 
circumstances,  sulphurous  and  nitrous  acids,  and  the  vapour  of  water  are 
intermingled  in  the  chamber,  it  follows  that  all  the  conditions  necessary  for 
generating  the  crystalline  compound,  already  alluded  to,  are  present.  Of 
course,  the  rationale  of  this  new  process  is  the  same  as  that  already  given. 

Mr.  Thomas  Bell,  of  England,  obtained  a patent  in  Dec.  1852  for  the  use 
of  ozonized  air,*  either  produced  by  electricity  or  by  the  slow  combustion 
of  phosphorus,  in  order  to  cause  the  union  of  sulphurous  acid  with  the  re- 
quisite oxygen,  without  the  use  of  nitre,  in  the  leaden  chamber,  in  manu- 
facturing sulphuric  acid.  The  specification  of  his  patent  is  given  in  the 
Pharmaceutical  Journal  for  March,  1853. 

What  is  said  above  relates  to  the  mode  of  preparing  common  sulphuric 
acid ; but  there  is  another  kind  known  on  the  continent  of  Europe  by  the 
name  of  the  fuming  sulphuric  acid  of  Nordhausen,  so  called  from  its  proper- 
ties, and  a place  in  Saxony  where  it  is  largely  manufactured.  This  acid  is 
obtained  by  distilling  dried  sulphate  of  iron  in  large  stoneware  retorts,  heated 
to  redness,  and  connected  with  receivers  of  glass  or  stoneware.  The  acid 
distils  over,  and  sesquioxide  of  iron  is  left  in  the  form  of  co/cothar. 

The  process  for  making  sulphuric  acid  by  the  combustion  of  sulphur  with 
nitre  was  first  mentioned  by  Lemery,  and  afterwards  put  in  practice  by  an 
English  physician  of  the  name  of  Ward.  As  practised  by  him  the  combus- 
tion was  conducted  in  very  large  glass  vessels.  About  the  year  1746,  the 
great  improvement  of  leaden  chambers  was  introduced  by  Dr.  Itoebuck,  an 
eminent  physician  of  Birmingham,  where  the  first  apparatus  of  this  kind 
was  erected.  In  consequence  of  this  improvement,  the  acid  immediately 
fell  to  one-fourth  of  its  former  price. 

Properties.  Sulphuric  acid,  or  as  it  is  commonly  called,  oil  of  vitriol,  is  a 
dense,  colourless,  inodorous  liquid,  of  an  oleaginous  appearance,  and  possessing 
strong  corrosive  qualities.  On  the  living  fibre,  it  acts  as  a powerful  caustic. 
In  the  liquid  form,  it  always  contains  water,  which  is  essential  to  its  existence 
in  that  form.  When  pure  and  as  highly  concentrated  as  possible,  as  manu- 

* Ozonized  air  is  air  containing  Schonbein’s  ozone.  Ozone  is  a peculiar  form  of 
matter,  produced  by  electrical  discharges  in  the  air,  by  the  electrolysis  of  water,  and 
by  the  slow  combustion  of  phosphorus,  at  common  temperatures,  iu  a confined  portion 
of  moist  air.  Its  nature  is  not  well  made  out;  but  it  probably  is  an  allotropic  condi- 
tion of  oxygen,  in  which  some  of  the  properties  of  the  latter  are  exalted,  and  others 
newly  developed.  Among  the  properties  exalted,  is  the  oxidizing  property,  which  is 
much  more  active  in  ozone-oxygen  than  in  ordinary  oxygen. 


48  Acidum  Sulphuricum.  part  i. 

factured  in  the  leaden  chambers,  its  sp.  gr.  is  1'845,  a fluidounee  weighing  a 
small  fraction  over  fourteen  drachms.  When  of  this  specific  gravity,  it  con- 
tains about  18  per  cent,  of  water.  Whenever  its  density  exceeds  this,  the 
presence  of  sulphate  of  lead,  or  of  some  other  impurity  is  indicated.  The 
commercial  acid  is  seldom  of  full  strength.  According  to  Mr.  Phillips,  it 
has  generally  a sp.  gr.  of  only  1'8433,  and  contains  22  per  cent,  of  water. 
The  strong  acid  boils  at  620°,  and  freezes  at  15°  below  zero.  When  diluted, 
its  boiling  point  is  lowered.  When  of  the  sp.  gr.  1 '78,  it  deposits  crystals 
of  the  bi hydrated  acid  at  about  28°;  and  hence  it  is  hazardous  for  manufac- 
turers to  keep  an  acid  of  that  strength  in  glass  vessels  in  cold  weather,  as 
they  are  liable  to  burst.  With  salifiable  bases,  it  forms  a numerous  class  of 
salts,  called  sulphates.  It  acts  powerfully  on  organic  bodies,  whether  vege- 
table or  animal,  depriving  them  of  the  elements  of  water,  developing  char- 
coal, and  turning  them  black.  A small  piece  of  cork  or  wood  dropped  into 
the  acid,  will,  on  this  principle,  render  it  of  a dark  colour.  It  absorbs  water 
with  avidity,  and  is  used  as  a desiccating  agent.  It  has  been  ascertained 
by  Professors  W.  B.  and  II.  E.  Kogers  to  be  capable  of  absorbing  94  per 
cent,  of  carbonic  acid  gas,  an  interesting  fact  having  an  important  bearing 
on  analytic  operations.  When  diluted  with  distilled  water,  it  ought  to 
remain  limpid,  and,  when  heated  sufficiently  in  a platinum  spoon,  the  fixed 
residue  should  not  exceed  one  part  in  four  hundred  of  the  acid  employed. 
When  present  in  small  quantities  in  solution,  it  is  detected  unerringly  by 
chloride  of  barium,  which  causes  a precipitate  of  sulphate  of  baryta.  The 
most  usual  impurities  in  it  are  the  sulphates  of  potassa  and  lead,  the  former 
derived  from  the  residue  of  the  process,  the  latter  from  the  leaden  boilers 
in  which  the  acid  is  concentrated.  Occasionally  nitre  is  added  to  render 
dark  samples  of  acid  colourless.  This  addition  will  give  rise  to  the  impurity 
of  sulphate  of  potassa.  These  impurities  often  amount  to  three  or  four  per 
cent.  The  commercial  acid  cannot  be  expected  to  be  absolutely  pure;  but, 
when  properly  manufactured,  it  ought  not  to  contain  more  than  one-fourth 
of  one  per  cent,  of  impurity.  The  fixed  impurities  are  discoverable  by 
evaporating  a portion  of  the  suspected  acid,  when  they  will  remain.  If 
sulphate  of  lead  be  present,  the  acid  will  become  turbid  on  dilution  with  an 
equal  bulk  of  water.  This  impurity  is  not  detected  by  sulphuretted  hydro- 
gen, unless  the  sulphuric  acid  be  saturated  with  an  alkali.  If  only  a scanty 
muddiness  arises,  the  acid  is  of  good  commercial  quality. 

Other  impurities  occur  in  the  commercial  sulphuric  acid.  Nitrous  acid  is 
always  present  in  more  or  less  amount.  It  may  be  detected  by  gently  pour- 
ing a solution  of  green  vitriol  over  the  commercial  acid  in  a tube ; when  the 
solution,  at  the  line  of  contact,  will  acquire  a deep  red  colour,  due  to  the 
sesquioxidation  of  the  iron  by  the  nitrous  acid.  The  commercial  acid  is  not 
to  be  rejected  on  account  of  the  indications  of  this  test,  unless  it  shows  the 
presence  of  nitrous  acid  in  unusual  quantity.  For  the  mode  of  removing  this 
impurity  by  means  of  sugar,  see  Acidum  Sulphuricum  Purum.  When  sul- 
phate of  potassa  is  fraudulently  introduced  into  the  acid  to  increase  its  density, 
it  may  be  detected  by  saturating  the  acid  with  ammonia  and  heating  to  red- 
ness in  a crucible;  when  sulphate  of  ammonia  will  be  expelled,  and  sul- 
phate of  potassa  left  behind.  The  dangerous  impurity  of  arsenic  is  sometimes 
present  in  sulphuric  acid.  In  consequence  of  the  high  price  of  Sicilian  sul- 
phur in  the  market  some  years  ago,  several  of  the  English  manufacturers 
employed  iron  pyrites  for  the  purpose  of  furnishing  the  necessary  sulphurous 
acid  in  the  manufacture  of  oil  of  vitriol.  As  the  pyrites  usually  contained 
arsenic,  it  happened  that  the  sulphurous  acid  fumes  were  accompanied  by 
this  metal,  and  thus  the  sulphuric  acid  became  contaminated.  From  22  to 


PART  I. 


Acidum  Sulphuricum. 


49 


35  grains  of  arsenious  acid  have  been  found  in  20  fluidounces  of  oil  of  vitriol, 
of  English  manufacture,  by  Dr.  G-.  0.  Rees  and  Mr.  Watson.  To  detect 
this  impurity,  the  acid,  previously  diluted  with  distilled  water,  must  be 
examined  by  Marsh’s  test.  (See  Acidum  Arseniosum.)  According  to  Du- 
pasquier,  the  arsenic  is  present  in  sulphuric  acid  in  the  form  of  arsenic  acid, 
and  is  not  fully  precipitated  by  sulphuretted  hydrogen;  but  it  may  be  com- 
pletely separated  by  the  sulphuret  of  potassium,  of  sodium,  or  of  barium, 
and  preferably  by  the  last.  The  same  chemist  states  that  tin  is  sometimes 
present  in  commercial  sulphuric  acid,  derived  from  the  solderiugs  of  the  leaden 
chambers.  It  may  be  discovered  by  sulphuretted  hydrogen,  which  produces 
a precipitate  of  sulphuret  of  tin,  convertible  by  nitric  acid  into  the  white 
insoluble  deutoxide  of  tin.  If  the  precipitate  should  be  the  mixed  sulphurets 
of  arsenic  and  tin,  the  former  is  converted  by  nitric  acid  into  arsenic  acid  and 
dissolved,  and  the  latter  into  insoluble  deutoxide  and  left. 

As  sulphuric  acid  is  often  under  the  standard  strength,  it  becomes  important 
to  know  how  much  hydrated  sulphuric  acid  of  the  standard  specific  gravity, 
and  of  dry  acid,  is  contained  in  an  acid  of  any  given  density.  The  following 
table,  drawn  up  by  Dr.  Ure,  gives  this  information. 


Table  of  the  Quantity  of  Hydrated.  Sulphuric  Acid  of  Sp.  Gr.  1'8485,  and 
of  Dry  Acid,  in  100  parts  of  Dilute  Acid  at  Different  Densities. 


Sp.  Gr. 

Hyd. 

Acid 

Dry 

Acid 

Sp.  Gr. 

Hyd. 

Acid 

Dry 

Acid 

Sp.  Gr. 

Hyd. 

Acid 

1 Dry 
Acid 

Sp.  Gr. 

Hyd. 

Acid 

Dry 

Acid 

In  1 00 

in  100 

in  1 00 

in  1 00 

in  100 

in  100 

in  100 

in  100 

1 -8485 

100 

81-54 

1-6520 

75 

61-15 

1-3884 

50 

40-77 

1-1792 

25 

20-88 

1-8475 

99 

80-72 

1-6415 

74 

60-34 

1-3788 

49 

39-95 

1-1706 

24 

19-57 

1-8460 

98 

79-90 

1-6321 

73 

59-52 

1-3697 

48 

39-14 

1-1626 

23 

18-75 

1-8439 

97 

79-09 

1-6204 

72 

58-71 

1-3612 

47 

38-32 

1-1549 

22 

17-94 

1-8410 

96 

78-28 

1-6090 

71 

57-89 

1-3530 

46 

37-51 

1-1480 

21 

17-12 

1-8376 

95 

77-46 

1-5975 

70 

57-08 

1-3440 

45 

36-69 

1-1410 

20 

16-31 

1-8336 

94 

76-65 

1-5868 

69 

56-26 

1-3345 

44 

35-88 

1-1330 

19 

15-49 

1-8290 

93 

75-83 

1 -5760 

68 

55-45 

1-3255 

43 

35-06 

1-1246 

18 

14-68 

1-8233 

92 

75-02 

1-5648 

67 

54-63 

1-3165 

42 

34-25 

1-1165 

17 

13-86 

1-8179 

91 

74-20 

1 -5503 

66 

53-82 

1-3080 

41 

33-43 

1-1090 

16 

13-05 

1-8115 

90 

73-39 

1-5390 

65 

53-00 

1-2999 

40 

32-61 

1-1019 

15 

12-23 

1-8043 

89 

72-57 

1-5280 

64 

52-18 

1-2913 

39 

31-80 

1-0953 

14 

11-41 

1-7962 

88 

71-75 

1-5170 

63 

51-37 

1 -2826 

38 

30-98 

1 -0887 

13 

10-60 

1-7870 

87 

70-94 

1-5066 

62 

50-55 

1-2740 

37 

30-17 

1-0809 

12 

9-78 

1-7774 

86 

70-12 

1-4960 

61 

49-74 

1-2654 

36 

29-35 

1-0743 

11 

8-97 

1-7673 

85 

69-31 

1 -4860 

60 

48-92 

1-2572 

35 

28-54 

1 -0682 

10 

8-15 

1-7570 

84 

68-49 

1-4760 

59 

48-11 

1 -2490 

34 

27-72 

1-0614 

9 

7-34 

1-7465 

83 

67-68 

1-4660 

58 

47-29 

1-2409 

33 

20-91 

1-0544 

8 

6-52 

1-7360 

82 

66-86 

1-4560 

57 

46-48 

1-2334 

32 

26-09 

1-0477 

7 

5-71 

1 -7245 

81 

66-05 

1-4460 

56 

45-66 

1-2260 

31 

25-28 

1-0405 

6 

4-89 

1-7120 

80 

65-23 

1-4360 

55 

44-85 

1-2184 

30 

24-46 

1-0386 

5 

4-08 

1-6993 

79 

64-42 

1-4265 

54 

44-03 

1-2108 

29 

23-65 

1-0268 

4 

3-26 

1-6870 

78 

63-60 

1-4170 

53 

43-22 

1-2032 

28 

22-83 

1-0206 

3 

1-636 

1-6750 

77 

62-78 

1-4073 

52 

42-40 

1-1956 

27 

22-01 

1-0140 

2 

1-63 

1-6630 

76 

61-97 

1-3977 

51 

41-58 

1-1876 

26 

21-20 

1-0074 

1 

0-1854 

The  only  way  to  obtain  pure  sulphuric  acid  is  by  distillation.  Owing  to 
the  high  boiling  point  of  this  acid,  the  operation  is  rather  precarious,  in  con- 
sequence of  the  danger  of  the  fracture  of  the  retort,  from  the  sudden  concus- 
sions to  which  the  boiling  acid  gives  rise.  Dr.  Ure  recommends  that  a retort 
of  the  capacity  of  from  two  to  four  quarts  be  used  in  distilling  a pint  of  acid. 

4 


50  Acidum  Sulphuricum.  part  I. 

This  is  connected,  by  means  of  a wide  glass  tube  three  or  four  feet  long,  with 
a receiver  surrounded  with  cold  water.  All  the  vessels  must  be  perfectly 
clean,  and  no  luting  is  employed.  The  retort  is  then  to  be  cautiously  heated 
by  a small  furnace  of  charcoal.  It  is  useful  to  put  into  the  retort  a few 
sharp-pointed  pieces  of  glass,  or  slips  of  platinum  foil,  with  the  view  of  dimin- 
ishing the  shocks  produced  by  the  acid  vapour.  The  distilled  product 
ought  not  to  he  collected  until  a dense  grayish-white  vapour  is  generated, 
the  appearance  of  which  is  a sign  that  the  pure  concentrated  acid  is  coming 
over.  If  this  vapour  should  not  immediately  appear,  it  shows  that  the  acid 
subjected  to  distillation  is  not  of  full  strength;  and  the  distilled  product, 
until  this  point  is  attained,  will  be  an  acid  water.  In  the  distillation  of 
sulphuric  acid,  M.  Bembert  uses  fragments  of  the  mineral  called  quartzite, 
which  act  by  their  asperities  in  breaking  the  shocks  which  the  boiling  vapour 
would  otherwise  occasion.  After  a time  the  fragments  get  worn,  and  must 
be  changed.  ( Journ . de  Pharm .,  Sept.  1817.) 

The  Edinburgh  and  Dublin  Colleges  give  formulae  for  purifying  the  com- 
mercial acid.  (See  Acidum  Sulphuricum  Purum .)  The  strong  acid  is  not 
convenient  for  medicinal  use  ; and  hence  a formula  for  a diluted  acid  is  given 
in  the  United  States  Pharmacopoeia,  following  the  example  of  the  British 
Colleges.  (See  Acidum  Sulphuricum  Dilutum .) 

Composition.  The  hydrated  acid  of  the  sp.  gr.  1'845  consists  of  one  eq. 
of  dry  acid  40,  and  one  eq.  of  water  9=49  ; and  the  dry  acid,  of  one  eq.  of 
sulphur  16,  and  three  eqs.  of  oxygen  24=40.  The  ordinary  commercial  acid 
(sp  gr.  1'8433)  consists,  according  to  Mr.  Phillips,  of  one  eq.  of  dry  acid, 
and  one  and  a quarter  eqs.  of  water.  The  hydrated  acid  of  Nordhausen  has 
a density  as  high  as  1'89  or  1'9,  and  consists  of  two  eqs.  of  dry  acid,  and  one 
eq.  of  water.  This  acid  is  particularly  adapted  to  the  purpose  of  dissolving 
indigo  for  dyeing  the  Saxon  blue.  When  heated  gently  in  a retort,  con- 
nected with  a dry  and  refrigerated  receiver,  dry  or  anhydrous  sulphuric  acid 
distils  over,  and  the  common  protohydrated  acid  remains  behind.  The  dry 
acid  may  also  be  obtained  by  the  action  of  dry  phosphoric  acid  on  concentrated 
sulphuric  acid  according  to  the  method  of  Ch.  Barreswil.  The  mixture  must 
be  made  in  a refrigerated  retort,  and  afterwards  distilled  by  a gentle  heat 
into  a refrigerated  receiver.  Anhydrous  sulphuric  acid  under  64°  is  in  the 
form  of  small  colourless  crystals,  resembling  asbestos.  It  is  tenacious,  diffi- 
cult to  cut,  and  may  be  moulded  in  the  fingers  like  wax,  without  acting  on 
them.  Exposed  to  the  air,  it  emits  a thick  opaque  vapour  of  an  acid  smell. 
Above  64°  it  is  a liquid,  very  nearly  of  the  density  of  2. 

Medical  Properties.  Sulphuric  acid  is  tonic,  antiseptic,  and  refrigerant. 
Internally  it  is  always  administered  in  a dilute  state.  For  its  medical  pro- 
perties in  this  form,  the  reader  is  referred  to  the  title,  Acidum  Sulphuricum 
Dilutum.  Externally  it  is  sometimes  employed  as  a caustic ; but,  from  its 
liquid  form,  it  is  very  inconvenient  for  that  purpose.  It  is  employed  also  as 
an  ointment,  mixed  with  lard,  in  the  proportion  of  a drachm  to  an  ounce, 
in  swellings  of  the  knee-joint  and  other  affections.  Charpie,  corroded  by  it, 
forms  a good  application  to  gangrene.  W7hen  mixed  with  saffron  to  the  con- 
sistence of  a ductile  paste,  Yelpeau  found  this  acid  to  form  a convenient  caus- 
tic, not  liable  to  spread  or  to  be  absorbed,  and  giving  rise  to  an  eschar  which 
is  promptly  detached. 

Toxicological  Properties.  The  symptoms  of  poisoning  by  this  acid  are  the 
following : — Burning  heat  in  the  throat  and  stomach,  extreme  fetidness  of 
the  breath,  nausea  and  excessive  vomitings  of  black  or  reddish  matter,  ex- 
cruciating pains  in  the  bowels,  difficulty  of  breathing,  extreme  anguish,  a 
feeling  of  cold  on  the  skin,  great  prostration,  constant  tossing,  convulsions, 
and  death.  The  intellectual  faculties  remain  unimpaired.  Frequently  the 


part  i.  Acidum  Sulphuricum. — Acidum  Tartaricum.  51 

uvula,  palate,  tonsils,  and  other  parts  of  the  fauces  are  covered  with  black  or 
white  sloughs.  The  treatment  consists  in  the  administration  of  large  quan- 
tities of  magnesia,  or,  if  this  be  not  at  hand,  of  a solution  of  soap.  The 
safety  of  the  patient  depends  upon  the  greatest  promptitude  in  the  applica- 
tion of  the  antidotes.  After  the  poison  has  been  neutralized,  mucilaginous 
and  other  bland  drinks  must  be  taken  in  large  quantities.  After  death,  ac- 
cording to  Dr.  Geoghegan,  the  acid  may  be  detected  in  the  blood  and  paren- 
chymatous viscera,  especially  in  the  liver.  It  is  found,  not  as  a sulphate, 
but  combined  severally  with  the  colouring  matter  and  tissues. 

Uses  in  the  Arts.  Sulphuric  acid  is  more  used  in  the  arts  than  any  other 
acid.  It  is  employed  to  obtain  many  of  the  other  acids ; to  extract  soda  from 
common  salt;-  to  make  alum  and  sulphate  of  iron,  when  these  salts  command 
a good  price,  and  the  acid  is  cheap ; to  dissolve  indigo ; to  prepare  skins  for 
tanning;  to  prepare  phosphorus,  chlorinated  lime  or  bleaching  salt,  sulphate 
of  magnesia,  &c.  The  arts  of  bleaching  and  dyeing  cause  its  principal  con- 
sumption. 

Pharm.  Uses.  Sulphuric  acid  is  used  as  a chemical  agent,  in  one  or  more 
of  the  Pharmacopoeias  commented  on  in  this  work,  for  preparing  the  following 
officinals: — Acidum  Gallieum;  Acidum  Hydrocyanicum  Dilutum;  Acidum 
Muriaticum  Pururn ; Acidum  Nitricum  Purum  ; iEther ; Ammoniae  Hydro- 
sulphuretum ; Antimonii  Potassio-Tartras  ; Aqua  Acidi  Carbonici ; Argenti 
Cyanuretum;  Chlorinei  Aqua;  Collodium  ; Ferri  Ferrocyanuretum ; Ferri 
Oxidum  Hydratum ; Ferri  Oxidum  Nigrum  ; Hydrargyri  Chloridum  Cor- 
rosivum  ; Hydrargyri  Chloridum  Mite  ; Liquor  Sodae  Chlorinatas  ; Potassae 
Bicarbonas;  Quinae  Sulphas;  Sodae  Bicarbonas;  Sodae  Phosphas  ; Sodae  Vale- 
rianas ; Spiritus  riEtheris  Nitrici;  Strychnia;  Yeratria. 

Off.  Prep.  Acidum  Sulphuricum  Aromaticum ; Acidum  Sulphuricum  Dilu- 
tum ; Acidum  Sulphuricum  Purum;  Ferri  Sulphas ; Ferri  Sulphas  Granu- 
latum;  Hydrargyri  Sulphas;  Hydrargyri  Sulphas  Flavus ; Oleum  iEthereum; 
Potassae  Bisulphas  ; Potassae  Sulphas  ; Quiniae  Sulphas  ; Spiritus  riEthereus 
Oleosus  ; Unguentum  Sulphuris  Compositum;  Zinci  Sulphas.  B. 

ACIDUM  TARTARICUM.  U.  S.,  Loud.,  Ed.,  Dub. 
Tartaric  Acid. 

Acide  tartrique,  Fr. ; tVeinsteinsaure,  Germ.;  Acido  tartarico,  Ital. , Span. 

Tartaric  acid  is  placed  among  the  preparations  by  the  Edinburgh  College  ; 
but  stands  more  properly,  in  the  London,  Dublin,  and  United  States  Phar- 
macopoeias, in  the  Materia  Medica  list,  as  an  article  to  be  purchased  from  the 
manufacturing  chemist.  It  is  extracted  from  tartar,  a peculiar  substance 
which  concretes  on  the  inside  of  wine-casks,  being  deposited  there  during  the 
fermentation  of  the  wine.  Tartar,  when  purified  and  reduced  to  powder,  is 
the  cream  of  tartar  of  the  shops,  and  is  found  to  consist  of  two  equivalents  of 
tartaric  acid  united  to  one  of  potassa.  (See  Potassae  Bitartras.) 

Tartaric  acid  was  first  obtained,  in  a separate  state,  by  Scheele  in  1770. 
The  process  consists  in  saturating  the  excess  of  acid  in  the  bitartrate  of  potassa 
or  cream  of  tartar  with  carbonate  of  lime,  and  decomposing  the  resulting  in- 
soluble tartrate  of  lime  by  sulphuric  acid,  which  precipitates  in  combination 
with  the  lime,  and  liberates  the  tartaric  acid.  The  equivalent  quantities  are 
one  eq.  of  bitartrate,  and  one  of  carbonate  of  lime.  The  process,  when  thus 
conducted,  furnishes  the  second  equivalent,  or  excess  of  acid  only  of  the  bitar- 
trate. The  other  equivalent  may  be  procured  by  decomposing  the  neutral 
tartrate  of  potassa,  remaining  in  the  solution  after  the  precipitation  of  the 
tartrate  of  lime,  by  chloride  of  calcium  in  excess.  By  double  decomposition, 


52 


Acidum  Tartaricum. 


PART  I. 


chloride  of  potassium  will  he  formed  in  solution,  and  a second  portion  of  tar- 
trate of  lime  will  precipitate,  which  may  he  decomposed  by  sulphuric  acid  in 
the  same  manner  as  the  first  portion.  The  process,  when  thus  conducted, 
will,  of  course,  furnish  twice  as  much  tartaric  acid,  as  when  the  excess  of 
acid  only  is  saturated  and  set  free. 

Preparation  on  the  Large  Scale.  The  process  pursued  on  the  large  scale 
is  different  from  that  above  given.  The  decompositions  are  effected  in  a 
wooden  vessel,  closed  at  the  top,  called  a generator,  of  the  capacity  of  about 
2000  gallons,  and  furnished  with  an  exit-pipe  for  carbonic  acid,  and  with 
pipes,  entering  the  sides  of  the  generator,  for  the  admission  of  steam  and  of 
cold  water  respectively.  Into  the  generator,  about  one-fourth  filled  with 
water,  1500  pounds  of  washed  chalk  (carbonate  of  lime)  are  introduced,  and 
the  whole  is  heated  by  a jet  of  steam,  and  thoroughly  mixed  by  an  agitator, 
until  a uniform  mass  is  obtained.  About  two  tons  of  tartar  are  now  intro- 
duced by  degrees,  and  thoroughly  mixed.  The  carbonate  of  lime  is  decom- 
posed, the  carbonic  acid  escapes  by  the  exit-pipe,  and  the  lime  unites  with 
the  excess  of  tartaric  acid  to  form  tartrate  of  lime,  which  precipitates;  while 
the  neutral  tartrate  of  potassa  remains  in  solution.  The  next  step  is  to  de- 
compose the  tartrate  of  potassa,  so  as  to  convert  its  tartaric  acid  into  tartrate 
of  lime.  This  is  effected  by  the  addition  of  sulphate  of  lime  in  the  state  of 
paste,  which,  by  double  decomposition,  forms  a fresh  portion  of  tartrate  of 
lime,  while  sulphate  of  potassa  remains  in  solution.  The  solution  of  sulphate 
of  potassa,  when  clear,  is  drawn  off  into  suitable  reservoirs,  and  the  remain- 
ing tartrate  of  lime  is  washed  with  several  charges  of  cold  water,  the  wash- 
ings being  preserved.  The  tartrate  of  lime,  mixed  writh  sufficient  water,  is 
now  decomposed  by  the  requisite  quantity  of  sulphuric  acid,  with  the  effect 
of  forming  sulphate  of  lime,  and  liberating  the  tartaric  acid,  which  remains 
in  solution.  The  whole  is  now  run  off  into  a wooden  back,  lined  with  lead, 
furnished  with  a perforated  false  bottom,  and  covered  throughout  with  stout 
twilled  flannel.  Through  this  the  solution  of  tartaric  acid  filters,  and  the 
filtered  liquor  passes  through  a pipe,  leading  from  the  bottom  of  the  back  to 
suitable  reservoirs.  The  sulphate  of  lime  is  then  washed  until  it  is  taste- 
less, and  the  whole  acid  liquid  is  evaporated,  in  order  to  crystallize.  The 
evaporation  is  effected  in  wooden  vessels,  lined  with  lead,  by  means  of  steam 
circulating  in  coils  of  lead-pipe,  care  being  taken  that  the  heat  does  not  ex- 
ceed 165°.  The  vacuum-pan  is  used  with  advantage  in  evaporating  the  acid 
solution ; as  it  furnishes  the  means  of  concentration  at  a lower  temperature. 
When  the  acid  liquor  has  attained  the  sp.  gr.  of  about  1500°,  it  is  drawn  off 
into  sheet-lead,  cylindrical,  crystallizing  vessels,  capable  of  holding  500 
pounds  of  the  solution.  These  crystallizers  are  placed  in  a warm  situation, 
and,  in  the  course  of  three  or  four  days,  a crop  of  crystals  is  produced  in 
each,  averaging  200  pounds.  These  crystals,  being  somewhat  coloured,  are 
purified  by  redissolving  them  in  hot  water.  The  solution  is  then  digested 
with  purified  animal  charcoal,  filtered,  again  concentrated,  and  crystallized. 
The  crystals,  having  been  washed  and  drained,  are  finally  dried  on  wooden 
trays,  iined  with  thin  sheet-lead,  placed  in  a room  heated  by  steam.  The 
mother  liquors  of  the  first  crystallization  are  again  concentrated,  and  the 
crystals  obtained,  purified  by  animal  charcoal  as  before.  When  the  residu- 
ary liquors  are  no  longer  crystallizable,  they  are  saturated  with  chalk,  and 
converted  into  tartrate  of  lime,  to  he  added  to  the  product  of  a new  opera- 
tion. In  order  to  obtain  fine  crystals  of  tartaric  acid,  it  is  necessary  to  use 
a slight  excess  of  sulphuric  acid  in  decomposing  the  tartrate  of  lime.  ( Pliarm . 
Journ.  and  Trans.,  Feb.  1851.)  The  merit  of  the  above  process  is  the 
greater  economy  of  sulphate  of  lime  over  chloride  of  calcium  for  decom- 
posing the  neutral  tartrate  of  potassa. 


PART  I. 


Aeidum  Tartaricum. 


53 


Properties.  Tartaric  acid  is  a white  crystallized  solid,  in  the  form  of  irre- 
gular six-sided  prisms.  Sometimes  two  opposite  sides  of  the  prism  become 
very  much  enlarged,  so  as  to  cause  the  crystals  to  present  the  appearance  of 
tables.  As  found  in  the  shops,  it  is  in  the  form  of  a fine  white  powder, 
prepared  by  pulverizing  the  crystals.  It  is  unalterable  in  the  air,  and  pos- 
sesses a strong  acid  taste,  which  becomes  agreeable  when  the  acid  is  suffi- 
ciently diluted  with  water.  It  is  soluble  in  a little  less  than  its  weight  of 
cold  water,  and  in  half  its  weight  of  boiling  water.  It  is  also  soluble  in 
alcohol.  A weak  solution  undergoes  spontaneous  decomposition  by  keeping, 
becoming  covered  with  a mouldy  pellicle.  In  the  form  of  crystals,  it  always 
contains  combined  water,  from  which  it  cannot  be  separated  without  the 
substitution  of  a base.  In  uniting  with  bases,  it  has  a remarkable  tendency 
to  form  double  salts,  several  of  which  constitute  important  medicines.  It 
combines  with  several  of  the  vegetable  organic  alkalies,  so  as  to  form  salts. 
When  subjected  to  heat  it  gives  rise  to  three  peculiar  acids,  described  in 
systematic  chemical  works.  It  is  distinguished  from  all  other  acids  by 
forming  a crystalline  precipitate,  consisting  of  bitartrate  of  potassa,  when 
added  to  a neutral  salt  of  that  alkali.  Its  most  usual  impurity  is  sulphuric 
acid,  which  may  be  detected  by  the  solution  affording,  with  acetate  of  lead, 
a precipitate  only  partially  soluble  in  nitric  acid.  It  sometimes  contains  a 
minute  quantity  of  lime.  When  incinerated  with  red  oxide  of  mercury,  it 
leaves  no  residuum,  or  a mere  trace. 

Tartaric  acid  is  incompatible  with  salifiable  bases  and  their  carbonates; 
with  salts  of  potassa,  with  which  it  produces  a crystalline  precipitate  of 
bitartrate ; and  with  the  salts  of  lime  and  lead,  with  which  it  also  forms  pre- 
cipitates. It  consists,  when  dry,  of  four  eqs.  of  carbon  24,  two  of  hydrogen 
2,  and  five  of  oxygen  40=66;  and,  when  crystallized,  of  one  eq.  of  dry 
acid  66,  and  one  of  water  9 = 75. 

Racemic  acid,  otherwise  called  paratartaric  or  uvic  acid,  is  isomeric  with 
tartaric  acid.  It  exists,  naturally,  in  small  proportion,  in  the  juice  of  grapes, 
growing  in  particular  localities,  and  was  obtained  artificially,  in  1858,  by  M. 
Pasteur.  By  combination  with  certain  organic  alkalies,  M.  Pasteur  has 
resolved  racemic  acid  into  two  acids  which  form  distinct  salts  with  the 
alkali.  The  acids  in  these  salts  have  the  power  of  turning  the  plane  of 
polarization  of  polarized  light  in  contrary  directions,  one  to  the  right,  the 
other  to  the  left,  which  has  caused  them  to  be  distinguished  as  dextro-  and 
laevo-tartaric  acids.  Ordinary  tartaric  acid  is  dextro-tartaric  acid,  which 
may  be  converted  into  racemic  acid,  by  exposing  it,  in  the  form  of  tartrate 
of  cinchonia,  to  a heat  of  338°  for  several  hours.  At  the  same  time,  a por- 
tion of  tartaric  acid  is  formed,  which  has  no  action  on  polarized  light,  and 
which  is,  therefore,  called  inactive  tartaric  acid.  This  acid,  like  racemic 
acid,  is  resolvable  into  dextro-  and  laevo-tartaric  acids.  Accordingly,  we 
have  four  isomeric  tartaric  acids — dextro-tartaric  acid  (ordinary  tartaric 
acid);  lmvo-tartaric  acid;  racemic  acid,  consisting  of  dextro-  and  laevo-tartaric 
acids;  and  inactive  tartaric  acid.  Racemic  acid  differs  from  ordinary  tartaric 
acid  in  being  much  less  soluble  in  water,  and  in  its  want  of  action  on  polarized 
light.  When  crystallized  it  contains  one  eq.  more  of  water  than  tartaric 
acid.  The  racemates  differ  from  the  tartrates  in  their  crystalline  form,  and 
in  their  less  solubility  in  water. 

Medical  Properties.  Tartaric  acid,  being  cheaper  than  citric  acid,  forms, 
when  dissolved  in  water  and  sweetened,  a good  substitute  for  lemonade.  It 
is  much  used  in  medicine  to  form  acid  refrigerant  drinks  and  effervescing 
draughts.  It  is  also  employed  in  making  soda  powders,  a preparation  which 
is  officinal  in  the  Edinburgh  and  Dublin  Pharmacopoeias.  Tartaric  acid  is  a 


54  Acidum  Tartaricum. — Aconiti  Folia.  part  I. 

constituent  in  the  gentle  aperient  called  Seidlitz powders.  These  consist  of 
a mixture  of  two  drachms  of  tartrate  of  potassa  and  soda  (Rochelle  salt), 
and  two  scruples  of  bicarbonate  of  soda,  put  up  in  a blue  paper,  and  thirty- 
five  grains  of  tartaric  acid  contained  in  a white  one.  The  contents  of  the 
blue  paper  are  dissolved  in  about  half  a pint  of  water,  to  which  those  of  the 
white  paper  are  added;  and  the  whole  is  taken  in  a state  of  effervescence. 
In  these  powders  the  tartaric  acid  is  in  excess,  which  renders  the  medicine 
more  pleasant,  without  interfering  with  its  aperient  quality.  Tartaric  acid, 
dried  by  a gentle  heat,  and  then  mixed  in  due  proportion  with  bicarbonate 
of  soda,  forms  a good  effervescing  powder,  a teaspoonful  of  which,  stirred 
into  a tumbler  of  water,  forms  the  dose.  The  mixture  must  be  kept  in  well- 
stopped  vials.  The  neutralizing  power  of  tartaric  acid  is  about  the  same  as 
that  of  citric  acid.  Tartaric  acid,  in  an  over-dose,  acts  as  a poison.  After 
death,  it  may  be  detected  in  the  blood  and  liver,  from  which  it  should  be  ex- 
tracted by  absolute  alcohol,  to  avoid  the  error  of  mistaking  the  tartrates  for  it. 

Off.  Prep.  Pulveres  Effervescentes ; Trochisci  Acidi  Tartarici.  B. 

ACONITI  FOLIA.  TJ.S. 

Aconite  Leaves. 

The  leaves  of  Aconitum  Napellus.  U.  S. 

Off.  Syn.  ACONITI  FOLIUM.  Aconitum  Napellus.  Folium  recens  et 
exsiccatum.  Lond.;  ACONITUM.  Leaves  of  Aconitum  Napellus.  Ed. 

ACONITI  RADIX.  US.,  Lond. 

Aconite  Root. 

The  root  of  Aconitum  Napellus.  U.  S.,  Lond. 

Off.  Sylt.  ACONITUM.  Aconitum  Napellus.  The  root.  Dub. 

Aconit,  Ft.;  Eisenhut,  Monchskappe,  Germ.;  Aconito,  Napello,  Ital. ; Aconito, 
Span. 

Aconitum.  Sex.  Syst.  Polyandria  Trigynia.  — Fat.  Ord.  Ranunculaceae. 

Gen.  Oh.  Calyx  none.  Petals  five,  the  highest  arched.  Nectaries  two, 
peduncled,  recurved.  Pods  three  or  five.  Willd. 

The  plants  belonging  to  this  genus  are  herbaceous,  with  divided  leaves, 
and  violet  or  yellow  flowers,  disposed  in  spikes,  racemes,  or  panicles.  In 
the  French  Codex  three  species  are  recognised  as  officinal,  A.  Anthora , A. 
Cammarum,  and  A.  Napellus.  The  U.  S.  and  British  Pharmacopoeias  unite 
at  present  in  acknowledging  only  A.  Napellus.  There  has  been  much  dif- 
ference of  opinion  as  to  the  plant  originally  employed  by  Storck.  Formerly 
thought  to  be  A.  Napellus,  it  was  afterwards  generally  believed  to  be  A. 
neomontanum  of  Willdenow,  and  by  De  Candolle  was  determined  to  be  a 
variety  of  his  A.  paniculatum,  designated  as  Storckianum.  But,  according 
to  Geiger,  A.  neomontanum  is  possessed  of  little  acrimony ; and  Dr.  Christi- 
son  states  that  A.  paniculatum,  raised  at  Edinburgh  from  seeds  sent  by  De 
Candolle  himself,  was  quite  destitute  of  that  property.  Neither  of  these, 
therefore,  could  have  been  Storck’s  plant,  which  is  represented  as  extraordi- 
narily acrid.  It  is,  however,  of  little  consequence  which  was  used  by  Storck ; 
as  many  of  the  species  possess  similar  virtues,  and  one  is  frequently  sub- 
stituted for  another  in  the  shops.  Those  are  probably  the  best  which  are 
most  acrid.  Among  these  certainly  is  A.  Lycoctonum.  Dr.  Christison 
found  A.  Napellus,  A.  Sinense,  A.  Tauricum,  A.  uncinatum,  and  A.  ferox 
to  have  intense  acrimony;  and  Geiger  states  that  he  has  found  none  equal, 


PART  I. 


Aconiti  Folia. — Aconiti  Radix. 


55 


in  this  respect,  to  A.  Napellus.  A.  uncinatum  is  the  only  species  indige- 
nous in  this  country.  Most  of  the  others  are  natives  of  the  Alpine  regions 
of  Europe  and  Siberia.  Those  employed  in  medicine  appear  to  be  indis- 
criminately called  by  English  writers  wolfsbane  or  monkshood. 

Aconitum  Napellus.  Linn.  FI  or.  Suec.  ed.  1755,  p.  168.  — A.  n ruber - 
gense.  De  Candolle,  Prodrom.  i.  62. — A.  variabile  neuhergense.  Ilayne, 
Darstel.  und  Beschreib.  &c.,  xii.  14.  This  is  a perennial  herbaceous  plant, 
with  a turnip-shaped  or  fusiform  root,  seldom  exceeding  at  top  the  thickness 
of  the  finger,  three  or  four  inches  or  more  in  length,  brownish  externally, 
whitish  and  fleshy  within,  and  sending  forth  numerous  long,  thick,  fleshy 
fibres.  When  the  plant  is  in  full  growth,  there  are  usually  two  roots  joined 
together,  of  which  the  older  is  dark-brown  and  supports  the  stem,  while  the 
younger  is  of  a light  yellowish-brown,  and  is  destined  to  furnish  the  stem  of 
the  following  year  The  stem  is  erect,  round,  smooth,  leafy,  usually  simple, 
and  from  two  to  six  or  even  eight  feet  high.  The  leaves  are  alternate,  petio- 
late,  divided  almost  to  the  base,  from  two  to  four  inches  in  diameter,  deep 
green  upon  their  upper  surface,  light  green  beneath,  somewhat  rigid,  and 
more  or  less  smooth  and  shining  on  both  sides.  Those  on  the  lower  part  of 
the  stem  have  long  footstalks  and  five  or  seven  divisions ; the  upper,  short 
footstalks  and  three  or  five  divisions.  The  divisions  are  wedge-form,  with 
two  or  three  lobes,  which  extend  nearly  or  quite  to  the  middle.  The  lobes 
are  cleft  or  toothed,  and  the  lacinise  or  teeth  are  linear  or  linear-lanceolate 
and  pointed.  The  flowers  are  of  a dark  violet-blue  colour,  large  and  beauti- 
ful, and  are  borne  at  the  summit  of  the  stem  upon  a thick,  simple,  straight, 
erect,  spike-like  raceme,  beneath  which,  in  the  cultivated  plant,  several 
smaller  racemes  arise  from  the  axils  of  the  upper  leaves.  Though  -without 
calyx,  they  have  two  small  calycinal  stipules,  situated  on  the  peduncle  within 
a few  lines  of  the  flower.  The  petals  are  five,  the  upper  helmet-shaped  and 
beaked,  nearly  hemispherical,  open  or  closed,  the  two  lateral  roundish  and 
internally  hairy,  the  two  lower  oblong-oval.  They  enclose  two  pediceled 
nectaries,  of  which  the  spur  is  capitate,  and  the  lip  bifid  and  revolute.  The 
fruit  consists  of  three,  four,  or  five  podlike  capsules. 

The  plant  is  abundant  in  the  mountain  forests  of  France,  Switzerland,  and 
Germany.  It  is  also  cultivated  in  the  gardens  of  Europe,  and  has  been  in- 
troduced into  this  country  as  an  ornamental  flower.  All  parts  of  it  are  acrid 
and  poisonous.  The  leaves  and  root  are  used.  The  leaves  should  be  col- 
lected when  the  flowers  begin  to  appear,  or  shortly  before.  After  the  fruit 
has  formed,  they  are  less  efficacious.  The  root  is  more  active.  It  should 
be  gathered  in  the  autumn  after  the  leaves  have  fallen,  or  in  the  spring 
before  they  appear.  It  is  not  perfect  until  after  the  second  year’s  growth. 
( Pharm . Journ.  and  Trans.,  x.  171.)  The  seeds  also  are  very  acrid. 

Properties.  The  fresh  leaves  have  a faint  narcotic  odour,  most  sensible 
when  they  are  rubbed.  Their  taste  is  at  first  bitterish  and  herbaceous, 
afterwards  burning  and  acrid,  with  a feeling  of  numbness  and  tingling  on 
the  inside  of  the  lips,  tongue,  and  fauces,  which  is  very  durable,  lasting 
sometimes  many  hours.  When  long  chewed,  they  inflame  the  tongue.  The 
dried  leaves  have  a similar  taste,  but  the  acrid  impression  commences  later. 
Their  sensible  properties  and  medicinal  activity  are  impaired  by  long  keep- 
ing. They  should  be  of  a green  colour,  and  free  from  mustiness.  The  root, 
though  sweetish  at  first,  has  afterwards  the  same  effect  as  the  leaves  upon 
the  mouth  and  fauces.  It  shrinks  much  in  drying,  and  becomes  darker, 
but  does  not  lose  its  acrimony.  Those  parcels,  whether  of  leaves  or  roots, 
should  always  be  rejected,  which  are  destitute  of  this  property.  The  analysis 
of  aconite,  though  attempted  by  several  chemists,  has  not  been  satisfactorily 
accomplished.  Bueholz  obtained  from  the  fresh  herb  of  A.  neomontanumr 


56 


Aconiti  Folia. — Aconiti  Radix. 


PART  I. 


resin,  wax,  gum,  albumen,  extractive,  lignin,  malate  and  citrate  of  lime  and 
other  saline  matters,  besides  83'33  per  cent,  of  water.  During  the  bruising 
of  the  herb,  he  experienced  headache,  vertigo,  &c.,  though  water  distilled 
from  it  produced  no  poisonous  effect.  It  has  been  rendered  probable  by 
Geiger  and  Hesse,  that  there  are  two  active  principles  in  aconite,  one  easily 
destructible,  upon  which  the  acrimony  depends,  the  other  less  acrid,  alka- 
line, and  capable  of  exerting  a powerful  narcotic  influence.  For  the  latter 
the  name  of  aconitin  or  aconitia  has  been  proposed.  Hesse  obtained  it  from 
the  dried  leaves  by  a process  similar  to  that  employed  in  procuring  atropia. 
(See  Belladonna.)  The  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia  gives  a process  for  its  pre- 
paration. (See  Aconitia,  in  the  second  part  of  this  work.)  Peschier  dis- 
covered a peculiar  acid  in  aconite,  which  he  called  aconitic  acid.  Messrs. 
T.  and  H.  Smith,  of  Edinburgh,  have  ascertained  the  existence  of  mannite 
in  the  root.  ( Pharm . Journ.  and  Trans.,  x.  124.)  It  contains  also  a fatty 
matter  soluble  in  alcohol. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Aconite  was  well  known  to  the  ancients  as 
a powerful  poison,  but  was  first  employed  as  a medicine  by  Baron  Storck,  of 
Vienna,  whose  experiments  with  it  were  published  in  the  year  1762.  In 
moderate  doses,  it  has  been  said  to  excite  the  circulation,  and  to  increase  the 
perspiratory  and  urinary  discharges ; but  these  effects  are  doubtful,  and  cer- 
tainly not  constant.  According  to  Dr.  Fleming,  it  is  a powerful  sedative  to 
the  nervous  system,  reducing  also  the  force  of  the  circulation.  In  moderate 
doses,  it  produces  warmth  in  the  stomach  and  sometimes  nausea,  general 
warmth  of  the  body,  numbness  and  tingling  in  the  lips  and  fingers,  muscu- 
lar weakness,  diminished  force  and  frequency  of  the  pulse,  and  diminished 
frequency  of  respiration.  From  larger  doses,  all  these  effects  are  experienced 
in  an  increased  degree.  The  stomach  is  more  nauseated ; the  numbness  and 
tingling  extend  over  the  body ; headache,  vertigo,  and  dimness  of  vision 
occur;  the  patient  complains  occasionally  of  severe  neuralgic  pains;  the 
pulse,  respiration,  and  muscular  strength  are  greatly  reduced;  and  a state 
of  general  prostration  may  be  induced,  from  which  the  patient  may  not  quite 
recover  in  less  than  two  or  three  days.  The  effects  of  remedial  doses  begin 
to  be  felt  in  twenty  or  thirty  minutes,  ate  at  the  height  in  an  hour  or  two, 
and  continue  with  little  abatement  from  three  to  five  hours.  In  poisonous 
doses,  besides  the  characteristic  tingling  in  the  mouth  and  elsewhere,  it 
occasions  burning  heat  of  the  oesophagus  and  stomach,  thirst,  violent  nausea, 
vomiting,  purging,  severe  gastric  and  intestinal  spasms,  headache,  dimness 
of  vision  with  contracted  or  expanded  pupil,  numbness  or  paralysis  of  the 
limbs,  diminished  sensibility  in  general,  stiffness  or  spasm  of  the  muscles, 
great  prostration  of  strength,  pallid  countenance,  cold  extremities,  an  ex- 
tremely feeble  pulse,  and  death  in  a few  hours,  sometimes  preceded  by 
delirium,  stupor,  or  convulsions.  All  these  effects  are  not  experienced  in 
every  case;  but  there  is  no  one  of  them  which  has  not  been  recorded  as 
having  occurred  in  one  or  more  instances.  Dissection  reveals  inflammation 
of  the  stomach  and  bowels,  and  engorgement  of  the  brain  and  lungs.  Life 
may  usually  be  saved  by  a timely  and  thorough  evacuation  of  the  stomach, 
and  the  use  of  stimulant  remedies  internally  and  externally;  and  it  is  won- 
derful how  rapidly  the  patient  passes  from  a state  of  imminent  danger  to 
perfect  health.  Pereira  states  that,  when  dogs  are  opened  immediately  after 
death  from  aconite,  no  pulsations  of  the  heart  are  visible.  Applied  to  the 
skin,  aconite  occasions  a feeling  of  heat  and  prickling  or  tingling  followed 
by  numbness,  and,  if  in  contact  with  a wound,  produces  its  peculiar  consti- 
tutional effects.  Applied  to  the  eye,  it  causes  contraction  of  the  pupil.  In 
relation  to  its  mode  of  action,  it  appears  to  be  locally  irritant,  and,  at  the 
same  time,  entering  the  system,  to  operate  powerfully  on  the  brain,  spinal 


PART  I. 


57 


Aconiti  Radix. — Adeps. 

marrow,  and  nerves,  directly  diminishing  their  power,  and  thus  producing, 
to  a greater  or  less  extent,  paralysis  both  of  sensation  and  motion.  The 
heart  feels  also  this  paralyzjng  influence,  and  hence  proceeds  the  great  de- 
pression of  the  pulse  under  the  full  action  of  the  medicine. 

Aconite  has  been  employed  in  rheumatism,  neuralgia,  gout,  anginose  and 
catarrhal  affections,  scrofula,  phthisis,  metastatic  abscess  and  other  cases  of 
purulent  infection,  secondary  syphilis,  carcinoma,  certain  cutaneous  diseases, 
hooping-cough,  amaurosis,  paralysis,  epilepsy,  intermittent  fever,  dropsies, 
and  hypertrophy  of  the  heart.  It  has  long  enjoyed,  in  Germany,  a high 
reputation  as  a remedy  in  rheumatism  ; and  has  recently  come  into  great 
vogue  elsewhere  in  the  treatment  of  that  disease,  especially  in  its  chronic 
and  neuralgic  forms.  By  some  practitioners  it  is  considered  as  one  of  the 
most  effectual  remedies  in  neuralgia,  in  which  it  is  used  both  internally  and 
as  a local  application.  Dr.  Fleming  considers  it  highly  useful  as  an  anti- 
phlogistic remedy,  and  especially  applicable  to  cases  of  active  cerebral  con- 
gestion or  inflammation ; while  it  is  contra-indicated  in  the  headache  of 
anaemia,  and  in  all  cases  attended  with  a torpid  or  paralytic  condition  of  the 
muscular  system.  Cazenave  has  found  it  very  useful  in  cutaneous  eruptions 
with  excessive  sensibility  of  the  skin.  It  may  be  administered  in  powder, 
extract,  or  tincture.  The  dose  of  the  powdered  leaves  is  one  or  two  grains, 
of  the  extract  from  half  a grain  to  a grain,  of  the  tincture  of  the  leaves 
twenty  or  thirty  drops,  to  be  repeated  twice  or  three  times  a-day,  and  gradu- 
ally increased  till  the  effects  of  the  medicine  are  experienced.  The  prepa- 
ration now  most  employed  is  probably  the  strong  tincture  of  the  root,  a 
process  for  which  is  given  in  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia,  under  the  name  of 
Tinctura  Aconiti  Radicis.  Of  this,  from  five  to  ten  drops  may  be  given 
three  times  a-day,  and  gradually  increased  till  its  effects  become  obvious. 
It  is  very  important  to  distinguish  between  the  tincture  of  the  leaves  and  the 
strong  tincture  of  the  root  just  referred  to.*  Few  patients  will  bear  at  first  more 
than  ten  minims  of  the  latter.  Aconite  may  be  used  externally  in  the  form 
of  the  saturated  tincture  of  the  root,  of  extract  mixed  with  lard,  of  a plaster 
or  liniment  made  with  the  extract,  or  of  aconitia.  (See  Extr actum  Aconiti , 
Extractum  Aconiti  Alcoholicum,  and  Aconitia.)  The  tincture  may  be 
applied  by  means  of  a soft  piece  of  sponge  fastened  to  the  end  of  a stick. 

Off.  Prep,  of  the  Leaves.  Extractum  Aconiti;  Extractum  Aconiti  Alco- 
holicum  ; Tinctura  Aconiti  Foliorum. 

Off.  Prep,  of  the  Root.  Aconitia ; Tinctura  Aconiti  Radicis.  W. 

ADEPS.  US.,  Lend. 

Lard. 

The  prepared  fat  of  Sus  Scrofa,  free  from  saline  matter.  U.  8. , Land. 

Off.  Syn.  AXUNGIA.  Fat  of  Sus  Scrofa.  Ed. ; AXUNGIA.  ADEPS 
SUILLUS.  The  fat  of  Sus  Scrofa.  Dub. 

Axonge,  Graisse,  Saindoux,  Fr.  ; Schweineschmalz,  Germ.;  Grasso  di  porco,  Lardo, 
Ital.  ; Manteca  de  puerco,  Lardo,  Span. 

Lard  is  the  prepared  fat  of  the  hog.  The  Dublin  College  gives  a process 
for  its  preparation ; but  in  this  country  it  is  purchased  by  the  druggists 

* Physicians  should  be  very  careful,  when  prescribing,  to  designate  by  name  which 
of  these  tinctures  they  intend,  whether  that  of  the  root,  or  that  of  the  leaves ; as 
serious  mistakes  may  otherwise  occur  ; and  apothecaries  should  be  scrupulous  in 
putting  up  the  preparation  of  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia  when  the  tincture  of  the  root 
is  prescribed,  and  not  that  of  Dr.  Fleming,  which  is  stronger  than  the  officinal.  (Mote 
to  the  tenth  edition.) 


58 


PART  I. 


Adeps. 

already  prepared.  The  adipose  matter  of  the  omentum  and  mesentery,  and 
that  around  the  kidneys,  are  usually  employed;  though  the  subcutaneous  fat 
is  said  to  atford  lard  of  a firmer  consistence.  In  the  crude  state  it  contains 
membranes  and  vessels,  and  is  more  or  less  contaminated  with  blood,  from 
all  which  it  must  be  freed  before  it  can  be  fit  for  use.  For  this  purpose,  the 
fat,  having  been  deprived  as  far  as  possible  by  the  hand  of  membranous 
matter,  is  cut  into  pieces,  washed  with  water  till  the  liquor  ceases  to  be 
coloured,  and  then  melted,  usually  with  a small  portion  of  water,  in  a copper 
or  iron  vessel,  over  a slow  fire.  The  heat  is  continued  till  all  the  moisture 
is  evaporated,  which  may  be  known  by  the  transparency  of  the  melted  fat, 
and  the  absence  of  crepitation  when  a small  portion  of  it  is  thrown  into  the 
fire.  Care  should  be  taken  that  the  heat  is  not  too  great;  as  otherwise  the 
lard  might  be  partially  decomposed,  acquire  a yellow  colour,  and  become 
acrid.  The  process  is  completed  by  straining  the  liquid  through  linen  and 
pouring  it  into  suitable  vessels,  in  which  it  concretes  upon  cooling. 

Lard,  as  offered  for  sale,  often  contains  common  salt,  which  renders  it  unfit 
for  pharmaceutic  purposes.  To  free  it  from  this,  it  may  be  melted  with 
twice  its  weight  of  boiling  water,  the  mixture  well  agitated  and  set  aside  to 
cool,  and  the  fat  then  separated.  American  lard  is  said  to  be  adulterated, 
in  England,  with  water,  starch,  and  a small  proportion  of  alum  and  quick- 
lime, which  render  it  whiter,  but  unfit  it  for  medical  use. 

Properties.  Lard  is  white,  inodorous,  with  little  taste,  of  a soft  consistence 
at  ordinary  temperatures,  fusible  at  about  100°  F.,  insoluble  in  water,  par- 
tially soluble  in  alcohol,  more  so  in  ether  and  the  volatile  oils,  dissolved  and 
decomposed  by  the  stronger  acids,  and  converted  into  soap  by  reaction  with  the 
alkalies.  When  melted,  it  readily  unites  with  wax  and  resins.  According 
to  Braconnot,  it  contains,  in  100  parts,  62  of  olein  or  the  liquid  principle  of 
oils,  and  38  of  stearin  or  the  concrete  principle.  But  M.  Le  Canu  ascer- 
tained that  the  stearin  of  Braconnot  consists  of  two  distinct  substances,  dif- 
fering in  fusibility^  and  solubility.  For  the  least  fusible  of  these  he  retained 
the  name  of  stearin,  and  to  the  other  applied  that  of  margarin,  from  its  re- 
semblance to  the  principle  of  the  same  name  in  vegetable  oils.  Most  fats 
and  oils  of  animal  origin  are  composed  of  these  ingredients,  upon  the  relative 
proportion  of  which  their  consistence  respectively  depends.  The  liquid  and 
concrete  principles  may  be  obtained  separate  by  the  action  of  boiling  alcohol, 
which,  on  cooling,  deposits  the  latter,  and  yields  the  former  upon  evaporation. 
Another  method  is  to  compress  fat,  or  oil  congealed  by  cold,  between  the 
folds  of  bibulous  paper.  The  olein  is  absorbed  by  the  paper,  and  may  be 
separated  by  compression  under  water;  the  stearin  and  margarin  remain. 

Olein,  stearin,  and  margarin  are  now  generally  considered  as  compounds 
respectively  of  oleic,  stearic,  aud  margaric  acids  with  glycerin  and  water. 

Olein,  originally  denominated  el  din,  resembles  oil  in  appearance,  is  colour- 
less when  pure,  congeals  at  20°  F.,  has  little  odour  and  a sweetish  taste,  is 
insoluble  in  water,  but  soluble  in  boiling  alcohol,  and  consists  of  carbon, 
hydrogen,  and  oxygen.  Its  present  received  formula  is  one  eq.  of  glycerin 
C6H705+ two  eqs.  of  oleic  acid  CssILsOs+ two  eqs.  of  water  H„0„=Cg4HS70w. 
(Kane’s  Chemistry.')  The  olein  of  lard  has  been  introduced  extensively  into 
use  for  burning  in  lamps.  Vast  quantities  of  it  are  prepared  in  Cincinnati, 
Ohio,  and  much  is  exported.  In  France  it  is  said  to  be  largely  used  for 
adulterating  olive  oil.  ( Pharm . Journ.  and  Trans.,  x.  132.) 

Stearin  is  white,  conci'ete.  of  a crystalline  appearance  like  spermaceti,  pul- 
verizable,  fusible  at  about  143°,  soluble  in  alcohol  and  boiling  ether,  insolu- 
ble in  cold  ether  and  in  water,  and  composed,  like  the  former  principle,  of 
carbon,  hydrogen,  and  oxygen.  Its  formula  is  one  eq.  of  glycerin  C6H.05 


PART  I. 


59 


Adeps. — Alcohol. 

-ftwo  eqs.  of  stearic  acid  C136H132010-f-two  eqs.  of  water  H20„==C142H141017. 
It  may  be  separated  from  the  concrete  matter  of  lard  by  treating  it  with  cold 
ether  so  long  as  any  thing  is  dissolved.  The  stearin  is  left  behind,  and  the 
ethereal  solution  yields  margarin  by  evaporation. 

The  margarin  of  animal  fats  resembles  stearin  very  closely,  differing  only 
in  its  melting  point,  which  is  about  118°,  and  in  being  soluble  in  cold  ether. 
It  is  said  to  consist  of  one  eq.  of  glycerin  C6H705-ftwo  eqs.  of  margaric 
acid  C6sIIB606+one  eq.  of  water  HO=C74H74Ow.  Dr.  Heintz,  of  Berlin, 
infers  from  his  experiments  that  margaric  acid  is  a mixture  of  stearic  and 
palmitic  acids.  If  this  view  is  correct,  margarin  must  be  a mixture  of 
stearin  and  palmitin,  the  latter  of  which  is  the  peculiar  fatty  principle  of 
palm  oil.  ( Ohem.  Gaz.,  xi.  43.)  Very  good  candles  are  now  made  out  of  the 
concrete  constituents  of  lard. 

Exposed  to  the  air,  lard  absorbs  oxygen  and  becomes  rancid.  It  should, 
therefore,  be  kept  in  well  closed  vessels,  or  procured  fresh  when  wanted  for 
use.  In  the  rancid  state,  it  irritates  the  skin,  and  sometimes  exercises  an 
injurious  reaction  on  substances  mixed  with  it.  Thus,  the  ointment  of 
iodide  of  potassium,  which  is  white  when  prepared  with  fresh  lard,  is  said  to 
be  more  or  less  yellow  when  the  lard  employed  is  rancid.  Rancidity  in  lard 
and  other  fats  is  prevented  by  digesting  them  with  benzoin  or  poplar  buds. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Lard  is  emollient,  and  is  occasionally  em- 
ployed by  itself  in  frictions,  or  in  connexion  with  poultices  to  preserve  their 
soft  consistence ; but  its  chief  use  is  in  pharmacy  as  an  ingredient  of  oint- 
ments and  cerates.  It  is  frequently  added  to  laxative  enemata.  W. 

ALCOHOL.  U.S. 

Alcohol. 

Rectified  spirit  of  the  specific  gravitv  0'885.  U S. 

Of  Syn.  SPIRITUS  RECTIFICATUS.  Loud.,  Pd.,  Dub. 

Spirit  of  wine  ; Alcohol,  Esprit  de  vin,  Ft. ; Rectificirter  Weingeist,  Germ.;  Alcoole, 
Acquavite  rettificata,  Ital. ; Alcohol,  Espiritu  rectificado  de  vino,  Span. 

The  Pharmacopoeias  have  recognised  several  pharmaceutical  strengths  of 
the  liquid,  which,  in  its  anhydrous  state,  is  named  by  the  chemist  alcohol  or 
absolute  alcohol.  The  Dublin  Pharmacopoeia  has  admitted  four  strengths  of 
alcoholic  liquid,  the  Edinburgh  three,  and  the  London  and  United  States 
Pharmacopoeias  only  two.  The  following  table  presents  a view  of  the  names 
and  strengths  of  the  alcohol  according  to  these  different  authorities;  assuming 
those  spirits  to  be  identical,  the  specific  gravities  of  which  approach  to  equality. 


U.S. 

Land. 

Ed. 

Dub. 

Highest  off.  1 

Alcohol. 

Alcohol. 

strength.  / 

Sp.  gr.  0-794-6. 

Sp.  gr.  0-795. 

Second  do.  j. 

Spiritus  Fortior. 

Sp.  gr.  0-818. 

Third  do.  j- 

Alcohol. 

Sp.  gr.  0-835. 

Spiritus  Rectifi- 
catus. 

Sp.  gr.  0-838. 

Spiritus  Rectifi- 
catus. 

Sp.  gr.  0-838. 

Spiritus  Rectifi- 
catus. 

Sp.  gr.  0-840. 

Lowest  do.  j. 

Alcohol  Dilutum 
Sp.  gr.  0-935. 

Spiritus  Tenuior. 
Sp.  gr.  0-920. 

Spiritus  Tenuior. 
Sp.  gr.  0-912. 

Spiritus  Tenuior. 
Sp.  gr.  0-920. 

60 


Alcohol. 


PART  I. 


By  the  table  it  is  perceived  that  the  officinal  “Alcohol”  of  the  Lnited 
States  Pharmacopoeia  is  a rectified  spirit  of  the  sp.  gr.  0'835;  while  the  same 
name  is  applied  by  the  Edinburgh  and  Dublin  Colleges  to  absolute  alcohol. 
It  is  certainly  to  be  regretted  that  the  same  name  is  applied  to  spirit  of  such 
different  strengths,  as  it  leads  to  confusion.  < )ur  object,  however,  in  this 
article,  is  to  describe  the  Alcohol  of  the  United  States  Pharmacopoeia,  corre- 
sponding to  the  British  Spiritus  Rectiftcatus.  The  Spiritus  Fortior  of  the 
Dublin  College,  the  Alcohol  of  the  Edinburgh  and  Dublin  Colleges,  and  the 
Alcohol  Dilutum  will  be  considered  in  their  appropriate  place  in  the  second 
part  of  this  work.  (See  Preparations  of  Alcohol.) 

Alcohol,  in  the  chemical  sense,  is  a peculiar  liquid,  generated  for  the  most 
part  in  vegetable  juices  and  infusions  by  a fermentation,  called  the  vinous 
or  alcoholic.  The  liquids  which  have  undergone  it  are  called  vinous  liquors, 
and  are  of  various  kinds.  Thus,  the  fermented  juice  of  the  grape  is  called 
wine  ; of  the  apple,  cider ; and  the  fermented  infusion  of  malt,  beer. 

With  regard  to  the  nature  of  the  liquids  susceptible  of  the  vinous  fer- 
mentation, however  various  they  may  be  in  other  respects,  one  general  cha- 
racter prevails ; that,  namely,  of  containing  sugar  in  some  form  or  other.  It 
is  found,  further,  that,  after  they  have  undergone  the  vinous  fermentation, 
the  sugar  they  contained  has  either  wholly  Or  in  part  disappeared,  and  that 
the  only  new  products  are  alcohol,  which  remains  in  the  liquid,  and  carbonic 
acid,  which  escapes  during  the  process ; and  these,  when  taken  together,  are 
found  to  be  equal  in  weight  to  the  sugar  lost.  It  is  hence  inferred  that 
sugar  is  the  subject-matter  of  the  changes  that  occur  during  the  vinous  fer- 
mentation, and  that  it  is  resolved  into  alcohol  and  carbonic  acid.  Additional 
facts  in  support  of  this  view  will  be  adduced  under  the  head  of  the  compo- 
sition of  absolute  alcohol.  (See  Alcohol,  Ed.,  Dub.,  under  the  head  of  Pre- 
parations of  Alcohol,  in  the  second  part  of  this  work.) 

Sugar,  however,  will  not  undergo  the  vinous  fermentation  by  itself;  but 
requires  to  be  dissolved  in  water,  subjected  to  the  influence  of  a ferment,  and 
kept  at  a certain  temperature.  Accordingly,  sugar,  water,  the  presence  of  a 
ferment,  and  the  maintenance  of  an  adequate  temperature,  may  be  deemed 
the  pre-requisites  of  the  vinous  fermentation.  The  water  acts  by  giving 
fluidity,  and  the  ferment  and  temperature  operate  by  commencing  and  main- 
taining the  chemical  changes.  The  precise  manner  in  which  the  ferment 
operates  in  commencing  tbe  reaction  is  not  known ; but  the  fermentative 
change  seems  to  be  intimately  connected  with  the  multiplication  of  a micro- 
scopic vegetable,  in  the  form  of  diaphanous  globules,  contained  in  the  fer- 
ment, and  called  torula  cerevisise.  The  ferment  is  generally  considered  to 
contain  a peculiar  nitrogenous  principle,  having  a close  analogy  to  albumen 
and  casein,  although  it  has  not  as  yet  been  isolated.  The  proper  tempera- 
ture for  conducting  the  vinous  fermentation  ranges  from  60°  to  90°. 

Certain  vegetable  infusions,  as  those  of  potatoes  and  rice,  though  consist- 
ing almost  entirely  of  starch,  are,  nevertheless,  capable  of  undergoing  the 
vinous  fermentation,  and  form  seeming  exceptions  to  the  rule,  that  sugar  is 
the  only  substance  susceptible  of  this  fermentation.  The  apparent  exception 
is  explained  by  the  circumstance,  that  starch  is  susceptible  of  a spontaneous 
change  which  converts  it  into  sugar.  How  this  change  takes  place  is  not 
well  known,  but  it  is  designated  by  some  authors  as  the  saccharine  fer- 
mentation. Thus,  Kirchoff  proved  that,  if  a mixture  of  gluten  from  flour 
and  starch  from  potatoes  be  put  into  hot  water,  the  starch  will  be  converted 
into  sugar.  When,  therefore,  starch  is  apparently  converted  into  alcohol  by 
fermentation,  it  is  supposed  that,  during  the  change,  it  passes  through  the 
intermediate  state  of  sugar. 


PART  I. 


Alcohol. 


61 


Alcohol,  being  the  product  of  the  vinous  fermentation,  necessarily  exists 
in  all  vinous  liquors,  and  may  he  obtained  from  them  by  distillation.  For- 
merly it  was  supposed  that  these  liquors  did  not  contain  alcohol,  but  were 
merely  capable  of  furnishing  it,  in  consequence  of  a new  arrangement  of 
their  ultimate  constituents,  the  result  of  the  heat  applied.  Brande,  how- 
ever, disproved  this  idea,  by  showing  that  alcohol  may  be  obtained  from  all 
vinous  liquors  without  the  application  of  heat,  and,  therefore,  must  pre-exist 
in  them.  His  method  of  separating  it  consists  in  precipitating  the  acid  and 
colouring  matter  from  each  vinous  liquor  by  subacetate  of  lead,  and  remov- 
ing the  water  by  carbonate  of  potassa.  Gay-Lussac  and  Donovan  have  proved 
the  same  fact.  According  to  the  former,  litharge,  in  fine  powder,  is  the  best 
agent  for  precipitating  the  colouring  matter. 

In  vinous  liquors,  the  alcohol  is  diluted  with  abundance  of  water,  and 
associated  with  colouring  matter,  volatile  oil,  extractive,  and  various  acids 
and  salts.  In  purifying  it,  we  take  advantage  of  its  volatility,  which  enables 
us  to  separate  it  by  distillation,  combined  with  some  of  the  principles  of  the 
vinous  liquor  employed,  and  more  or  less  water.  The  distilled  product  of 
vinous  liquors  forms  the  different  ardent  spirits  of  commerce.  When  ob- 
tained from  wine,  it  is  called  brandy ; from  fermented  molasses,  rum ; from 
cider,  malted  barley,  or  rye,  whisky ; from  malted  barley  and  rye-meal  with 
hops,  and  rectified  from  juniper  berries,  Holland  gin;  from  malted  barley, 
rye,  or  potatoes,  and  rectified  from  turpentine,  common  gin ; and  from  fer- 
mented rice,  arrack.  These  spirits  are  of  different  strengths,  that  is,  contain 
different  proportions  of  alcohol,  and  have  various  peculiarities  by  which  they 
are  distinguished  by  the  taste.  Their  strength  is  accurately  judged  of  by 
the  specific  gravity,  which  is  always  less  in  proportion  as  their  concentration 
is  greater.  When  they  have  the  sp.  gr.  0'920  (0 '9 1984,  Drinhwatei-),  they 
are  designated  in  commerce  by  the  term  proof  spirit.  If  lighter  than  this, 
they  are  said  to  be  above  proof;  if  heavier,  below  proof;  and  the  per  cent- 
age  of  water,  or  of  spirit  of  0'825,  necessary  to  be  added  to  any  sample  of 
spirit  to  bring  it  to  the  standard  of  proof  spirit,  indicates  the  number  of 
degrees  the  given  sample  is  above  or  below  proof.  Thus,  if  100  volumes  of 
a spirit  require  10  volumes  of  water  to  reduce  it  to  proof  spirit,  it  is  said  to 
be  “ 10  over  proof.”  On  the  other  hand,  if  100  volumes  of  a spirit  require 
10  volumes  of  a spirit  of  0'825  to  raise  it  to  proof,  the  sample  is  said  to  be 
“ 10  under  proof.” 

Proof  spirit  is  still  very  far  from  being  pure;  being  a dilute  alcohol,  con- 
taining about  half  its  weight  of  water,  together  with  a peculiar  oil  and  other 
foreign  matters.  It  may  be  further  purified  and  strengthened  by  redistilla- 
tion, or  rectification  as  it  is  called.  Whisky  is  the  spirit  usually  employed  for 
this  purpose ; and  from  every  hundred  gallons,  between  fifty-seven  and  fifty- 
eight  may  be  obtained,  of  the  average  strength  of  rectified  spirit  (sp.  gr. 
0*835),  corresponding  to  the  Alcohol  of  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia,  and  the 
Spiritus  Rectficatus  of  the  British  Colleges.  When  this  is  once  more  cau- 
tiously distilled,  it  will  be  further  purified  from  water,  and  the  sp.  gr.  attained 
will  be  about  0'825,  which  is  the  lightest  spirit  that  can  be  obtained  by 
ordinary  distillation,  and  is  the  pure  spirit  of  the  British  system  of  excise. 
It  still,  however,  contains  eleven  per  cent,  of  water.  In  the  mean  while, 
the  spirit,  by  these  repeated  distillations,  becomes  more  and  more  freed  from 
the  contaminating  oil,  called  grain  oil  or  fusel  oil.  (See  Alcohol  Amylicum.) 

Properties.  Alcohol,  using  this  term  in  a generic  sense,  is  a colourless, 
transparent,  volatile  liquid,  of  a penetrating,  agreeable  odour,  and  burning 
taste.  It  should  be  wholly  free  from  foreign  odour,  which,  when  present,  is 
probably  owing  to  grain  or  fusel  oil.  When  free  from  water,  it  is  called 


62 


Alcohol. 


PART  I. 


anhydrous  or  absolute  alcohol.  (See  Alcohol,  Ed.,  Dub.,  in  the  second  part 
of  this  work.)  It  is  inflammable,  and  burns  without  smoke  or  residue,  the 
products  being  water  and  carbonic  acid.  Its  flame  is  of  a bluish  colour  when 
strong;  but  yellowish  when  weak.  It  combines  in  all  proportions  with 
water  and  ether ; and,  when  diluted  with  distilled  water,  preserves  its  trans- 
parency. Its  density  varies  with  the  proportion  of  water  it  contains.  When 
of  the  sp.  gr.  0'820,  its  boiling  point  is  at  176°.  Its  value  depends  upon 
the  quantity  of  absolute  alcohol  contained  in  it;  and,  as  this  is  greater  in  pro- 
portion as  the  sp.  gr.  is  less,  it  is  found  convenient  to  take  the  density  of 
a sample  in  estimating  its  strength.  This  is  done  by  instruments  with  bulbs 
and  long  stems,  called  hydrometers,  which,  by  being  allowed  to  float  in  the 
spirit,  sink  deeper  into  it  in  proportion  as  it  is  lighter.  Any  given  hydro- 
meter strength  corresponds  to  some  particular  specific  gravity ; and,  by  refer- 
ring to  tables  constructed  for  the  purpose,  the  per  centage  of  absolute  alcohol 
indicated  in  each  case  is  at  once  shown.  The  following  table,  constructed  by 
Lowitz  and  improved  by  Thomson,  is  of  this  kind.  We  have  placed  in 
notes,  referring  to  their  respective  specific  gravities  in  the  table,  the  names  of 
the  different  officinal  spirits,  whereby  the  per  centage  of  absolute  alcohol  is 
indicated  which  they  severally  contain. 


Table  of  the  Specific  Gravity  of  different  Mixtures  by  Weight  of  Absolute 
Alcohol  and  Distilled  Water,  at  the  Temperature  of  60°. 


100  Paris. 

Sp.  Gr. 
at  60°. 

100  Parts. 

Sp.  Gr. 
at  60°. 

100  Paris. 

Sp.  Gr. 
at  60°. 

100  Parts. 

Sp.  Gr. 
at  60°. 

Ale. 

Wat. 

Ale. 

Wat. 

Ale. 

Wat. 

Ale. 

Wat. 

100 

0 

•796* 

76 

24 

■857 

52 

48 

•912** 

\ 28 

72 

■962 

99 

1 

■798 

75 

25 

•860  ! 

51 

49 

•915 

| 2T- 

73 

•963 

98 

2 

•801 

74 

26 

•863 

50 

50 

•917 

26 

74 

•965 

97 

3 

•804 

73 

27 

•865 

49 

51 

•920ft 

25 

75 

•967 

96 

4 

•807 

72 

28 

•867  ! 

48 

52 

•922 

24 

76 

•968 

95 

5 

■809 

71 

29 

•870 

47 

53 

•924 

23 

77 

■970 

94 

6 

•812 

70 

30 

•871 

46 

54 

•926 

22 

78 

■972 

93 

7 

•815 

69 

31 

•874 

45 

55 

•928 

21 

79 

•973 

92 

8 

•817f 

68 

32 

•875 

44 

56 

•930 

20 

80 

•974 

91 

9 

•820 

67 

33 

•879  , 

43 

57 

•933 

19 

81 

•975 

90 

10 

•822 

66 

34 

■880  1 

42 

58 

•935++ 

18 

82 

•977 

89 

11 

•825+ 

65 

35 

•883 

41 

59 

•937 ' ' 

17 

83 

•978 

88 

12 

•827 

64 

36 

•886 

40 

60 

•939 

16 

84 

•979 

87 

13 

•830 

63 

37 

•889 

39 

61 

•941 

15 

85 

•981 

86 

14 

■832 

62 

38 

•891 

38 

62 

•943 

14 

86 

•982 

85 

15 

•835? 

61 

39 

•893 

37 

63 

•945 

13' 

87 

•984 

84 

16 

•838|| 

60 

40 

■896 

36 

64 

•947 

12 

88 

•986 

83 

17 

•840ff 

59 

41 

•898 

35 

65 

•949 

n 

89 

•987 

82 

18 

•843 

58 

42 

•900 

34 

66 

•951 

10 

90 

■988 

81 

19 

•846 

57 

43 

•903 

33 

67 

•953 

9 

91 

•989 

80 

20 

•848 

56 

44 

•904 

32 

68 

•955 

8 

92 

•990 

79 

21 

•851 

' 55 

45 

•906 

31 

69 

•957 

7 

93 

.991 

78 

22 

•853 

54 

46 

•908 

30 

70 

•958 

6 

94 

■992 

77 

23 

1 

■855 

53 

47 

•910 

29 

71 

•960 

Alcohol  is  capable  of  dissolving  a great  number  of  substances ; as,  for 
example,  sulphur  and  phosphorus  in  small  quantity,  iodine  and  ammonia 


* Alcohol,  Ed.,  Dub.  f Spiritus  Fortior,  Dub.  (nearly). 

t Lightest  spirit  obtained  by  ordinary  distillation.  ? Alcohol,  TJ.S. 

||  Spiritus  E.ectificatus,  Land.,  Ed.  Spiritus  Rectificatus,  Dub. 

’■'*  Spiritus  Tenuior,  Ed.  ff  Spiritus  Tenuior,  Land.,  Dub.  tj  Alcohol  Dilutum,  U.  S. 


PART  I. 


Alcohol. 


63 


freely,  andpotassa,  soda,  and  lithia  in  the  caustic  state,  but  not  as  carbonates. 
Among  organic  substances,  it  is  a solvent  of  the  organic  vegetable  alkalies, 
urea,  tannic  acid,  sugar,  mannite,  camphor,  resins,  balsams,  volatile  oils,  and 
soap.  It  dissolves  the  fixed  oils  sparingly,  except  castor  oil,  which  is  abund- 
antly soluble.  It  acts  on  most  acids,  forming  ethers  with  some,  and  effecting 
the  solution  of  others.  All  deliquescent  salts  are  soluble  in  alcohol,  except 
carbonate  of  potassa ; while  the  efflorescent  salts,  and  those  either  insoluble 
or  sparingly  soluble  in  water,  are  mostly  insoluble  in  it.  It  dissolves  muriate 
of  ammonia,  and  most  of  the  chlorides  that  are  readily  soluble  in  water;  also 
some  nitrates,  but  none  of  the  metallic  sulphates. 

Officinal  alcohol,  though  of  standard  strength,  may  still  be  impregnated 
with  an  essential  oil,  called  grain  or  fusel  oil.  This  is  usually  removed  by 
digesting  the  alcohol  with  charcoal,  especially  animal  charcoal.  It  may  be 
detected  by  adding  a little  of  the  solution  of  nitrate  of  silver  to  the  alcohol, 
and  then  exposing  it  to  a bright  light.  If  the  oil  be  present,  it  will  be  con- 
verted into  a black  powder  by  the  action  of  the  oxide  of  silver  upon  it.  Of- 
ficinal alcohol  will  not  withstand  this  test ; as  the  best  contains  a little  of  the 
foreign  oil.  The  Edinburgh  College  tests  its  rectified  spirit,  corresponding 
to  the  U.  S.  alcohol,  in  the  following  way.  Four  fluidounces  ( Imp . meas.~), 
treated  with  twenty-five  minims  of  a solution  of  one  part  of  nitrate  of  silver 
in  forty  of  distilled  water,  exposed  to  a bright  light  for  twenty-four  hours, 
and  then  freed  from  the  black  powder  which  forms  by  being  passed  through 
a filter,  purified  by  weak  nitric  acid,  undergo  no  farther  change  when  again 
exposed  to  light  with  more  of  the  test.  Here  a limited  degree  of  contamina- 
tion by  fusel  oil  is  allowed. 

Medical  Properties,  &c.  Alcohol  is  a very  powerful  diffusible  stimulant. 
It  is  the  intoxicating  ingredient  in  all  spirituous  and  vinous  liquors,  including 
under  the  latter  term,  porter,  ale,  and  cider,  and  every  liquid  in  short  which 
has  undergone  the  vinous  fermentation.  In  a diluted  state,  and  taken  in 
small  quantity,  it  excites  the  system,  renders  the  pulse  full,  communicates 
additional  energy  to  the  muscles,  and  gives  temporary  exaltation  to  the  mental 
faculties.  In  some  states  of  acute  disease,  characterized  by  excessive  debility,  it 
is  a valuable  remedy.  In  chronic  diseases,  physicians  should  be  cautious  in  pre- 
scribing alcoholic  remedies,  whether  alone  or  in  the  form  of  tinctures,  for  fear 
of  begetting  intemperate  habits  in  their  patients.  Externally,  alcohol  is  some- 
times applied  to  produce  cold  by  evaporation ; but,  when  its  evaporation  is  re- 
pressed, it  acts  as  a stimulant.  A mixture  of  equal  parts  of  rectified  spirit 
and  white  of  egg  is  stated  by  Dr.  Christison  to  be  an  excellent  application 
to  excoriations  from  pressure,  in  their  early  stage,  occurring  in  protracted  dis- 
eases. It  is  to  be  applied  frequently  by  a fine  brush  or  feather,  and  renewed 
as  it  dries,  until  an  albuminous  coating  is  formed  over  the  excoriated  surface. 

As  an  article  of  daily  use,  alcoholic  liquors  produce  the  most  deplorable 
consequences.  Besides  the  moral  degradation  which  they  cause,  their  habit- 
ual use  gives  rise  to  dyspepsia,  hypochondriasis,  visceral  obstructions,  dropsy, 
paralysis,  and  not  unfrequently  mania. 

In  the  arts  alcohol  is  used  to  form  drying  varnishes,  and  in  chemistry,  as 
an  important  analytic  agent.  Being  a powerful  antiseptic,  it  is  very  useful 
in  preserving  anatomical  preparations. 

Effects  as  a Poison.  When  taken  in  large  quantity,  alcohol,  in  the  various 
forms  of  ardent  spirit,  produces  a true  apoplectic  state,  and  occasionally 
speedy  death.  The  face  becomes  livid  or  pale,  the  respiration  stertorous, 
and  the  mouth  frothy ; and  sense  and  feeling  are  more  or  less  completely 
lost.  Where  the  danger  is  imminent,  an  emetic  may  be  administered,  or  the 
stomach  pump  used.  The  affusion  of  cold  water  is  often  very  useful.  An 


64 


Alcohol. — Aletris. 


PART  I. 


enema  of  two  tablespoonfuls  of  common  salt  in  a pint  of  warm  water  is  said 
to  dissipate  rapidly  the  more  serious  symptoms  of  intoxication.  As  a counter- 
poison, acetate  of  ammonia  has  been  found  to  act  with  advantage.  After 
death,  abundant  evidence  is  furnished  of  the  absorption  of  the  alcohol.  By 
Dr.  Percy  it  was  detected  by  chemical  analysis  in  the  brain,  and  by  others 
in  the  ventricles.  Dr.  Wright  has  detected  it  in  the  urine,  after  the  use  of 
whisky.  Mr.  R.  D.  Thomson  has  proposed  the  following  test  for  minute 
quantities  of  alcohol.  Distil  one-third  of  the  suspected  liquid,  and  to  the 
distillate  add  a crystal  or  two  of  chromic  acid,  and  stir.  If  the  smallest 
quantity  of  alcohol  be  present,  green  oxide  of  chromium,  and  aldehyd  per- 
ceptible to  the  smell,  will  be  developed.  Instead  of  chromic  acid,  a few 
grains  of  powdered  bichromate  of  potassa,  acted  on  by  a few  drops  of  sul- 
phuric acid,  may  be  used. 

Pharmaceutic  Uses.  Alcohol  is  very  extensively  employed  as  a pharma- 
ceutic agent.  Either  ia  its  rectified  state  or  diluted  with  water,  it  is  used  in 
the  preparation  of  collodion,  ethereal  oil,  morphia,  some  of  the  syrups,  and 
all  the  tinctures,  spirits,  ethers,  and  resinous  extracts.  It  is  added  to  the 
vinegars,  some  of  the  medicated  waters,  and  one  or  more  of  the  decoctions 
and  infusions,  to  assist  in  their  preservation,  and  serves  as  a vehicle  or  diluent 
of  certain  active  medicines,  as  in  Spiritus  Ammonise,  Spiritus  Ammoniac 
Aromaticus,  and  Acidum  Sulphuricum  Aromaticum.  It  is  also  employed  for 
vai'ious  incidental  purposes  connected  with  its  solvent  power. 

Off.  Prep.  Alcohol,  Ed. ; Alcohol  Dilutuin;  Spiritus  Fortior;  Spiritus 
Tenuior.  B. 

ALETRIS.  U.S.,  Secondary. 

Star  Qra-ss. 

The  root  of  Aletris  farinosa.  U.  S. 

Aletris.  Sex.  Syst.  Hexandria  Monogynia.  — Nat.  Orel.  Liliacese. 

Gen.  Ch.  Corolla  tubular,  six-cleft,  wrinkled,  persistent.  Stamens  inserted 
into  the  base  of  the  segments.  Style  triangular,  separable  into  three.  Cap- 
side  opening  at  the  top,  three-celled,  many  seeded.  Bigelow. 

Aletris  farinosa.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  ii.  183;  Bigelow,  Am.  Med.  Bot. 
iii.  92.  This  is  an  indigenous  perennial  plant,  the  leaves  of  which  spring  im- 
mediately from  the  root,  and  spread  on  the  ground  in  the  form  of  a star. 
Hence  have  originated  the  popular  names  of  star  grass,  blazing  star,  and 
mealy  starwort,  by  which  it  is  known  in  different  parts  of  the  country.  The 
leaves  are  sessile,  lanceolate,  entire,  pointed,  very  smooth,  longitudinally 
veined,  and  of  unequal  size,  the  largest  being  about  four  inches  in  length. 
From  the  midst  of  them  a flower  stem  rises,  one  or  two  feet  in  height,  nearly 
naked,  with  remote  scales,  which  sometimes  become  leaves.  It  terminates  in 
a slender  scattered  spike,  the  flowers  of  which  stand  on  very  short  pedicels, 
and  have  minute  bractes  at  the  base.  The  calyx  is  wanting.  The  corolla  is 
tubular,  oblong,  divided  at  the  summit  into  six  spreading  segments,  of  a 
white  colour,  and,  when  old,  of  a mealy  or  rugose  appearance  on  the  outside. 
The  plant  is  found  in  almost  all  parts  of  the  United  States,  growing  in  fields 
and  about  the  borders  of  woods,  and  flowering  in  June  and  July. 

Properties.  The  root,  which  is  the  officinal  portion,  is  small,  crooked, 
branched,  blackish  externally,  brown  within,  and  intensely  bitter.  The  bit- 
terness is  extracted  by  alcohol,  and  the  tincture  becomes  turbid  upon  the 
addition  of  water.  The  decoction  is  moderately  bitter ; but  much  less  so 
than  the  tincture.  It  affords  no  precipitate  with  the  salts  of  iron.  (Bigelow.) 


PART  I. 


Allium. 


65 


Medical  Properties.  In  small  doses  the  root  appears  to  be  simply  tonic, 
and  may  be  employed  advantageously  for  similar  purposes  with  other  bitters 
of  the  same  class.  When  freely  given  it  is  apt  to  occasion  nausea.  In 
very  large  doses,  it  is  said  to  be  cathartic  and  emetic,  and  to  produce  some 
narcotic  effect.  It  has  been  employed,  with  asserted  benefit,  in  colic,  dropsy, 
and  chronic  rheumatism.  The  powder  may  be  administered  as  a tonic  in 
the  dose  of  ten  grains.  W. 

ALLIUM.  TJ.S.,Ed. 

Garlic. 

The  bulb  of  Allium  sativum.  U.  S.,  Ed. 

Ail,  Fr. ; Knoblauch,  Germ. ; Aglio,  Ital. ; Ajo,  Span. 

Allium.  Sex.  Syst.  Hexandria  Monogynia.  — Nat.  Ord.  Liliacese. 

Gen.  Gh.  Corolla  six-parted,  spreading.  Spathe  many-flowered.  Umbel 
crowded.  Capsule  superior.  Willd. 

This  is  a very  extensive  genus,  including  more  than  sixty  species,  most  of 
which  are  European.  Of  the  nine  or  ten  indigenous  in  this  country,  none  are 
officinal.  Dr.  Griffith  states  that  the  bulb  of  A.  Canadense  has  been  substi- 
tuted for  the  cultivated  garlic,  and  found  equally  efficient.  (Med.  Bot.,  p.  653.) 
Of  the  European  species  several  have  been  used  from  a very  early  period,  both 
as  food  and  medicine.  A.  sativum,  or  garlic,  is  the  only  one  at  present  offi- 
cinal ; and  to  this  we  shall  confine  our  observations  in  the  present  place,  simply 
stating  that  few  genera  present  a greater  resemblance  in  sensible  and  medical 
properties,  among  the  various  species  that  compose  them,  than  the  present. 
For  an  account  of  A.  Cepa,  or  onion,  and  A.  Porrum,  or  leek,  which  have 
recently  been  discharged  from  the  British  Pharmacopoeias,  see  the  Appendix. 

Allium  sativum.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  ii.  68;  Woodv.  Med.  Bot.  p.  749,  t. 
256.  This  is  a perennial  plant,  and  like  all  its  congeners,  bulbous.  The 
bulbs  are  numerous,  and  enclosed  in  a common  membranous  covering,  from 
the  base  of  which  the  fibres  that  constitute  the  proper  root  descend.  The 
stem  is  simple,  and  rises  about  two  feet.  The  leaves  are  long,  flat,  and 
grass-like,  and  sheath  the  lower  half  of  the  stem.  At  the  termination  of 
the  stem  is  a cluster  of  flowers  and  bulbs  mingled  together,  and  enclosed  in 
a pointed  spathe,  which  opens  on  one  side  and  withers.  The  flowers  are 
small  and  white,  and  make  their  appearance  in  July.  This  species  of  garlic 
grows  wild  in  Sicily,  Italy,  and  the  south  of  France;  and  is  cultivated  in  all 
civilized  countries. 

The  part  employed,  as  well  for  culinary  purposes  as  in  medicine,  is  the 
bulb.  The  bulbs  are  dug  up  with  a portion  of  the  stem  attached,  and,  having 
been  dried  in  the  sun,  are  tied  together  in  bunches,  and  thus  brought  to 
market.  They  are  said  to  lose  by  drying  nine  parts  of  their  weight  out  of 
fifteen,  with  little  diminution  of  their  sensible  properties.  This  species  of 
Allium  is  commonly  called  English  garlic,  to  distinguish  it  from  those  which 
grow  wild  in  our  fields  and  meadows. 

Properties.  Garlic,  as  found  in  the  shops,  is  of  a shape  somewhat  spheri- 
cal, flattened  at  the  bottom,  and  drawn  towards  a point  at  the  summit,  where 
a portion  of  the  stem  several  inches  in  length  projects.  It  is  covered  with  a 
white,  dry,  membranous  envelope,  consisting  of  several  delicate  laminae,  within 
which  the  small  bulbs  are  arranged  around  the  stem,  having  each  a distinct 
coat.  These  small  bulbs,  which  in  common  language  are  called  cloves  of 
garlic,  are  usually  five  or  six  in  number,  of  an  oblong  shape,  somewhat 
curved,  and  in  their  interior  are  whitish,  moist,  and  fleshy.  They  have  a 
5 


66 


Allium. 


PART  I. 


disagreeable  pungent  odour,  so  peculiar  as  to  have  received  the  name  of 
alliaceous.  Their  taste  is  bitter  and  acrid.  The  peculiar  smell  and  taste, 
though  strongest  in  the  bulb,  are  found  to  a greater  or  less  extent  in  all  p>art3 
of  the  plant.  They  depend  on  an  essential  oil,  which  is  very  volatile,  and 
may  be  obtained  by  distillation,  passing  over  with  the  first  portions  of  water. 
As  first  obtained,  the  oil  is  of  a dark  brownish-yellow  colour,  heavier  than 
water,  and  decomposed  at  its  boiling  temperature.  It  may  be  purified  by 
repeated  distillation  in  a salt-water  bath,  and  is  then  lighter  than  water,  of 
a pale  yellow  colour,  and  not  decomposed  by  boiling.  According  to  Wertheim, 
it  consists  of  a peculiar  organic  radical  called  allyle  (C6HS),  combined  with 
one  equivalent  of  sulphur.  From  one  hundred  weight  of  garlic  Wertheim 
obtained  from  three  to  four  ounces  of  the  impure  oil,  and  about  two-thirds 
as  much  of  the  rectified.  (Chem.  Gaz.,  iii.  177.)  The  impure  oil  has  an 
exceedingly  pungent  odour,  and  strong  acrid  taste ; and,  when  applied  to 
the  skin,  produces  much  irritation,  and  sometimes  even  blisters.  Besides 
this  oil,  fresh  garlic,  according  to  Cadet-Gassicourt,  contains,  in  1406  parts, 
520  of  mucilage,  37  of  albumen,  48  of  fibrous  matter,  and  801  of  water. 
Bouillon-Lagrange  mentions,  among  its  constituents,  sulphur,  a saccharine 
matter,  and  a small  quantity  of  fecula.  The  fresh  bulbs  yield  upon  pressure 
nearly  a fourth  part  of  juice,  which  is  highly  viscid,  and  so  tenacious  as  to 
require  dilution  with  water  before  it  can  be  easily  filtered.  When  dried,  it 
serves  as  a lute  for  porcelain.  It  has  the  medical  properties  of  the  bulbs. 
Water,  alcohol,  and  vinegar  extract  the  virtues  of  garlic.  Boiling,  however, 
if  continued  for  some  time,  renders  it  inert. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  The  use  of  garlic,  as  a medicine  and  condi- 
ment, ascends  to  the  highest  antiquity.  When  it  is  taken  internally,  the  oil 
is  speedily  absorbed,  and,  pervading  the  system,  becomes  sensible  in  the  breath 
and  various  secretions.  Even  externally  applied,  as  for  example  to  the  soles  of 
the  feet,  it  imparts  its  peculiar  odour  to  the  breath,  urine,  and  perspiration, 
and,  according  to  some  writers,  may  be  tasted  in  the  mouth.  Its  effects 
upon  the  system  are  those  of  a general  stimulant.  It  quickens  the  circula- 
tion, excites  the  nervous  system,  promotes  expectoration  in  debility  of  the 
lungs,  produces  diaphoresis  or  diuresis  according  as  the  patient  is  kept  warm 
or  cool,  and  acts  upon  the  stomach  as  a tonic  and  carminative.  It  is  said 
also  to  be  emmenagogue.  Applied  to  the  skin,  it  is  irritant  and  rubefacient, 
and  moreover  exercises,  to  a greater  or  less  extent,  its  peculiar  influence  upon 
the  system,  in  consequence  of  its  absorption.  Moderately  employed,  it  is 
beneficial  in  enfeebled  digestion  and  flatulence;  and  is  habitually  used  as  a 
condiment  by  many  who  have  no  objection  to  an  offensive  breath.  It  has 
been  given  with  advantage  in  chronic  catarrh,  humoral  asthma,  and  other 
pectoral  affections  in  which  the  symptoms  of  inflammation  have  been  sub- 
dued, and  a feeble  condition  of  the  vessels  remains.  We  use  it  habitually, 
and  with  great  benefit,  in  such  affections  occurring  in  children,  as  well  as  in 
the  nervous  and  spasmodic  coughs  to  which  patients  of  this  class  are  pecu- 
liarly liable.  Some  have  recommended  it  in  old  atonic  dropsies  and  calculous 
disorders ; and  it  has  been  employed  in  the  treatment  of  intermittents.  It 
is  thought  also  to  be  an  excellent  anthelmintic,  especially  in  cases  of  asca- 
rides,  in  which  it  is  given  both  by  the  mouth  and  the  rectum.  The  juice  is 
said  sometimes  to  check  nervous  vomiting,  in  the  dose  of  a few  drops.  If 
taken  too  largely,  or  in  excited  states  of  the  system,  garlic  is  apt  to  occasion 
gastric  irritation,  flatulence,  hemorrhoids,  headache,  and  fever.  As  a medi- 
cine, it  is  at  present  more  used  externally  than  inwardly.  Bruised  and 
applied  to  the  feet,  it  acts  very  beneficially,  as  a revulsive,  in  disorders  of 
the  head ; and  is  especially  useful  in  the  febrile  complaints  of  children,  by 


PART  I. 


Allium. — Aloe. 


67 


quieting  restlessness  and  producing  sleep.  In  the  same  state,  it  is  used  to 
resolve  indolent  tumours.  Its  juice  mixed  with  oil,  or  the  garlic  itself, 
bruised  and  steeped  in  spirits,  is  frequently  used  as  a liniment  in  infantile 
convulsions,  and  other  cases  of  spasmodic  or  nervous  disorder  among  children. 
The  same  application  has  been  made  in  cases  of  cutaneous  eruption.  A 
clove  of  garlic,  or  a few  drops  of  the  juice,  introduced  into  the  ear,  are  said 
to  prove  efficacious  in  atonic  deafness ; and  the  bulb,  bruised  and  applied  in 
the  shape  of  a poultice  above  the  pubes,  has  sometimes  restored  action  to 
the  bladder,  in  cases  of  retention  of  urine,  from  debility  of  that  organ. 
In  the  same  shape,  it  has  been  recommended  as  a resolvent  in  indolent 
tumours. 

Garlic  may  be  taken  in  the  form  of  pill ; or  the  clove  may  be  swallowed 
either  whole,  or  cut  into  pieces  of  a convenient  size.  Its  juice  is  also  fre- 
quently administered  mixed  with  sugar.  The  infusion  in  milk  was  at  one 
time  highly  recommended,  and  the  syrup  is  officinal.  The  dose  in  substance 
is  from  half  a drachm  to  a drachm,  or  even  two  drachms,  of  the  fresh  bulb. 
That  of  the  juice  is  half  a fluidrachm. 

Off.  Prep.  Syrupus  Allii.  W. 

ALOE.  U.S. 

Aloes. 

The  inspissated  juice  of  the  leaves  of  Aloe  spicata,  Aloe  Socotrina,  and 
other  species  of  Aloe.  U.  S. 

Off.  Syn.  ALOE  BARBADENSIS.  Aloe  vulgaris.  Folii  reseed  succus 
spissatus.  ALOE  HEPATICA.  Aloes  species  incerta.  Folii  succus  spis- 
satus.  ALOE  SOCOTRINA.  Aloes  species  incerta.  Folii  reseed  succus 
aere  induratus.  Land. ; ALOE  BARBADENSIS.  ALOE  INDICA. 
ALOE  SOCOTORINA.  From  undetermined  species  of  Aloe-  Ed.  ; ALOE 
HEPATICA.  Extract  or  inspissated  juice,  from  the  leaves  of  one  or  more 
undetermined  species  of  Aloe.  Dub. 

Sue  d.' aloes,  Fr. ; Aloe,  Germ..,  Ital.  ; Aloe,  Span.;  Musebber,  Arab. 

Most  of  the  species  belonging  to  the  genus  Aloe  are  said  to  yield  a bitter 
juice,  which  has  all  the  properties  of  the  officinal  aloes.  It  is  impossible, 
from  the  various  and  sometimes  conflicting  accounts  of  writers,  to  determine 
exactly  from  which  of  the  species  the  drug  is  in  all  instances  actually  derived. 
Aloe  spicata,  however,  is  generally  acknowledged  to  be  an  abundant  source  of 
it ; and  A.  vulgaris  and  A.  Socotrina  are  usually  ranked  among  the  medicinal 
species.  In  Lindley’s  Flora  Medica,  A.  purpurascens,  A.  arborescens,  A.  Com- 
melyni,  and  A.  multiformis,  all  natives  of  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope,  are  enume- 
rated as  yielding  aloes;  and  others  are,  without  doubt,  occasionally  resorted 
to.  We  shall  confine  ourselves  to  a description  of  the  three  following  species, 
which  probably  yield  most  of  the  aloes  of  commerce. 

Aloe.  Sex.  Syst.  Hexandria  Monogynia. — Eat.  Ord.  Liliacem. 

Gen.  Ch.  Corolla  erect,  mouth  spreading,  bottom  nectariferous.  Filaments 
inserted  into  the  receptacle.  Willd. 

Aloe  spicata.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  ii.  185.  This  species  of  aloe  was  first 
described  by  Thunberg.  The  stem  is  round,  three  or  four  feet  high,  about 
four  inches  in  diameter,  and  leafy  at  the  summit.  The  leaves  are  spreading, 
subverticillate,  about  two  feet  long,  broad  at  the  base,  gradually  narrowing  to 
the  point,  channeled  or  grooved  upon  their  upper  surface,  and  with  remote 
teeth  upon  their  edges.  The  flowers  are  bell-shaped,  and  spread  horizontally 
in  very  close  spikes.  They  contain  a large  quantity  of  purple  honey  juice. 


68 


Aloe. 


PART  I. 


Beneath  each  flower  is  a broad,  ovate,  acute  braete,  of  a white  colour,  with 
three  green  streaks,  and  nearly  as  long  as  the  corolla.  Of  the  six  petals,  the 
three  inner  are  ovate,  obtuse,  white,  with  three  green  lines,  and  broader  than 
the  outer,  which  otherwise  resemble  them.  The  stamens  are  much  longer 
than  the  corolla.  The  spiked  aloe  is  a native  of  Southern  Africa,  growing 
near  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope,  and,  like  all  the  other  species  of  this  genus, 
preferring  a sandy  soil.  In  some  districts  of  the  colony  it  is  found  in  great 
abundance,  particularly  at  Zwellendam,  near  Mossel  Bay,  where  it  almost 
covers  the  surface  of  the  country.  Much  of  the  Cape  aloes  is  said  to  be  de- 
rived from  this  species. 

A.  Socotrina.  Lamarck,  Encycl .,  i.  85;  De  Cand.  Plantes  Grasses,  fig. 
85;  Curtis’  Bot.  Mag.,  pi.  472  ; Carson’s  I /lust,  of  Med.  Bot.  ii.  48,  pi.  92. — 
A.  vera.  Miller,  Diet-,  ed.  8,  no.  55.  The  stem  of  this  species  is  erect,  a 
foot  and  a half  or  more  in  height,  woody,  and  leafless  below,  where  it  is  very 
rough  from  the  remains  of  former  leaves.  At  top  it  is  embraced  by  green, 
sword-shaped,  ascending  leaves,  somewhat  concave  on  their  upper  surface, 
convex  beneath,  curved  inward  at  the  point,  with  numerous  small  white  ser- 
ratures  at  their  edges.  The  flowers,  which  are  in  a cylindrical,  simple  raceme, 
are  scarlet  near  the  base,  pale  in  the  centre,  and  greenish  at  the  summit,  and 
have  unequal  stamens,  of  which  three  are  longer  than  the  corolla.  The  plant 
received  its  name  from  the  island  of  Socotra,  of  which  it  is  said  to  be  a native ; 
and  is  supposed  to  be  the  source  of  the  Socotrine  aloes. 

A.  vulgaris.  Lamarck,  Encycl.,  i.  86;  De  Cand.  Plantes  Grasses,  fig.  27; 
Carson’s  Illust.  of  Med.  Bot.  ii.  46,  pi.  90.  This  species  has  a very  short 
woody  stem,  and  lanceolate  embracing  leaves,  which  are  first  spreading,  then 
ascending,  of  a glaucous-green  colour,  somewhat  mottled  with  darker  spots, 
flat  on  the  upper  surface,  convex  beneath,  and  armed  with  hard  reddish 
spines,  distant  from  each  other,  and  perpendicular  to  the  margin.  The  flower- 
stem  is  axillary,  of  a glaucous-reddish  colour, and  branched,  with  a cylindrical- 
ovate  spike  of  yellow  flowers,  which  are  at  first  erect,  then  spreading,  and 
finally  pendulous,  and  do  not  exceed  the  stamens  in  length.  A.  vulgaris  is 
a native  of  south-eastern  Europe  and  the  north  of  Africa,  and  is  cultivated 
in  Italy,  Sicily,  Malta,  and  especially  in  the  West  Indies,  where  it  contributes 
largely  to  furnish  the  Barbadoes  aloes. 

The  proper  aloetic  juice  has  generally  been  thought  to  exist  in  longitudinal 
vessels  beneath  the  epidermis  of  the  leaves,  and  readily  flows  out  when  these 
are  cut  transversely ; but,  according  to  M.  Edmond  Kobiquet,  who  has  made 
elaborate  researches  in  relation  to  this  drug,  these  vessels  are  air-ducts,  and 
the  juice  flows  in  the  inter-cellular  passages  between  them.  The  liquid  ob- 
tained by  expression  from  the  parenchyma  is  mucilaginous,  and  possessed  of 
little  medicinal  virtue.  The  quality  of  the  drug  depends  much  upon  the 
mode  of  preparing  it.  The  finest  kind  is  that  obtained  by  exudation,  and 
subsequent  inspissation  in  the  sun.  Most  of  the  better  sorts,  however,  are 
prepared  by  artificially  heating  the  juice  which  has  spontaneously  exuded 
from  the  cut  leaves.  The  chief  disadvantage  of  this  process  is  the  conversion 
of  a portion  of  the  soluble  active  principle  into  an  insoluble  and  comparatively 
inert  substance,  through  the  influence  of  an  elevated  temperature.  The  plan 
of  bruising  and  expressing  the  leaves,  and  boiling  down  the  resulting  liquor, 
yields  a much  inferior  product;  as  a large  portion  of  it  must  be  derived  from 
the  mucilaginous  juice  of  the  parenchyma.  The  worst  plan  of  all  is  to  boil 
the  leaves  themselves  in  water,  and  evaporate  the  decoction.  The  quality 
of  the  drug  is  also  affected  by  the  careless  or  fraudulent  mixture  of  foreign 
matters  with  the  juice,  and  the  unskilful  management  of  the  inspissation. 

Commercial  History  and  Varieties-  Four  chief  varieties  of  aloes  are 


PART  I. 


Aloe. 


69 


known  in  commerce,  that  of  the  Cape  of  G-ood  Hope,  the  Socotrine,  the 
hepatic,  and  the  Barbadoes,  of  which  the  first  two  are  most  used  in  this 
country. 

1.  Cape  Aloes,  which  is  by  far  the  most  abundant,  is  imported  from  the 
Cape  of  Good  Hope,  either  directly,  or  through  the  medium  of  English  com- 
merce. It  is  collected  by  the  Hottentots  and  Hutch  boors  indiscriminately 
from  A.  spicata  and  other  species,  which  grow  wild  in  great  abundance. 
Dr.  L.  Pappe,  of  Cape  Town,  states  that  the  best  aloes  is  derived  from  Aloe 
ferox  ( Lam .)  growing  at  Swellendam,  and  a weaker  product  from  A.  Afri- 
cana  and  A.  plicatilis  of  Miller.  ( Flor . Capens.  28.)  The  process  is  very 
simple.  According  to  Hallbeck,  a Moravian  missionary  who  resided  at  the 
Cape,  a hole  is  made  in  the  ground,  in  which  a sheep  skin  is  spread  with  the 
smooth  side  upward.  The  leaves  are  then  cut  off  near  the  stem,  and  arranged 
around  the  hole,  so  that  the  juice  which  runs  out  may  be  received  into  the 
skin.  The  juice  flows  most  freely  in  hot  weather.  ( Un.  Breth.  Mission.  In- 
telligencer, N.  Y,  vi.  436.)  When  a sufficient  quantity  of  the  liquor  has  been 
collected,  it  is  inspissated  by  artificial  heat  in  iron  cauldrons,  care  being  taken 
to  prevent  its  burning  by  constant  stirring.  When  sufficiently  concentrated, 
it  is  poured  into  boxes  or  skins,  where  it  concretes  upon  cooling.  The  finest 
kind  is  collected  at  the  Missionary  Institution  at  Bethelsdorp,  and  hence 
called  Bethelsdorp  aloes.  Its  superiority  is  owing  exclusively  to  the  greater 
care  observed  in  conducting  the  evaporation,  and  in  avoiding  the  intermixture 
of  earth,  stones,  and  other  impurities.  ( Dunzterville , in  Pereira’s  Mat.  Med. ) 

Cape  aloes  has  sometimes  been  confounded  with  the  Socotrine,  from  which, 
however,  it  differs  very  considerably  in  appearance.  By  the  German  writers 
it  is  called  shining  aloes.  When  freshly  broken,  it  has  a very  dark  olive  or 
greenish  colour  approaching  to  black,  presents  a smooth  bright  almost  glassy 
surface,  and,  if  held  up  to  the  light,  appears  translucent  at  its  edges.  The 
small  fragments  also  are  semi-transparent,  and  have  a tinge  of  yellow  or  red 
mixed  with  the  deep  olive  of  the  opaque  mass.  The  same  tinge  is  sometimes 
observable  in  the  larger  pieces.  The  powder  is  of  a fine  greenish-yellow 
colour,  and,  being  generally  more  or  less  sprinkled  over  the  surface  of  the 
pieces  as  they  are  kept  in  the  shops,  gives  them  a somewhat  yellowish  appear- 
ance. The  odour  is  strong  and  disagreeable,  but  not  nauseous.  It  has  not 
the  slightest  mixture  of  the  aromatic.  Cape  aloes,  when  perfectly  hard,  is 
very  brittle,  and  readily  reduced  to  powder;  but,  in  very  hot  weather,  it  is 
apt  to  become  somewhat  soft  and  tenacious,  and  the  interior  of  the  pieces  is 
occasionally  more  or  less  so  even  in  winter.  It  is  usually  imported  in  casks 
or  boxes.  Dr.  Pereira  says  that  a variety  of  aloes  is  sometimes  imported  into 
England  from  , the  Cape,  of  a reddish-brown  colour  like  hepatic  aloes. 

2.  Socotrine  Aloes.  The  genuine  Socotrine  aloes  is  produced  in  the 
Island  of  Socotra,  which  lies  in  the  Straits  of  Babelmandel,  about  forty 
leagues  to  the  east  of  Cape  Guardafui ; but  we  are  told  by  Ainslie  that  the 
greater  part  of  what  is  sold  under  that  name  is  prepared  in  the  kingdom  of 
Melinda,  upon  the  eastern  coast  of  Africa;  and  Wellsted  states  that  the  aloes 
of  the  neighbouring  parts  of  Arabia  is  the  same  as  that  of  Socotra.  The 
commerce  in  this  variety  of  aloes  is  carried  on  chiefly  by  the  maritime  Arabs, 
who  convey  it  either  to  India,  or  up  the  Red  Sea  by  the  same  channel  through 
which  it  reached  Europe  before  the  discovery  of  the  southern  passage  into 
the  Indian  Ocean.  Mr.  Vaughan  states  that  nearly  the  whole  product  of 
the  island  is  carried  to  Maculla,  on  the  southern  coast  of  Arabia,  and  thence 
transhipped  to  Bombay.  ( Pharm ,.  Journ.  and  Trans.,  xii.  268.)  The 
species  of  aloe  which  yields  it  is  not  certainly  known ; but  is  probably  the 
A.  Socotrina.  According  to  Wellsted,  the  plant  grows  on  the  sides  and 


70 


Aloe. 


PART  I. 


summits  of  mountains,  from  five  hundred  to  three  thousand  feet  above  the 
level  of  the  plains.  It  is  found  in  all  parts  of  the  island,  but  most  abundantly 
on  the  western  portion,  where  the  surface  is  thickly  covered  with  it  for  miles. 
It  appears  to  thrive  best  in  parched  and  barren  places.  Much  less  of  the 
drug  is  collected  than  formerly,  and  in  the  year  1833  only  two  tons  were  ex- 
ported. The  whole  produce  was  formerly  monopolized  by  the  Arabian  Sultan 
of  Kisseen;  but  at  present  the  business  of  collecting  the  drug  is  entirely  free 
to  the  inhabitants.  The  leaves  are  plucked  at  any  period  of  the  year,  and 
are  placed  in  skins  into  which  the  juice  is  allowed  to  exude.  In  what  way 
the  inspissation  is  effected  we  are  not  informed  by  Wellsted;  but,  according 
to  Hermann,  it  is  by  exposure  to  the  heat  of  the  sun.  The  aloes  is  exported 
in  skins.  Its  quality  differs  much  according  to  the  care  taken  in  its  prepa- 
ration. ( Wellsted’ s Voyage  to  the  coast  of  Arabia , and  Tour  in  the  Island  of 
Socotra.')  A portion  ascends  the  Red  Sea,  and  through  Egypt  reaches  the 
ports  of  Smyrna  and  Malta,  whence  it  is  sent  to  London.  Another  portion 
is  carried  to  Bombay,  and  thence  transmitted  to  various  parts  of  the  world. 
The  little  that  reaches  this  country  either  comes  by  special  order  from  Lon- 
don, or  is  brought  by  our  India  traders.  We  have  known  of  two  arrivals 
directly  into  the  United  States,  said  to  be  from  the  Island  of  Socotra,  and  have 
in  our  possession  parcels  of  aloes  brought  by  both.  They  are  identical  in 
character,  and  correspond  with  the  following  description. 

Socotrine  aloes  is  in  pieces  of  a yellowish  or  reddish-brown  colour,  wholly 
different  from  that  of  the  former  variety.  Sometimes  the  colour  is  very  light, 
especially  in  the  fresh  and  not  fully  hardened  parcels;  sometimes  it  is  a deep 
brownish-red  like  that  of  garnets.  It  is  rendered  much  darker  by  exposure 
to  the  air ; and  the  interior  of  the  masses  is  consequently  much  lighter 
coloured  than  the  exterior.  Its  surface  is  somewhat  glossy,  and  its  fracture 
smooth  and  conchoidal,  with  sharp  and  semi-transparent  edges.  The  colour 
of  its  powder  is  a bright  golden  yellow.  It  has  a peculiar,  not  unpleasant 
odour,  and  a taste,  which,  though  bitter  and  disagreeable,  is  accompanied  with 
an  aromatic  flavour.  Though  hard  and  pulverulent  in  cold  weather,  it  is 
somewhat  tenacious  in  summer,  and  softens  by  the  heat  of  the  hand. 

Under  the  name  of  Socotrine  aloes  are  occasionally  to  be  met  with  in  the 
market,  small  parcels  beautifully  semi-transparent,  shining,  and  of  a yellow- 
ish, reddish,  or  brownish-red  colour.  These,  however,  are  very  rare,  and  do 
not  deserve  to  be  considered  as  a distinct  variety.  They  are  probably  portions 
of  the  juice  carefully  inspissated  in  the  sun,  and  may  accompany  the  pack- 
ages brought  from  any  of  the  commercial  sources  of  aloes. 

When  in  mass,  as  imported  from  the  East,  Socotrine  aloes  is  soft  and 
plastic,  and  of  a very  light  yellowish-brown  colour  in  the  interior.  It  becomes 
hard  and  brittle  when  broken  into  pieces;  and  the  London  dealers  hasten  the 
result  by  exposing  it  to  a very  gentle  heat,  so  as  to  evaporate  the  moisture. 
Pereira  tells  us  that  impure  and  dirty  pieces  of  the  drug  are  melted  and 
strained,  and  that  the  skins  from  which  the  best  portions  have  been  removed 
are  washed  with  water,  which  is  then  evaporated.  No  inconsiderable  portion 
of  the  Socotrine  aloes  received  from  London  has  probably  undergone  such 
processes. 

Occasionally  the  juice  has  been  imported  into  London  in  casks,  not 
thoroughly  inspissated.  In  this  state  it  is  of  the  consistence  of  molasses,  of 
an  orange  or  yellowish  colour,  and  of  a strong  fragrant  odour.  It  separates, 
upon  standing,  into  a transparent  liquid,  and  an  opaque,  lighter-coloured 
granular  portion  which  subsides.  Pereira  found  the  latter  portion  to  consist 
of  innumerable  minute  prismatic  crystals,  and  believed  it  to  be  identical 
with  or  closely  analogous  to  the  aloin  of  the  Messrs.  Smith.  M hen  the 


PART  I. 


Aloe. 


71 


juice  is  heated,  the  deposit  dissolves,  and  the  whole  being  evaporated  yields 
a solid,  transparent  product,  having  all  the  properties  of  fine  Socotrine  aloes. 
(. Pliar m . Journ.  and  Trans.,  xi.  439.) 

Much  of  the  aloes  sold  as  Socotrine  has  never  seen  the  Island  of  Socotra, 
nor  even  the  Indian  seas.  It-has  been  customary  to  affix  this  title,  as  a mark 
of  superior  value,  to  those  parcels  of  the  drug,  from  whatever  source  they 
may  have  been  derived,  which  have  been  prepared  with  unusual  care,  and  are 
supposed  to  be  of  the  best  quality.  Thus,  both  in  Spain  and  the  West  Indies, 
the  juice  which  is  obtained  without  expression,  and  inspissated  in  the  sun 
without  artificial  heat,  has  been  called  Socotrine  aloes ; and  is  probably  little 
inferior  to  the  genuine  drug. 

Socotrine  aloes  has  been  very  long  known  under  this  name,  and  in  former 
times  held  the  same  superiority  in  the  estimation  of  the  profession,  which  it 
still  to  a certain  degree  retains. 

3.  Hepatic  Aloes.  Much  confusion  and  uncertainty  have  prevailed  in 
relation  to  this  kind  of  aloes.  The  name  was  originally  applied  to  a product 
from  the  East  Indies,  of  a reddish-brown  or  liver  colour,  which  gave  origin 
to  the  designation.  From  a supposed  resemblance  between  this  and  the  aloes 
from  the  West  Indies,  the  name  was  very  commonly  applied  also  to  the  latter 
variety,  and  was  also  extended  to  portions  of  the  drug  collected  in  Spain  and 
other  parts  of  the  south  of  Europe.  But  the  West  India  aloes  is  decidedly 
different  from  any  now  brought  from  the  East,  and  deserves  the  rank  of  a 
distinct  variety,  with  the  name  of  Barbadoes  aloes.  In  this  country,  we 
seldom  meet  with  aloes  bearing  the  name  of  the  hepatic,  although  much  that 
is  sold  as  Socotrine  probably  deserves  it.  In  the  drug  commerce  of  London, 
it  is  still  recognised  as  a distinct  variety.  It  is  imported  into  England  chiefly 
from  Bombay;  but,  according  to  Ainslie,  is  not  produced  in  Ilindostan,  being 
taken  thither  from  Yemen  in  Arabia.  It  is  probably  obtained  from  the  same 
plant  or  plants  which  yield  the  Socotrine,  but  prepared  with  less  care,  or  by 
a somewhat  different  process.*  In  relation  to  the  Socotrine  and  hepatic  aloes, 
we  should  probably  not  be  far  wrong  in  considering  the  former  as  embracing 
the  finest,  and  the  latter  the  inferior  parcels  of  the  same  variety  ; and  it  is  in 
fact  stated  that  they  sometimes  come  together,  a large  mass  of  the  hepatic 
being  crossed  by  a vein  of  the  Socotrine.  They  are  both  embraced  by  the 
Edinburgh  College  under  the  title  of  Aloe  Indica — an  improper  designa- 
tion ; as  the  aloes  produced  in  India  is  altogether  inferior,  and  is  seldom  or 
never  exported  from  that  region.  The  variety  which  the  Edinburgh  College 
designates  as  Socotrine  aloes,  and  defines  to  be  “ in  thin  pieces  translucent 
and  garnet-red,  almost  entirely  soluble  in  spirit  of  the  strength  of  sherry,” 
may  possibly  merit  the  title ; but  certainly  the  description  is  not  applicable 
to  the  drug  as  usually  brought  from  Socotra. 

Hepatic  aloesis  reddish-brown,  but  darker  and  less  glossy  than  the  Socotrine. 
Its  odour  is  somewhat  like  that  of  the  Socotrine,  but  less  agreeable,  and  is 
wholly  different  from  that  of  Cape  aloes.  The  taste  is  nauseous,  and  intensely 
bitter.  The  fracture  is  not  so  smooth,  nor  the  edges  so  sharp  and  transpa- 
rent as  in  either  of  the  first-mentioned  varieties.  It  softens  in  the  hand,  and 
becomes  adhesive.  The  powder  is  of  a dull  yellow  colour. 

4.  Barbadoes  Aloes.  This  is  the  name  by  which  the  aloes  produced  in 

* Dr.  Pereira  has  concluded,  we  think  somewhat  prematurely,  from  his  observa- 
tions on  the  juice  of  aloes  before  referred  to,  that  the  Socotrine  is  prepared  by  evapo- 
ration by  artificial  heat,  to  which  it  owes  its  transparency  ; while  the  hepatic  is 
opaque,  because  dried  in  the  sun.  If  this  were  the  case,  Barbadoes  aloes,  which  is 
wholly  opaque,  more  so  even  than  the  hepatic,  should  have  been  dried  in  the  sun, 
instead  of  being  inspissated  by  heat,  as  it  really  is. — Note  to  the  tenth  edition. 


72 


Aloe. 


PART  I. 


the  West  Indies  is  now  generally  designated.  The  aloes  plants  are  largely 
cultivated  in  the  poorer  soils  of  Jamaica  and  Barbadoes,  especially  of  the 
latter  island.  The  species  from  which  most  of  the  drug  is  procured  is  A. 
vulgaris  ; but  A.  Socotrina,  A.  purpurascens,  and  A.  arborescens,  are  also 
said  to  be  cultivated.  The  process  employed  appears  to  be  somewhat  differ- 
ent in  different  places,  or  at  least  as  described  by  different  authors.  A fine 
hind  was  formerly  prepared  by  the  spontaneous  inspissation  of  the  juice, 
placed  in  bladders  or  shallow  vessels,  and  exposed  to  the  sun.  The  common 
Barbadoes  aloes,  however,  is  now  made,  either  by  boiling  the  juice  to  a proper 
consistence,  or  by  first  forming  a decoction  of  the  leaves,  chopped  and  sus- 
pended in  water  in  nets  or  baskets,  and  then  evaporating  the  decoction.  In 
either  case,  when  the  liquor  has  attained  such  a consistence  that  it  will  harden 
on  cooling,  it  is  poured  into  calabashes  and  allowed  to  concrete.  It  is  imported 
into  England  in  gourds  weighing  from  60  to  70  pounds,  or  even  more.  In 
consequence  of  the  great  demand  for  it  in  veterinary  practice,  it  commands 
a high  price  in  Great  Britain  ; and  very  little  is  consumed  in  the  United  States. 

The  colour  of  Barbadoes  aloes  is  not  uniform.  Sometimes  it  is  dark -brown 
or  almost  black,  sometimes  of  a reddish-brown  or  liver  colour,  and  again  of 
some  intermediate  shade.  It  has  usually  a dull  fracture,  and  is  almost 
perfectly  opaque,  even  at  the  edges,  and  in  thin  layers.  It  is  also  dis- 
tinguishable by  its  odour,  which  is  very  disagreeable  and  even  nauseous. 
The  powder  is  of  a dull  olive-yellow  colour. 

Besides  these  varieties  of  aloes,  others  are  mentioned  by  authors.  A very 
inferior  kind,  supposed  to  consist  of  the  dregs  of  the  juice  which  furnished 
the  better  sorts,  almost  black,  quite  opaque,  hard,  of  a rough  fracture  and 
very  fetid  odour,  and  full  of  various  impurities,  was  formerly  sold  under  the 
name  of  caballine,  fetid,  or  horse  aloes.  It  was  used  exclusively  for  horses ; 
but,  in  consequence  of  the  cheapness  of  better  kinds,  has  been  banished  from 
veterinary  practice,  and  is  not  now  found  in  the  market.  Aloes  has  been 
imported  from  Muscat,  and  a considerable  quantity  came  over  in  a vessel  sent 
by  the  Sultan  to  the  United  States.  Some  of  a similar  origin  has  been  called 
Mocha  aloes  in  London ; but  it  is  nothing  more  than  an  inferior  sort  of  he- 
patic. Several  inferior  kinds  produced  in  different  parts  of  Hindostan  have 
been  described  by  Pereira  under  the  name  of  India  aloes  ; but  they  are  not 
brought,  unless  accidentally,  into  the  markets  of  Europe  or  this  country. 

General  Properties . The  odour  of  aloes  is  different  in  the  different  varie- 
ties. The  taste  is  in  all  of  them  intensely  bitter  and  very  tenacious.  The 
colour  and  other  sensible  properties  have  already  been  sufficiently  described. 
Several  distinguished  chemists  have  investigated  the  nature  and  composition 
of  aloes.  Braconnot  found  it  to  consist  of  a bitter  principle,  soluble  in  water, 
and  in  alcohol  of  38°  B.,  which  he  considered  peculiar  and  named  resino- 
amer ; and  of  another  substance,  in  much  smaller  proportion,  inodorous, 
and  nearly  tasteless,  very  soluble  in  alcohol,  and  scarcely  soluble  in  boiling 
water,  which  he  designated  by  the  name  of  flea-coloured  principle.  These 
results  were  essentially  confirmed  by  the  experiments  of  Trommsdorff,  Bouil- 
lon-Lagrange,  and  Vogel,  who  considered  the  former  substance  as  extractive 
matter,  and  the  latter  as  having  the  chief  characters  of  resin.  Besides  these 
principles,  Trommsdorff  discovered,  in  a variety  of  hepatic  aloes,  a proportion 
of  insoluble  matter  which  he  considered  as  albumen  ; and  Bouillon-Lagrange 
and  Vogel  found  that  Socotrine  aloes  yields,  by  distillation,  a small  quantity 
of  volatile  oil,  which  they  could  not  obtain  from  the  hepatic.  The  propor- 
tions of  the  ingredients  were  found  to  vary  greatly  in  the  different  varieties 
of  the  drug;  and  the  probability  is,  that  scarcely  any  two  specimens  would 
afford  precisely  the  same  results.  Braconnot  found  about  73  per  cent,  of  the 


PART  I. 


Aloe. 


73 


bitter  principle,  and  26  of  the  flea-coloured  principle.  Trommsdorff  obtained 
from  Socotrine  aloes  about  75  parts  of  extractive,  and  25  of  resin  ; and  from 
the  hepatic,  81’25  of  extractive,  6'25  of  resin,  and  12'50  of  albumen,  in  100 
parts.  The  former  variety,  according  to  Bouillon-Lagrange  and  Vogel,  con- 
tains 68  per  cent,  of  extractive  and  32  of  resin ; the  latter  52  of  extractive, 
42  of  resin,  and  6 of  the  albuminous  matter  of  Trommsdorff.  We  are  not 
aware  that  any  analysis  has  been  published  of  the  Cape  aloes  as  a distinct 
variety. 

Berzelius  considers  the  resin  of  Trommsdorff  and  others,  to  belong  to  that 
form  of  matter  which  he  calls  apotheme  (see  Extracts),  and  which  is  nothing 
more  than  extractive,  altered  by  the  action  of  the  air.  It  may  be  obtained 
separate  by  treating  aloes  with  water,  and  digesting  the  undissolved  portion 
with  oxide  of  lead,  which  unites  with  the  apotheme  forming  an  insoluble 
compound,  and  leaves  a portion  of  unaltered  extractive,  which  had  adhered 
to  it,  dissolved  in  the  water.  The  oxide  of  lead  may  be  separated  by  nitric 
acid  very  much  diluted ; and  the  apotheme  remains  in  the  form  of  a brown 
powder,  insoluble  in  cold  water,  very  slightly  soluble  in  boiling  water,  to 
which  it  imparts  a yellowish-brown  colour,  soluble  in  alcohol,  ether,  and  al- 
kaline solutions,  and  burning  like  tinder  without  flame  and  without  being 
melted.  According  to  the  same  author,  the  bitter  extractive  which  constitutes 
the  remainder  of  the  aloes,  may  be  obtained  by  treating  the  watery  infusion 
of  the  drug  with  oxide  of  lead,  to  separate  a portion  of  apotheme  which  ad- 
heres to  it,  and  evaporating  the  liquor.  It  is  a yellowish,  translucent,  gum- 
like substance,  fusible  by  a gentle  heat,  of  a bitter  taste,  soluble  in  ordinary 
alcohol,  but  insoluble  in  that  fluid  when  anhydrous,  and  in  ether. 

A more  recent  analysis  of  aloes  has  been  made  by  M.  Edmund  Kobiquet. 
A portion  of  hyacinthine,  transparent  aloes,  considered  as  genuine  Socotrine, 
was  found  by  him  to  consist,  in  100  parts,  of  85  of  aloesin,  2 of  ulrnate  of 
potassa,  2 of  sulphate  of  lime,  0'25  of  gallic  acid,  8 of  albumen,  and  traces 
of  carbonate  of  potassa,  carbonate  of  lime,  and  phosphate  of  lime.  To  get 
pure  aloesin,  M.  Robiquet  exhausted  aloes  in  powder  with  cold  water ; eva- 
porated the  infusion  one-half ; added  an  excess  of  acetate  of  lead,  which 
precipitated  the  gallate,  ulrnate,  and  albuminate  of  that  metal;  poured  into 
the  clear  liquor  solution  of  ammonia ; separated  the  yellowish-orange  coloured 
precipitate,  consisting  of  oxide  of  lead  combined  with  aloesin,  washed  it  with 
boiling  water,  and  then  decomposed  it  by  a current  of  sulphuretted  hydrogen 
with  the  exclusion  of  atmospheric  air.  Sulphuret  of  lead  was  deposited, 
and  a colourless  liquid  floated  above  it,  which,  being  decanted,  and  evapo- 
rated in  vacuo,  yielded  aloesin  in  slightly  yellowish  scales,  without  any  sign 
of  crystallization.  Thus  procured,  aloesin  is  very  soluble  in  water  and  alco- 
hol, but  slighty  soluble  in  ether,  and  quite  insoluble  in  the  fixed  and  volatile 
oils.  It  is  entirely  dissipated  at  a red  heat.  If  exposed  to  the  air,  during 
desiccation,  it  becomes  intensely  red,  in  consequence  of  the  absorption  of  a 
minute  proportion  of  oxygen,  which,  however,  scarcely  affects  its  properties  in 
other  respects.  It  possesses  in  a high  degree-  the  bitter  taste  and  purgative 
property  of  aloes,  and, might  be  used  as  a substitute ; 8 parts  of  it  representing 
10  parts  of  Socotrine  and  50  of  Cape  aloes.  ( Journ . de  Pharm.,  3e  s6r.,  x. 

m.)  m 

Aloin.  The  bitter  substances  noticed  above,  viz.,  the  resino-amer  of  Bra- 
connot,the  bitter  extractive  of  Berzelius  and  others,  and  the  aloesin  of  Robiquet, 
probably  contain  the  active  principle  of  aloes,  but  combined  with  impurities 
which  render  it  insusceptible  of  crystallization.  Messrs.  T.  and  H.  Smith, 
of  Edinburgh,  have  succeeded  in  obtaining  it  quite  pure  and  in  crystals,  and 
name  it  aloin.  This  has  been  examined  by  Mr.  Stenhouse,  and  found,  when 


74 


Aloe. 


PART  I. 


quite  free  from  water,  to  have  a definite  composition,  represented  by  the  for- 
mula C34H18014.  There  can  be  no  doubt  that  it  is  the  active  principle  of 
aloes;  as  it  has  been  found  to  operate  invariably  as  a cathartic  in  the  dose  of 
one  or  two  grains,  and  occasionally  in  that  of  half  a grain. 

It  is  obtained  most  readily  from  Barbadoes  aloes.  The  process  consists  in 
mixing  this,  previously  powdered,  with  sand,  exhausting  it  with  cold  water, 
evaporating  the  infusion  in  vacuo  to  the  consistence  of  syrup,  and  allowing 
the  residue  to  rest  in  a cool  place.  In  two  or  three  days  the  concentrated 
liquid  becomes  filled  with  a brownish-yellow  granular  mass  of  minute  crys- 
tals, which  is  impure  aloin.  This  is  separated,  by  pressure  between  folds  of 
bibulous  paper,  from  a greenish-brown  matter  that  contaminates  it,  and  then 
repeatedly  crystallized  from  hot  water,  the  temperature  of  which  should 
not  exceed  150°,  as  aloin  is  rapidly  oxidized  at  the  boiling  point.  By 
dissolving  it  in  hot  alcohol,  and  allowing  the  solution  to  cool,  it  is  obtained 
in  the  shape  of  minute  needle-shaped  crystals,  arranged  in  a star-like  form. 
These  are  pale-yellow ; at  first  sweetish  to  the  taste,  but  soon  intensely  bitter; 
combustible  without  residue ; slightly  soluble  in  cold  water  or  alcohol,  but 
readily  dissolved  by  these  liquids  when  moderately  heated;  soluble  also  rea- 
dily in  alkaline  solutions,  which  are  rendered  of  an  orange-yellow  colour,  and 
become  rapidly  darker,  especially  when  heated,  in  consequence  of  the  oxida- 
tion of  the  aloin,  and  its  conversion  into  resin.  By  the  action  of  strong  nitric 
acid  it  is  converted  into  chrysammic  acid.  It  is  neither  acid  nor  alkaline; 
but  with  strong  solution  of  subaeetate  of  lead  is  precipitated  in  combination 
with  the  oxide  of  that  metal.  (See  Ed.  Monthly  Journ.  of  Med.  Sci.,  xii.  127, 
Feb.  1851,  and  Pharm.  Journ.  and  Trans.,  xi.  458.)  There  can  be  no  doubt 
that  aloin  exists  also  in  Socotrine  and  Cape  aloes ; and  the  Messrs.  Smith, 
though  they  at  first  failed  in  obtaining  it  from  these  varieties,  have  subse- 
quently succeeded  with  the  Socotrine.  (j Ed.  Monthly,  xiv.  581.) 

Aloes  yields  its  active  matter  to  cold  water,  and  when  good  is  almost  wholly 
dissolved  by  boiling  water ; but  the  inert  portion,  or  apotheme  of  Berzelius,  is 
deposited  as  the  solution  cools.  It  is  also  soluble  in  alcohol,  rectified  or  di- 
luted. Long  boiling  impairs  its  purgative  properties  by  oxidizing  the  aloin 
and  rendering  it  insoluble.  The  alkalies,  their  carbonates,  and  soap  alter  in 
some  measure  its  chemical  nature,  and  render  it  of  easier  solution.  It  is 
inflammable,  swelling  up  and  decrepitating  when  it  burns,  and  giving  out  a 
thick  smoke  which  has  the  odour  of  the  drug. 

Those  substances  only  are  incompatible  with  aloes  which  alter  or  precipitate 
the  soluble  matter;  as  the  insoluble  portion  is  without  action  upon  the  system. 
Among  these  is  the  infusion  of  galls,  which  we  have  found,  probably  through  its 
tannic  acid,  to  afford  a copious  precipitate  with  an  aqueous  solution  of  aloes. 
It  is  said  that  such  a solution  will  keep  a long  time,  even  for  several  months, 
without  exhibiting  mouldiness  or  putrescency,  though  it  becomes  ropy. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Aloes  was  known  to  the  ancients.  It  is 
mentioned  in  the  works  of  Dioscorides  and  Celsus,  the  former  of  whom  speaks 
of  two  kinds.  The  varieties  are  similar  in  their  mode  of  action.  They  are 
all  cathartic,  operating  very  slowly  but  certainly,  and  having  a peculiar 
affinity  for  the  large  intestines.  Their  action,  moreover,  appears  to  be  directed 
rather  to  the  muscular  coat  than  to  the  exhalant  vessels;  and  the  discharges 
which  they  produce  are,  therefore,  seldom  very  thin  or  watery.  Iu  a full 
dose  they  quicken  the  circulation,  and  produce  general  warmth.  When  fre- 
quently repeated,  they  are  apt  to  irritate  the  rectum,  giving  rise,  in  some 
instances,  to  hemorrhoids,  and  aggravating  them  when  already  existing.  Aloes 
has  also  a decided  tendency  to  the  uterine  system.  Its  emmenagogue  effect, 
which  is  often  very  considerable,  is  generally  attributed  to  a sympathetic  ex- 


PART  I. 


Aloe. 


75 


tension  of  irritation  from  the  rectum  to  the  uterus ; but  we  can  see  no  reason 
why  the  medicine  should  not  act  specifically  upon  this  organ ; and  its  influ- 
ence in  promoting  menstruation  is  by  no  means  confined  tp  cases  in  which 
its  action  upon  the  neighbouring  intestine  is  most  conspicuous.  A peculiarity 
in  the  action  of  this  cathartic  is,  that  an  increase  of  the  quantity  administered, 
beyond  the  medium  dose,  is  not  attended  by  a corresponding  increase  of 
effect.  Its  tendency  to  irritate  the  rectum  may  be  obviated,  in  some  measure, 
by  combining  it  with  soap  or  an  alkaline  carbonate;  but  it  does  not  follow, 
as  supposed  by  some,  that  this  modification  of  its  operation  is  the  result  of 
increased  solubility ; for  aloes  given  in  a liquid  state  produces  the  same  effect 
as  when  taken  in  pill  or  powder,  except  that  it  acts  somewhat  more  speedily. 
Besides,  when  externally  applied  to  a blistered  surface,  it  operates  exactly  in 
the  same  manner  as  when  internally  administered;  thus  proving  that  its 
peculiarities  are  not  dependent  upon  the  particular  form  in  which  it  may  be 
given,  but  on  specific  tendencies  to  particular  parts.  (Gferhard,  N.  Am.  Med. 
and  Surg.  Journ.,  x.  155.)  With  its  other  powers,  aloes  combines  the  pro- 
perty of  slightly  stimulating  the  stomach.  It  is,  therefore,  in  minute  doses, 
an  excellent  remedy  in  habitual  costiveness,  attended  with  torpor  of  the  di- 
gestive organs.  It  has  been  supposed  to  stimulate  the  hepatic  secretion ; aud 
certainly  acts  sometimes  very  happily  in  jaundice,  producing  bilious  stools 
even  after  calomel  has  failed.  From  its  special  direction  to  the  rectum,  it  has 
been  found  peculiarly  useful  in  the  treatment  of  ascarides.  In  amenorrhoea 
it  is  perhaps  more  frequently  employed  than  any  other  remedy,  entering  into 
almost  all  the  numerous  empirical  preparations  which  are  habitually  resorted 
to  by  females  in  that  complaint,  and  enjoying  a no  less  favourable  reputation 
in  regular  practice.  It  is,  moreover,  frequently  given  in  combination  with 
more  irritating  cathartics,  in  order  to  regulate  their  liability  to  excessive 
action.  In  the  treatment  of  amenorrhoea,  it  is  said  to  be  peculiarly  effica- 
cious when  given,  in  the  form  of  enema,  about  the  period  when  the  menses 
should  appear.  Aloes  is  contra-indicated  by  the  existence  of  hemorrhoids, 
and  is  obviously  unsuitable,  unless  modified  by  combination,  to  the  treatment 
of  inflammatory  diseases. 

The  medium  dose  is  10  grains ; but  as  a laxative  it  will  often  operate  in 
the  quantity  of  2 or  3 grains;  and,  when  a decided  impression  is  required, 
the  dose  may  be  augmented  to  20  grains.  In  consequence  of  its  excessively 
bitter  and  somewhat  nauseous  taste,  it  is  most  conveniently  administered  in 
the  shape  of  pill.* 

Off.  Prep.  Decoctum  Aloes  Compositum ; Enema  Aloes ; Extractum  Aloes 
Aquosum;  Ext.  Aloes  Barbadensis;  Ext.  Aloes  Socotrinae;  Ext.  Colocynth. 
Comp.;  Pilulm  Aloes;  Pil.  Aloes  Comp. ; Pil.  Aloes  et  Assafcetidae;  Pil.  Aloes 
et  Ferri;  Pil.  Aloes  et  Myrrhrn;  Pil.  Cambogim  Comp.;  Pil.  Colocynth. 
Comp.;  Pil.  RheiComp.;  Pul  vis  Aloes  Compositus;  Pulvis  Aloes  et  Canellas; 
Tinctura  Aloes;  Tinct.  Aloes  et  Myrrhte;  Tinct.  Benzoini  Comp.;  Tinct. 
Bhei  et  Aloes ; Yinum  Aloes.  W. 

* Dr.  Paris  enumerates  the  following  empirical  preparations,  containing  aloes  as  a 
leading  ingredient;  Anderson’s  pills,  consisting  of  aloes,  jalap,  and  oil  of  aniseed; 
Hooper’s  pills,  of  aloes,  myrrh,  sulphate  of  iron,  canella,  and  ivory  black;  Dixon’s 
antibilious  pills,  of  aloes,  scammony,  rhubarb,  and  tartarized  antimony ; Speediman’s 
pills,  of  aloes,  myrrh,  rhubarb,  extract  of  chamomile,  and  ess.  oil  of  chamom. ; Dinner 
pills,  of  aloes,  mastich,  red  roses,  and  syrup  of  wormwood ; Fotiiergill’s  pills,  of 
aloes,  scammony,  colocynth,  and  oxide  of  antimony;  Peter’s  pills,  of  aloes,  jalap, 
scammony,  gamboge,  and  calomel ; and  Radcliff’s  Elixir,  of  aloes,  cinnamon,  zedoary, 
rhubarb,  cochineal,  syrup  of  buckthorn,  and  spirit  and  water  as  the  solvent ; to  which 
may  be  added  Lee’s  Windham  pills,  consisting  of  gamboge,  aloes,  soap,  and  nitrate  of 
potassa;  and  Lee’s  New  London  pills,  of  aloes,  scammony,  gamboge,  calomel,  jalap, 
soap,  and  syrup  of  buckthorn. 


76 


Altlisese  Flores . — Althaese  Folia. 


PART  i. 


ALTII/E/E  FLORES.  TJ.S. 

Marshmallow  Flowers. 

The  flowers  of  Althaea  oflicinalis.  U.  S. 

ALTII/EiE  FOLIA.  Ed. 

M a rshm allow  Lea ves. 

The  leaves  of  Althaea  oflicinalis.  Ed. 

ALTILEiE  RADIX.  TJ.S.,  Ed. 

Marshmallow  Root. 

The  root  of  Althaea  officinalis.  U.  S.,  Ed. 

Off.  Syn.  ALTH/EA.  Althaea  officinalis.  Radix.  Load. 

(iuimauve,  Fr.  ; Eibisch,  Germ.  ; Altea,  Iial.  ; Altea,  Malvavisco,  Span. 

Althaea.  Sex.  Syst.  Monadelphia  Polyandria. — Eat.  Ord.  Malvaceae. 

Gen.  Ch.  Calyx  double,  the  exterior  six  or  nine-cleft.  Capsules  nume- 
rous, one-seeded.  Willd. 

Altlieea  officinalis.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  iii.  770;  Woodv.  Med.  Bot.  p.  552, 
t.  108.  Marshmallow  is  an  herbaceous  perennial,  with  a perpendicular 
branching  root,  and  erect  woolly  stems,  from  two  to  four  feet  or  more  in 
height,  branched  and  leafy  towards  the  summit.  The  leaves  are  alternate, 
petiolate,  nearly  cordate  on  the  lower  part  of  the  stem,  oblong-ovate  and 
obscurely  three-lobed  above,  somewhat  angular,  irregularly  serrate,  pointed, 
and  covered  on  both  sides  with  a soft  down.  The  flowers  are  terminal  and 
axillary,  with  short  peduncles,  each  bearing  one,  two,  or  three  flowers.  The 
corolla  has  five  spreading,  obcordate  petals,  of  a pale  purplish  colour.  The 
fruit  consists  of  numerous  capsules  united  in  a compact  circular  form,  each 
containing  a single  seed.  The  plant  grows  throughout  Europe,  inhabiting 
salt  marshes,  the  banks  of  rivers,  and  other  moist  places.  It  is  found  also 
in  this  country  on  the  borders  of  salt  marshes.  In  some  parts  of  the  Conti- 
nent of  Europe,  it  is  largely  cultivated  for  medical  use.  The  whole  plant 
abounds  in  mucilage.  The  flowers,  leaves,  and  root  are  officinal;  but  the 
last  only  is  employed  to  any  considerable  extent  in  this  country. 

The  roots  should  be  collected  in  autumn  from  plants  at  least  two  years 
old.  They  aTe  cylindrical,  branched,  as  thick  as  the  finger  or  thicker,  from 
a foot  to  a foot  and  a half  long,  externally  of  a yellowish  colour  which  be- 
comes grayish  by  drying,  within  white  and  fleshy.  They  are  usually  pre- 
pared for  the  market  by  removing  the  epidermis.  Our  shops  are  supplied 
chiefly  if  not  exclusively  from  Europe. 

Properties.  Marshmallow  root  comes  to  us  in  pieces  three  or  four  inches 
or  more  in  length,  usually  not  so  thick  as  the  finger,  generally  round,  but 
sometimes  split,  white  externally  and  downy  from  the  mode  in  which  the 
epidermis  is  removed,  light  and  easily  broken  with  a short  somewhat  fibrous 
fracture,  of  a peculiar  faint  smell,  aud  a mild  mucilaginous  sweetish  taste. 
Those  pieces  are  to  be  preferred  which  are  plump  aud  but  slightly  fibrous. 
The  root  contains  a large  proportion  of  mucilage,  besides  starch  and  saccha- 
rine matter,  which  it  yields  readily  to  boiling  water.  The  mucilage,  without 
the  starch,  is  extracted  by  cold  water,  which  thus  becomes  ropy.  A prin- 


PART  I. 


Althaea;  Radix. — Aiumen. 


77 


ciple  was  discovered  in  the  root  by  M.  Bacon,  which  he  supposed  to  be 
peculiar  to  the  marshmallow,  but  which  has  been  ascertained  to  be  identical 
with  the  asparagin  of  Bobiquet.  MM.  Boutron-Charlard  and  Pelouze 
found  it  to  belong  to  that  class  of  organic  principles,  which  are  convertible 
by  strong  acids,  and  other  agencies,  into  ammonia  and  peculiar  acids,  and 
which  are  designated  by  the  termination  amide.  Thus  asparagin,  which  in 
this  view  should  be  called  asparamide,  is  converted  into  ammonia  and  as- 
parmic,  or,  as  it  was  formerly  named,  aspartic  acid ; and  one  atom  of  the 
resulting  asparmate  of  ammonia  is  equivalent  to  one  atom  of  asparamide  and 
one  of  water.  ( Joum . de  Pharm.,  xix.  208.)  It  is  found  in  various  other 
plants  besides  the  marshmallow,  as  in  the  shoots  of  asparagus,  in  vetches 
grown  in  the  dark,  in  all  the  varieties  of  the  potato,  and  in  the  roots  of  the 
comfrey  and  liquorice  plant.  According  to  Professor  Piria,  asparagin  has 
acid  properties.  It  has  no  therapeutical  value.  Marshmallow  is  said  to 
become  somewhat  acid  by  decoction.  Those  pieces  should  be  rejected  which 
are  woody,  discoloured,  mouldy,  of  a sour  or  musty  smell,  or  a sourish  taste. 

The  roots  of  other  Malvaceae  are  sometimes  substituted  for  that  of  marsh- 
mallow, without  disadvantage,  as  they  possess  similar  properties.  Such  are 
those  of  Althaea,  rosea  or  hollyhock,  and  Malva  Alcea. 

The  leaves,  which  are  recognised  by  the  Edinburgh  College,  are  without 
smell,  and  of  a mucilaginous  taste,  and  are  used  for  the  same  purposes  as 
the  root. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  The  virtues  of  marshmallow  are  exclusively 
those  of  a demulcent.  The  decoction  of  the  root  is  much  used  in  Europe  in 
irritation  and  inflammation  of  the  mucous  membranes.  The  roots  them- 
selves, boiled  and  bruised,  are  sometimes  employed  as  a poultice.  The 
leaves  and  flowers  are  applied  to  similar  uses.  In  France,  the  powdered 
root  is  much  used  in  the  preparation  of  pills  and  electuaries.  Some  prefer 
it  to  powdered  liquorice  root  in  the  preparation  of  the  mercurial  pill. 

Off.  Prep.  Mistura  Althaeae;  Syrupus  Althaeae.  W. 

ALUMEN.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub. 

Alum. 

Sulphate  of  alumina  and  potassa.  U.  S. 

Alun,  Fr.,  Dan.,  Swed. ; Alaun,  Germ. ; Allume,  Ital. ; Alumbre,  Span. 

The  officinal  alum  is  a double  salt,  consisting  of  the  tersulphate  of  alumina, 
united  with  sulphate  of  potassa. 

Alum  is  manufactured  occasionally  from  earths  which  contain  it  ready 
formed,  but  most  generally  from  minerals  which,  from  the  fact  of  their  con- 
taining most  or  all  of  its  constituents,  are  called  alum  ores.  The  principal 
alum  ores  are  the  alum  stone,  which  is  a native  mixture  of  subsulphate  of 
alumina  and  sulphate  of  potassa,  found  in  large  quantities  at  Tolfa  and  Piom- 
bino  in  Italy,  and  certain  natural  mixtures  of  bisulphuret  of  iron  with  alumina, 
silica,  and  bituminous  matter,  called  aluminous  schist  or  alum-slate. 

It  is  particularly  at  the  Solfaterra,  and  other  places  in  the  kingdom  of 
Naples,  that  alum  is  extracted  from  earths  which  contain  it  ready  formed. 
The  ground  being  of  volcanic  origin,  and  having  a temperature  of  about 
104°,  an  efflorescence  of  pure  alum  is  formed  upon  its  surface.  This  is  col- 
lected and  lixiviated,  and  the  solution  made  to  crystallize  by  slow  evaporation 
in  leaden  vessels  sunk  in  the  ground. 

The  alum  stone  is  manufactured  into  alum  by  calcination,  and  subsequent 
exposure  to  the  air  for  three  months;  the  mineral  being  frequently  sprinkled 


78 


Alumen. 


PART  i. 


with  water,  in  order  that  it  maybe  brought  to  the  state  of  a soft  mass.  This 
is  lixiviated,  and  the  solution  obtained  crystallized  by  evaporation.  The 
alum  stone  may  be  considered  as  consisting  of  alum,  united  with  a certain 
quantity  of  hydrate  of  alumina.  This  latter,  by  the  calcination,  loses  its 
water,  and  becomes  incapable  of  remaining  united  with  the  alum  of  the 
mineral,  which  is  consequently  set  free.  Alum  of  the  greatest  purity  is 
obtained  from  this  ore. 

Alum-slate,  when  compact,  is  first  exposed  to  the  air  for  a month.  It  is 
then  stratified  with  wood,  which  is  set  on  fire.  The  combustion  which  ensues 
is  slow  and  protracted.  The  sulphur  is  in  part  converted  into  sulphuric  acid, 
which  unites  with  the  alumina;  and  the  sulphate  of  alumina  thus  formed 
generates  a portion  of  alum  with  the  potassa  derived  from  the  ashes  of  the 
wood.  The  iron,  in  the  mean  time,  is  almost  wholly  converted  into  sesqui- 
oxide,  and  thus  becomes  insoluble.  The  matter  is  lixiviated,  and  the  solu- 
tion crystallized  into  alum  by  evaporation.  The  mother-waters,  containing 
sulphate  of  alumina,  are  then  drawn  off,  and  made  to  yield  a further  portion 
of  alum  by  the  addition  of  sulphate  of  potassa,  or  chloride  of  potassium. 

When  the  alum-slate  is  easily  disintegrated,  it  is  not  subjected  to  combus- 
tion, but  merely  placed  in  heaps,  and  occasionally  sprinkled  with  water.  The 
bisulphuret  of  iron  gradually  absorbs  oxygen,  and  passes  into  sulphate  of 
the  protoxide,  which  effloresces  on  the  surface  of  the  heap.  Part  of  the 
sulphuric  acid  formed  unites  with  the  alumina ; so  that,  after  the  chemical 
changes  are  completed,  the  heap  contains  both  the  sulphate  of  iron  and  the 
sulphate  of  alumina.  At  the  end  of  about  a year,  the  matter  is  lixiviated, 
and  the  solution  of  the  two  sulphates  obtained  is  concentrated  to  the  proper 
degree  in  leaden  boilers.  The  sulphate  of  iron  crystallizes,  while  the  sul- 
phate of  alumina,  being  a deliquescent  salt,  remains  in  the  mother-waters. 
These  are  drawn  off,  and  treated  with  sulphate  of  potassa  in  powder,  heat 
being  at  the  same  time  applied.  The  whole  is  then  allowed  to  cool,  that 
the  alum  may  crystallize.  The  crystals  are  then  separated  from  the  solution, 
and  purified  by  a second  solution  and  crystallization.  They  are  next  added 
to  boiling  water  to  full  saturation,  and  the  solution  is  transferred  to  a cask, 
where,  on  cooling,  nearly  the  whole  concretes  into  a crystalline  mass.  The 
cask  is  then  taken  to  pieces,  and  the  salt,  having  been  broken  up,  is  packed 
in  barrels  for  the  purposes  of  commerce. 

Alum  is  sometimes  manufactured  by  the  direct  combination  of  its  consti- 
tuents. With  this  view,  clays  are  selected  as  free  from  iron  and  carbonate 
of  lime  as  possible,  and  calcined  to  sesquioxidize  the  iron,  and  render  them 
more  easily  pulverizable ; after  which  they  are  dissolved,  by  the  assistance  of 
heat,  in  weak  sulphuric  acid.  The  sulphate  of  alumina  thus  generated,  is 
next  crystallized  into  alum  by  the  addition  of  sulphate  of  potassa  in  the 
usual  manner.  Alum  is  made  in  this  way  from  the  ashes  of  the  Bog- 
head cannel  coal,  which  occurs  near  Edinburgh,  according  to  the  patent  of 
Messrs.  Barlow  and  Gore.  These  ashes  contain  a large  proportion  of  alu- 
mina, and  form  the  residue  of  the  combustion  of  the  coke,  derived  from  the 
coal,  when  used  for  gas-making. 

Besides  the  officinal  alum,  which  is  sometimes  called  potassa-alum,  there 
are  several  varieties  of  this  salt,  in  which  the  potassa  is  replaced  by  some 
other  base,  as,  for  example,  ammonia  or  soda.  Ammoniacal  alum,  or  the 
sulphate  of  alumina  and  ammonia,  is  sometimes  manufactured  in  France, 
where  it  is  formed  by  adding  putrid  urine  to  a solution  of  the  sulphate  of 
alumina.  In  Great  Britain  it  is  sometimes  made  by  adding  sulphate  of 
ammonia  from  gas  liquor  to  the  sulphate  of  alumina.  Scotch  alum,  made 
near  Paisley,  generally  contains  both  potassa  and  ammonia.  Ammoniacal 


PART  I. 


Alumen. 


79 


alum  resembles  so  exactly  tbe  potassa-alum,  that  it  is  impossible  by  simple 
inspection  to  distinguish  them ; and  in  composition  it  is  perfectly  analogous 
to  the  potassa  salt.  It  may,  however,  be  distinguished  by  subjecting  it  to  a 
strong  calcining  heat,  after  which  alumina  will  be  found  as  tbe  sole  residue ; 
or  by  rubbing  it  up  with  potassa  or  lime  and  a little  water,  when  the  smell 
of  ammonia  will  be  perceived. 

Properties.  Alum  is  a white,  slightly  efflorescent  salt,  crystallized  in 
regular  octohedrons,  and  possessing  a sweetish,  astringent  taste.  It  dissolves 
in  between  fourteen  and  fifteen  times  its  weight  of  cold,  aud  three-fourths  of 
its  weight  of  boiling  water.  Its  solution  is  precipitated  by  ammonia  and 
potassa  and  their  carbonates,  which  throw  down  a gelatinous  subsulphate  of 
alumina,  of  variable  composition,  dependent  upon  the  proportion  of  the  pre- 
cipitant employed,  (f/i  Bley.)  Alum  is  insoluble  in  alcohol  and  brandy. 
Its  sp.  gr.  is  171.  It  reddens  litmus,  but  changes  the  blue  tinctures  of  the 
petals  of  plants  to  green.  It  cannot,  therefore,  be  properly  said  to  contain 
an  excess  of  acid.  When  heated  a little  above  212°,  it  undergoes  the 
aqueous  fusion  ; and,  if  the  heat  be  continued,  it  loses  its  water,  swells  up, 
becomes  a white,  opaque,  porous  mass,  and  is  converted  into  the  officinal 
preparation,  called  dried  alum.  (See  Alumen  Exsiccatum.')  Exposed  to  a 
red  heat,  it  gives  off  oxygen,  together  with  sulphurous  and  anhydrous  sul- 
phuric acids;  aud  the  residue  consists  of  alumina  and  sulphate  of  potassa. 
When  calcined  with  fiuely  divided  charcoal,  it  forms  a spontaneously  inflam- 
mable substance,  called  Homberg' s pyropliorus,  which  consists  of  a mixture 
of  sulphuret  of  potassium,  alumina,  and  charcoal. 

Several  varieties  of  alum  are  known  in  commerce.  Roclie  alum,  so  called 
from  its  having  come  originally  from  Roccha  in  Syria,  is  a sort  which  occurs 
in  fragments  about  the  size  of  an  almond,  and  having  a pale  rose  colour, 
which  is  given  to  it,  according  to  Dr.  Pereira,  by  bole  or  rose-pink.  Roman 
alum  also  occurs  in  small  fragments,  covered  with  a rose-coloured  efflores- 
cence, derived  from  a slight  covering  of  oxide  of  iron. 

All  the  alums  of  commerce  contain  more  or  less  sulphate  of  iron,  varying 
from  five  to  seven  parts  in  the  thousand.  Roman  alum  is  among  the  purest 
varieties,  and  is,  therefore,  much  esteemed.  The  iron  is  readily  detected  by 
adding  to  a solution  of  the  suspected  alum  a few  drops  of  the  ferrocyanuret 
of  potassium,  which  will  cause  a greenish-blue  tint,  if  iron  be  present.  It 
may  be  detected  also  by  precipitating  the  alumina  as  a subsulphate  with  a 
solution  of  potassa,  and  afterwards  adding  the  alkali  in  excess.  This  will 
redissolve  the  precipitate,  with  the  exception  of  any  iron,  which  will  be  left 
in  the  state  of  sesquioxide.  The  proportion  of  iron  usually  present,  though 
small,  is  an  injurious  impurity  when  the  salt  is  used  in  dyeing.  It  may, 
however,  be  purified,  either  by  dissolving  it  in  the  smallest  quantity  of  boiling 
water,  and  stirring  the  solution  as  it  cools,  or  by  repeated  solutions  and 
crystallizations. 

Incompatibles.  Alum  is  incompatible  with  the  alkalies  and  their  carbon- 
ates, lime  and  lime-water,  magnesia  and  its  carbonate,  tartrate  of  potassa, 
and  acetate  of  lead. 

Composition.  Alum  was  regarded  as  a sulphate  of  alumina,  until  it  was 
proved  by  Descroizilles,  Yauquelin,  and  Chaptal  to  contain  also  sulphate  of 
potassa,  sulphate  of  ammonia,  or  both  these  salts.  When  its  second  base  is 
potassa,  it  consists  of  one  equivalent  of  tersulphate  of  alumina  171 ‘4,  one 
of  sulphate  of  potassa  87'2,  and  twenty-four  of  water  216=474’6.  In  the 
ammoniacal  alum,  the  equivalent  of  sulphate  of  potassa  is  replaced  by  one  of 
sulphate  of  oxide  of  ammonium.  Alumina  is  classed  by  the  chemist  as  an 
earth,  and  may  be  obtained  by  subjecting  ammoniacal  alum  to  a strong  cal- 


80 


Alumen. 


PART  i. 


cining  heat.  It  is  essential  to  the  constitution  of  true  alum,  as  it  cannot 
he  replaced  by  any  other  base.  It  consists  of  two  eqs.  of  a metallic  radical 
called  aluminium  27'4,  and  three  of  oxygen  24=51'4.  It  is,  therefore,  a 
sesquioxide. 

Medical  Properties,  &c.  Alum,  in  ordinary  doses,  is  astringent  and  anti- 
spasmodic;  in  large  doses,  purgative  and  emetic.  It  is  employed  as  an 
astringent  in  passive  hemorrhages,  colliquative  sweats,  diabetes,  and  chronic 
dysentery  and  diarrhoea ; also  in  gleet  and  leucorrhoea,  in  which  diseases  it 
is  sometimes  combined  with  cubebs.  It  has  been  recommended  by  Kreysig 
and  Dzondi  in  dilatation  of  the  heart,  and  in  aortic  aneurism.  Its  efficacy 
as  an  antispasmodic  in  hooping-cough  has  been  much  insisted  on  by  Dr. 
Davies,  editor  of  Underwood  on  Children.  As  a purgative,  it  has  been 
employed  in  colica  pictonum.  The  practice  was  introduced  by  Grashuis,  a 
Dutch  physician,  in  1752,  and  imitated  by  Dr.  Percival  with  great  success. 
Its  use  in  this  disease  has  been  latterly  revived,  and  its  efficacy  fully  sus- 
tained, by  Kapeler  and  Gendrin  of  Paris,  and  Copland  of  London.  It  allays 
nausea  and  vomiting,  relieves  flatulence,  mitigates  the  pain,  and  opens  the 
bowels  with  more  certainty  than  any  other  medicine.  Sometimes  it  is  ad- 
vantageously conjoined  with  opium  and  camphor.  It  is  also  efficacious  in 
nervous  colics.  Sir  James  Murray  has  found  it  a very  useful  remedy  in  the 
peculiar  affection  of  the  stomach,  attended  by  the  frequent  vomiting  of  a 
large  quantity  of  glairy  fluid  He  gave  it  in  doses  of  ten  or  twelve  grains 
three  or  four  times  a day,  mixed  with  an  equal  quantity  of  cream  of  tartar 
to  prevent  constipation,  and  a little  ginger  to  obviate  flatulence.  By  Dr.  C. 
D.  Meigs,  alum  has  been  strongly  recommended,  after  an  experience  of  more 
than  twenty  years,  as  an  excellent  emetic  in  pseudo-membranous  croup.  In 
these  cases  it  has  the  merit  of  acting  with  certainty  and  promptness,  and 
without  producing  that  extreme  prostration  which  frequently  follows  the  use 
of  antimonials.  {Med.  Exam,  for  1838,  i.  414.)  His  son,  Dr.  J.  F.  Meigs, 
has  also  borne  testimony  to  its  value  as  an  emetic  in  this  dangerous  disease. 
In  a case  in  which  an  ounce  of  opium  had  been  swallowed,  Dr.  C.  D.  Meigs 
found  alum  a very  efficient  emetic.  After  thirty  grains  of  sulphate  of  zinc  had 
been  given  without  effect,  half  an  ounce  of  alum  was  administered,  followed  by 
copious  vomiting.  After  a short  interval,  a second  half  ounce  was  given, 
with  the  effect  of  renewing  the  vomiting;  and  the  result  was  that  the  patient 
entirely  recovered.  {Trans,  of  the  Col.  of  Physicians  of  Pliilad  .,A . S.,  ii.  47.) 

In  various  anginose  affections,  alum  is  found  highly  useful,  applied  topic- 
ally either  in  powder  or  solution.  When  the  affection  is  attended  with  mem- 
branous exudation,  its  efficacy  has  been  particularly  insisted  on  by  Breton- 
neau,  applied  in  solution  prepared  with  vinegar  and  honey  for  adults,  and  in 
powder,  by  insufflation,  in  the  cases  of  children.  When  used  in  the  latter 
way,  a drachm  of  finely  powdered  alum  may  be  placed  in  one  end  of  a tube, 
and  then  blown  by  means  of  the  breath  into  the  throat  of  the  child.  Velpeau, 
in  1835,  extended  the  observations  of  Bretonneau,  and  has  used  alum  suc- 
cessfully, not  only  in  simple  inflammatory  sore-throat,  but  in  those  forms  of 
angina  dependent  on  small-pox,  scarlatina,  &e.  In  these  cases,  the  powdered 
alum  may  be  applied  several  times  a day  to  the  fauces,  by  means  of  the  index 
finger.  In  relaxation  of  the  uvula,  and  in  the  beginning  of  sore-throat,  a 
solution  of  alum  is  one  of  our  best  gargles.  It  forms  also  a useful  astrin- 
gent wash  in  certain  states  of  mercurial  sore-mouth.  In  gleet  and  leucor- 
rhoea the  solution  is  an  approved  remedy,  either  alone  or  conjoined  with  sul- 
phate of  zinc.  (See  Liquor  Aluminis  Compositus.)  It  is  frequently  applied 
as  a local  styptic,  in  epistaxis,  by  means  of  a plug  soaked  in  a saturated  so- 
lution, and  pressed  up  the  nostril,  and  in  menorrhagia,  by  the  aid  of  a sponge, 


PART  I. 


Alumen. — Ammonia. 


81 


soaked  in  a similar  solution,  and  introduce'd  into  the  vagina.  In  tlie  latter 
stages  of  conjunctival  inflammation  it  is  often  proper,  and  in  the  purulent 
ophthalmia  of  infants,  it  forms  the  most  efficacious  remedy  we  possess.  In 
these  cases,  it  is  usually  applied  in  the  form  of  the  alum  cataplasm , made 
by  coagulating  the  whites  of  two  eggs  with  a drachm  of  alum. 

The  ordinary  dose  of  alum  is  from  ten  to  twenty  grains,  repeated  every 
two  or  three  hours,  mixed  with  syrup  or  molasses.  Sir  James  Murray  ob- 
jects to  its  administration  in  solution,  and  greatly  prefers  the  form  of  an 
impalpable  powder,  mixed  with  molasses,  as  furnishing  the  means  of  pre- 
senting the  remedy  slowly  to  the  surfaces  intended  to  be  acted  upon.  In 
hooping-cough  the  dose  is  from  two  to  ten  grains,  according  to  the  age  of  the 
child,  repeated  three  times  a day.  As  a purge  in  colica  pictonum,  from 
half  a drachm  to  two  drachms  may  be  given  every  three  or  four  hours.  In 
croup  the  dose,  as  an  emetic,  is  a teaspoonful  of  the  powder,  mixed  with 
honey,  syrup,  or  molasses,  and  repeated  every  ten  or  fifteen  minutes,  until 
free  vomiting  is  induced.  An  elegant  mode  of  giving  alum  in  solution  is 
in  the  form  of  alum  whey , made  by  boiling  two  drachms  of  alum  with  a 
pint  of  milk,  and  then  straining  to  separate  the  curd.  The  dose  is  a wine- 
glassful,  containing  about  fifteen  grains  of  alum.  As  a collyrium,  the  solu- 
tion is  made  of  various  strengths ; as  four,  six,  or  eight  grains  to  the  fluid- 
ounce  of  water.  A solution  containing  from  half  an  ounce  to  an  ounce  of 
alum  in  a piut  of  water,  and  sweetened  with  honey,  forms  a convenient  gar- 
gle. Solutions  for  gleet,  leueorrhoea,  ulcers,  &c.,  must  vary  in  strength 
according  to  the  state  of  the  parts  to  which  they  are  applied. 

Off.  Prep.  Alumen  Exsiccatum ; Liquor  Aluminis  Compositus ; Pulvis 
Aluminis  Compositus.  B. 

AMMONIA. 

Ammonia. 

All  the  ammoniacal  compounds  owe  their  distinctive  properties  to  the  pre- 
sence of  a peculiar  gaseous  substance,  composed  of  nitrogen  and  hydrogen, 
called  ammonia.  This  is  most  easily  obtained  by  the  action  of  lime  on 
muriate  of  ammonia  or  sal  ammoniac;  when  the  lime  unites  with  the  muri- 
atic acid,  so  as  to  form  chloride  of  calcium  and  water,  and  expels  the  ammo- 
nia. It  is  transparent  and  colourless,  like  common  air,  but  possesses  a hot 
and  acrid  taste,  and  an  exceedingly  pungent  smell.  It  has  a powerful  alka- 
line reaction,  and,  from  this  property  and  its  gaseous  nature,  was  called  the 
volatile  alkali  by  the  earlier  chemists.  Its  sp.  gr.  is  0'59.  It  is  irrespira- 
ble,  the  glottis  closing  spasmodically  when  the  attempt  is  made  to  breathe  it. 
It  consists  of  one  eq.  of  nitrogen  14,  and  three  of  hydrogen  3 = 17;  or,  in 
volumes,  of  one  volume  of  nitrogen  and  three  volumes  of  hydrogen,  con- 
densed into  two  volumes.  Its  symbol  is  NH3. 

The  salts  of  ammonia  may  be  divided  into  hydracid  salts  and  oxacid  salts. 
Thus,  when  muriatic  acid  unites  with  ammonia,  we  have  the  hydracid  salt 
called  muriate  of  ammonia,  which  is  usually  considered  to  be  a compound  of 
muriatic  acid  and  ammonia,  with  the  symbol  NH3.HC1.  But  Berzelius 
supposes  that,  in  the  act  of  uniting,  the  hydrogen  of  the  muriatic  acid  is 
transferred  to  the  elements  of  the  ammonia,  and  that  the  compound  thus 
formed,  uniting  with  the  chlorine,  gives  rise  to  a salt,  represented  by  NH4C1. 
To  this  hypothetical  compound  (NH4)  Berzelius  gives  the  name  of  ammo- 
nium, and  consequently  to  muriate  of  ammonia,  the  appellation  of  chloride  of 
ammonium. 

6 


82 


Ammonia. 


PART  I. 


Applying  tlie  same  view  to  the  oxacid  salts  of  ammonia,  Berzelius  con- 
ceives that  they  are  compounds  of  oxide  of  ammonium  (NH40)  with  their 
several  acids.  It  is  found  that  the  true  oxacid  salts  of  ammonia  always  con- 
tain one  eq.  of  water,  which  cannot  be  separated  from  them  without  destroy- 
ing their  identity ; and  it  is  supposed  that  the  elements  of  this  eq.  of  water, 
united  with  the  elements  of  one  eq.  of  ammonia,  form  oxide  of  ammonium. 
To  apply  Berzelius’s  view  to  sulphate  of  ammonia,  this  salt  is  usually  con- 
sidered a monohydrated  sulphate  of  ammonia  (NH3,S03,H0);  but  he  makes 
it  the  sulphate  of  oxide  of  ammonium,  without  water  (NH40,S03). 

The  atmosphere  contains  a minute  proportion  of  ammonia,  probably  in 
the  form  of  carbonate. 

Ammonia  and  its  compounds  act  variously  on  the  economy.  When  un- 
combined, and  merely  dissolved  in  water  as  a vehicle,  its  local  action  is  that 
of  a rubefacient,  vesicant,  or  caustic,  according  to  the  strength  of  the  solu- 
tion, and  the  length  of  its  application.  Internally,  it  acts  variously  as  a 
stimulant,  antispasmodic,  antacid,  and  alexipharmic.  In  saline  combination, 
its  therapeutic  effects  are  much  modified ; but  these  will  be  most  appropriately 
noticed  under  the  head  of  each  salt. 

The  following  table  contains  a list  of  the  principal  officinal  preparations  of 
ammonia,  with  their  synonymes. 

I.  In  Aqueous  Solution. 

Liquor  Ammonias  Fortior,  U.  S. ; Ammonise  Liquor  Fortior,  Lond., 
Dub.;  Ammoniae  Aqua  Fortior,  Ed. — Stronger  Solution  of 
Ammonia. 

Linimentum  Ammoniae  Compositum,  Ed. 

Linimentum  Camphorae  Compositum,  Lond.,  Dub. 

Tinctura  Ammoniae  Composita,  Lond. 

Liquor  Ammoniae,  TJ.  S.  Ammoniae  Liquor,  Lond.,  Dub. ; Ammoniae 
Aqua,  Ed. — Solution  of  Ammonia.  Water  of  Ammonia. 

Hydrargyrum  Ammoniatum,  US.;  Hydrargyri  Ammonio-Chlo- 
ridum,  Lond.,  Dub.;  Hydrargyri  Praecipitatum  Album,  Ed. — 
Ammoniated  Mercury.  White  Precipitate. 

Linimentum  Ammoniae,  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub. — Liniment  of 
Ammonia.  Volatile  Liniment. 

Linimentum  Hydrargyri,  Lond. ; Linimentum  Hydrargyri  Compo- 
situm, Dub. 

II.  In  Spirituous  Solution. 

Spiritus  Ammoniae,  U.  S.,  Ed. — Spirit  of  Ammonia. 

Tinctura  Castorei  Ammoniata,  Ed. 

Tinctura  Guaiaei  Ammoniata,  Ed. 

Tinctura  Opii  Ammoniata,  Ed. 

Tinctura  Valerianae  Ammoniata,  Ed. 

Spiritus  Ammoniae  Aromaticus,  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub. — Aromatic 
Spir  it  of  Ammonia. 

Tinctura  Colchici  Composita,  Ijond. 

Tinctura  Guaiaei  Ammoniata,  U.S.;  Tinctura  Guaiac-i  Composita, 
Lond. 

Tinctura  Valerianae  Ammoniata,  U.  S.;  Tinctura  Valerianae  Com- 
posita, Lond. 

Spiritus  Ammoniae  Fcetidus,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub. — Fetid  Spirit  of  Am- 
monia. 

III.  In  Saline  Combination. 

Ammoniae  Murias,  US.,  Ed.,  Dub.;  Ammoniae  Hydrochloras, 
Lond. — Muriate  of  Ammonia.  Sal  Ammoniac. 

Ferrum  Ammoniatum,  U.  S .;  Ferri  Ammonio-Chloridum,  Lond. 


PART  r. 


88 


Liquor  Ammonise  Fortior. 

Ammonise  Carbonas,  U.  S.,  Ed. ; Ammonias  Sesqnicarbonas,  Land., 
Dub. — Carbonate  of  Ammonia.  Mild  Volatile  Alkali. 
Cuprum  Aminoniatum,  US.,  Ed.;  Cupri  Ammonio-Sulphas, 
Lond.,  Dub. 

Liquor  Ammonise  Sesquicarbonatis,  Lond.;  Ammoniae  Carbon- 
atis  Aqua,  Ed. 

Linimentum  Ammoniae  Sesquicarbonatis,  Lond. 

Ammoniae  Biearbonas,  Dub. 

Liquor  Ammoniae  Acetatis,  U.S.,  Lond.;  Ammoniae  Acetatis 
Aqua,  Ed. ; Ammoniae  Acetatis  Liquor,  Dub. — Solution  of 
Acetate  of  Ammonia.  Spirit  of  Mindererus. 

Liquor  Ammoniae  Citratis,  Lond. — Solution  of  Citrate  of  Am- 
mon ia. 

Ammoniae  Hydro-Sulphuretum,*  Dub. 

Ferri  Ammonio-citras,  Lond.,  Dub. — Ammonio-citrate  of  Iron. 

The  ammonia  in  the  spirit  of  ammonia  of  the  U.  S.  and  Ed.  Pharmaco- 
poeias is  in  the  caustic  state.  In  the  aromatic  and  fetid  spirits  of  ammonia, 
the  alkali  is  caustic  in  the  Edinburgh  preparations,  but  carbonated  in  those 
of  the  other  Pharmacopoeias.  It  is  seen  by  the  table  that  the  ammoniated 
tinctures  are  made  in  the  Edinburgh  Pharmacopoeia  with  the  simple  spirit  of 
ammonia;  in  the  U.  S.  and  London  Pharmacopoeias  with  the  aromatic  spirit. 

B. 

LIQUOR  AMMONIA  FORTIOR.  U.  S. 

Stronger  Solution  of  Ammonia. 

An  aqueous  solution  of  ammonia  of  the  specific  gravity  0'882.  U.  S. 
Off.Syn.  AMMONIA  LIQUOR  FORTIOR.  Lond.,  Dub. ; AMMONLE 
AQUA  FORTIOR.  Ed. 

This  preparation  is  too  strong  for  internal  exhibition,  but  forms  a con- 
venient ammoniacal  solution  for  reduction,  with  distilled  water,  to  the 
strength  of  ordinary  officinal  solution  of  ammonia  (Liquor  Ammoniae),  or 
for  preparing  strong  rubefacient  and  vesicating  lotions  and  liniments.  (See 
Linimentum  Ammoniae  Compositum.') 

The  United  States  and  Loudon  Pharmacopoeias  include  this  solution  in  the 
list  of  the  Materia  Medica ; but  in  the  Edinburgh  and  Dublin  Pharmacopoeias 
a formula  is  given  for  its  preparation.  The  Edinburgh  formula  is  as  follows  : 

“ Take  of  Muriate  of  Ammonia,  thirteen  ounces;  Quicklime,  thirteen  ounces; 
Water,  seven  fluidounces  and  a half ; Distilled  Water,  twelve  flu  id  ounces. 
Slake  the  Lime  with  the  Water,  cover  it  up  till  it  cool,  triturate  it  well  and 
quickly  with  the  Muriate  of  Ammonia  previously  in  fine  powder,  and  put  the 
mixture  into  a glass  retort,  to  which  is  attached  a receiver  with  a safety-tube. 
Connect  with  a receiver  a bottle  also  provided  with  a safety-tube,  and  con- 
taining four  ounces  of  the  Distilled  Water,  but  capable  of  holding  twice  as 
much.  Connect  this  bottle  with  another  loosely  corked,  and  containing  the 
remaining  eight  ounces  of  Distilled  Water.  The  communicating  tubes  must 
descend  to  the  bottom  of  the  bottles  at  the  further  end  from  the  retort : and 
the  receiver  and  bottles  must  be  kept  cool  by  snow,  ice,  or  a running  stream 
of  very  cold  water.  Apply  to  the  retort  a gradually  increasing  heat  till  gas 
ceases  to  be  evolved ; remove  the  retort,  cork  up  the  aperture  in  the  receiver 
where  it  was  connected  with  the  retort,  and  apply  to  the  receiver  a gentle  and 
gradually  increasing  heat,  to  drive  over  as  much  of  the  gas  in  the  liquid  con- 
tained in  it,  but  as  little  of  the  water  as  possible.  Should  the  liquid  in  the 
last  bottle  not  have  the  density  of  960,  reduce  it  with  some  of  the  Stronger 


84 


PART  I. 


Liquor  Ammonise  Fortior. 

Aqua  Ammonias  in  the  first  bottle,  or  raise  it  with  Distilled  Water  so  as  to 
form  Aqua  Ammonise  of  the  prescribed  density.” 

In  this  process  the  ammonia  is  disengaged  in  the  usual  manner  from 
muriate  of  ammonia  by  the  action  of  lime,  as  explained  under  the  head  of 
Liquor  Ammonise.  But  it  is  perceived  by  the  details  of  the  process,  that 
the  Edinburgh  College  proposes  to  obtain  both  the  stronger  and  ordinary 
solution  of  ammonia  at  one  operation.  This  is  done  by  connecting  the  retort 
with  two  bottles  through  an  intervening  empty  receiver,  and  charging  the 
bottles  severally  with  one-third  and  two-thirds  of  the  prescribed  distilled 
water.  The  receiver  between  the  retort  and  the  bottles  serves  to  detain  im- 
purities. The  water  in  the  first  bottle  becomes  nearly  saturated  with  ammonia, 
a result  which  is  favoured  by  the  application  of  cold.  After  the  gas  has 
ceased  to  be  disengaged  from  the  retort,  this  is  removed  ; and  any  ammonia 
which  may  have  been  condensed  with  water  in  the  receiver,  is  saved  by  being 
driven  over  with  a gentle  heat.  As  the  water  in  the  first  bottle  will  not  take 
up  all  the  ammonia  disengaged,  the  balance  is  allowed  to  pass  into  the  second 
bottle,  where  it  impregnates  the  water  to  a greater  or  less  extent,  forming  a 
weak  aqueous  ammonia.  The  aqueous  ammonia  in  the  first  bottle  is  the 
Edinburgh  Ammonise  Aqua  Fortior , and  that  in  the  second  is  converted  into 
Liquor  Ammonias  of  the  proper  officinal  strength,  by  the  addition  of  aqueous 
ammonia  from  the  first  bottle,  if  too  weak,  or  of  distilled  water,  if  too  strong. 

Properties  of  Aqueous  Ammonia  o f Maximum  Strength.  It  is  a colourless 
liquid,  of  a caustic,  acrid  taste,  and  very  pungent  smell.  It  is  strongly  alka- 
line, and  immediately  changes  turmeric,  when  held  over  its  fumes,  to  reddish- 
brown.  Cooled  down  to  40°  below  zero,  it  concretes  into  a gelatinous  mass, 
and  at  the  temperature  of  130°  enters  into  ebullition,  owing  to  the  rapid  dis- 
engagement  of  the  gas.  Its  sp.  gr.  is  0'875  at  50°,  when  it  contains  32'5 
per  cent,  of  ammonia. 

Properties  of  the  Officinal  Stronger  Solution  of  Ammonia.  This  has  similar 
properties  to  those  above  mentioned.  Its  officinal  sp.gr.  is  0'882,  U.  S-, 
Lond.,  0’880,  Ed.,  and  0'900,  Pub.  When  of  the  density  0'882,  it  contains 
about  29  per  cent,  of  ammonia.  The  liquor  auimoniae  fortior  of  the  shops  is 
usually  deficient  in  strength,  commonly  ranging  in  density  from  0’900  to 
<>•920.  Even  though  of  proper  officinal  strength  at  first,  it  generally  becomes 
gradually  weaker  by  the  escape  of  ammonia.  To  prevent  its  deteriorating,  it 
should  be  kept  in  closely  stopped  bottles  in  a cool  place.  If  precipitated  by 
lime-water,  it  contains  carbonic  acid.  After  having  been  saturated  with 
nitric  acid,  a precipitate  produced  by  carbonate  of  ammonia  indicates  earthy 
impurity,  by  nitrate  of  silver,  a chloride,  and  by  chloride  of  barium,  a sulphate. 

Liquor  Ammonise  Fortior  is  a convenient  preparation  for  making  Liquor 
Ammonise  by  due  dilution  with  distilled  water;  and  the  Pharmacopoeias 
have  given  directions  for  this  purpose.  In  the  U.  S.  and  London  Pharma- 
copoeias, the  stronger  solution  is  directed  to  be  diluted  with  two  measures  of 
distilled  water;  in  the  Edinburgh,  with  two  and  a half  measures.  By  dilu- 
tion in  these  proportions,  the  stronger  preparation  is  reduced  to  the  strength 
of  Liquor  Ammoniae,  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed.  fsp.gr.  0’960). 

When  purchasing  or  making  the  Stronger  Solution  of  Ammonia,  the 
apothecary  should  not  trust  to  its  being  of  the  officinal  strength ; but  should 
ascertain  the  point  by  taking  its  density,  either  with  the  specific  gravity  bottle 
or  the  hydrometer.  Another  method  of  ascertaining  the  density,  is  by  the 
ammonia-meter  of  Mr.  J.  J.  Griffin,  of  London,  described  and  figured  in  the 
Pharm.  Journ.  and  Trans.,  x.  413.  In  reducing  it  to  make  Liquor  Am- 
moniae, the  same  precaution  should  be  used;  and,  if  the  mixture  should  not 
have  the  sp.  gr.  0'960,  it  should  be  brought  to  that  density  by  the  addition 
either  of  the  stronger  solution  or  of  distilled  water,  as  the  case  may  require. 


PART  I. 


Ammonise  Murias. 


85 


Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  This  solution  is  too  strong  for  medical  em- 
ployment in  its’unmixed  state.  Its  rubefacient,  vesicating,  and  caustic  pro- 
perties, when  duly  reduced  by  admixture  with  tincture  of  camphor  and  spirit 
of  rosemary,  will  be  noticed  under  the  head  of  Linimentum  Ammonise  Com- 
positum.  When  a solution  of  ammonia  of  25°  (sp.gr.  0'905)  is  mixed  with 
fatty  matter  in  certain  proportions,  the  mixture  forms  the  vesicating  ammo- 
niacal  ointment  of  Dr.  Gondret.  The  amended  formula  for  this  ointment  is 
as  follows.  Take  of  lard  32  parts,  oil  of  sweet  almonds  2 parts.  Melt  them 
together  by  the  gentle  heat  of  a candle  or  lamp,  and  pour  the  melted  mixture 
into  a bottle  with  a wide  mouth.  Then  add  17  parts  of  solution  of  ammonia, 
of  25°,  and  mix,  with  continued  agitation,  until  the  whole  is  cold.  The 
ointment  must  be  preserved  in  a bottle  with  a ground  stopper,  and  kept  in  a 
cool  place.  When  well  prepared  it  vesicates  in  ten  minutes. 

Pharm.  Uses.  The  officinal  stronger  solution  of  ammonia  is  used  as  a 
chemical  agent  to  prepare  two  Edinburgh  officinals,  Ferrngo  and  Fern  Oxi- 
du/n  Nigrum. 

Off.  Prep.  Linimentum  Ammonise  Compositum;  Linimentum  Camphorae 
Compositum ; Liquor  Ammonise  ; Spiritus  Ammonise  Aromaticus,  Pub.  ; 
Spiritus  Ammoniae  Fcetidus,  Dub. ; Tinctura  Ammonise  Composita.  B. 

AMMONITE  MURIAS.  U.  S.,  Ed.,  Dub. 

Muriate  of  Ammonia. 

Chlorohydrate  of  Ammonia.  U.  S. 

Off.  Syn.  AMMONLE  HYDROCHLORAS.  Land. 

Sal  ammoniac.  Hydrochlorate  of  ammonia ; Hydrochlorate  d’ammoniaque,  Sel  ammo- 
niac, Fr.;  Salmiak,  Germ.;  Sale  ammoniaco,  Ital.;  Sal  ammoniaco,  Span. 

This  salt  is  placed  in  the  Materia  Medica  list  of  all  the  Pharmacopoeias 
commented  on  in  this  work.  It  originally  came  from  Egypt,  where  it  was 
obtained  by  sublimation  from  the  soot,  resulting  from  the  burning  of  camels’ 
dung,  which  is  used  in  that  country  for  fuel. 

Preparation.  At  present  muriate  of  ammonia  is  derived  from  two  prin- 
cipal sources,  the  ammoniacal  liquor,  called  gas  liquor , found  in  the  condens- 
ing vessels  of  coal  gas-works,  and  the  brown,  fetid  ammoniacal  liquor,  known 
under  the  name  of  bone  spirit,  which  is  a secondary  product,  obtained,  during 
the  destructive  distillation  of  bones,  by  the  manufacturers  of  animal  charcoal 
for  the  use  of  sugar-refiners.  These  two  liquors  are  the  chief  sources  of  the 
ammoniacal  compounds;  for  they  are  both  used  to  procure  muriate  of  ammo- 
nia, and  this  salt  is  employed,  directly  or  indirectly,  for  obtaining  all  the  other 
salts  of  ammonia.  Other  sources  are  stale  urine,  coal  soot,  guano,  peat,  and 
bituminous  schist. 

Gas  liquor  contains  carbonate,  bydrocyanate,  hydrosulphate,  and  sul- 
phate of  ammonia,  but  principally  the  carbonate.  It  is  saturated  with 
sulphuric  acid,  and  the  solution  obtained,  after  due  evaporation,  furnishes 
brown  crystals  of  sulphate  of  ammonia.  These  are  then  sublimed  with 
chloride  of  sodium  in  iron  pots,  lined  with  clay  and  furnished  with  a leaden 
dome  or  head.  By  the  mutual  action  of  the  sulphate,  chloride,  and  water, 
there  are  formed  muriate  of  ammonia  which  sublimes  into  the  head,  and  sul- 
phate of  soda  which  remains  behind.  Thus  NH3,S03,H0  and  Nad  become 
NH3,HC1  and  NaO,S03.  Sometimes,  instead  of  the  ammonia  of  the  gas 
liquor  being  first  converted  into  the  sulphate,  it  is  made  at  once  into  muriate 
of  ammonia  by  tbe  addition  of  muriatic  acid  or  chloride  of  calcium.  When 
chloride  of  calcium  is  employed,  the  chief  reaction  takes  place  between  car- 
bonate of  ammonia  and  the  chloride,  with  the  result  of  forming  muriate  of 


86 


Ammonise  Murias. 


PART  I. 


ammonia  in  solution,  and  a precipitate  of  carbonate  of  lime.  The  solution 
is  duly  evaporated,  whereby  brown  crystals  of  muriate  of  Ammonia  are  ob- 
tained. These,  after  having  been  dried,  are  purified  by  sublimation  in  an 
iron  subliming  pot,  coated  with  a composition  of  clay,  sand,  and  charcoal, 
and  covered  with  a dome  of  lead.  These  pots  are  sometimes  sufficiently 
large  to  hold  500  pounds.  “A  gentle  fire  is  kept  up  under  the  subliming 
pot  for  seven  or  eight  days,  when  the  dome  having  cooled  down,  and  the  sal 
ammoniac  somewhat  contracted,  so  as  to  loosen  from  the  sides,  the  dome  is 
thrown  off  from  the  iron  pot,  and  about  two  or  three  hundred  Weight  of 
white,  semi-transparent  sal  ammoniac  are  knocked  off  in  cakes.  ” ( Pereira , 

Mat.  Med.,  3 d.  Ed.) 

In  the  destructive  distillation  of  bones  for  making  animal  charcoal,  the  dis- 
tilled products  are  the  bone  spirit  already  mentioned,  being  chiefly  an  aqueous 
solution  of  carbonate  of  ammonia,  and  an  empyreumatic  oil,  called  animal  oil. 
These  products  all  result  from  a new  arrangement  of  the  ultimate  constituents 
of  the  animal  matter.  Thus,  hydrogen  and  oxygen  form  the  water ; carbon 
and  oxygen,  the  carbonic  acid;  nitrogen  and  hydrogen,  the  ammonia;  and 
carbon,  hydrogen,  and  oxygen,  the  animal  oil. 

Muriate  of  ammonia  may  be  obtained  from  bone  spirit  in  the  manner  just 
described  for  procuring  it  from  gas  liquor.  Sometimes,  however,  the  sulphate 
of  ammonia  is  not  made  by  direct  combination,  but  by  digesting  the  bone  spi- 
rit with  ground  plaster  of  Paris  (sulphate  of  lime).  By  double  decomposition, 
sulphate  of  ammonia  and  carbonate  of  lime  are  formed.  The  sulphate  of  am- 
monia is  then  converted  into  the  muriate  by  sublimation  with  common  salt, 
in  the  manner  just  explained. 

Other  processes,  besides  those  given  above,  have  been  proposed  or  practised 
for  obtaining  muriate  of  ammonia.  For  an  account  of  the  manufacture  of 
ammoniacal  salts,  and  for  a list  of  the  patents,  issued  in  Great  Britain,  since 
1S27,  for  their  preparation  in  different  modes  and  from  various  materials,  the 
reader  is  referred  to  the  Pharm.  Journ.  and  Trans.,  xii.  29,  63,  and  113. 

Commercial  History.  All  the  muriate  of  ammonia  consumed  in  the  United 
States  is  obtained  from  abroad.  Its  commercial  varieties  are  known  under 
the  names  of  the  crude  and  refined.  The  crude  is  imported  from  Calcutta  in 
chests,  containing  from  350  to  400  pounds.  This  variety  is  consumed  almost 
exclusively  by  coppersmiths  and  other  artisans  in  brass  and  copper,  being 
employed  for  the  purpose  of  keeping  the  metallic  surfaces  bright,  preparatory 
to  brazing.  The  refined  comes  to  us  exclusively  from  England,  packed  in 
casks  containing  from  5 to  10  cwt. 

Properties.  Muriate  of  ammonia  is  a white,  translucent,  tough,  fibrous 
salt,  occurring  in  commerce  in  large  cakes,  about  two  inches  thick,  convex  on 
one  side  and  concave  on  the  other.  It  has  a pungent,  saline  taste,  but  no 
smell.  Its  sp.gr.  is  1'45.  It  dissolves  in  three  parts  of  cold,  and  one  of 
boiling  water,  and  cold  is  produced  during  its  solution.  It  is  less  soluble  in 
rectified  spirit  than  in  water,  and  sparingly  so  in  absolute  alcohol.  This  salt 
is  very  difficult  to  powder  in  the  ordinary  way.  Its  pulverization,  however, 
may  be  effected  readily  by  making  a boiling  saturated  solution  of  the  salt, 
and  stirring  it  as  it  cools.  The  salt  may  thus  be  made  to  granulate,  and  in 
this  state,  after  having  been  drained  from  the  remaining  solution  and  dried, 
may  be  readily  powdered.  Muriate  of  ammonia,  at  a red  heat,  sublimes 
without  decomposition,  as  its  mode  of  preparation  shows.  Exposed  to  a damp 
atmosphere,  it  becomes  slightly  moist.  It  has  the  property  of  increasing  the 
solubility  of  corrosive  sublimate  in  water.  It  is  decomposed  by  the  strong 
mineral  acids,  and  by  the  alkalies  and  alkaline  earths ; the  former  disen- 
gaging muriatic  acid,  the  latter  ammonia,  both  sensible  to  the  smell.  Muriate 
of  ammonia  is  the  salt  usually  employed  for  obtaining  gaseous  ammonia, 


PART  I. 


Ammonias  Marias. 


87 


■which  is  conveniently  disengaged  by  means  of  lime.  Though  neutral  in 
composition,  it  slightly  reddens  litmus.  It  is  incompatible  with  acetate  of 
lead  and  nitrate  of  silver,  producing  a precipitate  with  the  former  of  chloride 
of  lead,  with  the  latter  of  chloride  of  silver. 

According  to  the  Edinburgh  Pharmacopoeia,  muriate  of  ammonia  is  not 
subject  to  adulteration.  If  it  be  not  entirely  volatilized  by  heat  and  soluble  in 
water,  it  contains  impurity.  Still,  as  ordinarily  prepared,  it  contains  iron 
in  the  state  of  protochloride.  The  metal  may  be  detected  by  boiling  a small 
portion  of  a saturated  solution  of  the  salt  with  a drop  or  two  of  nitric  acid,  and 
then  adding  ferrocyanuret  of  potassium,  when  the  characteristic  blue  colour, 
occasioned  by  iron,  will  be  produced.  ( Henry  Wurtzi)  If  the  salt  be  entirely 
volatilized  by  heat,  and  yet  produce  a precipitate  with  chloride  of  barium,  the 
presence  of  sulphate  of  ammonia  is  indicated. 

Composition.  Muriate  of  ammonia  is  composed  of  one  eq.  of  muriatic  acid 
36‘42,  and  one  of  ammonia  17  = 53‘42  ; or,  in  ultimate  constituents,  of  one 
eq.  of  chlorine,  one  of  nitrogen,  and  four  of  hydrogen.  Viewed  as  chloride  of 
ammonium,  it  consists  of  one  eq.  of  chlorine  and  one  of  ammonium  (NH4C1). 

Medical  Properties.  Muriate  of  ammonia  acts  primarily  on  the  alimentary 
canal,  purging  in  large  doses,  but  rather  constipating  in  small  ones.  Its  se- 
condary action  is  that  of  a stimulating  alterative  on  the  capillary,  glandular, 
and  lymphatic  systems,  and  on  the  mucous,  serous,  and  fibrous  tissues,  the 
nutrition  of  which  it  is  supposed  to  improve.  It  has  been  recommended  in 
catarrhal  and  rheumatic  fevers ; in  pleuritis,  peritonitis,  dysentery,  and  other 
inflammations  of  the  serous  and  mucous  membranes,  after  the  first  violence 
of  the  disease  has  abated;  in  chronic  inflammation  and  enlargement  of  the 
thoracic  and  abdominal  viscera ; and  in  amenorrhcea,  when  dependent  on  de- 
ficient action  of  the  uterus.  Several  cases  of  pectoral  disease,  simulating 
incipient  phthisis,  are  reported  to  have  been  cured  by  this  salt  in  Otto’s  Bib- 
liothek  for  1834.  According  to  Dr.  Watson,  it  is  a very  efficacious  remedy 
in  hemicrania.  In  1851,  Dr.  Aran  reported  his  success  with  this  remedy  in 
intermittent  fever  to  the  Academy  of  Medicine,  of  Paris,  having  cured  eleven 
out  of  thirteen  cases.  M.  Fischer,  of  Dresden,  in  1821,  recommended  this 
salt  in  chronic  enlargement  of  the  prostate,  and  since  then,  several  German 
practitioners  have  confirmed  his  statement.  The  dose  is  from  five  to  thirty 
grains,  repeated  every  two  or  three  hours,  and  given  either  in  powder  mixed 
with  powdered  gum  or  sugar,  or  dissolved  in  syrup  or  mucilage.  When 
given  in  enlarged  prostate,  the  dose  is  fifteen  grains  every  two  hours,  gra- 
dually increased  until  nearly  half  an  ounce  is  taken  daily.  When  the  dose 
is  greater  than  the  system  can  bear,  it  produces  disordered  digestion,  a 
miliary  eruption,  profuse  sweats,  and  scorbutic  symptoms.  It  is  very  little 
used  as  an  internal  remedy  in  the  United  States  ; but  is  a good  deal  employed 
on  the  continent  of  Europe,  especially  in  Germany,  where  it  is  deemed  a 
powerful  alterative  and  resolvent. 

Externally,  muriate  of  ammonia  is  used  in  solution  as  a stimulant  and 
resolvent  in  contusions,  indolent  tumours,  &c.  The  strength  of  the  solution 
must  be  varied  according  to  the  intention  in  view.  An  ounce  of  the  salt, 
dissolved  in  nine  fluidounces  of  water  and  one  of  alcohol,  forms  a solution  of 
convenient  strength.  When  the  solution  is  to  be  used  as  a wash  for  ulcers, 
or  an  injection  in  leucorrlioea,  it  should  not  contain  more  than  from  one  to 
four  drachms  of  the  salt  to  a pint  of  water. 

Off.  Prep.  Ammonias  Aqua  Fortior ; Ammoniae  Carbonas;  Ferrum  Am- 
moniatum;  Liquor  Ammonias ; Liquor  Hydrargyri  Bichloridi;  Spiritus  Am- 
moniae ; Spiritus  Ammonias  Aromaticus,  U.  S-,  Lond. ; Spiritus  Ammoniae 
Foetidus,  Lond.  B. 


88 


Ammoniacum. 


part  I. 


AMMONIACUM.  U.  S.,  Loncl,  Ed.,  Dub. 
Ammoniac. 

The  concrete  juice  of  Dorema  Ammoniacum.  U.  S.  Gum-resin  from  the 
stalk  and  pedicel.  Lond.  Gummy-resinous  exudation.  Ed.,  Dub. 

Gomme  ammoniaque,  Fr.;  Animoniak,  Germ.;  Gomma  ammoniaco,  Ilal.;  Gomma 
amoniaco,  Span.;  Ushek,  Arab.;  Semugk  belshereen,  Persian. 

Much  uncertainty  long  existed  as  to  the  ammoniac  plant.  It  was  gene- 
rally believed  to  be  a Ferula,  till  Willdenow  raised,  from  some  seeds  mixed 
with  the  gum-resin  found  in  the  shops,  a plant  which  he  ascertained  to  be  a 
Heracleum,  and  named  II.  gummiferum,  under  the  impression  that  it  must 
be  the  source  of  the  medicine.  On  this  authority,  the  plant  was  adopted  by 
the  British  Colleges,  and  recognised  in  former  editions  of  our  national  Phar- 
macopoeia. Willdenow  expressly  acknowledged  that  he  could  not  procure 
from  it  any  gum-resin,  but  ascribed  the  result  to  the  influence  of  climate. 
The  Heracleum,  however,  did  not  correspond  exactly  with  the  representations 
given  of  the  ammoniac  plant  by  travellers;  and  Sprengel  ascertained  that  it 
was  a native  of  the  Pyrenees,  and  never  produced  gum.  Mr.  Jackson,  in 
his  account  of  Morocco,  imperfectly  described  a plant  of  that  country,  sup- 
posed to  be  a Ferula,  from  which  gum-ammoniac  is  procured  by  the  natives. 
This  plant  was  ascertained  by  Dr.  Falconer  to  be  Ferula  Tingitana  (Royle’s 
Mat.  Med.),  and  its  product  is  thought  to  be  the  ammoniacum  of  the  ancients, 
which  was  obtained  from  Africa;  but  this  is  not  the  drug  now  used  under 
that  name,  which  comes  exclusively  from  Persia.  M.  Fontanier,  who  re- 
sided many  years  in  Persia,  saw  the  ammoniac  plant  growing  in  the  province 
of  Pars,  and  sent  a drawing  of  it  with  specimens  to  Paris.  From  these  it 
was  inferred  to  be  a species  of  Ferula;  and  Merat  and  De  Lens  proposed  for 
it  the  name  originally  given  to  it  by  Lemery,  of  F.  amnion  if  era-  It  was 
subsequently,  however,  ascertained,  from  specimens  obtained  in  Persia  by 
Colonel  Wright,  and  examined  by  Dr.  David  Don,  that  it  belonged  to  a genus 
allied  to  Ferula,  but  essentially  different,  and  named  by  Mr.  Don,  Dorema. 
It  is  described  in  the  16th  volume  of  the  Linnman  Transactions,  under  the 
name  of  Dorema  Ammoniacum.  This  is  now  acknowledged  by  all  the 
officinal  authorities.  The  same  plant  has  been  described  and  figured  by  Jau- 
bert  and  Spach  in  their  “ Illustrations  of  Oriental  Plants' ’ (Paris,  1842,  t. 
40,  p.  78),  by  the  name  of  Diserneston  gummiferum,  under  the  erroneous 
impression  that  it  belonged  to  a previously  undescribed  genus. 

The  ammoniac  plant  is  umbelliferous,  and  belongs  to  the  class  and  order 
Pentandria  Digynia  of  Linnaeus.  It  grows  spontaneously  in  Farsistan,  Irauk, 
Chorassan,  and  other  Persian  provinces.  Dr.  Grant  found  it  growing  abund- 
antly in  Syghan  near  Bameean,  on  the  northwest  slope  of  the  Hindoo  Coosh 
mountains.  It  attains  the  height  of  six  or  seven  feet,  and  in  the  spring  and 
early  part  of  summer  abounds  in  a milky  juice,  which  flows  out  upon  the 
slightest  puncture.  From  the  accounts  of  travellers,  it  appears  that,  in  the 
month  of  May,  the  plant  is  pierced  in  innumerable  places  by  an  insect  of 
the  beetle  kind.  The  juice,  exuding  through  the  punctures,  concretes  upon 
the  stem,  and  when  quite  dry  is  collected  by  the  natives.  M.  Fontanier 
states  that  the  juice  exudes  spontaneously,  and  that  the  harvest  is  about  the 
middle  of  June.  According  to  Dr.  Grant,  the  drug  is  collected  in  Syghan, 
like  assafetida,  from  the  root  of  the  plant.  The  gum-resin  is  sent  to  Bushire, 
whence  it  is  transmitted  to  India,  chiefly  to  Bombay.  A small  portion  is 
said  to  be  taken  to  the  ports  of  the  Levant,  and  thence  distributed.  The 
name  of  the  drug  is  thought  to  have  been  derived  from  the  temple  of  Jupiter 


PART  I. 


Ammoniacum. 


89 


Ammon  in  the  Libyan  desert,  where  the  ammoniac  of  the  ancients  is  said  to 
have  been  collected;  but  Mr.  Don  considers  it  a corruption  of  Armeniacum, 
originating  in  the  circumstance  that  the  gum-resin  was  formerly  imported 
into  Europe  through  Armenia. 

Properties.  Ammoniac  comes  either  in  the  state  of  tears,  or  in  aggregate 
masses,  and  in  both  forms  is  frequently  mixed  with  impurities.  That  of  the 
tears,  however,  is  preferable,  as  the  purest  may  be  conveniently  picked  out 
and  kept  for  use.  These  are  of  an  irregular  shape,  usually  more  or  less 
globular,  opaque,  yellowish  on  the  outside,  whitish  within,  compact,  homo- 
geneous, brittle  when  cold,  and  breaking  with  a conchoidal  shining  fracture. 
The  masses  are  of  a darker  colour  and  less  uniform  structure,  appearing,  when 
broken,  as  if  composed  of  numerous  white  or  whitish  tears,  embedded  in  a 
dirty  gray  or  brownish  substance,  and  frequently  mingled  with  foreign  mat- 
ters, such  as  seeds,  fragments  of  vegetables,  and  sand,  or  other  earth.  We 
have  seen  masses  composed  of  agglutinated  tears  alone. 

The  smell  of  ammoniac  is  peculiar,  and  stronger  in  the  mass  than  in  the 
tears.  The  taste  is  slightly  sweetish,  bitter,  and  somewhat  acrid.  The  sp. 
gr.  is  1'207.  When  heated,  the  gum-resin  softens  and  becomes  adhesive, 
but  does  not  melt.  It  burns  with  a white  flame,  swelling  up,  and  emitting  a 
smoke  of  a strong,  resinous,  slightly  alliaceous  odour.  It  is  partly  soluble  in 
water,  alcohol,  ether,  vinegar,  and  alkaline  solutions.  Triturated  with  water, 
it  forms  an  opaque  milky  emulsion,  which  becomes  clear  upon  standing. 
The  alcoholic  solution  is  transparent,  but  is  rendered  milky  by  the  addition 
of  water.  Bucholz  obtained  from  100  parts  of  ammoniac,  22’4  parts  of  gum, 
72-0  of  resin,  1'6  of  bassorin,  and  4'0  of  water  including  volatile  oil  and  loss. 
Braconnot  obtained  18'4  per  cent,  of  gum,  70'0  of  resin,  4‘4  of  a gluten-like 
substance  (bassorin),  and  6'0  of  water,  with  1'2  per  cent,  of  loss.  Hagen 
succeeded  in  procuring  the  volatile  oil  in  a separate  state  by  repeated  distilla- 
tion with  water.  It  has  a penetrating  disagreeable  odour,  and  a taste  at  first 
mild,  but  afterwards  bitter  and  nauseous.  The  resin  of  ammoniac  is  dissolved 
by  alcohol,  and  the  fixed  and  volatile  oils ; but  it  is  divided  by  ether  into  two 
resins,  of  which  one  is  soluble,  the  other  insoluble  in  that  menstruum. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  This  gum-resin  is  stimulant  and  expectorant, 
in  large  doses  cathartic,  and,  like  many  other  stimulants,  may  be  so  given  as 
occasionally  to  prove  diaphoretic,  diuretic,  or  emmenagogue.  It  has  been 
employed  in  medicine  from  the  highest  antiquity,  being  mentioned  in  the 
writings  of  Hippocrates.  The  complaints  in  which  it  is  most  frequently  used 
are  chronic  catarrh,  asthma,  and  other  pectoral  affections,  attended  with  defi- 
cient expectoration  without  acute  inflammation,  or  with  a too  copious  secretion 
from  the  bronchial  mucous  membrane,  dependent  upon  debility  of  the  vessels. 
It  is  thought  to  have  been  useful  in  some  cases  of  amenorrhoea,  and  in  chloro- 
tic and  hysterical  conditions  of  the  system  arising  out  of  that  complaint.  It 
has  also  been  prescribed  in  obstructions  or  chronic  engorgements  of  the  ab- 
dominal viscera,  under  the  vague  notion  of  its  deobstrueut  power.  Any  good 
which  it  may  do  in  these  affections,  is  more  probably  ascribable  to  its  revul- 
sive action  upon  the  alimentary  mucous  membrane.  Authors  speak  of  its 
utility  in  long  and  obstinate  colics  dependent  on  mucous  matter  lodged  in  the 
intestines;  but  it  would  be  difficult  to  ascertain  in  what  cases  such  mucous 
matter  existed,  and,  even  admitting  its  presence,  to  decide  whether  it  was  a 
cause  or  a result  of  the  diseased  action.  Ammoniac  is  usually  administered 
in  combination  with  other  expectorants,  with  tonics,  or  emmenagogues.  It  is 
much  less  used  than  formerly.  Externally  applied  in  the  shape  of  a plaster, 
it  is  thought  to  be  useful  as  a discutient  or  resolvent  in  white  swellings  of  the 
joints,  and  other  indolent  tumours.  (See  Emplastrum  Ammoniaci.)  It  is 


90 


PART  I. 


Amygdala  Amara. — Amygdala  I) aids. 

given  in  substance,  in  the  shape  of  pill  or  emulsion.  The  latter  form  is  pre- 
ferable. (See  Mistura  Ammoniaci.')  The  dose  is  from  ten  to  thirty  grains. 

Off.  Prep.  Ammoniacum  Praeparatum  ; Emplastrum  Ammoniaci ; Em- 
plast.  Ammoniaci  cum  Hydrargyro;  Emplast.  Gummosum  ; Mistura  Ammo- 
niaci ; Pilulte  Ipecacuanhse  cum  Scilla  j Pil.  Scillas  Composite.  A\r. 

AMYGDALA  AMARA.  TJ.S.,Ed. 

Bitter  Almonds. 

The  kernels  of  the  fruit  of  Amygdalus  communis — variety  amara.  U.  S., 
Ed.. 

Amande  a mere,  Ft.;  Bittere  Mandeln,  Germ.;  Mandorle  amare,  Ilal.;  Almendra 
amarga,  Span. 

AMYGDALA  DULCIS.  U.S.,Ed. 

Street  Almonds. 

The  kernels  of  the  fruit  of  Amygdalus  communis — variety  dulcis.  U.  S-, 
Ed. 

Off.  Syn.  AMYGDALA  ( Jordanica ).  Amygdalus  communis,  var.  dutch. 
Semen.  Loud.  AMYGDALA.  Amygdalus  communis.  Variety  Dutch. 
The  kernels  of  the  fruit.  Dub. 

Amande  douce,  Fr.;  Siisse  Mandeln,  Germ.;  Mandorle  dolci,  Ilal.;  Almendra  dulee, 

Span. 

Amygdalus.  Sex.  Syst.  Icosandria  Monogynia. — Nat.  Ord.  Amygdaleae. 

Gen.  Oh.  Calyx  five-cleft,  inferior.  Petals  five.  Drupe  with  a nut  per- 
forated with  pores.  Willd. 

Amygdalus  communis.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  ii.  982  ; Woodv.  Med.  Bot.  p. 
507,  t.  183.  The  almond  tree  rises  usually  from  fifteen  to  twenty  feet  in 
height,  and  divides  into  numerous  spreading  branches.  The  leaves  stand 
upon  short  footstalks,  are  about  three  inches  long,  and  three-quarters  of  an 
inch  broad,  elliptical,  pointed  at  both  ends,  veined,  minutely  serrated,  with 
the  lower  serratures  and  petioles  glandular,  and  are  of  a bright  green  colour. 
The  flowers  are  large,  of  a pale  red  colour  varying  to  white,  with  very  short 
peduncles,  and  petals  longer  than  the  calyx,  and  are  usually  placed  in  nume- 
rous pairs  upon  the  branches.  The  fruit  is  of  the  peach  kind,  with  the  outer 
covering  thin,  tough,  dry,  and  marked  with  a longitudinal  furrow,  where  it 
opens  when  fully  ripe.  Within  this  covering  is  a rough  shell,  which  con- 
tains the  kernel  or  almond. 

There  are  several  varieties  of  this  species  of  Amygdalus,  differing  chiefly 
in  the  size  and  shape  of  the  fruit,  the  thickness  of  the  shell,  aud  the  taste  of 
the  kernel.  The  two  most  important  are  Amygdalus  ( communis ) dutch  and 
Amygdalus  ( communis ) amara,  the  former  bearing  sweet,  the  latter  bitter 
almonds.  Another  variety  is  the  fragilh  of  De  Candolle,  which  y ields  the 
soft-shelled  almonds. 

The  almond  tree  is  a native  of  Persia,  Syria,  and  Barbary,  and  is  very 
extensively  cultivated  in  various  parts  of  the  South  of  Europe.  It  has  been 
introduced  into  the  United  States ; but  in  the  northern  and  middle  sections 
the  fruit  does  not  usually  come  to  perfection.  We  are  supplied  with  sweet 
almonds  chiefly  from  Spain  and  the  South  of  France.  They  are  distinguished 
into  the  soft-shelled  and  hard-shelled,  the  former  of  which  come  from  Mar- 
seilles and  Bordeaux,  the  latter  from  Malaga.  From  the  latter  port  they  are 
sometimes  brought  to  us  without  the  shell.  In  British  commerce,  the  two 
chief  varieties  are  the  Jordan  and  Valentia  almonds,  the  former  imported 


part  I.  Amygdala  Amara. — Amygdala  Dulcis.  91 

from  Malaga,  the  latter  from  Yalentia.  The  former  are  longer,  narrower, 
more  pointed,  and  more  highly  esteemed  than  the  latter.  The  bitter  almonds 
are  obtained  chiefly  from  Morocco,  and  are  exported  from  Mogador. 

Properties.  The  shape  and  appeai’ance  of  almonds  are  too  well  known  to 
require  description.  Each  kernel  consists  of  two  white  cotyledons,  enclosed 
in  a thin,  yellowish-brown,  bitter  skin,  which  is  easily  separable  after  immer- 
sion in  boiling  water.  When  deprived  of  this  covering,  they  are  called  blanched 
almonds.  On  exposure  to  the  air  they  are  apt  to  become  rancid ; but,  if 
thoroughly  dried  and  kept  in  well  closed  glass  vessels,  they  may  be  preserved 
unaltered  for  many  years.  The  two  varieties  require  each  a separate  notice. 

1.  Amygdala  Dulcis.  Sweet  Almonds.  These,  when  blanched,  are 
without  smell,  and  have  a sweet,  very  pleasant  taste,  which  has  rendered 
them  a favourite  article  of  diet  in  almost  all  countries  where  they  are  readily 
attainable.  They  are,  however,  generally  considered  of  difficult  digestion. 
By  the  analysis  of  M.  Boullay,  it  appears  that  they  contain  in  100  parts,  5 
parts  of  pellicle,  54  of  fixed  oil,  24  of  albumen,  6 of  uncrystallizable  sugar, 
3 of  gum,  4 of  fibrous  matter,  3'5  of  water,  and  0'5  of  acetic  acid  comprising 
loss.  The  albumen  is  somewhat  peculiar,  and  is  called  emulsin.  It  may  be 
obtained  separate  by  treating  the  emulsion  of  almonds  with  ether,  allowing 
the  mixture,  after  frequent  agitation,  to  stand  until  a clear  fluid  separates  at 
the  bottom  of  the  vessel,  drawing  this  off  by  a syphon,  adding  alcohol  to  it 
so  as  to  precipitate  the  emulsin,  then  washing  the  precipitate  with  fresh  alco- 
hol, and  drying  it  under  the  receiver  of  an  air-pump.  In  this  state  it  is  a 
white  powder,  inodorous  and  tasteless,  soluble  in  water,  and  insoluble  in  ether 
and  alcohol.  Its  solution  has  an  acid  reaction,  and,  if  heated  to  212°, 
becomes  opaque  and  milky;  and  gradually  deposits  a snow-white  precipitate, 
amounting  to  about  ten  per  cent,  of  the  emulsin  employed,  (im.  Journ. 
of  Pharm,.,  xxi.  354,  from  Liebig's  Annalen.)  Its  distinguishing  property 
is  that  of  producing  certain  changes,  hereafter  to  be  noticed,  in  amygdalin, 
which  property  it  loses  when  its  solution  is  boiled,  though  not  by  exposure 
in  the  solid  state  to  a heat  of  212°.  ( Ibid .,  357.)  It  consists  of  nitrogen, 
carbon,  hydrogen,  and  oxygen,  with  a minute  proportion  of  sulphur,  and  is 
probably  identical  with  the  principle  for  which  Bobiquet  proposed  the  name 
of  synaptase.  The  fixed  oil  is  described  under  the  head  of  Oleum  Amyg- 
dalae,, to  which  the  reader  is  referred.  Almonds,  when  rubbed  with  water, 
form  a milky  emulsion,  the  insoluble  matters  being  suspended  by  the  agency 
of  the  albuminous,  mucilaginous,  and  saccharine  principles. 

2.  Amygdala  Amara.  Bitter  Almonds.  These  are  smaller  than  the 
preceding  variety.  They  have  the  bitter  taste  of  the  peach-kernel,  and, 
though  when  dry  inodorous  or  nearly  so,  have,  when  triturated  with  water, 
the  fragrance  of  the  peach  blossom.  They  contain  the  same  ingredients  as 
sweet  almonds,  and  like  them  form  a milky  emulsion  with  water.  It  was 
formerly  supposed  that  they  also  contained  hydrocyanic  acid  and  volatile  oil, 
to  which  their  peculiar  taste  and  smell,  and  their  peculiar  operation  upon 
the  system  were  ascribed.  It  was,  however,  ascertained  by  MM.  Bobiquet 
and  Boutron  that  these  principles  do  not  pre-exist  in  the  almond,  but  result 
from  the  reaction  of  water;  and  Wohler  and  Liebig  proved,  what  was  sus- 
pected by  Bobiquet,  that  they  are  formed  out  of  a substance  of  peculiar 
properties,  denominated  amygdalin,  which  is  the  characteristic  constituent 
of  bitter  almonds.  This  substance,  which  was  discovered  by  Bobiquet  and 
Boutron,  is  white,  crystallizable,  inodorous,  of  a sweetish  bitter  taste,  unal- 
terable in  the  air,  freely  soluble  in  water  and  hot  alcohol,  very  slightly  solu- 
ble in  cold  alcohol,  and  insoluble  in  ether.  Its  elementary  constituents  are 
nitrogen,  carbon,  hydrogen,  and  oxygen;  and  it  is  supposed  to  be  an  amide; 
as,  when  treated  with  an  alkali,  it  yields  ammonia  and  a peculiar  acid  which 


PART  I. 


92  Amygdala  Amara. — Amygdala  Dulcis. 

has  been  named  amygdalic  acid.  Liebig  and  Wohler  recommend  the  fol- 
lowing process  for  procuring  it,  in  which  the  object  of  the  fermentation  is 
to  destroy  the  sugar  with  wdiich  it  is  associated.  Bitter  almonds,  previously 
deprived  of  their  fixed  oil  by  pressure,  are  to  be  boiled  in  successive  portions 
of  alcohol  till  they  are  exhausted.  From  the  liquors  thus  obtained,  all  the 
alcohol  is  to  be  drawn  off  by  distillation ; care  being  taken,  near  the  end  of 
the  process,  not  to  expose  the  syrupy  residue  to  too  great  a heat.  This 
residue  is  then  to  be  diluted  with  water,  mixed  with  good  yeast,  and  placed 
in  a warm  situation.  After  the  fermentation  which  ensues  has  ceased,  the 
liquor  is  to  be  filtered,  evaporated  to  the  consistence  of  syrup,  and  mixed 
with  alcohol.  The  amygdalin  is  thus  precipitated  in  connexion  with  a por- 
tion of  gum,  from  which  it  may  be  separated  by  solution  in  boiling  alcohol, 
which  will  deposit  it  upon  cooling.  If  pure,  it  will  form  a perfectly  trans- 
parent solution  with  water.  Any  oil  which  it  may  contain  may  be  separated 
by  washing  it  with  ether.  One  pound  of  almonds  yields  at  least  120  grains 
of  amygdalin.  (Annalen  der  Pharm.,  xxii.  and  xxiii.  329.)* 

Amygdalin,  when  mixed  with  an  emulsion  of  sweet  almonds,  gives  rise, 
among  other  products,  to  the  volatile  oil  of  bitter  almonds  and  hydrocyanic 
acid — the  emulsin  of  the  sweet  almonds  acting  the  part  of  a ferment,  by 
setting  on  foot  a reaction  between  the  amygdalin  and  water;  and  the  same 
result  is  obtained  when  pure  emulsin  is  added  to  a solution  of  amygdalin.  It 
appears  then  that  the  volatile  oil  and  hydrocyanic  acid,  developed  in  bitter 
almonds  when  moistened,  result  from  the  mutual  reaction  of  amygdalin, 
water,  and  emulsin.  Certain  substances  have  the  effect  of  preventing  this 
reaction,  as,  for  example,  alcohol  and  acetic  acid.  (See  Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm., 
xxi.  353.)  It  is  asserted  that  emulsin  procured  from  other  seeds,  as  those  of 
the  poppy,  hemp,  and  mustard,  is  capable  of  producing  the  same  reaction 
between  water  and  amygdalin,  though  in  a less  degree  than  that  of  the  sweet 
or  bitter  almonds.  (Anna!,  der  Pharm.,  xxviii.  290.)  Amygdalin  appears 
not  to  be  poisonous  when  taken  pure  into  the  stomach;  as  there  is  nothing  in 
the  human  system  capable  of  acting  the  part  of  emulsin.  Nevertheless, 
large  quantities  given  to  a dog  have  produced  narcotic  effects. 

Bitter  almonds  yield  their  fixed  oil  by  pressure;  and  the  volatile  oil, 
impregnated  with  hydrocyanic  acid,  may  be  obtained  from  the  residue  by 
distillation  with  water.  (See  Oleum  Amygdalae  amarae.) 

Confectioners  employ  bitter  almonds  for  communicating  flavour  to  the 
syrup  of  orgeat.  (See  Syrupus  Amygdalae.)  The  kernel  of  the  peach  pos- 
sesses similar  properties,  and  is  frequently  used  as  a substitute.  It  has  been 
ascertained  that  bitter  almond  paste,  and  other  substances  which  yield  the  same 
volatile  oil,  such  as  bruised  cherry-laurel  leaves,  peach  leaves,  &c.,  have  the 
property  of  destroying  the  odour  of  musk,  camphor,  most  of  the  volatile  oils, 
creasote,  cod-liver  oil,  the  balsams,  &c. ; and  M.  Alahier,  a French  pharmaceu- 
tist, has  employed  them  successfully  to  free  mortars  and  bottles  from  the  odour 
of  assafetida,  and  other  substances  of  disagreeable  smell.  All  that  is  necessary 
is  first  to  remove  any  oily  substance  by  means  of  an  alkali,  and  then  to  apply 
the  paste  or  bruised  leaves.  (Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xviii.  209.) 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  . Sweet  almonds  exercise  no  other  influence 
upon  the  system  than  that  of  a demulcent.  The  emulsion  formed  by  tritu- 
rating them  with  water  is  a pleasant  vehicle  for  the  administration  of  other 
medicines,  and  is  itself  useful  in  cases  of  catarrhal  affection.  Bitter  almonds 

* Amygdalin  appears  to  be  extensively  diffused  in  plants,  having  been  noticed  not 
only  in  the  different  genera  of  the  Amygdalete,  as  Amygdalus,  Cerasus,  and  Prunus, 
but  also  by  Wicke  in  various  Pomace*,  as  Pyrus  malus,  Sorbus  Aucuparia,  Sorbus 
hybrida,  Sorbus  torminales,  Amelanchier  vulgaris,  Cotomastcr  vulgaris,  and  Cralxgus 
Ozycantha.  (Ann.  der  Chem.  und  Pharm.,  lxxix.  79.) 


part  r.  Amygdala  Amara. — Amygdala  Dulcis. — Amylum.  93 

are  more  energetic,  and,  though  not  much  in  use,  might  undoubtedly  he  em- 
ployed with  advantage  in  cases  to  which  hydrocyanic  acid  is  applicable.  An 
emulsion  made  with  them  has  been  beneficially  prescribed  in  pectoral  affec- 
tions attended  with  cough,  and  is  said  to  have  cured  intermittents.  It  pro- 
bably operates  by  diminishing  the  excitability  of  the  nervous  system.  Dr. 
A.  T.  Thomson  says  that  he  has  found  it  useful  as  a lotion  in  acne  rosea  and 
impetigo.  Bitter  almonds  are  said  by  Hufeland  to  have  been  successfully 
employed  for  the  expulsion  of  the  ta^ie  worm.  In  some  persons  they  produce 
urticaria,  in  the  smallest  quantities.  Largely  taken,  they  have  sometimes 
proved  deleterious. 

Wohler  and  Liebig  propose,  as  a substitute  for  cherry-laurel  water,  which 
owes  its  effects  to  the  hydrocyanic  acid  it  contains,  but  is  objectionable  from 
its  unequal  strength,  an  extemporaneous  mixture,  consisting  of  17  grains  of 
amygdalin,  and  one  fluidounce  of  an  emulsion  made  with  two  drachms  of 
sweet  almonds,  and  a sufficient  quantity  of  water.  This  mixture  contains, 
according  to  the  above  named  chemists,  one  grain  of  anhydrous  hydrocyanic 
acid,  and  is  equivalent  to  two  fluidounces  of  fresh  cherry-laurel  water.  If 
found  to  answer  in  practice,  it  will  have  the  advantage  of  certainty  in  relation 
to  the  dose ; as  amygdalin  may  be  kept  any  length  of  time  unaltered.  If  the 
calculation  of  Wohler  and  Liebig  be  correct  as  to  the  quantity  of  acid  it  con- 
tains, not  more  than  a fluidrachm  should  be  given  as  a commencing  dose. 

Off.  Prep,  of  Sweet  Almonds.  Confectio  Amygdalae;  Mistura  Acaciae; 
Mistura  Amygdalae;  Mistura  Camphorae;  Syrupus  Amygdalae. 

Off.  Prep,  of  Bitter  Almonds.  Syrupus  Amygdalae.  W. 

AMYLUM.  U.S.,  Land.,  Ed.,  Duh. 

Starch. 

The  fecula  of  the  seeds  of  Tritieum  vulgare.  U.  S-,  Bond.,  Ed.  Starch 
from  the  seeds  of  Tritieum  CEstivum.  Dub. 

Araidon,  Fr. ; Starkmehl,  Germ.;  Amido,  Ital.;  Almidon,  Span. 

Starch  is  a proximate  vegetable  principle  contained  in  most  plants,  and 
especially  abundant  in  the  various  grains;  such  as  wheat,  rye,  barley,  oats, 
rice,  maize,  &c. ; in  other  seeds,  as  peas,  beans,  chestnuts,  acorns,  &c. ; and 
in  numerous  tuberous  roots,  as  those  of  the  potato  ( Solarium  tuberosum'),  the 
sweet  potato  ( Convolvulus  Batatas ),  the  arrow-root,  the  cassava  plant,  and 
different  species  of  Curcuma.  The  process  for  obtaining  it  consists  essentially 
in  reducing  the  substances  in  which  it  exists  to  a state  of  minute  division, 
agitating  or  washing  them  with  cold  water,  straining  or  pouring  off  the  liquid, 
and  allowing  it  to  stand  till  the  fine  fecula  which  it  holds  in  suspension  has 
subsided.  This,  when  dried,  is  starch,  more  or  less  pure  according  to  the 
care  taken  in  conducting  the  process.  The  starch  of  commerce  is  procured 
chiefly  from  wheat,  sometimes  also  from  potatoes.  Our  space  will  not  allow 
us  to  enter  into  details  in  relation  to  the  particular  steps  of  the  operation  to 
which  those  substances  are  subjected;  and  the  omission  is  of  less  consequence, 
as  starch  is  never  prepared  by  the  apothecary. 

Starch  is  white,  pulverulent,  opaque,  and,  as  found  in  the  shops,  is  usually 
in  columnar  masses,  having  a somewhat  crystalline  aspect,  and  producing  a 
peculiar  sound  when  pressed  between  the  fingers.  Its  specific  gravity  is  1'53. 
When  exposed  to  a moist  air,  it  absorbs  a considerable  quantity  of  water, 
which  may  be  driven  off  by  a gentle  heat.  It  is  insoluble  in  alcohol,  ether, 
and  cold  water;  but  unites  with  boiling  water,  which,  on  cooling,  forms  with 
it  a soft  semi-transparent  paste,  or  a gelatinous  opaline  solution,  according  to 
the  proportion  of  starch  employed.  The  paste,  placed  on  folds  of  blotting 


94  Amylum.  part  I. 

paper,  renewed  as  they  become  wet,  abandons  its  water,  contracts,  and  assumes 
the  appearance  of  horn.  If  the  proportion  of  starch  be  very  small,  the  solu- 
tion, after  slowly  depositing  a very  minute  quantity  of  insoluble  matter,  con- 
tinues permanent,  and  upon  being  evaporated  yields  a semi-transparent  mass, 
which  is  partially  soluble  in  cold  water.  The  starch  has,  therefore,  been 
modified  by  the  combined  agency  of  water  and  heat;  nor  can  it  be  restored  to 
its  original  condition.  Exposed,  in  the  dry  state,  to  a temperature  somewhat 
above  212°,  it  undergoes,  according  to  C&ventou,  a similar  modification;  and 
a degree  of  heat  sufficient  to  roast  it  slightly  converts  it  into  a substance 
soluble  in  cold  water,  called  British  gum,  and  applicable  to  the  same  purposes 
as  gum  in  the  arts.  The  same  change  in  regard  to  solubility  is,  to  a certain 
extent,  produced  by  mechanical  means,  as  by  trituration  in  a mortar;  and 
that  the  effect  is  not  the  result  of  heat  evolved  by  friction  is  evinced  by  the 
fact,  that  it  takes  place  when  the  starch  is  triturated  with  water. 

The  views  now  generally  entertained  in  relation  to  starch,  by  which  the 
above  mentioned  phenomena  may  be  most  conveniently  explained,  are  those 
originally  presented  by  Raspail,  and  subsequently  confirmed  and  extended  by 
Guibourt,  Guerin,  and  others.  According  to  these  views,  starch  consists  of 
organized  granules,  which,  examined  by  the  microscope,  appear  to  be  of  various 
form  and  size.  These  granules  consist  of  a thin  exterior  coating,  and  of  an 
interior  substance,  the  former  wholly  insoluble,  the  latter  soluble  in  water. 
The  former  constitutes,  according  to  M.  Payen,  only  4 or  5 thousandths  of  the 
weight  of  starch.  In  relation  to  the  interior  portion,  different  opinions  have 
been  held.  M.  Guerin  supposed  that  it  consisted  of  two  distinct  substances,  one 
soluble  in  cold  water,  the  other  soluble  at  first  in  boiling  water  but  becoming 
insoluble  by  evaporation.  Thus,  when  one  part  of  starch  is  boiled  for  fifteen 
minutes  in  one  hundred  parts  of  water,  and  the  liquid  is  allowed  to  stand,  a 
small  portion,  consisting  of  the  broken  teguments,  is  gradually  deposited.  If 
the  solution  be  now  filtered  and  evaporated,  another  portion  is  deposited  which 
cannot  afterwards  be  dissolved.  When  wholly  deprived  of  this  portion,  and 
evaporated  to  dryness,  the  solution  yields  the  part  soluble  in  cold  water.  Ac- 
cording to  MM.  Payen  and  Persoz,  the  interior  portion  of  the  globules  consists 
only  of  a single  substance,  which  is  converted  into  the  two  just  mentioned  by 
the  agency  of  water ; and  Thenard  is  inclined  to  the  same  opinion.  An  ap- 
propriate name  for  the  interior  soluble  portion  of  starch  is  amidin,  which  has 
been  adopted  by  some  chemists.  Starch,  in  its  perfect  state,  is  not  affected 
by  cold  water,  because  the  exterior  insoluble  teguments  prevent  the  access  of 
the  liquid  to  the  interior  portion ; but,  when  the  pellicle  is  broken  by  the 
agency  of  heat,  or  by  mechanical  means,  the  fluid  is  admitted,  and  the  starch 
partially  dissolved.  Another  view  of  the  structure  of  the  starch  granule, 
founded  on  microscopic  observation,  has  been  advanced  by  Schleideu.  Ac- 
cording to  this  view,  it  consists  of  concentric  layers,  all  of  which  have  the 
same  chemical  composition ; but  the  outer  layers,  having  been  first  formed, 
have  more  cohesion  than  the  inner,  and  are  consequently  more  difficult  of  solu- 
bility. The  rings  observed  upon  the  surface  of  the  granules,  in  some  varieties, 
are  merely  the  edges  of  these  layers;  and  the  point  or  hylum  about  which  the 
rings  are  concentrically  placed,  is  a minute  hole,  through  which  probably  the 
substance  of  the  interior  layers  was  introduced.  ( Pharm . Central  Blatt,  1844, 
p.  401.)  MM.  Payen  andGuibourt  at  present  admit  that  the  starch  granule 
is  organized  throughout,  and  consists  of  but  a single  chemical  principle;  the 
differences  in  solubility  being  ascribable  to  the  more  compact  organization  of 
the  exterior  layer,  which  enables  it  to  resist  the  action  of  water.  ( Journ . de 
Pliarm.,  3e  s6r.,  ix.  193.) 

Iodine  forms  with  starch,  whether  in  its  original  state  or  in  solution,  a blue 
compound;  and  the  tincture  of  iodine  is  the  most  delicate  test  of  its  presence 


part  r.  Amylum.  95 

in  any  mixture.  The  colour  varies  somewhat  according  to  the  proportions 
employed.  When  the  two  substances  are  about  equal,  the  compound  is  of  a 
beautiful  indigo-blue;  if  the  iodine  is  in  excess,  it  is  blackish-blue;  if  the 
starch,  violet-blue.  A singular  property  of  the  iodide  of  starch  is  that  its 
solution  becomes  colourless  if  heated  to  about  200°,  and  afterwards  recovers 
its  blue  colour  upon  cooling.  By  boiling,  the  colour  is  permanently  lost. 
Alkalies  unite  with  starch,  forming  soluble  compounds,  which  are  decomposed 
by  acids,  the  starch  being  precipitated.  It  is  thrown  down  from  its  solution 
by  lime-water  and  baryta-water,  forming  insoluble  compounds  with  these 
earths.  The  solution  of  subacetate  of  lead  precipitates  it  in  combination  with 
the  oxide  of  the  metal.  Starch  may  be  made  to  unite  with  tannin  by  boiling 
their  solutions  together;  and  a compound  results,  which,  though  retained  by 
the  water  while  hot,  is  deposited  when  it  cools.  By  long  boiling  with  diluted 
sulphuric,  muriatic,  or  oxalic  acid,  it  is  converted  first  into  dextrine ,*  and 
ultimately  into  a saccharine  substance  similar  to  the  sugar  of  grapes.  A 
similar  conversion  into  dextrine  and  the  sugar  of  grapes  is  effected  by  means 
of  a principle  called  diastase,  discovered  by  MM.  Payen  and  Persoz  in  the 
seeds  of  barley,  oats,  and  wheat,  after  germination.  (See  Hordeum.)  Strong 
muriatic  and  nitric  acids  dissolve  it ; and  the  latter,  by  the  aid  of  heat,  con- 
verts it  into  oxalic  and  malic  acids.  Concentrated  sulphuric  acid  decomposes 
it.  Mixed  with  hot  water,  and  exposed  to  a temperature  of  70  or  80°,  it 
undergoes  fermentation,  which  results  in  the  formation  of  several  distinct 
principles,  among  which  are  sugar,  a gummy  substance  (perhaps  dextrine), 
and  a modification  of  starch  which  De  Saussure  called  amuline. 

The  tegumentary  portion  of  starch,  for  which  the  name  of  amylin  has  been 
proposed,  when  entirely  freed  from  the  interior  soluble  matter,  is  wholly  in- 
soluble in  water  even  by  prolonged  boiling,  is  insoluble  in  alcohol,  and  is 
said  to  suffer  no  change  by  the  action  of  diastase.  The  acids,  however,  act 
upon  it  as  they  do  upon  starch.  It  approaches  nearer  in  properties  to  lignin 
than  to  any  other  principle. 

Starch,  as  obtained  from  different  substances,  is  somewhat  different  in  its 
characters.  Wheat  starch,  when  examined  with  a microscope,  is  found  to 
consist  of  granules  of  various  sizes,  the  smaller  being  spheroidal,  the  larger 
rounded  and  flattened,  with  the  hylum  in  the  centre  of  the  flattened  surface, 
and  surrounded  by  concentric  rings,  which  often  extend  to  the  edge.  The 
granules  are  mixed  with  loose  integuments,  resulting  from  the  process  of 
grinding.  This  variety  of  starch  has  a certain  degree  of  hardness  and  ad- 
hesiveness, owing,  according  to  Guibourt,  to  the  escape  of  a portion  of  the 
interior  substance  of  the  broken  granules,  which  attracts  some  moisture  from 
the  air,  and  thus  becoming  glutinous,  acts  as  a bond  between  those  which 
remain  unbroken.  Another  opinion  attributes  this  peculiar  consistence  to 
the  retention  of  a portion  of  the  gluten  of  the  wheat  flour,  which  causes  the 
granules  to  cohere.  Potato  starch  is  employed  in  various  forms,  being  pre- 
pared so  as  to  imitate  more  costly  amylaceous  substances,  such  as  arrow-root 

* Dextrine  is  a substance  resembling  gum  in  appearance  and  properties,  but  differing 
from  it  in  not  affording  mucic  acid  by  the  action  of  nitric  acid.  It  is  largely  dissolved  by 
water,  hot  or  cold,  and  forms  a mucilaginous  solution,  from  which  it  is  precipitated  by 
alcohol.  This  fluid  has  no  action  on  dextrine.  Large  quantities  of  dextrine  are  now 
manufactured  in  England,  and  employed  for  various  purposes  in  the  arts,  under  the  name 
of  artificial  gum.  It  is  found  in  the  market  in  the  form  ofmucilage,  in  that  of  a white  bril- 
liant powder,  and  in  small  masses  or  fragments  resembling  natural  gum.  According  to 
M.  Emile  Thomas,  it  may  be  distinguished  from  gum  Arabic  by  the  taste  and  smell  of 
potato  oil  which  it  always  possesses.  It  is  made  by  the  action  either  of  acids  or  of  dias- 
tase on  starch.  For  particulars  as  to  the  manufacture,  the  reader  is  referred  to  a paper 
by  M.  Thomas,  republished  in  the  American  Journal  of  Pharmacy,  vol.  xix.  p.  284. 


96  Amylum. — Anethum.  part  i. 

and  sago.  In  its  ordinary  state,  it  is  more  pulverulent  than  wheat  starch, 
has  a somewhat  glistening  appearance,  and  may  he  distinguished,  with  the 
aid  of  the  microscope,  by  the  size  of  its  granules,  which  are  larger  than  those 
of  any  other  known  fecula,  except  canna  or  tons  les  mens.  They  are  exceed- 
ingly diversified  in  size  and  shape,  though  their  regular  form  is  thought  to 
be  ovate.  They  are  characterized  by  concentric  rings  or  rugae,  which  are 
most  readily  distinguishable  in  the  fresh  starch,  and  are  said  by  Ilaspail  to 
disappear  upon  desiccation.  These  surround  a minute  circular  hole  or  bylum 
upon  the  surface  of  the  granule.  Iu  some  instances  there  are  two  of  these 
holes,  one  at  each  end,  or  both  at  the  same  end.  The  characters  of  other 
kinds  of  fecula  will  be  given  under  the  heads  of  the  several  officinal  sub- 
stances of  which  they  constitute  the  whole  or  a part.  Starch  consists  of 
carbon,  hydrogen,  and  oxygen ; its  formula,  from  whatever  source  it  may  he 
derived,  being,  according  to  the  latest  opinions,  C12H10O10. 

According  to  Chevallier,  starch  is  sometimes  adulterated  with  carbonate 
and  sulphate  of  lime,  and  the  fraud  is  also  practised  of  saturating  it  with 
moisture,  of  which  it  will  absorb  12  per  cent,  without  any  obvious  change. 

Medical  Properties,  &c.  Starch  is  nutritive  and  demulcent,  hut  in  its 
ordinary  form  is  seldom  administered  internally.  Powdered  and  dusted  upon 
the  skin,  it  is  sometimes  used  to  absorb  irritating  secretions,  and  prevent  ex- 
coriation. Dissolved  in  hot  water  and  allowed  to  cool,  it  is  often  employed 
in  enemata,  either  as  a vehicle  of  other  substances,  or  as  a demulcent  appli- 
cation in  irritated  states  of  the  rectum.  It  may  he  used  as  an  antidote  to 
iodine  taken  iu  poisonous  quantities. 

Off.  Prep.  Decoctum  Amyli ; Enema  Opii  vel  Anodynum ; Mucilago 
Amyli;  Pulvis  Tragacanthm  Compositus ; Trochisci  Acaciae.  W. 

ANETHUM.  Lond.,  Ed. 

Dill  Seeds. 

Fruit  of  Anethum  graveolens.  Loud.,  Ed. 

Anetk  a odeur  forte,  Ft.;  Dill,  Germ.;  Aneto,  Ital.;  Eneldo,  Span. 

Anethum.  Sex.  Syst.  Pentandria  Digynia. — Mat.  Ord.  Umbelliferae 
or  Apiaceae. 

Gen.  Ch.  Fruit  nearly  ovate,  compressed,  striated.  Petals  involuted, 
entire.  Wittd. 

Anethum  yraveolens.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  i.  1469;  TToodv.  Med..  Bot.  p. 
125,  t.  48.  Dill  is  an  annual  plant,  three  or  four  feet  high,  with  a long, 
spindle-shaped  root;  an  erect,  striated,  jointed,  branching  stem;  and  bipin- 
nate  or  tripinnate,  glaucous  leaves,  which  stand  on  sheathing  footstalks,  and 
have  linear  and  pointed  leaflets.  The  flowers  are  yellow,  and  in  large,  flat, 
terminal  umbels,  destitute  of  involucre.  The  plant  is  a native  of  Spain,  Por- 
tugal, and  the  South  of  France ; and  is  found  growing  wild  in  various  parts  of 
Africa  and  Asia.  It  is  cultivated  in  all  the  countries  of  Europe,  and  has 
been  introduced  into  our  gardens.  The  seeds,  as  the  fruit  is  commonly  called, 
are  the  only  part  used.  They  are  usually  rather  more  than  a line  in  length, 
and  less  than  a line  in  breadth,  of  an  oval  shape,  thin,  concave  on  one  side, 
convex  and  striated  on  the  other,  of  a brown  colour,  and  surrounded  by  a yel- 
lowish membranous  expansion.  Their  smell  is  strong  and  aromatic,  but  less 
agreeable  than  that  of  fennel-seed ; their  taste,  moderately  warm  and  pungent. 
These  properties  depend  on  a volatile  oil,  which  maybe  obtained  separate  by 
distillation.  It  is  of  a pale  yellow  colour,  and  of  the  sp.  gr.  O'SSl.  The 
bruised  seeds  impart  their  virtues  to  alcohol  and  to  boiling  water. 


PART  I. 


Anetlmm. — Angelica. 


97 


Medical  Properties.  Dill  seeds  have  the  properties  common  to  the  aro- 
matics, but  are  very  seldom  used  in  this  country.  They  may  be  given  in 
powder  or  infusion.  The  dose  is  from  fifteen  grains  to  a drachm. 

Off.  Prep.  Aqua  Anethi;  Oleum  Anethi.  W. 

ANGELICA.  U.S.  Secondary. 

Angelica. 

“ The  root  and  herb  of  Angelica  atropurpurea.”  U.  S. 

Angelica.  Sex.  Syst.  Pentandria  Digynia. — Nat.  Ord.  TJmbelli ferae 
or  Apiaceae. 

Gen.  Oh.  Fruit  elliptic,  compressed,  somewhat  solid  and  corticate,  ridges 
three,  dorsal  acute,  intervals  grooved,  margin  alated.  Gen.  involucre  none. 
( Sprengel .)  Umbel  large,  many-rayed,  spreading;  umbeUet  dense,  subhemi- 
spheric;  involucell  about  eight-leaved.  Calyx  five-toothed.  Petals  inflected. 
Nutt  all. 

Angelica  atropurpurea.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  i.  1480.  This  indigenous 
species  of  Angelica,  sometimes  called  mastericort,  has  a perennial  purplish 
root,  aud  a smooth  herbaceous  stem,  the  dark  colour  of  which  has  given  rise 
to  the  specific  name  of  the  plant.  The  leaves  are  ternate,  and  supported  by 
very  large  inflated  petioles.  The  partitions  of  the  leaf  are  nearly  quinate, 
with  ovate,  acute,  deeply  serrate,  somewhat  lobed  leaflets,  of  which  the  three 
terminal  are  confluent.  The  flowers  are  greenish-white. 

The  purple  angelica  extends  throughout  the  United  States  from  Canada  to 
Carolina,  growing  in  meadows  and  marshy  woods,  and  flowering  in  June  and 
July.  It  is  smaller  than  A.  Archangelica,  with  a less  succulent  stem.  The 
whole  plant  is  officinal.  It  has  a strong  odour,  and  a warm  aromatic  taste. 
The  juice  of  the  recent  root  is  acrid,  and  is  said  to  be  poisonous;  but  the 
acrimony  is  dissipated  by  drying. 

Medical  Properties,  &c.  The  medical  virtues  of  the  plant  are  similar  to 
those  of  the  garden  angelica  of  Europe,  for  which  it  has  been  proposed  as  a 
substitute.  It  is,  however,  little  employed.  An  infusion  is  occasionally 
used  in  flatulent  colic ; and  we  are  told  that  the  stems  are  sometimes  candied 
by  the  country  people.  W. 

ANGELICA.  Ed. 

Garden  Angelica. 

Root  of  Angelica  Arclrangelica.  Ed. 

Augelique,  Ft.;  Engelwurzel,  Germ.;  Arcangelica,  Ital.;  Angelica,  Span. 

Angelica.  See  ANGELICA.  U.  S. 

Angelica  Archangelica.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  i.  1428;  Woodv.  Med.  Pot,  p. 
86,  t.  35. — Archangelica  officinalis.  Hoch,  De  Cand.,  &c.  Garden  angelica 
has  a long,  thick,  fleshy,  biennial  root,  furnished  with  many  fibres,  and  send- 
ing up  annually  a hollow,  jointed,  round,  channelled,  smooth,  purplish  stem, 
which  rises  five  feet  or  more  in  height,  and  divides  into  numerous  branches. 
The  leaves,  which  stand  upon  round  fistulous  footstalks,  are  very  large,  doubly 
pinnate,  with  ovate  lanceolate,  pointed,  acutely  serrate  leaflets,  of  which  the 
terminal  one  is  three-lobed.  The  flowers  are  small,  greenish-white,  and  dis- 
posed in  very  large,  many-rayed,  terminal  umbels,  composed  of  numerous 
dense,  hemispherical  umbellets. 

This  plant  is  a native  of  the  north  of  Europe,  and  is  found  in  the  high 


98 


PART  I. 


Angelica. — Angustura. 

mountainous  regions  in  the  southern  section  of  that  continent,  as  in  Switzer- 
land and  among  the  Pyrenees.  It  is  cultivated  in  various  parts  of  Europe, 
and  may  be  occasionally  met  with  in  the  gardens  of  this  country.  It  flowers 
during  the  summer.  The  whole  plant  has  a fragrant  odour  and  aromatic 
properties;  hut  the  root  and  fruit  only  are  officinal. 

1.  The  root  should  be  dug  up  in  the  autumn  of  the  first  year,  as  it  is  then 
least  liable  to  become  mouldy  and  worm-eaten.  It  is  spindle-shaped,  an 
inch  or  more  thick  at  top,  and  beset  with  long  descending  radicles.  The 
fresh  root  has  a yellowish-gray  epidermis,  a fleshy  yellow  parenchyma,  and 
when  wounded  yields  a honey-coloured  juice,  having  all  the  aromatic  proper- 
ties of  the  plant.  The  dried  root  is  grayish-brown  and  much  wrinkled  exter- 
nally, whitish  and  spongy  within,  and  breaks  with  a starchy  fracture,  exhi- 
biting shining  resinous  points.  It  is  very  apt  to  be  attacked  by  worms,  and 
is  said  to  keep  best,  in  the  state  of  powder,  in  full  and  well  closed  vessels. 
The  smell  is  strong  and  fragrant,  and  the  taste  at  first  sweetish,  afterwards 
warm,  aromatic,  bitterish,  and  somewhat  musky.  These  properties  are  ex- 
tracted by  alcohol,  and  less  perfectly  by  water.  The  constituents  of  the  root, 
according  to  the  younger  Buchner,  are  volatile  oil,  a volatile  acid  which  he 
calls  angelicic  acid,  a wax-like  substance,  a crystallizable  sub-resin,  a brittle 
amorphous  resin,  a bitter  principle,  tannic  acid,  malic  acid,  sugar,  starch, 
albumen,  pectic  acid,  fibrin,  and  various  salts.  ( Journ . de  Pharm.,  Be  sir. 
ii.  124.)  Five  hundred  parts  yield  nearly  four  parts  of  volatile  oil. 

2.  The  seeds,  as  the  fruit  is  commonly  called,  are  two  or  three  lines  long, 
oval,  obtuse  or  somewhat  notched  at  the  ends,  flat  and  marked  with  a longi- 
tudinal furrow  on  one  side,  convex  with  three  angular  ridges  on  the  other. 
They  are  ash-coloured,  and  have  the  same  smell  and  taste  as  the  root.  They 
are  said  to  keep  well. 

Medical  Properties.  Angelica  is  an  elegant  aromatic  tonic,  but  is  little 
employed  in  the  United  States.  The  Laplanders,  in  whose  country  it  flou- 
rishes, are  said  to  esteem  it  highly  as  a condiment  and  medicine.  In  Europe, 
the  stems  are  frequently  made  into  a preserve,  and  used  in  desserts  in  order 
to  excite  the  stomach.  The  dose  of  the  root  or  seeds  is  from  thirty  grains 
to  a drachm.  W. 

ANGUSTURA.  U.  S. 

Angustura  Baric. 

The  bark  of  Galipea  officinalis.  Hancoclc.  U.  S. 

Off.  Sgn.  CUSFA  RIA.  Galipea  Cusparia.  Cortex.  Lond.;  CUSPABIA. 
Bark  of  Galipea  officinalis.  Ed. 

Angusture,  Fr. ; Angusturarinde,  Germ.;  Corteccia  dell’  Angustura,  Iial.;  Corteza 
de  Angostura,  Span. 

The  subject  of  Angustura  bark,  in  its  botanical  relations,  has  been  in- 
volved in  some  confusion.  The  drug  was  at  first  supposed  to  be  derived 
from  a species  of  Magnolia,  and  was  referred  by  some  to  Magnolia  glauca 
of  this  country.  Humboldt  and  Bonpland  were  the  first  to  throw  light  upon 
its  true  source.  When  at  Angustura,  a South  American  city  on  the  Orinoco, 
they  received  specimens  of  the  foliage  of  the  plant  from  which  the  bark 
was  obtained ; and  afterwards  believed  that  they  had  found  the  same  plant 
in  a tree  growing  in  the  vicinity  of  Cumana.  This  latter  they  had  the 
opportunity  of  personally  inspecting,  and  were  therefore  enabled  to  describe 
accurately.  Unable  to  attach  it  to  auy  known  genus,  they  erected  it  into  a 
new  one,  with  the  title  of  Cusparia,  a name  of  Indian  origin,  to  which  they 
added  the  specific  appellation  of  febrifuga.  On  their  authority  Cusparia 


PART  I. 


Angustura. 


99 


febrifuga  was  generally  believed  to  be  the  true  source  of  the  medicine,  and 
was  recognised  as  such  by  the  London  College.  A specimen  having  in  the 
meantime  been  sent  by  them  to  Willdenow,  the  name  of  Bonplandia  was 
imposed  on  the  new  genus  by  that  celebrated  botanist ; and  was  subsequently 
adopted  by  Humboldt  and  Bonpland  themselves,  in  their  great  work  on  equi- 
noctial plants.  Hence  the  title  of  Bonplandia  trifoliata,  by  which  the  tree 
is  described  in  many  works  on  Materia  Medica.  De  Candolle,  however,  hav- 
ing fouud  in  the  description  all  the  characters  of  the  genus  Galipea  of 
Aublet,  rejected  both  these  titles,  and  substituted  that  of  Galipea  Cuspciria, 
which  has  been  adopted  by  the  London  College.  But,  after  all  these  com- 
mutations, it  appears  from  the  researches  of  Dr.  Hancock,  who  resided  for 
several  months  in  the  country  of  the  Angustura  bark  tree,  that  the  plant 
described  by  LIumboldt  and  Bonpland  is  not  that  which  yields  the  medicine, 
but  probably  another  species  of  the  same  genus.  Among  other  striking 
differences  between  them  is  that  of  their  size;  the  tree  described  by  Hum- 
boldt and  Bonpland  being  not  less  than  sixty  or  eighty  feet  in  height,  while 
that  from  which  the  bark  is  obtained  is  never  more  than  twenty  feet. 
Hancock  proposes  for  the  latter  the  title  of  Galipea  officinalis,  which  has 
been  adopted  in  the  U.  S.  and  Edinburgh  Pharmacopoeias. 

Galipea.  Sex.  Syst.  Diandria  Monogynia.  — Nat.  Ord.  Rutaceae. 

Gen.  Oh.  Corolla  inferior,  irregular,  four  or  five  cleft,  hypocrateriform. 
Stamens  four;  two  sterile.  Loudon’s  Eneyc. 

Galipea  officinalis.  Hancock,  Trans.  Loud.  Medico-Bot.  Soc.  This  is  a 
small  tree,  irregularly  branched,  rising  to  the  medium  height  of  twelve  or 
fifteen  feet,  with  an  erect  stem  from  three  to  five  inches  in  diameter,  and 
covered  with  a smooth  gray  bark.  The  leaves  are  alternate,  petiolate,  and 
composed  of  three  leaflets,  which  are  oblong,  pointed  at  each  extremity,  from 
six  to  ten  inches  in  length,  from  two  to  four  in  breadth,  and  supported  upon 
the  common  petiole  by  short  leafstalks.  They  are  very  smooth  and  glossy, 
of  a vivid  green  colour,  marked  occasionally  with  small  whitish  round  spots, 
and,  when  fresh,  of  a strong  odour  resembling  that  of  tobacco.  The  flowers 
are  numerous,  white,  arranged  in  axillary  and  terminal  peduncled  racemes,  and 
of  a peculiar  unpleasant  odour.  The  fruit  consists  of  five  bivalve  capsules,  of 
which  two  or  three  are  commonly  abortive.  The  seeds,  two  of  which  are  con- 
tained in  each  capsule,  one  often  abortive,  are  round,  black,  and  of  the  size  of 
a pea.  The  tree  grows  abundantly  on  the  mountains  of  Carony,  between  the 
7th  and  8th  degrees  of  N.  Latitude;  and  is  well  known  in  the  missions,  near 
the  Orinoco,  upwards  of  two  hundred  miles  from  the  ocean.  It  flourishes  at 
the  height  of  from  six  hundred  to  one  thousand  feet  above  the  level  of  the 
sea.  Its  elegant  wdiite  blossoms,  which  appear  in  vast  profusion  in  August 
and  September,  add  greatly  to  the  beauty  of  the  scenery. 

The  bark  is  generally  brought  from  the  West  Indies  packed  in  casks ; but, 
according  to  Mr.  Brande,  the  original  package,  as  it  comes  from  Angustura, 
consists  of  the  leaves  of  a species  of  palm,  surrounded  by  a network  of  sticks. 

Properties.  The  pieces  are  of  various  lengths,  for  the  most  part  slightly 
curved,  rarely  quilled,  sometimes  nearly  flat,  from  half  a line  to  aline  or  more 
in  thickness,  pared  away  towards  the  edges,  covered  externally  with  a light 
yellowish-gray  or  whitish  wrinkled  epidermis,  easily  scraped  by  the  nail,  and 
internally  of  a yellowish-fawn  colour.  They  are  very  fragile,  breaking  with 
a short,  resinous  fracture,  and  yield,  on  being  pulverized,  a pale  yellow  pow- 
der; but,  when  macerated  for  a short  time  iu  water,  they  become  soft  and 
tenacious,  and  may  be  cut  into  strips  with  scissors.  The  smell  of  Angustura 
bark  is  peculiar  and  disagreeable  when  fresh,  but  becomes  fainter  with  age ; 
the  taste  is  bitter  and  slightly  aromatic,  leaving  a sense  of  pungency  at  the 
end  of  the  tongue.  According  to  Fischer,  it  contains  volatile  oil,  bitter 


100  Angustura.  part  i. 

extractive,  a hard  and  bitter  resin,  a soft  resin,  a substance  analogous  to 
caoutchouc,  gum,  lignin,  and  various  salts.  Ihe  volatile  oil,  which  may  be 
obtained  by  distillation  with  water,  is  of  a pale  yellowish  colour,  lighter  than 
water,  of  an  acrid  taste,  and  with  the  odour  of  the  bark.  Cusparin  is  the  name 
given  by  Saladin  to  a principle,  deposited  in  tetrahedral  crystals,  when  an 
infusion  of  the  bark  is  treated  with  absolute  alcohol,  at  common  tempera- 
tures, and  allowed  to  evaporate  spontaneously.  It  is  neutral,  fusible  at  a 
gentle  heat,  by  which  it  loses  23'09  per  cent,  of  its  weight,  soluble  in  200 
parts  of  cold  and  100  parts  of  boiling  water,  soluble  in  the  concentrated  acids 
and  in  the  alkalies,  and  precipitated  by  the  infusion  of  galls.  (./.  de  Pliarm., 
xxii.  662.)  The  virtues  of  the  bark  probably  reside  in  the  volatile  oil,  and 
bitter  principles.  They  are  extracted  by  water  and  alcohol. 

I)r.  A.  T.  Thomson  states  that  precipitates  are  produced  with  the  infusion 
by  the  solutions  of  sulphate  of  iron,  tartrate  of  antimony  and  potassa,  sulphate 
of  copper,  acetate  and  subacetate  of  lead,  bichloride  of  mercury,  nitrate  of 
silver,  and  pure  potassa;  by  nitric  and  sulphuric  acids;  and  by  the  infusions 
of  galls  and  yellow  cinchona ; but  how  far  these  substances  are  medicinally 
incompatible  with  the  bark,  it  would  be  difficult  to  determine. 

False  Angustura.  Under  this  title,  the  European  writers  on  Materia 
Medica  describe  a bark  which  was  introduced  on  the  continent  mixed  with 
true  Angustura  bark,  and  possessing  poisonous  properties,  producing  in  some 
instances  unpleasant  effects  when  prescribed  by  mistake  for  that  medicine. 
It  is  distinguished  by  its  greater  thickness,  hardness,  weight,  and  compact- 
ness ; by  its  resinous  fracture ; by  the.  appearance  of  its  epidermis,  which  is 
sometimes  covered  with  a ferruginous  efflorescence,  sometimes  is  yellowish- 
gray,  and  marked  with  prominent  white  spots;  by  the  brownish  colour  and 
smoothness  of  its  internal  surface,  which  is  not,  like  that  of  the  genuine 
bark,  separable  into  laminae ; by  the  white  slightly  yellow  powder  which  it 
yields;  by  its  total  want  of  odour,  and  its  intense  tenacious  bitterness. 
When  steeped  in  water,  it  does  not  become  soft  like  the  true  Angustura. 
Analyzed  by  Pelletier  and  Caventou,  it  was  found  to  contain  a peculiar 
alkaline  principle  which  they  called  brucia,  and  upon  which  its  poisonous 
operation  depends.  (See  A lux  Vomica.)  In  consequence  of  the  presence  of 
this  principle,  a drop  of  nitric  acid  upon  the  internal  surface  of  the  bark 
produces  a deep  blood-red  spot.  The  same  acid,  applied  to  the  external  sur- 
face, renders  it  emerald-green.  In  true  Angustura  bark,  a dull  red  colour 
is  produced  by  the  acid  on  both  surfaces.  The  false  Angustura  was  at  first 
supposed  to  be  derived  from  Brucea  antidysenterica ; and  was  afterwards  re- 
ferred to  some  unknown  species  of  Strychnos,  in  consequence  of  containing 
brucia , which  is  a characteristic  ingredient  of  that  genus  of  plants.  At  pre- 
sent, it  is  ascribed  to  Strychnos  Nux  vomica , the  bark  of  which,  according 
to  Dr.  O’Shaughnessy,  exactly  corresponds  with  the  description  of  Angustura, 
and  like  it  contains  brucia.  Little  of  this  bark  reaches  the  United  States. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Angustura  bark  had  been  long  used  by  the 
natives  of  the  country  where  it  grows,  before  it  became  known  elsewhere. 
From  the  continent  its  employment  extended  to  the  West  Indies,  where  it 
acquired  considerable  reputation.  It  was  first  taken  to  Europe  about  seventy 
years  since.  It  is  now  ranked  among  the  officinal  remedies  throughout 
Europe  and  America ; but  it  has  not  sustained  its  early  reputation,  and  in 
the  United  States  is  not  much  prescribed.  Its  operation  is  that  of  a stimu- 
lant tonic.  In  large  doses  it  also  evacuates  the  stomach  and  bowels,  and  is 
often  employed  for  this  purpose  in  South  America.  It  was  at  one  time  con- 
siderably used  as  a febrifuge  in  the  place  of  Peruvian  bark;  but  has  not  been 
found  generally  successful  in  the  intermittents  of  northern  latitudes.  It  is 
said  to  be  peculiarly  efficacious  in  bilious  diarrhoeas  and  dysenteries ; and 


PART  I. 


101 


Angustura. — Anisum. 

las  been  recommended  in  dyspepsia,  and  other  diseases  in  which  a tonic  treat- 
ment is  demanded.  The  testimony,  however,  of  practitioners  in  Europe  and 
the  United  States,  is  not  strongly  in  its  favour;  and  it  is  probably  better 
adapted  to  tropical  diseases  than  to  those  of  temperate  climates.  Hancock 
employed  it  extensively  in  the  malignant  bilious  intermittent  fevers,  dysen- 
teries, and  dropsies  of  Angustura  and  Demerara ; and  speaks  in  strong  terms 
of  its  efficacy  in  these  complaints.  He  used  it  in  the  form  of  fermented 
infusion,  as  recommended  by  the  native  practitioners. 

It  may  be  given  in  powder,  infusion,  tincture,  or  extract.  The  dose  in 
substance  is  from  ten  to  thirty  grains.  In  larger  quantities  it  is  apt  to  pro- 
duce nausea.  From  five  to  fifteen  grains  is  the  dose  of  the  extract,  which, 
however,  according  to  Hr.  Hancock,  is  inferior  to  the  powder  or  infusion.  To 
obviate  nausea,  it  is  frequently  combined  with  aromatics. 

Off.  Prep.  Infusum  Angusturas ; Tinctura  Cuspariae.  W. 

ANISUM.  U.  S.,  Loncl.,  Ed.,  Dub. 

Anise. 

The  fruit  of  Pimpinella  Anisum.  U.  S.,  Bond.,  Ed.,  Dub. 

Graines  d’anis,  Fr. ; Anissame,  Germ.;  Semi  d’aniso,  Ilal.;  Simiente  de  anis,  Span.; 
Anison,  Arab. 

Pimpinella.  Sex.  Sgst.  Pentandria  Digynia.  — Ndt.Ord.  Umbelliferse  or 
Apiaceae. 

Gen.  Ch.  Fruit  ovate  oblong.  Petals  inferior.  Stigma  nearly  globular. 
mild. 

Pimpinella  Anisum.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  i.  1473  ; Woodv.  Med.  Bot.  p.  135, 
t.  52.  This  is  an  annual  plant,  about  a foot  in  height,  with  an  erect,  smooth, 
and  branching  stem.  The  leaves  are  petiolate,  the  lower  roundish-cordate, 
lobed,  incised-serrate,  the  middle  pinnate-lobed  with  cuneate  or  lanceolate 
lobes,  the  upper  trifid,  undivided,  linear.  The  flowers  are  white,  and  in  term- 
inal compound  umbels,  destitute  of  involucres. 

The  anise  plant  is  a native  of  Egypt  and  the  Levant,  but  has  been  intro- 
duced into  the  south  of  Europe,  and  is  cultivated  in  various  parts  of  that 
continent.  It  is  also  cultivated  occasionally  in  the  gardens  of  this  country. 
The  fruit  is  abundantly  produced  in  Malta  and  Spain.  The  Spanish  is  smaller 
than  the  German  or  French,  and  is  usually  preferred. 

Anise  seeds  (botanically  fruit)  are  about  a line  in  length,  oval,  striated, 
somewhat  downy,  attached  to  their  footstalks,  and  of  a light  greenish-brown 
colour,  with  a shade  of  yellow.  Their  odour  is  fragrant,  and  increased  by 
friction ; their  taste  warm,  sweet,  and  aromatic.  These  properties,  which 
depend  upon  a peculiar  volatile  oil,  are  imparted  sparingly  to  boiling  water, 
freely  to  alcohol.  The  volatile  oil  exists  in  the  envelope  of  the  seeds,  and  is 
obtained  separate  by  distillation.  (See  Oleum  Anisi ) Their  internal  sub- 
stance contains  a bland  fixed  oil.  By  expression,  a greenish  oil  is  obtained, 
which  is  a mixture  of  the  two.  The  seeds  are  sometimes  adulterated  with 
small  fragments  of  argillaceous  earth,  which  resembles  them  in  colour ; and 
their  aromatic  qualities  are  occasionally  impaired  by  a slight  fermentation, 
which  they  are  apt  to  undergo  in  the  mass,  when  collected  before  maturity. 

A case  of  poisoning  is  on  record  from  the  accidental  admixture  of  the 
fruits  of  Oonium  maculatum,  which  bear  some  resemblance  to  those  of  anise, 
but  may  be  distinguished  by  their  crenate  or  notched  ridges.  They  are,  more- 
over, broader  in  proportion  to  their  length,  and  are  generally  separated  into 
half-fruits,  while  those  of  anise  are  whole. 

The  Star  aniseed l,  the  badiane  of  the  French  writers,  though  analogous  in 


102 


Anisum. — Anthemis. 


PART  I. 


sensible  properties  to  the  common  aniseed,  is  derived  from  a different  plant, 
being  the  fruit  of  Itticium  anisatum,  an  evergreen  tree  growing  in  China, 
Japan,  and  Tartary.  The  fruit  consists  of  from  five  to  ten  brownish  ligneous 
capsules,  four  or  five  lines  long,  united  together  in  the  form  of  a star,  each 
containing  a brown  shining  seed.  It  is  much  used  in  France  to  flavour  liquors ; 
and  the  volatile  oil,  upon  which  its  aromatic  properties  depend,  is  imported 
into  this  country  from  the  East  Indies,  and  sold  as  common  oil  of  anise,  to 
which,  however,  it  is  thought  by  some  to  be  much  superior. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Anise  is  a grateful  aromatic  carminative ; 
and,  like  several  other  fruits  of  a similar  character,  is  supposed  to  have  the 
property  of  increasing  the  secretion  of  milk.  It  has  been  in  use  from  the 
earliest  times.  In  Europe  it  is  much  employed  in  flatulent  colic,  and  as  a 
corrigent  of  griping  or  unpleasant  medicines;  but  in  this  country  fennel-seed 
is  usually  preferred.  Anise  may  be  given  bruised,  or  in  powder,  in  the  dose 
of  twenty  or  thirty  grains  or  more.  The  infusion  is  less  efficient.  The  vola- 
tile oil  may  be  substituted  for  the  seeds  in  substance.  Much  use  is  made  of 
this  aromatic  for  imparting  flavour  to  liquors. 

Off.  Prep.  Oleum  Anisi.  W. 

ANTHEMIS.  U.S.,  Lond.,  Ed:,  Dub. 

Chamomile. 

The  flowers  of  Anthemis  nobilis.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Dub.  The  simple  flowers. 
Ed. 

Camomille  Romaine,  Fr.;  Romische  Kamille,  Germ.;  Camomilla  Romana,  Ital.; 
Manzanilla  Romana,  Span. 

Anthemis.  Sex.  Syst.  Syngenesia  Superflua. — Mat.  Orel.  Composite 
Senecionideas.  De  Cand.  Asteracere.  Lindley. 

Gen.  Ch.  Receptacle  chaffy.  Seed  down  none  or  a membranaceous  margin. 
Calyx  hemispherical,  nearly  equal.  Florets  of  the  ray  more  than  five.  Willd. 

Several  species  of  Anthemis  have  been  employed  in  medicine.  A.  'nobilis , 
which  is  the  subject  of  the  present  article,  is  by  far  the  most  important.  A. 
Cotula,  or  May-weed,  is  also  recognised  by  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia.  (See 
Cotulai)  A.  Pyrethrum,  which  affords  the  pellitory  root,  is  among  the  offi- 
cinal plants.  (See  Pyrethrum .)  A.  arvehsis,  a native  of  this  country  and  of 
Europe,  bears  flowers  which  have  an  acrid  bitter  taste,  and  possess  medical 
properties  analogous  though  much  inferior  to  those  of  common  chamomile. 
They  may  be  distinguished  by  their  want  of  smell.  L.  tincloria  is  occasion- 
ally employed  as  a tonic  and  vermifuge  in  Europe. 

Anthemis  nobilis.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  iii.  2180;  Woodv.  Med.  Dot.  p.  47, 
t.  19.  This  is  an  herbaceous  plant  with  a perennial  root.  The  stems  are 
from  six  inches  to  a foot  long,  round,  slender,  downy,  trailing,  and  divided 
into  branches,  which  turn  upwards  at  their  extremities.  The  leaves  are  bipin- 
nate,  the  leaflets  small,  thread-like,  somewhat  pubescent,  acute,  and  generally 
divided  into  three  segments.  The  flowers  are  solitary,  with  a yellow  convex 
disk,  and  white  rays.  The  calyx  is  common  to  all  the  florets,  of  a hemi- 
spherical form,  and  composed  of  several  small  imbricated  hairy  scales.  The 
receptacle  is  convex,  prominent,  and  furnished  with  rigid  bristle-like  palese. 
The  florets  of  the  ray  are  numerous,  narrow,  and  terminated  with  three  small 
teeth  The  whole  herb  has  a peculiar  fragrant  odour,  and  a bitter  aromatic 
taste.  The  flowers  only  are  officinal. 

This  plant  is  a native  of  Europe,  and  grows  wild  in  all  the  temperate 
parts  of  that  continent.  It  is  also  largely  cultivated  for  medicinal  purposes. 
In  France,  Germany,  and  Italy,  it  is  generally  known  by  the  name  of  Roman 


PART  I. 


Anthemis. 


103 


chamomile.  By  cultivation  the  yellow  disk  florets  are  often  converted  into 
the  white  ray  florets.  Thus  altered,  the  flowers  are  said  to  be  double,  while 
those  which  remain  unchanged  are  called  single ; but,  as  the  conversion  may 
be  more  or  less  complete,  it  generally  happens  that  with  each  of  the  varieties 
•there  are  intermingled  some  flowers  of  the  other  kind,  or  in  different  stages 
of  the  change.  The  double  flowers  are  generally  preferred ; though,  as  the 
sensible  properties  are  found  in  the  greatest  degree  in  the  disk,  the  single  are 
the  most  powerful.  On  this  account,  the  latter  were  formerly  exclusively 
directed  by  the  London  College,  and  still  are  so  by  the  Edinburgh  College. 
It  is  rather,  however,  in  aromatic  flavour  than  in  bitterness,  that  the  radial 
florets  are  surpassed  by  those  of  the  disk.  If  not  well  and  quickly  dried,  the 
flowers  lose  their  beautiful  white  colour,  and  are  less  efficient.  Those  which 
are  whitest  should  be  preferred.  The  seeds  yield  by  expression  a fixed  oil, 
which  is  said  to  be  applied  in  Europe  to  various  economical  uses.* 

Though  not  a native  of  America,  chamomile  grows  wild  in  some  parts  of 
this  country,  and  is  occasionally  cultivated  in  our  gardens  for  family  use,  the 
whole  herb  being  employed.  The  medicine,  as  found  in  our  shops,  consists 
chiefly  of  the  double  flowers,  and  is  imported  from  Germany  and  England. 
From  the  former  country  are  also  occasionally  imported,  under  the  name  of 
chamomile,  the  flowers  of  Matricaria  Chamomilla,  a plant  belonging  to  the 
same  family  as  Anthemis,  and  possessing  similar  properties.  (See  Matricaria.) 

Properties.  Chamomile  flowers,  as  usually  found  in  the  shops,  are  large, 
almost  spherical,  of  a dull-white  colour,  a fragrant  odour,  and  a warmish, 
bitter,  aromatic  taste.  “When  fresh,  their  smell  is  much  stronger,  and  was 
fancied  by  the  ancients  to  resemble  that  of  the  apple.  Hence  the  name 
chamsemelum  (^auat.  on  the  ground,  and  prj'kov  an  apple) ; and  it  is  some- 
what singular  that  the  Spanish  name  manzanilla  (a  little  apple)  has  a similar 
signification.  The  flowers  impart  their  odour  and  taste  to  both  water  and 
alcohol,  the  former  of  which,  at  the  boiling  temperature,  extracts  nearly  one- 
fourth  of  their  weight.  They  contain  a volatile  oil,  a bitter  principle,  resin, 
gum,  a small  quantity  of  tannin,  and  various  salts.  The  first  two  are  probably 
their  active  ingredients.  (See  Oleum  Anthemidis.)  A volatile  acid,  in 
minute  proportion,  has  been  obtained  from  them  by  Schendler,  said  greatly 
to  resemble,  if  it  be  not  identical  with  valerianic  acid. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Chamomile  is  a mild  tonic,  in  small  doses 
acceptable  and  corroborant  to  the  stomach,  in  larger  quantities  capable  of 
acting  as  an  emetic.  In  cold  infusion  it  is  often  advantageously  used  in 
cases  of  enfeebled  digestion,  whether  occurring  as  an  original  affection,  or 
consequent  upon  some  acute  disease.  It  is  especially  applicable  to  that  con- 
dition of  general  debility,  with  languid  appetite,  which  often  attends  conva- 

* To  tliose  who  may  be  disposed  to  cultivate  the  flowers  for  the  shops,  the  following 
statements  made  by  Mr.  Jacob  Bell,  from  observations  at  the  flower  gardens  at  Mitcham, 
in  Surrey,  England,  may  not  be  without  interest.  The  plant  is  usually  propagated  by 
dividing  the  root,  though  the  seeds  are  employed  when  it  is  desired  to  introduce  new 
varieties.  Each  root  will  serve  as  the  source  of  thirty  or  forty  plants.  They  are  set  in 
rows  a yard  apart,  at  intervals  of  about  eighteen  inches.  The  proper  period  for  plant- 
ing is  March;  and  the  flowers  are  in  perfection  in  July,  but  continue  to  appear 
throughout  the  season.  Extremely  wet  or  extremely  dry  weather  is  injurious  to  the 
crop.  It  is  more  productive  in  a rather  heavy  loam,  than  either  in  light  sandy  soil,  or  in 
stiff  clay.  It  requires  little  manure,  but  attention  to  weeding  is  necessary.  Over-manur- 
ing increases  the  leaves  at  the  expense  of  the  flowers.  When  gathered,  the  flowers  are 
dried  upon  canvass  trays  in  a drying  room,  artificially  warmed,  where  they  remain  about 
a day.  The  crop  varies  from  three  to  ten  hundred  weight  per  acre.  The  single  flowers 
are  more  productive  than  the  double  by  weight ; but,  as  they  command  a less  price,  the 
value  of  the  crop  is  about  the  same.  ( Pharrn . Journ.  and  Trans.,  x.  118.) — Note  to  ninth 
edition. 


104 


Anthemis. — Antimonium. 


PART  r. 


lescence  from  idiopathic  fevers.  As  a febrifuge  it  has  also  acquired  much  repu- 
tation, having  been  employed  withadvantage  in  intermittents  and  remittents ; 
but  we  have  remedies  so  much  more  efficient  in  these  affections,  that  it  is  now 
seldom  if  ever  employed.  The  tepid  infusion  is  very  often  given  to  promote 
the  operation  of  emetic  medicines,  or  to  assist  the  stomach  in  relieving  itself 
when  oppressed  by  its  contents.  The  flowers  are  sometimes  applied  exter- 
nally, in  the  form  of  fomentation,  in  cases  of  irritation  or  inflammation  of 
the  abdominal  viscera,  and  as  a gentle  incitant  in  flabby,  ill-conditioned  ul- 
cers. The  dose  of  the  powder  as  a tonic  is  from  half  a drachm  to  a drachm 
three  or  four  times  a day,  or  more  frequently,  according  to  the  end  proposed. 
The  infusion  is  usually  preferred.  The  decoction  and  extract  cannot  exert 
the  full  influence  of  the  medicine;  as  the  volatile  oil,  upon  which  its  virtues 
partly  depend,  is  driven  off  at  the  boiling  temperature. 

Off  Prep.  Extractum  Anthemidis ; Infusum  Anthemidis;  Oleum  An- 
themidis.  W. 

ANTIMONIUM. 

Antimony. 

Stibium,  Lat.;  Antimoine,  Ft.;  Antimon,  Spiessglanz,  Germ.;  Antimonio,  Span., 
Iial. 

Metallic  antimony,  sometimes  called  regulus  of  antimony,  is  not  officinal 
in  the  British  or  United  States  Pharmacopoeias;  but,  as  it  enters  into  the 
composition  of  a number  of  important  pharmaceutical  preparations,  we  have 
thought  it  proper  to  notice  it  under  a distinct  head. 

Antimony  exists  in  nature,  1.  uncombined;  2.  as  an  oxide;  3.  as  a tersul- 
phuret;  and  4.  as  a sulphuretted  oxide.  It  is  found  principally  in  France 
and  Germany. 

Extraction.  All  the  antimony  of  commerce  is  extracted  from  the  native 
tersulphuret.  The  ore  is  first  separated  from  its  gangue  by  fusion.  It  is  then 
reduced  to  powder,  and  placed  on  the  floor  of  a reverberatory  furnace;  where 
it  is  subjected  to  a gentle  heat,  being  constantly  stirred  about  with  an  iron 
rake.  The  heat  should  not  be  sufficient  to  cause  fusion.  This  process  of 
roasting  is  known  to  be  completed,  when  the  matter  is  brought  to  the  state 
of  a dull  grayish-white  powder,  called  antimony  ash.  By  this  treatment 
the  antimony  is  partly  teroxidized,  and  partly  converted  into  antimonious 
acid ; while  nearly  all  the  sulphur  is  dissipated  in  the  form  of  sulphurous 
acid  gas  : a portion  of  tersulphuret,  however,  remains  undecomposed.  The 
matter  is  then  mixed  either  with  tartar,  or  with  charcoal  impregnated  with  a 
concentrated  solution  of  carbonate  of  soda,  and  the  mixture  heated  in  cruci- 
bles, placed  in  a melting  furnace.  The  charcoal  reduces  the  teroxide  of 
antimony,  while  the  alkali  unites  with  the  undecomposed  tersulphuret,  and 
forms  with  it  melted  scorim,  which  cover  the  reduced  metal,  and  diminish 
its  loss  by  volatilization. 

Antimony  is  imported  into  the  United  States  principally  from  France, 
packed  in  casks.  A portion  is  also  shipped  from  Trieste,  from  Holland, 
and  occasionally  from  Cadiz.  The  Spanish  antimony  is  generally  in  the 
form  of  pigs;  the  French,  in  circular  cakes  of  about  ten  inches  in  diameter, 
flat  on  one  side  and  convex  on  the  other;  the  English,  in  cones.  The 
French  is  most  esteemed. 

Properties,  &c.  The  time  of  the  discovery  of  antimony  is  not  known; 
but  Basil  Valentine  was  the  first  to  describe  the  method  of  obtaining  it,  in 
his  work  entitled  Ourrus  Triumphalis  Antimonu,  published  towards  the  end 
of  the  fifteenth  century.  It  is  a brittle,  brilliant  metal,  ordinarily  of  a la- 


PART  I. 


Antimonium. 


105 


mellated  texture,  of  a silver-white  colour  when  pure,  but  bluish-white  as  it 
occurs  in  commerce.  When  rubbed  between  the  fingers,  it  imparts  a sensible 
odour.  Its  equivalent  number  is  129,  symbol  Sb,  sp.gr.  6*7,  and  fusing 
point  810°,  or  about  a red  heat.  On  cooling  after  fusion,  it  assumes  an  ap- 
pearance on  the  surface  bearing  some  resemblance  to  a fern  leaf.  When 
strongly  heated,  it  burns  with  the  emission  of  white  vapours,  consisting  of  ter- 
oxide,  formerly  called  argentine  flowers  of  antimony.  A small  portion  being 
fused,  and  then  thrown  from  a moderate  height  upon  a flat  surface,  divides 
into  numerous  globules,  which  burn  rapidly  as  they  move  along.  It  forms 
three  combinations  with  oxygen  ; one  oxide — teroxide  of  antimony,  and  two 
acids — antimonious  and  antimonic  acids.  The  teroxide  contains  three,  anti- 
monious  acid  four,  and  antimonic  acid  five  eqs.  of  oxygen,  combined  with 
one  of  the  metal.  In  addition  to  these,  a suboxide  is  said  to  exist,  which, 
according  to  Marchand,  has  a composition  represented  by  the  formula,  Sb304. 
It  may  be  obtained  by  decomposing  a solution  of  tartar  emetic  by  a Grove's 
battery.  The  teroxide  will  be  noticed  under  the  head  of  Antimonii  Oxidum. 
Antimonic  acicl  is  a lemon-coloured  powder,  which  may  be  prepared  by  oxi- 
dizing the  metal  by  digestion  in  nitric  acid,  and  then  driving  off  the  excess 
of  nitric  acid  by  a heat  not  exceeding  600°.  When  exposed  to  a red  heat, 
it  parts  with  oxygen,  and  is  converted  into  antimonious  acid.  This  is  a white 
powder,  and,  though  medicinally  inert,  frequently  forms  a large  proportion 
of  the  preparation  called  antimonial  powder.  (See  Pulvis  Antimonialis .) 

Antimony  is  officinal  in  the  following  states  of  combination: — 

I.  Sulphuretted  : — 

Antimonii  Sulphuretum,  U.  S.,  Ed.,  Dub.  ; Antimonii  Tersulphu- 
retum,  Lond. 

Antimonii  Sulphuretum  Praeparatum,  Dub. 

Antimonii  Sulphuretum  Praecipitatum,  U.  S.,  Dub. ; Antimonii  Oxy- 
sulphuretum,  Lond.;  Antimonii  Sulphuretum  Aureum,  Ed. 

II.  Oxidized: — 

Teroxide.  Antimonii  Oxidum,  Ed. ; Antimonii  Oxydum,  Dub. 

Teroxide  combined  with  tartaric  acid  and  potassa.  Antimonii  et 
Potassae  Tartras,  U.  S. ; Antimonii  Potassio-Tartras,  Lond. ; An- 
timonium Tartarizatum,  Ed.,  Dub.  Dissolved  in  wine.  Yinum 
Antimonii,  U.  S. ; Yinum  Antimonii  Potassio-Tartratis,  Lond.; 
Yinum  Antimoniale,  Ed.  Dissolved  in  dilute  alcohol.  Antimonii 
Tartarizati  Liquor,  Dub.  Mixed  with  lard.  Unguentum  Anti- 
monii, U.S.;  Ung.  Antimonii  Potassio-Tartratis,  Loncl.;  Ung. 
Antimoniale,  Ed.;  Ung.  Antimonii  Tartarizati,  Dub. 

Teroxide  and  antimonious  acid,  mixed  with  phosphate  of  lime.  Pulvis 
Antimonialis,  Ed.,  Dub.;  Pulvis  Antimonii  Compositus,  Loiul. 
III.  Combined  with  Chlorine  : — 

Antimonii  Terchloridi  Liquor,  Dub. 

The  antimonial  preparations  are  active  in  proportion  to  their  solubility  in 
the  gastric  juice,  xiccording  to  Mialhe,  all  those  antimonials  which  contain 
the  hydrated  teroxide,  or  are  easily  converted  into  it,  are  most  active.  Hence 
metallic  antimony  in  fine  powder,  and  tartar  emetic  act  with  energy.  The 
teroxide  is  much  more  active  when  prepared  in  the  moist  than  in  the  dry 
way.  According  to  Serullas,  all  the  antimonial  preparations,  except  tartar 
emetic  and  butter  or  terchloride  of  antimony,  contain  a minute  proportion  of 
arsenic.  Tartar  emetic  is  an  exception,  because,  according  to  this  chemist, 
it  separates  entirely,  in  the  act  of  crystallizing,  from  any  minute  portion  of 
arsenic  in  the  materials  from  which  it  is  prepared;  the  poisonous  metal  being 
left  behind  in  the  mother-waters  of  the  process.  B. 


106 


Apocynum  Androssemifolium. 


PART  I. 


ANTIMONI1  SULPHURETUM.  U.  S.,  Ed.,  Dab. 

Sulphur et  of  Antimony. 

Native  tersulphuret  of  antimony,  purified  by  fusion.  U.  S. 

Off.  Syn.  ANTIMONII  TERSULPHURETUM.  Lond. 

Artificial  sulphuret  of  antimony ; Antimoine  sulfure,  Fr.;  Schwefelantimon,  Schwe- 
felspiessglanz,  Germ.;  Solf'uro  d’antimonio,  Ilal.;  Antimonio  crudo,  Span. 

Preparation,  &c.  The  sulphuret  of  antimony  of  the  Pharmacopoeias  is 
obtained  from  the  native  sulphuret,  technically  called  antimony  ore , by  differ- 
ent processes  of  purification  ; the  following  being  an  outline  of  that  generally 
pursued.  The  ore  is  placed  in  melting  pots  in  a circular  reverberatory  fur- 
nace, and  these  are  made  to  connect,  by  means  of  curved  earthen  tubes,  with 
the  receiving  pots,  situated  outside  the  furnace.  This  arrangement  affords 
facilities  for  removing  the  residue  of  the  operation,  and  allows  of  the  col- 
lection of  the  melted  sulphuret,  without  interrupting  the  fire,  and,  conse- 
quently, without  loss  of  time  or  fuel. 

Properties , c fie.  Sulphuret  of  antimony  is  mostly  prepared  in  France  and 
Germany.  It  is  called  in  commerce,  antimony,  or  crude  antimony,  and 
occurs  in  fused  roundish  masses,  denominated  loaves.  These  are  dark-gray 
externally,  and  exhibit  internally,  when  broken,  a brilliant  steel-gray  colour, 
and  a striated  crystalline  texture.  Their  goodness  depends  upon  their  com- 
pactness and  weight,  and  the  largeness  and  distinctness  of  the  fibres.  The 
quality  of  the  sulphuret  cannot  well  be  judged  of,  except  in  mass ; hence  it 
ought  never  to  be  bought  in  powder.  It  is  entirely  soluble  in  muriatic  acid, 
by  the  aid  of  heat,  with  the  evolution  of  sulphuretted  hydrogen.  The  muri- 
atic solution,  when  added  to  water,  is  decomposed  with  the  production  of  a 
white  powder  (oxychloride  of  antimony').  If  the  muriatic  acid  should  have 
dissolved  some  lead  or  copper,  the  filtered  solution,  after  the  precipitation  of 
the  white  powder,  will  give  a dark-coloured  precipitate  with  sulphuretted 
hydrogen ; but  if  these  metals  should  be  absent,  it  will  yield,  with  the  same 
test,  an  orange-coloured  precipitate,  derived  from  a small  quantity  of  anti- 
mony, not  throwu  down  by  the  water.  Arsenic  may  be  detected  by  the 
usual  tests  for  that  metal.  (See  Acidum  Arseniosmn.') 

Composition.  The  officinal  sulphuret  of  antimony  is  a tersulphuret,  con- 
sisting of  one  eq.  of  antimony  129,  and  three  of  sulphur  48  = 177- 

Sulphuret  of  antimony  requires  to  be  levigated  in  order  to  fit  it  for  medi- 
cinal use.  (See  Antimonii  Sulphuretum  Praeparalum.') 

Off.  Prep.  Antimonii  et  Potassse  Tartras ; Antimonii  Oxidum ; Antimonii 
Sulphuretum  Prascipitatum ; Antimonii  Sulphuretum  Pr£eparatum;  Pulvis 
Antimonialis.  B. 

APOCYNUM  ANDROSSEMIFOLIUM.  U.  S.  Secondary. 

Doffs-bane. 

The  root  of  Apocynum  androssemifolium.  U.  S. 

Apocynum.  Sex.  Syst.  Pentandria  Digynia.  — Nat.  Ord.  Apocynaceas. 

Gen.  Cli.  Calyx  very  small,  five-cleft,  persistent.  Corolla  campanulate, 
half  five-cleft,,  lobes  revolute,  furnished  at  the  base  with  five  dentoid  glands 
alternating  with  the  stamens.  Anthers  connivent,  sagittate,  cohering  to  the 
stigma  by  the  middle.  Style  obsolete.  Stigma  thick  and  acute.  Follicles 
long  and  linear.  Seed  comose.  Nnttall. 

Apocynum  androssemifolium.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  i.  1259;  Bigelow,  Am. 


part  i.  Apocynum  Cannabinum.  107 

Med.  Bot.  ii.  148.  Dog’s-bane  is  an  indigenous,  perennial,  herbaceous 
plant,  from  three  to  six  feet  in  height,  and  abounding  in  a milky  juice, 
which  exudes  when  the  plant  is  wounded.  The  stem  is  erect,  smooth,  sim- 
ple below,  branched  above,  usually  red  on  the  side  exposed  to  the  sun,  and 
covered  with  a tough  fibrous  bark.  The  leaves  are  opposite,  petiolate,  ovate, 
acute,  entire,  smooth  on  both  sides,  and  two  or  three  inches  long.  The  flowers 
are  white,  tinged  with  red,  and  grow  in  loose,  nodding,  terminal  or  axillary 
cymes.  The  peduncles  have  very  small  acute  bractes.  The  tube  of  the  corolla 
is  longer  than  the  calyx,  and  its  border  spreading.  The  fruit  consists  of  a 
pair  of  long,  linear,  acute  follicles,  containing  numerous  imbricated  seeds, 
attached  to  a central  receptacle,  and  each  furnished  with  a long  seed-down. 

The  plant  flourishes  in  all  parts  of  the  United  States  from  Canada  to  the 
Carolinas.  It  is  found  along  fences  and  the  skirts  of  woods,  and  flowers  in 
June  and  July.  The  root  is  the  part  employed. 

This  is  large,  and,  like  other  parts  of  the  plant,  contains  a milky  juice. 
Its  taste  is  unpleasant  and  intensely  bitter.  Bigelow  inferred  from  his 
experiments  that  it  contained  bitter  extractive,  a red  colouring  matter  soluble 
in  water  and  not  in  alcohol,  caoutchouc,  and  volatile  oil. 

Medical  Properties.  The  powder  of  the  recently  dried  root  acts  as  an 
emetic  in  the  dose  of  thirty  grains ; and  is  said  to  be  sometimes  employed  by 
practitioners  in  the  country  for  this  purpose.  By  Dr.  Zollickoffer  it  is  con- 
sidered a useful  tonic,  in  doses  of  from  ten  to  twenty  grains.  Dr.  Bigelow 
states  that  its  activity  is  diminished,  and  eventually  destroyed  by  keeping. 
It  is  among  the  remedies  employed  by  the  Indians  in  lues  venerea.  W. 

APOCYNUM  CANNABINUM.  U.  S.  Secondary. 
Indian  Hemp. 

The  root  of  Apocynum  cannabinum.  U.  S. 

Apocynum.  See  APOCYNUM  ANDROSiEMIFOLIUM. 

Apocynum  cannabinum.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  i.  1259 ; Knapp,  Am.  Med. 
Rev.  iii.  197.  In  general  appearance  and  character,  this  species  bears  a close 
resemblance  to  the  preceding.  The  stems  are  herbaceous,  erect,  branching, 
of  a brown  colour,  and  two  or  three  feet  in  height;  the  leaves  are  opposite, 
oblong-ovate,  acute  at  both  ends,  and  somewhat  downy  beneath  ; the  cymes 
are  paniculate,  many-flowered,  and  pubescent;  the  corolla  is  small  and  green- 
ish, with  a tube  not  longer  than  the  calyx,  and  an  erect  border ; the  internal 
parts  of  the  flower  are  pinkish  or  purple.  The  plant  grows  in  similar  situa- 
tions with  A.  androsasmifolium,  flowers  about  the  same  period,  and  bears  a 
similar  fruit.  It  abounds  in  a milky  juice,  and  has  a tough  fibrous  bark, 
which,  by  maceration,  affords  a substitute  for  hemp.  From  this  circumstance 
its  common  name  was  derived. 

The  root,  which  is  the  officinal  part,  is  horizontal,  five  or  six  feet  in  length, 
about  one-third  of  an  inch  thick,  dividing  near  the  end  into  branches  which 
terminate  abruptly,  of  a yellowish-brown  colour  when  young,  but  dark-chest- 
nut when  old,  of  a strong  odour,  and  a nauseous,  somewhat  acrid,  perma- 
nently bitter  taste.  The  internal  or  ligneous  portion  is  yellowish-white,  and 
less  bitter  than  the  exterior  or  cortical  part.  The  fresh  root,  when  wounded, 
emits  a milky  juice,  which  concretes  into  a substance  resembling  caoutchouc. 
In  the  dried  state,  it  is  brittle  and  readily  pulverized,  affording  a powder 
like  that  of  ipecacuanha.  Dr.  Knapp  found  it  to  contain  a bitter  principle, 
extractive,  tannin,  gallic  acid,  resin,  wax,  caoutchouc,  fecula,  lignin,  and  a 
peculiar  active  principle  which  he  proposed  to  call  apocynin.  (Am.  Med.  Re- 
view, iii.  197.)  Dr.  G-riscom,  by  a subsequent  analysis,  obtained  similar 


108  Apocynum  (Jannabinum. — Aqua.  part  I. 

results,  with  the  addition  of  gum.  The  root  yields  its  virtues  to  water  and 
alcohol,  hut,  according  to  Dr.  Griscom,  most  readily  to  the  former. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses. — Indian  hemp  is  powerfully  emetic  and 
cathartic,  sometimes  diuretic,  and,  like  other  emetic  substances,  promotes 
diaphoresis  and  expectoration.  It  produces  much  nausea,  diminishes  the  fre- 
quency of  the  pulse,  and  appears  to  induce  drowsiness  independently  of  the 
exhaustion  consequent  upon  vomiting.  The  disease  in  which  it  has  been 
found  most  beneficial  is  dropsy.  An  aggravated  case  of  ascites,  under  the 
care  of  the  late  Dr.  Joseph  Parrish,  was  completely  cured  by  the  decoction 
of  the  plant,  which  acted  as  a powerful  hydragogue  cathartic.  Dr.  Knapp 
also  found  it  useful  in  a case  of  dropsy.  Other  instances  of  its  efficacy  in 
this  complaint  have  been  published  by  Dr.  Griscom  of  New  York.  (Am. 
Journ.  of  Med.  Sciences,  xii.  55.)  From  fifteen  to  thirty  grains  of  the  pow- 
dered root  will  generally  produce  copious  vomiting  and  purging.  The 
decoction  is  a more  convenient  form  for  administration.  It  may  be  prepared 
by  boiling  half  an  ounce  of  the  dried  root  in  a pint  and  a half  of  water  to  a 
pint,  of  which  from  one  to  two  fluidounces  may  be  given  two  or  three  times 
a day,  or  more  frequently  if  requisite.  The  watery  extract,  in  doses  of  three 
or  four  grains  three  times  a day,  will  generally  act  on  the  bowels.  W. 

AQUA.  U.  S.,  Ed. 

Water. 

Natural  water  in  the  purest  attainable  state.  U.  S.  Spring  water.  Ed. 

Off.  Syn.  AQUA  FONTANA.  Spring  Water.  Dub. 

"T&»§,  Or. ; Eau,  Ft.;  Wasser,  Germ.;  Aequa,  Ital.;  Agua,  Span. 

Water  has  always  been  included,  as  an  officinal,  in  the  United  States  Phar- 
macopceia,  on  account  of  its  great  importance  as  a medical  and  pharmaceutical 
agent.  It  was  not  admitted  into  the  officinal  lists  of  the  British  Pharmaco- 
poeias until  the  year  1839,  when  it  was  first  recognised  by  the  Edinburgh 
College.  Since  then  it  has  been  made  officinal  by  the  Dublin  College,  in  its 
revised  Pharmacopoeia  of  1850.  It  is  more  or  less  concerned  in  almost  all 
the  changes  which  take  place  in  inorganic  matter,  and  is  essential  to  the 
growth  and  existence  of  living  beings,  whether  animal  or  vegetable.  In 
treating  of  a substance  of  such  diversified  agency,  our  limits  will  allow  only 
of  a sketch  of  its  properties  and  modifications.  We  shall  speak  of  it  under 
the  several  heads  of  pure  xcater,  common  water,  and  mineral  waters. 

Pure  Water.  Water,  in  a pure  state,  is  a transparent  liquid,  without 
colour,  taste,  or  smell.  Its  sp.  gr.  is  assumed  to  be  unity,  and  forms  the 
term  of  comparison  for  that  of  all  solids  and  liquids.  A cubic  inch  of  it,  at 
the  temp,  of  60°,  weighs  very  nearly  252'5  grains.  It  is  compressible  to  a 
small  extent,  as  was  proved  first  by  Canton,  and  afterwards,  in  an  incontest- 
able manner,  by  Perkins.  Seduced  in  temp,  to  32°,  it  becomes  a solid  or 
ice;  and  raised  to  212°,  an  elastic  fluid  called  steam.  In  the  state  of  steam 
its  bulk  is  increased  nearly  1700  fold,  and  its  sp.  gr.  so  far  diminished  as  not 
to  be  much  more  than  half  that  of  atmospheric  air.  At  the  temp,  of  39°  its 
density  is  at  the  maximum ; and  consequently,  setting  out  from  that  point, 
it  is  increased  in  bulk  by  being  either  heated  or  cooled.  It  has  the  power  of 
dissolving  more  or  less  of  all  the  gases,  including  common  air,  the  constituents 
of  which  are  always  present  in  natural  water.  It  is  uniformly  present  in  the 
atmosphere,  in  the  form  of  an  invisible  vapour,  even  in  the  driest  weather. 

Water  consists  of  one  equivalent  of  hydrogen  1,  and  one  of  oxygen  8=9; 
or,  in  volumes,  of  one  volume  of  hydrogen  and  half  a volume  of  oxygen, 
condensed  into  one  volume  of  aqueous  vapour  or  steam.  On  these  data,  it  is 


PART  I. 


109 


Aqua. 

easy  to  calculate  the  sp.  gr.  of  steam;  for  its  density  will  be  0'0689  (sp.gr. 
of  hydrogen)  + 0 5512  (half  the  sp.gr.  of  oxygen)=0'6201. 

Common  Water.  From  the  extensive  solvent  powers  of  water,  it  is  ob- 
vious that,  in  its  natural  state,  it  must  be  more  or  less  contaminated  with 
foreign  matter.  This  is  found  to  be  the  case ; and,  according  to  the  nature 
of  the  strata  through  which  it  percolates,  it  becomes  variously  impregnated. 
When  the  foreign  substances  present  are  in  so  small  an  amount  as  not 
materially  to  alter  its  taste  and  other  sensible  qualities,  it  constitutes  the 
different  varieties  of  common  water. 

Common  water  possesses  almost  innumerable  shades  of  difference,  as  ob- 
tained from  different  localities  and  sources,  but  all  its  varieties  may  be  con- 
veniently arranged  under  the  two  heads  of  soft  and  hard.  A soft  water  is 
one  which  contains  but  inconsiderable  impurities,  and  which,  when  used  in 
washing,  forms  a lather  with  soap.  By  a hard  water  is  understood  a variety 
of  water  which  contains  one  or  more  salts  of  lime,  and,  therefore,  curdles 
soap,  and  is  unfit  for  domestic  purposes.  Tincture  of  soap  is  a convenient 
and  useful  test  for  ascertaining  the  quality  of  water.  In  distilled  water  it 
produces  no  effect ; in  soft  water,  ouly  a slight  opalescence ; and  in  hard 
water,  a milky  appearance.  This  latter  appearance  is  due  to  the  formation 
of  an  insoluble  compound  between  the  oily  acids  of  the  soap,  and  the  lime 
of  the  calcareous  salt. 

The  most  usual  foreign  substances  in  common  water,  besides  oxygen  and 
nitrogen,  and  matters  held  in  a state  of  mechanical  suspension,  are  carbonic 
acid,  sulphate  and  carbonate  of  lime,  and  chloride  of  sodium  (common  salt). 
Carbonic  acid  is  detected  by  lime-water,  which  produces  a precipitate  before 
the  water  is  boiled,  but  not  afterwards,  as  ebullition  drives  off  this  acid. 
The  presence  of  sulphate  of  lime  is  shown  by  precipitates  being  produced  by 
nitrate  of  baryta,  and,  after  ebullition,  by  oxalate  of  ammonia.  The  first  test 
shows  the  presence  of  sulphuric  acid,  and  the  latter  indicates  lime  not  held  in 
solution  by  carbonic  acid.  Carbonate  of  lime,  when  held  in  solution  by  an 
excess  of  carbonic  acid,  may  be  detected  by  boiling  the  water,  which  causes  it 
to  precipitate;  but,  even  after  ebullition  and  filtration,  the  water  will  retain 
enough  carbonate  of  lime  to  give  a precipitate  with  acetate  of  lead,  according 
to  the  experiments  of  Prof.  Connell,  of  St.  Andrews.  This  result  arises  from 
the  fact  that  carbonate  of  lime  is  to  a minute  extent  soluble  in  water.  Nitrate 
of  silver  will  produce  a precipitate,  if  any  soluble  chloride  be  present;  and, 
ordinarily,  the  particular  one  present  may  be  assumed  to  be  common  salt. 

It  is  generally  supposed  that  the  oxygen  and  nitrogen  present  in  natural 
waters  are  in  the  same  proportion  as  in  atmospheric  air;  but  for  the  most  part 
the  oxygen  is  in  larger  proportion.  In  atmospheric  air,  the  oxygen  amounts 
to  about  20  per  cent,  in  volume ; but  the  usual  gaseous  mixture,  expelled 
from  fresh  water  by  boiling,  contains  about  32  per  cent,  of  this  gas. 

Common  water  is  also  divided  into  varieties  according  to  its  source.  Thus 
we  have  rain,  snow,  spring,  river,  well,  lake,  and  marsh  water. 

Rain  and  snoiv  waters  are  the  purest  kinds  of  natural  water,  being,  in 
effect,  produced  by  a natural  distillation.  Rain  water,  to  be  obtained  as  pure 
as  possible,  must  be  collected  in  large  vessels  in  the  open  fields,  at  a distance 
from  houses,  and  some  time  after  the  rain  has  commenced  falling;  otherwise 
it  will  be  contaminated  with  the  dust  which  floats  in  the  atmosphere,  and 
other  impurities  derived  from  roofs.  The  rain  water  of  large  cities  contains 
nitrogenized  organic  matter,  as  shown  by  the  odour  produced  by  burning  the 
residue,  left  when  the  water  is  evaporated  to  dryness. 

Rain  water  ordinarily  contains  atmospheric  air;  and,  according  to  Liebig, 
a little  nitric  acid,  if  it  descended  during  a storm.  According  to  an  analysis, 
made  by  M.  Martin,  of  rain  water  which  fell  at  Marseilles  during  a violent 


110 


PART  I. 


Aqua. 

storm,  1000  parts  by  weight  contained  O'OOI  parts  of  chlorine,  and  0 -003 
parts  of  ammonia.  Not  a trace  of  iodine  or  of  nitric  acid  was  discovered. 
( Chem . Gaz.,  Nov.  1853.)  Snow  water  has  a peculiar  taste,  which  was 
formerly  supposed  to  depend  on  the  presence  of  air  more  oxygenous  than  that 
of  the  atmosphere;  but  in  point  of  fact,  when  newly  melted,  it  contains  no 
air,  and  this  accounts  for  its  vapid  taste.  Both  rain  and  snow  water  are 
sufficiently  pure  for  employment  in  most  chemical  operations. 

Spring  water  (aqua  fontana)  depends  entirely  for  its  quality  on  the  strata 
through  which  it  flows;  being  purest  when  it  passes  through  sand  or  gravel. 
It  almost  always  contains  a trace  of  common  salt,  and  generally  other  impu- 
rities, which  vary  according  to  the  locality  of  the  spring. 

River  water  (aqua  fluvialis),  generally  speaking,  is  less  impregnated  with 
saline  matter  than  spring  water,  from  its  being  made  up  in  considerable  part 
of  rains,  and  from  its  volume  bearing  so  large  a proportion  to  the  surface  of 
its  bed.  On  the  other  hand,  it  is  much  more  apt  to  have  mechanically  sus- 
pended in  it  certain  insoluble  matters,  of  a vegetable  and  earthy  nature, 
which  impair  its  transparency. 

Well  water,  like  that  from  springs,  is  liable  to  contain  various  impurities. 
As  a general  rule,  the  purity  of  the  water  of  a well  will  be  in  proportion  to 
its  depth,  and  the  constancy  with  which  it  is  used.  Well  water  in  large 
cities  always  contains  nitrates.  {Dr.  R.  A.  Smith.)  They  arise  from  the 
rapid  oxidation  of  nitrogenized  organic  matter,  filtering  through  the  soil. 
The  presence  of  nitrates  in  water  prevents  the  formation  of  auy  vegetable 
matter,  which  cannot  be  detected  by  the  microscope,  even  after  it  has  been 
long  kept.  Artesian  or  overflowing  wells,  on  account  of  their  great  depth, 
generally  afford  a pure  water. 

Lake  water  cannot  be  characterized  as  having  any  invariable  qualities. 
In  most  of  the  lakes  in  the  United  States,  it  is  a pure  and  wholesome  water. 

Marsh  water  is  generally  stagnant,  and  contains  vegetable  remains  under- 
going decomposition.  It  is  an  unwholesome  water,  and  ought  never  to  be 
used  for  medicinal  purposes. 

Common  waters  are  apt  to  contain  organic  matter  in  solution,  of  the  nature 
of  ulmin  or  gein.  In  order  to  ascertain  whether  its  amount  exceeds  the 
minute  quantity  usually  present  in  good  water,  Dupasquier  has  proposed 
chloride  of  gold  as  a test.  From  one  to  two  fluidounces  of  the  water  to  be 
tested,  is  put  into  a small  flask,  and  a few  drops  of  solution  of  chloride  of 
gold,  free  from  excess  of  muriatic  acid,  are  added,  so  as  to  give  the  water  a 
slight  yellow  tint.  The  liquid  is  then  boiled.  If  the  water  contain  the  ordi- 
nary proportion  of  organic  matter,  the  yellow  tint  remains  unchanged ; but  if 
its  quantity  be  greater  than  this,  the  liquid  at  first  becomes  brownish,  and 
afterwards  violet  or  bluish,  in  consequence  of  the  reduction  of  the  gold. 

The  term  Aqua,  in  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia,  may  be  considered  as  desig- 
nating any  natural  water  of  good  quality.  In  the  Edinburgh  Pharmacopoeia 
it  means  spring  water,  “so  far  at  least  free  of  saline  matter  as  not  to  possess 
the  quality  of  hardness,  or  contain  above  a 6000th  of  solid  matter.”  A good 
water  may  be  known  by  its  being  limpid  and  without  smell.  It  answers  well 
for  the  cooking  of  vegetables,  and  does  not  curdle  soap.  Upon  the  addition 
of  nitrate  of  baryta,  nitrate  of  silver,  or  oxalate  of  ammonia,  its  transparency 
is  but  slightly  affected ; and,  upon  being  evaporated  to  drjmess,  it  leaves  but 
an  inconsiderable  residue. 

Water  should  never  be  kept  in  leaden  cisterns,  on  account  of  the  risk  of 
its  dissolving  a small  portion  of  lead.  This  risk  is  greater  in  proportion  to 
the  softness  and  purity  of  the  water;  for  it  is  found  that  the  presence  of  a 
minute  proportion  of  saline  matter,  as  for  example  of  a chloride  or  sulphate, 
protects  the  water  from  the  slightest  metallic  impregnation.  Mr.  R.  Phil- 


PART  I. 


Ill 


Aqua. 

lips,  jun.,  attributes  tlie  preservative  power  to  sulphate  of  lime,  and  not  to  a 
chloride,  which  would  give  rise  to  chloride  of  lead,  which  is  slightly  soluble. 
The  protection  is  afforded  by  an  insoluble  film  on  the  surface  of  the  lead, 
formed  by  the  decomposition  of  the  saline  matter. 

The  Schuylkill  water , introduced  into  Philadelphia,  possesses  all  the  cha- 
racteristics of  a good  water,  except  that  it  is  occasionally  turbid  after  heavy 
rains.  It  contains,  on  an  average,  in  a wine  gallon,  according  to  an  analysis 
by  Prof.  M.  H.  Boyh,  of  Philadelphia,  4'42  grains  of  foreign  matter,  nearly 
one-half  of  which  is  carbonate  of  lime.  It  is  perfectly  free  from  lead,  even 
after  standing  in  leaden  pipes  for  thirty-six  hours.  {Prof.  E.  N.  Horsford.') 
The  Croton  water  of  New  York  is  also  a good  water.  A brackish  or  hard 
water  ought  never  to  be  employed  in  compounding  prescriptions.  For  some 
pharmaceutical  processes,  however,  no  natural  water  is  sufficiently  pure ; and 
hence  the  necessity  of  resorting  to  distilled  water.  (See  Aqua  Destillata .) 

Matters,  mechanically  suspended  in  a natural  water,  may  be  removed  by 
filtration  through  sand.  On  a large  scale  they  may  be  separated  by  causing 
the  water  to  percolate  a bed  of  gravel  and  sand.  Rest,  causing  subsidence, 
effects  the  same  purpose,  but  in  a less  perfect  manner,  and  requires  time. 

Mineral  Waters.  When  natural  waters  are  so  far  impregnated  with 
foreign  substances  as  to  have  a decided  taste  and  a peculiar  operation  on  the 
economy,  they  are  called  mineral  icaters.  These  are  conveniently  arranged 
under  the  four  heads  of  carbonated , sulphuretted , chalybeate,  and  saline. 

1.  Carbonated  waters  are  characterized  by  containing  an  excess  of  carbonic 
acid,  which  gives  them  a sparkling  appearance,  and  the  power  of  reddening 
litmus  paper.  These  waters  frequently  contain  the  carbonates  of  lime,  mag- 
nesia, and  iron,  which  are  held  in  solution  by  the  excess  of  carbonic  acid. 
The  waters  of  Seltzer,  Spa,  and  Pyrmont  in  Europe,  and  of  the  sweet  springs 
in  Virginia,  belong  to  this  class. 

2.  Sulphuretted  waters  are  such  as  contain  sulphuretted  hydrogen,  and 
are  distinguished  by  the  peculiar  fetid  smell  of  that  gas,  and  by  yielding  a 
brown  precipitate  with  the  salts  of  lead  or  silver.  Examples  of  this  kind 
are  the  waters  of  Aix  La  Chapelle  and  Harrowgate  in  Europe,  and  those  of 
the  white,  red,  and  salt  sulphur  springs  in  Virginia. 

8.  Chalybeate  waiters  are  characterized  by  a strong  inky  taste,  and  by 
striking  a black  colour  with  the  infusion  of  galls,  and  a blue  one  with  ferro- 
cyanuret  of  potassium.  The  iron  is  generally  in  the  state  of  carbonate  of  the 
protoxide,  held  in  solution  by  excess  of  carbonic  acid.  By  standing,  the  car- 
bonic acid  is  given  off,  and  the  protoxide,  by  absorbing  oxygen,  is  precipitated 
as  a hydrated  sesquioxide  of  an  oc-hreous  colour.  The  principal  chalybeate 
waters  are  those  of  Tunbridge  and  Brighton  in  England,  of  Wies-baden  in 
Germany,  and  of  Bedford,  Pittsburg,  and  Brandywine  in  the  United  States. 
The  sediments  of  many  of  the  chalybeate  springs  of  Germany  have  been 
ascertained  by  Walchner  to  contain  both  arsenic  and  copper  in  minute  quan- 
tities. These  results  have  been  confirmed  by  Dr.  H.  Will,  who  finds  in  some 
of  these  springs  a minute  proportion  of  tin,  lead,  and  antimony,  in  addition  to 
the  arsenic  and  copper.  In  three  springs  Will  found  the  ratio  of  the  sesqui- 
oxide of  iron  to  the  other  metals  to  be,  on  an  average,  as  48  to  1.  Accord- 
ing to  M.  Lassaigne,  these  arseniferous  sediments  exert  no  poisonous  action 
on  the  inferior  animals,  a result  which  he  attributes  to  the  antidotal  power 
of  the  iron. 

4.  Saline  waters  are  those,  the  predominant  properties  of  whic-S  depend 
upon  saline  impregnation.  The  salts  most  usually  present  are  the  sulphates 
and  carbonates  of  soda,  lime,  and  magnesia,  and  the  chlorides’ of  sodium,  cal- 
cium, and  magnesium.  Potassa  is  occasionally  present,  and  lithia  has  been 
detected  by  Berzelius  in  the  spring  of  Carlsbad,  in  Germany.  Bromine  ex- 


112 


PART  I. 


Aqua. 

ists  in  considerable  quantity  in  the  saline  at  Theodorshalle,  in  Germany,  as 
also  in  the  salt  springs  of  western  Pennsylvania.  The  mineral  springs  at 
Saratoga,  in  the  State  of  New  York,  contain  a small  proportion  of  iodine  and 
bromine.  The  principal  saline  waters  are  those  of  Seidlitz  in  Bohemia, 
Cheltenham  and  Bath  in  England,  and  Ilarrodsburg  and  Saratoga  in  the 
United  States.  To  these  may  be  added,  a most  important  saline  water,  that 
of  the  ocean. 

We  subjoin  a summary  view  of  the  composition  of  most  of  the  mineral 
waters  enumerated  under  the  foregoing  heads. 

1.  Carbonated.  Seltzer.  In  a wine  pint.  Carbonic  acid  17  cubic  inches. 
Solid  contents ; — carbonate  of  soda  4 grs.;  carbonate  of  magnesia  5;  carbon- 
ate of  lime  3;  chloride  of  sodium  17.  Total  29  grs.  ( Bergmann .) 

Spa.  In  a wine  pint.  Carbonic  acid  13  cubic  inches.  Solid  contents; — 
carbonate  of  soda  1*5  grs.;  carbonate  of  magnesia  4*5;  carbonate  of  lime  15; 
chloride  of  sodium  0*2;  oxide  of  iron  0'6.  Total  8'3  grains.  {Bergmann.) 

Pyrmont.  In  a wine  pint.  Carbonic  acid  *26  cubic  inches.  Solid  contents ; — 
carbonate  of  magnesia  10  grs. ; carbonate  of  lime  4 5;  sulphate  of  mag- 
nesia 5*5;  sulphate  of  lime  8'5;  chloride  of  sodium  1*5;  oxide  of  iron  0*6. 
Total  30*6  grs.  {Bergmann.) 

2.  Sulphuretted.  A ix  la  Chapelle.  In  a wine  pint.  Sulphuretted  hydro- 
gen 5'5  cubic  inches.  Solid  contents  ; — carbonate  of  soda  12  grs. ; carbonate 
of  lime  4*75;  chloride  of  sodium  5.  Total  21'75  grs.  {Bergmann.) 

Harrowgate old  well.  In  a wine  gallon.  Gaseous  contents ; — sulphuretted 

hydrogen  14  cubic  inches;  carbonic  acid  4 ’25  ; nitrogen  8;  carburetted  hy- 
drogen 4'15.  Total  30 '4  cubic  inches.  Solid  contents; — chloride  of  sodium 
752  grs.;  chloride  of  calcium  65 ‘ 75 ; chloride  of  magnesium  29*2 ; bicarbonate 
of  soda  12*8.  Total  859'75  grs.  ( English  West.  Quart.  Journ.) 

White  sulphur.  Gaseous  contents  in  a wine  gallon; — sulphuretted  hydrogen 
2'5  cubic  inches;  carbonic  acid  2;  oxygen  1‘448 ; nitrogen  3'552.  Total  9*5. 
Solid  contents  in  a pint; — sulphate  of  magnesia  5'588  grs.;  sulphate  of  lime 
7 "744 ; carbonate  of  lime  1*150;  chloride  of  calcium  0*204;  chloride  of  sodium 
0*180;  oxide  of  iron  a trace;  loss  0*410.  Total  15*276  grs.  ( Prof '.  William 
B.  Rogers.) 

3.  Chalybeate.  Tunbridge  In  a wine  gallon.  Solid  contents; — chloride 
of  sodium  2*46  grs. ; chloride  of  calcium  0*39;  chloride  of  magnesium  0*29; 
sulphate  of  lime  1*41;  carbonate  of  lime  0*27;  oxide  of  iron  2*22;  traces 
of  manganese,  vegetable  fibre,  silica,  &c.  0*44;  loss  0*13.  Total  7*61  grs. 
( Scudamore .) 

Brighton.  In  a wine  pint.  Carbonic  acid  2*5  cubic  inches.  Solid  contents; — 
sulphate  of  iron  1*80  grs.;  sulphate  of  lime  4*09  ; chloride  of  sodium  1*53; 
chloride  of  magnesium  0*75;  silica  0*14;  loss  0*19.  Total  8*5  grs.  (Afarcet.) 

Cheltenham  {chalybeate).  In  a wine  pint.  Gaseous  contents  ; — carbonic  acid 
2*5  cubic  inches.  Solid  contents ; — carbonate  of  soda  0*5  grs. ; sulphate  of 
soda  22*7  ; sulphate  of  magnesia  6 ; sulphate  of  lime  2*5;  chloride  of  sodium 
41*3  ; oxide  of  iron  0*8.  Total  73*8  grs.  ( Brande  and  Parlces.) 

Bedford.  In  a wine  pint.  Carbonic  acid  not  estimated.  Solid  contents ; — 
carbonate  of  lime  2*120  grs. ; sulphate  of  lime  11*274  ; sulphate  of  magnesia 
3*974  ; sulphates  of  alumina  and  sesquioxide  of  iron  1*280  ; sulphate  of  soda 
3*092 ; chloride  of  sodium  0*343;  free  sulphuric  acid  [?]  012  s ; silica  and 
organic  matter  a trace.  Total  22*211  grs.  (J.  Cheston  Morris.  Medical 
Examiner,  June,  1852.) 

Rockbridge  alum  spring.  In  a wine  gallon.  Carbouie  acid  7*536  grs. 
Solid  contents; — sulphate  of  potassa  1*765  grs.;  sulphate  of  lime  3*263  ; 
sulphate  of  magnesia  1*763;  protoxide  of  iron  4*863;  alumina  17*905; 
crenate  of  ammonia  0*700  ; chloride  of  sodium  l'OOS;  silica  2*840  ; free  sul- 


PART  I. 


113 


Aqua. 

phuric  acid  15'224.  Total  49*331.  (Dr.  Hayes.)  Iu  tliis  analysis  a free 
acid  and  free  bases  are  made  to  coexist. 

4.  Saline.  Seidlitz.  In  a wine  pint.  Solid  contents ; — carbonate  of  mag- 
nesia 2*5  grs. ; carbonate  of  lime  0*8  ; sulphate  of  magnesia  180;  sulphate  of 
lime  5;  chloride  of  magnesium  4*5.  Total  192*8  grs.  ( Bergmann .') 

Cheltenham  ( pure  saline).  In  a wine  pint.  Solid  contents; — sulphate  of 
soda  15  grs.  ; sulphate  of  magnesia  11;  sulphate  of  lime  4'5  ; chloride  of 
sodium  50.  Total  80'5  grs.  (Parkes  and  Brande.) 

Bath.  King’s  well.  Sp.gr.  1 0025 ; temp.  115°.  In  an  Imperial  gallon. 
Solid  contents ; — carbonate  of  lime  8*820  grs.;  carbonate  of  magnesia  0 329; 
carbonate  of  iron  1*064  ; sulphate  of  lime  80  052  ; sulphate  of  potassa4'G41 ; 
sulphate  of  soda  19 '229  ; chloride  of  sodium  12 '642  ; chloride  of  magnesium 
14'581 ; silica  2'982  ; with  traces  of  iodine  and  oxide  of  manganese.  Total 
144'34  grs.  ( Merck  and  Galloway,  Chem.  Gaz.  for  1846,  p.  496.) 

Balston  Spa.  Sans  Souci  spring.  In  a wine  gallon.  Solid  contents  ; — 
chloride  of  sodium  143'733  grs.  ; bicarbonate  of  soda  12  66;  bicarbonate  of 
magnesia  39'1 ; carbonate  of  lime  43'407 ; carbonate  of  iron  5*95;  iodide  of 
sodium  1‘3 ; silica  1.  Total  247'15  grs.  (Steel.) 

Saratoga.  Iodine  spring.  In  a wine  gallon.  Gaseous  contents ; — carbonic 
acid  336  cubic  inches  ; atmospheric  air  4.  Total  340  cubic  inches.  Solid 
contents  ; — chloride  of  sodium  187  grs.;  carbonate  of  magnesia  75;  carbonate 
of  lime  26;  carbonate  of  soda  2;  carbonate  of  iron  1;  iodine  3 '5.  Total 
294'5  grs.  (Prof.  Emmons.) 

Saratoga.  Pavilion  spring.  In  a wine  gallon.  Gaseous  contents ; — carbonic 
acid  359  05  cubic  inches ; atmospheric  air  5'03.  Total  364*08  cubic  inches. 
Solid  contents ; — chloride  of  sodium  187  68  grs. ; carbonate  of  soda  4'92 ; car- 
bonate of  lime  52'84  ; carbonate  of  magnesia  56'92  ; carbonate  of  iron  3*51 ; 
sulphate  of  soda  1*48;  iodide  of  sodium  2 '59 ; alumina  0'42  ; silica  116; 
phosphate  of  lime  019  ; bromide  of  potassium  a trace.  Total  311*71  grs- 
(Dr.  J.  R.  Chilton.) 

Saratoga.  Union  spring.  In  a wine  gallon.  Gaseous  contents ; — carbonic 
acid  314*16  cubic  inches;  atmospheric  air  4'62.  Total  318*78  cubic  inches. 
Solid  contents ; — chloride  of  sodium  243  620  grs.;  carbonate  of  magnesia 
84'265;  carbonate  of  lime  41'600  ; carbonate  of  soda  12'800;  carbonate  of 
iron  5*452;  iodide  of  sodium,  or  iodine  3*600 ; silica  and  alumina  1'570; 
bromide  of  potassium  a trace.  Total  392'907  grs.  (Dr.  J.  R.  Chilton.) 

Saratoga.  Congress  spring.  Gaseous  contents  in  100  cubic  inches ; — car- 
bonic acid  114  cubic  inches.  Solid  contents  in  a pound  Troy; — chloride  of 
ammonium  0 0326  grs. ; chloride  of  potassium  1'6256  ; chloride  of  sodium 
19'6653;  iodide  of  sodium  0*0046 ; bromide  of  sodium  0T613;  carbonate  of 
soda  0*8261 ; carbonate  of  lime  5*8.531 ; carbonate  of  magnesia  4*1155;  car- 
bonate of  strontia  0*0672 ; carbonate  of  protoxide  of  iron  0*0173;  carbonate 
of  protoxide  of  manganese  0*0202 ; sulphate  of  potassa  0*1379;  nitrate  of 
magnesia  0*1004;  alumina  0*0069;  silica  0T112.  Total  32*7452  grs. 
(Schweitzer.) 

Sea  Water.  English  Channel.  In  a thousand  grains.  Water  964*744  grs.; 
chloride  of  sodium  27*059;  chloride  of  potassium  0*765;  chloride  of  magne- 
sium 3*667 ; bromide  of  magnesium  0*029;  sulphate  of  magnesia  2*296; 
sulphate  of  lime  1*407 ; carbonate  of  lime  0*033.  Total  1000*000  grs. 
(Schweitzer.)  The  proportion  of  ehloride  of  sodium  is  from  36  to  37  parts 
in  1000  in  the  ocean,  at  a distance  from  land.  Its  amount  is  small  in  the 
interior  of  the  Baltic.  It  is  perceived  that  bromine  is  present  in  very  minute 
amount.  100  pounds  of  sea  water  yield  only  31  grains  of  this  element.  Ac- 
cording to  Balard,  iodine  exists  in  the  water  of  the  Mediterranean ; but  it 


114 


PART  I. 


Aqua. 

has  not  been  detected  in  the  water  of  the  ocean,  the  bromine  being  supposed 
to  mask  its  presence.  Besides  these  ingredients,  others  are  alleged  to  exist 
in  minute  proportion  in  sea  water ; as  fluorine  by  Dr.  G-.  Wilson ; lead,  copper, 
and  silver,  by  MM.  Malaguti,  Durocher,  and  Sarzeau ; and  iron  and  man- 
ganese by  M.  Uziglio.  These  results,  except  in  regard  to  fluorine,  are  doubt- 
ful, and  should  be  confirmed  before  being  admitted.  Anterior  to  Wilson’s 
researches,  Mr.  Middleton  and  Prof.  Silliman,  Jun.  had  inferred  the  exist- 
ence of  fluorine  in  sea  water,  from  its  presence  in  marine  animals.  The  lead 
and  copper,  mentioned  above,  were  found  in  certain  fuci  only ; the  silver,  in 
the  sea  water  itself.  Schweitzer’s  analysis  gives  a small  proportion  of  car- 
bonate of  lime;  but  Bibra  could  not  detect  any.  Dr.  John  Davy’s  examina- 
tions of  sea  water  go  to  show  that  carbonate  of  lime  does  not  exist  at  a great 
distance  from  land,  except  in  very  minute  proportion  ; but  becomes  quite  evi- 
dent in  water,  taken  at  a distance  of  from  fifty  to  a hundred  miles  from  coasts. 

Sea  water,  filtered,  and  charged  with  five  times  its  volume  of  carbonic  acid, 
forms,  according  to  Pasquier,  a gentle  purgative,  wbic-h  keeps  very  well,  and 
is  not  disagreeable  to  take.  The  dose  is  from  half  a pint  to  a pint. 

Medical  and  Dietetic  Properties  of  Water.  Water  is  a remedy  of  great 
importance.  When  taken  into  the  stomach,  it  acts  by  its  temperature,  by 
its  bulk,  and  by  being  absorbed.  When  of  the  temperature  of  about  60°, 
it  gives  no  positive  sensation  either  of  heat  or  cold;  between  60°  and  45°, 
it  creates  a cool  sensation;  and  below  45°,  a decidedly  cold  one.  Between 
60°  and  100°,  it  relaxes  the  fibres  of  the  stomach,  and  is  apt  to  produce 
nausea,  particularly  if  the  effect  of  bulk  be  added  to  that  of  temperature. 
By  its  bulk  and  solvent  powers,  it  often  allays  irritation  by  diluting  the 
acrid  contents  of  the  stomach  and  bowels,  and  favouring  their  final  expul- 
sion; and  by  its  absorption,  it  promotes  the  secretion  of  urine  and  cuta- 
neous transpiration.  Indeed,  its  influence  is  so  great  in  the  latter  way,  that 
it  may  be  safely  affirmed,  that  sudorifics  and  diuretics  will  not  produce  their 
proper  effect,  unless  assisted  by  copious  dilution. 

Water  externally  applied  as  a bath,  is  also  an  important  remedy.  It  may 
act  by  its  own  specific  effect  as  a liquid,  or  as  a means  of  modifying  the  heat 
of  the  body.  It  acts  in  the  latter  way  differently,  according  to  the  particular 
temperature  at  which  it  may  be  applied.  When  this  is  above  97°,  it  consti- 
tutes either  the  vapour  or  hot  bath ; when  between  97°  and  8 5°,  the  warm 
bath ; between  85°  and  65°,  the  tepid  bath  ; and  between  65°  and  32°,  the 
cold  bath. 

The  general  action  of  the  vapour  bath  is  to  accelerate  the  circulation,  and 
produce  profuse  sweating.  It  acts  locally  on  the  skin  by  softening  and  re- 
laxing its  texture.  In  stiffness  of  the  joints,  and  various  diseases  of  the 
skin,  it  has  often  proved  beneficial. 

The  hot  bath,  like  the  vapour  bath,  is  decidedly  stimulant.  By  its  use  the 
pulse  becomes  full  and  frequent,  the  veins  turgid,  the  face  flushed,  the  skin 
red,  and  the  respiration  quickened.  If  the  temperature  be  high,  and  the 
constitution  peculiar,  its  use  is  not  without  danger ; .as  it  is  apt  to  produce  a 
feeling  of  suffocation,  violent  throbbing  in  the  temples,  and  vertigo  with 
tendency  to  apoplexy.  When  it  acts  favourably,  it  produces  profuse  per- 
spiration. 

The  warm  bath,  though  below  the  animal  heat,  nevertheless  produces  a 
sensation  of  warmth ; as  its  temperature  is  above  that  of  the  surface.  It 
diminishes  the  frequency  of  the  pulse,  renders  the  respiration  slower,  lessens 
the  heat  of  the  body,  and  relaxes  the  skin.  The  warm  bath  cannot  be 
deemed,  strictly  speaking,  a stimulant.  By  relieving  certain  diseased  actions 
and  states,  accompanied  by  morbid  irritability,  it  often  acts  as  a soothing 


part  I.  Aqua. — Aralia  Nudicaulis.  115 

remedy,  producing  a disposition  to  sleep.  It  is  proper  in  febrile  and  exan- 
thematous diseases,  in  which  the  pulse  is  frequent,  and  the  skin  preternatur- 
ally  hot  and  dry,  and  where  the  general  condition  is  characterized  by  restless- 
ness. It  is  contra-indicated  in  diseases  of  the  head  and  chest. 

The  tepid  bath  is  not  calculated  to  have  much  modifying  influence  on  the 
heat  of  the  body.  Its  peculiar  effects  are  to  soften  and  cleanse  the  skin,  and 
promote  insensible  perspiration. 

The  cold  bath  acts  differently  according  to  its  temperature  and  manner  of 
application,  and  the  condition  of  the  system  to  which  it  is  applied.  When 
of  low  temperature  and  suddenly  applied,  it  acts  primarily  as  a stimulant,  by 
the  sudden  and  rapid  manner  in  which  the  caloric  is  abstracted ; next  as  a 
tonic,  by  condensing  the  living  fibres ; and,  finally,  as  a sedative.  It  is  often 
useful  in  diseases  of  relaxation  and  debility,  when  practised  by  affusion  or 
plunging.  But  it  is  essential  to  its  efficacy  and  safety,  that  the  stock  of 
vitality  should  be  sufficient  to  create,  immediately  after  its  use,  those  general 
sensations  of  warmth  and  invigoration  included  under  the  term  reaction.  It 
was  used  with  advantage  by  the  late  Dr.  Currie,  of  Liverpool,  in  the  form 
of  affusion,  in  certain  febrile  diseases,  especially  typhus  and  scarlatina.  To 
make  it  safe,  the  heat  must  be  steadily  above  the  natural  standard,  and  the 
patient  must  be  free  from  all  sense  of  chilliness,  and  not  in  a state  of  profuse 
perspiration. 

Cold  water  is  frequently  applied  as  a sedative  in  local  inflammations,  and 
as  a means  of  restraining  hemorrhage.  Its  use,  however,  is  inadmissible  in 
inflammations  of  the  chest. 

Pharm.  Uses.  Water  is  employed  in  a vast  number  of  preparations,  either 
as  a menstruum,  or  as  a means  of  promoting  chemical  action  by  its  solvent 
power. 

Off.  Prep.  Aqua  Destillata.  B. 

ARALIA  NUDICAULIS.  U.S.  Secondartj. 

False  Sarsaparilla. 

The  root  of  Aralia  nudicaulis.  U.  S. 

Aralia.  Sex.  Syst.  Pentandria  Pentagynia. — Nat.  Ord.  Araliaceae. 

Gen.  Cli.  Floivers  umbelled.  Calyx  five-toothed,  superior.  Petals  five. 
Stigma  sessile,  subglobose.  Berry  five-celled,  five-seeded.  Torrey. 

Aralia  nudicaulis.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  i.  1521;  Rafinesque,  Med.  Flor.  i. 
53.  The  false  sarsaparilla,  wild  sarsaparilla,  or  small  spikenard,  as  this 
plant  is  variously  called,  is  an  indigenous  perennial,  with  one  leaf  and  one 
flower-stem,  springing  together  from  the  root,  or  from  a very  short  stalk,  and 
seldom  rising  two  feet  in  height.  The  leaf,  which  stands  upon  a long  foot- 
stalk, is  twice  ternate,  or  once  and  quinate,  with  oblong-oval,  acuminate 
leaflets,  rounded  at  the  base,  serrate  on  the  margin,  and  smooth  on  both  sur- 
faces. The  scape  or  flower-stem  is  naked,  shorter  than  the  leaf,  and  termi- 
nated by  three  small  umbels,  each  consisting  of  from  twelve  to  thirty  small 
yellowish  or  greenish  flowers.  The  fruit  consists  of  small  round  berries, 
about  as  large  as  those  of  the  common  elder.  The  plant  grows  throughout 
the  United  States,  from  Canada  to  the  Carolinas,  inhabiting  shady  and  rocky 
woods,  and  delighting  in  a rich  soil.  It  flowers  in  May  and  June. 

The  root,  which  is  the  officinal  portion,  is  horizontal,  creeping,  sometimes 
several  feet  in  length,  about  as  thick  as  the  little  finger,  more  or  less  twisted, 
externally  of  a yellowish-brown  colour,  of  a fragrant  odour,  and  a warm,  aro- 
matic, sweetish  taste.  It  has  not  been  analyzed. 


116 


Aralia  Nudicaulis. — Aralia  Spinosa. 


PART  i. 


Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  False  sarsaparilla  is  a gentle  stimulant  and 
diaphoretic,  and  is  thought  to  have  an  alterative  influence  analogous  to  that 
of  the  root  from  which  it  derived  its  name.  It  is  used  in  domestic  practice, 
and  by  some  practitioners  in  the  country,  in  rheumatic,  syphilitic,  and  cuta- 
neous affections,  in  the  same  manner  and  dose  as  genuine  sarsaparilla.  A 
strong  decoction  has  proved  useful  as  a stimulant  to  old  ulcers. 

The  root  of  Aralia  racemosa , or  American  spikenard , though  not  officinal, 
is  used  for  the  same  purposes  as  A.  nudicaulis,  which  it  is  said  to  resemble 
in  medical  properties.  Dr.  Peck  strongly  recommends  the  root  of  Aralia 
hispida,  called  in  Massachusetts  dwarf  elder,  as  a diuretic  in  dropsy.  He 
uses  it  in  the  form  of  decoction,  and  finds  it  pleasanter  to  the  taste  and  more 
acceptable  to  the  stomach  than  most  other  medicines  of  the  same  class.  (Am. 
Journ.  of  Med.  Sci.,  xix.  117.)  W. 

ARALIA  SPINOSA.  U.S.  Secondary. 
Angelica-tree  Baric. 

The  bark  of  Aralia  spinosa.  U.  S. 

Aralia.  See  ARALIA  NUDICAULIS. 

Aralia  spinosa.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  i.  1520.  This  is  an  indigenous  arbor- 
escent shrub,  variously  called  angelica-tree,  toothache-tree,  and  prickly  ash. 
The  last  name,  however,  should  be  dropped;  as  it  belongs  properly  to  Xan- 
thoxylum  fraxineum,  and  if  retained  might  lead  to  confusion.  The  stem  is 
erect,  simple,  from  eight  to  twelve  feet  high,  armed  with  numerous  prickles, 
and  furnished  near  the  top  with  very  large  bipinnate  or  tripinnate  leaves, 
which  are  also  prickly,  and  are  composed  of  oval,  pointed,  slightly  serrate 
leaflets.  It  terminates  in  an  ample  panicle,  very  much  branched,  and  bear- 
ing numerous  small  hemispherical  umbels,  in  each  of  which  are  about  thirty 
white  flowers. 

This  species  of  Aralia  is  found  most  abundantly  and  of  the  largest  growth 
in  the  Southern  States,  where  it  is  said  sometimes  to  attain  a height  of  from 
thirty  to  sixty  feet.  It  grows  also  in  the  Western  States,  and  as  far  north 
as  New  York.  It  is  sometimes  cultivated  in  the  gardens  of  the  north  as 
a curious  or  ornamental  plant.  It  flourishes  in  low,  fertile  woods,  and 
flowers  in  August  and  September.  The  bark,  root,  and  berries  are  medi- 
cinal ; but  the  first  only  is  directed  by  the  Pharmacopoeia. 

The  bark,  as  in  the  shops,  is  usually  in  small  quills  or  half-quills,  from 
two  or  three  lines  to  half  an  inch  in  diameter,  thin,  fibrous,  grayish  exter- 
nally, and  armed  with  prickles  or  the  remains  of  them,  yellowish  within,  of 
an  odour  somewhat  aromatic,  and  a bitterish  taste,  which  becomes  slightly 
acrid  on  chewing,  and  leaves  a lasting  sense  of  pungency  upon  the  tongue. 
It  yields  its  virtues  to  boiling  water. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  The  virtues  of  Aralia  spinosa  are  those  of 
a stimulant  diaphoretic.  According  to  Elliot,  an  infusion  of  the  recent  bark 
of  the  root  is  emetic  and  cathartic.  The  remedy  is  used  in  chronic  rheu- 
matism and  cutaneous  eruptions ; and  in  some  parts  of  the  South  has  been 
employed  in  syphilis.  Pursh  states  that  a vinous  or  spirituous  infusion  of 
the  berries  is  remarkable  for  relieving  rheumatic  pains ; and  a similar  tincture 
is  said  to  be  employed  in  Virginia  with  advantage  in  violent  colic.  The 
pungency  of  this  tincture  has  also  been  found  useful  in  relieving  toothache. 
The  bark  is  most  conveniently  administered  in  decoction.  V . 


PART  I. 


Argentum. 


117 


ARGENTUM.  U.S.,  Land.,  Ed. 

Silver. 

Off.  Syn.  ARGENTUM  PURIFICATUM.  Refined  Silver.  Dub. 

Argent,  Fr.;  Silber,  Germ.;  Argento,  Ital.;  Plata,  Span. 

Silver  is  occasionally  found  in  the  metallic  state,  sometimes  crystallized  or 
in  the  form  of  vegetations,  at  other  times  combined  with  gold,  antimony, 
arsenic,  or  mercury ; but  more  usually  it  occurs  in  the  state  of  sulphuret, 
either  pure,  or  mixed  with  other  sulphurets,  as  those  of  copper,  lead,  and 
antimony.  It  is  sometimes  found  as  a chloride. 

The  most  productive  mines  of  silver  are  found  on  this  continent,  being 
those  of  Mexico  and  Peru;  the  richest  in  Europe  are  those  of  Norway,  Hun- 
gary, and  Transylvania.  The  principal  ore  which  is  worked  is  the  sulphuret. 
The  mineral  containing  silver  which  is  most  disseminated,  is  argentiferous 
galena,  which  is  a sulphuret  of  lead,  containing  a little  sulphuret  of  silver. 
Argentiferous  galena  exists  in  several  localities  in  the  United  States.  A 
mine  of  silver  was  opened  about  the  year  1841,  in  Davidson  County,  North 
Carolina.  The  ore  is  an  argentiferous  carbonate  of  lead,  yielding  about  one- 
third  of  its  weight  of  lead,  from  which  from  100  to  400  ounces  of  silver  are 
extracted  per  ton.  ( Eckfddt  and  Du  Bois,  Manual  of  Coins.') 

Extraction.  Silver  is  extracted  from  its  ores  by  two  principal  processes, 
amalgamation  and  cupellation.  At  Freyberg,  in  Saxony,  the  ore,  which  is 
principally  the  sulphuret,  is  mixed  with  a tenth  of  chloride  of  sodium  (common 
salt),  and  roasted  in  a reverberatory  furnace.  The  sulphur  becomes  acidified, 
and  combines  with  sodium  and  oxygen,  so  as  to  form  sulphate  of  soda,  while 
the  chlorine  forms  a chloride  with  the  silver.  The  roasted  mass  is  then  re- 
duced to  very  fine  powder,  mixed  with  half  its  weight  of  mercury,  one-third 
of  its  weight  of  water,  and  about  a seventeenth  of  iron  in  flat  pieces,  and  sub- 
jected, for  sixteen  or  eighteen  hours,  to  constant  agitation  in  barrels  turned 
by  machinery.  The  chlorine  combines  with  the  iron,  and  remains  in  solution 
as  chloride  of  iron,  while  the  silver  forms  an  amalgam  with  the  mercury.  The 
amalgam  is  then  subjected  to  pressure  in  leathern  bags,  through  the  pores  of 
which  the  excess  of  mercury  passes,  a solid  amalgam  being  left  behind.  This 
is  then  subjected  to  heat  in  a distillatory  apparatus,  by  means  of  which  the 
mercury  is  separated  from  the  silver,  which  remains  behind  in  the  form  of  a 
porous  mass.  In  Peru  and  Mexico  the  process  is  somewhat  similar  to  the 
above,  common  salt  and  mercury  being  used;  but  slaked  lime  and  sulphuret 
of  iron  are  also  employed,  with  an  effect  which  is  not  very  obvious. 

When  argentiferous  galenas  are  worked  for  the  silver  they  contain,  they  are 
first  reduced,  and  the  argentiferous  lead  obtained  is  fused  on  a large  shallow 
cupel  called  a test,  and  exposed  to  the  blast  of  a bellows,  whereby  the  lead 
is  oxidized,  half  vitrified,  and  driven  off  the  test  in  scales,  forming  the  sub- 
stance called  litharge.  Rut,  the  operation  being  continued,  the  whole  of  the 
lead  is  separated,  and  the  silver,  not  being  oxidizable,  remains  behind  as  a 
brilliant  fused  mass.  The  time  required  for  the  separation  is  much  abridged 
by  the  process  of  Mr.  Pattinson,  of  Newcastle,  England.  This  consists  in 
allowing  the  melted  alloy  to  cool  slowly,  and  separating  the  crystals  which 
first  form,  and  which  are  much  richer  in  silver  than  the  original  mass,  by 
means  of  a perforated  ladle.  The  crystals  are  then  subjected  to  cupellation, 
for  the  separation  of  the  lead  which  they  still  contain. 

Properties.  Silver  is  a white  metal,  very  brilliant,  tenacious,  malleable, 
and  ductile.  In  malleability  and  ductility,  it  is  inferior  only  to  gold.  It  is 
harder  than  gold,  but  softer  than  copper.  Its  equivalent  number  is  108, 


118  Argentum. — Armoracia.  part  I. 

symbol  Ag,  and  sp.gr.  about  10‘4.  It  forms  but  one  well  characterized 
oxide,  which  is  a protoxide.  Exposed  to  a full  red  heat,  it  enters  into  fusion, 
and  exhibits  a brilliant  appearance.  It  is  not  oxidized  in  the  air,  but  con- 
tracts a superficial  tarnish  of  sulphuret  of  silver  by  the  action  of  sulphuretted 
hydrogen,  which  always  exists  in  minute  quantity  in  the  atmosphere.  It  is 
entirely  soluble  in  diluted  nitric  acid.  If  any  gold  be  present,  it  will  re- 
main undissolved  as  a dark-coloured  powder.  From  the  nitric  solution,  the 
whole  of  the  silver  may  be  thrown  down  by  chloride  of  sodium,  as  a white 
precipitate  of  chloride  of  silver,  characterized  by  being  completely  soluble 
in  ammonia.  If  the  remaining  solution  contain  copper  or  lead,  it  will  be 
precipitated  or  discoloured  by  sulphuretted  hydrogen. 

Pharm.  Uses.  The  only  officinal  preparations  of  silver  are  the  oxide,  ni- 
trate, and  cyanuret.  The  chloride  will  be  noticed  in  the  Appendix. 

Off.  Prep.  Argenti  Nitras;  Argenti  Nitras  Fusus.  B. 

ARMORACIA.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed. 

Horse-radish. 

The  fresh  root  of  Cochlearia  Armoracia.  U.S.,  Lond.,  Ed. 

Raifort  sauvage,  Ft.;  Meerrettig,  Germ.;  Rafano  rusticano,  Ital.;  Rabano  rustica- 
no,  Span. 

Cochlearia.  Sex.  Syst.  Tetradynamia  Siliculosa. — Nat.  Ord.  Brassi- 
caceae  or  Oruciferse. 

Gen.  Ch.  Silicula  emarginate,  turgid,  scabrous,  with  gibbous,  obtuse 
valves.  Willd. 

Cochlearia  Armoracia.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  iii.  451;  Woodv.  Med.  Bot.  p. 
400,  t.  145.  The  root  of  this  plant  is  perennial,  sending  up  numerous  very 
large  leaves,  from  the  midst  of  which  a round,  smooth,  erect,  branching  stem 
rises  two  or  three  feet  in  height.  The  radical  leaves  are  lance-shaped,  waved, 
scolloped  on  the  edges,  sometimes  pinnatifid,  and  stand  upon  strong  foot- 
stalks. Those  of  the  stem  are  much  smaller,  without  footstalks,  sometimes 
divided  at  the  edges,  sometimes  almost  entire.  The  flowers  are  numerous, 
white,  peduncled,  and  form  thick  terminal  clusters.  The  calyx  has  four 
ovate,  deciduous  leaves,  and  the  corolla  an  equal  number  of  obovate  petals, 
twice  as  long  as  the  calyx,  and  inserted  by  narrow  claws.  The  pod  is  small, 
elliptical,  crowned  with  the  persistent  stigma,  and  divided  into  two  cells, 
each  containing  from  four  to  six  seeds. 

The  horse-radish  is  a native  of  western  Europe,  growing  wild  on  the  sides 
of  ditches,  and  in  other  moist  situations.  It  is  cultivated  for  culinary  pur- 
poses in  most  civilized  countries,  and  is  said  to  have  become  naturalized  in 
some  parts  of  the  United  States.  Its  flowers  appear  in  June. 

The  root,  which  is  officinal  in  its  fresh  state,  is  long,  tapering,  whitish  ex- 
ternally, very  white  within,  fleshy,  of  a strong  pungent  odour  when  scraped 
or  bruised,  and  of  a hot,  biting,  somewhat  sweetish  taste.  Its  virtues  are 
imparted  to  water  and  alcohol.  They  depend  upon  a volatile  oil,  which  is  dis- 
sipated by  drying ; the  root  becoming  at  first  sweetish,  and  ultimately  insipid 
and  quite  inert.  Its  acrimony  is  also  destroyed  by  boiling.  The  oil  may  be 
obtained  by  distillation  with  water.  It  is  colourless  or  pale  yellow,  heavier 
than  water,  very  volatile,  excessively  pungent,  acrid,  and  corrosive,  exciting 
inflammation  and  even  vesication  when  applied  to  the  skin.  Hubatka  con- 
siders it  as  identical  with  the  volatile  oil  of  mustard.  ( Journ . de  Pharm., 
Be  sir.,  v.  42.)  According  to  Gutret,  only  6 parts  of  it  are  obtained  from 
10,000  of  the  root.  Besides  this  principle,  the  fresh  root  contains,  accord- 
ing to  the  same  chemist,  a bitter  resin  in  minute  quantity,  sugar,  extractive, 


PART  I. 


Armor  acia. — Arnica. 


119 


gum,  starch,  albumen,  acetic  acid,  acetate  and  sulphate  of  lime,  water,  and 
lignin.  From  observations  made  by  F.  L.  Winckler,  it  may  be  inferred  that 
myronic  acid' exists  in  the  root  combined  with  potassa,  and  that  it  is  from  the 
reaction  between  this  acid,  myrosine  also  existing  in  the  root,  and  water,  that 
the  volatile  oil  is  produced,  in  the  same  manner  as  oil  of  mustard  from  mus- 
tard seed.  (See  -Sin apis .)  Horse-radish,  when  distilled  with  alcohol,  yields 
none  of  the  oil.  (Journ.  fur  Prakt.  Pharm.,  xviii.  89.)  The  root  may  be 
kept  for  some  time  without  material  injury,  by  being  buried  in  sand  in  a 
cool  place. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Horse-radish  is  highly  stimulant,  exciting 
the  stomach  when  swallowed,  and  promoting  the  secretions,  especially  that 
of  urine.  Externally  applied,  it  is  rubefacient.  Its  chief  use  is  as  a condi- 
ment to  promote  appetite  and  invigorate  digestion;  but  it  is  also  occasionally 
employed  as  a medicine,  particularly  in  dropsical  complaints  attended  with 
an  enfeebled  condition  of  the  digestive  organs,  and  of  the  system  in  general. 
It  has,  moreover,  been  recommended  in  palsy  and  chronic  rheumatism, 
both  as  an  internal  and  external  remedy;  and  in  scorbutic  affections  is  highly 
esteemed.  Cullen  found  advantage  in  cases  of  hoarseness  from  the  use  of  a 
syrup  prepared  from  an  infusion  of  horse-radish  and  sugar,  and  slowly  swal- 
lowed in  the  quantity  of  one  or  two  teaspoonfuls,  repeated  as  occasion  de- 
manded. The  root  may  be  given  in  the  dose  of  half  a drachm  or  more, 
either  grated  or  cut  into  small  pieces. 

Off.  Prep.  Infusum  Armoracias;  Spiritus  Armoraciae  Compositus.  W. 

ARNICA.  U.  S.  Secondary. 

Leopard’ s-bane. 

The  flowers  of  Arnica  montana.  U.  S. 

Arnique,  Fr.;  Berg  Wo'lverly,  Gemeines  achtes  Fallkraut,  Germ.;  Arnica  montana, 
Ital.,  Span. 

Arnica.  Sex.  Syst.  Syngenesia  Superflua. — Mat.  Ord.  Compositae-Sene- 
cionidese.  De  Cand.  Asteraceae.  Lindley. 

Gen.  Ch.  Calyx  with  equal  leaflets,  in  a double  row.  Seed-clown  hairy, 
sessile.  Seeds  both  of  the  disk  and  ray  furnished  with  seed-down.  Recep- 
tacle hairy.  Hayne. 

Arnica  montana.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  iii.  2106;  Woodv.  Med.  Bot.  p.  41, 
t.  17.  This  is  a perennial,  herbaceous  plant,  having  a woody,  brownish, 
horizontal  root,  ending  abruptly,  and  sending  forth  numerous  slender  fibres 
of  the  same  colour.  The  stem  is  about  a foot  high,  cylindrical,  striated, 
hairy,  and  terminating  in  one,  two,  or  three  peduncles,  each  bearing  a flower. 
The  radical  leaves  are  ovate,  entire,  ciliated,  and  obtuse ; those  of  the  stem, 
which  usually  consist  of  two  opposite  pairs,  are  lance-shaped.  Both  are  of 
a bright  green  colour,  and  somewhat  pubescent  on  their  upper  surface.  The 
flowers  are  very  large,  and  of  a fine  orange-yellow  colour.  The  calyx  is 
greenish,  imbricated,  with  lanceolate  scales.  The  ray  consists  of  about  four- 
teen ligulate  florets,  twice  as  long  as  the  calyx,  striated,  three-toothed,  and 
hairy  at  the  base;  the  disk,  of  tubular  florets,  with  a five-lobed  margin. 

This  plant  is  a native  of  the  mountainous  districts  of  Europe  and  Siberia, 
and  is  found,  according  to  Nuttall,  in  the  northern  regions  of  this  continent, 
west  of  the  Mississippi.  It  has  been  introduced  into  England,  and  might  no 
doubt  be  cultivated  in  this  country;  but  it  is  very  little  used,  and  in  the  U.  S. 
Pharmacopoeia  has  been  placed  in  the  secondary  list.  The  flowers,  leaves, 
and  root  are  employed;  but  the  flowers  are  usually  preferred. 

Properties.  The  whole  plant,  when  fresh,  has  a strong,  disagreeable  odour, 
which  is  apt  to  excite  sneezing,  and  is  diminished  by  desiccation.  The  taste 


120 


Arnica. 


part  I. 


is  acrid,  bitterish,  and  durable.  Water  extracts  its  virtues.  Chevallier  and 
Lassaigne  discovered  in  the  flowers,  gallic  acid,  gum,  albumen,  yellow  colour- 
ing matter,  an  odorous  resin,  and  a bitter  principle  which  they  considered 
identical  with  cytisin,  discovered  by  them  in  the  seeds  of  Cytisus  Laburnum. 
This  substance  is  yellow,  of  a bitter  and  nauseous  taste,  deliquescent,  readily 
soluble  in  water  and  diluted  alcohol,  but  with  difficulty  in  strong  alcohol,  and 
insoluble  in  ether.  In  the  dose  of  five  grains  it  is  powerfully  emetic  and 
cathartic  ; and  it  is  supposed  to  be  the  active  principle  of  the  plant.  The 
flowers  also  contain  a small  proportion  of  a blue  volatile  oil.  Pfaff  obtained 
from  the  root  a volatile  oil,  an  acrid  resin,  extractive,  gum,  and  lignin.  Mr. 
Wm.  Bastick,  of  London,  has  separated  an  organic  alkali  from  the  flowers, 
and  names  it  arnicina.  It  is  solid,  slightly  bitter,  but  not  acrid,  of  the 
odour  of  castor,  slightly  soluble  in  water,  and  much  more  soluble  in  alcohol 
and  ether.  ( Pharm . Journ.  and  Trans.,  x.  389.)* 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Leopard’s-bane  is  a stimulant,  directed 
with  peculiar  energy  to  the  brain  and  whole  nervous  system,  as  manifested 
by  the  headache,  spasmodic  contractions  of  the  limbs,  and  difficulty  of  respi- 
ration, which  result  from  its  use.  It  acts  also  as  an  irritant  to  the  stomach 
and  bowels,  often  producing  an  emetic  and  cathartic  effect,  and  is  said  by 
Bergius  to  be  diuretic,  diaphoretic,  and  emmenagogue.  It  is  much  used  by 
the  Germans,  who  prescribe  the  flowers  and  root  with  advantage  in  amaurosis, 
paralysis,  and  other  nervous  affections.  It  is  said  to  prove  serviceable  in  that 
disordered  condition  which  succeeds  concussion  of  the  brain  from  falls,  blows, 
&c. ; and  from  this  circumstance  has  received  the  title  of  panacea  lapsorum. 
It  has  also  been  recommended  in  paralytic  affections,  chronic  catarrh  of  the 
old,  intermittent  fever,  dysentery,  diarrhoea,  nephritis,  gout,  rheumatism, 
dropsy,  chlorosis,  and  various  other  complaints,  in  most  of  which  it  seems  to 
have  been  empirically  prescribed.  It  is  peculiarly  useful  in  diseases  attended 
with  a debilitated  or  typhoid  state  of  the  system.  The  powdered  flowers  and 
leaves  are  employed  as  a sternutatory;  and  the  inhabitants  of  Savoy  and  the 
Vosges  are  said  to  substitute  them  for  tobacco.  In  France  the  flowers  of 
Arnica  are  occasionally  used,  though  much  less  than  in  Germany.  In  Eng- 
land and  the  United  States  they  are  little  employed.  They  are  best  given 
in  substance  or  infusion.  The  dose  of  the  powder  is  from  five  to  twenty 
grains  frequently  repeated.  The  infusion  may  be  prepared  by  digesting  an 
ounce  in  a pint  of  water,  of  which  from  half  a fluidounce  to  a fluidounce 
may  be  given  every  two  or  three  hours.  It  should  always  be  strained 
through  linen,  in  order  to  separate  the  fine  fibres,  which  might  otherwise 
irritate  the  throat.  The  poisonous  properties  of  the  plant  are  said  to  be 
best  counteracted  by  the  free  use  of  vinegar  or  other  dilute  vegetable  acid. 

A tincture  prepared  from  the  flowers  has  recently  come  into  use  in  this 
country  as  a domestic  remedy  in  sprains,  bruises,  &c.  It  is  employed  exter- 
nally. The  Prussian  and  other  German  Pharmacopoeias  direct  it  to  be  made 
by  digesting  the  flowers  for  four  days  in  diluted  alcohol,  in  the  proportion  of 
about  two  ounces  to  a pint.  {Pharm.  Univers.,  i.  284.)  W. 

* Mr.  Bastick  obtained  the  alkaloid  by  the  following  process.  The  flowers  were 
macerated  with  alcohol  acidulated  with  sulphuric  acid ; the  tincture  was  filtered,  and 
treated  with  lime  until  it  evinced  an  alkaline  reaction;  the  liquid  was  then  filtered,  and 
the  filtrate  treated  with  sulphuric  acid  in  slight  excess;  the  acid  solution  was  filtered 
and  concentrated  by  evaporation ; to  the  residue  a little  water  was  added,  the  liquid  was 
evaporated  until  all.  the  alcohol  was  driven  off,  and  was  then  again  filtered  ; the  filtered 
liquor  was  saturated  with  carbonate  of  potassa,  and  after  filtration  was  mixed  with  a 
considerable  excess  of  carbonate  of  potassa ; finally,  the  liquid  was  agitated  with  succes- 
sive portions  of  ether  until  this  fluid  ceased  to  dissolve  anything,  and  the  ethereal  solu- 
tion obtained  was  left  to  spontaneous  evaporation.  Arnicina  remained. 


PART  I. 


Arsenicum. 


121 


ARSENICUM.  US. 

Arsenic. 

Off.  Syn.  ARSENICUM  PURUM.  Dub. 

Arsenic,  Fr.;  Arsenik,  Germ.;  Arsenico,  Ital.,  Span. 

This  metal  was  made  officinal  in  the  U.  S.  and  Dublin  Pharmacopoeias  of 
1850,  for  the  purpose  of  being  used  to  form  the  iodide  of  arsenic,  and  the 
solution  of  the  iodide  of  arsenic  and  mercury,  two  new  officinals  of  those 
works.  It  is  placed  in  the  Materia  Medica  of  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia,  but 
among  the  preparations  in  the  Dublin,  with  the  following  formula. 

“ Take  of  White  Oxide  of  Arsenic  of  Commerce  two  drachms  [Dh5. 
weight].  Place  the  Oxide  at  the  sealed  end  of  a hard  German  glass  tube,  of  about 
half  an  inch  in  diameter  and  eighteen  inches  long,  and,  having  covered  it  with 
about  eight  inches  of  dry  and  coarsely  pulverized  charcoal,  and  raised  the  por- 
tion of  the  tube  containing  the  charcoal  to  a red  heat,  let  a few  ignited  coals 
be  placed  beneath  the  Oxide,  so  as  to  effect  its  slow  sublimation.  When 
this  has  been  accomplished,  the  metallic  arsenic  will  be  found  attached  to 
the  interior  of  the  tube  at  its  distant  or  cool  extremity. 

“ In  conducting  this  process,  the  furnace  used  in  the  performance  of  an 
organic  analysis  should  be  employed,  and  the  fuel  should  be  ignited  charcoal. 
It  will  be  proper  also  to  connect  the  open  extremity  of  the  tube  with  a flue, 
for  the  purpose  of  preventing  the  possible  escape  into  the  apartment  of  ar- 
senical vapours ; and,  with  the  view  of  keeping  it  from  being  plugged  by 
the  metal,  to  introduce  occasionally  into  it,  as  the  sublimation  proceeds,  an 
iron  wire  through  a cork,  fixed  (but  not  air-tight)  in  its  open  extremity.” 

In  the  above  process,  the  white  oxide  (arsenious  acid)  is  reduced  by  the 
agency  of  ignited  charcoal,  which  attracts  the  oxygen  of  the  acid,  and  re- 
vives the  metal.  On  the  large  scale,  metallic  arsenic  is  generally  obtained 
by  heating  arsenical  pyrites  (Fex\s,FeS2)  in  earthen  tubes;  when  the  metal 
sublimes,  and  two  eqs.  of  protosulphuret  of  iron  are  left  as  a residue. 

Properties.  Arsenic  is  a brittle,  crystalline  metal,  of  a steel-gray  colour, 
and  possessing  much  brilliancy  when  recently  broken  or  sublimed.  Exposed 
to  the  air,  its  surface  becomes  dull  and  blackens.  Its  texture  is  granular, 
and  sometimes  a little  scaly.  Rubbed  on  the  hands,  it  communicates  a pe- 
culiar odour;  but  it  is  devoid  of  taste.  Its  sp.gr.  is  about  5‘8.  When 
heated  to  about  356°  of  Fahr.,  it  sublimes  without  fusing,  giving  rise  to 
white  vapours  having  an  alliaceous  or  garlicky  odour.  Its  equivalent  num- 
ber is  75.  It  forms  two  combinations  with  oxygen,  both  having  acid  pro- 
perties, called  arsenious  and  arsenic  acids,  and  three  with  sulphur,  namely, 
bisulphuret  of  arsenic  or  realgar,  tersulphuret  or  orpiment,  corresponding 
in  composition  with  arsenious  acid,  and  quinto-sulphuret,  corresponding  with 
arsenic  acid.  (See  Acidum  Arsen iosum ; also  realgar  and  orpiment  in  the 
Appendix.)  Arsenic  acid  is  obtained  by  boiling  arsenious  acid  with  nitromu- 
riatic  acid,  and  evaporating  to  dryness.  It  is  a white,  crystalline  substance, 
soluble  in  water.  It  forms  with  nitrate  of  silver,  a brick-red  precipitate  of 
arseniate  of  silver.  It  consists  of  one  eq.  of  arsenic  and  five  of  oxygen  (As05). 

Arsenic  is  much  diffused.  Besides  being  present  in  a great  many  mine- 
rals, it  has  been  detected,  in  minute  proportion,  in  the  earth  of  grave  yards 
by  Orfila;  in  certain  soils  and  mineral  waters  by  M.  Walchner ; and  in 
the  ashes  of  various  plants  by  M.  Stein. 

Arsenic  is  officinal : — 

I.  In  the  metallic  state. 

Arsenicum,  U.  S. ; Arsenicum  Purum,  Dub. 


122 


A rsenicum . — Arum. 


PART  I. 


II.  Combined  with  oxygen. 

Acidum  Arseniosum,  U.  S-,  Lond. ; Arsenicum  Album,  Ed.; 
Arsenici  Oxydum  Album  Yenale,  Dub.  Purified  by  resublima- 
iion.  Acidum  Arseniosum  Purum,  Dub. 

III.  Combined  with  chlorine. 

Liquor  Arsenici  Chloridi,  Lond. 

IY.  Combined  with  iodine. 

Arsenici  Iodidum,  U.  S. 

V.  Combined  with  iodine  and  mercury. 

Liquor  Arsenici  et  Hydrargyri  Iodidi,  U.  S Arsenici  et  Hydrar- 
gyri  Hydriodatis  Liquor,  Dub. 

YI.  In  saline  combination. 

Liquor  Potassas  Arsenitis,  U.  S.,  Lond.;  Liquor  Arsenicalis,  Ed., 
Dub.  ' B. 

ARUM.  U.  S.  Secondary. 

Dragon-root. 

The  cormus  of  Arum  triphyllum.  U.  S. 

Arum.  Sex.  Syst.  Monoecia  Polyandria.  — Nat.  Ord.  Araceae. 

Gen.  Ch.  Spathe  one-leafed,  cowled.  Spadix  naked  above,  female  be- 
low, stamiueous  in  the  middle.  Willd. 

The  root  or  cormus  of  Arum  macubatum  is  occasionally  used  as  a medicine 
in  Europe,  and  formerly  held  a place  in  the  Dublin  Pharmacopoeia.  Its 
properties  so  closely  resemble  those  of  our  A.  triphyllum,  that  the  substitu- 
tion of  the  latter  in  our  Pharmacopoeia  was  obviously  proper,  independently 
of  the  consideration  that  the  root  is  efficient  only  in  the  recent  state. 

Arum  triphyllum.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  iv.  480  ; Bigelow,  Am.  Med.  Bot.  i. 
52.  The  dragon-root,  Indian  turnip,  or  wake-robin,  as  this  plant  is  variously 
called  in  common  language,  has  a perennial  root  or  cormus,  which,  early  in 
the  spring,  sends  up  a large,  ovate,  acuminate,  variously  coloured  spathe, 
convoluted  at  bottom,  flattened  and  bent  over  at  top  like  a hood,  and  sup- 
ported by  an  erect,  round,  green  or  purplish  scape.  Within  the  spathe  is 
a club-shaped  spadix,  green,  purple,  black,  or  variegated,  rounded  at  the 
end,  and  contracted  near  the  base,  where  it  is  surrounded  by  the  stamens 
or  germs  in  the  dioecious  plants,  and  by  both  in  the  monoecious,  the  female 
organs  being  below  the  male.  The  spathe  and  upper  portions  of  the  spadix 
gradually  decay,  while  the  germs  are  converted  into  a compact  bunch  of 
shining,  scarlet  berries.  The  leaves,  which  are  usually  one  or  two  in  num- 
ber, and  stand  on  long  sheathing  footstalks,  are  composed  of  three  ovate 
acuminate  leaflets,  paler  on  their  under  than  their  upper  surface,  and  becom- 
ing glaucous  as  the  plant  advances.  There  are  three  varieties  of  this  species, 
distinguished  by  the  colour  of  the  spathe,  which  in  one  is  green,  in  another 
dark  purple,  and  in  a third  white.  The  plant  is  a native  of  North  and  South 
America,  and  is  common  in  all  parts  of  the  United  States,  growing  in  damp 
woods,  in  swamps,  along  ditches,  and  in  other  moist  shady  places.  All  parts 
of  it  are  highly  acrid,  but  the  root  only  is  officinal. 

This  is  roundish,  flattened,  an  inch  or  two  in  diameter,  covered  with  a 
brown,  loose,  wrinkled  epidermis,  and  internally  white,  fleshy,  and  solid.  In 
the  recent  state,  it  has  a peculiar  odour,  and  is  violently  acrid,  producing, 
when  chewed,  an  insupportable  burning  and  biting  sensation  in  the  mouth 
and  throat,  which  continues  for  a long  time,  and  leaves  an  unpleasant  sore- 
ness behind.  According  to  Dr.  Bigelow,  its  action  does  not  readily  extend 
through  the  fcuticle,  as  the  bruised  root  may  lie  upon  the  skin  till  it  becomes 


PART  I. 


Arum. — Asarum. 


123 


dry,  without  producing  pain  or  redness.  The  acrid  principle  is  extremely 
volatile,  and  is  entirely  driven  off  by  heat.  It  is  not  imparted  to  water,  al- 
cohol, ether,  or  olive  oil.  The  root  loses  nearly  all  its  acrimony  by  drying, 
and  in  a short  time  becomes  quite  inert.  It  was  found  by  Mr.  D.  S.  Jones 
to  contain,  besides  the  acrid  principle,  from  10  to  17  per  cent,  of  starch, 
albumen,  gum,  sugar,  extractive,  lignin,  and  salts  of  potassa  and  lime.  (Am. 
Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xv.  83.)  The  starch  may  be  obtained  from  it  as  white 
and  delicate  as  from  the  potato.  In  Europe,  the  dried  root  of  A.  maculatum 
is  said  sometimes  to  be  employed  by  the  country  people,  in  times  of  great 
scarcity,  as  a substitute  for  bread ; and  an  amylaceous  substance  is  prepared 
from  it,  in  small  quantities,  in  the  Isle  of  Portland  on  the  south  coast  of 
England,  and  called  Portland  arrow-root,  or  Portland  sago.  The  Indian 
turnip  may  be  preserved  fresh  for  a year,  if  buried  in  sand.  ( Thatcher.) 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Arum  in  its  recent  state  is  a powerful  local 
irritant,  possessing  the  property  of  stimulating  the  secretions,  particularly  those 
of  the  skin  and  lungs.  It  has  been  advantageously  given  in  asthma,  pertussis, 
chronic  catarrh,  chronic  rheumatism,  and  various  affections  connected  with  a 
cachectic  state  of  the  system.  As  immediately  taken  from  the  ground,  it  is 
too  acrid  for  use.  The  recently  dried  root,  which  retains  a portion  of  the  acri- 
mony, but  not  sufficient  to  prevent  its  convenient  administration,  is  usually 
preferred.  It  may  be  given  in  the  dose  of  ten  grains,  mixed  with  gum  arabic, 
sugar,  and  water,  in  the  form  of  emulsion,  repeated  two  or  three  times  a-day, 
and  gradually  increased  to  half  a drachm  or  more.  The  powder,  made  into  a 
paste  with  honey  or  syrup,  and  placed  in  small  quantities  upon  the  tongue,  so 
as  to  be  gradually  diffused  over  the  mouth  and  throat,  is  said  to  have  proved 
useful  in  the  aphthous  sore-mouth  of  children.  W. 

ASARUM.  U.  S.  Secondary. 

Canada  Snakeroot. 

The  root  of  Asarum  Canadense.  U.  S. 

Asarum.  Sex.Syst.  Dodecandria  Monogynia. — Nat.Ord.  Aristolochiaeeas. 

Gen.  Ch.  Calyx  three  or  four-cleft,  sitting  on  the  germen.  Corolla  none. 
Capsule  coriaceous,  crowned.  Willd. 

Asarum  Canadense.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  ii.  838 ; Bigelow,  Am.  Med.  Bot. 
i.  149  ; Barton,  Med.  Bot.  ii.  85.  This  species  of  Asarum  very  closely  resem- 
bles A.  Europseum  or  asarabacca,  in  appearance  and  botanical  character.  It 
has  a long,  creeping,  jointed,  fleshy,  yellowish  root  or  rhizoma,  furnished  with 
radicles  of  a similar  colour.  The  stem  is  very  short,  dividing,  before  it 
emerges  from  the  ground,  into  two  long  round  hairy  leafstalks,  each  of  which 
bears  a broad  kidney-shaped  leaf,  pubescent  on  both  surfaces,  of  a rich  shining 
light  green  above,  veined  and  pale  or  bluish  beneath.  A single  flower  stands 
in  the  fork  of  the  stem,  upon  a hairy  pendulous  peduncle.  The  flower  is  often 
concealed  by  the  loose  soil  or  decayed  vegetable  matter ; so  that  the  leaves 
with  their  petioles  are  the  only  parts  that  appear.  There  is  no  corolla.  The 
calyx  is  very  woolly,  and  divided  into  three  broad  concave  acuminate  segments, 
with  the  ends  reflexed,  of  a deep  brownish-purple  colour  on  the  inside,  and  of 
a dull  purple,  inclining  to  greenish  externally.  The  filaments,  which  are 
twelve  in  number,  and  of  unequal  length,  stand  upon  the  germ,  and  rise  with 
a slender  point  above  the  anthers  attached  to  them.  Near  the  divisions  of  the 
calyx  are  three  filamentous  bodies,  which  may  be  considered  as  nectaries.  The 
pistil  consists  of  a somewhat  hexagonal  germ,  and  a conical  grooved  style, 
surmounted  by  six  revolute  stigmas.  The  capsule  is  six-celled,  coriaceous, 
and  crowned  with  the  adhering  calyx. 


124  Asclepias  Incarnata. — Asclepias  Syriacn.  part  i. 

Canada  snakeroot,  or  wild  ginger , is  an  indigenous  plant,  inhabiting  woods 
and  shady  places  from  Canada  to  the  Carolinas.  Its  flowering  period  is  from 
April  to  July.  All  parts  of  the  plant  have  a grateful  aromatic  odour,  which 
is  most  powerful  in  the  root.  This  is  the  officinal  portion. 

As  we  have  seen  it  in  the  shops,  it  is  in  long,  more  or  less  contorted 
pieces,  of  a thickness  from  that  of  a straw  to  that  of  a goose-quill,  brownish 
and  wrinkled  externally,  whitish  within,  hard  and  brittle,  and  frequently 
furnished  with  short  fibres.  Its  taste  is  agreeably  aromatic  and  slightly  bitter, 
said  to  be  intermediate  between  that  of  ginger  and  serpentaria,  but  in  our 
opinion  bearing  a closer  resemblance  to  that  of  cardamom.  The  taste  of  the 
petioles,  which  usually  accompany  the  root,  is  more  bitter  and  less  aromatic. 

Among  its  constituents,  according  to  Dr.  Bigelow,  are  a light-coloured, 
pungent,  and  fragrant  essential  oil,  a reddish  bitter  resinous  matter,  starch, 
and  gum  ; in  addition  to  which  Mr.  Rushton  found  fatty  matter,  chlorophylle, 
and  salts  of  potassa,  lime,  and  iron.  Mr.  Procter  found  the  resin  to  be  acrid 
as  well  as  bitter,  and  without  aromatic  properties.  The  root  imparts  its 
virtues  to  alcohol,  and  less  perfectly  to  water. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Canada  snakeroot  is  an  aromatic  stimulant 
tonic,  with  diaphoretic  properties,  applicable  to  similar  cases  with  serpentaria, 
which  it  resembles  in  its  effects.  It  is  said  to  be  sometimes  used  by  the  coun- 
try people  as  a substitute  for  ginger.  From  the  close  botanical  analog)’  of  the 
plant  with  the  European  Asarum,  it  might  be  supposed,  like  that,  to  possess 
emetic  and  cathartic  properties ; but  such  does  not  appear  to  be  the  case,  at 
least  with  the  dried  root.  It  would  form  an  elegant  adjuvant  to  tonic  infu- 
sions and  decoctions.  It  may  be  given  in  powder  or  tincture.  The  dose  in 
substance  is  twenty  or  thirty  grains.  W. 

ASCLEPIAS  INCARNATA.  U.S.  Secondary. 
Flesh-coloured  Asclepias. 

The  root  of  Asclepias  incarnata.  U.  S. 

Asclepias.  See  ASCLEPIAS  TUBEROSA. 

Asclepias  incarnata.  Willd.  ftp.  Plant,  i.  1267.  This  species  has  an  erect 
downy  stem,  branched  above,  two  or  three  feet  high,  and  furnished  with  oppo- 
site, nearly  sessile,  lanceolate,  somewhat  downy  leaves.  The  flowers  are  red, 
sweet-scented,  and  disposed  iu  numerous  crowded  erect  umbels,  which  are 
generally  in  pairs.  The  nectary  is  entire,  with  its  horn  exserted.  Iu  one 
variety  the  flowers  are  white. 

The  plant  grows  'in  all  parts  of  the  United  States,  preferring  a wet  soil, 
and  flowering  from  June  to  August.  Upon  being  wounded  it  emits  a milky 
juice.  The  root  is  the  officinal  portion.  Its  properties  are  probably  similar 
to  those  of  A Syriaca ; but  they  have  not,  so  far  as  we  know,  been  fully 
tested.  Dr.  Griffith  states  that  it  has  been  employed  by  several  physicians, 
who  speak  of  it  as  a useful  emetic  and  cathartic.  ( Journ . of  the  Phil.  Col.  of 
Pharrn.,  iv.  283.)  Dr.  Tully,  of  New  Haven,  has  found  it  useful  in  catarrh, 
asthma,  rheumatism,  syphilis,  and  worms.  TV  . 

ASCLEPIAS  SYRIACA.  U.S.  Secondary. 

Common  Silk-weed. 

The  root  of  Asclepias  Syriaca.  U.  S. 

Asclepias.  See  ASCLEPIAS  TUBEROSA. 


PART  I. 


125 


Asclepias  Syriaca. — Asclepias  Tuber osa. 

A.  Syriaca.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  i.  1265.  The  silk-weed  has  simple  stems, 
from  three  to  five  feet  high,  with  opposite,  lanceolate-oblong,  petiolate  leaves, 
downy  on  their  under  surface.  The  flowers  are  large,  of  a pale  purple 
colour,  sweet-scented,  and  arranged  in  nodding  umbels,  which  are  two  or 
three  in  number.  The  nectary  is  bidentate.  The  pod  or  follicle  is  covered 
with  sharp  prickles,  and  contains  a large  quantity  of  silky  seed-down,  which 
has  been  sometimes  used  as  a substitute  for  fur  in  the  manufacture  of  hats, 
and  for  feathers  in  beds  and  pillows. 

This  species  of  Asclepias  is  very  common  in  the  United  States,  growing  in 
sandy  fields,  on  the  road  sides,  and  on  the  banks  of  streams,  from  New  Eng- 
land to  Virginia.  It  flowers  in  July  and  August.  Like  the  preceding  spe- 
cies, it  gives  out  a white  juice  when  wounded,  and  has  hence  received  the 
name  of  milk-weed , by  which  it  is  frequently  called.  This  juice  has  a faint 
smell,  a sub-acrid  taste,  and  an  acid  reaction.  According  to  Schultz,  80  parts 
of  it  contain  69  of  water,  3'5  of  a wax-like  fatty  matter,  5 of  caoutchouc,  0'5 
of  gum,  1 of  sugar  with  salts  of  acetic  acid,  and  1 of  other  salts.  ( Pharm . 
Central  Blatt,  1844,  p.  302.)  Dr.  C.  List  has  found  the  chief  solid  ingre- 
dient of  the  juice  to  be  a peculiar  crystalline  substance,  of  a resinous  character, 
closely  allied  to  lactucone,  and  which  he  proposes  to  call  asclepione.  To  ob- 
tain it,  the  juice  is  coagulated  by  heat,  filtered  so  as  to  separate  the  liquid 
portion,  and  then  digested  with  ether,  which  dissolves  the  asclepione,  and 
yields  it  by  evaporation.  To  purify  it,  the  residue  must  be  treated  repeatedly 
with  anhydrous  ether,  which  leaves  another  substance  undissolved.  It  is 
white,  crystalline,  tasteless,  inodorous,  fusible,  insoluble  in  water  and  alcohol, 
soluble  in  ether,  oil  of  turpentine,  and  concentrated  acetic  acid.  A strong  hot 
solution  of  potassa  does  not  affect  it.  Its  constituents  are  carbon,  hydrogen, 
and  oxygen,  and  its  formula  C40H3406.  (List,  Lieliy’s  Annalen,  Jan.  1849.) 

Dr.  ltichardson,  of  Massachusetts,  found  the  root  possessed  of  anodyne 
properties.  He  gave  it  with  advantage  to  an  asthmatic  patient,  and  in  a case 
of  typhus  fever  attended  with  catarrh.  In  both  instances  it  appeared  to  pro- 
mote expectoration,  and  to  relieve  pain,  cough,  and  dyspnoea.  He  gave  a 
drachm  of  the  powdered  bark  of  the  root,  in  divided  doses,  during  the  day, 
and  employed  it  also  in  strong  infusion.  In  a letter  to  one  of  the  authors 
dated  Jan.  22d,  1850,  Dr.  A.  E.  Thomas,  of  Rocky  Spring,  Mississippi,  stated 
that  he  had  employed  the  root  in  scrofula  with  great  success,  and  in  dyspepsia 
with  advantage.  He  found  it  cathartic  and  alterative,  but  observed  no  ano- 
dyne property.  He  was  induced  to  try  it  by  having  noticed  that  it  was  much 
used  by  the  planters  in  scrofula  and  other  diseases,  and  by  the  recommenda- 
tion of  Dr.  McLean,  of  Kentucky,  who  had  employed  it  in  scrofula  for  twenty 
years,  with  the  most  satisfactory  results.*  W. 

ASCLEPIAS  TUBEROSA.  TJ.  S.  Secondary. 
Butterfly-weed. 

The  root  of  Asclepias  tuberosa.  U.  S. 

Asclepias.  Sex.  Syst.  Pentandria  Digynia. — Nat.  Ord.  Asclepiadacese. 

Gen.  Ch.  Calyx  small,  five  parted.  Corolla  rotate,  five  parted,  mostly 
reflexed.  Staminal  crown  (or  nectary)  simple,  five-leaved ; leaflets  opposite 

* In  a letter  subsequently  received  from  Dr.  McLean  himself,  this  account  of  the 
virtues  of  the  asclepias  root  is  confirmed.  Dr.  McLean  has  also  found  it  an  excellent 
alterative  in  hepatic  affections ; but  he  seems  to  be  of  the  opinion  that  the  root  he 
employed  was  from  a different  species  of  Asclepias,  and  one  not  described  in  this  Dis- 
pensatory. [Note  to  the  tenth  edition.) 


126 


PART  I. 


Asclepias  Tuber osa. — Assafoetida. 

the  anthers,  with  a subulate  averted  process  at  the  base.  Stigmas  with  the 
five  angles  (corpuscles)  opening  by  longitudinal  chinks.  Pollinia  five  dis- 
tinct pairs.  Torrey. 

Asclepias  tuberosa.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  i.  1273;  Bigelow,  Am.  Med.  Bot.  ii. 
59  ; Barton,  Med.  Bot.  i.  239.  The  root  of  the  butterfly-weed  ox  pleurisy -root 
is  perennial,  and  gives  origin  to  numerous  stems,  which  are  erect,  ascending, 
or  procumbent,  round,  hairy,  of  a green  or  reddish  colour,  branching  at  the 
top,  and  about  three  feet  in  height.  The  leaves  are  scattered,  oblong  lanceo- 
late, very  hairy,  of  a deep  rich  green  colour  on  their  upper  surface,  paler 
beneath,  and  supported  usually  on  short  footstalks.  They  differ,  however, 
somewhat  in  shape  according  to  the  variety  of  the  plant.  In  the  variety  with 
decumbent  stems,  they  are  almost  linear,  and  in  another  variety  cordate.  The 
flowers  are  of  a beautiful  reddish-orange  colour,  and  disposed  in  terminal  or 
lateral  corymbose  umbels.  The  fruit  is  an  erect  lanceolate  follicle,  with  flat 
ovate  seeds  connected  to  a longitudinal  receptacle  by  long  silky  hairs. 

This  plant  differs  from  other  species  of  Asclepias  in  not  emitting  a milky 
juice  when  wounded.  It  is  indigenous,  growing  throughout  the  United  States 
from  Massachusetts  to  Georgia,  and,  when  in  full  bloom,  in  the  months  of 
June  and  July,  exhibiting  a splendid  appearance.  It  is  most  abundant  in  the 
Southern  States.  The  root  is  the  only  part  used  in  medicine. 

This  is  large,  irregularly  tuberous,  branching,  often  somewhat  fusiform, 
fleshy,  externally  brown,  internally  white  and  striated,  and,  in  the  recent 
state,  of  a sub-acrid  nauseous  taste.  When  dried  it  is  easily  pulverized,  and 
its  taste  is  bitter,  but  not  otherwise  unpleasant. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  The  root  of  Asclepias  tuberosa  is  diapho- 
retic and  expectorant,  without  being  stimulant.  In  large  doses  it  is  often  also 
cathartic.  In  the  Southern  States  it  has  long  been  employed  by  regular  prac- 
titioners in  catarrh,  pneumonia,  pleurisy,  consumption,  and  other  pectoral 
affections;  and  appears  to  be  decidedly  useful,  if  applied  in  the  early  stages, 
or,  after  sufficient  depletion,  when  the  complaint  is  already  formed.  Its  popu- 
lar name  of  pleurisy  root  expresses  the  estimation  in  which  it  is  held  as  a 
remedy  in  that  disease.  It  has  also  been  used  advantageously  in  diarrhoea, 
dysentery,  and  acute  and  chronic  rheumatism.  Dr.  Lockwood  speaks  highly 
of  its  efficacy  in  promoting  the  eruption  in  exanthematous  fevers.  {Buffalo 
Med.  Journ.,  March,  1848.)  Much  testimony  might  be  advanced  in  proof 
of  its  possessing  very  considerable  diaphoretic  powers.  It  is  said  also  to  be 
gently  tonic,  and  has  been  popularly  employed  in  pains  of  the  stomach  arising 
from  flatulence  and  indigestion. 

From  twenty  grains  to  a drachm  of  the  root  in  powder  maybe  given  seve- 
ral times  a day ; but  as  a diaphoretic  it  is  best  administered  in  decoction  or 
infusion,  made  in  the  proportion  of  an  ounce  to  a quart  of  water,  and  given 
in  the  dose  of  a teacupful  every  two  or  three  hours  till  it  operates.  W. 

ASSAFCETIDA.  U.  S.,  Loncl.,  Ed.,  Dub. 

Asset fetidci. 

The  concrete  juice  of  the  root  of  Narthex  Assafoetida.  U.  S.  The  gum- 
resin  from  the  sliced  root.  Bond.  The  gum-resinous.exudation.  Dub.  Gummy- 
resinous  exudation  of  Ferula  Assafoetida,  and  probably  Ferula  persica.  Pd. 

Assafoetida,  Ft.  ; Stink'asant,  Teufelsdreck,  Germ. ; Assafetida,  Ital. ; Asafetida, 
Span . ; Ungoozeh,  Persian;  Hilteet,  Arab. 

Narthex.  Sex.  Syst.  Pentandria  Digynia.— Mat.  Ord.  Apiaceae  or  Um- 
belliferae. 


PART  I. 


Assafcetida. 


127 


Gen.  Ch.  Umbels  compound.  Involucres  none.  Calyx  obsolete.  Fruit 
thin,  compressed  at  the  back,  with  a dilated  border.  Ridges  three  only,  dor- 
sal. Vittse  one  to  each  dorsal  furrow,  and  two  to  the  laterals.  Albumen 
thin,  flat.  Lindley. 

Na.rthex  Assafcetida.  Falconer,  Royle’s  Mat.  Med.  Am.  ed.,  p.  407. — Fe- 
rula Assafcetida.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  i.  1413 ; Kcempfer,  Amcenitat.  Exotic. 
535,  t.  536.  This  plant  was  first  described  by  Kcempfer,  who  wrote  from  actual 
observation.  By  him  and  others  after  him  it  was  considered  as  belonging  to 
the  genus  Ferula ; but  Dr.  Falconer,  from  a careful  examination  of  the  plant 
in  its  native  site,  as  well  as  of  specimens  cultivated  in  the  Saharunpore  Bo- 
tanic G-arden,  came  to  the  conclusion  that,  though  allied  to  Ferula,  it  belongs 
to  a distinct  genus,  which  he  denominated  Narthex,  and  which  is  now  gene- 
rally admitted  by  botanists.  The  root  is  perennial,  fleshy,  tapering,  simple 
or  divided,  a foot  or  more  in  length,  about  three  inches  thick  at  top,  where 
it  is  invested  above  the  soil  with  numerous  small  fibres,  dark-gray  and  trans- 
versely corrugated  on  the  outside,  internally  white,  and  abounding  in  an 
excessively  fetid,  opaque,  milky  juice.  The  leaves,  which  spring  from  the 
root,  are  numerous,  large  and  spreading,  nearly  two  feet  long,  light-green 
above,  paler  beneath,  and  of  a leathery  texture.  They  are  three-parted,  with 
bipinnatifid  segments,  and  oblong-lanceolate,  obtuse,  entire  or  variously  sinu- 
ate, decurrent  lobes,  forming  a narrow  winged  channel  upon  the  divisions  of 
the  petiole.  From  the  midst  of  the  leaves  rises  a luxuriant,  herbaceous  stem, 
from  six  to  nine  feet  high,  two  inches  in  diameter  at  the  base,  simple,  erect, 
round,  smooth,  striated,  solid,  and  terminating  in  a large  head  of  compound 
umbels,  with  from  ten  to  twenty  rays,  each  surmounted  by  a roundish  par- 
tial umbel.  The  flowers  are  pale  yellow,  and  the  fruit  oval,  thin,  flat,  folia- 
ceous,  and  reddish-brown.  The  plant  is  said  to  differ,  both  in  its  leaves  and 
product,  according  to  the  situation  and  soil  in  which  it  grows. 

It  is  a native  of  Persia,  Afghanistan,  and  other  neighbouring  regions ; and 
flourishes  abundantly  in  the  mountainous  provinces  of  Laar  and  Chorassan, 
where  its  juice  is  collected.  Burns,  in  his  travels  into  Bokhara,  states  that 
the  young  plant  is  eaten  with  relish  by  the  people,  and  that  sheep  crop  it 
greedily.  Some  suppose,  but  without  proof,  that  other  species  of  Ferula 
contribute  to  the  production  of  the  assafetida  of  commerce;  and  F.  Persica 
is  admitted  among  its  probable  sources  by  the  Edinburgh  College.  This 
plant  grows  also  in  Persia,  and  has  a strong  odour  of  the  drug. 

The  oldest  plants  are  most  productive,  and  those  under  four  years  old  are 
not  considered  worth  cutting.  At  the  season  when  the  leaves  begin  to  fade, 
the  earth  is  removed  from  about  the  top  of  the  root,  and  the  leaves  and  stem, 
being  twisted  off  near  their  base,  are  thrown  with  other  vegetable  matters 
over  the  root,  in  order  to  protect  it  from  the  sun.  After  some  time  the 
summit  of  the  root  is  cut  off  transversely,  and  the  juice  which  exudes  having 
been  scraped  off,  another  thin  slice  is  removed,  in  order  to  present  a fresh 
surface  for  exudation.  This  process  is  repeated  at  intervals  till  the  root 
ceases  to  afford  juice,  and  perishes.  During  the  whole  period  of  collection, 
which  occupies  nearly  six  weeks,  the  solar  heat  is  as  much  as  possible  ex- 
cluded. The  juice  collected  from  numerous  plants  is  put  together,  and 
allowed  to  harden  in  the  sun.  The  fruit  is  said  to  be  sent  to  India,  where 
it  is  highly  esteemed  as  a medicine  by  the  native  practitioners. 

Assafetida  is  brought  to  this  country  either  from  India,  whither  it  is  con- 
veyed from  Bushire  and  down  the  Indus,  or  by  the  route  of  Great  Britain. 
It  sometimes  comes  in  mats,  but  more  frequently  in  cases,  the  former  con- 
taining eighty  or  ninety,  the  latter  from  two  hundred  to  four  hundred  pounds. 
It  is  sometimes  also  imported  in  casks. 


128 


Assafoetida. 


PART  I. 


Properties. — As  found  in  the  shops,  assafetida  is  in  irregular  masses,  softish 
when  not  long  exposed,  of  a yellowish  or  reddish-brown  colour  externally,  ex- 
hibiting when  broken  an  irregular  whitish,  somewhat  shining  surface,  which 
soon  becomes  red  on  exposure,  and  ultimately  passes  into  a dull  yellowish- 
brown.  This  change  of  colour  is  characteristic  of  assafetida,  and  is  ascribed 
to  the  influence  of  air  and  light  upon  its  resinous  ingredient.  The  masses 
appear  as  if  composed  of  distinct  portions  agglutinated  together,  sometimes 
of  white,  almost  pearly  tears,  embedded  in  a darker,  softer,  and  more  fetid 
paste.  Occasionally  the  tears  are  found  separate,  though  very  rarely  in  the 
commerce  of  this  country.  They  are  roundish,  oval,  or  irregular,  and  gene- 
rally flattened,  from  the  size  of  a pea  to  that  of  a large  almond,  sometimes 
larger,  yellowish  or  brownish  externally  and  wThite  within,  and  not  unlike 
ammoniac  tears,  for  which  they  might  be  mistaken  except  for  their  odour, 
which,  however,  is  weaker  than  that  of  the  masses. 

The  odour  of  assafetida  is  alliaceous,  extremely  fetid,  and  tenacious ; the 
taste,  bitter,  acrid,  and  durable.  The  effect  of  time  and  exposure  is  to  ren- 
der it  more  hard  and  brittle,  and  to  diminish  the  intensity  of  its  smell  and 
taste,  particularly  the  former.  Koempfer  assures  us,  that  one  drachm  of 
the  fresh  juice  diffuses  a more  powerful  odour  through  a close  room  than 
one  hundred  pounds  of  the  drug  as  usually  kept  in  the  stores.  Assafetida 
softens  by  heat  without  melting,  and  is  of  difficult  pulverization.  Its  sp.  gr. 
is  1'327.  ( Berzelius .)  It  is  inflammable,  burning  with  a clear,  lively  flame. 
It  yields  all  its  virtues  to  alcohol,  and  forms  a clear  tincture,  which  becomes 
milky  on  the  addition  of  water.  Macerated  in  water  it  produces  a turbid 
red  solution,  and  triturated  wflth  that  fluid  gives  a white  or  pink-coloured 
milky  emulsion  of  considerable  permanence.  In  100  parts,  Pelletier  found 
65  parts  of  resin,  19'4d  of  gum,  11'66  of  bassorin,  3'60  of  volatile  oil,  with 
traces  of  supermalate  of  lime.  Brandes  obtained  4'6  parts  of  volatile  oil, 
47 '25  of  a bitter  resin  soluble  in  ether,  1'6  of  a tasteless  resin  insoluble  in 
ether,  l'O  of  extractive,  19 '4  of  gum  containing  traces  of  potassa  and  lime 
united  with  sulphuric,  phosphoric,  acetic,  and  malic  acids,  6'4  of  bassorin, 
6'2  of  sulphate  of  lime,  3'5  of  carbonate  of  lime,  0‘4  of  oxide  of  iron  and 
alumina,  0'4  of  malate  of  lime  with  resin,  6'0  of  water,  and  4’6  of  impuri- 
ties consisting  chiefly  of  sand  and  woody  fibre.  The  odour  of  the  gum-resin 
depends  on  the  volatile  oil,  which  may  be  procured  by  distillation  with  water 
or  alcohol.  It  is  lighter  than  water,  colourless  when  first  distilled,  but  be- 
coming yellow  with  age,  of  an  exceedingly  offensive  odour,  and  of  a taste  at 
first  flat,  but  afterwards  bitter  and  acrid.  It  contains,  according  to  Steuhouse, 
from  15  ’75  to  23  per  cent,  of  sulphur.  Hlasiwetz  considers  it  as  a mixture 
in  variable  proportions  of  the  sulphuret  and  bisulphuret  of  a compound 
radical,  consisting  of  carbon  and  hydrogen  (C^Hi,).  It  boils  at  about  280°, 
but  suffers  decomposition,  yielding  sulphuretted  hydrogen.  When  long  ex- 
posed to  the  air  it  becomes  slightly  acid,  and  acquires  a somewhat  different 
odour.  (Chem.  Gaz.,  No.  178,  p.  108,  from  Liebig's  Amialen.')  The  volatile 
oil  and  the  bitter  resin  are  the  active  principles. 

Impurities  and  Adulterations.  Assafetida  is  probably  not  often  purposely 
adulterated,  but  it  frequently  comes  of  inferior  quality,  and  mixed  with  vari- 
ous impurities,  such  as  sand  and  stones.  Portions  which  are  very  soft,  dark 
brown  or  blackish,  with  few  or  no  tears,  and  indisposed  to  assume  a red  colour 
when  freshly  broken,  should  be  rejected.  We  have  been  informed  that  a 
case  seldom  comes  without  more  or  less  of  this  inferior  assafetida,  and  of 
many  it  forms  the  larger  proportion.  It  is  sold  chiefly  for  horses.  Chevai- 
lier  states  that  a factitious  substance,  made  of  garlic  juice  and  white  pitch 
with  a little  assafetida,  has  occurred  in  commerce. 


PART  I. 


Assafoetida. — Aurantii  Cortex. 


129 


Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  The  effects  of  assafetida  on  the  system  are 
those  of  a moderate  stimulant,  powerful  antispasmodic,  efficient  expectorant, 
and  feeble  laxative.  Some  consider  it  also  emmenagogue  and  anthelmintic. 
Its  volatile  oil  is  undoubtedly  absorbed;  as  its  peculiar  odour  may  be  detected 
in  the  breath  and  the  secretions.  As  an  antispasmodic  simply,  it  is  employed 
in  the  treatment  of  hysteria,  hypochondriasis,  convulsions  of  various  kinds, 
spasm  of  the  stomach  and  bowels  unconnected  with  inflammation,  and  in  those 
numerous  irregular  nervous  disorders  which  accompany  derangement  of  the 
different  organs,  or  result  from  mere  debility  of  the  nervous  system.  From 
the  union  of  expectorant  with  antispasmodic  powers,  it  is  highly  useful  in 
spasmodic  pectoral  affections,  such  as  hooping-cough,  asthma,  and  certain 
infantile  coughs  and  catarrhs,  complicated  with  nervous  disorder,  or  with  a 
disposition  of  the  system  to  sink.  In  catarrhus  senilis ; the  secondary  stages 
of  peripneumonia  notlia,  croup,  measles,  and  catarrh ; in  pulmonary  consump- 
tion ; in  fact,  iu  all  cases  of  disease  of  the  chest  in  which  there  is  want  of 
due  nervous  energy,  and  in  which  inflammation  is  absent  or  has  been  suf- 
ficiently subdued,  assafetida  may  be  occasionally  prescribed  with  advantage. 
In  the  form  of  enema,  it  is  useful  in  typhoid  diseases  with  inordinate  accu- 
mulation of  air  in  the  bowels,  and  in  other  cases  of  tympanitic  abdomen. 
The  same  form  is  most  convenient  in  the  hysteric  paroxysm,  and  other  kinds 
of  convulsion.  In  most  cases  its  laxative  tendency  is  advantageous,  but 
sometimes  must  be  counteracted  bv  opium.  It  may  often  be  usefully  com- 
bined with  purgative  medicines  in  constipation  with  flatulence. 

It  appears  to  have  been  known  in  the  East  from  very  early  ages,  and,  not- 
withstanding its  repulsive  odour,  is  at  present  much  used  iu  India  and  Persia 
as  a condiment.  Persons  soon  habituate  themselves  to  its  smell,  which  they 
even  learn  to  associate  pleasantly  with  the  agreeable  effects  experienced  from 
its  internal  use.  Children  with  hooping-cough  sometimes  become  fond  of  it. 

The  medium  dose  is  ten  grains,  which  may  be  given  in  pill  or  emulsion. 
(See  Mistura  Assafcetidsef  The  tincture  is  officinal,  and  is  much  used. 
When  given  by  injection,  the  gum-resin  should  be  triturated  with  warm  water. 
From  half  a drachm  to  two  drachms  may  be  administered  at  once  in  this  way. 
As  assafetida  is  not  apt  to  affect  the  brain  injuriously,  it  may  be  given  very 
freely  when  not  contra-indicated  by  the  existence  of  inflammatory  action. 

Off.  Prep.  Assafoetida  Prmparata ; Emplastrum  Assafcetidse ; Enema  Assa- 
foetidae ; Mistura  Assafostid® ; Pilul®  Aloes  et  Assafoetid® ; Pilul®  Assa- 
foetid®; Pilulae  Galbani  Composite;  Spiritus  Ammonias  Foetidus;  Tinetura 
Assafoetidae ; Tinct.  Castorei  Ammoniata.  W. 

AURANTII  CORTEX.  U.  S.,  Lond. 

Orange  Peel. 

The  outer  rind  of  the  fruit  of  Citrus  vulgaris  or  Citrus  Aurantium.  U.  S. 
The  outer  riud  of  the  fruit  of  Citrus  Bigaradia.  Lond. 

Off.  Syn.  AURANTII  CORTEX.  Rind  of  the  fruit  of  Citrus  vulgaris. 
AURANTII  OLEUM.  Volatile  oil  of  the  flowers  of  Citrus  vulgaris,  and 
sometimes  of  Citrus  Aurantium.  Ed.;  CITRUS  AURANTIUM.  The  fruit. 
AURANTIUM.  Citrus  Bigaradia.  The  rind  of  the  fruit.  The  volatile  oil. 
Pub. 

Ecorce  d’ orange,  Fr.;  Pomeranzenschale,  Germ.;  Scorze  del  frutto  dell'arancio,  Ilal.; 
Corteza  de  naranja,  Span. 

Citrus.  Sex.  Syst.  Polyadelphia  Icosandria.  — Nat.  Ord.  Aurantiace®. 

9 


130 


Aurantii  Cortex. 


PART  I. 


Gen.  Ch.  Calyx  five-cleft.  Petals  five,  oblong.  Anthers  twenty,  the  fila- 
ments united  into  different  parcels.  Berry  nine-celled.  WiUd. 

This  very  interesting  genus  is  composed  of  small  evergreen  trees,  with  ovate 
or  oval-lanceolate,  and  shining  leaves,  odoriferous  flowers,  and  fruits  which 
usually  combine  beauty  of  colour  with  a fragrant  odour  and  grateful  taste. 
They  are  all  natives  of  warm  climates.  Though  the  species  are  not  numerous, 
great  diversity  exists  in  the  character  of  the  fruit;  and  many  varieties,  founded 
upon  this  circumstance,  are  noticed  by  writers.  In  the  splendid  work  on  the 
natural  history  of  the  Citrus  by  Ilisso  and  Poiteau,  169  varieties  are  described 
under  the  eight  following  heads  : — 1.  sweet  oranges,  2.  bitter  and  sour  oranges, 
3.  bergamots,  4.  limes,  5.  shaddocks,  6.  lumes,  7.  lemons,  and  8.  citrons.  Of 
these  it  is  difficult  to  decide  which  have  just  claims  to  the  rank  of  distinct 
species,  and  which  must  be  considered  merely  as  varieties.  Those  employed 
in  medicine  may  be  arranged  in  two  sets,  of  which  the  orange,  C.  Aurantium , 
and  the  lemon,  C.  Medica,  are  respectively  the  types,  the  former  characterized 
by  a winged,  the  latter  by  a naked  or  nearly  naked  petiole.  The  form  and 
character  of  the  fruit,  which  are  not  entirely  constant,  serve  as  the  basis  of 
the  subdivisions.  C.  Decumana,  which  yields  the  shaddock,  agrees  with  C. 
Aurantium  in  the  form  of  its  petiole. 

Citrus  Aurantium.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  iii.  1427  ; Woody.  Med.  Bot.  p.  532, 
t.  188.  The  orange  tree  grows  to  the  height  of  about  fifteen  feet.  Its  stem 
is  round,  very  much  branched,  and  covered  with  a smooth,  shining,  greenish- 
brown  bark.  In  the  wild  state,  and  before  inoculation,  it  is  often  furnished 
with  axillary  spines.  The  leaves  are  ovate,  pointed,  entire,  smooth,  and  of 
a shining  pale-green  colour.  When  held  between  the  eye  and  the  light, 
they  exhibit  numerous  small  transparent  vesicles,  filled  with  essential  oil ; 
and,  when  rubbed  between  the  fingers,  are  highly  fragrant.  Their  footstalks 
are  about  an  inch  long,  and  have  wings  or  lateral  appendages.  The  flowers, 
which  have  a delightful  odour,  are  large,  white,  and  attached  by  short  pe- 
duncles, singly  or  in  clusters,  to  the  smallest  branches.  The  calyx  is  saucer- 
shaped, with  pointed  teeth.  The  petals  are  oblong,  concave,  white,  and  beset 
with  numerous  small  glands.  The  filaments  are  united  at  their  base  in  three 
or  more  distinct  portions,  and  support  yellow  anthers.  The  germen  is  round- 
ish, and  bears  a cylindrical  style,  terminated  by  a globular  stigma.  The 
fruit  is  a spherical  berry,  often  somewhat  flattened  at  its  base  and  apex, 
rough,  of  a yellow  or  orange  colour,  and  divided  internally  into  nine  vertical 
cells,  each  containing  from  two  to  four  seeds,  surrounded  by*  a pulpy  matter. 
The  rind  of  the  fruit  consists  of  a thin  exterior  layer,  abounding  in  vesicles 
filled  with  a fragrant  essential  oil,  and  of  an  interior  one  which  is  thick, 
white,  fungous,  insipid,  and  inodorous.  There  are  two  varieties  of  C.  Au- 
rantium, considered  by  some  as  distinct  species.  They  differ  chiefly  in  the 
fruit,  which  in  one  is  sweet,  in  the  other  sour  and  bitterish.  The  first  retains 
the  original  title,  the  second  is  called  Citrus  vulgaris  by  De  Candolle  and  Citrus 
Bigaradia  by  Ilisso.  The  Seville  orange  is  the  product  of  the  latter. 

This  beautiful  evergreen,  in  which  the  fruit  is  mingled,  in  every  stage  of 
its  growth,  with  the  blossoms  and  foliage,  is  one  of  those  productions  of  the 
tropics  which  have  been  applied  to  the  most  numerous  purposes  both  of  utility 
and  ornament.  A native  of  China  and  India,  it  was  introduced  into  Europe 
at  a very  early  period,  was  transplanted  to  America  soon  after  its  first  settle- 
ment, and  is  now  found  in  every  civilized  country  where  the  climate  is  favour- 
able to  its  cultivation.  In  colder  countries,  it  is  one  of  the  most  cherished 
ornaments  of  the  hot-house,  though  in  this  situation  its  beauties  are  not  fully 
developed,  and  its  fruit  does  not  attain  perfection.  It  flourishes  in  the  most 
southern  portions  of  our  own  country,  especially  near  St.  Augustine  in  Florida, 


PART  I. 


Aurantii  Cortex. 


131 


where  very  fine  oranges  are  produced.  The  tree  also  grows  in  the  gardens 
about  New  Orleans,  but  is  sometimes  destroyed  by  frosty  winters.  The  fruit 
is  brought  to  us  chiefly  from  the  South  of  Europe  and  the  West  Indies. 
The  Havana  oranges  have  the  sweetest  and  most  agreeable  flavour. 

Various  parts  of  the  orange  tree  are  used  in  medicine.  The  leaves,  which 
are  bitter  and  aromatic,  are  employed  in  some  places  in  the  state  of  infusion 
as  a gently  stimulant  diaphoretic.  The  fresh  flowers  impart  to  water  distilled 
from  them  their  peculiar  fragrance;  and  the  preparation  thus  obtained  is 
much  esteemed  in  the  South  of  Europe  for  its  antispasmodic  virtues.  It  is 
recognised  as  officinal  by  the  London  and  Edinburgh  Colleges. 

Aurantii  Flores  Aqua.  Lond.  Aurantii  Aqua.  Ed.  Orange-flower 
water  is  not  prepared  in  this  part  of  the  United  States,  though  the  flowers 
might  be  imported  for  the  purpose,  if  previously  incorporated  with  one-third 
or  one-quarter  of  their  weight  of  common  salt.  It  is  made  in  Italy  and 
France,  and  the  flowers  of  the  bitter  orange  are  preferred,  as  yielding  the 
most  fragrant  product.  It  is  nearly  colourless,  though  usually  of  a pale 
yellowish  tint.  From  being  kept  in  copper  bottles,  it  sometimes  contains 
metallic  impurity.  This  is  chiefly  carbonate  of  lead,  derived  from  the  lead 
used  as  a solder  in  making  the  bottles.  The  Edinburgh  College,  therefore, 
directs  that  it  should  not  be  affected  by  sulphuretted  hydrogen,  which,  if 
either  lead  or  copper  were  present,  would  cause  a dark  precipitate.  Much 
colour,  an  offensive  odour,  or  mouldiness,  indicates  impurity  derived  from  the 
flowers  in  distillation.  Orange-flower  water  is  used  exclusively  as  a perfume. 

An  oil  is  also  obtained  from  the  flowers  by  distillation,  which  is  called 
neroli  in  France,  and  is  much  used  in  perfumery,  and  in  the  composition  of 
liqueurs.  It  is  an  ingredient  of  the  famous  Cologne  water.  That  obtained 
from  the  flowers  of  the  Seville  or  bitter  orange  (U.  vulgaris ) is  deemed  the 
sweetest.  It  was  introduced  into  the  Edinburgh  Pharmacopoeia,  with  the 
title  of  Aurantii  Oleum , to  serve  for  the  preparation  of  orange-flower  water. 
Soubeirau  considers  this  oil  rather  as  a product  of  the  distillation,  than  as 
pre-existing  in  the  flowers.  The  fact  may  thus  be  explained,  that  orange- 
flower  water,  made  by  dissolving  even  the  finest  neroli  in  water,  has  not  the 
precise  odour  of  that  procured  by  distillation  from  the  flowers. 

The  fruit  is  applied  to  several  purposes.  Small  unripe  oranges,  about  the 
size  of  a cherry  or  less,  previously  dried,  and  rendered  smooth  by  a turning 
lathe,  are  sometimes  employed  to  maintain  the  discharge  from  issues.  They 
are  preferred  to  peas  on  account  of  their  agreeable  odour,  and  by  some  are 
thought  to  swell  less  with  the  moisture;  but  this  is  denied  by  others,  and  it 
is  asserted  that  they  require  to  be  renewed  at  the  end  of  twenty-four  hours. 
These  fruits  are  sometimes  kept  in  the  shops  under  the  name  of  orange  ber- 
ries. They  are  of  a grayish  or  greenish-brown  colour,  fragrant  odour,  and 
bitter  taste,  and  are  said  to  be  used  for  flavouring  cordials.  A volatile  oil  is 
obtained  from  them  by  distillation,  known  to  the  French  by  the  name  of 
essence  de  petit  grain,  and  employed  for  similar  purposes  with  that  of  the 
flowers.  The  oil,  however,  which  now  goes  by  this  name,  is  said  to  be  dis- 
tilled chiefly  from  the  leaves,  and  those  of  the  bitter  orange  yield  the  best. 
The  Dublin  College  recognises  the  ripe  fruit.  The  juice  of  the  Seville  orange 
is  sour  and  bitterish,  and  forms  with  water  a refreshing  and  grateful  drink  in 
febrile  diseases.  It  is  employed  in  the  same  manner  as  lemon-juice,  which 
it  resembles  in  containing  citric  acid,  though  in  much  smaller  proportion. 
The  sweet  orange  is  more  pleasant  to  the  taste,  and  is  extensively  used  as  a 
light  refrigerant  article  of  diet  in  inflammatory  diseases,  care  being  taken  to 
reject  the  membranous  portion.  The  rind  of  the  mature  fruit  is  the  only 
part  directed  in  the  U.  S Pharmacopoeia.  The  outer  portion  is  that  con- 


132 


Aurantii  Cortex. — Avense  Farina. 


PART  i. 


sidered  officinal;  as  the  inner  is  destitute  of  activity,  and  by  its  affinity  for 
moisture  renders  the  peel  liable  to  become  mouldy.  The  best  mode  of  sepa- 
rating the  outer  rind,  when  its  desiccation  and  preservation  are  desired,  is  to 
pare  it  from  the  orange  iu  narrow  strips  with  a sharp  knife,  as  we  pare  an 
apple.  When  the  object  is  to  apply  the  fresh  rind  to  certain  pharmaceutic 
purposes,  as  to  the  preparation  of  the  confection  of  orange  peel , it  is  best 
separated  by  a grater.  The  dried  peel,  sold  in  the  shops,  is  usually  that 
of  the  Seville  orange,  and  is  brought  chiefly  from  the  Mediterranean. 

Properties.  Orange  peel  has  a grateful  aromatic  odour,  and  a warm  bitter 
taste,  which  depend  upon  the  volatile  oil  contained  in  its  vesicles.  The  rind 
of  the  Seville  orange  is  much  more  bitter  than  that  of  the  other  variety. 
Both  yield  their  sensible  properties  to  water  and  alcohol.  The  oil  may  be 
obtained  by  expression  from  the  fresh  grated  rind,  or  by  distillation  with 
water.  It  is  imported  into  the  United  States  in  tinned  copper  cans.  It  has 
properties  resembling  those  of  the  oil  of  lemons,  but  spoils  more  rapidly  on 
exposure  to  the  air,  acquiring  a terebinthinate  odour.  The  perfumers  use  it 
in  the  preparation  of  Cologne  water,  and  for  other  purposes;  and  it  is  also 
employed  by  the  confectioners.  This  oil  is  recognised  by  the  Dublin  College. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Orange  peel  is  a mild  tonic,  carminative, 
and  stomachic,  but  is  seldom  used  alone.  It  is  chiefly  employed  to  communi- 
cate a pleasant  flavour  to  other  medicines,  to  correct  their  nauseating  proper- 
ties, and  to  assist  their  stimulant  impression  upon  the  stomach.  It  is  a 
frequent  and  useful  addition  to  bitter  infusions  and  decoctions,  as  those  of 
gentian,  quassia,  columbo,  and  especially  Peruvian  bark.  It  is  obviously 
improper  to  subject  orange  peel  to  long  boiling;  as  the  volatile  oil,  on  which 
its  virtues  chiefly  depend,  is  thus  driven  off.  The  dose  in  substance  is  from 
half  a drachm  to  a drachm  three  times  a day.  Large  quantities  are  some- 
times productive  of  mischief,  especially  in  children,  in  whom  violent  colic 
and  even  convulsions  are  sometimes  induced  by  it.  We  have  known  the  case 
of  a child,  in  which  death  resulted  from  eating  the  rind  of  an  orange. 

When  orange  peel  is  used  simply  for  its  agreeable  flavour,  the  rind  of  the 
sweet  orange  is  preferable;  as  a tonic,  that  of  the  Seville  orange. 

Off.  Prep.  Confectio  Aurantii  Corticis;  Infusum  Aurantii  Compositum; 
Infusum  Gentianas  Comp.;  Spiritus  Armoracias  Comp.;  Syrupus  Aurantii 
Corticis;  Tinctura  Aurantii;  Tinct.  Cinchonas  Comp.;  Tinct.  Gentianas 
Comp.;  Vinum  Gentianas.  W. 

AVENGE  FARINA.  US. 

Oatmeal. 

Meal  prepared  from  the  seeds  of  Avena  sativa.  U.  S. 

Off.  Syn.  AVENA.  Avena  sativa.  Semen  tunicis  nudatum.  Lond 
AVENA.  Seeds  of  Avena  sativa.  Ed.;  AVENA  SATIVA.  The  seeds.  Dub. 

Fariae  d’avoine,  Fr.;  Hafermehl,  Germ.;  Farina  dell’ avena,  I Lai.;  Harina  de  avena, 
Span. 

Avena.  Sex.  Syst.  Triandria  Digynia. — Nat.  Ord.  Graminaceas. 

Gen.  Ch.  Calyx  two-valved,  many  flowered,  with  a twisted  awn  on  the 
back.  Willd. 

'Avena  sativa.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  i.  446.  The  common  oat  is  so  well 
known  that  a minute  description  would  be  superfluous.  It  is  specifically 
distinguished  by  its  “loose  panicle,  its  two-seeded  glumes,  and  its  smooth 
seeds,  one  of  which  is  awned.”  It  was  known  to  the  ancients,  and  is  now 
cultivated  in  all  civilized  countries;  but  its  original  locality  has  not  been 


PART  I. 


Avense  Farina. — Azedarach. 


133 


satisfactorily  ascertained.  It  grows  wild  in  Sicily,  and  is  said  to  have  been 
seen  by  Anson  in  the  Island  of  Juan  Fernandez,  on  the  coast  of  Chili. 

This  grain,  though  cultivated  chiefly  for  horses,  is  very  nourishing,  and  is 
largely  consumed  as  food  by  the  inhabitants  of  Scotland,  the  North  of  Ire- 
land, Brittany,  and  some  other  countries.  The  seeds  deprived  of  their  husk 
are  called  groats,  and  are  directed  by  the  London  College ; but  are  not  offi- 
cinal on  this  side  of  the  Atlantic.  It  is  only  the  meal,  prepared  by  grinding 
the  seeds,  that  is  kept  in  our  shops. 

Oatmeal  contains,  according  to  Vogel,  in  100  parts,  59  of  starch,  4’30  of 
a grayish  substance  resembling  rather  coagulated  albumen  than  gluten,  8’25 
of  sugar  and  a bitter  principle,  2‘50  of  gum,  2 of  fixed  oil,  and  23'95  of 
fibrous  matter  including  loss.  An  elaborate  analysis  of  oats,  deprived  of  the 
husk,  made  by  Professor  J.  P.  Norton,  of  Yale  College,  gave  as  the  average 
of  four  varieties  of  the  grain,  65'H  per  cent,  of  starch,  2'24  of  sugar,  2’23  of 
gum,  6‘55  of  oil,  16'51  of  a nitrogenous  body  analogous  to  casein,  though 
differing  from  it  in  some  respects,  P42  of  albumen,  1'68  of  gluten,  2 17  of 
epidermis,  and  2'09  of  alkaline  salts,  with  allowance  for  loss  and  error.  Pro- 
fessor Norton  thinks  there  may  have  been  some  error  in  the  proportion  of  the 
nitrogenous  compounds,  in  consequence  of  the  difficulty  of  separating  them 
from  starch ; and  concludes,  from  the  quantity  of  nitrogen  obtained  by  ulti- 
mate analysis,  that  these  compounds  must  amount  to  at  least  8 per  cent. 
(Am:  Journ.  of  Sci.  and  Arts,  2d  ser.,  iii.  330.')  Oatmeal  has  no  smell,  is 
very  slightly  but  not  unpleasantly  bitter,  and  yields  most  of  its  nutritive 
matter  with  facility  to  boiling  water. 

Gruel  made  with  oatmeal  affords  a nutritious,  bland,  and  easily  digested 
aliment,  admirably  adapted  to  inflammatory  diseases;  and,  from  its  somewhat 
laxative  tendency,  preferable  in  certain  cases  to  the  purely  mucilaginous  or 
amylaceous  preparations.  It  is  very  often  administered  after  brisk  cathartics, 
in  order  to  render  them  easier,  and  at  the  same  time  more  efficient  in  their 
action.  It  is  sometimes  also  used  in  the  form  of  enema;  and  the  meal,  boiled 
with  water  into  a thick  paste,  forms  an  excellent  emollient  cataplasm.  Oat- 
meal gruel  may  be  prepared  by  boiling  an  ounce  of  the  meal  with  three  pints 
of  water  to  a quart,  straining  the  decoction,  allowing  it  to  stand  till  it  cools, 
and  then  pouring  off  the  clear  liquor  from  the  sediment.  Sugar  and  lemon- 
juice  may  be  added  to  improve  its  flavour;  and  raisins  are  not  unfrequently 
boiled  with  the  meal  and  water  for  the  same  purpose.  W. 

AZEDARACH.  US.  Secondary. 

Azedarach. 

The  bark  of  the  root  of  Melia  Azedarach.  U.  S. 

Meiaa.  Seat,  Syst.  Deeandria  Monogynia. — Nat.Ord.  Meliaceae. 

Gen.  Oh.  Calyx,  five-toothed.  Petals  five.  Nectary  cylindrical,  toothed, 
bearing  the  anthers  in  the  throat.  Drupe  with  a five-celled  nut.  Willd. 

Melia  Azedarach.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  ii.  558;  Michaux,  N.  Am.  Sylv.  iii. 
4.  This  is  a beautiful  tree,  rising  thirty  or  forty  feet  in  height,  with  a trunk 
fifteen  or  twenty  inches  in  diameter.  When  standing  alone,  it  attains  less 
elevation,  and  spreads  itself  out  into  a capacious  summit.  Its  leaves  are 
large,  and  doubly  pinnate,  consisting  of  smooth,  acuminate,  denticulate,  dark 
green  leaflets,  which  are  disposed  in  pairs  with  an  odd  one  at  the  end.  The 
flowers,  which  are  of  a lilac  colour  and  delightfully  fragrant,  are  in  beautiful 
axillary  clusters  near  the  extremities  of  the  branches.  The  fruit  is  a round 
drupe,  about  as  large  as  a cherry,  and  yellowish  when  ripe. 


134 


Azedarach. — Balsamum  P eruvianum. 


PART  i. 


This  species  of  Melia  is  variously  called  pride  of  India,  pride  of  China, 
and  common  head  tree.  It  is  a native  of  Syria,  Persia,  and  the  North  of 
India,  and  is  cultivated  as  an  ornament  in  various  parts  of  the  eastern  and 
western  continents.  It  is  abundant  in  our  Southern  States,  where  it  adorns 
the  streets  of  cities,  and  the  environs  of  dwellings,  and  in  some  places  has 
become  naturalized.  North  of  Virginia  it  does  not  flourish,  though  small 
trees  may  sometimes  be  seen  in  sheltered  situations.  Its  flowers  appear  early 
in  the  spring.  The  fruit  is  sweetish,  and,  though  said  by  some  to  be  poison- 
ous, is  eaten  by  children  without  inconvenience,  and  is  reputed  to  be  power- 
fully vermifuge.  But  the  bark  of  the  root  is  the  part  chiefly  employed.  It 
is  preferred  iu  the  recent  state,  and  is,  therefore,  scarcely  to  be  found  in  the 
shops  at  the  North.  It  has  a bitter,  nauseous  taste,  and  yields  its  virtues 
to  boiling  water. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  This  bark  is  cathartic  and  emetic,  and  in 
large  doses  is  said  to  produce  narcotic  effects  similar  to  those  of  spigelia, 
especially  if  gathered  at  the  season  when  the  sap  is  mounting.  It  is  con- 
sidered in  the  Southern  States  an  efiicient  anthelmintic,  and  appears  to  enjoy, 
in  some  places,  an  equal  degree  of  confidence  with  the  pinkroot.  It  is  thought 
also  to  be  useful  in  those  infantile  remittents  which  resemble  verminose  fevers, 
without  being  dependent  on  the  presence  of  worms.  The  form  of  decoction 
is  usually  preferred.  A quart  of  water  is  boiled  with  four  ounces  of  the 
fresh  bark  to  a pint,  of  which  the  dose  for  a child  is  a tablespoonful  every  two 
or  three  hours,  till  it  affects  the  stomach  or  bowels.  Another  plan  is  to  give 
a dose  morning  and  evening  for  several  successive  days,  and  then  to  admin- 
ister an  active  cathartic.  W. 

BALSAMUM  PERUVIANUM.  TJ.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed. 
Balsam  of  Peru. 

The  juice  of  Myrospermum  Peruiferum.  U. S.  Balsam  prepared  from  the 
bark.  Lond.  Fluid  balsamic  exudation.  Ed. 

Baume  de  Perou,  Fr. ; Peruvianischer  Balsam,  Germ.;  Balsamo  del  Peru,  Ital.; 
Balsamo  negro,  Span. 

Myrospermum.  Sex.Syst.  Decandria  Monogynia. — Xat.Ord.  Legurui- 
nosm.  De  Cand. 

Gen.  Ch.  Calyx  campanulate,  five-toothed,  persistent.  Petals  five,  the 
upper  one  largest.  Stamens  ten,  free.  Ovary  stipitate,'  oblong,  membranous, 
with  from  two  to  six  ovules;  the  style  originating  near  the  apex,  filiform, 
lateral.  Legume  with  the  stalk  naked  at  the  base,  broadly  winged  above, 
samaroid,  indehiscent,  oue-celled,  one  or  two  seeded,  laterally  somewhat 
pointed  by  the  style.  Seed  covered  over  with  balsamic  juice.  Cotyledons 
thick,  flat.  De  Candolle. 

Botanists  now  agree  in  uniting  the  genera  Myroxylon  and  Toluifera  of 
Linnaeus,  and  Myrospermum  of  Jacquin,  into  one,  and  follow  De  Candolle  in 
adopting  the  last  mentioned  title.  In  relation  to  the  particular  species  which 
yields  the  balsam  now  under  consideration,  there  has  been  much  uncertainty. 
After  the  death  of  Linnaeus,  specimens  of  a plant  were  sent  to  the  younger 
Linnaeus  by  Mutis,  from  New  Granada,  which  was  said  by  this  botanist  to 
yield  the  balsam  of  Peru.  A description  of  the  plant  was  published  iu  the 
Supplementum  Plantarum  with  the  name  of  Myroxylon  Peruiferum ; and 
pharmacologists  have  generally  referred  the  balsam  to  it.  But  considerable 
doubt  has  existed  as  to  the  identity  of  the  species;  nor  have  these  doubts 
been  satisfactorily  settled  up  to  the  present  time.  Specimens  of  a plant  were 


PART  I. 


Balsamum  Peruvianum. 


135 


received  by  Dr.  Pereira  from  Central  America,  wliich,  there  is  no  reason  to 
doubt,  is  the  real  source  of  Peruvian  balsam.  Upon  comparing  these  with 
the  specimen  of  Mutis’s  plant  preserved  in  the  Herbarium  of  the  Linnaean 
Society,  he  found  a sufficiently  close  resemblance  in  the  leaves;  but  unfor- 
tunately this  specimen  is  not  perfect;  and  a certain  conclusion  does  not  seem 
to  be  attainable,  A species  of  Myrospermum  was  described  by  Ruiz  in  his 
Quinologia,  as  the  true  Peruvian  balsam  plant,  which  he  believed  to  be  iden- 
tical with  Myroxylon  Peruiferum  of  Linn.,  and  named  accordingly.  But 
this  identity  is  denied  by  Kunth  and  De  Candolle,  who  consider  Ruiz’s  plant 
to  be  the  Myrospermum pubescens.  ( Prod  com.  ii.  95.)  Lambert,  in  his  Illus- 
trations of  the  Genus  Cinchona,  translated  the  description  of  Ruiz,  and  gave 
a figure  of  the  plant  (p.  97);  but,  according  to  Dr.  Pereira,  he  drew  the  figure 
from  Pavon’s  specimens  contained  in  the  British  Museum,  which  were  not 
those  of  Ruiz’s  plant,  and  were  marked  in  Pavon’s  own  hand  writing  Myrox- 
ylon balsamiferum.  With  this  figure  the  real  plant  corresponds  most  closely ; 
and  it  would  appear,  therefore,  not  to  be  the  M.  Peruiferum  of  Ruiz,  the 
M.  pubescens  of  Kunth  and  De  Candolle.  In  this  uncertainty,  we  shall  give 
a brief  account  of  the  plant  described  and  figured  by  Pereira,  with  the  de- 
signation of  “ Myrospermum  of  Sonsonate,”  leaving  its  proper  botanical  place 
to  be  determined  by  further  observation. 

The  Myrospermum  of  Sonsonate,  for  which  Dr.  Royle  proposes  the  name 
of  Myrospermum  Pereira,  in  honour  of  the  late  Dr.  Pereira  ( Manual  of  Mat. 
Med.,  2d  ed.  p.  414),  is  a handsome  tree,  with  a straight,  round,  lofty  stem, 
a smooth  ash-coloured  bark,  and  spreading  branches  at  the  top.  The  leaves 
are  alternate,  petiolate,  and  unequally  pinnate.  The  leaflets  are  from  five  to 
eleven,  shortly  petiolate,  oblong,  oval-oblong,  or  ovate,  about  three  inches 
long  by  somewhat  less  than  an  inch  and  a half  in  breadth,  rounded  at  the 
base,  and  contracting  abruptly  at  top  into  an  emarginate  point.  When  held 
up  to  the  light,  they  exhibit,  in  lines  parallel  with  the  primary  veins,  beau- 
tiful rounded  and  linear  pellucid  spots.  The  common  and  partial  petioles 
and  midribs  are  smooth  to  the  naked  eye,  but,  when  examined  with  a mi- 
croscope, are  found  to  be  furnished  with  short  hairs.  The  fruit,  including 
the  winged  foot-stalk,  varies  from  two  to  four  inches  in  length.  At  its 
peduncular  extremity  it  is  rounded  or  slightly  tapering ; at  the  top  is  en- 
larged, rounded,  and  swollen,  with  a small  point  at  the  side.  The  mesocarp, 
or  main  investment  of  the  fruit,  is  fibrous,  and  contains  in  distinct  receptacles 
a balsamic  juice,  which  is  most  abundant  in  two  long  receptacles  or  vittae, 
one  upon  each  side. 

This  tree  grows  in  Central  America,  in  the  State  of  Saint  Salvador,  upon 
the  Pacific  Coast.  The  balsam  is  collected  from  it  exclusively  by  the  abo- 
rigines, within  a small  district  denominated  the  Balsam  Coast,  extending 
from  Acajutla  to  Port  Libertad.  Incisions  are  made  into  the  bark,  which 
is  slightly  burned,  so  as  to  cause  the  juice  to  flow.  Cotton  or  woollen  rags 
are  then  inserted  into  the  apertures,  and,  after  saturation,  are  removed  and  re- 
placed by  others.  When  sufficient  is  collected,  the  rags  are  boiled  in  water 
in  large  jars,  and  the  liquid  allowed  to  stand;  whereupon  the  water  rises  to 
the  top  and  is  poured  off,  leaving  the  balsam,  which  is  put  into  calabashes  or 
bladders.  ( Pharm . Journ.  ancl  Trans.,  xi.  205.)  It  is  then  taken  for  sale 
to  the  neighbouring  town  of  Sonsonate,  where  it  is  purified  by  subsidence  and 
straining,  and  put  into  jars  for  exportation.  The  annual  average  produce  is 
said  to  he  about  25,000  pounds. 

A substance  called  white  balsam  is  procured  from  the  fruit  by  expression. 
This  has  been  confounded  by  some  with  the  balsam  of  Tolu,  but  is  wholly 
distinct.  It  is  of  a semifluid  or  soft  solid  consistence,  somewhat  granular, 


136 


Balsamum  P eruvianum. 


part  I. 


and,  on  standing,  separates  into  a white  resinous  crystalline  deposit,  and  a 
superior  translucent  more  fluid  portion.  The  smell,  though  quite  distinct 
from  that  of  the  balsams  of  Tolu  and  Peru,  is  not  disagreeable.  Dr.  Sten- 
liouse  has  obtained  from  it  a peculiar  resinous  body,  readily  crystallizable, 
and  remarkably  indifferent  in  its  chemical  affinities,  which  he  denominates 
my roxocarpin.  ( Pharm , Journ.  and  Trans.,  x.  290.) 

Another  substance  obtained  from  the  same  tree,  and  much  used  in  Central 
America,  is  a tincture  of  the  fruit,  made  by  digesting  it  in  rum.  It  is  called 
Lalsamito  by  the  inhabitants,  and  is  said  to  be  stimulant,  anthelmintic,  and 
diuretic.  It  is  also  used  as  an  external  application  to  gangrenous  or  indolent 
ulcers,  and  as  a wash  to  the  face  to  remove  freckles.  Neither  the  white 
balsam  nor  the  balsamito  reaches  the  markets  of  this  country. 

The  balsam  of  Peru  was  named  from  its  place  of  exportation ; and  it  was 
long  thought  to  be  a product  of  Peru.  It  is  now  shipped  partly  from  the 
Pacific  coast,  and  partly  from  Balize  or  other  ports  on  the  Atlantic  side,  whither 
it  is  brought  across  the  country.  It  was  Guibourt  who  first  made  known  the 
fact  of  its  exclusive  production  in  Central  America.  As  imported  it  is  usually 
in  tin  canisters,  with  a whitish  scum  upon  its  surface,  and  more  or  less  de- 
posit, which  is  dissolved  with  the  aid  of  heat. 

It  is  said  to  be  adulterated  in  Europe  with  castor  oil,  copaiba,  &e.  (see 
Pharm.  Journ.  and  Trans.,  xii.  549) ; and  a factitious  substance  has  been 
sold  in  this  country  for  the  genuine  balsam,  prepared  by  dissolving  balsam 
of  Tolu  in  alcohol.  This  may  be  distinguished  by  taking  fire  readily,  and 
burning  with  a blue  flame.  (Ar.  Y.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  i.  133.) 

Properties.  Balsam  of  Peru  is  viscid  like  syrup  or  honey,  of  a dark  reddish- 
brown  colour,  a fragrant  odour,  and  a warm  bitterish  taste,  leaving  when 
swallowed  a burning  or  prickling  sensation  in  the  throat.  Its  sp.  gr.  is  from 
114  to  1T6.  When  exposed  to  flame  it  takes  fire,  diffusing  a white  smoke 
and  a fragrant  odour.  Containing  resin,  volatile  oil,  and  either  benzoic  or 
cinnamic  acid,  it  is  properly  considered  a balsam,  though  probably  somewhat 
altered  by  heat.  Alcohol  in  large  proportion  entirely  dissolves  it.  Boiling 
water  extracts  the  acid.  From  1000  parts  of  the  balsam,  Stolze  obtained 
24  parts  of  a brown  nearly  insoluble  resinous  matter,  207  of  resin  readily 
soluble,  690  of  oil,  64  of  benzoic  acid,  6 of  extractive  matter,  and  a small 
proportion  of  water.  The  oil  he  considers  to  be  of  a peculiar  nature,  differ- 
ing from  the  volatile,  the  fixed,  and  the  empyreumatic  oils.  Fremy  gives 
the  following  views  of  the  composition  of  the  balsam.  The  acid  is  cinnamic 
and  not  benzoic  acid.  The  oily  substance  is  named  by  him  cinnameine.  It 
is  decomposed  by  caustic  potassa  into  cinnamic  acid,  which  unites  with  the 
alkali,  and  a light  oily  fluid  called  peruvine.  The  resin  is  a hydrate  of  cin- 
nameine, and  increases  at  the  expense  of  the  latter  principle  as  the  balsam 
hardens.  Cinnameine  often  holds  in  solution  a crystalline  substance  called 
jnetacinnameine,  which  is  isomeric  with  hydruret  of  cinnamyl,  and  by  its 
oxidation  gives  rise  to  the  cinnamic  acid.  When  none  exists  in  the  balsam, 
it  is  presumed  to  have  been  wholly  converted  into  that  acid. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  This  balsam  is  a warm,  stimulating  tonic 
and  expectorant,  and  has  been  recommended  in  chronic  catarrhs,  certain  forms 
of  asthma,  phthisis,  and  other  pectoral  complaints  attended  with  debility.  It 
has  also  been  used  in  gonorrhoea,  leucorrhoea,  amenorrhoea,  chronic  rheuma- 
tism, and  palsy.  At  present,  however,  it  is  little  employed  by  American 
physicians.  As  an  external  application  it  has  been  found  beneficial  in  chronic 
indolent  ulcers.  The  dose  is  half  a fluidrachm.  It  is  best  administered 
diffused  in  water  by  means  of  sugar  and  the  yolk  of  eggs  or  gum  Arabic. 

Off.  Prep.  Tinctura  Benzoini  Composita.  W. 


PART  I. 


Balsamum  Tolutanum. 


137 


BALSAMUM  TOLUTANUM.  U.  S.,  Loncl,  Ed.,  Dub. 
Balsam  of  Tolu. 

The  juice  of  Myrospermum  Toluiferum.  U.  S.  Concrete  balsam,  from  in- 
cisions in  the  bark.  Land.  Concrete  balsamic  exudation.  Ed.,  Dub. 

Baume  de  Tolu,  Ft.;  Tolubalsam,  Germ.;  Balsamo  del  Tolu,  Ilal.;  Balsamo  de  Tolu, 
Span. 

Myrospermum.  See  BALSAMUM  PERUVIANUM. 

For  a long  time  the  tree  from  which  this  balsam  is  derived  retained  the 
name  of  Toluifera  Balsamum,  given  to  it  by  Linnaeus;  but  it  is  now  admitted 
that  the  genus  Toluifera  was  formed  upon  insufficient  grounds ; and  botanists 
agree  in  referring  the  Tolu  balsam  tree  to  the  genus  Myroxylon,  or,  as  it  is 
now  denominated,  Myrospermum.  Ruiz,  one  of  the  authors  of  the  Flora  Peru- 
viana, considered  it  identical  with  Myroxylon  Peruiferum ; but  M.  Achilla 
Richard  determined  that  it  was  a distinct  species,  and  gave  it  the  appropriate 
specific  name  of  Toluiferum,  which  is  now  recognised  by  the  Pharmacopoeias. 
Sprengel  and  Humboldt  also  consider  it  a distinct  species  of  Myroxylon. 
According  to  Richard,  who  had  an  opportunity  of  examining  specimens 
brought  from  South  America  by  Humboldt,  the  leaflets  of  M.  Peruiferum 
are  thick,  coriaceous,  acute,  blunt  at  the  apex,  and  all  equal  in  size;  while 
those  of  M.  Toluiferum  are  thin,  membranous,  obovate,  with  a lengthened 
and  acuminate  apex,  and  the  terminal  one  is  longest.  M.  Peruiferum  is 
found  in  Peru  and  the  southern  parts  of  New  Granada;  M.  Toluiferum  grows 
in  Carthagena,  and  abounds  especially  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Tolu.  The 
wood  of  the  latter  species,  according  to  Flumboldt,  is  of  a deep-red  colour, 
has  a delightful  balsamic  odour,  and  is  much  used  for  building. 

The  balsam  is  procured  by  making  incisions  into  the  trunk.  The  juice 
is  received  in  vessels  of  various  kinds,  in  which  it  concretes.  It  is  brought 
from  Carthagena  in  calabashes  or  baked  earthen  jars,  and  sometimes  in  glass 
vessels.  G.  L.  Ulex  gives  as  a test  of  the  purity  of  the  balsam  that,  if 
heated  in  sulphuric  acid,  it  dissolves  without  disengagement  of  sulphurous 
acid,  and  yields  a cherry-red  liquid.  ( Archiv . der  Pharm.,  Jan.  1853.) 

Properties.  As  first  imported,  balsam  of  Tolu  has  a soft,  tenacious  con- 
sistence, which  varies  considerably  with  the  temperature.  By  age  it  becomes 
hard  and  brittle  like  resin.  It  is  shining,  translucent,  of  a reddish  or  yel- 
lowish-brown colour,  a highly  fragrant  odour,  and  a warm,  somewhat  sweetish 
and  pungent,  but  not  disagreeable  taste.  Exposed  to  heat,  it  melts,  inflames, 
and  diffuses  an  agreeable  odour  while  burning.  It  is  entirely  dissolved  by 
alcohol  and  the  volatile  oils.  Boiling  water  extracts  its  acid.  Distilled  with 
water  it  affords  a small  proportion  of  volatile  oil;  and,  if  the  heat  be  con- 
tinued, an  acid  matter  sublimes.  Mr.  Hatchett  states  that,  when  dissolved 
in  the  smallest  quantity  of  solution  of  potassa,  it  loses  its  own  characteristic 
odour,  and  acquires  that  of  the  clove  pink.  Its  ingredients  are  resin,  cin- 
namic acid,  and  volatile  oil,  the  proportions  of  which  vary  in  different  speci- 
mens. The  acid  was  formerly  thought  to  be  benzoic ; but  was  proved  by 
Fremy  to  be  the  cinnamic.  The  existence  of  the  former  acid  in  the  balsam 
was  denied  by  that  chemist;  and,  though  Deville  subsequently  obtained 
benzoic  acid  from  it,  yet,  according  to  Kopp,  this  did  not  pre-exist  in  the 
balsam,  but  resulted  from  changes  produced  in  the  resin  by  heat,  or  the  re- 
action of  strong  alkaline  solutions.  The  pure  volatile  oil  is  a hydrocarbon 
(G10H8),  which  is  denominated  by  Kopp  tolene.  According  to  the  same 
chemist,  the  resinous  matter  is  of  two  kinds,  one  very  soluble  in  alcohol,  and 


138 


Balsamum  Tolutanum.— Barium. 


part  I. 


the  other  hut  slightly  so.  ( Journ . de  Pharm.,  3e  ser.  xi.  426.)  Guibourt 
observed  that  the  balsam  contains  more  acid,  and  is  less  odorous  in  the  solid 
form ; and  thinks  that  the  acid  is  increased  at  the  expense  of  the  oil. 
Trommsdorff  obtained  88  per  cent,  of  resin,  12  of  acid,  and  only  0*2  of  vo- 
latile oil.  According  to  Mr.  Heaver,  the  balsam  yields  by  distillation  about 
one-eighth  of  its  weight  of  pure  cinnamic  acid.  The  acid  distils  over  in  the 
form  of  a heavy  oil,  which  condenses  into  a white  crystalline  mass.  It  may 
he  freed  from  empyreumatic  oil  by  pressure  between  folds  of  bibulous  paper, 
and  subsequent  solution  in  boiling  water,  which  deposits  it  in  minute  colour- 
less crystals,  upon  cooling.  (See  Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xv.  77.)  Accord- 
to  Fremy,  the  constitution  of  this  balsam  is  closely  analogous  to  that  of  the 
balsam  of  Peru,  being  composed  of  cinnameine,  cinnamic  acid,  and  resin. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Balsam  of  Tolu  is  a stimulant  tonic,  with 
a peculiar  tendency  to  the  pulmonary  organs.  It  is  given  with  some  advan- 
tage in  chronic  catarrh  and  other  pectoral  complaints,  in  which  a gently  stitnu- 
lating  expectorant  is  demanded ; but  should  not  be  prescribed  until  after  the 
reduction  of  inflammatory  action.  Independently  of  its  medical  virtues,  its 
agreeable  flavour  renders  it  a popular  ingredient  in  expectorant  mixtures.  Old 
and  obstinate  coughs  are  said  to  be  sometimes  greatly  relieved  by  the  inhala- 
tion of  the  vapour,  proceeding  from  an  ethereal  solution  of  this  balsam.  From 
ten  to  thirty  grains  may  be  given  at  a dose,  and  frequently  repeated.  The 
best  form  of  administration  is  that  of  emulsion,  made  b\r  triturating  the  bal- 
sam with  mucilage  of  gum  Arabic  and  loaf  sugar,  and  afterwards  with  water. 

Off.  Prep.  Syrupus  Tolutanus;  Tinctura  Benzoini  Composita  ; Tinctura 
Tolutani.  W . 

BARIUM. 

Barium. 

This  is  the  metallic  radical  of  the  earth  baryta,  and  the  basis  of  several 
officinal  compounds.  It  was  first  obtained  in  1808  by  Sir  II.  Davy,  who 
describes  it  as  a difficultly  fusible  metal,  of  a dai'k-gray  colour,  effervescing 
violently  with  water,  and  considerably  heavier  than  sulphuric  acid.  Its  eq. 
is  68'7,  and  symbol  Ba.  When  exposed  to  the  air,  it  instantly  becomes 
covered  with  a crust  of  baryta,  and,  when  gently  heated,  burns  with  a deep 
red  light.  The  only  officinal  compounds  of  barium  are  the  chloride  of  barium, 
and  the  carbonate  and  sulphate  of  the  protoxide  (baryta). 

Baryta  may  be  obtained  from  the  native  carbonate  by  intense  ignition  with 
carbonaceous  matter;  or  from  the  native  sulphate,  by  ignition  with  charcoal, 
which  converts  it  into  sulphuret  of  barium,  subsequent  solution  of  the  sul- 
phuret  in  nitric  acid,  and  strong  ignition  of  the  nitrate  formed  to  dissipate 
the  acid.  As  thus  obtained,  it  is  an  anhydrous  solid,  caustic,  alkaline,  diffi- 
cultly fusible,  and  of  a grayish -white  colour.  Its  sp.  gr.  is  about  4.  It  acts 
on  the  animal  economy  as  a poison.  When  sprinkled  with  water  it  slakes 
like  lime,  becomes  hot,  and  is  reduced  to  the  state  of  a white  pulverulent 
hydrate,  containing  one  eq.  of  water.  The  same  hydrate  is  formed  in  mass, 
when  the  anhydrous  earth  is  made  into  a paste  with  water,  and  exposed  to  a 
red  heat  in  a platinum  crucible.  The  excess  of  water  is  expelled,  and  the 
hydrate,  undergoing  fusion,  may  be  poured  out  and  allowed  to  congeal.  Ba- 
ryta dissolves  in  water,  and  forms  the  re-agent  called  baryta-water.  A boil- 
ing saturated  solution,  as  it  cools,  yields  crystals  of  baryta,  containing  much 
water  of  crystallization. 

Baryta  consists  of  one  eq.  of  barium  68*7,  and  one  of  oxygen  S = 76*7. 
Its  symbol  is,  therefore,  BaO.  B. 


PART  I. 


Barytse  Carbonas. — Barytse  Sulphas. 


139 


BARYTiE  CARBONAS.  U.  S.,  Ed.,  Dub. 
Carbonate  of  Baryta. 

Carbonate  de  baryte,  Ft.;  Koblensaurer  Baryt,  Germ.;  Barite  carbonate,  Ilctl. ; 
Carbonato  de  barito.  Span. 

The  officinal  carbonate  of  baryta  is  the  native  carbonate,  a mineral  disco- 
vered in  1783  by  Dr.  Withering,  in  honour  of  whom  it  is  called  Witherite. 
It  is  rather  a rare  mineral.  It  is  found  in  Sweden  and  Scotland,  but  most 
abundantly  in  the  lead  mines  of  the  North  of  England.  It  occurs  usually  in 
grayish,  or  pale  yellowish-gray,  fibrous  masses,  but  sometimes  crystallized. 
Its  sp.  gr.  varies  from4'2  to  4'4.  It  is  generally  translucent,  but  sometimes 
opaque.  It  effervesces  with  acids,  and,  before  the  blowpipe,  melts  into  a 
white  enamel  without  losing  its  carbonic  acid.  It  is  distinguished  from  the 
carbonate  of  strontia,  with  which  it  is  most  liable  to  be  confounded,  by  its 
greater  specific  gravity,  and  by  the  absence  of  a reddish  flame  upon  the 
burning  of  alcohol  impregnated  with  its  muriatic  solution.  If  the  carbonate 
of  baryta  contain  strontia,  the  test  of  the  reddish  flame  will  detect  its  pre- 
sence. On  the  animal  economy  it  acts  as  a poison. 

When  pure,  carbonate  of  baryta  is  entirely  soluble  in  muriatic  acid.  If 
any  sulphate  of  baryta  be  present,  it  will  be  left  undissolved.  If  neither 
ammonia  nor  sulphuretted  hydrogen  produce  discoloration  or  a precipitate  in 
the  muriatic  solution,  the  absence  of  alumina,  iron, copper,  and  lead  is  shown. 
Lime  may  be  detected  by  adding  to  the  muriatic  solution  an  excess  of  sul- 
phuric acid,  which  will  throw  down  the  baryta  as  a sulphate,  and  afterwards 
testing  the  clear  liquid  with  carbonate  of  soda,  which,  if  lime  be  present,  will 
produce  a precipitate  of  carbonate  of  lime. 

Carbonate  of  baryta  consists  of  one  eq.  of  carbonic  acid  22,  and  one  of 
baryta  76'7=98’7.  Its  only  officinal  use  is  to  make  the  chloride  of  barium. 

Off.  Prep.  Barii  Chloridum.  B. 

BARYTiE  SULPHAS.  Ed.,  Dub. 

Sulphate  of  Baryta. 

Heavy  spar,  Baroselenite ; Sulfate  de  baryte,  Fr.;  Scliwefelsaurer  Baryt,  Germ.; 
Barite  solfata,  Ilal. 

The  native  sulphate  of  baryta  is  used  in  pharmacy  with  the  same  view  as 
the  native  carbonate;  namely,  to  obtain  the  chloride  of  barium.  The  U.  S. 
Pharmacopoeia  directs  for  this  purpose  the  carbonate  of  baryta;  while  the 
Ed.  and  Dub.  Colleges  give  a separate  formula  for  the  use  of  either  the  carbon- 
ate or  sulphate,  at  the  option  of  the  operator.  (See  Barii  Chloridum.) 

Sulphate  of  baryta  is  a heavy,  lamellar,  brittle  mineral,  varying  in  sp.gr. 
from  4'4  to  4'6.  It  is  generally  translucent,  but  sometimes  transparent  or 
opaque,  and  its  usual  colour  is  white  or  flesh-red.  When  crystallized,  it  is 
usually  in  very  flat  rhombic  prisms.  Before  the  blowpipe  it  strongly  de- 
crepitates, and  melts  into  a white  enamel,  which,  in  the  course  of  ten  or  twelve 
hours,  fulls  to  powder.  It  is  thus  partially  converted  into  sulphuret  of  barium, 
and,  if  applied  to  the  tongue,  will  give  a taste  like  that  of  putrid  eggs,  arising 
from  the  formation  of  sulphuretted  hydrogen.  This  salt,  on  account  of  its 
great  insolubility,  is  not  poisonous.  When  ground  to  fine  powder,  it  is  some- 
times mixed  with  white  lead;  but  it  impairs  the  quality  of  that  pigment.  It 
consists  of  one  eq.  of  acid  40,  and  one  of  baryta  76‘7=116'7. 

Off.  Prep.  Barii  Chloridum. 


B. 


140 


Belladonna. 


PART  I. 


BELLADONNA.  U.  &,  Loud.,  Ed.,  Dub. 

Belladonna. 

The  leaves  of  Atropa  Belladonna,  li.  S.,  Lond .,  Ed.  The  leaves  and 
root.  Dub. 

Belladone,  Fr.;  Gcmeine  Tollkirsclie,  Wolfskirsche,  Germ.;  Belladonna,  Ital.;  Bella- 
dona,  Belladama,  Span. 

Atropa.  Sex.Syst.  Pentandria  Monogynia. — Nat.Ord.  Solanacese. 

Gen.  Ch.  Corolla  hell-shaped.  Stamens  distant.  Berry  globular,  two- 
celled.  Wllld. 

Atropa  Belladonna.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  i.  1017 ; IVoodv.  Med.  Bot.  p.  230, 
t.  82.  Carson,  Illust.  of  Med.  Bot.  ii.  19,  pi.  Ixv.  The  belladonna,  or  deadly 
nightshade,  is  an  herbaceous  perennial  plant,  with  a fleshy  creeping  root,  from 
which  rise  several  erect,  round,  purplish,  branching  stems,  to  the  height  of 
about  three  feet.  The  leaves,  which  are  attached  by  short  footstalks  to  the 
stem,  are  in  pairs  of  unequal  size,  oval,  pointed,  entire,  of  a dusky  green 
colour  on  their  upper  surface,  and  paler  beneath.  The  flowers  are  large, 
bell-shaped,  pendent,  of  a dull  reddish  colour,  and  supported  upon  solitary 
peduncles,  which  rise  from  the  axils  of  the  leaves.  The  fruit  is  a roundish 
berry  with  a longitudinal  furrow  on  each  side,  at  first  green,  afterwards  red, 
ultimately  of  a deep  purple  colour,  bearing  considerable  resemblance  to  a 
cherry,  and  containing,  in  two  distinct  cells,  numerous  seeds,  and  a sweetish 
violet-coloured  juice.  The  calyx  adheres  to  the  base  of  the  fruit. 

The  plant  is  a native  of  Europe,  where  it  grows  in  shady  places,  along 
walls,  and  amidst  rubbish,  flowering  in  June  and  July,  and  ripening  its  fruit 
in  September.  It  grows  vigorously,  under  cultivation,  in  this  country,  and 
retains  all  its  activity,  as  shown  hy  the  observations  of  Mr.  Alfred  Jones. 
(4m.  Journ.  of  P harm.,  xxiv.  106.)  All  parts  of  it  are  active.  The  leaves 
are  the  only  part  directed  by  the  United  States,  London,  and  Edinburgh 
Pharmacopoeias;  the  root  also  is  ordered  by  the  Dublin  College.  The  former 
should  be  collected  in  June  or  July,  the  latter  in  the  autumn  or  early  in  the 
spring,  and  from  plants  three  years  old  or  more. 

Properties.  The  dried  leaves  are  of  a dull  greenish  colour,  with  a very 
faint,  narcotic  odour,  and  a sweetish,  subacrid,  slightly  nauseous  taste.  The 
root  is  long,  round,  from  one  to  several  inches  in  thickness,  branched  and 
fibrous,  externally  when  dried  of  a reddish-brown  colour,  internail}"  whitish, 
of  little  odour,  and  a feeble  sweetish  taste.  Both  the  leaves  and  root,  as  well 
as  all  other  parts  of  the  plant,  impart  their  active  properties  to  water  and 
alcohol.  Brandes  rendered  it  probable  that  these  properties  reside  in  a pecu- 
liar alkaline  principle,  which  he  supposed  to  exist  in  the  plant  combined  with 
an  excess  of  malic  acid,  and  appropriately  named  atropia.  Besides  malate  of 
atropia,  Brandes  found  in  the  dried  herb  two  azotized  principles,  a green  resin 
(chlorophylle),  wax,  gum,  starch,  albumen,  lignin,  and  various  salts.  The 
alkaline  principle  was  afterwards  detected  by  M.  Bunge;  and  the  fact  of  its 
existence  was  established  beyond  question  by  Geiger  and  Hesse,  who  obtained 
it  from  an  extract  prepared  from  the  stems  and  leaves  of  the  plant.  It  was 
first,  however,  procured  in  a state  of  purity  by  Mein,  a German  apothecary, 
who  extracted  it  from  the  root.  Liibekind  has  described,  under  the  name 
of  lelladonnm,  a volatile  alkaline  principle,  wholly  distinct  from  atropia, 
which  he  obtained  from  belladonna ; but  it  yet  remains  to  be  seen  whether 
this  was  not  the  product  of  the  process.  (See  Jbn.  Journ.  of  Pharnr. , 
xiii.  127.) 


PART  I. 


Belladonna. 


141 


Atropia  is  placed  by  the  London  College  in  its  Materia  Medica  catalogue. 
It  crystallizes  in  white,  silky  prisms;  is  inodorous  and  of  a bitter  taste;  dis- 
solves easily  in  absolute  alcohol  and  ether,  but  very  slightly  in  water,  and 
more  freely  in  all  these  liquids  hot  than  cold;  melts  at  194°  F.,  and  at  284° 
is  volatilized,  a portion  being  unchanged,  but  the  greater  part  destroyed.  It 
restores  the  colour  of  litmus  paper  reddened  by  acids;  forms  soluble  and  un- 
crystallizable  salts  with  sulphuric,  nitric,  muriatic,  and  acetic  acids;  and,  in  a 
very  dilute  solution,  produces,  when  applied  to  the  eye,  a speedy  and  durable 
dilatation  of  the  pupil.  Like  the  other  vegetable  alkalies,  it  consists  of  nitro- 
gen, carbon,  hydrogen,  and  oxygen,  its  formula  being  NC34H2306.* 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  The  action  of  belladonna  is  that  of  a power- 
ful narcotic,  possessing  also  diaphoretic  and  diuretic  properties,  and  some- 
what disposed  to  operate  upon  the  bowels.  Among  its  first  obvious  effects, 
when  taken  in  the  usual  dose,  and  continued  for  some  time,  are  dryness  and 
stricture  of  the  fauces  and  neighbouring  parts,  with  slight  uneasiness  or  gid- 

* The  following  is  the  process  employed  by  Mein  for  procuring  atropia.  The  roots 
of  plants  two  or  three  years  old  were  selected.  Of  these,  in  extremely  tine  powder,  24 
parts  were  digested,  for  several  days,  with  60  parts  of  alcohol  of  86  or  90  per  cent.  The 
liquid  having  been  separated  by  strong  expression,  the  residue  was  treated  anew  with  an 
equal  quantity  of  alcohol;  and  the  tinctures,  poured  together  and  filtered,  were  mixed 
with  one  part  of  hydrate  of  lime,  and  frequently  shaken  for  24  hours.  The  copious 
precipitate  which  now  formed  was  separated  by  filtering ; and  diluted  sulphuric  acid  was 
added  drop  by  drop  to  the  filtered  liquor,  till  slightly  in  excess.  The  sulphate  of  lime 
having  been  separated  by  a new  filtration,  the  alcoholic  liquid  was  distilled  to  one-half, 
then  mixed  with  6 or  8 parts  of  pure  water,  and  evaporated  with  a gentle  heat  till  the 
whole  of  the  alcohol  was  driven  off.  The  residual  liquid  was  filtered,  cautiously  eva- 
porated to  one-third,  and  allowed  to  cool.  A concentrated  aque.ous  solution  of  carbonate 
of  potassa  was  then  gradually  added,  so  long  as  the  liquid  continued  to  be  rendered 
turbid ; and  the  mixture  was  afterwards  suffered  to  rest  some  hours.  A yellowish 
resinous  substance,  which  opposes  the  crystallization  of  the  atropia,  was  thus  precipi- 
tated. From  this  the  liquid  was  carefully  decanted,  and  a small  additional  quantity 
of  the  solution  of  the  carbonate  was  dropped  into  it,  till  it  no  longer  became  turbid.  A 
gelatinous  mass  now  gradually  formed,  which,  at  the  end  of  twelve  or  twenty-four 
hours,  was  agitated  in  order  to  separate  the  mother  wmters,  then  thrown  upon  a filter, 
and  dried  by  folds  of  unsized  paper.  The  substance  thus  obtained,  which  was  atropia 
in  an  impure  state,  was  dissolved  in  five  times  its  weight  of  alcohol ; and  the  solution, 
having  been  filtered,  was  mixed  with  six  or  eight  times  its  bulk  of  water.  The  liquor 
soon  became  milky,  or  was  rendered  so  by  evaporating  the  excess  of  alcohol,  and,  in 
the  course  of  twelve  or  twenty-four  hours,  deposited  the  atropia  in  the  form  of  light 
yellow  crystals,  which  -were  rendered  entirely  pure  and  colourless  by  washing  with  a 
few  drops  of  water,  drying  on  blotting  paper,  and  again  treating  with  alcohol  as  before. 
From  twelve  ounces  of  the  root,  Mein  obtained  by  this  process  twenty  grains  of  the 
pure  alkali.  (Journ.  de  Pharrn.,  xx.  87.) 

M.  Rabourdin,  of  Orleans,  in  France,  prepares  atropia  by  means  of  chloroform  in 
the  following  manner.  To  each  litre  (about  2 pints)  of  the  expressed  juice  of  the  fresh 
leaves,  deprived  of  its  albumen  by  heat  and  filtration,  or  to  a filtered  solution  of  60 
grammes  (about  15  drachms)  of  extract  in  200  grammes  of  distilled  water,  four  grammes 
of  potassa,  and  thirty  grammes  of  chloroform  are  added,  the  whole  is  shaken  for  a 
minute,  and  then  set  aside.  In  half  an  hour,  the  chloroform,  holding  the  atropia  in 
solution,  is  seen  at  the  bottom  of  the  vessel,  resembling  a greenish  oil.  The  super- 
natant liquor  is  decanted,  and  small  portions  of  water  successively  added  and  removed, 
until  it  is  no  longer  rendered  turbid.  The  chloroformic  solution  is  then  distilled  by 
means  of  a salt  bath,  until  all  the  chloroform  has  passed.  The  residue  is  treated  with 
a little  water  acidulated  with  sulphuric  acid,  which  dissolves  the  atropia,  leaving  a green 
resinous  matter.  The  solution  is  then  filtered,  the  atropia  precipitated  by  carbonate 
of  potassa  in  slight  excess,  and  the  precipitate  dissolved  in  rectified  alcohol,  which,  upon 
evaporation,  yields  it  in  beautiful  groups  of  needles.  ( Gaz . Med.  deParis,  Oct.  19, 1850.) 

An  account  of  the  effects  of  numerous  re-agents  upon  the  muriate  of  atropia,  by 
Dr.  A.  Yon  Planta,  may  be  found  in  the  American  Journal  of  Pharmacy  (xxiii.  38), 
taken  originally  from  Liebig’s  Annalen. 


142 


Belladonna. 


PART  i. 


diness  of  the  head,  and  more  or  less  dimness  of  vision.  In  medicinal  doses, 
it  may  also  occasion  dilatation  of  the  pupil,  decided  frontal  headache,  slight 
delirium,  colicky  pains  and  purging,  and  a scarlet  efflorescence  on  the  skin; 
hut  this  last  effect  is  very  rare.  The  practitioner  should  watch  for  these 
symptoms  as  signs  of  the  activity  of  the  medicine,  and  should  gradually  in- 
crease the  dose  till  some  one  of  them  is  experienced  in  a slight  degree,  unless 
the  object  at  which  he  aims  should  be  previously  attained  ; but  so  soon  as 
they  occur,  the  dose  should  he  diminished,  or  the  use  of  the  narcotic  sus- 
pended for  a time.  In  large  quantities,  belladonna  is  capable  of  producing 
the  most  deleterious  effects.  It  is  in  fact  a powerful  poison,  and  many  in- 
stances are  recorded,  in  which  it  has  been  accidentally  swallowed  or  purposely 
administered  with  fatal  consequences.  All  parts  of  the  plant  are  poisonous. 
It  is  not  uncommon,  in  countries  where  the  belladonna  grows  wild,  for  chil- 
dren to  pick  and  eat  the  berries,  allured  by  their  fine  colour  and  sweet  taste. 
Soon  after  the  poison  has  been  swallowed,  its  peculiar  influence  is  experienced 
iu  dryness  of  the  mouth  and  fauces,  burning  in  the  throat  and  stomach,  great 
thirst,  difficult  deglutition,  nausea  and  ineffectual  retching,  loss  of  vision, 
vertigo,  and  intoxication  or  delirium,  attended  with  violent  gestures  and  some- 
times with  fits  of  laughter,  and  followed  by  a comatose  state.  The  pupil  is 
dilated  and  insensible  to  light,  the  face  red  and  tumid,  the  mouth  and  jaws 
spasmodically  affected,  the  stomach  and  bowels  insusceptible  of  impressions, 
in  fact  the  whole  nervous  system  prostrate  and  paralyzed.  A feeble  pulse, 
cold  extremities,  subsultus  tendinum,  deep  coma  or  delirium,  and  sometimes 
convulsions,  precede  the  fatal  termination.  Dissection  discloses  appearances 
of  inflammation  in  the  stomach  and  intestines  ; and  it  is  said  that  the  body 
soon  begins  to  putrefy,  swells,  and  becomes  covered  with  livid  spots,  while 
dark  blood  flows  from  the  mouth,  nose,  and  ears.  The  poisonous  effects  of 
atropia  are  of  the  same  character,  but  more  quickly  induced,  showing  them- 
selves violently  in  fifteen  or  twenty  minutes,  while  those  of  the  belladonna 
itself  are  seldom  experienced  in  less  than  half  an  hour.  In  a case  recorded 
by  Dr.  James  Andrew,  two-thirds  of  a grain  occasioned  the  most  alarming 
symptoms,  which  continued  for  several  days,  though  the  patient  ultimately 
recovered  under  treatment.  (Ed.  Month.  Journ.  of  Med.  Sci.,  xiv.  34.) 
Severe  poisonous  effects  are  said  to  have  followed  the  administration  of  one- 
tenth  of  a grain ; and  the  application  of  a solution  to  the  conjunctiva  has 
caused  alarming  constitutional  symptoms.  To  obviate  the  poisonous  influence 
of  belladonna,  the  most  effectual  method  is  to  evacuate  the  stomach  as  speedily 
as  possible,  by  means  of  emetics  or  the  stomach  pump,  and  afterwards  to  cleanse 
the  bowels  by  purgatives  and  enemata.  The  shocks  of  an  electro-magnetic 
battery  have  been  found  useful  iu  the  comatose  state.  (A7  Y.  Journ.  of  Med., 
N.  S.,  v.  172.)  The  infusion  of  galls  may  possibly  be  useful  as  an  antidote; 
and,  if  the  experiments  of  M.  Range  can  be  relied  on,  lime-water  or  the  alka- 
line solutions  would  render  the  poisonous  matter  which  might  remain  in  the 
stomach  inert. 

Belladonna  has  been  used  as  a medicine  from  early  times.  The  leaves  were 
first  employed  externally  to  discuss  scirrhous  tumours,  and  heal  cancerous  and 
other  ill-conditioned  ulcers ; and  were  afterwards  administered  internally  for 
the  same  purpose.  Much  evidence  of  their  usefulness  iu  these  affections  is  on 
record,  and  even  Dr.  Cullen  has  spoken  in  their  favour  ; but  this  application 
of  the  medicine  has  fallen  into  disuse.  It  is  at  present  more  esteemed  in 
nervous  diseases.  It  has  been  highly  recommended  in  hooping-cough,  in  the 
advanced  stages  of  which  it  is  undoubtedly  sometimes  beneficial.  In  neuralgia 
it  is  one  of  the  most  effectual  remedies  in  our  possession;  and  it  may  be  em- 


PAKT  I. 


Belladonna. 


143 


ployed  to  give  relief  in  other  painful  affections.  Ilufeland  recommends  it 
in  the  convulsions  dependent  on  scrofulous  irritation.  It  has  been  prescribed 
also  in  nervous  colic,  chorea,  epilepsy,  hydrophobia,  tetanus,  mania,  delirium 
tremens,  paralysis,  amaurosis,  incontinence  of  uriue,  rheumatism,  gout,  dys- 
menorrhoea,  obstinate  intermittents,  scarlatina,  dropsy,  and  jaundice;  and, 
in  such  of  these  affections  as  have  their  seat  chiefly  in  the  nervous  system, 
it  may  sometimes  do  good.  It  is  said  to  have  been  effectually  employed  in 
several  cases  of  strangulated  hernia.  It  has  acquired  considerable  credit  as 
a preventive  of  scarlatina;  an  application  of  the  remedy  first  suggested  by 
the  famous  author  of  the  homoeopathic  doctrine  ; but  its  efficiency  in  this  way 
is  at  best  doubtful. 

Applied  to  the  eye,  belladonna  has  the  property  of  dilating  the  pupil  ex- 
ceedingly, and  for  this  purpose  is  employed  by  oculists  previously  to  the  ope- 
ration for  cataract.  Dilatation  usually  comes  on  in  about  an  hour,  is  at  its 
greatest  height  in  three  or  four  hours,  and  continues  often  for  one  or  two 
days,  or  even  longer.  In  cases  of  partial  opacity  of  the  crystalline  lens,  con- 
fined to  the  centre  of  that  body,  vision  is  temporarily  improved  by  a similar 
use  of  the  remedy  ; and  it  may  also  perhaps  be  beneficially  employed,  when, 
from  inflammation  of  the  iris,  there  is  danger  of  a permanent  closure  of  the 
pupil.  For  these  purposes,  a strong  infusion  of  the  plant,  or  a solution  of  the 
extract,  may  be  dropped  into  the  eye,  or  a little  of  the  extract  itself  rubbed 
upon  the  eyelids.  The  same  application  has  been  recommended  in  morbid 
sensibility  of  the  eye.  The  decoction  or  extract,  applied  to  the  neck  of  the 
uterus,  is  asserted  to  have  hastened  tedious  labour  dependent  on  rigidity  of  the 
os  tincse ; and  spasmodic  stricture  of  the  urethra,  neck  of  the  bladder,  and 
sphincter  ani,  anal  fissures,  and  painful  uterine  affections,  have  been  relieved 
by  the  local  use  of  the  extract,  either  smeared  upon  bougies,  or  administered 
by  injection.  In  the  latter  mode  it  has  relieved  strangulated  hernia.  It  is 
asserted  also  to  be  useful  in  paraphimosis.  The  inhalation  of  the  vapour  from 
a decoction  of  the  leaves  or  extract  has  been  recommended  in  spasmodic 
asthma.  For  this  purpose,  two  drachms  of  the  leaves,  or  fifteen  grains  of  the 
aqueous  extract  are  employed  to  the  pint  of  water.  Relief  is  said  to  have  been 
obtained  in  phthisis  by  smoking  the  leaves,  infused  when  fresh  in  a strong 
solution  of  opium,  and  then  dried. 

Belladonna  may  be  given  in  substance,  infusion,  or  extract.  The  dose  of 
the  powdered  leaves  is  for  children  from  the  eighth  to  the  fourth  of  a grain, 
for  adults  one  or  two  grains,  repeated  daily,  or  twice  a day,  and  gradually 
increased  till  the  peculiar  effects  of  the  medicine  are  experienced.  An  infu- 
sion may  be  prepared  by  adding  a scruple  of  the  dried  leaves  to  ten  fluid- 
ounces  of  boiling  water,  of  which  from  one  to  two  fluidounces  is  the  dose  for 
an  adult.  The  extract  is  more  used  in  the  United  States  than  any  other 
preparation.  (See  Extractum  Belladonnse.) 

From  its  quicker  action,  more  uniform  strength,  and  greater  cleanliness, 
atropia  has  been  recently  substituted  for  extract  of  belladonna  for  external 
use.  Of  a solution  made  by  dissolving  one  grain  in  four  fluidrachms  of  dis- 
tilled water,  by  means  of  a few  drops  of  acetic  acid,  a single  drop  applied  to 
the  inner  surface  of  the  lower  lid,  causes  dilatation  of  the  pupil  in  fifteen  or 
twenty  minutes.  As  an  application  in  neuralgia,  one  grain  may  be  mixed 
with  a drachm  of  lard.  The  dose  for  internal  use,  to  begin  with,  is  about 
one-thirtieth  of  a grain,  which  may  be  gradually  increased.  But  it  is  almost 
too  powerful  for  prudent  employment  in  this  way;  especially,  as  the  effects 
of  belladonna  can  be  readily  obtained  from  the  extract. 

Off.  Prep.  Atropiae  Sulphas;  Extractum  Belladonnas;  Extract.  Bella- 
donnas Alcoholicum ; Tinctura  Belladonnas.  W. 


144 


Benzoinum. 


PART  i. 


BENZOINUM.  U.S.,  Land.,  Ed.,  Dub. 

Benzoin. 

The  concrete  juice  of  Sty  rax  Benzoin.  U.  S.  The  balsam  from  incisions  in 
the  bark,  hardened  in  the  air.  Land.  Concrete  balsamic  exudation.  Ed.  The 
concrete  exudation.  Dub. 

Benjoin,  Fr.;  Benzoe,  Germ.;  Belzoino,  Ital.;  Benjui,  Span. 

The  botanical  source  of  benzoin  was  long  uncertain.  At  one  time  it  was 
generally  supposed  in  Europe  to  be  derived  from  the  Lauras  Benzoin  of  this 
country.  This  error  was  corrected  by  Linnaeus,  who,  however,  committed 
another,  in  ascribing  the  drug  to  Croton  Benzoe,  a shrub  which  he  afterwards 
described  under  the  name  of  Tcrminalia  Benzoin.  Ur.  Dryander  was  the 
first  who  ascertained  the  true  benzoin  tree  to  be  a Styrax;  and  his  descrip- 
tion, published  in  the  77th  vol.  of  the  English  Philosophical  Transactions,  has 
been  copied  by  most  subsequent  writers. 

Styrax.  Sex:  Syst.  Decandria  Monogynia. — Xat.Ord.  Styraceae. 

Gen.  Ch.  Calyx  inferior.  Corolla  funnel-shaped.  Drupe  two-seeded.  Willd. 

Styrax  Benzoin.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  ii.  628;  Woodv.  Med.  Bot.  p.  294,  t. 
102.  This  is  a tall  tree  of  quick  growth,  sending  off  many  strong  round 
branches,  covered  with  a whitish  downy  bark.  Its  leaves  are  alternate,  entire, 
oblong,  pointed,  smooth  above,  and  downy  beneath.  The  flowers  are  in  com- 
pound, axillary  clusters,  nearly  as  long  as  the  leaves,  and  usually  hang  all  on 
the  same  side  upon  short  slender  pedicels. 

The  benzoin,  or  benjamin  tree,  is  a native  of  Sumatra,  Java,  Borneo,  Laos, 
and  Siam.  ( Ainslie .)  By  wounding  the  bark  near  the  origin  of  the  lower 
branches,  a juice  exudes,  which  hardens  upon  exposure,  and  constitutes  the 
benzoin  of  commerce.  A tree  is  thought  of  a proper  age  to  be  wounded  at 
six  years,  when  its  trunk  is  about  seven  or  eight  inches  in  diameter.  The 
operation  is  performed  annually,  and  the  product  on  each  occasion  from  one 
tree  never  exceeds  three  pounds.  The  juice  which  first  flows  is  the  purest-, 
and  affords  the  whitest  and  most  fragrant  benzoin.  It  is  exported  chiefly 
from  Acheen  in  Sumatra,  and  comes  into  the  western  markets  in  large  masses 
packed  in  chests  and  casks,  and  presenting  externally  the  impression  of  the 
reed  mats  in  which  they  were  originally  contained. 

Two  kinds  of  benzoin  are  distinguishable  in  the  market,  one  consisting 
chiefly  of  whitish  tears  united  by  a reddish-brown  connecting  medium,  the 
other  of  brown  or  blackish  masses,  without  tears.  The  first  is  the  most 
valuable,  and  has  been  called  benzoe  amyydaloides,  from  the  resemblance  of 
the  white  grains  to  fragments  of  blanched  almonds;  the  second  is  sometimes 
called  benzoe  insortis — benzoin  in  sorts — and  usually  contains  numerous  im- 
purities. Between  these  two  kinds  there  is  every  gradation.  We  have  seen 
specimens  consisting  exclusively  of  yellowish-white  homogeneous  fragments, 
which,  when  broken,  presented  a smooth,  white,  shining  surface.  These 
were  no  doubt  identical  in  constitution  with  the  tears  of  the  larger  masses. 

Properties:  Benzoin  has  a fragrant  odour,  with  very  little  taste;  but,  when 
chewed  for  some  time,  leaves  a sense  of  irritation  in  the  mouth  and  fauces. 
It  breaks  with  a resinous  fracture,  and  presents  a mottled  surface  of  white 
and  brown  or  reddish-brown ; the  white  spots  being  smooth  and  shining,  while 
the  remainder,  though  sometimes  shining  and  even  translucent,  is  usually 
more  or  less  rough  and  porous,  and  often  exhibits  impurities.  In  the  inferior 
kinds,  the  white  spots  are  very  few  or  entirely  wanting.  Benzoin  is  easily 
pulverized,  and,  in  the  process  of  being  powdered,  is  apt  to  excite  sneezing. 


PART  I. 


Benzoinum. — Bismuthum. 


145 


Its  sp.gr.  is  from  1 063  to  14)92.  When  heated,  it  melts  and  emits  thick, 
white,  pungent  fumes,  which  excite  cough  when  inhaled,  and  consist  chiefly 
of  benzoic  acid.  It  is  wholly  soluble,  with  the  exception  of  impurities,  in 
alcohol,  and  is  precipitated  by  water  from  the  solution,  rendering  the  liquor 
milky.  It  imparts  to  boiling  water  a notable  proportion  of  benzoic  acid. 
Lime-water  and  the  alkaline  solutions  partially  dissolve  it,  forming  benzoates, 
from  which  the  acid  may  be  precipitated  by  the  addition  of  another,  having 
stronger  affinity  for  the  base.  Its  chief  constituents  are  resin  and  benzoic 
acid;  and  it  therefore  belongs  to  the  balsams.  The  white  tears  and  the  brown- 
ish connecting  medium  are  said  by  Stolze  to  contain  very  nearly  the  same  pro- 
portion of  acid,  which,  according  to  Bucholz,  is  12'5  per  cent.,  to  Stolze  19'8 
per  cent.  In  a more  recent  examination  by  Kopp,  the  white  tears  were  found 
to  contain  from  8 to  10  per  cent,  of  acid,  and  the  brown  15  per  cent.  ( Journ . 
de  Pharm.,  3e  ser.,  iv.  46.)  The  resin  is  of  three  different  kinds,  one  extracted 
from  the  balsam  with  the  benzoic  acid  by  a boiling  solution  of  carbonate  of 
potassa  in  excess,  another  dissolved  by  ether  from  the  residue,  and  the  third 
affected  by  neither  of  these  solvents.  Besides  benzoic  acid  and  resin,  the 
balsam  contains  a minute  proportion  of  extractive,  and  traces  of  volatile  oil. 
Benzoin  is  stated  to  have  the  property  of  retarding  the  oxidation  of  fatty 
matters,  and  thus  preventing  rancidity. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Benzoin,  like  the  other  balsams,  is  stimu- 
lant and  expectorant,  and  was  formerly  employed  in  pectoral  affections;  but, 
except  as  an  ingredient  of  the  compound  tincture  of  benzoin,  it  has  fallen  into 
almost  entire  disuse.  Trousseau  and  Pidoux  recommend  it  strongly,  in  the 
way  of  fumigation,  in  chronic  laryngitis.  Either  the  air  of  the  chamber  may 
be  impregnated  with  its  vapour  by  placing  a small  portion  upon  some  live 
coals,  or  the  patient  may  inhale  the  vapour  of  boiling  water  to  which  the 
balsam  has  been  added.  It  is  employed  in  pharmacy  for  the  preparation  of 
benzoic  acid  (see  Acidum  Benzoieum)  ; and  the  milky  liquor  resulting  from 
the  addition  of  water  to  its  alcoholic  solution  is  sometimes  used  as  a cosmetic, 
under  the  impression  that  it  renders  the  skin  soft.  In  the  East  Indies  it  is 
burnt  by  the  Hindoos  as  a perfume  in  their  temples.* 

Off.  Prep.  Acidum  Benzoieum.  Tinctura  Benzoini  Composita.  W. 

BISMUTHUM.  U.S.,  Bond.,  Ed.,  Dub. 

Bismuth. 

Etain  de  glace,  Bismuth,  Ft.;  TVissmuth,  Germ.;  Bismutte,  Ital.  ; Bismut,  Span. 

Bismuth  occurs  usually  in  the  metallic  state,  occasionally  as  a sulphuret, 
and  rarely  as  an  oxide.  It  is  found  principally  in  Saxony.  It  occurs  also  in 

* A styptic  liquid,  prepared  by  a Roman  pharmaceutist  named  Pagliari,  and  kept 
secret  for  a time,  has  acquired  some  reputation  among  the  French  army  surgeons. 
It  is  made  by  boiling,  for  six  hours,  eight  ounces  of  tincture  of  benzoin  (containing 
about  two  ounces  of  the  balsam),  a poundof  alum,  and  ten  pounds  of  water,  in  a glazed 
earthen  vessel,  stirring  constantly,  and  supplying  the  loss  with  hot  water.  The  liquor 
is  then  strained  and  kept  in  stopped  bottles.  It  is  limpid,  styptic,  of  an  aromatic  smell, 
and  said  to  have  the  property  of  causing  an  instantaneous  coagulation  of  the  blood. 
(See  Am.  Journ.  of  Med.  Sci.,  N.  S.,  xxv.  199.) — Note  to  the  tenth  edition. 

Fumigating  pastiles  are  made  from  16  parts  of  benzoin,  4 of  balsam  of  Tolu,  4 of 
yellow  saunders,  1 oflabdanum,  48  of  charcoal,  2 of  nitre,  1 of  tragacanth,  2 of  gum 
Arabic,  and  12  of  cinnamon  water,  by  reducing  the  solid  ingredients  to  powder,  and 
mixing  the  whole  into  a plastic  mass,  which  is  to  be  formed  into  cones,  flattened  at 
the  base,  and  dried  first  in  the  air,  and  then  in  a stove.  (Soubeiran,  Trait,  de  Pharm., 
3e  ed.  i.  463.) 

10 


146 


Bismuthum. — Brominium. 


PART  i. 


Cornwall,  and  has  been  found  at  Monroe  in  Connecticut.  It  is  obtained 
almost  entirely  from  the  native  bismuth,  which  is  heated  by  means  of  wood 
or  charcoal,  whereby  the  metal  is  fused  and  separated  from  its  gangue.  Al- 
most all  the  bismuth  of  commerce  comes  from  Saxony. 

Bismuth  was  first  distinguished  as  a metal  by  Agricola  in  1520.  Before 
that  period  it  was  confounded  with  lead.  It  is  a brittle,  pulverizable,  brilliant 
metal,  of  a crystalline  texture,  and  of  a white  colour  with  a slight  reddish  tint. 
Its  crystals  are  in  the  form  of  cubes.  It  undergoes  but  a slight  tarnish  in  the 
air.  Its  sp.  gr.  is  9'8,  melting  point  476°,  eq.  number  213,  and  symbol  Bi. 
At  a high  temperature,  in  close  vessels,  it  volatilizes,  and  may  be  distilled 
over.  When  heated  in  the  open  air  to  a full  red  heat,  it  takes  fire,  and  burns 
with  a faint  blue  flame,  forming  an  oxide  of  a yellow  colour.  This  is  the 
teroxide , and  consists  of  one  eq.  of  bismuth  213,  and  three  of  oxygen  24=237. 
Formerly  the  equivalent  of  this  metal  was  deemed  to  be  71 ; but  the  best  au- 
thorities now  make  it  three  times  that  number,  and,  consequently,  the  former 
protoxide  becomes  a teroxide.  Bismuth  is  acted  on  feebly  by  muriatic  acid, 
but  violently  by  nitric  acid,  which  dissolves  it  with  a copious  extrication  of 
red  fumes.  Sulphuric  acid  when  cold  has  no  action  on  it,  but  at  a boiling 
heat  effects  its  solution  with  the  extrication  of  sulphurous  acid.  As  it  occurs 
in  commerce,  it  is  generally  contaminated  with  a little  arsenic.  It  may  be 
purified  from  all  contaminating  metals,  by  dissolving  the  bismuth  of  commerce 
in  diluted  nitric  acid,  precipitating  the  clear  solution  by  adding  it  to  water, 
and  reducing  the  white  powder  thus  obtained  with  black  flux.  The  same  pre- 
cipitate is  obtained  by  adding  ammonia  to  the  nitric  solution ; and,  if  the 
supernatant  liquor  be  blue,  the  presence  of  copper  is  indicated.  If  the  pre- 
cipitate be  yellowish,  iron  is  present. 

Pharmaceutical  Uses,,  &c.  Bismuth,  in  an  uncombined  state,  is  not  used 
in  medicine,  but  is  employed  pharmaceutically  to  obtain  the  subnitrate  of  bis- 
muth, the  only  medicinal  preparation  formed  from  this  metal.  In  the  arts 
it  is  used  to  form  a white  paint  for  the  complexion,  called  pearl  white  ; and 
as  an  ingredient  of  the  best  pewter. 

Off.  Prep.  Bismuthi  Subnitras.  B. 

BROMINIUM.  U.S. 

Bromine. 

Bronte,  Fr.;  Brom,  Germ.;  Bromo,  Ital. 

Bromine  is  an  elementary  body,  possessing  many  analogies  to  chlorine  and 
iodine.  It  was  discovered  in  1826  by  Balard,  a chemist  of  Montpellier,  in 
the  bittern  of  sea-salt  works,  in  which  it  exists  as  a bromide  of  magnesium. 
Since  then  it  has  been  found  in  the  waters  of  the  ocean,  in  certain  marine 
animals  and  vegetables,  in  various  aquatic  plants,  as  the  water-cress,  in 
numerous  salt  springs,  and,  in  two  instances,  in  the  mineral  kingdom — in  an 
ore  of  zinc,  and  in  the  cadmium  of  Silesia.  It  has  also  been  detected  by 
M.  Mene  in  the  coal-gas  liquor  of  the  Paris  gas-works.  In  the  United  States 
it  was  first  obtained  by  Professor  Silliman,  who  found  it  in  the  bittern  of  the 
salt  works  at  Salina,  in  the  State  of  New  York.  It  was  discovered  in  the 
salt  springs,  near  Freeport,  Pennsylvania,  by  Dr.  David  Alter,  who  has  been 
engaged  for  several  years  in  manufacturing  it  on  a large  scale.  The  bittern 
of  the  salt  springs  of  this  locality  is  said  to  afford  nine  drachms  of  bromine 
to  the  gallon.  Bromine  has  been  detected  also  in  the  waters  of  the  Saratoga 
Springs. 

Preparation.  Bromine  may  be  prepared  by  passing  a current  of  chlorine 
through  bittern,  and  then  agitating  it  strongly  with  a portion  of  ether.  The 


PART  I. 


Brominium. 


147 


chlorine  decomposes  the  bromide  of  magnesium  present  in  the  bittern,  form- 
ing a chloride  of  magnesium;  and  the  disengaged  bromine  dissolves  in  the 
ether,  to  which  it  communicates  a hyacinth-red  colour.  The  ethereal  solution 
of  bromine  is  next  decanted,  and  treated  with  a concentrated  solution  of  caus- 
tic potassa,  whereby  the  bromine  is  converted  into  bromide  of  potassium  and 
bromate  of  potassa.  In  the  mean  time  the  ether  loses  its  colour  and  becomes 
pure,  and  may  be  again  employed  for  dissolving  fresh  portions  of  bromine. 
A sufficient  quantity  of  the  salts  above  mentioned  having  been  obtained  in 
this  way,  their  solution  is  evaporated  to  dryness,  and  the  dry  mass  calcined  at 
a red  heat,  in  order  to  convert  the  bromate  of  potassa  into  bromide  of  potas- 
sium. The  bromide  is  next  decomposed  by  distilling  it  with  sulphuric  acid 
and  deutoxide  of  manganese,  from  a retort  furnished  with  a bent  tube  plunging 
into  water  contained  in  a bottle.  The  acid  combines  with  potassium,  and  with 
oxygen  derived  from  the  deutoxide  of  manganese,  so  as  to  form  sulphate  of  po- 
tassa, and  the  liberated  bromine  distils  over,  and  condenses  under  the  water. 

Properties.  Bromine  is  a volatile  liquid,  of  a dark-red  colour  when  viewed 
in  mass,  but  hyacinth-red  in  thin  layers.  Its  taste  is  very  caustic,  and  its 
smell  strong  and  disagreeable,  having  some  resemblance  to  that  of  chlorine. 
Its  density  is  very  nearly  8.  At  4°  below  zero  it  becomes  a hard,  brittle, 
crystalline  solid,  having  a dark  leaden  colour,  and  a lustre  nearly  metallic.  It 
boils  at  about  117°,  forming  a reddish  vapour  resembling  that  of  nitrous  acid, 
and  of  the  sp.  gr.  5'39.  It  evaporates  readily,  a single  drop  being  sufficient 
to  fill  a large  flask  with  its  peculiar  vapour. 

Bromine  is  sparingly  soluble  in  water,  to  which  it  communicates  an  orange 
colour,  more  soluble  in  alcohol,  and  still  more  so  in  ether.  Its  alcoholic  and 
ethereal  solutions  lose  their  colour  in  a few  days,  and  become  acid  from  the 
generation  of  hydrobromic  acid.  It  bleaches  vegetable  substances  like  chlo- 
rine, destroys  the  colour  of  sulphate  of  indigo,  and  decomposes  organic  matters. 
Its  combination  with  starch  has  a yellow  colour.  It  corrodes  the  skin  and 
gives  it  a deep  yellow  stain.  Bromine  is  intermediate  in  its  affinities  between 
chlorine  and  iodine;  since  its  combinations  are  decomposed  by  chlorine,  while, 
in  its  turn,  it  decomposes  those  of  iodine.  Its  eq.  number  is  78'4  and  its 
symbol  Br.  It  forms  acids  with  both  oxygen  and  hydrogen,  called  bromic 
and  hydrobromic  acids,  which  are  analogous  in  properties  and  composition 
to  the  corresponding  compounds  of  chlorine  and  iodine. 

Commercial  bromine  sometimes  contains  as  much  as  6 or  8 per  cent,  of 
bromide  of  carbon,  as  ascertained  by  M.  Poselger.  He  discovered  the  impu- 
rity by  submitting  some  bromine  to  distillation,  during  the  progress  of  which 
the  boiling  point  rose  to  248°.  The  residuary  liquid  at  this  temperature  was 
colourless,  and,  when  freed  from  a little  bromine,  proved  to  be  the  bromide 
of  carbon  in  the  form  of  an  oily,  aromatic  liquid. 

In  testing  for  bromine  in  mineral  or  saline  waters,  the  water  is  evaporated 
in  order  to  crystallize  most  of  the  salts.  The  solution,  after  having  been 
filtered,  is  placed  in  a narrow  tube,  and  a few  drops  of  strong  chlorine  water 
are  added-  If  this  addition  produces  an  orange  colour,  bromine  is  present. 
The  water  examined,  in  order  that  the  test  may  succeed,  must  be  free  from 
organic  matter,  and  the  chlorine  not  added  in  excess.  Bromine  may  be  de- 
tected in  marine  vegetables  by  carbonizing  them  in  a covered  crucible,  ex- 
hausting the  charcoal,  previously  pulverized,  with  boiling  distilled  water, 
precipitating  any  alkaline  sulphuret  present  in  the  solution  by  sulphate  of 
zinc,  and  then  adding  successively  a few  drops  of  nitric  acid  and  a portion 
of  ether,  shaking  the  whole  together.  If  bromine  be  present,  it  will  be  set 
free  and  dissolve  in  the  ether,  to  which  it  will  communicate  an  orange  colour. 

( Dvpasquier .)  According  to  Beynoso,  a more  delicate  test  is  furnished  by 
oxidized  water,  which  liberates  bromine  from  its  compounds,  without  reacting 


148 


Brominium. — Buchu. 


PART  I. 


on  it  when  free.  The  mode  of  proceeding  is  as  follows.  Put  a piece  of  deutox- 
ide  of  barium  in  a test  tube,  and  add  to  it  successively  distilled  water,  pure 
muriatic  acid,  and  ether.  The  materials  are  here  present  for  generating 
oxidized  water,  and  so  soon  as  bubbles  are  seen  to  rise  to  the  surface,  the 
substance  suspected  to  contain  bromine  is  added,  and  the  whole  shaken  to- 
gether. If  a bromide  be  present,  the  muriatic  will  give  rise  to  hydrobromie 
acid,  and  the  oxidized  water  acting  on  this,  will  set  free  the  bromine,  which 
will  dissolve  in  the  ether,  and  give  it  a yellow  tint. 

Medical  Properties.  Bromine,  from  its  analogy  to  iodine,  was  early  tried 
as  a remedy,  and  the  result  has  demonstrated  its  value  as  a therapeutic 
agent.  It  acts  like  iodine,  by  stimulating  the  lymphatic  system  and  pro- 
moting absorption.  It  has  been  employed  in  bronchocele,  scrofulous  tumours 
and  ulcers,  amenorrhoea,  chronic  diseases  of  the  skin,  and  hypertrophy  of 
the  ventricles.  For  a list  of  the  diseases  in  which  bromine  and  its  prepara- 
tions have  been  tried,  the  reader  is  referred  to  the  Essay  of  Dr.  Glover  in  the 
Ed.  Med.  and  Burg.  Journ.  for  Oct.  1842,  an  abstract  of  which  is  given  in 
the  Med.  Exam.  v.  712.  Magendie  recommends  it  in  cases  in  which  iodine 
does  not  operate  with  sufficient  activity,  or  has  lost  its  effect  by  habit.  The 
form  in  which  it  is  employed  is  aqueous  solution,  the  dose  of  which,  contain- 
ing one  part  of  bromine  to  forty  of  distilled  water,  is  about  six  drops  taken 
several  times  a day.  When  used  as  a wash  for  ulcers,  from  ten  to  forty 
minims  of  bromine  may  be  added  to  a pint  of  water.  Of  its  compounds  the 
bromides  of  potassium,  iron,  and  mercury,  have  been  chiefly  tried  as  medicines. 

Bromine,  in  an  overdose,  acts  as  an  irritant  poison.  The  best  antidote, 
according  to  Mr.  Alfred  Smee,  is  ammonia.  A case  of  poisoning  by  this  sub- 
stance, which  proved  fatal  in  seven  hours  and  a half,  is  related  by  Dr.  J.  R. 
Snell,  of  Long  Island,  N.  Y.  The  amount  swallowed  was  about  an  ounce, 
and  the  symptoms  generally  were  those  produced  by  the  irritant  poisons,  such 
as  violent  inflammation  of  the  lips,  mouth,  tongue,  and  oesophagus,  attended 
with  incessant  burning  pain,  and  followed,  in  two  hours  and  a half,  by  pros- 
tration, which  became  more  and  more  extreme  until  the  patient  expired. 
{New  York  Journ.  of  Med.  for  Sept.  1850.) 

Off.  Prep.  Potassii  Bromidum.  B. 

BUCHU.  U.S.,  Lond.,  Dub. 

Buchu. 

The  leaves  of  Barosma  crenata,  and  other  species  of  Barosma.  U.  S.  The 
leaves  of  Barosma  crenulata,  and  B.  serratifolia.  Land.  The  leaves  of  Ba- 
rosma crenata.  Dub. 

Off.  Syn.  BUCKU.  Leaves  of  various  species  of  Barosma.  Ed. 

This  medicine  consists  of  the  leaves  of  different  plants  growing  at  the  Cape 
of  (food  Hope,  formerly  ranked  in  the  genus  Diosma,  but  transferred  by  bota- 
nists to  the  genus  Barosma , so  named  from  the  strong  odour  of  the  leaves 
(t3a£vs  and  os.ujj).  B.  crenata , B.  crenulata,  and  B.  serratifolia  are  de- 
scribed by  Bindley  as  medicinal  species.  The  leaves  of  these  and  other 
Barosmas,  and  of  some  Agathosmas,  are  collected  by  the  Hottentots,  who 
value  them  on  account  of  their  odour,  and,  under  the  name  of  bookoo  or  buchu, 
rub  them,  in  the  state  of  powder,  upon  their  greasy  bodies. 

Barosma.  Sex.  Syst.  Pentandria  Monogynia. — Nat.  Ord.  Butaceae. 

Gen.  Ch.  Calyx  five-cleft  or  five-parted.  Disk  lining  the  bottom  of  the 
calyx  generally  with  a short  scarcely  prominent  rim.  Petals  five,  with  short- 
claws.  Filaments  ten ; the  five  opposite  the  petals  sterile,  petaloid : the  other 
five  longer,  subulate.  Style  as  long  as  the  petals.  Stigma  minute,  five-lobed. 


PAKT  I. 


BucTiu. — Calamina. 


149 


Fruit  composed  of  five  cocci,  covered  with  glandular  dots  at  the  back.  ( Con- 
densed from  Lindley .)  These  plants  are  all  small  shrubs,  with  opposite 
leaves  and  peduneled  flowers. 

Bardsma  crenata  Lindley,  Flor.  Mad.  p.  213. — Diosma  crenata  De  Cand. 
Proarom.  i.  714;  Woodv.  Med.  Bot.  3 d ed.  v.  52.  This  is  a slender  shrub, 
with  smooth,  somewhat  angular  branches,  of  a purplish  colour.  The  leaves 
are  opposite,  ovate  or  obovate,  acute,  serrated  and  glandular  at  the  edge, 
coriaceous,  and  full  of  small  pellucid  dots  on  the  under  surface.  The  flowers 
are  white  or  of  a reddish  tint,  and  stand  solitarily  at  the  end  of  short,  lateral, 
leafy  shoots.  The  leaves  of  this  species  are  now  most  largely  imported. 

Properties.  The  leaves,  as  found  in  the  shops,  are  from  three  quarters  of  an 
inch  to  an  inch  long,  from  three  to  five  lines  broad,  elliptical,  lanceolate-ovate, 
or  obovate,  sometimes  slightly  pointed,  sometimes  blunt  at  the  apex,  very 
finely  notched  and  glandular  at  the  edges,  smooth  and  of  a green  colour  on 
the  upper  surface,  dotted  and  paler  beneath,  and  of  a firm  consistence.  Their 
odour  is  strong,  diffusive,  and  somewhat  aromatic;  their  taste  bitterish,  and 
analogous  to  that  of  mint.  These  properties  will  distinguish  them  from  senna, 
with  which  they  might  be  confounded  upon  a careless  inspection.  They  are 
sometimes  mixed  with  portions  of  the  stalks  and  fruit.  Analyzed  by  Cadet 
de  Grassicourt,  they  were  found  to  contaiu  in  1000  parts,  6'65  parts  of  a light, 
brownish-yellow,  and  highly  odorous  volatile  oil,  211*7  of  gum,  51'7  of  ex- 
tractive, 11  of  chlorophylle,  and  21 '51  of  resin.  Water  and  alcohol  extract 
their  virtues,  which  probably  depend  on  the  volatile  oil  and  extractive.  The 
latter  is  precipitated  by  infusion  of  galls. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Buchu  is  gently  stimulant,  with  a peculiar 
tendency  to  the  urinary  organs,  producing  diuresis,  and,  like  all  similar  medi- 
cines, exciting  diaphoresis  when  circumstances  favour  this  mode  of  action. 
The  Hottentots  have  long  used  it  in  a variety  of  diseases.  From  these  rude 
practitioners  the  remedy  was  borrowed  by  the  resident  English  and  Dutch 
physicians,  by  whose  recommendation  it  was  employed  in  Europe,  and  has 
come  into  general  use.  It  is  given  chiefly  in  complaints  of  the  urinary 
organs,  such  as  gravel,  chronic  catarrh  of  the  bladder,  morbid  irritation  of 
the  bladder  and  urethra,  disease  of  the  prostate,  and  retention  or  incontinence 
of  urine  from  a loss  of  tone  in  the  parts  concerned  in  its  evacuation.  It  has 
also  been  recommended  in  dyspepsia,  chronic  rheumatism,  cutaneous  affec- 
tions, and  dropsy.  From  twenty  to  thirty  grains  of  the  powder  may  be  given 
two  or  three  times  a day.  The  leaves  are  also  used  in  infusion,  in  the  pro- 
portion of  an  ounce  to  a pint  of  boiling  water,  of  which  the  dose  is  one  or 
two  fluidounces.  A tincture  has  been  employed  as  a stimulant  embrocation 
iu  local  pains.  A fluid  extract  may  be  prepared  by  a process  similar  to  that 
for  fluid  extract  of  valerian  (see  Extracta  F/uida ),  eight  ounces  of  the 
coarsely  powdered  leaves  being  used  for  procuring  a pint  of  the  extract.  The 
odour  of  mint  becomes  very  strong  in  this  fluid  extract  when  kept  for  some 
months.  The  dose  is  about  a fluidrachm. 

Off.  Prep.  Infusum  Buchu;  Tinctura  Buchu.  W. 

CALAMINA.  U.  S. 

Calamine. 

Native  impure  carbonate  of  zinc.  U.  S. 

Lapis  calaminaris,  Lat.;  Calamine,  Fr.;  Gulmei,  Germ..;  Giallamina,  Pietra  calami- 
naria,  Ital.;  Calamina,  Span. 

The  term  calamine  is  applied  by  mineralogists  indiscriminately  to  two 
minerals,  scarcely  distinguishable  by  their  external  characters,  the  carbonate 


150 


Calamina. 


part  I. 


and  silicate  of  zinc.  The  terra,  however,  in  the  pharmaceutical  sense,  refers 
to  the  native  impure  carbonate  only.  The  silicate  is  sometimes  called  electric 
calamine. 

Properties , Ac.  Calamine  is  found  in  various  localities,  hut  occurs  most 
abundantly  in  Germany  and  England.  It  is  found  also  in  the  United  States. 
It  usually  occurs  in  compact  or  earthy  masses,  or  concretions,  of  a dull  ap- 
pearance, readily  scratched  by  the  knife,  and  breaking  with  an  earthy  fracture ; 
but  sometimes  it  is  found  crystallized.  Its  colour  is  very  variable;  being,  in 
different  specimens,  grayish,  grayish-yellow,  reddish-yellow,  and,  when  impure, 
brown,  or  brownish-yellow.  Its  sp.  gr.  varies  from  3 '4  to  4'4.  Before  the 
blowpipe  it  does  not  melt,  but  becomes  yellow  and  sublimes.  When  of  good 
quality,  it  is  almost  entirely  soluble  in  the  dilute  mineral  acids;  and,  unless 
it  has  been  previously  calcined,  emits  a few  bubbles  of  carbonic  acid.  If 
soluble  in  sulphuric  acid,  it  can  contain  but  little  carbonate  of  lime,  and  no 
sulphate  of  baryta.  Ammonia,  added  to  the  sulphuric  solution,  throws  down 
a precipitate  of  the  oxide,  mixed  with  the  subsulphate,  and  takes  it  up  again 
when  added  in  excess.  If  copper  be  present,  the  ammonia  will  give  rise  to 
a blue  colour;  and,  in  case  of  the  presence  of  iron,  the  alkali  will  throw  down 
the  sesquioxide,  not  soluble  in  an  excess  of  the  precipitant.  The  officinal 
calamine  is  distinguished  from  the  electric  calamine,  which  is  a silicate  of 
zinc,  by  dissolving  in  warm  nitric  acid  without  gelatinizing,  and  by  not  being 
rendered  electric  by  heat. 

Impurities.  According  to  Mr.  Robert  Brett,  calamine,  as  sold  in  the 
English  shops,  is  frequently  a spurious  mixture  containing  only  traces  of 
zinc.  He  analyzed  six  specimens,  and  found  them  to  contain  from  78  to 
87 '5  per  cent,  of  sulphate  of  baryta,  the  rest  consisting  of  sesquioxide  of 
iron,  carbonate  of  lime,  sulphate  (sulphuret?)  of  lead,  and  mere  traces  of 
zinc.  When  acted  on  by  muriatic  acid,  the  spurious  calamine,  in  powder, 
evolved  sulphuretted  hydrogen,  and  was  only  in  small  part  dissolved,  the 
great  bulk  of  it  remaining  behind  as  sulphate  of  baryta.  (Amer.  Journ.  of 
Pharm.,  ix.  173,  from  the  Brit.  Anna/s  of  Med.)  The  results  of  Mr.  Brett 
have  been  confirmed  by  Dr.  R.  D.  Thomson,  Mr.  D.  Murdock,  and  Mr.  E. 
Moore.  Dr.  Thomson  thinks  the  spurious  calamine  is  manufactured  of  sul- 
phate of  baryta  and  chalk,  coloured  with  Armenian  bole.  (Pharm.  Journ. 
and  Trans.,  iv.  31.)  Mr.  Jacob  Bell,  of  London,  holds  the  more  probable 
opinion  that  it  is  the  native  sulphate  of  baryta,  somewhat  coloured  with  iron, 
which  is  a mineral  having  some  resemblance  to  calamine.  Mr.  Midgley 
states,  indeed,  that  the  miners  in  England  distinguish  two  calamines,  brass 
calamine,  which  is  sold  to  the  makers  of  brass,  and  baryta  calamine,  which 
is  really  the  native  amorphous  sulphate  of  baryta,  and  which  is  furnished  to 
the  druggists  in  the  place  of  the  genuine  native  carbonate  of  zinc.  Even  the 
genuine  calamine  of  the  shops  is  impure,  containing  iron  and  copper,  and 
various  earthy  matters.  That  which  has  been  calcined  to  render  it  more 
readily  pulverizable,  contains  little  or  no  carbonic  acid.  'In  view  of  these 
facts,  the  revisers  of  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia  of  1850  have  deemed  it  proper 
to  introduce,  as  a new  officinal,  the  pure  carbonate  of  zinc,  obtained  by  pre- 
cipitation. (See  Zinci  Carbonas  Precipitatus.) 

Composition.  The  crystallized  variety  is  anhydrous,  and  consists  of  one  eq. 
of  carbonic  acid  22,  and  one  of  protoxide  of  zinc  40'3=62'3.  The  compact 
and  earthy  varieties  are  said  to  contain  one  eq.  of  water. 

Calamine  must  be  brought  to  the  state  of  impalpable  powder  before  being 
used  in  medicine.  In  this  state  it  forms  prepared  calamine,  under  which 
head  its  medical  properties  will  be  noticed.  (See  Calamina  Praeparata.) 

Off.  Prep.  Calamina  Praeparata.  B. 


PART  I. 


Calamus. 


151 


CALAMUS.  U.S.  Secondary. 

Street  Flag. 

The  rhizoma  of  Acorus  Calamus.  TJ.  S. 

Off.  Syn.  CALAMUS  AROMATICUS.  Rhizoma  of  Acorus  Calamus, 
var.  a,  vulgaris.  Ed. 

Acorus  vrai,  Acorus  odorant,  Fr.;  Kalmuswurzel,  Germ.;  Calamoaromatico,//aZ.,5pan. 

Acorus.  Sex.  Syst.  Hexandria  Monogynia. — Nat.  Ord.  Acoraceae. 

Gen.  Ch.  Spadix  cylindrical,  covered  with  florets.  Corolla  six-petalled, 
naked.  Style  none.  Capsule  three-celled.  Willd. 

Acorus  Calamus.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  ii.  199  ; Barton,  Med.  Bot.  ii.  63. 
The  sweet  flag,  or  calamus,  ha9  a perennial,  horizontal,  jointed,  somewhat 
compressed  root  (rhizome),  from  half  an  inch  to  an  iuch  thick,  sometimes 
several  feet  in  length,  sending  off  numerous  round  and  yellowish  or  whitish 
radicles  from  its  base,  and  bunches  of  brown  fibres  resembling  coarse  hair 
from  its  joints,  internally  white  and  spongy,  externally  whitish  with  a tinge 
of  green,  variegated  with  triangular  shades  of  light  brown  and  rose  colour. 
The  leaves  are  all  radical,  sheathing  at  the  base,  long,  sword-shaped,  smooth, 
green  above,  but,  near  their  origin  from  the  root,  of  a red  colour,  variegated 
with  green  and  white.  The  scape  or  flower-stem  resembles  the  leaves,  but  is 
longer,  and  from  one  side,  near  the  middle  of  its  length,  sends  out  a cylin- 
drical spadix,  tapering  at  each  end,  about  two  inches  in  length,  and  crowded 
with  greenish-yellow  flowers.  These  are  without  calyx,  and  have  six  small, 
concave,  membranous,  truncated  petals.  The  fruit  is  an  oblong  capsule, 
divided  into  three  cells,  and  containing  numerous  oval  seeds. 

This  is  an  indigenous  plant,  growing  throughout  the  United  States,  in  low, 
wet,  swampy  places,  and  along  the  sides  of  ditches  and  streams,  and  flowering 
in  May  and  June.  It  is  also  a native  of  Europe  and  Western  Asia ; and  a 
variety  is  found  in  India.  The  European  plant  differs  slightly  from  the 
American.  The  leaves  as  well  as  root  have  an  aromatic  odour ; but  the 
latter  only  is  employed.  It  should  be  collected  late  in  the  autumn,  or  in  the 
spring.  After  removal  from  the  ground,  the  roots  are  washed,  freed  from 
their  fibres,  and  dried  with  a moderate  heat.  By  the  process  of  drying  they 
lose  nearly  one-half  their  diameter,  but  are  improved  in  odour  and  taste. 

Properties.  The  roots,  as  found  in  the  shops,  are  in  pieces  of  various 
lengths,  somewhat  flattened,  externally  wrinkled  and  of  a yellowish-brown 
colour,  and  presenting  on  their  under  surface  numerous  minute  circular  spots, 
indicating  the  points  at  which  the  radicles  were  inserted.  Their  texture  is 
light  and  spongy,  their  colour  internally  whitish  or  yellowish-white,  and 
their  fracture  short  and  rough.  A variety  imported  from  Germany  consists 
exclusively  of  the  interior  portion  of  the  root.  The  pieces  are  usually 
long,  slender,  irregularly  quadrangular,  and  of  a grayish-white  colour ; and 
are  prepared  by  paring  off  the  outer  coat  with  a knife. 

The  odour  of  calamus  is  strong  and  fragrant  ; its  taste  warm,  bitterish, 
pungent,  and  aromatic.  Its  active  principles  are  taken  up  by  boiling  water. 
From  100  parts  of  the  fresh  root  of  the  European  plant,  Trommsdorff  ob- 
tained O'l  of  volatile  oil,  2'3  of  a soft  resin,  3'3  of  extractive  with  a little 
chloride  of  potassium,  5'5  of  gum  with  some  phosphate  of  potassa,  1'6  of 
starch  analogous  to  inulin,  21'5  of  lignin  ; and  65'7  of  water.  Sixteen  ounces 
of  the  dried  root  afforded  to  Neumann  about  two  scruples  of  volatile  oil. 
The  oil  is  at  first  yellow,  but  ultimately  becomes  red,  and  has  the  smell  and 
taste  of  calamus.  The  extractive  matter  has  an  acrid  and  sweetish  taste. 
The  root  is  sometimes  attacked  by  worms,  and  deteriorates  by  keeping. 


152  Calamus. — Calcium. — Calcii  Chloridum.  part  I. 

The  root  of  the  Indian  variety  is  said  to  be  less  thick  than  the  European, 
and  to  have  a stronger  and  more  pleasant  taste  and  smell. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Calamus  is  a stimulant  tonic,  possessing  the 
ordinary  virtues  of  the  aromatics.  It  may  be  taken  with  advantage  in  pain 
or  uneasiness  of  the  stomach  or  bowels  arising  from  flatulence,  and  is  a use- 
ful adjuvant  to  tonic  or  purgative  medicines,  in  cases  of  torpor  or  debility  of 
the  alimentary  canal.  It  was  probably  known  to  the  ancients,  and  is  sup- 
posed to  have  been  the  oixopov  of  the  Greeks;  but  the  calamus  aromaticus 
of  Dioscorides  was  a different  product,  having  been  derived,  according  to  Dr. 
Hoyle,  from  a species  of  Andropogon.  The  medicine  is  at  present  much 
neglected,  though  well  calculated  to  answer  as  a substitute  for  more  costly 
aromatics.  The  dose  in  substance  is  from  a scruple  to  a drachm.  An  infu- 
sion, made  in  the  proportion  of  an  ounce  of  the  root  to  a pint  of  boiling  wa- 
ter, is  sometimes  given  in  the  dose  of  a wineglassful  or  more.  W. 

CALCIUM. 

Calcium. 

This  is  the  metallic  radical  of  lime  (protoxide  of  calcium),  and,  conse- 
quently, forms  the  basis  of  all  calcareous  substances.  It  is  obtained  by  elec- 
trolyzing lime  in  contact  with  mercury,  and  distilling  off  the  mercury  from 
the  amalgam  of  calcium  formed ; or  by  passing  the  vapour  of  potassium  at 
a red  heat  over  lime,  contained  in  an  iron  tube,  filled  with  hydrogen.  It  is 
a white  metal,  resembling  silver  in  colour,  and  requiring  a high  temperature 
for  its  fusion.  When  sufficiently  heated  it  burns  with  a white  light,  unites 
with  oxygen,  and  forms  lime.  Its  sp.gr.  has  not  been  exactly  ascertained, 
but  is  known  to  be  greater  than  that  of  sulphuric  acid.  Its  equivalent  num- 
ber is  20 '5,  and  symbol  Ca. 

Calcium  is  a very  abundant  element  in  nature,  existing  in  the  mineral 
kingdom,  chiefly  as  a carbonate,  in  the  form  of  limestone,  marble,  chalk, 
and  calcareous  spar ; and  as  a phosphate  and  carbonate  in  organized  beings, 
as  an  essential  part  of  the  bones  and  shells  of  animals.  It  is  officinal,  in 
combination,  as  lime  and  chloride  of  calcium,  and  as  a carbonate,  phosphate, 
and  hypochlorite  of  lime.  B. 

CALCII  CHLORIDUM.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Dub. 

Chloride  of  Calcium. 

Off.  Syn.  CALCIS  MURIAS.  Ed. 

Muriate  of  lime,  Hydrochlorate  of  lime ; Chlorure  de  calcium,  Hydrochlorate  de 
chaux,  Fr. ; Chlorcalcium,  Salzsaurer  Kalk,  Germ. 

Chloride  of  calcium  consists  of  chlorine,  united  with  calcium,  the  metallic 
radical  of  lime.  It  is  placed  in  the  List  of  the  Materia  Medica  in  the  U.  S. 
and  London  Pharmacopoeias ; but  processes  for  preparing  it  are  given  by  the 
Edinburgh  and  Dublin  Colleges.  It  may  be  readily  formed  by  saturating  mu- 
riatic acid  with  chalk  or  marble,  evaporating  to  dryness,  and  heating  to  redness. 
The  muriatic  acid,  by  reacting  with  the  lime,  forms  chloride  of  calcium  and 
water,  the  latter  of  which  is  dissipated  at  a red  heat.  In  making  this  pre- 
paration, the  Edinburgh  College  uses  white  marble  in  fragments,  and  obtains 
the  chloride  in  crystals,  by  evaporating  the  solution  resulting  from  the  satu- 
ration to  one-half,  and  setting  it  aside  in  a cold  place.  The  process  of  the 
Dublin  Pharmacopoeia  of  1850  is  as  follows,  Imperial  measure  being  used. 

“Take  of  Chalk,  in  small  fragments,  two  pounds  [avoirdi] ; Pure  Muriatic 
Acid  two  pints  and  a half;  Distilled  Water  six  pints;  Slaked  Lime,  as  much  as 


PART  I. 


Calcii  Chloridum. — Calx. 


153 


is  sufficient.  Into  the  Acid,  first  diluted  with  the  Water,  introduce  the  Chalk 
in  successive  portions,  and  when  the  effervescence  has  ceased,  boil  for  ten 
minutes.  Add  now,  stirring  well,  a very  slight  excess  of  slaked  Lime,  and 
throw  the  whole  upon  a calico  filter.  Acidulate  the  filtered  solution  slightly 
by  adding  a few  drops  of  muriatic  acid ; then  evaporate  to  dryness,  and  ex- 
pose the  residuum  to  a low  red  heat  in  a Hessian  crucible.  Finally,  reduce 
the  product  rapidly  to  a coarse  powder  in  a warm  mortar,  and  enclose  it  in 
a well  stopped  bottle.” 

Properties.  Chloride  of  calcium,  in  the  fused  or  anhydrous  state,  as  it  is 
directed  or  understood  to  be  in  the  U.  S.,  London,  and  Dublin  Pharmacopoeias, 
is  a colourless,  slightly  translucent,  hard  and  friable  solid,  of  an  acrid,  bitter, 
saline  taste,  extremely  deliquescent,  very  soluble  in  water,  and  readily  solu- 
ble in  rectified  spirit.  On  account  of  its  avidity  for  water,  the  fused  salt  is 
used  for  drying  gases,  and  for  bringing  alcohol  to  its  highest  degree  of  con- 
centration. The  crystallized  salt,  as  directed  by  the  Edinburgh  College,  is 
also  very  deliquescent,  and  has  the  form  of  colourless,  transparent,  striated, 
six-sided  prisms.  The  crystals,  on  exposure  to  heat,  first  dissolve  in  their 
water  of  crystallization,  and,  after  this  has  evaporated,  undergo  the  igneous 
fusion.  With  ice  or  snow  they  form  a powerful  frigorific  mixture.  Solution 
of  chloride  of  calcium,  when  pure,  yields  no  precipitate  with  ammonia,  chloride 
of  barium,  or  ferrocyanuret  of  potassium  dissolved  in  a large  quantity  of  wa- 
ter. The  non-action  of  these  tests  severally  shows  the  absence  of  magnesia, 
sulphuric  acid,  and  iron. 

Chloride  of  calcium  exists  in  solution  in  the  water  of  the  ocean  and  of  many 
springs.  It  is  usually  associated  with  common  salt  and  chloride  of  magne- 
sium, from  which  it  is  separated  with  difficulty.  It  consists  of  one  eq.  of 
chlorine  35'42,  and  one  of  calcium  20'5  = 55'92.  When  crystallized,  it 
contains  six  eqs.  of  water =54. 

Chloride  of  calcium  is  used  medicinally  in  solution  only.  In  this  state  it 
is  named  officinally  Liquor  Calcii  Chloridi,  under  which  title  its  medicinal 
properties  are  given.  As  a chemical  agent  it  is  employed  by  the  Edinburgh 
College  for  purifying  ether  and  spirit  of  nitric  ether,  by  the  Dublin  for  pre- 
paring morphia,  and  by  the  London  in  making  chloroform. 

Off.  Prep.  Calcis  Carbonas  Praecipitatum ; Liquor  Calcii  Chloridi ; Mor- 
phias Murias;  Pulvis  Antimonialis,  Dub.  B. 

CALX.  U.jS.,  Lond.,  Ed. 

Lime. 

Lime  recently  prepared  by  calcination.  JJ.  S.,  Lond. 

Off.  Syn.  CALX  RECENS  USTA.  Fresh-burned  Lime ; Quic/clime. 
Dub. 

Quicklime;  Chaux,  Ckaux  vive,  Fr.)  Kalk,  Germ.;  Calce,  Ilal;  Calviva,  Span. 

Lime,  which  ranks  among  the  alkaline  earths,  is  a very  important  pharma- 
ceutical agent,  and  forms  the  principal  ingredient  in  several  standard  prepa- 
rations. The  Edinburgh  College  gives  a process  for  its  preparation;  but  in 
the  United  States,  London,  and  Dublin  Pharmacopoeias,  it  is  placed  exclu- 
sively in  the  list  of  the  Materia  Medica. 

Lime  is  a very  abundant  natural  production.  It  is  never  found  pure,  but 
mostly  combined  with  acids,  as  with  carbonic  acid  in  chalk,  marble,  calcare- 
ous spar,  limestone,  and  shells;  with  sulphuric  acid  in  the  different  kinds  of 
gypsum;  with  phosphoric  acid  in  the  bones  of  animals;  and  with  silica  in  a 
great  variety  of  minerals. 


154 


Calx. — Calx  Chlorinata. 


PART  i. 


Preparation.  Lime  is  prepared  by  calcining,  with  a strong  beat,  some  form 
of  the  native  carbonate.  The  carbonic  acid  is  thus  expelled,  and  the  lime 
remains  behind.  When  the  lime  is  intended  for  nice  chemical  operations, 
it  should  be  obtained  from  pure  white  marble,  or  from  oyster  shells.  For  the 
purposes  of  the  arts  it  is  procured  from  common  limestone,  by  calcining  it  in 
kilns  of  peculiar  construction.  When  obtained  in  this  way,  it  is  generally 
impure,  being  of  a grayish  colour,  and  containing  alumina,  silica,  sesquioxide 
of  iron,  and  occasionally  a little  magnesia  and  oxide  of  manganese. 

The  officinal  lime  of  the  United  States,  London,  and  Dublin  Pharmaco- 
poeias is  the  lime  of  commerce,  and,  therefore  impure.  That  obtained  by  the 
process  of  the  Edinburgh  College  is  purer.  The  Edinburgh  directions  are 
to  expose  white  marble,  broken  into  small  fragments,  in  a covered  crucible, 
to  a full  red  heat  for  three  hours ; or  till  the  residuum,  when  slaked  and  sus- 
pended in  water,  no  longer  effervesces  on  the  addition  of  muriatic  acid. 

Properties.  Lime  is  a grayish-white  solid,  having  a strong,  caustic,  alkaline 
taste,  and  the  sp.  gr.  2 '3.  It  is  very  refractory  in  the  fire,  having  been  fused 
only  by  the  compound  blowpipe  of  Dr.  Hare.  Exposed  to  the  air,  it  absorbs 
moisture  and  carbonic  acid,  and  falls  into  a white  powder.  In  this  state,  it 
is  a mixture  of  carbonate  and  hydrate.  On  account  of  its  liability  to  change 
by  being  kept,  lime  intended,  for  pharmaceutical  purposes  should  be  recently 
burnt.  It  acts  upon  vegetable  colours  as  a strong  alkaline  base.  Upon  the 
addition  of  water,  it  cracks  and  falls  into  powder,  with  the  evolution  of  heat. 
If  it  dissolve  in  muriatic  acid  without  effervescence,  the  fact  shows  the  absence 
of  carbonic  acid,  and  that  the  lime  has  been  well  burnt.  If  any  silica  be  pre- 
sent, it  will  remain  undissolved  by  the  muriatic  acid.  If  the  solution  give 
no  precipitate  with  ammonia,  the  absence  of  iron  and  alumina  is  shown. 

Lime  is  but  sparingly  soluble  in  water,  requiring  at  60°  about  seven 
hundred  times  its  weight  of  that  liquid  for  complete  solution.  Contrary  to 
the  general  law,  it  is  less  soluble  in  hot  than  in  cold  water.  The  solution  is 
called  lime-water.  (See  Liquor  Colds .)  When  lime  is  mixed  in  excess  with 
water,  so  as  to  form  a thick  liquid,  the  mixture  is  called  milk  of  lime. 

Lime  is  the  protoxide  of  calcium,  and  consists  of  one  eq.  of  calcium  20'5, 
and  one  of  oxygen  8 =28 '5.  (See  Caldum. ) It  is  distinguished  from  the 
other  alkaline  earths  by  forming  a very  deliquescent  salt  (chloride  of  calcinin') 
by  reaction  with  muriatic  acid,  and  a sparingly  soluble  one  with  sulphuric 
acid.  All  acids,  acidulous,  ammoniacal,  and  metallic  salts,  borates,  alkaline 
carbonates,  and  astringent  vegetable  infusions  are  incompatible  with  it. 

Medical  Properties.  Lime  acts  externally  as  an  escharotic,  and  was  formerly 
applied  to  ill-conditioned  ulcers.  Mixed  with  potassa,  it  forms  an  officinal 
caustic.  (See  Potassa  cum  Calce.)  As  an  internal  remedy  it  is  always  ad- 
ministered in  solution.  (See  Liquor  Calcis.) 

Pharm.  Uses.  Lime  is  used  as  a chemical  agent  to  prepare  Hither  Sul- 
phuricus,  Dub.;  Alcohol,  Eel.,  Dub.;  Ammonias  Aqua  Fortior;  Chloro- 
formum;  Ferri  Pulvis;  Liquor  Ammoni®;  Liquor  Potass®;  Liquor  Sod®; 
Potass®  Sulphas;  Quini®  Sulphas;  Spiritus  Hltheris  Nitrici;  Spiritus 
Ammoni®;  Strychnia;  Sulphur  Pr®cipitatum. 

Off.  Prep.  Calcii  Chloridum;  Liquor  Calcis;  Potassa  cum  Calce. 

B. 

CALX  CHLORINATA.  U.  S.,  Lond .,  Ed.,  Dub. 
Chlorinated  Lime. 

A compound  resulting  from  the  action  of  chlorine  on  hydrate  of  lime,  and 
containing  at  least  twenty-five  per  cent,  of  chlorine.  U.  S. 


PART  I. 


Calx  Clilorinata. 


155 


Chloride  of  lime,  Hypochlorite  of  lime,  Oxymuriate  of  lime,  Bleaching  powder;  Calcis 
chloridum,  Calcis  hypochloris,  Lai.;  Chlorure  de  cliaux,  Ft.;  Chlorkalk,  Germ.;  Clo- 
ruro  de  calce,  Ital. 

This  compound  was  originally  prepared  and  brought  into  notice  as  a bleach- 
ing agent,  in  1798,  by  the  late  Mr.  Tennant  of  Glasgow.  Subsequently 
it  was  found  to  have  valuable  properties  as  a medicine  and  disinfectant,  and, 
accordingly,  it  has  been  successively  introduced  into  the  London,  Edinburgh, 
United  States,  and  Dublin  Pharmacopoeias. 

The  following  is  an  outline  of  the  process  for  preparing  chlorinated  lime 
on  the  large  scale.  An  oblong  square  chamber  is  constructed,  generally  of 
siliceous  sandstone,  the  joints  being  secured  by  a cement  of  pitch,  rosin,  and 
dry  gj'psum.  At  one  end  it  is  furnished  with  an  air-tight  door,  and  on  each 
side  with  a glass  window,  to  enable  the  operator  to  inspect  the  process  during 
its  progress.  The  slaked  or  hydrated  lime  is  sifted,  and  placed  on  wooden 
trays  eight  or  ten  feet  long,  two  broad,  and  one  inch  deep.  These  are  piled 
within  the  chamber  to  a height  of  five  or  six  feet  on  cross-bars,  by  which 
they  are  kept  about  an  inch  asunder,  in  order  to  favour  the  circulation  of  the 
gas  over  the  lime.  The  chlorine  is  generated  in  a leaden  vessel  nearly  sphe- 
rical, the  lower  portion  of  which  is  surrounded  with  an  iron  case,  leaving  an 
interstice  two  inches  wide,  intended  to  receive  steam  for  the  purpose  of  pro- 
ducing the  requisite  heat.  In  the  leaden  vessel  are  five  apertures.  The  first 
is  in  the  centre  of  the  top,  and  receives  a tube  which  descends  nearly  to  the 
bottom,  and  through  which  a vertical  stirrer  passes,  intended  to  mix  the 
materials,  and  furnished,  at  the  lower  end,  with  horizontal  cross-bars  of  iron, 
or  of  wood  sheathed  with  lead.  The  second  is  for  the  introduction  of  the 
common  salt  and  manganese.  The  third  admits  a syphon-shaped  funnel, 
through  which  the  sulphuric  acid  is  introduced.  The  fourth  is  connected 
with  a pipe  to  lead  off  the  chlorine.  The  fifth,  which  is  near  the  bottom, 
receives  a discharge  pipe,  passing  through  the  iron  case,  and  intended  for 
drawing  off  the  residuum  of  the  operation.  The  pipe  leading  off  the  chlorine 
terminates  under  water,  in  a leaden  chest  or  cylinder,  where  the  gas  is 
washed  from  muriatic  acid.  From  this  intermediate  vessel,  the  chlorine 
finally  passes,  by  means  of  a pretty  large  leaden  pipe,  through  the  ceiling  of 
the  chamber  containing  the  lime.  The  process  of  impregnation  generally  lasts 
four  days,  this  time  being  necessary  to  form  a good  bleaching  powder.  If 
it  be  hastened,  heat  will  be  generated,  which  will  favour  the  production  of 
chloride  of  calcium,  with  a proportional  diminution  of  chloride  of  lime. 

The  proportions  of  the  materials  employed  for  generating  the  chlorine 
vary  in  different  manufactories.  Those  generally  adopted  are  10  cwt.  of 
common  salt,  mixed  with  from  10  to  14  cwt.  of  deutoxide  of  manganese;  to 
which  are  added,  in  successive  portions,  from  12  to  14  cwt.  of  strong  sul- 
phuric acid,  diluted  before  being  used  until  its  sp.  gr.  is  reduced  to  about 
1 ’65,  which  will  be  accomplished  by  adding  about  one-third  of  its  weight  of 
water.  In  manufactories  in  which  sulphuric  acid  is  also  made,  the  acid 
intended  for  this  process  is  brought  to  the  sp.  gr.  of  1'65  only,  whereby  the 
expense  of  further  concentration  is  saved. 

Properties.  Chlorinated  lime  is  a dry  or  but  slightly  moist,  grayish-white, 
pulverulent  substance,  possessing  an  acrid,  hot,  bitter,  astringent  taste,  and 
an  odour  resembling  that  of  chlorine.  It  possesses  powerful  bleaching  pro- 
perties. When  perfectly  saturated  with  chlorine,  it  dissolves  almost  entirely 
in  water;  but,  as  ordinarily  prepared,  a large  proportion  is  insoluble,  con- 
sisting of  hydrate  of  lime.  When  exposed  to  heat,  it  gives  off  oxygen  and 
some  chlorine,  and  is  converted  into  chloride  of  calcium.  It  is  incompatible 
with  the  mineral  acids,  with  carbonic  acid,  and  the  alkaline  carbonates.  The 


156 


Calx  Chlorinata. 


PART  i. 


acids  evolve  chlorine  copiously,  and  the  alkaline  carbonates  cause  a precipitate 
of  carbonate  of  lime.  (See  Liquor  Sodas  Chlorinatae.) 

Chlorinated  lime  acts  as  a powerful  oxidizing  agent,  the  oxygen  being 
derived  from  decomposed  water,  the  hydrogen  of  which  unites  with  the 
chlorine  to  form  muriatic  acid  It  has  a powerful  action  also  on  organic 
matter,  converting  sugar,  starch,  cotton,  linen,  and  similar  substances  into 
formic  acid,  which  unites  with  the  lime.  ( llr.  Bostick.) 

Composition.  According  to  Dr.  Ure,  the  bleaching  powder  consists  of  hy- 
drate of  lime  and  chlorine,  united  in  variable  proportions,  not  correspondent 
to  equivalent  quantities.  According  to  Brande,  Grouvelle,  and  Phillips,  the 
compound  obtained  when  chlorine  ceases  to  be  absorbed,  consists  of  one  eq. 
of  chlorine  and  two  of  hydrate  of  lime,  resolvable,  by  water,  into  one  eq.  of 
hydrated  chloride  of  lime  which  dissolves,  and  one  of  hydrate  of  lime  which 
is  left.  Dr.  Thomson,  however,  asserts  that  the  compound  has  been  so  much 
improved  in  quality,  that  good  samples  consist  of  single  equivalents  of  chlo- 
rine and  lime,  and  are  almost  entirely  soluble  in  water.  Its  ultimate  con- 
stituents, exclusive  of  the  elements  of  water,  may,  therefore,  be  considered  to 
be  one  eq.  of  chlorine,  one  of  calcium,  and  one  of  oxygen.  Three  views  are 
taken  of  the  manner  in  which  these  elements  are  united  to  form  the  bleach- 
ing powder.  The  first  makes  it  a chloride  of  lime,  the  second,  hypochlorite 
of  lime  with  chloride  of  calcium,  and  the  third,  oxychloride  of  calcium.  By 
doubling  the  elements  present,  it  is  easily  shown  by  symbols,  that  the  several 
views  taken  do  not  change  the  ultimate  composition  of  the  compound ; for 

2(Ca0,Cl)=Ca0,C10  + CaCl  or  2Ca  { 


The  simplest  view  of  the  nature  of  the  bleaching  powder  is  that  which 
supposes  it  to  be  a compound  of  chlorine  and  lime.  The  new  which  makes 
it  a hypochlorite  is  that  of  Balard,  and  is  supported  by  the  fact  that  the  com- 
pound smells  of  hypochlorous  acid.  On  the  other  hand,  if  it  contain  chloride 
of  calcium  it  ought  to  deliquesce;  unless  it  can  be  shown  that  the  metallic 
chloride  is  in  such  a state  of  combination  as  to  prevent  this  result.  The  third 
view,  that  it  is  an  oxychloride,  which  assimilates  its  nature  to  that  of  the 
deutoxide  of  calcium,  is  held  by  Millon.  According  to  this  chemist,  the 
quantity  of  chlorine,  taken  up  by  a metallic  protoxide,  is  regulated  by  the 
nature  of  its  peroxide.  The  peroxide  of  calcium  is  a deutoxide  (CaOJ;  and 
Millon  contends  that,  in  forming  the  bleaching  powder,  the  lime  takes  up  but 
one  eq.  of  chlorine,  corresponding  to  the  second  eq.  of  oxygen  in  the  deut- 


oxide, thus  generating  the  compound  Ca  | q.  Again,  the  peroxide  of  potas- 
sium is  represented  by  K03,  and  Millon  states  that  the  bleaching  compound 
which  potassa  (KO)  forms  with  chlorine,  is  K j |!j  If  further  observation 


should  show  that  the  number  of  equivalents  of  chlorine,  necessary  to  convert 
a protoxide  into  a bleaching  Compound,  is  always  equal  to  the  number  of 
equivalents  of  oxygen  required  to  convert  it  into  a peroxide,  it  will  go  far  to 


prove  the  correctness  of  Millon’s  views. 

On  the  supposition  that  the  bleaching  powder  is  a hypochlorite  of  lime 
with  chloride  of  calcium,  the  mode  of  its  formation  is  thus  explained.  Two 
eqs.  of  chlorine,  by  uniting  separately  with  the  elements  of  one  eq.  of  lime, 
form  one  eq.  of  chloride  of  calcium,  and  one  of  hypochlorous  acid,  the  latter 
of  which  combines  with  an  additional  eq.  of  lime,  to  form  hypochlorite  of  lime. 

Impurities  and  Tests.  Chlorinated  lime  may  contain  a great  excess  of 
lime,  from  imperfect  impregnation  with  the  gas.  This  defect  will  be  shown 
by  the  large  proportion  insoluble  in  water.  If  it  contain  much  chloride  of 
calcium,  it  will  be  quite  moist,  which  is  always  a sign  of  inferior  quality.  If 


PART  I. 


Calx  Chlorinata. 


157 


long  and  insecurely  kept,  it  deteriorates  from  the  gradual  formation  of  chlo- 
ride of  calcium  and  carbonate  of  lime.  Several  methods  have  been  proposed 
for  determining  its  bleaching  power,  which  depends  solely  on  the  proportion 
of  loosely  combined  chlorine.  Walter  proposed  to  add  a solution  of  the 
bleaching  powder  to  a standard  solution  of  sulphate  of  indigo,  in  order  to 
ascertain  its  decolorizing  power ; but  the  objection  to  this  test  is  that  the 
indigo  of  commerce  is  very  variable  in  its  amount  of  colouring  matter.  Dr. 
Ure  has  proposed  muriatic  acid  to  disengage  the  chlorine  over  mercury ; but 
this  test  is  liable  to  the  fallacy  that  it  will  disengage  carbonic  acid  as  well  as 
chlorine  ; and  it  has  been  shown  by  some  unpublished  experiments  of  Prof. 
Procter  of  this  city,  that  the  amount  of  disengaged  gaseous  matter  is  not  in 
proportion  to  the  decolorizing  power.  Dalton  proposed,  as  a test,  to  add  a 
solution  of  the  bleaching  powder  to  one  of  the  sulphate  of  protoxide  of  iron, 
slightly  acidulated  with  muriatic  or  sulphuric  acid,  until  the  odour  of  chlorine 
is  perceived.  Chlorine  is  not  disengaged  until  the  iron  is  sesquioxidized,  and 
the  stronger  the  bleaching  powder,  the  sooner  this  will  be  accomplished.  A 
more  delicate  way  of  ascertaining  when  all  the  iron  is  sesquioxidized,  is  to 
test  a drop  of  the  liquid  with  one  of  a solution  of  ferridcyanuret  of  potassium 
(red  prussiate  of  potassa).  So  long  as  any  protoxide  of  iron  remains  in  the 
liquid,  this  salt  will  occasion  a blue  precipitate  ( Turnbull’s  Prussian  blue), 
but  not  afterwards.  This  test  for  chloriuated  lime  has  been  adopted  in  the 
U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia  of  1850,  and  is  applied  as  follows.  “When  40  grains  of  it, 
triturated  with  a fluidounce  of  distilled  water,  are  well  shaken  with  a solution 
of  78  grains  of  crystallized  sulphate  of  protoxide  of  iron,  and  10  drops  of 
sulphuric  acid,  in  two  fluidounces  of  distilled  water,  a liquid  is  formed  which 
does  not  yield  a blue  precipitate  with  ferridcyanuret  of  potassium  (red  prus- 
siate of  potassa).”  The  chlorinated  lime  of  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia  is 
directed  to  contain  at  least  twenty-five  per  cent,  of  chlorine.  If  it  be  to  this 
extent  chlorinated,  40  grains  will  contain  enough  chlorine  to  cause  the  sesqui- 
oxidation  of  all  the  protoxide  of  iron  in  78  grains  of  crystallized  sulphate  of 
iron ; but  if  impregnated  with  chlorine  to  a less  extent,  some  of  the  protoxide 
will  remain  unchanged,  and,  consequently,  a blue  precipitate  will  be  formed 
with  the  ferridcyanuret. 

The  following  is  the  test  given  by  the  Edinburgh  College.  “ Fifty  grains 
are  nearly  all  soluble  in  two  fluidounces  of  water,  forming  a solution  of  the 
density  1 027,  and  of  which  one  hundred  measures,  treated  with  an  excess  of 
oxalic  acid,  give  off  much  chlorine,  and,  if  then  boiled  and  allowed  to  rest 
twenty-four  hours,  yield  a precipitate  which  occupies  nineteen  measures  of  the 
liquid.”  The  principle  of  this  test  is  to  infer  the  amount  of  lime,  and,  there- 
fore, of  chlorine  present  from  the  bulk  of  the  oxalate  of  lime  precipitated  ; 
aud  assuming  the  chlorinated  lime  to  be  dry,  and,  therefore,  free  from  chloride 
of  calcium,  it  would  follow  that  the  quantity  of  oxalate  of  lime,  thrown  down 
by  oxalic  acid  from  the  part  of  the  powder  soluble  in  water,  would  be  propor- 
tional to  the  lime  present,  and,  therefore,  to  the  chlorine  combined  with  it. 
But  it  is  well  known  that  chloride  of  calcium  is  a common  impurity  in  chlo- 
rinated lime;  and,  whenever  present,  the  precipitated  oxalate  of  lime  would 
be  increased  in  amount,  without  indicating  a proportional  increase  of  chlorine 
united  with  lime. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Chlorinated  lime,  externally  applied,  is  a 
desiccant  and  disinfectant,  and  has  been  used  with  advantage,  in  solution,  as 
an  application  to  ill-conditioned  ulcers,  burns,  chilblains,  and  cutaneous  erup- 
tions, especially  itch ; as  a gargle  in  putrid  sorethroat;  and  as  a wash  for  the 
mouth  to  disinfect  the  breath,  and  for  ulcerated  gums.  Internally,  it  is  a 
stimulant  and  astringent.  It  has  been  employed  by  Dr.  Reid  in  the  epidemic 
typhoid  fever  of  Ireland;  by  the  same  practitioner  in  dysentery,  both  by  the 


158 


Calx  Cldorinata. 


PART  i. 


mouth  and  injection,  with  the  effect  of  correcting  the  fetor,  and  improving 
the  appearance  of  the  stools;  by  Cima,  both  internally  and  externally  in 
scrofula;  and  by  Dr.  Varlez  of  Brussels  in  ophthalmia.  Dr.  Pereira  has 
used  a weak  solution  very  successfully  in  the  purulent  ophthalmia  of  infants. 
In  the  febrile  cases  Dr.  Reid  found  it  to  render  the  tongue  cleaner  and  moister, 
to  check  diarrhoea,  and  induce  sleep.  The  dose  internally  is  from  three  to 
six  grains,  dissolved  in  one  or  two  fluidounces  of  water,  filtered,  and  sweet- 
ened with  syrup.  It  should  never  be  given  in  pills.  As  it  occurs  of  variable 
quality,  and  must  be  used  in  solution  more  or  less  dilute,  according  to  the 
particular  purpose  to  which  it  is  to  be  applied,  it  is  impossible  to  give  any 
very  precise  directions  for  its  strength  as  an  external  remedy.  From  one  to 
four  drachms  of  the  powder  added  to  a pint  of  water,  and  the  solution  filtered, 
will  form  a liquid  within  the  limits  of  strength  ordinarily  required.  For  the 
cure  of  itch,  M.  Derheims  has  recommended  a much  stronger  solution — three 
ounces  of  the  chloride  to  a piut  of  water,  the  solution  being  filtered,  and  ap- 
plied several  times  a day  as  a lotion,  or  constantly  by  wet  cloths.  When 
applied  to  ulcers,  their  surface  may  be  covered  with  lint  dipped  in  the  solu- 
tion. When  used  as  an  ointment,  to  be  rubbed  upon  scrofulous  enlargements 
of  the  lymphatic  glands,  it  may  be  made  of  a drachm  of  the  chloride  to  an 
ounce  of  lard.  Chlorinated  lime  is  less  eligible  for  some  purposes  than  the 
solution  of  chlorinated  soda.  (See  Liquor  Sodse  Chlorinatae.) 

In  consequence  of  its  powers  as  a disinfectant,  chlorinated  lime  is  a very 
important  compound  in  its  application  to  medical  police.  It  possesses  the 
property  of  preventing  or  arresting  animal  and  vegetable  putrefaction,  and, 
perhaps,  of  destroying  pestilential  and  infectious  miasms.  It  may  be  used 
with  advantage  for  preserving  bodies  from  exhaling  an  unpleasant  odour  be- 
fore interment  in  the  summer  season.  In  juridical  exhumations  its  use  is 
indispensable ; as  it  effectually  removes  the  disgusting  and  insupportable  fetor 
of  the  corpse.  The  mode  in  which  it  is  applied  in  these  cases,  is  to  envelop 
the  body  with  a sheet  completely  wet  with  a solution,  made  by  adding  about 
a pound  of  the  chloride  to  a bucketful  of  water.  It  is  employed  also  for 
disinfecting  dissecting  rooms,  privies,  common  sewers,  docks,  and  other  places 
which  exhale  offensive  effluvia.  In  destroying  contagion  and  infection,  it 
appears  to  be  highly  useful.  Hence  hospitals,  alms-houses,  jails,  ships,  &c., 
may  be  purified  by  its  means.  In  short,  all  places  deemed  infectious  from 
having  been  the  receptacle  of  virulent  disease,  may  be  more  or  less  disin- 
fected by  its  use,  after  having  undergone  the  ordinary  processes  of  cleansing. 

Chlorinated  lime  acts  exclusively  by  its  chlorine,  which,  being  loosely 
combined,  is  disengaged  by  the  slightest  affinities.  All  acids,  even  the  car- 
bonic, disengage  it ; and,  as  this  acid  is  a product  of  animal  and  vegetable 
decomposition,  noxious  effluvia  furnish  the  means,  to  a certain  extent,  of 
their  own  disinfection.  But  the  stronger  acids  disengage  the  chlorine  far 
more  readily,  and,  among  these,  sulphuric  acid  is  the  most  convenient.  Ac- 
cordingly, the  powder  may  be  dissolved  in  a very  dilute  solution  of  this  acid, 
or  a small  quantity  of  the  acid  may  be  added  to  an  aqueous  solution  ready 
formed,  if  a more  copious  evolution  of  chlorine  is  desired  than  that  which 
takes  place  from  the  mere  action  of  the  carbonic  acid  of  the  atmosphere. 

Chlorinated  lime  may  be  advantageously  applied  to  the  purpose  of  purifying 
offensive  water,  a property  which  makes  it  invaluable  on  long  voyages.  When 
used  for  this  purpose,  from  one  to  two  ounces  of  the  chloride  may  be  mixed 
with  about  sixty-five  gallons  of  the  water.  After  the  purification  has  been 
effected,  the  water  must  be  exposed  for  some  time  to  the  air  and  allowed  to 
settle,  before  it  is  fit  to  drink. 

Off.  Prep.  Calcis  Chlorinate  Liquor;  Chloroformum ; Liquor  Sode  Chlo- 
rinate. B. 


PART  I. 


Camphora. 


159 


CAMPHORA.  TJ.  S.,  Lond Ed.,  Dub. 

Camphor. 

A peculiar  concrete  substance  derived  from  Camphora  officinarum,  and 
purified  by  sublimation.  U.  S.,  Lond.  The  camphor.  Ed.,  Dub. 

Camphre,  Fr.;  Kampher,  Germ.;  Canfora,  Ital.;  Alcanfor,  Span. 

The  name  of  camphor  has  been  applied  to  various  concrete,  white,  odorous, 
volatile  products,  found  in  different  aromatic  plants,  and  resulting  probably 
from  some  chemical  change  in  their  volatile  oil.  But  commercial  camphor  is 
derived  exclusively  from  two  plants,  the  Camphora  officinarum  of  Nees  or 
Laurus  Camphora  of  Linnaeus,  and  the  Dryobalanops  Camphora ; the  former 
of  which  yields  our  officinal  camphor,  the  latter,  a product  much  valued  in  the 
East,  but  unknown  in  the  commerce  of  this  country  and  of  Europe.  A con- 
siderable quantity  of  camphor,  said  to  be  identical  with  the  officinal,  was  a 
few  years  since  obtained  upon  the  Tenasserim  coast,  in  further  India,  by  sub- 
liming the  tops  of  an  annual  plant,  growing  abundantly  in  that  region,  and 
thought  to  be'a  species  of  Blumia.  This  product,  however,  has  not  yet  been 
introduced  into  general  commerce.  (Am.  Joum.  of  Pharm.,  xvi.  56.)  The 
Bev.  Mr.  Mason,  an  American  missionary  at  Burmah,  states  in  a letter  to 
Mr.  Vaux  of  Philadelphia,  that  some  of  the  Chinese  settlers  informed  him 
that  the  same  plant  abounds  in  China,  and  that  camphor  is  made  from  it 
there.  ( Proceed . of  the  Acad,  of  Nat.  Sci.  of  Phil.,  May  13th,  1851,  p.  201.) 
The  following  observations  apply  to  the  officinal  camphor. 

Camphora.  Sex.  Syst.  Enneandria  Monogynia.  — Nat.  Ord.  Lauraceae. 

Gen.  Ch.  Flowers  hermaphrodite,  panicled,  naked.  Calyx  six-cleft,  papery, 
with  a deciduous  limb.  Fertile  stamens  nine,  in  three  rows;  the  inner  with 
two  stalked,  compressed  glands  at  the  base;  anthers  four-celled;  the  outer 
turned  inwards,  the  inner  outwards.  Three  sterile  stamens  shaped  like  the 
first,  placed  in  a whorl  alternating  with  the  stamens  of  the  second  row;  three 
others  stalked,  with  an  ovate  glandular  head.  Fruit  placed  on  the  obconical 
base  of  the  calyx.  Leaves  triple-nerved,  glandular  in  the  axils  of  the  prin- 
cipal veins.  Leaf  buds  scaly.  (Lindley,  Flora  Medica,  332.) 

Among  the  species  composing  the  genus  Laurus  of  Linn.,  such  striking  dif- 
ferences have  been  observed  in  the  structure  of  the  flower  and  fruit,  that 
botanists  have  been  induced  to  arrange  them  in  new  genera.  The  camphor, 
cinnamon,  and  sassafras  trees  have  been  separated  from  the  proper  laurels  by 
Nees,  and  made  the  types  of  distinct  genera,  which  have  been  adopted  by 
most  recent  writers,  and  may  be  considered  as  well  established. 

Camphora  officinarum.  Nees,  Laurin.  88;  Carson,  Illust.  of  Med.  Dot. 
ii.  29,  pi.  lxxiv. — Laurus  Camphora.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  ii.  478;  Woodv. 
Med.  Bot.  p.  681,  t.  236.  The  camphor  tree  is  an  evergreen  of  considerable 
size,  having  the  aspect  of  the  linden,  with  a trunk  straight  below,  but  divided 
above  into  many  branches,  which  are  covered  with  a smooth,  greenish  bark. 
Its  leaves,  which  stand  alternately  upon  long  footstalks,  are  ovate-lanceolate, 
entire,  smooth  and  shining,  ribbed,  of  a bright  yellowish-green  colour  on  their 
upper  surface,  paler  on  the  under,  and  two  or  three  inches  in  length.  The 
flowers  are  small,  white,  pedicelled,  and  collected  in  clusters,  which  are  sup- 
ported by  long  axillary  peduncles.  The  fruit  is  a red  berry  resembling  that 
of  the  cinnamon.  The  tree  is  a native  of  China,  Japan,  and  other  parts  of 
eastern  Asia.  It  has  been  introduced  into  the  botanical  gardens  of  Europe, 
and  is  occasionally  met  with  in  our  own  conservatories. 

The  leaves  have  when  bruised  the  odour  of  camphor,  which  is  diffused 


160 


PART  I. 


Camphora. 

through  all  parts  of  the  plant,  and  is  obtained  from  the  root,  trunk,  and 
branches  by  sublimation.  The  process  is  not  precisely  the  same  in  all  places. 
The  following  is  said  to  be  the  one  pursued  in  Japan.  The  parts  mentioned, 
particularly  the  roots  and  smaller  branches,  are  cut  into  chips,  which  are 
placed,  with  a little  water,  in  large  iron  vessels,  surmounted  by  earthen  capi- 
tals, furnished  with  a lining  of  rice-straw.  A moderate  heat  is  then  applied, 
and  the  camphor,  volatilized  by  the  steam,  rises  into  the  capital,  where  it  is 
condensed  upon  the  straw.  In  China,  the  comminuted  plant  is  said  to  be 
first  boiled  with  water  until  the  camphor  adheres  to  the  stick  used  in  stir- 
ring, when  the  strained  liquor  is  allowed  to  cool;  and  the  camphor  which 
concretes,  being  alternated  with  layers  of  earth,  is  submitted  to  sublimation. 

Commercial  History.  Camphor,  in  the  crude  state,  is  brought  to  this  coun- 
try chiefly  from  Canton.  It  comes  also  from  Batavia,  Singapore,  Calcutta,  and 
frequently  from  London.  All  of  it  is  probably  derived  originally  from  China 
and  Japan.  Two  commercial  varieties  are  found  in  the  market.  The  cheapest 
and  most  abundant  is  the  Chinese  camphor,  most  of  which  is  produced  in 
the  island  of  Formosa,  and  thence  taken  to  Canton.  It  comes  in  chests  lined 
with  lead,  each  containing  about  130  pounds.  It  is  in  small  grains  or  granu- 
lar masses,  of  a dirty  white  colour,  and  frequently  mixed  with  impurities.  It 
has  occurred  in  commerce  adulterated  with  muriate  of  ammonia.  The  other 
variety  is  variously  called  Japan , Dutch,  or  tub  camphor,  the  first  name 
being  derived  from  the  place  of  its  origin,  the  second  from  the  people  through 
whom  it  is  introduced  into  commerce,  and  the  third  from  the  recipient-  in 
which  it  is  often  contained.  It  comes  usually  from  Batavia,  to  which  port  it 
is  brought  from  Japan.  Like  the  former  variety,  it  is  in  grains  or  granular 
masses;  but  the  grains  are  larger  and  of  a pinkish  colour,  and  there  are 
fewer  impurities,  so  that  it  yields  a larger  product  when  refined. 

Crude  camphor,  as  brought  from  the  East,  is  never  found  in  the  shop  of 
the  apothecary.  It  must  be  refined  before  it  can  be  used  for  medicinal  pur- 
poses. The  process  for  refining  camphor  was  first  practised  in  Europe  by  the 
Venetians,  who  probably  derived  it  from  the  Chinese.  It  was  afterwards  trans- 
ferred to  the  Dutch,  who  long  enjoyed  a monopoly  of  this  business;  and  it  is 
only  within  a few  years  that  the  process  has  been  generally  known.  It  is  now 
practised  largely  in  this  country,  and  the  camphor  refined  in  our  domestic 
establishments  is  equal  to  any  that  was  formerly  imported.  Crude  camphor 
is  mixed  with  about  one-fiftieth  of  quicklime,  and  exposed,  in  an  iron  vessel 
placed  in  a sand-bath,  to  a gradually  increasing  heat,  by  which  it  is  melted, 
and  ultimately  converted  into  vapour,  which  condenses  iu  a suitable  recipient.* 
Refined  in  this  manner,  it  is  usually  in  the  form  of  large  circular  cakes,  one 
or  two  inches  thick,  slightly  convex  on  one  side  and  concave  on  the  other, 
and  perforated  in  the  centre. 

* We  are  informed  that  the  process  is  conducted  in  the  following  manner,  in  the 
laboratories  of  Philadelphia.  The  vessels  in  which  the  camphor  is  put  are  of  cast  iron, 
circular,  from  12  to  15  inches  or  more  in  diameter,  and  4 inches  deep,  with  perpen- 
dicular sides,  and  a ledge  at  top  on  which  the  cover  rests.  This  consists  of  sheet  iron, 
with  a hole  through  the  centre  about  an  inch  in  diameter,  over  which  a small  hollow 
cone  of  sheet  iron  is  placed  loosely.  The  crude  camphor,  mixed  with  the  lime,  the 
object  of  which  is  said  to  be  to  combine  with  the  moisture  present,  which  interferes 
with  the  due  solidification  of  the  camphor  vapour,  is  placed  in  the  iron  vessels  described, 
of  which  from  20  to  50  are  arranged  in  a long  sand-bath.  Heat  is  then,  applied  until 
the  camphor  melts,  after  which  it  is  kept  as  nearly  uniform  as  possible,  so  that  the  va- 
porization may  take  place  regularly,  without  violent  ebullition.  The  vapour  condenses 
on  the  lower  surface  of  the  lid;  and  care  is  taken,  by  the  occasional  removal  of  the 
iron  cone,  and  clearing  of  the  opening  by  means  of  a knife,  to  allow  the  escape  of  any 
accidental  excess  of  the  vapour. — -Note  to  the  ninth  edition. 


PART  I. 


161 


Camphora. 

Properties.  Camphor  has  a peculiar,  strong,  penetrating,  fragrant  odour; 
and  a bitter,  pungent  taste,  attended  with  a slight  sense  of  coolness.  It  is 
beautifully  white  and  pellucid,  somewhat  unctuous  to  the  touch,  friable,  and 
yet  possessed  of  a degree  of  tenacity  which  renders  its  reduction  to  a fine 
powder  very  difficult,  unless  the  cohesion  of  its  particles  be  overcome  by  the 
addition  of  a minute  proportion  of  alcohol,  or  other  volatile  liquid  for  which 
it  has  an  affinity.  It  may  be  obtained  in  powder  also  by  precipitating  its 
alcoholic  solution  with  water,  or  by  grating  and  afterwards  sifting  it.  The 
fracture  ofcamphoifis  shining,  and  its  texture  crystalline.  Its  sp.gr.  variesfrom 
0'9857  to  0'996.  When  thrown  in  small  fragments  on  the  surface  of  water,  it 
assumes  singular  circulatory  movements,  which  cease  upon  the  addition  of  a 
drop  of  oil.  Its  volatility  is  so  great  that,  even  at  ordinary  temperatures,  it 
is  wholly  dissipated  if  left  exposed  to  the  air.  When  it  is  confined  in  bot- 
tles, the  vapour  condenses  upon  the  inner  surface,  and,  when  allowed  to 
stand  for  a long  time  in  large  bottles  partially  filled,  sometimes  forms  large 
and  beautiful  crystals.  It  melts  at  288°  F.  and  boils  at  400°.  ( Turner .) 
In  close  vessels  it  may  be  sublimed  unchanged.  When  allowed  to  concrete 
slowly  from  the  state  of  vapour,  it  assumes  the  form  of  hexagonal  plates.  It 
is  not  altered  by  air  and  light.  It  readily  takes  fire,  and  burns  with  a bril- 
liant flame,  giving  out  much  smoke,  and  leaving  no  residue.  Water  triturated 
with  camphor  dissolves,  according  to  Berzelius,  not  more  than  a thousandth 
part;  which,  however,  is  sufficient  to  impart  a decided  odour  and  taste  to 
the  solvent.  By  the  intervention  of  sugar  or  magnesia,  a much  larger  propor- 
tion is  dissolved.  (See  Aqua  Campliorse. ) Carbonic  acid  also  increases  the 
solvent  power  of  water.  Ordinary  alcohol  will  take  up  seventy-five  per  cent, 
of  its  weight  of  camphor,  which  is  precipitated  upon  the  addition  of  water. 
Berzelius  states  that  100  parts  of  alcohol,  of  the  sp.gr.  0'806,  dissolve  120 
parts  at  50°  F.  It  is  soluble  also  without  change  in  ether,  the  volatile  and 
fixed  oils,  strong  acetic  acid,  and  diluted  mineral  acids.  It  is  extremely  solu- 
ble in  chloroform.  By  means  of  the  spirit  of  nitric  ether,  it  is  rendered  some- 
what more  soluble  in  water.  By  strong  sulphuric  and  nitric  acids  it  is  decom- 
posed ; the  former  carbonizing  and  converting  it  into  artificial  tannin,  the  lat- 
ter, with  the  aid  of  repeated  distillation,  giving  rise  to  a peculiar  acid  called 
camphoric.  Alkalies  produce  very  little  effect  upon  it.  Resins  unite  with  it, 
forming  a soft  tenacious  mass,  in  which  the  odour  of  the  camphor  is  sometimes 
almost  extinguished,  and  frequently  diminished;  and  a similar  softening  effect 
results  when  it  is  triturated  with  the  concrete  oils.*  Exposed  to  a strong 

* As  this  property  of  camphor  may  have  a bearing  injuriously  or  otherwise  on 
pharmaceutical  processes,  it  is  desirable  that  the  operator  as  well  as  prescriber  should 
be  aware  of  the  degree  of  effect  produced  by  different  resinous  substances  which  may 
be  mixed  with  camphor.  M.  Planche  has  found  that  mixtures,  formed  by  triturating 
powdered  camphor  with  powdered  dragon’s  blood,  guaiac,  assafetida,  or  galbanum. 
assume,  and  preserve  indefinitely  the  pilular  consistence;  with  benzoin,  tolu,  ammoniac. 
and  mastic,  though  at  first  of  a pilular  consistence,  afterwards  become  soft  by  exposure 
to  the  air  ; with  sagapenum  and  anime,  assume  a permanently  semi-liquid  form  ; with 
olibanum,  opopanax,  gamboge,  euphorbium,  bdellium,  myrrh,  arid  amber,  remain  pulveru- 
lent though  somewhat  grumous;  and  with  tacamahac,  resin  of  jalap,  sandarae,  and 
resinoid  matter  of  cinchona,  preserve  the  form  of  powder  indefinitely.  The  same  expe- 
rimenter observed  that  camphor  loses  its  odour  entirely,  when  mixed  with  assafetida, 
galbanum,  sagapenum,  anime,  and  tolu ; retains  a feeble  odour  with  dragon’s  blood, 
olibanum,  mastic,  benzoin  opopanax,  tacamahac,  guaiac,  and  ammoniac  ; while,  with  the 
other  resinous  substances  above  mentioned,  it  either  has  its  odour  increased,  or  re- 
tains it  without  material  change.  ( Journ . de  Pharm.,  xxiv.  226.) 

In  mixing  camphor  with  other  substances  in  the  form  of  powder,  it  is  best  first  to 
pulverize  the  camphor  with  the  aid  of  a little  alcohol,  then  to  pulverize  the  other  sub- 
stances together,  and  lastly  to  mix  the  two  powders  gently ; much  rubbing  with  the 
11 


162 


PART  I. 


Camphora. 

heat  in  close  vessels,  camphor  is  resolved  into  a volatile  oil  and  charcoal.  It 
is  closely  analogous  in  character  to  the  essential  oils.  According  to  Dumas, 
it  consists  of  a radical  called  camphene  united  with  oxygen.  Camphene,  which 
is  represented  by  pure  oil  of  turpentine,  is  composed  of  ten  eqs.  of  carbon  60, 
and  eight  of  hydrogen  8=68.  With  one  ecp  of  oxygen  it  forms  camphor, 
with  four  eqs.  of  the  same  body,  hydrated  camphoric  acid,  and  with  half  an 
eq.  of  hydrochloric  acid,  artificial  camphor.* 

pestle  having  the  effect  of  consolidating  the  granules  of  the  camphor.  (Procter,  in 
Mohr  and  Redwood’s  Pharmacy,  Am.  ed.,  p.'  492.) 

* Sumatra  Camphor.  Borneo  Camphor.  Dryobalanops  Camphor.  It  has  long  been 
known  that  a variety  of  camphor  is  produced  in  the  Islands  of  Sumatra  and  Borneo, 
by  a forest  tree,  which,  not  having  been  seen  by  botanists,  remained  until  a recent 
period  undetermined.  It  was  at  length,  however,  described  by  Colebrooke,  and  is  now 
recognised  in  systematic  works  as  Dryobalanops  Camphor  a,  or  1).  aromalica.  It  is  a very 
large  tree,  often  exceeding  one  hundred  feet  in  height,  with  a trunk  six  or  seven  feet 
in  diameter,  and  ranking  among  the  tallest  and  largest  trees  of  India.*  It  is  found 
in  Sumatra  and  Borneo,  and  is  abundant  on  the  N.  W.  coast  of  the  former  island.  The 
camphor  exists  in  concrete  masses,  which  occupy  longitudinal  cavities  or  fissures  in 
the  heart  of  the  tree,  from  a foot  to  a foot  and  a half  long,  at  certain  distances  apart. 
The  younger  trees  are  generally  less  productive  than  the  old.  The  only  method  of 
ascertaining  whether  a tree  contains  camphor  is  by  incision.  A party  proceeds  through 
the  forest,  wounding  the  trees,  till  they  find  one  which  will  answer  then-  purpose ; 
and  hundreds  may  be  examined  before  this  object  is  attained.  When  discovered,  the 
tree  is  felled  and  cut  into  logs,  which  are  then  split,  and  the  camphor  removed  by  mean 3 
of  sharp-pointed  instruments.  It  is  stated  that  the  masses  are  sometimes  as  thick  as  a 
man’s  arm  ; and  that  the  product  of  a middling  sized  tree  is  nearly  eleven  pounds ; of  a 
large  one,  double  that  quantity.  The  trees  which  have  been  wounded,  and  left  standing, 
often  produce  camphor  seven  or  eight  years  afterwards.  The  Dryobalanops  yields  also  a 
fragrant  straw-coloured  liquid,  called  in  the  East  Indies  oil  of  camphor,  and  highly  va- 
lued as  an  external  application  in  rheumatism  and  other  painful  affections.  It  is  said 
to  be  found  in  trees  too  young  to  produce  camphor,  and  is  supposed  to  constitute  the 
first  stage  in  the  development  of  this  substance;  as  it  occupies  the  cavities  in  the 
trunk,  which  are  afterwards  filled  with  the  camphor.  It  has  been  stated  to  hold  a 
large  portion  of  this  principle  in  solution,  and  to  yield  an  inferior  variety  by  artificial 
concretion;  but  this  was  not  true  of  a specimen  in  the  possession  of  Dr.  Christison. 
A specimen  examined  by  Professor  Procter  deposited  a small  quantity  of  the  camphor 
at  a temperature  near  the  zero  of  Fahrenheit.  By  mixing  its  vapour  with  oxygen  gas. 
or  by  subjecting  it  to  the  action  of  nitric  acid,  it  may  be  combined  with  oxygen  and 
converted  tinto  camphor  of  the  same  character  as  that  deposited  by  refrigeration. 
(Am.  Journ.  'of  Pham.,  x.  18.)  The  whole  tree  is  pervaded  more  or  less  by  the  cam- 
phor or  the  oil;  as  the  wood  retains  a fragrant  smell,  and,  being  on  this  account  less 
liable  to  the  attacks  of  insects,  is  highly  esteemed  for  carpenters’  work.  - The  cam- 
phor-wood trunks,  occasionally  brought  to  this  country  from  the  East  Indies,  are  pro- 
bably made  out  of  the  wood  of  the  Dryobalanops. 

It  has  been  supposed  that  this  variety  of  camphor  is  occasionally  brought  into  the 
markets  of  Europe  and  America.  But  this  is  a mistake  ; as  the  whole  produce  of  the 
islands  is  engrossed  by  the  .Chinese,  by  whom  it  is  so  highly  valued  that  it  commands 
at  Canton,  according  to  Mr.  Crawford,  seventy-eight  times,  according  to  Mr.  Reeves, 
one  hundred  times  the  price  of  ordinary1  camphor.  A specimen  in  our  possession, 
which  was  sent  to  this  country  from  Canton  as  a curiosity,  and  kindly  presented  to  ns 
by  Dr.  Joseph  Carson,  is  in  tabular  plates  of  the  size  of  a finger  nail  or  smaller,  of  a 
foliaceous  crystalline  texture,  white,  somewhat  translucent,  of  an  odour  analogous  to 
that  of  common  camphor,  and  yet  decidedly  distinct,  and  less  agreeable.  It  has  also 
a eamphorous  taste.  It  is  more  compact  and  brittle  than  ordinary  camphor;  and. 
though  the  pieces  will  often  float  for  a time  when  thrown  on  water,  yet  they  sink  when 
thoroughly  moistened,  and  deprived  of  adhering  air.  According  to  Dr.  Christison,  it? 


* For  a particular  description  of  this  tree,  see  a paper  by  Dr.  V".  II.  Do  Yriese.  of  Leyden,  in  the 
American  Journal  nf  Pharm.,  xxiv.  320.  taken  from  Hooker’s  Journal ‘of  Botany.  In  this  paper  it  is 
stated,  on  the  authority  of  Dr.  Junghuhn,  who  witnessed  the  process  of  collection,  that  the  camphor  is 
deposited  in  very  small  quantities  in  minute  fissures  between  the  fibres,  from  which  it  is  scraped  off  by 
small  splinters  of  wood,  or  by  the  nail:  and  the  thickest  and  oldest  trees  seldom  yield  more  than  two 
ounces.  This  account  as  to  the  productiveness  ofthetree  differs  greatly  from  that  of  Colebrooke.  as  state.: 
in  the  note  above. — Note  to  the  tenth  edition. 


PART  I. 


163 


Gamphora. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Camphor  does  not  seem  to  have  been  known 
to  the  ancient  Greeks  and  Romans.  Europe  probably  derived  it  from  the 
Arabians,  by  whom  it  was  employed  as  a refrigerant.  Much  difference  of 
opinion  has  prevailed  as  to  its  mode  of  action,  some  maintaining  its  immedi- 
ate sedative  influence,  others  considering  it  as  a direct  and  decided  stimulant. 
Its  operation  appears  to  be  primarily  and  chiefly  directed  to  the  cerebral  and 
nervous  systems;  and  the  circulation,  though  usually  affected  to  a greater  or 
less  extent,  is  probably  involved,  for  the  most  part,  through  the  agency  of  the 
brain.  It  acts,  also,  to  a certain  extent,  as  a direct  irritant  of  the  mucous 
membranes  with  which  it  is  brought  into  contact,  and  may  thus  in  some 
measure  secondarily  excite  the  pulse.  The  effects  of  the  medicine  vary  with 
the  quantity  administered.  In  moderate  doses  it  produces,  in  a healthy  in- 
dividual, mental  exhilaration,  increased  heat  of  skin,  and  occasional  diapho- 
resis. The  pulse  is  usually  increased  in  fulness,  but  little,  if  at  all,  in  force 
or  frequency.  According  to  the  experiments  of  certain  Italian  physicians, 
it  has  a tendency  to  the  urinary  and  genital  organs,  producing  a burning 
sensation  along  the' urethra,  and  exciting  voluptuous  dreams  (N.  Am.  Med. 
and  Surg.  Journ.,  ix.  442);  and  these  experiments  have  been  confirmed  by 
the  observations  of  Dr.  Reynolds  in  a case  of  poisoning  by  camphor  (Brit. 
Am.  Journ.  of  Med.,  June,  1846).  Cullen,  however,  states  that  he  has  em- 
ployed it  fifty  times,  even  in  large  doses,  without  having  ever  observed  any 
effect  upon  the  urinary  passages.  Ry  many  it  is  believed  to  allay  irritations 
of  the  urinary  and  genital  apparatus,  and  to  possess  antaphrodisiac  proper- 
ties. In  its  primary  operation,  it  allays  nervous  irritation,  quiets  restless- 
ness, and  produces  a general  placidity  of  feeling,  which  renders  it  highly1- 
useful  in  certain  forms  of  disease  attended  with  derangement  of  the  nervous 
functions.  In  larger  doses,  it  displays  a more  decided  action  on  the  brain, 
producing  more  or  less  giddiness  and  mental  confusion,  with  a disposition  to 
sleep;  and,  in  morbid  states  of  the  system,  relieving  pain  and  allaying  spas- 
modic action.  In  immoderate  doses  it  occasions  nausea,  vomiting,  anxietj1, 
faintness,  vertigo,  delirium,  insensibility,  coma,  and  convulsions,  which  may 
end  in  death.  The  pulse,  under  these  circumstances,  is  at  first  reduced  in 
frequency  and  force  (Alexander,  Experimental  Essays,  p.  227) ; but,  as  the 
action  advances,  it  sometimes  happens  that  symptoms  of  strong  sanguineous 
determination  to  the  head  become  evident,  in  the  flushed  countenance,  in- 
flamed and  fiery  eyes,  and  highly  excited  pulse  (Quarin).  In  three  cases  of 
poisoning  by  camphor,  reported  by  Schaaf  of  Strasburg,  the  symptoms  pro- 
duced were  violent  and  incessant  convulsions,  paleness  and  coolness  of  the 
surface,  vomiting  and  frequent  micturition,  and  finally  stupor  or  coma.  The 
patients  were  children,  and  the  youngest,  a girl  of  about  eighteen  mouths,  died 
from  the  effects  of  the  poison,  of  which  she  took  about  ten  grains.  ( Monthly 
J.  of  Med.  Sci.,  Oct.  1850,  p.  377.)  There  can  be  no  doubt  that  camphor 
is  absorbed;  as  its  odour  is  observed  in  the  breath  and  perspiration,  and, 
according  to  Dr.  Reynolds,  in  the  urine  also,  though  the  contrary  has  been 
asserted. 

By  its  moderately  stimulating  powers,  its  diaphoretic  tendency,  and  its  in- 
fluence over  the  nervous  system,  camphor  is  admirably  adapted  to  the  treat- 
ment of  diseases  of  a typhoid  character,  which  combine  with  the  enfeebled  con- 
dition of  the  system,  a frequent  irritated  pulse,  a dry  skin,  and  much  nervous 
derangement,  indicated  by  restlessness,  watchfulness,  tremors,  subsultus,  and 

sp.  gr.  is  1009.  It  is  easily  pulverized  without  the  addition  of  alcohol.  It  is,  moreover, 
much  less  disposed  to  rise  in  vapour,  and  to  condense  on  the  inside  of  the  bottle 
containing  it.  Like  ordinary  camphor,  it  is  fusible,  volatilizable,  very  slightly  soluble 
in  water,  and  freely  soluble  in  alcohol  and  in  ether.  We  have  never  met  with  it  in  the 
drug  stores. 


164 


PART  I. 


Camphor  a. 

low  muttering  delirium.  With  a view  to  its  anodyne  and  narcotic  influence, 
it  is  also  used  in  diseases  of  an  inflammatory  character ; as  in  our  ordinary 
remittents,  and  the  phlegmasiae,  particularly  rheumatism,  when  the  increased 
vascular  action  is  complicated  with  derangement  of  the  nervous  system.  In 
such  cases,  however,  it  should  never  he  given  until  after  proper  depletion, 
and  even  then  should  be  combined  with  such  medicines  as  may  obviate  the 
slight  stimulation  it  produces,  and  increase  its  tendency  to  the  skin;  as,  for 
instance,  tartarized  antimony,  ipecacuanha,  or  nitre.  In  a great  number  of 
spasmodic  and  nervous  disorders,  and  complaints  of  irritation,  camphor  has 
been  very  extensively  employed.  The  cases  of  this  nature  to  which  expe- 
rience has  proved  it  to  be  best  adapted,  are  dysmenorrhoea,  puerperal  con- 
vulsions and  other  nervous  affections  of  the  puerperal  state,  and  certain 
forms  of  mania,  particularly  nymphomania,  and  that  arising  from  the  abuse 
of  spirituous  liquors.  In  some  of  these  cases,  advantage  may  be  derived 
from  combining  it  with  opium.  Camphor  has  also  been  employed  inter- 
nally to  allay  the  irritation  of  the  urinary  organs  produced  by  eantharides. 

It  is  much  used  locally  as  an  anodyne,  usually  dissolved  in  alcohol,  oil,  or 
acetic  acid,  and  frequently  combined  with  laudanum.  In  rheumatic  and 
gouty  affections,  and  various  internal  spasmodic  and  inflammatory  com- 
plaints, it  often  yields  relief  when  applied  in  this  way.  The  ardor  urinae  of 
gonorrhoea  may  be  alleviated  by  injecting  an  oleaginous  solution  of  camphor 
into  the  urethra ; and  the  tenesmus  from  ascarides  and  dysentery,  by  ad- 
ministering the  same  solution  in  the  form  of  enema.  Twenty  or  thirty'  grains 
of  camphor,  added  to  a poultice,  and  applied  to  the  perineum,  allays  the 
chordee,  which  is  a painful  attendant  upon  gonorrhoea.  The  vapour  of  cam- 
phor has  been  inhaled  into  the  lungs  with  benefit  in  asthma  and  spasmodic 
cough ; and  a lump  of  it  held  to  the  nose  is  said  to  relieve  the  coryza  of 
commencing  catarrh.  It  has  been  employed  for  the  same  purpose,  and  for 
nervous  headache,  in  the  form  of  powder  snuffed  up  the  nostrils.  It  enters 
into  the  composition  of  certain  tooth-powders;  but  is  asserted,  when  employed 
in  this  way,  to  injure  the  enamel  of  the  teeth. 

Camphor  may  be  given  in  substance,  in  the  form  of  bolus  or  pill,  or  dif- 
fused in  water  by  trituration  with  various  substances.  The  form  of  pill  is 
objectionable;  as  in  this  state  the  camphor  is  with  difficulty  dissolved  in  the 
gastric  liquors,  and,  floating  on  the  top,  is  apt  to  excite  nausea,  or  pain  and 
uneasiness  at  the  upper  orifice  of  the  stomach.  Orfila  states  that,  when  given 
in  the  solid  form,  it  is  capable  of  producing  ulceration  in  the  gastric  mucous 
membrane.  The  emulsion  is  almost  always  preferred.  This  is  made  by 
rubbing  up  the  camphor  with  loaf  sugar,  gum  Arabic,  and  water;  and  the 
suspension  will  be  rendered  more  complete  and  permanent  by  the  addition  of 
a little  myrrh.  Milk  is  sometimes  used  as  a vehicle,  but  is  objectionable, 
from  its  liability  to  become  speedily  sour.  The  aqueous  solution  is  often 
employed  where  only  a slight  impression  is  desired.  For  this  purpose,  the 
Aqua  Camphor  sc  of  the  United  States  Pharmacopoeia  is  preferable  to  the  so- 
lution effected  by  simply  pouring  boiling  water  upon  a lump  of  camphor, 
which  is  sometimes  prescribed  under  the  name  of  camphor  tea.  When  chlo- 
roform is  not  inadmissible,  an  elegant  preparation  may  be  made  by  dissolving 
camphor  in  that  liquid,  in  the  proportion  of  two  drachms  of  the  former  10  a 
fluidrachm  of  the  latter,  and  then  mixing  the  solution  with  water  by  the 
intervention  of  the  yolk  of  an  egg,  as  suggested  by  Messrs.  T.  and  H.  Smith. 

The  medium  dose  of  camphor  is  from  five  to  ten  grains;  but,  to  meet  various 
indications,  it  may  be  diminished  to  a single  grain,  or  increased  to  a scruple. 
The  injurious  effects  of  an  overdose  are  said  to  be  best  counteracted,  after 
clearing  out  the  stomach,  by  the  use  of  opium. 


PART  I. 


165 


Camphora. — Canella. 

Off.  Prep.  Aeidum  Aceticura  Camphoratum;  Aqua  Camphora;  Ceratum 
Ilydrargyri  Composition ; Ceratum  Plumbi  Subacetatis;  Linimentum  Cam- 
phora ; Liniment.  Camphora  Comp. ; Liniment.  Ilydrargyri ; Liniment. 
Opii;  Liniment.  Saponis  Camphoratum;  Liniment.  Terebinthinae;  Mistura 
Camphora;  Mist.  Camphora  cum  Magnesia;  Tinctura  Camphora;  Tinct. 
Opii  Campliorata;  Tinct.  Saponis  Camphorata.  W. 

CANELLA.  U.  S.,  Loncl.,  Ed.,  Dub. 

Canella. 

The  bark  of  Canella  alba.  U.S.,  Loncl.,  Ed.,  Dub. 

Canelle  blanche,  Fr.;  Weisser  Zimmt,  Canell,  Germ.;  Canella  bianca,  Ital.;  Canela 
blanca,  Span. 

Canella.  Sex.  Syst.  Dodecandria  Monogynia. — Eat.  Orel.  Meliaceae.  De 
Gaud.  Canellere.  Bindley. 

Gen.  Ch.  Calyx  three-lobed.  Petals  five.  Anthers  sixteen,  adhering  to 
an  urceolate  nectary.  Berry  one-celled  with  two  or  four  seeds.  Willd. 

Canella  alba.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  ii.  851 ; Woodv.  Med.  Bot.  p.  694,  t. 
237;  Carson,  lllust.  of  Med.  Bot.  i.  24,  pi.  16.  This  is  the  only  species 
of  the  genus.  It  is  an  erect  tree,  rising  sometimes  to  the  height  of  fifty 
feet,  branching  only  at  the  top,  and  covered  with  a whitish  bark,  by  which 
it  is  easily  distinguished  from  other  trees  in  the  woods  where  it  grows.  The 
leaves  are  alternate,  petiolate,  oblong,  obtuse,  entire,  of  a dark  green  colour, 
thick  and  shining  like  those  of  the  laurel,  and  of  a similar  odour.  The  flowers 
are  small,  of  a violet  colour,  and  grow  in  clusters  upon  divided  footstalks,  at 
the  extremities  of  the  branches.  The  fruit  is  an  oblong  berry,  containing 
one,  two,  or  three  black,  shining  seeds. 

Canella  alba  is  a native  of  Jamaica  and  other  West  India  Islands.  The 
bark  of  the  branches,  which  is  the  part  employed  in  medicine,  having  been 
removed  by  an  iron  instrument,  is  deprived  of  its  epidermis,  and  dried  in  the 
shade.  It  comes  to  us  in  pieces  partially  or  completely  quilled,  occasionally' 
somewhat  twisted,  of  various  sizes,  from  a few  inches  to  two  feet  in  length, 
from  half  a line  to  two  or  even  three  lines  in  thickness,  and,  in  the  quill, 
from  half  an  inch  to  an  inch  and  a half  in  diameter. 

Properties.  Canella  is  of  a pale  orange-yellow  colour  externally,  yellowish- 
white  on  the  inner  surface,  with  an  aromatic  odour  somewhat  resembling  that 
of  cloves,  and  a warm,  bitterish,  very  pungent  taste.  It  is  brittle,  breaking 
with  a short  fracture,  and  yielding,  when  pulverized,  a yellowish-white  pow- 
der. Boiling  water  extracts  nearly  one-fourth  of  its  weight;  but  the  infu- 
sion, though  bitter,  has  comparatively  little  of  the  warmth  and  pungency  of 
the  bark.  It  yields  all  its  virtues  to  alcohol,  forming  a bright  yellow  tinc- 
ture, which  is  rendered  milky  by  the  addition  of  water.  By  distillation  with 
water  it  affords  a large  proportion  of  a yellow  or  reddish,  fragrant,  and  very 
acrid  volatile  oil.  It  contains,  moreover,  according  to  the  analysis  of  MM. 
Petroz  and  Eobinet,  mannite,  a peculiar  very  bitter  extractive,  resin,  gum, 
starch,  albumen,  and  various  saline  substances.  Meyers  and  Reiche  obtained 
twelve  drachms  of  the  volatile  oil  from  ten  pounds  of  the  bark.  They  found 
it  to  consist  of  two  distinct  oils,  one  lighter  and  the  other  heavier  than  water. 
According  to  the  same  chemists,  the  bark  contains  8 per  cent,  of  mannite, 
and  yields  6 per  cent,  of  ashes.  (See  Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xvi.  75.)  Ca- 
nella has  been  sometimes  confounded  with  Winter’s  bark,  from  which,  how- 
ever, it  differs  both  in  sensible  properties  and  composition.  (See  Wintera.) 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Canella  is  possessed  of  the  ordinary  proper- 
ties of  the  aromatics,  acting  as  a local  stimulant  and  gentle  tonic,  and  pro- 


166 


Canna. — Cantharis. 


PART  I. 


during  upon  the  stomach  a warming  cordial  effect,  which  renders  it  useful  as 
an  addition  to  tonic  or  purgative  medicines  in  debilitated  states  of  the  di- 
gestive organs.  It  is  scarcely  ever  prescribed  except  in  combination.  In  the 
West  Indies  it  is  employed  by  the  negroes  as  a condiment,  and  has  some  re- 
putation as  an  antiscorbutic. 

Off.  Prep.  Pulvis  Aloes  etCanellse;  TineturaGentianae  Composita;  Yinum 
Aloes;  Yinum  Gentianm;  Yinum  Ilhei.  W. 

CANNA.  Ed. 

Ganna  Starch. 

Fecula  of  the  root  of  an  imperfectly  determined  species  of  Canna.  Ed. 

Off.  Syn.  “ CANNA  EDULIS.  The  root  is  supposed  to  furnish  the 
fecula  called  tons  ten  mois.”  Dub. 

Under  the  French  name  of  tons  lesmois,  a variety  of  fecula  was  a few  years 
since  introduced  into  the  markets  of  Europe  and  this  country.  It  is  said  to 
be  prepared  in  the  West  India  island  of  St.  Kitts,  by  a tedious  and  trouble- 
some process,  from  the  root  or  rhizome  of  Canna  ceccinea,  although  this 
botanical  origin  is  altogether  uncertain. 

Canna  starch  is  in  the  form  of  a light,  beautifully  white  powder,  of  a 
shining  appearance,  very  unlike  the  ordinary  forms  of  fecula.  Its  granules 
are  said  to  be  larger  than  those  of  any  other  variety  of  starch  in  use,  being 
from  the  800th  to  the  ‘200th  of  an  inch  in  length.  Under  the  microscope 
they  appear  ovate  or  oblong,  with  numerous  regular  unequally  distant  rings; 
and  the  circular  hylum,  which  is  sometimes  double,  is  usual!}-  situated  at  the 
smaller  extremity.  ( Pereira .)  This  fecula  has  the  ordinary  chemical  pro- 
perties of  starch,  and  forms,  when  prepared  with  boiling  water,  a nutritious 
and  wholesome  food  for  infants  and  invalids.  It  may  be  prepared  in  the 
same  manner  as  arrow-root,  and  is  said  to  form  even  a stiffer  jelly  with  boil- 
ing water.  (See  Maranta.')  W. 

CANTHARIS.  U.  S.,  Loncl,  Ed.,  Dub. 

Spanish  Flies. 

Cantharis  vesicatoria.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub. 

Cantharide,  Fr.;  Spaniscke  Fliege,  Kantbaride,  Germ.;  Cantarelle,  Ital.;  Cantha- 
ridas,  Span. 

The  term  Cantharis  was  employed  by  the  ancient  Greek  writers  to  desig- 
nate many  coleopterous  insects.  Linnaeus  gave  the  title  to  a genus  in  which 
the  officinal  blistering  fly  was  not  included,  and  placed  this  insect  in  the 
genus  Meloe.  This  latter,  however,  has  been  divided  by  subsequent  natural- 
ists into  several  genera.  Geoffroy  made  the  Spanish  fly  the  prototype  of  a 
new  one  which  he  called  Cantharis,  substituting  Cicindela  as  the  title  of  the 
Linnaean  genus.  Fabricius  altered  the  arrangement  of  Geoffroy,  and  substi- 
tuted Lytta  for  Cantharis  as  the  generic  title.  The  former  was  adopted  by 
the  London  College,  and  at  one  time  was  in  extensive  use;  but  the  latter, 
having  been  restored  by  Latreille,  is  now  recognised  in  the  European  and 
American  Pharmacopoeias,  and  is  universally  employed.  By  this  naturalist 
the  vesicating  insects  were  grouped  in  a small  tribe  corresponding  very  nearly 
with  the  Linnaean  genus  Meloe,  and  distinguished  by  the  title  Cantharidese. 
This  tribe  he  divided  into  eleven  genera,  among  which  is  Cantharis.  Two 
others  of  these  genera,  Meloe  properly  so  called,  and  Mylabris,  have  been 
employed  as  vesicatories.  Mylabris  cicliorii  is  thought  to  be  one  of  the  in- 


PART  I. 


Cantharis. 


167 


sects  described  by  Pliny  and  Dioscorides  under  the  name  of  cantharides,  and 
is  to  this  day  employed  in  Italy,  Greece,  the  Levant,  and  Egypt ; and  an- 
other species,  M.  pustulata,  is  applied  to  the  same  purpose  in  China.  Meloe 
proscarabseus  and  M.  majalis  have  been  occasionally  substituted  for  cantha- 
rides in  Europe,  and  JIJ.  tri.anthemse  is  used  in  the  upper  provinces  of  Hindos- 
tan.  Several  species  of  Cantharis,  closely  analogous  in  medical  properties, 
are  found  in  various  parts  of  the  world ; but  C.  vesicatoria  is  the  only  one 
recognised  by  the  Pharmacopoeias  of  Prance  and  Great  Britain.  A second 
species,  C.  vittata,  has  been  introduced  into  that  of  the  United  States,  and 
will  be  noticed  under  a distinct  head.  At  present  we  shall  confine  our  obser- 
vations to  C.  vesicatoria,  or  the  common  Spanish  fly. 

Cantharis.  Class  Insecta.  Order  Coleoptera.  Linn.  — Family  Trache- 
lides.  Tribe  Cantharideae.  Latreille. 

Gen.  Ch.  Tarsi  entire;  nails  bifid;  head  not  produced  into  a rostrum; 
elytra,  flexible,  covering  the  whole  abdomen,  linear  semicylindric ; wings 
perfect;  maxillae  with  two  membranous  lacinise,  the  external  one  acute 
within,  subuncinate;  antennae  longer  than  the  head  and  thorax,  rectilinear; 
first  joint,  largest,  the  second  transverse,  very  short;  maxillary  palpi  larger 
at  tip.  Say. 

Cantharis  vesicatoria.  Latreille,  Gen.  Crust,  et  Insect.,  tom.  ii.  p.  220.  This 
insect  is  from  six  to  ten  lines  in  length,  by  two  or  three  in  breadth,  and 
of  a beautiful  shining  golden-green  colour.  The  head  is  large  and  heart- 
shaped,  bearing  two  thread-like,  black,  jointed  feelers;  the  thorax  short  and 
quadrilateral ; the  wing-sheaths  long  and  flexible,  covering  brownish  mem- 
branous wings.  When  alive,  the  Spanish  flies  have  a strong,  penetrating, 
fetid  odour,  compared  to  that  of  mice,  by  which  swarms  of  them  may  be 
detected  at  a considerable  distance.  They  attach  themselves  preferably  to 
certain  trees  and  shrubs,  such  as  the  white  poplar,  privet,  ash,  elder,  and  lilac, 
upon  the  leaves  of  which  they  feed.  The  countries  in  which  they  most 
abound  are  Spain,  Italy,  and  the  South  of  France;  but  they  are  found  to  a 
greater  or  less  extent  in  all  the  temperate  parts  of  Europe,  and  in  the  West 
of  Asia.  In  the  state  of  larva,  they  live  in  the  ground  and  gnaw  the  roots 
of  plants.  They  usually  make  their  appearance  in  swarms  upon  the  trees  in 
May  and  June,  when  they  are  collected.  The  time  preferred  for  the  purpose 
is  in  the  morning  at  sun-rise,  when  they  are  torpid  from  the  cold  of  the  night, 
and  easily  let  go  their  hold.  Persons  with  their  faces  protected  by  masks, 
and  their  hands  with  gloves,  shake  the  trees,  or  beat  them  with  poles;  and 
the  insects  are  received  as  they  fall  upon  linen  cloths  spread  underneath. 
They  are  then  plunged  into  vinegar  diluted  with  water,  or  exposed  in  sieves 
to  the  vapour  of  boiling  vinegar,  and,  having  been  thus  deprived  of  life,  are 
dried  either  in  the  sun,  or  in  apartments  heated  by  stoves.  This  mode  of 
killing  the  flies  by  the  steam  of  vinegar  is  as  ancient  as  the  times  of  Dioscorides 
and  Pliny.  In  some  places  they  are  gathered  by  smoking  the  trees  with 
burning  brimstone.  It  has  been  proposed  by  M.  Lutrand  to  destroy  them 
by  the  vapour  of  chloroform.  When  perfectly  dry,  they  are  introduced  into 
casks  or  boxes,  lined  with  paper  and  carefully  closed,  so  as  to  exclude  as  much 
as  possible  the  atmospheric  moisture. 

Cantharides  come  chiefly  from  Spain,  Italy,  Sicily,  and  other  parts  of  the 
Mediterranean.  Considerable  quantities  are  also  brought  from  St.  Petersburg, 
derived  originally,  in  all  probability,  from  the  southern  provinces  of  Russia, 
where  the  insect  is  very  abundant.  The  Russian  flies  are  more  esteemed  than 
those  from  other  sources,  They  may  be  distinguished  by  their  greater  size, 
and  their  colour  approaching  to  that  of  copper. 

Properties.  Dried  Spanish  flies  preserve  the  form  and  colour,  and,  to  a cer- 
tain extent,  the  disagreeable  odour  of  the  living  insect.  They  have  an  acrid, 


168 


Cantharis. 


PART  I. 


burning,  and  urinous  taste.  Their  powder  is  of  a grayish-brown  colour, 
interspersed  with  shining  green  particles,  which  are  the  fragments  of  the 
feet,  head,  and  wing-cases.  If  kept  perfectly  dry,  in  well-stopped  glass 
bottles,  they  will  retain  their  activity  for  a great  length  of  time.  A portion 
which  had  been  preserved  by  Yan  Swieten  for  thirty  years,  in  a glass  vessel, 
was  found  still  to  possess  vesicating  properties.  But,  exposed  to  a damp  air, 
they  quickly  undergo  putrefaction;  and  this  change  takes  place  more  speedily 
in  the  powder.  Hence,  the  insects  should  either  be  kept  whole,  and  r owdered 
as  they  are  wanted  for  use,  or,  if  kept  in  powder,  should  be  well  dried  im- 
mediately after  pulverization,  and  preserved  in  air-tight  vessels.  They  should 
never  be  purchased  in  powder,  as,  independently  of  the  consideration  just 
mentioned,  they  may  in  this  state  be  more  easily  adulterated.  But,  however 
carefully  managed,  cantharides  are  apt  to  be  attacked  by  mites,  which  feed 
on  the  interior  soft  parts  of  the  body,  reducing  them  to  powder,  while  the 
harder  exterior  parts  are  not  affected.  An  idea  was  at  one  time  prevalent, 
that  the  vesicating  property  of  the  insect  was  not  injured  by  the  worm,  which 
was  supposed  to  devour  only  the  inactive  portion.  But  this  has  been  proved 
to  be  a mistake.  M.  Farines,  an  apothecary  of  Perpignan,  has  satisfactorily 
shown  that,  though  the  hard  parts  left  by  these  mites  possess  some  vesicating 
power,  and  the  powder  produced  by  them  still  more,  yet  the  sound  flies  are 
much  stronger  than  either.  Camphor,  which  has  been  recommended  as  a 
preservative,  does  not  prevent  the  destructive  agency  of  the  worm.*  It  is 
also  stated  by  M.  Farines  that,  when  the  flies  are  destroyed  by  the  vapour  of 
pyroligneous  acid,  instead  of  common  vinegar,  they  acquire  an  odour  which 
contributes  to  their  preservation.  Cantharides  will  bear  a very  considerable 
heat  without  losing  the  brilliant  colour  of  their  elytra ; nor  is  this  colour 
extracted  by  water,  alcohol,  ether,  or  the  oils;  so  that  the  powder  might  be 
deprived  of  all  its  active  principles,  and  yet  retain  the  exterior  characters 
unaltered.  The  wing  cases  resist  putrefaction  for  a long  time,  and  the  shininsr 
particles  have  been  detected  in  the  human  stomach  months  after  interment. 

So  early  as  1778,  Thouvenel  attempted  to  analyze  cantharides,  and  the 
attempt  was  repeated  by  Dr.  Beaupoil  in  1803 ; but  no  very  interesting  or 
valuable  result  was  obtained  till  the  year  1810,  when  Robiquet  discovered  in 
them  a crystalline  substance,  which  appears  to  be  the  vesicating  principle  of 
the  insect,  and  to  which  Dr.  Thomson  gave  the  name  of  eantliaridin.  The 
constituents,  according  to  Robiquet,  are,  1.  a green  oil,  insoluble  in  water, 
soluble  in  alcohol,  and  inert  as  a vesicatory  ; 2.  a black  matter,  soluble  in 
water,  insoluble  in  alcohol,  and  inert;  3.  a yellow  viscid  matter,  soluble  in 
water  and  alcohol,  and  without  vesicating  powers;  4.  eantliaridin;  5.  a fatty 
matter  insoluble  in  alcohol;  6.  phosphates  of  lime  and  magnesia,  acetic  acid, 
and  in  the  fresh  insect  a small  quantity  of  uric  acid.  Orfila  afterwards  dis- 
covered a volatile  principle,  upon  which  the  fetid  odour  of  the  fly  depends. 
It  is  separable  by  distillation  with  water.  Cantharidin  is  a white  substance 

* It  appears  from  the  experiments  of  M.  Xivet  that,  though  camphor  does  not  pre- 
serve the  entire  fly  from  the  attacks  of  the  larvae  of  the  Antkrenus,  it  actually  destroys 
the  mites  of  the  Cantharis  so  often  found' in  the  powder,  and  may,  therefore,  lie  introduced 
with  advantage,  in  small  lumps,  into  bottles  containing  powdered  cantharides.  (Journ.  dc 
Pharm.,  xix.  004. ) Carbonate  of  ammonia  has  also  been  recommended  as  a preservative. 
Pereira  has  found  that  a few  drops  of  strong  acetic  acid,  added  to  the  flies,  are  very 
effectual.  Perhaps,  however,  the  best  means  of  preserving  them,  whether  whole  or  in 
powder,  would  be  the  application  of  the  process  of  Apert,  which  consists  in  exposing 
them,  for  half  an  hour,  confined  in  glass  bottles,  to  the  heat  of  boiling  wateV,  which  de- 
stroys the  eggs  of  the  insect,  without  impairing  the  virtues  of  the  flies.  (It id.,  xxii.  246. 1 
Of  course,  the  access  of  water  to  the  flies  should  be  carefully  avoided.  Lutrand  recom- 
mends chloroform  as  the  best  preservative  that  he  has  tried.  (Journ.  dc  Pharm.  ei  dc 
Chim.,  xviii.  214.) 


PART  I. 


Cantharis. 


169 


in  the  form  of  crystalline  scales,  of  a shining  micaceous  appearance,  insoluble 
in  water,  nearly  so  in  cold  alcohol,  hut  soluble  in  ether,  chloroform,  the  oils, 
and  in  hot  alcohol  and  acetic  acid,  which  deposit  it  upon  cooling*  It  is 
fusible  and  volatilizable  by  heat  without  decomposition,  and  its  vapour  con- 
denses in  acicular  crystals.  It  is  obtained  by  macerating  powdered  flies  in 
ether  for  several  days ; introducing  the  mixture  into  a percolation  appa- 
ratus; adding,  after  the  liquid  has  ceased  to  pass,  fresh  portions  of  ether,  till 
it  comes  away  nearly  colourless;  displacing  the  whole  of  the  menstruum  still 
remaining  in  the  mass  by  pouring  water  upon  it;  distilling  the  filtered  liquor 
so  as  to  recover  the  ether ; then  allowing  the  residue  to  cool ; and,  finally, 
purifying  the  cantharidin  which  is  deposited,  by  treating  it  with  boiling  alcohol 
and  animal  charcoal.  Alcohol  of  34°,  or  a mixture  of  alcohol  and  ether,  may 
he  substituted  for  the  ether  itself;  but  the  last-mentioned  fluid  is  preferable, 
as  it  dissolves  less  of  the  green  oil,  the  separation  of  which  from  the  can- 
tharidin is  the  most  difficult  part  of  the  process.  By  this  plan,  hi.  Thierry 
obtained  from  1000  parts  of  powdered  flies,  4 parts  of  pure  cantharidin. 
Notwithstanding  the  insolubility  of  this  principle  in  water  and  cold  alcohol, 
the  decoction  and  tincture  of  cantharides  have  the  peculiar  medicinal  pro- 
perties of  the  insect;  and  Lewis  ascertained  that  both  the  aqueous  and  alco- 
holic extracts  acted  as  effectually  in  exciting  vesication  as  the  flies  themselves, 
while  the  residue  was  in  each  case  inert.  Cantharidin  consequently  exists  in 
the  insect,  so  combined  with  the  yellow  matter  as  to  he  rendered  soluble  in 
water  and  cold  alcohol.  It  has  been  found  also  in  Cantharis  vittata,  Mylabris 
cichorii,  and  different  species  of  Meloe.f 

Adulterations.  These  are  not  common.  Occasionally  other  insects  are 
added,  purposely,  or  through  carelessness.  These  may  be  readily  distin- 
guished by  their  different  shape  or  colour.  Flies  exhausted  of  their  can- 
tharidin by  ether  are  said  to  have  been  substituted  for  the  genuine.  An 
account  has  been  published  of  considerable  quantities  of  variously  coloured 
glass  beads  having  been  found  in  a parcel  of  the  drug;  hut  this  would  be 
too  coarse  a fraud  to  he  extensively  practised.  Pereira  states  that  powdered 
flies  are  sometimes  adulterated  with  euphorbium. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Internally  administered,  cantharides  are  a 
powerful  stimulant,  with  a peculiar  direction  to  the  urinary  and  genital  organs. 
In  moderate  doses,  this  medicine  sometimes  acts  as  a diuretic,  and  generally 
excites  some  irritation  in  the  urinary  passages,  which,  if  its  use  be  persevered 
in,  or  the  dose  increased,  often  amounts  to  violent  strangury,  attended  with 
excruciating  pain,  and  the  discharge  of  bloody  urine.  In  still  larger  quan- 

* The  solubilities  of  cantharidin  have  been  examined  with  great  care  by  Professor 
Procter,  with  the  following  results.  It  is  insoluble  in  water.  Cold  alcohol  dissolves 
it  slightly,  hot  alcohol  freely.  It  is  more  soluble  in  ether,  which  also  dissolves  it  more 
freely  hot  than  cold.  Chloroform,  cold  or  hot,  is  its  best  solvent;  and  acetone  ranks 
next  to  it  in  this  respect.  Olive  oil,  at  250°  F.,  dissolves  one-twentieth  of  its  weight, 
and  oil  of  turpentine,  boiling  hot,  one-seventieth  ; and  both  deposit  the  greater  portion 
on  cooling.  , The  olive  oil  solution  after  deposition  vesicates,  the  terebinthinate  does 
not.  Strong  acetic,  sulphuric,  and  nitric  acids  dissolve  it,  with  the  aid  of  heat,  and 
deposit  it  unchanged  on  cooling.  It  is  also  dissolved  by  solutions  of  potassa  and  soda, 
and  to  a small  extent  by  strong  solution  of  ammonia.  (Am”.  Journ.  ofPharm.,  xxiv.  296.) 
— Note  to  the  tenth  edition. 

f Professor  Procter  informs  us  that  he  has  succeeded,  by  means  of  chloroform,  in 
isolating  cantharidin  with  great  facility.  He  treats  the  flies  with  chloroform  by  per- 
colation, displacing  the  last  portions  by  means  of  alcohol,  and  allows  the  resulting 
solution  to  evaporate  spontaneously.  Cantharidin  is  thus  obtained  in  crystals  mixed 
with  the  green  oil,  the  greater  portion  of  which  may  be  removed  by  bibulous  paper. 
The  residuary  crystals  are  dissolved  in  a mixture  of  ether  and  alcohol,  which,  by  the 
spontaneous  evaporation  of  the  ether,  yields  the  cantharidin  nearly  pure. — Note  to 
the  ninth  edition. 


170 


Cantharis. 


PART  i. 


tities,  it  produces,  in  addition  to  these  effects,  obstinate  and  painful  priapism, 
vomiting,  bloody  stools,  severe  pains  in  the  whole  abdominal  region,  exces- 
sive salivation  with  a fetid  cadaverous  breath,  hurried  respiration,  a hard  and 
frequent  pulse,  burning  thirst,  exceeding  difficulty  of  deglutition,  sometimes 
a dread  of  liquids,  frightful  convulsions,  tetanus,  delirium,  and  death.  Orfila 
lias  known  twenty-four  grains  of  the  powder  to  prove  fatal.  Dissection  re- 
veals inflammation  and  ulceration  of  the  mucous  coat  of  the  whole  intestinal 
canal.  According  to  M.  Poumet,  if  the  intestines  be  inflated,  dried,  cut 
into  pieces,  and  examined  in  the  sun  between  two  pieces  of  glass,  they  will 
exhibit  small  shining  yellow  or  green  points,  strongly  contrasting  with  the 
matter  around  them.  ( Journ . de  Pharm.,  3e  ser.,  iii.  167.)  The  poisonous 
effects  are  to  be  counteracted  by  emetics,  cathartics,  bleeding,  and  opiates 
by  the  stomach  and  rectum.  Dr.  Mulock,  of  Dublin,  recommends  the  offi- 
cinal solution  of  potassa  as  an  antidote,  having  found  thirty  drops  given  every 
hour  an  effectual  remedy  in  strangury  from  blisters.  ( Dublin  Quart.  Journ. 
of  Med.  Sci.,  N.  S.,  vi.  222.)  Notwithstanding  their  exceeding  violence,  can- 
tharides  have  been  long  and  beneficially  used  in  medicine.  Either  these  or 
other  vesicating  insects  appear  to  have  been  given  by  Hippocrates  in  cases  of 
dropsy  and  amenorrhoea,  in  the  latter  of  which  complaints,  when  properly 
prescribed,  they  are  a highly  valuable  remedy.  In  dropsy  they  sometimes 
prove  beneficial,  when  the  system  is  in  an  atonic  condition,  and  the  vessels  of 
the  kidneys  feeble.  They  are  also  useful  in  obstinate  gleet,  leucorrhcea,  and 
seminal  weakness;  and  afford  one  of  the  most  certain  means  of  relief  in 
incontinence  of  urine,  arising  from  debility  or  partial  paralysis  of  the  sphinc- 
ter of  the  bladder.  A case  of  diabetes  is  recorded  in  the  N.  Am.  Archives 
(vol.  ii.  p.  175),  in  which  recovery  took  place  under  the  use  of  tincture  of 
cantharides.  They  are  used  also  in  certain  cutaneous  eruptions,  especially 
those  of  a scaly  character,  and  in  chronic  eczema.  Dr.  Irven  has  employed 
them  in  scurvy  (Ann.  de  Tlierap.,  1845);  and  they  have  been  found  useful 
internally  administered  in  obstinate  ulcers.  Their  unpleasant  effects  upon 
the  urinary  passages  are  best  obviated  by  the  free  use  of  diluent  drinks ; and, 
when  not  consequent  upon  great  abuse  of  the  medicine,  may  almost  always 
be  relieved  by  an  anodyne  injection,  composed  of  laudanum,  with  a small 
quantity  of  mucilaginous  fluid.  The  dose  of  Spanish  flies  is  one  or  two 
grains  of  the  powder,  which  may  be  given  twice  a day  in  the  form  of  pill. 
The  tincture,  however,  is  more  frequently  employed. 

Externally  applied,  cantharides  excite  inflammation  in  the  skin,  which 
terminates  in  a copious  secretion  of  serum  under  the  cuticle.  Even  thus  em- 
ployed, they  not  unfrequently  give  rise  to  strangury  or  tenesmus;  and  this,  in 
fact,  is  one  of  the  most  troublesome  attendants  upon  their  operation.  It 
probably  results  from  the  absorption  of  the  active  principle  of  the  fly.  For 
various  methods  which  have  been  employed  for  obviating  strangury  from 
blisters,  see  Ceratum  Cantharidis. 

The  blistering  fly  may  be  employed  either  as  a rubefacient,  or  to  produce 
a blister.  In  the  former  capacity  it  is  seldom  used,  except  in  low  states  of 
disease,  where  external  stimulation  is  required  to  support  the  system;  but  as 
an  epispastic  it  is  preferred  to  all  other  substances. 

Blisters  are  calculated  to  answer  numerous  indications.  Their  local  effect 
is  attended  with  a general  excitement  of  the  system,  which  renders  them 
valuable  auxiliaries  to  internal  stimulants  in  low  conditions  of  disease;  and 
they  may  sometimes  be  safely  resorted  to  with  this  view,  when  the  latter 
remedies  are  inadmissible.  The  powerful  impression  they  make  on  the  sys- 
tem is  sufficient,  in  many  instances,  to  subvert  morbid  associations,  and  thus 
to  allow  the  re-establishment  of  healthy  action.  Hence  their  application  to 
the  cure  of  remittent  and  intermittent  fevers,  in  which  they  often  prove 


PART  r. 


Cantharis. — Cantharis  Vittata. 


171 


effectual,  when  so  employed  as  to  be  in  full  operation  at  the  period  for  the  re- 
currence of  the  paroxysm.  On  the  principle  of  revulsion,  they  prove  useful  in  a 
vast  variety  of  complaints.  Drawing  both  the  nervous  energy  and  the  circulat- 
ing fluid  to  the  seat  of  their  immediate  action,  they  relieve  irritations  and  inflam- 
mations of  internal  parts ; and  are  employed  for  this  purpose  in  every  disease 
attended  with  these  derangements.  In  such  cases,  however,  arterial  excite- 
ment should  always  be  reduced  by  direct  depletion  before  tbe  remedy  is  re- 
sorted to.  Blisters  are  also  capable  of  substituting  tbeir  own  action  for  one 
of  a morbid  nature,  existing  in  the  part  to  which  they  are  directly  applied. 
Hence  their  use  in  tinea  capitis,  obstinate  herpes,  and  various  cutaneous 
eruptions.  Their  local  stimulation  renders  them  useful  in  some  cases  of 
threatened  gangrene,  and  in  partial  paralysis.  From  the  serous  discharge 
they  occasion,  much  good  results  in  erysipelas  and  various  other  local  inflam- 
mations, in  the  immediate  vicinity  of  which  their  action  can  be  established; 
and  the  effects  of  an  issue  may  be  obtained  by  the  continued  application  of 
irritants  to  the  blistered  surface.  Perhaps  the  pain  produced  by  blisters  may 
be  useful  in  some  cases  of  nervous  excitement  or  derangement,  in  which  it  is 
desirable  to  withdraw  the  attention  of  the  patient  from  subjects  of  agitating 
reflection.  On  some  constitutions  they  produce  a poisonous  impression,  at- 
tended with  frequent  pulse,  dryness  of  the  mouth  and  fauces,  heat  of  skin, 
subsultus  tendinum,  and  even  convulsions.  What  is  the  precise  condition  of 
system  in  which  these  effects  result,  it  is  impossible  to  determine.  They  pro- 
bably arise  from  the  absorption  of  the  active  principle  of  cantharides,  and  de- 
pend on  individual  peculiarities  of  constitution.  In  this  respect  Spanish  flies 
are  analogous  to  mercury;  and  any  argument  drawn  from  this  source  against 
the  use  of  the  one  would  equally  apply  to  the  other.  The  general  good  result- 
ing from  their  use  far  overbalances  any  partial  and  uncertain  evil.  For  some 
rules  relative  to  the  application  of  blisters,  the  reader  is  referred  to  the  article 
CeratumfJantharidis.  Under  the  same  head  will  be  noticed  the  blistering 
preparations  from  cantharides,  and  among  them  one  recently  introduced  under 
the  name  of  cantharidal  or  blistering  collodion. 

Off.  Prep.  Acetum  Cantharidis;  Ceratum  Cantharidis;  Decoctum  Cautha- 
ridis;  Emplastrum  Cantharidis;  Emplast.  Cantharidis  Compositum;  Lini- 
mentum  Cantharidis;  Tinctura  Cantharidis;  Unguentum  Cantharidis;  Un- 
guent. Infusi  Cantharidis.  W. 

CANTHARIS  YITTATA.  U.  S. 

Potato  Flies. 

Cantharis  vittata.  U.  S. 

Within  the  limits  of  the  United  States  are  several  species  of  Cantharis, 
which  have  been  employed  as  substitutes  for  C.  vesicatoria,  and  found  to  be 
equally  eflicient.  Of  these,  only  C.  vittata  has  been  adopted  as  officinal; 
but,  as  others  may  be  more  abundant  in  particular  districts,  or  in  certain 
seasons,  and  are  not  inferior  in  vesicating  powers,  we  shall  briefly  notice  all 
that  have  been  submitted  to  experiment. 

1.  Cantharis  vittata.  Latreille,  Gen.  Crust,  et  Insect.;  Durand,  Journ.  of 
the  Phil.  Col.  of  Pharm.,  ii.  274,  fig.  4.  The  potato  fly  is  rather  smaller 
than  C.  vesicatoria,  which  it  resembles  in  shape.  Its  length  is  about  six 
lines.  The  head  is  of  a light  red  colour,  with  dark  spots  upon  the  top  ; the 
feelers  are  black ; the  elytra  or  wing  cases  are  black,  with  a yellow  longitu- 
dinal stripe  in  the  centre,  and  with  a yellow  margin ; the  thorax  is  also  black, 
with  three  yellow  lines;  and  the  abdomen  and  legs,  which  have  the  same 
colour,  are  covered  with  a cinereous  down.  It  inhabits  chiefly  the  potato 


172 


Cantharis  Vittata. 


PART  i. 


plant,  and  makes  its  appearance  about  the  end  of  July  or  beginning  of  August, 
in  some  seasons  very  abundantly.  It  is  found  on  the  plant  in  the  morning 
and  evening,  but  during  the  heat  of  the  day  descends  into  the  soil.  The  in- 
sects are  collected  by  shaking  them  from  the  plant  into  hot  water ; and  are 
afterwards  carefully  dried  in  the  sun.  They  are  natives  of  the  Middle  and 
Southern  States. 

This  species  of  Cantharis  was  first  described  by  Fabric-ius  in  the  year  1781 ; 
and  was  introduced  to  the  notice  of  the  profession  by  Dr.  Isaac  Chapman,  of 
Bucks  county,  Pennsylvania,  who  found  it  equal  if  not  superior  to  the  Spanish 
fly  as  a vesicatory.  The  testimony  of  Dr.  Chapman  has  been  corroborated 
by  that  of  many  other  practitioners,  some  of  whom  have  even  gone  so  far  as 
to  assert,  that  the  potato  fly  is  not  attended  in  its  action  with  the  inconve- 
nience of  producing  strangury.  But  this  statement  has  been  ascertained  to 
be  incorrect;  and,  as  the  vesicating  property  of  all  these  insects  probably 
depends  upon  the  same  proximate  principle,  their  operation  maybe  considered 
as  identical  in  other  respects.  If  the  potato  fly  has  been  found  more  speedy 
in  its  effects  than  the  Cantharis  of  Spain,  the  result  is  perhaps  attributable 
to  the  greater  freshness  of  the  former.  It  may  be  applied  to  the  same  pur- 
poses, treated  in  the  same  manner,  and  given  in  the  same  dose  as  the  foreign 
insect.  Professor  Procter  has  obtained  cantharidin  from  this  species. 

2.  Cantharis  cinerea.  Latreille,  Gen.  Crust,  et  Insect.;  Durand,  Journ.  of 
the  Phil.  Col.  of  Pharrn.,  ii.  274,  fig.  5.  The  ash-coloured  cantharis  closely 
resembles  the  preceding  species  in  figure  and  size ; but  differs  from  it  in 
colour.  The  elytra  and  body  are  black,  without  the  yellow  stripes  that  cha- 
racterize C.  vittata,  and  are  entirely  covered  with  a short  and  dense  ash- 
coloured  down,  which  conceals  the  proper  colour  of  the  insect.  The  feelers 
are  black,  and  the  first  and  second  joints  are  very  large  in  the  male.  This 
species  also  inhabits  the  potato  plant,  and  is  occasionally  found  on  other  plants, 
as  the  English  bean  and  wild  indigo.  It  is  a native  of  the  Northern  and 
Middle  States.  All  the  remarks  before  made  upon  the  potato  fly,  as  to  the 
mode  of  collection,  properties,  and  medical  arse,  apply  equally  well  to  that  at 
present  under  consideration.  Illiger  in  1801  discovered  its  vesicating  pro- 
perties; but  Dr.  Gorham  was  the  first  to  call  public  attention  particularly  to 
the  subject,  in  a communication  addressed,  in  the  year  1808,  to  the  Medical 
Society  of  Massachusetts.  This  species  is  often  confounded  with  C.  vittata. 

8.  Cantharis  marginata.  Latreille,  Gen.  Crust,  et  Insect.;  Durand,  Journ. 
of  the  Phil.  Col.  of  Ph arm.,  ii.  274,  fig.  6.  This  is  somewhat  larger  than 
C.  vittata,  and  of  a different  shape.  The  elytra  are  black,  with  the  suture 
and  margin  ash-coloured.  The  head,  thorax,  and  abdomen  are  black,  but 
nearly  covered  with  an  ash-coloured  down ; and  on  the  upper  part  of  the 
abdomen,  under  the  wings,  are  two  longitudinal  lines  of  a bright  clay  colour. 
This  species  is  usually  found,  in  the  latter  part  of  summer,  upon  the  dif- 
ferent plants  belonging  to  the  genus  Clematis,  and  frequents  especially  the 
lower  branches  which  trail  along  the  ground.  Professor  AVoodhouse,  of  Phi- 
ladelphia, first  ascertained  the  vesicating  properties  of  this  insect  ; but  it  had 
previously  been  described  by  Fabricius  as  a native  of  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope. 
Dr.  Harris,  of  Massachusetts,,  found  it  equally  efficient  as  a vesicatory  with 
any  other  species  of  this  genus. 

4.  Cantharis  atrata.  Latreille,  Gen.  Crust,  et  Insect.;  Durand,  Journ.  of 
the  Phil.  Col.  of  P harm.,  ii.  274,  fig.  7.  The  black  cantharis  is  smaller  than 
the  indigenous  species  already  described;  but  resembles  the  C.  marginata  in 
figure.  Its  length  is  only  four  or  five  lines.  It  is  distinguished  by  its  size, 
and  by  its  uniform  black  colour.  It  frequents  more  especially  the  different 
species  of  Aster  and  Solidago,  though  it  is  found  also  on  Prunella  vul- 
garis, Ambrosia  trifida , and  some  other  plants.  Air.  Durand  met  with  con- 


PART  I. 


173 


Cantharis  Vittata. — Capsicum. 

siderable  numbers  of  this  insect  near  Philadelphia,  in  the  month  of  Septem- 
ber, and  they  continued  to  appear  till  the  middle  of  October.  They  are 
common  in  the  Northern  and  Middle  States,  but  are  not  confined  exclusively  to 
this  country,  being  found  also  in  Barbary.  Drs.  Oswood  and  Harris,  of  New 
England,  have  satisfactorily  ascertained  their  vesicating  powers.  They  are 
probably  identical  with  the  insect  noticed  as  vesicatory  by  Professor  Wood- 
house,  under  the  name  of  Meloe  niger. 

Several  other  species  have  been  discovered  in  the  United  States,  but  not 
yet  practically  employed.  Among  these  are  C.  sencas,  a native  of  Pennsyl- 
vania, discovered  by  Mr.  Say;  C.  polities  and  C.  aszelianus,  which  inhabit  the 
Southern  States ; C.  Nuttalli,  a large  and  beautiful  insect  of  Missouri,  first 
noticed  by  Mr.  Nuttall,  and  said  to  surpass  the  Spanish  fly  in  magnitude  and 
splendour ; and  C.  olbida,  another  large  species,  found  by  Mr.  Say  near  the 
Bocky  Mountains.  Of  these  C.  Nuttalli  (Lytta  Nuttalli,  Say,  Am.  Entomol., 
i.  9)  bids  fair,  at  some  future  period,  to  be  an  object  of  importance  in  the 
western  section  of  this  country.  The  head  is  of  a deep  greeuish  colour,  with 
a red  spot  in  front;  the  thorax  is  of  a golden  green ; the  elytra,  red  or  golden 
purple  and  somewhat  rugose  on  their  outer  surface,  green  and  polished  be- 
neath ; the  feet  black  : the  thighs,  blue  or  purplish.  The  exploring  party 
under  Colonel  Long  ascertained  the  vesicating  powers  of  this  insect.  It  was 
found  in  the  plains  of  the  Missouri,  feeding  on  a scanty  grass,  which  it  some- 
times covered  to  a considerable  extent.  In  one  place  it  was  so  numerous 
and  troublesome,  as  to  be  swept  away  by  bushels,  in  order  that  a place  might 
be  cleared  for  encamping.  W. 

CAPSICUM.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub. 

Cayenne  Pepper. 

The  fruit  of  Capsicum  annuum,  and  of  other  species  of  Capsicum.  U.  S-, 
Ed.  Fruit  of  Capsicum  fastigiatum.  Lond. 

Poivre  de  Gurnee,  Poivre  d’Inde,  Fr.;  Spanischer  Pfeffer,  Germ.;  Pepperone,  Ital.; 
Pimiento,  Span. 

Capsicum.  Sex.  Syst.  Pentandria  Monogynia.  — Nat.  Ord.  Solanacese. 

Gen.  Ch.  Corolla  wheel-shaped.  Berry  without  juice.  Willd. 

Numerous  species  of  Capsicum,  inhabiting  the  East  Indies  and  tropical 
America,  are  enumerated  by  botanists,  the  fruit  of  which,  differing  simply  in 
the  degree  of  pungency,  may  be  indiscriminately  employed.  C.  baccatum 
or  bird  pepper,  and  C.  frutescens,  are  said  to  yield  most  of  the  Cayenne 
pepper  brought  from  the  West  Indies  and  South  America;  and  Ainslie  in- 
forms us  that  the  latter  is  chiefly  employed  in  the  East  Indies.  The  species 
most  extensively  cultivated  in  Europe  and  this  country,  is  that  recognised  as 
officinal  by  the  Pharmacopoeias,  namely,  C.  annuum.  The  first  two  are 
shrubby  plants,  the  last  is  annual  and  herbaceous. 

Capsicum  annuum.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  i.  1052  ; Woodv.  Med.  Bot.  p.226, 
t.  80.  The  stem  of  the  annual  capsicum  is  thick,  roundish,  smooth,  and 
branching;  rises  two  or  three  feet  in  height;  and  supports  ovate,  pointed, 
smooth,  entire  leaves,  which  are  placed  without  regular  order  on  long  foot- 
stalks. The  flowers  are  solitary,  white,  and  stand  on  long  peduncles  at  the 
axils  of  the  leaves.  The  calyx  is  persistent,  tubular,  and  five-cleft;  the  corolla, 
monopetalous  and  wheel-shaped,  with  the  limb  divided  into  five  spreading, 
pointed,  and  plaited  segments;  the  filaments,  short,  tapering,  and  furnished 
with  oblong  anthers;  the  germen,  ovate,  supporting  a slender  style  which  is 
longer  than  the  filaments,  and  terminates  in  a blunt  stigma.  The  fruit  is  a 
pendulous,  pod-like  berry,  light,  smooth  and  shining,  of  a bright  scarlet, 


174 


PART  I. 


Capsicum. 

orange,  or  sometimes  yellow  colour,  with  two  or  three  cells,  containing  a dry, 
loose  pulp,  and  numerous  flat,  kidney-shaped,  whitish  seeds. 

The  plant  is  a native  of  the  warmer  regions  of  Asia  and  America,  and  is 
cultivated  in  almost  all  parts  of  the  world.  It  is  abundantly  produced  in  this 
country,  both  for  culinary  and  medicinal  purposes.  The  flowers  appear  in 
July  and  August,  and  the  fruit  ripens  in  October.  Several  varieties  are  cul- 
tivated in  our  gardens,  differing  in  the  shape  of  the  fruit.  The  most  abundant 
is  probably  that  with  a large  irregularly  ovate  berry,  depressed  at  the  ex- 
tremity, which  is  much  used  in  the  green  state  for  pickling.  The  medicinal 
variety  is  that  with  long,  conical,  generally  pointed,  recurved  fruit,  usually 
not  thicker  than  the  finger.  Sometimes  we  meet  with  small,  spherical, 
slightly  compressed  berries,  not  greatly  exceeding  a large  cherry  in  size. 
When  perfectly  ripe  and  dry,  the  fruit  is  ground  into  powder,  and  brought 
into  market  under  the  name  of  red  or  Cayenne  pepper.  Our  markets  are 
also  partly  supplied  from  the  West  Indies.  A variety  of  capsicum,  consist- 
ing of  very  small,  conical,  exceedingly  pungent  berries,  is  imported  from 
Liberia.  In  England  the  fruit  of  C.  annuum  is  frequently  called  chillies. 

Powdered  capsicum  is  usually  of  a more  or  less  bright  red  colour,  which 
fades  upon  exposure  to  light,  and  ultimately  disappears.  The  odour  is  peculiar 
and  somewhat  aromatic,  stronger  in  the  recent  than  in  the  dried  fruit.  The 
taste  is  bitterish,  acrid,  and  burning,  producing  a fiery  sensation  in  the  mouth, 
which  continues  for  a long  time.  The  pungency  appears  to  depend  on  a pecu- 
liar principle,  which  was  obtained,  though  probably  not  in  a perfectly  isolated 
state,  by  Braconnot,  and  named  capsicin.  The  fruit,  freed  from  the  seeds, 
was  submitted  to  the  action  of  alcohol,  and  the  resulting  tincture  evaporated. 
Luring  the  evaporation  a red-coloured  wax  separated,  and  the  residuary  liquor 
by  farther  evaporation  afforded  an  extract,  from  which  ether  dissolved  the 
capsicin.  This  was  obtained  by  evaporating  the  ether.  It  resembles  an  oil 
or  soft  resin,  is  of  a yellowish-brown  or  reddish-brown  colour,  and,  when 
tasted,  though  at  first  balsamic,  soon  produces  an  insupportably  hot  and  pun- 
gent impression  over  the  whole  interior  of  the  mouth.  Exposed  to  heat  it 
melts,  and  at  a higher  temperature  emits  fumes,  which,  even  in  very  small 
quantity,  excite  coughing  and  sneezing.  It  is  slightly  soluble  in  water  and 
vinegar,  and  very  soluble  in  alcohol,  ether,  oil  of  turpentine,  and  the  caustic 
alkalies,  which  it  renders  reddish-brown.  It  constitutes,  according  to  Bra- 
connot, 1’9  per  cent,  of  the  fruit.*  The  other  ingredients,  as  ascertained  by 
the  same  chemist,  are  colouring  matter,  an  azotized  substance,  gum,  pec-tic 
acid  (probably  pectin),  and  saline  matters.  Bed  oxide  of  lead  is  sometimes 
added  to  the  powdered  capsicum  sold  in  Europe.  It  may  be  detected  by 
digesting  the  suspected  powder  in  diluted  nitric  acid,  filtering,  and  adding  a 
solution  of  sulphate  of  soda,  which  will  throw  down  a white  precipitate  if 
there  be  any  oxide  of  lead  present.  Capsicum  is  said  to  be  sometimes  adul- 
terated with  coloured  saw-dust.  It  is  occasionally  attacked  by  insects. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Cayenne  pepper  is  a powerful  stimulant, 
producing  when  swallowed  a sense  of  heat  in  the  stomach,  and  a general  glow 
over  the  body,  without  any  narcotic  effect.  Its  influence  over  the  circulation, 
though  considerable,  is  not  in  proportion  to  its  local  action.  It  is  much  em- 
ployed as  a condiment,  and  proves  highly  useful  in  correcting  the  flatulent 
tendency  of  certain  vegetables,  and  aiding  their  digestion.  Hence  the  advan- 
tage derived  from  it  by  the  natives  of  tropical  climates,  who  live  chiefly  on 

.*  Professor  Procter  informs  us  that,  if  the  substance  called  capsicin  be  dissolved  in 
alcohol,  and  treated  with  subacetate  of  lead,  an  abundant  precipitate  is  obtained,  which 
when  washed  with  alcohol  is  quite  tasteless,  while  the  liquid  from  which  it  was  thrown 
down  affords,  upon  evaporation,  a brownish  substance  much  more  pungent  than  the 
capsicin  itself. — Note  to  the  ninth  edition. 


PART  I. 


175 


Capsicum. — Carlo. 

vegetable  food.  In  the  East  Indies  it  has  been  used  from  time  immemorial. 
From  a passage  in  the  works  of  Pliny,  it  appears  to  have  been  known  to  the 
Romans.  As  a medicine  it  is  useful  in  cases  of  enfeebled  and  languid  stomach, 
and  is  occasionally  prescribed  in  dyspepsia  and  atonic  gout,  particularly  when 
attended  with  much  flatulence,  or  occurring  in  persons  of  intemperate  habits. 
It  has  also  been  given  as  a stimulant  in  palsy  and  certain  lethargic  affections. 
To  the  sulphate  of  quinia  it  forms  an  excellent  addition  in  some  cases  of  in- 
termittents,  in  which  there  is  a great  want  of  gastric  susceptibility.  Upon 
the  same  principle  of  rousing  the  susceptibility  of  the  stomach,  it  may  prove 
useful  in  low  forms  of  fever  as  an  adjuvant  to  tonic  or  stimulant  medicines.  Its 
most  important  application,  however,  is  to  the  treatment  of  malignant  sore- 
throat  and  scarlet  fever,  in  which  it  is  used  both  internally  and  as  a gargle. 
The  following  formula  was  employed  in  malignant  scarlatina,  with  great  ad- 
vantage, in  the  West  Indies,  where  this  application  of  the  remedy  originated. 
Two  tablespoonfuls  of  the  powdered  pepper,  with  a teaspoonful  of  common 
salt,  are  infused  for  an  hour  in  a pint  of  a boiling  liquid  composed  of  equal 
parts  of  water  and  vinegar.  This  is  strained  when  cool  through  a fine  linen 
cloth,  and  given  in  the  dose  of  a tablespoonful  every  half  hour.  The  same 
preparation  is  also  used  as  a gargle.  It  is,  however,  only  to  the  worst  cases 
that  the  remedy  is  applied  so  energetically.  In  milder  cases  of  scarlatina, 
with  inflamed  or  ulcerated  throat,  much  relief  and  positive  advantage  often 
follow  the  employment  of  the  pepper  in  a more  diluted  state.  Capsicum  has 
also  been  advantageously  used  in  sea  sickness,  in  the  dose  of  a teaspoonful, 
given  in  some  convenient  vehicle  on  the  first  occui’rence  of  nausea. 

Applied  externally,  Cayenne  pepper  is  a powerful  rubefacient,  very  useful 
in  local  rheumatism,  and  in  low  forms  of  disease,  where  a stimulant  impression 
upon  the  surface  is  demanded.  It  has  the  advantage,  under  these  circum- 
stances, of  acting  speedily  without  endangering  vesication.  It  may  be  applied 
in  the  form  of  cataplasm,  or  more  conveniently  and  efficiently  as  a lotion, 
mixed  with  heated  spirit.  The  powder  or  tincture,  brought  into  contact  with 
a relaxed  uvula,  often  acts  very  beneficially.  The  tincture  has  also  been  used 
advantageously  in  chilblain.  The  ethereal  extract,  which  has  a fluid  con- 
sistence, is  powerfully  rubefacient. 

The  dose  of  the  powder  is  from  five  to  ten  grains,  which  may  be  most 
conveniently  given  in  the  form  of  pill.  Of  an  infusion  prepared  by  adding 
two  drachms  to  half  a pint  of  boiling  water,  the  dose  is  about  half  a fluid- 
ounce.  A gargle  may  be  prepared  by  infusing  half  a drachm  of  the  powder 
in  a pint  of  boiling  water,  or  by  adding  half  a fluidounce  of  the  tincture  to 
eight  fluidounces  of  rose-water. 

Off.  Prep.  Infusum  Capsici ; Tinctura  Capsici.  W. 

GARBO. 

Carbon. 

Pure  charcoal ; Carbone,  Fr.,  Ital.;  Kohlenstoff,  Germ.;  Carbon,  Span. 

Carbon  is  an  elementary  substance  of  great  importance,  and  very  exten- 
sively diffused  in  nature.  It  exists  in  large  quantity  in  the  mineral  kingdom, 
and  forms  the  most  abundant  constituent  of  animal  and  vegetable  matter.  In 
a state  of  perfect  purity  and  crystallized,  it  constitutes  the  diamond,  and,  more 
or  less  pure,  it  forms  the  substances  known  under  the  names  of  plumbago  or 
black  lead,  anthracite,  bituminous  coal,  coke,  animal  charcoal,  and  vegetable 
charcoal.  Combined  with  oxygen,  it  forms  carbonic  acid,  which  is  a con- 
stituent of  the  atmosphere,  and  present  in  many  natural  waters,  especially 
those  which  have  an  effervescing  quality.  United  with  oxygen  and  a base, 


176 


Carbo. 


PART  I. 


it  forms  the  carbonates,  among  others  carbonate  of  lime,  which  is  one  of  the 
most  abundant  mineral  species. 

The  diamond,  or  crystallized  carbon,  is  found  principally  in  India  and 
Brazil.  Within  a few  years,  several  diamonds  have  been  found  in  the  gold 
region  of  Georgia.  This  gem  is  perfectly  transparent,  and  the  hardest  and 
most  brilliant  substance  in  nature.  Its  sp.gr.  is  about  3'5.  It  is  fixed  and 
unalterable  in  the  fire,  provided  air  be  excluded;  hut  is  combustible  in  air 
or  oxygen,  the  product  being  the  same  as  when  charcoal  is  burned,  namely 
carbonic  acid. 

Next  to  diamond,  plumbago  and  anthracite  are  the  purest  natural  forms  of 
carbon.  Plumbago  is  the  substance  of  which  black  lead  crucibles  and  pencils 
are  made.  It  is  found  in  greatest  purity,  perhaps,  in  the  mine  of  Borrow- 
dale,  in  England ; but  it  also  occurs  very  pure  in  this  country,  especially  near 
Bustleton,  in  Pennsylvania.  It  was  formerly  supposed  to  be  a carburet  of 
iron  ; but,  in  very  pure  specimens,  it  is  nearly  free  from  iron,  which  must, 
therefore,  be  deemed  an  accidental  impurity.  Anthracite  occurs  in  different- 
parts  of  the  world,  but  particularly  in  the  United  States.  Immense  beds  of 
it  exist  in  Pennsylvania.  Bituminous  coal  is  a form  of  the  carbonaceous 
principle,  in  which  the  carbon  is  associated  with  volatile  matter  of  a bitumin- 
ous nature.  When  this  is  driven  off  by  the  process  of  charring,  as  in  the 
manufacture  of  coal  gas,  a kind  of  mineral  charcoal,  called  coke,  is  obtained, 
very  useful  in  the  arts  as  a fuel. 

Carbon  may  be  obtained  artificially,  in  a state  approaching  to  purity,  by 
several  processes.  One  method  is  to  expose  lampblack  to  a full  red  heat  in 
a close  vessel.  It  may  also  be  obtained,  in  a very  pure  state,  by  passing  the 
vapour  of  volatile  oils  through  an  ignited  porcelain  tube ; whereby  the  hy- 
drogen and  oxygen  of  the  oil  will  be  dissipated,  and  the  charcoal  left  in  the 
tube.  A pure  charcoal  is  procured  by  exposing  sugar,  or  other  vegetable 
substances  which  leave  no  ashes  when  burnt,  to  ignition  in  close  vessels. 

Properties.  Carbon  in  its  crystallized  form  has  already  been  described  as 
diamond.  In  its  uncrystallized  state  it  is  an  insoluble,  infusible  solid,  gene- 
rally of  a black  colour,  and  without  taste  or  smell.  It  burns  when  sufficiently 
heated,  uniting  with  the  oxygen  of  the  air,  and  generating  a gaseous  acid, 
called  carbonic  acid.  Its  sp.  gr.  in  the  solid  state,  apart  from  the  pores  which 
it  contains  when  in  mass,  is  3'5  ; but  with  the  pores  included,  it  is. only  0'44. 
It  is  a very  unalterable  and  indestructible  substance,  and  has  great  power  in 
resisting  and  correcting  putrefaction  in  other  bodies.  Wheu  in  a state  of 
extreme  division,  it  possesses  the  remarkable  power  of  destroying  the  colour- 
ing and  odorous  principles  of  most  liquids.  (See  Carbo  Animal  is.)  Its  other 
physical  properties  differ  according  to  its  source,  and  peculiar  state- of  aggre- 
gation. Its  equivalent  number  is  6,  and  its  symbol  C.  As  a chemical  ele- 
ment, it  enjoys  a very  extensive  range  of  combination.  It  combines  in  five 
proportions  with  oxygen,  forming  carbonic  oxide,  and  carbonic,  oxalic,  mellitic, 
and  croconic  acids.  (See  Aqua  Acidi  Carbonici  and  Oxalic  Acid.)  With 
hydrogen  it  forms  a number  of  compounds,  called  carbohydrogens,  of  which 
the  most  interesting,  excluding  hypothetical  radicals,  are  light  earburetted 
hydrogen,  or  fire  damp,  olefiant  gas,  the  light  and  concrete  oils  of  wine,  and 
certain  non-oxygenous  volatile  oils.  With  nitrogen  it  constitutes  cyanogen, 
the  compound  radical  of  hydrocyanic  or  prussic  acid;  and  united  with  iron 
in  minute  proportion  it  forms' steel. 

To  notice  all  the  forms  of  the  carbonaceous  principle  would  be  out  of  place 
in  this  work.  We  shall,  therefore/restrict  ourselves  to  the  consideration  of 
those  which  are  officinal,  namely,  animal  charcoal  and  wood  charcoal.  These 
are  described  in  the  two  following  articles.  B. 


PART  I. 


Carlo  Animalis. 


177 


CARBO  ANIMALIS.  U.  S.,  Loncl. , Ed.,  Dub. 
Animal  Charcoal. 

Charcoal  prepared  from  hones.  U.  S.  Charcoal  prepared  from  ox  blood  by 
ignition.  Loud.  Impure  animal  charcoal  obtained  commonly  from  bones.  Ed. 

Cliarbon  animal,  Fr.;  Thierische  Kokle,  Germ.;  Carbone  animale,  Ital.;  Carbon  animal, 
Span. 

The  animal  charcoal  employed  in  pharmacy  and  the  arts  is  usually  obtained 
from  bones,  by  subjecting  them  to  a red  heat  in  close  vessels,  and  is  chiefly 
employed  as  a decolorizing  agent.  The  residue  of  the  ignition  is  a black 
matter,  which,  when  reduced  to  powder,  forms  the  substance  properly  called 
bone-black,  but  familiarly  known  under  the  incorrect  name  of  ivory-black. 
Ivory  by  carbonization  will  furnish  a black,  which,  on  account  of  its  fineness 
and  intensely  black  colour,  is  more  esteemed  than  the  ordinary  bone-black; 
but  it  is  much  more  expensive. 

Animal  charcoal,  in  the  form  of  bone-black,  is  extensively  used  by  sugar 
refiners  and  others  as  a decolorizing  agent ; and  an  ammoniacal  liquor,  called 
bone  spirit,  is  obtained  as  a secondary  product,  and  sold  to  the  makers  of  sal 
ammoniac.  The  bones  are  subjected  to  destructive  distillation  in  iron  retorts 
or  cylinders,  and,  when  the  bone  spirit  ceases  to  come  over,  the  residuum  is 
charred  bone,  or  bone-black.  Bone  consists  of  animal  matter  with  phosphate 
and  carbonate  of  lime.  In  consequence  of  a new  arrangement  of  the  elements 
of  the  animal  matter,  the  nitrogen  and  hydrogen  united  as  ammonia,  and  a 
part  of  the  charcoal  in  the  form  of  carbonic  acid,  distil  over ; while  the  re- 
mainder of  the  charcoal  is  left  in  the  retort,  intermingled  with  the  calcareous 
salts.  In  this  form,  therefore,  of  animal  charcoal,  the  carbon  is  mixed  with 
phosphate  and  carbonate  of  lime ; and  the  same  is  the  case  with  the  true 
ivory-black. 

Properties.  Animal  charcoal,  in  the  form  of  bone-black,  called  ivory-black 
in  the  shops,  is  a black  powder,  possessing  a slightly  alkaline  and  bitterish 
taste,  and  having  a general  resemblance  to  powdered  vegetable  charcoal.  It 
is,  however,  more  dense  and  less  combustible  than  vegetable  charcoal;  from 
whicbj  moreover,  it  may  be  distinguished  by  burning  a small  portion  of  it  on 
a red  hot  iron,  when  it  will  leave  a residuum  imperfectly  acted  on  by  sulphurie 
acid ; whereas  the  ashes  from  vegetable  charcoal  will  readily  dissolve  in  this 
acid,  forming  a bitterish  solution. 

Animal  charcoal  by  no  means  necessarily  possesses  the  decolorizing  pro- 
perty ; as  this  depends  upon  its  peculiar  state  of  aggregation.  If  a piece  of 
pure  animal  matter  be  carbonized,  it  usually  enters  into  fusion,  and,  from  the 
gaseous  matter  which  is  extricated,  becomes  porous  and  cellular.  The  char- 
coal formed  has  generally  a metallic  lustre,  and  a colour  resembling  that  of 
black  lead.  It  has,  however,  little  or  no  decolorizing  power,  even  though  it 
may  be  finely  pulverized. 

Rationale  of  the  Effects  of  Charcoal  as  a Decolorizing  Agent.  The  de- 
colorizing power  of  charcoal  was  first  noticed  by  Lowitz  of  St.  Petersburg ; 
and  the  subject  was  subsequently  ably  investigated  by  Bussy,  Payen,  and 
Desfosses.  It  is  generally  communicated  to  charcoal  by  igniting  it  in  close 
vessels,  but  not  always.  The  kind  of  charcoal,  for  example,  obtained  from 
substances  which  undergo  fusion  during  carbonization,  does  not  possess  the 
property,  even  though  it  may  be  afterwards  finely  pulverized.  The  property 
in  question  is  possessed  to  a certain  extent  by  wood  charcoal;  but  is  deve- 
loped in  it  in  a much  greater  degree  by  burning  it  with  some  chemical  sub- 


178 


Carlo  Animalis. 


PART  i. 


stance,  which  may  have  the  effect  of  reducing  it  to  an  extreme  degree  of 
fineness.  The  most  powerful  of  all  the  charcoals  for  discharging  colours  are 
those  obtained  from  certain  animal  matters,  such  as  dried  blood,  hair,  horns, 
hoofs,  &c.,  by  first  carbonizing  them  in  connection  with  carbonate  of  potassa, 
and  then  washing  the  product  with  water.  Charcoal,  thus  prepared,  seems 
to  be  reduced  to  its  finest  possible  particles.  The  next  most  powerful  decolor- 
izing charcoal  is  ivory  or  bone-black,  in  which  the  separation  of  the  carbona- 
ceous particles  is  effected  by  the  phosphate  of  lime  present  in  the  bone. 
Vegetable  substances  also  may  be  made  to  yield  a good  charcoal  for  destroy- 
ing colour,  provided,  before  carbonization,  they  be  well  comminuted,  and 
mixed  with  pumice  stone,  chalk,  flint,  calcined  bones,  or  other  similar  sub- 
stance in  a pulverized  state. 

It  results  from  the  foregoing  facts,  that  the  decolorizing  power  of  charcoal 
depends  upon  a peculiar  mode  of  aggregation  of  its  particles,  the  leading 
character  of  which  is  that  they  are  isolated  from  one  another,  and  thus 
enabled  to  present  a greater  extent  of  surface.  It  is  on  this  principle  that 
certain  chemical  substances  act  in  developing  the  property  in  question,  when 
they  are  ignited,  in  a state  of  intimate  mixture,  with  the  substance  to  be 
charred.  Thus,  it  is  perceived  that  there  is  no  necessary  connection  between 
animal  charcoal  and  the  decolorizing  power.  Bone-black,  for  instance,  has 
this  property,  not  because  it  is  an  animal  charcoal,  but  because,  in  conse- 
quence of  the  phosphate  of  lime  present  in  the  bone,  the  favourable  state  of 
aggregation  is  acquired. 

The  following  table,  abridged  from  one  drawn  up  by  Bussy,  denotes  the 
relative  decolorizing  power  of  different  charcoals. 


KINDS  OF  CHARCOAL. 


Bone-black,  --------- 

Bone  charcoal  treated  with  an  acid,  ------ 

Lampblack,  not  ignited,  -------- 

Charcoal  from  acetate  of  potassa,  ------ 

Blood  ignited  with  phosphate  of  lime,  - 

Lampblack  ignited  with  carbonate  of  potassa,  - 

Blood  ignited  with  chalk,  -------- 

White  of  egg  ignited  with  carbonate  of  potassa,  - 
Glue  ignited  with  carbonate  of  potassa,  - 
Bone  charcoal,  formed  by  depriving  the  bone  of  phosphate  of  lime 
by  an  acid,  and  subsequent  ignition  with  carbonate  of  potassa,  - 
Blood  ignited  with  carbonate  of  potassa,  - - - - - 


11  s' 
$ rf 

!-!.!> 
^ 2; 

■5  I 

i 

1 

1-6 

1-8 

3*3 

4 

4-4 

5-6 

10 

12 

10-6 

12.2 

11 

18 

15-5 

34 

15-5 

36 

20 

45 

20 

50 

E.  Filhol  has  shown  that  charcoal  is  not  the  only  decolorizing  agent;  but 
that  many  substances,  both  simple  and  compound,  such  as  iron  reduced  bv 
hydrogen,  sulphur,  arsenic,  deutoxide  of  manganese,  sulphate  and  artificial 
sulphuret  of  lead,  possess  the  same  property.  The  property  varies  not  only 
in  different  substances  in  relation  to  the  same  colouring  matter,  but  in  the 
same  substance  in  respect  to  different  colouring  matters.  ( Chem.  Gaz.,  Vpr 
15,  1852.) 

Animal  charcoal  is  capable  of  taking  the  bitter  principles  from  bitter  infu- 
sions and  tinctures,  according  to  the  experiments  of  Weppen;  as  also  iodine 
from  liquids  which  contain  it  in  solution,  as  observed  by  Lassaigne.  Its 
power,  however,  of  acting  on  solutions  and  chemical  compounds,  is  much 
more  decided  in  its  purified  state,  as  shown  by  both  Warrington  and  Weppen. 
In  this  state,  it  takes  a number  of  salts  from  their  aqueous  solutions,  and 


part  I.  Carlo  Animalis. — Carlo  Ligni . 179 

even  converts  chromate  of  potassa  into  the  carbonate.  (See  Carlo  Animalis 
Purificatus.) 

Bone-black  consists,  in  the  hundred  parts,  of  eighty-eight  parts  of  phos- 
phate and  carbonate  of  lime,  ten  of  charcoal,  and  two  of  carburet  or  silicuret 
of  iron.  (Dumas.)  The  proportion  of  charcoal  here  given  is  small. 

Pharmaceutical  Uses,  &c.  Animal  charcoal  is  used  in  pharmacy  for  de- 
colorizing vegetable  principles,  such  as  gallic  acid,  quinia,  morphia,  veratria, 
&c.,  and  in  the  arts,  principally  for  clarifying  syrups  in  sugar  refining,  and 
for  depriving  spirits  distilled  from  grain  of  the  peculiar  volatile  oil,  called 
grain  or  fusel  oil,  which  imparts  to  them  an  unpleasant  taste  as  first  distilled. 
The  manner  in  which  it  is  used  is  to  mix  it  with  the  substance  to  be  decolor- 
ized, and  to  allow  the  mixture  to  stand  for  some  time.  The  charcoal  unites 
with  the  colouring  matter,  and  the  solution  by  filtration  is  obtained  white  and 
transparent.  Its  use,  however,  in  decolorizing  the  organic  alkalies  and  other 
vegetable  principles,  no  doubt,  causes  a loss  by  absorption ; since  it  has  been 
shown  by  the  experiments  of  M.  Lebourdais,  mentioned  under  the  head  of 
purified  animal  charcoal,  that  several  of  these  principles  may  be  separated 
by  the  sole  action  of  charcoal.  For  most  pharmaceutical  operations,  and 
when  used  as  an  antidote,  animal  charcoal  must  be  purified  by  muriatic  acid 
from  phosphate  and  carbonate  of  lime.  (See  Carlo  Animalis  Purificatus.) 
In  the  U.  S.  and  Dublin  formulae  for  sulphate  of  quinia,  however,  it  is  used 
without  purification.  (See  Quinise  Sulphas.)  According  to  Guthe,  a German 
chemist,  bone  charcoal,  wdthout  purification,  is  to  be  preferred  as  a decolorizer, 
in  all  cases  in  which  the  calcareous  salts  exert  no  injurious  effect. 

Off.  Prep.  Carbo  Animalis  Purificatus.  B. 

CARBO  LIGNI.  U.  S.,  Ed.,  Dub. 

Charcoal. 

Off-  Syn.  CAEBO.  Land. 

Vegetable  charcoal ; Charbou  de  bois,  Ft.;  Holzkohle,  Germ.;  Carbone  di  legno, 
Ital. ; Carbon  de  lena,  Span. 

Preparation  on  the  Large  Scale.  Billets  of  wood  are  piled  in  a conical 
form,  and  covered  with  earth  and  sod  to  prevent  the  free  access  of  air ; several 
holes  being  left  at  the  bottom,  and  one  at  the  top  of  the  pile,  in  order  to 
produce  a draught  to  commence  the  combustion.  The  wood  is  then  kindled 
from  the  bottom.  In  a little  while,  the  hole  at  the  top  is  closed,  and,  after 
the  ignition  is  found  to  pervade  the  whole  pile,  those  at  the  bottom  are 
stopped  also.  The  combustion  taking  place  with  a smothered  flame  and 
limited  access  of  air,  the  volatile  portions  of  the  wood,  consisting  of  hydrogen 
and  oxygen,  are  dissipated;  while  the  carbon,  in  the  form  of  charcoal,  is  left 
behind. 

In  this  process  for  the  carbonization  of  wood,  all  the  volatile  products  are 
lost;  and  a portion  of  the  charcoal  itself  is  dissipated  by  combustion.  Wood, 
thus  carbonized,  yields  not  more  than  17  or  18  per  cent,  of  charcoal.  A 
better  method  is  to  char  the  wood  in  iron  cylinders,  when  it  yields  from  22 
to  23  parts  in  100  of  excellent  charcoal;  and,  at  the  same  time,  the  means 
are  afforded  for  collecting  the  volatile  products,  consisting  of  pyroligneous 
acid,  empyreumatic  oil,  and  tar.  This  process  for  obtaining  charcoal  has 
been  described  under  another  head.  (See  Acidum  Aceticum.)  A method 
of  preparing  charcoal  by  subjecting  wood  to  over-heated  steam  has  been  in- 
vented by  M.  Violette.  When  the  temperature  of  the  steam  is  572°  F.,  the 
wood  is  converted  into  a peculiar  charcoal,  called  red  charcoal,  which  is 


180 


Carlo  Ligni. 


PART  i. 


intermediate  in  its  qualities  between  wood  and  ordinary  charcoal.  When 
the  temperature  is  lower,  the  carbonization  is  incomplete ; when  higher,  the 
product  is  black  charcoal.  The  steam  process  yields  a uniform  charcoal  for 
a given  temperature,  which  may  be  easily  regulated,  and  a product  about 
double  that  obtained  in  closed  cylinders.  Charcoal,  prepared  in  closed  cylin- 
ders, contains  ten  times  as  much  ash  as  that  made  by  the  ordinary  process. 
Charcoal  contains  carbon , in  proportion  to  the  temperature  at  which  it  is 
formed;  from  65  per  cent,  when  made  at  482°  F.,  to  80  per  cent,  when  made 
at  752°  F.  The  gaseous  matter  present  is  always  inversely  as  the  tempera- 
ture of  carbonization.  Thus,  for  charcoal  made  at  572°  F.,  it  is  one-third 
its  weight;  at  662°  F.,  one-fourth  its  weight.  For  an  abstract  of  the  import- 
ant results  of  M.  Violette,  the  reader  is  referred  to  the  Journ.  de  Phami.  for 
July,  1851,  p.  35. 

Preparation  for  Medical  Use.  M.  Belloc  recommends  charcoal  for  this 
purpose  to  be  obtained  from  poplar  shoots,  cut  at  the  time  the  sap  rises,  and 
deprived  of  their  bark.  The  carbonization  should  be  performed  in  cast-iron 
vessels  at  a red-white  heat.  The  product  is  a light  and  brilliant  charcoal, 
which  must  be  purified  by  being  macerated  for  three  or  four  days  in  water, 
frequently  renewed.  It  is  then  dried,  powdered,  and  placed  in  bottles  which 
should  be  well  stopped.  {Journ.  de  Pharm.,  xvii.  355.)  The  charcoal  most 
esteemed  in  Philadelphia  for  medical  purposes  is  that  prepared  by  the  Messrs. 
Dupont,  near  Wilmington,  Delaware,  for  the  manufacture  of  gunpowder.  It 
is  made  from  young  willow  shoots  of  two  or  three  years’  growth. 

Properties.  Charcoal  is  a black,  shining,  brittle,  porous  substance,  taste- 
less and  inodorous,  and  insoluble  in  water.  It  is  a good  conductor  of  electri- 
city, but  a bad  one  of  heat.  It  possesses  the  remarkable  property  of  absorbing 
many  times  its  own  bulk  of  certain  gases.  When  exposed  to  the  air  after 
ignition,  it  increases  rapidly  in  weight,  absorbing  from  twelve  to  fourteen 
per  cent,  of  moisture.  As  ordinarily  prepared,  it  contains  the  incombustible 
part  of  the  wood,  amounting  to  one  or  two  per  cent.,  which  is  left  in  the  form 
of  ashes  when  the  charcoal  is  burnt.  These  may  be  removed  b}7  digesting 
the  charcoal  in  diluted  muriatic  acid,  and  afterwards  washing  it  thoroughly 
with  boiling  water. 

Medical  Properties,  &c.  Powdered  charcoal  is  antiseptic  and  absorbent. 
It  is  employed  with  advantage  in  certain  forms  of  dyspepsia,  attended  with 
fetid  breath  and  putrid  eructations ; and  has  been  exhibited  in  dysentery  with 
the  effect  of  correcting  the  fetor  of  the  stools.  M.  Belloc  recommends  it 
strongly  in  gastralgia,  and  especially  pyrosis;  and,  where  it  fails  to  remove 
the  disease,  he  finds  it  to  abate  the  pain,  nausea,  and  vomiting.  As  a remedy 
in  obstinate  constipation,  Dr.  Daniel,  of  Savannah,  speaks  of  it  in  high  terms. 
He  also  found  it  useful  in  the  nausea  and  confined  state  of  the  bowels  which 
usually  attend  pregnancy.  Dr.  Newman  recommends  it  as  a dressing  to 
wounds  and  ulcers  of  various  kinds.  Its  use  as  an  ingredient  of  poultices  is 
noticed  under  the  title  of  Cataplasma  Carbonis.  Several  of  its  varieties 
constitute  the  best  tooth  powder  that  can  be  used.  Those  which  are  gene- 
rally preferred  are  the  charcoals  of  the  cocoa-nut  shell  and  of  bread.  The 
dose  of  charcoal  varies  from  one  to  four  teaspoonfuls  or  more.  Dr.  Daniel 
gave  it,  in  his  cases  of  constipation,  in  doses  of  a tablespoonful,  repeated 
every  half  hour. 

Meat,  embedded  in  charcoal  in  close  vessels,  is  kept  perfectly  sweet  for 
many  months;  and  water  intended  for  long  voyages  is  equally  preserved  by 
the  addition  of  its  powder.  The  power  of  some  of  its  varieties  in  destroying 
colours  and  odours  is  very  considerable.  Schonbein  has  observed  the  power 
of  charcoal  to  absorb  chlorine,  iodine,  and  bromine,  both  in  the  gaseous  and 


PART  I. 


Cardamomum. 


181 


vaporous  state,  and  when  in  aqueous  solution.  He  has  also  noticed  its  de- 
oxidizing effects  when  shaken  with  certain  salts  of  peroxides,  reducing  them 
to  salts  of  protoxides. 

Off.  Prep.  Cataplasma  Carbonis.  B. 

CARDAMOMUM.  U.  S.,  Lond .,  Ed.,  Dub. 
Cardamom. 

The  fruit  of  Elettaria  Cardamomum.  U.  S.  The  seeds.  Lond.,  Dub.  Fruit 
of  Renealmia  Cardamomum.  Ed. 

Petit  cardamome,  Fr. ; Kleine  Cardamomen,  Germ.;  Cardamomo  minore,  Ital.; 
Cardamomo  menor,  Span.;  Ebil,  Arab.;  Kakelali  seghar,  Persian;  Capalaga,  Malay ; 
Gujaratii  elachi,  Hindoost. 

The  subject  of  cardamom  has  been  involved  in  some  confusion  and  uncer- 
tainty, both  in  its  commercial  and  botanical  relations.  The  name  has  been 
applied  to  the  aromatic  capsules  of  various  Indian  plants  belonging  to  the 
family  of  Scitamineae.  Three  varieties  have  long  been  designated  by  the 
several  titles  of  the  lesser,  middle,  and  larger,  the  cardamomum  minus, 
medium,  and  majus  of  older  authors ; but  these  terms  have  been  used  dif- 
ferently by  different  writers,  so  that  their  precise  signification  remained 
doubtful.  Pereira,  whose  position,  in  the  midst  of  the  greatest  drug  market 
in  the  world,  gave  him  excellent  opportunities  of  investigating  the  commercial 
history  of  drugs,  has  enabled  us  in  great  measure  to  clear  up  this  confusion. 
It  is  well  known  that  the  lesser  cardamom  of  most  writers  is  the  variety 
recognised  by  the  Pharmacopoeias,  and  generally  kept  in  the  shops.  The 
other  varieties,  though  circulating  to  a greater  or  less  extent  in  European  and 
Indian  commerce,  are  little  known  in  this  country.  A sketch  of  the  non- 
officinal  cardamoms,  chiefly  condensed  from  the  account  of  Pereira,  is  given 
below.*  The  following  remarks  have  reference  exclusively  to  the  genuine 
Malabar  or  officinal  cardamom. 

• 

* 1.  Ceylon  Cardamom.  This  has  been  denominated  variously  by  different  authors, 
cardamomum  medium,  cardamomum  majus,  and  cardamomum  longum,  and  is  sometimes 
termed  in  English  commerce  wild  cardamom.  It  is  the  large  cardamom  of  Guibourt.  In 
the  East  it  is  sometimes  called  grains  of  paradise:  but  it  is  distinct  from  the  product 
known  with  us  by  that  name.  It  is  derived  from  a plant  cultivated  in  Candy,  in  the 
island  of  Ceylon,  which  belongs  to  the  same  genus  as  that  producing  the  officinal  car- 
damom, and  is  specifically  designated  by  Sir  James  Edward  Smith,  Elettaria  major. 
This  plant  was  described  by  Pereira  in  the  Pharmaceutical  Journal  and  Transac- 
tions (vol.  ii.  p.  388).  The  fruit  is  a lanceolate-oblong,  acutely  triangular  capsule, 
somewhat  curved,  about  an  inch  and  a half  long  and  four  lines  broad,  with  flat  and 
ribbed  sides,  tough  and  coriaceous,  brownish  or  yellowish  ash-coloured,  having  fre- 
quently at  one  end  the  long,  cylindrical,  three  lobed  calyx,  and  at  the  other  the  fruit 
stalk.  It  is  three-celled,  and  contains  angular,  rugged,  yellowish-red  seeds,  of  a pe- 
culiar fragrant  odour,  and  spicy  taste.  Its  effects  are  analogous  to  those  of  the  offi- 
cinal cardamom,  which,  however,  commands  three  times  its  price. 

2.  Round  Cardamom.  This  is  probably  the  "a^s^ov  of  Dioscorides,  and  the  Amomi 
uva  of  Pliny,  and  is  believed  to  be  the  fruit  of  Amomum  Cardamomum  ( Willd.),  grow- 
ing in  Sumatra,  Java,  and  other  East  India  islands.  The  capsules  are  usually  smaller 
than  a cherry,  roundish  or  somewhat  ovate,  with  three  convex  sides,  more  or  less 
striated  longitudinally,  yellowish  or  brownish-white,  and  sometimes  reddish,  with 
brown,  angular,  cuneiform,  shrivelled  seeds,  which  have  an  aromatic  camphorous  fla- 
vour. They  are  sometimes,  though  very  rarely,  met  with  connected  together  in  their 
native  clusters,  constituting  the  amomum  racemosum,  or  amome  en  grappes  of  the  French 
Codex.  They  are  similar  in  medicinal  properties  to  the  officinal  cardamom,  but  are 
seldom  used  except  in  the  southern  parts  of  Europe. 

3.  Java  Cardamom.  The  plant  producing  this  variety  is  supposed  to  be  the  Amomum 
maximum  of  Roxburgh,  growing  in  Java  and  other  Malay  islands,  and  said  to  be  culti- 


182 


Cardamomum. 


PART  i. 


Linnsous  confounded,  under  the  name  of  Amomum  Cardamomum,  two 
different  vegetables — the  genuine  plant  of  Malabar,  and  another  growing  in 
Java.  These  were  separated  by  Willdenow,  who  conferred  on  the  former 
Sonnerat’s  title  of  Amomum  repens,  while  he  retained  the  original  name  for 
the  latter,  though  not  the  true  cardamom  plant.  In  the  tenth  volume  of  the 
Linn.  Transactions,  A.  D.  1811,  Mr.  White,  a British  Army  Surgeon  in  India, 
published  a very  minute  description  of  the  Malabar  plant,  which  he  had  en- 
joyed frequent  opportunities  of  examining  in  its  native  state.  From  this  de- 
scription, Dr.  Maton  inferred  that  the  plant,  according  to  Roscoe’s  arrange- 
ment of  the  Scitamineaa,  could  not  be  considered  an  Amomum  ; and  as  he  was 
unable  to  attach  it  to  any  other  known  genus,  he  proposed  to  construct  a new 
one  with  the  name  of  Elettaria,  derived  from  elettari,  or  elatari,  the  Malabar 
name  of  this  vegetable.  Sir  James  Smith  afterwards  suggested  the  propriety 
of  naming  the  new  genus  Matonia,  in  honour  of  Dr.  Maton  ; and  the  latter 
title,  having  been  adopted  by  Roscoe,  obtained  a place  in  former  editions  of 
the  London  and  United  States  Pharmacopoeias.  The  celebrated  Dr.  Rox- 
burgh described  the  Malabar  cardamom  plant  as  an  Alpima,  with  the  specific 
appellation  of  Cardamomum.  As  doubts  were  entertained  of  the  necessity  for 
the  new  genus  proposed  by  Maton,  the  London  College  and  the  framers  of 
the  U.  S,  Pharmacopoeia  followed  the  authority  of  Roxburgh  in  their  edi- 
tions antecedent  to  the  latest,  and  referred  the  fruit  to  Alpinia  Cardamomum. 
This  decision,  however,  has  been  revised  in  the  recent  editions  of  these 

vated  in  the  mountains  of  Nepaul.  The  product  of  the  latter  site  is  called  Xepatd  or 
Bengal  cardamoms  in  the  East.  The  capsules  are  oval,  or  oval-oblong,  often  somewhat 
ovate,  from  eight  to  fifteen  lines  long  and  from  four  to  eight  broad,  usually  flattened 
on  one  side  and  convex  on  the  other,  sometimes  curved,  tln-ee-valved,  and  occasionally 
imperfectly  three-lobed,  of  a dirty  grayish-brown  colour,  and  coarse  fibrous  appear- 
ance. They  are  strongly  ribbed,  and,  when  soaked  in  water,  exhibit  from  nine  to 
thirteen  ragged  membranous  wings,  which  distinguish  them  from  all  other  varieties. 
The  seeds  have  a feebly  aromatic  taste  and  smell.  This  variety  of  cardamom  affords 
but  a very  small  proportion  of  volatile  oil.  is  altogether  of  inferior  quality,  and,  when 
imported  into  London,  is  usually  sent  to  the  continent. 

4.  Madagascar  Cardamom.  This  is  the  Cardamomum  majus  of  Cfeiger  and  some  other 
authors,  and  is  thought  to  be  the  fruit  of  Amomum  angustffolium  of  Sonnerat,  which 
grows  in  marshy  grounds  in  Madagascar.  The  capsule  is  ovate,  pointed,  flattened  on 
one  side,  striated,  with  a broad  circular  scar  at  the  bottom,  surrounded  by  an  elevated, 
notched,  and  corrugated  margin.  The  seeds  have  an  aromatic  flavour  analogous  to 
that  of  the  officinal  cardamom. 

5.  Grains  of  Paradise.  Grana  Paradisi.  Under  this  name,  and  that  of  Guinea  grains, 
and  Mdegueta  pepper,  are  kept  in  the  shops  small  seeds  of  a round  or  ovate  form,  often 
angular  and  somewhat  cuneiform,  minutely  rough,  brown  externally,  white  within,  of 
a feebly  aromatic  odour  when  rubbed  between  the  fingers,  and  of  a strongly  hot  and 
peppery  taste.  Two  kinds  of  them  are  known  in  the  English  market,  one,  larger,  plumper, 
and  more  warty,  with  a short  conical  projecting  tuft  of  pale  fibres  on  the  umbilicus : 
the  other,  smaller  and  smoother,  and  without  the  fibrous  tuft.  The  latter  are  the  most 
common.  It  is  probable  that  one  of  the  varieties  is  produced  by  Amomum  Grana  Pa- 
radisi of  Sir  J.  E.  Smith,  and  the  other  by  Roscoe’s  Amomum  Mdegueta.  They  are 
imported  from  Guinea  and  other  parts  of  the  western  coast,  of  Africa.  (Pereira’s  Mat. 
Med.,  3d  ed.,  p.  1134.)  Similar  grains  are  imported  into  England  from  Demerara, 
where  they  are  obtained  from  a plant  cultivated  by  the  negroes,  supposed  to  have  been 
brought  from  Africa,  and  believed  by  Dr.  Pereira  to  be  the  Amomum  Mdegueta  of 
Roscoe.  ( Pharm . Journ.  and  Trans.,  vi.  412.)  Their  effects  on  the  system  are  ana- 
logous to  those  of  pepper ; but  they  are  seldom  used  except  in  veterinary  practice,  and 
to  give  artificial  strength  to  spirits,  wine,  beer,  and  vinegar.  In  the  Pharm.  Journ. 
and  Trans,  (ii.  443),  Dr.  Pereira  points  out  seven  distinct  scitamineous  fruits,  to  which 
the  name  of  grains  of  paradise  has  been  applied  by  different  authors.  Those  above 
described  are  the  only  ones  now  known  by  the  name  in  commerce. 

Other  products  of  different  Scitaminem,  which  have  received  the  name  of  cardamom, 
are  described  by  Pereira  ; but  the  above  are  all  that  are  known  in  commerce,  or  likely 
to  be  brought  into  our  drug  markets. 


PART  I. 


Cardamomum. 


188 


works,  in  which  the  plant  is  recognised  with  the  title  of  Elettaria  Carda- 
momum.  Finally,  Roscoe  has  arranged  the  plant  with  the  abandoned 
genus  Renealmia  of  Linnaeus,  which  he  has  restored ; and  the  Edinburgh 
College  has  recognised  this  arrangement. 

Elettaria.  Sex.  Syst.  Monandria  Monogynia.  — Nat.  Ord.  Scitamineae. 
Brown.  Zingiberaceae.  Lindley.  . 

Gen.  Ch.  Corolla  with  the  tube  filiform  and  the  inner  limb  one-lipped. 
Anther  naked.  Capsule  often  berried,  three-celled,  three-valved.  Seeds  nu- 
merous, arillate.  Blume. 

Elettaria  Cardamomum.  Maton. — Alpinia  Cardamomum.  Roxburgh. — 
Amomum  Repens.  Sonnerat;  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  i.  9 — Renealmia  Carda- 
momum. Roscoe,  Monandrous  Plants.  Figured  in  Linn.  Trans,  x.  248,  and 
Carson’s  Illust.  of  Med.  Bot.  ii.  55.  The  cardamom  plant  has  a tuberous 
horizontal  root  or  rhizoma,  furnished  with  numerous  fibres,  and  sending  up 
from  eight  to  twenty  erect,  simple,  smooth,  green  and  shining,  perennial 
stems,  which  rise  from  six  to  twelve  feet  in  height,  and  bear  alternate  sheath- 
ing leaves.  These  are  from  nine  inches  to  two  feet  long,  from  one  to  five 
inches  broad,  elliptical-lanceolate,  pointed,  entire,  smooth  and  dark-green  on 
the  upper  surface,  glossy  and  pale  sea-green  beneath,  with  strong  midribs, 
and  short  footstalks.  The  scape  or  flower-stalk  proceeds  from  the  base  of  the 
stem,  and  lies  upon  the  ground,  with  the  flowers  arranged  in  the  form  of  a 
panicle.  The  calyx  is  monophyllous,  tubular,  and  toothed  at  the  margin;  the 
corolla  monophyllous  and  funnel-shaped,  with  the  inferior  border  unilabiate, 
three-lobed,  and  spurred  at  the  base.  The  fruit  is  a three-celled  capsule,  con- 
taining numerous  seeds. 

This  valuable  plant  is  a native  of  the  mountains  of  Malabar,  where  it 
springs  up  spontaneously  in  the  forests  after  the  removal  of  the  undergrowth. 
From  time  immemorial,  great  numbers  of  the  natives  have  derived  a livelL 
hood  from  its  cultivation.  It  begins  to  yield  fruit  at  the  end  of  the  fourth 
year,  and  continues  to  bear  for  several  years  afterwards.  The  capsules  when 
ripe  are  picked  from  the  fruit  stems,  dried  over  a gentle  fire,  and  separated 
by  rubbing  with  the  hands  from  the  footstalks  and  adhering  calyx. 

Thus  prepared,  they  are  ovate-oblong,  from  three  to  ten  lines  long,  from 
two  to  four  thick,  three-sided  with  rounded  angles,  obtusely  pointed  at  both 
ends,  longitudinally  wrinkled,  and  of  a yellowish-white  colour.  The  seeds 
which  they  contain  are  small,  angular,  irregular,  rough  as  if  embossed  upon 
their  surface,  of  a brown  colour,  easily  reduced  to  powder,  and  thus  separable 
from  the  capsules,  which,  though  slightly  aromatic,  are  much  less  so  than  the 
seeds,  and  should  be  rejected  when  the  medicine  is  given  in  substance.  The 
seeds  constitute  about  74  parts  by  weight  in  the  hundred.  According  to 
Pereira,  three  varieties  are  distinguished  in  British  commerce : — 1.  the  shorts, 
from  three  to  six  lines  long,  from  two  to  three  broad,  browner  and  more 
coarsely  ribbed,  and  more  highly  esteemed  than  the  other  varieties;  2.  the 
long-longs,  from  seven  lines  to  an  inch  in  length  by  two  or  three  lines  in 
breadth,  elongated,  and  somewhat  acuminate ; and  3.  the  short-longs,  which 
differ  from  the  second  variety  in  being  somewhat  shorter  and  less  pointed. 
The  odour  of  cardamom  is  fragrant,  the  taste  warm,  slightly  pungent,  and 
highly  aromatic.  These  properties  are  extracted  by  water  and  alcohol,  but 
more  readily  by  the  latter.  They  depend  on  a volatile  oil  which  rises  with 
water  in  distillation.  The  seeds  contain,  according  to  Trommsdorff,  4'6  per 
cent,  of  volatile  oil,  10'4  of  fixed  oil,  2'5  of  a salt  of  potassa  mixed  with  a 
colouring  principle,  3'0  of  starch,  1‘8  of  azotized  mucilage,  0'4  of  yellow 
colouring  matter,  and  7'73  of  ligneous  fibre.  The  volatile  oil  is  colourless, 
of  an  agreeable  and  very  penetrating  odour,  and  of  a strong,  aromatic,  burn- 


184 


Cardamomum. — Carota. 


PART  i. 


ing,  camphorous,  and  slightly  bitter  taste.  Its  sp.  gr.  is  0'945.  It  cannot 
he  kept  long  without  undergoing  change,  and  finally,  even  though  excluded 
from  the  air,  loses  its  peculiar  odour  and  taste.  (Tromrosdorff,  Annal.  der 
Pharm.,  July,  1834.)  If  ether  be  allowed  to  percolate  through  the  powdered 
seeds,  and  the  liquor  obtained  be  deprived  of  the  ether  by  evaporation,  a light 
greenish-brown  flryd  remains,  consisting  almost  exclusively  of  the  volatile  and 
fixed  oils.  It  has  the  odour  of  cardamom  and  keeps  better  than  the  oil 
obtained  by  distillation.  (Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xxi.  116.)  The  seeds 
should  be  powdered  only  when  wanted  for  immediate  use ; as  they  retain 
their  aromatic  properties  best  while  enclosed  within  the  capsules. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Cardamom  is  a warm  and  grateful  aromatic, 
less  heating  and  stimulating  than  some  others  belonging  to  the  class,  and  very 
useful  as  an  adjuvant  or  corrective  of  cordial,  tonic,  and  purgative  medicines. 
Throughout  the  East  Indies  it  is  largely  consumed  as  a condiment.  It  was 
known  to  the  ancients,  and  derived  its  name  from  the  Greek  language.  In 
this  country  it  is  employed  chiefly  as  an  ingredient  in  compound  preparations. 

Of'.  Prep.  Confectio  Aromatica ; Extractum  Colocynthidis  Comp.;  Pilula 
Colocynthidis  Comp. ; Pulvis  Aromaticus ; Pulvis  Cinnamomi  Comp. ; Tinc- 
tura  Cardamomi;  Tinct.  Cardamomi  Comp.;  Tiuct.  Cinnamomi  Comp.; 
Tinct.  Gentianae  Comp.;  Tinct.  Quassiae  Comp.;  Tinct.  Rhei;  Tinct.  Rhei 
Comp.;  Tinct.  Rhei  et  Aloes;  Tinct.  Senn®  Comp.;  Tinct.  Sennae  et  Jalap®; 
Vinurn  Aloes.  W. 

CAROTA.  U.  S.  Secondary. 

Carrot  Seed. 

The  fruit  of  Daucus  Carota.  U.  S. 

DAUCI  RADIX.  Ed, 

Garden  Carrot  Root. 

Root  of  Daucus  Carota,  var.  Sativa.  Ed. 

Off.  Syn.  CAROTA.  Daucus  Carota,  var.  Sativa,  Radix  recens.  Land. 
DAUCUS  CAROTA.  The  root.  Dub. 

Carotte,  Fr.;  Gemeine  Mohre,  Gelbe  Rube,  Germ,;  Carota,  Ital.;  Lanahoria,  Span. 

Daucus.  Sex.  Si/st.  Pentandria  Digynia. — Nat.  Ord,  Umbellifer®,  or 
Apiace®. 

Gen.  Ch.  Corolla  somewhat  rayed.  Florets  of  the  disk  abortive.  Fruit 
hispid  with  hairs.  Willd. 

Daucus  Carota.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  i.  1389;  Woodv.  Med.  Dot.  p.  130,  t. 
50.  The  wild  carrot  has  a biennial  spindle-shaped  root,  and  an  annual, 
round,  furrowed,  hairy  stem,  which  divides  into  long,  erect,  flower-bearing 
branches,  and  rises  two  or  three  feet  in  height.  The  leaves  are  hairy,  and 
stand  on  footstalks  nerved  on  their  under  side.  The  lower  are  large  and 
tripinnate,  the  upper,  smaller  and  less  compound;  in  both,  the  leaflets  are 
divided  into  narrow  pointed  segments.  The  flowers  are  small,  white,  and 
disposed  in  many-rayed  compound  umbels,  which  are  at  first  flat  on  the  top 
and  spreading,  but,  when  the  seeds  are  formed,  contract  so  as  to  present  a 
concave  cup-like  surface.  A sterile  flower  of  a deep  purple  colour  is  often 
observable  in  the  centre  of  the  umbel.  The  general  involucrum  is  composed 
of  several  leaves,  divided  into  long  narrow  segments;  the  partial  is  more 
simple.  The  petals  are  five,  unequal,  and  cordate.  The  fruit  consists  of  two 
plano-convex  hispid  portions,  connected  by  their  flat  surfaces. 


PART  I. 


Carota. 


185 


Daucus  Carota  is  exceedingly  common  in  this  country,  growing  along 
fences,  and  in  neglected  fields,  which,  in  the  months  of  June  and  July,  are 
sometimes  white  over  their  whole  surface  with  its  flowers.  It  grows  wild 
also  in  Europe,  from  which  it  is  supposed  by  some  botanists  to  have  been 
introduced  into  the  United  States.  The  well-known  garden  carrot  is  the 
same  plant,  somewhat  altered  by  cultivation.  The  officinal  portions  are  the 
fruit  of  the  wild,  and  the  root  of  the  cultivated  variety. 

1.  Carrot  Seeds.  Strictly  speaking,  these  should  be  called  the  fruit. 
They  are  very  light,  of  a brownish  colour,  of  an  oval  shape,  flat  on  one  side, 
convex  on  the  other,  and  on  their  convex  surface  presenting  four  longitudinal 
ridges,  to  which  stiff,  whitish  hairs  or  bristles  are  attached.  They  have  an 
aromatic  odour,  and  a warm,  pungent,  and  bitterish  taste.  By  distillation 
they  yield  a pale-yellow  volatile  oil,  upon  which  their  virtues  chiefly  depend. 
Boiling  water  extracts  their  active  properties. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Carrot  seeds  are  moderately  excitant  and 
diuretic,  and  are  employed,  both  in  domestic  practice  and  by  physicians,  in 
chronic  nephritic  affections,  and  in  dropsy.  As  they  possess  to  a certain 
extent  the  cordial  properties  of  the  aromatics,  they  are  especially  adapted  to 
cases  in  which  the  stomach  is  enfeebled.  They  are  said  to  afford  relief  in 
the  strangury  from  blisters.  From  thirty  grains  to  a drachm  of  the  bruised 
seeds  may  be  given  at  a dose,  or  a pint  of  the  infusion,  containing  the  virtues 
of  half  an  ounce  or  an  ounce  of  the  seeds,  may  be  taken  during  the  day. 
The  whole  umbel  is  often  used  instead  of  the  seeds  alone. 

2.  Carrot  Root.  The  root  of  the  wild  carrot  is  whitish,  hard,  coriaceous, 
branched,  of  a strong  smell,  and  an  acrid,  disagreeable  taste;  that  of  the  cul- 
tivated variety  is  reddish,  fleshy,  thick,  conical,  rarely  branched,  of  a pleasant 
odour,  and  a peculiar  sweet,  mucilaginous  taste.  The  constituents  of  the 
root  are  crystallizable  and  uncrystallizable  sugar,  a little  starch,  extractive, 
gluten,  albumen,  volatile  oil,  vegetable  jelly  or  pectin,  malic  acid,  saline  mat- 
ters, lignin,  and  a peculiar  crystallizable,  ruby-red,  neuter  principle,  without 
odour  or  taste,  called  carotin.  The  substance  called  vegetable  jelly  was  by 
some  considered  a modification  of  gum  or  mucilage,  combined  with  a vege- 
table acid.  Braconnot  found  it  to  be  a peculiar  principle,  and  gave  it  the 
name  of  pectin  from  the  Greek  (A^xrts),  expressive  of  its  characteristic  pro- 
perty of  gelatinizing.  It  exists  more  or  less  in  all  vegetables,  and  is  abun- 
dant in  certain  fruits  and  roots  from  which  jellies  are  prepared.  It  may  be 
separated  from  the  juice  of  fruits  by  alcohol,  which  precipitates  it  in  the  form 
of  a jelly.  This  being  washed  with  weak  alcohol  and  dried,  yields  a semi- 
transparent substance  bearing  some  resemblance  to  ichthyocolla.  Immersed 
in  100  parts  of  cold  water,  it  swells  like  bassorin,  and  ultimately  forms  a homo- 
geneous jelly.  With  a larger  proportion  it  exhibits  a mucilaginous  consist- 
ence. It  is  less  acted  on  by  boiling  than  by  cold  water.  When  perfectly 
pure  it  is  tasteless,  and  has  no  effect  on  vegetable  blues.  A striking  pecu- 
liarity is  that,  by  the  agency  of  a fixed  alkali  or  alkaline  earthy  base,  it  is 
instantly  converted  into  pectic  acid,  which  unites  with  the  base  to  form  a 
pectate.  This  may  be  decomposed  by  the  addition  of  an  acid,  which  unites 
with  the  base  and  separates  the  pectic  acid.  (Braconnot,  Annales  de  Chimie, 
Juillet,  1831.)  Pectic  acid  thus  obtained  is  in  the  form  of  a colourless  jelly, 
slightly  acidulous,  with  the  property  of  reddening  litmus  paper,  scarcely  solu- 
ble in  cold  water,  more  soluble  in  boiling  water,  and  forming  with  the  latter 
a solution,  which,  though  it  does  not  become  solid  on  cooling,  is  coagulated 
by  the  addition  of  alcohol,  lime-water,  acids,  or  salts,  and  even  of  sugar  if 
allowed  to  stand  for  some  time.  With  the  alkalies  the  acid  forms  salts,  which 
are  also  capable  of  assuming  the  consistence  of  a jelly.  With  the  earths  and 


186 


Car  ota. — Carthamus. 


PART  I. 


metallic  oxides  it  forms  insoluble  salts.  Braconnot  thinks  that  peetic  acid 
exists  in  many  plants  already  formed.  M.  Fremy  found  that  pectin  results, 
in  fruits,  from  the  reaction  of  acids  upon  a peculiar  insoluble  substance  they 
contain  when  immature,  called  by  him  pectose;  and  that  pectin  is  changed 
into  pectic  acid  not  only  by  alkalies,  but  also  by  vegetable  albumen. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  The  wild  root  possesses  the  same  properties 
with  the  seeds,  and  may  be  used  for  the  same  purposes.  That  of  the  garden 
plant  has  acquired  much  reputation  as  an  external  application  to  phagedenic, 
sloughing,  and  cancerous  ulcers,  the  fetor  of  which  it  is  supposed  to  correct, 
while  it  sometimes  changes  the  character  of  the  diseased  action.  It  is  also 
useful  in  the  ulcers  which  follow  fevers.  The  root  is  brought  to  the  proper 
consistence  by  scraping.  In  this  state  it  retains  a portion  of  the  active  prin- 
ciples of  the  plant,  which  render  it  somewhat  stimulant.  Boiled  and  mashed, 
as  usually  recommended,  the  root  is  perfectly  mild,  and  fit  only  to  form 
emollient  cataplasms.*  W. 

CARTHAMUS.  U.S.  Secondary. 

Dyers'  Saffron. 

The  flowers  of  Carthamus  tinctorius.  U S. 

Fleurs  de  carthame,  Safran  batard,  Ft.;  Farber  Saffor,  Germ..;  Cartamo,  Ital.,  Span. 

Carthamus.  Sex.Syst.  Syngenesia  AEqualis. — Nat.Ord.  Composite  Cy- 
nareae.  De  Cand.  Cynaraceae.  Lindley. 

Gen.  Oh.  Receptacle  paleaceous,  setose.  Calyx  ovate,  imbricated,  with 
ovate  scales,  leafy  at  the  end.  Seed-down  paleaceous,  hairy,  or  none.  Willd. 

Carthamus  tinctorius.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  iii.  1706.  The  dyers’  saffron  or 
safflower  is  an  annual  plant,  with  a smooth  erect  stem,  somewhat  branched  at 
top,  and  a foot  or  two  in  height.  The  leaves  are  alternate,  sessile,  ovate, 
acute,  entire,  and  furnished  with  spiny  teeth.  The  flowers  are  compound,  in 
large,  terminal,  solitary  heads.  The  florets  are  of  an  orange-red  colour,  with 
a funnel-shaped  corolla,  of  which  the  tube  is  long,  slender,  and  cylindrical, 
and  the  border  divided  into  five  equal,  lanceolate,  narrow  segments. 

The  plant  is  a native  of  India,  the  Levant,  and  Egypt,  and  is  cultivated 
in  those  countries,  as  well  as  in  various  parts  of  Europe  and  America.  The 
florets  are  the  part  employed.  They  are  brought  to  us  chiefly  from  the  ports 
of  the  Mediterranean.  Considerable  quantities  are  produced  in  this  country, 
and  sold  as  American  saffron. 

Safflower  in  mass  is  of  a red  colour,  diversified  by  the  yellowness  of  the 
filaments  contained  within  the  floret.  It  has  a peculiar  slightly  aromatic 
odour,  and  a scarcely  perceptible  bitterness.  Among  its  ingredients  are  two 
colouring  substances — one  red,  insoluble  in  water,  slightly  soluble  in  alcohol, 
very  soluble  in  alkaline  liquids,  and  called  carthamine,  or  carthamic  acid  by 
D'dbereiner,  who  found  it  to  possess  acid  properties;  the  other  yellow,  and 
soluble  in  water.  It  is  the  former  which  renders  safflower  useful  as  a dye- 
stuff. Carthamine,  mixed  with  finely  powdered  talc,  forms  the  cosmetic  pow- 
der called  rouge.  For  more  detailed  information  in  relation  to  these  princi- 
ples, the  reader  is  referred  to  the  Journal  de  Pharmacie  (3e  s6r.,  iii.  203). 

* Carrot  Ointment.  The  following  formula  for  this  ointment  has  been  handed  to  us 
by  Professor  Procter,  who  has  long  been  in  the  habit  of  preparing  it: — Take  of 
grated  carrot  root  half  a pound,  lard  a pound,  wax  four  ounces.  Melt  the  lard  and 
wax,  add  the  carrot  root,  evaporate  with  a moderate  heat  the  moisture  of  the  root, 
and  strain.  It  may  be  used  in  excoriated  or  ulcerated  surfaces,  requiring  a gentle 
stimulation. — Note  to  the  tenth  edition. 


PART  I. 


Carthamus. — Carum. 


18T 


These  flowers  are  sometimes  fraudulently  mixed  with  saffron,  which  they 
resemble  in  colour,  but  from  which  they  may  be  distinguished  by  their  tubu- 
lar form,  and  by  the  yellowish  style  and  filaments  which  they  enclose. 

Medical  Properties.  In  large  doses  carthamus  is  said  to  be  laxative ; and 
administered  in  the  state  of  warm  infusion  it  proves  somewhat  diaphoretic. 
It  is  used  in  domestic  practice,  as  a substitute  for  saffron,  in  measles,  scarla- 
tina, and  other  exanthematous  diseases,  in  order  to  promote  the  eruption. 
An  infusion  made  in  the  proportion  of  two  drachms  to  a pint  of  boiling  water 
is  usually  employed,  and  given  without  restriction  as  to  quantity.  W. 

CARUM.  U.S. 

Caraway. 

The  fruit  of  Carum  Carui.  U.  S. 

Off.  Syn.  CAEUI.  Carum  Carui.  The  fruit.  Lond.,  Ed.  The  seeds.  D u h. 

Carvi,  Fr.,  Ital.;  Gemeiner  Kumxnel,  Germ.;  Alcaravea,  Span. 

Carum.  Sex.  Syst.  Pentandria  Digynia. — Nat.  Ord.  Umbelliferae  or 
Apiacese. 

Gen-Ch.  Fruit  ovate-oblong,  striated.  Involucre  one-leafed.  Petals  keeled, 
inflexed-emarginate.  Willd. 

Carum  Carui.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  i.  1470;  Woodv.  Med.  Bot.  p.  102,  t. 
41.  This  plant  is  biennial  and  umbelliferous,  with  a spindle-shaped,  fleshy, 
whitish  root,  and  an  erect  stem,  about  two  feet  in  height,  branching  above, 
and  furnished  with  doubly  pinnate,  deeply  incised  leaves,  the  segments  of 
which  are  linear  and  pointed.  The  flowers  are  small  and  white,  and  termi- 
nate the  branches  of  the  stem  in  erect  umbels,  which  are  accompanied  with 
an  involucre,  consisting  sometimes  of  three  or  four  leaflets,  sometimes  of  one 
only,  and  are  destitute  of  partial  involucre. 

The  caraway  plant  is  a native  of  Europe,  growing  wild  in  meadows  and 
pastures,  and  cultivated  in  many  places.  It  has  been  introduced  into  this 
country.  The  flowers  appear  in  May  and  June,  and  the  seeds,  which  are 
not  perfected  till  the  second  year,  ripen  in  August.  The  root,  when  im- 
proved by  culture,  resembles  the  parsnip,  and  is  used  as  food  by  the  inhabit- 
ants of  the  North  of  Europe.  The  seeds  are  the  part  used  in  medicine. 
They  are  collected  by  cutting  down  the  plant,  and  threshing  it  on  a cloth. 
Our  markets  are  supplied  partly  from  Europe,  partly  from  our  own  gardens. 
The  American  seeds  are  usually  rather  smaller  than  the  German. 

Caraway  seeds  (half-fruits)  are  about  two  lines  in  length,  slightly  curved, 
with  five  longitudinal  ridges,  which  are  of  a light  yellowish  colour,  while  the 
intervening  spaces  are  dark  brown.  They  have  a pleasant  aromatic  smell, 
and  a sweetish,  warm,  spicy  taste.  These  properties  depend  on  an  essential 
oil,  which  they  afford  largely  by  distillation.  The  residue  is  insipid.  They 
yield  their  virtues  readily  to  alcohol,  and  more  slowly  to  water. 

, Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Caraway  is  a pleasant  stomachic  and  car- 
minative, occasionally  used  in  flatulent  colic,  and  as  an  adjuvant  or  corrective 
of  other  medicines.  The  dose  in  substance  is  from  a scruple  to  a drachm. 
An  infusion  may  be  prepared  by  adding  two  drachms  of  the  seeds  to  a pint 
of  boiling  water.  The  volatile  oil,  however,  is  most  employed.  (See  Oleum 
Carl .)  The  seeds  are  baked  in  cakes,  to  which  they  communicate  an  agree- 
able flavour,  while  they  stimulate  the  digestive  organs. 

Off.  Prep.  Aqua  Carui  ; Confectio  Opii;  Confectio  Itutae;  Emplastrum 
Cumini;  Oleum  Cari;  Spiritus  Carui ; Spiritus  Juniperi  Compositus;  Tinc- 
tura  Cardamom!  Composita;  Tinct.  Sennae  Comp.;  Tinct.  Sennas  et  Jalapae. 

W. 


188 


Caryophyllus. 


PART  i. 


CARYOPHYLLUS.  U.  S.,  Ed.,  Dub. 

Cloves. 

The  unexpanded  flowers  of  Caryophyllus  aromaticus.  U.  S.,  Ed.,  Dul. 

Off.  Syn.  CARYOPHYLLUM.  Caryophyllus  aromaticus.  Flosnondum 
explicatus-  Land. 

Girofle,  Clous  de  Girofles,  Fr.;  Gewurznelken,  Germ..;  Garofani,  Ital.  ; Clavos  de 
espicia,  Span.;  Cravo  da  India,  Portuguese ; Kruidnagel,  Dutch;  Kerunfel,  Arab. 

Caryophyllus.  Sex.  Syst.  Icosandria  Monogynia. — Nat.  Ord.  Myrtaceae. 

Gen.Cli.  Tube  of  the  calyx  cylindrical;  limb,  four-parted.  Petals  four,  ad- 
hering by  their  ends  in  a sort  of  calyptra.  Stamens  distinct,  arranged  in  four 
parcels  in  a quadrangular  fleshy  hollow,  near  the  teeth  of  the  calyx.  Ovary 
two-celled,  with  about  twenty  ovules  in  each  cell.  Berry  one  or  two-celled,  one 
or  two-seeded.  Seeds  cylindrical,  or  half-ovate.  Cotyledons  thick,  fleshy,  con- 
vex externally,  sinuous  in  various  ways  internally.  Lindley.  De  Cand. 

Caryophyllus  aromaticus.  Linn.  Sp.  735;  De  Cand.  Prodroni.  iii.  262; 
Carson,  Pllust.  of  Med.  Bot.  i.  43,  pi.  37. — Eugenia  caryophyl/ata.  Willd. 
Sjt.  Plant,  ii.  965;  Woodv.  Med.  Bot.  p.  538,  t.  193.  This  small  tree  is  one 
of  the  most  elegant  of  those  which  inhabit  the  islands  of  India.  It  has 
a pyramidal  form,  is  always  green,  and  is  adorned  throughout  the  year  with  a 
succession  of  beautiful  rosy  flowers.  The  stem  is  of  hard  wood,  and  covered 
with  a smooth,  grayish  bark.  The  leaves  are  about  four  inches  in  length  by 
two  in  breadth,  obovate-oblong,  acuminate  at  both  ends,  entire,  sinuated,  with 
many  parallel  veins  on  each  side  of  the  midrib,  supported  upon  long  footstalks, 
and  opposite  to  each  other  upon  the  branches.  They  have  a firm  consistence, 
a shining  green  colour,  and  when  bruised  are  highly  fragrant.  The  flowers 
are  disposed  in  terminal  corymbose  panicles,  and  exhale  a strong,  penetrating, 
and  grateful  odour. 

The  natural  geographical  range  of  the  clove-tree  is  extremely  limited.  It 
was  formerly  confined  to  the  Molucca  islands,  in  most  of  which  it  grew  abund- 
antly before  their  conquest  by  the  Dutch.  By  the  monopolizing  policy  of  that 
commercial  people,  the  trees  were  extirpated  in  nearly  all  the  islands  except 
Atnboyna  and  Ternate,  which  were  under  their  immediate  inspection.  Not- 
withstanding, however,  the  jealous  vigilance  of  the  Dutch,  a French  governor 
of  the  Isle  of  France  and  of  Bourbon,  named  Poivre,  succeeded,  in  the  year 
1770,  in  obtaining  plants  from  the  Moluccas,  and  introducing  them  into  the 
colonies  under  his  control.  Five  years  afterwards,  the  clove-tree  was  intro- 
duced into  Cayenne  and  the  West  Indies,  in  1803  into  Sumatra,  and  in  1818 
into  Zanzibar.  It  is  now  cultivated  largely  in  these  and  other  places;  and 
commerce  has  ceased  to  depend  on  the  Moluccas  for  supplies  of  this  spice. 

The  unexpanded  flower  buds  are  the  part  of  the  plant  employed  under  the 
ordinary  name  of  cloves.*  They  are  first  gathered  when  the  tree  is  about  six 
years  old.  The  fruit  has  similar  aromatic  properties,  but  much  weaker.  The 
buds  are  picked  by  the  hand,  or  separated  from  the  tree  by  long  reeds,  and 
are  then  quickly  dried.  In  the  Moluccas  they  are  said  to  be  sometimes  im- 
mersed in  boiling  water,  and  afterwards  exposed  to  smoke  and  artificial  heat, 
before  being  spread  out  in  the  sun.  In  Cayenne  and  the  West  Indies  they 
are  dried  simply  by  solar  heat. 

Cloves  appear  to  have  been  unknown  to  the  ancients.  They  were  intro- 
duced into  Europe  by  the  Arabians,  and  were  distributed  by  the  Venetians. 

* The  peduncles  of  the  flowers  have  been  sometimes  employed.  They  possess  the 
odour  and  taste  of  the  cloves,  though  in  a less  degree,  and  furnish  a considerable  quan- 
tity of  essential  oil.  The  French  call  them  griffes  de  Girofles. 


PART  I. 


S 


189 


Caryopliyllus. 

After  the  discovery  of  the  southern  passage  to  India,  the  trade  in  this  spice 
passed  into  the  hands  of  the  Portuguese;  but  was  subsequently  wrested  from 
them  by  the  Dutch,  by  wbom  it  was  long  monopolized.  Within  a few  years, 
however,  the  extended  culture  of  the  plant  has  thrown  open  the  commerce  in 
cloves  to  all  nations.  The  United  States  derive  much  of  their  supply  from 
the  AVest  Indies  and  Guiana.  The  Molucca  cloves  are  said  to  be  thicker, 
darker,  heavier,  more  oily,  and  more  highly  aromatic  than  those  of  the  colo- 
nies to  which  the  clove-tree  has  been  transplanted.  They  are  known  by  the 
name  of  Amboyna  doves.  The  Bencoolen  doves , from  Sumatra,  are  deemed 
equal  if  not  superior  by  the  English  druggists. 

Properties.  Cloves  resemble  a nail  in  shape,  are  usually  rather  more  than 
half  an  inch  long,  and  have  a round  head  with  four  spreading  points  beneath 
it.  Their  colour  is  externally  deep  brown,  internally  reddish  ; their  odour 
strong  and  fragrant;  their  taste  hot,  pungent,  aromatic,  and  very  permanent. 
The  best  cloves  are  large,  heavy,  brittle,  and  exude  a small  quantity  of  oil  on 
being  pressed  or  scraped  with  the  nail.  AVhen  light,  soft,  wrinkled,  pale,  and 
of  feeble  taste  and  smell,  they  are  inferior.  AVe  are  told  that  those  from 
which  the  essential  oil  has  been  distilled  are  sometimes  fraudulently  mixed 
with  the  genuine. 

Trommsdorff  obtained  from  1000  parts  of  cloves  180  of  volatile  oil,  170 
of  a peculiar  tannin,  130  of  gum,  60  of  resin,  280  of  vegetable  fibre,  and  180 
of  water.  M.  Lodibert  afterwards  discovered  a fixed  oil,  aromatic  and  of  a 
green  colour,  and  a white  resinous  substance  which  crystallizes  in  fasciculi 
composed  of  very  fine  diverging  silky  needles,  without  taste  or  smell,  soluble 
in  ether  and  boiling  alcohol,  and  exhibiting  neither  alkaline  nor  acid  reaction. 
This  substance,  called  by  M.  Bonastre  caryophyllin,  was  found  in  the  cloves 
of  the  Moluccas,  of  Bourbon,  and  of  Barbadoes,  but  not  in  those  of  Cayenne. 
Berzelius  considers  it  a stearoptene,  and  probably  identical  with  that  deposited 
by  the  oil  of  cloves  when  long  kept.  To  obtain  it,  the  ethereal  extract  of 
cloves  is  treated  with  water,  and  the  white  substance  formed  is  separated  by 
filtration,  and  treated  repeatedly  with  ammonia  to  deprive  it  of  impurities. 
Thus  procured,  Dr.  Muspratt  found  it  to  consist  of  carbon,  hydrogen,  and 
oxygen,  in  the  proportion  represented  by  the  formula  C10HsO7.  ( Pharm . 
Journ.  and  Trans.,  x.  843.)  M.  Dumas  has  discovered  another  crystalline 
principle,  which  forms  in  the  water  distilled  from  cloves,  and  is  gradually 
deposited.  Like  caryophyllin,  it  is  soluble  in  alcohol  and  ether,  but  differs 
from  that  substance  in  becoming  red  when  touched  with  nitric  acid.  M. 
Bonastre  proposes  for  it  the  name  of  eugenin.  {Journ.  de  Pharm. , xx.  565.) 
AVater  extracts  the  odour  of  cloves  with  comparatively  little  of  their  taste. 
All  their  sensible  properties  are  imparted  to  alcohol,  and- the  tincture  when 
evaporated  leaves  an  excessively  fiery  extract,  which  becomes  insipid  when 
deprived  of  the  oil  by  distillation  with  water,  while  the  oil  which  comes  over 
is  mild.  Hence  it  has  been  inferred  that  the  pungency  of  this  aromatic  de- 
pends on  a union  of  the  essential  oil  with  the  resin.  For  an  account  of  the 
oil,  see  Oleum  Caryophylli.  The  infusion  and  oil  of  cloves  are  reddened  by 
nitric  acid,  and  rendered  blue  by  tincture  of  chloride  of  iron;  facts  of  some 
interest,  as  morphia  affords  the  same  results  with  these  reagents. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Cloves  are  among  the  most  stimulant  of  the 
aromatics;  but,  like  others  of  this  class,  act  less  upon  the  system  at  large  than 
on  the  part  to  which  they  are  immediately  applied.  They  are  sometimes 
administered  in  substance  or  infusion  to  relieve  nausea  and  vomiting,  correct 
flatulence,  and  excite  languid  digestion;  but  their  chief  use  is  to  assist  or 
modify  the  action  of  other  medicines.  The}'  enter  into  several  officinal  pre- 
parations. Their  dose  in  substance  is  from  five  to  ten  grains. 

The  French  Codex  directs  a tincture  of  cloves  to  be  prepared  by  digesting 


190 


PART  I. 


Caryophyllus. — Cascarilla. 

for  six  days,  and  afterwards  filtering,  a mixture  of  four  ounces  of  powdered- 
cloves  and  sixteen  of  alcohol  of  31°  Cartier.  Three  ounces  to  the  pint  of 
alcohol  is  a sufficiently  near  approximation. 

Off.  Prep.  Confectio  Aromatica;  Confectio  Scammonii;  Infusum  Aurantii 
Compositum;  Infusum  Caryophylli;  Mistura  Ferri  Aromatica;  Oleum  Caryo- 
phylli; Spiritus  Ammoniae  Aromaticus;  Spiritus  Lavandulae  Cfim  posit  us; 
Syrupus  llhei  Aromaticus;  Yinum  Opii.  IV. 

CASCARILLA.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub. 
Cascarilla. 

The  bark  of  Croton  Eleuteria.  U.  S.,  Land.,  Dub.  Bark  probably  of 
Croton  Eleuteria,  and  possibly  other  species  of  the  same  genus.  Ed. 

Cascarille,  Fr.;  Cascarillrinde,  Germ.;  Cascariglia,  Jtal.;  Chacarila,  Span. 

Croton.  Sex.  Syst.  Monoecia  Monadelphia. — Nat.  Ord.  Euphorbiaceae. 

Gen.  Oh.  Male.  Calyx  cylindrical,  five-toothed.  Corolla  five-petalled. 
Stamens  ten  to  fifteen.  Female.  Calyx  many-leaved.  Corolla  none.  Styles 
three,  bifid.  Capsule  three-celled.  Seed  one.  Wilkl. 

Cascarilla  has  been  ascribed  by  different  writers  to  different  species  of 
Croton ; but  authorities  now  generally  agree  in  referring  it  to  C.  Eleuteria. 
It  is  not  impossible  that  C.  Cascarilla  of  Linnaeus  contributes  a portion  of 
the  drug,  but  we  have  no  proof  of  the  fact.  The  London  College  has  cor- 
rected the  error,  committed  in  a former  edition  of  its  Pharmacopoeia,  of 
recognising  the  C.  Cascarilla  of  Don  as  the  source  of  it.  This  botanist  mis- 
took the  Copalchi  bark  of  Mexico,  which  is  produced  by  the  Croton  Pseudo- 
China  of  Schiede,  and  bears  some  resemblance  to  cascarilla,  for  the  genuine 
bark,  and  hence  proposed  to  transfer  the  specific  name  of  Cascarilla  to  the 
Mexican  plant;  an  unfortunate  error,  to  which  the  London  College  formerly 
gave  authority  by  its  sanction.  No  fact  is  better  ascertained  than  that  the 
proper  cascarilla  bark  is  a West  India  product,  and  is  never  brought  from 
Mexico.  The  Copalchi  bark  has  been  mistaken  also  for  a variety  of  cinchona.* 

Croton  Eleuteria.  Willd.  Sp  Plant,  iv.  545;  Carson,  Phut,  of  Med.  Bot. 
ii.  34,  pi.  78.  This  species  of  Croton  is  a small  tree  or  shrub,  said  by  Browne 
to  be  four  or  five  feet  in  height,  but  as  seen  by  Dr.  Wright  in  Jamaica,  rising 
to  twenty  feet,  and  branching  thickly  towards  the  summit.  The  leaves  are 
entire,  ovate  or  cordate-lanceolate,  and  elongated  towards  the  apex,  which  is 
blunt.  They  are  of  a bright  green  colour  upon  their  upper  surface,  and 
stand  alternately  upon  short  footstalks.  The  flowers,  whieh  are  of  a whitish 
colour,  are  disposed  in  axillary  and  terminal  racemes.  This  shrub  grows 
wild  in  the  West  Indies,  especially  the  Bahama  islands,  in  one  of  which, 
the  small  island  of  Eleutheria,  it  is  found  so  abundantly  as  to  have  received 
its  name  from  that  circumstance.  It  is  called  by  Browne  sea-side  balsam. 

* Portions  of  Copalchi  bark  have  been  taken  to  Europe,  and  attracted  the  attention 
both  of  pharmacologists  and  medical  practitioners.  Two  kinds  of  it  have  been  noticed  : 
one,  in  sinall  slender  quills,  of  an  ash  colour,  bearing  some  resemblance  to  a variety 
of  pale  cinchona,  but  having  the  flavour  of  cascarilla,  and  burning  with  a similar  odour; 
the  other,  in  larger  quills,  with  a thick  cork-like  epidermis,  very  bitter,  and  yielding 
an  aromatic  odour  when  burnt.  The  former  is  the  product  of  C.  Pseudo-China,  the 
latter. is  of  unknown  origin,  but  conjecturally  referred  to  Croton  suberosum.  Copalchi 
bark  is  an  aromatic  tonic,  used  in  Mexico  in  intermittents,  and  capable  of  useful  appli- 
cation in  all  cases  requiring  a mild  aromatic  bitter.  Dr.  Stark  has  employed  it  ad- 
vantageously in  feeble  states  of  digestion  with  irritable  bowels,  and  found  it  in  one  or 
two  cases  to  exhibit  antiperiodic  properties.  It  may  be  given  in  infusion  made  with 
half  an  ounce  of  the  bark  to  a pint  of  water,  in  the  dose  of  one  or  two  fluidounces 
three  times  a day.  {Ed.  Med.  and  Surg.  Journ.,  April,  1849,  p.  410.) — Note  to  ninth  edition. 


PART  I. 


Cascarilla. 


191 


Croton  Cascarilla.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  iv.  531 ; Woodv.  Med.  Bot.  p.  629, 
t.  222.  This  is  still  smaller  than  the  preceding  species,  and  is  called  by 
Browne  the  small  seaside  balsam.  The  stem  is  branched  and  covered  with 
brown  bark,  of  which  the  external  coat  is  rough  and  whitish.  The  leaves 
are  long,  very  narrow,  somewhat  pointed,  entire,  of  a bright  green  colour  on 
the  upper  surface,  downy  and  of  a silvery  whiteness  on  the  under.  They  are 
placed  alternately  on  short  footstalks.  The  flowers  are  small,  greenish,  and 
disposed  in  long  terminal  spikes.  This  plant  is  a native  of  the  Bahamas,  has 
been  found  abundantly  in  Hayti,  and  is  said  also  to  grow  in  Peru  and  Para- 
guay. Browne  describes  it  as  hot  and  pungent  to  the  taste.  The  Croton 
lineare  of  Jacquin,  considered  by  Willdenow  as  a variety  of  C.  Cascarilla,  is 
made  a distinct  species  by  Sprengel.  It  is  the  wild  rosemary  of  Jamaica, 
and  is  said  by  Dr.  Wright  to  have  none  of  the  sensible  qualities  of  cascarilla. 

Cascarilla  is  brought  to  this  market  from  the  West  Indies,  and  chiefly,  as 
we  have  been  informed,  from  the  Bahamas.  It  comes  in  bags  or  casks.  Wb 
have  observed  it  in  the  shops  in  two  forms,  so  distinct  as  almost  to  deserve 
the  title  of  varieties.  In  one,  the  bark  is  in  rolled  pieces  of  every  size,  from 
three  or  four  inches  in  length  and  half  an  inch  in  diameter  to  the  smallest 
fragments,  covered  externally  with  a dull  whitish  or  grayish-white  epidermis, 
which  in  many  portions  is  partially,  sometimes  wholly  removed,  leaving  a 
dark-brown  surface,  while  the  inner  surface  has  a chocolate  colour,  and  the 
fracture  is  reddish-brown.  The  small  pieces  are  sometimes  curled,  but  have 
a distinct  abrupt  edge  as  if  broken  from  the  branches.  The  second  variety 
consists  entirely  of  very  small  pieces  not  more  than  an  inch  or  two  in  length, 
very  thin,  without  the  white  epidermis,  not  regularly  quilled,  but  curved  more 
or  less  in  the  direction  of  their  length,  often  having  a small  portion  of  woody 
fibre  attached  to  their  inner  surface,  and  presenting  an  appearance  precisely 
as  if  shaved  by  a knife  from  the  stem  or  branches  of  the  shrub.  Whether 
these  two  varieties  are  derived  from  distinct  species,  or  differ  only  from  the 
mode  of  collection,  it  is  difficult  to  determine. 

Properties.  Cascarilla  has  an  aromatic  odour,  rendered  much  more  distinct 
by  friction,  and  a warm,  spicy,  bitter  taste.  It  is  brittle,  breaking  with  a 
short  fracture.  When  burnt  it  emits  a pleasant  odour,  closely  resembling 
that  of  musk,  but  weaker  and  more  agreeable.  This  property  serves  to  dis- 
tinguish it  from  all  other  barks.  It  was  analyzed  by  Trommsdorff,  and  more 
recently  by  M.  Duval,  of  Liseux,  in  France.  The  constituents  found  by  the 
latter  were  albumen,  a peculiar  kind  of  tannin,  a bitter  crystallizable  principle 
called  cascarillin,  a red  colouring  matter,  fatty  matter  of  a nauseous  odour, 
wax,  gum,  volatile  oil,  resin,  starch,  pectic  acid,  chloride  of  potassium,  a salt 
of  lime,  and  lignin.  The  oil,  according  to  Trommsdorff,  constitutes  1'6  per 
cent.,  is  of  a greenish-yellow  colour,  a penetrating  odour  analogous  to  that  of 
the  bark,  and  of  the  sp.gr.  0‘938.  To  obtain  cascarillin,  M.  Duval  treated 
the  powdered  bark  with  water,  added  acetate  of  lead  to  the  solution,  separated 
the  lead  by  sulphuretted  hydrogen,  filtered,  evaporated  with  the  addition  of 
animal  charcoal,  filtered  again,  evaporated  again  at  a low  temperature  to  the 
consistence  of  a syrup,  allowed  this  to  harden  by  cooling,  and  purified  the 
matter  thus  obtained  by  twice  successively  treating  it,  first  with  a little  cold 
alcohol,  to  separate  the  colouring  and  fatty  matters,  and  afterwards  with  boil- 
ing alcohol  and  animal  charcoal.  The  last  alcoholic  solution  was  allowed  to 
evaporate  spontaneously.  Thus  obtained,  cascarillin  is  white,  crystallized, 
inodorous,  of  a bitter  taste,  very  slightly  soluble  in  water,  soluble  in  alcohol 
and  ether,  neuter  in  chemical  relations,  and  without  nitrogen.  ( Journ . de 
Pharm.,  3e  sir.,  viii.  96.)  Either  alcohol  or  water  will  partially  extract  the 
active  matters  of  cascarilla ; but  diluted  alcohol  is  the  proper  menstruum. 


192 


Cascarilla. — Cassia  Fistula. 


PART  i. 


Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  This  bark  is  aromatic  and  tonic.  It  was 
known  in  Germany  so  early  as  the  year  1690,  and  was  much  used  as  a sub- 
stitute for  Peruvian  bark  by  those  who  were  prejudiced  against  that  febrifuge 
in  the  treatment  of  remittent  and  intermittent  fevers.  It  has,  however,  lost 
much  of  its  reputation,  and  is  now  employed  only  where  a pleasant  and  gently 
stimulant  tonic  is  desirable  ; as  in  dyspepsia,  chronic  diarrhoea  and  dysentery, 
flatulent  colic,  and  other  cases  of  debility  of  the  stomach  or  bowels.  It  is 
sometimes  advantageously  combined  with  the  more  powerful  bitters.  It  may 
be  given  in  powder  or  infusion.  The  dose  of  the  former  is  from  a scruple  to 
half  a drachm,  which  may  be  repeated  several  times  a day.  In  consequence 
of  its  pleasant  odour  when  burnt,  some  smokers  mix  it  in  small  quantity  with 
their  tobacco;  but  it  is  said  when  thus  employed  to  occasion  vertigo  and 
intoxication. 

OF  Prep.  Infusum  Cascarillae;  Tinctura  Cascarillae.  W. 

CASSIA  FISTULA.  TJ.S. 

Purging  Cassia. 

The  fruit  of  Cassia  Fistula.  U.  S. 

Off.  Syn.  CASSIA.  Cassia  Fistula.  Fructus.  Pond.;  CASSIJE  PULPA. 
Pulp  of  the  pods  of  Cassia  Fistula.  Ed. 

Casse,  Fr.;  Rokrenkassie,  Germ.;  Polpi  di  Cassia,  Ital.;  Cana  Fistula,  Span. 

Cassia.  Sex.  Syst.  Ueeandria  Monogynia. — Nat.  Ord.  Fabacem  or  Le- 
guminosse. 

Gen.  Ch.  Calyx  five-leaved.  Petals  five.  Anthers,  three  upper  sterile,  three 
lower  beaked.  Lomentum.  Willd. 

The  tree  which  yields  the  purging  cassia  is  ranked  by  some  botanists  in  a 
distinct  genus,  separated  from  the  Cassia  and  denominated  Cathartocarpus. 
(See  Lind  ley’s  Flor.  Med.,  262.) 

Cassia  Fistula.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  ii.  518 ; Woodv.  Med.  Bot.  p.  445,  t. 
160;  Carson,  I/lust,  of  Med.  Bot.  i.  24,  pi.  26.  — Cathartocarpus  Fistula. 
Persoon,  Synops.  i.  459.  This  is  a large  tree,  rising  to  the  height  of  forty 
or  fifty  feet,  with  a trunk  of  hard  heavy  wood,  dividing  towards  the  top  into 
numerous  spreading  branches,  and  covered  with  a smooth  ash-coloured  bark. 
The  leaves  are  commonly  composed  of  five  or  six  pairs  of  opposite  leaflets, 
which  are  ovate,  pointed,  undulated,  smooth,  of  a pale  green  colour,  from 
three  to  five  inches  long,  and  supported  upon  short  petioles.  The  flowers 
are  large,  of  a golden  yellow  colour,  and  arranged  in  long  pendent  axillary 
racemes.  The  fruit  consists  of  long,  cylindrical,  woody,  dark-brown,  pendu- 
lous pods,  which,  when  agitated  by  the  wind,  strike  against  each  other,  and 
produce  a sound  that  may  be  heard  at  a considerable  distance. 

This  species  of  Cassia  is  a native  of  Upper  Egypt  and  India,  whence  it  is 
generally  supposed  to  have  been  transplanted  to  other  parts  of  the  world.  It 
is  at  present  very  extensively  diffused  through  the  tropical  regions  of  the  old 
and  new  continents,  being  found  in  Insular  and  Continental  India,  Cochin- 
China,  Egypt,  Nubia,  the  West  Indies,  and  the  warmer  parts  of  America. 
The  fruit  is  the  officinal  portion  of  the  plant.  It  is  imported  from  the  East 
and  West  Indies,  chiefly  the  latter,  and  from  South  America. 

Properties.  Cassia  pods  are  a foot  or  more  in  length,  straight  or  but 
slightly  curved,  cylindrical,  less  than  an  inch  in  diameter,  with  a woody 
shell,  externally  of  a dark-brown  colour,  and  marked  with  three  longitudinal 
shining  bands,  extending  from  one  end  to  the  other,  two  of  which  are  iu  close 
proximity,  appearing  to  constitute  a single  band,  and  the  third  is  ou  the  op- 
posite side  of  the  pod.  These  bands  mark  the  place  of  junction  of  the  valves 


PART  I. 


Cassia  Fistula. — Cassia  Marilandica. 


193 


of  the  legume,  and  are  represented  as  sometimes  excavated  in  the  form  of  fur- 
rows. There  are  also  circular  depressions  at  unequal  distances.  Internally 
the  pod  is  divided  into  numerous  cells  by  thin  transverse  plates,  which  are 
covered  with  a soft,  black  pulp.  Each  cell  contains  a single,  oval,  shining 
seed.  The  pods  brought  from  the  Egst  Indies  are  smaller,  smoother,  have  a 
blacker  pulp,  and  are  more  esteemed  than  those  from  the  West  Indies. 

We  have  seen  a quantity  of  pods  in  this  market  sold  as  cassia  pods,  which 
were  an  inch  and  a half  in  diameter,  flattened  on  the  sides,  exceedingly 
rough  on  the  outer  surface,  and  marked  by  three  longitudinal  very  elevated 
ridges  corresponding  to  the  bands  or  furrows  of  the  common  cassia.  The 
pulp  was  rather  nauseous,  but  in  other  respects  seemed  to  have  the  properties 
of  the  officinal  purging  cassia.  They  corresponded  exactly  with  a specimen 
of  the  fruit  of  Cassia  Brasiliana  brought  from  the  West  Indies,  and  were 
probably  derived  from  that  plant. 

The  heaviest  pods,  and  those  which  do  not  make  a rattling  noise  when 
shaken,  are  to  be  preferred;  as  they  contain  a larger  portion  of  the  pulp, 
which  is  the  part  employed.  This  should  be  black  and  shining,  and  have  a 
sweet  taste.  It  is  apt  to  become  sour  if  long  exposed  to  the  air,  or  mouldy 
if  kept  in  a damp  place.  The  pulp  is  extracted  from  the  pods  by  first  bruising 
them,  then  boiling  them  in  water,  and  afterwards  evaporating  the  decoction; 
or,  when  the  pods  are  fresh,  by  opening  them  at  the  sutures,  and  removing 
the  pulp  by  a spatula.  (See  Cassise  Fistulas  Pulpa .) 

Cassia  pulp  has  a slight  rather  sickly  odour,  and  a sweet  mucilaginous  taste. 
From  the  analysis  of  M.  Henry  it  appears  to  contain  sugar,  gum,  a substance 
analogous  to  tannin,  a colouring  matter  soluble  in  ether,  traces  of  a principle 
resembling  gluten,  and  a small  quantity  of  water. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Cassia  pulp  is  generally  laxative,  and  may 
be  advantageously  given  in  small  doses  in  cases  of  habitual  costiveness.  In 
quantities  sufficient  to  purge,  it  occasions  nausea,  flatulence,  and  griping.  In 
this  country  it  is  very  rarely  prescribed,  except  as  an  ingredient  in  the  con- 
fection of  senna,  which  is  a highly  pleasant  and  useful  laxative  preparation. 
The  dose  of  the  pulp  as  a laxative  is  one  or  two  drachms,  as  a purge  one  or 
two  ounces. 

Off.  Prep.  Cassias  Fistulse  Pulpa;  Cassia  Praeparata.  W. 

CASSIA  MARILANDICA.  U.S. 

American  Senna. 

The  leaves  of  Cassia  Marilandica.  U.  S. 

Cassia.  See  CASSIA  FISTULA. 

Cassia  Marilandica.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  ii.  524  ; Bigelow,  Am.  Med.  Bot. 
ii.  116;  Barton,  Med.  Bot.  i.  137.  This  is  an  indigenous  perennial  plant,  of 
vigorous  growth,  sending  up  annually  numerous  round,  erect,  nearly  smooth, 
stems,  which  are  usually  simple,  and  rise  from  three  to  six  feet  in  height. 
The  leaves  are  alternate,  and  composed  of  from  eight  to  ten  pairs  of  oblong- 
lanceolate,  smooth,  mucronate  leaflets,  green  on  their  upper  surface,  pale 
beneath,  and  connected  by  short  petioles  with  the  common  footstalk,  which 
is  compressed,  channeled  above,  and  furnished  near  its  base  with  an  ovate, 
stipitate  gland.  The  flowers,  which  are  of  a beautiful  golden  yellow  colour, 
grow  in  short  axillary  racemes  at  the  upper  part  of  the  stem.  The  calyx  is 
composed  of  five  oval,  obtuse,  unequal,  yellow  leaves;  the  corolla  of  the  same 
number  of  spatulate  concave  petals,  of  which  three  are  ascending,  and  two 
descending  and  larger  than  the  others.  The  stamens  are  ten,  with  yellow 


194 


Cassia  Marilandica. — Castanea. 


PART  i. 


filaments  and  brown  anthers,  which  open  hy  a terminal  pore.  The  three 
upper  stamens  bear  short  abortive  anthers;  the  three  lowermost  are  long, 
curved,  and  tapering  into  a beak.  The  germ,  which  descends  with  the  latter, 
bears  an  erect  style  terminating  in  a hairy  stigma.  The  fruit  is  a pendulous 
legume,  from  two  to  four  inches  long,  linear,  curved,  swelling  at  the  seeds, 
somewhat  hairy,  and  of  a blackish  colour. 

The  American  senna,  or  wild  senna  as  it  is  sometimes  called,  is  very  com- 
mon in  all  parts  of  the  United  States  south  of  New  York,  and  grows  as  far 
northward  as  the  southern  boundary  of  Massachusetts.  It  prefers  a low, 
moist,  rich  soil,  in  the  vicinity  of  water,  and,  though  frequently  found  in 
dryer  and  more  elevated  places,  is  most  abundant  and  luxuriant  in  the  flat 
ground  on  the  borders  of  rivers  and  ponds.  It  is  sometimes  cultivated  in 
gardens  for  medical  use.  In  the  months  of  July  and  August,  when  in  full 
bloom,  it  has  a rich  and  beautiful  appearance.  The  leaves  should  be  collected 
in  August  or  the  beginning  of  September,  and  carefully  dried. 

They  are  sometimes  brought  into  the  market,  compressed  into  oblong  cakes, 
such  as  those  prepared  by  the  Shakers  from  most  herbaceous  medicinal  plants. 
The  leaflets  are  from  an  inch  and  a half  to  two  inches  long,  from  one-quarter 
to  half  an  inch  in  breadth,  thin,  pliable,  and  of  a pale-green  colour.  They 
have  a feeble  odour,  and  a nauseous  taste  somewhat  analogous  to  that  of 
senna.  Water  and  alcohol  extract  their  virtues.  They  were  analyzed  by 
Mr.  Martin,  of  Philadelphia,  and  found  to  contain  a principle  analogous  to 
cathartin,  albumen,  mucilage,  starch,  chlorophylle,  yellow  colouring  matter, 
volatile  oil,  fatty  matter,  resin,  and  lignin,  besides  salts  of  potassa  and  lime. 
( Am . Journ.  of  Pharm.,  i.  22.) 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  American  senna  is  an  efficient  and  safe 
cathartic,  closely  resembling  the  imported  senna  in  its  action,  and  capable  of 
being  substituted  for  it  in  all  cases  in  which  the  latter  is  employed.  It  is, 
however,  less  active;  and,  to  produce  an  equal  effect,  must  be  administered 
in  a dose  about  one-third  larger.  It  is  habitually  used  by  many  practitioners 
in  the  country.  Like  senna  it  is  most  conveniently  given  in  the  form  of  in- 
fusion, and  should  be  similarly  combined  in  order  to  obviate  its  tendency  to 
produce  griping.  W. 

CASTANEA.  U.  S Secondary. 

Chinquapin. 

The  bark  of  Castanea  pumila.  US. 

Castanea.  Sex.  Syst.  Monoecia  Polyandria.  — Nat.  Ord.  Cupulifer®. 

Gen.  Ch.  Male.  Ament  naked.  Calyx  none.  Corolla  five-petalled.  Sta- 
mens ten  to  twenty.  Female.  Calyx  five  or  six  leaved,  murioate.  Corolla 
none.  Germs  three.  Stigmas  pencil-formed.  Nuts  three,  included  in  the 
echinated  calyx.  Willd. 

Castanea  pumila.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  iv.  461;  Mic-baux,  N.  Am.  Sylv. 
iii.  15.  The  chinquapin  is  an  indigenous  shrub  or  small  tree,  which,  in  the 
Middle  States,  rarely  much  exceeds  seven  or  eight  feet  in  height ; but,  in 
Carolina,  Georgia,  and  Louisiana,  sometimes  attains  an  elevation  of  thirty 
or  forty  feet,  with  a diameter  of  trunk  equal  to  twelve  or  fifteen  inches.  The 
leaves  are  oblong,  acute,  mucronately  serrate,  and  distinguished  from  those 
of  the  chestnut,  which  belongs  to  the  same  genus,  by  their  whitish  and  downy 
under  surface.  The  barren  flowers  are  grouped  upon  axillary  peduncles  three 
of  four  inches  long;  the  fertile  aments  are  similarly  disposed,  but  less  con- 
spicuous. The  fruit  is  spherical,  covered  with  short  prickles,  and  encloses 


PART  I. 


Castanea. — Castor  eum. 


195 


a brown  nut,  which  is  sweet  and  edible,  but  differs  from  the  chestnut  in  being 
much  smaller,  and  convex  on  both  sides. 

The  tree  extends  from  the  banks  of  the  Delaware  southward  to  the  Gulf 
of  Mexico,  and  south-westward  to  the  Mississippi.  It  is  most  abundant  in 
the  southern  portions  of  this  tract  of  country.  The  bark  is  the  part  used. 
It  is  astringent  and  tonic,  and  has  been  employed  ill  the  cure  of  intermit- 
tents;  but  has  no  peculiar  virtues  to  recommend  it,  and  might  well  be  spared 
even  from  the  secondary  catalogue  of  the  Pharmacopoeia.  W. 

CASTOREUM.  U.  S.,  Land.,  Ed.,  Dub . 

Castor. 

A peculiar  concrete  substance  obtained  from  Castor  fiber.  U.  S.  The  fol- 
licles of  the  prepuce  filled  with  a peculiar  secretion.  Bond.  A peculiar  secre- 
tion in  the  prmputial  follicles.  Ed.,  Dub. 

Cast  ore  um,  Fr.;  ISibergeil,  Germ.;  Castoro,  Ital. ; Castoreo,  Span. 

In  the  beaver,  Castor  fiber  of  naturalists,  between  the  anus  and  external 
genitals  of  both  sexes,  are  two  pairs  of  membranous  follicles,  of  which  the 
lower  and  larger  are  pear-shaped,  and  contain  an  oily,  viscid,  highly  odorous 
substance,  secreted  by  glands  which  lie  externally  to  the  sac.  This  substance 
is  called  castor.  After  the  death  of  the  animal,  the  follicles  containing  it 
are  removed,  and  dried  either  by  smoke  or  in  the  sun;  and  in  this  state 
are  brought  into  the  market. 

This  drug  is  derived  either  from  the  northern  and  north-western  parts  of 
the  American  continent,  or  from  the  Russian  dominions;  and  is  distinguished, 
according  to  its  source,  into  the  Canadian  or  American,  and  Russian  castor. 
It  is  supposed  by  some  that  the  American  and  Russian  beavers  are  distinct 
species,  the  former  being  a building,  the  latter  a burrowing  animal ; and  ad- 
ditional ground  for  the  supposition  is  afforded  by  the  fact,  that  the  products 
of  the  two  differ  considerably.  Of  the  Russian  but  a very  small  portion 
reaches  this  country.  That  which  is  brought  to  Philadelphia  is  derived 
chiefly  from  Missouri. 

Castor  comes  to  us  in  the  form  of  solid  unctuous  masses,  contained  in  sacs 
about  two  inches  in  length,  larger  at  one  end  than  at  the  other,  much  flat- 
tened and  wrinkled,  of  a brown  or  blackish  colour  externally,  and  united  in 
pairs  by  the  excretory  ducts  which  couneet  them  in  the  living  animal.  In 
each  pair,  one  sac  is  generally  larger  than  the  other.  They  are  divided  inter- 
nally into  numerous  cells  containing  the  castor,  which,  when  the  sacs  are  cut 
or  torn  open,  is  exhibited  of  a brown  or  reddish-brown  colour,  intermingled 
more  or  less  with  the  whitish  membrane  forming  the  cells.  Those  brought 
from  Russia  are  larger,  fuller,  heavier,  and  less  tenacious  than  the  Ameri- 
can; and  their  contents,  which  are  of  a rusty  or  liver  colour,  have  a stronger 
taste  and  smell,  and  are  considered  more  valuable  as  a medicine.  A variety 
of  Russian  castor,  described  by  Pereira  under  the  name  of  chalky  Russian 
castor,  is  in  smaller  and  rounder  sacs  than  the  American,  has  a peculiar  em- 
pyreumatic  odour  very  different  from  that  of  the  other  varieties,  breaks  like 
starch  under  the  teeth,  and  is  characterized  by  effervescing  with  dilute  muri- 
atic acid.  In  a specimen  examined  by  Muller,  40‘646  percent,  of  carbonate 
of  lime  was  found.  (Am.  Journ.  of  F harm.,  xviii.  276.)  In  the  castor  from 
Missouri,  the  contents  of  the  sac  are  sometimes  almost  white,  and  evidently 
inferior.  According  to  Jannarch,  castor  varies  with  the  time  of  year  at  which 
it  is  collected,  being  lighter  coloured,  more  .fluid,  and  less  copious  in  the  fol- 
licles from  February  to  July,  than  in  the  remainder  of  the  year.  (Pharm. 
Cent.  Blatt,  Mai,  1847,  p.  318.)  It  is  said  by  M.  Kohli  that  the  Canadian 


196 


Castoreum. 


FART  I. 


castor,  treated  with  distilled  water  and  ammonia,  affords  an  orange  precipi- 
tate, while  the  matter  thrown  down  from  the  Russian  under  similar  treatment 
is  white. 

Properties.  Good  castor  has  a strong,  fetid,  peculiar  odour ; a bitter, 
acrid,  and  nauseous  taste ; and  a colour  more  or  less  tinged  with  red.  It  is 
of  a softer  or  harder  consistence,  according  as  it  is  more  or  less  thoroughly 
dried.  When  perfectly  desiccated,  though  still  somewhat  unctuous  to  the 
touch,  it  is  hard,  brittle,  and  of  a resinous  fracture.  Its  chemical  constitu- 
ents, according  to  Brandes,  whose  analysis  is  the  most  recent,  are  volatile  oil ; 
a resinous  matter ; albumen ; a substance  resembling  osmazome ; mucus ; 
urate,  carbonate,  benzoate,  phosphate,  and  sulphate  of  lime;  acetate  and 
muriate  of  soda;  muriate,  sulphate,  and  benzoate  of  potassa;  carbonate  of 
ammonia ; membranous  matter ; and  a peculiar  proximate  principle  previ- 
ously discovered  by  M.  Bizio,  an  Italian  chemist,  and  called  by  him  castorin. 
This  principle  crystallizes  in  long,  diaphanous,  fasciculated  prisms,  has  the 
smell  of  castor,  and  a copperish  taste.  It  is  insoluble  in  cold  water  and  cold 
alcohol ; but  is  dissolved  by  one  hundred  parts  of  the  latter  liquid  at  the 
boiling  temperature,  and  by  the  essential  oils.  It  possesses  neither  alkaline 
nor  acid  properties.  It  may  be  obtained  by  treating  castor,  minutely  divided, 
with  six  times  its  weight  of  boiling  alcohol,  filtering  the  liquor  while  hot, 
and  allowing  it  to  cool.  The  castorin  is  slowly  deposited,  and  may  be  puri- 
fied by  the  action  of  cold  alcohol.  It  has  been  thought  to  be  the  active  prin- 
ciple of  castor;  but  its  claims  are  at  best  very  doubtful.  The  volatile  oil  may 
be  separated  by  repeated  distillation  with  the  same  portion  of  water.  It  is 
pale  yellow,  and  has  the  smell  and  taste  of  castor. 

F.  Wohler  has  ascertained  the  existence  of  salicin  in  castor;  also  that  it 
contains  a small  quantity  of  carbolic  acid,  one  of  the  products  of  the  distil- 
lation of  coal-tar,  to  which  he  ascribes  its  odour.  This  acid  is  poisonous,  and 
has  a special  action  on  the  nervous  system.  ( Chem . Gaz.,  No.  149,  Jan.  1, 
1849,  from  Liebig’s  Annalen .)* 

Dr.  Pereira  found  that  a portion  of  water  distilled  from  American  castor 
gradually  lost  its  own  peculiar  odour,  and  acquired  that  of  the  flowers  of 
Spiraea  ulmaria,  and  afterwards  presented  no  trace  of  the  presence  of  oil  of 
castor.  Upon  testing  it,  he  ascertained  the  existence  in  it  of  by  dm  ret  of 
salicyle  ( oil  of  Spiraea  vim  aria),  and  concluded  that  the  oil  of  castor  had  heen 
converted  into  that  principle.  He  farther  inferred  that  the  oil  is  probably  a vola- 
tile product  of  the  salicin  of  the  castor,  and  ascribes  the  carbolic  acid  to  the 
same  source.  (Pharm.  Journ.  and  Trans.,  xi.  200.)  The  salicin  of  the  castor 
probably  proceeds  from  the  willow  and  poplar  on  which  the  beaver  feeds. 

Alcohol  and  ether  extract  the  virtues  of  castor.  An  infusion  made  with 
boiling  water  has  its  sensible  properties  in  a slight  degree ; but  the  odorous 
principle  of  the  drug  is  dissipated  by  decoction. 

* Under  the  name  of  Hyraceum,  a substance  has  recently  been  taken  to  Europe 
from  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope,  and  introduced  to  the  notice  of  the  profession  as  a sub- 
stitute for  castor.  It  is  the  product  of  Hyrax  Capensis,  an  animal  of  South  Africa, 
about  the  size  of  a large  rabbit.  It  is  said  to  be  collected  in  small  pieces  on  the  rug- 
ged sides  of  mountains,  and  is  probably  the  excrement  of  the  animal.  It  is  rather 
hard,  tenacious,  of  a blackish-brown  colour,  and  of  a taste  and  smell  not  unlike  those 
of  castor.  It  is  inflammable,  and  yields  portions  of  its  constituents  to  water  and  alcohol. 
Examined  with  the  microscope,  it  lias  been  found  to  contain  vegetable  tissues,  animal 
hairs,  sand,  and  globular  particles,  either  resinous  or  oily.  Schrader  has  found  it  to 
contain  stearin,  a gum-resin  soluble  in  absolute  alcohol,  an  odorous  yellow  substance 
soluble  in  ordinary  alcohol  and  in  water,  a brown  substance  soluble  in  water,  and  in- 
soluble residue.  Dr.  Pereira,  from  whose  paper  the  above  account  is  extracted,  con- 
siders it  worthless  as  a therapeutical  agent,  though  in  physiological  effects  it  is  said 
exactly  to  resemble  American  castor.  (Pharm.  Journ.  and  Trans.,  x.  123.) 


PART  I. 


Castor  eum. — Cataria. 


197 


The  virtues  of  castor  are  impaired  by  age;  and  the  change  is  more  rapid 
in  proportion  to  the  elevation  of  temperature.  Moisture  promotes  its  speedy 
decomposition.  It  should  not,  therefore,  be  kept  in  damp  cellars.  In  a 
dry  cool  place  it  may  be  kept  for  a long  time  without  material  deterioration. 
When  quite  black,  with  little  taste  or  smell,  it  is  unfit  for  use.  A factitious 
preparation  is  sometimes  sold,  consisting  of  a mixture  of  various  drugs, 
scented  with  genuine  castor,  intermingled  with  membrane,  and  stuffed  into 
the  scrotum  of  a goat.  The  fraud  may  be  detected  by  the  comparatively 
feeble  odour,  the  absence  of  other  characteristic  sensible  properties,  and  the 
want  of  the  smaller  follicles  containing  fatty  matter,  which  are  often  attached 
to  the  real  bags  of  castor. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Castor  is  moderately  stimulant  and  anti- 
spasmodic.  The  experiments  of  Thouvenel  prove  that,  in  large  doses,  it 
quickens  the  pulse,  increases  the  heat  of  the  skin,  and  produces  other  symp- 
toms of  general  excitement;  but  its  force  is  directed  chiefly  to  the  nervous 
system,  and  in  small  doses  it  scarcely  disturbs  the  circulation.  It  has  also 
enjoyed  a high  reputation  as  an  emmenagogue.  It  was  employed  by  the 
ancients.  Pliny  and  Dioscorides  speak  of  it  as  useful  in  hysteria  and  ame- 
norrhoea.  In  Europe,  especially  on  the  continent,  it  is  still  frequently  pre- 
scribed in  low  forms  of  fever  attended  with  nervous  symptoms,  in  spasmodic 
diseases,  such  as  hysteria  and  epilepsy,  in  many  anomalous  nervous  affections, 
and  in  diseases  dependent  on  or  connected  with  suppression  or  retention  of 
the  menses.  The  practitioners  of  this  country  rarely  resort  to  it.  The  dose 
in  substance  is  from  ten  to  twenty  grains,  which  may  be  given  in  bolus  or 
emulsion.  The  tincture  is  sometimes  employed. 

Off.  Prep.  Tinctura  Castorei;  Tinctura  Castorei  Ammoniata.  W. 

CATABIA.  U.  S.  Secondary. 

Catnep. 

The  leaves  of  Nepeta  Cataria.  U.  S. 

Cataire,  Fr.;  Katzenmiinze,  Germ.;  Cattara,  Ital.;  Gatera,  Span. 

Nepeta.  Sex.  Syst.  Didynamia  Gymnospermia. — Nat.  Orel.  Lamiaceaeor 
Labiatse. 

Gen.  Ch.  Calyx  dry,  striate,  five-toothed.  Corolla  with  the  upper  lip 
undivided,  the  under  lip  three-parted,  the  middle  division  crenate.  Stamens 
approximate. 

Nepeta  Cataria.  The  catnep  or  catmint  is  a perennial  herbaceous  plant, 
with  a quadrangular,  branching,  somewhat  hoary  stem,  from  one  to  three  feet 
high,  and  furnished  with  opposite,  petiolate,  cordate,  dentate,  pubescent  leaves, 
which  are  green  above  and  whitish  on  their  under  surface.  The  flowers  are 
whitish  or  slightly  purple,  are  arranged  in  whorled  spikes,  and  appear  in 
July  and  August.  The  plant  is  abundant  in  the  United  States,  but  is  sup- 
posed to  have  been  introduced  from  Europe. 

The  whole  herb  is  used;  but  the  leaves  only  are  recognised  in  the  U.  S. 
Pharmacopoeia.  They  have  a strong,  peculiar,  rather  disagreeable  odour,  and 
a pungent,  aromatic,  bitterish,  camphorous  taste.  They  yield  their  virtues 
to  water.  The  active  constituents  are  volatile  oil,  and  tannin  of  the  kind 
which  produces  a greenish  colour  with  the  salts  of  iron. 

In  its  operation  upon  the  system,  catnep  is  tonic  and  excitant,  bearing  con- 
siderable resemblance  to  the  mints.  It  has  had  the  reputation  also  of  being 
antispasmodic  and  emmenagogue.  Cats  are  said  to  be  very  fond  of  it,  and 
it  has  been  asserted  to  act  as  an  aphrodisiac  in  these  animals.  It  is  employed 
as  a domestic  remedy,  in  the  form  of  infusion,  in  amenorrhoea,  chlorosis, 


198 


Catechu. 


PART  I. 


hysteria,  the  flatulent  colic  of  infants,  &c.;  but  is  scarcely  known  in  regular 
practice.  Some  of  the  older  writers  speak  favourably  of  its  powers.  The 
leaves  are  said  to  relieve  toothache  if  chewed,  or  held  for  a few  minutes  in 
contact  with  the  diseased  tooth.  Two  drachms  of  the  dried  leaves  or  herb 
may  be  given  as  a dose  in  infusion.  W. 

CATECHU.  TJ.  S.,  Loud.,  Ed.,  Bui. 

Catechu. 

The  extract  of  the  wood  of  Acacia  Catechu.  U.  S.,  Dvb.  Extract  of  the 
inner  wood  of  Acacia  Catechu;  or  of  the  leaves  of  Uncaria  Gambir.  Land. 
Extract  of  the  wood  of  Acacia  Catechu,  of  the  kernels  of  Areca  Catechu,  and 
of  the  leaves  of  Uncaria  Gambir,  probably  too  from  other  plants.  Ed. 

Cachou,  Ft.;  Catechu,  Germ.;  Catecu,  Catciu,  Catto,  Ital.;  Catecu,  Span.;  Cutt,  Hin- 
doostanee. 

Acacia.  See  ACACIA. 

Acacia  Catechu.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  iv.  1079;  Wood v.  4 led.  Bot.  p.  433,  t. 
157 ; Carson,  I/lust,  of  ]\Icd.  Bot.  i.  32,  pi.  24.  According  to  Mr.  Kerr, 
whose  description  has  been  followed  by  most  subsequent  writers.  Acacia 
Catechu  is  a small  tree,  seldom  more  than  twelve  feet  in  height,  with  a trunk 
one  foot  in  diameter,  dividing  towards  the  top  into  many  close  branches,  and 
covered  with  a thick,  rough,  brown  bark.  The  leaves,  which  stand  alternately 
upon  the  younger  branches,  are  composed  of  from  fifteen  to  thirty  pairs  of 
pinnae  nearly  two  inches  long,  each  of  which  is  furnished  with  about  forty 
pairs  of  linear  leaflets,  beset  with  short  hairs.  At  the  base  of  each  pair  of 
pinnae  is  a small  gland  upon  the  common  footstalk.  Two  short  recurved 
spines  are  attached  to  the  stem  at  the  base  of  each  leaf.  The  flowers  are  in 
close  spikes,  which  arise  from  the  axils  of  the  leaves,  and  are  about  four  or 
five  inches  long.  The  fruit  is  a lanceolate,  compressed,  smooth,  brown  pod, 
with  an  undulated  thin  margin,  and  contains  six  or  eight  roundish  flattened 
seeds,  which  w'hen  chewed  emit  a nauseous  odour 

This  species  of  Acacia  is  a native  of  the  East  Indies,  growing  abundantly 
in  various  provinces  of  Hindostan,  and  in  the  Burman  empire.  Pereira  says 
that  it  is  now  common  in  Jamaica.  Like  most  others  of  the  same  genus,  it 
abounds  in  astringent  matter,  which  may  be  extracted  by  decoction.  Catechu 
is  an  extract  from  the  wood  of  the  tree. 

This  drug  had  been  long  known  before  its  source  was  discovered.  It  was 
at  first  called  terra  Japonicu,  under  the  erroneous  impression  that  it  was  an 
earthy  substance  derived  from  Japan.  When  ascertained  by  analysis  to  be 
of  vegetable  origin,  it  was  generally  considered  by  writers  on  the  Materia 
Medica  to  be  an  extract  of  the  betel-nut,  which  is  the  fruit  of  a species  of 
palm,  denominated  Arcca  Catechu.  Its  true  origin  was  made  known  by  Mr. 
Kerr,  assistant-surgeon  of  the  civil  hospital  in  Bengal,  who  had  an  opportunity 
of  examining  the  tree  from  which  it  was  obtained,  and  of  witnessing  the  pro- 
cess of  extraction.  According  to  Mr.  Kerr,  the  manufacturer,  having  cut  off 
the  exterior  white  part  of  the  tvood,  reduces  the  interior  brown  or  reddish- 
coloured  portion  into  chips,  which  he  then  boils  in  water  in  uuglazed  earthen 
vessels,  till  all  the  soluble  matter  is  dissolved.  The  decoction  thus  obtained 
i3  evaporated  first  by  artificial  heat,  and  afterwards  in  the  sun,  till  it  has 
assumed  a thick  consistence,  when  it  is  spread  out  to  dry  upon  a mat  or  cloth, 
being,  while  yet  soft,  divided  by  means  of  a string  into  square  or  quadrangular 
pieces.  The  account  more  recently  given  by  Dr.  Boyle,  of  the  preparation 
of  the  extract  in  Northern  India,  is  essentially  the  same.  The  process,  as 
he  observed  it,  was  completed  by  the  pouring  of  the  extract  into  quadrangular 


PART  I. 


Catechu. 


199 


earthen  moulds.  Our  own  countryman,  the  Rev.  Howard  Malcolm,  states, 
in  his  “Travels  in  South  Eastern  Asia,”  that  catechu  is  largely  prepared  from 
the  wood  of  Acacia  Catechu  in  the  vicinity  of  Prome,  in  Burmah.  Two  kinds, 
he  observes,  are  prepared  from  the  same  tree,  one  black , which  is  preferred  in 
China,  and  the  other  red,  which  is  most  esteemed  in  Bengal.  According  to 
some  authors,  the  unripe  fruit  and  leaves  are  also  submitted  to  decoction. 

The  name  catechu  in  the  native  language  signifies  the  juice  of  a,  tree,  and 
appears  to  have  been  applied  to  astringent  extracts  obtained  from  various 
plants.  According  to  the  United  States  and  Dublin  Pharmacopoeias,  how- 
ever, the  term  is  properly  restricted  to  the  extract  of  Acacia  Catechu;  as  it 
was  not  intended  to  recognise  all  the  astringent  products  which  are  floating 
in  Asiatic  commerce;  and  those  from  other  sources  than  the  Acacia,  though 
they  may  occasionally  find  their  way  into  our  shops,  do  so  as  an  exception  to 
the  general  rule.  A minute  account  of  the  diversified  forms  and  exterior 
characters,  which  the  officinal  catechu  presents  as  produced  in  different  locali- 
ties, would  rather  tend  to  perplex  the  reader  than  to  serve  any  good  practical 
purpose.  These  characters  are,  moreover,  frequently  changing,  as  the  drug 
is  procured  from  new  sources,  or  as  slight  variations  may  occur  in  the  mode 
of  its  preparation.  Commerce  is  chiefly  supplied  with  catechu  from  Bahar, 
Northern  India,  and  Nepaul  through  Calcutta,  from  Canara  through  Bombay, 
and  from  the  Burman  dominions.  We  derive  it  directly  from  Calcutta,  or 
by  orders  from  London,  and  it  is  sold  in  our  markets  without  reference  to  its 
origin.  It  is  frequently  called  cutch  by  the  English  traders,  a name  derived, 
no  doubt,  from  the  Hindoostanee  word  cutt 

* In  order  not  to  embarrass  the  text  unnecessarily,  we  have  thrown  together  into  the 
form  of  a note  the  following  observations  upon  the  varieties  of  catechu,  those  being 
first  considered  which  are  probably  derived  from  Acacia  Catechu,  and,  therefore,  recog- 
nised as  officinal  in  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia. 

1.  Officinal  Catechus.  U.  S. 

The  following,  so  far  as  we  have  been  able  to  distinguish  them,  are  the  varieties  of 
officinal  catechu  to  be  found  in  the  markets  of  Philadelphia. 

1.  Plano-convex  Catechu.  Cake  Catechu.  This  is  in  the  form  of  circular  cakes,  flat 
on  one  side,  convex  on  the  other,  and  usually  somewhat  rounded  at  the  edge,  as  if  the 
soft  extract  had  been  placed  in  saucers,  or  vessels  of  a similar  shape,  to  harden.  As 
found  in  the  retail  shops,  it  is  generally  in  fragments,  most  of  which,  however,  exhibit 
some  evidences  of  the  original  form.  The  cakes  are  of  various  size,  from  two  or  three 
to  six  inches  or  more  in  diameter,  and  weighing  from  a few  ounces  to  nearly  two  pounds. 
Their  exterior  is  usually  smooth  and  dark  brown,  but  we  have  seen  a specimen  in  which 
the  flat  surface  exhibited  impressions  as  if  produced  by  coarse  matting.  The  colour 
internally  is  always  brown,  sometimes  of  a light  yellowisli-brown  or  chocolate  colour, 
but  more  frequently  dark  reddish-brown,  and  sometimes  almost  black.  The  cakes  are 
almost  always  more  or  less  cellular  in  their  interior ; but  in  this  respect  great  diversity 
exists.  Sometimes  they  are  very  porous,  so  as  almost  to  present  a spongy  appearance, 
sometimes  compact  and  nearly  uniform ; and  this  difference  may  be  observed  even  in  the 
same  piece.  The  fracture  is  sometimes  rough  and  dull,  but  in  the  more  compact  parts 
is  usually  smooth  and  somewhat  shining ; and  occasionally  a piece  split  in  one  direction 
will  exhibit  a spongy  fracture,  while  in  another  it  will  be  shining  and  resinous,  indicat- 
ing the  consolidation  of  the  extract  in  layers.  This  variety  of  catechu  is  often  of  good 
quality.  It  is  common  at  present  in  our  market;  but  we  have  been  unable  to  trace  its 
origin  accurately.  There  can  be  little  doubt,  from  its  internal  character,  that  it  comes 
from  the  East  Indies,  and  is  the  product  of  A.  catechu:  but  no  accounts  that  we  have 
seen  of  the  preparation  of  the  drug,  in  particular  geographical  sites,  indicate  this  par- 
ticular shape ; and  it  is  not  impossible  that  portions  of  it  may  be  formed  out  of  other 
varieties  of  catechu  by  a new  solution  and  evaporation. 

2.  Pegu  Catechu.  This  is  the  product  derived  from  the  Burman  dominions,  and 
named  from  that  section  of  the  country  whence  it  is  exported.  It  enters  commerce, 
probably  in  general  through  Calcutta,  in  large  masses,  sometimes  of  a hundred  weight, 
consisting  of  layers  of  flat  cakes,  each  wrapped  in  leaves  said  to  be  those  of  the  Nauclea 
Brunonis.  In  this  form,  however,  we  do  not  see  it  in  the  shops;  but  almost  always  in 


200 


Catechu. 


PART  I. 


Properties.  Catechu,  as  it  comes  to  us,  is  in  masses  of  different  shapes, 
some  in  balls  more  or  less  flattened,  some  in  circular  cakes,  some  saucer- 

angular  irregular  fragments,  in  which  portions  of  two  layers  sometimes  cohere  with 
leaves  between  them,  indicating  their  origin.  It  is  characterized  by  its  compactness, 
its  shining  fracture,  and  its  blackish-brown  or  . dark  Port  wine  colour,  so  that  when 
finely  broken  it  bears  no  inconsiderable  resemblance  to  kino.  This  is  an  excellent 
variety  of  catechu,  and  is  not  unfrequent  in  the  shops. 

3.  Catechu  in  Quadrangular  Cakes.  This  is  scarcely  ever  found  in  the  6hops  in  its 
complete  form,  and  the  fragments  are  often  such  that  it  would  be  impossible  to  infer 
from  them  the  original  shape  of  the  cake.  This  is  usually  between  two  and  three  inches 
in  length  and  breadth,  and  somewhat  less  in  thickness,  of  a rusty-brown  colour  exter- 
nally, and  dark-brown  or  brownish-gray  within,  with  a somewhat  rough  and  dull  frac- 
ture, but,  when  broken  across  the  layers  in  which  it  is  sometimes  disposed,  exhibiting 
a smoother  and  more  shining  surface.  Guibourt  speaks  of  the  layers  as  being  blackish 
externally  and  grayish  within,  and  bearing  some  resemblance  to  the  bark  of  a tree,  a 
resemblance,  however,  which  has  not  struck  us  in  the  specimens  which  have  fallen 
under  our  notice.  There  is  little  doubt  that  this  variety  comes  from  the  provinces  of 
Bahar  and  Northern  India,  where  the  preparation  of  the  drug  was  witnessed  by  Mr. 
Kerr  and  Dr.  Royle,  who  both  speak  of  it  as  being  brought,  when  drying,  into  the 
quadrangular  form.  It  has  been  called  Bengal  catechu,  because  exported  from  that 
province. 

Pale  Catechu,  so  far  as  the  term  is  not  applied  to  Garnbir , may  be  considered  as  be- 
longing to  this  variety.  A specimen  with  this  name,  which  was  sent  from  India  to  the 
great  London  exhibition,  and  which  we  have  had  an  opportunity  of  examining,  was  in 
oblong  rectangular  pieces,  or  fragments  of  such  pieces,  about  three  and  a half  inches 
long  by  an  inch  and  a half  in  breadth,  of  a dirty  yellowish  colour  within,  and  an  earthy 
fracture,  quite  free  from  gloss,  and  bearing  a much  stronger  resemblance  to  gambir 
than  to  ordinary  catechu. 

4.  Catechu  in  Balls.  We  have  seen  this  in  two  forms — one  consisting  of  globular 
balls  about  as  large  as  an  orange,  very  hard  and  heavy,  of  a ferruginous  aspect  exter- 
nally, very  rough  when  broken,  and  so  full  of  sand  as  to  be  gritty  under  the  teeth  : 
the  other  in  cakes,  originally,  in  all  probability,  globular,  and  of  about  the  same  dimen- 
sions, but  flattened  and  otherwise  pressed  out  of  shape  before  being  perfectly  dried, 
sometimes  adhering  two  together,  as  happens  with  the  lumps  of  Smyrna  opium,  and 
closely  resembling  in  external  and  internal  colour,  and  in  the  character  of  their  frac- 
ture, the  quadrangular  variety  last  described.  The  former  kind  is  rare,  and  the  spe- 
cimens we  have  seen  had  been  twenty  years  in  the  shop,  and  had  very  much  the 
appearance  of  a factitious  product.  The  latter  is  in  all  probability  the  kind  known 
formerly  as  the  Bombay  catechu  ; as  Dr.  Hamilton,  and  more  recently  Major  Mackintosh, 
in  describing  the  mode  of  preparing  catechu  on  the  Malabar  coast,  of  which  Bombay 
is  the  entrepot,  say  that,  while  the  extract  is  soft,  it  is  shaped  into  balls  about  the 
size  of  an  orange. 

2.  Catechus  not  recognised  as  officinal  in  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia. 

1 . Gambir.  Terra  Japonica.  An  astringent  extract  is  abundantly  prepared  in  certain 
parts  of  the  East  Indies,  under  the  name  of  gambir  or  gambeer,  and  imported  into  Europe 
and  America  under  that  of  terra  Japonica.  The  plant  from  which  it  is  obtained,  called 
by  Mr.  Hunter,  who  first  minutely  described  it,  Naiiclea  Gambir,  but  by  Roxburgh, 
De  Candolle  and  others,  Uncaria  Gambir,  is  a climbing  shrub,  belonging  to  the  class 
and  order  Pentandria  Monogynia,  and  to  the  natural  order  Rubiacese  of  Jussieu,  Cincho- 
nacese  of  Lindley.  It  is  a native  of  Malacca,  Sumatra,  Cochin-China,  and  other  parts 
of  Eastern  Asia,  and  is  largely  cultivated  in  the  islands  of  Bintang,  Singapore,  and 
Prince  of  Wales.  The  gambir  is  prepared  by  boiling  the  leaves  and  young  shoots  in 
water,  and  evaporating  the  decoction  either  by  artificial  or  solar  heat.  When  of  a 
proper  consistence,  it  is  spread  out  into  flat  cakes  in  moulds  or  otherwise,  and  then 
cut  into  small  cubes,  which  are  dried  in  the  sun.  Sometimes  these  cohere  into  a mass, 
in  consequeuce  of  being  packed  together  before  they  are  perfectly  dry. 

Gambir  is  in  cubes,  With  sides  about  an  inch  square,  is  light  and  porous  so  that  it 
floats  when  thrown  in  water,  is  of  a deep  yellowish  or  reddish-brown  colour  externally, 
but  much  paler  within,  presents  a dull  earthy  surface  when  broken,  is  inodorous,  and 
has  a strongly  astringent,  bitter,  and  subsequently  sweetish  taste.  It  softens  and  swells 
up  when  heated,  and  leaves  a minute  proportion  of  ashes  when  burnt.  It  is  partially 
soluble  in  cold  water,  and  almost  wholly  so  in  boiling  water,  which  deposits  a portion 
upon  cooling.  Duhamel,  Ecky,  and  Procter  dissolved  87-5  per  cent,  of  it  in  cold  water 
by  means  of  percolation.  (Mm.  Journ.  of  Phann.,  xvi.  166.)  Neesvon  Esenbeck  found 


PABT  I. 


Catechu. 


201 


shaped,  others  cubical  or  oblong,  or  quite  irregular,  and  of  every  grade  in 
size,  from  small  angular  pieces,  which  are  evidently  fragments  of  the  original 

it  to  consist  of  from  36  to  40  per  cent,  of  tannic  acid,  a peculiar  principle,  called  cate- 
chuin  or  calechuic  acid,  gum  or  gummy  extractive,  a deposit  like  the  cinchonic  red.  and 
two  and  a half  per  cent,  of  lignin.  Catechuic  acid,  when  perfectly  pure,  is  snow-white, 
of  a silky  appearance,  crystallizable  in  fine  needles,  unalterable  if  dry  in  the  air,  fusible 
by  heat,  very  slightly  soluble  in  cold  water  with  which  it  softens  and  swells  up,  soluble 
in  boiling  water  which  deposits  it  on  cooling,  and  soluble  also  in  alcohol  and  ether.  It 
very  slightly  reddens  litmus  paper,  and,  though  it  colours  the  solution  of  chloride  of  iron 
green,  and  produces  with  it  a grayish-green  precipitate,  it  differs  from  tannic  acid  in  not 
affecting  a solution  of  gelatin.  It  bears  considerable  analogy  to  gallic  acid  in  its  re- 
lations to  the  metallic  salts.  To  prepare  it,  the  precipitate  which  falls  upon  the  cooling 
of  the  decoction  of  garnbir,  is  well  washed  upon  a filter  with  cold  water,  and  again 
dissolved  in  boiling  water  with  a little  purified  animal  charcoal.  The  solution,  being 
filtered  and  allowed  to  stand,  gradually  deposits  the  acid,  of  a snow-white  colour.  To 
obtain  it  perfectly  white  in  the  dry  state,  it  must  be  dried  under  an  exhausted  receiver 
with  sulphuric  acid.  ( Wackenroder , Annal.  der  Pharm.,  xxxi.  72.)  The  sweet  taste  of 
garnbir  is  thought  to  depend  on  this  constituent. 

Several  varieties  of  garnbir  are  described.  Sometimes  it  is  in  oblong  instead  of 
cubical  pieces,  without  differing  in  other  respects  from  the  ordinary  kind  ; sometimes 
in  small  circular  cakes  or  short  cylindrical  pieces,  heavier  than  water,  of  a pale  reddish- 
yellow  colour,  moderately  astringent,  gritty  under  the  teeth,  and  quite  impure;  some- 
times in  very  small  cubes,  distinguishable  by  the  black  colour  they  afford  wTith  tincture 
of  iodine,  indicating  the  admixture  of  sago  or  other  amylaceous  matter;  and,  finally, 
in  circular  cakes  of  the  size  of  a small  lozenge,  flat  on  one  side,  and  somewhat  convex 
on  the  other,  of  a pale  pinkish  yellowish-white  colour,  and  a chalky  feel.  This  is  most 
highly  esteemed  by  the  natives  in  India.  (Pereira.)  None  of  these  varieties  occur  to 
any  extent  in  our  commerce,  and  we  have  met  with  none  of  them  in  the  shops. 

Garnbir  was  probably  the  substance  first  brought  from  the  East  under  the  name  of 
terra  Japonica.  It  is  largely  consumed  in  the  East  by  the  betel-chewers.  Great  quanti- 
ties are  imported  into  Europe,  where  it  is  used  for  tanning,  calico  printing,  dyeing,  &c. 
In  this  country,  it  is  also  largely  consumed  by  the  calico  printer.  Though  a strong 
astringent,  and  applicable  to  the  same  purposes  as  the  officinal  catechu,  it  is  seldom 
medicinally  employed  in  the  United  States. 

2.  Areca  Catechu.  This  is  obtained  from  the  areca  nut  or  betel  nut,  which  is  the  seed 
of  Areca  Catechu,  a palm  cultivated  in  all  parts  of  India,  (See  Appendix.)  It  is  prepared 
by  boiling  the  nuts  in  water,  and  evaporating  the  decoction.  There  are  two  varieties ; 
one  of  a black  colour,  very  astringent,  mixed  with  paddy  husks  and  other  impurities, 
and  obtained  by  evaporating  the  first  decoction  ; the  other,  yellowish-brown,  of  an 
earthy  fracture,  and  pure,  resulting  from  the  evaporation  of  a decoction  of  the  nuts 
which  had  been  submitted  to  the  previous  boiling.  The  first  is  called  kassu,  the  other 
coury.  (Heyne,  Tracts,  §c.,  on  India.)  They  are  prepared  in  Mysore,  and  Ainslie  states 
that  both  varieties  are  sold  in  the  bazars  of  Lower  India,  and  used  for  the  same  pur- 
pose as  the  officinal  catechu  by  the  native  and  European  practitioners.  They  are  also 
much  used  for  chewing  by  the  natives.  But  they  are  seldom  exported,  and  it  is  un- 
certain whether  they  find  their  way  into  European  or  American  commerce.  Pereira 
thinks  he  has  identified  the  kassu  with  a variety  of  catechu  derived  from  Ceylon,  where 
he  has  been  informed  that  an  extract  of  the  areca  nut  is  prepared.  It  is  in  circular  flat 
cakes,  from  two  to  three  inches  in  diameter,  scarcely  an  inch  thick,  covered  on  one  side 
with  paddy  husks,  and  internally  blackish-brown  and  shining,  like  Pegu  catechu. 

Guibourt  and  Pereira  describe  other  varieties,  which  we  have  not  met  with,  and  which 
are  probably  rare.  One  of  these  is  the  Siam  catechu,  in  conical  masses  shaped  like  a 
betel  nut,  and  weighing  about  a pound  and  a half.  Its  fracture  is  shining  and  liver- 
coloured,  like  that  of  hepatic  aloes ; in  other  respects  it  resembles  Pegu  catechu. 
Another  is  the  black  mucilaginous  catechu  of  Guibourt,  in  parallelopipeds  an  inch  and  a 
half  in  length,  by  an  inch  in  breadth.  Internally  it  is  black  and  shining,  and  its  taste 
is  mucilaginous  and  feebly  astringent.  A third  is  the  dull  reddish  catechu  of  Guibourt, 
in  somewhat  flattened  balls,  weighing  three  or  four  ounces,  of  a dull-reddish,  wavy, 
and  often  marbled  fracture.  We  saw  something  like  this  many  years  since,  which  had 
been  brought  upon  speculation  by  a merchant  from  Calcutta,  but  it  is  not  now  in  the 
market.  Lastly,  there  is  a pale  or  whitish  catechu,  in  small  roundish  or  oval  lumps, 
with  an  irregular  surface,  dark  or  blackish-brown  externally,  very  pale  and  dull 
internally,  and  of  a bitter,  astringent,  and  sweetish  taste,  with  a smoky  flavour.  It 
is  unknown  in  commerce. 


202 


Catechu. 


PART  I. 


cakes,  to  lumps  which  weigh  one  or  two  pounds.  The  colour  is  externally  of 
a rusty  brown,  more  or  less  dark,  internally  varying  from  a pale  reddish  or 
yellowish-brown  to  a dark  liver  colour.  In  some  specimens  it  is  almost  black, 
in  others  somewhat  like  the  colour  of  Port  wine,  and  in  others  again,  though 
rarely,  dull  red  like  annotta.  The  extract  has  been  distinguished  into  the 
pale  and  dark  varieties;  but  there  does  not  appear  to  be  sufficient  ground  for 
retaining  this  distinction.  Catechu  is  inodorous,  with  an  astringent  and  bitter 
taste,  followed  by  a sense  of  sweetness.  It  is  brittle,  and  breaks  with  a frac- 
ture which  is  rough  in  some  specimens,  in  others  uniform,  resinous,  and 
shining.  That  which  is  preferred  in  our  market  is  of  a dark  colour,  easily 
broken  into  small  angular  fragments,  with  a smooth  glossy  surface,  bearing 
some  resemblance  to  kino.  Catechu  is  often  mixed  with  sand,  sticks,  and 
other  impurities.  Its  chief  chemical  constituents  are  tannic  acid,  extractive, 
and  mucilage.  Out  of  200  parts  of  Bombay  catechu,  Sir  H.  Davy  obtained 
109  parts  of  tannic  acid,  68  of  extractive,  18  of  mucilage,  and  10  of  insoluble 
residue.  The  same  quantity  of  Bengal  catechu  yielded  97  of  tannic  acid,  73 
of  extractive,  16  of  mucilage,  and  14  of  insoluble  residue.  Other  experi- 
menters have  obtained  results  somewhat  different.  The  proportion  of  tannic 
acid,  which  may  be  considered  the  efficient  principle,  varies  from  about  30  to 
55  per  cent,  in  the  different  varieties  of  the  drug.  The  portion  designated 
by  Davy  as  extractive  is  said  to  contain,  if  it  do  not  chiefly  consist  of,  a prin- 
ciple discovered  by  Buchner,  and  now  called  catechuic  acid.  (See  note,  page 
201.)  The  tannic  acid  is  of  the  variety  which  precipitates  iron  of  a greenish- 
black  colour.  It  precipitates  gelatin,  but  not  tartar  emetic.  ( Kane .)  Catechu 
is  almost  entirely  soluble  in  a large  quantity  of  water,  to  which  it  imparts  a 
brown  colour.  The  extractive  is  much  less  soluble  than  the  astringent  prin- 
ciple, which  may  be  almost  entirely  separated  from  it  by  the  frequent  appli- 
cation of  small  quantities  of  cold  water.  Boiling  water  dissolves  the  extractive 
matter  much  more  readily  than  cold,  and  deposits  it  of  a reddish-brown  colour 
upon  cooling.  Both  principles  are  readily  dissolved  by  alcohol  or  proof  spirit. 
Ether  dissolves  the  tannic  acid,  and  with  it  whatever  catechuic  acid  may  be 
contained  in  the  drug.  For  the  important  reactions  of  catechu,  see  Acidum 
Tannicum . 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Catechu  is  gently  tonic,  and  powerfully 
astringent.  The  dark  coloured  has  the  latter  property  in  a somewhat  greater 
degree  than  the  light,  and  is  therefore  usually  preferred.  The  latter,  being 
rather  sweeter,  is  preferred  by  the  Malays,  Hindoos,  and  other  Indians,  who 
consume  vast  quantities  of  this  extract  by  chewing  it,  mixed  with  aromatics 
and  a small  proportion  of  lime,  and  wrapped  in  the  leaf  of  the  Piper  Betel. 
Catechu  may  be  advantageously  used  in  most  cases  where  astringents  are 
indicated,  and,  though  less  employed  in  this  country  than  kino,  is  not  in- 
ferior to  it  in  virtues.  The  complaints  to  which  it  is  best  adapted  are  diarrhoea 
dependent  on  debility  or  relaxation  of  the  intestinal  exhalants,  and  passive 
hemorrhages,  particularly  that  from  the  uterus.  A small  piece,  held  in  the 
mouth  and  allowed  slowly  to  dissolve,  is  an  excellent  remedy  in  relaxation  of 
the  uvula,  and  the  irritation  of  the  fauces  and  troublesome  cough  which  de- 
pend upon  it.  Applied  to  spongy  gums,  in  the  state  of  powder,  it  sometimes 
proves  useful;  and  it  has  been  recommended  as  a dentifrice  in  combination 
with  powdered  charcoal,  Peruvian  bark,  myrrh,  &c.  Sprinkled  upon  the 
surface  of  indolent  ulcers,  it  is  occasionally  beneficial,  and  is  much  used  in 
Iudia  for  the  same  purpose,  in  the  form  of  an  ointment.  An  infusion  of 
catechu  may  be  used  as  an  injection  in  obstinate  gonorrhoea,  gleet,  and  leu- 
corrheea,  and  we  have  found  it  highly  beneficial,  when  throwu  up  the  nostrils, 
in  arresting  epistaxis.  The  dose  is  from  ten  grains  to  half  a drachm,  which 


part  I.  Centaurium. — Cera  Alia. — Cera  Flava.  203 

should  be  frequently  repeated,  and  is  best  given  with  sugar,  gum  Arabic,  and 
water. 

Off.  Prep.  Electuarium  Catechu;  Infusum  Catechu  Composituin;  Pulvi3 
Catechu  Compositus;  Tinctura  Catechu.  W. 

CENTAURIUM.  Ed. 

Common  European  Centaury. 

The  flowering  heads  of  Ervthraea  Centaurium.  Ed. 

Petite  centaure,  Ft.;  Tausenguldenkraut,  Germ.;  Centaurea  minore,  Ilal.;  Centaura 
minor,  Span. 

Erythraga.  Sex.  Sysl.  Pentandria  Monogynia. — Nat.Ord.  Gentianaceae. 

Gen.  Oh.  Capsule  linear.  Calyx  five-cleft.  Corolla  funnel-shaped,  with  a 
short  limb  withering.  Anthers  often  bursting,  spiral.  Stigmas  two.  Loudon’s 
Encyc. 

Erythreea  Centaurium.  Loudon’s  Encyc.  of  Plants,  p.  130.  — Chironia  Cen- 
taurium. Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  i.  1068;  Woodv.  Med.  Dot.  p.  275,  t.  96.  This 
is  a small,  annual  herbaceous  plant,  rising  about  a foot  in  height,  with  a 
branching  stem,  which  divides  above  into  a dichotomous  panicle,  and  bears 
opposite,  sessile,  ovate-lanceolate,  smooth,  and  obtusely  pointed  leaves.  The 
flowers  are  of  a beautiful  rose  colour,  standing  without  peduncles  in  the  axils 
of  the  stems,  with  their  calyx  about  half  as  long  as  the  tube  of  the  corolla. 
The  plant  grows  wild  in  most  parts  of  Europe,  adorning  the  woods  and  pas- 
tures, towards  the  close  of  summer,  with  its  delicate  flowers. 

The  herb,  though  without  odour,  has  a strong  bitter  taste,  which  it  imparts 
to  water  and  alcohol.  The  flowering  summits  are  the  officinal  part.  The 
name  of  centaurin  has  been  proposed  for  its  bitter  principle. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  The  common  centaury  of  Europe  has  tonie 
properties  very  closely  resembling  those  of  gentian,  with  which  it  is  associated 
in  the  same  natural  family.  It  is  employed  on  the  other  side  of  the  Atlantic 
in  dyspeptic  complaints,  and  formerly  had  considerable  reputation  in  the  treat- 
ment of  fever.  It  was  one  of  the  ingredients  of  the  Portland  powder.  In  the 
United  States  it  has  been  superseded  by  the  Sahhatia  angularis,  or  American 
centaury.  The  dose  of  the  powder  is  from  thirty  grains  to  a drachm.  Another 
species  of  Erythrasa  ( E . Chilensis ) possesses  similar  properties,  and  is  employed 
to  a considerable  extent  in  Chili  as  a mild  tonic.  W. 

CERA  ALBA.  U.  S.,  Loud.,  Ed.,  Dub. 

White  Wax. 

Bleached  yellow  wax.  US.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Did. 

Cire  blanche,  Fr.;  Weisses  Wa'clis,  Germ.;  Cera  bianca,  Ital.;  Cere  blanca,  Span. 

CERA  FLAYA.  U.  S.,  Ed.,  Dub. 

Yellow  Wax. 

A peculiar  concrete  substance  prepared  by  Apis  mellifica.  U.  S.  Waxy 
concretion  of  Apis  mellifica.  Ed.  A secretion  of  Apis  mellifica.  Dub. 

Off.  Syn.  CERA.  Apis  mellifica.  The  prepared  comb.  Lond. 

Cirejaune,  Fr.;  Gelbes  Wachs,  Germ.;  Cera  gialla,  Ital. ; Cera  amarilla,  Span. 

Wax  is  a product  of  the  common  bee,  Apis  mellifica  of  naturalists,  which 


204 


Cera  Alba. — Cera  Flava. 


PART  i. 


constructs  with  it  the  cells  of  the  comb  in  which  the  honey  and  larvae  are  de- 
posited. It  was  at  one  time  doubted  whether  the  insect  elaborated  the  wax 
by  its  own  organs,  or  merely  gathered  it  from  vegetables.  The  question  was 
set  at  rest  by  Huber,  who  fed  a swarm  of  bees  exclusively  on  honey  and  water, 
and  found  that  they  formed  a comb  consisting  of  wax.  This,  therefore,  is  a 
proper  secretion  of  the  insect.  It  is  produced  in  the  form  of  scales  under  the 
rings  of  the  belly.  But  wax  also  exists  in  plants,  bearing  in  this,  as  in  other 
respects,  a close  analogy  to  the  fixed  oils.  It  is,  however,  the  product  of  the 
bee  only  that  is  recognised  by  the  Pharmacopoeias.  This  is  directed  in  two 
forms:  1.  that  of  yellow  wax  procured  immediately  from  the  comb;  and  2. 
that  of  white  wax  prepared  by  bleaching  the  former.  We  shall  consider 
these  separately,  and  afterwards  give  an  account  of  vegetable  icax. 

1.  Cera  Feava  or  Yellow  Wax.  This  is  obtained  by  slicing  the  comb 
taken  from  the  hive,  draining  and  afterwardsexpressing  the  honey,  and  melt- 
ing the  residue  in  boiling  water,  which  is  kept  hot  for  some  time  in  order  to 
allow  the  impurities  to  separate,  and  either  subside  or  be  dissolved  by  the 
water.  When  the  liquid  cools  the  wax  concretes,  and,  having  been  removed 
and  again  melted  in  boiling  water,  is  strained  and  poured  into  pans  or  other 
suitable  vessels.  It  is  usually  brought  to  market  in  round  flat  cakes  of  con- 
siderable thickness.  The  druggists  of  Philadelphia  are  supplied  chiefly  from 
the  Western  States  and  North  Carolina,  especially  the  latter,  and  from  Cuba. 
Some  of  inferior  quality  is  imported  from  Africa. 

In  this  state,  wax  has  a yellowish  colour,  an  agreeable  somewhat  aromatic 
odour,  and  a slight  peculiar  taste.  To  the  touch  it  is  rather  soft  and  unctuous, 
though  of  a firm  solid  consistence  and  brittle.  It  has  a granular  fracture; 
but  when  cut  with  a knife  presents  a smooth  glossy  surface,  the  lustre  of 
which  is  so  peculiar  as,  when  met  with  in  other  bodies,  to  be  called  waxy. 
It  does  not  adhere  to  the  lingers,  nor  to  the  teeth  when  chewed,  but  is  soft- 
ened and  rendered  tenacious  by  a moderate  heat.  Its  point  of  fusion  is  142° 
F. ; its  specific  gravity  from  0’960  toO'965.  The  colour,  odour,  and  taste  of 
yellow  wax  depend  upon  some  associated  principle  or  principles. 

Various  adulterations  have  been  practised,  most  of  which  may  be  readily 
detected.  Meal,  earth,  and  other  insoluble  substances  are  at  the  same  time 
discovered  and  separated  by  melting  and  straining  the  wax.  When  the  frac- 
ture is  smooth  and  shining  instead  of  being  granular,  the  presence  of  resin 
may  be  suspected.  This  is  dissolved  by  cold  alcohol,  while  the  wax  is  left 
untouched.  Tallow  and  suet  are  detected  by  the  softness  they  communicate 
to  the  wax,  and  its  unpleasant  odour  when  melted. 

Yellow  wax  is  used  in  medicine  chiefly  as  an  ingredient  of  plasters  and 
cerates. 

2.  Cera  Alba  or  White  Wax.  The  colour  of  yellow  wax  is  discharged 
by  exposing  it  with  an  extended  surface  to  the  combined  influence  of  air, 
light,  and  moisture.  The  process  of  bleaching  is  carried  on  to  a considerable 
extent  in  the  vicinity  of  Philadelphia.  The  wax,  previously  melted,  is  made 
to  fall  in  streams  upon  a revolving  cylinder,  kept  constantly  wet,  upon  which 
it  concretes,  forming  thin  riband-like  layers.  These,  having  been  removed, 
are  spread  upon  linen  cloths  stretched  on  frames,  and  exposed  to  the  air  and 
light;  care  being  taken  to  water  and  occasionally  turn  them.  In  a few  days 
they  are  partially  bleached;  but,  to  deprive  the  wax  completely  of  colour,  it  is 
necessary  to  repeat  the  whole  process  once,  if  not  oftener.  When  sufficiently 
white  it  is  melted  aud  cast  into  small  circular  cakes.  The  colour  may  also  be 
discharged  by  chlorine ; but.  the  wax  is  said  to  be  somewhat  altered.  White 
wax  sometimes  contains  one  or  more  free  fatty  acids,  consequent  probably  upon 
the  employment  of  alkalies  in  bleaching  it,  which  render  it  an  unfit  ingre- 


PART  I. 


Cera  Alba. — Cera  Hava. 


205 


dient  in  the  unctuous  preparations  of  certain  salts.  Of  these  acids  it  may  be 
deprived  by  means  of  alcohol.  (Journ.  de  Pharm.,  3e  ser.,  iv.  205.) 

Perfectly  pure  was  is  white,  shining,  diaphanous  in  thin  layers,  inodorous, 
insipid,  harder  and  less  unctuous  to  the  touch  than  the  yellow,  soft  and  duc- 
tile at  95°  F.,  and  fusible  at  about  155°,  retaining  its  fluidity  at  a lower  tem- 
perature. According  to  Saussure,  its  specific  gravity  in  the  solid  state  is 
0'966,  at  178°  F.  0’834,  and  at  201°  0'8247.  By  a great  heat  it  is  partly 
volatilized,  partly  decomposed;  and,  when  flame  is  applied  to  its  vapour,  it 
takes  fire  and  burns  with  a clear  bright  light.  It  is  insoluble  in  water,  and 
in  cold  alcohol  or  ether,  but  is  slightly  soluble  in  boiling  alcohol  and  ether, 
which  deposit  it  in  a great  measure  upon  cooling.  The  essential  and  fixed 
oils  dissolve  it  with  facility;  resin  readily  unites  with  it  by  fusion,  and  soaps 
are  formed  by  the  action  of  soda  and  potassa  in  solution.  It  is  not  affected 
by  the  acids  at  ordinary  temperatures,  but  is  converted  into  a black  mass 
when  boiled  with  concentrated  sulphuric  acid.  Its  ultimate  constituents  are 
carbon,  hydrogen,  and  oxygen.  Dr.  John  found  it  to  consist  of  two  distinct 
principles,  one  of  which  he  called  cerin,  the  other  myricin.  According  to 
MM.  Boudet  and  Boissenot,  the  former  constitutes  at  least  70  per  cent,  of 
wax,  melts  at  about  143°,  dissolves  in  16  parts  of  boilrng  alcohol,  and  is 
saponifiable  with  potassa,  yielding  margaric  acid,  a little  oleic  acid,  and  a fatty 
matter  insusceptible  of  saponification  called  cerain;  the  latter  melts  at  149°, 
is  dissolved  by  200  parts  of  boiling  alcohol,  and  is  not  saponifiable  by  potassa. 
M.  Lewy  inferred  from  his  experiments  that  cerin  and  myricin  are  isomeric 
with  each  other  and  with  wax ; that  by  a boiling  solution  of  potassa  wax  is 
wholly  saponified,  without  the  formation  of  glycerin  ; that  both  wax  and  cerin 
are  converted  into  stearic  acid  by  saponification ; and  that  this,  by  a further 
oxidation,  is  changed  into  margaric  acid.  (Journ.  de  Pharm.,  3e  ser.,  iii. 
315.)  Messrs.  Warrington  and  Francis,  however,  have  found  that  the  sub- 
stance supposed  to  be  stearic  acid,  though  similar  to  that  body  in  appear- 
ance, is  wholly  different  from  it  in  properties  and  composition,  and  is  isomeric, 
if  not  identical,  with  the  cerain  above  referred  to.  (Philosoph.  Man..  Jan. 
1844,  p.  20.)* 

* New  views  have  been  put  forth  as  to  the  constitution  of  whs,  in  communications 
from  B.  Collins  Brodie  to  the  Royal  Society  of  London.  Cerin,  when  quite  pure,  he 
considers  as  peculiar  acid,  having  the  constitution  CS4H-404,  which  he  names  cerotic 
acid.  This  he  procures  by  precipitating  a boiling  alcoholic  solution  of  cerin  by  means 
of  an  alcoholic  solution  of  acetate  of  lead,  treating  the  precipitated  cerotate  of  lead  by 
hot  alcohol  and  ether  until  everything  soluble  is  removed,  then  decomposing  it  with 
concentrated  acetic  acid,  washing  the  separated  cerotic  acid  with  boiling  water,  and 
still  further  purifying  it  by  solution  in  boiling  absolute  alcohol  and  refrigeration.  The 
acid  is  deposited  pure.  It  melts  at  172°  F.,  and  on  cooling  concretes  into  a very  crys- 
talline mass.  When  distilled  alone,  the  greater  portion  of  it  passes  unchanged ; where- 
as, if  mixed  with  the  other  constituents  of  wax,  it  is  wholly  decomposed ; and  it  is, 
consequently,  not  found  in  the  results  of  the  distillation  of  wax  itself.  It  is  a singular 
fact  that  cerotic  acid  was  not  found  in  some  beeswax  brought  from  Ceylon,  showing  that 
wax  varies  much  according  to  the  circumstances  under  which  it  is  produced.  Myricin, 
when  entirely  separated  from  the  cerotic  acid,  is  saponifiable,  but  with  difficulty ; and 
from  the  results  of  saponification  palmitic  acid  (C321I3204)  was  isolated,  and  a peculiar 
body  called  by  Mr.  Brodie  melissine,  having  the  composition  (C60tI62O4),  and  considered 
by  him  as  a wax-alcohol,  convertible  by  the  loss  of  twoeqs.  of  hydrugen  and  the  gain  of 
two  of  oxygen,  into  melissic  acid,  as  alcohol  is  converted  into  acetic  acid.  (See  Acetum.) 

In  the  examination  of  a variety  of  wax  from  China,  Mr.  Brodie  found  a substance 
called  by  him  ceroline  (C54II5602),  which  he  regards  as  the  alcohol  of  cerotic  acid,  into 
which  it  was  convertible  by  loss  of  hydrogen  and  gain  of  oxygen  as  above,  that  is  by 
oxidation,  two  eqs.  of  the  hydrogen  being  converted  into  water. 

According  to  these  views,  the  varieties  of  wax  are  composed  of  substances  having 


206 


Cera  Alba. — Cera  Flava. 


PART  i. 


White  wax  has  been  adulterated  with  white  lead,  tallow,  suet,  spermaceti, 
stearic  acid,  and  starch.  White  lead  sinks  to  the  bottom  of  the  vessel  when 
the  wax  is  melted.  Fatty  substances  render  lime-water  turbid,  when  agitated 
with  it  and  allowed  to  stand.  For  the  detection  of  stearin  and  stearic  acid, 
M.  Lebel  dissolves  the  suspected  wax  in  two  parts  of  oil,  beats  the  cerate  thus 
formed  with  its  weight  of  pure  water,  and  then  adds  a few  drops  of  solution  of 
subacetate  of  lead.  If  stearin  be  present,  there  is  an  immediate  decomposi- 
tion, and  the  mixture  acquires  an  extraordinary  solidity  from  the  formation 
of  stearate  of  lead.  ( Journ . dr  Pharm.  et  de  Chim.,  xv.  302.)  Vogel  pro- 
poses chloroform  as  the  means  of  detecting  the  adulteration  with  fatty  matters. 
That  liquid  dissolves  only  25  per  cent,  of  wax,  but  stearin  and  stearic  acid 
completely.  If,  therefore,  wax,  treated  with  6 or  8 parts  of  chloroform,  loses 
more  than  one-quarter  of  its  weight,  it  may  be  considered  as  impure.  {Ibid., 
xvii.  374.)  Overbeck  detects  stearic  acid  by  the  abundant  effervescence  pro- 
duced, in  consequence  of  the  escape  of  carbonic  acid,  when  a small  portion  of 
the  suspected  wax  is  boiled  in  a solution  composed  of  one  part  of  carbonate 
of  soda  and  fifty  of  distilled  water.  ( Pharm . Journ.  and  Trans.,  xi.  128.) 
Starch  remains  behind  when  the  wax  is  dissolved  in  oil  of  turpentine,  aud 
produces  a blue  colour  with  iodine  added  to  water  in  which  the  wax  has  been 
boiled.  Pereira  says  that  pure  wax  is  yellowish-white;  and  that  the  white 
wax  in  circular  cakes  always  contains  spermaceti,  which  is  added  to  improve 
its  colour. 

Medical  Properties  and  Pses.  Wax  has  little  effect  upon  the  system. 
Under  the  impression  that  it  sheathes  the  inflamed  mucous  membrane  of  the 
bowels,  it  has  been  occasionally  prescribed  iu  diarrhoea  and  dysentery;  and  it 
is  mentioned  by  Diosc-orides  as  a remedy  in  the  latter  complaint.  By  Poerner 
it  is  highly  recommended  in  excoriations  of  the  bowels,  attended  with  pain 
and  obstinate  diarrhoea.  His  mode  of  using  it  is  to  melt  the  wax  with  oil 
of  almonds  or  olive  oil,  and,  while  the  mixture  is  still  hot,  to  incorporate  it 
by  means  of  the  yolk  of  an  egg  with  some  mucilaginous  fluid.  The  dose  is 
half  a drachm  three  or  four  times  a day.  Another  method  is  to  form  an 
emulsion  by  means  of  soap  ; but  it  is  evident  that  the  soap  would  be  the  most 
energetic  ingredient.  Wax  is  also  used  to  fill  cavities  iu  carious  teeth.  Its 
chief  employment,  however,  is  in  the  formation  of  ointments,  cerates,  and 
plasters.  It  is  an  ingredient  iu  almost  all  the  officinal  cerates,  which  owe 
their  general  title  to  the  wax  they  contain. 

3.  Vegetable  Wax.  Many  vegetable  products  contain  wax.  It  exists 
in  the  pollen  of  numerous  plants ; and  forms  the  bloom  or  glaucous  powder 
which  covers  certain  fruits,  and  the  coating  of  varnish  with  which  leaves  are 
sometimes  supplied.  Iu  some  plants  it  is  so  abundant  as  to  be  profitably 
extracted  for  use.  Such  is  the  Ceroxylon  Andicola,  a lofty  palm  growing  in 
the  South  American  Andes.  Upon  the  trunk  of  this  tree,  in  the  rings  left 
by  the  fall  of  the  leaves,  is  a coating  of  wax-like  matter,  about  one-sixth  of  an 
inch  thick,  which  is  removed  by  the  natives,  and  employed  in  the  manufacture 

to  each  other  similar  relations  to  those  which  characterize  alcohol  and  acetic  acid  re- 
sulting from  fermentation.  ( C/iem . Gaz.,  vi.  225,  and  vii.  46.) 

The  China  wax,  above  referred  to,  resembles  spermaceti  in  whiteness  and  crystalline 
appearance,  but  is  distinguished  by  greater  hardness  and  friability,  and  a somewhat 
fibrous  fracture.  It  melts  at  about  181°  F.,  is  very  slightly  soluble  in  alcohol  or  ether, 
but  dissolves  easily  in  the  oil  of  naphtha.  It  was  formerly  supposed  to  be  of  vegetable 
origin ; but  has  been  ascertained  to  be  the  product  of  an  insect  belonging  to  the  genus 
Coccus,  which  fixes  itself  to  the  branches  of  a certain  tree,  and  investing  them  closely 
becomes  imbedded  in  a waxy  material,  which  is  scraped  off  with  the  insects,  and  con- 
stitutes the  crude  wax.  It  is  purified  by  melting  and  straining.  (Hanbury;  J’ha. 
Journ.  and  Tram.,  xii.  476.) 


part  I.  Cera  Alba. — Cera  Flava. — Cerevisix  Fermentum. 


207 


of  tapers.  It  contains,  according  to  Vauqutdin,  two-thirds  of  a resinous  sub- 
stance, and  one-third  of  pure  wax.  (Fee.)  Two  kinds  of  wax  are  collected  in 
Brazil,  one  called  carnauha,  from  the  leaves  of  a palm  growing  in  the  pro- 
vince of  Oeara,  the  other  ocuha,  from  the  fruit  of  a shrub  of  the  province  of 
Para.  (Journ.  de  Pharm.  et  de  Chim.,  Be  s 4r.,  v.  154.)  But  the  form  of 
vegetable  wax  best  known  in  this  country  is  that  derived  from  Myrica  ceri- 
fera,  and  commonly  called  myrtle ,vmx.  The  wax  myrtle  is  an  aromatic 
shrub,  from  one  to  twelve  feet  high,  found  in  almost  all  parts  of  the  United 
States  from  New  England  to  Louisiana.  The  fruit,  which  grows  in  clusters 
closely  attached  to  the  stems  and  branches,  is  small,  globular,  and  covered 
with  a whitish  coat  of  wax,  which  may  be  separated  for  use.  Other  parts  of 
the  plant  are  said  to  possess  medical  virtues.  The  bark  of  the  root  is  acrid 
and  astringent,  and  in  large  doses  emetic,  and  has  been  popularly  employed 
as  a remedy  in  jaundice.  The  process  for  collecting  the  wax  is  simple.  The 
berries  are  boiled  in  water,  and  the  wax,  melting  and  floating  on  the  surface, 
is  either  skimmed  off  and  strained,  or  allowed  to  concrete  as  the  liquor  cools, 
and  removed  in  the  solid  state.  To  render  it  pure,  it  is  again  melted  and 
strained,  and  then  cast  into  large  cakes.  It  is  collected  in  New  Jersey, 
North  Carolina,  and  New  England,  and  particularly  in  Kliode  Island. 

Myrtle  wax  is  of  a pale  grayish-green  colour,  somewhat  diaphanous,  more 
brittle  and  unctuous  to  the  touch  than  beeswax,  of  a feeble  odour,  and  a 
slightly  bitterish  taste.  It  is  about  as  heavy  as  water,  and  melts  at  109°F. 
It  is  insoluble  in  water,  scarcely  soluble  in  cold  alcohol,  soluble,  with  the  ex- 
ception of  about  thirteen  per  cent.,  in  twenty  parts  of  boiling  alcohol,  which 
deposits  the  greater  portion  upon  cooling,  soluble  also  in  boiling  ether,  and 
slightly  so  in  oil  of  turpentine.  It  is  said  to  consist,  like  beeswax,  of  cerin 
and  myricin,  containing  87  parts  of  the  former  and  13  of  the  latter  in  the 
100.  The  green  colour  and  bitterness  depend  upon  a distinct  principle, 
which  may  be  separated  by  boiling  the  wax  with  ether.  On  cooling,  the  wax 
is  deposited  colourless,  while  the  ether  remains  green. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses. — This  variety  of  wax  has  been  popularly 
employed  in  the  LTnited  States  as  a remedy  for  dysentery  ; and  we  are  told 
by  Dr.  Fahnestock  that  he  found  great  advantage  from  its  use  in  numerous 
cases,  during  an  epidemic  prevalence  of  that  complaint.  He  gave  the  pow- 
dered wax  in  doses  of  a teaspoonful  frequently  repeated, mixed  with  mucilage 
or  syrup.  (Am.  Journ.  of  Med.  Scien.,  ii.  313.)  It  is  occasionally  substituted 
by  apothecaries  for  beeswax  in  the  formation  of  plasters,  and  is  used  in  the 
preparation  of  tapers  and  candles.  It  is  somewhat  fragrant  when  burning, 
but  emits  a less  brilliant  light  than  common  lamp  oil.  W. 

CEREVISIX  FERMENTUM.  Lornl,  Dub. 

Yeast. 

Levure,  Fr.;  Bierkefen,  Germ..;  Berm  onto  di  cervogia,  Ital.;  Espuma  de  cerveza, 
Span. 

This  is  the  substance  which  rises,  in  the  form  of  froth,  to  the  surface  of 
beer,  and  subsides  during  the  process  of  fermentation.  A similar  substance 
is  produced  during  the  fermentation  of  other  saccharine  liquids. 

It  is  flocculent,  frothy,  somewhat  viscid,  semi-fluid,  of  a dirty  yellowish 
colour,  a sour  vinous  odour,  and  a bitter  taste.  At  a temperature  of  60°  or 
70°,  in  a close  vessel  or  damp  atmosphere,  it  soon  undergoes  putrefaction. 
Exposed  to  a moderate  heat,  it  loses  its  liquid  portion,  becomes  dry,  hard 
and  brittle;  and  may  in  this  state  be  preserved  for  a long  time,  though  with 


208 


Cerevisise  Fermentum. 


PART  I. 


the  loss  of  much  of  its  peculiar  power.  In  France  it  is  brought  to  the  solid 
state  by  introducing  it  into  sacks,  washing  it  with  water,  then  submitting  it 
to  pressure,  and  ultimately  drying  it. 

Yeast  is  insoluble  in  alcohol  or  water.  It  was  analyzed  by  Westrumb, 
and  found  to  contain  in  15,142  parts,  IB  of  potassa,  15  of  carbonic  acid,  10 
of  acetic  acid,  45  of  malic  acid,  69  of  lime,  240  of  alcohol,  120  of  extractive, 
240  of  mucilage,  815  of  saccharine  matter,  480  of  gluten,  13,595  of  water, 
besides  traces  of  silica  and  phosphoric  acid.  Its  bitterness  is  attributable  to 
a principle  derived  from  the  hops.  The  property  for  which  it  is  chiefly 
valued  is  that  of  exciting  the  vinous  fermentation  in  saccharine  liquids,  and 
in  various  farinaceous  substances.  This  property  it  owes  to  its  azotized  in- 
gredient; for,  if  separated  from  this,  it  loses  its  powers  as  a ferment,  and 
re-acquires  them  upon  its  subsequent  addition.  It  is  also  rendered  ineffective 
by  the  agency  of  strong  alcohol,  of  several  of  the  acids,  as  sulphuric  and 
concentrated  acetic  acid,  by  various  other  substances,  and  by  a heat  of  212°. 
At  an  elevated  temperature  it  is  decomposed,  affording  products  similar  to 
those  which  result  from  the  decomposition  of  animal  matters. 

Examined  with  a microscope,  yeast  is  seen  to  abound  in  minute  transpa- 
rent vesicles,  which  appear  to  contain  one  or  more  granules.  These  are  now 
believed  to  be  a fungous  plant,  which  has  the  power  of  propagating  itself  at 
the  expense  of  organic  proximate  principles  with  which  it  may  be  brought 
into  contact ; and  attempts  have  been  made  to  solve  the  mysteries  of  fermen- 
tation by  the  conjecture,  that  the  sugar  or  other  fermenting  substance,  while 
contributing  to  the  nourishment  of  the  fungus  undergoes  a decomposition 
resulting  in  the  formation  of  new  products.  Another  theory,  originally  put 
forth  by  Liebig,  is  that  fermentation  is  merely  a chemical  movement,  ex- 
cited by  a movement  of  decomposition  going  on  in  the  ferment.  Mulder 
considers  the  cell-wall  of  the  yeast  plant  to  consist  of  a substance  analogous 
to  cellulose,  and  its  contents  to  be  a protein  body,  differing  in  some  respects 
from  gluten  and  albumen,  and  probably  a superoxide  of  protein.  During 
fermentation,  this  protein  body  makes  its  way  through  the  vesicular  coat,  un- 
dergoes decomposition  by  the  agency  of  heat,  and,  in  the  act  of  decomposi- 
tion, sets  on  foot  the  changes  in  sugar  which  result  in  the  formation  of  alco- 
hol and  carbonic  acid.  ( Uhem . Gazette , Feb.  15,1845.) 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Yeast  has  been  highly  extolled  as  a remedy 
in  low  fevers  of  a typhoid  character,  and  is  said  to  have  been  given  with  ad- 
vantage in  hectic.  It  is,  however,  little  employed  ; as  its  somewhat  tonic  and 
stimulating  effects,  ascribable  to  the  bitter  principle  of  hops,  the  alcohol,  and 
the  carbonic  acid  which  are  among  its  constituents,  may  be  obtained  with  equal 
certainty  from  more  convenient  medicines.  The  late  Dr.  Hewson,  of  Phila- 
delphia, informed  the  authors  that,  in  a case  of  typhoid  fever,  attended  with 
great  irritability,  of  the  stomach,  the  patient  was  benefited  and  sustained  by 
taking  a pint  of  yeast  daily  for  five  days,  during  which  period  no  other 
remedy  was  employed.  We  have  used  it  with  apparent  advantage  in  diabetes. 
(See  Trans,  of  Col.  of  Ph.ys.  of  Phil.,  N.  S.  i.  390.)  It  has  also  been  re- 
commended internally  in  boils.  When  largely  taken,  it  generally  proves 
laxative ; and  it  may  sometimes  be  necessary  to  obviate  this  effect  by  opium. 
Externally  applied,  it  is  very  useful  in  foul  and  sloughing  ulcers,  the  fetor  of 
which  it  corrects,  while  it  affords  a gentle  stimulus  to  the  debilitated  vessels. 
It  is  usually  employed  mixed  with  farinaceous  substances  in  the  form  of  a 
cataplasm.  The  dose  is  from  half  a fluidouuce  to  two  fluidounces  every  two 
or  three  hours. 

Off.  Prep.  Cataplasma  Fermenti.  W. 


PART  I. 


Cetaceum. 


209 


CETACEUM.  U.  S.,  Lond .,  Ed.,  Dub. 

Spermaceti. 

A peculiar  concrete  substance  obtained  from  Physeter  macrocephalus. 
U.  S.,  Dub.  A concrete  substance  prepared  from  the  oily  matter  of  the 
bead.  Loncl.  The  cetine  nearly  pure.  Ed. 

Blanc  de  baleine,  Spermaceti,  Cetine,  Fr.;  Wallrath,  Germ..;  Spermaceti,  Ital.;  Es- 
perma  de  bellena,  Span. 

The  spermaceti  whale  is  from  sixty  to  eighty  feet  long,  with  an  enormous 
bead,  not  less  in  its  largest  part  than  thirty  feet  in  circumference,  and  con- 
stituting one-third  of  the  whole  length  of  the  body.  The  upper  part  of, the 
head  is  occupied  by  large  cavities,  separated  by  cartilaginous  partitions,  and 
containing  an  oily  liquid,  which,  after  the  death  of  the  animal,  concretes  into 
a white  spongy  mass,  consisting  of  spermaceti  mixed  with  oil.  This  mass  is 
removed,  and  the  oil  allowed  to  separate  by  draining.  The  quantity  of  crude 
spermaceti,  obtained  from  a whale  of  the  ordinary  size,  is  more  than  sufficient 
to  fill  twelve  large  barrels.  It  still  contains  much  oily  matter  and  other 
impurities,  from  which  it  is  freed  by  expression,  washing  with  hot  water, 
melting,  straining,  and  lastly  by  repeated  washing  with  a weak  boiling  ley  of 
potash.  Common  whale  oil  and  the  oil  of  other  cetaceous  animals  contain 
small  quantities  of  spermaceti,  which  they  slowly  deposit  on  standing. 

Spermaceti  is  in  white,  pearly,  semitransparent  masses,  of  a crystalline 
foliaceous  texture;  friable,  soft,  and  somewhat  unctuous  to  the  touch  ; slightly 
odorous;  insipid;  of  the  sp.gr.  0'943;  fusible  at  112°  F.  ( Bostock );  vola- 
tilizable  at  a higher  temperature  without  change  in  vacuo,  but  partially  de- 
composed if  the  air  is  admitted;  inflammable;  insoluble  in  water;  soluble  in 
small  proportion  in  boiling  alcohol,  ether,  and  oil  of  turpentine,  but  deposited 
as  the  liquids  cool;  readily  soluble  in  the  fixed  oils;  not  affected  by  the 
mineral  acids,  except  the  sulphuric,  which  decomposes  and  dissolves  it;  ren- 
dered yellowish  and  rancid  by  long  exposure  to  hot  air,  but  capable  of  being 
again  purified  by  washing  with  a warm  ley  of  potash.  By  the  agency  of  the 
alkalies,  it  is  with  difficulty  saponified,  yielding  an  acid,  called  by  MM.  Dumas 
and  Stass  ethalic  acid,  and  a peculiar  principle  named  etlial  by  Chevreul. 
From  a more  recent  analysis,  however,  by  Dr.  Heintz,  it  would  appear  that 
the  ethalic  acid  of  Dumas  aud  Stass  is  a complex  substance,  consisting  of 
not  less  than  five  distinct  acids,  viz.  the  margaric,  palmitic,  cede;  myristic,  and 
cocinic,  and  that  consequently  pure  spermaceti  is  a mixture  of  the  salts  which 
these  acids  form  wuth  ethal.  (See  Chem.  Gciz.,  x.  321.)  The  name  of  cedn 
was  proposed  for  it  in  this  state  by  Chevreul.  As  found  in  the  shops  it  is  not 
entirely  pure,  containing  a fixed  oil,  and  often  a peculiar  colouring  principle. 
From  these  it  is  separated  by  boiling  in  alcohol,  which  on  cooling  deposits 
the  cedn  in  crystalline  scales.  Thus  purified,  it  does  not  melt  under  120  F., 
is  soluble  in  40  parts  of  boiling  alcohol  of  the  sp.gr.  0'821  ( Thcnard ),  and 
is  harder,  more  shining,  and  less  unctuous  than  ordinary  spermaceti.  Its 
ultimate  constituents  are  carbon,  hydrogen,  and  oxygen. 

Medical  Froperdes  and  Uses.  Like  the  fixed  oils,  spermaceti  has  been 
given  as  a demulcent  in  irritations  of  the  pulmonary  and  intestinal  mucous 
membranes;  but  it  possesses  no  peculiar  virtues,  and  its  internal  use  has 
been  generally  abandoned.  It  may  be  reduced  to  powder  by  the  addition  of 
a little  alcohol  or  almond  oil,  or  suspended  in  water,  by  means  of  mucilage, 
or  the  yolk  of  eggs  and  sugar.  A convenient  mode  of  forming  an  emulsion 
with  spermaceti,  is  to  mix  it  first  with  half  its  weight  of  olive  oil,  then  with 
14 


210 


Cetraria. 


PART  i. 


powdered  gum  Arabic,  and  lastly  with  water  gradually  added.  Externally 
it  is  much  employed  as  an  ingredient  of  ointments  and  cerates. 

Off.  Prep.  Ceratum  Cetac-ei;  Unguentum  Aquae  Rosae;  Unguentum  Can- 
tharidis;  Unguentum  Cetacei.  W. 

CETRARIA.  U S.,  Londi,  Ed. 

Iceland  Moss. 

Cetraria  Islandica.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed. 

Off.  Syn.  LICHEN  ISLANDICUS.  Cetraria  Islandica.  Didj. 

Lichen  d’Islande,  Ft.;  Islandiches  Moos,  Germ.;  Lichene  Islandico,  Ilal.;  Liquen 
Islandico,  Span. 

Cetraria.  Sex.  Syst.  Cryptogamia  Lichenes.  — Nat.  Ord.  Lichenaceae. 

Gen.  Ch.  Plant  cartilagino-membranous,  ascending  or  spreading,  lobed, 
smooth,  and  naked  on  both  sides.  Apothecia  shield-like,  obliquely  adnate 
with  the  margin,  the  disk  coloured,  plano-concave;  border  indexed,  derived 
from  the  frond.  ( Loudon's  Encyc .) 

The  genus  Liclien  of  Linnaeus  has  been  divided  by  subsequent  botanists 
into  numerous  genera,  which  have  been  raised  to  the  dignity  of  a distinct 
order,  both  in  the  natural  and  artificial  systems  of  arrangement.  The  name 
Cetraria  has  been  conferred  on  the  genus  to  which  the  Iceland  moss  belongs. 

Cetraria  Inland ica.  Acharius,  Lichen og.  Univ.  512. — Liclien  Islandiciis. 
Woodv.  Med.  Bot.  p.  803,  t.  271.  Iceland  moss  is  foliac-eous,  erect,  from 
two  to  four  inches  high,  with  a dry,  coriaceous,  smooth,  shining,  laciniated 
frond  or  leaf,  the  lobes  of  which  are  irregularly  subdivided,  channeled,  and 
fringed  at  their  edges  with  rigid  hairs.  Those  divisions  upon  which  the 
fruit  is  borne  are  dilated.  The  colour  is  olive-brown  or  greenish  gray  above, 
reddish  at  the  base,  and  lighter  on  the  under  than  the  upper  surface.  The 
fructification  is  in  flat,  shield-like,  reddish-brown  receptacles,  with  elevated 
entire  edges,  placed  upon  the  surface  of  the  frond  near  its  border. 

The  plant  is  found  in  the  northern  latitudes  of  the  old  and  new  continents, 
and  on  the  elevated  mountains  further  south.  It  received  its  name  from 
the  abundance  in  which  it  prevails  in  Iceland.  It  is  also  abundant  on  the 
mountains  and  in  the  sandy  plains  of  New  England. 

The  dried  moss  is  of  diversified  colour,  grayish-white,  brown,  and  red, 
in  different  parts,  with  less  of  the  green  tint  than  in  the  recent  state.  It  is 
inodorous,  and  has  a mucilaginous,  bitter  taste.  Macerated  in  water,  it  ab- 
sorbs rather  more  than  its  own  weight  of  the  fluid,  and,  if  the  water  be  warm, 
renders  it  bitter.  Boiling  water  extracts  all  its  soluble  principles.  The  de- 
coction thickens  upon  cooling,  and  acquires  a gelatinous  consistence,  resem- 
bling that  of  starch  in  appearance,  but  without  its  viscidity.  After  some 
time  the  dissolved  matter  separates,  and  when  dried  forms  semitransparent 
masses,  insoluble  in  cold  water,  alcohol,  or  ether,  but  soluble  in  boiling  water, 
and  in  solution  forming  a blue  compound  with  iodine.  This  principle  resem- 
bles starch  in  its  general  characters,  but  differs  from  it  in  some  respects,  and 
has  received  the  distinctive  name  of  lichenin.  Berzelius  found  in  100  parts 
of  Iceland  moss  1'6  of  chlorophylle,  3’0  of  a peculiar  bitter  principle,  o 'G  of 
uncrystallizable  sugar,  3'7  of  gum,  7'0  of  the  apotheme  of  extractive,  44'6 
of  the  peculiar  starch-like  principle,  1'9  of  the  bilichenates  of  potassa  and 
lime  mixed  with  phosphate  of  lime,  and  86'2  of  amylaceous  fibrin — the 
excess  being  I'd  parts.  ( Traite  de  ('him.,  vi.  251.) 

The  name  of  cetrarin  has  been  conferred  on  the  bitter  principle.  The 
following  process  for  obtaining  it  is  that  of  Dr.  Ilerberger.  The  moss, 


PART  I. 


Cetraria. 


211 


coarsely  powdered,  is  boiled  for  half  an  hour  in  four  times  its  weight  of 
alcohol  of  0'883.  The  liquid,  when  cool,  is  expressed  and  filtered,  and 
treated  with  diluted  muriatic  acid,  in  the  proportion  of  three  drachms  to 
every  pound  of  moss  employed.  Water  is  then  added  in  the  quantity  of 
about  four  times  the  bulk  of  the  liquid,  and  the  mixture  left  for  a night  in  a 
closed  matrass.  The  deposit  which  forms  is  collected  on  a filter,  allowed  to 
drain  as  much  as  possible,  and  submitted  to  the  press.  To  purify  it,  the 
mass,  while  still  moist,  is  broken  into  small  pieces,  washed  with  alcohol  or 
ether,  and  treated  with  two  hundred  times  its  weight  of  boiling  alcohol,  which 
dissolves  the  cetrarin,  leaving  the  other  organic  principles  by  which  it  has 
been  hitherto  accompanied.  The  greater  part  is  deposited  as  the  liquor  cools, 
and  the  remainder  may  be  obtained  by  evaporation.  By  this  process  one 
pound  of  moss  yielded  to  Dr.  Herberger  133  grains  of  cetrarin.  This  prin- 
ciple is  white,  not  crystalline,  light,  unalterable  in  the  air,  inodorous,  apd 
exceedingly  bitter,  especially  in  alcoholic  solution.  Its  best  solvent  is  abso- 
lute alcohol,  of  which  100  parts  dissolve  1'7  of  cetrarin  at  the  boiling  tem- 
perature. Ether  also  dissolves  it,  and  it  is  slightly  soluble  in  water.  Its 
solutions  are  quite  neutral  to  test  paper.  It  is  precipitated  by  the  acids,  and 
rendered  much  more  soluble  by  the  alkalies.  Concentrated  muriatic  acid 
changes  its  colour  to  a bright  blue.  It  precipitates  the  salts  of  iron,  copper, 
lead,  and  silver.  In  the  dose  of  two  grains,  repeated  every  two,  hours,  it  has 
been  used  successfully  in  intermittent  fever.  ( Journ . de  Pharm.,  xxiii.  505.) 
Drs.  Schnedermann  and  Knopp  have  ascertained  that  the  cetrarin  above  re- 
ferred to  consists  of  three  distinct  substances;  1.  cetraric  acid , which  is  the 
true  bitter  principle,  is  crystallizable,  and  intensely  bitter;  2.  a substance 
resembling  the  fatty  acids,  called  Ticlistearic  acid;  and  3.  a green  colouring 
substance,  which  they  name  thaUoch/or.  These  principles  are  obtained  per- 
fectly pure  with  great  difficulty.  {Ann.  der  Pharm.,  lv.  144.) 

The  gum  and  starch  contained  in  the  moss  render  it  sufficiently  nutritive 
to  serve  as  food  for  the  inhabitants  of  Iceland  and  Lapland,  who  employ  it 
powdered  and  made  into  bread,  or  boiled  with  milk,  having  first  partially 
freed  it  from  the  bitter  principle  by  repeated  maceration  in  water.  The  bit- 
terness may  be  entirely  extracted  by  macerating  the  powdered  moss,  for 
twenty-four  hours,  in  twenty-four  times  its  weight  of  a solution  formed  with 
1 part  of  an  alkaline  carbonate  and  375  parts  of  water,  decanting  the  liquid 
at  the  end  of  this  time,  and  repeating  the  process  with  an  equal  quantity  of 
the  solution.  The  powder  being  now  dried  is  perfectly  sweet  and  highly 
nutritious.  This  process  was  suggested  by  Berzelius. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Iceland  moss  is  at  the  same  time  demulcent, 
nutritious,  and  tonic,  and  well  calculated  for  affections  of  the  mucous  mem- 
brane of  the  lungs  and  bowels,  in  which  the  local  disease  is  associated  with 
debility  of  the  digestive  organs,  or  of  the  system  generally.  Hence  it  has 
been  found  useful  in  chronic  catarrhs,  and  other  chronic  pulmonary  affections 
attended  with  copious  puruloid  expectoration;  as  also  in  dyspepsia,  chronic 
dysentery,  and  diarrhoea.  It  has,  moreover,  been  'given  in  the  debility  suc- 
ceeding acute  disease,  or  dependent  on  copious  purulent  discharge  from  ex- 
ternal ulcers.  But  it  has  acquired  most  reputation  in  the  treatment  of  pul- 
momiry  consumption.  It  had  long  been  employed  in  this  disease,  and  in 
haemoptysis,  by  the  Danish  physicians,  before  it  became  known  to  the  pro- 
fession at  large.  In  the  latter  half  of  the  last  century  it  came  into  extensive 
use,  and  numerous  cures  supposed  to  have  been  effected  by  it  are  on  record. 
But  now  that  the  pathology  of  phthisis  is  better  understood,  physicians  have 
ceased  to  expect  material  advantage  from  it  in  that  disease ; and  there  is  reason 
to  believe  that  the  cases  which  have  recovered  under  its  use,  were  nothing 


212 


PART  I. 


Cetraria. — Chenopodium. 

more  than  chronic  bronchitis.  It  acts  only  as  a mild,  nutritious,  demulcent 
tonic;  and  can  exercise  no  specific  influence  over  the  tuberculous  affection. 

It  is  usually  employed  in  the  form  of  decoction.  (See  Decoctum  Getrarise.) 
By  some  writers  it  is  recommended  to  deprive  it  of  the  bitter  principle  by 
maceration  in  water,  or  a weak  alkaline  solution,  before  preparing  the  decoc- 
tion ; but  we  thus  reduce  it  to  the  state  of  a simple  demulcent,  or  mild  article 
of  diet,  in  which  respect  it  is  not  superior  to  the  ordinary  farinaceous  or 
gummy  substances  used  in  medicine.  The  powder  is  sometimes  given  in  the 
dose  of  thirty  grains  or  a drachm;  and  a preparation  at  one  time  obtained 
some  repute,  in  which  the  ground  moss  was  incorporated  with  chocolate,  and 
used  at  the  morning  and  evening  meal  as  an  ordinary  beverage. 

Off.  Prep.  Decoctum  Cetrariae.  W. 

CHENOPODIUM.  U.  S. 

Worm-seed. 

The  fruit  of  Chenopodium  anthelminticum.  U.  S. 

Chenopodium.  Sex.  Syst.  Pentandria  Digynia. — Nat.  Ord.  Chenopo- 
diaceac. 

Gen.  Ch.  Calyx  five-leaved,  five-cornered.  Corolla  none.  Seed  one,  len- 
ticular, superior.  Willd. 

Chenopodium  anthelminticum.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  i.  1304 ; Barton,  J led. 
Bot.  ii.  188.  This  is  an  indigenous  perennial  plant,  with  an  herbaceous, 
erect,  branching,  furrowed  stem,  which  rises  from  two  to  five  feet  in  height. 
The  leaves  are  alternate  or  scattered,  sessile,  oblong-lanceolate,  attenuated  at 
both  ends,  sinuated  and  toothed  on  the  margin,  conspicuously  veined,  of  a 
yellowish-green  colour,  and  dotted  on  their  under  surface.  The  flowers  are 
very  numerous,  small,  of  the  same  colour  with  the  leaves,  and  arranged  in 
long,  leafless,  terminal  panicles,  which  are  composed  of  slender,  dense,  glo- 
merate, alternating  spikes. 

This  species  of  Chenopodium,  known  commonly  by  the  names  of  wormseed 
and  Jerusalem  oak,  grows  in  almost  all  parts  of  the  United  States,  but  most 
vigorously  and  abundantly  in  the  southern  section.  It  is  usually  found  in 
the  vicinity  of  rubbish,- along  fences,  in  the  streets  of  villages,  and  in  open 
grounds  about  the  larger  towns.  It  flowers  from  July  to  September,  and 
ripens  its  seeds  successively  through  the  autumn.  The  whole  herb  has  a 
strong,  peculiar,  offensive,  yet  somewhat  aromatic  odour,  which  it  retains 
when  dried.  All  parts  of  the  plant  are  occasionally  employed  ; but  the  fruit 
only  is  strictly  officinal.  This  should  be  collected  in  October.* 

Wormseed,  as  found  in  the  shops,  is  in  small  grains,  not  larger  than  the 
head  of  a pin,  irregularly  spherical,  very  light,  of  a dull,  greenish-yellow  or 
brownish  colour,  a bitterish,  somewhat  aromatic,  pungent  taste,  and  possessed 
in  a high  degree  of  the  peculiar  smell  of  the  plant.  These  grains,  when 
deprived,  by  rubbing  them  in  the  hand,  of  a capsular  covering  which  invests 

* C.  anthelminticum  is  cultivated  to  a considerable  extent  in  Maryland,  twenty  or 
thirty  miles  north  of  Baltimore.  The  seeds  are  sown  in  small  beds  of  rich  mould  early 
in  spi’ing,  and  during  the  month  of  June  the  young  plants  are  pulled  up,  and  set  out 
in  ridges  three  feet  apart,  with  intervals  of  from  six  to  ten  inches.  The  plants  do  not 
require  to  be  renewed  oftener  than  once  in  four  or  five  years.  The  crop  of  the  second 
year  is  more  productive  than  the  first.  The  plant  is  fit  for  distillation  during  the  first 
half  of  September.  The  distillation  is  earned  on  in  the  same  neighbourhood.  The 
whole  herbaceous  part  of  the  plant  is  used.  It  is  said  to  yield  from  1-5  to  2 per  cent,  of 
the  oil,  and  the  produce  of  an  acre  will  yield  20  pounds.  (See  Am.  Journ.  of  Pham., 
xxii.  304.) 


part  r.  Chenopodium. — Chimaphila.  213 

the  proper  seed,  exhibit  a shining  surface  of  a very  dark  colour.  They 
abound  in  a volatile  oil,  upon  which  their  sensible  properties  and  medical 
virtues  depend,  and  which  is  obtained  by  distillation.  (See  Oleum  Chenopo- 
dii.)  The  same  oil  impregnates  to  a greater  or  less  extent  the  whole  plant. 

The  fruit  of  Chenopodium  ambrosioides,  which  is  also  an  indigenous 
plant,  and  very  prevalent  in  the  Middle  States,  is  said  to  be  used  indiscrimi- 
nately with  that  of  C.  anthelminticum.  It  may  be  distinguished  by  its  odour, 
which  is  weaker  and  less  offensive,  and  to  some  persons  agreeable.  The  plant 
itself  is  often  confounded  with  the  true  wormseed,  from  which  it  differs  in 
having  its  flowers  in  leafy  racemes.  This  species  of  Chenopodium  has  been 
employed  in  Europe  as  a remedy  in  nervous  affections,  particularly  chorea. 
Five  or  six  cases  of  this  disease,  reported  by  Plenk,  after  having  resisted 
the  ordinary  means,  yielded  to  the  daily  use  of  an  infusion  of  two  drachms 
of  the  plant  in  ten  ounces  of  water,  taken  in  the  dose  of  a cupful  morning 
and  evening,  and  associated  with  the  employment  of  peppermint. 

C.  Botrys,  known  by  the  vulgar  name  of  Jerusalem  oak , is  another  indi- 
genous species,  possessing  anthelmintic  virtues.  It  is  said  to  have  been  used 
in  France  with  advantage  in  catarrh  and  humoral  asthma. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Wormseed  is  one  of  our  most  efficient  indi- 
genous anthelmintics,  and  is  thought  to  be  particularly  adapted  to  the  expul- 
sion of  the  round  worms  in  children.  A dose  of  it  is  usually  given  before 
breakfast  in  the  morning,  and  at  bed  time  in  the  evening,  for  three  or  four 
days  successively,  and  then  followed  by  calomel  or  some  other  brisk  cathar- 
tic. If  the  worms  are  not  expelled,  the  same  plan  is  repeated.  The  medi- 
cine is  most  conveniently  administered  in  powder,  mixed  with  syrup  in  the 
form  of  au  electuary.  The  dose  for  a child  two  or  three  years  old  is  from 
one  to  two  scruples.  The  volatile  oil  is  more  frequently  given  than  the  fruit 
in  substance;  though  its  offensive  odour  and  taste  sometimes  render  it  of 
difficult  administration.  The  dose  for  a child  is  from  five  to  ten  drops, 
mixed  with  sugar,  or  in  the  form  of  emulsion.  A tablespoonful  of  the  ex- 
pressed juice  of  the  leaves,  or  a wineglassful  of  a decoction  prepared  by 
boiling  an  ounce  of  the  fresh  plant  in  a pint  of  milk,  with  the  addition  of 
orange-peel  or  other  aromatic,  is  sometimes  substituted  in  domestic  practice 
for  the  ordinary  dose  of  the  fruit  and  oil. 

Off.  Prep.  Oleum  Chenopodii.  W. 

CHIMAPHILA.  U.  S.,  Lond. 

Pipsissewa. 

The  leaves  of  Chimaphila  umbellata.  U.  S.  The  herb.  Bond. 

Off.  Syn.  FYROIiA.  Herb  of  Chimaphila  umbellata.  Ed.,  Dub. 

Chimaphila.  Sex.  Syst.  Decandria  Monogynia. — Nat.  Ord.  Pyrolaceae. 

Gen.  Oh.  Calyx  five-toothed.  Petals  five.  Style  very  short,  immersed  in 
the  germ.  Stigma i annular,  orbicular,  with  a five-lobed  disk.  Filaments 
stipitate  ; stipe  discoid,  ciliate.  Capsides  five-celled,  opening  from  the  sum- 
mits, margins  unconnected.  Nuttall. 

This  genus  was  separated  from  Pyrola  by  Pursh.  It  embraces  two  species, 
C.  umbellata  and  C.  maculata,  which  are  both  indigenous,  and  known  by  the 
common  title  of  winter  green.  The  generic  title  was  founded  upon  the  vulgar 
name  of  the  plants.  It  is  formed  of  two  Greek  words,  winter,  and 
<]hxo;  a friend.  C,  umbellata  only  is  officinal. 

Chimaphila  umbellata.  Barton,  Med.  Bot.  i.  17;  Carson,  Tllust.  of  Med. 
Bot.  i.  62,  pi.  53. — Pyrola  umbellata.  Willcl.  Sp.  Plant,  ii.  62 ‘2  ; Bigelow, 
Am.  Med.  Bot.  ii.  15.  The  pipsissewa  is  a small  evergreen  plant,  with  a 


214 


PART  I. 


Chimaphila. 

perennial,  creeping,  yellowish  root  (rhizoma),  which  gives  rise  to  several 
simple,  erect  or  semi-procumbent  stems,  from  four  to  eight  inches  in  height, 
and  ligneous  at  their  base.  The  leaves  are  wedge-shaped,  somewhat  lance- 
olate, serrate,  coriaceous,  smooth,  of  a shining  sap-green  colour  on  the  upper 
surface,  paler  beneath,  and  supported  upon  short  footstalks,  in  irregular 
W'horls,  of  which  there  are  usually  two  on  the  same  stem.  The  flowers  are 
disposed  in  a small  terminal  corymb,  and  stand  upon  nodding  peduncles. 
The  calyx  is  small,  and  divided  at  its  border  into  five  teeth  or  segments.  The 
corolla  is  composed  of  five  roundish,  concave,  spreading  petals,  which  are  of 
a white  colour  tinged  with  red,  and  exhale  an  agreeable  odour.  The  stamens 
are  ten,  with  filaments  shorter  than  the  petals,  and  with  large,  nodding,  bifur- 
cated, purple  anthers.  The  germ  is  globular  and  depressed,  supporting  a thick 
and  apparently  sessile  stigma,  the  style  being  short  and  immersed  in  the  germ. 
The  seeds  are  numerous,  linear,  chaffy,  and  enclosed  in  a roundish,  depressed, 
five-celled,  fivC-valved  capsule,  having  the  persistent  calyx  at  the  base. 

This  humble  but  beautiful  evergreen  is  a native  of  the  northern  latitudes 
of  America,  Europe,  and  Asia.  It  is  found  in  all  parts  of  the  United  States, 
and  extends  even  to  the  Pacific  Ocean.  It  grows  under  the  shade  of  woods, 
and  prefers  a loose  sandy  soil,  enriched  by  decaying  leaves.  The  flowers 
appear  in  June  and  July.  All  parts  of  the  plant  are  endowed  writh  active 
properties.  The  leaves  and  stems  are  kept  in  the  shops. 

C.  maculata,  or  spotted  winter  green , probably  possesses  similar  virtues. 
The  character  of  the  leaves  of  the  two  plants  will  serve  to  distinguish  them. 
Those  of  C.  maculata  are  lanceolate,  rounded  at  the  base,  where  they  are 
broader  than  near  the  summit,  and  of  a deep  olive-green,  veined  with  green- 
ish-white ; those  of  the  officinal  species  are  broadest  near  the  summit,  gra- 
dually narrowing  to  the  base,  and  of  a uniform  shining  green. 

Pipsissewa,  when  fresh  and  bruised,  exhales  a peculiar  odour.  The  taste 
of  the  leaves  is  pleasantly  bitter,  astringent,  and  sweetish  ; that  of  the  stems 
and  root  unites  with  these  qualities  a considerable  degree  of  pungency.  Boil- 
ing water  extracts  the  active  properties  of  the  plant,  which  are  also  imparted 
to  alcohol.  The  constituents,  so  far  as  known,  are  bitter  extractive,  tanuin, 
resin,  gum,  lignin,  and  saline  matters.  The  active  principle  has  not  been 
isolated,  though  probably  contained  in  the  substance  called  bitter  extractive. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  This  plant  is  diuretic,  tonic,  and  astringent. 
It  was  employed  by  the  aborigines  in  various  complaints,  especially  scrofula, 
rheumatism,  and  nephritic  affections.  From  their  hands  it  passed  into  those 
of  the  European  settlers,  and  was  long  a popular  remedy  in  certain  parts  of 
the  country,  before  it  was  adopted  by  the  profession.  The  first  regular  trea- 
tise in  relation  to  it  that  has  come  to  our  knowledge,  was  the  thesis  of  Dr. 
Mitchell,  published  in  the  year  1803  ; but  it  was  little  thought  of  till  the 
appearance  of  the  paper  of  Dr.  Sommerville,  in  the  5th  volume  of  the  Lon- 
don Medico-Chirurgical  Transactions.  By  this  writer  it  was  highly  recom- 
mended as  a remedy  in  dropsy ; and  his  favourable  report  has  been  sustained 
by  the  subsequent  statements  of  many  respectable  practitioners.  It  is  par- 
ticularly useful  in  cases  attended  with  disordered  digestion  and  general  debil- 
ity, in  which  its  tonic  properties  and  usual  acceptability  to  the  stomach  prove 
highly  useful  auxiliaries  to  its  diuretic  powers.  Nevertheless,  it  cannot  be 
relied  on  exclusively  in  the  treatment  of  the  complaint;  for,  though  it  generally 
produces  an  increased  flow  of  urine,  it  has  seldom  effected  cures.  Other  dis- 
orders, in  which  it  is  said  to  have  proved  useful,  are  calculous  and  nephritic 
affections,  and  in  general  all  those  complaints  of  the  urinary  passages  for 
which  uva  ursi  is  prescribed.  It  is  highly  esteemed  by  some  practitioners 
as  a remedy  in  scrofula,  both  before  and  after  the  occurrence  of  ulceration ; 


part  I.  Chimaphila. — Chiretta.  215 

and  it  has  certainly  proved  highly  advantageous  in  obstinate  ill-conditioned 
ulcers  and  cutaneous  eruptions,  supposed  to  be  connected  with  the  strumous 
diathesis.  In  these  cases  it  is  used  both  internally,  and  locally  as  a wash. 

The  decoction  is  the  preparation  usually  preferred,  and  may  be  taken  to 
the  amount  of  a pint  in  twenty-four  hours.  The  watery  extract  may  be  given 
in  the  dose  of  twenty  or  thirty  grains  four  times  a day.  Prof.  Procter  pre- 
pares a syrup  by  macerating  four  ounces  of  the  leaves,  finely  bruised,  in 
eight  fluidounces  of  water  for  thirty-six  hours,  and  then  subjecting  the  mass 
to  percolation  till  a pint  of  fluid  is  obtained,  which  is  reduced  one-half  by 
evaporation,  and  incorporated  with  twelve  ounces  of  sugar.  One  or  two  table- 
spoonfuls may  be  given  for  a dose. 

Off.  Prep.  Decoctum  Chimaphilae.  W. 

CHIRETTA.  Ed.,  Dub. 

Chiretta. 

Herb  and  root  of  Agathot.es  Chirayta.  Ed.  The  herb.  Dub. 

Agathotes.  Sex.  Syst.  PentandriaMonogynia. — Nat.  Ord.  Gentianaceae. 

Gen.  Ch.  Corolla  withering,  rotate,  in  aestivation  twisted  to  the  right;  with 
glandular  hollows  protected  by  a fringed  scale  upon  the  segments.  Anthers 
not  changing.  Stigmas  sessile.  Capsules  conical ; one-celled,  with  spongy 
placentae  upon  the  sutures.  Seeds  indefinite,  minute.  ( L indie//  ) 

Agathotes  Chirayta.  Don,  Land.  Phil.  Mag.  1836,  p.  76.  — Gentiana  Chi- 
rayta. Fleming,  Asiat.  Research,  xi.  167. — Ophelia  Chirata.  Grisebach. 
The  chirayta  or  chiretta  is  an  annual  plant,  about  three  feet  high,  with  a 
branching  root,  and  an  erect,  smooth,  round  stem,  branching  into  an  elegant 
leafy  panicle,  and  furnished  with  opposite,  embracing,  lanceolate,  very  acute, 
entire,  smooth,  three  or  five-nerved  leaves.  The  flowers  are  numerous,  pedun- 
cled,  yellow,  with  a four-cleft  calyx  having  linear  acute  divisions,  the  limb 
of  the  corolla  spreading  and  four  parted,  four  stamens,  a single  style,  and  a 
two-lobed  stigma.  The  capsules  are  shorter  than  the  permanent  calyx  and 
corolla.  The  plant  is  a native  of  Nepaul,  and  other  parts  of  Northern  India. 
The  whole  of  it  is  officinal.  It  is  gathered  when  the  flowers  begin  to  decay. 

The  dried  plant  is  imported  into  Europe  in  bundles,  Consisting  mainly  of 
the  stems,  with  portions  of  the  root  attached.  The  stems  are  as  above  de- 
scribed, and  contain  a yellowish  pith.  All  parts  of  the  plant  have  a very 
bitter  taste,  which  is  strongest  in  the  root.  It  is  without  odour.  It  imparts 
its  virtues  to  water  and  alcohol ; and  they  are  retained  in  the  extract.  Ac- 
cording to  Lassaigne  and  Boissel,  the  stems  contain  resin,  a yellow  bitter 
substance,  brown  colouring  matter,  gum,  and  various  salts. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Chiretta  has  long  been  used  in  India,  where 
it  is  a favourite  remedy  with  both  the  native  and  European  practitioners.  It 
has  been  introduced  into  Europe,  and  appears  to  be  highly  esteemed ; but  has 
not  been  employed  to  any  considerable  extent  in  this  country.  Its  proper- 
ties are  those  of  the  pure  bitters,  and  probably  do  not  differ  from  those  of 
the  other  members  of  the  family  of  Gentianaceas.  (See  Gentiana.)  Like 
these,  in  overdoses  it  nauseates  and  oppresses  the  stomach.  Some  have  sup- 
posed that,  in  addition  to  its  tonic  properties,  it  exerts  a peculiar  influence 
over  the  liver,  promoting  the  secretion  of  bile  and  correcting  it  when  de- 
ranged, and  restoring  healthy  evacuations  in  cases  of  habitual  costiveness. 
But  it  may  well  be  doubted  whether  it  produces  any  other  effects  of  this 
kind  than  such  as  are  incident  to  its  tonic  power.  It  has  been  used  in 
dyspepsia,  in  the  debility  of  convalescence,  and  generally  in  cases  in  which 


216 


Chiretta. — Chondrus. 


PART  i. 


corroborant  measures  are  indicated.  In  India  it  has  been  successfully  em- 
ployed in  intermittents  and  remittents,  combined  with  the  seeds  of  Guilan- 
dina  Bonduc.  It  may  be  administered  in  powder,  infusion,  tincture,  or 
extract.  The  dose  in  substance  is  twenty  grains. 

Off.  Prep.  Infusum  Cbirettae;  Tinctura  C'hirettae.  W. 

CHONDRUS.  U.S. 

Irish  Moss. 

Chondrus  crispus.  TJ.  S. 

Chondrus.  Sex.  Syst.  Cryptogamia  Algae. — Nat.  Ord.  Algaceae. 

Gen.  Ch.  Frond  cartilaginous,  dilating  upwards  into  a flat,  nerveless, 
dichotomously  divided  frond,  of  a purplish  or  livid-red  colour.  Fructifica- 
tion, subspherical  capsules  in  the  substance  of  the  frond,  rarely  supported  on 
little  stalks,  and  containing  a mass  of  minute  free  seeds.  ( Greville .) 

Chondrus  crispus.  Greville,  Alp.  Brit.  129,  t.  15.  — Sphaerococcus  crispus. 
Agardh. — Fucus  crispus.  Linn.  The  Irish,  mOss,  or  carrageen  as  it  is  fre- 
quently called,  consists  of  a flat,  slender,  cartilaginous  frond,  from  two  to 
twelve  inches  in  length,  dilated  as  it  ascends  until  it  becomes  two  or  three 
lines  in  width,  then  repeatedly  and  dichotomously  divided,  with  linear,  wedge- 
shaped  segments,  and  more  or  less  curled  up  so  as  to  diminish  the  apparent 
length.  The  capsules  are  somewhat  hemispherical,  and  are  embedded  in  the 
disk  of  the  frond.  The  plant  grows  upon  rocks  and  stones  on  the  coasts  of 
Europe,  and  is  especially  abundant  on  the  southern  and  western  coasts  of  Ire- 
land, where  it  is  collected.  It  is  said  also  to  be  a native  of  the  United  States. 

When  collected,  it  is  washed  and  dried.  In  the  recent  state  it  is  of  a pur- 
plish colour,  hut,  as  found  in  the  shops,  is  yellowish  or  yellowish-white,  with 
occasionally  purplish  portions.  It  is  translucent,  of  a feeble  odour,  and  nearly 
tasteless.  It  swells  in  cold  water,  but  does  not  dissolve.  Boiling  water  dis- 
solves a large  proportion  of  it,  and,  if  the  solution  be  sufficiently  concentrated, 
gelatinizes  on  cooling.  According  to  Feuehtwanger,  it  contains  starch  and 
pectin,  with  compounds  of  sulphur,  chlorine,  and  bromine,  and  some  oxalate 
of  lime.  Herberger  found  79T  per  cent,  of  pectin,  and  9'5  of  mucus,  with 
fatty  matter,  free  acids,  chlorides,  &c.,  but  neither  iodine  nor  bromine.  M. 
Dupasquier  discovered  in  it  both  of  these  principles,  which  had  generally 
escaped  attention  in  consequence  of  their  reaction,  as  soon  as  liberated,  upon 
the  sulphuret  of  sodium  resulting  from  the  decomposition  of  the  sulphate  of 
soda  of  the  moss  when  charred.  ( Journ . de  Pharm.,  oe  ser.,  iii.  113.)  The 
pectin  Pereira  thinks  peculiar,  and  proposes  to  call  carrageenin.  It  is  dis- 
tinguished from  gum  by  affording,  when  dissolved  in  water,  no  precipitate 
with  alcohol ; from  starch,  by  not  becoming  blue  with  tincture  of  iodine;  from 
pectin,  by  yielding  no  precipitate  with  acetate  of  lead,  and  no  mueie  acid  by 
the  action  of  nitric  acid. 

Carrageen  is  nutritive  and  demulcent,  and,  being  easy  of  digestion  and  not 
unpleasant  to  the  taste,  forms  a useful  article  of  diet  in  cases  in  which  the 
farinaceous  preparations,  such  as  tapioca,  sago,  barley,  &e.,  are  usually  em- 
ployed. It  has  been  particularly  recommended  in  chronic  pectoral  affections, 
scrofulous  complaints,  dysentery,  diarrhoea,  and  disorders  of  the  kidneys  and 
bladder.  It  may  be  used  in  the  form  of  decoction,  made  by  boiling  a piut 
and  a half  of  water  with  half  an  ounce  of  the  moss  down  to  a pint.  Sugar 
and  lemon  juice  may  usually  be  added  to  improve  the  flavour.  3Iilk  may  be 
substituted  for  water,  when  a more  nutritious  preparation  is  required.  It  is 
recommended  Jo  macerate  the  moss  for  about  ten  minutes  in  cold  water  before 


PART  I. 


Chondrus. — Cimicifuga. 


217 


submitting  it  to  decoction.  Any  unpleasant  flavour  that  it  may  have  acquired 
from  the  contact  of  foreign  substances  is  thus  removed.  W. 

CIMICIFUGA.  U.S. 

Black  Snakeroot. 

The  root  of  Cimicifuga  racemosa.  U.  S. 

Cimicifuga.  Sex.  Syst.  Polyandria  Di-Pentagynia. — Nat.  Ord.  Ilanun- 
culaceae. 

Gen.  C'h.  Calyx  four  or  five-leaved.  Petals  four  to  eight,  deformed,  thickish, 
sometimes  wanting.  Capsules  one  to  five,  oblong,  many-seeded.  Seeds  squa- 
mose.  JSkuttall. 

Cimiafuf/a  racemosa.  Torrey,  Flor.  219;  Carson,  III  us  t.  of  Med.  Bot.  i. 
9,  pi.  3. — C.  Serpentaria.  Pursh,  Flor.  Am.  Sept.  p.  372. — Acteea  racemosa,. 
Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  ii.  1139. — Macrotys  racemosa.  Eaton’s  Manual,  p.  288. 
This  is  a tall  stately  plant,  having  a perennial  root,  and  a simple  herbaceous 
stem,  which  rises  from  four  to  eight  feet  in  height.  The  leaves  are  large, 
and  ternately  decomposed,  having  oblong-ovate  leaflets,  incised  and  toothed  at 
their  edges.  The  flowers  are  small,  white,  and  disposed  in  a long,  terminal, 
wand-like  raceme,  with  occasionally  one  or  two  shorter  racemes  near  its  base. 
The  calyx  is  white,  four-leaved,  and  deciduous;  the  petals  are  minute,  and 
shorter  than  the  stamens;  the  pistil  consists  of  an  oval  germ  and  a sessile 
stigma.  The  fruit  is  an  ovate  capsule  containing  numerous  flat  seeds. 

The  black  snakeroot,  or  cohosh  as  this  plant  is  sometimes  called,  is  a native 
of  the  United  States,  growing  in  shady  and  rocky  woods  from  Canada  to 
Florida,  and  flowering  in  June  and  July.  The  root  is  the  part- employed. 

This,  as  found  in  the  shops,  consists  of  a thick,  irregularly  bent  or  con- 
torted body  or  caudex,  from  one-third  of  an  inch  to  an  inch  in  thickness, 
often  several  inches  in  length,  furnished  with  many  slender  radicles,  and  ren- 
dered exceedingly  rough  and  jagged  in  appearance  by  the  remains  of  the 
stems  of  successive  years,  which  to  the  length  of  an  inch  or  more  are  fre- 
quently attached  to  the  root.  The  colour  is  externally  dark  brown,  almost 
black,  internally  whitish;  the  odour,  though  not  strong,  is  very  peculiar  and 
rather  disagreeable;  the  taste  is  bitter,  herbaceous,  and  somewhat  astringent, 
leaving  a slight  sense  of  acrimony.  The  root  yields  its  virtues  to  boiling 
water.  It  was  found  by  Mr.  Tilghman,  of  Philadelphia,  to  contain  gum, 
starch,  sugar,  resin,  wax,  fatty  matter,  tannic  and  gallic  acids,  a black  colour- 
ing matter,  a green  colouring  matter,  lignin,  and  salts  of  potassa,  lime,  mag- 
nesia, and  iron.  ( Journ . of  Phil.  Col.  of  Pharm.,  vi.  20.) 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  The  effects  of  cimicifuga  in  health  have  not 
been  fully  investigated.  It  was  at  one  time  considered  a mild  tonic,  with 
the  property  of  stimulating  the  secretions,  particularly  those  of  the  skin, 
kidneys,  and  bronchial  mucous  membrane;  and  has  been  thought  by  some  to 
have  an, especial  affinity  for  the  uterus.  It  undoubtedly  exercises  consider- 
able influence  over  the  nervous  system,  probably  of  a sedative  character; 
but  this  influence,  so  far  as  our  observation  has  gone,  is  shown  more  in 
morbid  states  of  that  system  than  in  health.  Dr.  Hildreth,  of  Ohio,  found 
it,  in  large  doses,  to  produce  vertigo,  impaired  vision,  nausea  and  vomiting, 
and  a reduction  of  the  circulation;  but  from  very  large  quantities  observed 
no  alarming  narcotic  effects.  Dr.  *N.  S.  Davis  uniformly  found  it  to  lessen 
the  force  and  frequency  of  the  pulse,  to  soothe  pain,  and  allay  irritability. 
(Trans,  of  Am.  Mecl.  Assoc.,  i.  352.)  Its  common  name  was  probably  de- 
rived from  its  supposed  power  of  curing  the  disease  arising  from  the  bite  of 
the  rattlesnake.  It  was  originally  employed  in  domestic  practice  in  rheu- 


218  Cimicifuga. — Cinchona.  part  I. 

matism,  dropsy,  hysteria,  and  various  affections  of  the  lungs,  particularly 
those  resembling  consumption.  The  first  published  notice  of  its  use  in 
phthisis  was  by  Dr.  Thomas  J.  Garden,  of  Charlotte,  Virginia.  (Am.  Med. 
Recorder,  October,  1823.)*  Several  cases  of  chorea  are  recorded  by  Dr. 
Jesse  Young,  in  which  it  effected  cures;  and  the  editor  of  the  Am.  Joum. 
of  the  Med.  Sci.  states  that  he  was  informed  by  Dr.  Physick  that  he  had 
known  it,  in  the  dose  of  ten  grains  every  two  hours,  to  prove  successful  in 
the  cure  of  this  complaint  in  several  instances.  Dr.  Young  gave  a teaspoon- 
ful of  the  powdered  root  three  times  a day.  (Am.  Joum.  of  Med.  Sciences, 
ix.  310.)  We  have  administered  the  medicine  in  chorea  with  complete 
success,  and  have  derived  the  happiest  effects  from  it  in  a case  of  periodical 
convulsions,  connected  with  uterine  disorder.  Dr.  Hildreth  has  found  it,  in 
combination  with  iodine,  very  advantageous  in  the  early  stages  of  phthisis. 
(Ibid.,  N.  S.,  iv.  281.)  Dr.  F.  N.  Johnson  has  employed  it  with  extra- 
ordinary success  in  acute  rheumatism ; the  disease  generally  yielding  com- 
pletely within  eight  or  ten  days.  (Trans,  of  Am.  Med.  Assoc.,  i.  352.) 

It  may  be  given  in  substance,  decoction,  or  tincture.  The  dose  of  the 
powder  is  from  a scruple  to  a drachm.  The  decoction  has  been  much  used, 
but  is  thought  by  some  not  to  contain  all  the  virtues  of  the  root.  An 
ounce  of  the  bruised  root  may  be  boiled  for  a short  time  in  a pint  of  water, 
and  one  or  two  fluidounees  given  for  a dose.  From  half  a pint  to  a pint  of 
the  decoction  may  be  taken  without  inconvenience  during  the  day.  The  tinc- 
ture may  be  made  in  the  proportion  of  four  ounces  to  the  pint  of  diluted 
alcohol,  and  given  in  the  dose  of  one  or  two  fluidrachms.  In  acute  rheum- 
atism, the  remedy  is  recommended  by  Dr.  Davis,  in  the  dose  of  from  thirty 
to  sixty  drops  of  the  tincture,  or  twenty  grains  of  the  powder,  repeated  every 
two  hours,  till  its  effects  are  observed.  ( Ibid .,  p.  35G.)  Dr.  Brundige  speaks, 
in  the  strongest  terms,  of  the  efficacy  of  a saturated  tincture  of  the  dried  root, 
as  an  application  about  the  eye  and  to  the  outer  surface  of  the  eyelids  in  oph- 
thalmia. (Med.  Exam.,  Ar.  S.,  vii.  809;  from  the  iV.  Y.  Med.  Gaud)  W. 

CINCHONA.  U.S. 

Peruvian  Bark. 

The  bark  of  different  species  of  Cinchona  from  the  western  coast  of  South 
America.  U.  S. 

Varieties. 

CINCHONA  FLAVA.  U.  S.,  Loud,,  Ed.,  Dub.  Yellow  Baric.  The 
variety  of  Peruvian  Bark  derived  from  Cinchona  Calisaya,  and  called  in  com- 
merce Calisaya  baric.  U:  S.  The  bark  of  Cinchona  Calisaya.  Land.  Bark 
of  an  unascertained  species  of  Cinchona.  Ed.,  Dub. 

CINCHONA  PALLIDA.  U.  S.,  Bond.  Pale  Bark.  The  variety  of 
Peruvian  Bark  derived  from  Cinchona  Condaminea  and  Cinchona  micrantba, 
and  called  in  commerce  Loxa  and  Lima  bark.  L . S.  Bark  of  Cinchona 
Condaminea.  Loud.  CINCHONA  CORONrE.  Crown  Bark.  Bark  of  Cin- 
chona Condaminea.  CINCHONA  CINERBA.  Gray  Bark.  Silver  Bark. 
Bark  of  Cinchona  micrantba.  Ed.  CINCHONA  CONDAMINEA.  Crown  or 

Loxa  Bark.  CINCHONA  MICRANTHA.  Gray  or  Iluan uco  Bark.  Dub. 

• 

* In  a letter  from  Dr.  Garden  to  the  authors,  dated  May  loth,  1850,  that  practitioner 
states  that  thirty  years’  use  of  the  medicine  has  fully  realized  the  favourable  anticipa- 
tions produced  by  the  first  trials. 


PART  r. 


Cinchona. 


219 


CINCHONA  RUBRA.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub.  Red  Bark.  The  variety 
of  Peruvian  Bark  called  in  commerce  red  bark.  U.  S.  The  bark  of  an  un- 
determined species  of  Cinchona.  Lond  , Ed.,  Dub. 

Quinquina,  Fr.;  China,  Peruvianiscke  Rinde,  Germ.;  China,  Ital.;  Quina,  Span. 

Botanical  History. 

Though  the  use  of  Peruvian  bark  was  introduced  into  Europe  so  early  ns 
1640,  it  was  not  till  the  year  1737  that  the  plant  producing  it  was  known  to 
naturalists.  In  that  year,  La  Condamine,  on  a journey  to  Lima,  through 
the  province  of  Loxa,  had  an  opportunity  of  examining  the  tree,  of  which, 
upon  his  return,  he  published  a description  in  the  Memoirs  of  the  French 
Academy.  Soon  afterwards  Linnaeus  gave  it  the  name  of  Cinchona  officinalis, 
in  honour  of  the  Countess  of  Cinchon,  who  is  said  to  have  first  taken  the 
bark  to  Europe;  but,  in  his  description  of  the  plant,  he  united  the  species 
discovered  by  La  Condamine  with  C.pubescens,  a specimen  of  which  had  been 
sent  him  from  Santa  Fe  de  Bogota.  For  a long  time  it  was  not  known  that 
more  than  one  species  existed ; and  the  C.  officinalis  continued,  till  a com- 
paratively recent  period,  to  be  recognised  by  the  Pharmacopoeias  as  the  only 
source  of  the  Peruvian  bark  of  commerce.  But  a vast  number  of  plants 
belonging  to  the  genus  Cinchona,  as  constructed  by  Linnmus,  were  in  the 
course  of  time  discovered*;  and  the  list  became  at  length  so  unwieldy  and 
heterogeneous,  that  botanists  were  compelled  to  distribute  the  species  into 
several  groups,  each  constituting  a distinct  genus,  and  all  associated  in  the 
natural  family  of  Cinclionaceae.  Among  these  genera,  the  Cinchona  is  that 
which  embraces  the  proper  Peruvian  bark  trees,  characterized  by  the  pro- 
duction of  the  three  alkaloids,  quinia,  ciuchonia,  and  quinidia,  as  well  as  by 
certain  botanical  peculiarities,  among  which  the  most  distinctive  is  probably 
the  dehiscence  of  the  capsule  from  the  base  towards  the  apex,  or  from  below 
upward.  The  new  genera  Exostemma  and  Buena  embrace  species  which 
have  been,  perhaps,  most  frequently  referred  to  as  Cinchonas;  but  they  are 
sufficiently  characterized,  the  former  by  the  projection  of  the  stamens  beyond 
the  corolla,  a peculiarity  which  has  given  name  to  the  genus,  the  latter  by 
the  different  shape  of  the  corolla,  the  separation  of  the  calyx  from  the  fruit 
at  maturity,  and  the  opening  of  the  capsule  from  above  downward.  Very 
recently  Weddell  has  separated  several  generally  admitted  species  from  Cin- 
chona, and  instituted  a new  geuus,  which  he  proposes  to  name  CascariUa. 
This  includes  the  former  Cinchona  mai/nifotia  of  Ruiz  and  Pa  von  (O',  ob- 
long if  alia  of  Mutis),  the  C.  stenocarpa . of  Lambert,  the  C.  acutifolia  of  Ruiz 
and  Pavon,  the  C.  oblongifolia  of  Lambert,  the  C.  macrocarpa  of  Vahl,  and 
the  O',  cava  of  Pavon,  which  differ  from  the  true  Cinchona  in  having  the 
dehiscence  of  the  capsules  from  the  apex  towards  the  base,  or  from  above 
downward,  and  the  barks  of  which  contain  neither  of  the  alkaloids  above 
referred  to.  (Weddell,  Hist.  Nat.  des  Quinquinas , p.  77.)  With  this  brief 
preliminary  notice,  we  shall  proceed  to  consider  the  true  Cinchonas.  It  may 
be  proper,  however,  first  to  say,  that  the  botanists  who  have  personally 
observed  these  plants,  besides  La  Condamine,  of  whom  we  have  before 
spoken,  are  chiefly  Joseph  de  Jussieu,  who  in  the  year  1739  explored  the 
country  about  Loxa,  and  gathered  specimens  still  existing  in  the  cabinets  of 
Europe;  Mutis,  who  in  the  year  1772  discovered  Ciuchona  trees  in  New 
Granada,  and  afterwards,  aided  by  his  pupil  .Zen,  made  further  investigations 
and  discoveries  in  the  same  region;  Ruiz  and  Pavon,  who  in  the  year  1777 
began  a course  of  botanical  inquiries  in  the  central  portions  of  Lower  Peru, 
and  discovered  several  new  species ; Humboldt  and  Bonqdand,  who  visited 
several  of  the  Peruvian  bark  districts,  and  published  the  results  of  their 


220 


Cinchona. 


PART  i. 


observations  after  1792;  Pbppig,  who  travelled  in  Peru  as  late  as  1832,  and 
published  an  account  of  his  journey  about  the  year  1835;  and  finally  Wed- 
dell, whose  recent  researches  in  Bolivia  are  so  well  known,  and  have  been  so 
productive  of  valuable  information  in  relation  to  the  Calisaya  bark. 

Cinchona.  Sex.  Syst.  Peutandria  Monogynia.  — Nat.  Ord.  Cinchonaceae. 

Gen.  Ch.  Calyx  with  a turbinate  tube,  and  a persistent  five-toothed  limb. 
Corolla  with  a round  tube,  a five-parted  limb,  and  oblong  lobes  valvate  in 
aestivation.  Stamens  with  short  filaments  inserted  into  the  middle  of  the 
tube,  and  linear  anthers  entirely  enclosed.  Stigma  bifid,  subclavate.  Cap- 
sule ovate  or  oblong,  somewhat  furrowed  on  each  side,  bilocular,  crowned 
with  the  calyx,  septicidal-dehiscent,  with  the  mericarps  loosened  from  the 
base  towards  the  apex,  the  introflexed  part  disjoined.  Placentae  elongated. 
Seeds  numerous,  erect,  imbricated  upward,  compressed,  winged,  with  a mem- 
branous margin,  and  a fleshy  albumen. — The  plants  composing  this  genus  are 
trees  or  shrubs.  The  leaves  are  opposite  upon  short  petioles,  with  flat  mar- 
gins, and  are  attended  with  ovate  or  oblong,  foliaceous,  free,  deciduous  stipules. 
The  flowers  are  terminal,  in  corymbose  panicles,  and  of  a white  or  purplish 
rose  colour.  ( De  Candolle .) 

The  genuine  cinchona  trees  are  confined  exclusively  to  South  America. 
In  that  continent,  however,  they  are  widely  diffused,  extending  from  the  19th 
degree  of  south  latitude,  considerably  south  of  La  Paz,  in  Bolivia,  to  the 
mountains  of  Santa  Martha,  or,  according  to  Weddell,  to  the  vicinity  of  Ca- 
racas, on  the  northern  coast,  in  about  the  10th  degree  of  north  latitude. 
They  follow,  in  this  distance,  the  circuitous  course  of  the  great  mountain 
ranges,  and  for  the  most  part  occupy  the  eastern  slope  of  the  second  range 
of  the  Cordilleras.  Those  which  yield  the  bark  of  commerce  grow  at  various 
elevations  upon  the  Andes,  seldom  less  than  4000  feet  above  the  level  of  the 
sea ; and  require  a temperature  considerably  lower  than  that  which  usually 
prevails  iu  tropical  countries. 

There  has  been  much  difficulty  in  properly  arranging  the  species  of  Cin- 
choua.  One  source  of  the  difficulty  is  stated  by  Humboldt  to  be  the  varying 
shape  of  the  leaves  of  the  same  species,  according  to  the  degree  of  elevation 
upon  the  mountainous  declivities,  to  the  severity  or  mildness  of  the  climate, 
the  greater  or  less  humidity  of  the  soil,  and  to  various  circumstances  in  the 
growth  of  individual  plants.  Even  the  same  tree  often  produces  foliage  of  a 
diversified  character;  and  a person,  not  aware  of  this  fact,  might  be  led  to 
imagine  that  he  had  discovered  different  species,  from  an  examination  of  the 
leaves  which  had  growu  upon  one  and  the  same  branch.  The  fructification 
partakes,  to  a certain  extent,  of  the  same  varying  character.  Lambert,  in 
his  “Illustration  of  the  genus  Cinchona,”  published  in  the  year  1821,  after 
admitting  with  Humboldt  the  identity  of  several  varieties  which  had  received 
specific  names  from  other  botanists,  described  nineteen  species.  De  Candolle 
enumerated  only  sixteen.  Liudley  admits  twenty-one  known  species,  and  five 
doubtful.  Weddell  describes  twenty-one  species,  including  eight  new  ones 
of  his  own,  and  two  doubtful,  and  excluding  several  before  admitted  by  other 
writers,  which  he  joins  to  his  new  genus  Casearilla. 

Until  very  recently,  it  was  impossible  to  decide  from  which  species  of  Cin- 
chona the.  several  varieties  of  bark  were  respectively  derived.  The  former 
references  of  the  yellow  bark  to  G.  cordifolia,  of  the  pale  to  C.  lancifolia, 
and  of  the  red  to  C.  oblongifolia,  have  been  very  properly  abandoned  in  all 
the  Pharmacopoeias.  It  is  now  universally  admitted  that  the  officinal  barks, 
known  in  the  market  by  these  titles,  are  not  the  product  of  the  species  men- 
tioned. It  is  stated  by  Humboldt,  that  the  property  of  curing  agues  belongs 
to  the  barks  of  all  the  Cinchonas  with  hairy  and  woolly  blossoms,  and  to 
these  alone.  All  those  with  smooth  corollas  belong  to  the  genus  Casearilla 


PART  I. 


Cinchona. 


221 


of  Weddell.  Within  a few  years  much  light  has  been  thrown  upon  the  bo- 
tanical history  of  the  different  varieties  of  bark,  and  at  present  most  of  them 
can  be  traced  to  their  sources,  though  something  in  this  respect  remains  yet 
to  be  learned.  The  following  species  are  acknowledged  by  the  Pharmaco- 
poeias of  the  United  States  and  Great  Britain. 

1.  Cinchona  Calisaya.  Weddell,  Hist.  Nat.  des  Quinquinas , p.  30,  t.  3. 
This  is  a lofty  tree,  with  a trunk  often  two  feet  or  more  in  diameter,  and  a 
summit  usually  rising  above  the  other  trees  of  the  forest.  The  leaves  are 
petiolate,  oblong  or  lanceolate-obovate,  from  three  to  six  inches  long,  and  one 
or  two  in  breadth,  obtuse,  acute  or  slightly  attenuated  at  the  base,  softish, 
above  smooth,  of  a velvety  aspect  and  obscurely  green,  beneath  smooth  and 
of  a pale  emerald  hue,  with  scrobiculi  at  the  axils  of  the  veins,  but  scarcely 
visible  on  the  upper  surface.  The  stipules  are  about  as  loDg  as  the  petioles, 
oblong,  very  obtuse,  and  very  smooth.  The  flowers  are  in  ovate  or  subco- 
rymbose  panicles.  The  calyx  is  pubescent,  with  a cup-shaped  limb,  and 
short  triangular  teeth;  the  corolla  is  rose-coloured,  with  a cylindrical  tube 
about  one-third  of  an  inch  long,  and  a laciniate  limb  fringed  at  the  edges; 
the  stamina  are  concealed  in  the  tube,  and  have  anthers  more  than  twice  as 
long  as  the  filaments.  The  fruit  is  an  ovate  capsule  scarcely  as  long  as  the 
flower,  enclosing  elliptical  lanceolate  seeds,  the  margin  of  which  is  irregu- 
larly toothed,  so  as  to  have  a fimbriated  appearance.  The  tree  grows  in  the 
forests,  upon  the  declivities  of  the  Andes,  at  the  height  of  six  or  seven  thou- 
sand feet  above  the  ocean,  in  Bolivia  and  the  southernmost  part  of  Peru. 

A variety  of  this  species,  described  by  Weddell  under  the  name  of  Josc- 
phiana  is  a mere  shrub,  not  more  than  twelve  feet  high,  with  a slender  stem, 
erect  branches,  and  a bark  strongly  adherent  to  the  wood.  This  variety  is 
fouud  in  some  places  covering  extensive  surfaces,  destitute  of  forest  trees. 
Weddell  supposes  that  these  tracts  had  once  been  covered  with  forests,  which, 
having  been  destroyed  by  fires,  have  been  succeeded  by  this  stunted  growth 
springing  up  from  the  roots,  and  prevented  from  receiving  its  natural  deve- 
lopment by  the  want  of  protection  from  other  trees. 

By  the  discovery  of  this  species  the  long  unsettled  point  of  the  botanical 
source  of  Calisaya  bark  has  been  determined.  The  immense  consumption  of 
that  bark,  and  the  wasteful  methods  pursued  by  the  bark  gatherers  have 
caused  the  rapid  destruction  of  the  tree;  and  already  it  has  disappeared  from 
the  neighbourhood  of  inhabited  places,  except  in  tbe  form  of  a shrub.  Wed- 
dell was  compelled  to  make  long  journeys  on  foot  through  the  forests,  by 
paths  scarcely  opened,  before  he  could  get  a sight  of  the  tree  in  its  full  vigour. 

2.  Cinchona  Condaminea.  Ilumb.  and  Bonpl.  Plant.  Equin.  i.  p.  33,  t. 
10;  Lindley,  Flor.  Med.  414;  Carson,  Illust.  of  Med.  Pot.  i.  53,  pi.  45.  This 
tree,  when  full  growrn,  has  a stem  about  eighteen  feet  high  and  a foot  in 
thickness,  with  opposite  branches,  of  which  the  lower  are  horizontal,  and  the 
higher  rise  at  their  extremities.  The  bark  of  the  trunk  yields  when  wounded 
a bitter  astringent  juice.  The  leaves  are  of  variable  shape,  but  generally 
ovate-lanceolate,  about  four  inches  in  length  by  less  than  two  in  breadth, 
smooth,  and  scrobic-ulate  at  the  axils  of  the  veins  beneath.  The  flowers  are 
in  axillary,  downy,  corymbose  panicles.  The  tree  grows  on  the  declivities 
of  the  mountains,  at  an  elevation  of  from  about  a mile  to  a mile  and  a half, 
and  in  a mean  temperature  of  67°  F.  It  was  seen  by  Humboldt  and  Bon- 
pland  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Loxa,  and  is  said  also  to  grow  near  Guanca- 
bamba  and  Ayavaca  in  Peru.  It  is  now  admitted  to  be  the  source  of  the 
crown  hark  of  Loxa.  Weddell  considers  as  varieties  of  this  species,  though 
with  some  hesitation,  as  he  has  never  seen  them  alive,  the  following;  1. 
Candollii  (C.  macrocalyx  of  Pavon  and  Be  Candolle) ; 2.  lucumsefolia  (C. 
lucumaefolia  of  Pavon  and  Lindley);  3.  lancifolia  (C.  lancifolia  of  Mutis), 


222 


Cinchona. 


PART  i. 


hereafter  referred  to  as  a distinct  species;  and  4.  Pitayensis,  growing  in  New 
Granada. 

3.  C.  micrantha.  Ruiz  and  Pavon.  FI.  Peruv.  ii.  52,  t.  194;  Lindley, 
Flor.  Med.  412;  Carson,  I/lust.  of  Med.  Bot.  i.  52,  pi.  44.  This  is  a large 
tree,  forty  feet  high,  with  oblong  leaves,  from  four  to  twelve  inches  in  length 
and  from  two  to  six  in  breadth,  scarcely  acute,  smooth,  shining  on  the  upper 
surface,  and  scrobiculate  at  the  axils  of  the  veins  beneath.  The  flowers  are 
in  terminal,  loose,  leafless  panicles,  and  are  smaller  than  those  of  any  other 
species  except  C.  lancifolia.  ( Lindley .)  The  tree  grows,  according  to  Ruiz 
and  Pavon,  in  the  mountains  near  Ohicoplaya,  Monzon,  and  Puebla  de  San 
Antonio,  according  to  Poppig,  at  Cue-hero,  and,  according  to  Weddell,  in  the 
Peruvian  province  of  Carabaya,  and  in  Bolivia.  Ruiz  states  that  its  bark 
is  always  mixed  with  that  sent  into  the  market  from  the  provinces  of  Pana- 
tahuas,  Huamilies,  and  Huanuco.  The  Edinburgh  and  Dublin  Colleges 
ascribe  to  it  the  cinchona  cinerea,  the  gray  or  silver  hark  of  British  com- 
merce; and  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia  recognises  it  as  one  of  the  sources  of 
pale  bark,  as  it  undoubtedly  is. 

Besides  the  foregoing  species,  several  others  deserve  a brief  notice,  either 
as  contributing  to  furnish  the  bark  of  commerce,  or  on  account  of  the  atten- 
tion they  have  received  from  pharmacologists. 

4.  C.  scrqbiculata.  Humb.  and  Bonpl.  Plant.  Equin.  i.  p.  165,  t.  47 ; 
Weddell,  Hist.  Nat.  des  Quinquinas,  p.  42,  t.  7.  This  species  was  united 
by  Lindley  with  C.  micrantha;  but  Weddell,  who  has  had  the  amplest  oppor- 
tunities of  forming  a just  conclusion,  considers  it  as  one  of  the  best  charac- 
terized species  of  the  genus.  According  to  this  author,  the  scrobiculi  at  the 
axils  of  the  veins  on  the  under  surface  of  the  leaf,  which  are  one  of  the  most 
prominent  of  its  peculiarities,  are  not  usually  found  in  C.  micrantha,  as  stated 
in  its  description ; but  that  what  have  been  taken  for  them,  in  the  latter  spe- 
cies, are  simply  small  bundles  of  hairs.  The  tree  was  seen  by  Humboldt 
and  Bonpland  forming  large  forests  near  the  city  of  Jaen  de  Bracomoros; 
and  Weddell  states  that  it  is  met  with  also  in  the  Peruvian  provinces  of  Cuzco 
and  Carabaya.  Large  quantities  of  the  bark  were  formerly  collected  at  JaeD, 
and  sent  to  the  coast  to  be  shipped  for  Lima.  At  present  the  traders  in  this 
bark  are  said  by  Weddell  to  be  chiefly  at  Cuzco.  The  bark  of  the  younger 
branches  has  been  ranked  with  the  pale  or  gray  barks;  that  of  the  larger 
branches  has  been  sometimes  employed  to  adulterate  the  Calisaya. 

5.  C.  lancifolia.  Mutis,  Period,  de  Santa  Fe,  p.  465;  Lindley,  Flor.  Med. 
415.  This  is  one  of  the  species  discovered  hy  Mutis  in  New  Granada,  and 
by  the  disciples  of  that  botanist  was  considered  as  embracing  many  trees 
which  had  received  distinct  specific  designations.  By  the  London  College  it 
was  long  recognised  as  the  source  of  one  of  the  officinal  barks,  under  the 
impression,  probably,  that  it  was  identical  with  0.  Condaminea,  which  was 
known  to  yield  one  of  the  most  highly  valued  varieties.  It  is,  however,  a 
native  of  New  Granada;  and,  as  none  of  the  barks  recognised  by  the 
Pharmacopoeias  come  from  Carthagena,  its  product,  which  must  be  shipped 
from  that  port,  cannot  be  considered  as  ranking  among  them.  It  yields  the 
orange  hark  of  Mutis,  or  fibrous  Carthagena  hark  of  present  pharmacologists. 

6.  C.  cordifolia.  Mutis,  in  Humb.  Magaz.  Berlin,  1807,  p.  117;  Lindlev, 
Flor.  Med.  839 ; Carson,  1/lust,  of  Med.  Bot.  i.  51,  pi.  43.  This  is  a spreading 
tree,  fifteen  or  twenty  feet  high,  with  a single,  erect,  round  stem,  covered  with 
a smooth  bark,  of  a brownish-gray  colour.  It  was  first  discovered  by  Mutis 
in  the  mountains  about  Santa  Fe  de  Bogota  in  New  Granada,  and  grows  at 
elevations  varying  from  5800  to  9500  feet.  It  was  formerly  considered  by 
the  British  Colleges  as  the  source  of  their  yellow  hark;  but  has  been  ascer- 
tained not  to  produce  the  officinal  bark,  which  never  comes  from  the  region 


PART  I. 


Cinchona. 


223 


where  it  is  known  to  grow.  Guibourt  found  that  the  qnina  amarilla,  or 
yellow  bark  of  Santa  Fe,  which  is  probably  produced  by  C.  cordifolia,  is 
identical  with  hard  Carthagena  bark.  Weddell  states  that,  the  tree  grows 
also  in  Peru,  and  yields  the  white  and  ash-coloured  barks  of  Loxa. 

7.  C.  Boliviana.  Weddell,  Hist.  Nat.  des  Quinquinas,  p.  50,  t.  9.  This 
tree  was  discovered  and  named  by  Weddell,  who  found  it  growing  in  Bolivia 
and  Peru,  extending  somewhat  further  northward  than  C.  Calisaya,  but  not 
so  far  towards  the  south.  In  the  northern  parts  of  Bolivia  the  two  species 
frequently  grow  together.  The  bark  of  C.  Boliviana  is  generally  mixed  in 
commerce  with  the  proper  Calisaya,  from  which  it  cannot  always  be  easily 
distinguished.  This  is  less  to  be  regretted,  as,  according  to  Weddell,  the 
properties  of  the  two  barks  are  not  essentially  different. 

In  addition  to  the  species  above  mentioned,  the  following,  for  a description 
of  which  we  refer  to  Lindley’s  Flora  Medica,  yield  barks  possessing  febrifuge 
properties. — 8.  C.  nitida  of  the  Flora  Peruviana,  incorrectly  confounded, 
according  to  Bindley,  with  C.  lanceolata  by  De  Candolle,  and  C.  Condaminea 
by  Lambert,  grows  in  groves,  in  cold  situations  upon  the  Andes,  in  the  Peru- 
vian provinces  of  Huanuco,  Tarma,  Huamilies,  and  Xuaxa,  and  is  probably 
the  source  of  the  finest  variety  of  commercial  Lima  bark.— 9.  C.  lucumse- 
folia  of  Pavon,  confounded  by  Lambert  with  C.  Condaminea,  grows  near  Loxa, 
and  probably  contributes  to  the  Loxa  or  pale  barks. — 10.  C lanceolata  of  the 
Flora  Peruviana  is  found  at  Cuehero,  and  various  other  places  fifteen  or 
twenty  leagues  distant  from  Huanuco,  where  it  forms  groves  in  lofty  Cold 
situations  upon  the  Andes.  Its  bark  is  said  by  Euiz  and  Pavon  to  be  called 
yellow  bark,  from  the  colour  of  its  inner  surface,  and  to  resemble  Calisaya 
bark  in  flavour. — 11.  C.  ovalifulia  of  Humboldt  and  Bonpland,  the  C.  Hum- 
hokltiana  of  Homer  and  Schultes,  and  of  Be  Candolle,  is  a shrub  from  six 
to  nine  feet  high,  inhabiting  the  province  of  Cuenca,  where  it  forms  consider- 
able forests.  It  probably  contributes  to  the  Loxa  barks,  although  its  product 
is  said  to  be  of  inferior  quality. — 12.  C.  ovata,  of  tbe  FI.  Peruv.,  grows  in 
close  groves,  in  warm  situations  at  the  foot  of  the  Andes,  near  Pozuzo  and 
Panao,  about  ten  leagues  from  Huanuco.  Lindley  considers  it  quite  distinct 
from  the  C. pubescens  of  Vahl,  and  C.  cordifolia  of  Mutis,  with  both  of  which 
it  has  been  confounded.  Ruiz  calls  its  bark  cascarillo  palliclo, or  pale  bark, 
and  states  that  it  was  not  to  be  found  in  commerce.  Yon  Bergen,  however, 
upon  comparing  a specimen  of  the  cascarillo  pnllido  in  the  collection  of  Ruiz 
with  the  Jaen  bark,  found  them  identical.  From  Weddell’s  statements  it 
would  seem  that  this  species  is  widely  diffused  in  Peru  and  Bolivia,  and  va- 
ries extremely  in  the  character  of  its  bark  in  different  situations.  In  the 
parts  visited  by  him,  the  finer  qualities  pass  for  Calisaya  bark;  and  in  the 
Peruvian  province  of  Carabaya,  bordering  on  Bolivia,  it  is  habitually  employed 
to  sophisticate  that  bark.  He  believes  also  that  much  of  the  quilled  bark  of 
Loxa  and  Huanuco  must  be  referred  to  this  species. — 13.  C. pubescens  of  Vahl, 
considered  by  Lindley  as  identical  with  C.  purpurea  of  the  FI.  Peruv.,  is  a 
tree  of  considerable  magnitude,  distinguished  by  the  violet  tint  of  its  large 
leaves,  and  the  purple  colour  of  its  flowers.  It  occurs  in  groves  on  the  lower 
mountain  ridges  in  the  provinces  of  Loxa,  Jaen,  Panatahuas,  &c.,  was  seen 
by  Poppig  at  Cuchuo,  and  is  stated  to  grow  also  in  New  Granada.  The  bark 
is  inferior,  and  is  said  to  be  employed  for  adulterating  the  better  kinds.  A 
specimen  taken  to  Europe  by  Poppig  was  found  by  Reichel  to  be  identical 
with  the  Huamilies  bark.  By  Weddell  it  is  stated  to  be  the  bark  known  in 
French  commerce  as  Cusco  bark,  and  very  closely  to  resemble  that  of  C. 
cordifolia. — 14.  C.  hirsuta  of  the  FI.  Peruv.  grows  on  wooded  mountains  in 
the  province  of  Panatahuas  near  Huanuco,  and  is  said  to  yield  a good  bark, 
called  formerly  quina  delgadilla  or  de/gada,  but  now  scarcely  collected. — 15. 


224 


Cinchona. 


PART  i. 


C.  glandulifera  of  the  FI.  Peruv.  is  a shrub  of  about  twelve  feet,  flourishing 
on  the  high  mountains  N.  W.  of  Huanuco,  and  yielding  an  excellent  bark, 
unknown  in  commerce,  called  by  the  inhabitants  cascarillo  negrillo  from  its 
blackish  epidermis.  In  its  flowering  season,  it  perfumes  the  forest  by  the 
strong  scent  of  its  blossoms. — 16.  C.  Mutisii  of  Lambert  ((7.  glandulifera 
of  Lindley)  is  considered  among  the  best  characterized  species.  It  grows 
in  Loxa,  but  its  bark  is  unknown. 

Besides  the  above  species,  Lindley  enumerates,  17.  C.rotundi folia  of  Piuiz 
and  Pavon,  growing  in  the  province  of  Loxa;  18.  C.  villosa  of  Puvon  (C. 
Humboldtiana  of  Lambert),  growing  at  Jaen  of  Loxa;  and  19.  C.  caduciflora 
of  Bonpland,  growing  near  Jaen  de  Bracomoros ; not  to  mention  the  species 
joined  by  Weddell  to  his  now  admitted  genus  of  Cascarilla.  None  of  the 
species  referred  to  in  this  paragraph  are  known  to  yield  bark  to  commerce. 
To  these  must  now  be  added,  20.  C.  amygdab 'folia  of  Bolivia  and  Peru;  21. 
C.  australis  of  Bolivia,  the  most  southern  of  all  the  known  species,  growing 
as  far  south  as  the  19th  degree  of  latitude;  22.  C.  purpurascens ; 23.  C. 
Chomeliana ; 24.  C.  asperifo/ia,  also  of  Bolivia;  and  25.  C ■ Carabayensis 
of  the  Peruvian  province  of  Carabaya;  all  of  which  were  discovered  and  de- 
scribed by  Weddell ; but  from  none  of  which  is  commercial  bark  procured. 
C.  dicliot&ma  of  the  Flora  Peruviana,  C.  macrocalyx  of  Be  Candolle,  C. 
crassifolia  of  Pavon  in  Be  Candolle’s  Prodromus,  C.  Pelalba  of  the  same 
authority,  and  C.  Mukonensis  of  G-oudot  in  Be  Candolle’s  Prodromus,  are 
considered  by  Lindley  as  uncertain  species. 

Perhaps  too  much  importance  has  been  attached  to  the  study  of  particular 
species  of  Cinchona.  The  character  of  the  product  of  any  one  species  varies 
much  according  to  the  part  of  the  plant  decorticated,  and  the  circumstances 
of  its  growth.  Weddell  has  made  some  observations  on  this  point,  which,  if 
confirmed,  may  lead  to  important  practical  results.* 

* The  fundamental  idea  is,  that  the  chemical  character  of  the  bark  is  connected  with 
peculiarities  in  its  intimate  structure,  and  that  by  knowing  the  latter  we  may  ascer- 
tain, with  an  approach  to  certainty,  the  former  also ; and  thus,  as  the  virtues  of  the 
bark  depend  on  its  chemical  constitution,  we  may  have  reliable  criteria  of  its  value. 
Nowin  the  different  barks  there  are  three  varieties  of  structure;  the  dead  exterior 
layers  being  left  out  of  the  question.  First,  as  in  the  Calisaya  bark  which  consists  of 
the  inner  bark  or  liber,  the  whole  substance  is  filled  with  short  fusiform  fibres,  which, 
whether  viewed  in  a longitudinal  or  transverse  section,  are  seen,  with  the  aid  of  the 
microscope,  to  be  isolated  by  a cellular  tissue,  in  the  midst  of  which  they  are  regularly 
disposed  in  parallel  lines,  lying  end  to  end  without  absolute  junction.  It  is  known  that 
this  bark  abounds  in  quinia,  and  owes  its  virtue  to  that  constituent. 

In  the  second  variety,  such  as  the  flat  bark  of  C.  scrobiculata,  a cellular  coat  exists  out- 
side of  the  liber.  In  this,  under  the  microscope,  the  inner  layer  is  seen  to  consist  of 
fibres  more  closely  arranged,  more  numerous  and  much  larger  than  in  the  preceding, 
and  firmly  attached  at  their  extremities ; and  they  suddenly  diminish  in  number  as  we 
approach  the  outer  surface,  where  the  bark  consists  solely  of  cells. 

The  third  variety,  of  which  the  bark  of  C.  pubescens  is  an  example,  consists  chiefly  of 
cellular  tissue,  with  a few  irregular  series  of  fibres  in  the  inner  half : and  these  fibres 
are  three  or  four  times  as  large  as  in  the  other  varieties.  In  the  two  latter  barks  cin- 
chonia  is  the  predominant  alkali;  but  it  is  not  very  abundant  in  either,  and  least  so  in 
the  one  last  mentioned.  The  inference  is,  that  quinia  is  most  largely  developed  in 
those  barks  in  which  the  fibres  are  short  and  intimately  mixed  with  cells;  while  the 
cinchonia  is  more  especially  deposited  in  the  tissue  exclusively  cellular.  The  fracture 
in  the  first  variety  is  from  its  structure  fibrous,  but  shortly-fibrous  throughout : that 
of  the  second  and  third  is  smooth  where  cells  exist  exclusively,  and  with  long  fibres 
where  fibres  exist.  A short  smooth  fracture,  therefore,  as  in  the  young  barks,  or  a 
fracture  partly  smooth  and  partly  long-fibrous,  as  in  the  older  barks  which  have  not 
thrown  off  their  cellular  layer,  indicate  a cinchonia  bark,  and  one  comparatively  feeble: 
while  a fracture  uniformly  short-fibrous  indicates  a variety  abounding  in  quinia  and 
energetic ; and,  in  proportion  as  a bark  approaches  this  latter  condition,  will  it  prove 
to  be  efficacious. — Note  to  the  ninth  edition. 


PART  I. 


Cinchona. 


225 


Commercial  History. 

For  more  than  a century  after  Peruvian  bark  came  into  use,  it  was  pro- 
cured almost  exclusively  from  the  neighbourhood  of  Loxa.  In  a memoir 
published  A.  D.  1738,  La  Condamine  speaks  of  the  bark  of  Bhiobambo, 
Cuenca,  .Ay avaca,  and  Jaen  de  Bracomoros.  Of  these  places,  the  first  two, 
together  with  Loxa,  lie  within  the  ancient  kingdom  of  Quito,  at  its  southern 
extremity;  the  others  are  in  the  same  vicinity,  within  the  borders  of  Peru. 
The  drug  was  shipped  chiefly  at  Payta,  whence  it  was  carried  to  Spain,  and 
thence  spread  over  Europe.  Beyond  the  limits  above  mentioned,  the  Cin- 
chona was  not  supposed  to  exist,  till,  in  the  year  1753,  a gentleman  of  Loxa 
discovered  it,  while  on  a journey  to  Santa  Fe  de  Bogota,  in  numerous  situa- 
tions along  his  route,  wherever,  in  fact,  the  elevation  of  the  country  was 
equal  to  that  of  Loxa,  or  about  6,500  feet  above  the  level  of  the  sea.  This 
discovery  extended  through  Quito  into  New  Granada,  as  far  as  two  degrees 
and  a half  north  of  the  equator.  But  no  practical  advantage  was  derived 
from  it;  and  the  information  lay  buried  in  the  archives  of  the  vice-royalty, 
till  subsequent  events  brought  it  to  light.  To  Mutis  belongs  the  credit  of 
making  known  the  existence  of  the  Cinchona  in  New  Granada.  He  first 
discovered  it  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Bogota,  in  the  year  1772.  A botanical 
expedition  was  afterwards  organized  by  the  Spanish  government,  with  the 
view  of  exploring  this  part  of  their  dominions,  and  the  direction  was  given 
to  Mutis.  Its  researches  eventuated  in  the  discovery  of  several  species  of 
Cinchona  in  New  Granada;  and  a commerce  in  the  bark  soon  commenced, 
which  was  carried  on  through  the  ports  of  Carthagena  and  Santa  Martha. 

To  these  sources  another  was  added  about  the  same  time,  A.  D.  1776,  by 
the  discovery  of  the  Cinchona  in  the  centre  of  Peru,  in  the  mountainous 
region  about  the  city  of  Huanuco,  which  lies  on  the  eastern  declivity  of  the 
Andes,  north-east  of  Lima,  at  least  six  degrees  south  of  the  province  of  Loxa. 
To  explore  this  new  locality,  another  botanical  expedition  was  set  on  foot,  at 
the  head  of  which  were  Kuiz  and  Pavon,  the  distinguished  authors  of  the 
Flora  Peruviana.  These  botanists  spent  several  years  in  this  region,  during 
which  time  they  discovered  numerous  species.  Lima  became  the  entrepot 
for  the  barks  collected  around  Huanuco;  and  hence  probably  originated  the 
name  of  Lima  bark,  so  often  conferred,  in  common  language,  not  only  upon 
the  varieties  received  through  that  city,  but  also  upon  the  medicine  generally. 

Soon  after  the  last-mentioned  discovery,  two  additional  localities  of  the 
Cinchona  were  found,  one  at  the  northern  extremity  of  the  continent  near 
Santa  Martha,  the  other  very  far  to  the  south,  in  the  provinces  of  La  Paz 
and  Cochabamba,  then  within  the  vice-royalty  of  Buenos  Ayres,  now  in  the 
republic  of  Bolivia.  These  latter  places  became  the  source  of  an  abundant 
supply  of  excellent  bark,  which  received  the  name  of  Calisaya.  It  was  sent 
partly  to  the  ports  on  the  Pacific,  partly  to  Buenos  Ayres. 

The  consequence  of  these  discoveries  was  a vast  increase  in  the  supply  of 
bark,  which  was  now  shipped  from  the  ports  of  Guayaquil,  Payta,  Lima, 
Ariea,  Buenos  Ayres,  Carthagena,  and  Santa  Martha.  At  the  same  time, 
the  average  quality  was  probably  deteriorated;  for,  though  many  of  the  new 
varieties. were  possessed  of  excellent  properties,  yet  equal  care  in  superin- 
tending the  collection  and  assorting  of  the  bark  could  scarcely  be  exercised, 
in  a field  so  much  more  extended.  The  varieties  now  poured  into  the  market 
soon  became  so  numerous  as  to  burthen  the  memory,  if  not  to  defy  the  dis- 
crimination-of  the  druggist;  and  the  best  pharmacologists  found  themselves 
at  a loss  to  discover  any  permanent  peculiarities  which  might  serve  as  the 


226 


Cinchona. 


PART  i. 


basis  of  a proper  and  useful  classification.  This  perplexity  has  continued 
more  or  less  to  the  present  time;  though  the  discovery  of  the  alkaline  prin- 
ciples has  presented  a ground  of  distinction  before  unknown.  The  restrictions 
upon  the  commerce  with  South  America,  by  directing  the  trade  into  irregular 
channels,  had  also  a tendency  to  deteriorate  the  character  of  the  drug. 
Little  attention  was  paid  to  a proper  assortment  of  the  several  varieties;  and 
not  only  were  the  best  barks  mixed  with  those  of  inferior  species  and  less 
careful  preparation,  but  the  products  of  other  trees,  bearing  no  resemblance 
to  the  Cinchona,  were  sometimes  added,  having  been  artificially  prepared  so 
as  to  deceive  a careless  observer.  The  markets  of  this  country  were  pecu- 
liarly ill  furnished.  The  supplies,  being  derived  chiefly,  by  means  of  a con- 
traband trade,  from  Carthagena  and  other  ports  on  the  Spanish  Main,  or 
indirectly  through  the  Havana,  were  necessarily  of  an  inferior  character;  and 
most  of  the  good  bark  which  reached  us  was  imported  by  our  druggists  from 
London,  whither  it  was  sent  from  Cadiz.  A great  change,  however,  in  this 
respect,  took  place,  after  the  ports  on  the  Pacific  were  opened  to  our  com- 
merce. The  best  kinds  of  bark  were  thus  rendered  directly  accessible  to  us; 
and  the  trash  with  which  our  markets  were  formerly  glutted  is  now  in  great 
measure  excluded.  Our  ships  trading  to  the  Pacific  run  along  the  American 
coast  from  "Valparaiso  to  Guayaquil,  stopping  at  the  intermediate  ports  of 
Coquimbo,  Copiapo,  Arica,  Callao,  Truxillo,  &c.,  from  all  which  they  prob- 
ably receive  supplies.  Much  good  bark  has  of  late  also  been  brought  from 
Carthagena,  and  other  ports  of  the  Caribbean  Sea. 

The  persons  who  collect  the  bark  are  called  in  South  America  Cascarifleros. 
Considerable  experience  and  judgment  are  requisite  to  render  an  individual 
well  qualified  for  this  business.  He  must  not  only  be  able  to  distinguish  the 
trees  which  produce  good  bark  from  those  less  esteemed,  but  must  also  know 
the  proper  season  and  the  age  at  which  a branch  should  be  decorticated,  and 
the  marks  by  which  the  efficiency  or  inefficiency  of  any  particular  product  is 
indicated.  The  bark  gatherers  begin  their  operations  with  the  setting  in  of 
the  dry  season  in  May.  Sometimes  they  first  cut  down  the  tree,  and  after- 
wards strip  off  the  bark  from  the  branches;  in  other  instances,  they  decorti- 
cate the  tree  while  standing.  The  former  plan  is  said  to  be  the  most  econo- 
mical ; as,  when  the  tree  is  cut  down,  the  stump  pushes  up  shoots  which  in 
the  course  of  time  become  fit  for  decortication,  while,  if  deprived  of  its  bark, 
the  whole  plant  perishes.  The  operator  separates  the  bark  by  making  a longi- 
tudinal incision  with  a sharp  knife  through  its  whole  thickness,  and  then 
forcing  it  off  from  the  branch  with  the  back  of  the  instrument.  Other  means 
are  resorted  to  when  the  trunk  or  larger  limbs  are  decorticated.  According 
to  Pbppig,  the  bark  is  not  separated  until  three  or  four  days  after  the  tree  is 
felled.  It  must  then  be  speedily  dried,  as  otherwise  it  becomes  deteriorated. 
For  this  purpose  it  is  taken  out  of  the  woods  into  some  open  place,  where  it  is 
exposed  to  the  sun.  In  drying  it  rolls  up,  or  in  technical  language  becomes 
quilled;  and  the  degree  to  which  this  effect  takes  place,  is  proportionate  di- 
rectly to  the  thinness  of  the  bark,  and  inversely  to  the  age  of  the  branch 
from  which  it  was  derived.  In  packing  the  bark  for  exportation,  it  often 
happens  that  several  different  kinds  are  introduced  into  the  same  case.  The 
packages  are,  in  commercial  language,  called  scroons.  As  found  in  this 
market  they  are  usually  covered  with  a case  of  thick  and  stiff  ox-hide,  lined 
within  by  a very  coarse  cloth,  apparently  woven  out  of  some  kind  of  grass. 

The  Cinchona  forests,  being  in  very  thinly  inhabited  districts,  do  not,  for 
the  most  part,  belong  to  individuals,  but  are  open  to  the  enterprise  of  all  who 
choose  to  engage  in  the  collection  of  the  bark.  The  consequence  is,  that  the 
operations  are  carried  on  without  reference  to  the  future  condition  of  this 


PART  I. 


Cinchona. 


227 


important  interest;  and  the  most  wasteful  modes  of  proceeding  are  often 
adopted.  Nevertheless,  the  great  extent  to  which  the  Cinchona  forests  pre- 
vail, spreading,  as  they  do,  with  some  interruptions,  over  thirty  degrees  of 
latitude,  and  occupying  regions  which  can  never  be  applied  to  agricultural 
purposes,  almost  precludes  the  idea  of  their  even  remote  extinction. 

The  bitterness  of  the  Cinchona  is  not  confined  to  its  bark.  The  leaves  and 
flowers  also  have  this  property,  which  in  the  former  is  associated  with  acidity, 
in  the  latter  with  a delicious  aroma,  which  renders  the  air  fragrant  in  neigh- 
bourhoods where  the  trees  abound.  The  wood  is  nearly  tasteless;  but  the 
bark  of  the  root  has  the  same  virtues  as  that  of  the  trunk;  and  rich  mines 
of  underground  treasure  may  await  future  explorers,  in  regions  which  have 
been  stripped  of  their  trees  either  by  fire  or  the  axe. 

Classification. 

To  form  a correct  and  lucid  system  of  classification  is  the  most  difficult  part 
of  the  subject  of  bark.  An  arrangement  founded  on  the  botanical  basis, 
is  liable  to  the  objection,  that  the  product  of  the  same  species  may  vary 
according  to  the  age  of  the  bark  and  the  situation  of  the  tree;  and,  besides, 
is  at  present  out  of  the  question ; as,  though  our  knowledge  of  the  source  of 
the  several  varieties  has  much  extended,  it  is  by  no  means  complete. 

The  Spanish  merchants  adopted  a classification,  dependent  partly  on  the 
place  of  growth  or  shipment,  and  partly  on  the  inherent  properties,  or  sup- 
posed relative  value  of  the  bark.  So  long  as  the  sources  of  the  drug  were 
very  confined,  and  the  number  of  varieties  small,  this  plan  answered  the  pur- 
poses of  trade;  but  at  present  it  is  altogether  inadequate;  and,  though  some 
of  the  names  originally  conferred  upon  this  principle  are  still  retained,  they 
are  often  uncertain  or  misapplied.  Thus,  it  is  said  that,  by  the  traders  iu 
South  America,  the  young  slender  gray  barks  are  called  by  the  name  of  Loxa, 
from  whatever  source  they  may  be  derived;  while  those  somewhat  larger  and 
older  receive  their  appellation  from  Lima. 

Perhaps,  on  the  whole,  the  best  arrangement  for  pharmaceutical  and  me- 
dicinal purposes  is  that  founded  upon  difference  of  colour.  It  is  true  that 
dependence  cannot  be  placed  upon  this  property  alone;  as  barks  of  a similar 
colour  have  been  found  to  possess  very  different  virtues;  and,  between  the 
various  colours  considered  characteristic,  there  is  an  insensible  gradation  of 
shade,  so  that  it  is  not  always  possible  to  decide  where  one  ends  and  the 
other  begins.  Still  it  has  been  found  that  most  of  the  valuable  barks  may 
be  arranged,  according  to  their  colour,  in  three  divisions,  which,  though 
mingling  at  their  extremes,  are  very  distinctly  characterized,  in  certain  spe- 
cimens, by  peculiarity  not  only  in  colour,  but  also  in  other  sensible  properties, 
and  even  iu  chemical  constitution.  The  three  divisions  alluded  to  are  the 
pale , the  yellow,  and  the  reel.  This  arrangement  has  been  adopted  in  the 
U.  S.  and  London  Pharmacopoeias,  and,  with  slight  variation,  in  those  also 
of  the  Edinburgh  and  Dublin  Colleges;  and  as,  until  recently,  almost  all  the 
highly  esteemed  barks  were  brought  from  the  Pacific  coast  of  South  America, 
and  those  from  the  northern  coast  were  deemed  inferior,  it  was  only  the 
former  that  were  recognised  under  the  three  divisions  referred  to.  In  de- 
scribing, therefore,  the  different  kinds  of  bark,  we  shall  treat  first,  under  the 
officinal  titles  of  pale , yellow,  and  red,  of  those  brought  from  the  ports  of  the 
Pacific;  while  those  coming  to  us  from  the  northern  ports  of  New  Granada 
and  Venezuela  will  be  subsequently  considered  under  the  heading  of  non- 
ojficinal  or  Carthayena  barks,  by  the  latter  of  which  names  they  have  been 
generally  known  in  commerce.  The  commercial  name  will  be  given  in  all 


228 


Cinchona. 


PART  i. 


instances  in  which  a knowledge  of  it  can  be  useful.  It  is  proper  to  state 
that  the  different  barks  are  often  mingled  in  the  same  package,  and  that,  in 
deciding  upon  the  character  of  a seroon,  the  druggist  is  guided  rather  by  the 
predominance  than  the  exclusive  existence  of  certain  distinctive  properties. 

1.  Pale  Bark. 

The  epithet  pale  applied  to  the  barks  of  this  division  is  derived  from  the 
colour  of  the  powder.  The  French  call  them  quinquinas  gris,  or  gray  barks, 
from  the  colour  of  the  epidermis.  They  come  into  the  market  in  cylindrical 
pieces  of  variable  length,  from  a few  inches  to  a foot  and  a half,  sometimes 
singly,  sometimes  doubly  quilled,  from  two  lines  to  an  inch  in  diameter,  and 
from  half  a line  to  two  or  three  lines  in  thickness.  The  kinds  which  have 
generally  been  deemed  the  finest  are  about  the  size  of  a goosequill.  Their 
exterior  surface  is  usually  more  or  less  rough,  marked  with  transverse  and 
sometimes  with  longitudinal  fissures,  and  of  a grayish  colour,  owing  to  ad- 
hering lichens.  The  shade  is  different  in  different  samples.  Sometimes  it 
is  a light  gray,  approaching  to  white,  sometimes  dull  and  brown,  sometimes 
a grayish-fawn,  and  frequently  diversified  by  the  intermixture  of  the  proper 
colour  of  the  epidermis  with  that  of  the  patches  of  lichens.  The  interior 
surface,  in  the  finer  kinds,  is  smooth;  in  the  coarser,  occasionally  rough  and 
somewhat  ligneous.  Its  colour  is  a brownish-orange,  sometimes  inclining  to 
red,  sometimes  to  yellow,  and,  in  some  inferior  specimens,  of  a dusky  hue. 
The  fracture  is  usually  smooth,  with  some  short  filaments  on  the  internal 
part  only.  In  the  coarser  barks  it  is  more  fibrous.  The  colour  of  the  powder 
is  a pale  fawn,  which  is  of  a deeper  hue  in  the  inferior  kinds.  The  taste  is 
moderately  bitter  and  somewhat  astringent,  without  being  disagreeable  or 
nauseous.  Authors  speak  also  of  an  acidulous  and  aromatic  flavour,  which 
is  less  evident.  The  better  kinds  have  a feeble  odour,  which  is  distinct  and 
agreeably  aromatic  in  the  powder  and  decoction.  The  pale  barks  are  che- 
mically characterized  by  containing  a much  larger  proportion  of  cinchonia 
and  quinidia  than  of  quinta ; and  their  infusion  does  not  yield  a precipitate 
with  solution  of  sulphate  of  soda.  Their  appearance  generally  indicates  that 
they  were  derived  from  the  smaller  branches.  They  are  collected  in  the 
provinces  about  Loxa,  or  in  the  country  which  surrounds  the  city  of  Iluanuco, 
northeast  of  Lima,  and  are  probably  derived  chiefly  from  Cinchona  Conda- 
minea,  C.  nitida,  and  C.  micrantha. 

There  are  several  commercial  varieties  of  pale  bark,  obtained  from  differ- 
ent sources,  and  differing  more  or  less  in  their  properties.  The  most  highly 
esteemed  of  these  is  the  Loxa  hark,  the  finest  specimens  of  which  are  some- 
times called  crown  hark  of  Loxa,  from  the  impression  that  they  have  the 
same  origin  and  character  with  the  bark  formerly  selected  with  great  care  for 
the  use  of  the  King  of  Spain  and  the  royal  family.  The  pale  bark  collected 
about  Huanuco  is  either  named  Lima  hark,  because  taken  to  that  city  for 
commercial  distribution,  or  Iluanuco  hark,  from  its  place  of  collection.  The 
former  name  has  been  more  common  in  this  country,  where,  indeed,  this 
commercial  variety  has  not  unfrequently  been  confounded  with  the  Loxa  bark. 
Other  pale  barks  are  the  Jaen  and  Huamilies  harks,  which  are  scarcely 
known  as  distinct  varieties  in  the  United  States.* 

* The  following  description  of  the  several  varieties  of  pale  bark  has  been  derived 
mainly  from  the  works  of  Yon  Bergen,  Guibourt,  and  Pereira,  probably  the  highestEu- 
ropean  authorities  on  this  subject,  the  first  in  Germany,  the  second  in  France,  and  the 
third  in  England.  We  have  consulted  also  other  pharmacological  writers,  and  have  de- 
rived advantage  from  the  recent  observations  of  Dr.  Weddell,  and  of  Mr.  J.  E.  Howard, 
of  London,  who  has  carefully  examined  the  rich  collection  of  Pavon  deposited  in  the 
British  Museum,  and  compared  the  specimens  with  the  barks  of  commerce.  Our  re- 


PART  I. 


Cinchona. 


229 


In  this  country,  the  pale  bark  has  fallen  into  disuse.  As  it  yields  little 
quinia,  it  is  not  employed  in  the  manufacture  of  the  sulphate  of  that  alkali, 

marks  are  put  in  the  form  of  a note ; as  the  information  in  relation  to  these  varieties 
can  be  of  little  use  to  the  student,  though  it  may  aid  the  discrimination  of  the  druggist. 

For  a proper  understanding  of  the  subject,  the  reader  should  have  some  idea  of  the 
general  structure  of  the  bark.  In  the  young  barks  there  are  four  layers,  viz. : 1.  the 
epidermis  or  outer  coat,  which  is  often  covered  or  incorporated  with  lichens,  2.  the  pe- 
riderm or  suberous  coat,  which  is  sometimes  of  a cork-like  character,  3.  the  cellular 
coat  or  green  lager,  often  containing  resin,  and  5.  the  liber,  or  inner-coat,  which  is  more 
or  less  fibrous. 

1.  Loza  Bark.  Crown  Bark. — Quinquina  de  Loza,  Fr. — Loza  China,  Kron-China, 
Germ.— The  following  is  Von  Bergen’s  description  of  this  variety,  contained  in  his 
splendid  work  upon  bark,  entitled  Versuch  einer  Monographic  der  China,  published  in 
Hamburg  in  the  year  1826.  This  bark  is  in  cylindrical  tubes,  strongly  rolled,  from  six 
to  fifteen  inches  long,  from  two  lines  to  an  inch  in  diameter,  and  from  half  a line  to 
two  lines  thick.  The  outer  surface  is  more  or  less  rough,  seldom  much  wrinkled  lon- 
gitudinally, but  marked  with  numerous  transverse  fissures,  which  usually  run  round 
the  bark,  and  divide  it  into  rings,  the  edges  of  which  are  somewhat  elevated.  In  the 
smallest  quills  these  fissures  are  not  very  obvious ; in  the  larger,  they  are  distant  and 
apt  to  be  interrupted.  In  the  largest  the  surface  is  sometimes  very  rough  and  even 
warty.  The  proper  colour  of  the  epidermis  is  dark  gray,  sometimes  almost  black, 
sometimes  ash-coloured,  and  occasionally  inclining  to  fawn ; but  frequently  diversified 
by  whitish  lichens,  which  are  in  some  instances  so  numerous  as  to  cover  almost  the 
whole  exterior  of  the  bark,  and  to  give  it  a light-gray  appearance.  The  inner  surface 
is  smooth  and  uniform,  and  of  the  colour  of  cinnamon,  with  occasionally  a reddish 
tinge.  The  fracture  in  the  smaller  quills  is  quite  smooth,  in  the  larger  somewhat 
fibrous.  The  bark  is  of  a rather  firm  consistence,  and  when  cut  transversely  exhibits 
a resinous  character.  Its  odour  is  compared  by  Guibourt  to  that  perceived  in  damp 
woods,  by  Von  Bergen  to  that  of  tan.  Its  taste  is  acidulous,  astringent,  and  bitterish. 
The  powder  is  of  a dull  cinnamon  colour. 

Guibourt,  in  the  edition  of  his  Histoire  des  Drogues,  published  in  1850,  describes  four 
chief  varieties  of  Loxa  bark,  under  the  names  severally  of  1.  Quinquina  de  Loza  gris 
compa.de,  2.  Quinquina  de  Loxa.  brun  compacle,  3.  Quinquina  de  Loxa  rouge  fibreux  de 
roi  d'Espagne,  and  4.  Quinquina  de  Loxa  jaune  fibreux.  Of  these  the  first  two  appear 
to  be  embraced  in  the  description  above  given  from  Von  Bergen.  The  third  is  dis- 
tinguished from  the  common  Loxa  bark  by  its  eminently  fibrous  texture,  and  its  slight 
astringency  to  the  taste.  It  is  scarcely  to  be  found  in  commerce.  The  fourth  is  almost 
the  only  variety  of  Loxa  bark  known  in  the  French  market.  It  is  in  quills,  very  thin, 
and  usually  very  much  rolled,  but  slightly  rough  externally,  with  minute  transverse 
fissures,  generally  covered  with  a thin  whitish  coat  which  gives  it  a light-gray  colour, 
reddish  and  very  smooth  internally,  and  of  a very  finely  fibrous  fracture.  Its  taste  is 
astringent  and  bitter,  and  its  odour  sufficiently  marked.  The  pieces  from  the  trunk 
are  much  larger,  and  may  even  have  a thickness  of  two  lines,  with  some  resemblance 
to  the  Calisaya ; but  its  outer  surface,  scarcely  rough,  and  often  longitudinally  wrinkled, 
the  fineness  of  its  texture,  and  the  smoothness  of  its  inner  surface  readily  distinguish 
it.  Guibourt  has  no  hesitation  in  referring  it  to  C.  macrocalyx. 

English  druggists  distinguish  Loxa  bark  into  1.  the  picked  crown  bark,  which  consists 
of  the  finest,  thinnest,  and  longest  quills ; 2.  the  silvery  crown  bark,  somewhat  larger 
in  size,  and  characterized  by  a whitish  silvery  appearance  of  the  epidermis  derived  from 
adhering  lichens;  and  3.  the  leopard  crown  bark,  named  from  its  speckled  appearance, 
depending  on  whitish  lichens  alternating  with  the  dark-brown  epidermis.  Dr.  Pereira, 
in  the  last  edition  of  his  work  on  Materia  Medica,  the  publication  of  which  was  com- 
pleted after  his  death  (A.  D.  1853 ),  distinguishes  the  following  varieties  of  Loxa  bark.— 
1.  Original  or  old  Loxa  bark.  This  is  the  original  crown  bark , and  derived  its  name 
from  the  circumstance,  that  parcels  of  it  were  found  on  board  a captured  Spanish  ves- 
sel returning  from  S.  America,  put  up  with  peculiar  care,  and  marked  as  for  the  royal 
family.  It  was  in  slender  quills,  thirteen  inches  long,  tied  up  in  bundles  about  three 
inches  in  diameter.  Similar  bundles  were  afterwards  imported,  and  still  occasionally 
come  in  the  seroons  of  commercial  crown  bark.  This  bark  is  believed  to  have  been 
derived  from  C.  Condaminea,  variety  vera  of  Weddell ; but  as  the  tree  is  nearly  ex- 
hausted, little  is  obtained  from  it  at  present;  and  wliat  is  commonly  called  Loxa  or 
crown  bark,  is  derived  from  other  varieties  of  C.  Condaminea,  or  from  other  spe- 
cies.— 2.  White  Crown  Bark.  This  is  in  small  and  large  quills;  the  former  having  a 
silvery  appearance  from  the  presence  of  crustaceous  lichens,  and  exhibiting  numerous 


230 


Cinchona. 


PART  i. 


which  has  almost  superseded  the  bark  as  a remedy  in  intermittents ; and  the  red 
or  yellow  bark  is  preferred  by  physicians  when  it  is  necessary  to  resort  to  the 

transverse  cracks;  the  latter  without  these  transverse  fissures,  hut  ragged  externally 
from  longitudinal  rents  in  the  epidermis,  with  a satin-like  lustre  of  the  surface  thus 
exposed.  It  is  the  produce  of  the  C.  Condaminea , var.  lucumxfolia  of  Weddell,  C. 
lucumxfolia  of  Pavon. — 3.  H.  O.  Crown  Bark.  This  is  the  variety  usually  found  in 
commerce,  and  has  been  named  from  the  brand  H.  0.  with  a crown,  adopted  in  the 
time  of  the  Spanish  government  in  S.  America.  It  is  in  quills  from  six  to  fifteen  inches 
long,  from  two  lines  to  an  inch  in  diameter,  and  from  one-third  of  a line  to  two  lines 
thick.  Some  of  the  quills  are  without  lichens,  thin,  externally  brown  and  shrivelled, 
with  numerous  longitudinal  wrinkles,  but  with  few  transverse  fissures.  The  internal 
surface  is  cinnamon-coloured,  and  the  fracture  pale  yellow.  Others  are  larger,  coarser, 
grayish  externally  from  lichens,  with  many  transverse  fissures,  some  of  which  quite 
surround  the  quills.  Others  again  are  twisted,  and  have  a patchy  black  and  white 
appearance  from  the  adhering  lichens.  The  botanical  origin  of  this  bark  is  not  cer- 
tainly known ; though  Howard  ascribes  it  to  C.  glandulifera.  ( Pharm.  Journ.  and  Trans., 
xii.  128.)  It  comes  from  the  port  of  Payta. — 4.  Ashy  Crown  Bark.  This  is  in  quills 
about  the  size  of  the  fingers,  having  an  external  surface  mottled  with  white,  gray,  and 
black  or  soot-like  patches  of  powdery  and  crustaceous  lichens,  sometimes  also  marked 
with  rusty  fungoid  warts.  The  epidermis  has  longitudinal  wrinkles  and  transverse 
fissures  ; the  internal  surface  is  of  an  orange  or  cinnamon  colour.  Mr.  Howard  found 
it  identical  with  the  bark,  in  Pavon’s  collection,  ascribed  to  the  C.  rotundifolia  of  that 
botanist,  the  C.  cordifolia. , var.  rotundifolia  of  Weddell.  It  is  stated  to  be  imported  from 
Lima;  and,  according  to  Mr.  Howard,  large  quantities  are  now  used  for  pharmaceutical 
purposes.  [Ibid.,  126.)  — 5.  Wiry  Loxa  Bark.  This  is  in  very  slender,  wire-like  quills, 
internally  smoothish  and  brown,  in  some  places  slightly  gray,  without  lichens,  and  si- 
most  destitute  of  transverse  fissures.  Many  of  the  quills  are  lined  within  with  a thin 
shaving  of  pale-yellow  wood.  The  fracture  is  short  and  resinous.  The  taste  is  very 
astringent  and  but  slightly  bitter,  and,  as  the  bark  is  almost  destitute  of  alkaloids,  it  is 
very  nearly  worthless.  It  is  brought  from  Payta;  but  its  botanical  source  is  unknown. 

The  earlier  analyses  gave  as  constituents  of  the  Loxa  barks  cinchonia  and  quinia, 
generally  with  a predominance  of  the  former  alkaloid.  Since  the  discovery  of  quinidia, 
this  also  has  been  found,  sometimes,  in  considerable  proportion.  The  different  va- 
rieties vary  much  in  their  yield  of  alkaloids;  the  larger  barks,  in  all  the  varieties,  afford- 
ing  more  than  the  smaller.  An  average  of  several  results,  stated  by  Geiger,  gives 
abdut  0-48  per  cent,  of  cinchonia,  and  0 06  of  quinia.  In  the  thickest  pieces, 
Thiel  found  1-0  per  cent,  of  cinchonia,  and  0-03  of  quinia.  According  to  Soubeiran, 
one  pound  of  Loxa  bark  yields  from  a drachm  and  a half  to  two  drachms  of  sulphate 
of  cinchonia  Erom  some  fine  old  Loxa  bark,  not  now  in  the  market,  Mr.  How- 
ard obtained  0-714  per  cent,  of  quinia,  0-514  of  quinidia,  and  0-04  of  cinchonia.' 
From  the  II.  O.  croton  bark , which  is  at  present  the  variety  usually  found  in  commerce, 
he  got  from  small  quills  0-57  per  cent,  of  quinidia  and  0-6  of  cinchonia,  and  from  larger 
1-05  of  the  former  and  0-8  of  the  latter,  and  no  quinia  from  either.  (Pereira,  Mat.  Med.. 
3d  ed.,  p.  1639.)  From  the  ashy  crown  bark  the  same  chemist  got  0-418  per  cent  of 
quinia  and  quinidia  jointly,  and  0-914  of  cinchonia,  {Pharm.  Journ.  and  Trans.,  xii. 
126.)  From  these  results  it  would  appear  either  that  the  older  Loxa  barks  contained 
much  more  quinia  than  the  modern,  or  that  what  was  supposed  to  be  quinia  was  really 
the  then  unknown  alkaloid  quinidia.  The  strong  reaction  of  a solution  of  gelatin  with 
the  infusion  of  Loxa  bark  indicates  the  presence  of  much  tannic  acid. 

2.  Lima  or  Huanuco  Bark.  Cinchona  Cinerea,  Gray  Bark,  Silver  Bark,  Ed.  — Quin- 
quina de  Lima,  Fr. — China  Huanuco,  Graue  China,  Germ. — Lima  or  Huanuco  bark  was 
introduced  into  notice  about  the  year  1779,  after  the  discovery  of  Cinchona  trees  in  the 
central  regions  of  Peru;  but  Poppig  says  that  the  trade  in  it  began  in  1785.  The 
first  name  originated  from  the  circumstance  that  the  bark  entered  into  commerce 
through  the  city  of  Lima,  the  second  was  derived  from  the  name  of  the  city  (Huanuco 
or  Guanuco),  in  the  more  immediate  neighbourhood  of  which  the  trees  were  found. 
There  would  seem  to  be  two  varieties  of  this  bark,  which  come  either  in  separate  pack- 
ages, or  mixed  together  in  the  same.  They  are  distinguished  in  England  as  fine  and 
coarse  gray  barks,  and  have  a different  botanical  origin;  the  former  having  been  ascer- 
tained by  Mr.  Howard  to  belong  to  C.  nitida,  and  the  latter  being  ascribed  to  C.  mi- 
crantha,  probably  with  justice. 

Pine  Gray  Bark.  — Quinquina  Rot/ge  de  Lima.  Guibourt,  The  dimensions  of  this 
variety  do  not  materially  differ  from  those  of  the  preceding,  although  in  the  largest 
pieces  the  diameter  is  somewhat  greater.  Many  of' the  smaller  quills  have  a more  or 


PART  I. 


Cinchona. 


231 


medicine  in  substance.  There  is  no  doubt,  however,  tbat  cinehonia  pos- 
sesses febrifuge  properties  little  inferior  to  those  of  quinta;  and  the  same  is 

less  spiral  form.  At  the  edge  of  most  of  the  complete  quills,  a sharp  oblique  cut  with 
a knife  is  observable.  The  epidermis  is  usually  adherent.  The  exterior  surface  is 
marked  with  longitudinal  wrinkles  or  furrows,  which  in  the  thick  pieces  often  penetrate 
quite  through  the  outer  coating  of  the  bark.  Transverse  fissures  are  also  generally 
observable;  but  they  never  run  wholly  round  the  quill,  often  not  more  than  a quarter 
or  half  round,  and  do  not  exhibit  elevated  borders.  In  some  pieces  the  epidermis  is 
rubbed  off,  either  wholly  or  in  spots;  and  in  a few  the  entire  thickness  of  the  external 
layers  is  here  and  there  removed,  exhibiting  the  proper  bark  in  patches.  The  colour 
externally  is  very  light-gray,  almost  milk-white,  with  occasionally  bluish-gray  and 
darkish  spots  intermingled.  Where  the  outer  crust  which  imparts  this  whitish  colour 
is  wanting,  the  surface  is  grayish-fawn  or  reddish-gray,  and  in  the  thicker  pieces  of  a 
dark  cinnamon  colour.  The  inner  surface,  though  in  the  smaller  quills  sometimes 
tolerably  uniform,  is  generally  more  or  less  uneven,  fibrous,  or  splintery,  especially  in 
the  larger  pieces,  in  -which  may  often  be  observed  adhering  yellowish-white  splinters 
of  wood.  The  colour  is  usually  a rusty  brown  inclining  somewhat  to  red,  with  occa- 
sionally a purplish  tinge.  The  transverse  fracture  is  smooth  exteriorly,  fibrous  or 
splintery  interiorly.  The  longitudinal  fracture  is  usually  somewhat  uneven,  without 
being  splintery,  and  exhibits  here  and  there  minute  shining  spots.  The  inner  layers 
of  the  bark  are  usually  soft  and  friable.  The  colour  of  the  powder  is  a full  cinnamon- 
brown.  The  odour  of  the  bark  is  like  that  of  clay,  and  in  this  respect  different  from 
that  of  all  other  varieties.  The  taste  is  at  first  acidulous,  astringent,  and  slightly 
aromatic,  and  ultimately  bitter  and  adhesive. 

Coarse  or  Inferior  Gray  Bark.  The  characters  of  this  bark  as  a distinct  variety  were 
first  given  by  Guibourt,  who  calls  it  quinquina  de  Lima  gris  brun.  The  following  is  his 
description.  It  is  in  the  form  of  long  tubes,  well-rolled,  from  the  size  of  a quill  to 
that  of  the  little  finger,  offering  very  often  longitudinal  wrinkles,  formed  by  desicca- 
tion. The  exterior  surface  is,  moreover,  moderately  rugose,  often  nearly  destitute  of 
transverse  fissures,  having  a general  deep-gray  tint,  but  with  black  or  white  spots, 
and  bearing  here  and  there  the  same  lichens  as  the  Loxa  barks.  The  inner  bark  is  of 
a deep  brownish  yellow,  and  formed  as  it  were  of  agglutinated  fibres.”  [Hist,  des  Drogues, 
4e  ed.,  iii.  108.)  Mr.  Howard  says  of  this  bark  that  its  predominant  feature  is  its 
general  u-oody  texture,  a feature  very  observable  on  reducing  it  to  powder,  while  the 
only  hard  portion  of  the  former  variety  is  a resinous  circle  existing  between  the  inner 
and  outer  coat.  He  further  states,  as  distinctions  between  the  two  varieties,  that  the 
one  now  described  is  thinner  than  the  former ; that  its  prevailing  superficial  colour,  in- 
dependently of  the  white  lichenous  covering,  is  glaucous  green,  and  the  colour-  of  its  sub- 
stance rusty-yellow,  while  the  fine  gray  varies  superficially,  as  regards  the  inner  surface, 
from  a maroon  colour  to  rust,  and  as  regards  the  outer  is  brown,  the  substance  of  the 
bark  being  red:  that  a decoction  of  the  former  is  pale,  and  gives  a small  tloeculent 
deposit  on  cooling,  while  one  of  the  latter  is  brown,  and  lets  fall  a copious  sediment. 
[Pharm.  Journ.  and  Trans.,  xii.  pp.  15  and  16.) 

The  Edinburgh  College  refers  the  Lima  bark,  which  it  denominates  Cinchona  cinerea 
or  Gray  bark,  to  C.  micrantha.  There  is  at  present  little  room  to  doubt,  from  the  ob- 
servations of  Guibourt,  Pereira,  and  Howard,  that  it  is  only  the  coarse  or  inferior  variety 
that  belongs  to  that  species;  while  the  fine  gray  bark  must  be  ascribed  to  C.  nitida, 
which  also  grows  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Huanuco. 

The  Lima  or  Huanuco  barks  contain  a considerable  proportion  of  the  alkaloids, 
though  cinehonia  predominates  over  quinia,  and  the  latter  is  said  to  exist  in  a form 
in  which  it  is  difficultly  crystallized,  at  least  in  the  fine  variety.  Howard  gives  as  the 
result  of  his  analysis  of  the  fine  gray  bark[C.  nitida)  1-4  per  cent,  of  cinehonia,  0-571 
of  quinia,  and  0-142  of  quinidia,  amounting  altogether  to  2-118  per  cent.  [Pharm. 
Journ.  and  Trans.,  xii.  12.)  It  also  contains  a good  deal  of  tannic  acid.  [Ibid.,  p.  161.) 
In  the  inferior  kind  [C.  micrantha)  he  found  1-25  cinehonia.  0-243  quinia,  0-28  quinidia, 
together  1-773  per  cent.  [Ibid.,  p.  14.)  Geiger  gives  as  the  average  of  several  results, 
in  relation  to  Lima  or  Huanuco  bark  in  general,  1-72  per  cent,  of  cinehonia  and  0-29 
of  quinia.  Van  Santen  got  from  the  best  specimens,  as  the  maximum,  2-78  per  cent, 
of  cinehonia,  and  no  quinia.  It  would,  therefore,  appear  that  this  variety  of  bark  must 
become  valuable  if  cinehonia  should  come  into  general  use. 

3.  Jaen  Bark.  Ash  Bark.- — -China  Jaen,  Blasse  Ten  China,  Germ.  — Quinquina  de 
Loxa  cendre  of  Guibourt.  This  variety  probably  derives  its  name  from  the  province  of 
Jaen  de  Bracomoros,  in  the  vicinity  of  Loxa,  where  large  quantities  of  bark  have  been 
collected.  The  Jaen  bark  is  always  in  quills,  which  do  not  differ  much  in  size  from 


232 


Cinchona. 


PART  I. 


probably  the  case  with  quinidia;  so  that,  should  the  source  of  quinia  begin 
to  fail,  the  pale  bark  may  come  into  more  extensive  use  for  the  preparation 
of  the  two  other  alkaloids. 

those  of  the  Loxa  hark,  hut  are  distinguishable  by  being  frequently  curred  longitudin- 
ally, or  bent  in  different  directions,  and  somewhat  spiral.  The  outer  coat  is  often 
partially  or  entirely  rubbed  off,  leaving  the  surface  smooth  and  soft  to  the  touch. 
When  the  epidermis  is  perfect,  it  exhibits  small  irregular  transverse  fissures,  with 
occasionally  faint  longitudinal  fissures  and  wavy  wrinkles,  and  here  and  there  a few 
warts,  but  no  deep  furrows.  The  colour  varies  from  light  or  ash-gray  to  light  yellow, 
diversified  -with  blackish  and  brownish  spots.  When  the  outer  coat  is  rubbed  off,  it 
inclines  still  more  to  yellow.  Considered  in  mass,  the  bark  always  appears  somewhat 
yellowish  or  straw-coloured.  The  exterior  layers  are  soft  and  rather  spongy,  and  may 
be  readily  scraped  by  the  nail.  The  inner  surface  is  exceedingly  diversified,  sometimes 
smooth,  sometimes  uneven  and  splintery.  It  is  usually  of  a dull  cinnamon  colour. 
The  bark  is  very  brittle,  and  the  fracture  is  smooth  in  the  smaller  quills,  more  or  less 
uneven  and  sometimes  splintery  in  the  larger,  and  in  neither  exhibits  a resinous  ap- 
pearance. The  odour  is  sweetish,  and  is  compared  to  that  of  tan.  The  taste  is  acid- 
ulous, slightly  astringent,  and  bitter,  without  being  disagreeable.  The  colour  of  the 
powder  is  cinnamon-brown.  The  bark  is  very  deficient  in  alkalies.  Some  experi- 
menters have  found  none,  or  only  traces,  while  the  highest  product  obtained  was.  80 
grains  of  quinia  and  13  grains  of  cinchonia  from  a pound.  M.  Manzini,  of  Paris, 
extracted  from  it  an  alkaline  principle  which  he  believed  to  be  peculiar,  and  named 
cinchovatin;  but  others  believe  that  it  is  identical  with  the  aricina  of  Pelletier:  and 
Mr.  Howard  can  discover  no  difference  between  it  and  quinidia.  ( Pharm . Journ.  and 
Trans.,  xii.  127.)  Mr.  Howard  does  not  coincide  in  the  general  opinion  of  the  great 
poverty  of  the  ash  bark  in  alkaloids.  He  found  in  a mean-looking  specimen  0-8H  per 
cent,  of  cinchonia,  and  0-61  of  quinidia.  [Ibid.,  p.  127.)  Von  Bergen  believes  this  bark 
to  be  the  product  of  C.  ovata ; and  Mr.  Howard  confirms  this  reference. 

Von  Bergen  describes  a variety  of  pale  bark,  under  the  name  of  dark  Jaen  bark 
(dunkele  Ten- China),  or  pseudo  Loxa,  which  resembles  the  Loxa,  but  may  be  distin- 
guished by  the  oblique  or  bent  shape  of  the  quills,  and  the  uneven,  fibrous,  or  splintery 
appearance  of  the  inner  surface.  It  seldom  comes  in  large  pieces.  Pereira  considers 
it  identical  with  the  ashy  crown  bark  already  described.  (See  page  230.) 

4.  Huamilies  Bark.  — China  Huamilies,  Germ.  This  bark  is  little  known  as  a distinct 
variety.  Its  commercial  name  was  derived  from  the  province  of  Huamilies,  which  lies 
in  the  interior  of  Peru,  northward  of  Huanuco,  and  is  a part  of  the  region  explored 
by  the  botanical  expedition  under  Ruiz  and  Pavon.  It  came  into  notice  in  Germany 
about  the  beginning  of  the  present  century.  It  is  in  quills  and  flat  pieces.  The  quills  are 
from  three  lines  to  an  inch  and  a half  in  diameter,  from  five  to  sixteen  inches  long,  and 
from  half  a line  to  three  lines  thick.  The  flat  pieces,  which  are  usually  only  fragments 
of  the  largest  quills,  are  from  one  to  two  inches  broad,  and  six  to  twelve  inches  long.  In 
general  all  the  layers  of  the  bark  are  present,  but  sometimes  the  outer  coat,  and  even 
the  whole  of  that  part  usually  called  the  epidermis  in  our  descriptions  of  bark  i in- 
cluding those  outer  layers  which  in  the  tree  are  destitute  of  vitality,  having  been 
thrown  outward  by  the  annually  renewed  layers  beneath  them),  are  wanting  in  spots, 
though  very  seldom  entirely  absent.  The  epidermis  is  comparatively  thin,  very  brittle, 
soft,  and  spongy.  The  outer  surface,  in  the  small  and  middling  quills,  is  sometimes 
nearly  smooth,  but  usually  marked  with  wavy  longitudinal  wrinkles,  and  beset  here 
and  there  with  warts.  These  warts  axe  abundant  upon  the  thick  pieces,  which  they 
sometimes  almost  entirely  cover.  Transverse  fissures  are  seldom  found,  and  only  in 
the  thick  pieces.  The  colour  of  the  epidermis  is  usually  grayish-fawn,  here  and  there 
passing  into  a rusty  brown ; but  in  the  thicker  pieces,  in  which  the  warts  are  abundant, 
it  is  between  a liver  and  chestnut  colour,  often  mixed  with  a tinge  of  purple.  V hen 
the  epidermis  is  wanting,  the  colour  is  often  a full  ochre  yellow.  The  inner  surface  is 
sometimes  uniform  and  almost  smooth,  sometimes  slightly  fibrous,  rarely  splintery. 
The  colour  of  the  surface  is  rusty  brown,  occasionally  reddish,  and  in  the  fibrous  or 
splintery  pieces  of  an  ochre  yellow.  The  fracture  in  the  smaller  quills  is  rather  even, 
in  the  larger  presents  short  fibres,  and  is  sometimes  even  splintery.  The  odour  of  the 
bark  is  feeble  but  agreeable,  the  taste  somewhat  aromatic,  bitterish,  and  slightly 
astringent.  The  powder  is  of  a full  cinnamon  colour.  The  average  product  of  cin- 
chonia and  quinia,  as  stated  by  Geiger,  is  0-67  per  cent,  of  the  former,  and  0-25  of  the 
latter;  so  that  the  bark,  though  dissimilar  in  appearance  from  the  other  varieties  of 
pale  bark,  agrees  with  them  in  containing  more  cinchonia  than  quinia.  Von  Santen 


PART  I. 


Cinchona. 


233 


2.  Yellow  Bark. 

The  officinal  term  yellow  bark  is  applicable  only  to  the  most  valuable 
variety  of  the  drug  having  this  colour.  This  is  known  in  commerce  by  the 
name  of  Calisaya,  which  has  been  said,  though  erroneously,  to  be  derived 
from  a province  in  Bolivia,  near  the  city  of  La  Paz,  where  the  bark  is  col- 
lected.* By  the  druggists,  Calisaya  bark  is  arranged  in  two  sub-varieties, 
the  quilled  and  the  flat,  which  sometimes  come  mixed  together  in  the  same 
seroon,  sometimes  separate.  They  are  called  by  the  French  qu  inquina  jaune 
royal  (royal  yellow  bark),  from  their  resemblance  to  a variety  of  bark  for- 
merly collected  for  the  Spanish  king. 

The  quilled  Calisaya  ( Calisaya  arrolada  of  the  Spanish  Americans)  is  in 
pieces  from  three  inches  to  two  feet  long,  from  a quarter  of  an  inch  to  two 
or  three  inches  in  diameter,  and  of  equally  variable  thickness.  The  epidermis 
is  of  a brownish  colour,  diversified  or  concealed  by  whitish  or  yellowish 
lichens,  is  marked  by  longitudinal  wrinkles  and  transverse  fissures,  and  is 
often  partially  separated,  and  generally  easily  separable  from  the  proper  bark. 
In  the  larger  kinds,  it  is  thick,  rough,  deeply  indented  by  the  transverse 
fissures,  which  often  surround  the  quills,  and  is  composed  of  several  layers, 
separated  from  each  other  by  a reddish-brown  membrane.  The  epidermis 
yields  a dark-red  powder,  and  is  tasteless  and  inert.  It  is  desirable,  there- 
fore, to  get  rid  of  it  before  the  bark  is  powdered,  as  the  medicine  is  thus 
procured  of  greater  strength.  The  bark  itself,  without  the  epidermis,  is 
from  one  to  two  lines,  in  thickness,  compact,  of  a short-fibrous  texture,  and 
when  broken  presents  shining  points,  apparently  the  termination  of  small 
fibres  running  longitudinally,  which,  examined  by  the  microscope,  are  found, 
when  freed  from  a salmon-coloured  powder  that  surrounds  them,  to  be  yellow 
and  transparent.  They  readily  separate,  when  the  bark  is  powdered,  in  the 
form  of  spicula,  which,  like  those  of  cowhage,  insinuate  themselves  into  the 
skin,  and  produce  a disagreeable  itching  and  irritation.  The  colour  of  the 
bark  is  brownish-yellow  with  a tinge  of  orange,  the  taste  less  astringent  than 
that  of  the  pale  bark,  but  much  more  bitter ; and  the  bitterness  is  somewhat 
peculiar.  The  external  part  of  the  proper  bark  is  more  bitter  and  astringent, 
and  consequently  stronger  in  medicinal  power,  than  the  internal.  The  odour 
is  faint,  but,  when  the  bark  is  boiled,  resembles  that  of  the  pale  varieties. 
The  small  quills  closely  resemble  some  of  the  pale  barks  in  appearance, 
but  may  be  distinguished  by  their  very  bitter  taste. 

Th  q flat  Calisaya  ( Calisaya,  planch  a of  the  Spaniards),  which  is  derived 
from  the  large  branches  and  trunk,  is  in  pieces  of  various  lengths,  either  quite 
flat,  or  but  slightly  curved,  and  generally  destitute  of  the  epidermis,  which 
has  been  obviously  removed  from  its  own  want  of  adhesiveness  to  the  proper 

obtained,  as  the  maximum,  1 -2  per  cent,  of  cinchonia,  and  little  or  no  quinia.  Huamilies 
bark,  on  the  authority  of  Reichel,  has  been  referred  to  C. pubescens  (C purpurea  of  the 
Flor.  Peruv.)  ; but  Dr.  Pereira  and  Mr.  Howard  agree  in  believing  it  to  be  the  product 
of  C.  Condaminea,  variety  Chahuarguera  of  De  Candolle,  considered  by  Weddell  as 
identical  with  his  C.  Condaminea,  variety  vera. 

The  bark  above  described  is  noticed  by  Guibourt,  who  names  it  quinquina  Huamilies 
ferrugineux.  The  same  author  makes  four  other  varieties  of  Huamilies  bark,  viz : the 
gris  terne,  mince  et  rougedtre,  blanc,  and  jaune  de  Cuenqa. — Note  to  the  tenth  edition. 

* No  such  province  exists  in  Bolivia.  According  to  M.  Laubert,  the  name  is  a cor- 
ruption of  colisalla,  said  to  be  derived  from  colla,  a remedy,  and  salla,  a rocky  country. 
(Journ.  de  Pharm.,  xxii.  614.)  Weddell  refers  the  origin  of  the  name  to  the  words 
colli  and  saya,  which  in  the  Quichua  language  signify  red  and  sort,  and  have  probably 
been  applied  from  the  red  colour  which  the  outer  denuded  surface  of  the  bark  assumes 
in  drying,  or  probably  from  the  red  colour  which  the  leaves  sometimes  exhibit. 


234 


Cinchona. 


PART  i. 


bark,  and  not  by  a knife,  as  is  the  case  with  some  inferior  barks  in  other 
respects  resembling  the  Calisaya.  The  inner  surface  is  like  that  of  the  quilled 
pieces;  the  outer  is  irregular,  marked  with  confluent  longitudinal  furrows 
and  ridges,  and  somewhat  darker  coloured  than  the  inner,  being  of  a brownish 
fawn,  frequently  diversified  with  darker  stains.  The  bark  is  of  uniform  frac- 
ture throughout,  generally  thicker  than  the  quilled,  more  fibrous  in  its  texture, 
less  compact,  less  bitter,  and  possessed  of  less  medicinal  power.  Though 
weaker  than  the  proper  bark  of  the  quills,  it  is  usually,  in  equal  weight, 
more  valuable  than  that  variety,  because  free  from  the  useless  epidermis. 

The  officinal  yellow  bark  is  characterized  by  its  strongly  bitter  taste,  with 
little  astringency;  by  its  tine  brownish-yellow,  somewhat  orange  colour,  which 
is  still  brighter  in  the  powder  ; and  by  containing  a large  proportion  of  quin ia 
with  very  little  cinchonia.  The  salts  of  quinia  and  lime  are  so  abundant, 
that  a strong  infusion  of  it  instantly  affords  a precipitate  when  crystals  of 
sulphate  of  soda  are  added.  (Guibourt,  Hist,  des  Drogues,  4e  ed.  iii.  131.)* 

* Calisaya  bark  is  described  by  Yon  Bergen,  under  the  name  of  China  Regia  or 
IConig's  China.  We  present  a brief  abstract  of  liis  description,  omitting  the  form  and 
dimensions,  which  are  given  in  the  text.  The  epidermis,!  which  in  many  of  the  small 
quills  is  partly  wanting,  ia  the  flat  pieces  usually  quite  wanting,  is  very  thick  and 
brittle,  constituting  from  a third  to  one-half  of  the  bark,  and,  in  some  of  the  largest 
quills  or  partially  quilled  pieces,  even  two-thirds.  In  the  latter  case,  it  often  consists 
of  six  or  eight  different  layers.  The  quills  are  generally  marked  with  longitudinal 
wrinkles  and  furrows,  and  always  with  transverse  fissures.  These  fissures,  which 
often  form  complete  circles  round  the  quills,  have  usually  an  elevated  border,  and 
sink  so  deeply  in  many  of  the  larger  pieces,  that  they  are  observable  upon  the  pro- 
per bark.  In  the  smaller  pieces  they  are  often  faint,  but  usually  crowded.  The 
colour  of  the  epidermis  varies  from  whitish-gray  to  bluish-gray  ; but  it  is  very  much 
diversified  by  lichens,  so  as  to  present  yellowish-white,  ash-gray,  and  blackish  spots. 
When  the  outer  layer  of  the  epidermis  is  wanting,  as  is  not  unfrequently  the  case  to  a 
greater  or  less  extent,  the  colour  is  somewhat  sooty-brown  or  almost  liver-brown.  The 
outer  surface  of  the  pieces  without  epidermis  is  of  a colour  between  cinnamon-brown 
and  dark  rusty-brown.  The  inner  surface,  in  the  pieces  of  all  dimensions,  is  uniform 
and  almost  smooth,  but  exhibits  fine  longitudinal  fibres  closely  compressed.  Splinters 
of  wood  are  never  found  adhering  to  the  inner  surface.  The  prevailing  colour  of  this 
surface  is  a rather  dark  or  full  cinnamon-brown,  passing  sometimes  into  a rusty-brown, 
but  seldom  reddish.  This  bark  breaks  more  easily  in  the  longitudinal  direction  than 
any  other  variety,  exhibiting  a chestnut-brown  colour  in  the  part  answering  to  the  epi- 
dermis, a more  or  less  dark  cinnamon-brown  in  that  answering  to  the  proper  bark. 
The  transverse  fracture  of  the  epidermis  is  rather  even,  that  of  the  inner  part  fibrous, 
or  splintery.  A resinous  layer  may  be  seen  beneath  the  epidermis,  which  usually  re- 
mains when  the  latter  is  removed,  and  communicates  to  the  flat  pieces  the  dark  colour 
which  distinguishes  their  external  surface.  Small  sharp  splinters,  which  in  the  longi- 
tudinal fracture  appear  like  shining  points,  are  apt  to  insinuate  themselves  into  the  skin 
when  the  bark  is  handled.  The  odour  is  feebly  tan-like,  the  taste  slightly  acidulous, 
strongly  but  not  disagreeably  bitter,  somewhat  aromatic,  feebly  astringent,  and  rather 
durable.  The  powder  is  of  a fine  cinnamon  hue. 

Weddell  speaks  of  a variety  of  Calisaya  bark  having  a dark-coloured  external  sur- 
face, which  is  often  wholly  of  a vinous  black,  and  of  another  which  has  a less  uneven 
surface,  sometimes  semi-cellular,  and  of  a paler  colour.  The  former  he  says  is  de- 
nominated in  Bolivia  Calisaya  zamba,  C.  negra,  or  C.  macha  ; the  latter  Colis'oya  b!  mea. 

Thiel  obtained  from  the  flat  calisaya  2-3  per  cent,  of  quinia,  and  0 08  of  cinchonia  ; 
Michaelis  from  the  flat  3-7  per  cent.,  and  from  the  quill  2-0  per  cent,  of  quinia.  but  no 
cinchonia;  Yon  Santen  from  the  flat,  an  average  of  2-0  percent,  of  quinia.  and  little  or 
no  cinchonia;  Wittstock,  on  an  average,  3-0  per  cent:  of  sulphate  of  quinia.  and  0-12 
of  cinchonia.  (Geiger.)  Riegel  obtained  as  the  lowest  product  2-18  per  cent.,  and  the 
highest  3-8  per  cent,  of  quinia.  (Pharrn.  Journ.  and  Trans.,  xii.  249.)  Calisaya  bark 
should  yield  from  3 to  3-5  per  cent,  of  officinal  sulphate  of  quinia. 

T By  the  epidermis  is  here  understood  the  whole  of  the  external  layers  which  are  accumulated  up  n the 
outer  surface  of  the  hark  by  the  annual  renewal  of  the  cortical  layers,  and  the  consequent  separation  of 
those  of  former  years,  which  remain,  but  without  life,  attached  to  the  external  surface.  A i T-  r.-nt 
meaning  is  attached  to  the  term  by  Von  Bergen : but.  as  we  have  taken  pains  to  make  the  description  in 
every  instance  correspond  with  our  definition,  we  do  not  misrepresent  his  meaning. 


PART  I. 


Cinchona. 


235 


Until  the  recent  most  valuable  researches  of  Weddell,  nothing  was  known 
with  certainty  as  to  the  particular  species  which  yields  Calisaya  bark.  At 
present  there  is  no  variety  of  which,  in  this  respect,  we  have  such  accurate 

False  or  Spurious  Calisaya  Barks. 

The  great  value  of  Calisaya  bark  has  led  to  the  substitution  for  it,  or  fraudulent  ad- 
mixture with  it,  of  other  varieties  bearing  a more  or  less  close  resemblance  to  it  in 
character  or  appearance.  Some  of  these  are  probably  not  much  inferior  in  virtues  to 
the  genuine  bark,  others  of  little  value  ; and  it  is  highly  important  that  they  should 
be  distinguished.  We  give  below  a brief  notice  of  such  as  are  described  in  pharma- 
cological works,  or  have  come  under  our  own  observation.  Weddell  states  that  the 
characters  by  which  the  true  Calisaya  bark  may  be  best  distinguished  from  all  others  are, 

1.  the  shortness  of  the  fibres  in  the  whole  surface  of  its  transverse  fracture,  2.  the  fa- 
cility with  which  these  may  be  separated,  3.  the  uniform  fawn  colour,  without  any 
white  marking  in  its  thickness,  4.  the  great  density  of  the  bark,  which  is  such  that 
when  the  nail  is  drawn  across  it,  a shining  track  is  often  left,  5.  the  depth  of  the  de- 
pressions on  its  outer  surface,  and  the  prominence  of  the  ridges  that  separate  them. 
These  remarks  refer  to  the  flat  variety.  The  quills  are  not  so  easily  distinguished,  as 
they  closely  resemble  certain  other  varieties,  especially  the  bark  of  C.  scrobiculata 
and  C.  rufinervis,  and  the  fracture  does  not  afford  signs  so  precise  as  in  the  older 
barks.  The  surest  test  is  the  greater  bitterness  of  the  genuine.  From  their  deficiency 
in  compactness,  spurious  Calisaya  barks  are  called  by  the  French  Calisaya  leger  or 
light  Calisaya. 

1.  Bark  of  C.  Calisaya,  variety  Josephiana  of  Weddell.  This  is  not  known  as  a dis- 
tinct variety  in  Europe  or  this  country  ; but  is  very  probably  mingled  more  or  less  with 
the  genuine,  as  it  is  collected  in  Bolivia.  It  is  in  quills,  of  a brown,  or  grayish-black, 
or  slate  colour  on  the  outer  surface,  which  is  also  covered  with  pale  lichens.  The 
inner  surface  is  irregular,  in  consequence  of  the  difficulty  with  which  it  is  separated 
from  the  wood.  From  the  roots  of  the  same  variety,  which  are  probably  the  remains  of 
former  forest  trees,  is  obtained  another  kind  of  bark,  in  short  pieces,  flattish,  undular, 
or  more  or  less  contorted,  destitute  of  epidermis,  internally  fibrous  or  almost  smooth, 
slightly  cellular  externally,  of  a uniform  ochreous  yellow,  and  of  a decided  bitterness, 
though  not  so  strong  as  that  of  good  Calisaya,  which  it  resembles  in  its  internal  struc- 
ture. The  Peruvians  call  it  ichu-cascarilla.  (Weddell.)  These  barks  can  scarcely  he 
considered  as  adulterations,  as  they  have  the  virtues  of  the  genuine. 

2.  Bark  of  C.  Boliviano.  Weddell  states  that  this  is  almost  always  mixed  in  commerce 
with  the  genuine  Calisaya,  from  which  it  is  often  difficult  to  distinguish  it.  This  is  of 
the  less  consequence,  as  it  is  probably  not  much  inferior  in  virtue.  The  following  is 
Weddell’s  description.  The  quilled  is  in  all  points  similar  to  the  quilled  Calisaya. 
The  flat  consists  exclusively  of  the  inner  bark.  It  is  generally  not  so  thick  as  the 
Calisaya,  but  of  equal  density.  The  furrows  on  the  outer  surface  are  not  so  deep, 
and  the  ridges  which  separate  them  more  rounded.  The  colour  of  this  surface  is  a 
brownish-yellow  fawn,  with  here  and  there  greenish  shades ; of  the  inner  a somewhat 
reddish  or  orange  fawn.  The  fracture  is  like  that  of  the  Calisaya,  but  exhibits  spots 
of  a light  almost  white  colour,  which  are  never  seen  in  that  variety.  The  taste  is  a 
strong  and  agreeable  bitter,  which  is  developed  more  quickly  than  in  the  Calisaya. 

3.  Bark  of  C.  ovata,  var.  rufinervis  of  Weddell.  This  variety  of  C.  ovata  inhabits 
Bolivia  and  the  Southern  province  of  Peru  called  Carahaya,  where  the  bark  is  said  by 
Weddell  to  be  largely  employed  for  adulterating  the  Calisaya.  It  is  known  in  Peru  by 
the  name  of  Cascarilla  Carabaya.  It  sometimes  so  closely  resembles  Calisaya  as  to  be 
with  difficulty  distinguished.  In  the  quilled,  the  outer  coating  sometimes  differs  only 
in  being  somewhat  less  thick.  In  other  instances  it  lias  but  a few  annular  fissures,  is 
finely  wrinkled  longitudinally,  and  varies  in  colour  from  a light  gray  to  a deep  brown, 
being  often  completely  covered  with  mosses  and  lichens.  It  is  generally  easily  separable 
from  the  inner  coat,  the  uncovered  surface  of  which  is  of  a light  brownish  fawn,  and 
smooth,  or  marked  with  longitudinal  depressions  corresponding  to  rents  in  the  outer 
coat.  The  inner  surface  is  grayish  or  reddish-yellow,  and  finely  fibrous ; the  trans- 
verse fracture  fibrous;  the  resinous  circle  scarcely  observable;  the  taste  quickly  bitter 
and  astringent.  The  flat  kind  is  of  variable  form,  often  closely  resembling  the  Ca- 
lisaya, but  generally  much  lighter.  Sometimes  it  consists  solely  of  the  inner  bark, 
but  more  frequently  has  a portion  greater  or  less  of  the  cellular  coat  attached.  The 
outer  surface  is  sometimes  smooth,  with  a few  linear  transverse  depressions,  and  wholly 
cellular;  in  other  instances  uneven,  with  roundish  depressions,  fibrous  at  bottom;  and 
is  of  a grayish-fawn  or  reddish  colour,  sometimes  marbled  with  darker  shades.  The 


236 


Cinchona. 


PABT  i. 


knowledge.  The  genuine  bark  is  derived  from  the  newly  described  species, 
named  (J.  Calisaya ; but  the  bark  of  C.  Boliviano,,  another  of  the  species 
discovered  by  Weddell,  is  sometimes  mixed  with  it  in  the  same  seroons.  It 

inner  surface  is  of  a dull  grayish-yellow,  or  brilliant  orange,  with  fine  parallel  fibres. 
The  transverse  fracture  is  more  or  less  corky  exteriorly,  and  fibrous-stringy  within,  or 
of  the  latter  character  in  the  whole  thickness.  It  has  considerable  bitterness,  which 
is  rapidly  developed  in  the  recent  barks. 

Carabaya  Baric.  Under  this  name  a bark  has  within  a few  years  been  introduced 
into  the  commerce  of  this  country  and  Europe,  derived  from  the  Province  of  Carabaya, 
through  the  port  of  Islay  or  that  of  Arica.  Dr.  Pereira  describes  it  as  follows. — It  is  thin 
and  flimsy,  of  a more  or  less  rusty  colour,  and  in  some  of  the  pieces  very  similar  to  the 
Huamalies.  The  quills  are  about  as  thick  as  the  finger,  and  of  variable  length,  some- 
times even  two  feet,  coated  or  uncoated ; the  coated  having  a dull  rusty,  or  grayish- 
rusty,  warty  surface,  marked  by  longitudinal  furrows,  but  rarely  by  transverse  ; the 
uncoated  sometimes  presenting  a dark  or  more  or  less  tea-green  tint.  The  flat  pieces 
consist  of  the  liber  alone,  or  of  this  with  a portion  of  the  cellular  coat.  The  outer 
surface  of  the  liber,  in  some  of  the  uncoated  pieces,  is  blackish  with  rusty  round  flat- 
tish  warts.  Sometimes  it  looks  as  if  dusted  over  with  a yellowish  powder.  *The  liber 
itself  is  more  or  less  orange  ; but  some  pieces  resemble  red  bark  in  colour.  ‘Whether 
this  is  the  product  of  C.  ovata  is  uncertain ; but,  taking  its  source  into  consideration, 
and  the  fact  stated  by  Weddell  that  the  bark  of  that  species  is  gathered  largely  in 
Carabaya,  and  known  by  the  same  name  in  Peru,  the  probabilities  seem  to  be  greatly 
in  favour  of  this  opinion.  Pereira  states  that  its  total  yield  of  alkaloids,  including 
quinia,  cinchonia,  and  quinidia,  is  from  3 to  4 per  cent.  It  is,  therefore,  a very  good 
bark,  and  is  less  valuable  than  the  Calisaya,  only  because  the  predominant  alkaloid 
is  cinchonia. 

A variety  of  flat  bark  imported  into  the  U.  States  as  Carabaya,  is  in  irregular  pieces, 
some  very  small,  the  largest  about  9 inches  in  length,  generally  very  thin  : for  the  most 
part  destitute  of  epidermis,  but  sometimes  with  portions  of  the  outer  coat  attached ; 
on  the  outer  surface,  when  uncoated,  of  a dull  cinnamon  hue,  with  spots  of  a different 
colour  sometimes  much  darker,  more  or  less'  irregular  from  slight  elevations  and 
shallow  depressions,  somewhat  furrowed  longitudinally,  seldom  so  transversely : on 
the  inner  surface,  of  a lighter  hue  than  on  the  outer,  smooth  and  somewhat  shining 
when  viewed  obliquely,  with  fine  compact  straight  fibres ; with  a decided  fibrous  frac- 
ture, sometimes  smooth  toward  the  outer  edge ; and,  when  handled,  readily  yielding 
spicula,  which  penetrate  the  fingers  like  those  of  Calisaya.  In  one  specimen  shown 
us  by  Messrs.  Powers  & Weightman,  the  outer  surface  was  almost  completely  covered 
over  with  the  sub-epidermic  layer,  with  little  or  none  of  the  epidermis  itself,  and  was 
remarkably  uniform  in  its  aspect,  though  sometimes  presenting  numerous  slight  longi- 
tudinal wrinkles  from  drying,  and  a few  shallow  transverse  impressions.  We  are  in- 
formed that  this  variety  contains  more  cinchonia  than  quinia ; and  have  little  doubt  that 
it  is  the  bark  referred  to  by  Weddell  as  the  product  of  C.  ovata,  var.  rufinervis. 

4.  Bark  of  C.  scrobiculata.  The  younger  bark  of  this  tree  has,  we  think,  undoubtedly 
been  imported  among  the  pale  or  gray  barks.  The  larger  or  flat  pieces  have  been 
fraudulently  substituted  for  Calisaya.  Of  these,  according  to  Pereira,  there  are  two 
varieties  ; derived  from  different  varieties  of  the  tree. 

a.  Cusco  Bark.  Bark  of  St.  Ann.  Bark  of  C.  scrobiculata,  var.  genuina.  This  is 
collected  in  the  Province  of  Cusco,  in  the  south  of  Peru;  and  the  town  of  Cusco,  accord- 
ing to  Weddell,  is  the  centre  of  its  commerce.  It  is  the  kind  to  which  Guibourt  has 
especially  attached  the  name  of  light  Calisaya.  Weddell  thus  describes  it:  “Less 
dense  than  the  Calisaya ; consisting  generally  of  the  liber  and  a thin  layer  of  the  cellulo- 
resinous  tissue;  thickness  from  5 to  10  millimetres  (about  2 to  4 lines).  Outer  surface 
obscurely  red,  smooth,  with  some  linear  transverse  impressions,  or  more  or  less  irregu- 
lar; exhibiting  often  superficial  cavities  filled  with  fungous  detritus;  raised  in  other 
instances  into  asperities  or  irregular  warts.  Interior  surface  uniform,  of  fine  and  straight 
grain,  and  of  a handsome  reddish-orange  colour.  Transverse  fracture  more  or  less  cork- 
like on  the  outside,  according  to  the  thickness  of  the  cellular  portion,  on  the  inside  very 
fibrous,  with  long,  pliable,  stringy  fibres,  and  of  a lighter  colour  than  the  outer  part. 
Longitudinal  fracture  presenting  numerous  splinters  with  shining  points,  less  marked 
than  in  the  Calisaya,  and  medullary  rays  more  numerous  and  visible.  Taste  bitter, 
quite  strong  and  quickly  developed  in  the  middling  sized  barks,  with  very  perceptible 
astringency.  This  bark  yields  from  0-7  to  0-8  per  cent,  of  sulphate  of  cinchonia,  and 
from  0'3  to  0-4  of  sulphate  of  quinia.”  {Hist.  Nat.  des  Quinquinas,  pp.  44,  45.) 


PART  I. 


Cinchona. 


237 


is  produced  exclusively  in  Bolivia,  formerly  Upper  Peru,  and  in  the  southern 
portion  of  the  adjoining  Peruvian  province  of  Carabaya.  Before  these  coun- 
tries were  separated  from  Spain,  it  was  shipped  as  well  from  Buenos  Ayres 

b.  Peruvian  Calisaya.  Bark  of  C.  scrobiculata,  var.  Delondriana,  Weddell.  This  is 
imported  from  Lima.  Pereira  describes  it  as  occurring  in  flat  pieces,  closely  re- 
sembling the  genuine  Calisaya  in  colour,  for  which  it  is  often  sold.  They  are  thicker 
and  denser  than  the  last  mentioned  variety,  from  which  they  also  differ  in  colour. 
Externally  the  bark  is  smoother  than  the  Calisaya ; and  the  ridges  between  the  fur- 
rows are  more  rounded.  The  fracture  is  fibrous,  and  the  taste,  in  the  larger  pieces, 
less  bitter  than  that  of  Calisaya.  (Mat.  Med.,  3d  ed.,  p.  1629.) 

This  bark  is  probably  the  same  with  that  referred  to  in  the  eighth  and  ninth  editions 
of  this  Dispensatory  (p.  236  of  the  9th),  as  having  been  imported  into  the  U.  States 
about  the  year  1848,  having  been  consigned  to  a manufacturing  chemist  of  this  city 
by  a commercial  house  in  Valparaiso,  with  the  information  that  it  had  been  sent  to 
them  by  Dr.  J.  Villamil,  and  had  been  gathered  in  the  forests  of  Huanuco  in  Peru. 
The  pieces  are  generally  without  the  epidermis,  which  appears  to  have  separated  spon- 
taneously, and,  when  retained,  has  the  transverse  fissures,  and  longitudinal  furrows 
characteristic  of  the  Calisaya.  The  colour  and  consistence  of  the  bark  are  the  same 
as  in  the  genuine ; and  it  even  presents  the  shining  spicula  which  characterize  the  latter, 
though  they  are  less  numerous,  and  do  not  so  readily  penetrate  the  fingers.  The  taste 
is  very  bitter.  Examined  chemically  by  Professor  Procter,  it  was  found  to  afford  a 
precipitate  with  sulphate  of  soda,  in  consequence  of  containing  kinate  of  lime,  and 
thus  in  another  point  approaches  the  Calisaya ; but  Prof.  Procter  could  not  detect  in 
it  a trace  of  quinia.  The  only  alkali  it  was  found  to  contain  was  cinchonia,  of  which 
there  was  the  large  proportion  of  2-8  per  cent. ; so  that  this  must  rank  with  the  valua- 
ble barks.  For  a more  particular  account  of  it  the  reader  is  referred  to  a paper  by 
Prof.  Procter  in  the  American  Journal  of  Pharmacy  (xix.  178). 

5.  Bark  of  Cinchona  pubescens,  var.  Pelleteriana  of  Weddell.  Cusco  Bark.  Arica 
Baric.  This  was  first  known  in  France  by  the  name  of  Arica  Bark  from  the  port  at 
which  it  was  shipped ; but  both  in  French  and  English  commerce  this  name  has  given 
way  to  the  more  appropriate  one  of  Cusco  bark,  derived  from  the  Peruvian  province 
in  which  it  is  collected.  Dr.  Pereira  says  that  it  was  first  introduced  into  Europe  in  1 829 
as  yellow  or  Calisaya  bark.  From  the  statements  of  Weddell,  there  seems  to  be  little 
doubt  that  it  is  the  product  of  the  tree  referred  to  at  the  heading  of  this  paragraph ; 
as  specimens  collected  bjr  himself  in  the  mountains  of  Cusco  were  found  identical  with 
the  bark  as  known  in  Europe.  The  following  is  his  description  condensed.  In  the 
quilled,  the  outer  coat  is  thin,  very  adherent,  almost  smooth,  sometimes  with  traces  of 
annular  fissures,  of  a uniform  dirty  gray  colour,  or  marbled  with  darker  shades.  The 
proper  bark  is,  without,  of  an  obscure  yellow,  sprinkled  with  little  brown  spots  when 
artificially  denuded,  and  marked  with  some  superficial  longitudinal  wrinkles ; within, 
is  obscurely  yellow  and  a little  reddish,  coarsely  fibrous,  and  often  rough  to  the 
touch.  The  transverse  fracture  is  exteriorly  corky  and  quite  short,  without  resin- 
ous circle,  and  inwardly  with  a few  short  thick  fibres.  The  flat  pieces  are  very 
dense,  and  consist  about  equally  of  cellular  coat  and  liber.  The  outer  surface  is 
smoothish,  sometimes  slightly  wrinkled  longitudinally,  of  an  ochre-yellow  more  or  less 
brownish,  and  frequently  marbled  with  grayish  or  silvery  spots  which  are  the  remains 
of  the  epidermis.  The  inner  surface  is  brownish  or  reddish,  thick,  and  fibrous.  The 
transverse  fracture  is  cork-like  outwardly,  of  short  wroody  fibres  inwardly.  A fresh 
cut  surface  in  the  same  direction  shows  inwardly  rows  of  large  isolated  semitranslucent 
points,  corresponding  to  the  section  of  the  cortical  fibres,  agglutinated  in  bundles. 
The  longitudinal  fracture  is  almost  without  splinters.  The  epidermis,  when  it  remains 
on  the  large  barks,  is  thin,  unequal,  sometimes  warty,  of  an  obscure  gray,  and  more 
or  less  brownish  or  even  greenish  in  some  spots.  "When  it  has  been  scraped,  the  bark 
sometimes  presents  deep  brown  spots,  which  are  the  points  where  prominences  in  the 
cellular  coat  had  raised  the  epidermis  so  as  to  form  the  little  warts  referred  to.  These 
are  sometimes  decayed,  and  upon  falling  leave  roundish  depressions.  The  taste  of  the 
bark  is  bitter,  astringent,  and  somewhat  pungent.  (Hist.  Nat.  des  Quinquin.,  p.  56.) 

Von  Bergen  says  that  this  bark  somewhat  resembles  the  fibrous  Carthagena.  Inex- 
perienced persons  might  mistake  it  for  the  Calisaya.  Guibourt  says  that  it  may  be 
readily  distinguished  by  a more  regularly  cylindrical  form,  its  smoother  outer  -surface, 
the  remains  of  the  white  and  fungous  layer,  by  its  two  shades  of  colour,  orange  or 
brownish  externally,  and  whitish  or  very  pale  internally,  and  by  not  yielding  a preci- 
pitate with  sulphate  of  soda. 


238 


Cinchona. 


PART  i. 


as  from  the  ports  on  the  Pacific;  hut  at  present  it  comes  only  from  the  latter. 
As  first  announced  in  this  work,  from  information  derived  from  merchants 
long  personally  engaged  in  commercial  transactions  on  the  Pacific  coast  of 
South  America,  the  bark  is  brought  from  the  interior  to  the  port  of  Arica, 
whence  it  is  sent  to  various  other  ports  on  the  coast.  The  interior  commerce 
in  the  drug  has  its  centre  chiefly  in  the  town  of  La  Paz.  At  present  the 
trade  in  this  bark  is  much  diminished,  in  consequence  of  restrictions  by  the 
Bolivian  government,  which  issued  a decree  forbidding  the  cutting  of  it  en- 
tirely for  three  years,  from  the  first  of  January,  1851. 

It  is  generally  supposed  to  have  been  first  introduced  into  commerce  towards 
the  end  of  the  last  century,  and  it  was  probably  not  known  by  its  present  name 
till  that  period;  but  La  Condamine  states  that  the  Jesuits  of  La  Paz,  at  a 
period  anterior  to  the  discovery  of  the  febrifuge  of  Loxa,  sent  to  Borne  a very 
bitter  bark  by  the  name  of  quinaquina,  which,  though  supposed  by  that  travel- 
ler to  have  been  derived  from  the  Peruvian  balsam  tree,  was  very  probably,  as 
conjectured  by  Guibourt,  the  true  cinchona.  Besides,  Pomet,  in  his  History 
of  Dr uys,  published  in  1694,  speaks  of  a bark  more  bitter  than  that  of  Loxa, 
obtained  from  the  province  of  Potosi,  which  borders  upon  that  of  La  Paz;  and 
Chomel  also  states  that  the  cinchona  tree  inhabited  the  mountains  of  Potosi, 
and  produced  a bark  more  esteemed  than  that  which  grew  in  the  province  of 
Quito.  (Guibourt,  Journ.  de  Pharm.,  xvi.  235.)  It  is  possible  that,  though 
known  at  this  early  period,  it  may  have  gone  out  of  use;  and  its  re-introduction 
into  notice,  towards  the  end  of  the  last  century,  may  have  been  mistaken  for 
an  original  discovery.* 

Pelletier  supposed  that  he  had  found  a new  alkali  in  this  bark,  which  he  named 
aricina;  but  the  substance  he  obtained  is  now  thought  to  have  been  some  modification 
of  one  of  the  other  alkaloids.  The  chief  alkaloid  in  the  bark  is  cinehonia.  Frank  ob- 
tained 48  ounces  of  it  from  100  lbs.  of  the  bark,  and  only  a trace  of  quinia  ; Winkler, 
256  grains  from  16  ounces  of  a good  specimen,  and  only  77  grains  from  the  same  quan- 
tity of  an  inferior  one.  Guibourt  estimates  the  proportion  at  a drachm  for  every 
pound,  and  observes  that  the  bark  is  rich  in  cinckonic  red. 

6.  Bark  of  C.  micrantha,  var.  rotundifolia  of  Weddell.  As  this  variety  of  Cinchona 
grows  in  Bolivia,  and  the  flat  bark  derived  from  it  simulates  Calisaya,  it  is  very  pro- 
bable that  its  product  has  been  sometimes  used  to  adulterate  the  latter  bark.  Weddell 
says  of  it  that  it  has  little  density,  and  consists  of  the  liber  alone,  or  of  this  and  the  cel- 
lular coating,  which  is  generally  semi-fungous  and  imperfectly  exfoliated.  The  external 
surface  is  unequal,  presenting  superficial  concavities  similar  to  those  of  Calisaya,  and 
separated  by  irregular  cork}’  eminences,  but  sometimes  though  rarely  smooth  from  the 
persistence  of  the  whole  cellular  coating,  and  is  of  a bright  and  grayish  orange-yellow. 
The  internal  surface  is  considerably  fibrous,  of  the  same  colour  as  the  external,  but  of 
a more  lively  tint.  The  transverse  fracture  is  stringy ; the  longitudinal  fracture  but 
slightly  splintery,  and  of  a dull  surface.  The  taste  is  decidedly  bitter,  and  quickly 
developed,  a little  pungent,  scarcely  astringent.  (Hist.  Nat.  des  Quinquin.,  p.  p3. 

7.  Bark  of  C.  amygdalifolia.  This  species  also  inhabits  Bolivia,  and  its  bark  may 
possibly  sometimes  contaminate  the  Calisaya,  as  it  has  been  largely  collected.  Pereira 
states  that  it  is  imported  alone  or  mixed  with  other  Bolivian  barks,  both  quilled  and- 
flat.  According  to  the  same  author,  it  is  distinguished  from  the  Calisaya  by  its  light- 
ness, its  more  orange  colour,  the  presence  of  the  cellular  coat  in  the  pieces  deprived  of 
epidermis,  the  stringy  transverse  fracture,  the  splintery  longitudinal  fracture,  the  want 
of  marked  annular  fissures  in  the  epidermis,  and  the  astringent  and  but  slightly  bitter 
taste.  Mr.  Howard  obtained  from  a portion  of  the  quills  0-7  per  cent,  of  quiniJia  and 
a trace  of  cinehonia,  from  the  flat  0-23  of  quinidia  and  the  same  of  cinehonia.  (Pe- 
reira’s Mat.  Med.,  3d  ed.,  p.  1629.) — Note  to  the  tenth  edition. 

* The  great  value  of  Calisaya  bark  will  justify  us  in  giving  a brief  account  of  its 
mode  of  collection,  as  described  by  Weddell  from  personat  observation.  The  tree  pro- 
ducing it  grows  in  the  Bolivian  provinces  Enquisivi,  Yungos,  Larecaja,  and  Caupoiieau. 
At  present  it  is  necessary  to  travel  for  eight  or  ten  days  from  the  nearest  inhabited 
place,  in  order  to  reach  the  forests  where  it  is  found  of  a size  and  in  numbers  which 
will  repay  the  trouble  of  gathering  the  bark.  The  Cascarilleros  are  persons  educated 


PART  I. 


Cinchona. 


239 


3.  Red  Bark. 

The  name  of  this  variety  is  very  appropriately  applied ; as  the  colour  is 
usually  distinct  both  in  the  bark  and  the  powder.  In  South  America  it  is 
called  cascarilla  roxa  and  color  ad  a.  Some  writers  have  divided  it  into  several 
sub-varieties ; but  in  relation  to  the  true  red  bark  there  does  not  seem  to  be 
ground  for  such  division  in  any  essential  ditference  of  properties.  Like  the 
Calisaya , it  comes  in  quills  and  flat  pieces,  which  are  probably  derived  from 
different  parts  of  the  same  tree.  It  is  imported  in  chests.  ' 

Some  of  the  pieces  are  entirely  rolled,  some  partially  so,  as  if  they  had 
been  taken  from  half  the  circumference  of  the  branch ; others  are  nearly  or 
quite  flat.  They  vary  greatly  in  size,  the  quill  being  sometimes  less  than 
half  an  inch  in  diameter,  sometimes  as  much  as  two  inches ; while  the  flat 
pieces  are  occasionally  very  large  and  thick,  as  if  derived  from  the  trunk  of 
a tree.  They  are  covered  with  a reddish-brown  or  gray,  sometimes  whitish 
epidermis,  which  is  rugged,  wrinkled  longitudinally,  and  in  the  thicker  pieces 
marked  with  furrows,  which  in  some  places  penetrate  to  the  surface  of  the 
proper  bark.  In  many  specimens,  numerous  small  roundish  or  oblong  etni- 
nences,  called  warts,  may  be  observed  upon  the  outer  surface.  Beneath  the 
epidermis  is  a layer,  dark-red,  brittle,  and  compact,  which  possesses  some 
bitterness  and  astringency,  but  much  less  than  the  interior  parts.  These  are 
woody  and  fibrous,  of  a more  or  less  lively  brownish-red  colour,  which  is 
usually  very  distinct,  but  in  some  specimens  passes  into  orange  and  even 
yellowish-brown ; so  that  it  is  not  always  possible  to  distinguish  the  variety 
by  this  property  alone.  The  taste  is  bitter  and  astringent,  and  the  odour 
similar  to  that  of  other  good  barks.  Red  bark  is  chemically  distinguished 

from  infancy  to  the  business.  Several  of  them  are  engaged  in  the  service  of  a mer- 
chant or  small  company,  by  whom  they  are  sent,  at  any  period  of  the  year  except 
during  the  rains,  upon  an  expedition  under  the  charge  of  a leader  called  a Mayordomo. 
Having  previously  received  information  which  governs  the  direction  of  their  journey, 
they  proceed  to  the  vicinity  of  their  intended  operations,  and  establish  a camp  in  a 
convenient  position.  Henceforward  the  neighbourhood  is  considered  as  belonging  ex- 
clusively to  the  party,  and  no  other  bark-gatherers  pretend  to  interfere.  From  the 
camp  the  Cascarilleros  are  despatched,  singly  or  in  small  bands,  in  different  directions 
into  the  forests,  through  which  they  have  to  make  their  way  often  with  great  labour 
and  fatigue.  Each  man  carries  with  him  provisions  for  a long  absence.  The  trees  do 
not  form  forests  of  themselves,  but  are  scattered  singly  or  in  groups  more  or  less  close. 
From  some  convenient  point  of  view  the  explorer  scans  the  top  of  the  forest,  and  is 
able  to  recognise,  at  a great  distance,  from  the  peculiarity  of  its  aspect,  not  only  one 
of  the  Cinchonas,  but  the  particular  species  of  which  he  is  in  search.  Sometimes  he 
is  directed  by  the  appearance  of  the  dry  leaves  upon  the  ground.  Having  found  a 
suitable  tree,  he  first  fells  it,  cutting  as  near  the  soil  as  possible,  then  tops  off  the 
branches,  and  separates  by  blows  with  a wooden  mallet,  or  the  back  of  his  axe,  the 
outer  or  dead  layers  of  the  bark,  which  easily  separate.  He  next  makes  incisions 
through  the  bark,  so  as  to  isolate  pieces  usually  fifteen  or  twenty  inches  long  by  three 
or  four  broad,  which  he  removes  by  means  of  a knife  or  other  instrument.  The 
branches  are  decorticated  without  separating  the  epidermis.  The  pieces  obtained 
from  these  are  simply  allowed  to  dry  in  the  sun,  and,  rolling  themselves  up,  form  the 
quilled  variety.  The  pieces  of  the  trunk  are  disposed  in  square  piles,  one  being  placed 
over  the  other,  and  the  wdiole  kept  down  by  some  heavy  body.  They  are  thus  pre- 
vented from  rolling  as  they  dry.  When  sufficiently  dried  they  are  carried  to  the  camp 
on  the  back  of  the  gatherer,  who  often  consumes  several  days  in  his  returning  journey, 
and  undergoes  incredible  fatigue.  At  the  camp,  the  bark  is  assorted,  and  the  portion 
deemed  fit  for  commerce  is  sent  to  the  town,  on  the  back  of  men  or  of  mules,  where  it  is 
packed  in  bales  or  seroons,  covered  with  fresh  hides.  The  most  wasteful  methods  of 
collecting  the  bark  prevail,  the  only  object  being  present  convenience.  Not  only  is 
the  tree  felled,  but  the  bark  is  frequently  removed  from  the  stump  down  into  the  very 
earth,  so  as  to  prevent  the  growth  of  sprouts,  which  would  otherwise  spring  up  from 
the  old  roots,  and  in  the  course  of  time  afford  another  crop. — Note  to  the  ninth  edition. 


240 


Cinchona. 


PART  i. 


by  containing  considerable  quantities  both  of  quinia  and  of  cinchonia.*  It 
yields  a turbid  salmon-coloured  decoction  with  water. 

The  species  of  Cinchona  which  produces  red  bark  is  unknown ; the  notion 
derived  from  Mutis,  and  formerly  generally  prevalent,  that  it  was  obtained 
from  the  C.  oblongifolia  of  that  botanist,  having  been  demonstrated  to  be 
incorrect.  For  the  proofs  upon  this  point,  which  have  now  ceased  to  have 

* The  red  bark  is  described  by  Yon  Bergen  under  the  name  of  China  rubra , or  rolhe 
China.  The  following  is  an  abstract  of  his  description.  The  quills  are  from  .two  lines 
to  an  inch  and  a quarter  in  diameter,  from  one-third  of  a line  to  two  lines  thick,  and 
from  two  to  twelve  inches  or  more  in  length.  The  smaller  quills  are  often  spiral.  The 
flat  pieces  are  from  one  to  two  inches  broad,  from  three-eighths  to  a quarter  of  an 
inch  thick,  and  of  the  same  length  as  the  quills.  In  the  smaller  and  middling-sized 
quills,  the  external  surface  exhibits  longitudinal  wavy  wrinkles.  In  the  thicker  pieces, 
these  wrinkles,  between  which  are  here  and  there  longitudinal  farrows,  often  elevate 
themselves  into  roundish  or  oblong  warts,  which  are  of  a somewhat  friable  and  granular 
consistence.  The  longitudinal  furrows  sometimes  penetrate  to  the  bark.  Transverse 
fissures  seldom  occur.  The  colour  in  the  smaller  quills  varies  from  a fawn-gray  to  a 
dull  reddish-brown,  in  the  larger  is  reddish-brown  or  chestnut-brown  with  a tinge  of 
purple.  When  the  wrinkles  and  warts  are  rubbed  off,  the  peculiar  brownish-red  colour 
of  the  bai'k  appears.  The  pieces  are  often  in  part  or  almost  wholly  covered  with  a 
whitish-gray  or  yellowish-white  coat,  either  belonging  to  the  epidermis  or  consisting, 
of  lichens.  In  some  of  the  quills  the  epidermis  is  wanting  in  spots,  which  exhibit  a 
dirty  reddish  cinnamon-colour.  The  inner  surface  is  delicately  fibrous  and  almost 
uniform  in  the  small  quills,  but  becomes  more  fibrous  and  uneven  in  the  larger,  and 
in  the  flat  pieces  is  splintery  and  very  irregular.  Its  colour  varies  with  the  size  of 
the  pieces,  being  a reddish-rusty  brown  in  the  least,  redder  in  the  larger,  and  a full 
brownish-red  in  the  largest.  The  inner  surface  is  also  sometimes  yellowish  or  brown- 
ish, or  of  a dirty  appearance.  It  becomes  darker  when  scraped  with  the  nail.  The 
fracture  exhibits  the  different  colours  of  the  epidermis  and  inner  bark,  as  also  of  a 
resinous  layer  which  lies  between  the  two.  It  is  usually  smooth  in  the  smaller  quills, 
fibrous  in  the  larger,  and  at  the  same  time  fibrous  and  splintery  in  the  largest  pieces. 
The  fracture  of  the  epidermis,  however,  is  in  all  either  smooth,  or  only  here  and 
there  somewhat  granular.  The  odour  is  like  that  of  tan,  and  earthy,  the  taste  strongly 
but  not  disagreeably  bitter,  somewhat  aromatic,  and  not  lasting.  The  powder  is  of  a 
dull  brownish-red  colour. 

Experiments  upon  many  different  specimens  of  red  bark,  as  stated  by  Pfaff,  give  as 
an  average  result  1-7  per  cent,  of  pure  cinchonia,  and  0-44  of  sulphate  of  quinia.  The 
highest  product  obtained  was  3-17  per  cent,  of  cinchonia,  and  0'15  of  sulphate  of  quinia. 
Another  specimen  yielded  1-21  per  Cent,  of  the  former,  and  1-33  of  the  latter.  Pelletier 
and  Caveutou  obtained  0-8  per  cent,  of  cinchonia,  and  1-7  of  quinia.  [Geiger.)  Dr.  E. 
Riegel,  of  Carlsruhe,  obtained  from  ODe  specimen  of  the  best  red  bark  4-16  percent,  of 
alkaloids  (2-65  of  quinia  and  1-51  of  cinchonia),  and  from  another  3-85  per  cent.  (See 
Pharm.  Journ.  and  Trans.,  xii.  250.)  It  appears,  therefore,  that  the  proportion  of  the 
alkalies  is  exceedingly  different  in  different  specimens;  and  it  is  highly  probable  that 
some  of  the  barks  experimented  upon  were  inferior  red  barks  not  properly  belonging 
to  this  variety.  The  degree  of  bitterness  is,  perhaps,  the  best  criterion  of  their  efficacy. 

Guibourt  divides  the  red  bark  into  two  principal  varieties,  which  he  distinguishes  by 
the  names  of  quinquina  rouge  verruqueux,  and  quinquina  rouge  non  verruqueux,  from  the 
presence  or  absence  of  the  warts  upon  the  outer  surface.  He  describes  also  four  other 
red  barks ; Rouge  orange  verruqueux,  differing  from  the  true  warty  kind  by  its  more 
orange  colour,  its  very  thin  epidermis,  its  finer  fibres,  and  the  less  thickness  of  the 
large  barks ; 2.  Rouge  blanchissant  (l  Pair,  characterized  by  the  whitening  of  its  frac- 
ture in  the  air,  and  by  its  little  bitterness ; 3.  Rouge  de  Lima,  with  a whitish  epidermis, 
an  ochreous  reddish  liber,  and  of  excellent  qualities  (see  Fine  Gray  Bark,  p.  280 ) : and 
4.  Rouge  pede  a surface  blanche,  resembling  the  first  of  these  varieties,  but  distinguishable 
by  its  whiter  epidermis,  and  generally  lighter  colour.  Under  the  same  head  may  be 
ranked  his  quinquina  de  Jaen  ou  de  Loxa  rougcalre,  which  has  a dark-  gray  epidermis, 
and  a uniform  fibrous  proper  bark,  reddish  or  deep-brown,  and  of  a very  astringent 
taste  with  little  bitterness. — Kote  to  the  second,  fourth,  and  ninth  editions. 

A specimen  of  bark  in  our  possession,  brought  by  Dr.  Dillard,  of  the  U.  8.  Xavy, 
from  the  Pacific,  and  labelled  red  bark  of  Cuenga,  has  a thick  epidermis  like  that  of  the 
ordinary  red  barks,  is  of  a very  deep  dark-red  colour,  and  possesses  little  bitterness. 


PART  I. 


Cinchona. 


241 


any  practical  importance,  the  reader  is  referred  to  the  article  Cinchona, 
section  Red  Bark,  in  early  editions  of  this  work.  It  has  been  supposed  that 
red  bark  may  be  derived  from  the  same  species  with  one  or  more  of  the  pale 
barks,  but  taken  from  the  larger  branches  or  the  trunk.  This  opinion  receives 
some  support  from  a statement  made  by  La  Condamine,  in  his  memoir  upon 
cinchona.  We  are  told  by  this  author  that  three  kinds  of  bark  were  known 
at  Loxa;  the  white,  the  yellow,  and  the  red.  The  white,  so  named  from  the 
colour  of  the  epidermis,  scarcely  possessed  any  medicinal  virtue,  and  was  ob- 
tained from  a tree  entirely  distinct  from  that  which  yielded  the  two  other 
varieties.  The  red  was  superior  to  the  yellow;  but  he  was  assured,  on  the 
very  best  authority,  that  the  trees  producing  them  grew  together,  and  were 
not  distinguishable  by  the  eye.  Of  the  three  varieties  mentioned  by  La.  Con- 
damine, the  white,  which  was  probably  one  of  the  inferior  barks  with  mica- 
ceous epidermis,  does  not  reach  us;  and  that  which  he  calls  yellow  is  probably 
identical  with  the  pale  variety  of  the  Pharmacopoeias,  as  this  grows  abundantly 
about  Loxa.  Should  it  be  admitted  that,  the  red  bark  is  furnished  by  the 
same  tree  which  yields  the  pale,  we  have  a ready  explanation  of  the  difference 
in  size  of  the  two  varieties.  Weddell  seems  to  be  of  this  opinion;  as  he  ob- 
serves that  the  pale  barks  are  almost  constantly  nothing  else  than  the  young 
barks  of  the  same  trees  which  yield  the  yellow  and  red  barks. 

Non-officinal  or  Carthagena  Barks. 

Under  this  head  may  be  classed  all  the  Cinchona  barks  brought  from  the 
northern  Atlantic  ports  of  South  America.  In  commerce,  they  are  variously 
called  Pitaya,  Bogota,  Carthagena,  Maracayho,  and  Santa  Martha  harks, 
according  to  the  place  in  the  vicinity  of  which  they  are  collected,  or  the 
particular  port  at  which  they  may  be  shipped.  Formerly  these  barks  were 
for  the  most  part  of  inferior  quality,  and  were  therefore  not  recognised  in 
the  Pharmacopoeias;  but  the  deficient  supply  and  consequent  high  price  of 
Calisaya  have  directed  enterprise  into  other  quarters;  and  within  a few  years 
large  quantities  of  very  good  bark  have  been  imported  from  New  Granada, 
derived  chiefly  from  the  neighbourhood  of  Bogota  and  Popayan,  and  brought 
down  the  river  Magdalena.  There  can  be  little  doubt  that  the  commerce  in 
these  barks  will  continue  and  increase;  as  some  of  them  are  inferior  in  their 
yield  of  alkaloids  only  to  the  Calisaya,  and  the  region  from  which  they  are 
procured  is  almost  virgin  soil.  It  has  appeared  to  us,  from  an  examination 
of  such  of  them  as  have  come  under  our  notice,  that  they  may  all  be  referred 
without  violence  to  some  one  or  another  of  the  varieties  of  Carthagena  bark 
already  recognised:  but  these  better  kinds  formerly  seldom  reached  the 
market;  because,  partaking  of  the  general  reputation  of  the  inferior  barks 
from  the  same  country,  it  was  feared  that  they  might  not  pay  the  cost  of 
importation.  Most  of  the  Carthagena  barks  are  characterized  by  a soft, 
whitish  or  yellowish-white,  micaceous  epidermis,  which  may  be  easily  scraped 
by  the  nail,  and  which,  though  often  more  or  less  completely  removed,  almost 
always  leaves  behind  traces  sufficient  to  indicate  its  character.  Those  of 
them  which  may,  in  other  respects,  bear  some  resemblance  to  Calisaya,  are 
in  general  readily  distinguishable  by  this  character  of  the  epidermis  when  it 
remains,  and,  when  it  is  wanting,  by  the  peculiar  appearance  of  the  outer 
surface,  showing  that  the  exterior  coating  has  been  scraped  off,  or  shaved  off 
with  a knife.  They  all  contain  the  alkaloids  in  greater  or  less  proportion, 
though  they  differ  much  in  this  respect.  In  reference  to  the  relative  pro- 
portion of  the  three  alkaloids,  they  have  nothing,  in  common,  except  perhaps 
that  they  yield  proportionably  more  cinc-honia  and  quinidia  than  the  Calisaya, 
resembling,  in  this  respect,  the  pale  and  red  barks.  Similar  barks  are  found 
16 


242 


Cinchona. 


PART  I. 


on  the  Western  coast  of  South  America,  where  they  are  known  as  white 
harks;  but  they  seldom  reach  us.  In  the  state  of  powder,  the  inferior 
Carthagena  barks  were  formerly,  and  are  still  to  a certain  extent,  kept  in 
the  shops,  and  sold  for  tooth-powder,  &c.,  under  the  name  of  common  hark. 
They  have  not  unfrequently  been  substituted,  either  fraudulently  or  by  mis- 
take, for  the  better  kinds. 

The  Carthagena  barks  were  formerly  classified,  according  to  their  colour, 
into  the  yellow , orange,  red,  and  hrown;  but  this  mode  of  distinction  must 
now  be  abandoned;  for  all  these  varieties  of  colour  maybe  found  in  barks 
identical  in  other  respects,  and  derived  from  the  same  species  of  Cinchona. 
The  well  characterized  Carthagena  barks  may  all  be  referred  to  one  of  the 
three  following  varieties. 

1.  Hard  Carthagena  Bark.  Hard  yellow  Carthagena  Bark.  Yellow  Bark 
of  Santa  Fe.  Common  yellow  Carthagena  Bark.  — China  flava  dura.  Von 
Bergen.  — Quinquina  de  Carthaglne  jaurie  pale.  Guibourt.  This  is  in  pieces 
of  various  size  and  form,  sometimes  wholly  or  partially  quilled,  and  some- 
times flat;  and  the  flat  pieces  present  the  appearance  of  having  been  warped 
in  drying,  being  frequently  curved  longitudinally  backward,  and  sometimes 
also  in  the  transverse  direction  or  spirally.  The  quills  are  from  three  to 
eight  lines  in  diameter,  from  half  a line  to  a line  and  a half  thick,  and  from 
five  to  nine  and  rarely  fifteen  inches  long.  The  flat  pieces  are  thicker,  from 
half  an  inch  to  two  inches  broad,  and  from  four  to  eight  and  sometimes  twelve 
inches  in  length.  As  found  in  this  market,  the  bark  is  sometimes  in  small, 
irregularly  square  or  oblong,  flattish,  and  variously  warped  pieces,  from  one 
to  four  inches  long,  and  from  one  to  three  lines  in  thickness,  mixed  with 
small  quills  or  fragments  of  quills;  the  former  appearing  as  if  chipped  from 
the  trunk  or  large  branches,  the  latter  evidently  derived  from  the  small 
branches.  In  this  shape  it  was  treated  of  in  some  former  editions  of  this 
work,  as  a distinct  variety,  under  the  name  of  Santa  Martha  hark,  which  it 
at  one  time  held  in  the  market;  but  a closer  examination  has  convinced  us  that 
it  is  the  same  bark  as  the  one  above  described,  though  collected  in  a different 
manner.  The  quills  are  generally  more  covered  with  the  white  epidermis  than 
the  flat  pieces,  in  which  it  is  often  nearly  or  quite  removed.  The  inner  sur- 
face of  the  latter,  though  sometimes  smooth,  is  often  rough  and  splintery,  as 
if  forcibly  separated  from  the  wood.  The  colour  of  the  proper  bark  is  a 
pale,  dull,  brownish-yellow,  darker  in  parcels  which  have  been  long  kept; 
and  the  surface  often  appears  as  if  rubbed  over  with  powdered  bark.  The 
texture  is  rather  firm  and  compact,  and  the  fracture  abrupt,  without  being 
smooth  or  presenting  long  splinters.  The  taste  is  bitter  and  nauseous.  This 
variety  of  bark  is  now  universally  ascribed  to  the  C.  cordifolia  of  Mutis.* 

* We  introduce,  in  the  form  of  a note,  more  detailed  and  precise  information  on  the 
subject  of  the  Carthagena  barks  than  our  space  allows  in  the  text ; because,  in  the 
present  condition  of  the  manufacture  of  the  Cinchona  alkaloids,  it  is  important  to  be 
able  to  distinguish  the  several  varieties,  and  estimate  their  value. 

Hard  Carthagena  Bark.  The  following  is  a somewhat  precise  description  of  this 
variety,  taken  from  Von  Bergen.  The  account  of  the  dimensions  and  shape  of  the 
pieces,  given  in  the  text,  is  sufficiently  particular.  The  epidermis  is  in  many  pieces 
partially  or  almost  wholly  wanting.  The  outer  surface  is  on  the  whole  rather  smooth, 
though  it  usually  exhibits  a few  faint  longitudinal  furrows  and  transverse  fissures,  and 
pieces  are  occasionally  found  with  hard  warts  or  protuberances.  In  the  flat  pieces, 
the  epidermis,  when  present,  has  somewhat  the  consistence  of  cork,  and  is  composed 
of  several  layers.  The  colour  of  the  epidermis  varies  from  yellowish-white  to  ash- 
gray,  and  is  sometimes  diversified  by  bluish-gray  or  blackish  lichens.  When  it  is  want- 
ing, the  colour  is  between  a dark  cinnamon  and  brownish-yellow.  These  shades, 
however,  are  seldom  clear,  and  the  flat  pieces  have  usually  a somewhat  dusty  aspect. 
The  inner  surface  of  the  quills  is  tolerably  uniform,  that  of  the  flat  pieces  uneven  or 


PART  I. 


Cinchona. 


243 


2.  Fibrous  Carthagena  Bark.  Fibrous  Yellow  Carthagena  Bark.  Spongy 
Carthagena  Bark.  Bogota ■ Bark.  Coquetta  Bark.  — Quina  naranjanda. 
Mutis. — Quinquina  Orange.  Humboldt. — • China  flam  fibrosa.  Yon  Bergen. 
— Quinquina  Carthaglne  spongieux.  Guibourt.  This  is  in  quills  or  balf- 
quills,  or  is  slightly  rolled;  and  there  are  comparatively  few  pieces  which  are 
quite  flat,  even  among  the  largest  barks.  The  quills  are  from  half  an  inch 
to  an  inch  and  a half  in  diameter,  and  of  extremely  variable  length,  with  a 
yellowish-brown  epidermis,  often  covered  with  crustaceous  lichens  so  as  to 
render  the  surface  of  the  bark  whitish  and  smooth,  and  exhibiting  not  unfre- 
quently  longitudinal  and  transverse  fissures.  The  larger  barks,  which  are 
much  the  most  frequent  in  commerce,  are  usually  from  six  to  twelve  inches 
long,  from  one  to  two  inches  broad,  and  from  two  to  five  lines  in  thickness; 
but  they  often  vary  much  from  these  dimensions,  being  sometimes  in  the 
smallest  fragments,  and  sometimes  forming  semi-cylinders  four  or  five  inches 
in  diameter,  a foot  and  a half  long,  and  nine  inches  thick.  They  are  usually 
without  epidermis,  which  has  been  scraped  off,  or  pared  off  with  a knife, 
having  the  surface  smooth  and  uniform  in  the  former  case,  and  somewhat 
angular  in  the  latter.  Sometimes,  however,  the  epidermis  either  partially  or 
wholly  remains,  when  it  generally  exhibits  the  whitish  micaceous  surface 
characteristic  of  most  of  the  Carthagena  barks.  The  bark  is  very  fibrous, 
presenting  generally,  when  broken,  long,  sometimes  stringy  splinters,  though 
the  outer  edge  of  the  fracture  is  occasionally  short  from  the  cellular,  or  remains 
of  the  suberous  coat.  Its  texture  is  loose,  soft,  and  spongy  under  the  teeth, 
and  the  bark  itself  is  usually  light.  The  colour  both  on  the  trimmed  outer 
surface,  and  the  inner,  and  of  the  bark  itself,  varies  from  an  ochreous  or  light 
brownish-yellow,  to  orange,  and  red ; but,  for  the  most  part,  it  presents  more 
or  less  of  the  orange  tint,  which  induced  Mutis  to  give  it  the  title  of  orange 
bark.  The  red  colour  is  found  especially  in  the  largest  barks.  The  larger 
pieces  are  sometimes  marked  on  the  outside  with  a deep  spiral  impression, 
produced  probably  by  a climbing  plant  winding  around  the  stem  of  the  tree.0 
The  colour  of  the  powder  is  yellowish,  with  not  unfrequently  an  orange  tint. 
The  taste  is  more  or  less  bitter;  but  varies  in  this  respect  extremely;  some 
barks  being  almost  insipid,  while  others  have  a very  decided  taste.  There 
can  be  little  doubt  that  these  barks  are  all  derived  from  the  Cinchona  lanci- 
folia  of  Mutis.  It  is  asserted  that  the  red  variety  of  the  bark  is  obtained 
from  trees  which  grow  side  by  side  with  those  which  yield  the  yellow  or  orange. 

The  productiveness  of  the  fibrous  bark  in  alkaloids  varies  greatly  in 
the  different  specimens.  Thus,  while  some  have  scarcely  yielded  any  pro- 
duct, others  have  been  found  to  afford  more  than  three  per  cent.  They 
probably  all  contain  quinia,  quinidia,  and  cinchonia;  but  some  have  been 
found  more  abundant  in  one,  and  others  in  another  of  these  alkaloids.  Thus, 
the  red  is  said  to  be  especially  rich  in  quinidia  (Pereira);  a Pitaya  bark 
which  we  believe  to  belong  to  the  fibrous  Carthagena  has  yielded  a very  large 
product  of  quinia;  while,  in  not  a few  specimens  which  have  been  examined, 

faintly  furrowed  and  even  splintery,  the  points  of  the  splinters  often  projecting.  Its 
colour,  which  is  almost  always  dull,  as  if  the  surface  were  dusty,  varies  between  a 
light  cinnamon  and  a dull  ochre  yellow,  and  in  some  pieces  is  rusty-brown,  or  fawn- 
gray,  or  even  whitish-yellow.  The  bark  does  not  readily  break  in  the  longitudinal  di- 
rection. The  transverse  fracture  presents  short  splinters,  and  is  sometimes  fibrous. 
When  cut  transversely,  the  bark  obscurely  exhibits  a very  small  darker  coloured  resin- 
ous layer  beneath  the  epidermis.  The  odour  is  feeble,  the  taste  astringent  and  bitter, 
but  not  strongly  so.  The  powder  is  of  the  colour  of  cinnamon.  This  bark  yielded, 
according  to  Von  Bergen,  on  an  average  of  two  experiments,  0-57  of  cinchonia,  and 
0-33  of  sulphate  of  quinia.  Goebel  and  Kirst  found  in  a pound  56  grains  of  quinia 
and  43  of  cinchonia.  -Dr.  Pereira  states  that  it  contains  quinidia. 


244 


Cinchona. 


PART  i. 


the  cinchonia  predominates.  {Am.  Jonrn.  of  Pharm.,  xxv.  808.)  It  is  pro- 
bable that  the  richness  in  these  principles  depends  in  some  degree  on  the 
natural  position  of  the  plants;  those  growing  in  low  situations  being  less 
productive  than  those  higher  on  the  mountains. 

A specimen  labelled  yellow  hark  of  Loxa,  brought  from  South  America 
several  years  since  by  Dr.  Dillard,  of  the  U.  S.  Navy,  and  said  to  be  used  in 
Loxa  for  making  extract  of  bark,  presents  characters  closely  analogous  to 
those  of  fibrous  Carthagena  bark,  and  sufficient  to  justify  the  supposition  that 
it  was  derived  from  the  same  species  of  Cinchona;  and  we  have  recently 
seen  a specimen  sent  hither  from  Guayaquil,  which  has  the  same  character, 
and  is  sufficiently  rich  in  alkaloids  to  be  worked  with  advantage.* 

* Fibrous  Carthagena  Bark.  The  following  is  an  abbreviation  of  Yon  Bergen’s  de- 
scription of  this  variety.  In  shape  and  dimensions,  it  does  not  materially  ditfer  from 
the  preceding ; but  the  flatter  pieces  are  almost  always  a little  rolled,  or  curved  late- 
rally. The  epidermis  is  in  general  either  in  part  or  wholly  rubbed  off.  When  it  is 
present,  the  outer  surface  is  nearly  smooth,  only  marked  here  and  there  with  faint, 
irregular  transverse  fissures  and  longitudinal  furrows.  Its  colour  varies  from  a dirty 
whitish-gray  to  yellowish,  but  is  sometimes  more  or  less  dark.  When  the  outer  surface 
is  rubbed  off,  as  is  almost  always  the  case  in  the  flat  pieces,  the  colour  is  a nearly  pure 
ochre  yellow.  Where  the  whole  thickness  of  the  outer  coat  is  wanting,  as  happens 
here  and  there  in  spots,  the  surface  is  dark  cinnamon,  or  dark  ochre  yellow,  and  com- 
monly dull  or  powdery.  The  inner  surface  is  usually  even,  but  sometimes  irregular 
and  splintery,  and  always  harsh  to  the  fingers,  leaving  small  splinters  sticking  in  the 
skin  when  drawn  over  it.  It  is  of  a nearly  pure  ochre-yellow  colour,  and  is  very  pow- 
dery. The  fracture  distinguishes  this  variety  from  the  preceding,  and  from  all  others. 
The  longitudinal  fracture  is  strikingly  fibrous,  and  in  the  flat  pieces  the  fragments  still 
hang  together  by  connecting  fibres.  The  bark,  moreover,  breaks  obliquely,  and  the 
fracture  even  of  the  outer  coat,  which  in  other  varieties  is  almost  always  smooth,  is 
here  uneven  or  rough-grained.  The  transverse  fracture  exhibits  very  long  and  thin 
splinters  or  fibres,  which  are  very  flexible  and  may  almost  be  said  to  be  soft.  No  traces 
of  a resinous  appearance  are  observable  in  the  fracture.  The  odour  is  feeble,  the  taste 
jut  first  woody  and  flat,  afterwards  slightly  bitter  and  astringent,  and  weaker  in  this 
than  in  any  other  variety  of  bark.  The  colour  of  the  powder  is  intermediate  between 
that  of  cinnamon  and  yellow  ochre.  The  highest  product  of  this  bark  in  alkaloids  was 
about  0-59  per  cent,  of  cinchonia,  and  0-52  of  sulphate  of  quinia. 

The  above  description  does  not  embrace  all  the  varieties  of  this  bark  which  have 
since  been  introduced  into  commerce ; nor  does  it  by  any  means  represent  the  finest 
specimens.  The  highly  fibrous  character  of  the  bark,  its  looseness  of  texture,  relalh  e light- 
ness, and  sponginess  under  the  teeth,  are  properties  common  to  all  the  specimens ; but  in 
appearance  and  virtues  they  vary  considerably ; so  much  so,  indeed,  that  it  is  only  of 
late  that  they  have  been  united  under  one  name,  and  traced  to  one  source. 

In  the  edition  of  this  work  for  1843  we  described  a kind  of  bark  of  which  large 
quantities  had  then  recently  been  imported  in  a vessel  from  Maracaybo,  and  which, 
from  its  possession  in  a high  degree  of  the  properties  just  referred  to,  we  were  dis- 
posed to  rank  with  this  variety;  and  subsequent  observation  has  tended  to  prove  the 
correctness  of  this  reference.  In  general  aspect  it  bore  some  resemblance  to  the  flat 
Calisaya,  particularly  in  the  appearance  of  its  inner  surface ; but  it  differed  in  being 
thicker,  less  hard,  compact,  and  heavy,  and  much  more  fibrous,  and  especially  in  the 
character  of  its  outer  surface,  which  had  the  appearance  as  though  the  exterior  coating 
had  been  removed  by  scraping  or  cutting  with  a knife,  and  not  spontaneously  separated 
at  the  natural  juncture,  as  in  the  Calisaya,  The  pieces  were  considerably  larger  than 
those  we  had  previously  seen  of  the  fibrous  Carthagena,  and  differed  somewhat  in 
colour,  having  much  more  of  the  orange  tint,  especially  in  the  outer  portion,  where  it 
was  decidedly  reddish  in  some  of  the  pieces.  Though  less. bitter  than  the  Calisaya, 
and  without  the  property  of  precipitating  sulphate  of  soda,  it  nevertheless  had  a decided 
bitterness,  and  its  infusion  afforded  a copious  precipitate  with  infusion  of  galls,  indi- 
cating the  presence  of  no  inconsiderable  portion  of  the  alkaline  principles. 

Recently  we  have  had  opportunities,  through  the  kindness  of  Messrs.  Powers  & 
Weightman,  of  examining  several  varieties  of  the  fibrous  bark  brought  from  Bogota 
and  Popayan,  which  have  proved  of  great  value  as  sources  of  the  cinchona  alkaloids, 
and  which  we  propose  briefly  to  describe,  in  connexion  with  a statement  derived  from 
the  same  highly  respectable  source  of  their  yield  of  these  valuable  principles. 


PART  I. 


Cinchona. 


245 


8.  Hard  Pit  ay  a Baric. — Pitaya  Condaminea  Bark.  Pereira. — Quinquina 
bruit  de  Carthaybne.  Quinquina  Pitaya , ou  de  la  Colombia,  ou  d’ Antioquia. 
Guibourt.  This  bark,  though  seen  by  Guibourt  so  long  since  as  1830,  has  but 
recently  become  generally  known.  Many  seroons  of  it  have  within  a short  time 
been  imported  into  Philadelphia,  and  the  following  description  is  drawn  from 
an  examination  of  the  bark  contained  in  several  that  have  come  under  our 
notice.  It  is  in  small  irregular  pieces,  from  less  than  an  inch  to  about 
four  inches  long,  which  are  obviously  the  fragments  of  larger  pieces  both 
quilled  and  flat.  Dr.  Pereira  states  that  he  had  pieces  more  than  a foot  in 
length.  In  thickness  it  varies  from  less  than  a line  to  four  or  five  lines. 
Most  of  the  fragments  are  covered  with  the  whitish,  soft  epidermis,  character- 
istic of  the  Carthagena  barks;  but  some  of  them  have  a dark-brown  epidermis, 
rugose  with  innumerable  cracks  in  all  directions;  and  others  are  partially 
or  wholly  destitute  of  the  outer  covering,  presenting  generally,  in  the  denuded 
part,  a dark  uniform  or  somewhat  wrinkled  surface.  The  inner  surface  is 
finely  and  compactly  fibrous,  and  of  a dull  yellowish-brown  colour  with  a 

Bogota  Bark.  Fusagasuga  Bark.  Coquetta  Bark.  The  first  of  these  names  is  derived 
from  the  entrepot  of  the  trade  in  this  bark;  the  second,  from  the  particular  district 
where  it  is  collected.  Of  the  origin  of  the  third,  by  which  it  is  known  in  English  com- 
merce, we  are  not  informed.  The  bark  is  in  pieces  of  various  lengths,  often  exceeding 
a foot,  sometimes  nearly  flat,  but  generally  more  or  less  rolled,  and  occasionally  forming 
semi-cylinders  more  than  an  inch  in  diameter.  It  is  often  either  partially  or  wholly 
covered  with  the  whitish,  soft,  micaceous  epidermis  characteristic  of  Carthagena  barks. 
In  other  instances  this  has  been  removed  by  scraping,  or  sometimes  by  chipping,  and 
the  deep  strokes  of  the  knife  or  hatchet  are  not  unfrequently  observable.  The  pieces 
are  often  of  considerable  thickness,  usually  rather  firm,  though  very  fibrous,  and  spongy 
under  the  teeth.  The  colour  is  brownish-yellow  with  a tinge  of  red.  Mr.  Weightman 
obtained  from  it  from  1 to  13  per  cent,  of  sulphate  of  quinia,  and  from  0-3  to  0-4  per 
cent,  of  sulphate  of  cinchonia.  An  inferior  variety  of  Bogota  bark,  not  designated  as 
Fusagasuga,  yielded  him  only  0-4  of  sulphate  of  quinia.  In  the  Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm. 
(xxv.  308),  is  a statement  of  results  obtained  in  the  examination  of  the  Bogota  (Fusa- 
gasuga) bark,  which  were,  on  the  average  of  four  specimens,  0-95  per  cent,  of  cincho- 
nia or  quinidia  or  both,  145  of  sulphate  of  quinia  (Equivalent  to  about  1-09  of  the  un- 
combined alkaloid),  and  1-0  of  extractive  residue,  which  is  presumed  to  consist  mainly 
of  amorphous  quinia ; so  that  the  whole  of  the  alkaline  ingredients  amounted  to  about 
3-04  per  cent. 

Soft  Pitaya  Bark.  This,  though  said  to  be  brought  from  the  Pitaya  mountain  near 
Popayan,  is  wholly  different  from  the  hard  Pitaya  described  in  the  text  as  one  of  the 
varieties  of  Carthagena  bark.  From  the  specimens  we  have  seen  of  the  soft  Pitaya, 
we  have  no  hesitation  in  classing  it  with  the  fibrous  Carthagena  barks,  though  superior 
to  the  others,  probably  in  consequence  of  the  more  elevated  site  of  its  growth.  It  comes 
broken  up  into  small  irregular  fragments  of  larger  pieces,  either  quilled,  partially 
rolled,  or  flat.  Few  of  the  fragments  exceed  four  inches  in  length,  and  many  are  very 
minute.  Indeed,  in  some  of  the  seroons,  much  of  their  contents  seem  to  be  almost  in 
the  state  of  a very  coarse  powder.  This  condition  of  the  bark  no  doubt  depends  partly 
on  its  great  fragility ; but  it  is  probable  that  it  is  purposely  broken  up  for  the  con- 
venience of  close  package  in  the  hide  seroons.  The  fragments  are  almost  all  destitute 
of  epidermis,  but,  when  portions  of  it  remain,  it  has  the  usual  whitish,  soft,  micaceous 
character  common  to  all  these  barks.  The  outer  surface,  which  consists  of  a thin  sub- 
epidermic  suberous  layer,  is  remarkably  uniform  and  smooth,  apparently  from  the 
careful  scraping  to  which  it  has  been  subjected.  By  far  the  greater  part  of  the  bark 
consists  of  the  liber,  which  is  highly  fibrous,  though  very  soft,  easily  broken,  and 
yielding  with  great  facility  under  the  teeth.  The  colour  is  externally  and  internally  a 
uniform  fine  brownish-yellow,  with  an  orange  tint,  and  is  brighter  than  in  most  others 
of  the  analogous  barks.  The  taste  is  very  bitter.  Mr.  Weightman  obtained  from  or- 
dinary specimens  of  this  bark  2-0  per  cent,  of  sulphate  of  quinia,  and  0-05  of  sulphate  of 
cinchonia;  from  a very  fine  specimen  3-0  per  cent,  of  the  former,  and  but  a trace  of 
the  latter.  It  is,  therefore,  one  of  the  most  valuable  varieties  of  bark,  scarcely  yielding 
in  productiveness  to  Calisaya.  The  results  stated  in  the  Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.  (xxv. 
308)  even  exceed  these.  The  average  yield  of  four  different  specimens,  including  the 
uncry stallizable  product,  was  4-42  of  alkaloids,  probably  in  the  state  of  sulphates,  and, 
without  the  uncrystallizable  matter,  about  3-4  per  cent. — Note  to  the  tenth  edition. 


246 


Cinchona. 


PART  I. 


reddish  tinge ; and  the  whole  of  the  liber  or  true  bark  has  the  same  colour 
and  texture.  But  outside  of  the  liber  there  is  in  many  pieces  a very  distinct 
resinous  layer,  which  is  sometimes  of  considerable  thickness,  and,  when  cut 
across  by  a knife,  exhibits  a dark  reddish-brown  shining  surface.  The  resin- 
ous layer  is  the  most  striking  peculiarity  of  the  bark,  though  not  present 
in  all  of  the  pieces,  which  sometimes  consist  of  the  liber  alone.  The  frac- 
ture is  towards  the  interior  shortly  fibrous,  towards  the  exterior  often  smooth, 
in  consequence  of  the  layer  just  referred  to.  The  whole  bark  is  rather  hard, 
compact,  and  heavy;  differing  in  this  respect  very  decidedly  from  the  last 
mentioned  variety.  It  has  more  resemblance  to  the  hard  Carthagena,  from 
which,  however,  it  differs  by  its  deeper  and  redder  colour,  its  much  more  de- 
veloped resinous  coat,  and  its  occasional  grater-like  epidermis.  The  taste  is 
very  bitter,  and  the  yield  in  alkaloids  considerable.  Mr.  Weightman  informed 
us  that  he  had  obtained  from  it  an  average  product  of  1'6  per  cent,  of  sulphate 
of  quinia,  and  0\34  of  sulphate  of  cinchonia,  independently  of  the  amorphous 
or  uncrystallizable  alkaline  matter.  It  must,  therefore,  be  ranked  among  the 
efficient  barks,  though  not  so  productive  as  the  fine  variety  of  fibrous  bark 
denominated  soft  Pitaya.  It  contains  also  a large  proportion  of  resin. 

This  bark  comes  from  the  Mountain  of  Pitaya  near  Popayan,  and  the  par- 
ticular seroons  examined  by  ourselves  were  said  to  have  been  brought  down 
the  Magdalena  lliver  from  the  town  of  Honda.  It  is  referred  by  Dr.  Pereira 
and  Mr.  Howard  to  the  Cinchona  Condaminea,  var.  Pit  ay  cm  is  of  Weddell, 
of  which  that  author  has  more  recently  made  a distinct  species,  under  the 
name  of  Cinchona  Pitayensis.  ( Ann . des  Sci.  Nat.,  May,  1849.)* 

False  Barks. 

Before  dismissing  the  subject  of  the  varieties  of  cinchona,  it  is  proper  to 
observe  that  numerous  barks  have  at  various  times  been  introduced  into  the 
market,  and  sold  as  closely  resembling  or  identical  with  the  febrifuge  of  Peru, 
which  experience  has  proved  to  differ  from  it  materially,  both  in  chemical 

* Hard  Pitaya  Bark.  The  following  is  Guibourt’s  description  of  this  bark.  “ In  the 
young  barks,  the  crust  is  fine,  whitish  externally,  fissured,  almost  like  the  young  red 
Lima  bark.  In  the  large  barks,  and  in  the  parts  not  worn  by  rubbing,  the  crust  is 
always  whitish  exteriorly,  but  interiorly  it  is  rust-coloured  and  fungous.  The  liber 
presents  a very  fine  fibrous  texture,  joined  to  a considerable  density  and  hardness : the 
internal  surface  is  smooth  and  reddish : its  taste  is  very  bitter  and  disagreeable,  and 
its  watery  infusion  strongly  precipitates  with  sulphate  of  soda.  It  yields  largely  of 
the  alkalies,  but  proportionally  more  cinchonia  than  quinia.”  Guibourt  obtained  2-3 
per  cent,  of  crystallized  cinchonia,  and- 1-15  of  sulphate  of  quinia;  or  about  3-16  per 
cent,  of  pure  alkaloids.  (Hist.  Pat.  des  Drogues,  3e  ed.  iii.  141.) 

Under  the  title  of  Pitaya  Condaminea  Bark,  Pereira  describes  this  variety  as  follows. 
“Bark  consisting  of  single  or  double  quills,  or  half-rolled  pieces.  I have  specimens 
which  are  more  than  a foot  in  length.  Some  samples,  however,  which  I have  received, 
consist  of  pieces  not  more  than  two  or  three  inches  in  length,  sometimes  entirely,  at 
others  only  partially  coated;  the  partially  coated  pieces  consist  of  the  suberous  and 
cellular  coats  and  liber.  Epidermis,  when  present,  dark  brown,  frequently  coated  by 
crustaceous  lichens,  marked  by  numerous,  closely  set,  transverse  cracks,  with  pro- 
minent or  slightly  everted  borders,  which  give  the  bark  a grater-like  feel ; and  here 
aud  there  presenting  round  or  oval  warts  or  fungoid  rusty  tubercles,  varying  in  size 
from  a grain  of  wheat  to  a seed  of  coffee,  and  usually  marked  like  the  latter  with  a 
longitudinal,  sometimes  also  with  a transverse  fissure.  The  suberous  coat  in  some 
pieces  much  developed,  spongy  or  fungous,  fawn-yellow,  sometimes  brown  in  the  in- 
terior, and  yellow  externally  and  internally.  Resinous  tissue  on  the  inside  of  the 
suberous  coat,  from  which  it  is  definitely  separated,  shining,  of  a dark  reddish  colour. 
Liber  gradually  passing  into  the  resinous  coat,  hard,  dense,  dark,  reddish-brown;  cor- 
tical fibres  small  and  short.  Pitaya-Condaminea  bark  is  firm  and  heavy,  aud  has  a 
very  bitter,  rather  disagreeable  taste,  which  is  slowly  developed.”  It  contains  cin- 
chonia, quinidia,  and  quinia.  (Mat.  Med.,  3d  ed.  p.  1643.) — Xote  to  the  tenth  edition. 


PART  I. 


Cinchona. 


247 


composition  and  medicinal  virtues.  These  barks  are  generally  procured  from 
trees  formerly  ranked  among  the  Cinchonas,  but  now  arranged  in  other 
genera.  They  are  distinguished  from  the  true  Peruvian  bark  by  the  absence 
of  quinia,  quinidia,  and  cinchonia.  Among  them  are  1.  a bark  known  to  the 
French  pharmaceutists  by  the  name  of  quinquina  nova ■ or  new  hark , which, 
though  at  one  time  thought  to  be  possessed  of  some  virtues,  has  been  proved 
to  be  worthless,  and  was  ascertained  by  Guibourt  to  be  the  produce  of  the  C. 
oblongifolia  of  Mutis,  now  ranked  in  Weddell’s  genus  Cascarilla  ;*  2.  the  Ca- 
ribeean  bark,  from  Exostemma  Caribsea  ; 3.  the  St.  Lucia  hark,  or  quinquina 
piton  of  the  French,  derived  from  Exostemma  floribuuda;  and  4.  a bark  of 
uncertain  botanical  origin,  called  in  France  quinquina  bicolore,  and  in  Italy 
china  bicolorata,  and  sometimes  erroneously  named  Pitaya.  hark.  Of  these 
the  last  only  is  known  in  this  country.  A considerable  quantity  of  it  was  some 
time  since  imported  into  New  Orleans,  whence  a portion  reached  this  city. 
The  specimen  in  our  possession  is  in  quills,  for  the  most  part  siugly,  but  in 
some  instances  doubly  rolled,  from  eight  or  ten  inches  to  more  than  two  feet 
in  length,  and  from  a quarter  of  an  inch  to  an  inch  or  more  in  diameter. 
The  outer  surface  is  of  a dull  grayish-olive  colour,  with  numerous  large  oval 
or  irregular  spots  much  lighter  coloured,  sometimes  even  whitish,  and  slightly 
depressed  beneath  the  general  surface,  as  if  a layer  of  the  epidermis  had 
fallen  off  within  their  limits.  It  is  to  this  appearance  that  the  bark  owes  the 
name  of  bicolorata.  The  colour  of  the  internal  surface  is  deep  brown  or 
almost  blackish ; that  of  the  fresh  fracture,  brownish-red.  The  bark  is 
hard,  compact,  and  thin,  seldom  as  much  as  a line  in  thickness,  and  breaks 
with  a short  rough  fracture.  It  is  inodorous,  and  has  a very  bitter  taste  not 
unlike  that  of  some  of  the  inferior  kinds  of  cinchona. f 

Chemical  History. 

In  the  analysis  of  Peruvian  bark,  the  attention  of  chemists  was  at  first 
directed  exclusively  to  the  action  of  water  and  alcohol  upon  it,  and  to  the 
determination  of  the  relative  proportions  of  its  gummy  or  extractive  and  resin- 
ous matter.  The  presence  of  tannin  and  of  various  alkaline  or  earthy  salts 

* This  was  formerly  called  red  Carthagena  bark,  but  must  not  be  confounded  with 
the  genuine  red  Carthagena  bark,  which  belongs  to  the  fibrous  Carthagena.  and  has 
been  already  noticed.  As  described  by  Guibourt,  it  is  in  pieces  a foot  or  more  long, 
rolled  when  small,  open  or  nearly  flat  when  larger,  in  general  perfectly  cylindrical,  with 
a whitish,  thin,  uniform  epidermis,  showing  scarcely  any  cryptogamia,  and  but  a few 
transverse  fissures  which  are  sometimes  entirely  wanting ; one  to  three  lines  thick  with- 
out the  epidermis ; of  a pale  carnation  colour,  becoming  deeper  in  the  air,  especially 
upon  the  outer  surface,  which,  when  destitute  of  epidermis,  is  alw'ays  reddish-brown ; 
of  a fracture  which  is  foliaceous  in  the  outer  part,  and  short-fibrous  in  the  inner ; and 
exhibiting,  under  the  microscope,  between  its  fibres,  and  especially  between  the  laminae, 
a great  abundance  of  two  granular  matters,  of  which  one  Is  red  and  the  other  whitish. 
In  some  pieces  the  fracture  exhibits,  nearer  the  external  than  the  internal  surface,  a 
yellow,  transparent,  resinous  or  gummy  exudation.  The  taste  is  flat  and  astringent 
like  that  of  tan,  the  odour  feeble,  between  that  of  tan  and  of  the  pale  barks.  The 
powder  is  fibrous  and  decidedly  red.  It  contains  neither  quinia  nor  cinchonia.  Its 
most  interesting  constituents  are  a peculiar  tannic  acid,  Idnic  acid,  kinovic  acid  discovered 
byWinckler,  and  a peculiar  red  colouring  matter  called  kinovic  red.  (Hlasiwetz,  Chem. 
Gaz.,  ix.  419  and  441.) 

f In  previous  editions  of  this  Dispensatory  it  was  stated  that  this  bark  had  been  em- 
ployed in  Italy  successfully  in  intermittents ; and  that  Folclii  and  Peretti  had  discovered 
in  it  a new  alkali,  which  they  named  pilayna.  But  there  is  reason  to  believe  that  this 
was  a mistake,  caused  by  the  confused  application  of  the  name  Pitaya  bark : and  that 
the  bark  employed  in  Italy,  and  analyzed  by  the  chemists  mentioned,  was  that  described 
as  hard  l’ilaya  in  a preceding  page.  It  is  conjectured  that  the  alkaloid  pitayna  may 
have  been  that  now  known  as  quinidia  or  quinidine. — Note  to  the  tenth  edition. 


248 


Cinchona. 


PART  I. 


in  minute  quantities  was  afterwards  demonstrated.  Foureroy  made  an  elabo- 
rate analysis,  which  proved  the  existence  of  other  principles  in  the  bark  besides 
those  previously  ascertained.  Dr.  Westring  was  the  first  who  attempted  the 
discovery  of  an  active  principle  in  the  bark,  on  which  its  febrifuge  virtues 
might  depend;  but  he  was  not  successful.  Seguin  afterwards  pursued  the  same 
track,  and  endeavoured,  by  observing  the  effects  of  various  reagents,  to  dis- 
cover the  relative  value  of  different  varieties  of  the  drug;  but  his  conclusions 
have  not  been  supported  by  subsequent  experiment.  M.  Deschamps,  an  apothe- 
cary of  Lyons,  obtained  from  bark  a crystallizable  salt  of  lime,  the  acid  of 
which  Vauquelin  afterwards  separated,  and  called  kinic  acid.  The  latter 
chemist  also  pushed  to  a much  further  extent  the  researches  of  Seguin,  as  to 
the  influence  of  reagents;  and  arrived  at  the  conclusion  that  those  barks  were 
most  efficient  which  gave  precipitates  with  tannin  or  the  infusion  of  galls. 
Reuss,  of  Moscow,  succeeded  in  isolating  a peculiar  colouring  matter  from 
red  bark,  which  he  designated  by  the  name  of  cinchonic  red,  and  obtained  a 
bitter  substance,  which  probably  consisted  in  part  of  the  peculiar  alkaline 
principles  subsequently  discovered.  The  first  step,  however,  towards  the 
discovery  of  cinchonia  and  quinia  appears  to  have  been  taken  by  the  late  Dr. 
Duncan,  of  Edinburgh,  so  early  as  1803.  He  believed  the  precipitate  afforded 
by  the  infusion  of  cinchona  with  that  of  galls,  to  be  a peculiar  vegetable  prin- 
ciple, and  accordingly  denominated  it  cinchonine.  Dr.  Gomez,  a Portuguese 
physician,  convinced  that  the  active  principle  of  bark  resided  in  this  cincho- 
nine, but  mixed  with  impurities,  instituted  experiments  upon  some  pale  bark, 
which  resulted  in  the  separation  of  a white  crystalline  substance,  considered 
by  him  to  be  the  pure  cinchonine  of  Dr.  Duncan.  It  was  obtained  by  the 
action  of  potassa  upon  an  aqueous  infusion  of  the  alcoholic  extract  of  the 
bark,  and  was  undoubtedly  the  principle  now  universally  known  by  the  name 
of  cinchonine  or  cinchonia.  But  Dr.  Gomez  was  ignorant  of  its  precise  nature, 
considering  it  to  be  analogous  to  resin.  M.  Laubert  afterwards  obtained  the 
same  principle  by  a different  process,  and  described  it  under  the  name  of 
white  matter,  or  pure  white  resin.  To  Pelletier  and  Caventou  was  reserved  the 
honour  of  crowning  all  these  experiments,  and  applying  the  results  which 
they  obtained  to  important  practical  purposes.  In  1820,  they  demonstrated 
the  alkaline  character  of  the  principle  discovered  by  Gomez  and  Laubert,  and 
gave  it  definitively  the  name  of  cinchonine.  They  discovered  in  the  yellow  or 
Calisaya  bark  another  alkaline  principle  which  they  denominated  quinine. 
Both  these  bases  they  proved  to  exist  in  the  barks,  combined  with  the  kinic 
acid,  in  the  state  of  kinate  of  cinchonine  and  of  quinine.  It  was,  moreover, 
established  by  their  labours,  that  the  febrifuge  property  of  bark  depends  upon 
the  presence  of  these  two  principles.  In  1833,  3131.  0.  Henry  and  Delondre 
discovered  a new  alkaloid,  but  afterwards  finding  its  composition  in  its  an- 
hydrous state  the  same  as  that  of  quinia,  concluded  that  it  was  a hydrate  of 
that  base.  About  1844,  Winckler  announced  anew  the  existence  of  the  same 
principle,  which  he  considered  distinct,  and  named  chinidine  ; and,  under  the 
similar  title  of  quinidine,  it  is  now  generally  admitted  to  a place  among  the 
cinchona  alkaloids.  As  the  termination  a or  ia  has  been  generally  adopted 
by  English  and  American  chemists  to  distinguish  the  organic  alkaloids  from 
other  organic  proximate  principles,  the  names  of  which  terminate  in  in  or  ine, 
the  terms  quinine  and  cinchonine  of  the  French  writers  have  been  changed 
with  us  into  quinia  and  cinchonia.  On  the  same  principle,  quinidine  should 
be  called  quinidia.  This  method  of  designating  the  vegetable  alkaloids  is 
uniformly  followed  in  the  present  work.  Other  views  have  been  put  forth 
in  relation  to  the  alkaline  principles  of  Peruvian  bark,  which  have  much 
interest;  but  as  they  cannot  yet  be  considered  as  established,  and  their  detail 


PART  I. 


Cinchona. 


249 


in  the  text  might  embarrass  the  learner,  we  shall  notice  them  in  a foot-note, 
when  treating  of  the  three  admitted  alkaloids  above  referred  to.* 

It  has  before  been  stated,  on  more  than  one  occasion,  that  the  three  officinal 
varieties  of  bark  are  distinguished  by  peculiarities  of  composition.  We  give 
the  result  of  the  analysis  of  each  variety,  as  obtained  by  Pelletier  and  Caven- 
tou.  ( Journ . de  Pharm.,  vii.  70.  89.  92.) 

Pale  hark  of  Loxa  contains,  1.  a fatty  matter;  2.  an  insoluble  red  colour- 
ing matter;  3.  a yellow  colouring  matter;  4.  tannin,  or  soluble  red  colouring 
matter;  5.  gum;  6.  starch;  7.  lignin;  8.  kinate  of  lime;  9.  Icinate  of  cin- 
chonia, ivith  a very  minute  proportion  of  kinate  of  quinia. 

Yellow  Calisaya  hark  contains  the  fatty  matter,  the  cinchonic  red,  the 
yellow  colouring  matter,  tannin,  starch,  lignin,  kinate  of  lime,  and  kinate  of 
quinia,  with  a comparatively  small  proportion  of  kinate  of  cinchouia. 

Red  hark  contains  the  fatty  matter,  a large  quantity  of  the  cinchonic  red, 
the  yellow  colouring  matter,  tannin,  starch,  lignin,  kinate  of  lime,  and  a large 
proportion  hoth  of  kinate  of  quinia,  and  of  kinate  of  cinchonia. 

Carthagena  hark  contains  the  same  ingredients  with  the  red  bark,  but  in 
different  proportions.  It  has  less  of  the  alkaline  matter,  which  it  also  yields 
with  much  greater  difficulty  to  water,  in  consequence  of  the  abundance  of 
insoluble  cinchonic  red  which  it  contains,  and  which  either  involves  the  salts 
of  quinia  and  cinchonia  so  as  to  prevent  the  full  contact  of  water,  or  retains 
these  alkalies  in  combination.  {Journ.  de  Pharm.,  vii.  105.) 

Besides  quinia  and  cinchonia,  there  can  be  no  doubt  that  at  least  one 
other  alkaloid,  quinidia,  as  it  is  denominated  in  this  work,  exists  in  Peruvian 
bark;  and  it  is  highly  probable  that,  though  found  most  abundantly  in  the 
pale,  and  some  of  the  Carthagena  barks,  it  is  contained  occasionally  at  least 
to  a greater  or  less  extent  in  all. 

Another  bitter  principle  has  been  extracted  from  Calisaya  bark  by  Winck- 
ler.  He  named  it  kinovic  bitter;  but,  having  been  found  to  possess  acid 
properties,  it  is  now  denominated  kinovic  acid.  It  is  thought  to  exist  in  the 
bark  in  a free  state.  (Schwartz,  Pharm.  Cent.  Platt,  1852,  p.  194.) 

By  the  experiments  of  Henry,  Jun.,  and  Plisson,  it  may  be  considered  as 
established,  that  the  alkalies  of  the  different  varieties  of  bark  are  combined 
at  the  same  time  with  kinic  acid,  and  with  one  or  more  of  the  colouring  mat- 
ters, which,  in  relation  to  these  substances,  appear  to  act  the  part  of  acids. 
This  idea  was  originally  suggested  by  llobiquet.  {Journ.  de  Pharm.,  xii.  282. 
369.)  The  compounds  of  quinia  and  cinchonia  with  the  colouring  matter 
are  scarcely  soluble  in  water,  while  their  kinates  are  very  soluble. 

From  these  statements  it  appears  that  the  three  officinal  varieties  of  bark 
differ  little  except  in  the  proportion  of  their  constituents.  All  contain  quinia 
and  cinchonia;  the  yellow  bark  most  of  the  first,  the  pale  of  the  second,  and 
the  red  a considerable  quantity  of  both.  All  probably  contain  quinidia. 

* Reference  has  been  made  in  a note  to  the  discovery  by  Pelletier  and  Coriol  of  an 
alkali  called  aricina  in  the  Arica.  or  Cusco  bark.  It  was  obtained  by  the  same  process 
as  that  employed  in  the  extraction  of  quinia  from  yellow  bark.  It  is  white,  crystal- 
lizable,  and  distinguishable  from  cinchonia,  which  it  in  many  respects  resembles,  by 
exhibiting  a green  colour  under  the  action  of  nitric  acid,  and  by  the  property,  possessed 
by  its  sulphate,  of  forming  a tremulous  jelly  when  a saturated  boiling  solution  of  the 
salt  is  allowed  to  cool.  Manzini  obtained  from  Jaen  bark  an  alkaline  substance  which 
he  supposed  to  be  peculiar,  and  named  cinchonbatin  ; but  the  same  had  been  obtained 
by  Bouchardat,  and  considered  by  him,  as  well  as  by  Pelletier,  to  be  identical  with 
aricina;  and  Winekler,  having  extracted  a portion  from  the  bark,  and  examined  it  with 
great  care,  coincides  in  this  conclusion.  [Journ.  de  Pharm.  et  de  Chim.,  3e  sen,,  ii.  95  et 
313;  Central  Blatt,  A.  D.  1844,  p.  126.)  Much  doubt,  however,  exists  on  the  subject 
of  this  supposed  new  alkaloid,  and  by  Mr.  Howard  it  is  thought  most  probably  to  have 
been  quinidia. 


250 


Cinchona. 


PART  i. 


Gum  was  found  in  the  pale,  but  not  in  the  red  or  yellow.  Kinovic  acid, 
though  first  discovered  in  the  yellow,  probably  exists  in  others. 

The  odour  of  bark  appears  to  depend  on  a volatile  oil,  which  Fabroni  and 
TromnisdorfF  obtained  by  distillation  with  water.  The  oil  floated  on  the  sur- 
face of  the  water,  was  of  a thick  consistence,  and  had  a bitterish,  acrid  taste, 
with  the  odour  of  bark. 

The  fatty  matter , which  was  first  obtained  pure  by  M.  Laubert,  is  of  a 
greenish  colour  as  obtained  from  the  pale  bark,  orange-yellow  from  the  yellow. 
It  is  insoluble  in  water,  soluble  in  boiling  alcohol,  which  deposits  a part  of  it 
on  cooling,  very  soluble  in  ether  even  cold,  and  saponifiable  with  the  alkalies. 

The  cinchonic  red  of  Reuss,  the  insoluble  red  colouring  matter  of  Pelletier 
and  Caventou,  is  reddish-brown,  insipid,  inodorous,  largely  soluble  in  alcohol, 
especially  when  hot,  and  almost  insoluble  in  ether  or  water,  though  the  latter 
dissolves  a little  at  the  boiling  temperature.  The  acids  promote  its  solubility 
in  water.  It  precipitates  tartar  emetic,  but  not  gelatin;  but,  if  treated  with 
a cold  solution  of  potassa  or  soda,  or  by  ammonia,  lime,  or  baryta,  with  heat 
and  then  precipitated  by  an  acid,  it  acquires  the  property  of  forming  an 
insoluble  compound  with  gelatin,  and  seems  to  be  converted  into  tannin. 
It  is  precipitated  by  subacetate  of  lead.  It  is  most  abundant  in  the  red 
bark,  and  ieast  so  in  the  pale.  Berzelius  supposed  it  to  be  formed  from 
tannin  by  the  action  of  the  air.  According  to  Schwartz  it  results  from  the 
absorption  by  the  tannin  of  3 eqs.  of  oxygen,  and  the  elimination  of  *2  eqs.  of 
earbonic  acid,  and  1 eq.  of  water.  ( Pharm . Cent.  Blatt,  1852,  p.  194.) 

The  yellow  colouring  matter  has  little  taste,  is  soluble  in  water,  alcohol, 
and  ether,  precipitates  neither  gelatin  nor  tartar  emetic,  and  is  itself  precipi- 
tated by  subacetate  of  lead. 

The  tannic  acid , tannin,  cincho-tannic  acid,  or  soluble  red  colouring  matter 
of  Pelletier  and  Caventou,  has  been  considered  as  possessing  all  the  properties 
which  characterize  the  proximate  vegetable  principles  associated  together 
under  the  name  of  tannic  acid.  It  has  a brownish-red  colour  and  austere 
taste,  is  soluble  in  water  and  alcohol,  combines  with  metallic  oxides,  and  pro- 
duces precipitates  with  the  salts  of  iron,  which  vary  in  colour  according  to 
the  variety  of  bark;  being  deep  green  with  the  pale  bark,  blackish-brown 
with  the  yellow,  and  reddish-brown  with  the  red.  It  also  forms  white  pre- 
cipitates with  tartar  emetic  and  gelatin,  and  readily  combines  with  atmo- 
spheric oxygen,  becoming  insoluble.  It  must,  however,  differ  materially  from 
the  tannic  acid  of  galls,  which  could  not  exist  in  aqueous  solutions  containing 
cinchonia  and  quinia  without  forming  insoluble  compounds  with  them. 

But  the  most  interesting  and  important  constituents  of  Peruvian  bark  are 
the  alkaliue  and  active  principles  quinia,  cinchonia,  and  quinidia,  and  the  kinic 
and  kinovic  acids,  with  the  former  of  which  these  principles  are  combined. 
In  relation  to  these,  therefore,  we  shall  be  more  minute  in  our  details. 

Quinia,  as  usually  prepared,  is  whitish,  rather  flocculent,  and  not  crystal- 
line; but  it  may  be  crystallized  from  its  alcoholic  solution  by  careful  man- 
agement in  pearly  silky  needles;  and  Liebig  obtained  it  from  a somewhat 
ammoniacal  watery  solution  in  the  same  form.  It  is  inodorous  aud  very 
bitter.  At  about  300°  F.  it  melts  without  chemical  change,  and  on  cooling 
becomes  brittle.  It  is  soluble  in  about  400  parts  of  cold  and  250  of  boiling 
water,  is  very  soluble  in  alcohol  and  ether,  and  soluble  also  in  the  fixed 
and  volatile  oils.  The  alcoholic  solution  is  intensely  bitter.  Quinia  is 
unalterable  in  the  air.  It  forms  salts  with  the  acids  which  readily  crys- 
tallize. The  tannate,  tartrate,  and  oxalate,  are  said  to  be  insoluble  or 
nearly  so,  but  are  dissolved  by  an  excess  of  acid.  Quinia  and  its  salts 
may  be  distinguished  from  all  other  vegetable  alkalies  and  their  salts,  by 


PART  r. 


Cinchona. 


251 


the  beautiful  etuerald-green  colour  which  results,  when  their  solution  is 
treated  first  with  solution  of  chlorine  and  then  with  ammonia,  and  which 
changes  to  a white  or  violet  upon  saturation  with  a dilute  acid.  The  least 
quantity  of  quinia  may  be  detected  by  powdering  the  substance  supposed  to 
contain  it,  then  shaking  it  with  ether,  and  adding  successively  the  tests  just 
mentioned.  Its  salts  are  precipitated  by  the  bichlorides  of  mercury  and 
platinum,  and  of  a buff  colour  by  that  of  gold.  The  composition  of  quinia 
is  differently  given.  According  to  Liebig,  it  consists  of  1 eq.  of  nitrogen,  20 
of  carbon,  12  of  hydrogen,  and  2 of  oxygen  (NC^H^Os),  and  its  combining 
number  is  162.  This  formula  is  based  on  the  supposition  that,  of  the  two 
salts  which  quinia  forms  with  most  acids,  the  one  containing  the  smallest 
proportion  of  acid  is  a di-salt,  consisting’ of  2 eqs.  of  base  and  1 of  acid,  and 
the  other  neutral,  consisting  of  1 eq.  of  each.  Another  view  is,  that  the 
first  of  these  salts  is  neutral,  and  the  second  a bi-salt;  and,  if  this  be  ad- 
mitted, the  above  combining  number  must  be  doubled.  Upon  the  latter 
supposition,  the  formula,  according  to  Laurent,  is  NaG^H^O,,  and  the  com- 
bining number  370. 

There  is  reason  to  believe  that  quinia  may  become  uncrystallizable  with- 
out change  of  composition,  and  impart  to  its  salts  the  same  uncrystallizable 
character.  In  this  state  it  is  called  amorphous  quinia.  This  is  always 
among  the  substances  left  in  the  mother  waters  after  the  crystallization  of 
sulphate  of  quinia,  in' its  preparation  from  Calisaya  bark.  More  will  be  said 
of  this  under  sulphate  of  quinia  in  the  second  part  of  this  work. 

Quinia  is  obtained  by  treating  its  sulphate  with  the  solution  of  an  alkali, 
collecting  the  precipitate,  washing  it  till  the  water  comes  away  tasteless, 
then  drying  it,  dissolving  it  in  alcohol,  and  slowly  evaporating  the  solution. 

The  most  important  artificial  salt  of  quinia  is  the  sulphate,  the  process  for 
procuring  which,  as  well  as  its  properties,  will  be  hereafter  described.  The 
muriate  and  valerianate  have  been  adopted  by  the  Dublin  College,  which 
gives  processes  for  their  preparation.  (See  Quinise  Sulphas,  &c.,  among  the 
preparations.)  The  phosphate,  acetate,  citrate,  lactate,  ferrocyanate,  and  tan- 
nate  have  also  been  employed  and  recommended;  but  none  of  them  has  yet 
gained  admittance  into  the  Pharmacopoeias,  and  none  probably  is  superior  to 
the  officinal  sulphate.  The  first  four  may  be  prepared  by  saturating  a solu- 
tion of  the  acids  respectively  with  quinia,  and  evaporating  the  solutions. 
The  ferrocyanate  is  directed  to  be  made  by  boiling  together  two  parts  of  sul- 
phate of  quinia  and  three  of  ferrocyanuret  of  potassium  in  a very  little  water, 
pouring  off  the  liquor  from  a greenish-yellow  substance  of  an  oily  consistence 
which  is  precipitated,  washing  the  latter  with  distilled  water,  then  dissolving 
it  in  strong  alcohol  at  100°  F.,  filtering  immediately,  and  afterwards  evapo- 
rating the  solution.  [Am.  Journ.  of  P harm.,  x ii.  351.)  M.  Pelouze,  however, 
found  this  preparation  to  be  pure  quinia,  mixed  with  a little  Prussian  blue. 
(. Archives  Gen.,  3e  ser.,  xv.  236.)  The  tannate  may  be  prepared  by  precipi- 
tating the  infusion  of  bark,  or  solution  of  sulphate  of  quinia,  by  the  infusion 
of  galls  or  solution  of  tannic  acid,  and  then  washing  and  drying  the  precipi- 
tate. It  has  the  advantage  of  possessing  little  taste,  while  experience  has 
shown  that  it  is  little  if  at  all  inferior  in  antiperiodic  powers  to  the  sulphate; 
but  its  amorphous  condition  renders  it  more  liable  to  adulteration.  Either 
of  these  salts  may  be  given  in  the  same  dose  as  the  sulphate.  Arsenite  of 
quinia  has  been  recommended  by  Dr.  llingdon,  especially  in  chronic  cutane- 
ous affections.  He  prepares  it  by  boiling  64  grains  of  arsenious  acid,  with 
half  the  quantity  of  carbonate  of  potassa,  in  four  fluidounces  of  distilled  water, 
until  dissolved,  adding  water  enough  to  make  the  solution  measure  four  fluid- 
ounces,  and  then  mixing  five  drachms  of  this  solution  with  two  scruples  of 


252 


Cinchona. 


PART  I. 


sulphate  of  quinia,  previously  dissolved  in  boiling  distilled  water.  The  arse- 
nite  (diarseuite)  of  quinia  is  thrown  down  in  the  form  of  a white  curdy  pre- 
cipitate, which  is  to  be  washed  on  a filter  and  dried.  It  is  uncrystallizable, 
insoluble  in  water,  and  soluble  in  alcohol.  The  dose  is  one-third  of  a grain, 
given  at  first  twice  a day,  and  afterwards  three  and  four  times  a day.  ( Prov . 
Med.  & Sury.  Journ.,  Aug.  25,  1817.) 

Cinehonia  when  pure  is  white,  crystallizable  from  its  alcoholic  solution 
in  four-sided  prisms  with  oblique  terminal  facets,  soluble  in  2500  parts  of 
boiling  water,  almost  insoluble  in  cold  water,  soluble  in  boiling  alcohol  which 
deposits  a portion  upon  cooling,  scarcely  soluble  in  ether,  and  but  slightly 
so  in  the  fixed  and  volatile  oils.  Its  bitter  taste,  at  first  not  very  obvious  in 
consequence  of  its  difficult  solubility,  is  developed  after  a short  time  by  the 
solution  of  a minute  portion  in  the  saliva.  Its  alcoholic,  ethereal,  and  olea- 
ginous solutions  are  very  bitter.  By  heat  it  is  melted  and  partially  changed, 
and,  if  the  heat  be  cautiously  increased,  sublimes  into  a matted  tissue  of  fine 
crystals,  which  have  the  same  formula  as  the  pure  alkaloid.  (Hlasiwetz, 
Chem.  Gaz.,  ix.  90.)  Its  alkaline  character  is  very  decided,  as  it  neutralizes 
the  strongest  acids.  Of  the  salts  of  cinehonia,  the  sulphate,  nitrate,  muri- 
ate, phosphate,  and  acetate  are  soluble  in  water.  The  neutral  tartrate,  oxa- 
late, and  gallate  are  insoluble  in  cold  water,  but  soluble  in  hot  water,  alcohol, 
or  an  excess  of  acid.  Winckler  has  shown  that  cinehonia  is  rendered  un- 
crystallizable or  amorphous  by  sulphuric  acid  in  excess,  aided  by  heat;  a fact 
of  importance  in  the  preparation  of  the  sulphate  of  this  alkali.  {Chem. 
Gaz.,  March  15,  1848.)  Several  processes  have  been  employed  for  the  pre- 
paration of  cinehonia.  One  of  the  simplest  is  the  following.  Powdered  pale 
bark  is  submitted  to  the  action  of  sulphuric  or  muriatic  acid  very  much  di- 
luted, and  the  solution  obtained  is  precipitated  by  an  excess  of  lime.  The 
precipitate  is  collected  on  a filter,  washed  with  water,  and  treated  with  boiliug 
alcohol.  The  alcoholic  solution  is  filtered  while  hot,  and  deposits  the  cinehonia 
when  it  cools.  A further  quantity  is  obtained  by  evaporation.  If  not  per- 
fectly white,  it  may  be  freed  from  colour  by  converting  it  into  a sulphate 
with  dilute  sulphuric  acid,  then  treating  the  solution  with  animal  charcoal, 
filtering,  precipitating  by  an  alkali,  and  redissolving  by  alcohol  in  the  man- 
ner already  mentioned.  It  may  also  be  obtained  from  the  mother  waters  of 
sulphate  of  quinia  by  diluting  them  with  water,  precipitating  with  ammonia, 
collecting  the  precipitate  on  a filter,  washing  and  drying  it,  and  then  dissolv- 
ing it  in  boiling  alcohol,  which  deposits  the  cinehonia  in  a crystalline  form 
upon  cooling.  It  may  be  still  further  purified  by  a second  solution  and 
crystallization.  The  same  remarks  in  relation  to  equivalent  composition 
apply  to  cinehonia,  as  those  already  made  in  reference  to  quinia.  According 
to  the  view  which  considers  the  salts  as  basic  and  neutral,  cinehonia  consists 
of  1 eq.  of  nitrogen,  20  of  carbon,  12  of  hydrogen,  and  1 of  oxygen  (XCa, 
HiaO);  and  its  combining  number  is  154.  The  other  view  would  require 
these  numbers  to  be  doubled.  The  above  formula  is  that  of  Liebig.  Others 
have  been  given;  but  Hlasiwetz  constantly  obtained  results  with  true  cineho- 
nia confirmatory  of  those  stated.  {Chem.  Gaz.,  ix.  91.)  Exposed  to  the  air, 
ciuchonia  does  not  suffer  decomposition,  but  very  slowly  absorbs  carbonic  acid, 
and  acquires  the  property  of  effervescing  slightly  with  acids.  It  is  precipi- 
tated of  a sulphur-yellow  by  the  perchloride  of  gold.  Chlorine  water  dis- 
solves it  or  any  of  its  salts  without  change ; but  if  ammonia  be  now  added, 
a white  precipitate  is  produced.  It  is  thus  distinguished  from  the  other 
cinehonia  alkaloids. 

Sulphate  of ' cinehonia  {disulphate),-  the  only  salt  of  this  base  which  has 
been  employed  to  any  extent  in  a separate  state,  may  be  prepared  by  hear- 
ing cinehonia  with  a little  water,  adding  dilute  sulphuric  acid  gradually  till 


PART  I. 


Cinchona. 


253 


the  alkali  is  dissolved,  then  boiling  with  purified  animal  charcoal,  filtering  the 
solution  while  hot,  and  setting  it  aside  to  crystallize.  By  alternate  evapora- 
tion and  crystallization,  the  whole  of  the  sulphate  may  be  obtained.  The  salt 
is,  however,  most  frequently  procured  from  the  mother  waters  of  sulphate  of 
quinia.  It  crystallizes  in  short,  oblique,  shining  prisms  with  dihedral  sum- 
mits, which  melt  at  212°,  and  at  a somewhat  higher  temperature  lose  their 
water  of  crystallization.  Its  taste  is  very  bitter.  It  is  soluble  in  fifty-four 
parts  of  water  at  common  temperatures,  and  in  a smaller  quantity  of  boiling 
water,  and  is  readily  dissolved  by  alcohol.  According  to  the  views  above 
given  of  the  composition  of  cinchonia,  it  is  a disulphate,  consisting  of  2 eqs. 
of  cinchonia  308,  1 of  sulphuric  acid  40,  and  2 of  water  of  crystallization 
18=366.  By  the  addition  of  the  necessary  quantity  of  acid,  it  passes  into 
the  neutral  sulphate,  which  is  soluble  in  less  than  half  its  weight  of  water 
at  58°.* 

Quinidia  ( quinidine , quinidina  of  Pereira,  chinidine  of  Winekler,  p qui- 
nine of  Van  Heijningcn)  has  been  satisfactorily  determined  to  be  a distinct 
alkaloid  of  Peruvian  bark.  Its  properties  have  been  carefully  examined  by 
H.  G-.  Leers,  from  whose  paper,  published  originally  in  the  Ann.  der  Chcm. 
und  Pharm.  (Mai,  1852),  the  following  account  of  its  properties  has  been 
chiefly  derived.  It  readily  crystallizes  from  its  alcoholic  solution,  by  spon- 
taneous evaporation,  in  hard,  shining,  colourless  crystals,  which  are  easily 
pulverized,  and  yield  a snow-white  powder.  They  melt  without  decomposition 
or  loss  of  water  at  347°  F.,  and  on  cooling  concrete  into  a grayish-white  crys- 
talline mass.  At  a higher  heat  they  take  fire,  and  burn  with  the  odour  of 
kinole,  and  volatile  oil  of  bitter  almonds.  Their  taste  is  bitter,  but  less  in- 
tensely so  than  that  of  quinia.  Quinidia  is  soluble,  according  to  Leers,  in 
2580  parts  of  water  at  62°,  and  in  1858  parts  at  212°,  in  143  (169  Winekler) 
of  ether,  and  12  of  alcohol  of  0'885,  both  at  62°  F.  With  the  acids  it 
forms  salts,  most  of  which  are  beautifully  crystallizable,  and  much  more  solu- 
ble than  those  of  quinia.  There  are,  as  of  quinia  and  cinchonia,  two  sets  of 
the  salts  of  quinidia,  which  may  be  considered  either  as  basic  and  neutral,  or 
as  neutral  and  acid.  In  the  former  view,  quinidia  would  have  the  formula 
NCjglljjO,  and  the  equivalent  number  141 ; in  the  latter,  which  is  the  one 
generally  adopted,  N2086HS2O2,  and  282.  When  treated  first  with  chlorine 
and  then  with  ammonia,  it  does  not  like  quinia  yield  a green  colour,  nor  like 
cinchonia  a white  one,  but  remains  unaffected. f It  differs  from  quinia  also  by 
its  much  less  solubility  in  ether.  From  the  aqueous  solution  of  its  salts,  the 

* Cinchonia,  quinia,  quinidia,  and  strychnia,  when  heated  with  caustic  potassa, 
yield  acrid  vapours,  which  condense  into  an  oily  liquid  having  alkaline  properties,  for 
which  the  name  of  quinol'ein  was  proposed  by  its  discoverer  M.  Gerhardt,  and  which  is 
also  called  cinctiolin.  It  has  a peculiar  odour,  not  unlike  that  of  the  bean  of  St.  Igna- 
tius, and  an  extremely  acrid  and  bitter  taste,  is  slightly  soluble  in  water,  and  freely  so 
in  alcohol,  ether,  and  the  volatile  oils ; forms  crystallizable  salts  with  the  acids ; and 
is  characterized  by  producing  a yellow  crystalline  precipitate  with  chromic  acid.  It 
results  also  from  the  dry  distillation  of  quinia.  (Journ.  de  Pharm.  et  de  Chim.,  3e  ser., 
ii.  841.)  Dr.  A.  W.  Hoffmann  has  found  that  the  substance  called  leucol,  existing  in 
coal-gas  naphtha,  is  identical  with  cincholin.  ( Cheni . Gazette.  June,  1845,  p.  251.)  Mr. 
Steuhouse  proposes,  as  a test  of  the  presence  of  alkaline  principles  in  bark,  to  macerate 
with  dilute  sulphuric  acid,  precipitate  with  an  excess  of  carbonate  of  potassa  or  soda, 
and  distil  the  precipitate  with  a great  excess  of  caustic  potassa  or  soda,  Cincholin 
will  distil  over  in  oily  drops,  recognizable  by  their  peculiar  odour  and  strong  alkaline 
properties.  ( Philos . Mag.,  xxvi.  1911.) 

f Mr.  E.  N.  Kent  of  New  York  proposes  another  test  to  distinguish  this  alkaloid  from 
quinia.  If  to  a solution  of  sulphate  of  quinia  in  acetic  acid,  a few  drops  of  tincture 
of  iodine  be  added,  and  the  mixture  be  heated,  and  then  allowed  to  cool,  a beautiful 
emerald- green  compound  is  formed ; while  sulphate  of  quinidia,  treated  in  the  same 
manner,  furnishes  a brown  precipitate.  ( N . Y.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  ii.  129.) 


254 


Cinchona. 


PAItT  i. 


alkalies,  their  carbonates,  and  bicarbonates  throw  down  pulverulent  precipi- 
tates not  soluble  in  an  excess  of  the  precipitant.  With  phosphate  of  soda, 
nitrate  of  silver,  and  bichloride  of  mercury  it  forms  white,  with  chloride  of 
gold  light-yellow,  and  with  chloride  of  platinum  orange-3rellow  precipitates. 
It  may  be  obtained  pure  by  first  precipitating  it  from  the  solution  of  one  of 
its  salts  by  an  alkali,  and  then  repeatedly  dissolving  in  alcohol  and  crystal- 
lizing, until  it  is  entirely  freed  from  a greenish-yellow  resinous  substance 
which  is  apt  to  attend  it.  From  quinia  it  may  be  separated  by  repeated 
washing  with  ether,  until  the  ethereal  solution  no  longer  affords  evidence  of 
the  presence  of  quinia  by  the  test  of  chlorine  and  ammonia. 

Sulphate  of  quinidia  is,  according  to  one  view,  neutral,  consisting  of  1 eq. 
of  quinidia  282,  1 of  sulphuric  acid  40,  and  1 of  water  9 ; according  to  an- 
other, basic, containing  2 eqs.  of  base,  1 of  acid,  and  1 of  water,  and  therefore 
a disulphate.  It  is  in  long,  shining,  silky  acicular  crystals,  soluble  in  130 
parts  of  water  at  62°  F.,  in  16  parts  at  212°,  readily  soluble  in  alcohol,  but 
almost  insoluble  in  ether.  It  is  obtained  from  the  quinidia  barks  by  the 
same  process  as  that  by  which  sulphate  of  quinia  is  procured  from  the  Cali- 
saya.  When  the  two  alkaloids  are  contained  in  the  same  bark,  the  sulphate 
of  quinidia  remains  in  the  mother  waters  in  consequence  of  its  greater  solu- 
bility. By  the  addition  to  its  solution  of  a quantity  of  sulphuric  acid  equal 
to  that  which  it  contains,  it  is  converted  into  the  bisulphate  (sulphate  on  the 
basic  view),  crystallizable  in  fine  acicular  crystals  like  asbestos.* 

* There  is  still  considerable  uncertainty  upon  the  subject  of  the  alkaline  constituents 
of  Peruvian  bark.  What  has  been  stated  in  the  text  may  be  considered  as  pretty  well 
established;  but,  various  other  results  have  been  obtained,  which  need  confirmation  by 
repeated  experiment,  before  they  can  be  entirely  relied  on.  Among  the  most  recent 
and  interesting  are  those  of  Van  Heijningen,  Guibourt,  and  Pasteur. 

According  to  Van  Heijningen  there  are  three  kinds  of  quinia,  differing  from  one  an- 
other by  the  quantity  of  water  which  they  contain,  and  of  which  they  may  be  deprived 
by  a heat  of  266°  F.  He  distinguishes  them  as  a quinia,  )3  quinia,  and  y quinia,  the 
first  containing  three  eqs.  of  water,  the  second  two,  and  the  third  one.  The  a quinia 
is  common  quinia,  (3  quinia  is  the  alkaloid  denominated  in  the  text  quinidia. and  y quinia 
is  a crystalline  variety,  which  is  formed  out  of  recently  precipitated  amorphous  quinia, 
exposed  in  a thin  layer  to  the  atmosphere.  Each  of  these  varieties  forms  salts  having 
distinctive  properties.  They  are  produced  one  from  the  other,  and  not  necessarily  pre- 
existent in  the  bark.  (See  Pharm.  Journ.  and  Trans.,  xi.  521.) 

Guibourt  gives  as  the  result  of  his  examinations,  that  quinia  and  quinidia  are  dis- 
tinct alkaloids,  possessing  different  physical  and  chemical  properties.  1.  Quinia  sepa- 
rates from  its  hydro-alcoholic  solutions  in  the  form  of  a syrupy  liquid,  which  preserves 
its  transparency  in  the  air.  Nevertheless,  when  in  a very  thin  layer  upon  glass,  it 
becomes  opaque,  assuming  a very  fine  and  indeterminate  crystalline  structure.  In  the 
first  state  it  contains  3 eqs.  of  water,  corresponding  to  Van  Heijningen’ s a quinia;  in 
the  second,  only  1 eq.,  corresponding  to  the  y quinia  of  that  chemist.  Quinidia  sepa- 
rates from  its  hydro-alcoholic  and  alcoholic  solutions  in  the  form  of  crystals  which 
belong  to  the  system  of  right  rectangular  or  rhomboidal  prisms.  These  crystals  are 
anhydrous.  2.  Quinia  is  soluble  in  all  proportions  in  cold  ether  and  absolute  alcohol, 
and  in  almost  all  proportions  in  alcohol  of  90  to  the  hundred.  Quinidia  is  soluble  in 
140  to  150  parts  of  ether,  45  of  cold  absolute  alcohol,  105  of  alcohol  of  90,  and  in  3-7 
parts  of  boiling  absolute  alcohol.  3.  Sulphate  of  quinia  crystallized  (common  sulphate) 
is  soluble,  in  the  cold,  in  57  parts  of  absolute  alcohol,  and  63  of  alcohol  of  90.  The 
corresponding  sulphate  of  quinidia  is  soluble  in  from  30  to  32  parts  of  cold  absolute 
alcohol,  and  7 of  alcohol  of  90.  4.  Oxalate  of  quinia  is  quite  insoluble  in  water:  oxa- 

late of  quinidia  is  very  soluble,  and  easily  crystallizable  by  refrigeration  or  evaporation. 

( Journ . de  Pharm.,  3c  ser.,  xxii.  414.) 

M.  Pasteur  has  arrived  at  the  following  extremely  interesting  conclusions  as  to  the 
cinchona  alkaloids.  There  are  four  principal  bases  in  bark,  viz.  1.  quinine  ( quinia  i.  2. 
quinidine  (quinidia),  3.  cinchonine  (cinchonia),  and  4.  cinclionidine  i cinchonidia  . By 
exposing  any  salt  of  quinia  with  certain  precautions  to  heat,  the  alkaloid  is  changed 
into  another  isomeric  with  itself  called  by  M.  Pasteur,  quinicine.  Under  similar  cir- 
cumstances cinchonine  is  changed  into  an  isomeric  alkaloid  which  he  calls  cimhonicine. 


PART  I. 


Cinchona. 


255 


Kinic  Acid  ( called  also  Cinehonic  or  Quinic  Acid),  and  the  Kinates  of 
Cinckonia  and  Quinia. — It  may  be  desirable  to  procure  the  alkaline  princi- 
ples in  the  state  of  saline  combination  in  which  they  exist  in  the  bark ; as  it 
is  possible  that  they  may  exert  an  influence  over  the  system  in  this  state, 
somewhat  different  from  that  produced  by  their  combinations  with  the  sul- 
phuric or  other  mineral  acid.  As  it  is  impossible  to  procure  the  kinates 
immediately  from  the  bark  in  a pure  state,  it  becomes  necessary  first  to  obtain 
the  kinic  acid  separately,  which  may  thus  become  of  some  practical  import- 
ance. We  shall,  therefore,  briefly  describe  the  mode  of  procuring  it,  and  its 
characteristic  properties.  By  evaporating  the  infusion  of  bark  to  a solid 
consistence,  and  treating  the  extract  thus  obtained  with  alcohol,  we  have  in 
the  residue  a viscid  matter  consisting  chiefly  of  mucilage  with  kinate  of  lime, 
which  is  insoluble  in  alcohol.  If  an  aqueous  solution  of  this  substance  be 
formed,  and  allowed  to  evaporate  at  a gentle  heat,  crystals  of  the  kinate  are 
deposited,  which  may  be  purified  by  a second  crystallization.  The  salt  thus 
obtained,  being  dissolved  in  water,  is  decomposed  by  means  of  oxalic  acid, 
which  precipitates  the  lime,  and  leaves  the  kinic  acid  in  solution.  This  may 
be  procured  in  the  crystalline  state  by  spontaneous  evaporation,  though,  as 
usually  prepared,  it  is  in  the  form  of  a thick  syrupy  liquid.  The  crystals  are 
transparent  and  colourless,  sour  to  the  taste,  and  readily  soluble  in  alcohol 
and  in  water.  The  kinates  of  cinchonia  and  quinia  may  be  obtained  either  by 
the  direct  combination  of  their  constituents,  or  by  the  mutual  decomposition 
of  the  sulphates  of  those  alkalies  and  the  kinate  of  lime.  The  kinate  of  cin- 
chonia has  a bitter  and  astringent  taste,  is  very  soluble  in  water,  is  soluble 
also  in  alcohol,  and  is  crystallized  with  difficulty.  The  kinate  of  quinia  is 
also  very  soluble  in  water,  but  less  so  in  rectified  alcohol.  Its  taste  is  very 

These  new  bases  have  striking  anaiogies  with  those  from  which  they  were  derived,  and 
moreover  strongly  resemble  each  other.  They  are  almost  insoluble  in  water,  but  very 
soluble  in  ordinary  and  absolute  alcohol.  Both  combine  readily  with  carbonic  acid, 
and  separate  ammonia  from  its  saline  combinations.  Both  are  deposited  from  these 
solutions  in  the  form  of  resinous  fluids,  and  both  deviate  to  the  right  the  plane  of  po- 
larization. Both  are  very  bitter  and  febrifuge.  Under  the  name  of  quinidine  two 
alkaloids  have  been  confounded,  and  not  unfrequently  the  two  are  mixed  together. 
One  of  these,  for  which  M.  Pasteur  preserves  the  name  of  quinidine , is  hydrated,  efflo- 
rescent, isomeric  with  quinine,  deviates  to  the  right  the  plane  of  polarization,  and 
like  quinine  gives  a green  colour  with  chlorine  and  ammonia.  The  other,  which  he 
calls  cinchonidine,  is  anhydrous,  isomeric  with  cinchonine,  exercises  to  the  left  its  rota- 
tory power,  and  does  not  exhibit  the  green  colour  with  the  two  tests  referred  to. 
The  latter  is  the  most  common  in  commercial  specimens ; and  it  is  easy  to  ascertain 
whether  it  contains  quinidine.  If  recently  crystallized  cinchonidine  be  exposed  to  hot 
air,  all  the  crystals  of  quinidine  will  effloresce,  and  separate  from  the  others,  from 
which  they  are  distinguished  by  their  opaque  whiteness.  Now,  if  these  two  alkaloids, 
quinidine  and  cinchonidine,  be  exposed  to  heat  in  the  same  manner  as  quinine  and  cin- 
chonine above  referred  to,  they  will  offer  the  same  results;  that  is,  they  will  severally 
be  transformed  into  isomeric  bases;  and,  what  is  remarkable,  these  bases  are  iden- 
tical, the  one  with  quinicine  and  the  other  with  cinchonicine ; so  that,  of  the  four  ori- 
ginal alkaloids,  quinine  and  quinidine  are  changed  into  quinicine,  and  cinchonine  and 
cinchonidine  into  cinchonicine. 

The  relation  of  these  six  alkaloids  to  one  another  in  reference  to  polarized  light  is 
remarkable.  Of  the  three  isomeric  alkaloids,  quinine,  quinidine,  and  quinicine,  the 
quinine  deviates  to  the  right,  the  quinidine  to  the  left,  and  both  considerably,  while  the 
quinicine  deviates  to  the  right,  but  very  feebly;  and  the  same  thing  exactly  is  true  of 
cinchonine,  cinchonidine,  and  cinchonicine,  which  are  also  isomeric. 

Commercial  quino'idine,  or  the  substance  left  after  the  crystallization  of  sulphate  of 
quinia,  purified  by  solution  and  precipitation,  consists  of  the  alkaloids  mixed  with  a 
large  proportion  of  resinous  and  colouring  matters,  into  which  the  salts  of  the  alka- 
loids have  been  transformed.  This  change  takes  place  either  by  artificial  heat  or  in 
the  sun,  and  therefore  results  both  in  the  process  of  preparing  sulphate  of  quinia,  and 
during  the  drying  of  the  fresh  barks  by  sunlight,  or  their  subsequent  exposure  to  the 
same  influence.  ( Journ . de  Pharm.,  3e  ser. , xxiv.  161  )—Note  to  the  tenth  edition. 


256 


Cinchona. 


PART  I. 


bitter,  resembling  exactly  that  of  yellow  bark.  It  crystallizes  in  crusts  of 
a mammillated  form,  and  opaque  or  semitransparent.  The  salt  is  with  diffi- 
culty obtained  free  from  colour,  and  only  by  employing  the  ingredients  in  a 
state  of  extreme  purity.  {Ann.  de  Chim.  et  de  Phys.,  Juillet,  1829.)* 

Kinovic  Acid.  This  is  white,  uncrystallizable,  almost  insoluble  in  water, 
but  readily  dissolved  by  alcohol  and  ether.  It  is  very  bitter,  and,  as  it  is 
asserted  to  have  no  febrifuge  virtues,  may  on  this  account  mislead  the  judg- 
ment in  relation  to  the  activity  of  the  bark  in  which  it  may  be  found.  It 
consists  of  carbon,  hydrogen,  and  oxygen  ; its  formula  being  CwH903.  It 
forms  salts  with  the  acids ; and  a solution  of  kinovate  of  magnesia  precipitates 
solutions  of  acetate  of  lead,  bichloride  of  mercury,  and  the  salts  of  cinchonia. 
Winckler  gives  as  a certain  test  of  its  presence  in  any  bark  the  sulphate  of 
copper,  which  is  indifferent  to  infusions  of  bark  containing  none  of  this  prin- 
ciple, but  discovers  the  smallest  proportion  of  it  by  producing  a dirty-green 
colour,  soon  followed  by  the  deposition  of  a fine  similarly  coloured  powder. 
This  is  kinovate  of  copper,  and  has  a very  bitter  and  metallic  taste.  (See  Am. 
Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xxv.  343.) 

Of  the  relations  of  bark  to  the  several  solvents  employed  in  pharmacy 
we  shall  speak  hereafter,  under  the  head  of  its  infusion,  decoction,  and  tinc- 
ture ; where  we  shall  also  have  an  opportunity  of  mentioning  some  of  the 
more  prominent  substances  which  afford  precipitates  with  its  liquid  prepara- 
tions. It  is  sufficient  at  present  to  state,  that  all  the  substances  which  pre- 
cipitate the  infusion  of  bark  do  not  by  any  means  necessarily  affect  its  virtues'; 
as  it  contains  several  inert  ingredieuts  which  form  insoluble  compounds  with 
bodies  that  do  not  disturb  its  active  principles.  As  tannic  acid  forms  with 
the  alkaloids  compounds  insoluble  in  water,  it  is  desirable  that  substances 
containing  this  acid,  in  a free  state,  should  not  be  prescribed  in  connexion 
with  the  infusion  or  decoction  of  bark ; for,  though  these  insoluble  tannates 
might  be  found  efficacious  if  administered,  yet,  being  precipitated  from  the 
liquid,  they  would  be  apt  to  be  thrown  away  as  dregs,  or  at  any  rate  would 
communicate,  if  agitated,  an  unpleasant  turbidness. 

It  is  evident,  from  what  has  been  said,  that  an  infusion  of  bark,  on  account 
of  the  tannin-like  principle  which  it  contains,  may  precipitate  gelatin,  tartar 
emetic,  and  the  salts  of  iron,  without  having  a particle  of  cinchonia,  quinia, 
or  other  alkaloid  in  its  composition;  and  that  consequently  any  inference  as 
to  its  value,  drawn  from  these  chemical  properties,  would  be  fallacious ; but, 
as  the  active  principles  are  thrown  down  by  the  tannic  acid  of  galls,  no  bark 
can  be  considered  good  which  does  not  afford  a precipitate  with  the  infusion 
of  this  substance. 

It  is  impossible  to  determine,  with  accuracy,  the  relative  proportion  of  the 
active  ingredients  in  the  different  varieties  of  cinchona;  as  the  quantity  is 
by  no  means  uniform  in  different  specimens  of  the  same  variety.  The  results 
of  the  most  recent  experiments  have  been  already  stated  under  the  head  of 
the  several  varieties  of  bark  described.  But  it  is  highly  important,  in  relation 
to  any  particular  sample  of  bark,  to  be  able  to  ascertain  its  medicinal  efficiencv, 

* When  kinic  acid  is  mixed  with  sulphuric  acid  and  deutoxide  of  manganese,  and  dis- 
tilled, a neutral  substance  called  kirioi/e  or  kinone  is  obtained,  in  crystalline  needles,  of 
a beautiful  golden  yellow  colour  and  high  lustre,  fusible  and  volatilizable  without 
change,  and  having  a peculiar  odour.  The  production  of  this  substance,  when  a con- 
centrated decoction  of  a bark  is  distilled  with  half  its  weight  of  sulphuric  acid  and 
deutoxide  of  manganese,  has  been  proposed  as  a test  of  the  presence  of  kinic  acid  in  the 
bark,  and  consequently  of  its  belonging  to  the  cinchona  barks;  If  there  is  the  least 
quantity  of  that  acid,  the  first  portion  of  liquid  distilled  will  have  a yellow  colour  and 
the  odour  of  kinone,  and  will  become  bright  green  on  the  addition  of  chlorine  water. 
( Philos . Mag.,  xxvi.  198.) 


PART  I. 


Cinchona. 


257 


which  is  measured  by  the  quantity  of  the  peculiar  cinchona  alkaloids  it  may 
contain.  The  following  is  Winckler’s  process,  which  he  prefers  to  all  others. 
In  determining  the  value  of  a large  quantity  of  bark,  it  is  necessary  first  to 
ascertain  whether  it  may  not  consist  of  more  than  one  variety,  and  if  it  do, 
to  assort  it,  and  act  on  each  kind  separately.  The  pieces  are  to  be  reduced 
to  a fine  powder,  of  which  1000  grains  are  to  be  digested  with  6 ounces  of 
alcohol  of  80  per  cent.,  by  means  of  a water-bath,  until  completely  exhausted. 
The  tincture,  when  cold,  is  to  be  strained  through  thin  but  close  linen;  and 
the  residue  to  be  again  digested  with  3 ounces  of  alcohol  and  strained  as 
before.  The  residue  now  obtained  is  to  be  once  more  treated  in  like  manner 
with  alcohol.  The  tinctures  are  then  to  be  united,  filtered,  and  treated,  at 
common  temperatures,  with  a mixture  of  equal  parts  of  fresh  slaked  lime 
and  crude  well-burnt  animal  charcoal,  of  which  about  500  grains  will  be 
required.  The  mixture  is  to  be  frequently  shaken,  and  the  maceration  to  be 
continued  until  the  supernatant  liquid  is  rendered  colourless.  In  most  of 
the  genuine  barks  the  decolorization  is  soon  effected ; but  in  those  contain- 
ing kinovic  acid  it  is  imperfect.  The  decolorized  liquid  is  to  be  separated,  and 
the  residue  to  be  repeatedly  shaken  with  small  quantities  of  alcohol,  washed 
on  a filter  with  the  same  liquor,  and  dried.  The  alcoholic  liquids  are  to  be 
mixed,  and  the  alcohol  distilled  off.  The  whole  of  the  alkaloids  is  contained 
in  the  residue,  with  a peculiar  fatty  matter,  cinchonic  red,  and  any  kinovic 
acid  which  may  have  existed  in  the  bark.  To  remove  these,  the  matter  is  to 
be  transferred  to  a small  evaporating  basin  from  the  distilling  vessel,  which  is 
to  be  washed  with  a little  water  acidulated  with  sulphuric  acid,  and  the  liquid 
thus  obtained  to  be  added  to  the  rest.  A slight  excess  of  sulphuric  acid  is 
now  to  be  dropped  into  the  mixture,  which  is  to  be  heated,  allowed  to  cool,  and 
then  filtered,  so  as  to  remove  the  precipitated  kinovic  acid  and  other  impuri- 
ties. From  the  filtered  acidulated  solution,  the  alkaloids  are  to  be  precipitated 
by  a slight  excess  of  ammonia,  and  the  mixture  evaporated  by  a gentle  heat 
to  dryness.  The  sulphate  of  ammonia  is  to  be  removed  from  the  residue  by 
a small  quantitj7  of  very  cold  water,  and  the  residual  alkaloid  matter  dried 
and  weighed.  Though  not  absolutely  pure,  it  is  sufficiently  so  for  the  pur- 
poses of  the  investigation.*  (. Am.Journ . of  Pharm.,  xxv.  343.)  Winc-kler  states 

* M.  Rabourdin  has  proposed  chloroform  as  an  agent  for  testing  the  alkaloid  rich- 
ness of  barks.  The  following  is  his  method,  applied  to  the  Calisaya.  Five  drachms 
of  the  powder,  previously  passed  through  a fine  hah-  sieve,  are  to  be  exhausted  bv' 
water,  acidulated  with  hydrochloric  acid  (2  drachms  of  acid  to  a pound  of  water),  iu 
a percolation  apparatus,  the  liquid  being  added  until  it  passes  colourless  and  tasteless. 
Five  or  six  ounces  of  liquid  are  thus  obtained,  to  wdiich  a drachm  and  a half  of  caustic 
potassa  and  five  drachms  of  chloroform  are  to  be  added.  These  are  to  be  agitated  for  a 
short  time,  and  then  allowed  to  stand.  A dense  whitish  deposit  forms,  consisting  of 
the  alkaloids  and  chloroform.  Sometimes  the  separation  is  complete  and  effected  in  an 
instant,  leaving  a red  transparent  liquid  floating  on  the  surface,  which  is  to  be  imme- 
diately poured  off.  The  chloroformic  solution  is  then  washed  with  water,  put  into  a 
capsule,  and  allowed  to  evaporate.  The  alkaloids  remain  behind  in  a pure  state. 

Red  bark  is  to  be  treated  as  the  Calisaya ; but  for  the  pale  or  cinchonia  barks  the 
process  is  to  be  carried  further.  The  matter  left  after  the  evaporation  of  the  chloro- 
form contains  cinchonic  red  as  well  as  cinchonia.  It  is  to  be  treated  with  water  acidu- 
lated with  hydrochloric  acid,  which  dissolves  all  the  alkaloid,  and  a portion  of  the 
cinchonic  red.  The  liquid  is  to  be  filtered,  and  solution  of  ammonia  diluted  with  15 
or  20  parts  of  water,  added  drop  by  drop,  with  constant  stirring,  until  a white  cloud 
appears  which  is  not  removed  by  the  agitation.  The  cinchonic  red  is  thus  precipitated 
without  the  alkaloid.  It  is  easy  to  know  when  to  stop  this  part  of  the  process  ; as  the 
cinchonic  red  is  precipitated  in  reddish-brown  flakes,  the  cinchonia  in  white  curdled 
flakes.  The  liquid  is  now  to  be  filtered,  the  filter  washed  with  a little  distilled  water, 
and  the  united  liquors  precipitated  by  an  excess  of  ammonia.  The  precipitate  is  the 
pure  alkaloid.  (See  Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xxiii.  249.) 

17 


258 


Cinchona. 


PART  I. 


that  the  barks  will  yield  to  the  manufacturer  quite  as  much  as  is  obtained  in 
this  way,  and  generally  from  one-eighth  to  one-quarter  of  one  per  cent,  more, 
in  consequence  of  the  loss  in  working  being  less  on  a large  scale. 

The  quantity  of  alkaloid  matter  obtained  by  the  above  process  will  measure 
the  efficacy  of  the  bark ; for  all  the  organic  alkaline  principles  contained  in 
it  are  efficient  as  medicines,  and  in  all  probability  in  a nearly  equal  degree. 
But  for  manufacturing  purposes,  it  is  necessary  to  push  the  investigation 
further,  and  ascertain  the  proportion  of  the  several  alkaloids  in  the  mixture. 
This  is  most  conveniently  done  by  means  of  ether.  Cinchonia  is  scarcely 
soluble  in  ether,  quinidia  is  soluble  in  small  proportion,  quinia  is  freely 
soluble.  When,  therefore,  a mixture  of  these  alkaloids  is  treated  with  that 
menstruum,  quinia  and  quinidia  are  dissolved,  and  cinchonia  left.  The  two 
former  may  be  separated  by  allowing  the  ethereal  solution  to  evaporate. 
Quinidia  crystallizes  from  the  solution,  and  quinia  is  obtained  uncrystallized 
as  the  last  product  of  the  evaporation  of  the  ether.* 

The  Edinburgh  Pharmacopoeia  gives  the  following  mode  of  testing  the  value 
of  yellow  bark.  “ A filtered  decoction  of  100  grains  in  two  fluidounees  of 
distilled  water  gives,  with  a fluidounce  of  concentrated  solution  of  carbonate 
of  soda,  a precipitate,  which,  when  heated  in  the  fluid,  becomes  a fused  mass, 
weighing  when  cold  two  grains  or  more,  and  easily  soluble  in  solution  of 
oxalic  acid.” 

From  the  most  recent  and  carefully  conducted  experiments,  it  appears  that 
the  best  officinal  yellow  Calisaya  bark,  the  finest  red  bark,  and  the  finest  fibrous 
Carthagena  bark  from  Pitaya,  are  about  equal  in  their  amount  of  alkaloids, 
each  containing  from  3 to  4 per  cent.;  while  between  these  and  the  barks  of 
lowest  value  there  is  every  grade  of  productiveness,  down  to  a mere  trace  of 
alkaline  matter. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses. 

This  valuable  remedy  was  unknown  to  the  civilized  world  till  about  the 
middle  of  the  seventeenth  century;  though  the  natives  of  Peru  are  generally 
supposed  to  have  been  long  previously  acquainted  with  its  febrifuge  powers. 
Humboldt,  however,  is  of  a different  opinion.  In  his  Memoir  on  the  Cin- 

* Mr.  Robert  Howard  employs  the  following  method  of  ascertaining  the  presence  or 
absence  of  these  alkaloids  severally  in  any  mixture  of  their  sulphates,  founded  on  the 
fact  that  ten  grains  of  sulphate  of  quinia  dissolve  in  sixty  drops  of  ether,  but  only  one 
grain  of  sulphate  of  quinidia.  Ten  grains  of  the  salt  are  put  into  a strong  test  tube,  ten 
drops  of  dilute  sulphuric  acid  (one  of  acid  and  five  of  water)  with  fifteen  drops  of  water 
are  added,  and  a moderate  heat  applied  till  the  salt  is  dissolved.  When  the  solution 
has  quite  cooled,  sixty  drops  of  officinal  ether  with  twenty  of  spirit  of  ammonia  are 
added,  and  the  mixture,  is  well  shaken,  the  tube  being  closed  by  the  thumb.  After  this 
the  tube  is  closely  stopped  with  a well-fitting,  cork,  and  gently  shaken  from  time  to 
time.  If  the  salt  contain  only  quinia,  or  not  more  than  10  per  cent,  of  quinidia,  it  will 
be  completely  dissolved,  while,  at  the  surface  of  contact  of  the  two  clear  liquids,  only 
mechanical  impurities  will  be  seen.  After  some  time  the  layer  of  ether  becomes 
gelatinous,  and  then  no  further  observation  can  be  made.  Ten  grains  of  the  salt 
examined  may  contain  one  grain  of  quinidia,  and  yet  be  completely  dissolved  by  the 
ether  and  ammonia  ; but  in  this  case  the  quinidia  will  soon  begin  to  crystallize  in  the 
layer  of  ether.  The  last  trace  of  quinidia  may  be  detected  by  employing,  instead  of 
ordinary  ether,  the  same  fluid  previously  saturated  with  quinidia,  in  which  ease  all  the 
quinidia  must  remain  undissolved.  It  is  necessary,  in  the  last  experiment,  to  observe, 
after  the  shaking,  whether  or  not  all  lias  dissolved ; for,  owing  to  the  great  tendency  of 
quinidia  to  crystallize,  it  may  again  separate,  and  thus  become  a source  of  error.  If 
more  than  a tenth  of  quinidia,  or  if  cinchonia  be  present  in  the  salt,  an  insoluble  pre- 
cipitate will  be  seen  between  the  layers  of  the  two  fluids.  If  it  be  quinidia.  it  will  be 
dissolved  on  the  addition  of  proportionately  more  ether:  while,  if  cinchonia,  it  will 
remain  unaffected.  ( Pharm . Journ.  and  Trans.,  xi.  391.) 


PART  I. 


Cinchona. 


259 


chona  forests,  he  states  that  it  is  unknown  as  a remedy  to  the  Indians 
inhabiting  the  country  where  it  grows;  and,  as  these  people  adhere  perti- 
naciously to  the  habits  of  their  ancestors,  he  concludes  that  it  never  was 
employed  by  them.  They  have  generally  the  most  violent  prejudices  against 
it,  considering  it  poisonous,  and  in  the  treatment  of  fever  prefer  the  milder 
indigenous  remedies.  Humboldt  is  disposed  to  ascribe  the  discovery  of  the 
febrifuge  powers  of  the  bark  to  the  Jesuits,  who  were  sent  to  Peru  as  mis- 
sionaries. As  bitters  had  been  chiefly  relied  on  in  the  treatment  of  inter- 
mittent fevers,  and  as  bitterness  was  observed  to  be  a predominant  property 
in  the  bark  of  certain  trees  which  were  felled  in  clearing  the  forests,  the 
missionaries  were  naturally  led  to  give  it  a trial  in  the  same  complaint. 
They  accordingly  administered  an  infusion  of  the  bark  in  the  tertian  ague, 
then  prevalent  in  Peru,  and  soon  ascertained  its  extraordinary  powers.  A 
tradition  to  this  effect  is  said  by  Humboldt  to  be  current  at  Loxa.  Ruiz 

and  Pavon,  however,  ascribe  the  discovery  to  the  Indians;  and  Tschudi 

states,  in  his  Travels  in  Peru  (Am.  ed..  ii.  280),  that  the  inhabitants  of  the 
Peruvian  forests  drink  an  infusion  of  the  green  bark  as  a remedy  in  inter- 
mittent fever.*  The  Countess  of  Cinchon,  wife  of  the  Viceroy  of  Peru, 

having  in  her  own  person  experienced  the  beneficial  effects  of  the  bark,  is 
said,  on  her  return  to  Spain  in  the  year  1640,  to  have  first  introduced  the 
remedy  into  Europe.  Hence  the  name  of pulvis  Commitissse,  by  which  it 
was  first  known.  After  its  introduction,  it  was  distributed  and  sold  by  the 
Jesuits,  who  are  said  to  have  obtained  for  it  the  price  of  its  weight  in  silver. 
Prom  this  circumstance  it  was  called  Jesuits’  ’powder,  a title  which  it  long 
retained.  It  had  acquired  some  reputation  in  England  so  early  as  the  year 
1658,  but,  from  its  high  price,  and  from  the  prejudice  excited  against  it,  was 
at  first  little  used.  At  this  early  period,  however,  its  origin  and  nature  do 
not  seem  to  have  been  generally  known ; for  we  are  told  that  Sir  John  Talbot 
(Sir  Robert  Talbor,  Pereira),  an  Englishman,  having  employed  it  with 
great  success  in  France,  in  the  treatment  of  intermittents,  under  the  name 
of  the  English  powder,  at  length,  in  the  year  1679,  sold  the  secret  of  its 
origin  and  preparation  to  Louis  XIV.,  by  whom  it  was  divulged. 

When  taken  into  the  stomach,  bark  usually  excites  in  a short  time  a sense 
of  warmth  in  the  epigastrium,  which  often  diffuses  itself  over  the  abdomen 
and  even  the  breast,  aud  is  sometimes  attended  with  considerable  gastric 
and  intestinal  irritation.  Nausea  and  vomiting  are  sometimes  produced,  es- 
pecially if  the  stomach  was  previously  in  an  inflamed  or  irritated  state. 
Purging,  moreover,  is  not  an  unfrequent  attendant  upon  its  action.  After 
some  time  has  elapsed,  the  circulation  often  experiences  its  influence,  as 
exhibited  in  the  somewhat  increased  frequency  of  pulse ; and,  if  the  dose  be 
repeated,  the  whole  system  becomes  more  or  less  affected,  and  all  the  func- 
tions undergo  a moderate  degree  of  excitement.  Its  action  upon  the  nervous 
system  is  often  evinced  by  a sense  of  tension  or  fulness  or  slight  pain  in  the 
head,  singing  in  the  ears,  aud  partial  deafness,  which  are  always  experienced 
by  many  individuals  when  brought  completely  under  its  influence.  The 
effects  above  mentioned  entitle  bark  to  a place  among  the  tonics,  and  it  is 
usually  ranked  at  the  very  head  of  this  class  of  medicines.  Rut,  besides 
the  mere  excitation  of  the  ordinary  functions  of  health,  it  produces  other 
effects  upon  the  system,  which  must  be  considered  peculiar,  and  independent 
of  its  mere  tonic  operation.  The  power  by  which,  when  administered  in  the 
intervals  between  the  paroxysms  of  intermittent  disorders,  it  interrupts  the 

* Tschudi  also  observes  that  he  has  found  the  fresh  bark  more  efficacious  than  the 
dried ; as,  in  less  than  half  the  usual  dose,  it'  not  only  effects  cures  in  a short  time,  but 
insures  the  patient  against  the  return  of  the  disease. 


260 


Cinchona. 


PART  i. 


progress  of  the  disease,  is  something  more  than  what  is  usually  understood 
by  the  tonic  property ; for  no  other  substance  belonging  to  the  class,  how- 
ever powerful  or  permanent  may  be  the  excitement  which  it  produces,  exer- 
cises a control  over  intermittents  at  all  comparable  to  that  of  the  medicine 
under  consideration.  As  it  is  probable  that,  in  the  intervals  of  these  com- 
plaints, a train  of  morbid  actions  is  going  on  out  of  our  sight,  within  the 
recesses  of  the  nervous  system;  so  it  is  also  probable  that  bark  produces,  in 
the  same  system,  an  action  equally  mysterious,  which  supersedes  that  of  the 
malady,  and  thus  accomplishes  the  restoration  of  the  patient.  From  the  pos- 
session both  of  the  tonic,  and  of  the  anti-intermittent  property,  if  we  may  be 
allowed  so  to  designate  it,  bark  is  capable  of  being  usefully  applied  in  the 
treatment  of  numerous  diseases. 

It  may  usually  be  employed  with  benefit  in  all  morbid  conditions  of  the 
system,  whatever  may  be  the  peculiar  modifications,  in  which  a permanent 
corroborant  effect  is  desirable,  provided  the  stomach  be  in  a proper  state  for 
its  reception.  In  low  or  typhoid  forms  of  disease,  in  which  either  no  inflam- 
mation exists,  or  that  which  does  exist  has  been  moderated  by  proper  measures, 
or  has  passed  into  the  suppurative  or  the  gangrenous  stage,  this  remedy  is 
often  of  the  greatest  advantage  in  supporting  the  system  till  the  morbid  action 
ceases.  Hence  its  use  in  the  latter  stages  of  typhus  gravior;  in  malignant 
scarlatina,  measles,  and  small-pox;  in  carbuncle  and  gangrenous  erysipelas; 
and  in  all  cases  in  which  the  system  is  exhausted  under  large  purulent  dis- 
charges, and  the  tendency  of  the  affection  is  towards  recovery.  As  a tonic, 
bark  is  also  advantageously  employed  in  chronic  diseases  connected  with  de- 
bility; as,  for  example,  in  scrofula,  dropsy,  passive  hemorrhages,  certain 
forms  of  dyspepsia,  obstinate  cutaneous  affections,  amenorrhoea,  chorea,  hys- 
teria ; in  fact,  whenever  a corroborant  influence  is  desired,  and  no  contra- 
indicating symptoms  exist.  But  in  all  these  cases  it  greatly  behooves  the 
physician  to  examine  well  the  condition  of  the  system,  and,  before  resorting 
to  the  tonic,  to  ascertain  the  real  existence  of  an  enfeebled  condition  of  the 
functions,  and  the  absence  of  such  local  irritations  or  inflammations,  espe- 
cially of  the  stomach  or  bowels,  as  would  be  likely  to  be  aggravated  by  its 
use.  In  doubtful  cases,  we  have  been  in  the  habit  of  considering  the  occur- 
rence of  profuse  sweating  during  sleep  as  affording  an  indication  for  its  use, 
and  under  these  circumstances,  have  prescribed  it  very  advantageously,  in 
the  form  of  sulphate  of  quiuia,  in  acute  rheumatism,  and  in  the  advanced 
stages  of  protracted  fevers. 

But  it  is  in  the  cure  of  intermittent  diseases  that  bark  displays  its  most 
extraordinary  powers.  It  was  originally  introduced  into  notice  as  a remedy 
in  fever  and  ague,  and  the  reputation  which  it  acquired  at  an  early  period  it 
has  ever  since  retained.  Yery  few  cases  of  this  disease  will  he  found  to  resist 
the  judicious  use  of  bark,  or  some  one  of  its  preparations.  This  is  not  the 
place  to  speak  of  the  precise  circumstances  under  which  it  is  best  administered. 
It  will  be  sufficient  to  say  that  physicians  generally  concur  in  recommending 
its  early  employment,  in  divided  doses,  to  the  extent  of  one  or  two  ounces, 
during  the  intermission,  and  the  repetition  of  this  plan  till  the  disease  is  sub- 
dued, or  the  remedy  is  found  insufficient  for  its  cure.  Other  intermittent 
diseases  have  been  found  to  yield  with  almost  equal  certainty  to  the  remedy, 
particularly  those  of  a neuralgic  character.  Hemic-rania  and  violent  pains  in 
the  eyes,  face,  and  other  parts  of  the  body,  occurring  periodically,  are  often 
almost  immediately  relieved  by  the  use  of  bark.  Some  cases  of  epilepsy,  in 
which  the  convulsions  recurred  at  regular  intervals,  have  also  been  cured  by 
it;  and  even  the  hectic  intermittent  is  frequently  arrested,  though,  as  the 
cause  still  generally  continues  to  operate,  the  relief  is  too  often  only  tempo- 


PART  I. 


Cinchona. 


261 


rary.  Diarrhoea  and  dysentery  sometimes  put  on  the  intermittent  form, 
especially  in  miasmatic  districts;  and  under  these  circumstances  may  often  be 
cured  by  bark.  Nor  is  it  necessary  that,  in  the  various  diseases  which  have 
been  mentioned,  the  intermission  should  always  be  complete,  in  order  to  jus- 
tify a resort  to  the  remedy.  Remittent  fevers,  in  which  the  remission  is  very 
decided,  not  unfrequently  yield  to  the  use  of  bark,  if  preceded  by  proper 
depleting  measures.  But,  as  a general  rule,  the  less  of  the  diseased  action 
there  is  in  the  interval,  the  better  is  the  chance  of  success. 

Some  observations  are  requisite  as  to  the  choice  of  the  bark,  and  the  forms 
of  administration.  In  the  treatment  of  intermittcnts,  either  the  best  red  or 
the  yellow  (Calisaya)  bark  is  decidedly  preferable  to  the  pale.  The  pale  bark 
may,  in  its  finest  forms,  be  superior  for  the  purposes  of  a general  tonic ; as 
it  is  less  liable  to  offend  the  stomach,  and  perhaps  to  irritate  the  bowels. 

Where  the  object  is  to  obtain  the  full  influence  of  bark,  it  may  in  some 
instances  be  advisable  to  administer  it  in  substance.  We  are  not  absolutely 
certain  that  the  alkaloids  are  the  only  active  ingredients;  and,  even  supposing 
them  to  be  so,  we  are  equally  uncertain  whether  they  may  not  be  somewhat 
modified  in  their  properties;  even  by  the  therapeutically  inert  principles  with 
which  they  are  associated.  In  fact,  bark  in  substance  has  been  repeatedly 
known  to  cure  intermittents  when  sulphate  of  quinia  has  failed.  It  is  best 
administered  diffused  in  water  or  some  aromatic  infusion.  Experience  has 
proved  that  its  efficacy  in  intermittents  is  often  greatly  promoted  by  admix- 
ture with  other  substances.  A mixture  of  powdered  bark,  Virginia  snake- 
root,  and  carbonate  of  soda,  was  at  one  time  highly  esteemed  in  this  city; 
and  another,  consisting  of  hark,  confection  of  opium,  lemon-juice,  and  port 
wine,  has  in  our  own  experience,  and  that  of  some  of  our  friends,  proved 
highly  efficacious  in  some  obstinate  cases  of  fever  and  ague.* 

But,  notwithstanding  the  supposed  superior  efficacy  of  the  bark  in  substance, 
in  the  same  relative  dose,  it  is  in  the  great  majority  of  instances  sufficient  to 
resort  to  some  one  of  its  preparations;  and  in  many  cases  we  are  compelled  to 
this  resort  by  the  inability  of  the  stomach  to  support  the  powder,  or  the  un- 
willingness of  the  patient  to  encounter  its  disagreeable  taste.  The  best  sub- 
stitutes, in  intermittent  diseases,  are  the  sulphates  of  its  alkaloids.  Sulphate 
of  quinia  has  until  recently  been  used  almost  to  the  exclusion  of  the  others; 
but  sulphate  of  cinchonia  is  now  considerably  employed,  and  with  nearly  equal 
effect;  and  there  is  every  reason  to  believe  that  sulphate  of  quinidia  will  be 
found  scarcely  less  efficient  than  either.  The  advantage  of  these  prepara- 
tions is  "their  facility  of  administration,  and  the  possibility,  by  their  employ- 
ment, of  introducing  a large  quantity  of  the  active  matter,  with  less  risk  of 
offending  the  stomach.  (See  Quintas  Sulphas .) 

Though  the  alkaloids  possess  the  anti-intermittent  power  of  bark,  they  have 
not  been  certainly  ascertained  to  exert  all  the  peculiar  influence  of  that  me- 
dicine as  a tonic ; but,  as  bark  in  powder  can  seldom  be  supported,  by  a 
delicate  stomach,  for  a sufficient  period  to  insure  the  necessary  influence  of 
the  medicine  in  chronic  disease,  it  is  customary  to  resort,  in  this  case,  to  some 
one  of  its  preparations  in  which  the  alkaloids  are  extracted  in  connexion 
with  the  other  principles;  as  the  infusion,  decoction,  tincture,  and  extract. 
Each  of  these  will  be  particularly  treated  of  among  the  preparations.  It  is 
here  only  necessary  to  say  that  their  use  is  mostly  confined  to  chronic  cases, 

■*  The  following  are  the  formula}  for  these  mixtures:  1.  R.  Cinchon.  Pulv.  3 ss  ; Ser- 
pentarise  pulv.  gj ; Sodae  Carbonat.  gss.  Misce  et  in  pulveres  quatuor  divide,  una 
tertia  vel  quarta,  quaque  hora  sumenda.  2.  R.  Cinchon.  Rub.  pulv.  5; ss : Confect. 
Opii  gj ; Sue.  Limon.  recentis  f gij ; Vin.  Rub.  fgiv.  Jlisce.  Tertia  pars  tertia  quaque 
hora,  sumenda. 


262 


Cinchona.- — Oinnamomum. 


PART  I. 


or  to  those  of  a malignant  character,  as  typhus  gravior,  &c.,  in  which  the 
whole  virtues  of  the  bark  are  desired,  but  the  stomach  is  unable  to  bear  the 
powder.  Should  bark  or  its  preparations  produce  purging,  as  they  occasion- 
ally do,  they  ought  to  be  combined  with  a small  portion  of  laudanum.* 

Tt  is  sometimes  desirable  to  introduce  bark  into  the  system  by  other  avenues 
than  the  stomach ; as  it  exercises  its  peculiar  influence  to  whatever  part  it  is 
applied.  Injected  into  the  rectum,  in  connexion  with  opium  to  prevent 
purging,  it  has  been  employed  successfully  in  the  cure  of  intermittents; 
and  the  use  of  bark  jackets,  made  by  quilting  the  powder  between  two  pieces 
of  flannel  or  muslin,  and  worn  next  the  skin,  and  of  bark  baths  made  by 
infusing  the  medicine  in  water,  has  proved  serviceable  in  cases  of  children. 
But  the  best  preparation  of  bark  for  injection,  or  external  use,  is  sulphate  of 
quinia,  which,  thrown  with  a little  laudanum  into  the  rectum,  or  applied  to 
a blistered  surface  denuded  of  the  cuticle,  produces  on  the  system  effects 
scarcely  less  decided  than  those  which  result  from  it  when  swallowed. 

The  medium  dose  of  bark,  as  administered  in  intermittents,  is  a drachm,  to 
be  repeated  more  or  less  frequently  according  to  circumstances.  When  given 
as  a tonic  in  chronic  complaints,  the  dose  is  usually  smaller  ; from  ten  to 
thirty  grains  being  sufficient  to  commence  with. 

Off.  Prep,  of  Yellow  Bark.  Decoctum  Cinchonas  Flavae ; Extraetum  Cin- 
chonae  Flavae ; Infusum.  Cinchonas  Flavae ; Infus.  Cinch.  Flav.  Spissatum  ; 
Quiniae  Sulphas  ; Tinctura  Ginchonae  ; Vinum  Gentianae. 

Off.  Prep,  of  Pale  Baric.  Decoct.  Cinchonae  Pallidas;  Extract.  Cinchonae 
Pallidas  ; Infusum  Cinchonae  Pallidae  ; Infus.  Cinch.  Pallid.  Spissatum ; Mis- 
tura  Ferri  Aromatica  ; Tinct.  Cinchonae  Pallidae ; Tinct.  Cinchonae  Comp. 

Off.  Prep,  of  Red  Baric.  Decoct.  Cinchon.  Bubrae  ; Extract.  Cinehon.  Rub.; 
Infus.  Cinchon.  Rub.;  Infus.  Cinchon.  Comp.;  Tinct.  Cinchon.  Comp.  W. 

CINNAMOMUM.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Bub. 

Cinnamon. 

The  bark  of  Cinnamomum  Zeylanicum  and  of  Cinnamomum  aromaticum. 
U.  S.  Bark  of  Cinnamomum  Zeylanicum.  Lond.,  Dub. 

Off.  Syn.  CINNAMOMUM.  Bark  of  Cinnamomum  Zeylanicum.  Cinna- 
mon.— CASSLE  CORTEX.  Bark  of  Cinnamomum  Cassia.  Cassia  Baric.  Ed. 

Cinnamon. — Canelle,  Fr. ; Brauner  Can  el,  Zimmt,  Germ.;  Canella,  Ital.;  Canela,  Sj>an.; 
Kurundu,  Cingalese;  Karua  puttay,  Tamul. 

Cassia. — Cassia  lignea ; Casse,  Fr.;  Cassienzimmt,  Germ.;  Cannellina,  Ital.;  Casia, 
Span. 

The  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia  embraces,  under  the  title  of  cinnamon,  not  only 
the  bark  of  that  name  obtained  from  the  island  of  Ceylon,  but  also  the  com- 
mercial cassia,  which  is  imported  from  China;  and  as  the  two  products,  though 
very  different  in  price,  and  somewhat  in  flavour,  possess  identical  medical 
properties,  and  are  used  for  the  same  purposes,  there  seems  to  be  no  necessity 
for  giving  them  distinct  officinal  designations.  Indeed,  the  barks  of  all  the 
species  of  the  genus  Cinnamomum,  possessing  analogous  properties,  are  as 
much  entitled  to  the  common  name  of  cinnamon  as  those  of  the  Cinchonas 
have  to  the  name  of  cinchona,  and  the  juice  of  different  species  of  Aloe  to 

* Mr.  Alfred  B.  Taylor,  of  Philadelphia,  prepares  a fluid  extract  of  bark,  by  first 
forming  a tincture  with  diluted  alcohol  by  means  of  percolation,  evaporating  the  tinc- 
ture sufficiently,  and  incorporating  the  residual  liquid  with  sugar.  From  8 ounces  of 
Calisaya  bark  he  prepares  4 pints  of  tincture,  which  he  evaporates  to  0 fluidounces, 
and  then  adds  14  ounces  of  sugar.  A fluidrachm  represents  about  half  a drachm  of 
the  bark.  (Am.  Journ.  o/Pharm.,  xxiii.  219.) 


PART  I. 


Cinnamomum. 


263 


that  of  aloes.  Varieties  may  be  sufficiently  distinguished  by  an  appropriate 
epithet.  Both  cinnamomum  and  cassia  were  terms  employed  by  the  ancients, 
but  whether  exactly  as  now  understood,  it  is  impossible  to  determine.  The 
term  cassia,  or  cassia  lignea,  has  been  generally  used  in  modern  times  to 
designate  the  coarser  barks  analogous  to  cinnamon.  It  was  probably  first 
applied  to  the  barks  from  Malabar,  aud  afterwards  extended  to  those  of  China 
and  other  parts  of  Eastern  Asia.  It  has  been  customary  to  ascribe  cassia 
lignea  to  the  Laurus  Cassia  of  Linnaeus ; but  the  specific  character  given  by 
that  botanist  was  so  indefinite,  and  based  on  such  imperfect  information,  that 
the  species  has  been  almost  unanimously  abandoned  by  botanists.  The  fact 
appears  to  be,  that  the  barks  sold  as  cinnamon  and  cassia  in  different  parts 
of  the  world  are  derived  from  various  species  of  Cinnamomum.  Dr.  Wight, 
who  was  commissioned  by  the  British  Indian  Government  to  inquire  into  the 
botanical  source  of  “ the  common  cassia  bark  of  the  markets  of  the  world,” 
expresses  his  belief,  that  the  list  of  plants  yielding  this  product  extends  to 
nearly  every  species  of  the  genus,  including  not  less  than  six  plants  on  the 
Malabar  coast  and  in  Ceylon,  and  nearly  twice  as  many  more  in  the  Eastern 
part  of  Asia,  and  the  islands  of  the  Eastern  Archipelago.  (Madras  Journ.  of 
Literal,  and  Sci.,  1839,  No.  22.)  We  shall  describe  only  the  two  species 
recognised  in  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia. 

Cinnamomum.  Sex.  Syst.  Enneandria  Monogynia. — Nat.  Ord.  Lauraceae. 

Gen.  Ch.  Flowers  hermaphrodite  or  polygamous,  panicled  or  fascicled, 
naked.  Calyx  six-cleft,  with  the  limb  deciduous.  Fertile  stamens  nine,  in 
three  rows;  the  inuer  three  with  two  sessile  glands  at  the  base;  anthers  four- 
celled,  the  three  inner  turned  outwards.  Three  capitate  abortive  stamens 
next  the  centre.  Fruit  seated  in  a cup-like  calyx.  Leaves  ribbed.  Leaf 
huds  not  scaly.  (Lind ley.) 

1.  Cinnamomum  Zeylanicum.  Nees,  Laurinese,  52;  Lindley,  Med.Flor. 
329;  Hayne,  Darstel.  und  Beschreib.  &c.  xii.  263. — Laurus  Cinnamomum. 
Linn.  This  is  a tree  about  twenty  or  thirty  feet  high,  with  a trunk  from 
twelve  to  eighteen  inches  iu  diameter,  and  covered  with  a thick,  scabrous 
bark.  The  branches  are  numerous,  strong,  horizontal  and  declining;  and 
the  young  shoots  are  beautifully  speckled  with  dark  green  and  light  orange 
colours.  The  leaves  are  opposite  for  the  most  part,  coriaceous,  entire,  ovate 
or  ovate-oblong,  obtusely  pointed,  and  three-nerved,  with  the  lateral  nerves 
vanishing  as  they  approach  the  point.  There  are  also  two  less  obvious  nerves, 
one  on  each  side,  arising  from  the  base,  proceeding  towards  the  border  of  the 
leaf,  and  then  quickly  vanishing.  The  footstalks  are  short  and  slightly  chan- 
neled, and,  together  with  the  extreme  twigs,  are  smooth  and  without  the  least 
appearance  of  down.  In  one  variety,  the  leaves  are  very  broad,  and  some- 
what cordate.  When  mature,  they  are  of  a shining  green  upon  their  upper 
surface,  and  lighter-coloured  beneath.  The  flowers  are  small,  white,  aud  ar- 
ranged in  axillary  and  terminal  panicles.  The  fruit  is  an  oval  berry,  which 
adheres  like  the  acorn  to  the  receptacle,  is  larger  than  the  black  currant,  and 
when  ripe  has  a bluish-brown  surface  diversified  with  numerous  white  spots. 

The  tree  emits  no  smell  perceptible  at  any  distance.  The  bark  of  the  root 
has  the  odour  of  cinnamon  with  the  pungency  of  camphor,  and  yields  this 
principle  upon  distillation.  The  leaves  have  a spicy  odour  when  rubbed,  and 
a hot  taste.  The  petiole  has  the  flavour  of  cinnamon.  It  is  a singular  fact, 
that  the  odour  of  the  flowers  is  to  people  in  general  disagreeable,  being  com- 
pared by  some  to  the  scent  exhaled  from  newly  sawn  bones.  The  fruit  has 
a terebinthinate  odour  when  opened,  and  a taste  in  some  degree  like  that  of 
juniper  berries.  A fatty  substance,  called  cinnamon-suet,  is  obtained  from 
it  when  ripe,  by  bruising  aud  then  boiling  it  in  water,  and  removing  the 


264 


Oinnamomum. 


PART  I. 


oleaginous  matter  which  rises  to  the  surface,  and  concretes  upon  cooling.  It 
is  the  prepared  bark  that  constitutes  the  genuine  cinnamon. 

This  species  is  a native  of  Ceylon,  where  it  has  long  been  cultivated  for 
the  sake  of  its  bark.  It  is  said  also  to  be  a native  of  the  Malabar  Coast,  and 
has  at  various  periods  been  introduced  into  Java,  the  Isle  of  France,  Bour- 
bon, the  Cape  de  Verds,  Brazil,  Cayenne,  several  of  the  West  India  Islands, 
and  Egypt;  and  in  some  of  these  places  is  at  this  time  highly  productive. 
This  is  particularly  the  case  in  Cayenne,  where  the  plant  was  flourishing  so 
early  as  1755.  It  is  exceedingly  influenced,  as  regards  the  aromatic  cha- 
racter of  its  bark,  by  the  circumstances  of  soil,  climate,  and  mode  of  culture. 
Thus,  we  are  told  by  Marshall  that  in  Ceylon,  beyond  the  limits  of  Negombo 
and  Matura,  in  the  western  and  southern  aspect  of  the  island,  the  bark  is 
never  of  good  quality,  being  greatly  deficient  in  the  aromatic  flavour  of  the 
cinnamon ; and  that  even  within  these  limits  it  is  of  unequal  value,  from  the 
various  influence  of  exposure,  soil,  shade,  and  other  circumstances. 

2.  C.  aromaticum.  Nees,  Laurineas,  52;  Lindley,  Flor.  Med.  830. — C. 
Cassia.  Blume,  Ed.  Ph.  ; Hayne,  Darstel.  wnd  Besehreib.  &c.  xii  23. — 
Baums  Cassia.  Aiton,  Hart.  Kew.  ii.  427. — Not  Laurus  Cassia  of  Linn. 
This  is  of  about  the  same  magnitude  as  the  former  species,  and  like  it  has 
nearly  opposite,  shortly  petiolate,  coriaceous,  entire  leaves,  of  a shining  green 
upon  the  upper  surface,  lighter  coloured  beneath,  and  furnished  with  three 
nerves,  of  which  the  two  lateral  vanish  towards  the  point.  The  leaves,  how- 
ever, differ  in  being  oblong-lanceolate  and  pointed,  and  in  exhibiting,  under 
the  microscope,  a very  fine  down  upon  the  under  surface.  The  footstalks  and 
extreme  twigs  are  also  downy.  The  flowers  are  in  narrow,  silky  panicles. 
The  plant  grows  in  China,  Sumatra,  and  other  parts  of  Eastern  Asia,  and  is 
said  to  be  cultivated  in  Java.  It  is  believed  to  be  the  species  which  furnishes, 
wholly  or  in  part,  the  Chinese  cinnamon  or  cassia  brought  from  Canton,  and 
is  supposed  to  be  the  source  of  the  cassia  buds. 

Besides  the  two  species  above  described,  others  have  been  thought  to  con- 
tribute to  the  cinnamon  and  cassia  found  in  commerce.  The  opinion  of  Dr. 
Wight  has  been  already  stated.  C.  Loureirii  of  Nees,  growing  in  the  moun- 
tains of  Cochin-china  towards  Laos,  and  in  Japan,  affords,  according  to  Lou- 
reiro,  a cinnamon  of  which  the  finest  kind  is  superior  to  that  of  Ceylon.  C. 
nitidum,  growing  in  Ceylon,  Java,  and  upon  the  continent  of  India,  is  said 
to  have  been  the  chief  source  of  the  drug,  known  formerly  by  the  name  of 
Folia  Malabathri,  and  consisting  of  the  leaves  of  different  species  of  Cinna- 
momum  mixed  together.  The  leaves  of  C.  Turn  ala  of  Ilindostan  have  been 
sold  under  the  same  name.  67  Cidilawan  of  the  Moluccas  yields  the  aro- 
matic bark  called  culilawan,  noticed  in  the  Appendix;  and  similar  barks  are 
obtained  from  another  species  of  the  same  region,  denominated  C.  rubrum , 
aud  from  C.  Sintoc  of  Java. 

Culture , Collection,  Commerce,  &c.  Our  remarks  under  this  head  will 
first  be  directed  to  the  cinnamon  of  Ceylon,  in  relation  to  which  we  have  more 
precise  information  than  concerning  the  aromatic  obtained  from  other  sources. 
The  bark  was  originally  collected  exclusively  from  the  tree  in  a wild  state; 
but  the  Dutch  introduced  the  practice  of  cultivating  it,  which  has  been  con- 
tinued since  the  British  came  into  possession  of  the  Island.  The  principal 
cinnamon  gardens  are  in  the  vicinity  of  Columbo.  The  seeds  are  planted  in 
a prepared  soil  at  certain  distances;  aud,  as  four  or  five  are  placed  in  a spot, 
the  plants  usually  grow  in  clusters  like  the  hazel  bush.  In  favourable  situa- 
tions they  attain  the  height  of  five  or  six  feet  in  six  or  seven  years,  and  a 
healthy  bush  will  then  afford  two  or  three  shoots  fit  for  peeling;  and  every 
second  year  afterwards  will  afford  from  four  to  seven  shoots  in  a good  soil. 


PART  I. 


Cinnamomum. 


2 65 


The  cinnamon  harvest  commences  in  May,  and  continues  till  late  in  October. 
The  first  object  is  to  select  shoots  proper  for  decortication,  and  those  are 
seldom  cut  which  are  less  than  half  an  inch,  or  more  than  two  or  three  inches 
in  diameter.  The  bark  is  divided  by  longitudinal  incisions,  of  which  two 
are  made  in  the  smaller  shoots,  several  in  the  larger,  and  is  then  removed  in 
strips  by  means  of  a suitable  instrument.  The  pieces  are  next  collected  in 
bundles,  and  allowed  to  remain  in  this  state  for  a short  time,  so  as  to  undergo 
a degree  of  fermentation,  which  facilitates  the  separation  of  the  epidermis. 
This,  with  the  green  matter  beneath  it,  is  removed  by  placing  the  strip  of 
bark  upon  a convex  piece  of  wood,  and  scraping  its  external  surface  with  a 
curved  knife.  The  bark  now  dries  and  contracts,  assuming  the  appearance 
of  a quill.  The  peeler  introduces  the  smaller  tubes  into  the  larger,  thus 
forming  a congeries  of  qpills  which  is  about  forty  inches  long.  When  suf- 
ficiently dry,  these  cylinders  are  collected  into  bundles  weighing  about-  thirty 
pounds,  and  bound  together  by  pieces  of  split  bamboo.  The  commerce  in 
Ceylon  cinnamon  was  formerly  monopolized  by  the  East  India  Company; 
but  the  cultivation  is  now  unrestricted,  and  the  bark  may  be  freely  exported 
upon  the  payment  of  a fixed  duty.  It  is  assorted  in  the  island  into  three 
qualities,  distinguished  by  the  designations  of  first,  second,  and  third.  The 
inferior  kinds,  which  are  of  insufficient  value  to  pay  the  duty,  are  used  for 
the  preparation  of  oil  of  cinnamon. 

Immense  quantities  of  cinnamon  are  exported  from  China,  the  finest  of 
which  is  little  inferior  to  that  of  Ceylon,  though  the  mass  of  it  is  much  coarser. 
It  passes  in  commerce  under  the  name  of  cassia , and  is  said  by  Mr.  Beeves 
to  be  brought  to  Canton  from  the  province  of  Kwangse,  where  the  tree  pro- 
ducing it  grows  very  abundantly.  [Trans.  Medico-Bot.  Soc.,  1828,  p.  26.) 
It  has  already  been  stated  that  this  tree  is  supposed  to  be  the  Cinnamomum 
aromaticum;  but  we  have  no  positive  proof  of  the  fact.  Travellers  inform 
us  that  cinnamon  is  also  collected  in  Cochin-china ; but  that  the  best  of  it  is 
monopolized  by  the  sovereign  of  the  country.  It  is  supposed  to  be  obtained 
from  the  Cinnamomum  Loureiriioi  Nees,  the  Laurus  Cinnamomum  of  Lou- 
reiro.  According  to  Siebold,  the  bark  of  the  large  branches  is  of  inferior 
quality  and  is  rejected;  that  from  the  smallest  branches  resembles  the  Ceylon 
cinnamon  in  thickness,  but  has  a very  pungent  taste  and  smell,  and  is  little 
esteemed;  while  the  intermediate  branches  yield  an  excellent  bark,  about  a 
line  in  thickness,  which  is  even  more  highly  valued  than  the  cinnamon  of 
Ceylon,  and  yields  a sweeter  and  less  pungent  oil.  (Annul,  cler  Pliarm.,  xx. 
280.)  Cinnamon  of  good  quality  is  said  to  be  collected  in  Java,  and  con- 
siderable quantities  of  inferior  quality  have  been  thrown  into  commerce,  as 
cassia  lignea , from  the  Malabar  coast.  Manilla  and  the  Isle  of  France  are 
also  mentioned  as  sources  whence  this  drug  is  supplied.  Little,  however, 
reaches  the  United  States  from  these  places. 

Cayenne,  and  several  of  the  West  India  Islands,  yield  to  commerce  con- 
siderable quantities  of  cinnamon  of  various  qualities.  That  of  Cayenne  is  of 
two  kinds,  one  of  which  closely  resembles,  though  it  does  not  quite  equal,  the 
aromatic  of  Ceylon;  the  other  resembles  the  Chinese.  The  former  is  sup- 
posed to  be  derived  from  plants  propagated  from  a Ceylonese  stock,  the  latter 
from  those  which  have  sprung  from  a tree  introduced  from  Sumatra. 

By  far  the  greater  proportion  of  cinnamon  brought  to  this  country  is  im- 
ported from  China.  It  is  entered  as  cassia  at  the  custom  house,  while  the 
same  article  brought  from  other  sources  is  almost  uniformly  entered  as  cin- 
namon. Much  of  it  is  afterwards  exported. 

From  what  source  the  ancients  derived  their  cinnamon  and  cassia  is  not 
certainly  known.  Neither  the  plants  nor  their  localities,  as  described  by 
Dioscorides,  Pliny,  and  Theophrastus,  correspond  precisely  with  our  present 


266 


Cinnamomum. 


PART  i. 


knowledge;  but  in  this  respect  much  allowance  must  be  made  for  the  inaccu- 
rate geography  of  the  ancients.  It  is  not  improbable  that  the  Arabian 
navigators,  at  a very  early  period,  conveyed  this  spice  within  the  limits  of 
Phoenician  and  Grecian,  and  subsequently  of  Roman  commerce. 

Properties.  Ceylon  cinnamon  is  in  long  cylindrical  fasciculi,  composed  of 
numerous  quills,  the  larger  enclosing  the  smaller.  In  the  original  sticks, 
which'  are  somewhat  more  than  three  feet  in  length,  two  or  three  fasciculi  are 
neatly  joined  at  the  end,  so  as  to  appear  as  if  the  whole  were  one  continuous 
piece.  The  finest  is  of  a light  brownish-yellow  colour,  almost  as  thin  as 
paper,  smooth,  often  somewhat  shining,  pliable  to  a considerable  extent,  with 
a splintery  fracture  when  broken.  It  has  a pleasant  fragrant  odour,  and  a 
warm,  aromatic,  pungent,  sweetish,  slightly  astringent,  and  highly  agreeable 
taste.  When  distilled  it  affords  but  a small  quantity  of  essential  oil,  which, 
however,  has  an  exceedingly  grateful  flavour.  It  is  brought  to  this  country 
from  England;  but  is  very  costly,  and  is  not  generally  kept  in  the  shops. 
The  inferior  sorts  are  browner,  thicker,  less  splintery,  and  of  a less  agreeable 
flavour,  and  are  little  if  at  all  superior  to  the  best  Chinese.  The  finer  variety 
of  Cayenne  cinnamon  approaches  in  character  to  that  above  described,  but  is 
paler  and  in  thicker  pieces,  being  usually  collected  from  older  branches.  That 
which  is  gathered  very  young  is  scarcely  distinguishable  from  the  cinnamon 
of  Ceylon.  It  is  not  recognised  in  our  markets  as  a distinct  variety. 

Chinese  cinnamon,  or  cassia,  is  in  tubes  from  the  eighth  of  an  inch  to 
an  inch  in  diameter,  usually  single,  sometimes  double,  but  very  rarely  more 
than  double.  In  some  instances  the  bark  is  rolled  very  much  upon  itself,  in 
others  is  not  even  completely  quilled,  forming  segments  more  or  less  exten- 
sive of  a hollow  cylinder.  It  is  of  a redder  or  darker  colour  than  the  finest 
Ceylon  cinnamon,  thicker,  rougher,  denser,  and  breaks  with  a shorter  frac- 
ture. It  has  a stronger,  more  pungent  and  astringent,  but  less  sweet  and 
grateful  taste;  and,  though  of  a similar  odour,  is  less  agreeably  fragrant.  It 
is  the  kind  almost  universally  kept  in  our  shops.  Of  a similar  character  is 
the  cinnamon  imported  directly  from  various  parts  of  the  East  Indies.  Rut 
under  the  name  of  cassia  have  also  been  brought  to  us  very  inferior  kinds  of 
cinnamon,  collected  from  the  trunks  or  large  branches  of  the  trees,  or  injured 
by  want  of  care  in  keeping,  or  perhaps  derived  from  inferior  species.  It  is 
said  that  cinnamon  from  which  the  oil  has  been  distilled,  is  sometimes  fraudu- 
lently mingled  with  the  genuine.  These  inferior  kinds  are  detected,  inde- 
pendently of  their  greater  thickness,  and  coarseness  of  fracture,  by  their 
deficiency  in  the  peculiar  sensible  properties  of  the  spice. 

From  an  analysis  made  by  Yauquelin,  it  appears  that  cinnamon  contains  a 
peculiar  essential  oil,  tannin,  mucilage,  a colouring  matter,  an  acid,  and  lignin. 
The  tannin  is  of  the  variety  which  yields  a greenish-black  precipitate  with 
the  salts  of  iron.  The  oil  obtained  from  the  Cayenne  cinnamon,  he  found  to 
be  more  biting  than  that  from  the  Ceylonese,  and  at  the  same  time  to  be 
somewhat  peppery.  Bucholz  found  in  100  parts  of  cassia  lignea,  0 8 of  vola- 
tile oil,  4'0  of  resin,  14'6  of  gummy  extractive  (probably  including  tannin), 
64'3  of  lignin  and  bassorin,  and  16'8  of  water  including  loss.  This  aromatic 
yields  its  virtues  wholly  to  alcohol,  and  less  readily  to  water.  At  the  tem- 
perature of  boiling  alcohol  very  little  of  the  oil  rises,  and  an  extract  prepared 
from  the  tincture  retains,  therefore,  the  aromatic  properties.  For  an  account 
of  the  essential  oil,  see  Oleum  Cinnamomi. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Cinnamon  is  among  the  most  grateful  and 
efficient  of  the  aromatics.  It  is  warm  and  cordial  to  the  stomach,  carmina- 
tive, astringent,  and,  like  most  other  substances  of  this  class,  more  powerful 
as  a local  than  general  stimulant.  It  is  seldom  prescribed  alone,  though, 


PART  I. 


Cinnamomum. — Coeculus. 


267 


when  given  in  powder  or  infusion,  it  will  sometimes  allay  nausea,  check 
vomiting,  and  relieve  flatulence.  It  is  chiefly  used  as  an  adjuvant  to  other 
less  pleasant  medicines,  and  enters  into  a great  number  of  officinal  prepa- 
rations. It  is  often  employed  in  diarrhoea,  in  connexion  with  chalk  and 
astringents.  The  dose  of  the  powder  is  from  ten  grains  to  a scruple. 

Cassia  Buds.  This  spice  consists  of  the  calyx  of  one  or  more  species  of 
Cinnamomum,  surrounding  the  young  germ,  and,  as  stated  by  Dr.  Martius  on 
the  authority  of  the  elder  Nees,  about  one  quarter  of  the  normal  size.  It  is 
produced  in  China;  and  Mr.  Reeves  states  that  great  quantities  of  it  are 
brought  to  Canton  from  the  province  which  affords  cassia.  The  species 
which  yields  it  is  in  all  probability  the  same  with  that  which  yields  the 
bark,  though  it  has  been  ascribed  by  Nees  to  Cinnamomum  Loureirii.  In 
favour  of  the  former  opinion  is  the  statement  of  Dr.  Christison,  that  C.  aro- 
matirum,  cultivated  in  the  hot-houses  of  Europe,  bears  a flower-bud  which 
closely  resembles  the  cassia-bud  when  at  the  same  period  of  advancement. 
Cassia-buds  have  some  resemblance  to  cloves,  and  are  compared  to  small  nails 
with  round  heads.  The  enclosed  germen  is  sometimes  removed,  and  they  are 
then  cup-shaped  at  top.  They  have  a brown  colour,  with  the  flavour  of  cin- 
namon, and  yield  an  essential  oil  upon  distillation.  Though  little  known  in 
this  country,  they  may  be  used  for  the  same  purposes  as  the  bark. 

Off.  Prep.  Acidum  Sulphuricum  Aromaticum ; Aqua  Cassiae  ; Aqua  Cin- 
namomi ; Confectio  Aromatica;  Decoctum  Haematoxyli;  Electuarium  Catechu; 
Infusum  Catechu  Comp. ; Pulvis  Aromaticus;  Pulvis  Catechu  Compositus; 
Pulvis  Cinnamomi  Comp.  ; Pulvis  Cretae  Comp. ; Pulvis  Kino  Comp. ; Spi- 
ritus Ammoniae  Aromaticus;  Spiritus  Cassise;  Spiritus  Cinnamomi;  Spiritus 
Lavandulae  Comp.;  Syrupus  Rhei  Aromaticus;  Tinctura  Cardamomi  Comp.; 
Tinctura  Cassiae;  Tinctura  Catechu ; Tinctura  Cinnamomi;  Tinctura  Cinna- 
momi Comp. ; Tinctura  Quassias  Comp. ; Yinum  Opii.  W. 

COCCULUS.  Ed. 

Coeculus  Indicus. 

Fruit  of  Anamirta  Coeculus.  Ed. 

Coque  du  Levant,  Ft.;  Kokkelskorner,  Fisclikorner,  Germ.;  Gall.a  di  Levante,  Ilal. 

The  plant  which  produces  coeculus  Indicus  was  embraced  by  Linnaeus,  with 
several  others,  under  the  title  of  Menispermum  Coeculus.  These  were  referred 
by  De  Candolle  to  a new  genus,  denominated  Coeculus.  From  this  the  par- 
ticular species  under  consideration  has  been  separated  by  Wight  and  Arnott, 
and  erected  into  a distinct  genus  with  the  name  of  Anamirta. 

Anamirta.  Sex.  Syst.  DioeciaDodecandria. — Nat.  Ord.  Menispermaceas. 

Gen.  Ch.  Flowers  dioecious.  Calyx  of  six  sepals  in  a double  series,  with 
two  close-pressed  bracteoles.  Corolla  none.  Male.  Stamens  united  into  a 
central  column  dilated  at  the  apex.  Anthers  numerous,  covering  the  whole 
globose  apex  of  the  column.  Female.  Flowers  unknown.  Drupes  one  to 
three,  one-celled,  one-seeded.  Seed  globose,  deeply  excavated  at  the  hilum. 
Albumen  fleshy.  Cotyledons  very  thin,  diverging.  ( Wight  and  Arnott.') 

Anamirta  Coeculus.  Wight  and  Arnott,  F/or.  Penins.  Ind.  Orient,  i.  446; 
Lindley,  Flor.  Med.  871.  — Menispermum  Coeculus,  Linn. — Coeculus  sube- 
rosus.  De  Cand.  Prodrom.  i.  97.  This  is  the  only  species.  It  is  a climbing 
shrub,  with  a^suberose  or  corky  bark;  thick,  coriaceous,  smooth,  shining, 
roundish  or  cordate  leaves,  sometimes  truncate  at  the  base ; and  the  female 
flowers  in  lateral  compound  racemes.  It  is  a native  of  the  Malabar  coast,  and 
of  Eastern  Insular  and  Continental  India.  The  fruit  is  the  officinal  portion. 


268 


Cocculus. 


PART  I. 


This  plant  was  proved  to  be  the  source  of  cocculus  Indicus  by  Roxburgh, 
who  raised  it  from  genuine  seeds  which  be  had  received  from  Malabar.  It 
is  believed  that  other  allied  plants,  bearing  similar  fruit,  contribute  to  furnish 
the  drug;  and  the  Cocculus  Plukenetii  of  Malabar,  and  C.  lacunosus  of 
Celebes  and  the  Moluccas,  are  particularly  designated  by  authors.  It  was 
known  to  the  Arabian  physicians,  and  for  a long  time  was  imported  into 
Europe  from  the  Levant,  from  which  circumstance  it  was  called  cocculus 
Levahticus.  It  is  now  brought  exclusively  from  the  East  Indies. 

Properties,  &c.  Cocculus  Indicus,  as  found  in  the  shops,  is  roundish,  some- 
what kidney-shaped,  about  as  large  as  a pea;  having  a thin,  dry,  blackish, 
wrinkled  exterior  coat,  within  which  is  a ligneous  bivalvular  shell,  enclosing 
a whitish,  oily,  very  bitter  kernel.  It  is  without  smell,  but  has  an  intensely 
and  permanently  bitter  taste.  It  bears  some  resemblance  to  the  bay  berry, 
but  is  not  quite  so  large,  and  may  be  distinguished  by  the  fact  that  in  the 
cocculus  Indicus  the  kernel  never  wholly  fills  the  shell.  When  the  fruit  is 
kept  long,  the  shell  is  sometimes  almost  empty.  The  Edinburgh  College 
directs  that  “the  kernels  should  fill  at  least  two-thirds  of  the  fruit.”  31. 
Boullay  discovered  in  the  seeds  a peculiar  bitter  principle  which  he  denomi- 
nated picrotoxin.  This  is  white,  crystallizable  in  quadrangular  prisms,  soluble 
in  25  parts  of  boiling  and  150  of  cold  water  {Glover),  and  ver}T  soluble  in 
alcohol  and  ether,  but  insoluble  in  the  oils.  Its  composition  is  C^.H-Oj.  It 
is  poisonous,  and,  given  to  strong  dogs  in  the  quantity  of  from  five  to  ten 
grains,  produces  death,  preceded  by  convulsions,  which,  according  to  Dr.  R. 
31.  Glover,  are  very  similar  in  character  to  those  produced  by  Flourens  by 
section  of  the  corpora  quadrigemina  and  cerebellum ; being  attended  with 
backward  and  rotatory  movements,  and  tetanic  spasms.  It  also  greatly  in- 
creases the  animal  heat.  {EJ.  Monthly  Jo-urn.  of  Med.  Sci.,  A.  S.,  iii.  303.) 
To  procure  it,  the  watery  extract  of  the  seeds  is  triturated  with  pure  magnesia, 
and  then  treated  with  hot  alcohol,  which  dissolves  the  picrotoxin,  and  yields 
it  upon  evaporation.  In  this  state,  however,  it  is  impure.  To  obtain  it  colour- 
less it  must  be  again  dissolved  in  alcohol,  and  treated  with  animal  charcoal. 
After  filtration  and  due  evaporation,  it  is  deposited  in  the  crystalline  form. 
Besides  picrotoxin,  cocculus  Indicus  contains  a large  proportion  of  fixed  oil, 
and  other  substances  of  less  interest.  The  active  principle  above  described 
is  said  to  reside  exclusively  in  the  kernel.  In  the  shell  MM.  Pelletier  and 
Couerbe  discovered  two  distinct  principles,  one  alkaline  and  named  meni- 
spermin  (menispermia),  the  other  identical  with  it  in  composition,  but  dis- 
tinguishable by  its  want  of  alkalinity,  its  volatility,  and  its  solubility  and 
crystalline  form,  and  denominated  paramenispermin.  They  also  found,  in 
the  same  part,  a new  acid,  which  they  called  hypopicrotoxic.  The  picrotoxin 
of  31.  Boullay  they  believed  to  possess  acid  properties,  and  proposed  for  it 
the  name  of  picrotoxic  acid.  ( Journ . de  Pharm.,  xx.  122.) 

Medical  Properties,  &c.  Cocculus  Iudicus  acts  in  the  manner  of  the  acrid 
narcotic  poisons,  but  is  never  given  internally.  In  India  it  is  used  to  stupefy 
fishes  in  order  that  they  may  be  caught;  and  it  has  been  applied  to  the  same 
purpose  in  Europe  and  this  country.  It  is  asserted  that  the  fish  thus  taken 
are  not  poisonous.  In  Europe,  it  is  added  to  malt  liquors  in  order  to  give 
them  bitterness  find  intoxicating  properties;  although  the  practice  is  forbidden 
by  the  law,  in  England,  under  heav}r  penalties.  The  powdered  fruit,  mixed 
with  oil,  is  employed  in  the  East  Indies  as  a local  application  in  obstinate 
cutaneous  affections.  An  ointment  made  with  the  powder  has  been  used  in 
tinea  capitis,  and  to  destroy  vermin  iu  the  hair.  Picrotoxin  has  been  suc- 
cessfully substituted  by  Dr.  Jeager  for  the  drug  itself.  Rubbed  up  with  lard 
in  the  proportion  of  ten  grains  to  the  ounce,  it  usually  effected  cures  of  tinea 


PART  I. 


Cocculus. — Coccus. 


269 


capitis  in  less  than  a month.  A case  is  recorded  by  W.  B.  Thompson,  of 
New  York,  in  which  death  in  a child  six  years  old,  preceded  by  tetanic  spasms, 
aud  extremely  contracted  pupil,  resulted  from  the  application  of  a strong  tinc- 
ture of  the  fruit  to  the  scalp.  (Med.  Exam.,  N.  S.,  viii.  227.) 

Off.  Prep.  Unguentum  Cocculi.  M • 

COCCUS.  U.  S.,  Lond. 

Cochineal. 

Coccus  Cacti.  U.  S.,  Lond. 

Off.  Syn.  COCCI.  Coccus  Cacti.  Ed.;  COCCUS  CACTI.  Dub. 

Cochenille.  Fr.,  Germ..;  Cocciniglia,  Ital.;  Cochinilla,  Span. 

The  Coccus  is  a genus  of  hemipterous  insects,  having  the  snout  or  rostrum 
in  the  breast,  the  antennae  filiform,  and  the  posterior  part  of  the  abdomen 
furnished  with  bristles.  The  male  has  two  erect  wings,  the  female  is  wing- 
less. The  C.  Cacti  is  characterized  by  its  depressed,  downy,  transversely 
wrinkled  body,  its  purplish  abdomen,  its  short  and  black  legs,  and  its  subu- 
late antennas,  which  are  about  one-third  of  the  length  of  the  body.  ( Rees’s 
Cyclopaedia.)  Another  species,  C.  llicis,  which  inhabits  a species  of  oak,  is 
collected  in  the  mountainous  parts  of  the  Morea,  in  Greece,  and  used  as  a 
dye-stuff  in  the  East.  (Landerer,  Pharm.  Journ.  and  Trans.,  xi.  564.) 

The  Coccus  Cacti  is  found  wild  in  Mexico  and  the  adjoining  countries,  in- 
habiting different  species  of  Cactus  and  allied  genera  of  plants;  and  is  said  to 
have  been  discovered  also  in  some  of  the  West  India  islands,  and  the  south- 
ern parts  of  the  United  States.  In  Mexico,  particularly  in  the  provinces  of 
Oaxaca  and  Guaxaca,  it  is  an  important  object  of  culture.  The  Indians  form 
plantations  of  the  nopal  ( Opuntia  cochin  illef era),  upon  which  the  insect  feeds 
and  propagates.  During  the  rainy  season,  a number  of  the  females  are  pre- 
served under  cover  upon  the  branches  of  the  plant,  and,  after  the  cessation  of 
the  rains,  are  distributed  upon  the  plants  without.  They  perish  quickly 
after  having  deposited  their  eggs.  These,  hatched  by  the  heat  of  the  sun, 
give  origin  to  innumerable  minute  insects,  which  spread  themselves  over  the 
plant.  The  males,  of  which,  according  to  Mr.  Ellis,  the  proportion  is  not 
greater  than  one  to  one  hundred  or  two  hundred  females,  being  provided  with 
wings  and  very  active,  approach  and  fecundate  the  latter.  After  this  period, 
the  females,  which  before  moved  about,  attach  themselves  to  the  leaves,  and 
increase  rapidly  in  size;  so  that,  in  the  end,  their  legs,  antennae,  and  proboscis 
are  scarcely  discoverable,  aud  they  appear  more  like  excrescences  on  the  plant 
than  distinct  animated  beings.  They  are  now  gathered  for  use,  by  detaching 
them  by  means  of  a blunt  knife,  a quill,  or  a feather,  a few  being  left  to  con- 
tinue the  race.  They  are  destroyed  either  by  dipping  them  enclosed  in  a 
bag  into  boiling  water,  or  by  the  heat  of  a stove.  In  the  former  case  they 
are  subsequently  dried  in  the  sun.  The  males,  which  are  much  smaller  than 
the  full  grown  females,  are  not  collected.  It  is  said  that  of  the  wild  insect 
there  are  six  generations  every  year,  furnishing  an  equal  number  of  crops ; 
but  the  domestic  is  collected  only  three  times  annually,  the  propagation 
being  suspended  during  the  rainy  season,  in  consequence  of  its  inability  to 
support  the  inclemency  of  the  weather.  The  insect  has  been  taken  from 
Mexico  to  the  Canary  Islands;  and  considerable  quantities  of  cochineal  have 
been  delivered  to  commerce  from  the  island  of  Teneriffe.  The  culture  has 
also  been  successfully  introduced  into  Java  by  the  Dutch;  and  attempts  have 
been  made  to  introduce  it  into  Spain,  Corsica,  and  Algiers. 

As  kept  in  the  shops,  the  finer  cochineal,  yranafina  of  Spanish  commerce, 


270 


Coccus. 


PART  I. 


is  in  irregularly  circular  or  oval,  somewhat  angular  grains,  about  one-eighth 
of  an  inch  in  diameter,  convex  on  one  side,  concave  or  flat  on  the  other,  and 
marked  with  several  transverse  wrinkles.  Two  varieties  of  this  kind  of  coch- 
ineal are  known  to  the  druggist,  distinguished  by  their  external  appearance. 
One  is  of  a reddish-gray  colour,  formed  by  an  intermixture  of  the  dark  colour 
of  the  insect  with  the  whiteness  of  a powder  by  which  it  is  almost  covered, 
and  with  patches  of  a rosy  tinge  irregularly  interspersed.  From  its  diversi- 
fied appearance,  it  is  called  by  the  Spaniards  cocliinilla  jaspeada.  It  is  the 
variety  commonly  kept  in  our  shops.  The  other,  cochinilla  reneyrida,  or 
grana  nigra,  is  dark  coloured,  almost  black,  with  only  a minute  quantity  of 
the  whitish  powder  between  the  wrinkles.  The  two  are  distinguished  in  our 
markets  by  the  names  of  silver  grains  and  black  grains.  Some  suppose  the 
difference  to  arise  from  the  mode  of  preparation;  the  gray  cochineal  consist- 
ing of  the  insects  destroyed  by  a dry  heat;  the  black,  of  those  destroyed  by 
hot  water,  w7hich  removes  the  external  whitish  powder.  According  to  Mr. 
Faber,  who  derived  his  information  from  a merchant  resident  in  the  neigh- 
bourhood where  the  cochineal  is  collected,  the  silver  grains  consist  of  the 
impregnated  female  just  before  she  has  laid  her  eggs,  the  black  of  the  female 
after  the  eggs  have  been  laid  and  hatched.  (Am.  Journ.  of  Pharrn.,  xviii. 
47.)  There  is  little  or  no  difference  in  their  quality. 

Another  and  much  inferior  variety  is  the  grana  sylvestra  or  wild  cochineal, 
consisting  partly  of  very  small  separate  insects,  partly  of  roundish  or  oval 
masses,  which  exhibit,  under  the  microscope,  minute  and  apparently  new 
born  insects,  enclosed  in  a white  or  reddish  cotton-like  substance.  It  is 
scarcely  known  in  our  drug  market. 

Cochineal  has  a faint  heavy  odour,  and  a bitter  slightly  acidulous  taste. 
Its  powder  is  of  a purplish  carmiue  colour,  tinging  the  saliva  intensely  red. 
According  to  Pelletier  and  Caventou,  it  consists  of  a peculiar  colouring  prin- 
ciple, a peculiar  animal  matter  constituting  the  skeleton  of  the  insect,  stearin, 
olein,  an  odorous  fatty  acid,  and  various  salts.  It  was  also  analyzed  by  John, 
who  called  the  colouring  principle  cochinilin.  This  is  of  a brilliant  purple- 
red  colour,  unalterable  in  dry  air,  fusible  at  122°  F.,  very  soluble  in  water, 
soluble  in  cold,  and  more  so  in  boiling  alcohol,  insoluble  in  ether,  and  with- 
out nitrogen  among  its  constituents.  It  is  obtained  by  macerating  cochineal 
in  ether,  and  treating  the  residue  with  successive  portions  of  boiling  alcohol, 
which  on  cooling  deposits  a part  of  the  cochinilin,  and  yields  the  remainder 
by  spontaneous  evaporation.  It  may  be  freed  from  a small  proportion  of 
adhering  fatty  matter,  by  dissolving  it  in  alcohol  of  40°  Baume,  and  then 
adding  an  equal  quantity  of  sulphuric  ether.  The  pure  cochinilin  is  deposited 
in  the  course  of  a few  days.  The  watery  infusion  of  cochineal  is  of  a violet- 
crimson  colour,  which  is  brightened  b}T  the  acids,  and  deepened  by  the  alka- 
lies. The  colouring  matter  is  readily  precipitated.  Thesaltsmf  zinc,  bismuth, 
and  nickel  produce  a lilac  precipitate,  and  those  of  iron  a dark  purple  ap- 
proaching to  black.  The  salts  of  tin,  especially  the  nitrate  and  chloride, 
precipitate  the  colouring  matter  of  a brilliant  scarlet,  and  form  the  basis  of 
those  splendid  scarlet  and  crimson  dyes,  which  have  rendered  cochineal  so 
Valuable  in  the  arts.  With  alumina  the  colouring  matter  forms  the  pigment 
called  lake.  The  finest  lakes  are  obtained  by  mixing  the  decoction  of  cochi- 
neal with  freshly  prepared  gelatinous  alumina.  The  pigment  called  carmine 
is  the  colouring  matter  of  cochineal  precipitated  from  the  decoction  by  acids, 
the  salts  of  tin,  &c.,  or  animal  gelatin,  and  when  properly  made  is  of  the  most 
intense  and  brilliant  scarlet. 

Cochineal  has  been  adulterated  by  causing  certain  heavy  substances,  such 
as  powdered  talc  and  carbonate  of  lead,  by  shaking  in  a bag  or  otherwise,  to 


part  I.  Coccus. — Colchici  Radix. — Colchici  Semen.  271 

adhere  to  the  surface  of  the  insects,  and  thus  increase  their  weight.  The 
fraud  may  he  detected  by  the  absence,  under  the  microscope,  of  a woolly 
appearance  which  characterizes  the  white  powder  upon  the  surface  of  the 
unadulterated  insect.  Metallic  lead,  which  is  said  frequently  to  exist  in  fine 
particles  in  the  artificial  coating,  may  be  discovered  by  powdering  the  cochi- 
neal, and  suspending  it  in  water,  when  the  metal  remains  behind.  Grains 
of  a substance  artificially  prepared  to  imitate  the  dried  insect  have  been  mixed 
with  the  genuine  in  France.  A close  inspection  will  serve  to  detect  the  dif- 
ference. ( Journ . de  Pharm.,  3e  ser.,  ix.  110.) 

Medical  Properties,  &c.  Cochineal  is  supposed  by  some  to  possess  anodyne 
properties,  and  has  been  highly  recommended  in  hooping-cough  and  neuralgic 
affections.  It  is  frequently  associated,  in  prescription,  with  carbonate  of  po- 
tassa,  especially  in  the  treatment  of  hooping-cough.  In  pharmacy  it  is  em- 
ployed to  colour  tinctures  and  ointments.  To  infants  with  hooping-cough, 
cochineal  in  substance  is  given  in  the  dose  of  about  one-third  of  a grain  three 
times  a day.  The  dose  of  a tincture,  prepared  by  macerating  one  part  of  the 
medicine  in  eight  parts  of  diluted  alcohol,  is  for  an  adult  from  twenty  to 
thirty  drops  twice  a day.  In  neuralgic  paroxysms,  Sauter  gave  half  a table- 
spoonful,  with  the  asserted  effect  of  curing  the  disease. 

Off.  Prep.  Syrupus  Cocci;  Tinctura  Cardamomi  Composita  ; Tinct.  Cin- 
chonse  Comp.;  Tinct.  Cocci  Cacti;  Tinct.  Gentianse  Comp.;  Tinct.  Lavan- 
dulae Comp. ; Tinct.  Quassias  Comp. ; Tinct.  Serpentariae.  W. 

COLCHICI  RADIX.  U.S. 

Colchicum  Root. 

The  Cormus  of  Colchicum  autumnale.  U.  S. 

Off.  Syn.  COLCHICI  CORMUS.  Colchicum  autumnale.  The  recent  and 
dried  cormus  of  the  wild  herb.  Lond .;  COLCHICI  CORMUS.  The  cormus 
of  Colchicum  autumnale.  Ed. ; COLCHICUM  AUTUMNALE.  The  cormus. 
Dub. 

COLCHICI  SEMEN.  U.S.,Lond. 

Colchicum  Seed. 

The  seeds  of  Colchicum  autumnale.  U.  S.,  Lond. 

Off.  Syn.  COLCHICI  SEMINA.  Seeds  of  Colchicum  autumnale.  Ed.; 
COLCHICUM  AUTUMNALE.  The  seeds.  Dub. 

Colcliique,  Fr.;  Zeitlose,  Herbst-Zeitlose,  Germ.;  Colcliico,  Ital.,  Span. 

Colchicum.  Sex.  Syst.  Ilexandria  Trigynia.  — Na.t.  Ord.  Melanthace*. 

Gen.  Cii.  A spathe.  Corolla  six-parted,  with  a tube  proceeding  directly 
from  the  root.  Capsules  three,  connected,  inflated.  Willd. 

Colchicum  autumnale.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  ii.  272;  Woodv.  Med.  Dot.  p. 
759,  t.  258.  This  species  of  Colchicum,  often  called  meadow-saffron,  is  a 
perennial  bulbous  plant,  the  leaves  of  which  appear  in  spring,  and  the  flowers 
in  autumn.  Its  manner  of  growth  is  peculiar,  and  deserves  notice  as  con- 
nected in  some  measure  with  its  medicinal  efficacy.  In  the  latter  part  of 
summer,  a new  bulb,  or  cormus  as  the  part  is  now  called,  begins  to  form  at 
the  latetal  inferior  portion  of  the  old  one,  which  receives  the  young  offshoot 
in  its  bosom,  and  embraces  it  half  round.  The  new  plant  sends  out  fibres 
from  its  base,  and  is  furnished  with  a radical  spathe,  which  is  cylindrical, 
tubular,  cloven  at  top  on  one  side,  and  half  under  ground.  In  September, 
from  two  to  six  flowers,  of  a lilac  or  pale  purple  colour,  emerge  from  the 


272 


Colchici  Radix. 


PART  i. 


spathe,  unaccompanied  with  leaves.  The  corolla  consists  of  a tube  five  inches 
long,  concealed  for  two-thirds  of  its  length  in  the  ground,  and  of  a limb 
divided  into  sis  segments.  The  flowers  perish  by  the  end  of  October,  and  the 
rudiments  of  the  fruit  remain  under  ground  till  the  following  spring,  when 
they  rise  upon  a stem  above  the  surface,  in  the  form  of  a three-lobed,  three- 
celled  capsule.  The  leaves  of  the  new  plant  appear  at  the  same  time;  so  that 
in  fact  they  follow  the  flower  instead  of  preceding  it,  as  might  be  inferred  from 
the  order  of  the  seasons  in  which  they  respectively  show  themselves.  The 
leaves  are  radical,  spear-shaped,  erect,  numerous,  about  five  inches  long,  and 
one  inch  broad  at  the  base.  In  the  mean  time,  the  new  bulb  has  been  in- 
creasing at  the  expense  of  the  old  one,  which  having  performed  its  appointed 
office  perishes;  while  the  former,  after  attaining  its  full  growth,  sends  forth 
shoots,  and  in  its  turn  decays.  The  old  bulb,  in  its  second  spring,  and  a 
little  before  it  perishes,  sometimes  puts  forth  one  or  more  small  bulbs,  which 
separate  from  the  parent,  and  are  supposed  to  be  sources  of  new  plants. 

C.  autumnale  is  a native  of  the  temperate  parts  of  Europe,  where  it  grows 
wild  in  moist  meadows.  Attempts  have  been  made  to  introduce  its  culture 
into  this  country,  but  with  no  great  success;  though  small  quantities  of  the 
bulb,  of  apparently  good  quality,  have  been  brought  into  the  market.  The 
officinal  portions  are  the  bulb  or  cormus,  and  the  seeds.  The  root,  botanically 
speaking,  consists  of  the  fibres  attached  to  the  base  of  the  bulb.  The  flowers 
possess  similar  virtues  with  the  bulb  and  seeds. 

1.  Colchici  Kadix. 

The  medicinal  virtue  of  the  bulb  depends  much  upon  the  season  at  which 
it  is  collected.  Early  in  the  spring,  it  is  too  young  to  have  fully  developed 
its  peculiar  properties;  and  late  in  the  fall,  it  has  become  exhausted  by  the 
nourishment  afforded  to  the  new  plant.  The  proper  period  for  its  collection 
is  from  the  early  part  of  June,  when  it  has  usually  attained  perfection,  to  the 
middle  of  August,  when  the  offset  appears.*  It  may  be  owing,  in  part,  to 
this  inequality  at  different  seasons,  that  entirely  opposite  reports  have  been 
given  of  its  powers.  Krapf  ate  whole  bulbs  without  inconvenience ; Haller 
found  the  bulbs  entirely  void  of  taste  and  acrimony;  and  we  are  told  that  in 
Carniola  the  peasants  use  it  as  food  with  impunity  in  the  autumn.  On  the 
other  hand,  there  can  be  no  doubt  of  its  highly  irritating  and  poisonous  nature, 
when  fully  developed,  under  ordinary  circumstances.  Perhaps  soil  and  climate 
may  have  some  influence  in  modifying  its  character. 

The  bulb  is  often  used  in  the  fresh  state  in  the  countries  where  it  grows ; 
as  it  is  apt  to  be  injured  in  drying  unless  the  process  is  carefully  conducted. 
The  usual  plan  is  to  cut  the  bulb,  as  soon  after  it  has  been  dug  up  as  possible, 
into  thin  transverse  slices,  which  are  spread  out  separately  upon  paper  or  per- 
forated trays,  and  dried  with  a moderate  heat.  The  reason  for  drying  it  quickly 
after  removal  from  the  ground,  is  that  it  otherwise  begins  to  vegetate,  and  a 
change  in  its  chemical  nature  takes  place ; and  such  is  its  retentiveness  of  life, 
that,  if  not  cut  in  slices,  it  is  liable  to  undergo  a partial  vegetation  even  during 
the  drying  process.  Dr.  Houlton  recommends  that  the  bulb  should  be  stripped 
of  its  dry  coating,  carefully  deprived  of  the  bud  or  young  bulb,  and  then  dried 
whole.  It  is  owing  to  the  high  vitality  of  the  bud  that  the  bulb  is  so  apt  to 
vegetate.  Much  loss  of  weight  is  sustained  by  exsiccation.  Mr.  Bainbridge 

* Dr.  Christison,  however,  has  found  the  roots  collected  in  April,  though  shrivelled 
and  less  abundant  in  starch  than  those  gathered  in  July,  to  be  even  more  bitter:  and 
conjectures,  therefore,  that  the  common  opinion  of  their  superior  efficacy  at  the  latter 
season  may  not  be  well  founded. 


part  I.  Colcliici  Radix.  273 

obtained  only  two  pounds  fifteen  ounces  of  dried  bulb  from  eight  pounds  of 
the  fresh. 

Properties.  The  recent  bulb  or  cormus  of  C.  autumnale  resembles  that  of 
the  tulip  in  shape  and  size,  and  is  covered  with  a brown  membranous  coat. 
Internally  it  is  solid,  white,  and  fleshy ; and,  when  cut  transversely,  yields, 
if  mature,  an  acrid  milky  juice.  There  is  often  a small  lateral  projection 
from  its  base,  particularly  noticed  by  Dr.  J.  R.  Coxe,  which  appears  to  be 
merely  a connecting  process  between  it  and  the  new  plant,  and  is  not  always 
present.  When  dried,’ and  deprived  of  its  external  membranous  covering, 
the  bulb  is  of  an  ash-brown  colour,  convex  on  one  side,  and  somewhat  flat- 
tened on  the  other,  where  it  is  marked  by  a deep  groove  extending  from  the 
base  to  the  summit.  As  found  in  our  shops  it  is  always  in  the  dried  state, 
sometimes  in  segments  made  by  vertical  sections  of  the  bulb,  but  generally 
in  transverse  circular  slices,  about  the  eighth  or  tenth  of  an  inch  in  thick- 
ness, with  a notch  at  one  part  of  their  circumference.  The  cut  surface  is 
white,  and  of  an  amylaceous  aspect.  The  odour  of  the  recent  bulb  is  said 
to  be  hircine.  It  is  diminished  but  not  lost  by  drying.  The  taste  is  bitter, 
hot,  and  acrid.  Its  constituents,  according  to  Pelletier  and  Caventou,  are  a 
vegetable  alkali  combined  with  an  excess  of  gallic  acid;  a fatty  matter  com- 
posed of  olein,  stearin,  and  a peculiar  volatile  acid  analogous  to  the  cevadic; 
a yellow  colouring  matter;  gum;  starch;  inulin  in  large  quantity;  and  lignin. 
The  active  properties  are  ascribed  to  the  alkaline  principle,  which  was  believed 
by  its  discoverers  to  be  identical  with  veratria , but  has  been  subsequently 
found  to  be  peculiar,  and  has  received  the  appropriate  name  of  colchicia * 
Wine  and  vinegar  extract  all  the  virtues  of  the  bulb.  Dr.  A.  T.  Thomson 
states  that  the  milky  juice  of  fresh  colchicum  produces  a fine  blue  colour,  if 
rubbed  with  the  tincture  of  guaiac;  and  that  the  same  effect  is  obtained  from 
an  acetic  solution  of  the  dried  bulb.  He  considers  the  appearance  of  this 
colour,  when  the  slices  are  rubbed  with  a little  distilled  vinegar  and  tincture 
of  guaiac,  as  a proof  that  the  drug  is  good  and  has  been  well  dried.  Dr.  J. 
M.  Maelagan  has  shown  that  this  change  of  colour  is  produced  with  the 
albumen,  which  is  not  affected  if  previously  coagulated;  so  that  the  value  of 
the  test  consists  simply  in  proving  that  the  drying  has  not  been  effected  at 
a heat  above  180°,  or  the  temperature  at  which  albumen  coagulates.  (Ed. 
Monthly  Journ.  of  Med.  Sci.,  N.  S.,  iv.  507.)  A very  deep  or  large  notch 
in  the  circumference  of  the  slices  was  considered  by  Dr.  Thomson  an  un- 
favourable sign;  as  it  indicates  that  the  bulb  has  been  somewhat  exhausted 
in  the  nourishment  of  the  offset.  The  decoction  yields  a deep  blue  precipi- 
tate with  solution  of  iodine,  white  precipitates  with  acetate  and  subacetate 
of  lead,  nitrate  of  protoxide  of  mercury,  and  nitrate  of  silver,  and  a slight 

* To  Geiger  and  Ilesse  belongs  the  credit  of  determining  the  precise  nature  of  this 
alkaline  principle.  Colchicia  is  crystallizable,  and  has  a very  bitter  and  sharp  taste, 
but  is  destitute  of  the  extreme  acrimony  of  veratria,  and  does  not,  like  that  principle, 
excite  violent  sneezing,  when  applied  to  the  nostrils.  It  differs  also  in  being  more 
soluble  in  water,  and  less  poisonous.  To  a kitten  eight  weeks  old,  one-tenth  of  a grain 
was  given  dissolved  in  a little  dilute  alcohol.  Violent  purging  and  vomiting  were  pro- 
duced, with  apparently  severe  pain  and  convulsions,  and  the  animal  died  at  the  end  of 
twelve  hours.  The  stomach  and  bowels  were  found  violently  inflamed,  with  effusion 
of  blood  throughout  their  whole  extent.  A kitten  somewhat  younger  was  destroyed 
in  ten  minutes  by  only  the  twentieth  of  a grain  of  veratria ; and,  on  examination  after 
death,  marks  of  inflammation  were  found  only  in  the  upper  part  of  the  oesophagus. 
The  process  for  obtaining  colchicia  is  similar  to  that  employed  in  the  preparation  of 
hyoscyamia  from  liyoscyamus.  (See  the  article  Hyoscyamus.)  A simpler  process  is  to 
digest  the  seeds  of  meadow-saffron  in  boiling  alcohol,  precipitate  the  tincture  with  mag- 
nesia, treat  the  precipitated  matter  with  boiling  alcohol,  and  finally  filter  and  evaporate. 


274  Colchici  Radix.  part  I. 

precipitate  with  tincture  of  galls.  The  value  of  colchicum  is  best  tested  by 
its  bitterness. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Colchicum  root  is  believed  to  act  upon  the 
nervous  system,  allaying  pain  and  producing  other  sedative  effects,  even  when 
it  exerts  no  obvious  influence  over  the  secretions.  Generally  speaking,  when 
taken  in  closes  sufficiently  large  to  affect  the  system,  it  gives  rise  to  more  or 
less  disorder  of  the  stomach  or  bowels,  and  sometimes  occasions  active  vomit- 
ing and  purging,  with  the  most  distressing  nausea.  When  not  carried  off  by 
the  bowels,  it  often  produces  copious  diaphoresis,  and  occasionally  acts  as  a 
diuretic  and  expectorant ; and  a case  is  on  record  of  a violent  salivation  sup- 
posed to  have  resulted  from  its  use.  (JV.  Am.  Med.  and  Sur<j.  Journ.,  x.  204.) 
It  appears  in  fact  to  have  the  property  of  stimulating  all  the  secretions,  while 
it  somewhat  diminishes  the  action  of  the  heart.  In  an  overdose,  it  may  pro- 
duce dangerous  and  even  fatal  effects.  Excessive  nausea  and  vomiting,  ab- 
dominal pains,  purging  and  tenesmus,  great  thirst,  sinking  of  the  pulse, 
coldness  of  the  extremities,  and  general  prostration,  with  occasional  symptoms 
of  nervous  derangement,  such  as  headache,  delirium,  and  stupor,  are  among 
the  results  of  its  poisonous  action.  It  was  well  knowu  to  the  ancients  as  a 
poison,  and  is  said  to  have  been  employed  by  them  as  a remedy  in  gout  and 
other  diseases.  Stbrck  revived  its  use  among  the  moderns.  He  gave  it  as 
a diuretic  and  expectorant  in  dropsy  and  humoral  asthma ; and  on  the  conti- 
nent of  Europe  it  acquired  considerable  reputation  in  these  complaints ; but 
the  uncertainty  of  its  operation  led  to  its  general  abandonment,  and  it  had 
fallen  into  almost  entire  neglect,  when  Dr.  Want,  of  London,  again  brought 
it  into  notice  by  attempting  to  prove  its  identity  with  the  active  ingredient 
of  the  eau  medicinule  d’ Husson , so  highly  celebrated  as  a cure  for  gout.  In 
James’s  Dispensatory,  printed  in  1747,  it  is  said  to  be  used  in  gout  as  an 
external  application.  The  chief  employment  of  the  meadow-saffron  is  at 
present  in  the  treatment  of  gout  and  rheumatism,  in  which  experience  has 
abundantly  proved  it  to  be  a highly  valuable  remedy.  We  have,  within  our 
own  observation,  found  it  especially  useful  in  these  affections,  when  of  a 
shifting  or  neuralgic  character.  It  sometimes  produces  relief  without  ob- 
viously affecting  the  system;  but  is  more  efficient  when  it  evinces  its  influence 
upon  the  skin  or  alimentary  canal.  Professor  Chelius  states  that  it  changes 
the  chemical  constitution  of  the  urine  in  arthritic  patients,  producing  an  evi- 
dent increase  of  the  uric  acid.  ( N. . Am.  Med.  and  Surg.  Journ.,  xi.  234.) 
Dr.  Maclagan  had  found  it  greatly  to  increase  the  proportion  both  of  urea 
and  uric  acid  in  the  urine,  and,  where  these  previously  existed  in  the  blood, 
to  separate  them  from  it.  (Ed.  Monthly  Journ.  of  Med.  Sci.,  N.  S.,  v.  23.) 
Dr.  Elliotson  successfully  treated  a case  of  prurigo  with  the  wine  of  colchi- 
cum, given  in  the  dose  of  half  a drachm  three  times  a day,  and  continued 
for  three  weeks  ( Med.-Chir . Rev.,  Oct.  1827);  and  it  has  been  found  useful 
in  urticaria  and  other  cutaneous  affections.  Dr.  Smith,  of  Port  au  Prince, 
employed  it  advantageously  in  tetanus  both  traumatic  and  idiopathic.  He 
gave  it  in  full  doses,  repeated  every  half  hour  till  it  produced  an  emetic  or 
cathartic  effect.  (Mm.  Journ.  of  the  Med.  Sci.,  xvii.  66.)  Mr.  Ritton  found 
the  powdered  bulb  an  effectual  remedy  in  numerous  cases  of  leucorrhcea. 
( Ibid.,  vi.  527.)  Colchicum  has  also  been  recommended  in  inflammatory  and 
febrile  diseases  as  an  adjuvant  to  the  lancet,  in  diseases  of  the  heart  with 
excessive  action,  iu  various  nervous  complaints,  as  chorea,  hysteria,  and  hypo- 
chondriasis, and  in  chronic  bronchial  affections.  It  is  generally  given  in  the 
state  of  vinous  tincture.  (See  17 hum  Colchici  Rad  ids.)  In  this  form  it  has 
been  used  externally  in  rheumatism.  The  dose  of  the  dried  bulb  is  from  two 
to  eight  grains,  which  may  be  repeated  every  four  or  six  hours  till  the  effects 
of  the  medicine  are  obtained. 


PART  I. 


Colchici  Semen. — Colocynthis. 


275 


2.  Colchici  Semen. 

The  seeds  of  the  meadow-saffron  ripen  in  summer,  and  should  be  collected 
about  the  end  of  J uly  or  beginning  of  August.  They  never  arrive  at  maturity 
in  plants  cultivated  in  a dry  soil,  or  in  confined  gardens.  ( Williams .)  They 
are  nearly  spherical,  about  the  eighth  of  an  inch  in  diameter,  of  a reddish- 
brown  colour  externally,  white  within,  and  of  a bitter  acrid  taste.  Their 
active  properties  are  thought  to  reside  in  the  testa  or  husk,  and  they  should 
not,  therefore,  be  bruised  in  the  preparation  of  the  wine  or  tincture.  Dr. 
Williams,  of  Ipswich,  in  England,  who  first  brought  them  into  notice,  recom- 
mends them  in  the  warmest  terms  in  chronic  rheumatism,  and  considers  them 
superior  to  the  bulb,  both  in  the  certainty  of  their  effects  and  the  mildness  of 
their  operation.  There  is  no  doubt  that  they  possess  virtues  analogous  to 
those  of  the  bulb,  and  have  this  advantage,  that  they  are  not  liable  to  become 
injured  by  drying;  an  advantage  of  peculiar  value  in  a country  where  the 
plant  is  not  cultivated,  and  the  fresh  bulb  cannot  be  readily  procured.  A 
wine  of  the  seeds  is  dix-ected  in  the  United  States  Pharmacopoeia.  Their 
dose  is  about  the  same  with  that  of  the  bulb.* 

Off.  Prep,  of  the  Root.  Acetum  Colchici;  Extractum  Colchici;  Extractum 
Colchici  Aceticum ; Yinum  Colchici  Uadicis. 

Off.  Prep,  of  the  Seed.  Tinctura  Colchici  Composita;  Tinct.  Colchici 
Seminis;  Yinum  Colchici  Seminis.  W. 

COLOCYNTHIS.  U.  S.,  Land.,  Ed.,  Duh . 

Colocynth. 

The  fruit  of  Citrullus  Colocynthis,  deprived  of  its  x'ind.  U.  S.,  Loud.  Pulp 
of  the  fruit  of  Cucumis  Colocynthis.  Ed.,  Duh. 

Coloquintida ; Coloquinte,  Ft.;  Coloquinte,  Coloquintenapfel,  Germ.;  Coloquintida, 
Ital.,  Span. 

Cucumis.  Sex.  Syst.  Monoecia  Monadelphia. — Nat.  Ord . Cucurbitaceae. 

Gen.  Ch.  Male.  Calyx  five-toothed.  Corolla  five-parted.  Filaments  three. 
Female.  Calyx  five-toothed.  Corolla  five-parted.  Pistil  three-cleft.  Seeds  of 
the  gourd  with  a sharp  edge.  Willd. 

Cucumis  Colocynthis.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  iv.  611 ; Woodv.  Med.  Dot.  p.  189, 
t.  71. — Citrullus  Colocynthis,  Royle’s  Mat.  Med.  The  hitter  cucumher  is  an 
annual  plant,  bearing  considerable  x-esemblance  to  the  common  watermelon. 
The  stems,  which  are  herbaceous  and  beset  with  rough  hairs,  trail  upon  the 
ground,  or  rise  upon  neighbouring  bodies,  to  which  they  attach  themselves 
by  their  numerous  tendrils.  The  leaves,  which  stand  alternately  on  long 
petioles,  are  triangular,  many-cleft,  variously  sinuated,  obtuse,  hairy,  of  a 
fine  green  colour  on  the  upper  surface,  rough  and  pale  on  the  under.  The 
flowei’s  are  yellow,  and  appear  singly  at  the  axils  of  the  leaves.  The  fruit 
is  a globular  pepo,  of  the  size  of  a small  orange,  yellow,  and  smooth  when 

* The  following  description  of  the  seeds  is  given  by  Mr.  Gray  in  the  Land.  Med.  Re- 
pository for  April,  1 821.  “ Seeds,  ovate,  globose,  about  one-eighth  of  an  inch  in  diameter. 

Integuments,  simple,  soft,  spongy,  membranaceous,  thin,  reddish-bi’own,  closely  adhei-- 
ent  to  the  perisperm.  Perisperm  or  albumen,  hard,  rather  cartilaginous,  pellucid,  pale, 
not  in  the  least  divided,  of  the  same  shape  as  the  seed.  Corculum  or  embryo,  very  small, 
ovate-globose,  not  in  the  least  divided,  whitish,  placed  nearly  opposite  to  the  hylum, 
or  that  part  where  the  seed  is  affixed  to  the  parent  plant,  but  out  of  the  axis  of  the 
seed.  Base  pointing  to  the  hylum,  slender.  Apex  very  obtuse.”  An  acquaintance 
with  the  characters  of  the  seeds  is  the  more  necessary,  as  the  seeds  of  other  plants 
have  beep  sold  for  them. 


276 


Golocynthis. 


PART  i. 


ripe;  and  contains,  within  a hard,  coriaceous  rind,  a white  spongy  medullary 
matter,  enclosing  numerous  ovate,  compressed,  white  or  brownish  seeds. 

The  plant  is  a native  of  Turkey,  and  abounds  in  the  islands  of  the  Archi- 
pelago. It  grows  also  in  various  parts  of  Africa  and  Asia.  Burkhardt,  in 
his  travels  across  Nubia,  found  the  country  covered  with  it;  Thunberg  met 
with  it  at  the  Cape  of  Hood  Hope;  and  Ainslie  says  that  it  grows  in  many 
parts  of  Lower  India,  particularly  in  sandy  places  near  the  sea.  It  is  said 
to  be  cultivated  in  Spain.  The  fruit  is  gathered  in  autumn,  when  it  begins 
to  become  yellow,  and,  having  been  peeled,  is  dried  quickly,  in  a stove  or 
by  the  sun.  Thus  prepared,  it  is  imported  from  the  Levant.  Small  quan- 
tities are  said  to  be  imported  into  England  from  Mogador  unpeeled.* 

Properties.  As  kept  in  the  shops,  colocynth  is  in  the  shape  of  whitish 
balls  about  the  size  of  an  orange,  very  light  and  spongy,  and  abounding  in 
seeds  which  constitute  three-fourths  of  their  weight.  The  seeds  are  some- 
what bitter;  but  possess  little  activity,  and,  according  to  Captain  Lyon,  are 
even  used  as  food  in  Northern  Africa.  When  the  medicine  is  prepared  for 
use,  they  are  separated  and  rejected,  the  pulpy  or  medullary  matter  only 
being  employed.  This  has  a very  feeble  odour,  but  a nauseous  and  intensely 
bitter  taste.  Water  and  alcohol  extract  its  virtues.  Yauquelin  obtained  the 
bitter  principle  in  a separate  state,  and  called  it  colocynthin.  According  to 
Meissner,  100  parts  of  the  dry  pulp  of  colocynth  contain  14'4  parts  of  colo- 
cynthin, 100  of  extractive,  4'2  of  fixed  oil,  13'2  of  a resinous  substance  in- 
soluble in  ether,  9‘5  of  gum,  3 0 of  pectic  acid  (pectin),  17‘6  of  gummy 
extract  derived  from  the  lignin  by  means  of  potassa,  2’7  of  phosphate  of  lime, 
3 0 of  phosphate  of  magnesia,  and  19'0  of  lignin,  besides  water.  Colocyn- 
thin is  obtained  by  boiling  the  pulp  in  water,  evaporating  the  decoction, 
treating  the  extract  thus  procured  with  alcohol,  evaporating  the  alcoholic  so- 
lution, and  submitting  the  residue,  which  consists  of  the  bitter  principle  and 
acetate  of  potassa,  to  the  action  of  a little  cold  water,  which  dissolves  the 
latter,  and  leaves  the  greater  part  of  the  former  untouched.  Mr.  Bastick 
obtains  it  by  exhausting  the  pulp  with  cold  water,  heating  the  solution  to 
ebullition,  adding  subacetate  of  lead  so  long  as  a precipitate  is  produced, 
filtering  the  liquor  when  cold,  adding  dilute  sulphuric  acid  gradually  until  it 
no  longer  occasions  a precipitate,  boiling  to  expel  free  acetic  acid,  filtering 
to  separate  sulphate  of  lead,  evaporating  cautiously  nearly  to  dryness,  extract- 
ing the  colocynthin  from  the  residuum  by  strong  alcohol  which  leaves  the 
salts,  and  finally  evaporating  the  alcoholic  solution.  Colocynthin  is  yellowish- 
brown,  somewhat  translucent,  brittle  and  friable,  fusible  by  a heat  below 
212°,  inflammable,  more  soluble  in  alcohol  than  in  water,  but  capable  of 
rendering  the  latter  intensely  bitter.  It  is  neither  acid  nor  alkaline;  but 
its  aqueous  solution  gives  with  infusion  of  galls  a copious  white  precipitate. 
An  infusion  of  colocynth,  made  with  boiling  water,  gelatinizes  upon  cooling. 
Neumann  obtained  from  768  parts  of  the  pulp,  treated  first  with  alcohol  and 
then  with  water,  168  parts  of  alcoholic  and  216  of  aqueous  extract. 

* In  a letter  from  Mr.  R.  W.  Pelham,  of  the  Shakers’  Village,  near  New  Lebanon. 
Ohio,  the  author  was  informed  that  a hybrid  plant  between  the  colocynth  and  water- 
melon had  been  successfully  cultivated  in  that  place,  and  yielded  a bitter  fruit  having 
the  medicinal  virtues  of  colocynth.  With  the  letter  came  also  some  seeds  of  the  plant, 
and  a portion  of  extract  prepared  from  the  pulp  of  the  fruit.  This  was  found,  upon 
trial,  to  be  actively  cathartic.  The  seeds,  planted  in  the  garden  of  the  author,  produced 
vigorous  plants,  which  perfected  their  fruit.  The  plant  appeared  intermediate  between 
the  colocynth  and  watermelon.  The  fruit  was  globular,  about  four  inches  in  diameter, 
green  like  the  watermelon  externally,  having  the  same  odour  when  cut,  but  of  an  ex- 
tremely bitter  taste.  A portion  of  the  pulp  was  dried  ; and  an  extract  prepared  from 
it  was  found  to  have  the  properties  of  the  extract  of  colocynth. 


part  I.  Colocynthis. — Colomba.  277 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  The  pulp  of  colocynth  is  a powerful  drastic, 
hydragogue  cathartic,  producing,  when  given  in  large  doses,  violent  griping, 
and  sometimes  bloody  discharges,  with  dangerous  inflammation  of  the  bowels. 
Death  has  resulted  from  a teaspoonful  and  a half  of  the  powder.  ( Christison .) 
Even  in  moderate  doses  it  sometimes  acts  with  much  harshness,  and  is,  there- 
fore, seldom  prescribed  alone.  By  some  writers  it  is  said  to  be  diuretic. 
It  was  frequently  employed  by  the  ancient  Greeks  and  the  Arabians,  though 
its  drastic  nature  was  not  unknown  to  them.  Among  the  moderns  it  is  occa- 
sionally used,  especially  by  the  German  practitioners,  in  obstinate  cases  of 
dropsy,  and  in  various  affections  depending  on  disordered  action  of  the  brain. 
In  combination  with  other  cathartics  it  loses  much  of  its  violence,  but  retains 
its  purgative  energy;  and  in  this  state  is  very  extensively  employed.  The 
compound  extract  of  colocynth  is  a favourite  preparation  with  many  practi- 
tioners ; and,  combined  with  calomel,  extract  of  jalap,  and  gamboge,  it  forms 
a highly  efficient  and  safe  cathartic,  especially  applicable  in  congestion  of  the 
portal  circle  and  torpidity  of  the  liver.  (See  Pilulae  Catharticas  Composites.') 
The  dose  of  colocynth  is  from  five  to  ten  grains.  It  is  best  administered  in 
minute  division,  effected  by  trituration  with  gum  or  farinaceous  matter. 

Thunberg  states  that  the  fruit  of  C.  Colocynthis,  at  the  Cape  of  Good 
Hope,  is  rendered  so  mild  by  being  properly  pickled,  that  it  is  eaten  both  by 
the  natives  and  colonists ; but,  as  it  is  thus  employed  before  attaining  perfect 
maturity,  it  is  possible  that  the  drastic  principle  may  not  have  been  developed. 

Off.  Prep.  Extractum  Colocynthidis;  Extractum  Colocynthidis  Composi- 
tum;  Pilulas  Colocynthidis  Composite.  W. 

COLOMBA.  U.S. 

Col  umbo. 

The  root  of  Cocculus  palmatus.  U.  S. 

Off.  Syn.  CALUMBA.  Root  of  Cocculus  palmatus.  Ed.,  Lond.,  Dub. 

Colombo,  Fr.;  Columbowurzel.  Germ.;  Columba,  Ital.;  Raiz  deColumbo,  Span.;  Ka- 
lumbo,  Port.;  Calumb,  Mozambique. 

The  columbo  plant  was  imperfectly  known  till  within  a recent  period. 
Flowering  specimens  of  a plant  gathered  by  Commerson,  about  the  year  1770, 
in  the  garden  of  M.  Poivre  in  the  Isle  of  France,  and  sent  to  Europe  with 
that  botanist’s  collection,  were  examined  by  Lamarck,  and  described  under 
the  name  of  Menispermum  palmatum.  But  its  original  locality  was  unknown, 
and  it  was  only  conjectured  to  be  the  source  of  columbo.  In  the  year  1805, 
M.  Fortin,  while  engaged  in  purchasing  the  drug  in  Mozambique,  obtained 
possession  of  a living  offset  of  the  root,  which,  being  taken  to  Madras,  and 
planted  in  the  garden  of  Dr.  Anderson,  produced  a male  plant,  which  was 
figured  and  described  by  Dr.  Berry.  From  the  drawing  thus  made,  the  plant 
was  referred  to  the  natural  family  of  the  Menispermeae ; but,  as  the  female 
flowers  were  wanting,  some  difficulty  was  experienced  in  fixing  its  precise  bo- 
tanical position.  De  Candolle,  who  probably  had  the  opportunity  of  examining 
Commerson’s  specimens,  gave  its  generic  and  specific  character;  but  confessed 
that  he  was  not  acquainted  with  the  structure  of  the  female  flower  and  fruit. 
The  desideratum,  however,  has  been  supplied  by  ample  drawings  sent  to 
England  by  Mr.  Telfair,  of  Mauritius,  made  from  plants  which  were  propa- 
gated from  roots  obtained  by  Captain  Owen  in  1825,  while  prosecuting  his 
survey  of  the  Eastern  coast  of  Africa.  ( Curtis’s  Bot.  Mag.,  vol.  4,  pi.  2970.) 
The  genus  Cocculus,  in  which  the  plant  is  now  placed,  was  separated  by 
De  Candolle  from  Menispermum,  and  includes  those  species  which  have  six 
stamens,  while  the  Menispermum  is  limited  to  those  with  twelve  or  more. 


278 


Colomba. 


PART  i. 


Cocculus.  Sex.  Syst.  Dioscia  Hexandria. — Nat.  Ord.  Men i sperm aceae. 

Gen.  Ch.  Sepals  and  Petals  ternate,  usually  in  two,  rarely  in  three  rows. 
Stamens  six,  distinct,  opposite  the  petals.  Drupes  berried,  1-6,  generally 
oblique,  reniform,  somewhat  compressed,  one-seeded.  Cotyledons  distant.  De 
Cand. 

Cocculus  palmatus.  De  Cand.  Syst.  Veg.  i.  523;  Woody.  Med.  Bat.  3 d 
ed.  vol.  5,  p.  21.  This  is  a climbing  plant,  with  a perennial  root,  consisting 
of  several  fasciculated,  fusiform,  somewhat  curved,  and  descending  tubers,  of 
the  thickness  of  an  infant’s  arm.  The  stems,  of  which  one  or  two  proceed 
from  the  same  root,  are  twining,  simple  in  the  male  plant,  branched  in  the 
female,  round,  hairy,  and  about  as  thick  as  the  little  finger.  The  leaves, 
which  stand  on  rounded,  glandular-hairy  footstalks,  are  alternate,  distant, 
cordate,  with  three,  five,  or  seven  entire,  acuminate,  wavy,  somewhat  hairy 
lobes,  and  as  many  nerves,  each  of  which  runs  into  one  of  the  lobes.  The 
flowers  are  small  and  inconspicuous,  and  are  arranged  in  solitary  axillary 
racemes,  which,  in  the  male  plant,  are  compound,  in  the  female,  simple,  and 
in  both,  shorter  than  the  leaves. 

This  species  of  Cocculus  is  a native  of  Mozambique,  on  the  south-eastern 
coast  of  Africa,  where  it  grows  wild  in  great  abundance  in  the  thick  forests 
extending  from  the  sea  many  miles  into  the  interior.  It  is  not  cultivated. 
The  root  is  dug  up  in  March,  when  dry  weather  prevails.  From  the  base  of 
the  root  numerous  fusiform  offsets  proceed,  less  fibrous  and  woody  than  the 
parent  stock.  These  offsets  are  separated  and  cut  into  transverse  slices,  which 
are  dried  in  the  shade.  The  old  root  is  rejected. 

Columbo  is  a staple  export  of  the  Portuguese  from  their  dominions  in  the 
south-east  of  Africa.  It  is  taken  to  India,  and  theuce  distributed.  It  was 
formerly  supposed  to  be  a product  of  Ceylon,  and  to  have  derived  its  name 
from  Colombo,  a city  of  that  Island,  from  which  it  was  thought  to  be  ex- 
ported. It  is  possible  that,  when  the  Portuguese  were  in  possession  of  Cey- 
lon, Colombo  may  have  been  the  entrepot  for  the  drug  brought  from  Africa, 
and  thus  have  given  origin  to  its  name.  Some,  however,  consider  a more 
probable  derivation  to  be  from  the  word  calumb,  which  is  said  to  be  the 
Mozambique  name  for  the  root.  Dr.  Christison  has  been  misinformed  in 
relation  to  the  cultivation  of  the  true  columbo  plant  in  this  country.  (See 
Christison’ s Dispensatory,  Am.  ed.,  p.  304.) 

Properties.  The  root,  as  it  reaches  us,  is  in  flat  circular  or  oval  pieces, 
from  the  eighth  of  an  inch  to  near  an  inch  in  thickness,  and  from  one  to  two 
inches  in  diameter.  Along  with  these  are  sometimes  a few  cylindrical  pieces 
an  inch  or  two  in  length.  The  cortical  portion  is  thick,  of  a bright  yellow, 
slightly  greenish  colour  internally,  but  covered  with  a brownish,  wrinkled 
epidermis.  The  interior  or  medullary  portion,  which  is  readily  distinguish- 
able from  the  cortical,  is  light,  spongy,  yellowish,  usually  more  or  less 
shrunk,  so  that  the  pieces  are  thinnest  in  the  centre;  and  is  frequently 
marked  with  concentric  circles  and  radiating  lines.  Those  pieces  are  to  be 
preferred  which  have  the  brightest  colour,  are  most  compact  and  uniform  in 
their  texture,  and  least  worm-eaten.  The  odour  of  columbo  is  slightly  aro- 
matic. The  taste  is  very  bitter,  that  of  the  cortical  much  more  so  than  that 
of  ,the  central  portion,  which  is  somewhat  mucilaginous.  The  root  is  easily 
pulverized.  The  powder  has  a greenish  tinge,  which  becomes  browner  with 
age,  and  deepens  when  it  is  moistened.  As  it  attracts  moisture  from  the 
air,  and  is  apt  to  undergo  decomposition,  it  should  be  prepared  in  small 
quantities  at  a time. 

M.  Planche  analyzed  columbo  in  1811,  and  found  it  to  contain  an  azotized 
substance,  probably  albumen,  in  large  quantity,  a bitter  yellow  substance  not 


PART  I. 


Colomba. 


279 


precipitated  by  metallic  salts,  and  one-third  of  its  weight  of  starch.  He 
obtained  also  a small  proportion  of  essential  oil,  salts  of  lime  and  potassa, 
oxide  of  iron,  and  silica.  AVittstock,  of  Berlin,  afterwards  isolated  a peculiar 
crystallizable  principle,  which  he  called  colombin,  and  which  appears  to  be 
the  bitter  yellow  substance,  of  Blanche,  deprived  of  a portion  of  colouring 
matter.  Colombin  crystallizes  in  beautiful  transparent  quadrilateral  prisms, 
is  without  smell,  and  is  extremely  bitter.  It  is  but  very  slightly  soluble 
in  water,  alcohol,  or  ether,  at  ordinary  temperatures,  and  yet  imparts  to 
these  fluids  a strongly  bitter  taste.  It  is  more  soluble  in  boiling  alcohol, 
which  deposits  it  upon  cooling.  The  best  solvent  is  diluted  acetic  acid. 
It  is  taken  up  by  alkaline  solutions,  from  which  it  is  precipitated  by  acids. 
It  has  neither  acid  nor  alkaline  properties,  and  its  alcoholic  and  acetic 
solutions  are  not  affected  by  the  metallic  salts,  or  the  infusion  of  galls. 
It  is  obtained  by  exhausting  columbo  by  means  of  alcohol  of  the  sp.  gr. 
0'835,  distilling  off  three-quarters  of  the  alcohol,  allowing  the  residue  to 
stand  for  some  days  till  crystals  are  deposited,  and  lastly  treating  these 
crystals  with  alcohol  and  animal  charcoal.  The  mother  waters  still  contain 
a considerable  quantity  of  colombin,  which  may  be  separated  by  evaporating 
with  coarsely  powdered  glass  to  dryness,  exhausting  the  residue  with  ether, 
distilling  off- the  ether,  treating  the  residue  with  boiling  acetic  acid,  and 
evaporating  the  solution  so  that  crystals  may  form. 

From  the  researches  of  Dr.  Bodeker,  it  appears  that  another  bitter  prin- 
ciple exists  in  columbo,  which  corresponds  in  composition  and  chemical  rela- 
tions with  berberin,  the  active  principle  of  Berberis  vulgaris,  and  is  assumed 
to  be  identical  with  that  substance.  It  was  obtained  by  exhausting  columbo 
with  alcohol  of  0*889,  distilling  off  the  alcohol,  allowing  the  residual  liquor 
to  stand  for  three  days  so  as  to  deposit  its  columbin,  evaporating  the  super- 
natant liquid  together  with  the  aqueous  washings  of  the  columbin  to  dry- 
ness, exhausting  the  residue  with  boiling  alcohol  of  0'868,  treating  the  solu- 
tion thus  obtained  as  the  former  one,  submitting  the  residue  to  the  action  of 
boiling  water,  filtering  and  adding  muriatic  acid,  collecting  the  precipitate 
thus  formed  on  a filter,  drying  it  with  bibulous  paper,  and  finally,  in  order 
to  separate  adhering  acid,  dissolving  it  in  alcohol,  and  precipitating  with 
ether.  The  result  was  an  imperfectly  crystalline,  bright  yellow  powder,  of 
a disagreeable  bitter  taste,  supposed  to  be  a muriate  of  berberin.  It  is  stated 
that  berberin  is  present  in  columbo  in  much  larger  proportion  than  colombin, 
and,  being  abundantly  soluble  in  hot  water  and  alcohol,  while  colombin  is 
but  slightly  so,  is  probably  more  largely  extracted  in  the  ordinary  liquid 
preparations  of  the  root.  (See  Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xx.  322.)  It  is 
thought  that  berberin  exists  in  columbo  combined  with  a peculiar  acid  de- 
nominated columbic  acid ; and  that,  while  the  colombin  occurs  in  the  cells 
of  the  root  in  a crystalline  state,  the  columbate  of  berberin  is  deposited  in 
the  thickening  layers  of  the  cell-membranes.  ( Chem . Gaz.,  vii.  150.) 

It  is  probable  that  both  colombin  and  berberin  contribute  to  the  remedial 
effects  of  columbo.  The  virtues  of  the  root  are  extracted  by  boiling  water 
and  by  alcohol.  Precipitates  are  produced  with  the  infusion  and  tincture  by 
the  infusion  of  galls,  acetate  and  subacetate  of  lead,  corrosive  chloride  of 
mercury,  and  lime-water;  but  the  bitterness  is  not  affected. 

Adulterations.  It  is  said  that  the  root  of  white  bryony,  tinged  yellow 
with  the  tincture  of  columbo,  has  sometimes  been  fraudulently  substituted 
for  the  genuine  root;  but  the  adulteration  is  too  gross  to  deceive  those  ac- 
quainted with  the  characters  of  either  of  these  drugs.  American  columbo, 
which  is  the  root  of  Frasera  Walteri,  is  said  to  be  sold  in  some  parts  of  Eu- 
rope for  the  genuine.  Independently  of  the  sensible  differences  between  the 
two  roots  (see  Frasera ),  M.  Stolze  of  Halle  states  that,  while  the  tincture 


280 


Colomba. — Conii  Folia. — Conii  Semen. 


PART  l. 


of  columbo  remains  unaffected  by  tbe  sulphate  or  Sesquichloride  of  iron,  and 
gives  a dirty  gray  precipitate  with  tincture  of  galls,  tbe  tincture  of  frasera 
acquires  a dark-green  colour  with  the  former  reagent,  and  is  not  affected  by 
the  latter.  [Duncan.')  Under  the  name  of  columbo  wood,  or  false  columbo , 
the  wood  of  Coscinium  fenestra  turn,  a plant  of  the  family  of  Menispermaceae, 
growing  in  Ceylon,  has  been  imported  into  England,  and  offered  for  sale  in 
the  drug  market.  ( Pharm . Joum.  and  Trans.,  x.  321,  and  xii.  185.) 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Columbo  is  among  the  most  useful  of  the 
mild  tonics.  Without  astringency,  with  very  little  stimulating  power,  and 
generally  acceptable  to  the  stomach,  it  answers  admirably  as  a remedy  in 
simple  dyspepsia,  and  in  those  states  of  debility  which  are  apt  to  attend  con- 
valescence, especially  when  the  alimentary  canal  is  left  enfeebled.  Hence, 
it  is  often  prescribed  in  the  declining  stages  of  remittent  fever,  dysentery, 
diarrhoea,  cholera  morbus,  and  cholera  infantum.  The  absence  of  irritating 
properties  renders  it  also  an  appropriate  tonic  in  the  hectic  fever  of  phthisis, 
and  its  kindred  affections.  It  has  been  highly  recommended  in  vomiting, 
unconnected  with  inflammation  of  the  stomach,  as  in  the  sickness  of  preg- 
nant women.  It  is  frequently  administered  in  combination  with  other  tonics, 
aromatics,  mild  cathartics,  and  antacids.  The  remedy  which  we  have  found 
most  effectual  in  the  permanent  cure  of  a disposition  to  the  accumulation  of 
flatus  in  the  bowels,  is  an  infusion  made  with  half  an  ounce  of  columbo,  half 
an  ounce  of  ginger,  a drachm  of  senna,  and  a pint  of  boiling  water,  and 
given  in  the  dose  of  a wiueglassful  three  times  a day.  Columbo  is  much 
used  by  the  natives  of  Mozambique  in  dysentery  and  other  diseases.  [Berry.) 
It  was  first  introduced  to  the  notice  of  the  profession  in  Europe  by  Francois 
Redi,  in  the  year  1G85. 

It  is  most  commonly  prescribed  in  the  state  of  infusion.  (See  Infusum 
Colombse.)  The  dose  of  the  powder  is  from  ten  to  thirty  grains,  and  may  be 
repeated  three  or  four  times  a day.  It  is  frequently  combined  with  powdered 
ginger,  subcarbonate  of  iron,  and  rhubarb. 

Off. Prep.  Infusum  Colombae;  MisturaFerri  Aromatica;  Tinctura Colombse. 

W. 

CONII  FOLIA.  U.S. 

Hemlock  Leaves. 

The  leaves  of  Conium  maculatum.  U.  S. 

Off.  Syn.  CONIUM.  Conium  maculatum.  The  fresh  and  dried  leaf  of 
the  wild  herb.  Loml.  The  leaves.  Ed.  Dub. 

CONII  SEMEN.  U.S. 

Hemlock  Seed. 

The  fruit  of  Conium  maculatum.  U.  S. 

Cigue  ordinaire,  Grande  cigue,  Fr.;  Gefleckter  Schierling,  Germ.;  Cicuta,  Ital.,  Span. 

Conium.  Sex.  Syst.  Pentandria  Digynia. — Eat.  Ord.  Apiaceae  or  lm- 
belliferse. 

Gen.  Cli.  Partial  Involucre  halved,  usually  three-leaved.  Fruit  nearly 
globular,  five-streaked,  notched  on  both  sides.  Willd. 

Conium  maculatum.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  i.  1395;  Bigelow,  Am.  Med.  Bot. 
i.  113;  Woodv.  Med.  Bot.  p.  104,  t.  42.  This  is  an  umbelliferous  plant, 
having  a biennial  spindle-shaped  whitish  root,  and  an  herbaceous  branching 
stem,  from  three  to  six  feet  high,  round,  hollow,  smooth,  shining,  slightly 
striated,  and  marked  with  brownish-purple  spots.  The  lower  leaves  are  tri- 


I 


PART  I. 


Conii  Folia. — Conii  Semen. 


281 


pinnate,  more  than  a foot  in  length,  shining,  and  attached  to  the  joints  of  the 
stem  by  sheathing  petioles;  the  upper  are  smaller,  bipinnate,  and  inserted  at 
the  division  of  the  branches;  both  have  channeled  foot-stalks,  and  incised 
leaflets,  which  are  deep  green  on  their  upper  surface  and  paler  beneath.  The 
flowers  are  very  small,  white,  and  disposed  in  compound  terminal  umbels. 
The  general  involucre  consists  of  from  three  to  seven  lanceolate,  reflected 
leaflets,  whitish  at  their  edges;  the  partial  involucre,  of  three  or  four,  oval, 
pointed,  spreading,  and  on  one  side  only.  The  petals  are  cordate,  with  their 
points  inflected,  five  in  number,  and  nearly  equal.  The  stamens  are  spread- 
ing, and  about  as  long  as  the  corolla;  the  styles  diverging.  The  fruit,  com- 
monly called  seeds,  is  roundish-ovate,  a line  and  a half  or  rather  less  in  length 
by  a line  in  breadth,  striated,  and  composed  of  two  plano-convex,  easily 
separable  parts,  which  have  on  their  outer  surface  five  crenated  ribs. 

The  hemlock  is  a native  of  Europe,  and  has  become  naturalized  in  the 
United  States.  It  grows  usually  in  clusters  along  the  road  sides,  or  in  waste 
grounds,  and  is  found  most  abundantly  in  the  neighbourhood  of  old  settle- 
ments. It  flowers  in  June  and  July.  The  whole  plant,  especially  at  this 
period,  exhales  a fetid  odour,  compared  by  some  to  that  of  mice,  by  others 
to  that  of  the  urine  of  cats ; and  narcotic  effects  result  from  breathing  for  a 
long  time  air  impregnated  with  the  effluvia.  The  plant  varies  in  narcotic 
power  according  to  the  weather  and  the  climate,  being  most  active  in  hot  and 
dry  seasons,  and  in  warm  countries.  The  hemlock  of  Greece,  It-ily,  and 
Spain  is  said  to  be  much  more  energetic  than  that  of  the  North  of  Europe. 
As  a general  rule,  those  plants  are  most  active  which  grow  in  a sunny  ex- 
posure. The  term  cicuta,  which  has  often  been  applied  to  this  plant,  belongs 
to  a different  genus.  Both  the  leaves  and  fruit  are  officinal. 

The  proper  season  for  gathering  the  leaves  is  when  the  plant  is  in  flower; 
and  Dr.  Fothergill  asserts,  from  experiment,  that  they  are  most  active  about 
the  time  when  the  flowers  begin  to  fade.  The  footstalks  should  be  rejected, 
and  the  leaflets  quickly  dried,  either  in  the  hot  sun,  on  tin  plates  before  a 
fire,  or  by  a stove  heat  not  exceeding  120°  E.  They  should  be  kept  in  boxes 
or  tin  cases,  excluded  from  the  air  and  light,  by  exposure  to  which  they  lose 
their  fine  green  colour,  and  become  deteriorated  in  medical  virtues.  The 
same  end  is  answered  by  pulverizing  them,  and  preserving  the  powder  in 
opaque  and  well  stopped  bottles.  But  little  reliance  can  be  placed  on  the 
dried  leaves;  as,  even  when  possessed  of  a strong  odour  and  a fine  green 
colour,  they  are  sometimes  destitute  of  the  narcotic  principle.  When  rubbed 
with  caustic  potassa  they  should  exhale  the  odour  of  conia.  The  fruit  retains 
its  activity  much  longer  than  the  leaves.  Dr.  Christison  found  it  to  have 
sustained  no  diminution  of  power,  after  having  been  kept  eight  years. 

Properties.  The  dried  leaves  of  the  hemlock  have  a strong,  heavy,  nar- 
cotic odour,  less  disagreeable  than  that  of  the  recent  plant.  Their  taste  is 
bitterish  and  nauseous;  their  colour  a dark  green,  which  is  retained  in  the 
powder.  A slight  degree  of  acrimony  possessed  by  the  fresh  leaves  is  said 
to  be  dissipated  by  drying.  The  seeds  have  a yellowish-gray  colour,  a feeble 
odour,  and  a bitterish  taste.  Their  form  has  already  been  described.  Water 
distilled  from  the  fresh  leaves  has  the  odour  of  hemlock,  and  a nauseous  taste, 
but  does  not  produce  narcotic  effects.  The  decoction  has  little  taste,  and  the 
extract  resulting  from  its  evaporation  is  nearly  inert.  From  these  facts  it  is 
inferrible  that  the  active  principle,  as  it  exists  in  the  plant,  is  not  volatile  at 
212°,  and,  if  soluble  in  water,  is  injured  by  a boiling  heat.  Alcohol  and 
ether  take  up  the  narcotic  properties  of  the  leaves;  and  the  ethereal  extract, 
which  is  of  a rich  dark  green  colour,  is  stated  by  Dr.  A.  T.  Thomson  to  have 
the  smell  and  taste  of  the  plant  in  perfection,  and  in  the  dose  of  half  a grain 


282 


Conii  Folia. — Conii  Semen. 


PART  i. 


to  produce  headache  and  vertigo.  Upon  destructive  distillation,  the  leaves 
yield  a very  poisonous  empyreumatic  oil.  We  have  no  satisfactory  analysis 
of  hemlock.  Schrader  found  in  the  juice  of  the  leaves,  resin,  extractive, 
gum,  albumen,  a green  fecula,  and  various  saline  substances.  Brandes  ob- 
tained from  the  plant  a very  odorous  oil,  albumen,  resin,  colouring  matter, 
and  salts. 

So  long  ago  as  1827,  Giseke  obtained  an  alkaline  liquid  by  distilling  hem- 
lock leaves  with  water  and  caustic  lime;  but  he  did  not  succeed  in  isolating 
the  substance  in  which  this  alkalinity  resided.  Geiger  was  the  first  who 
obtained  the  active  principle  in  a separate  state,  and  proved  it  to  be  alkaline. 
It  appears  that  there  are  two  volatile  substances  in  hemlock,  one  of  them  an 
oil,  which  comes  over  by  simple  distillation,  and  upon  which  the  odour  of 
the  plant  depends,  and  the  other  an  alkaline  principle,  wrhich,  as  it  exists  in 
the  plant,  is  so  combined  as  not  to  be  volatilizable,  but  which,  when  separated 
by  one  of  the  mineral  alkalies  from  itsmative  combination,  rises  readily  in 
distillation,  and  may  thus  be  procured  separate.  The  latter  substance  is  the 
active  principle,  and  has  received  the  name  of  conia.  It  probably  exists  in 
the  plant  united  with  an  acid,  as  it  is  separated  by  the  alkalies.  This  acid 
Peschier  believed  to  be  peculiar,  and  named  coniic  acid.  Geiger  obtained 
conia  by  the  following  process.  He  distilled  fresh  hemlock  with  caustic 
potassa  and  water,  neutralized  with  sulphuric  acid  the  alkaline  liquid  which 
came  over,  evaporated  this  liquid  to  the  consistence  of  syrup,  added  anhy- 
drous alcohol  so  long  as  a precipitate  of  sulphate  of  ammonia  was  afforded, 
separated  this  salt  by  filtration,  distilled  off  the  alcohol,  mixed  the  residue 
with  a strong  solution  of  caustic  potassa,  and  distilled  anew.  The  conia 
passed  over  with  the  water,  from  which  it  separated,  floating  on  the  surface 
in  the  form  of  a yellowish  oil.  According  to  Dr.  Christison,  an  easier  pro- 
cess is  to  distil  cautiously  a mixture  of  a strong  solution  of  potassa  and  the 
alcoholic  extract  of  the  unripe  fruit.  As  obtained  by  the  above  processes, 
conia  is  in  the  state  of  a hydrate,  containing  one-fourth  of  its  weight  of  water 
and  a little  ammonia.  From  the  former,  it  may  be  freed  by  chloride  of  cal- 
cium ; from  the  latter,  by  exposing  it  under  an  exhausted  receiver  till  it  ceases 
to  emit  bubbles  of  gas. 

The  fresh  leaves  or  seeds  should  be  employed  in  the  preparation  of  conia; 
as  the  alkali  undergoes  decomposition  by  time  and  exposure.  The  seeds 
contain  most  of  this  principle;  but  even  iu  these  it  exists  in  very  small  pro- 
portion. From  6 pounds  of  the  fresh  and  9 of  the  dried  seeds,  Geiger  ob- 
tained about  an  ounce  of  conia;  while  from  100  pounds  of  the  fresh  herb  he 
got  only  a drachm,  and  from  the  dried  leaves  none.  Christison  recommends 
the  full  grown  fruit  while  yet  green,  and  states  that  8 pounds  will  yield  half 
an  ounce  of  hydrate  of  conia,  and  contains  much  more. 

Conia  is  in  the  form  of  a yellowish,  oily  liquid,  lighter  than  water,  of  a very 
acrid  taste,  and  a strong  penetrating  odour,  compared  to  that  of  the  urine  of 
mice,  and  recalling  the  smell  of  fresh  hemlock,  though  not  identical  with  it. 
In  volatility  it  resembles  the  essential  oils,  readily  rising  with  the  vapour  of 
boiling  water,  but,  when  unmixed,  requiring  for  ebullition,  according  to  Chris- 
tison, a temperature  of  370°.  It  is  freely  soluble  in  alcohol,  ether,  the  fixed 
and  volatile  oils,  and  slightly  so  in  water.  It  unites  with  about  one-fourth  its 
weight  of  water  to  form  a hydrate.  It  reddens  turmeric,  and  neutralizes  the 
acids,  forming  with  them  soluble  salts,  some  of  which  are  c-rystallizable. 
With  tannic  acid  it  forms  an  insoluble  compound.  Like  ammonia  it  occasions 
a white  cloud,  when  approached  by  a rod  moistened  with  muriatic  acid.  It 
coagulates  albumen,  and  precipitates  the  salts  of  aluminium,  copper,  zinc, 
manganese,  and  iron.  It  also  precipitates  nitrate  of  silver,  but  in  excess 


PART  I. 


Conii  Folia. — Conii  Semen. 


283 


redissolves  the  precipitate.  Most  of  its  salts  are  decomposed  by  evaporation. 
When  exposed  to  the  air,  it  speedily  assumes  a deep-brown  colour,  and  is 
ultimately  converted  into  a resiuous  matter,  and  into  ammonia  which  escapes. 
Under  the  influence  of  heat  this  change  takes  place  with  much  greater  rapidity. 
The  presence  of  conia  may  be  detected  in  an  extract  or  other  preparation  of 
hemlock  by  rubbing  it  with  potassa,  which  instantly  developes  its  peculiar  odour. 
It  consists  of  nitrogen,  carbon,  and  hydrogen ; its  formula  being  variously  given, 
NC16H15  ( Gerhardt),  N016Hl6  ( Ortigosa),  and  NC17H17  ( Blythe ).  (Aim.  Journ. 
of  Pharm.,  xxiii.  73.)*  In  its  etfects  on  the  system  it  closely  resembles 
hemlock  itself.  Dr.  Christison  found  it,  contrary  to  the  experience  of  Geiger, 
more  active  in  the  saline  state,  than  when  uncombined.  It  is  a most  energetic 
poison ; one  drop  of  it  injected  into  the  eye  of  a rabbit  killing  the  animal  in 
nine  minutes,  and  three  drops  killing  a stout  cat  in  a minute  and  a half  when 
similarly  applied.  Dr.  Christison,  from  whose  paper  these  facts  are  derived 
(Trans.  Fog.  Soc.  Ed.,  1836),  thinks  that  it  acts  upon  the  spinal  marrow, 
directly  prostrating  the  nervous  power,  producing  paralysis  of  the  voluntary 
muscles,  and  destroying  life  by  arresting  respiration.  The  brain  does  not 
seem  to  be  especially  attacked ; as  the  animal,  when  it  dies  slowly,  preserves 
its  senses  unimpaired  so  long  as  it  breathes.  In  cases  of  sudden  death  from 
the  poison,  the  heart  does  not  cease  to  act  till  after  apparent  death ; and  its 
action  may  be  sustained,  after  the  animal  has  ceased  to  breathe,  by  keeping  up 
artificial  respiration.  A recently  prepared  extract  of  hemlock  acted  precisely 
as  conia.  Locally  the  alkali  appears  to  act  as  an  irritant. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Hemlock  is  narcotic,  and  rather  sedative 
than  otherwise  to  the  circulation.  Mr.  Judd  inferred  from  his  experiments 
that  it  directly  diminishes  the  action  of  the  heart,  and  when  it  produces  death, 
contrary  to  the  results  obtained  by  Christison,  exhausts  the  contractility  of 
that  organ.  (Medico-Bot.  Trans.,  vol.  i.  pt.  4.)  When  given  so  as  fully  to 
affect  the  system,  it  produces  more  or  less  vertigo,  dimness  of  vision,  nausea, 
faintness,  sensations  of  numbness,  and  general  muscular  debility.  In  larger 
doses  it  occasions  dilated  pupils,  difficulty  of  speech,  delirium  or  stupor, 
tremors  and  paralysis,  and  ultimately  convulsions  and  death.  Sometimes 
it  produces  fatal  effects,  through  paralysis  alone,  without  coma  or  convul- 
sions. Its  operation  usually  commences  in  less  than  half  an  hour,  and,  if 
moderate,  seldom  continues  longer  than  twenty-four  hours.  It  is  supposed 
to  be  the  narcotic  used  by  the  Athenians  to  destroy  the  life  of  condemned 
individuals,  and  by  which  Socrates  and  Phocion  died.  It  was  also  used  by 
the  ancients  as  a medicine,  but  fell  into  entire  neglect,  and  was  not  again 
brought  into  notice  till  the  time  of  Storck,  by  whom  it  was  much  employed 
and  extravagantly  praised.  Since  that  time  it  has  been  submitted  to  ample 
trial,  and,  though  its  original  reputation  has  not  been  fully  sustained,  it  still 
retains  a place  in  the  catalogue  of  useful  medicines.  Anodyne,  soporific, 
antispasmodic,  antaphrodisiac,  deobstruent,  and  diuretic  properties  have  been 
ascribed  to  it.  It  was  highly  recommended  by  Storck  as  a remedy  in  scirrhus 
and  cancerous  ulcers,  but  at  present  is  only  considered  a useful  palliative  in 

* Orfila  gives  the  following  additional  chemical  characters  of  conia.  Heated  in  a 
capsule,  it  forms  white  vapours,  having  a strong  smell  of  celery  and  of  the  urine  of  mice. 
Weak  tincture  of  iodine  gives  a white  precipitate,  becoming  olive  with  excess  of  the 
tincture.  Pure  concentrated  sulphuric  acid  does  not  alter  it;  hut,  when  the  mixture  is 
heated,  it  becomes  first  brown,  then  blood-red,  and  finally  black.  Nitric  acid  imparts 
a topaz  colour,  not  changed  by  heat.  The  chlorides  of  platinum  and  of  gold  give  yel- 
low precipitates,  and  corrosive  sublimate  a white  one.  Red  permanganate  of  potassa 
is  immediately  decolorized.  Neutral  acetate  of  lead  gives  no  precipitate ; nor  does  the 
subacetate.  The  parts  of  this  paragraph  in  italics  indicate  the  methods  of  distinguish- 
ing this  alkaloid  from  nicotia.  (See  Pharm.  Journ.  and  Trans.,  xi.  89.) 


284 


Conii  Folia. — Conii  Semen. 


PART  i. 


those  affections.  In  mammary  tumours  and  chronic  enlargements  of  the  liver 
and  other  abdominal  viscera;  in  painful  scrofulous  tumours  and  ulcers;  in 
various  diseases  of  the  skin,  as  leprosy  and  elephantiasis;  in  the  complicated 
derangements  of  health  attendant  upon  secondary  syphilis;  in  chronic  rheum- 
atism and  neuralgic  affections ; in  excessive  secretion  of  milk ; in  pertussis, 
asthma,  chronic  catarrh,  and  consumption;  and  in  various  other  disorders  con- 
nected with  nervous  derangement,  or  a general  depraved  state  of  the  health, 
it  is  occasionally  employed  with  the  effect  of  relieving  or  palliating  the  symp- 
toms, or  favourably  modifying  the  action  of  remedies  with  which  it  is  com- 
bined. Dr.  Gibson,  of  the  University  of  Pennsylvania,  considers  it  efficacious 
in  the  cure  of  goitre. 

The  powdered  leaves,  and  the  inspissated  juice  (the  extract  of  the  Pharma- 
copoeias), are  the  forms  in  which  it  is  usually  administered.  Either  of  these 
may  be  given  in  the  dose  of  three  or  four  grains  twice  a day,  gradually  in- 
creased till  the  occurrence  of  slight  vertigo  or  nausea  indicates  that  it  has 
taken  effect.  To  maintain  a given  impression,  it  is  necessary  to  increase  the 
dose  even  more  rapidly  than  is  customary  with  most  other  narcotics;  as  the 
system  becomes  very  speedily  habituated  to  its  influence.  In  some  instances, 
the  quantity  administered  in  one  day  has  been  augmented  to  more  than  two 
ounces.  The  strength  of  the  preparations  of  hemlock  is  exceedingly  unequal ; 
and  caution  is  therefore  necessary,  when  the  medicine  is  given  in  very  large 
quantities,  to  employ  the  same  parcel,  or,  if  a change  be  made,  to  commence 
with  the  new  parcel  in  small  doses,  so  as  to  obviate  any  danger  which  might 
result  from  its  greater  power.  Unpleasant  consequences  have  followed  a 
neglect  of  this  precaution.  There  is  also  an  officinal  tincture  and  an  alcoholic 
extract,  both  of  which,  when  properly  made,  are  efficient  preparations.  The 
fresh  juice  of  the  plant  has  been  recommended  by  Hufeland  in  the  dose  of 
from  twelve  to  forty  drops.  The  powdered  seeds  should  be  given  in  a dose 
considerably  smaller  than  that  of  the  leaves.*  The  fresh  leaves  are  some- 
times used  externally  as  an  anodyne  cataplasm;  and  the  extract,  and  an  oint- 
ment prepared  from  the  leaves,  are  applied  to  the  same  purpose. 

Conia  has  been  occasionally  employed  both  internally  and  externally,  with 
asserted  advantage,  as  an  anodyne  and  resolvent.  It  has  been  particularly 
recommended  in  hooping-cough.  Dr.  Spengler,  of  Herborn,  gave  it  to  an 
infant  a year  old  in  the  dose  of  one-sixteenth  of  a grain  every  six  hours,  with 
the  effect  of  curing  the  disease  in  ten  days.  (Ann.  de  Thlrap .,  1853,  p.  73.) 
According  to  the  formula  of  Muller,  two  drops  are  dissolved  in  twenty-four 
drops  of  alcohol,  and  three  drops  of  the  solution  are  given,  each  on  a piece 
of  sugar.  {Arch.  Gen.,  4e  sir.,  xxiii.  226.)  A solution  of  one  part  in  100 
of  very  dilute  alcohol  has  been  used  with  advantage  in  certain  cases  of  scro- 
fulous ophthalmia  with  photophobia,  applied  several  times  daily  by  friction 
about  the  eyelids.  {.Tourn.  de  Pharm.,  Se  ser.,  xix.  219.) 

Though  fatal  to  some  animals,  hemlock  is  eaten  with  impunity  by  others, 
as  horses,  goats,  aud  sheep.  The  best  method  of  relieving  its  poisonous 
effects  is  the  speedy  evacuation  of  the  stomach. 

Off.  Prep,  of  the  Leaves.  Extractum  Conii;  Extract.  Conii  Alcoholicum; 
Tinctura  Conii ; Unguentum  Conii.  W. 

* From  their  greater  strength,  permanency,  and  uniformity,  the  seeds  might  well 
supersede  the  leaves  for  internal  use.  They  should  be  pulverized  and  made  into  pills 
with  syrup,  and  given  in  the  commencing  dose  of  half  a grain,  to  be  gradually  in- 
creased till  their  effects  are  experienced.  MM.  Devay  and  Guilliermond  prepare  a 
syrup  from  the  seeds,  made  by  exhausting  10  parts  of  them  with  60  parts  of  alcohol 
of  28°,  and  adding  the  tincture  to  3,000  parts  of  syrup  “aromatised  ad  libitum.’'  One 
or  two  fluidrachms  may  be  taken  at  first.  (Ann.  de  Thirap.,  pour-  1853,  p.  54.) — Soft 
to  the  tenth  edition. 


PART  I. 


Contrayerva. — Convolvulus  Panduratus. 


285 


CONTRAYERVA.  TJ.S.  Secondary. 

Contrayerva. 

The  root  of  Dorstenia  Contrayerva.  U.  S. 

Contrayerva,  Ft.;  Giftwurzel,  Germ.;  Contrajerva,  Ital.;  Contrayerba,  Span. 

Dorstenia.  Sex.  Syst.  Tetrandria  Monogynia. — Nat.  Ord.  Urticaceae. 

Gen.  Ch.  Receptacle  common,  one-leafed,  fleshy,  in  which  solitary  seeds 
are  nestled.  Willd. 

The  root  known  by  the  name  of  contrayerva  is  believed  to  be  derived  from 
several  species  of  Dorstenia,  among  which,  besides  D.  Contrayerva , two  others 
are  mentioned  by  Dr.  Houston,  D.  Houslovia,  and  D.  Drakena , the  former 
growing  near  Campeachy,  the  latter  near  Vera  Cruz.  It  is  referred  by  Dr. 
Martius  also  to  D.  Brasiliensis,  growing  in  Jamaica,  Trinidad,  and  Brazil. 
D.  Contrayerva  is  the  only  one  recognised  in  the  Pharmacopoeias. 

Dorstenia  Contrayerva.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  i.  682  ; Woodv.  Med.  Bot.  p. 
705,  t.  210.  This  plant  has  a perennial,  fusiform,  branching,  rough,  com- 
pact root  or  rhizoma,  which  sends  up  several  leaves  of  an  irregular  shape, 
about  four  inches  in  length,  lobed,  serrated,  pointed,  and  placed  upon  long 
radical  footstalks,  which  are  winged  towards  the  leaves.  The  scapes  or  flower- 
stems  are  also  radical,  rise  several  inches  in  height,  and  support  irregular 
quadrangular  receptacles,  which  contain  male  and  female  flowers,  the  former 
having  two  stamens,  the  latter  a single  style.  The  capsule,  when  ripe,  possesses 
an  elastic  power,  by  which  the  seeds  are  thrown  out  with  considerable  force. 

The  plant  grows  in  Mexico,  the  West  Indies,  and  Peru.  The  root  (rhizoma) 
is  the  officinal  portion.  According  to  Pereira,  however,  the  contrayerva  of  the 
shops  is  the  product  of  D.  Brasiliensis,  and  is  brought  from  Brazil.  The  term 
contrayerba,  in  the  language  of  the  Spanish  Americans,  signifies  counterpoison 
or  antidote , and  was  applied  to  this  root  under  the  impression  that  it  had  the 
property  of  counteracting  all  kinds  of  poison. 

Properties.  The  root,  as  found  in  our  shops,  is  oblong,  an  inch  or  two  in 
length,  of  varying  thickness,  very  hard,  rough,  and  solid,  of  a reddish-broivn 
colour  externally,  and  pale  within ; and  has  numerous  long,  slender,  yellowish 
fibres  attached  to  its  inferior  part.  The  odour  is  aromatic;  the  taste  warm, 
slightly  bitterish,  and  pungent.  The  fibres  have  less  taste  and  smell  than 
the  tuberous  portion.  The  sensible  properties  are  extracted  by  alcohol  and 
boiling  water.  The  decoction  is  highly  mucilaginous.  The  tincture  reddens 
infusion  of  litmus,  and  lets  fall  a precipitate  on  the  addition  of  water.  The 
root  has  not  yet  been  analyzed,  but  contains  starch  and  a volatile  oil. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Contrayerva  is  a stimulant  tonic  and  dia- 
phoretic, and  has  been  given  in  low  states  of  fever,  malignant  eruptive  dis- 
eases, some  forms  of  dysentery  and  diarrhoea,  and  other  diseases  requiring 
gentle  stimulation.  It  is  very  seldom  used  in  this  country.  The  dose  of  the 
powdered  root  is  about  half  a drachm.  W. 

CONVOLVULUS  PANDURATUS.  U.  S.  Secondary. 
Wild  Potato. 

The  root  of  Convolvulus  panduratus.  U.  S. 

Convolvulus.  See  SCAMMONIUM. 

Convolvulus  panduratus.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  i.  850;  Barton,  Med.  Bot.  i. 
249.  The  wild  potato  has  a perennial  root,  and  a round,  purplish,  procum- 
bent or  climbing  stem,  which  twines  around  neighbouring  objects,  and  grows 


286  Convolvulus  Panduratus. — Copaiba.  part  l 

sometime^  twelve  feet  in  length.  The  leaves,  which  stand  alternately  on  long 
petioles,  are  broad,  heart-shaped  at  the  base,  entire,  or  lobed  on  the  sides  like  • 
a guitar  or  violin,  somewhat  acuminate,  deep  green  on  the  upper  surface  and 
paler  beneath.  The  flowers  are  in  fascicles,  upon  long  axillary  peduncles. 
The  calyx  is  smooth  and  awnless ; the  corolla,  tubular  campanulate,  very 
large,  white  at  the  border,  but  purplish-red  at  the  base. 

The  plant  is  indigenous,  growing  throughout  the  United  States  in  sandy 
fields  and  along  fences,  and  flowering  from  June  to  August.  A variety  with 
double  flowers  is  cultivated  in  the  gardens  for  the  sake  of  ornament. 

The  root,  which  is  the  officinal  part,  is  very  large,  two  or  three  feet  in 
length,  about  three  inches  thick,  branched  at  the  bottom,  externally  of  a 
brownish-yellow  colour,  and  full  of  longitudinal  fissures,  internally  whitish 
and  milky,  and  of  a somewhat  acrid  taste.  Pursh  says  that  he  has  seen  a 
root  as  thick  as  a man’s  thigh. 

Medical  Properties.  The  wild  potato  is  feebly  cathartic,  and  has  been  pro- 
posed as  a substitute  for  jalap,  but  is  scarcely  used.  It  is  thought  also  to  be 
diuretic,  and  has  been  employed,  with  supposed  advantage,  in  strangury 
and  calculous  complaints.  Dr.  G.  M.  Maclean  considers  it  one  of  the  best 
diuretics  he  has  used,  when  given  in  infusion.  (A".  Y.  Journ.  of  Med.,  x.  875.) 
Forty  grains  of  the  dried  root  are  said  to  purge  gently.  W. 

COPAIBA.  U.  S.,  Loud.,  Ed. 

Copaiba. 

The  juice  of  Copaifera  officinalis  and  other  species  of  Copaifera.  U.  S. 
Copaifera  multijuga  and  other  species.  The  oleo-resin  from  incisions  in  the 
trunk.  Lond.  Fluid  resinous  exudation  of  various  species  of  Copaifera.  Ed. 

Off.  Syn.  COP AIV A BALSAM.  The  balsam  of  Copaifera  officinalis  and 
other  species.  Dub. 

Balsam  of  Copaiva;  Baume  de  copahu,  Fr.;  Copaiva-Balsam,  Germ.;  Balsamo  di 
copaiba,  Ital. ; Balsamo  de  copayva,  Span. 

Cofaifera.  Sex.  Syst.  Decandria  Monogynia. — Mat.  Ord.  Leguminosae, 
Jussieu.  Amyridaceae.  Bindley. 

Gen.  Ch.  Calyx  none.  Petals  four.  Legume  ovate.  Seed  one,  with  an 
ovate  arillus.  Willd. 

The  first  notice  to  be  found  of  the  copaiba  plant  is  that  by  Marcgrav  and 
Piso  in  the  year  1648.  Jacquin  in  1768  described  a species  of  Copaifera, 
growing  in  the  Island  of  Martinique,  which  he  named  C.  officinalis.  As  this 
was  believed  to  be  the  same  plant  with  the  one  observed  by  Marcgrav  in 
Brazil,  it  wras  adopted  in  the  Pharmacopoeias;  but  their  identity  is  now  de- 
nied ; and  Desfontaines  has  proposed  for  Jacquin’s  species  the  title  of  C. 
Jaequini,  in  honour  of  that  botanist.  It  is  now  known  that  many  species 
of  Copaifera  exist  in  Brazil  and  other  parts  of  South  America;  and  all  of 
them,  according  to  Martius,  yield  copaiba.  Besides  C.  officinalis  or  C.  Jae- 
quini, the  following  are  described  by  Hayne; — C.  Guiancnsis,  C.  Langsdorffi, 
C.  coriacea,  C.  Beyrichii,  C.  Martii,  C.  bijuga,  C.  nilida,  C.  laxa,  C.  eordi- 
folia , C.  Jussieui,  C.  Selloicii,  C.  oblongifolia , and  C.  multijuga.  Hayne 
believed  that  C.  bijuga  was  the  plant  seen  by  Marcgrav  and  Piso. 

Copaifera  officinalis.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  ii.  630;  Woodv.  Med.  Eat.  p.  609, 
t.  216.  C.  Jaequini.  Desfout.  Mem.  du  Mus.  vii.  376;  Hayne,  Darstel.  nnd 
Beschrcib.  &c.  x.  14.  This  is  an  elegant  tree,  with  a lofty  stem,  much  branched 
at  the  top,  and  crowned  b}7  a thick  canopy  of  foliage.  The  leaves  are  alter- 
nate, large,  and  pinuate,  composed  of  from  two  to  five  pairs  of  ovate,  entire, 
obtusely  acuminate  leaflets,  two  or  three  inches  in  length,  rather  narrower 


PART  I. 


287 


Copaiba. 

on  one  side  than  the  other,  smooth,  pellucidly  punctate,  somewhat  shining, 
and  on  short  footstalks.  The  flowers  are  whitish,  and  in  terminal  branched 
suikes.  The  fruit  is  an  oval,  two-valved  pod,  containing  a single  seed. 

This  species  of  Copaifera  is  a native  of  Venezuela,  and  grows  in  the  pro- 
vince of  Carthagena,  mingled  with  the  trees  which  afford  the  balsam  of 
Tolu.  It  grows  also  in  some  of  the  West  India  islands,  particularly  Trini- 
dad and,  Martinique,  where  it  is  said  to  be  naturalized.  Though  recognised 
in  the  United  States  Pharmacopoeia  as  one  of  the  sources  of  officinal  copaiba, 
it  probably  yields  little  of  that  now  in  use.  According  to  Hayne,  the  species 
from  which  most  of  the  copaiba  of  commerce  is  derived,  is  C.  multijvga, 
growing  in  the  province  of  Para.  It  is  probable  that  C.  Guianensis,  which 
inhabits  the  neighbouring  province  of  Guiana,  especially  in  the  vicinity  of 
the  Rio  Negro,  affords  also  considerable  quantities;  and  C.  LanijsdorJfii  and 
C.  coriacea,  which  are  natives  of  Santo  Paulo,  are  thought  to  yield  most  of 
the  juice  collected  in  the  last-mentioned  province. 

The  juice  is  obtained  by  making  deep  incisions  into  the  stems  of  the  trees; 
and  the  operation  is  said  to  be  repeated  several  times  in  the  same  season. 
As  it  flows  from  the  wound,  it  is  clear,  colourless,  and  very  thin,  but  soon 
acquires  a.  thicker  consistence,  and  a yellowish  tinge.  It  is  most  largely 
collected  in  the  provinces  of  Para  and  Maranham,  in  Brazil,  and  until  re- 
cently was  brought  to  this  country  chiefly  from  the  port  of  Para,  in  small 
casks  or  barrels.  But  large  quantities  of  it  are  now  brought  from  Mara- 
caibo, in  Venezuela,  and  from  other  ports  on  the  Caribbean  sea,  whence  it 
comes  in  casks,  demijohns,  cans,  jugs,  &c.  Copaiba  is  also  exported  from 
Angustura  on  the  Orinoco,  from  the  French  South  American  province  of 
Cayenne,  from  Rio  Janeiro,  and  from  some  of  the  West  India  islands. 

Properties.  Copaiba  is  a clear,  transparent  liquid,  usually  of  the  con- 
sistence of  olive  oil,  of  a pale-yellow  colour,  a peculiar  not  unpleasant  odour, 
and  a bitterish,  hot,  nauseous  taste.  Its  specific  gravity  varies  ordinarily 
from  0'950  to  l’OOO;  but  has  been  kuown  to  be  as  low  as  0’916.  (Procter, 
Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm .,  xxii.  292.)*  It  is  insoluble  in  water,  but  entirely 
soluble  in  absolute  alcohol,  ether,  and  the  fixed  and  volatile  oils.  Strong 
alkaline  solutions  dissolve  it  perfectly ; but  the  resulting  solution  becomes 
turbid  when  largely  diluted  with  water.  With  the  alkalies  and  alkaline 
earths  it  forms  saponaceous  compounds,  in  which  the  resin  of  the  copaiba 
acts  the  part  of  an  acid.  It  dissolves  magnesia,  especially  with  the  aid  of 
heat,  and  even  disengages  carbonic  acid  from  the  carbonate  of  that  earth.  If 
triturated  with  a sixteenth  of  its  weight  of  magnesia  and  set  aside,  it  gra- 
dually assumes  a solid  consistence ; and  a similar  change  is  produced  with 
hydrate  of  lime.  (See  Pilulse  Copaibse.)  Its  essential  constituents  are  vola- 
tile oil  and  resin,  with  a minute  proportion  of  an  acid  which  appears  to  be 
the  acetic.  (Durand,  Journ.  of  the  Phil.  Col.  of  Pharm.,  i.  3.)  As  it  con- 
tains no  benzoic  acid,  it  cannot  with  propriety  retain  its  old  title  of  balsam  of 
copaiva.  The  substances  which  it  most  closely  resembles,  both  in  composi- 
tion and  properties,  are  the  turpentines.  The  volatile  oil  will  be  treated  of 
among  the  preparations.  (See  Oleum  Copaibse.) 

* The  variety  of  copaiba  found  by  Prof.  Procter  to  have  this  low  sp.  gr.  was  of 
uncertain  origin,  but  supposed  to  be  from  Para.  It  was  of  a light  straw-colour,  very 
fluid,  and  possessed  of  the  pure  copaiba  odour.  It  contained  80  per  cent,  of  volatile 
oil  and  20  of  resin,  and  was  not  affected  by  recently  calcined  magnesia.  It  appears 
to  be  the  same  with  a variety  described  by  Dr.  L.  Posselt,  of  which  an  account  is  con- 
tained in  the  Chemical  Gazette  for  May  1st,  1849.  The  view  of  Prof.  Procter,  that  it 
is  the  product  of  young  trees  in  which  the  juice  has  not  become  fully  elaborated  is 
highly  probable.  As  the  virtues  of  copaiba  depend  mainly  on  the  oil,  this  variety  should 
be  more  efficacious  than  the  copaiba  in  common  use. — Note  to  ninth  edition. 


288 


PART  I. 


Copaiba. 

The  resinous  mass  which  remains  after  the  distillation  of  the  oil  is  hard, 
brittle,  translucent,  of  a greenish-brown  colour,  and  nearly  destitute  of  smell 
and  taste.  By  mixing  it  with  the  oil  in  proper  proportion,  we  may  obtain  a 
liquid  identical  or  nearly  so  with  the  original  juice.  When  treated  with  the 
oil  of  petroleum,  it  is  separated  into  two  distinct  resins,  one  of  which  is  dis- 
solved, and  may  be  obtained  separate  by  evaporation,  the  other  is  left  behind. 
The  first  is  yellowish,  hard,  and  brittle,  and  constitutes  by  far  the  largest 
proportion  of  the  residuum  of  the  distillation.  It  appears  to  possess  acid 
properties;  as  its  alcoholic  solution  reddens  litmus,  and  it  forms  definite 
compounds  with  the  alkalies.  It  has  therefore  received  the  name  of  c opaivic 
acid.  The  second  resin  is  yellowish-brown,  soft,  unctuous,  and  without  acid 
reaction ; and  is  supposed  by  Berzelius  to  result  from  the  resinification  of 
the  volatile  oil,  as  it  is  more  abundant  in  the  old  than  in  the  recent  juice. 
Becent  copaiba  examined  by  Gerber  yielded  41  per  cent,  of  volatile  oil,  51'38 
of  the  hard  and  brittle  resin,  2T8  of  the  soft  resin,  and  5'44  of  water;  while 
an  older  specimen  gave  31'OT  per  cent,  of  oil,  53'68  of  hard  resin,  1115  of 
soft  resin,  and  4T0  of  water. 

Copaiba,  upon  exposure  to  the  air,  acquires  a deeper  colour,  a thicker  con- 
sistence, and  greater  density,  and,  if  spread  out  upon  an  extended  surface, 
ultimately  becomes  dry  and  brittle.  This  change  is  owing  partly  to  the  vola- 
tilization, partly  to  the  oxidation  of  the  essential  oil.  As  it  is  the  soft  resin 
that  results  from  the  oxidation  of  the  oil,  it  follows  that  the  proportion  of 
this  resin  must  increase  with  age.  Considerable  diversities  must,  therefore, 
exist  in  the  drug,  both  in  physical  properties  and  the  proportion  of  its  ingre- 
dients, according  to  its  age  and  degree  of  exposure.  Similar  differences  also 
exist  in  the  copaiba  procured  from  different  sources.  Thus,  that  of  the  Tlcst 
Indies,  when  compared  with  the  Brazilian,  which  is  the  variety  above  de- 
scribed, and  in  common  use,  is  of  a thicker  consistence,  of  a deeper  or  darker 
yellow  colour,  less  transparent,  and  of  a less  agreeable,  more  terebinthinate 
odour;  and  specimens  obtained  from  the  ports  of  Venezuela  or  New  Grenada 
were  found,  upon  examination  by  M.  Vigne,  to  differ  from  each  other  not 
only  in  physical  properties,  but  also  in  their  chemical  relations.  ( Juurn . de 
Pharm.,  N.  S.,  i.  52.)  It  is  not  impossible  that  differences  may  exist  in  the 
juice  according  to  the  circumstances  of  its  collection.  The  age  of  the  tree,  its 
position,  and  the  season  of  collection  may  also  have  some  influence  over  the 
product.  It  is  highly  probable  that  the  resinous  matter  results  from  oxida- 
tion of  the  oil  in  the  cells  of  the  plant,  and  that  the  less  elaborated  the  juice 
may  be,  the  larger  proportion  it  will  contain  of  the  oil.  It  is  said  that  a 
volatile  oil  flows  abundantly  from  a tree  near  Bogota,  which  is  employed  to 
adulterate  the  copaiba  collected  in  that  neighbourhood,  and  shipped  from  3Ja- 
racaibo  and  other  neighbouring  ports.  (Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xviii.  240.) 

Adulterations.  Copaiba  is  said  to  be  frequently  adulterated  ; but  the 
remark  is  applicable  rather  to  the  markets  of  Europe  thau  to  those  of  the 
United  States  * The  fixed  oils  are  the  most  frequent  addition,  especially 
castor  oil,  which,  in  consequence  of  its  solubility  in  alcohol,  caunot,  like  the 
others,  be  detected  by  the  agency  of  that  fluid.  Various  plans  have  been 
proposed  for  ascertaining  the  presence  of  castor  oil.  The  simplest  is  to  boil 
a drachm  of  the  copaiba  in  a pint  of  water,  till  the  liquid  is  wholly  evupo- 

* We  have  a specimen  of  a substance  imported  into  Xew  York,  under  the  name  of 
red  copaiba,  which  has  not  a single  character  of  the  genuine  drug.  It  is  of  a thick 
semi-tiuid  consistence,  not  unlike  that  of  balsam  of  Tolu  as  it  often  reaches  us.  a brown 
colour  similar  to  that  of  the  same  balsam,  though  darker,  and  an  unpleasant  yet  some- 
what aromatic  odour,  recalling  that  of  liquidamber,  but  less  agreeable.  Its  origin  is 
unknown. — Note  to  the  ninth  edition. 


PART  I. 


289 


Copaiba. 

rated.  If  the  copaiba  contain  a fixed  oil,  the  residue  will  he  more  or  less  soft, 
according  to  the  quantity  present ; otherwise  it  will  he  hard.  Another  mode, 
proposed  by  M.  Blanche,  consists  in  shaking  together  in  a bottle  one  part  of 
solution  of  ammonia  of  the  sp.  gr.  0'9212  (22°  Baume)  with  two  and  a half 
parts  of  copaiba,  at  a temperature  of  from  50°  to  60°  F.  The  mixture,  at 
first  cloudy,  quickly  becomes  transparent  if  the  copaiba  is  pure,  but  remains 
more  or  less  opaque  if  it  is  adulterated  with  castor  oil.  According  to  J.  E. 
Simon,  however,  a variety  of  genuine  copaiba  sometimes  occurs  in  commerce, 
in  which  this  test  fails  (Am.  Journ.  of  Charm.,  xvi.  236);  and  it  does  not 
apply  to  the  variety  containing  80  per  cent,  of  volatile  oil  described  by  Pro- 
fessor Procter.  (See  note,  p.  287.)  Carbonate  of  magnesia,  caustic  potassa, 
and  sulphuric  acid  have  also  been  proposed  as  tests.  In  the  Edinburgh  Phar- 
macopoeia, it  is  stated  that  copaiba  “dissolves  a fourth  part  of  its  weight  of  car- 
bonate of  magnesia,  with  the  aid  of  a gentle  heat,  and  continues  translucent.” 
The  presence  of  a small  proportion  of  any  fixed  oil  renders  the  mixture  opaque. 
One  part  of  potassa  dissolved  in  two  of  water  forms  a clear  solution  with  nine 
parts  of  pure  copaiba,  and  the  liquid  continues  clear  when  moderately  diluted 
with  water  or  alcohol;  but  the  presence  of  one-sixth  of  fixed  oil  in  the  copaiba 
occasions  more  or  less  opacity  in  the  liquid,  and  half  the  quantity  causes  the 
precipitation  of  white  flakes  iu  a few  hours.  (Stolze.)  Turpentine,  which  is 
said  to  be  sometimes  added  to  copaiba,  may  be  detected  by  its  smell,  espe- 
' cially  if  the  copaiba  be  heated.  According  to  Mr.  Redwood,  most  of  the 
proposed  tests  of  the  purity  of  copaiba  are  liable  to  fallacy;  and  the  best 
measure  of  its  activity  is  the  quantity  of  volatile  oil  ft  affords  by  distillation. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Copaiba  is  gently  stimulant,  diuretic,  laxa- 
tive, and  in  very  large  doses  often  actively  purgative.  It  produces,  when  swal- 
lowed, a sense  of  heat  in  the  throat  and  stomach,  and  extends  an  irritant 
action,  not  only  throughout  the  alimentary  canal,  but  also  to  the  urinary  pas- 
' sages,  and  in  fact,  in  a greater  or  less  degree,  to  all  the  mucous  membranes, 
for  which  it  appears  to  have  a strong  affinity.  The  urine  acquires  a peculiar 
odour  during  its  use,  and  its  smell  may  be  detected  in  the  breath.  It  some- 
times occasions  an  eruption  upon  the  skin,  resembling  that  of  measles,  and 
; attended  with  a disagreeable  itching  and  tingling  sensation.  Nausea  and 
vomiting,  painful  purgation,  strangury  and  bloody  urine,  and  a general  state 
of  fever  are  among  the  morbid  results  of  its  excessive  action.  As  a remedy 
’ it  has  been  found  most  efficient  in  diseases  of  the  mucous  membranes,  par- 
' tic-ularly  those  of  a chronic  character.  Thus,  it  is  given  with  occasional 
1 advantage  in  leucorrhcea,  gleet,  chronic  dysentery  and  diarrhoea,  painful 
hemorrhoidal  affections,  and  chronic  bronchitis.  By  Dr.  La  Roche,  of  Phi- 
ladelphia, it  is  highly  recommended  in  catarrh  of  the  bladder,  and  in  chronic 
irritation  of  the  same  organ.  {Am.  Journ.  of  Med.  Sci.,  xiv.  13.)  It  has 
been  given  in  dropsy,  and  is  said  to  be  used  as  a vermifuge  in  Brazil.  The 
complaint,  however,  in  which  it  is  most  employed  is  gonorrhoea.  It  is  given 
in  all  stages  of  the  disorder;  but  caution  is  requisite  when  the  inflammatory 
symptoms  are  high.  Even  in  health,  if  taken  largely,  it  sometimes  produces 
very  unpleasant  irritation  of  the  urinary  passages,  and,  by  sympathy,  of  the 
testicles.  It  was  formerly  much  esteemed  as  a vulnerary,  and  as  an  applica- 
; tion  to  ulcers ; but  is  now  seldom  used  externally.  Dr.  Rusehenberger  re- 
commends it  as  a local  application  in  chilblains.  {Med.  Examiner , i.  77.) 

The  dose  of  copaiba  is  from  twenty  drops  to  a fluidrachm  three  times  a day, 
or  a smaller  quantity  repeated  more  frequently.  It  may  be  given  dropped  on 
sugar ; but  in  this  form  is  often  so  exceedingly  offensive,  as  to  render  some 
concealment  of  its  nauseous  qualities  necessary.  It  is  sometimes  given  float- 
ing on  the  surface  of  an  aromatic  water,  or  mixed  with  an  equal  measure  of 
19 


290 


PART  I. 


Copaiba. — Coptis. 

spirit  of  nitric  ether.  A less  disagreeable  form  is  that  of  emulsion,  prepared 
by  rubbing  the  copaiba  first  with  mucilage  or  the  yolk  of  an  egg,  and  sugar, 
and  afterwards  with  some  aromatic  water,  as  that  of  mint  or  cinnamon.  The 
volatile  oil , which  is  the  active  ingredient  of  copaiba,  may  be  given  in  the 
dose  of  ten  or  fifteen  drops,  either  upon  sugar,  or  in  the  form  of  emulsion. 
The  resin,  which  has  been  proposed  as  a substitute,  is  nearly  inert.  The 
pills  made  with  magnesia  may  sometimes  be  resorted  to  with  advantage;  and 
it  is  customary  to  administer  copaiba  enclosed  in  capsules  of  gelatin,  which 
cover  the  taste,  while  they  readily  dissolve  in  the  stomach.  (See  Glue , in  the 
Appendix .)  Velpeau  has  found  the  best  effects  from  copaiba  in  the  form  of 
enema.  He  gives  two  drachms  made  into  an  emulsion  with  the  yolk  of  an 
egg,  twenty  or  thirty  drops  of  laudanum,  and  eight  fluidounces  of  water. 

Off.  Prep.  Oleum  Copaibse;  Pilulse  Copaibae.  W. 

COPTIS.  TJ.  S.  Secondary. 

Goldthread. 

The  root  of  Coptis  trifolia.  TJ.  S. 

Coptis.  Sex.  Pyst.  Polyandria  Polygynia. — Nat.  Or J.  Ranunculace®. 

Gen.  Gh.  Calyx  none.  Petals  five  or  six,  caducous.  Nectaries  five  or  six, 
cucullate.  Capsules  five  to  eight,  stipitate,  stellately  diverging,  and  rostrate, 
many-seeded.  Nuttall. 

Coptis  trifolia.  Bigelow,  Am.  Med.  Bot.  i.  60 ; Barton,  Med.  Bot.  ii.  97. 
This  little' evergreen  has  a perennial  creeping  root,  the  slenderness  and  bright 
yellow  colour  of  which  have  given  rise  to  the  name  of  goldthread , by  which 
the  plant  is  commonly  known.  The  caudex  from  which  the  petioles  and 
flower-stems  proceed,  is  invested  with  ovate,  acuminate,  yellowish,  imbricated 
scales.  The  leaves,  which  stand  on  long  slender  footstalks,  are  ternate,  with 
firm,  rounded  or  obovate,  sessile  leaflets,  having  an  acute  base,  a lobed  and 
acuminately  crenate  margin,  and  a smooth  veined  surface.  The  scape  or 
flower-stem  is  slender,  round,  rather  longer  than  the  leaves,  and  surmounted 
by  one  small  white  flower,  with  a minute  mucronate  bracte  beneath  it.  The 
petals  are  oblong,  concave,  and  of  a white  colour ; the  nectaries  inversely 
conical,  hollow,  and  yellow  at  the  top.  The  stamens  have  capillary  filaments 
and  globose  anthers.  The  germs  are  from  five  to  eight,  stipitate,  oblong, 
compressed,  and  surmounted  by  short  recurved  styles,  with  acute  stigmas. 
The  capsules,  which  diverge  in  a star-like  form,  are  pedicelled,  compressed, 
beaked,  and  contain  numerous  black  seeds  attached  to  the  inner  side. 

The  goldthread  inhabits  the  northern  regions  of  this  continent  and  of  Asia, 
and  is  found  in  Greenland  and  Iceland.  It  delights  in  the  dark  shady  swamps 
and  cold  morasses  of  northern  latitudes  and  Alpine  regions,  and  abounds  in 
Canada,  and  in  the  hilly  districts  of  New  England.  Its  blossoms  appear  in 
May.  All  parts  of  the  plant  possess  more  or  less  bitterness ; but  this  pro- 
perty is  most  intense  in  the  root,  which  -is  the  only  officinal  portion. 

Dried  goldthread,  as  brought  into  the  market,  is  iu  loosely  matted  masses, 
consisting  of  the  long,  thread-like,  orange-yellow  roots,  frequently  interlaced, 
and  mingled  with  the  leaves  and  stems  of  the  plant.  It  is  without  smell, 
and  has  a purely  bitter  taste,  unattended  with  aroma  or  astringency.  It  im- 
parts its  bitterness  and  yellow  colour  to  water  and  alcohol,  but  most  perfectly 
to  the  latter,  with  which  it  forms  a bright  yellow  tincture.  The  infusion  is 
precipitated  by  nitrate  of  silver  and  acetate  of  lead.  ( Bigeloic .)  It  affords 
no  evidence  of  containing  either  resin,  gum,  or  tannin. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Goldthread  is  a simple  tonic  bitter,  bearing 
a close  resemblance  to  quassia  in  its  mode  of  action,  and  applicable  to  all 


PART  I. 


291 


Coptis. — Coriandrum. 

cases  in  which  that  medicine  is  prescribed ; though,  from  its  higher  price, 
not  likely  to  come  into  general  use  as  a substitute.  In  New  England  it  is 
much  employed  as  a local  application  in  aphthous  ulcerations  of  the  mouth; 
but  it  probably  has  no  other  virtues  in  this  complaint  than  such  as  are 
common  to  the  simple  bitters.  It  may  be  given  in  substance,  infusion,  or 
tincture.  The  dose  of  the  powder  is  from  ten  to  thirty  grains,  of  a tincture 
made  with  an  ounce  of  the  root  to  a pint  of  diluted  alcohol,  one  fluidrachm. 

Another  species  of  Coptis  has  been  described  by  Dr.  Wallich,  under  the 
name  of  Coptis  Teeta,  which  grows  in  the  mountainous  regions  bordering 
on  Assam,  and  is  much  used  as  a tonic  by  the  people  of  that  country  and  by 
the  Chinese.  It  appears  to  be  closely  analogous  in  properties  to  C.  trifolia. 
{Am.  Journ.  of  P harm.,  ix.  196.)  W. 

CORIANDRUM.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed. 

Coriander. 

The  fruit  of  Coriandrum  sativum.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed. 

Off.  Syn.  CORIANDER.  The  seeds  of  Coriandrum  Sativum.  Dub. 

Coriandre,  Fr.;  Koriander,  Germ.;  Ccriandro,  Ital.;  Cilantro,  Span. 

Coriandrum.  Sex.  Syst.  Pentandria  Digynia.  — Nat.  Ord.  Apiaceae  or 
Umbelliferae. 

Gen.  Ch.  Corolla  radiate.  Petals  inflex-emarginate.  Universal  involucre 
one-leafed.  Partial  involucres  halved.  Fruit  spherical.  Willd. 

Coriandrum  sativum.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  i.  1448 ; Woodv.  Med.  Bot.  p. 
137,  t.  53.  This  is  an  annual  plant,  with  an  erect,  round,  smooth,  branching 
stem,  which  rises  about  two  feet  in  height,  and  is  furnished  with  compound 
leaves,  of  which  the  upper  are  thrice  ternate,  with  linear  pointed  leaflets,  the 
lower  pinnate,  with  the  pinnae  cut  into  irregular  serrated  lobes,  resembling 
those  of  common  parsley.  The  flowers  are  white  or  rose-coloured,  and  dis- 
’ posed  in  compound  terminal  umbels.  The  fruit  is  globular,  and  consists  of 
two  concave  hemispherical  portions. 

C.  sativum  is  a native  of  Italy,  but  at  present  grows  wild  in  most  parts  of 
Europe,  having  beeome  naturalized  in  consequence  of  its  extended  cultivation. 
The  flowers  appear  in  June,  and  the  fruit  ripens  in  August.  It  is  a singular 
fact,  that  all  parts  of  the  fresh  plant  are  extremely  fetid  when  bruised,  while 
. the  fruit  becomes  fragrant  by  drying.  This  is  the  officinal  portion.  It  is 
brought  to  us  from  Europe. 

The  fruit  of  the  coriander,  as  found  in  the  shops,  is  globular,  about  the 
eighth  of  an  inch  in  diameter,  obscurely  ribbed,  of  a grayish  or  brownish- 
yellow  colour,  and  separable  into  the  two  portions  (half-fruits)  of  which  it 
consists.  It  has  the  persistent  calyx  at  its  base,  and  is  sometimes  surmounted 
by  the  adhering  style.  The  smell  and  taste  are  gratefully  aromatic,  and  de- 
pend on  a volatile  oil,  which  may  be  obtained  separate  by  distillation,  and  is 
said  to  belong  to  the  camphene  family.  {Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xxv.  131.) 
They  are  imparted  to  alcohol  by  maceration,  and  less  readily  to  water. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Coriander  has,  in  a moderate  degree,  the 
ordinary  medicinal  virtues  of  the  aromatics.  It  is  almost  exclusively  em- 
ployed in  combination  with  other  medicines,  either  to  cover  their  taste,  to 
render  them  acceptable  to  the  stomach,  or  to  correct  their  griping  qualities. 
It  was  well  known  to  the  ancients.  The  dose  is  from  a scruple  to  a drachm. 

Off.  Prep.  Confectio  Sennas;  Infusum  Gentianas  Compositum;  Infusum 
Sennae;  Infusum  Sennae  Compositum;  Tinctura  Rhei  et  Sennae;  Tinctura 
Sennae  et  Jalapae.  W. 


292 


Cornu. — Cornus  Circinata. 


PART  I. 


CORNU.  Lond.,  Ed. 

Hartshorn. 

Horn  of  Cervus  Elaphus.  Ed.,  Lond. 

Corne  de  cerf,  Ft. ; Hirschhorn,  Germ..;  Como  di  cervo,  Ital.;  Cuerno  de  ciervo,  Span. 

The  stag  or  hart  — Cervus  Elaphus — the  horns  of  which  are  directed  by 
the  British  Colleges,  inhabits  Europe,  Asia,  and  the  north  of  Africa.  Those 
of  our  own  common  deer  — Cervus  Virginianus — though  employed  in  the 
arts,  are  not  officinal.  Hartshorn  is  usually  imported  into  this  country  from 
Germany,  in  the  state  of  shavings,  but  is  very  little  employed. 

Hartshorn  shavings  are  without  smell  and  taste,  pliable,  and  of  an  ivory 
yellow  colour.  According  to  M.  Merat-Guillot,  they  contain  in  100  parts, 
27  of  gelatin,  57 '5  of  phosphate  of  lime,  1 of  carbonate  of  lime,  and  14*5 
of  water  including  the  loss.  Boiling  water  extracts  their  gelatin,  forming  a 
transparent,  colourless  jelly,  which  may  be  rendered  palatable  by  the  addition 
of  sugar,  lemon  or  orange  juice,  and  a little  wine.  To  prepare  it,  two  pints 
of  water  are  boiled  with  four  ounces  of  the  shavings  to  a pint,  and  the  residue 
strained  while  hot.  The  liquid  gelatinizes  upon  cooling.  By  destructive 
distillation,  the  shavings  yield  an  impure  solution  of  carbonate  of  ammonia, 
which  was  formerly  called  spirit  of  hartshorn;  and  the  same  name  has  been 
applied  to  similar  ammoniacal  solutions  from  other  sources. 

Cornu  Ustum.  Lond.  Burnt  Hartshorn.  The  directions  formerly  given 
by  the  London  College  for  the  preparation  of  this  substance  were,  to  “ burn 
pieces  of  Hartshorn  in  an  open  vessel  until  they  are  thoroughly  white;  then 
powder  them,  and  prepare  them  in  the  manner  directed  for  Chalk.”  The 
horn  must  not  only  be  heated,  but  also  burnt,  in  order  that  the  animal  matter 
may  be  entirely  consumed.  The  operation  may  be  performed  in  a common 
furnace  or  stove,  the  air  being  freely  admitted.  Care  should  be  taken  that 
the  heat  be  not  too  great;  as  otherwise  the  external  surface  of  the  horn  may 
become  vitrified,  and  prevent  the  complete  combustion  of  the  interior  portion, 
while  it  is  itself  rendered  less  fit  for  use.  Burnt  hartshorn  consists  of  bone- 
phosphate  of  lime,  with  about  one  per  cent,  of  free  lime  derived  from  the 
carbonate  contained  in  the  horns.  Calcined  bone  is  usually  sold  in  the 
shops  for  burnt  hartshorn.  For  the  chemical  characters  of  bone-phosphate 
of  lime,  see  Calcis  Pliosphas  Prsecipitatum. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  The  opinion  formerly"  entertained  that  burnt 
hartshorn  wTas  antacid,  has  been  abandoned  since  the  discovery  of  its  chemical 
nature.  Its  composition  suggested  its  application  to  the  cure  of  rachitis  and 
mollities  ossium,  of  which  the  prominent  character  is  a deficiency  of  phosphate 
of  lime  in  the  bones;  and  it  is  said  to  have  been  employed  in  some  cases,  in 
connexion  with  phosphate  of  soda,  with  apparent  success.  Experience,  how- 
ever, has  not  confirmed  the  first  report  in  its  favour.  It  is  probably  altogether 
inert.  The  dose  is  twenty  grains  or  more.  The  jelly  prepared  from  the  shav- 
ings of  hartshorn  has  been  thought  to  possess  medical  virtues;  but  it  is  only 
nutritive  and  demulcent,  and  is  probably  not  superior  to  calfsfoot  jelly.  The 
shavings  themselves  are  used  in  the  preparation  of  the  Pulvis  Autimonialis. 

Off.  Prep.  Pulvis  Antimonialis.  W. 

CORNUS  CIRCINATA.  US.  Secondary. 
Round-leaved  Dogwood. 

The  bark  of  Cornus  circinata.  U.  S. 

Cornus.  Sex.  Syst.  Tetrandria  Monogynia. — Nat.  Ord.  Cornacere. 


PART  I. 


Cornus  Circinata. — Oornus  Florida. 


298 


Gen.  Ch.  Involucre  usually  four-leaved.  Petals  superior,  four.  Drupe 
with  a two-celled  nut.  T Villd. 

We  have  ten  indigenous  species  of  Cornus,  all  of  which  are  supposed  to 
possess  similar  medical  properties ; and  three — G.  Florida,  C.  circinata, 
and  C.  sericea — are  noticed  in  the  Pharmacopoeia  of  the  United  States.  The 
last  two  are  placed  in  the  secondary  list,  not  because  they  are  esteemed  less 
efficient  than  the  first,  but  because  they  have  hitherto  less  attracted  the  atten- 
tion of  the  profession. 

Cornus  circinata.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  i.  663.  This  is  a shrub  from  six  to 
ten  feet  high,  with  warty  branches,  large,  roundish,  pointed  leaves,  waved 
on  their  edges  and  downy  beneath,  and  white  flowers  disposed  in  depressed 
cymes.  The  fruit  is  blue.  The  plant  is  a native  of  the  United  States,  ex- 
tending from  Canada  to  Virginia,  and  growing  on  hill-sides  and  the  banks  of 
rivers.  It  flowers  in  June  and  July. 

The  bark,  when  dried,  is  in  quills  of  a whitish  or  ash  colour,  and  affords 
a powder  resembling  that  of  ipecacuanha.  Its  taste  is  bitter,  astringent,  and 
aromatic.  In  chemical  composition,  so  far  as  this  has  been  ascertained,  it  is 
analogous  to  Cornus  Florida.  It  possesses  also  similar  medical  virtues,  and 
may  be  employed  in  the  same  doses.  It  has  been  much  used  as  a tonic  and 
astringent  in  Connecticut,  and  was  highly  extolled  by  the  late  Dr.  Ives,  of 
New  York,  who  recommended,  as  the  most  eligible  preparation,  an  infusion 
made  by  pouring  a pint  of  boiling  water  on  an  ounce  of  the  coarsely  powdered 
bark.  The  dose  of  this  is  from  one  to  two  fluidounees.  W. 

CORNUS  FLORIDA.  U.  S. 

Dogwood. 

The  bark  of  Cornus  Florida.  U.  S. 

Cornus.  See  CORNUS  CIRCINATA. 

Cornus  Florida.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  i.  661;  Bigelow,  Am.  Med.  Bot.  ii. 
73;  Barton,  Med.  Bot.  i.  44.  This  is  a small  indigenous  tree,  usually  about 
fifteen  or  twenty  feet  in  height,  though  sometimes  not  less  than  thirty  or 
thirty-five  feet.  It  is  of  slow  growth;  and  the  stem,  which  generally  attains 
a diameter  of  four  or  five  inches,  is  compact,  and  covered  with  a brownish 
bark,  the  epidermis  of  which  is  minutely  divided  by  numerous  superficial 
cracks  or  fissures.  The  branches  are  spreading,  and  regularly  disposed,  some- 
times opposite,  sometimes  in  fours  nearly  in  the  form  of  crosses.  The  leaves 
are  opposite,  oval,  about  three  inches  long,  pointed,  dark-green  and  sulcated 
on  the  upper  surface,  glaucous  or  whitish  beueath,  and  marked  with  strong 
parallel  veins.  Towards  the  close  of  summer  they  are  speckled  with  black 
spots,  and  on  the  approach  of  cold  weather  become  red.  The  proper  flowers 
are  small,  yellowish,  and  collected  in  heads,  which  are  surrounded  by  a large 
conspicuous  involucre,  consisting  of  four  white  obcordate  leaves,  having  the 
notch  at  their  summit  tinged  with  red  or  purple.  This  involucre  constitutes 
the  chief  beauty  of  the  tree  when  in  flower.  The  calyx  is  four-toothed,  and 
the  corolla  composed  of  four  obtuse  reflexed  petals.  The  fruit  is  an  oval  drupe 
of  a vivid  glossy  redness,  containing  a two-celled  and  two-seeded  nucleus. 
The  drupes  are  usually  associated  together  to  the  number  of  three  or  four, 
and  remain  on  the  tree  till  after  the  early  frosts.  They  ripen  in  September. 

The  dogwood  is  found  in  all  parts  of  the  United  States,  from  Massachusetts 
to  the  Mississippi  and  the  Gulf  of  Mexico;  but  is  most  abundant  in  the  Middle 
States.  In  the  month  of  May,  it  is  clothed  with  a profusion  of  large  white 
blossoms,  which  render  it  one  of  the  most  conspicuous  ornaments  of  the  Ameri- 
can forests.  The  bark  is  the  officinal  portion,  and  is  derived  for  use  both 


294 


Cornus  Florida. — Cornus  Sericea. — Cotula. 


PART  i. 


from  the  stem  and  branches,  and  from  the  root.  The  bark  of  the  root  is  pre- 
ferred. It  is  brought  into  market  in  pieces  of  various  sizes,  usually  more  or 
less  rolled,  sometimes  invested  with  a fawn-coloured  epidermis,  sometimes 
partially  or  wholly  deprived  of  it,  of  a reddish-gray  colour,  very  brittle,  and 
affording,  when  pulverized,  a grayish  powder  tinged  with  red.  The  odour  of 
dogwood  is  feeble,  its  taste  bitter,  astringent,  and  slightly  aromatic.  Water 
and  alcohol  extract  its  virtues.  It  has  not  been  accurately  analyzed;  but, 
from  the  experiments  of  Dr.  Walker  and  others,  appears  to  contain  extractive 
matter,  gum,  resin,  tannin,  and  gallic  acid.  A peculiar  bitter  principle,  for 
which  the  name  of  cornine  was  proposed,  was  announced  as  an  ingredient 
by  Mr.  Carpenter;  but  we  need  more  definite  information  on  the  subject. 
The  flowers  of  C.  Florida  have  the  same  bitter  taste  as  the  bark,  and, 
though  not  officinal,  ai-e  sometimes  employed  for  the  same  purposes. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Cornus  Florida  is  tonic  and  astringent.  By 
Dr.  Walker  it  was  found,  when  taken  internally,  to  augment  the  force  and 
frequency  of  the  pulse,  and  increase  the  heat  of  the  body.  It  is  thought  to 
possess  remedial  properties  analogous  to  those  of  Peruvian  hark,  for  which 
it  has  occasionally  been  successfully  substituted  in  the  treatment  of  inter- 
mittent fevers;  but  the  introduction  of  sulphate  of  quinia  into  use  has  nearly 
banished  this,  as  well  as  many  other  substitutes  for  cinchona,  from  regular 
practice.  The  dogwood  has  also  been  employed  in  low  fevers,  and  other  com- 
plaints for  which  Peruvian  bark  is  usually  prescribed. 

It  may  be  given  in  powder,  decoction,  or  extract.  The  dose  of  the  powder 
is  from  a scruple  to  a drachm,  repeated,  in  cases  of  intermittent  fever,  so  that 
from  one  to  two  ounces  may  be  taken  in  the  interval  between  the  paroxysms. 
The  decoction  is  officinal.  (See  Decoctum  Comils  Florid se.)  The  dried  bark 
is  said  to  be  preferable  to  the  fresh;  as  it  possesses  all  the  activity  of  the 
latter,  without  being  equally  liable  to  offend  the  stomach  and  bowels.  An 
extract  might  probably  be  used  with  advantage  in  intermittents  in  large  doses. 

Off.  Prep.  Decoctum  Cornus  Floridae.  W. 

CORNUS  SERICEA.  JJ.  S.  Secondary. 

Swamp  Dogwood. 

The  bark  of  Cornus  sericea.  U.  S. 

Cornus.  See  CORNUS  CIRCINATA. 

Cornus  sericea.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  i.  663;  Barton,  Med.  Bot.  i.  115.  This 
species  of  Cornus  is  usually  six  or  eight  feet  in  height,  with  numerous  erect 
stems,  which  are  covered  with  a shining  reddish  bark,  and  send  out  opposite 
spreading  branches.  The  young  shoots  are  more  or  less  pubescent.  The  leaves 
are  opposite,  petiolate,  ovate,  pointed,  entire,  and  on  the  under  surface  covered 
with  soft  brownish  hairs.  The  flowers  are  small,  white,  and  disposed  in  ter- 
minal cymes,  which  are  depressed  and  woolly.  The  fruit  consists  of  globular, 
berry-formed  drupes,  of  a cerulean  blue  colour,  and  collected  in  bunches. 

The  swamp  dogwood  inhabits  the  United  States  from  Canada  to  Carolina, 
and  is  found  in  moist  woods,  in  swamps,  and  on  the  borders  of  streams.  It 
flowers  in  June  and  July.  The  bark  was  ascertained  by  Dr.  Walker  to  have 
the  same  medical  properties  as  that  of  Cornus  Florida.  It  may  be  given  in 
the  same  doses,  and  administered  in  a similar  manner.  A . 

COTULA.  JJ.  S.  Secondary. 

Mayweed. 

The  herb  of  Anthemis  Cotula.  U.  S. 


PART  I. 


Cotula. — Creasotum. 


295 


Camomille  puante,  Maroute,  Fr.;  Hunds-Kamille,  Stinkende-Kamille,  Germ.;  Camo- 
roilla  fetida,  Cotula,  Ilal.;  Manzanilla  loca,  Span. 

Anthemis.  See  ANTHEMIS. 

Anthemis  Cotula.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  iii.  2181 ; Barton,  Med.  Bot.  i.  161. 
The  mayweed  is  an  annual  plant,  with  a fibrous  root,  and  an  erect  striated 
stem,  very  much  branched  even  to  the  bottom,  from  one  to  two  feet  in  height, 
and  supporting  alternate,  sessile,  flat,  doubly  pinnated,  somewhat  hairy  leaves, 
with  pointed  linear  leaflets.  The  flowers  stand  singly  upon  the  summits  of 
the  branches,  and  consist  of  a central,  convex,  golden  yellow  disk,  with  white 
radial  florets,  which  spread  horizontally  during  the  day,  but  are  reflexed  or 
bent  towards  the  stem  at  night.  The  calyx,  which  is  common  to  all  the 
florets,  is  hemispherical,  and  composed  of  imbricated  hairy  scales.  The  re- 
ceptacle is  conical  or  nearly  cylindrical,  and  surmounted  by  rigid,  bristle- 
shaped paleae,  shorter  than  the  florets.  The  seeds  are  naked. 

This  plant  grows  abundantly  both  in  the  United  States  and  in  Europe.  In 
this  country  it  is  found  in  the  vicinity  of  inhabited  places,  growing  among 
rubbish,  along  the  sides  of  roads,  and  in  waste  grounds.  Notwithstanding 
its  extensive  diffusion,  it  is  generally  believed  to  be  a naturalized,  not  an  in- 
digenous plant.  It  is  frequently  called  wild  chamomile.  It  flowers  from 
the  middle  of  summer  till  late  in  autumn. 

The  whole  plant  has  a strong,  disagreeable  smell,  and  a warm,  bitter  taste, 
and  imparts  these  properties  to  water. 

The  medical  properties  of  this  species  of  Anthemis  are  essentially  the  same 
as  those  of  chamomile,  for  which  it  may  be  employed  as  a substitute ; but  its 
disagreeable  odour  is  an  obstacle  to  its  general  use.  On  the  continent  of 
Europe  it  has  been  given  in  nervous  diseases,  especially  hysteria,  under  the 
impression,  probably  derived  from  its  peculiar  smell,  that  it  possesses  anti- 
spasmodic  powers.  It  has  also  been  thought  to  be  emmenagogue.  It  is  said 
to  have  the  property  of  vesicating,  if  applied  to  the  surface  fresh  and  bruised. 
In  this  country  it  is  scarcely  employed,  except  as  a domestic  remedy.  The 
whole  plant  is  active;  but  the  flowers,  being  less  disagreeable  than  the  leaves, 
are  preferred  for  internal  use.  The  remedy  is  best  administered  in  the  state 
of  infusion.  W. 

CREASOTUM.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub. 

Creasote. 

A peculiar  substance  obtained  from  tar.  U.  S.  An  oxy-hydro-carburet, 
prepared  from  pyroxylic  oil.  Lond. 

This  is  a substance  of  the  nature  of  the  volatile  oils,  discovered  in  1830 
by  Dr.  Reichenbach  in  the  products  of  the  distillation  of  wood.  M.  Deville 
conceives  that  it  is  a volatile  oil,  derived  by  heat  from  the  resin  of  wood,  and 
isomeric  with  the  original  volatile  oil,  from  which  the  resin  is  supposed  to  have 
been  formed  by  a slow  alteration  occurring  in  the  vegetable.  It  may,  there- 
fore, be  classed  with  the  volatile  oils  which  are  regenerated  by  distillation. 

In  the  products  of  the  distillation  of  organic  substances  generally,  whether 
vegetable  or  animal,  Reichenbach  also  discovered  five  other  principles,  called 
paraffine,  eupione,  picamar,  capnomor,  and  pittacal,  which,  as  being  associated 
with  creasote,  will  be  here  briefly  described.  Paraffine  is  a white,  crystalline, 
soft  solid,  devoid  of  taste  and  smell,  and  characterized  by  its  feeble  affinity 
for  other  bodies,  as  is  indicated  by  its  name,  from  parum  affinis.  Eupione 
is  an  inodorous,  insipid,  limpid,  and  colourless  liquid,  of  the  sp.gr.  0'740, 
obtained  most  abundantly  from  animal  tar  and  Dippel’s  animal  oil.  Both 
these  substances  are  composed  exclusively  of  carbon  and  hydrogen.  Picamar 


296 


Creasotum. 


PART  I. 


is  a colourless,  oily  liquid,  heavier  than  water,  of  a peculiar  odour  and  very 
bitter  taste.  It  is  present  in  the  heaviest  portion  of  the  rectified  oil  of  tar, 
and  constitutes  the  bitter  principle  of  that  substance.  Capnomor,  so  called 
from  its  being  one  of  the  ingredients  of  smoke,  is  a colourless  liquid,  lighter 
than  water,  having  a pleasant  odour  and  a pungent  taste,  and  occurring  in 
the  heavy  oil  of  tar.  It  has  the  property  of  dissolving  caoutchouc,  and  is  an 
ingredient  in  coal  naphtha,  which  owes  to  its  presence  the  property  of  dis- 
solving that  substance.  Pittacal,  also  obtained  from  the  heavy  oil  of  tar,  is 
a solid  of  a beautiful  blue  colour,  differing  from  the  other  substances  above 
noticed  in  containing  nitrogen  as  one  of  its  elements. 

Preparation.  Creasote  is  obtained  either  from  wood  tar  or  from  crude  pyro- 
ligneous acid.  When  wood  tar  is  used,  it  is  distilled  until  it  has  attained  the 
consistence  of  pitch.  The  distilled  liquid  divides  itself  into  three  layers,  an 
aqueous  between  two  oily  layers.  The  inferior  oily  layer,  which  alone  con- 
tains the  creasote,  is  separated,  and  saturated  with  carbonate  of  potassa  to 
remove  acetic  acid.  The  liquid  is  allowed  to  rest,  and  the  new  oil  which 
separates  is  decanted  from  it.  This  oil  is  distilled,  and  yields  products  lighter 
than  water,  and  a liquid  heavier.  The  latter  alone  is  preserved,  and,  having 
been  agitated  repeatedly  with  weak  phosphoric  acid  to  neutralize  ammonia, 
is  allowed  to  remain  at  rest  for  some  time.  It  is  next  washed  as  long  as 
acidity  is  removed,  and  then  distilled  with  a fresh  portion  of  weak  phosphoric 
acid,  care  being  taken  to  cohobate  from  time  to  time.  The  oily  liquid  thus 
rectified  is  colourless,  and  contains  much  creasote,  but  also  a portion  of  eupione. 
To  separate  the  latter,  the  liquid  is  mixed  with  a solution  of  caustic  potassa 
of  the  density  of  1'12,  which  dissolves  the  creasote,  but  not  the  eupione.  The 
eupione,  which  swims  above  from  its  levity,  being  separated,  the  alkaline 
solution  of  the  creasote  is  exposed  to  the  air,  until  it  becomes  brown  in  con- 
sequence of  the  decomposition  of  a foreign  matter,  and  is  then  saturated  with 
sulphuric  acid.  This  sets  free  the  creasote,  which  is  decanted  and  again  dis- 
tilled. The  treatment  by  solution  of  potassa,  sulphuric  acid,  &c.,  is  to  be 
repeated  until  the  creasote  no  longer  becomes  brown  by  exposure  to  the  air, 
but  only  slightly  reddish.  It  is  then  dissolved  in  a stronger  solution  of  potassa 
and  distilled  again,  and  finally  redistilled  for  the  last  time,  rejecting  the  first 
portion  which  comes  over  on  account  of  its  containing  much  water,  collecting 
the  next  portion,  and  avoiding  to  push  the  distillation  too  far.  The  product 
collected  in  this  distillation  is  pure  creasote. 

When  creasote  is  extracted  from  pyroligneous  acid,  the  first  step  is  to  dis- 
solve sulphate  of  soda  in  it  to  saturation.  The  oil  which  separates  and  swims 
above  is  decanted,  and,  having  been  allowed  to  remain  at  rest  for  a few  days, 
is  saturated  by  carbonate  of  potassa  with  the  assistance  of  heat,  and  distilled 
with  water.  The  oleaginous  liquid  obtained  is  of  a pale-yellow  colour,  and 
is  to  be  treated  with  phosphoric  acid,  &c.  &c.,  as  above  detailed  with  respect 
to  the  treatment  of  the  corresponding  oil  obtained  from  tar. 

According  to  M.  Koene,  the  tar  of  the  pine  furnishes  but  little  pure  crea- 
sote; while  coal  tar  yields  nearly  five  drachms  to  the  pint.  Some  object  to 
the  use  of  coal  tar,  as  affording  a product,  mentioned  further  on,  called  phe- 
nylic  acid,  which  closely  resembles  creasote,  or,  at  least,  as  furnishing  a crea- 
sote, contaminated  with  this  acid. 

Properties.  Creasote,  when  pure,  is  a colourless  oleaginous  liquid,  of  the 
consistence  of  oil  of  almonds,  slightly  greasy  to  the  touch,  volatilizable  by 
heat,  and  having  a caustic,  burning  taste,  and  a penetrating,  disagreeable 
odour,  like  that  of  smoked  meat.  As  met  with  iu  the  shops,  it  has  frequently 
a brownish  tinge.  It  burns  with  a sooty  flame.  Applied  to  the  skin  iu 
a concentrated  state,  it  corrugates  and  then  destroys  the  cuticle.  On 


PART  I. 


Creasotum. 


297 


paper  it  leaves  a greasy  stain,  which  disappears  in  a few  hours,  or  in  ten 
minutes  when  exposed  to  a heat  of  about  212°.  Its  sp.  gr.  is  1 037  (1'046 
Lend.,  1‘066  Ed.,  Dub.).  It  boils  at  397°,  and  retains  its  fluidity  at  17° 
below  zero.  It  is  a non-conductor  of  electricity,  and  a powerful  refractor  of 
light.  It  is  devoid  of  acid  or  alkaline  reaction.  Mixed  with  water,  it  forms 
two  solutions  — one  consisting  of  1 part  of  creasote  in  about  80  of  water,  the 
other,  of  1 part  of  water  in  10  of  creasote.  ( Berzelius .)  It  unites  in  all  pro- 
portions with  alcohol,  ether,  naphtha,  and  bisulphuret  of  carbon.  It  is  capable 
of  dissolving  a large  proportion  of  iodine  and  phosphorus,  and  a considerable 
amount  of  sulphur,  especially  when  assisted  by  heat. 

Creasote  forms  two  combinations  with  potassa;  one  anhydrous,  of  an  olea- 
ginous consistence,  the  other,  hydrated,  and  in  the  form  of  small,  white,  pearly 
scales.  It  forms  similar  compounds  with  soda.  From  these  combinations 
and  its  elementary  analysis,  its  formula  is  deduced  to  be  C2SH1604.  Creasote 
instantly  dissolves  ammonia,  and  retains  it  with  great  force.  Strong  nitric 
and  sulphuric  acids  decompose  it ; the  former  giving  rise  to  reddish  vapours, 
the  latter  to  a red  colour,  which  becomes  black  on  the  addition  of  more  of  the 
acid.  Dilute  nitric  acid  converts  it  into  a brown  resin,  which,  treated  with 
ammonia,  and  then  dissolved  in  boiling  alcohol,  gives,  by  evaporation,  certain 
salts  of  ammonia,  two  of  which  contain  new  acids,  discovered  by  Laurent. 
Muriatic  acid  produces  no  change  on  it.  Acetic  acid  dissolves  it  in  all  pro- 
portions without  decomposing  it.  Creasote  dissolves  a large  number  of  me- 
tallic salts,  and  reduces  a few  to  the  metallic  state;  as,  for  example,  nitrate  and 
acetate  of  silver.  It  acts  powerfully  in  coagulating  albumen. 

Of  all  the  properties  of  creasote,  the  most  remarkable  is  its  power  of  pre- 
serving meat.  It  is  this  property  which  has  suggested  its  name,  derived  from 
*£fas  flesh,  and  a^u>  I save. 

Impurities  and  Adulterations.  Creasote  is  apt  to  contain  eupione,  picamar, 
and  capnomor,  and  is  sometimes  adulterated  with  rectified  oil  of  tar,  and  the 
fixed  and  volatile  oils.  All  these  substances  are  detected  by  strong  acetic 
acid,  which  dissolves  the  creasote,  and  leaves  them  behind,  floating  above  the 
creasote  solution.  Fixed  oils  are  also  discovered  by  a stain  on  paper,  not 
discharged  by  heat.  Any  trace  of  the  matter  which  produces  the  brownish 
. tinge  (see  page  296),  is  detected  by  the  liquid  becoming  discoloured  by  ex- 
posure to  sunshine. 

Creasote,  when  obtained  from  coal  tar,  is  apt  to  be  contaminated  with 
phenylic  acid  ( carbolic  acid,  hydrated  oxide  of  phenyle,  C12H.,0-f  KO),  one 
: of  the  products  of  the  distillation  of  the  oil  'of  coal  tar.  Indeed,  it  is  said 
that  phenylic  acid  has  been  sold  for  creasote,  which  it  closely  resembles  in 
properties.  This  substitution  may  be  discovered  by  the  lower  boiling  point 
of  phenylic  acid  (368°  F.).  The  presence  of  phenylic  acid  in  creasote  is 
detected  by  the  addition  of  sesquichloride  of  iron,  which  causes  a violet-blue 
colour,  if  this  impurity  be  present.  According  to  Mr.  Edward  N.  Kent,  of 
New  York,  phenylic  acid  from  coal  tar,  and  creasote  from  wood  tar  are  essen- 
. tially  the  same ; the  former  being  a purer  state  of  the  latter.  {New  York  Journal 
of  Pharmacy,  Oct.  1853.)  This  view  is  contradicted  by  the  results  of  Gorup- 
Besanez,  who  obtained  creasote  which  did  not  respond  to  the  tests  of  phenylic 
acid. 

Medical  Properties,  &c.  Creasote  is  irritant,  narcotic,  styptic,  antiseptic, 
and  moderately  escharotic.  Internally  it  has  been  employed  in  a number  of 
diseases ; externally,  for  the  most  part,  as  an  application  to  eruptions,  wounds, 
and  ulcers,  and  as  an  injection  and  gargle.  Dr.  R.  Dick,  of  Glasgow,  recom- 
mends it  as  an  internal  remedy  in  chronic  gonorrhoea  and  gleet.  Dr.  Elliotson, 
of  London,  considers  it  an  important  remedy  in  arresting  nausea  and  vomit- 


298 


Creasotum. 


PART  i. 


ing,  when  not  dependent  on  inflammation  or  structural  disease  of  the  stomach, 
as  in  hysteria  and  pregnancy.  Both  he  and  Mr.  A.  B.  Maddoek,  of  London, 
recommend  it  as  a preventive  of  sea-sickness.  Mr.  Kesteven,  of  England, 
found  it  a very  useful  remedy  in  diarrhoea;  and  Dr.  T.  M.  Woodson,  of  Tenn., 
and  Mr.  B.  W.  Bichardson,  of  Glasgow,  confirm  this  statement.  Dr.  D.  J. 
Gain  used  it  with  advantage  in  cholera  morbus  and  cholera  infantum,  either 
alone,  or  conjoined  with  charcoal,  chalk,  or  bicarbonate  of  soda. 

The  eruptions,  to  the  treatment  of  which  creasote  has  been  supposed  to 
be  best  suited,  are  those  of  a scaly  character.  In  burns  its  efficacy  has  been 
insisted  on,  especially  in  those  attended  with  excessive  suppuration  and  fun- 
gous granulations.  In  chilblains  also  it  is  stated  to  be  a useful  application. 
When  applied  to  wounds  it  acts  as  a styptic,  stopping  the  capillary  hemor- 
rhage, but  possesses  no  power  to  arrest  the  bleeding  from  large  vessels. 
Accordingly,  creasote  water  has  been  applied  locally  to  arrest  uterine  hemor- 
rhage, and  the  bleeding  from  leech-bites.  The  ulcers,  in  the  treatment  of 
which  it  has  been  found  most  useful,  are  those  of  an  indolent  and  gangrenous 
character,  in  which  its  several  properties  of  escharotic,  stimulant,  and  anti- 
septic are  usefully  brought  into  play.  It  is  also  praised  as  an  application  to 
syphilitic,  scrofulous,  and  cancerous  ulcers.  In  all  these  cases,  the  remedy 
should  be  applied  with  judgment;  and,  in  case  it  should  irritate,  its  use 
must  be  suspended,  or  alternated  with  that  of  emollient  and  soothing  appli- 
cations. Injected  into  fistulous  ulcers,  it  proves  a useful  resource,  by  ex- 
citing the  callous  surfaces  and  disposing  them  to  unite.  Dr.  Hildreth,  of 
Zanesville,  Ohio,  found  it  efficacious,  mixed  with  mercurial  ointment,  in  the 
proportion  of  ten  to  thirty  drops  to  the  ounce,  in  scrofulous  ophthalmia,  and 
scrofulous  ulceration  of  the  cornea.  A small  portion  of  the  ointment  is 
introduced  under  the  upper  eyelid,  morning  and  evening,  and  rubbed  over 
the  whole  globe.  The  application  should  be  strong  enough  to  produce  a 
smarting  pain  for  about  five  minutes.  The  local  must  of  course  be  combined 
with  constitutional  treatment.  (Am.  Journ.  of  Med.  Set.,  Oct.  1842,  p. 
362.)  In  cases  of  putrid  sorethroat,  in  which  the  use  of  a stimulant  and 
antiseptic  is  required,  a gargle  of  creasote  acts  beneficially ; and  in  chronic 
suppuration  of  the  external  meatus  of  the  ear,  the  same  properties  make  it 
valuable  as  an  injection.  In  deafness  arising  from  deficient  cerumen,  Mr. 
Curtis  has  found  it  useful.  The  meatus  is  first  well  cleansed,  and  afterwards 
brushed  over,  night  and  morning,  with  a mixture  of  a drachm  of  creasote  to 
four  drachms  of  oil  of  almonds,  by  means  of  a camel’s  hair  brush.  Dr. 
Partridge,  of  this  city,  has  found  the  same  treatment  advantageous  in  several 
cases  of  deafness.  The  meatus  may  be  cleansed  by  dropping  into  the  ear  at 
night  a few  drops  of  olive  oil,  and  syringing  it  out  the  next  morning  with  a 
weak  and  warm  solution  of  castile  soap,  to  which  a sixth  of  Cologne  water 
has  been  added.  This  may  be  repeated  five  or  six  days,  until  the  ear  is 
thoroughly  cleansed.  (Med.  Exam.,  iii.  347.)  In  toothache,  depending  on 
destruction  of  the  tooth  and  exposure  of  the  nerve,  creasote  often  acts  promptly 
and  radically  in  the  removal  of  the  pain.  One  or  two  drops  of  the  pure  sub- 
stance must  be  carefully  introduced  into  the  hollow  of  the  tooth,  on  a little 
cotton,  avoiding  contact  with  the  tongue  or  cheek.  To  render  the  remedy 
effectual,  the  hollow  of  the  tooth  must  be  well  cleaned  out  before  it  is  applied. 

Creasote  is  employed  in  the  pure  state,  in  mixture  or  solution,  and  in  the 
form  of  ointment.  (See  Mistura  Creasoti  and  Unguentum  Creasoti.)  In  the 
pure  state,  it  may  be  brushed  over  indolent  or  ill  conditioned  ulcers,  or  ap- 
plied to  them  by  means  of  lint,  to  arouse  their  sensibility,  or  to  create  a new 
action.  Internally  it  is  given  in  the  dose  of  from  one  to  two  drops  or  more, 
repeated  several  times  a day,  diluted  with  weak  mucilage,  in  the  proportion  of 


PART  I. 


Creasotum. — Or  eta. 


299 


half  a fluidounce  to  the  drop.  When  used  as  a lotion  for  eruptions,  ulcers,  or 
burns,  or  as  a gargle  or  injection,  it  is  employed  in  solution,  containing  two, 
four,  or  six  drops  to  the  fluidounce  of  distilled  water;  the  strength  being 
determined  by  the  circumstances  of  each  particular  case.  In  some  cases  the 
solution  of  creasote  is  used  externally,  mixed  with  poultices. 

Creasote,  in  an  overdose,  acts  as  a poison.  It  produces  giddiness,  obscu- 
rity of  vision,  depressed  action  of  the  heart,  convulsions,  and  coma.  No 
antidote  is  known.  The  medical  treatment  consists  in  the  evacuation  of  the 
poison,  and  the  administration  of  ammonia  and  other  stimulants. 

The  addition  of  three  or  four  drops  of  creasote  to  a pint  of  ink  is  said 
effectually  to  prevent  its  becoming  mouldy.  Dr.  Christison  finds  that  crea- 
sote water  is  as  good  a preservative  of  some  anatomical  preparations  as  spirit, 
with  the  advantage  of  not  hardening  the  parts.  It  is  to  creasote  that  the 
antiseptic  properties  of  wood-smoke  and  of  pyroligneous  acid  are  probably  due. 

Off.  Prep.  Mistura  Creasoti;  Unguentum  Creasoti.  B. 

CKETA.  U.  S.,  Eel.,  Dub. 

Chalk. 

Native  friable  carbonate  of  lime.  U.  S-,  Ed. 

Craie,  Fr.;  Kreide,  Germ.;  Creta,  Ital.;  Greda,  Span.,  Port. 

Carbonate  of  lime,  in  the  extended  meaning  of  the  term,  is  the  most  abund- 
ant of  simple  minerals,  constituting,  according  to  its  state  of  aggregation  and 
other  peculiarities,  the  different  varieties  of  calcareous  spar,  common  and 
shell  limestone,  marble,  marl,  and  chalk.  It  occurs  also  in  the  animal  king- 
dom, forming  the  principal  part  of  shells,  and  a small  proportion  of  the  bones 
of  tbe  higher  orders  of  animals.  It  is  present  in  small  quantity  in  most 
natural  waters,  being  held  in  solution  by  the  carbonic  acid  which  they  con- 
tain. In  the  waters  of  limestone  districts,  it  is  a very  common  impi-egna- 
tion,  and  causes  purging  in  those  not  accustomed  to  their  use.  In  all  such 
cases,  boiling  the  water,  by  expelling  the  carbonic  acid,  causes  the  carbonate 
to  be  deposited.  (S ee  page  109.)  Besides  being  officinal  in  the  state  of  chalk, 
carbonate  of  lime  is  also  ordered  as  it  exists  in  marble  and  oyster-shell,  and 
as  obtained  by  precipitation.  (See  Marmor,  Testa,  and  Calcis  Carbonas  Prse- 
cipitatum.)  In  the  present  article  we  shall  confine  our  observations  to  chalk. 

Localities.  Chalk  occurs  abundantly  in  the  South  of  England  and  North 
of  France.  It  has  not  been  found  in  the  United  States.  It  occurs  massive 
in  beds,  and  very  frequently  contains  nodules  of  flint,  and  fossil  remains  of 
land  and  marine  animals. 

Properties.  Chalk  is  an  insipid,  inodorous,  insoluble,  opaque,  soft  solid, 
generally  white,  but  grayish-white  when  impure.  It  is  rough  to  the  touch, 
easily  pulverized,  and  breaks  with  an  earthy  fracture.  It  soils  the  fingers, 
yields  a white  trace  when  drawn  across  an  unyielding  surface,  and  when 
applied  to  the  tongue  adheres  slightly.  Its  sp.  gr.  varies  from  2 '3  to  2 ’6.  It 
is  never  a perfectly  pure  carbonate  of  lime ; but  contains,  besides  gritty  sili- 
ceous particles,  small  portions  of  alumina  and  of  oxidized  iron.  If  pure  it 
is  entirely  soluble  in  muriatic  acid ; but  usually  a little  silica  is  left.  If  the 
muriatic  solution  is  not  precipitated  by  ammonia,  it  is  free  from  alumina  and 
iron.  Like  all  carbonates  it  effervesces  with  acids.  Though  insoluble  in 
water,  it  dissolves  in  an  excess  of  carbonic  acid.  It  consists,  like  the  other 
varieties  of  carbonate  of  lime,  of  one  eq.  of  carbonic  acid  22,  and  one  of  lime 
28-5=50-5. 

Pharm.  Uses.  Chalk,  on  account  of  the  gritty  particles  which  it  contains, 
is  unfit  for  medicinal  use,  until  it  has  undergone  levigation,  when  it  is  called 


300 


Greta. — Crocus. 


PART  I. 


prepared  chalk.  (See  Greta  Prseparata.)  It  is  used  in  the  preparation  of 
the  alkaline  bicarbonates,  to  furnish  a stream  of  carbonic  acid,  when  decom- 
posed by  a dilute  acid ; as  in  the  Dublin  processes  for  bicarbonate  of  potassa 
and  bicarbonate  of  soda. 

Off.  Prep.  Ammonias  Carbonas;  Calcii  Chloridum;  Creta  Prseparata ; Po- 
tassae  Bicarbonas;  Sodas  Bicarbonas.  B. 

CROCUS.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub. 

Saffron. 

The  stigmas  of  Crocus  sativus.  U.  S.,  Lord.,  Ed .,  Dub. 

Safran,  Fr.,  Germ.;  Zafferano,  Ital.;  Azafran,  Span. 

Crocus.  Sex.  Syst.  Triandria  Monogynia.  — Eat.  Ord.  Iridaceae. 

Gen.  Gh.  Corolla  six  parted,  equal.  Stigmas  convoluted.  Willd. 

Crocus  sativus.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  i.  194;  Woodv.  Med.  Dot.  p.  763,  t. 
259.  The  common  cultivated  saffron  is  a perennial  plant,  with  a rounded  and 
depressed  bulb  or  cormus,  from  which  the  flower  rises  a little  above  the  ground 
upon  a long,  slender,  white,  and  succulent  tube.  The  flower  is  large,  of  a 
beautiful  lilac  or  bluish-purple  colour,  and  makes  its  appearance  iu  September 
or  October.  The  leaves  are  radical,  linear,  slightly  revolute,  dark-green  upon 
their  upper  surface  with  a white  longitudinal  furrow  in  the  centre,  paler  under- 
neath with  a prominent  flattened  midrib,  and  enclosed  at  their  base,  together 
with  the  tube  of  the  corolla,  in  a membranous  sheath,  from  which  they 
emerge  soon  after  the  appearance  of  the  flower.  The  style  hangs  out  on  one 
side  between  two  segments  of  the  corolla,  and  terminates  in  three  long  con- 
voluted stigmas,  which  are  of  a rich  orange  colour,  highly  odorous,  rolled  in 
at  the  edges,  and  notched  at  the  summit.  These  stigmas  are  the  officinal 
part  of  the  plant. 

C.  sativus,  or  autumnal  crocus , is  a native  of  Greece  and  Asia  Minor, 
where  it  has  been  cultivated  from  the  earliest  ages.  It  is  also  cultivated  for 
medicinal  use  iu  Sicily,  Spain,  Prance,  England,  and  other  temperate  coun- 
tries of  Europe.  Large  quantities  of  saffron  are  raised  in  Egypt,  Persia, 
and  Cashmere,  whence  it  is  sent  to  India.  We  cultivate  the  plant  in  this 
country  chiefly,  if  not  solely,  as  a garden  flower.  It  is  liable  to  two  diseases, 
which  sometimes  interfere  with  the  success  of  its  culture;  one  dependent  on 
a parasitic  fungus  which  attaches  itself  to  the  bulb,  the  other  called  by  the 
cultivators  in  France  taxon , by  which  the  bulb  is  converted  into  a blackish 
powder.  ( Juurn . de  Pharm.  et  de  Cliim.,  xviii.  41.) 

In  England  the  flowers  appear  in  October,  and  the  leaves  continue  green 
through  the  winter;  but  the  plant  does  not  ripen  its  seed,  and  is  propagated 
by  offsets  from  the  bulb.  These  are  planted  in  grounds  prepared  for  the  pur- 
pose, and  are  arranged  either  in  rows,  or  in  small  patches  at  certain  distances. 
The  flowers  are  gathered  soon  after  they  show  themselves,  as  the  period  of 
flowering  is  very  short.  The  stigmas,  or  summits  of  the  pistils,  together  with 
a portion  of  the  style,  are  separated  from  the  remainder  of  the  flower,  and 
carefully  dried  by  artificial  heat,  or  in  the  sun.  During  this  process,  they 
are  sometimes  made  to  assume  the  form  of  a cake  by  pressure ; but  the  finest 
saffron  is  that  which  has  been  dried  loosely.  The  two  forms  are  distinguished 
by  the  names  of  hay-saffron  and  cake-saffron.  Five  pounds  of  the  fresh  stig- 
mas yield  one  pound  of  the  dried.  (Duncan.') 

The  English  saffron,  formerly  most  highly  esteemed  in  this  country,  has 
disappeared  from  our  market.  What  maybe  sold  under  that  name  is  proba- 
bly derived  from  other  sources.  Much  of  the  drug  is  imported  from  Gibral- 


PART  I. 


Crocus. 


301 


tar,  packed  in  canisters.  Parcels  of  it  are  also  brought  from  Trieste  and  other 
ports  of  the  Mediterranean.  The  Spanish  saffron  is  generally  considered  the 
best.  Genuine  cake-saffron  is  at  present  seldom  found  in  commerce.  Ac- 
cording to  Landerer,  the  stigmas  of  several  other  species  besides  those  of  C. 
sativus  are  gathered  and  sold  as  saffron  in  Greece  and  Turkey. 

Properties.  Saffron  has  a peculiar,  sweetish,  aromatic  odour,  a warm,  pun- 
gent, bitter  taste,  and  a rich  deep  orange  colour,  which  it  imparts  to  the  saliva 
when  chewed.  The  stigmas  of  which  it  consists  are  an  inch  or  more  in  length, 
expanded  and  notched  at  the  upper  extremity,  and  narrowing  towards  the 
lower,  where  they  terminate  in  a slender,  capillary,  yellowish  portion,  forming 
a part  of  the  style.  Analyzed  by  Vogel  and  Bouillon-Lagrange,  it  afforded 
65'0  per  cent,  of  a peculiar  extractive  matter,  and  7‘5  of  an  odorous  volatile 
oil,  together  with  wax,  gum,  albumen,  saline  matter,  water,  and  lignin.  The 
extractive  was  named  polychrdite , from  the  changes  of  colour  which  it  under- 
goes by  the  action  of  reagents.  They  prepared  it  by  evaporating  the  watery 
infusion  to  the  consistence  of  honey,  digesting  the  residue  in  alcohol,  filtering 
the  tincture,  and  evaporating  it  to  dryness.  Thus  obtained,  it  is  in  the  form 
of  a reddish-yellow  mass,  of  an  agreeable  smell,  slightly  bitter,  soluble  in 
water  and  alcohol,  and  somewhat  deliquescent.  Its  solution  becomes  grass- 
green  by  the  action  of  nitric  acid,  blue  and  then  violet  by  that  of  sulphuric 
acid,  and  loses  its  colour  altogether  on  exposure  to  light,  and  by  chlorine. 
M.  Henry,  sen.,  found  it  to  contain  about  20  per  cent,  of  volatile  oil,  which 
could  be  separated  only  by  an  alkali.  M.  Quadrat  obtained  it  pure  by 
exhausting  saffron  with  ether,  then  treating  it  with  boiling  water,  precipi- 
tating with  subacetate  of  lead,  decomposing  the  compound  of  oxide  of  lead 
and  colouring  matter  thus  obtained  with  sulphuretted  hydrogen,  treating  the 
precipitate  with  boiling  alcohol,  evaporating  the  solution,  dissolving  the  resi- 
due in  water,  and  lastly  evaporating  by  means  of  a water-bath.  Thus  procured, 
it  is  of  a brilliant  red  colour,  inodorous,  slightly  soluble  in  water  which  it 
renders  yellow,  much  more  soluble  by  the  least  addition  of  an  alkali,  readily 
soluble  in  alcohol,  but  sparingly  in  ether.  Its  formula  is  M. 

Quadrat  found  also  in  saffron,  a fatty  matter,  glucose,  and  a peculiar  acid. 
(Ann.  der  Chem.  und  Pharm.,  Ixxx.  340.)  According  to  M.  Henry,  the 
■ colouring  principle  constitutes  42  per  cent,  of  saffron,  and  the  essential  oil 
10  per  cent.  It  is  to  the  latter  that  the  medicine  owes  its  activity.  It  may 
be  partially  separated  by  distillation.  It  is  yellow,  of  a hot,  acrid,  bitterish 
taste,  and  heavier  than  water,  in  which  it  is  slightly  soluble. 

Adulterations.  The  high  price  of  this  medicine  gives  rise  to  frequent 
adulterations.  Water  is  said  to  be  very  often  added  in  order  to  increase  its 
weight.  Oil  is  also  added  for  the  same  purpose,  or  to  improve  the  appear- 
ance. Sometimes  the  flowers  of  other  plants,  particularly  of  Carthamus  tinc- 
torius  or  safflower,  and  of  Calendula  officinalis  or  officinal  marygold,  are 
fraudulently  mixed  with  the  genuine  stigmas.  They  may  be  known  by  their 
shape,  which  is  rendered  obvious  by  throwing  a portion  of  the  suspected  mass 
into  hot  water,  which  causes  them  to  expand.  (See  Carthamus.)  Other 
adulterations  are  the  fibres  of  dried  beef,  the  stamens  of  the  Crocus  distin- 
guishable by  their  yellow  colour,  the  stigmas  previously  exhausted  in  the 
preparation  of  the  infusion  or  tincture,  and  various  mineral  substances  easily 
detected  upon  close  examination.  J.  Muller  recommends  concentrated  sul- 
phuric acid  as  the  most  certain  test  of  saffron.  It  instantly  changes  the  co- 
lour of  pure  saffron  to  indigo  blue.  ( Chem.  Gaz.,  May,  1845,  p.  197.) 

Choice  of  Saffron.  Saffron  should  not  be  very  moist,  nor  very  dry,  nor 
easily  pulverized,  nor  should  it  emit  an  offensive  smell  when  thrown  upon 
live  coals.  The  freshest  is  the  best,  and  that  which  is  less  than  a year  old 


302 


Crocus. — Cubeba. 


part  i. 


should,  if  possible,  be  selected.  It  should  possess  in  a high  degree  the  cha- 
racteristic properties  of  colour,  taste,  and  smell.  If  it  does  not  colour  the 
fingers  when  rubbed  between  them,  or  has  an  oily  feel,  or  a musty  flavour,  or 
a black,  yellow,  or  whitish  colour,  it  should  be  rejected.  In  the  purchase  of 
this  medicine  in  cakes,  those  should  be  selected  which  are  close,  tough,  and 
firm  in  tearing;  and  care  should  be  taken  to  avoid  cakes  of  safflower. 

As  its  activity  depends,  partly  at  least,  on  a volatile  ingredient,  saffron 
should  be  kept  in  well  stopped  vessels.  Some  recommended  that  it  should 
be  enclosed  in  a bladder,  and  introduced  into  a tin  case. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Saffron  was  formerly  considered  highly 
stimulant  and  antispasmodic.  It  has  been  alleged  that,  in  small  doses,  it 
moderately  excites  the  different  functions,  exhilarates  the  spirits,  relieves  pain, 
and  produces  sleep:  in  large  doses,  gives  rise  to  headache,  intoxication,  deli- 
rium, stupor,  and  other  alarming  symptoms;  and  Shroder  asserts  that,  in  the 
quantity  of  two  or  three  drachms,  it  proves  fatal.  It  was  thought  also  to  act 
powerfully  on  the  uterine  system,  promoting  menstruation.  The  ancients 
employed  it  extensively,  both  as  a medicine  and  condiment,  under  the  name 
of  crocus.  It  was  also  highly  esteemed  by  the  Arabians,  and  enjoyed  con- 
siderable reputation  among  the  physicians  of  modern  Europe  till  within  a 
comparatively  recent  period.  On  the  continent  it  is  still  much  used  as  a 
stimulant  and  emmenagogue.  But  the  experiments  of  Dr.  Alexander  have 
proved  it  to  possess  little  activity;  and  in  Great  Britain  and  the  United  States 
it  is  seldom  prescribed.  By  old  women  and  nurses  saffron  tea  is  frequently 
used  in  exanthematous  diseases,  to  promote  the  eruption ; a practice  intro- 
duced by  the  humoral  pathologists,  but  afterwards  abandoned  by  the  profes- 
sion. The  chief  use  of  saffron  at  present  is  to  impart  colour  and  flavour  to 
officinal  tinctures.  From  ten  to  thirty  grains  may  be  given  for  a dose. 

Off.  Prep.  Acetum  Opii ; Confectio  Aromatica ; Decoctum  Aloes  Compo- 
situm;  Pilulae  Aloes  et  Myrrhae;  Pilula  Styracis  Composita;  Syrupus  Croci; 
Tinctura  Aloes  et  Myrrhae ; Tinct.  Cinchonas  Comp.;  Tinct.  Croci ; Tinct. 
Opii  Ammoniata;  Tinct.  Bhei  Comp.;  Tinct.  Bhei  et  Sennae.  W. 

CUBEBA.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Dub. 

Cubebs. 

The  berries  of  Piper  Cubeba.  U.  S.  The  unripe  fruit.  Lond.  The  berries 
of  Cubeba  officinalis.  Pub. 

Off.  Syn.  CUBEBAE.  Fruit  of  Piper  Cubeba.  Ed. 

Cubebe,  Ft.;  Ivubeben,  Germ.;  Cubebe,  Ital.;  Cubebas,  Span.;  Kebabek,  Arab. 

Piper.  Sex.  Syst.  Diandria  Trigynia.  — Nat.Ord.  Piperaceae. 

Gen.  Ch.  Calyx  none.  Corolla  none.  Berry  one-seeded.  Willd. 

Piper  Cubeba.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  i.  159;  Woodv.  Med.  Bot.  3d  ed.  v.  95. 
This  is  a climbing  perennial  plant,  with  a smooth,  flexuous,  jointed  stem,  and 
entire,  petiolate,  oblong  or '-ovate-oblong,  acuminate  leaves,  rounded  or  ob- 
liquely cordate  at  the  base,  strongly  nerved,  coriaceous,  and  very  smooth.  The 
flowers  are  dioecious  and  in  spikes,  with  peduncles  about  as  long  as  the  petiole. 
The  fruit  is  a globose,  pedicelled  ber^. 

This  species  of  Piper  is  a native  of  Java,  Penang,  and  probably  other  parts 
of  the  East  Indies.  It  grows  wild  in  the  woods,  and  does  not  appear  to  be 
cultivated.  The  dried  unripe  fruit  is  the  officinal  portion.  Dr.  Blume  thinks 
it  probable  that  the  drug  is  derived  chiefly  from  another  species,  the  P.  ca- 
ninum,  inhabiting  the  same  countries;  but  Dr.  Lindley  could  discover  no 
difference  between  the  fruit  of  P.  Cubeba  and  ordinary  cubebs. 


PART  I. 


Cubeba. 


303 


Properties.  Cubebs  are  round,  about  the  size  of  a small  pea,  of  a blackish 
or  grayish-brown  colour,  and  furnished  with  a short  stalk,  which  is  continuous 
with  raised  veins  that  run  over  the  surface  of  the  berry,  and  embrace  it  like 
a network.  The  shell  is  hard,  almost  ligneous,  and  contains  within  it  a single 
loose  seed,  covered  with  a blackish  coat,  and  internally  white  and  oleaginous. 
The  odour  of  the  berry  is  agreeably  aromatic;  the  taste  warm,  bitterish,  and 
camphorous,  leaving  in  the  mouth  a peculiar  sensation  of  coolness,  like  that 
produced  by  the  oil  of  peppermint.  The  powder  is  dark  coloured  and  of  an 
oily  aspect.  From  1000  parts  of  cubebs  M.  Monheim  obtained  30  parts  of 
a ceruminous  substance,  25  of  a green  volatile  oil,  10  of  a yellow  volatile  oil, 
45  of  cubebin,  15  of  a balsamic  resin,  10  of  chloride  of  sodium,  60  of  extrac- 
tive, and  650  of  lignin,  with  155  parts  lost.  According  to  MM.  Capitaine 
and  Soubeiran,  cubebin  is  best  obtained  by  expressing  cubebs  from  which  the 
oil  has  been  distilled,  preparing  with  them  an  alcoholic  extract,  treating  this 
with  a solution  of  potassa,  washing  the  residue  with  water,  and  purifying  it 
by  repeated  crystallizations  in  alcohol.  Thus  prepared,  it  is  white,  inodorous, 
and  insipid,  not  volatilizable  by  heat,  almost  insoluble  in  water,  slightly  soluble 
in  cold  alcohol,  freely  so  in  that  liquid  when  hot,  and  soluble  also  in  ether, 
acetic  acid,  and  the  fixed  and  volatile  oils.  It  bears  a close  resemblance  to 
piperin,  but  materially  differs  from  it  in  composition,  as  it  contains  no  nitro- 
gen. (Journ.  de  Pharm.,'x.xv.  355.)  The  volatile  oil  is  officinal.  (See  Oleum 
Cubebae.)  Cubebs  gradually  deteriorate  by  age,  and  in  powder  become  ra- 
pidly weaker,  in  consequence  of  the  escape  of  their  volatile  oil.  They  should 
be  kept  whole,  and  pulverized  when  dispensed.  The  powder  is  said  to  be 
sometimes  adulterated  with  that  of  pimento. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Cubebs  are  gently  stimulant,  with  a special 
direction  to  the  urinary  organs.  In  considerable  quantities  they  excite  the 
circulation,  increase  the  heat  of  the  body,  and  sometimes  occasion  headache 
and  giddiness.  At  the  same  time  they  frequently  produce  an  augmented  flow 
of  the  urine,  to  which  they  impart  a peculiar  odour.  Among  these  effects  are 
also  occasionally  nausea  and  moderate  purging ; and  they  are  said  to  occasion 
a sense  of  coolness  in  the  rectum  during  the  passage  of  the  feces.  We 
have  no  evidence  that  they  were  known  to  the  ancients.  They  were  probably 
first  brought  into  Europe  by  the  Arabians,  and  were  formerly  employed  for 
similar  purposes  with  black  pepper;  but  they  were  found  much  less  powerful 
and  fell  into  disuse.  Some  years  since  they  were  again  brought  into  notice 
,in  England  as  a remedy  in  gonorrhoea.  This  application  of  cubebs  was  de- 
rived from  India,  where  they  have  long  been  used  in  gonorrhoea  and  gleet, 
and  as  a grateful  stomachic  and  carminative  in  disorders  of  the  digestive 
organs.  They  are  said  to  have  sometimes  produced  swelled  testicle,  when 
given  in  gonorrhoea;  and,  though  recommended  in  all  its  stages,  will  probably 
be  found  most  safe  and  effectual  in  cases  where  the  inflammation  is  confined 
to  the  mucous  membrane  of  the  urethra.  If  not  speedily  useful,  they  should 
be  discontinued.  They  have  been  given  also  in  leucorrhoea,  cystirrhoea,  ab- 
scess of  the  prostate  gland,  piles,  and  chronic  bronchial  inflammation.  They 
■are  best  administered  in  powder,  of  which  the  dose  in  gonorrhoea  is  from  one 
:to  three  drachms,  three  or  four  times  a day.  For  other  affections,  the  dose 
is  sometimes  reduced  to  ten  grains.  The  volatile  oil  may  be  substituted,  in 
the  dose  of  ten  or  twelve  drops,  suspended  in  water  by  means  of  sugar.  An 
ethereal  extract  is  directed  by  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia,  and  considerably  used. 
;(See  Extractum  Cubebae  Fluidum .)  An  infusion,  made  in  the  proportion  of 
an  ounce  of  powdered  cubebs  to  a pint  of  water,  has  been  employed  as  an 
injection  in  discharges  from  the  vagina,  with  asserted  advantage. 

Off.  Prep.  Extractum  Cubebae  Fluidum;  Oleum  Cubebae;  Tinctura  Cu- 
bebae. W. 


304 


Cuprum. 


PARI  I. 


CUPRUM. 

Copper. 

Cuivre,  Ft.;  Kupfer,  Germ.;  Rame,  Ilal.;  Cobre,  Span. 

This  metal  is  very  generally  diffused  in  nature,  and  exists  principally  in 
four  states;  as  native  copper,  as  an  oxide,  as  a sulphuret,  and  as  a salt.  Its 
principal  native  salts  are  the  sulphate,  carbonate,  arseniate,  and  phosphate. 
In  the  United  States  it  occurs  in  various  localities,  but  especially  in  the  neigh- 
bourhood of  Lake  Superior,  where  a mass  of  metallic  copper,  weighing  more 
than  3000  pounds,  has  been  found.  The  principal  copper  mines  of  Europe  are 
those  of  the  Pyrenees  in  France,  Cornwall  in  England,  and  Fahlun  in  Sweden. 

Properties.  Copper  is  a brilliant,  sonorous  metal,  of  a reddish  colour,  and 
very  ductile,  malleable,  and  tenacious.  It  has  a slightly  nauseous  taste,  and 
emits  a disagreeable  smell  when  rubbed.  Its  texture  is  granular,  and  its  frac- 
ture hackly.  Its  sp.  gr.  is  8 '89,  and  its  fusing  point  1996°  F.,  according  to 
Daniell,  being  intermediate  between  that  of  silver  and  that  of  gold.  Its  equiva- 
lent number  is  31 '6.  Exposed  to  the  air  it  undergoes  a slight  tarnish.  Its 
combinations  are  numerous  and  important.  With  oxygen  it  forms  two  well 
characterized  oxides,  a red  suboxide  or  dioxide,  consisting  of  two  eqs.  of  copper 
and  one  of  oxygen,  and  a black  protoxide  formed  of  one  eq.  of  metal  and 
one  of  oxygen.  The  latter  oxide,  which  alone  is  salifiable,  forms  with  acids 
several  salts,  important  in  medicine  and  the  arts.  With  metals,  copper  forms 
numerous  alloys,  of  which  that  with  zinc,  called  brass,  is  the  most  useful. 

Characteristics.  Copper  is  recognised  by  its  colour,  and  the  effect  of  tests 
on  its  nitric  solution.  This  solution,  with  potassa,  soda,  and  ammonia,  yields 
a blue  precipitate,  soluble  in  excess  of  the  latter  alkali,  with  which  it  forms  a 
deep  blue  liquid.  Ferrocyanuret  of  potassium  occasions  a brown  precipitate 
of  ferrocyanuret  of  copper;  and  a bright  plate  of  iron,  immersed  in  the  solu- 
tion, immediately  becomes  covered  with  a film  of  metallic  copper.  The  ferro- 
cyauuret  of  potassium  is  an  exceedingly  delicate  test  for  detecting  minute 
portions  of  copper  in  solution.  Another  test,  proposed  by  M.  Yerguin,  is  to 
precipitate  the  copper  in  the  metallic  state  on  platinum  by  electro-chemical 
actiou.  For  this  purpose  a drop  of  the  liquid  to  be  examined  is  placed  on  a 
slip  of  platinum  foil,  and  a slip  of  bright  iron  is  brought  in  contact  with  the 
platinum  and  the  liquid.  If  copper  be  present,  it  will  be  instantly  precipi- 
tated on  the  surface  of  the  platinum. 

Action  on  the  Animal  Economy.  Copper,  in  its  pure  state,  is  perfectly  inert, 
but  in  combination  is  highly  deleterious.  Nevertheless,  a miuute  portion  of 
the  metal,  so  far  as  researches  have  extended,  is  always  present  in  the  healthy 
body.  According  to  Millon,  the  copper  in  the  blood,  like  the  iron,  is  attached 
to  the  red  corpuscles.  To  bring  the  copper  into  a state  favourable  for  ready 
detection,  he  advises  that  blood,  as  it  escapes  from  a vein,  be  received  in  about 
three  times  its  bulk  of  water,  and  the  mixture  poured  into  a bottle  of  chlorine 
and  agitated.  The  whole,  upon  being  rapidly  filtered,  furnishes  a liquid  in 
which  copper  is  readily  detected.  ( Chem . Gaz.,  June  1,  1848.)  Its  combi- 
nations, when  taken  in  poisonous  doses,  produce  a coppery  taste  in  the  mouth; 
nausea  and  vomiting;  violent  pain  of  the  stomach  and  bowels;  frequent  black 
and  bloody  stools;  small,  irregular,  sharp,  and  frequent  pulse ; faintings ; burn- 
ing thirst;  difficulty  of  breathing;  cold  sweats;  paucity  of  urine ; violent  head- 
ache; cramps,  convulsions,  and  finally  death.  The  best  treatment  in  cases  of 
poisoning  by  copper,  is  to  administer  white  of  eggs,  diffused  in  water,  in  large 
and  repeated  doses.  If  this  remedy  be  not  at  hand,  the  patieut  must  in  the 
mean  time  be  gorged  with  warm  water  or  with  milk,  and  the  throat  irritated 
by  the  finger  or  a feather,  in  order  to  excite  vomiting.  Should  vomiting  not 


PART  I. 


305 


Cuprum. — Cupri  Subacetas. 

take  place  by  these  means,  the  stomach-pump  may  he  employed.  Magnesia 
has  been  proposed  as  an  antidote  to  the  poisonous  effects  of  the  salts  of  copper 
by  M.  Boucher.  (Seepage  808.) 

In  medico-legal  examinations,  where  cupreous  poisoning  is  suspected,  Orfila 
recommends  that  the  viscera  be  boiled  in  distilled  water  for  an  hour,  and  that 
the  matter  obtained  by  evaporating  the  filtered  decoction  to  dryness,  be  car- 
bonized by  nitric  acid.  The  matter  thus  treated  will  contain  the  copper.  By 
proceeding  in  this  way,  there  is  no  risk  of  obtaining  the  copper  naturally 
existing  in  the  animal  tissues.  This  method  of  proceeding  is  preferable  to 
that  of  examining  the  contents  of  the  stomach  and  intestines,  from  which 
copper  may  be  absent,  while  yet  it  may  have  penetrated  the  different  organs 
by  absorption,  especially  the  abdominal  viscera. 

Vessels  of  copper  should  be  discontinued  in  all  operations  connected  with 
pharmacy  and  domestic  economy ; for,  although  the  metal  uncombined  is 
inert,  yet  the  risk  is  great  that  tbe  vessels  may  be  acted  on ; in  which  event, 
whatever  may  be  contained  in  it  would  be  rendered  deleterious. 

The  following  is  a list  of  all  the  preparations  containing  copper  in  the  U.  S. 
and  British  Pharmacopoeias. 

Cupri  Subacetas,  U. S. , Dub.;  AErugo,  Lond.,  Ed. ; Anglic^,  Verdigris. 

Cupri  Subacetas  Praeparatum,  Dab.;  Anglice,  Prepared  verdigris. 

Unguentum  Cupri  Subacetatis,  U.  S-,  Dub.;  Ung.  AEruginis,  Ed. 

Linimentum  AEruginis,  Lond. 

Emplastrum  Cantharidis  Compositum,  Ed. 

Cupri  Sulphas,  U.  S.,  Ed.,  Dub.;  Cupri  Sulphas  Venalis,  Lond. 

Cupri  Sulphas,  Lond. 

Cuprum  Ammoniatum,  U.  S.,  Ed.;  Cupri  Ammonio-Sulphas,  Lond., 
Dub. 

Cupri  Ammoniati  Solutio,  Ed. ; Liquor  Cupri  Ammonio-Sulphatis, 
Lond. 

Pilulas  Cupri  Ammoniati,  Ed.  B. 

CUPRI  SUBACETAS.  TJ.S.,Dub. 

Subacetate  of  Copper. 

Impure  subacetate  of  copper.  U.  S. 

Off.  Syn.  AERUGO.  Lond.,  Ed. 

Verdigris;  Acetate  de  cuivre  brut,  Vert-de-gris,  Fr.;  Griinspan,  Germ.;  Verde  rame, 
Ilal.;  Cardenillo,  Span. 

Preparation.  Verdigris  is  prepared  in  large  quantities  in  the  South  of 
France,  more  particularly  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Montpellier.  It  is  also 
manufactured  in  Great  Britain  and  Sweden.  In  France  the  process  is  con- 
ducted in  the  following  manner.  Sheets  of  copper  are  stratified  with  the 
refuse  of  the  grape  which  is  left  after  the  expression  of  the  juice  in  making 
wine,  and  are  allowed  to  remain  in  this  state  for  a month  or  six  weeks.  At 
the  end  of  this  time,  the  plates  are  found  coated  with  a considerable  quantity 
of  verdigris.  This  is  scraped  off,  and  the  plates  are  then  replaced  as  at  first, 
to  be  further  acted  on.  The  scrapings  thus  obtained  form  a paste,  which  is 
afterwards  well  beaten  with  wooden  mallets,  and  packed  in  oblong  leathern 
sacks,  about  ten  inches  in  length  by  eight  in  breadth,  in  which  it  is  dried  in 
the  sun,  until  the  loaf  of  verdigris,  as  it  is  called,  attains  the  proper  degree 
of  hardness.  The  rationale  of  the  process  is  easily  understood.  The  grape- 
refuse  contains  a considerable  quantity  of  juice,  which,  by  contact  with  the 
air,  undergoes  the  acetous  fermentation.  The  copper  becomes  oxidized,  and 


306 


PARI  I. 


Cupri  Subacetas. — Cupri  Sulphas. 

the  resulting  oxide,  by  combination  with  the  acetic  acid  generated  during 
the  fermentation,  forms  the  subacetate  of  copper  or  verdigris.  In  England, 
a purer  verdigris  is  prepared  by  alternating  copper  plates  with  pieces  of  woollen 
cloth  steeped  in  pyroligneous  acid. 

Verdigris  comes  to  this  country  exclusively  from  France,  being  imported 
principally  from  Bordeaux  and  Marseilles.  The  leathern  packages  in  which 
it  is  put  up,  called  sacks  of  verdigris,  weigh  generally  from  twenty-five  to 
thirty  pounds,  and  arrive  in  casks,  each  containing  from  thirty  to  forty  sacks. 

Properties.  Verdigris  is  in  masses  of  a pale-green  colour,  and  composed 
of  a multitude  of  minute  silky  crystals.  Sometimes,  however,  it  occurs  of  a 
bright  blue  colour.  Its  taste  is  coppery.  It  is  insoluble  in  alcohol,  and, 
by  the  action  of  water,  a portion  of  it  is  resolved  into  the  neutral  acetate 
which  dissolves,  and  a trisacetate  which  remains  behind  in  the  form  of  a 
dark  green  powder,  gradually  becoming  black.  It  is  hence  evident  that, 
when  verdigris  is  prepared  by  levigation  with  water,  as  was  formerly  done 
by  the  Dublin  College,  it  is  altered  in  its  nature.  The  neutral  acetate  is  the 
crystallized  acetate  of  copper,  or  crystals  of  Venus.  When  verdigris  is  acted 
on  by  sulphuric  acid,  it  is  decomposed,  vapours  of  acetic  acid  being  evolved, 
easily  recognised  by  their  vinegar  odour.  It  is  soluble  almost  entirely  in 
ammonia,  and  dissolves  in  muriatic  and  dilute  sulphuric  acids  with  the 
exception  of  impurities,  which  should  not  exceed  five  per  cent.  When  of 
good  quality,  it  has  a lively  green  colour,  is  free  from  black  or  white  spots, 
and  is  dry  and  difficult  to  break.  The  green  rust,  called  in  popular  language 
verdigris,  which  copper  vessels  are  apt  to  contract  when  not  kept  clean,  is  a 
carbonate  of  copper,  and  should  not  be  confounded  with  real  verdigris. 

Composition.  Verdigris,  apart  from  its  impurities,  is  a variable  mixture 
of  the  subacetates  of  copper;  the  basic  sesquiacetate  predominating  in  the 
green  variety,  the  diacetate  in  the  blue.  The  London  College  defines  it  to 
be  a diacetate  of  copper;  the  Edinburgh,  the  commercial  diacetate.  When 
acted  on  by  water,  two  eqs.  of  the  portion  consisting  of  diacetate  are  con- 
verted into  one  eq.  of  soluble  neutral  acetate,  and  one  of  insoluble  trisacetate. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Verdigris  is  used  externally  as  a detergent 
and  escharotic,  and  is  occasionally  applied  to  chronic  eruptions,  foul  and  in- 
dolent ulcers,  and  venereal  warts.  The  special  applications  of  it  will  be 
mentioned  under  its  preparations.  For  its  effects  as  a poison,  see  Cuprum. 

Off.  Prep.  Cupri  Subacetas  Prreparatum ; Emplastrum  Cantharidis  Com- 
positum;  Linimentum  iEruginis;  Unguentum  Cupri  Subacetatis.  B. 

CUPRI  SULPHAS.  U.  S.,  Ed.,  Dub. 

Sulphate  of  Copper. 

Off.  Syn.  CUPRI  SULPHAS  VENALIS.  Land. 

Blue  vitriol,  Roman  vitriol,  Blue  stone;  Sulfate  de  cuivre,  Vitriol  bleu,  Couperose 
bleu,  Fr.;  Schwefelsaures  Kupfer,  Kupfervitriol,  Blauervitriol.  Blauer  Galitzcnstein, 
Germ.;  Rame  solfato,  Vitriolo  di  rame,  ItaL;  Sulfato  de  cobre,  Vitriolo  azul,  Span. 

Preparation , &c.  Sulphate  of  copper  occasionally  exists  in  nature,  in 
solution  in  the  water  which  flows  through  copper  mines.  In  this  case  the 
salt  is  obtained  by  merely  evaporating  the  waters  which  naturally  contain  it. 
Another  method  for  obtaining  it  is  to  roast  the  native  sulphuret  in  a rever- 
beratory furnace,  whereby  it  is  made  to  pass,  by  absorbing  oxygen,  into  the 
state  of  sulphate.  The  roasted  mass  is  lixiviated,  and  the  solution  obtained 
is  evaporated  that  crystals  may  form.  The  salt,  procured  by  either  of  these 
methods,  contains  a little  tersulphate  of  the  sesquioxide  of  iron,  from  which  it 
may  be  freed  by  adding  an  excess  of  protoxide  of  copper,  which  has  the  effect 


PART  I. 


307 


Cupri  Sulphas. 

of  precipitating  the  sesquioxide  of  iron.  A third  method  consists  in  wetting, 
and  then  sprinkling  with  sulphur,  sheets  of  copper,  which  are  next  heated  to 
redness,  and  afterwards  plunged  into  water  while  hot.  The  same  operation 
is  repeated  until  the  sheets  are  entirely  corroded.  At  first  a sulphuret  of 
the  metal  is  formed,  which,  by  the  action  of  heat  and  air,  gradually  passes 
into  the  state  of  sulphate  of  the  oxide.  This  is  dissolved  in  the  water,  and 
obtained  in  crystals  by  evaporation,  A fourth  method  is  to  dissolve  copper 
scales  to  saturation  in  sulphuric  acid,  contained  in  a wooden  vessel,  lined 
with  sheet  lead.  The  scales  consist  of  metallic  copper,  mixed  with  oxide, 
and  are  obtained  in  the  process  of  annealing  sheet  copper. 

Sometimes  sulphate  of  copper  is  obtained  in  pursuing  one  of  the  methods 
for  separating  silver  from  gold.  The  silver  is  dissolved  by  boiling  the  alloy 
in  sulphuric  acid.  The  sulphate  of  silver  formed  is  then  decomposed  by  the 
immersion  of  copper  plates  in  its  solution,  with  the  effect  of  forming  sulphate 
of  copper  and  precipitating  the  silver. 

Properties.  Sulphate  of  copper  has  a rich  deep-blue  colour,  and  strong 
metallic  styptic  taste.  It  reddens  vegetable  blues,  and  crystallizes  in  large, 
transparent,  rhomboidal  prisms,  which  effloresce  slightly  in  the  air,  and  are 
soluble  in  four  parts  of  cold,  and  two  of  boiling  water,  but  insoluble  in  alco- 
hol. When  heated  it  first  melts  in  its  water  of  crystallization,  and  then 
dries  and  becomes  white.  If  the  heat  be  increased,  it  next  undergoes  the 
igneous  fusion ; and  finally,  at  a high  temperature,  loses  its  acid,  protoxide 
of  copper  being  left.  Potassa,  soda,  and  ammonia  throw  down  from  it  a 
bluish-white  precipitate  of  hydrated  protoxide  of  copper,  which  is  immedi- 
ately dissolved  by  an  excess  of  the  last-mentioned  alkali,  forming  a rich  deep- 
'blue  solution,  called  aqua,  sapphirina.  It  is  also  decomposed  by  the  alka- 
line carbonates,  and  by  borax,  acetate  and  subacetate  of  lead,  acetate  of  iron, 
nitrate  of  silver,  corrosive  chloride  of  mercury,  tartrate  of  potassa,  and  chlo- 
ride of  calcium ; and  it  is  precipitated  by  all  astringent  vegetable  infusions, 
[f  it  become  very  green  on  the  surface  by  the  action  of  the  air,  it  shows  the 
presence  of  sesquioxide  of  iron.  This  oxide  may  also  be  detected  by  ammo- 
nia, which  will  throw  it  down  along  with  the  oxide  of  copper,  without  taking 
t up  when  added  in  excess.  When  sulphate  of  copper  is  obtained  from  the 
lipping  liquid  of  manufacturers  of  brass  or  German  silver  ware,  it  is  always 
•ontaminated  with  sulphate  of  zinc,  as  pointed  out  by  Mr.  S.  Piesse.  This 
iquid  is  at  first  a mixture  of  sulphuric  and  nitric  acids,  but  becomes,  at  last, 
learly  saturated  with  copper.  When  zinc  is  present  in  sulphate  of  copper, 
t will  be  taken  up  by  solution  of  potassa,  added  in  excess,  from  which  it 
nay  be  thrown  down,  in  white  flocks,  by  a solution  of  biearbonated  alkali. 

Sulphate  of  copper  consists  of  one  eq.  of  sulphuric  acid  40,  one  of  protoxide 
>f  copper  39'6,  and  five  of  water  45  = 124'6. 

Medical  Properties.  Sulphate  of  copper,  in  small  doses,  is  astringent  and 
onic;  in  large  ones  a prompt  emetic.  With  a view  to  its  tonic  effect  it  has 
>een  given  in  intermittent  fever,  as  well  as  in  epilepsy  and  other  spasmodic 
liseases;  and  as  an  emetic,  for  discharging  poisons  from  the  stomach,  espe- 
ially  opium.  In  croup  it  has  been  employed  as  an  emetic  with  encouraging 
uccess.  It  has  also  been  highly  recommended  in  chronic  diarrhoea.  Exter- 
tally  it  is  employed  in  solution  as  a stimulant  to  ill-conditioned  ulcers,  as  an 
scharotic  for  destroying  warts,  fungous  granulations,  and  callous  edges,  and 
s a styptic  to  bleeding  surfaces.  It  is  found,  in  not  a few  instances,  to  pro- 
aote  the  cicatrization  of  ulcers,  and  is  not  unfrequently  employed,  with  that 
iew,  as  a wash  for  chancres.  In  weak  solution,  either  alone  or  associated 
dth  other  substances,  it  forms  a useful  collyrium  in  the  chronic  stages  of 
ome  forms  of  ophthalmia.  Eight  grains  of  it,  mixed  with  an  equal  weight 
f Armenian  bole  and  two  grains  of  camphor,  and  added  to  half  a pint  of 


308 


PART  I. 


Cupri  Sulphas. — Curcuma. 

boiling  water,  forms,  after  becoming  limpid  by  rest,  a collyrium  stroDgly 
recommended  by  Mr.  Ware  in  the  purulent  ophthalmia  of  infants.  The  dose, 
as  an  astringent  or  tonic,  is  a quarter  of  a grain,  gradually  increased;  as  an 
emetic,  from  two  to  five  grains.  As  a stimulant  wash,  the  solution  may  be 
made  of  the  strength  of  two,  four,  or  eight  grains  to  the  fluidounee  of  water. 
Orfila  cautions  against  giving  large  doses  of  this  salt  as  an  emetic  in  cases  of 
poisoning ; as  it  is  apt,  from  its  poisonous  effects,  to  increase  the  mischief, 
when  it  happens  not  to  be  expelled  by  vomiting.  Upon  the  whole,  such  is 
the  activity  of  the  sulphate  of  copper,  that  it  should  be  exhibited  with  cau- 
tion. For  its  effects  as  a poison,  see  Cuprum. 

ffsl.  Roucher,  from  the  results  of  some  experimental  trials,  has  proposed 
magnesia  as  an  antidote  for  sulphate  of  copper.  To  be  efficacious,  the  earth 
must  be  administered  in  a short  time  after  the  ingestion  of  the  sulphate,  and 
in  a quantity,  at  least,  eight  times  its  amount.  From  the  manner  in  which 
magnesia  reacts  with  the  other  salts  of  copper,  M.  Roucher  infers  that  it  will 
prove  an  antidote  to  all  of  them. 

Off.  Prep.  Cupri  Sulphas,  Lond. ; Cuprum  Ammoniatum.  B, 

CURCUMA.  US.  Secondary,  Ed. 

Turmeric. 

The  rhizoma  of  Curcuma  longa.  U.  S.,  Pd. 

Safran  des  Indes,  Ft.;  Kurkuma,  Gelbwurz,  Germ.;  Curcuma,  Ital.,  Span.:  Zirsood, 
Arab.;  Iluldie,  Hindoo. 

Curcuma.  Sex.  Si/ si.  Monandria  Monogynia. — Xat.Ord.  Zingiberaceae. 

Gen.  Ch.  Both  limbs  of  the  corolla  three  partite.  Anther  with  two  spurs 
at  the  base.  Seeds  with  an  arillus.  Loudon’s  Encyc. 

Curcuma  longa.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  i.  14 ; Woodv.  Med.  Pot.  p.  737,  t. 
252.  The  root  of  this  plant  is  perennial,  tuberous,  palmate,  and  internally 
of  a deep  yellow  or  orange  colour.  The  leaves  are  radical,  large,  lanceolate, 
obliquely  nerved,  sheathing  at  their  base,  and  closely  embrace  each  other. 
The  scape  or  flower-stem,  which  rises  from  the  midst  of  the  leaves,  is  short, 
thick,  smooth,  and  constitutes  a spike  of  numerous  imbricated  bracteal  scales, 
between  which  the  flowers  successively  make  their  appearance.  The  plant  is 
a native  of  the  East  Indies  and  Cochin-china,  and  is  cultivated  in  various 
parts  of  Southern  Asia,  particularly  in  China,  Bengal,  and  Java,  whence  the 
root  is  exported.  The  best  is  said  to  come  from  China. 

The  dried  root  is  in  cylindrical  or  oblong  pieces,  about  as  thick  but  not  as 
long  as  the  finger,  tuberculated,  somewhat  contorted,  externally  yellowish- 
brown  or  greenish-yellow,  internally  deep  orange-yellow,  hard,  compact,  break- 
ing with  a fracture  like  that  of  wax,  and  yielding  a yellow  or  orange-yellow 
powder.  Another  variety,  comparatively  rare,  is  round  or  oval,  about  the 
size  of  a pigeon’s  egg,  and  marked  externally  with  numerous  annular  wrinkles. 
Sometimes  it  comes  cut  into  two  transverse  segments.  It  is  distinguished  by 
the  name  of  curcuma  rotunda , the  former  being  called  curcuma  longa.  The  two 
varieties  have  a close  resemblance  in  sensible  properties,  and  are  thought  to  be 
derived  from  the  same  plant,  though  formerly  ascribed  to  different  species  of 
Curcuma.  The  odour  of  turmeric  is  peculiar;  the  taste  warm,  bitterish,  and 
feebly  aromatic.  It  tinges  the  saliva  yellow.  Analyzed  by  Pelletier  and 
Yogel,  it  was  found  to  contain  lignin,  starch,  a peculiar  yellow  colouring 
matter  called  curcumin,  a brown  colouring  matter,  gum,  an  odorous  and 
very  acrid  volatile  oil,  and  a small  quantity  of  chloride  of  calcium.  Cur- 
cumin  is  obtained,  mixed  with  a little  volatile  oil,  bv  digesting  the  alcoholic 
extract  of  turmeric  in  ether,  and  evaporating  the  ethereal  tincture.  It 


PART  I. 


Curcuma. — Cydonium. 


309 


may  be  procured  perfectly  pure  by  separating  it  from  its  combination  with 
oxide  of  lead.  It  is  brown  in  mass,  but  yellow  in  the  state  of  powder, 
without  odour  or  taste,  scarcely  soluble  in  water,  but  very  soluble  in  alco- 
hol, ether,  and  the  oils.  The  alkalies  rapidly  change  its  colour  to  a reddish- 
brown;  and  paper  tinged  with  tincture  of  turmeric  is  employed  as  a test 
, of  their  presence.  Berzelius,  however,  states  that  its  colour  is  changed  to  red 
, or  brownish-red  by  the  concentrated  mineral  acids,  by  pure  borac-ic  acid,  espe- 
cially when  dissolved  in  alcohol,  and  by  numerous  metallic  salts;  so  that  its 
indications  cannot  be  certainly  relied  on.  Its  alcoholic  solution  produces 
coloured  precipitates  with  acetate  of  lead,  nitrate  of  silver,  and  other  salts. 
Turmeric  is  used  for  dyeing  yellow;  but  the  colour  is  not  permanent. 

Medical  Properties,  &c.  This  root  is  a stimulant  aromatic,  bearing  some 
resemblance  to  ginger  in  its  operation,  and  is  much  used  in  India  as  a condi- 
ment. It  is  a constant  ingredient  in  the  curries  so  generally  employed  in 
the  East.  In  former  times  it  had  some  reputation  in  Europe  as  a remedy  in 
jaundice  and  other  visceral  diseases;  but  at  present  it  is  employed  only  to 
impart  colour  to  ointments,  and  other  pharmaceutic  preparations. 

Turmeric  paper,  used  as  a test,  is  prepared  by  tinging  white  unsized  paper 
with  a tincture  or  decoction  of  turmeric.  The  tincture  may  be  made  with 
one  part  of  turmeric  to  six  parts  of  proof  spirit;  the  decoction,  with  one  part 
of  the  root  to  ten  or  twelve  of  water.  The  access  of  acid  or  alkaline  vapours 
should  be  carefully  avoided.  W. 

CYDONIUM.  TJ.S.  Secondary , Lond. 

Quince  Seed. 

The  seeds  of  Cydonia  vulgaris.  U.  S.,  Lond. 

Semences  de  coings,  Fr.;  Quittenkerne,  Germ.;  Semi  di  cotoguo,  Ital.;  Simiente  de 
membrillo,  Span. 

The  quince  tree  has  been  separated  from  the  genus  Pyrus,  and  erected  into 
a new  one  with  the  title  Cydonia,  which  is  now  generally  admitted  by  bota- 
nists. It  differs  from  Pyrus  in  the  circumstance  that  the  cells  of  its  fruit  con- 
tain many  seeds,  instead  of  two  only  as  in  the  latter. 

Cydonia.  Sex.  Syst.  Icosandria  Pentagynia. — Nat.Ord.  Pomaceac. 

Gen.  Ch.  Calyx  live-parted,  with  leafy  divisions.  Apple  closed,  many- 
seeded.  Testa  mucilaginous.  Loudon’s  Encyc. 

Cydonia  vulgaris.  Persoon,  Enchir.  ii.  40.  — Pyrus  Cydonia.  Willd.  Sp. 
Plant,  ii.  1020;  Woodv.  Med.  Bot.  p.  505,  t.  182.  The  common  quince 
.tree  is  characterized  as  a species  by  its  downy  deciduous  leaves.  It  is  sup- 
posed to  be  a native  of  Crete,  but  grows  wild  in  Austria,  on  the  banks  of  the 
Danube.  It  is  abundantly  cultivated  in  this  country.  The  fruit  is  about 
the  size  of  a pear,  yellow,  downy,  of  an  agreeable  odour,  and  a rough,  astring- 
ent, acidulous  taste;  and  in  each  of  its  five  cells  contains  from  eighi  to  four- 
teen seeds.  Though  not  eaten  raw,  it  forms  a very  pleasant  confection ; and 
a syrup  prepared  from  it  may  be  used  as  a grateful  addition  to  drinks  in  sick- 
ness, especially  in  looseness  of  the  bowels,  which  it  is  supposed  to  restrain  by 
its  astriugency.  The  seeds  are  the  officinal  portion. 

They  are  ovate,  angled,  reddish-brown  externally,  white  within,  inodorous, 
and  nearly  insipid,  being  slightly  bitter  when  long  chewed.  Their  coriaceous 
envelope  abounds  in  mucilage,  which  is  extracted  by  boiling  water.  Two 
drachms  of  the  seeds  will  render  a pint  of  water  thick  and  ropy.  It  has  been 
proposed  to  evaporate  the  decoction  to  dryness,  and  powder  the  residue. 
Three  grains  of  this  powder  form  a sufficiently  consistent  mucilage  with  an 
ounce  of  water.  According  to  M.  Garot,  one  part  communicates  to  a thou- 


310 


PART  I. 


Cyminum. — Delphinium. 

sand  partsof  water  a semi-syrupy  consistence.  {Jour'n.de  Pharm.et  de.Chim., 
Se  ser.,  iii.  298.)  Dr.  Pereira  considers  the  mucilage  of  quince  seeds  as  a 
peculiar  substance,  and  proposes  to  call  it  cydonin.  It  differs  from  arabin  in 
not  yielding  a precipitate  with  silicate  of  potassa,  and  from  bassorin  and 
cerasin,  in  being  soluble  in  water  both  hot  and  cold. 

Medical  Properties,  &c.  The  mucilage  of  quince  seeds  may  be  used  for  the 
same  purposes  as  other  mucilaginous  liquids.  It  is  preferred  by  some  prac- 
titioners as  a local  application  in  conjunctival  ophthalmia,  but  in  this  country 
is  less  used  for  that  purpose  than  the  infusion  of  sassafras  pith. 

Off.  Prep.  Decoctum  Cydonii.  W. 

CYMINUM.  Loud. 

Cumin  Seed. 

Cuminum  Cyminum.  The  fruit.  Land. 

Off.  Syn.  CUMINUM.  Fruit  of  Cuminum  Cyminum.  Ed. 

Cumin,  Fr.;  Rdmischer  Kiimmel,  Germ.;  Comino,  Ital.,  Span. 

Cuminum.  Sex.  Syst.  Pentandria  Digynia. — Mat.  Ord.  Apiaceae  or  Um- 
belliferae. 

Gen.  Ch.  Fruit  ovate,  striated.  Partial  umbels  four.  Involucres  four-cleft. 

Cuminum  Cyminum.  Wi lid.  Sp.  Plant,  i.  1410;  Woodv.  Med.  Bot.  p. 
142,  t.  56.  This  is  an  annual  plant,  about  six  or  eight  inches  high,  having 
a round,  slender,  branching  stem,  with  numerous  narrow,  linear,  pointed, 
smooth,  grass-like  leaves,  of  a deep  green  colour.  The  flowers  are  white  or 
purple,  and  disposed  in  numerous  terminal  umbels,  which  have  very  few  rays, 
and  are  attended  with  general  and  partial  involucres,  consisting  of  three  or 
four  linear  leaflets.  The  fruit  consists  of  two  oblong  plano-convex  half-fruits, 
commonly  called  seeds,  united  by  their  flat  sides.  The  plant  is  a native  of 
Egypt,  but  is  cultivated  for  its  fruit  in  Sicily,  Malta,  and  other  parts  of  Europe. 

The  cumin  seeds  of  the  shops  are  elliptical,  flat  on  one  side,  convex,  fur- 
rowed, and  rough  on  the  other,  about  one-sixth  of  an  inch  in  length,  and  of 
a light-brown  colour.  Each  has  seven  longitudinal  ridges.  Two  seeds  are 
sometimes  united  together  as  upon  the  plant.  Their  odour  is  peculiar,  strong, 
and  heavy;  their  taste  warm,  bitterish,  aromatic,  and  disagreeable.  They 
contain  much  essential  oil,  which  is  lighter  than  water,  yellowish,  and  has 
the  sensible  properties  of  the  seeds.  According  to  Schweitzer  and  Volckel, 
it  consists  of  two  distinct  oils,  one  called  carvene,  containing  no  oxygen,  and 
isomeric  with  oil  of  turpentine,  the  other  consisting  of  carbon,  hydrogen, 
and  oxygen,  and  named  carvole.  {Ann.  der  Chein.  und  Pharm.,  Ixxxv.  246.) 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  In  medical  properties  cumin  seeds  resemble 
the  other  aromatic  fruits  of  umbelliferous  plants,  but  are  more  stimulating. 
They  are  seldom  used  in  the  United  States,  and  appear  to  have  been  retained 
by  the  Vmdon  College  merely  as  an  ingredient  in  a stimulant  and  diseutient 
plaster.  The  dose  is  from  fifteen  grains  to  half  a drachm. 

Off.  Prep.  Emplastrum  Cumini.  W. 

DELPHINIUM.  U.  S.  Secondary. 

Larkspur. 

The  root  of  Delphinium  Consolida.  U.  S. 

Pied  d’allouette,  Fr.;  Feld-Rittersporn,  Germ. 

Delphinium.  Sex.  Syst.  Polyandria  Trigynia. — Nat.  Ord.  Ranuneulacea?. 

Gen.  Ch.  Calyx  none.  Petals  five.  Nectary  bifid,  horned  behind.  Pods 
three  or  one.  Willd. 


PART  I. 


311 


Delphinium. — Digitalis. 

Delphinium  Consolida.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  ii.  1226;  Loudon’s  Encyc.  of 
Plants,  p.  473,  7832.  The  larkspur  is  a showy  annual  plant,  with  an  erect, 
branched,  slightly  pubescent  stem.  Its  leaves  are  divided  into  linear  seg- 
ments, widely  separated,  and  forked  at  the  summit.  The  flowers  are  usually 
of  a beautiful  azure-blue  colour,  and  disposed  in  loose  terminal  racemes,  with 
peduncles  longer  than  the  bractes.  The  nectary  is  one-leaved,  with  an  ascend- 
ing horn  nearly  equalling  the  corolla.  The  seeds  are  contained  in  smooth, 

; solitary  capsules.  This  species  of  larkspur  has  been  introduced  from  Europe 
into  the  United  States,  where  it  has  become  naturalized,  growing  in  the  woods 
and  fields,  and  flowering  in  June  and  July. 

Various  parts  of  the  larkspur  have  been  employed  in  medicine ; and  the 
plant  is  said  to  have  properties  closely  analogous  to  those  of  Delphinium  Sla- 
phisagria.  (See  Staphisagria.)  The  flowers  are  bitter  and  acrid,  and,  having 
formerly  been  supposed  to  possess  the  power  of  healing  wounds,  gave  the  name 
of  consolicla  to  the  species.  They  were  considered  diuretic,  emmenagogue, 
and  vermifuge;  but  are  not  now  used.  The  seeds  are  very  acrid,  are  esteemed 
diuretic,  and  in  large  doses  produce  vomiting  and  purging.  They  were  ana- 
lyzed by  Mr.  Thomas  C.  Hopkins,  of  Baltimore,  and  found  to  contain  del- 
phinia,  volatile  oil,  fixed  oil,  gum,  resin,  chlorophylle,  gallic  acid,  and  salts 
of  potassa,  lime,  and  iron.  {Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xi.  8.)  A tincture  prepared 
by  macerating  an  ounce  of  the  seeds  in  a pint  of  diluted  alcohol,  has  been 
found  useful  in  spasmodic  asthma  and  dropsy.  The  dose  is  ten  drops,  to  be 
gradually  increased  till  some  effects  upon  the  system  are  evinced.  The  remedy 
has  been  employed  both  in  America  and  England;  and  the  seeds  of  an  indi- 
genous species,  D.  exaltatum,  have  been  applied  to  a similar  purpose.  The 
root  probably  possesses  the  same  properties  as  other  parts  of  the  plant ; but, 
though  designated  in  the  Pharmacopoeia,  is  little  if  at  all  used.  W. 

DIGITALIS.  US.,  Land.,  Ed.,  Dub. 

Foxglove. 

The  leaves  of  Digitalis  purpurea.  U.  S.,  Ed.,  Dub.  The  fresh  and  dried 
leaf  of  the  stem  of  the  wild  herb.  Bond. 

Digitalepourpree,  Doiglitier,  Ft.;  Purpurrother  Fingerhut,  Germ.;  Digitale purpurea, 
Ital.;  Dedalera,  Span. 

Digitalis.  Sex.  Syst.  Didynamia  Angiospermia. — Nat.  Ord.  Scrophular- 
iacese. 

Gen.  Ch.  Calyx  five-parted.  Corolla  bell-shaped,  five-cleft,  ventricose. 
Capsule  ovate,  two-celled.  Willd. 

Digitalis  purpurea.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  iii.  383;  Woodv.  Med.  Bot.  p.  218, 
t.  78.  The  foxglove  is  a beautiful  plant,  with  a biennial  or  perennial,  fibrous 
root,  which,  in  the  first  year,  sends  forth  large  tufted  leaves,  and  in  the  fol- 
lowing summer,  a single  erect,  downy,  and  leafy  stem,  rising  from  two  to  five 
feet  in  height,  and  terminating  in  an  elegant  spike  of  purple  flowers.  The 
lower  leaves  are  ovate,  pointed,  about  eight  inches  in  length  and  three  in 
breadth,  and  stand  upon  short,  winged  footstalks ; the  upper  are  alternate, 
sparse,  and  lanceolate;  both  are  obtusely  serrated  at  their  edges,  and  have 
wrinkled  velvety  surfaces,  of  which  the  upper  is  of  a fine  deep-green  colour, 
the  under  paler  and  more  downy.  The  flowers  are  numerous,  and  attached 
to  the  upper  part  of  the  stem  by  short  peduncles,  in  such  a manner  as 
generally  to  hang  down  upon  one  side.  At  the  base  of  each  peduncle  is  a 
floral  leaf,  which  is  sessile,  ovate,  and  pointed.  The  calyx  is  divided  into  five 
segments,  of  which  the  uppermost  is  narrower  than  the  others.  The  corolla 
is  monopetalous,  bell-form,  swelling  on  the  lower  side,  irregularly  divided  at 


312  Digitalis.  part  I. 

the  margin  into  short  obtuse  lobes,  and  in  shape  and  size  bearing  some  resem- 
blance to  the  end  of  the  finger  of  a glove,  a circumstance  which  has  suggested 
most  of  the  names  by  which  the  plant  is  designated  in  different  languages. 
Its  mouth  is  guarded  by  long  soft  hairs.  Externally,  it  is  in  general  of  a 
bright  purple  colour;  internally,  is  sprinkled  with  black  spots  upon  a white 
ground.  There  is  a variety  of  the  plant  in  which  the  flowers  are  white.  The 
filaments  are  white,  curved,  and  surmounted  by  large  yellow  anthers.  The 
style,  which  is  simple,  supports  a bifid  stigma.  The  seeds  are  very  small, 
numerous,  grayish-brown,  and  contained  in  a pyramidal,  two-celled  capsule. 

The  foxglove  grows  wild  in  the  temperate  parts  of  Europe,  where  it  flowers 
in  the  middle  of  summer.  In  this  country  it  is  cultivated  both  as  an  orna- 
mental plant  and  for  medicinal  purposes.  The  leaves  are  the  part  usually 
employed.  Much  care  is  requisite  in  selecting,  preparing,  and  preserving 
them,  in  order  to  insure  their  activity.  They  should  be  gathered  in  the  se- 
cond year,  immediately  before  or  during  the  period  of  inflorescence,  and  those 
only  chosen  which  are  full-grown  and  perfectly  fresh.  ( Geiger .)  It  is  said 
that  those  plants  are  preferable  which  grow  spontaneously  in  elevated  places, 
exposed  to  the  sun.  ( Duncan .)  As  the  leaf-stalk  and  midrib  are  compara- 
tively inactive,  they  may  be  rejected.  Withering  recommends  that  the  leaves 
should  be  dried  either  in  the  sunshine,  or  by  a gentle  heat  before  the  fire; 
and  care  should  be  taken  to  keep  them  separate  while  drying.  Pereira  states 
that  a more  common,  and,  in  his  opinion,  a preferable  mode,  is  to  dry  them 
in  a basket,  in  a dark  place,  in  a drying  stove.  It  is  probably  owing,  in  part, 
to  the  want  of  proper  attention  in  preparing  digitalis  for  the  market,  that  it 
is  so  often  inefficient.  Much  of  the  medicine  kept  in  our  shops  is  obtained 
from  the  settlement  of  the  Shakers  in  New  York,  and  is  in  oblong  compact 
masses,  into  which  the  leaves  have  been  compressed.  In  some  of  these  cakes 
the  digitalis  is  of  good  quality;  but  we  have  seen  others  in  which  it  was  quite 
the  reverse,  and  some  which  were  mouldy  in  the  interior;  and,  upon  the  whole,, 
cannot  but  consider  this  mode  of  preparing  the  drug  as  objectionable.  The 
dried  leaves  should  be  kept  in  tin  canisters,  well  closed  so  as  to  exclude  light 
and  moisture;  or  they  may  be  pulverized,  and  the  powder  preserved  in  well- 
stopped  and  opaque  phials.  As  foxglove  deteriorates  by  time,  it  should  be 
frequently  renewed,  as  often,  if  possible,  as  once  a year.  Its  quality  must 
be  judged  of  by  the  degree  in  which  it  possesses  the  characteristic  properties 
of  colour,  smell,  and  especially  taste. 

The  seeds  contain  more  of  the  active  principle  than  the  leaves,  are  less  apt 
to  suffer  in  drying,  and  keep  better;  and  might,  therefore,  be  substituted  for 
them  with  propriety. 

Properties.  Foxglove  is  without  smell  in  the  recent  state,  but  acquires  a 
faint  narcotic  odour  when  dried.  Its  taste  is  bitter  and  nauseous.  The 
colour  of  the  dried  leaf  is  a dull  pale  green,  modified  by  the  whitish  down 
upon  the  under  surface;  that  of  the  powder  is  a fine  deep  green.  Digitalis 
yields  its  virtues  both  to  water  and  alcohol.  These  virtues  reside  in  a pecu- 
liar bitter  principle,  which  was  first  isolated  byM.  Homolle.  In  the  extrac- 
tion of  this  principle,  called  digitalin,  he  employed  the  agency  of  tannic 
acid,  as  originally  proposed  by  M.  0.  Henry.  The  latter  chemist  has  some- 
what simplified  the  process  of  M.  Homolle.  An  alcoholic  extract  is  first 
prepared.  This  is  treated  with  distilled  water  acidulated  with  acetic  acid, 
and  heated  to  about  110°  F.,  a little  animal  charcoal  being  added.  To  the 
liquor,  filtered,  and  partially  neutralized  by  ammonia,  a fresh  concentrated 
infusion  of  galls  is  gradually  added,  so  long  as  a precipitate  is  produced. 
This  precipitate,  which  is  tannate  of  digitalin,  is  obtained  separate  by  decant- 
ing the  liquid,  is  washed  with  pure  water,  mixed  with  a little  alcohol,  and  then 


PART  I. 


Digitalis. 


313 


rubbed  in  a mortar  with  one-third  of  its  weight  of  very  finely  powdered  lith- 
arge. The  mixture  is  heated  gently,  and  submitted  to  the  action  of  twice  its 
volume  of  alcohol  at  about  90°.  The  alcoholic  solution  is  treated  with  a little 
animal  charcoal,  filtered,  and  evaporated  at  a very  gentle  heat.  The  residue 
is  acted  on  twice  or  three  times  with  cold  sulphuric  ether,  which  removes  im- 
purities, and  leaves  the  digitalin.  This  may  be  powdered,  or  obtained  in 
small  scales  by  dissolving  it  in  the  least  quantity  of  alcohol,  and  allowing  the 
concentrated  solution  to  evaporate  in  a stove  upon  plates  of  glass.  From  1000 
parts  of  the  leaves,  M.  Henry  obtained  between  9 and  10  parts  of  digitalin. 

( Journ . de  Pliarm.,  3e  sir.,  vii.  462.)  This  substance  is  white,  inodorous, 
crystallizable  with  difficulty,  of  an  intense  bitterness,  sternutatory  when 
powdered,  slightly  decomposed  at  a boiling  heat,  soluble  in  about  2000  parts 
of  cold  water,  more  soluble  in  boiling  water,  which  retains  one  part  in  1000 
when  it  cools,  very  soluble  in  alcohol  cold  or  hot,  very  slightly  soluble  in  ether, 
incapable  of  precipitating  salts,  without  alkaline  or  acid  reaction,  and  desti- 
tute of  nitrogen.  It  forms  an  insoluble  compound  with  tannic  acid.  It  has 
the  characteristic  property  of  giving  a fine  emerald-green  colour  to  concen- 
trated muriatic  acid.  In  the  plant,  it  is  rendered  soluble  in  water  by  means 
of  saline  or  extractive  matters.  It  has  the  effects  of  digitalis  on  the  system. 
In  the  dose  of  about  one-thirteenth  of  a grain,  three  times  a day,  continued 
for  three  days,  it  lessened  the  frequency  of  the  pulse  to  50  in  the  minute, 
produced  headache  and  other  unpleasant  effects  on  the  brain,  and  sensibly 
increased  the  urine.  The  effect  continued  for  two  days  after  the  suspension 
of  its  use.  (Ibid.,  vii.  65.)  Besides  the  bitter  principle,  digitalis  contains 
a volatile  oil,  a fatty  matter,  a red  colouring  substance  analogous  to  extractive, 
chlorophylle,  albumen,  starch,  sugar,  gum,  lignin,  and  salts  of  potassa  and 
■ lime,  among  which,  according  to  Hein  and  Haase,  is  superoxalate  of  potassa. 
M.  Morin,  of  Geneva,  has  discovered  in  the  leaves  two  acids;  one  fixed,  called 
digitalic  acid,  the  other  volatile  and  resembling  valerianic  acid,  which  he 
proposes  to  name  antirrliinic  acid.  (Ibid.,  vii.  294.)  Dr.  Morries  obtained  a 
narcotic  empyreumatic  oil  by  the  destructive  distillation  of  the  leaves. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Digitalis  is  narcotic,  sedative,  and  diuretic. 
When  administered  in  quantities  sufficient  to  bring  the  system  decidedly 
under  its  influence,  it  is  apt  to  produce  a sense  of  tightness  or  weight  with 
dull  pain  in  the  head,  vertigo,  dimness  or  other  disorder  of  vision,  and  more 
or  less  confusion  of  thought.  At  the  same  time,  it  occasionally  gives  rise 
to  irritation  in  the  pharynx  and  oesophagus,  which  extends  to  the  larynx  and 
trachea,  producing  hoarseness ; and,  in  more  than  one  instance,  ptyalism  has 
been  observed  to  result.  It  sometimes  also  disturbs  the  bowels,  and  excites 
nausea,  or  even  vomiting.  Another  and  highly  important  effect  is  an  aug- 
mented flow  of  urine.  This  has  been  ascribed  by  some  to  the  increased  ab- 
sorption which  digitalis  is  supposed  to  produce;  and,  in  support  of  this  opinion, 
it  is  stated  that  its  diuretic  operation  is  observable  only  when  dropsical  effu- 
sion exists;  but  the  fact  seems  to  be,  that  it  is  capable  of  augmenting  the 
quantity  of  urine  in  health,  and  it  probably  exerts  a directly  stimulating 
influence  upon  the  secretory  function  of  the  kidneys.  This  influence  is  said 
sometimes  to  extend  to  the  genital  organs.  Besides  the  effects  above  de- 
tailed, digitalis  exerts  a remarkably  sedative  operation  upon  the  heart.  This 
is  exhibited  in  the  reduction  both  of  the  force  and  frequency  of  the  pulse, 
which  sometimes  sinks  fom  the  ordinary  standard  to  50,  40,  or  even  80 
strokes  in  the  minute.  In  some  instances,  however,  it  undergoes  little  change ; 
in  others  only  becomes  irregular;  and  we  are  told  that  it  is  even  occasionally 
increased  in  frequency.  It  was  observed  by  Dr.  Baildon  that  the  effects  of 
digitalis  upon  the  circulation  were  very  much  influenced  by  posture.  Thus, 


314  Digitalis.  PART  I. 

in  his  own  case,  the  pulse,  which  had  been  reduced  from  110  to  40  in  the 
recumbent  position,  was  increased  to  72  when  he  sat,  and  to  100  when  he 
.stood.  We  do  not  discover  anything  remarkable  in  this  circumstance.  It 
is  well  known  that  the  pulse  is  always  more  frequent  in  the  erect  than  in  the 
horizontal  posture,  and  the  difference  is  greater  in  a state  of  debility  than  in 
health.  Digitalis  diminishes  the  frequency  of  the  pulsations  of  the  heart  by 
a directly  debilitating  power;  and  this  very  debility,  when  any  exertion  is 
made  which  calls  for  increased  action  in  that  organ,  causes  it  to  attempt,  by 
an  increase  in  the  number  of  its  contractions,  to  meet  the  demand  which  it 
is  unable  to  supply  by  an  increase  in  their  force.  According  to  Dr.  Traube, 
it  directly  diminishes  animal  temperature  in  febrile  and  inflammatory  diseases, 
without  antecedent  effect  on  the  circulation.  (See  Archives  Gen.,  4ese'r.,xxviii. 
338.)  Dr.  A.  Buchner  states  that  digitalin  arrests  vinous  fermentation,  and  con- 
sequently poisons  the  yeast  plant.  (See  Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xxiv.  154.) 

The  effects  above  detailed  may  result  from  digitalis  given  in  remediate 
doses.  In  larger  quantities  its  operation  is  more  violent.  Nausea  and  vomit- 
ing, stupor  or  delirium,  cold  sweats,  extreme  prostration  of  strength,  hiccough, 
convulsions,  and  syncope,  are  among  the  alarming  symptoms  which  indicate 
its  poisonous  character.  These  effects  are  best  counteracted  by  stimulants, 
such  as  brandy,  the  volatile  alkali,  and  opium.  Should  any  of  the  poison  be 
suspected  to  remain,  it  would  be  proper,  before  employing  other  measures,  to 
evacuate  the  stomach  by  the  free  use  of  warm  liquids.  From  the  experiments 
of  M.  Bonjean,  it  appears  that  powdered  digitalis  may  be  given  to  fowls,  in 
large  quantities,  with  entire  impunity.  (Journ.  de  Pharm.,  3e  str.,  iv.  21.) 

A peculiarity  of  digitalis  is  that,  after  having  been  given  in  moderate  doses 
for  several  days,  without  apparent  effect,  it  sometimes  acts  suddenly  with  an 
accumulated  influence,  endangering  even  life.  It  is,  moreover,  very  perma- 
nent in  its  operation,  which,  having  once  commenced,  is  maintained  like  that 
of  mercury,  for  a considerable  period,  without  any  fresh  accessions  of  the 
medicine.  The  practical  inferences  deducible  from  these  properties  of  digi- 
talis are,  first,  that,  after  it  has  been  administered  for  some  time  without 
effect,  great  care  should  be  taken  not  to  increase  the  dose,  nor  to  urge  the 
medicine  too  vigorously;  and,  secondly,  that,  after  its  effects  have  begun  to 
appear,  it  should  be  suspended  for  a time,  or  exhibited  in  smaller  doses,  lest 
a dangerous  accumulation  of  its  influence  should  be  experienced.  In  nume- 
rous instances  death  has  resulted  from  its  incautious  employment. 

Digitalis  has  been  long  known  to  possess  medicinal  powers;  but  it  was  never 
regarded  as  a standard  remedy,  till  after  its  application  by  Withering  to  the 
treatment  of  dropsy,  about  the  year  1775.  It  is  at  present  employed  very 
extensively,  both  for  its  diuretic  power,  and  for  its  sedative  influence  over  the 
circulation.  The  former  renders  it  highly  useful  in  dropsical  diseases,  though 
like  all  other  remedies  it  very  frequently  fails;  the  latter  adapts  it  to  the 
treatment  of  cases  in  which  the  action  of  the  heart  requires  to  be  controlled. 
The  idea  was  at  one  period  entertained,  that  it  might  serve  as  a substitute 
for  the  lancet  in  febrile  and  inflammatory  complaints ; and  it  has  been  much 
employed  for  this  purpose  by  the  advocates  of  the  contra-stimulant  doctrine 
in  Italy;  but  experience  has  proved  that  it  is  a very  frail  support  in  any  case 
in  which  the  symptoms  of  inflammation  are  such  as  to  call  for  the  loss  of 
blood.  As  an  adjuvant  to  the  lancet,  and  in  cases  in  which  circumstances 
forbid  the  employment  of  that  remedy,  it  is  often  useful.  Though  it  cer- 
tainly has  not  the  power,  at  one  time  ascribed  to  it  by  some,  of  curing 
phthisis,  it  acts  beneficially  as  a palliative  in  that  complaint  by  depressing 
the  excited  movements  of  the  heart.  In  the  same  way  it  proves  advantage- 
ous in  aneurism,  hypertrophy  and  dilatation  of  the  heart,  palpitations  from 


PART  I. 


315 


Digitalis. — Diospyros. 

rheumatic  or  gouty  irritation,  and  in  various  forms  of  hemorrhage,  after  action 
has  been  sufficiently  reduced  by  the  lancet.  It  has  also  been  prescribed  in 
mania,  epilepsy,  pertussis,  and  spasmodic  asthma ; and  highly  respectable 
testimony  can  be  adduced  in  favour  of  its  occasional  efficacy  in  these  com- 
plaints. In  delirium  tremens  it  has  been  recommended  as  a specific,  given 
in  the  form  of  infusion,  in  the  full  dose,  repeated  every  two  hours  till  symp- 
toms of  narcotism  are  induced;  but  the  practice  is  somewhat  hazardous,  un- 
less the  patient  be  carefully  watched.  {Am.  Journ.  of  Med.  Sci.,  xvii.  501.) 
The  medicine,  externally  applied,  is  said  to  act  speedily  and  powerfully  as  a 
diuretic,  and  to  have  been  useful  in  dropsy.  For  this  purpose  the  fresh 
leaves  bruised,  or  the  tincture  may  be  rubbed  over  the  abdomen,  and  on  the 
inside  of  the  thighs.  {Revue  Medicale,  May,  1834.) 

Digitalis  is  administered  in  substance.  The  dose  of  the  powder  is  one 
grain,  repeated  twice  or  three  times  a day,  and  gradually  increased  till  some 
effect  is  produced  upon  the  head,  stomach,  pulse,  or  kidneys,  when  it  should 
be  omitted  or  reduced.  The  infusion  and  tincture  are  officinal  preparations 
often  resorted  to.  (See  Infusum  Digitalis  and  Tinctura  Digitalis.)  The  ex- 
tract has  also  been  employed ; and  Orfila  found  it,  whether  prepared  with  water 
or  alcohol,  more  powerful  than  the  powder.  Enormous  doses  of  this  medicine 
have  been  given  with  asserted  impunity;  and,  when  they  occasion  full  vomit- 
ing, it  is  possible  that  they  may  sometimes  prove  harmless;  but,  when  the 
alarming  effects  sometimes  experienced  from  comparatively  moderate  doses 
are  considered,  the  practice  must  be  condemned  as  exceedingly  hazardous. 

Digitalin  has  been  used  internally,  but  itsemployment  requires  great  caution. 
It  appears  to  have  all  the  powers  of  digitalis,  and  possesses  the  advantage  of 
more  equable  strength,  and  consequently  greater  precision  and  certainty  in 
regard  to  the  dose.  It  may  be  used  for  any  of  the  purposes  to  which  the 
leaves  are  applicable;  and  may  be  administered  in  pill,  or  alcoholic  solution. 
The  dose  to  begin  with  should  not  exceed  the  fortieth  or  fiftieth  of  a grain, 
and  should  not  be  carried,  beyond  the  twelfth. 

Off.  Prep.  Extractum  Digitalis;  Infusum  Digitalis;  Pilulae  Digitalis  et 
Scillae;  Tinctura  Digitalis.  W. 

DIOSPYROS.  US.  Secondary. 

Persimmon. 

The  unripe  fruit  of  Diospyros  Virginiana.  U.  S. 

Dyospyros.  Sex.  Syst.  Dioecia  Octandria. — Nat.Ord.  Ebenaceae. 

Gen.  Ch.  Male.  Calyx  four  to  six-cleft.  Corolla  urceolate,  four  to  six- 
cleft.  Stamens  eight  to  sixteen ; filaments  often  producing  two  anthers.  Fe- 
male. Flower  as  the  male.  Stigmas  four  to  five.  Berry  eight  to  twelve- 
seeded.  Nuttall. 

Dyospyros  Virginiana.  Wi'lld.  Sp.  Plant,  iv.  1107 ; Michaux,  N.  Am. 
Sylv.  ii.  219.  The  persimmon  is  an  indigenous  tree,  rising  sometimes  in  the 
Southern  States  to  the  height  of  sixty  feet,  with  a trunk  twenty  inches  in 
diameter;  but  seldom  attaining  more  than  half  that  size  near  its  northern 
limits,  and  often  not  higher  than  fifteen  or  twenty  feet.  The  stem  is  straight, 
and  in  the  old  tree  covered  with  a furrowed  blackish  hark.  The  branches 
are  spreading;  the  leaves  ovate-oblong,  acuminate,  entire,  smooth,  reticulately 
veined,  alternate,  and  supported  on  pubescent  footstalks.  The  buds  are 
smooth.  The  male  and  female  flowers  are  on  different  trees.  They  are 
lateral,  axillary,  solitary,  nearly  sessile,  of  a pale  orange  colour,  and  not  con- 
spicuous. The  fruit  is  a globular  berry,  dark-yellow  when  perfectly  ripe,  and 
containing  numerous  seeds  embedded  in  a soft  yellow  pulp. 


316 


PART  I. 


Diospyros. — Dracontium. 

This  tree  is  very  common  in  the  Middle  and  Southern  States ; but,  accord- 
ing to  Michaux,  does  not  flourish  beyond  the  forty-second  degree  of  north 
latitude.  The  flowers  appear  in  Mayor  June;  but  the  fruit  is  not  ripe  till 
the  middle  of  autumn.  While  green,  the  fruit  is  excessively  astringent;  but, 
when  perfectly  mature,  and  after  having  been  touched  by  the  frost,  it  is  sweet 
and  palatable.  Michaux  states  that,  in  the  Southern  and  Western  States,  it 
is  made  into  cakes  with  bran,  and  used  for  preparing  beer  with  the  addition 
of  water,  hops,  and  yeast.  A spirituous  liquor  may  be  obtained  by  the  dis- 
tillation of  the  fermented  infusion.  The  unripe  fruit  was  examined  by  Mr. 
B.  B.  Smith,  of  Philadelphia,  and  found  to  contain  tannic  acid,  sugar,  malic 
acid,  colouring  matter,  and  lignin.  (Am.  Journ.of  Pharm.,xv iii.  167.)  It 
has  been  used  by  Dr.  Mettauer,  of  Virginia,  in  diarrhoea,  chronic  dysentery, 
and  uterine  hemorrhage.  He  gave  it  in  infusion,  syrup,  and  vinous  tincture, 
prepared  in  the  proportion  of  about  an  ounce  of  the  bruised  fresh  fruit,  to 
two  fluidounces  of  the  vehicle,  and  administered  in  the  dose  of  a fluidrachm 
or  more  for  infants,  and  half  a fluidounce  or  more  for  adults.  The  bark  i3 
astringent  and  very  bitter,  and  is  said  to  have  been  used  advantageously  in 
intermittents,  and  in  the  form  of  a gargle  in  ulcerated  sorethroat.  W. 

DRACONTIUM.  U.S.  Secondary. 

Skunk  Cabbage. 

The  root  of  Dracontium  fcetidum — Ictodes  fcetidus  (Bigelow) — Symplo- 
carpus  foetidus  (Barton,  Med.  Bot.)  U.  S. 

Botauists  have  had  some  difficulty  in  arranging  this  plant.  It  was  attached 
by  WJlldenow  to  the  genus  Dracontium,  by  Michaux  and  Pursh  was  considered 
a Pothos,  and  by  American  botanists  has  been  erected  into  a new  genus,  which 
Nuttall  calls  Symplocarpus  after  Salisbury,  and  Dr.  Bigelow  proposes  to 
name  Ictodes,  expressive  of  the  odour  of  the  plant.  The  term  Symplocarpus, 
though  erroneous  in  its  origin,  was  first  proposed,  and,  having  been  adopted 
by  several  botanists,  should  be  retained. 

Symplocarpus.  Sex.  Syst.  Tetrandria  Monogynia. — Mat.  Ord.  Aracete. 

Gen.  Ch.  Spathe  hooded.  Spadix  covered  with  perfect  flowers.  Calyx  with 
four  segments.  Petals  none.  Style  pyramidal.  Seeds  immersed  in  the  spa- 
dix. Bigelow. 

Symplocarpus  fcetidus.  Barton,  Med.  Bot.  i.  123. — Ictodes  fcetidus.  Bige- 
low, Am.  Med.  Bot.  ii.  41.  The  skunk  cabbage  is  a very  curious  plant,  and 
the  only  one  of  the  genus.  The  root  is  perennial,  large,  abrupt,  aud  furnished 
with  numerous  fleshy  fibres,  which  penetrate  to  the  depth  of  two  feet  or  more. 
The  spathe,  which  first  appears,  is  ovate,  acuminate,  obliquely  depressed  at  the 
apex,  aurieulated  at  the  base,  folded  inwards  at  the  edges,  and  of  a brownish- 
purple  colour,  varied  with  spots  of  red,  yellow,  and  green.  Within  the 
spathe,  the  flowers,  which  resemble  it  in  colour,  are  placed  in  great  numbers 
upon  a globose,  peduncled  spadix,  for  which  they  form  a compact  covering. 
After  the  spathe  has  decayed,  the  spadix  continues  to  grow,  and,  when  the 
fruit  is  mature,  has  attained  a size  exceeding  several  times  its  original  dimen- 
sions. At  the  base  of  each  style  is  a roundish  seed,  immersed  in  the  spadix, 
about  the  size  of  a pea,  and  speckled  with  purple  and  yellow.  The  leaves,  which 
rise  from  the  ground  after  the  flowers,  are  numerous  and  crowded,  oblong- 
cordate,  acute,  smooth,  strongly  veined,  and  attached  to  the  root  by  long  peti- 
oles, which  are  hollowed  in  front,  and  furnished  with  coloured  sheathing  sti- 
pules. At  the  beginning  of  May,  when  the  leaves  are  fully  developed,  they  are 
very  large,  being  from  one  to  two  feet  in  length,  and  from  nine  inches  to  a 
foot  in  breadth. 


PART  I. 


Dracontium. — Dulcamara. 


317 


This  plant  is  indigenous,  growing  abundantly  in  meadows,  swamps,  and 
other  wet  places  throughout  the  whole  northern  and  middle  sections  of  the 
Union.  Its  flowers  appear  in  March  and  April,  and  in  the  lower  latitudes 
often  so  early  as  February.  The  fruit  is  usually  quite  ripe,  and  the  leaves  are 
decayed  before  the  end  of  August.  The  plant  is  very  conspicuous  from  its 
abundance,  and  from  the  magnitude  of  its  leaves.  All  parts  of  it  have  a 
disagreeable  fetid  odour,  thought  to  resemble  that  of  the  offensive  animal  after 
which  it  is  named.  This  odour  resides  in  an  extremely  volatile  principle, 
which  is  rapidly  dissipated  by  heat,  and  diminished  by  desiccation.  The  root 
is  the  part  usually  employed  in  medicine.  It  should  be  collected  in  autumn, 
or  early  in  spring,  and  dried  with  care. 

The  root,  as  found  in  the  shops,  consists  of  two  portions;  the  body  either 
whole  or  in  transverse  slices,  and  the  separated  radicles.  The  former,  when 
whole,  is  cylindrical,  or  in  the  shape  of  a truncated  cone,  two  or  three  inches 
long  by  about  an  inch  in  thickness,  externally  dark  brown  and  very  rough 
from  the  insertion  of  the  radicles,  internally  white  and  amylaceous.  The  fat- 
ter are  of  various  lengths,  about  as  thick  as  a hen’s  quill,  very  much  flattened 
and  wrinkled,  white  within,  and  covered  by  a yellowish  reddish-brown  epider- 
mis, considerably  lighter  coloured  than  the  body  of  the  root.  More  or  less  of 
the  fetid  odour  remains  for  a considerable  period  in  the  dried  root.  The  taste, 
though  less  decided  than  in  the  fresh,  is  still  acrid,  manifesting  itself,  after 
the  root  has  been  chewed  for  a short  time,  by  a pricking  and  smarting  sen- 
sation in  the  mouth  and  throat.  The  acrimony,  however,  is  dissipated  by 
heat,  and  is  quite  lost  in  decoction.  It  is  also  diminished  by  time  and  ex- 
posure; and  the  root  should  not  be  kept  longer  than  a single  season.  Accord- 
ing to  Mr.  Turner  (Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  viii.  2),  the  radicles  have  less 
acrimony  than  the  caudex.  The  seeds  are  very  acrid,  and,  though  inodorous 
when  whole,  give  out  strongly,  when  bruised,  the  peculiar  odour  of  the  plant. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  This  root  is  stimulant,  antispasmodic,  and 
narcotic.  In  large  doses  it  occasions  nausea  and  vomiting,  with  headache, 
vertigo,  and  dimness  of  vision.  Dr.  Bigelow  has  witnessed  these  effects  from 
thirty  grains  of  the  recently  dried  root.  The  medicine  was  introduced  into 
notice  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Cutler,  who  recommended  it  highly  in  asthma;  and  it 
has  been  subsequently  employed  with  apparent  advantage  in  chronic  catarrh, 
chronic  rheumatism,  hysteria,  and  dropsy.  Dr.  Heintzelman  thinks  it  ex- 
pectorant as  well  as  antispasmodic,  and  has  used  it  beneficially  in  hooping- 
cough,  and  pulmonary  consumption.  (iV.  J.  Med.  Reporter,  iv.  310.) 

It  is  best  given  in  powder,  of  which  the  dose  is  from  ten  to  twenty  grains, 
to  be  repeated  three  or  four  times  a day,  and  gradually  increased  till  some 
evidence  of  its  action  is  afforded.  A strong  infusion  is  sometimes  employed, 
and  the  people  in  the  country  prepare  a syrup  from  the  fresh  root;  but  the 
latter  preparation  is  very  unequal.  The  root  itself,  as  kept  in  the  shops,  is 
of  uncertain  strength,  in  consequence  of  its  deterioration  by  age.  W. 

DULCAMARA.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub. 

Bittersweet. 

The  stalks  of  Solanum  Dulcamara.  US.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub. 

Douce-amere,  Fr.;  Bittersiiss,  Alpranken,  Germ.;  Dulcamara,  Ital.,  Span. 

Solanum.  Sex.  Syst.  Pentandria  Monogynia. — Nat.  Ord.  Solanacese. 

Gen.Ch.  Corolla  wheel-shaped.  An thers  somewhat  coalescing,  opening  by 
two  pores  at  the  apex.  Berry  two-celled.  Willd. 

This  genus  includes  numerous  species,  of  which  several  have  been  used  in 


318 


Dulcamara. 


PART  i. 


medicine.  Besides  $.  Dulcamara , which  is  the  only  officinal  species,  two 
others  merit  notice.  1.  Solatium  nigrum,  the  common  garden  or  hlack  night- 
shade, is  an  annual  plant  from  one  to  two  feet  high,  with  an  unarmed  herba- 
ceous stem,  ovate,  angular-dentate  leaves,  and  white  or  pale  violet  flowers, 
arranged  in  peduncled  nodding  umbel-like  racemes,  and  followed  by  clusters 
of  spherical  black  berries,  about  the  size  of  peas.  There  are  numerous  va- 
rieties of  this  species,  one  of  which  is  a native  of  the  United  States.  The 
leaves  are  the  part  employed.  They  are  said  to  produce  diaphoresis,  some- 
times diuresis  and  moderate  purging,  and  in  large  doses  nausea  and  giddiness. 
As  a medicine  they  have  been  used  in  cancerous,  scrofulous,  and  scorbutic 
diseases,  and  other  painful  ulcerous  affections,  being  given  internally,  and 
applied  at  the  same  time  to  the  parts  affected  in  the  form  of  poultice,  oint- 
ment, or  decoction.  A grain  of  the  dried  leaves  may  be  given  every  night, 
and  gradually  increased  to  ten  or  twelve  grains,  or  till  some  sensible  effect  is 
experienced.  The  medicine,  however,  is  scarcely  used  at  present.  By  some 
persons  the  poisonous  properties  ascribed  to  the  common  nightshade  are 
doubted.  M.  Dunal,  of  Montpellier,  states  as  the  result  of  numerous  experi- 
ments, that  the  berries  are  not  poisonous  to  man  or  the  inferior  animals;  and 
the  leaves  are  said  to  be  consumed  in  large  quantities  in  the  Isles  of  France 
and  Bourbon  as  food,  having  been  previously  boiled  in  water.  In  the  latter 
case,  the  active  principle  of  the  plant  must  have  been  extracted  by  decoction. 
2.  The  leaves,  stalks,  and  unripe  berries  of  Solatium  tuberosum , or  the  common 
potato , are  asserted  to  be  narcotic;  and  an  extract  prepared  from  the  leaves 
has  been  employed  in  cough  and  spasmodic  affections,  in  which  it  is  said  to 
act  like  opium.  (Geiger.)  From  half  a grain  to  two  grains  may  be  given 
as  a dose.  Dr.  Latham,  of  London,  found  the  extract  to  produce  favourable 
effects  in  protracted  cough,  chronic  rheumatism,  angina  pectoris,  cancer  of  the 
uterus,  &c.  Its  influence  upon  the  nervous  system  was  strongly  marked,  and, 
in  many  instances,  the  dose  could  not  be  increased  above  a few  grains  without 
giving  rise  to  threatening  symptoms.  It  appeared  to  Dr.  Latham  to  be  an- 
alogous in  its  operation  to  digitalis.  His  experiments  were  repeated  in  Phila- 
delphia by  Dr.  Worsham  with  different  results.  The  extract  was  found,  in 
the  quantity  of  nearly  one  hundred  grains,  to  produce  no  sensible  effect. 
( Phi/ad . Journ.  of  the  Med.  and  Phys.  Sciences,  vi.  '22.)  We  can  reconcile 
these  opposite  statements  only  upon  the  supposition,  that  the  properties  of  the 
plant  vary  with  the  season,  or  with  the  place  and  circumstances  of  culture. 
Dr.  Julius  Otto  found  solania  in  the  germs  of  the  potato.  He  was  induced 
to  make  the  investigation  by  observing  that  cattle  were  destroyed  by  feeding 
on  the  residue  of  germinated  potatoes,  used  for  the  manufacture  of  brandy. 

Solarium  Dulcamara.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  i.  1028;  Woodv.  Med.  Bot.  p. 
237,  t.  84;  Bigelow,  Am.  Med.  Bot.  i.  169.  The  bittersweet  or  woody  night- 
shade is  a climbing  shrub,  with  a slender,  roundish,  branching,  woody  stem, 
which,  in  favourable  situations,  rises  six  or  eight  feet  in  height.  The  leaves 
are  alternate,  petiolate,  ovate,  pointed,  veined,  soft,  smooth,  and  of  a dull 
green  colour.  Many  near  the  top  of  the  stem  are  furnished  with  lateral  pro- 
jections at  their  base,  giving  them  a hastate  form.  Some  have  the  projection 
only  on  one  side.  Most  of  them  are  quite  entire,  some  cordate  at  the  base. 
The  flowers  are  disposed  in  elegant  clusters,  somewhat  analogous  to  cymes, 
and  standing  opposite  to  the  leaves.  The  calyx  is  very  small,  purplish,  and 
divided  into  five  blunt  persistent  segments.  The  corolla  is  wheel-shaped,  with 
five-pointed  reflected  segments,  which  are  of  a violet-blue  colour,  with  a darker 
purple  vein  running  longitudinally  through  their  centre,  and  two  shining 
greenish  spots  at  the  base  of  each.  The  filaments  are  very  short,  and  support 
large  erect  lemon-yellow  anthers,  which  cohere  in  the  form  of  a cone  around 


PART  I. 


Dulcamara. 


319 


the  style.  The  berries  are  of  an  oval  shape  and  a bright  scarlet  colour,  and 
continue  to  hang  in  beautiful  bunches  after  the  leaves  have  fallen. 

This  plant  is  common  to  Europe  and  North  America.  It  flourishes  most 
luxuriantly  in  damp  and  sheltered  places,  as  on  the  banks  of  rivulets,  and 
among  the  thickets  which  border  our  natural  meadows.  It  is  also  found  in 
higher  and  more  exposed  situations,  and  is  frequently  cultivated  in  gardens. 
In  the  United  States  it  extends  from  New  England  to  Ohio,  and  is  in  bloom 
from  June  to  August.  The  root  and  stalk  have  medicinal  properties,  though 
the  latter  only  is  officinal.  The  berries,  which  were  formerly  esteemed  poi- 
sonous, and  thought  to  act  with  great  severity  on  the  stomach  and  bowels,  are 
now  said  to  be  innoxious.  Bittersweet  should  be  gathered  in  autumn,  after 
the  fall  of  the  leaf;  and  the  extreme  twigs  should  be  selected.  That  grown 
in  high  and  dry  situations  is  said  to  be  the  best. 

The  dried  twigs,  as  brought  to  the  shops,  are  of  various  lengths,  cylindrical, 
about  as  thick  as  a goose-quill,  externally  wrinkled  and  of  a grayish-ash  colour, 
consisting  of  a thin  bark,  an  interior  ligneous  portion,  and  a central  pith. 
They  are  inodorous,  though  the  stalk  in  the  recent  state  emits,  when  bruised, 
a peculiar,  rather  nauseous  smell.  Their  taste,  which  is  at  first  bitter,  and 
afterwards  sweetish,  has  given  origin  to  the  name  of  the  plant.  Boiling  water 
extracts  all  their  virtues.  These  are  supposed  to  depend,  at  least  in  part, 
upon  a peculiar  alkaline  principle  called  solanin  or  solania,  which  was  origin- 
ally discovered  by  M.  Desfosses,  of  BesanQon,  in  the  berries  of  Su/anum 
nigrum , and  has  subsequently  been  found  in  the  stalks,  leaves,  and  berries  of 
S.  Dulcamara  and  S . tuberosum.  It  is  supposed  to  exist  in  the  bittersweet 
combined  with  malic  acid.*  Solania  is  in  the  form  of  a white  opaque  powder, 
or  of  delicate  acicular  crystals,  somewhat  like  those  of  sulphate  of  quinia, 
though  finer  and  shorter.  It  is  inodorous,  of  a bitter  taste,  fusible  at  a little 
above  212°,  scarcely  soluble  in  water,  soluble  in  alcohol  and  ether,  and  capable 
of  neutralizing  the  acids.  It  is  distinguished  by  the  deep-brown,  or  brownish- 
yellow  colour  which  iodine  imparts  to  its  solution,  and  by  its  reaction  with 
sulphuric  acid,  which  becomes  first  reddish-yellow,  then  purplish-violet,  then 
brown,  and  lastly  again  colourless,  with  the  deposition  of  a brown  powder. 
( Pharm . Cent.  Blatt,  A.  D.  1843,  p.  177.)  Given  to  a cat,  it  was  found  by 
M Desfosses  to  operate  at  first  as  an  emetic,  and  afterwards  as  a narcotic.  Dr. 
J.  Otto  observed,  among  its  most  striking  effects,  a paralytic  condition  of  the 
posterior  limbs  of  animals.  One  grain  of  the  sulphate  of  solania  was  sufficient 
to  destroy  a rabbit  in  six  hours.  Besides  solania,  the  stalks  of  S.  Dulcamara 
corftain,  according  to  Pfaff,  a peculiar  principle  to  which  he  gave  the  name  of 
picroylycion , indicative  of  the  taste  at  once  bitter  and  sweet,  which  it  is  said 

* Solania  is  most  conveniently  obtained  from  the  sprouts  of  the  common  potato.  The 
following  is  Wackenroder’s  process  for  extracting  it.  The  sprouts,  collected  in  the  be- 
ginning of  June,  and  pressed  down  in  a suitable  vessel,  by  means  of  pebbles,  are  mace- 
rated for  twelve  or  eighteen  hours  in  water  enough  to  cover  them,  previously  acidulated 
with  sulphuric  acid,  so  as  to  have  a strongly  acid  reaction  during  the  maceration. 
They  are  then  expressed  by  the  hand,  and  the  liquor,  with  the  addition  of  fresh  portions 
of  sulphuric  acid,  is  added  twice  successively,  as  at  first,  to  fresh  portions  of  sprouts, 
and  in  like  manner  separated  by  expression.  After  standing  for  some  days,  it  is  filtered, 
and  treated  with  powdered  hydrate  of  lime  in  slight  excess.  The  precipitate  w'hicli 
forms  is  separated  by  straining,  dried  in  a warm  air,  and  boiled  several  times  with  alco- 
hol. The  alcoholic  solution,  having  been  filtered  while  hot,  will,  upon  cooling,  deposit 
the  solania  in  flocculent  crystals.  An  additional  quantity  of  the  alkali  may  be  obtained 
by  evaporating  the  mother  liquor  to  one-quarter  of  its  volume,  and  then  allowing  it  to 
cool.  The  whole  residuary  liquor  will  assume  a gelatinous  consistence,  and,  upon  being 
dried,  will  leave  the  solania  in  the  form  of  a translucent,  horny,  amorphous  mass. 
{Pharm.  Central  Blatt,  1843,  p.  174.) 


320 


Dulcamara. — Elaterium. 


PART  i. 


to  possess.  This  has  been  obtained  by  Blitz,  in  the  following  manner.  The 
watery  extract  is  treated  with  alcohol,  the  tincture  evaporated,  the  residue 
dissolved  in  water,  the  solution  precipitated  with  subacetate  of  lead,  the  ex- 
cess of  this  salt  decomposed  by  sulphuretted  hydrogen,  the  liquor  then  evapo- 
rated to  dryness,  and  the  residue  treated  with  acetic  ether,  which  yields  the 
principle  in  small  isolated  crystals  by  spontaneous  evaporation.  Pfaff  found 
also  in  dulcamara  a vegeto-animal  subtance,  gummy  extractive,  gluten,  green 
wax,  resin,  benzoic  acid,  starch,  lignin,  and  various  salts  of  lime. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Dulcamara  possesses  feeble  narcotic  proper- 
ties, with  the  power  of  increasing  the  secretions,  particularly  that  of  the  kid- 
neys and  skin.  We  have  observed,  in  several  instances,  when  the  system  was 
under  its  influence,  a dark  purplish  colour  of  the  face  and  hands,  and  at  the 
same  time  considerable  languor  of  the  circulation.  Its  narcotic  effects  do  not 
become  obvious,  unless  when  it  is  taken  in  large  quantities.  In  overdoses  it 
produces  nausea,  vomiting,  faintness,  vertigo,  and  convulsive  muscular  move- 
ments. A case  is  recorded  in  Casper’s  Wochenschrift,  in  which  a man  took,  in 
one  forenoon,  from  three  to  four  quarts  of  a decoction  made  from  a peck  of  the 
stalks,  and  was  attacked  with  pain  in  the  joints,  numbness  of  the  limbs,  dryness 
of  the  mouth,  and  palsy  of  the  tongue,  with  consciousness  unimpaired,  the  pulse 
quiet,  but  small  and  rather  hard,  and  the  skin  cool.  The  symptoms  disappeared 
under  the  use  of  stimulants.  {Land.  Med.  Gaz.,  Sept.  1850,  p.548.)  Dulcamara 
has  been  recommended  in  various  diseases,  but  is  now  nearly  confined  to  the  treat- 
ment of  cutaneous  eruptions,  particularly  those  of  a scaly  character,  as  lepra, 
psoriasis,  and  pityriasis.  In  these  complaints  it  is  often  decidedly  beneficial, 
especially  in  combination  with  minute  doses  of  the  antimonials.  Its  influence 
upon  the  secretions  is  insufficient  to  account  for  its  favourable  effects.  Perhaps 
they  may  be  ascribed  to  its  sedative  influence  on  the  capillary  circulation.  It 
is  said  to  have  been  beneficially  employed  in  chronic  rheumatism  and  chronic 
catarrh.  Antaphrodisiac  properties  are  ascribed  to  it  by  some  physicians.  We 
have  seen  it  apparently  useful  in  mania  connected  with  strotag  venereal  pro- 
pensities. The  usual  form  of  administration  is  that  of  decoction,  of  which  two 
fluidounees  may  be  taken  four  times  a day,  and  gradually  increased  till  some 
slight  disorder  of  the  head  indicates  the  activity  of  the  medicine.  (See  Decoctvm 
Dulcamarse.)  An  extract  may  also  be  prepared,  of  which  the  dose  is  from  five 
to  ten  grains.  That  of  the  powder  would  be  from  thirty  grains  to  a drachm. 
In  cutaneous  affections,  a strong  decoction  is  often  applied  to  the  skin,  at  the 
same  time  that  the  medicine  is  taken  internally. 

Off.  Prep.  Decoctum  Dulcamaras;  Extractum  Dulcamaras.  W. 


ELATERIUM.  U.  S.,  Ed.,  Dub. 

Elaterium. 

A substance  deposited  by  the  juice  of  the  fruit  of  Momordica  Elaterium. 
U.S.  Feculence  of  the  juice  of  the  fruit.  AW.  Ecbalium  agreste.  The  fecu- 
lence from  the  juice  of  the  fruit.  Dub. 

Off.  Syn.  ELATERIUM.  Ecbalium  officinarum.  The  recent  fruit,  not 
quite  ripe.  EXTRACTUM  ELATERII.  Loud. 

Elaterion,  Fr.;  Elaterium,  Germ.;  Elaterio,  Ilal..  Span. 

Momordica.  Sex.Syst.  Monoecia  Monadelphia. — Mat.  Ord.  Cucurbitaceae. 
Gen. Oh.  Male.  Calyx  five-cleft.  Corolla  five-parted.  Filaments  three. 
Female.  Calyx  five-cleft.  Corolla  five-parted.  Style  trifid.  Gourd  bursting 
elastically.  Willd. 


PART  I. 


Elaterium. 


321 


Momordica  Elaterium.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  iv.  605;  Woodv.  Med.  Bot.  p.  192, 
t.  72.  — Ecbalium  agreste.  Richard;  Lindley,  Med.  and  CEcon.  Bot.  p.  95. — 
Ecbalium  Elaterium.  French  Codex,  A D.  1837.  The  wild  or  squirting  cucum- 
ber is  a perennial  plant,  with  a large  fleshy  root,  from  which  proceed  several 
round,  thick,  rough  stems,  branching  and  trailing  like  the  common  cucumber, 
but  without  tendrils.  The  leaves  are  petiolate,  large,  rough,  irregularly  cordate, 
and  of  a grayish -green  colour.  The  flowers  are  yellow,  and  proceed  from  the 
axils  of  the  leaves.  The  fruit  has  the  shape  of  a small  oval  cucumber,  about  an 
inch  and  a half  long,  an  inch  thick,  of  a greenish  or  grayish  colour,  and  covered 
with  stiff  hairs  or  prickles.  When  fully  ripe,  it  separates  from  the  peduncle, 
and  throws  out  its  juice  and  seeds  with  considerable  force  through  an  opening 
at  the  base,  where  it  was  attached  to  the  footstalk.  The  name  of  squirting  cu- 
cumber was  derived  from  this  circumstance,  and  the  scientific  and  officinal  title 
is  supposed  to  have  had  a similar  origin ; though  some  authors  maintain  that 
the  term  elaterium  was  applied  to  the  medicine,  rather  from  the  mode  of  its 
operation  upon  the  bowels,  than  from  the  projectile  property  of  the  fruit.* 

This  species  of  Momordica  is  a native  of  the  South  of  Europe ; and  is  culti- 
vated in  Great  Britain,  where,  however,  it  perishes  in  the  winter.  Elaterium  is 
she  substance  spontaneously  deposited  by  the  juice  of  the  fruit,  when  separated 
and  allowed  to  stand.  From  the  experiments  of  Dr.  Clutterbuc-k  it  has  been 
supposed  that  only  the  free  juice  about  the  seeds,  which  is  obtained  without 
expression,  affords  the  product.  The  substance  of  the  fruit  itself,  the  seeds,  as 
veil  as  other  parts  of  the  plant,  have  been  thought  to  be  nearly  or  quite  inert. 
From  the  statements  made  by  Mr.  Bell  (see  note,  page  322),  these  opinions  must 
he  somewhat  modified;  but  there  is  no  doubt  that  strong  expression  injures  the 
croduct.  When  the  fruit  is  sliced  and  placed  upon  a sieve,  a perfectly  limpid 
ind  colourless  juice  flows  out,  which  after  a short  time  becomes  turbid,  and  in 
he  course  of  a few  hours  begins  to  deposit  a sediment.  This,  when  collected 
ind  carefully  dried,  is  very  light  and  pulverulent,  of  a yellowish-wdiite  colour, 
dightly  tinged  with  green.  It  is  the  genuine  elaterium,  and  was  found  by  Clut- 
:erbuck  to  purge  violently  in  the  dose  of  one-eighth  of  a grain.  But  the  quan- 
tity contained  in  the  fruit  is  very  small.  Clutterbuc-k  obtained  only  six  grains 
rom  forty  cucumbers.  Commercial  elaterium  is  often  a weaker  medicine,  owing 
n part,  perhaps,  to  adulteration,  but  much  more  to  the  mode  in  which  it  is  pre- 
pared. In  order  to  increase  the  product,  the  juice  of  the  fruit  is  often  expressed 
with  great  force ; and  there  is  reason  to  believe  that  it  is  sometimes  evaporated 
o as  to  form  an  extract,  instead  of  being  allowed  to  deposit  the  active  matter. 
Che  French  elaterium  is  prepared  by  expressing  the  juice,  clarifying  it  by  rest 
nd  filtration,  and  then  evaporating  it  to  a suitable  consistence.  As  the  liquid 
emaining  aftdr  the  deposition  of  the  sediment  is  comparatively  inert,  it  will  be 
ierceived  that  the  preparation  of  the  French  Codex  must  be  relatively  feeble, 
'he  following  are  the  directions  of  the  London  College,  with  which  those  of  the 
Edinburgh  and  Dublin  Colleges  essentially  correspond,  “ Slice  the  fruit,  ex- 
cess the  juice  very  gently,  and  pass  it  through  a very  fine  hair  sieve;  then  set 
aside  for  some  hours  until  the  thicker  part  has  subsided.  Deject  the  thinner 
upernatant  part,  and  dry  the  thicker  part  with  a gentle  heat.”  As  the  process 
A executed  at  Apothecaries’  Hall,  the  juice,  after  expression,  is  allowed  to  stand 
or  about  two  hours,  when  the  supernatant  liquor  is  poured  off,  and  the  matter 
'eposited  is  carefully  dried,  constituting  the  finest  elaterium.  Another  portion, 
f a paler  colour,  is  deposited  by  the  decanted  liquor.  ( Pereira .)  The  slight 

* From  the  Greek  sXaimu  I drive,  or  exit driver.  The  word  elaterium  was  used  by 
-ippocrates  to  signify  any  active  purge.  Dioscorides  applied  it  to  the  medicine  of  which 
e are  treating. 

21 


322 


Elaterium. 


PAET  I. 


pressure  directed  is  necessary  for  tbe  extraction  of  the  juice  from  the  somewhat 
immature  fruit  employed.  The  perfectly  ripe  fruit  is  not  used;  as,  in  conse- 
quence of  its  disposition  to  part  with  its  contents,  it  cannot  be  carried  to  market. 
The  medicine  is  incorrectly  denominated  by  the  London  College  Extractum 
Elaterii • being  neither  an  extract,  strictly  speaking,  nor  an  inspissated  juice. 
The  Edinburgh  College  calls  it  Elateriuin  in  the  Materia  Medica  list,  but  incon- 
sistently admits  the  name  of  Extractum  Elaterii  in  the  preparations.  In  the 
U.  S.  and  Dublin  Pharmacopoeias,  it  is  named  simply  Elaterium.  As  the  plant 
is  not  cultivated  in  this  country  for  medicinal  purposes,  our  Pharmacopoeia  very 
properly  adopts,  as  officinal,  the  medicine  as  it  is  found  in  commerce.  It  is 
brought  chiefly  from  England  ; but  it  is  probable  that  a portion  of  the  elaterium, 
of  which  Dr.  Pereira  speaks  as  coming  from  Malta,  reaches  our  market  also.* 

Properties.  The  best  elaterium  is  in  thin  fiat  or  slightly  curled  cakes  or  frag- 
ments, often  bearing  the  impression  of  the  muslin  upon  which  it  was  dried,  of 
a greenish-gray  colour  becoming  yellowish  by  exposure,  of  a feeble  odour,  and 
a bitter  somewhat  acrid  taste.  It  is  pulverulent  and  inflammable,  and  so  light 
that  it  swims  when  thrown  upon  water.  When  of  inferior  quality,  it  is  some- 
times dark-coloured,  much  curled,  and  rather  hard,  either  breaking  with  dif- 
ficulty, or  presenting  a resinous  fracture.  The  Maltese  elaterium  is  in  larger 
pieces,  of  a pale  colour,  sometimes  without  the  least  tinge  of  green,  destitute  of 
odour,  soft,  and  friable ; and  not  unfrequently  gives  evidence  of  having  been 
mixed  with  chalk  or  starch.  It  sinks  in  w'ater. 

Dr.  Clutterbuck  first  observed  that  the  activity  of  elaterium  resided  in  that 
portion  of  it  which  was  soluble  in  alcohol  and  not  in  water.  This  fact  was  after- 
wards confirmed  by  Dr.  Paris,  who  found  that  the  alcoholic  extract,  treated  with 
boiling  distilled  water,  and  afterwards  dried,  had  the  property  of  purging  in 
very  minute  doses,  while  the  remaining  portion  of  the  elaterium  was  inactive. 
The  subsequent  experiments  of  the  late  Mr.  Hennel,  of  London,  and  Mr.  Mar- 
ries, of  Edinburgh,  which  appear  to  have  been  nearly’  simultaneous,  demonstrated 
the  existence  of  a crystallizable  matter  in  elaterium,  which  is  probably  the  active 

* The  following  notice  of  the  cultivation  of  the  elaterium  plant,  and  the  preparation  of 
the  drug  at  Mitcham,  in  Surrey,  England,  condensed  from  a paper  by  Mr.  Jacob  Bell  iu 
the  Pharm.  Journ.  and  Trans,  for  October,  1850,  may  have  some  interest  for  the  American 
reader.  The  seeds  are  sown  iu  March,  and  the  seedlings  planted  in  June.  In  the  luxu- 
riant plants,  the  stem  sometimes  acquires  an  extraordinary  breadth.  In  one  instance, 
though  not  thicker  than  the  forefinger  where  it  issued  from  the  earth,  it  was  in  its  broadest 
part  four  inches  wide  and  half  an  inch  thick.  A wet  season  interferes  with  the  product- 
iveness of  the  plant.  At  the  spontaneous  separation  of  the  fruit,  it  throws  out  its  juice 
sometimes  to  the  distance  of  tw'enty  yards;  and  hazard  of  injury  to  the  eyes  is  incurred 
by  walking  among  the  plants  at  their  period  of  maturity.  A bushel  of  the  fruit  weighs  40 
pounds,  and  the  price  varies  from  7 to  10  shillings  sterling.  In  the  manufacture  of  elate- 
rium, which  begins  early'  in  September,  the  fruit,  having  been  washed,  if  necessary,  to 
cleanse  it  from  earthy  matters,  is  sliced  longitudinally  into  halves,  and  then  submitted  to 
expression,  wrapped  in  a hempen  cloth,  in  a common  screw-press.  Considerable  force  is 
used  in  the  expression.  The  juice  is  then  strained  through  hair,  cypress,  or  wire  sieves, 
and  set  aside  for  deposition.  The  deposit  usually'  takes  pilace  in  three  or  four  hours. 
When  this  part  of  the  process  is  completed,  the  supernatant  liquor  is  carefully  poured  off. 
the  deposit  is  placed  on  calico  cloths  resting  on  hair  sieves,  and  allowed  to  drain  for  about 
twelve  hours,  after  which  it  is  removed  by  a knife,  spread  over  small  cloths,  and  dried  on 
canvas  frames  in  the  drying  stove.  About  half  an  ounce  of  fine  elaterium  is  obtained  front 
a bushel  of  fruit.  Some  obtain  more ; but  the  product  is  inferior,  in  consequence  of  the 
use  of  too  much  force  iu  the  expression.  Good  elaterium  has  a pale  pea-green  tint:  tlial 
of  inferior  quality  is  of  a duller  hue.  The  juice  expelled  in  bursting  is  said  tit  undergo 
very  little  change  in  the  air,  while  that  expressed  from  the  ripe  fruit  immediately  after- 
wards, becomes  milky,  and  deposits  elaterium.  The  recently  burst  fruit,  therefore,  i; 
nearly  if  not  quite  as  good  for  the  preparation  of  the  drug,  as  that  collected  before  perfect 
maturity. — Note  to  the  ninth  edition. 


PART  I. 


j Elaterium. 


323 


principle  of  the  medicine,  and  for  which  Mr.  Morries  proposed  the  appropriate 
name  elaterin.  According  to  Mr.  Hennel,  100  parts  of  elaterium  contain  44  of 
elaterin,  17  of  a green  resin  (chlorophylle),  6 of  starch,  27  of  lignin,  and  (j  of 
saline  matters.  The  alcoholic  extract,  which  Dr.  Paris  called  elatui,  is  probably 
a mixture  of  elaterin  and  the  green  resin  or  chlorophylle.* 

Elaterin,  according  to  Mr.  Morries,  crystallizes  when  pure  in  colourless  micro- 
■scopic  rhombic  prisms,  having  a silky  appearance  when  in  mass.  It  is  extremely 
bitter  and  somewhat  acrid  to  the  taste,  insoluble  in  water  and  alkaline  solutions, 
soluble  in  alcohol,  ether,  and  hot  olive  oil,  and  sparingly  soluble  in  dilute  acids. 
At  a temperature  between  800°  and  400°  it  melts,  and  at  a higher  temperature 
is  dissipated  in  thick,  whitish,  pungent  vapour,  having  an  ammoniaeal  odour. 
It  has  no  alkaline  reaction.  It  may  be  easily  procured  by  evaporating  an  alco- 
holic tincture  of  elaterium  to  the  consistence  of  thin  oil,  and  throwing  the  residue 
while  yet  warm  into  a weak  boiling  solution  of  potassa.  The  potassa  holds  the 
green  resin  or  chlorophylle  in  solution,  and  the  elaterin  crystallizes  as  the  liquor 
cools.  Mr.  Hennel  obtained  it  by  treating  with  ether  the  alcoholic  extract  pro- 
cured by  the  spontaneous  evaporation  of  the  tincture.  This  consists  of  elaterin 
and  the  green  resin,  the  latter  of  which  being  much  more  soluble  in  ether  than 
the  former,  is  completely  extracted  by  this  fluid,  leaving  the  elaterin  pure.  But 
as  elaterin  is  also  slightly  soluble  in  ether,  a portion  of  this  principle  is  wasted 
by  Mr.  Hennel’ s method.  By  evaporating  the  ethereal  solution,  the  green  resin 
is  obtained  separate.  Mr.  Hennel  says  that  this  was  found  to  possess,  in  a con- 
centrated state,  the  purgative  property  of  the  elaterium,  as  it  acted  powerfully 
in  a dose  less  than  one-third  .of  a grain.  But  this  effect  was  probably  owing 
to  the  presence  of  a portion  of  elaterin  which  had  been  dissolved  by  the  ether. 
The  late  Dr.  Duncan,  of  Edinburgh,  ascertained  that  the  crystalline  principle  or 
elaterin  produced,  in  the  quantity  of  or  is  °f  a grain,  all  the  effects  of  a dose 
of  elaterium.  The  proportion  of  elaterin  varies  exceedingly  in  different  parcels 
of  the  drug.  Mr.  Morries  obtained  26  per  cent,  from  the  best  British  elaterium, 
15  per  cent,  from  the  worst,  and  only  5 or  6 per  cent,  from  the  French  ; while  a 
portion,  procured  according  to  the  directions  of  the  London  College,  yielded  to 
Mr.  Hennel  upwards  of  40  per  cent. 

Choice  of  Elaterium.  The  inequality  of  elaterium  depends  probably  more  on 
liversities  in  the  mode  of  preparation  than  on  adulteration.  It  should  possess 
the  sensible  properties  above  indicated  as  characterizing  good  elaterium,  should 
not  effervesce  with  acids,  and  should  yield,  as  directed  by  the  Edinburgh  Col- 
lege, from' one-seventh  to  one-fourth  of  elaterin. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Elaterium  is  a powerful  hydragogue  cathartic, 
,md  in  a large  dose  generally  excites  nausea  and  vomiting.  If  too  freely  admi- 
listered,  it  operates  with  great  violence  both  upon  the  stomach  and  bowels,  pro- 
lucing  inflammation  of  these  organs,  which  has  in  some  instances  eventuated 
htally.  It  also  increases  the  flow  of  urine.  The  fruit  was  employed  by  the 
indents,  and  is  recommended  in  the  writings  of  Dioscorides  as  a remedy  in  ma- 
fia and  melancholy.  Sydenham  and  his  contemporaries  considered  elaterium 
lighly  useful  in  dropsy ; but,  in  consequence  of  some  fatal  results  from  its  incau- 
ious  employment,  it  fell  into  disrepute,  and  was  generally  neglected,  till  again 
irought  into  notice  by  Dr.  Ferriar.  It  is  now  considered  one  of  the  most  efficient 
iydragogue  cathartics  in  the  treatment  of  dropsical  diseases,  in  which  it  has 
ometimes  proved  successful  after  all  other  remedies  have  failed.  The  full  dose 
•f  commercial  elaterium  is  often  from  oue  to  two  grains;  but,  as  in  this  quan- 
ity  it  generally  vomits,  if  of  good  quality,  the  best  mode  of  administering  it  is 

j * The  substance  to  which  Pelletier  gave  the  name  of  chlorophylle,  under  the  impression 
hat  it  was  a peculiar  proximate  principle,  has  been  ascertained  by  that  chemist  to  be  a 
fixture  of  wax,  and  a green  fixed  oil.  ( Journ . de  Pharm.,  xix.  109.) 


324 


Elaterium.  — Elemi. 


PART  i. 


in  the  dose  of  a quarter  or  half  a grain,  repeated  every  hour  till  it  operates.  The 
dose  of  Clutterbuek’s  elaterium  is  the  eighth  of  a grain.  That  of  elaterin  is  from 
the  sixteenth  to  the  twelfth  of  a grain,  and  is  best  given  in  solution.  One  grain 
may  be  dissolved  in  a fluidounce  of  alcohol  with  four  drops  of  nitric  acid,  and 
from  30  to  40  minims  may  be  given  diluted  with  water.  W. 

ELEMI.  Load .,  Ed.,  Dub. 

Elemi. 

Concrete  turpentine  of  an  uncertain  plant.  Land.  Concrete  resinous  exuda- 
tion from  one  or  more  unascertained  plants.  Ed.,  Duh. 

R6sine  elemi,  Fr.;  OeTbaumharz,  Elemi,  Germ.;  Elemi.  Iial.;  Goma  de  limon,  Span. 

Amyris.  Sex.  Syst.  Octandria  Monogynia. — Nat.  Ord.  Terebintaeeae,  Jims.; 
Amyrideae,  R.  Brown,  Lindley. 

Gen.  Ch.  Calyx  four-toothed.  Petals  four,  oblong.  Stiyma  four-cornered. 
Berry  drupaceous.  Willd. 

Some  botanists  separate  from  this  genus  the  species  which  have  their  fruit  in 
the  form  of  a capsule  instead  of  a nut,  and  associate  them  together  in  a distinct 
genus  with  the  name  of  Idea.  This  is  recognised  by  De  Candolle. 

Most  of  the  trees  belonging  to  these  two  genera  yield,  when  wounded,  a resi- 
nous juice  analogous  to  the  turpentines.  It  is  not  improbable  that  the  drug 
usually  known  by  the  name  of  elemi,  is  derived  from  several  different  trees.  That 
known  to  the  ancients  is  said  to  have  been  obtained  from  Ethiopia,  and  all  the 
elemi  of  commerce  was  originally  brought  from  the  Levant.  The  tree  which 
afforded  it  was  not  accurately  known,  but  was  supposed  to  be  a species  of  Amyris. 
At  present  the  drug  is  said  to  be  derived  from  three  sources,  namely,  Brazil, 
Mexico,  and  Manilla.  The  Brazilian  is  believed  to  be  the  product  of  a plant  men- 
tioned by  Marc-grav  under  the  name  of  idcariba,  and  denominated  by  De  Candolle 
Idea  Idcariba.  It  is  a lofty  tree,  with  pinnate  leaves,  consisting  of  three  or  five 
pointed,  perforated  leaflets,  which  are  smooth  on  their  upper  surface,  and  woolly 
beneath.  It  is  erroneously  stated  in  some  works  to  be  a native  of  Carolina.  The 
elemi  is  obtained  by  incisions  into  the  trees,  through  which  the  juice  flows  and 
concretes  upon  the  bark.  The  Mexican  is  said  byT  Dr.  Royle  to  be  obtained  from 
a species  of  Elaphrium,  which  that  author  has  described  from  dried  specimens, 
and  proposes  to  name  E.  elemiferum.  ( Materia  Medica,  Am.  ed.,  p.  339.)  The 
Manilla  elemi  is  conjecturally  referred  to  Canarium  commune.  ( Ibid .,  p.  340.) 

Elemi  is  in  masses  of  various  consistence,  sometimes  solid  and  heavy  like  wax, 
sometimes  light  and  porous ; unctuous  to  the  touch  ; diaphanous ; of  diversified 
colours,  generally  greenish  with  intermingled  points  of  white  or  yellow,  some- 
times greenish-white  with  brown  stains,  sometimes  yellow  like  sulphur;  fragile 
and  friable  when  cold ; softening  by  the  heat  of  the  hand ; of  a terebinthinate 
somewhat  aromatic  odour,  diminishing  with  age,  and  said,  in  some  varieties,  to 
resemble  that  of  fennel : of  a warm,  slightly  bitter,  disagreeable  taste ; entirely 
soluble,  with  the  exception  of  impurities,  in  boiling  alcohol;  and  affording  a 
volatile  oil  by  distillation.  A variety  examined  by  31.  Bonastre  was  found  to 
consist  of  60  parts  of  resin,  24  of  a resinous  matter  soluble  in  boiling  alcohol, 
but  deposited  when  the  liquid  cools,  12 -5  of  volatile  oil,  2 of  extractive,  and  1*5 
of  acid  and  impurities.  M.  Baup  has  found  the  resin  to  be  of  two  kinds,  one 
amorphous,  the  other  crystallizable ; for  the  latter  of  which  he  proposes  the  name 
of  elemin.  ( Journ . de  Pharm.,  3 eser..  xx.  331.)  Elemi  is  sometimes  adulterated 
with  colophony  and  turpentiue.  The  Manilla  elemi  is  said  to  be  in  masses  of  a 
light-yellowish  colour,  internally  soft,  and  of  a strong  odour  of  fennel.  (Royle.) 
We  have  been  informed  that  a considerable  amount  of  elemi  is  used  iu  this 
couutry  by  the  hatters. 


PART  I. 


325 


Elemi. — Ergota. 

Medical  Properties  ancl  Uses.  Elemi  has  pi’operties  analogous  to  those  of  the 
turpentines;  but  is  exclusively  applied  to  external  use.  In  the  United  States 
it  is  rarely  employed  even  in  this  way.  In  the  pharmacy  of  Europe  it  enters 
into  the  composition  of  numerous  plasters  and  ointments.  We  are  told  that  it 
is  occasionally  brought  to  this  country  in  small  fragments,  mixed  with  the 
coarser  kinds  of  gum  Arabic  from  the  Levant  and  India. 

Off.  Prep.  Unguentum  Elemi.  W. 

ERGOTA.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub. 

Ergot. 

The  diseased  seeds  of  Secale  cereale.  U.  S.  The  seed  injured  by  a parasitic 
plant.  Lond.  An  undetermined  fungus,  with  degenerated  seed  of  Secale 
cereale.  Ed.  A peculiar  excrescence  supposed  to  be  caused  by  a parasitical 
fungus.  Dub. 

Spurred  rye;  Secale  cornutum ; Siegle  ergote,  Fr.;  Mutterkorn,  Germ. 

In  all  the  Graminacese  or  grass  tribe,  and  in  some  of  the  Cyperacese , the 
place  of  the  seeds  is  sometimes  occupied  by  a morbid  growth,  which,  from  its 
resemblance  to  the  spur  of  a cock,  has  received  the  name  of  ergot , adopted  from 
the  French.  This  product  is  most  frequent  in  the  rye,  Secale  cereale  of  botanists, 
md,  having  been  found,  as  occurring  in  that  plant,  to  possess  valuable  medicinal 
properties,  was  adopted  in  the  first  edition  of  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia  under  the 
name  of  secale  cornutum  or  spurred  rye.  In  the  edition  of  1840,  this  name  was 
jhanged  for  Ergota , in  conformity  with  the  nomenclature  of  the  London  and 
Edinburgh  Colleges,  by  whom  the  medicine  had  in  the  mean  time  been  adopted. 

Considerable  difference  of  opinion  has  existed  in  relation  to  the  nature  of  this 
singular  substance.  It  was  at  one  time  thought  to  be  merely  the  seed  altered 
by  disease ; the  morbid  condition  being  ascribed  by  some  to  the  agency  of  an 
nsect,  by  others  to  excess  of  heat  and  moisture.  A second  opinion  considered 
t a parasitic  fungus,  occupying  the  place  of  the  seed.  This  was  entertained  by 
)e  Candolle,  who  called  the  fungus  Sclerotium  Clavus.  According  to  a third 
nd  intermediate  opinion,  the  ergot  is  the  seed,  diseased  and  entirely  perverted 
a its  nature  by  the  influence  of  a parasitic  fungus,  attached  to  it  from  the  very 
>eginning  of  its  development.  This  view  was  put  forth  by  M.  Leveille,  in  a 
aemoir  published  in  the  Annals  of  the  Linnaean  Society  of  Paris  for  the  year 
.826.  He  gave  to  the  supposed  fungus  the  name  of  Sphacelia  segetum ; but 
iis  observations  as  to  its  characters  have  not  been  sustained.  To  the  late  Mr. 
|S.  J.  Quekett,  of  London,  belongs  the  credit  of  having  fully  investigated  this 
ubject;  and  of  having  satisfactorily  established  the  last  mentioned  view  of  the 
lature  of  ergot.  According  to  Mr.  Quekett,  the  beginning  of  the  growth  of  the 
rgot  is  marked  by  the  appearance,  about  the  young  grain  and  its  appendages, 
f multitudes  of  minute  filaments  like  cobwebs,  which  run  over  all  its  parts, 
ementing  anthers  and  stigmas  together,  and  of  a white  coating  upon  the  surface 
f the  grain,  from  which,  upon  immersion  in  water,  innumerable  minute  particles 
eparate,  and  after  a time  sink  in  the  fluid.  These  particles,  when  examined 
y the  microscope,  prove  to  be  the  reproductive  agents,  germs,  or  sporidia  of  a 
pecies  of  fungus,  and  may  be  observed  to  sprout  and  propagate  in  various  ways 
nder  favourable  circumstances.  Their  length,  upon  the  average,  is  about  the 
)ur-thousandth  of  au  inch.  The  filaments  are  the  results  of  the  growth  of  these 
lingular  germs.  The  sporidia  and  filaments  do  not  increase  with  the  increase 
f the  ergot;  and,  when  this  has  projected  beyond  the  paleae  and  become  visible, 
j has  lost  a portion  of  its  white  coating,  and  presents  a dark  violet  colour.  It 
ow  increases  with  great  rapidity,  and  attains  its  full  size  in  a few  days.  When 


326 


Ergota. 


PART  I. 


completely  developed,  it  exhibits  very  few  of  the  filaments  or  sporidia  upon  its 
surface.  But  Quekett  believed  that  the  germs  of  the  fungus  emit  their  filaments 
through  the  tissue  of  the  ergot  when  young  and  tender,  and  that,  as  this  increases, 
it  is  made  up  partly  of  the  diseased  structure  of  the  grain,  and  partly  of  the  fun- 
gous matter.  The  fungus  was  named  by  Quekett  Ergotsetia  abort  if  acinus ; for 
which  title  Dr.  Pereira,  at  the  suggestion  of  the  Rev.  M.  J.  Berkeley,  substituted 
that  of  Oulium  abort  if aciens.  This  view  of  the  nature  and  cause  of  ergot  is 
strongly  supported  by  the  asserted  facts,  that  the  microscopic  fungus  has  an  ex- 
istence independent  of  the  morbid  grain,  being  found  in  various  other  parts  of 
the  plant,  and  growing  even  when  entirely  separated  from  it ; and  that  the  sporidia 
or  white  dust  upon  the  surface  of  ergot,  if  applied  to  the  seeds  of  certain  G-rami- 
nacese  before  germination,  or  sprinkled  in  the  soil  at  the  roots  of  the  plants  after 
they  have  begun  to  grow,  will  give  rise  to  ergotized  fruit.  That  the  ergot  is  not 
itself  a peculiar  fungus,  but  the  perverted  grain,  is  evinced  by  the  frequent  re- 
mains of  the  stigma  upon  its  summit,  by  the  scales  at  its  base,  and  by  the  cir- 
cumstance that  in  some  instances  only  a portion  of  the  seed  is  ergotized.  How 
far  its  peculiar  medical  properties  may  depend  upon  the  morbid  substance  of  the 
grain,  and  how  far  on  the  fungous  matter  associated  with  it,  has  not  been  de- 
termined. (See  Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xi.  116  and  237.) 

The  ergot  usually  projects  out  of  the  glume  or  husk  beyond  the  ordinary  out- 
line of  the  spike  or  ear.  Tn  some  spikes  the  place  of  the  seeds  is  wholly  occu- 
pied by  the  ergot,  in  others  only  two  or  three  spurs  are  observed.  It  is  said  to 
he  much  more  energetic  when  collected  before  than  after  harvest.  Rye  has 
generally  been  thought  to  be  most  subject  to  the  disease  in  poor  and  wet  soils, 
and  in  rainy  seasons;  and  intense  heat  succeeding  continued  rains  is  said  to  fa- 
vour its  development,  especially  if  these  circumstances  occur  at  the  time  the 
flower  is  forming.  It  is  now,  however,  asserted  that  moisture  has  little  or  no- 
thing to  do  with  its  production.*  It  should  not  be  collected  until  some  days 
after  it  has  begun  to  form;  as,  according  to  31.  Bonjean,  if  gathered  on  the  first 
day  of  its  formation,  it  does  not  possess  the  poisonous  properties  which  it  ex- 
hibits when  taken  on  the  sixth  day.  (See  Pharm.  Journ.  and  Trans.,  Jan.  1842. 

Properties.  Ergot  is  in  solid,  brittle  yet  somewhat  flexible  grains,  from  a third 
of  an  inch  to  an  inch  and  a half  long,  from  half  a line  to  three  lines  in  thickness, 
cylindrical  or  obscurely  triangular,  tapering  towards  each  end,  obtuse  at  the  ex- 
tremities, usually  curved  like  the  spur  of  a cock,  marked  with  one  or  two  longitu- 
dinal furrows,  often  irregularly  cracked  or  fissured,  of  a violet-brown  colour  and 
often  somewhat  glaucous  externally,  yellowish-white,  or  violet-white  within,  of 
an  unpleasant  smell  when  in  mass,  resembling  that  of  putrid  fish,  and  of  a taste 
which  is  at  first  scarcely  perceptible,  but  ultimately  disagreeable  and  slightly 
acrid.  Under  the  microscope,  the  surface  appears  more  or  less  covered  with 
sporidia,  which  occasion  its  glaucous  aspect;  and  the  interior  structure  is  found 
to  be  composed  of  minute  roundish  cells,  containing,  according  to  Quekett,  par- 
ticles of  oil.  Ergot  yields  its  virtues  to  water  and  alcohol.  The  aqueous  infu- 
sion or  decoction  is  claret-coloured,  and  has  an  acid  reaction.  It  is  precipitated 
by  acetate  and  subacetate  of  lead,  nitrate  of  silver,  and  tincture  of  galls ; but 
affords  with  iodine  no  evidence  of  the  presence  of  starch.  Long  boiling  impairs 
the  virtues  of  the  medicine. 

Ergot  has  been  analyzed  by  Yauquelin,  Winekler,  Wiggers,  Wright.  Legrip, 
and  several  others.  The  analysis  by  31.  Legrip  is  among  the  most  recent  and 
complete.  That  chemist  obtained  from  100  parts  of  ergot  34‘50  parts  of  a thick, 

* Mr.  J.  Price  Wetherill  informed  the  author  that,  in  two  seasons,  he  had  found  rye, 
sown  very  late,  so  as  scarcely  to  come  up  before  spring,  to  be  almost  universally  ergotized ; 
while  neighbouring  rye,  sown  at  the  proper  season,  in  the  same  kind  of  soil  precisely, 
had  nothing  of  the  disease,  though  the  seed  was  the  same  in  both  cases. — Woif  to  tin 
sixth  edition. 


PART  I. 


327 


Ergota. 

very  fluid,  fixed  oil,  of  a fine  yellow  colour;  2 '75  of  starch;  l'OO  of  albumen  ; 
2*25  of  inulin;  2'50  of  gum;  1'25  of  uncrystaliizable  sugar;  2'75  of  a brown 
resin;  3'50  of  fungin;  13'50  of  vegeto-animal  matter;  0'75  of  osmazome;  0'50 
of  a fatty  acid;  24'50  of  lignin;  0'50  of  colouring  principles;  an  odorous  princi- 
ple not  isolated;  2'25  of  fungate  of  potassa;  0'50  of  chloride  of  sodium  ; 050  of 
sulphate  of  lime  and  magnesia;  1'25  of  subphosphate  of  lime;  0'25  of  oxide  of 
ron;  0 15  of  silica;  and  2'50  of  water,  with  2'35  loss.  {Ann.  de  Therap .,  A.  0. 
1845,  p.  44.)  Wiggers  obtained  a peculiar  principle,  which  he  denominated  er- 
botin,  under  the  impression  that  it  was  the  active  ingredient.  It  was  reddish- 
brown,  of  a peculiar  nauseous  odour  and  a bitter  slightly  acrid  taste,  soluble  in 
ilcohol,  but  insoluble  in  water  or  ether.  It  was  obtained  by  digesting  ergot  in 
2ther  and  afterwards  in  alcohol,  evaporating  the  alcoholic  solution,  and  treating 
;he  extract  thus  obtained  with  water,  which  left  theergotin  undissolved.  It  was 
^iven  with  fatal  effects  to  a hen.  Dr.  Wright  supposed  the  virtues  of  ergot 
;o  reside  in  the  fixed  oil,  which  he  therefore  recommended  as  a substitute  for 
;he  medicine.  The  oil  of  ergot , when  obtained  from  grains  recently  collected, 
s,  according  to  Dr.  Wiight,  often  quite  free  from  colour;  but,  as  usually 
prepared,  is  reddish-brown.  It  has  a disagreeable,  somewhat  acrid  taste,  is 
igkter  than  water,  and  is  soluble  in  alcohol  and  alkaline  solutions.  It  is  pre- 
oared by  forming  an  ethereal  tincture  of  ergot  by  the  process  of  displacement, 
ind  evaporating  the  ether  with  a gentle  heat.  {Ed.  Med.  and  Surg.  Journ. 
or  1839-40.)  Experience  seems  to  have  shown  that,  though  the  oil  thus  pre- 
oared with  ether  may  have  produced  effects  analogous  to  those  of  ergot,  they  were 
)0  be  ascribed  rather  to  some  principle  extracted  along  with  the  oil  by  the  men- 
struum than  to  the  oil  itself ; for,  when  procured  by  simple  expression,  this  has 
oeen  found  to  be  inactive.  {Journ.  de  Pharm.,  Ar.  S.,  i.  183.)  The  opinion  of 
VI.  Bonjean,  that  there  are  two  active  principles  in  ergot,  the  oil  which  is  poison- 
ms,  and  another  resident  in  the  watery  extract,  and  possessing  anti-hemorrhagic 
moperties  without  being  in  the  least  degree  poisonous,  requires  confirmation. 
That  writer  is  certainly  not  warranted  in  giving  to  his  extract,  however  purified, 
he  name  of  ergotin,  until  he  can  show  that  it  is  a characteristic  principle. 

Dr.  F.  L.  Winckler  has  recently  found  in  ergot  a volatile  alkaloid,  which  he 
'.alls  secalin,  and  believes  to  exist  in  that  substance  combined  with  the  ergotin 
>f  Wiggers,  to  which  he  ascribes  acid  properties.  But  the  accounts  which  we 
lave  seen  of  his  investigations  are  too  indefinite  to  permit  any  precise  statement 
4 results.  He  seems  disposed  to  ascribe  the  virtues  of  the  medicine  to  this 
ompound,  which  he  denominates  ergotateof  secalin,  or  to  one  of  its  components. 
Tealso  found  in  ergot  a peculiar  red  colouring  matter,  analogous  if  not  identical 
pith  hematin.  (See  Pharm.  Journ.  and  Trans.,  xiii.  86.)  The  same  chemist, 
>y  distilling  the  watery  extract  of  ergot  with  potassa,  obtained  a volatile  alkaloid, 
thick  he  considered  to  be  identical  with  propylamin,  the  odorous  principle  of 
lerring  pickle,  previously  obtained  from  narcotina  by  the  reaction  of  potassa. 
See  Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xxiv.  346.) 

Ergot,  when  perfectly  dry  and  kept  in  well-stopped  bottles,  will  retain  its  vir- 
ues  for  a considerable  time;  but,  exposed  to  air  and  moisture,  it  speedily  uuder- 
;oes  chemical  changes  and  deteriorates.  It  is,  moreover,  apt  to  be  attacked  by' 

minute  worm,  which  consumes  the  interior  of  the  grain,  leaving  merely  the 
xterior  shell  and  an  excrementitious  powder.  This  insect  is  sometimes  found 
a the  ergot  before  removal  from  the  plant.  In  the  state  of  powder,  the  medi- 
ine  still  more  readily  deteriorates.  It  is  best,  as  a general  rule,  to  renew  it 
very  year  or  two.  JVI.  Viel  recommends  that  it  should  be  well  dried  at  a gentle 
eat,  and  incorporated  with  double  its  weight  of  loaf  sugar,  by  means  of  which, 
jf  protected  from  moisture,  it  will  retain  its  virtues  for  many  years.  Camphor 
s said  to  prevent  injury  from  worms. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Given  in  small  doses,  ergot  produces,  in  the 


328 


PART  I. 


Ergota. 

system  of  the  male,  no  obvious  effects ; but,  in  the  female,  exhibits  a strong 
tendency  to  the  uterus,  upon  the  contractile  property  of  which  it  operates  with 
great  energy.  In  the  quantity  of  half  a drachm  or  a drachm  it  often  occasions 
nausea  or  vomiting,  and  in  still  larger  doses  produces  a sense  of  weight  and  pain 
in  the  head,  giddiness,  dilatation  of  the  pupils,  delirium,  and  even  stupor,  prov- 
ing that  it  possesses  narcotic  properties.  It  is  said  also  to  excite  febrile  symp- 
toms; but  our  own  observation  coincides  with  that  of  authors  who  ascribe  to  it 
the  power  of  reducing  the  frequency  of  the  pulse.  We  have  seen  this  effect 
produced  by  it  in  a remarkable  degree,  even  without  nausea.  Dr.  Hardy,  of  the 
Dublin  Lying-in-Hospital,  found  it  to  diminish  the  pulsations  of  the  foetal  heart. 
Its  long-continued  and  copious  use  is  highly  dangerous,  even  when  no  immediate 
effects  are  perceptible.  Terrible  and  devastating  epidemics  in  different  parts  of 
the  continent  of  Europe,  particularly  in  certain  provinces  of  France,  have  long 
been  ascribed  to  the  use  of  bread  made  from  rye  contaminated  with  this  dege- 
nerate grain.  Dry  gangrene,  typhus  fever,  and  disorder  of  the  nervous  system 
attended  with  convulsions,  are  the  forms  of  disease  which  have  been  observed 
to  follow  the  use  of  this  unwholesome  food.  It  is  true  that  ergot  has  been  de- 
nied to  be  the  cause;  but  accurate  investigations,  made  by  competent  men  upon 
the  spot  where  the  epidemics  have  prevailed,  together  with  the  result  of  experi- 
ments made  upon  inferior  animals,  leave  no  room  for  reasonable  doubt  upon  the 
subject.  Very  large  quantities  are  required  for  immediate  poisonous  effects. 
From  two  to  eight  drachms  have  been  given  at  one  dose  to  a man  wuthout  very 
serious  results,  and  three  ounces,  according  to  Dr.  Wright,  were  required  to  kill 
a small  dog.  Death  from  single  doses,  in  inferior  animals,  is  preceded  by  symp- 
toms indicating  irritation  of  the  stomach  and  bowels,  great  muscular  prostration, 
loss  of  sensation,  and  sometimes  slight  spasms.  A case  of  acute  poisoning  from 
ergot  is  recorded  by  Dr.  Pratschke,  in  which  uneasiness  in  the  head,  oppression 
of  stomach,  diarrhoea,  urgent  thirst,  burning  pains  in  the  feet,  tetanic  spasms, 
violent  convulsions,  and  death  ensued  upon  eating  freely  of  ergotized  grain. 
( Loncl . Med.  Gaz.,  Oct.  1850,  p.  579.) 

Ergot  has  been  much  used  for  promoting  the  contraction  of  the  uterus.  On 
the  continent  of  Europe,  in  Giermany,  France,  and  Italy,  it  has  long  been  empi- 
rically employed  by  midwives  for  this  purpose;  and  its  German  name  of  mutter- 
horn  implies  a popular  acquaintance  with  its  peculiar  powers.  But  the  attention 
of  the  medical  profession  was  first  called  to  it  by  a letter  from  Dr.  Stearns,  of 
Saratoga  county,  in  the  State  of  New  York,  addressed  to  Dr.  Ackerly,  A.  D.  1807, 
and  published  in  the  eleventh  volume  of  the  New  York  Medical  Repository.  The 
journals  afterwards  teemed  with  communications  attesting  its  efficacy  in  facili- 
tating parturition ; and,  though  it  sometimes  failed,  the  general  opinion  was  so 
decidedly  in  its  favour,  that  it  soon  took  a place  among  the  established  articles 
of  the  materia  medica.  When  it  proves  wholly  inefficient,  the  result  is  ascribable 
to  peculiarity  of  constitution  in  the  individual,  or  inferiority  in  the  particular 
parcel  emploj'ed.  In  its  operation  upon  the  pregnant  uterus  it  produces  a con- 
stant unremitting  contraction  and  rigidity,  rather  than  that  alternation  of  spas- 
modic effort  and  relaxation  which  is  observable  in  the  natural  process  of  labour. 
Hence,  unless  the  os  uteri  and  external  parts  are  sufficiently  relaxed,  the  medi- 
cine is  apt  to  produce  injury  to  the  foetus  by  the  incessant  pressure  which  it 
maintains;  and  the  death  of  the  child  is  thought  not  unfrequently  to  have  re- 
sulted from  its  injudicious  employment.  The  cases  to  which  it  is  thought  to  be 
especially  adapted  are  those  of  lingering  labour,  when  the  os  uteri  is  sufficiently 
dilated,  and  the  external  passages  sufficiently  relaxed,  when  no  mechanical  impedi- 
ment is  offered  to  the  passage  of  the  child,  and  the  delay  is  ascribable  solely  to 
want  of  energy  in  the  uterus.  Other  cases  are  those  in  which  the  death  of  the 
foetus  has  been  ascertained,  and  when  great  exhaustion  or  dangerous  constitu- 
tional irritation  imperiously  calls  for  speedy  delivery.  The  medicine  may  also  be 


PAKT  I. 


329 


Ergot  a. 

given  to  promote  the  expulsion  of  the  placenta,  to  restrain  inordinate  hemorrhage 
after  delivery,  and  to  hasten  the  discharge  of  the  foetus  in  protracted  cases  of  abor- 
tion. In  women  subject  to  dangerous  flooding,  a dose  of  ergot  given  immediately 
before  delivery  is  said  to  have  the  happiest  effects.  It  has  also  been  recommended 
for  the  expulsion  of  coagula  of  blood,  polypi,  and  hydatids  from  the  uterine  cavity, 
[t  has  been  accused  of  producing  puerperal  convulsions,  hour-glass  contraction  of 
the  uterus,  and  hydrocephalus  in  the  new-born  infant.  (Dr.  Catlett,  Ed.  Med. 
and.  Surg.  Journ.,  Jan.  1842.)  In  uterine  hemorrhage,  unconnected  with  preg- 
nancy, the  medicine  is  deemed  highly  useful;  and  its  employment  has  been  ex- 
tended to  other  hemorrhages  with  asserted  advantage.  We  have  seen  it  promptly 
effectual  in  pulmonary  hemorrhage,  after  all  the  usual  means  had  failed.  May 
t not  have  the  power  of  producing  contraction  of  the  capillaries  in  general,  or  of 
nterfering  in  some  other  way  with  the  circulation  of  the  blood  in  these  vessels, 
is  by  the  exertion  of  a direct  sedative  or  paralyzing  influence  upon  them  ? We 
■night  in  this  way  account  for  the  dry  gangrene  which  results  from  its  abuse,  as 
veil  as  for  its  influence  in  restraining  hemorrhage.  It  has  also  been  employed 
n amenorrhoea,  but  not  with  encouraging  success.  Gonorrhoea,  gleet,  leucorrhoea, 
lysmenorrhoea,  chronic  dysentery  and  diarrhoea,  paraplegia,  paralysis  or  debility 
if  the  bladder  and  of  the  rectum,  spermatorrhoea,  hysteria,  and  intermittent 
ever,  are  among  the  complaints  in  which  it  has  been  recommended. 

Ergot  is  usually  given  in  substance,  infusion,  or  decoction.  The  dose  of  the 
■iowder  to  a woman  in  labour  is  fifteen  or  twenty  grains,  to  be  repeated  every 
wenty  minutes  till  its  peculiar  effects  are  experienced,  or  till  the  amount  of  a 
Irachm  has  been  taken.  Of  an  infusion  made  in  the  proportion  of  a drachm  of 
rgot  to  four  fluidounces  of  water,  one-third  may  be  given  for  a dose,  and  repeated 
vith  the  same  interval.  For  other  purposes  the  dose  of  the  medicine  is  ten  or 
ifteen  grains,  repeated  three  times  a day,  and  gradually  increased,  but  not  con- 
inucd  for  a great  length  of  time.  In  urgent  cases  of  hemorrhage,  the  dose  may 
j'e  repeated  every  two  hours,  or  oftener  if  necessary.  A wine  of  ergot  is  directed 
y the  United  States  Pharmacopoeia.  (See  Vinurn  Ergo  tie.)  The  oil  of  ergot, 
■repaired  by  means  of  ether,  as  already  described  (page  327),  was  given  by  Dr. 
Wight  in  the  dose  of  from  twenty  to  fifty  drops,  diffused  in  cold  water,  warm 
ea,  or  weak  spirit  and  water. 

Under  the  name  of  ergotin,  Bonjean’s  purified  extract  is  sometimes  used  in 
pe  dose  of  from  five  to  ten  grains.  It  is  made  by  exhausting  ergot  with  water, 
vaporating  to  the  consistence  of  syrup,  precipitating  the  albumen,  gum,  &c., 
y a large  excess  of  alcohol,  decanting  the  clear  liquid,  and  evaporating  to  the 
onsistence  of  a soft  extract. 

Mr.  Laidley,  of  Richmond,  Va.,  proposes  a fluid  extract , made  by  exhausting 
rgot  successively  with  ether,  alcohol,  and  water,  allowing  the  ethereal  solution 
) evaporate  spontaneously,  evaporating  the  tincture  and  infusion  till  they  mea- 
rre  as  many  fluidounces  as  there  were  troy  ounces  of  ergot  employed,  then 
Iding  enough  sugar  to  preserve  the  liquid,  incorporating  with  it  the  ethereal 
xtract  or  oil,  and  finally  adding  so  much  water  as  to  cause  a fluidrachm  of  the 
reparation  to  represent  forty  grains  or  two  doses  of  the  ergot.  {Am.  Journ.  of 
'harm.,  xxiv.  160.) 

Ergot  has  been  employed  externally.  Dr.  Muller  found  it  to  check  the  bleeding 
om  large  divided  arteries;  and  Dr.  Wright  states  that  either  in  powder  or  infusion 
has  a prompt  effect  in  arresting  hemorrhage.  It  is  recommended  by  the  latter 
uactitioner  as  an  injection  in  uterine  hemorrhage.  It  should  be  used,  however, 
ith  some  caution ; as  the  powder  applied  to  abraded  surfaces  has  produced  slough- 
s' in  the  lower  animals. 

Ergot  should  be  powdered  only  when  wanted  for  use. 

Off.  Prep.  Infusum  Ergotae ; Tinctura  Ergotae;  Tinctura  Ergotae  lEtberea; 
inum  Ergotae.  W. 


330 


Erigeron  Canadense. — E.  Heterophyllum. 


PART  I. 


ERIGERON  CANADENSE.  U.  S.  Secondary. 
Canada  Fleabane. 

The  herb  of  Erigeron  Canadense.  U.  S. 

Erigeron.  Sex.  Syst.  Svngenesia  Superflua.  — Nat.  Ord.  Compositae- 
Asteroideae,  De  Cand.  Asteracese,  Lindlcy. 

Gen.  Ch.  Calyx  imbricated,  sub-hemispherical,  in  fruit  often  reflected.  Florets 
of  the  ray  linear,  very  narrow,  numerous.  Receptacle  naked.  Pappus  double, 
exterior  minute,  interior  pilose,  of  few  rays.  Nutlall. 

Erigeron  Canadense.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  iii.  1954.  This  is  an  indigenous  annual 
plant,  with  a stem  from  two  to  six  feet  high,  covered  with  stiff  hairs,  and  divided 
into  numerous  branches.  The  leaves  are  linear-lanceolate,  and  edged  with  hairs; 
those  at  the  root  are  dentate.  The  flowers  are  very  small,  numerous,  white,  and 
arranged  in  terminal  panicles.  They  differ  from  those  of  the  other  species  of 
Erigeron  in  having  an  oblong  calyx,  the  rays  very  minute  and  more  numerous 
than  the  florets  of  the  disk,  and  the  seed-down  simple.  Hence  by  some  botanists 
the  plant  is  placed  in  a sub-genus  with  the  title  Csenotus.  Another  variety  of 
E.  Canadense , which  Mr.  Nuttall  makes  a distinct  species,  with  the  title  E.  pv- 
silum,  is  not  more  than  from  four  to  six  inches  high,  and  has  an  erect  smooth 
stem,  less  branched  than  the  preceding,  with  all  its  leaves  entire,  and  scabrous 
on  the  margin.  The  panicle  is  simple,  and  the  peduncles  filiform,  nearly  naked, 
divaricate,  each  bearing  two  or  three  flowers. 

Canada  fleabane  is  very  common  throughout  the  northern  and  middle  sections 
of  the  United  States,  and  has  become  naturalized  in  many  parts  of  Europe.  It 
abounds  in  neglected  fields,  and  blooms  in  July  and  August.  The  plant,  all  parts 
of  which  are  medicinal,  should  be  collected  while  in  flower.  The  leaves  and  flowers 
are  said  to  possess  its  peculiar  virtues  in  greatest  perfection. 

This  species  of  Erigeron  has  an  agreeable  odour,  and  a bitterish,  acrid,  some- 
what astringent  taste.  Among  its  constituents,  according  to  Dr.  De  Puy,  are 
bitter  extractive,  tannin,  gallic  acid,  and  volatile  oil.  Both  alcohol  and  water 
extract  its  virtues.  Its  acrimony  is  diminished  by  decoction,  in  consequence, 
probably,  of  the  escape  of  the  oil. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  From  the  observations  of  Dr.  De  Puy,  it  appears 
to  be  diuretic,  tonic,  and  astringent;  and  has  been  found  useful  in  dropsical  com- 
plaints and  diarrhoea.  It  may  be  given  in  substance,  infusion,  tincture,  or  extract. 
The  dose  of  the  powder  is  from  thirty  grains  to  a drachm  ; of  an  infusion  prepared 
in  the  proportion  of  an  ounce  of  the  plant  to  a pint  of  boiling  water,  from  two  to 
four  fluidounces;  of  the  aqueous  extract  from  five  to  ten  grains.  In  each  case, 
the  dose  should  be  repeated  every  two  or  three  hours.  W. 

ERIGERON  HETEROPHYLLUM.  TJ.S.  Secondary. 
Yarious-leaved  Fleabane. 

The  herb  of  Erigeron  heterophyllum.  U.  S. 

ERIGERON  PIIILADELPHICUM.  U.  S.  Secondary. 

Philadelphia  Fleabane. 

The  herb  of  Erigeron  Philadelphicum.  U.  S. 

Erigeron.  See  ERIGERON  CANADENSE. 


PART  I. 


331 


Erigeron  Philadelphicum. — Eryngiu  m. 

1.  Erigeron  heterophyllum.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  iii.  1956;  Barton,  Am.  Med. 
Bot.  i.  231.  — E.  annuum.  Persoon,  Syn.  ii.  481 ; Torrey  and  Gray,  Flor.  of  N. 
4m. ii.  175.  This  is  a biennial  herbaceous  plant,  belonging  both  to  North  America 
tnd  Europe.  It  has  a branching  root,  from  which  proceed  several  erect,  roundish, 
itriated,  pubescent  stems,  much  divided  near  the  top,  and  rising  two  or  three  feet 
n height.  The  lower  leaves  are  ovate,  acute,  deeply  toothed,  and  supported  upon 
eng  winged  footstalks;  the  upper  are  lanceolate,  acute,  deeply  serrate  in  the 
niddle,  and  sessile;  the  floral  leaves  are  lanceolate  and  entire;  all,  except  those 
'rom  the  root,  are  ciliate  at  the  base.  The  flowers  are  in  terminal  corymbs.  The 
iorets  of  the  disk  are  yellow;  those  of  the  ray  numerous,  very  slender,  and  of  a 
vhite,  pale-blue,  or  pale-purple  colour.  The  flowering  period  is  from  June  P 
)ctober. 

Erigeron  Philadelphicum.  Barton,  Med.  Bot.  i.  227.  — E.  strigosum.  Willd. 
Sp.  Plant,  iii.  1956;  Torrey  and  Gray,  Flor.  of  N.  Am.  ii.  176.  The  Phila- 
lelphia  fleabane  is  perennial  and  herbaceous,  with  a branching  yellowish  root,  and 
rom  one  to  five  erect  stems,  which  rise  two  or  three  feet  in  height,  and  are  much 
)ranched  at  top.  The  whole  plant  is  pubescent.  The  lower  leaves  are  ovate- 
anceolate,  nearly  obtuse,  ciliate  on  the  margin,  entire  or  marked  with  a few  ser- 
atures,  and  supported  on  very  long  footstalks;  the  upper  are  narrow,  oblong, 
emewhat  wedge-shaped,  obtuse,  entire,  sessile,  and  slightly  embrace  the  stem; 
he  floral  leaves  are  small  and  lanceolate.  The  flowers  are  numerous,  radiate,  and 
iisposed  in  a panicled  corymb,  with  long  peduncles  bearing  from  one  to  three 
lowers.  They  resemble  those  of  the  preceding  species  in  colour,  and  make  their 
ppearance  about  the  same  period. 

We  include  these  two  species  under  one  head,  because  they  grow  together,  pos- 
,ess  identical  medical  properties,  and  are  indiscriminately  employed.  They  are 
found  in  various  parts  of  the  United  States,  and  abound  in  the  fields  about  Phila- 
elphia,  where  they  are  known  and  used  under  the  common  though  inaccurate 
ame  of  scabious.  The  whole  herb  is  used,  and  should  be  collected  while  the 
lants  are  in  flower.  It  has  a feebly  aromatic  odour,  and  bitterish  taste,  and  imparts 
is  properties  to  boiling  water. 

Medical  Properties  and.  Uses.  Fleabane  is  diuretic,  without  being  offensive  to 
he  stomach.  It  has  been  a favourite  remedy  with  some  highly  respectable  pract- 
itioners of  Philadelphia  in  gravel  and  other  nephritic  diseases,  and  has  been 
mployed  with  advantage  in  dropsy.  By  the  late  Dr.  Wistar  it  was  recommended 
i hydrothorax  complicated  with  gout.  It  cannot  be  relied  on  for  the  cure  of 
ii’opsy;  but  may  be  employed  as  an  adjuvant  to  more  efficient  medicines.  It  is 
post  conveniently  administered  in  infusion  or  decoction,  of  which  a pint,  containing 
he  virtues  of  an  ounce  of  the  herb,  may  be  given  in  twenty-four  hours.  W. 

ERYNGIUM.  TJ.S.  Secondary. 

Button  Snakeroot. 

The  root  of  Eryngium  aquaticum.  U.  S. 

Eryngium.  Sex.  Syst.  Pentandria  Digynia. — Nat.  Ord.  Apiaceae  or  Um- 
elliferae. 

Gen.  Ch.  Flowers  capitate.  Involucrum  many-leaved.  Proper  Calyx  five- 
arted,  superior, persistent.  Corolla  of  five  petals.  Receptacle  foliaceous,  segments 
Aute  or  cuspidate.  Fruit  bipartite.  Nuttcdl. 

Eryngium  aquaticum.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  i.  1357.  The  button  snalceroot  or 
ater  eryngo  is  an  indigenous  herbaceous  plant,  with  a perennial  tuberous  root, 
'ad  a stem  two  or  three  feet  high,  sometimes,  according  to  Pursh,  six  feet,  gene- 
tlly  branching  by  forks,  but  trichotomous  above.  The  leaves  are  very  long, 


332 


PART  I. 


Eryngium. — Erythronium. — Eupatorium. 

linear-lanceolate  on  the  upper  part  of  the  stem,  sword-shaped  below,  with  bristly 
spines  at  distant  intervals  upon  their  margin.  The  floral  leaves  are  lanceolate 
and  dentate.  The  flowers  are  white  or  pale,  and  disposed  in  globose  heads,  with 
the  leaflets  of  the  involucrum  shorter  than  the  head,  and,  like  the  scales  of  the 
receptacle,  entire.  This  plant  is  found  in  low  wet  places, from  Virginia  to  Carolina. 
Its  period  of  flowering  is  August. 

The  root,  which  is  the  medicinal  portion,  has  a bitter,  pungent,  aromatic  taste, 
provoking,  when  chewed,  a flow  of  saliva.  It  is  diaphoretic,  expectorant,  in  large 
doses  occasionally  emetic;  and  is  used  by  some  physicians  in  decoction  as  a sub- 
stitute for  seneka.  {Bigelow.)  We  are  told  in  Barton’s  Collections,  that  it  is 
nearly  allied  to  the  contrayerva  of  the  shops.  W. 

ERYTHRONIUM.  US.  Secondary. 

Erythronium. 

The  root  and  herb  of  Erythronium  Americanum.  U.  S. 

Erythronium.  Sex.  Syst.  Hexandria  Monogynia. — Nat.  Ord.  Liliaceae. 

Gen.  Ch.  Calyx  none.  Corolla  inferior,  six-petalled;  the  three  inner  petals 
with  a callous  prominence  on  each  edge  near  the  base.  Bigelow. 

Erythronium  Americanum.  Muhl.  Catalogue,  84;  Bigelow,  Am.  Med.  Bot. 
iii.  151.  — E.  lanceolatum.  Pursh,  p.  230.  This  is  an  indigenous  perojmial  bulbous 
plant,  sometimes  called,  after  the  European  species,  dog’s  tooth  violet.  The  bulb 
(cormus),  which  is  brown  externally,  white  and  solid  within,  sends  up  a single 
naked  slender  flower  stem,  and  two  smooth,  lanceolate,  nearly  equal  leaves,  sheath- 
ing at  their  base,  with  an  obtuse  callous  point,  and  of  a brownish-green  colour 
diversified  by  numerous  irregular  spots.  The  flower  is  solitary,  nodding,  yellow, 
with  oblong-lanceolate  petals  obtuse  at  the  point,  a club-shaped  undivided  style, 
and  a three-lobed  stigma. 

The  Erythronium  grows  in  woods  and  other  shady  places  throughout  the 
Northern  and  Middle  States.  It  flowers  in  the  latter  part  of  April  or  early  in 
May.  All  parts  of  it  are  active. 

Iu  the  dose  of  twenty  or  thirty  grains,  the  recent  bulb  acts  as  an  emetic.  The 
leaves  are  said  to  be  more  powerful.  The  activity  of  the  plant  is  diminished  by 
drying.  So  far  as  we  are  at  present  acquainted  with  its  virtues,  it  may  be  con- 
sidered a useless  addition  to  the  Materia  Medica.  W.,. 

EUPATORIUM.  US. 

Thoroughwort. 

The  tops  and  leaves  of  Eupatorium  perfoliatum/ U.  S. 

Eupatorium.  Sex.  Syst.  Syngenesia  TEqualis. — Nat.  Ord.  Compositae- 
Eupatoriaceae,  Be  Cand.  Asteraceas,  Bindley. 

Gen.  Ch.  Calyx  simple  or  imbricate,  oblong.  Style  long  and  semi-bifld.  Re- 
ceptacle naked.  Pappus  pilose,  or  more  commonly  scabrous.  Seed  smooth  and 
glandular,  quinquestriate.  Nuttall. 

Of  this  numerous  genus,  comprising  not  less  than  thirty  species  within  the 
limits  of  the  United  States,  most  of  which  probably  possess  analogous  medical 
properties,  E. perfoliatum  alone  now  holds  a place  in  our  national  Pharmacopoeia. 
E.  purpureum  and  E.  teucrifolium  were  originally  in  the  Secondary  List,  but 
were  discarded  at  the  revision  of  1840.  They  merit,  however,  a brief  notice  here, 
if  only  from  their  former  officinal  rank. 

Eupatorium  purpureum,  or  gravel  root,  is  a perennial  herbaceous  plant,  with 


/ 


part  i.  Eupatorium.  833 

i purple  stem,  five  or  six  feet  in  height,  and  furnished  with  ovate-lanceolate, 
serrate,  rugosely  veined,  slightly  scabrous,  petiolate  leaves,  placed  four  or  five 
Jogether  in  the  form  of  whorls.  The  flowers  are  purple,  and  consist  of  numerous 
lorets  contained  in  an  eight-leaved  calyx.  It  grows  in  swamps  and  other  low 
grounds,  from  Canada  to  Virginia,  and  flowers  in  August  and  September.  The 
•oot  has,  according  to  Dr.  Bigelow,  a bitter,  aromatic,  and  astringent  taste,  and 
s said  to  operate  as  a diuretic.  Its  vulgar  name  of  gravel  root  indicates  the 
Popular  estimation  of  its  virtues. 

j Eupatorium  teucrifolium  (Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  iii.  1753),  E.  pilosum  (Walt. 
Flor.  Car.  199),  E.  verbensefolium  (Mich.  Flor.  Am.  ii.  98),  commonly  called 
did  horehound,  is  also  an  indigenous  perennial,  wdth  an  herbaceous  stem,  which 
s about  two  feet  high,  and  supports  sessile,  distinct,  ovate,  acute,  scabrous  leaves, 
if  which  the  lower  are  coarsely  serrate  at  the  base,  the  uppermost  entire.  The 
lowers  are  small,  white,  com'posed  of  five  florets  within  each  calyx,  and  arranged 
n the  form  of  a corymb.  The  plant  grows  in  low  wet  places  from  New  England 
o Georgia,  and  is  abundant  in  the  Southern  States.  It  is  in  flower  from  August 
o November.  The  whole  herb  is  employed.  In  sensible  properties  it  corre- 
ponds  with  E.  perfoliatum,  though  less  bitter  and  disagreeable.  It  is  said  to 
ie  tonic,  diaphoretic,  diuretic,  and  aperient;  and  in  the  South  has  been  much 
mployed  as  a domestic  remedy  in  intermittent  and  remittent  fevers.  Dr.  Jones, 
brmerly  president  of  the  Georgia  Medical  Society,  was  the  first  to  make  its  pro- 
jerties  known  to  the  profession.  It  is  usually  administered  infused  in  water. 
)ne  quart  of  the  infusion,  containing  the  virtues  of  an  ounce  of  the  plant,  may 
e given  in  separate  portions  during  the  day. 

E.  Cannabinum,  of  Europe,  the  root  of  which  was  formerly  used  as  a pur- 
ative,  and  E.  Aya-pana,  of  Brazil,  the  leaves  of  which  at  one  time  enjoyed  a 
ery  high  reputation,  have  fallen  into  entire  neglect.  The  Aya-pana  is  an 
romatic  bitter,  like  E.  perfoliatum,  but  weaker. 

Eupatorium  perfoliatum.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  iii.  1761;  Bigelow,  Am.  Med. 
>ot.  i.  33 ; Barton,  Med.  Bot.  ii.  125.  Thoroughicort,  or  boneset,  is  an  indige- 
ious  perennial  plant,  with  numerous  herbaceous  stems,  which  are  erect,  round, 
airy,  from  two  to  five  feet  high,  simple  below,  and  trichotomously  branched 
bar  the  summit.  The  leaves  serve  to  distinguish  the  species  at  the  first  glance- 
hey  may  be  considered  either  as  perforated  by  the  stem,  perfoliate,  or  as  con- 
sting  each  of  two  leaves  joined  at  the  base,  connate.  Considered  in  the  latter 
fint  of  view,  they  are  opposite  and  in  pairs,  which  decussate  each  other  at 
gular  distances  upon  the  stem ; in  other  words,  the  direction  of  each  pair  is  at 
ght  angles  with  that  of  the  pair  immediately  above  or  beneath  it.  They  are 
arrow  in  proportion  to  their  length,  broadest  at  the  base  where  they  coalesce, 
■adually  tapering  to  a point,  serrate,  much  wrinkled,  paler  on  the  under  than 
ie  upper  surface,  and  beset  wdth  whitish  hairs  which  give  them  a grayish-green 
lour.  The  uppermost  pairs  are  sessile,  not  joined  at  the  base.  The  flowers 
e white,  numerous,  supported  on  hairy  peduncles,  in  dense  corymbs,  which 
rm  a flattened  summit.  The  calyx,  which  is  cylindrical  and  composed  of  ind- 
icated, lanceolate,  hairy  scales,  encloses  from  twelve  to  fifteen  tubular  florets, 
tving  their  border  divided  into  five  spreading  segments.  The  anthers  are  five, 
ack,  and  united  into  a tube,  through  which  the  bifid  filiform  style  projects 
■ove  the  flower. 

This  species  of  Eupatorium  inhabits  meadows,  the  banks  of  streams,  and  other 
pist  places,  growing  generally  in  bunches,  and  abounding  in  almost  all  parts 
the  United  States.  It  flowers  from  the  middle  of  summer  to  the  end  of 
jstober.  All  parts  of  it  are  active ; but  the  herb  only  is  officinal. 

It  has  a faint  odour,  and  a strongly  bitter  somewhat  peculiar  taste.  The  vir- 
es of  the  plant  are  readily  imparted  to  water  and  alcohol.  Mr.  W.  Peterson 


334 


PART  I 


Eupatorium. — Euphorbia  Corollata. 

found  it  to  contain  a peculiar  bitter  principle,  chlorophylle,  resin,  a crystalline 
matter  of  undetermined  character,  gum,  tannin,  yellow  colouring  matter,  ex 
tractive,  lignin,  and  salts.  (Am.  Journ.  of  P harm.,  xxiii.  210.) 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Thoroughwort  is  tonic,  diaphoretic,  and  in  largt 
doses  emetic  and  aperient.  It  is  said  to  have  been  employed  by  the  Indians  ii 
intermittent  fever,  and  has  proved  successful  in  the  hands  of  several  regulai 
practitioners.  The  general  experience,  however,  is  not  in  its  favour  in  tha 
complaint.  We  have  seen  it  effectual  in  arresting  intermittents  when  giver 
freely  in  warm  decoction,  immediately  before  the  expected  recurrence  of  the 
paroxysm  ; but  it  operated  in  this  instance  by  its  emetic  rather  than  its  ton! 
power.  The  medicine  has  also  been  used  as  a tonic  and  diaphoretic  in  remittee- 
and  typhoid  fevers,  and  is  said  to  have  been  productive  of  advantage  in  yellov 
fever.  Given  in  warm  infusion,  so  as  to  produce  vomiting  or  copious  perspira- 
tion, at  the  commencement  of  catarrh,  it  will  frequently  arrest  that  complaint 
and  has  been  especially  recommended  in  the  treatment  of  influenza.  It  ha: 
also  been  recommended  as  a diaphoretic  in  acute  rheumatism ; and  may  prove 
serviceable  in  the  absence  of  high  arterial  excitement.  As  a tonic  it  is  give: 
with  advantage  in  dyspepsia,  general  debility,  and  other  eases  in  which  the 
simple  bitters  are  employed. 

With  a view  to  its  tonic  effects,  it  is  best  administered  in  substance,  or  ir 
cold  infusion.  The  dose  of  the  powder  is  twenty  or  thirty  grains,  that  of  the 
infusion  a fluidounce,  frequently  repeated.  (See  Infusum  Eupatorii.)  Tbt 
aqueous  extract  has  been  used  with  advantage.  When  the  diaphoretic  operation 
is  required  in  addition  to  the  tonic,  the  infusion  should  be  administered  warm 
and  the  patient  remain  covered  in  bed.  As  an  emetic  and  cathartic,  a strom 
decoction,  prepared  by  boiling  an  ounce  with  three  half  pints  of  water  to  a pint 
may  be  given  in  doses  of  one  or  two  gills,  or  more. 

Off.  Prep.  Infusum  Eupatorii.  W. 

EUPHORBIA  COROLLATA.  U.  S.  Secondary. 
Large-flowering  Spurge. 

The  root  of  Euphorbia  corollata.  U.  S. 

Euphorbia.  Sex.  Syst.  Dodec-andria  Trigynia,  Linn.;  Monoecia  Monadel 
phia,  Michaux. — Nut.  Orel.  Euphorbiaceae. 

Gen.  Ch.  Involucrum  caliciform,  eight  to  ten  toothed,  exterior  alternate  dent 
ures  glanduloid  or  petaloid.  Stamina  indefinite,  twelve  or  more,  rarely  less 
filaments  articulated.  Receptacle  squamose.  Female  flower  solitary,  stipitate 
naked.  Capsule  three-grained.  Nuttall. 

In  the  flower  of  the  Euphorbias,  the  stamina  are  arranged  two  or  more  to 
gether,  in  distinct  parcels,  which  correspond  in  number  with  the  inner  segment 
of  the  calyx.  These  parcels  were  considered  by  Michaux  as  distinct  male  florets 
while  the  central  stipitate  germ,  with  its  three  bifid  styles,  was  considered  as 
distinct  female  floret,  and  the  calyx  took  the  name  of  an  involucre.  He  at 
cordingly  placed  the  genus  in  the  class  and  order  Monoecia  Monadelphia,  an 
in  this  respect  has  been  followed  by  most  American  botanists.  The  genu 
Euphorbia  contains  numerous  species,  which  have  the  common  property  c 
yielding  a milky  juice.  They  are  herbaceous  or  shrubby,  with  or  without  leaves 
and  the  leafless  species,  which  are  chiefly  confined  to  the  African  deserts,  kav 
fleshy,  naked,  or  spiny  stems,  resembling  the  genus  Cactus.  They  nearly  a 
afford  products  which  act  powerfully  as  emetics  and  cathartics,  and  in  over-dose 
give  rise  to  dangerous  if  not  fatal  prostration,  with  symptoms  of  inflamed  gastn 
intestinal  mucous  membrane.  Their  milky  juice,  which  concretes  on  exposur 


part  I.  Euphorbia  Corollata.  335 

to  the  air,  usually  possesses  these  properties  in  a high  degree,  and,  in  addition, 
that  of  powerfully  irritating  the  skin  when  externally  applied.  Two  species 
only  are  acknowledged  in  our  national  Pharmacopoeia,  E.  corollata  and  E.  Ipeca- 
cuanha, which  are  both  indigenous.  E.  hyperici folia,  which  is  also  indigenous, 
has  been  very  highly  commended  as  a remedy  in  dysentery  after  due  depletion, 
diarrhoea,  menorrhagia,  and  leucorrhcea,  by  Dr.  W.  Zollickoffer.  He  infuses  half 
an  ounce  of  the  dried  leaves  in  a pint  of  boiling  water,  and  gives  half  a fluidounc-e 
every  hour  in  dysentery  till  the  symptoms  begin  to  yield,  the  same  quantity 
after  every  evacuation  in  diarrhoea.,  and  two  fluidounees,  morning,  noon,  and 
night,  in  menorrhagia  and  fluor  albus.  The  herb,  according  to  Dr.  Zollickoffer, 
is  at  first  sweetish,  afterwards  harsh  and  astringent  to  the  taste,  and  from  his  ex- 
periments appears  to  contain  tannin.  Its  effects  upon  the  system  are  those  of  an 
astringent  and  feeble  narcotic.  It  differs,  therefore,  considerably,  both  in  sen- 
sible and  medicinal  properties,  from  most  of  the  other  species.  (Am.  Journ.  of  the 
Med ■ Sciences,  xi.  2*2.)  In  a subsequent  communication  by  the  same  author,  it 
j|s  stated  that  E.  maculata  possesses  similar  properties.  (Ibid.,  JM.  S.,  iii.  1*25.) 

Euphorbia  corollata.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  ii.  916;  Bigelow,  Am.  Med.  Bot.  iii. 
119.  The  blooming  or  large-flowering  spurge,  frequently  called  milk-weed,  is  a 
all  erect  plant,  with  a large,  perennial,  branching,  yellowish  root,  which  sends 
ap  several  stems  from  two  to  five  feet  in  height,  round  and  generally  simple. 
The  leaves,  which  stand  irregularly  upon  the  stem,  and  without  foot-stalks,  are 
tblong-obovate,  wedge-form  or  linear,  flat  or  revolute  at  the  margin,  smooth  in 
some  plants,  and  hairy  in  others.  The  flowers  are  disposed  upon  a large  terminal 
imbel,  with  a five-leaved  involucrum,  and  five  trifid  and  dichotomous  rays,  at 
:ach  fork  of  which  are  two  oblong  bractes.  The  calyx  is  large,  rotate,  white, 
yit-h  five  obtuse  segments  closely  resembling  a corolla,  from  which  the  species 
ias  been  named.  At  the  base  of  these  divisions  are  five  interior  smaller  seg- 
ments, which  are  described  as  nectaries  by  many  systematic  writers,  while  the 
irger  are  considered  as  belonging  to  a real  corolla.  The  stamens  are  twelve, 
volving  gradually,  with  double  anthers.  Many  flowers  have  only  stamens.  The 
listil,  when  existing,  is  stipitate,  nodding,  rounded,  with  three  bifid  styles.  The 
ruit  is  a smooth,  three-celled,  three-seeded  capsule. 

The  plant  grows  in  various  parts  of  the  United  States,  from  Canada  to  Florida, 
nd  abounds  in  Western  Pennsylvania,  Maryland,  and  Virginia.  It  prefers  a 
ry,  barren,  and  sandy  soil,  seldom  growing  in  woods  or  on  the  borders  of  streams, 
ts  flowers  appear  in  July  and  August.  The  root  is  the  only  part  used. 

This,  when  full  grown,  is  sometimes  an  inch  in  thickness,  and  two  feet  in 
■ngth.  It  is  without  unpleasant  taste,  producing  only  a sense  of  heat  a short 
me  after  it  has  been  taken.  The  medical  virtues  are  said  to  reside  in  the  eortic-al 
ortion,  which  is  thick,  and  constitutes  two-thirds  of  the  whole  root.  They  are 
ken  up  by  water  and  alcohol,  and  remain  in  the  extract  formed  by  the  evapo- 
ttion  of  the  decoction  or  tincture. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  In  a full  dose,  the  root  of  E.  corollata  operates 
ptively  and  with  sufficient  certainty  as  an  emetic,  producing  ordinarily  several 
scharges  from  the  stomach,  and  not  unfrequently  acting  with  considerable  en- 
gy  upon  the  bowels.  In  quantities  insufficient  to  vomit,  it  excites  nausea, 
:inost  always  followed  by  brisk  purging.  In  still  smaller  doses  it  is  diaphoretic 
iid  expectorant.  It  cannot,  however,  like  ipecacuanha,  be  given  largely  in  cases 
insensibility  of  stomach,  without  endangering  hypercatharsis  with  inflamma- 
i)n  of  the  mucous  coat  of  the  stomach  and  bowels.  It  is  in  fact  greatly  inferior 
this  emetic  in  mildness,  while  it  is  no  less  inferior  to  the  tartarized  antimony 
certainty.  It  is  objectionable  as  a purge,  in  consequence  of  the  nausea  which 
occasions,  when  given  in  cathartic  doses.  Dr.  Zollickoffer  was  the  first  to  in- 
duce it  to  the  particular  notice  of  the  medical  profession.  It  is  little  prescribed, 


386  Euphorbia  Corollata. — Euphorbia  Ipecacuanha.  part  i. 

and  seldom  kept  in  the  shops.  The  dose  of  the  dried  root  as  an  emetic  is  from 
ten  to  twenty  grains,  as  a cathartic  from  three  to  ten  grains.  The  recent  root, 
bruised  and  applied  to  the  skin,  produces  vesication.  W. 

EUPHORBIA  IPECACUANHA.  JJ.S.  Secondary. 
Ipecacuanha  Spurge. 

The  root  of  Euphorbia  Ipecacuanha.  U.  S. 

Euphorbia.  See  EUPHORBIA  COROLLATA. 

Euphorbia  Ipecacuanha.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  ii.  900 ; Barton,  Med.  Bot.  i.  211  ; 
Bigelow,  Am.  Med.  Bot.  iii.  108.  Ipecacuanha  spurge,  or,  as  it  is  sometimes 
called,  American  ipecacuanha,  is  a singular  plant,  varying  so  much  in  the  shape 
and  colour  of  its  leaves,  and  in  its  whole  aspect,  that  mere  individual  peculiari- 
ties might  without  care  be  attributed  to  a specific  difference.  The  root  is  peren- 
nial, yellowish,  irregular  and  very  large,  penetrating  sometimes  to  the  depth  of 
six  or  seven  feet  in  the  sand,  and  in  its  thickest  part,  when  full  grown,  from 
three-quarters  of  an  inch  to  an  inch  and  a half  in  diameter.  The  stems  are 
numerous,  herbaceous,  erect  or  procumbent,  smooth,  dichotomous,  jointed  at  the 
forks,  white  under  the  ground,  red,  pale-green,  or  yellow  above,  sometimes  almost 
buried  in  the  sand,  usually  forming  thick  low  bunches  upon  its  surface.  The 
leaves  are  opposite,  sessile,  entire,  smooth,  generally  oval,  but  sometimes  round, 
obovate,  or  even  lanceolate,  or  linear.  They  are  small  early  in  the  spring,  and 
increase  in  size  with  the  age  of  the  plant.  Their  colour  varies  from  green  to 
crimson.  The  flowers  are  solitary,  on  long  axillary  peduncles.  The  calyx  is 
spreading,  with  five  exterior  obtuse  segments,  and  the  same  number  of  inner, 
smaller  segments.  The  fertile  flowers  have  a roundish,  drooping,  pedicelled 
germ,  crowned  with  six  revolute  stigmas.  The  capsule  is  three-celled,  and  con- 
tains three  seeds. 

E.  Ipecacuanha  is  indigenous,  growing  in  pine  barrens  and  other  sandy  places 
in  the  Middle  and  Southern  States,  especially  along  the  sea-board,  and  abund- 
antly in  New  Jersey,  on  the  banks  of  the  Delaware.  It  blooms  from  May  to 
August.  The  root,  which  is  the  officinal  portion,  is,  according  to  Dr.  Barton, 
equally  efficacious  at  whatever  period  collected. 

The  dried  root  is  light  and  brittle,  of  a grayish  colour  externally,  white  within 
inodorous,  and  of  a sweetish  not  unpleasant  taste.  Its  active  principle  has  nol 
been  isolated.  Dr.  Bigelow  inferred  from  his  experiments  that  it  eontaiue: 
caoutchouc,  resin,  gum,  and  probably  starch. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Ipecacuanha  spurge  is  an  energetic,  tolerabh 
certain  emetic,  rather  milder  than  E.  Corollata,  but  like  it,  disposed  to  act  upoi 
the  bowels,  and  liable,  if  given  in  over-doses,  to  produce  excessive  nausea  anc 
vomiting,  general  prostration,  and  alarming  hypercatharsis.  It  is.  therefore 
unfit  to  supersede  ipecacuanha.  In  small  doses  it  is  diaphoretic.  The  specif' 
name  of  the  plant  indicates  that  the  emetic  property  of  the  root  has  been  Ion: 
known.  The  late  Professor  Barton  alludes  to  it  in  his  “Collections;”  but  it  di< 
not  come  into  general  notice  till  after  the  publication  of  Dr.  IV.  P.  C.  Barton' 
Medical  Botany.  The  late  Dr.  Ilewson,  of  Philadelphia,  informed  us,  that  thi 
emetic  was  the  subject  of  an  inaugural  essay  by  Dr.  Royal,  and  that  experiment; 
conducted  with  it  among  the  convicts  in  the  IValnut  Street  prison,  proved  it  t 
be  advantageously  available  for  all  the  purposes  of  an  emetic;  while,  in  cons; 
quence  of  its  want  of  nauseous  taste,  it  seemed  to  answer  even  better  than  ipt 
caeuauha  as  an  expectorant  and  diaphoretic.  The  dose  of  the  powdered  root : 
from  ten  to  fifteen  grains.  W. 


PART  I. 


Euphorbium. 


337 


EUPHORBIUM.  Ed. 

Euphorbium. 

Concrete  resinous  juice  of  undetermined  species  of  Euphorbia.  Ed. 

Euphorbe,  Fr.;  Euphorbium,  Germ..;  Euforbio,  Ital.,  Span. 

Euphorbia.  See  EUPHORBIA  COROLLATA. 

Euphorbium  is  obtained  from  one  or  more  species  of  Euphorbia ; but  its  precise 
source  is  somewhat  uncertain.  It  has  been  ascribed  to  E.  offcinarum,  growing 
in  the  North  of  Africa  and  at  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope,  E.  canariensis,  a native 
of  the  Canary  Islands  and  Western  Africa,  and  E.  antiquorum,  inhabiting  Egypt, 
Arabia,  and  the  East  Indies,  and  supposed  to  be  the  plant  from  which  the  an- 
cients derived  this  resinous  product.  These  species  of  Euphorbia  bear  a consider- 
able resemblance  in  their  general  form  to  the  Cactus,  having  leafless,  jointed, 
angular  stems,  divided  into  branches  of  a similar  structure,  and  furnished  with 
double  prickles  at  the  angles.  When  wounded,  they  yield  an  acrid  milky  juice, 
which  concretes  on  the  surface  of  the  plant,  and,  being  removed,  constitutes  the 
euphorbium  of  commerce. 

This  occurs  in  the  shape  of  tears,  or  in  oblong  or  roundish  masses,  about  the 
size  of  a pea  or  larger,  often  forked,  and  perforated  with  one  or  two  small  conical 
holes,  produced  by  the  prickles  of  the  plant,  around  which  the  juice  has  concreted, 
and  w'hich. sometimes  remain  in  the  holes.  The  masses  are  occasionally  large 
ind  mixed  with  impurities.  The  surface  is  dull  and  smooth,  bearing  some  re- 
semblance to  that  of  tragacanth;  the  consistence  somewhat  friable;  the  colour 
ight  yellowish  or  reddish ; the  odour  scarcely  perceptible;  the  taste  at  first  slight, 
out  afterwards  excessively  acrid  and  burning.  The  colour  of  the  powder  is  yel- 
owish.  The  sp.gr.  of  euphorbium  is  1T24.  Triturated  with  water  it  renders 
he  liquid  milky,  and  is  partially  dissolved.  Alcohol  dissolves  a larger  portion, 
forming  a yellowish  tincture,  which  becomes  milky  on  the  addition  of  water, 
jits  constituents,  according  to  Pelletier,  are  resin,  wax,  malate  of  lime,  malate  of 
potassa,  lignin,  bassorin,  volatile  oil,  and  water.  Braudes  found  caoutchouc.  It 
contains  no  soluble  gum.  The  proportions  of  the  ingredients  are  variously  stated 
)y  different  chemists,  and  probably  vary  in  different  specimens.  The  most 
hundant  is  resin,  and  the  remainder  consists  chiefly  of  wax  and  malate  of  lime. 
The  resin  is  excessively  acrid,  is  soluble  in  alcohol,  and,  when  exposed  to  heat, 
melts,  takes  fire,  and  burns  with  a brilliant  flame,  diffusing  an  agreeable  odour. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Euphorbium  taken  internally  is  emetic  and 
fathartic,  often  acting  with  great  violence,  and  in  large  doses  producing  severe 
•jastric  pain,  excessive  heat  in  the  throat,  and  symptoms  of  great  prostration.  In 
consequence  of  the  severity  of  its  action,  its  internal  use  has  been  entirely  aban- 
loned.  Applied  to  the  mucous  membrane  of  the  nostrils,  it  excites  violent 
rritation,  attended  with  incessant  sneezing  and  sometimes  bloody  discharges, 
ji’hey  who  powder  it  are  under  the  necessity  of  guarding  their  eyes,  nostrils,  and 
couth  against  the  fine  dust  which  rises.  Largely  diluted  with  wheat  flour  or 
tarch,  it  may  be  used  as  an  errhine  in  amaurosis,  deafness,  and  other  obstinate 
flections  of  the  head.  Externally  applied,  it  inflames  the  skin,  often  producing 
esication;  and  on  the  continent  of  Europe  is  sometimes  used  as  an  ingredient 
f epispastic  preparations.  It  is  employed  in  veterinary  practice,  with  a view  to 
,:s  vesicating  power.  As  an  article  of  the  materia  medica,  however,  it  might 
’ell  be  dispensed  with. 

Off.  Prep.  Acetum  Cantharidis.  W. 

22 


338 


Extr actum  Cannabis. 


PART  i. 


EXTRACTUM  CANNABIS.  U.  S.  Secondary. 

Extract  of  Hemp. 

An  alcoholic  extract  of  the  dried  tops  of  Cannabis  sativa,  variety  Indica.  U.  S. 
Off.  Syn.  EXTRACTUM  CANNABIS  INDICiE.  Cannabis  Indica.  The 
extract.  Dub. 

Cannabis.  Sex.Syst.  Dioecia  Pentandria. — Nat.Ord.  Cannabinacese. 

Gen.  Ch.  Male.  Calyx  five  parted.  Stamens  five.  Female.  Calyx  one-leaved, 
rolled  up.  Styles  two.  Lindley. 

Cannabis  sativa.  Linn.  Sp.  Plant.  1457 ; Griffith,  Med.  Bot.  p.  572.  Herup 
js  an  annual  plant,  from  four  to  eight  feet  or  more  in  height,  with  an  erect, 
branching,  angular  stem.  The  leaves  are  alternate  or  opposite,  on  long,  lax 
footstalks,  roughish,  and  digitate  with  linear-lanceolate,  serrated  segments.  The 
stipules  are  subulate.  The  flowers  are  axillary;  the  male  in  long,  branched,  droop- 
ing racemes;  the  female  in  erect  simple  spikes.  The  stamens  are  five,  with  long 
pendulous  anthers  ; the  pistils  two,  with  long,  filiform,  glandular  stigmas.  The 
fruit  is  ovate,  and  one-seeded.  The  whole  plant  is  covered  with  a very  fine  pu- 
bescence, scarcely  visible  to  the  naked  eye,  and  is  somewhat  viscid  to  the  touch. 
The  hemp  growing  in  India,  from  which  the  medicine  is  derived,  has  been  con- 
sidered by  some  as  a distinct  species,  and  named  Cannabis  Indica;  but  the  most 
observant  botanists,  upon  comparing  it  with  our  cultivated  plant,  have  been 
unable  to  discover  any  specific  difference.  It  is  now,  therefore,  regarded  merely 
as  a variety,  and  is  distinguished  by  the  epithet  Indica.  Dr.  Pereira  states  that, 
in  the  female  plant,  the  flowers  are  somewhat  more  crowded  than  in  the  common 
hemp;  but  that,  in  comparing  the  male  plants  of  the  two  varieties,  he  found  them 
in  all  respects  the  same.  It  is  unfortunate  that  the  name  of  Indian  hemp  has 
been  attached  to  the  medicinal  product;  as,  in  the  United  States,  the  same  name 
has  long  been  appropriated  to  Apocynum  cannabinum;  and  some  confusion  has 
hence  arisen. 

C.  sativa  is  a native  of  the  Caucasus,  Persia,  and  the  hilly  regions  in  the  North 
of  India.  It  is  cultivated  in  many  parts  of  Europe  and  Asia,  and  largely  in  our 
Western  States.  It  is  from  the  Indian  variety  exclusively  that  the  medicine  is 
obtained  ; the  heat  of  the  climate  in  Hindostan  apparently  favouring  the  develop- 
ment of  its  active  principle. 

The  seeds,  though  not  now  officinal,  have  been  used  in  medicine.  They  are 
about  the  eighth  of  an  inch  long,  roundish-ovate,  somewhat  compressed,  of  a shin- 
ing ash-gray  colour,  inodorous,  and  of  a disagreeable,  oily,  sweetish  taste.  They 
yield  by  expression  a considerable  quantity  of  fixed  oil,  which  has  the  drying  pro- 
perty, and  is  used  in  the  arts.  They  contain  also  uncrystallizable  sugar  and 
albumen,  and  when  rubbed  with  water  form  an  emulsion,  which  may  be  used  ad- 
vantageously in  inflammations  of  the  mucous  membranes,  though  without  narcotic 
properties.  They  are  much  used  as  food  for  birds,  which  are  fond  of  them. 

In  Hindostan,  Persia,  and  other  parts  of  the  East,  hemp  has  long  been  habitu- 
ally employed  as  an  intoxicating  agent.  The  parts  used  are  the  tops  of  the  plant, 
and  a resinous  product  obtained  from  it.  The  plant  is  cut  after  flowering,  and 
formed  into  bundles,  about  two  feet  long  by  three  inches  in  diameter,  which  are 
sold  in  the  bazaars  under  the  name  of  gunjah.  The  hashish  of  the  Arabs  is 
essentially  the  same.  The  name  bang  is  given  to  a mixture  of  the  larger  leaves 
and  capsules  without  the  stems.  There  is  on  the  surface  of  the  plant  a resinous 
exudation  to  which  it  owes  its  clammy  feel.  Men  clothed  in  leather  run  through 
the  hemp  fields,  brushing  forcibly  against  the  plants,  and  thus  separating  the 
resin,  which  is  subsequently  scraped  from  their  dress,  and  formed  into  balls. 


PART  I. 


Extr actum  Cannabis. 


339 


These  are  called  churrus.  In  these  different  states  of  preparation,  the  hemp  is 
smoked  like  tobacco,  with  which  it  is  said  to  be  frequently  mixed.  An  infusion 
or  decoction  of  the  plant  is  also  sometimes  used  as  an  exhilarating  drink. 

The  medicinal  resin  or  extract  of  hemp,  directed  by  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia, 
is  made  by  evaporating  a tincture  of  the  dried  tops.  Dr.  O’Shaugknessy  directs 
it  to  be  prepared  by  boiling  the  tops  of  the  gunjah  in  alcohol  until  all  the  resin 
iis  dissolved,  and  evaporating  to  dryness  by  means  of  a water-bath.  Mr.  Robert- 
son, of  the  Calcutta  Medical  College,  prepares  it  by  passing  the  vapour  of  boiling 
alcohol  from  the  boiler  of  a still  into  the  dried  plant  contained  in  a convenient 
receptacle,  and  evaporating  the  condensed  liquor  by  a heat  not  exceeding  150°  F. 
The  Messrs.  Smith,  of  Edinburgh,  obtain  a purer  resin  by  the  following  process. 
Bruised  gunjah  is  digested,  first  in  successive  portions  of  warm  water,  till  the 
expressed  liquid  comes  away  colourless;  and  afterwards,  for  two  days,  with  a 
moderate  heat,  in  a solution  of  carbonate  of  soda,  containing  one  part  of  the  salt 
for  two  of  the  dried  herb.  It  is  then  expressed,  washed,  dried,  and  exhausted 
by  percolation  with  alcohol.  The  tincture,  after  being  agitated  with  milk  of 
lime  containing  one  part  of  the  earth  for  twelve  of  the  gunjah  used,  is  filtered ; 
the  lime  is  precipitated  by  sulphuric  acid;  the  filtered  liquor  is  agitated  with 
animal  charcoal,  and  again  filtered ; most  of  the  alcohol  is  distilled  off,  and  to 
the  residue  twice  its  weight  of  water  is  added ; the  liquid  is  then  allowed  to 
evaporate  gradually ; and,  finally,  the  resin  is  washed  with  fresh  water  until  it 
ceases  to  impart  a sour  or  bitter  taste  to  the  liquid,  and  is  then  dried  in  thin 
layers.  Thus  obtaiued,  it  retains  the  odour  and  taste  of  the  gunjah,  of  which 
100  pounds  yield  6 or  7 pounds  of  the  extract. 

The  Dublin  College  purifies  the  commercial  extract,  by  treating  it  with  alco- 
hol, allowing  the  dregs  to  subside,  decanting  the  clear  liquor,  and  evaporating, 
by  means  of  a water-bath,  to  the  consistence  of  a soft  extract.  The  preparation 
is  denominated  “Extractum  Cannabis  Indices  Purificatum.”  From  this 
the  College  prepares  a tincture.  (See  Tinctura  Cannabis  Indicse .) 

Properties.  Fresh  hemp  has  a peculiar  narcotic  odour,  which  is  said  to  be 
capable  of  producing  vertigo,  headache,  and  a species  of  intoxication.  It  is  much 
less  in  the  dried  tops,  which  have  a feeble  bitterish  taste.  According  to  Dr. 
Royle,  the  churrus  is  when  pure  of  a blackish-gray,  blackish-green,  or  dirty^  olive 
colour,  of  a fragrant  and  narcotic  odour,  and  a slightly  warm,  bitterish,  and  acrid 
taste.  Schlesinger  found  in  the  leaves  a bitter  substance,  chlorophylle,  green 
resinous  extractive,  colouring  matter,  gummy  extract,  extractive,  albumen,  lignin, 
and  salts.  The  plant  also  contains  volatile  oil  in  very  small  proportion.  The 
resin  is  probably  the  active  principle,  and  has  received  the  name  of  cannabin. 
It  is  soluble  in  alcohol  and  ether,  and  is  separated  from  the  alcoholic  solution 
by  water,  as  a white  precipitate.  Its  taste  is  warm,  bitterish,  acrid,  somewhat 
balsamic,  and  its  odour  fragrant,  especially  when  heated.  It  is  not  possessed  of 
acid  properties.  ' 

Medical  Properties.  Extract  of  hemp  is  a powerful  narcotic,  causing  exhila- 
ration, intoxication,  delirious  hallucinations,  and,  in  its  subsequent  action,  drow- 
siness and  stupor,  with  little  effect  upon  the  circulation.  It  is  asserted  also  to 
act  as  a decided  aphrodisiac,  to  increase  the  appetite,  and  occasionally  to  induce 
he  cataleptic  state.  In  morbid  states  of  the  system,  it  has  been  found  to  pro- 
luce  sleep,  to  allay  spasm,  to  compose  nervous  inquietude,  and  to  relieve  pain, 
fn  these  respects  it  resembles  opium  in  its  operation ; but  it  differs  from  that 
larcotic  in  not  diminishing  the  appetite,  checking  the  secretions,  or  constipating 
he  bowels.  It  is  much  less  certain  in  its  effects;  but  may  sometimes  be  pre- 
erably  employed,  when  opium  is  contraindicated  by  its  nauseating  or  constipating 
:ffects,  or  its  disposition  to  produce  headache,  and  to  check  the  bronchial  secre- 
.ion.  The  complaints  in  which  it  has  been  specially  recommended  are  neuralgia, 


340  jE 'xtractum  Cannabis. — Extractum  Glycyrrhizae.  part  i. 

gout,  rheumatism,  tetanus,  hydrophobia,  epidemic  cholera,  convulsions,  chorea, 
hysteria,  mental  depression,  insanity,  and  uterine  hemorrhage.  Dr.  Alexander 
Christison,  of  Edinburgh,  has  found  it  to  have  the  property  of  hastening  and 
increasing  the  contractions  of  the  uterus  in  delivery,  and  has  employed  it  with 
advantage  for  this  purpose.  It  acts  very  quickly,  and  without  anaesthetic  effect. 
It  appears,  however,  to  exert  this  influence  only  in  a certain  proportion  of  cases. 
{Ed.  Month.  Journ.  of  Med.  Sci. , xiii.  117,  and  xv.  124.)  The  strength  of  the 
extract  varies  much  as  found  in  commerce;  and  therefore  no  definite  dose  can 
be  fixed.  When  it  is  of  good  quality  half  a grain  or  a grain  will  affect  the  sys- 
tem. The  Messrs.  Smith  found  two-thirds  of  a grain  of  their  extract  to  produce 
powerful  narcotic  effects.  In  some  instances  it  will  be  necessary  to  give  as  much 
as  ten  or  twelve  grains  of  the  extract;  and  half  an  ounce  of  it  has  been  taken 
without  sensible  effect.  The  proper  plan  is  to  begin  with  a grain,  repeated  at 
intervals  of  two,  three,  or  four  hours,  and  gradually  increased  until  its  influence 
is  felt,  and  the  strength  of  the  parcel  employed  is  thus  ascertained.  A tincture 
is  prepared  by  dissolving  six  drachms  of  the  extract  in  a pint  of  alcohol.  The 
dose  of  this,  equivalent  to  a grain  of  the  extract,  is  about  twenty  minims,  or 
forty  drops.  Dr.  O’Shaughnessy  gave  ten  drops  every  half  hour  in  cholera,  and 
a fluidraehm  every  half  hour  in  tetanus.  As  the  resin  is  precipitated  by  water, 
the  tincture  should  be  administered  in  mucilage  or  sweetened  water.  Alarming 
effects  have  been  produced  by  over-doses.  W. 

EXTRACTUM  GLYCYRRHIZAE.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub. 

Liquorice. 

The  extract  of  the  root  of  Glycyrrhiza  glabra.  U.S. 

Extrait  de  reglisse,  Ft.;  Siissholzsaft,  Germ.;  Sugo  di  liquirizia,  Ilal.;  Regaliza  en 
bollos,  Span. 

For  an  account  of  glycyrrhiza  glabra , see  article  GLYCYRRHIZA. 

The  British  Colleges  give  directions  for  preparing  this  extract ; but,  as  it  is 
seldom  made  in  this  country,  it  is  very  properly  placed,  in  the  U.  S.  Pharma- 
copoeia, in  the  catalogue  of  the  Materia  Medica. 

Liquorice  is  an  article  of  export  from  the  North  of  Spain,  particularly  Cata- 
lonia, where  it  is  obtained  in  the  following  manner.  The  roots  of  the  G.  glabra, 
having  been  dug  up,  thoroughly  cleansed,  and  half  dried  by  exposure  to  the  air, 
are  cut  into  small  pieces,  and  boiled  in  water  till  the  liquid  is  saturated.  The 
decoction  is  then  allowed  to  rest,  and,  after  the  dregs  have  subsided,  is  decanted, 
and  evaporated  to  the  proper  consistence.  The  extract  thus  prepared  is  formed 
into  rolls  from  five  to  six  inches  long  by  an  inch  in  diameter,  which  are  dried 
in  the  air,  and  wrapped  in  laurel  leaves. 

Much  liquorice  is  also  prepared  in  Calabria,  according  to  M.  Fee,  from  the 
G.  echinata  which  abounds  in  that  country.  The  process  is  essentially  the  same 
as  that  just  described,  but  conducted  with  greater  care;  and  the  Italian  liquorice 
is  purer  and  more  valuable  than  the  Spanish.  We  have  been  informed  that 
most  of  the  extract  brought  to  this  country  comes  from  the  ports  of  Leghorn  and 
Messina.  It  is  in  cylinders  generally  somewhat  smaller  than  the  Spanish,  and 
sometimes  stamped  with  the  manufacturer’s  name.* 

Crude  liquorice  is  in  cylindrical  rolls,  somewhat  flattened,  and  often  covered 
with  bay  leaves.  We  have  seen  it  in  the  Loudon  market  in  large  cubical  masses. 
When  good,  it  is  very  black,  dry,  brittle,  breaking  with  a shining  fracture,  of  a 

* We  have  been  informed  that  a very  good  extract  is  prepared  in  New  York.  as  black 
as  the  imported,  but  less  dry  and  hard,  more  soluble  in  water,  and  having  more  of  the 
taste  of  the  root. — Note  to  the  ninth  edition. 


PART  I. 


Extraction  Grlycyrrhizse. — Farina. 


341 


very  sweet,  peculiar,  slightly  acrid  or  bitterish  taste,  and  almost  entirely  soluble 
in  water.  It  is  frequently,  however,  very  impure,  either  from  adulteration  or 
improper  preparation.  Starch,  sand,  the  juice  of  prunes,  &c.,  are  sometimes 
added;  and  carbonaceous  matter,  and  even  particles  of  copper  are  found  in  it, 
the  latter  arising  from  the  boilers  in  which  the  decoction  is  evaporated.  Four 
pounds  of  the  extract  have  yielded  two  drachms  and  a half  of  metallic  copper. 
(Fee.)  It  is  rarely  quite  soluble  in  water.  Neumann  obtained  460  parts  of 
watery  extract  from  480  of  Spanish  liquorice.  A bitter  and  empyreumatic  taste 
are  signs  of  inferior  quality.  Before  being  used  internally  it  generally  requires 
to  be  purified. 

The  refined  liquorice , kept  in  the  shops  in  small  cylindrical  pieces  not  thicker 
than  a pipe  stem,  is  prepared  by  dissolving  the  impure  extract  in  water  without 
boiling,  straining  the  solution,  and  evaporating.  The  object  of  this  process  is 
to  separate  not  only  the  insoluble  impurities,  but  also  the  acrid  oleo-resinous 
substance,  which  is  extracted  by  long  boiling  from  the  liquorice  root,  and  is  ne- 
cessarily mixed  with  the  unrefined  extract.  It  is  customary  to  add  during  the 
process  a portion  of  sugar,  and  sometimes  perhaps  mucilage  or  glue;  and  flour 
or  starch  is  a frequent  adulteration.  The  preparation  is  sometimes  attacked  by 
small  worms,  probably  in  consequence  of  the  farinaceous  additions.  Excellent 
liquorice  is  prepared,  in  some  parts  of  England,  from  the  root  cultivated  in  that 
country.  The  Pontefract  cakes  are  small  lozenges  of  liquorice  of  a very  superior 
quality,  made  in  the  vicinity  of  Pomfret. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Liquorice  is  a useful  demulcent,  much  employed 
as  an  addition  to  cough  mixtures,  and  frequently  added  to  infusions  or  decoctions, 
in  order  to  cover  the  taste  or  obtund  the  acrimony  of  the  principal  medicine.  A 
piece  of  it  held  in  the  mouth  and  allowed  slowly  to  dissolve,  is  often  fouud  to  allay 
cough  by  sheathing  the  irritated  membrane  of  the  fauces.  It  is  used  in  pharmacy 
to  impart  consistence  to  pills  and  troches,  and  to  modify  the  taste  of  other  medi- 
cines. 

Off.  Prep.  Decoetum  Aloes  Compositum;  Mistura  Glycyrrhizae  Composita;  Pi- 
lulae  Aloes  cum  Sapone;  Tinctura  Aloes ; Tinctura  Rhei  et  Sennas;  Troehisci 
Glycyrrhizae;  Troehisci  Glycyrrhizae  et  Opii;  Troehisci  Lactucarii.  W. 

FARINA.  LoncL,  Ed.,  Dub. 

Wheat  Flour. 

Triticum  vulgare.  The  flour  of  the  seed.  Land.,  Ed.  Triticum  asstivum.  The 
flour  from  the  seeds.  Dub. 

Farine  de  froment,  Fr.;  Waizenmelil,  Germ.;  Farina  di  frumento,  Ital.;  Flor  del  trigo, 
Acemite,  Span.  ^ t 

Triticum.  Sex.Syst.  Triandria  Digynia.  — Nat.Ord.  Graminaceae. 

Gen.Ch.  Calyx  two-valved,  solitary,  transverse,  many-flowered,  on  a flexu- 
ose,  toothed  receptacle.  Rees’s  Cyclopaedia. 

Triticum  hybernum.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  i.  477. — T.  vulgare , var.  /3.  hybernum. 
Kunth,  Gramin.  438.  The  common  winter  wheat  has  a fibrous  root,  and  one 
or  more  erect,  round,  smooth,  jointed  stems,  which  rise  from  three  to  five  feet 
in  height,  and  are  furnished  with  linear,  pointed,  entire,  flat,  many-ribbed,  rough, 
somewhat  glaucous  leaves,  and  jagged  bearded  stipules.  The  flowers  are  in  a 
solitary,  terminal,  dense,  smooth  spike,  two  or  three  inches  long.  The  calyx 
s four-flowered,  tumid,  imbricated,  abrupt,  with  a short  compressed  point.  In 
he  upper  part  of  the  spike  it  is  more  elongated;  and  in  this  situation  the 
liorolla  is  more  or  less  awned.  The  grain  is  imbricated  in  four  rows. 

The  native  country  of  wheat  is  unknown;  but  its  cultivation  is  supposed  to 


342 


Farina. 


PART  i. 


have  spread  from  Sicily  over  Europe.  It  is  now  an  object  of  culture  in  almost  all 
countries  which  enjoy  a temperate  climate.  Sown  in  the  autumn,  it  stands  the 
winter,  and  ripens  its  seeds  in  the  following  summer.  Numerous  varieties  have 
been  produced  by  cultivation,  some  of  which  are  usually  described  as  distinct 
species.  Among  these  may  perhaps  be  ranked  T.  sestivum , or  spring  wheat,  dis- 
tinguished by  its  long  beards,  and  T.  compositum,  or  Egyptian  wheat,  by  its 
compound  spikes.  The  seeds  are  too  well  known  to  need  description.  They 
are  prepared  for  use  by  grinding  and  sifting,  by  which  the  interior  farinaceous 
part  is  separated  from  the  husk.  The  former  is  divided  according  to  its  fineness 
into  different  portions,  but  so  far  as  regards  its  medical  relations  may  be  con- 
sidered under  one  head,  that  of  farina  or  flour.  The  latter  is  called  bran , and 
constitutes  from  25  to  33  per  cent. 

Flour  is  white,  inodorous,  and  nearly  insipid.  Its  chief  constituents  are  starch, 
gluten,  albumen,  saccharine  matter,  and  gum,  the  proportions  of  which  are  by  no 
means  constant.  Yauquelin  obtained,  as  an  average  product,  from  eight  varie- 
ties of  Hour  which  lie  examined,  10'25  per  cent,  of  water,  10'80  of  gluten  (in- 
cluding coagulated  albumen),  68'08  of  starch,  5'61  of  sugar,  and  411  of  gum. 
According  to  Christison,  subsequent  experiments  have  given  an  average  of  16  or 
17  per  cent,  of  gluten  and  albumen.  The  ashes  of  wheat,  which  amount  only 
to  about  0'15  per  cent.,  contain,  according  to  Henry,  superphosphates  of  soda, 
lime,  and  magnesia.  The  gummy  substance  found  in  wheat  flour  is  not  pre- 
cisely identical  with  ordinary  gum;  as  it  contains  nitrogen,  and  does  not  yield 
mucic  acid  by  the  action  of  nitric  acid.  The  starch,  which  is  by  far  the  most 
abundant  ingredient,  is  much  employed  in  a separate  state.  (See  Amylumi)  The 
gluten,  however,  is  not  less  important;  as  it  is  to  the  large  proportion  of  this 
principle  in  wheat  flour,  that  it  owes  its  superiority  over  that  from  other  grains 
for  the  preparation  of  bread.  The  gluten  here  alluded  to  is  the  substance  first 
noticed  as  a distinct  principle  by  Beccaria.  It  is  the  soft  viscid  fibrous  mass 
which  remains,  when  wheat  flour,  enclosed  in  a linen  bag,  is  exposed  to  the  action 
of  a stream  of  water,  and  at  the  same  time  pressed  with  the  fingers  till  the  liquor 
comes  away  colourless.  But  this  has  been  ascertained  to  consist,  in  fact,  of  two 
different  substances.  When  boiled  in  alcohol,  one  portion  of  it  is  dissolved,  while 
another  remains  unaffected.  Einhof  ascertained  that  the  part  of  the  glutinous 
mass  left  behind  by  alcohol  is  identical  with  vegetable  albumen , while  the  dis- 
solved portion  only  is  strictly  entitled  to  the  name  of  gluten,  which  had  been  pre- 
viously applied  to  the  whole  mass.  As  these  two  principles  are  contained  in 
numerous  vegetable  products,  and  aa  they  are  frequently  referred  to  in  this  work, 
it  is  proper  that  they  should  be  briefly  noticed.  They  both  coutaiu  nitrogen, 
and  both,  when  left  to  themselves  in  a moist  state,  undergo  putrefaction.  From 
these  circumstances,  and  from  their  close  resemblance  to  certain  proximate  animal 
principles  in  chemical  habitudes  and  relations,  they  are  sometimes  called,  in  works 
on  chemistry,  vegeto-animal  substances.  They  are  separated  from  each  other  by 
boiling  the  gluten  of  Beccaria,  above  referred  to,  with  successive  portions  of  alco- 
hol, till  the  liquid,  filtered  while  yet  hot,  ceases  to  become  turbid  on  cooling.  The 
proper  gluten  dissolves,  aiid  may  be  obtained  by  adding  water  to  the  solution,  and 
distilling  off  the  alcohol.  Large  cohering  flakes  float  in  the  liquor,  which,  when 
removed,  form  a viscid  elastic  mass,  consisting  of  the  substance  in  question  with 
some  slight  impurity.  The  part  left  behind  by  the  alcohol  is  coagulated  albumen. 

Pure  gluten,  now  called  vegetable  fibrin,  is  a pale-yellow,  adhesive,  elastic  sub- 
stance, which,  by  drying,  becomes  of  a deeper  yellow  colour  and  translucent.  It 
is  almost  insoluble  in  water,  and  quite  insoluble  iu  ether,  and  in  the  oils  both 
fixed  and  volatile.  Hot  alcohol  dissolves  it  much  more  readily  than  cold;  and 
from  its  solution  in  ordinary  alcohol,  at  the  boiling  temperature,  it  is  deposited 
unchanged  when  the  liquor  cools.  It  is  soluble  in  the  dilute  acids,  and  in  caustic 


PART  r. 


Farina. 


343 


alkaline  solutions,  in  consequence  of  forming  soluble  compounds  with  the  acids 
and  alkalies.  With  the  earths  and  metallic  oxides  it  forms  nearly  insoluble  com- 
pounds, which  are  precipitated  when  the  earthy  or  metallic  salts  are  added  to  the 
solution  of  gluten  in  liquid  potassa.  Corrosive  sublimate  precipitates  it  from  its 
acid  as  well  as  alkaline  solutions,  and,  added  in  solution  to  moist  gluten,  forms 
with  it  a compound,  which,  when  dry,  is  hard,  opaque,  and  incorruptible.  Gluten 
is  also  precipitated  by  infusion  of  galls.  Its  name  originated  in  its  adhesive  pro- 
perty. It  exists  in  most  of  'the  farinaceous  grains,  and  in  the  seeds  of  some 
leguminous  plants. 

Vegetable  albumen  is  destitute  of  adhesiveness,  and,  when  dried,  is  opaque,  and 
of  a white,  gray,  or  brown  colour.  Before  coagulation,  it  is  soluble  in  water,  but 
insoluble  in  alcohol.  By  heat  it  coagulates  and  becomes  insoluble  in  water.  It 
is  dissolved  by  the  solutions  of  the  caustic  alkalies.  Most  of  the  acids,  if  added 
to  its  solution  in  excess,  precipitate  compounds  of  the  acids  respectively  with  the 
albumen,  which,  though  soluble  in  pure  water,  are  insoluble  in  that  liquid  when 
acidulated*  It  is  not,  however,  precipitated  by  an  excess  of  phosphoric  or  acetic 
acid.  Its  relations  to  the  earthy  and  metallic  salts  are  similar  to  those  of  gluten. 
Corrosive  sublimate  precipitates  it  from  its  solutions,  except  from  those  in  phos- 
phoric and  acetic  acids,  and,  when  added  in  a state  of  solution  to  moist  albumen, 
forms  with  it  a hard,  opaque  compound.  It  is  also  precipitated  by  infusion  of 
galls.  This  principle  derived  its  name  from  its  very  close  resemblance  to  animal 
albumen.  It  is  associated  with  gluten  in  most  of  the  farinaceous  grains,  is  a con- 
stituent of  all  the  seeds  which  form  a milky  emulsion  with  water,  and  exists  in 
all  the  vegetable  juices  which  coagulate  by  heat. 

The  mixture  of  vegetable  fibrin  and  albumen  which  constitutes  the  gluten  of 
Becc-aria,  exercises  an  important  influence  over  starch,  which,  with  the  presence 
of  water  and  the  aid  of  a moderate  heat,  it  converts  partly  into  gum  and  partly 
into  sugar.  The  production  of  saccharine  matter  in  the  germination  of  seeds,  and 
in  the  formation  of  malt,  which  is  an  example  of  germination,  is  thus  accounted 
for.  The  gluten  itself  becomes  acid  in  the  process,  and  loses  the  property  of 
reacting  on  starch. 

It  is  now  thought  by  many  chemists  that  vegetable  albumen  is  identical  in  all 
respects  with  animal  albumen,  and  the  gluten  of  vegetables  with  animal  fibrin; 
and  that  both  these  principles,  as  well  as  another  named  casein,  found  also  both 
in  the  animal  and  vegetable  kingdoms,  consist  of  a principle  named  protein,  com- 
bined with  a very  small  proportion  of  mineral  substances,  such  as  sulphur  and 
phosphorus.  Protein  consists  of  nitrogen,  carbon,  hydrogen,  and  oxygen;  and 
its  formula,  according  to  Liebig,  is  NgCJEI^Ou.  It  is  procured  by  dissolving 
any  one  of  the  substances  above  named  in  a strong  solution  of  potassa,  keeping 
the  solution  for  some  time  at  a heat  of  120°,  and  precipitating  with  acetic  acid. 
( Turner’s  Chemistry,  1th  Land,  edi) 

It  is  scarcely  necessary  to  state  that  bread  is  formed  by  making  flour  into  a 
paste  with  water,  with  the  addition  of  yeast,  setting  it  aside  to  ferment,  and  then 
exposing  it  to  the  heat  of  an  oven.  The  fermentation  excited  by  the  yeast  is 
accompanied  with  the  extrication  of  carbonic  acid  gas,  which,  being  retained  by 
the  tenacity  of  the  gluten,  forms  innumerable  little  cells  throughout  the  mass,  and 
thus  renders  the  bread  light. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Wheat  flour  in  its  unaltered  state  is  seldom 
used  in  medicine.  It  is  sometimes  sprinkled  on  the  skin  in  erysipelatous  in- 
flammation, and  various  itching  or  burning  eruptions,  particularly  the  nettle-rash ; 
though  rye  flour  is  generally  preferred  for  this  purpose. 

Bread  is  more  employed.  An  infusion  of  toasted  bread  in  water  is  a nutritive 
Irink,  well  adapted  to  febrile  complaints.  Within  our  experience,  no  drink  has 
been  found  more  grateful  in  such  cases  than  this  infusion,  sweetened  with  a little 


344 


Farina. — Ferrum. 


PART  I. 


molasses,  and  flavoured  by  lemon-juice.  Boiled  with  milk,  bread  forms  a good 
emollient  poultice,  which  may  be  improved  by  the  addition  of  a little  perfectly 
fresh  lard.  Slices  of  it  steeped  in  lead-water,  or  the  crumb  mixed  with  the  fluid 
and  confined  within  gauze,  afford  a convenient  mode  of  applying  this  preparation 
to  local  inflammations.  The  crumb — micapanis  — is,  moreover,  frequently  used 
to  give  bulk  to  minute  doses  of  very  active  medicines,  administered  in  the  form 
of  pill.  It  should  be  recollected  that  it  always  contains  common  salt,  which  is 
incompatible  with  certain  substances,  as,  for  example, .the  nitrate  of  silver. 

Bran  is  sometimes  used  in  decoction,  as  a demulcent  in  catarrhal  affections 
and  complaints  of  the  bowels.  When  taken  in  substance,  it  is  laxative,  and  may 
be  used  with  advantage  to  prevent  costiveness.  Bran  bread,  made  from  the 
unsifted  flour,  forms  an  excellent  laxative  article  of  diet  in  some  dyspeptic  cases. 
The  action  of  the  bran  is  probably  mechanical,  consisting  in  the  irritation  pro- 
duced upon  the  mucous  membrane  of  the  bowels  by  its  coarse  particles.  Bran 
also  forms  an  excellent  demulcent  bath. 

Off.  Prep.  Cataplasma  Fermenti.  W. 

FERRUM. 

Iron. 

Fer,  Ft.;  Eisen,  Germ.;  Ferro,  Ital.;  Hierro,  Span. 

Iron  is  the  most  abundant  and  useful  of  the  metals,  and  so  interwoven  with 
the  wants  of  mankind,  that  the  extent  of  its  consumption  by  a nation  may  be 
taken  as  an  index  of  its  progress  in  civilization.  It  is  universally  diffused  through- 
out nature,  not  only  in  the  mineral  kingdom,  but  also  in  vegetables  and  animals. 
There  are  very  few  minerals  in  which  traces  of  it  may  not  be  found,  and  it  is  an 
essential  constituent  in  many  parts  of  animals,  but  particularly  in  the  blood.  It  is 
one  of  the  few  metals  which  are  devoid  of  deleterious  action  on  the  animal  economy. 

Iron  occurs,  1.  native;  2.  sulphuretted,  forming  magnetic  and  cubic  pyrites; 
3.  oxidized,  embracing  the  magnetic,  specular,  red,  brown,  and  argillaceous  oxides 
of  iron ; 4.  in  saline  combination,  forming  the  carbonate,  sulphate,  phosphate,  and 
arseniate  of  iron.  Those  minerals  of  iron  which  admit  of  being  worked  to  ad- 
vantage are  called  iron  ores.  These  include  the  different  native  oxides,  and  the 
carbonate  (sparry  iron).  The  best  iron  is  obtained  from  those  varieties  of  the 
native  oxide,  usually  called  magnetic  iron  ore  and  specular  iron  ore.  These  occur 
very  abundantly  in  Sweden,  and  furnish  the  superior  iron  of  that  country.  As 
a general  rule,  those  ores  yield  the  best  iron  which  occur  in  primitive  formations. 

Extraction.  The  mode  of  extracting  iron  from  its  ores  varies  somewhat  with 
the  nature  of  the  ore;  but  the  general  principles  of  the  operation  are  the  same 
for  all.  The  ore,  previously  broken  into  small  pieces  and  roasted,  is  exposed  to 
the  action  of  an  intense  heat,  in  contact  with  carbonaceous  matter,  such  as  char- 
coal, coke,  or  anthracite,  and  in  connexion  with  some  flux,  capable  of  fusing  with 
the  impurities  of  the  ore.  The  flux  varies  with  the  nature  of  the  ore,  and  is 
generally  either  limestone  or  clay;  limestone  being  employed  when  the  ore  is 
argillaceous,  clay  when  it  is  calcareous.  The  flux,  whatever  it  may  be,  enters 
into  fusion  with  the  impurities,  and  forms  what  is  called  the  slag;  while  the  car- 
bonaceous matter,  acting  on  the  oxide  of  iron,  reduces  it  to  the  metallic  state. 
The  reduced  metal,  from  its  density,  occupies  the  lower  part  of  the  furnace,  and 
is  protected  from  the  action  of  the  air  by  the  melted  slag  which  floats  on  its 
surface.  When  the  reduction  is  completed,  the  slag  is  allowed  to  run  out  by  a 
hole  in  the  side  of  the  furnace,  and  the  melted  metal  by  an  aperture  at  its  bottom  ; 
the  latter  being  received  into  long  triangular  moulds,  where  it  solidifies  in  masses, 
known  in  commerce  by  the  name  of  p>ig  or  cast  iron.  In  this  state  the  metal 


PART  I. 


Ferrum. 


345 


s brittle  and  far  from  being  pure;  as  it  contains  carbon,  silicon,  phosphorus,  sul- 
)hur,  and  sometimes  manganese.  It  is  purified,  and  thus  brought  to  the  state  of 
nalleable  iron,  by  being  fused,  and  subjected,  while  stirred,  to  the  action  of  a 
urrent  of  air  on  its  surface.  By  these  means  the  carbon  is  nearly  burnt  out, 
nd  the  other  impurities  are  oxidized  and  made  to  rise  to  the  surface  as  a slag. 
Is  the  metal  approaches  to  purity,  it  becomes  tough  and  less  liquid,  and  its  pan- 
icles agglutinate,  so  as  to  form  semifused  lumps,  though  the  temperature  of  the 
urnace  continues  the  same.  These  lumps  are  then  taken  out  of  the  furnace,  and 
heir  particles,  by  means  of  ponderous  hammers,  moved  by  steam  or  water  power, 
re  beaten  together,  so  as  to  form  one  tenacious  mass.  The  metal  is  finally  rolled  out 
ato  bars  of  a convenient  size,  when  it  constitutes  the  malleable  iron  of  commerce. 

Iron  mines  occur  in  most  countries,  but  more  particularly  in  northern  ones, 
in  Spain,  the  principal  mines  furnish  sparry  iron,  and  the  red  and  brown  oxides, 
'he  chief  iron  ores  of  France  are  the  sparry  iron,  and  the  specular,  brown,  and 
rgillaceous  oxides;  of  Germany,  the  sparry  iron  and  brown  oxide.  The  island 
f Elba  is  celebrated  for  its  rich  and  abundant  specular  iron  ore.  The  ores  which 
irnish  the  celebrated  Swedish  iron  have  already  been  indicated. 

In  the  United  States  iron  is  abundant.  The  principal  ores  that  are  worked  are 
ae  magnetic,  brown,  and  argillaceous  oxides.  They  occur  in  the  greatest  abund- 
oce  in  the  States  of  New  Hampshire,  Massachusetts,  Rhode  Island,  Connecticut, 
few  York,  New  Jersey,  and  Pennsylvania.  The  ores  of  the  three  last-mentioned 
tates  rival  the  best  Swedish  in  quality. 

Properties.  Iron  is  a hard,  malleable,  very  ductile  and  tenacious  metal,  of  a 
rayish-white  colour  and  fibrous  texture,  and  having  a slightly  styptic  taste,  and 
sensible  odour  when  rubbed.  Its  sp.  gr.  is  about  7'7,  and  its  fusing  point  very 
igh.  It  possesses  the  magnetic  and  welding  properties.  It  is  combustible,  and, 
hen  heated  to  wffiiteness,  burns  in  atmospheric  air,  and  with  brilliant  scintilla- 
.ons  in  oxygen  gas.  At  a red  heat,  its  surface  is  converted  into  black  oxide,  and 
common  temperatures,  by  the  combined  agency  of  air  and  moisture,  it  becomes 
ivered  with  a reddish  matter,  called  rust,  which  consists  of  the  hydrated  sesqui- 
:ide.  It  combines  with  all  the  non-metallic  elements,  except  hydrogen  and 
trogen,  and  with  most  of  the  metals,  its  equivalent  being  28.  It  forms  three 
incipal  combinations  with  oxygen,  a protoxide  and  sesquioxide,  which,  by  their 
lion,  form  the  native  black  oxide,  and  a teroxide,  possessing  acid  properties, 
lied  ferric  acid.  The  protoxide  is  of  a dark-blue  colour,  attracted  by  the  magnet, 
d spontaneously  combustible  in  the  air,  being  converted  into  sesquioxide.  It 
the  base  of  green  vitriol,  and  of  the  green  salts  of  iron  generally.  It  is  very 
one  to  absorb  oxygen,  and  hence  the  salts  which  contain  it  are  soon  partially 
averted,  when  in  solution,  into  salts  of  the  sesquioxide.  It  consists  of  one  eq. 

1 iron  28,  and  one  of  oxygen  8=36.  The  sesquioxide  is  readily  obtained  pure 
dissolving  iron  in  nitromuriatic  acid,  precipitating  by  ammonia,  and  igniting 
e precipitate.  It  is  of  a red  colour,  not  attracted  by  the  magnet,  and  forms 
fjfts,  which  for  the  most  part  have  a reddish  colour.  It  is  composed  of  two  eqs. 
"iron  56,  and  three  of  oxygen  24=80.  The  native  black  oxide,  the  magnetic 
«ide  of  mineralogists,  is  officinal  with  the  Dublin  College  under  the  name  of 
. rri  Oxidum  Magneticum.  It  consists  of  one  eq.  of  protoxide  36,  and  one  of 
fsquioxide  80  = 116.  The  medicinal  black  oxide  of  the  Edinburgh  College  has 
; lifferent  composition.  (See  Ferri  Oxidum  Nigrum. ) The  teroxide  or  ferric 
<p,  discovered  by  Fremy,  may  be  formed,  in  union  with  potassa,  by  passing 
c .orine  through  a very  concentrated  solution  of  the  alkali,  holding  hydrated 
f quioxide  of  iron  in  suspension.  It  has  also  been  obtained  by  Poggendorff  by 
s ;alvanic  combination  of  platinum  in  nitric  acid,  and  cast  iron  in  a solution  of 
passa.  It  forms  as  a ferrate  of  potassa,  of  a fine  wine-red  colour,  becoming 
c 'ker,  around  the  east  iron.  This  acid  consists  of  one  eq.  of  iron  28,  and  three 


346 


Ferrum. 


part  i. 


of  oxygen  24  = 52.  Iron,  combined  with  a minute  proportion  of  carbon,  and 
perhaps  of  the  radicals  of  silica  and  alumina,  forms  steel,  a modification  of  iron 
formerly  used  in  medicine,  but  now  very  properly  laid  aside.  It  also  forms  a 
number  of  important  salts,  several  of  which,  as  the  sesquichloride,  iodide,  ferro- 
eyanuret,  acetate,  carbonate,  subcarbonate,  citrate,  ammonio-citrate,  nitrate,  phos- 
phate, sulphate,  tartrate,  and  valerianate,  are  officinal. 

Iron  is  readily  detected,  even  in  minute  quantities,  by  bringing  it  to  the  state 
of  sesquioxide  in  solution,  and  adding  ferrocyanuret  of  potassium  or  tincture  of 
galls;  the  former  of  which  will  strike  a deep  blue,  the  latter  a black  colour. 
The  object  of  bringing  it  to  the  state  of  sesquioxide  is  readily  effected  by  boiling 
the  solution  containing  it  with  a little  nitric  acid. 

Medical  Properties.  The  preparations  of  iron  are  powerfully  tonic,  raising  the 
pulse,  promoting  the  secretions,  and  increasing  the  colouring  matter  of  the  blood. 
They  are  useful  in  diseases  characterized  by  debility  and  a languid  circulation, 
more  especially  when  the  consequence  of  inordinate  discharges.  The  diseases 
in  which  they  are  usually  employed  are  chronic  anaemia  or  chlorosis,  hysteria, 
fluor  albus,  gleet,  scrofula,  rickets,  chorea,  and  all  passive  hemorrhages.  Chaly- 
beates  are  also  proper  in  palsy  after  the  inflammatory  excitement  has  subsided, 
in  dyspepsia  dependent  upon  deficient  energy  of  the  digestive  functions,  and  in 
neuralgia.  They  are  contra-indicated  in  all  inflammatory  diseases,  producing,  when 
injudiciously  employed,  heat,  thirst,  headache,  difficulty  of  breathing,  and  othei 
symptoms  of  an  excited  circulation.  The  medicinal  effects  of  iron,  as  modified  in 
its  different  combinations,  will  be  noticed  under  the  head  of  each  preparation. 

The  following  table  embraces  all  the  preparations  of  iron  to  be  found  in  the 
United  States  and  British  Pharmacopoeias,  together  with  the  synonymes. 

Iron  is  officinal  — 

I.  In  the  metallic  state. 

Ferri  Filum,  U.  S.,  Ed.;  Ferrum  in  fila  tractum,  Loncl.;  Ferrum 
Iron  Wire,  Pub. 

Ferri  Ramenta,  U.  S.;  Ferri  Limatura,  Ed.;  Ferrum.  Turnings  anc 
Filings,  Dub. 

Mistura  Ferri  Aromatica,  Dub. 

Ferri  Pulvis,  U.  S.,  Dub. 

II.  Oxidized. 

Ferri  Oxidum  Nigrum,  Ed. 

Ferri  Oxydum  Magnet.ieum,  Dub. 

Ferri  Peroxydum,  Dub. 

Emplastrum  Ferri,  Dub. 

Ferri  Oxidum  Hydratum,  U.  S. ; Ferrugo,  Ed. ; Ferri  Peroxydur 
Plydratum.  Dub. 

III.  Sulphuretted. 

Ferri  Sulphuretum,  Ed.,  Dub. 

IY.  In  saline  combination. 

Tiuctura  Ferri  Chloridi,  U.  S.;  Tinctura  Ferri  Sesquichloridi,  Lond 
Dub.;  Ferri  Muriatis  Tinctura,  Ed. 

Ferri  Iodidum,  U.  S-,  Ed.,  Dub. 

Liquor  Ferri  Iodidi,  U.  S. 

Syrupus  Ferri  Iodidi,  Lond.,  Dub.;  Ferri  Iodidi  Syrupus,  Ed. 

Pilulee  Ferri  Iodidi,  U.  S. 

Ferri  Ferrocyanuretum,  U.  S.  Anglice,  Pure  Prussian  blue. 

Tinctura  Ferri  Ac-etatis,  Dub. 

Ferri  Carbonas  cum  Saccharo,  Lond.;  Ferri  Carbonas  Sacc-haratui 
Ed;  Dub. 


'ART  I. 


Ferrum. — Ferri  Filum. — Ferri  Ramenta. 


347 


Mistura  Ferri  Composite,  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub. 

Pilulae  Ferri  Carbonatis,  U.  S. , Ed.;  Anglic^,  Vallet’ s ferruginous  pills. 
Pilulae  Ferri  Compositae,  U.  S.,  Loud. 

Ferri  Subcarbonas,  U.S.;  Ferri  Sesquioxydum,  Lond.  ; Ferri  Oxi- 
dum  Rubrum,  Ed.;  Ferri  Carbonas,  Dub.;  Anglice,  Pre- 
cipitated subcarbonate  of  iron. 

Emplastrum  Ferri,  U.  S-,  Lond.,  Ed. 

Ferrum  Ammoniatum,  U.  S. ; Ferri  Ammonio-Cbloridum,  Lond. 
Tinctura  Ferri  Ammonio-Cbloridi,  Lond. 

Ferri  Citras,  U.  S. 

Ferri  Ammonio-Citras,  Lond.,  Dub. 

Liquor  Ferri  Nitratis,  U.  S.;  Ferri  Pernitratis  Liquor,  Dub. 

Ferri  Phosphas,  U.  S. 

Ferri  Sulphas  Venalis,  Lond. 

Ferri  Sulphas,  U.  S-,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub. 

Pilulae  Aloes  et  Ferri,  Ed. 

Ferri  Sulphas  Exsiccatum,  Ed. 

Pilulae  Ferri  Sulphatis,  Ed. 

Pilulae  Rhei  et  Ferri,  Ed. 

Ferri  Sulphas  G-ranulatum,  Dub. 

Ferri  Sulphas  Siccatum,  Dub. 

Ferri  et  Potassse  Tartras,  U.  S.;  Ferri  Potassio-Tartras,  Lond.; 

Ferrum  Tartarizatum,  Ed.,  Dub. 

Yiuum  Ferri,  Lond. 

Ferri  Valerianas,  Dub.  B. 

FERRI  FILUM.  U.S,  Ed. 

Iron  Wire. 

FERRI  RAMENTA.  US. 

Iron  Filings. 

Off.  Syn.  FERRUM  in  fila  tractum.  Lond.;  FERRI  LIMATURA.  Iron 
ngs,  Ed.;  FERRUM.  Rod  Iron ; Iron  Wire;  Turnings  and  Filings.  Dub. 
Fil  de  fer,  Fr.;  Eisendraht,  Germ.;  Fil  di  Ferro,  Ital.;  Hilo  de  hierro,  Span. 

Limailles  de  fer,  Fr.;  Eisenfeilieht,  Germ.;  Limatura  di  ferro,  Ital.;  Limadura  de  hierro, 
an. 

Iron,  when  employed  in  pharmaceutical  operations,  should  be  of  the  purest 
lad;  and  hence  the  different  Pharmacopoeias  generally  direct  it,  when  wanted 
i small  masses,  to  be  in  the  form  of  iron  wire,  which  is  necessarily  made  from  the 
S'test  and  most  ductile  iron,  and  is  readily  cut  into  pieces  of  convenient  size. 
ie  filings  are  sometimes  used  internally. 

Medical  Properties  of  Iron  Filings.  Iron,  in  its  uncombined  state,  has  no  action 
cl  the  animal  economy;  and  hence  iron  filings  would  prove  inert,  were  it  not  that 
toy  meet  with  acid  in  the  stomach,  or  some  other  agent,  whereby  they  become 
( dized  and  dissolved.  During  the  solution  of  iron  in  the  stomach,  the  oxygen 
f nished  to  the  metal  is  derived  from  water,  the  hydrogen  of  which,  by  being 
c;  engaged,  gives  rise  to  unpleasant  eructations.  Iron  filings  are  generally  ob- 
t aed  from  the  workshops  of  the  blacksmith ; but,  as  furnished  from  this  source, 
t y are  generally  very  impure,  and  unfit  for  medicinal  use.  Neither  can  they 
1 purified  by  the  magnet ; as  they  often  have  attached  to  them  certain  impuri- 
ty, which  are  carried  up  with  them.  The  only  way  to  obtain  pure  iron  filings, 


S48 


Terri  Ramenta. — Terri  Sulphas  Venalis. — Ticus.  part  i 

is  to  file  a piece  of  pure  iron  with  a clean  file.  The  French  codex  directs  iroi 
in  an  impalpable  powder , prepared  by  porphyrizing  bright  and  clean  iron  filing 
without  water.  A dull  black  powder  is  formed,  which  must  be  carefully  pre 
served  from  moisture.  An  impalpable  powder  of  the  metal,  obtained  by  redue 
ing  the  sesquioxide  by  hydrogen,  has  been  made  officinal  in  the  U.  S.  and  Dublii 
Pharmacopoeias  of  1850.  (See  Ferri  Pulvis .) 

The  dose  of  iron  filings  is  from  five  to  twenty  grains,  given  in  molasses  o 
honey,  or  made  into  pills  with  some  bitter  extract. 

Pliarm.  Fes.  Iron  wire  is  used  as  a chemical  agent  in  preparing  iodide  o 
potassium,  Ed.,  Dub.,  and  iron  filings,  in  preparing  bromide  of  potassium,  U> S 

Off.  Prep.  Ferri  Iodidum ; Ferri  Sulphas;  Ferri  Sulphas  Granulatum  ; Fen 
Sulphuretum ; Liquor  Ferri  Iodidi ; Liquor  Ferri  Nitratis;  Mistura  Feri 
Aromatica;  Syrupus  Ferri  Iodidi;  Tinctura  Ferri  Sesquichloridi;  Vinur 
Ferri.  B. 

FERRI  SULPHAS  VENALIS.  Loud. 
Commercial  Sulphate  of  Iron. 

Sulfate  defer,  vitriol  de  fer,  couperose,  Fr.;  Sehwefelsaures Eisenoxydul,  GriinerVitric 
Germ.;  Vitriolo  verde,  Copparosa  verde,  Ital.;  Vitriolo  vevde,  Span. 

Commercial  sulphate  of  iron,  under  the  name  of  rjreen  vitriol  or  copperas,  i 
manufactured  on  a large  scale,  for  the  purposes  of  the  arts,  from  the  native  su 
phuret  of  iron,  or  iron  pyrites,  by  roasting,  oxidation  by  exposure  to  air  an 
moisture,  and  lixiviation.  The  constituents  of  the  mineral  become  sulphur' 
acid  and  protoxide  of  iron,  which,  by  their  union,  form  the  salt  in  questioi 
This  salt  is  also  obtained  in  many  chemical  processes  as  a collateral  product;  i 
in  the  manufacture  of  alum,  in  the  precipitation  of  copper  from  solutions  of  su 
phate  of  copper  by  scrap  iron,  &c. 

Properties.  Commercial  sulphate  of  iron  is  far  from  being  pure.  Beside 
containing  some  sesquioxide  of  iron,  it  is  generally  contaminated  with  metall: 
and  earthy  salts;  sucb  as  those  of  copper,  zinc,  alumina,  and  magnesia.  Twopri' 
cipal  kinds  occur  in  the  market;  one  in  large  grass-green  crystals,  the  surface' 
which  is  studded  with  ochreous  spots;  the  other,  of  a bluish-green  colour,  ar 
ordinarily  mixed  with  the  powder  of  the  effloresced  salt.  The  commercial  su 
phate  should  never  be  dispensed  by  the  apothecary,  until  it  has  undergone 
careful  purification  in  the  manner  directed  by  the  London  and  Edinburgh  Cc 
leges.  (See  Ferri  Sulphas,  in  the  second  part  of  this  work.) 

Commercial  sulphate  of  iron  has  been  newly  introduced  into  the  London  Pha 
macopoeia,  not  as  a medicine,  but  as  a material  from  which  the  pure  sulpha 
may  be  made.  The  properties  and  composition  of  sulphate  of  iron  will  be  giv' 
under  Ferri  Sulphas,  to  which  article  the  reader  is  referred. 

Off.  Prep.  Ferri  Sulphas.  Loud.  B. 

FICUS.  U S.,  Land. 

Figs. 

The  dried  fruit  of  Ficus  Carica.  U.  S.  The  prepared  fruit.  Lond. 

Off.  Syn.  FICI.  Dried  fruit  of  Ficus  Carica.  Ed.  FICUS  CARICA.  1 
dried  fruit.  Dub. 

Figues,  Fr.;  Feigen,  Germ.;  Fichi,  Ital.:  Higos,  Span. 

Ficus.  Sex.Syst.  Polygamia  Dicecia. — A Tat.Ord.  Urticaceae. 

Gen.  Ch.  Common  receptacle  turbinate,  flesh}’,  converging,  concealing  <’ 
florets  either  in  the  same  or  distinct  individuals.  Male.  Calyx  three-part  • 


ART  r. 


Ficus. 


349 


'orolla  none.  Stamens  three.  Female.  Calyx  five-parted.  Corolla  none. 
■istil  one.  Seed  one,  covered  with  the  closed,  persistent,  somewhat  fleshv  calyx. 

Bid- 

Ficus  Carica.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  iv.  1131;  Woodv.  Med.  Bot.  p.  714,  t.  244. 
lie  fig-tree,  though  often  not  more  than  twelve  feet  high,  sometimes  rises  in  warm 
imates  to  twenty-five  or  even  thirty  feet.  Its  trunk,  which  seldom  exceeds  seven 
ches  in  diameter,  is  divided  into  numerous  spreading  branches,  covered  with 
brown  or  ash-coloured  bark.  Its  large,  palmate  leaves,  usually  divided  into 
re  obtuse  lobes,  are  deep  green  and  shining  above,  pale  green  and  downy  be- 
:ath,  and  stand  alternately  on  strong  round  footstalks.  The  flowers  are  situated 
:thin  a common  receptacle,  placed  upon  a short  peduncle  in  the  axils  of  the 
tper  leaves.  This  receptacle,  the  walls  of  which  become  thick  and  fleshy,  con- 
iitutes  what  is  commonly  called  the  fruit;  though  this  term  is,  strictly  speaking, 

; plicable  to  the  small  seeds  found  in  great  numbers  on  the  internal  surface  of  the 
iceptacle,  to  which  they  are  attached  by  fleshy  pedicels.  Cultivation  has  pro- 
ceed in  the  fig,  as  in  the  apple  and  peach,  a great  diversity  in. shape,  size,  colour, 

; d taste.  It  is  usually,  however,  turbinate  or  top-shaped,  umbilicate  at  the 
]-ge  extremity,  of  the  size  of  a small  pear,  of  a whitish,  yellowish,  or  reddish 
dour,  and  of  a mild,  mucilaginous,  saccharine  taste. 

The  fig-tree  is  supposed  to  have  come  originally  from  the  Levant.  It  was  in- 
tiiduced  at  a very  early  period  into  various  parts  of  the  South  of  Europe,  and  is 
rw  very  common  throughout  the  whole  basin  of  the  Mediterranean,  particularly 
i Italy  and  France.  To  hasten  the  maturation  of  the  fruit,  it  is  customary  to 
jncture  i?  with  a sharp-pointed  instrument  covered  with  olive  oil.  The  ancient 
pcess  of  caprification  is  still  practised  in  the  Levant.  It  consists  in  attaching 
1 inches  of  the  wild  fig-tree  to  the  cultivated  plant.  The  fruit  of  the  former 
obtains  great  numbers  of  the  eggs  of  an  insect  of  the  genus  Cynips,  the  larva} 
(which  as  soon  as  they  are  hatched,  spread  themselves  over  the  cultivated  fruit, 
e 1,  by  conveying  the  pollen  of  the  male  organs  over  which  they  pass  to  the 
f aale  florets,  hasten  the  impregnation  of  the  latter,  and  cause  the  fig  to  come 
clckly  to  perfection,  which  might  otherwise  ripen  very  slowly,  or  wither  and 
cap  off  before  maturity.  Some  authors  attribute  the  effect  to  the  piercing  of 
t:  fruit  by  the  young  insects. 

The  figs,  when  perfectly  ripe,  are  dried  by  the  heat  of  the  sun  or  in  ovens, 
lose  brought  to  the  United  States  come  chiefly  from  Smyrna,  packed  in  drums 
dboxes.  They  are  more  or  less  compressed,  and  are  usually  covered  in  cold 
v other  with  a whitish  saccharine  efflorescence,  which  melts  in  the  middle  of  sum- 
lir,  and  renders  them  moist.  The  best  are  yellowish  or  brownish,  somewhat 
tnslucent  when  held  to  the  light,  and  filled  with  a sweet  viscid  pulp,  in  which 
a lodged  numerous  small  yellow  seeds.  They  are  much  more  saccharine  than 
t fresh  fruit.  Their  chief  constituents  are  sugar  and  mucilage. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Figs  are  nutritious,  laxative,  and  demulcent. 
I the  fresh  state  they  are  considered  in  the  countries  where  they  grow  a whole- 
s le  and  agreeable  aliment,  and  have  been  employed  from  time  immemorial. 
I we  obtain  them,  they  are  apt,  when  eaten  freely,  to  produce  flatulence,  pain 
i)  the  bowels,  and  diarrhoea.  Their  chief  medical  use  is  as  a laxative  article  of 
d.c  in  cases  of  constipation.  They  occasionally  enter  into  demulcent  decoctions ; 
a , when  roasted  or  boiled,  and  split  open,  are  sometimes  applied  as  a suppura- 
ti'!  cataplasm  to  parts  upon  which  an  ordinary  poultice  cannot  be  conveniently 
r<  lined. 

Off.  Prep.  Confectio  Sennae;  Decoctum  Hordei  Composituin.  W. 


350 


Felix  Mas. 


PART  I 


FILIX  MAS.  US.  Secondary. 

Male  Fern. 

The  rliizoma  of  Aspidium  Filix  mas.  US. 

Off.  Syn.  FILIX.  Khizoma  of  Nephrodium  Filix  mas.  [Richard.)  Mai 
Shield  Fern.  Ed. 

Fougere  male,  Fr.;  Johanniswurzel,  Germ.;  F61ce  maschio,  It  ah;  Helecbo.  Span. 

Aspidium.  Sex.Syst.  Cryptogamia  Filices. — JSfat.Ord.  Filices,  Jussieu.  Fi 
icales,  Lindley. 

Gen.Ch.  Fructification  in  roundish  points,  scattered,  not  marginal.  Involuci 
umbilicated,  open  almost  on  every  side.  Smith. 

Aspidium  Filix  mas.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  v.  259;  Smith,  Flor.  Britan. — Ki 
phrodium  Filix  mas.  Lindley,  Flor.  Med.  619. — Polypodium  Filix  mas.  Linn. 
Woodv.  Med.  Bot.  p.  795,  t.  267.  The  male  fern  has  a perennial,  horizont; 
root  or  rhizouia,  from  which  numerous  annual  fronds  or  leaves  arise,  formin 
tufts  from  a foot  to  four  feet  in  height.  The  stipe  or  footstalk,  and  midrib,  ai 
thickly  beset  with  brown,  tough,  transparent  scales;  the  frond  itself  is  oval,  lar 
ceolate,  acute,  pinnate,  and  of  a bright  greeu  colour.  The  pinna  or  leaflets  ar 
remote  below,  approach  more  nearly  as  they  ascend,  and  run  together  at  tk 
summit  of  the  leaf.  They  are  deeply  divided  into  lobes,  which  are  of  an  or; 
shape,  crenate  at  the  edges,  and  gradually  diminish  from  the  base  of  the  pinr 
to  the  apex.  The  fructification  is  in  small  dots  on  the  back  of  each  lob 
placed  in  two  rows  near  the  base,  and  distant  from  the  edges.  The  plant  is 
native  of  Europe,  Asia,  and  the  North  of  Africa.  It  is  said  also  to  be  indigenou 
growing  in  shady  pine  forests  from  New  York  to  Virginia;  hut  it  maybedoubte 
whether  the  American  plant  is  identical  with  the  European. 

The  proper  period  for  collecting  the  root  is  during  the  summer,  when,  accori 
ing  to  M.  Peschier,  of  Geneva,  it  abounds  more  in  the  active  principle  than  ; 
any  other  season.  The  same  writer  informs  us  that  it  deteriorates  rapidly  wkt 
kept,  and  in  about  two  years  becomes  entirely  inert.  The  roots  of  other  sped 
of  fern  are  frequently  substituted  for  the  officinal;  and  iu  the  dried  state  it 
difficult  to  distinguish  them. 

Properties,  &c.  As  taken  from  the  ground,  the  root  consists  of  a long  cyli 
drical  caudex,  around  which  are  closely  arranged,  overlapping  each  other  li’ 
the  shingles  of  a roof,  the  remains  of  the  leafstalks  or  stipes,  which  are  an  in 
or  two  iu  length,  from  two  to  four  lines  thick,  somewhat  curved  and  direct 
upwards,  angular,  brown,  shining,  and  surrounded  near  their  origin  from  t 
root  with  thin  silky  scales,  of  a light-brown  colour.  From  between  these  remai 
of  the  footstalks,  emerge  numerous  small  radical  fibres.  The  whole  root,  th 
constituted,  presents  a somewhat  flexible,  cylindrical  mass,  one  or  two  inch 
thick,  and  a foot  or  more  in  length.  In  this  form,  however,  it  is  uot  usua 
found  in  our  shops.  The  whole  is  ordinarily  broken  up  into  fragments,  eonsisti 
of  the  separated  remains  of  the  leafstalks  before  described,  with  a small  porti 
of  the  substance  of  the  root  attached  to  their  base,  where  they  are  surrounJ 
by  the  silky  scales.  These  fragments,  as  ordinarily  found  in  our  shops,  prest 
the  appearance  of  having  been  long  kept,  and  are  probably,  as  a general  ru, 
much  deteriorated  by  time.  The  following  observations  are  made  by  Geiger 
relation  to  the  collection  and  preservation  of  the  root.  The  inner  part  of  t.‘ 
fresh  root,  and  of  the  portions  of  stalk  attached  to  it,  are  fleshy  and  of  a li;' 
yellowish-green  colour.  In  collecting  them,  all  the  black  discoloured  portio 
should  be  cut  away,  the  fibres  and  scales  separated,  and  only  the  sound  grn 
parts  preserved.  These  should  be  immediately  but  carefully  dried,  and  then  • 


'ART  I. 


Filix  Mas. 


351 


uced  to  powder;  and  the  powder  should  he  kept  in  small  well  stopped  glass  bot- 
es. The  powder  thus  prepared  has  a pale-yellowish  colour  with  a greenish  tinge. 
Dried  fern  root  is  externally  of  a brown  colour,  internally  yellowish-white  or 
eddish,  with  a peculiar  but  feeble  odour,  which  is  most  obvious  in  the  powder 
ad  decoction,  and  a sweetish,  bitter,  astringent,  nauseous  taste.  The  most  recent 
aalysis  is  that  of  H.  Bock,  who  gives  as  its  constituents,  volatile  oil,  fixed  oil,  resin, 
arch,  vegetable  gelatin,  albumen,  gum,  sugar,  tannic  and  gallic  acids,  pectin, 
gnin,  and  various  salts.  (See  Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xxiv.  64.)  Peschier 
pertained  that  its  active  properties  reside  in  the  ethereal  extract,  which  is  the 
jed  oil  in  an  impure  state,  containing  volatile  oil,  resin,  colouring  matter,  &c. 
is  a thick  dark  liquid,  having  the  odour  of  the  fern,  and  a nauseous,  bitterish, 
imewhat  acrid  taste.  Dr.  E.  Luck  has  found  in  the  ethereal  extract  a peculiar 
fid,  which  he  denominates  Jilicic  acid,  and  has  extracted  from  the  root  two 
hers  which  he  names  tannaspidic  and  pteritannic  acids.  ( Chem . Gaz.,  ix.  407 
id  452.) 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Male  fern  is  slightly  tonic  and  astringent;  but 
educes,  when  taken  internally,  no  very  obvious  effects  upon  the  system.  It 
is  used  by  the  ancients  as  a vermifuge;  and  is  mentioned  in  the  works  of 
ioscorides,  Theophrastus,  Galen,  and  Pliny.  Its  anthelmintic  powers  were  also 
iticed  by  some  of  the  earlier  modern  writers,  among  whom  was  Hoffmann.  But 
does  not  appear  to  have  been  generally  known  to  the  profession,  till  attention 
is  attracted  to  it,  about  the  year  1775,  by  the  publication  of  the  mode  of  treat- 
:g  taenia,  employed  by  Madame  Nouffer.  This  lady,  who  was  the  widow  of  a 
irgeon  in  Switzerland,  had  acquired  great  celebrity  in  the  cure  of  tape-worm 
1 a secret  remedy.  Her  success  was  such  as  to  attract  the  attention  of  the 
i.'dical  profession  at  Paris;  and  some  of  the  most  eminent  physicians  of  that 
t y,  who  were  deputed  to  examine  into  the  subject,  having  reported  favourably 
< the  remedy,  the  secret  was  purchased  by  the  King  of  France,  and  published 
1 his  order.  The  outlines  of  her  plan  were  to  give  a dose  of  the  powdered  root 
(the  male  fern,  and  two  hours  afterwards  a powerful  cathartic,  to  be  followed, 
lit  should  not  operate  in  due  time,  by  some  purging  salt;  and  this  process  was 
t be  repeated,  with  proper  intervals,  till  the  worm  should  be  evacuated.  A Ger- 
i n physician,  of  the  name  of  Herrensehwand,  had  used  the  male  fern  in  a manner 
s newhat  similar,  before  Madame  Nouffer’s  secret  was  known.  Different  opinions 
lye  been  held  of  the  value  of  this  anthelmintic;  but  the  accounts  of  its  efficacy 
i.the  treatment  of  tape-worm  are  too  numerous  and  authentic  to  admit  of  any 
rjsonable  doubt  on  the  subject.  Dr.  Peschier  stated  that,  in  the  course  of  nine 
i nths,  one  hundred  and  fifty  tape-worms  had  been  expelled  by  the  ethereal 
e'ract  of  the  male  fern  root.  Dr.  Ebers  found  the  same  preparation  completely 
s cessful  in  eight  cases.  The  testimony  of  Brera  is  also  strongly  in  favour  of 
t remedy,  which  he  found  effectual  even  against  the  armed  taenia.  M.  Ronzel 
c ed  with  it  more  than  a hundred  eases  of  taenia,  and  never  found  it  to  fail. 
(rum.  de  Pliarm.,  3e  sir.,  iv.  474.)  Perhaps  the  different  results  obtained  by 
d erent  practitioners  may  in  part  be  ascribed  to  the  variable  strength  and  cha- 
pter of  the  root  employed.  It  is  said  that  the  remedy  proves  more  effectual 
a inst  the  tape-worm  of  the  Swiss  ( Bothriocephalus  latus ) than  against  the  Taenia 
seurn,  which  is  more  frequent  in  France  and  England.  ( Bremser .)  It  appears 
tijict  as  a poison  to  the  worm,  which  it  destroys,  and  thereby  enables  it  to  be 
e:  elled  by  the  ordinary  peristaltic  movement  of  the  bowels,  or  by  purgatives. 

he  medicine  may  be  given  in  powder,  or,  as  recommended  by  Dr.  Peschier, 
n thereal  extract.  The  dose  of  the  powder  is  from  one  to  three  drachms,  to 
b ;iven  in  the  form  of  electuary  or  emulsion,  and  repeated  morning  and  evening 
feione  or  two  days  successively.  M.  Ronzel  gives  half  an  ounce  to  adults,  made 
it  boluses,  and  swallowed  within  the  space  of  fifteen  minutes,  in  the  morning, 
oi  .n  empty  stomach.  The  dose  of  the  ethereal  extract  (oil  of  fern)  is  from  twelve 


352 


Fceniculum. 


PART  i 


to  twenty-four  grains.  Dr.  Mayor,  of  Geneva,  recommends  it  in  the  dose  of  froir 
thirty  to  fifty  drops,  one-half  to  be  taken  at  night,  the  other  half  in  the  morning 
and  followed,  at  the  interval  of  an  hour,  by  an  ounce  and  a half  of  castor  oil 
The  decoction  has  also  been  employed,  in  the  proportion  of  an  ounce  of  the  roo 
to  a pint  of  water.  It  is  customary  to  follow  the  medicine  by  some  brisk 
cathartic,  though  Dr.  Peschier  does  not  consider  this  essential.  M. 

FCENICULUM.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dal. 
Fennel-seed. 

The  fruit  of  Fceniculum  vulgare.  U.  S.  Foenic-ulum  dulc-e.  The  fruit.  Lond 
Fruit  of  Fceniculum  officinale.  Ed.  The  seeds.  Dub. 

Fenouil,  Fr. ; Fenchel,  Germ.;  Finnocchio,  Ital.;  Hinojo,  Span. 

The  plant  producing  fennel-seed  was  attached  by  Linnaeus  to  the  genus  Ant 
ilium,  hut  was  separated  from  it  by  De  Candolle,  and  placed,  with  three  or  fou 
others,  in  a new  genus  styled  Fceniculum,  which  has  been  generally  adopted  b; 
botanists.  The  Anethum  Fcmicxdum  of  Linnaeus  embraced  two  varieties,  th 
common  or  wild  fennel , and  the  sweet  fennel , the  latter  being  the  plant  usual! 
cultivated  in  the  gardens  of  Europe.  These  are  considered  by  De  Candolle  a 
distinct  species,  and  named  respectively  Faniculum  vulgare  and  Foenienlur 
dulce.  In  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia,  the  former  of  these  is  recognised  as  tb 
source  of  the  medicine;  the  London  College  adopts  the  latter;  the  Edinburg 
College,  the  F.  officinale  of  Allioni.  The  last  mentioned  plant  De  Candolle  cot 
siders  as  belonging  to  h\s  F.vidgare  (see  Prodromus,  iv.  142);  while  Merat  treat 
of  it  as  a distinct  species,  differing  both  from  the  F.  vulgare  and  F.  dulce  of  D 
Candolle  (Diet,  de  Mat.  Med.);  and  Dr.  Christison,  in  his  Dispensatory,  is  di; 
posed  to  unite  it  with  the  last-mentioned  plant.  In  this  confusion  it  is  impossib! 
to  arrive  at  any  definite  and  satisfactory  conclusion  as  to  the  botanical  history  < 
the  drug  under  consideration.  One  thing,  however,  is  certain,  that  there  are  tw 
kinds  of  fennel-seed  found  in  the  shops;  and  it  is  highly  probable  that  these  at 
derived,  if  not  from  distinct  species  of  fennel,  at  least  from  marked  varieties  ( 
the  plant.  One  of  them  corresponds  closely  with  the  description  given  of  tl 
fruit  of  F.  vulgare,  while  the  other  is  undoubtedly  produced  by  the  plant  cult 
vated  under  the  name  of  sweet  fennel,  whether  that  be  the  F.  dulce  of  De  Ca; 
dolle,  or  F.  officinale  of  Allioni  and  Merat. 

Fceniculum.  Sex.  Syst.  Pentandria  Digynia. — Mat.  Ord.  Umbelliferae 
Apiaceae. 

Gen.Ch.  Calyx  a tumid  obsolete  rim.  Petals  roundish,  entire,  involute,  wi 
a squarish  blunt  lobe.  Fruit  nearly  taper.  Halffruits  with  five  promine 
bluntly  keeled  ridges,  of  which  the  lateral  are  on  the  edge,  and  rather  broade; 
Yittse  single  in  the  channels,  two  on  the  commissure.  Involucre  none.  ( Lindki ; 

Foenicidum  vulgare.  De  Cand.  Prodrom.  iv.  142. — Anetlmm  Fanicuhn 
Linn.;  Woodv.  Med.  Bot.  p.  127,  t.  49.  Common  fennel  has  a biennial  or  pi 
ennial  tapering  root,  and  an  annual,  erect,  round,  striated,  smooth,  green,  a1 
copiously’  branching  stem,  which  usually’  rises  three  or  four  feet  in  height.  T 
leaves,  which  stand  alternately  at  the  joints  of  the  stem,  upon  menibrano 
striated  sheaths,  are  many  times  pinnate,  with  long,  linear,  pointed,  smooth,  dec 
green  leaflets.  The  flowers  are  in  large,  flat,  terminal  umbels,  with  from  tliirte 
to  twenty  rays,  and  destitute  both  of  general  and  partial  involucres.  The  core 
consists  of  five  petals,  which,  as  well  as  the  stamens,  are  of  a golden  yellow  colot 
The  fruit  is  ovate,  rather  less  than  two  lines  in  length  by  about  a line  in  bread* 
and  of  a dark  colour,  especially  in  the  channels.  The  plant  is  a native  of  Euro 
growing  wild  upon  sandy  and  chalky  ground  throughout  the  continent. 

F.  officinale.  Merat  and  De  Lens,  Diet,  de  Mat.  Med.  iii.  270;  Allioni,  I 


PART  I. 


Foeniculum. 


353 


Pharm.  This,  which  is  sometimes  called  street  fennel,  is  also  perennial,  with 
ihorter  leaves  and  less  elongated  leaflets  than  the  common  fennel,  but  resembling 
t very  closely  except  in  the  character  of  the  fruit.  This  is  twice  as  long  as  that 
if  the  former  plant,  a little  curved,  of  a less  dark  colour,  with  prominent  ridges, 
nd  a persistent  peduncle.  It  is  sweeter  and  more  aromatic  than  common  fennel- 
eed.  The  plant  is  a native  of  the  South  of  Europe;  but  is  cultivated  elsewhere 
n gardens,  and  is  probably  the  source  of  much  of  the  fennel-seed  of  the  shops. 
Vhether  it  is  a distinct  species,  or  a mere  variety  of  F.  vulgare,  is  not  deter- 
mined. Some  confound  it  with  the  following. 

F.  dulce.  De  Cand.  Prodrom.  iv.  142.  This  plant  is  eminently  entitled  to  the 
ame  of  sweet  fennel.  It  bears  a general  resemblance  to  F.  vuhjcire,  but  differs 
a having  its  stem  somewhat  compressed  at  the  base,  its  radical  leaves  somewhat 
istichous,  and  the  number  of  rays  in  the  umbel  only  from  six  to  eight.  It  is 
Iso  a much  smaller  plant,  being  only  about  a foot  in  height;  its  flowers  appear 
arlier ; and  its  young  shoots  or  turiones  are  sweeter  and  edible.  It  is  a native 
f Portugal,  Italy,  and  perhaps  other  parts  of  Southern  Europe;  and  is  cultivated 
irgely  in  Italy  and  Sicily  for  the  sake  of  the  shoots,  which  are  eaten  raw,  or  in 
dad,  or  boiled  as  potherbs.  The  fruit  is  described  by  Merat  and  De  Lens  as 
being  globular-ovate,  twice  the  size  of  that  of  common  fennel,  and  with  promi- 
jent  ridges.”  This  description  does  not  answer  to  the  character  of  any  of  the 
:nnel-seed  we  have  seen  in  the  shops. 

In  all  these  species  or  varieties,  the  whole  plant  has  an  aromatic  odour  and 
.ste,  dependent  on  a volatile  oil  by  which  it  is  pervaded.  The  roots  were 
rmerly  employed  in  medicine,  but  are  greatly  inferior  in  virtues  to  the  fruit, 
liich  is  now  the  only  officinal  portion.  Our  shops  are  partly  supplied  from  our 
vn  gardens;  but  much  the  larger  portion  of  the  medicine  is  imported  from 
urope,  and  chiefly,  as  we  have  been  informed,  from  Germany.  The  fennel-seed 
titivated  here  is  sweeter  and  more  aromatic  than  that  from  abroad,  probably  in 
nsequence  of  its  greater  freshness. 

Fennel  seeds  (half-fruits)  are  oblong-oval,  from  one  to  three  or  four  lines  in 
agth,  flat  on  one  side,  convex  on  the  other,  not  unfrequeutly  connected  by  their 
t surfaces,  straight  or  slightly  curved,  of  a dark  grayish-green  colour,  with 
ugitudinal  yellowish  ridges  ou  the  convex  surface.  There  are  two  varieties, 

1 e of  them  from  one  to  two  lines  long,  dark-coloured,  rather  flat,  almost  always 
ijparate,  and  without  footstalks;  the  other  three  or  four  lines,  sometimes  even 
:e  lines  in  length,  lighter-coloured,  with  much  more  prominent  ridges,  often 
'■ojoined  by  their  flat  surface,  and  very  frequently  provided  with  a footstalk, 
hey  do  not  differ  essentially  in  aromatic  properties.  The  odour  of  fennel-seed 
i fragrant,  its  taste  warm,  sweet,  and  agreeably  aromatic.  It  imparts  its  virtues 
1 hot  water,  but  more  abundantly  to  alcohol.  The  essential  oil  may  be  sepa- 
i ed  by  distillation  with  water.  (See  Oleum  Foeniculi.)  The  seeds  contain  also 
ted  oil.  From  960  parts  of  them,  Neumann  obtained  20  parts  of  the  former 
(i  120  of  the  latter. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Fennel-seed  was  used  by  the  ancients,  is  among 
c:  most  grateful  aromatics,  and  in  this  country  is  much  employed  as  a carmina- 
t e,  and  as  a corrigent  of  other  less  pleasant  medicines,  particularly  senna  and 
rhbarb.  It  is  recommended  for  these  purposes  by  the  absence  of  any  very 
Fhly  excitant  property.  The  infusion,  prepared  by  introducing  two  or  three 
d chms  of  the  seeds  into  a pint  of  boiling  water,  is  the  form  usually  preferred. 
Te  dose  of  the  bruised  or  powdered  seeds  is  from  a scruple  to  half  a drachm. 

I infantile  cases,  the  infusion  is  frequently  employed  as  an  enema  to  produce 
t expulsion  of  flatus. 

! Off.  Prep.  Aqua  Foeniculi;  Confectio  Piperis;  Oleum  Fceniculi;  Spiritus 
J liperi  Compositus;  Syrupus  Sennas;  Tinctura  Rhei  et  Sennas.  W. 

23 


354 


Fraser  a. 


PART  i. 


FRASER  A.  U.  S.  Secondary. 

American  Columbo. 

The  root  of  Frasera  Walteri.  U.  S. 

Frasera.  Sex.  Syst.  Tetrandria  Monogynia. — Naf.Ord.  Gentianac-eae. 

Gen.  Ch.  Calyx  deeply  four-parted.  Corolla  four-parted,  spreading;  segments 
ova],  with  a bearded,  orbicular  gland  in  the  middle  of  each.  Capsule  compressed, 
partly  marginated,  one-celled.  Seeds  few,  imbricated,  large,  elliptical,  with  a 
membranaceous  margin.  Nuttall. 

Frasera  Walteri.  Michaux,  Flor.  Bor.  Americ.  i.  96;  Barton,  Med.  Bot.  ii. 
103. — F.  Carolinensis.  Walter.  This  is  among  our  most  elegant  indigenous 
plants,  and  the  only  one  of  its  genus.  From  the  root,  which  is  triennial,  long, 
spindle-shaped,  horizontal,  fleshy,  and  of  a yellow  colour,  a strong,  succulent, 
solid,  smooth  stem  rises,  from  five  to  ten  feet  in  height.  The  leaves  are  sessile, 
entire,  glabrous,  of  a deep-green  colour,  and  disposed  in  whorls,  which  commence 
at  the  root,  and  ascend  to  the  summit  with  successive!}’  diminishing  intervals. 
The  radical  leaves,  from  five  to  twelve  in  number,  are  elliptical,  obtuse,  a foot 
or  more  in  length  by  about  four  inches  in  breadth,  and  lie  upon  the  ground  ic 
•the  form  of  a star.  Those  constituting  the  whorls  upon  the  stem  are  succes 
sively  smaller  as  they  ascend;  the  lowest  oblong-lanceolate,  the  upper  lanceolate 
and  pointed.  The  flowers  are  numerous,  large,  of  a yellowish-white  colour,  anc 
disposed  in  a beautiful  terminal  pyramidal  panicle,  from  one  to  five  feet  long 
the  branches  of  which  spring  from  the  axils  of  the  upper  leaves.  The  segment: 
of  the  calyx  are  lanceolate,  acute,  and  somewhat  shorter  than  those  of  the  corolla 
The  filaments  are  inserted  into  the  base  of  the  corolla,  between  its  segments 
which  they  do  not  equal  in  length.  The  anthers  are  oblong  and  notched  at  thi 
base.  The  germ  is  oblong-ovate,  compressed,  and  gradually  tapers  into  the  style 
which  terminates  in  a bifid  stigma.  The  fruit  is  an  oval,  acuminate,  compressed 
two-valved,  one-celled,  yellow  capsule,  containing  from  eight  to  twelve  flat,  ellip 
tical  seeds. 

The  Frasera  flourishes  in  the  southern  and  western  portions  of  the  Fnitei 
States,  and  in  many  situations  is  very  abundant,  especially  in  Arkansas  and  31is 
souri.  It  prefers  rich  woodlands  and  moist  meadows.  The  period  of  flowering  i 
from  May  to  July ; but  the  stems  and  flowers  are  produced  only  in  the  third  year 
the  radical  leaves  being  the  only  part  of  the  plant  which  previously  appear  abov 
ground.  From  this  manner  of  growth,  it  is  inferred  that  the  root  should  beco! 
lected  in  the  autumn  of  the  second,  or  the  spring  of  the  third  j'ear.  Before  bein 
dried,  it  should  be  cut  into  transverse  slices. 

As  formerly  found  in  the  market,  frasera  was  in  pieces  irregularly  circular,  a 
eighth  of  an  inch  or  more  in  thickness,  about  an  inch  in  diameter,  somewlu 
shrunk  in  the  middle,  consisting  of  a central  medullary  matter  and  an  exteric 
cortical  portion,  of  a yellowish  colour  on  the  cut  surfaces,  with  a light  reddisl 
brown  epidermis.  In  appearance  these  pieces  bore  some  resemblance  to  columb 
but  were  easily  distinguishable  by  the  greater  uniformity  of  their  internal  stru 
ture,  the  absence  of  concentric  and  radiating  lines,  and  their  purer  yellow  colei 
without  a greenish  tinge.  We  have  met  with  a parcel  of  the  root  sliced  long 
tudinally,  so  as  somewhat  to  resemble  gentian,  though  not  likely  to  be  confounde 
with  it  by  an  experienced  person.  It  was  called  American  gentian.  Thetas 
of  frasera  is  bitter  and  sweetish.  Water  and  diluted  alcohol  extract  its  virtue 
and  the  tincture  lets  fall  a precipitate  upon  the  addition  of  water,  but  is  n 
disturbed  by  tincture  of  galls;  thus  affording  additional  means  of  distinguis 
ing  the  root  from  columbo. 


PART  J. 


Fraser  a. — GtaTbanum. 


355 


Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Frasera  is  a mild  tonic,  calculated  to  meet  the 
same  indications  with  the  other  simple  bitters.  It  has  been  thought  to  resemble 
iolumbo  in  medical  properties  as  well  as  in  appearance,  and  hence  has  received 
he  popular  name  of  American  co/umbo;  but  experience  has  not  confirmed  the 
ugh  estimate  which  was  at  one  time  formed  of  its  virtues;  and  though,  perhaps, 
itill  occasionally  employed  in  some  parts  of  the  country,  it  has  failed  to  supplant 
he  tonic  of  Mozambique.  It  may  be  given  in  powder  or  infusion.  The  dose 
if  the  former  is  from  thirty  grains  to  a drachm;  that  of  an  infusion,  made  in  the 
proportion  of  an  ounce  of  the  bruised  root  to  a pint  of  boiling  water,  is  one  or 
wo  fluidounces,  to  be  repeated  several  times  a day.  The  fresh  root  is  said  to 
'Derate  as  an  emetic  and  cathartic,  and  has  been  given  with  a view  to  the  latter 
fleet.  W. 

GALBANUM.  U.  &,  Land.,  Etl.,  Dub. 

Galbanum. 

The  concrete  juice  of  an  unknown  plant.  U.  S.  Galbanum  officinale.  The 
um-resin.  Lond.  Concrete  gummy-resinous  juice  of  an  imperfectly  ascertained 
mbelliferous  plant,  probably  a species  of  Opoidia.  Ed.  Opoidia  galbanifera. 
he  gum-resinous  exudation.  Dub. 

Galbanum,  Fr.;  Mutterharz,  Germ.;  Galbano,  Ilal.,  Span. 

It  is  not  certainly  known  from  what  plant  galbanum  is  derived.  At  one  time 
was  supposed  to  be  the  product  of  Bubon  Galbanum , an  umbelliferous  plant 
•owing  on  the  eastern  coast  of  Africa.  It  has  also  been  referred  to  the  Ferida 
rulago  of  Linnaeus,  the  Ferula  galbanifera  of  Lobel,  which  inhabits  the  coasts 
’ the  Mediterranean,  and  is  found  also  in  Transylvania  and  the  Caucasus.  But 
> part  of  either  of  these  plants  possesses  the  odour  of  galbanum ; and  it  is,  there- 
re,  scarcely  probable  that  they  yield  the  drug.  Mr.  Don,  having  found  the 
eds  taken  from  a parcel  of  galbanum  to  belong  to  an  undescribed  genus  of  um- 
lliferous  plants,  and  concluding  that  they  came  from  the  same  source  as  the 
im-resin  itself,  gave  the  title  of  Galbanum  to  the  new  genus,  and  named  the 
iecies  Galbanum  officinale.  This  has  been  rather  hastily  adopted  by  the  London 
dlege;  as  it  is  by  no  means  certain  that  the  same  plant  produced  the  seeds  and 
e gum-resin.  Specimens  of  a plant  were  received  in  England  from  Persia, 
,ving  a concrete  juice  adhering  to  them,  which  was  taken  by  Dr.  Lindley  for 
j.lbanum ; and  that  botanist,  finding  that  the  plant  belonged  to  an  uudescribed 
ijaus,  named  it  Opoidia,  with  the  specific  name  galbanifera.  Dr.  Pereira,  how- 
(pr,  found  the  substance  to  be  unlike  galbanum,  or  any  other  product  of  the 
nbelliferae.  This  supposed  origin  of  the  drug,  therefore,  though  admitted  as 
pbable  by  the  Edinburgh  College,  and  recognised  by  the  Dublin,  must  be  con- 
s ered  as  more  than  doubtful.  A German  traveller,  F.  A.  Bukse,  who  has 
i ided  in  Persia,  states  that,  in  1848,  he  met  with  the  galbanum  plant  on  the 
{.divides  of  the  Demawend,  near  the  southern  coast  of  the  Caspian.  He  saw 
t;  gum-resin  exuding  spontaneously  from  the  plant,  and  was  informed  by  the 
i ives  that  the  drug  was  collected  'from  it.  The  plant  is  a Ferula,  and  bears 
a lose  resemblance  to  the  F.  erubescens  of  Boissier  (Ann.  des  Sciences,  1844, 
$16),  if  not  identical  with  it.  ( Pharm . Cent.  Blatt,  March  17,  1852,  p.  206.) 
Galbanum  is  said  to  be  obtained  from  the  plant  by  making  incisions  into  the 
s i,  or  cutting  it  off  a short  distance  above  the  root.  A cream-coloured  juice 
c des,  which  concretes  upon  exposure  to  the  air.  A portion  of  juice  also  exudes 
s ntaneously  from  the  joints,  and  hardens  in  the  shape  of  tears.  The  drug  is 
b ught  from  India  and  the  Levant. 

Properties.  Galbanum  usually  appears  in  the  form  of  masses,  composed  of 


356 


Galbanum. — Galla. 


PART  i. 


whitish,  reddish,  or  yellowish  tears,  irregularly  agglutinated  by  a darker  coloured 
yellowish-brown,  or  greenish  substance,  more  or  less  translucent,  and  generally 
mixed  with  pieces  of  stalk,  seeds,  or  other  foreign  matters.  It  is  also  found, 
though  rarely  in  our  markets,  in  the  state  of  distinct  roundish  tears,  about  as 
large  as  a pea,  of  a yellowish-white  or  pale  brownish-yellow  colour,  shining  ex- 
ternally as  if  varnished,  translucent,  and  often  adhering  together.  Galbanum 
has  in  cool  weather  the  consistence  of  firm  wax;  but  softens  in  summer,  and  by 
the  heat  of  the  hand  is  rendered  ductile  and  adhesive.  At  212°  F.  it  is  suf- 
ficiently liquid  to  admit  of  being  strained ; and  it  generally  requires  to  be  strained 
before  it  can  be  used.  A dark-brown  or  blackish  colour,  a consistence  always 
soft,  the  absence  of  whitish  grains,  a deficiency  in  the  characteristic  odour  and 
taste,  and  the  intermixture  of  earthy  impurities,  are  signs  of  inferiority. 

The  odour  of  galbanum  is  peculiar  and  disagreeable ; its  taste  bitterish,  warm, 
and  acrid;  its  sp.gr.  1'2P2.  Triturated  with  water,  it  forms  an  imperfect  milky 
solution,  which  upon  standing  deposits  the  greater  portion  of  what  was  taken  up. 
Wine  and  vinegar  act  upon  it  in  a similar  manner.  Alcohol  dissolves  a con- 
siderable proportion,  forming  a yellow  tincture,  which  has  the  smell  and  taste  ol 
galbanum,  and  becomes  milky  by  the  addition  of  water,  but  affords  no  precipitate. 
In  dilute  alcohol  it  is  wholly  soluble,  with  the  exception  of  impurities.  Ether 
dissolves  the  greater  portion.  Pelletier  found  in  100  parts  of  it  60'86  parts  of 
resin,  19'28  of  gum,  6 34  of  volatile  oil  including  the  loss,  7'52  of  wood  and 
impurities,  with  traces  of  supermalate  of  lime.  A small  proportion  of  bassorin 
was  found  by  Meissner.  The  medicine  is,  therefore,  a gum- resin.  By  distilla- 
tion at  the  temperature  of  about  250°  F.,  the  essential  oil  is  obtained  of  a fine 
indigo  blue  colour,  which  it  imparts  to  alcohol.  Procured  by  distillation  with 
water,  it  is  colourless,  and  becomes  yellowish  by  age.  It  is  lighter  than  water. 

According  to  Ludewig,  a gum-resin,  designated  as  Persian  galbanum , is  re- 
ceived in  Russia  by  the  way  of  Astracan  or  Orenburg,  and  is  the  kind  used  in 
that  country.  It  comes  enclosed  in  skius,  and  is  in  masses  of  a reddish-browr 
colour  with  whitish  streaks,  of  a disagreeable  odour  somewhat  like  that  of  assa 
fetida,  and  of  an  unpleasant,  bitter,  resinous  taste.  It  is  so  soft  as  to  melt  wit! 
a slight  elevation  of  temperature.  It  differs  from  common  galbanum  in  it: 
odour,  in  its  colour  which  is  never  greenish,  and  in  the  absence  of  tears,  and  i: 
probably  derived  from  a different  plaut.  It  abounds  in  impurities.  ( Journ . d< 
Pharm.,  Ar.  S.,  i.  117.) 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Galbanum  is  stimulant,  expectorant,  and  anti 
spasmodic;  and  may  be  considered  as  intermediate  in  power  between  ammonia- 
and  assafetida.  It  is,  however,  much  less  employed  than  either  of  these  gum 
resins,  and  in  the  United  States  is  seldom  prescribed  internally.  The  complaint 
to  which  it  was  formerly  thought  applicable,  were  chiefly  chronic  affections  of  th 
bronchial  mucous  membrane,  amenorrhoea,  and  chronic  rheumatism.  It  isocct 
sionally  applied  externally  in  the  shape  of  plaster  to  indolent  swellings,  with  th 
view  of  promoting  resolution  or  suppuration.  Galbanum  was  known  to  the  at 
cients.  The  dose  is  from  ten  to  twenty  grains,  and  may  be  given  in  pill,  c 
triturated  with  gum  Arabic,  sugar,  and  water,  so  as  to  form  an  emulsion.  * 

Off.  Prep.  Emplastrum  Assafoetidae ; Emplastrum  Galbani  Compositum 
Emplastrum  Guminosum;  Galbanum  Prseparatum ; Pilulm  Galbaui  Con 
positte.  W. 

GALLA.  U.  S.,  Lond. 

Galls. 

Morbid  excrescences  upon  Quercus  infectoria.  U.  S.  Swelling  of  the  hi 
produced  by  Cynips  Gallae  tinctoriae.  Lond. 


PART  I. 


G-alla. 


357 


Off.  Syn.  GALLSE.  Excrescences  of  Quercus  infectoria,  formed  by  Diplo- 
epis  gallse  tinctorum.  Ed.,  Dub. 

, Noix  de  galle,  Ft.;  Gallapfel,  Germ.;  Galla,  Ital.;  Agallas  de  Levante,  Span. 

Many  vegetables,  when  pierced  by  certain  insects,  particularly  those  of  the 
renus  Oynips,  are  affected  at  the  points  of  puncture  with  a morbid  action,  result- 
,Dg  in  the  production  of  excrescences,  which,  as  they  are  derived  from  the  proper 
uices  of  the  plant,  partake  more  or  less  of  its  predominant  chemical  character, 
dost  of  the  oaks  are  susceptible  of  this  kind  of  action ; and  the  resulting  ex- 
•rescences,  having  in  a high  degree  the  astringency  of  the  plant,  have  been  em- 
)loyed  for  various  practical  purposes.  They  are  known  by  the  name  of  galls,  a 
erm  which,  as  well  as  their  employment  in  medicine,  has  been  handed  down  to 
is  from  the  ancients.  Quercus  infectoria,  Q.  DEgilops,  Q.  excelsa,  Q.  Ilex,  Q. 
Perris,  and  Q.  robur,  have  been  particularized  as  occasionally  affording  this  pro- 
luct;  hut  it  is  now  generally  admitted,  upon  the  authority  of  Olivier,  that  the 
'fficinal  galls  are  derived  chiefly,  if  not  exclusively,  from  Q.  infectoria  ; and  this 
s recognised  as  their  source  in  the  U.  S.  and  British  Pharmacopoeias.* 

Quercus.  See  QUERCUS  ALBA. 

Quercus  infectoria.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  iv.  486  ; Olivier,  Voy.  Orient.  1. 14  et  15; 
Jarson,  Illust.  of  Med.  Bot.  ii.  40,  pi.  85.  The  dyers’  oak  is  a small  tree  or  shrub, 
nth  a crooked  stem,  seldom  exceeding  six  feet  in  height.  The  leaves  are  ob- 
usely  toothed,  smooth,  of  a bright-green  colour  on  both  sides,  and  stand  on  short 
ootstalks.  The  acorn  is  elongated,  smooth,  two  or  three  times  longer  than  the 
up,  which  is  sessile,  somewhat  downy,  and  scaly.  This  species  of  Quercus  grows, 
.ccording  to  Olivier,  throughout  Asia  Minor,  from  the  Archipelago  to  the  con- 
nes  of  Persia.  Captain  M.  Kinneir  found  it  also  in  Armenia  and  Kurdistan ; 
leneral  Hardwicke  observed  it  growing  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Adwanie ; and 
» probably  pervades  the  middle  latitudes  of  Asia. 

The  gall  originates  from  the  puncture  of  the  Cynips  quercusfolii  of  Linnaeus, 
le  Diplolepis  gallse.  tinctorise  of  Geoffroy,  a hymenopterous  insect  or  fly,  with  a 
iwn-coloured  body,  dark  antennae,  and  the  upper  part  of  its  abdomen  shining 
town.  The  insect  pierces  the  shoots  and  young  boughs,  and  deposits  its  egg 
i the  wound.  This  irritates  the  part,  and  a small  tumour  quickly  rises,  which 
the  result  of  a morbid  growth,  exhibiting  various  cells  under  the  microscope, 
at  no  proper  vegetable  fibre.  The  egg  grows  with  the  gall,  and  is  soon  con- 
irted  into  a larva,  which  feeds  upon  the  vegetable  matter  around  it,  and  thus 
;rms  a cavity  in  the  centre  of  the  excrescence.  The  insect  at  length  assumes 
jie  form  of  a fly,  and  escapes  by  eating  its  way  out.  The  galls  are  in  perfection 
;hen  they  have  attained  their  full  size,  and  before  the  egg  has  been  hatched,  or 
ie  fly  has  escaped.  Collected  at  this  period,  they  are  called,  from  their  dark 
'lour,  blue,  green , or  black  galls,  and  are  most  highly  esteemed.  Those  which 
te  gathered  later,  and  which  have  been  injured  by  the  insect,  are  called  white 

* Under  tlie  name  of  Chinese  galls,  a product  has  been  brought  from  China,  supposed  to 
caused  by  an  insect  allied  to  the  Aphis,  as  such  an  insect  has  been  found  in  the  interior 
them.  A specimen,  which  came  under  our  notice,  consisted  of  irregularly  spindle-shaped 
dies,  often  more  or  less  bent,  with  obtusely  pointed  protuberances,  about  two  inches  long 
an  inch  in  diameter  at  the  central  thickest  part,  of  an  ash  colour  and  a soft  velvety 
j:l,  very  light,  hollow,  with  translucent  walls  about  a line  in  thickness,  of  a slight  odour 
balling  that  of  ipecacuanha,  and  a bitter  astringent  taste.  From  an  examination  of  frag- 
pts  of  leaves  and  petioles  found  among  these  galls,  Dr.  Schenck  concluded  that  the  tree 
which  they  are  found  is  a species  of  Rhus;  but,  according  to  M.  Decaisne,  professor  at 
j}  Museum  of  Natural  History  in  Paris,  their  true  source  is  probably  the  Distylium  ra- 
yosum  of  Zuccarini  ( Flor . Japon.  i.  p.  178,  t.  94),  a large  tree  of  Japan,  the  leaves  of 
iich  produce  a velvety  gall  resembling  the  one  in  question.  (Guibourt,  Hist.  Nat.  des 
I -agues,  A.  D.  1850,  iii.  703.)  The  Chinese  make  great  use  of  this  product  both  in  dye- 
15  and  as  a medicine.  L.  A.  Buchner,  jun.,  has  found  it  to  contain  65  per  cent,  of  tannic 
4 identical  with  that  of  the  officinal  galls.  ( Pharm . Cent.  Blatt,  July,  1851,  p.  526.) 


358 


G-alla. 


PART  i. 


galls.  They  are  usually  larger,  less  heavy  and  compact,  and  of  a lighter  colour 
than  the  former ; and  are  considered  much  inferior. 

The  galls  collected  in  Syria  and  Asia  Minor  are  brought  to  this  country  chiefly 
from  the  ports  of  Smyrna  and  Trieste,  or  from  London.  As  they  are  produced 
abundantly  near  Aleppo,  it  has  been  customary  to  designate  them  by  the  name 
of  that  town ; though  the  designation,  however  correct  it  may  formerly  have 
been,  is  now  wholly  inapplicable,  as  they  are  obtained  from  many  other  places, 
and  the  produce  of  different  parts  of  Asiatic  Turkey  is  not  capable  of  being  dis- 
criminated, at  least  in  our  markets.  Great  quantities  of  galls,  very  closely  re- 
sembling those  from  the  Mediterranean,  have  been  brought  to  the  United  States 
from  Calcutta.  Dr.  Hoyle  states  that  they  are  taken  to  Bombay  from  Bussorah 
through  the  Persian  Gulf.  We  are,  nevertheless,  informed  that  they  are  among 
the  products  of  Moultau.  The  galls  of  France  and  other  southern  countries  of 
Europe  have  a smooth,  shining,  reddish  surface,  are  little  esteemed,  and  are 
seldom  or  never  brought  to  the  United  States. 

Properties.  Galls  are  nearly  round,  from  the  size  of  a pea  to  that  of  a very 
large  cherry,  with  a surface  usually  studded  with  small  tuberosities,  in  the  inter- 
vals of  which  it  is  smooth.  The  best  are  externally  of  a dark-bluish  or  lead 
colour,  sometimes  with  a greenish  tinge,  internally  whitish  or  brownish,  hard, 
solid,  brittle,  with  a flinty  fracture,  a striated  texture,  and  a small  spot  or  cavity 
in  the  centre,  indicating  the  presence  of  the  undeveloped  or  decayed  insect.  Their 
powder  is  of  a light  yellowish-gray.  Those  of  inferior  quality  are  of  a lighter 
colour,  sometimes  reddish  or  nearly  white,  of  a loose  texture,  with  a large  cavity 
in  the  centre,  communicating  externally  by  a small  hole  through  which  the  fly 
has  escaped.  Galls  are  inodorous,  and  have  a bitter,  very  astringent  taste.  From 
500  parts  Sir  H.  Davy  obtained  185  parts  of  matter  soluble  in  water,  of  which, 
according  to  his  analysis,  130  were  tannic  acid,  31  gallic  acid  with  a little  ex- 
tractive, 12  mucilage  and  matter  rendered  insoluble  by  evaporation,  and  12  saline 
matter  and  calcareous  earth.  Braconnot  discovered  the  presence  of  a small 
quantity  of  an  acid  to  which  he  gave  the  name  ellagic,  derived  from  galle,  the 
French  name  for  galls,  by  reversing  the  order  of  the  letters.  According  to  M. 
Pelouze,  however,  neither  gallic  nor  ellagic  acid  pre-exists  in  galls,  being  formed 
by  the  reaction  of  atmospheric  oxygen  upon  their  tannin.  ( Journ.  de  Pham.. 
xx.  359.)  Galls  also  yielded  to  Professor  Branchi,  by  distillation  with  water,  s 
concrete  volatile  oil.  Guibourt  found  65  per  cent,  of  tannic  acid,  10'5  of  lignin 
5-8  of  gum,  sugar,  and  starch,  4'0  of  gallic,  ellagic,  and  luteo-gallic  acids,  anc 
11‘5  of  water,  besides  extractive,  chlorophylle,  volatile  oil,  albumen,  and  salts 
All  the  soluble  matter  of  galls  is  taken  up  by  forty7  times  their  weight  of  boiling 
water,  and  the  residue  is  tasteless ; alcohol  dissolves  seveu  parts  in  ten,  ethei 
five  parts.  ( Thomson's  Dispensatory.)  A saturated  decoction  deposits  up  Dr 
cooling  a copious  pale-yellow  precipitate.  The  infusion  or  tincture  affords  pre 
cipitates  with  sulphuric  and  muriatic  acids,  lime-water,  carbonate  of  ammonia 
and  carbonate  of  potassa ; with  solutions  of  acetate  and  subacetate  of  lead,  th 
sulphates  of  copper  and  iron,  the  nitrates  of  silver  and  mercury,  and  tartrate  o 
antimony  and  potassa;  with  the  infusions  of  Peruvian  bark,  columbo,  opium 
and  many  other  vegetables,  especially  those  containing  alkaloids,  with  most  o 
which  tannic  acid  forms  insoluble  compounds.  The  solution  of  gelatin  also  pre 
duces  a precipitate.  The  infusion  of  galls  reddens  litmus  paper,  is  rendere 
orange  by  nitric  acid,  milky  by  the  corrosive  chloride  of  mercury,  and  has  its  ovr 
colour  deepened  by  ammonia;  but  yields  no  precipitate  with  either  of  thes 
reagents.  Sulphate  of  zinc  was  said  by  Dr.  A.  T.  Thomson  to  occasion  a slo’ 
precipitate,  but  this  result  was  not  obtained  by7  Dr.  Duncan. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Galls  are  powerfully  astringent.  They  ar 
little  employed  as  an  internal  remedy,  though  occasionally  prescribed  in  c-hroni 


PART  I. 


Galla. — Gambogia. 


359 


liarrhoea  and  chronic  dysentery.  They  have  been  recommended  as  an  antidote 

0 tartar  emetic,  and  those  vegetable  poisons  which  depend  for  their  activity 
ipon  organic  alkalies;  but,  though  the  insoluble  compounds  which  these  prin- 
iples  form  with  galls  may  be  less  active  than  their  soluble  native  compounds, 
hey  cannot  be  considered  as  inert.  In  the  form  of  infusion  or  decoction,  made 
n the  proportion  of  half  an  ounce  to  a pint  of  water,  galls  may  be  advantage- 
usly  used  as  an  astringent  gargle,  lotion,  or  injection;  and,  mixed  with  simple 
(intment,  in  the  proportion  of  one  part  of  galls,  in  very  fine  powder,  to  eight 
iarts  of  the  unguent,  they  are  frequently  applied  to  the  anus  and  rectum  in 
lemorrhoidal  afi’eetions.  The  dose  of  powdered  galls  is  from  ten  to  twenty 
gains,  to  be  repeated  several  times  a day. 

Off.  Prep.  Acidum  Gallicum;  Acidum  Tannicum  ; Decoctum  Galhe;  Tinc- 
ura  Gallae;  Unguentum  Gallae;  Unguentum  Gallae  Compositum.  W. 

GAMBOGIA.  U.S. 

Gamboge. 

The  concrete  juice  of  an  uncertain  tree.  U.  S. 

Off.  Syn.  CAMBOGIA-  Gum-resin  of  an  uncertain  plant.  Land.;  Hebra- 
endron  gambogioides.  The  gum-resinous  exudation.  Dub. ; CAMBOGIA 
Sia.mensis).  Gum-resin  from  an  unascertained  plant  inhabiting  Siam,  proba- 
ly  a species  of  Hebradendron.  CAMBOGIA  (Zeylanica).  Gummy-resinous 
xudation  of  Hebradendron  cambogioides.  Ed. 

\ Gomme  gutte,  Fr.;  Gummigutt,  Germ.;  Gomma-gotta,  Ital.;  Gutta  gamba,  Span. 
Several  plants  belonging  to  the  natural  family  of  the  Guttiferee,  growing  in 
le  equatorial  regions,  yield  on  incision  a yellow  opaque  juice,  which  hardens 

1 exposure  to  the  air,  and  bears  a close  resemblance  to  gamboge ; but  it  is  not 
irtaiuly  known  from  which  of  these  plants  the  officinal  gum-resin  is  procured. 
nt.il  recently  the  United  States  and  all  the  British  Pharmacopoeias  ascribed  it 
i Stalagmitis  Cambogioides.  This  genus  and  species  were  established  by  Mur- 
ty  of  Gottingen,  in  1788,  from  dried  specimens  belonging  to  Ivbnig,  procured 
i the  island  of  Ceylon  ; and,  from  information  derived  from  the  same  source, 
was  conjectured  by  Murray  that  the  tree  yielded  not  only  the  gamboge  of 

jeylon,  but  that  also  collected  in  Siam.  It  was  on  this  authority  that  the  British 
jolleges  made  the  reference  alluded  to.  But  it  has  been  ascertained  by  Dr.  Gra- 
im,  of  Edinburgh,  that  there  is  no  such  plant  as  the  Stalagmitis  Cambogioides; 
e description  of  Murray  having  been  drawn  up  from  accidentally  conjoined 
'•ecimens  of  two  distinct  trees  belonging  to  different  genera;  one  being  the 
antltochymus  oralifolius  of  Roxburgh,  and  the  other,  the  Hebradendron  Cam- 
| gioides  of  Graham.  By  several  botanists  the  gum-resin  has  been  ascribed  to 
'arcinia  Cambogia,  also  a tree  of  Ceylon  belonging  to  the  family  of  Gutti- 
rte,  and  yielding  a yellowish  concrete  juice;  but  a specimen  of  the  product  of 
is  tree,  sent  to  Edinburgh,  was  found  by  Dr.  Christison  to  be  different  from 
unboge  both  in  composition  and  appearance,  being  of  a pale  lemon-yellow  colour, 
tus  it  appears  that  neither  of  these  references  is  correct;  and,  besides,  the  im- 
•rtant  fact  seems  to  have  been  overlooked,  that  commercial  gamboge  is  never 
>tained  from  Ceylon,  but  exclusively  from  Siam  and  Cochin-china.  A gum- 
sin  from  Ceylon  having  been  found  similar  in  composition  to  the  gamboge  of 
mmerce;  and  the  tree  which  produced  it  having  been  referred  by  Dr.  Graham 
a new  genus,  and  named  by  him  Hebradendron  Cambogioides ; the  Edinburgh 
•liege,  in  the  last  edition  of  their  Pharmacopoeia,  was  induced  to  adopt  this 
■ylon  gamboge  as  officinal,  and  to  recognise  the  name  proposed  by  Dr.  Graham 
: : the  tree  from  which  it  is  obtained.  But  as  this  variety  is  never  found  in 


360 


Gambogia. 


PART  i. 


western  commerce,  and  exists  only  in  the  cabinets  of  the  curious,  or  the  bazaars 
of  India,  it  was  scarcely  worthy  of  a place  in  an  officinal  catalogue;  and  the 
sufficiency  of  the  grounds  upon  which  the  new  genus  Hebradendron  was  sepa- 
rated from  Garcinia  is  not  universally  admitted.  The  decision  of  the  Edinburgh 
College  would,  therefore,  seem  to  have  been  somewhat  premature;  though, from 
information  received  by  Dr.  Christison,  there  is  some  reason  to  believe  that  the 
Siam  gamboge  is  really  derived  from  a tree  belonging  to  the  same  genus  as  the 
Hebradendron  Cambogioides  of  Graham,  but  of  a species  hitherto  undesr-ribed. 

Gamboge  is  collected  in  Siam  and  Cochin-china.  Similar  products  are  obtained 
in  Ceylon  ; but  they  do  not  appear  to  be  sent  out  of  the  island.  Milburn  does  not 
mention  gamboge  among  the  exports.  It  is  said  to  be  procured  in  Siam  by  break- 
ing off  the  leaves  and  young  shoots  of  the  tree,  from  which  the  juice  issues  in  drops, 
and,  being  received  in  suitable  vessels,  gradually  thickens,  and  at  length  becomes 
solid.  Portions  of  it,  when  of  the  requisite  consistence,  are  rolled  into  cylinders, 
and  wrapped  in  leaves.  The  juice  is  sometimes  received  into  the  hollow  joints 
of  the  bamboo,  which  give  it  a cylindrical  form;  and,  as  it  contracts  during  the 
process  of  solidification,  the  cylinder  is  often  hollow  in  the  centre.  The  name 
gummi  gut/a , by  which  it  is  generally  known  on  the  continent  of  Europe,  pro- 
bably originated  from  the  circumstance  that  the  juice  escapes  from  the  plant  by 
drops.  The  officinal  title  was  undoubtedly  derived  from  the  province  of  Cam- 
bodia, in  which  the  gum-resin  is  collected.  It  was  first  brought  to  Europe  by 
the  Dutch  about  the  middle  of  the  seventeenth  century.  We  import  gamboge 
from  Canton  and  Calcutta,  whither  it  is  carried  by  the  native  or  resident  mer- 
chants. There  is  no  difference  in  the  appearance  or  character  of  the  drug  as 
brought  from  these  two  ports;  an  evidence  that  it  is  originally  derived  from 
the  same  place. 

Varieties.  The  best  gamboge  is  in  cylindrical  rolls,  from  one  to  three  inches 
in  diameter,  sometimes  hollow  in  the  centre,  sometimes  flattened,  often  folded 
double,  or  agglutinated  in  masses  in  which  the  original  form  is  not  always  readily 
distinguishable.  The  pieces  sometimes  appear  as  if  rolled,  but  are  in  general 
striated  longitudinally  from  the  impression  made  by  the  inner  surface  of  the 
bamboo.  They  are  externally  of  a dull  orange  colour,  which  is  occasionally  dis- 
placed by  greenish  stains,  or  concealed  by  the  bright  yellow  powder  of  the  drug, 
which  slightly  adheres  to  the  surface.  In  this  form  the  drug  is  sometimes  called 
•pipe  gamboge.  Another  variety  is  imported  under  the  name  of  cake  or  lump 
gamboge.  It  is  in  irregular  masses  weighing  two  or  three  pounds  or  more,  often 
mixed  with  sticks  and  other  impurities,  containing  many  air  cells,  less  dense,  less 
uniform  in  texture,  and  less  brittle  than  the  former  variety,  and  breaking  with 
a dull  and  splintery,  instead  of  a shining  and  eonchoidal  fracture.  The  worst 
specimens  of  this  variety,  as  well  as  of  the  cylindrical,  are  sometimes  called  by 
the  London  druggists  coarse  gamboge.  They  differ,  however,  from  the  preceding 
only  in  containing  a greater  amount  of  impurities.  Indeed,  it  would  appear,  frou 
the  experiments  of  Christison,  that  all  the  commercial  varieties  of  this  drug  hart 
a common  origin,  and  that  cake  or  lump  gamboge  differs  from  the  eylindrica 
only  from  the  circumstance  that  the  latter  is  the  pure  concrete  juice  of  the  plant 
while  in  the  former  farinaceous  matter  and  other  impurities  have  been  added  fo: 
the  purpose  of  adulteration.  The  inferior  kinds  of  gamboge  may  be  known  by 
their  greater  hardness  and  coarser  fracture;  by  the  brownish  or  grayish  colou 
of  their  broken  surface,  which  is  often  marked  with  black  spots;  by  their  obvion 
impurities;  and  by  the  green  colour  which  their  decoction,  after  having  beet 
cooled,  gives  with  tincture  of  iodine.  When  pure,  the  gum-resin  is  completely 
dissolved  by  the  successive  action  of  ether  and  water.* 

* Ceylon  gamboge , derived  from  the  Ecbradendron  Cambogioides  of  Graham  ( Cambogi 
guita,  Linn.,  Garcinia  Morelia,  De  Cand.j,  is  procured  by  incisions,  or  by  cutting  away 


art  I.  Grambogia.  361 

Properties.  Gamboge,  in  its  pure  form,  is  brittle,  with  a smooth,  eonchoidal, 
bining  fracture;  and  the  fragments  are  slightly  translucent  at  their  edges.  The 
flour  of  the  mass  when  broken  is  a uniform  reddish-orange,  which  becomes  a 
eautiful  bright  yellow  in  the  powder,  or  when  the  surface  is  rubbed  with  water, 
'rom  the  brilliancy  of  its  colour,  gamboge  is  highly  esteemed  as  a pigment.  It 
,as  no  smell,  and  little  taste;  but,  after  remaining  a short  time  in  the  mouth, 
roduces  an  acrid  sensation  in  the  fauces.  Its  sp.  gr.  is  1221.  Exposed  to  heat 
, burns  with  a white  flame,  emitting  much  smoke,  and  leaving  a light  spongy 
harcoal.  It  is  a gum-resin,  without  volatile  oil.  In  100  parts  of  it  Braconnot 
rand  19-5  parts  of  gum,  80  of  resin,  and  0'5  of  impurities.  John  obtained 
O' 5 per  cent,  of  gum,  89  of  resin,  and  0 5 of  impurities.  Christison  has  shown 
hat  the  proportion  of  gum  and  resin  varies  in  different  specimens  even  of  the 
:urest  drug.  In  one  experiment,  out  of  100'8  parts  he  obtained  74'2  of  resin, 
1'8  of  gum,  and  4'8  of  water.  The  gum  is  quite  soluble  in  water,  and  of  the 
iiriety  denominated  arabin.  In  a specimen  of  ca/ce  gamboge  he  found  11  "2  per 
ent.  of  fecula  and  lignin,  and  in  a very  bad  sample  of  coarse  gamboge,  no  less 
lan  41  per  cent,  of  the  same  impurities.  In  addition  to  gum  and  resin, 

h.  Buchner  found  a small  and  variable  proportion  of  a peculiar  reddish-yellow 
flouring  matter,  soluble  both  in  alcohol  and  water.  ( Journ . cle  Pharm.,  3e  sir., 

i.  303.)  Gamboge  is  readily  and  entirely  diffusible  in  water,  forming  a yellow 
oaque  emulsion,  from  which  the  resin  is  very  slowly  deposited.  It  yields  its 
isinous  ingredient  to  alcohol,  forming  a golden  yellow  tincture,  which  is  ren- 
ted opaque  and  bright  yellow  by  the  addition  of  water.  Its  solution  in  amrno- 
lated  alcohol  is  not  disturbed  by  water.  Sulphuric  ether  dissolves  about  four- 
ths of  it,  taking  up  only  the  resin.  It  is  wholly  taken  up  by  alkaline  solutions, 
om  which  it  is  partially  precipitated  by  the  acids.  The  strong  acids  dissolve 
; but  the  solution  when  diluted  with  water  deposits  a yellow  sediment.  The 
flour,  acrimony,  and  medicinal  power  of  gamboge,  reside  in  the  resin.  This 
is  the  neutralizing  property  of  the  acids,  and  has  been  named  gambogic  acid. 

is  obtained  by  evaporating  an  ethereal  tincture  of  the  gum-resin.  In  mass  it 
of  a cherry-red  colour,  but  becomes  of  a deep-orange  in  thin  layers,  and  yellow 
jhen  powdered.  So  intense  is  its  colour,  that  one  part  of  it  communicates  a 
aceptible  yellowness  to  ten  thousand  parts  of  water  or  spirit.  It  is  insoluble 
water,  but  soluble  in  alcohol,  and  very  soluble  in  ether.  It  forms  with  the 
kalies  dark-red  solutions  of  gambogiates,  from  which  the  acids  throw  down 
.mbogic  acid  of  a yellow  colour,  and  the  soluble  salts  of  lead,  copper,  and  iron, 
mbogiates  of  those  metals  respectively;  the  salt  of  lead  being  yellow,  that  of 
pper  brown,  and  that  of  iron  dark-brown.  Its  composition  is  given  by  Johnston 
C^HgjOs.  ( Lond . Philos.  Trans.,  1839.)  In  the  dose  of  five  grains  it  is  said 
■i  produce  copious  watery  stools,  with  little  or  no  uneasiness.  If  this  be  the 
se,  it  is  probable  that,  as  it  exists  in  the  gum-resin,  its  purgative  property  is 
mewhat  modified  by  the  other  ingredients. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Gamboge  is  a powerful,  drastic,  hydragogue 
thartic,  very  apt  to  produce  nausea  and  vomiting  when  given  in  the  full  dose, 
large  quantities  it  is  capable  of  producing  fatal  effects,  and  death  has  resulted 
pm  a drachm.  It  is  much  employed  in  the  treatment  of  dropsy  attended  with 
rpid  bowels,  generally  in  combination  with  bitartrate  of  potassa  or  jalap.  It 
also  prescribed  in  cases  of  obstinate  constipation,  and  has  frequently  been  found 

rtion  of  the  bark,  and  scraping  off  the  juice  which  exudes.  The  specimens  sent  to  Dr. 

, ristison  were  in  flatfish  or  round  masses,  eight  or  nine  inches  in  diameter,  apparently 
mposed  of  aggregated  irregular  tears,  with  cavities  which  are  lined  with  a grayish  and 
hwnish  powdery  incrustation.  Its  general  aspect  was  that  of  coarse  gamboge;  but  the 
lividual  tears  had  the  characters  of  the  best  kind,  and  its  chemical  composition  was 
' mtical.  It  is  used  as  a pigment  and  purgative  in  Ceylon,  but  is  not  an  article  of  com- 
i'rce.  [Christison’ s Dispensatory.) 


362  G-ambogia. — Gaultheria.  parti, 

effectual  in  the  expulsion  of  the  tape-worm.  It  is  often  combined  with  othei 
and  milder  cathartics,  the  action  of  which  it  promotes  and  accelerates,  while  its 
own  is  moderated.  The  full  dose  is  from  two  to  six  grains,  which  in  cases  ol 
tasnia  has  been  raised  to  ten  or  fifteen  grains.  As  it  is  apt  to  occasion  nmc-l 
sickness  and  griping,  the  best  plan,  under  ordinary  circumstances,  is  to  give  it 
in  small  doses,  repeated  at  short  intervals  till  it  operates.  It  may  he  given  in 
pill  or  emulsion,  or  dissolved  in  an  alkaline  solution.  The  last  method  of  ad- 
ministration has  been  recommended  in  dropsical  complaints. 

Off.  Prep.  Pilulse  Cathartic®  Compositae;  Pilula  Cambogiae  Comp.  W. 

GAULTHERIA.  U.  S. 

Partrulge-berry . 

The  leaves  of  Gaultheria  proc-umbens.  U.  S. 

Gaultheria.  Sex.  Syst.  Decandria  Monogynia. — Nat.  Orel.  Ericaceae. 

Gen.  Oh.  Calyx  five-cleft,  bibrac-teate  at  the  base.  Corolla  ovate.  Capsule. 
five-celled,  invested  with  the  berried  calyx.  Pursh. 

Gaultheria  procumbens.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant.  ii.  616;  Bigelow,  Am.  Med.  Bot. 
ii.  27 ; Barton,  Med.  Bot.  i.  171.  This  is  a small,  indigenous,  shrubby,  ever- 
green  plant,  with  a long,  creeping,  horizontal  root,  which  sends  up  at  interval? 
one  and  sometimes  two  erect,  slender,  round,  reddish  stems.  These  are  naked 
below,  leafy  at  the  summit,  and  usually  less  than  a span  in  height.  The  leaves 
are  ovate  or  obovate,  acute,  revolute  at  the  edges  with  a few  mucronate  serra- 
tures,  coriaceous,  shining,  bright-green  upon  the  upper  surface,  paler  beneath, 
of  unequal  size,  and  supported  irregularly  on  short  red  petioles.  The  flowers, 
of  which  not  more  than  from  three  to  five  are  usually  found  upon  each  stem, 
stand  on  curved,  drooping,  axillary  peduncles.  The  calyx  is  white,  five-toothed, 
and  furnished  at  its  base  with  two  concave  cordate  bractes,  which  are  by  some 
authors  described  as  an  outer  calyx.  The  corolla  is  white,  ovate  or  ureeolate. 
contracted  at  its  mouth,  and  divided  at  its  border  into  five  small  acute  segments. 
The  stamens  consist  of  curved,  plumose  filaments,  and  oblong  orange-colourec 
anthers  opening  on  the  outside.  The  germ,  which  rests  upon  a ring  having  ter 
teeth  alternating  with  the  ten  stamens,  is  roundish,  depressed,  and  surmounted 
by  an  erect  filiform  style,  terminating  in  an  obtuse  stigma.  The  fruit  is  a small 
five-celled,  many-seeded  capsule,  enclosed  in  a fleshy  covering,  formed  by  the 
enlarged  calyx,  and  presenting  the  appearauce  of  a bright  scarlet  berry. 

The  plant  extends  from  Canada  to  Georgia,  growing  in  large  beds  in  moun 
tainous  tracts,  or  in  dry  barrens  and  sandy  plains,  beneath  the  shade  of  shrub: 
and  trees,  particularly  of  other  evergreens,  as  the  Kalmiae  aud  Rhododeudra.  It 
is  abundant  in  the  pine  barrens  of  New  Jersey.  In  different  parts  of  the  country 
it  is  known  by  the  various  names  of  partridge-berry,  deer-berry , tea-berry , xe  inter 
green,  and  mountain-tea.  The  flowers  appear  from  May  to  September,  and  th< 
fruit  ripens  at  corresponding  periods.  Though  the  leaves  only  are  officinal,  al 
parts  of  the  plant  are  endowed  with  the  peculiar  flavour  for  which  these  are  em 
ployed,  and  which  is  found  in  several  other  plants,  particularly  in  the  bark  o 
Betula  lenta,  or  sweet  birch.  The  fruit  possesses  it  in  a high  degree,  and,  bein: 
at  the  same  time  sweetish,  is  much  relished  by  some  persons,  and  form*  a fa 
vourite  article  of  food  with  partridges,  deer,  aud  other  wild  animals.  To  tlr 
very  peculiar  aromatic  odour  aud  taste  which  belong  to  the  whole  plant,  tk 
leaves  add  a marked  astringeney.  The  aromatic  properties  reside  in  a volatil 
oil,  which  may  be  separated  by  distillation.  (See  Oleum  Gaultheria;.) 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Gaultheria  has  the  usual  stimulant  operatioi 
of  the  aromatics,  united  with  astringeney ; aud  may,  therefore,  be  used  with  ad 


ART  I. 


G-aultheria. — Gentiana. 


363 


intage  in  some  forms  of  chronic  diarrhoea.  Like  other  substances  of  the  same 
ass,  it  has  been  employed  as  an  emmenagogue,  and  with  the  view  of  increasing 
\e  secretion  of  milk;  but  its  chief  use  is  to  impart  an  agreeable  flavour  to  mix- 
res  and  other  preparations.  It  may  be  conveniently  administered  in  the  form 
1 infusion,  which,  in  some  parts  of  the  country,  is  not  unfrequently  used  at  the 
hies  as  a substitute  for  common  tea.  The  oil,  however,  is  more  used  in  regular 
notice  than  the  leaves.  Instances  of  death  are  on  record,  resulting  from  the 
king  of  the  oil,  by  mistake,  in  the  quantity  of  about  a fluidounce.  On  exami- 
ttion  after  death,  strong  marks  of  gastric  inflammation  were  discovered.  ( Journ . 
'Phil.  Col.  of  P harm.,  vi.  290.) 

Off.  Prep.  Oleum  Gaultheriae.  W. 

GENTIANA.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub. 

Gentian. 

The  root  of  Grentiana  lutea.  U.  S-,  Land.,  Ed.,  Dub. 

Gentiane  jaune,  Fr.;  Rother  Enzian,  Germ.;  Genziana,  Ital.;  Geuciana,  Span. 
Gentiana.  Sex.  Syst.  Pentandria  Digynia. — Nat.  Ord.  Gentianacem. 

Gen.  Cli.  Corolla  one-petalled.  Capsule  two-valved,  one-celled,  with  two  lon- 
,'tudinal  receptacles.  Willd. 

Gentiana  lutea.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  i.  1381;  Woodv.  Med.  Bot.  p.  273,  t.  95; 
arson,  Illust.  of  Med.  BoW\\.  12,  pi.  60.  Yellow  gentian  is  among  the  most 
: markable  of  the  species  which  compose  this  genus,  both  for  its  beauty  and 
leat  comparative  size.  From  its  thick,  long,  branching,  perennial  root,  an 
Get,  round  stem  rises  to  the  height  of  three  or  four  feet,  bearing  opposite, 
fissile,  oval,  acute,  five-nerved  leaves,  of  a bright-green  colour,  and  somewhat 
jiucous.  The  lower  leaves,  which  spring  from  the  root,  are  narrowed  at  their 
ljse  into  the  form  of  a petiole.  The  flowers  are  large  and  beautiful,  of  a yellow 
(lour,  peduncled,  and  placed  in  whorls  at  the  axils  of  the  upper  leaves.  The 
<!yx  is  monophyllous,  membranous,  yellowish,  and  semi-transparent,  splitting 
1 ken  the  flower  opens,  and  reflected  when  it  is  fully  expanded ; the  corolla  is 
Rate,  and  deeply  divided  into  five  or  six  lanceolate,  acute  segments ; the  stamens 
sp  five  or  six  and  shorter  than  the  corolla.  This  plant  grows  among  the  Apen- 
nes,  the  Alps,  the  Pyrenees,  and  in  other  mountainous  or  elevated  regions  of 
.irope.  The  root  is  the  only  part  used  iu  medicine.  It  is  imported  into  this 
untry  from  Germany. 

Several  other  species  possess  analogous  medicinal  properties,  and  are  used  for 
fmilar  purposes.  The  roots  of  G.  purpurea  and  G.  punctata,  growing  in  the 
f ne  regions  as  G.  lutea,  and  of  G.  Punnonica,  growing  in  Austria,  are  said  to 
1 frequently  mingled  with  the  officinal  gentian,  from  which  they  are  scarcely 
(jitinguishable.  The  G.  macrophylla  of  Pallas  is  used  in  Siberia;  and  one  in- 
(genous  species,  G.  Catesbasi,  has  found  a place  in  the  secondary  catalogue  of 
1;  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia. 

Properties.  As  found  in  the  shops,  gentian  is  in  pieces  of  various  dimensions 
<ji  shape,  usually  of  considerable  length,  consisting  sometimes  of  longitudinal 
fbes,  sometimes  of  the  root  cut  transversely,  twisted,  wrinkled  externally,  some- 
ties  marked  with  close  transverse  rings,  of  a grayish-brown  colour  on  the  out- 
se,  yellowish  or  reddish  within,  and  of  a soft  spongy  texture.  The  odour  is 
f ble,  but  decided  and  peculiar.  The  taste  is  slightly  sweetish  and  intensely 
1 ter,  without  being  nauseous.  The  powder  is  of  a yellowish  colour.  Water  and 
eohol  extract  the  taste  and  medical  virtues  of  the  root.  Examined  by  MM. 
Lnry  and  Caventou,  it  was  found  to  contain,  1.  a peculiar  crystallizable  prin- 
c le  which  they  supposed  to  be  the  chief  active  ingredient  of  the  root,  and, 


364 


Gentiana. 


PART  i 


therefore,  named  gentianin,  2.  a volatile  odorous  principle,  3.  a substance  iden- 
tical with  birdlime  (glu),  4.  a greenish  fixed  oil,  5.  a free  organic  acid,  6.  un 
crystallizable  sugar,  7.  gum,  8.  yellow  colouring  matter,  and  9.  lignin.  Mr 
Denis  has  since  detected  in  the  root  the  existence  of  pectic  acid;  and  the  gen 
tianin  of  Henry  and  Caventou  has  been  proved  by  Trommsdorff  and  by  M.  Leconte 
to  be,  when  quite  pure,  wholly  destitute  both  of  bitterness  and  of  medicinal  power 
so  that  it  would  appear  no  longer  to  merit  the  name  given'  to  it.  M.  Leconte 
proposes,  accordingly,  to  call  it  gentisin ; and,  as  it  possesses  the  property  of  neu- 
tralizing the  alkalies,  it  has  received  also  the  name  of  gentisic  acid.  It  is  ob- 
tained by  treating  the  alcoholic  extract  of  gentian,  previously  exhausted  by  water, 
with  sulphuric  ether,  filtering  the  ethereal  solution,  and  allowing  it  to  evaporate 
spontaneously.  It  is  in  needle-shaped  crystals,  pale-yellow,  insoluble  in  water, 
and  soluble  in  alcohol.  The  same  chemist  believes  that  he  has  ascertained  the 
birdlime  or  glu  of  Henry  and  Caventou  to  be  a mixture  of  wax,  oil,  and  caout- 
chouc. When  distilled  with  water,  gentian  yields  a minute  proportion  of  a con- 
crete oil,  having  a strong  odour  of  the  root.  Professor  Dulk,  of  Konigsberg 
gives  the  following  process  for  isolating  the  bitter  principle.  The  alcoholic  extract 
is  macerated  in  water,  and  the  solution,  having  been  subjected  to  the  vinous 
fermentation  in  order  to  separate  the  sugar,  is  treated  first  with  acetate  of  lead 
and  then,  after  filtration,  with  subacetate  of  lead  and  a very  little  ammonia,  in 
order  to  precipitate  the  combination  of  the  vegetable  principle  with  oxide  of  lead, 
care  being  taken  not  to  use  too  much  ammonia,  lest  by  its  stronger  basic  powers 
it  should  separate  the  vegetable  principle  from  the  oxide.  The  precipitate  thus 
obtained  is  washed  with  a little  water,  then  mixed  with  a large  proportion  of  the 
same  fluid,  and  decomposed  by  hydrosulphuric  acid.  The  liquid,  having  been 
filtered,  is  evaporated  with  a gentle  heat  to  dryness,  and  the  residue  treated  with 
alcohol  of  0'820.  The  alcoholic  solution,  being  evaporated,  yields  the  bitter 
principle,  which  is  the  proper  gentianin.  It  is  a brownish-yeliow,  uncrystalliz 
able  substance,  having  in  a high  degree  the  bitter  taste  of  the  root.  It  is  almost 
insoluble  in  absolute  alcohol,  but  soluble  in  ordinary  alcohol,  and  very  soluble 
in  water.  It  reddens  litmus,  and  appears  to  possess  acid  properties.  (Journ.  dt 
Pharm.,  xxiv.  638.)  When  gentian  is  macerated  in  cokl  water,  it  undergoes 
the  vinous  fermentation,  in  consequence  of  the  sugar  contained  in  it.  From  the 
fermented  infusion  a spirituous  liquor  is  obtained  by  distillation,  which,  thougl 
bitter  and  unpleasant  to  the  smell,  is  said  to  be  relished  by  the  Swiss  anc 
Tyrolese. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Gentian  possesses,  in  a high  degree,  the  tonic 
powers  which  characterize  the  simple  bitters.  It  excites  the  appetite,  invigorate- 
digestion,  moderately  increases  the  temperature  of  the  body  and  the  force  of  the 
circulation,  and  operates  in  fact  as  a general  corroborant  of  the  system.  In  vert 
large  doses,  however,  it  is  apt  to  load  and  oppress  the  stomach,  to  irritate  the 
bowels  and  even  to  occasion  nausea  and  vomiting.  It  has  been  known  as  a me 
dicine  from  the  highest  antiquity,  and  is  said  to  have  derived  its  name  fron 
Gentius,  a king  of  Illyria.  Many  of  the  complex  preparations  handed  dotn 
from  the  Greeks  and  Arabians  contain  it  among  their  ingredients ; and  it  enter 
into  most  of  the  stomachic  combinations  employed  in  modern  practice.  It  imr 
be  used  in  all  cases  of  pure  debility  of  the  digestive  organs,  or  requiring  a genera 
tonic  impression.  Dyspepsia,  gout,  amenorrhoea,  hysteria,  scrofula,  intermitten 
fever,  diarrhoea,  and  worms,  are  among  the  many  forms  of  disease  in  which  it  ba 
proved  useful;  but  it  is  the  condition  of  the  stomach  and  of  the  system  generally 
not  the  name  of  the  disease,  which  must  be  taken  into  consideration  in  present 
ing  it;  and  there  is  scarcely  a single  complaint  iu  which  it  can  be  advantageous! 
administered  under  all  circumstances.  Its  powder  has  been  applied  extcrnall 
to  malignant  and  sloughing  ulcers.  It  is  usually  given  in  the  form  of  infusio 


art  I.  Gentiana. — Gentiana  Catesbsei. — Geranium.  365 

■ tincture.  A syrup  may  be  prepared  by  forming  a saturated  infusion  by  means 
' percolation,  and  incorporating  this  at  a boiling  temperature  with  simple  syrup; 

, perhaps  more  eligibly,  by  dissolving  first  two  drachms  of  the  extract  of  gen- 
in,  and  afterwards  fifteen  ounces  of  sugar  in  half  a pint  of  water.  The  dose 
the  powder  is  from  ten  to  forty  grains. 

Off.  Prep.  Extractum  Gentianae ; Infusum  Gentianae  Comp. ; Tinctura  Gen- 
mas  Comp.;  TincB  Rhei  et  Gentianae;  Vinum  Gentianae.  W. 

GENTIANA  CATESBjEI.  U.S.  Secondary. 

Blue  Gentian. 

The  root  of  Gentiana  Catesbasi.  U.  S. 

Gentiana.  See  GENTIANA. 

Several  indigenous  species  of  gentian  approach  more  or  less  nearly  to  Gentiana 
tea  in  the  bitterness  and  medicinal  virtues  of  their  roots;  but  G.  Catesbsei, 
hich  resembles  it  most  closely  in  these  respects,  is  the  only  one  which  has 
tracted  the  particular  attention  of  the  medical  profession. 

Gentiana  Catesbsei.  Walter,  Flor.  Car.  109  ; Bigelow,  Am.  Med.  Bot.  ii.  137. 
he  blue  gentian  has  a perennial,  branching,  somewhat  fleshy  root,  and  a simple, 
ect,  rough  stem,  rising  eight  or  ten  inches  in  height,  and  bearing  opposite  leaves, 
hich  are  ovate-lanceolate,  acute,  and  rough  on  their  margin.  The  flowers,  which 
e of  a palish-blue  colour,  are  crowded,  nearly  sessile,  axillary,  and  terminal, 
le  divisions  of  the  calyx  are  linear-lanceolate,  and  longer  than  the  tube.  The 
rolla  is  large,  ventricose,  plaited,  and  divided  at  its  border  into  ten  segments, 
which  the  five  outer  are  more  or  less  acute,  the  five  inner  bifid  and  fringed, 
he  number  of  stamens  is  five,  and  the  two  stigmas  are  seated  on  the  germ.  The 
psule  is  oblong,  acuminate,  with  two  valves,  and  a single  cell. 

G.  Catesbsei  grows  in  the  grassy  swamps  of  North  and  South  Carolina,  where 
flowers  from  September  to  December.  It  was  named  by  Walter  and  Elliot 
honour  of  Catesby,  by  whom  it  was  delineated  more  than  ninety  years  ago. 
irsh  confounds  it  with  G.  Saponaria,  to  which  it  is  nearly  allied. 

Properties.  By  Dr.  Bigelow  we  are  told  that  the  dried  root  of  this  plant  has 
: first  a mucilaginous  and  sweetish  taste,  which  is  soon  succeeded  by  an  intense 
tterness,  approaching  nearly  to  that  of  the  officinal  gentian.  Alcohol  and 
iling  water  extract  its  virtues,  and  the  tincture  and  decoction  are  even  more 
tier  than  the  root  in  substance. 

Medical  Properties.  As  a medicine  it  is  little  inferior  to  the  European  gen- 
.n,  and  may  be  employed  for  similar  purposes.  In  the  Northern  and  Middle 
ates  it  is  not  used;  but  it  is  said  to  be  occasionally  prescribed  by  the  practi- 
raers  of  the  South  in  dyspepsia,  and  other  cases  of  stomachic  and  general  de- 
lity.  It  may  be  given  in  powder  in  the  dose  of  from  fifteen  to  thirty  grains, 
in  the  form  of  extract,  infusion,  wine,  or  tincture,  which  may  be  prepared  in 
e manner  directed  for  the  similar  preparations  of  foreign  gentian.  W. 

GERANIUM.  U.S. 

, ‘ ' • 

Oranesbill. 

The  rhizoma  of  Geranium  maculatum.  U.  S. 

Geranium.  Sex.  Syst.  Monadelphia  Decandria. — Nat.  Ord.  Geraniaceae. 

1 Gen.  Ch.  Calyx  five-leaved.  Corolla  five-petalled,  regular.  Nectary  five  mel- 
'erous  glands,  united  to  the  base  of  the  longer  filaments.  Arilli  five,  one- 
sided, awned,  at  the  base  of  a beaked  receptacle;  awns  simple,  naked,  neither 
iral  nor  bearded.  Willd. 


366 


Geranium. — Geum. 


PART  i 


Geranium  maculatum.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  iii.  705;  Bigelow,  Am.  Med.  Bot 
i.  84 ; Barton,  Med.  Bot.  i.  149.  This  plant  has  a perennial,  horizontal,  flesh} 
root,  which  is  furnished  with  short  fibres,  and  sends  up  annually  an  herbaceom 
stem,  with  several  radical  leaves.  The  stem-  is  erect,  round,  dic-hotomously 
branched,  from  one  to  two  feet  high,  of  a grayish-green  colour,  and  thickly 
covered,  in  common  with  the  petioles  and  peduncles,  with  reflexed  hairs.  The 
leaves  are  deeply  divided  into  three,  five,  or  seven  lobes,  which  are  variously 
incised  at  their  extremities,  hairy,  and  of  a pale-green  colour,  mottled  with  still 
paler  spots.  Those  which  rise  immediately  from  the  root  are  supported  on  foot- 
stalks eight  or  ten  inches  long;  those  of  the  stem  are  opposite,  the  lower  petio 
late,  the  upper  nearly  sessile,  with  lanceolate  or  linear  stipules.  The  flowers  an 
large,  and  usually  of  a purple  colour.  The  peduncles  spring  from  the  forks  ol 
the  stem,  and  severally  support  two  flowers  upon  short  pedicels.  The  calyx  it 
composed  of  five  oblong,  ribbed,  cuspidate  leaves;  the  petals  are  five,  obovate 
and  entire;  the  stamens  ten,  with  oblong,  deciduous  anthers,  the  five  alternate 
filaments  being  longer  than  the  others,  and  having  glands  at  their  base;  the  germ 
is  ovate,  supporting  a straight  style  as  long  as  the  stamens,  and  surmounted  by 
five  stigmas.  The  fruit  consists  of  five  aggregate,  one-seeded  capsules,  attached 
by  a beak  to  the  persistent  style,  curling  up  and  scattering  the  seeds  when  ripe. 

The  cranesbill  is  indigenous,  growing  throughout  the  United  States,  in  moist 
woods,  thickets  and  hedges,  and  generally  in  low  grounds.  It  flowers  from  May 
to  July.  The  root  should  be  collected  in  autumn. 

This,  when  dried,  is  in  pieces  from  one  to  three  inches  long,  from  a quarter 
to  half  an  inch  in  thickness,  somewhat  flattened,  contorted,  wrinkled,  tubercu- 
lated,  and  beset  with  slender  fibres.  It  is  externally  of  an  umber-brown  colour, 
internally  reddish-gray,  compact,  inodorous,  and  of  an  astringent  taste,  without 
bitterness  or  other  unpleasant  flavour.  Water  and  alcohol  extract  its  virtues. 
Tannin  is  an  abundant  constituent. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Geranium  is  one  of  our  most  powerful  indi- 
genous astringents,  and  may  be  employed  for  all  the  purposes  to  which  these 
medicines  are  applicable.  The  absence  of  unpleasant  taste,  and  of  other  offensive 
qualities,  renders  it  peculiarly  serviceable  in  the  cases  of  infants,  and  of  persons 
with  very  delicate  stomachs.  Diarrhoea,  chronic  dysentery,  cholera  infantum  in 
the  latter  stages,  and  the  various  hemorrhages,  are  the  forms  of  disease  in  which 
it  is  most  commonly  used,  and  with  greatest  advantage;  but  care  should  be 
taken,  before  it  is  administered,  that  the  condition  of  the  system  and  of  the  pari 
affected  is  such  as  not  to  contra-indicate  the  use  of  astringents.  As  an  appli- 
cation to  indolent  ulcers,  an  injection  in  gleet  and  leueorrhoea,  a gargle  in  re- 
laxation of  the  uvula  and  aphthous  ulcerations  of  the  throat,  it  answers  the  same 
purpose  as  kino,  catechu,  and  other  medicines  of  the  same  class.  It  is  a popular 
domestic  remedy  in  various  parts  of  the  United  States,  and  is  said  to  be  employed 
by  the  Indians.  It  may  be  given  in  substance,  decoction,  tincture,  or  extract. 
The  dose  of  the  powder  is  twenty  or  thirty  grains,  that  of  a decoction,  made  by 
boiling  an  ounce  of  the  root  in  a pint  and  a half  of  water  to  a pint,  from  one  to  twe 
fluidounces.  The  medicine  is  sometimes  given  to  children  boiled  in  milk.  W. 

GEUM.  U.  S.  Secondary. 

Water  Avens. 

The  root  of  Geum  rivale.  U.  S. 

Benoite  aquatique,  Fr.;  Wiesen  Benediktenwurzel,  Germ. 

Geum.  Sex.Syst.  Ieosandria  Polygynia. — Mat.  Ord.  Kosacea?. 

Gen.  Ch.  Calyx  ten-cleft.  Petals  five.  Seeds  with  a bent  awn.  Willd. 

Several  species  belonging  to  this  genus  have  been  medicinally  employed;  bu; 


ART  I. 


Geum. 


367 


vo  only  are  deserving  of  particular  notice — Geum  rivale,  which  has  a place  in 
ie  secondary  list  of  the  United  States  Pharmacopoeia,  and  G.  urbanum,  formerly 
ecognised  by  the  Dublin  College. 

Geum  urbanum,  or  avens,  is  a native  of  Europe,  where  it  grows  wild  in  woods, 
id  other  shady  places.  The  root,  which  is  the  part  used,  consists  of  a short 
dong  body  or  caudex,  from  a quarter  to  half  an  inch  in  thickness,  externally 
•own,  internally  white  towards  the  circumference  and  reddish  at  the  centre, 
id  furnished  with  numerous  long  descending  fibres.  When  quite  dry  it  is 
jarly  inodorous;  but  in  the  recent  state  has  a smell  like  that  of  cloves,  whence 
is  sometimes  called  radix  caryophyllatae.  The  taste  is  bitterish  and  astrin- 
mt.  It  imparts  its  medical  virtues  to  water  and  alcohol,  which  it  tinges  red. 
istilled  with  water  it  yields  a thick,  greenish-yellow  volatile  oil,  and  gives  a 
easant  flavour  to  the  liquid.  It  contains,  according  to  Trommsdorff,  besides 
nnic  acid,  which  is  an  abundant  constituent,  a tasteless  resin,  gum,  bassorin, 
id  lignin.  It  has  been  much  used  on  the  continent  of  Europe  as  a tonic  and 
tringent,  in  chronic  and  passive  hemorrhages,  chronic  dysentery  and  diarrhoea, 
ucorrhoea,  abdominal  congestion,  intermittent  fever,  &c.  The  dose  is  from 
irty  grains  to  a drachm  of  the  powdered  root  three  or  four  times  a day,  or  an 
[uivalent  quantity  in  decoction. 

Geum  rivale.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  ii.  1115;  Engl.  Pot.  106.  I Voter  avens  has 
perennial,  horizontal,  jointed,  scaly,  tapering  root,  about  six  inches  long,  of  a 
ddish-brown  colour  externally,  white  internally,  and  furnished  with  numerous 
■sscending  yellowish  fibres.  One  or  more  stems  rise  from  the  same  root,  which 
iso  sends  up  numerous  leaves.  The  stems  are  about  a foot  and  a half  high, 
ruple,  erect,  pubescent,  and  of  a purplish  colour.  The  radical  leaves  are  in- 
rruptedly  pinnate,  with  large  terminal  leaflets,  and  long,  hairy  footstalks;  those 
the  stem  are  petiolate,  and  divided  into  three  serrate,  pointed  segments.  The 
>wers  are  few,  solitary,  nodding,  yellowish-purple,  and  supported  on  axillary 
d terminal  peduncles.  The  colour  of  the  stems  and  flowers  gave  rise  to  the 
line  oi  purple  avens,  sometimes  applied  to  the  plant.  The  calyx  is  inferior,  with 
n lanceolate  pointed  segments,  of  which  the  five  alternate  are  smaller  than  the 
hers.  The  petals  are  five,  and  of  the  same  length  as  the  calyx.  The  seeds 
;e  oval,  with  plumose  awns,  minutely  uncinate,  and  nearly  naked  at  the  summit. 
This  species  of  Geum  is  common  to  Europe  and  the  United  States;  though 
e plant  of  this  country  has  smaller  flowers,  with  petals  more  rounded  on  the 
p,  and  leaves  more  deeply  incised  than  the  European.  It  delights  in  wet  boggy 
:eadows,  and  extends  from  Canada  into  New  England,  New  York,  and  Pennsyl- 
nia.  Its  flowers  appear  in  June  and  July.  The  dried  root  is  hard,  brittle, 
■sily  pulverized,  of  a reddish  or  purplish  colour,  without  smell,  and  of  an 
.tringent,  bitterish  taste.  Boiling  water  extracts  its  virtues. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Water  avens  is  tonic  and  powerfully  astringent. 

. may  be  used  with  advantage  in  chronic  or  passive  hemorrhages,  leueorrhoea, 
id  diarrhoea;  and  is  said  to  be  beneficially  employed,  in  the  Eastern  States,  as 
popular  remedy  in  the  debility  of  phthisis  pulmonalis,  in  simple  dyspepsia, 
id  in  visceral  diseases  consequent  on  disorder  of  the  stomach.  In  Europe  it  is 
f netimes  substituted  for  the  root  of  the  common  avens,  or  Geum  urbanum,  but 
i less  esteemed.  The  dose  of  the  powdered  root  is  from  a scruple  to  a drachm, 
i be  repeated  three  times  a day.  The  decoction,  which  is  usually  preferred, 
ny  be  made  by  boiling  an  ounce  of  the  root  in  a pint  of  water,  and  given  in 
1;  quantity  of  one  or  two  fkiidounces.  A weak  decoction  is  sometimes  used  by 
ifialids  in  New  England  as  a substitute  for  tea  and  coffee.  W. 


868 


Gillenia. 


PART  i. 


GILLENIA.  U.S. 

Gillenia. 

The  root  of  Gillenia  trifoliata  and  Gillenia  stipulacea.  U.  S. 

Indian  physic,  American  ipecacuanha. 

Gillenia.  Sex.  Syst.  Icosandria  Pentagynia. — Nat.  Ord.  Rosaceae. 

Gen.  Ch.  Calyx  tubular  campanulate,  border  five-toothed.  Corolla  partly 
unequal.  Petals  five,  lanceolate,  attenuated  at  the  base.  Stamens  few,  included. 
Styles  five.  Capsules  five,  connate  at  the  base,  opening  on  the  inner  side,  each 
two-seeded.  Torrey. 

This  genus  was  separated  by  Moench  from  Spiraea.  It  is  exclusively  North 
American,  and  includes  only  two  discovered  species — G.  trifoliata  and  G.  stipu- 
lacea— both  of  which  are  recognised  in  our  Pharmacopoeia. 

1 Gillenia  trifoliata.  Bigelow,  Am.  Med.  Bot.  iii.  10;  Barton,  Med.  Bot.  \ 
65;  Carson,  lllust.  of  Med.  Bot.  i.  40,  pi.  34.  This  is  an  herbaceous  plant  with 
a perennial  root,  consisting  of  numerous  long,  slender,  brown  branches,  proceeding 
from  a thick,  tuber-like  head.  The  stems,  several  of  which  usually  rise  from  the 
same  root,  are  two  or  three  feet  high,  erect,  slender,  smooth,  flexuose,  branched, 
and  commonly  of  a reddish  colour.  The  leaves  are  ternate,  with  very  shori 
petioles,  and  small  linear-lanceolate  stipules.  The  leaflets  are  ovate-lanceolate, 
sharply  serrate,  and  acuminate.  The  flowers  grow  in  a loose  terminal  nodding 
panicle,  with  long  peduncles.  The  calyx  is  tubular  campanulate,  ventricose,  and 
terminates  in  five  pointed  segments.  The  corolla  is  composed  of  five  linear 
lanceolate,  recurved  petals,  the  two  upper  separated  from  the  three  lower,  white 
with  a reddish  tinge  on  their  border,  and  of  three  times  the  length  of  the  calyx 
The  stamens  are  twenty,  the  filaments  short,  the  anthers  small  and  yellow.  Eacl 
flower  is  succeeded  by  five  capsules,  connate  at  their  base,  oblong,  acuminate 
gibbous  without,  acute  within,  two-valved,  one-eelled,  opening  inward,  and  con 
taining  each  one  or  two  oblong  seeds. 

This  species  of  Gillenia  grows  throughout  the  United  States,  east  of  the  Alle 
ghany  ridge,  and  in  Pennsylvania  may  also  be  found  abundantly  west  of  thes« 
mountains.  Pursli  found  it  in  Florida,  and  it  extends  as  far  north  as  Canada 
It  frequents  light  soils,  in  shady  and  moist  situations,  and  flowers  in  June  am 
July.  The  root  should  be  gathered  in  September. 

2.  G.  stipulacea.  Barton,  Med.  Bot.  i.  71.  This  species  is  also  herbaceous  am 
perennial,  though  much  taller,  and  more  bushy  than  the  preceding.  The  stem 
are  brownish  and  branched.  The  upper  leaves  are  ternate,  lanceolate,  serrate 
the  lower  more  deeply  incised,  becoming  towards  the  root  piunatifid,  and  of  ; 
reddish-brown  colour  at  the  margin.  The  stipules  are  ovate,  acuminate,  deepl; 
serrate,  resembling  leaves,  and  marking  the  species  at  the  first  glance.  Th 
flowers  are  smaller  than  those  of  G.  trifoliata,  and  grow  on  long  slender  peduncle 
in  a lax  corymb. 

In  the  valley  of  the  Mississippi,  this  plant  occupies  the  place  of  G.  trifoliata 
which  is  not  found  beyond  the  Muskingum.  It  grows  as  far  north  as  the  Stat 
of  New  York,  extends  through  Ohio,  Indiana,  Illinois,  and  Missouri,  and  pr< 
bably  into  the  States  south  of  the  Ohio,  as  it  has  been  found  in  Western  I it 
ginia.  Its  root  is  precisely  similar  to  that  of  the  eastern  species,  and  is  repute 
to  possess  the  same  properties. 

The  dried  root  of  Gillenia  is  not  thicker  than  a quill,  wrinkled  longitudinally 
with  occasional  transverse  fissures,  and  in  the  thicker  pieces  presenting  in  soin 
places  an  irregular  undulated  somewhat  knotty  appearance,  arising  from  indci 
tations  on  one  side  corresponding  with  prominences  on  the  other.  It  is  external! 


ART  I. 


Grillenia. — Glycyrrhiza. 


369 


f a light-brown  colour,  and  consists  of  a thick,  somewhat  reddish,  brittle,  cortical 
ortion,  with  an  interior  slender,  tougher,  whitish  ligneous  cord.  The  bark,  which 
easily  separable,  has  a bitter,  not  disagreeable  taste;  the  wood  is  nearly  insipid 
id  comparatively  inert,  and  should  be  rejected.  The  powder  is  of  a light 
•ownish  colour,  and  possesses  a feeble  odour,  which  is  scarcely  perceptible  in 
le  root.  The  bitterness  is  extracted  by  boiling  water,  which  acquires  the  red 
dour  of  wine. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Grillenia  is  a mild  and  efficient  emetic,  and,  like 
■ost  other  substances  belonging  to  the  same  class,  occasionally  acts  upon  the 
>wels.  In  very  small  doses  it  has  been  thought  to  exert  a tonic  influence.  It 
much  used  by  some  practitioners  in  the  country  as  a substitute  for  ipecacuanha, 
bich  it  is  said  to  resemble  in  its  mode  of  operation.  It  was  employed  by  the 
dians,  and  became  known  as  an  emetic  to  the  colonists  at  an  early  period. 

' nnasus  was  aware  of  its  reputed  virtues.  The  dose  of  the  powdered  root  is 
:im  twenty  to  thirty  grains,  repeated  at  intervals  of  twenty  minutes  till  it 
’ mits.  W. 

GLYCYRRHIZA-.  U.  S.,  Loncl,  Dab. 

Liquorice  Root. 

The  root  of  Glycyrrhiza  glabra.  U.  S.,  Dub.  Recent  and  dried  root.  Lond. 
Off.  Syn.  GLY C YRRHIZiE  RADIX.  Root  of  Glycyrrhiza  glabra.  Ed. 

Bois  de  reglisse,  Fr.;  Susskolzwurzel,  Germ.;  Liquirizia,  ltal.;  Regaliza,  Span. 
Glycyrrhiza.  Sex.  Syst.  Diadelphia  Decandria. — Mat.  Ord.  Leguminoste  or 
Ibacese. 

Gen.  Ch.  Calyx  bilabiate;  upper  lip  three-cleft,  lower  undivided,  j Legume 
cute,  compressed.  Willd. 

Glycyrrhiza  glabra.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  iii.  1144;  Woodv.  Med.  Dot.  p.  420, 
t .52;  Carson,  1/lust,  of  Med.  Dot.  i.  38,  pi.  32.  The  liquorice  plant  has  a pe- 
r nial  root,  which  is  round,  succulent,  tough  and  pliable,  furnished  with  sparse 
fi  es,  rapid  in  its  growth,  and  in  a sandy  soil  penetrates  deeply  into  the  ground. 
1 3 stems  are  herbaceous,  erect,  and  usually  four  or  five  feet  in  height;  have 
fc  branches;  and  are  garnished  with  alternate,  pinnate  leaves,  consisting  of 
sijeral  pairs  of  ovate,  blunt,  petiolate  leaflets,  with  a single  leaflet  at  the  end, 
o i pale-green  colour,  and  clammy  on  their  under  surface.  The  flowers  are 
v 'et  or  purple,  formed  like  those  of  the  pea,  and  arranged  in  axillary  spikes 
si  ported  on  long  peduncles.  The  calyx  is  tubular  and  persistent.  The  fruit 
is:  compressed,  smooth,  acute,  one-celled  legume,  containing  from  one  to  four 
si  .11  kidney-shaped  seeds. 

’his  plant  is  a native  of  the  South  of  Europe,  Barbary,  Syria,  and  Persia; 
ai  is  cultivated  in  England,  the  North  of  France,  and  Germany.  Much  of  the 
rc . imported  into  this  country  comes  from  the  ports  of  Messina  and  Palermo  in 
S ly.  It  is  also  largely  produced  in  the  northern  provinces  of  Spain,  where  it 
foias  an  important  article  of  commerce.  It  is  not  improbable  that  a portion  of 
tf  liquorice  root  from  Italy  and  Sicily  is  the  product  of  G.  echinata,  which 
gi;vs  wild  in  Apulia.  This  species  is  also  abundant  in  the  South  of  Russia, 
w re,  according  to  Hayne,  sufficient  extract  is  prepared  from  it  to  supply  the 
w le  Russian  empire. 

. species  of  Glycyrrhiza,  G.  lepidota,  grows  abundantly  about  St.  Louis,  in 
th’Stateof  Missouri,  and  flourishes  along  the  banks  of  the  Missouri  river  to  its 
so  ee  in  the  mountains.  It  is  probably  the  same  with  the  liquorice  plant  men- 
tidsd  by  Mackenzie  as  growing  on  the  northern  coast  of  this  continent.  Mr. 
24' 


PART  I 


37  0 Grlycyrrhiza. 

Nuttall  states  that  its  root  possesses  in  no  inconsiderable  degree  the  taste  o 
liquorice. 

Properties.  The  liquorice  root  of  the  shops  is  in  long  pieces,  varying  in  thick 
ness  from  a few  lines  to  more  than  an  inch,  fibrous,  externally  grayish-browi 
and  wrinkled  by  desiccation,  internally  yellowish,  without  smell,  and  of  a swee 
mucilaginous  taste,  mingled  with  a slight  degree  of  acrimony.  It  is  often  worm 
eaten  and  more  or  less  decayed.  The  best  pieces  are  those  which  have  the  bright 
est  yellow  colour  internally,  and  of  which  the  layers  are  distinct.  The  powde 
is  of  a grayish-yellow  colour,  when  the  root  is  pulverized  without  being  deprive* 
of  its  epidermis,  of  a pale  sulphur-yellow,  when  the  epidermis  has  been  removed 
Robiquet  found  the  following  ingredients  in  liquorice  root:  1.  a peculiar  trans 
parent  yellow  substance,  called  glyeyrrhizin  or  glycion , of  a sweet  saccharin 
taste,  scarcely  soluble  in  cold  water,  very  soluble  in  boiling  water  with  which  i 
gelatinizes  on  cooling,  thrown  down  from  its  aqueous  solution  by  acids,  readil 
soluble  in  cold  alcohol,  insusceptible  of  the  vinous  fermentation,  yielding  n 
oxalic  acid  by  the  action  of  the  nitric,  and  therefore  wholly  distinct  from  sugar 
2.  a crystallizable  principle,  named  agedolte  by  Robiquet,  but  subsequently  prove' 
to  be  identical  with  a spar  agin  • 3.  starch;  4.  albumen;  5.  a brown  acrid  resin 
6.  a brown  azotized  extractive  matter;  7.  lignin;  8.  salts  of  lime  and  magnesi; 
with  phosphoric,  sulphuric,  and  malic  acids.  Robiquet  prepared  glyeyrrhizin  h 
subjecting  a strong  cold  infusion  of  the  root  to  ebullition,  in  order  to  separat 
the  albumen;  then  filtering,  precipitating  with  acetic  acid,  and  washing  the  pr< 
cipitate  with  cold  water  to  remove  any  adhering  acid.  It  may  be  still  furthe 
purified  by  solution  in  absolute  alcohol,  and  evaporation  at  a very  gentle  hea 
According  to  Dr.  T.  Lade,  glyeyrrhizin,  as  it  exists  in  the  root,  is  rendere 
soluble  in  water  by  combination  with  inorganic  bases,  such  as  lime  and  ammoni; 
from  which  it  is  separated  by  the  addition  of  an  acid.  From  the  observatior 
of  Dr.  Lade,  it  is  to  be  inferred  that  this  principle  has  no  affinity  for  the  acid 
but  combines  with  salifiable  bases,  forming  salts  of  various  degrees  of  solubilii; 
Its  sweetness  is  retained  in  the  compounds  which  it  forms  with  the  alkalies, 
consists  of  carbon,  hydrogen,  and  oxygen.  ( Chem.  Gazette , No.  100,  from  Lithij 
Annalen,  Aug.  1846.) 

An  extract  of  liquorice  root  is  brought  from  Spain  and  Italy,  and  much  ust 
under  the  name  of  liquorice.  (See  Petr  actum  Glycyrrhizae.) 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Liquorice  root  is  an  excellent  demulcent,  wt 
adapted  to  catarrhal  affections,  and  to  irritations  of  the  mucous  membrane  of  tJ 
bowels  and  urinary  passages.  It  is  best  given  in  the  form  of  decoction,  eith 
alone,  or  combined  with  other  demulcents.  It  is  frequently  employed  as  an  a 
dition  to  the  decoctions  of  acrid  or  irritating  vegetable  substances,  such,  for  e 
ample,  as  seneka  and  mezereon,  the  acrimonyT  of  which  it  covers  and  concea 
while  it  renders  them  more  acceptable  to  the  stomach.  Before  being  used, 
should  be  deprived  of  its  cortical  part,  which  is  somewhat  acrid,  without  posse 
ing  the  peculiar  virtues  of  the  root.  The  decoction  may  be  prepared  by  boili 
an  ounce  of  the  bruised  root,  for  a few  minutes,  in  a pint  of  water.  By  lo 
boiling,  the  acrid  resinous  principle  is  extracted.  Perhaps,  however,  to  t 
principle  may  in  part  be  ascribed  the  therapeutical  virtues  of  liquorice  root 
chronic  bronchial  diseases.  The  powder  is  used  in  the  preparation  of  pills,  eitl 
to  give  them  due  consistence,  or  to  cover  their  surface  and  prevent  them  ff 
adhering  together. 

Off.  Prep.  Confectio  Piperis  Nigri;  Confectio  Sennae;  Confectio  Terebinthiu: 
Decoctum  Guaiaci ; Decoctum  Hordei  Compositum  ; Decoctum  Lini  Comp. ; - 
coctum  Mezerei;  Decoctum  Sarsaparillse  Comp.  ; Electuarium  Piperis;  Exti- 
tum  Glycyrrhizae;  Extractum  Sarsaparillte  Fluidum ; Infusum  Lini  Composite 
Pilulae  Ferri  Sulphatis;  Pil.  Hydrargyri;  Pil.  Saponis  Comp.:  Syrupus  Sai  - 
parillae  Comp.;  Tinctura  Rhei  Comp.  I' 


PART  I. 


Gossypium. 


371 


GOSSYPIUM.  U.  S.,  Ed. 

Cotton. 

i A filamentous  substance  separated  from  the  seeds  of  Gossypium  lierbaceum, 
.nd  other  species  of  Gossypium.  U S.,  Ed. 
i Coton  Fr.;  Baumwolle,  Germ.;  Cotone,  Ital.;  Algodon,  Span. 

Gossypium.  Sex.  Syst.  Monadelphia  Polyandria.  — Nat.  Ord.  Malvaceae. 
Gtn.  Ch.  Calyx  cup-shaped,  obtusely  five-toothed,  surrounded  by  a three- 
larted  involucel,  with  dentate-incised,  cordate  leaflets,  cohering  at  the  base. 
Stiymas  three  to  five.  Capsule  three  to  five-celled,  many-seeded.  Seeds  sur- 
ounded  by  a tomentose  wool.  De  Cand. 

In  consequence  of  changes  produced  in  the  plants  of  this  genus  by  cultivation, 
otanists  have  found  great  difficulty  in  determining  which  are  distinct  species, 
nd  which  merely  varieties.  De  Candolle  describes  thirteen  species  in  his  Pro- 
romus,  and  mentions  six  others;  but  considers  them  all  uncertain.  Royle  de- 
oribes  eight  and  admits  others.  Swartz  thinks  they  may  all  be  referred  to  one 
riginal  species.  The  plants  inhabit  different  parts  of  tropical  Asia  and  Africa, 
□d  many  of  them  are  cultivated  for  their  cotton  in  climates  adapted  to  their 
rowth.  The  species  from  which  most  of  the  cotton  of  commerce  is  thought  to 
e obtained,  is  the  one  indicated  by  the  U.  S.  and  Edinburgh  Pharmacopoeias. 
Gossypium  lierbaceum.  Linn.  Sp.  975;  De  Cand.  Prodrom.  i.  456.  This  is 
biennial  or  triennial  plant,  with  a branching  stem  from  two  to  six  feet  high, 
fid  palmate  hoary  leaves,  the  lobes  of  which  are  somewhat  lanceolate  and  acute. 
Ihe  flowers  are  pretty,  with  yellow  petals,  having  a purple  spot  near  the  claw, 
he  leaves  of  the  involucel  or  outer  calyx  are  serrate.  The  capsule  opens  when 
pe,  and  displays  a loose  white  tuft  of  long  slender  filaments,  which  surround 
e seeds,  and  adhere  firmly  to  the  outer  coating.  The  plant  is  a native  of  Asia, 
it  is  cultivated  in  most  tropical  countries.  It  requires  a certain  duration  of 
arm  weather  to  perfect  its  seeds,  and  in  the  United  States  cannot  be  cultivated 
ivantageously  north  of  Virginia. 

The  herbaceous  part  of  the  plant  contains  much  mucilage,  and  has  been  used 
a demulcent.  The  seeds  yield  by  expression  a fixed  oil  of  the  drying  kind, 
lich  has  been  occasionally  employed.  The  root  has  been  supposed  to  possess 
edical  virtues.  But  the  only  officinal  portion,  and  that  for  which  the  plant  is 
Ttivated,  is  the  filamentous  substance  surrounding  the  seeds.  This  when  sepa- 
:jted  constitutes  the  cotton  of  commerce. 

Cotton  consists  of  filaments,  which,  under  the  microscope,  appear  to  be  flat- 
bed tubes,  with  occasional  joints  indicated  by  transverse  lines.  It  is  without 
i|iell  or  taste,  insoluble  in  water,  alcohol,  ether,  the  oils,  and  vegetable  acids, 
f uble  in  strong  alkaline  solutions,  and  decomposed  by  the  concentrated  mineral 
ids.  In  chemical  character,  it  bears  a close  analogy  to  lignin.  By  nitric  acid 
i is  converted  into  that  remarkable  explosive  substance  denominated  gun-cotton, 
fj  an  account  of  which,  as  well  as  of  a valuable  adhesive  preparation  made  by 
C solving  it  in  ether,  the  reader  is  referred  to  the  article  Collodium  in  the 
Sond  part  of  this  work.  For  medical  use  it  should  be  carded  into  thin  sheets; 
c'the  wadding  of  the  milliners  may  be  employed,  consisting  of  sheets  somewhat 
s fened  and  glazed  on  the  surface  by  starch.  In  the  latter  case,  the  sheets 
sj'uld  be  split  open  when  applied. 

Medical  Properties,  &c.  Cotton  has  been  used  from  time  immemorial  for  the 
f rication  of  cloth ; but  it  is  only  recently  that  it  has  entered  the  catalogue  of 
n licines.  It  is  chiefly  employed  in  the  treatment  of  recent  burns  and  scalds ; 
a application  of  it  adopted  from  popular  practice.  It  is  said  to  relieve  the  pain, 


372 


PART  I. 


Grossypium. — Grranati  Fructus  Cortex. 

diminish  the  inflammation,  prevent  vesication,  and  very  much  to  hasten  the  cure. 
Whatever  advantages  result  from  it  are  probably  ascribable  to  the  absorption  of 
effused  liquids,  and  the  protection  of  the  part  affected  from  the  air.  It  is  ap- 
plied in  thin  and  successive  layers ; and  benefit  is  said  to  result  from  the  appli- 
cation of  a bandage  when  the  skin  is  not  too  much  inflamed.  We  have,  however, 
seen  cotton  do  much  harm  in  burns,  by  becoming  consolidated  over  a vesicated 
surface,  and  acting  as  a mechanical  irritant.  Such  a result  may  be  prevented 
by  first  dressing  the  burn  with  a piece  of  fine  linen  spread  with  simple  ointment. 
It  is  also  recommended  in  erysipelas,  and  as  a dressing  for  blisters;  and  we  have 
found  it  useful,  applied  in  a large  batch  over  parts  affected  with  rheumatism 
especially  in  lumbago. 

The  root  of  the  cotton  plant  has  been  employed  by  Dr.  Bounhelle,  of  Mis- 
sissippi, who  believes  it  to  be  an  excellent  emmenagogue,  and  not  inferior  tc 
ergot  in  promoting  uterine  contraction.  He  states  that  it  is  habitually  anc 
effectually  resorted  to  by  the  slaves  of  the  South  for  producing  abortion;  anc 
thinks  that  it  acts  in  this  way,  without  injury  to  the  general  health.  To  assisi 
labour,  he  employs  a decoction  made  by  boiling  four  ounces  of  the  inner  bar! 
of  the  root  in  a quart  of  w'ater  to  a pint,  and  gives  a wineglassful  every  twentj 
or  thirty  minutes.  ( Went.  Journ.  of  Med.  and  Surg.,  Aug.  1840.) 

Cotton  seeds  have  been  employed  in  our  Southern  States  with  great  assertec 
success  in  the  treatment  of  iutermittents.  In  a communication  from  Prof.  H 
11.  Frost  to  the  Charleston  Medical  Journal  for  May,  1850,  it  is  stated,  on  tht 
authority  of  Dr.  W.  K.  Davis,  of  Monticello,  that  this  application  of  the  c-ottor 
seed  originated  with  a planter  in  Newberry  District,  S.  Carolina,  who  had  oftei 
used  the  retaedy  in  intermittents,  and  never  failed  to  effect  a cure.  A pint  of  th> 
seeds  is  boiled  in  a quart  of  water  to  a pint,  and  a teacupful  of  the  decoction  i 
given  to  the  patient  in  bed,  an  hour  or  two  before  the  expected  return  of  the  chill 

Off.  Prep.  Collodium.  W. 

GRANATI  FRUCTUS  CORTEX.  U.  S. 

Pomegranate  Rincl. 

The  rind  of  the  fruit  of  Punica  Granatum.  U.  S. 

Off.  Syn.  GRANATUM.  Punica  Granatum.  Rind  of  the  fruit.  Land. 

GRANATI  RADICIS  CORTEX.  U.  S. 

Bark  of  Pomegranate  Root. 

The  bark  of  the  root  of  Punica  Granatum.  U.  S. 

Off.  Syn.  GRANATI  RADIX.  Punica  Granatum.  The  bark  of  the  roo 
Bond.,  Ed. ; PUNICA  GRANATU31.  The  bark  of  the  root.  Dub. 

Ecorce  de  granade,  Fr.;  Granatapfel-Echalin,  Germ.;  Malicorio,  Scorza  del  melograns' 
Ital.;  Corteza  de  granada,  Span. 

Punica.  Sex.  Sysf.  Icosandria  Monogynia. — rJYaf.  Ord.  Myrtacem. 

Gen.  Ch.  Calyx  five-cleft,  superior.  Petals  five.  Pome  m any-celled,  man 
seeded.  Willd. 

Punica  Granatum.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  ii.  981 ; Woodv.  Med.  Bot.  p.  531. 
190;  Carson,  lllust.  of  Med.  Bot.  i.  45,  pi.  38.  The  pomegrauate  is  a small  shrub! 
tree,  attaining  in  favourable  situations  the  height  of  twenty  feet,  with  a ve: 
unequal  trunk,  and  numerous  branches,  which  sometimes  bear  thorns.  The  leav 
are  opposite,  entire,  oblong  or  lance-shaped,  pointed  at  each  end,  smooth,  shiniu 
of  a bright  green  colour,  and  placed  on  short  footstalks.  The  flowers  are  lam 


>art  I.  Granati  Fructus  Cortex. — Granati  Fad  ids  Cortex. 


373 


f a rich  scarlet  colour,  and  stand  at  the  end  of  the  young  branches.  The  petals 
re  roundish  and  wrinkled,  and  are  inserted  into  the  upper  part  of  the  tube  of 
he  calyx,  which  is  red,  thick,  and  fleshy.  The  fruit  is  a globular  berry,  about 
he  size  of  an  orange,  crowned  with  the  calyx,  covered  with  a reddish-yellow, 
nick,  coriaceous  rind,  and  divided  internally  into  many  cells,  which  contain  an 
bidulous  pulp,  and  numerous  oblong,  angular  seeds. 

This  tree  grows  wild  upon  both  shores  of  the  Mediterranean,  in  Arabia,  Persia, 
lengal,  China,  and  Japan,  has  been  introduced  into  the  East  and  West  Indies, 
ad  is  cultivated  in  all  civilized  countries,  where  the  climate  is  sufliciently  warm 
) allow  the  fruit  to  ripen.  In  higher  latitudes,  where  it  does  not  bear  fruit,  it 
raised  in  gardens  and  hot-houses  for  the  beauty  of  its  flowers,  which  become 
ouble,  and  acquire  increased  splendour  of  colouring  by  cultivation.  Doubts 
ave  been  entertained  as  to  its  original  country.  The  name  of  “ Punicum  ma- 
im,” applied  by  the  ancients  to  its  fruit,  implies  that  it  was  abundant  at  an 
irly  age  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Carthage.  The  fruit  of  the  pomegranate,  for 
hich  the  plant  is  cultivated  in  tropical  climates,  varies  much  in  size  and  flavour, 
is  said  to  attain  greater  perfection,  in  both  these  respects,  in  the  West  Indies 
an  in  its  native  country.  The  pulp  is  red,  succulent,  pleasantly  acid,  and 
reetish,  and  is  used  for  the  same  purpose  as  the  orange.  The  rind  of  the  fruit, 
id  the  bark  of  the  root  are  the  parts  indicated  in  the  United  States  Pharmaco- 
eia.  The  flowers  also  are  recognised  by  the  Dublin  College,  and  the  seeds 
e officinal  in  France. 

Rind  of  the  Fruit.  This  is  presented  in  commerce  under  the  form  of  irregular 
igments,  hard,  dry,  brittle,  of  a yellowish  or  reddish-brown  colour  externally, 
ler  within,  without  smell,  and  of  an  astringent  slightly  bitter  taste.  It  con- 
ms  a large  proportion  of  tannin,  and  in  countries  where  the  tree  abounds  has 
ien  employed  for  tanning  leather. 

Flowers.  The  flowers,  sometimes  called  halciustines,  are  inodorous,  have  a bit- 
ij'ish  astringent  taste,  and  impart  a violet-red  colour  to  the  saliva.  They  contain 
tmic  and  gallic  acids,  and  were  used  by  the  ancients  in  dyeing. 

Bark  of  the  Root.  The  roots  of  the  pomegranate  are  hard,  heavy,  knotty, 
Ineous,  and  covered  with  a bark  which  is  yellowish-gray  or  ash-gray  on  the 
cfcer  surface,  and  yellow  on  the  inner.  As  found  in  the  shops,  the  bark  is  in 
(ills  or  fragments,  breaks  with  a short  fracture,  has  little  or  no  smell,  colours 
t ‘.  saliva  yellow  when  chewed,  and  leaves  in  the  mouth  an  astringent  taste 
vhout  disagreeable  bitterness.  It  contains,  according  to  M.  Latour  de  Trie, 
fjty  matter,  tannin,  gallic  acid,  a saccharine  substance  having  the  properties  of 
wj mite,  resin,  wax,  and  c-hlorophylle,  besides  insoluble  matters.  The  name  of 
f ucin  has  been  given  by  Giovanni  Righini  to  a peculiar  principle  which  he 
e racted  from  the  bark.  It  has  the  aspect  of  an  oleo-resin,  affects  the  nostrils 
s ]ewhat  like  medicinal  veratria,  and  is  of  an  acrid  taste.  It  may  be  obtained 
b rubbing  a hydro-alcoholic  extract  of  the  bark  with  one-eighth  of  hydrate  of 
passa,  heating  the  mixture  with  eight  parts  of  pure  water  gradually  added,  and 
tm  dropping  in  dilute  sulphuric  acid  to  saturate  the  potassa.  The  punicin 
si  sides,  and  may  be  separated  by  filtration.  ( Journ . de  Pharrn.,  3e  sir.,  v.  298.) 
I;  infusion  of  the  bark  yields  a deep  blue  precipitate  with  the  salts  of  iron,  and 
a:rilowish-white  precipitate  with  a solution  of  gelatin.  The  inner  surface  of 
tl  bark,  steeped  in  water  and  then  rubbed  on  paper,  produces  a yellow  stain, 
w ch  by  the  contact  of  sulphate  of  iron,  is  rendered  blue,  and  by  that  of  nitric 
a<ji  acquires  a slight  rose  tint,  which  soon  vanishes.  (Ibid.,  xvii.  438.]  These 
pnerties  serve  to  distinguish  this  bark  from  those  of  the  box  root  and  barberry, 
w i which  it  is  said  to  be  sometimes  adulterated.  When  used  it  should  be 
seirated  from  the  ligneous  portion  of  the  root,  as  the  latter  is  inert. 
ledical  Properties  and  Uses.  The  rind  of  the  fruit  is  astringent,  and  in  the 


374  Granati  Radicis  Cortex. — Guaiaci  Lignum.  part  i. 

form  of  decoction  is  sometimes  employed  in  diarrhoea  and  colliquative  sweats, 
and,  more  frequently,  as  an  injection  in  leucorrhoea,  and  as  a gargle  in  sorethroat 
in  the  earliest  stages,  or  after  the  inflammatory  action  has  in  some  measure  sub- 
sided. The  powdered  rind  has  also  been  recommended  in  intermittent  fever. 
The  flowers  have  the  same  medical  properties,  and  are  used  for  the  same  pur- 
poses as  the  rind.  The  bark  of  the  root  was  used  by  the  ancients  as  a vermi- 
fuge, and  is  recommended  in  the  writings  of  Avicenna;  but  was  unknown  in 
modern  practice  till  brought  into  notice  by  Dr.  F.  Buchanan,  who  learned  its 
powers  in  India.  The  Mahometan  physicians  of  Hindostan  consider  it  a specific 
against  tapeworm.  One  of  these  practitioners,  having  relieved  an  English  gen- 
tleman in  1804,  was  induced  to  disclose  his  secret,  w'hich  was  then  made  public. 
Numerous  cures  were  subsequently  effected  in  Europe  ; and  there  can  be  no  doubt 
of  the  occasional  efficacy  of  the  remedy.  The  French  writers  prefer  the  product 
of  the  wild  pomegranate,  growing  on  the  borders  of  the  Mediterranean,  to  that 
of  the  plant  cultivated  in  gardens  for  ornamental  purposes.  The  bark  may  be 
administered  in  powder  or  decoction  ; but  the  latter  form  is  usually  preferred. 
The  decoction  is  prepared  by  macerating  two  ounces  of  the  bruised  bark  in  two 
pints  of  water  for  twenty-four  hours,  ami  then  boiling  to  a pint.  Of  this  a wme- 
glassful  may  be  given  every  half  hour,  hour,  or  two  hours,  until  the  whole  is 
taken.  It  often  occasions  nausea  and  vomiting,  and  usually  purges.  Portions 
of  the  worm  often  come  away  a short  time  after  the  last  dose.  It  is  recommended 
to  give  a dose  of  castor  oil,  and  to  diet  the  patient  strictly  on  the  day  preceding 
the  administration  of  the  remedy ; and,  if  it  should  not  operate  on  the  bowels, 
to  follow  it  by  an  enema,  or  a dose  of  castor  oil.  If  it  should  not  succeed  on  the 
first  trial,  it  should  be  repeated  every  day  for  three  or  four  days,  until  the  worm 
is  discharged.  It  appears  to  have  been  used  by  the  negroes  of  St.  Domingo 
before  it  was  introduced  into  Europe. 

The  dose  of  the  rind  and  flowers  in  powder  is  from  twentj^  to  thirty  grains. 
A decoction  may  be  prepared  in  the  proportion  of  an  ounce  of  the  medicine  to  a 
pint  of  water,  and  given  in  the  dose  of  a fluidounce.  The  seeds  are  demulcent. 

Off.  Prep,  of  the  Rind.  Decoctum  Granati. 

Off.  Prep,  of  the  Bark  of  the  Root.  Decoctum  Granati  Radicis.  W. 

GUAIACI  LIGNUM.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed. 

Guaiacum  Wood. 

The  wood  of  Guaiacum  officinale.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed. 

Off.  Syn.  GUAIACUM  OFFICINALE.  The  wood.  Dub. 

Bois  de  gayac,  Fr.;  Pockenliolz,  Germ.;  Legno  guaiaco,  Ital.;  Guayaco,  Span. 

Guaiacdm.  Sex.  Syst.  Decandria  Monogynia. — Nat.  Ord.  Zygophyllaeese. 

Gen.  Oh.  Calyx  five-cleft,  unequal.  Petals  five,  inserted  into  the  calyx.  Cap 
side  angular,  three  or  five-celled.  Willd. 

Guaiacum  officinale.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  ii.  538;  Woodv.  Med.  Bot.  p.  557 
t.  200;  Carson,  Illust.  of  Med.  Bot.  i.  25,  pi.  17.  This  is  a large  tree  of  ver 
slow  growth.  When  of  full  size  it  is  from  forty  to  sixty  feet  high,  with  a trunl 
four  or  five  feet  in  circumference.  The  branches  are  knotted,  and  covered  wit 
an  ash-coloured  striated  bark.  That  of  the  stem  is  of  a dark-gray  colour,  varit 
gated  with  greenish  or  purplish  spots.  The  leaves  are  opposite,  and  abruptl 
pinnate,  consisting  of  two,  three,  and  sometimes  four  pairs  of  leaflets,  which  ar 
obovate,  veined,  smooth,  shining,  dark-green,  from  an  inch  to  an  inch  and  a ba 
long,  and  almost  sessile.  The  flowers  are  of  a rich  blue  colour,  stand  ou  Ion 
peduncles,  and  grow  to  the  number  of  eight  or  ten  at  the  axils  of  the  uppe 
leaves.  The  seeds  are  solitary,  hard,  and  of  an  oblong  shape. 


ART  I. 


375 


G-uaiaci  Lignum. 

Gr.  officinale  grows  in  the  West  Indies,  particularly  in  Hayti  and  Jamaica,  and 
found  also  in  the  warmer  parts  of  the  neighbouring  continent.  All  parts  of 
ie  tree  are  possessed  of  medicinal  properties,  but  the  wood  and  the  concrete 
lice  only  are  officinal.  The  hark,  though  much  more  efficacious  than  the  wood, 
not  kept  in  the  shops.  It  is  said  that  other  species  of  Guaiaeum  contribute 
i the  supplies  brought  into  the  market.  The  G.  sanctum  of  Linnaeus,  and  G. 
rborcum  of  He  Candolle,  are  particularly  specified.  The  former,  however,  is 
lid  by  Woodville  not  to  be  sufficiently  characterized  as  a distinct  species  from 
i ?.  officinale.  Fee  states  that  the  wood  of  G.  sanctum  is  paler,  and  less  heavy 
ad  hard  than  the  officinal. 

Gruaiacum  wood  is  imported  from  Ilayti  and  other  West  India  islands,  in  the 
lape  of  logs  or  billets,  covered  with  a thick  gray  bark,  which  presents  on  its  inner 
irface,  and  upon  its  edges  when  broken,  numerous  shining  crystalline  points, 
hese  are  supposed  by  Guibourt  to  be  benzoic  acid,  by  others  a resinous  exuda- 
on  from  the  vessels  of  the  plant.  The  billets  are  used  by  the  turners  for  the 
brication  of  various  instruments  and  utensils,  for  which  the  wood  is  well  adapted 
y its  extreme  hardness  and  density.  It  is  kept  by  the  druggists  and  apothe- 
iries  in  the  state  of  shavings  or  raspings,  which  they  obtain  from  the  turners. 

, is  commonly  called  lignum  vitse,  a name  which  obviously  originated  from  the 
ipposition  that  the  wood  was  possessed  of  extraordinary  remedial  powers. 
Properties.  The  colour  of  the  sap-wood  is  yellow,  that  of  the  older  and  cen- 
al  layers  greenish-brown,  that  of  the  shavings  a mixture  of  the  two.  It  is  said 
tat  when  the  wood  is  brought  into  a state  of  minute  division,  its  colour  is  ren- 
ted green  by  exposure  to  the  air  (Richard),  and  bluish-green  by  the  action  of 
trie  acid  fumes;  and  the  latter  change  may  be  considered  as  a test  of  its 
muineness.  (Duncan.)  An  easier  test  is  a solution  of  corrosive  sublimate, 
kich,  added  to  the  shavings,  and  slightly  heated,  developes  a bluish-green  colour 
the  genuine  wood.  (Chem.  Gaz.,  No.  80,  Feb.  1846.)  Guaiaeum  wood  is 
most  without  smell  unless  rubbed  or  heated,  when  it  becomes  odorous.  When 
lrnt  it  emits  an  agreeable  odour.  It  is  bitterish  and  slightly  pungent;  but 
quires  to  be  chewed  for  some  time  before  the  taste  is  developed.  It  contains, 
cording  to  Trommsdorff,  26  per  cent,  of  resin,  and  0'8  of  a bitter  pungent  ex- 
active, upon  both  of  which,  probably,  though  chiefly  on  the  former,  its  medical 
rtues  depend.  (See  Guaiaci  Resina.)  It  yields  its  virtues  but  partially  to 
iter.  One  pound  of  the  wood  afforded  to  Geiger  two  ounces  of  extract.  In 
is  extract  M.  Thierry  discovered  a volatilizable  acid,  which  he  supposed  to  be 
;culiar,  and  named  gua.iacic  acid  (acide gayacique).  He  obtained  it  by  treating 
e extract  with  ether,  evaporating  the  ethereal  tincture,  and  carefully  subliming 
e residue.  The  acid  condenses  in  small,  brilliant  needles.  If  the  heat  be 
ashed  too  far,  an  oil  is  also  produced  which  colours  the  crystals.  He  procured 
iesameacid  from  th eguai.ac  of  the  shops.  (Journ.  de  Pharm.,  xxvii.  381.)  Ac- 
rding  to  Jahn,  however,  this  substance  is  nothing  more  than  benzoic  acid, 
ndered  impure  by  obstinately  adhering  volatile  oil  and  resin.  (Pharm.  Central 
latt,  1843,  p.  309.) 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Guaiaeum  wood  ranks  among  the  stimulant 
aphoretics.  It  is  said  to  have  been  introduced  to  the  notice  of  European  prac- 
ioners  by  the  natives  of  Hispaniola,  soon  after  the  discovery  of  America.  It 
is  used  in  Europe  so  early  as  1508,  and  attained  great  celebrity  as  a remedy  for 
jes  venerea ; but  more  extended  experience  has  proved  it  to  be  wholly  inadequate 
the  cure  of  that  disease;  and  it  is  now  employed  simply  to  palliate  the  second- 
: y symptoms,  or  to  assist  the  operation  of  other  and  more  efficient  remedies, 
is  thought  to  be  useful  also  in  chronic  rheumatism  and  gout,  scrofulous  adee- 
ms, certain  cutaneous  eruptions,  ozaena,  and  other  protracted  diseases  dependent 
a depraved  or  vitiated  condition  of  the  system.  It  is  always  exhibited  in 


PART  I, 


376  Guaiaci  Lignum. — Guaiaci  Resina. 

decoction,  and  generally  in  combination  with  other  medicines,  as  in  the  compound 
decoction  of  sarsaparilla.  As  but  a small  proportion  of  the  guaiac  which  it  con- 
tains is  soluble  in  water,  the  probability  is  that  its  virtues  have  been  greatly  over- 
rated; and  that  the  good  which  has  often  followed  its  employment  resulted  rathei 
from  the  more  active  medicines  with  which  it  was  associated,  or  from  the  attendant 
regimen,  than  from  the  wood  itself.  The  simple  decoction  may  be  prepared  by 
boiling  an  ounce  in  a pint  and  a half  of  water  down  to  a pint,  the  whole  of  which 
may  be  administered  in  divided  doses  during  the  twenty-four  hours.  An  aqueous 
extract  is  directed  by  the  French  Codex. 

Off.  Prep.  Decoctum  Guaiaci;  Decoctum  Sarsaparillae  Compositum;  Syrupus 
Sarsaparillae  Comp.  W. 

GUAIACI  RESINA.  U.S. 

Guaiac. 

The  concrete  juice  of  Guaiacum  officinale.  U.S. 

Off.  Syn.  GUAIACUM.  Resinoid  substance  prepared  from  the  wood  by  heat. 
Lond.,  Ed.  The  resin.  Dub. 

Resine  de  gayac,  Fr.;  Guajakharz,  Germ.;  Resina  de  guajaco,  Ital.;  Resina  de  guayaco, 
Span. 

For  a description  of  Guaiacum  officinale , see  GUAIACI  LIGNUM. 

Guaiac  is  the  concrete  juice  of  this  tree.  It  is  obtained  in  several  different 
modes.  The  most  simple  is  by  spontaneous  exudation,  or  by  incisions  made  into 
the  trunk.  Another  method  is  by  sawing  the  wood  into  billets  about  three  feet 
long,  boring  them  longitudinally  with  an  auger,  then  placing  one  end  of  the  billet 
on  the  fire,  and  receiving  in  a calabash  the  melted  guaiac,  which  flows  out  through 
the  hole  at  the  opposite  extremity.  But  the  plan  most  frequently'  pursued  is 
probably  to  boil  the  wood,  in  the  state  of  chips  or  saw-dust,  in  a solution  of  com- 
mon salt,  and  skim  off  the  matter  which  rises  to  the  surface.  Guaiac  is  brought 
to  this  market  from  the  West  Indies.  It  is  usually  in  large  irregular  pieces  of 
various  size,  in  which  small  fragments  of  bark,  sand,  and  other  earthy  impurities 
are  mixed  with  the  genuine  guaiac,  so  as  to  give  to  the  mass  a diversified  appear- 
ance. Sometimes  we  find  it  in  small  roundish  homogeneous  portions,  separate  or 
agglutinated  together;  sometimes  in  homogeneous  masses,  prepared  by  melting 
and  straining  the  drug  in  its  impure  state.  It  is  probable  that  the  guaiac,  ob- 
tained from  the  billets  of  wood  in  the  manner  above  described,  is  of  uniform 
consistence. 

Properties.  The  pieces  are  of  a deep  greenish-brown  or  dark-olive  colour  on 
their  external  surface,  and  internally  wherever  the  air  has  been  able  to  penetrate. 
The  predominant  hue  of  those  parts  not  exposed  to  the  air  is  reddish-brown  or 
hyacinthine,  diversified,  however,  with  shades  of  various  colours.  The  odour  i; 
feeble  but  fragrant,  and  is  rendered  stronger  by  heat.  The  taste,  which  is  at 
first  scarcely  perceptible,  becomes  acrid  after  a short  period,  and  a permanent 
sense  of  heat  aud  pungency  is  left  in  the  mouth  and  fauces.  Guaiac  is  brittle, 
and  when  broken  presents  a shining  glass-like  surface,  conchoidal  or  splintery, 
with  the  smaller  fragments  more  or  less  translucent.  It  is  readily  pulverized: 
aud  the  powder,  at  first  of  a light-gray  colour,  becomes  green  on  exposure  to  the 
light.  Its  sp.  gr.  varies  from  1'2  to  1'23.  It  softens  in  the  mouth,  aud  melt.- 
with  a moderate  heat.  According  to  Mr.  Braude,  it  consists  of  91  per  cent,  oi 
a peculiar  substance  analogous  to  the  resins,  aud  9 per  cent,  of  extractive 
Buchner  found  79"8  parts  of  pure  resin,  aud  20T  of  bark  consisting  of  16'5  o 
lignin,  1'5  of  gum,  and  2 1 of  extractive;  but  be  must  have  operated  on  the 
unstrained  guaiac.  An  acid  discovered  by  M.  Thierry  is  asserted  by  Jakn  ti 


iRT  I. 


G-uaiaci  Resina. 


377 


benzoic  acid.  Water  dissolves  a small  proportion  of  guaiac,  not  exceeding 
! parts  in  100,  forming  an  infusion  of  a greenish-brown  colour  and  sweetish 
ste,  which,  upon  evaporation,  yields  a brown  substance  soluble  in  hot  water 
; d alcohol,  but  scarcely  so  in  ether.  Alcohol  takes  up  the  wrhole  with  the  ex- 
iption  of  impurities.  The  tincture  is  of  a deep-brown  colour,  is  decomposed  by 
uter,  and  affords  blue,  green,  and  brown  precipitates  with  the  mineral  acids, 
luaiac  is  soluble  also  in  ether,  in  alkaline  solutions,  and  in  sulphuric  acid.  The 
dution  in  sulphuric  acid  is  of  a rich  claret  colour,  deposits,  when  diluted  with 
uter,  a lilac  precipitate,  and,  when  heated,  evolves  charcoal.  Exposed  to  air 
id  light,  guaiac  absorbs  oxygen  and  becomes  green,  and  the  change  takes  place 
ipidly  in  the  sunshine.  Either  in  substance  or  tincture,  it  imparts  a blue  colour 
1 gluten  and  substances  containing  it,  to  mucilage  of  gum  Arabic,  to  milk,  and 
1 various  freshly  cut  roots,  as  the  potato,  carrot,  and  horseradish.  The  tincture 
i usually  coloured  blue  by  spirit  of  nitric  ether,  and  a similar  change  of  colour 
ties  place  when  it  is  treated  successively  by  dilute  hydrocyanic  acid,  and  solution 
< sulphate  of  copper. 

Guaiacin  is  a name  given  to  the  pure  resinoid  principle  of  guaiac.  It  is  in- 
duble  in  water,  but  is  dissolved  readily  by  alcohol,  and  less  readily  by  ether. 

1 combines  with  the  alkalies,  forming  soluble  compounds,  which  are  decomposed 
1 the  mineral  acids  and  by  several  salts.  Hence  it  has  been  called  guaiacic 
ad.  It  differs  from  most  of  the  resins  in  being  converted  by  nitric  acid  into 
c alic  acid  instead  of  artificial  tannin.  It  is  also  peculiar  in  the  changes  of  colour 
nieh  it  undergoes  under  the  influence  of  various  reagents,  and  which  have  been 
i eady  mentioned.  By  nitric  acid  and  chlorine  it  is  made  to  assume  successively 
£;reen,  blue,  and  brown  colour.  These  changes  are  ascribed  by  Mr.  Brande  to 
t;  absorption  of  oxygen,  wrhich  forms  variously  coloured  compounds  according 
t the  quantity  absorbed.  According  to  Jahn,  guaiac  resin  consists  of  three  dis- 
t ct  bodies,  viz:  1.  a soft  resin  soluble  in  ether  and  ammonia,  and  constituting 
1'7  per  cent,  of  the  guaiac;  2.  another  soft  resin,  soluble  in  ether,  but  with 
cficulty  dissolved  by  ammonia,  amounting  to  58'3  per  cent.,  and  3.  a hard  resin 
i oluble  in  ether,  but  soluble  in  ammonia,  in  the  quantity  of  11  "3  per  cent.  The 
sue  chemist  found  in  guaiac  traces  of  benzoic  acid,  and  11'7  per  cent,  of  im- 
X cities.  ( Pharm . Cent.  Blatt,  1843,  p.  317.) 

It  will  be  inferred,  from  what  has  been  said,  that  the  mineral  acids  are  incoru- 
pible  with  the  solutions  of  guaiac. 

This  drug  is  sometimes  adulterated  with  the  resin  of  the  pine.  The  fraud  may 
1 detected  by  the  terebinthinate  odour  exhaled  when  the  sophisticated  guaiac  is 
t ’own  upon  burning  coals,  as  well  as  by  its  partial  solubility  in  hot  oil  of  tur- 
pitine.  This  liquid  dissolves  resin,  but  leaves  pure  guaiac  untouched.  Amber 
i laid  to  be  another  adulteration.  Nitric  acid  affords  an  excellent  test  of  guaiac. 
I paper  moistened  with  the  tincture  be  exposed  to  the  fumes  of  this  acid,  it 
s edily  becomes  blue. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Guaiac  is  stimulant  and  alterative,  producing, 
i en  swallowed,  a sense  of  warmth  in  the  stomach,  with  dryness  of  the  mouth 
al  thirst,  and  promoting  various  secretions.  If  given  to  a patient  when  covered 
vrm  in  bed,  especially  if  accompanied  with  opium  and  ipecacuanha  or  the  anti- 
pnials,  and  assisted  by  warm  drinks,  it  often  excites  profuse  perspiration;  and 
bice  has  been  usually  ranked  among  the  diaphoretics.  If  the  patient  be  kept 
c 1 during  its  administration,  it  is  sometimes  directed  to  the  kidneys,  the  action 
ojvhich  it  promotes.  In  large  doses  it  purges;  and  it  is  thought  by  some  prac- 
t:  oners  to  be  possessed  of  emmenagogue  powers.  The  complaint  in  which  it 
h been  found  most  beneficial  is  rheumatism.  In  the  declining  stages  of  the 
a te  form  of  this  disease,  after  due  depletion,  it  is  given  in  combination  with 
0 am,  ipecacuanha,  nitre,  and  the  antimonials;  and  in  the  chronic  form  is  fre- 


378 


Guaiaci  Resina. — Haematoxylon. 


PART  i. 


quently  useful  without  accompaniment.  It  is  also  advantageously  prescribed  in 
gouty  affections,  and  is  occasionally  used  in  secondary  syphilis,  scrofulous  dis- 
eases, and  cutaneous  eruptions;  though  the  guaiacum  wood  is  more  frequently 
resorted  to  in  these  latter  complaints.  It  was  much  relied  upon  by  the  late  Dr. 
Dewees  in  the  cure  of  amenorrhoea  and  dysmenorrhoea. 

The  medicine  is  given  in  substance  or  tincture.  The  dose  of  the  powder  is 
from  ten  to  thirty  grains,  which  may  be  exhibited  in  pill  or  bolus,  or  in  the  shape 
of  an  emulsion  formed  with  gum  Arabic,  sugar  and  water.  An  objection  to  the 
form  of  powder  is  that  it  quickly  aggregates.  Guaiac  is  sometimes  administered 
in  combination  with  alkalies,  with  which  it  readily  unites.  Several  of  the  Euro- 
pean Pharmacopoeias  direct  a soap  of  guaiac,  under  the  name  of  sopo  gu  a i acinus, 
to  be  prepared  by  diluting  the  Liquor  Potassae  with  twice  its  weight  of  water, 
boiling  lightly,  then  adding  guaiac  gradually,  with  continued  agitation,  so  long 
as  it  continues  to  be  dissolved,  and  finally  filtering,  and  evaporating  to  the  pilular 
consistence.  Of  this  preparation  one  scruple  may  be  taken  daily  in  divided  doses. 

Off.  Prep.  Mistura  Guaiaci;  Pilulae  Calomelanos  Composite;  Pul  vis  Aloes 
Comp.;  Tinctura  Guaiaci;  Tinctura  Guaiaci  Ammoniata.  W. 

HAEMATOXYLON.  U.  S.,  Ed. 

Logwood. 

The  wood  of  Haematoxylon  Campechianum.  U.  S.,  Ed. 

Off.  Syn.  HaEMATOXYLUM.  Haematoxylon  Campechianum.  The  wood. 
Loud.,  Dub. 

Bois  de  Campeche,  Fr.;  Blutholz,  Kampeschenkolz,  Germ.;  Legno  di  Campeggio,  Ital. 
Palo  de  Campeche,  Span. 

Haematoxylon.  Sex.Syst.  Decandria  Monogynia. — Nat.  Ord.  Fabaceae  01 
Leguminosae. 

Gen.  Oh.  Calyx  five-parted.  Petals  five.  Capsule  lanceolate,  one-celled,  two 
valved,  with  the  valves  boat-form.  Willd. 

Haematoxylon  Campechianum.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  ii.  547 ; Woodv.  Med.  Bot 
p.  455,  t.  168 ; Carson,  Illust.  of  Med.  Bot.  i.  38,  pi.  25.  This  is  a tree  of  middh 
size,  usually  not  more  than  twenty-four  feet  high,  though,  under  favourable  cir 
cu instances,  it  sometimes  attains  an  elevation  of  forty  or  fifty  feet.  The  trunk 
which  seldom  exceeds  twenty  inches  in  diameter,  is  often  very  crooked,  and  i 
covered  with  a dark  rough  bark.  The  branches  are  also  crooked,  with  numerou 
smaller  ramifications,  which  are  beset  with  sharp  spines.  The  sap-wood  is  yel 
lowish,  but  the  interior  layers  are  of  a deep-red  colour.  The  leaves  are  alternate 
abruptly  pinnate,  and  composed  of  three  or  four  pairs  of  sessile,  nearly  obcordate 
obliquely  nerved  leaflets.  The  flowers,  which  are  in  axillary  spikes  or  raceme 
near  the  ends  of  the  branches,  have  a brownish-purple  calyx,  and  lemon-yellot 
petals.  They  exhale  an  agreeable  odour,  said  to  resemble  that  of  the  jonqui: 

The  tree  is  a native  of  Campeachy,  the  shores  of  Honduras  Bay.  and  othe 
parts  of  tropical  America ; and  has  been  introduced  into  Jamaica,  where  it  bn 
become  naturalized.  The  wood,  which  is  the  part  used  in  medicine,  is  a valuabl 
article  of  commerce,  and  largely  employed  in  dyeing.  It  comes  to  us  in  log: 
deprived  of  the  sap-wood,  aud  having  a blackish-brown  colour  externally.  Fc 
medical  use  it  is  cut  into  chips,  or  rasped  into  coarse  powder,  aud  in  these  stat< 
is  kept  in  the  shops. 

Properties.  Logwood  is  hard,  compact,  heavy,  of  a deep-red  colour,  becomin 
dark  by  exposure,  of  a slight  peculiar  odour,  and  a sweet,  somewhat  astringet 
taste.  It  imparts  its  colour  to  water  and  to  alcohol.  The  iufusiou  made  wit 
cold  water,  though  red,  is  less  so  than  that  with  boiling  water.  It  affords  pr 


379 


art  I.  Hsematoxylon. — Hedeoma. 

oitates  with  sulphuric,  nitric,  muriatic,  and  acetic  acids,  with  alum,  sulphate 
( copper,  acetate  of  lead,  and  sulphate  of  iron,  striking  a bluish-black  colour 
'th  the  last-mentioned  salt.  (Thomson's  Dispensatory.)  Precipitates  are  also 
[oduced  with  it  by  lime-water  and  gelatin.  Among  the  constituents  of  log- 
nod,  according  to  Chevreul,  are  a volatile  oil,  an  oleaginous  or  resinous  matter, 
i brown  substance  the  solution  of  which  is  precipitated  by  gelatin  (tannin), 
jf other  brown  substance  soluble  in  alcohol  but  insoluble  in  water  or  ether,  an 
iotized  substance  resembling  gluten,  free  acetic  acid,  various  saline  matters,  and 
^peculiar  principle,  called  hematoxylin  or  hematin,  on  which  the  colouring  pro- 
] rties  of  the  wood  depend'.  This  is  obtained  by  digesting  the  aqueous  extract 
i alcohol,  evaporating  the  tincture  till  it  becomes  thick,  then  adding  a little 
uter,  and  submitting  the  liquid  to  a new  but  gentle  evaporation.  Upon  allowing 
i to  rest,  hematoxylin  is  deposited  in  the  state  of  crystals,  which  may  be  purified 
1 washing  with  alcohol  and  drying.  Thus  procured,  the  crystals  are  shining, 
i a yellowish-rose  colour,  bitterish,  acrid,  and  slightly  astringent  to  the  taste, 
tidily  soluble  in  boiling  water,  forming  an  orange-red  solution  which  becomes 
;llow  on  cooling,  and  soluble  also  in  alcohol  and  ether.  According  to  Erdman, 
no  obtained  hematoxylin  by  the  process  of  Chevreul,  substituting  ether  for 
®ohol,  its  crystals,  when  quite  pure,  are  yellow  without  a tinge  of  redness;  its 
iste  is  sweet  like  that  of  liquorice,  without  either  bitterness  or  astringency;  and 
( itself  it  is  not  a colouring  substance,  but  affords  beautiful  red,  blue,  and  purple 
dours,  by  the  joint  action  of  an  alkaline  base  and  the  oxygen  of  the  air.  It 
insists  of  carbon,  hydrogen,  and  oxygen.  (Journ.  de  Pharm.,  3e  sir.,  ii.  293.) 

’ is  sometimes  found  in  distinct  crystals  in  the  crevices  of  the  wood. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Logwood  is  a mild  astringent,  devoid  of  irri- 
iting  properties,  and  well  adapted  to  the  treatment  of  that  relaxed  condition  of 
wels  which  is  apt  to  succeed  cholera  infantum.  It  is  also  occasionally  used 
1 th  advantage  in  ordinary  chronic  diarrhoea  and  chronic  dysentery.  It  may 
1 given  in  decoction  or  extract. 

Off.  Prey.  Decoctum  Haematoxyli ; Extractum  Hasmatoxyli.  W. 

HEDEOMA.  US. 

Pennyroyal. 

Herb  of  Hedeoma  pulegioides.  U.  S. 

This  herb,  first  attached  to  the  genus  Melissa,  and  afterwards  to  Cunila,  is  at 
psent  universally  considered  by  botanists  as  belonging  to  the  Hedeoma.  of  Per- 
: an.  It  has  been  very  erroneously  confounded  by  some  with  Mentha  Pulegium, 
i European  pennyroyal. 

Hedeoma.  Sex.  Syst.  Diandria  Monogynia. — Nat.  Ord.  Lamiaceae  or  La- 
ijitae. 

Gen.  Ch.  Calyx  bilabiate,  gibbous  at  the  base,  upper  lip  three-toothed,  lower 
o;  dentures  all  subulate.  Corolla  ringent.  Stamens  two,  sterile;  the  two 
: tile  stamens  about  the  length  of  the  corolla.  Nuttall. 

Hedeoma  pulegioides.  Barton,  Med.  Pot.  ii.  165. — Cunila  pulegioides.  Willd. 
).  Plant,  i.  122.  This  is  an  indigenous  annual  plant,  from  nine  to  fifteen 
i;hes  high,  with  a small,  branching,  fibrous,  yellowish  root,  and  a pubescent 
fan,  which  sends  off  numerous  slender  erect  branches.  The  leaves  are  oppo- 
se, oblong-lanceolate  or  oval,  nearly  acute,  attenuated  at  the  base,  remotely 
Sij-rate,  rough  or  pubescent,  and  prominently  veined  on  the  under  surface.  The 
iwers  are  very  small,  of  a pale-blue  colour,  supported  on  short  peduncle-s,  and 
r-anged  in  axillary  w-horls,  along  the  whole  length  of  the  branches.  The  plant 
i common  in  all  parts  of  the  United  States,  preferring  dry  grounds  and  pastures 


380  Hedeoma. — Helianthemum.  part  i 

and,  where  it  is  abundant,  scenting  the  air  for  a considerable  distance  with  it: 
grateful  odour. 

Both  in  the  recent  and  dried  state  it  has  a pleasant  aromatic  smell,  and  i 
warm,  pungent,  mint-like  taste.  It  readily  imparts  its  virtues  to  boiling  water 
The  volatile  oil  upon  which  they  depend  may  be  separated  by  distillation,  anc 
employed  instead  of  the  herb  itself. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Pennyroyal  is  a gently  stimulant  aromatic,  an; 
may  be  given  in  flatulent  colic  and  sick  stomach,  or  to  qualify  the  action  of  othei 
medicines.  Like  most  of  the  aromatic  herbs,  it  possesses  the  property,  whei 
administered  in  warm  infusion,  of  promoting  perspiration,  and  of  exciting  tht 
menstrual  flux  when  the  system  is  predisposed  to  the  effort.  Hence  it  is  much 
used  as  an  emmenagogue  in  popular  practice,  and  frequently  with  success.  A 
large  draught  of  the  warm  tea  is  given  at  bed-time,  in  recent  cases  of  suppres- 
sion of  the  menses,  the  feet  having  been  previously  bathed  in  warm  water. 

Off.  Prep.  Oleum  Hedeomae.  W. 

HELIANTHEMUM.  TJ.  S.  Secondary. 

Froslwort. 

The  herb  of  Helianthemum  Canadense.  U.  S. 

Helianthemum.  Sex.  Syst.  Polyandria  Monogynia. — Nat.Ord.  Cistaceae. 

Gen.  Cli.  Calyx  five-leaved,  the  two  exterior  sepals  bract-like,  smaller,  or 
wanting.  Petals  five,  rarely  three,  sometimes  abortive.  Sti'jma  capitate,  some- 
times subsessile.  Capsule  triangular,  three-valved,  with  the  dissepiments  in  the 
middle  of  the  valves.  Seeds  angular. 

Helianthemum  Canadense.  Michaux,  Flor.  i.  308;  Torrey  & Gray,  Flor.  oj 
N.  Am.  i.  151. — Cistus  Canadensis.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  ii.  1199.  The  frost- 
wort,  frost  weed,  or  rock  rose,  as  this  plant  is  variously  called,  is  a herbaceous 
perennial,  from  six  to  eighteen  inches  high,  with  a slender,  rigid,  pubesceDt 
stem,  oblong,  somewhat  lanceolate  leaves  about  an  inch  in  length,  and  large 
yellow  flowers,  the  calyx  and  peduucles  of  which,  as  well  as  the  branches,  are 
covered  with  a white  down.  The  flowers  which  first  appear  are  terminal,  few 
or  solitary,  large,  on  short  peduncles,  with  erosely  emarginate  petals  about  twice 
as  long  as  the  calyx.  Later  in  the  season,  or  on  different  plants,  other  flower; 
appear,  very  small,  axillary,  solitary  or  somewhat  clustered,  nearly  sessile,  some- 
times destitute  of  petals,  and  usually  wanting  the  two  outer  sepals  of  the  calyx. 
The  fruit  is  a capsule,  smooth  and  shining,  with  brown,  scabrous  punctate 
seeds.  Eaton  states  that,  in  the  months  of  November  and  December,  he  ha; 
seen  hundreds  of  these  plants  sending  out,  near  the  roots,  broad,  thin,  curved 
ice  crystals,  about  an  inch  in  breadth,  which  melted  in  the  day,  and  were  renewed 
in  the  morning.  ( Manual  of  Botany,  *ith  ed.,  p.  246.) 

Frostwort  grows  in  all  parts  of  the  United  States,  preferring  dry  sandy  soils, 
and  flowering  in  June  in  the  Middle  States. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  The  herb  has  an  astringent,  slightly  aromatic 
and  bitterish  taste;  and  appears  to  possess  tonic  and  astringent  properties.  At 
tention  has  only  recently  been  attracted  to  it  as  a medicine.  M e have  been  told  tha 
it  was  first  introduced  into  regular  practice  by  Dr.  Ives,  of  New  Haven.  Connect! 
cut,  who  considers  it  a valuable  remedy  in  scrofula!  The  late  Dr.  Isaac  Parrish 
of  Philadelphia,  informed  us  that  he  had  employed  it  with  much  apparent  benefit 
as  an  internal  remedy,  in  scrofulous  affections  of  the  eyes.  In  a pamphlet  upot 
the  frost-weed,  by  Dr.  D.  A.  Tyler,  published  at  New  Haven,  A.  D.  1^46,  it  i- 
stated  that  FL.  corymhosum  possesses  similar  properties,  and  is  indiscriminate!' 
employed  with  II.  Canadense.  He  found  both  useful  in  scrofula,  diarrhoea,  am. 


ART  I. 


Helianthemum. — Helleborus. 


381 


condary  syphilis,  and  locally  as  a gargle  in  scarlatina,  and  a wash  in  prurigo, 
he  plant  has  been  used  in  the  forms  of  powder,  decoction,  tincture,  and  syrup; 
id  may  be  given  freely  with  impunity.  Dr.  Tyler,  however,  has  known  the 
rong  decoction  and  the  extract  to  produce  vomiting.  He  considers  two  grains 
' the  latter  as  a full  dose  for  an  adult.  W. 

HELLEBORUS.  U.  S.,  Bond.,  Ed. 

Black  Hellebore. 

Root  of  Helleborus  niger.  U.  S.,  Ed.  Rhizoma  and  root.  Lond. 

E116bore  noire,  Fr.;  Scliwarze  Niesswurzel,  Germ.;  Elleboro  nero,  Ital.;  Heleboro  negro, 
*an. 

Helleborus.  Sex.  Syst.  Polyandria  Polygynia. — Nat.  Ord.  Ranunculaceae. 
Gen.  Ch.  Calyx  none.  Petals  five  or  more.  Nectaries  bilabiate,  tubular.  Cop- 
ies many-seeded,  nearly  erect.  Willd. 

Helleborus  niger.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  ii.  1336;  Woodv.  Med.  Bot.  p.  473,  t. 
39;  Carson,  Illust.  of  Med.  Bot.  i.  8,  pi.  1.  The  root  or  rhizoma  of  the  black 
•llebore  is  perennial,  knotted,  blackish  on  the  outside,  white  within,  and  sends 
f numerous  long,  simple,  depending  fibres,  which  are  brownish-yellow  when 
esh,  but  become  dark-brown  upon  drying.  The  leaves  are  pedate,  of  a deep- 
een  colour,  and  stand  on  long  footstalks  which  spring  immediately  from  the 
ot.  Each  leaf  is  composed  of  five  or  more  leaflets,  one  terminal,  and  two, 
ree,  or  four  on  each  side,  supported  on  a single  partial  petiole.  The  leaflets 
e ovate-lanceolate,  smooth,  shining,  coriaceous,  and  serrated  in  their  upper 
irtion.  The  flower-stem,  which  also  rises  from  the  root,  is  six  or  eight  inches 
gh,  round,  tapering,  and  reddish  towards  the  base,  and  bears  one  or  two  large, 
ndent,  rose-like  flowers,  accompanied  with  floral  leaves,  which  supply  the  place 
the  calyx.  The  petals,  five  in  number,  are  large,  roundish,  concave,  spread- 
ing, and  of  a white  or  pale-rose  colour,  with  occasionally  a greenish  tinge, 
lere  are  two  varieties  of  the  plant — humilifolius  and  altifolius — in  the  former 
which  the  leaves  are  shorter  than  the  flower  stem,  in  the  latter  longer.  It  is 
native  of  the  mountainous  regions  of  southern  and  temperate  Europe,  and  is 
and  in  Greece,  Austria,  Italy,  Switzerland,  France,  and  Spain.  It  is  culti- 
■ ted  in  gardens  for  the  beauty  of  its  flowers,  which  expand  in  the  middle  of 
nter,  and  have  thus  given  it  the  name  of  Christmas  rose. 

Till  the  publication  of  Tournefort’s  travels  in  the  Levant,  this  species  of  hel- 
)ore  was  regarded  as  identical  with  that  so  well  known,  under  the  same  title, 
the  ancient  Greeks  and  Romans.  But  in  the  island  of  Antic-yra,  and  various 
rts  of  continental  Greece,  in  which  it  appears  from  the  testimony  of  ancient 
■iters  that  the  hellebore  abounded,  this  traveller  discovered  a species  entirely 
stinct  from  those  before  described,  and  particularly  from  H.  niger.  He  called 
H.  orientalis,  and  reasonably  inferred  that  it  was  the  true  hellebore  of  the  an- 
pnts;  and  botanists  at  present  generally  coincide  in  this  opinion.  But  as  H. 
ger  is  also  found  in  some  parts  of  Greece,  it  is  not  impossible  that  the  two  were 
: iiscriminately  employed.  It  is,  indeed,  highly  probable  that  they  possess 
i.nilar  properties;  and  a third,  H.  viridis,  which  grows  in  the  west  of  Europe, 

. said  to  be  frequently  substituted  for  H.  niger , which  it  closely  resembles,  if 
i does  not  equal  in  medicinal  power.  The  roots  of  various  other  plants  not 
longing  to  the  same  genus  are  said  to  be  frequently  substituted  for  the  black 
llebore.  They  may  usually  be  readily  distinguished  by  attending  to  the 
'aracters  of  the  genuine  root.* 

I*  The  following  minute  description  of  tlie  root,  which  we  translate  from  Geiger’s  Hand- 
' :h  der  Pharmacie,  may,  perhaps,  be  useful  in  enabling  the  druggist  to  distinguish  this 


382 


Uelleborus. 


PART  ] 


The  medicine  of  which  we  are  treating  is  sometimes  called  melampodium,  i 
honour  of  Melampus,  an  ancient  shepherd  or  physician,  who  is  said  to  have  cure 
the  daughters  of  King  Praetus  by  giving  them  the  milk  of  goats  which  had  bee 
fed  on  hellebore. 

Properties.  Though  the  whole  root  is  kept  in  the  shops,  the  fibres  are  thepoi 
tion  usually  recommended.  They  are  about  as  thick  as  a straw,  when  not  broke 
from  four  inches  to  a foot  in  length,  smooth,  brittle,  externally  black  or  deef 
brown,  internally  white  or  yellowish-white,  with  little  smell,  and  a bitterish 
nauseous,  acrid  taste.  Iu  their  recent  state  they  are  extremely  acrimoniou; 
producing  on  the  tongue  a burning  and  benumbing  impression,  like  that  whic 
results  from  taking  hot  liquids  into  the  mouth.  This  acrimony  is  diminished  b 
drying,  and  still  further  impaired  by  age.  MM.  Feneulle  and  Capron  obtaine> 
from  black  hellebore,  a volatile  oil,  an  acrid  fixed  oil,  a resinous  substance,  wax 
a volatile  acid,  bitter  extractive,  gum,  albumen,  gallate  of  potassa,  supergallat 
of  lime,  a salt  of  ammonia,  and  woody  fibre.  Mr.  William  Bastick  has  succeeds 
in  separating  from  black  hellebore  a peculiar  crystalline  principle,  which  he  prc 
poses  to  call  helleborin.  It  was  obtained  by  diluting  with  water  a strong  tinctur 
of  the  root,  expelling  the  alcohol  by  heat,  filtering  to  separate  the  resin,  addin 
carbonate  of  potassa  in  excess,  and  agitating  the  mixture  with  three  or  four  time 
its  volume  of  ether.  The  ethereal  solution  thus  formed  was  separated,  and  oi 
evaporation  yielded  the  helleborin,  which  was  purified  by  solution  in  alcohol  an' 
crystallization.  It  is  in  white,  translucent  crystals,  of  a bitter  taste  with  a tinglin, 
effect  on  the  tongue,  not  volatilizable,  slightly  soluble  in  water,  more  so  in  ethe 
and  alcohol,  and  more  readily  in  these  liquids  hot  than  cold.  Though  nitrr 
genous,  it  is  neither  acid  nor  alkaline.  It  probably  exists  uncombined  in  tb 
root.  ( Pharm . Journ.  and  Trans.,  xii.  274.)  Water  and  alcohol  extract  th 
virtues  of  the  root,  which  are  impaired  by  long  boiling. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Black  hellebore  is  a drastic  bydragogue  cathartic 
possessed  of  emmenagogue  powers,  which  by  some  are  ascribed  to  a specific  tend 
enc-y  to  the  uterus,  by  others  are  supposed  to  depend  solely  on  the  purgativ 

from  other  analogous  roots  mingled  with  or  substituted  for  it  in  commerce.  “ It  is  usuall 
a many-headed  root,  with  a caudex  or  body  half  an  inch  thick  or  less,  seldom  tkickei 
and  several  inches  long,  horizontal,  sometimes  variously  contorted,  uneven,  knotty,  wit 
transverse  ridges,  slightly  striated  longitudinally,  presenting  on  its  upper  surface  theshoi 
remains  of  the  leaf  and  flower  stalks,  and  thickly  beset  upon  the  sides  and  under  surfac 
with  fibres  of  the  thickness  of  a straw,  and  from  six  to  twelve  inches  long.  These  ai 
undivided  above,  but,  at  the  distance  of  from  two  to  six  inches  from  their  origin,  are  fui 
nished  with  small,  slender  branches.  The  colour  of  the  root  is  dark-brown,  sometime 
rather  light- brown,  dull,  and  for  the  most  part  exhibiting  a gray,  earthy  tinge.  Internall 
it  is  whitish,  with  a somewhat  darker  pith,  which,  when  cut  transversely,  shows  lighte 
converging  rays.  Sometimes  it  is  porous.  It  has  a medullary  or  fleshy,  not  a ligneoo 
consistence.  The  fibres,  when  dried,  are  wrinkled,  very  brittle,  sometimes  grayish  intei 
nally,  horny,  with  a white  point  in  the  centre.  The  odour  of  the  dried  root  is  feeble,  some 
what  like  that  of  seneka,  but  more  nauseous;  especially  when  the  root  is  rubbed  with  wate: 
The  taste  is  at  first  sweetish,  theu  nauseously  acrid  and  biting,  but  not  very  durable,  an 
slightly  bitterish.”  ( Ilandbuch , ii.  s.  1181.) 

A root  said  to  be  not  unfvequently  substituted  for  or  mixed  with  the  genuine,  and  ofte 
to  be  met  with  in  the  shops  of  this  country,  is  thought  to  be  that  of  the  Aciaea  spicule  <j 
Europe.  This  has  been  particularly  described  by  I)r.  Carson  in  the  American  Journal  < 
Pharmacy  (xx.  163).  The  points  of  difference  upon  which  that  writer  especially  insis 
are  the  diffuse,  jointed,  stem-like  character  of  the  caudex  of  the  false  root,  the  straggling 
separated,  and  horizontal  arrangement  of  the  fibres,  and  their  dense,  woody  structure  at 
reddish-brown  colour,  contrasted  with  the  thickness,  double-headed  form,  and  spongine: 
of  the  genuine  caudex,  the  close-set,  perpendicular  position  of  its  fibres,  and  their  wrinkle 
appearance,  soft  texture,  and  grayish-brown  colour.  The  transverse  section  of  the  fib) 
of  the  Actsea  presents  the  appearance  of  a cross,  which  is  not  obvious  in  that  of  theblae 
hellebore,  though  the  central  point  of  this,  if  closely  examined,  will  be  found  to  present 
somewhat  stellate  appearance. 


ART  I. 


Eelleborus. — Hemidesmus. 


388 


ireperty.  In  overdoses  it  produces  inflammation  of  the  gastric  and  intestinal 
iucous  membrane,  with  violent  vomiting,  hypercatharsis,  vertigo,  cramp,  and 
bnvulsions,  which  sometimes  end  in  death.  The  fresh  root  applied  to  the  skin 
reduces  inflammation  and. even  vesication.  The  medicine  was  very  highly 
ijteemed  by  the  ancients,  who  employed  it  in  mania,  melancholy,  amenorrhcea, 
ropsy,  epilepsy,  various  cutaneous  affections,  and  verminose  diseases.  By  the 
irlier  modern  physicians  it  was  also  much  used.  B aclier  s pills,  celebrated  for 
ie  cure  of  dropsy,  consisted  chiefly  of  black  hellebore.  It  is  at  present  little 
nployed,  except  as  an  emmenagogue,  in  which  capacity  it  is  highly  esteemed 
y some  practitioners.  Dr.  Mead  considered  it  superior  to  all  other  medicines 
elonging  to  this  class.  It  may  be  given  in  substance,  extract,  decoction,  or 
ncture.  The  dose  of  the  powdered  root  is  from  ten  to  twenty  grains  as  a drastic 
urge,  two  or  three  grains  as  an  alterative.  The  decoction  is  prepared  by  boiling 
vo  drachms  in  a pint  of  wTater,  of  which  a fluidounce  may  be  given  every  four 
ours  till  it  operates.  The  extract  and  tincture  are  officinal. 

Off.  Prep.  Extractum  Hellebori;  Tinctura  Hellebori.  TV. 

HEMIDESMUS.  Dub. 

Indian  Sarsaparilla. 

Hemidesmus  Indicus.  The  root.  Dub. 

Hemidesmus.  Sex.  Syst.  Pentandria  Digynia.  — Nat.  Ord.  Asclepiadaceas. 
Gen.  Ch.  Corolla  rotate.  Filaments  connate  at  the  base,  not  united  above, 
serted  into  the  tube  of  the  corolla.  Anthers  cohering  separate  from  the  stigma, 
iith  twenty  pollen-masses.  Stigma  flatfish,  pointless. 

Hemidesmus  Indicus.  R.  Brown,  Hurt.  Kew.  ii.  75;  Liudley,  Flor.  Med.  p. 
13.  — Periploca  Indica.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  i.  1251.  This  is  a climbing  plant, 
jith  twiuing,  woody,  slender  stems,  and  opposite  petiolate  leaves,  which  are  entire, 
aooth,  shining,  and  of  a firm  consistence.  The  leaves  vary  much  in  size  and 
tape,  some  being  linear  and  acute,  others  broad-lanceolate,  and  others  again 
jral  or  ovate.  The  flowers  are  small,  green  on  the  outside,  purple  within,  and 
sposed  in  axillary  racemes.  The  calyx  is  five-parted,  with  acute  divisions;  the 
srolla  flat,  with  oblong,  pointed  divisions.  The  fruit  consists  of  two  long,  slender 
reading  follicles. 

This  plant  is  common  over  the  whole  peninsula  of  Hindostan.  The  officinal 
>rtion  is  the  root,  which  has  long  been  used  in  India  as  a substitute  for  sarsa- 
trilla.  It  is  long,  slender,  tortuous,  cylindrical,  and  little  branched,  consisting 
a ligneous  centre,  and  a brownish,  corky  bark,  which  is  marked  with  longi- 
dinal  furrows  and  transverse  fissures.  It  has  a peculiar  aromatic  odour,  and 
bitter  taste.  Mr.  G-arden  obtained  from  it  a peculiar  volatilizable  principle, 
ith  acid  properties,  which  he  named  smilasperic  acid,  under  the  erroneous  im- 
■ession  that  the  root  was  derived  from  Smilax  aspera.  Pereira  proposed  to  call 
hemidesmic  acid. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Indian  sarsaparilla  is  said  to  be  tonic,  diuretic, 
id  alterative.  It  was  introduced  into  Great  Britain  from  India,  and  was  em- 
reyed  for  some  time  under  the  name  of  smilax  aspera.  It  is  used  for  the  same 
lrposes  as  sarsaparilla.  In  some  instances  it  is  said  to  have  proved  successful 
syphilis  when  that  medicine  had  failed;  but  it  cannot  be  relied  on.  The 
dive  practitioners  in  India  are  said  to  employ  it  in  nephritic  complaints,  and 
the  sore  mouth  of  children.  It  is  used  in  the  form  of  infusion  or  decoction, 
ade  in  the  proportion  of  two  ounces  of  the  root  to  a pint  of  water.  A pint 
ay  be  given,  in  wineglassful  doses,  in  the  course  of  the  day.  A syrup  is  directed 
r the  Dublin  College;  but  it  is  a weak  preparation.  (See  Syrupus  Hemidesmi.) 
Off.  Prep.  Syrupus  Hemidesmi.  W. 


384 


Hepatica. — Heracleum. 


PART  i 


HEPATICA.  U.  S.  Secondary. 

Liverwort. 

The  leaves  of  Hepatica  Americana.  U.  S. 

Hepatica.  Sex.  Syst.  Polyandria  Polygynia. — Nat.  Ord.  Ranunculaceae. 

Gen.  Cli.  Calyx  three-leaved.  Petals  six  to  nine.  Seeds  naked.  NuttaR. 

Hepatica.  Americana.  De  Cand.;  Eaton,  Manual  of  Botany,  p.  241.  — H 
triloba.  Willd.  Enum .;  Figured  in  Rafinesque’s  Med.  Flor.  i.  238.  Botanist; 
generally  admit  but  one  species  of  Hepatica,  H.  triloba,  and  consider  as  acci 
dental  the  difference  of  structure  and  colour  observable  in  the  plant.  Pursl 
speaks  of  two  varieties,  one  with  the  lobes  of  the  leaf  oval  and  acute,  the  othe: 
with  the  lobes  rounded  and  obtuse.  These  are  considered  as  distinct  species  bi 
De  Candolle,  and  the  latter  is  the  one  which  has  been  adopted  by  the  Pharma 
copoeia,  and  is  popularly  employed  as  a medicine  in  this  country,  under  the  nam< 
of  liverwort.  Both  have  a perennial  fibrous  root,  with  three-lobed  leaves,  cordati 
at  their  base,  coriaceous,  nearly  smooth,  glaucous  and  purplish  beneath,  and  sup 
ported  upon  hairy  footstalks  from  four  to  eight  inches  long,  which  spring  directlj 
from  the  root.  The  scapes  or  flower-stems  are  several  in  number,  of  the  sami 
length  with  the  petioles,  round,  hairy,  and  terminating  in  a single  white,  bluish 
or  purplish  flower.  The  calyx  is  at  a little  distance  below  the  corolla,  and  i: 
considered  by  some  an  involucre,  while  the  corolla  takes  the  name  of  the  calyx 
In  II.  acutiloba  the  leaves  are  cordate,  with  from  three  to  five  entire,  acute  lobes 
and  the  leaflets  of  the  calyx  are  acute.  In  H.  Americana  the  leaves  are  cordate 
reniform,  with  three  entire,  roundish,  obtuse  lobes;  and  the  leaflets  of  the  calyj 
are  obtuse.  Both  are  indigenous,  growing  in  woods  upon  the  sides  of  hills  anc 
mountains;  the  former,  according  to  Eaton,  preferring  the  northern,  the  lattei 
the  southern  exposure.  The  leaves  resist  the  cold  of  the  winter,  and  the  flower; 
make  their  appearance  early  in  spring.  The  whole  plant  is  used. 

It  is  without  smell,  and  has  a mucilaginous,  somewhat  astringent,  slighth 
bitterish  taste.  Water  extracts  all  its  active  properties. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Liverwort  is  a very  mild,  demulcent  tonic  am 
astringent,  supposed  by  some  to  possess  diuretic  and  deobstruent  virtues.  I 
was  formerly  used  in  Europe  in  various  complaints,  especially  chronic  hepati' 
affections;  but  has  fallen  into  entire  neglect.  In  this  country,  some  years  since 
it  acquired  considerable  popular  reputation,  which,  however,  it  has  not  sustained 
as  a remedy  in  haemoptysis  and  chronic  coughs.  It  may  be  used  in  infusion 
and  taken  ad  libitum.  The  term  liverwort  properly  belongs  to  the  cryptogamou 
genus  Marchantia.  W.  . 

HERACLEUM.  U.  S.  Secondary. 

Masterwort. 

The  root  of  Heracleum  lanatum.  U.  S. 

Heracleum.  Sex.  Syst.  Pentandria  Digynia.  — Nat.  Ord.  Apiaceae  orLm 
belliferae. 

Gen.  Ch.  Fruit  elliptical,  emarginate,  compressed,  striated,  margined.  Coroll 
difform,  indexed,  emarginate.  Involucre  caducous.  Willd. 

Heracleum  lanatum.  Michaux,  Flor.  Boreal.  Am.  i.  166.  This  is  one  of  on 
largest  indigenous  umbelliferous  plants.  The  root  is  perennial,  sending  up  ar 
nually  a hollow  pubescent  stem,  from  three  to  five  feet  high,  and  often  more  tha 
an  inch  in  thickness.  The  leaves  are  ternate,  downy  on  their  under  surface,  an 
supported  on  downy  footstalks;  the  leaflets  petiolate,  roundish-cordate,  an 
lobed.  The  flowers  are  w hite,  in  large  umbels,  and  followed  by  orbicular  seed; 


ART  I. 


Ileradeum. — Heuchera. — Hirudo. 


385 


Like  the  European  species  this  is  sometimes  called  eow-parsnep.  It  grows  in 
eadows  and  along  fences  or  hedges,  from  Canada  to  Pennsylvania,  and  flowers 
| June. 

The  root,  which  is  the  officinal  part,  bears  some  resemblance  to  that  of  com- 
:on  parsley.  It  has  a strong  disagreeable  odour,  and  a very  acrid  taste.  Both 
re  leaves  and  root  excite  redness  and  inflammation  when  applied  to  the  skin. 
:r.  Bigelow  considers  the  plant  poisonous,  and  advises  caution  in  its  use,  espe- 
ully  when  it  is  gathered  from  a damp  situation. 

Medical  Properties,  &c.  Masterwort  appears  to  be  somewhat  stimulant  and 
(rminative,  and  was  used  successfully  by  Dr.  Orne,  of  Salem,  Massachusetts, 
i cases  of  epilepsy,  attended  with  flatulence  and  gastric  disorder.  He  directed 
to  or  three  drachms  of  the  pulverized  root  to  be  taken  daily,  for  a long  time, 
id  a strong  infusion  of  the  leaves  to  be  drunk  at  bed-time.  W. 

HEUCHERA.  U.  S.  Secondary. 

Alum-root. 

The  root  of  Heuchera  Americana.  U.  S. 

Heuchera.  Sex.  JSyst.  Pentandria  Digynia.  — Nat.  Ord.  Saxifragaceae. 
Gen.Ch.  Calyx  five-cleft.  Petals  five,  small.  Capside  bi-rostrate,  bi-locular, 
r ny-seeded.  Nuttall. 

Heuchera.  Americana.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  i.  1328;  Barton,  Med.  Bot.  ii.  159. 
-j II.  cortusa.  Michaux,  Ftor.  Boreal.  Am.  i.  171. — II.  viscida.  Pursh,  P/or.  Am. 
Ifl.  p.  187.  The  alum-root  or  Ame&an  sanicle  is  a perennial,  herbaceous 
pint,  the  leaves  of  which  are  all  radical,  petiolate,  cordate,  with  rounded  lobes, 
f inished  with  obtuse  mucronate  teeth.  There  is  no  proper  stem  ; but  numerous 
sjpes  or  flower-stems  are  sent  up  by  the  same  root,  from  one  to  three  feet  in 
bight,  very  hairy  in  their  upper  part,  and  terminating  in  long,  loose,  pyramidal, 
d^hotomous  panicles.  The  calyx  is  small,  with  obtuse  segments;  the  petals 
li'ceolate,  rose-coloured,  and  of  the  same  length  with  the  calyx;  the  filaments 
Hjch  longer,  yellowish,  and  surmounted  by  small,  red,  globose  anthers.  The 
wple  plant  is  covered  with  a viscid  pubescence. 

t is  found  in  shady,  rocky  situations,  from  New  England  to  Carolina,  and 
fibers  in  June  and  July.  The  root,  which  is  the  officinal  portion,  is  horizontal, 
seiewhat  compressed,  knotty,  irregular,  yellowish,  and  of  a strongly  styptic  taste. 

Medical  Properties.  Alum-root  is  powerfully  astringent,  and  may  be  em- 
p.J/ed  in  similar  cases  with  other  medicines  belonging  to  the  same  class.  It 
h:  hitherto,  however,  been  little  used.  We  are  informed  in  Dr.  Barton’s 
“jollections,”  that  it  is  applied  by  the  Indians  to  wounds  and  obstinate  ulcers, 
at  that  it  is  the  basis  of  a powder  which,  when  the  author  wrote,  enjoyed 
seje  reputation  as  a cure  for  cancer.  W. 


IIIRUDO.  Lond. 

The  Leech. 

janguisuga  medicinalis,  and  S.  officinalis.  Lond. 

'Iff.  Syn.  HIRUDO  MEDICINALIS.  Bub. 

mgsue,  Fr.;  Blutegel,  Germ.;  Mignatta,  Ital.;  Sauguijuela,  Span. 


irudo.  Class  1,  Annelides.  Order  3,  Abranchiatoe.  Family  2,  Asetigerte. 
ier. 

he  leech  belongs  to  that  class  of  invertebrated  articulated  animals  called. 
elides.  This  class  contains  the  worms  with  red  blood,  having  soft  retractile 
es  composed  of  numerous  segments  or  rings,  breathing  generally  by  means 
25 


386 


Hirudo. 


PART  ] 


of  branchiae,  with  a nervous  system  consisting  in  a double  knotted  cord,  dest: 
tute  of  feet,  and  supplying  their  place  by  the  contractile  power  of  their  segment 
or  rings.  The  third  order  of  this  class — Abranchio.ise — comprehends  thos 
worms  which  have  no  apparent  external  organ  of  respiration.  This  order  i 
again  divided  into  two  families,  to  the  second  of  which — the  Asetigerse,  orthos 
not  having  setae  to  enable  them  to  crawl — the  leech  belongs. 

It  is  an  aquatic  worm  with  a flattened  body,  tapering  towards  each  end,  an 
terminating  in  circular  flattened  disks,  the  hinder  one  being  the  larger  of  th 
two.  It  swims  with  a vertical  undulating  motion,  and  moves  when  out  of  th 
water  by  means  of  these  disks  or  suckers,  fastening  itself  first  by  one  and  the 
by  the  other,  and  alternately  stretching  out  and  contracting  its  body.  The  moot 
is  placed  in  the  centre  of  the  anterior  disk,  and  is  furnished  with  three  cartik 
ginous  lens-shaped  jaws  at  the  entrance  of  the  alimentary  canal.  These  jaws  ar 
lined  at  their  edges  with  fine  sharp  teeth,  and  meet  so  as  to  make  a triangula 
incision  in  the  flesh.  The  head  is  furnished  with  small  raised  points,  suppose 
by  some  to  be  eyes.  Respiration  is  carried  on  through  small  apertures  range 
along  the  inferior  surface.  The  nervous  system  consists  of  a cord  extending  th 
whole  length,  furnished  with  numerous  ganglions.  The  intestinal  canal  : 
straight  and  terminates  in  the  anus,  near  the  posterior  disk.  Although  herm; 
phrodite,  leeches  mutually  impregnate  each  other.  They  are  oviparous,  and  tb 
eggs,  varying  from  six  to  fifteen,  are  contained  in  a sort  of  spongy,  slimy  cocooi 
from  half  an  inch  to  an  inch  in  diameter.  These  are  deposited  near  the  edge  ( 
the  water,  and  hatched  by  the  heat  of  the  sun.  The  leech  is  torpid  during  th 
winter,  and  casts  off  from  time  to  time  a thick  slimy  coating  from  its  skin.  1 
can  live  a considerable  time  in  sphagnous  moss,  or  in  moistened  earth,  and 
frequently  transported  in  this  manner  to  great  distances  by  the  dealers. 

Savigny  has  divided  the  genus  Hirudo  of  Linnaeus  into  several  genera.  Th 
true  leech  is  the  Sanguisuga  of  this  author,  and  is  characterized  by  its  thr< 
lenticular  jaws,  each  armed  with  two  rows  of  teeth,  and  by  having  ten  ocul; 
points.  Several  species  are  used  for  medicinal  purposes,  of  which  the  most  c-od 
mon  are  the  gray  and  the  green  leech  of  Europe,  both  of  which  are  varieties  ■ 
the  Hirudo  medicinalis  of  Linnaeus;  and  the  Hirudo  decora  of  this  country. 

1.  Hirudo  medicinalis.  Linn.  Ed.  Gmel.  I.  8095. — Sanguisuga  officinalis.  S 
vigny,  Mon.  Hir.  p.  112,  t.  5,  f.  1.  The  green  leech. — Sanguisuga  medicinal 
Savigny,  Mon.  Hir.  p.  114,  t.  5,  f.  2.  The  gray  leech.  Many  of  the  best  zool 
gists  regard  the  Sanguisuga  ojjicinalis  and  S.  medicinalis  of  Savigny  as  me 
varieties.  They  are  both  marked  with  six  longitudinal  dorsal  ferruginous  stripe 
the  four  lateral  ones  being  interrupted  or  tesselated  with  black  spots.  The  colo' 
of  the  back  varies  from  a blackish  to  a grayish-green.  The  belly  in  the  fii 
variety  is  of  a yellowish-green  colour,  free  from  spots,  and  bordered  with  lont 
tudinal  black  stripes.  In  the  second  it  is  of  a green  colour,  bordered  and  ir 
culated  with  black.  This  leech  varies  from  two  to  four  inches  in  length.  It  i 
habits  marshes  and  running  streams,  and  is  abundant  throughout  Europe.* 

The  great  use  made  of  leeches  in  the  modern  practice  of  medicine  has  oe< 
sioned  them  to  become  a considerable  article  of  commerce.  They  are  collect 
in  Spain,  France,  Italy,  and  Germany,  and  carried  in  large  numbers  to  Lond 
and  Paris.  They  are  also  frequently  brought  to  this  country ; as  the  practitiom 
in  some  of  our  large  cities  use  only  the  foreign  leech,  although  our  own  wati 
furnish  an  inexhaustible  supply  of  this  useful  worm. 

* A variety  of  the  leeches  has  recently  come  into  use  in  Europe  called  in  comme 
African  leeches.  They  are  of  a beautiful  light-green  colour,  varying  to  a deep-green. ; 
often  inclining  to  red,  with  black  points  on  the  back,  and  broad  streaks  of  a bright  eran 
yellow,  which  are  black  towards  the  abdomen.  They  correspond  perfectly  with  the  5; 
guisuga  interrupta  of  Moquin  Tandon.  These  leeches  draw  very  well.  (Pharm.  Journ.  i1 
Trans.,  x.  i.,  from  Buchner's  Beperlorium,  A.D.  1850,  p.  87 6.) — Sole  to  the  ninth  edition.  • 


PART  I. 


Hirudo. 


387 


2.  Hirudo  decora.  Say,  Colonel  Long’s  Second  Expedition,  ii.  268.  The 
nedicinal  leech  of  America  has  been  described  by  Say  under  the  name  of  Hirudo 
decora,  in  the  Appendix  to  the  Second  Expedition  of  Colonel  Long.  Its  back 
s of  a deep  pistachio-green  colour,  with  three  longitudinal  rows  of  square  spots. 
These  spots  are  placed  on  every  fifth  ring,  and  are  twenty-two  in  number.  The 
ateral  rows  of  spots  are  black,  and  the  middle  range  of  a light  brownish-orange 
;olour.  The  belly  is  of  the  same  colour,  variously  and  irregularly  spotted  with 
flack.  The  American  leech  sometimes  attains  the  length  of  four  or  five  inches, 
dthough  its  usual  length  is  from  two  to  three.  It  does  not  make  so  large  and 
leep  an  incision  as  the  European  leech,  and  draws  less  blood. 

The  indigenous  leech  is  much  used  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia.  The  practi- 
ioners  of  New  York  and  Boston  are  supplied  chiefly  from  abroad.  The  leeches 
employed  in  Philadelphia  are  generally  brought  from  Bucks  and  Berks  county 
in  Pennsylvania,  and  occasionally  from  other  parts  of  the  State. 

The  proper  preservation  of  leeches  is  an  object  of  importance  to  the  practi- 
ioner,  as  they  are  liable  to  great  and  sudden  mortality.  They  are  usually  kept 
n jars,  in  clear,  soft  water,  which  should  be  changed  twice  a week  in  winter,  and 
■very  other  day  in  summer.  The  jar  must  be  covered  with  a linen  cloth,  and 
flaced  in  a situation  not  liable  to  sudden  changes  of  temperature.  They  will 
ive  a long  time  and  continue  active  and  healthy,  without  any  other  attention 
;han  that  of  frequently  changing  the  water  in  which  they  are  kept.  M.  Der- 
ieims  has  proposed  the  following  excellent  method  of  preserving  them.  In  the 
■ottom  of  a large  basin  or  trough  of  marble  he  places  a bed,  six  or  seven  inches 
eep,  of  a mixture  of  moss,  turf,  and  fragments  of  wood.  He  strews  pebbles 
bove,  so  as  to  retain  them  in  their  place  without  compressing  them  too  much, 
r preventing  the  water  from  freely  penetrating  them.  At  one  end  of  the  trough 
nd  about  midway  of  its  height,  is  placed  a thin  slab  of  marble  or  earthenware, 
ierced  with  numerous  holes,  and  covered  with  a bed  of  moss  which  is  compressed 
y a thick  layer  of  pebbles.  The  reservoir  being  thus  disposed  is  half-filled  with 
’ater,  so  that  the  moss  and  pebbles  on  the  shelf  shall  be  kept  constantly  moist, 
he  basin  is  protected  from  the  light  by  a linen  cover  stretched  over  it.  By  this 
rrangement  the  natural  habits  of  the  leech  are  not  counteracted.  One  of  these 
.abits,  essential  to  its  health,  is  that  of  drawing  itself  through  the  moss  and  roots 
) clear  its  body  from  the  slimy  coat  which  forms  on  its  skin,  and  is  a principal 
jUise  of  its  disease  and  death.  Mr.  James  Banes  recommends  that,  when  kept 
l jars,  they  should  be  cleansed  by  means  of  a whisk  of  very  fine  broom  or  willow, 
hen  the  water  is  changed.* 

Medical  Uses. — Leeches  afford  the  least  painful,  and  in  many  instances  the 
,iost  effectual  means  for  the  local  abstraction  of  blood.  They  are  often  appli- 
jible  to  parts  which,  either  from  their  situation  or  their  great  tenderness  when 
jiflamed,  do  not  admit  of  the  use  of  cups ; and,  in  the  cases  of  infants,  are  under 

* M.  Soubeiran  considers  it  important  that  they  should  be  kept  in  running  water,  and 
Its  figured  an  apparatus  for  this  purpose  in  the  second  edition  of  his  Treatise  on  Phar- 
macy. The  addition  of  a solution  of  chlorine  to  the  water,  in  the  proportion  of  one  or  two 
'ops  to  the  pint,  or  of  a little  muriatic  or  sulphuric  acid  to  neutralize  the  ammonia  which 
rrr\s,  has  sometimes  been  found  a preservative  against  diseases  to  which  leeches  are  liable. 
Tourn.  de  Pharm.,  3e  ser.,  x.  186,  from  Repert.  fur  die  Pharm.,  xlii.  367.) 

; M.  Domine  lias  found  the  following  plan  of  preserving  leeches  most  successful.  He  se- 
pts the  greenest  moss  he  can  find,  washes  it  perfectly  clean,  and  puts  it  and  the  leeches, 
so  well  washed,  alternately  into  a glass  vessel  of  convenient  size,  taking  care  to  fill  the 
ssel  completely  with  the  loosened  moss,  and  then  to  cover  it  with  a piece  of  linen.  In 
nter,  it  is  sufficient  merely  to  introduce  the  leeches  and  moss  moistened  ; but,  as  soon  as 
inn  weather  approaches,  a little  water  should  be  put  at  the  bottom  of  the  vessel.  It  is 
t necessary  to  change  often  in  winter;  but  in  summer,  the  moss  should  be  renewed 
arly  every  other  day,  and  the  vessel  should  be  kept  in  the  cellar.  ( Journ . de  Pharm.  et 
; Ohim.,  xvi.  110.) — Note  to  the  ninth  edition.  W. 


388 


Hirudo. 


PART  I. 


all  circumstances  preferable  to  that  instrument.  They  are  indeed  a powerful 
therapeutic  agent,  and  give  to  the  physician,  in  many  instances,  a control  over 
disease  which  be  could  obtain  in  no  other  way.  Their  use  is  in  great  measure 
restricted  to  the  treatment  of  local  inflammations;  and,  as  a general  rule,  they 
should  not  be  resorted  to  until  the  force  of  the  circulation  has  been  diminished 
by  bleeding  from  the  arm,  or  in  the  natural  progress  of  the  complaint. 

In  applying  leeches  to  the  skin,  care  should  be  taken  to  shave  off  the  hair,  if 
there  be  any,  and  to  have  the  part  well  cleansed  with  soap  and  water,  and  after- 
wards with  pure  water.  If  the  leech  does  not  bite  readily,  the  skin  should  be 
moistened  with  a little  blood,  or  milk  and  water.  Sometimes  the  leech  is  put 
into  a large  quill  open  at  both  ends,  and  applied  with  the  head  to  the  skin  until 
it  fastens  itself,  when  the  quill  is  withdrawn.  If  it  be  desirable  that  the  leech 
shall  bite  in  a particular  spot,  this  end  may  be  attained  by  cutting  a small  hole 
in  a piece  of  blotting  paper,  and  then  applying  this  moistened  to  the  skin,  so  that 
the  hole  shall  be  immediately  over  the  spot  from  which  the  blood  is  to  be  taken. 
Leeches  continue  to  draw  blood  until  they  are  gorged,  when  they  drop  off.*  The 
quantity  of  blood  which  they  draw  varies  according  to  the  part  to  which  they  are 
applied,  and  the  degree  of  inflammation  existing  in  it.  In  the  loose  and  vascular 
textures  they  will  abstract  more  than  in  those  which  are  firm  and  compact,  and 
more  from  an  inflamed  than  a healthy  part.  As  a general  rule  our  leechers  applv 
six  for  every  fluidounce  of  blood.  A single  European  leech  will  draw  from  half 
an  ounce  to  an  ounce.  The  quantity  may  often  be  much  increased  by  bathing 
the  wound  with  warm  water.  Leeches  will  continue  to  suck  after  their  tails  are 
cut  off,  w'bich  is  sometimes  done,  although  it  is  a barbarous  practice.  It  is  said 
that  they  will  draw  better  if  put  into  cold  beer,  or  diluted  wine,  and  allowed  to 
remain  until  they  become  very  lively.  They  may  be  separated  from  the  skin  at 
any  time  by  sprinkling  a little  salt  upon  them.  After  they  drop  off,  the  same 
application  will  make  them  disgorge  the  blood  they  have  swallowed.  Some 
leechers  draw  the  leeches  from  the  tail  to  the  head  through  their  finders,  and 
thus  squeeze  out  the  blood,  after  which  all  that  is  necessary  is  to  put  them  in 
clean  water,  and  change  it  frequently. f Leeches  which  are  gorged  with  blood 
should  be  kept  in  a vessel  by  themselves,  as  they  are  more  subject  to  disease, 
and  often  occasion  a great  mortality  among  the  others.  They  should  not  bt 
again  used  until  they  have  recovered  their  activity.  In  cases  where  the  bleeding 
from  leech-bites  continues  longer  than  is  desirable,  it  may  be  stopped  by  con 

* As  a very  efficient  mode  of  applying  leeches,  it  is  recommended,  after  having  moist 
ened  the  skin  with  pure  warm  water,  to  put  the  leeches  into  a tumbler  half  full  of  cole 
water,  and  by  an  adroit  movement  invert  it  upon  the  part.  If  it  is  desired  to  confine  the 
leeches  to  a single  point,  the  object  may  be  effected  by  covering  the  part  previously  vitl 
a piece  of  paper,  having  a hole  of  the  required  size  in  the  middle.  The  leeches  are  sail 
to  attach  themselves  so  rapidly  that  it  seems  to  the  patient  as  though  they  made  hut : 
single  bite.  When  they  are  all  attached,  the  glass  is  to  be  carefully  removed,  the  wate 
being  absorbed  as  it  runs  off  on  one  side  by  a sponge  or  linen  cloths. 

Another  method  of  increasing  the  efficiency  of  leeches,  recommended  by  Dr.  C.  R.  Sloan 
of  Ayr,  Scotland,  is  to  cover  them  with  a cupping  glass,  and,  by  means  of  an  air-pump 
moderately  exhaust  the  air  over  them.  An  extraordinary  increase  in  their  activity  is  im 
mediately  observable.  [Ed.  Monthly  Journ.  of  Med.  Set.,  Aug.  1852,  p.  126.)  <W.  i 

j-  MM.  Soubeiran  and  Bouchardat,  after  numerous  experiments  upon  the  different  mode 
of  fitting  the  gorged  leeches  for  use  again,  came  to  the  conclusion,  that  a carefully  manage 
pressure  is  the  best.  Two  conditions,  however,  are  necessary  to  success;  one  that  the 
should  be  disposed  to  disgorge  the  blood,  and  the  other  that  they  should  be  immersed  i 
warm  water  previously  to  the  stripping.  The  first  object  is  effected  by  common  salt.  Tk 
following  plan  is  recommended.  The  leeches  are  to  be  thrown  into  a solution  of  16  part 
of  common  salt  in  100  of  water,  from  which  they  are  to  be  taken  out  one  by  one,  am 
being  held  by  the  tail,  are  to  be  dipped  into  water  which  feels  hot  to  the  hand,  but  yet  ca 
be  borne  by  it,  and  then  passed  lightly  between  the  fingers.  Thus  treated,  they  easily  giv 
up  the  blood.  After  being  stripped,  they  should  he  placed  in  vessels  containing  fresh  wate; 


’ART  I. 


Hirudo. — Hordeum. 


389 


inued  pressure,  with  the  application  of  lint,  or  hy  touching  the  wounds  with 
unar  caustic.*  It  may  sometimes  be  necessary,  in  the  case  of  a deep  bite,  to 
ew  the  wound,  which  is  readily  done  with  a single  stitch  of  the  needle,  that 
eed  not  penetrate  deeper  than  the  cutis,  f D-  B.  S. 

HORDEUM.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub. 

Barley. 

The  decorticated  seeds  of  Hordeum  distichon.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub. 

Orge,  Fr.;  Gerstengraupen,  Germ.;  Orzo,  Ital.;  Cebada,  Span. 

Hordeum.  Sex.  Syst.  Triandria  Digynia.  — Nat.  Ord.  Graminacete. 

Gen.  Oh.  Calyx  lateral,  two-valved,  one-flowered,  three-fold.  WiUd. 

Several  species  of  Hordeum  are  cultivated  in  different  parts  of  the  world.  The 
lost  common  are  the  H.  vuljare,  and  H.  distichon,  both  of  which  have  been 
itroduced  into  the  United  States. 

1.  Hordeum  vulgare.  Willd.  Sj).  Plant,  i.  472 ; Loudon’s  Enryc.  of  Plants, 

. 73.  The  culm  or  stalk  of  common  barley  is  from  two  to  four  feet  in  height, 
stular,  and  furnished  with  alternate,  sheathing,  lanceolate,  roughish,  and  pointed 
:aves.  The  flowers  are  all  perfect,  and  arranged  in  a close  terminal  spike,  the 
sis  of  which  is  dentate,  and  on  each  tooth  supports  three  sessile  flowers.  The 
dyx  or  outer  chaff  has  two  valves.  The  corolla  or  inner  chaff  is  also  composed 
F two  valves,  of  which  the  exterior  is  larger  than  the  other,  and  terminates  in 
long,  rough,  serrated  awn  or  beard.  The  seeds  are  arranged  in  four  rows. 

2.  H.  distichon.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  i.  473;  Loudon’s  Encyc.  of  Plants,  p.  73. 
his  species  is  distinguished  by  its  flat  spike  or  ear,  which  on  each  flat  side  has 
double  row  of  imperfect  or  male  florets  without  beards,  and  on  each  edge,  a 
ngle  row  of  bearded  perfect  or  hermaphrodite  florets.  The  seeds  therefore  are 

two  rows,  as  indicated  by  the  specific  name  of  the  plant. 

rich  should  be  renewed  one-e  a day.  At  the  end  of  eight  or  ten  days,  they  are  fit  for 
application.  ( Journ . de  Pharm.,  3 eser.,  xi.  343  and  350.) 

It  has  been  stated  that,  if  the  leeches,  after  being  stripped,  be  put  into  water  sweetened 
tli  a little  white  sugar,  and  the  solution  be  renewed  several  times,  at  intervals  of  six  or 
elve  hours,  they  will  speedily  recover  their  activity,  and  may  be  reapplied  two  or  three 
nes  in  the  course  of  a few  days.  Immersion  in  camphor  water,  for  a few  moments,  is 
id  by  Mr.  Boyce  to  cause  them  to  vomit  the  blood.  They  should  afterwards  be  put  into 
ran  water,  to  be  changed  in  half  an  hour.  (Pharm.  Journ.,  Jan.  1845.) 

M.  Granat,  a French  military  pharmaceutist,  has  found  the  natural  process  of  disgorging 
eferable  to  all  others.  He  placed  some  gorged  leeches  in  wooden  tubs  containing  at  bottom 
little  clay  and  water,  and  renewed  the  water  every  forty-eight  hours.  After  eight  days, 
l3  leeches,  now  in  good  health,  were  transferred  to  a pond  prepared  for  the  purpose,  where 
ey  propagated.  He  put  1000  leeches  in  the  pond,  and  at  the  end  of  a year  had  taken  out 
;0  fit  for  service,  without  interfering  with  the  reproduction.  (Journ.  de  Pharm.,  3e  ser., 

. 1S6. ) The  propagation  of  the  leech  has  begun  to  attract  considerable  attention  in  France, 
hen  the  authors  were  in  Paris,  in  the  summer  of  1853,  there  was  a large  leech-pond  in 
eration  at  the  Central  Pharmacy  of  the  Hospitals.  W. 

|*  A little  cotton,  impregnated  with  a saturated  solution  of  alum  in  boiling-hot  water,  and, 
er  it  has  become  sufficiently  cool,  and  before  the  alum  has  begun  to  crystallize,  pressed 
on  the  wound,  will  often  prove  effectual.  Another  mode  of  repressing  the  hemorrhage 
jto  press  upon  the  bite  a piece  of  thin  caoutchouc,  previously  softened  upon  one  side  by 
•lit,  so  as  to  become  adhesive.  If  lunar  caustic  be  applied,  the  stick  must  first  be  brought 
• a fine  point,  which  is  to  be  inserted  in  the  wound.  Some  have  even  recommended  the 
Hi  of  a fine  wire  made  red-hot.  When  the  part  wounded  is  without  a bony  basis,  pressure 
l y be  made  by  pinching  the  wound  between  the  fingers.  W. 

f An  instrument  has  been  invented  called  the  mechanical  leech,  by  which  the  attempt  has 
1 ;n  made  to  imitate  the  action  of  the  leech  in  drawing  blood.  It  consists  essentially  of 
fjo  parts,  one  for  making  the  puncture,  and  the  other  for  abstracting  blood  through  the 
iiincy  of  atmospheric  pressure.  In  other  words,  it  is  a minute  cupping  instrument.  Prac- 
1 illy,  however,  it  has  not  been  found  so  convenient  as  to  supersede  the  use  of  the  living 
1 ch.  For  an  account  of  the  instrument,  see  the  Am.  Journ.  of  the  Med.  Sciences,  xvi.  207.  W. 


390 


Hordeum. 


PART  i. 


The  original  country  of  the  cultivated  barley  is  unknown.  The  plant  has 
been  found  growing  wild  in  Sicily,  and  various  parts  of  the  interior  of  Asia.  H. 
vidyare  is  said  by  Bursh  to  grow  in  some  parts  of  the  United  States,  apparently 
in  a wild  state.  The  seeds  are  used  in  various  forms. 

1.  In  their  natural  state  they  are  oval,  oblong,  pointed  at  one  end,  obtuse  at 
the  other,  marked  with  a longitudinal  furrow,  of  a yellowish  colour  externally, 
white  within,  having  a faint  odour  when  in  mass,  and  a mild  sweetish  taste.  They 
contain,  according  to  Proust,  in  100  parts,  32  of  starch,  3 of  gluten,  5 of  sugar, 
4 of  gum,  1 of  yellow  resin,  and  55  of  hordein,  a principle  closely  analogous  to 
lignin.  Berzelius  suggests  that  hordein  may  be  an  intimate  mixture  of  vegetable 
fibre  with  gluten  and  starch,  which  are  very  difficultly  separable  as  they  exist  in 
this  grain.  Einhoff  found  in  100  parts  6718  of  starch,  5'21  of  uncrystallizable 
sugar,  4‘62  of  gum,  3'52  of  gluten,  1*15  of  albumen,  0'24  of  phosphate  of  lime, 
and  7 '29  of  vegetable  fibre;  the  remainder  being  water  and  loss. 

2.  Malt  consists  of  the  seeds  made  to  germinate  by  warmth  and  moisture,  and 
then  baked  so  as  to  deprive  them  of  vitality.  By  this  process  the  sugar,  starch, 
and  gum  are  increased  at  the  expense  of  the  hordein , as  shown  by  the  analysis 
of  Proust,  who  found  in  100  parts  of  malt,  56  of  starch,  1 of  gluten,  15  of  sugar, 
15  of  gum,  1 of  yellow  resin,  and  only  12  of  hordein.  Berzelius  attributes  the 
diminution  of  the  hordein  to  the  separation,  during  germination,  of  the  gluten 
or  starch  from  the  fibrous  matter  with  which  he  supposes  them  to  be  associated 
in  that  substance.  It  is  in  the  form  of  malt  that  barley  is  so  largely  consumed 
in  the  manufacture  of  malt  liquors. 

An  interesting  substance,  called  diastase,  was  discovered  by  MM.  Payen  and 
Persoz  in  the  seeds  of  barley,  oats,  and  wheat,  and  in  the  potato.  It  is  found, 
however,  only  after  germination,  of  which  process  the  production  of  it  appears 
to  be  the  first  step.  Germinated  barley  seldom  contains  it  in  larger  proportion 
than  two  parts  in  a thousand.  It  is  obtained  by  bruising  freshly  germinated 
barley,  adding  about  half  its  weight  of  water,  expressing  strongly,  treating  the 
viscid  liquid  thus  obtained  with  sufficient  alcohol  to  destroy  its  viscidity,  then 
separating  the  coagulated  albumen,  and  adding  a fresh  portion  of  alcohol,  which 
precipitates  the  diastase  in  an  impure  state.  To  render  it  pure,  it  must  be  re- 
dissolved  as  often  as  three  times  in  water,  and  precipitated  by  alcohol.  It  i. 
solid,  white,  tasteless,  soluble  in  water  and  weak  alcohol,  but  insoluble  in  tin 
latter  fluid  in  a concentrated  state.  Though  without  action  upon  gum  and  sugar 
it  has  the  extraordinary  property,  when  mixed,  in  the  proportion  of  only  one 
part  to  2000,  wdth  starch  suspended  in  water,  and  maintained  at  a temperaturi 
of  about  160°,  of  converting  that  principle  into  dextrine  and  the  sugar  of  grapes 
The  whole  of  the  starch  undergoes  this  change,  with  the  exception  of  the  tegc 
ments  of  the  granules,  amounting  to  about  4 parts  in  1000.  The  change  whid 
barley  undergoes  during  germination,  and  in  the  process  of  malting,  is  of  : 
similar  character. 

3.  Hulled  barley  is  merely  the  grain  deprived  of  its  husk,  which,  according  t 
Einhoff,  amounts  to  18'75  parts  in  the  hundred. 

4.  Barley  meal  is  formed  by  grinding  the  seeds,  previously  deprived  of  tbei 
husk.  It  has  a grayish-white  colour,  and  contains,  according  to  Foureroy  an 
Yauquelin,  an  oleaginous  substance,  sugar,  starch,  azotized  matter,  acetic  aeic 
phosphate  of  lime  and  magnesia,  silica,  and  iron.  It  may  be  made  into  a c-oarsi 
heavy,  hard  bread,  which  in  some  countries  is  much  used  for  food. 

5.  Pearl  barley — hordeum  perlatum — is  the  seed  deprived  of  all  its  inves 
ments,  and  afterwards  rounded  and  polished  in  a mill.  It  is  in  small  round  c 
oval  grains,  having  the  remains  of  the  longitudinal  furrow  of  the  seeds,  and  t 
a pearly  whiteness.  It  is  wholly  destitute  of  hordein,  and  abounds  in  starel 
with  some  gluten,  sugar,  and  gum.  This  is  the  proper  officinal  form  of  baric] 
and  is  kept  in  the  shops  almost  to  the  exclusion  of  the  others. 


ART  I. 


Hordeum. — Humulus. 


391 


Medical  Properties.  Barley  is  one  of  the  mildest  and  least  irritating  of  fari- 
aceous  substances;  and,  though  not  medically  used  in  its  solid  state,  forms  by 
acoction  with  water  a drink  admirably  adapted  to  febrile  and  inflammatory  com- 
laints,  and  much  employed  from  the  times  of  Hippocrates  and  Galen  to  the 
resent.  Pearl  barley  is  the  form  usually  preferred  for  the  preparation  of  the 
3coction,  though  the  hulled  grain  is  sometimes  used,  and  malt  affords  a liquor 
ore  demulcent  and  nutritious.  (See  Decoctum  Hordei.')  The  decoction  of  malt 
ay  be  prepared  by  boiling  from  two  to  four  ounces  in  a quart  of  water  and  strain- 
jg  the  liquor.  When  hops  are  added,  the  decoction  takes  the  name  of  wort, 
id  acquires  tonic  properties,  which  render  it  useful  in  debility,  especially  when 
tended  with  suppuration. 

Off.  Prep.  Decoctum  Hordei;  Decoctum  Hordei  Composi turn.  W. 

HUMULUS.  U.S. 

Hops. 

The  strobiles  of  Humulus  Lupulus.  II.  S. 

Off.  Syn.  LUPULUS.  Humulus  Lupulus.  The  Amentum.  Lond.  The  Cat- 
n.  Ed.  HUMULUS  LUPULUS.  The  dried  strobiles.  Dub. 

Houblon,  Fr.;  Hopfen,  Germ.;  Luppolo,  Ital.;  Lupulo  Hombrecillo,  Span. 

Humulus.  Sex.  Syst.  Dioecia  Pentandria. — Nat.  Ord.  Urticaeem. 

Gen.  Ch.  Male.  Calyx  five-leaved.  Corolla  none.  Female.  Calyx  one-leafed, 
diquely  spreading,  entire.  Corolla  none.  Styles  two.  Seed  one,  within  a leafy 
lyx.  mm. 

Humulus  Lupulus.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  iv.  769;  Bigelow,  Am.  Med.  Bot.  iii. 
>3 . The  root  of  the  hop  is  perennial,  and  sends  up  numerous  annual,  angular, 
ugh,  flexible  stems,  which  twine  around  neighbouring  objects  in  a spiral  direc- 
■jra,  from  left  to  right,  and  climb  to  a great  height.  The  leaves  are  opposite, 
;d  stand  upon  long  footstalks.  The  smaller  are  sometimes  cordate;  the  larger 
ve  three  or  five  lobes;  all  are  serrate,  of  a deep-green  colour  on  the  upper  sur- 
: 3e,  and,  together  with  the  petioles,  extremely7  rough,  with  minute  prickles.  At 
'je  base  of  the  footstalks  are  two  or  four  smooth,  ovate,  reflexed  stipules.  The 
: wers  are  numerous,  axillary,  and  furnished  with  bractes.  The  male  flowers 
;3  yellowish-white,  and  arranged  in  panicles;  the  female,  which  grow  on  a sepa- 
:j;e  plant,  are  pale-green,  and  disposed  in  solitary,  peduncled  aments,  composed 
' membranous  scales,  ovate,  acute,  and  tubular  at  the  base.  Each  scale  bears 
: ar  its  base,  on  its  inner  surface,  two  flowers,  consisting  of  a roundish  compressed 
; rm,  and  two  styles,  with  long  filiform  stigmas.  The  aments  are  converted  into 
i ate  membranous  cones  or  strobiles,  the  scales  of  which  contain  each  at  their 
lse  two  small  seeds,  surrounded  by  a yellow,  granular,  resinous  powder. 

The  hop  is  a native  of  North  America  and  Europe.  It  is  occasionally  found 
IjOwing  wild  in  the  Eastern  States,  and,  according  to  Mr.  Nuttall,  is  abundant  on 
i e banks  of  the  Mississippi  and  Missouri.  In  parts  of  New  England  and  New 
>rk  it  is  extensively  cultivated,  and  most  of  the  hops  consumed  in  the  United 
f ates  are  supplied  by  those  districts.  The  part  of  the  plant  used,  as  well  in 
<|3  preparation  of  malt  liquors  as  in  medicine,  is  the  fruit  or  strobiles.  These 
1 ien  fully  ripe  are  picked  from  the  plant,  dried  by  artificial  heat,  packed  in 
1 les,  and  sent  into  the  market  under  the  name  of  hops. 

They  consist  of  numerous  thin,  translucent,  veined,  leaf-like  scales,  which  are 
< a pale  greenish-yellow  colour,  and  contain  near  the  base  two  small,  round, 
lick  seeds.  Though  brittle  when  quite  dry,  they  are  pulverized  with  great  dif- 
irlty.  Their  odour  is  strong,  peculiar,  somewhat  narcotic,  and  fragrant;  their 
1 te  very  bitter,  aromatic,  and  slightly  astringent.  Their  aroma,  bitterness,  and 


392 


Humulus. 


PART  i. 


astringency  are  imparted  to  water  by  decoction;  but  the  first-mentioned  property 
is  dissipated  by  long  boiling.  The  most  active  part  of  bops  is  a substance  .se- 
creted by  the  scales,  and  in  the  dried  fruit  existing  upon  their  surface  in  the 
state  of  very  small  granules.  This  substance  was  called  lupulin  by  the  late  Dr. 
A.  W.  Ives,  of  New  York,  by  whom  its  properties  were  first  investigated  and 
made  generally  known ; though  it  appears  to  have  been  previously  noticed  by 
Sir  J.  E.  Smith,  of  England,  and  M.  Planche,  of  France.  The  scales  them- 
selves, however,  are  not  destitute  of  virtues,  and  contain,  as  shown  by  MM.  Payen 
and  Chevalier,  the  same  active  principles  as  the  lupulin,  though  in  less  proportion. 

Lupulina.  Lupulin.  U.  S-,  Dub.  This  is  obtained  separate  by  rubbing  or 
threshing  and  sifting  the  strobiles,  of  which  it  constitutes  from  one-sixth  to  one- 
tenth  by  weight.  It  is  in  the  state  of  a yellowish  powder,  mixed  with  minute 
particles  of  the  scales,  from  which  it  cannot  be  entirely  freed  when  procured  by 
a mechanical  process.  It  has  the  peculiar  flavour  of  hops,  and  appeared  to  MM. 
Lebaillif  and  llaspail,  when  examined  by  the  microscope,  to  consist  of  globules 
filled  with  a yellow  matter,  resembling  in  this  respect  the  pollen  of  vegetables. 
It  is  inflammable,  and  when  moderately  heated  becomes  somewhat  adhesive. 
MM.  Chevalier  and  Payen  obtained  from  200  parts,  105  of  resin,  and  25  of  a 
peculiar  bitter  principle,  besides  volatile  oil,  gum,  traces  of  fixed  oil,  a small 
quantity  of  an  azotized  substance,  and  various  salts.  Dr.  Ives  found  in  120 
grains,  5 of  tannin,  10  of  extractive,  11  of  bitter  principle,  12  of  wax,  36  of 
resin,  and  46  of  lignin.  The  virtues  of  the  powder  probably  reside  in  the  vola- 
tile oil  and  bitter  principle,  and  are  readily  imparted  to  alcohol.  By  boiling  iu 
water  the  bitterness  is  extracted,  but  the  aroma  is  partially  driven  off.  The 
volatile  oil,  which  may  be  obtained  by  distillation  with  water,  is  yellowish,  of 
the  odour  of  hops,  of  an  acrid  taste,  and  lighter  than  water.  It  was  formerly 
supposed  to  be  narcotic,  but  this  is  denied  by  Dr.  Wagner,  who  gave  twenty  drops 
of  it  to  a rabbit,  with  no  observable  effect.  (Chem.  Gaz.,  July  15,  1853. ) 

The  bitter  principle,  which  has  been  named  lupulite  or  lupuline,  but  ought  to 
be  called  humulin,  may  be  procured  by  treating  with  alcohol  the  aqueous  extract 
of  lupulin  previously  mixed  with  a little  lime,  evaporating  the  tincture  thus 
formed,  treating  the  resulting  extract  with  water,  evaporating  the  solution,  and 
washing  the  residue  with  ether.  When  pure  it  is  yellowish  or  orange-yellow, 
inodorous  at  common  temperatures,  but  of  the  smell  of  hops  when  heated,  of  the 
peculiar  bitter  taste  of  hops,  slightly  soluble  in  water  which  takes  up  five  per 
cent,  of  its  weight,  readily  soluble  in  alcohol,  almost  insoluble  in  ether,  neither 
acid  nor  alkaline  in  its  reaction,  and  destitute  of  nitrogen.  It  is  scarcely  affected 
by  the  weak  acids  or  alkaline  solutions,  or  by  the  metallic  salts.  It  is  probably 
the  tonic  principle  of  the  medicine. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Hops  are  tonic  and  moderately  narcotic,  and 
have  been  highly  recommended  in  diseases  of  general  or  local  debility,  associated 
with  morbid  vigilance,  or  other  nervous  derangement.  They  have  some  tend- 
ency to  produce  sleep  and  relieve  pain,  and  may  be  used  for  these  purposes  in 
cases  where  opiates,  from  their  teudency  to  constipate,  or  other  cause,  are  inad- 
missible. Diuretic  properties  have  also  been  ascribed  to  them,  but  are  by  no 
means  very  obvious.  The  complaints  iu  which  they  have  been  found  most  useful 
are  dyspepsia,  and  the  nervous  tremors,  wakefulness,  and  delirium  of  drunkards. 
Dr.  Maton  found  the  extract  advantageous  in  allaying  the  pain  of  articular  rheu- 
matism. Dr.  W.  Y.  Godberry,  of  Benton,  Miss.,  has  found  hops  efficacious, in 
intermit  tents,  and  considers  them  inferior  in  antiperiodic  powers  only  to  quinia. 
(Tfhst.  Journ.  Med.  and  Sun/.,  March,  1853.) 

The  medicine  maybe  given  in  substance,  infusion,  tincture,  or  extract.  From 
three  to  twenty  grains  are  mentioned  as  the  dose  of  the  powder ; but  the  quan- 
tity is  too  small  to  produce  any  decided  effect;  and  this  mode  of  administration 


].RT  I. 


Eumulus. — Hydrargyrum. 


393 


i in  fact  scarcely  ever  resorted  to.  An  infusion  prepared  with  half  an  ounce 
chops  and  a pint  of  boiling  water,  may  be  given  in  the  dose  of  two  fluidounces 
tree  or  four  times  a day.  In  intermittents  Dr.  Godberry  gives,  in  the  interval, 
aiint  of  the  infusion  made  with  an  ounce  of  the  hops.  The  extract  and  tincture 
a;  officinal.  (See  Extr actum  Lupuli  and  Tinctura  Humuli.')  A pillow  of  hops 
Is  been  found  useful  in  allaying  restlessness  and  producing  sleep  in  nervous 
borders.  They  should  be  moistened  with  some  spirituous  liquor,  previously 
t being  placed  under  the  head  of  the  patient,  in  order  to  prevent  their  rustling 
r'se.  Fomentations  with  hops,  and  cataplasms  made  by  mixing  them  with 
sne  emollient  substance,  are  often  beneficial  in  local  pains  and  tumefactions. 
h ointment  of  the  powder  with  lard  is  recommended  by  Mr.  Freake  as  an 
aidyue  application  to  cancerous  sores. 

All  the  effects  of  the  preparations  of  hops  may  be  obtained,  with  greater  cer- 
tuty  and  convenience,  by  the  use  of  lupulin.  Dr.  Win.  Byrd  Page,  of  Phila- 
diphia,  has  found  this  substance  very  effectual  as  an  antaphrodisiac,  in  the  treat- 
nnt  of  gonorrhoea,  and  other  irritated  conditions  of  the  urinary  passages.  The 
d;e  of  lupulin  in  substance  is  from  six  to  twelve  grains,  given  in  the  form  of 
pis,  which  may  be  made  by 'simply  rubbing  the  powder  in  a warm  mortar  till 
Acquires  the  consistence  of  a ductile  mass,  and  then  moulding  it  into  the  proper 
s pe.  There  is  an  officinal  tincture.  (See  Tinctura  Lupulinae.)  Mr.  Liver- 
nxe  proposes  an  alcoholic  extract  of  lupulin,  prepared  by  exhausting  commer- 
c . lupulin  with  alcohol  by  the  process  of  percolation,  and  exposing  the  tincture 
tils  formed  to  spontaneous  evaporation.  The  dose  will  be  about  one-third  less 
tin  that  of  lupulin  itself.  (Am.  Journ.  of  P harm.,  xxv.  294.)  Lupulin  may 
b incorporated  with  poultices,  or  formed  into  an  ointment  with  lard,  and  used 
e.ernally  for  the  same  purposes  as  hops. 

Off.  Prep,  of  Hops.  Extraetum  Lupuli;  Infusum  Ilumuli;  Tinctura  Humuli. 

Off.  Prep,  of  Lupulin.  Tinctura  Lupulinae.  W. 

HYDRARGYRUM.  U S.,  Loncl.,  Ed.,  Dub. 

Mercury. 

Quicksilver ; Mercurius,  Lat.;  Mercure,  Vif  argent,  Fr.;  Quecksilber,  Germ.;  Mereu- 
ri  Ital.;  Azogue,  Span,  and  Port. 

'his  metal  is  found  pure,  combined  with  sulphur,  united  with  silver,  and  in 
tl  form  of  protochloride  (native  calomel)  ; but,  of  all  its  combinations,  the 
nut  abundant  is  the  bisulphuret,  or  native  cinnabar.  Its  most  important  mines 
ai  found  at  Almaden  in  Spain,  at  Idria  in  Carniola,  in  the  Duchy  of  Deux- 
p<:ts,  at  Durasno  in  Mexico,  near  Azogue  in  New  Granada,  and  near  Huanca- 
V(jca  in  Peru.  A rich  mine  of  cinnabar  was  discovered  in  1844,  at  New  Al- 
mlen,  in  Upper  California,  about  midway  between  San  Francisco  and  Monterey; 
b<|  the  working  of  it  only  commenced  in  1848,  when  it  proved  very  productive, 
alough  the  apparatus  employed  was  extremely  defective.  ( Silliman’ s Journ., 
Si  t.  1848.)  From  analyses  made  of  the  cinnabar  from  this  mine,  it  appears  to  be 
m sh  richer  in  mercury  than  that  of  Almaden  in  Spain,  by  reason  of  its  containing 
lej  impurity.  In  1852,  the  product  of  the  mine  was  75,000  pounds  of  mercury 
pemonth.  A mine  of  cinnabar,  nearly  pure,  was  discovered  in  Corsica  in  1850. 
ftrn.  de  Pharm.,  3e  ser.,  xix.  216.)  Mercury  also  occurs  in  the  Philippine 
lends  and  China.  The  most  ancient  and  productive  mine  is  that  of  Almaden. 

Extraction.  Nearly  all  the  mercury  consumed  in  medicine  and  the  arts  is 
ol  ined  from  the  bisulphuret,  or  native  cinnabar.  It  is  extracted  by  two  prin- 
ci  1 processes.  According  to  one  process,  the  mineral  is  picked,  pounded,  and 
m ed  with  lime.  The  mixture  is  then  introduced  into  cast-iron  retorts,  which 
ar  placed  in  rows,  one  above  the  other,  in  an  oblong  furnace,  and  connected 


394 


Hydrargyrum. 


PART  ] 


with  earthenware  receivers,  one-third  full  of  water.  Heat  being  applied,  th 
lime  combines  with  the  sulphur,  so  as  to  form  sulphuret  of  calcium  and  sulphat 
of  lime;  while  the  mercury  distils  over,  and  is  condensed  in  the  receivers.  Th 
other  process  is  practised  at  Almaden  in  Spain.  Here  a square  furnace  is  em 
ployed,  the  floor  of  which  is  pierced  with  many  holes,  for  the  passage  of  the  flam 
from  the  fireplace  beneath.  In  the  upper  and  lateral  part  of  the  furnace,  hole 
are  made,  communicating  with  several  rows  of  aludels,  which  terminate  in 
small  chamber  that  serves  both  as  condenser  and  receiver.  The  mineral,  bavin 
been  picked  by  hand  and  pulverized,  is  kneaded  with  clay,  and  formed  int 
small  masses,  which  are  placed  on  the  floor  of  the  furnace.  The  heat  being  a p 
plied,  the  sulphur  undergoes  combustion;  while  the  mercury,  being  volatihzec 
passes  through  the  aludels  to  be  condensed  in  the  chamber. 

Commercial  History.  Mercury  is  imported  into  this  country  generally  i 
cylindrical  wrought-iron  bottles,  called  flasks,  each  containing  76  J pounds,  an 
comes  principally  from  the  Atlantic  ports  of  Spain,  particularly  Cadiz.  A poi 
tion  also  is  received  from  the  Austrian  port  of  Trieste,  from  which  it  generall 
comes  tied  up  in  whole  skins  of  white  leather,  forming  bags,  each  containing  3 
pounds,  and  four  of  which  are  usually  packed  together  with  straw  in  a roug 
flattened  keg.  In  both  Spain  and  Austria,  the  produce  of  the  quicksilver  mine 
is  a government  monopoly.  In  Spain  all  the  metal  is  brought  from  the  mine 
to  Seville,  whence,  after  paying  an  export  duty,  it  is  carried  by  small  vessel 
down  the  river  Guadalquiver  to  Cadiz  and  Gibraltar,  which  are  the  chief  place 
of  its  depot  for  foreign  commerce.  The  quantity  imported  into  the  United  State 
varies  in  different  years.  Its  chief  consumption  is  in  the  extraction  of  silve 
and  gold  from  their  ores,  in  the  preparation  of  vermilion,  in  making  thermome 
ters  and  barometers,  in  silvering  looking-glasses,  and  in  preparing  various  phai 
maceutical  compounds. 

Properties.  Mercury  is  a very  brilliant  liquid,  of  a silver-white  colour,  an 
without  taste  or  smell.  When  perfectly  pure  it  undergoes  no  alteration  bv  th 
action  of  air  or  water,  but  in  its  ordinary  state  suffers  a slight  tarnish.  Whe; 
heated  to  near  the  boiling  point,  it  gradually  combines  with  oxygen,  and  become 
converted  into  deutoxide;  but  at  the  temperature  of  ebullition  it  parts  with  tb 
oxygen  which  it  had  absorbed,  and  is  reduced  again  to  the  metallic  state.  It 
sp.  gr.  is  18'5,  and  its  equivalent  202.  It  boils  at  662°,  and  freezes  at  39 
below  zero,  forming  when  frozen  a malleable  solid  resembling  lead.  It  is  a goo 
conductor  of  caloric,  and  its  specific  heat  is  small.  It  is  not  attacked  by  muriati 
acid,  nor  by  cold  sulphuric  acid ; but  boiling  sulphuric  acid,  or  cold  nitric  aci 
dissolves  it,  generating  a bisulphate  or  binitrate  of  the  deutoxide,  with  the  extr 
cation,  in  the  former  case,  of  sulphurous  acid,  in  the  latter,  of  nitric  oxide  becoa 
ing  nitrous  acid  red  fumes.  Its  combinations  are  numerous,  and  several  ofthei 
constitute  important  medicines.  It  forms  two  oxides,  two  regular  sulphurets.  tw 
chlorides,  three  iodides,  and  one  cyanuret,  all  of  which,  excepting  the  protosu 
phuret  and  sesquiodide,  are  officinal,  and  will  be  noticed  elsewhere  under  separai 
heads.  Both  the  oxides  are  capable  of  uniting  with  acids  so  as  to  form  salts,  < 
which  the  binitrate,  sulphate,  and  bisulphate  of  the  deutoxide  are  officinal,  c 
enter  into  officinal  combinations. 

Mercury,  as  it  occurs  in  commerce,  is  in  general  sufficiently  pure  for  pbarin; 
ceutical  purposes.  Occasionally  it  contains  foreign  metals,  such  as  lead,  bismutl 
and  tin.  Mr.  Brande  informs  us  that,  in  examining  large  quantities  of  this  met; 
in  the  London  market,  he  found  it  only  in  one  instance  intentionally  adulterate! 
When  impure,  the  metal  has  a dull  appearance,  leaves  a trace  on  white  pape 
is  deficient  in  due  fluidity  and  mobility,  as  shown  by  its  not  forming  pertei 
globules,  is  not  totally  dissipated  by  heat,  and,  when  shaken  in  a glass  bottl 
coats  its  sides  with  a pellicle,  or,  if  very  impure,  deposits  a black  powder, 
agitated  with  strong  sulphuric  acid,  the  adulterating  metals  become  oxidized  ar 


PBT  I. 


Hydrargyrum. 


395 


dholved,  and  in  this  manner  the  mercury  may  in  part  he  purified.  Lead  is  de- 
te;ed  by  shaking  the  suspected  metal  with  equal  parts  of  acetic  acid  and  water, 
ai  then  testing  the  acid  by  sulphate  of  soda,  or  iodide  of  potassium.  The 
foner  will  produce  a white,  the  latter  a yellow  precipitate,  if  lead  be  present. 
Bmuth  is  discovered  by  dropping  a nitric  solution  of  the  mercury,  prepared 
whout  heat,  into  distilled  water,  when  the  subnitrate  of  bismuth  will  pi’ecipi- 
ta;.  The  solubility  of  the  metal  in  nitric  acid  shows  that  tin  is  not  present; 
ar  if  sulphuretted  hydrogen  does  not  act  upon  muriatic  acid  previously  boiled 
U]ln  the  metal,  the  absence  of  the  usual  contaminating  metals  is  shown. 

ylercury  may  be  purified,  according  to  Berzelius,  by  digesting  it  with  a small 
pyiionof  weak  nitric  acid,  or  with  a solution  of  bichloride  of  mercury  (corrosive 
silimate);  whereby  all  the  ordinary  contaminating  metals  will  be  removed.  M. 
Ux  recommends  its  purification  by  triturating,  for  ten  minutes,  a pound  of  the 
nr.al  with  an  ounce  of  the  solution  of  sesquichloride  of  iron  (sp.gr.  1'48), 
diited  with  an  equal  measure  of  water.  The  mercury  is  thus  divided  to  a very 
gmt  extent,  and  the  contaminating  metals  are  separated  as  chlorides;  the  ses- 
qiphloride  of  iron  being,  in  the  meantime,  reduced  to  protochloride.  After 
dtknting  the  iron  solution,  and  washing  with  water,  the  mercury  is  dried  by  a 
gjtle  heat,  and  subjected  to  trituration,  when  the  greater  portion  of  it  runs  to- 
gmer.  Mercury,  however,  is  usually  purified  by  distillation.  (See  Hydrargy- 
ria Purum.) 

Medical  Properties.  Mercury,  in  its  uncombined  state,  is  deemed  inert;  but 
in.  state  of  combination,  it  acts  as  a peculiar  and  universal  stimulant.  When 
eiibited  in  a state  of  minute  division,  as  it  exists  in  several  preparations,  it 
priuces  its  peculiar  effects;  but  this  does  not  prove  that  the  uncombined  metal 
Active,  but  only  that  the  condition  of  minute  division  is  favourable  to  its  en- 
te  ng  into  combination  in  the  stomach.  Its  combinations  exhibit  certain  general 
mlical  properties  and  effects,  which  belong  to  the  whole  as  a class;  while  each 
in  vidual  preparation  is  characterized  by  some  peculiarity  in  its  operation.  Our 
biiness,  in  the  present  place,  is  to  consider  generally  the  physiological  action 
ofhercury,  and  the  principles  by  which  its  administration  should  be  regulated; 
wle  its  effects,  as  modified  in  its  different  combinations,  will  be  more  properly 
m eed  under  the  head  of  each  preparation  individually. 

iff  the  modus  operandi  of  mercury  we  know  nothing,  except  that  it  probably 
ad  through  the  medium  of  the  circulation,  and  that  it  possesses  a peculiar 
amative  power  over  the  vital  functions,  which  enables  it  in  many  cases  to  sub- 
vt , diseased  actions  by  substituting  its  own  in  their  stead.  This  alterative  power 
is bmetimes  exerted,  without  being  attended  with  any  other  vital  phenomenon 
tin  the  removal  of  disease;  while  at  other  times  it  is  attended  with  certain  ob- 
vijis  effects,  indicative  of  the  agency  of  a potent  stimulus.  In  the  latter  case, 
itiiperation  is  marked  by  a quickened  circulation,  by  a frequent,  jerking  pulse, 
n increased  activity  imparted  to  all  the  secretory  functions,  particularly  those 
of  he  salivary  glands  and  the  liver,  by  an  exaltation  of  nervous  sensibility,  and, 
inhort,  by  a.  general  excitation  of  the  organic  actions  of  the  system. 

7hen  mercury  acts  insensibly  as  an  alterative,  there  is  not  the  least  apparent 
diurbance  of  the  circulation.  When  it  operates  decidedly  and  obviously,  it  is 
V(;r  prone  to  let  the  brunt  of  its  action  fall  upon  the  salivary  glands,  causing, 
in  lany  instances,  an  immoderate  flow  of  saliva,  and  constituting  the  condition 
dominated  ptyalism  or  salivation.  Under  these  circumstances,  to  the  altera- 
ti'  effects  of  the  mineral  are  added  those  of  depletion  and  revulsion.  In  the 
sajra  discharged  as  a consequence  of  its  action,  mercury  has  been  detected  by 
conical  tests.  Occasionally  its  depletory  action  is  exhibited  in  an  increased 
sejetion  of  urine,  or  an  immoderate  flow  of  the  bile;  and,  where  ptyalism  can- 
n<  be  induced,  and  either  of  these  secretions  becomes  considerably  augmented, 
th  circumstance  may  be  held  equally  conclusive  of  the  constitutional  impres- 


396 


Hydrargyrum. 


PART 


sion  of  the  mercury,  as  if  the  mouth  had  been  affected.  Mercury  has  been  foui 
in  the  urine  of  those  under  the  influence  of  corrosive  sublimate,  by  M.  Audouar 
It  has,  indeed,  been  detected  in  most  of  the  solids  and  fluids  of  the  body,  i 
eluding  the  blood.  When  in  the  blood  it  cannot  be  detected  by  the  ordina 
tests,  on  account  of  its  intimate  union  with  the  organic  matter  of  that  liquid.  [ 
discover  it  the  blood  must  be  subjected  to  destructive  distillation.  The  liver 
the  organ  which  retains  mercury  the  longest.  It  has  been  detected  in  th 
viscus,  though  absent  in  the  lungs,  heart,  bile,  and  spinal  marrow,  in  the  kx 
of  a person  who  had  long  worked  in  mercury,  but  had  desisted  from  the  oce 
pation  for  a year  before  death,  on  account  of  the  occurrence  of  mercurial  cachex 

Mercury  has  been  used  in  almost  every  disease,  but  too  often  empirically,  ai 
without  the  guidance  of  any  recognised  therapeutic  principle.  Nevertheless,  i 
efficacy  in  certain  classes  of  diseases  is  universally  acknowledged.  In  function 
derangement  of  the  digestive  organs,  mercurials  in  minute  doses  often  exert 
salutary  operation,  subverting  the  morbid  action,  and  that  too  by  their  insensifc 
alterative  effect,  without  affecting  the  mouth.  In  these  cases  no  decided  distur 
ance  of  the  vital  functions  takes  place;  but  the  alvine  discharges,  if  elay-coloure 
are  generally  restored  to  their  natural  hue,  a certain  proof  that  the  remedy 
stimulating  the  liver,  and  promoting  the  secretion  of  the  bile.  Indeed,  there 
no  fact  better  established  in  medicine  than  that  of  the  influence  of  the  mercuri 
preparations  over  the  hepatic  system;  and,  whether  the  liver  be  torpid  and  o 
structed  as  in  jaundice,  or  pouring  out  a redundancy  of  morbid  bile  as  in  melaea 
its  judicious  use  seems  equally  efficacious  in  unloading  the  viscus,  and  restorii 
its  secretion  to  a healthy  state.  In  the  acute  and  chronic  hepatitis  of  India  it 
considered  almost  a specific ; but  here  its  use  must  be  generally  preceded  l 
bleeding,  and  carried  to  the  extent  of  exciting  ptyalism.  In  chronic  infiamm 
tiou  of  the  mucous  and  serous  membranes,  the  alterative  effects  of  mercury  a 
sometimes  attended  with  much  benefit.  In  many  of  these  cases  effusion  h 
taken  place;  and  under  these  circumstances  the  mercury  often  proves  useful, 
well  by  promoting  the  absorption  of  the  effused  fluid,  as  by  removing  the  ehroD 
inflammation  on  which  the  effusion  depends.  Hence  it  is  that  this  metal  is  oft 
given  with  advantage  in  chronic  forms  of  meningitis,  bronchitis,  pleuritis.  pne 
inonia,  dysentery,  rheumatism,  &c.,  and  in  hydrocephalus,  hydrothorax,  ascite 
and  general  dropsy. 

Mercury  may  also  be  advantageously  resorted  to  in  certain  states  of  febri 
disease.  In  some  forms  of  the  remittent  fever  of  our  own  country,  a particui 
stage  of  its  course  is  marked  by  a parched  tongue,  torpor  of  the  bowels,  scan 
urine,  and  dryness  of  the  surface.  Here  depletion  by  the  lancet  or  leeches 
often  inadmissible,  and  the  measure  most  to  be  relied  on  is  the  judicious  emplo 
ment  of  mercury.  It  acts  in  such  cases  by  increasing  the  secretions  and  stim 
lating  the  exhalant,  capillaries,  and,  perhaps,  by  producing  a new  impressio 
incompatible  with  the  disease. 

In  syphilitic  affections,  mercury,  until  of  late  years,  was  held  to  be  an  ind: 
pensable  specific.  Of  its  mode  of  action  in  these  affections  we  know  nothin 
except  that  it  operates  by  substituting  its  own  peculiar  impression  for  that  of  t 
disease.  Without  entering  into  the  question  of  the  necessity  or  non-necessi 
of  mercury  in  venereal  complaints,  as  out  of  place  in  this  work,  we  are  free 
admit  that  the  discussion  which  has  grown  out  of  it  has  shown  that  this  remei 
has  sometimes  been  unnecessarily  resorted  to  in  affections  resembling  syphil 
though  of  a different  character;  and  that  the  disease  in  question  ought  to 
treated  less  empirically,  and  more  in  accordance  with  the  general  principles 
combating  morbid  action  in  other  parts.  Mercury  exerts  a peculiar  control  ov 
the  deleterious  effects  of  lead ; and  hence,  in  colica  pictonum,  it  is  accounted  1 
some  writers  to  act  almost  as  a specific. 


PRT  I. 


Hydrargyrum. 


397 


For  inducing  the  specific  effects  of  mercury  on  the  constitution,  blue  pill  or 
camel  is  generally  resorted  to.  In  order  to  produce  what  we  have  called  the 
irfensible  alterative  effects  of  the  metal,  from  half  a grain  to  a grain  of  blue  pill 
my  be  given  in  the  twenty-four  hours,  or  from  a sixth  to  a fourth  of  a grain  of 
camel;  or  if  a gentle  ptyalism  be  our  object,  two  or  three  grains  of  the  former, 
on  grain  of  the  latter,  two  or  three  times  a day.  Where  the  bowels  are  pecu- 
lidy  irritable,  it  is  often  necessary  to  introduce  the  metal  by  means  of  frictions 
wih  mercurial  ointment;  and  where  a speedy  effect  is  desired,  the  internal  and 
eternal  use  of  the  remedy  may  be  simultaneously  resorted  to. 

:he  first  observable  eflects  of  mercury  in  inducing  ptyalism  are  a coppery  taste 
in  he  mouth,  a slight  soreness  of  the  gums,  and  an  unpleasant  sensation  in  the 
scsets  of  the  teeth,  when  the  jaws  are  firmly  closed.  Shortly  afterwards  the 
gins  begin  to  swell,  a line  of  whitish  matter  is  seen  along  their  edges,  and  the 
biith  is  infected  with  a peculiar  and  very  disagreeable  smell,  called  the  mer- 
cc'al  fetor.  The  saliva  at  the  same  time  begins  to  flow;  and,  if  the  affection 
pifceeds,  the  gums,  tongue,  throat,  and  face  are  much  swollen;  ulcerations  attack 
thilining  membrane  of  the  mouth  and  fauces;  the  jaws  become  excessively  pain- 
fu  the  tongue  is  coated  with  a thick  whitish  fur;  and  the  saliva  flows  in  streams 
fru  the  mouth.  It  occasionally  happens  that  the  affection  thus  induced  in  the 
math  proceeds  to  a dangerous  extent,  inducing  extensive  ulceration,  gangrene, 
aneven  hemorrhage.  The  best  remedies  are  the  various  astringent  and  detergent 
gigles,  used  weak  at  first,  as  the  parts  are  extremely  tender.  In  cases  attended 
w'i  swelling  and  protrusion  of  the  tongue,  the  wash  is  best  applied  by  injection, 
byneans.  of  a large  syringe.  We  have  found  lead- water  among  the  best  local 
a plications  in  these  cases;  and  dilute  solutions  of  chlorinated  soda  or  of  chlori- 
naijd  lime,  while  they  correct  the  fetor,  will  be  found  to  exert  a curative  influence 
ocihe  ulcerated  surfaces. 

while  the  system  is  under  the  action  of  mercury,  the  blood  is  more  watery 
thi  in  health,  less  charged  with  albumen,  fibrin,  and  red  globules,  and  loaded 
wi  a fetid  fatty  matter.  (Dr.  S.  Wright,  quoted  by  Christison.)  When  drawn 
frci  a vein,  it  exhibits  the  same  appearance  as  in  inflammation. 

1 the  foregoing  observations  we  have  described  the  ordinary  effects  of  mercury; 
bdoccasionally,  in  peculiar  constitutions,  its  operation  is  quite  different,  being 
pr  uctive  of  a dangerous  disturbance  of  the  vital  functions.  The  late  Mr.  Pear- 
sopas  given  a detailed  account  of  this  occasional  peculiarity  in  the  operation  of 
mipury,  in  his  work  on  the  venereal  disease.  The  symptoms  which  characterize 
it  e a small  frequent  pulse,  anxiety  about  the  prascordia,  pale  and  contracted 
cojitenance,  great  nervous  agitation,  and  alarming  general  debility.  Their 
apiarance  is  the  signal  for  discontinuing  the  mercury;  as  a further  perseverance 
wi  it  might  be  attended  with  fatal  consequences.  Mercury  also  produces  a 
pe  liar  eruption  of  the  skin,  which  is  described  by  systematic  writers  under 
thyarious  names  of  hydrargyria,  eczema  mercuriale,  and  lepra  mercurial  is. 
hose  who  work  in  mercury,  and  are  therefore  exposed  to  its  vapours,  such  as 
r-gilders,  looking-glass  silverers,  and  quicksilver  miners,  are  injured  seriously 
leir  health,  and  not  uufrequently  affected  with  shaking  palsy,  attended  with 
go  and  other  cerebral  disorders. 

ercury  is  sometimes  given  in  the  metallic  state,  in  the  quantity  of  a pound 
to,  in  obstruction  of  the  bowels,  to  act  by  its  weight:  but  the  practice  is  of 
do  tful  advantage. 

ercury  in  solution  is  detected  with  great  delicacy  by  the  use  of  Smithson’s 
ba>  ary,  which  consists  of  a plate  of  tin,  lined  with  one  of  gold,  in  the  form  of  a 
spi  1.  When  immersed  in  a mercui’ial  solution,  this  galvanic  combination  causes 
tin  precipitation  of  the  mercury  on  the  gold,  which  consequently  contracts  a white 
sta  . In  order  to  be  sure  that  the  stain  is  caused  by  mercury,  the  metal  is  vola- 
tile d in  a small  tube,  so  as  to  obtain  a characteristic  globule.  MM.  Danger  and 


ve 


or 


398  Hydrargyrum.  part 

Flandin  have  improved  on  Smithson’s  process.  (See  Chem.  Gaz.,  No.  61,  p.  191 
A minute  portion  of  any  of  the  preparations  of  mercury,  either  in  the  solid  sta 
or  in  concentrated  solution,  being  placed  on  a bright  plate  of  copper,  and  a dr' 
of  a strong  solution  of  iodide  of  potassium  added,  a silvery  characteristic  sta 
will  immediately  appear  on  the  copper.  ( Arthur  Morgan,  of  Dublin.) 

Pharmaceutical  Preparations.  Mercury  is  officinal : — 

I.  In  the  metallic  state. 

Hydrargyrum,  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub. 

Hydrargyrum  Durum,  Dub. 

Emplastrum  Hydrargyri,  V.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub. 

Emplastrum  Ammoniaci  cum  Hydrargyro,  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Dul 
Emplastrum  Ammoniaci  et  Hydrargyri,  Ed. 

Hydrargyrum  cum  Creta,  U.  S-,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub. 

Hydrargyrum  cum  Magnesia,  Dub. 

Pilulae  Hydrargyri,  U.  S.,  Ed.,  Dub. ; Pilula  Hydrargyri,  Lon 

Anglice,  Blue  pill. 

Unguentum  Hydrargyri,  U.  S.,  Loncl.,  Ed.,  Dub.  Anglice, 
Mercurial  ointment. 

Ceratum  Hydrargyri  Compositum,  Lond. 

Linimentnm  Hydrargyri,  Lond.;  Linimentum  Hydrargyri 
Compositum,  Dub. 

II.  Protoxidized. 

Hydrargyri  Oxidum  Nigrum,  U.  S. 

III.  Deutoxidized. 

Hydrargyri  Oxidum  Rubrum,  U.  S-,  Ed.;  Hydrargyri  Nitric 
Oxidum,  Lond.;  Hydrargyri  Oxydum  Rubrum,  Dub.  A 
glice,  Red  precipitate. 

Unguentum  Hydrargyri  Oxidi  Rubri,  U.  S. ; Unguentum  Hydr: 
gyri  Nitrico-Oxidi,  Lond.;  Unguentum  Oxidi  Hydrargy 
Ed  ; Unguentum  Hydrargyri  Oxydi  Rubri,  Dub. 

IY.  Sulphuretted. 

Hydrargyri  Sulphuretum  Nigrum,  U.S.  Anglice,  Ethiops  miner 

Hydrargyri  Sulphuretum  Rubrum,  U.  S ; Hydrargyri  Bisulpl 
return,  Lond.;  Cinnabaris,  Ed.  Anglice,  Cinnabar. 

V.  As  A PROTOCHLORIDE. 

Hydrargyri  Chloridum  Mite,  U.  S. ; Hydrargyri  Chloridum,  Lon 
Calomelas,  Ed.,  Dub.  Anglice,  Calomel. 

Pilulae  Calomelanos  Composite,  Ed.,  Dub.;  Pilula  Hydrarg. 
Chloridi  Composita,  Lond. 

Pilulae  Calomelanos  et  Opii,  Ed. 

Pilulae  Catharticae  Composite,  U.  S. 

Pilulae  Hydrargyri  Chloridi  Mitis,  U.  S. 

VI.  AS  A BICHLORIDE. 

Hydrargyri  Chloridum  Corrosivum,  V.  S. ; Hydrargyri  Bichic 
dum,  Lond . ; Sublimatus  Corrosivus,  Ed. ; SublimatumC 
rosivum,  Dub.  Anglice,  Corrosive  sublimate. 

Liquor  Hydrargyri  Bichloridi,  Land. 

Hydrargyrum  Ammoniatum,  U.  S. ; Hydrargyri  Ammonio-0 
ridum,  Lond.,  Dub.;  Hydrargyri  Precipitatum  Album, j 
Anglice,  White  precipitate. 

Unguentum  Hydrargyri  Ammoniati,  U.  S. ; Unguentum  I- 
drargyri  Ammonio-Chloridi,  Lond.;  Unguentum  Precipi1 
Albi,  Ed. 

Unguentum  Sulphuris  Compositum,  U.  S. 


Art  i.  Uyoscyami  Folia. — Hyoscyami  Semen.  399 

VII.  Combined  with  iodine. 

Hydrargyri  Iodidum,  U.  S.,  Lond. ; Hydrargyri  Iodidum  Viride, 
Dub. 

Unguentum  Hydrargyri  Iodidi,  Lond. 

Hydrargyri  Iodidum  Rubrum,  U.  S.,  Dub.  Hydrargyri  Biniodi- 
dum,  Ed. 

Liquor  Arsenici  et  Hydrargyri  Iodidi,  U.  S. ; Arsenic!  et  Hydrar- 
gyri Hydriodatis  Liquor,  Dub.  Anglic^,  Donovan's  solution. 

Unguentum  Hydrargyri  Iodidi  Rubri,  Dub. 

VIII.  Combined  with  cyanogen. 

Hydrargyri  Cyanuretum,  U.  S. 

IX.  Oxidized  and  combined  with  acids. 

Hydrargyri  Pernitratis  Liquor,  Dub. 

Unguentum  Hydrargyri  Nitratis,  U.  S.,  Lond.;  Unguentum  Citri- 
num,  Ed.;  Unguentum  Hydrargyri  Nitratis,  vel Unguentum 
Citrinum,  Dub.  Anglice,  Citrine  ointment. 

Unguentum  Hydrargyri  Nitratis  Mitius,  Lond. 

Hydrargyri  Sulphas,  Dub. 

Hydrargyri  Sulphas  Plavus,  U.  S.  Anglicb,  Turpeth  mineral. 

B. 

HYOSCYAMI  FOLIA.  U.  S. 

Henbane  Leaves. 

The  leaves  of  Ilyoscyamus  niger.  U.  S. 

Off.  Syn.  HYOSCYAMUS.  The  recent  and  dried  cauline  leaves  of  the 
bnuial  herb.  Lond.  The  leaves.  Ed.,  Dub. 

HYOSCYAMI  SEMEN.  U.  S. 

Henbane  Seed. 

The  seeds  of  ITyoscyamus  niger.  U.  S. 

iusquiame  noire,  Fr.;  Scliwarzes  Bilsenkraut,  Germ..;  Giusquiamo  nero,  Ital.;  Beleno, 

iSjra. 

Iyoscyamus.  Sex.  Syst.  Pentandria  Monogynia. — Nat.  Ord.  Solanaceae. 

Sen.  Ch.  Corolla  funnel-form,  obtuse.  Stamens  inclined.  Capsules  covered 
w.h  a lid,  two-celled.  Willd. 

j! 'Iyoscyamus  niger.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  i.  1010 ; Woodv.  Med.  Dot.  p.  204,  t. 
7 ; Bigelow,  Am.  Med.  Dot.  i.  161 ; Carson,  I/lust,  of  Med.  Bnt.  ii.  19,  pi.  66. 
I ubane  is  usually  a biennial  plant,  with  a long,  tapering,  whitish,  fleshy,  some- 
wilt  branching  root,  bearing  considerable  resemblance  to  that  of  parsley,  for 
well  it  has  been  eaten  by  mistake.  The  stem,  which  rises  in  the  second  year, 
ifl  rect,  round,  branching,  from  one  to  four  feet  in  height,  and  thickly  furnished 
wh  leaves.  These  are  large,  oblong-ovate,  deeply  sinuated,  with  pointed  seg- 
nits,  undulated,  soft  to  the  touch,  and  at  their  base  embrace  the  stem.  The 
u|ier  leaves  are  generally  entire.  Both  the  stem  and  leaves  are  hairy,  viscid, 
a:  of  a sea-green  colour.  The  flowers  form  long,  one-sided  leafy  spikes,  which 
tepinate  the  branches,  and  hang  downwards.  They  are  composed  of  a calyx 
wh  five  pointed  divisions,  a funnel-shaped  corolla,  with  five  unequal,  obtuse 
sements  at  the  border,  five  stamens  inserted  into  the  tube  of  the  corolla, 
a a pistil  with  a blunt,  round  stigma.  Their  colour  is  an  obscure  yellow, 
b utifully  variegated  with  purple  veins.  The  fruit  is  a globular  two-celled  cap- 
si  ;,  covered  with  a lid,  invested  with  the  persistent  calyx,  and  containing  nume- 


400 


PART  ] 


Hyoscyami  Folia. — Hyoscyami  Semen. 

rous  small  seeds,  which  are  discharged  by  the  horizontal  separation  of  the  lie 
The  whole  plant  has  a rank  offensive  smell. 

The  U.  niger  is  susceptible  of  considerable  diversity  of  character,  causin 
varieties  which  have  by  some  been  considered  as  distinct  species.  Thus,  the  plan 
is  sometimes  annual,  the  stem  simple,  smaller,  and  less  downy  than  in  the  bier 
nial  plant,  the  leaves  more  deeply  incised  and  less  hairy  and  viscid,  and  th 
flowers  often  yellow  without  the  purple  streaks.  It  is  not  known  whether  an 
difference  of  medical  properties  is  connected  with  these  diversities  of  character 
but  the  London  College  directs  the  biennial  variety. 

The  plant  is  found  in  the  northern  and  eastern  sections  of  the  United  State- 
occupying  waste  grounds  in  the  older  settlements,  particularly  graveyards,  ol 
gardens,  and  the  foundations  of  ruined  houses.  It  grows  in  great  abunrlanc 
about  Detroit,  and  we  have  seen  a specimen  brought  from  the  ruins  of  Ticor 
deroga.  It  is  rare,  however,  in  this  country,  of  which  it  is  not  a native,  haviD 
been  introduced  from  Europe.  In  Great  Britain,  and  on  the  continent  of  Europe 
it  grows  abundantly  along  the  roads,  around  villages,  amidst  rubbish,  and  in  ur 
cultivated  places.  Both  varieties  are  cultivated  in  England.  The  annual  plaD 
flowers  in  July  or  August,  the  biennial  in  May  or  June. 

The  II.  a/bus,  so  named  from  the  whiteness  of  its  flowers,  is  used  in  Franc 
indiscriminately  with  the  former  species,  which  it  resembles  exactly  in  med; 
cinal  properties. 

All  parts  of  JTjoscyamus  niger  are  active.  The  leaves  are  usually  em 
ployed,  but  both  these  and  the  seeds  are  recognised  in  the  LT.  S.  Pharmacopoeia 
Much  of  the  efficacy  of  henbane  depends  upon  the  time  at  wffiich  it  is  gathered 
The  leaves  should  be  collected  soon  after  the  plant  has  flowered.  In  the  bien 
nial  plant,  those  of  the  second  year  are  said  to  be  greatly  preferable  to  those  o 
the  first.  The  latter,  according  to  Dr.  Houlton,  are  less  clammy  and  fetid,  yiel 
less  extractive,  and  are  medicinally  much  less  efficient.  It  is  said  that  the  plan  : 
is  sometimes  destroyed  by  severe  winters  in  England,  and  that  no  leaves  of  th  | 
second  year’s  growth  are  obtainable.  This  is,  perhaps,  one  of  the  causes  of  th 
great  inequality  of  strength  and  uncertainty  of  the  medicine  as  found  in  th 
shops.  The  root  also  is  said  to  be  much  more  poisonous  in  the  second  year  tha; 
in  the  first. 

Properties.  The  recent  leaves  have,  when  bruised,  a strong,  disagreeable 
narcotic  odour,  somewhat  like  that  of  tobacco.  Their  taste  is  mucilaginous  an' 
very  slightly  acrid.  When  dried,  they  have  little  smell  or  taste.  Thrown  upa 
the  fire  they  burn  with  a crackling  noise,  as  if  they  contained  a nitrate,  and  at  th 
same  time  emit  a strong  odour.  Their  virtues  are  completely7  extracted  by  dilute 
alcohol.  The  watery  infusion  is  of  a pale-yellow  colour,  insipid,  with  the  nai 
cotic  odour  of  the  plant.  The  leaves  were  analyzed  by  Lindbergsen,  who  obtaine 
from  them  a narcotic  principle.  The  seeds  are  very  small,  roundish,  compressed 
somewhat  kidney-shaped,  a little  wrinkled,  of  a gray  or  yellowish-gray  colour,  c 
the  odour  of  the  plant,  and  an  oleaginous  bitterish  taste.  Analyzed  by  Brande; 
they  yielded  24'2  per  cent,  of  fixed  oil,  1‘4  of  a solid  fatty  substance,  traces  c 
sugar,  P2  of  gum,  2'4  of  bassorin,  1'5  of  starch,  3 4 of  a substance  soluble  i 
water,  insoluble  in  alcohol,  and  precipitated  by  infusion  of  galls  (phyteumacolh 
Branchs'),  4'5  of  albumen,  26  0 of  vegetable  fibre,  241  of  water,  and  9 7 ( 
salts,  including  the  malate  of  an  alkaline  principle  called  hyoscyamin  or  hjo. 
cyamia.  But  the  process  employed  by  Brandes  for  separating  this  principle  ha 
not  succeeded  in  other  hands;  and  it  is  doubtful  whether  the  substance  obtaine 
by  him  was  really  what  he  supposed  it  to  be.  Geiger  and  Hesse  were  the  fir; 
to  demonstrate  the  existence  of  an  organic  alkali  in  hyosevamus.  Its  extraetio 
from  the  plant  is  somewhat  difficult,  in  consequence  of  its  tendency  to  undere 
chauge  by  the  contact  of  alkaline  solutions,  which  render  it  very  soluble  in  wate 


art  I.  Syoscyami  Folia. — Syoscyami  Semen.  401 

'ie  following  is  the  process  of  these  chemists.  The  seeds  are  macerated  in  al- 
(hol ; the  tincture  obtained  is  evaporated  by  a very  gentle  heat,  decolorized  by 
loeated  additions  of  lime  and  sulphuric  acid,  with  filtration  after  each  addition, 
jd  then  still  further  concentrated  by  evaporation ; an  excess  of  powdered  car- 
inate of  soda  is  added,  und  the  precipitate  produced  is  separated,  as  speedily  as 
jssible,  from  the  alkaline  carbonate  by  expressing  and  treating  it  with  absolute 
tiohol,  while  the  mother  waters  are  at  the  same  time  treated  with  ether;  the 
noholic  and  ethereal  liquors  are  united,  again  treated  with  lime,  filtered,  de- 
dorized  with  animal  charcoal,  and  evaporated  by  a very  gentle  heat.  If  the 
loscyamia  now  deposited  should  still  be  coloured,  it  will  be  necessary  to  com- 
lie  it  anew  with  an  acid,  and  to  treat  as  before,  in  order  to  obtain  it  quite  pure, 
lie  product  is  very  small. 

Hyoscyamia  crystallizes  in  colourless,  transparent,  silky  needles,  which  are 
Tthout  odour,  of  an  acrid  disagreeable  taste,  slightly  soluble  in  water,  very  solu- 
b in  alcohol  and  ether,  and  volatilizable  with  little  change  if  carefully  distilled. 
1 is  quickly  altered  by  contact  with  water  and  an  alkali,  and  when  heated  with 
jtassa  or  soda  is  completely  decomposed,  with  the  disengagement  of  ammonia. 
I neutralizes  the  acids,  forming  with  them  crystallizable  salts,  and  is  precipitated 
l the  infusion  of  galls.  Both  the  alkali  and  its  salts  are  very  poisonous;  and 
tj  smallest  quantity,  introduced  into  the  eye,  produces  a dilatation  of  the  pupil, 
vich  continues  a long  time. 

Henbane  leaves  yield,  by  destructive  distillation,  a very  poisonous  empyreu- 
r tic  oil. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Hyoscyamus  ranks  among  the  narcotics.  In 
nderate  quantities  it  gently  accelerates  the  circulation,  increases  the  general 
vrmth,  occasions  a sense  of  heat  in  the  throat,  and  after  a short  period  induces 
sep.  This  action  is  sometimes  attended  with  vertigo,  pain  in  the  head,  and 
dited  pupils;  and  the  medicine  occasionally  acts  as  a diaphoretic  or  diuretic, 
a l even  produces  a pustular  eruption.  It  does  not  constipate  like  opium,  but, 
o.the  contrary,  often  proves  laxative.  In  over-doses  it  powerfully  irritates  the 
bin  and  alimentary  canal,  causing  dilatation  of  the  pupil,  disordered  vision,  loss 
ospeech,  delirium  or  stupor,  convulsions,  paralysis,  pain  in  the  bowels,  diar- 
r ea,  great  arterial  prostration,  petechial,  and  other  alarming  symptoms,  which 
snetimes  end  in  death.  Dissection  exhibits  marks  of  inflammation  of  the 
sijnach  and  bowels.  The  poisonous  effects  are  to  be  counteracted  in  the  same 
njaner  as  those  of  opium.  Numerous  instances  might  be  adduced  from 
a. hors  to  prove  the  deleterious  influence  of  all  parts  of  H.  niger,  when  largely 
t;|en.  The  seeds  are  said  to  be  most  powerful.  Upon  inferior  animals  its 
eicts  are  not  always  the  same.  Though  fatal  to  birds  and  dogs,  the  leaves  are 
e;j;n  with  entire  impunity  by  horses,  cows,  sheep,  goats,  and  swine.  It  is  not 
it  possible  that  injury  has  in  some  cases  resulted  from  the  use  of  milk,  derived 
fi  n cows  or  goats  which  had  been  feeding  on  henbane. 

'lie  remedial  operation  of  hyoscyamus  is  anodyne  aud  soporific.  The  medi- 
cij;  was  known  to  the  ancients,  and  was  employed  by  some  of  the  earlier  modern 
petitioners;  but  had  fallen  into  disuse,  and  was  almost  forgotten,  when  Baron 
Sjrck  again  introduced  it  into  notice.  By  this  celebrated  physician  and  some 
oljiis  successors  it  was  prescribed  in  numerous  diseases,  and,  if  we  may  credit 
tl  r testimony,  with  the  happiest  effects;  but  subsequent  experience  of  its  opera- 
ti  has  been  such  as  very  much  to  narrow  the  extent  of  its  application.  It  is 
abresent  used  almost  exclusively  to  relieve  pain,  procure  sleep,  or  quiet  irregu- 
la  nervous  action;  and  is  not  supposed  to  exercise  any  specific  curative  influence 
O'  • particular  diseases.  Even  for  the  purposes  which  it  is  calculated  to  answer, 
it  infinitely  inferior  to  opium  or  its  preparations;  and  is  generally  resorted  to 
01 1 in  cases  in  which  the  latter  remedy  is  from  peculiar  circumstances  deemed 


402 


PART  I 


Hyoseyami  Folia. — Ichtliyocolla. 

inadmissible.  Hyoscyamus  has  one  great  advantage  over  opium  in  certain  cases 
that  it  has  no  tendency  to  produce  constipation.  The  diseases  to  which  it  is  ap 
plicable  it  would  be  useless  to  enumerate,  as  there  are  few  complaints  in  whicl 
circumstances  might  not  be  such  as  to  call  for  its  employment.  Neuralgic  anc 
spasmodic  affections,  rheumatism,  gout,  hysteria,  and  various  pectoral  diseases,  a; 
catarrh,  pertussis,  asthma,  phthisis,  &c.,  are  among  those  in  which  it  is  most  fre 
quently  prescribed.  It  is  also  much  used  in  connexion  with  griping  purgativ* 
medicines,  the  disagreeable  effects  of  which  it  is  thought  to  counteract.  Tht 
Edinburgh  pills  of  colocynth  and  henbane  are  formed  upon  this  principle.  Ii 
Europe,  where  the  fresh  leaves  are  readily  obtained,  it  is  often  applied  externallj 
in  tbc  shape  of  lotion,  cataplasm,  or  fomentation,  to  allay  pain  and  irritation,  it 
scrofulous  or  cancerous  ulcers,  scirrhous,  hemorrhoidal,  or  other  painful  tumours 
gouty  and  rheumatic  swellings,  and  nervous  headache.  The  smoke  of  the  leave: 
or  seeds  has  also  been  used  in  toothache;  but  the  practice  is  deemed  hazardous 
Henbane  is  used  by  European  oculists  for  dilating  the  pupil,  previously  to  the 
operation  for  cataract.  For  this  purpose  an  infusion  of  the  leaves,  or  a solution  o 
the  extract,  is  dropped  into  the  eye.  The  effect  is  usually  greatest  at  the  end  o: 
four  hours  from  the  time  of  application,  and  in  twelve  hours  ceases  entirely 
Vision  is  not  impaired  during  its  continuance.  Reisinger  recommends  a solu 
tion  of  hyoscyamia  in  the  proportion  of  one  grain  to  twenty-four  of  water,  o 
which  one  drop  is  to  be  applied  to  the  eye. 

Henbane  may  be  given  in  substance,  extract,  or  tincture.  The  dose  of  the 
powdered  leaves  is  from  five  to  ten  grains;  that  of  the  seeds  somewhat  smaller 
The  common  extract,  or  inspissated  juice  of  the  fresh  leaves  ( Extractum  Hyos 
ctami,  U.  S.),  is  exceedingly  variable  and  precarious  in  its  operation,  being 
sometimes  active,  sometimes  almost  inert.  The  usual  dose  is  two  or  three  grains 
repeated  and  gradually  increased  till  the  desired  effect  is  obtained.  Cullen  rareh 
procured  the  anodyne  operation  of  the  medicine  till  he  had  carried  the  dose  ti 
eight,  ten,  or  even  fifteen  or  twenty  grains.  Collins  pushed  it  to  thirty-sh 
grains;  and  Professor  Fouquier,  who  experimented  largely  with  hyoscyamus  ii 
the  Hopital  de  la  Charity,  gave  two  hundred  and  fifty  grains  of  the  extract  dura; 
twenty-four  hours,  without  any  specific  or  curative  impression.  (Richard,  Elem 
Hist.  Nat.  Med.)  The  alcoholic  extract  prepared  from  the  recently  dried  leave 
( Extractum  Hyoseyami  Alcoholicum,  U.  S.)  is  said  to  be  more  certain  and  et 
fectual.  The  dose  of  this  to  begin  with  is  one  or  two  grains,  which  may  h 
increased  gradually  to  twenty  or  thirty  grains.  The  dose  of  the  tincture  is  om 
or  two  fluidrachms.  A fluid  extract  is  recommended  by  Mr.  C.  A.  Smith,  of  Cin 
cinnati,  prepared  in  the  usual  method  with  alcohol  and  sugar,  and  of  such  strengtl 
that  a fluidrachm  shall  represent  from  four  to  six  grains  of  the  extract.  (Jim 
Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xxv.  410.)  A good  plan  in  administering  any  of  the  prepara 
tions  is  to  repeat  the  dose  every  hour  or  two  till  its  influence  is  felt. 

Off.  Prep.  Extractum  Hyoseyami;  Extractum  Hyoseyami  Alcoholicum;  Tine 
tura  Hyoseyami.  W. 

ICHTHYOCOLLA.  US. 

Isinglass. 

The  swimming  bladder  of  Acipenser  Huso,  and  other  species  of  Acipensei 

u.  s. 

Fish-glue;  Ichthyocolle,  colle  de  poisson,  Fr.;  Hausenblase,  Fischleim,  Germ.;  Coll 
di  pesce,  Ital.;  Cola  de  peseado,  Span. 

Isinglass  is  a gelatinous  substance,  prepared  chiefly  from  the  sounds  or  swin 
ming  bladders  of  fishes,  especially  those  of  different  species  of  sturgeon.  Thoug 
no  longer  retained  by  the  British  Colleges  in  their  officinal  catalogues,  it  sti 


iRT  I. 


Ichthyocolla. 


403 


Is  a place  in  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia,  and,  being  universally  kept  in  the  shops, 
dims  a brief  notice  in  the  present  work. 

In  most  fishes  there  is  a membranous  bag,  placed  in  the  anterior  part  of  the 
adomen,  communicating  frequently,  though  not  always,  by  means  of  a duct, 
vth  the  oesophagus  or  stomach,  and  containing  usually  a mixture  of  oxygen  and 
r rogen  gases  in  various  proportions.  From  the  supposition  that  it  was  intended 
b its  expansion  or  contraction  to  enable  the  fish  to  rise  or  sink  in  the  water,  it 
Is  been  denominated  swimming  bladder.  It  is  of  different  shape  in  different 
f les,  and  consists  of  three  coats,  of  which  the  two  interior  are  thin  and  delicate, 
4 outer  tough  and  of  a silvery  whiteness. 

The  Aeipenser  Huso,  or  beluga  of  the  Russians,  is  particularly  designated  by 
t:  Pharmacopoeia  as  the  species  of  sturgeon  from  which  isinglass  is  procured'; 
bt  three  others,  the  A.  Ruthenus , or  sterlet,  A.  sturio,  or  common  sturgeon, 
■al  A.  stellatus,  or  starred  sturgeon,  also  furnish  large  quantities  to  commerce. 
/I  these  fish  inhabit  the  interior  waters  of  Russia,  especially  the  Wolga,  and 
oier  streams  which  empty  into  the  Caspian  Sea.  Immense  quantities  are  au- 
rally taken  and  consumed  as  food  by  the  Russians.  The  air-bags  are  removed 
f:m  the  fish,  and,  having  been  split  open  and  washed  in  water  in  order  to  sepa- 
r e the  blood,  fat,  and  adhering  extraneous  membranes,  are  spread  out,  and 
wen  sufficiently  stiffened  are  formed  into  cylindrical  rolls,  the  ends  of  which  are 
b ught  together  and  secured  by  pegs.  The  shape  given  to  the  roll  is  that  of 
ataple,  or  more  accurately  that  of  a lyre,  which  it  firmly  retains  when  dried. 
Tus  prepared  it  is  known  in  commerce  by  the  name  of  staple  isinglass,  and  is 
dtinguished  into  the  long  and  short  staple.  Sometimes  the  membranes  are 
djed  in  a flat  state,  or  simply  folded,  and  then  receive  the  name  of  leaf  or  book 
w, glass.  The  scraps  or  fragments  of  these  varieties,  with  various  other  parts 
o:the  fish,  are  boiled  in  water,  which  dissolves  the  gelatin,  and  upon  evapora- 
ti  i leaves  it  in  a solid  state.  This  is  called  cake  isinglass,  from  the  shape 
w ch  it  is  made  to  assume.  It  is  sometimes,  however,  in  globular  masses.  Of 
the  varieties,  the  long  staple  is  said  to  be  the  best;  but  the  finest  book  isinglass 
is:ot  surpassed  by  any  brought  to  this  country.  It  is  remarkable  for  its  beau- 
ti  1 iridescence  by  transmitted  light.  One  hundred  grains  of  this  isinglass  dis- 
scre  in  ten  ounces  of  water,  forming  a tremulous  jelly  when  cold,  and  yield  but 
tv  grains  of  membranous  insoluble  residuum.  That  in  cakes  is  brownish,  of  an 
uileasant  odour,  and  employed  only  in  the  arts.  Inferior  kinds,  with  the  same 
cc'mercial  titles,  are  said  to  be  prepared  from  the  peritoneum  and  intestines  of 
tb  fish.  An  inferior  Russian  product,  known  in  English  commerce  by  the  name 
o tmmovey  isinglass,  is  procured,  according  to  Pereira,  from  the  Silurus  Glanis. 
Ifomes,  like  the  better  kind,  in  the  shape  of  leaf,  book,  and  short  staple.  ( Am . 
Jem.  of  P harm.,  xviii.  54.) 

singlass,  little  inferior  to  the  Russian,  is  made  in  Iceland  from  the  sounds  of 
tbcod  and  ling. 

ie  receive  from  Brazil  the  air-bladders  of  a large  fish,  prepared  by  drying 
th  a in  their  distended  state.  They  are  oblong,  tapering,  and  pointed  at  one 
er  bifid  with  the  remains  of  their  pneumatic  duct  at  the  other,  and  of  a firm 
co  istence.  The  Brazilian  isinglass  is  inferior  to  the  Russian. 

pnsiderable  quantities  are  manufactured  in  New  England  from  the  intestines 
of  he  cod,  and  of  some  of  its  allied  fishes.  This  sort  is  in  the  form  of  thin 
ril  ons  several  feet  in  length,  and  from  an  inch  and  a half  to  two  inches  in 
wi  ll.  One  hundred  grains  dissolve  almost  entirely  in  water,  leaving  but  two 
gr  is  of  insoluble  membrane,  and  form  a tremulous  jelly  when  cold  with  eight 
ouies  of  water.  It  is,  therefore,  as  pure  and  nearly  as  strong  a gelatin  as  the 
R'  nan  isinglass,  but  retains  a fishy  taste  and  odour,  which  render  it  unfit  for 
cu  iary  or  medicinal  purposes. 


404 


Ichthyocolla. 


PART  i 


Isinglass  of  a good  quality  has  also  been  made  in  New  York,  from  the  sound 
of  the  weak  fish — Otolithus  regal  is  of  Cuvier  (Storer,  Rep.  on  Fishes  of  Moss. 
p.  33) — and  perhaps  of  other  fishes  caught  in  the  neighbourhood.  The  sound 
are  dried  whole,  or  merely  split  open,  and  vary  much  in  size  and  texture,  weigh 
ing  from  a drachm  up  to  an  ounce. 

An  article  called  “ refined  or  transparent  isinglass,”  is  made  by  dissolving  th< 
New  England  isinglass  in  hot  water,  and  spreading  the  solution  to  dry  on  oiler 
muslin.  It  is  in  very  thin  transparent  plates,  and  is  an  excellent  glue,  but  retain 
a strong  fishy  odour. 

A preparation  called  Cooper  s gelatin  has  been  introduced  as  a substitute  fo 
isinglass  in  making  jellies.  It  appears  to  be  the  dried  froth  of  a solution  o 
pure  bone  glue. 

Most  of  the  above  facts,  in  relation  to  American  isinglass,  were  derived  fron 
papers  by  D.  B.  Smith,  in  the  Journ.  of  the  Phil.  Col.  of  Pharm.  (iii.  17  and  92) 

Isinglass  is  sometimes  kept  in  the  shops  cut  into  fine  shreds,  and  is  thus  mor 
easily  acted  on  by  boiling  water. 

Properties.  In  its  purest  form  it  is  whitish,  semi-transparent,  of  a shining 
pearly  appearance,  and  destitute  of  smell  and  taste.  The  inferior  kinds  are  yel 
lowish  and  more  opaque.  In  cold  water  it  softens,  swells  up,  and  becomes  cpa 
lescent.  Boiling  water  entirely  dissolves  it,  with  the  exception  of  a minut 
proportion  of  impurities,  amounting,  according  to  Mr.  Hatchet,  to  less  than  tw 
per  cent.  The  solution  on  cooling  assumes  the  form  of  a jelly,  which  consist; 
of  pure  gelatin  and  water.  Isinglass  is  in  fact  the  purest  form  of  gelatin  witl 
which  we  are  acquainted,  and  may  be  used  whenever  this  principle  is  require! 
as  a test.  It  is  insoluble  in  alcohol,  but  is  dissolved  readily  by  most  of  th> 
diluted  acids,  and  by  alkaline  solutions.  It  has  a strong  affinity  for  tannin,  witl 
which  it  forms  an  insoluble  compound.  Boiled  with  concentrated  sulphuric  acid 
it  is  converted  into  a peculiar  saccharine  matter,  called  glycocoll,  or  sugar  o 
gelatin.  Its  aqueous  solution  speedily  putrefies. 

Au  ingenious  adulteration  of  isinglass  has  been  practised  in  London,  apparent! 
by  rolling  a layer  of  gelatin  between  two  layers  of  the  genuine  substance.  Thi 
may  be  detected  by  the  disagreeable  odour  and  taste  of  the  adulterated  drug,  am 
by  the  effects  of  water  upon  it.  Genuine  isinglass,  cut  into  shreds  and  treato 
with  water,  becomes  opalescent  and  more  opaque  than  before;  while  the  shred; 
though  they  soften  and  swell,  remain  unbroken,  and,  when  examined  by  th 
microscope,  are  seen  to  be  decidedly  fibrous.  Gelatin,  on  the  contrary,  whe: 
similarly  treated,  becomes  more  transparent  than  before,  the  shreds  are  disk 
tegrated,  and  the  structure  appears  amorphous  under  the  microscope.  In  th 
adulterated  article,  both  these  characters  are  presented  in  layers  more  or  les 
distinct.  (Pharm.  Journ.  and  Trans.,  ix.  505.) 

A false  isinglass  has  been  imported  into  England  from  Para,  in  Brazil,  cor 
sisting  of  the  dried  ovary  of  a large  fish.  It  has  somewhat  the  form  of  a bune 
of  grapes,  consisting  of  ovoid  or  roundish  masses,  attached  by  a footstalk  to 
central  axis.  It  is  not  gelatinous,  and  is  unfit  for  the  purposes  to  which  isingh; 
is  applied.  (See  Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xxv.  144.) 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Isinglass  has  no  peculiar  medical  properties.  1 
may  be  given  internally,  in  the  form  of  jelly,  as  a highly  nutritious  article  i 
diet;  but  it  has  no  advantages  over  the  jelly  prepared  from  calves-feet.  Thre 
drachms  impart  sufficient  consistency  to  a pint  of  water.  It  is  employed  ft 
clarifying  liquors,  and  imparting  lustre  to  various  woven  fabrics.  Added  i 
small  quantities  to  vegetable  jellies,  it  gives  them  a tremulous  appearance,  whie 
they  want  when  unmixed.  As  a test  of  tannin  it  is  used  in  solution,  in  tl 
proportion  of  a drachm  to  ten  fluidounces  of  distilled  water.  It  forms  the  has 
of  the  English  court-plaster.  W. 


I.RT  I. 


Inula. 


405 


INULA.  U.  S.  Secondary , Lond. 

Elecampane. 

The  root  of  Inula  Helenium.  U.S.,  Lond. 

Aun£e,  Ft.;  Alantwurzel,  Germ.;  Enula  campana,  Ital.,  Span. 

Inula.  Sex.  Syst.  Syngenesia  Superflua. — Xat.Ord.  Compositse-Asteroideae, 
1 Cand.  Asteracese,  Lindlry. 

Gen.  Ch.  Receptacle  naked.  Seed-down  simple.  Anthers  ending  in  two  bristles 
a the  base.  Willd. 

Inula  Helenium.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  iii.  2089 ; Woodv.  Med.  Hot.  p.  64,  t.  26. 
Rcampane  has  a perennial  root,  and  an  annual  stem,  which  is  round,  furrowed, 
vious,  leafy,  from  three  to  six  feet  high,  and  branched  near  the  top.  The  leaves 
a large,  ovate,  serrate,  crowded  with  reticular  veins,  smooth  and  deep-green 
urn  the  upper  surface,  downy  on  the  under,  and  furnished  with  a fleshy  midrib, 
dose  which  spring  directly  from  the  root  are  petiolate,  those  of  the  stem  sessile 
al  embracing.  The  flowers  are  large,  of  a golden-yellow  colour,  and  stand 
sfely  at  the  ends  of  the  stem  and  branches.  The  calyx  exhibits  several  rows 
o imbricated  ovate  scales.  The  florets  of  the  ray  are  numerous,  spreading, 
liear,  and  tridentate  at  the  apex.  The  seeds  are  striated,  quadrangular,  and 
finished  with  a simple  somewhat  chaffy  pappus. 

This  large  and  handsome  plant  is  a native  of  Europe,  where  it  is  also  culti- 
ved  for  medical  use.  It  has  been  introduced  into  our  gardens,  and  has  become 
nuralized  in  some  parts  of  the  country,  growing  in  low  meadows,  and  on  the 
resides,  from  New  England  to  Pennsylvania.  It  flowers  in  July  and  August. 
Te  roots,  which  are  the  officinal  part,  should  be  dug  up  in  autumn,  and  in  the 
sond  year  of  their  growth.  When  older  they  are  apt  to  be  stringy  and  woody. 

Che  fresh  root  of  elecampane  is  very  thick  and  branched,  having  whitish 
eindrical  ramifications,  which  are  furnished  with  thread-like  fibres.  It  is  ex- 
tnally  brown,  internally  whitish  and  fleshy;  and  the  transverse  sections  present 
mating  lines.  The  dried  root,  as  found  in  the  shops,  is  usually  in  longitudinal 
oiransverse  slices,  and  of  a grayish  colour  internally.  The  smell  is  slightly 
cfiphorous,  and,  especially  in  the  dried  root,  agreeably  aromatic.  The  taste, 
airst  glutinous  and  said  to  resemble  that  of  rancid  soap,  becomes,  upon  chew- 
ii,  warm,  aromatic,  and  bitter.  Its  medical  virtues  are  extracted  by  alcohol 
a:  water,  the  former  becoming  most  strongly  impregnated  with  its  bitterness 
ai  pungency.  A peculiar  principle,  resembling  starch,  was  discovered  in  ele- 
cfipane  by  Valentine  Rose,  of  Berlin,  who  named  it  alantin ; but  the  title 
iuln,  proposed  by  Dr.  Thomson,  has  been  generally  adopted.  It  differs  from 
st  ch  in  being  deposited  unchanged  from  its  solution  in  boiling  water  when  the 
li  lor  cools,  and  in  giving  a yellowish  instead  of  a blue  colour  with  iodine.  It 
h been  found  in  the  roots  of  several  other  plants.  Besides  this  principle, 
ei:ampane  contains,  according  to  John,  a white,  concrete  substance,  called 
hhiin,  intermediate  in  its  properties  between  the  essential  oils  and  camphor, 
ai  separable  by  distillation  with  water;  a bitter  extractive,  soluble  in  water 
af  alcohol;  a soft,  acrid,  bitter  resin,  having  an  aromatic  odour  when  heated; 
gu;  albumen;  lignin;  traces  of  volatile  oil;  a little  wax;  and  various  saline  sub- 
stjices.  If  water  be  added  to  a tincture  made  by  boiling  the  fresh  root  in  alcohol, 
tl  liquid  becomes  turbid,  and,  in  twenty-four  hours,  long  white  crystals  of  pure 
h'  min  are  formed,  leaving  very  little  in  solution.  ( Archiv . der  Pharm.,  lx.  80.) 

'ledical  Properties  and  Uses.  Elecampane  is  tonic  and  gently  stimulant,  and 
h;1  been  supposed  to  possess  diaphoretic,  diuretic,  expectorant,  and  emmena- 
g'  ue  properties.  By  the  ancients  it  was  much  employed,  especially  in  the  com- 


406 


Inula. — Iodinium. 


PART  i 


plaints  peculiar  to  females;  and  it  is  still  occasionally  resorted  to  in  amenorrhoea 
In  this  country  it  is  chiefly  used  in  chronic  diseases  of  the  lungs,  and  is  sometime 
beneficial  when  the  affection  of  the  chest  is  attended  with  weakness  of  the  digestivi 
organs,  or  with  general  debility.  From  a belief  in  its  deobstruent  and  diuretic 
virtues,  it  was  formerly  prescribed  in  chronic  engorgements  of  the  abdomina 
viscera,  and  the  dropsy  to  which  they  so  often  give  rise.  It  has  also  been  high]’ 
recommended  both  as  an  internal  and  external  remedy  in  tetter,  psora,  and  othe 
diseases  of  the  skin.  The  usual  modes  of  administration  are  in  powder  am 
decoction.  The  dose  of  the  former  is  from  a scruple  to  a drachm.  The  decoc- 
tion may  be  prepared  by  boiling  half  an  ounce  of  the  root  in  a pint  of  water 
and  given  in  the  dose  of  one  or  two  fluidounces. 

Off.  Prep.  Confectio  Piperis.  IV. 

IODINIUM.  U S.,  Land.,  Dub. 

Iodine. 

Off.  Syn.  IODINEUM.  Ed. 

lode,  Fr.;  Jod,  Germ.;  Iodina,  Ital.,  Span. 

Iodine  is  a non-metallic  element,  discovered  in  1812  by  Courtois,  a soda  mann 
facturer  of  Paris.  It  exists  in  certain  marine  vegetables,  particularly  the  flic 
or  common  sea-weeds,  and  in  some  fresh-water  plants,  among  which  are  the 
water-cress,  brooklime,  and  fine-leaved  water-hemlock.  (Chatin.)  It  has  ak 
been  detected  in  the  beet-root  of  the  Grand  Duchy  of  Baden.  ( Lamy .)  31 
Chatin  announced  the  presence  of  iodine  in  the  atmosphere  and  in  rain-water 
but  the  negative  results  of  Mr.  S.  Macadam,  obtained  in  some  carefully  con 
ducted  experiments,  disprove  the  assertion  of  M.  Chatin,  who  was  misled  by  the 
use  of  fixed  alkalies  containing  iodine.  Similar  negative  results  have  been  ob 
tained  by  Dr.  Lohmeyer,  of  Gottingen.  Iodine  is  also  found  in  the  animal  king 
dom,  as  in  the  sponge,  the  oyster,  various  polypi,  and  cod-liver  oil;  and  in  the 
mineral  kingdom,  in  sea-water  in  minute  quantity,  in  certain  salt  springs,  unitec 
with  silver  in  a rare  Mexican  mineral,  and  in  a zinc  ore  of  Silesia.  It  has  beer 
detected  by  M.  Genteles  in  the  aluminous  schists  of  Sweden,  by  Prof.  Sigwar 
in  bituminous  slate,  by  M.  Lembert  in  limestones,  rich  in  fossil  remains,  anc 
by  M.  Bussy  and  M.  Duflos  in  coal.  31.  Bussy  has  recently  obtained  iodine 
in  the  proportion  of  one  part  in  five  thousand,  from  the  coal-gas  liquor  of  thega: 
works  of  Paris.  It  was  first  discovered  in  the  United  States  in  the  water  o 
the  Congress  Spring,  at  Saratoga,  by  Dr.  William  Usher.  It  was  detected  ii 
the  Kenhawa  saline  waters,  by  the  late  Professor  Emmet;  and  it  exists  in  thi 
bittern  of  the  salt-works  of  western  Pennsylvania,  in  the  amount  of  about  eigh 
grains  to  the  gallon.  In  sea-weeds,  the  iodine  probably  exists  in  the  state  o 
iodide  of  sodium.  In  different  countries,  sea-weeds  are  burned  for  the  sake  o 
their  ashes;  the  product  being  a dark-coloured  fused  mass  called  kelp.  Thi 
substance,  besides  carbonate  of  soda  and  iodide  of  sodium,  contains  more  or  les 
common  salt,  chloride  of  potassium,  sulphate  of  soda,  &e.  The  deep-sea  fuc 
contain  the  most  iodine;  and,  when  these  are  burned  at  a low  temperature  fo: 
fuel,  as  is  the  case  in  the  island  of  Guernsey,  their  ashes  furnish  more  iodin< 
than  ordinary  kelp.  ( Graham .)  The  Fucus palmatus  of  Linnaeus  (RhoJymenu 
palmata,  Greville)  is  particularly  rich  in  iodine.  According  to  Dr.  Geo.  Kemp 
the  laminarian  species,  especially  the  Laminaria  digitata,  L,  saccharina,  and  L 
bulbosa,  which  are  deep-water  sea-weeds  and  contain  more  potassium  than  sodium 
are  particularly  rich  in  iodine.  In  a paper  on  the  extraction  of  iodine  from  sea 
weeds,  Dr.  Kemp  makes  many  useful  suggestions,  having  chiefly  in  view  th- 


ART  I. 


Iodinium. 


407 


'reversion  of  the  waste  of  the  element,  which  takes  place  in  the  ordinary  kelp 
■rocess.  (See  his  paper  in  the  Chem.  Gaz.,  July  1,  1850.) 

Preparation.  It  is  from  kelp  that  iodine  is  obtained,  and  that  procured  in 
reat  Britain  is  chiefly  manufactured  in  Glasgow.  The  kelp,  which  on  an  aver- 
se contains  a 224th  part  of  iodine,  is  lixiviated  in  water,  in  which  about  half 
’ssolves.  The  solution  is  concentrated  to  a pellicle,  and  allowed  to  cool,  whereby 
garly  all  the  salts,  except  the  iodide  of  sodium,  are  separated,  they  being  less 
luble  than  the  iodide.  The  remaining  liquor,  which  is  dense  and  dark-coloured, 
rendered  sour  by  sulphuric  acid,  whereby  carbonic  acid,  sulphuretted  hydrogen 
id  sulphurous  acid  are  evolved,  and  sulphur  is  deposited.  The  liquor  is  now 
troduced  into  a leaden  still,  and  distilled  with  deutoxide  of  manganese  into  a 
ries  of  glass  receivers,  inserted  into  one  another,  in  which  the  iodine  is  con- 
;nsed.  In  this  process  the  iodide  of  sodium  is  decomposed,  and  the  iodine 
'olved;  and  the  sulphuric  acid,  deutoxide  of  manganese,  and  sodium  unite,  so 
to  form  the  sulphate  of  protoxide  of  manganese,  and  sulphate  of  soda. 

M.  Emile  Bechi  has  proposed  the  following  method  of  extracting  iodine  from 
rings  which  contain  it  in  small  quantity.  The  water  contained  in  a large  vat 
acidulated  with  a mixture  of  one  part  of  sulphuric  and  two  of  nitric  acid,  to 
t free  the  iodine,  and  then  passed  through  a large  wooden  filter,  containing 
lcined  lampblack,  which  absorbs  the  iodine,  and  allows  all  other  matters 
■j  pass  through.  The  ioduretted  lampblack  is  then  mixed  into  a paste  with 
:?shly  precipitated  hydrated  protoxide  of  iron,  and  exhausted  by  water  in  a dis- 
acement  apparatus.  A solution  of  iodide  of  iron  is  thus  obtained,  which  is 
bated  with  sulphate  of  copper,  to  precipitate  iodide  of  copper.  This  is  then 
ated,  in  the  usual  manner,  with  sulphuric  acid  and  deutoxide  of  manganese,  with 
|e  effect  of  disengaging  the  iodine.  The  lampblack,  after  having  been  used,  is 
tshed  with  weak  muriatic  acid,  to  separate  any  remains  of  iron,  and,  thus  puri- 
:d,  is  fit  for  a new  operation.  ( Journ . de  Pliarm.,  3e  sir.,  xx.  5.) 

Properties.  Iodine  is  a soft,  friable,  opaque  substance,  in  the  form  of  crystal- 
. he  scales,  having  a bluish-black  colour  and  metallic  lustre.  It  possesses  a 
;culiar  odour,  somewhat  resembling  that  of  chlorine,  and  a hot  acrid  taste, 
•pplied  to  the  skin,  it  produces  an  evanescent  yellow  stain.  Its  sp.  gr.  is  4’9. 

. is  a volatile  substance,  and  evaporates  even  at  common  temperatures.  AVhen 

I ated  it  evaporates  more  rapidly,  and  when  the  temperature  reaches  225°,  it  melts 
i d rises  in  a rich  purple  vapour,  a property  which  suggested  its  name.  Its 
■ pour  has  the  sp.  gr.  8 "7,  and  is  the  heaviest  aeriform  substance  known.  If 
inhaled  mixed  with  air,  it  excites  cough  and  irritates  the  nostrils.  When  it  comes 
i contact  with  cool  surfaces,  it  condenses  in  brilliant  steel-gray  crystals.  Iodine 
i freely  soluble  in  alcohol  and  ether,  but  requires  7000  tithes  its  weight  of  water 
i dissolve  it.  Its  solution  in  water  has  no  taste,  a feeble  odour,  and  a light-brown 
(lour;  in  alcohol  or  ether,  a nearly  black  hue.  Its  solubility  in  water  is  very 
itch  increased  by  the  addition  of  certain  salts,  as  the  chloride  of  sodium,  nitrate 

i ammonia,  or  iodide  of  potassium;  and  the  same  effect  is  produced,  to  some 
(tent,  by  tannic  acid.  In  chemical  habitudes  iodine  resembles  chlorine,  but 

ii  affinities  are  weaker.  Its  equivalent  number  is  126'3.  It  combines  with 
] )st  of  the  non-metallic,  and  nearly  all  the  metallic  elements,  forming  the  class 
' compounds  called  iodides.  Some  of  these  are  officinal,  as  the  iodides  of  iron, 

J Tcury,  lead,  potassium,  and  sulphur.  It  forms  with  oxygen  one  oxide,  oxide  of 
'i  line,  and  three  acids,  the  iodous,  iodic,  and  hyperiodic  acids,  and  with  hydro- 
fa,  a gaseous  acid,  called  hydr  iodic  acid. 

Iodine,  in  most  cases,  may  be  recognised  by  its  characteristic  purple  vapour ; 

I I where  this  cannot  be  made  evident,  it  is  detected  unerringly  by  starch,  which 
] )duces  with  it  a deep-blue  colour.  This  test  was  discovered  by  Colin  and 
Cultier  de  Claubry,  and  is  so  delicate,  that-  it  will  indicate  the  presence  of  iodine 


408 


Iodinium. 


PART  i 


in  450,000  times  its  weight  of  water.  In  order  that  the  test  may  succeed,  thf 
iodine  must  be  free  and  the  solutions  cold.  To  render  it  free  when  in  combi 
nation,  a little  nitric  acid  must  be  added  to  the  solution  suspected  to  contain  it 
Thus,  in  testing  urine  for  iodine,  the  secretion  is  mixed  with  starch,  and  acidu 
lated  with  a drop  or  two  of  nitric  acid,  when,  if  iodine  be  present,  the  c-oloui 
produced  will  vary  from  a light  purple  to  a deep  indigo  blue,  according  to  thf 
amount  of  the  element  present.  As  a test  for  iodine,  M.  Rabourdin  has  proposed 
chloroform ; by  the  use  of  which  he  supposes  that  the  element  may  not  only  be 
detected  in  organic  substances,  but  approximatively  estimated.  Thus,  if  150 grain; 
of  a solution,  containing  one  part  in  one  hundred  thousand  of  its  weight  of  iodide 
of  potassium,  be  treated  with  2 drops  of  nitric  and  15  or  20  drops  of  sulphuric 
acid,  and  afterwards  shaken  with  15  grains  of  chloroform,  the  latter  acquires  a 
distinct  violet  tint.  M.  Rabourdin  applies  his  test  to  the  detection  of  iodine  in 
the  several  varieties  of  cod-liver  oil.  For  this  purpose  he  incinerates  in  an  iron 
spoon  50  parts  of  the  specimen  of  oil  with  5 of  pure  caustic  potassa,  dissolved 
in  15  of  water,  and  exhausts  the  cinder  with  the  smallest  possible  quantity  ol 
water.  The  solution  is  filtered,  and  acidulated  with  nitric  and  sulphuric  acids, 
and  agitated  with  4 parts  of  chloroform.  After  a time  the  chloroform  subsides, 
having  a violet  colour  more  or  less  deep  according  to  the  proportion  of  iodine 
present.  M.  Lassaigne  considers  the  starch  test  more  delicate  than  that  of  chlo- 
roform. For  detecting  iodine  in  the  iodides  of  the  metals  of  the  alkalies,  he 
considers  the  bichloride  of  palladium  as  extremely  delicate,  producing  brownish 
flocks  of  biniodides  of  palladium.  According  to  M.  Moride,  benzine  is  a good 
test  for  free  iodine,  which  it  readily  dissolves,  forming  a solution  of  a bright  red 
colour,  which  is  deeper  in  proportion  to  the  amount  of  the  iodine  dissolved.  As 
benzine  does  not  dissolve  either  chlorine  or  bromine,  it  furnishes  the  means  of 
separating  iodine  from  these  elements.  Mr.  D.  S.  Price  has  pointed  out  the 
nitrites  as  exceedingly  sensitive  tests  of  iodine,  when  in  combination  as  an  iodide. 
The  suspected  liquid  is  mixed  with  starch  paste,  acidulated  with  muriatic  acid,  and 
treated  with  a solution  of  nitrite  of  potassa.  The  iodine  is  set  free,  and  a blue 
colour  appears,  more  or  less  deep,  according  to  the  proportion  of  the  iodine  present. 
By  this  test  iodine,  forming  the  1-400, 000th  part  of  an  aqueous  solution,  may 
be  detected.  A similar  test  had  been  previously  proposed  by  M.  Grange. 

Adulterations.  Iodine  is  said  to  be  occasionally  adulterated  with  mineral  coal, 
charcoal,  plumbago,  and  black  oxide  of  manganese.  They  are  easily  detected  by 
their  fixed  nature,  while  pure  iodine  is  wholly  vaporizable.  Herberger  found  na- 
tive sulphuret  of  antimony  in  one  sample,  and  plumbago  in  another;  and  Righini 
has  detected  as  much  as  twenty-five  per  cent,  of  chloride  of  calcium.  The  pre- 
sence of  iodide  of  c-yaaogen  has  been  noticed  by  F.  Meyer  and  by  T.  Klobac-h.  (See 
Iodinium  Purumi)  When  present  it  rises  at  the  commencement  of  the  subli- 
mation of  the  iodine  in  the  form  of  white  crystals,  having  a pungent  odour.  An 
impurity  which  is  frequently  present  in  commercial  iodine  is  water.  Before  1840, 
Dr.  Christison  had  not  met  with  any  British  iodine  which  did  not  contain  from 
fifteen  to  twenty  per  cent,  of  moisture.  If  considerable,  it  is  easily  detected  by 
the  iodine  adhering  to  the  inside  of  the  bottle.  The  Edinburgh  College  has  giveD 
a test  which  detects  all  impurity  beyond  two  per  cent.  It  is  founded  upon  the 
fact  that  pure  iodine,  diffused  in  water,  forms  a colourless  solution  of  iodide  ol 
calcium  and  iodate  of  lime  with  a certain  proportion  of  quicklime.  Accordingly, 
an  amount  of  quicklime  is  directed  which  is  not  quite  sufficient  to  form  a odour- 
less solution  with  iodine,  containing  only  two  per  cent,  of  impurity;  and,  hence, 
if  the  sample  contain  more  impurity,  the  lime  is  competent  to  produce  a solu- 
tion without  colour.  With  this  explanation,  the  Edinburgh  directions  for  ap- 
plying the  test  will  be  understood.  “ Thirty-nine  grains  [of  iodine]  with  nine 
grains  of  quicklime  and  three  ounces  of  water,  when  heated  short  of  ebullition. 


l.RT  I. 


Iodinium. 


409 


s wly  form  a perfect  solution,  which  is  yellowish  or  brownish  if  the  iodine  be 
pre,  but  colourless  if  there  be  above  two  per  cent,  of  water  or  other  impurity.” 
Medical  Properties.  Iodine  was  first  employed  as  a medicine  in  1820,  for  the 
c:e  of  goitre,  by  Dr.  Coindet,  Senior,  of  Geneva.  It  operates  as  a general  excitant 
othe  vital  actions,  but  particularly  of  the  absorbent  and  glandular  systems.  Its 
sscial  effects  are  varied  by  its  degree  of  concentration,  state  of  combination, 
cbe,  &c. ; and  hence,  under  different  circumstances  of  the  remedy  and  of  the 
stem,  it  is  deemed  capable  of  acting  as  a corrosive,  irritant,  desiccant,  tonic, 
diretic,  diaphoretic,  and  ennnenagogue.  It  probably  acts  by  passing  into  the 
emulation ; at  least  it  has  been  proved  by  Dr.  A.  Buchanan,  of  Glasgow,  and 
o;er  observers,  that  it  enters  into  a number  of  the  secretions,  particularly  the 
une  and  saliva,  not,  however,  in  an  uncombined  state,  but  in  that  of  hydriodie 
ad.  Cantu  detected  it  not  only  in  the  urine  and  saliva,  but  also  in  the  sweat, 
nlk,  and  blood,  and  always  as  hydriodie  acid  or  an  iodide.  According  to  Dr. 
Jm  C.  Dalton,  Jr.,  of  Boston,  iodine,  taken  in  a single  moderate  dose,  appears 
iithe  urine  in  thirty  minutes,  and  may  be  detected  for  nearly  twenty-four  hours. 
I two  cases  in  which  large  doses  of  iodide  of  potassium  had  been  taken  for  six 
o eight  weeks,  and  the  medicine  intermitted,  all  trace  of  iodine  disappeared  from 
tl  urine  in  eighty-four  hours.  From  the  latter  observation,  Dr.  Dalton  infers, 
a Becquerel  had  previously  done,  that  iodine  does  not  accumulate  in  the  sys- 
ttii,  and  that  the  constitutional  effect  of  moderate  doses  is  probably  equal  to  that 

0 .arge  ones,  the  excess  of  the  remedy  constantly  passing  off  by  the  kidneys. 

The  tonic  operation  of  iodine  is  evinced  by  its  increasing  the  appetite,  which 

is  he  most  constant  effect  of  its  use.  Salivation  is  occasionally  produced  by  it, 
a i sometimes  soreness  of  the  mouth  only.  In  some  cases,  pustular  eruptions 
ai!  coryza  have  been  produced;  effects  most  apt  to  occur  when  the  remedy  is 
gen  in  the  form  of  iodide  of  potassium.  When  taken  in  an  over-dose  it  acts  as 
ai  irritant  poison.  In  doses  of  two  drachms,  administered  to  dogs,  it  produced 
irjtation  of  the  stomach,  and  death  in  seven  days;  and  the  stomach  was  found 
stlded  with  numerous  little  ulcers  of  a yellow  colour.  In  the  dose  of  from  four 
tc  ix  grains  in  man,  it  produces  a sense  of  constriction  in  the  throat,  sickness 
ai  pain  at  the  stomach,  and  at  length  vomiting  and  colic.  Even  when  given 
irnedicinal  doses,  it  sometimes  produces  alarming  symptoms;  such  as  restless- 
nils,  palpitation,  a sense  of  burning  along  the  gullet,  excessive  thirst,  acute  pain 
ir  be  stomach,  vomiting  and  purging,  violent  cramps,  and  frequent  pulse.  The 
edition  of  the  system,  in  which  the  poisonous  effects  of  iodine  are  developed, 
is,  ailed  iodism.  Though  this  condition  may  be  produced  by  incautious  doses 
oi.he  medicine,  too  long  continued;  still  it  sometimes  arises,  under  other  cir- 
cuistances,  from  causes  not  well  explained.  On  the  other  hand,  large  doses 
hie  been  given  for  a long  time  with  perfect  impunity.  This  variable  operation 

01  rdine  may  in  some  measure  be  accounted  for  by  the  variable  condition  of  the 
stiaach,  and  by  the  more  or  less  amylaceous  character  of  the  food ; starch  having 
tl  power  of  uniting  with  iodine  and  rendering  it  mild.  Upon  the  appearance 
olhe  first  symptoms  of  fever  or  general  nervous  disturbance,  the  remedy  should 
belaid  aside.  Dr.  Lugol,  of  Paris,  has  never  observed  these  alarming  effects 
to  rise  from  the  remedy,  given  in  the  doses  and  in  the  state  of  dilution  in  which 
heprescribed  it.  He  has  not  found  it  to  cause  emaciation,  haemoptysis,  pul- 
m ary  tubercles,  or  other  bad  effects.  On  the  contrary,  many  of  his  patients 
g£  ed  flesh  and  improved  in  general  health. 

otwithstanding  this  testimony,  we  have  evidence  that  emaciation  is  some- 
tn'is  produced  by  iodine ; and  that  a long  course  of  the  remedy  has  in  some 
m mces  occasioned  absorption  of  the  mammae,  and  wasting  of  the  testicles.  In 
a Ise  of  obesity  in  a woman,  reported  by  Dr.  Betz,  in  which  the  mammae  were 
er  mously  enlarged,  a cure  was  effected,  in  two  months,  under  the  daily  use  of 


410 


Iodinium. 


part  I 


twenty  drops  of  tincture  of  iodine.  On  the  other  hand,  Dr.  T.  H.  Silvester 
who  had  the  opportunity  of  making  extensive  observations  in  St.  Thomas’s  Ho; 
pital,  London,  on  the  effects  of  iodine  in  the  form  of  iodide  of  potassium,  did  no 
meet  with  a single  instance  of  atrophy  or  absorption  of  the  glands.  Numerous 
cases  of  syphilitic  peritonitis  were  successfully  treated,  enlarged  testicles  from  : 
syphilitic  cause  were  reduced,  and  chronic  induration  of  the  inguinal  glands  wa 
removed;  but  in  no  case  was  atrophy  or  absorption  of  the  breast  or  testicle  ob 
served.  It  would  thus  appear  that  iodine,  as  a general  rule,  does  not  affect  th 
healthy  glands,  but  acts  upon  morbid  material,  such  as  tumours,  enlargement; 
and  thickenings. 

Iodine  has  been  principally  employed  in  diseases  of  the  absorbent  and  glandu 
lar  systems.  In  ascites  it  has  been  used  with  success  by  Dr.  Baron.  It  is  sail 
not  to  act  efficaciously  while  the  abdomen  is  tense,  and  the  absorbents  conse 
quently  compressed,  but  operates  after  this  condition  is  removed  by  tapping 
Dr.  Bardsley  recommends  it  in  that  form  of  ascites  which  is  connected  wit; 
diseased  liver.  It  has  been  used  successfully  by  some  British  practitioners  i 
ovarian  tumours,  but  failed  in  the  hands  of  others.  In  glandular  enlargement 
and  morbid  growths,  its  use  has  proved  more  efficacious  than,  perhaps,  in  an 
other  class  of  diseases.  Dr.  Coindet  discovered  its  extraordinary  power  in  prc 
moting  the  absorption  of  the  thyroid  gland  in  bronc-hocele;  and  it  has  been  usd 
with  more  or  less  success  in  enlargements  of  the  liver,  spleen,  mammae,  teste; 
and  uterus.  In  induration  and  enlargement  of  the  liver,  where  mercury  ha 
failed  or  is  inadmissible,  iodine  forms  our  best  resource.  In  chronic  diseases  c 
the  uterus,  attended  with  induration  and  enlargement,  and  in  hard  tumours  c 
the  cervix,  and  indurated  puckerings  of  the  edges  of  the  os  tincae,  iodine  ha 
occasionally  effected  cures,  administered  internally,  and  rubbed  into  the  cervi 
in  the  form  of  ointment  for  ten  or  twelve  minutes  every  night.  The  emmena 
gogue  power  of  iodine  has  been  noticed  by  several  practitioners ; and  Dr.  Luge 
mentions  instances,  among  his  scrofulous  patients,  in  which  it  cured  obstruete 
and  painful  menstruation.  It  has  been  recommended  in  gleet,  and  also  in  gonot 
rhoea  and  leucorrhcea,  after  the  inflammatory  symptoms  have  subsided.  In  pseude 
syphilis,  and  in  cachexy  arising  from  the  abuse  of  mercury,  it  is  one  of  our  be; 
remedies,  given  in  the  form  of  iodide  of  potassium.  In  chronic  rheumatism ; 
is  a favourite  remedy  with  some,  particularly  in  the  form  of  iodide  of  potassium 
and  by  Gendrin  it  has  been  employed  in  the  acute  forms  of  gout,  with  theeffee 
as  he  supposed,  of  cutting  short  the  fits.  Dr.  Manson,  as  early  as  1825,  n 
corded  cases  of  its  efficacy  in  several  nervous  diseases,  such  as  chorea  and  par. 
lysis.  In  various  scaly  eruptions,  the  internal  and  external  use  of  the  prepar. 
tions  of  iodine  is  very  much  relied  on. 

It  is  in  scrofulous  diseases  that  the  most  interesting  results  have  been  obtaine 
by  the  use  of  iodine.  Dr.  Coindet  first  directed  public  attention  to  its  effects  i 
scrofula,  and  Dr.  Manson  reported  a number  of  cases  of  this  complaint  in  the  for 
of  enlarged  glands,  ulcers,  and  ophthalmia,  in  a large  proportion  of  which  tl 
disease  was  either  cured  or  meliorated.  But  we  are  indebted  to  Dr.  Lugol  fi 
the  most  extended  researches  in  relation  to  the  use  of  iodine  in  the  differei 
forms  of  scrofula.  This  physician  began  his  trials  in  the  hospital  Saint  Lou 
in  1827,  and  made  known  his  results  in  three  memoirs  published  in  ls29. 1'3 
and  1831.  These  memoirs  give  the  detail  of  a success  which  would  stagger  b 
lief,  were  not  the  results  substantiated  by  committees  of  distinguished  physicist 
of  the  French  Academy  of  Sciences.  The  scrofulous  affections  in  the  cure  of  whk 
Dr.  Lugol  succeeded  by  the  administration  of  iodine  were  glandular  tubercle 
ophthalmia,  ozaena,  noli  me  tangere  (dartre  rongeante  scrophuleuse),  and  fist 
lous  and  carious  ulcers.  In  connexion  with  Dr.  Lugol’s  results,  it  may  be  pr 
per  to  mention  that  Dr.  Manson  derived  benefit  from  the  use  of  iodine  in  wlii 


Iodinium. 


411 


iKT  I. 

[felling,  hip-joint  disease,  and  distortions  of  the  spine,  diseases  generally  ad- 
mitted to  be  more  or  less  connected  with  the  scrofulous  taint. 

Iodine  is  employed  both  internally  and  externally.  Internally  it  is  sometimes 
led  in  the  form  of  tincture;  but  Dr.  Lugol  objects  to  this  preparation  on  ac- 
(unt  of  its  unequal  strength,  and  of  its  being  liable  to  have  the  iodine  precipi- 
tted  by  water;  and,  when  swallowed  with  the  solid  iodine  diffused  through  it, 
ijurious  irritation  of  the  stomach  is  apt  to  occur.  It  has  been  found,  however, 
Ij  Gruibourt  that  the  latter  objection  to  the  tincture  applies  in  its  full  force, 
(■ly  when  it  is  freshly  prepared.  (See  Tinctura  lodinii .)  Dr.  Lugol  prefers  to 
te  tincture,  a mixed  solution  of  iodine  and  iodide  of  potassium  in  distilled  water, 
le  employs  three  strengths,  namely,  three-fourths  of  a grain,  one  grain,  and  a 
gun  and  a quarter  of  iodine  to  half  a pint  of  distilled  water;  the  quantity  of 
iiide  of  potassium  iu  each  solution  being  double  that  of  the  iodine.  These 
sutions  are  permanent,  perfectly  transparent,  and  of  an  orange  colour.  The 
Indon  College  has  imitated  this  combination  in  an  officinal  formula.  (See 
squor  Potassii  Iodidi  Compositus.)  The  mode  of  administration,  employed  by 
Is.  Lugol  for  his  solutions,  is  to  give  two-thirds  of  the  weakest  solution,  or  half 
a;rain  of  iodine  daily,  for  the  first  fortnight;  the  weakest  solution  entire  for  the 
s-ond  and  third  fortnight;  the  medium  solution  during  the  fourth  and  fifth 
f tnight ; and  lastly,  in  some  cases,  the  strongest  solution  for  the  remainder  of 
t;  treatment.  He  gives  half  the  daily  quantity  in  the  morning  fasting,  and 
t;  other  half,  an  hour  before  dinner;  each  portion  being  slightly  sweetened  at 
t ; moment  of  taking  it.  For  the  convenience  of  making  the  weak  iodine  solu- 
tn,  or  of  administering  the  remedy  by  drops,  Dr.  Lugol  prepares  a concentrated 
siition,  consisting  of  a scruple  of  iodine  and  two  scruples  of  iodide  of  potassium 
d'solved  in  seven  fluidrachms  of  water.*  Of  this  solution  the  dose  is  six  drops 
t ce  a day,  given  in  the  morning  fasting,  and  an  hour  before  dinner,  in  a glass 
o sweetened  water,  gradually  increasing  weekly  by  two  drops  at  a time,  until 
t.  dose  reaches  thirty  or  thirty-six  drops.  For  children  under  seven  years,  the 
d e is  two  drops  twice  a day,  gradually  increased  to  five.  This  solution  is 
o final  in  the  United  States  Pharmacopoeia.  (See  Liquor  lodinii  Compositus.') 

Che  external  treatment  by  iodine  may  be  divided  into  local  and  general.  By 
ifuse  in  this  way  it  does  not  merely  create  a topical  effect  on  the  skin ; but  by 
it;  absorption  produces  its  peculiar  constitutional  impression.  Dr.  Lugol  has 
gen  the  following  formulae  for  preparations  for  the  local  use  of  iodine.  His 
ic\ine  ointment  varies  in  strength  from  six  to  twelve  grains  of  iodine,  mixed 
wjh  from  two  to  four  scruples  of  iodide  of  potassium,  to  the  ounce  of  lard.  (See 
l huentum  lodinii  Compositum. ) It  has  a mahogany  colour,  and  is  employed 
h fictions  to  scrofulous  tumours,  and  as  a dressing  to  scrofulous  ulcers.  The 
Ortment  of  protiodide  of  mercury  which  he  recommends  consists  of  from  one  to 
tv;  scruples  of  the  mercurial  iodide  to  an  ounce  of  lard.  (See  Unguentum  Hy- 
dlrgyri  Iodidi.)  Its  proper  colour  is  canary  yellow;  but  occasionally  it  has  a 
di  'ded  greenish  tint,  derived  from  the  presence  of  protoxide  of  mercury,  or  "an 
oinge  colour,  when  it  contains  the  biniodide.  This  ointment,  which  has  the 
aiantage  of  producing  very  little  pain,  is  used  by  Dr.  Lugol  in  noli  me  tangere, 
ai  in  scrofulous  ulcers  which  have  a syphilitic  aspect.  The  ointment  of  biniodide 
of  iercury,  which  is  much  more  powerful,  has  also  been  used  with  advantage  in 
si  ilar  cases.  (See  Unguentum  Hydrargyri  Iodidi  Rubri.)  Dr.  Lugol’ s iodine 
lorn  consists  of  from  two  to  four  grains  of  iodine  to  a pint  of  distilled  water, 
tb  solution  being  rendered  complete  by  the  addition  of  double  the  quantity  of 
io;de  of  potassium.  This  is  used,  as  a wash  or  injection,  in  scrofulous  oph- 

; In  the  original  it  is  seven  ounces  ; but  from  the  context  of  the  author,  this  is  evidently 
a j sprint  for  seven  drachms. 


412 


Iodinium. 


PART  i 


tkalmia,  ozasna,  and  fistulous  ulcers.  His  rubefacient  solution  is  formed  by  dis 
solving  half  an  ounce  of  iodine  and  an  ounce  of  iodide  of  potassium  in  si: 
fluidounces  of  distilled  water.  This  is  useful  for  exciting  scrofulous  ulcers,  fo 
touching  the  eyelids,  and  as  an  application  to  recent  scrofulous  cicatrices,  t< 
render  them  smooth.  A certain  quantity  of  the  rubefacient  solution,  added  t( 
warm  water,  makes  a convenient  local  bath  for  the  arms,  legs,  feet,  or  hands 
and,  mixed  with  linseed  meal  or  some  similar  substance,  it  forms  a cataplasm 
useful  in  particular  cases,  especially  where  the  object  is  to  promote  the  fallin; 
off  of  scabs.  The  only  remaining  preparation  for  local  use  is  what  Dr.  Lugo 
calls  iodine  caustic.  It  consists  of  iodine  and  iodide  of  potassium,  each  ai 
ounce,  dissolved  in  two  ounces  of  distilled  water,  and  is  used  to  stimulate  o 
destroy  soft  and  fungous  granulations.  Its  employment  in  this  way  has  beei 
attended  with  decided  benefit  in  noli  me  tangere. 

Iodine  injections  of  appropriate  strength  have  been  repeatedly  used  by  Yel 
peau  in  hydrarthrosis  with  success;  and  where  the  operation  failed  no  bad  con 
sequences  followed  to  the  joint.  The  abdomen  also  has  been  injected  with  iodine 
after  tapping,  for  the  radical  cure  of  ascites,  and  several  cases  are  reported  o 
success  by  French  surgeons. 

The  external  application  of  iodine,  when  general,  consists  in  the  use  of  iodin 
baths,  a mode  of  applying  the  remedy  which  originated  with  Dr.  Lugol.  Thi 
mode  is  considered  very  valuable  by  that  physician,  on  account  of  the  great  exten 
of  the  skin,  which  furnishes  the  means  of  introducing  a considerable  quantity  c 
iodine  into  the  circulation  without  deranging  the  digestive  functions,  an  objcc- 
of  great  importance,  where  the  medicine  disagrees  with  the  stomach.  The  iodin 
bath  for  adults  should  contain  from  two  to  four  drachms  of  iodine,  with  doubl 
that  quantity  of  iodide  of  potassium,  dissolved  in  water,  in  a wooden  bath  tub 
the  proportion  of  the  water  being  about  a gallon  for  every  three  grains  of  iodin 
employed.  The  quantity  of  ingredients  for  the  baths  of  children  is  one-third  a 
much  as  for  adults,  but  dissolved  in  about  the  same  proportional  quantity  c 
water.  The  quantity  of  iodine  and  iodide  for  a bath  having  been  determine 
on,  it  is  best  to  dissolve  them  in  a small  quantity  of  water  (half  a pint  fc 
example),  before  they  are  added  to  the  water  of  the  bath;  as  this  mode  of  pr 
eeeding  facilitates  their  thorough  diffusion. 

The  iodine  baths,  which  may  be  directed  three  or  four  times  a week,  usuall 
produce  a slight  rubefacient  effect;  but,  occasionally,  a stronger  impressioi 
causing  the  epidermis  to  peel  off,  particularly  of  the  arms  and  legs.  The  ski 
at  the  same  time  acquires  a deep-yellow  tinge,  which  usually  disappears  in  tl1 
interval  between  the  baths.  ’ I 

Iodine  is  much  used  as  a local  application  in  erysipelas  and  chilblains.  I 
these  cases  the  tincture  is  brushed  over  and  a little  beyond  the  seat  of  inflamm; 
tion,  by  means  of  a camel’s  hair  pencil.  In  cutaneous  scrofula,  the  tincture  h: 
been  found  beneficial  by  Dr.  Pereira,  applied  in  the  same  way,  having  the  effe 
of  drying  up  the  discharge  and  promoting  cicatrization.  The  same  topical  appl 
cation  has  been  found  useful  in  various  scaly  cutaneous  diseases,  such  as  lepr 
psoriasis,  &c. 

Iodine,  when  externally  applied,  is  freely  absorbed,  and  passes  out  of  the  sy 
tem  principally  in  the  urine.  According  to  M.  Bonnet,  when  iodine  is  applk 
to  ulcers  or  blistered  surfaces,  or  injected  into  the  cavities  of  abscesses,  it 
largely  absorbed,  and  quickly  eliminated;  and  during  its  elimination  it  cam 
with  it  morbid  deposits,  such  as  effused  lymph,  &c.  &c.  In  illustration  of  b 
views,  M.  Bonnet  states  that  scrofulous  ophthalmia  may  be  cured  by  dressit 
a blister,  applied  at  a distance  from  the  eyes,  with  an  ointment  of  iodine, 
suitable  ointment  for  a dressing  may  be  made  of  one  part  of  iodine,  two  of  iodi 
of  potassium,  and  thirty  of  lard. 


ART  I. 


Iodinium. 


413 


Sir  Charles  Scudamore,  Sir  James  Murray,  and  Dr.  Corrigan  have  recom- 
mended the  inhalation  of  iodine  vapour  in  phthisis.  The  plan  of  Sir  Charles  is 
inhale,  from  a glass  inhaler  for  ten  minutes,  two  or  three  times  a day,  a small 
irtion  of  a solution  of  ioduretted  iodide  of  potassium,  mixed  with  a saturated 
icture  of  conium.  The  ioduretted  solution  is  made  by  dissolving  six  grains, 
i'ich,  of  iodine  and  iodide  of  potassium,  in  five  ounces  and  three-quarters  of  dis- 
led water  and  a quarter  of  an  ounce  of  alcohol.  The  dose  for  each  inhalation 
from  half  a drachm  to  a drachm  of  the  iodine  solution,  gradually  increased, 
th  half  a drachm  of  the  tincture,  added  to  a portion  of  water  of  the  temperature 
. 120°,  nearly  sufficient  to  half  fill  the  inhaler.  M.  Huett  has  used  the  inba- 
iion  of  iodine,  in  the  form  of  hydriodic  ether,  in  phthisis,  and  reports  the  cure 

i,  one  case  with  cavities  at  the  top  of  the  left  lung. 

Since  the  publication  of  Dr.  Lugol’s  memoirs,  his  practice  has  been  imitated 
; d extended  by  several  practitioners.  Dr.  Bermond,  of  Bordeaux,  has  succeeded 
\th  the  iodine  treatment  in  enlarged  testicle  from  a venereal  cause,  scrofulous 
(hthalmia  of  six  years’  duration,  and  scrofulous  ulcers  and  abscesses  of  the 
crvical  and  submaxillary  glands.  In  numerous  other  cases  of  scrofula  under 
Is  care,  the  iodine  treatment  proved  beneficial ; though,  before  its  commence- 
lmt,  the  cases  underwent  no  improvement.  The  only  peculiarity  in  Dr.  Ber- 
rad’s  treatment,  was  that,  in  some  cases,  he  associated  opiate  preparations  with 
te  iodine.  In  the  case  of  ophthalmia  which  he  treated,  the  collyrium  employed 
(Osisted  of  tincture  of  iodine  thirty  drops,  laudanum  thirty-six  drops,  to  four 
f idounces  of  distilled  water.  When  the  local  application  of  the  iodine  created 
nch  pain  or  rubefaction,  he  found  advantage  from  combining  extract  of  opium 
ith  it.  A plaster  which  proved  efficacious  as  an  application  to  an  enlarged 
jrotid,  in  one  of  his  cases,  consisted  of  lead  plaster  (diachylon)  and  iodide  of 

j. tassium,  each,  four  parts;  iodine  and  extract  of  opium,  each,  three  parts.  In 
crfirmation  of  Dr.  Bermond’s  views,  M.  Lemasson,  one  of  the  house  pupils  of 
ti  hospital  St.  Louis,  has  published  a number  of  cases,  proving  the  efficacy 
ca  combination  of  iodine  and  opium  in  the  local  treatment  of  scrofulous  ulcer- 
aons.  One  of  the  combinations  which  he  employed  consisted  of  fifteen  grains 
c iodine,  a drachm  of  iodide  of  potassium,  and  two  drachms  of  Bousseau’s 
Ildanum,  made  up  into  an  ointment  with  two  ounces  of  fresh  lard. 

(The  results  obtained  by  Dr.  Lugol  and  others  in  the  treatment  of  scrofulous 
deases  by  the  iodine  preparations  are  so  diversified,  as  to  leave  no  doubt  of 
tfir  great  efficacy  in  these  affections.  To  judge  fairly,  however,  of  Dr.  Lugol’s 
rults,  it  is  not  sufficient  to  give  iodine;  but  it  should  be  given  in  the  manner, 
al  with  the  observance  of  all  the  rules,  which  are  laid  down  by  that  physician. 
1 .3  can  readily  conceive  that  a dilute  aqueous  solution  of  iodine  may  act  differ- 
e ly  from  the  tincture ; and  that  a therapeutical  agent  may  in  one  form  be  in- 
tduced  gradually  into  the  current  of  the  circulation,  aDd  thus  produce  import- 
a,  alterative  effects;  while  in  another,  it  may  create  irritation  of  the  stomach 
v bout  being  absorbed,  and  thus  prove  mischievous.  A case  in  point  is  furnished 
bnatural  mineral  waters,  which,  though  generally  containing  a minute  propor- 
tir  of  saline  matter,  often  produce  remedial  effects  which  cannot  be  obtained  by 
tlir  constituents  given  in  larger  doses. 

I'he  views  here  presented  are  supported  and  extended  by  the  observations  of 
I A.  Buchanan,  of  Glasgow,  who  contends  that  iodine  is  divested  of  its  irri- 
tsit  qualities  in  certain  states  of  combination,  in  which  it  may  be  given  in  large 
d ,es  without  risk,  and  with  the  effect  of  pervading  nearly  all  the  secretions. 
Ti  combinations  which  he  prefers,  are  iodide  of  starch,  which  is  the  best,  hy- 
d >dic  acid,  and  iodide  of  potassium;  the  first  and  last  of  which  he  supposes  to 
aiias  hydriodic  acid,  the  iodine  in  them  being,  agreeably  to  his  view,  converted 
it  ) that  acid  in  the  stomach  and  bowels.  (See  Potassii  Iodidum  in  Part  II., 
ai  Hydriodic  Acid  and  Iodide  of  Starch  in  the  Appendix.) 


414 


Iodinium. 


PART  i 


M.  Marchal  (de  Calvi),  acting  under  the  impression  that  cod-liver  oil  owe< 
its  chief  virtue  to  the  presence  of  iodine,  proposed,  in  1848,  to  prepare  an  iodu 
retted  oil,  formed  of  one  part  of  iodine  to  fifteen  of  sweet  almond  oil,  and  incor 
porated  with  an  almond  emulsion.  Following  out  this  proposal,  >1.  Personn 
devised  the  following  formula  for  making  an  ioduretted  oil.  Five  parts  of  iodin 
are  mixed  with  a thousand  parts  of  sweet  almond  oil,  and  the  mixture  is  sub 
jected  to  the  action  of  a jet  of  steam,  until  it  is  decolorized.  The  same  operatioi 
is  repeated  with  five  additional  parts  of  iodine.  The  oil  is  then  washed  with  , 
weak  alkaline  solution,  to  remove  hydriodic  acid  which  is  developed  in’  the  pro 
cess.  By  this  mode  of  proceeding,  it  may  be  presumed  that  the  iodine  is  inti 
mately  united  with  the  oil,  thus  finding  easier  entrance  into  the  system;  am 
that,  while  a part  of  the  iodine  is  lost  as  hydriodic  acid,  the  remainder  takes  th 
place  of  the  hydrogen  eliminated  from  the  oil.  In  1851,  the  French  Acadern 
appointed  MM.  Guibourt,  Soubeiran,  Gibert,  and  Ricord,  to  report  upon  th 
therapeutic  value  of  a definite  combination  of  iodine  and  oil.  The  reporte 
(Guibourt)  approves  of  M.  Personne’s  process;  and  MM.  Gibert  and  Bicord  re 
port  favourably  of  the  therapeutic  effects  of  the  ioduretted  oil.  M.  Gibert  deem 
it  to  possess  considerable  resolvent  power  in  certain  chronic  eruptions  and  gland 
ular  enlargements ; and  M.  Ricord,  after  trial  for  a year,  obtained  satisfaetor 
results  in  a variety  of  scrofulous  affections,  the  ioduretted  oil  acting  mor 
promptly  than  the  cod-liver  oil.  M.  Personne’s  ioduretted  oil  differs  little  i 
appearance  and  taste  from  almond  oil,  and  may  be  easily  taken  either  alone  o 
in  emulsion.  The  usual  dose  is  about  two  fluidounces  daily,  which  may  be  in 
creased  to  three  fluidounces  or  more.  (See  Am.  Journ.  of  Med.  Set.,  X.  8 
xxiii.  502.) 

In  cases  of  poisoning  by  iodine,  the  stomach  must  be  first  evacuated,  an 
afterwards  drinks  administered,  containing  an  amylaceous  substance,  such  a 
flour,  starch,  or  arrow-root. 

Iodine  is  officinal : — 

I.  In  the  purified  state. 

Iodinium  Purum,  Dub. 

II.  In  solution  in  alcohol. 

Tinctura  Iodinii,  U.S.;  Tinctura  Iodinei,  Ed. 

III.  In  solution  in  alcohol  with  iodide  of  potassium. 

Tinctura  Iodinii  Composita,  U.S.,  Lond.,  Dub. 

IV.  In  the  form  of  ointment. 

Unguentum  Iodinii,  US. 

V.  In  the  form  of  ointment  with  iodide  of  potassium. 

Unguentum  Iodinii  Compositum,  US-,  Lond.,  Dub. ; Unguentui 
Iodinei,  Ed. 

YI.  In  solution  in  water  with  iodide  of  potassium. 

Liquor  Iodinii  Compositus,  U.S.;  Iodinei  Liquor  Compositus.  Et 

Liquor  Potassii  Iodidi  Compositus,  Lond.  ; Potassii  Iodidi  Liquc 
Compositus,  Dub. 

VII.  Combined  with  sulphur. 

Sulphuris  Iodidum,  U.S.,  Lond.;  Sulphur  Iodatum,  Dub. 

Unguentum  Sulphuris  Iodidi,  U.  S.,  Lond. 

VIII.  Combined  with  metals. 

Arsenici  Iodidum,  U.S. 

Liquor  Arsenici  et  Hydrargyri  Iodidi,  U.  S. ; Arsenici  et  H 
drargyri  Hydriodatis  Liquor,  Dub. 

Ferri  Iodidum,  U. S. , Ed.,  Dub. 

Liquor  Ferri  Iodidi,  U.S. 

Syrupus  Ferri  Iodidi,  Lond.,  Dub.;  Ferri  Iodidi  Syrupus,  Ed 

Pilulae  Ferri  Iodidi,  U.S. 


?art  I.  Iodinium. — Ipecacuanha.  415 

Hydrargyri  Iodidum,  U.  S.,  Lond. ; Hydrargyri  Iodidum  Viride, 
Dub. 

Unguentum  Hydrargyri  Iodidi,  Lond. 

Hydrargyri  Iodidum  Rubrum,  U.  S.,  Dub. ; Hydrargyri  Biniodi- 
dum,  Ed. 

Unguentum  Hydrargyri  Iodidi  Rubri,  Dub. 

Plumbi  Iodidum,  U.S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub. 

Unguentum  Plumbi  Iodidi,  Land.,  Dub. 

Potassii  Iodidum,  US-,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub. 

Emplastrum  Potassii  Iodidi,  Lond. 

Unguentum  Potassii  Iodidi,  U.S.,  Lond.,  Dub.  B. 

IPECACUANHA.  U.  S.,  Loncl,  Ed.,  Dub. 
Ipecacuanha. 

The  root  of  Cephaelis  Ipecacuanha.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub. 

Ipecacuanha,  Ft.;  Brechwurzel,  Ipecacuanha,  Germ.;  Ipecacuana,  Ital.,  Span. 

The  term  ipecacuanha , derived  from  the  language  of  the  aborigines  of  Brazil, 
as  been  applied  to  various  emetic  roots  of  South  American  origin.*  The  British 
alleges  and  our  national  Pharmacopoeia  recognise  only  that  of  the  Cephaelis 
oecacuanha ; and  no  other  is  known  by  the  name  in  the  shops  of  this  country, 
ur  chief  attention  will,  therefore,  be  confined  to  this  root,  and  the  plant  which 
elds  it ; but  as  others  are  employed  in  South  America,  are  occasionally  exported, 
id  may  possibly  reach  our  markets  mingled  with  the  genuine  drug,  we  shall, 
a note,  give  a succinct  account  of  those  which  have  attracted  most  attention. 
The  botanical  character  of  the  genuine  ipecacuanha  was  long  unknown.  Pisou 
id  Marcgrav,  who  were  the  first  to  treat  of  this  medicine,  in  their  work  on  the 
itural  history  of  Brazil,  published  at  Amsterdam,  A.  D.  1648,  described  iu 
neral  terms  two  plants;  one  producing  a whitish  root,  distinguished  by  the 
.me  of  white  ipecacuanha,  the  other,  a brown  root  which  answers  in  their  de- 
ription  precisely  to  the  officinal  drug.  But  their  account  was  not  sufficiently 
finite  to  enable  botanists  to  decide  upon  the  character  of  the  plants.  The 
Hicine  was  generally  thought  to  be  derived  from  a species  of  Viola.,  which 
nnaeus  designated  by  the  title  of  V.  Ipecacuanha.  Opinion  afterwards  turned 
: favour  of  a plant  sent  to  Linnreus  by  the  celebrated  Mutis  from  New  Granada, 

| affording  the  ipecacuanha  of  that  country  and  of  Peru.  This  was  described 
l the  Supplementum  of  the  younger  Linnaeus,  A.  D.  1781,  under  the  name  of 
hjchotria  emeiica,  and  was  long  erroneously  considered  as  the  source  of  the  true 
iscacuanha.  Dr.  Gomez,  of  Lisbon,  was  the  first  who  accurately  described  and 
i ured  the  genuine  plant,  which  he  had  seen  in  Brazil,  and  specimens  of  which 
1 took  with  him  to  Portugal ; but  Brotero,  professor  of  Botany  at  Coimbra, 
vth  whom  he  had  left  specimens,  having  drawn  up  a description,  and  had  it 
iiertedwith  a figure  in  the  Linnaean  Transactions  without  acknowledgment, 
Coyed  for  a time  the  credit  due  to  his  fellow  countryman.  In  the  paper  of 
1 otero  the  plant  is  named  Callicocca  Ipecacuanha;  but  the  term  Callicocca, 
1 ring  been  applied  by  Sehreber,  without  sufficient  reason,  to  the  genus  already 
e ablished  and  named,  has  been  universally  abandoned  by  botanists  for  the 
lohaelis  of  Swartz;  though  this,  also,  it  appears,  is  a usurpation  upon  the 
p vious  rights  of  Aublet. 

Iephaelis.  Sex.  Syst.  Pentandria  Monogynia.  — Nat.Ord.  Rubiacese,  Juss. 
(| ichonacese,  Lindley. 

M.  Weddell  states  that  the  word  ipecacuanha  is  nowhere  in  Brazil  used  to  designate 
t Cephaelis,  which  is  generally  called  poaya.  ( Journ . de  I’harm.,  Se  ser.,  xvi.  34.) 


416  Ipecacuanha.  pakt 

Gen.  Clt.  Flowers  in  an  involuered  head.  Corolla  tubular.  Stigma  two-parte< 
Berry  two-seeded.  Receptacle  chaffy.  Willd. 

Cephaelis  Ipecacuanha.  Richard,  Hist.  Ipecac,  p.  21,  t.  i.;  Martius,  Spe 
Mat.  Med.  Brazil,  p.  4,  t.  i. ; Curtis’s  Bot.  May.  N.  S.  vol.  xvii.  pi.  4063,  A.  1 
1844. — CaMicocca  Ipecacuanha.  Brotero,  Linn.  Trans,  vi.  137.  Thisisasma 
shrubby  plant,  with  a root  from  four  to  six  inches  long,  about  as  thick  as  a goos 
quill,  marked  with  annular  rugae,  simple  or  somewhat  branched,  descending  oi 
liquely  into  the  ground,  and  here  and  there  sending  forth  slender  fibrils.  T! 
stem  is  two  or  three  feet  long ; but,  being  partly  under  ground,  and  often  pr 
cumbent  at  the  base,  usually  rises  less  than  a foot  in  height.  It  is  slender;  i 
the  lower  portion  leafless,  smooth,  brown  or  ash-coloured,  and  knotted,  wit 
radicles  frequently  proceeding  from  the  knots;  near  the  summit,  pubescent,  greei 
and  furnished  with  leaves  seldom  exceeding  six  in  number.  These  are  opposit 
petiolate,  oblong-obovate,  acute,  entire,  from  three  to  four  inches  long,  from  oi 
to  two  broad,  obscurely  green  and  somewhat  rough  on  their  upper  surface,  pal 
downy,  and  veined  on  the  under.  At  the  insertion  of  each  pair  of  leaves  are  decid 
ous  stipules,  embracing  the  stem,  membranous  at  the  base,  and  separated  abo' 
into  numerous  bristle-like  divisions.  The  flowers  are  very  small,  white,  and  cc 
lected  to  the  number  of  eight,  twelve,  or  more,  each  accompanied  with  a gree 
bracte,  into  a semi-globular  head,  supported  upon  a round,  solitary,  axillary  foe 
stalk,  and  embraced  by  a monophyllous  involucre,  deeply  divided  into  four,  som 
times  five  or  sixobovate  pointed  segments.  The  fruit  is  an  ovate,  obtuse  berr 
which  is  at  first  purple,  but  becomes  almost  black  when  ripe,  and  contains  tv 
small  plano-convex  seeds. 

The  plant  is  a native  of  Brazil,  flourishing  in  moist,  thick,  and  shady  wood 
and  abounding  most  within  the  limits  of  the  eighth  and  twentieth  degrees 
south  latitude.  According  to  Humboldt,  it  grows  also  in  Xew  G-rauada. 
flowers  in  January  and  February,  and  ripens  its  fruit  in  May.  The  root 
usually  collected  during  the  period  of  flowering,  though  equally  good  at  oth 
seasons.  By  this  practice  the  plant  is  speedily  extirpated  in  places  where  it 
most  eagerly  sought.  Were  the  seeds  allowed  to  ripen,  it  would  propagate  it?t 
rapidly  and  thus  maintain  a constant  supply.  Weddell,  however,  states  th 
the  remains  of  the  root,  often  left  in  the  ground  when  it  is  collected,  serve  t! 
purpose  of  propagatiqn,  each  fragment  giving  rise  to  a new  plant.  The  root 
collected  chiefly  by  the  Indians,  who  prepare  it  by  separating  it  from  the  stem 
cleaning  it,  and  hanging  it  up  in  buudles  to  dry  in  the  sun.  The  Brazili;  t 
merchants  carry  on  a very  brisk  tra'de  in  this  drug.  According  to  Weddell,  me 
of  it  was,  at  the  time  he  wrote,  A.  D.  1851,  collected  in  the  interior  province  i 
Matto-Grosso,  upon  the  upper  waters  of  the  Paraguay,  where  it  was  first  d 
covered  in  the  year  1824.  The  chief  places  of  export  are  Rio  Janeiro,  Bahia,  ai 
Pernambuco.  It  is  brought  to  the  United  States  in  large  bags  or  bales. 

Genuine  ipecacuanha,  is  in  pieces  two  or  three  lines  in  thickness,  various 
bent  and  contorted,  simple  or  branched,  consisting  of  an  interior  slender,  lig 
straw-coloured,  ligneous  cord,  with  a thick  cortical  covering,  which  presents 
its  surface  a succession  of  circular,  unequal,  prominent  rings  or  ruga?,  geparat 
by  very  narrow  fissures,  frequently  extending  nearly  down  to  the  central  fib 
This  appearance  of  the  surface  has  given  rise  to  the  term  anncle  or  onnulatq 
by  which  the  true  ipecacuanha  is  designated  in  the  French  works  on  Pharmai 
The  cortical  part  is  hard,  horny,  and  semi-transparent,  breaks  with  a resino 
fracture,  and  easily  separates  from  the  tougher  ligneous  fibre,  which  posses 
the  medicinal  virtues  of  the  root  in  a much  inferior  degree.  Attached  to  r 
root  is  frequently  a smoother  and  more  slender  portion,  which  is  the  base  of  f 
stem,  and  should  be  separated  before  pulverization.  Pereira  has  met,  in  t‘ 
English  market,  with  distinct  bales  composed  of  these  fragments  of  stems,  wi 


■art  I.  Ipecacuanha.  417 

*» 

ccasionally  portions  of  the  root  attached.  Much  stress  has  been  laid  in  works  on 
re  materia  inedica  upon  the  colour  of  the  external  surface  of  the  ipecacuanha 
pot;  and  diversity  in  this  respect  has  even  led  to  the  formation  of  distinct  varie- 
es.  Thus,  the  epidermis  is  sometimes  deep-brown  or  even  blackish,  sometimes 
:ddish-brown  or  reddish-gray,  and  sometimes  light-gray  or  ash-coloured.  Hence 
le  distinction  into  hrown,  red,  and  gray  ipecacuanha.  But  these  are  all  de- 
ved  from  the  same  plant,  are  essentially  the  same  in  properties  and  composition, 
id  probably  differ  only  in  consequence  of  difference  in  age,  or  place  of  growth, 

• mode  of  desiccation.  The  colours  in  fact  are  often  so  intermingled,  that  it 
ould  be  impossible  to  decide  in  which  variety  a particular  specimen  should  be 
aced.  Th ebrown  is  the  most  abundant  in  the  packages  which  reach  our  market, 
he  red,  besides  the  colour  of  its  epidermis,  presents  a rosy  tint  when  broken, 
id  is  said  to  be  somewhat  more  bitter  than  the  preceding  variety.  The  gray 
much  lighter  coloured  externally,  usually  rather  larger,  with  less  prominent 
igs  and  wider  fissures,  and  is  still  more  decidedly  bitter.  Many  years  since 
a saw  in  this  market  bales  of  gray  ipecacuanha,  with  very  imperfectly  developed 
:ags,  which  were  said  to  have  come  from  Caracas.  This  commercial  variety 
ierwards  quite  disappeared ; but,  under  the  name  of  Carthagena  ipecacuanha, 
iwould  seem  to  have  been  of  late  imported  into  New  York.  ( Am . Journ.  of 
.harm.,  xxv.  474.)  When  the  bark  in  either  variety  is  opaque,  with  a dull 
iiylaceous  aspect,  the  root  is  less  active  as  a medicine.  As  the  woody  part  is 
larly  inert,  and  much  more  difficult  of  pulverization  than  the  cortical,  it  often 
Ippens  that,  when  a particular  parcel  of  the  root  is  powdered,  the  portion  which 
mains  last  in  the  mortar  possesses  scarcely  any  emetic  power;  and  care  should 
1 taken  to  provide  against  any  defect  from  this  cause.  The  colour  of  the 
jwder  is  a light  grayish-fawn. 

Ipecacuanha  has  little  smell  in  the  aggregate  state,  but  when  powdered  has  a 
I :uliar  nauseous  odour,  which  in  some  persons  excites  violent  sneezing,  in  others 
c-pnoea  resembling  an  attack  of  asthma.  The  taste  is  bitter,  acrid,  and  very 
nseous.  Water  and  alcohol  extract  its  virtues,  which  are  injured  by  decoc- 
1 1.  Its  emetic  property  resides  in  a peculiar  alkaline  principle  called  emetia, 
dcovered  by  Pelletier  in  the  year  1817.  The  cortical  portion  of  the  brown 
ijC-acuanha,  analyzed  by  this  chemist  under  the  erroneous  name  of  Psychotria 
edtica,  yielded  in  the  hundred  parts,  16  of  an  impure  salt  of  einetia,  which  was 
a irst  considered  the  pure  emetic  principle,  2 of  an  odorous  fatty  matter,  6 of 
W>  10  of  gum,  42  of  starch,  20  of  lignin,  with  4 parts  loss.  The  woody  fibre 
v found  to  contain  only  115  per  cent,  of  the  impure  emetia.  M.  A.  Richard 
djjcted  in  the  cortical  part  traces  of  gallic  acid.  The  bark  of  red  ipecacuanha 
w.  found  by  Pelletier  to  contain  but  14  per  cent,  of  impure  emetia.  In  addition 
t1  hese  principles,  Bucholz  has  found  extractive,  sugar,  and  resin ; and  Erwin 
T ligk,  more  recently,  traces  of  a disagreeably  smelling  volatile  oil,  phosphatic 
sals,  and  a peculiar  acid  which  he  named  ipecacuanhic  acid,  and  which  had 
pi 'iously  been  mistaken  for  the  gallic.  It  would  seem  to  belong  to  the  tannic 
at  group.  (See  Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xxiii.  352.)  Good  ipecacuanha  con- 
ta  s about  80  per  cent,  of  cortical  and  20  of  ligneous  matter. 

'Jmetia  when  perfectly  pure  is  whitish,  inodorous,  slightly  bitter,  pulverulent, 
ui'terable  in  the  air,  very  fusible,  sparingly  soluble  in  cold  water  and  ether, 
m e soluble  in  hot  water,  and  very  soluble  in  alcohol;  it  is  not  reddened  by  nitric 
aq;  forms  crystallizable  salts  with  the  mineral  acids  and  acetic  acid;  is  pre- 
dated by  gallic  and  tannic  acids  from  its  solutions;  and  contains  nitrogen. 
It  , however,  very  difficult  to  procure  it  in  this  state  of  purity,  and  the  propor- 
tu,:  afforded  by  the  root  is  exceedingly  small.  As  originally  obtained  it  was 
ve  impure,  probably  in  the  condition  of  a salt,  and  in  this  state  is  directed  by 
th  French  Codex.  Impure  emetia  is  in  transparent  scales  of  a brownish-red 


PART 


418  Ipecacuanha. 

colour,  almost  inodorous,  of  a bitterish  acrid  taste,  deliquescent,  very  soluble 
water  and  alcohol,  insoluble  in  ether,  precipitated  from  its  solutions  by  gall 
acid  and  the  acetates  of  lead,  but  not  by  tartar  emetic  or  the  salts  of  iro 
The  Codex  directs  it  to  be  prepared  by  evaporating  a filtered  aqueous  solution 
an  alcoholic  extract  of  ipecacuanha.  According' to  the  original  method,  it  w 
obtained  by  treating  powdered  ipecacuanha  with  ether  to  remove  the  fatty  matte 
exhausting  the  residue  with  alcohol,  evaporating  the  alcoholic  solution  to  dr 
ness,  and  subjecting  the  extract  to  the  action  of  cold  water,  which  dissolves  t. 
emetiawith  some  free  acid,  and  leaves  the  wax  and  other  matters.  To  se para 
the  acid,  the  watery  solution  is  treated  with  carbonate  of  magnesia,  filtered,  ai 
then  evaporated.  If  pure  emetia  is  required,  magnesia  is  used  instead  of  t 
carbonate.  The  salt  is  thus  decomposed,  and  the  organic  alkali,  being  insoluh 
is  precipitated  with  the  excess  of  the  earth.  The  precipitate  is  washed  vri 
cold  water,  and  digested  in  alcohol,  which  dissolves  the  emetia;  the  alcoholics 
lution  is  then  evaporated,  the  residue  redissolved  in  a dilute  acid,  and  the  alk; 
again  precipitated  by  a salifiable  base.  To  deprive  it  of  colour  it  is  necessary 
employ  animal  charcoal.  Berzelius  has  obtained  emetia  by  treating  the  powder 
root  with  very  dilute  sulphuric  acid,  precipitating  with  magnesia,  and  treati: 
the  precipitate  in  the  manner  above  directed.  Pure  emetia  has  at  least  tin- 
times  the  strength  of  the  impure.* 

* Non-officinal  Ipecacuanhas. — When  ipecacuanha  began  to  be  popular  in  Euro] 
the  roots  of  several  other  plants  were  imported  and  confounded  with  the  genuine ; and  t 
name  came  at  length  to  be  applied  to  almost  all  emetic  roots  derived  from  Amerh 
Several  of  these  are  still  occasionally  met  with,  and  retain  the  name  originally  applied 
them.  The  two  most  worthy  of  notice  are  the  ipecacuanha  of  New  Grenada  and  l’eru,  a 
the  white  ipecacuanha  of  Brazil.  On  each  of  these  we  shall  offer  a few  remarks. 

1.  Peruvian  Ipecacuanha.  Striated  Ipecacuanha.  Black  Ipecacuanha.  This  is  the  rf 
of  Psycholria  emetica,  formerly  supposed  to  produce  the  genuine  Brazilian  ipecacuan) 
This  plant,  like  the  Cephaiilis,  belongs  to  the  class  and  order  Pentandria  Monogynia,  a. 
to  the  natural  order  Rubiacese  of  Jussieu.  A description  of  it  sent  by  Mutis  was  publish. 
by  Linnaeus  the  younger  in  his  supplement.  It  has  since  been  described  in  the  Ph 
jEquin.  of  Humb.  and  Bonpl. ; and  has  been  figured  by  A.  Richard  in  his  History  of  - 
Ipecacuanhas,  and  by  Hayne  in  the  eighth  volume  of  his  Medical  Botany  published  at  Berl 
It  is  a small  shrub,  with  a stem  twelve  or  eighteen  inches  high,  simple,  erect,  row 
slightly  pubescent,  and  furnished  with  opposite,  oblong-lanceolate,  pointed  leaves,  ni- 
l-owed at  their  base  into  a short  petiole,  and  accompanied  with  pointed  stipules.  1 
flowers  are  small,  white,  and  supported  in  small  clusters  towards  the  end  of  an  axillf 
peduncle.  The  plant  flourishes  in  Peru  and  New  Grenada,  and  was  seen  by  Humbot 
and  Bonpland  growing  in  abundance  near  the  river  Magdalena.  The  dried  rootissuich 
have  been  exported  fi-om  Carthagena. 

It  is  cylindrical,  somewhat  thicker  than  the  root  of  the  Cephaelis,  usually  simple,  S 
sometimes  branched,  not  much  contorted,  wrinkled  longitudinally,  presenting  here  a 
there  deep  circular  intersections,  but  without  the  annular  rugae  of  the  true  ipecacuan. 
The  longitudinal  direction  of  the  wrinkles  has  given  it  the  name  of 'striated  ipecacuanha,  t 
consists  of  an  internal  woody  cord,  and  an  external  cortical  portion  ; but  the  formeis 
usually  larger  in  proportion  to  the  latter  than  in  the  root  of  the  Cephaelis.  The  barks 
soft  and  easily  cut  with  a knife,  and  when  broken  exhibits  a brown  slightly  resinous  fracn  ■ 
The  epidermis  is  of  a dull  reddish-gray  colour,  which  darkens  with  age  and  exposure.  1 
ultimately  becomes  almost  black.  Hence  the  root  has  sometimes  been  called  black  iyecacuar . 
The  ligneous  portion  is  yellowish,  and  perforated  with  numerous  small  holes  visible  by  ? 
microscope.  The  Peruvian  ipecacuanha  is  nearly  inodorous,  and  has  a flat  taste,  neitt 
bitter  nor  acrid.  Out  of  100  parts  Pelletier  obtained  9 of  impure  emetia.  12%f  fatty  mat', 
with  an  abundance  of  starch,  besides  gum  and  lignin.  The  dose  as  an  emetic,  is  from  o 
scruples  to  a drachm. 

2.  White  Ipecacuanha.  Amylaceous  Ipecacuanha.  Undulated  Ipecacuanha.  This  vary 
was  noticed  in  the  work  of  Pison:  but  the  vegetable  which  produced  it  was  not  satisfaetot 
ascertained  till  a recent  date.  Gomez,  indeed,  in  the  memoir  which  he  published  at  Lish. 
A.  D.  1801,  gave  a figure  and  description  of  the  plant:  but  the  memoir  was  not  generj 
known,  and  botanists  remained  uncertain  upon  the  subject.  By  the  travels  of  M.  8:t 
Hilaire  and  Dr.  Martins  in  Brazil,  more  precise  information  has  been  obtained:  and  the  w e 
ipecacuanha  is  now  confidently  referred  to  different  species  of  Richardsonia,  the  Riche,  j 


’ART  I. 


Ipecacuanha. 


419 


Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Ipecacuanha  is  in  large  doses  emetic,  in  smaller, 
iaphoretic  and  expectorant,  and  in  still  smaller,  stimulant  to  the  stomach,  ex- 
iting appetite  and  facilitating  digestion.  In  quantities  not  quite  sufficient  to 
omit,  it  produces  nausea,  and  frequently  acts  upon  the  bowels.  As  an  emetic 
, is  mild  but  tolerably  certain  in  its  operation,  and,  being  usually  thrown  from 
le  stomach  by  one  or  two  efforts,  is  less  apt  to  produce  dangerous  effects  when 
iken  in  an  overdose  than  some  other  substances  of  the  same  class.  It  is  also 
jcommended  by  the  absence  of  corrosive  and  narcotic  properties. 

It  was  employed  as  an  emetic  by  the  natives  of  Brazil,  when  that  country  was 
rst  settled  by  the  Portuguese;  but,  though  described  in  the  work  of  Pison,  it 
as  not  known  in  Europe  till  the  year  1672,  and  did  not  come  into  use  till  some 
ears  afterwards.  John  Helvetius,  grandfather  of  the  celebrated  author  of  that 
une,  having  been  associated  with  a merchant  who  had  imported  a large  quantity 
’ ipecacuanha  into  Paris,  employed  it  as  a secret  remedy,  and  with  so  much  suc- 
:ss  in  dysentery  and  other  bowel  affections,  that  general  attention  was  attracted 
it;  and  the  fortunate  physician  received  from  Louis  XIY.  a large  sum  of  money 
id  public  honours,  on  the  sole  condition  that  he  should  make  the  remedy  public. 
As  an  emetic  it  is  peculiarly  adapted  by  its  mildness  and  efficiency  to  cases  in 
hich  the  object  is  merely  to  evacuate  the  stomach,  or  a gentle  impression  only 
desired;  and,  in  most  other  cases  in  which  emetics  are  indicated,  it  may  be 
vantageously  combined  with  the  more  energetic  medicines,  which  it  renders 
Jfer  by  insuring  their  discharge.  It  is  especially  useful  where  narcotic  poisons 
we  been  swallowed;  as,  under  these  circumstances,  it  may  be  given  in  almost 
definite  doses,  with  little  comparative  risk  of  injury  to  the  patient.  In  dysen- 
■ry  it  has  been  supposed  to  exercise  peculiar  powers.  As  a nauseating  remedy 
is  used  in  asthma,  hooping-cough,  and  the  hemorrhages;  as  a diaphoretic, 


■ Linnieus.  The  R.  scnbrn , or  R.  Braziliensis  of  Gomez,  and  the  R.  emetica  are  particularly 
i Heated  by  Martius.  For  the  root  usually  called  white  ipecacuanha , Guibourt  has  proposed 
i ; name  of  undulated  ipecacuanha,  derived  from  the  peculiar  character  of  the  surface, 
• ich  presents  indentations  or  concavities  on  one  side,  corresponding  with  prominences  or 
(ivexities  on  the  other,  so  as  to  give  a wavy  appearance  to  the  root.  It  differs  little  in 
sp  from  the  genuine ; is  of  a whitish-gray  colour  externally ; and  when  broken  presents 
ifull  white  farinaceous  fracture,  offering  by  the  light  of  the  sun  shining  points,  which  are 
i hing  more  than  small  grains  of  fecuia.  Like  the  other  varieties  it  has  a woody  centre, 
I s inodorous  and  insipid,  and  contains,  according  to  Pelletier,  a very  large  proportion  of 
s rch,  with  only  six  per  cent,  of  impure  emetia,  and  two  of  fatty  matter.  Richard  found 
cry  3-5  parts  of  emetia  in  the  hundred.  It  is  said  to  be  sometimes  mixed  with  the  genuine 
icacuanha;  but  we  have  discovered  none  in  the  bales  which  we  have  examined. 

According  to  Martius,  different  species  of  Ionidium  (Viola,  Linn.),  produce  also  what  is 
c;ed  white  ipecacuanha.  The  roots  of  all  the  species  of  Ionidium  possess  emetic  or  pur- 
give  properties,  and  some  of  them  have  been  reported  to  be  equal  to  the  genuine  ipecac- 
ir  ha.  The  root  of  I.  Ipecacuanha  is  described  by  Guibourt  as  being  six  or  seven  inches 
lL,  as  thick  as  a quill,  somewhat  tortuous,  and  exhibiting  at  the  points  of  flexion  semi- 
cailar  fissures,  which  give  it  some  resemblance  to  the  root  of  the  Cepliaelis.  It  is  often 
b created  at  both  extremities,  and  terminates  at  top  in  a great  number  of  small  ligneous 
s!ks.  It  is  wrinkled  longitudinally,  and  of  a light  yellowish-gray  colour.  The  bark  is  thin, 
a!  the  interior  ligneous  portion  very  thick.  The  root  has  little  taste  or  smell.  According 
wpelletier,  it  contains,  in  100  parts,  5 of  an  emetic  substance,  35  of  gum,  1 of  azotized 
if  ter,  and  37  of  lignin.  (Hist.  Abreg.  des  Drogues  Simples,  i.  514.) 

he  root  of  a species  of  Ionidium  growing  in  Quito  has  attracted  some  attention  as  a 
r ! edy  in  elephantiasis,  under  the  South  American  name  of  cuichunchulli.  The  plant, 
b ig  considered  an  undescribed  species  by  Dr.  Bancroft,  was  named  by  him  I.  Marcucei;  but 
S W.  Hooker  found  the  specimen,  received  from  Dr.  Bancroft,  to  be  identical  with  the 
I arviflorum  of  Ventenat.  Lindley  thinks  a specimen  he  received  under  the  same  name 
fi  l Quito,  to  be  the  I.  microphyllum  of  Humboldt.  If  useful  in  elephantiasis,  it  is  so 
p:  >ably  by  its  emeto-purgative  action.  (See  Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  vii.  18(i.)* 


ee  a paper  on  ipecacuanha  by  R.  E.  Griffith,  M.  D.,  in  the  Journ.  of  the  Phil.  Col.  of  Pharm.,  vol.  3,  p. 
IS  for  a more  extended  account  of  the  roots  which  have  been  used  under  the  name  of  ipecacuanha. 


420 


PART  I 


Ipecacuanha. — Iris  Florentina. 

combined  with  opium,  in  a wide  circle  of  diseases.  (See  Pul  vis  Ipecacuanhae  « 
Opii.)  Its  expectorant  properties  render  it  beneficial  in  catarrhal  and  other  pk 
monary  affections.  It  has  been  given,  also,  with  supposed  advantage,  in  ver 
minute  doses,  in  dyspeptic  cases,  and  in  chronic  disease  of  the  gastro-intestina 
mucous  membrane. 

Ipecacuanha  is  most  conveniently  administered,  as  an  emetic,  in  the  form  c 
powder  suspended  in  water.  The  dose  is  about  twenty  grains,  repeated,  if  nece; 
sary,  at  intervals  of  twenty  minutes  till  it  operates.  In  some  individuals  mue 
smaller  quantities  prove  emetic,  and  we  know  one  person  who  is  generally  vomite 
by  the  fraction  of  a grain.  The  operation  of  the  medicine  may  be  facilitate! 
and  rendered  milder,  by  copious  draughts  of  warm  water,  or  warm  chamomil 
tea.  An  infusion  in  boiling  water,  in  the  proportion  of  two  drachms  of  th 
powder  to  six  fluidounces  of  menstruum,  may  be  given  in  the  dose  of  a fluic 
ounce  repeated  as  in  the  former  case.  With  a view  to  the  production  of  nausei 
the  dose  in  substance  may  be  two  grains,  repeated  more  or  less  frequently  accordin 
to  circumstances.  As  a diaphoretic  it  may  be  given  in  the  quantity  of  a grain 
as  an  alterative,  in  diseases  of  the  stomach  and  bowels,  in  that  of  a quarter  c 
half  a grain  two  or  three  times  a day. 

Emetia  has  been  used  on  the  continent  of  Europe  as  a substitute,  but  with  n 
great  advantage.  Its  operation  on  the  stomach  is  apt  to  be  more  violent  an 
continued  than  that  of  ipecacuanha;  and,  if  given  in  over-doses,  it  may  produc 
dangerous  and  even  fatal  consequences.  From  the  experiments  of  Magendie, 
appears  to  have  a peculiar  direction  to  the  mucous  membranes  of  the  alimentar 
canal  and  the  bronchial  tubes.  Ten  grains  of  the  impure  alkali,  administered  t 
dogs,  were  generally  found  to  destroy  life  in  twenty-four  hours,  and  the  mucon 
membranes  mentioned  were  observed  to  be  inflamed  throughout  their  whol 
extent.  The  same  result  took  place  when  emetia  was  injected  into  the  veins,  c 
absorbed  from  any  part  of  the  body.  The  dose  of  impure  emetia  is  about 
grain  and  a half,  of  the  pure  not  more  than  half  a grain,  repeated  at  proper  ii 
tervals  till  it  vomits.  In  proportional  doses,  it  may  be  applied  to  the  other  pu 
poses  for  which  ipecacuanha  is  used.  It  will  excite  vomiting  when  applied  to 
blistered  surface  after  the  removal  of  the  cuticle.  Magendie  found  that  doe 
slept  much  after  being  vomited  with  emetia,  and  concluded  that  the  medick 
was  narcotic;  but  other  emetic  medicines  produce  the  same  effect,  which  is  t 
be  ascribed  rather  to  exhaustion  than  to  any  direct  operation  on  the  brain. 

Dr.  Turnbull  recommends  the  external  use  of  ipecacuanha  as  a eounter-irritan 
An  ointment  made  with  one  part  of  the  powder,  one  of  olive  oil,  and  two  of  lan 
rubbed  once  or  twice  a day  for  a few  minutes  upon  the  skin,  produces  a copiov 
eruption,  which  continues  out  for  many  days,  without  pain  or  ulceration.  ( Londc 
Lancet,  May,  1842.)  It  has,  however,  been  found  by  others  of  little  efficacy: 
the  great  majority  of  cases. 

Off.  Prep.  Pilula  Conii  Composita;  Pulvis  Ipecacuanhas  et  Opii;  Syrup' 
Ipecacuanhae;  Trochisci  Ipecacuanhae;  Trochisci  Morphise  et  Ipecacuanha 
Yinum  Ipecacuanhae.  W. 

IRIS  FLORENTINA.  TJ.S.  Secondary. 
Florentine  Orris. 

The  rhizoma  of  Iris  Florentina.  U.  S'. 

Iris  de  Florence,  Fr.;  Florentiniscke  Violenwurzel,  Germ.;  Ireos,  l tat.;  Lirio  Flore 
tina,  S 'pan. 

Iris.  Sex.  Syst.  Triandria  Monogynia. — Hat.  Ord.  Iridaceae. 

Gen.  Ch.  Corolla  six-parted;  the  alternate  segment  reflected.  Stigmas  pet; 
shaped.  Willd. 


PART  I. 


Iris  Florentina. — Iris  Versicolor. 


421 


In  all  the  species  belonging  to  this  genus,  so  far  as  examined,  the  roots  are 
nore  or  less  acrid,  and  possessed  of  cathartic  and  emetic  properties.  In  Europe, 
Iris  fcetidissima,  I.  Florentina,  I.  Germanica,  I.  pseurfo-acorus,  and  I.  tuherosa 
lave  at  various  times  been  admitted  into  use.  Of  these  I.  Florentina  is  the 
mly  one  officinal  in  this  country. 

Iris  Florentina.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  i.  226;  Woody.  Med.  Bot.  p.  776,  t.  262. 
Che  root  (rhizoma)  of  the  Florentine  Iris  is  perennial,  horizontal,  fleshy,  fibrous, 
,nd  covered  with  a brown  epidermis.  The  leaves  spring  directly  from  the  root, 
re  sword-shaped,  pointed,  nerved,  and  shorter  than  the  stem,  which  rises  from 
he  midst  of  them  more  than  a foot  in  height,  round,  smooth,  jointed,  and  bearing 
ommonly  two  large  white  or  bluish-white  terminal  flowers.  The  calyx  is  a spathe 
rith  two  valves.  The  corolla  divides  into  six  segments  or  petals,  of  which  three 
tand  erect,  and  the  remaining  three  are  bent  backward,  and  bearded  within  at 
heir  base  with  yellow-tipped  white  hairs.  The  fruil  is  a three-celled  capsule, 
ontaining  many  seeds. 

This  plant  is  a native  of  Italy  and  other  parts  of  the  South  of  Europe,  where 
; is  also  cultivated.  The  root,  which  is  the  officinal  portion,  is  dug  up  in  spring, 
nd  prepared  for  the  market  by  the  removal  of  its  cuticle  and  fibres.  It  is  brought 
■om  Leghorn  in  large  casks. 

Properties.  Florentine  orris  is  in  pieces  of  various  form  and  size,  often  branched, 
sually  about  as  thick  as  the  thumb,  knotty,  flattened,  white,  heavy,  of  a rough 
lough  not  fibrous  fracture,  an  agreeable  odour  resembling  that  of  the  violet,  and 
bitterish  acrid  taste.  The  acrimony  is  greater  in  the  recent  than  in  the  dried 
jot;  but  the  peculiar  smell  is  more  decidedly  developed  in  the  latter.  The  pieces 
•e  brittle  and  easily  powdered,  and  the  powder  is  of  a dirty  white  colour.  Yogel 
jtained  from  Florentine  orris,  gum,  a brown  extractive,  fecula,  a bitter  and  acrid 
ted  oil  or  soft  resin,  a volatile  crystallizable  oil,  and  vegetable  fibre.  According 
Landerer,  the  acrid  principle  is  volatile,  separating  in  the  form  of  a stearoptene 
ora  water  distilled  from  the  root.  (Arch,  der  Pharm.,  lxv.  802.) 

Medical  Properties.  This  medicine  is  cathartic,  and  in  large  doses  emetic,  and 
is  formerly  employed  to  a considerable  extent  on  the  continent  of  Europe.  It 
said  also  to  be  diuretic,  and  to  have  proved  useful  in  dropsies.  At  present  it 
valued  for  its  agreeable  odour.  It  is  occasionally  chewed  to  conceal  an  offensive 
eath,  and  enters  into  the  composition  of  tooth-powders.  In  the  form  of  small 
and  balls,  about  the  size  of  a pea,  it  is  used  by  the  French  for  maintaining  the 
Ischarge  from  issues,  a purpose  to  which  it  is  adapted  by  its  odour,  by  the  slight 
ijrimony  which  it  retains  in  its  dried  state,  and  by  the  property  of  swelling  very 
: ich  by  the  absorption  of  moisture.  W. 

IRIS  VERSICOLOR.  U.S.  Secondary. 

Blue  Flay. 

The  rhizoma  of  Iris  versicolor.  U.  S. 

Iris.  See  IRIS  FLORENTINA. 

Tris  versicolor.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  i.  233 ; Bigelow,  Am.  Med.  Bot.  i.  155.  This 
i igenous  species  of  Iris  has  a perennial,  fleshy,  horizontal,  fibrous  root  or  rhizoma, 
al  a stem  two  or  three  feet  high,  round  on  one  side,  acute  on  the  other,  and 
f |uently  branching.  The  leaves  are  sheathing  at  the  base,  sword-shaped,  and 
s;ated.  The  flowers  are  from  two  to  six  in  number,  and  are  usually  blue  or 
F pie,  though  varying  much  in  colour.  The  capsule  has  three  valves,  is  divided 
i: ) three  cells,  and  when  mature  is  oblong,  three-sided,  with  obtuse  angles,  and 
c,  tains  numerous  flat  seeds. 

Che  blue  flag  is  found  in  all  parts  of  the  United  States,  flourishing  in  low  wet 
p.jes,  in  meadows,  and  on  the  borders  of  swamps,  which  it  serves  to  adorn  with 


422 


PART 


Iris  Versicolor . — Jalapa. 

’ its  large  and  beautiful  flowers.  These  make  their  appearance  in  June.  Thero 
is  the  medicinal  portion.  The  flowers  afford  a fine  blue  infusion,  which  serv' 
as  a test  of  acids  and  alkalies. 

The  recent  root  is  without  odour,  and  has  a nauseous,  acrid  taste,  which 
imparted  to  water  by  decoction,  and  still  more  perfectly  to  alcohol.  The  ac-i 
mony  as  well  as  medicinal  activity  is  impaired  by  age.  If  cut  when  fresh  in 
slices,  dried  at  the  temperature  of  about  100°,  and  then  powdered  and  kept 
bottles  excluded  from  the  air,  the  root  retains  its  virtues  unimpaired  for  a co 
siderable  time.  (Andrews.') 

Blue  flag  possesses  the  cathartic,  emetic,  and  diuretic  properties  common 
most  of  its  congeners.  It  was  said  by  Mr.  Bartram  to  be  much  esteemed  by  tl 
Southern  Indians;  and  Dr.  Bigelow  states  that  he  has  found  it  efficacious  as 
purgative,  though  inconvenient  from  the  disti-essing  nausea  and  prostration  whii 
it  is  apt  to  occasion.  Dr.  M.  H.  Andrews,  of  Michigan,  has  employed  it  fr 
quently  as  a cathartic,  and  found  it,  when  combined  with  a grain  of  C'ayem 
pepper,  or  two  grains  of  ginger,  not  less  easy  and  effectual  in  its  operation  tb; 
the  ordinary  more  active  cathartics,  and  preferable  on  account  of  its  less  di 
agreeable  taste.  (Id.  Y.  Journ.  of  Med.,  ix.  129.)  Dr.  Macbride  found  it  usef 
in  dropsy.  It.  is,  however,  little  used  by  the  profession  at  large,  and  seldom 
ever  kept  in  the  shops.  It  may  be  given  in  substance,  decoction,  or  tinctur 
The  dose  of  the  dried  root  is  from  ten  to  twenty  grains.  W. 

JALAPA.  U.S.,  Loud .,  Ed.,  Dub. 

Jalap. 

The  root  of  Ipomaea  Jalapa  (Coxe,  Am.  Journ.  of  Med.  Sciences).  U.  S.  Ev 
gonium  Purga.  The  tuber.  Land.  The  root.  Dub.  Ipomasa  Purga.  The  root.  £ 

Jalap,  Fr.;  Jalappen-JVurzel,  Germ.;  Sciarappa,  Ilal.;  Jalapa,  Spa?). 

The  precise  botanical  origin  of  jalap  remained  long  unknown.  It  was  at  fh 
ascribed  by  Linnaeus  to  a Mirabilis.and  afterwards  to  a new  species  of  Convolvuli 
to  which  be  gave  the  name  of  C.  Jalapa.  The  correctness  of  the  latter  referen 
was  generally  admitted;  and,  as  the  Ipomsea  macrorhiza  of  Michaux,  growi 
in  Florida  and  Georgia,  was  believed  to  be  identical  with  the  C.  Jalapa  of  Lim 
it  was  thought  that  this  valuable  drug,  which  had  been  obtained  exclusively  fre 
Mexico,  might  be  collected  within  the  limits^ff  the  United  States.  But  theen 
of  this  opinion  was  soon  demonstrated;  and  botanists  now  universally  concur 
the  belief,  that  jalap  is  the  product  of  a plant  first  made  known  to  the  scienti 
world  by  Dr.  John  ft.  Coxe,  of  Philadelphia,  and  described  by  Mr.  Nuttall  und 
the  name  of  Ipomaea  Jalapa.  When  this  Dispensatory  was  first  published,  opini 
in  relation  to  the  botanical  history  of  the  drug  was  unsettled,  and  it  was  deem 
proper  to  enter  at  some  length  into  the  consideration  of  the  subject;  but  the  si 
sequent  general  admission  of  the  views  then  advocated  renders  an  equal  degr 
of  minuteness  now  unnecessary.  It  is  sufficient  to  state  that  Dr.  Coxe  receiv. 
living  roots  of  jalap  from  Mexico  iu  the  year  1827,  and  succeeded  in  produc-i; 
a perfect  flowering  plant,  of  which  a description,  by  Mr.  Nuttall.  was  publish 
in  the  Am.  Journ.  of  Medical  Sciences  for  January,  1830;  that  the  same  ph 
was  afterwards  cultivated  in  France  and  Germany  from  roots  transmitted  to  tb 1 
countries  from  Mexico;  and  that  one  of  the  authors  of  this  work  has  produe, 
from  roots  obtained  in  the  vicinity  of  Xalapa,  and  sent  to  him  by  the  late  1 
Marmaduke  Burrough,  then  United  States  consul  at  Vera  Cruz,  luxuriant  plat, 
which  he  was  enabled  to  compare  with  others  descended  from  the  plant  of  .- 
Coxe,  and  found  to  be  identical  with  them.  In  the  United  States  and  all  ' 
British  Pharmacopoeias,  this  origin  of  jalap  is  now  admitted;  but  the  EdinbuU 


’ART  I. 


423 


Jalapa. 

College  has  adopted  Hayne’s  and  Wenderoth’s  name  of  I.  Purga,  thus  overlooking 
he  prior  claims  of  the  American  authorities.  J.  H.  Balfour,  in  the  number  of 
lurtis’s  Magazine  for  February,  1847,  states  that  the  plant  belongs  to  the  genus 
Ex ogonium  of  Choisy,  as  defined  in  De  Candolle’s  Prodromus,  being  distinguished 
lom  Ipomsea  by  its  exserted  stamens;  and  the  London  and  Dublin  Colleges 
ndorse  this  reference. 

IpOMiEA.  Sex.  Sysf.  Pentemdria  Monogynia. — Nat.  Ord.  Convolvulaceas. 
Gen.  Ch.  Sepals  five.  Corolla  campanulate.  Stamens  included.  Style  one. 
Stigma  two-lobed ; the  lobes  capitate.  0 vary  two-celled;  cells  two-seeded.  Cop- 
ule two-celled.  Lindley. 

■ Ipomsea  Jalapa.  Nuttall,  Am.  Journ.  of  Med.  Sciences,  v.  300;  Carson,  lllust. 
■f  Med.  But.  ii.  13,  pi.  61. — Ipomsea  Purga.  Hayne,  Darstel.  und  Besclireib. 
ic.  xii.  33  and  34;  Lindley,  Flor.  Med.  396.  — Exogonium  Purga.  Balfour,  (Jur- 
is s Bot.  Mag.  3 d ser.  vol.  iii.  tab.  4280.  The  root  of  this  plant  is  a roundish 
omewhat  pear-shaped  tuber,  externally  blackish,  internally  white,  with  long 
ibres  proceeding  from  its  lower  part,  as  well  as  from  the  upper  root-stalks.  A 
uber  produced  by  Dr.  Coxe  was,  in  its  third  year,  between  two  and  three  inches 
a diameter.  The  stem  is  round,  smooth,  much  disposed  to  twist,  and  rises  to 
considerable  height  upon  neighbouring  objects,  about  which  it  twines.  The 
saves  are  heart-shaped,  entire,  smooth,  pointed,  deeply  sinuated  at  the  base, 
rominently  veined  on  their  under  surface,  and  supported  upon  long  footstalks, 
’he  lower  leaves  are  nearly  hastate,  or  with  diverging  angular  points.  The 
owers,  which  are  large  and  of  a lilac-purple  colour,  stand  upon  peduncles  about 
s long  as  the  petioles.  Each  peduncle  supports  two,  or  more  rarely,  three 
owers.  The  calyx  is  without  brac-tes,  five-leaved,  obtuse,  with  two  of  the  divi- 
ions  external.  The  corolla  is  funnel-form.  The  stamens  are  five  in  number, 
ith  oblong,  white,  somewhat  exserted  anthers.  The  stigma  is  simple  and  capi- 
ite.  The  above  description  is  taken  from  that  of  Mr.  Nuttall,  published  in  Dr. 
loxe’s  paper  in  the  American  Journal  of  ike  Medical  Sciences. 

The  jalap  plant  is  a native  of  Mexico,  and  derived  its  name  from  the  city  of 
lalapa,  in  the  state  of  Vera  Cruz,  in  the  neighbourhood  of  which  it  grows,  at  the 
(eight  of  about  6000  feet  above  the  ocean.  The  drug  is  brought  from  the  port 
f Vera  Cruz  in  bags,  containing  usually  between  one  hundred  and  two  hundred 
.ounds. 

Properties.  The  tuber  comes  either  whole,  or  divided  longitudinally  into  two 
arts,  or  in  transverse  circular  slices.  The  entire  tubers  are  irregularly  roundish, 
• ovate  and  pointed,  or  pear-shaped,  usually  much  smaller  than  the  fist,  and 
larked  with  circular  or  vertical  incisions,  made  to  facilitate  their  drying.  The 
jot  is  preferred  in  this  state,  as  it  is  less  apt  to  be  defective,  and  is  more  easily 
istinguished  from  the  adulterations  than  when  sliced.  A much  larger  propor- 
;nn  comes  entire  than  formerly,  indicating  a greater  scarcity  of  the  older  roots, 
kich  it  is  necessary  to  slice  in  order  to  dry  them  properly.  The  tuber  is  heavy, 
impact,  hard,  brittle,  with  a shining  undulated  fracture,  exhibiting  numerous 
j:sinous  points,  distinctly  visible  with  the  microscope.  It  is  externally  brown 
id  wrinkled,  internally  of  a grayish  colour,  diversified  by  concentric  darker 
rcles,  in  which  the  matter  is  denser  and  harder  than  in  the  intervening  spaces, 
jalap  is  always  kept  in  the  shops  in  the  state  of  powder,  which  is  of  a yellowish- 
’ay  colour,  and  when  inhaled  irritates  the  nostrils  and  throat,  and  provokes 
aeezmg  and  coughing.  The  odour  of  the  root,  when  cut  or  broken,  is  heavy, 
veetish,  and  rather  nauseous ; the  taste  is  sweetish,  somewhat  acrid,  and  disa- 
greeable. It  yields  its  active  properties  partly  to  water,  partly  to  alcohol,  and 
mipletely  to  diluted  alcohol.  M.  Cadet  de  Gassicourt  obtained  from  500  parts 
'jalap,  24  of  water,  50  of  resin,  220  of  gummy  extract,  12'5  of  fecula,  12  5 of 
bumen,  145  of  lignin,  16'3  of  saline  matters,  2'7  of  silica,  with  a loss  of  17 


424 


PART  : 


Jalapa. 

part3.  Buchner  and  Herberger  supposed  that  they  had  discovered  a basic  sul 
stance,  which  they  called  jalapin.  G.  A.  Kayser  found  that  the  resin  of  jala 
consists  of  two  portions,  one  of  which,  amounting  to  seven  parts  out  of  ten, : 
hard  and  insoluble  in  ether,  the  other  is  soft  and  soluble  in  that  menstruun 
The  hard  resin  he  named  rhodeoretin , and  found  to  he  identical  with  the  jalapi 
of  Buchner  and  Herberger.  By  reaction  with  the  alkalies  it  is  converted  int 
an  acid,  called  rhodeoretinic  acid,  llhodeoretin  is  Rightly  soluble  in  water,  freel 
so  in  alcohol,  and  insoluble  in  ether ; and  the  alcoholic  solution  is  precipitate 
both  by  ether  and  water.  It  is  dissolved  by  solutions  of  the  alkalies,  moi 
quickly  if  heated,  and  is  not  precipitated  by  acids,  having  become  soluble  b 
conversion  into  the  acid  above  referred  to.  It  purges  violently  in  the  dose  c 
three  or  four  grains,  and  is  supposed  to  be  the  active  principle  of  jalap.  Mayer  ha 
confirmed  and  extended  the  observations  of  Kayser.  The  formula  of  rhodeoretii 
according  to  the  latter  chemist,  is  C^H^O*,,  according  to  the  former,  C7 
(See  Chem.  Gaz.,  iii.  15,  and  xi.  21.)  The  proportion  of  resin  to  the  other  it 
gredients  of  the  root  varies  considerably  in  different  specimens.  According  t 
Gerber,  the  root  contains  7'8  per  cent,  of  hard  resin,  3 2 of  soft  resin,  17'9  c 
extractive,  14'5  of  gummy  extract,  8 ’2  of  a colouring  substance  which  become 
red  under  the  influence  of  the  alkaline  carbonates,  19  of  uncrystal lizable  sugai 
15'6  of  gum  mixed  with  some  saline  matters,  3'2  of  bassorin,  3 9 of  albumeD 
6'0  of  starch,  8 '2  of  lignin,  with  some  water,  and  various  salts.  For  the  metho 
of  obtaining  the  resin  of  jalap  pure,  see  Extractvm  siue  Resina  Jalapae. 

Jalap  is  apt  to  be  attacked  by  worms,  which,  however,  are  said  to  devour  th 
amylaceous  or  softer  parts,  and  to  leave  the  resin ; so  that  the  worm-eaten  dru: 
is  more  powerfully  purgative  than  that  which  is  sound.  Thus,  out  of  397  part 
of  the  former,  M.  Henry  obtained  72  parts  of  resin,  while  from  an  equal  quan 
tity  of  the  latter  he  procured  only  48  parts.  Hence  worm-eaten  jalap  should  b 
employed  for  obtaining  the  resin,  but  should  not  be  pulverized,  as  it  would  affon 
a powder  of  more  than  the  proper  strength.  The  drug  is  also  liable  to  variou 
adulterations,  or  fraudulent  substitutions,  which,  however,  can  usually  be  de 
tected  without  difficulty.  Those  which  have  attracted  particular  attention  ar 
mentioned  in  the  note  below.*  Jalap  should  be  rejected  when  it  is  light,  of 

* Adulterations,  $c.  Jalap  is  said  to  be  sometimes  adulterated  with  bryony  root;  bu 
no  instance  of  the  kind  has  come  under  our  notice ; and  the  two  drugs  are  so  wide! 
different  that  the  fraud  would  be  instantly  detected.  (See  Bryony  in  the  Appendix,  i It  i 
probable,  however,  that  the  adulteration  which  has  been  considered  as  bryony  root,  is  th 
mechoacan,  which  in  Europe  is  sometimes  called  American  bryony,  and  was  formerly  err 
neously  supposed  to  be  derived  from  a species  of  Bryonia.  The  mechoacan,  is  a produc 
of  Mexico,  which  was  taken  to  Europe  even  before  the  introduction  of  jalap.  The  plar 
producing  it  has  been  conjectured  to  be  the  lpomxa  macrorhiza  of  Michaux,  which  is  be 
lieved  to  grow  in  Mexico  near  Vera  Cruz,  as  well  as  in  our  Southern  States,  and  the  roc 
of  which  is  said  to  weigh,  when  of  full  size,  from  fifty  to  sixty  pounds,  and,  according  t 
Dr.  Baldwin,  has  little  or  no  purgative  power.  But  this  origin  is  altogether  uucertaii 
Mechoacan  is  in  circular  slices,  or  fragments  of  various  shapes,  white  and  farinaeeou 
within,  and,  as  found  in  European  markets,  generally  destitute  of  bark,  of  which,  Iwwevei 
portions  of  a yellowish  colour  sometimes  continue  to  adhere.  The  larger  pieces  are  some 
times  marked  with  faint  concentric  strife:  and  upon  the  exterior  surface  are  brown  spot 
and  ligneous  points,  left  by  the  radicles  which  have  been  removed.  (Guihnurt.'\  Thoug 
tasteless  when  first  taken  into  the  mouth,  it  becomes  after  a time  slightly  acrid.  It  is  ver 
feebly  purgative.  We  have  seen  fiat  circular  pieces  of  root,  mixed  with  jalap,  altogetlie 
answering  this  description,  except  that  the  cortical  portion  still  remained,  between  wkic 
and  the  amylaceous  parenchyma  there  was  a very  evident  line  of  division. 

A drug,  formerly  known  in  our  markets  as  spurious  jalap,  sometimes  comes  mingled  wit 
the  genuine,  and  has  been  imported,  unmixed,  in  mistake  for  that  root.  It  is  probably  tb 
same  with  that  referred  to  by  French  writers  as  the  product  of  a plant  denominated  mu 
jalap  in  Mexico,  and  named  by  M.  Ledanois  Convolvulus  Orizabensis,  from  the  city  of  Or 
zaba,  in  the  neighbourhood  of  which  it  grows  abundantly.  In  the  shops  of  Paris  the  dru 
is  called  light  jalap,  and,  in  Guibourt’s  Histoire  des  Drogues,  is  described  under  the  title  ■ 


ART  I. 


425 


Jalapa. 

hitish  colour  internally,  of  a dull  fracture,  spongy,  or  friable.  Powders  of 
ilomel  and  jalap,  taken  on  long  voyages  to  southern  climates,  are  said,  when 
rought  back,  to  have  become  consolidated,  and  so  far  chemically  altered  as 
lainly  to  exhibit  globules  of  mercury.  This  change  is  ascribed  by  Schacht  and 
fackenroder  to  a fungous  growth.  (Arch,  der  Pharm.,  xxxiv.  289.) 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Jalap  is  an  active  cathartic,  operating  briskly 
id  sometimes  painfully  upon  the  bowels,  and  producing  copious  watery  stools. 

i siform  jalap.  A description  of  it  was  first  published  in  this  country  by  Mr.  D.  B.  Smith, 

; a valuable  paper  upon  the  Ipomrea  Jalapa)  in  the  Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  vol.  ii.  p.  22. 
jr  an  account  of  the  plant,  the  reader  is  referred  to  the  same  Journal,  vol.  x.  p.  224. 
ie  recent  root  is  large,  spindle-shaped,  sometimes  as  much  as  twenty  inches  in  length, 
■anched  at  its  lower  extremity,  of  a yellow  colour  on  its  outer  surface,  and  white  and 
ilky  within.  The  drug,  as  described  by  Guibourt,  is  in  circular  pieces,  two  or  three 
cbes  in  diameter,  or  in  longer  and  more  slender  sections.  As  we  have  seen  it,  the  shape 
the  pieces  is  often  such  as  to  indicate  that  the  root  was  sliced  transversely,  and  each 
rcular  slice  divided  into  quarters.  The  horizontal  cut  surface  is  dark  from  exposure, 
lequal  from  the  greater  shrinking  in  the  drying  process  of  some  parts  than  others,  and 
esents  the  extremities  of  numerous  fibres,  which  are  often  concentrically  arranged,  and 
n in  the  longitudinal  direction  of  the  root.  Internally  the  colour  is  grayish,  and  the 
pure,  though  much  less  compact  than  that  of  jalap,  is  sometimes  almost  ligneous.  The 
ste  is  at  first  slight,  but  after  a time  becomes  somewhat  acrid  and  nauseous.  The  dried 
jot  of  the  Convolvulus  Orizabensis,  or  male  jalap,  analyzed  by  M.  Ledanois,  yielded  in 

00  parts,  80  of  resin,  256  of  gummy  extract,  32  of  fecula,  24  of  albumen,  and  580  of 
;nin.  It  has  cathartic  properties  similar  to  those  of  the  true  jalap,  but  considerably 
ore  feeble,  requiring  to  be  given  in  a dose  of  from  thirty  to  sixty  grains  in  order  to  ope- 
te  effectively.  The  proportion  of  resin,  which  in  both  is  the  most  active  purgative  prin- 
ile,  is  considerably  less  in  the  male  jalap  ; while  that  of  lignin,  which  is  wholly  inert,  is 
!out  double.  [Journ.  de  Pharm.,  xxiv.  166.)  This  resin,  according  to  G.  A.  Kayser, 
Fers  from  the  true  jalap  resin  in  consisting  of  only  one  principle,  which  is  entirely 
uble  in  ether.  But  both  resins  are  distinguished  from  all  others  by  being  gradually 

''.solved  in  concentrated  sulphuric  acid,  and  deposited  again  after  some  hours  in  a soft 
ij.te.  [Chem.  Gaz.,  No.  53,  from  Liebig’s  Annalen.) 

A false  jalap  was  some  years  since  brought  into  the  United  States,  different  from  anv- 
ng  before  seen  in  our  market.  It  was  said  to  have  been  imported  from  Mexico  into 
. w York  in  considerable  quantities,  and  was  offered  for  sale  under  the  name  of  overgrown 
yip.  A specimen,  brought  to  Philadelphia,  and  examined  by  a Committee  of  the  College 
( Pharmacy,  presented  the  following  characters.  It  was  in  light,  entire  or  vertically  sliced 
tiers,  of  different  form  and  magnitude,  spindle-shaped,  ovate,  and  kidney-form,  some  as 

1 ch  as  six  inches  long  and  three  thick,  others  much  smaller,  externally  somewhat  wrinkled, 
ih  broad  flattish  light-brown  ridges  and  shallow  darker  furrows,  internally  grayish-white, 
vh  distant  darker  concentric  circles,  sometimes  uniformly  amylaceous,  of  a dull  rough 
icture,  a loose  texture,  a slight,  peculiar,  and  sweetish  odour,  and  a feeble  jalap-like 
t te.  The  powder  was  of  a light-gray  colour,  and  did  not  irritate  the  nostrils  or  throat 
cring  pulverization.  The  root  differed  from  mechoacan  by  the  absence  of  the  marks  of 
i ical  fibres,  and  from  male  jalap  by  the  want  of  a fibrous  structure.  It  yielded  by  ana- 
1 is,  in  100  parts,  3 of  a soft  and  4 of  a hard  and  brittle  resin,  17  of  gummy  extractive, 
-of  starch  and  inulin,  10  of  gum  and  albumen,  23-2  of  lignin,  and  14-8  of  saccharine 
i tter  and  salts  of  lime,  including  loss.  In  doses  of  from  fifteen  to  twenty  grains  it  pro- 
tied  no  effect  on  the  system.  A similar  root  was  described  by  Guibourt  by  the  name  of 
r(-scented  jalap.  It  was  taken  to  France  from  Mexico,  mixed  with  genuine  jalap.  It 
Rved  equally  inefficacious  as  a purgative,  and  probably  had  the  same  origin.  This  spu- 
rns drug  is  probably  the  product  of  a Convolvulus  or  Ipomcea.  See  a report  by  Messrs. 
Iiamel,  Ellis,  and  Ecky,  in  the  American  Journal  of  Pharmacy,  xiv.  289. 

.'wo  varieties  of  false  jalap  imported  into  New  York  are  described  by  Mr.  John  H.  Currie 
h lie  N.  Y.  Journ.  of  Pharm.  for  Jan.  1852.  The  first  corresponds  with  the  root  above 
d iribed  as  that  of  the  Convolvulus  Orizabensis,  or  male  jalap,  both  in  appearance  and 
h he  character  of  its  resinous  ingredient.  The  second  is  a tuberous  root,  resembling  in 
sjpe,  colour,  and  size  the  butternut,  or  fruit  of  Juglans  cinerea,  being  black  or  nearly  so 
e n-nally,  dull  over  most  of  the  surface  but  glossy  in  spots,  with  deep  longitudinal  in- 
s'>ns,  internally  yellow  or  yellowish-white,  with  a horny  fracture,  and  upon  the  trans- 
v jely  cut  surface  marked  with  sparse  dots  as  if  from  delicate  fibres.  It  contains  no 
1-1  n,  and  appears  to  be  inert. 


426 


PART 


Jalapa. — Juglans. 

The  aqueous  extract  purges  moderately,  without  much  griping,  and  is  said 
increase  the  flow  of  urine.  The  portion  not  taken  up  by  water  gripes  severel 
The  watery  extract  obtained  from  jalap  previously  exhausted  by  rectified  spiri 
is  said  to  have  no  cathartic  effect,  but  to  operate  powerfully  by  urine.  ( Duncan 
The  alcoholic  extract,  usually  called  resin  of  jalap,  purges  actively,  and  oft* 
produces  severe  griping.  From  these  facts,  it  would  appear  that  the  virtues 
this  cathartic  do  not  depend  exclusively  upon  any  one  principle.  Jalap  w 
introduced  into  Europe  in  the  latter  part  of  the  sixteenth,  or  beginning  of  t! 
seventeenth  century,  and  now  ranks  among  the  purgative  medicines  most  exte 
sively  employed.  It  is  applicable  to  most  cases  in  which  an  active  cathartic 
required,  and  from  its  hydragogue  powers  is  especially  adapted  to  the  treatme 
of  dropsy.  It  is  generally  given  in  connexion  with  other  medicines,  which  assi 
or  qualify  its  operation.  In  dropsical  complaints  it  is  usually  combined  wi 
bitartrate  of  potassa ; and  the  same  mixture  is  much  employed  in  the  treatme 
of  the  hip  disease,  and  scrofulous  affections  of  other  joints.  With  calomel 
forms  a cathartic  compound,  which  has  long  been  highly  popular  in  the  Uniti 
States  in  bilious  fever,  and  other  complaints  attended  with  congestion  of  tl 
liver  or  portal  circle.  In  over-doses  it  may  produce  dangerous  hypercatharsi 
It  is  said  to  purge  when  applied  to  a wound. 

The  dose  of  jalap  in  powder  is  from  fifteen  to  thirty  grains;  of  the  resin, 
alcoholic  extract  of  the  Edinburgh  College,  from  four  to  eight  grains;  of  the  e 
tract  of  the  U.  S.  and  London  Pharmacopoeias,  from  ten  to  twenty  grains.  T! 
latter  extract  is  preferable  to  the  alcoholic,  as  it  more  completely  represents  tl 
jalap  itself.  The  dose  of  calomel  and  jalap  is  ten  grains  of  each;  that  of  bitartra 
of  potassa  and  jalap,  two  drachms  of  the  former  and  ten  or  fifteen  grains  of  the  latte 

Off.  Prep.  Extractum  Jalapse;  Extractum  si  ve  Resina  Jalapae ; Pulvis  Jalap 
Compositus;  Tinctura  Jalapse ; Tinctura  Sennas  et  Jalapas.  W. 

JUGLANS.  TJ.S. 

Butternut. 

The  inner  bark  of  the  root  of  Juglans  cinerea.  U.  S. 

Juglans.  Sex.  Syst.  Moncecia  Polyandria. — Xat.  Ord.  Juglandacete. 

Gen.  Glx.  Male.  Amentum  imbricated.  Calyx  a scale.  Corolla  six-parte 
Filaments  four  to  eighteen.  Female.  Calyx  four-cleft,  superior.  Corolla  foi 
cleft.  Styles  two.  Drupe  coriaceous  with  a furrowed  nut.  Willd. 

Several  products  of  Juglans  regia , or  common  European  walnut,  are  us 
medicinally  in  Europe.  The  hull  of  the  fruit  has  been  employed  as  a vermifu 
from  the  times  of  Hippocrates,  and  has  been  recommended  in  syphilis  and  c 
ulcers.  The  expressed  oil  of  the  fruit  is  deemed  by  some  practitioners  efficac-io 
against  the  tape-worm,  and  is  also  used  as  a laxative  injection.  The  leaves,  lo 
occasionally  employed  for  various  purposes  both  in  regular  aud  domestic  prac-ti* 
have  been  found  by  Professor  Negrier,  of  Angers,  in  the  highest  degree  effi' 
cious  in  scrofula.  lie  gave  to  children  a teacupful  of  a pretty  strong  iufusa 
or  six  grains  of  the  aqueous  extract,  or  an  equivalent  dose  of  a syrup  prepai 
from  the  extract,  two,  three,  or  four  times  a day;  and  at  the  same  time  appli 
a strong  decoction  to  the  ulcers,  and  as  a collyrium  when  the  eyes  were  diseasi 
No  injury  ever  resulted  from  a long-continued  use  of  the  remedy.  It  appears' 
act  as  a moderately  aromatic  bitter  and  astringent.  {Arch ires  Gen.,  3c  sene,- 
399  and  xi.  41.)  The  leaves  of  our  J.  nigra  or  common  black  walnut,  or  the 
of  J.  cinerea,  the  only  officinal  species,  would  probably  answer  as  good  a purpo- 

Juglans  cinerea-  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  iv.  456;  Bigelow,  Am.  Me  t.  Bot.  ii.  Ik 
Carson,  lllust.  of  Med.  Bot.  ii.  42,  pi.  86.  — J.  cathartic-a,  Michaux,  A.  A- 


ART  I. 


427 


Juglans. 

| ylva.  i.  160.  This  is  an  indigenous  forest  tree,  known  in  different  sections  of 
ie  country  by  the  various  names  of  butternut,  oilnut,  and  white  ivahiut.  In 
vourable  situations  it  attains  a great  size,  rising  sometimes  fifty  feet  in  height, 
ith  a trunk  three  or  four  feet  in  diameter  at  the  distance  of  five  feet  from  the 
•ound.  The  stem  divides,  at  a small  distance  from  the  ground,  into  numerous 
aarly  horizontal  branches,  which  spread  widely,  and  form  a large  tufted  head, 
he  young  branches  are  smooth  and  of  a grayish  colour,  which  has  given  origin 
i the  specific  name  of  the  plant.  The  leaves  are  very  long,  and  consist  of 
ven  or  eight  pairs  of  sessile  leaflets,  and  a single  petiolate  leaflet  at  the  end. 
hese  are  two  or  three  inches  in  length,  oblong-lanceolate,  rounded  at  the  base, 
nminate,  finely  serrate,  and  somewhat  downy.  The  male  and  female  flowers 
?e  distinct  upon  the  same  tree.  The  former  are  in  large  aments,  four  or  five 
ches  long,  hanging  down  from  the  sides  of  the  shoots  of  the  preceding  year’s 
•owth  near  their  extremity.  The  fertile  flowers  are  at  the  end  of  the  shoots  of 
ie  same  spring.  The  germ  is  surmounted  by  two  large,  feathery,  rose-coloured 
igmas.  The  fruit  is  sometimes  single,  suspended  by  a thin  pliable  peduncle; 
metimes  several  are  attached  to  the  sides  and  extremity  of  the  same  peduncle, 
tie  drupe  is  oblong-oval,  with  a terminal  projection,  hairy,  viscid,  green  in  the 
imature  state,  but  brown  when  ripe.  It  contains  a hard,  dark,  oblong,  pointed 
it,  with  a rough,  deeply  and  irregularly  furrowed  surface.  The  kernel  is  thick, 
ly,  and  pleasant  to  the  taste. 

The  butternut  grows  in  Upper  and  Lower  Canada,  and  throughout  the  whole 
irthern,  eastern,  and  western  sections  of  the  United  States.  In  the  Middle 
.-ates,  the  flowers  appear  in  May,  and  the  fruit  ripens  in  September.  The  tree, 
pierced  immediately  before  the  leaves  unfold,  yields  a richly  saccharine  juice, 
pm  which  sugar  may  be  obtained,  nearly  if  not  quite  equal  to  that  from  the 
gar  maple.  The  wood,  though  neither  strong  nor  compact,  is  useful  for  some 
irposes  on  account  of  its  durability,  and  exemption  from  the  attacks  of  worms, 
le  fruit,  when  half-grown,  is  sometimes  made  into  pickles,  and,  when  ripe, 
ords  in  its  kernel  a grateful  article  of  food.  The  bark  is  used  for  dyeing  wool 
iark-brown  colour,  though  inferior  for  this  purpose  to  that  of  the  black  walnut, 
is  said,  when  applied  to  the  skin,  to  be  rubefacient.  The  inner  bark  is  the 
edicinal  portion,  and  that  of  the  root,  being  considered  most  efficient,  is  directed 
the  national  Pharmacopoeia.  It  should  be  collected  in  May  or  June. 

On  the  living  tree,  the  inner  bark  when  first  uncovered  is  of  a pure  white, 
lick  becomes  immediately  on  exposure  a beautiful  lemon  colour,  and  ultimately 
■anges  to  deep  brown.  It  has  a fibrous  texture,  a feeble  odour,  and  a peculiar, 
-ter,  somewhat  acrid  taste.  Its  medical  virtues  are  extracted  by  boiling  water. 

. ’.  Bigelow  could  detect  no  resin  in  the  bark ; and  the  presence  of  tannin  was 
) t evinced  by  the  test  of  gelatin,  though  a brownish-black  colour  was  produced 
the  sulphate  of  iron. 

I Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Butternut  is  a mild  cathartic,  operating  without 
tin  or  irritation,  and  resembling  rhubarb  in  the  property  of  evacuating  without 
'bilitating  the  alimentary  canal.  It  was  much  employed,  during  our  revolu- 
i nary  war,  by  Dr.  Rush  and  other  physicians  attached  to  the  army.  It  is 
(oecialiy  applicable  to  cases  of  habitual  costiveness  and  other  bowel  affections, 
' rtieularly  dysentery,  in  which  it  has  acquired  considerable  reputation.  In  con- 
] xion  with  calomel  it  has  sometimes  been  used  in  our  intermittent  and  remittent 
hers,  and  other  complaints  attended  with  congestion  of  the  abdominal  viscera. 
-I  is  given  in  the  form  of  decoction  or  extract,  never  in  substance.  The  extract 
i officinal,  and  is  almost  always  preferred.  The  dose  of  it  is  from  twenty  to 
trty  grains  as  a purge,  from  five  to  ten  grains  as  a laxative. 

Off.  Prep.  Extractum  Juglandis.  W. 


428 


Juniperus. 


PART 


JUNIPERUS.  U.  S.,  Lond. 

Juniper. 

The  fruit  of  Juniperus  communis.  U.  S-,  Lond. 

Off.  Syn.  JUNIPERI  CACUMINA.  Tops  of  Juniperus  communis.  J" 
NIPERJ  FPiUCTUS.  Berries  of  Juniperus  communis.  Ed.  JUNIPERI 
COMMUNIS.  The  tops  and  berries.  Dub. 

Genevrier  commun,  Bales  de  Genievre,  Ft.;  Gemeiner  Wachholder,  Wachholderbeen 
Germ.;  Ginepro,  IlaL;  Enebro,  Bayas  de  enebro,  Span. 

Juniperus.  Sex.  Syst.  Dioecia  Monadelphia. — Nat.Ord.  Pinacem  or  Conifer; 

Gen.  Oh.  Male.  Amentum  ovate.  Calyx  a scale.  Corolla  none.  Stame 
three.  Female.  Calyx  three-parted.  Petals  three.  Styles  three.  Berry  thre 
seeded,  irregular,  with  the  three  tubercles  of  the  calyx.  Willd. 

Juniperus  communis.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  iv.  853  ; Woodv.  J led.  Bot.  p.  1 
t.  6.  This  is  an  erect  evergreen  shrub,  usually  small,  but  sometimes  attaining 
height  of  twelve  or  fifteen  feet,  with  numerous  very  close  branches.  The  leav 
are  narrow,  longer  than  the  fruit,  entire,  sharply  pointed,  channeled,  of  a dee 
green  colour,  somewhat  glaucous  on  their  upper  surface,  spreading,  and  attach; 
to  the  stem  or  branches  in  threes,  in  a verticillate  manner.  The  flowers  are  die 
cious,  and  disposed  in  small,  ovate,  axillary,  sessile,  solitary  aments.  The  fruit 
formed  of  the  fleshy  coalescing  scales  of  the  ament,  and  contains  three  angular  seed 

The  common  juniper  is  a native  of  Europe;  but  has  been  introduced  into  th 
country,  in  some  parts  of  which  it  has  become  naturalized.  It  is  uot  uncommc 
iu  the  neighbourhood  of  Philadelphia.  The  plant  described  in  Bigelow’s  Am 
rican  Medical  Botany,  under  the  title  of  J.  communis , and  verj’  common  in  ce 
tain  parts  of  New  England,  deserves,  perhaps,  to  be  considered  a distinct  specie 
It  is  a trailing  shrub,  seldom  more  than  two  or  three  feet  in  height,  spreadit 
in  all  directions,  throwing  out  roots  from  its  branches,  and  forming  beds  whic 
are  often  many  rods  in  circumference.  The  name  of  J.  depressa  has  been  pr 
posed  for  it.  The  common  juniper  flowers  in  May;  but  does  not  ripen  its  fra 
till  late  in  the  following  year.  All  parts  of  the  plant  contain  a volatile  oil,  whk 
imparts  to  them  a peculiar  flavour.  The  wood  has  a slight  aromatic  odour,  ar 
was  formerly  used  for  fumigation.  A terebinthinate  juice  exudes  from  the  tr« 
and  hardens  on  the  bark.  This  has  been  erroneously  considered  as  identic 
with  sandarach.  The  peasantry  in  the  South  of  France  prepare  a sort  of  ta 
which  they  call  “ huile  de  cade,”  from  the  interior  reddish  wood  of  the  tror 
and  branches,  by  a distillation  per  descensum.  (See  oil  of  cade  in  the  Appei 
dix.)  The  fruit  and  tops  of  juniper  are  the  only  officinal  parts. 

The  berries,  as  the  fruit  is  commonly  called,  are  sometimes  collected  in  th 
country,  and  parcels  are  occasionally  brought  to  the  Philadelphia  market  fro 
New  Jersey.  But,  though  equal  to  the  European  in  appearance,  they  are  inferij 
in  strength,  and  are  not  much  used.  The  best  come  from  the  South  of  Europ 
particularly  from  Trieste  and  the  Italian  ports.  They  arc  globular  ; more  or  le 
shriveled  ; about  as  large  as  a pea ; marked  with  three  furrows  at  the  sumrni 
and  with  tubercles  from  the  persistent  calyx  at  the  base ; and  covered  with 
glaucous  bloom,  beneath  which  they  are  of  a shining  blackish-purple  colour.  Th; 
contain  a brownish-yellow  pulp,  and  three  angular  seeds.  They  have  an  agre 
able  somewhat  aromatic  odour,  and  a sweetish,  warm,  bitterish,  slightly  ter 
binthinate  taste.  These  properties,  as  well  as  their  medical  virtues,  they  ov 
chiefly  to  a volatile  oil.  (See  Oleum  Juniper!. ) The  other  ingredients,  accordii 
to  Trommsdorff,  are  resin,  sugar,  gum,  wax,  lignin,  water,  and  various  saline  su 
stances.  The  proportion  of  these  ingredients  varies  according  to  the  greater  1 
less  maturity  of  the  berries.  The  volatile  oil  is  most  abundant  in  those  whit 


].rt  I.  Juniperus. — Juniperus  Virginiana.  429 

lve  attained  their  full  growth  and  are  still  green,  or  in  those  which  are  on  the 
pint  of  ripening.  In  the  latter,  Trommsdorff  found  one  per  cent,  of  the  oil.  In 
Use  which  are  perfectly  ripe  if  has  been  partly  changed  into  resin,  and  in  those 
cite  black,  completely  so.  The  berries  impart  their  virtues  to  water  and  alco- 
11.  They  are  very  largely  consumed  in  the  preparation  of  gin. 

The  tops  of  Juniper  are  directed  by  the  Edinburgh  and  Dublin  Colleges.  Their 
cpur  is  balsamic,  their  taste  resinous  and  bitterish;  and  they  possess  similar 
ytues  with  the  berries. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  J uniper  berries  are  gently  stimulant  and  diuretic, 
i parting  to  the  urine  the  smell  of  violets,  and  producing  occasionally,  when  very 
lgely  taken,  disagreeable  irritation  in  the  urinary  passages.  They  are  chiefly 
i5d  as  an  adjuvant  to  more  powerful  diuretics  in  dropsical  complaints;  but  have 
bn  recommended  also  in  scorbutic  and  cutaneous  diseases,  catarrh  of  the  bladder, 
ad  atonic  conditions  of  the  alimentary  canal  and  uterus.  They  may  be  given 

i substance,  triturated  with  sugar,  in  the  dose  of  one  or  two  drachms  repeated 
tree  or. four  times  a day.  But  the  infusion  is  a more  convenient,  form.  It  is 
ppared  by  macerating  an  ounce  of  the  bruised  berries  in  a pint  of  boiling  water, 
t:  whole  of  which  may  be  taken  in  the  course  of  twenty-four  hours.  Extracts 
a prepared  from  the  berries,  both  bruised  and  unbruised,  and  given  in  the  dose 
c one  or  two  drachms;  but,  in  consequence  of  the  evaporation  of  the  essential 
c,  they  are  probably  not  stronger  than  the  berries  in  substance. 

Off.  Prep.  Decoctum  Scoparii  Compositum;  Infusum  Juniperi;  Oleum  Juni- 
pi;  Spiritus  Juniperi  Compositus.  W. 

JUNIPERUS  VIRGINIANA.  US.  Secondary. 

Red  Cedar. 

The  tops  of  Juniperus  Virginiana.  U.  S. 

Iuniperus.  See  JUNIPERUS. 

Juniperus  Virginiana.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  iv.  853;  Bigelow,  Am.  Med.  Bot. 

ii  49 ; Michaux,  N.  Am.  Spiv.  iii.  221.  This  species  of  Juniper,  known  com- 
naly  by  the  name  of  red  cedar , is  an  evergreen  tree  of  slow  growth,  seldom 
a lining  a very  large  size,  though  sometimes  rising  forty  or  fifty  feet  in  height, 
wh  a stem  more  than  a foot  in  diameter.  It  has  numerous  very  close  branches, 
vs' ch,  in  the  young  tree,  spread  out  horizontally  near  the  ground;  but,  as  the 
tm  advances,  the  lower  branches  slowly  decay,  leaving  the  trunk  irregular  with 
kits  and  crevices.  The  leaves  are  very  small,  fleshy,  ovate,  concave,  pointed, 
gladular  on  their  outer  surface,  either  ternate  or  in  pairs,  and  closely  imbricated, 
lose  of  the  young  shoots  are  often  much  longer,  and  spreading.  The  leaves 
c.sely  invest  the  extreme  twigs,  increasing  with  their  growth,  till  ultimately  lost 
it  lie  encroachments  of  the  bark.  “The  barren  flowers  are  in  oblong  aments, 
fcned  by  peltate  scales  with  the  anthers  concealed  within  them.  The  fertile 
flpers  have  a proper  perianth,  which  coalesces  with  the  germ,  and  forms  a small, 
r<  ndish  berry,  with  two  or  three  seeds,  covered  on  its  outer  surface  with  a bright 
b,3  powder.”  ( Bigelow .) 

’he  red  cedar  grows  in  all  latitudes  of  the  United  States,  from  that  of  Bur- 
li  ;ton,  in  Vermont,  to  the  Gulf  of  Mexico;  but  is  most  abundant  and  most 
v >rous  in  the  southern  section.  The  interior  wood  is  of  a reddish  colour,  and 
hilly  valuable  on  account  of  its  great  durability.  Small  excrescences  which 
a|  sometimes  found  on  the  branches  of  the  tree,  are  popularly  used  as  an  anthel- 
h tic,  under  the  name  of  cedar  apples,  in  the  dose  of  from  ten  to  twenty  grains 
tl  le  times  a day.  The  tops  or  leaves  only  are  officinal. 

.’hey  have  a peculiar  not  unpleasant  odour,  and  a strong,  bitterish,  somewhat 


430 


PART 


Juniperus  Virginiana. — Kino. 

pungent  taste.  These  properties  reside  chiefly  in  a volatile  oil,  and  are  readi 
imparted  to  alcohol.  The  leaves,  analyzed  by  Mr.  Wm.  J.  Jenks,  were  found 
contain  volatile  oil,  gum,  tannic  acid,  albumen,  bitter  extractive,  resin,  cklor 
phylle,  fixed  oil,  lime,  and  lignin.  ( Am . Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xiv.  235.)  Tht 
bear  a close  resemblance  to  the  leaves  of  Juniperus  Sabina,  from  which  they  cs 
be  certainly  distinguished  only  by  the  difference  of  odour. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  The  resemblance  of  red  cedar  to  savine  is  sa 
also  to  extend  to  their  medical  properties;  the  former  being  considered,  like  tl 
latter,  stimulant,  emmenagogue,  diuretic,  and,  under  certain  circumstances,  di 
phoretic.  It  is,  however,  much  less  energetic;  and,  though  advantage  may,  : 
has  been  asserted,  have  accrued  from  its  use  in  amenorrhoea,  chronic  rheumatisc 
and  dropsy,  it  has  not  acquired  the  confidence  of  the  profession  generally.*  E 
ternally  applied  it  acts  as  an  irritant  ; and  an  ointment,  prepared  by  boiling  tl 
fresh  leaves  for  a short  time  in  twice  their  weight  of  lard,  with  the  addition 
a little  wax,  is  employed  as  a substitute  for  savine  cerate  in  maintaining  a pur- 
lent  discharge  from  blistered  surfaces.  Sometimes  the  dried  leaves  in  powd 
are  mixed  with  six  times  their  weight  of  resin  cerate,  and  used  for  a simil; 
purpose.  But  neither  of  these  preparations  is  as  effectual  as  the  analogous  pr 
paration  of  savine.  TV. 

KINO.  U.  S.,  Land.,  Ed.,  Dub. 

Kino. 

The  inspissated  juice  of  Pterocarpus  Marsupium,  and  of  other  plants.  U. . 
Pterocarpus  Marsupium.  Juice  from  incisions  in  the  bark,  hardened  in  the  su: 
Land.  Concrete  exudation  of  Pterocarpus  erinaceus,  and  of  other  undetermine 
genera  and  species.  Ed.,  Dub. 

Kino,  Fr.,  Germ.,  Ital.;  Quino,  Span. 

The  term  kino  was  originally  applied  to  a vegetable  extract  or  inspissated  juie 
taken  to  London  from  the  western  coast  of  Africa,  and  introduced  to  the  noth 
of  the  profession  by  Dr.  Fothergill.  Vegetable  products  obtained  from  variot 
other  parts  of  the  world,  resembling  kino  in  their  appearance  and  properties,  afte 
wards  received  the  same  name;  and  much  confusion  and  uncertainty  have  existei 
and  in  some  degree  still  exist,  in  relation  to  the  botanical  and  commercial  histoi 
of  the  drug.  We  shall  first  give  an  account  of  the  general  properties  of  tl 
medicines  denominated  kino,  and  shall  then  treat  of  the  several  varieties. 

General  Properties.  Kino,  as  found  in  the  shops,  is  usually  in  small,  irregula 
angular,  shining  fragments,  seldom  so  large  as  a pea,  of  a dark  reddish-brown  i 
blackish  colour,  very  brittle,  easily  pulverizable,  and  affording  a reddish  powde 
much  lighter  coloured  than  the  drug  in  its  aggregate  state.  If  in  larger  masse 
it  may  be  reduced  without  difficulty  into  these  minute  fragments.  It  is  witlm 
odour,  and  has  a bitterish,  highly  astringent  taste,  with  a somewhat  sweeti- 
after-taste.  It  burns  with  little  flame,  and  does  not  soften  with  heat.  It  impar 
its  virtues  and  a deep-red  colour  to  water  and  alcohol.  Cold  water  forms  wi 

* In  the  Boston  Medical  and  Surgical  Journal  (xl.  469),  several  cases  of  poisoning  a 
recorded  by  Dr.  S.  C.  Watt,  of  Gouverneur.  New  York,  resulting  from  the  use  of  l'ced 
oil,”  which  we  presume  to  be  the  volatile  oil  procured  by  distillation  from  the  red  cedt 
though  no  information  on  that  point  is  given.  It  appears  that  this  oil  has  the  repmtati 
of  producing  abortion,  and  was  taken,  in  three  of  the  cases  described,  with  a view  to  tl 
effect.  In  one  instance  a fluidrachm  was  taken,  in  another  a flnidounce,  and  in  both 
these  cases  recovery  took  place.  Two  of  the  cases  were  fatal.  The  symptoms  were  hut 
ing  in  the  stomach,  sometimes  vomiting,  violent  convulsions,  coma,  and  a very  slow  pul; 
The  operation  of  the  poison  was  mainly  on  the  brain.  No  abortive  effect  was  experiene 
in  either  case.  The  stomach,  on  examination  after  death,  showed  some  marks  of  infla: 
mation,  but  not  violent, — Mote  to  the  ninth  edition. 


iRT  I. 


Kino. 


431 


a clear  infusion.  Boiling  water  dissolves  it  more  largely;  and  the  saturated 
icoction  becomes  turbid  on  cooling,  and  deposits  a reddish  sediment.  The 
acture  is  not  disturbed  by  water.  When  long  kept  it  often  gelatinizes,  and 
;ses  its  astringency.  (See  Tinctura  Kino.)  Kino  has  been  supposed  to  consist 
iefly  of  a modification  of  tannic  acid  or  tannin,  with  extractive,  gum,  and  some- 
nes  probably  a little  resin;  but  we  need  a careful  analysis  of  the  different  well- 
icertained  varieties.  The  aqueous  solution  is  precipitated  by  gelatin,  the  soluble 
Its  of  iron,  silver,  lead,  and  antimony,  bichloride  of  mercury,  and  sulphuric, 
trie,  and  muriatic  acids.  The  precipitate  with  iron  is  of  an  olive  or  greenish- 
ack  colour.  The  alkalies  favour  the  solubility  of  kino  in  water,  but  essen- 
dly  change  its  nature,  and  destroy  its  astringency. 

1.  East  India  Kino.  This  is  the  variety  at  present  probably  most  used,  and 
:ost  highly  esteemed.  Its  origin  was  long  unknown.  It  is  now  ascertained, 
rough  the  united  researches  of  Drs.  Pereira,  Boyle,  Wight,  and  others,  to  be 
e product  of  Pterocarpus  Marsupium,  a lofty  tree,  growing  upon  the  mountains 
i the  Malabar  coast  of  Hindostan.  Kino  is  the  juice  of  the  tree,  extracted 
rough  longitudinal  incisions  in  the  bark,  and  afterwards  dried  in  the  sun.  Upon 
lying  it  breaks  into  small  fragments,  and  is  put  into  wooden  boxes  for  exporta- 
:in.  It  is  collected  near  Tellicherry,  and  exported  from  Bombay.  It  is  some- 
mes  imported  into  this  country  directly  from  the  East  Indies,  but  more 
immonly  from  London.  From  a communication  in  the  Journal  of  the  Asiatic 
iciety  of  Bengal,  by  the  Bev.  F.  Mason,  it  appears  that  kino  is  also  collected 
i the  Tenasserim  provinces,  in  further  India,  and  has  been  exported  from  Maul- 
nin  to  Europe.  It  is  produced  by  a tree  called  Pa-douk , which  is  supposed  to 
1 a species  of  Pterocarpus;  but  its  precise  character  was  not  certainly  known. 
(. m . Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xxi.  134.)  Dr.  Christison  has  subsequently  recog- 
tjed,  in  a description  of  this  tree  furnished  to  him  by  Mr.  Begbie,  of  Maulmain, 
t:  precise  characters  of  Pterocarpus  Marsupium;  so  that  this  kino  has  the 
sue  origin  with  that  from  Malabar. 

East  India  kino  is  in  small,  angular,  glistening  fragments,  of  a uniform  con- 
stence,  appearing  as  if  formed  by  the  breaking  down  of  larger  masses.  The 
1 ger  fragments  are  opaque  and  nearly  black;  but  minute  splinters  are  sometimes 
tnsluc-ent,  aud  of  a deep  garnet  redness  when  viewed  by  transmitted  light. 
r.  is  variety  of  kino  is  very  brittle,  readily  breaking  between  the  fingers,  aud 
filly  pulverized,  affording  a dark  reddish  powder,  a portion  of  which,  resulting 
f m the  mutual  attrition  of  the  fragments,  is  often  found  interspersed  among 
t m.  When  chewed,  it  softens  in  the  mouth,  adheres  somewhat  to  the  teeth,  and 
t ges  the  saliva  of  a blood-red  colour.  In  odour,  taste,  and  chemical  relations, 
ilorresponds  with  the  account  already  given  of  kino  in  general.  According 
t Vauquelin,  it  contains  75  per  cent,  of  tannin  and  peculiar  extractive,  24  of 
r gum,  and  1 of  insoluble  matter.  But  new  views  have  recently  been  advanced 
a to  its  composition.  When  kino  is  boiled  in  water,  the  decoction  deposits  on 
tiling  a bright-red  substance;  and  a similar  deposition  takes  place  when  a cold 
fared  aqueous  solution  of  kino  is  long  exposed  with  a broad  surface  to  the  air. 
I.  Gerding  considers  this  deposit  as  the  result  of  the  combination  of  oxygen 
T .h  kino-tannic  acid,  and  calls  it  kino-red.  ( Chem . Gaz.,  ix.  260,  from  Liebig’s 
-i, nalen .)  Hennig,  who  has  examined  East  India  kino  with  some  care,  con- 
sul’s this  kino-red  as  a colouring  matter  in  intimate  combination  with  the  tannic 
a 1,  which  he  is  disposed  to  think  identical  in  its  pure  state  with  tannic  acid  of 
gls;  and  he  extends  the  same  view's  to  the  other  forms  of  this  astringent  prin- 
cle  which  give  greenish  precipitates  with  the  sesquisalts  of  iron,  and  which 
a generally  believed  to  be  somewhat  different,  as  they  occur  in  different  plants. 
1 iding  this  red  colouring  matter  to  possess  acid  properties,  he  has  named  it 
i oic  acid.  According  to  Hennig,  kino  consists  of  tannic  acid  with  a trace  of 


432 


Kino. 


PART  ] 


gallic  acid,  kinoic  acid,  pectin,  ulmic.  acid,  and  inorganic  salts  with  excess  c 
earthy  liases.  (See  Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm .,  xxv.  544.) 

2.  West  India  or  Jamaica  Kino.  This  is  believed  to  he  the  product  of  th 
Coccoloha  uvifera,  or  sea-side  grape , a tree  twenty  feet  or  more  in  height,  beai 
ing  beautiful  broad  shining  leaves,  and  large  bunches  of  purple  berries,  to  whir 
it  owes  its  vernacular  name.  It  grows  in  the  West  Indies  and  neighbourin 
parts  of  the  continent.  The  kino  is  said  to  be  obtained  by  evaporating  a decoi 
tion  of  the  wood  and  bark,  which  are  very  astringent.  Many  years  since, 
thick  reddish-brown  liquid  was  imported  into  Philadelphia  from  the  West  Indie; 
which,  when  dried  by  exposure  to  the  air  in  shallow  vessels  or  by  heat,  afforde 
an  extract  having  all  the  properties  of  kino,  for  which  it  was  sold  by  the  dm; 
gists.  This  has  been  long  exhausted;  but  some  years  since,  a considerabl 
quantity  of  West  India  kino  was  brought  into  this  market,  which  may  still  ente 
into  the  consumption  of  the  country.  It  was  contained  in  large  gourds,  int 
which  it  was  evidently  poured  while  in  a liquid  or  semi-liquid  state,  and  the 
allowed  to  harden.  We  have  specimens  of  this  kino  in  our  possession. 

When  taken  from  the  gourd,  it  breaks  into  fragments  of  various  sizes,  upo 
an  average  about  as  large  as  a hazelnut,  and  having  some  tendency  to  the  rec- 
angular  form.  The  consistence  of  these  fragments  is  uniform,  their  surfac 
smooth  and  shining,  and  their  colour  a dark  reddish-brown,  approaching  to  blacl 
They  are,  however,  not  so  glistening,  nor  so  black  as  the  East  India  kino.  I 
mass  they  are  quite  opaque,  but  in  thin  splinters  are  translucent  and  of  a rub 
redness.  They  are  readily  broken  by  the  fingers  into  smaller  fragments,  ai 
easily  pulverized,  and  yield  a dull-reddish  powder,  considerably  lighter-coloure 
than  that  of  the  former  variety.  The  West  India  kino  is  without  odour,  andht 
a very  astringent  bitterish  taste,  with  a scarcely  observable  sweetish  after-tasti 
It  adheres  to  the  teeth  when  chewed,  though  rather  less  than  the  East  Indi 
variety,  and  colours  the  saliva  red.  The  solubility  of  Jamaica  kino  was  ver 
carefull}'  examined,  at  our  request,  by  Dr.  Robert  Bridges,  of  this  city,  whofouu 
that  cold  water  dissolved  89  per  cent.,  and  ordinary  officinal  alcohol  94  per  c-eu 
The  portion  dissolved  by  alcohol  and  not  by  water  was  probably  of  a resinor 
nature;  as  it  appeared  to  be  viscid,  and  very  much  impeded  the  filtration  of  tl 
watery  solution.  Considering  the  nature  of  this  substance,  the  form  of  kino  i 
which  it  was  found  is  probably,  like  that  from  the  East  Indies,  an  inspissate 
juice.  Guibourt,  who  states  that  Jamaica  kino  is  but  slightly  dissolved  by  col 
water,  must  have  operated  on  a different  product. 

3.  South  American  Kino. — Caracas  Kino.  In  1839,  when  the  fourth  editic 
of  this  Dispensatory  was  published,  an  astringent  extract  was  described,  whit 
had  recently  been  introduced  into  our  market,  derived,  as  we  were  informed,  fro 
Caracas,  and  known  by  that  name  to  the  druggists.  Since  that  period  it  h; 
come  much  more  extensively  into  use.  It  is  probably  the  same  as  that  describt 
by  Guibourt,  in  the  last  edition  of  his  History  of  Drugs,  as  the  kino  of  C"himbi. 
As  imported,  this  variety  of  kino  is  in  large  masses,  some  weighing  several  pound 
covered  witli  thin  leaves,  or  exhibiting  marks  of  leaves  upon  their  unbroken  su 
face,  externally  very  dark,  and  internally  of  a deep  reddish-brown  or  dark  poi 
wine  colour.  It  is  opaque  in  the  mass,  but  translucent  in  thin  splinters,  ve: 
brittle,  and  of  a fracture  always  shining,  but  in  some  masses  wholly  rough  at 
irregular,  in  others  rough  only  in  the  interior,  while  the  outer  portion,  for  ; 
inch  or  two  in  depth,  breaks  with  a rather  smooth  and  uniform  surface  like  tb 
of  the  West  India  kino.  This  outer  portion  is  easil}r  broken  into  fine  angul 
fragments,  while  the  interior  crumbles  quite  irregularly.  Some  of  the  m;.s< 
are  very  impure,  containing  pieces  of  bark,  wood,  leaves,  &c.;  others  are  me 
homogeneous,  and  almost  free  from  impurities.  The  masses  are  broken  up  1 
means  of  a mill  so  as  to  resemble  East  India  kino,  from  which,  however,  tl 


IRT  I. 


Kino. 


433 


iriety  differs  in  being  more  irregular,  less  sharply  angular,  more  powdery,  and 
ss  black.  On  comparing  the  finer  and  more  angular  portions  of  the  masses  with 
e West  India  kino,  we  were  strongly  struck  with  their  resemblance;  and  in  fact 
uld  discover  no  difference  between  the  two  varieties  either  in  colour,  lustre, 
ste,  the  colour  of  the  powder,  or  other  sensible  property.  South  American 
no  was  found  by  Dr.  Bridges  to  yield  93'5  per  cent,  to  cold  water,  and  93  per 
nt.  to  alcohol;  so  that,  while  it  has  almost  the  same  solubility  as  Jamaica  kino 
alcohol,  it  is  somewhat  more  soluble  in  cold  water.  The  aqueous  solution,  in 
is  case,  was  not  embarrassed  by  the  adhesive  matter  which  impeded  the  Ultra- 
on  in  the  former  variety ; and  the  want  of  a minute  proportion  of  resinous 
otter  in  the  South  American  kino  is  the  only  difference  we  have  discovered  be- 
een  the  two  drugs.  It  is  not  improbable  that  they  are  derived  from  the  same 
ant;  and  there  is  no  difficulty  in  supposing  that  this  may  be  the  Coccoloba 
■ ifera,  as  that  tree  grows  as  well  upon  the  continent  as  in  the  islands. 

4.  African  Kino.  The  original  kino  employed  by  Dr.  Fothergill  was  known 

i he  the  produce  of  a tree  growing  in  Senegal,  and  upon  the  banks  of  the  Gambia, 
<j  the  western  coast  of  Africa  ; but  the  precise  character  of  the  tree  was  not  ascer- 
t ned,  until  a specimen,  sent  home  by  Mungo  Park  during  his  last  journey,  enabled 
te  English  botanists  to  decide  that  it  was  the  Pterocarpus  erinaceus  of  Lamarck 
id  Poiret.  The  Edinburgh  and  Dublin  Colleges  accordingly  refer  kino  in  chief 
t this  plant;  but  in  so  doing  have  overlooked  the  fact  that  not  one  of  the  varieties 
iw  used  is  brought  from  Africa.  The  importation  of  African  kino  has  long 
used;  and  the  most  experienced  pharmacologist  cannot  speak  with  certainty  of 
l'ving  seen  a specimen.  That  described  by  Guibourt  has  turned  out  to  be  the 
.'tea  gum;*  and  the  description  in  the  first  edition  of  Christison’s  Dispensatory 
e dently  applies  to  the  common  East  India  kino.  A specimen  given  to  Dr.  A. 
'.  Thomson  as  African  kino,  and  described  in  his  Dispensatory,  is  certainly  not 
t‘  drug  spoken  of  by  Fothergill,  but  rather  resembles  the  Butea  gum. 

A.s  described  by  Fothergill,  the  African  kino,  for  which  he  proposed  the  name 
cgummi  rulrum  astringens  Gambinense,  was  in  lumps  of  about  the  size  of  those 
cgum  Senegal  or  dragon’s  blood,  and  so  similar  in  appearance  to  the  latter  that 
a;ood  judge  might  easily  be  deceived.  These  lumps  were  hard,  brittle,  opaque, 
a l almost  black ; but  minute  fragments  were  reddish  and  transparent  like  garnet. 
He  drug  was  inodorous,  of  a strongly  astringent  and  sweetish  taste,  and  soluble 

ii  vater  to  the  extent  of  about  five  or  six  parts  out  of  seven,  forming  a deep-red 
a -ingent  infusion.  There  can  be  little  doubt  that  this  variety  of  kino  is  a con- 
e ;:e  juice,  which  exudes  either  spontaneously  or  from  wounds  in  the  bark,  and 
Edens  in  the  air.  (See  Med.  Obs.  and  Inq.,  i.  358.) 

i.  Botany  Bay  Kino.  This  is  the  concrete  juice  of  the  Eucalyptus  resinifera, 

Butea  gum  is  the  concrete  juice  of  the  Butea  frondosa  or  Dhak-tree  of  Hindostan.  The 
jr;  flows  from  natural  fissures,  and  from  wounds  made  in  the  bark  of  the  tree,  and  quickly 
In  lens.  It  is  in  small  elongated  tears,  or  irregular  angular  masses,  less  in  size  than  a 
gtn  of  barley,  apparently  black  and  opaque,  but  translucent  and  of  a ruby-red  colour, 
w n examined  in  small  fragments  by  transmitted  light.  Many  of  the  tears  have  small 
pi  ions  of  bark  adhering  to  them.  They  are  very  brittle,  and  readily  pulverizable,  yield- 
in  a reddish  powder.  They  are  very  astringent  to  the  taste,  do  not  adhere  to  the  teeth 
W-ja  chewed,  and  tinge  the  saliva  red.  The  relations  of  this  product  to  water,  alcohol, 
ai' other  chemical  reagents  are  nearly  the  same  as  those  of  ordinary  kino.  When  freed 
fr  impurities,  consisting  of  from  15  to  25  per  cent,  of  wood,  bark,  sand,  &c.,  it  contains, 
ac  rding  to  Mr.  E.  Solly,  73'26  per  cent,  of  tannin,  5-05  of  soluble  extractive,  and  21-67 
of  im  and  other  soluble  substances.  It  is  used  in  the  arts  in  India,  and  might  undoubtedly 
be'nployed  as  kino  in  medicine.  It  is,  however,  very  seldom  imported  into  England,  and 
ne  r,  at  present,  into  this  country.  Dr.  Pereira  found  a quantity  in  an  old  drug  store  in 
Dion,  and  sent  a portion  to  Guibourt,  from  which  that  writer  drew  up  his  description 
of  frican  kino.  It  is  possible  that  the  kino  which  formerly  reached  us,  full  of  small  pieces 
of  iod,  bark,  &c.,  may  have  been  the  Butea  gum. 


434 


Kino. 


PART  i 


or  brown  gum  tree  of  New  Holland,  a lofty  tree,  belonging  to  the  class  and  orde 
Icosandria  Monogynia , and  the  natural  order  Myrtacese.  When  the  bark  i 
wounded  the  juice  flows  very  freely,  and  hardens  in  the  air.  According  to  Mr 
White,  a single  tree  is  capable  of  furnishing  five  hundred  pounds  of  kino  in  od 
year.  ( White’s  Voyaged)  Duncan  states  that  specimens  of  the  juice  have  reache* 
Great  Britain  in  the  fluid  form,  and  that  when  he  first  examined  kino  in  1802 
it  was  common,  and  was  the  finest  kind  in  commerce.  According  to  informatio: 
received  by  Dr.  Thomson,  its  importation  into  Great  Britain  must  have  cease* 
soon  after  that  period  {Thomson’ s Dispensatory,  1826,  p.  506);  but  Dr.  Pereir 
speaks  of  it  as  imported  in  boxes,  and  has  himself  met  with  a parcel  of  it  froi 
Van  Dieman’s  Land.  Ainslie  informs  us  that  he  has  seen  it  in  the  markets  c 
Hindostan.  We  have  never  met  with  it  in  this  country. 

The  specimen  examined  by  Pereira  was  in  irregular  masses,  many  of  them  in  th 
form  of  tears  as  large  as  those  of  Senegal  gum.  “The  purer  pieces  were  vitreous 
almost  black  in  the  mass,  but  transparent  and  of  a beautiful  ruby-red  in  small  an 
thin  fragments.  Some  of  the  pieces,  however,  were  opaque  and  dull,  from  the  intei 
mixture  of  wood  and  other  impurities.”  This  variety  of  kino  is  brittle,  with 
resinous  unequal  fracture,  and  yields  a reddish-brown  powder.  It  is  infusibh 
'without  odour,  of  an  astringent  taste  followed  by  sweetness,  and  when  long  chewe 
adheres  to  the  teeth.  ( Duncan .)  It  swells  up  and  becomes  gelatinous  with  col 
water;  yielding  a red  solution,  which  gives  precipitates  with  lime-water,  gelatir 
and  sesquichloride  of  iron,  but  not  with  alcohol  or  tartar  emetic.  With  rectifie 
spirit  it  also  becomes  gelatinous,  and  forms  a red  tincture  which  is  not  precip 
tated  by  water.  ( Pereira .)  White  states  that  only  one-sixth  of  this  kino  is  solubl 
in  water;  Guibourt  found  it  wholly  soluble  with  the  exception  of  foreign  matters 
and  Dr.  Thomson  informs  us  that  water  at  60°  dissolves  more  than  one-half.  Tlies 
writers  must  have  experimented  with  different  substances.  According  to  D; 
Duncan,  alcohol  dissolves  the  whole  except  impurities;  and  the  tincture,  with 
certain  proportion  of  water,  lets  fall  a copious  red  precipitate,  but  with  a larg 
proportion  only  becomes  slightly  turbid. 

It  is  said  that  catechu,  broken  into  small  fragments,  has  sometimes  been  sol 
as  kino.  Fortunately  little  injury  can  result  from  the  substitution,  as  the  medic-; 
virtues  of  the  two  substances  are  very  nearly  the  same. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Kino  is  powerfully  astringent,  and  in  this  counti 
is  much  used  for  the  suppression  of  morbid  discharges.  In  diarrhoea  not  attends 
with  febrile  excitement  or  inflammation,  it  is  often  an  excellent  adjunct  toopiu 
and  the  absorbent  medicines,  and  is  a favourite  addition  to  the  chalk  mixtur 
It  is  also  used  in  chronic  dysentery  when  astringents  are  admissible;  in  leucorrha 
and  diabetes;  and  in  passive  hemorrhages,  particularly  that  from  the  uterus, 
was  formerly  used  in  intermittent  fever. 

It  may  be  given  in  powder,  infusion,  or  dissolved  in  diluted  alcohol.  The  do 
of  the  powder  is  from  ten  to  thirty  grains.  The  infusion,  which  is  a very  co 
venient  form  of  administration,  majT  be  made  by  pouring  eight  fluidounces 
boiling  water  on  two  drachms  of  the  extract,  and  straining  when  cool.  Aromati 
may  be  added,  if  deemed  advisable.  The  dose  is  a fluidounce.  The  proporti 
of  alcohol  in  a dose  of  the  tincture  renders  it  frequently  an  unsuitable  preparatic 

Locally  applied,  kino  is  often  productive  of  benefit.  Its  infusion  is  usel 
as  an  injection  in  leucorrhoea  and  obstinate  gonorrhoea,  and  thrown  up  the  n* 
trils  we  have  found  it  very  efficacious  in  suppressing  epistaxis.  A case  of  * 
stinate  hemorrhage  from  a wound  in  the  palate,  after  resisting  various  ineai 
yielded  to  the  application  of  powdered  kino,  which  was  spread  thickly  on  li 
and  pressed  against  the  wound  by  the  tongue.  The  powder  is  also  a very  use  - 
application  to  indolent  and  flabby  ulcers. 

Off- Prep.  Electuarium  Catechu;  Pulvis  Aluminis  Compositus;  Pul1 
Catechu  Comp. ; Pulvis  Kino  Comp. ; Tinctura  Kino.  W. 


ART  I. 


Krameria. 


435 


KRAMERIA.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub. 

Rhatany. 

The  root  of  Krameria  triandra.  U.  S.,  Lond .,  Ed.,  Dub. 

Ratanhie,  Ft.;  Ratanhiawurzel,  Germ.;  Ratauia,  Ital.,  Span. 

Krameria.  Sex.  Syst.  Tetrandria  Monogynia. — Nat.  Ord.  Polygalea),  De 
land.  Krameriacese,  Lind  ley. 

Gen.Ch.  Calyx  none.  Corolla  four-petalled ; the  superior  nectary  three-parted, 
ad  inferior  two-leaved.  Berry  dry,  eehinated,  one-seeded.  Willd. 

Krameria  triandra.  Ruiz  and  Pavon,  Ffor.  Peruv.  i.  61.  The  rliatany  plant 
s a shrub,  having  a long,  much  branched,  and  spreading  root,  of  a blackish-red 
flour;  with  a round,  procumbent,  very  dark-coloured  stem,  divided  into  numer- 
us  branches,  of  which  the  younger  are  leafy  and  thickly  covered  with  soft  hairs, 
iving  them  a white,  silky  appearance.  The  leaves  are  few,  sessile,  oblong-ovate, 
ointed,  entire,  presenting  on  both  surfaces  the  same  silky  whiteness  with  the 
oung  branches,  on  the  sides  of  which  they  are  placed.  The  flowers  are  lake- 
iloured,  and  stand  singly  on  short  peduncles  at  the  axils  of  the  upper  leaves, 
here  are  only  three  stamens.  The  nectary  consists  of  four  leaflets,  of  which 
le  two  upper  are  spatulate,  the  lower  roundish  and  much  shorter : it  does  not 
orrespond  with  the  generic  character  of  Willdenow,  which  was  drawn  from  the 
(rameria  Lxina.  The  fruit  is  globular,  of  the  size  of  a pea,  surrounded  by  stiff 
:ddish-brown  prickles,  and  furnished  with  one  or  two  seeds.  The  name  rliatany 
said  to  express,  in  the  language  of  the  Peruvian  Indians,  the  creeping  cha- 
cter  of  the  plant. 

This  species  of  Krameria  is  a native  of  Peru,  growing  in  dry  argillaceous  and 
ndy  places,  and  abundant  about  the  city  of  Huanuco.  It  flowers  at  all  seasons, 
at  is  in  the  height  of  its  bloom  in  October  and  November.  The  root  is  dug 
) after  the  rains.  Tschudi  states  that  most  of  the  rhatany  now  exported  is 
Rained  in  the  Southern  provinces  of  Peru,  particularly  in  Arica  and  Islay. 
Trav.  in  Peru , Am.  ed.,  p.  214.) 

The  K.  lxina,  growing  in  Hayti,  and  in  Cumana  on  the  South  American  con- 
lent,  is  said  to  afford  a root  closely  analogous  in  appearance  and  properties  to 
at  of  the  Peruvian  species;  but  the  latter  only  is  officinal. 

We  receive  rhatany  in  pieces  of  various  shapes  and  dimensions,  some  being 
nple,  some  more  or  less  branched,  the  largest  as  much  as  an  inch  in  thickness, 
[rived  from  the  main  body  of  the  root,  the  smallest  not  thicker  than  a small 
fill,  consisting  of  the  minute  ramifications.  The  pieces  are  often  nearly  cylin- 
ical,  and  as  much  as  two  or  three  feet  in  length.  Sometimes  many  of  the 
dicles  are  united  in  a common  head,  which  is  short,  and  from  half  an  inch  to 
o inches  or  more  in  diameter.  The  roots  are  composed  of  a dark  reddish- 
own,  slightly  fibrous,  easily  separable  bark,  and  a central  woody  portion,  less 
loured,  but  still  reddish  or  reddish-yellow.  Rhatany  is  without  smell,  but  has 
bitter,  very  astringent,  slightly  sweetish  taste,  which  is  connected  with  its 
Adical  virtues,  and  is  much  stronger  in  the  cortical  than  the  ligneous  part.* 

1*  Mettenheimer  describes  a false  rhatany,  which  has  occurred  in  German  commerce,  as 

Slows.  The  body  of  the  root  is  from  1 to  2 inches  thick,  and  4 long,  knotty,  with  nu- 
rous  branches  from  4 to  12  inches  long;  but  the  branches  are  generally  separate,  and 
u'ly  half  an  inch  thick.  The  body  resembles  the  genuine ; but  the  branches  are  smoother, 
parts  somewhat  shining,  with  deeper  longitudinal  furrows,  and  transverse  fissures,  which 
netimes  divide  the  bark  quite  around  the  root.  They  are  more  undulating,  and,  as 
11  as  the  body,  have  more  frequent  wart-like  elevations.  The  false  root  is  more  bitter 
m the  genuine,  with  a thicker  bark,  and  in  mass  has  a dirty  violet  reddish-brown  colour, 
teriorly  the  bark  is  of  a dirty  dark  brownish-red,  with  a granular  fracture;  interiorly 
is  lighter  coloured,  with  a fibrous  fracture;  and  when  cut  with  a knife  has  a shining 
■ 'face.  The  interior  ligneous  part  is  pale-red,  hard,  of  a short  fibrous  fracture,  and, 


436 


Krameria. 


part  r, 


The  smallest  pieces  are  therefore  preferable,  as  they  contain  the  largest  propor 
tion  of  the  bark.  The  powder  is  of  a reddish  colour.  The  virtues  of  the  root 
are  extracted  by  water  and  alcohol,  to  which  it  imparts  a deep  reddish-browr 
colour.  From  the  researches  of  Yogel,  Ganelin,  Peschier,  and  Trommsdorff,  il 
appears  to  contain  tannin,  lignin,  and  minute  quantities  of  gum,  starch,  saccha- 
rine matter,  and  an  acid  which  Peschier  considered  as  peculiar,  and  named  kra- 
meric  acid.  The  tannin  is  in  three  states;  1st,  that  of  purity,  in  which  it  is 
without  colour ; 2d,  that  of  apotheme,  in  which  it  has  lost  its  astringency,  anc 
been  rendered  insoluble  by  the  action  of  the  air,  and  3d,  that  of  extractive,  whicfc 
is  a soluble  combination  of  tanDin  and  its  apotheme,  and  is  the  substance  which 
imparts  to  the  infusion  and  tincture  of  rhatany  their  characteristic  reddish-browi 
colour.  (Soubeiran,  Journ.  de  Pharm.,  xix.  59G.)  The  proportion  of  red  as- 
tringent matter  obtained  by  Yogel  was  40  per  cent.  The  mineral  acids  and  most 
of  the  metallic  salts  throw  down  precipitates  with  the  infusion,  decoction,  and 
tincture  of  rhatany,  and  are  incompatible  in  prescription. 

Cold  water,  by  means  of  displacement  or  percolation,  extracts  all  the  astrin 
gency  of  rhatany,  forming  a clear  deep  red  infusion,  which,  upon  careful  evapo- 
ration, yields  an  almost  perfectly  soluble  extract.  The  root  yields  its  virtues 
also  to  boiling  water  by  maceration;  but  the  resulting  infusion  becomes  turbid 
upon  cooling,  in  consequence  of  the  deposition  of  apotheme  taken  up  by  the 
water  when  heated.  By  boiling  with  water  a still  larger  proportion  of  the  apo- 
theme is  dissolved,  and  a considerable  quantity  of  the  pure  tannin  becomes  in- 
soluble in  cold  water,  and  medicinally  inert,  either  by  combining  with  the  starch 
which  is  also  dissolved,  or  by  conversion  into  apotheme  through  the  agency  oi 
the  atmosphere.  The  decoction  is,  therefore,  an  ineligible  preparation,  and  the 
extract  resulting  from  its  evaporation,  though  greater  in  weight  than  that  from 
the  cold  infusion,  contains  much  less  soluble  and  active  matter.  Alcohol  dis 
solves  a larger  proportion  of  the  root  than  water,  but  this  excess  is  owing  to  the 
solution  of  apotheme;  and  the  alcoholic  extract  contains  little  if  any  more  of  the 
astringent  principle  than  that  prepared  by  cold  water,  while  it  is  encumbered 
with  much  inert  matter.  (See  Extractum  Kramerias.) 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Rhatany  is  gently  tonic  and  powerfully  astrin 
gent;  and  may  be  advantageously  given  in  chronic  diarrhoea,  passive  hemor 
rhages,  especially  menorrhagia,  some  forms  of  leucorrhcea,  and  in  all  those  case; 
in  which  kino  and  catechu  are  beneficial.  It  has  long  been  used  in  Peru  as  £ 
remedy  in  bowel  complaints,  as  a corroborant  in  cases  of  enfeebled  stomach,  anc 
as  a local  application  to  spongy  gums.  Ruiz,  one  of  the  authors  of  the  Peruviai 
Flora,  first  made  it  known  in  Europe.  It  was  not  till  after  the  year  1816  that  i 
began  to  come  into  general  use.  It  has  the  advantage  over  the  astringent  ex 
tracts  imported,  that,  being  brought  in  the  state  of  the  root,  it  is  free  from  adul 
teration,  and  may  be  prescribed  with  confidence. 

The  dose  of  the  powder  is  from  twenty  to  thirty  grains;  but  in  this  form  tin 
root  is  little  used.  The  infusion  or  decoction  is  more  convenient.  The  propor 
tions  are  an  ounce  of  the  bruised  or  powdered  root  to  a pint  of  water,  and  th 
dose  one  or  two  fluidounees.  The  extract,  tincture,  and  syrup  are  officinal  pre 
parations;  and  may  be  given,  the  first  in  the  dose  of  fifteen  or  twenty  grains 
the  second  in  that  of  two  or  three  fluidraehms,  and  the  third  in  that  of  half 
fluidounce  for  an  adult.  In  the  form  of  infusion,  tincture,  and  extract,  rhatan 
has  been  highly  recommended  as  a local  remedy  in  fissure  of  the  anus,  prolapsu 
ani,  and  leucorrhcea. 

Off.  Prep.  Extractum  Kramerias;  Infusum  Kramerias;  Syrupus  Kramerias 
Tinctura  Krameriae.  W. 

when  cut  across,  dull  and  without  the  dark  central  point  of  the  genuine  root.  The  fa'.s 
root  is  inodorous.  Its  taste  is  more  astringent  than  the  genuine.  Its  source  is  unknowi 
( P.’iarm . Cent.  Blalt,  March  24,  1852,  p.  221.) — Note  to  the  tenth  edition. 


PART  I. 


Lacmus. 


437 


LACMUS.  Ed. 

Litmus. 

A peculiar  colouring  matter  from  Roccella  tiuctoria.  Ed. 

Turnsole ; Tournesol,  Fr.;  Lakmus,  Germ. 

Three  purple  or  blue  colouring  substances  are  known  in  commerce,  obtained 
rorn  lichenous  plants.  They  are  called  severally  litmus,  orchil , and  cudbear. 
Che  lichens  employed  are  different  species  of  Roccella,  Lecanora,  Variolaria,  and 
>thers.  They  grow  on  alpine  or  maritime  rocks,  in  various  parts  of  the  world, 
md  for  commercial  purposes  are  collected  chiefly  upon  the  European  and  African 
masts,  and  the  neighbouring  islands,  as  the  Azores,  Madeira,  Canaries,  and 
]ape  de  Verds.  The  particular  species  most  employed  are  probably  Lecanora 
artarea  or  Tartarean  moss,  growing  in  the  North  of  Europe,  aud  Roccella  tinc- 
oria  or  orchilla  weed,  which  abounds  upon  the  African  and  insular  coasts,  aud 
s called  commercially,  in  common  with  other  species  of  the  same  genus,  Angola 
seed,  Canary  weed,  &c.,  according  to  the  place  from  which  it  may  be  brought. 

The  principles  in  these  plants  upon  which  their  valuable  properties  depend, 
.re  themselves  colourless,  and  yield  colouring  substances  by  the  reaction  of 
pater,  air,  and  ammonia.  They  are  generally  acids,  and  are  named  lecanoric, 
Tsellic,  erytliric,  &c.,  according  to  their  use  or  origin.  What  is  the  exact  chemical 
hange  by  which  the  colouring  matters  are  developed  is  not  determined;  but  the 
riginal  body,  in  some  instances  at  least,  undergoes  a series  of  changes,  before 
he  ultimate  result  is  obtained.  Dr.  Stenhouse  proposes  that  the  principles 
hould  be  extracted  from  the  plants  at  their  place  of  collection,  so  as  to  diminish 
he  cost  of  carriage.  For  this  purpose  the  lichens,  having  been  finely  divided, 
re  to  be  macerated  with  milk  of  lime,  the  infusion  thus  obtained  to  be  preci- 
itated  with  muriatic  or  acetic  acid,  and  the  precipitate  to  be  dried  with  a gentle 
eat.  Almost  the  whole  of  the  colouring  principles  are  thus  extracted,  and  ob- 
fined  in  a small  bulk.  To  test  the  value  of  the  plants  as  dye-stuffs,  they  may 
e macerated  in  a weak  solution  of  ammonia,  or  a solution  of  hypochlorite  of 
me  may  be  added  to  their  alcoholic  tincture.  In  the  former  case,  a rich  violet- 
ed  colour  is  produced ; in  the  latter  a deep  blood-red  colour  instantly  appears, 
ut  soon  fades.  All  the  three  colouring  substances  above  referred  to  may  be 
btaiued  from  the  same  plants. 

Lacmus  or  Litmus  is  prepared  chiefly  if  not  exclusively  in  Holland.  The  pro- 
ess  consists  in  macerating  the  coarsely  powdered  lichen,  in  wooden  vessels  under 
nelter,  for  several  weeks,  with  occasional  agitation,  in  a mixture  of  urine,  lime, 
ad  potash  or  soda.  A fermentation  ensues,  aud  the  mass,  becoming  first  red 
ad  ultimately  blue,  is  after  the  last  change  removed,  mixed  with  calcareous  or 
licious  matter  to  give  it  consistence,  and  with  indigo  to  deepen  the  colour,  and 
pen  introduced  into  small  moulds,  where  it  hardens.  It  comes  to  us  in  rectan- 
ular  cakes  from  a quarter  of  an  inch  to  an  inch  in  length,  light,  friable,  finely 
ranular,  of  an  indigo-blue  or  deep-violet  colour,  and  scattered  over  with  white 
dine  points.  It  has  the  combined  odour  of  indigo  and  violets,  tinges  the  saliva 
,f  a deep  blue,  and  is  somewhat  pungent  aud  saline  to  the  taste.  From  most 
!her  vegetable  blues  it  differs  in  not  being  rendered  green  by  alkalies.  It  is 
bddened  by  acids,  and  restored  to  its  original  blue  colour  by  alkalies. 

Its  chief  use  in  medicine  is  as  a test  of  acids  and  alkalies.  For  this  purpose 
is  employed  either  in  infusion  or  in  the  form  of  litmus-paper.  The  infusion, 
dually  called  tincture  of  litmus,  may  be  made  in  the  proportion  of  one  part  of 
le  litmus  to  twenty  of  distilled  water,  and  two  parts  of  alcohol  may  be  added 
i preserve  it.  Litmus-paper  is  prepared  by  first  forming  a strong  clear  infusion 
ith  one  part  of  litmus  to  four  of  water,  and  either  dipping  slips  of  white  unsized 


438 


Lacmus. — Lactuca. — Lactucarium. 


PART  i 


paper  into  it,  or  applying  it  by  a brush  to  one  surface  only  of  the  paper.  Th 
paper  should  then  be  carefully  dried,  and  kept  in  well-stopped  vessels,  fron 
which  the  light  is  excluded.  It  should  have  a uniform  blue  or  slightly  purpL 
colour,  neither  very  light  nor  very  dark.  As  a test  for  alkalies,  the  paper  ma- 
ke stained  with  an  infusion  of  litmus  previously  reddened  by  an  acid. 

Orchil  or  archil,  as  prepared  in  England,  is  in  the  form  of  a thickish  liquid 
of  a deep  reddish-purple  colour,  but  varying  in  the  tint,  being  in  one  variet- 
redder  than  in  the  other.  The  odour  is  ammoniacal.  It  is  made  by  maceratin; 
lichens,  in  a covered  wooden  vessel,  with  an  ammoniacal  liquor,  either  consistin' 
of  stale  urine  and  lime,  or  prepared  by  distilling  an  impure  salt  of  ammonia  witl 
lime  and  water.  (Pereira.) 

Cudbear  is  in  the  form  of  a purplish-red  powder.  It  is  procured  in  the  sam 
manner  as  orchil;  but  the  mixture,  after  the  development  of  the  colour,  is  dried 
and  pulverized. 

The  difference  in  the  preparation  of  these  colouring  substances  and  litmus  ap 
pears  to  be,  that  potash  or  soda  is  added,  in  the  latter,  to  the  ammoniacal  liquic 
used.  Orchil  and  cudbear  are  employed  as  dye-smffs,  and  sometimes  in  lik 
manner  with  litmus  as  a test  of  acids  and  alkalies.  W. 


LACTUCA.  Loud, 

Lettuce. 

Lactuca  sativa.  The  leaves.  Lond. 

Off.  Syn.  LACTUCA  SATIVA.  The  leaves.  Dub. 

L .itue,  Ft.;  Garten  Lattig,  Germ.;  Lattuga,  Jtal.;  Lecliuga,  Span. 

LACTUCARIUM.  U.  S.,  Ed.,  Dub. 
Lactucarium. 

The  inspissated  juice  of  Lactuca  sativa.  TJ.  S.  Inspissated  juice  of  Lactue 
virosa  and  sativa.  Ed.,  Dub. 

Lactuca.  Sex.  Syst.  Syngenesia  iEqualis. — Nat.  Or d.  Composite  Cichora 
cese,  De  Cand.  Cichoraceae,  Lindley. 

Gen.  Ch.  Receptacle  naked.  Calyx  imbricated,  cylindrical,  with  a mem 
branous  margin.  Pappus  simple,  stipitate.  Seed  smooth.  Wit/d. 

The  plants  of  this  genus  yield  when  wounded  a milky  juice,  to  which,  indeed 
they  owe  their  generic  name.  In  some  of  them  this  juice  possesses  valuabl 
narcotic  properties.  This  is  the  case,  among  others,  with  L.  sativa,  L.  virosa 
and  L.  altissima.  The  two  former  are  officinal,  and  are  here  described.  It  wa 
supposed  that  our  native  L.  elongata  or  wild  lettuce  might  have  similar  virtues 
and  Dr.  Bigelow  was  informed  by  physicians  who  had  employed  it,  that  it  act 
as  an  anodyne,  and  promotes  the  secretion  from  the  skin  and  kidneys.  Bu 
according  to  M.  Aubergier,  who  experimented  with  different  species  of  Lactuc 
in  order  to  ascertain  from  which  of  them  lactucarium  might  be  most  advar 
tageously  obtained,  the  milky  juice  of  this  plant  is  of  a flat  and  sweetish  fast 
without  bitterness,  contains  much  mannite,  but  no  bitter  principle,  and  is  de: 
titute  of  narcotic  properties.  (Ann.  de  Therap.,  1843,  p.  18.)  The  probabilit 
is  that  it  is  nearly  or  quite  inert.  It  was,  therefore,  discarded,  at  the  last  rev 
sion,  from  our  national  Pharmacopoeia. 

Lactuca  sativa.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  ii.  1523.  The  garden  lettuce  is  an  annu: 
plant.  The  stem,  which  rises  above  two  feet  in  height,  is  erect,  round,  sirnp- 
below,  and  branching  in  its  upper  part.  The  lower  leaves  are  obovate,  rounde 


ART  I. 


Lactuca. — Lactucarium. 


439 


't  the  end,  and  undulating;  the  upper  are  smaller,  sessile,  cordate,  and  toothed ; 
oth  are  shining,  and  of  a yellowish-green  colour.  The  flowers  are  pale-yellow, 
mall,  and  disposed  in  an  irregular  terminal  corymb.  Before  the  flower-stem 
jegins  to  shoot,  the  plant  contains  a bland,  pellucid  juice,  has  little  taste  or  smell, 
nd  is  much  used  as  a salad  for  the  table;  but  during  the  period  of  inflorescence 
t abounds  in  a milky  juice,  which  readily  escapes  from  incisions  in  the  stem,  and 
las  been  found  to  possess  decided  medicinal  as  well  as  sensible  properties.  This 
uice  is  more  abundant  in  the  wild  than  in  the  cultivated  plants.  That  of  L. 
Xxtiva,  inspissated  by  exposure  to  the  air,  has  been  adopted  as  oflicinal  in  the 
Ij.  S.  and  British  Pharmacopoeias,  under  the  name  of  Lactucarium.  The  Edin- 
iurgh  and  Dublin  Colleges  admit  also  L.  virosa  as  a source  of  it. 

The  original  native  country  of  the  garden  lettuce  is  unknown.  The  plant  has 
ieen  cultivated  from  time  immemorial,  and  is  now  employed  in  all  parts  of  the 
ivilized  world.  It  flourishes  equally  in  hot  and  temperate  latitudes.  Some 
lotanists  suppose  that  L.  virosa  of  the  old  continent  is  the  parent  of  all  the 
■arieties  of  the  cultivated  plant. 

The  milky  juice  undergoes  little  alteration,  if  confined  in  closely  stopped  bottles 
rom  which  the  air  is  excluded.  But,  when  exposed  to  the  air,  it  concretes,  and 
ssumes  a brownish  colour  somewhat  like  that  of  opium.  The  following  mode 
f collecting  it  was  recommended  by  Mr.  Young,  of  Edinburgh.  When  the  stem 
3 about  a foot  high,  the  top  is  cut  off,  and  the  juice  which  exudes,  being  absorbed 
jy  cotton  or  a piece  of  sponge,  is  pressed  out  into  a cup  or  other  small  vessel, 
nd  exposed  till  it  concretes.  In  order  to  obtain  all  the  juice  which  the  plant  is 
apable  of  affording,  it  is  necessary  to  cut  off  five  or  six  successive  slices  of  the 
tem  at  short  intervals,  and  to  repeat  the  process  two  or  three  times  a day.  The 
uice  may  also  be  collected  by  the  finger  as  it  flows  from  the  incisions. 

A plan  proposed  by  Mr.  Probart,  of  London,  is  to  collect  the  milky  juice  on 
>ieces  of  woven  cotton  about  half  a yard  square,  to  throw  these  when  fully  charged 
nto  a vessel  containing  a small  quantity  of  water,  and  allow  the  water  thus  im- 
iregnated  to  evaporate  in  shallow  dishes  at  the  ordinary  atmospheric  temperature. 
?he  lactucarium  is  left  in  the  form  of  an  extract. 

Another  method  of  extracting  the  virtues  of  the  lettuce  has  been  recommended 
»y  Mr.  Probart.  When  the  plant  begins  to  assume  a yellow  hue,  the  white  juice 
oncretes  in  the  bark  of  the  stem,  and  in  the  old  leaves,  which  become  very  bitter, 
.’hese  parts  being  separated,  are  macerated  for  twenty-four  hours  in  water,  then 
>oiled  for  two  hours;  and  the  clear  decoction,  after  having  been  allowed  to  drain 
'ff  through  a sieve  without  pressure,  is  evaporated  in  shallow  vessels  by  simple 
xposure.  The  resulting  extract,  according  to  Mr.  Probart,  has  half  the  strength 
if  lactucarium,  and  may  be  obtained  at  one-sixth  of  the  cost. 

The  London  College  directs  an  extract  to  be  prepared  by  inspissating  the  ex- 
pressed juice  of  the  leaves;  but  this  must  be  exceedingly  uncertain,  from  the 
'ariable  quantity  of  the  milky  juice  contained  in  the  plant;  and,  as  the  young- 
eaves,  which  contain  little  or  none  of  it,  are  often  employed,  the  preparation  is 
iable  to  be  quite  inert.  The  thridace  of  Dr.  Frampois,  at  one  time  supposed  to 
j>e  identical  with  lactucarium,  is  in  all  probability  nothing  more  than  the  inspis- 
ated  expressed  juice,  and,  indeed,  is  directed  as  such  in  the  last  French  Codex, 
he  leaves  being  rejected,  and  the  stalks  alone,  near  the  flowering  period,  being 
ubjected  to  pressure. 

M.  Aubergier,  of  Clermont,  in  a treatise  presented  to  the  French  Academy  of 
■Sciences  in  November,  1842,  states  that  lactucarium,  identical  with  that  of  the 
garden  lettuce,  is  yielded  by  several  other  species  of  Lactuca,  and  can  be  abund- 
antly and  cheaply  procured  from  Lactuca  altissima,  which  is  a large  plant  with 
i stem  more  than  nine  feet  high,  and  an  inch  and  a half  in  diameter.  ( Annuaire 
le  Tldrap.j  1843,  p.  18.) 


440 


Lactuca. — Lactucarium. 


PART  ] 


Lactucarium  is  in  small  irregular  lumps,  of  a reddish-brown  colour  external]) 
and  of  a narcotic  odour  and  bitter  taste.  As  prepared  near  Edinburgh,  it  is  con 
rnonly  in  roundish,  compact,  and  rather  hard  masses,  weighing  several  ounce* 

( Christiaan.)  In  colour,  taste,  and  smell  it  bears  considerable  resemblance  t 
opium,  and  has  sometimes  been  called  lettuce  opium.  It  does  not  attract  moistur 
from  the  air.  It  yields  nearly  half  its  weight  to  water,  with  which  it  forms 
deep-brown  infusion.  From  its  resemblance  in  sensible  properties  and  there 
peutical  effects  to  opium,  it  was  conjectured  to  contain  morphia,  or  some  analc 
gous  principle;  but  this  conjecture  has  not  yet  been  realized.  Buchner,  Aubergiei 
and  Walz  claim  severally  to  have  discovered  the  active  principle,  which  has  bee: 
named  lactucin ; but  the  substance  obtained  by  these  different  chemists  is  no 
exactly  identical  in  properties;  and  the  lactucin  of  Walz  and  Aubergier  is  cod 
sidered  by  M.  Lenoir  as  owing  its  bitterness  to  impurities,  separated  from  whiej 
it  is  without  taste  and  inert.  It  is  at  least  doubtful  whether  the  constituent  upo' 
which  the  medical  virtues  of  lactucarium  depend  has  yet  been  isolated.  We  giv 
in  a note  the  results  of  various  analyses  of  this  medicine.  They  all  relate  to  th 
lactucarium  obtained  from  the  Lactuca  virosa.* 

* Buchner  published  experiments  on  lactucarium  in  1832.  His  results  are  not  essentiall 
different  from  those  subsequently  obtained.  The  principle,  named  by  him  lactucin,  is  bittei 
soluble  in  water,  more  soluble  in  alcohol,  less  so  in  ether,  without  alkaline  reaction  thougi 
precipitated  by  tannic  acid,  destitute  of  nitrogen,  capable  of  forming  with  acids  very  solubl 
bitter  combinations,  and  not  easily  obtained  perfectly  white  and  crystallized.  ( Pharm . Journ 
and  Trans.,  vii.  74,  from  Buchner's  Reperlorium,  xiv.) 

Dr.  Walz,  in  an  inaugural  thesis  published  at  Heidelberg  in  1839,  gives  the  followinj 
constituents  of  lactucarium  from  L.  virosa;  viz.,  a peculiar  principle  denominated  lactucin 
volatile  oil,  a fatty  matter  easily  dissolved  by  ether,  and  another  of  difficult  solubility  ii 
that  fluid,  a reddish-yellow  tasteless  resin,  a greenish-yellow  acrid  resin,  common  sugar 
uncrystallizable  sugar,  gum,  pectic  acid,  a brown  humus-like  acid,  a brown  basic  substance 
albumen,  oxalic,  citric,  malic,  and  nitric  acids,  potassa,  lime,  and  magnesia.  Lactucin,  a 
obtained  by  Walz,  is  in  yellow  crystalline  needles,  inodorous,  of  a strong  and  durable  bitte: 
taste,  easily  fusible,  soluble  in  from  60  to  80  parts  of  cold  water,  freely  soluble  in  alcohol 
less  so  in  ether,  soluble  in  very  dilute  acids,  and  without  cither  alkaline  or  acid  reaction 
( Annal . der  Pharm.,  xxxii.  97.)  It  was  obtained  by  treating  lactucarium  with  alcoho 
acidulated  with  one-fifteenth  of  concentrated  vinegar,  adding  an  equal  volume  of  water 
precipitating  by  subacetate  of  lead,  separating  the  excess  of  lead  by  sulphuretted  hydrogen 
filtering,  evaporating  by  a gentle  heat,  treating  the  residuum  by  ether,  and  allowing  tlr 
ethereal  solution  to  evaporate  spontaneously. 

M.  Aubergier,  in  his  memoir  presented  to  the  French  Academy  in  1842.  gives  the  fol 
lowing  as  the  result  of  his  analysis:  1.  a bitter  crystallizable  substance  ( lactucin 1 solubl 
in  alcohol  and  boiling  water,  scarcely  soluble  in  cold  water,  insoluble  in  ether,  withou 
alkaline  reaction,  and  supposed  to  be  the  active  principle;  2.  mannite;  3.  asparamide;  4 
a crystallizable  substance  having  the  property  of  colouring  green  the  sesquisalts  of  irou 
5.  an  electro-negative  resin,  combined  with  potassa ; 6.  a neuter  resin ; 7.  ulmate  of  potassa 
8.  cerin,  myricin,  pectin,  and  albumen;  9.  oxalate,  malate,  nitrate,  and  sulphate  of  potassa 
chloride  of  potassium,  phosphate  of  lime  and  magnesia,  oxides  of  iron  and  manganese,  an 
silica.  The  bitter  principle  above  referred  to  separates  from  its  solution  in  boiling  wate 
upon  cooling,  in  pearly  scales.  By  the  reaction  of  alkalies  it  loses  its  bitterness,  which  i 
not  restored  by  acids.  The  lactescence  of  the  fresh  juice  of  lettuce  is  owing  to  a mixtur 
of  wax  and  resin,  and  not  to  caoutchouc,  as  previously  supposed.  (Ann.  de  Therap.,  1843 
p.  19.)  The  bitter  principle  of  Aubergier  differs  from  that  of  Dr.  Walz  in  being  less  solubl 
in  cold  water,  and  insoluble  in  ether. 

M.  Lenoir  considers  the  lactucin  of  these  two  chemists  as  impure,  and  denies  that  it  i 
the  active  principle,  which,  he  thinks,  is  probably  an  organic  alkali.  He  obtained  the  lac 
tucin  pure  by  treating  the  lactucarium  of  L.  virosa  with  boiling  alcohol,  and  filtering  whil 
hot.  It  was  deposited  on  the  cooling  of  the  liquid,  and  afterwards  purified  by  frequen 
crystallization  from  alcohol,  and  treatment  with  animal  charcoal.  Thus  obtained,  it  wa 
without  taste  or  smell,  and  without  effect  upon  the  system.  It  was  nearly  insoluble  in  watei 
but  readily  dissolved  by  alcohol,  ether,  and  the  volatile  and  fixed  oils.  He  proposed  to  nam 
it  lactucone,  leaving  the  former  name  for  the  active  principle  when  isolated.  (Ann.  ae  Chin 
el  de  Rhys.,  Feb.  1847.)  According  to  Walz,  the  lactucone  of  Lenoir  is  only  the  fatty  matte 


IRT  I. 


Lactuca. — Lactucarium. 


441 


Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  That  lettuce  possesses  soporific  properties,  is  a 
fit  which  was  known  to  the  ancients ; but  Dr.  J.  R.  Coxe,  of  Philadelphia,  enjoys 
t.<  credit  of  having  first  proposed  the  employment  of  its  inspissated  milky  juice 
aa  medicine.  From  experiments  with  a tincture  prepared  from  lactucarium, 
I,  Coxe  obtained  the  same  results  as  usually  follow  the  administration  of  lauda- 
noi.  Dr.  Duncan,  senior,  of  Edinburgh,  afterwards  paid  particular  attention 
tdke  subject,  and,  in  his  treatise  on  pulmonary  consumption,  recommended 
litucarium  as  a substitute  for  opium,  the  anodyne  properties  of  which  it  pos- 
sses,  without  being  followed  by  the  same  injurious  effects.  In  consequence  of 
ts  recommendation,  the  medicine  came  into  extensive  use,  and  was  adopted  as 
ocinal  in  several  of  the  Pharmacopoeias.  Dr.  Francois,  a Freuch  physician, 
at)  investigated  the  medicinal  properties  of  the  inspissated  juice  of  lettuce, 
/cording  to  that  author,  it  is  sedative,  diminishing  the  rapidity  of  the  circula- 
te, and  consequently  the  temperature  of  the  body,  without  producing  that  dis- 
tibance  of  the  functions  which  often  follows  the  use  of  opium.  The  general 
inreuce  which  may  be  drawn  from  the  recorded  experience  in  relation  to  lac- 
tiarium  is,  that  it  has,  in  a much  inferior  degree,  the  anodyne  and  calming 
p perties  of  opium,  without  its  disposition  to  excite  the  circulation,  to  produce 

diiovered  by  himself.  Thieme  could  not  divide  this  into  the  two  kinds  noticed  by  Walz  as 
daring  in  their  solubility  in  ether,  and,  considering  it  as  a peculiar  substance,  proposes  for 
it  e name  of  lactucerin.  (Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  through  Chem.  Gaz.,  from  Arch,  der  Pharm.) 

he  most  recent  analysis  of  lactucarium  is  by  Ludwig.  That  chemist  found  iu  1 00  parts 
41  >3  of  substances  insoluble  in  water,  and  51-37  of  those  soluble  in  water.  Of  the  insoluble 
niter  42-64  parts  were  of  lactucerin  or  lactucone,  which  he  obtained  by  first  exhausting 
laucarium  with  water,  then  treating  the  insoluble  residue  several  times  with  hot  alcohol 
of >833,  allowing  the  alcoholic  solution  to  evaporate  slowly,  washing  the  yellowish  sub- 
st  ce  thus  procured  with  water,  and  purifying  it  by  re- solution  iu  alcohol,  and  crystalli- 
zam.  Thus  obtained,  it  is  in  snow-white  aggregated  granules,  dissolves  in  strong  hot 
aljbol,  which  deposits  it  on  cooling,  is  readily  soluble  in  ether  but  insoluble  in  water, 
hemes  transparent  and  tenacious  when  moderately  heated  in  a platinum  dish,  melts  com- 
pl  :ly  at  a higher  heat  with  the  escape  of  white  odorous  vapours,  is  incapable  of  saponi- 
ficiion  by  caustic  potassa,  and  is  therefore  not  properly  a fat,  and  iu  alcoholic  solution 
fatly  reddens  litmus  paper.  It  consists  of  carbon,  hydrogen,  and  oxygen  (C40H34O6). 
Bedes  this  principle  there  were  3-99  parts  of  wax,  and  2-00  of  lignin,  and  of  a substance 
wl'h  swelled  in  ammonia,  and  was  insoluble  in  water,  alcohol,  and  ether.  Of  the  51-37 
pas  soluble  in  water,  6-98  were  of  albumen,  1-75  of  lactucerin  held  in  solution  by  other 
su  tances,  27-68  of  bitter  extract  soluble  in  water  and  in  alcohol,  and  14-96  of  watery  extract 
in:  uble  in  alcohol  of  0-830.  The  former  of  these  extracts  was  found  to  contain  a peculiar 
aci  substance  called  lactucic  acid,  and  the  lactucin  of  Aubergier.  To  obtain  these  prin- 
cijjs,  80  parts  of  lactucarium,  in  fine  powder,  were  triturated  with  80  of  pure  cold  diluted 
su huric  acid,  and  then  mixed  with  400  parts  of  alcohol  of  0-851 ; the  liquor  was  filtered, 
sifen  with  hydrate  of  lime  till  it  yielded  no  precipitate  with  baryta- water  or  oxalate  of 
pojisa,  then  decolorized  with  pure  animal  charcoal  and  evaporated;  the  brown  tenacious 
fflfj  thus  obtained  (alcoholic  extract)  was  treated  with  boiling  water,  which  left  behind  a 
visa  substance ; the  aqueous  solution  was  treated  with  animal  charcoal,  and  on  being 
ev'orated  yielded  a mixture  of  lactucic  acid  and  lactucin;  these  were  separated  by  dis- 
sol  ng  the  mixture  in  boiling  water,  which  on  cooling  deposited  the  latter  in  white  crystal - 
lhwcales,  and  gave  up  the  former  upon  subsequent  evaporation.  Lactucic  acid  is  of  difficult 
on allization,  light-yellow,  strongly  bitter,  without  sour  taste,  of  an  acid  reaction,  and 
resly  soluble  in  alcohol  and  water.  It  has  as  much  claim  as  any  other  discovered  sub- 
staj:e  to  be  considered  the  active  principle  of  lactucarium.  Lactucin,  purified  by  animal 
clihoal,  is  in  white  pearly  scales,  the  solution  of  which  exhibits  no  reaction  with  subacetate 
or  etate  of  lead,  or  solution  of  iodine.  It  is  dissolved  without  change  of  colour  by  con- 
cert ated  sulphuric  acid.  Besides  the  above  ingredients,  Ludwig  found  also  in  lactucarium 
u sjslance  resembling  mannite,  oxalic  acid,  another  organic  acid  not  well  determined,  a soft 
resi  potassa,  magnesia,  and  oxide  of  iron.  Distilled  with  diluted  sulphuric  acid,  it  gave  an 
acioroduct  smelling  like  lactucarium,  which,  saturated  with  carbonate  of  lime,  and  again 
dialed  with  bisulphate  of  potassa,  yielded  an  acid  fluid  having  the  odour  of  valerian. 
(L'rm.  Cent.  Blatt,  June,  1847,  p.  438,  from  Arch,  der  Pharm.,  ii.  1 and  129.  See  also 
Art  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xx.  57.) — Note  to  the  eighth  edition. 


442  Lactuca. — Lactucarium. — Lactuca  Virosa. — Lappa,  part, 

headache  and  obstinate  constipation,  and  to  derange  the  digestive  organs.  1 
this  country  the  medicine  is  occasionally  employed  to  allay  cough,  and  qu 
nervous  irritation.  It  may  be  given  in  all  cases  in  which,  while  opium  is  indica  1 
in  reference  to  its  anodyne  or  soothing  influence,  it  cannot  be  administered  fr  i 
idiosyncrasy  of  the  patient.  It  is,  however,  very  uncertain.  The  dose  is  frji 
five  to  fifteen  or  twenty  grains.  An  alcoholic  extract  would  be  a good  preparati . 
It  may  be  given  in  the  dose  of  from  two  to  five  grains. 

Water  distilled  from  lettuce  ( eau  de  laitue)  is  used  in  France  as  a mild  st- 
rive, in  the  quantity  of  from  two  to  four  ounces.  The  fresh  leaves  boiled  in  w;r 
are  sometimes  employed  in  the  shape  of  cataplasm.  It  is  said  that  in  Egyja 
mild  oil  is  derived  from  the  seeds,  fit  for  culinary  use. 

Off.  Prep,  of  Lactuca.  Extractum  Lactucse. 

Off.  Prep,  of  Lactucarium.  Tinctura  Lactucarii ; Trochisci  Lactucarii. 

IV 

LACTUCA  VIROSA.  Dub. 

Acrid  Lettuce. 

Laitue  vireuse,  Fr.;  Gift-Lattig,  Germ.;  Lattuga  salvatica,  Ilal. 

Lactuca.  See  LACTUCA. 

Lactuca  virosa.  Wilid.  Sp.  Plant,  iii.  1526;  Woodv.  Med.  Bot.p.  To,  t. .. 
The  acrid,  or  strong-scented  lettuce  is  biennial,  with  a stem  from  two  to  four  ;t 
high,  erect,  prickly  near  the  base,  above  smooth  and  divided  into  brane 
The  lower  leaves  are  large,  oblong-obovate,  undivided,  toothed,  commonly  pric  y 
on  the  under  side  of  the  midrib,  sessile,  and  horizontal;  the  upper  are  smalr, 
clasping,  and  often  lobed;  the  bractes  are  cordate  and  pointed.  The  floweire 
numerous,  of  a sulphur-yellow  colour,  and  disposed  in  a panicle.  The  placis 
a native  of  Europe. 

L.  virosa  is  lactescent,  and  has  a strong  disagreeable  smell  like  that  of  opia, 
and  a bitterish  acrid  taste.  The  inspissated  expressed  juice  is  the  part  usuly 
employed  in  medicine.  It  should  be  prepared  while  the  plant  is  in  flowerks 
the  milky  fluid,  upon  which  its  virtues  depend,  is  then  most  abundant.  Leu- 
carium  may  be  advantageously  prepared  from  this  species,  which  is  said  to  jld 
it  in  greater  quantity,  and  of  better  quality,  than  the  garden  lettuce.  3Ir.  Sckz, 
of  Germany,  obtained  only  17  grains,  on  the  average,  from  a single  plant  olhe 
garden  lettuce,  while  a plant  of  L.  virosa  yielded  56  grains. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  The  extract  or  inspissated  expressed  juice,  a 
sedative  narcotic,  said  also  to  be  gently  laxative,  powerfully  diuretic,  and  s«e- 
what  diaphoretic.  It  is  employed  in  Europe,  particularly  in  Germany,  iuhe 
treatment  of  dropsy,  and  is  especially  recommended  in  cases  attended  with  visual 
obstruction.  It  is  usually,  however,  combined  with  squill,  digitalis,  or  .-ue 
other  diuretic;  and  it  is  not  easy  to  decide  how  much  of  the  effect  is  justly  asib- 
able  to  the  lettuce.  The  medicine  is  never  used  in  this  country.  The  do:  i-; 
eight  or  ten  grains,  which  may  be  gradually  increased  to  a scruple  or  nre. 
Lactuca  Scariola,  another  European  species,  possesses  similar  properties,  a:  is 
used  for  the  same  purposes.  I 

LAPPA.  U.  S.  Secondary. 

Burdock. 

The  root  of  Lappa  minor.  U.  S. 

Bardane,  Fr.;  Gemeine  Ivlette,  Germ.;  Bard  arm,  It  ah.  Span. 

Arctium.  Sex.  Sgst.  Syngenesia  JEqualis. — Mat.  Ord.  Composite  Cinb*j 
De  Cand.  Cynaraceae,  Lind  leg. 


PRT  I. 


443 


Lappa. — Lauro-cerasus. 

Gen.  Ch.  Receptacle  chaffy.  Calyx  globular;  the  scales  at  the  apex  with  invert- 
eihooks.  Seed-down  bristly,  chaffy.  Willd. 

Arctmm  Lappa.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  iii.  1631 ; Woodv.  Med.  Bot.  p.  32, 1. 13. — 
Tppa  major.  De  Cand.  Prodrom.  vi.  661.  Burdock  is  a biennial  plant,  with  a 
si  pie  spindle-shaped  root,  a foot  or  more  in  length,  brown  externally,  white 
a:i  spongy  within,  furnished  with  thread-like  fibres,  and  having  withered  scales 
n r the  summit.  The  stem  is  succulent,  pubescent,  branching,  and  three  or  four 
ft;  in  height,  hearing  very  large  cordate,  denticulate  leaves,  which  are  green  on 
tlir  upper  surface,  whitish  and  downy  on  the  under,  and  stand  on  long  footstalks. 
Is  flowers  are  purple,  globose,  and  in  terminal  panicles.  The  calyx  consists  of 
inricated  scales,  with  hooked  extremities,  by  which  they  adhere  to  clothes,  and 
tl  coats  of  animals.  The  seed-down  is  rough  and  prickly,  and  the  seeds  quad- 
ngular. 

ibis  plant,  which  is  the  one  intended  to  he  designated  in  the  Pharmacopoeia, 
is  native  of  Europe,  and  is  abundant  in  the  United  States,  where  it  grows  on 
tl  roadsides,  among  rubbish,  and  in  cultivated  grounds.  Pursh  thinks  that  it 
w introduced.  The  root,  which  should  be  collected  in  spring,  loses  four-fifths 
of  ts  weight  by  drying. 

ike  odour  of  the  root  is  weak  and  unpleasant,  the  taste  mucilaginous  and 
stetish,  with  a slight  degree  of  bitterness  and  astringency.  Among  its  con- 
staents,  inulin  has  been  found  by  Guibourt,  and  sugar  by  Fee. 

'he  seeds  are  aromatic,  bitterish,  and  somewhat  acrid. 

! kdical  Properties  and  Uses.  The  root  is  considered  aperient,  diaphoretic,  and 
svorific,  without  irritating  properties;  and  has  been  recommended  in  gouty, 
sc  butic,  venereal,  rheumatic,  scrofulous,  leprous,  and  nephritic  affections.  To 
pi/e  effectual  its  use  must  be  persevered  in  for  a long  time.  It  is  best  admi- 
niered  in  the  form  of  decoction,  which  may  be  prepared  by  boiling  two  ounces 
of  he  recent  bruised  root  in  three  pints  of  water  to  two,  and  given  in  the  quantity 
of  pint  during  the  day.  A syrup  has  also  been  prepared  from  it.  The  seeds 
at  diuretic,  and  have  been  used  in  the  same  complaints,  in  the  form  of  emulsion, 
peder,  and  tincture.  The  dose  is  a drachm.  The  leaves  have  also  been  em- 
pl  ed  both  externally  and  internally  in  cutaneous  eruptions  and  ulcerations. 

W. 

LAURO-CERASUS.  Ed.,  Dub. 

■ | 

Cherry-Laurel. 

eaves  of  Prunus  lauro-cerasus.  Ed.  Cerasus  Laurocerasus.  The  leaves.  Dub. 

purier  cerise,  Fr. ; Kii’schlorbeer,  Germ.;  Lauro  ceraso,  Ital. 

erasus.  Sex.  Syst.  Icosandria  Monogynia.  — Nat.  Orel.  Amygdaleae. 

'en.  Ch.  Differing  from  Prunus  only  in  its  fruit  being  destitute  of  bloom, 
wi  the  stone  round  instead  of  acute,  and  the  leaves  when  in  bud  folded  flat, 
njrolled  up.  (Lindley,  Flor.  Mecl.,  232.) 

erasus  Lauro-cerasus.  De  Cand.  Prodrom.  ii.  540.  — Prunus  Lauro-cerasus. 
TPd.  Sp.  Plant,  ii.  988;  Woodv.  Med.  Bot.  p.  513,  t.  185. — This  is  a small 
ey  green  tree,  rising  fifteen  or  twenty  feet  in  height,  with  long  spreading  branches, 
wlh,  as  well  as  the  trunk,  are  covered  with  a smooth  blackish  bark.  The  leaves, 
wi:h  stand  alternately  on  short  strong  footstalks,  are  oval-oblong,  from  five  to 
se  q inches  in  length,  acute,  finely  toothed,  firm,  coriaceous,  smooth,  beautifully 
gr  □ and  shining,  with  oblique  nerves,  and  yellowish  glands  at  the  base.  The 
flo  ;rs  are  small,  white,  strongly  odorous,  and  disposed  in  simple  axillary  racemes. 
Tl  fruit  consists  of  oval  drupes,  very  similar  in  shape  and  structure  to  small 
blii  i cherries. 

ae  cherry-laurel  is  a native  of  Asia  Minor,  but  has  been  introduced  into 


444 


Lauro-cerasus. — Laurus. 


PARI , 


Europe,  throughout  which  it  is  cultivated,  both  for  medical  use  and  for  > 
beauty  of  its  shining  evergreen  foliage.  Almost  all  parts  of  it  are  more  or  1 ; 
impregnated  with  the  odour  supposed  to  indicate  the  presence  of  hydrocya  * 
acid.  The  leaves  only  are  officinal. 

In  their  recent  and  entire  state  they  have  scarcely  any  smell ; but,  when  bruis , 
they  emit  the  characteristic  odour  of  the  plant  in  a high  degree.  Their  tast<, 
somewhat  astringent  and  strongly  bitter,  with  the  flavour  of  the  peach  ken. 
By  drying  they  lose  their  odour,  but  retain  their  bitterness.  They  yield  a - 
culiar  volatile  oil  and  hydrocyanic  acid  by  distillation  with  water,  which  tb 
strongly  impregnate  with  their  flavour.  The  oil  resembles  that  of  bitter  alraor , 
for  which  it  is  said  to  be  sometimes  sold  in  Europe,  where  it  is  employed  to  flav  r 
liquors  and  various  culinary  preparations;  but,  as  it  is  highly  poisonous,  danr 
may  result  from  its  careless  use.  It  has  not  been  determined  how  far  the  me 
of  production  of  this  oil  resembles  that  of  bitter  almonds.  (S ee  Amygdala  Amar ) 
Chemists  have  failed  in  obtaining  amygdalin  from  the  leaves.  That  the  oil  ess 
already  formed,  to  a certain  extent,  in  the  fresh  leaves,  is  rendered  probable,’ 
the  fact,  stated  by  Winckler,  that  they  yield  it  in  considerable  quantity  w.j 
distilled  without  water.  ( Journ . de  Pharm.,  xxv.  195.)  The  fresh  leaves  e 
used  to  flavour  milk,  cream,  &c.,  and  more  safely  than  the  oil;  though  they  jo 
are  poisonous  when  too  largely  employed. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  The  leaves  of  the  cherry-laurel  possess  }» 
perties  similar  to  those  of  hydrocyanic  acid ; and  the  water  distilled  from  thi 
is  much  employed  in  various  parts  of  Europe  for  the  same  purposes  as  that  ace 
medicine.  But  it  is  deteriorated  by  age;  and,  therefore,  as  kept  in  the  shqs, 
must  be  of  variable  strength.  Hence,  while  Hufeland  directs  only  twenty  dr  s 
for  a dose  every  two  hours,  to  be  gradually  increased  to  sixty  drops,  M.  Fouqir 
has  administered  several  ounces  without  effect.  Another  source  of  inequalit  y 
strength  must  be  the  variable  quality  of  the  leaves,  according  to  the  time  t y 
have  been  kept  after  separation  from  the  tree,  and  probably  also  to  their  age  d 
degree  of  development.  It  is  not,  therefore,  to  be  regretted,  that  the  want 
the  plant  in  this  country  has  prevented  the  introduction  of  the  distilled  war 
into  our  shops. 

Off.  Prep.  Aqua  Lauro-cerasi.  II 

LAURUS.  Land, 

Bay  Berries. 

Laurus  nobilis.  The  fruit.  Loud. 

Laurier,  Fr.;  Lorbeer,  Germ.;  Allorg,  I Lai.;  Laurel,  Span. 

Laurus.  Sex.  Syst.  Enneandria  Monogynia.  — Mat.  Ord.  Lauracese. 

Gen.  Ch.  Flowers  diceciousor  hermaphrodite,  involuerated.  Calyx  four-para; 
segments  equal,  deciduous.  Fertile  stamens  twelve  in  three  rows  ; the  outer  a i- 
nate  with  the  segments  of  the  calyx ; all  with  two  glands  in  the  middle  or  ake 
it.  Anthers  oblong,  two-celled,  all  looking  inwards.  Fertile  jlmcers  withjro 
to  four  castrated  males  surrounding  the  ovary.  Stigma  capitate.  Fruit  sua- 
lent,  seated  in  the  irregular  base  of  the  calyx.  Umbels  axillary,  stalked.  (Li- 
ley,  Flor.  Med.,  340.) 

Laurus  nohilis.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  ii.  479  ; Wood v.  Med.  Bot.  p.  67S,  t.  A 
This  species  of  laurel  is  an  evergreen  tree,  attaining  in  its  native  climate^ 
height  of  twenty  or  thirty  feet.  Its  leaves  are  alternate,  on  short  petioles,  A- 
lanceolate,  entire,  sometimes  wavy,  veined,  of  a firm  texture,  smooth,  shins, 
deep-green  upon  their  upper  surface,  paler  beneath.  The  flowers  are  dioeein. 
of  a yellowish-white  colour,  and  placed  in  small  clusters  of  three  or  four  togeer 


PAT  I. 


Laurus.— Lavandula. 


445 


jtq  a common  peduncle  in  the  axils  of  the  leaves.  The  corolla  is  divided  into 
Po||  oval  segments.  The  fruit  is  an  oval  berry,  of  the  size  of  a small  cherry, 
m when  ripe  of  a dark  purple,  nearly  black  colour. 

he  bay  tree,  so  famous  among  the  ancients,  is  a native  of  the  countries  bor- 
leng  on  the  Mediterranean.  Its  leaves  and  fruit,  and  an  oil  expressed  from 
Hatter,  are  the  officinal  parts. 

he  leaves  have  a fragrant  odour,  especially  when  bruised,  and  a bitter,  aro- 
m:ic,  somewhat  astringent  taste.  They  yield  by  distillation  a greenish-yellow 
voltile  oil,  upon  which  their  properties  chiefly  depend.  Water  distilled  from 
thin  has  their  peculiar  odour.  The  berries  when  dried  are  black  and  wrinkled, 
an  contain  two  oval,  fatty  seeds  within  a thin,  friable  envelope ; or  they  may 
bejonsidered  as  drupes,  with  a kernel  divisible  into  two  lobes.  They  have  the 
saie  aromatic  odour  and  taste  as  the  leaves,  but  are  more  pungent.  Besides 
anlssential  oil,  they  contain  also  a fixed  oil,  which  may  be  separated  by  expres- 
sic  or  decoction.  The  expressed  oil,  which  is  obtained  from  the  fresh  fruit,  is 
colrete,  of  a greenish  colour,  and  retains  a portion  of  the  volatile  oil,  which 
reiers  it  agreeably  aromatic.  Lard,  impregnated  with  the  odorous  principle 
of  ie  berries,  and  coloured  green,  is  said  to  be  often  substituted  for  the  genuine 
ex  essed  oil.  The  sophistication  may  be  detected  by  means  of  boiling  alcohol, 
wl  h dissolves  the  laurel  oil. 

'(‘dical  Properties  and  Uses.  The  leaves,  berries,  and  oil  of  the  bay  tree 
sss  exciting  and  narcotic  properties ; but  at  present  are  never  used  internally 
edicines,  and  in  this  country  are  scarcely  employed  in  any  manner.  Their 
’ use  is  to  communicate  a pleasant  odour  to  external  stimulant  remedies. 
Di  A..  T.  Thomson  says  that  he  has  found  an  infusion  of  the  berries  useful  in 
im  tigo. 

W.  Prep.  Confectio  Butae;  Emplastrum  Cumini.  W. 

LAVANDULA.  U.  A,  Loncl,  Ed.,  Dub. 

Lavender. 


SU] 


ie  flowers  of  Lavandula  vera.  U.  S.,  Land.,  Dub.  The  flowering  heads.  Ed. 
vande,  Fr.;  Lavandelblumen,  Germ.,-  Lavandola,  Ital.;  Esplicgo,  alkucema,  Span. 
vvandula.  Sex.  Syst.  Didynamia  Gymnospermia. — Nat.  Ord.  Lamiacecc 
or  ibiatse. 

°n.Cli.  Calyx  ovate,  somewhat  toothed,  supported  by  a bracte.  Corolla  re- 
le.  Stamens  within  the  tube.  Willd. 

ivandula  vera.  De  Cand.  F/nr.  Fr.  Sup.  p.  398- — L.  Spica.  Willd.  Sp. 
Pkt.  iii.  60;  Woodv.  Med.  Bot.  p.  321,  t.  114. — The  Lavandula  Spica  of 
Litmus  includes  two  distinct  species,  which  were  considered  by  him  merely  as 
vafties  of  the  same  plant,  but  have  been  separated  by  subsequent  botanists.  Of 
the,  the  officinal  plant,  the  narrow-leaved  variety  of  Linnaeus,  has  been  de- 
noinated  by  De  Candolle  L.  vera,  while  the  broad-leaved  variety  still  retains 
theitle  of  L.  Spica.  The  latter  is  scarcely  cultivated  in  Great  Britain  or  the 
Un  ad  States. 

ae  common  lavender  is  a small  shrub,  usually  not  more  than  two  or  three 
feejiigb,  but  sometimes  as  much  as  six  feet.  The  stem  is  woody  below,  and 
cowed  with  a brown  bark;  above,  is  divided  into  numerous,  slender,  straight, 
hei  iceous,  pubescent,  quadrangular  branches,  furnished  with  opposite,  sessile, 
naij  w,  nearly  linear,  entire,  and  green  or  glaucous  leaves.  The  flowers  are 
sm  , blue,  and  disposed  in  interrupted  whorls  around  the  young  shoots,  form- 
ingarmmal  cylindrical  spikes.  Each  whorl  is  accompanied  with  two  bractes. 
Th  iorolla  is  tubular  and  labiate,  with  the  lower  lip  divided  into  three  segments, 
the  pper  larger  and  bifid.  The  filaments  are  within  the  tube. 


446 


Limon. — Limonis  Cortex. — Limonum  Succus. 


PART  ] 


The  plant  is  a native  of  Southern  Europe,  and  covers  vast  tracts  of  dry  an 
barren  land  in  Spain,  Italy,  and  the  South  of  France.  It  is  cultivated  abunc 
antly  in  our  gardens,  and  in  this  country  flowers  in  August.  It  is  said  that  i 
fields,  when  too  thickly  planted,  it  is  apt  to  suffer  from  a disease  consequent  o 
the  noxious  influence  of  its  own  aroma,  which  is  relieved  by  thinning  the  plant; 
( Pharrn . Journ.  and  Trans.,  x.  119.)  All  parts  of  it  are  endowed  with  aromat: 
properties ; but  the  flowers  only  are  officinal.  The  spikes  should  be  cut  whe 
they  begin  to  bloom. 

Lavender  flowers  have  a strong  fragrant  odour,  and  an  aromatic,  warm,  bi 
terish  taste.  They  retain  their  fragrance  long  after  drying.  Alcohol  extrac 
their  virtues;  and  a volatile  oil  upon  which  their  odour  depends  rises  with  th. 
liquid  in  distillation.  The  oil  may  be  procured  separate  by  distilling  theflowe 
with  water.  (See  Oleum  Lavandulae.)  Hagan  obtained  from  a pound  of  tl 
fresh  flowers  from  half  a drachm  to  two  drachms  of  the  oil. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Lavender  is  an  aromatic  stimulant  and  toni 
esteemed  useful  in  certain  conditions  of  nervous  debility,  but  seldom  given  in  i 
crude  state.  The  products  obtained  by  its  distillation  are  much  used  in  pe 
fumery,  and  as  adjuvants  to  other  medicines,  which  they  render  at  the  same  tin 
more  acceptable  to  the  palate,  and  cordial  to  the  stomach. 

Off.  Prep.  Oleum  Lavandulae;  Spiritus  Lavandulae.  W. 

LIMON.  U.S. 

Lemons. 

The  fruit  of  Citrus  Limonum  ( De  Candolle).  U.  S. 

Off.  Syn.  LIMONES.  Fruit  of  Citrus  medica  and  Citrus  Limonum.  Lemo 
and  Limes.  Ed. 

Limons,  Citrons,  Fr.;  Limonen,  Citronen,  Germ.;  Limoni,  dial.;  Limones,  Span. 

LIMONIS  CORTEX.  U.  S. 

Lemon  Peel. 

The  outer  rind  of  the  fruit  of  Citrus  Limonum.  U.  S. 

Off  Syn.  LIMONUM  CORTEX.  Citrus  Limonum.  The  recent  and  drl 
exterior  rind  of  the  fruit.  Lond.  Rind  of  the  fruit  of  Citrus  Medica.  L 
LIMONES.  CITRUS  LIMONUM.  The  fresh  rind  of  the  fruit.  Dul. 

LIMONUM  SUCCUS.  Lond. 

Lemon  Juice. 

The  juice  of  the  fruit.  Land. 

Off.  Syn.  LIMONES.  CITRUS  LIMONUM.  The  juice  of  the  fruit.  D-. 

For  some  general  remarks  on  the  genus  Citrus,  see  Aurantii  Cortex. 

Citrus  medica.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  iii.  11*26 ; Woodv.  Med.  Bot.  p.  582'. 
189.  This  tree  closely  resembles  in  its  general  aspect  the  C.  Aurantium  bele 
described.  The  leaves,  however,  are  larger,  slightly  indented  at  the  edges,  :d 
stand  upon  footstalks  which  are  destitute  of  the  winged  appendages  that  o- 
racterize  the  other  species.  The  flowers,  moreover,  have  a purplish  tingen 
their  outer  surface,  and  the  fruit  is  entirel}-  different  in  appearance  from  k 
orange.  There  are  several  varieties  of  Citrus  medica,  which  some  botanists  o- 
sider  as  distinct  species,  but  which  scarcely  differ  except  in  the  character  of  tilt 


IRT  I. 


Limon. — Limonis  Cortex. 


447 


f it.  Those  particularly  deserving  of  notice  are  the  citron,  lemon,  and  lime. 
ITn  the  citron,  C.  medica  of  Risso,  the  fruit  is  very  large,  sometimes  sis  inches 
i length,  ovoidal  with  a double  rind,  of  which  the  outer  layer  is  yellowish,  thin, 
requal,  rugged,  with  innumerable  vesicles  filled  with  essential  oil;  the  inner 
iwhite,  very  thick,  and  spongy.  It  is  divided  in  the  interior  into  nine  or  ten 
els,  filled  with  oblong  vesicles,  which  contain  an  acid  juice  precisely  like  that 
c the  lemon,  and  used  for  the  same  purposes.  The  rind  is  applied  to  the  pre- 
pation  of  conserves,  to  which  it  is  adapted  by  its  thickness.  This  fruit  is  called 
drat  by  the  French.  2.  The  lemon — C.  medica,  variety  limon  of  Linnaeus — 
t:  Citrus  Limonium  of  Risso — is  smaller  than  the  preceding  variety,  with  a 
soother  and  thinner  rind,  a pointed  nipple-shaped  summit,  and  a very  juicy  and 
ad  pulp.  In  other  respects  it  closely  resembles  the  citron,  to  which,  however, 
iis  usually  preferred  in  consequence  of  the  greater  abundance  of  its  juice. 
SThe  lime  is  still  smaller  than  the  lemon,  with  a smoother  and  thinner  rind, 
oil,  rounded  at  the  extremities,  of  a pale-yellow  or  greenish-yellow  colour,  and 
aounding  in  a very  acid  juice,  which  renders  it  highly  useful  for  all  the  purposes 
t which  the  lemon  is  applied.  It  is  the  product  of  the  variety  C.  acris  of  Miller. 
The  Citrus  medica,  like  the  orange-tree,  is  a native  of  Asia.  It  was  intro- 
cked  into  Europe  from  Persia  or  Media,  was  first  cultivated  in  Greece,  after- 
vrds  in  Italy,  so  early  as  the  second  century,  and  has  now  spread  over  the 
role  civilized  world,  being  raised  by  artificial  heat,  where  the  climate  is  too 
cd  to  admit  of  its  exposure  with  safety  during  winter  to  the  open  air. 

We  are  supplied  with  lemons  and  limes  chiefly  from  the  West  Indies  and  the 
I diterranean.  Though  the  former  of  these  fruits  only  is  directed  by  the  United 
£ tes  Pharmacopoeia,  both  kinds  are  employed  indiscriminately  for  most  medi- 
cal purposes ; and  the  lime  affords  a juice  at  least  equal  in  proportional  quantity, 
al  in  acidity,  to  that  obtained  from  the  lemon. 

Properties.  The  exterior  rind  of  the  lemon  has  a fragrant  odour,  and  a warm, 
amatic,  bitter  taste,  somewhat  similar  to  that  of  the  orange,  though  less  agree- 
ae.  It  contains  a bitter  principle,  and  yields,  by  expression  or  distillation,  an 
e mtial  oil  which  is  much  used  for  its  flavour.  Both  this  and  the  rind  itself 
a recognised  as  officinal  in  all  the  Pharmacopoeias.  (See  Oleum  Limonis .) 
I non  peel  yields  its  virtues  to  water,  wine,  and  alcohol. 

But  the  juice  is  the  part  for  which  this  fruit  is  most  esteemed.  It  is  sharply 
al,  with  a peculiar  grateful  flavour,  and  consists  chiefly  of  citric  acid,  muci- 
lm,  and  extractive,  dissolved  in  water.  As  lemons  cannot  always  be  obtained, 
t!  juice  is  often  kept  in  a separate  state ; but,  from  its  liability  to  spontaneous 
d omposition,  it  speedily  becomes  unfit  for  medical  use  ; and,  though  various 
pans  have  been  resorted  to  for  its  preservation,  it  can  never  be  made  to  retain 
fi  any  length  of  time  its  original  flavour  unaltered.  The  best  medicinal  sub- 
si  ute  for  lemon  juice  is  a solution  of  crystallized  citric  ac-id  in  water,  in  the 
p portion  of  about  an  ounce  to  the  pint,  with  the  addition  of  a little  oil  of 
Icons.*  One  of  the  most  effectual  methods  of  preserving  the  juice  is  to  allow 
it  d stand  for  a short  time  after  expression  till  a coagulable  matter  separates, 
tlja  to  filter,  and  introduce  it  into  glass  bottles,  with  a stratum  of  almond  oil  or 
o|sr  sweet  oil  upon  its  surface.  It  will  keep  still  better,  if  the  bottles  contain- 
hj  the  filtered  juice  be  suffered,  before  being  closed,  to  stand  for  fifteen  minutes 
hi  vessel  of  boiling  water.  Another  mode  is  to  add  one-tenth  of  alcohol,  and 
tqilter.  The  juice  may  also  be  preserved  by  concentrating  it  either  by  evapo- 
rfjon  with  a gentle  heat,  or  by  exposure  to  a freezing  temperature,  which  con- 
gjis  the  watery  portion,  and  leaves  the  acid  much  stronger  than  before.  When 

Nine  drachms  and  a half,  dissolved  in  a pint  of  water,  form  a solution  of  the  average 
st  ngth  of  lime  juice  ; but,  wdiere  precision  is  not  requisite,  the  proportion  mentioned  in 
tl  text  is  most  convenient. 


448 


Limon. — Limonis  Cortex. — Linum. 


PART 


wanted  for  use  it  may  be  diluted  to  the  former  strength  ; but,  though  the  ae 
properties  are  retained,  the  flavour  of  the  juice  is  found  to  have  been  deteriorate 
Lemon  syrup  is  another  form  in  which  the  juice  is  preserved. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  The  rind  of  the  lemon  is  sometimes  used 
qualify  the  taste  and  increase  the  power  of  stomachic  infusions  and  tincture 
The  juice  is  refrigerant,  and  properly  diluted  forms  a refreshing  and  agreeal 
beverage  in  febrile  and  inflammatory  affections.  It  may  be  given  with  sweeten 
water  in  the  shape  of  lemonade,  or  may  be  added  to  the  mildly  nutritive  drinl 
such  as  gum-water,  barley-water,  &c.,  usually  administered  in  fevers.  It  is  al 
much  employed  in  the  formation  of  those  diaphoretic  preparations  known  by  t 
names  of  neutral  mixture  and  effervescing  dra  light.  (See  Liquor  Potassse  Citrate 
One  of  the  most  beneficial  applications  of  lemon  juice  is  to  the  prevention  ai 
cure  of  scurvy,  for  which  it  may  be  considered  almost  a specific.  For  this  pt 
pose,  ships  destined  for  long  voyages  should  always  be  provided  with  a supp 
of  the  concentrated  juice,  or  of  crystallized  citric  acid  with  the  oil  of  lemor 
Lemon  juice  is  sometimes  prescribed  in  connexion  with  opium  and  Peruvi. 
bark,  the  effects  of  which  it  is  thought  in  some  instances  to  modify  favourabl 
by  substituting  the  citrate  of  their  respective  alkalies  for  the  native  salts, 
has  recently  been  employed  with  great  supposed  advantage  in  the  treatment 
acute  rheumatism,  having  been  given  in  quantities  varying  from  one  to  four  flui 
ounces,  from  four  to  six  times  a day.  It  has  been  used  with  advantage  as  a lot 
application  in  pruritus  of  the  scrotum,  and  in  uterine  hemorrhage  after  deliver 

Off.  Prep,  of  the  Peel.  Infusum  Aurantii  Compositum;  Infusum  Gentiar 
Comp.;  Spiritus  Ammoniae  Aromaticus;  Tinctura  Limonis. 

Off.  Prep,  of  the  Juice.  Acidum  Citricum;  Liquor  Potassae  Citratis;  Syrup 
Limonis.  W. 

LINUM.  US.,  Dub. 

Flaxseed. 

The  seeds  of  Linum  usitatissimum.  U.  S.,  Dub. 

Off.  Syn.  LINT  SEMEN.  Linum  usitatissimum.  The  seed.  Land.;  LI.' 
SEMINA.  Seeds  of  Linum  usitatissimum.  LINI  FARINA.  Meal  of  the  see 
deprived  of  their  fixed  oil  by  expression.  Ed. 

Linseed;  Grains  de  Iin,  Fr.;  Leinsame,  Germ.;  Semi  di  lino,  Ital.;  Linaza,  Span. 

Linum.  Sex.Sgst.  Pentandria  Pentagynia. — Nat.  Ord.  Linaceaj. 

Gen.  Ch.  Calyx  five-leaved.  Petals  five.  Capsule  five-valved,  ten-celled.  See 
solitary.  Willd. 

Linum  usitatissimum.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  i.  1538;  Woodv.  Med.  Bot.  p.  5t. 
t.  202.  Common  flax  is  an  annual  plant  with  an  erect,  slender,  round  stem,  abc: 
two  feet  in  height,  branching  at  top,  and,  like  all  other  parts  of  the  plant,  e 
tirely  smooth.  The  leaves  are  small,  lanceolate,  acute,  entire,  of  a pale-grei 
colour,  sessile,  and  scattered  alternately  over  the  stem  and  branches.  The  flows 
are  terminal  and  of  a delicate  blue  colour.  The  calyx  is  persistent,  and  co- 
posed of  five  ovate,  sharp-pointed,  three-nerved  leaflets,  which  are  membrano 
on  their  border.  The  petals  are  five,  obovate,  striated,  minutely  scolloped  : 
their  extremities,  and  spread  into  funnel-shaped  blossoms.  The  filaments  a 
also  five,  united  at  the  base;  and  the  germ,  which  is  ovate,  supports  five  slenr 
styles,  terminating  in  obtuse  stigmas.  The  fruit  is  a globular  capsule,  about  u 
size  of  a small  pea,  having  the  persistent  calyx  at  the  base,  crowned  with  a sh;) 
spine,  and  containing  ten  seeds  in  distinct  cells. 

This  highly  valuable  plant,  now  almost  everywhere  cultivated,  is  said  by  so3 
to  have  been  originally  derived  from  Egypt,  by  others  from  the  great  eleval 
plain  of  central  Asia.  It  flowers  in  June  and  July,  and  ripens  its  seeds  i 
August.  The  seeds,  and  an  oil  expressed  from  them,  are  officinal. 


].RT  I. 


Linum. 


449 


The  seeds  are  oval,  oblong,  flattened  on  both  sides  with  acute  edges,  somewhat 
jinted  at  one  end,  about  a line  in  length,  smooth,  glossy,  of  a brown  colour 
eternally,  and  yellowish-white  within.  They  are  inodorous,  and  have  an  oily 
ncilaginous  taste.  Meyer  found  in  them  fixed  oil,  wax,  resin,  extractive,  tan- 
13,  gum,  azotized  mucilage,  starch,  albumen,  gluten,  and  various  salts.  M. 
Isurein  could  find  no  starch,  but  detected  phosphates  which  had  escaped  the 
itice  of  Meyer.  ( Journ . de  Pharm .,  3e  sir.,  xx.  97.)  Their  investing  coat  or 
1 sk  abounds  in  a peculiar  gummy  matter  or  mucilage,  which  is  l'eadily  imparted 
1 hot  water,  forming  a thick  viscid  fluid,  which  lets  fall  white  flakes  upon  the 
idition  of  alcohol,  and  affords  a copious  dense  precipitate  with  subacetate  of  lead, 
k Berzelius  the  term  mucilage  is  applied  to  a proximate  vegetable  principle, 
(stinguished  from  gum  by  being  insoluble  in  cold,  and  but  slightly  soluble  in 
liling  water,  in  which  it  swells  up  and  forms  a mucilaginous,  viscid  body,  which 
bes  its  water  when  placed  upon  filtering  paper,  or  other  porous  substance,  and 
ubracts  like  stai-ch  in  the  gelatinous  state.  The  name,  however,  is  unfortu- 
ite;  as  it  is  generally  applied  to  the  solution  of  gum,  and  must  inevitably  lead 
t confusion.  Nor  is  it  strictly  a distinct  proximate  principle;  as  it  embraces  a 
imber  of  different  bodies,  such  as  bassorin,  cerasin,  &c.  According  to  Guerin, 
ti  mucilage  of  flaxseed,  obtained  at  a temperature  of  from  120°  to  140°,  and 
uporated  to  diyness,  by  means  of  a salt  water  bath,  contains  in  100  parts, 
['70  of  a principle  soluble  in  cold  water,  29'89  of  a principle  insoluble  in  that 
luid,  and  10  30  of  water,  and  yields  7'11  per  cent,  of  ashes.  The  soluble  part 
1 believes  to  be  arabin  or  pure  gum ; the  insoluble  he  found  not  to  afford  mucic 
1 d with  the  nitric,  and  therefore  to  differ  from  both  bassorin  and  cerasin.  Thbre 
\s  also  a small  proportion  of  azotized  matter  which  he  did  not  isolate.  ( Ann . 
( Chim.  et  de  Phys.,  xlix.  263.)  Yauquelin  found  among  its  constituents  free 
fiticacid,  silica,  and  various  salts  of  potassa  and  lime.  Meurein  discovered  in 
t;  mucilage  extracted  by  cold  water,  albumen,  and  a very  small  proportion  of 
f oleo-resin,  which  resides  in  the  coats  of  the  seed,  and  to  which  they  owe  their 
puliar  odour  and  taste.  {Journ.  de  Pliarm.,  3e  ser.,  xx.  98.) 

The  interior  part  of  the  seed,  or  nucleus,  is  rich  in  a peculiar  oil,  which  is  se- 
pated  by  expression,  and  very  extensively  employed  in  the  arts.  (See  Oleum 
j ni.)  The  ground  seeds  are  kept  in  the  shops  under  the  name  of  flaxseed  meal. 
iis  is  of  a dark-gray  colour,  highly  oleaginous,  and  when  mixed  with  hot  water 
fms  a soft  adhesive  mass,  which  is  much  employed  for  luting  by  practical  che- 
nts.  The  cake  which  remains  after  the  expression  of  the  oil,  usually  called 
cicake,  still  retains  the  mucilaginous  matter  of  the  envelope,  and  affords  a 
1 ;hly  nutritious  food  for  cattle.  This  is  the  Lini  Farina  of  the  Edinburgh 
1 armacopoeia. 

Flaxseed  is  sometimes  accidentally  or  fraudulently  mixed  with  other  seeds, 
e iecially  of  plants  which  grow  among  the  flax.  We  have  seen  a parcel  contain- 
i ; a considerable  proportion  of  the  seeds  of  an  indigenous  species  of  garlic. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Flaxseed  is  demulcent  and  emollient.  The 
1 cilage  obtained  by  infusing  the  entire  seeds  in  boiling  water,  in  the  propor- 
t,i  of  half  an  ounce  to  the  pint,  is  much  and  very  advantageously  employed  in 
ciarrh,  dysentery,  nephritic  and  calculous  complaints,  strangury,  and  other  in- 
fnmatory  affections  of  the  mucous  membrane  of  the  lungs,  intestines,  and 
auary  passages.  By  decoction  water  extracts  also  a portion  of  the  oleaginous 
u tter,  which  renders  the  mucilage  less  fit  for  administration  by  the  mouth,  but 
s erior  as  a laxative  enema.  The  meal  mixed  with  hot  water  forms  an  excel- 
1 t emollient  poultice. 

Off.  Prep.  Cataplasma  Carbonis;  Cataplasma  Conii;  Cataplasma  Lini ; Cata- 
psma  Sinapis;  Cataplasma  Sodse  Chloriuatae;  Infusum  Lini  Compositum. 

W. 


29 


450 


Linum  Catharticum. — Liriodendron. 


PARI 


LINUM  CATHARTICUM.  Ed. 

Purging  Flax. 

Herb  of  Linum  catharticum.  Ed. 

Lin  cathartique,  Ft.;  Purgirflaeks,  Germ.;  Lino  purgativo,  Ital.;  Cantilagua.  Span.  I 

Linum.  See  LINUM. 

Linum  catharticum.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  i.  1541;  Smith,  Flor.Brit.  344.  Th 
is  an  annual  plant,  about  six  or  eight  inches  high,  having  erect,  slender  stem 
dichotomous  near  the  summit,  furnished  with  opposite,  obovate-lanceolate,  e: 
tire  leaves,  and  bearing  minute  white  flowers,  the  petals  of  which  are  obova 
and  acute.  It  is  a native  of  Europe,  and  not  found  in  the  L’nited  States,  whe 
it  is  never  employed  as  a medicine. 

The  whole  plant  is  very  bitter  and  somewhat  acrid,  and  imparts  its  virtues 
wTat,er,  which  acquires  a yellow  colour.  It  appears  to  owe  its  activity  to  a pec- 
liar  drastic  principle,  which  has  received  the  name  of  litiin,  and  which  is  afford* 
most  largely  by  the  plant  after  the  flower  has  fallen.  ( PJtarm . Central  Bleu 
1844,  p.  110.)  Purging  flax  formerly  enjoyed  some  reputation  in  Europe  as 
gentle  cathartic,  but  has  fallen  into  disuse.  Attention  has  been  recently  call* 
to  it  as  an  excellent  remedy  in  muscular  rheumatism,  catarrhal  affections,  ai 
dropsy  with  disease  of  the  liver.  Prom  four  to  eight  grains  of  the  extract,  giv( 
twice  or  thrice  daily,  are  said  to  operate  as  a purgative  and  diuretic,  without  il 
convenience  to  the  patient.  ( Medical  Times,  July,  1850.)  A drachm  of  tl 
powder,  or  an  infusion  containing  the  virtues  of  two  or  three  drachms  of  tl 
herb,  may  be  taken  for  a dose.  W. 

LIRIODENDRON.  TJ.S.  Secondary. 

Tulip-tree  Baric. 

The  bark  of  Liriodendron  tulipifera.  V.  S. 

Liriodendron.  Sex.  Syst.  Polyandria  Polygynia. — A "at.  Ord.  Magnoliacd 

Gen.  Ch.  Calyx  three-leaved.  Petals  six.  Samaree  sublanceolate,  one  or  tw 
seeded,  imbricated  in  a cone.  JVuttaU. 

Liriodendron  tulipifera.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  ii.  1254;  Bigelow.  Am.  Med.  B< 
ii.  107 ; Barton,  Med.  Lot.  i.  92.  This  noble  tree  is  the  boast,  of  American  lan 
scape.  Rising  on  an  erect,  straight,  cylindrical  stem,  which  is  often  of  near 
equal  thickness  for  the  distance  of  forty  feet,  it  attains,  in  favourable  situation 
an  elevation  seldom  less  than  fifty  and  sometimes  more  than  one  hundred  fe- 
with  a diameter  of  trunk  varying  from  eighteen  inches  to  three  feet;  and  im 
viduals  are  occasionally  met  with  which  greatly  exceed  these  dimensions.  T 
bark  is  of  a brown  or  grayish-brown  colour,  except  in  the  young  branches, 
which  it  is  bluish  or  of  a reddish  tinge.  The  leaves,  which  stand  on  long  fo- 
stalks,  are  alternate,  somewhat  fleshy,  smooth,  of  a beautiful  shining  green  colov 
and  divided  into  three  lobes,  of  which  the  upper  one  is  truncated  and  horizon ta 
notched  at  its  summit,  so  as  to  present  a two-lobed  appearance,  and  the  two  low 
are  rounded  at  the  base  and  usually  pointed.  In  the  larger  leaves,  the  latet 
lobes  have  each  a tooth-like  projection  at  some  distance  below  their  apex.  I- 
peculiar  form  of  the  leaf  serves  to  distinguish  the  tree  from  all  others  inhabiri: 
the  American  forests.  On  isolated  trees  the  flowers  are  very  numerous.  To 
are  large,  beautifully  variegated  with  different  colours,  among  which  yellow  p- 
dominates,  and  in  their  general  appearance  bear  some  resemblance  to  the  tub 
which  has  given  a name  to  the  species.  Each  flower  stands  on  a distinct  termid 


FRT  I. 


Liriodendron. 


451 


pluncle.  The  calyx  is  double,  the  outer  being  two-leaved  and  deciduous,  the 
ii  er  consisting  of  three  large,  oval,  concave  leaves,  of  a pale-green  colour.  The 
colla  is  composed  of  six,  seven,  or  more  obtuse,  concave  petals.  The  stamens 
a numerous,  with  short  filaments,  and  long  linear  anthers.  The  pistils  are 
elected  into  the  form  of  a cone,  the  upper  part  of  which  is  covered  with  minute 
S'jinas.  The  fruit  consists  of  numerous  long,  narrow  scales,  attached  to  a com- 
nn  axis,  imbricated  in  a conical  form,  and  containing  each  two  seeds,  one  or 
bh  of  which  are  often  abortive. 

fhe  tulip-tree  extends  from  New  England  to  the  borders  of  Florida,  but  is 
xi'st  abundant  and  attains  the  greatest  magnitude  in  the  Middle  and  Western 
Stes.  It  delights  in  a rich  strong  soil,  and  luxuriates  in  the  exhaustless  fer- 
tity  of  the  banks  of  the  Ohio  and  its  tributary  streams.  Throughout  the  United 
Stes  it  is  known  by  the  inappropriate  name  of  poplar,  for  which  that  of  tulip- 
tv  is  sometimes  substituted.  When  in  full  bloom,  about  the  middle  of  May, 
itpresents,  in  its  profusion  of  flowers,  its  rich,  shining,  luxuriant  foliage,  its 
e rated  stature,  and  elegant  outline,  one  of  the  most  magnificent  objects  which 
tl  vegetable  kingdom  affords.  The  interior  or  heart  wood,  which  is  yellowish, 
o:a  fine  grain,  and  compact  without  being  heavy,  is  much  employed  in  the 
nking  of  furniture,  carriages,  door-panels,  and  for  other  useful  purposes.  It 
iseeommended  by  its  property  of  resisting  the  influence  of  atmospheric  moisture 
a:;  the  attacks  of  worms.  The  bark  is  the  officinal  portion.  It  is  taken  for 
u indiscriminately  from  the  root,  trunk,  and  branches;  though  that  derived 
fni  the  root  is  thought  to  be  the  most  active. 

deprived  of  the  epidermis,  it  is  yellowish- white;  the  bark  of  the  root  being 
siiewhat  darker  than  that  of  the  stem  or  branches.  It  is  very  light  and  brittle, 
ol  feeble,  rather  disagreeable  odour,  strongest  in  the  fresh  bark,  and  of  a bitter, 
pjgent,  and  aromatic  taste.  These  properties  are  weakened  by  age,  and  we 
hie  found  specimens  of  the  bark  long  kept  in  the  shops,  almost  insipid.  The 
puliar  properties  of  liriodendron  appear  to  reside  in  a volatile  principle,  which 
pi  i ally  escapes  during  decoction.  The  late  Professor  Emmet,  of  the  University 
oUirginia,  believed  that  he  had  isolated  this  principle,  and  gave  it  the  name  of 
libdendrin.  As  described  by  Professor  Emmet,  it  is,  in  the  pure  state,  solid, 
wjfce,  crystallizable,  brittle,  insoluble  in  water,  soluble  in  alcohol  and  ether, 
fuble  at  180°,  volatilizable  and  partly  decomposed  at  270°,  of  a slightly  are- 
na ic  odour,  and  a bitter,  warm,  pungent  taste.  It  is  incapable  of  uniting  with 
allies,  which  precipitate  it  from  the  infusion  of  the  bark  by  combining  with 
tl:  matter  which  renders  it  soluble  in  water.  Neither  does  it  unite  with  acids. 
Wer  precipitates  it  from  its  alcoholic  solution.  It  is  obtained  by  macerating 
th  root  in  alcohol,  boiling  the  tincture  with  magnesia  till  it  assumes  an  olive- 
grjn  colour,  then  filtering,  concentrating  by  distillation  till  the  liquid  becomes 
tu  id,  and  finally  precipitating  the  liriodendrin  by  the  addition  of  cold  water. 
{Pm.  of  the  Phil.  Col.  of  Pharm.,  iii.  5.)  The  virtues  of  the  bark  are  ex- 
tr: ted  by  water  and  alcohol,  but  are  injured  by  long  boiling. 

j ledicul  Properties.  Liriodendron  is  a stimulant  tonic,  wdth  diaphoretic  pro- 
pejies.  It  has  been  used  as  a substitute  for  Peruvian  bark  in  intermittent 
fe  rs,  and  has  proved  serviceable  in  chronic  rheumatism,  dyspepsia,  and  other 
colplaints  in  which  a gently  stimulant  and  tonic  impressiou  is  desirable.  The 
do,  of  the  bark  in  powder  is  from  half  a drachm  to  two  drachms.  The  infusion 
an;  decoction  are  also  used,  but  are  less  efficient.  They  may  be  prepared  in  the 
pr  option  of  an  ounce  of  the  bark  to  a pint  of  water,  and  given  in  the  quantity 
of  ne  or  two  fluidounces.  The  dose  of  the  saturated  tincture  is  a fluidrachm. 

W. 


452 


Lobelia. 


PART 


LOBELIA.  U S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub. 

Lobelia. 

Herb  of  Lobelia  inflata.  U.  S.,  Ed.,  Dub.  The  herb  in  flower.  Lond. 

Lobelia.  Sex.  Syst.  Pentandria  Monogynia. — Nat.  Ord.  Lobeliaceae. 

Gen.  Ch.  Calyx  five-cleft.  Corolla  irregular,  five-parted,  cleft  on  the  upp 
side  nearly  to  the  base.  Anthers  united  into  a tube.  Stigma  two-lobed.  Cojm 
inferior  or  semi-superior,  two  or  three-celled,  two-valved  at  the  apex.  Torrey. 

Lobelia  inflata.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  i.  946;  Bigelow,  Am.  Med.  Bot.  i.  17’ 
Barton,  Med.  Bot.  i.  181;  Carson,  Illust.  of  Med.  Bot.  i.  60,  pi.  51.  Tt 
species  of  Lobelia,  commonly  called  Indian  tobacco , is  an  annual  or  biennial  i 
digenous  plant,  usually  a foot  or  more  in  height,  with  a fibrous  root,  and  a so 
tary,  erect,  angular,  very  hairy  stem,  much  branched  about  midway,  but  risit 
considerably  above  the  summits  of  the  highest  branches.  The  leaves  are  sc; 
tered,  sessile,  oval,  acute,  serrate,  and  hair}".  The  flowers  are  numerous,  sma 
disposed  in  leafy  terminal  racemes,  and  supported  on  short  axillary  footstall 
The  segments  of  the  calyx  are  linear  and  pointed.  The  corolla,  which  is  of 
delicate  blue  colour,  has  a labiate  border,  with  the  upper  lip  divided  into  tn 
the  lower  into  three  segments.  The  united  anthers  are  curved,  and  enclose  t 
stigma.  The  fruit  is  an  oval,  striated,  inflated  capsule,  crowned  with  the  pi 
sistent  calyx,  and  containing,  in  two  cells,  numerous  very  small,  brown  seed; 

Lobelia  inflata  is  a very  common  weed,  growing  on  the  road-sides,  and 
neglected  fields,  throughout  the  United  States.  Its  flowers  begin  to  appe 
towards  the  end  of  July,  and  continue  to  expand  in  succession  till  the  occurren 
of  frost.  All  parts  of  it  are  medicinal ; but,  according  to  Dr.  Eberle,  the  rc 
and  inflated  capsules  are  most  powerful.  The  plant  shoulcFbe  collected  in  Augn 
or  September,  when  the  capsules  are  numerous,  and  should  be  carefully  drit 
It  may  be  kept  whole,  or  in  powder.  As  found  in  the  shops,  it  is  often  in  oblo; 
compressed  cakes,  prepared  by  the  Shakers. 

Dried  lobelia  has  a slight  irritating  odour,  and  when  chewed,  though  at  fit 
without  much  taste,  soon  produces  a burning  acrid  impression  upon  the  poster1 
parts  of  the  tongue  and  palate,  very  closely  resembling  that  occasioned  by  - 
bacco,  and  attended,  in  like  manner,  with  a flow  of  saliva  and  a nauseating  effe. 
The  powder  is  of  a greenish  colour.  The  plant  yields  its  active  properties  read.' 
to  water  and  alcohol.  Water  distilled  from  it,  according  to  Prof.  Procter,  h 
the  odour  of  the  plant,  without  its  acrimony.  Prof.  Procter  found  the  plant) 
contain  an  odorous  volatile  principle,  probably  volatile  oil;  a peculiar  alkali 
principle  named  lobelina;  a peculiar  acid,  first  noticed  as  distinct  by  Perei, 
called  lobelic  acid ; besides  gum,  resin,  chlorophylle,  fixed  oil,  lignin,  salts  f 
lime  and  potassa,  and  oxide  of  iron.  The  seeds  contain  at  least  twice  as  mu 
of  lobelina,  in  proportion,  as  the  whole  plant,  which  yielded  only  one  parti 
five  hundred.  They  contain  also  thirty  per  cent,  of  a nearly  colourless  fixed  , 
having  the  drying  property  in  an  extraordinary  degree.  Lobelina  was  obtaid 
by  Prof.  Procter  by  the  following  process.  The  seeds  were  treated  with  alcd 

* In  case  of  poisoning  from  lobelia,  it  may  be  very  desirable  to  be  able  to  recognise  e 
seeds.  The  following  microscopic  characters  of  them  are  given  by  Mr.  Frederick  Cus 
in  the  Lond.  Med.  Gaz.  for  July,  1851  (p.  160).  They  are  almond-shaped,  about  1-eh 
of  an  inch  long  by  l-75th  broad,  puce-coloured,  regularly  marked  with  longitudil 
ridges  and  furrows,  and  cross  ridges  generally  at  right-angles  with  the  former,  so  thatie 
surface  presents  the  appearance  of  basket-work.  No  other  seeds  examined  by  the  aunt 
could  be  mistaken  for  them,  except  those  of  Lobelia  cardinalis,  which,  however,  are  larr, 
coarser,  of  a lighter  colour,  and  with  the  superficial  rectangular  chequering  less  distine- 
Note  to  the  tenth  edition. 


Lobelia. 


453 


:oit  i. 

adulated  with  acetic  acid,  until  deprived  of  their  acrimony,  and  the  tincture 
us  evaporated  ; the  resulting  extract  was  triturated  with  magnesia  and  water, 
:d,  after  repeated  agitation  for  several  hours,  the  liquor,  holding  lobelina  in 
station,  was  filtered;  this  was  then  shaken  repeatedly  with  ether  until  deprived 
( acrimony ; and  the  ethereal  solution,  having  been  decanted,  was  allowed  to 
(aporate  spontaneously.  The  residue,  which  had  a reddish-brown  colour,  and 
13  consistence  of  honey,  was  deprived  of  colouring  matter  by  dissolving  it  in 
uter,  adding  a slight  excess  of  sulphuric  acid,  boiling  with  animal  charcoal, 
curating  with  magnesia,  filtering,  agitating  with  ether  until  this  fluid  had  de- 
]ived  the  water  of  acrimony,  and  finally  decanting,  and  allowing  the  ether  to 
nporate.  Thus  obtained,  lobelina  is  a yellowish  liquid,  lighter  than  water,  of 
nomewhat  aromatic  odour,  and  a very  acrid  durable  taste.  It  is  soluble  in 
i ter,  but  much  more  copiously  in  alcohol  and  ether,  and  the  latter  fluid  readily 
1’noves  it  from  its  aqueous  solution.  It  has  a decided  alkaline  reaction,  and 
fms  soluble  and  crystallizable  salts  with  sulphuric,  nitric,  and  muriatic  acids, 
d a very  soluble  but  not  crystallizable  salt  with  acetic  acid.  It  forms  an  in- 
suble  compound  with  tannic  acid,  which  instantly  precipitates  it  from  its'solu- 
tin.  By  a boiling  heat  it  is  entirely  decomposed,  losing  all  its  acrimony;  but, 
yen  combined  with  acids,  it  may  be  subjected  to  ebullition  with  water  without 
ange.  Prof.  Procter  introduced  a grain  of  it  diluted  with  water  into  the 
smach  of  a cat,  which  became  immediately  prostrate,  remained  for  an  hour 
iirly  motionless,  with  dilated  pupils,  and  had  not  wholly  recovered  at  the  end 
(fifteen  hours.  It  did  not  occasion  vomiting  or  purging.  There  can  be  little 
cabt  that  it  is  the  narcotic  principle  of  lobelia.  {Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  ix. 
15,  and  xiii.  1.)*  The  late  Dr.  S-  Colhoun,  of  Philadelphia,  was  the  first  to 
aiounce  the  existence  of  a peculiar  principle  in  lobelia,  capable  of  forming  salts 
y,h  the  acids;  but  he  did  not  obtain  it  in  an  isolated  state.  An  important  in- 
fence from  the  effects  of  heat  upon  lobelina  is,  that,  in  any  of  the  preparations 
c lobelia,  the  plant  should  never  be  heated  in  connexion  with  a salifiable  base. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Lobelia  is  emetic,  and,  like  other  medicines  of 
t same  class,  is  occasionally  cathartic,  and  in  small  doses  diaphoretic  and  ex- 
ytorant.  It  is  also  possessed  of  narcotic  properties.  The  leaves  or  capsules, 
ciwed  for  a short  time,  occasion  giddiness,  headache,  general  tremors,  and  ulti- 
Etely  nausea  and  vomiting.  When  swallowed  in  the  full  dose,  the  medicine 
Induces  speedy  and  severe  vomiting,  attended  with  continued  and  distressing 
nsea,  copious  sweating,  and  great  general  relaxation.  Its  effects  in  doses  too 
lge,  or  too  frequently  repeated,  are  extreme  prostration,  great  anxiety  and  dis- 
t $s,  and  ultimately  death  preceded  by  convulsions.  Dr.  Letheby  found  110 
gins  of  it  in  the  stomach  of  a patient  killed  by  this  poison,  and  states  that  he 
1 known  much  less  to  cause  death.  ( Lond . Med.  Times  and  Gaz.,  March, 
1)3,  p.  270.)  Prom  experiments  made  by  Mr.  Curtis  and  Dr.  Pearson  on 
hlgehogs  and  cats,  it  would  appear  that  the  poison  produces  inflammation  of 
t alimentary  mucous  membrane  in  those  animals,  but  that  death  mainly  results 
f:  n the  suspension  of  respiration;  the  heart  continuing  to  act  after  that  process 
k ceased.  It  is  probable  that  it  paralyzes,  by  a directly  depressing  influence, 
t respiratory  centres  in  the  medulla  oblongata.  {Lond.  Med.  Gaz.,  xlv.  285.) 
lath  has  often  resulted  from  its  empirical  use.  Its  poisonous  effects  are  most 
a to  occur,  when,  as  sometimes  happens,  it  is  not  rejected  by  vomiting.  In 

I Mr.  William  Bastick,  of  London,  has  published  in  the  Pharmaceutical  Journal  and 
liisactions  for  December,  1850,  an  account  of  lobelina  and  its  mode  of  extraction,  appa- 
Ujlyin  entire  ignorance  of  the  previous  experiments  and  observations  of  Professor  Proc- 
t(.  His  pi’ocess  does  not  differ  essentially  from  that  above  given.  In  one  magnesia  is 
n 1 to  decompose  the  native  salt  of  lobelina,  in  the  other  lime;  the  caustic  alkalies  not 
Hg  applicable  to  the  purpose,  as  they  decompose  this  organic  alkali  with  great  facility. 
— rote  to  the  ninth  edition. 


454 


Lobelia. — Lupulina. 


PART 


its  operation  upon  the  system,  therefore,  as  well  as  in  its  sensible  propertie 
lobelia  bears  a close  resemblance  to  tobacco.  It  is  among  the  medicines  whic- 
were  employed  by  the  aborigines  of  this  country ; and  was  long  in  the  bands  > 
empirics  before  it  was  introduced  into  regular  practice.  The  Rev.  Dr.  Cutle 
of  Massachusetts,  first  attracted  to  it  the  attention  of  the  profession. 

As  an  emetic  it  is  too  powerful,  and  too  distressing  as  well  as  hazardous  in  i 
operation  for  ordinary  use.  The  disease  in  which  it  has  proved  most  useful 
spasmodic  asthma,  the  paroxysms  of  which  it  often  greatly  mitigates,  and  som 
times  wholly  relieves,  even  when  not  given  in  doses  sufficiently  large  to  produi 
vomiting.  It  was  from  the  relief  obtained  from  an  attack  of  this  complaint ; 
his  own  person,  that  Dr.  Cutler  was  induced  to  recommend  the  medicine, 
has  also  been  used  in  catarrh,  croup,  pertussis,  and  other  laryngeal  and  pec-tor 
affections ; and  we  have  seen  it  apparently  advantageous  in  some  of  these  cor 
plaints,  especially  in  severe  croup,  and  in  chronic  bronchitis  with  dyspnow 
but  it  should  always  he  used  with  caution.  Administered  by  injection  it  pr 
duces  the  same  distressing  sickness  of  stomach,  profuse  perspiration,  and  ur 
versal  relaxation,  as  result  from  a similar  use  of  tobacco.  Dr.  Eberle  adm 
nistered  a strong  decoction  of  it  successfully  by  the  rectum,  as  a substitute  f 
this  narcotic  in  a case  of  strangulated  hernia.  It  has  been  employed  effectual! 
in  small  doses  repeated  so  as  to  sustain  a slight  nausea,  for  producing  relaxatic 
of  the  os  uteri,  (dm.  Journ.  of  Med.  Sci.,  xvii.  248.) 

It  may  be  given  in  substance,  tincture,  or  infusion.  The  dose  of  the  powd 
as  an  emetic  is  from  five  to  twenty  grains,  to  be  repeated  if  necessary.  T1 
tincture  is  most  frequently  administered.  The  full  dose  of  this  preparation! 
an  adult  is  half  a fluidounce;  though  in  asthmatic  cases  it  is  better  administer-, 
in  the  quantity  of  one  or  two  fluidrachms,  repeated  every  two  or  three  hours  t: 
its  effects  are  experienced.* 

Two  other  species  of  Lobelia  have  attracted  some  attention  from  medical  writer 
L.  cardinalis  or  cardinal  flower,  distinguished  for  its  showy  red  flowers,  is  su 
posed  to  possess  anthelmintic  properties;  but  is  seldom  or  never  used.  L.  ?ypl 
Utica  is  said  to  have  been  used  by  the  Indians  in  the  cure  of  the  venereal  di 
ease,  but  has  upon  trial  been  found  wholly  inefficacious  in  that  complaint, 
is  emetic  and  cathartic,  and  appears  also  to  possess  diuretic  properties;  when 
it  has  been  conjectured  that  it  might  have  proved  serviceable  in  gonorrhoea.  I 
Chapman  states  that  it  has  been  employed,  as  he  has  been  informed,  by  son 
practitioners  of  the  western  country  in  dropsy,  and  not  without  success.  T 
root  is  the  part  used.  Both  these  species  of  Lobelia  are  indigenous.  For 
more  detailed  account  of  them,  the  reader  is  referred  to  Dr.  W.  P.  C.  Bartor 
Medical  Botany. 

Off.  Prep.  Tinctura  Lobelise;  Tinet.  Lobelite  JEtherea.  W. 

LUPULINA.  JJ.  S.,  Dub. 

Lupulin. 

The  powder  attached  to  the  strobiles  of  Humulus  Lupulus.  U.  S.,  Pub. 

Lupulina  is  described  under  HUMULUS,  p.  392. 

* Professor  Procter  prepares  a fluid  extract  by  macerating  eight  ounces  of  finely  bruia 
lobelia  mixed  with  a fluidouuce  of  acetic  acid,  in  a pint  and  a half  of  diluted  alcohol, ' > 
twenty-four  hours;  then  percolating  with  an  equal  quantity  of  diluted  alcohol,  and  aft- 
wards  with  water,  until  three  pints  of  liquor  are  obtained;  next  evaporating  to  ten  flu- 
ounces,  straining,  adding  six  fluidouuces  of  alcohol,  and  finally  filtering  through  pap- 
Each  teaspoonful  of  this  preparation  is  equal  to  half  a fluidouuce  of  the  tincture,  win 
represents  about  30  grains  of  the  powder.  (.4m.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xxiv.  207.  — A cue  to 
tenth  edition. 


IRT  I. 


Lycopus. — Magnesiae  Carbonas. 


455 


LYCOPUS.  U.  S.  Secondary. 

Bugle-weed. 

The  herb  of  Lycopus  Yirginicus.  U.  S. 

Lycopus.  Sex.  Syst.  Diandria  Monogynia. — Nat.  Orel.  Lamiacese  or  La- 
is tee. 

Gen.  Ch.  Calyx  tubular,  five-cleft,  or  five-toothed.  Corolla  tubular,  four-lobed, 
mrly  equal;  the  upper  segment  broader,  and  emarginate.  Stamens  distant. 
Sds  four,  naked,  retuse.  Nuttatt. 

Lycopus  Yirginicus.  Miehaux,  Flor.  Boreal , Americ.  i.  14;  Rafinesque,  Med. 
hr.  vol.  ii.  The  bugle-weed  is  an  indigenous  herb,  with  a perennial  creeping 
r t,  which  sends  up  an  erect,  nearly  simple,  obtusely  quadrangular  stem,  from 
t five  to  eighteen  inches  high,  and  furnished  with  opposite  sessile  leaves.  These 
a broad-lanceolate,  attenuated  and  entire  at  both  extremities,  remotely  serrate 
iithe  middle,  somewhat  rough,  purplish,  and  beset  with  glandular  dots  on  their 
uler  surface.  The  flowers  are  minute,  in  small  axillary  whorls,  with  two 
s 411  subulate  bractes  to  each  flower,  and  a white  corolla.  The  seeds  are  longer 
In  the  calyx,  which  is  spineless. 

This  plant  grows  in  shady  and  wet  places  throughout  the  greater  part  of  the 
lited  States.  Its  flowering  period  is  August.  The  whole  herb  is  used.  It 
h a peculiar  odour,  and  a nauseous  slightly  bitter  taste,  and  imparts  these 
pperties,  as  well  as  its  medical  virtues,  to  boiling  water. 

Lycopus  Europaeus  is  said  to  be  frequently  collected  and  sold  for  L.  Yirginicus. 
1 3 former  may  be  distinguished  by  its  acutely  quadrangular  stem,  its  narrow 
liceolate  leaves,  of  which  the  lower  are  somewhat  pinnatifid,  its  more  crowded 
flyers,  and  the  acute  segments  of  its  calyx,  armed  with  short  spines.  It  has 
bn  employed  in  Europe  as  a substitute  for  quinia. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  According  to  Dr.  A.  W.  Ives,  the  bugle-weed  is 
a 3ry  mild  narcotic.  It  is  said  also  to  be  astringent.  It  was  introduced  into 
n ice  by  Drs.  Pendleton  and  Rogers,  of  New  York,  who  obtained  favourable  effects 
fitn  its  use  in  incipient  phthisis  and  hemorrhage  from  the  lungs.  (N.  Y.  Med. 
a1  Phys.  Journ.,  i.  179.)  It  proves  useful  by  diminishing  the  frequency  of 
tl  pulse,  quieting  irritation,  and  allaying  cough.  The  use  of  it  has  been  ex- 
tded  with  advantage  to  the  hemorrhages  generally.  ( Transact . of  Am.  Med. 
doc.,  i.  347.)  It  is  most  conveniently  employed  in  the  form  of  infusion,  which 
n r be  prepared  by  macerating  an  ounce  of  the  herb  in  a pint  of  boiling  water. 
F m half  a pint  to  a pint  may  be  taken  daily.  W. 

MAGNESUE  CARBONAS.  U.  S,  Bond.,  Ed.,  Dub. 
Carbonate  of  Magnesia. 

lagnesia  alba,  Lai.;  Carbonate  de  magnesie,  Fr. ; Kolilensaure  Magnesia,  Germ.;  Car- 
Vato  di  magnesia,  Ital.;  Carbonato  de  magnesia,  Syan. 

'arbonate  of  magnesia  sometimes  though  rarely  occurs  as  a native  mineral. 
Tit  which  is  sold  in  the  shops  is  prepared  on  a large  scale  by  the  manufacturer ; 
ai  the  article  is,  therefore,  very  properly  placed  in  the  list  of  Materia  Medica  of 
tl  United  States  Pharmacopoeia.  The  British  Colleges  still  retain  it  among  the 
pi  nirations,  and  direct  it  to  be  prepared  by  decomposing  the  sulphate  of  mag- 
inawith  carbonate  of  soda.  Th  eLondonCollege  dissolves  four  pounds  nine  ounces 
ot arbonate  of  soda,  and  four  pounds  of  sulphate  of  magnesia,  separately,  in  two 
gfc’ons  (imp.  meas .)  of  distilled  water;  then  mixes  the  solutions,  boils  for  two 
Drs,  constantly  stirring  with  a spatula,  and  adding  a little  distilled  water  now 


PART  : 


456  Magnesix  Carbonas. 

and  then  so  as  nearly  to  preserve  the  measure  ; and,  lastly,  pours  off  the  liquo 
washes  the  precipitate  with  boiling  distilled  water,  and  dries  it.  The  Edinburg 
and  Dublin  processes  differ  from  the  above  mainly  in  the  shorter  period  of  bui 
ing,  which  in  the  former  is  fifteen  or  twenty  minutes,  in  the  latter  only  ten. 

Under  the  name  of  Magnesite  Carbonas  Ponderosum  or  Heavy  Carbona 
of  Magnesia,  the  Dublin  College  also  directs  the  salt  to  be  prepared  in  the  follov 
ing  manner.  It  must  be  recollected  that  the  new  Dublin  weights  are  the  avoirdi 
pois.  Ten  ounces  of  sulphate  of  magnesia  having  been  dissolved  in  half  a pii 
{Imp.  meas .)  of  boiling  distilled  water,  and  twelve  ounces  of  crystallized  carbona- 
of  soda  in  a pint,  the  solutions  are  mixed  and  evaporated  to  dryness.  The  residi 
is  digested  for  half  an  hour  with  two  pints  {Imp.  meas.)  of  boiling  distilled  wate: 
the  undissolved  matter  is  collected  on  a calico  filter,  and  treated  repeatedly  wit 
warm  distilled  water  until  the  washings  cease  to  yield  a precipitate  with  nitra' 
of  baryta;  and,  finally,  the  product  is  dried  at  a heat  not  exceeding  212°.. 

The  carbonate  of  potassa  is  less  eligible  than  the  carbonate  of  soda  for  the  pr 
paration  of  carbonate  of  magnesia.  It  is  difficult  to  separate  the  last  portioi 
of  sulphate  of  potassa  from  the  precipitate,  and  the  carbonate  of  potassa  usual 
contains  silica,  which  is  thrown  down  with  the  magnesia.  The  consequence 
that,  when  prepared  with  that  salt,  the  carbonate  of  magnesia  is  liable  to  be  grit; 
to  the  touch,  and  to  have  a saline  taste.  The  following  is  said  to  be  the  methi 
pursued  by  some  of  the  best  manufacturers.  To  a saturated  solution  of  one  hu 
dred  parts  of  sulphate  of  magnesia,  a solution  of  one  hundred  and  twenty-6 
parts  of  crystallized  carbonate  of  soda  is  gradually  added,  the  solutions  beii 
constantly  stirred.  The  mixture  is  then  heated  to  ebullition,  to  complete  tl 
precipitation  of  the  magnesia,  which  is  afterwards  washed  wdth  tepid  and  final 
with  cold  water,  until  the  washings  no  longer  give  a precipitate  with  the  baryt 
salts.  When  it  is  sufficiently  washed,  the  carbonate  is  allowed  to  drain  for  o; 
or  two  days  on  large  linen  filters,  and  is  then  placed  in  wooden  moulds  with 
porous  bottom  of  brick  or  gypsum,  and  subjected  to  pressure  in  order  to  give 
the  square  and  compact  form  into  which  it  is  usually  wrought. 

The  density  of  carbonate  of  magnesia  is  said  to  depend  upon  the  strength 
the  solutions  from  which  it  is  first  precipitated,  and  its  fineness  and  softness 
the  touch,  upon  the  use  of  carbonate  of  soda  in  its  preparation. 

The  principal  part  of  the  carbonate  of  magnesia  used  in  this  country  is  ii 
ported  from  Scotland.  In  the  New  England  States  it  is  prepared  from  the  bitte 
of  salt  works,  which  consists  chiefly  of  sulphate  of  magnesia  and  chlorideof  magi 
sium ; and  it  is  manufactured  in  Baltimore  from  the  sulphate  of  magnesia  prepar. 
in  that  city.  The  Scotch  magnesia  is  generally  put  up  in  cases  of  one  hundr. 
and  twenty  pounds  each,  the  American  in  boxes  containing  fifty  pounds. 

When  made  from  the  bittern  of  salt  works,  carbonate  of  magnesia  is  c-ontai- 
nated  with  carbonate  of  lime,  salts  of  that  earth  being  contained  in  sea-wan; 
and  when  it  is  prepared  from  magnesia,  or  from  magnesian  schist,  iron  is  aim-: 
always  present.  The  only’  way  in  which  these  impurities  can  be  avoided,  is) 
prepare  pure  sulphate  of  magnesia  by  repeated  crystallization,  and  to  use  a pc 
carbonate  of  soda.  It  is  also  necessary  that  the  water  with  which  the  preei- 
tate  is  washed  should  be  free  from  earthy  salts,  which  would  be  decomposed  al 
contaminate  the  magnesia. 

Properties.  Carbonate  of  magnesia  is  inodorous,  nearly  insipid,  perfect 
white,  smooth  to  the  touch,  and  nearly  insoluble  in  water,  requiring  2403  pas 
of  cold,  and  9000  parts  of  hot  water  for  solution.  It  is  decomposed  by  streg 
heat,  by  all  the  acids,  by  potassa,  soda,  lime,  baryta,  and  strontia,  and  by  ack- 
lous  and  metallic  salts. 

Two  kinds  of  carbonate  of  magnesia  are  distinguished,  the  light  and  thehea'- 
The  light  carbonate  is  the  kind  manufactured  in  Scotland.  The  Dublin  procs 


aET  I.  Magnesise  Carbonas.  457 

lr  the  heavy  has  been  already  given.  It  may  also,  according  to  Dr.  Pereira, 

1 prepared  as  follows.  “ Add  one  volume  of  a cold  saturated  solution  of  car- 
inate of  soda  to  a boiling  mixture  of  one  volume  of  a saturated  solution  of  sul- 
nate  of  magnesia,  and  three  volumes  of  water.  Boil  until  effervescence  has 
tased,  constantly  stirring  with  a spatula.  Then  dilute  with  boiling  water,  set 
side,  pour  off  the  supernatant  liquor,  and  wash  the  precipitate  with  hot  water 
i a linen  cloth:  afterwards  dry  it  by  heat  in  an  iron  pot.”  Dr.  Pereira  states 
lat  the  light  carbonate , when  examined  with  the  microscope,  is  seen  to  consist 
i au  amorphous  powder,  more  or  less  intermingled  with  slender  prismatic  crys- 
ds,  which  appear  as  if  they  were  eroded  or  efflorescent;  the  heavy  carbonate 
insists  of  granules  of  various  sizes,  without  any  traces  of  the  prismatic  crystals 
(served  in  the  former  variety. 

A solution  in  carbonic  acid  water,  prepared  by  passing  carbonic  acid  gas  into 
aeservoir  containing  the  carbonate  of  magnesia  suspended  in  water,  has  been 
icroduced  into  use  as  a cathartic  and  antacid.  Dinne/ord’s  magnesia  is  a solu- 
nn  of  this  nature.  According  to  Dr.  Christison’s  analysis,  it  contains  only  nine 
jains  of  carbonate  in  the  fluidounce,  though  it  is  alleged  to  contain  twice  that 
( antity.  Its  taste  is  more  disagreeable  than  that  of  the  undissolved  carbonate. 
Adulterations  and  Tests.  Carbonate  of  magnesia  may  contain  an  alkaline  car- 
inate, or  an  alkaline  sulphate,  or  both,  from  insufficient  washing;  also  chloride 
i sodium,  alumina,  and  carbonate  of  lime.  If  water  boiled  on  it  changes  tur- 
nrie,  an  alkaline  carbonate  is  indicated.  If  chloride  of  barium  produces  a pre- 
oitate  in  the  water,  the  presence  of  a sulphate  or  carbonate,  or  both,  is  shown ; 
:d  if  nitrate  of  silver  produces  the  same  effect,  a chloride  is  indicated.  When 
• (solved  in  an  excess  of  muriatic  acid,  an  excess  of  ammonia  will  throw  down 
Minina,  which  is  scarcely  ever  absent  in  minute  quantity;  and  oxalate  of  am- 
:>nia,  afterwards  added  to  the  filtered  muriatic  solution,  will  throw  down  lime 
: oxalate  of  lime,  if  that  earth  be  present.  If  the  same  solution,  nearly  neu- 
i lized,  be  rendered  blue  by  ferrocyanuret  of  potassium,  the  presence  of  iron  is 
i licated. 

Composition.  According  to  Berzelius,  the  carbonate  of  magnesia  of  the  shops 
magnesia  alba)  is  a combination  of  three  eqs.  of  carbonate  of  magnesia  with  one 
( hydrate  of  magnesia.  Each  eq.  of  carbonate  contains  an  eq.  of  water,  and 
ri  composition  of  the  salt  may  be  thus  stated: — three  eqs.  of  carbonate  (acid 
l , magnesia  60,  water  27)  — 153  + one  eq.  of  hydrate  (magnesia  20,  water 
( = 29=182.  This  theoretic  composition  agrees  nearly  with  the  analysis  of 
. rzelius,  who  fixes  it  at  44'75  magnesia,  35'77  acid,  and  19'48  water.  Ac- 
( ding  to  Phillips,  whose  analysis  agrees  with  the  subsequent  one  by  George 
- wnes,  four  eqs.  of  the  carbonate  are  combined  with  one  of  the  bihydrate,  and 
Or  of  water.  ( Pharm . Journ.  and  Trans.,  iii.  480.)  The  composition  of  this 
f t varies  with  the  mode  of  preparation.  Thus  Bucholz,  by  decomposing  the 
‘ phate  of  magnesia  with  170  per  cent,  of  carbonate  of  soda,  and  using  only 
< d water  throughout,  obtained  a very  light,  spongy,  somewhat  coherent  carbo- 
lic of  magnesia,  containing  32  acid,  33  base,  and  35  water.  By  using  120 
If  cent,  of  the  carbonate,  and  boiling  the  water  for  fifteen  minutes,  he  obtained 
:ieavy  granular,  precipitate,  containing  35  acid,  42  base,  and  23  water. 

, Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Carbonate  of  magnesia  is  antacid,  and,  by  com- 
ning  with  acid  in  the  stomach,  becomes  generally  cathartic.  When  it  under- 
fj;s  no  change  in  the  alimentary  canal,  it  produces  no  purgative  effect.  Under 
rise  circumstances,  it  may  usually  be  made  to  operate  by  following  it  with 
<! nights  of  lemonade.  It  is  useful  in  all  cases  which  require  a laxative  antacid; 
tl,  though  apt  to  produce  flatulence  in  consequence  of  the  extrication  of  its 
i bonic  acid  in  the  stomach  and  bowels,  and  therefore  in  ordinary  cases  infe- 
1 r to  calcined  magnesia,  it  sometimes  operates  favourably,  in  consequence  of 


458 


PART  ] 


Magnetise  Carbonas. — Magnesise  Sulphas. 

this  very  property,  in  sick  stomach  attended  with  acidity.  Carbonate  of  maj 
nesia  is  also  an  excellent  antilithic  in  those  cases  in  which  uric  acid  is  secrete 
in  too  great  abundance.  The  dose  is  from  half  a drachm  to  two  drachms,  whit- 
may  be  given  suspended  in  water  or  milk.  In  order  that  it  may  be  accuratel 
diffused  through  water,  it  should  be  previously  rubbed  down  with  simple  syru 
or  ginger  syrup.* 

Carbonate  of  magnesia  is  a useful  agent  for  diffusing  camphor  and  the  volatil 
oils  through  water,  in  preparing  several  of  the  medicated  waters. 

Off.  Prep.  Hydrargyrum  cum  Magnesia  ; Liquor  MagnesiaeCitratis;  Magnesia 
Mistura  Camphorae  cum  Magnesia;  Trochisei  Magnesise.  D.  B.  S. 

■MAGNESLE  SULPHAS.  U S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub. 
Sulphate  of  Magnesia. 

Epsom  salt;  Sulfate  de  magnesie,  Ft.;  Schwefelsaure  Magnesia,  Germ.;  Solfato  di  ma; 
nesia,  Ital.;  Sulfato  de  magnesia,  Span. 

Sulphate  of  magnesia  is  one  of  the  constituents  of  sea-water,  and  of  some  salin 
springs.  It  also  occurs  native,  either  crystallized  in  long,  slender,  prismata 
adhering  crystals,  or  as  an  efflorescence  on  certain  rocks  and  soils,  which  contai 
magnesia  and  a sulphate  or  sulphuret.  In  the  United  States  it  is  found  abunc 
antly  in  the  great  caverns,  so  numerous  to  the  west  of  the  Alleghany  mountain; 
In  one  of  those  caves,  near  Corydon  in  Indiana,  it  forms  a stratum  on  the  bottoi 
several  inches  deep;  or  appears  in  masses  sometimes  weighing  ten  pound;;  or; 
disseminated  in  the  earth  of  the  cavern,  one  bushel  of  which  yields  from  for 
to  twenty-five  pounds  of  this  sulphate.  It  also  appears  on  the  wails  of  the  c-averi 
and,  if  it  be  removed,  acicular  crystals  again  appear  in  a few  weeks.  ( Cleat  eland. 

Sulphate  of  magnesia  was  originally  procured  by  evaporating  the  waters  of  sou 
saline  springs  at  Epsom  in  England.  Dr.  Grew  prepared  it  in  this  manner  in  107- 
It  was  afterwards  discovered  that  the  brine  remaining  after  the  crystallization  t 
common  salt  from  sea- water,  furnished  by  careful  evaporation  precisely  the  sau: 
salt;  and,  as  this  was  a much  cheaper  product,  it  superseded  the  former.  Th 
residual  brine  or  bittern  consists  of  sulphate  of  magnesia,  and  the  chlorides  ( 
magnesium  and  calcium.  As  the  sulphate  of  magnesia  crystallizes  first,  it  ma 
with  proper  care  be  obtained  nearly  pure,  although  most  frequently  the  salt  pr 
pared  in  this  way  is  deliquescent  from  being  contaminated  with  the  chloride  < 
magnesium.  It  may  be  freed  from  this  impurity  by  washing  the  crystals  wit 
its  own  saturated  solution.  It  was  from  this  source  that  the  greater  part  of  tl 
Epsom  salt  of  commerce  was  long  obtained  in  Europe.  The  salt  works  of  Xe 
England  supplied  our  own  markets  with  an  impure  and  deliquescent  sulphat 
With  the  improvements  of  chemistry,  other  and  better  processes  have  latter 
been  adopted.  In  the  neighbourhood  of  Genoa  and  Xice,  sulphate  of  magnes 
is  prepared  in  large  quantities  from  a schistose  rock,  which  contains  magnesia  at 
sulphuret  of  iron.  The  mineral  is  roasted  and  exposed  in  heaps  for  some  montl 
to  the  combined  action  of  air  and  water.  It  is  then  lixiviated,  the  sulphate 
iron  decomposed  by  lime-water,  and  the  salt  is  obtained  pure  by  repeated  solutk 
and  crystallization. 

William  Henry,  of  Manchester,  whose  calcined  magnesia  has  become  fame: 
throughout  the  world,  took  out  a patent  for  a mode  of  preparing  magnesia  ai 
its  salts  from  the  double  carbonate  of  magnesia  and  lime  — the  dolomitt  of  mir 

* Daily's  Carminative  consists  of  carbonate  of  magnesia  7) lb  oil  of  peppermint  tipi, 
of  nutmeg  rrpij,  oil  of  aniseed  rrpiij,  tincture  of  castor  npxxx.  tincture  of  assat'etida  tips 
tincture  of  opium  npv,  spirit  of  pennyroyal  rtpxv,  compound  tincture  of  cardamom  TT^xs 
peppermint  water  1 5 ij . 


ART  I. 


459 


Magnesias  Sulphas. 

ilogists.  His  process  was  to  drive  off  the  carbonic  acid  by  heat,  and  to  convert 
ie  remaining  earths  into  hydrates.  He  treated  these  with  a sufficient  quantity 
i muriatic  acid  to  dissolve  out  the  lime,  and  then  converted  the  magnesia  into 
.-sulphate  either  by  sulphuric  acid  or  sulphate  of  iron. 

This  salt  is  extensively  manufactured  iu  Baltimore  and  Philadelphia  from  the 
sicious  hydrate  of  magnesia,  or  magnesite.  This  mineral  occurs  in  veins  in  the 
f'-pentine  and  other  magnesian  rocks  which  abound  in  the  neighbourhood  of 
hltimore,  and  in  the  southern  counties  of  Pennsylvania.  The  advantage  which 
^possesses  over  the  dolomite,  in  the  preparation  of  this  salt,  is  the  almost  entire 
isence  of  lime,  owing  to  which  circumstance  there  is  little  or  no  waste  of  acid, 
;d  the  operation  is  much  simplified.  The  mineral  is  reduced  to  a fine  powder, 
id  saturated  with  sulphuric  acid.  The  mass  is  then  dried  and  calcined  at  a red 
lat,  in  order  to  convert  the  sulphate  of  iron,  which  may  be  present,  into  red 
tide.  It  is  then  dissolved  in  water,  and  sulphuret  of  lime  added  to  separate 
;y  remaining  portion  of  iron.  The  salt  is  crystallized  and  dissolved  a third 
the,  in  order  to  purify  it.  The  sulphate  prepared  at  the  Baltimore  works  by 
ts  process  is  generally  very  pure  and  clean,  although  it  sometimes  contains 
s.phate  of  iron. 

Properties , &c.  Sulphate  of  magnesia  is  a colourless  transparent  salt,  without 
sell,  and  of  a bitter,  nauseous,  saline  taste.  It  crystallizes  in  quadrangular 
] sms,  terminating  in  a four-sided  pyramid  or  in  a dihedral  summit.  It  usually 
ours  in  small  acicular  crystals,  which  are  produced  by  agitating  the  solution 
a ile  crystallizing.  It  slowly  effloresces  in  the  air.  At  32°  F.  100  parts  of  water 
cjjsolve  25’76  parts  of  the  anhydrous  salt,  and,  for  every  increased  degree,  0'8597 
f "ts  additional  are  taken  up.  The  crystals  contain  51'22  per  cent,  of  water  of 
cfstallization,  and  dissolve  in  their  own  weightof  water  at  60°,  and  in  three-fourths 
qtheir  weight  of  boiling  water.  They  melt  in  their  water  of  crystallization,  and 
aa  high  temperature  fuse  into  an  enamel.  ( Berzelius. ) This  salt  consists  of 
c;  equivalent  of  acid  40,  one  of  base  20,  and  seven  of  water  63  = 123. 

Sulphate  of  magnesia  is  completely  decomposed  by  potassa,  soda,  and  their  car- 
1 rates ; by  lime,  baryta,  and  strontia,  and  their  soluble  salts.  Ammonia  par- 
t !y  decomposes  it,  and  forms  with  the  remaining  salt  a double  sulphate.  The 
larbonates  of  potassa  and  soda  do  not  decompose  it,  except  by  the  aid  of  heat. 

Sulphate  of  magnesia  is  liable  to  contain  iron  and  chloride  of  magnesium,  the 
fimer  of  which  may  be  detected  by  ferrocyanuret  of  potassium,  and  the  latter 
hits  rendering  the  salt  moist.  If  the  addition  of  sulphuric  acid  produce  no 
erication  of  muriatic  acid  gas,  the  fact  proves  the  absence  of  all  chlorides.  One 
1 ldred  grains  of  the  salt  in  aqueous  solution  should  yield,  when  completely 
(composed  by  a boiling  solution  of  carbonate  of  soda,  thirty-four  grains  of  dry 
ebonate  of  magnesia.  If  the  dry  precipitate  be  less,  the  specimen  tested  is  not 
a sulphate  of  magnesia,  and  probably  contains  sulphate  of  soda. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Sulphate  of  magnesia  is  a mild  and  safe  cathartic, 
o rating  with  little  pain  or  nausea,  and  producing  watery  stools.  It  is  more 
a eptable  to  the  stomach  than  most  medicines  of  its  class,  and  will  often  be 
r lined  when  others  are  rejected.  Like  many  of  the  other  neutral  salts  it  is 
r. 'igerant,  and  may  be  made  to  act  as  a diuretic,  by  keeping  the  skin  cool,  and 
v;king  about  after  it  has  been  taken.  It  is  well  adapted  to  the  treatment  of 
fihrs  and  inflammatory  affections,  especially  after  a previous  thorough  evacuation 
o he  bowels  by  a more  energetic  cathartic.  It  is  also  useful  in  colic  and  obsti- 
nie  constipation,  and  may  be  employed  in  most  cases  which  require  the  use  of 
a ithartic,  without  being  attended  with  debility  or  relaxation  of  the  stomach  and 
b 'els.  The  medium  dose  is  an  ounce;  but  advantage  often  results  from  its 
aninistration  in  divided  doses  frequently  repeated.  It  is  often  given  in  combi- 
u ion  with  other  medicines,  especially  with  senna,  the  griping  effect  of  which  it 


460 


PART 


Magnesia?  Sulphas. — Magnolia. 

tends  to  obviate.  The  most  agreeable  form  for  administering  the  salt,  and  that  i 
■which  it  usually  agrees  best  with  the  stomach,  is  a solution  in  carbonic  acid  wati 
with  lemon  syrup.  By  Dr.  Henry,  of  Dublin,  it  is  highly  recommended  in  coi 
nexion  with  sulphuric  acid.  To  seven  ounces  of  a saturated  aqueous  solution  < 
the  salt  he  adds  an  ounce  of  the  diluted  sulphuric  acid  of  the  Pharmacopoeia 
and  gives  a tablespoonful  of  the  mixture  for  a dose,  in  a wineglassful  of  water 

Off.  Prep.  Enema  Catharticum ; Magnesiae  Carbonas;  Magnesiae  Carbon; 
Ponderosum ; Pulvis  Salinus  Compositus.  D.  B.  S. 

MAGNOLIA.  U.  S.  Secondary. 

Magnolia. 

The  bark  of  Magnolia  glauca,  Magnolia  acuminata,  and  Magnolia  tripetal 

u s. 

Magnolia.  Sex.  Syst.  Polyandria  Polygynia. — Nat.  Orel.  Magnoliaeeae. 

Gen.  Oh.  Gahjx  three-leaved.  Petals  six  or  more.  Capsules  two-valved,  on 
seeded,  imbricated  in  a cone.  Seeds  berried,  pendulous.  Bigclmc. 

The  medicinal  properties  which  have  rendered  the  bark  of  the  Magnolia  offi; 
nal,  are  common  to  most,  if  not  all  of  the  species  composing  this  splendid  genu 
Among  the  numerous  trees  which  adorn  the  American  landscape,  these  are  me 
conspicuous  for  the  beautiful  richness  of  their  foliage,  and  the  magnificence 
well  as  delicious  odour  of  their  flowers ; and  M.  grandiflora  of  the  Southe 
States  rivals  in  magnitude  the  largest  inhabitants  of  our  forests.  The  Pharm 
copoeia  designates  31.  glauca,  31.  acuminata,  and  31.  tripetala,  each  of  will 
we  shall  briefly  describe. 

1.  31agnolia  glauca.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  ii.  1256;  Bigelow,  Am.  Ned.  £• 
ii.  67 ; Barton,  3Ied.  Bot.  i.  77 ; Michaux,  N.  Am.  Sylv.  ii.  8.  This  spec-i 
of  Magnolia,  which  in  the  Northern  States  is  often  nothing  more  than  a shru 
sometimes  attains  in  the  South  the  height  of  forty  feet.  The  leaves  are  sc; 
tered,  petiolate,  oval,  obtuse,  entire,  glabrous,  thick,  opaque,  yellowish-green 
their  upper  surface,  and  of  a beautiful  pale  glaucous  colour  beneath.  The  flowt 
are  large,  terminal,  solitary,  cream-coloured,  strongly  and  gratefully  odoroi 
often  scenting  the  air  to  a considerable  distance.  The  calyx  is  composed  of  thr 
leaves ; the  petals,  from  eight  to  fourteen  in  number,  are  obovate,  obtuse,  co 
cave,  and  contracted  at  the  base ; the  stamens  are  very  numerous,  and  insert 
on  a conical  receptacle ; the  germs  are  collected  into  a cone,  and  each  is  si- 
mounted  by  a linear  recurved  styie.  The  fruit  is  conical,  about  an  inch 
length,  consisting  of  numerous  imbricated  cells,  each  containing  a single  scar, 
seed.  This  escapes  through  a longitudinal  opening  in  the  cell,  but  remains  :- 
some  time  suspended  from  the  cone  by  a slender  thread. 

M.  glauca  extends  along  the  seaboard  of  the  United  States,  from  Cape  Ai, 
in  Massachusetts,  to  the  shores  of  the  Gulf  of  Mexico.  It  is  abundant  in  t: 
Middle  and  Southern  States,  usually  growing  in  swamps;  and  is  seldom  n: 
with  in  the  interior,  west  of  the  mountains.  It  begins  to  flower  in  May,  Ju  . 
or  July,  according  to  the  latitude.  It  is  known  by  the  name  of  magnoi 
simply  in  the  Northern  and  Middle  States,  by  that  of  white  lay  or  siceetlap 
the  South,  and  is  occasionally  called  swamp  sassafras,  leaver  tree,  &c. 

2.  31.  acuminata.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  ii.  1257  ; Michaux,  N.  Am.  Sylv.  ii. !. 
This  species  is  much  larger  than  the  preceding,  often  growing  to  the  height  f 

* It  is  said  that  a solution  of  an  ounce  of  the  salt  in  about  a pint  of  water,  boiled  r 
three  minutes  with  a grain  and  a half  of  tannic  acid,  or  with  two  or  three  drachms  of  roast 
coffee,  is  entirely  deprived  of  bitterness.  The  liquid  prepared  with  coffee  should  be  straii , 
and  may  be  sweetened  with  sugar.  (Combes,  Journ.  de  Pharm.,  Se  ser.,  xii.  110.) 


] rt  I.  Magnolia. — Malva.  461 

srenty  or  eighty  feet.  The  leaves  are  six  or  seven  inches  long,  by  three  or 
fir  in  breadth,  oval,  acuminate,  and  pubescent  on  their  under  surface.  The 
fwers  are  five  or  six  inches  in  diameter,  bluish  or  cream-coloured,  slightly  odor- 
(s,  with  obovate  rather  obtuse  petals  from  six  to  nine  in  number.  Mingled 
ith  the  splendid  foliage,  they  give  a magnificent  aspect  to  the  tree  when  large 
td  in  full  bloom.  The  tree  grows  in  the  interior  mountainous  regions  of  the 
hited  States,  extending  along  the  Alleghanies  from  the  State  of  New  York  to 
tfir  termination  in  Georgia,  and  seldom  existing  in  the  low  country  far  either 
t the  east  or  the  west  of  that  range.  It  is  called  cucumber  tree,  from  the 
nemblance  of  its  fruit  in  shape  and  size  to  the  common  cucumber. 

3.  M.  tripetala.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  ii.  1258;  Michaux,  N.  Am.  Sylv.  ii.  18. 
his  is  a small  tree,  sometimes  though  rarely  reaching  an  elevation  of  thirty 
fit,  and  almost  always  having  an  inclined  trunk.  It  is  remarkable  for  the  size 
c its  leaves  and  flowers.  The  former  are  eighteen  or  twenty  inches  long  by 
smn  or  eight  in  breadth,  thin,  obovate,  somewhat  wedge-shaped,  entire,  acute 
sboth  extremities,  pubescent  when  young,  and  often  disposed  in  rays  at  the  ex- 
t mity  of  the  shoots,  displaying  a surface  thirty  inches  in  diameter.  Hence  has 
asen  the  name  of  umbrella  tree,  by  which  this  species  is  distinguished.  The 
lwers  are  terminal,  seven  or  eight  inches  in  diameter,  white,  with  from  five  to 
telve  oval  acute  petals,  of  which  the  three  outer  are  reflexed.  This  species  extends 
f m the  northern  parts  of  New  York  to  the  southern  limits  of  the  United  States. 

1 is  found  only  in  shady  situations,  with  a strong,  deep,  and  fertile  soil. 

The  bark  and  fruit  of  all  the  species  of  Magnolia  are  possessed  of  similar 
i dicinal  properties;  but  the  bark  only  is  officinal ; and  that  of  the  root  is 
trnght  to  be  most  efficient.  It  has  an  aromatic  odour,  and  a bitter,  pungent, 
scy  taste.  The  aromatic  property,  which  resides  in  a volatile  principle,  is 
(.finished  by  desiccation,  and  entirely  lost  when  the  bark  is  long  kept.  The 
Iterness,  however,  remains.  The  bark  is  destitute  of  astringency.  The  bark 
c Magnolia  grandiflora,  examined  by  Dr.  Stephen  Procter,  was  found  to  contain 
vatile  oil,  resin,  and  a principle  analogous  to  the  liriodendrin  of  Professor 
Iimet.  (Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xiv.  95.) 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Magnolia  is  a gently  stimulant  aromatic  tonic 
all  diaphoretic,  useful  in  chronic  rheumatism,  and  capable,  if  freely  given,  of 
aesting  the  paroxysms  of  intermittent  fever.  It  has  been  used  advantageously 
i these  complaints,  and  in  remittents,  especially  of  a typhoid  character.  The 
fie  of  the  recently  dried  bark  in  powder  is  from  half  a drachm  to  a drachm, 
f pently  repeated.  The  infusion  may  also  be  used,  but  is  less  efficient, 
luted  alcohol  extracts  all  the  virtues  of  the  medicine;  and  a tincture,  made 
b macerating  the  fresh  bark  or  fruit  in  brandy,  is  a popular  remedy  in  chronic 
r umatism.  W. 

MALVA.  Ed. 

Common  Mallow. 

lerb  of  Malva  sylvestris.  Ed. 

'lauve  sauvage,  Fr.;  Waldmalve,  Germ.;  Malva,  Ilal.,  Span. 

1 1 alva.  Sex.  Syst.  Monadelphia  Polyandria. — Nat.  Ord.  Malvaceae. 

Jen.  Ch.  Calux  double,  the  exterior  three-leaved.  Capsules  very  many,  one- 
s'led.  Willd. 

1 Ialva  sylvestris.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  iii.  787 ; Woodv.  Med.  Bot.  p.  554,  t. 
1 This  is  a perennial,  herbaceous  plant,  with  a round,  hairy,  branching, 
u ally  erect  stem,  from  one  to  three  feet  high,  bearing  alternate,  petiolate, 
elate,  roughish  leaves,  which  are  divided  into  five  or  seven  crenate  lobes,  and 
o the  upper  part  of  the  stem  are  almost  palmate.  The  flowers  are  large,  pur- 


462 


Malva. — Manganesii  Oxidum. 


PART  ] 


plish,  and  placed  from  three  to  five  together  at  the  axils  of  the  leaves,  upon  Ion 
slender  peduncles,  which,  as  well  as  the  petioles,  are  pubescent.  The  petals  ar 
five,  inversely  cordate,  and  three  times  as  long  as  the  calyx.  The  capsules  ar 
disposed  compactly  in  a circular  form. 

This  species  of  mallow  is  a native  of  Europe,  where  it  grows  abundantly  o 
waste  grounds  and  by  the  way-sides,  flowering  from  May  to  August.  It  is  som< 
times  cultivated  in  our  gardens.  Other  species,  indigenous  or  naturalized  i 
this  country,  are  possessed  of  the  same  properties,  which  are  in  fact  common  t 
the  whole  genus.  Malva  rotundifolia  is  one  of  the  most  common,  and  may  b 
substituted  for  M.  sylvestris. 

The  herb  and  flowers  have  a weak,  herbaceous,  slimy  taste,  without  odotr, 
They  abound  in  mucilage,  which  they  readily  impart  to  water;  and  the  solutio 
is  precipitated  by  acetate  of  lead.  The  infusion  and  tincture  of  the  flowers  ai 
blue,  and  serve  as  a test  of  acids  and  alkalies,  being  reddened  by  the  former,  an 
rendered  green  by  the  latter.  The  roots  and  seeds  also  are  mucilaginous. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Common  mallow  is  emollient  and  demulcen 
The  infusion  and  decoction  are  sometimes  employed  in  catarrhal,  dysenteric-,  an 
nephritic  complaints;  and  are  applicable  to  all  other  cases  which  call  for  the  u- 
of  mucilaginous  liquids.  They  are  also  used  as  an  emollient  injection;  and  tb 
fresh  plant  forms  a good  suppurative  or  relaxing  cataplasm  in  external  inflan 
matron.  It  was  formerly  among  the  culinary  herbs.  W. 

MANGANESII  OXIDUM.  Ed. 

Oxide  of  Manganese. 

Off.  Syn.  MANGANESII  BINOXIDUM.  Land.;  MANGANESII  PEI 
OXYDUM.  Pub. 

Manganese,  Peroxide  of  manganese,  Deutoxide  of  manganese.  Black  oxide  of  roansr, 
nese,  Pyrolusite;  Oxide  noil"  de  manganese,  Fr.; ■ Braunstein,  Germ.:  Manganese,  I </..  Spu 

The  otficinal  oxide  of  manganese  is  the  deutoxide  or  binoxide  of  a peculi; 
metal  properly  called  manganese;  though  this  name  is  commonly  applied  to  tl 
oxide  itself.  Metallic  manganese  was  discovered  by  Scheele  and  Gafin  in  177 
and  is  obtained  from  the  native  black  oxide  by  intense  ignition  with  charcoal, 
is  hard,  brittle,  granular,  and  of  a grayish-white  colour.  It  oxidizes  readily  1 
the  action  of  the  air,  first  tarnishing,  then  assuming  a yellowish  or  violet  colon 
and  finally  becoming  converted  into  a black  powder.  Its  sp.  gr.  is  8,  meltir 
point  160°  of  Wedgwood,  and  equivalent  number  27'7.  With  oxygen  it  fora 
five  combinations,  three  regular  oxides  and  two  acids.  ’She' protoxide  is  of  a ligl 
green  colour,  and  is  the  oxide  present  in  the  salts  of  manganese.  The  sesqo 
oxide  is  black  or  dark-brown,  and  the  deutoxide  black.  The  two  acids  are  forme 
by  the  action  of  potassa  on  the  deutoxide,  and  are  called  manganic  and  hype 
manganic  acids.  Assuming  one  eq.  of  manganese  in  each  of  these  combin 
tions,  the  protoxide  contains  one,  tfie  sesquioxide  one  and  a half,  the  deutoxii 
two,  manganic  acid  three,  and  hypermanganic  acid  three  and  a half  equivalen 
of  oxygen.*  ( Berzelius .)  Besides  these,  there  exists  a double  oxide,  of  a brownis 
red  colour,  called  the  red  oxide,  consisting  of  one  eq.  of  protoxide,  and  one  , 
sesquioxide,  and  invariably  formed  when  any  one  of  the  other  oxides  of  inang 
nese  is  exposed  to  a white  heat;  and  a native  oxide,  called  Varricite , composed 
two  eqs.  of  deutoxide,  and  one  of  sesquioxide.  Metallic  manganese  is  an  oec 
sional  constituent  of  organic  matter.  It.  was  detected  in  minute  quantity 
bones  by  Fourcroy  and  Yauquelin,  and  has  recently  been  found  by  Milieu  a: 

* In  order  to  avoid  fractional  equivalents,  tbe  sesquioxide  is  generally  stated  to  cons 
of  two  eqs.  of  metal  and  three  of  oxygen,  and  the  hypermanganic  acid,  of  two  eqs- 
metal  and  seven  of  oxygen. 


Manganesii  Oxidum. 


468 


i 


]RT  I. 


ciers  in  the  blood.  It  is  often  present  in  the  ashes  of  plants.  In  the  mineral 
ligdom,  it  occurs  sometimes  as  a sulphuret,  rarely  as  a phosphate,  but  very 
aandantly  as  the  black  or  deutoxide,  called  pyrolusite.  It  is  the  latter  mineral 
rich  constitutes  the  officinal  oxide. 

Properties.  Deutoxide  of  manganese,  as  it  occurs  in  nature,  is  very  variable 
hits  appearance.  Its  sp.  gr.  varies  from  4'7  to  4'9.  It  is  found  sometimes  in 
blliant  needle-shaped  crystals,  often  in  compact  masses  having  the  metallic  lustre, 
It  far  more  frequently  in  the  form  of  a dull  earthy-looking  substance  of  a black 
Cjbrown  colour.  It  is  purest  when  crystallized.  As  it  occurs  in  commerce  it  is 
mally  in  the  form  of  powder,  of  a black  colour,  insoluble  in  water,  and  contain- 
ir  as  impurities  more  or  less  oxidized  iron,  carbonate  of  lime,  sulphate  of  baryta, 
al  earthy  matter.  Iron,  which  is  rarely  absent,  is  detected  by  the  production 
o a greenish  or  blue  tint  on  the  addition  of  ferrocyanuret  of  potassium  to  its 
nriatic  solution.  When  exposed  to  a red  heat  it  yields  half  an  equivalent  of 
cugen,  and  is  reduced  to  the  state  of  sesquioxide.  Hence  its  use  in  obtaining 
tit  gas.  When  dried,  and  afterwards  heated  to  whiteness,  good  samples  lose 
tvlve  per  cent,  of  oxygen.  It  is  distinguished  from  the  sulphuret  of  antimony 
bits  infusibility,  and  by  its  causing  the  evolution  of  chlorine  on  being  heated 
wh  muriatic  acid.  When  of  a brown  colour,  it  is  not  of  good  quality.  Its 
caposition  has  been  given  above. 

3ut  few  mines  of  deutoxide  of  manganese  exist,  though  the  metal  itself  is  very 
g erally  diffused  throughout  the  mineral  kingdom.  It  occurs  most  abundantly 
ii3ohemia,  Saxony,  the  Hartz,  France,  and  Great  Britain.  In  the  United  States 
noaines  have  been  opened,  except  in  Vermont,  from  which  State  an  inferior 
bwn  ferruginous  manganese  is  supplied  through  Boston.  Besides  this  source  of 
siply,  the  mineral  is  received  from  Nova  Scotia,  France,  Germany,  England, 
ar  occasionally  Scotland.  It  comes  packed  in  casks  or  barrels,  generally  in 
k ps  and  coarse  powder,  just  as  it  is  dug  out  of  the  mines;  though  occasionally 
it  received  from  England  ready  pulverized.  It  is  a good  rule  to  buy  it  unpow- 
d< hd ; as  its  quality  can  be  better  judged  of  in  that  state.  A dark  shining  crystal- 
li  appearance  may  be  taken  as  an  indication  of  good  quality.  The  Nova  Scotia 
m'iiganese  is  better  than  the  Vermont;  but  that  received  from  Germany  and 
E jand  is  the  best,  and  commands  the  highest  price.  The  Scotch  manganese 
isjjiso  of  good  quality. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Deutoxide  of  manganese  is  deemed  a tonic  by 
seje  experimenters.  When  slowly  introduced  into  the  system,  as  happens  to 
the  engaged  in  grinding  the  mineral,  it  acts,  according  to  Dr.  Coupar,  of  Glas- 
gcj,  as  a cumulative  poison,  inducing  a disease  which  first  show’s  itself  by  a stag- 
gejog  gait,  and  ends  in  paraplegia.  It  has  been  used  in  syphilis,  chlorosis, 
scjvy,  and  various  skin  diseases,  especially  itch  and  porrigo.  The  dose  is  from 
the  to  twenty  grains,  three  times  a day,  given  in  the  form  of  pill.  For  external 
us'  an  ointment  may  be  made  of  one  or  two  drachms  of  the  oxide  to  an  ounce  of 
la:.  For  a notice  of  other  compounds  of  manganese  which  have  been  tried  as 
mlicines,  see  the  article  Manganese  in  the  Appendix. 

his  oxide  is  used  in  the  arts  for  obtaining  chlorine  in  the  manufacture  of 
blphing  powder,  for  giving  a black  glazing  to  pottery,  and  for  freeing  glass 
fr< . the  colour  which  it  derives  from  the  sesquioxide  of  iron.  According  to 
Bpelius,  a few  pounds  of  it  added  to  each  cask  of  water  intended  for  sea-voy- 
ag,  will  preserve  it  sweet.  In  the  laboratory,  it  is  employed  to  obtain  oxygen 
an  chlorine,  and  to  form  the  salts  of  manganese.  Iu  pharmacy  it  is  used  for 
lib  ating  chlorine  from  muriatic  acid  and  from  common  salt,  and  iodine  from 
loc  ie  of  sodium,  contained  in  kelp. 

harm.  Uses.  Deutoxide  of  manganese  is  used  in  preparing  Chlorinii  Liquor; 
Cl  roformum,  Dub.;  Liquor  Sodae  Chlorinatae.  B. 


464 


Manna. 


PARI 


MANNA.  U.  S.,  Lord.,  Ed.,  Dub. 

Manna. 

The  concrete  juice  of  Ornus  Europaea.  U.  S.  Fraxinus  rotundifolia,  and  Fra 
inus  Ornus?  The  juice  obtained  by  incision,  hardened  in  the  air.  Lond.  Swe 
concrete  exudation,  probably  from  several  species  of  Fraxinus  and  Ornus.  E 
Fraxinus  Ornus.  An  exudation  from  this  and  other  species.  Dub. 

Manne,  Fr.;  Manna,  Germ..,  Ilal.;  Mana,  Span. 

Manna  is  not  the  product  of  one  plant  exclusively.  Besides  Ornus  Europa 
indicated  by  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia,  it  is  said  to  be  obtained  also  from  sever 
other  trees,  belonging  to  the  genera  Ornus  and  Fraxinus , among  which  0.  > 
tundifolia , F.  excelsior , and  F.  parti  flora  have  been  particularly  designate 
Burckhardt  states  that  a species  of  manna,  which  exudes  from  the  tamarisk 
the  North  of  Africa  ( Tamarix  Gnllica,  Ekrenberg),  is  used  by  the  Bedouin  Ara 
of  the  neighbourhood  of  Mount  Sinai  with  their  food.  This  substance,  kowev< 
according  to  Mitscherlich,  contains  no  mannite,but  consists  wholly  of  mucilagino 
sugar.  The  manna  used  in  India  is  said  to  be  the  product  of  Hedysarum  AUio 
of  Linn.,  Alhagi  Maurorum  of  De  Candolle,  a thorny  shrub  which  grows  abuc 
antly  in  the  deserts  of  Persia  and  Arabia.  It  is,  however,  much  inferior  totb 
obtained  from  the  Ornus.  A substance  closely  resembling  manna  is  procured 
exudation  from  a species  of  Eucalyptus , called  E.  mannifera , growing  in  N 
South  Wales.  It  has  been  shown  to  contain  a saccharine  matter  different  fri 
mannite,  and,  though  isomeric  with  glucose,  differing  from  it  as  well  as  frc 
other  varieties  of  sugar  in  properties.  Another  manna  found  in  New  Holla 
is  produced  by  exudation  from  the  leaves  of  Eucalyptus  chnnosa,  when  very  sms 
and  sometimes  appears  spread  over  large  extents  of  country  like  a kind  of  snc 
The  natives  use  it  for  food.  It  is  a complex  bod}',  containing  sugar,  gum,  stare 
inulin,  and  lignin.  ( Journ . de  Chim.  et  de  Fharm.,  xvi.  240.)  The  substar 
known  in  France  by  the  name  of  Briancon  manna,  is  an  exudation  from  t 
common  European  larch — Larix  Europsea  or  Finus  Larix — and  differs  ckei- 
cally  from  ordinary  manna  in  containing  no  mannite.  A substance  resembli; 
manna,  of  a sweet,  slightly  bitter,  and  terebinthinate  taste,  and  actively  pur- 
tive,  exudes  from  incisions  in  the  Finus  Lambertiana,  of  Southern  Oregon,  si 
is  used  by  the  inhabitants.  (Fur.  of  U.  S.  Expl.  Expcd. , v.  '23*2.) 

Ornus.  Sex.  Syst.  Diandria  Monogynia. — Fat.  Ord.  Oleacese. 

Gen.  Ch.  Calyx  very  small,  four-cleft.  Corolla  divided  to  the  base  into  lin r 
segments.  Pericarp  a winged  key  not  dehiscing.  Bindley. 

This  genus  was  separated  by  Persoon  from  the  Fraxinus  of  Linnteus,  ancs 
now  admitted  by  the  best  botanists. 

Ornus  Europsea.  Persoon,  Synops.  i.  9;  Lindley,  Flor.  Afecl.  547;  Cars, 
Illust.  of  Med.  Bot.  ii.  8,  pi.  61.  — Fraxinus  Ornus.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  iv.  11'; 
Woodv.  Med.  Bot.  p.  589,  t.  209.  The  flowering  ash*  is  a tree  of  moderate  heir , 
usually  from  twenty  to  twenty-five  feet,  very  branching,  with  opposite,  petiole, 
pinnate  leaves,  composed  of  three  or  four  pairs  of  leaflets,  and  an  odd  one  at  e 
end.  The  leaflets  are  oval,  acuminate,  obtusely  serrate,  about  an  inch  and  a lif 
in  length,  smooth,  of  a bright-green  colour,  and  supported  on  short  footsta?- 
The  flowers  are  white,  and  usually  expand  with  the  leaves.  They  grow  in  ctf 

* A syrup  prepared  from  the  inner  bark  of  this  tree  has  been  employed,  in  Europe? 
br.  Devergie,  with  supposed  advantage,  in  chronic  eczema  and  impetigo.  The  bark  •- 
tains  much  tannin,  and  a mucilaginous  principle,  which  renders  diluted  alcohol  ft  l>  r 
menstruum  than  boiling  water.  [Journ.  de  Pharm.,  3 c ser.,  ix.  347.) 


IRT  I. 


Manna. 


465 


piicles  at  the  extremities  of  the  young  branches,  and  have  a very  short  calyx 
vh  four  teeth,  and  four  linear-lanceolate  petals. 

Both  this  species  of  Ornus  and  the  0.  rotundifotici  are  natives  of  Sicily,  Ca- 
hria,  and  Apulia;  and  both  contribute  to  supply  the  manna  of  commerce.  The 
fimer  is  cultivated  in  Sicily,  yields  manna  after  the  eighth  year,  and  continues 
ti.yield  it  for  ten  or  twelve  years,  when  it  is  usually  cut  down,  and  young  sprouts 
a>wed  to  grow  up  from  the  root.  (Stettner,  Archiv.  der  Pharm.,  liii.  194.) 
I ring  the  hot  months  the  juice  exudes  spontaneously  from  the  bark,  and  con- 
c-ites  upon  its  surface;  but,  as  the  exudation  is  slow,  it  is  customary  to  facilitate 
t!  process  by  making  deep  longitudinal  incisions  on  one  side  of  the  trunk.  In 
tlj  following  season  these  are  repeated  on  the  other  side,  and  thus  alternately  for 
tl  whole  period  during  which  the  trees  yield  manna,  extending  sometimes,  it 
is  aid,  to  thirty  or  even  forty  years.  Straw  or  cleau  chips  are  frequently  placed 
sis  to  receive  the  juice,  which  concretes  upon  them.  The  manna  varies  in 
itcharacter  according  to  the  mode  of  collection  and  nature  of  the  season,  and 
tl  period  of  the  year  in  which  the  exudation  takes  place.  That  procured  in 
Silyis  said  to  be  the  best.  Three  varieties  are  distinguishable  in  commerce. 

..  The  purest  is  that  usually  kuown  by  the  name  of  flake  manna,  called  also 
trlnna  cannulata.  It  exudes  spontaneously,  or  by  incisions,  during  the  hottest 
aij  dryest  weather  in  July  and  August.  According  to  Stettner,  it  is  furnished 
b the  upper  incisions  upon  the  trunk;  while  the  lower  incisions  yield  the  infe- 
ri  varieties.  It  is  in  irregular,  unequal  pieces,  often  several  inches  long,  re- 
st.bling  stalactites,  rough,  light,  porous,  brittle,  whitish  or  yellowish-white,  and 
fluently  concave  on  the  surface  by  which  they  were  attached  to  the  trunk,  and 
w'jch  is  often  soiled  by  impurities,  sometimes  by  adherent  fragments  of  the  hark. 
Alien  broken,  these  pieces  exhibit  a crystalline  or  granular  structure.  This 
vifety  is  sometimes  in  small  fragments,  generally  less  than  an  inch  in  length. 

. Common  manna  — manne  en  sorte  of  French  pharmacy  — is  next  in  quality, 
at  is  collected  in  September  and  the  beginning  of  October,  when  the  heat  of 
tb  weather  has  begun  to  moderate.  The  juice  does  not  now  concrete  so  readily, 
ar  a portion,  falling  on  the  ground  at  the  root  of  the  tree,  becomes  more  or 
le  mixed  with  impurities,  and  forms  imperfectly  solid  masses,  which  require 
toe  further  dried  in  the  sun.  The  common  manna  consists  of  whitish  or  yel- 
lowish fragments  similar  to  the  pieces  of  flake  manna,  but  much  smaller,  mixed 
wit  a soft,  viscid,  uncrystallized  brownish  matter,  identical  with  that  which 
co  titutes  the  following  variety. 

Fat  manna  is  collected  in  the  latter  part  of  October  and  November,  when 
tlv weather  is  cooler  and  rains  more  common.  The  juice  is  now  still  less  dis- 
pc  d to  concrete,  and  flowing  down  the  trunk  is  received  in  a small  excavation 
at  s base.  As  found  in  commerce,  it  is  in  the  form  of  a soft,  viscous  mass, 
co  aining  few  crystalline  fragments,  of  a brown  or  yellowish-brown  colour,  and 
fmof  impurities. 

anna  may  be  found  in  the  shops  of  every  grade,  from  the  most  impure  of 
tli  bird  variety  to  the  purest  of  the  first;  but  the  worst  kind  is  not  often  irn- 
po  :d  into  this  country. 

ttempts  have  sometimes  been  made  to  counterfeit  manna;  but  the  facility  of 
deption  renders  frauds  of  this  kind  unprofitable,  and  they  are  not  often  practised. 
Ih;R.  P.  Thomas  has  described  in  the  Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.  (xxiv.  208)  a 
soiiisticated  drug,  which  was  not  long  since  brought  into  our  markets  under 
tbi'iame  of  manna,  but  which  differed  from  the  genuine  drug  both  in  sensible 
an  chemical  properties,  not  even  containing  mannite.  Baume  describes  a 
me  od  in  which  common  manna  is  purified  so  as  to  resemble  flake  manna.  It 
cou sts  in  dissolving  common  manna  in  a little  water,  allowing  the  liquid  to 
setr,  decanting  it  in  order  to  separate  the  impurities,  then  inspissating  it  so 


466 


Manna. 


PART  ] 


that  it  will  congeal  on  cooling,  and  immersing  threads  in  the  inspissated  liqui 
several  times  successively  in  the  manner  practised  by  candle-makers.  It  ma 
be  still  further  purified  by  the  use  of  animal  charcoal.  Thus  prepared  it  coi 
tains  less  mannite  than  flake  manna,  and  less  of  the  nauseous  principle;  but  i 
said  not  to  operate  less  effectively  as  a laxative. 

Properties.  Manna  has  a slight,  peculiar  odour,  and  a sweet  taste,  which  i 
the  impure  kinds  is  also  very  nauseous,  but  in  the  finest  flake  manna,  scared 
so  much  so  as  to  be  disagreeable.  It  melts  with  heat,  and  takes  fire,  burnin 
with  a blue  flame.  When  pure  it  is  soluble  in  three  parts  of  cold,  and  in  ii 
own  weight  of  boiling  water.  From  a boiling  saturated  aqueous  solution, 
separates  in  partially  crystalline  masses.  Alcohol  also  dissolves  it,  and,  if  sati 
rated  by  means  of  heat,  deposits  upon  cooling  a large  proportion  of  the  mant 
in  a beautifully  crystalline  form.  Analyzed  by  Fourcroy  and  Vauquelin,  mane 
was  found  to  consist  of,  1.  a peculiar  crystallizable  sweet  principle,  called  mai 
nite,  which  constitutes  seventy-five  per  cent.;  2.  true  sugar;  3.  a yellow  nauseoi 
matter,  upon  which  the  purgative  property  is  thought  chiefly  to  depend;  and- 
a small  quantity  of  mucilage.  Leuchtweiss  obtained  from  105  parts  of  manr 
11'6  of  water,  0'4  of  insoluble  matter,  9‘1  of  sugar,  42'6  of  mannite,  40'0  of 
mixture  of  mucilaginous  matter  containing  mannite,  with  resin,  an  organic  aei< 
and  a nitrogenous  substance,  and  13  of  ashes.  (Ann.  tier  Chem.  und  Pham 
liii.  124.)  It  is  owing  to  the  presence  of  true  sugar  that  manna  is  capable  • 
fermenting.  Mannite  is  white,  inodorous,  crystallizable  in  semi-transparei 
needles,  of  a sweetish  taste,  soluble  in  five  parts  of  cold  water,  scarcely  solub 
in  cold  alcohol,  but  readily  dissolved  by  that  liquid  when  hot,  and  depositc 
when  it  cools.  Unlike  sugar,  it  is  incapable  of  undergoing  the  vinous  ferment 
tion.  It  may  be  obtained  by  boiling  manna  in  alcohol,  allowing  the  solution 
cool,  and  redissolving  the  crystalline  precipitate.  Pure  mannite  is  nowdeposite 
This  principle  has  been  found  in  numerous  vegetables.  It  is  said  to  be  gent 
laxative  in  the  dose  of  one  or  two  ounces.* 

Manna,  when  long  kept,  acquires  a deeper  colour,  softens,  and  ultimately  d 
liquesces  into  a liquid,  which,  on  the  addition  of  yeast,  undergoes  the  vino 
fermentation.  This  is  probably  owing  to  its  conversion  into  sugar  by  the  a 
sorption  of  enough  oxygen  to  neutralize  the  slight  excess  of  hydrogen,  whi 
constitutes  the  only  essential  difference  in  composition  between  it  and  prop 
sugar.  (See  Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xxv.  32.)  That  which  is  dryest  resists  tl 
change  the  longest.  It  is  said  that  manna,  recently  gathered,  is  less  purgati 
than  it  afterwards  becomes. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Manna  is  a gentle  laxative,  usually  operati 
mildly,  but  in  some  cases  producing  flatulence  and  pain.  Though  peculiar 
adapted  to  childreu  and  pregnant  women,  it  may  be  given  with  advantage, 
ordinary  cases  of  piles  from  constipation,  unattended  with  dyspeptic  sympton 
It  is  usually,  however,  prescribed  with  other  purgatives,  particularly  sent 
rhubarb,  magnesia,  and  the  neutral  salts,  the  taste  of  which  it  conceals,  while; 
adds  to  the  purgative  effect. 

The  dose  for  an  adult  is  from  one  to  two  ounces;  for  children,  from  one> 
four  drachms.  It  is  usually  given  dissolved  in  water  or  some  aromatic  infusici 
but  the  best  flake  manna  may  be  administered  in  substance. 

Off.  Prep.  Confectio  Cassiae;  Syrupus  Sennas.  Miff 

* G.  Ruspini  prepares  mannite  more  economically  from  common  manna,  by  first  m- 
ing  six  pounds  over  the  fire  with  three  pounds  of  water  previously  beaten  with  the  whit  t 
an  egg,  boiling  for  a few  minutes,  straining  through  flannel,  and  allowing  the  liquid 
solidify  by  cooling;  then  adding  an  equal  weight  of  cold  water,  expressing,  dissolving  e 
residue  in  boiling  water  with  animal  charcoal,  filtering  the  liquid  boiling  hot.  and.  las. 
evaporating  to  a pellicle.  The  mannite  separates,  upon  cooling,  in  beautiful  truncal 
quadrangular  prisms,  perfectly  white,  and  transparent.  ( J . de  Pharm.,  oe  se'r.,  x.  117. 


P'RT  I. 


Maranta. 


467 


MARANTA.  U.  &,  Land.,  Ed. 

Arrow-root. 

?he  fecula  of  the  rhizoma  of  Maranta  arundinacea.  U.  S.  Fecula  of  the  tuber. 
Lid.  Fecula  of  the  tubers  of  Maranta  arundinacea  and  Maranta  indica.  Ed. 

Off.  Syn.  MARANTA  ARUNDINACEA.  Arrow  Root.  Fecula  of  the  tu- 
b<3.  Dub. 

.rrow-root,  Fr.;  Amerikamscbes  Stiirkmelil,  Arrowmehl,  Germ. 

Iaranta.  Sex.  Syst.  Monandria  Monogynia.  — Nat.  Ord.  Marantaceae. 

ren.  Oh.  Anther  attached  to  the  petal-like  filament.  Style  petal-shaped. 
Sima  three-sided.  Flowers  panicled.  Loudon's  Encyc. 

Iaranta  arundinacea.  Willd.  Sp.  Riant.  i.  13;  Carson,  Tllust.  of  Med.  Bot. 
ii.)3,  pi.  97.  The  root  (rhizoma)  of  this  plant  is  perennial,  tuberous,  fleshy, 
hczontal,  nearly  cylindrical,  scaly,  from  six  inches  to  a foot  or  more  in  length, 
ar  furnished  with  numerous  long  white  fibres.  It  sends  forth  several  tuberous, 
jo  ted,  curved,  white,  scaly  stoles,  the  points  of  which  sometimes  rise  above  the 
grind,  and  become  new  plants.  The  stems,  of  which  several  proceed  from  the 
sae  root,  are  annual,  slender,  branched,  jointed,  leafy,  and  about  three  feet 
inieight.  The  leaves  are  ovate-lanceolate,  about  four  inches  long,  alternate, 
an  supported  solitarily  at  the  joints  of  the  stem  upon  long,  sheathing  footstalks. 
T1  flowers  are  in  a long,  loose,  spreading,  terminal  panicle,  at  each  ramification 
of  Inch  is  a solitary  linear  bracte.  The  calyx  consists  of  three  small  lanceolate 
leres.  The  corolla  is  white  and  monopetalous,  with  a tube  longer  than  the 
cax,  and  a double  border,  of  which  the  three  outermost  segments  are  smallest, 
an  the  two  inner  obovate,  and  slightly  emarginate. 

he  arrow-root  plant  is  a native  of  the  West  Indies,  where  it  is  largely  cul- 
tiv  ed.  It  is  cultivated  also  in  the  East  Indies,  Sierra  Leone,  the  South  of 
Aica,  and  our  Southern  States,  especially  Georgia  and  Florida.  The  plant  is 
easy  propagated  by  cuttings  of  the  root.  The  fecula  is  prepared  in  the  follow- 
ingnanner.  The  roots  are  dug  up  when  a year  old,  washed,  and  then  beaten 
inta  pulp,  which  is  thrown  into  water,  and  agitated  so  as  to  separate  the  amy- 
lae  us  from  the  fibrous  portion.  The  fibres  are  removed  by  the  hand,  and  the 
stah  remains  suspended  in  the  water,  to  which  it  gives  a milky  colour.  This 
mi  y fluid  is  strained  through  coarse  linen,  and  allowed  to  stand  that  the  fecula 
ma  subside,  which  is  then  washed  with  a fresh  portion  of  water,  and  afterwards 
dri  in  the  sun.  We  obtain  the  officinal  arrow-root  from  the  West  Indies,  and 
theiouthern  Atlantic  States.  That  from  the  Bermudas  has  in  general  been 
mo  highly  esteemed. 

1 her  plants  contribute  to  furnish  the  arrow-root  of  commerce.  Lindley  states 
tha  it  is  procured  in  the  West  Indies  from  Maranta  Allouya  and  M.  nobilis, 
bes'es  M.  arundinacea.  Under  the  name  of  M.  Indica,  Tussac  describes  a dis- 
tm<  species,  which  he  says  was  originally  brought  from  the  East  Indies,  and  is 
not  cultivated  in  Jamaica.  This,  however,  is  generally  considered  as  a mere 
var  y of  M.  arundinacea,  from  which  it  differs  chiefly  in  having  leaves  more 
derated  at  the  point,  and  smooth  on  both  sides.  Very  fine  arrow-root  is  ob- 
tanl  in  the  East  Indies  from  the  root  of  Curcuma  anyustifolia,  of  Roxburgh, 
who  is  cultivated  in  Travancore.  But  the  product  is  lighter  than  the  maranta 
arn  -root,  and  does  not  so  quickly  make  a jelly.  Ainslie  states  that  M.  arurv- 
dm  ea  has  been  introduced  from  the  West  Indies  into  Ceylon,  where  good 
am  -root  is  prepared  from  it.  A fecula,  closely  resembling  that  of  the  Ma- 
vau  is  said  by  Guibourt  to  be  prepared  in  the  West  Indies  from  the  root  of 
the.issava  plant,  Janipha  Manilwf ; and  it  is  not  improbable  that  a variety  of 
am  -root  brought  to  this  country  from  Brazil  has  a similar  origin.  In  fact,  it 


468 


Maranta. 


PAET  ] 


often  contains  small  lumps,  as  large  as  a pin’s  head,  identical  with  tapioca,  whic 
is  a product  of  J.  Manihot.  A variety  of  arrow-root  has  been  imported  froi 
the  Sandwich  Islands.  Mr.  Nuttall,  during  a visit  to  these  islands,  foun 
that  it  was  the  product  of  a species  of  Tacca,  which  he  has  described  under  th 
name  of  Tacca  oceanica.  (Am.  Jonrn.  of  Pharm.,  ix.  305.)  It  is  said  thf 
a similar  product  is  obtained  from  Tacca  pinnatif  da,  growing  in  the  Eastlnd: 
province  of  Arracan.  (Pharm.  Journ.  and  Trans.,  vi.  383.)  Arrow-root  h; 
been  brought  into  the  market  from  Florida,  prepared  in  the  neighbourhood  < 
St.  Augustine  from  the  root  of  Zamia  integrifolia,  by  a process  similar  to  th; 
employed  in  the  preparation  of  the  fecula  of  the  Maranta  (Dr.  Joseph  Carsoi 
Am.  Journ.  of  Pliarm.,  xiv.  22);  but  care  must  be  taken  not  to  confound  th 
with  the  genuine  maranta  from  the  same  State.  Attempts  have  been  made  i 
substitute  finely  prepared  potato  starch  for  arrow-root;  and  there  is  no  donl 
that  in  nutritive  properties  it  is  quite  equal ; but  patients  complain  of  d 
unpleasant  taste  of  the  potato  which  it  is  apt  to  retain. 

Arrow-root  is  in  the  form  of  a light  white  powder,  or  of  small  pulverulei 
masses,  without  smell  or  taste.  It  has  a firm  feel  when  pressed  between  tl 
fingers,  and  produces  a faint  crackling  sound  when  rubbed.  It  is  a pure  stare’ 
corresponding  in  chemical  properties  with  that  of  wheat  and  the  potato.  It 
very  apt  to  be  musty,  and  should  then  be  rejected.  The  odour  and  taste  are  tl 
best  criteria  of  its  purity.  It  should  be  perfectly  free  from  smell  and  unpleasa: 
flavour.  Prof.  Procter  has  rendered  musty  arrow-root  quite  sweet  and  fit  f 
use  by  washing  it  thoroughly  with  two  successive  portions  of  cold  water,  at 
then  drying  it  upon  frames  of  muslin  in  a warm  place.  (Am.  Journ.  of  Pharn 
xiii.  188.)  Arrow-root  is  said  to  be  sometimes  adulterated  with  common  stare 
and  that  of  the  potato.  These  may  be  detected  by  the  aid  of  the  microscop 
Muriatic  acid  has  been  proposed  as  a test  of  their  presence.  A mixture  of  eqn 
parts  of  that  acid  and  of  water,  rubbed  with  about  half  its  weight  of  potato  > 
wheat  starch,  very  quickly  forms  so  thick  a mucilage  that  the  mortar  in  whi 
the  trituration  is  effected  may  be  raised  by  the  pestle;  while  the  same  rest 
does  not  take  place  with  rice  flour  or  arrow-root  under  25  or  30  minutes,  i 
small  a proportion  as  from  four  to  six  per  cent,  of  the  impurity  may,  it 
asserted,  be  detected  in  this  way.  {Journ.  cle  Pharm.,  3e  ser.,  ii.  246.) 

As  the  microscope  affords  the  best  means  of  distinguishing  the  different  var 
ties  of  fecula  sold  as  arrow-root,  or  used  for  its  adulteration,  it  is  proper  to  in 
cate  the  form  of  their  granules  as  exhibited  by  this  instrument.  Those  of  t- 
proper  officinal  or  Maranta  arrow-root  are  rarely  oblong,  somewhat  ovate-obloi 
or  irregularly  convex,  with  very  fine  rings,  a circular  hilum  which  cracks  in 
linear  or  stellate  manner,  and  small  mammillary  processes  occasionally  projecti: 
from  them.  (Pereira.)  The  largest  are  the  750th  of  an  iuc-h,  but  many  v 
more  than  the  2000th  of  an  inch  long;  and  their  breadth  is  generally  two-tkb 
of  their  length.  (Christison.)  The  granules  of  the  East  India  arrow-root  a, 
according  to  Pereira,  of  unequal  size,  ovate  or  oblong-ovate,  flattened,  and  of  i 
furnished  with  a very  short  neck  or  nipple-like  projection.  The  rings  are  nui- 
rous,  close,  and  very  fine ; and  the  hilum,  which  is  situated  at  the  narrow  • 
tremity,  is  circular,  small,  and  indistinct.  The  microscopic  appearance  of  - 
tapioca  fecula  will  be  described  under  the  head  of  Tapioca,  to  which  the  rear 
is  referred.  The  Tacca  fecula  from  the  South  Sea  Islands,  examined  by  ■ 
reira,  consisted  of  circular,  muller-shaped,  or  polyhedral  granules,  with  few  ;i 
not  very  distinct  rings,  and  a small,  circular  hilum,  which  cracked  in  a lineair 
stellate  manner.  The  Florida  arrow-root  was  found  by  Dr.  Carson  to  consis  t 
granules,  forming  the  half,  the  third,  or  the  quarter  of  a solid  sphere.  The  pot# 
starch  granules  are  of  various  shape  and  size,  but  generally  ovate  or  elliptic 
and  from  the  7000th  to  the  300th  of  an  inch  in  length,  the  largest  being  inter 
in  size  only  to  the  largest  of  the  canna  starch  or  tous-les-mois.  (See  Canna .)  T I 


IRT  I. 


Maranta. — Marmor.  — Marru  b in  m . 


469 


strongly  marked  with  concentric  rings,  and  have  a circular  hilum,  from  which 
rially  proceed  the  cracks  observable  in  some  of  the  larger  grains.  (Pereira.') 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Arrow-root  is  nutritious  and  demulcent,  afford - 
i ; a light,  very  mild,  and  easily  digested  article  of  diet,  well  adapted  for  the 
sk  and  convalescent,  and  peculiarly  suited,  from  its  demulcent  properties,  to 
tvel  complaints  and  diseases  of  the  urinary  passages.  It  is  much  used  as  food 
f infants  after  weaning,  or  when  the  mother’s  milk  is  insufficient.  It  is  pre- 
ped  by  dissolving  it  in  hot  water,  with  which  it  forms  a pearly  gelatinous  solu- 
t q,  and,  if  in  sufficient  quantity,  a jelly-like  mass  on  cooling.  A tablespoonful 
v 1 communicate  sufficient  consistence  to  a pint  of  water.  It  should  first  be 
fmed  into  a paste  with  a little  cold  water,  and  the  boiling  water  then  gradually 
a led  with  brisk  agitation.  The  preparation  may  be  rendered  more  palatable 
b lemon-juice  and  sugar,  or  in  low  forms  of  disease  by  wine  and  spices,  if  not 
citra-indicated.  For  children,  arrow-root  is  usually  prepared  with  milk. 

Off.  Prep.  Trochisci  Ipecacuanhas  W. 

MARMOR.  U.  S.,  Ed. 

Marble. 

iThite  granular  carbonate  of  lime.  U.  S.  Massive  crystalline  carbonate  of 
lije.  Ed. 

Off.  Syn.  MARMOR  ALBUM.  Dub. 

tVbite  marble.;  Marbre,  Fr. ; Marmor,  Germ.;  Marmo,  Ilal.;  Marmol,  Span. 

Marble  is  used  for  obtaining  carbonic  acid,  and  for  making  several  officinal 
pjparations.  For  the  former  purpose,  common  marble  is  sufficiently  pure ; but 
f<  the  latter,  the  purer  varieties  must  be  selected. 

The  officinal  marble  is  a white  granular  substance,  having  a specific  gravity 
vying  from  2'7  to  2'8.  It  is  brittle,  pulverizable,  and  insoluble  in  water.  It 
is  rholly  dissolved  by  dilute  muriatic  acid  with  effervescence.  If  magnesia  be 
pjsent,  the  neutral  muriatic  solution  will  be  precipitated  by  ammonia;  and  if 
bjyta  or  strontia  be  an  impurity,  a similar  effect  will  be  produced  by  a solution 
ovulphate  of  lime.  When  marble  is  exposed  to  a full  red  heat,  it  loses  about 
4 per  cent,  of  carbonic  acid,  and  is  converted  into  lime.  (See  Calx.)  In  com- 
piition  it  agrees  with  chalk. 

.'he  purest  kind  of  marble  is  that  of  Carrara,  sometimes  called  statuary 
iwble;  but  it  is  not  necessary  that  this  kind  should  be  obtained  for  pharma- 
epic  operations.  Marble,  sufficiently  pure  for  these  purposes,  is  found  in 
v;ious  parts  of  the  United  States.  It  is  necessary,  however,  to  reject  the 
dlmitic  marbles,  which  contain  a considerable  proportion  of  magnesia. 

Iarble  is  used  by  the  Edinburgh  College,  merely  to  get  rid  of  excess  of  acid 
b saturating  it,  in  the  processes  for  preparing  muriate  of  morphia,  and  the  sul- 
p tes  of  potassa  and  soda. 

Off.  Prep.  Aqua  Acidi  Carbonici;  Calcis  Murias;  Calx;  Liquor  Calcii  Chlo- 

ri!;  Potassae  Bicarbonas;  Sodae  Bicarbonas.  B. 

I 

MARRUBIUM.  TJ.  S.  Secondary. 

Horehound. 

he  herb  of  Marrubium  vulgare.  U.  S. 

!arrube  blanc,  Fr.;  Weisser  Andorn,  Germ.;  Marrubio,  Ital.,  Span. 

Iarrubium.  Sex.  Su st.  Didynamia  Gymnospermia. — Nat.  Ord.  Lamiaceae 
oi  jabiatse. 

Jen.  Cli.  Calyx  salver-shaped,  rigid,  ten-streaked.  Corolla  with  the  upper 
li] oifid,  linear,  and  straight. 


470 


Marrubium. — MaatieTie. 


part  : 


Marrubium  vulgare.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  iii.  Ill;  Woodv.  Med.  Bot.  p.  33: 
t.  118.  White  horehound  has  a perennial  fibrous  root,  and  numerous  annu: 
stems,  which  are  quadrangular,  erect,  very  downy,  and  from  twelve  to  eightee 
inches  high.  The  leaves  are  roundish-ovate,  dentate  or  deeply  serrate,  wrinkle: 
veined,  hoary  on  the  under  surface,  and  supported  in  pairs  upon  strong  footstalk 
The  flowers  are  white,  and  in  crowded  axillary  whorls.  The  calyx  is  tubula 
and  divided  at  the  margin  into  ten  narrow  segments,  which  are  hooked  at  tl 
end.  The  corolla  is  also  tubular,  with  a labiate  margin,  of  which  the  upper  li 
is  bifid,  the  under  reflected  and  three-cleft,  with  the  middle  segment  broad  an 
slightly  scolloped.  The  seeds  are  four,  and  lie  in  the  bottom  of  the  calyx.  Tl 
plant  is  a native  of  Europe,  but  has  been  naturalized  in  this  country,  where 
grows  on  the  roadsides,  and  flowers  in  July  and  August. 

The  herb  has  a strong  rather  agreeable  odour,  which  is  diminished  by  dryin; 
and  is  lost  by  keeping.  Its  taste  is  bitter  and  durable.  The  bitterness  is  e: 
tracted  by  water  and  alcohol.  It  contains  a volatile  oil,  bitter  extractive,  resii 
tannin,  and  lignin. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Horehound  is  tonic,  in  large  doses  laxative,  an 
may  be  so  given  as  to  increase  the  secretion  from  the  skin,  and  occasionally  fro: 
the  kidneys.  It  was  formerly  considered  a valuable  deobstruent,  and  reeommendc 
in  chronic  hepatitis,  jaundice,  menstrual  obstructions,  phthisis,  and  various  e 
chectic  affections.  By  its  gently  tonic  powers  it  may  undoubtedly  have  prove 
advantageous  in  some  of  these  complaints ; but  it  exerts  no  specific  influence  ov< 
any;  and  has  now  passed  almost  entirely  from  the  hands  of  physicians  in 
domestic  use.  It  is  employed  chiefly  in  catarrh,  and  other  chronic  affections  < 
the  lungs  attended  with  cough  and  copious  expectoration.  The  infusion  mac 
in  the  proportion  of  an  ounce  of  the  herb  to  a pint  of  boiling  water  may  be  give 
in  wineglassful  doses.*  The  dose  of  the  powder  is  from  thirty  grains  to  a drachr 
The  medicine  is  also  much  used  in  the  shape  of  syrup  and  candy.  TV. 

MASTICHE.  Load.,  Ed.,  Dub. 

MasticJi. 

Pistacia  Lentiscus.  The  resin  flowing  from  incisions  in  the  bark.  Bond.  Co 
Crete  resinous  exudation.  Pd.,  Dub. 

Mastic,  Fr.;  Mastis,  Germ.;  Mastice,  Ilal.;  Almastiga,  Span.;  Sakes,  Turk.;  Arah,  Arc 

Pistacia.  Sex.  Syst.  Dioecia  Pentandria. — Mat.  Or d.  Anacardiaceae. 

Gen.Ch.  Male.  Calyx  five-cleft.  Corolla  none.  Female.  Calyx  three-cle: 
Corolla  none.  Styles  three.  Drupe  one-seeded.  Willd. 

Pistacia  Lentiscus.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  iv.  758;  Woodv.  Med.  Bot.  p.  26, 1. 1 
The  lentislc  is  a shrub  or  small  tree,  seldom  rising  more  than  twelve  feet 
height,  much  branched  towards  the  top,  and  furnished  with  petiolate,  abrupt 
pinnate  leaves.  The  leaflets  are  from  eight  to  twelve  in  number,  usually  alt( 
nate,  with  the  exception  of  the  two  upper  which  are  opposite.  They  are  oval 
lanceolate,  entire,  obtuse,  often  mucronate,  and  sessile  upon  the  common  fix 
stalk,  which  has  a narrow  foliaceous  expansion  on  each  side.  The  flowers  a 
dioecious,  and  very  small.  The  male  are  iu  an  axillary  ament;  the  females 
arranged  alternately  upon  a common  peduncle,  which  is  also  axillary. 

This  tree  is  a native  of  the  countries  which  border  upon  the  Mediterranea 
but  does  not  yield  mastich  in  all  places.  The  island  of  Seio  in  the  Grecian  2 
chipelago  is  the  place  whence  the  drug  is  chiefly  obtained.  Incisions  are  ma 
in  the  trunk  and  principal  branches,  from  which  the  juice  slowly  exudes,  a 
either  hardens  in  tears  upon  the  bark,  or  drops  on  the  ground,  where  it  is  sou 
times  received  upon  cloths,  sometimes  upon  the  bare  earth,  and  concretes 
irregular  masses.  The  tears  are  most  esteemed.  They  are  of  various  sizes,  o'. 


IRT  I. 


Mastiche. — 3fatico. 


471 


ofoundish,  often  compressed,  smooth,  semi-transparent,  of  a pale-yellow  colour, 

0 a shining  fracture,  friable,  and  usually  covered  with  a whitish  powder,  occa- 
sned  by  their  friction  against  each  other.  The  masses  consist  of  yellowish 
a$lutinated  tears,  with  others  of  a darker  colour  and  less  translucent,  and  often 
figments  of  wood,  bark,  or  earthy  matter  intermingled. 

Mastich  is  nearly  inodorous,  unless  rubbed  or  heated,  when  it  becomes  fragrant. 

1 taste  is  weak  but  agreeably  terebinthinate,  and,  after  long  chewing,  very 
sghtly  acrid.  It  is  at  first  friable  under  the  teeth,  but  soon  becomes  soft 
ai  ductile,  and  acquires  a white  opaque  appearance.  Its  sp.  gr.  is  1 074.  It 
isfusible  and  inflammable  by  heat.  Alcohol  dissolves  about  four-fifths  of  it, 
living  a viscid  substance  which  becomes  brittle  when  dried,  and  for  which  the 
nne  of  masticin  has  been  proposed.  This  substance,  though  not  dissolved  by 
abhol,  softens  and  swells  up  in  it,  as  gluten  does  in-  water.  According  to  Ber- 
z<  us,  it  possesses  the  same  general  properties  as  copal,  and  should  be  considered 
a i variety  of  resin.  Mastich  is  wholly  soluble  in  ether,  chloroform,  and  oil  of 
tipentine,  scarcely  soluble  in  the  fixed  oils,  and  insoluble  in  water.  It  consists 
eefly  of  resin,  with  masticin,  and  a minute  proportion  of  volatile  oil,  which 
d scarcely  be  said  to  have  been  obtained  in  a separate  state,  though  it  imparts 
fl  our  to  alcohol  and  water  distilled  from  the  mastich,  especially  when  this  has 
b:n  previously  triturated  with  an  equal  weight  of  carbonate  of  potassa. 

Mastich  is  occasionally  adulterated  with  olibanum,  sandarach,  and  other  resin- 
o bodies;  and,  in  seasons  of  scarcity,  with  sea-salt. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Mastich  was  formerly  thought  to  possess  pro- 
pties  analogous  to  those  of  the  turpentines,  and  was  used  in  debility  of  the 
slrnaeh,  haemoptysis  from  ulceration,  leucorrhoea,  chronic  diarrhoea,  &c. ; but 
itVirtues  were  overrated;  and  it  is  at  present  scarcely  ever  given  internally.  It 
isometimes  employed  to  fill  the  cavities  of  carious  teeth,  for  which  purpose  it 
is  veil  fitted  by  its  softness.  Great  quantities  of  it  are  consumed  in  Turkey, 
Wire  it  is  habitually  chewed  by  the  women,  under  the  impression  that  it  sweetens 
tl  breath,  and  preserves  the  gums  and  teeth.  The  alcoholic  solution  has  been 
enloyed  as  a styptic  in  bleeding  from  the  nose,  leech-bites,  &c.,  being  applied 
b means  of  a camel’s  hair  pencil  directly  to  the  bleeding  vessel.  Dissolved  in 
abhol  or  oil  of  turpentine,  it  forms  a brilliant  varnish.  A solution  made  by 
liberating  half  an  ounce  of  mastich  and  fifteen  grains  of  caoutchouc  in  two 
fltlounces  of  chloroform,  and  filtering  in  close  vessels,  forms  a varnish  highly 
es  emed  by  some  microscopists. 

i'he  following  mode  of  applying  it  to  carious  teeth  is  highly  recommended. 
D solve  four  parts  of  mastich  in  one  part  of  ether,  in  a bottle  well  stopped.  With 
tl  solution  thus  formed,  which  is  of  a yellow  colour  and  oily  consistence,  satu- 
ral  a small  piece  of  cotton  of  the  size  of  the  carious  cavity,  and,  having  well 
cl  nsed  and  dried  the  cavity,  introduce  the  cotton,  without  painful  pressure,  so 
asio  fill  it  exactly.  The  ether  is  soon  evaporated,  and  the  resin,  remaining  soft 
ar  adhesive,  attaches  itself  to  the  diseased  surface  of  the  tooth,  which  it  protects 
fr  i the  action  of  the  air,  and  of  the  food  taken  into  the  mouth. 

‘)ff.  Prep.  Tinctura  Ammonias  Composita.  W. 

■ 

MATICO.  Dub. 

Matico. 

.rtanthe  elongata.  The  leaves.  Pub. 
iper.  See  CUBEBA. 

‘‘per  angustifolium.  Ruiz  and  Pavon,  Flor.  Peruv.  — Piper  elongation. 
^ f — Arianthe  elongata.  Miquel;  Dub.  PJiarrn.;  Bindley,  Med.  and  CEconom. 
B P-  133,  fig.  195.  This  is  a shrub  with  a jointed  stem,  about  twelve  feet 


472 


Matico. — Matricaria. 


PART 


in  height.  In  a dried  specimen  presented  by  Dr.  Rusc-henberger,  of  the  U.  : 
Navy,  to  one  of  the  authors,  the  leaves  are  sessile  or  very  shortly  petiolate,  ova 
lanceolate,  acuminate,  two  or  three  inches  long  by  about  an  inch  in  breadth,  brig] 
green  on  the  upper  surface,  paler  and  downy  beneath,  c-renate,  minutely  at 
strongly  reticulated,  of  an  agreeable  aromatic  odour,  and  a strong  spicy  tast 
The  spikes  arc  solitary,  opposite  the  leaves,  and  cylindrical.  The  bractes  a 
pellate  or  cucullate;  the  flowers  hermaphrodite.  The  plant  is  a native  of  Per 

The  leaves,  spikes  and  stalks  are  mixed  together,  and  more  or  less  c-oropresse 
in  the  packages  of  the  imported  drug;  and  are  all  possessed  of  activity,  thout 
the  leaves  only  are  i-ecognised  by  the  Dublin  College.  Their  shape  and  gener 
aspect  have  been  described  above,  as  well  as  their  smell  and  taste.  They  a 
readily  pulverized,  forming  a light,  greenish,  absorbent  powder.  According 
Dr.  Hodges,  they  contain  chloropbylle,  a soft  dark-green  resin,  brown  and  yello 
colouring  matters,  gum,  salts,  lignin,  a light-green,  thickish  volatile  oil,  and 
peculiar  bitter  principle,  soluble  in  water  and  alcohol,  but  not  in  ether,  whit 
he  calls  maticin.  ( Philos . Mag.,  Sept.  1844,  p.  206.)  The  volatile  oil  and  m 
tie-in  are  probably  the  active  ingredients. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Matico  is  an  agreeable  aromatic  tonic  ai 
stimulant,  having  a tendency,  like  cubebs,  to  act  on  the  urinary  passages, 
has  long  been  known  as  a medicine  in  Peru.  Dr.  Martius  speaks  of  its  use  1 
the  natives  externally  as  a vulnerary,  and  internally  as  aphrodisiac  ( Pliarm . Cei 
Blatl,  1843,  p.  12);  and,  according  to  Dr.  Scrivener,  who  practised  medicine 
Lima,  it  is  much  employed  in  Peru  locally  for  arresting  hemorrhage,  and  in  tl 
treatment  of  ulcers.  (Am.  Journ.  of  Pliarm.,  xviii.  175.)  In  1839  it  was  i 
troduced  into  England,  and  was  prescribed  by  Dr.  Jeffreys,  of  Liverpool,  wi 
advantage,  in  diseases  of  the  mucous  membranes,  as  gonorrhoea,  leucorrhee 
menorrhagia,  catarrh  of  the  bladder,  hemorrhoids,  and  epistaxis.  Others  ha 
employed  it  with  benefit  in  similar  cases;  and  it  is  said  to  have  proved  useful 
haemoptysis,  haematemesis,  dysentery,  and  hsematuria.  Dr.  Rusc-henberger  giv 
strong  testimony  in  its  favour  in  several  of  the  diseases  mentioned.  Its  me 
useful  internal  application  is  probably  as  an  alterative  stimulant  to  the  diseas 
mucous  membranes.  If  efficient  as  a haemostatic,  it  must  be  on  principles  sin 
lar  to  those  upon  which  the  oil  of  turpentine  acts;  for  it  is  not  astringent.  J 
a local  styptic  it  probably  acts  mechanically  in  the  same  manner  as  agaric.  T 
dose  of  the  powder  is  from  half  a drachm  to  two  drachms  three  times  a day.  T 
infusion  and  tincture  are  officinal.  (See  In fusum  Matico  and  Tinctura  Matico. 

The  root  of  another  species  of  Piper,  P.  methisticinn  ( Macropiper  methystieu: 
Miquel),  is  used  in  the  Sandwich  Islands  to  form  an  intoxicating  drink,  und 
the  name  of  ava  or  Icava.  See  an  article  by  Mr.  Morson  in  the  Pliarm.  Jour 
and  Trans,  (iii.  472),  where  the  plant  is  figured. 

Off.  Prep.  Iufusum  Matico;  Tinctura  Matico.  17. 

MATRICARIA.  U.  S.  Secondary. 

German  Chamomile. 

The  flowers  of  Matricaria  Chamomilla.  U.  S. 

Matricaria.  Sex.  Syst.  Syngenesia  Superflua. — Mat.  Ord.  Compcsii- 
Senecionideie,  De  (land.  Asteracese,  Bindley. 

Gen.  Ch.  Calyx  flat,  imbricate,  with  scales  having  scarious  margins,  i- 
ceptacle  naked,  terete.  Pappus  none. 

Matricaria  Chamomilla.  Linn.  Sp.  1256.  This  is  an  annual  plant,  with 
branching  stem  a foot  or  two  in  height,  bearing  alternate  leaves  about  two  inch 
long,  the  lower  ones  tripinnate,  the  upper  bipiunate  or  simply  pinnate,  and  allf 
them  very  green,  and  nearly  or  quite  smooth.  The  leaflets  are  linear  and  vr 


IRT  I. 


Matricaria.— -Mel. 


473 


sail.  The  flowers  appear  singly  at  the  ends  of  the  stem  and  branches.  They 
a about  three-quarters  of  an  inch  in  diameter,  with  the  ray  spreading.  The 
sles  of  the  calyx  are  obtuse,  green  in  the  middle,  and  whitish,  membranous, 
ad  translucent  at  the  margin.  The  ray  florets  are  white,  at  first  spreading,  and 
uimately  reflected.  The  disk  is  of  a deep-yellow  colour,  at  first  flat,  but  in  the 
el  convex,  and  even  somewhat  conical. 

The  plant  is  a native  of  Europe,  and  is  occasionally  cultivated  in  our  gardens. 
4 parts  of  it  are  active ; but  the  flowers  only  are  officinal.  These  shrink  in 
(king,  so  that  they  are  scarcely  half  as  large  as  in  their  recent  state.  Those 
f.  nd  in  our  shops  are  imported  from  Germany. 

The  dried  flowers  of  the  Matricaria  are  considerably  smaller  than  common 
Ciimomile,  and  exhibit  a larger  proportion  of  the  disk  florets  compared  with  those 
othe  ray.  They  have  a strong,  peculiar,  rather  unpleasant  odour,  and  a disagree- 
ae  bitter  taste.  Their  active  constituents  are  volatile  oil  and  bitter  extractive, 
vich  are  readily  extracted  by  water  and  alcohol.  The  oil,  which  is  obtained 
b distillation  with  water,  is  thick,  somewhat  tenacious,  of  a dark-blue  colour 
loioming  brown  by  age,  and  almost  opaque  in  mass. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Matricaria  is  a mild  tonic,  very  similar  to  cha- 
n.mile  in  medical  properties,  and,  like  it,  capable,  in  large  doses,  of  producing 
a emetic  effect.  It  is  esteemed  also  in  Europe  antispasmodic  and  anthelmintic. 
Iis  much  employed  in  Germany;  but  in  this  country  scarcely  at  all,  unless  by 
she  German  practitioners.  It  may  be  given  for  the  same  purposes  and  in  the 
sie  manner  as  chamomile.  W. 

MEL.  U.  S.,  Lond .,  Ed.,  Dub. 

Honey. 

A liquid  prepared  by  Apis  mellifica.  U.  S.  Juice  of  flowers  deposited  in  the 
c ib,  clarified.  Lond.  A saccharine  seci’etion.  Ed.,  Dub. 

Vliel,  Fr.;  Honig,  Germ.;  Miele,  Ital.;  Miel,  Span. 

Naturalists  have  not  yet  determined  whether  honey  is  a secretion  of  the  bee, 
Jis  mellifica,  or  whether  it  exists  already  formed  in  plants.  It  is  certain  that 
t nectaries  of  flowers  contain  a saccharine  matter,  which  is  extracted  by  the 
iiset,  and  the  fact  is  well  known  that  the  flavour  and  character  of  honey  are 
v y much  affected  by  the  nature  of  the  plants  which  predominate  in  the  vicinity 
o;the  hive;  so  much  so,  that  when  these  plants  are  poisonous,  the  fluid  some- 
ties  partakes  of  their  noxious  qualities.  Several  cases  of  poisoning,  from  eating 
hiey  from  a particular  source,  are  recorded  in  the  New  Jersey  Med.  Reporter 
f;  November,  1852  (p.  46).  Still,  it  probably  undergoes  some  change  in  the 

0 ans  of  the  bee ; as  the  saccharine  matter  of  the  nectaries,  so  far  as  it  has  been 
Pjsible  to  examine  it,  wants  some  of  the  characteristic  properties  of  honey. 

Che  finest  honey  is  that  which  is  allowed  to  drain  from  the  comb.  If  ob- 
t:  red  from  hives  that  have  never  swarmed,  it  is  called  virgin  honey.  An  infe- 
rjjr  kind  is  procured  by  submitting  tbe  comb  to  pressure;  and,  if  heat  be  em- 
pjyed  previous  to  expression,  the  product  is  still  more  impure. 

i Money  is  collected  in  different  parts  of  the  United  States;  but  much  also  of 
tit  used  in  the  shops  is  imported  from  the  West  Indies. 

I'.n  the  recent  state  honey  is  fluid ; but,  on  being  kept,  it  is  apt  to  form  a crys- 
f ine  deposit,  and  to  be  ultimately  converted  into  a soft  granular  mass.  In 
t shops  it  is  found  of  every  consistence,  from  that  of  a viscid  liquid  like  thin 
8 up  or  oil,  to  that  of  lard  or  soft  suet.  Its  colour  is  sometimes  white,  but 
r ally  yellowish,  and  occasionally  of  a brown  or  reddish  tinge.  It  has  a pecu- 

1 1 agreeable  odour,  varying  somewhat  with  the  flowers  from  which  it  was  col- 
I :ed,  and  a very  sweet  feebly  aromatic  taste,  which  is  followed  by  a slight  prick- 


474 


Mel. — Melissa. 


PART 


ling  or  sense  of  acrimony  in  the  fauces.  Its  sp.  gr.  is  about  1'333.  (Duncan 
Cold  water  dissolves  it  i-eadily,  alcohol  with  less  facility.  It  contains  crystalliz 
ble  sugar  analogous  to  that  of  grapes,  and,  according  to  Soubeiran,  two  oth 
kinds  of  sugar,  one  of  which  is  changed  by  acids,  and  has  the  property  of  turnii 
to  the  right  the  rays  of  polarized  light;  and  the  other,  not  acted  on  by  acid 
aud  possessed  of  a strong  left-handed  rotating  power.  The  first  of  these  tv 
sugars  is  not  always  present  in  honey ; as  there  is  reason  to  believe  that  it  is 
time  wholly  changed  by  acid  into  granular  sugar.  It  is  especially  abundant 
the  honey  taken  from  the  comb.  The  second  variety  is  very  similar  to  the  u 
crystallizable  sugar  produced  by  the  reaction  of  acids  on  cane  sugar,  being  ide 
tical  with  it  in  composition,  and  like  it  incapable  of  crystallizing,  and  very  se 
sitive  to  the  action  of  alkalies.  But  it  is  distinguished  by  the  impossibility 
converting  it  into  granular  sugar,  and  by  having  nearly  twice  the  rotating  pow 
of  common  uncrystallizable  sugar.  (Journ.  de  Pharm.,  3e  ser.,  xvi.  252.)  Horn 
contains,  besides  these  saccharine  principles,  an  aromatic  principle,  an  acid,  wa 
and,  according  to  Gluibourt,  a little  mannite.  The  crystalline  sugar  may  beo 
tained  by  treating  granular  honey  with  a small  quantity  of  alcohol,  which  wh< 
expressed  takes  along  with  it  the  other  ingredients,  leaving  the  crystals  near 
untouched.  The  same  end  may  be  attained  by  melting  the  honey,  saturatii 
its  acid  with  carbonate  of  lime,  filtering  the  liquid,  then  setting  it  aside  to  crj 
tallize,  and  washing  the  crystals  with  alcohol.  Inferior  honey  usually  contai: 
a larger  proportion  of  uncrystallizable  sugar  and  vegetable  acid.  Diluted  wi 
water,  honey  undergoes  the  vinous  fermentation. 

In  warm  weather,  honey,  if  not  very  pure,  sometimes  ferments,  acquiring 
pungent  taste  and  a deeper  colour.  Starch  is  said  to  be  occasionally  added 
the  inferior  kinds  to  give  them  a white  appearance.  The  adulteration  may 
detected  by  dilution  with  water,  which  dissolves  the  honey  and  leaves  the  star< 
at  the  bottom  of  the  vessel.  The  nature  of  the  deposit  may  be  tested  by  t: 
tincture  of  iodine.  Water  is  said  to  be  sometimes  added  to  honey  to  inerea 
its  bulk.  Its  presence  may  be  suspected  from  the  greater  thinness  of  the  liqui 
and  its  want  of  disposition  to  crystallize. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Honey  possesses  the  same  medical  properti 
with  sugar,  but  is  more  disposed  to  run  off  by  the  bowels,  and  to  occasion  gripii 
pain.  Though  largely  consumed  as  an  article  of  food,  it  is  seldom  employ 
medicinally,  except  as  the  vehicle  of  more  active  substances.  Its  taste  and  c 
mulcent  qualities  render  it  a useful  addition  to  gargles;  and  it  is  sometimes  ei 
ployed  as  an  application  to  foul  ulcers,  and  in  the  form  of  enema. 

Off.  Prep.  Confectio  Piperis ; Confectio  Butte;  Linimentum  Hlruginis;  51 
Boracis;  Mel  Despumatum;  Mel  Bosae;  Oxymel;  Oxymel  Scillas ; PilulaeQuin 
Sulphatis.  W. 

MELISSA  U.  S.  Secondary,  Ed. 

Balm. 

The  herb  of  Melissa  officinalis.  U.  S-,  Pd. 

Melisse,  Fr.;  Garten-Melisse,  Germ.;  Melissa,  Ital.;  Torongil.  Span. 

Melissa.  Sex.  Syst.  Didynamia  Gymnospermia. — Mat.  Ord.  Lamiacem  ‘ 
Labiatae. 

Gen.  CTi.  Calyx  dry,  nearly  flat  above ; with  the  upper  lip  sub-fastigia 
Corolla,  upper  lip  somewhat  arched,  bifid;  lower  lip  with  the  middle  lobe  c- 
date.  Wi.lld. 

Melissa  officinalis.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  iii.  146;  Woodv.  Med.  Pot.  p.  334, 
119.  Balm  has  a perennial  root,  which  sends  up  annually  several  erect,  quo 
rangular  stems,  usually  branched  towards  the  base,  and  a foot  or  two  in  heig ■ 


prt  I.  Melissa. — Mentha  Piperita.  475 

le  leaves  are  opposite,  ovate  or  cordate,  deeply  serrate,  pubescent ; the  lower 
o long  footstalks,  the  uppermost  nearly  sessile.  The  flowers  are  white  or  yel- 
k'ish,  upon  short  peduncles,  and  in  axillary  whorls,  surrounding  only  half  the 
s m.  The  calyx  is  tubular,  pentangular,  and  bilabiate,  with  the  upper  lip  tri- 
ditate  and  flattened,  the  lower  cut  into  two  pointed  teeth.  The  corolla  is  also 
tnular  and  bilabiate,  the  upper  lip  less  convex  and  notched,  the  lower  three- 
eft.  The  plant  is  a native  of  the  South  of  Europe.  It  has  been  introduced 
iio  this  country,  where  it  is  cultivated  in  gardens,  and  grows  wild  along  the 
f ees  of  our  roads  and  lanes.  For  medical  use  the  herb  should  be  cut  before 
t appearance  of  the  flowers,  which  begin  to  expand  in  July. 

fn  the  fresh  state,  it  has  a fragrant  odour  very  similar  to  that  of  lemons;  but 
hnearly  inodorous  when  dried.  The  taste  is  somewhat  austere,  and  slightly 
amatic.  The  herb  contains  a minute  proportion  of  a yellowish  or  reddish- 
ylow  essential  oil,  which  has  its  peculiar  flavour  in  a very  high  degree.  It 
c tains  also  tannin,  bitter  extractive,  and  gum. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Balm  scarcely  produces  any  remedial  operation 
u>n  the  system.  The  quantity  of  oil  which  it  contains  is  not  more  than  suf- 
fi.ent  to  communicate  an  agreeable  flavour  to  the  infusion,  which  forms  an 
e client  drink  in  febrile  complaints,  and  when  taken  warm  tends  to  promote 
tlj  operation  of  diaphoretic  medicines.  W. 

MENTHA  PIPERITA.  U.  8,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub. 
Peppermint. 

The  herb  of  Mentha  piperita.  U.  S.,  Ed.,  Dub.  The  herb  in  flower,  recent 
ai  dried.  Lond. 

ilenthe  poivree,  Fr.;  Pfeffermiinze,  Germ.;  Menta  piperita,  'Ital.;  Pimenta  piperita, 

At. 

Jentha.  Sex.  Si/st.  Didynamia  Gymnospermia.  — Nat.  Ord.  Lamiaceae  or 
Iiiatas. 

den.  Ch.  Corolla  nearly  equal,  four-cleft;  the  broader  segment  emarginate. 
Hymens  upright,  distant.  Willd. 

Mentha  piperita.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  iii.  79;  Woodv.  Med.  Bot.  p.  336,  t. 
1*;  Carson,  Illust.  of  Med.  Bot.  ii.  16,  pi.  63.  Peppermint  is  a perennial 
hbaceous  plant,  with  a creeping  root,  and  quadrangular,  channeled,  purplish, 
si  lewhat  hairy  stems,  which  are  branched  towards  the  top,  and  about  two  feet 
iiieight.  The  leaves  are  opposite,  petiolate,  ovate,  serrate,  pointed,  smoother 
o the  upper  than  the  under  surface,  and  of  a dark-green  colour,  which  is  paler 
b eath.  The  flowers  are  small,  purple,  and  disposed  in  terminal  obtuse  spikes, 
v eh  are  interrupted  below.  The  calyx  is  tubular,  furrowed,  and  five-toothed ; 
tl  corolla  is  also  tubular,  with  its  border  divided  into  four  segments,  of  which 
tl  uppermost  is  broadest,  and  notched  at  its  apex.  The  anthers  are  concealed 
vhin  the  tube  of  the  corolla;  the  style  projects  beyond  it,  and  terminates  in 
a ifid  stigma.  The  four-cleft  germ  is  converted  into  four  seeds,  which  are 
1(  *ed  iu  the  calyx. 

ihis  species  of  mint  is  a native  of  Great  Britain,  whence  it  has  been  conveyed 
ti  the  continent  of  Europe  and  to  this  country.  In  some  parts  of  the  United 
Stes,  especially  in  New  England,  the  western  part  of  New  York,  Ohio,  and  New 
Jsey,  it  is  largely  cultivated  for  the  sake  of  its  volatile  oil.  We  occasionally 
fi  it  growing  wild  along  the  fences  of  our  villages.  The  cultivators  of  this  herb 
h e observed  that,  in  order  to  maintain  its  flavour  in  perfection,  it  is  necessary 
ti'ransplant  the  roots  every  three  years.  It  should  be  cut  for  medical  use  in  dry 
flier,  about  the  period  of  the  expansion  of  the  flowers.  These  appear  in  August. 


476  Mentha  Piperita. — Mentlia  Viridis. — Menyanthes.  part 

For  some  interesting  remarks  in  relation  to  the  cultivation  of  peppermint 
England,  the  reader  is  referred  to  the  Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.  (xxiii.  289). 

The  herb,  both  in  the  recent  and  dried  state,  has  a peculiar,  penetratin 
grateful  odour.  The  taste  is  aromatic,  warm,  pungent,  glowing,  camphoror 
bitterish,  and  attended  with  a sensation  of  coolness  when  air  is  admitted  in 
the  mouth.  These  properties  depend  on  a volatile  oil,  which  abounds  in  ti 
herb,  and  may  be  separated  by  distillation  with  water.  (See  Oleum  Menth 
Piperitsei)  The  leaves  are  said  to  contain  a little  tannic  acid.  The  virtues 
the  herb  are  imparted  to  water,  and  more  readily  to  alcohol. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Peppermiut  is  a very  grateful  aromatic  stim 
lant,  much  used  for  all  the  purposes  to  which  medicines  of  this  class  are  applie 
To  allay  nausea,  to  relieve  spasmodic  pains  of  the<6tomach  and  bowels,  to  exf 
flatus,  to  cover  the  taste  or  qualify  the  nauseating  or  griping  effects  of  other  met 
cines,  are  among  the  most  common  of  these  purposes.  The  fresh  herb,  bruis. 
and  applied  over  the  epigastrium,  often  allays  sick  stomach,  and  is  especial 
useful  in  the  cholera  of  children.  The  medicine  may  be  given  in  infusion;  but  t 
volatile  oil,  either  alone,  or  in  some  state  of  preparation,  is  almost  always  preferre 

Off.  Prep.  Aqua  Menthae  Piperitae ; Oleum  Menthae  Piperitae ; Spirit 
Menthae.  W. 

MENTHA  VIRIDIS.  U.  S.,  Loncl.,  Ed.,  Dub. 
Spearmint. 

The  herb  of  Mentha  viridis.  U.  S.,  Ed.,  Dub.  The  herb  in  flower,  rece 
and  dried.  Land. 

Mentkea  epi,  Ft.;  Grune  Miinze,  Germ.;  Menta  Romana,  Ital.;  Yerba buena puntiaga 
Span. 

Mentha.  See  MENTHA  PIPERITA. 

Mentha  viridis.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  iii.  76;  TToodv.  Med.  Bot.  p.  888,  1. 12 
Spearmint,  sometimes  called  simply  mint,  differs  from  M.  piperita  chiefly 
having  sessile,  or  nearly  sessile,  lanceolate,  naked  leaves;  elongated,  interrupte 
panicled  spikes;  setaceous  bractes;  and  stamens  louger  than  the  tube  of  t 
corolla.  Like  the  two  preceding  species,  it  is  a native  of  Europe.  In  this  count 
it  is  cultivated  in  gardens  for  domestic  use,  and  in  some  places  more  largely  i 
the  sake  of  its  oil.  It  also  grows  wild  in  low  grounds  in  parts  of  the  count 
which  have  been  long  settled.  Its  flowering  season  is  August.  According 
Thomson,  it  should  be  cut  in  very  dry  weather,  and,  if  inteuded  for  medical  u. 
just  as  the  flowers  appear;  if  for  obtaining  the  oil,  after  they  have  expanded. 

The  odour  of  spearmint  is  strong  and  aromatic,  the  taste  warm  and  sligb 
bitter,  less  pungent  than  that  of  peppermint,  but  considered  by  some  as  nr 
agreeable.  These  properties  are  retained  for  some  time  by  the  dried  pla 
They  depend  on  a volatile  oil,  which  rises  on  distillation  with  water,  and; 
imparted  to  alcohol  and  water  by  maceration.  (See  Oleum  Menthae  1 iridis.) 

Medical  Properties.  The  virtues  and  applications  of  this  plant  are  the  sat 
as  those  of  peppermint. 

Off.  Prep.  Aqua  Menthae  Viridis ; Infusum  Menthae  Viridis;  Oleum  Meat ! 
Viridis.  W2 

MENYANTHES.  Ed. 

Buclibean. 

Leaves  of  Menyanthes  trifoliata.  Ed. 

Bog-bean;  Menyanthe,  Tretie  d'eau,  Ft.;  Bitterklee,  Germ.;  Trifogolio  fibrin 6';  It  I 
Trifolio  palustre,  Span. 


PRT  I. 


Menyanthes. — Mezereum. 


477 


Menyanthes.  Sex.  Syst.  PentandriaMonogynia. — Nat.  Ord.  Gentianaceae. 

Gen.  Ch.  Corolla  hirsute.  Stigma  bifid.  Capsule  one-celled.  Willd. 

Mcnyavtlies  trifoliata.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  i.  811;  Bigelow,  Am.  Med.  Bot. 
ii  55.  The  buckbean  or  marsh  trefoil  has  a perennial,  long,  round,  jointed, 
h izontal,  branching,  dark-coloured  root  or  rhizoma,  about  as  thick  as  the  finger, 
a t sending  out  numerous  fibres  from  its  under  surface.  The  leaves  are  ternate, 
a l stand  upon  long  stalks,  which  proceed  from  the  end  of  the  root,  and  are 
finished  at  their  base  with  sheathing  stipules.  The  leaflets  are  obovate,  obtuse, 
e ire  or  bluntly  denticulate,  very  smooth,  beautifully  green  on  their  upper  sur- 
fs, and  paler  beneath.  The  scape  or  flower  stalk  is  erect,  round,  smooth,  from 
s:  to  twelve  inches  high,  longer  than  the  leaves,  and  terminated  by  a conical 
neme  of  whitish  somewhat  rose-coloured  flowers.  The  calyx  is  five-parted ; 
tl  corolla  funnel-shaped,  with  a short  tube,  and  a five-cleft,  revolute  border, 
ciered  on  the  upper  side  with  numerous  long,  fleshy  fibres.  The  anthers  are 
ri  and  sagittate ; the  gerin  ovate,  supporting  a slender  style  longer  than  the 
s'mens,  and  terminating  in  a bifid  stigma.  The  fruit  is  an  ovate,  two-valved, 
O'-celled  capsule,  containing  numerous  seeds. 

This  beautiful  plant  is  a native  both  of  Europe  and  North  America,  growing  in 
b;gy  and  marshy  places  which  are  always  moist,  and  occasionally  overflowed 
\vh  water.  It  prevails,  in  the  United  States,  from  the  northern  boundary  to 
Vginia.  In  this  country  the  flowers  appear  in  May,  in  England  not  till  June 
oluly.  All  parts  of  it  arc  efficacious,  but  the  leaves  only  are  officinal. 

The  taste  of  buckbean  is  intensely  bitter  and  somewhat  nauseous,  the  odour 
oithe  leaves  faint  and  disagreeable.  Its  virtues  depend  on  a bitter  principle, 
dominated  menyanthin,  which  may  be  obtained  sufficiently  pure  for  use  by 
tilting  the  spirituous  extract  of  the  plant  with  hydrated  oxide  of  lead,  removing 
t lead  by  hydrosulphuric  acid,  filtering  and  evaporating  the  liquor,  exhausting 
fi  residue  with  alcohol,  and  again  evaporating  with  a gentle  heat.  It  has  a 
p e bitter  taste,  is  soluble  in  alcohol  and  water,  but  not  in  pure  ether,  and  is 
comically  neuter.  ( Pharm . Cent.  Blatt,  A.D.  1843,  p.  24.) 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  With  the  ordinary  properties  of  the  bitter  tonics, 
nayanthes  unites  a cathartic  power,  and  in  large  doses  is  apt  to  vomit.  It  was 
finerly  held  in  high  esteem  in  Europe  as  a remedy  in  numerous  complaints,  among 
well  were  intermittents,  rheumatism,  scrofula,  scurvy,  dropsy,  jaundice,  and  va- 
r is  cachectic  and  cutaneous  affections.  In  most  of  these  it  was  administered 
uiler  a vague  impression  of  its  alterative  powers.  It  is  little  employed  in  this 
c;ntry;  but,  as  it  is  a native  plant,  and  applicable  to  cases  where  a combined 
flic  and  purgative  effect  is  demanded,  it  is  desirable  that  our  country  practi- 
ti'iers  should  be  aware  of  its  properties. 

Che  dose  of  the  powdered  leaves  or  root  as  a tonic  is  from  twenty  to  thirty 
g ins ; of  an  infusion,  prepared  with  half  an  ounce  to  a pint  of  boiling  water, 
fi  n one  to  two  fluidounces;  and  of  the  extract  ten  or  fifteen  grains,  to  be  repeated 
t.ee  or  four  times  a day.  A drachm  of  the  powder,  or  a gill  of  the  strong 
doetion  generally  purges,  and  often  occasions  vomiting.  W. 

MEZEREUM.  U.  S.,  Loncl. 

Mezereon. 

The  bark  of  Daphne  Mezereum  and  Daphne  Gnidium.  U.  S.  Daphne  Meze- 
r m.  Bark  of  the  root.  Land. 

Off.  Syn.  MEZEREON.  Root-bark  of  Daphne  Mezereon.  Ed.,  Dub. 

5ois  geatil,  Fr.;  Kellerlials,  Germ.;  Mezereo,  Ital.;  Mecereon,  Span. 

Iaphne.  Sex.  Syst.  Octandria  Monogynia. — Nat.  Ord.  Thymelaceae. 


478 


Mezereum. 


PART 


Gen.  Ch.  Calyx  none.  Corolla  four-cleft,  withering,  enclosing  the  stamen 
Drupe  one-seeded.  Willd. 

All  the  species  of  Daphne  are  possessed  of  active  properties;  hut  two  onlyai 
officinal — D.  Mezereum  and  D.  Gnidium — the  former  of  which  is  recognise 
in  the  British  Pharmacopoeias,  the  latter  in  the  French  Codex,  and  both  in  tl 
Pharmacopoeia  of  the  United  States. 

1.  Daphne  Mezereum.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  ii.  415;  Woody.  Med.  Bot.  p.  71' 
t.  245;  Carson,  I/lust,  of  Med.  Bot.  ii.  26,  pi.  72.  This  is  a very  hardy  skrul 
three  or  four  feet  high,  with  a branching  stem,  and  a smooth  dark-gray  bar] 
which  is  very  easily  separable  from  the  wood.  The  leaves  spring  from  the  enc 
of  the  branches,  are  deciduous,  sessile,  obovate-lanceolate,  entire,  smooth,  of 
pale-green  colour,  somewhat  glaucous  beneath,  and  about  two  inches  long.  The 
are  preceded  by  the  flowers,  which  appear  very  early  in  spring,  and  sometimf 
bloom  even  amidst  the  snow.  These  are  of  a pale  rose  colour,  highly  fragran 
and  disposed  in  clusters,  each  consisting  of  two  or  three  flowers,  forming  togethf 
a kind  of  spike  at  the  upper  part  of  the  stem  and  branches.  At  the  base  < 
each  cluster  are  deciduous  floral  leaves.  The  fruit  is  oval,  shining,  fleshy,  of 
bright  red  colour,  and  contains  a single  round  seed.  Another  variety  product 
white  flowers  and  yellow  fruit. 

This  species  of  Daphne  is  a native  of  Great  Britain  and  the  neighbourin 
continent,  in  the  northern  parts  of  which  it  is  particularly  abundant.  It  is  c-u 
tivated  in  Europe  both  for  medicinal  purposes  and  as  an  ornamental  plant,  an 
is  occasionally  found  in  our  own  gardens.  It  flowers  in  February,  March,  c 
April,  according  to  the  greater  or  less  mildness  of  the  climate. 

2.  D-  Gnidium.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  ii.  420.  In  this  species,  called  garou  c 
sain-lois  by  the  French,  the  leaves  are  linear-lanceolate,  acute,  entire,  smootl 
and  irregularly  but  closely  set  upon  the  branches.  The  flowers  are  white,  down; 
odoriferous,  and  disposed  in  terminal  panicled  racemes.  The  fruit  is  globula 
dry,  at  first  green,  but  ultimately  black.  D.  Gnidium  grows  in  dry  uncult 
vated  places  in  the  South  of  Europe,  and  flowers  in  June.  In  France  its  bar 
is  used  indiscriminately  with  that  of  the  former  species. 

Besides  the  officinal  species  above  described,  Daphne  Laureola  or  spurge  laure 
is  said  to  furnish  a portion  of  the  mezereon  of  commerce;  but  its  product  is  ii 
ferior  in  acrimony,  and  consequently  in  medicinal  activity. 

The  bark  of  the  root  was  the  part  formerly  directed  by  theU.  S.  Pharmacopoei; 
as  it  now  is  by  the  British  Colleges;  and  it  is  said  to  be  exclusively  employed  i 
Great  Britain.  But  the  mezereon  with  which  our  markets  are  now  supplied 
evidently^-  the  bark  of  the  stem ; and  the  Pharmacopoeia  at  present,  therefor 
very  properly  directs  the  bark,  without  designating  the  part  from  which  it  mu 
be  taken.  British  writers  state  that  the  bark  of  the  root  is  the  most  activ 
The  berries  and  leaves  of  the  plant  are  also  active;  and  the  former  have  som 
times  proved  fatal  to  children  who  have  been  attracted  by  their  beautiful  colou 
Pallas  states  that  they  are  used  as  a purgative  by  the  Russian  peasants,  and  tli; 
thirty  berries  are  required  to  produce  this  effect.  The  French  authors  obser 
that  fifteen  are  sufficient  to  kill  a Frenchman.  Mezereon  is  brought  to  us  chief 
from  Germany. 

Properties.  Mezereon,  as  it  comes  to  us,  is  usually  in  strips,  from  two  to  for 
feet  long  and  an  inch  or  less  in  breadth,  sometimes  flat,  sometimes  partial 
rolled,  and  always  folded  in  bundles,  or  wrapped  in  the  shape  of  balls.  It 
covered  externally  with  a grayish  or  reddish-brown  wrinkled  epidermis,  very  tk 
andeasily  separable  from  thebark.  Beneath  the  epidermis  is  a soft  greenish  tissu 
The  inner  bark  is  tough,  pliable,  fibrous,  striated,  and  of  a whitish  colour.  B kc 
fresh  it  has  a nauseous  smell,  but  in  the  dry  state  is  nearly  inodorous.  Its  tas 
is  at  first  sweetish,  but  afterwards  highly  acrid  and  even  corrosive.  It  yields  i 
virtues  to  water  by  decoction.  Yauquelin  ascertained  the  presence  of  a peculi 


Mezereum. 


479 


p,it  I. 

pnciple  in  the  bark  of  Daphne  Alpina.  This  has  subsequently  been  discovered 
in  ther  species,  and  has  received  the  name  of  daphnin.  Grtnelin  and  Bar  found 
it  1 the  bark  of  D.  Mezereum , associated  with  wax,  an  acrid  resin,  a"  yellow 
couring  matter,  a reddish-brown  extractive  matter,  an  uncrystallizable  and  fer- 
mitable  sugar,  a gummy  matter  containing  azote,  ligneous  fibre,  malic  acid,  and 
seiral  malates.  Daphnin  is  in  prismatic  crystals  grouped  together,  colourless, 
tnsparent,  brilliant,  slightly  soluble  in  cold  water,  very  soluble  in  boiling  water, 
et;r  and  alcohol,  without  odour,  and  of  a bitter,  somewhat  austere  taste.  It  is  ob- 
ta.ed  by  treating  the  alcoholic  extract  of  the  bark  with  water,  decanting  the 
sc  tion,  precipitating  with  subacetate  of  lead,  filtering,  decomposing  the  excess 
of  he  subacetate  by  sulphuretted  hydrogen,  again  filtering,  evaporating  to  dry- 
no,  submitting  the  residue  to  the  action  of  anhydrous  alcohol,  and  evaporating 
th  alcoholic  solution  to  the  point  of  crystallization.  Though  daphnin  is  pro- 
bdy  not  inactive,  it  is  not  the  principle  upon  which  the  virtues  of  mezereon 
cl  fly  depend.  Vauquelin  thinks  that  in  the  recent  plant  these  reside  in  an  essen- 
tii  oil,  which  by  time  and  exposure  is  changed  into  a resin,  without  losing  its 
acvity.  The  acrid  resin  observed  by  G-melin  and  Bar  is  probably  the  character- 
ise principle  to  which  the  bark  owes  its  vesicating  properties.  It  is  obtained 
seirate  by  boiling  mezereon  in  alcohol,  allowing  the  liquor  to  cool  in  order  that 
it  ray  deposit  some  wax  which  it  has  taken  up,  then  distilling  off  the  alcohol, 
ar  treating  the  residue  with  water,  which  leaves  the  resin.  This  is  of  a dark- 
gun,  almost  black  colour,  hard  and  brittle,  and  of  an  exceedingly  acrid  and  per- 
mient  taste.  In  the  isolated  state  it  is  slightly  soluble  in  water,  and  much 
m e so  when  combined  with  the  other  principles  of  the  bark.  It  appears,  how- 
ev,  not  to  be  a pure  proximate  principle,  but  rather  a resinoid  combination  of  an 
acd  vesicating  fixed  oil  with  another  substance.  The  acrid  principle  of  meze- 
re i is  partially  given  off  by  decoction  with  water,  as  proved  by  the  irritating 
chacter  of  the  vapour  when  inhaled;  but  none  of  it  appears  to  escape  when 
thbark  is  boiled  with  alcohol.  (Squire,  Pharm.  Transact,  i.  395.) 

hectical  Properties  and  Uses.  The  recent  bark  applied  to  the  skin  produces 
in.mmation  followed  by  vesication,  and  has  been  popularly  used  as  an  epis- 
ptic  from  time  immemorial  in  some  of  the  southern  countries  of  Europe.  The 
did  bark,  though  less  active,  is  possessed  of  a similar  property,  and  is  occ-a- 
si<  ally  employed  in  France  by  regular  practitioners  for  the  purpose  of  forming 
is; es.  A small  square  piece  of  the  bark,  moistened  with  vinegar,  is  applied  to 
tb  skin,  and  renewed  twice  a day  till  a blister  is  formed,  and  occasionally  after- 
wds  in  order  to  maintain  the  discharge.  It  is  slow  in  its  operation,  generally 
re  firing  from  twenty-four  to  forty-eight  hours  to  vesicate.  An  irritant  ointment 
is  repared  from  mezereon,  which  answers  for  application  to  blistered  surfaces 
in  rder  to  maintain  the  discharge,  and  may  be  applied  advantageously  to  obsti- 
nt , ill-conditioned,  indolent  ulcers.  (See  Unguentum  Mezereih)  The  alcoholic 
ei  act  of  mezereon  has  also  been  employed  to  communicate  irritant  properties 
to  isue  peas. 

iternally  administered,  mezereon  is  a stimulant  capable  of  being  directed  to 
bskin  or  kidneys,  and  in  large  doses  apt  to  excite  purging,  nausea,  and  vomit- 
in  In  overdoses  it  produces  the  fatal  effects  of  the  acrid  poisons;  and  a 
ca  of  apparently  severe  narcotic  effects  has  been  recorded.  (. Am.  Journ.  of  Med . 
& , xxi.  518.)  It  had  at  one  time  much  reputation  as  a remedy  in  the  second- 
ar  stages  of  the  venereal  disease,  and  still  enters  as  an  ingredient  into  the 
of  inal  compound  decoction  of  sarsaparilla.  It  has  also  been  thought  to  act 
fa  urably  as  an  alterative  in  scrofulous  affections,  chronic  rheumatism,  and 
ol  inate  diseases  of  the  skin.  For  this  purpose  it  is  usually  administered  in 
deletion.  (See  Decodum  Mezerei .)  Dr.  Withering  cured  a case  of  difficult 
sv  lowing,  arising  from  paralysis,  by  directing  the  patient  to  chew  frequently 
srll  pieces  of  the  root.  The  affection,  which  had  continued  three  years,  was 


480 


Mezereum. — Monarda. — Mori  Succus. 


PART 


removed  in  a month.  The  dose  of  the  bark  in  substance  may  he  stated  at  t< 
grains,  though  it  is  seldom  used  in  this  way. 

Off.  Prep.  Decoctum  Mezerei ; Decoetum  Sarsaparillae  Compositum ; E 
tractum  Sarsaparillse  Fluidum;  Unguentum  Mezerei.  W. 

MONARDA.  U.S. 

Horsemint. 

The  herb  of  Monarda  punctata.  U.  S. 

Monarda.  Sex.  Spat.  Diandria  Monogynia. — Nat.  Orel.  Lamiaceae  or  L 
biatre. 

Gen.  Ch.  Calyx  five-toothed,  eylindrie,  striate.  Corolla  ringent,  with  a lot 
cylindric  tube;  upper  lip  linear,  nearly  straight  and  entire,  involving  the  fil 
ments;  lower  lip  reflected,  broader,  three-lobed,  the  middle  lobe  longer.  Xutta 

Monarda  punctata.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  i.  126;  Am.  Med.  Recorder , vol.  ii. 
496.  This  is  an  indigenous  perennial  or  biennial  plant,  with  herbaceous,  obtuse 
angled,  downy,  whitish,  branching  stems,  which  rise  one  or  two  feet  in  heigt 
and  are  furnished  with  oblong-lanceolate,  remotely  serrate,  smooth,  punc-ta 
leaves.  The  flowers  are  yellow,  spotted  with  red  or  brown,  and  are  disposed 
numerous  whorls,  provided  with  lanceolate,  coloured  bractes,  longer  than  the  who! 

The  horsemint  grows  in  light  gravelly  or  sandy  soils  from  Xew  Jersey 
Louisiana,  and  flowers  from  June  to  September.  The  whole  herb  is  employe 
It  has  an  aromatic  smell,  and  a warm,  pungent,  bitterish  taste;  and  abounds 
a volatile  oil,  which  may  be  separated  by  distillation  with  water. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Horsemint  is  stimulant  and  carminative;  but 
seldom  used  in  regular  practice.  In  the  state  of  infusion  it  is  occasionally  ei 
ployed  in  families  as  a remedy  for  flatulent  colic  and  sick  stomach,  and  for  oth 
purposes  to  which  the  aromatic  herbs  are  applied.  It  was  introduced  into  t 
primary  catalogue  of  the  United  States  Pharmacopceia  on  account  of  the  volat: 
oil  which  it  affords.  (See  Oleum  Monarclse.') 

Off'.  Prep.  Oleum  Monardae.  IV. 

MORI  SUCCUS.  Loud. 

Mulberry  Juice. 

Morus  nigra.  The  juice  of  the  fruit.  Lond. 

Mures,  Fr.;  Schrvarze  Maulbeeren,  Germ.;  Morone.  Ital.;  Moras.  Span. 

Mortjs.  Sex.  Syst.  Monccc-ia  Tetrandria.  — Nat.  Ord.  Urticacese. 

Gen.  Ch.  Male.  Calyx  four-parted.  Corolla  none.  Female.  Calyx  foi 
leaved.  Corolla  none.  Styles  two.  Calyx  berried.  Seed  one.  Willd. 

Morus  nigra.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  iv.  36 ; Woofdv.  Med.  Rot.  p.  712,  t.  243.  T1 
species  of  mulberry  is  distinguished  by  its  cordate-ovate  or  lobed,  unequa. 
toothed,  and  scabrous  leaves.  It  is  a tree  of  middle  size,  supposed  to  have  be 
brought  originally  from  Persia  into  Italy,  and  thence  spread  over  Europe  a 
America.  Its  leaves  afford  food  for  the  silk-worm  ; and  the  bark  of  the  ro 
which  is  bitter  and  slightly  acrid,  has  been  employed  as  a vermifuge,  especia 
in  cases  of  the  tape-worm,  in  the  dose  of  two  drachms  infused  in  eight  oun<' 
of  boiling  water.  The  juice  of  the  fruit  is  the  officinal  portion. 

The  fruit  is  oblong-oval,  of  a dark  reddish-purple  almost  black  colour,  a 
consists  of  numerous  minute  berries  united  together  aud  attached  to  a comm, 
receptacle,  each  containing  a single  seed,  the  succulent  envelope  of  which  > 
formed  by  the  calyx.  It  is  inodorous,  has  a sweet,  mucilaginous,  aeidulo 


Pi.T  I. 


Mori  Succus. — Moschus. 


481 


ta:9,  and  abounds  in  a deep-red  juice.  The  sourish  taste  is  owing,  according 
to  fermbstadt,  to  the  presence  of  tartaric  acid. 

ledical  Properties  and  Uses.  Mulberries  are  refreshing  and  laxative,  and 
se  e to  prepare  a grateful  drink  well  adapted  to  febrile  cases.  A syrup  is  made 
fra  their  juice,  and  used  as  an  agreeable  addition  to  gargles  in  inflammation 
of  he  throat.  They  are,  however,  more  used  as  food  than  medicine.  Our  na- 
tn  mulberry,  the  fruit  of  Moms  rubra,  is  quite  equal  to  that  of  the  imported 
spies.  Morns  alba,  originally  from  China,  and  now  extensively  cultivated 
as  source  of  food  for  the  silk-worm,  bears  a white  fruit,  which  is  sweeter  and 
les  grateful  than  the  others. 

iff.  Prep.  Syrupus  Mori.  W. 

MOSCHUS.  U.S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub. 

Music. 

peculiar  concrete  substance  obtained  from  Moschus  moschiferus.  U.  S.  A 
coirete  substance  found  in  the  follicle  of  the  prepuce.  Lond.  Inspissated  secre- 
tio  in  the  follicles  of  the  prepuce.  Ed.,  Dub. 

use,  Fr. ; Bisam,  Germ.;  Muschio,  Ital.;  Almizcle,  Span. 
oschus.  Class  Mammalia.  Order  Pecora. 

ien.Ch.  Horns  none.  Fore  teeth  eight  in  the  lower  jaw.  Tusks  one  on  each 
sid  in  the  upper  jaw,  projecting  out  of  the  mouth. 

fpschus  moschiferus.  Gmelin,  Syst.Nat.  i.  172;  Reese’s  Cyclopaedia.  This 
an  ial  bears  a close  resemblance  to  the  deer  in  shape  and  size.  It  is  usually 
les  han  three  feet  in  length,  with  haunches  considerably  more  elevated  than  the 
sh< lders.  From  its  upper  jaw  two  tusks  project  downwards  out  of  the  mouth, 
ear  about  two  inches  long,  curved  backwards,  and  serving  to  extract  the  roots 
wbh  are  used  as  food  by  the  animal.  The  ears  are  long  and  narrow,  and  the 
tariery  short.  The  fleece,  which  consists  of  strong,  elastic,  undulated  hairs, 
vaiis  in  colour  with  the  season,  the  age  of  the  animal,  and  perhaps  the  place 
whh  it  inhabits.  The  general  colour  is  a deep  iron-gray.  The  individual  hairs 
are rhitish  near  the  root,  and  fawn-coloured  or  blackish  towards  the  tip.  The 
mi;  is  contained  in  an  oval,  hairy,  projecting  sac,  found  only  in  the  male, 
sitited  between  the  umbilicus  and  the  prepuce,  from  two  to  three  inches  long, 
am  from  one  to  two  broad,  communicating  externally  by  a small  hairy  orifice 
at  ; anterior  part,  and  marked  posteriorly  by  a groove  or  furrow  which  corres- 
poi  s with  the  opening  of  the  prepuce.  It  is  lined  internally  by  a smooth  mem- 
bra:, which  is  thrown  into  a number  of  irregular  folds  forming  incomplete 
pardons.  In  the  vigorous  adult  animal,  the  sac  sometimes  contains  six  drachms 
of  isk;  but  in  the  old  seldom  more  than  two  drachms,  and  none  in  the  young. 
Th  tnusk  is  secreted  by  the  lining  membrane,  and  in  the  living  animal  forms  a 
cor  stent  mass,  which,  on  the  outside,  is  compact,  and  marked  with  the  folds 
of  e membrane,  but  is  less  firm  towards  the  centre,  where  there  is  sometimes 
a Want  space.  As  first  secreted  it  is  probably  in  the  liquid  state,  and  a portion 
is  c ;asionally  forced  out  by  the  animal,  to  which  it  communicates  its  odour. 

be  musk  deer  inhabits  the  vast  mountainous  regions  of  central  Asia,  extend- 
ing  -om  India  to  Siberia,  and  from  the  country  of  the  Turcomans  to  China.  It 
is active  and  timid  animal,  springing  from  rock  to  rock  with  surprising  agility, 
ancfequenting  the  snowy  recesses,  and  most  inaccessible  crags  of  the  mountains. 
Cofealing  itself  during  the  day,  it  chooses  the  night  for  roaming  in  search  of 
foo;  and,  though  said  to  be  abundant  in  its  native  regions,  is  taken  with  dif- 
ficcy.  It  is  hunted  for  its  bide,  as  well  as  for  the  musk.  As  soon  as  the 
am  d is  killed,  the  sac  is  cut  off,  and  dried  with  its  contents ; and  in  this  state 
is  6 ,t  into  the  market. 

81 


482 


Moschus. 


PAP.T 


Musk  varies  in  quality  with  the  country  inhabited  by  the  animal.  That  p 
cured  from  the  mountains  on  the  southeru  borders  of  Siberia,  and  brought  ii 
the  market  through  Russia,  is  comparatively  feeble.  The  best  is  imported  fr 
China,  and  is  said  to  be  the  product  of  Tonquin.  A variety  intermediate 
tween  these  is  procured  in  the  Himalaya  Mountains  and  Thibet,  and  sent 
Calcutta.  We  derive  our  chief  supply  from  Canton,  though  portions  are  oc- 
sionally  brought  hither  from  Europe. 

Two  varieties  are  distinguished  in  the  market,  the  Chinese  and  Russian.  If 
come  in  sacs,  convex  and  hairy  on  one  side,  flat  and  destitute  of  hair  on  the  otb 
The  hairs  are  brownish-yellow,  grayish,  or  whitish,  stiff  and  short,  and  arran; 
concentrically  around  the  orifice  of  the  sac.  The  Chinese,  which  is  the  m, 
highly  valued,  is  in  bags  of  a rounder  shape,  covered  with  brownish-yellow 
reddish-brown  hairs,  and  containing  at  most  a drachm  and  a half  of  large-grain , 
dark,  strong-scented  musk,  having  an  ammoniacal  odour.  The  Russian,  wb. 
is  contained  in  longer  and  larger  bags,  is  small-grained,  of  a light  yellowi- 
brown  colour,  of  a weaker  and  more  fetid  odour,  with  less  smell  of  ammonia 

Properties.  Musk  is  in  grains  or  lumps  concreted  together,  soft  and  unctU'i 
to  the  touch,  and  of  a reddish-brown  or  ferruginous  colour,  resembling  thatf 
dried  blood.  Some  hairs  of  the  pod  are  generally  mixed  with  it.  The  ode 
is  strong,  penetrating,  and  so  powerfully  diffusive,  that  one  part  of  musk  comr- 
nicates  its  smell  to  more  than  3000  parts  of  inodorous  powder.  {Fee.)  In  so; 
delicate  individuals  it  produces  headache  and  other  disagreeable  symptoms,  ;1 
has  even  given  rise  to  convulsions.  The  taste  is  bitter,  disagreeable,  and  soi- 
what  acrid.  The  colour  of  the  powder  is  reddish-brown.  Musk  is  inflaminal, 
burning  with  a white  flame,  and  leaving  a light  spongy  charcoal.  It  yiel, 
upon  analysis,  a great  number  of  proximate  principles.  Guibourt  and  Blonde 
obtained  water,  ammonia,  stearin,  olein,  cholesterin,  an  oily  acid  combined  m 
ammonia,  volatile  oil,  muriate  of  ammonia,  chlorides  of  potassium  aud  calcii, 
an  uncertain  acid  combined  with  ammonia,  potassa  and  lime,  gelatin,  album, 
fibrin,  a highly  carbonaceous  mat  ter  soluble  in  water,  a soluble  calcareous  salt  si 
a combustible  acid,  carbonate  and  phosphate  of  lime,  hair,  and  sand.  {Annalli 
Chim.  et  de  Flips.,  ix.  327.)  Besides  these  principles,  Geiger  and  Reinra 
found  a peculiar  bitter  resin,  osmazome,  and  a peculiar  substance  in  part  c<- 
bined  with  ammonia.  According  to  Guibourt  and  Blondeau,  it  contains  47  r 
cent,  of  volatile  matter,  thought  by  some  to  be  chiefly  ammonia,  by  otberso 
be  a compound  of  ammonia  and  volatile  oil.  Theimann  obtained  only  fromO 
to  15  per  cent.  But  the  quantity  of  volatile  as  well  as  of  soluble  matter  va  s 
exceedingly  in  different  specimens.  Thus,  Theimann  found  from  80  to  90  -i 
cent,  of  matter  soluble  in  water,  Buchner,  only  54‘5  per  cent.,  and  other  chem.s 
intermediate  proportions.  The  proportion  soluble  in  alcohol,  as  ascertained]? 
different  experimenters,  varies  from  25  to  62  percent.  Ether  is  a good  solvt. 
The  watery  infusion  has  a yellowish-brown  colour,  a bitterish  taste,  astrg 
smell  of  musk,  and  an  acid  reaction.  The  alcoholic  tincture  is  transparent,  d 
of  a reddish-brown  colour,  with  the  peculiar  odour  of  the  medicine.  The  ac»n 
of  potassa  upon  musk  is  accompanied  with  the  extrication  of  ammonia,  arnii 
increase  of  its  peculiar  odour.  By  the  influence  of  heat  and  moisture  long  > 
tinued,  ammonia  is  developed,  which  acts  upon  the  fatty  matter,  produciia 
substance  resembling  adipocire,  but,  according  to  Guibourt,  without  diminisl? 
the  activity  of  the  medicinal  principles.  The  correctness,  however,  of  u 
opinion,  is  perhaps  questionable;  and  it  is  advisable  to  preserve  the  niusfc 
much  as  possible  unaltered.  When  kept  in  glass  bottles,  in  a situation  neier 
moist  nor  very  dry,  it  remains  for  a great  length  of  time  without  material  chae- 
The  odour  of  musk  is  very  much  diminished  by  mixing  it  with  emulsion  or  sup 
of  bitter  almonds,  or  cherry-laurel  water.  From  the  experiments  of  Wim  ’. 
it  appears  that  musk  loses  its  odour  when  rubbed  with  kermes  mineral,  or  go^n 


IRT  I. 


Moschus. 


483 


sphur  of  antimony,  and  reacquires  it  on  the  addition  of  a little  solution  of 
amonia  to  the  mixture.  ( Pharm . Cent.  Blaft,  A.  D.  1843,  p.  406.)  Camphor 
mbed  up  with  musk  is  also  said  to  have  the  effect  of  destroying  its  odour.  {Am. 
aim.  of  Pharm.,  xxiii.  85.) 

Adulterations.  The  price  of  this  medicine  is  so  high,  and  its  sources  so  limited, 
a to  offer  strong  temptations  to  adulteration ; and  little  of  the  genuine  unmixed 
nsk  is  to  be  found  in  the  market.  The  sophistication  commences  with  the  Chi- 
me, and  is  completed  in  Europe  and  this  country.  A common  practice  in  the 
1st  is  to  open  the  sac,  and  to  supply  the  place  of  the  musk  with  an  adulterated 
nsture.  Sometimes  the  scrotum  of  the  animal  is  filled  with  this  mixture,  and 
n unfrequently  the  sacs  are  manufactured  out  of  the  skin.  Dried  blood,  from 
itresemblance  in  appearance  to  musk,  is  among  the  most  common  adulterations; 
b;,  besides  this,  sand,  lead,  iron-filings,  hair,  animal  membrane,  tobacco,  the 
dig  of  birds,  wax,  benzoin,  storax,  asphaltum,  and  other  substances  are  intro- 
died.  These  are  mixed  with  a portion  of  musk,  the  powerful  odour  of  which 
isliffused  through  the  mass,  and  renders  the  discovery  of  the  fraud  sometimes 
dicult.  It  is  said  that  the  Chinese  sometimes  mix  the  musk  of  Tonquin  with 
tit  of  Siberia.  The  hags  containing  the  drug  should  have  the  characters  before 
dcribed  as  belonging  to  the  natural  sac,  and  should  present  no  evidence  of 
h ing  been  opened.  The  slit  is  sometimes  carefully  sewed  up,  sometimes  glued 
tiether.  The  former  condition  may  be  discovered  by  close  inspection,  the  latter 
b immersion  in  hot  water.  When  the  bag  is  made  from  any  other  portion  of 
tl  skin,  the  difference  may  be  detected,  according  to  Mr.  Neligan,  by  a micro- 
sipe  which  magnifies  300  diameters.  The  genuine  hairs  exhibit  innumerable 
co,  which  are  wanting  in  the  spurious.  ( Chem.  Gaz.,  Feb.  1846,  p.  79.)  Musk 
wch  burns  with  difficulty,  which  has  a feeble  odour,  and  a colour  either  pale 
oi'entirely  black,  which  feels  gritty  to  the  finger,  is  very  moist,  or  contains 
olious  impurities,  should  be  rejected.  The  Russian  musk  is  said  never  to  be 
a<  Iterated  before  leaving  Russia. 

Uedical  Properties  and  Uses.  Musk  is  stimulant  and  antispasmodic,  increasing 
tl  vigour  of  the  circulation,  and  exalting  the  nervous  energy,  without  producing, 
ei  er  as  an  immediate  or  secondary  effect,  any  considerable  derangement  of  the 
piely  cerebral  functions.  Its  medical  uses  are  such  as  may  be  inferred  fropt  its 
g<eral  operation.  In  almost  all  spasmodic  diseases,  so  far  as  mere  relaxation 
olpasm  is  desirable,  it  is  more  or  less  efficacious;  but  peculiar  advantage  may 
buxpected  from  it  in  those  cases  in  which  a prostrate  condition  of  the  system, 
at.nded  with  great  nervous  agitation,  or  irregular  muscular  action,  calls  for  the 
ui  ed  influence  of  a highly  diffusible  stimulant  and  powerful  antispasmodic. 
S'  h are  very  low  cases  of  typhous  disease,  accompanied  with  subsultus  tendinum, 
tr  lors,  and  singultus.  Such  also  are  many  instances  of  gout  in  the  stomach, 
at  other  spasmodic  affections  of  that  organ.  In  very  obstinate  hiccough  we 
hi 3 found  it  more  effectual  than  any  other  remedy;  and  have  seen  great  ad- 
V£;age  from  its  use  in  those  alarming  and  dangerous  convulsions  of  infants 
w :h  have  their  origin  in  spasm  of  the  intestines.  It  is  said  to  have  done  much 
gel,  combined  with  opium,  and  administered  in  very  large  doses,  in  tetanus. 
Eslepsy,  hysteria,  asthma,  pertussis,  palpitations,  cholera,  and  colic,  are  among 
tb  numerous  spasmodic  affections  in  which  circumstances  may  render  the  em- 
pl  mentof  musk  desirable.  The  chief  obstacles  to  its  general  use  are  its  high 
pt 3,  and  the  uncertainty  in  regard  to  it3  purity.  Musk  was  unknown  to  the 
anents.  Aetius  was  the  first  writer  who  noticed  it  as  a medicine.  It  was 
in oduced  into  Europe  through  the  Arabians,  from  whose  language  its  name 
w;  derived. 

■ may  be  given  in  the  form  of  pill  or  emulsion.  The  medium  dose  is  ten 
gt  as,  to  be  repeated  every  two  or  three  hours.  In  the  cases  of  children  it  may 
be  iven  with  great  advantage  in  the  form  of  enema.  W. 


484 


Mucuna. 


PART 


MUCUNA.  TJ.  S.  Secondary,  Load.,  Ed. 
Cowhage. 

The  bristles  of  the  pods  of  Mucuna  pruriens.  U.  S.  Bristles  of  the  fruit.  Lon 
Hairs  from  the  pod.  Ed. 

Off.  Syn.  DOLICHOS.  Mucuna  pruriens.  The  hairy  down  of  the  pod;  Du 

Pois  a gratter,  Fr.;  Kuhkratze,  Germ.:  Dolico  Scottante,  Ital. 

Mucuna.  Sex.  Syst.  Diadelphia  Decandria. — Nat.  Ord.  Fabacese  or  Leg 
minosse. 

Gen.  Ch.  Calyx  campanulate,  bilabiate;  the  lower  lip  trifid,  with  acute  se 
ments,  the  middle  one  longest;  the  upper  lip  broader,  entire,  obtuse.  Carol 
with  the  vexillum  ascending,  shorter  than  the  wings  and  keel;  the  wings  oblon 
equal  to  the  keel  in  length ; the  keel  oblong,  straight,  acute.  Stamens  diadelphor 
with  five  anthers  oblong-linear,  and  five  ovate,  hirsute.  Legume  oblong,  toro.; 
bivalvular,  with  cellular  partitions.  Seeds  roundish,  surrounded  circularly  1 
a linear  hilum.  (De  Candolle.) 

Mucuna  pruriens.  De  Cand.  Prodrom.  ii.  405;  Lindley,  Flor.  Med.  p.  254.- 
Dolichos  pruriens.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  iii.  1041;  Woodv.  Med.  Bot.  p.  422.- 
Stizolobium  pruriens.  Persoon.  This  is  a perennial  climbing  plant,  with  ; 
herbaceous  branching  stem,  which  twines  round  the  trees  in  its  vicinity,  ai 
rises  to  a considerable  height.  The  leaves  are  pinnately  trifoliate,  and  stand  i 
long  footstalks,  placed  alternately  on  the  stem  at  the  distance  of  a foot  fro 
each  other.  The  leaflets  are  acuminate,  smooth  on  their  upper  surface,  ai 
hairy  beneath.  The  lateral  leaflets  are  oblique  at  the  base,  the  middle  one  son 
what  rhomboidal.  The  flowers,  which  resemble  those  of  the  pea  in  form,  a 
large,  of  a red  or  purplish 'colour,  usually  placed  in  threes  on  short  peduneb 
and  hang  from  the  axils  of  the  leaves  in  pendent  spikes  about  a foot  in  lengt 
The  fruit  is  a coriaceous  pod,  shaped  like  the  Italic  letter  /,  about  four  inch 
long,  and  covered  with  brown  bristly  hairs,  which  easily  separate,  and  wh 
handled  stick  in  the  fingers,  producing  an  intense  itching  sensation.  The  pla 
is  a native  of  the  West  Indies,  and  other  parts  of  tropical  America.  It  has  be 
supposed  to  grow  also  in  the  East  Indies;  but  the  plant  of  that  region  is  n< 
considered  a distinct  species,  and  entitled  Mucuna  prurita.  The  part  usual 
imported  is  the  pod,  of  which  the  hairs  are  the  officinal  portion. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  The  spicula  are  said  to  be  possessed  of  power 
vermifuge  properties,  and  are  thought  to  act  mechanically,  by  penetrating  t 
worms.  That  they  do  act  in  this  manner  is  evinced  as  well  by  the  result  ’ 
direct  experiment  upon  worms  out  of  the  body,  as  by  the  fact  that  neither  t 
tincture  nor  decoction  is  in  the  slightest  degree  anthelmintic.  The  medic-h 
was  first  employed  as  a vermifuge  by  the  inhabitants  of  the  West  Indies,  ai 
thence  passed  into  British  practice.  The  testimony  in  its  favour  is  too  strc: 
to  admit  of  any  reasonable  doubt  as  to  its  efficiency.  It  has  been  chiefly  e- 
ployed  against  the  round  worm ; but  all  the  different  species  which  infest  » 
alimentary  canal  have  been  expelled  by  its  use.  It  is  best  administered  mid 
with  some  tenacious  vehicle.  The  usual  mode  of  preparing  it  is  to  dip  the  pc 
into  syrup  or  molasses,  and  scrape  off  the  hairs  with  the  liquid,  which  is  in 
proper  state  for  administration  when  it  has  attained  the  consistency  of  ths 
honey.  The  dose  of  this  preparation  is  a tablespoonful  for  an  adult,  a teaspoonl 
for  a child  three  or  four  years  old,  to  be  given  every  morning  for  three  days.  ;1 
then  followed  by  a brisk  cathartic.  M.  Blatin  has  proposed  to  employ  cowlr£ 
as  an  external  irritant;  seven  grains  being  mixed  with  an  ounce  of  lard,  d 
seven  or  eight  grains  of  the  ointment  rubbed  for  ten,  fifteen,  or  twenty  minis 


i.RT  i.  Mucuna. — Myristica. — Myristicse  Oleum. — Macis.  485 

( the  skin.  A stinging  and  burning  sensation  is  produced,  followed  by  white 
^rations,  which  soon  disappear,  leaving  no  unpleasant  effect.  (See  Am.  Journ. 
c Med.  Sci.,  N.  S.,  xxvi.  191.) 

The  root  of  M.  pruriens  ( M.  prurita)  is  said  by  Ainslie  to  be  employed  in  the 
1st  Indies  in  the  treatment  of  cholera;  and  both  this  part  and  the  pods  have 
bn  thought  to  possess  diuretic  properties.  W. 

MYRISTICA.  U.  S.,  Loud.,  Ed.,  Dub. 

Nutmeg. 

The  kernels  of  the  fruit  of  Myristica  moschata.  U.  S.,  Dub.  Myristica  offici- 
ilis.  The  seed  deprived  of  the  testa.  Lond.  Kernel  of  the  fruit  of  Myristica 
c cinalis.  Ed. 

Noix  muscade,  Ft.;  Muskatnuss,  Germ.;  Noce  moschata,  Ital.;  Nuez  moscada,  Span. 

MYRISTICiE  ADEPS.  Ed. 

Concrete  Oil  of  Nutmeg. 

Concrete  expressed  oil  from  the  kernel  of  the  fruit  of  Myristica  officinalis.  Ed. 

Off.  Syn.  MYRISTICiE  OLEUM.  Myristica  officinalis.  Concrete  oil  ex- 
posed from  the  seed.  Lond. 

MACIS.  TJ.  S.  Secondary. 

Mace. 

The  arillus  of  the  fruit  of  Myristica  moschata.  IT.  S. 

Macis,  Fr.;  Muskatbliithe,  Germ.;  Macis,  Ital.;  Macias,  Span. 

VIyristica.  Sex.  Syst.  Dicecia  Monadelphia. — Nat.  Ord.  Myristicacem. 

Gen.  Ch.  Male.  Calyx  none.  Corolla  bell-shaped,  trifid.  Filament  columnar. 
i thers  six  or  ten  united.  Female.  Calyx  none.  Corolla  bell-shaped,  trifid, 
d iduous.  Style  none.  Stigmas  two.  Drupe  with  a nut  involved  in  an  arillus 
v h one  seed.  Willd. 

Myristica  moschata.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  iv.  869;  Woodv.  Med.  Dot.  p.  698,  t. 
21.  — M.  officinalis.  Linn.  Suppl.  265;  Lindley,  Flor.  Med.  p.  21.  The  nut- 
ng  tree  is  about  thirty  feet  high,  with  numerous  branches,  and  an  aspect  some- 
v it  resembling  that  of  the  orange  tree.  The  leaves  stand  alternately  on  short 
fitstalks,  are  oblong-oval,  pointed,  entire,  undulated,  obliquely  nerved,  bright 
g en  and  somewhat  glossy  on  their  upper  surface,  whitish  beneath,  and  of  an 
a matic  taste.  The  flowers  are  male  and  female  upon  different  trees.  The 
f<  ner  are  disposed  in  axillary,  peduncled,  solitary  clusters ; the  latter  are  single, 
S'  tary,  and  axillary;  both  are  minute  and  of  a pale-yellowish  colour.  The  fruit, 
w ch  appears  on  the  tree  mingled  with  the  flowers,  is  round  or  oval,  of  the  size 
ok  small  peach,  with  a smooth  surface,  at  first  pale-green,  but  yellow  when 
rh,  and  marked  with  a longitudinal  furrow.  The  external  covering,  which  is 
a first  thick  and  fleshy,  and  abounds  in  an  austere,  astringent  juice,  afterwards 
h ornes  dry  and  coriaceous,  and  separating  into  two  valves  from  the  apex,  dis- 
ci ;es  a scarlet  reticulated  membrane  or  arillus,  commonly  called  mace,  closely 
nesting  a thin,  brown,  shining  shell,  which  contains  the  kernel  or  nutmeg.  Not 
W than  eight  varieties  of  this  species  are  said  by  Crawford  to  be  cultivated  in 
tl  East  Indies. 

VIyristica  moschata  is  a native  of  the  Moluccas  and  other  neighbouring  islands, 
a abounds  especially  in  that  small  cluster  distinguished  by  the  name  of  Banda, 


486  Myristica.  part  : 

» 

whence  the  chief  supplies  of  nutmegs  were  long  derived.  But  the  plant  is  no- 
cultivated  in  Sumatra,  Java,  Singapore,  Penang,  and  other  parts  of  the  Ea; 
Indies;  and  has  been  introduced  into  the  Isle  of  France  and  Bourbon,  Cayenm 
and  some  of  the  West  India  islands. 

The  tree  is  produced  from  the  seed.  It  does  not  flower  till  the  eighth  c 
ninth  year;  after  which  it  bears  flowers  and  fruit  together,  without  intermissioi 
and  is  said  to  continue  bearing  for  seventy  or  eighty  years.  Little  trouble  is  n 
cjuisite  in  its  cultivation.  A branch  of  the  female  tree  is  grafted  into  all  tt 
young  plants  when  about  two  years  old,  so  as  to  insure  their  early  fruitfulnes 
In  the  Moluccas  the  tree  yields  three  crops  annually.  The  fruit  is  gathered  t 
the  hand,  and  the  outside  covering  rejected.  The  mace  is  then  carefully  sep. 
rated,  so  as  to  break  it  as  little  as  possible,  is  flattened,  and  dried  in  the  sni 
and  afterwards  sprinkled  with  salt  water,  with  the  view  of  contributing  to  ii 
preservation.  Its  fine  red  colour  is  much  impaired  by  drying.  The  nuts  ai 
dried  in  the  sun  or  by  ovens,  and  exposed  to  smoke,  till  the  kernel  rattles  in  tl 
shell.  They  are  then  broken  open;  and  the  kernels,  having  been  removed  ar 
steeped  for  a short  time  in  a mixture  of  lime  and  water,  probably  in  order 
preserve  them  from  the  attack  of  worms,  are  next  cleaned,  and  packed  in  casl 
or  chests  for  exportation.  Dr.  Lumsdaine  has  found  them  to  keep  better 
rubbed  over  with  dry  lime  than  when  prepared  in  the  moist  way.  (See  Ar 
Journ.  of  8c  i.  and  Arts,  Nov.  1851.) 

Nutmegs  are  brought  to  this  country  either  directly  from  the  East  Indies,  ( 
indirectly  through  England  and  Holland.  They  are  also  occasionally  importt 
in  small  quantities  from  the  West  Indies. 

Properties.  The  nutmeg  (nux  moschala ) is  of  a roundish  or  oval  shape,  o 
tuse  at  the  extremities,  marked  with  vermicular  furrows,  of  a grayish  colour,  bar 
smooth  to  the  touch,  yielding  readily  to  the  knife  or  the  grater,  but  not  vei 
pulverulent.  When  cut  or  broken  it  presents  a yellowish  surface,  varied  wi 
reddish-brown,  branching,  irregular  veins,  which  give  to  it  a marbled  appea 
ance.  These  dark  veins  abound  in  oily  matter,  upon  which  the  medicinal  pr 
perties  depend.  The  odour  of  nutmeg  is  delightfully  fragrant,  the  taste  wan 
aromatic,  and  grateful.  Its  virtues  are  extracted  by  alcohol  and  ether.  - 
Bonastre  obtained  from  500  parts,  120  of  a white  insoluble  oily  substance, i 
of  a coloured  soluble  oil  (olein),  30  of  volatile  oil,  4 of  acid,  12  of  fecula,  6 
gum,  270  of  lignin;  and  20  parts  were  lost.  The  volatile  oil  is  obtained  by  d 
filiation  with  water.  (See  Oleum  Myristicse.')  By  pressure  with  heat  an  oi 
matter  is  procured  from  the  kernels,  which  becomes  solid  on  cooling,  and  is  coi 
monly  though  erroneously  called  oil  of  mace. 

It  is  said  that  nutmegs  are  ofteu  punctured  and  boiled  in  order  to  extract  the 
essential  oil,  and  the  orifice  afterwards  closed  so  carefully  as  not  to  be  discov 
able  unless  by  breaking  the  kernel.  The  fraud  may  be  detected  by  their  great 
levity.  They  are  also  apt  to  be  injured  by  worms,  which,  however,  attack  p 
ferably  those  parts  which  are  least  impregnated  with  the  volatile  oil.  We  : 
told  that  the  Dutch  heat  them  in  a stove  in  order  to  deprive  them  of  the  pow 
of  germinating,  and  thus  prevent  the  propagation  of  the  tree.  The  small  a. 
round  nutmegs  are  preferred  to  those  which  are  large  and  oval.  They  sboit 
be  rejected  when  very  light,  with  a feeble  taste  and  smell,  worm  eaten,  mus, 
or  marked  with  black  veins. 

A kind  of  nutmeg  is  occasionally  met  with,  ascribed  by  some  to  a variety? 
M.  moschata,  by  others  to  a different  species,  which  is  distinguished  from  tit 
just  described  by  its  much  greater  length,  its  elliptical  shape,  the  absence  of  ’’ 
dark-brown  veins,  and  its  comparatively  feeble  odour,  and  disagreeable  tai- 
It  has  been  called  male  or  wild  nutmeg,  the  other  being  designated  as  the  fenn 
or  cultivated  nutmeg. 


487 


P3T  i.  Myristicx  Adeps. — Macis. 

The  concrete  or  expressed  oil  of  nutmeg  (MyristiCvE  Adeps,  Ed.  Myristic^e 
Oeum,  Lond .),  commonly  called  oil  of  mace , is  obtained  by  bruising  nutmegs, 
e.iosing  them  in  a bag  to  the  vapour  of  water,  and  then  compressing  them 
singly  between  heated  plates.  A liquid  oil  flows  out,  which  becomes  solid 
wan  it  cools.  Nutmegs  are  said  to  yield  from  10  to  12  per  cent,  of  this  oil. 
Ta  best  is  imported  from  the  East  Indies  in  stone  jars.  It  is  solid,  soft,  unc- 
tvus  to  the  touch,  of  a yellowish  or  orange-yellow  colour  more  or  less  mottled, 
wh  the  odour  and  taste  of  nutmeg.  It  is  composed,  according  to  Schrader,  of 
5:09  per  cent,  of  a soft  oily  substance,  yellowish  or  brownish,  soluble  in  cold 
aohol  and  ether;  43 '75  of  a white,  pulverulent,  inodorous  substance,  insoluble 
ir.hese  liquids;  and  4'16  of  volatile  oil.  The  pulverulent  constituent,  which 
roived  from  Playfair  the  name  of  myristicin,  has  a silky  lustre,  melts  at  88°, 
ai.  yields  in  saponification  glycerin  and  myristicic  acid.  An  inferior  kind  is 
p pared  in  Holland,  and  sometimes  found  in  the  shops.  It  is  in  hard,  shining, 
scare  cakes,  lighter  coloured  than  that  from  the  East  Indies,  and  with  less 
still  and  taste.  It  is  supposed  to  be  derived  from  nutmegs  previously  deprived 
o most  of  their  volatile  oil  by  distillation.  An  artificial  preparation  is  some- 
ties  sold  for  the  genuine  oil.  It  is  made  by  mixing  various  fatty  matters, 
sih  as  suet,  palm  oil,  spermaceti,  wax,  &c.,  adding  some  colouring  substance, 
a:i  giving  flavour  to  the  mixture  by  the  volatile  oil  of  nutmeg. 

Mace  (Macis,  U.  S .)  is  in  the  shape  of  a flat  membrane  irregularly  slit, 
sooth,  soft,  flexible,  of  a reddish  or  orange-yellow  colour,  and  an  odour  and 
t;:e  resembling  those  of  nutmeg.  It  consists,  according  to  M.  Henry,  of  a 
v atile  oil  in  small  quantity;  a fixed  oil,  odorous,  yellow,  soluble  in  ether,  in- 
sable in  boiling  alcohol ; another  fixed  oil,  odorous,  red,  soluble  in  alcohol  and 
e 'er  in  every  proportion ; a peculiar  gummy  matter,  analogous  to  amidin  and 
gn,  constituting  one-third  of  the  whole;  and  a small  proportion  of  ligneous 
fie.  Mace  yields  a volatile  oil  by  distillation,  and  a fixed  oil  by  pressure, 
bimann  found  the  former  heavier  than  water.  The  latter  is  less  consistent 
tin  the  fixed  oil  of  nutmeg.  Mace  is  inferior  when  it  is  brittle,  less  than 
a ally  divided,  whitish  or  pale-yellow,  or  with  little  taste  and  smell. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Nutmeg  unites  with  the  medicinal  properties 
o he  ordinary  aromatics,  considerable  narcotic  power.  In  the  quantity  of  two 

0 bree  drachms  it  has  been  known  to  produce  stupor  and  delirium  ; and  dan- 
gous  if  not  fatal  consequences  are  said  to  have  followed  its  free  use  in  India. 

1 s employed  to  cover  the  taste  or  correct  the  operation  of  other  medicines,  but 
n -e  frequently  as  an  agreeable  addition  to  farinaceous  articles  of  diet,  and  to 
vjious  kinds  of  drink  in  cases  of  languid  appetite  and  delicate  stomach.  It  is 
u ally  given  in  substance,  and  is  brought  by  grating  to  the  state  of  a powder, 
ice  possesses  properties  essentially  the  same  with  those  of  nutmeg;  and,  like 
tit  medicine,  has  been  known,  when  taken  in  excess,  to  produce  alarming  sen- 
sual disturbance.  (G-.  C.  Watson,  Prov.  Med.,  and  Surg.  Journ.,  Jan.  26, 1848.) 
I s,  however,  less  used  as  a medicine.  The  dose  of  either  is  from  five  to  twenty 
g ins.  As  the  virtues  of  nutmeg  depend  chiefly  if  not  exclusively  on  the  vola- 
ti  oil,  the  latter  may  be  substituted,  in  the  dose  of  two  or  three  drops.  The 
e ressed  oil  is  occasionally  used  as  a gentle  external  stimulant,  and  is  an  ingre- 
d.it  in  the  Emplastrum  Picis  of  the  London  and  Edinburgh  Pharmacopoeias. 

The  ancients  were  wholly  unacquainted  with  the  nutmeg;  and  Avicenna  is 
s;|l  to  be  the  first  author  by  whom  it  is  noticed. 

Off.  Prep,  of  Nutmeg.  Acetum  Opii ; Coufectio  Aromatica;  Eleetuarium 
C echu;  Oleum  Myristicse ; Pulvis  Aromaticus;  Pulvis  Catechu  Compositus ; 
Pivis  Cretse  Compositus;  Spiritus  Armoraciae  Comp.;  Spiritus  Lavandulae 
hup.;  Spiritus  Myristicae;  Syrupus  Rhei  Aromaticus;  Trochisci  Cretae;  Tro- 
c >ci  Magnesias. 

Off.  Prep,  of  the  Concrete  Oil.  Emplastrum  Picis.  W. 


488 


Myrrha. 


PART 


MYRRHA.  U.  S.,  Loncl,  Ed.,  Dub. 

Myrrh. 

The  concrete  juice  of  Balsamodendron  Myrrha.  U.  S.  Gum-resin  exud 
from  the  bark.  Land.  Gummy  resinous  exudation.  Ed.,  Dub. 

Myrrhe,  Fr.,  Germ.;  Mirra,  Ilal.,  Span.;  Murr,  Arab.;  Bowl,  Jlindoost. 

Though  myrrh  has  been  employed  from  the  earliest  periods  of  history,  t 
plant  which  yields  it  was  not  certainly  known  till  a very  recent  date.  T 
Amyris  Kataf  of  Forskhal,  seen  by  that  traveller  in  Arabia,  was  supposed  "i 
him  to  be  the  myrrh  tree,  but  without  sufficient  evidence.  More  recently  Ehre 
berg,  a German  traveller,  met  on  the  frontiers  of  Arabia  Felix  with  a plant,  fro 
the  bark  of  which  he  collected  a gum-resin  precisely  similar  to  the  myrrh 
commerce.  From  specimens  of  the  plant  taken  by  Ehrenberg  to  German 
Nees  von  Esenbeck  referred  it  to  the  genus  Balsamodendron  of  Kunth,  ai 
named  it  Balsamodendron  Myrrha.  This  genus  was  formed  by  Kunth  frc 
Amyris,  and  includes  the  Amyris  Kataf  of  Forskhal,  which  may  possibly  al 
produce  a variety  of  myrrh.  The  new  genus  differs  from  Amyris,  chiefly 
having  the  stamens  beneath  instead  of  upon  the  germ.  It  was  not  thought 1 
De  Candolle  sufficiently  distinct. 

Balsamodendron  Myrrha.  Fee,  Cours  d' Hist.  Mat.  Pharm.  i.  641 ; Carso 
Illust.  of  Med.  Bot.  i.  28,  pi.  20.  This  is  a small  tree,  with  a stunted  trun 
covered  with  a whitish-gray  bark,  and  furnished  with  rough  abortive  branch 
terminating  in  spines.  The  leaves  are  ternate,  consisting  of  obovate,  blui 
smooth,  obtusely  denticulate  leaflets,  of  which  the  two  lateral  are  much  small 
than  the  one  at  the  end.  The  fruit  is  oval-lanceolate,  pointed,  longitudinal 
furrowed,  of  a brown  colour,  and  surrounded  at  its  base  by  the  persistent  caly 
The  tree  grows  in  Arabia  Felix,  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Gison,  in  dwarf 
thickets,  interspersed  among  the  Acac-ise  and  Euphorbise.  The  juice  exud 
spontaneously,  and  concretes  upon  the  bark. 

Formerly  the  best  myrrh  was  brought  from  the  shores  of  the  Red  Sea  by  w; 
of  Egypt  and  the  Levant,  and  hence  received  the  name  of  Turkey  myrrh;  whi 
the  inferior  qualities  were  imported  from  the  East  Indies,  and  commonly  call 
India  myrrh.  These  titles  have  ceased  to  be  applicable  ; as  myrrh  of  all  qua 
ties  is  now  brought  from  the  East  Indies,  whither  it  is  carried  from  Arabia  ai 
the  north-eastern  coast  of  Africa.  Aden  in  the  former  region,  and  Berbera 
the  latter  would  appear,  from  the  statements  of  Mr.  James  Vaughan,  to  be  t 
chief  entrepots  of  the  trade.  (Pharm.  Journ.  and  Trans.,  xii.  226.)  It  is  usual 
imported  in  chests  containing  between  one  and  two  hundred  weight.  Sometim 
the  different  qualities  are  brought  separate;  sometimes  more  or  less  mingle 
Only  the  best  kind  should  be  selected  for  medical  use. 

Properties.  Myrrh  is  in  small  irregular  fragments  or  tears,  or  in  larger  masse 
composed  apparently  of  agglutinated  portions  differing  somewhat  in  their  sha 
of  colour.  The  pieces  are  exceedingly  irregular  in  shape  and  size,  being  son 
times  not  larger  than  a pea,  and  sometimes,  though  rarely,  almost  as  large  as  t 
fist.  They  are  often  powdery  upon  the  surface.  When  of  good  quality,  myr 
is  reddish-yellow  or  reddish-brown  and  translucent,  of  a strong  peculiar  son 
what  fragrant  odour,  and  a bitter  aromatic  taste.  It  is  brittle  and  pulverizab 
presenting,  when  broken,  a shining  surface,  which  in  the  larger  masses  is  ve’ 
irregular,  and  sometimes  exhibits  opaque  whitish  or  yellowish  veins.  In  powc 
it  is  of  a light  yellowish  colour.  Under  the  teeth  it  is  at  first  friable,  but  so 
softens  and  becomes  adhesive.  It  is  inflammable,  but  does  not  burn  vigorous, 
and  is  not  fusible  by  heat.  Its  sp.  gr.  is  stated  at  l'S6.  The  inferior  kic 
commonly  called  India  myrrh,  is  in  pieces  much  darker  than  those  describe 
more  opaque,  less  odorous,  and  often  abounding  with  impurities.  We  have  se. 


irt  r.  Myrrha.  489 

pees  of  India  myrrh  enclosing  large  crystals  of  common  salt;  as  if  the  juice 
nght  have  fallen  from  the  tree  and  concreted  upon  the  ground,  where  this 
naeral  abounds.  Pieces  of  bdellium,  and  other  gummy  or  resinous  substances 
ounknown  origin,  are  often  mixed  with  it.  Among  these  is  a product  which 
ny  be  called  false  myrrh.  It  is  in  pieces  of  irregular  form,  of  a dirty  reddish- 
b'wn  colour,  a vitreous  brownish-yellow  fracture,  semitransparent,  of  a faint 
omr  of  myrrh,  and  a bitter  balsamic  taste.  It  is  best  to  purchase  myrrh  in 
nss ; as  in  powder  it  is  very  liable  to  adulterations  not  easily  detected. 

Myrrh  is  partially  soluble  in  water,  alcohol,  and  ether.  Triturated  with  water 
il'orms  an  opaque  yellowish  or  whitish  emulsion,  which  deposits  the  larger  por- 
tii  upon  standing.  Its  alcoholic  tincture  is  rendered  opaque  by  the  addition 
o.vater,  but  throws  down  no  precipitate.  According  to  Neumann,  alcohol  and 
wer  severally  extract  the  whole  of  its  odour  and  taste.  By  distillation  a vola- 
ti  oil  rises,  having  the  peculiar  flavour  of  myrrh,  and  leaving  the  residue  in  the 
rort  simply  bitter.  The  gum-resin  is  soluble  in  solutions  of  the  alkalies,  and, 
van  triturated  with  them  in  a crystalline  state,  forms  a tenacious  liquid.  Hence 
cibonate  of  potassa  may  be  used  to  facilitate  its  suspension  in  water.  Bracon- 
n found  2'5  per  cent,  of  volatile  oil,  23  of  a bitter  resin,  46  of  soluble,  and  12 
o nsoluble  gum.  {Ann.  de  Chim.,  lxvii.  52.)  Pelletier  obtained  34  per  cent, 
o resin,  with  a small  proportion  of  volatile  oil,  and  66  per  cent,  of  gum.  A 
lire  recent  analysis  by  Ruickoldt  gave  in  100  parts  2‘183  of  volatile  oil,  44'760 
o resin,  40'818  of  gum  or  arabin,  1'475  of  water,  and  3'650  of  carbonate  of 
lie  and  magnesia,  with  some  gypsum  and  sesquioxide  of  iron.  The  resin,  which 
h calls  myrrhin,  is  neuter,  but  acquires  acid  properties  when  kept  for  a short 
tie  in  fusion.  In  the  latter  state,  M.  Ruickoldt  proposes  to  call  it  myrrhic  acid, 
{.xhiv.  der  Pharm.,  xli.  1.)  According  to  MM.  Bley  and  Diesel,  myrrh  which 
c< 'tains  little  volatile  oil  always  has  an  acid  reaction,  which  they  ascribe  to  the 
odation  of  the  oil.  They  found  formic  acid  in  the  specimen  examined  by 
tin.  {Ibid.,  xliii.  304.) 

’he  same  writers  give  as  a test  of  myrrh  the  production  of  a transparent  dirty- 
yow  liquid  with  nitric  acid;  while  false  myrrh  affords  a bright  yellow  solution 
in  he  same  fluid,  and  bdellium  is  not  dissolved,  but  becomes  whitish  and  opaque, 
(to  Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xviii.  228.)  According  to  M.  Righini,  when  pow- 
dod  myrrh  is  rubbed  for  fifteen  minutes  with  an  equal  weight  of  muriate  of 
aiaonia,  and  fifteen  times  its  weight  of  water  gradually  added,  if  it  dissolve 
qi  ;kly  and  entirely  it  may  be  considered  pure.  {Journ.  de  Chim.  Med.,  1844,  p.  33.) 

■ledical  Properties  and  Uses.  Myrrh  is  a stimulant  tonic,  with  some  tendency 
tc  he  lungs,  and  perhaps  to  the  uterus.  Hence  it  is  employed  as  an  expecto- 
ra,  and  emmenagogue  in  debilitated  states  of  the  system,  in  the  absence  of 
fe  ile  excitement  or  acute  inflammation.  The  complaints  in  which  it  is  usually 
aciinistered  are  chronic  catarrh,  phthisis  pulmonalis,  other  pectoral  affections 
in  hich  the  secretion  of  mucus  is  abundant  but  not  easily  expectorated,  chlorosis, 
at  norrhoea,  and  the  various  affections  connected  with  this  state  of  the  uterine 
fuiition.  It  is  generally  given  combined  with  chalybeates  or  other  tonics,  and 
inmenorrhcea  very  frequently  with  aloes.  It  is  used  also  as  a local  application 
to!pongy  gums,  the  aphthous  sore  mouth  of  children,  and  various  kinds  of  un- 
h<|thy  ulcers.  The  dose  is  from  ten  to  thirty  grains,  and  may  be  given  in  the 
fob  of  powder  or  pill,  or  suspended  in  water,  as  in  the  famous  antihectic  mix- 
tu  of  Dr.  Griffith,  which  has  become  officinal  by  the  name  of  Mistura  Ferri 
Caposita.  The  infusion  is  also  sometimes  given,  and  an  aqueous  extract  has 
bi  i recommended  as  milder  than  myrrh  in  substance.  The  tincture  is  used 
cl  fly  as  an  external  application. 

. plaster  of  myrrh  is  made  by  rubbing  together  powdered  myrrh,  camphor, 
ar  balsam  of  Peru,  of  each  an  ounce  and  a half,  then  adding  the  mixture  to 


490 


PART 


Myrrha. — Nux  Vomica. 

32  ounces  of  lead  plaster  previously  melted,  and  stirring  well  until  the  plasti 
thickens  on  cooling.  It  is  then  to  be  formed  into  rolls.  This  plaster  may  1 
employed  in  all  cases  where  a gentle  and  long  continued  stimulant  or  rubef. 
eient  effect  is  desired. 

Off.  Prep.  Decoctum  Aloes  Compositum;  Decoctum  Myrrhae;  Mistura  Fer 
Comp.;  Pilulse  Aloes  et  Myrrhae;  Pil.  Assafcetidae,  Ed.;  Pil.  Ferri  Comp 
Pil.  Gfalbani  Comp.;  Pil.  Rhei  Comp.;  Tinctura  Myrrhae.  W. 

NUX  VOMICA.  TJ.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub. 

Nux  Vomica. 

The  seeds  of  Strychnos  Nux  vomica.  TJ.  S.,  Land.,  Ed.,  Dub. 

Noix  vomique,  Fr.;  Kruhenaugen,  Brechniisse,  Germ.;  Noce  vomica,  Ital.;  Xuez  \ 
mica,  Span. 

Strychnos.  Sex.  Syst.  Pentandria  Monogynia. — Nat.  Ord.  Apocynaceae. 

Gen.  Ch.  Corolla,  five-cleft.  Berry  one-celled,  with  a ligneous  rind.  Willd. 

Strychnos  Nux  vomica.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  i.  1052;  Woodv.  Med.  Bot.  p.  22 
t.  79.  This,  tree  is  of  a moderate  size,  with  numerous  strong  branches,  covered  wi 
a smooth,  dark-gray  bark.  The  young  branches  are  long,  flexuous,  very  smoot 
dark-green,  and  furnished  with  opposite,  roundish-oval,  entire,  smooth,  and  shi 
ing  leaves,  having  three  or  five  ribs,  and  short  footstalks.  The  flowers  are  sma 
white,  funnel-shaped,  and  disposed  in  terminal  corymbs.  The  fruit  is  a roir 
berry,  about  as  large  as  an  orange,  covered  with  a smooth,  yellow  or  oranc 
coloured,  hard,  fragile  rind,  and  containing  many  seeds  embedded  in  a juicy  pu. 

The  tree  is  a native  of  the  East  Indies,  growing  in  Bengal,  Malabar,  on  t 
coast  of  Coromandel,  in  Ceylon,  in  numerous  islands  of  the  Indian  Archipelat 
in  Cochin-china,  and  other  neighbouring  countries.  The  wood  and  root  are  ve 
bitter,  and  are  employed  in  the  East  Indies  for  the  cure  of  intermittents.  T 
radices  colubrinse  and  lignum  colubrinum  of  the  older  writers,  which  have  be 
long  known  in  Europe  as  narcotic  poisons,  have  been  ascribed  to  this  species’ 
Strychnos,  under  the  impression  that  it  is  identical  with  Strychnos  Colubrina, 
which  Linnaeus  refers  them.  They  have  been  ascertained  by  Pelletier  and  (■ 
ventou  to  contain  a large  quantity  of  strychnia.  The  bark  is  said  by  Dr.  O'Shaug 
nessy'  to  answer  exactly  to  the  description  given  by  authors  of  the  false  c- 
gustura,  and,  like  that,  to  contain  a large  quantity  of  brucia.  The  identity; 
the  two  barks  has  been  confirmed  by  Dr.  Pereira,  from  a comparison  of  spt- 
mens.  (See  Angustura. ) The  only  officinal  portion  of  the  plant  is  the  seeds. 

These  are  circular,  about  three-quarters  of  an  inch  in  diameter,  and  two  liis 
in  thickness,  flat,  or  slightly  convex  on  one  side,  and  concave  on  the  other.  Tb 
are  thickly  covered  with  fine,  silky,  shining,  ash-coloured  or  yellowish-gray  ha , 
attached  to  a thin  fragile  coating,  which  closely  invests  the  interior  nudeusr 
kernel.  This  is  very  hard,  horny,  usually  whitish  and  semitransparent,  soi- 
times  dark-coloured  and  opaque,  and  of  very  difficult  pulverization.  The  powr 
is  yellowish-gray,  and  has  a faint  sweetish  odour.  The  seeds  are  destitute f 
odour,  but  have  an  acrid  very  bitter  taste,  which  is  much  stronger  in  the  ker  1 
than  in  the  investing  membrane.  They  impart  their  virtues  to  water,  but  me 
readily  to  diluted  alcohol.'  Nux  vomica  has  been  analyzed  by  several  chemis 
but  most  accurately  by  Pelletier  and  Caventou,  who  discovered  in  it  two  alkale 
principles,  strychnia  and  brucia,  united  with  a peculiar  acid  which  they  nard 
igasuric.  Its  other  constituents  are  a yellow  colouring  matter,  a concrete  1, 
gutn,  starch,  bassorin,  and  a small  quantity  of  wax.  M.  Desnoix  has  receiy 
announced  the  discovery  of  another  alkaloid,  which  he  denominates  igasu  t- 
These  alkaloids  are  the  active  principles  of  nux  vomica. 

Strychnia  was  discovered  by  Pelletier  and  Caventou,  A.D.  ISIS,  both  in  .e 


PAT  I. 


Nux  Vomica. 


491 


m:  vomica  and  bean  of  St.  Ignatius,  and  received  its  name  from  the  generic 
tit  of  the  plants  ( Strychnos ),  to  which  these  two  products  belong.  According 
tonese  chemists,  it  exists  much  more  abundantly  in  the  bean  of  St.  Ignatius 
thi  in  the  nux  vomica,  the  former  yielding  1'2  per  cent.,  the  latter  only  0'4 
pecent.  of  the  alkali.  For  an  account  of  its  properties  and  mode  of  preparation, 
seii Strychnia,  in  the  second  part  of  this  work. 

’racfa  was  discovered  by  Pelletier  and  Caventou,  first  in  the  bark  called 
fo 5 angustura,  in  combination  with  gallic  acid,  and  subsequently,  associated 
wii  strychnia  in  the  form  of  igasurates,  in  the  nux  vomica  and  bean  of  St. 
Igitius.  It  is  crystallizable;  and  its  crystals  are  said  to  contain  18*41  per 
ce  . of  water.  It  is  without  smell,  but  of  a permanent,  harsh,  very  bitter  taste; 
soble  in  850  parts  of  cold,  and  500  of  boiling  water;  very  soluble  in  alcohol, 
wither  hot  or  cold;  but  insoluble  in  ether  and  the  fixed  oils,  and  only  slightly 
diolved  by  the  volatile  oils.  It  is  permanent  in  the  air,  but  melts  at  a tem- 
pe  ture  a little  above  that  of  boiling  water,  and  on  cooling  congeals  into  a mass 
rambling  wax.  It  forms  crystallizable  salts  with  the  acids.  Concentrated 
ni  c acid  produces  with  bruc-ia  or  its  salts  an  intense  crimson  colour,  which 
chiges  to  yellow  by  heat,  and  upon  the  addition  of  protochloride  of  tin  becomes 
viet.  These  effects  are  peculiar  to  brucia,  and,  if  produced  with  strychnia, 
evce  the  presence  of  the  former  alkali.  According  to  MM.  Larocque  and  Thi- 
bi<ge,  the  chloride  of  gold  produces,  with  solutions  of  the  salts  of  brucia,  pre- 
ci]  ates  at  first  milky,  then  coffee-coloured,  and  finally  chocolate-brown.  ( Jo-urn . 
del  him.  Med.,  Oct.  1842.)  Brucia  is  analogous  in  its  operation  to  strychnia, 
bujpossesses,  according  to  M.  Andral,  only  about  one-twelfth  of  its  strength, 
wIq  the  latter  principle  is  entirely  pure.  It  is  therefore  seldom  employed.  It 
mi  be  procured  from  false  Angustura  bark,  in  a manner  essentially  the  same 
wi  that  in  wrhich  strychnia  is  procured  from  nux  vomica;  with  this  difference, 
th  the  alcoholic  extract,  obtained  from  the  precipitate  produced  by  lime  or 
rnmesia,  should  be  treated  with  oxalic  acid,  and  subsequently  with  a mixture 
of  sctified  alcohol  and  ether,  which  takes  up  the  colouring  matter,  leaving  the 
ox  ate  of  brucia.  This  is  decomposed  by  magnesia,  and  the  brucia  is  separated 
by  lcohol,  which,  by  spontaneous  evaporation,  yields  it  in  the  state  of  crystals. 
Aording  to  Dr.  Fuss  and  Professor  Erdmann,  brucia  is  not  a distinct  alkali, 
bu  merely  a compound  of  strychnia  and  resin. 

t/asuria  is  found  in  the  mother  waters  from  which  strychnia  and  brucia  have 
be  precipitated  by  lime.  It  is  readily  crystallizable ; more  soluble  in  water 
an  weak  alcohol  than  the  two  other  alkaloids;  reddened  by  nitric  acid  even 
nub  intensely  than  brucia;  rendered  by  sulphuric  acid  at  first  rose-coloured, 
an  afterwards  yellowish  and  greenish-yellow;  dissolved  by  the  diluted  acids, 
wl  h form  with  it  easily  crystallizable  salts;  precipitated  from  its  solution  by 
tb  ilkalies,  and  redissolved  by  them  in  excess,  especially  by  potassa;  preeipi- 
tail  yellow  by  bichloride  of  platinum,  and  white  by  tannic  acid;  slowly  precipi- 
tail  by  iodide  of  potassium  in  light  reddish-yellow  crystals;  and  thrown  down 
as  -ystalline  needles  by  bicarbonate  of  soda,  in  the  presence  of  tartaric  acid,  in 
wl  h property  it  resembles  strychnia,  but  differs  from  brucia.  M.  Desnoix  infer- 
rei'from  his  experiments  on  animals  that  it  is  intermediate  in  power  between 
th  two  other  alkaloids  of  nux  vomica.  (See  Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xxvi.  31.) 

'edical  Properties  and  Uses.  Nux  vomica  is  very  peculiar  in  its  action.  In 
ve  small  doses,  frequently  repeated,  it  is  tonic,  and  is  said  to  be  diuretic,  and 
oc  sionally  diaphoretic  and  laxative.  When  it  is  given  in  larger  doses,  so  as 
to  ing  the  system  decidedly  under  its  influence,  its  action  appears  to  be  directed 
ch  3y  to  the  nerves  of  motion,  probably  through  the  medium  of  the  spinal  mar- 
ro  Its  operation  is  evinced  at  first  by  a feeling  of  weight  and  weakness,  with 
tr<  blings  in  the  limbs,  and  some  rigidity  on  attempting  motion.  There  seems 


492 


Nux  Vomica. 


PART 


to  be  a tendency  to  permanent  involuntary  muscular  contraction,  as  in  tetanu 
but  at  the  same  time  frequent  starts  or  spasms  occur,  as  from  electric  shod 
These  spasms  are  at  first  brought  on  by  some  exciting  cause,  as  by  a slight  bk 
or  an  attempt  to  move ; but,  if  the  medicine  is  persevered  in,  they  occur  witho 
extraneous  agency,  and  are  sometimes  frequent  and  violent.  In  severe  eas 
there  is  occasionally  general  rigidity  of  the  muscles.  A sense  of  heat  in  t 
stomach,  constriction  of  the  throat  and  abdomen,  tightness  of  the  chest,  a: 
retention  of  urine  are  frequently  experienced,  to  a greater  or  less  extent,  aec-oi 
ing  to  the  quantity  of  the  medicine  administered.  It  sometimes,  also,  produc 
pain  in  the  head,  vertigo,  contracted  pupil,  and  dimness  of  vision.  Sensatio 
on  the  surface  analogous  to  those  attending  imperfect  palsy,  such  as  formieatic 
tingling,  &c.,  are  often  experienced.  The  pulse  is  not  materially  affected,  thou 
sometimes  slightly  accelerated.  In  over-doses,  the  medicine  is  capable  of  pi 
ducing  fatal  effects.  Given  to  the  inferior  animals  in  fatal  doses,  it  produ< 
great  anxiety,  difficult  and  confined  breathing,  retching  to  vomit,  uni  ven- 
tre mors,  spasmodic  action  of  the  muscles,  and  ultimately  violent  convulsioi 
Death  is  supposed  to  take  place  from  a suspension  of  respiration,  resulting  fix 
a spasmodic  constriction  of  the  muscles  concerned  in  the  process.  Yet  it  poiso 
animals  which  have  no  lungs.  {Am.  Journ.  of  Med.  Set.,  X.  S.,  xviii.  361 
Upon  dissection,  no  traces  of  inflammatory  action  are  observable,  unless  lar 
quantities  of  the  nux  vomica  have  been  swallowed,  when  the  stomach  appe; 
inflamed.  A division  of  the  spinal  marrow  near  the  occiput  does  not  preve 
the  peculiar  effects  of  the  medicine,  so  that  the  intervention  of  the  brain  is  t 
essential.  That  it  enters  the  circulation,  and  is  brought  into  contact  with  t 
parts  upon  which  it  acts,  is  rendered  evident  by  the  experiments  of  Magern 
and  others.  Chloroform  has  been  recommended  in  cases  of  poisoning  from  n 
vomica.  In  an  instance  recorded  by  Dr.  Dresbach,  of  Tiffin,  Ohio,  two  drachr 
administered  to  a patient  alarmingly  ill  from  the  effects  of  three  grains 
strychnia,  produced  complete  relief  in  less  than  fifteen  minutes.  {Ibid.,  xix.  5-. 
from  the  Western  Lancet,  Feb.  1850.)  Strychnia,  given  to  the  inferior  animc. 
has  been  observed  strikingly  to  lessen  the  bulk  of  the  spleen.  {Ibid.,  xviii.  3J-) 
Nux  vomica  has  long  been  employed  in  India,  and  was  known  as  a medic:; 
to  the  Arabian  physicians.  On  the  continent  of  Europe,  it  has  at  various  tin; 
been  recommended  as  an  antidote  to  the  plague,  and  as  a remedy  in  intermitter, 
dyspepsia,  pyrosis,  gastrodynia,  dysentery,  diarrhoea  of  debility,  colica  pictonu, 
worms,  mania,  hypochondriasis,  hysteria,  rheumatism,  and  hydrophobia.  It’ 
said  to  have  effectually  cured  obstinate  spasmodic  asthma.  Its  peculiar  influei) 
upon  the  nerves  of  motion,  to  which  the  public  attention  was  first  called  by  J- 
gendie,  suggested  to  31.  Fouquier,  a French  physician,  the  application  of  e 
remedy  to  paralytic  affections;  and  his  success  was  such  as  to  induce  him) 
communicate  to  the  public  the  result  of  his  experience.  Others  have  sul- 
queutly  employed  it  with  variable  success ; but  the  experience  in  its  favour) 
much  predominates,  that  it  may  now  be  considered  a standard  remedy  in  pa  - 
It  is  a singular  fact,  that  its  action  is  directed  more  especially  to  the  parahc 
part,  exciting  contraction  in  this  before  it  is  extended  to  other  muscles, 
medicine,  however,  should  be  administered  with  judgment,  and  never  given 
cases  depending  on  inflammation  or  organic  lesion  of  the  brain  or  spinal  marr', 
until  after  the  removal  of  the  primary  affection  by  bleeding  or  other  deplety 
measures.  It  has  been  found  more  successful  in  general  palsy  and  paraplegia  t a 
in  hemiplegia,  and  has  frequently  effected  cures  in  palsy  of  the  bladder,  inco i- 
nence  of  urine  from  paralysis  of  the  sphincter,  amaurosis,  and  other  easen 
partial  palsy,  and  has  been  employed  with  asserted  success  in  prolapsus  t 
spermatorrhoea,  and  impotence.  Upon  the  same  principles  it  is  said  to  be 
proved  useful  in  obstinate  constipation  from  deficient  contractility  of  the  bow  i 


P^T  I. 


JVux  Vomica. — Olea. — Olea  Fixa. 


493 


an  is  thought  to  promote  the  action  of  cathartics,  when  added  to  them  in  small 
pnortion.  It  has  recently  been  recommended  in  neuralgia,  in  chorea,  and  in 
att  ic  dropsy. 

ux  vomica  may  be  given  in  powder  in  the  dose  of  five  grains,  repeated  three 
onur  times  a day,  and  gradually  increased  till  its  effects  are  experienced.  In 
th  form,  however,  it  is  very  uncertain;  and  fifty  grains  have  been  given  with 
lit  j or  no  effect.  It  is  most  readily  reduced  to  powder  by  filing  or  grating,  and 
tbraspings  may  be  rendered  finer  by  first  steaming  them,  then  drying  them  by 
stce  heat,  and  lastly  rubbing  them  in  a mortar.  The  Edinburgh  College  directs 
th  the  seeds  should  be  first  well  softened  with  steam,  then  sliced,  dried,  and 
gr  nd  in  a coffee-mill.  It  has  been  recommended  that,  before  being  pulverized, 
th  should  be  deprived  of  tbeir  exterior  coating,  which  is  easily  done  when  they 
arexposed  for  a short  time  to  the  action  of  hot  water. 

he  alcoholic  extract  is  more  convenient  and  more  certain  in  its  operation. 
Frn  half  a grain  to  two  grains  may  be  given  in  the  form  of  pill,  repeated  as 
abe-mentioned,  and  gradually  increased.  (See  Extractum  Nucis  Vomicae.)  The 
wa  ry  extract  is  comparatively  feeble. 

' trychnia  has  recently  been  much  used,  and  possesses  the  advantage  of  greater 
ceninty  and  uniformity  of  action.  Its  effects  are  precisely  similar.  With  the 
ex  ption  of  prussic  acid,  it  is  perhaps  the  most  violent  poison  in  the  catalogue 
of  aedicines,  and  should,  therefore,  be  administered  with  great  caution.  The 
do  is  one-twelfth  of  a grain,  repeated  twice  or  three  times  a day,  and  gradually 
inoased.  Even  the  quantity  mentioned  sometimes  produces  spasmodic  symp- 
tom, and  these  generally  occur  when  the  dose  is  augmented  to  half  a grain  three 
tics  a day.  The  system  is  not  so  soon  habituated  to  its  impression  as  to  that 
of  re  narcotics  generally;  so  that,  after  its  effects  are  experienced,  it  is  unne- 
ce;  try  to  go  on  increasing  the  dose.  Strychnia  has  been  applied  externally 
wi  advantage  in  amaurosis.  It  should  be  sprinkled  upon  a blistered  surface 
ne  the  temples,  in  the  quantity  of  half  a grain  or  a grain,  morning  and  even- 
in;  and  the  quantity  may  be  gradually  augmented.  The  best  form  of  adminis- 
trson  is  that  of  pill,  in  consequence  of  the  excessive  bitterness  of  the  solution. 
St  ehnia  may,  however,  be  given,  dissolved  in  alcohol,  or  in  water  by  the  in- 
tei;ntion  of  an  acid. 

rucia  may  be  used  for  the  same  purposes  with  strychnia  in  the  dose  of  one 
gra  twice  or  three  times  a day.  Dr.  Dardsley  found  that  the  quantity  of  two 
gras,  three  or  four  times  a day,  was  seldom  exceeded  without  the  occurrence 
of  ie  characteristic  effects  of  the  medicine.  Magendie  has  found  this  alkali 
ve  useful  in  small  doses  as  a tonic.  He  employed  for  this  purpose  one-eighth 
of  grain  frequently  repeated.  It  is  very  important,  in  reference  to  the  dose, 
th,  it  should  contain  no  strychnia. 

if.  Prep.  Extractum  Nucis  Vomicae;  Strychnia;  Tinctura  Nucis  Vomicae. 

W. 

OLEA. 

Oils. 


rese  are  liquid  or  solid  substances,  characterized  by  an  unctuous  feel,  in- 
flamability,  and  the  property  of  leaving  a greasy  stain  upon  paper.  They  are 
divled  into  two  classes,  the  fixed  and  volatile , distinguished,  as  their  names 
imjy,  by  their  different  habitudes  in  relation  to  the  vaporizing  influence  of 
cal1  ic. 


1.  OLEA  FIXA.  Fixed  Oils. 


lese  are  sometimes  termed  expressed  oils,  from  the  mode  in  which  they  are 
pr  ared.  Though  existing  in  greater  or  less  proportion  in  various  parts  of 


494 


Olea  Fixa. 


PART 


plants,  they  are  furnished  for  use  exclusively  by  the  fruit;  and,  as  a genet 
rule,  are  most  abundant  in  the  dicotyledonous  seeds.  They  are  obtained  eitfc 
by  submitting  the  bruised  seeds  to  pressure  in  hempen  bags,  or  by  boiling  the 
in  water,  and  skimming  off  the  oil  as  it  rises  to  the  surface.  When  pressure 
employed,  it  is  customary  to  prepare  the  seeds  for  the  press  by  exposing  the 
to  a moderate  heat,  so  as  to  render  the  oil  more  liquid,  and  thus  enable  it 
flow  out  more  readily. 

The  consistence  of  the  fixed  oils  varies  from  that  of  tallow  to  perfect  fluidit 
but  by  far  the  greater  number  are  liquid  at  ordinary  temperatures.  They  ; 
somewhat  viscid,  transparent,  and  usually  of  a yellowish  colour,  which  disappe; 
when  they  are  treated  with  animal  charcoal.  When  pure  they  have  little  ta 
or  smell.  They  are  lighter  than  water,  varying  in  specific  gravity  from  0'9 
to  0 936.  (Berzelius.)  They  differ  very  much  in  their  point  of  congelation,  oli 
oil  becoming  solid  a little  above  32°  F.,  while  linseed  oil  remains  fluid  at 
below  zero.  They  are  not  volatilizable  without  decomposition.  At  about  60 
they  boil,  and  are  converted  into  vapour,  which,  when  condensed,  is  found 
contain  a large  proportion  of  oleic  and  margaric  acids,  together  with  benz 
acid,  another  volatile  acid,  and  an  empyreumatic  oil.  Exposed  to  a red  heat, 
close  vessels,  they  yield,  among  other  products  of  the  destructive  distillation 
vegetables,  a large  quantity  of  the  combustible  compounds  of  carbon  and  hyd 
gen.  Heated  in  the  open  air  they  take  fire,  burning  with  a bright  flame,  a 
producing  water  and  carbonic  acid.  When  kept  in  air-tight  vessels,  they  rent: 
unchanged  for  a great  length  of  time;  but,  exposed  to  the  atmosphere,  tb 
attract  oxygen,  and  ultimately  become  concrete.  Some,  in  drying,  lose  th 
unctuous  feel,  and  are  converted  into  a transparent,  yellowish,  flexible  sol 
These  are  called  drying  oils.  Others,  especially  such  as  contain  mueilagino 
impurities,. become  rancid,  acquiring  a sharp  taste  and  unpleasant  smell.  T 
change  is  owing  to  the  formation  of  an  acid,  from  which  the  oil  may  be  fret 
by  boiling  it  for  a short  time  with  hydrate  of  magnesia  and  water.  The  fix 
oils  are  insoluble  in  water,  but  are  miscible  with  that  fluid  by  means  of  mucila  , 
forming  mixtures  which  are  called  emulsions.  They  are  in  general  very  sp- 
ingly  soluble  in  alcohol,  but  readily  dissolved  by  ether,  which  serves  to  separ: 
them  from  other  vegetable  proximate  principles.  By  the  aid  of  heat  they  disso; 
sulphur  and  phosphorus.  Chlorine  aud  iodine  are  converted  by  them  into  n- 
riatic  and  hydriodic  acids,  which,  reacting  upon  the  oils,  increase  their  cons- 
ence,  and  ultimately  render  them  as  hard  as  wax.  The  stronger  acids  decomp; 
them,  giving  rise,  among  other  products,  to  the  oleic  and  margaric  acids.  Boil 
with  diluted  nitric  acid,  they  are  converted  into  malic  aud  oxalic  acids,  besi s 
other  substances  usually  resulting  from  the  action  of  this  acid  upon  vegetaz 
matter.  Several  acids  are  dissolved  by  them  without  producing  any  sensiz 
change.  They  combine  with  salifiable  bases;  but  at  the  moment  of  combinati 
undergo  a change,  by  which  they  are  resolved  into  a peculiar  substance  call 
glycerin,  and  into  the  oleic  and  margaric  acids,  which  unite  with  the  base  <• 
ployed.  The  compounds  of  these  acids  with  potassa  and  soda  are  called  soa. 
(See  Sapo  and  Emplaxtrum  Plumbi.)  The  fixed  oils  dissolve  many  of  the  orgac 
alkalies,  the  volatile  oils,  resin,  and  other  proximate  principles  of  plants.  T;y 
consist  of  two  distinct  substances,  one  of  which  is  liquid  at  ordinary  temperatu-. 
and  therefore  called  olein,  the  other  solid,  and  called  moryarin.  The  more  s«l 
ingredient  of  the  vegetable  oils  was  originally  called  stearin,  the  name  appal 
to  the  analogous  ingredient  of  the  animal  oils,  with  which  it  was  supposed  y 
Chevreul,  the  discoverer  of  this  complex  constitution  of  oleaginous  substanA 
to  be  identical.  It  has,  however,  been  found  to  be  essentially  different, yieldg 
margaric  acid  in  the  process  of  saponification,  while  stearin  yields  stearic  a ;- 
For  the  mode  of  separating  the  liquid  from  the  solid  principles  of  oils,  as  vl 


PRT  I. 


Olea  Fixa. — Olea  Volatilia. 


495 


a for  an  account  of  their  distinctive  properties,  the  reader  is  referred  to  the 
aide  Adeps.  Margarin  is  distinguished  from  stearin  by  its  greater  fusibility, 
al  by  its  solubility  in  cold  ether;  and  the  two  principles  may  be  separated  by 
t : action  of  boiling  ether,  which  dissolves  both,  but  deposits  the  stearin  upon 
cling,  while  it  retains  the  margarin,  and  yields  it  by  evaporation.  These  prin- 
clcs,  however,  are  thought  by  Berzelius  not  to  be  absolutely  identical  in  the 
d’erent  oils,  as  they  have  different  points  of  congelation  and  liquefaction,  ac- 
c.ding  to  the  substance  from  which  they  are  derived.*  By  the  action  of  nitric 
ai  or  nitrous  acid  fumes,  olein  is  converted  into  a deep-yellow  butyraceous 
nss.  If  this  be  treated  with  warm  alcohol,  a deep  orange-red  oil  is  dissolved, 
al  a peculiar  fatty  matter  remains,  called  ela'idin.  It  is  white,  fusible  at  97°, 
iioluble  in  water,  sparingly  soluble  in  alcohol,  readily  soluble  in  ether,  and 
civerted,  in  the  process  of  saponification  by  the  alkalies,  into  a peculiar  acid, 
diominated  ela'idic  acid,  and  into  glycerin.  ( Kune  s Chemistry. ) The  view  now 
ten  oi  the  nature  of  olein,  margarin,  stearin,  elaidin,  and  other  similar  fatty 
ntters,  is  that  they  are  compounds  of  the  oleic,  margaric,  stearic,  elaidic  acids, 

, with  glycerin;  and  in  the  process  of  saponification,  the  alkali  takes  the  oily 
ad  and  sets  glycerin  free.  The  ultimate  constituents  of  the  fixed  oils  are  carbon, 
hlrogen,  and  oxygen;  the  hydrogen  being  in  much  larger  proportion  than  is 
messary  to  saturate  the  oxygen.  Those  which  are  least  fusible  contain  most 
ebon  and  least  oxygen;  and,  according  to  De  Saussure,  their  solubility  in 
aohol  is  greater  in  proportion  to  their  amount  of  oxygen.  ( Berzelius .)  Some 
othem  contain  a very  minute  proportion  of  nitrogen. 

2.  OLEA  VOLATILIA.  Volatile  Oils. 

These  are  sometimes  called  distilled  oils,  from  the  mode  in  which  they  are 
mally  procured ; sometimes  essential  oils,  from  the  circumstance  that  they  possess, 
iii  concentrated  state,  the  properties  of  the  plants  from  which  they  are  derived. 

They  exist  in  all  odoriferous  vegetables,  sometimes  pervading  the  whole  plant, 
S'tetimes  confined  to  a single  part;  in  some  instances  contained  in  distinct  cel- 
libs,  and  preserved  after  desiccation,  in  others  formed  upon  the  surface,  as  in 
nny  flowers,  and  exhaled  as  soon  as  they  are  formed.  Occasionally  two  or 
lire  are  found  in  different  parts  of  the  same  plant.  Thus  the  orange  tree  pro- 
dies one  volatile  oil  in  its  leaves,  another  in  its  flowers,  and  a third  in  the  rind 
o ts  fruit.  In  a few  instances,  when  existing  in  distinct  cellules,  they  may  be 
o*ained  by  pressure,  as  from  the  rind  of  the  lemon  and  orange;  but  they  are 
g erally  procured  by  distillation  with  water.  (See  Olea  Destillata.')  Some  vola- 
ti  oils,  as  those  of  bitter  almonds  and  mustard,  are  formed  during  the  process 
o listillation,  out  of  substances  of  a different  nature  pre-existing  in  the  plant. 

Some  interesting  results  in  relation  to  the  fixed  oils  were  obtained  by  MM.  Pelouze 
a Boudet,  and  published  in  the  Journ.  de  Fharm..,  xxiv.  385.  According  to  these  clie- 
n ts,  the  variable  fusibility  of  the  margarin  and  stearin  of  fixed  oils,  which  has  induced 
S' e chemists  to  believe  that  they  are  severally  not  entirely  identical  as  obtained  from 
dbrent  oils,  is  owing  to  the  existence  of  definite  combinations  of  margarin  and  stearin 
rt  >eetively  with  olein  ; and  each  of  these  principles,  in  a state  of  purity,  is  probably  the 
s;  e from  whatever  source  derived,  whether  from  vegetable  or  from  animal  oils.  Thus 
tl]7  found  the  same  margarin  in  palm  oil  and  in  human  fat.  But  there  appear  to  be  two 
d inct  kinds  of  olein,  one  existing  in  the  drying  oils,  as  linseed  oil,  the  oil  of  poppies,  &c., 
tl  other  in  the  oils  which  are  not  drying,  as  in  olive  oil,  almond  oil,  human  fat,  and  lard. 
T'se  two  forms  of  olein  are  different  in  their  solubility  in  different  menstrua,  and  in  the 
c:  umstances  that  one  is  drying  and  the  other  not  so,  that  one  remains  liquid  under  the 
a ion  of  nitrous  acid,  while  the  other  is  converted  by  it  into  a solid  substance  called 
tl  tin.  and  finally  that  the  former  contains  much  less  hydrogen  than  the  latter.  Besides, 
tl  oleic  acid  formed  in  the  process  of  saponification  from  these  two  kinds  of  olein  is  de- 
c dly  different,  inasmuch  as,  in  the  one  case,  it  is  converted  by  nitrous  acid  into  elaidic 
a 1,  and  in  the  other  is  not  thus  changed. — Note  to  the  fourth  edition. 


496 


Olea  Volatilia. 


PART 


The  volatile  oils  are  usually  yellowish,  but  often  brown,  red,  green,  or  blu 
and  occasionally  colourless.  There  is  reason,  however,  to  believe  that,  in  all  i 
stances,  the  colour  depends  on  foreign  matter  dissolved  in  the  oils.  They  ha' 
a strong  odour,  resembling  that  of  the  plants  from  which  they  were  procure 
though  generally  less  agreeable.  Their  taste  is  hot  and  pungent,  and,  whi 
they  are  diluted,  is  often  gratefully  aromatic.  The  greater  number  are  light 
than  water ; some  are  heavier ; and  their  sp.  gr.  varies  from  0 847  to  1 "17.  Th< 
partially  rise  in  vapour  at  ordinary  temperatures,  diffusing  their  peculiar  odou 
and  are  completely  volatilized  by  heat.  Their  boiling  point  is  various,  general 
as  high  as  320°  F.,  and  sometimes  higher;  but  most  of  them  rise  readily  wi 
the  vapour  of  boiling  water.  When  distilled  alone,  they  almost  always  under' 
partial  decomposition.  They  differ  also  in  their  point  of  congelation.  A fi 
are  solid  at  ordinary  temperatures,  several  become  so  at  32°  F.,  and  many  rema 
liquid  considerably  below  this  point.  Heated  in  the  open  air,  they  take  fire,  ai 
burn  with  a bright  flame  attended  with  much  smoke.  Exposed  at  ordinary  tei 
pevatures,  they  absorb  oxygen,  assume  a deeper  colour,  become  thicker  and  le 
odorous,  and  are  ultimately  converted  into  resin.  This  change  takes  place  mo 
rapidly  under  the  influence  of  light.  Before  the  alteration  is  complete,  tl 
remaining  portion  of  oil  may  be  recovered  by  distillation.  Some  of  them  for 
well  characterized  acids  by  combination  with  oxygen. 

The  volatile  oils  are  very  slightly  soluble  in  water.  Agitated  with  this  flu 
they  render  it  milky;  but  separate  upon  standing,  leaving  the  water  impre 
nated  with  their  odour  and  taste.  This  impregnation  is  more  complete  wh 
water  is  distilled  with  the  oils,  or  from  the  plants  containing  them.  Triturati 
with  magnesia  or  its  carbonate  renders  them  much  more  soluble,  probably 
consequence  of  their  minute  division.  The  intervention  of  sugar  also  great 
increases  their  solubility,  and  affords  a convenient  method  of  preparing  the 
for  internal  use.  Most  of  them  are  very  soluble  in  alcohol,  and  in  a degr 
proportionate  to  its  freedom  from  water.  The  oils  which  contain  no  oxygen  a 
scarcely  soluble  in  diluted  alcohol,  and,  according  to  De  Saussure,  their  sol 
bility  generally  in  this  liquid  is  proportionate  to  the  quantity  of  oxygen  whi 
they  contain.  They  are  readily  dissolved  by  ether. 

The  volatile  oils  dissolve  sulphur  and  phosphorus  with  the  aid  of  heat,  ai 
deposit  them  on  cooling.  By  long  boiling  with  sulphur  they  form  brown,  unet 
ous,  fetid  substances,  formerly  called  balsams  of  sulphur.  They  absorb  cblorir 
which  converts  them  into  resin,  and  then  combines  with  the  resin.  Iodine  pi 
duces  a similar  effect.  They  are  decomposed  by  the  strong  mineral  acids,  and  un 
with  several  of  those  from  the  vegetable  kingdom.  When  treated  with  a caus 
alkali,  they  are  converted  into  resin,  which  unites  with  the  alkali  to  form  a ki 
of  soap.  Several  of  the  metallic  oxides,  and  various  salts  which  easily  part  wi 
oxygen,  convert  them  into  resin.  The  volatile  oils  dissolve  many  of  the  pro  ■ 
mate  principles  of  plants  and  animals,  such  as  the  fixed  oils  and  fats,  resii 
camphor,  and  several  of  the  organic  alkalies.  Exposed  to  the  air  and  lig 
they  acquire  a decolorizing  property,  analogous  to  that  of  chlorine,  which 
ascribed  by  Faraday  to  their  combination  with  the  ozone  of  the  atmosphere.  I 
some  interesting  observations  on  this  property  of  the  volatile  oils  the  reader- 
referred  to  papers  by  Dr.  J.  L.  Plummer,  of  Richmond,  Indiana,  in  the  A 
Journ.  of  Pharm.  (xxv.  398  and  508). 

The  volatile,  like  the  fixed  oils,  consist  of  distinct  principles,  which  are  c<- 
gealed  at  different  temperatures,  and  may  be  separated  by  compressing  the  fro2i 
oil  between  folds  of  bibulous  paper.  The  solid  matter  remains  within  the  fob: 
and  the  fluid  is  absorbed  by  the  paper,  from  which  it  may  be  separated  by  dis  • 
lation  with  water.  The  name  of  stearoptene  has  been  proposed  for  the  form, 
that  of  eleoptene  for  the  latter.  The  solid  crystalline  substances  deposited  ■ 


PRT  I. 


Olea  Volaiilia. 


497 


citain  volatile  oils  upon  standing  are  also  called  stearoptenes.  Some  of  these 
a isomeric  with  the  oils  in  which  they  are  formed,  others  are  oxides.  Some 
o under  the  influence  of  water,  deposit  crystalline  bodies  which  appear  to  be 
h bates  of  the  respective  oils. 

Che  ultimate  constituents  of  the  volatile  oils  are  usually  carbon,  hydrogen,  and 
o:'gen.  Some,  as  the  oils  of  turpentine  and  copaiba,  in  their  purest  state,  con- 
ta  only  carbon  and  hydrogen.  Several  have  nitrogen  in  their  composition; 
ai.  the  oils  of  horse-radish  and  mustard  contain  sulphur. 

The  volatile  oils  are  often  sophisticated.  Among  the  most  common  adultera- 
tes are  fixed  oils,  resinous  substances,  and  alcohol.  The  presence  of  the  fixed 
oi  may  be  known  bj7  the  permanent  greasy  stain  which  they  leave  on  paper, 
wle  that  occasioned  by  a pure  volatile  oil  disappears  entirely  when  exposed  to 
hit.  They  may  also  in  general  be  detected  by  their  comparative  insolubility  in 
abhol.  Both  the  fixed  oils  and  resins  are  left  behind  when  the  adulterated  oil 
is  istilled  with  water.  If  alcohol  is  present,  the  oil  becomes  milky  when  agitated 
wa  water,  and,  after  the  separation  of  the  liquids,  the  water  occupies  more  space 
at  the  oil  less  than  before.  The  following  method  of  detecting  alcohol  has 
bra  proposed  by  M.  Beral.  Put  twelve  drops  of  the  suspected  oil  in  a perfectly 
di  watch-glass,  and  add  a piece  of  potassium  about  as  large  as  the  head  of  a pin. 
It  he  potassium  remain  for  twelve  or  fifteen  minutes  in  the  midst  of  the  liquid, 
the  is  either  no  alcohol  present,  or  less  than  four  per  cent.  If  it  disappear  in 
fi  minutes,  the  oil  contains  more  than  four  per  cent,  of  alcohol;  if  in  less  than 
a inute  twenty-five  per  cent,  or  more.  M.  Borsarelli  employs  chloride  of  cal- 
cih  for  the  same  purpose.  This  he  introduces  in  small  pieces,  well  dried  and 
pt  ectly  free  from  powder,  into  a small  cylindrical  tube,  closed  at  one  end,  and 
alfit  two-thirds  filled  with  the  oil  to  be  examined,  and  heats  the  tube  to  212°, 
oc  sionally  shaking  it.  If  there  be  a considerable  proportion  of  alcohol,  the  chlo- 
rii  is  entirely  dissolved,  forming  a solution  which  sinks  to  the  bottom  of  the 
tu ; ; if  only  a very  small  quantity,  the  pieces  lose  their  form,  and  collect  at  the 
bdom  in  a white  adhering  mass;  if  none  at  all,  they  remain  unchanged.  ( Journ . 
dpharm.,  xxvi.  429.)  J.  J.  Bernoulli  proposes  as  a test  dry  acetate  of  po- 
ta  i,  which  remains  unaffected  in  a pure  oil,  but  is  dissolved  if  alcohol  is  pre- 
se1.,  and  forms  a distinct  liquid.  (See  Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm .,  xxv.  82.)  Some- 
tits  volatile  oils  of  little  value  are  mixed  with  those  which  are  costly.  The 
tar;  and  smell  afford  in  this  case  the  best  means  of  detecting  the  fraud.  The 
sp  ific  gravity  of  the  oils  may  also  serve  as  a test  of  their  purity.  When  two 
oi!  of  which  one  is  lighter  and  the  other  heavier  than  water,  are  mixed,  they 
ari.eparated  by  long  agitation  with  this  fluid,  and  will  take  a place  corresponding 
toneir  respective  specific  gravities;  but  it  sometimes  happens  that  an  unadul- 
tev  ed  oil  may  thus  be  separated  into  two  portions.  The  difference  of  apparent 
eff  t produced  by  iodine  with  the  several  oils  has  been  proposed  as  a test.  Ac- 
co  ing  to  Liebig,  when  this  element  is  made  to  act  on  a volatile  oil,  a portion  of 
it  imbines  with  the  hydrogen  of  the  oil  forming  hydriodic  acid,  while  another 
pfion  takes  the  place  of  the  lost  hydrogen.  Oil  of  turpentine  maybe  detected 
by  ;maining  in  part  undissolved,  when  the  suspected  oil  is  treated  with  three  or 
lor  times  its  volume  of  alcohol  of  the  sp.  gr.  0 84  ; or,  according  to  M.  Mero, 
bynusing  the  suspected  oil,  when  agitated  with  an  equal  measure  of  poppy  oil, 
to  main  transparent,  instead  of  becoming  milky,  as  it  would  do  if  pure.  The 
latr  test  will  not  apply  to  the  oil  of  rosemary.  ( Journ . de  Pharm.,  3e  ser., 
vii  >03.) 

blatile  oils  may  be  preserved  without  change  in  small  well-stopped  bottles, 
en  ely  filled  with  the  oil,  and  excluded  from  the  light.  W. 

32 


498 


Oleum  Amygdalse. — Oleum  Amygdalse  Amarse.  pari 


OLEUM  AMYGDALAE.  U.S. 

Oil  of  Almonds. 

The  fixed  oil  of  the  kernels  of  the  fruit  of  Amygdalus  communis.  TJ.  S. 

Off.  Syn.  AMYGDALiE  OLEUM.  Amygdalus  communis,  vars.  amara 
duleis.  The  oil  expressed  from  the  seed.  Loud. 

Huile  d’amandes,  Fr.;  MandelOl,  Germ..;  Olio  di  mandorle,  It  ah;  Aceyte  de  almendrr 
Span. 

See  AMYGDALA. 

This  oil  is  obtained  equally  pure  from  sweet  and  bitter  almonds.  In  its  pi 
paration,  the  almonds,  after  having  been  deprived  of  a reddish-brown  powd 
adhering  to  their  surface,  by  rubbing  them  together  in  a piece  of  coarse  line 
are  ground  in  a mill  resembling  a coffee-mill,  or  bruised  in  a stone  mortar,  ai 
then  submitted  to  pressure  in  canvas  sacks  between  plates  of  iron  slightly  heate 
The  oil,  which  is  at  first  turbid,  is  clarified  by  rest  and  filtration.  Sometim 
the  almonds  are  steeped  in  very  hot  water,  deprived  of  their  cuticle,  and  dri 
in  a stove  previously  to  expression.  The  oil  is  thus  obtained  free  from  colour,  b 
in  no  other  respect  better.  Bitter  almonds,  when  treated  in  this  way,  are  said 
impart  a smell  of  hydrocyanic  acid  to  the  oil.  M.  Boullay  obtained  54  pereei 
of  oil  from  sweet  almonds,  Vogel  28  per  cent,  from  bitter  almonds. 

Oil  of  almonds  is  clear  and  colourless,  or  slightly  tinged  of  a greenish-yello 
is  nearly  inodorous,  and  has  a bland  sweetish  taste.  It  remains  liquid  at  te 
peratures  considerably  below  the  freezing  point  of  water.  Its  sp.  gr.  is  frc 
0'917  to  0'92.  From  the  statement  of  Braconnot,  it  appears  to  contain  76  j 
cent,  of  olein  and  24  of  margarin. 

It  may  be  used  for  the  same  purposes.with  olive  oil;  and,  when  suspended, 
water  by  means  of  mucilage  or  the  yolk  of  eggs  and  loaf  sugar,  forms  a ve 
pleasant  emulsion,  useful  in  pulmonary  affections  attended  with  cough.  Fn. 
a fluidrachm  to  a fluidounce  may  be  given  at  a dose. 

Off.  Prep.  Unguentum  Aquae  Rosae.  W. 

OLEUM  AMYGDALAE  AMARiE.  TJ.  S. 

Oil  of  Bitter  Almonds. 

The  oil  obtained  by  distilling  with  water  the  kernels  of  the  fruit  of  Amygdas 
communis  — variety  amara.  U.S. 

When  bitter  almonds  are  expressed,  they  yield  a bland  fixed  oil;  and  the- 
siduary  cake,  reduced  to  powder  by  grinding,  and  submitted  to  distillation  wr 
water,  gives  over  a volatile  oleaginous  product,  commonly  called  oil  of  biir 
almonds.  This  does  not  pre-exist  in  the  almond,  but  is  produced  by  the  reactn 
of  water  upou  the  amygdalin  contained  in  it,  through  the  intervention  of  anotr 
of  its  constituents  denominated  emulsin.  (See  Amygdala  Amara.)  It  isobtaid 
also  by  the  distillation  of  the  leaves  of  the  cherry-laurel,  and  of  various  prodis 
of  the  genera  Amygdalus,  Cerasus,  Prunus,  and  others.  (See  note, page  i) 
Mr.  Whipple  obtained,  as  an  average  of  twenty  operations,  from  the  grod 
bitter  almond  cake  1 '85  per  cent,  of  the  oil.  (Pharm . Journ.  and  Trans., x.  2£  1 

Oil  of  bitter  almonds  has  a yellowish  colour,  a bitter,  acrid,  burning  taste,  4 
the  peculiar  odour  of  the  kernels  in  a high  degree.  It  is  heavier  than  war, 
soluble  in  alcohol  and  ether,  slightly  soluble  in  water,  and  deposits,  upon  str- 
ing, a white  crystalline  substance  consisting  chiefly  of  benzoic  acid.  Besid  a 
peculiar  volatile  oil,  it  contains  also  hydrocyanic  acid,  with  a small  propor® 


p.iT  I.  Oleum  Amygdalae  Amarae.  499 

oi)enzoic  acid,  and  of  a concrete  principle  called  benzoine.  It  may  be  obtained 
pie  by  agitating  it  strongly  with  hydrate  of  lime  and  a solution  of  protochloride 
oiiron,  submitting  the  mixture  to  distillation,  and  drying  the  oil  which  comes 
ow  by  digestion  with  chloride  of  calcium.  Thus  purified  it  is  colourless,  but 
stl  retains  its  peculiar  odour,  with  a burning,  aromatic  taste;  and  is  destitute 
of:he  poisonous  properties  possessed  by  the  oil  in  its  original  state,  dependent 
oriydrocyanic  acid.  The  odour  of  the  oil  of  bitter  almonds  has  been  erroneously 
as'ibed  to  this  acid,  which,  on  examination,  will  be  found  to  smell  very  differ- 
eiyand  more  feebly.  Like  most  other  volatile  oils,  it  is  capable  of  producing 
deterious  effects  if  taken  in  very  large  quantities.  Hippuric  acid  is  found  in 
tl  urine  of  animals  to  which  it  has  been  given  freely.  ( Ohem . Gaz.,  vi.  230.) 
T'  sp.gr.  of  the  crude  oil  varies  from  1'052  to  1'082,  and  is  greater  when  the 
oiis  distilled  from  salt  water  than  in  the  ordinary  mode.  (Redwood,  Pharm. 
Mm.  and  Trans.,  xi.  486.)  That  of  the  purified  oil  is  1’043,  and  its  boiling 
pelt  356°.  Wohler  and  Liebig  have  shown  that  it  probably  consists  of  a com- 
pend  radical  called  benzyle  (C14H502)  with  one  eq.  of  hydrogen,  and  is  there- 
in a hydruret  of  henzyle.  This  radical  is  capable  of  uniting  with  other  bodies, 
at  forming  a long  series  of  compounds.  The  benzoic  acid  which  the  oil  of  bitter 
alsmds  deposits  on  standing  does  not  pre-exist  in  the  oil,  but  results  from  the 
abrption  of  oxygen.  The  concrete  substance  above  referred  to  by  the  name 
off enzoine  is  isomeric  with  the  oil,  crystallizable  in  colourless  shining  prisms, 
wiiout  smell  or  taste,  fusible  at  248°,  and  volatilizable  unchanged  at  a higher 
teperature.  It  is  formed  abundantly  in  the  original  impure  oil  by  the  reaction 
of  Ikalies;  but  cannot  be  produced  in  it  when  deprived  of  hydrocyanic  acid.* 
eller  mentions  as  characteristics  of  the  officinal  oil,  by  which  its  genuineness 
afipurity  may  be  known,  its  peculiar  odour  and  high  specific  gravity;  its  ready 
so  bility  in  sulphuric  acid,  with  the  production  of  a reddish-brown  colour,  but 
wi  out  visible  decomposition;  the  slow  action  of  nitric  acid;  the  slow  and  par- 
tissolution  of  iodine  without  further  reaction;  the  want  of  action  of  chromate 
of  otassa  upon  it;  and  the  production  of  crystals  when  it  is  dissolved  in  an 
aluolic  solution  of  potassa.  (See  Pliarm,.  Journ.  and  Trans.,  ix.  575.)  Mr. 
Rttvood  states  that  a very  small  proportion  of  alcohol  may  be  detected  in  the 
oil  by  the  effervescence,  with  disengagement  of  nitrous  vapours,  which  ensues 
wli  the  oil,  thus  contaminated,  is  mixed  with  an  equal  volume  of  nitric  acid  of 
thisp.  gr.  P5.  With  pure  oil  no  other  effect  is  obvious  than  a slight  change  of 
coiir.  (Ibid.,  xi.  486.)  If  sulphuric  acid  produce  with  the  oil  a bright-red,  in- 
ste  l of  a brownish-red  colour,  it  indicates  that  the  oil  has  probably  been  distilled 
vi  salt  water,  in  which  case  it  is  apt,  according  to  Mr.  Jos.  Ferris,  to  deposit 
a 1 lod-red  matter,  occasionally  complained  of  by  druggists.  (Ibid.,  p.  565.) 

edical  Properties  and  Uses.  The  unpurified  volatile  oih  of  bitter  almonds, 
wli  h is  the  product  directed  by  the  Pharmacopoeia,  operates  upon  the  system  in 

* itrobenzole,  or  artificial  oil  of  bitter  almonds.  This  substance  was  discovered  by  Mitscher- 
liclwho  obtained  it  by  the  reaction  of  nitric  acid  on  benzole , a carbohydrogen  originally 
pro  ved  by  distilling  benzoic  acid  with  lime.  (See  Appendix.)  It  is  characterized  by  having 
au  our  closely  resembling  that  of  the  oil  of  bitter  almonds,  for  which  it  has  recently  been 
sut  ituted  to  a considerable  extent  in  perfumery,  in  consequence  of  the  discovery  of  ben- 
zolt.mong  the  products  of  the  distillation  of  coal  tar,  and  the  facility  thus  offered  for 
prtj.ring  the  nitrobenzole  cheaply.  In  its  preparation  a large  glass  worm  is  used,  bifur- 
cat;  at  its  upper  end,  so  as  to  form  two  funnel-shaped  tubes.  Into  one  of  these  concen- 
tra  1 nitric  acid  is  poured,  and  into  the  other  benzole,  and  the  two,  meeting  at  the  point 
of  jj.etion  of  the  tubes,  form  the  compound  in  question,  which  is  cooled  as  it  passes  through 
the'urm,  and  is  afterwards  fitted  for  use  by  washing  it  with  water,  or  dilute  solution  of 
carinate  of  soda.  Large  quantities  of  it  are  said  to  be  consumed,  in  London,  for  scenting 
soa  in  confectionery,  and  for  culinary  purposes,  to  which  it  is  even  better  adapted  than 
the -oper  oil  of  bitter  almonds,  because  free  from  hydrocyanic  acid.  (See  Pharm.  Journ. 
and'rans.,  xi.  421.) — Note  to  the  tenth  edition. 


500 


PARI  ] 


Oleum  Bergamii. — Oleum  Bubulum. 

a manner  closely  analogous  to  that  of  hydrocyanic  acid.  A single  drop  is  sufl 
cient  to  destroy  a bird,  and  four  drops  have  occasioned  the  death  of  a dog  ( 
middle  size.  It  might  probably  be  substituted  with  advantage  for  mediein; 
hydrocyanic  acid ; as  the  acid  contained  in  the  oil  is  much  less  liable  to  decon 
position,  remaining  for  several  years  unaltered,  if  the  oil  is  preserved  in  we 
stopped  bottles.  According  to  Schrader,  100  parts  of  the  oil  contain  sufficiei 
acid  for  the  production  of  22 "5  parts  of  Prussian  blue.  From  this  fact  it  ms 
be  inferred  that  the  oil  is  about  four  times  as  strong  as  our  officinal  hydrocyan 
acid,  and  may  therefore  be  given  in  the  dose  of  from  a quarter  of  a drop  to 
drop,  to  be  gradually  and  cautiously  increased  till  some  effect  upon  the  syste 
is  observed.  It  may  be  administered  in  emulsion  with  gum  Arabic,  loaf  suga 
and  water.  It  has  been  employed  externally,  dissolved  in  water  in  the  proportk 
of  one  drop  to  a fluidounce,  in  prurigo  senilis  and  other  cases  of  troubleson 
itching.  To  facilitate  the  solution  in  water,  the  oil  may  be  previously  dissolu 
in  spirit. 

Off.  Prep.  Aqua  Amygdala;  Amarae.  TT. 

OLEUM  BERGAMII.  TJ.S. 

Oil  of  Bergamot. 

The  volatile  oil  of  the  rind  of  the  fruit  of  Citrus  Limetta.  ( De  Candolle.)  U. 

Off-  Syn.  BERGAMOT.E  OLEUM.  Volatile  oil  of  the  rind  of  the  fruit 
Citrus  Limetta.  Ed. 

Huile  de  bergamotte,  Fr.;  BergamottOl,  Germ.;  Oleo  di  bergamotta,  Ital. 

Citrus.  See  AUllANTlI  CORTEX. 

Citrus  Limetta.  De  Cand.  Prodrom.  i.  539.  The  bergamot  tree  has  be 
ranked  by  botanists  generally  among  the  lemons;  but  is  now  considered  as 
variety  of  the  Citrus  Limetta  of  Risso,  and  is  so  placed  by  De  Candolle.  It  1 
oblong-ovate,  dentate,  acute,  or  obtuse  leaves,  somewhat  paler  on  the  under  tb 
the  upper  surface,  and  with  footstalks  more  or  less  winged  or  margined.  I 
flowers  are  white,  and  usually  small;  the  fruit  pyriform  or  roundish,  terminal, 
by  an  obtuse  point,  with  concave  receptacles  of  oil  in  the  rind. 

The  pulp  of  the  fruit  is  sourish,  somewhat  aromatic,  and  not  disagreeable) 
the  taste.  The  rind  is  shining,  and  of  a pale-yellow  colour,  and  abounds  iu 
very  grateful  volatile  oil.  This  may  be  obtained  by  expression  or  distillate. 
In  the  former  case,  it  preserves  the  agreeable  flavour  of  the  rind,  but  is  somew  t 
turbid ; in  the  latter,  it  is  limpid  but  less  sweet.  The  mode  of  procuring  it; 
expression  is  exactly  that  used  for  oil  of  lemons.  (See  Oleum  Limonis .)  I; 
brought  from  the  South  of  France,  Italy,  and  Portugal. 

The  oil  of  bergamot,  often  called  essence  of  bergamot,  has  a sweet,  very  agi~ 
able  odour,  a bitter  aromatic  pungent  taste,  and  a pale  greenish-yellow  color. 
Its  sp.  gr.  is  0'885,  and  its  composition  the  same  as  that  of  the  oil  of  lemc- 
It  is  distinguished  from  the  lemon  and  orange  oils  by  readily  dissolving  in  liqr 
potassee,  and  forming  with  it  a clear  solution.  (Zeller.)  Though  possessed  of  e 
excitant  properties  of  the  volatile  oils  in  general,  it  is  employed  chiefly,  if  't 
exclusively,  as  a perfume. 

Off.  Prep.  Unguentum  Sulphuris  Compositum.  . V 

OLEUM  BUBULUM.  TJ.S. 

Neal s foot  Oil. 

The  oil  prepared  from  the  bones  of  Bos  domesticus.  U.  S. 

Huile  de  pied  de  bceuf,  Fr.;  Ochsenfusselett,  Germ. 

Neats-foot  oil  is  obtained  by  boiling  in  water  for  a long  time  the  feet  of 


IRT  I.  Oleum  Bubulum. — Oleum  Cajuputi.  501 

o previously  deprived  of  their  hoofs.  The  fat  and  oil  which  rise  to  the  surface 
a removed,  and  introduced  into  a fresh  portion  of  water  heated  nearly  to  the 
b ling  point.  The  impurities  having  subsided,  the  oil  is  drawn  off,  and,  if 
mired  to  be  very  pure,  is  again  introduced  into  water,  which  is  kept  for 
tmty-four  hours  sufficiently  warm  to  enable  the  fat  which  is  mixed  with  the 

0 to  separate  from  it.  The  liquid  being  then  allowed  to  cool,  the  fat  concretes, 
a l the  oil  is  removed  and  strained,  or  filtered  through  layers  of  small  fragments 
obkarcoal  free  from  powder. 

The  oil  is  yellowish,  and,  when  properly  prepared,  inodorous  and  of  a bland 
t;te.  It  thickens  or  congeals  with  great  difficulty,  and  is,  therefore,  very  useful 
f<  greasing  machinery  in  order  to  prevent  friction. 

it  was  introduced  into  the  officinal  catalogue  of  the  United  States  Pharma- 
ctoeia  as  an  ingredient  of  the  ointment  of  nitrate  of  mercury.  It  has  recently 
bn  used  as  a substitute  for  cod-liver  oil  in  scrofulous  diseases,  and,  according 
t(Dr.  C.  R.  Hall,  of  England,  with  very  happy  effects,  especially  in  cases  in 
wich  the  latter  does  not  agree  with  the  stomach.  It  is  apt  to  be  laxative,  and 
inertain  cases  proves  useful  in  this  way.  It  is  given  in  the  same  dose  as  the 
c<-liver  oil.  (See  Am.  Journ.  of  Med.  Sci.,  N.  S.,  xxiv.  498.) 

Off.  Prep.  Unguentum  Hydrargyri  Nitratis.  W. 

OLEUM  CAJUPUTI.  U.  S.  Secondary. 

Cajeput  Oil. 

’he  volatile  oil  of  the  leaves  of  Melaleuca  Cajuputi.  US. 

Iff.  Syn.  CAJUPUTI.  Melaleuca  minor.  Oil  distilled  from  the  leaves.  Land.; 
C JUPUTI  OLEUM.  Volatile  oil  of  the  leaves  of  Melaleuca  minor.  Ed.; 
CJEPUTUM.  Melaleuca  Cajeputi.  Volatile  oil  of  the  leaves.  Dub. 

Iuile  de  cajeput,  Fr.;  Kajeputol,  Germ.;  Olio  dl  cajeput,  Ital.;  Kayuputieli,  Malay. 
Jelaleuca.  Sex.  Syst.  Polyadelphia  Icosandria. — Nat.  Ord.  Myrtaceae. 
ren.Ch.  Calyx  five-parted,  semi-superior.  Corolla  five-petaled.  Stamens  about 
foy-five,  very  long,  conjoined  in  five  bodies.  Style  single.  Capsule  three-celled. 
S'ls  numerous.  Roxburgh. 

t was  long  supposed  that  the  oil  of  cajeput  was  derived  from  Melaleuca  leu- 
ctimdron ; but  from  specimens  of  the  plant  affording  it,  sent  from  the  Moluccas, 
at  cultivated  in  the  botanical  garden  of  Calcutta,  it  appears  to  be  a distinct 
spies,  which  has  received  the  name  of  M.  Cajuputi.  it  corresponds  with  the 
anr  alba  minor  of  Rumphius,  and  is  a smaller  plant  than  M.  leucadendron. 
It's  possible,  however,  that  the  oil  may  be  obtained  from  different  species  of 
Maleuea;  as  M.  Stickel,  of  Jena,  succeeded  in  procuring  from  the  leaves  of 
Mhy per  id  folio.,  cultivated  in  the  botanical  garden  of  that  place,  a specimeu  of 

01  rot  distinguishable  from  the  cajeput  oil  of  commerce,  except  by  a paler  green 
cour.  (Annul,  der  Pharm.,  xix.  224.) 

lelaleuca  Cajuputi.  Rumphius,  Herbar.  Amhoinense,  tom.  ii.  tab.  IT ; Rox- 
bigh,  Trans.  Lond.  Med.  Pot.  Soc.  A.  D.  1829 ; Journ.  of  the  Phil.  Col.  of 
P rnn.  vol.  i.  p.  193. — Melaleuca  minor.  De  Candolle.  This  is  a small  tree, 
wi  an  erect  but  crooked  stem,  and  scattered  branches,  the  slender  twigs  of 
Wi  ;h  droop  like  those  of  the  weeping  willow.  The  bark  is  of  a whitish-ash 
cour,  very  thick,  soft,  spongy,  and  lamellated,  throwing  off  its  exterior  layer 
fm  time  to  time  in  flakes,  like  the  birch  tree.  The  leaves  have  short  foot- 
st;  ;s;  are  alternate,  lanceolate,  when  young  sericeous,  when  full  grown  smooth, 
de -green,  three  and  five-nerved,  slightly  falcate,  entire,  from  three  to  five 
m es  long,  from  one-half  to  three-quarters  of  an  inch  broad;  and  when  bruised 
ex  de  a strong  aromatic  odour.  The  flowers,  which  are  small,  white,  inodorous, 
an  sessile,  are  disposed  in  terminal  and  axillary  downy  spikes,  with  solitary, 


502  Oleum  Cajuputi. — Oleum  Cinnamomi.  part 

lanceolate,  three-flowered  bractes.  The  filaments  are  three  or  four  times  long 
than  the  petals,  and  both  are  inserted  in  the  riin  of  the  calyx. 

This  species  of  Melaleuca  is  a native  of  the  Moluccas,  and  other  neighbourir 
islands.  The  oil  is  obtained  from  the  leaves  by  distillation.  It  is  prepari 
chiefly  in  Amboyna  and  Bouro,  and  is  exported  from  the  East  Indies  in  gla 
bottles.  The  small  proportion  yielded  by  the  leaves,  and  the  extensive  use  ma' 
of  it  in  India,  render  it  very  costly. 

Properties.  Cajeput  oil  is  very  fluid,  transparent,  of  a fine  green  colour, 
lively  and  penetrating  odour  analogous  to  that  of  camphor  and  cardamom,  ai 
a warm  pungent  taste.  It  is  very  volatile  and  inflammable,  burning  without  ai 
residue.  The  sp.gr.,  according  to  Dr.  Thomson,  varies  from  0'914  to  0‘9‘27 
The  oil  is  wholly  soluble  in  alcohol.  When  it  is  distilled,  a light  colourle 
liquid  first  comes  over,  and  afterwards  a green  and  denser  one.  The  green  c-olo 
has  been  ascribed  to  a salt  of  copper,  derived  from  the  vessels  in  which  the  d 
tillation  is  performed;  and  Guibourt  obtained  two  grains  and  a half  of  oxide 
copper  from  a pound  of  the  commercial  oil.  But  neither  Brande  nor  GcertD 
could  detect  copper  in  specimens  which  they  examined;  and  M.  Lesson,  wi 
witnessed  the  process  for  preparing  the  oil  at  Bouro,  attributes  its  colour 
chlorophylle,  or  some  analogous  principle,  and  states  that  it  is  rendered  color 
less  by  rectification.  Guibourt,  moreover,  obtained  a green  oil  by  distilling  t 
leaves  of  a Melaleuca  cultivated  at  Paris.  A fair  inference  is  that  the  oil 
cajeput  is  naturally  green ; but  that,  as  fouud  in  commerce,  it  sometimes  cc 
tains  copper,  either  accidentally  present,  or  added  with  a view  of  imitating 
maintaining  the  fine  colour  of  the  oil.  The  proportion  of  copper,  however, 
not  so  great  as  to  interfere  with  the  internal  use  of  the  oil ; and  the  metal  m 
be  readily  separated  by  distillation  with  water,  or  agitation  with  a solution  ' 
ferrocyanuret  of  potassium.  (Guibourt.) 

The  high  price  of  cajeput  oil  has  led  to  its  occasional  adulteration.  The 
of  rosemary,  or  that  of  turpentine,  impregnated  with  camphor  and  colour 
with  the  resin  of  milfoil,  is  said  to  be  employed  for  the  purpose.  The  best  te 
according  to  Zeller,  is  iodine,  which,  after  a moderately  energetic  reaction,  w: 
little  increase  of  temperature,  and  but  a slight  development  of  orange  vapou, 
occasions  immediate  inspissation  into  a loose  coagulum,  which  soon  become:, 
dry,  greenish-brown,  brittle  mass. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  This  oil  is  highly  stimulant,  producing  wbi 
swallowed  a sense  of  heat,  with  an  increased  fulness  and  frequency  of  pul, 
and  exciting  in  some  instances  profuse  perspiration.  It  is  much  esteemed  by  t; 
Malays  and  other  people  of  the  East,  who  consider  it  a universal  panacea.  Tb 
are  said  to  employ  it  with  great  success  in  epilepsy  and  palsy.  (A indie.)  1: 
complaints  to  which  it  is  Best  adapted  are  probably  chronic  rheumatism,  si 
spasmodic  affections  of  the  stomach  and  bowels,  unconnected  with  inflammati. 
It  has  been  extolled  as  a remedy  in  spasmodic  cholera,  and  has  been  used  alscs 
a diffusible  stimulant  in  low  fevers.  Diluted  with  an  equal  proportion  of  ob 
oil,  it  is  applied  externally  to  relieve  gouty  and  rheumatic  pains.  Like  mt 
other  highly  stimulating  essential  oils,  it.  relieves  toothache,  if  introduced  i) 
the  hollow  of  the  carious  tooth.  The  dose  is  from  one  to  five  drops,  given  t 
emulsion,  or  upon  a lump  of  sugar.  W 

OLEUM  CINNAMOMI.  U.  S.,  Dub. 

Oil  of  Cinnamon. 

The  volatile  oil  of  the  bark  of  Cinnamomum  Zeylanicum,  and  Cinnamomn 
aromaticum.  U.  S.  Of  Cinnamomum  Zeylanicum.  Pub. 

Off.  Syn.  CINNAMOMI  OLEUM.  Cinnamomum  Zeylanicum.  Oil  distill 


PRT  I. 


Oleum  Cinnamomi. 


503 


fim  the  bark.  Lond.  ; CINNAMOMI  OLEUM.  Volatile  oil  of  the  bark  of 
Gnamomum  Zeylanicum.  CASSUE  OLEUM.  Volatile  oil  of  the  bark  of  Cin- 
nnomum  Cassia.  Ed. 

tuile  de  cannelle,  F>\;  Zimmtol,  Germ.;  Olio  dicannella,  Ital.;  Aceyte  de  cannela,  Span. 

fee  CINNAMOMUM. 

Hie  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia  includes,  under  the  name  of  Oil  of  Cinnamon , both 
tl  oil  procured  from  the  Ceylon  cinnamon,  and  that  from  the  Chinese  cinnamon 
otassia.  As  these  oils,  though  very  different  in  price,  and  slightly  in  flavour, 
hi  e the  same  medical  properties,  are  used  for  the  same  purposes,  are  often  sold 
b the  same  name,  and  are  not  unfrequently  mixed  together,  there  does  not 
sun  to  be  sufficient  ground  for  maintaining  any  officinal  distinction  between 
tlm.  Nevertheless,  the  Edinburgh  College  has  given  them  distinct  names, 
d ignating  the  one  as  oil  of  cinnamon,' and  the  other  as  oil  of  cassia. 

Oil  of  cinnamon  of  Ceylon  is  prepared  in  thit  island  from  the  inferior  kinds 
olunnamon,  which  are  of  insufficient  value  to  pay  the  export  duty.  The  fol- 
ic ing  account  of  the  method  of  extraction  is  given  by  Marshall.  The  bark, 
h:  ing  been  coarsely  powdered,  is  macerated  for  two  days  in  sea- water,  and  then 
sunitted  to  distillation.  A light  and  a heavy  oil  come  over  with  the  water, 
tl  former  of  which  separates  in  a few  hours,  and  swims  upon  the  surface,  the 
laer  falls  to  the  bottom  of  the  receiver,  and  continues  to  be  deposited  for  ten 
oitwelve  days.  In  future  distillations,  the  saturated  cinnamon  water  is  em- 
ptied in  connexion  with  sea-water  to  macerate  the  cinnamon.  Eighty  pounds 
oi  he  freshly  prepared  bark  yield  about  two  aud  a half  ounces  of  the  lighter  oil, 
at  five  and  a half  of  the  heavier.  From  the  same  quantity  kept  for  several 
yds  in  store,  about  half  an  ounce  less  of  each  oil  is  obtained.  The  two  kinds 
ai  probably  united  in  the  oil  of  commerce. 

tecently  prepared  oil  of  cinnamon  is  of  a light-yellow  colour,  becoming  deeper 
bpge,  aud  ultimately  red.  Pereira  states  that  the  London  druggists  redistil  the 
rc  oil,  and  thus  obtain  two  pale  yellow  oils,  one  lighter  and  the  other  heavier 
tli  water,  with  a loss  of  about  ten  per  cent,  in  the  process.  The  oil  has  the 
fhbur  of  cinnamon  in  a concentrated  state.  When  applied  undiluted  to  the 
to^ue,  it  is  excessively  hot  and  pungent.  According  to  Dr.  Duncan,  it  some- 
ti  is  has  a peppery  taste,  ascribable  to  an  admixture  of  the  leaves  with  the  bark 
iniie  preparation  of  the  oil. 

hinese  oil  of  cinnamon  (oil  of  cassia ) is  imported  from  Canton  and  Singapore. 
L p the  former  variety  it  is  pale-yellow,  becoming  red  with  age.  Its  flavour  is 
si  lar  to  that  of  the  Ceylon  oil,  though  inferior;  and  it  commands  a much  less 
pi  e.  Zeller  states  that  it  is  heavier,  less  liquid,  and  sooner  rendered  turbid 
bj|t  reduction  of  temperature;  that  in  the  Ceylon  oil  iodine  dissolves  rapidly, 
w:;ji  a considerable  increase  of  heat,  and  the  production  of  a tough  residue,  like 
esjact;  while  in  oil  of  cassia  the  reaction  is  slow,  quiet,  and  with  little  heat,  and 
tli  residue  is  soft  or  liquid.  The  following  remarks  apply  to  both  oils. 

I'il  of  cinnamon  has  the  sp.  gr.  of  about  1’035.  Alcohol  completely  dissolves 
it  and,  as  it  does  not  rise  in  any  considerable  quantity  at  the  boiling  tempera- 
tuj  of  that  liquid,  it  may  be  obtained  by  forming  a tincture  of  cinnamon  and 
di  lling  off  the  menstruum.  When  exposed  to  the  air,  it  absorbs  oxygen,  and 
is  .id  to  be  slowly  converted  into  a peculiar  acid  denominated  cinnamic  or  cin- 
nmonic  acid,  two  distinct  resins,  and  water.  Cinnamic  acid  is  colourless,  crys- 
ta  ne,  of  a sourish  taste,  volatilizable,  slightly  soluble  in  water,  readily  dissolved 
bi  lcohol,  and  convertible  by  nitric  acid  with  heat  into  benzoic  acid.  It  is 
so  stimes  seen  in  crystals  in  bottles  of  the  oil  which  have  been  long  kept.  Like 
be  :oic  acid,  it  is  said  when  swallowed  to  occasion  the  elimination  of  hippuric 
at  by  urine.  ( Journ . de  Pharm.,  3e  sdr.,  iii.  64.)  It  may  be  obtained  by  dis- 
til lg  the  balsam  of  Tolu.  Of  the  two  resins,  one  is  soluble  both  in  hot  and 
cc  alcohol ; the  other  readily  in  the  former,  but  sparingly  in  the  latter.  Oil 


504 


Oleum  Cinnamomi. — Oleum  Limonis. 


pam  : 


of  cinnamon  is  almost  wholly  converted  by  nitric  acid,  slowly  added,  into  a cry 
talline  mass,  which  is  supposed  to  be  a compound  of  the  oil  and  acid.  The  r< 
searches  of  Dumas  and  Peligot  have  led  to  the  opinion,  that  there  exists  Id  th 
oil  a compound  radical,  named  cinnamyle  (C18H702),  which  unites  with  one  e< 
of  hydrogen  to  form  oil  of  cinnamon,  and  with  one  of  oxygen  to  form  anhydroi 
cinnamic  acid.  Crystallized  cinnamic  acid  contains,  in  addition,  one  eq.  of  wate 

Oil  of  cinnamon  is  said  to  be  frequently  adulterated  with  oil  of  cloves,  whicl 
according  to  Ulex,  cannot  be  detected  by  the  smell  or  taste.  When  thus  sophi 
ticated,  it  is  stated,  on  the  same  authority,  to  evolve  a very  acrid  vapour  when 
drop  is  heated  on  a watch-glass,  to  swell  up  and  evolve  red  vapours  if  treated  wit 
fuming  nitric  acid,  to  remain  liquid  with  concentrated  caustic  potassa,  and 
assume  an  indigo-blue  colour  when  protochloride  of  iron  is  added  to  its  alcohol 
solution ; none  of  which  events  happens  when  the  oil  is  pure.  ( Archiv . d< 
Pliarm.,  Jan.  7,  1853.)  It  is  s;fid  also  to  be  frequently  adulterated  with  alcoh 
and  fixed  oil,  for  the  mode  of  detecting  which,  see  the  general  observations  c 
volatile  oils  ( page  497). 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  This  oil  has  the  cordial  and  carminative  prope 
ties  of  cinnamon,  without  its  astriugency;  and  is  much  employed  as  an  adjuva: 
to  other  medicines,  the  taste  of  which  it  corrects  or  conceals,  while  it  conciliat 
the  stomach.  As  a powerful  local  stimulant,  it  is  sometimes  prescribed  in  ga 
trodynia,  flatulent  colic,  and  languor  from  gastric  debility.  The  dose  is  one 
two  drops,  and  may  be  most  conveniently  administered  iu  the  form  of  emulsio 
Mitscherlich  found  six  drachms  to  kill  a moderate-sized  dog  in  five  hours,  ai 
two  drachms  in  forty  hours.  Inflammation  and  corrosion  of  the  gastric  at 
intestinal  mucous  membrane  were  observed  after  death. 

Off.  Prep.  Aqua  Cinnamomi;  Essentia  Cinnamomi;  Mistura  Spiritus  Vi 
Gallic! ; Spiritus  Ammoniae  Aromaticus;  Spiritus  Cinnamomi.  W. 

OLEUM  LIMONIS.  U.S. 

Oil  of  Lemons. 

The  volatile  oil  of  the  rind  of  the  fruit  of  Citrus  Limonum.  U.  S. 

Off.Syn.  LIMONUM  OLEUM.  Citrus  Limonum.  Volatile  oil  expressed  fre 
the  rind  of  the  fruit.  Lond.  Volatile  oil  of  the  rind  of  the  fruit  of  Citrus  medic 
Ed. ; CITRUS  LIMONUM.  The  volatile  oil.  Dub. 

Huile  de  citron,  Fr. ; Citronenol,  Germ.;  Olio  di  limone,  It  at.;  Acevte  de  limon,  Spa  > 

See  LIMON. 

The  exterior  rind  of  the  lemon  abounds  in  an  essential  oil,  which,  as  it  is  cc 
tained  in  distinct  cellules,  maybe  separated  by  simple  expression.  The  rind, 
first  grated  from  the  fruit,  and  then  submitted  to  pressure  in  a bag  of  fine  dot 
The  oil  thus  obtained  is  allowed  to  stand  till  it  becomes  clear,  when  it  is  c 
canted,  and  preserved  in  stopped  bottles.  By  a similar  process,  the  oil  call! 
by  the  French  huile  de  cedrat  is  procured  from  the  citron.  (See  Oleinn  Bcnjarr- 
and  Limon. ) These  oils  may  also  be  obtained  by  distillation;  but  thus  procure, 
though  clearer,  and,  in  consequence  of  the  absence  of  mucilage,  less  liable > 
change  on  keeping,  they  have  less  of  the  peculiar  flavour  of  the  fruit;  and  t? 
mode  by  expression  is  generally  preferred.  They  are  brought  originally  fr>> 
Italy,  Portugal,  or  the  South  of  France. 

Properties.  Oil  of  lemons  is  a very  volatile  fluid,  having  the  odour  of  the  fn, 
and  a warm,  pungent,  aromatic  taste.  As  ordinarily  procured  it  is  yellow,  al 
has  the  specific  gravity  0'8517 ; but  by  distillation  it  is  rendered  colourless,  ai, 
if  three-fifths  only  are  distilled,  its  sp.gr.  is  reduced  to  0‘847,  at  71°  F.  I ? 
soluble  in  all  proportions  in  anhydrous  alcohol.  When  pure,  it  consists  exc- 
sively  of  carbon  and  hydrogen,  and  is  identical  in  composition  with  pure  oil! 
turpentine,  or  camphene;  its  formula  being  C10HS.  In  this  state  it  is  caps  3 


P;;T  I. 


Oleum  Limonis. — Oleum  Lini. 


505 


of  bsorbing  almost  half  its  weight  of  muriatic  acid  gas,  by  which  it  is  converted 
in  a crystalline  substance,  and  a yellow  oily  fuming  liquid.  The  crystalline 
suttance  is  analogous  to  the  artificial  camphor  produced  by  the  action  of  mu- 
ri;  c acid  upon  oil  of  turpentine,  and  is  a compound  of  the  oil  and  acid.  The 
oiiif  lemons  is  said  to  consist  of  two  isomeric  oils. 

i is  often  adulterated  by  the  fixed  oils  and  by  alcohol.  (See yw <70  497.)  But 
in  his  country  the  most  frequent  sophistication  is  with  the  oil  of  turpentine, 
wl-h  is  difficult  of  detection  from  its  similar  composition  and  specific  gravity. 
Poaps  the  best  means  of  ascertaining  the  presence  of  this  oil  is  the  terebinthi- 
na:  smell  produced  when  the  adulterated  oil  is  evaporated  from  heated  paper. 
Oiof  lemons,  procured  by  expression,  is  apt  to  let  fall  a deposit,  and  to  undergo 
clinical  change.  Mr.  J.  S.  Cobb  has  found  no  method  so  effectual  to  obviate 
tli  result,  and  at  the  same  time  to  retain  unimpaired  the  flavour  of  the  oil,  as 
to  aake  it  with  a little  boiling  water,  and  allow  the  mixture  to  stand.  A muci- 
lajious  matter  separates  and  floats  on  the  surface  of  the  water,  from  which  the 
pufied  ojl  may  be  decanted.  {Annals  of  Pharm.,  ii.  86.) 

fedical  Properties  and  Uses.  Oil  of  lemons  has  the  stimulant  properties  of  the 
araatics;  but  is  chiefly  used  to  impart  a pleasant  flavour  to  other  medicines.  It 
kabeen  commended  as  an  application  to  the  eye  in  certain  cases  of  ophthalmia. 

)ff.  Prep.  Liquor  Potassae  Citratis;  Spiritus  Ammonise  Aromaticus;  Syrupus 
AdiCitrici;  Trochisci  Acidi  Tartarici ; Unguentum  Yeratri  Albi.  W. 

OLEUM  LINI.  U.  S. 

Flaxseed  Oil. 

be  oil  of  the  seeds  of  Linum  usitatissimum.  U.  S. 

'ff.  Syn.  LINI  OLEUM.  Linum  usitatissimum.  Oil  expressed  from  the 
secs.  Land.,  Ed.  LINUM  USITATISSIMUM.  The  Oil  expressed  from  the 
sets.  Dub. 

nseed  oil;  Huile  de  lin,  Fr.;  Leinol,  Germ.;  Olio  di  lino,  Ital.;  Aceyte  de linaza,  Span. 

>e  LINUM. 

pis  oil  is  obtained  by  expression  from  the  seeds  of  Linum  usitatissimum,  or 
co  non  flax.  In  its  preparation  on  a large  scale,  the  seeds  are  usually  roasted 
be  re  being  pressed,  in  order  to  destroy  the  gummy  matter  contained  in  their 
ex  rior  coating.  The  oil  is  thus  obtained  more  free  from  mucilage,  but  more 
liij  ly-coloured  and  more  acrid  than  that  procured  by  cold  expression.  For  medi- 
cal ise,  therefore,  it  should  be  prepared  without  heat;  and,  as  it  is  apt  to  become 
rapid  quickly  on  exposure  to  the  air,  it  should  be  used  as  recently  expressed 
as  pssible.  It  may,  however,  be  rendered  sweet  again  by  agitation  with  warm 
wa  r,  rest,  and  decantation.  Flaxseed  oii  has  a yellowish-brown  colour,  a dis- 
agpble  odour,  and  a nauseous  somewhat  acrid  taste;  is  of  the  sp.  gr.  0'932 ; boils 
at  )0°F. ; does  not  congeal  at  zero;  dissolves  in  forty  parts  of  cold  and  five  of 
bohg  alcohol,  and  in  one  part  and  a half  of  ether  ( Christison’s  Dispensatory ) ; 
an  has  the  property  of  drying,  or  becoming  solid  on  exposure  to  the  air.  Its 
act  aony  is  owing  to  the  presence  of  a small  proportion  of  an  acrid  oleo-resin. 
Or  .ccount  of  its  drying  property,  it  is  highly  useful  in  painting,  and  the  forma- 
tin'of  printers’  ink. 

edkal  Properties  and  Uses.  It  is  laxative  in  the  dose  of  a fluidounce;  but 
on  ccount  of  its  disagreeable  taste  is  seldom  given  internally.  It  has,  however, 
bp!  highly  recommended  as  a cure  for  piles  in  the  dose  of  two  ounces  of  the 
fre  oil  morning  and  evening.  It  is  sometimes  added  to  purgative  euemata ; 
bu  ts  most  common  application  is  externally  to  burns,  usually  in  combination 
wi  lime-water. 

if.  Prep.  Ccratum  Resinse  Compositum ; Linimentum  Calcis.  W. 


506 


Oleum  Morrhuae. 


PART 


OLEUM  MORRHUAE.  U.S.,Dub. 

Cod- 1 leer  Oil. 

A fixed  oil  obtained  from  the  liver  of  Gadus  Morrhua.  U.  S.  Morrhua  v 
garis.  The  oil  obtained  from  the  liver.  Dub. 

Off.  Syv.  MORRHTL®  OLEUM.  Gad  us  Morrhua.  The  oil  obtained  fr< 
the  liver.  Lond. 

Oleum  jecoris  Aselli ; Iluile  de  morue,  Fr.;  Stockfischleberthran,  Germ. 

Gadus.  Class  Pisces.  Order  Jugulares.  Linn.  Malacopterygii  Subbraebi; 
Family  Gad i da3.  Cuvier. 

Gen.  Ch.  Recognised  by  the  ventrals  attached  under  the  throat,  and  attei 
ated  to  a point. 

Gadus  Morrhua.  Linn.  Syst.  Nat.  ed.  Gmelin,  i.  p.  1162;  Cuvier,  Rb 
Animate,  ii.  212;  Bloch.  Ichthyologfe,  pi.  Ixiv. — Morrhua  vulgaris.  Stor 
Synops.  of  Fishes  of  N.  Am.  p.  216.  The  common  cod  is  usually  between  t 
and  three  feet  long,  with  brown  or  yellowish  spots  on  the  hack.  The  body 
moderately  elongated  and  somewhat  compressed,  and  covered  with  soft  rath 
small  scales,  of  which  the  head  is  destitute.  Of  the  fins,  which  are  soft,  th< 
are  three  on  the  back,  two  anal,  and  a distinct  caudal ; and  the  fin  under  t 
throat  is  narrow  and  pointed.  The  jaws  are  furnished  with  pointed  irregu' 
teeth,  in  several  ranks.  The  gills  are  large  with  seven  rays.  This  species  ' 
cod  inhabits  the  Northern  Atlantic,  and  is  especially  abundant  on  the  banks  ’ 
Newfoundland,  where  it  finds  food  adapted  to  its  wrants. 

Besides  the  common  cod,  several  other  species  of  Gadus,  frequenting  the  so 
of  Northern  Europe  and  America,  contribute  to  furnish  the  cod-liver  oil  ofco- 
merce.  Among  these  Be  Jongh  mentions  Gadus  callarias  or  dorsch  [Morrh 
Americana  of  Storer),  G.  carbonarius  or  coal-fsh,  and  G.  pollachius  or  polio  , 
as  atfording  the  oil  on  the  coast  of  Norway;  while,  from  information  obtaitl 
by  Professor  Procter,  there  is  reason  to  believe  that,  on  our  own  coast,  in  addit  i 
to  the  pollock  above  mentioned,  it  is  obtained  also  from  the  hake  ( G.  merlucci) 
and  the  haddock  ( G.  jEylifnus') . 

Preparation.  Fishermen  have  long  been  in  the  habit  of  collecting  this 
which  is  largely  consumed  in  the  arts,  particularly7  in  the  preparation  of  leath. 
Lipon  the  coasts  of  Newfoundland,  Nova  Scotia,  aud  New  England,  the  bos 
which  fish  near  the  shore,  being  small,  soon  obtain  a load,  and  running  in) 
land,  deliver  their  cargoes  to  persons  whose  business  it  is  to  cleanse  and  salt  3 
fish.  The  oil  is  prepared  either  in  the  huts  of  the  fishermen,  or  more  largeht 
establishments  to  which  the  livers  are  conveyed  in  quantities.  These  are  ;t 
into  a boiler  with  water,  and  heated  until  they  are  broken  up  into  a pultace  s 
mass,  which  is  thrown  upon  a strainer  covering  the  top  of  a cask  or  tub.  L 
liquid  portion  passes,  and  upon  standing  separates  into  two  parts,  the  oil  risi 
to  the  surface  of  the  water.  The  oil  is  then  drawn  off,  and,  having  been  ag) 
strained,  is  prepared  for  the  market.  Another  and  improved  method,  which  s 
come  into  use  since  the  extensive  employment  of  the  oil  as  a medicine,  is  to  bt 
the  livers  in  a large  tin  vessel  by  means  of  steam  externally  applied.  The  ] • 
taceous  mass  resulting  is  drained  as  before  mentioned;  the  livers  themsels 
containing,  besides  oil,  a considerable  portion  of  watery  fluid,  which  passesff 
with  it  in  the  form  of  emulsion,  and  separates  on  standing.  The  oil  thus  p- 
cured  is  called  shore  oil , and  is  the  purest  kind.  The  crews  of  the  larger  bos, 
which  fish  upon  the  banks  far  from  land,  cleanse  the  fish  on  board,  aud  throwg 
the  offal  into  the  sea,  put  the  livers  into  barrels  or  other  receptacles,  where  tjy 
undergo  a gradual  putrefactive  decomposition,  the  oil  rising  to  the  surface  a.t 


P4T  I. 


Oleum  MorrTiuae. 


507 


espes  from  the  disintegrating  tissue.  The  oil  which  first  rises,  before  putre- 
faion  has  very  decidedly  commenced,  approaches  in  purity  to  the  shore  oil,  but 
is  omewhat  darker  and  less  sweet.  This  is  sometimes  drawn  off,  constituting 
tb  straits  oil  of  the  fishermen.  The  remaining  mass,  or  the  whole,  if  the  portion 
wlch  first  rises  be  not  separated,  remains  exposed  a variable  length  of  time  to 
thheat  of  the  sun,  undergoing  putrefaction,  until  the  boat,  having  completed 
he  cargo,  returns  to  port.  The  contents  of  the  casks  are  then  put  into  boilers, 
heted  with  water,  and  treated  as  already  described.  Before  being  finally  put 
in  barrels,  the  oil  is  heated  to  expel  all  its  water.  Thus  prepared,  it  is  denomi- 
ns;d  banks  oil,  and  is  of  the  darkest  colour,  and  most  offensive  to  the  taste  and 
soil.  Much  of  the  oil  prepared  by  the  fisherman  is  collected  by  the  wholesale 
deers,  who  keep  it  in  very  large  reservoirs  of  masonry  in  their  cellars,  where 
it  ecomes  clarified  by  repose,  and  is  pumped  into  barrels  as  wanted  for  sale.  By 
tk further  exposure,  however,  which  it  thus  undergoes,  it  acquires  a still  more 
ofisive  odour;  while  that  which  has  been  orignally  introduced  into  barrels,  and 
thi  kept  excluded  from  the  air,  is  better  preserved.  The  above  facts  in  relation 
to  be  collection  of  cod-liver  oil  have  been  mainly  derived  from  a very  interesting 
pap  by  Professor  Procter  in  the  Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.  (xxiii.  97).  To  the 
sae  journal  (xxvi.  1)  the  reader  is  referred  for  an  account  by  Dr.  E.  H.  Bobin- 
so  of  Nova  Scotia,  of  the  method  in  which  the  oil  is  prepared  by  the  fishermen 
of  hat  Province. 

he  oil  is  sometimes  procured  by  expression.  Mr.  Donovan  recommends  the 
foiwing  plan,  which  affords  a very  fine  oil.  The  livers,  perfectly  sound  and 
fan,  are  to  be  placed  in  a clean  iron  pot  over  a slow  fire,  and  stirred  until  they 
as  me  the  condition  of  a pulp,  care  being  taken  that  the  mass  be  not  heated 
bemd  192°.  When  this  temperature  is  attained,  the  pot  is  to  be  removed 
frn  the  tire,  and  its  contents  introduced  into  a canvas  bag,  through  which 
w^r  and  oil  will  flow  into  a vessel  beneath.  After  twenty-four  hours,  the  oil 
is  be  decanted  and  filtered  through  paper.  In  this  state  it  is  pale-yellow,  with 
lit  e odour,  and  a bland  not  disagreeable  taste. 

Properties.  Three  varieties  of  cod-liver  oil  are  known  in  the  market,  the 
wl  e or  pale-yellow,  the  brownish-yellow , and  the  darh-broion,  corresponding  to 
th  three  commercial  varieties  already  alluded  to.  These  differ  in  no  essential 
chacter,  but  simply  from  the  mode  of  preparation;  the  pale  being  prepared 
frn  fresh  sweet  livers,  the  dark-brown  from  livers  in  a state  of  putrefaction, 
an  the  brownish-yellow  from  those  in  an  intermediate  state ; and  the  three 
va  eties  run  together  by  insensible  shades.  The  colour  of  the  pale  is  from  the 
sli  itest  tint  of  transparent  yellow,  to  a fine  golden  yellow,  that  of  the  light- 
br  m very  similar  to  the  colour  of  Malaga  wine,  that  of  the  dark-brown  what 
its  ame  implies,  with  opacity  in  mass,  but  transparency  in  thin  layers.  They 
arof  the  usual  consistence  of  lamp-oil,  and  have  a peculiar  odour  and  taste  by 
wlh  they  may  be  distinguished  from  all  other  oils.  This  smell  and  taste  are 
fail  liar  to  most  persons,  being  very  similar  to  those  of  shoe-leather,  at  least  as 
pr  ared  in  this  country,  where  the  curriers  make  great  use  of  the  cod-liver  oil. 
W regard  these  sensible  properties  as  the  most  certain  test  of  the  genuineness 
ot  he  oil.  They  are  much  less  distinguishable  in  the  pale  than  in  the  dark- 
br  m varieties,  but  we  have  met  with  no  specimen  which  did  not  possess  them 
m mie  degree.  In  the  purest  they  are  scarcely  repulsive,  in  the  dark-brown 
th  are  very  much  so.  When  a decided  smell  of  ordinary  fish-oil  is  perceived, 
th  medicine  may  always  be  suspected.  It  is  quite  distinct  from  that  peculiar 
to  ie  cod-liver  oil.  The  taste  of  all  the  varieties  is  more  or  less  acrid,  and  in 
th  nost  impure  is  bitterish  and  somewhat  empyreumatic.  The  sp.gr.  at  72° 
B.  is  ascertained  by  Prof.  Procter,  varied  from  0'915  to  0'9195 ; the  first  being 
th  of  the  hake  oil,  the  second  that  of  the  haddock,  while  the  sp.  gr.  of  the 


508 


Oleum  MorrTiux. 


PARI 


purest  oil  from  the  common  cod  was  0'917.  De  Jongh  found  the  sp.gr., 
63°  F.,  of  the  pale  0'923,  of  the  light-brown  0'924,  of  the  dark-brown  0 928 
From  an  analysis  of  the  oil  by  De  Jongh,  it  appears  to  consist  of  a peeul 
substance  named  gaduin;  oleic  and  margaric  acids  with  glycerin ; butyric  a 
acetic  acids ; various  biliary  principles,  as  fellinic,  cholic,  and  bilifellinic  aci 
and  bilifulvin ; a peculiar  substance  soluble  in  alcohol ; a peculiar  substai 
insoluble  in  water,  alcohol,  or  ether ; iodine,  chlorine,  and  traces  of  bromii 
phosphoric  and  sulphuric  acids,  phosphorus,  lime,  magnesia,  soda,  and  ir 
These  were  found  in  all  the  varieties,  though  not  in  equal  proportion  in  all; 
it  is  quite  uncertain  whether  the  difference  had  any  relation  to  their  degree ; 
efficacy.  Gaduin  is  obtained  by  saponifying  the  oil  with  soda,  decomposing  • 
soap  by  acetate  of  lead,  and  treating  the  resulting  lead  soap  with  ether,  wh 
dissolves  the  oleate  of  lead  and  gaduin,  leaving  the  margarate  of  lead  behi . 
The  ethereal  solution,  which  is  dark-brown,  is  decomposed  by  sulphuric  ac , 
which  liberates  the  brown  oleic  acid.  This  owes  its  colour  to  gaduin,  to  sepan 
which  soda  is  added  in  excess;  the  resulting  oleate  of  soda,  which  is  insolu: 
in  an  excess  of  the  alkali,  is  dissolved  in  alcohol;  and  the  alcoholic  solution 
cooled  below  32°,  by  which  means  the  oleate  of  soda  is  separated,  the  gad  i 
remaining  in  solution.  This  is  precipitated  from  its  solution  by  the  addition f 
sulphuric  acid.  Gaduin  is  a dark-brown  substance,  brittle  and  pulveriza; 
when  dry,  without  odour  or  taste,  quite  insoluble  in  water,  and  in  great  meas; 
soluble  in  ether  and  alcohol.  It  is  insoluble  in  nitric  and  muriatic  acids,  bus 
dissolved  by  sulphuric  acid,  giving  a blood-red  colour  to  the  solution,  from  whi 
it  is  precipitated  by  water  and  the  alkalies.  It  is  soluble  in  alkaline  solutio . 
Chlorine  decolorizes  it.  Its  formula  is  C33H„sOa.  Gaduin  itself  is  yellow,  t 
becomes  brown  by  exposure  to  the  air.  It  has  not  been  ascertained  to  bei 
any  degree  connected  with  the  virtues  of  the  oil.  It  is  not  improbable  that  s 
biliary  principles  associated  with  the  oil  are  concerned  in  its  peculiar  infiuenc; 
as  it  is  by  their  presence  mainly  that  this  differs  from  other  oils.  It  has  bi 
thought  that  gaduin  itself  is  of  biliary  origin.  Winckler  has  inferred  from  s 
researches  that  cod-liver  oil  is  an  organic  whole,  differing  from  all  other  fi  1 
oils.  Thus,  it  yields  no  glycerin  upon  saponification,  but,  in  place  of  it  a pe.- 
liar  body  which  he  denominates  oxide  of  propyle.  The  fatty  acids  generated  e 
the  oleic  and  margaric.  By  reaction  with  ammonia  in  distillation,  the  oil  yiis 
a peculiar  volatile  alkali,  called  propylamin,  which  has  a strong  pungent  ode, 
recalling  that  of  herring-pickle,  of  which  the  same  alkali  is  an  ingredient,  o 
other  officinal  fatty  oil  yields  a similar  product.  (See  Am.  Journ.  of  Pliar-, 
xxiv.  343.)  Some  have  been  disposed  to  ascribe  the  virtues  of  the  oil  to  s 
iodine  and  bromine ; but  these  are  iu  too  small  proportion  for  much  effect,  and  e 
oil  has  produced  results  which  have  never  been  obtained  from  iodine  and  broue 
themselves.  The  presence  of  iodine  cannot  be  detected  by  the  usual  tests.  I s 
necessary  to  convert  the  oil  into  a soap,  and  to  carbonize  this  before  it  will  ge 
evidence  of  iodine.  The  proportion  never  exceeds  0 05  per  cent,  or  1 parn 
2000.  The  oil  is  capable  of  dissolving  a larger  proportion;  and,  if  any  speciin 
contain  more,  there  is  reason  to  suppose  that  it  has  been  fraudulently  added 
Tests  of  Purity.  In  consequence  of  the  great  demand  for  this  oil  it  has  it 
unfrequently  been  adulterated  with  other  fixed  oils,  and  occasionally  others  H 
been  fraudulently  substituted  for  it.  The  importance,  therefore,  is  obviount 
ascertaining  some  mode  of  testing  its  purity  and  genuineness.  There  is  reasoto 
believe  that  all  the  oils  from  the  livers  of  the  Gadidae  have  analogous  properts 
They  have  been  indiscriminately  used  ; and  upon  the  results  of  their  einpy- 
ment  is  based,  in  part,  the  present  reputation  of  the  medicine.  They  may.  t be- 
fore, be  considered  as  in  fact  one  oil.  so  far  as  their  medicinal  use  is  concern- 
Unfortunately  chemistry  has  yet  discovered  no  perfectly  reliable  test.  ie 


Pi  T I. 


Oleum  Morrhuse. 


509 


fu  best  that  it  has  yet  gone  is  to  point  out  certain  reactions  which  may  be  con- 
sicred  as  evidences  of  the  presence  of  biliary  principles  in  the  oil,  thus  indi- 
ca.ig  its  hepatic  origin.  Among  these  probably  the  most  characteristic  is  that 
of  ulphuric  acid,  a drop  of  which,  added  to  fresh  cod-liver  oil,  causes  a fine 
viot  colour,  soon  passing  into  yellowish  or  brownish-red.  Sometimes,  instead 
ofssuming  the  violet  hue,  the  colour  immediately  becomes  a clear  red,  or  dark 
br»nish-red.  This  is  said  to  be  especially  the  case  with  those  specimens  of  the 
oil vhich  have  been  prepared  by  boiling  the  livers  with  water.  Strong  nitric 
ac  produces  instantly,  when  agitated  with  the  oil,  a pinkish  colour,  which  soon 
be  mes  brown.  According  to  Winc-kler,  the  oil  should  afford  the  smell  of  herring- 
pkle  when  heated  with  potassa,  lime,  and  muriate  of  ammonia.  But  the  most 
reible  tests  are  the  sensible  properties  of  odour  and  taste.  If  there  be  none 
of  le  peculiar  shoe-leather  smell  and  taste,  or  if  a strong  lamp-oil  odour  is  per- 
cejible,  the  oil  may  be  suspected.  Little  of  importance  can  be  inferred  from 
thoolour.  Some  have  been  disposed  to  prefer  the  dark  offensive  oil ; but  our 
o«  experience  accords  with  that  of  those  who  have  found  the  pale  or  light- 
brm  equally  efficient;  and  for  facility  of  administration  and  acceptability  to 
thistomach  the  latter  is  greatly  preferable. 

is  important  that  the  oil  should  be  secluded  from  the  air,  which  effects  a 
griual  change,  no  doubt  impairing  its  efficiency.  Hence,  the  vessels  containing 
it  ould  be  full;  and  apothecaries  ought  to  keep  it  in  bottles  well  stopped,  hold- 
injabout  the  quantity  generally  wanted  for  use  at  one  time. 

• 'edical  Properties  and  Uses.  Cod-liver  oil  has  been  long  popularly  employed 
in  orthern  Europe  in  rheumatic  and  strumous  diseases.  It  was  first  brought 
to  ne  notice  of  the  profession  generally  by  German  practitioners,  and  bad 
ae<  ired  great  reputation  on  the  continent  before  it  was  used  to  any  extent  in 
Gut  Britain.  At  Manchester,  in  England,  it  was  employed  by  the  medical 
prossion  in  the  treatment  of  chronic  rheumatism  and  gout,  as  early  as  1766. 
Bi  it  was  not  until  the  appearance  of  the  treatise  of  Professor  Bennet,  of  Edin- 
bu  h,  in  1841,  that  it  came  into  general  notice  in  Great  Britain  and  the  United 
St:  is.  It  is  at  present  one  of  the  most  esteemed  remedies  in  the  catalogue 
of  le  Materia  Medica.  The  diseases  in  which  it  has  proved  most  efficient  are 
ch  nic  rheumatism  and  gout,  and  the  various  morbid  affections  connected  with  a 
sci'ulous  diathesis,  such  as  external  glandular  scrofula,  diseases  of  the  joints 
an  spine,  carious  ulcers,  tabes  mesenterica,  rickets,  and  phthisis.  It  has  been 
foid  useful  also  in  chronic  cutaneous  eruptions,  lupus,  ulcers  of  the  mouth,  some 
vaeties  of  palsy,  chronic  pectoral  complaints  not  tuberculous,  obstinate  consti- 
pa  m,  intestinal  worms,  and  incontinence  of  urine  ; and  may  be  employed  with 
the  hope  of  good  iu  all  chronic  cases  in  which  the  disease  appears  to  consist 
nuly  in  impaired  digestion,  assimilation,  and  nutrition.  In  another  publication, 
on  of  the  authors  has  stated  that  he  had  employed  the  oil  occasionally  in  phthisis, 
bu  ivith  no  other  observable  effect  than  to  nauseate  the  stomach.  This  uu- 
fayrable  experience  was  owing  to  a too  hasty  abandonment  of  the  medicine, 
aft.  a trial  iu  each  case  of  only  two  or  three  weeks.  His  opinion  of  its  virtues 
La pince  changed ; and  he  is  now  prepared  to  say  that  it  has  far  exceeded  iu 
eff,  cy,  in  his  hands,  any  other  remedy  or  combination  of  remedies  that  he  has 
hiterto  employed  in  phthisis.  It  is  necessary,  however,  to  persevere  for  four 
or  A weeks  before  looking  for  any  decidedly  favourable  result,  though  the 
ch:  ge  does  often  begin  earlier.  In  most  cases  remarkable  temporary  relief  is 
affded;  in  many,  the  disease  is  favourably  modified,  and  its  fatal  termination 
poponed;  and  in  some,  cures  appear  to  have  been  effected.  Time,  however,  is 
ye  Wanted  fully  to  determine  its  merits. 

s to  its  mode  of  action,  there  has  been  much  difference  of  opinion.  Some 
coi  der  it  merely  as  a nutritive  agent,  having  the  advantage  over  other  oleagi- 


510  Oleum  Morrliuse. — Oleum  Myristicse.  part 

nous  substances  of  a readier  entrance  into  the  system,  and  more  easy  assimilatic 
But  we  cannot  agree  with  this  opinion.  Other  oleaginous  substances,  certain 
not  less  nutritious,  have  not  been  equally  efficient,  though  taken  in  much  larg 
quantities.  If  this  be  the  true  explanation,  persons  living  chiefly  on  milk  whi 
abounds  in  oil,  or  on  fat  pork,  ought  to  show  a special  exemption  from  scrofulo 
complaints.  The  probability  appears  to  us  to  be  that,  in  consequence  of  soi 
peculiar  principle  or  principles  it  contains,  it  exercises  a stimulant  and  alterati 
impression  on  the  processes  of  assimilation  and  nutrition;  thereby  causing  t 
production  of  healthy  tissue,  instead  of  that  abortive  material  which  is  deposit 
by  the  blood-vessels  in  scrofula  and  phthisis.  With  our  views  of  the  mod 
operandi  of  cod-liver  oil,  it  would  of  course  be  contra-indicated  in  all  cases  whf 
there  is  existing  plethora,  or  a strong  tendency  to  it.  The  medicine  has  be 
accused  of  having  occasionally  produced  serious  congestion  of  the  lungs. 

The  dose  is  a tablespoonful  three  or  four  times  a day  for  adults,  a teaspoon: 
repeated  as  frequently  for  children,  which  may  be  gradually  increased  as  the  s 
maeh  will  permit,  and  continued  for  a long  time.  It  may  be  taken  alone, 
mixed  with  some  vehicle  calculated  to  conceal  its  taste,  and  obviate  nauseati 
effects.  For  this  purpose  recourse  may  be  had  to  any  of  the  aromatic  waters, 
the  aromatic  tinctures,  as  the  tincture  of  orange  peel,  diluted  with  water,  or  t 
bitter  infusion,  as  that  of  quassia.  It  may  be  given  floating  on  the  vehicle, 
mixed  with  it  by  means  of  gum  and  sugar,  in  the  form  of  an  emulsion.  Perh; 
the  best  vehicle,  when  not  contra-indicated,  is  the  froth  of  porter.  Let  a tab 
spoonful  of  porter  be  put  into  the  bottom  of  a glass,  upon  the  surface  of  this  the  c 
and  over  all  some  of  the  froth  of  the  porter.  It  is  recommended  to  chew  a sm 
piece  of  orange-peel  before  and  after  taking  the  medicine.  The  oil  i3  sometin 
applied  externally  by  friction,  and,  in  eases  of  ascarides  or  lumbricoides,  is 
jected  into  the  rectum.  It  has  been  recommended  locally  in  chronic  articu 
affections,  paralysis,  various  chronic  cutaneous  eruptions,  and  opacity  of  t 
cornea,  after  the  subsidence  of  inflammation.  In  the  last-mentioned  affect! 
one  or  two  drops  of  the  oil  are  applied  by  means  of  a pencil  to  the  cornea,  a 
diluted,  if  found  too  stimulating,  with  olive  or  almond  oil.  It  is  said,  when  lo; 
used  internally,  to  occasion  sometimes  an  exanthematous  or  eczematous  en- 
tion.  W. 

OLEUM  MYRISTICSE.  TJ.  S.,  Dub. 

Oil  of  Nutmeg. 

The  volatile  oil  of  the  kernels  of  the  fruit  of  Myristica  moschata.  TJ.  S.  Fri 
the  seeds  or  fruit.  Dub. 

Off.  Syn.  MYRISTICiE  OLEUM.  Volatile  oil  from  the  kernels  of  i; 
fruit  of  Myristica  officinalis.  Ed. 

See  MYRISTICA. 

This  oil  is  obtained  from  powdered  nutmegs  by  distillation  with  water.  Its 
colourless  or  of  a pale  straw  colour,  limpid,  lighter  than  water,  soluble  in  alcol 
and  ether,  with  a pungent  spicy  taste,  and  a strong  smell  of  nutmeg.  It  eons:- 
of  two  oils,  which  may  be  separated  by  agitation  with  water,  one  rising  to  the  s- 
face,  the  other  sinking  to  the  bottom.  Upon  standing  it  deposits  a crystal! 3 
stearoptene,  which  is  called  by  John  myristicin.  The  oil  may  be  used  for  - 
same  purposes  as  nutmeg,  in  the  dose  of  two  or  three  drops;  but  is  notoft 
employed. 

Off.  Prep.  Spiritus  Ammonias  Aromaticus.  W 


Pi  T I. 


Oleum  Olivse. 


511 


OLEUM  OLIVEE.  U.  &,  Bub. 

Olioe  Oil. 

lie  oil  of  the  fruit  of  Olea  Europoea.  U.  S.  Oil  obtained  from  the  pericarp. 

Zb. 

Iff.  Syn.  OLIVJE  OLEUM.  Olea  Europoea.  Oil  expressed  from  the  fruit. 
Led.  Expressed  oil  of  the  pericarp.  Eel. 

uile  d’oliye,  Ft.;  Olivenol,  Germ.;  Olio  delle  olive,  Ital.;  Aceyte  de  olivas,  Span. 

LEA.  Sex.  Syst.  Diandria  Monogynia.  — Nat.  Ord.  Oleaceae. 

, ]en.  Ch.  Corolla  four-cleft,  with  subovate  segments.  Drupe  one-seeded. 

m 

lea  Europoea.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  i.  44;  Woodv.  Med.  Bot.  p.  280,  t.  98. 
Th  valuable  tree  is  usually  from  fifteen  to  twenty  feet  in  height,  though  it 
soiitimes  attains  a much  greater  size,  particularly  in  Greece  and  the  Levant. 
It  as  a solid,  erect,  unequal  stem,  with  numerous  straight  branches,  covered 
wi  a grayish  bark.  The  leaves,  which  stand  opposite  to  each  other  on  short 
foe  talks,  are  evergreen,  firm,  lanceolate,  entire,  two  or  three  inches  in  length, 
wi  the  edges  somew’hat  reverted,  smooth  and  of  a dull-green  colour  on  their 
up  r surface,  whitish  and  almost  silvery  beneath.  The  flowers  are  small,  whitish, 
amdisposed  in  opposite  axillary  clusters,  which  are  about  half  as  long  as  the 
lea;s,  and  accompanied  with  small,  obtuse,  hoary  bractes.  The  fruit  or  olive 
is  smooth,  oval  drupe,  of  a greenish,  whitish,  or  violet  colour,  with  a fleshy 
pei  arp,  and  a very  hard  nut  of  a similar  shape.  Clusters  of  flowers  containing 
notess  than  thirty  yield  only  two  or  three  ripe  olives. 

lie  olive  tree,  though  believed  by  some  to  have  been  originally  from  the  Le- 
vai  flourishes  at  present  in  all  the  countries  bordering  on  the  Mediterranean, 
am  lias  been  cultivated  from  time  immemorial  in  Spain,  the  South  of  France, 
am  Italy.  It  begins  to  bear  fruit  after  the  second  year,  is  in  full  bearing  at  six 
ye:;,  and  continues  to  flourish  for  a century.  There  are  several  varieties,  dis- 
tin  lished  by  the  form  of  the  leaves,  and  the  shape,  colour,  and  size  of  the  fruit. 
Th  variety  lonyifolia  of  Willdenow  is  said  to  be  chiefly  cultivated  in  Italy  and 
thelouthof  France,  and  the  latifolia  in  Spain.  The  latter  bears  much  larger 
fru  than  the  former;  but  the  oil  is  less  esteemed. 

' le  leaves  and  bark  of  the  olive  tree  have  an  acrid  and  bitterish  taste,  and 
ha’  been  employed  as  substitutes  for  cinchona,  though  with  no  great  success. 
In  ot  countries,  a substance  resembling  the  gum-resins  exudes  spontaneously 
fro  the  bark.  It  was  thought  by  the  ancients  to  possess  useful  medicinal  pro- 
per 3S,  but  is  not  now  employed.  Analyzed  by  Pelletier,  it  was  found  to  con- 
taii resin,  a little  benzoic  acid,  and  a peculiar  principle  analogous  to  gum,  which 
has  eceived  the  name  of  olivile.  But  the  fruit  is  by  far  the  most  useful  product 
of  e tree.  In  the  unripe  state  it  is  hard  and  insupportably  acrid;  but,  when 
niarated  in  water  or  an  alkaline  solution,  and  afterwards  introduced  into  a 
sol  ion  of  common  salt,  it  loses  these  properties,  and  becomes  a pleasant  and 
kig  y esteemed  article  of  diet.  The  pericarp,  or  fleshy  part  of  the  ripe  olive, 
abends  in  a fixed  oil,  which  constitutes  its  greatest  value,  and  for  which  the 
tre  s chiefly  cultivated  in  the  South  of  Europe.  The  oil  is  obtained  by  first 
bn  ing  the  olives  in  a mill,  and  then  submitting  them  to  pressure.  The  pro- 
duc  varies  much,  according  to  the  state  of  the  fruit,  and  the  circumstances  of 
the  roc-ess.  The  best  oil,  called  virgin  oil , is  obtained  from  the  fruit  picked 
bet  e perfect  maturity,  and  immediately  pressed.  It  is  distinguished  by  its 
gre  iish  hue.  The  common  oil  used  for  culinary  purposes,  and  in  the  manu- 
fac  re  of  the  finest  soaps,  is  procured  from  very  ripe  olives,  or  from  the  pulp 


512 


Oleum  Olivae. 


PART 


of  those  which  have  yielded  the  virgin  oil.  In  the  latter  case,  the  pulp  isthro\ 
into  boiling  water,  and  the  oil  removed  as  it  rises.  An  inferior  kind,  employ 
in  the  arts,  especially  in  the  preparation  of  the  coarser  soaps,  plasters,  unguen 
&c.,  is  afforded  by  fruit  which  has  been  thrown  into  heaps,  and  allowed  to  fi 
merit  for  several  days,  or  by  the  marc  left  after  the  expression  of  the  finer  kin 
of  oil,  broken  up,  exposed  to  the  fermenting  process,  and  again  introduced  ir 
the  press. 

Olive  oil  is  imported  in  glass  bottles,  or  in  flasks  surrounded  by  a kind  of  n 
work  made  of  grass,  and  usually  called  Florence  flasks.  The  best  comes  fn 
the  South  of  France,  where  most  care  is  exercised  in  the  selection  of  the  frui 

Properties.  The  pure  oil  is  an  unctuous  liquid,  of  a pale-yellow  or  green! 
yellow  colour,  with  scarcely  any  smell,  and  a bland,  slightly  sweetish  taste, 
sp.  gr.  is  0'9153.  It  is  soluble  in  twice  its  volume  of  ether,  but  is  only  p 
tially  soluble  in  alcohol,  at  least  unless  this  liquid  be  in  very  large  proportb 
It  begins  to  congeal  at  38°  F.  At  a freezing  temperature  a part  of  it  bec-on 
solid,  and  the  remainder,  retaining  the  liquid  consistence,  may  be  separated 
pressure,  or  by  the  agency  of  cold  alcohol,  which  dissolves  it.  The  concn 
portion  has  been  found  by  MM.  Pelouze  and  Boudet  to  be  a definite  compou 
of  margarin  and  olein;  the  liquid  portion  is  uncombined  olein.  According 
Braconnot,  the  oil  contains  72  per  cent  of  oleiu,  and  28  of  margarin.  Olive 
is  solidified  by  nitrous  acid  and  by  nitrate  of  mercury,  and  converted  into  a 
culiar  fatty  substance,  which  has  received  the  name  of  e/aldin.  The  olein  of 
oils  which  have  not  the  drying  property  undergoes  the  same  change,  when  act 
on  by  nitrous  acid;  and  the  singular  fact  is  stated  by  MM.  Pelouze  and  Boud 
that  the  margarin  of  olive  oil,  combined  as  it  is  with  olein,  is  converted  by  tl; 
acid  into  elaidin,  while  the  same  principle,  in  a state  of  purity,  is  not  affect 
by  it.  {.Journ.  de  Pharm.,  xxiv.  391.) 

Olive  oil,  when  exposed  to  the  air,  is  apt  to  become  rancid,  acquiring  a c- 
agreeable  smell,  a sharp  taste,  a thicker  consistence,  and  a deeper  colour;  al 
the  change  is  promoted  by  heat.  It  is  frequently  adulterated  with  the  cheap 
fixed  oils,  especially  with  that  of  poppies;  but  the  adulteration  may  be  eas' 
detected  by  reducing  the  temperature  to  the  freezing  point.  As  other  oils  a 
less  readily  congealed  than  the  olive  oil,  the  degree  of  its  purity  will  be  indical 
by  the  degree  of  concretion.  Another  mode  has  been  indicated  by  M.  Pout, 
founded  on  the  property  possessed  by  the  supernitrate  of  mercury  of  solidify! 
the  oil  of  olives,  without  a similar  influence  upon  other  oils.  Six  parts  of  m- 
cury  are  dissolved  at  a low  temperature  in  seven  and  a half  parts  of  nitric  al 
of  the  sp.  gr.  1*35;  and  this  solution  is  mixed  with  the  suspected  oil  in  the  p- 
portion  of  one  part  to  twelve,  the  mixture  being  occasionally  shaken.  If  3 
oil  is  pure,  it  is  converted  after  some  hours  into  a yellow  solid  mass;  if  it  c - 
tains  a minute  proportion,  even  so  small  as  a twentieth  of  poppy  oil,  the  rest- 
ing mass  is  much  less  firm;  and  a tenth  prevents  a greater  degree  of  consisted 
than  oils  usually  acquire  when  they7  concrete  by  cold.  M.  Gobel  has  invend 
an  instrument  which  he  calls  the  elaiometer,  by  which  the  smallest  quantity f 
poppy  oil  can  be  detected.  (See  Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xvi.  24.)  M.  Diesel  stss 
that  pure  olive  oil  is  coloured  green  by  common  nitric  acid;  whereas,  if  mid 
with  rape  oil,  it  is  rendered  of  a yellowish-gray  colour.  {Arch,  der  Phar, 
xlvi.  287.)  According  to  M.  Behrens,  whose  statement  is  confirmed  by  B. 
Guibourt  and  Reveil,  the  presence  of  oil  of  sesamum  is  known  by  the  beau*  1 
deep-green  colour  immediately  produced,  when  the  suspected  oil  is  added n 
equal  weight,  to  a mixture  composed  of  equal  parts  of  sulphuric  and  nitric  aci ; 
which  acids  cause  with  the  pure  oil,  at  first,  a bright-yellow  colour.  {Journ. c 
Pharm.,  3e  ser.,  xxiv.  351.)  Immense  quantities  of  lard  oil  are  said  to  bet- 
ported  from  this  country  to  France,  and  employed  in  the  adulteration  of  oe 


PAT  I. 


Oleum  Olivse. — Oleum  Ricini. 


513 


oil;  The  reaction  with  nitric  acid  would  probaby  serve  to  detect  this  adultera- 
tic,  which,  however,  in  a pharmaceutical  point  of  view,  is  of  little  inconvenience. 

fedical  Properties  and  Uses.  Olive  oil  is  nutritious  and  mildly  laxative,  and 
is  jcasionally  given  in  cases  of  irritable  intestines,  when  the  patient  objects  to 
moe  disagreeable  medicines.  Taken  into  the  stomach  in  large  quantities,  it 
seres  to  involve  acrid  and  poisonous  substances,  and  mitigate  their  action.  It 
halalso  been  recommended  as  a remedy  for  worms,  and  is  a very  common  ingre- 
diit  in  laxative  enemata.  Externally  applied,  it  is  useful  in  relaxing  the 
sk,  and  sheathing  irritated  surfaces  from  the  action  of  the  air;  and  is  much 
enloyed  as  a vehicle  or  diluent  of  more  active  substances.  In  the  countries 
bo  ering  on  the  Mediterranean,  it  is  thought,  when  smeared  over  the  skin,  to 
affd  some  protection  against  the  plague;  and  applied  warm,  by  means  of  fric- 
tio  over  the  surface,  is  said  to  be  useful  as  a remedy  in  the  early  stages  of  that 
coiplaint.  But  the  most  extensive  use  of  olive  oil  is  in  pharmacy,  as  aconsti- 
tu(t  of  liniments,  ointments,  cerates,  and  plasters, 
he  dose  as  a laxative  is  from  one  to  two  fluidounces. 
if.  Prep.  Enema  Catharticum.  W. 

OLEUM  RICINI.  U.  S.,  Dub. 

Castor  Oil. 

he  oil  of  the  seeds  of  Ricinus  communis.  U.  S.,  Pub. 
f.  Syn.  RICINI  OLEUM.  Ricinus  communis.  Oil  obtained  from  the  seeds 
by  hat  or  pressure.  Loud.  Expressed  oil  of  the  seeds.  Ed. 

Jiile  de  ricin,  Fr.;  Ricinusol,  Germ.;  Olio  di  ricino,  Ital.;  Aceyte  de  ricino,  Span. 
Icinus.  Sex.  Syst.  Monoecia  Monadelphia. — Nat.  Ord.  Euphorbiaceae. 
t ri.  Oh.  Male.  Calyx  five-parted.  Corolla  none.  Stamens  numerous.  Fe- 
ma).  Calyx  three-parted.  Corolla  none.  Styles  three,  bifid.  Capsules  three- 
eel]  1.  Seed  one.  Wittd. 

i icinus  communis.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  iv.  564;  Woodv.  Med.  Bot.  p.  624, 
t.  21.  The  castor  oil  plant,  or  palma  Christi,  attains  in  the  East  Indies  and 
Afija  the  character  of  a tree,  and  rises  sometimes  thirty  or  forty  feet  in  height. 
Iu  e temperate  latitudes  of  North  America  and  Europe  it  is  an  annual  plant; 
tlio  h it  is  stated  by  M.  Achille  Richard  that,  in  the  South  of  France,  in  the 
vici  ty  of  Nice,  on  the  seacoast,  he  saw  a small  wood  consisting  entirely  of  this 
specs  of  Ricinus.  The  following  description  applies  to  the  plant  as  cultivated 
in  cl  latitudes.  The  stem  is  of  vigorous  growth,  erect,  round,  hollow,  smooth, 
glatbus,  somewhat  purplish  towards  the  top,  branching,  and  from  three  to  eight 
feet  or  more  iu  height.  The  leaves  are  alternate,  peltate  or  supported  upon 
foot  alks  inserted  into  their  lower  disk,  palmate  with  seven  or  nine  pointed  ser- 
ratepbes,  smooth  on  both  sides,  and  of  a bluish-green  colour.  The  flowers  are 
mor  oious,  stand  upon  jointed  peduncles,  and  form  a pyramidal  terminal  raceme, 
of  rich  the  lower  portion  is  occupied  by  the  male  flowers,  the  upper  by  the 
fem  3.  Both  are  destitute  of  corolla.  In  the  male  flowers  the  calyx  is  divided 
mto  ve  oval,  concave,  pointed,  reflected,  purplish  segmenfs;  and  encloses  nume- 
routitamens,  which  are  united  into  fasciculi  at  their  base.  In  the  female  the 
cal)  has  three  or  five  narrow  lanceolate  segments ; and  the  ovary,  which  is 
roui'ish  and  three-sided,  supports  three  linear,  reddish  stigmas,  forked  at  their 
aper  The  fruit  is  a roundish  glaucous  capsule,  with  three  projecting  sides, 
coved  with  tough  spines,  and  divided  into  three  cells,  each  containing  one 
seed  which  is  expelled  by  the  bursting  of  the  capsule. 

Tjs  species  of  Ricinus  is  a native  of  the  East  Indies  and  Northern  Africa, 
has  come  naturalized  in  the  West  Indies,  and  is  cultivated  in  various  parts  of 
33 


514 


Oleum  Ricini. 


PART 


the  world,  in  no  country  perhaps  more  largely  than  in  the  United  States.  X( 
Jersey,  Virginia,  North  Carolina,  and  the  States  upon  the  right  bank  of  t 
Ohio,  are  the  sections  in  which  it  is  most  abundant.  The  flowers  appear 
July,  and  the  seeds  ripen  successively  in  August  and  September.  A decoct! 
of  the  leaves  is  said  to  be  employed  effectively,  in  the  Cape  Verde  Islands,  at 
local  application  to  the  breast,  for  the  purpose  of  promoting  lactation.  T 
officinal  part  is  the  fixed  oil  extracted  from  the  seeds. 

1.  The  Seeds.  These  are  about  as  large  as  a small  bean,  oval,  compresst 
obtuse  at  the  extremities,  very  smooth  and  shining,  and  of  a grayish  or  a 
colour,  marbled  with  reddish-brown  spots  and  veins.  At  one  end  of  the  seed 
a small  yellowish  tubercle,  from  which  an  obscure  longitudinal  ridge  procee 
to  the  opposite  extremity,  dividing  the  side  upon  which  it  is  situated  into  t 
flattish  surfaces.  In  its  general  appearance  the  seed  is  thought  to  resemble  t 
insect  called  the  tick,  the  Latin  name  of  which  has  been  adopted  as  the  gene 
title  of  the  plant.  Its  variegated  colour  depends  upon  a very  thin  pellic- 
closely  investing  a hard,  brittle,  blackish,  tasteless,  easily  separable  shell,  witl 
which  is  the  kernel,  highly  oleaginous,  of  a white  colour,  and  a sweetish  ta 
succeeded  by  a slight  degree  of  acrimony.  The  seeds  easily  become  rancid,  a 
are  then  unfit  for  the  extraction  of  the  oil,  which  is  acrid  aud  irritating. 
100  parts  of  the  seeds  Geiger  found,  exclusive  of  moisture,  23'82  parts  of  t 
velope,  and  69'09  of  kernel.  These  69‘09  parts  contained  4619  of  fixed  ( 
2'40  of  gum,  20’00  of  starch  and  lignin,  and  0’50  of  albumen. 

Taken  internally  the  seeds  are  powerfully  cathartic,  and  often  emetic.  T 
or  three  are  sufficient  to  purge,  and  seven  or  eight  act  with  great  violence.  T 
property  depends  upon  an  acrid  principle,  which  has  by  some  been  thought  > 
exist  exclusively  in  the  integuments,  by  others  in  the  embryo.  But  it  ism 
satisfactorily  ascertained  that  the  integuments  are  inert ; and  Guibourt  ma- 
tains  that  the  principle  alluded  to  pervades  the  whole  kernel,  in  connexion  w. 
the  oil.  This  principle  is  considered  by  some  as  volatile,  and  is  said  to  be  c- 
sipated  by  the  heat  of  boiling  water.  According  to  MM.  Soubeirau  and  Mial, 
it  is  of  a resinous  character.  ( Jmmi . de  Plicmn.,  3e  sec.,  vi.  225.)  M.  Callo  , 
however,  considers  it  neither  oily  nor  resinous;  having  found  the  residue  of  ; 
seeds,  after  expression  of  the  oil,  aud  treatment  with  pure  alcohol,  to  be  pom 
fully  emetic  in  the  quantity  of  thirty  grains,  taken  in  two  doses.  {Ibid.,  xiv.  19) 
M.  Parola  states  that  ether  also  is  incapable  of  extracting  the  acrid  emetic  pi- 
ciple  from  the  seeds.  At  a temperature  much  above  212°  the  oil  itself  becois 
altered,  and  acquires  acrid  properties. 

2.  The  Oil.  This  may  be  extracted  from  the  seeds  in  three  ways;  l.f 
decoction,  2.  by  expression,  and  3.  by  the  agency  of  alcohol. 

The  process  by  decoction,  which  has  been  practised  in  the  East  and  IV 
Indies,  consists  in  bruising  the  seeds,  previously  deprived  of  their  husk,  1 
then  boiling  them  in  water.  The  oil,  rising  to  the  surface,  is  skimmed  or  strai  i 
off,  and  afterwards  again  boiled  with  a small  quantity  of  water  to  dissipate  e 
acrid  principle.  To  increase  the  product  it  is  said  that  the  seeds  are  someti:s 
roasted.  The  oil  is  thus  rendered  brownish  and  acrid ; and  the  same  rent 
takes  place  in  the  second  boiling,  if  care  is  not  taken  to  suspend  the  proos 
soon  after  the  water  has  been  evaporated.  Hence  it  happens  that  the  West  Iu 
oil  has  generally  a brownish  colour,  an  acrid  taste,  and  irritating  properties. 

The  oil  is  obtained,  in  this  country,  by  expression.  The  following,  as  we  H 
been  informed,  are  the  outlines  of  the  process  usually  employed  by  those  >u 
prepare  it  on  a large  scale.  The  seeds,  having  been  thoroughly  cleansed  f ui 
the  dust  and  fragments  of  the  capsules  with  which  they  are  mixed,  are  conved 
into  a shallow  iron  reservoir,  where  they  are  submitted  to  a gentle  heat  insufficai 
to  scorch  or  decompose  them,  and  not  greater  than  can  be  readily  borne  byte 


PAT  I. 


Oleum  Ricini. 


515 


ha:l.  The  object  of  this  step  is  to  render  the  oil  sufficiently  liquid  for  easy 
ex  ession.  The  seeds  are  then  introduced  into  a powerful  screw  press.  A 
whish  oily  liquid  is  thus  obtained,  which  is  transferred  to  clean  iron  boilers,  sup- 
plil  with  a considerable  quantity  of  water.  The  mixture  is  boiled  for  some 
tin,  and,  the  impurities  being  skimmed  off  as  they  rise  to  the  surface,  a clear 
oil ; at  length  left  upon  the  top  of  the  water,  the  mucilage  and  starch  having 
bet  dissolved  by  this  liquid,  and  the  albumen  coagulated  by  the  heat.  The 
latir  ingredient  forms  a whitish  layer  between  the  oil  and  the  water.  The  clear 
oil : now  carefully  removed;  and  the  process  is  completed  by  boiling  it  with  a 
mi  ate  proportion  of  water,  and  continuing  the  application  of  heat  till  aqueous 
vajur  ceases  to  rise,  and  till  a small  portion  of  the  liquid,  taken  out  in  a vial, 
prerves  a perfect  transparency  when  it  cools.  The  effect  of  this  last  operation 
is  t clarify  the  oil,  and  to  render  it  less  irritating  by  driving  off  the  acrid  volatile 
mam.  But  much  care  is  requisite  not  to  push  the  heat  too  far,  as  the  oil  then 
accrues  a brownish  hue,  and  an  acrid  peppery  taste.  After  the  completion  of 
the>rocess,  the  oil  is  put  into  barrels,  and  thus  sent  into  the  market.  There  is 
rean,  however,  to  believe  that  much  of  the  American  oil  is  prepared  by  merely 
allcing  it  to  stand  for  some  time  after  expression,  and  then  drawing  off  the 
sup  natant  liquid.  One  bushel  of  good  seeds  yields  five  or  six  quarts,  or  about 
twefcy-five  per  cent,  of  the  best  oil.  If  not  very  carefully  prepared,  it  is  apt  to 
depot  a sediment  upon  standing;  and  the  apothecary  often  finds  it  necessary  to 
filtt  it  through  coarse  paper  before  dispensing  it.  Perhaps  this  may  be  owing  to 
the  lan  just  alluded  to  of  purifying  the  oil  by  rest  and  decantation.*  We  have 
bee  told  that  the  oil  in  barrels  occasionally  deposits  a copious  whitish  sediment 
in  Oid  weather,  which  it  redissolves  when  the  temperature  rises.  A large  pro- 
porta of  the  drug  consumed  in  the  eastern  section  of  the  Union  is  derived,  by 
wajif  New  Orleans,  from  Illinois  and  the  neighbouring  States,  where  it  is  so 
abulant  that  it  has  sometimes  been  used  for  burning  in  lamps. 

]je  process  for  obtaining  castor  oil  by  means  of  alcohol  has  been  practised  in 
Fralie;  but  the  product  is  said  to  become  rancid  more  speedily  than  that  pro- 
cun in  the  ordinary  mode.  Such  a preparation  has  been  employed  in  Italy,  and 
is  abrted  to  be  less  disagreeable  to  the  taste,  and  more  effective  than  the  common 
oil  dained  by  expression.  According  to  M.  Parola,  an  ethero-alcoholic  extract, 
and  a ethereal  or  alcoholic  tincture  of  the  seeds,  operate  in  much  smaller  doses 
thaihe  oil,  and  with  less  disposition  to  irritate  the  bowels  or  to  cause  vomiting. 
(Selim.  Journ.  of  Med.  Sci.,  N.  S.,  xiii.  143.) 

Rperties.  Pure  castor  oil  is  a thick,  viscid,  colourless  liquid,  with  little  or  no 
odor  and  a mild  though  somewhat  nauseous  taste,  followed  by  a slight  sense  of 
acri  my.  As  found  in  the  shops  it  is  often  tinged  with  yellow,  and  has  an 
unp  tsant  smell ; and  parcels  are  sometimes  though  rarely  met  with,  of  a brownish 
colo  , and  hot  acrid  taste.  It  does  not  readily  congeal  by  cold.  When  exposed 

* 3 find  the  following  sentence  in  Christison’s  Dispensatory,  p.  793.  “ If  the  state- 

mentiade  above  on  the  authority  of  Boutron-Charlard,  be  correct  [that  no  niargarin  is 
depot ed  by  castor  oil  previously  heated  to  212°],  this  circumstance  [the  deposition  of  a 
crystline  matter  by  castor  oil  in  cold  weather],  instead  of  being  an  objection,  is  strong 
proojif  the  American  oil  being  really  cold  drawn,  and  not  prepared  by  dry  beat  and 
ebuL’jon  as  Drs.  Wood  and  Bache  have  represented.”  In  reply  to  this  observation  we 
have'nlyto  say,  that  we  have  ourselves  witnessed  the  arrangements  above  described, 
and  jd  the  account  of  the  steps  of  the  process  from  the  manufacturers,  as  it  was  at  the 
time  Inducted  in  this  city.  But  it  may  be  observed  that  we  do  not  state  that  the  oil  is 
preps; id  by  dry  heat;  the  warmth  first  employed,  merely  to  render  the  oil  fluid,  not  de- 
serve to  be  so  called.  That  American  castor  oil  is  also  prepared  by  mere  expression, 
rest,  | d decantation,  we  have  stated  in  the  text;  but  we  are  disposed  to  give  the  preference 
to  thj prepared  by  the  former  process,  as  freer  from  impurities,  and  therefore  likely  to 
keep  tter,  and  as  milder  in  its  action  in  consequence  of  the  volatilization  of  a portion  of 
the  a d principle. 


516 


Oleum  Ricini. 


PARI 


to  the  air  it  slowly  thickens,  without  becoming  opaque,  and  it  ranks  among  i 
drying  oils.  It  is  heavier  than  most  of  the  other  fixed  oils,  from  which  itdjff 
also  in  being  soluble  in  all  proportions  in  cold  absolute  alcohol.  Weaker  al 
hoi,  of  the  sp.  gr.  0'8425,  takes  up  about  three-fifths  of  its  weight.  It  ] 
been  supposed  that  adulterations  with  other  fixed  oils  might  thus  be  detected, 
the  latter  are  much  less  soluble  in  that  fluid ; but  Pereira  has  shown  that  cas  ■ 
oil  has  the  property  of  rendering  a portion  of  other  fixed  oils  soluble  in  alcoh, 
so  that  the  test  cannot  be  relied  on.  (Phnrm.  Journ.  and  Trans.,  ix.498.)  81. 
adulterations,  however,  are  seldom  practised  in  this  country.  Castor  oil  is  a. 
soluble  in  sulphuric  ether.  Its  proximate  composition  is  but  imperfectly  unr  • 
stood.  When  distilled,  it  yields,  according  to  MM.  Bussyand  Lecanu,  1.  a • 
lourless,  highly  odorous  volatile  oil,  which  crystallizes  by  cold,  2.  two  oleagini 
acids,  denominated  ricinic  and  ricin-oleic,  which  are  excessively  acrid  and  near 
concrete,  and  3.  a solid  spongy  residue,  amounting  to  two-thirds  of  the  oil  i- 
ployed.  Supposing  these  acids  to  be  developed  by  heat,  we  can  readily  acco  t 
for  the  injurious  influence  of  too  high  a temperature  in  the  preparation  of  3 
oil.  By  the  action  of  nitrous  acid,  it  is  converted  into  a peculiar  oleagin s 
substance  called  palmin,  which  }7ields  palmic  acid  and  glycerin  when  saponif . 
Alkalies  unite  with  castor  oil  forming  soaps,  and  determine  the  formation  f 
three  acids,  the  ricinic,  ricin-oleic,  and  ricino-stearic  acids,  which  can  be  obtai  i 
separate.  Hence  it  has  been  inferred  that  the  oil  consists  of  three  princip , 
for  which  the  names  of  ricin,  ricinolein,  and  ricino-stearin  have  been  propo.-.. 
( Kane  s Chemistry.')  These  principles,  however,  have  not  been  isolated.  .. 
Lefort.  gives  the  formula  C^II^Os  as  representing  the  composition  of  castor !. 
{Journ.  de  Pharm.,  3e  sir.,  xxiii.  348.)  Its  purgative  property  is  supposed;? 
MM.  Bussy  and  Lecanu  to  belong  essentially  to  the  oil  itself,  and  not  to  re.e 
in  any  distinct  principle  which  it  may  hold  in  solution. 

Castor  oil  which  is  acrid  to  the  taste  may  sometimes  be  rendered  mild y 
boiling  it  with  a small  proportion  of  water.  If  turbid,  it  should  be  clarifieoy 
filtration  through  coarse  paper.  On  exposure  to  the  air,  it  is  apt  to  bee'.e 
rancid,  and  is  then  unfit  for  use. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Grood  castor  oil  is  a mild  cathartic,  speed  n 
its  action,  usually  operating  with  little  griping  or  uneasiness,  and  evacuatingie 
contents  of  the  bowels  without  much  increasing  the  alvine  secretions.  Heneit 
is  particularly  applicable  to  cases  of  constipation  from  collections  of  iudur.'d 
feces,  and  to  those  cases  in  which  acrid  substances  have  been  swallowed,  or  aid 
secretions  have  accumulated  in  the  bowels.  From  its  mildness  it  is  also  especily 
adapted  to  diseases  attended  with  irritation  or  inflammation  of  the  bowel  as 
colic,  diarrhoea,  dysentery,  and  enteritis.  It  is  habitually  resorted  to  in  easiof 
pregnant  and  puerperal  women ; and  is  decidedly,  as  a general  rule,  the  st 
and  safest  cathartic  for  children.  Infants  usually  require  a larger  relative  $e 
than  adults,  probably  because  they  digest  a larger  proportion' of  the  oil. 

The  dose  for  an  adult  is  about  a fluidounce,  for  an  infant  from  one  to  threor 
four  fluidrachms.  It  is  sometimes  of  exceedingly  difficult  administration,  ir  so 
much  from  any  peculiarly  disagreeable  taste,  as  from  the  recollection  of  fiver 
nausea,  or  other  uneasiness  which  it  may  have  produced,  and  from  its  clamm 
and  unpleasant  adhesiveness  to  the  mouth.  In  a few  cases,  the  disgust  whi  it 
excites  is  utterly  unconquerable  by  auy  effort  of  resolution.  It  is  desirable,  tire- 
fore,  to  obviate  this  inconvenience  as  far  as  possible  by  the  mode  of  exhibit- 
A common  method  is  to  give  it  floating  on  the  surface  of  mint  or  cinnamon  w?r; 
but  that  which  we  have  found  upon  the  whole  the  least  offensive,  is  to  mix  ititli 
a cup  of  hot  sweetened  coffee,  by  which  it  is  rendered  more  fluid,  and  its  ste 
considerably  disguised.  Some  take  it  in  wine,  or  spirituous  liquors,  or  the  itli 
of  porter;  but  these  are  often  contra-indicated  in  the  cases  to  which  the  mediae 


PitT  I. 


Oleum  Ricini. — Oleum  Rosse. 


517 


is  pplicable.  When  the  stomach  is  unusually  delicate,  the  oil  may  he  made 
in  an  emulsion  with  mucilage  or  the  yolk  of  an  egg,  loaf  sugar,  and  some  aro- 
mic  water.  Tragacanth  has  been  recommended  as  producing  a better  emulsion 
th  1 gum  Arabic.  Laudanum  may  be  added  to  the  mixture  in  cases  of  intestinal 
in.ation.  M.  De  Rudder  proposes  to  give  the  oil  in  the  air-bladders  of  fishes, 
wish  maybe  preserved  in  alcohol  for  the  purpose.  Castor  oil  may  also  be  bene- 
ficlly  used  as  an  enema,  in  the  quantity  of  two  or  three  fluidounces,  mixed  with 
soe  mucilaginous  liquid.  It  has  been  recommended  as  a local  application  to 
th  breasts  of  nursing  women,  to  promote  the  secretiou  of  milk. 

'hough  apt  to  become  rancid  by  itself,  it  loses  much  of  this  susceptibility  when 
med  with  lard;  and  some  apothecaries  are  said  to  use  it  as  a substitute  for 
ole  oil  in  unguents  and  cerates.  But  the  slightly  irritating  properties  of  even 
th  mildest  castor  oil  render  it  unfit  for  those  preparations  which  are  intended 
to  deviate  irritation. 

Iff.  Prep.  Pilulae  Calomelanos  Composite.  W. 

OLEUM  ROS^E.  U.  S.,  Dub. 

Oil  of  Roses. 

he  volatile  oil  of  the  petals  of  Rosa  centifolia.  U.  S.,  Dub. 

fff.  Syn.  ROSiE  OLEUM.  Volatile  oil  of  the  petals  of  Rosa  centifolia.  Ed. 

ee  ROSA  CENTIFOLIA. 

;his  is  commonly  called  attar , otto,  or  essence  of  roses.  It  is  prepared  on  a 
laps  scale  in  Egypt,  Persia,  Cashmere,  India,  and  other  countries  of  the  East, 
byistilling  the  petals  of  the  rose  with  water.  The  oil  concretes  and  floats  upon 
th  surface  of  the  water  when  it  cools.  The  precise  species  of  rose  from  which 
thoil  is  extracted  is  not  in  all  instances  certainly  known;  but  it  is  said  to  be 
ob  ined  from  R.  damascena  in  Northern  India,  R.  moschata  in  Persia,  and  R. 
ce,  folia  (provincial is)  in  the  North  of  European  Turkey.  It  is  furnished  in 
ve  minute  proportion ; not  more  than  three  drachms  having  been  obtained  by 
Conel  Polier,  in  Hindostan,  from  one  hundred  pounds  of  the  petals.  It  is 
us  lly  imported  in  small  bottles,  and  is  very  costly. 

il  of  roses  is  said  to  be  prepared  in  Macedonia  by  crushing  the  petals  in  mills, 
ex  essing  the  fluid  part,  filtering  it,  and  then  exposing  it  to  the  sun  in  small 
glo  vessels.  The  oil  gradually  collects  on  the  surface  of  the  liquid,  and  is 
remved.  (Pharm.  Cent.  Platt,  1847,  p.  783.) 

landerer  states  that,  at  Damascus  and  other  parts  of  Asia  Minor,  the  oil  is 
pr'ared  by  dry  distillation.  The  buds  being  collected  before  sunrise  are  placed 
in  glass  retort;  and  the  distillation  is  effected  by  a salt-water  bath,  care  being 
ta!  n so  to  regulate  the  heat  as  not  to  scorch  the  petals.  The  water  of  the  fresh 
ro, ; and  their  oil  come  over  together,  and  the  latter,  floating  on  the  top,  is  sepa- 
ra  1 in  the  usual  mode.  (See  Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xxiii.  336.) 

il  of  roses  is  nearly  colourless,  or  presents  some  shade  of  green,  yellow,  or 
ref  but,  according  to  Polier,  the  colour  is  no  criterion  of  its  value.  It  is  con- 
crls  below  80°,  and  becomes  liquid  between  84°  and  86°.  Its  odour  is  very 
pc prful  and  diffusive.  At  90°  its  sp.  gr.  is  0'832.  Alcohol  dissolves  it,  though 
nojfreely  when  cold.  It  consists  of  two  oils,  one  liquid,  the  other  concrete  at 
omary  temperatures.  These  may  be  separated  by  freezing  the  oil,  and  com- 
prsing  it  between  folds  of  blotting  paper,  which  absorbs  the  liquid  oil  or  eleop- 
tei , and  leaves  the  concrete  or  stearoptefie.  The  latter  consists  exclusively  of 
ca  an  and  hydrogen ; the  former,  of  these  and  oxygen. 

mdal-wood  oil,  other  volatile  oils,  fixed  oils,  spermaceti,  &c.,  are  said  to  be 
ad  d as  adulterations.  The  volatile  additions  may  be  detected  by  not  being 


518 


Oleum  Sesami. — Oleum  Terebinthinde. 


PART 


cdhcrete;  the  fixed,  by  the  greasy  stain  they  leave  on  paper  when  heated.  Gu 
bourt  has  offered  certain  tests  by  which  he  thinks  the  purity  of  the  oil  may  ] 
determined.  The  reader  may  find  an  account  of  them  in  the  American  Journ 
of  Pharmacy  (xxi.  318).  It  is  said  that  the  oil  of  one  of  the  sweet-scent* 
Pelargoniums,  perhaps  the  rose-geranium,  is  much  employed  in  Turkey  for  tl 
purpose  of  adulteration,  to  which  it  is  adapted  by  its  odour,  and  by  the  circui 
stauce  that  it  concretes  like  the  oil  of  roses.  (AT.  Y.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  i.  47 

Oil  of  roses  may  be  added,  as  a very  grateful  perfume,  to  various  spirituo 
preparations  for  internal  use,  and  to  cerates  and  ointments. 

Off.  Prep.  Aquas  Posse.  AU 

OLEUM  SESAMI.  U.  S.  Secondary . 

Benne  Oil. 

The  oil  of  the  seeds  of  Sesamum  Iudicum  and  Sesamum  orientale.  U.  S. 
See  SESAMI  FOLIA. 

OLEUM  TEREBINTHINDE.  U.  S.,  Dub. 

Oil  of  Turpentine. 

The  volatile  oil  distilled  from  the  turpentine  of  Pinus  palustris  and  oth 
species  of  Pinus.  U.  S.  From  the  turpentine  of  Pinus  sylvestris.  Dub. 

Off.  Syn.  TEREBINTHINAE  OLEUM.  Pinus  palustris,  and  P.  Teed: 
Oil  distilled  from  the  turpentine  and  rectified.  Lond.  ATolatile  oil  of  the  luju 
resinous  exudation  of  various  species  of  Pinus  and  Abies.  Ed. 

Huile  volatile  de  terbbenthine,  Fr.;  Terpentkinol,  Germ.;  Olio  della  trementina,  Ita 
Aceyte  de  trementina,  Span. 

See  TEREBINT  HINA. 

This  oil  is  commonly  called  spirits  or  spirit  of  turpentine.  It  is  prepared  by  d 
filiation  from  our  common  turpentine,  though  equally  afforded  by  other  varied* 
It  may  be  distilled  either  with  or  without  water;  but  in  the  latter  case  a mu 
higher  temperature  is  required,  and  the  product  is  liable  to  be  empyreumat 
To  obtain  it  absolutely  pure  it  should  be  redistilled  from  a solution  of  caus 
potassa.  The  turpentine  of  the  Pinus  palustris  is  said  to  yield  about  17  per  c-ei 
of  oil;  while  the  common  turpentine  of  Europe  affords  24  per  cent.  Lar 
quantities  of  the  oil  are  distilled  in  North  Carolina  for  exportation. 

Pure  oil  of  turpentine  is  perfectly  limpid  and  colourless,  of  a strong,  pei 
trating,  peculiar  odour,  and  a hot,  pungent,  bitterish  taste.  It  is  much  light 
than  water,  having  the  sp.  gr.  0'86  at  72°  F. ; is  highly  volatile  and  inflammah! 
boils  at  a temperature  somewhat  higher  than  300°;  is  very  slightly  soluble  j 
water,  less  soluble  in  alcohol  than  most  other  volatile  oils,  and  readily  soluble 
sulphuric  ether.  Boiling  alcohol  dissolves  it  with  facility,  hut  deposits  most 
the  oil  upon  cooling.  One  hundred  parts  of  alcohol  of  0 84  dissolve  13 ’5  pa: 
of  the  oil  at  72°.  As  found  in  commerce,  it  always  contains  oxygen;  but.wh. 
perfectly  pure,  it  consists  exclusively  of  carbon  and  hydrogen,  and  is  thought' 
be  isomeric  with  the  radical  of  camphor.  Hence  it  has  been  denominated  ca- 
phene.  (See  page  162.)  According  to  Blanchet  and  Sell,  it  consists  of  t1 
distinct  isomeric  oils,  which,  by  the  absorption  of  oxygen,  are  converted  into  t > 
distinct  resins,  corresponding  to  those  found  by  Unverdorben  in  colophon 
(Journ.  de  Pharm.,  xx.  226.)  But  there  is  reason  to  believe  that  these  c> 
are  the  results  of  chemical  reaction;  as,  when  isolated,  they  have  boiling  poi) 
higher  than  that  of  the  original  oil.  Heated  in  close  vessels  to  482°  F.,  oil? 


P IT  I. 


Oleum  Terebinthinse. 


519 


tnentine  undergoes  certain  changes  in  properties,  without  any  discoverable 
clnge  of  composition.  ( Ibid .,  3c  ser.,  xxiv.  428.)  It  absorbs  muriatic  acid, 
fcuing  with  it  two  compounds,  one  a red  dense  liquid,  the  other  a white  crys- 
taine  substance  resembling,  camphor,  and  hence  called  artificial  camphor.  The 
her  consists  of  the  unaltered  oil  (camphene)  combined  with  the  acid,  and  is 
tlrefore  muriate  of  camphene.  In  the  former  the  oil  appears  to  have  under- 
go some  molecular  change,  being  converted  into  an  oil  isomeric  with  the  oil 
oiurpentine,  but  differing  from  it  in  its  action  on  polarized  light,  and  in  form- 
in  a liquid  compound  with  muriatic  acid.  If  the  muriate  of  camphene  be  dis- 
ti  id  with  lime,  the  acid  is  retained,  and  an  oil  comes  over,  differing  from  pure 
oiof  turpentine  in  having  no  action  on  polarized  light,  and  from  the  oil  just 
mitioned  in  forming  a solid  compound  with  muriatic  acid.  These  three  oils 
ai  said  to  be  isomeric.  (Soubeiran  and  Capitaine,  Jonrn.  de  Pharm.,  xxvi.  11.) 
Nric  acid  converts  oil  of  turpentine  into  resin,  and  by  long  boiling  into  turpen- 
ti'c  acid.  Mixed  with  water  and  chloride  of  lime,  and  submitted  to  distillation, 
tl  oil  yields  a liquid  which  M.  Chautard  found  to  be  identical  with  chloroform. 
fiirn.  de  Pharm.,  3e  sdr.,  xxi.  88.)  On  exposure  to  the  air  and  light,  it  de- 
pots a white  solid  matter  in  acic-ular  crystals,  which  are  without  taste  or  smell, 
imluble  in  cold  water,  but  soluble  in  ether  and  alcohol.  (Boissenot,  Journ.  de 
Cim.  Med.,  ii.  143.)  White  crystals  of  stearoptene,  heavier  than  water  and 
fu ble  at  20°,  separate  from  the  oil  at  the  temperature  of  18°  below  zero.  These 
ai  probably  a hydrate  of  the  oil. 

Exposed  to  the  air  the  oil  absorbs  oxygen,  becomes  thicker  and  yellowish,  and 
lcs  much  of  its  activity,  owing  to  the  formation  of  resin.  A small  proportion 
oiormic  acid  is  said  also  to  be  generated.  Hence  the  Edinburgh  College  directs 
a 'ocess  for  the  rectification  of  the  oil,  consisting  in  distilling  it  with  about  four 
insures  of  water.  But  the  process  is  difficult,  in  consequence  of  the  great  in- 
fl; imability  of  the  vapour,  and  its  rapid  formation,  which  causes  the  liquid  to 
b<  over.  In  this  country  it  is  scarcely  necessary;  as  the  recent  oil  can  be  ob- 
ta  ed  at  an  expense  less  than  that  which  would  be  incurred  by  its  redistillation 
on  small  scale.  Another  mode  of  purifying  the  oil  is  to  agitate  it  with  one- 
ehth  of  alcohol,  which  dissolves  the  resinous  portion.  About  one-fifth  of  the 
al  hoi  is  retained  by  the  oil,  but  is  readily  separated  by  agitation  with  water. 

dedical  Properties  and  Uses.  Oil  of  turpentine  is  stimulant,  diuretic,  occa- 
si  ally  diaphoretic,  anthelmintic,  in  large  doses  cathartic,  and  externally  rube- 
fajent.  When  swallowed  in  moderate  quantities  it  produces  a sense  of  warmth 
in  he  stomach,  accelerates  the  circulation,  and  increases  the  heat  of  the  skin, 
w lout  especially  affecting  the  functions  of  the  brain.  In  small  doses,  fre- 
qmtly  repeated,  it  stimulates  the  kidneys,  augmenting  the  secretion  of  urine, 
ai  often  producing,  especially  if  long  continued,  painful  irritation  of  the  urinary 
plages,  amounting  sometimes  to  violent  strangury.  At  the  same  time  it  im- 
pbs  the  odour  of  violets  to  the  urine;  and  this  effect  is  also  produced  by  its 
eternal  application,  or  even  by  breathing  the  air  of  an  apartment  impregnated 
wi  its  vapours.  In  large  doses  it  occasions  slight  vertigo,  or  a sense  of  fulness 
in  he  head,  sometimes  amounting  to  intoxication,  attended  frequently  with 
msea,  and  succeeded  generally,  though  not  always,  by  speedy  and  brisk  ea- 
tb'sis.  When  this  effect  is  experienced,  the  oil  is  carried  out  of  the  bowels, 
ai , no  time  being  allowed  for  absorption,  is  less  apt  to  irritate  the  kidneys  and 
Elder  than  when  taken  in  small  and  repeated  doses.  In  some  constitutions  it 
pi  luces,  even  when  taken  internally,  an  erythematic  eruption  on  the  skin. 
P sons  who  inhale  its  vapour  are  liable  to  strangury  and  even  bloody  urine. 
T author  has  seen  cases  of  hsematuria  in  seamen  from  on  board  vessels  loaded 
w i turpentine. 

'he  oil  is  employed  in  numerous  diseases.  As  a stimulant  it  is  useful  in  low 


520 


Oleum  Terebinthinse. 


PART 


forms  of  fever,  particularly  in  cases  -where  there  is  reason  to  suspect  ulceratio 
of  the  mucous  membranes.  There  is  a particular  state  of  fever  usually  attende 
with  much  clanger,  in  which  we  have  found  this  remedy  almost  uniformly  su> 
cessful.  The  condition  of  things  alluded  to,  is  one  which  occurs  in  the  latte 
stages  of  typhoid  fever,  or  lingering  remittents,  in  which  the  tongue,  bavin 
more  or  less  completely  thrown  off  its  load  of  fur  in  patches,  has  suddenly  b 
come  dry  and  brownish.  The  skin  is  at  the  same  time  dry,  the  bowels  distende 
with  flatus,  and  the  patient  sometimes  affected  with  stupor  or  delirium.  Unfit 
the  use  of  small  doses  of  oil  of  turpentine  frequently  repeated,  the  tongue  become 
moist  and  again  coated,  the  tympanitic  state  of  the  bowels  disappears,  and  tb 
patient  goes  on  to  recover  as  in  a favourable  case  of  fever.  We  have  also  foun 
it  extremely  useful  in  the  advanced  stages  of  typhoid  fever  when  the  tongue : 
dry,  independently  of  the  special  condition  referred  to ; and  are  disposed  t 
ascribe  the  effect  to  a healthy  change  produced  by  the  oil  in  the  ulcerated  surfat 
of  the  intestines.  The  medicine  has  been  recommended  as  a counter-irritant! 
yellow  and  puerperal  fevers;  and  may  undoubtedly  be  given  with  advantage  i 
the  latter  stages  of  these  diseases,  and  in  other  instances  of  gastric  and  enteri 
inflammations,  which  require  a resort  to  stimulation.  In  chronic  rheumatisn 
particularly  sciatica  and  lumbago,  the  oil  has  often  been  given  with  great  benefi 
It  has  also  been  much  extolled  as  a remedy  in  neuralgia,  in  epilepsy  and  tetanu 
in  passive  hemorrhages,  particularly  from  the  bowels,  in  disordered  conditioi 
of  the  alimentary  canal  attended  with  sallow  countenance,  foul  tongue,  tumi 
abdomen,  sour  or  fetid  eructations,  and  general  depravation  of  health,  in  ol 
structions  of  the  bowels,  in  chronic  dysentery  and  diarrhoea,  in  obstinate  glee 
and  leucorrboea,  in  suppression  of  urine  and  retention  and  incontinence  of  uric 
from  debility,  and  in  chronic  nephritic  and  calculous  affections.  In  certain  cast 
of  dysentery  whether  acute  or  chronic,  when  the  tongue  is  quite  dry,  and  smoot 
as  if  from  defect  of  the  papillary  structure,  no  remedy  has  proved  so  efficient  i 
our  hands  as  oil  of  turpentine.  We  have  seen  it  also  very  beneficial  in  haem' 
ptysis.  As  a vermifuge  it  is  highly  esteemed,  especially  in  cases  of  taenia, 
appears,  by  its  poisonous  operation,  to  destroy  or  debilitate  the  worm,  whicl 
losing  its  hold  upon  the  bowels,  is  then  easily  discharged.  In  cases  of  worms  i 
the  stomach  it  is  often  very  useful.  The  worms,  in  this  instance,  are  destroye 
and  digested  as  any  other  dead  animal  matter.  In  dropsies  with  feeble  actic 
the  oil  may  sometimes  be  advantageously  given  as  a diuretic;  and  in  ameno 
rhcea  from  torpor  of  the  uterine  vessels  it  is  occasionally  useful.  As  a local  stinr 
lant  or  carminative  it  may  be  given  beneficially  in  some  instances  of  flatulei 
colic,  and  gout  in  the  stomach. 

The  dose  for  ordinary  purposes  is  from  five  to  thirty  drops,  repeated  every  hoi 
or  two  in  acute,  and  three  or  four  times  a day  in  chronic  diseases.  In  rheum 
tism  it  is  recommended  by  some  in  the  dose  of  a fluidrachm  every  four  hour 
As  a remedy  for  the  tape- worm  it  is  given  in  the  quantity'  of  one  or  two  flui- 
ounces,  and  should  be  followed  by  castor  oil  if  it  do  not  operate  in  three  nr  foi 
hours.  It  has  also  proved  successful  in  taenia  in  the  dose  of  half  a drachm,  twi 
a day,  continued  for  a considerable  time.  In  ordinary  cases  of  worms,  the  usu 
dose  may  be  given.  It  may  be  administered  on  sugar,  or  in  emulsion  with  gu 
Arabic,  loaf  sugar,  and  cinnamon  or  mint  water. 

In  the  form  of  enema,  the  oil  has  been  employed  in  amenorrhoea,  and  to  pr 
mote  uterine  contraction  in  child-birth,  and  is  highly'  useful  in  cases  of  ascarifie 
obstinate  constipation,  and  distension  of  the  bowels  from  accumulation  of  ai 
No  remedy  is  more  effectual  in  tympanites  than  injections  of  the  oil  of  turpe 
tine.  From  half  a fluidounce  to  two  fluidounces  may  be  administered  in  tl 
way,  suspended  by  the  yolk  of  eggs  in  half  a pint  or  a pint  of  water,  or  son 
mucilaginous  fluid. 


PAT  I. 


521 


Oleum  Terebinthinae. — Oleum  Tiglii. 

ixternally  applied,  the  oil  of  turpentine  irritates  and  speedily  inflames  the 
sk  ; and,  in  low  forms  of  fever  with  coldness  of  the  surface,  is  when  heated 
on  of  the  most  efficacious  rubefacients.  It  is  also  used  as  a liniment  in  rheu- 
rmic  and  paralytic  affections,  and  various  internal  inflammations.  It  should 
ge;rally,  in  mild  cases,  be  diluted  with  olive  oil;  and  in  some  constitutions, 
evi  in  this  state,  produces  such  violent  inflammation  of  the  skin,  with  extensive 
entions,  as  to  render  its  external  use  in  any  shape  improper.  Mixed  with 
soe  mild  oil  and  introduced  on  cotton  into  the  ear,  it  is  sometimes  beneficial 
in  eafness  arising  from  a deficient  or  unhealthy  secretion  of  wax.  Applied  to 
rent  burns,  it  is  thought  by  some  to  be  highly  useful  in  allaying  the  burning 
pa , and  promoting  a disposition  to  heal.  For  this  purpose,  however,  it  is 
usilly  mixed  with  the  resin  cerate  ( basilicon  ointment),  so  as  to  form  a liniment 
ea  ble  of  being  spread  upon  linen  rags.  (See  Linimentum  Terebinthinae.)* 

il  of  turpentine  has  been  recommended  in  the  form  of  bath,  in  affections  in 
wbh  its  constitutional  impression  is  desired.  For  this  purpose  Dr.  T.  Smith, 
of  Ibeltenham,  England,  employs  from  five  to  ten  fluidounces  of  the  oil,  with 
ha  a fluidounce  of  the  oil  of  rosemary,  and  two  pounds  of  carbonate  of  soda  in 
ea  bath.  The  breath  becomes  strongly  impregnated  with  the  terebinthinate 
odir.  (Braithwaite’s  Retrospect,  xxi.  355.)  Baths  of  the  vapour  of  turpentine 
ar>  stated  to  be  very  beneficial  in  chronic  rheumatism.  They  are  said  to  be 
bo  e well,  for  twenty-five  minutes,  at  a temperature  from  140°  to  160°  F. 
Cell.  Gen.,  4e  ser.,  xxviii.  80.) 

Iff.  Prep.  Confectio  Terebinthinae;  Emplastrum  Hydrargyri;  Enema  Tere- 
biihinae;  Linimentum  Cantharidis ; Linimentum  Crotonis  ; Linimentum  Tere- 
biihinae;  Oleum  Terebinthinae  Purificatum.  W. 

OLEUM  TIGLII.  U.  S. 

Croton  Oil. 

he  oil  of  the  seeds  of  Croton  Tiglium.  U.  S. 

iff.  Syn.  TIGLII  OLEUM.  Croton  Tiglium.  Oil  expressed  from  the  seeds. 
Led.;  CROTONIS  OLEUM.  Expressed  oil  of  the  seeds  of  Croton  Tiglium. 
E< ; CROTON  OIL.  Croton  Tiglium.  The  expressed  oil  of  the  seeds.  Dub. 

uile  de  Croton,  Fr.;  Crotonol,  Germ.;  Nervalum  unnay,  Tamool. 

ioton.  See  Casc-arilla. 

roton  Tiglium.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  iv.  543  ; Woodv.  Med.  Bot.  3d  cd.,  vol. 
5,  71.  This  species  of  Croton  is  a small  tree  or  shrub,  with  a few  spreading 
bnehes,  bearing  alternate  petiolate  leaves,  which  are  ovate,  acuminate,  serrate, 
sm  ith,  of  a dark -green  colour  on  the  upper  surface,  paler  beneath,  and  furnished 
wi  two  glands  at  the  base.  The  flowers  are  in  erect  terminal  racemes,  scarcely 
as  ng  as  the  leaf — the  lower  being  female,  the  upper  male,  with  straw-coloured 
pe  s.  The  fruit  is  a smooth  capsule,  about  tbe  size  of  a filbert,  with  three 
cel,  each  containing  a single  seed. 

ae  tree  is  a native  of  Hindostan,  Ceylon,  the  Moluccas,  and  other  parts  of 
cor  nental  and  insular  India.  It  is  pervaded  throughout  by  an  acrid  purgative 
pruple,  which  is  probably  analogous  to  that  found  in  other  plants  belonging 
to  ,e  family  of  Euphorbiacese.  Rumphius  says  that  the  root  is  employed  in 
A)  loyna,  in  the  dose  of  a few  grains,  as  a drastic  purge  in  dropsy ; and,  ae- 

’ Che  following  is  the  formula  adopted  by  the  Philadelphia  College  of  Pharmacy  for 
thf  ireparation  of  the  rubefacient  liniment,  so  much  sold  under  the  name  of  British  oil. 
R.  dei  Terebinth,  f^viij,  Olei  Liui  fijviij,  Olei  Succini  fijiv,  Olei  Juniperi  f'^iv,  Petrolei 
ha  idensis  fgiij,  Petrolei  Americani  (Seneca  oil)  fSj.  Misce.  (Journ.  of  the  Phil.  Col.  of 
Than.,  v.  29.) 


522 


Oleum  Tiglii. 


PART  : 


cording  to  the  same  author,  the  leaves  are  so  acrid  that,  when  chewed  and  swa 
lowed,  they  excite  inflammation  in  the  lips,  mouth,  throat,  and  along  the  whoi 
course  of  the  alimentary  canal.  The  wood  is  said  in  small  doses  to  be  diapli. 
retie,  in  larger,  purgative  and  emetic.  But  the  seeds  are  the  most  active  portic 
of  the  plant.  These  have  been  long  employed  in  India  as  a powerful  purgativ 
and  were  introduced  so  early  as  the  year  1630  into  Europe,  where  they  we; 
known  by  the  names  of  Grana  Molucca  and  Grana  Tiglia.  But  in  consequent 
of  their  violent  effects  they  passed  into  neglect,  and  had  ceased  to  be  ranke 
among  medicines,  when,  at  a recent  period,  attention  was  again  called  to  the 
by  the  writings  of  some  English  physicians  in  India.  They  are  now  imporU 
for  the  sake  of  their  oil,  which  is  the  only  product  of  the  plant  considered  officina 

These  seeds  are  rather  larger  than  a grain  of  coffee,  of  an  oblong  form,  roundt 
at  the  extremities,  with  two  faces,  the  external  considerably  more  convex  the 
the  internal,  separated  from  each  other  by  longitudinal  ridges,  and  each  divide 
by  a similar  longitudinal  ridge,  so  that  the  whole  seed  presents  an  irregul 
quadrangular  figure.  Sometimes,  as  in  the  grain  of  coffee,  their  internal  surfa 
is  flat  with  a longitudinal  groove,  owing  to  the  presence  of  only  two  seeds  in  tl 
capsule,  the  groove  being  produced  by  the  central  column  or  axis.  The  sh( 
is  covered  with  a soft  yellowish-brown  epidermis,  beneath  which  the  surface 
black  and  smooth ; and,  as  the  epidermis  is  often  partially  removed  by  fricti< 
during  their  carriage,  the  seeds  as  they  come  to  us  are  frequently  of  a mottled  a 
pearance,  and  sometimes  nearly  black.  The  kernel  or  nucleus  is  of  a yellowis 
brown  colour,  and  abounds  in  oil.  In  India  the  seeds  are  prepared  for  use  1 
submitting  them  to  slight  torrefaction,  by  which  the  shell  is  rendered  moreeasi 
separable.  In  the  dose  of  one  or  two  grains  the  kernel  purges  with  great  activit 

The  oil  is  obtained  by  expression  from  the  seeds,  previously  deprived  of  f 
shell.  It  may  also  be  separated  by  decoction  in  water,  or  by  the  action  of  etlu 
which  dissolves  the  oil,  and  leaves  it  behind  when  evaporated.  Guibourt  recoi 
mends,  after  the  first  expression,  to  digest  the  residue  with  alcohol  at  a tei 
perature  of  120°  to  140°  F.,  and  then  submit  it  to  a new  expression.  T 
alcohol  is  to  be  separated  by  distillation  from  the  oil,  which  is  then  to  be  mix 
with  the  first  product.  According  to  Dr.  Nimmo,  the  seeds  consist  of  64  pai 
of  kernel,  and  36  of  envelope  in  the  hundred.  From  the  seeds  imported  in 
England,  about  22  per  cent,  of  oil  is  obtained  by  simple  expression.  Guibou 
by  his  process,  obtained  52  per  cent,  from  the  kernels,  equivalent  to  about 
per  cent,  of  the  seeds.  Croton  seeds  yielded  to  Braudes  upon  analysis,  inf 
pendeutly  of  the  shell,  traces  of  a volatile  oil,  fixed  oil,  a peculiar  fatty  a< 
called  crotonic  acid,  an  alkaloid  which  he  called  erotonin,  resin,  stearin,  w; 
extractive,  sugar,  starch,  gum,  albumen,  gluten,  lignin,  and  salts.  The  crotoi 
has  been  subsequently  found  to  be  nothing  more  than  a magnesian  soap  with 
alkaline  reaction.  The  crotonic  acid  is  the  most  interesting  ingredient,  is  thouj. 
to  be  the  active  principle  of  the  seeds,  and  is  separated  along  with  the  oil  i 
expression.  It  may  be  obtained  by  treating  the  oil  with  solution  of  potas, 
decomposing  the  resulting  soap  by  tartaric  acid,  filtering  and  distilling  the  so- 
tion,  neutralizing  the  product  with  baryta  water,  evaporating  to  dryness,  deco- 
posing  the  salt  of  baryta  with  strong  phosphoric  acid,  and  again  distillii- 
( Christison’s  Dispensatory.')  The  acid  solidifies  at  23°  F.,  is  highly  volatile,  k 
a verjf  acrid  taste,  is  very  irritating  to  the  nostrils,  and  forms  salts  with  alkal: 
bases  called  crotonates.  It  is  this  principle,  probably,  which  causes  the  dt 
and  exhalation  from  the  croton  seeds  sometimes  to  excite  excessive  irritation! 
the  mucous  surfaces  of  those  who  prepare  them  for  expression,  or  otkerve 
work  among  them. 

Properties.  Croton  oil,  as  found  in  the  shops,  varies  from  a pale  yellow  ta 
dark  reddish-brown.  That  imported  from  India  is  usually  pale,  that  expressed 


P.IT  I. 


523 


Oleum  Tiglii. 

E'ope  dark  like  the  deepest  coloured  sherry.  Its  consistence  is  rather  viscid, 
ar  is  increased  by  time.  Its  smell  is  faint,  but  peculiar,  its  taste  hot  and  acrid, 
lefing  in  the  mouth  a disagreeable  sensation  which  continues  for  many  hours. 
T oil  is  wholly  soluble  in  sulphuric  ether  and  oil  of  turpentine.  Its  relations 
tmure  alcohol  differ  somewhat  with  the  variety  of  the  oil.  That  obtained  by 
eiression  in  England  is  wholly  and  readily  soluble,  forming  a solution  which  is 
penauent  at  ordinary  temperatures;  while  the  India  or  pale  oil  forms  an  opaque 
m ture,  which  becomes  clear  and  uniform  upon  being  heated,  but  separates  on 
st  ding  into  two  portions,  one  consisting  of  alcohol  somewhat  diminished  in 
bu,  the  other  of  the  oil  correspondingly  increased  in  bulk  by  retaining  a por- 
tii  of  the  alcohol.  It  is  probable  that  the  difference  in  colour,  and  in  their 
retions  to  alcohol,  between  the  India  and  English  oils,  is  owing  to  a change  in 
tkkeruels  from  being  kept. 

ome  croton  oil  examined  by  M.  Dublanc,  of  Paris,  when  agitated  with  ten  times 
itweight  of  alcohol,  was  separated  into  two  parts,  one  of  which  amounting  to  6 
peicent.  was  dissolved  by  the  alcohol,  the  other  remained  undissolved,  but  re- 
taed  50  per  cent,  of  alcohol.  The  latter,  upon  being  repeatedly  treated  with 
al hoi,  lost  all  its  acrimony;  while  the  portion  dissolved  was  extremely  acrid. 
Fun  these  observations  it  would  appear  that  the  acrid  and  probably  active  prin- 
c-i  ? of  the  oil  is  dissolved  by  the  alcohol;  while  a bland  fixed  oil,  which  con- 
states the  chief  part  of  it,  is  not  taken  up  by  that  liquid.  (See  Am  Juurn.  of 
Ppm.,  xxv.  56.)  It  is  difficult  to  reconcile  the  different  results  here  stated, 
wiiout  supposing  that  different  kinds  of  oil  were  employed. 

t is  thought  that  croton  oil  is  often  adulterated  with  other  fixed  oils.  The 
Enburgh  College  gives  the  following  test  of  its  purity.  “ When  agitated  with 
imwn  volume  of  pure  alcohol  and  gently  heated,  it  separates  on  standing,  with- 
ou having  undergone  any  apparent  diminution.”  This,  however,  is  not  true  of 
th  oil  expressed  in  England.  The  test  was  intended  to  detect  the  presence  of 
c-aDr  oil,  which  would  be  dissolved  by  the  alcohol,  and  thus  occasion  a diminu- 
tic  of  the  bulk. 

Fe  were  told  by  the  late  Dr.  M.  Burrough,  who  was  for  some  time  in  India,  that 
m h of  the  oil  there  prepared  for  exportation,  under  the  name  of  croton  oil,  is 
deved  from  the  seeds  of  a plant  different  from  the  Croton  Tiglium.  From  a 
pa  el  of  these  seeds  presented  to  him  by  Dr.  Burrough,  Dr.  K.  E.  Griffith  pro- 
du  d a plant  which  proved  to  be  the  Jatropha  Cureas,  the  seeds  of  which  are 
knvn  by  the  name  of  Barbcidoes  nuts.  (See  Tapioca .)  This  oil,  though  weaker 
th;  the  genuine,  was  said  by  Dr.  Burrough  to  be  an  efficient  cathartic  in  the 
do:  of  three  or  four  drops.  It  is  stated  by  Dr.  Hamilton  that  croton  seeds  are 
aff  ded  by  the  Groton  Pavana,  growing  in  Ava  and  the  Eastern  parts  of  Bengal; 
an  it  is  highly  probable  that  a portion  of  the  croton  oil  of  commerce  is  obtained 
frc;  these  seeds.  ( Trans . Lin.  Soc.,  xiv.  257.)  These  facts  may  explain  some 
ofie  discrepancies  in  reference  to  the  effects  of  alcohol  above  mentioned. 

edical  Properties  and  Uses.  Croton  oil  is  a powerful  hydragogue  purgative, 
ac  .ig,  for  the  most  part,  when  given  in  moderate  doses,  with  ease  to  the  patient, 
buin  large  doses  apt  to  excite  vomiting  and  severe  griping  pain,  and  capable, 
if  imoderately  taken,  of  producing  fatal  effects.  It  acts  with  great  rapidity, 
frerently  evacuating  the  bowels  in  less  than  an  hour,  and  generally  exciting  a 
ru,  fling  sensation  in  half  that  period.  It  possesses  also  great  advantage  in  the 
mi  iteness  of  the  dose,  on  account  of  which  it  may  frequently  be  given  when 
we  hould  fail  with  more  bulky  medicines,  as  in  mania,  coma,  and  the  cases  of 
ch  :ren.  A drop  placed  on  the  tongue  of  a comatose  patient  will  generally 
op  ite.  Though  long  used  in  India,  and  known  more  than  a century  ago  to  the 
Di  h physicians,  it  did  not  attract  general  notice  till  about  1820,  when  it  was 
ml  duced  into  England  by  Mr.  Conwell.  It  is  chiefly  employed  in  cases  of  ob- 


524 


Oleum  Tiglii. — Opium. 


PARI 


stinate  constipation,  in  which  it  often  produces  the  happiest  effects  after  the  failu: 
of  other  medicines ; but  it  may  also  be  advantageously  employed  in  almost  all  casi 
in  which  powerful  and  speedy  purging  is  demanded.  Dropsy,  apoplexy,  mani 
and  visceral  obstructions,  are  among  the  complaints  in  which  it  has  been  partic- 
larly  recommended.  It  has  recently  been  employed  with  great  asserted  benel 
in  neuralgia,  epilepsy,  and  spasm  of  the  glottis,  and  has  been  supposed  to  ha' 
powers  in  these  affections  independent  of  its  purgative  property.  The  see< 
are  said  to  have  been  used  with  great  success  in  India  in  amenorrhoea.  Applie 
externally,  the  oil  produces  inflammation  of  the  skin,  attended  with  a pustul; 
eruption,  and  has  been  used  in  this  way  in  rheumatism,  gout,  neuralgia,  glandul 
and  other  indolent  swellings,  and  in  laryngeal  and  pulmonary  diseases.  It  shou 
be  diluted  with  three  parts  of  olive  oil,  soap  liniment,  oil  of  turpentine,  or  oth 
convenient  vehicle,  and  applied  as  a liniment  twice  or  oftener  in  the  twenty-fo- 
hours.  Sometimes  the  insusceptibility  of  the  skin  is  such  as  to  require  its  a 
plication  undiluted.  For  further  information  on  this  subject  the  reader  is  referr 
to  the  Amer.  Journ.  of  Med.  Sciences,  xv.  240.  The  oil  may  also  be  appli 
externally,  in  the  form  of  a plaster,  made  by  incorporating  one  part  of  it  wi 
four  parts  of  lead  plaster  melted  by  a very  gentle  heat.  Sometimes  it  aj)pea 
to  produce  inflammation  in  parts  distant  from  those  to  which  it  was  directly  a 
plied.  It  has  been  said  that  four  drops  of  the  oil,  applied  externally  by  fricti- 
around  the  umbilicus,  will  produce  a purgative  effect  ; but  this  is  denied  by  I 
Barlai,  of  Tuscany,  who  states  that  it  is  only  when  the  oil  is  applied  to  the  sk 
divested  of  the  cuticle  that  it  will  operate  upon  the  bowels.  (See  Journ. 
Pharm.,  3e  sir.,  xx.  298.) 

The  dose  for  an  adult  is  one  or  two  drops,  and  is  most  conveniently  administer 
in  the  form  of  pill.  Avery  safe  and  convenient  plan  is  to  make  two  drops  in 
four  pills  with  crumb  of  bread,  and  to  give  one  every  hour  till  they  operate.  T 
oil  may  also  be  given  in  emulsion.  The  form  of  tincture  may  be  advantageous 
resorted  to  when  a minute  quantity  of  the  medicine  is  required;  as  it  affords  t 
means  of  readily  dividing  the  dose. 

Off.  Prep.  Linimentum  Crotonis.  W. 


OPIUM.  U.  S.,  Loud.,  Ed.,  Dub. 

Opium. 

The  concrete  juice  of  the  unripe  capsules  of  Papaver  somniferum.  U.  S., 
Pub.  Juice  emitted  from  the  unripe  incised  fruit,  hardened  in  the  air.  Lo>. 

Opium,  Fr.;  Opium,  Mohnsaft,  Germ.;  Oppio,  Ital.;  Opio,  Span.;  Affioni,  Turk.;  Ufyo, 
Arab.;  Sheerikhaskash,  Persian;  Ufeem,  Hindoo. 

Papaver.  Sex.  Syst.  Polyandria  Monogynia. — JVat.  Ord.  Papaveracese. 

Gen.  Ch.  Corolla  four-petaled.  Calyx  two-leaved.  Capsule  one-eelled,  op- 
ing by  pores  under  the  persistent  stigma.  Willd. 

Opium  is  at  present  generally  believed  to  be  derived  exclusively  from  3 
Papaver  somniferum  ; though  every  species  of  poppy  is  capable  of  yielding 
to  a greater  or  less  extent,  and  some  authors  have  indicated  the  Papaver  on- 
tale  as  its  real  source.  The  British  and  French  Pharmacopoeias  unite  with  r 
own  in  recognising  only  the  first-mentioned  species. 

Papaver  somniferum.  Willd.  Sp. Plant,  ii.  1147;  Woodv.  Med.  Bot.  p.  o > 
t.  138.  There  are  several  varieties  of  this  species,  of  which  the  two  most  im- 
minent are  distinguished  by  the  titles  of  the  white  and  black  poppy,  derived  fin 
the  colour  of  their  seeds.  It  is  the  former  which  is  usually  described  as  « 
proper  opium  plant.  The  white  poppy  is  an  annual  plant,  with  a round,  smot-, 
erect,  glaucous,  often  branching  stem,  rising  two  or  three  feet  in  height,  d 


P ilT  I. 


525 


Opium. 

saetimes  attaining  five  or  even  six  feet  in  favourable  situations.  The  leaves 
ai  large,  variously  lobed  and  toothed,  and  alternately  disposed  upon  the  stem, 
wicli  they  closely  embrace.  The  flowers  are  terminal,  very  large,  and  of  a white 
otsilver  gray  colour.  In  India  they  appear  in  February,  in  Europe  and  the 
L'ited  States  not  earlier  than  June,  July,  or  August.  The  calyx  is  smooth, 
a|  composed  of  two  leaves,  which  fall  when  the  petals  expand.  These  are 
u.ally  four  in  number;  but  there  is  a variety  in  which  the  flower  is  double. 
T?  germen,  which  is  smooth  and  globular,  supports  a radiated  stigma,  and  is 
sirounded  by  numerous  short  and  slender  filaments,  with  erect,  oblong,  com- 
posed anthers.  The  capsule  is  smooth  and  glaucous,  of  a rounded  shape,  from 
tv  to  four  inches  in  diameter,  somewhat  flattened  at  the  top  and  bottom,  and 
owned  with  the  persistent  stigma,  the  diverging  segments  of  which  are  arranged 
ill  circle  upon  the  summit.  It  contains  numerous  minute  white  seeds,  which, 
k;h  perfectly  ripe,  escape  through  small  openings  beneath  the  stigma.  In  the 
hick  poppy,  the  flower,  though  sometimes  white,  is  usually  violet  coloured  or 
re,  the  capsule  is  somewhat  smaller  and  more  globular,  and  the  seeds  are  of  a 
b:wn  or  blackish  colour. 

11^ parts  of  the  poppy  contain  a white,  opaque,  narcotic  juice;  but  the  leaves, 
w2n  analyzed  by  M.  Blondeau,  yielded  none  of  those  active  principles  by  which 
0]am  is  characterized.  ( Journ . de  Pharm.,  vii.  214.)  It  is  in  the  capsule  that 
tl  juice  most  abounds,  and  the  virtues  of  the  plant  chiefly  reside.  Hence 
tli  part  is  sometimes  employed  medicinally.  (See  Papaver .)  The  seeds  are 
dtitute  of  narcotic  properties,  and  are  even  used  as  food  in  many  parts  of  the 
wld.  The  Romans  employed  them  in  the  preparation  of  various  dainties. 
T;y  abound  with  a bland  oil,  which  may  be  extracted  by  expression,  and  has 
up  of  the  useful  properties  of  olive  oil.  It  is  an  article  of  much  importance 
o4he  continent  of  Europe,  particularly  in  France,  in  the  northern  departments 
owhich  the  black  poppy  is  very  extensively  cultivated  for  the  seed  alone.  The 
o:  is  employed  for  culinary  and  pharmaceutic  purposes,  in  painting,  and  the 
nnufacture  of  soap,  and  in  other  ways  as  a substitute  for  olive  oil,  which  is 
Si l to  be  frequently  adulterated  with  it.  The  poppy  does  not  appear  to  elabo- 
r;  i the  milky  fluid  in  which  its  narcotic  properties  reside,  before  a certain  period 
o ts  growth ; for  we  are  told  that,  in  Persia,  the  young  plants  which  are  pulled 
u to  prevent  too  thick  a crop  are  used  as  pot-herbs;  and  the  firjxuv  of  the  Greeks, 
w ch  is  believed  to  be  identical  with  the  Papaver  somniferum,  is  said  by  Hip- 
p rates  to  be  nutritive. 

Ihough  generally  believed  to  be  a native  of  Asia,  this  species  of  poppy  grows 
w 1 in  the  South  of  Europe,  and  even  in  England,  whither  its  seeds  are  sup- 
ped  to  have  been  brought  at  a very  early  period.  It  was  cultivated  by  the 
avient  Greeks,  and  is  mentioned  by  Homer  as  a garden  plant.  It  is  at  present 
cyivated  very  extensively  in  India,  Persia,  Egypt,  and  Asiatic  Turkey,  for 
oflim;  and  in  several  parts  of  Europe,  especially  in  France,  not  only  for  this 
p duct,  but  also  for  the  seed  and  capsules.  In  this  country  it  is  found  only  in 
oj  gardens  as  an  ornamental  flower. 

’he  process  for  procuring  opium  from  the  poppy,  as  practised  by  the  modern 
h abitants  of  India  and  Persia,  according  to  the  reports  of  Kerr  and  of  Kcempfer, 
isery  nearly  the  same  with  that  described  by  Dioscorides  as  employed  in  his 
o]i  times,  about  eighteen  hundred  years  since;  and  the  accounts  of  Belon, 
Grier,  and  Texier,  as  to  the  modes  of  collection  in  Asia  Minor,  are  not  mat-e- 
ri  ly  different.  As  the  capsules  abound  most  in  the  narcotic  juice,  it  is  from 
tljse  that  the  opium  is  procured.  According  to  Texier,  a few  days  after  the 
ft  of  the  flower,  men  and  women  proceed  to  the  fields,  and  make  horizontal 
it  sions  in  the  capsule,  taking  care  not  to  penetrate  its  cavity.  A white  juice 
e des,  aijd  appears  in  the  form  of  tears  upon  the  edges  of  the  incisions.  The 


526 


Opium. 


PART 


field  is  left  in  this  state  for  twenty-four  hours,  after  which  the  juice  is  scrapf 
off  by  means  of  large  blunt  knives.  A portion  of  the  epidermis  of  the  eapsu 
is  also  removed,  and  constitutes  about  one-twelfth  of  the  whole  product.  Eat 
poppy-head  affords  opium  but  once.  Thus  collected,  the  opium  is  in  the  sta 
of  an  adhesive  and  granular  jelly.  It  is  placed  in  small  earthen  vessels,  whe 
it  is  beaten,  and  at  the  same  time  moistened  with  saliva.  When  of  a prop' 
consistence,  it  is  wrapped  in  leaves  and  sent  into  the  market.  ( Journ . de  Phan 
xxi.  196.)  Considerable  quantities  of  good  opium  have  been  obtained  in  En 
land  by  scarifying  the  capsules  of  the  poppy.*  Similar  success  has  been  m 
with  in  France;  and  the  drug  obtained  by  incisions,  in  both  countries,  has  bee 
found  nearly  if  not  quite  equal  to  that  imported  from  the  East.  In  the  D> 
tionnaire  des  Drogues  it  is  stated  that  a specimen  of  opium,  collected  in  tb 
way  in  the  vicinity  of  Provins,  gave  sixteen  per  cent,  of  the  active  prineipl 
while  a good  commercial  specimen,  examined  by  M.  Petit,  afforded  only  eig 
per  cent. 

Another  method  of  extracting  the  virtues  of  the  capsules  is  to  select  such 
have  ceased  to  yield  their  juice  by  exudation,  to  beat  them  with  a small  propc 
tion  of  water,  and  inspissate  the  liquid  thus  obtained  by  artificial  heat*  T1 
ancient  Greeks  were  acquainted  with  both  processes,  as  appears  from  the  writin: 
of  Bioscorides.  The  term  omov,  derived  from  0,105,  juice,  they  applied  to  ti 
substance  procured  by  incisions,  which  answers  precisely  to  the  modern  opiut 
The  inspissated  expressed  juice  they  called  p^xunov,  from  p^xuv,  the  name 
the  plant.  Tournefort  states  that  it  is  the  latter  preparation  which  is  export' 
from  Turkey  as  opium,  the  former  being  much  more  valuable,  and  theref" 
retained  in  the  country  for  the  use  of  the  great  and  wealthy.  This  error  h 
been  copied  by  many  writers  on  the  materia  medic-a  ; and,  till  within  a compar 
tively  few  years,  opium  was  generally  believed  to  be  an  extract  obtained  1 
evaporating  either  the  expressed  juice,  or  a decoction  of  the  capsules. 

Commercial  History.  Commerce  is  supplied  with  opium  chiefly  from  Hi 
dostan,  Persia,  Egypt,  and  the  Asiatic  dominions  of  Turkey.  Immense  qua 
tities  are  produced  in  the  Indian  provinces  of  Bahar  and  Benares,  and  in  ti 
more  interior  province  of  Malwa.  The  opium  of  Hindostan  is  distributed  e 

* So  early  as  the  year  1790,  a premium  was  awarded  by  the  Society  for  the  Encourag 
meat  of  Arts,  to  Mr.  Ball,  for  a specimen  of  British  opium ; and  in  1823,  Messrs.  Cowl 
and  Stains  collected  196  pounds,  which  sold  for  nearly  seven  dollars  a pound,  from  lit' 
more  than  twelve  acres  of  land.  This  product,  however,  was  by  no  means  equal  to  tli 
obtained  in  Scotland  by  Mr.  John  Young.  From  one  acre  of  ground  planted  with  poppi 
and  potatoes,  he  procured  fifty-six  pounds  of  opium,  valued  at  450  dollars,  while  the  win 
expense  was  more  than  repaid  by  the  potatoes,  and  the  oil  expressed  from  the  seeds.  F 
papers  on  the  subject  of  the  cultivation  of  the  poppy  in  England,  see  Edin.  Philo  soph.  Jour. 
vol.  i.  p.  258,  and  the  Quarterly  Journal  of  Science,  vol.  iv.  p.  69. 

M.  Aubergier  lias  cultivated  opium  in  France,  with  encouraging  results.  Instead  of  alio 
ing  the  juice  after  the  incision  to  inspissate  on  the  capsule,  he  collected  it  immediately,  a 
dried  it  by  artificial  heat.  One  workman  collected  in  a day  300  grammes  (9  04  troy  ounce 
of  juice,  which  yielded  one-quarter  of  its  weight  of  opium.  The  product  differed  iu  serene 
very  greatly,  according  to  the  variety  of  poppy  used;  the  yield  of  morphia  having  vari 
from  3 to  17-8  per  cent.  He  gives  the  preference  to  the  purple  poppy.  (Ann.  de  Thera, 
A.  D.  1852,  p.  29.)  See  also  the  same  work  (A.  1).  1853.  p.  1)  for  an  elaborate  report 
M.  Aubergier’s  Memoir,  by  a committee  consisting  of  MM.  Bayer,  Orfila,  and  others. 

In  Armenia,  where  opium  is  largely  produced,  four  varieties  of  seeds  are  used,  t 
white,  yellow,  black,  and  sky-blue.  The  flower  produced  by  the  white  seeds  is  wki 
that  by  the  yellow  is  red,  that  by  the  black  is  black,  and  that  by  the  sky-blue,  is  de 
purple.  The  white  and  sky-blue  seeds  yield  large  somewhat  oblong  capsules,  likecitrc 
in  shape  ; the  yellow'  and  black,  small  and  round  capsules.  For  an  extent  of  grou 
forty  paces  square,  forty  drachms  of  seeds  are  required.  Each  head  yields  about  a gri 
of  opium.  The  operators,  not  accustomed  to  the  work,  are  apt  to  become  intoxicated 
stupefied  during  the  period  of  harvest.  (Gaultier  de  Claubry,  Journ.  de  Phurm.,  3e  it 
xiii.  105.) 


P.tT  I. 


527 


Opium. 

teiively  through  continental  and  insular  India,  where  it  is  habitually  employed 
in  he  place  of  spirituous  liquors.  Great  quantities  are  also  sent  to  China,  into 
wch  it  finds  an  easy  entrance,  notwithstanding  prohibitory  laws.  Much  was 
foherly  imported  by  the  East  India  Company  into  England,  through  which  a 
sn  11  portion  reached  our  own  country;  but  it  was  so  far  inferior  to  that  from 
They,  that  it  was  at  length  excluded  from  the  market,  and  none  is  now  brought 
di  ctlyfrom  the  East.  The  great  demand  for  it  in  the  Indian  Archipelago  and 
inlhina,  and  its  consequent  high  price,  have  probably  contributed  even  more 
tbi  its  reputed  inferiority  to  this  result.  Indeed,  Ainslie  explicitly  states  that 
Iria  opium  is  inferior  to  none ; and  it  is  probable  that  the  specimens  from  which 
^description  was  drawn  up  that  was  formerly  current  among  authors  upon  the 
ineria  medica,  were  the  refuse  of  the  Eastern  market.  We  know  that  the 
drj  was  formerly  very  much  and  variously  adulterated  by  the  natives.  Among 
th impurities  mentioned  by  authors  are  the  extract  of  the  poppy  procured  by 
deletion,  the  powdered  leaves  and  stems  of  the  plant  made  into  a paste  with 
milage,  oil  of  sesamum,  catechu,  and  even  cow-dung.  But  a more  careful 
suirintendence  by  the  officers  of  the  Company  has  resulted  in  a great  improve- 
m t of  the  India  opium.  Of  that  produced  in  Persia,  very  little  is  brought  to 
thjeountry;  and  it  is  scarcely  known  in  our  market  as  a distinct  variety.  Much 
w;  formerly  produced  in  Upper  Egypt,  especially  in  the  district  of  ancient 
TI|bes,  which  was  supposed  to  yield  it  in  greatest  perfection.  It  was  in  fact  for  a 
lo  ; time  generally  known  by  the  name  of  Opium  Thebaicum,  and  laudanum 
is  till  frequently  directed  in  prescriptions  as  Tinctura  Thebaica.  Its  cultiva- 
te has  recently  been  again  introduced  into  Egypt;  and  considerable  quantities 
arnow  exported. 

urkey  opium  is  produced  in  Anatolia,  and  shipped  chiefly  from  the  port  of 
Si'rna,  It  is  brought  to  the  United  States,  either  directly  from  the  Levant, 
ondirectly  through  different  European  ports.  From  the  treasury  returns  for 
th  years  from  1827  to  1845  inclusive,  according  to  a table  prepared  by  Ur.  J. 
B.iiddle,  and  published  in  the  American  Journal  of  Pharmacy  for  April,  1847, 
it  ipears  that  the  average  value  of  the  annual  importations  for  the  period  referred 
to, as  from  Turkey  128,137  dollars,  from  England  13,744,  from  France  4,470, 
an  from  all  other  places  6,607  dollars.  Of  this  amount  so  much  was  exported 
as  ‘ leave  for  the  average  annual  consumption  of  the  country  the  value  of  66,809 
do  trs.  Turkey  opium  usually  comes  to  us  in  masses  of  irregular  size  and  shape, 
ge'rally  more  or  less  flattened,  covered  with  leaves,  or  the  remains  of  leaves, 
an  with  the  reddish  capsules  of  some  species  of  Rumex,  which  are  said  to  be 
abjnt  in  the  inferior  kinds,  and  may  therefore  be  considered  as  affording  some 
iniljation  of  the  purity  of  the  drug.  We  may  account  for  this  circumstance 
upji  the  very  probable  supposition,  that  these  capsules  are  removed  during  the 
opation  which  the  masses  sometimes  undergo  in  the  hands  of  the  merchants, 
aft'  leaving  those  of  the  cultivators.  We  are  told  by  the  French  writers  that 
exinsive  frauds  are  practised  at  Marseilles  in  this  branch  of  commerce.  The 
op  m taken  thither  from  the  Levant  is  first  softened,  and  then  adulterated 
wi  various  matters  which  are  incorporated  in  its  substance.  To  use  a strong 
ex'ession  of  M.  Guibourt,  they  make  the  opium  over  again  at  Marseilles.  Our 
trips  to  the  Mediterranean  would  do  well  to  bear  this  assertion  in  mind. 
Aording  to  Dr.  A.  T.  Thomson,  one-fourth  part  of  Turkey  opium  generally 
co: ists  of  impurities.  Sand,  ashes,  the  seeds  of  different  plants,  extracts  of 
thi  poppy,  Lactuca  virosa,  Glycyrrhiza  glabra,  and  Chclidonium  glaucum, 
gu  Arabic,  tragacanth,  salep,  aloes,  even  small  stones,  and  minute  pieces  of 
le?  and  iron,  are  mentioned  among  the  substances  employed  in  the  sophistication 
of  e drug.  Mr.  Landerer,  of  Athens,  was  informed  by  a person  who  had  been 


528 


Opium. 


PART 


engaged  in  the  extraction  of  opium,  that  grapes  freed  from  their  seeds  a 
crushed,  were  almost  universally  mixed  with  the  poppy  juice,  and  that  anotl 
adulteration  consisted  of  the  epidermis  of  the  capsules  and  stem  of  the  pla 
pounded  in  a mortar  with  the  white  of  eggs.  (See  Am.  Joum.  of  P harm., : 
238.)  In  England  a sophisticated  opium  was  a few  years  since  prepared, 
nearly  resembling  good  Turkey  opium  in  appearance,  that  by  the  eye  alone 
was  difficult  to  detect  the  fraud,  and  yet  wholly  destitute  of  the  active  princi 
of  this  drug.  Portions  of  it  were  sent  into  the  markets  both  of  France  andt 
country.  It  was  probably  the  genuine  drug,  deprived  of  its  morphia  by  so 
process  which  did  not  materially  disturb  the  visible  arrangement  of  its  particle 
( Am . Joum.  of  P harm.,  x.  261.) 

* The  great  importance  of  opium  renders  it  desirable  that  all  its  commercial  variet 
should  be  accurately  described,  and  their  relative  value  so  far  as  possible  ascertained.  1 
following  statement  has  been  drawn  up  from  the  most  recent  published  accounts  of  the  dr 
and  from  the  personal  observations  of  the  author.  The  papers  of  Guibourt  in  France,  Cliri 
son  in  Great  Britain,  and  Merck  and  Martius  in  Germany,  have  been  consulted.  (See  Jou 
de  Pharm.,  xvii.  714,  and  xxi.  542;  and  Annalen  der  J’liarm.,  xviii.  79,  and  xxiv.  56.) 

The  varieties  of  this  drug  may  be  arranged,  according  to  the  countries  in  which  they 
produced,  under  the  heads  of  Turkey , Egyptian,  India,  and  Persia  opium. 

I.  TURKEY  OPIUM.  This  title  belongs  to  the  opium  produced  in  the  Turkish  prove 
of  Anatolia,  and  exported  from  Smyrna  and  Constantinople.  According  to  some  authoriti 
there  is  no  essential  difference  bet  ween  the  parcels  of  the  drug  brought  from  these  twopoi 
Others  maintain  that  they  are  distinct  varieties,  differing  in  their  interior  structure,  t. 
probably  also  in  the  precise  place  of  their  production,  and  the  mode  of  their  collection.  1 
truth  probably  is,  that  most  of  the  opium  shipped  at  Constantinople  is  produced  in  • 
northern  parts  of  Anatolia,  while  that  from  Smyrna  is  collected  in  the  provinces  morec- 
venient  to  the  latter  city ; and,  though  it  is  possible  that  an  identical  drug  may  be  occasion;' 
brought  from  the  two  ports,  yet  there  seems  to  be  good  ground  in  general  for  arranging 
under  different  varieties,  as  derived  from  these  different  sources. 

1.  Smyrna  Opium.  This  is  the  variety  which  is,  beyond  all  comparison,  most  abund ; 
in  our  markets  : and  it  is  from  this  that  the  ordinary  descriptions  of  opium  are  drawn  . 
It  comes  to  us  in  masses  of  various  size,  usually  from  half  a pound  or  somewhat  less  t. 
pound  in  weight,  sometimes,  though  rarely,  as  much  as  two  or  even  three  pounds,  or- 
nally,  perhaps,  of  a globular  form,  but  variously  indented,  and  rendered  quite  irregulfui 
shape,  by  the  pressure  to  which  they'  have  been  subjected,  while  yet  soft,  in  the  cases  whi 
contain  them.  Sometimes  they  are  even  pressed  out  into  flat  cakes.  As  brought  i > 
market,  the  lumps  are  usually  hard  on  the  outside,  but  still  soft  within.  They  are  cove  1 
externally  with  the  remains  of  leaves,  and  with  the  reddish  capsules  of  a species  of  Rum. 
which  have  no  doubt  been  applied  in  order  to  prevent  the  surfaces  from  adhering.  N- 
withstanding,  however,  this  coating,  the  masses  sometimes  stick  together,  and  two  or  m; 
become  consolidated  into  one.  In  this  way  the  fact  may  be  accounted  for.  that  the  se? 
of  the  Rumex  are  occasionally  found  in  the  interior  of  the  masses.  In  the  finer  parcehf 
Smyrna  opium,  the  colour  internally  is  light-brown : in  the  inferior  it  is  darker.  A pecu  r 
character  of  this  variety  is,  that  when  a lump  of  it  is  cut  into  and  then  carefully  torn.  - 
merous  minute  shining  tears  are  observable,  particularly'  under  a microscope;  beariug  scs 
resemblance  to  small  seeds,  but  readily  distinguishable  by  pressure  between  the  fing<. 
They  are  undoubtedly  formed  from  the  drops  of  juice  which  escape  from  the  ineision.-i 
the  capsules,  and  which,  according  to  B41on,  are  allowed  to  concrete  before  they  areremov. 
From  the  account  of  the  same  author  it  appears  that,  after  the  juice  has  been  collected 
is  not  subjected  to  the  process  of  kneading  or  beating,  as  in  the  case  of  other  varieties 
opium;  so  that  the  tears  preserve  their  original  shape  in  the  mass.  It  is  probably  ow; 
to  the  peculiar  mode  of  collecting  Smyrna  opium,  that  minute  pieces  of  the  skin  of  e 
poppy  capsules  are  found  intermingled  in  the  mass;  these  being  separated  in  the  pro>? 
of  removing  the  adhering  tears.  In  the  finer  specimens  of  Smyrna  opium,  these  fragmd 
of  the  capsules  are  the  only  impurities.  This  variety  of  the  drug  is  of  very  different  qu^- 
ties,  the  finest  kinds  yielding,  according  to  Merck,  as  much  as  13  per  cent,  of  pure  morp  , 
while  from  some  very  bad  parcels  he  could  not  procure  more  than  3 or  4 per  cent.  In  tL  e 
inferior  specimens  the  colour  is  darker,  the  smell  is  often  musty,  and  there  is  very  go- 
rally  more  or  less  mouldiness  both  upon  the  surface,  aud  in  the  interior  of  the  nnss 
indicating  perhaps  too  much  moisture  in  the  opium  originally,  or  its  subsequent  exp-1;6 
to  an  injurious  degree  of  dampness.  Good  Smyrna  opium  ought  to  yield  10  or  11  per  d~ 


PAT  I. 


529 


Opium. 

Ipium  is  regarded  as  inferior  when  it  has  a blaekish  colour;  a weak  or  em- 
pjiumatic  smell;  a sweet  or  slightly  nauseous  and  bitter  taste;  a soft,  viscid, 
or^reasy  consistence;  a dull  fracture;  or  an  irregular,  heterogeneous  texture, 
ar  ng  from  the  intermixture  of  foreign  substances.  It  should  not  impart  a 

of  orpkia.  Dr.  Christison,  however,  states  that  he  has  not  been  able  to  procure  more 
th:  9 per  cent,  from  the  finest  Smyrna  opium.* 

Constantinople  Opium.  Most  of  the  Constantinople  opium  is  in  lumps  from  half  a pound 
to  ro  and  a half  pounds  in  weight,  and  scarcely  distinguishable  in  exterior  appearance 
frc:  those  of  the  former  variety,  being  equally  irregular  in  shape,  and  in  like  manner 
co  red  with  the  capsules  of  the  Rumex.  It  differs,  however,  strikingly  from  the  Smyrna 
op  m in  its  interior  constitution,  being,  according  to  Merck,  wholly  destitute  of  the  tears 
wbh  characterize  that  variety.  This  would  indicate  some  difference  in  the  mode  of 
colcting  and  preparing  the  juice.  In  the  case  of  the  Constantinople  opium,  it  is  proba- 
bhither  removed  from  the  capsules  before  concretion,  or  subjected  to  pressure  after- 
was.  Merck  says  that  he  has  not  discovered,  in  this  variety,  those  minute  portions  of 
thooppy  capsules  which  are  usually  present  in  the  Smyrna  opium.  The  average  quality 
of  :e  Constantinople  opium,  as  above  described,  is  about  equal  to  that  of  the  drug  from 
Sff'na;  ljut  it  appears  to  be  occasionally  purer;  as  Merck  obtained  from  one  specimen 
as  uch  as  15  per  cent,  of  pure  morphia.  Notwithstanding  what  has  been  above  stated, 
were  not  yet  in  possession  of  facts  to  prove  that  this  is  not,  as  some  have  supposed  it  to 
be, he  better  sort  of  Smyrna  opium  selected  and  sent  to  the  capital. 

( ibourt  describes  another  variety  of  Constantinople  opium  of  much  inferior  character. 
“Domes,”  he  observes,  “in  small  flattened  cakes,  sufficiently  regular  and  of  a lenticular 
shsj,  from  two  to  two  and  a half  inches  in  diameter,  and  always  covered  with  a poppy 
lea the  midrib  of  which  divides  the  surface  into  two  equal  parts.  It  has  an  odour  similar 
to  at  of  the  preceding  variety,  but  feebler,  and  it  blackens  and  dries  in  the  air.  It  is 
mo  mucilaginous  than  Smyrna  opium,  and  contains  only  half  as  much  morphia.”  These 
cha.cters  are  obviously  those  of  Egyptian  opium  ; and,  though  the  parcels  which  came 
utie  the  notice  of  Guibourt  may  have  been  imported  directly  from  Constantinople,  it  is 
hig y probable  that  they  were  originally  from  Alexandria.  Mr.  Stettner,  of  Trieste, 
tko;h  well  acquainted  with  the  opium  commerce  of  that  port,  admits  no  such  Constanti- 
nop  opium  as  that  described  by  Guibourt.  ( Annal . der  Pharm.,  xxiv.  65.) 

I EGYPTIAN  OPIUM.  This  is  in  flat  roundish  cakes,  of  various  dimensions,  some- 
tim  as  much  as  six  inches  in  diameter,  and  a pound  in  weight,  usually,  however,  much 
smi.sr,  and  sometimes  not  weighing  more  than  half  an  ounce.  These  cakes  are  either 
wrned  in  a poppy  leaf,  so  placed  that  the  midrib  divides  the  surface  into  two  equal 
par  or  exhibits  vestiges  of  such  a covering.  Occasionally  the  brown  colour  of  the  opium 
is  s n through  the  leaf,  and  the  surface  appears  as  if  uncovered,  while  the  leaf  is  still 
pre  ot.  This  variety  of  opium  is  always  destitute  of  the  Rumex  capsules,  and  differs 
froithe  Smyrna  opium  also  in  heing  brittle  instead  of  tenacious,  and  equally  hard  in  the 
cen  ! as  at  the  surface  of  the  mass.  Its  fracture  is  conchoidal  and  of  a waxy  lustre,  and 
sms: fragments  of  it  are  translucent.  Its  colour  is  usually  redder  than  that  of  Smyrna 
opii .,  though  it  is  sometimes  dark.  Some  of  the  pieces,  on  exposure  to  the  air,  become 
dan  and  sticky  on  the  outer  surface,  indicating  the  fraudulent  addition  of  some  deli- 
que  ;nt  substance.  The  odour  is  similar  to  that  of  Smyrna  opium,  but  weaker.  It  is 
an  erior  variety;  as  the  best  of  it,  examined  by  Merck,  yielded  only  6 or  7 per  cent, 
ofn  -phia;  and  a specimen  of  it  was  found  by  Mr.  J.  Evans,  of  Philadelphia,  to  contain 
not  ore  than  3-55  per  cent.  Egyptian  opium,  therefore,  should  never  be  dispensed  by 
the  othecary,  or  employed  in  the  preparation  of  his  tinctures ; as  the  prescription  of  the 
phyi.ian  is  based  upon  the  strength  of  good  Smyrna  opium,  which  is  about  twice  that  of 
the  qyptian. 

II  INDIA  OPIUM.  Little  if  any  of  this  opium  reaches  our  market.  There  appear 
to  b :wo  chief  varieties  of  it,  one  produced  in  Bahar  and  Benares,  in  the  Bengal  Presi- 


* wording  to  Landerer,  little  of  the  opium  is  produced  in  the  immediate  neighbourhood  of  Smyrna;  the 
Creatj  portion  being  brought  to  that  port,  on  the  backs  of  camels,  from  a distance  of  from  ten  to  eighteen  days’ 
jourr . ( Jnurn . de  Pharm.,  Ze  ser.,  xxiii.  33.)  The  same  writer  states  that  the  opium  is  chiefly  prepared  at 
Kara  lissur,  near  Magnesia.  The  incisions  are  generally  made  before  sunrise.  The.juiee  is  partly  caught  in 
uinss  diells.  and  dried  in  the  sun.  This  is  considered  the  best.  Every  evening  tlie  juice  which  has  dried  upon 
the  c ules  is  scraped  off,  with  a portion  of  the  epidermis.  The  poppy  is  then  cut  down,  and  stripped  of  its 
ieavdvhieh  are  boiled  in  water ; and  the  liquid  is  evaporated  to  the  consistence  of  an  extract.  With  this  the 
inspil.ted  juice  is  incorporated,  and  tile  mixture  is  then  formed  into  cakes,  wrapped  in  poppy-leaves,  and 
place  n shelves  to  dry.  (See  Am.  Jnurn.  of  Pharm..,  xxiii.  251.)  It  is  very  evident,  from  the  interior  structure 
of  tlr  Smyrna  opium,  that  it  has  not  been  prepared  in  the  way  described  by  Landerer;  though  his  account 
b Pn  bly  true  in  reference  to  inferior  varieties  of  the  drug. — Note  to  the  tenth  edition. 

84 


530 


PART 


Opium. 

deep-brown  colour  to  the  saliva,  nor  leave  a dark  uniform  trace  when  dra 
over  paper,  nor  form  with  water  a thick  viscid  solution. 

Properties.  Good  opium  has  a peculiar  strong  narcotic  odour,  and  a bitt 
somewhat  acrid  taste.  "When  long  chewed  it  excites  much  irritation  in  the  1* 

dency,  and  called  Bengal  opium , the  other  in  the  interior  provinces,  and  designated  by  ; 
name  of  Malwa  opium. 

1.  Bengal  Opium.  For  a minute  account  of  the  cultivation  and  preparation  of  'j 
variety  of  opium,  the  reader  is  referred  to  elaborate  papers  by  Dr.  Eatwell,  of  Calcu  , 
contained  in  the  eleventh  and  twelfth  volumes  of  the  London  Pharmaceutical  Journal  l 
Transactions,  an  abstract  of  which  will  be  found  in  the  Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xxiv.  1. 
and  in  the  last  edition  of  Pereira’s  Materia  Medica  (vol.  ii.  p.  1001),  Am.  ed.).  fieri 
opium  is  identical  with  the  variety  sometimes  called  Patna  opium.  It  is  in  round  b: . 
weighing  three  pounds  and  a half,  invested  by  a coating  half  an  inch  thick,  compose'!’ 
agglutinated  leaves  and  poppy-petals.  The  interior  of  the  mass  is  of  a brownish-bli 
colour,  of  the  consistence  of  a stiff  paste,  and  possessed  in  a high  degree  of  the  charac  - 
istic  odour  and  taste  of  opium.  The  proportion  of  active  matter  in  this  opium  va  s 
somewhat  with  the  season,  and  in  the  different  specimens.  From  a table  given  by  . 
Eatwell,  it  appears  that  the  percentage  of  morphia  varies  from  2-17  to  3 t>7.  and  tha  f 
narcotina  from  3-85  to  5-70.  Prof.  Procter  found  a specimen  of  Patna  opium  to  yi 
about  5 per  cent,  of  morphia.  (Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xxi.  194.)  It  is,  therefore,  mb 
inferior  to  the  best  Smyrna  opium  in  its  yield  of  morphia,  while  it  is  richer  in  narcot  . 
Yet  Christison  states  that  all  the  India  opium  which  he  has  seen  is  exempt  from  the  r- 
ture  of  leaves,  seeds,  and  fragments  of  poppy  capsules  so  abundant  in  Smyrna  opi .. 
Its  inferior  character  is  in  some  degree  probably  owing  to  the  juice,  after  collection,  big 
kept  for  some  time  before  it  is  made  up,  and  consequently  undergoing  fermentation. 

The  India  opium  examined  by  Dr.  A.  T.  Thomson  was  apparently  of  inferior  charac. 
As  described  by  that  author,  it  was  in  round  masses,  covered  with  the  petals  of  thepoy 
in  successive  layers,  to  the  thickness  of  nearly  one-fourth  of  an  inch.  It  had  a strg 
empyreumatic  smell,  with  little  of  the  peculiar  heavy  odour  of  Turkey  opium.  Its  t e 
was  more  bitter  and  equally  nauseous,  but  less  acrid.  Its  colour  was  blacker.  ancA 
texture,  though  as  tenacious,  was  less  plastic.  It  was  more  friable,  and  when  triturd 
with  water,  was  wholly  suspended  or  dissolved,  leaving  none  of  that  plastic  residue  wh 
is  afforded  by  the  other  variety'.  It  yielded  to  Dr.  Thomson  more  narcotina  than  Tury 
opium,  but  only  about  one-third  the  quantity  of  morphia.  All  these  are  the  characteiaf 
an  extract  of  the  poppy  heads,  rather  than  of  their  inspissated  juice.  The  absence  olie 
plastic  principle  analogous  to  caoutchouc  is  strong  evidence  in  favour  of  this  view  o ts 
nature;  for  it  is  obvious  that  water  would  not  extract  this  principle  from  the  capsi?. 
while  it  is  hardly  probable  that  the  juice  is  destitute  of  it.  Besides,  the  strength  indicA 
by  Dr.  Thomson  is  very  nearly  the  same  with  that  of  the  extract  of  the  capsules  prep  A 
in  France.  The  Bengal  opium  is  at  present  a superior  drug  to  that  here  described,  tk'h 
still  inferior  to  the  Smyrna  opium. 

There  is  a variety  of  Patna  or  Bengal  opium,  called  garden  Patna  opium,  whiehas 
described  in  the  fifth  edition  of  this  work,  on  the  authority  of  Dr.  Christison,  as  .M  fa 
opium.  Dr.  Christison  has  subsequently  ascertained  its  true  origin.  It  is  prepan  in 
Baliar  with  peculiar  care,  from  juice  which  has  not  been  suffered  to  undergo  fermentan. 
It  is  in  cakes  three  or  four  inches  square,  and  about  half  an  inch  thick,  which  are  pael 
in  cases  with  a layer  of  mica  between  them.  These  cakes  are  without  covering,  I’d 
dry,  and  brittle,  of  a uniform  shining  fracture,  and  not  unlike  an  extract  in  appean.'e. 
The  colour  is  sometimes  almost  black,  and  sometimes  of  a light-brown,  not  unlike  tb  of 
Egyptian  opium.  Dr.  Christison  states  that  it  is  much  superior  to  the  globular  Bird 
opium,  and  that  some  specimens  are  little  inferior  to  Turkey  opium  in  the  proporti  of 
morphia. 

2.  Malwa  Opium.  This  is  in  flat,  roundish  cakes,  five  or  six  inches  in  diameter  ad 
from  four  to  eight  ounces  in  weight.  They  are  commonly  quite  hard,  dry,  and  britt  of 
a light-brown  colour,  a shining  fracture,  a compact  homogeneous  texture,  and  free  on 
mechanical  impurities.  The  quality  is  superior  to  that  of  common  Bengal  opium.  (C11' 
tison’s  Dispensatory.)  A specimen  of  Malwa  opium  described  by  Dr.  Carson  (Aw.  Jn- 
of  Pharm.,  xxi.  195)  broke  with  a short  rough  fracture,  which  was  of  a blackish-twn 
colour,  here  and  there  showing  irregular  oily  spots.  Trof.  Procter  obtained  from  '■* 
per  cent,  of  morphia. 

IV.  PERSIA  OPIUM.  A variety  of  opium  under  this  name  has  sometimes  exist  in 
the  markets  of  London,  and  has  even  found  its  way  to  this  country,  though  it  is  veryire- 
It  is  described  as  being  in  cylindrical  pieces,  about  three  and  a half  inches  long  ami®-1 


P IT  I. 


531 


Opium. 

ai  tongue,  and  even  blisters  the  mouth  of  those  unaccustomed  to  its  use.  Its 
cour  is  reddish-brown  or  deep-fawn;  its  texture  compact;  its  sp.gr.  1'336. 
Then  drawn  over  paper  it  usually  leaves  an  interrupted  trace  of  a light- 
biwn  colour.  It  is  often  soft  in  the  interior  of  the  mass,  and  in  this  state  is 
tetcious;  but  when  exposed  to  the  air  it  gradually  hardens,  and  ultimately 
homes  brittle,  breaking  with  a shining  fracture,  and  affording,  when  pulverized, 
a ellowish-brown  powder,  which  becomes  adhesive  upon  a slight  elevation  of 
teperature.  It  readily  inflames  upon  the  application  of  a lighted  taper.  It 
yi-ds  its  virtues  to  water,  alcohol,  and  diluted  acids,  but  not  to  ether.  To  all 
the  menstrua  it  imparts  a deep-brown  colour.  Alcohol  dissolves  about  four- 
fifis  of  it.  Pelletier  states  that  the  proportion  taken  up  by  water  varies  in  all 
spimens.  He  never  found  the  quantity  of  extract  prepared  with  cold  water 
toxceed  12  parts  out  of  16.  ( Journ . de  Pharm .,  Nov.  1832.) 

luch  attention  has  been  devoted  to  the  chemical  constitution  of  opium;  and 
ve?  interesting  results  have  been  obtained.  It  was  by  their  researches  into 
tb  nature  of  this  substance  that  chemists  were  led  to  the  discovery  of  those 
vetable  alkaloids,  which,  as  the  active  principles  of  the  plants  in  which  they 
arfound,  have  attracted  so  much  attention,  and  been  applied  so  advantageously 
inbe  treatment  of  disease.  To  Serturner,  an  apothecary  at  Eimbeck,  in  Han- 
ov,  certainly  belongs  the  credit  of  having  opened  this  new  and  most  important 
fie.  of  experiment.  In  the  year  1803,  M.  Derosne  made  known  the  existence 
of.  crystallizable  substance  which  he  had  discovered  in  opium,  and  which  he 
erneously  believed  to  be  the  active  principle.  In  the  following  year,  Seguin 
di  overed  another  crystallizable  body,  which  subsequent  experience  has  proved 
toe  the  true  narcotic  principle  of  opium;  but  he  did  not  fully  investigate  its 
noire,  and  no  immediate  practical  advantage  was  derived  from  his  excellent 
anysis.  About  the  same  time  Serturner  was  engaged  in  a similar  investiga- 
tic’,  the  results  of  which,  very  analogous  to  those  obtained  by  Seguin,  were 
pn  ished  in  a Herman  journal,  without,  however,  attracting  general  attention. 
Iuhis  state  the  subject  remained  till  the  year  1817,  when  Serturner  announced 
tb  existence  of  a saline  compound  in  opium,  consisting  of  a peculiar  alkaline 
pr  ciple  united  with  a peculiar  acid,  and  clearly  demonstrated  the  precise  nature 
of  substance,  which,  though  before  discovered  both  by  Seguin  and  by  himself, 
habeen  hitherto  but  vaguely  known.  To  the  alkaloid,  in  which  he  correctly 
coieived  the  narcotic  powers  of  the  opium  to  reside,  he  gave  the  name  of  mor- 
ph vi,  which  has  been  subsequently  changed  to  morphia,  in  order  to  render  it 
an  Dgous  to  the  titles  of  the  other  alkalies.  The  acid  he  called  meconic,  a term 
de  ’ed  from  the  Greek  name  of  the  poppy.  The  correctness  of  the  statements 
of  jertiirner  was  confirmed  by  Robiquet,  who  also  satisfactorily  demonstrated 
th;  the  substance  obtained  by  Derosne,  and  called  by  him  the  salt  of  opium , 
walk  principle  altogether  distinct  from  morphia,  though  supposed  to  possess 

an  ch  thick,  wrapped  in  glossy  paper,  and  tied  with  a cotton  thread.  It  is  of  a uniform 
conjitence,  but  exhibits,  nevertheless,  under  the  microscope,  small  agglutinated  tears, 
mu  less  than  those  of  the  Smyrna  opium.  It  has  the  liver-brown  colour  of  Egyptian 
opi  i,  a virose,  musty  odour,  and  a very  bitter  taste ; and,  like  Egyptian  opium,  softens 
in  i noist  atmosphere.  It  is  said  to  have  been  brought  to  England  from  Trebizond  on  the 
Bla  Sea;  but  its  origin  is  not  known.  It  is  of  inferior  quality.  From  the  report  of  a 
trii  jn  the  city  of  New  York,  published  in  the  Journal  of  Commerce,  it  appears  that  a 
paG  of  Persia  opium  imported  into  that  city  from  London  in  August,  1835,  was  in  small 
rouf  balls,  and  contained  only  3 per  cent,  of  morphia. 

I s highly  important  that  the  real  value  of  these  commercial  varieties  of  opium  should 
be  own  to  the  physician  and  apothecary ; as  otherwise,  there  can  be  no  certainty  in 
reh  jn  to  the  strength  of  the  preparations  which  may  be  made  from  them.  In  the  pre- 
par  on  of  laudanum  and  the  other  tinctures  into  which  opium  enters,  it  is  understood 
tka  he  drug  employed  should  have  the  average  quality  of  good  Smyrna  opium.  The 
mh  jr  kinds  should  be  used  only  for  the  extraction  of  morphia. 


532 


PART 


Opium. 

very  considerable  influence  over  the  system.  In  the  belief  of  its  narcotic  power 
Robiquet  denominated  it  narcotin , a title  which  it  still  retains.  Several  oth 
peculiar  principles  have  since  been  discovered;  though  it  is  difficult  to  resist  tl 
impression,  that  some  of  them  may  be  the  result  of  the  processes  to  which  opiu 
is  submitted  for  their  extraction.  According  to  the  views  of  its  constitution 
present  admitted,  opium  contains,  1.  morphia;  2.  narcotin  or  narcotina;  3.  c 
deia;  4.  paramorphia;  5.  narcein;  G.  meconin;  7.  porphyroxin ; 8.  mec-onic  ar 
sulphuric  acids;  9.  a peculiar  acid,  not  yet  fully  investigated;  10.  extracti 
matter;  11.  gum;  12.  bassorin ; 13.  a peculiar  resinous  body  insoluble  in  eth 
and  containing  nitrogen;  14.  fixed  oil;  15.  a substance  resembling  caoutehou 
16.  an  odorous  volatile  principle;  besides  lignin,  and  a small  proportion  of  acel 
acid,  sulphate  of  lime,  sulphate  of  potassa,  alumina,  and  iron.  Besides  the 
principles,  Pelletier  announced  the  discovery  of  another  which  he  called  pseud 
morphia,  but  which  appears  to  be  only  an  occasional  constituent  of  opium.  ($ 
Journ.  dt  Pharm.,  xxi.  575.}*  In  relation  to  their  optical  properties,  all  t 

* Besides  the  components  of  opium  mentioned  in  the  text,  notice  has  been  given  of  t 
discovery  of  two  other  alkaloids,  named  respectively  papaverine  (papaverina)  and  opian 
( opiania },  of  which  we  shall  here  give  a brief  notice;  though  further  and  repeated  expe 
meuts  will  be  necessary’  to  establish  their  claims. 

1.  Papaverina  (papaverine).  The  discovery  of  this  alkaloid  was  announced  by  Dr. 
Merck.  It  is  crystallizable  in  needles,  insoluble  in  water,  very  sparingly  soluble  in  c< 
alcohol  or  ether,  more  soluble  in  these  liquids  boiling  hot,  and  deposited  by  them  on  co 
ing.  With  acids  it  forms  salts  most  of  which  are  very  sparingly  dissolved  by  water.  T 
muriate  crystallizes  with  extraordinary  facility.  The  alkaloid  is  readily  dissolved  by  n 
derately  concentrated  muriatic  acid,  from  which,  on  the  addition  of  more  acid,  the  muris 
separates,  assuming  the  form  of  an  oily  layer  at  the  bottom  of  the  vessel,  which  is  read 
converted  on  standing  into  a mass  of  acicular  crystals.  These  crystals  are  very  sparin; 
soluble  in  cold  water.  The  muriate  yields  with  chloride  of  platinum  a yellow  precipit; 
which  is  insoluble  in  boiling  water  or  alcohol.  (See  Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  ix.  oil.)  I 
paverina  is  prepared  by  precipitating  the  aqueous  infusion  of  opium  with  soda,  exhausti 
the  precipitate  with  alcohol,  evaporating  the  tincture  to  dryness,  treating  the  residue  w 
a dilute  acid,  filtering,  precipitating  by  ammonia,  dissolving  the  precipitate  in  muria 
acid,  mixing  with  the  solution  the  acetate  of  soda,  and  treating  with  boiling  ether  the 
suiting  precipitate.  The  ethereal  solution  deposits  the  papaverina  on  cooling.  A cl 
racteristic  property  of  this  alkaloid  is  that  its  crystals,  when  moistened  with  concentra 
sulphuric  acid,  acquire  a dark-blue  colour.  It  consists  of  nitrogen,  carbon,  hydrogen,  a 
oxygen;  its  formula  being  NC,0H2]Os.  ( Chem . Gaz.,  March  15,  1850,  from  Liebig's  Annate 

2.  Opiania  (opianine).  This  was  found  by  Dr.  Ilinterberger  in  some  supposed  narcoti. 
which  had  been  obtained  by  Engler,  an  apothecary  of  Vienna,  from  a parcel  of  Egypt 
opium  which  he  was  working  for  morphia.  An  infusion  of  the  opium  was  precipitated 
ammonia,  and  the  precipitate,  having  been  washed  first  with  water  and  then  with  coldaleol 
was  dissolved  in  hot  alcohol,  and  decolorized  by  animal  charcoal.  A crystalline  mass  was  th 
obtained  consisting  apparently  of  morphia  and  narcotina.  By  repeated  solutions  in  hot  • 
cohol  and  crystallization,  the  former  was  separated,  remaining  in  the  alcohol,  while  the  ? • 
posed  narcotina  was  obtained  in  crystals.  These,  upon  being  examined  by  Dr.  Hinterbere, 
proved  to  be  a new  alkaloid,  to  which  he  gave  the  name  of  opianine.  It  is  in  long,  colo- 
less,  transparent  needles,  belonging  to  the  prismatic  system.  When  precipitated  by 
monia  from  the  solution  of  the  muriate,  it  is  in  the  form  of  a soft  white  powder.  fit 
without  smell,  and  in  alcoholic  solution  has  a strong  and  durable  bitter  taste.  At  J 
temperature  of  212°  F.  it  remains  unchanged.  It  is  insoluble  in  water,  and  requires  r 
solution  a large  quantity  of  boiling  alcohol,  from  which  it  is  entirely  thrown  down.  u;i 
Pooling,  in  the  state  of  crystals.  In  alcoholic  solution  it  has  a strong  alkaline  reach  ; 
and  from  this  solution  both  opiania  itself  and  its  salts  are  thrown  down  by  alkalies.  Conc- 
trated  sulphuric  acid  dissolves  without  changing  it;  nitric  acid  renders  it  yellow,  ancf 
added  to  its  sulphuric  acid  solution,  blood-red,  but  after  a short  time  changing  to  lit- 
yellow.  Its  formula,  according  to  Ilinterberger,  is  N2^66^36^2r  From  experiments  p- 
formed  with  it  on  the  lower  animals,  it  has  been  inferred  to  be  powerfully  narcotic,  amo 
resemble  morphia  in  its  action.  About  one-tenth  of  a grain  of  each  of  these  alkaloids  s 
given  to  two  cats,  one  to  one  cat,  and  the  other  to  the  other,  with  very  similar  effet 
which  were  decidedly  narcotic,  and  continued  for  a considerable  time,  but  had  cease’ t 
the  expiration  of  24  hours,  without  fatal  effects.  (Chem.  Gaz.,  Dec.  1,  1852.  p.  441.  1 3 
the  Proceedings  of  the  Acad,  of  Set.  at  Vienna,  vii.  part  3.) — Xoteto  the  tenth  edition. 


PAT  I. 


533 


Opium. 

orinic  bases  of  opium  have  the  property  of  deviating  to  the  left  the  rays  of 
pc.rized  light.  (M M.  Bouchardat  and  Felix  Boudet,  Journ.  de  Pharm.,  3e  ser., 
xji.  294.) 

•f  the  principles  above  mentioned  morphia  is  by  far  the  most  important.  It 
is  merally  admitted  to  exist  in  opium  united  with  meconic  acid  in  the  state  of 
nnonate,  and  to  a certain  extent  also  as  a sulphate.  Of  morphia  and  its  prepa- 
ra ms  we  shall  treat  at  large  under  another  head.  (See  Morphia. ) 

rarcotina  or  narcotin  receives  one  or  the  other  of  these  names  according  as 
it  considered  alkaline  or  neuter;  they  who  rank  it  among  the  alkalies  giving 
it  le  former  name,  they  who  deny  it  such  a position,  the  latter.  It  exists  in 
op  m,  chiefly,  at  least,  in  the  free  state,  and  is  left  behind  in  considerable  quan- 
tit  when  the  drug  is  macerated  with  water.  It  is  white,  tasteless,  and  inodor- 
ou  and  crystallizes  in  silky  flexible  needles,  usually  larger  than  the  crystals 
of  lorphia,  fusible  at  a moderate  elevation  of  temperature,  insoluble  in  cold 
war,  soluble  in  400  parts  of  boiling  water,  in  100  parts  of  cold  and  24  of  boil- 
intileohol  which  deposits  it  upon  cooling,  and  very  soluble  in  ether.  The  fixed 
am  volatile  oils,  and  the  diluted  acids  also  dissolve  it.  As  it  exerts  no  alkaline 
res  ion  upon  vegetable  colours,  and  does  not  prevent  the  acids  from  reddening 
litns  paper,  there  would  appear  to  be  some  reason  for  denying  it  the  rank  of 
an  lkali.  But  it  unites  with  some  of  the  acids  forming  definite  compounds, 
wkh  maybe  procured  in  a separate  state;  and  Bobiquet  obtained  the  sulphate 
am  muriate  of  narcotina  well  crystallized.  [Journ.  de  Pharm.,  xvii.  639,  and 
xis 59.)  Hence  many  chemists,  among  whom  is  Berzelius,  consider  it  alkaline; 
am  perhaps,  this  view  of  it  is  the  most  convenient.  It  must  be  admitted,  how- 
eve;  to  have  a very  feeble  neutralizing  power.  With  acetic  acid  it  does  not 
appir  to  form  a permanent  combination;  for,  though  dissolved  by  cold  acetic 
acii  it  is  separated  by  heating  the  solution.  Narcotina  consists  of  nitrogen, 
ear  n,  hydrogen,  and  oxygen;  and  its  received  formula  is  NC43H2404S.  It  may 
be  stinguished  from  morphia  by  its  insipidity,  solubility  in  ether,  and  insolu- 
bili  in  alkaline  solutions,  by  not  affecting  vegetable  colours,  by  assuming  a 
yelwish  instead  of  a blood-red  colour  under  the  action  of  strong  nitric  acid,  by 
nobecomposiug  iodic  acid,  and  by  not  producing  a blue  colour  with  the  salts 
of  :m.  It  is  however,  reddened  by  a mixture  of  nitric  and  sulphuric  acids. 
He  e,  if  to  a mixture  of  it  with  strong  sulphuric  acid  a small  piece  of  nitre  be 
add,,  a deep  blood-red  colour  is  produced;  while  morphia,  under  the  same  cir- 
cun.ances,  yields  a brownish  or  olive-green  colour.  It  gives  a greasy  stain  to 
pap  when  heated  upon  it  over  a candle.  Heated  with  an  excess  of  sulphuric 
acic'nd  deutoxide  of  manganese,  it  is  converted  into  an  acid  called  opianic  acid, 
and  nto  a substance  of  feeble  alkaline  properties,  which  has  received  the  name 
of  chrnine  ( cotarnia ).  [Journ.  de  Pharm.,  3e  ser.,  vi.  99.)  When  subjected  to 
distjation  with  potassa,  it  yields  a colourless  volatile  liquid  having  alkaline  pro- 
perty, with  the  strong  smell  of  herring-pickle  together  with  that  of  ammonia. 
Thi;  s thought  to  be  a peculiar  alkaloid,  and  has  received  the  name  of  pro- 
fylodne.  (Wertheim,  Pharm.  Cent.  Blatt,  June  1,  1850,  p.  421,  and  Dee. 
17,  >31,  p.  918.)*  Water  extracts  narcotina  partially  from  opium,  in  con- 
duce of  the  acid  which  the  latter  contains,  either  free  or  combined  with 

;iere  would  seem,  from  the  observations  of  Wertheim  and  Hinterberger,  to  be  four 
hom'  gous  modifications  of  narcotina,  having  a fixed  relation  to  each  other  in  composition, 
ther'uberof  eqs.  of  nitrogen  and  oxygen  being  the  same  in  all,  while  those  of  carbon  and 
hydr' en  increase  by  2 eqs.  in  regular  progression.  Thus  1.  normal  narcotina  (Hinterber- 
ger) J s the  formula  NC42H'2I014 ; 2.  methylic  narcotina  (Wertheim)  NC44Hffl014 ; 3.  aethylic 
narcha  (Wertheim)  NC46H25014 ; and  4 . propylic  narcotina  (Wertheim)  NC4SH27014.  An- 
otheiiiteresting  point  is  that  each  of  these  yields  a peculiar  volatile  alkali  by  distillation 
with  itassa;  and  the  several  products  bear  to  each  other  the  same  chemical  relation  as 
exist  >etween  the  fixed  alkaloids  from  which  they  are  derived.  They  are  ammonia  from 


534 


Opium. 


PART 


the  narcotina.  It  is  usually  obtained  mixed  with  morphia  in  the  processes  1 
procuring  that  principle;  and  may  be  separated  by  the  action  of  sulphuric  etb 
which  dissolves  it  without  affecting  the  morphia,  and  yields  it  upon  evaporatic 
It  may  also  be  obtained  by  digesting  opium  in  sulphuric  ether,  and  slowly  e' 
porating  the  ethereal  solution,  which  deposits  crystals  of  narcotina,  Anotl 
mode  of  procuring  it  is  to  treat  opium,  which  has  been  exhausted  by  previc 
maceration  in  water,  with  dilute  acetic  acid,  to  filter  the  solution,  precipitate 
an  alkali,  wash  the  precipitate  with  water,  and  purify  it  by  solution  in  boili 
alcohol,  from  which  it  crystallizes  as  the  liquid  cools.  Should  it  still  be  impu 
the  solution  in  alcohol  and  crystallization  may  be  repeated. 

The  proportion  of  this  principle  found  in  opium  varies  extremely  in  the  c 
ferent  varieties,  and  in  different  specimens  of  the  same  variety.  Thus  in  Srnyt 
opium  it  has  been  found,  according  to  different  observers,  in  quantities  varyi 
from  1*30  per  cent.  ( Schindler ) to  9'36  per  cent.,  in  one  of  the  specimens 
amined  by  Mulder. 

Though  narcotina  itself  is  tasteless,  its  salts  are  very  bitter,  even  more  sotb. 
those  of  morphia,  (j Berzelius.')  Their  solution  reddens  litmus,  and  affords  p- 
cipitates  with  the  alkalies  and  infusion  of  galls.  They  have  not  been  very  ac- 
rately  investigated.  It  has  already  been  stated  that  Robiquet  obtained  u 
sulphate  and  muriate  crystallized. 

Different  opinions  have  been  advanced  relative  to  the  action  of  narcotina  i 
the  system.  Derosne  believed  it  to  be  the  active  principle  of  opium;  thou, 
upon  experimenting  with  it,  he  obtained  effects  but  little  stronger  than  those  p- 
duced  by  an  equal  dose  of  opium  itself.  Magendie  found  it  to  act  powerfu 
upon  dogs.  One  grain  dissolved  in  oil  was  sufficient  to  throw  the  animal  h 
a state  of  stupor,  terminating  in  death  in  twenty-four  hours.  This  stupor ’s 
wholly  different  from  the  composed  sleep  produced  by  morphia  and  its  prep?- 
tions.  He  inferred  that,  while  the  latter  principle  exercises  the  remedial,  a>- 
dyne,  and  soporific  virtues  of  opium,  the  injurious  excitant  operation  of  e 
medicine  is  ascribable  to  the  narcotina.  Both  Derosne  and  Magendie  founds 
unpleasant  effects  to  be  modified  or  prevented  by  its  conjunction  with  acetic  ac.. 
According  to  Magendie,  twenty-four  grains,  dissolved  in  vinegar,  may  be  giveio 
a dog  without  destroying  life.  M.  Baily  prescribed  it  in  the  dose  of  sixty  gras, 
both  in  the  solid  state  and  dissolved  in  muriatic  acid,  without  observing  front 
any  sensible  effect.  In  the  same  state,  Orfila  found  that  it  might  be  taken  y 
man  in  very  large  doses  with  impunity;  and  thirty  grains  of  it,  dissolved  in  ae,c 
acid,  produced  no  effect  upon  several  patients  to  whom  it  was  administered.  I n 
dogs,  he  informs  us  that  it  is  without  action  when  dissolved  in  nitric  or  nmriic 
acid;  but  held  iu  solution  by  acetic  or  sulphuric  acid,  or  by  olive  oil,  thirtnr 
forty  grains  of  it  were  sufficient  to  produce  fatal  effects.  A singular  circu- 
stance  noticed  by  the  same  experimenter  was,  that  the  solution  in  acetic  or  1- 
phuric  acid  occasioned  violent  excitement;  while  the  contrary  condition  uniforiy 
resulted  from  the  use  of  the  solution  in  olive  oil.  On  the  whole,  we  may  a- 
elude  that  narcotina,  either  in  the  solid  form  or  dissolved  in  acids,  is  not  s- 
sessed  of  any  considerable  narcotic  powers;  and  that  the  effects  of  a nartic 
character  which  have  been  attributed  to  it,  have  probably  arisen  from  the  n- 
ployment  of  a preparation  not  entirely  freed  from  other  principles  eontaineua 
the  opium.  Dr.  O’Shaughnessy,  Professor  of  Chemistry  iu  the  Medical  ColK 

the  first,  methyhimine  from  the  second,  wthylamine  from  the  third,  and  propylamine  an 
the  fourth.  The  last  of  these  volatile  alkaloids  has  been  referred  to  in  the  text  as  ring 
the  smell  of  herring-pickle.  It  is  said  to  be  produced  also  by  distilling  ergot  with  pots*- 
Methylamine  was  procured  by  Wertheim  The  other  products  are,  we  believe,  tin  a 
hypothetical.  ( Pharm . Cent.  Blatt.  Dec.  17,  1851,  p.  918;  and  Journ.  de  Pkarm., 
xxiii.  154.) — Note  to  the  tenth  edition. 


PRT  I. 


535 


Opium. 

o Calcutta,  recommends  narcotina  very  highly  in  intermittent  fever,  and  believes 
tit  he  has  discovered  in  it  even  stronger  antiperiodic  properties  than  those  of 
qnia.  In  the  cases  reported  by  him,  it  was  employed  in  combination  with 
nriatic  acid.  Given  in  this  form,  though  powerfully  febrifuge,  it  was  found 
n»  to  produce  narcotic  effects,  not  to  constipate  the  bowels,  and  never  to  occasion 
tit  distressing  headache  and  restlessness  which  sometimes  follow  the  use  of 
q nia.  It  proved,  moreover,  powerfully  sudorific.  It  was  given  in  doses  of  three 
gins,  three  times  a day.  Dr.  O’Shaughnessy  was  induced  to  recommend  its 
eialoyment  to  his  medical  friends  in  India,  from  a knowledge  that  it  had  proved 
eictual  in  mild  agues,  in  the  hands  of  Dr.  Roots  and  Mr.  Jetson  in  England.* 
Codeia  was  discovered  in  1832  byRobiquet  in  the  muriate  of  morphia  pre- 
p;ed  according  to  the  process  of  Gregory.  It  exists  in  opium  combined  like 
nrphia  with  meconic  acid,  and  is  extracted  along  with  that  alkali  in  the  pre- 
p;ation  of  the  muriate.  (See  Morphia.)  When  the  solution  of  the  mixed  muriates 
otuorphia  and  codeia  is  treated  with  ammonia,  the  former  alkali  is  precipitated, 
ai  the  codeia,  remaining  in  solution,  may  be  obtained  by  evaporation  and  crys- 
tal zation.  It  may  be  purified  by  treating  the  crystals  with  hot  ether,  which 
di  olves  them,  and  yields  the  codeia  in  colourless  crystals  by  spontaneous  evapo- 
raon.  This  alkaline  product  melts  at  300°  without  decomposition.  It  is  solu- 
bl  in  water,  which  takes  up  1'26  per  cent,  at  60°,  3'7  at  110°,  and  5'9  at  212°. 
lien  added  in  excess  to  boiling  water,  the  undissolved  portion  melts  and  sinks 
tohe  bottom,  having  the  appearance  of  an  oil.  It  is  soluble  also  in  alcohol  and 
et|r,  but  is  insoluble  in  alkaline  solutions.  Hence,  it  may  be  separated  from 
m pkia  by  a solution  of  potassa  or  soda,  which  dissolves  the  morphia,  and  leaves 
th  codeia.  It  has  an  alkaline  reaction  on  test  paper,  and  combines  with  acids 
to  arm  salts,  some  of  which  are  crystallizable,  particularly  the  nitrate.  Its  capa- 
ci  of  saturation  is  almost  identical  with  that  of  morphia.  According  to  Robiquet, 
1 irt  of  muriatic  acid  is  saturated  by  7'837  of  codeia,  and  by  7 "88  of  morphia. 
Its  distinguishable,  however,  from  the  latter  principle,  by  the  different  form  of 
its  crystals,  which  are  octohedral,  by  its  solubility  in  boiling  ether,  greater  solu- 
bi  y in  water,  and  insolubility  in  alkaline  solutions,  and  by  not  assuming  a red 
colur  with  nitric  acid,  nor  a blue  one  with  the  salts  of  the  sesquioxide  of  iron. 
{pirn.  de  Pharm.,  xix.  91.)  Tincture  of  galls  precipitates  from  its  solutions 
a nnate  of  codeia.  Crystallized  from  a watery  solution,  it  contains  about  six  per 
ce<.  of  water,  which  is  driven  off  at  212°.  The  crystals  obtained  from  a solution 
in'ther  contain  no  water.  Like  most  of  the  other  organic  alkalies,  it  consists 
of  itrogen,  carbon,  hydrogen  and  oxygen ; its  received  formula  being  NC35Hao05, 
an  its  combining  number  consequently  284.  According  to  Dr.  Anderson,  how- 
ev  , the  formula  of  the  anhydrous  alkaloid  is  NC3(!H2106,  with  the  addition  of 
tw  eqs.  of  water  in  the  hydrate.  ( Month . Journ.  of  Med.  Sci.,  May,  1850,  p. 
4S)  Dr.  Gregory  tried  the  effects  of  nitrate  of  codeia  upon  himself  and  seve- 
ra  if  his  pupils,  and  found  that,  in  a dose  of  three  grains  or  less,  it  produced 
no  bvious  effect,  but,  in  the  quantity  of  from  four  to  six  grains,  accelerated  the 
pus,  occasioned  a sense  of  heat  in  the  head  and  face,  and  gave  rise  to  an  agree- 
ab  excitement  of  the  spirits  like  that  resulting  from  intoxicating  drinks,  which 
wa  attended  with  a sense  of  itching  upon  the  skin,  and,  after  lasting  for  several 
hcl  s,  was  followed  by  an  unpleasant  depression,  with  nausea  and  sometimes 
vo  iting.  No  tendency  to  sleep  was  observed,  except  in  the  state  of  depression. 
In  no  or  three  cases  the  medicine  produced  a slight  purgative  effect;  but  in 

The  different  effects,  obtained  by  different  experimenters  from  narcotina,  are  readily 
ex;  cable,  should  the  statements,  contained  in  previous  notes  (see  pages  532  and  533), 
as  I the  existence  of  a powerful  alkaloid  (opiania),  which  may  have  been  mixed  with  the 
na  itina,  and  of  several  different  modifications  of  narcotina  itself,  prove  to  be  correct. — 
Nc  to  the  tenth  edition. 


536 


PART 


Opium. 

others  it  appeared  to  exercise  no  peculiar  influence  on  the  bowels.  M.  Bartiif 
of  Amiens,  administered  codeia  uncombined  in  numerous  cases,  and  observ 
that,  in  the  dose  of  one  or  two  grains,  it  acted  on  the  nervous  system,  and  a 
peared  to  be  directed  especially  to  the  great  sympathetic;  as  it  relieved  paini 
affections  having  their  origin  apparently  in  disorders  of  this  nerve,  while  it  e 
erted  no  influence  over  pains  of  the  back  and  extremities  supplied  by  nerves frc 
the  spinal  marrow.  He  did  not  find  it  to  affect  the  circulation,  to  disturb  digi 
tion,  or  to  produce  constipation.  In  sufficient  quantity,  it  induced  sleep,  withe 
occasioning  those  marks  of  cerebral  congestion  occasioned  by  opium.  Dr.  3 
randa,  of  Havana,  employed  it  with  great  advantage  in  several  bad  cases 
dyspepsia.  On  the  whole,  there  can  be  no  doubt  that  this  principle  has  a decid 
action  on  the  animal  economy,  and  is  among  those  upon  which  opium  depeD 
for  its  peculiar  powers. 

Paramorphia  (thebaina)  is  the  name  given  by  Pelletier  to  a principle,  d 
covered  by  him  in  the  precipitate  thrown  down  from  an  infusion  of  opium  treal 
with  milk  of  lime.  The  precipitate  being  washed  with  water  till  the  liquid  ca' 
away  colourless,  and  then  treated  with  alcohol,  instead  of  affording  morphia 
this  solvent,  as  was  anticipated,  yielded  a new  alkaline  principle,  which  v 
obtained  separate  by  evaporating  the  alcohol,  acting  on  the  residue  with  eth 
allowing  the  ethereal  solution  to  evaporate  spontaneously,  and  then  purifying  1 
resulting  crystalline  mass  by  dissolving  it  in  an  acid,  precipitating  by  ammor 
and  recrystallizing  by  means  of  alcohol  or  ether.  Pelletier  named  it  paramorpb 
from  its  close  analogy  in  composition  with  morphia,  from  which,  however,  it; 
quite  distinct  in  properties.  It  is  white,  crystallizable  in  needles,  of  an  aci 
and  styptic  rather  than  bitter  taste,  fusible  at  about  300°,  scarcely  soluble; 
water,  very  soluble  in  alcohol  and  ether  even  when  cold,  and  still  more  sowh 
heated,  and  capable  of  combining  with  the  acids,  with  which  it  forms  salts  :t 
crystallizable  from  their  aqueous  solution.  Alkalies  precipitate  it  from  itsal 
solutions,  and,  unless  in  very  concentrated  solution,  do  not  dissolve  it  when  add 
in  excess.  It  is  not,  like  morphia,  reddened  by  nitric  acid,  nor  does  it  becot 
blue  with  solutions  of  the  salts  of  sesquioxide  of  iron.  From  codeia  it  dills 
in  never  being  in  large  crystals,  in  not  forming  crystallizable  salts,  in  bej 
always  precipitated  from  its  acid  solutions  by  ammonia,  and  in  not  melting  in  cy 
drops.  From  narcotina,  which  it  most  resembles,  it  may  be  distinguished  bys 
shorter  crystals,  which  want  the  pearly  appearance  of  those  of  narcotina,  bys 
different  taste,' by  its  much  greater  solubility  in  cold  alcohol,  of  which  10  pa 
will  dissolve  1 of  this  principle,  while  narcotina  requires  100  parts,  and  by  e 
action  of  nitric  acid,  which  converts  it  into  a resin-like  matter  before  dissolvg 
it,  while  the  same  acid  instantly  dissolves  narcotina.  It  consists  of  nitrog, 
carbon,  hydrogen,  and  oxygen,  its  formula  being  NC^H^Og  (Kane),  and  its  ca- 
bining number  consequently  202.  Dr.  Anderson  gives  the  formula  NCjgEFs- 
(See  Journ.  de  Pharm.,  3e  ser. , xxiv.  233.)  The  name  of  thebain  was  proped 
for  it  by  M.  Couerbe,  who  was  disposed  to  give  the  credit  of  its  discovery  too 
Thiboumery,  the  director  of  Pelletier’s  laboratory7.  According  to  Magendiut 
is  closely  analogous,  in  its  effects  on  the  system,  to  strychnia  and  brucia,  'in- 
ducing tetanic  spasms  in  the  dose  of  a grain.  (See  Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm. ,\in.  *■) 

jVurcein,  discovered  by  Pelletier  in  1832,  is  white,  in  silky  acicular  cryst?. 
inodorous,  of  a slightly  bitter  taste,  fusible  at  197°  F.,  soluble  in  375  partial 
cold  and  220  of  boiling  water,  soluble  also  in  alcohol,  and  insoluble  in  ether.lt 
forms  a bluish  compound  with  iodine,  the  colour  of  which  is  destroyed  by  ht 
and  the  alkalies.  It  is  rendered  blue  by  the  action  of  mineral  acids  so  fardibd 
as  not  to  decompose  it;  but  does  not,  like  morphia,  become  blue  by  the  ac>n 
of  the  salts  of  iron,  nor  red  by  that  of  nitric  acid.  It  is  dissolved  by  the  at s, 
but  does  not  neutralize  them,  and,  though  at  first  thought  to  be  alkaline  by  ?■«* 


PAT  I. 


537 


Opium. 


tic-  is  not  so  considered  at  present.  It  resembles  the  organic  alkalies,  how- 
ev , in  its  constitution,  consisting  of  nitrogen,  carbon,  hydrogen,  and  oxygen. 
Itgormula  is  NC^H^O^,  or,  according  to  Dr.  Anderson,  NC40H29O18.  Pelletier 
obdned  it  in  the  course  of  his  analysis  of  opium.  Having  formed  an  aqueous 
exact  of  opium,  he  treated  it  with  distilled  water,  precipitated  the  morphia  by 
anhonia,  concentrated  the  solution,  filtered  it,  threw  down  the  meconic  acid  by 
ba'ta  water,  separated  the  excess  of  baryta  by  carbonate  of  ammonia,  drove  oif 
thexcess  of  the  ammoniacal  salt  by  heat,  evaporated  the  liquor  to  the  consistence 
of  jrrup,  set  it  aside  till  a pulpy  matter  formed  containing  crystals,  separated  and 
ex^essed  this  pulpy  matter,  then  treated  it  with  alcohol,  and  concentrated  the 
aliholic  solution.  This,  upon  cooling,  deposited  crystals  of  narcein , which  were 
ealy  purified  by  repeated  solution  and  crystallization.  When  mixed  with  me- 
coln,  which  often  crystallizes  with  it,  the  latter  may  be  separated  by  the  agency 
of  ther.  It  has  not  been  ascertained  to  have  any  influence  upon  the  system. 
T\  grains  of  it  have  been  introduced  into  the  jugular  vein  of  a dog  without  any 
ob.rvable  effect. 

teconin,  the  existence  of  which  was  announced  in  1882  by  M.  Couerbe,  is 
idijtical  with  a substance  discovered  several  years  previously  by  M.  Dublanc, 
ju,  but  of  which  no  account  was  published.  It  is  perfectly  white,  in  the  form 
of  cicular  crystals,  soluble  in  about  265  parts  of  cold  and  18  of  boiling  water, 
ve  soluble  in  ether,  alcohol,  and  the  essential  oils,  fusible  at  195°,  volatilizable 
wiiOut  change,  and  possessed  of  a degree  of  acrimony  which  favours  the  suppo- 
sitjn  that  it  may  not  be  without  action  upon  the  system.  It  is  neither  acid  nor 
all  line,  and  contains  no  nitrogen.  Meconin  is  obtained  by  precipitating  the 
aq'jious  infusion  of  opium  with  ammonia,  washing  the  precipitate  with  water 
uni  the  latter  nearly  ceases  to  acquire  colour,  mixing  the  watery  fluids,  evapo- 
ra  ig  them  to  the  consistence  of  molasses,  setting  them  aside  for  two  or  three 
wees,  during  which  a mass  of  granular  crystals  is  formed,  then  decanting  the 
lie  id,  expressing  the  mass,  and  drying  it  with  a gentle  heat.  The  meconin  may 
beeparated  from  the  mass  by  treating  it  with  boiling  alcohol  of  36°  Baum4, 
eviorating  so  as  to  obtain  crystals,  dissolving  these  in  boiling  water  with  animal 
eb  eoal,  filtering  the  liquid  while  hot,  and  subjecting  the  crystals  which  form 
upi  the  cooling  of  the  solution  to  the  action  of  ether,  which  dissolves  the  me- 
co  n,  and  yields  it  in  a state  of  purity  by  spontaneous  evaporation.  ( Journ . de 
-Ppm,  Dec.  1832.) 

’o rphyroxin  {opine,  Berzelius),  according  to  Merck,  may  be  obtained  by 
tnjting  powdered  opium  (previously  exhausted  by  boiling  ether,  and  then  made 
in  a pulp  by  means  of  water)  with  carbonate  of  potassa,  agitating  it  with  ether, 
ev  iorating  the  ethereal  solution,  dissolving  the  residue  in  dilute  muriatic  acid, 
an  precipitating  with  ammonia.  Paramorphia  and  porphyroxin  are  thus  ob- 
tahd  together.  These  are  to  be  dissolved  in  ether,  which,  by  spontaneous 
evioration,  deposits  the  former  in  crystals,  and  the  latter  in  the  form  of  resin. 
T1  porphyroxin  is  separated  by  the  cautious  use  of  alcohol,  and  is  obtained  by 
th  evaporation  of  the  alcoholic  solution.  It  is  neuter,  crystallizable  in  shining 
ue lies,  insoluble  in  water,  soluble  in  alcohol  and  ether,  and  characterized  by 
th  property  of  assuming  a purple-red  or  rose-colour  when  heated  in  dilute 
nr  iatic  acid.  {Journ.  de  Pliarm.,  3e  sh\,  xiv.  187.) 

f pseudomorphia,  as  it  is  found  in  opium  only  as  an  occasional  ingredient, 
an,  is  not  generally  present,  it  is  scarcely  necessary  to  treat  in  detail.  An 
iniresting  fact,  however,  in  relation  to  it,  and  one  of  some  toxicological  im- 
pedance, is  that  it  possesses  two  properties  considered  characteristic  of  morphia, 
the  namely  of  being  reddened  by  nitric  acid,  and  of  striking  a blue  colour  with 
thisalts  of  iron,  and  yet  is  without  any  poisonous  influence  upon  the  animal 
ec  omy.  (See  Am.  Journ.  of  Phann.,  viii.  77,  or  Journ.  de  Pha-nn.,  xxi.  575.) 


538 


Opium. 


PART 


But  it  differs  in  not  forming  salts  with  the  acids,  and  in  not  decomposing  io 
acid.  It  consists  of  nitrogen,  carbon,  hydrogen,  and  oxygen. 

Meconic  acid  is  in  white  crystalline  scales,  of  a sour  taste  followed  by  bitt 
ness,  fusible  and  volatilizable  by  heat,  soluble  in  four  parts  of  boiling  wat 
soluble  also  in  cold  water  and  alcohol,  with  the  property  of  reddening  vegeta 
blues,  and  forming  salts.  Its  compounds  with  the  earths  and  heavy  metal 
oxides  are  generally  insoluble  in  water.  Its  characteristic  properties  are,  that 
produces  a blood-red  colour  with  the  salts  of  sesquioxide  of  iron,  a green  p 
cipitate  with  a weak  solution  of  ammoniated  sulphate  of  copper,  and  white  p 
cipitates  soluble  in  nitric  acid,  with  acetate  of  lead,  nitrate  of  silver,  and  chlor 
of  barium.  It  is  obtained  by  macerating  opium  in  water,  filtering  the  infusi< 
and  adding  a solution  of  chloride  of  calcium.  Meconate  and  sulphate  of  li 
are  precipitated.  The  precipitate,  having  been  washed  with  hot  water  and  w 
alcohol,  is  treated  with  dilute  muriatic  acid  at  180°.  The  meconate  of  lime; 
taken  up,  and,  upon  the  cooling  of  the  liquid,  bimeconate  of  lime  is  deposit 
This  is  dissolved  in  warm  concentrated  muriatic  acid,  which  deposits  pure  mecot 
acid  when  it  cools.  It  may  be  freed  from  colouring  matter  by  neutralizing 
with  potassa,  decomposing  the  crystallized  meconate  thus  obtained  by  muria 
acid,  and  again  crystallizing.  Meconic  acid  has  little  or  no  action  on  the  syste, 
and  is  not  used  separately  in  medicine;  but  its  natural  relation  to  morphia  requi ; 
that  it  should  be  understood. 

Incompatibles.  All  the  substances  which  produce  precipitates  with  opium  > 
not  necessarily  affect  its  medical  virtues ; but  the  alkalies,  and  all  vegeta 
infusions  containing  tannic  and  gallic  acids,  are  strictly  incompatible;  the  form 
separating  and  precipitating  the  active  principle,  the  latter  forming  with  it . 
insoluble  compound. 

The  proportion  of  morphia  which  any  particular  specimen  of  opium  v. 
furnish,  may  be  considered  as  the  best  test  of  its  value,  except  that  of  actu 
trial  upon  the  system.  Good  opium  should  yield  ten  or  twelve  per  cent,  of  1: 
impure  morphia  precipitated  from  the  infusion  by  ammonia  with  alcohol,  - 
cording  to  the  process  of  the  United  States  Pharmacopoeia.  (See  Jlorphia.)  li 
Edinburgh  College  gives  the  following  test.  “A  solution  from  100  grains  f 
fine  opium  macerated  twenty-four  hours  in  two  fiuidounces  of  water,  filtered,  al 
strongly  squeezed  iu  a cloth,  if  treated  with  a cold  solution  of  half  an  ouncef 
carbonate  of  soda  in  two  waters,  yields  a precipitate,  which  weighs,  when  d, 
at  least  ten  grains,  and  dissolves  entirely  in  solution  of  oxalic  acid.” 

M.  Guilliermond  gives  the  following  mode  of  estimating  the  strength  ofopiu, 
as  tested  by  the  amount  of  morphia  which  it  will  yield.  Take  15  parts  of  opiu, 
cut  it  in  pieces,  rub  it  up  with  bO  parts  of  alcohol  at  160°,  drain  the  mixte 
on  linen  and  express,  treat  the  residue  with  40  parts  of  alcohol  at  the  same  te- 
perature,  unite  the  tinctures  in  a vessel  with  a large  mouth  into  which  4 pus 
of  solution  of  ammonia  ('2'2°  Cartier)  have  been  introduced,  and  allow  the  m- 
turc  to  stand  12  hours.  The  crystals  which  form  are  to  be  put  upon  linen,  wasll 
repeatedly  with  water  to  separate  the  meconate  of  ammonia,  and  then  introdud 
into  a small  vessel  of  water.  The  crystals  of  uarcotina  beiug  very  light,  rerni 
suspended  in  the  water,  and  may  be  decanted  along  with  it,  while  those  of  m- 
phia,  remaining  at  the  bottom,  may  be  collected  and  weighed.  Good  opii 
treated  in  this  way  will  yield  for  the  15  parts  employed  from  1'25  to  1*5  pas 
of  the  crystals  of  morphia.  ( Journ . de  C him.  et  de  Pharm.,  xvi.  18.)* 

* As  the  morphia  obtained  in  the  above  process  is  not  quite  free  from  nareotina,  M.* 
Vry  proposes  the  following  modification.  The  mixture  of  morphia  and  nareotina,  pr  - 
pitated  from  the  alcoholic  solution  by  ammonia,  after  being  washed,  is  to  he  heated  A 
a slight  excess  of  sulphate  of  copper  dissolved  in  pure  water.  The  nareotina  has  no  ae  a 
on  the  sulphate  of  copper,  which  is  decomposed  by  the  morphia,  producing  sulphate! 


PAT  I. 


539 


Opium. 

1 'ests  of  Opium.  It  is  sometimes  highly  important  to  he  able  to  ascertain 
th  presence  or  absence  of  opium  in  any  suspected  mixture.  As  meconic  acid 
an  morphia  have  been  found  only  in  the  products  of  the  poppy,  if  either  or 
boj  of  them  be  shown  to  exist  in  any  substance,  very  strong  evidence  is  afforded 
ofae  presence  of  opium  in  that  substance.  Our  tests  should,  therefore,  be  ap- 
pl  1 iu  reference  to  the  detection  of  these  two  principles.  If  an  aqueous  infu- 
sic  of  the  substance  examined  yield  a red  colour  with  the  tincture  of  chloride 
of'on,  there  is  presumptive  evidence  of  the  presence  of  meconic  acid.  Greater 
ce  ainty  may  be  obtained  by  the  following  process.  Add  in  excess  to  the  filtered 
licor  a solution  of  acetate  of  lead.  If  opium  be  present,  there  will  be  a preci- 
pice of  meconate  of  lead,  and  the  acetates  of  morphia  and  lead  will  remain  in 
sojtion.  The  precipitate  is  then  to  be  suspended  in  water,  and  decomposed, 
eiter  by  adding  a little  diluted  sulphuric  acid,  which  forms  the  sulphate  of  lead 
an  leaves  the  meconic  acid  in  solution,  or  by  passing  through  it  a stream  of 
suimretted  hydrogen,  removing  by  filtration  the  precipitated  sulphuret  of  lead, 
animating  the  clear  liquor  so  as  to  drive  off  the  sulphuretted  hydrogen.  With 
th  clear  liquor  thus  obtained,  if  it  contain  meconic  acid,  the  tincture  of  chloride 
offon  will  produce  a striking  red  colour,  the  ammoniated  sulphate  of  copper  a 
grin  precipitate,  and  acetate  of  lead,  nitrate  of  silver,  and  chloride  of  barium, 
wl:e  precipitates  soluble  in  nitric  acid.  Sulphocyanuret  of  potassium,  which, 
ac  rding  to  Dr.  Wright,  is  an  invariable  constituent  of  saliva  ( Simon’s  Chemis- 
frlii.  6),  produces  a i’ed  colour  with  the  salts  of  sesquioxide  of  iron,  resembling 
th  produced  by  meconic  acid;  but,  according  to  Mr.  Everitt,  this  colour  is 
enrely  and  at  once  destroyed  by  a solution  of  corrosive  sublimate,  which  has 
ik  fleet  on  the  red  colour  of  the  meconate  of  iron.  (See  Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm., 
xi  88.)  On  the  contrary,  chloride  of  gold  reddens  a solution  of  hydrosulpho- 
cy lie  acid  or  a sulphocyanuret,  but  not  of  meconic  acid.  Pereira  says  the  ace- 
ta  5 also  redden  the  salts  of  sesquioxide  of  iron  ; but  they  do  not  afford  the 
re  Its  above  mentioned  with  acetate  of  lead  and  chloride  of  barium.  To  test 
th  presence  of  morphia,  the  liquid  from  which  the  meconate  of  lead  has  been 
pripitated,  and  which  maybe  supposed  to  contain  the  acetates  of  morphia  and 
lea,  must  be  freed  from  the  lead  by  a stream  of  sulphuretted  hydrogen,  and 
th'i  from  the  sulphuretted  hydrogen  by  heat;  after  which,  the  following  re- 
a dits  may  be  applied  : — viz.  1.  nitric  acid,  which  colours  the  morphia  red  ; 2. 
io®  acid,  which  is  decomposed  by  the  morphia  with  the  extrication  of  iodine, 
wlbh  colours  the  liquid  reddish-brown,  and,  if  starch  is  present,  unites  with  it 
to  >rm  a blue  compound  ; 3.  solution  of  ammonia,  which,  if  carefully  added  so 
as  lot  to  be  in  excess,  throws  down  a precipitate  of  morphia  soluble  in  a great 
ex|ss  of  that  alkali  or  of  potassa ; and  4.  tannic  acid,  which  precipitates  an 
in  luble  tannate  of  morphia.  If  the  precipitate  thrown  down  by  ammonia 
afi  d a deep-red  colour,  becoming  yellow,  with  nitric  acid,  and  a blue  colour 
wiji  the  sesquichloride  of  iron,  the  proof  may  be  considered  as  complete.* 

m<  bhia  and  tribasic  sulphate  of  copper.  The  latter  and  the  nareotina  remain  undissolved, 
an  a solution  is  obtained  containing1  sulphate  of  morphia  with  a little  sulphate  of  copper. 
Tl;  being  filtered  is  treated  first  with  sulphuretted  hydrogen,  which  precipitates  the 
cojer,  and  afterwards  with  ammonia  which  throws  down  the  morphia.  {Pharm.  Journ. 
at JP 'rang.,  x.  77.) 

Merck  has  proposed  a test  of  opium,  founded  on  the  property  which  characterizes 
po  hyroxin  of  assuming  a red  colour  when  heated  in  dilute  muriatic  acid.  The  suspected 
lie  d is  first  to  be  carefully  evaporated,  a few  drops  of  solution  of  potassa  are  to  be  added, 
an;  the  mixture  agitated  with  ether.  The  ethereal  solution  being  filtered  off,  a slip  of 
urijjed  paper  is  to  be  dipped  into  it  and  dried  ; and  the  moistening  and  drying  should  be 
related  several  times.  The  paper  thus  prepared  is  to  be  moistened  with  dilute  muriatic 
ac:,  and  then  exposed  to  the  vapour  of  boiling  water.  If  it  become  reddened,  opium  may 
hejiferred  to  exist  in  the  liquid  tested.  M.  Ileusler  states  that  this  test  is  not  applicable 


540 


Opium. 


PART 


Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Opium  is  a stimulant  narcotic.  Taken  bt 
healthy  person,  in  a moderate  dose,  it  increases  the  force,  fulness,  and  frequeii 
of  the  pulse,  augments  the  temperature  of  the  skin,  invigorates  the  museu 
system,  quickens  the  senses,  animates  the  spirits,  and  gives  new  energy  to  t 
intellectual  faculties.  Its  operation,  while  thus  extending  to  all  parts  of  t 
system,  is  directed  with  peculiar  force  to  the  brain,  the  functions  of  which 
excites  sometimes  even  to  intoxication  or  delirium.  In  a short  time  this  exci 
tion  subsides;  a calmness  of  the  corporeal  actions,  and  a delightful  placidity 
mind  succeed ; and  the  individual,  insensible  to  painful  impressions,  forgetti 
all  sources  of  care  and  anxiety,  submits  himself  to  a current  of  undefined  a 
unconnected,  but  pleasing  fancies;  and  is  conscious  of  no  other  feeling  th 
that  of  a quiet  and  vague  enjoyment.  At  the  end  of  half  an  hour  or  an  hr 
from  the  administration  of  the  narcotic,  all  consciousness  is  lost  in  sleep.  I 
soporific  effect,  after  having  continued  for  eight  or  ten  hours,  goes  off,  and  is  gei 
rally  succeeded  by  more  or  less  nausea,  headache,  tremors,  and  other  sympto 
of  diminished  or  irregular  nervous  action,  tvhieh  soon  yield  to  the  recuperati 
energies  of  the  system;  and,  unless  the  dose  be  frequently  repeated,  and  t 
powers  of  nature  worn  out  by  over-excitement,  no  injurious  consequences  u 
matcly  result.  Such  is  the  obvious  operation  of  opium  when  moderately  take 
but  other  effects,  very  important  in  a remedial  point  of  view,  are  also  expe 
enced.  All  the  secretions,  with  the  exception  of  that  from  the  skin,  are  eitl 
suspended  or  diminished;  the  peristaltic  motion  of  the  bowels  is  lessened;  p; 
and  inordinate  muscular  contraction,  if  present,  are  allayed;  and  general  nerve 
irritation  is  composed,  if  not  entirely  relieved. 

In  doses  insufficient  to  produce  the  full  soporific  effect,  the  stimulant  influer 
upon  the  mental  functions  continues  longer,  and  the  subsequent  calming  efft 
is  sustained  for  hours;  sleep  being  not  unfrequently  prevented,  or  rendered ■ 
light  and  dreamy  that,  upon  awaking,  the  patient  will  scarcely  admit  that  he  1. 
slept  at  all.  When  large  doses  are  taken,  the  period  of  excitement  and  exhilarati 
is  shorter;  the  soporific  and  anodyne  effects  are  more  iutense  and  of  longer  du- 
tion ; and  the  succeeding  symptoms  of  debility  are  more  obvious  and  alarmii 

From  quantities  sufficient  to  destroy  life,  after  a brief  excitement,  the  pulse; 
reduced  in  frequency  though  not  in  force,  muscular  strength  is  diminished,  a. 
feelings  of  languor  and  drowsiness  supervene,  which  soon  eventuate  in  a de> 
apoplectic  sleep.  A stertorous  respiration ; a dark  suffusion  of  the  countenanc 
a full,  slow,  and  labouring  pulse;  an  almost  total  insensibility  to  external  i- 
pressions;  and — when  a moment  of  consciousness  is  obtained  by  violent  agi- 
tion,  or  irritating  applications — a confused  state  of  intellect,  and  an  irresistil- 
disposition  to  sink  back  into  comatose  sleep,  are  symptoms  which,  for  the  fi; 
few  hours,  attend  the  operation  of  the  poison.  Though  not  signs  of  an  elevat. 
condition  of  the  bodily  powers,  neither  do  they  imply  a state  of  pure,  unmix. 
debility.  The  pulse  is,  indeed,  slow;  but  it  is  often  so  full  and  strong  as  evem 
call  for  the  use  of  the  lancet.  In  the  space,  however,  of  a few  hours,  varyi; 
according  to  the  quantity  of  the  narcotic  taken,  and  the  powers  of  the  patien; 
constitution,  a condition  of  genuine  debility  ensues;  and  this  condition  will 1 
hastened  in  point  of  time,  though  it  will  be  more  under  the  control  of  remedi, 
if  the  opium  be  evacuated  from  the  stomach.  Called  to  an  individual  label- 
ing under  the  influence  of  a fatal  dose  of  opium,  at  a period  from  six  to  eig 
hours  after  it  has  beeu  swallowed,  the  practitioner  will  generally  find  himw; 
a cool,  clammy  skin;  cold  extremities;  a pallid  countenance;  a feeble,  thre;- 

to  the  aqueous  solution  or  extract  of  opium,  because  porphyroxin  is  insoluble  in  wat. 
but  Mr.  Robertson,  of  Rotterdam,  has  found  it  to  succeed  with  the  watery  extract.  : 
infers  that  the  porphyroxin  is  so  combined  in  opium  as  to  render  it  in  some  mea;0 
soluble.  ( Journ . 4?  Pharm.,  3c  ser. , xxii.  190.) — Xole  to  the  tenth  edition. 


P.AT  I. 


Opium. 


541 


lit  scarcely  perceptible  pulse;  a slow,  interrupted,  almost  gasping  respiration; 
an  a torpor  little  short  of  absolute,  death-like  insensibility.  Death  soon  fol- 
low , unless  relief  is  afforded. 

o appearances  are  revealed  by  the  dissection  of  those  who  have  died  of  the 
im  ediate  effects  of  opium,  which  can  be  considered  as  affording  satisfactory 
evence  of  its  mode  of  operation.  The  redness  occasionally  observed  in  the 
mious  membrane  of  the  stomach  is  not  constantly  present,  and  is  ascribable 
as  mch  to  the  irritating  effect  of  remedies  prescribed,  or  to  the  spirituous 
vecle  in  which  the  poison  has  been  swallowed,  as  to  the  action  of  the  poison 
its  f-  Such  at  least  is  the  inference  drawn  by  Nyston  from  his  experiments 
an  observations;  and  Orfila  states  that  the  stomachs  of  dogs  which  he  had 
kild  by  opium,  internally  administered,  did  not  present  the  slightest  vestige 
of  flammation.  The  force  of  the  medicine  is  directed  to  the  cerebral  and  nerv- 
ou; unctions;  and  death  is  produced  by  a suspension  of  respiration,  arising  from 
thcvant  of  due  influence  from  the  brain.  The  section  of  the  par  vagum  on  both 
sidi  has  not  been  found  to  prevent  or  retard  the  death  of  animals  to  which 
lan  doses  of  opium  have  been  given,  nor  even  materially  to  modify  its  narcotic 
effits.  (. Nysten , quoted  by  Orfila.')  It  would  seem,  therefore,  that  the  active 
priiiple  is  conveyed  into  the  circulation,  and  operates  upon  the  brain,  and  pro- 
baly  upon  the  nervous  system  at  large,  by  immediate  contact.  It  is  an  error 
to  tribute  the  anodyne,  sedative,  and  soporific  effects  of  the  medicine  to  the 
prdous  excitement.  They  are,  as  much  as  this  very  excitement,  the  direct  results 
of  3 action  upon  the  brain.  It  is  in  the  state  of  exhaustion  and  collapse  which 
enta  after  the  peculiar  influence  of  the  opium  has  ceased,  that  we  are  to  look  for 
an  lustration  of  that  principle  of  the  system,  by  which  any  great  exaltation  of 
its  lergies  above  the  natural  standard  is  followed  by  a corresponding  depression. 
Winay  be  permitted  to  advance  the  conjecture,  that  the  excitement  which  almost 
im  adiately  supervenes  upon  the  internal  use  of  opium,  may  be  in  some  degree 
prorced  by  means  of  nervous  communication;  while  the  succeeding  narcotic 
efffs  are  attributable  to  its  absorption  and  entrance  into  the  circulation;  and  the 
prc ration  of  all  the  powers  of  the  system  which  ultimately  takes  place,  is  a 
necisary  consequence  of  the  previous  agitation  of  the  various  organs. 

'i  some  individuals  opium  produces  very  peculiar  effects,  totally  differing  from 
theirdinary  results  of  its  operation.  In  very  small  quantities  it  occasionally 
giv  rise  to  excessive  sickness  and  vomiting,  and  even  spasm  of  the  stomach;  in 
otlr  cases  it  produces  restlessness,  headache,  and  delirium ; and  we  have  known 
it,  ;en  in  large  doses,  to  occasion  obstinate  wakefulness.  The  headache,  want 
of  ipetite,  tremors,  &e.,  which  usually  follow,  in  a slight  degree,  its  narcotic 
opc  tion,  are  uniformly  experienced  by  some  individuals  to  such  an  extent,  as 
to  :ader  the  use  of  the  medicine  very  inconvenient.  It  is  possible  that  some 
of  ese  disagreeable  effects  may  arise  not  from  the  meconate  of  morphia  con- 
taiid  iu  the  opium,  but  from  some  other  of  its  ingredients,  and  those  which  do 
res  t from  the  meconate  may  not  be  produced  by  other  salts  of  morphia.  It  has, 
ind  d,  been  found  that  the  operation  of  opium  may  often  be  favourably  modified 
by  angingthe  state  of  combination  in  which  its  active  principle  naturally  exists. 
Disj-lved  in  vinegar  or  lemon  juice,  it  had  been  known  to  act  in  some  instances 
mo;  pleasantly  and  effectually  than  in  substance,  or  in  the  state  of  tincture,  long 
bet  e physicians  had  learned  to  explain  the  fact  by  referring  it  to  the  production 
of  acetate  or  citrate  of  morphia.  When  upou  the  subject  of  morphia,  we 
sba1  take  occasion  to  treat  of  the  medical  properties  of  this  principle  in  its  va- 
rioi  combinations. 

a occasional  effect  of  opium,  which  has  not  yet  been  alluded  to,  is  a dis- 
agr  able  itching  or  sense  of  pricking  in  the  skin,  which  is  sometimes  attended 
wit.  a species  of  miliary  eruption.  We  have  fouud  the  effect  to  result  equally 
froi  all  the  preparations  of  this  narcotic. 


542 


Opium. 


PART 


The  general  operation  of  opium  may  be  obtained  by  injecting  it  into  the  recta 
or  applying  it  to  the  surface  of  the  body,  especially  upon  a part  denuded  of  t 
cuticle.  It  has  appeared  to  us,  when  thus  applied,  to  produce  less  general  c 
citement,  in  proportion  to  its  other  effects,  than  when  administered  by  the  mout 
but  we  do  not  make  the  statement  with  entire  confidence.  It  is  said  that,  wh 
introduced  into  the  cellular  membrane,  it  acts  with  great  energy;  and,  wh 
thrown  into  the  cavity  of  the  peritoneum,  speedily  produces  convulsions  a 
death.  Injected  into  the  cavity  of  the  heart,  it  impairs  or  altogether  destrc 
the  powers  of  that  organ. 

The  local  effects  of  opium  are  similar  in  character  to  those  which  follow 
general  operation.  An  increased  action  of  the  part  is  first  observable;  thei 
diminution  of  its  sensibility  and  contractility;  and  the  latter  effect  is  mi 
speedy,  more  intense,  and  of  longer  continuance,  the  larger  the  quantity  in  wh 
the  narcotic  is  applied. 

In  all  parts  of  the  world,  opium  is  habitually  employed  by  many  with  a vi 
to  its  exhilarating  and  anodyne  influence.  This  is  particularly  the  case  amc 
the  Mahomedans  and  Hindoos,  who  find  in  this  narcotic  the  most  pleasing  si- 
stitute  for  those  alcoholic  drinks  which  are  interdicted  by  the  precepts  of  tlr 
religion.  In  India,  Persia,  and  Turkey,  it  is  consumed  in  immense  quantith; 
and  many  nations  of  the  East  smoke  opium  as  those  of  the  West  smoke  tobae. 
This  is  not  the  place  to  speak  of  the  fearful  effects  of  such  a practice  upon  bu 
the  intellectual  and  bodily  faculties. 

The  use  of  opium  as  a medicine  can  be  clearly  traced  back  to  Diagoras,  to 
was  nearly  contemporary  with  Hippocrates;  and  it  was  probably  employed  bef; 
his  time.  It  is  at  present  more  frequently  prescribed  than  perhaps  any  of: 
article  of  the  materia  medica.  Its  extensive  applicability  to  the  cure  of  disea 
will  be  rendered  evident  by  a view  of  the  indications  which  it  is  calculated) 
fulfil.  1.  It  is  excitant  in  its  primary  action.  In  low  or  typhoid  complaii, 
requiring  a supporting  treatment,  it  exalts  the  actions  of  the  arterial  and  nerv  3 
systems,  and,  in  moderate  doses  frequently  repeated,  may  be  employed  with  - 
vantage  in  conjunction  or  alternation  with  other  stimulants.  2.  It  relieves  pi 
more  speedily  and  effectually  than  any  other  known  medicine,  with  the  excepti 
of  ether  and  chloroform.  If  possessed  of  no  other  property  than  this,  it  wol 
be  entitled  to  high  consideration.  Not  to  mention  cancer,  and  other  incurae 
affections,  in  which  the  alleviation  afforded  by  opium  is  of  incalculable  value, e 
have  numerous  instances  of  painful  diseases  which  are  not  only  temporav 
relieved,  but  entirely  cured  by  the  remedy;  and  there  is  scarcely  a couipkt 
in  the  catalogue  of  human  ailments,  in  the  treatment  of  which  it  is  not  ou- 
sionally  demanded  for  the  relief  of  suffering,  which,  if  allowed  to  continue,  mist 
aggravate  the  disorder,  and  protract  if  not  prevent  a cure.  3.  Another  vv 
important  indication,  which,  beyond  any  other  narcotic,  it  is  capable  of  fulfill  . 
is  the  production  of  sleep.  For  this  purpose  it  is  given  in  a great  variety!' 
diseases;  whenever,  in  fact,  morbid  vigilance  exists,  not  dependent  on  ate 
inflammation  of  the  brain.  Among  the  complaints  in  which  it  proves  mt 
serviceable  in  this  way  is  delirium  tremens,  or  the  mania  of  drunkards,  in  wlh 
it  is  frequently  sufficient  of  itself  to  effect  a cure.  Opium  produces  sleep  in  0 
ways;  first,  by  its  direct  operation  on  the  brain,  secondly,  by  allaying  >t 
morbid  nervous  irritation  upon  which  wakefulness  generally  depends.  In  ie 
latter  case  it  may  frequently  be  advantageously  combined  with  camphor  or  If- 
mann’s  anodyne.  4.  Opium  is  powerfully  autispasmodic.  No  medicine  no 
efficient  in  relaxing  spasm,  and  in  controlling  those  irregular  muscular  m e- 
meuts  which  depend  on  unhealthy  nervous  action.  Hence  its  great  imports 
as  a remedy  in  tetanus;,  colic;  spasm  of  the  stomach  attending  gout,  <h>pejai 
and  cholera;  spasm  of  the  ureters  in  nephritis,  and  of  the  biliary  ducts  du>£ 


P^T  I. 


543 


Opium. 

tbpassage  of  calculi;  and  in  various  convulsive  affections.  5.  Probably  depend- 
enupon  a similar  influence  over  the  nervous  system,  is  the  property  which  it 
poesses  of  allaying  general  and  local  irritations,  whether  exhibited  in  the  nerves 
or  iloodvessels,  provided  the  action  do  not  amount  to  positive  inflammation; 
an  even  in  this  case  it  is  often  prescribed  with  advantage.  Hence  its  use  in 
exposing  restlessness,  quieting  cough,  and  relieving  nausea,  tenesmus,  and 
stiagury.  6.  In  suppressing  morbid  discharges,  it  answers  another  indication 
whh  fits  it  for  the  treatment  of  a long  list  of  diseases.  This  effect  it  is,  per- 
ha;  enabled  to  produce  by  diminishing  the  nervous  energy  upon  which  secretion 
an  muscular  motion  depend.  Upon  this  principle  it  is  useful  in  diarrhoea,  when 
thiiomplaint  consists  merely  in  increased  secretion  into  the  bowels,  without  high 
aeon  or  organic  derangement;  in  consumption,  chronic  catarrh,  humoral  asthma, 
an  other  cases  of  morbidly  increased  expectoration  ; in  diabetes,  and  in  certain 
fons  of  hemorrhage,  particularly  that  from  the  uterus,  in  combination  with  other 
readies.  7.  It  remains  to  mention  one  other  indication ; that,  namely,  of  produc- 
ingoerspiration,  in  fulfilling  w’hich,  opium,  conjoined  with  small  doses  of  emetic 
mticines,  is  pre-eminent.  No  diaphoretic  is  so  powerful  as  a combination  of 
opm  and  ipecacuanha;  and  none  is  so  extensively  employed.  We  shall  speak 
nice  fully  of  this  application  of  the  remedy  under  the  head  of  Pulvis  Ipecacuanhas 
et  pci.  It  is  here  sufficient  to  say,  that  its  beneficial  effects  are  especially  ex- 
peinced  in  rheumatism,  the  bowel  affections,  and  certain  pectoral  diseases. 

rom  this  great  diversity  of  properties,  and  the  frequent  occurrence  of  those 
mepid  conditions  in  which  opium  affords  relief,  it  is  often  prescribed  in  the  same 
disise  to  meet  numerous  indications.  Thus,  in  idiopathic  fevers,  we  frequently 
me;  with  morbid  vigilance  and  great  nervous  irritation,  combined  with  a low 
coiition  of  the  system.  In  typhous  pneumonia,  there  is  the  same  depression 
of  e vital  powers,  combined  often  with  severe  neuralgic  pains,  and  much  nervous 
irr  ition.  In  diarrhoea,  besides  the  indications  presented  by  the  spasmodic  pain 
amincreased  discharge,  there  is  a strong  call  for  the  diaphoretic  operation  of 
thopium.  It  is  unnecessary  to  multiply  instances.  There  is  hardly  a com- 
ph  t which  does  not  occasionally  present  a complication  of  symptoms  demanding 
thuse  of  this  remedy. 

it  a medicine  possessed  of  such  extensive  powers  may  do  much  injury,  if 
imyperly  directed;  and  conditions  of  the  system  frequently  occur,  in  which, 
thigh  some  one  of  the  symptoms  calls  for  its  use,  others,  on  the  contrary,  are 
iiic  iipatible  with  it.  Thus,  opium  is  contra-indicated  by  a high  state  of  inflam- 
ma  ry  excitement,  which  should  be  reduced  before  we  can  with  propriety  venture 
up  its  employment;  and  when  there  is  any  doubt  as  to  the  sufficiency  of  the 
region,  the  opium  should  be  given  in  combination  with  tartarized  antimony  or 
ipecuanha,  which  modify  its  stimulant  operation,  and  give  it  a more  decided 
tet  jney  to  the  skin.  It  is  also  contra-indicated  by  inflammation  of  the  brain, 
or  rong  determination  of  blood  to  the  head,  by  deficient  secretion  from  inflamed 
mnus  membranes,  as  in  the  early  stages  of  bronchitis,  and  generally  by  eon- 
sti  tion  of  the  bowels.  When,  however,  the  constipation  depends  upon  intestinal 
spm,  as  in  colic,  it  is  sometimes  relieved  by  the  antispasmodic  action  of  the 
opin ; and  the  binding  effects  of  the  medicine  may  generally  be  counteracted 
by  le  use  of  laxatives. 

oium  is  usually  administered  in  substance  or  in  tincture.  In  the  former 
sta  it  is  given  in  the  shape  of  pill,  which,  as  a general  rule,  should  be  formed 
ouiif  powdered  opium,  as  it  is  thus  more  readily  dissolved  in  the  liquors  of  the 
sto  ach,  and  therefore  operates  more  speedily  and  effectually  than  when  made, 
as  sometimes  is,  immediately  from  the  plastic  mass.  There  is  no  medicine  of 
wb  h the  dose  is  more  variable,  according  to  the  habits  of  the  patient,  the  nature 
of  Is  complaint,  or  the  purpose  to  be  effected.  While  in  catarrh  and  diarrhoea 
we  ften  prescribe  not  more  than  one-fourth  or  one-third  of  a grain,  in  tetanus 


544 


Opium. 


PARI 


and  some  other  nervous  affections,  it  has  been  administered,  without  abating 
violence  of  the  symptoms,  in  the  enormous  quantity  of  two  drachms  in  twen. 
four  hours;  and  in  a case  of  cancer  of  the  uterus,  under  the  care  of  the  late  I 
Monges  and  La  Roche,  of  this  city,  the  quantity  is  stated  to  have  been  gradus- 
increased  till  the  amount  taken  during  one  day,  either  in  the  shape  of  tincture 
in  substance,  was  equivalent  to  more  than  three  ounces.  The  medium  dose. i 
ordinary  cases  of  disease,  to  produce  the  anodyne  and  soporific  effects  of  the  rat- 
cine,  is  one  grain. 

Experience  has  shown  that  the  action  of  opium  is  sometimes  favourably  i. 
dified  by  employing  only  those  of  its  constituents  which  are  soluble  in  wa  . 
Hence  the  watery  extract  is  sometimes  advantageously  substituted  for  the  d r 
itself,  and  an  infusion  for  the  tincture.*  (See  Extractum  Opii.) 

Opium  may  often  be  administered  with  great  advantage  by  the  rectum.  1 
this  way  it  operates  most  advantageously  in  cases  of  obstinate  vomiting,  of  pd. 
ful  nephritic  and  uterine  affections,  of  strangury  from  blisters,  and  of  dysento 
tenesmus.  It  may  be  employed  as  a suppository,  or  in  the  form  of  enema  m 3 
with  laudanum  and  a small  quantity  of  viscid  liquid,  as  flaxseed  tea,  mucil  3 
of  gum  Arabic,  or  starch  prepared  with  hot  water.  The  quantity,  as  a gend 
rule,  may  be  three  times  that  administered  by  the  mouth;  but  the  relative  s- 
ceptibility  of  the  stomach  and  rectum  in  different  persons  is  not  always  the  sar ; 
and  the  effects  produced  by  the  narcotic,  given  by  injection,  are  sometimes  m i 
greater  than  was  anticipated.  The  practitioner,  moreover,  should  take  into  c- 
sideration  the  previous  habits  of  the  patient.  In  an  individual  who  has  hg 
been  accustomed  to  take  opium  internally,  and  whose  stomach  will  receive  lae 
doses  with  impunity,  it  is  possible  that  the  rectum  may  not  have  lost,  in  a ]>- 
portionate  degree,  its  absorbing  power  or  susceptibility;  and  that  serious  a- 
sequences  might  result  by  adhering,  in  such  a case,  to  the  general  rule  as  to  e 
relative  quantity  to  be  given  in  the  way  of  enema  or  suppository. 

In  some  one  of  its  liquid  preparations,  opium  is  often  used  externally  asa 
addition  to  collyria  in  ophthalmia,  to  injections  in  gonorrhoea,  and  to  loti  s 
and  cataplasms  in  various  complaints  of  the  skin,  and  external  pains,  as  ti  e 
of  gout  and  rheumatism.  It  is  also  employed  in  substance  as  a local  anodv, 
in  the  form  of  a plaster  or  cataplasm  made  from  the  powder.  But  its  extenl 
use  requires  some  caution,  especially  when  the  skin  is  deprived  of  the  cutie. 
Death  is  said  to  have  resulted  from  a cataplasm,  containing  a large  quantitaf 
lauda-num,  applied  to  the  epigastrium.  (Ann.  de  The  rap  , 1843,  p.  5.) 

When  opium  has  been  taken  in  an  overdose,  the  only  effectual  mode  of  rc4 
is  immediately  to  evacuate  the  stomach,  either  by  means  of  the  stomach-pin, 
or,  when  this  is  not  attainable,  by  the  more  active  emetics,  such  as  tartard 
antimony,  sulphate  of  zinc,  or  sulphate  of  copper,  conjoined  with  ipecacuaia. 
Emetics  are  preferable  to  the  stomach-pump,  when  opium  has  been  swalloid 
in  substance;  as  the  capacity  of  the  tube  is  insufficient  to  admit  of  the  pas-re 
of  the  masses  in  which  the  poison  is  sometimes  taken.  The  operation  of  *e 
emetic  should  be  promoted  by  a very  free  use  of  warm  drinks,  by  irritating ie 
fauces  with  a feather,  by  keeping  the  patient  in  motion,  and,  if  the  iususeti- 
bility  to  the  action  of  the  remedy  is  very  great,  by  dashing  cold  water  upome 

* A good  extemporaneous  infusion  of  opium  cannot  well  be  prepared.  Hence,  to  otin 
the  etfects  of  this  preparation  it  is  best  to  dissolve  the  extract  in  water.  Mr.  Eugene  Du  v. 
of  New  York,  first  prepares  an  infusion,  and  then  adds  alcohol  enough  to  preserve  it  so 
that  the  preparation  may  be  kept  ready  made  by  the  apothecary,  to  be  used  as  a snbst  te 
for  laudanum.  He  takes  ten  drachms  of  opium,  reduces  it  to  a thin  pulp  with  w t. 
allows  the  mixture  to  stand  48  hours,  then  percolates  with  water  so  as  to  obtain  tvte 
fluidounces  of  infusion,  to  which  four  tluidounces  of  alcohol  of  95  per  cent,  are  added. 
preparation  is  intended  to  be  of  about  the  same  strength  as  laudanum.  Consequently 
dose  should  be  from  twelve  to  fifteen  minims,  or  about  as  many  drops.  {Am.  JouroJ 
Pharm.,  xxiii.  211.) 


P.tT  I. 


545 


Opium. — Origanum. 

hid  and  shoulders,  thus  counteracting,  for  a moment,  the  narcotic  influence  of 
tl  opium  upon  the  brain,  and  enabling  this  organ  to  receive  and  transmit  the 
n<essary  impressions.  Advantage  will  sometimes  accrue  from  a moderate  loss 
ofblood,  which  tends  to  diminish  the  cerebral  congestion,  and  thus  not  only 
avken  susceptibility  to  the  impression  of  the  emetic,  but  obviate  also  the 
d;ger  of  hemorrhagic  effusion  ; but  the  bleeding  should  not  be  carried  far,  in 
ccsequence  of  danger  from  the  subsequent  debility.  For  the  same  purpose  of 
fafmring  the  emetic  action,  it  has  been  recommended  to  pass  a current  of 
elltricity  through  the  brain.  After  the  evacuation  of  the  poison,  the  chief 
i ik cation  is  to  obviate  the  debility  which  generally  supervenes,  and  which, 
wm  the  quantity  of  the  narcotic  has  been  large,  or  has  remained  long  in  the 
stnach,  is  sometimes  alarming  and  even  fatal.  For  this  purpose  the  carbonate 
ofunmonia,  or  the  aromatic  spirit  of  ammonia,  with  wine  whey,  may  be  em- 
pl/ed  internally,  and  sinapisms  and  stimulant  frictions  applied  to  the  surface. 
Ti  practitioner  should  not  despair  even  if  called  at  the  last  moment.  The 
staach  tube  may  be  applied  at  any  period;  and  it  is  possible  that,  even  without 
equation  of  the  stomach,  a little  aid  may  enable  the  system  to  resist  the  pros- 
tring influence  of  the  poison,  if  not  taken  in  an  overwhelming  dose.  The 
el  tro-magnetic  battery  was  employed  with  great  advantage  in  a case  of  pros- 
trion  of  this  kind  by  I)r.  Page,  of  Valparaiso;  and  the  practice  has  been 
mated  in  Europe  and  this  country.  Strong  coffee,  under  these  circumstances, 
hi  been  found  useful,  and  is  obviously  suggested  in  all  cases  by  its  powerful 
inience  in  producing  wakefulness.  Should  other  measures  fail,  resort  may  be 
hi:  to  artificial  respiration,  by  -which  the  functions  of  the  lungs  and  heart  may 
pc.ibly  be  sustained  till  the  brain  has  struggled  through  its  conflict  with  the 
naotic,  and  is  enabled  to  resume  its  healthful  action.  Brodie  has  demon- 
stjted  that  death  from  many  of  the  narcotics  results  from  a suspension  of  the 
cebral  influence  necessary  to  sustain  the  respiratory  function,  and  that  the 
hej't  ceases  to  act  in  consequence  of  the  cessation  of  respiration.  If  this  can 
be  estored  artificially  before  the  contractions  of  the  heart  have  entirely  ceased, 
tb  circulation  may  continue,  and  life  be  supported  for  a time  without  aid  from 
tb  brain,  which  now  receives  a supply  of  arterial  blood,  and  is  thus  better 
ended  to  rise  above  the  repressing  action  of  the  opium.  As  this  narcotic 
do:  not  produce  a structural  derangement,  but  operates  chiefly  upon  the  nerv- 
oupower,  a favourable  result  is  more  likely  to  be  experienced  than  in  cases  of 
penning  from  some  other  articles  of  the  same  class.  Several  cases  are  on  record, 
in  hich  patients,  apparently  in  the  very  last  stage,  were  saved  by  a resort  to 
auiicial  respiration.  (See  Ar.  Am.  Med.  and  Surg.  Journ.,  iii.  277,  and  Am. 
Jc[n.  of  the  Med.  Sci.,  xx.  450.) 

W.Prep.  Acetum  Qpii;  Confectio  Opii;  Electuarium  Catechu;  Emplastrum 
Oj  ; Extraetum  Opii;  Linimentum  Opii;  Morphia;  Morphias  Murias;  Pilulae 
Cajmelanos  et  Opii;  Pil.  Opii;  Pil.  Plumbi  Opiatae;  Pil.  Saponis  Composite; 
Pi  Styracis  Comp.;  Pulvis  Cretae  Compositus  cum  Opio;  Pulvis  Ipecacuanhas 
et  I pii ; Pulvis  Kino  Compositus;  Tinctura  Opii;  Tinct.  Opii  Acetata;  Tinct. 
Oji  Ammoniata;  Tinct.  Opii  Camphorata ; Trochisci  Glyeyrrhizae  et  Opii;  Uu- 
guatum  Gall®  Compositum;  Unguentum  Opii;  Vinum  Opii.  W. 

ORIGANUM.  US.,  Ed. 

Origanum. 

be  herb  of  Origanum  vulgare.  U.  S.,  Ed. 

•igan,  Fr.;  Gemeiuer  Dosten,  Wohlgemuth,  Germ.;  Origano,  Ttal.;  Oregano,  Span. 
euganum.  Sex.  Sy st.  Didynamia  G-ymnospermia. — Mat.  Ord.  Lamiace®  or 
La.  at®. 

85 


546 


Origanum. — Os. 


PARI 


Gen.  CJi.  Strobile  four-cornered,  spiked,  collecting  the  calyces.  Corolla  w 
the  upper  lip  erect  and  flat,  the  lower  three-parted,  with  the  segments  equ 
Will, l . 

Two  species  of  Origanum  have  been  used  in  medicine,  0.  Majorana  or  sw 
marjoram,  and  0.  vulyare  or  common  marjoram.  The  former,  however,  havi 
been  discarded  from  the  Dublin  Pharmacopoeia,  which  was  the  last  to  retain 
is  no  longer  officinal.  It  grows  wild  in  Portugal  and  Andalusia,  and  is  c-u 
vated  as  a garden  herb  in  other  parts  of  Europe,  and  in  the  United  Stat 
Some  authors,  however,  consider  0.  Majoranoides,  which  is  a native  of  B 
bary,  and  closely  allied  to  0.  Majorana , as  the  type  of  the  sweet  marjoram  ' 
our  gardens.  Sweet  marjoram  has  a pleasant  odour,  and  a warm,  aroma 
bitterish  taste,  which  it  imparts  to  water  and  alcohol.  By  distillation  with  wa- 
it yields  a volatile  oil,  which  is  directed  by  the  Edinburgh  College  among  th- 
preparations,  probably  by  mistake,  as  the  plant  has  been  rejected.  It  is  to; 
and  gently  excitant,  but  is  used  more  as  a condiment  in  cookery  than  as  a i- 
dicine.  In  domestic  practice,  its  infusion  is  much  employed  by  the  vulgar  • 
hasten  the  tardy  eruption  in  measles  and  other  exanthematous  diseases. 

Origianum  vulgare.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  iii.  135;  Woodv.  J led.  Bot.  p.  3 , 
t.  123.  Origanum  or  common  marjoram  is  a perennial  herb,  with  erect,  p- 
plish,  downy,  four-sided,  trichotomous  stems,  which  rise  about  eighteen  inc-  • 
high,  and  bear  opposite,  ovate,  entire,  somewhat  hairy  leaves,  of  a deep  yellowi- 
green  colour.  The  flowers  are  numerous,  of  a pinkish-purple  or  rose  colour,  <- 
posed  in  roundish,  panicled  spikes,  and  accompanied  with  ovate  reddish  brae1, 
longer  than  the  calyx.  This  is  tubular  and  five-toothed,  with  nearly  equal  s- 
ments.  The  corolla  is  funnel-shaped,  with  the  upper  lip  erect,  bifid,  and  obti , 
the  lower  trifid,  blunt,  and  spreading.  The  anthers  are  double,  the  stigma  bi , 
and  reflexed. 

The  plant  is  a native  of  Europe  and  America.  In  this  country  it  grows  ak 
the  road  sides,  and  in  dry  stony  fields  and  woods,  from  Pennsylvania  to  V- 
ginia,  aud  is  in  flower  from  June  to  October;  but  it  is  not  very  abundant,  ;1 
is  seldom  collected  for  use.  It  has  a peculiar,  agreeable,  aromatic  odour,  aDa 
warm,  pungent  taste.  These  properties  it  owes  to  a volatile  oil,  which  is  e 
part  chiefly  employed.  It  may  be  separated  by  distillation ; but  is  mostly  t- 
ported  from  Europe.  (See  Oleum  Origani. ) 

Medical  Properties  and.  Uses.  Origanum  is  gently  tonic  and  excitant,  ;d 
has  been  used  in  the  form  of  infusion  as  a diaphoretic  and  emmenagogue,  d 
externally  as  a fomentation ; but  it  is  at  present  scarcely  employed. 

Off.  Prep.  Oleum  Origani.  W 

OS.  u.s. 

Bone. 

Off.  Syn.  OSSA.  Bones  of  the  ox,  or  Bos  Taurus.  Dub. 

Os,  Fr.;  Knocken,  Germ.;  Ossa,  hat.;  Huesos,  Span. 

Bones  are  employed  in  several  pharmaceutical  processes,  and  those  der  -d 
from  the  domestic  quadrupeds,  especially  the  ox,  are  the  kind  intended x 
officinal  use.  They  have  been  expunged  from  the  officinal  list  of  the  Edinbilb 
College,  though  used  by  the  College  for  preparing  phosphate  of  soda. 

Properties,  &c.  They  are  solid,  white,  and  of  a lamellated  texture,  and  n- 
stitute  the  skeleton  of  the  superior  orders  of  animals,  of  which  they  are&c 
hardest  and  densest  parts.  They  consist  of  a cellular  gelatinous  tissue,  the  ci- 
ties of  which  are  filled  up  with  certain  earthy  salts,  to  be  mentioned  preseij 
When  subjected  to  destructive  distillation,  in  close  vessels,  they  are  decomp  =d 


P.IT  I. 


Os. 


547 


wbout  alteration  of  shape,  lose  about  three-sevenths  of  their  weight,  become 
b)  tie,  and  are  converted  into  a black  carbonaceous  substance,  containing  the 
eahy  salts  of  the  bone,  and  constituting  the  species  of  animal  charcoal  called 
bee-black.  (See  Carlo  Animalis.)  The  portions  which  distil  over  consist  of 
tt  usual  ammoniaeal  products  derived  from  animal  matter.  (See  Ammonise 
A Has.)  When  calcined  in  open  vessels  they  lose  more  of  their  weight  in  con- 
serence  of  the  dissipation  of  the  charcoal,  and  are  converted  into  a white  friable 
sifstance,  consisting  of  the  incombustible  part,  and  commonly  called  bone-earth, 
ovone-ash ; and  a similar  residue  is  obtained  by  calcining  horn.  (See  Cornu 
bum.)  Treated  with  boiling  water,  a small  portion  of  the  gelatinous  matter 
is  issolved ; but,  when  acted  on  by  water  in  a Papin’s  digester,  the  whole  of  it 
isrken  up,  and  the  earthy  salts,  deprived  of  their  cement,  crumble  into  powder, 
ar  become  diffused  through  the  solution.  When  subjected  to  the  action  of 
dite  muriatic  acid,  the  earthy  salts  are  dissolved,  and^the  bone  softens  without 
loag  its  shape,  and  becomes  semitransparent  and  flexible.  The  portion  re- 
in ning  unattacked  by  the  acid  is  the  gelatinous  tissue,  which  may  be  converted 
in  gelatin  by  long  boiling.  This  portion  of  bone  is  nutritious,  and  has  been 
pnared  so  as  to  form  a wholesome  aliment  by  M.  d’Arcet.  His  process  for 
ohining  it  consists  in  digesting  bones  in  weak  muriatic  acid  for  seven  or  eight 
dak  occasionally  renewing  the  acid,  plunging  them  for  a few  moments  in  boiling 
wur,  and  then  subjecting  them  to  a strong  current  of  cold  water.  The  pure 
acual  matter,  thus  procured,  is  made  into  cakes,  called  portable  soup  (tablettes 
(k'ouillon),  by  dissolving  it  in  water,  concentrating  the  solution  until  it  gela- 
tines, and  drying  the  matter  obtained. 

Composition.  The  bones  of  different  animals,  and  of  the  same  animal  at  dif- 
fer t ages,  vary  somewhat  in  their  composition.  Dry  ox-bones,  according  to 
Bnelius,  consist  of  bone-gelatin  (cartilage  of  bone)  33 '3,  bone-phosphate  of 
lii  with  a little  fluoride  of  calcium  57 "35,  carbonate  of  lime  3 '85,  phosphate 
ofjtagnesia  2'05,  soda  with  a very  little  chloride  of  sodium  3'45  = 100.  Dour- 
er and  Vauquelin’s  results  give  a larger  proportion  of  animal  matter  and  car- 
bo'ite  of  lime,  and  a smaller  of  bone-phosphate.  Fossil  bones  have  the  same 
geral  composition.  Human  bones  differ  somewhat  in  the  proportions  of  their 
co  tituents,  and  in  containing  ti'aces  of  iron  and  manganese.  According  to  Dr. 
WSeintz,  however,  bones  exhausted  with  water,  so  as  to  remove  the  colouring 
niter  of  blood,  contain  not  a trace  of  iron.  Marchand  found  one  per  cent,  of 
flu  ide  of  calcium  in  human  bone.  Bone-phosphate  of  lime  consists,  according 
to  '.itscherlich,  of  one  eq.  of  acid  and  three  of  lime.  This  analysis  makes  it  a 
tri  sic  phosphate,  and  the  same  composition  has  been  assigned  to  it  by  Dr. 
Hutz.  ( Chem . Gaz.,  June  15,  1819.) 

lies.  Bones  are  applied  to  numerous  uses.  Burnt  to  whiteness,  they  fur- 
nis  bone-phosphate  of  lime,  from  which  phosphorus  and  all  its  compounds  are 
eit  r directly  or  indirectly  obtained.  (See  Phosphorus.)  Subjected  to  destructive 
de  lation  in  close  vessels,  they  yield  impure  carbonate  of  ammonia  and  empy- 
reuatic  oil;  and  a carbonaceous  residue  is  left,  called  bone-black.  Calcined, 
pu  irized,  and  washed,  they  form  the  material  of  which  cupels  are  made.  As 
boij-dust,  they  form  an  excellent  manure.  Deprived  of  their  earthy  salts  by 
wej  acids,  they  furnish  a nutritious  article  of  diet.  By  proper  treatment  with 
wa;r  they  furnish  gelatin,  applicable  not  only  to  the  purposes  of  size  and  com- 
mo  glue,  but  also  to  those  of  the  finer  sorts  of  gelatin,  called  isinglass,  in 
ina  ng  animal  jellies,  and  for  the  fining  of  wines.  (See  Ichthyocolla  and  Cornu.) 
Th  hoof  bones  of  the  ox,  when  boiled  with  water,  furnish  a peculiar  oil,  called 
ne;j-foot  oil.  (See  Oleum  Bubulum.) 

f.  Prep.  Calcis  Phosphas  Praecipitatum ; Sodae  Phosphas.  B. 


548 


Ovum. 


PART 


OVUM.  U.  S.,  Ed.,  Bui. 

The  egg  of  Phasianus  Gallus.  U.  S.,  Ed.,  Dub. 

Off.  Syn.  OVI  ALBUMEN.  Gallus  Bankiva,  var.  domesticus.  The  white 
the  egg.  OVI  VITELLUS.  The  yolk  of  the  egg.  Load. 

(Euf,  Fr.;  Ei,  Germ.;  Ovo,  Ital.;  Huevo,  Span. 

The  common  dunghill  fowl  is  supposed  to  have  come  originally  from  Inch 
where  it  is  found  in  a wild  state.  It  is  now  domesticated  in  almost  all  parts 
the  globe. 

The  egg,  which  is  the  only  officinal  product,  consists  of  1.  an  exterior  cover! 
called  the  shell;  2.  a white,  semi-opaque  membrane,  lining  the  internal  surfa 
of  the  shell;  3.  the  whit^  4.  the  yolk.  Other  distinct  parts  are  recognised' 
the  comparative  anatomist,  but  they  have  no  peculiar  interest  for  the  practic 
physician  or  pharmaceutist. 

1.  The  shell — testa  ovi  or  putamen  ovi — consists,  according  to  Vauqueli 
chiefly  of  carbonate  of  lime,  with  animal  matter,  and  a minute  proportion 
phosphate  of  lime,  carbonate  of  magnesia,  oxide  of  iron,  and  sulphur.  Wh 
exposed  to  a high  degree  of  heat  in  the  open  air,  the  carbonic  acid  is  driven  c 
the  animal  matter  consumed,  and  lime  is  left  nearly  pure. 

2.  The  membrane  lining  the  shell  appears  to  be  of  an  albuminous  nature. 

3.  The  white — albumen  ovi — is  a glairy  viscid  liquid  contained  in  very  de 
cate  membranes,  without  odour  or  taste,  readily  soluble  in  water,  coagulable 
the  stronger  acids,  by  alcohol,  and  by  a heat  of  160°  F.  Exposed  in  thin  lays 
to  a current  of  air,  it  becomes  solid,  retaining  its  transparency  and  solubility 
water.  By  coagulation  it  is  rendered  sapid,  white,  opaque,  and  insoluble.  A 
temperature  of  212°,  one  part  of  it  renders  one  thousand  parts  of  water  in  whi 
it  has  been  dissolved  opaque.  It  contains,  according  to  Dr.  Bostock,  in  c 
hundred  parts,  85  of  water,  12  of  pure  albumen,  2 '7  of  mucus  or  uncoagulal 
matter,  and  0 3 of  saline  substances,  including  soda  with  traces  of  sulphur.  T 
white  of  egg  is  precipitated  by  chloride  of  tin,  chloride  of  gold,  subacetate  of  le;. 
sulphate  of  copper,  corrosive  sublimate,  and  tannin.  When  kept  in  the  fluid  sta 
it  soon  putrefies;  but,  if  carefully  dried  without  coagulation,  it  may  be  long  p- 
served  without  change,  and  may  be  applied  in  a state  of  solution  to  the  sa :: 
purposes  as  in  its  original  condition. 

4.  The  yolk — vitellus  ovi — is  inodorous,  of  a bland  oily  taste,  and  forms  i 
opaque  emulsion  when  agitated  with  water.  By  heat  it  is  coagulated  into  a g- 
nular  solid,  which  yields  a fixed  oil  by  expression.  According  to  M.  Gobley,  1) 
parts  of  it  contain  51‘486  of  water,  15'760  of  a peculiar  albuminous  princri 
denominated  vitellin,  21  304  of  margarin  and  olein,  0'438  of  cholesterin,  7'-) 
of  oleic  and  margaric  acids,  1 200  of  phosphoglyceric  acid,  0'034  of  muriatef 
ammonia,  0'277  of  chlorides  of  sodium  and  potassium  and  sulphate  of  potas , 
1'022  of  phosphates  of  lime  and  magnesia,  0’400  of  animal  extract  (extraitee 
viande),  and  0'553  of  colouring  matter,  traces  of  iron,  traces  of  lactic  acid,  • 
( Journ . de  Pharm.,  3e  ser.,  xii.  12.) 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Eggs  are  applied  to  various  purposes  in  m<  - 
cine  and  pharmacy.  The  shells,  powdered  and  levigated,  may  be  used  beneficky 
as  an  antacid  in  diarrhoea.  In  common  with  oyster-shells,  they  possess  the  l- 
vantage  of  uniting  intimately  animal  matter  with  carbonate  of  lime,  the  pai- 
cles  of  which  are  thus  more  thoroughly"  isolated,  and  prove  more  acceptable 
the  stomach  than  chalk,  in  the  finest  state  of  division  to  which  the  latter  care 
brought  by  mechanical  means.  The  dose  and  mode  of  preparation  are  the  sae 
with  those  of  oyster-shell.  (See  Testa.) 


PRT  I. 


Ovum. — Panax. 


549 


The  white  of  the  egg  is  used  chiefly  for  the  clarification  of  liquids,  -which  it 
ejjcts  by  involving,  during  its  coagulation,  the  undissolved  particles,  and  rising 
wh  them  to  the  surface  or  subsiding.  It  is  highly  recommended  as  an  antidote 
corrosive  sublimate  and  sulphate  of  copper,  with  which  it  forms  insoluble 
ail  comparatively  inert  compounds.  It  is  sometimes  also  used  for  the  suspen- 
sii  of  insoluble  substances  in  water,  but  is  inferior  for  this  purpose  to  the  yolk, 
a l even  to  mucilage  of  gum  Arabic.  Agitated  briskly  with  a lump  of  alum  it 
cigulates,  at  the  same  time  dissolving  a portion  of  the  alum,  and  thus  forming 
a;  astringent  poultice,  which  may  be  advantageously  applied  between  folds  of 
g'ze  over  the  eye,  in  some  states  of  ophthalmia. 

Che  yolk  in  its  raw  state  is  thought  to  be  laxative,  and  is  a popular  remedy 
iijjaundiee.  If  beneficial  in  this  complaint,  it  is  probably  in  consequence  of 
aii-ding  a mild  nutritious  diet,  acceptable  to  the  stomach  and  easily  digested. 
Iidyspepsia  it  is,  from  this  cause,  highly  useful.  The  late  Dr.  Jos.  Parrish,  of 
P ladelphia,  found  great  advantage  in  that  complaint  from  the  habitual  use  of 
tl  yolk  of  egg,  beat  up  with  water  and  a little  ginger.  In  pharmacy,  the  yolk 
isiigkly  useful  as  an  intermedium  between  water  and  insoluble  substances, 
sih  as  the  balsams,  turpentine,  oils,  &c.  It  is  a mistake  to  employ  the  white, 
iread  of  the  yolk  of  eggs,  in  preparing  emulsions. 

Off.  Prep.  Enema  Terebinthinae;  Mistura  Spiritus  Vini  Gallici.  W. 


PANAX.  US.  Secondary. 

Ginseng. 

'he  root  of  Panax  quinquefolium.  U.  S. 

inseng,  Fr.,  Germ.,  Span.;  Ginsen,  Ital. 

’anax.  Sex.  Syst.  Pentandria  Digynia.  (Polygamia  Dioecia,  Linn.')  — Nat. 
01.  Araliacese. 

pen.  Ch.  Flowers  polygamous.  Umbel  simple.  Calyx  five-toothed.  Corolla  of 
fk  petals.  Berry  inferior,  subcordate,  two,  sometimes  three-seeded.  Calyx  in 
th.male  flower  entire.  Nuttall. 

I anax  quinquefolium.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  iv.  1124;  Woodv.  Med.  Bot.  p. 
14  t.  58;  Bigelow,  Am.  Med.  Bot.  ii.  82.  The  ginseng  has  a perennial  root, 
wljih  sends  up  annually  a smooth  round  stem,  about  a foot  high,  and  divided  at 
tk  summit  into  three  leafstalks,  each  of  which  supports  a compound  leaf,  con- 
sis  ag  of  five,  or  more  rarely  of  three  or  seven  petiolate,  oblong-obovate,  acurni- 
na , serrate  leaflets.  The  flowers  are  small,  greenish,  and  arranged  in  a simple 
ural,  supported  by  a peduncle,  which  rises  from  the  top  of  the  stem  in  the 
ce  re  of  the  petioles.  The  fruit  consists  of  kidney-shaped,  scarlet  berries, 
cr  -ned  with  the  styles  and  calyx,  and  containing  two  and  sometimes  three  seeds. 

he  plant  is  indigenous,  growing  in  the  hilly  regions  of  the  Northern,  Middle, 
an  Western  States,  and  preferring  the  shelter  of  thick,  shady  woods.  The  root 
is  'e  part  employed.  This  is  collected  in  considerable  quantities  in  Ohio  and 
W tern  Virginia,  and  brought  to  Philadelphia  and  other  cities  on  the  sea-board 
fos  :he  purpose  of  exportation  to  China,  where  it  is  highly  valued.  Some  sup- 
po;  the  ginseng  plant  of  Chinese  Tartary  to  be  the  same  as  ours;  others  believe 
it  1 be  the  Panax  Schinseng  of  Nees  Von  Esenbeck;  while  by  others,  again, 
thigh  acknowledged  to  be  a Panax,  it  is  thought  to  be  a different  species  from 
eitju-  of  those  mentioned.  While  supplied  with  this  drug  exclusively  from  their 
ow  native  sources,  which  furnished  the  root  only  in  small  quantities,  the  Chi- 
ne* entertained  the  most  extravagant  notions  of  its  virtues,  considering  it  as  a 
reidy  for  all  diseases,  and  as  possessing  almost  miraculous  powers  in  preserving 
he>  h,  invigorating  the  system,  and  prolonging  life.  It  is  said  to  have  been 


550 


PARI 


Panax. — Panis. — Papaver. 

worth  its  weight  in  gold  at  Pekin ; and  the  first  shipments  made  from  Nor 
America  to  Canton  yielded  enormous  profits.  But  the  subsequent  abundance 
supply  has  greatly  diminished  its  value. 

The  root  is  fleshy,  somewhat  spindle-shaped,  from  one  to  three  inches  lot 
about  as  thick  as  the  little  finger,  and  terminated  by  several  slender  fibres.  F: 
quently  thetfe  are  two  portions,  sometimes  three  or  more,  connected  at  their  upj 
extremity,  and  bearing  a supposed,  though  very  remote  resemblance  to  the  huto 
figure,  from  which  circumstance  it  is  said  that  the  Chinese  name  ginseng  orig 
ated.  When  dried,  the  root  is  yellowish-white  and  wrinkled  externally,  a 
within  consists  usually  of  a hard  central  portion,  surrounded  by  a soft  whit: 
hark.  It  has  a feeble  odour,  and  a sweet,  slightly  aromatic  taste,  somewl 
analogous  to  that  of  liquorice  root.  It  has  not  been  accurately  analyzed,  but 
said  to  be  rich  in  gum  and  starch.  It  is  sometimes  submitted,  before  bei 
dried,  to  a process  of  clarification,  which  renders  it  semitransparent  and  bon 
and  enhances  its  value  as  an  article  of  export.  The  extraordinary  medical  v 
tues  formerly  ascribed  to  ginseng  had  no  other  existence  than  in  the  imaginatio 
of  the  Chinese.  It  is  little  more  than  a demulcent,  and  in  this  country  is  s: 
employed  as  a medicine.  Some  persons,  however,  are  in  the  habit  of  chewi 
it,  having  acquired  a relish  for  its  taste;  and  it  is  chiefly  to  supply  the  wants i 
these  that  it  is  kept  in  the  shops.  W. 

PANIS.  Lond, 

Bread. 

Wheaten  Bread.  Lond. 

See  FARINA. 

Off.  Prep.  Cataplasma  Carbonis. 

PAPAVER.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub. 
Poppy-heads. 

The  ripe  capsules  of  Papaver  somniferum.  U.  S.  The  ripe  fruit.  Lond.  O 
sules  not  quite  ripe.  Ed.  The  dried  capsules.  Dub. 

Capsules  des  pavots,  Fr.;  Kapseln  des  weisseu  Mohns,  Germ.;  Capidel  papavero.  1 ■; 
Cabezas  de  amapola,  Span. 

See  OPIUM. 

In  England  the  poppy  is  cultivated  chiefly  for  its  capsules,  which  are  gatbed 
as  they  ripen,  and  taken  to  market  enclosed  in  bags.  The  Edinburgh  Cope 
directs  them  to  be  collected  before  they  are  quite  ripe,  as  they  then  contain  n:e 
of  the  active  milky  juice  ; but,  cut  at  this  period,  they  are  apt  to  lose  their  j ce 
through  the  wounded  surface,  unless  carefully  kept  inverted  upon  their  cm 
when  drying ; and,  even  when  thus  treated,  they  are,  according  to  the  obsea- 
tions  of  Buchner,  less  active  than  the  capsules  collected  after  perfect  matuiy, 
while  they  contain  more  of  useless  saccharine  and  mucilaginous  matter.  (Bh- 
ner’s  Repert.,  3 R.,  viii.  289  and  326.)  M.  Meurein  states,  as  the  resulof 
his  experiments,  that  the  richest  are  those  collected  just  before  the  matvty 
of  the  seeds,  when  the  capsules  have  passed  from  their  glaucous-green  a 
yellowish-green  colour.  (Journ.  de  Pharm.,3e  sdr.,  xx iii.  341.)  They  are  oa- 
sionally  imported  into  this  country;  but  as  no  effect  is  produced  by  them  wA 
cannot  be  as  readily  obtained  from  opium,  or  some  one  of  its  preparations,  cy 
are  little  employed. 

The  dried  poppy  capsules  vary  in  size  from  the  dimensions  of  a small  esto 
those  of  the  fist.  They  differ  also  in  shape  according  to  the  variety  of  tbep'P.v 


PRT  I. 


551 


Papaver. — Pareira. 

fim  which  they  are  procured.  On  the  continent  two  sub-varieties  of  the  white 
pipy  are  recognised,  the  long,  and  the  round  or  depressed.  Of  these,  according 
tciubergier,  the  long  are  richest  in  morphia,  and  his  conclusions  are  confirmed 
bMeurein,  who  has  also  found  the  largest  capsules  most  efficient.  Those  com- 
nnly  found  in  our  shops  are  of  a spheroidal  shape,  flattened  below,  and  sur- 
nanfed  by  a crown-like  expansion  — the  persistent  stigma — which  is  marked 
b numerous  diverging  rays  that  rise  somewhat  above  its  upper  surface,  and 
ajjear  to  be  prolongations  of  partial  septa,  or  partitions,  proceeding  along  the 
irerior  circumference  of  the  capsule  from  the  top  to  the  bottom.  In  the  recent 
site,  the  seeds,  which  are  very  numerous,  adhere  to  these  septa;  but  in  the 
d ;d  capsule  they  are  loose  in  its  cavity.  The  capsules  of  the  black  poppy  are 
snller  and  more  globular  than  those  of  the  white,  and  contain  dark  instead  of 
liit-coloured  seeds.  There  appears  to  be  no  essential  difference  in  their  pro- 
P' ties.  Both  kinds,  when  fresh,  are  glaucous,  but  when  dry,  as  directed  in  the 
Prrmacopoeias,  are  of  a dirty  white  or  purplish-brown  colour,  have  a consistence 
suewhat  like  that  of  paper,  are  without  smell,  and  have  little  taste,  unless  long 
clwed,  when  they  are  decidedly  bitter.  Submitted  to  analysis,  they  are  found 
tc'eontain  principles  similar  to  those  of  opium,  which  they  yield  to  water  by 
dmction.  They  have  been  employed  in  France  for  obtaining  morphia. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Dried  poppy-heads,  though  analogous  to  opium 
irnedical  properties,  are  exceedingly  feeble.  They  are  sometimes  employed  in 
tl  form  of  decoction,  as  an  external  emollient  and  anodyne  application ; and,  in 
tl  shape  of  emulsion,  syrup,  or  extract,  are  often  used  internally  by  European 
petitioners  to  calm  irritation,  promote  rest,  and  produce  generally  the  narcotic 
elets  of  opium. 

Off.  Prep.  Decoctum  Papaveris ; Extractum  Papaveris ; Syrupus  Papaveris. 

W. 

PAREIRA.  U.  S.  Secondary , Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub. 

Pareira  Brava. 

'he  root  of  Cissampelos  Pareira.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub. 
ksSAMPELOS.  Sex.  Syst.  Dioecia  Monadelphia. — Nat.Ord.  Menispermaceae. 
len.  Ch.  Male.  Calyx  four-leaved.  Corolla  none.  Nectary  rotate.  S ta- 
rn s four,  with  connate  filaments.  Female.  Calyx  one-leaved,  ligulate  round- 
is  Corolla  none.  Styles  three.  Berry  one-seeded. 

lissampelos  Pareira.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  iv.  861;  Woodv.  Med.  Bot.  3d  ed. 
p.l67,t.  65.  This  is  a climbing  plant,  with  numerous  slender,  shrubby  stems, 
am  roundish,  entire  leaves,  indented  at  the  top,  covered  with  soft  hair  upon  their 
uwer  surface,  and  supported  upon  downy  footstalks,  which  are  inserted  into  the 
bf|c  of  the  leaf.  The  flowers  are  very  small,  and  disposed  in  racemes,  of  which 
th];e  in  the  female  plant  are  longer  than  the  leaves.  The  plant  is  a native  of 
tllWest  Indies  and  South  America,  and  is  supposed  to  be  the  source  of  the  root 
bl  ight  from  Brazil,  under  the  name  of  pareira  brava.  According  to  Auguste 
Si  Hilaire,  however,  the  true  pareira  is  obtained  from  another  species  of  the 
sa  e genus,  growing  in  Brazil,  and  denominated  C.  glaberrima  ; while  by  Aublet 
it  i referred  to  a species  of  Abuta,  belonging  to  the  same  natural  family. 

he  root  comes  in  pieces  from  the  thickness  of  the  finger  to  that  of  the  arm, 
fr1  i a few  inches  to  two  or  more  feet  in  length,  cylindrical,  sometimes  contorted 
ororked,  and  covered  with  a thin,  firmly  adhering,  grayish-brown  bark.  The 
or  r surface  is  marked  with  longitudinal  and  annular  wrinkles,  and  sometimes, 
in  he  larger  pieces,  with  knotty  excrescences.  The  interior  is  ligneous,  yel- 
lojsh,  very  porous,  marked  by  irregular  concentric  circles,  inodorous,  and  of  a 
sv  etish,  nauseous,  bitter  taste.  The  root  imparts  its  virtues  readily  to  water.  M. 
F eulle  found  in  it  a soft  resin,  a yellow  bitter  principle,  a brown  substance, 


552 


Pareira. — Petroleum. 


PART 


an  azotized  substance,  fecula,  acidulous  malate  of  lime,  nitrate  of  potassa,  a; 
various  other  salts.  He  considers  the  yellow  bitter  substance  as  the  active  pri 
ciple.  It  is  soluble  in  water  and  alcohol,  and  precipitated  from  its  solution ' 
tincture  of  galls.  Wiggers  announced,  in  1838,  the  existence  in  pareira  bra 
of  an  organic  alkali,  for  which  he  proposed  the  name  of  cissampelina.  He  pi 
cured  it  by  boiling  the  root  with  water  acidulated  with  sulphuric  acid,  prec-i] 
tating  by  carbonate  of  potassa,  dissolving  the  precipitate  again  in  water  acidulat 
with  sulphuric  acid,  treating  the  solution  with  animal  charcoal,  precipitating  am 
with  carbonate  of  potassa,  drying  and  pulverizing  the  precipitate,  treating 
repeatedly  with  ether,  and  evaporating  the  ethereal  solution.  The  alkali  th 
obtained  may  be  rendered  entirely  pure  by  dissolving  it  in  diluted  acetic  ae: 
precipitating  with  carbonate  of  potassa,  and  washing  and  drying  the  precipita 
(Annal.  der  Phann.,  xxvii.  29.)  Wiggers  did  not  describe  this  alkali.  It 
probably  the  chief  ingredient  of  the  bitter  substance  obtained  by  Feneulle.  I 
retti  of  Home  and  Pelletier  afterwards  separated  an  alkali  from  the  root,  whi 
was  characterized  by  assuming  a beautiful  purple  colour  by  contact  with  stro 
nitric  acid.  ( Journ . de  Pharm.,  xxvi.  162.)  In  Christison’s  Dispensatory  it 
stated  to  be  uncrystallizable,  insoluble  in  water,  soluble  in  ether,  alcohol,  and  t 
acids,  and  of  an  intensely  bitter  and  sweetish  taste. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Pareira  brava  is  said  to  be  tonic,  aperient,  a 
diuretic.  It  was  introduced  into  European  practice  so  long  ago  as  1688,  and 
one  time  enjoyed  considerable  reputation  as  a lithontriptic.  It  has  been  reco- 
mended  in  calculous  affections,  chronic  inflammation  and  ulceration  of  thekidne^ 
and  bladder,  leucorrhcea,  dropsy,  rheumatism,  and  jaundice.  The  purpose  ;■ 
which  it  is  at  present  chiefly  employed  is  the  relief  of  chronic  diseases  of  fc 
urinary  passages.  Sir  Benjamin  Brodie  found  it  very  useful  in  chronic  infla- 
mation  of  the  bladder,  in  allaying  irritability  of  that  organ,  and  correcting  t; 
disposition  to  profuse  mucous  secretion;  and  it  has  subsequently  come  into;- 
neral  use  in  the  same  affections.  Advantage  may  often  be  derived  from  eo- 
biuing  it,  in  this  complaint,  with  one  of  the  narcotics,  as  opium  or  hyoscyam 
In  Brazil,  it  is  used  in  the  cure  of  the  bites  of  poisonous  serpents;  a vinous 
fusion  of  the  root  being  taken  internally,  while  the  bruised  leaves  of  the  pkt 
are  applied  to  the  wound.  The  dose  of  pareira  brava  in  substance  is  from  thi# 
grains  to  a drachm.  The  infusion,  however,  is  more  convenient.  (See  Infnsn 
Pareirae .)  A tincture,  made  by  macerating  one  part  of  the  root  in  five  pa? 
of  alcohol,  has  been  given  in  the  dose  of  a fluidrachm.  The  aqueous  extrt 
may  be  given  in  the  dose  of  from  ten  to  thirty  grains. 

Off.  Prep.  Decoctum  Pareirae;  Extractum  Pareins;  Infusnm  Pareirae.  W 

PETROLEUM.  Loud.,  Ed. 

Petroleum. 

A blackish  liquid  bitumen,  flowing  spontaneously  from  the  earth.  Lond. 

Barbadoes  tar,  ltock  oil;  Petrole,  Huile  de  Gabian,  Fr.;  Steindl,  Germ.;  Petrolio,  It; 
Petroleo,  Span. 

Petroleum  belongs  to  the  class  of  native  inflammable  substances,  called  b - 
mens.  These  are  liquids  or  readily  fusible  solids,  which  emit,  when  heateca 
peculiar  smell,  burn  easily,  and  leave  a very  small  carbonaceous  residue.  Tiy 
are  of  two  kinds,  one  liquid,  called  naphtha,  the  other  solid,  denominated  p- 
phaltum.  Naphtha  is  a transparent,  yellowish-white,  very  light  and  inflatun- 
ble,  limpid  liquid,  which  is  found  abundantly  in  Persia.  It  has  been  used  vk 
asserted  advantage  in  Asiatic  cholera,  particularly  by  Dr.  Andreosky,  of  e 
Russian  army.  The  dose  is  from  ten  to  twenty  drops,  given  in  half  a glasot 
white  wine,  or  in  mint-water.  It  consists  exclusively  of  carbon  and  hydrog- 


PAr  i. 


Petroleum. 


553 


As>xygen  does  not  enter  into  its  composition,  it  may  be  advantageously  em- 
plcsd  for  preserving  potassium.  From  the  tar  formed  in  the  manufacture  of 
coagas,  an  artificial  naphtha,  is  obtained,  -which  by  rectification  is  rendered 
eqvjlly  light  and  limpid  with  the  natural  substance.  Thus  purified,  it  was 
ford  by  Mr.  James  Syme,  of  Edinburgh,  to  possess  the  property  of  dissolving 
caqtchouc;  and  the  solution  has  beeu  usefully  applied  to  the  purpose  of  forming 
vanus  surgical  instruments  of  that  material.  This  solution  has  also  been  em- 
plc.sd,  at  the  suggestion  of  Mr.  Mackintosh,  of  Glasgow,  for  rendering  cloth  and 
otfr  fabrics  water-proof.  They  are  varnished  with  the  solution  on  one  side,  and 
thwarnished  surfaces  are  applied  to  each  other,  and  made  to  adhere  by  power- 
fuloressure.  Asphaltum  is  solid,  black,  dry,  friable,  and  insoluble  in  alcohol. 
The  two  varieties  of  bitumen  often  exist  in  a state  of  mixture  in  nature.  When 
thusphaltum  predominates  it  takes  the  name  of  maltha  or  mineral  tar;  when 
tkuaphtha  is  in  the  larger  proportion  it  is  called  petroleum. 

ocalities.  Petroleum  is  found  principally  at  Amiano  in  Italy,  at  Gabian  in 
Free,  upon  the  borders  of  the  Caspian  Sea,  near  Rangoon  in  the  Birman  Em- 
pir  and  in  Barbadoes,  Trinidad,  and  other  West  India  Islands.  An  interesting 
accjmt  of  the  pitch  lake  of  Trinidad,  by  Mr.  Barling,  is  contained  in  the  ninth 
vo  me  of  the  Pharm.  Journal  and  Transactions.  The  wells  of  petroleum  in 
Biaah  are  said  to  produce  four  hundred  thousand  hogsheads  annually. 

i the  United  States,  petroleum  is  found  in  various  localities,  the  principal  of 
wlrh  are  on  the  Kenhawa  in  Virginia ; near  Scottsville  in  Kentucky;  in  Western 
Peisylvania;  on  Duck  Creek  in  Ohio;  and  on  the  shores  of  Seneca  Lake  in 
Ne|  York.  That  found  in  the  latter  locality  is  usually  called  in  this  country 
Seba  oil;  and  similar  varieties  of  petroleum  from  other  domestic  sources  are 
kn!?n  by  the  same  name. 

arhadoes  petroleum  is  a black,  nearly  opaque,  inflammable  liquid,  of  the 
existence  of  molasses,  unctuous  to  the  touch,  and  possessing  a bituminous 
tas,  and  strong  and  tenacious  odour.  Its  sp.gr.  varies  from  0'730  to  0'878. 
Win  subjected  to  distillation,  it  yields  naphtha,  and  leaves  a solid  residue  of 
asjaltum.  It  is  little  affected  by  alcohol,  acids,  or  alkalies,  but  dissolves  in 
etljr  and  in  the  fixed  and  volatile  oils.  It  consists  chiefly  of  carbon  and  hy- 
dnjen,  associated  with  a little  nitrogen  and  oxygen.  Rangoon  petroleum  has  a 
rerisk-black  colour,  a strong,  rather  fragrant  odour,  and  the  consistence  of  lard 
in  immer.  When  heated  to  90°,  it  becomes  a reddish-brown  very  mobile  liquid. 
DrUhristison  obtained  from  it  by  distillation,  first,  a large  quantity  of  naphtha, 
an  afterwards  a crystalline  principle,  which  he  ascertained  to  be  identical  with 
pa  iSfin.  In  the  naphtha  Dr.  Gregory  subsequently  discovered  eupione.  It  is 
pn  able,  as  Dr.  Christison  remarks,  that  this  petroleum  is  more  active  than  the 
Ba  iadoes. 


11  of  turpentine  may  be  detected  in  petroleum,  according  to  M.  Saladin,  by 
tri  rating  the  suspected  sample  with  iodide  of  potassium  and  water,  when,  if 
tkoil  be  present,  the  petroleum  will  instantly  acquire  a yellow  colour,  which 
is  a deeper  tint,  in  proportion  to  the  quantity  of  the  adulterating  oil. 

| edical  Properties  and  Uses.  Petroleum  is  accounted  a stimulating  anti- 
spanodic  and  sudorific.  It  is  occasionally  given  in  disorders  of  the  chest,  when 
nolttended  with  inflammation.  In  Germany  it  has  been  extolled  as  a remedy 
forjape-worm.  Schwartz’s  formula  in  such  cases  was  a mixture  of  one  part  of 
pe oleum  with  one  and  a half  parts  of  tincture  of  assafetida,  of  which  forty 
dr<p  were  given  three  times  a day.  Externally,  petroleum  is  employed  in 
ch  lains,  chronic  rheumatism,  affections  of  the  joints,  paralysis,  and  diseases  of 
th  kin.  It  is  an  ingredient  in  the  popular  remedy  called  British  oil.  (See 
page  521.)  The  dose  of  petroleum  is  from  thirty  drops  to  a small  tea- 
sp'nful,  given  in  any  convenient  vehicle. 

ie  New  York  petroleum , called  Seneca  oil,  is  used  to  a considerable  extent 


554 


P etroleum. — P etroselinum. 


PAET 


as  an  external  application  in  domestic  practice.  It  is  lighter  coloured,  thinn 
in  consistence,  and  less  sapid  and  odorous  than  the  Barbadoes  petroleum,  a 
probably  contains  more  naphtha.  B. 

PETROSELINUM.  U.S.  Secondary. 

Parsley  Root. 

The  root  of  Petroselinum  sativum.  U.  S. 

Persil,  Fr.;  Petersilie,  Germ.;  I’rezzemolo,  Ilal.;  Perexil,  Span. 

Petroselinum.  Sex.  Syst.  Pentandria  Digynia.  — Nat.  Orel.  Apiaceae 
Umbelliferae. 

Gen.  Ch.  Umlels  compound.  In  volucres,  partial  of  many,  general  of  few  bract 
Calyx  obsolete.  Fruit  ovate,  contracted  at  the  sides.  Ridges  five,  narrow,  equ 
the  lateral  on  the  edge.  Yittge  one  to  each  furrow.  Albumen  plano-convt 
Lindley. 

Petroselinum  sativum.  Hoffmann,  Umb.  i.  t.  1,  f.  2;  Lindley,  Flor.  Merl. 
35.- — Apium  Petroselinum.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  i.  1475;  Woodv.  Med.  Bot. 
118,  t.  45.  Parsley  has  a biennial  root,  with  an  annual,  round,  furrowed,  joint: 
erect,  branching  stem,  which  rises  about  two  feet  in  height.  The  radical  lea) 
are  compound,  pinnated  in  ternaries,  with  the  leaflets  smooth,  divided  into  th: 
lobes,  and  notched  at  the  margin.  In  the  cauline  leaves,  the  segments  of  t 
leaflets  are  linear  and  entire.  The  flowers  are  small,  pale-yellow,  and  dispos 
in  terminal  compound  umbels,  with  a one  or  two-leaved  general  involucre,  a 
partial  ones  composed  of  six  or  eight  leaflets.  The  petals  are  five,  roundish,  a 
inflexed  at  their  apex.  The  seeds  (half  fruits)  are  small,  ovate,  flat  on  one  si< 
convex  on  the  other,  of  a dark-green  colour,  and  marked  with  five  longitudii 
ridges.  They  have  a strong,  terebinthinate  odour,  and  a warm  aromatic  tast 

The  plant  is  a native  of  Sardinia,  and  other  parts  of  Southern  Europe,  and; 
cultivated  everywhere  in  gardens.  All  parts  of  it  contain  an  essential  oil,) 
which  it  owes  its  medicinal  virtues,  as  well  as  its  use  in  seasoning.  M.  H.  B 
connot  obtained  from  the  herb  a peculiar  gelatinous  substance,  resembling  pec: 
acid  in  appearance,  which  he  named  apiin.  It  differs  from  pectin  in  being  ml: 
soluble  in  alcohol  than  cold  water,  in  not  being  precipitated  by  alcohol  from  • 
watery  solution,  and  in  being  separated  by  acids  from  its  alkaline  solutions  i- 
altered,  whereas  pectin  is  under  these  circumstances  converted  into  peciic  ac. 
I Jour  n.  de  Pharm.,  3e  sir.,  xix.  448.)  It  is  procured  by  boiling  the  herbi 
water,  straining  the  liquor,  and  allowing  it  to  cool.  The  apiin  then  formi 
gelatinous  mass,  which  requires  only  to  be  washed  with  cold  water.  (P/<  <1 os.  Mo, 
xxiv.  155.)  The  seeds  are  said  to  contain  a peculiar  principle,  which  has  bn 
named  apiol,  upon  which  their  medicinal  activity  depends.  (See  Journ.e 
Pharm.,  3e  sdr.,  xxii.  84.)  The  root  is  the  part  directed  by  the  Pharmacopa, 
though  the  fruit  is  at  least  equally  efficient. 

The  root  is  spindle-shaped,  about  as  thick  as  the  finger,  externally  white,;! 
marked  with  close  annular  wrinkles,  internally  fleshy  and  white,  with  a yellowi 
central  portion.  It  has  a pleasant  smell,  and  a sweetish  slightly  aromatic  tas; 
but  loses  these  properties  by  long  boiling,  and  by  the  action  of  time.  It  shod 
be  employed  in  the  recent  state. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Parsley  root  is  said  to  be  aperient  and  diure', 
and  is  occasionally  used  in  nephritic  and  dropsical  affections,  in  connexion  va 
more  active  medicines.  It  was  highly  recommended  by  Professor  Chapman.  -e 
usual  form  of  administration  is  that  of  strong  infusion.  The  juice  of  the  frh 
herb  has  been  employed  as  a substitute  for  quinia  in  intermsttents ; and  e 
seeds,  as  well  as  their  supposed  active  principle,  have  been  employed  with  X 
asserted  effect  in  the  same  complaint.  ^ 


PAT  I. 


Phosphorus. 


555 


PHOSPHORUS.  Lond. 

Phosphorus. 

jiosphore,  Fr.;  Phosphor,  Germ.;  Fosforo,  Ital.,  Span. 

'iis  non-metallic  element  was  discovered  in  1669  by  Brandt,  an  alchemist 
of  [amburg ; and  the  process  by  which  it  was  made  remained  a secret  until 
17;'.  At  first  it  was  obtained  from  putrid  urine,  and  was  exceedingly  scarce 
amcostly.  In  1769,  Grahn  discovered  it  in  bones,  and  shortly  afterwards  pub- 
lisld  a process  by  which  it  might  be  extracted  from  them;  and  his  method  has 
bet.  followed  to  the  present  time. 

reparation.  Powdered  calcined  bones,  which  consist  principally  of  bone-phos- 
ph;3  of  lime,  are  digested  for  twenty-four  hours  with  two-thirds  of  their  weight 
of  rong  sulphuric  acid,  previously  diluted  with  twelve  times  its  weight  of  water. 
Th sulphuric  acid  separates  the  greater  part  of  the  lime  from  the  phosphoric 
aci  and  precipitates  as  sulphate  of  lime ; while  a superphosphate  of  lime  remains 
in  lution.  The  liquid  is  then  strained  through  a linen  cloth  to  separate  the 
suhate  of  lime,  and  afterwards  submitted  to  evaporation,  which  causes  a fresh  pre- 
cipition  of  sulphate,  requiring  to  be  separated  by  a new  straining.  The  strained 
sol  ion  of  superphosphate  is  evaporated  to  a syrupy  consistence,  and  then  tho- 
roihly  mixed  with  half  its  weight  of  powdered  charcoal,  so  as  to  form  a soft 
ma , which  is  dried  by  being  heated  to  dull  redness  in  an  iron  pot.  The  mass 
whi  cool  is  quickly  transferred  to  a coated  earthenware  retort,  furnished  with 
an  lopter  of  copper,  bent  downwards  at  right  angles,  so  as  to  enter  a bottle  with 
a l;ge  neck  containing  water,  which  should  rise  about  two  lines  above  the  orifice 
of  lie  adopter.  The  bottle  is  closed  round  the  adopter  with  a cork,  which  is 
tra  rsed  by  a small  glass  tube,  to  give  exit  to  the  gaseous  products.  The  retort 
is  lated  in  a furnace,  furnished  with  a dome,  in  the  most  gradual  manner,  so 
as  occupy  about  four  hours  in  bringing  it  to  a red  heat.  Afterwards  the  heat 
is  ] shed  vigorously,  so  long  as  any  phosphorus  drops  into  the  water ; and  this 
tak:  place  generally  for  from  twenty-four  to  thirty  hours.  During  this  part  of 
the  rocess,  the  excess  of  acid  in  the  superphosphate  is  decomposed;  its  oxygen 
coruning  with  the  charcoal,  and  the  liberated  phosphorus  distilling  over.  A 
qu:  tity  of  the  materials  sufficient  to  fill  a quart  retort  will  yield  about  a pound 
of  -osphorus.  The  calcined  bones  of  the  sheep  are  preferred ; as  they  contain 
mo  phosphate  of  lime,  and  are  more  readily  acted  on  by  the  acid. 

. r.  Donovan  recommends  the  following  process,  in  which  the  calcining  of  the 
boi  5 is  avoided.  Digest  ten  avoird.  pounds  of  bones,  broken  into  small  pieces, 
in  i of  commercial  nitric  acid,  diluted  with  five  gallons  (Imp.  meas.)  of  water, 
for  few  days.  Strain  the  liquor,  and  add  eight  pounds  of  acetate  of  lead,  dis- 
sol  d in  water.  There  result  acetic  acid  and  nitrate  of  lime  in  solution,  and 
ph  abate  of  lead  which  precipitates.  Wash  and  dry  the  precipitate,  and  redfice 
its  dk  to  one-half,  by  heating  it  red-hot  in  a crucible.  Mix  the  ignited  powder 
wit  one-sixth  of  its  weight  of  fine  charcoal  powder,  and  distil  from  a coated 
ear  ernvare  retort  in  the  usual  way.  The  bones,  in  this  process,  having  the  phos- 
ph; } of  lime  dissolved  out  of  them  by  the  nitric  acid,  are  reduced  to  soft,  flexible, 
car  [aginous  masses,  which  may  be  manufactured  into  size  or  glue.  The  process 
maffie  conducted  on  a smaller  scale  with  unburnt  hartshorn  shavings,  which 
corjiin  twice  as  much  phosphate  of  lime  as  bone,  by  using  the  following  pro- 
porons:  shavings  a pound  avoirdupois,  nitric  acid  seventeen  ounces  in  a gallon 
of  iter,  and  of  acetate  of  lead  twenty-four  ounces.  From  the  residue  of  the 
slu,  ngs  in  this  process  may  be  obtained  a nutritious  jelly.  (See  an  abstract  of 
Mi  Donovan’s  paper  in  the  Am.  Journ.  of  P harm.,  xxiv.  167.) 


556 


Phosphorus. 


part 


Properties.  Phosphorus  is  a semitransparent  solid,  without  taste,  but  possess! 
an  alliaceous  smell.  When  perfectly  pure  it  is  colourless;  but  as  usually  p 
pared  it  is  yellowish  or  reddish-yellow.  It  is  flexible,  and  when  cut  exhibits  a wa 
lustre.  It  is  insoluble  in  water,  but  dissolves  sparingly  in  alcohol  and  the  o 
and  more  freely  in  ether  and  bisulphuret  of  carbon.  Its  sp.  gr.  is  1 '84,  and 
equivalent  number  32  (31'02  Schroetter).  It  takes  fire  at  100°,  melts  at  10: 
and  boils  at  550°,  air  being  excluded.  During  its  combustion,  it  combines  w 
the  oxygen  of  the  air,  and  forms  dry  phosphoric  acid.  On  account  of  its  great 
flammability,  it  must  be  kept  under  water.  When  exposed  to  the  air  it  underg, 
a slow  combustion,  emitting  white  vapours,  which  are  luminous  in  the  dark, 
was  found  by  Wohler,  in  one  instance,  to  contain  one-half  of  one  per  cent, 
arsenic ; and,  therefore,  when  used  in  forming  medicinal  preparations,  should 
tested  for  that  metal.  It  also  occasionally  contains  antimony  and  sulphur.  I 
latter  impurity  renders  it  brittle. 

Prof.  Schroetter,  of  Vienna,  has  discovered  an  allotropic  form  of  phosphor 
which  he  calls  red  amorphous  phosphorus.  It  is  formed  when  ordinary  ph 
phorus  is  kept  for  a long  time  at  a temperature  between  419°  and  482°  F., 
atmospheres  which  have  no  action  on  it,  or  in  closed  glass  tubes.  Eed  phosphoi 
is  much  more  indifferent  than  the  ordinary  substance,  and  is  more  dense.  It 
not  acted  on  by  the  air,  and  is  insoluble  in  bisulphuret  of  carbon,  alcohol,  a 
ether,  in  which  ordinary  phosphorus  is  soluble.  When  solidified  from  the  fir 
state,  it  is  brittle,  and  breaks  with  a conchoidal  fracture.  Its  hardness  is  c 
siderable.  When  obtained  by  distillation  in  a non-acting  gas,  it  is  mixed  w 
ordinary  phosphorus,  from  which  it  may  be  freed  by  bisulphuret  of  carbon,  vrh 
dissolves  the  ordinary  phosphorus,  and  leaves  the  modification  as  a deep-: 
amorphous  powder.  Amorphous  phosphorus  is  not  poisonous.  It  is  applica 
to  the  manufacture  of  lucifer  matches,  and,  as  it  does  not  take  fire  by  friction 
ordinary  temperatures,  may  be  transported  with  the  greatest  safety. 

Phosphorus  forms  with  oxygen  the  hypophosphorous,  phosphorous,  andph- 
phoric  acids,  and  three  varieties  of  the  latter  acid,  distinguished  by  their  c • 
taining,  severally,  three,  two,  and  one  equivalents  of  water.  The  only  offiei 
combinations  containing  phosphorus  are  the  “diluted  phosphoric  acid”  of 
London  College,  and  the  phosphates  of  iron,  lime,  and  soda. 

Medical  Properties.  Phosphorus,  exhibited  in  small  doses,  acts  as  a power, 
general  stimulant;  in  large  doses,  as  a violent  irritant  poison.  Its  action  see; 
directed  particularly  to  the  kidneys  and  genital  organs,  producing  diuresis,  cl 
excitation  of  the  venereal  appetite.  The  latter  effect  has  been  conclusively  prod 
by  the  experiments  of  Alphonse  Leroy,  Chenevix,  and  Bertrand-Pelletier.  Fn 
its  peculiar  physiological  action,  it  is  considered  applicable  to  diseases  attend 
with  extreme  prostration  of  the  vital  powers.  It  has  been  recommended  in  drop, 
impotency,  typhoid  and  typhus  fevers,  phthisis,  marasmus,  chlorosis,  paraly, 
amaurosis,  mania,  &c.  Those  who  work  in  phosphorus,  as  the  manufacturer-! 
lubifer  matches,  are  liable  to  necrosis  of  the  jaw-bones,  the  consequence  of  pi- 
ostitis.  The  affection  is  probably  produced  by  the  long-continued  breathing! 
air  contaminated  with  phosphorus  vapour,  which  has  a local  action  on  the  tee, 
gums,  and  jaws,  and  a general  deteriorating  effect  on  the  blood. 

The  usual  form  for  exhibiting  phosphorus  is  in  oily  solution.  The  Oleum  PI- 
phoratum  or  phosphorated  oil  of  the  Prussian  Pharmacopoeia  is  made  as  folio- 
Take  of  phosphorus  twelve  grains ; almond  oil,  recently  prepared,  an  out- 
Melt  the  phosphorus  in  the  oil  by  the  heat  of  warm  water,  and  agitate  untit 
appears  to  be  dissolved.  The  ounce  of  oil  takes  up  about  four  grains  of  pb- 
phorus ; and  the  dose  of  the  solution  is  from  five  to  ten  drops,  mixed  with  see 
mucilaginous  liquid.  An  aromatic  flavour  may  be  given  to  the  phosphorated  1 
by  the  addition  of  a few  drops  of  oil  of  bergamot.  Dr.  11.  31.  Glover  has  p- 


PAF  I. 


55T 


Phosphorus. — Phytolaccse  Baccse. 

post’  to  give  phosphorus,  dissolved  in  chloroform  or  cod-liver  oil.  Chloroform 
furnhes  a non-inflammable  solution,  containing  one-fourth  of  its  weight  of  phos- 
phois.  Of  this  solution  Dr.  Glover  gave  four  or  five  minims,  twice  a day,  with 
a dichm  of  ether  in  a wineglassful  of  port  wine,  in  typhoid  fever.  The  solu- 
tionn  the  cod-liver  oil  is  effected  by  adding  the  phosphorus  in  chips,  to  the  oil 
con  ined  in  a bottle,  in  the  proportion  of  half  a grain  to  the  ounce.  The  bottle 
is  t in  immersed  in  hot  water,  and  the  solution  effected  by  shaking.  This  mode 
of  ;ving  phosphorus  was  used  by  Dr.  Glover  in  strumous  cases.  (See  Braith- 
wai's  Retrospect,  Am.  ed.,  xxvii.  246.) 

Gat  caution  is  necessary  in  the  exhibition  of  phosphorus,  and  its  effects 
shod  be  closely  watched.  It  ought  never  to  be  given  in  substance;  as,  when 
thundministered,  it  is  apt  to  produce  violent  irritation  of  the  stomach.  When 
tak<  in  substance  in  a poisonous  dose,  two  or  three  grains  of  tartar  emetic 
shod  be  given  to  dislodge  it.  If  swallowed  in  the  state  of  solution,  copious 
draihts  of  cold  water,  containing  magnesia  in  suspension,  should  be  adminis- 
tere  in  order  to  prevent  the  combustion  of  the  phosphorus,  and  to  neutralize 
anycid  which  may  have  been  formed.  Duflos  has  proposed,  as  an  antidote,  a 
mix  re  of  one  part  of  magnesia  and  eight  of  chlorine  water.  From  experiments 
madon  rabbits  by  A.  Bechert,  it  may  be  inferred  that  this  mixture  would  prove 
usef . In  a case  of  chronic  poisoning  from  the  copious  inhalation  of  phos- 
phos  vapour,  the  principal  results  were  a gradual  decay  of  the  sexual  function, 
pararsis,  and  death  at  the  end  of  three  years.  (Arc/i.  Gen.,  Feb.  1853.) 

C.  Prep  Acidum  Phosphoricum  Dilutum.  B. 

PHYTOLACCA  BACCA.  U.  S.  Secondary. 

Poke  Berries. 

T:  berries  of  Phytolacca  decandra.  U.  S. 


PHYTOLACCA  RADIX.  U.  S.  Secondary. 

Poke  Root. 

T ; root  of  Phytolacca  decandra.  TJ.  S. 

Pytolacca.  Sex.  Syst.  Deeandria  Decagynia. — Nat.  Orel.  Phytolacceae. 

Gi.Ch.  Calyx  none.  Petals  five,  calycine.  Berry  superior,  ten-celled,  ten- 
seed  1.  Willd. 

Jr/tolacca  decandra.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  ii.  822 ; Bigelow,  Am.  Med.  Bot.  i. 
39;  larton,  Med.  Bot.  ii.  213.  This  is  an  indigenous  plant  with  a very  large 
pereiial  root,  often  five  or  six  inches  in  diameter,  divided  into  two  or  three 
prinpal  branches,  soft,  fleshy,  fibrous,  whitish  within,  and  covered  with  a 
brovish  cuticle.  The  stems,  which  are  annual,  frequently  grow  to  the  height 
of  s or  eight  feet,  and  divide  into  numerous  spreading  branches.  They  are 
romi  very  smooth,  green  when  young,  but  purple  after  the  berries  have  ripened. 
The  saves  are  scattered,  ovate-oblong,  entire,  pointed,  smooth,  ribbed  beneath, 
and  ipported  on  short  footstalks.  The  flowers  are  numerous,  small,  and  grow 
in  leg  racemes,  which  are  sometimes  erect,  sometimes  drooping.  The  corolla 
cons  is  of  five  ovate,  concave  petals,  folding  inwards,  and  of  a whitish  colour. 
The  erm  is  green.  There  are  ten  stamens,  and  the  same  number  of  pistils. 
The  tceme  of  flowers  becomes  a cluster  of  dark  purple,  almost  black,  shining 
berr  ?,  flattened  above  and  below,  and  divided  into  ten  cells,  each  of  which 
cont'as  one  seed. 

T poke  is  abundant  in  all  parts  of  the  United  States,  flourishing  along  fences, 


558  Phytolaccse  Bacese. — Phjtolaccse  Radix.  past 

by  the  borders  of  woods,  and  especially  in  newly-cleared  and  uncultivated  fiel 
It  also  grows  spontaneously  in  the  North  of  Africa  and  the  South  of  Euro 
where,  however,  it  is  supposed  to  have  been  introduced  from  America.  Its  flow 
begin  to  appear  in  July,  and  the  fruit  ripens  in  autumn.  The  magnitude  of  i 
poke-weed,  its  large  rich  leaves,  and  its  beautiful  clusters  of  purple  berries,  of 
mingled  upon  the  same  branch  with  the  green  unripe  fruit,  and  the  flowers  s 
in  bloom,  render  it  one  of  the  most  striking  of  our  native  plants.  The  yot 
shoots  are  much  used  as  food  early  in  the  spring,  boiled  in  the  manner  of  spina 
The  ashes  of  the  dried  stems  and  leaves  contain  a very  large  proportion  ' 
potassa,  yielding,  according  to  Brac-onnot,  not  less  than  forty-two  per  cent.  ’ 
the  pure  caustic  alkali.  In  the  plant  the  potassa  is  neutralized  by  an  a 
closely  resembling  the  malic,  though  differing  from  it  in  some  respects.  1 
leaves,  berries,  and  root  are  used  in  medicine,  but  the  two  latter  only  are  m 
tioned  in  the  Pharmacopoeia.  The  root  is  most  active.  It  should  be  dug 
late  in  November,  cut  into  thin  transverse  slices,  and  dried  with  a mdder- 
heat.  As  its  virtues  are  diminished  by  keeping,  a new  supply  should  be  [■ 
cured  every  year.  The  berries  should  be  collected  when  perfectly  ripe,  and  ■ 
leaves  about  the  middle  of  summer,  when  the  footstalks  begin  to  redden. 

The  berries  contain  a succulent  pulp,  and  yield  upon  pressure  a large  quani- 
of  fine  purplish-red  juice.  They  have  a sweetish,  nauseous,  slightly  acrid  tas. . 
with  little  odour.  The  colouring  principle  of  their  juice  is  evanescent,  and  can  t 
be  applied  to  useful  purposes  in  dyeing,  from  the  difficulty  of  fixing  it.  Al- 
lies render  it  yellow;  but  the  original  colour  is  restored  by  acids.  The  ju; 
contains  saccharine  matter,  and,  after  fermenting,  juelds  alcohol  by  distillati. 

The  dried  root  is  of  a light  yellowish-brown  colour  externally,  very  mu 
wrinkled,  and,  when  in  transverse  slices,  exhibits  on  the  cut  surface  numers 
concentric  rings,  formed  by  the  projecting  ends  of  fibres,  between  which  i 
intervening  matter  has  shrunk  in  drying.  The  structure  internally  in  the  olr 
roots  is  firm  and  almost  ligneous;  the  colour  yellowish-white,  alternating wi 
darker  circular  layers.  There  is  no  smell;  the  taste  is  slightly  sweetish,  anct 
first  mild,  but  followed  by  a sense  of  acrimony.  The  active  matter  is  imparl 
to  boiling  water  and  alcohol.  From  the  analysis  of  Mr.  Edward  Donelly,  e 
root  appears  to  contain  tannic  acid,  starch,  gum,  sugar,  resin,  fixed  oil,  ;1 
lignin,  besides  various  inorganic  principles.  (Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xv.  It) 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Poke  is  emetic,  purgative,  and  somewhat  r- 
cotic.  As  an  emetic  it  is  very  slow  in  its  operation,  frequently  not  beginng 
to  vomit  in  less  than  one  or  two  hours  after  it  has  been  taken,  and  then  o 
tinuing  to  act  for  a long  time  upon  both  the  stomach  and  bowels.  The  vomitg 
produced  by  it  is  said  not  to  be  attended  with  much  pain  or  spasm;  but  name 
effects  have  been  observed  by  some  physicians,  such  as  drowsiness,  vertigo,  1 
dimness  of  vision.  In  over-doses  it  produces  excessive  vomiting  and  purge, 
attended  with  great  prostration  of  strength,  and  sometimes  with  convulsions, 
case  is  recorded  in  the  Stethoscope,  for  March,  1852  (ii.  134),  by  Pr.  Geo.. 
Terrill,  of  Hanover  Co.,  Va.,  in  which  death  was  produced  iu  a woman  by  ealg 
a double  handful  of  the  berries.  Free  purgation  followed  upon  the  first  tf, 
after  which  coma  set  in,  with  great  prostration,  though  death  did  not  occur  uil 
after  the  sixth  day.  Poke  has  been  proposed  as  a substitute  for  ipeeac-uan  ; 
but  the  slowness  and  long  continuance  of  its  action,  and  its  tendency  to  pu  ?, 
wholly  unfit  it  for  the  purposes  which  that  emetic  is  calculated  to  fulfil,  n 
small  doses  it  acts  as  an  alterative,  and  has  been  highly  recommended  in 
treatment  of  chronic  rheumatism.  The  dose  of  the  powdered  root,  as  an  erne’, 
is  from  ten  to  thirty  grains ; as  an  alterative,  from  one  to  five  grains.  A s i- 
rated  tincture  of  the  berries,  prepared  with  diluted  alcohol,  may  be  given  in  rh- 
matic  cases,  in  the  dose  of  a fluidrachm,  three  times  a day.  A strong  infill 


pai’  r. 


559 


Phytolaccse  Radix. — Pimenta. 

of  |e  leaves  or  root  has  been  recommended  in  piles.  An  ointment,  prepared 
by  fixing  a drachm  of  the  powdered  root  or  leaves,  with  an  ounce  of  lard,  has 
bee  used  with  advantage  in  psora,  tinea  capitis,  and  some  other  forms  of  cuta- 
neos  disease.  It  occasions  at  first  a sense  of  heat  and  smarting  in  the  part  to 
whii  it  is  applied.  An  extract  made  by  evaporating  the  expressed  juice  of  the 
recat  leaves  has  been  used  for  the  same  purposes,  and  acquired  at  one  time 
conderable  repute  as  a remedy  in  cancer.  W. 

PIMENTA.  U.  S.,  Land.,  Ed.,  Dub. 

Pimento. 

de  unripe  berries  of  Myrtus  Pimenta,  TJ.S.  Eugenia  Pimenta.  The  unripe 
frui  Lond.  The  unripe  berries,  Pd.,  Pub. 

Aspice,  Jamaica  pepper;  Piment,  Poivre  de  la  Jamaique,  Fr.;  Nelkenpfeffer,  Germ..; 
Pimjti,  Ital.;  Pimienta  de  la  Jamaica,  Span. 

3 TITUS.  Sex.  Syst.  Icosandria  Monogynia. — Nat.  Ord.  Myrtaeeae. 

On.  Ch.  Calyx  five-cleft,  superior.  Petals  five.  Berry  two  to  five-celled, 
mar -seeded.  Willd. 

Artus  Pimenta.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  ii.  973 ; Woodv.  Med.  Bot.  p.  541,  t.  194. 
— Jkjenia,  Pimenta.  De  Cand.  Pvodrom.  iii.  285;  Lindley,  Flor.  Med.  p.  76. 
Thiias  a . beautiful  tree,  about  thirty  feet  high,  with  a straight  trunk,  much 
brained  above,  and  covered  with  a very-  smooth  gray  bark.  Its  dense  and  ever- 
vercnt  foliage  gives  it  at  all  times  a refreshing  appearance.  The  leaves,  which 
are  etiolate,  vary  in  shape  and  size;  but  are  usually  about  four  inches  long, 
ellij; cal,  entire,  blunt,  or  obtusely  pointed,  veined,  and  of  a deep  shining  green 
colo  . The  flowers  are  small,  without  show,  and  disposed  in  panicles  upon  tri- 
ckotmous  stalks,  which  usually  terminate  the  branches.  The  fruit  is  a spherical 
berr  crowned  with  the  persistent  calyx,  and  when  ripe  is  smooth,  shining,  and 
of  alack  or  dark-purple  colour.  The  tree  exhales  an  aromatic  fragrance,  es- 
pecily  during  the  summer  months,  when  it  is  in  flower. 

Its  a native  of  the  West  Indies,  Mexico,  and  South  America,  and  is  abun- 
dantjn  Jamaica,  whence  its  fruit  received  the  name  of  Jamaica  pepper.  The 
berr  s are  the  officinal  part.  They  are  gathered  after  having  attained  their  full 
size,ut  while  yet  green,  and  are  carefully  dried  in  the  sun.  When  sufficiently 
dry,rey  are  put  into  bags  and  casks  for  exportation. 

JF  perties.  The  berries,  as  they  reach  us,  are  of  different  sizes,  usually  about 
as  kqe  as  a small  pea,  round,  wrinkled,  umbilicate  at  the  summit,  of  a brownish 
coloq  and  when  broken  present  two  cells,  each  containing  a black  hemispherical 
seed  ' They  have  a fragrant  odour,  thought  to  resemble  that  of  a mixture  of  cin- 
nam  i,  cloves,  and  nutmeg.  Hence  the  name  of  allspice,  by  which  they  are  best 
knot  in  this  country.  Their  taste  is  warm,  aromatic,  pungent,  and  slightly 
astrigent.  They  impart  their  flavour  to  water,  and  all  their  virtues  to  alcohol. 
The  ifusion  is  of  a brown  colour,  and  reddens  litmus  paper.  They  yield  a vola- 
tile by  distillation.  (See  Oleum  Pimentse .)  By  a minute  analysis,  Bonastre 
obtahd  from  them  a volatile  oil,  a green  fixed  oil,  a fatty  substance  in  yellowish 
flake'  tannin,  gum,  resin,  unerystallizable  sugar,  colouring  matter,  malic  and 
galli Acids,  saline  matters,  moisture,  and  lignin.  The  green  oil  has  the  burning 
aroniic  taste  of  pimento,  and  is  supposed  to  be  the  acrid  principle.  Upon  this, 
therijire,  together  with  the  volatile  oil,  the  medical  properties  of  the  berries  de- 
pended, as  these  two  principles  exist  most  largely  in  the  shell  or  cortical  por- 
tion,ris  part  is  most  efficient.  According  to  Bonastre,  the  shell  contains  10 
per  c it.  of  the  volatile,  and  8 of  the  fixed  oil,  the  seeds  only  5 per  cent,  of  the 
form;,  and  2 '5  of  the  latter.  Berzelius  considers  the  green  fixed  oil  of  Bonastre 
as  a ixture  of  volatile  oil,  resin,  fixed  oil,  and  perhaps  a little  chlorophylle. 


560 


PAR' 


Pimenta. — Piper. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Pimento  is  a warm,  aromatic  stimulant  u 
in  medicine  chiefly  as  an  adjuvant  to  tonics  and  purgatives,  the  taste  of  wl 
it  serves  to  cover,  while  it  increases  their  warmth,  and  renders  them  more  - 
ceptable  to  the  stomach.  It  is  particularly  useful  in  cases  attended  with  m 1 
flatulence.  It  is,  however,  much  more  largely  employed  as  a condiment  than 
a medicine.  The  dose  is  from  ten  to  forty  grains.  A tincture  of  pimento  ; 
been  recommended  as  a local  application  in  chilblains. 

Off.  Prep.  Aqua  Pimentae;  Oleum  Pimentae;  Spiritus  Pimentae;  Syras 
Rhamni.  ^ 

PIPER.  US. 

Black  Pepper. 

The  berries  of  piper  nigrum.  U.  S. 

Off.  Syn.  PIPER  NIGEUM.  Piper  nigrum.  The  unripe  fruit.  Land..  Dd 
unripe  berries.  Ed.,  Dub. 

Poivre,  Fr.;  Schwarzer  Pfeifer,  Germ.;  Gemeine  peper.  Dutch:  Pepe  nero,  ltd  ..I- 
mienta  negra,  Span.:  Fifil  uswud,  Arab.;  Lada,  Malay ; Mancha,  Javan.;  Sahan,  P.  i- 
bang. 

Piper.  See  CUBEBA. 

Piper  nigrum.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  i.  159;  "Woodv.  Med.  Dot.  p.  721,  t.  2 ; 
Carson,  lllust.  of  Med.  Bot.  ii.  38,  pi.  83.  The  pepper  vine  is  a perennial  pit, 
with  a round,  smooth,  woody,  articulated  stem,  swelling  near  the  joints,  branc- 1, 
and  from  eight  to  twelve  feet  or  more  in  length.  The  leaves  are  entire,  br  1- 
ovate,  acuminate,  seven-nerved,  coriaceous,  very  smooth,  of  a dark-green  coir, 
and  attached  by  strong  sheath-like  footstalks  to  the  joints  of  the  branches.  ie 
flowers  are  small,  whitish,  sessile,  covering  thickly  a cylindrical  spadix,  .d 
succeeded  by  globular  berries,  which  are  of  a red  colour  when  ripe. 

The  plant  grows  wild  in  Cochin-china  and  various  parts  of  India.  It  is  J- 
tivated  on  the  coast  of  Malabar,  in  the  peninsula  of  Malacca,  in  Siam,Snm:i, 
Java,  Borneo,  the  Philippines,  and  many  other  places  in  the  East.  We  are  Id 
by  Crawford,  that  the  best  pepper  is  produced  in  Malabar ; but  Europe  and  1 e- 
rica  derive  their  chief  supplies  from  Sumatra  and  Java.  The  plant  is  pi  li- 
gated by  cuttings,  and  is  supported  by  props,  or  by  trees  of  various  kinds  plaid 
for  the  purpose,  upon  which  it  is  trained.  In  three  or  four  years  from  theped 
of  planting,  it  begins  to  bear  fruit.  The  berries  are  gathered  before  theue 
all  perfectly  ripe,  and,  upon  being  dried,  become  black  and  wrinkled. 

White  pepper  is  the  ripe  berry,  deprived  of  its  skin  by  maceration  in  rer 
and  subsequent  friction,  and  afterwards  dried  in  the  sun.  It  has  less  ofhe 
peculiar  virtues  of  the  spice  than  the  black  pepper,  and  is  seldom  emploviin 
this  country. 

Properties.  The  dried  berries  are  about  as  large  as  a small  pea,  extertiy 
blackish  and  wrinkled,  internally  whitish,  of  an  aromatic  smell,  and  a hot,  in- 
gent,  almost  fiery  taste.  They  yield  their  virtues  partially  to  water,  entire  to 
alcohol  and  ether.  Pelletier  found  them  to  contain  a peculiar  crystalline  niter 
called  piperin,  an  acrid  concrete  oil  or  soft  resin  of  a green  colour,  a bal-otc 
volatile  oil,  a coloured  gummy  substance,  an  extractive  matter  like  that  tnd 
in  leguminous  plants  capable  of  being  precipitated  by  infusion  of  galls,  apoon 
of  bassorin,  uric  and  malic  acids,  lignin,  and  various  salts.  Piperin  waflit- 
covered  by  Professor  (Ersted,  of  Copenhagen,  who  considered  it  an  ortnc 
alkali,  and  the  active  principle  of  pepper.  Pelletier,  however,  utterly  died 
its  alkaline  nature  and  medical  activity,  and  ascribed  all  the  effects,  suppod-to 
have  been  obtained  from  it,  to  a portion  of  the  acrid  concrete  oil  with  wln't 
is  mixed  when  not  very  carefully  prepared.  When  perfectly  pure,  piperin  m 


PAT  I. 


561 


Piper. 

cohrless  transparent  crystals,  according  to  Pelletier  without  taste,  fusible  at 
21  r,  insoluble  in  cold  water,  slightly  soluble  in  boiling  water  which  deposits  it 
upi  cooling,  soluble  in  alcohol,  ether,  and  acetic  acid,  decomposed  by  the  con- 
certed mineral  acids,  with  the  sulphuric  becoming  of  a blood-red  colour,  with 
thaitric,  first  of  a greenish-yellow,  then  orange,  and  ultimately  red.  Christison, 
hoover,  states,  in  his  Dispensatory,  that  the  whitest  crystals  he  had  been  able 
to  >tain  were  still  acrid,  and  emitted  an  irritating  vapour  when  thrown  on 
hetsd  iron.  As  ordinarily  procured  the  crystals  are  yellow.  Piperin  consists  of 
nit  gen,  carbon,  hydrogen,  and  oxygen;  and  its  formula,  according  to  Wertheim, 
is  lC70H37O10.*  It  is  obtained  by  treating  pepper  with  alcohol,  evaporating  the 
tin  are  to  the  consistence  of  an  extract,  submitting  the  extract  to  the  action  of 
an  kaline  solution  by  which  the  oleaginous  matter  is  converted  into  soap,  wash- 
inghe  undissolved  portion  with  cold  water,  separating  the  liquid  by  filtration, 
trei.ng  the  matter  left  on  the  filter  with  alcohol,  and  allowing  the  solution  thus 
obtned  to  evaporate  spontaneously,  or  by  a gentle  heat.  Crystals  of  piperin 
are  eposited,  and  may  be  purified  by  alternate  solution  in  alcohol  or  ether,  and 
cryallization.  The  taste  and  medicinal  activity  of  pepper  probably  depend 
mailyon  the  concrete  oil  or  resin,  and  on  the  volatile  oil.  The  concrete  oil  is 
of  sleep-green  colour,  very  acrid,  and  soluble  in  alcohol  and  ether.  The  volatile 
oil : limpid,  colourless,  becoming  yellow  by  age,  of  a strong  odour,  and  of  a taste 
less  c-rid  than  that  of  the  pepper.  It  consists  of  10  eqs.  of  carbon  and  8 of 
bydigen,  and  forms  a liquid,  but  not  a concrete  compound  with  muriatic  acid. 

idical  Properties  and  Uses.  Black  pepper  is  a warm  carminative  stimulant, 
capale  of  producing  general  arterial  excitement,  but  acting  with  greater  propor- 
tion energy  on  the  part  to  which  it  is  applied.  From  the  time  of  Hippocrates 
it  k been  employed  as  a condiment  and  medicine.  Its  chief  medicinal  appli- 
cadi.  is  to  excite  the  languid  stomach,  and  correct  flatulence.  It  was  long  since 
ocesonally  administered  for  the  cure  of  intermittent.?;  but  its  employment  for 
this  urpose  had  passed  from  the  profession  to  the  vulgar,  till  a few  years  since 
revijd  by  an  Italian  physician,  to  be  again  consigned  to  forgetfulness.  Piperin 
has  so  been  employed  in  the  same  complaint,  and  has  even  been  thought  superior 
to  siphate  of  quinia;  but  experience  has  not  confirmed  this  favourable  opinion. 
Tka  in  its  impure  state,  when  mixed  with  a portion  of  the  acrid  principle,  it  will 
occaonally  cure  intermittents,  there  can  be  no  doubt;  but  it  is  not  comparable 
to  tl  preparations  of  bark,  and  is  probably  less  active  than  the  alcoholic  extract 
of  piper.  In  intermittent  fever,  when  the  stomach  is  not  duly  susceptible  to  the 
actio  of  quinia,  as  sometimes  in  drunkards,  pepper  may  be  found  a useful  adju- 
vantjo  the  more  powerful  febrifuge.  The  dose  of  pepper  is  from  five  to  twenty 
giaii.  It  may  be  given  whole  or  in  powder;  but  is  more  energetic  in  the  latter 
state  Piperin  has  been  given  in  doses  varying  from  one  to  six  or  eight  grains. 

0 Prep.  Confectio  Piperis;  Confectio  Hut®;  Emplastrum  Cantharidis  Com- 
positin;  Extractum  Piperis  Fluidum.  W. 

- interesting  chemical  investigation  into  the  nature  of  piperin  has  been  made  by 
b ert Jim,  the  result  of  which  is  that  it  probably  consists  of  a volatile  alkaline  manciple 
(SCI),  combined  with  an  electro-negative  compound  (NC5iH30Ol0),  which,  however,  is 
thus  r hypothetical.  The  former  is  obtained  by  distilling  piperin  mixed  with  soda  and 
Imho  of  lime,  at  a temperature  between  300°  and  320°.  It  is  considered  by  Wertheim 
as  id<j;ical  with  picoline,  previously  obtained  by  Dr.  Anderson  from  the  reaction  of  nitric 
acid  < piperin,  and  described  by  him  in  a paper  presented  at  the  meeting  of  the  British 
Assocltion,  at  Edinburgh  in  1850.  (Chem.  Gaz.,  Aug.  1849,  p.  309,  from  Liebig's  Anna- 
dn.)  . Cahours  has  since  repeated  the  experiments  of  Wertheim,  and  obtained  the  same 
alkali',  principle,  which  he  names  piperidine,  and  for  which  he  gives  the  formula  NC|(JHn, 
correbirding  precisely  with  that  given  by  Dr.  Anderson  for  picoline.  According  to  M. 
Cahor  i,  it  is  a colourless  liquid,  having  a mixed  odour-  of  ammonia  and  pepper,  a very 
caust  .taste,  and  a strong  alkaline  reaction.  It  is  soluble  in  water  in  all  proportions,  and 
formslrystallizable  salts  with  several  acids.  ( Ibid .,  May  1,  1852,  p.  1G7.) 

8(j 


562 


Piper  Longum. — Pix. — Pix  Burgundica. 


PART 


PIPER  LONGUM.  Lond.,  Ed. 

Long  Pepper. 

Piper  longum.  The  unripe  fruit.  Lond.  The  dried  spikes.  EJ. 

Poivre  longue,  Ft.;  Langer  Pfeffer,  Germ.;  Pepe  lungo,  Ital.;  Pimienta  larga,  Span 

Piper.  See  CUBEBA. 

Piper  longum.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  i.  161;  Woodv.  Med.  Bot.  p.  724,  t.  2- 
This  species  of  Piper  differs  from  its  congeners  in  having  its  lower  leaves  cord; 
petiolate,  seven-nerved,  its  upper  oblong-cordate,  sessile,  and  five-nerved;  ; 
flowers  in  dense,  short,  terminal,  and  nearly  cylindrical  spikes;  and  its  fn 
consisting  of  very  small  one-seeded  berries  or  grains,  embedded  in  a pulpy  mat;. 
It  is  a native  of  South-eastern  Asia,  and  is  produced  abundantly  in  Bengal  ;i 
other  parts  of  Hindostan.  The  fruit  is  green  when  immature,  and  becomes  [ 
as  it  ripens.  It  is  gathered  in  the  former  state,  as  it  is  then  hotter  than  w i 
perfectly  ripe.  The  whole  spike  is  taken  from  the  plant  and  dried  in  the  st 

Long  pepper  is  cylindrical,  an  inch  or  more  in  length,  indented  on  its  surf;, 
of  a dark-gray  colour,  a weak  aromatic  odour,  and  a pungent  fiery  taste.  . 
Dulong  found  its  chemical  composition  to  be  closely  analogous  to  that  of  bli 
pepper.  Like  that  it  contains  piper  in,  a concrete  oil  or  soft  resin  upon  wh 
its  burning  acrimony  depends,  and  a volatile  oil  to  which  it  probably  owes  s 
odour.  Its  medical  virtues  are  essentially  the  same  as  those  of  black  pepj ; 
but  it  is  considered  inferior  to  that  spice,  and  is  seldom  used. 

Off.  Prep.  Confectio  Opii ; Pulvis  Cinnamomi  Compositus;  Pulvis  Cretse  Ci- 
positus;  Tinctura  Cinnamomi  Composita.  T\ 

PIX.  Lond. 

Pitch. 

Dry  bitumen  prepared  from  tar.  Lond. 

Off.  Syn.  PIX  ABIDA.  Pitch  : from  various  species  of  Pinus  and  Abies,  i 

Tiiis  is  the  solid  black  mass  left  after  the  evaporation  of  the  liquid  partof 
tar.  It  was  formerly  called  pix  nigra  or  black  pitch.  It  has  a shining  fracte, 
softens  and  becomes  adhesive  with  a moderate  heat,  melts  in  boiling  water,  id 
consists  of  the  resin  of  the  pine  unaltered,  and  of  various  empyreumatic  r<n- 
ous  products  which  have  received  the  name  of  pry  retin.  ( Berzelius , Traiide 
Chim.,  vi.  641  and  680.)  It  appears  to  be  very  gently  stimulant  or  tonic,  id 
has  been  used  internally  in  ichthyosis  and  other  cutaneous  diseases,  and  reeely 
with  great  advantage  in  piles.  The  dose  is  from  ten  grains  to  a drachm  gen 
in  pills.  Pitch  is  also  used  externally  in  the  form  of  ointment. 

Off.  Prep.  Unguentum  Picis.  I 

PIX  BURGUNDICA.  U.  8.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Pith. 
Burgundy  Pitch. 

The  prepared  concrete  juice  of  Abies  excelsa.  U.  S.  Impure  resin  preped 
from  the  turpentine.  Lond.  Concrete  resinous  exudation,  probably  in  a eat 
measure  from  Abies  excelsa.  Ed.  Abies  excelsa.  Bunrundy  pitch.  Dub. 

Poix  de  Bourgogne,  Poix  jaune,  Poix  blanche,  Ft.;  Burguudisches  Pech.  Genii. 

The  genus  Pinus  of  Linnasus  has  been  divided  into  three  genera,  viz..  I !'-S 
Abies,  and  Larix;  the  first  including  the  pines,  the  second  the  firs  and  sppeb 


pat  i.  Pix  Burgundica.  563 

an  the  third  the  larches.  We  follow  the  Pharmacopoeias  in  adopting  this  divi- 
sic. 

bies.  Sex.  Syst.  Monoecia  Monadelphia.  — Nat.  Ord.  Pinaceae  or  Coniferae. 

\en.  Oh.  Male  flowers.  Catkins  solitary,  not  racemose ; Scales  stamini- 
feris  at  the  apex.  Stamens  two,  with  one-celled  anthers.  Females.  Catkins 
sinde.  Ovaries  two.  Stigmas  glandular.  Cone  with  imbricated  scales,  which 
art  .hi  n at  the  apex,  and  rounded.  Cotyledons  digitate-partite.  Leaves  solitary 
in  ich  sheath.  De  Cand. 

biesexcelsa.  De  Candolle.  — A.  communis.  Loudon’s  Encyc.  of  Plants. — 
Pits  Ahies.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  iv.  506;  Woodv.  Med.  Pot.  p.  4,  t.  2.  The 
Ncpay  spruce  is  a very  lofty  tree,  rising  sometimes  one  hundred  and  fifty  feet 
in  light,  with  a trunk  from  three  to  five  feet  in  diameter.  The  leaves,  which 
stal  thickly  upon  the  branches,  are  short,  obscurely  four-cornered,  often  curved, 
of  Husky  green  colour,  and  shining  on  the  upper  surface.  The  male  aments 
arelurple  and  axillary,  the  female  of  the  same  colour,  but  usually  terminal. 
Tkfruit  is  in  pendent,  purple,  nearly  cylindrical  strobiles,  the  scales  of  which 
areval,  pointed,  and  ragged  at  the  edges. 

bis  tree  is  a native  of  Europe  and  Northern  Asia.  Though  designated  as 
themree  of  Burgundy  pitch,  it  furnishes  but  a part  of  the  substance  sold  under 
thaname  by  the  druggists.  Tingley  asserts  that  the  real  Burgundy  pitch  is 
obt’ped  from  the  Abies  picea,  or  European  silver  fir  tree;  and  the  same  fact  is 
stall  by  Fee.  According  to  G-eiger,  who  is  probably  correct,  it  is  procured  from 
hot  .species.  To  obtain  the  pitch,  portions  of  the  bark  are  removed  so  as  to  lay 
bar  the  wood,  and  the  flakes  of  concrete  resinous  matter  which  form  upon  the 
surfse  of  the  wound,  having  been  detached  by  iron  instruments,  are  melted 
witl water  in  large  boilers,  aud  then  strained  through  coarse  cloths.  It  is  called 
Buiundy  pitch  from  the  province  of  that  name  in  the  East  of  France.  We  are 
told  hat  the  greater  portion  is  collected  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Neufchatel. 

Inn  various  species  of  pine,  in  different  parts  of  Europe,  a similar  product 
is  oained  and  sold  by  the  same  name.  It  is  prepared  by  removing  the  juice 
wbi  concretes  upon  the  bark  of  the  tree,  or  upon  the  surface  of  incisions, 
calk  galipot  by  the  French,  and  purifying  it  by  melting  and  straining,  either 
tbregh  cloth  or  a layer  of  straw.  A factitious  Burgundy  pitch  is  made  by 
metmg  together  common  pitch,  resin,  and  turpentine,  and  agitating  the  mixture 
witlyater,  which  gives  it  the  requisite  yellowdsh  colour.  Its  odour  is  different 
fronthat  of  the  genuine. 

Abrought  to  this  country,  Burgundy  pitch  is  generally  mixed  with  impurities, 
whii  require  that  it  should  be  melted  and  strained  before  being  used.  In  its 
pure' t ate  it  is  hard,  brittle,  quite  opaque,  of  a yellowish  or  brownish-yellow 
colo  , and  a weak  tcrebinthinate  taste  and  odour.  It  is  very  fusible,  and  at  the 
heat  >f  the  body  softens  and  becomes  adhesive.  It  differs  from  turpentine  in 
confining  a smaller  proportion  of  volatile  oil. 

T'js.  Frankincense.  Linder  the  name  of  Thus,  the  London  and  Dublin 
Colbes  direct  the  concrete  juice  of  the  spruce  fir,  as  taken  immediately  from 
tbe  irk  of  the  tree  without  any  preparation.  The  London  College  recognises 
also  nus  palustris  as  one  of  its  sources.  As  sold  in  London  it  is  in  all  proba- 
bilitfferived  chiefly  if  not  exclusively  from  the  latter  tree,  being  in  fact  nothing 
mort  han  our  common  turpentine,  perfectly  dry  and  brittle.  (See  Terelin/hina.) 
E is  i solid,  brittle  tears,  of  a yellowish  or  brownish-yellow  colour  on  the  out- 
side, nd  paler  within,  and  emits  an  agreeable  odour  when  burned.  It  softens 
and  comes  adhesive  at  the  temperature  of  the  body. 

M ical  Properties  and  Uses.  Applied  to  the  skin  in  the  shape  of  a plaster, 
Burdody  pitch  acts  as  a gentle  rubefacient,  producing  a slight  degree  of  inflam- 
ed'. and  serous  effusion  without  separating  the  cuticle.  Sometimes  it  excites 


564 


PART 


Pix  Burgundica. — Fix  Canadensis. 

a papillary  or  vesicular  eruption  ; and  we  have  known  it  to  act  upon  the  surfs 
as  a violent  poison,  giving  rise  to  severe  pain,  swelling,  and  redness,  followed 
vesication  and  even  ulceration.  It  is  used  chiefly  in  slight  chronic  pains  of 
rheumatic  character,  or  in  chronic  affections  of  the  chest  or  abdomen,  which  c- 
for  a gentle  but  long-continued  revulsion  to  the  skin.  The  resinous  exudati 
of  the  spruce  fir  ( thus  or  frankincense')  is  used  only  as  an  ingredient  of  plaste 

Off.  Prep,  of  Burgundy  Pitch.  Einplastrum  Cantharidis  Compositum;  E 
plast.  Ferri;  Emplast.  Galbani  Comp.;  Emplast.  Opii;  Emplast.  Pic-is;  E 
plast.  Picis  Burgundicae;  Emplast.  Picis  cum  Cautharide;  Pix  Burgundica  Pr 
parata. 

Off.  Prep,  of  Frankincense.  Thus  Praeparatum.  TV. 

PIX  CANADENSIS.  U.  S. 

Canada  Pitch. 

The  prepared  concrete  juice  of  Abies  Canadensis.  U.  S. 

Abies.  See  PIX  BURGUNDICA. 

Abies  Canadensis.  Michaux,  N.  Am.  Sylv.  iii.  185.  — Pinus  Cannden. 
Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  iv.  505.  This  is  the  hemlock  spruce  of  the  United  States  e. 
Canada.  When  of  full  growth  it  is  often  seventy  or  eighty  feet  high,  wit. 
trunk  two  or  three  feet  iu  diameter,  and  of  nearly  uniform  dimensions  for  tv 
thirds  of  its  length.  The  branches  are  slender,  and  dependent  at  their  exi- 
mities.  The  leaves  are  very  numerous,  six  or  eight  lines  long,  flat,  denticukj, 
and  irregularly  arranged  in  two  rows.  The  strobiles  are  ovate,  little  longer  tli 
the  leaves,  pendulous,  and  situated  at  the  ends  of  the  branches. 

The  tree  is  abundant  in  Canada,  Nova  Scotia,  and  the  more  northern  part.1  f 
New  England ; and  is  found  in  the  elevated  and  mountainous  regions  of  3 
Middle  States.  Its  bark  abounds  in  the  astringent  principle,  and  is  much  ul 
for  tanning  in  the  northern  parts  of  the  United  States.  It  contains  much  less  jm 
than  some  other  of  the  Pinaceae ; and  very  little  flows  from  incisions  made  io 
its  trunk.  But  in  the  trees  which  have  attained  their  full  growth,  and  are  abt 
or  have  begun  to  decay,  the  juice  exudes  spontaneously,  and  hardens  upon  e 
bark,  in  consequence  of  the  partial  evaporation  or  oxidation  of  its  volatile  1. 
The  bark  thus  incrusted  is  stripped  from  the  tree,  broken  into  pieces  of  convi- 
ent  size,  and  boiled  iu  water.  The  pitch  melts,  rises  to  the  surface,  is  skimid 
off,  and  is  still  further  purified  by  a second  boiling  in  water.  It  is  broughio 
Philadelphia  from  the  north  of  Pennsylvania,  in  dark-coloured  brittle  mass, 
which,  on  being  broken,  exhibit  numerous  minute  fragments  of  bark,  interspe:d 
through  their  substance.  From  these  it  is  purified  in  the  shops  by  melting  d 
straining  through  linen  or  canvas.  (Ellis,  Journ.  of  Phil.  Col.  of  P harm.,  ii-  ■) 

Thus  prepared  it  is  hard,  brittle,  quite  opaque,  of  a dark  yellowish-br  n 
colour,  which  becomes  still  darker  by  exposure  to  the  air,  of  a weak  pecur 
odour,  and  scarcely  any  taste.  It  softens  and  becomes  adhesive  with  a modete 
heat,  and  melts  at  198°  F.  Its  constituents  are  resin  and  a minute  proporticof 
volatile  oil.  It  is  commonly  known  by  the  iucorrect  name  of  hemlock  gum 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Canada  pitch  is  a gentle  rubefacient,  c-lcly 
analogous  to  Burgundy  pitch  in  its  properties,  and  employed  for  precisely^ 
same  purposes.  It  is,  however,  more  readily  softened  by  heat,  and  is  somet  es 
almost  too  soft  for  convenient  application  at  the  temperature  of  the  body.  A 
volatile  oil  obtained  from  Abies  Canadensis,  and  called  oil  of  hemlock,  has  so 
employed  to  produce  abortion,  with  the  effect  of  endangering  the  life  ofhe 
female.  (J.  S.  Paige,  N.  ¥ Journ.  of  Med.,  viii.  184.)  ' V 


PAT  I. 


Pix  Liquida. 


565 


PIX  LIQUIDA.  U.  S.,  Loud.,  Ed.,  Dub. 

Tar. 

he  impure  turpentine  procured  by  burning  from  the  wood  of  Pinus  palustris 
an' other  species  of  Pinus.  U.  S.  Pinus  sylvestris  and  other  species.  Liquid 
bitmcn  prepared  from  the  wood  by  fire.  Land.  Tar  from  various  species  of 
Pi  is  and  Abies.  Ed.  Tar  from  Pinus  sylvestris.  Dub. 
imdron,  Fr.;  Tlieer,  Germ.;  Pece  liquida,  Ilal.;  Alquitran,  Span. 
he  tar  used  in  this  country  is  prepared  from  the  wood  of  various  species  of 
pii,  particularly  Pinus  palustris  of  the  Southern  States,  the  P.  australis  of 
Miiaux.  (See  Terebinthina.)  The  dead  wood  is  usually  selected,  because, 
wbi  vegetation  ceases,  the  resinous  matter  becomes  concentrated  in  the  interior 
lajS:  The  wood  is  cut  into  billets  of  a convenient  size,  which  are  placed 

togther  so  as  to  form  a large  stack  or  pile,  and  then  covered  with  earth  as  in 
thorocess  for  making  charcoal.  The  stack  is  built  upon  a small  circular  mound 
of  irth  previously  prepared,  the  summit  of  which  gradually  declines  from  the 
cir  inference  to  the  centre,  where  a small  cavity  is  formed,  communicating  by 
a ciduit  with  a shallow  ditch  surrounding  the  mound.  Fire  is  applied  through 
anpening  in  the  top  of  the  pile,  and  a slow  combustion  is  maintained,  so  that 
thaesinous  matter  may  be  melted  by  the  heat.  This  runs  into  the  cavity  in 
theentre  of  the  mound,  and  passes  thence  by  the  conduit  into  the  ditch,  whence 
it  transferred  into  barrels.  Immense  quantities  of  tar  are  thus  prepared  in 
Noih  Carolina  and  the  south-eastern  parts  of  Virginia,  sufficient,  after  supplying 
ouiWn  consumption,  to  afford  a large  surplus  for  exportation. 

(nsiderable  quantities  of  tar  have  also  been  prepared  in  the  lower  parts  of 
Ne  Jersey,  in  some  portions  of  New  England,  and  in  Pennsylvania  west  of  the 
Alghany  mountains,  from  the  Pinus  rigicla,  or  pitch  pine,  and  perhaps  from 
soul  other  species. 

soperties.  Tar  has  a peculiar  empyreumatic  odour,  a bitterish,  resinous, 
sou  what  acid  taste,  a colour  almost  black,  and  a tenacious  consistence  inter- 
me  ate  between  that  of  a liquid  and  solid.  It  consists  of  resinous  matter, 
uni  d with  acetic  acid,  oil  of  turpentine,  and  various  volatile  empyreumatic 
pro icts,  and  coloured  with  charcoal.  By  distillation  it  yields  an  acid  liquor 
cal]  l pyroligneous  acid  (see  Acidum  Aceticum ),  and  an  empyreumatic  oil  called 
oil c tar ; and  what  is  left  behind  is  pitch.  The  empyreumatic  oil  has  been 
ase  tained  by  Dr.  Reichenbach,  of  Moravia,  to  contain,  besides  oil  of  turpentine, 
six  istinct  principles,  which  he  has  named  para  ffine,  eupione,  creosote,  picamar, 
cap imor,  and  pittaca.l.  Of  these,  only  picamar  and  creasote  merit  particular 
attetion;  the  former  as  the  principle  to  which  tar  owes  its  bitterness,  the  latter 
as  je  one  upon  which  it  probably  depends  chiefly  for  its  medical  virtues.  (See 
Crlsotum.)  Tar  yields  a small  proportion  of  its  constituents  to  water,  which 
is  t is  rendered  medicinal,  and  is  employed  under  the  name  of  tar  water.  It 
is  c solved  by  alcohol,  ether,  and  the  volatile  and  fixed  oils. 

pdical  Properties  and  Uses.  The  medical  properties  of  tar  are  similar  to 
thoj  of  the  turpentines.  It.  is  occasionally  used  with  advantage  in  chronic 
cafij-hal  affections,  and  complaints  of  the  urinary  passages.  Little  benefit  can 
he  tpected  from  it  in  genuine  phthisis,  in  the  treatment  of  which  it  was  formerly 
rec|imended.  Dr.  Bateman  employed  it  advantageously  as  an  iuternal  remedy 
m ithyosis.  Its  vapour,  inhaled  into  the  lungs,  has  been  found  serviceable 
in  i merous  cases  of  bronchial  disease.  Its  effects  in  this  way  are  most  eon- 
veniQtly  obtained  by  placing  a cup  containing  tar  or  oil  of  tar  in  a small  water- 
bat  over  a common  nurse-lamp,  and  thus  impregnating  the  air  of  the  chamber. 


566 


PART 


Pix  Liquida. — Plumbum. 

Externally  applied,  in  tlie  state  of  ointment,  tar  is  a very  efficient  remedy 
tinea  capitis  or  scaldhead,  and  in  some  cases  of  psoriasis;  and  has  been  used  wi 
advantage  in  foul  or  indolent  ulcers,  and  some  other  affections  of  the  skin. 

It  may  be  used  in  the  form  of  tar  water,  or  in  substance  made  into  pills  wi 
wheat  flour,  or  mixed  with  sugar  in  the  form  of  an  electuary.  The  dose  is  frc 
half  a drachm  to  a drachm,  and  may  be  repeated  so  as  to  amount  to  three 
four  drachms  daily. 

Tar  water  (Aqua  Picis  Liquid  se)  may  be  prepared  by  stirring  a pint  of  t 
with  half  a gallon  of  water  for  fifteen  minutes,  then  allowing  the  tar  to  subsit 
and  straining  the  liquid.  Water  takes  from  tar  a small  portion  of  acetic  ac 
empyreumatic  oil,  and  resinous  matter,  acquiring  a sharp  empyreumatic  tas 
and  the  colour  of  Madeira  wine.  Thus  impregnated  it  is  stimulant  and  diuret 
and  may  be  taken  in  the  quantity  of  from  ojie  to  two  pints  daily.  It  is  a 
used  as  a wash  in  chronic  cutaneous  affections,  and  is  said  to  have  proved  bei 
ficial,  by  injection  into  the  bladder,  in  some  cases  of  chronic  cystitis.* 

Off.  Prep.  Unguentum  Picis  Liquidae.  W. 

PLUMBUM. 

Lead. 

Plomb,  Fr.;  Blei,  Germ.;  Lood,  Dutch;  Plombo,  Ital.;  Plomo,  Span.;  Ckurnbo,  Fort 

Lead  is  not  officinal  in  its  metallic  state ; but  enters  into  a number  of  import;, 
medicinal  preparations.  It  occurs  in  nature  in  three  principal  states — as  an  oxi 
as  a sulphuret  called  galena,  and  in  saline  combination,  forming  the  native  ;• 
phate,  phosphate,  carbonate,  chromate,  molybdate,  tungstate, and  arseniateof  le. 
The  oxide  is  rare,  but  galena  is  exceedingly  abundant  and  diffused,  and  is  ? 
ore  from  which  nearly  all  the  lead  of  commerce  is  extracted.  The  process!’ 
extraction  consists  in  melting  the  ore  in  contact  with  charcoal.  Mines  of  gala 
occur  in  different  parts  of  the  world,  but  the  richest  and  most  extensive  are  fotl 
in  this  country.  The  lead  region  of  the  United  States  extends  in  length  fn 
the  Wisconsin  in  the  north  to  the  Red  river  of  Arkansas  in  the  south,  andi 
breadth  about  one  hundred  and  fifty  miles. 

Properties.  Lead  is  a soft,  bluish-gray,  and  very  malleable  metal,  presentg 
a bright  surface  when  newly  melted  or  cut.  It  has  a perceptible  taste,  ana 
peculiar  smell  when  rubbed.  It  undergoes  but  little  change  in  the  air,  bus 
acted  on  by  the  combined  influence  of  air  and  water,  which  give  rise  to  a • 
clrated  protoxide,  which  is  afterwards  changed,  in  part,  into  carbonate,  by  >- 
sorbing  carbonic  acid  from  the  atmosphere.  This  chemical  effect  on  the  nil 
is  greater  in  proportion  as  the  water  is  purer.  (See  page  110.)  Its  sp.  grs 
11'4,  melting  point  about  612°,  and  equivalent  number  103'6.  Exposed  ;a 
stream  of  oxygen  on  ignited  charcoal,  it  burns  with  a blue  flame,  throwing# 
dense  yellow  fumes.  The  best  solvent  of  lead  is  nitric  acid;  but  the  presencpf 
sulphuric  acid  destroys,  and  that  of  muriatic  acid  lessens  its  solvent  power.n 

* Tar  Beer  or  Wine  of  Tar.  A preparation  under  this  name  has  been  used  to  8>e 
extent  in  Philadelphia  in  pulmonary  affections.  The  following  is  the  formula  recoromeed 
by  Prof.  Procter.  Take  of  ground  malt,  honey,  and  tar,  each  a pound ; yeast  half  a i t. 
Mix  the  malt  and  honey  with  six  pints  of  water  in  an  earthen  vessel:  keep  the  nnsre 
for  three  hours,  with  occasional  stirring,  at  the  temperature  of  150°  F. : then  allow  to 
cool  to  80°  F.,  and  add  the  yeast.  Sustain  the  fermentation  for  thirty-six  hours  by  a at 
between  70°  and  80°,  then  decant  the  supernatant  liquid,  add  the  tar  gradually  toae 
dregs,  stirring  constantly,  so  as  to  make  a uniform  mixture,  and  return  the  deeaed 
fluid  to  the  vessel.  Stir  the  whole  occasionally  for  a week,  adding  water  so  as  to  pre;w 
the  original  measure;  then  strain  with  strong  expression,  allow  the  expressed  liqui to 
stand  until  it  becomes  nearly  clear  by  subsidence,  and  finally  filter  through  paper.  ('»• 
Journ.  of  P harm.  xxii.  111.) 


PAT  I. 


Plumbum. 


567 


ac-iunt  of  the  insolubility  of  the  sulphate  and  chloride  of  lead.  Lead  forms 
fiv  oxides,  a dioxide,  protoxide,  sesquioxide,  deutoxide,  and  red  oxide.  The 
cluule  consists  of  two  equivalents  of  lead  and  one  of  oxygen.  The  protoxide, 
ca  ;d  in  commerce  massicot,  may  he  obtained  by  calcining,  in  a platinum  cruci- 
bl<  the  subnitrate  of  lead,  formed  by  precipitating  a solution  of  the  nitrate  by 
anionia.  On  a large  scale  it  is  manufactured  by  exposing  melted  lead  to  the 
ac  >n  of  the  air.  Its  surface  becomes  encrusted  with  a gray  pellicle,  which, 
beg  scraped  off,  is  quickly  succeeded  by  another;  and  the  whole  of  the  metal, 
be  g in  this  way  successively  presented  to  the  air,  becomes  converted  into  a 
gr-nish-gray  powder,  consisting  of  protoxide  and  metallic  lead.  This,  by  ex- 
poire  to  a moderate  heat,  absorbs  more  oxygen,  and  is  converted  entirely  into 
proxide.  This  oxide  has  a yellow  colour,  and  is  the  only  oxide  of  lead  capable 
of  arming  salts  with  the  acids.  It  consists  of  one  eq.  of  lead  103'6,  and  one 
of  jygen  8=  111‘6.  A variety  of  the  protoxide  called  litharge  is  very  much 
US'  in  pharmacy,  and  is  officinal  in  all  the  Pharmacopoeias.  (See  Plumbi 
O.dum  Semivitreum.)  The  sesquioxide,  discovered  by  Winckelblech,  is  unim- 
poant.  The  deutoxide,  called  also  puce  oxide  from  its  y?ea-brown  colour,  may 
behtained  by  treating  red  lead  with  nitric  acid.  The  acid  takes  up  the  pro- 
to:le  and  leaves  the  deutoxide,  which  may  be  purified  by  washing  with  boiling 
wa  r.  It  is  a tasteless  powder,  of  a dark-brown  colour.  When  heated  to  red- 
ne  it  loses  half  its  oxygen  and  becomes  protoxide.  It  consists  of  one  eq.  of 
lea  103 "6,  and  two  of  oxygen  16  = 119*6.  The  red  oxide , called  in  commerce 
in  rum  or  red  lead,  is  described  under  another  head.  (See  Plumbi  Oxidum 
Rirum .)  Lead  combines  with  iodine,  forming  the  officinal  iodide  of  lead. 
TL  acetate,  carbonate,  and  nitrate  are  also  officinal. 

ae  best  tests  of  lead  are  sulphuretted  hydrogen,  and  a solution  of  iodide  of 
po  psium.  The  former  produces  a black  precipitate  of  sulphuret  of  lead,  .the 
lat  r,  a yellow  one  of  iodide  of  lead. 

edical  Properties  and  Uses.  The  effects  of  lead  in  its  various  combinations 
arc  hose  of  a sedative  and  astringent.  It  is  used  internally  for  the  purpose  of 
reccing  vascular  action,  and  restraining  inordinate  discharges;  and  externally 
as  i abater  of  inflammation.  When  introduced  into  the  system  in  a gradual 
miner,  either  by  working  in  the  metal,  or  by  taking  it  in  small  and  frequently 
repited  doses,  it  acts  injuriously  on  the  nervous  system,  producing  a peculiar 
col,  called  lead  colic,  sometimes  apoplectic  symptoms,  and  occasionally  palsy, 
whh  is  almost  always  partial,  and  affects  for  the  most  part  the  upper  extremi- 
ties In  some  instances  salivation  is  produced,  and,  according  to  Dr.  Henry 
Bunn,  the  constitutional  effects  of  the  metal  are  indicated  by  a narrow  lead- 
bli  line  at  the  edge  of  the  gum,  round  two  or  more  of  the  teeth,  as  a constant 
amearly  sign.  According  to  Mialhe  lead  gains  access  to  the  circulation  by 
me  is  of  the  chlorides  of  the  alkalifiable  metals  in  the  alimentary  canal,  which 
for!!  with  the  lead,  a soluble  double  chloride  of  lead  and  potassium  or  of  lead  and 
socjim.  The  treatment  necessary  in  lead  colic  is  given  under  carbonate  of  lead. 
Le . palsy  is  usually  attended  with  dyspepsia,  constipation,  tendency  to  colic, 
lasbude,  and  gloominess  of  mind;  and  is  best  treated  by  tonics,  aperients,  ex- 
erce,  and  avoidance  of  the  cause  of  the  disease.  The  poisonous  effects  of  an 
ovodose  of  the  lead  preparations  are  to  be  combated  by  emetics,  if  free  vomit- 
ingias  not  previously  occurred,  by  the  exhibition  of  sulphate  of  magnesia  or 
sul  iate  of  soda,  and  by  opium.  The  sulphates  mentioned  as  purgatives  have 
Ley  recommended,  under  the  impression  that  they  acted  as  antidotes  by  forming 
sufiate  of  lead.  It  is  probable  that  they  lessen  the  poisonous  effects  of  the 
sol  ile  salts  of  lead;  but  the  sulphate,  though  insoluble  in  water,  may  be,  to 
soij  extent,  soluble  in  the  gastric  juice;  and,  so  far  as  its  external  use  in  the 
fob  of  ointment  is  concerned,  it  has  been  found  by  Flandin  to  prove  poisonous 
to  e inferior  animals. 


568 


Plumbum. 


PART 


In  chronic  poisoning  by  lead,  warm  sulphuretted  baths,  formed  by  dissolvir 
four  ounces  of  sulphuret  of  potassium  in  thirty  gallons  of  water,  in  a woode 
tub,  are  useful.  These  baths  cause  discoloration  of  the  skin,  from  the  formatk 
of  sulphuret  of  lead,  and  should  be  repeated  every  few  days,  until  this  effe 
ceases  to  be  produced.  During  each  bath,  the  patient  should  be  well  rubbf 
with  a flesh-brush,  and  soap  and  water,  in  order  to  remove  the  discoloration.  I 
proceeding  in  this  way,  the  lead  on  the  skin,  or  in  its  pores,  is  rendered  insoli 
ble  and  inert,  and  at  the  same  time  removed.  Dr.  Melsens  praises  iodide 
potassium  in  chronic  lead  poisoning,  the  medicine  having  the  effect  of  renderit 
the  lead  soluble,  and  of  eliminating  it  from  the  system  principally  by  the  urin 

Orfila  has  determined,  by  experiments  on  dogs,  the  appearance  exhibited  1 
the  mucous  membrane  of  the  stomach,  after  the  use  of  small  doses  of  the  sal 
of  lead.  After  the  action  of  such  doses  for  two  hours,  dull  white  points  a 
visible  on  the  membrane,  sometimes  in  rows  and  sometimes  disseminated,  at 
evidently  consisting  of  the  metal,  united  with  the  organic  tissue.  If  the  anim 
be  allowed  to  live  for  four  days,  the  same  spots  may  be  seen  with  the  magnifie 
and  if  sulphuretted  hydrogen  be  applied  to  the  surface,  they  are  instantly  blac- 
ened.  ( Archives  Gen.,  3e  sirie,  iv.  244.) 

According  to  M.  Gendrin,  sulphuric  acid,  prepared  like  lemonade,  and  usi 
both  internally  and  externally,  is  a prophylactic  against  the  poisonous  effects 
lead,  especially  the  lead  colic.  It  may  be  supposed  to  act  by  forming  the  coi 
paratively  inert  sulphate  of  lead  with  the  poison.  Mr.  Benson,  a manager 
white  lead  works  at  Birmingham,  has  tried  this  acid,  and  finds  it  a prevents 
of  lead  colic  in  his  establishment,  where  it  was  exceedingly  prevalent  before  i 
employment.  He  uses  it  as  an  addition  to  ginger  beer,  to  which  biearbona 
of  soda  is  also  added  to  render  it  brisk,  but  not  in  sufficient  quantity  to  preve 
a considerable  portion  of  the  acid  remaining  in  excess.  ( London  Lancet,  De( 
1842.)  On  the  other  hand,  the  powers  of  sulphuric  acid  in  preventing  the  p> 
sonous  effects  of  lead  are  positively  denied  by  Dr.  A.  Grisolle,  Dr.  Melsen 
and  other  authorities.  Dr.  Grisolle  recommends  that  workmen  employed 
lead  manufactories  should  use  frequent  baths,  avoid  intemperance,  and  alwa 
eat  before  they  enter  upon  their  work  in  the  morning.  He  supposes  that,  in 
great  majority  of  cases,  the  metal  is  introduced  into  the  system  through  tl 
stomach  by  means  of  the  saliva  or  food.  After  acute  poisoning  by  lead,  t 
metal  has  been  found  in  the  liver  and  brain.  Indeed,  it  may  be  detected  in ; 
the  organs,  a long  time  after  the  ingestion  of  the  poison. 

The  following  table  embraces  all  the  officinal  preparations  of  lead. 

Plumbi  Oxidum  Rubrum.  Ed. 

Plumbi  Oxidum  Semivitreum,  U.  S.;  Plumbi  Oxidum,  Land.;  Lithargyru 
Ed.,  Dub.  Anglice,  Litharge. 

Emplastrum  Plumbi,  U.  S.,  Land. ; Emplastrum  Lithargyri,  Ed.,  D> 
Anglice,  Lead  plaster.  Litharge  plaster. 

Unguentum  Plumbi  Compositum,  Loud. 

Liquor  Plumbi  Subacetatis,  I .S.;  Liquor  Plumbi  Diaeetatis,  Lorn 
Plumbi  Diaeetatis  Solutio,  Ed.  ; Plumbi  Subacetatis  Liqu 
Dub.  Anglice,  Goulard's  extract. 

Liquor  Plumbi  Subacetatis  Dilutus,  U.S.;  Liquor  Plumbi  Bin- 
tatis  Dilutus,  Loud.;  Plumbi  Subacetatis  Liquor  Composit, 
Dub.  Anglice,  Lead-water. 

Ceratum  Plumbi  Subacetatis,  U.  S. ; Ceratum  Plumbi  Composite 
Lond.  Anglice,  Goulard’s  cerate. 

Ceratum  Sapouis,  U S-;  Ceratum  Saponis  Compositum,  Lond. 

Plumbi  Iodidum,  U.  S.,  Land.,  Ed.,  Dub. 

Unguentum  Plumbi  loclidi,  Load.,  Dub. 


PAT  I. 


Plumbum. — Plumbi  Aeetas. 


569 


(umbi  Aeetas,  U.  S.,  Land.,  Ed.,  Dub. 

Ceratum  Plumbi  Acetatis,  Land. ; Unguentum  Plumbi  Acetatis,  Ed.,  Dub. 

Pilulae  Plumbi  Opiatae,  Ed. 

iumbi  Carbonas,  U.S.,  Ed.,  Dub. 

Unguentum  Plumbi  Carbonatis,  U.  S.,  Ed.,  Dub. 

jumbi  Nitras,  U.  S.,  Ed.,  Dub.  B. 

PLUMBI  ACETAS.  U.S.,  Loncl.,  Eel,  Dub. 

Acetate  of  Lead. 

{fear  of  Lead  ; Sacchavum  Saturni,  Cerussa  acetata,  Lat.;  Acetate  de  plomb,  Sucre  de 
ploii,  Selde  Saturne,  Fr.;  Essigsaures  Bleioxyd,  Bleizucker,  Germ.;  Zucchero  di  Saturno, 
ha'll  Azucar  de  plomo,  Span. 

('  the  Pharmacopoeias  commented  on  in  this  work,  the  Edinburgh  alone  gives 
a fcnula  for  preparing  this  salt.  In  the  other  Pharmacopoeias  it  is  more  pro- 
per placed  in  the  catalogue  of  the  Materia  Medica. 

■ separation.  Sugar  of  lead  is  obtained  by  two  methods.  By  one  method,  thin 
pla  3 of  lead  are  placed  in  shallow  vessels  filled  with  distilled  vinegar,  in  such 
a naner  as  to  have  a part  of  each  plate  rising  above  the  vinegar;  and  these  are 
tur.  d from  time  to  time,  so  as  to  bring  different  portions  of  the  metallic  surface 
in  (htact  with  the  air.  The  metal,  after  becoming  protoxidized,  dissolves  in  the 
vin  ar  to  saturation,  and  the  solution  is  evaporated  to  the  point  of  crystallization. 
Thiprocess  is  a slow  one,  but  furnishes  a salt  which  is  perfectly  neutral.  The 
oth>  method  consists  in  dissolving,  by  the  assistance  of  heat,  litharge,  or  the 
pro  side  of  lead  obtained  by  calcination,  in  an  excess  of  distilled  vinegar  or  of 
pur;ed  pyroligneous  acid,  contained  in  leaden  boilers.  The  oxide  is  quickly 
dissved,  and,  when  the  acid  has  become  saturated,  the  solution  is  transferred 
to  dier  vessels  to  cool  and  crystallize.  The  crystals  having  formed,  the  mother 
wat  s are  decanted,  and,  by  a new  evaporation,  made  to  yield  a new  crop.  These 
are  merally  yellow,  but  may  be  rendered  white  by  repeated  solutions  and  crys- 
tallitions. 

Sear  of  lead  is  extensively  manufactured  in  Germany,  Holland,  France,  and 
Engnd,  as  well  as  in  the  United  States.  It  is  principally  consumed  in  the  arts 
of  (ieing  and  calico-printing,  in  which  it  is  employed  to  form  with  alum  the 
acete  of  alumina,  to  act  as  a mordant. 

Ipperties.  Acetate  of  lead  is  a white  salt,  crystallized  in  brilliant  needles, 
wki  have  the  shape  of  long  prisms,  terminated  by  dihedral  summits.  Its  taste 
is  a irst  sweet  and  afterwards  astringent.  Exposed  to  the  air  it  effloresces 
slow/.  It  dissolves  in  four  times  its  weight  of  cold,  and  in  a much  smaller 
qua  ity  of  boiling  water.  It  is  soluble  also  in  alcohol.  Its  solution  in  common 
wati  is  turbid,  in  consequence  of  the  formation  of  carbonate  of  lead  with  the 
cart iic  acid  which  such  water  always  contains.  This  turbidness  may  be  removed 
by  tb  addition  of  a small  proportion  of  vinegar,  or  of  dilute  acetic  acid.  In 
pure listilled  water,  free  from  carbonic  acid,  it  ought  to  dissolve  entirely,  and 
form  clear  solution.  Sulphuric  acid,  when  added  to  a solution  of  acetate  of 
leadoroduces  instantly  a precipitate  of  sulphate  of  lead;  and  the  disengaged 
acet;  acid  gives  rise  to  vapours  having  the  smell  of  vinegar.  The  salt,  when 
heat‘1,  first  fuses  and  parts  with  its  water  of  crystallization,  and  afterwards  is 
decc  posed,  yielding  acetic  acid  and  pyroacetic  spirit  (acetone),  and  leaving  a 
reside  of  charcoal  and  reduced  lead.  Au  important  property  of  sugar  of  lead 
is  it  power  of  dissolving  a large  quantity  of  protoxide  of  lead.  (See  Liquor 
Dlu  'n  Subaceta/is.)  It  consists  of  one  eq.  of  acetic  acid  51,  one  of  protoxide 
of  h i 1116,  and  three  of  water  27  = 189'6. 

L mipatibles.  Acetate  of  lead  is  decomposed  by  all  acids,  and  by  those  soluble 
Balts  the  acids  of  which  produce  with  protoxide  of  lead  insoluble  or  sparingly 


570 


Plumbi  Acetas. 


PAEI 


soluble  compounds.  Acids  of  this  character  are  the  sulphuric,  muriatic,  citr 
and  tartaric.  It  is  also  decomposed  by  lime-water,  and  by  ammonia,  potas 
and  soda;  the  last  two,  if  added  in  excess,  dissolving  the  precipitate  at  fi 
formed.  It  is  decomposed  by  hard  water,  in  consequence  of  the  sulphate  of  lii 
and  common  salt  which  such  water  usually  contains.  With  sulphuretted  hyd 
gen,  it  gives  a black  precipitate  of  sulphuret  of  lead  ; with  iodide  of  potassiu 
a yellow  one  of  iodide  of  lead;  and  with  a carbonated  alkali,  a white  one  ofc 
bonate  of  lead. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Acetate  of  lead,  in  medicinal  doses,  is  a power 
astringent  and  sedative;  in  over-doses,  an  irritant  poison.  It  has  sometimes b(. 
given  in  pretty  large  doses  in  regular  practice  without  any  bad  effects,  and  ca, 
are  on  record  where  a quarter  of  an  ounce  has  been  swallowed  without  prov:; 
fatal.  On  the  other  hand,  it  sometimes  produces  colica  pictonum  when  given  i 
medicinal  doses,  though  taken  with  acetic  acid  to  ward  off  its  deleterious  effec 
It  is  proper  to  remark,  however,  that  the  immediate  effects  of  an  over-dose  : 
often  escaped  by  prompt  and  spontaneous  vomiting ; and  that  the  remote  con  - 
tutional  effects  are  not  apt  to  occur,  so  long  as  the  evacuations  from  the  bow; 
are  not  materially  diminished.  The  principal  diseases  in  which  it  has  bn 
exhibited  are  hemorrhages,  particularly  from  the  lungs,  intestines,  and  uter. 
Its  effect  in  restraining  the  discharge  of  blood  is  admitted  to  be  very  powerl. 
It  has  also  been  used  w!ith  advantage  in  certain  forms  of  dysentery  and  diarrhi , 
and  has  been  recommended  in  particular  stages  of  cholera  infantum.  Combitl 
with  opium,  it  is  well  suited  to  the  treatment  of  the  diarrhoea  occurring  in  phthi . 
It  sometimes  proves  a valuable  remedy  in  checking  vomiting.  Dr.  Irvine.f 
Charleston,  recommends  it  to  compose  the  irritability  of  the  stomach  in  yelk 
fever;  and  Dr.  Davis,  of  Columbia,  S.  C.,  used  it  with  benefit  in  the  irritae 
stomach  attendant  on  bilious  fever.  It  has  been  much  extolled  by  the  Germ 
practitioners  in  dothinenteritis,  or  the  typhoid  fever  attended  with  ulceration;  f 
the  intestines.  In  some  of  these  cases  it  was  advantageously  combined  na 
carbonate  of  ammonia.  The  same  practitioners  have  strongly  recommendeu 
in  aneurism  of  the  aorta,  and  Dupuytren,  on  their  report  of  its  efficacy,  triect 
in  several  cases,  and  with  marked  effect  in  diminishing  the  size  of  the  aneurisil 
tumour.  (Archives  Gen.,  3 es6r.,  v.  445.)  One  of  the  authors  has  imitated  e 
practice  in  aneurism  of  the  aorta,  and  in  enlargement  of  the  heart,  and  wh 
encouraging  results.  It  has  been  employed  by  Drs.  Xeuhold  and  Hasserbrc;, 
with  remarkable  success,  in  strangulated  hernia,  used  in  enemata,  containing  n 
grains  of  the  salt  dissolved  in  six  fluidounees  of  tepid  water,  and  repeated  evy 
two  hours.  In  mercurial  salivation,  M.  Brachet,  of  Lyons,  found  sugar  of  Id 
very  efficacious,  administered  in  grain  pills,  night  and  morning.  Several  c;ts 
of  severe  salivation  of  several  months’  duration,  which  had  resisted  the  usof 
opium,  purgatives,  &c.,  were  speedily  relieved  by  the  remedy.  The  solutions 
frequently  used  as  a collyrium  ; and,  applied  by  means  of  cloths,  or  mixed  xli 
crumb  of  bread,  it  forms  a good  application  to  superficial  inflammation,  hs 
sometimes  advantageous  to  associate  opium  with  the  solution,  in  which  easeie 
meconate  of  morphia  of  the  opium  is  decomposed,  with  the  result  of  formg 
acetate  of  morphia  in  solution,  and  meconate  of  lead  which  precipitates.  A la- 
vement lotion,  containing  an  excess  of  acetate  of  lead,  may  be  formed  by  auog 
four  grains  of  the  acetate  and  four  of  opium  to  a fluidounce  of  water. 

When  employing  this  medicine,  the  practitioner  should  always  bear  in  nil 
that,  when  long  continued  in  small  doses,  it  is  apt  to  produce  dangerous  in- 
stitutional effects.  These  are  chiefly  of  two  kinds;  1.  an  affection  of  theli- 
mentary  canal,  attended  with  severe  pain  and  obstinate  constipatiou,  called  cca 
pictonum,  or  lead  colic;  2.  a chronic  affection  of  the  muscles,  especially  of  ae 
extensors  of  the  upper  extremities,  characterized  by  an  excessive  wastinp 


paT  i. 


Plumbi  Acetas. — Plumbi  Carbonas. 


571 


tlse  organs,  and  denominated  lead  palsy.  Both  these  affections  are  apt  to  be 
e:ited  in  those  artisans  who  work  in  lead.  The  approach  of  these  dangerous 
crstitutional  symptoms  is  said  to  be  indicated  by  a narrow  lead-blue  line  at  the 
ere  of  the  gums.  (See  page  567.) 

The  dose  of  sugar  of  lead  is  from  one  to  three  grains,  in  the  form  of  pill, 
Treated  every  two  or  three  hours.  It  is  generally  given  combined  with  opium. 
T?  solution  for  external  use  may  be  made  by  dissolving  from  two  to  three 
dckms  in  a pint  of  water;  and  if  it  be  wanted  clear,  a fluidrachm  of  vinegar, 
o of  dilute  acetic  acid  may  be  added,  which  immediately  dissolves  the  carbonate 
dead,  to  which  its  turbidness  is  owdng.  When  the  skin  is  denuded  of  the 
ciicle,  the  solution  should  be  weaker.  The  usual  strength  of  the  solution  as  a 
c<|yrium  is  from  one  to  two  grains  to  the  fiuidounce  of  distilled  water. 

Off.  Prep.  Acidum  Aceticum ; Acidum.  Acetic-urn  Glaciale;  Liquor  Plumbi 
Soacetatis;  Pilulae  Plumbi  Opiatae;  Plumbi  Iodidum;  Unguentum  Plumbi 
Aitatis;  Zinci  Acetas.  B. 

PLUMBI  CARBONAS.  U.S.,  Ed.,  Dub. 

Carbonate  of  Lead. 

fhite  lead,  Ceruse;  Ceruse,  Carbonate  de  plomb,  Blanc  de  plomb,  Blanc  de  ceruse, 
F Bleiweiss,  Germ.;  Cerussa,  Lat.,  Ital.;  Albayalde,  Span. 

Preparation.  Carbonate  of  lead  is  prepared  by  two  principal  methods.  By 
oil  method  it  is  obtained  bypassing  a stream  of  carbonic  acid  through  a solution 
oiubacetate  (trisaeetate)  of  lead.  The  carbonic  acid  combines  with  the  excess 
ohrotoxide  and  precipitates  as  carbonate  of  lead,  while  a neutral  acetate  remains 
involution.  This,  by  being  boiled  with  a fresh  portion  of  protoxide,  is  again 
blight  to  the  state  of  subacetate,  when  it  is  treated  with  carbonic  acid  as  before. 
Indus  way  the  same  portion  of  acetate  repeatedly  serves  the  purpose  of  being 
ccverted  into  subacetate,  and  of  being  decomposed  by  carbonic  acid.  The  car- 
bate  obtained  is  washed,  dried  with  a gentle  heat,  and  thrown  into  commerce. 
T 5 process,  which  produces  white  lead  of  the  first  quality,  was  invented  and 
mie  public  by  Thenard,  about  the  year  1802,  and  is  that  which  is  usually  pur- 
sujjl  in  France  and  Sweden. 

. modification  of  the  process  of  Thenard  is  now  pursued  by  some  manufac- 
tu  rs  in  England.  , It  consists  in  mixing  litharge  with  a hundredth  part  of 
ac  ate  of  lead,  and  subjecting  the  mixture,  previously  moistened  with  very  little 
Wijir,  to  a stream  of  carbonic  acid.  ( Pelouze .) 

he  other  method,  which  consists  in  exposing  lead  to  the  vapours  of  vinegar, 
or  inated  in  Holland,  and  is  usually  pursued  in  England  and  the  United  States ; 
bi  in  England,  with  some  modifications  which  are  not  well  known.  We  shall 
deiribe  this  process  as  pursued  by  our  own  manufacturers.  The  lead  is  cast 
in  thin  sheets,  made  by  pouring  the  melted  lead  over  an  oblong  sheet-iron 
sh  el,  with  a flat  bottom,  and  raised  edges  on  its  sides,  which  is  held  in  a slant- 
in  direction  over  the  melting-pot.  As  many  of  these  sheets  are  then  loosely 
ro  :d  up  as  may  be  sufficient  to  form  a cylinder  five  or  six  inches  in  diameter, 
an  seven  or  eight  high,  which  is  placed  in  an  earthen  pot  containing  about  half 
a at  of  vinegar,  and  having  within,  a few  inches  from  the  bottom,  three  equi- 
di  mt  projecting  portions  in  the  earthenware,  on  which  the  cylinder  of  lead  is 
suborted,  in  order  to  keep  it  from  contact  with  the  vinegar.  The  pots  thus  pre- 
pa^  are  placed  side  by  side,  in  horizontal  layers,  in  a building  roughly  con- 
sulted of  boards,  with  interstices  between  them.  The  first  layer  is  covered  with 
bcffis,  on  which  a stratum  of  tan  or  refuse  straw  from  the  stables  is  strewed; 
an, fresh  layers  of  pots,  boards,  and  straw  are  successively  placed  until  the  whole 


572 


Plumbi  Carbonas. 


par: 


building  is  filled.  The  sides  also  are  enclosed  with  straw.  The  layers  of  js 
contained  in  one  building,  called  a stack,  are  allowed  to  remain  undisturbed  r 
about  six  weeks,  at  the  end  of  which  time  they  are  unpacked,  and  the  cyliDr 
of  sheet-lead  in  each  pot,  though  still  retaining  its  shape,  is  found  almost  entiiy 
converted  into  a flaky,  white,  friable  substance,  which  is  the  white  lead.  ] 3 
is  separated  from  the  lead  yet  remaining  in  the  metallic  state,  ground  in  wa  -, 
whereby  it  is  washed  and  reduced  to  fine  powder,  and  finally  dried  in  long  si - 
low  reservoirs,  heated  by  steam. 

Pelouze  has  succeeded  in  explaining  all  these  processes  on  the  same  gen<.l 
principles.  In  Thenard’s  process,  it  is  admitted  that  the  same  portion  of  ace  e 
of  lead  repeatedly  unites  with  protoxide,  and  gives  it  up  again  to  carbonic  ac-i  o 
form  the  carbonate.  In  the  modified  English  process,  referred  to  above,  be  im- 
poses that  the  one  per  cent,  of  acetate  of  lead  combines  with  sufficient  lithre 
to  convert  it  into  subacetate,  which  immediately  returns  to  the  state  of  neml 
acetate,  by  yielding  up  its  excess  of  base  to  form  the  carbonate  with  the  carbee 
acid.  The  acetate  is  now  ready  to  combine  with  a fresh  portion  of  litharge :o 
be  transferred  to  the  carbonic  acid  as  before;  and  thus  this  small  proportion! 
acetate,  by  combining  with  successive  portions  of  the  litharge,  finally  causesie 
whole  of  it  to  unite  with  the  carbonic  acid.  In  the  Dutch  process,  Pelouze  is 
rendered  it  almost  certain,  that  none  of  the  oxygen  or  carbonic  acid  of  the  r- 
bonate  is  derived  from  the  vinegar.  Here  he  supposes  that  the  heat,  gener;  d 
by  the  fermentation  of  the  straw  or  tan,  volatilizes  the  vinegar,  the  acetic  .d 
of  which,  with  the  assistance  of  the  oxygen  of  the  air,  forms  with  the  lead  a si  ll 
portion  of  subacetate.  This,  by  reacting  with  the  carbonic  acid  resulting  fm 
the  decomposition  of  the  straw  or  tan,  or  derived  from  the  atmosphere,  fops 
carbonate  of  lead,  and  is  reduced  to  the  state  of  neutral  acetate.  The  neual 
acetate  returns  again  to  the  state  of  subacetate,  and,  by  alternately  combing 
with  and  yielding  up  the  protoxide,  causes  the  whole  of  the  lead  to  be  finly 
converted  into  carbonate. 

The  temperature  of  the  stacks  of  pots  in  the  Dutch  process  is  about  113°  If 
it  fall  below  95°,  a part  of  the  lead  escapes  corrosion,  and  if  it  rise  above  1:°, 
the  product  is  yellow.  The  form  of  acetic  acid  usually  employed  in  this  pross 
is  common  vinegar ; but  the  variable  nature  of  that  liquid  as  to  strength  id 
purity  is  an  objection  to  its  use;  and,  accordingly,  other  forms  of  the  acid  Ire 
been  substituted  for  it  with  advantage,  as,  for  example,  the  purified  acetic  id 
from  wood  in  a diluted  state.  For  further  information  in  relation  to  thediffent 
processes  proposed  or  pursued  for  making  white  lead,  the  reader  is  referred  a 
paper  by  Prof.  J.  C.  Booth,  in  the  Journal  of  (he  Franklin  Institute  for  Jan.  L'2. 

Properties.  Carbonate  of  lead  is  a heavy,  opaque  substance,  in  powdeor 
friable  lumps,  insoluble  in  water,  of  a fine  white  colour,  inodorous  and  nely 
insipid.  Its  beauty  as  a pigment  depends  in  a great  measure  on  the  puritof 
the  lead  from  which  it  is  manufactured.  It  is  wholly  soluble,  with  effervesc-  ce 
in  dilute  nitric  acid.  Exposed  to  heat  it  becomes  yellow,  and  with  c-harcc;  is 
reduced  to  the  metallic  state.  It  is  sometimes  adulterated  with  the  sulpl  es 
of  baryta,  lime,  and  lead,  particularly  the  former.  M.  Louyet  has  examed 
samples  of  French  white  lead,  containing  considerably  more  than  half  oir 
weight  of  sulphate  of  baryta.  These  sulphates,  if  present,  are  left  undissced 
by  nitric  acid.  Chalk  or  whiting  is  another  adulteration.  This  may  be  deteed 
by  adding  to  the  nitric  solution  of  the  white  lead  an  excess  of  potassa,  well 
will  redissolve  the  protoxide  of  lead  first  thrown  down,  but  leave  a white  poler 
of  lime.  Neutral  carbonate  of  lead  consists  of  one  eq.  of  carbonic  acid  ud.na 
one  of  protoxide  of  lead  111'6  = 133,6  Commercial  white  lead  is  a comped 
of  the  carbonate  and  hydrate  of  lead.  Mulder  and  Hochstetter  make  its  for;ih 

to  be  2(PbO,CO,)  + PbO,HO. 


Pj:T  I. 


Plumbi  Carbonas. — Plumbi  Nitras. 


573 


[cdical  Properties  and  Uses.  White  lead  is  ranked  in  the  materia  medica 
asn  astringent  and  sedative.  It  is  employed  externally  only,  being  used,  in 
th.form  of  ointment,  as  an  application  to  ulcers,  and  to  inflamed  and  excoriated 
su'aces.  (See  Unguentum  Plumbi  Carbonatis .)  It  is  recommended  in  scalds 
ar  burns  by  Prof.  Gross,  and  Dr.  Henry,  of  Iowa,  bears  testimony  to  its 
eflacy.  The  white  lead  is  first  brought  to  the  consistence  of  cream  by  linseed 
oi  and  then  brushed  over  the  inflamed  surface.  ( Boston  Med.  and  Surg.  Journ., 
xl.  73.)  Its  external  use,  however,  is  viewed  by  many  practitioners  as  danger- 
ou  on  account  of  the  risk  of  absorption ; but  the  danger  is  certainly  overrated, 
asre  have  the  testimony  of  respectable  physicians  that  they  frequently  employ 
it  this  way,  without  the  least  unpleasant  result. 

I the  different  preparations  of  lead,  the  carbonate  is  considered  to  be  the 
mt  poisonous.  Being  extensively  manufactured  for  the  purposes  of  the  arts, 
it  i that  preparation  which,  by  slow  absorption,  most  frequently  produces  the 
pediar  spasmodic  colic,  called  colica  pictonum.  This  disease  is  characterized 
Main  about  the  region  of  the  navel,  and  by  obstinate  constipation,  attended 
wi.  a frequent  desire  to  evacuate  the  bowels,  aud  is  supposed  to  depend  upon 
a ;asmodic  constriction  of  the  intestinal  tube,  particularly  of  the  colon.  The 
prcipal  indications  in  the  treatment  are,  first  to  relax  the  spasm,  and  then  to 
evuate  the  bowels  by  the  gentlest  means.  Opium  and  mild  aperients,  used 
alrnately,  are  accordingly  the  best  remedies,  and  among  the  latter  castor  oil 
anisulphate  of  magnesia  are  to  be  preferred.  Indeed,  the  latter  appears  pecu- 
liay  adapted  to  the  case;  for,  while  it  acts  as  an  aperient,  it  operates  to  some 
exnt  as  a counterpoison,  by  forming  the  sulphate  of  lead  with  any  soluble  com- 
poid  of  the  metal  which  it  may  meet  with  in  the  bowels.  Calomel  is  often 
usd;  and,  if  it  happen  to  induce  ptyalism,  the  complaint  immediately  yields. 
Byome  practitioners  alum  is  deemed  almost  a specific  in  colica  pictonum. 

If.  Prep.  Unguentum  Plumbi  Carbonatis.  B. 

PLUMBI  NIT R AS.  U S.,  Ed.,  Did h. 

Nitrate  of  Lead. 

ibis  salt  has  been  introduced  into  the  Materia  Medica  of  the  U.  S.  Pharma- 
coba,  chiefly  as  one  of  the  substances  employed  in  the  preparation  of  iodide  of 
led)  The  Edinburgh  and  Dublin  Colleges  give  processes  for  its  preparation. 

Take  of  Litharge  four  ounces  and  a.  half ; Diluted  Nitric  Acid  a pint  [Im- 
ped measure].  Dissolve  the  Litharge  to  saturation  with  the  aid  of  a gentle 
he  Filter,  and  set  the  liquor  aside  to  crystallize.  Concentrate  the  residual 
liqjd  to  obtain  more  crystals.”  Ed. 

Take  of  Litharge,  in  fine  powder,  five  ounces  [avoirdupois];  Pure  Nitric 
Ac  two  fluidounces;  Distilled  Water  three  pints  [Imp.  meas.]  ; Dilute  Nitric 
Ac;,  a sufficient  quantity.  To  the  litharge,  placed  in  a porcelaiu  dish,  add  the 
ac-i  with  a pint  and  a half  of  the  water,  and,  applying  a sand  heat,  and  occa- 
sic.lly  stirring  the  mixture,  evaporate  the  whole  to  dryness.  Upon  the  residue 
bo  the  remainder  of  the  water,  clear  the  solution  by  filtration,  and,  having 
acnlated  it  by  the  addition  of  a few  drops  of  the  dilute  nitric  acid,  evaporate 
un  a pellicle  begins  to  form.  The  heat  being  now  withdrawn,  crystals  will 
foi  on  the  cooling  of  the  solution,  which  should  be  dried  on  blotting  paper  in 
a irm  atmosphere,  and  preserved  in  a close  bottle.”  Dub. 

these  processes  the  nitric  acid  unites  directly  with  the  protoxide  of  lead  to 
foi  the  nitrate.  This  is  in  beautiful  white,  nearly  opaque,  tetrahedral  or  octo- 
ke  il  crystals,  which  are  permanent  in  the  air,  of  a sweet  astringent  taste, 
sol  fie  in  seven  and  a half  parts  of  water,  and  in  alcohol,  and  composed  of  one 
efi  f acid  54,  and  one  of  protoxide  111'6=165'6,  without  water  of  crystallization. 


574 


Plumbi  Nitras. — Plumli  Oxidum  Rubrum. 


PARI 


The  following  characteristics  are  given  in  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia.  “ ; 
solution  is  precipitated  black  by  sulpbohydrate  of  ammonia,  white  by  ferro- 
anuret  of  potassium,  and  yellow  by  iodide  of  potassium.  When  nitrate  of  In 
is  triturated  with  sulphuric  acid,  the  mixture  colours  morphia  red,  and  if  hea  t 
evolves  nitrous  fumes.” 

Medical  Properties,  &c.  The  effects  of  this  salt  upon  the  system  are  the  sa  ■ 
as  those  of  the  other  soluble  salts  of  lead ; but,  though  formerly  employed,  i; , 
now  quite  out  of  use  as  an  internal  remedy.  Externally  it  is  occasionally  appl  1 
to  excoriated  surfaces;  and  a solution  made  in  the  proportion  of  ten  grains  to i 
ounce  of  water,  and  coloured  probably  with  alkanet,  has  been  used  on  the  c - 
tinent  of  Europe,  as  a secret  remedy,  in  sore  nipples,  chopped  hands,  crac-ll 
lips,  &c.  It  has  recently  been  found  useful  in  the  correction  of  fetid  odo  3 
dependent  on  the  presence  of  sulphuretted  hydrogen  or  hydrosulphate  of  1- 
monia,  which  it  decomposes.  It  is  employed  for  this  purpose  in  solution,  win 
may  be  sprinkled  in  apartments,  or  applied  to  putrescent  ulcers,  or  mixed  wi 
offensive  discharges,  the  odour  of  which  it  is  desirable  to  correct.  It  will  t 
prevent  the  putrefaction  of  animal  substances;  and  there  is  no  reason  to  suppe 
that  it  is  capable  of  rendering  contagious  or  marsh  miasms  innoxious.  Le<lm/os 
disinfecting  fluid  is  a solution  of  nitrate  of  lead  in  the  proportion  of  a draei 
to  an  ounce.  Should  the  salt  be  used  internally,  the  dose  would  be  from  9 
fourth  to  the  half  of  a grain. 

Dr.  Ogier  Ward  has  found  a solution  extremely  useful  as  an  injection  d 
lotion  in  cases  of  fetid  discharges  from  the  uterus  and  vagina,  in  gleety  disc-hars 
from  the  urethra,  in  sloughing  and  indolent  ulcers,  and  in  chronic  impetigins 
affections  of  the  skin.  He  prepares  the  solution  extemporaneously  by  dissolve 
a scruple  of  carbonate  of  lead  in  sufficient  diluted  nitric  acid  for  solution,  d 
adding  a pint  of  distilled  water.  The  application  is  to  be  made  twice  or  the 
times  daily.  ( Prov . Med.  and  Surg.  Journ.,  Oct.  15,  1851.) 

Off.  Prep.  Plumbi  Iodidum.  W 

PLUMBI  OXIDUM  RUBRUM.  Ed. 

lied  Oxide  of  Lead. 

Red  lead.  Minium;  Peutoxide  de  plomb,  Oxide  rouge  de  plornb,  Minium,  Fr.;  Men:, 
Germ.;  Miuio.  Ital.,  Span. 

Preparation.  Red  lead  is  prepared  on  the  large  scale  in  a furnace,  with  e 
floor  slightly  concave  and  the  roof  arched,  presenting  a general  resemblance! 
a baker’s  oven.  The  lead  is  placed  on  the  floor,  and  gradually  raised  to  a d 
heat,  whereby  it  melts  and  becomes  covered  with  a pellicle  of  protoxide,  wbh 
is  removed  by  means  of  a long  iron  scraper;  and  the  pellicles,  as  they  successuy 
form,  are  scraped  off,  until  the  whole  of  the  metal  has  been  converted  into  thu. 
The  product  is  subjected  to  further  calcination  with  occasional  stirring,  for  se  e 
time,  with  a view  to  oxidize  any  particles  of  metallic  lead.  It  is  thus  rended 
yellow,  and  constitutes  the  protoxide  of  lead  or  massicot.  This  is  taken  oupf 
the  furnace  and  thrown  upon  a level  pavement,  and  cooled  by  being  sprinld 
with  water.  It  is  next  reduced  to  fine  powder  by  trituration  and  levigation,  d 
dried;  and  in  this  state  is  introduced  into  large,  shallow,  square  tin  boxes,  will 
are  placed  in  another  furnace,  closed  from  the  air,  and  heated  nearly  to  redue; 
the  heat  being  allowed  gradually  to  fall  during  a period  of  from  twenty-fou  o 
thirty  hours.  At  the  end  of  this  time  the  protoxide  of  lead  will  have  combi  d 
with  an  additional  quantity  of  oxygen,  and  become  the  red  oxide.  This  is  tan 
out,  and  having  been  passed  through  a fine  wire  sieve,  is  packed  in  barrels  r 
the  purposes  of  commerce. 


P.lT  I. 


Plumbi  Oxidum  Semivitreum. 


575 


'he  above  is  an  outline  of  the  French  process  for  making  red  lead.  In  England 
ar  the  United  States,  the  calcination  of  the  protoxide  is  not  performed  in  tin 
bees,  but  by  returning  it  to  the  furnace  in  which  it  was  first  calcined.  To  save 
th  first  calcination,  litharge  is  generally  used  for  making  the  red  lead  of  com- 
ince, which  consequently  is  liable  to  contain  the  impurities  of  that  substance, 
cosisting  of  iron,  copper,  a little  silver,  and  silica.  Copper  is  hurtful  in  red 
le  when  used  for  making  glass,  to  which  it  communicates  colour.  In  order  to 
his  red  lead  of  good  quality,  it  should  be  made  in  large  quantities  at  a time. 
Iti  also  important  that  it  be  slowly  cooled;  for,  as  the  absorption  of  oxygen  by 
wch  it  is  formed  takes  place  during  a particular  interval  of  temperature  only, 
it  necessary  that  the  heat  within  that  interval  should  be  maintained  sufficiently 
lo:  to  allow  all  the  protoxide  to  absorb  its  appropriate  dose  of  oxygen. 

Properties,  &c.  Red  lead  is  in  the  form  of  a heavy,  scaly  powder,  of  a bright 
re  colour,  with  a slight  shade  of  orange.  Its  sp.  gr.  is  about  9.  When  exposed 
toeat  it  gives  off  oxygen,  and  is  reduced  to  the  state  of  protoxide.  It  is  some- 
tins  adulterated  with  red  oxide  of  iron,  or  red  bole,  substances  which  may  be 
de  cted  by  treating  the  red  lead  with  nitric  acid,  and  testing  the  nitric  solution 
wii  tincture  of  galls.  This  reagent  will  produce  a black  precipitate,  in  c-onse- 
qnce  of  the  iron  being  dissolved  by  the  nitric  acid.  If  brick-dust  be  present, 
it  ill  be  left  undissolved  upon  boiling  the  suspected  specimen  in  water,  with 
su.r  and  a small  quantity  of  nitric  acid.  When  free  from  impurities,  it  is  com- 
pl  ely  reduced  on  charcoal,  by  means  of  the  blowpipe,  into  a globule  of  metallic 
le:.  It  is  completely  soluble  in  highly  fuming  nitrous  acid.  (Ed.  Pharm.) 
Wn  treated  with  nitric  acid,  it  is  resolved  into  protoxide  which  dissolves,  and 
deoxide  which  remains  in  the  form  of  a dark-brown  powder. 

he  red  lead  of  commerce  may  be  considered  as  a mixture  of  what  may  be 
ca  d the  true  red  oxide,  and  variable  proportions  of  protoxide.  That  this  is  its 
na  re  is  proved  by  the  action  of  cold  dilute  acetic  acid,  not  used  in  excess,  which 
ta  s up  a variable  quantity  of  protoxide,  leaving  a portion  unchanged  in  colour, 
wl  h may  be  deemed  the  pure  red  oxide.  This  latter,  when  analyzed  by  nitric 
ac.  has  been  proved,  by  tbe  coincident  results  of  Dalton,  Dumas,  and  Phillips, 
to  insist  of  three  eqs.  of  lead,  and  four  of  oxygen,  equal  to  2PbO,PbOo  (Dumas), 
or  bO,Pb203  (Winekelblecb).  According  to  Mulder,  red  lead  has  usually  the 
fo’wing  composition:  Pb40s=3Pb0,Pb02,  or  2Pb0.Pba03.  (Chem.  Gaz.,  Jan. 
151851.) 

ed  lead  enters  into  no  officinal  preparation.  It  is  employed  by  the  Edinburgh 
Ce?ge  in  preparing  Acidum  Aceticum  and  Chlorinei  Aqua.  In  the  arts  it  is 
us  chiefly  as  a paint,  and  as  an  ingredient  of  flint  glass.  B. 

PLUMBI  OXIDUM  SEMIVITREUM.  U.  & 

Semivitrified  Oxide  of  Lead. 

ff.  Sjn.  PLUMBI  OXIDUM.  Plumbi  Oxidum  semivitreum.  Lond.  LI- 
TURGYRUM.  Ed.,  Dub. 

tharge;  Oxide  de  plomb  fondu,  Litharge,  Fr.;  Bleiglatte,  Germ..;  Litargirio,  Ital.; 
Ahjrtaga,  Span. 

hen  the  protoxide  of  lead  is  rendered  semi-crystalline  by  incomplete  fusion, 
it  comes  the  semivitrified  oxide,  or  litharge.  Almost  all  the  litharge  of  corn- 
nice  is  obtained,  as  a secondary  product,  in  the  process  for  extracting  silver  from 
ar;  itiferous  galenas.  After  extracting  the  argentiferous  lead  from  the  ore,  the 
all  is  calcined  in  the  open  air;  whereby  the  lead  becomes  oxidized,  and  by 
fu:  n passes  into  the  state  of  litharge,  while  the  silver  remains  unchanged.  The 
fol  wing  is  an  outline  of  the  process.  The  lead  containing  the  silver  is  placed 


576 


Plumbi  Oxidum  Semivitreum. 


PAR' 


upon  an  oval  slightly  excavated  dish,  about  three  feet  long  and  twenty  inc  g 
wide,  called  a test,  made  by  beating  pulverized  bone-ash,  made  into  a paste  vli 
water,  into  a mould,  the  sides  of  which  are  formed  of  an  elliptical  band  of  i 
and  the  bottom  of  strips  of  sheet  iron,  placed  at  short  distances  apart.  The  tecs 
of  such  a size  as  exactly  to  fit  an  opening  in  the  floor  of  a reverberatory  fura  ■, 
where  it  is  placed  and  adjusted  to  the  level  of  the  floor.  On  one  side  of  the  it 
the  fire-place  is  situated,  and  exactly  opposite,  the  chimney;  while  at  oneextreny 
of  it  the  pipe  of  a strong  bellows  is  placed,  and  at  the  other  a vertical  hole  ism;:, 
communicating  with  a gutter  leading  from  the  centre  of  the  test.  The  fume 
is  now  lighted,  and  shortly  afterwards  the  bellows  is  put  in  motion.  The  id 
fuses  and  combines  wdth  oxygen,  and  the  resulting  oxide,  melting  also,  fora  a 
stratum  which  swims  on  the  surface,  and  which  is  driven  by  the  blast  of  e 
bellows,  along  the  gutter  and  through  the  vertical  hole,  into  a recipient  beb, 
where,  upon  solidifying,  it  crystallizes  in  small  scales,  which  form  the  lithaj. 
In  proportion  as  the  lead  is  oxidized  and  blown  off  the  test,  fresh  portions -e 
added,  so  as  to  keep  it  always  sufficiently  full.  The  process  is  continued  for  e it 
or  ten  days,  after  which  no  more  lead  is  added.  The  operation  is  now  eonfi  d 
to  the  metal  remaining  on  the  test;  and,  the  oxidation  proceeding,  a periout 
last  arrives  when  the  whole  of  the  lead  has  run  off  as  litharge,  and  the  silver, kmn 
to  be  pure  by  its  brilliant  appearance  in  the  fused  state,  alone  remains.  This 
then  removed,  and  the  process  repeated  on  a fresh  portion  of  argentiferous  Id. 

Properties.  Litharge  is  in  the  form  of  small,  brilliant,  vitrified  scales,  sue 
presenting  a red,  and  others  a yellow  colour.  In  mass  it  has  a foliac-eous  stc- 
ture.  It  is  devoid  of  taste  or  smell.  It  slowly  attracts  carbonic  acid  fromie 
air,  and  contains  more  of  this  acid  the  longer  it  has  been  prepared.  It  ion 
this  account  that  it  commonly  effervesces  slightly  with  the  dilute  acids.  It  is 
the  property  of  decolorizing  wines,  when  agitated  with  them.  When  heed 
with  the  fats  and  oils,  in  connexion  with  water,  it  saponifies  them.  (See  a- 
plastrum  Plumbi.)  In  dilute  nitric  acid  it  should  be  almost  entirely  solue. 
As  it  occurs  in  commerce,  it  usually  contains  iron,  copper,  and  a little  silver  d 
silica.  The  English  litharge  is  most  esteemed;  that  from  Germany  being  g<e- 
rally  contaminated  with  iron  and  copper.  In  choosing  litharge,  samples  slnld 
be  selected  which  are  free  from  copper,  and  from  fragments  of  vegetable  mair. 
Copper  is  detected,  if,  upon  adding  ferrocyanuret  of  potassium  to  a nitric  solum 
of  the  litharge,  a brown  instead  of  a white  precipitate  is  produced.  Two  v;e- 
ties  of  litharge  are  distinguished  in  commerce,  uamed  from  their  colour,  id 
dependent  on  differences  in  the  process  for  making  it.  Sometimes  it  has  a le 
yellow  colour  and  silvery  appearance,  and  is  then  denominated  silver  litharpi 
yellow  litharge ; at  other  times  it  is  of  a red  colour,  and  is  known  under  the  me 
of  g old  litharge  or  red  litharge.  The  latter  has  been  said  to  owe  its  colouto 
the  presence  of  a portion  of  red  lead;  but  31.  Leblanc  has  shown  that  theft) 
varieties  of  litharge  differ  in  colour,  structure,  and  density  only,  and  noin 
chemical  composition.  In  composition,  litharge  is  essentially  identical  withre 
protoxide  of  lead.  (See  Plumbum.')  The  carbonic  acid  which  it  contains  is  via- 
ble; but  its  average  amount  is  about  four  per  cent. 

Pharmaceutical  Uses,  d'c.  Litharge  is  never  used  internally,  but  is  empEd 
in  several  pharmaceutical  operations,  and  forms  an  ingredient  in  various  exteal 
applications,  used  for  abating  inflammation,  and  for  other  purposes.  By  u1- 
tion  with  olive  oil  it  forms  the  Emplastrum  Plumbi,  which  is  the  basis  of  my 
of  the  Plasters.  (See  Emplastra.)  In  the  arts  it  is  employed  in  the  glazinof 
pottery,  in  painting  to  reuder  oils  drying,  and  as  an  ingredient  in  flint  glas- 
Off.  Prep.  Ceratum  Saponis  Compositum;  Emplastrum  Plumbi;  Liter 
Plumbi  Subacetatis;  Plumbi  Acetas;  Plumbi  nitras.  I 


PiT  I. 


Podophyllum. 


577 


PODOPHYLLUM.  U.S. 

May-apple. 

he  rhizoma  of  Podophyllum  peltatum.  U.  S. 

odophyllum.  Sex.  Syst.  Polyandria  Monogynia. — Nat.  Ord.  Ranunculi, 
Ji. ; Podophyllcse,  Lindley. 

fen.  Ch.  Calyx  three-leaved.  Corolla  nine-petalled.  Berry  one-celled, 
cn  ned  with  the  stigma.  Willd. 

}pdophyllum peltatum.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  ii.  1141;  Barton,  Med.  Bot.  ii.  9; 
Caon,  Illust.  of  Med.  Bot.  i.  18,  pi.  11.  The  may-apple,  known  also  by  the 
nae  of  mandrake,  is  an  indigenous  herbaceous  plant,  and  the  only  species  of 
thlgenus.  The  root  (rhizoma)  is  perennial,  creeping,  usually  several  feet  in 
lei  th,  about  one-quarter  of  an  inch  thick,  of  a brown  colour  externally,  smooth, 
joked,  and  furnished  with  radicles  at  the  joints.  The  stem  is  about  a foot 
hi;,  erect,  round,  smooth,  divided  at  top  into  two  petioles,  and  supporting 
at  ie  fork  a solitary  one-flowered  peduncle.  Each  petiole  bears  a large,  peltate, 
paiateleaf,  with  six  or  seven  wedge-shaped  lobes,  irregularly  incised  at  the 
ex  amity,  yellowish-green  on  their  upper  surface,  paler  and  slightly  pubescent 
be  atk.  The  flower  is  nodding.  The  .calyx  is  composed  of  three  oval,  obtuse, 
coiave,  deciduous  leaves.  The  corolla  has  from  six  to  nine  white,  fragrant 
pe' s,  which  are  obovate,  obtuse,  concave,  with  delicate  transparent  veins.  The 
sta  ens  are  from  thirteen  to  twenty,  shorter  than  the  petals,  with  oblong,  yellow 
amps,  of  twice  the  length  of  the  filaments.  The  stigma  is  sessile,  and  ren- 
deil  irregular  on  its  surface  by  numerous  folds  or  convolutions.  The  fruit  is 
a lge  oval  berry,  crowned  with  the  persistent  stigma,  and  containing  a sweetish 
fleiy  pulp,  in  which  about  twelve  ovate  seeds  are  embedded.  It  is,  when  ripe, 
of  lemon-yellow  colour,  diversified  by  round  brownish  spots. 

ie  plant  is  extensively  diffused  throughout  the  United  States,  growing  luxu- 
ria  ly  in  moist  shady  woods,  and  in  low  marshy  grounds.  It  is  propagated  by 
its  keeping  root,  and  is  often  found  in  large  patches.  The  flowers  appear  about 
thc'nd  of  May  and  beginning  of  June;  and  the  fruit  ripens  in  the  latter  part 
of  jptember.  The  leaves  are  said  to  be  poisonous.  The  fruit  has  a subacid, 
swi  ish,  peculiar  taste,  agreeable  to  some  palates,  and  may  be  eaten  freely  with 
inanity.  From  its  colour  and  shape,  it  is  sometimes  called  wild  lemon.  The 
rods  the  officinal  portion,  and  is  said  to  be  most  efficient  when  collected  after 
the  filing  of  the  leaves.  It  shrinks  considerably  in  drying. 

■operties.  The  dried  root  is  in  pieces  about  two  lines  in  thickness,  with 
swung,  broad,  flattened  joints  at  short  intervals.  It  is  much  wrinkled  length- 
wis  is  yellowish  or  reddish-brown  externally,  and  furnished  with  fibres  of  a 
siiiiir,  but  somewhat  paler  colour.  The  fracture  is  short  and  irregular,  and 
thenternal  colour  whitish.  The  powder  is  light  yellowish-gray,  resembling 
tha  if  jalap.  The  root  in  its  aggregate  state  is  nearly  inodorous;  but  in  powder 
has  sweetish  not  unpleasant  smell.  The  taste  is  at  first  sweetish,  afterwards 
hit  ■,  nauseous,  and  slightly  acrid.  Both  the  decoction  and  tincture  are  bitter ; 
bul  lcohol  is  said  to  be  the  best  solvent  of  the  active  matter.  A bitter  sub- 
sta  e was  extracted  from  the  root  by  William  Hodgson,  jun.,  of  Philadelphia, 
by  dling  it  with  quicklime  in  water,  straining  the  decoction,  precipitating  the 
lim  with  sulphate  of  zinc,  evaporating  the  clear  solution  to  the  consistence  of 
an  tract,  treating  this  with  cold  alcohol  of  0'817,  filtering  and  evaporating  the 
ale  olic  solution,  and  treating  the  residue  with  boiling  distilled  water,  which 
dep  fited  the  substance  referred  to  on  cooling.  ( Journ . of  the  Phil.  Col.  of 
Ph  'm.,  iii.  273.)  Though  the  alcoholic  solution  of  this  substance  is  very  bitter, 


578 


Podophyllum. — Poly  gala  Rubella.  par], 

it  has  upon  trial  been  found  not  to  be  the  purgative  principle  of  the  root  A - 
lyzed  by  Mr.  John  R.  Lewis,  podophyllum  yielded  albumen,  gum,  starch,  - 
tractive,  lignin,  gallic  acid,  fixed  oil,  traces  of  volatile  oil,  salts  of  potassa  ;1 
lime,  and  two  resinous  principles,  one  soluble  in  alcohol  and  ether,  and  3 
other  soluble  in  alcohol  only.  Both  resins  were  found  to  possess  the  active 
perties  of  the  root.  Six  grains  operated  as  a drastic  cathartic,  with  some  enrc 
effect.  (Am.  Journ.  of  Pharrn.,  xix.  165.)  Dr.  Manlius  Smith  recomme  s 
that  the  resin  should  be  prepared  by  forming  an  alcoholic  tincture  of  the  n , 
evaporating  the  tincture  till  most  of  the  alcohol  is  driven  off,  and  throwing  e 
residue  into  water,  by  which  the  resin  is  precipitated.  The  concentration  shed 
not  be  carried  too  far;  as  otherwise  the  resin  separates  in  clots,  which  canno'e 
easily  washed.  According  to  Dr.  Smith,  the  resin,  when  pure,  is  white,  and  pui  3 
actively  in  the  dose  of  two  or  three  grains.  It  is  called  by  some  podophult. 
(Ibid.,  xxiv.  306.) 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Podophyllum  is  an  active  and  certain  cathaii, 
producing  copious  liquid  discharges  without  much  griping,  or  other  unpleaat 
effect.  In  some  cases  it  has  given  rise  to  nausea  and  even  vomiting,  but  e 
same  result  is  occasionally  experienced  from  every  active  cathartic.  Its  op i- 
tion  resembles  that  of  jalap;  but  is  rather  slower,  and  is  thought  by  some  tee 
more  drastic.  It  is  applicable  to  most  inflammatory  affections  which  req'  e 
brisk  purging;  and  is  much  employed  in  various  parts  of  the  country,  especiy 
combined  with  calomel,  in  bilious  fevers  and  hepatic  congestions.  It  is  also 
quently  used  in  connexion  with  bitartrate  of  potassa  in  dropsical,  rheumatic,  d 
scrofulous  complaints. 

The  dose  of  the  powdered  root  is  about  twenty  grains.  An  extract  is  prepr  d 
from  it  possessing  all  its  virtues  in  a smaller  bulk.  (See  Extra ctum  Pod opliy  ) 
In  minute  doses,  frequently  repeated,  podophyllum  is  said  to  diminish  the  e- 
quency  of  the  pulse,  and  to  relieve  cough ; and  for  these  effects  is  someties 
used  in  haemoptysis,  catarrh,  and  other  pulmonary  affections. 

Off.  Prep.  Extractum  Podophylli.  H 

POLYGALA  RUBELLA.  U.  S.  Secondary. 

Bitter  Poly  gala. 

The  root  and  herb  of  Polygala  rubella.  U.  S. 

Polygala.  See  SENEGA. 

Polygala  rubella.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  iii.  875;  Bigelow,  Am.  Med.  Bot'\\. 
129. — P.  polygama.  Walter,  Flor.  Car.  179;  Pursh,  Flor.  Am.  Sept  -5. 
This  species  of  Polvgala  is  an  indigenous,  perennial  plant,  with  a branc-Lg, 
somewhat  fusiform  root,  which  sends  up  annually  numerous  simple,  smooth, nd 
angular  stems,  from  four  to  eight  inches  in  height.  The  leaves  are  scatted, 
sessile,  obovate  or  linear-lanceolate,  attenuated  towards  the  base,  obtuse. d! 
mucronate.  The  flowers  are  purple,  and  in  elongated  terminal  racemes.  I® 
the  base  of  the  stem  proceed  other  racemes,  which  lie  upon  the  ground,  0 are 
partially  buried  under  it,  and  bear  incomplete  but  fertile  flowers,  the  ealy  of 
which  is  without  wings. 

This  plant  is  found  in  many  parts  of  the  United  States,  preferring  a dry  s.dy 
or  gravelly  soil,  and  flowering  in  June  and  July.  The  whole  plant  is  offical. 
It  has  a strong  and  permanent  bitter  taste,  which  it  yields  to  water  and  ale<ol. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  In  small  doses  bitter  polygala  is  tonic,  in  laer, 
laxative  and  diaphoretic.  The  infusion  of  the  dried  plant  has  been  usually  m- 
ployed  to  impart  tone  to  the  digestive  organs.  (Bigelow.)  It  appears  ybe 
closely  analogous  in  medical  virtues  to  the  Polygala  amara  of  Europe,  well 
is  used  for  a similar  purpose.  ^ 


PAT  I. 


Potassium. — Potassae  Bichromas. 


579 


POTASSIUM. 

Potassium. 

ptassium,  Fr.;  Kalium,  Kalimetall,  Germ.;  Potassio,  Ital.;  Potasio,  Span. 

ptassium  is  a peculiar  metal,  forming  the  radical  of  a number  of  important 
me  cinal  preparations.  It  was  discovered  in  1807  by  Sir  H.  Davy,  who  obtained 
it  decomposing  hydrate  of  potassa  by  galvanic  electricity.  It  was  afterwards 
prured  in  larger  quantity  by  Gay-Lussac  and  Thenard,  by  bringing  the  fused 
all  i in  contact  with  white-hot  iron,  which  attracted  the  oxygen  and  set  free 
thmetal.  The  best  process  is  that  of  Brunner,  as  modified  by  Wohler,  which 
cor  sts  in  decomposing  potassa  in  the  state  of  carbonate,  mixed  with  charcoal. 
Tli  mixture  of  carbonate  and  charcoal  is  obtained  by  heating  cream  of  tartar  to 
recess  in  a covered  crucible.  For  an  account  of  some  improvements  in  Brun- 
ner process  by  MM.  Mareska  and  Donny,  see  Am.  Journ.  of  P harm.,  xxv.  70. 

otassium  is  solid,  softer  and  more  ductile  than  wax,  easily  cut  with  a knife, 
am, if  a silver-white  colour.  A newly  cut  surface  is  brilliant ; but  the  metal 
quidy  tarnishes  by  combining  with  the  oxygen  of  the  air,  and  assumes  the 
apprance  of  lead.  It  possesses  a remarkably  strong  affinity  for  oxygen,  and 
is  oable  of  taking  that  element  from  every  other  substance.  On  account  of 
thi  oroperty  it  must  be  kept  in  liquids,  such  as  naphtha,  which  are  devoid  of 
oxien  as  a constituent.  Its  sp.  gr.  is  0'865,  its  melting  point  136°,  its  equi- 
valt  number  39‘2,  and  symbol  K.  When  thrown  upon  water  it  swims,  takes 
firemd  burns  with  a rose-coloured  flame,  combining  with  oxygen,  and  gene- 
rate potassa  which  dissolves  in  the  water.  It  forms  numerous  combinations, 
unSag  with  most  of  the  non-metallic  elements,  and  with  several  of  the  metals. 
It  inbines  in  two  proportions  with  oxygen,  forming  a protoxide  (dry  potassa) 
of  i;ray,  and  a teroxide  of  a yellowish-brown  colour.  It  also  unites  with  chlo- 
rim  and  forms  officinal  compounds  with  iodine,  bromine,  sulphur,  cyanogen, 
ancerrocyanogen,  under  the  names  of  iodide,  bromide,  sulphuret,  cyanuret, 
ancerrocyanuret  of  potassium.  Its  protoxide  (dry  potassa)  is  a strong  sali- 
fiat  base,  existing  in  nature  always  in  combination,  and  forming  with  acids 
a n aerous  and  important  class  of  salts.  Of  these,  the  acetate,  bichromate, 
car  nate,  bicarbonate,  chlorate,  citrate,  hydrate  (caustic  potassa),  nitrate,  sul- 
pha, sulphuretted  sulphate,  bisulphate,  tartrate,  and  bitartrate  are  officinal, 
and  ill  be  described  under  their  respective  titles,  to  which,  for  their  properties, 
the  iader  is  referred.  B. 

POTASSiE  BICHROMAS.  Dub. 

Bichromate  of  Potassa. 

II  chromate  of  potassa;  Kali  chromicum  rubrum,  Lat.;  Bichromate  de  potasse,  Fr.; 
Zwc-  ,ch  chromsaures  kali,  Germ. 

d s salt  is  most  conveniently  prepared  from  the  neutral  or  yellow  chromate 
of  jtassa,  by  acidulating  its  solution  with  sulphuric  acid,  and  setting  it  aside 
for  ;lay  or  two.  The  acid  withdraws  one  eq.  of  potassa  from  two  of  the  neutral 
chr<  iate,  thus  generating  one  eq.  of  the  bichromate,  which  separates  in  orange- 
red  ystals.  The  yellow  chromate  is  obtained  by  igniting  four  parts  of  pow- 
der;" chrome-iron  ore  (FeO,Cr203)  with  one  part  of  nitre,  and  lixiviating  the 
resting  mass  with  water.  The  solution,  by  evaporation,  yields  the  yellow  salt 
in  c stals.  In  this  process,  the  nitric  acid  of  the  nitre  furnishes  oxygen  to 
con ’rt  the  sesquioxide  of  chromium  into  chromic  acid,  which  then  unites  with 
the  dassa  of  the  same  salt.  The  iron,  in  the  mean  time,  is  sesquioxidized  and 


580 


Potassse  Bichromas. — Potassse  Bitartras. 


PARS. 


rendered  insoluble.  Sometimes  impure  carbonate  of  potassa  (pearlash)  is  s . 
stituted  for  part  of  the  nitre  in  the  calcination.  It  is  said  that,  recently,  1;3 
has  been  used  with  economical  results,  instead  of  the  nitre  and  pearlash,  in  ] - 
forming  the  ignition.  When  lime  is  employed,  chromate  of  lime  is  forn 
which  is  extracted  by  lixiviation,  and  decomposed  by  a soluble  salt  of  pota 
When  desired,  the  bichromate  may  be  obtained  directly  from  the  solution  f 
chromate  of  potassa,  derived  from  the  treatment  of  the  ore,  by  acidulating  t 
with  sulphuric  acid,  without  first  crystallizing  it. 

Bichromate  of  potassa  is  in  the  form  of  orange-red,  anhydrous,  prism  c 
crystals,  soluble  in  ten  parts  of  cold  and  much  less  boiling  water,  but  insoh  e 
in  alcohol.  Its  taste  is  cooling  and  bitter.  Exposed  to  a red  heat,  it  fu 5, 
without  decomposition,  into  a red  liquid,  which  congeals  on  cooling  into  a c-- 
talline  mass,  and  then  falls  to  powder.  It  consists  of  two  eqs.  of  chromic  ;d 
and  one  of  potassa,  and  its  formula  is  KO,2CrOs. 

Medical  Properties , &c.  Bichromate  of  potassa,  in  small  doses,  is  alterat  3, 
in  larger  emetic.  Externally  it  acts  as  an  irritant  and  caustic.  It  was  ;t 
used  internally,  in  1850,  by  M.  Robin,  who  gave  it  in  secondary  syphilis;  d 
Prof.  Heyfelder,  of  Erlangen,  afterwards  employed  it  in  the  same  disease  th 
encouraging  results.  It  acts  like  the  mercurials  on  the  syphilitic  poison,  it 
without  producing  salivation.  It  was  recommended,  in  1S27,  by  Dr.  Cumir.n 
saturated  solution,  as  a caustic  application  to  tubercular  elevations,  excrescejes 
and  warts,  and  more  recently  (1850)  by  M.  Puche  in  syphilitic  vegetatis. 
It  causes  the  morbid  parts  to  shrivel  and  fall  off.  The  dose  as  an  alteratius 
one-fifth  of  a grain  daily,  in  the  form  of  pill  made  with  extract  of  gentiarto 
be  increased  gradually  to  five  or  six  pills  a day.  As  an  emetic  the  dose  is  t ee 
quarters  of  a grain.  It  may  be  used  as  a caustic  in  the  form  of  powder. 

Bichromate  of  potassa  is  an  energetic  poison.  When  the  stomach  does  ot 
relieve  itself  by  vomiting,  bicarbonate  of  soda,  magnesia,  or  a solution  of  up 
should  be  immediately  given  as  an  antidote. 

Bichromate  of  potassa  is  manufactured  largely  for  the  use  of  calico-prin -s. 
The  workmen  engaged  in  making  it  are  liable  to  painful  ulcerations  of  he 
hands.  It  was  introduced  into  the  Dublin  Pharmacopoeia  of  1850,  not  a 
therapeutic  agent,  but  to  be  used  in  forming  artificial  valerianic  acid  by  reacog 
with  fusel  oil  ( Alcohol  Amylicum ),  as  a step  in  the  process  for  preparing  de- 
riauate  of  soda.  (See  Sodas  Valerianas.')  1 

POTASSaE  BITARTRAS.  U S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub. 
Bitartrate  of  Potassa. 

Supertartrate  of  potassa,  Crystals  of  tartar,  Cream  of  tartar ; Cremor  tartari,  it.; 
Tartrate  acide  de  potasse,  Creme  de  tartre,  Fr.;  Doppelt  weinsaures  Kali,  Weinsteiaran, 
Germ.;  Cremore  di  tartaro,  Ital.;  Cremor  de  tartaro,  Span. 

During  the  fermentation  of  wines,  especially  those  that  are  tart,  a peciar 
matter  is  deposited  on  the  bottom  and  sides  of  the  casks,  forming  a crystane 
crust,  called  crude  tartar  or  argol.  That  deposited  from  red  wines  is  of  aed- 
dish  colour,  and  called  in  commerce  red  tartar ; while  that  derived  from  titc 
wines  is  of  a dirty  white  colour,  and  denominated  white  tartar.  Both  lids 
consist  of  potassa,  united  with  an  excess  of  tartaric  acid,  formiug  bitartraj  of 
potassa,  rendered  impure  by  tartrate  of  lime,  more  or  less  colouring  mattered 
the  lees  and  other  matters  which  are  deposited  during  the  clarification  othe 
wine.  The  deposition  of  the  tartar  is  thus  explained.  The  bitartrate  csts 
naturally  in  the  juice  of  the  grape,  held  in  solution  by  saccharine  matter.  lion 
the  juice  is  submitted  to  fermentation  in  the  process  for  converting  it  into  nq 
the  sugar  disappears,  and  is  replaced  by  alcohol,  which,  not  being  compete  to 


PAT  I. 


Potassee  Bitartras. 


581 


disilve  the  salt,  allows  it  to  precipitate  as  a crystalline  crust.  It  is  from  this 
suitance  that  bitartrate  of  potassa  is  obtained  by  a process  of  purification. 

he  process  is  conducted  on  a large  scale  at  Montpellier,  in  France,  and  is 
folded  upon  the  greater  solubility  of  bitartrate  of  potassa  in  hot  than  in  cold 
war.  The  tartar,  previously  pulverized,  is  boiled  with  water  in  copper  boilers. 
Th]  solution,  when  saturated,  is  transferred  to  earthen  pans,  where  it  deposits 
on  holing  a crystalline  layer,  nearly  free  from  colour.  This  is  redissolved  in 
boiag  water;  and  the  solution,  having  been  mixed  with  four  or  five  per  cent. 
of  pe-clay,  is  evaporated  to  a pellicle.  The  clay  precipitates  with  the  colouring 
masr,  and  the  clear  solution,  as  it  cools,  deposits  white  crystals  in  crusts,  which, 
up<  being  exposed  to  the  air  on  linen  for  several  days,  acquire  an  increased 
depe  of  whiteness.  These  constitute  the  crystals  of  tartar  of  pharmacy.  The 
salhowever,  as  met  with  in  the  shops,  is  generally,  for  greater  convenience,  in 
theorm  of  powder,  to  which  the  name  of  cream  of  tartar  is  properly  applied. 

roperties.  Bitartrate  of  potassa  occurs  in  commerce  in  white  crystalline 
crus,  or  masses  of  aggregated  crystals,  and  is  received  in  that  state  from  France 
by  lr  wholesale  druggists,  who  procure  its  pulverization  for  the  use  of  the 
apoecaries.  In  crystals  it  is  hard  and  gritty  between  the  teeth,  and  dissolves 
sloiy  in  the  mouth ; in  powder  it  has  a white  colour.  It  is  a permanent  salt, 
of  acid  not  ungrateful  taste,  and  acid  reaction,  soluble  in  184  parts  of  cold, 
and  8 of  boiling  water,  but  insoluble  in  alcohol.  When  exposed  to  a red  heat 
it  idecomposed,  exhales  a peculiar  odour,  gives  rise  to  a solid  pyrogenous  acid, 
and  he  usual  products  of  the  destructive  distillation  of  vegetable  matter;  and 
carinate  of  potassa,  mixed  with  charcoal,  is  left.  Its  solution  is  precipitated 
by  lutions  of  baryta,  strontia,  and  lime,  which  form  insoluble  tartrates,  and 
by  state  of  lead,  forming  tartrate  of  lead.  With  salifiable  bases  which  form 
sole  e tartrates,  it  gives  rise  to  double  salts,  consisting  of  neutral  tartrate  of 
pat;  a,  and  the  tartrate  of  the  base  added.  Several  of  them  are  important 
mecines,  and  will  be  described  under  their  respective  titles.  Cream  of  tartar, 
tboih  sparingly  soluble  in  water,  becomes  abundantly  so  by  the  addition  of 
bore  or  boracic  acid.  (See  Sodas  Boras.) 

1:  cream  of  tartar  of  commerce  is  not  a pure  bitartrate  of  potassa.  It  usually 
coni  ns  from  two  to  five  per  cent,  of  tartrate  of  lime,  which  should  not  be  viewed 
as  ; adulteration.  But  it  is  said  to  be  purposely  mixed  with  various  sub- 
stan  s,  among  which  are  sand,  clay,  gypsum,  flour,  chalk,  alum,  and  sulphate 
of  j assa.  Sand,  clay,  and  gypsum  may  be  detected  by  their  insolubility  in  a 
hot  lution  of  potassa;  flour,  by  striking  a blue  colour  with  iodine;  chalk,  by 
its  c.rvescing  with  dilute  acids;  alum,  an  unlikely  sophistication,  probably  by 
itsaringent  taste;  and  any  soluble  sulphate,  by  a precipitate  being  produced 
by  c oride  of  barium,  not  entirely  soluble  in  nitric  acid.  The  action  of  the 
last  mentioned  test  is  explained  by  the  fact,  that  the  tartrate  of  baryta  is  soluble 
in  n ic  acid,  but  not  the  sulphate.  The  best  security  against  fraud  is  to  pur- 
chas  the  crystals,  which  are  not  subject  to  the  same  adulterations  as  the  powder. 

Opposition.  Cream  of  tartar  consists  of  two  eqs.  of  tartaric  acid  132,  one 
°f  p assa  47'2,  and  one  of  water  9=188'2.  The  water  cannot  be  expelled 
with  it  decomposing  the  salt,  and  is  supposed  to  act  the  part  of  a base. 

h-'ical  Properties  and  Uses.  Bitartrate  of  potassa  is  cathartic,  diuretic,  and 
refri  rant.  In  small  doses  it  acts  as  a cooling  aperient,  in  large  ones  as  a bydra- 
gogi cathartic,  producing  copious  watery  stools;  and  from  this  latter  property, 
ns  w as  its  tendency  to  excite  the  action  of  the  kidneys,  it  is  very  much  used 
in  dpsical  affections.  It  is  frequently  prescribed  in  combination  with  senna, 
snip,  r,  or  jalap.  (See  Pulvis  Jalapse  Compositus.)  Its  solution  in  boiling  water, 
swee  oed  with  sugar  and  allowed  to  cool,  forms  an  acid,  not  unpleasant,  refri- 
gera  drink,  advantageously  used  in  some  febrile  affections,  and  frequently 


582  Potassse  Carbonas  Impurus.  pari 

employed  as  a domestic  remedy.  The  beverage  called  imperial  ( potus  imperia  ) 
is  a drink  of  this  kind,  made  by  dissolving  half  an  ounce  of  the  salt  in  th; 
pints  of  boiling  water,  and  adding  to  the  solution  four  ounces  of  white  sue ; 
and  half  an  ounce  of  fresh  lemon  peel.  Cream  of  tartar  whey  is  prepared  j 
adding  about  two  drachms  of  the  bitartrate  to  a pint  of  milk.  It  may  be  gk  , 
diluted  with  water,  in  dropsical  complaints.  The  dose  of  cream  of  tartar  ia 
drachm  or  two  as  an  aperient ; and  from  half  an  ounce  to  an  ounce  as  a hydrago  e 
cathartic,  mixed  with  molasses  or  suspended  in  water.  As  a diuretic  in  di> 
sical  cases,  it  may  be  given  in  the  dose  of  a drachm  and  a half  or  two  drach  <, 
several  times  a day. 

In  pharmacy,  cream  of  tartar  is  employed  to  obtain  the  neutral  tartrate  of  >- 
tassa  (soluble  tartar),  tartrate  of  potassa  and  soda  (Rochelle  salt),  tartratof 
antimony  and  potassa  (tartar  emetic),  and  tartrate  of  iron  and  potassa  (tar 
ized  iron).  Deflagrated  with  nitre,  or  incinerated  alone,  it  is  converted  in  a 
pure  form  of  carbonate  of  potassa,  called  salt  of  tartar.  (See  Potassse  Carlas 
Purus.)  In  the  laboratory  it  is  used  to  procure  potassa  in  a pure  state,  and ir 
making  black  and  white  flux.  Black  flux  is  prepared  by  deflagrating  creamf 
tartar  with  half  its  weight  of  nitre;  and  white  flux,  by  deflagrating  it  with  tv:e 
its  weight  of  the  same  salt. 

Off.  Prep.  Acidum  Tartaricum ; Antimonii  et  Potassse  Tartras;  Confeio 
Sulphuris;  Decoctum  Scoparii;  Ferri  et  Potassae  Tartras;  Potassse  Carbtis 
Purus;  Potassse  Tartras;  Pulvis  Jalapse  Compositus ; Pulvis  Scammonii  Ci- 
positus ; Sodse  et  Potassse  Tartras.  I 

POTASSiE  CARBONAS  IMPURUS.  U.S. 

Impure  Carbonate  of  Potassa. 

The  impure  carbonate  of  potassa  known  in  commerce  by  the  name  of  pci- 
ash.  U.  S. 

Off.Syn.  LIXIVUS  CINIS.  Impure  Potash;  Pearlash.  Dub. 

Pearlash,  Pearlashes,  Impure  potassa,  Impure  subearbonate  of  potassa : Potassdu 
commerce,  Fr.;  Robe  Pottascbe,  Germ.;  Potascb,  Dutch;  Potaske,  Dan.;  Potaska,  Si; 
Potassa  del  commercio,  Ital.;  Cenizas  claveladas,  Span. 

The  alkali  potassa,  using  this  term  in  its  strict  sense,  is  the  protoxide  ofhe 
metal  potassium.  (See  Potassium.')  It  exists  in  various  states  of  combinson 
and  purity.  In  its  most  impure  state,  it  is  the  common  potash  of  commoe. 
This,  subjected  to  calcination,  becomes  somewhat  purer,  and  is  then  called  p fl- 
ash, the  form  of  the  alkali  intended  to  be  designated  by  the  officinal  nan:  at 
the  head  of  this  article. 

Natural  State  and  Preparation.  Potash  and  pearlash  of  commerce  arero- 
cured  from  the  ashes  of  wood  by  lixiviation,  and  the  subsequent  evaporatii  of 
the  solution  obtained.  The  alkali  exists  in  the  wood,  principally  in  the  sta  of 
acetate;  and,  being  of  a fixed  and  incombustible  nature,  is  left  behind aftehe 
incineration.  The  wood  is  burnt  on  the  ground,  in  a place  sheltered  fron.'he 
wind.  The  ashes  consist  of  a soluble  and  insoluble  portion.  The  solubleart 
is  made  up  of  carbonate  of  potassa,  together  with  the  sulphate,  phosphate .nd 
silicate  of  potassa,  and  the  chlorides  of  potassium  and  sodium;  the  insoble 
portion,  of  carbonate  and  subphosphate  of  lime,  alumina,  silica,  oxidized ron 
and  manganese,  and  a little  carbonaceous  matter  that  has  escaped  combu.-on. 
The  ashes  are  lixiviated  in  barrels  with  the  addition  of  a portion  of  lime,  anthe 
soluble  substances  above  mentioned  are  taken  up.  The  lixivium  is  then  e pi- 
rated in  large  iron  kettles,  which  for  several  days  are  kept  constantly  full,  fhe 
evaporation  is  continued  until  the  mass  has  become  of  a black  colour,  and  <tl:e 
consistence  of  brown  sugar.  It  is  now  subjected  to  as  powerful  a heat  as  c.  he 


583 


;.rt  I.  Potassse  Carbonas  Imjourus. 

ilsed  by  the  best  wood  fire  for  a number  of  hours,  by  which  it  is  fused.  During 
1,3  progress  of  the  fusion,  the  combustible  impurities  are  for  the  most  part  burnt 
<t,  and  a gaseous  matter  is  emitted,  which  agitates  the  more  fluid  part.  When 
(s  fusion  is  complete,  the  liquid  becomes  quiescent,  and  looks  like  melted  iron. 
1 is  now  transferred,  by  means  of  large  iron  ladles,  to  iron  pots,  where  it  con- 
pis  in  cakes.  These  are  broken  up  and  packed  in  tight  barrels,  and  constitute 
h potash  of  commerce.  (Dr.  G.  A.  Rogers , in  Silliman’s  Journal.) 

If  it  be  intended  to  make  pearlash,  the  pi-ocess  is  varied.  In  this  case  the 
lick  matter,  above  mentioned  as  of  the  consistence  of  brown  sugar,  called  black 
its  by  our  manufacturers,  instead  of  being  fused,  is  transferred  from  the  kettles 
la  large  oven-shaped  furnace,  so  constructed  that  the  flame  may  be  made  to 
py  over  the  alkaline  mass,  which  in  the  mean  time  is  stirred  by  means  of  an 
in  rod.  The  ignition  is  in  this  way  continued,  until  the  combustible  irnpuri- 
ts  are  burnt  out,  and  the  mass,  from  being  black,  becomes  of  a dirty  bluish- 
\ ite  colour.  (Rogers.) 

The  ashes  of  plants  amount  generally  to  not  more  than  a few  parts  in  the 
Indred ; and  of  these  a portion  only  consists  of  potassa.  The  different  parts 
ctlie  same  vegetable,  and,  fora  stronger  reason,  different  plants,  furnish  variable 
cintities  of  ashes.  Ligneous  plants  yield  less  than  herbaceous,  the  trunk  less 
t.n  the  branches,  and  the  branches  less  than  the  leaves.  The  bark  yields  more 
a>es  than  the  wood;  and  the  leaves  of  trees  which  drop  their  foliage  in  winter 
ire  than  the  leaves  of  evergreens.  The  following  table  gives  the  quantity  of 
passa  contained  in  the  ashes  of  one  thousand  parts  of  the  undernamed  plants : 


Bje 

0-45 

I )lar 

0-75 

tch 

1-29 

I cli 

1-45 

C: 

2-03 

Q:  bark 

2-08 

E: 

2-26 

V low 

2-85 

I den 

3-27 

Eli 

3-9 

IN  Die 

3-9 

V >at  straw  . 

4-18 

Ek  i 

5-0 

Ejh 

508 

C imon  thistle 

5-37 

T s branches  . 

5-5 

Barley  straw  . . . . .5-8 

Beech  bark  . . . . .6-0 

Fern  . . . . . .6-2 

Stalks  of  Indian  corn  . . .17-5 

Sun-flower  stalks  . . . .19-4 

Dry  oak  leaves  . . . .24-0 

Common  nettle  . . . .25-0 

Black  elder  . . . . .25-5 

Vetch  ......  27-5 

Poke 45-6 

Wheat  stalks,  young  . . .47-0 

Dried  stems  of  potatoes  . . . 55-0 

Wormwood  . . . . .73-0 

Fumitory  .....  790 

Angelica 96-2 


Commercial  History.  Potash  and  pearlash  are  made  in  those  countries  in 
v ch  forests  abound.  Accordingly,  the  alkali  is  extensively  manufactured  in 
C.ada  and  the  United  States,  and  constitutes  a very  important  export  of  this 
cmtry.  It  is  prepared  chiefly  in  the  State  of  New  York,  which  is  supposed 
t(  urnish  three-fourths  of  our  exports  of  this  alkali.  It  is  also  produced  in 
cisiderable  quantities  in  the  northern  countries  of  Europe,  especially  in  Russia, 
ai  on  the  shores  of  the  Baltic.  It  is  of  different  qualities  as  it  occurs  in  com- 
it  'ce;  and  is  distinguished  by  the  country  or  place  of  manufacture,  as  Ame- 
r 'n,  Russian,  Dantzic  potash,  &c. 

Properties.  Potash  is  in  the  form  of  fused  masses  of  a stony  appearance  and 
b Iness,  and  caustic  burning  taste.  Its  colour  is  variegated  ; but  reddish  and 
d t-brown  are  the  predominant  hues.  When  exposed  to  the  air  it  absorbs 
n sture  and  deliquesces;  and,  if  sufficiently  long  exposed,  finally  becomes  liquid. 
Dr  lash  is  of  a white  colour,  with  usually  a tinge  of  blue.  As  it  occurs  in  com- 
it  ce,  it  is  in  tight  casks,  containing  about  three  hundred  and  fifty  pounds,  in 
w ch  it  forms  one  entire,  hard,  concrete  mass.  In  the  shops  it  is  found  in  coarse 


584  Potassse  Carbonas  Impurus.  par'  . 

powder,  intermingled  with  lumps  as  dug  out  of  the  casks,  presenting  an  opa  e 
granular  appearance,  like  table  salt  or  Havana  sugar.  It  is  a deliquescent  s;, 
and  has  a burning  alkaline  taste.  It  is  soluble  in  water,  with  the  exceptionf 
impurities.  The  soluble  matter  in  one  hundred  grains  of  the  salt  of  med:n 
quality  will  neutralize  about  fifty-eight  grains  of  sulphuric  acid.  It  differs  fin 
potash  principally  in  containing  less  combustible  impurities,  and  in  being  ;s 
caustic  and  deliquescent.  The  colouring  matter  of  both  these  forms  of  alia  is 
derived  from  carbonaceous  impurities,  and  small  portions  of  iron  and  mangan  ;. 

Composition.  The  basis  of  both  pot  and  pearlash  is  carbonate  of  pota*sa;  t 
this  is  associated  with  certain  salts,  and  with  insoluble  impurities.  Several  i- 
rieties  of  potash  found  in  commerce  were  analyzed  by  Vauquelin,  whose  princil 
results  are  contained  in  the  following  table.  The  quantity  examined  of  each  I d 
was  1152  parts. 


Kinds  of  Potash. 

Caustic 
Hydrate  of 
Potassa* 

Sulphate 
of  Potassa,. 

Chloride  of 
Potassium. 

Insoluble 

Residue. 

Carbonic  A 
and  Wat 

American  potash  . 

857 

154 

20 

2 

119 

Russian  potash  . . . 

772 

65 

5 

56 

254 

Pearlash 

754 

80 

4 

6 

308 

Dantzic  potash  . . . 

603 

152 

14 

79 

304 

These  results,  calculated  for  100  parts,  show  that  the  American  potash  a- 
tains  74  per  cent,  of  pure  hydrated  alkali,  and  the  Russian  67  per  cent.  Pel- 
ash,  it  is  seen,  is  more  rich  in  carbonic  acid  than  potash;  and  this  resubf 
analysis  corresponds  with  the  qualities  of  the  two  substances  as  prepared  in  le 
United  States;  potash  being  known  to  be  far  more  caustic  than  pearlash.  e- 
sides  the  impurities  shown  by  the  table,  silicate  of  potassa  is  present.  Accorog 
to  Mr.  Stevenson  Macadam,  the  potashes  of  commerce  contain  iodine  andats-e 
of  bromine,  which  shows  that  the  forest  trees  from  which  the  alkali  is  obtaisd 
must  contain  a very  minute  proportion  of  these  non-metallic  elements.  {Chi. 
Gaz.,  Aug.  2,  1852,  p.  284.) 

As  the  potash  of  commerce  is  valuable  in  the  arts  in  proportion  to  the  qm- 
tity  of  real  alkali  which  it  contains,  it  is  important,  in  so  variable  a substae, 
to  possess  an  easy  method  of  ascertaining  its  quality  in  that  respect.  The  o- 
cess  by  which  this  is  accomplished  is  called  alkalimetry , and  the  instruct 
used  an  alkalimeter.  The  best  mode  of  proceeding,  which  is  applicable  tote 
commercial  forms  of  soda  as  well  as  those  of  potassa,  is  that  proposed  by  Faray, 
and  described  by  Turner  as  follows.  Take  a cylindrical  tube,  sealed  at  one  d, 
nine  and  a half  inches  long,  and  three-quarters  of  an  inch  in  diameter,  and  jar 
into  it  one  thousand  grains  of  water,  marking  with  a file  the  point  at  whichae 
water  stands.  Divide  the  space  occupied  by  the  water  into  one  hundred  e,al 
parts,  graduating  from  above  downwards;  and,  opposite  to  the  numbers  234, 
48'96,  54'63,  and  65,  severally  write  the  words  soda,  potassa,  carbonate  of  sa, 
and  carbonate  of  potassa.  Then  prepare  a dilute  sulphuric  acid  having  the  >e- 
cific  gravity  1T27,  which  may  be  formed  by  adding  to  the  strong  acid  about  ur 
times  its  volume  of  distilled  water.  An  acid  of  this  strength,  if  added  to  the  be 
so  as  to  reach  to  any  one  of  the  heights  denoted  by  the  above  numbers,  wijbe 
just  sufficient  to  neutralize  one  hundred  grains  of  the  alkali  written  opposit to 
it.  Suppose,  for  example,  that  the  dilute  acid  be  added  until  it  stands  oppi  te 
to  the  word  carbonate  of  potassa,  we  shall  then  have  the  exact  quantity  nes- 
sary  to  neutralize  one  hundred  grains  of  that  carbonate;  and  if  we  add  re 
water,  until  the  liquid  reaches  to  0,  or  the  beginning  of  the  scale,  it  is  evi  at 
that  the  acid  has  been  brought  to  the  bulk  of  a hundred  measures,  each  of  web 


p it  r.  Potasses  Carbonas  Impurus. — Potassse  Chloras. 


585 


wild  be  competent  to  neutralize  one  grain  of  the  carbonate  in  question.  All 
tb  is  now  necessary,  in  order  to  ascertain  the  quality  of  any  commercial  sample 
of'his  carbonate,  is  to  dissolve  one  hundred  grains  of  it  in  warm  water,  filter 
th  solution  to  remove  insoluble  impurities,  and  add  by  degrees  the  dilute  acid 
fra  the  tube  until  the  solution  is  exactly  neutralized,  as  shown  by  litmus  paper. 
T number  of  divisions  of  acid,  expended  in  attaining  this  point,  may  be  read 
ofrom  the  tube;  and  for  each  division  one  grain  of  pure  carbonate  is  indicated. 

'his  method  of  testing  the  potash  of  commerce  indicates  its  alkaline  strength, 
as.ming  this  to  be  dependent  solely  on  potassa;  but  soda,  a cheaper  alkali,  may 
boresent  as  an  adulteration,  and  its  proportion  is  important  to  be  known.  To 
soe  this  problem,  M.  0.  Henry  proposes  that  the  saturating  power  of  a given 
wght  should  be  first  determined  in  relation  to  sulphuric  acid,  and  afterwards 
th  proportion  of  carbonate  of  potassa  in  an  equal  weight,  by  first  converting  it 
in  an  acetate,  and  then  precipitating  the  potassa  by  hyperchlorate  (oxychlorate) 
ofoda,  the  reacting  salts  being  in  alcoholic  solution.  The  precipitated  hyper- 
chrate  of  potassa  indicates  the  proportion  of  carbonate  of  potassa.  The  amount 
ofhe  latter  determines  how  much  of  the  sulphuric  acid  was  expended  in  satu- 
ra  lg  the  potassa ; and  the  soda  is  indicated  by  the  amount  of  this  alkali,  equiva- 
le  to  the  remainder  of  the  acid.  ( Journ . de  Pliarm.,  vii.  214.)  Another 
in  nod  of  detecting  soda  in  the  potash  of  commerce,  proposed  by  Pagenstecher, 
is  i convert  the  suspected  alkali  into  a sulphate,  and  wash  the  sulphate  formed 
wi  a saturated  solution  of  sulphate  of  potassa.  If  the  whole  of  the  saline 
ni;:er  be  sulphate  of  potassa,  the  washing  will  cause  no  loss  of  weight;  but  if 
pa  of  it  be  sulphate  of  soda,  this  will  be  washed  away,  on  account  of  its  solu- 
bi  y in  a saturated  solution  of  sulphate  of  potassa.  ( Journ . de  Pharm.,  Mars, 
181,239.)  Fremy  has  proposed  the  metantimoniate  of  potassa  as  a test  for  soda 
in  Dtash.  In  applying  this  test,  the  potash  is  converted  into  a neutral  chloride 
of  jtassium,  and  treated  with  a recent  solution  of  the  metantimoniate.  If  the 
allli  examined  contain  two  or  three  per  cent,  of  soda,  a precipitate  is  almost 
in:  ntly  formed.  If  a less  proportion  of  soda  be  present,  time  and  agitation  will 
beecessary  to  effect  the  precipitation.  Fremy  states  that,  by  this  test,  he  can 
de  ;t  the  half  of  one  per  cent,  of  soda  in  commercial  potash.  {Phil.  Mag.,  Oct. 
181,  325.) 

harmaceutical  Uses.  Pearlash  is  never  used  as  a medicine,  being  considered 
as  o impure.  It  is  directed  to  be  purified  in  the  U.  S.,  Edinburgh,  and  Dublin 
FI  macopoeias,  in  order  to  form  the  carbonate  of  potassa. 

\f.  Prep.  Potassae  Carbonas.  B. 

POTASSiE  CHLORAS.  U.  S.,  Land. , Dub. 

Chlorate  of  Potassa. 

rperoxymuriate  of  potassa;  Chlorate  de  potasse,  Fr.;  Chlorsaures  Kali,  Germ. 

llorate  of  potassa  may  be  prepared  by  passing  an  excess  of  chlorine  through 
a s ation  of  caustic  hydrate  or  carbonate  of  potassa.  At  first  two  eqs.  of  chlorine 
re£  with  two  eqs.  of  potassa,  so  as  to  form  one  eq.  of  chloride  of  potassium, 
an.me  eq.  of  hypochlorite  of  potassa  (2C1  and  2K0=KC1  and  K0,C10).  After- 
wa  s,  by  the  further  action  of  the  chlorine,  more  chloride  of  potassium  is  formed, 
an  he  oxygen  separated  from  the  potassa  converts  the  hypochlorous  acid  into 
th(  hloric,  and  consequently  the  hypochlorite  into  chlorate  of  potassa.  Thus, 
1C  reacting  with  4K0  and  K0,C10,  will  form  4KC1  and  K0,C105.  The  chlorate, 
be: ; but  sparingly  soluble  in  water,  is  separated  from  the  chloride  of  potas- 
siu  by  priority  of  crystallization.  When  carbonate  of  potassa  is  used,  the 
cai  >nic  acid  is  first  transferred  from  a part  of  the  alkali  to  the  remainder,  and 
fin  y evolved. 


586 


Potassae  Chloras. 


PAE  i. 


Graham  has  devised  an  improved  process  for  obtaining  this  salt.  It  con  ts 
in  mixing  the  carbonate  of  potassa  with  an  equivalent  quantity  of  hydrate  of]  e 
before  submitting  it  to  the  action  of  chlorine.  The  gas  is  absorbed  with  avky, 
and  the  mass  becomes  hot,  while  water  is  given  off.  The  lime  converts  ie 
carbonate  into  caustic  potassa,  and  the  reaction  then  takes  place  between  ix 
eqs.  of  potassa  and  six  of  chlorine,  with  the  result  of  forming  five  eqs.  of  co- 
ride of  potassium,  and  one  of  chlorate  of  potassa.  (6KO  and  6Cl  = 5KClid 
K0,C105.)  The  products  are,  therefore,  carbonate  of  lime,  chloride  of  p<s- 
siurn,  and  chlorate  of  potassa.  The  chloride  and  chlorate  are  separated  fromae 
carbonate  by  solution  in  hot  water,  and  the  chlorate  from  the  chloride  by  pri<  ty 
of  crystallization  as  before. 

In  the  above  process,  a large  proportion  of  the  potassa  is  lost  by  being  o- 
verted  into  chloride  of  potassium.  Prof.  F.  C.  Calvert,  of  Manchester,  has  'abet 
entirely  avoided  this  loss  by  his  new  process,  in  which  he  reacts  upon  one  e of 
caustic  potassa,  mixed  with  five  and  a half  eqs.  of  lime,  with  a stream  of  co- 
rine.  The  potassa  is  dissolved  in  sufficient  water  to  form  a solution,  contahg 
1(H  per  cent,  of  the  alkali  (sp.  gr.  1110),  and  mixed  with  the  lime;  anche 
mixture,  after  having  been  gradually  heated  to  122°,  is  subjected  to  a iid 
current  of  chlorine  to  saturation,  the  reaction  caused  by  which  raises  the  n- 
perature  to  about  194°.  The  product  is  then  evaporated  nearly  to  dryness  he 
residue  dissolved  in  boiling  water,  and  the  solution  filtered  and  set  aside  tors- 
tallize.  The  strength  of  the  solution  of  potassa  and  the  temperature,  empled 
in  Prof.  Calvert’s  process,  determine  the  combination  of  part  of  the  c-hlcne 
with  calcium,  instead  of  potassium;  and  the  oxygen  from  the  lime  converkhe 
remaining  chlorine  into  chloric  acid.  A higher  or  lower  density  of  the  po<sa 
solution  was  found  not  to  give  as  favourable  results.  This  process  has  been  ed 
on  a large  scale,  and  is  said  to  have  perfectly  succeeded.  While  the  old  press 
gives  but  43  parts  of  chlorate  to  100  of  anhydrous  potassa,  the  new  yields  60 
parts. 

Properties.  Chlorate  of  potassa  is  a white  anhydrous  salt,  of  a coolingnd 
slightly  acerb  taste.  It  crystallizes  in  rhomboidal  plates  of  a pearly  lustre.  It 
is  soluble  in  10  parts  of  water  at  60°,  and  in  two  and  a half  parts  of  boiling  wer. 
When  thrown  on  burning  coals,  it  augments  their  combustion  remarkably,  sis 
property  is  due  to  the  presence  of  oxygen,  which  may  be  evolved  from  thealt 
in  the  proportion  of  nearly  39  per  cent.,  by  heating  it  a little  above  its  poi  of 
fusion.  The  residue  is  chloride  of  potassium. 

Chlorate  of  potassa  is  characterized  by  giving  out  oxygen  upon  fusion. nd 
leaving  a residue  of  chloride  of  potassium;  by  becoming  first  yellow,  and  :en 
red  by  admixture  with  a little  sulphuric  acid,  and  by  the  action  of  that  cid 
evolving  chlorous  acid  gas  (quadroxide  of  chlorine),  known  by  its  yellow  cour, 
and  explosive  property  when  heated ; by  its  bleaching  power  when  mixed  rst 
with  muriatic  acid  and  then  with  water;  and  by  its  property  of  explodingdo- 
lently  when  triturated  with  a small  portion  of  sulphur  or  phosphorus.  Its  mal 
impurity  is  chloride  of  potassium,  which  may  be  detected  hy  a precipita  of 
chloride  of  silver  being  produced  on  the  addition  of  nitrate  of  silver.  This  est 
does  not  precipitate  the  chlorine  of  the  chloric  acid.  Chlorate  of  potassa  eoi.sts 
of  one  eq.  of  chloric  acid  75'42,  and  one  of  potassa  47 ’2  = 12262. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Chlorate  of  potassa  is  ranked  as  a re  frig  m; 
and  diuretic.  From  experiments  made  by  Dr.  O Shaughnessy  and  othe,  it 
gives  a bright  scarlet  colour  to  the  venous  blood,  and  passes  undeeomposedmo 
the  urine.  The  first  trials  made  with  it  as  a medicine  were  founded  upoitbe 
supposition  that  it  would  prove  an  oxidizing  remedy;  and  hence  it  was  empiM 
in  scurvy,  which  was  supposed  to  depeud  upon  a deficiency  of  oxygen  iitbe 
system,  and  in  syphilis  and  liver  complaint  as  a substitute  for  mercury,  vicb 


P.IT  I. 


Potassae  Chloras. — Potassse  Nitras. 


587 


mjeral  was  held  by  some  to  act  in  these  affections  by  imparting  oxygen.  In 
scwy  it  appears  to  have  acted  beneficially,  but  not  on  the  principle  which  in- 
dvsd  its  trial ; as  it  would  seem  not  to  be  decomposed  in  the  system.  It  has 
ba  employed  by  Dr.  Stevens  and  others  as  a remedy  for  certain  fevers,  and  for 
mignant  cholera,  to  supply  a supposed  deficiency  of  saline  matter  in  the  blood. 
D Henry  Hunt  recommends  it  strongly  in  cancrum  oris,  given  in  solution,  in 
dided  doses,  to  the  amount  of  from  twenty  to  sixty  grains  in  twenty-four  hours, 
aqnrding  to  the  age  of  the  child.  It  lessens  the  fetor  and  salivation  attendant 
oi  he  disease,  and  promotes  the  granulation  of  the  sores.  (BraithwaiJe’ s Retro- 
apt,  viii.  148.)  A similar  practice  in  this  disease  was  followed  by  Dr.  J.  H. 
B'ington,  of  Ireland,  with  great  success.  (See  Am.  Journ.  of  Med.  Sci.,  April, 
113,  p.  491.)  Dr.  B.  L.  Scruggs,  of  Germantown,  Tenn.,  praises  its  effects, 
usl  internally  and  as  a mouth-wash,  in  the  erysipelatous  inflammation  of  the 
mith  and  fauces,  which  occurs  in  the  disease  called  black  tongue.  ( Med . Exam,., 
Ail,  1849.)  The  dose  of  chlorate  of  potassa  is  from  ten  to  thirty  grains.  The 
mith-wash  may  be  made  by  dissolving  a teaspoonful  of  the  salt  in  four  fiuid- 
oiees  of  water. 

hlorate  of  potassa  is  used  to  obtain  pure  oxygen;  to  make  matches  which 
ta : fire  by  friction,  or  when  dipped  in  sulphuric  acid;  and  to  prepare  priming 
fo  ;an non  and  fire-arms.  B. 

POTASSiE  NITRAS.  U.  S.,  Pond,,  Ed.,  Dub. 

Nitrate  of  Potassa. 

itre,  Saltpetre ; Nitrate  de  potasse,  Azotate  de  potasse,  Saltpetre,  Fr. ; Salpetersaures 
K;  , Salpeter,  Germ.,  Dutch,  Dan.,  Swed.;  Nitro,  Ital.,  Span.,  Fort. 

itre  or  saltpetre  is  both  a natural  and  artificial  production.  It  is  found  ready 
foied  in  many  countries,  existing  in  the  soil  on  which  it  forms  a saline  efflo- 
re  snce,  in  the  fissures  of  calcareous  rocks,  and  in  caves.  It  has  been  found  in 
di  rent  parts  of  Europe,  in  Egypt,  and  in  Peru;  but  the  country  in  which  it  is 
mt  abundantly  produced  is  India,  whence  the  principal  part  is  furnished  for 
tblemands  of  commerce.  In  the  United  States  it  is  found,  for  the  most  part, 
iniverns  situated  in  limestone  rock,  called  saltpetre  caves,  and  is  associated 
w nitrate  of  lime.  The  earths  contained  in  them*  are  lixiviated,  and  yield, 
ac  rding  to  their  richness,  from  one  to  ten  pounds  of  crude  nitre  to  the  bushel. 
Tl.se  caves  are  particularly  numerous  in  Kentucky,  and  furnished  a large  pro- 
pc  ion  of  the  nitre  consumed  in  the  United  States  during  the  last  war  with 
E land.  It  exists  also  in  the  vegetable  kingdom,  having  been  found  in  borage, 
to  ceo,  bugloss,  parietaria,  hemlock,  and  the  sun-flower.  The  artificial  sources 
of  itre  are  certain  mixtures  of  animal  and  vegetable  substances  with  wood-ashes 
aficalcareous  matter,  called  nitre-beds;  and  certain  materials,  impregnated  with 
sabetre,  consisting  principally  of  plaster  rubbish,  derived  from  the  demolition 
of  id  buildings. 

(reparation  from  its  Natural  Sources.  In  India  the  saline  earth,  which  on 
afverage  contains  seven  parts  of  nitre  in  a thousand,  is  lixiviated  in  large 
m . filters,  lined  with  stiff  clay,  and  furnished  with  false  bottoms  of  bamboo, 
cojred  with  grass  mats,  on  which  wood-ashes  are  laid.  The  filters  being  then 
fil  l with  the  saline  earth,  water  is  added,  and  the  solution  filters  through  the 
Wi  bashes,  with  the  effect  of  converting  any  nitrate  of  lime  present,  which 
ap  unts  to  nearly  one  per  cent.,  into  nitrate  of  potassa.  The  solution  obtained 
isjaporated  in  earthen  pots,  filtered,  and  set  aside  to  crystallize.  The  impure 
m i thus  obtained  contains  from  45  to  70  per  cent,  of  the  pure  salt.  It  is 
fe ssolved  and  crystallized  by  the  native  merchants,  and  thrown  into  commerce 
ui  ;r  the  name  of  crude  nitre,  or  crude  saltpetre. 


588 


Potassse  Nitras. 


PAE  i. 


Artificial  Preparation.  The  plan  of  forming  saltpetre  in  artificial  nitre-tta 
is  principally  practised  in  Germany;  while  the  method  of  obtaining  it  from  d 
plaster  rubbish  is  followed  in  France.  Artificial  nitre-beds  are  formed  of  ani  il 
and  vegetable  remains,  together  with  ashes  and  calcareous  earth,  which  are  mi  d 
up  with  a portion  of  loose  soil  and  placed  under  sheds,  to  shelter  the  mix -e 
from  the  rain ; while  the  sides  are  left  open  to  permit  the  free  access  of  air.  ' e 
mixture  is  disposed  in  little  ranges  or  heaps,  which  are  frequently  turned  or 
with  a spade,  and  sprinkled  with  urine,  as  a substance  containing  a large  qu- 
tity  of  nitrogen.  At  the  end  of  two  or  three  years  the  nitrogen  is  conveid 
into  nitric  acid,  and  this,  by  uniting  with  the  potassa  existing  in  the  vegetoe 
remains,  forms  nitre.  When  the  contents  of  the  bed  contain  about  four  ouos 
of  the  salt  for  every  cubic  foot  of  the  materials,  they  are  deemed  fit  to  be  li- 
viated.  The  lixiviation  is  performed  with  boiling  water,  which  is  repeat!  y 
thrown  upon  fresh  portions  of  the  mass,  until  the  solution  obtained  is  suffieiery 
strong.  The  lixivium  is  of  a brown  colour,  and  contains  chiefly  the  nitrat  jf 
potassa;  but  at  the  same  time  more  or  less  of  the  nitrates  of  lime  and  magnei, 
and  of  common  salt.  The  earthy  nitrates  are  then  decomposed  by  a solutionf 
wood-ashes,  the  potassa  of  which  converts  them  into  nitre,  and  precipitates  le 
earths.  The  solution  being  further  evaporated,  the  common  salt  rises  to  ,e 
surface  as  a scum,  and  is  removed.  The  solution  is  then  allowed  to  cool,  d 
the  nitrate  crystallizes  in  dirty  white  crystals,  calletl  crude  nitre. 

Nitrate  of  lime  may  be  converted  into  nitre  by  adding  it  to  a solution  of  jl- 
phate  of  potassa.  Sulphate  of  lime  is  precipitated,  and  nitrate  of  potassa  reams 
in  solution. 

When  obtained  from  old  plaster  rubbish,  the  material  is  reduced  to  pow'r 
and  lixiviated,  in  order  to  exhaust  it  of  everything  soluble.  The  solutions 
found  to  contain  the  nitrates  of  potassa  and  lime,  and  common  salt,  and  is  tread 
with  wood-ashes,  which  convert  the  nitrate  of  lime  into  nitrate  of  potassa,  uli 
precipitation  of  the  earth  as  a carbonate.  The  liquor  is  separated  from  the  ]e- 
cipitate  and  concentrated  by  heat ; and  the  common  salt,  as  it  rises  to  the  surfs, 
is  skimmed  off.  When  the  solution  is  so  strong  as  to  mark  45°  of  Raume  s je- 
ometer,  it  is  allowed  to  cool  and  crystallize;  and  the  crystals  form  the  c-rle 
nitre  of  this  process.  The  salt  obtained  in  this  way  generally  contains  from5 
to  88  per  cent,  of  pure  nitre;  the  remainder  being  made  up  of  chloride  of  sodin, 
and  certain  deliquescent  salts.  The  details  of  this  process,  as  practised  in  Pas, 
are  given  by  Thenard. 

The  artificial  preparation  of  saltpetre  is  carried  on  to  a considerable  extenn 
Hungary,  Prof.  Szabo,  of  Pesth,  describes  three  kinds: — gay  saltpetre,  b- 
tained  by  washing  the  earth,  dug  from  the  earth  floors  of  the  huts  of  the  poer 
classes;  plantation  saltpetre. , generated  in  uncovered  heaps,  composed  of  to- 
thirds  washed  gay  earth,  and  one-third  ashes;  and  hehr  saltpetre,  which  isfornB, 
in  certain  districts,  in  the  surface  soil,  prepared  by  strewing  it,  from  tim:o 
time,  with  ashes.  ( Client . Gaz.,  Feb.  2,  1852,  p.  47.) 

Theory  of  Nitrification.  It  is  now  generally  admitted  that  the  continms 
formation  of  nitre  in  nitre  earths,  and  in  artificial  nitre-beds,  depends  uponie 
oxidation  of  the  nitrogen  of  ammonia,  thus  generating  nitric  acid,  the  forma  >n 
of  which  is  facilitated  by  the  presence'  of  alkaline  and  earthy  bases,  with  wl  k 
the  acid  unites.  The  ammonia  is  derived,  for  the  most  part,  from  the  orgac 
remains  in  the  nitre  earths,  and  from  the  animal  matter  which  is  an  essenal 
ingredient  in  the  artificial  mixtures. 

Purification.  Nitrate  of  potassa,  as  first  obtained,  either  from  naturabr 
artificial  sources,  is  called  in  commerce  crude  saltpetre,  and  requires  to  be  pi- 
tied or  refined  before  it  can  be  used  in  medicine,  or  in  most  of  the  arts.  ie 
process,  which  is  founded  principally  on  the  fact  that  nitre  is  more  soluble  tin 


P4T  I. 


Potassse  Nitras. 


589 


comon  salt  in  hot  water,  is  conducted  in  the  following  manner  in  France. 
Ttty  parts  of  the  saltpetre  are  boiled  with  six  parts  of  water,  and  the  portion 
wth  remains  undissolved,  or  is  deposited,  consisting  of  common  salt,  is  carefully 
renved.  As  the  ebullition  proceeds,  a little  water  is  added  from  time  to  time, 
to  old  the  nitre  in  solution.  When  common  salt  ceases  to  be  separated,  the 
sol  ion  is  clarified  with  glue,  and  more  water  is  added  at  intervals,  until  the 
wle  amounts,  including  that  previously  added,  to  ten  parts.  The  clear  solu- 
tio  is  now  transferred  to  large,  shallow  copper  coolers,  where  it  is  agitated  with 
wolen  instruments  to  hasten  the  cooling,  and  to  cause  the  nitre  to  crystallize 
in  nail  grains.  The  purification  is  completed  by  washing  the  salt  with  water, 
or  saturated  solution  of  nitre,  in  a kind  of  wooden  hopper,  with  holes  in  the 
boom  stopped  with  pegs.  The  liquid  employed  is  allowed  to  remain  in  con- 
tacsvith  the  nitre  for  several  hours,  at  the  end  of  which  time  it  is  permitted  to 
dra  off  by  taking  out  the  pegs.  The  salt  being  now  dried,  its  purification  is 
conleted. 

' Sweden,  the  process  of  purification  is  conducted  in  a different  manner.  The 
sol  ion  of  the  crude  nitre  is  boiled,  until  a saline  crust  (common  salt)  forms  on 
itsirface,  and  until  it  is  so  far  concentrated  that  a small  portion  of  it  crystal- 
lizt  upon  cooling.  The  crust  being  removed,  the  solution  is  filtered,  and  di- 
lut  with  l-48th  of  water,  with  a view  to  retain  in  solution  the  common  salt, 
win,  being  somewhat  less  soluble  in  cold  than  in  boiling  water,  would  other- 
wit  be  in  part  precipitated  on  refrigeration.  The  solution  is  now  allowed  to 
coc  and,  at  the  moment  crystals  begin  to  form,  is  stirred  constantly  to  cause  the 
sal  to  crystallize  in  small  grains.  The  granular  salt  is  then  washed  after  the 
Fri  ih  method,  as  above  described,  dried,  and,  being  fused,  is  cast  in  sheet  iron 
mods  so  as  to  form  masses,  each  weighing  from  ten  to  twenty  pounds.  The 
pre. ration  of  nitre  in  this  manner  by  fusion  is,  according  to  Berzelius,  attended 
wit  several  advantages;  such  as  its  occupying  less  space,  its  losing  nothing  by 
wa! : in  transportation,  and  its  presenting,  in  this  state,  an  obvious  index  of 
its  lality.  This  index  is  the  character  of  its  fracture.  When  the  salt  is  per- 
fec  pure,  the  fracture  is  radiated,  the  radii  being  generally  large.  The  pre- 
sen of  l-80th  of  common  salt  renders  the  radii  smaller;  and  of  l-40th,  or  a larger 
qu;  ity,  produces  a zone  in  the  substance  of  the  mass,  devoid  of  the  radiated 
stri  ure,  or  causes  this  structure  to  disappear  entirely.  On  the  other  hand, 
tberoeess  by  fusion  has  the  disadvantage  of  converting  the  salt  in  part  into 
by;  fitrite,  when  heated  too  high,  and  of  rendering  it  difficult  to  pulverize. 

i mmercial  History.  Nitre  is  received  in  this  country  from  Calcutta  in  the 
stai  of  crude  saltpetre,  packed  in  grass  cloth  bags,  containing  from  one  hundred 
and  ftv  to  one  hundred  and  seventy-five  pounds.  The  greater  portion  of  it 
arri  s in  Boston.  Its  quality  varies  considerably.  That  which  comes  in  dirty 
yel  v crystals  is  called  crude  saltpetre;  while  the  finer  lots,  in  small,  compara- 
tive clear  crystals,  approaching  to  white,  are  called  East  India  refined.  Ye rv 
litt.  crude  saltpetre  is  at  present  obtained  from  native  sources  in  the  United 
Sta  i,  on  account  of  the  low  price  of  that  from  India.  The  refined  saltpetre  is 
almt  eaclusivelv  prepared  by  our  own  chemists;  and  a considerable  portion  of 
it  if  xported. 

J connected  with  the  subject  of  saltpetre,  it  may  be  proper  in  this  place  to 
not : what  is  incorrectly  called  South  American  saltpetre,  considerable  quan- 
titn  of  which  have  been  received  within  a few  years  from  Peru  and  Chili.  It 
is  7i  'ate  of  soda,  and  comes  in  bags  containing  about  two  hundred  and  seventy 
pouisof  the  salt  in  the  crude  state.  This  nitrate  is  coming  into  use  with  our 
mai  facturing  chemists,  and  is  better  suited  than  nitre  for  preparing  nitric  and 
sul]  aric  acids,  on  account  of  the  greater  proportional  quantity  of  acid  which 
it  c itains.  It  is,  however,  not  applicable  to  the  purpose  of  making  gun- 
pov  r,  from  its  tendency  to  absorb  moisture. 


590 


Potassse  Nitras. 


PAR'  , 


Nitrate  of  soda  may  be  decomposed,  so  as  to  yield  nitre,  by  means  of  cay'c 
American  potash  (red  potash  of  commerce),  by  Mr.  Rotc-h’s  patented  proc 
This  process  gives  a nitre  equal  in  purity  to  the  East  India  refined.  For  e 
details  see  the  Pharm.  Journ.  and  Trans.,  xi.  36.  The  same  salt  will  furih 
nitre  by  double  decomposition  with  carbonate  of  potassa  (pearlash).  (Ibid.,  i. 
236,  from  Pharm.  Cent.  Blatt.)  Mr.  Hill  decomposes  nitrate  of  soda  by  me  5 
of  chloride  of  potassium,  forming,  by  double  decomposition,  nitrate  of  potassa  <1 
chloride  of  sodium.  The  latter  is  got  rid  of,  in  the  usual  manner,  by  the  evi- 
ration of  the  solution  of  the  mixed  salts. 

Properties.  Nitre  is  a white  salt,  possessing  a sharp,  cooling,  and  sligly 
bitterish  taste,  and  generally  crystallized  in  long,  striated,  semi-transparent,  j- 
sided  prisms,  with  dihedral  summits.  It  dissolves  in  four  or  five  times  its  weiit 
of  cold,  and  in  about  two-fifths  of  its  weight  of  boiling  water.  It  is  spark  y 
soluble  in  rectified  spirit,  but  insoluble  in  absolute  alcohol.  It  undergoes 
alteration  in  the  air,  unless  this  be  very  moist.  It  yields  a yellow  precipi  :e 
with  chloride  of  platinum,  showing  that  potassa  forms  its  base.  It  contaimio 
water  of  crystallization;  but  is  apt  to  hold  a portion  of  liquid,  mechanic.v 
lodged  within  the  substance  of  the  crystals.  This  is  particularly  the  case  vh 
the  large  crystals,  and,  according  to  Berzelius,  is  a source  of  impurity;  asie 
liquid  in  question  is  a portion  of  the  mother-waters  in  which  they  were  forni. 
It  is  on  this  account  that  Berzelius  recommends  that  the  solution  of  the  pur  d 
salt  should  be  stirred  during  crystallization,  so  as  to  cause  it  to  shoot  into  sidl 
crystals.  When  exposed  to  heat,  nitre  fuses  without  losing  weight  at  about  6f°. 
The  fused  mass,  when  cast  in  moulds,  or  formed  into  little  circular  cakes,  n- 
stitutes  that  form  of  nitre,  kept  in  the  shops  under  the  name  of  crystal  minal 
or  sal  prunelle.*  If  the  heat  be  increased,  the  salt  is  decomposed,  evolves  jre 
oxygen,  and  is  reduced  to  the  state  of  hyponitrite,  which,  when  rubbed  to  pv- 
der,  emits  orange-coloured  fumes  of  nitrous  acid  and  nitric  oxide,  on  the  addiin 
of  sulphuric  acid.  Upon  a further  continuance  of  the  heat,  the  hyponitrous  id 
itself  is  decomposed,  and  a large  additional  quantity  of  oxygen  is  evolved,  n- 
taminated,  however,  with  more  or  less  nitrogen.  On  account  of  the  large  o- 
portion  of  oxygen  wThich  it  contains,  nitre  increases  the  combustion  of  my 
substances  in  a remarkable  degree.  When  thrown  on  burning  coals,  it  deflagies 
with  bright  scintillations.  Nitre  may  be  readily  recognised  by  its  effecin 
increasing  the  combustion  of  live  coals,  when  thrown  upon  them;  and  by  evolag 
white  or  reddish  vapours  on  the  addition  of  sulphuric  acid.  Its  most  u.al 
impurity  is  common  salt,  which  is  seldom  entirely  absent,  and  which  injur  it 
for  the  manufacture  of  gunpowder.  The  presence  of  this  salt  or  of  ehlorit  of 
potassium  will  cause  a precipitate  with  nitrate  of  silver.  If  a sulphate  be  prent, 
a precipitate  will  be  formed  with  chloride  of  barium.  One  hundred  grains  oihe 
pure  and  dry  salt,  treated  with  sixty  grains  of  sulphuric  acid,  and  the  w>le 
iguited  until  it  ceases  to  lose  weight,  yield  eighty-six  grains  of  sulphate  of  pot.-a. 
If  the  residue  weighs  less,  part  of  it  is  probably  sulphate  of  soda,  and  the  i re 
tested  may  be  assumed  to  have  contained  nitrate  of  soda.  The  refined  or  jri- 
fied  saltpetre  of  commerce  is  sufficiently  pure  for  medical  use.  Nevertheless  lie 
Dublin  College,  with  needless  refinement,  has  given  a formula  for  its  purific-am. 
(See  Potassse  Nitras  Puruni .)  Nitrate  of  potassa  is  composed  of  one  eq.  of  me 
acid  54,  and  one  of  potassa  47'2  = 101'2. 

* Sal  prunelle,  as  directed  to  be  made  in  the  French  Codex,  is  a mixture  of  nitratind 
sulphate  of  potassa.  It  is  prepared  by  fusing  nitre  in  a Hessian  crucible,  adding  1-  Sth 
part  of  sulphur,  and  pouring  out  the  product  on  a smooth  marble  slab,  where  it  is  olKed 
to  congeal.  The  sulphur  immediately  takes  fire.  and.  by  combining  with  oxygen  from  ran 
of  the  nitric  acid  of  the  nitre,  becomes  sulphuric  acid,  which  then  unites  with  a smalor- 
tion  of  potassa,  to  form  sulphate  of  potassa. 


pa?  i. 


Potassse  Nitras. 


591 


jdical  Properties.  Nitre  is  considered  refrigerant,  diuretic,  and  diaphoretic, 
ancs  much  used  in  inflammatory  diseases.  It  is  known  to  be  a powerful  anti- 
sep’.  It  generally  promotes  the  secretion  of  urine  and  sweat,  lessens  the  heat 
of  ie  body  and  tbe  frequency  of  the  pulse,  and  has  a tendency  to  keep  the  bowels 
in  soluble  condition.  When  taken  in  health,  in  quantities  increasing  gradually 
froi  one  to  five  drachms  daily,  for  the  space  of  from  eight  to  twelve  days,  it  was 
foul  by  F.  Lofiler  to  produce  general  weakness,  lowness  of  spirits,  constant  dis- 
pos.on  to  sleep,  and  slow  and  weak  pulse.  Towards  the  end  of  the  experiment, 
the  ulse  several  times  fell  to  twenty  beats  in  the  minute.  During  the  use  of 
the  ledicine,  the  appetite  and  digestion  continued  good,  and  the  bowels  were 
regar;  though,  occasionally,  some  pain  was  experienced  in  the  abdomen,  fol- 
low! by  purging.  The  blood,  drawn  at  the  end  of  the  period,  resembled  cherry 
juic  in  colour,  exhibited  paler  blood  corpuscles  than  in  health,  coagulated  very 
qui  lly,  forming  a clot  of  diminished  firmness,  was  more  watery  than  natural, 
and  iminished  in  the  proportion  of  its  fat.  ( Am.Journ.of  Med.  Sci.,  xviii.  204, 
froi  Schmidt’s  Jahrh.) 

lire  is  very  frequently  prescribed  with  tartar  emetic  and  calomel,  forming  a 
conination  usually  called  the  nitrous  powder , which  promotes  most  of  the 
sections,  particularly  those  of  the  liver  and  skin,  and  which  in  many  cases  is 
advjitageously  employed  in  lessening  and  modifying  febrile  excitement.  The 
fornla  usually  preferred  is  eight  or  ten  grains  of  nitre,  the  eighth  of  a grain 
of  ttar  emetic,  and  from  the  fourth  to  the  half  of  a grain  of  calomel,  exhibited 
eve  two  or  three  hours.  Nitre  is  frequently  given  in  active  hemorrhages,  par- 
ticurly  haemoptysis,  and  is  a useful  ingredient  of  gargles,  in  certain  stages  of 
infhunatory  sorethroat.  Dr.  Frisi,  an  Italian  physician,  found  it  very  efficacious 
iu  aase  of  obstinate  spasmodic  asthma,  in  affording  speedy  relief,  and  cutting 
slioi  the  attack  as  often  as  it  was  repeated.  In  the  same  disease,  nitrous  fumi- 
gati  has  been  found  useful,  performed  by  inhaling  for  a quarter  of  an  hour 
the  mes  from  burning  touch  paper,  prepai-ed  by  dipping  blotting  paper  in  a 
sate  ted  solution  of  nitre,  and  afterwards  drying  it.  In  the  form  of  sal  prunelle, 
it  is  libbed  on  chapped  lips.  The  dose  is  from  ten  to  fifteen  grains,  dissolved 
in  mer  or  some  mucilaginous  liquid,  and  repeated  every  two  or  three  hours. 
Fro  one  to  three  drachms  may  be  exhibited  in  the  course  of  the  day.  If  giveix 
too  jjxely,  or  for  too  long  a period,  it  is  apt  to  excite  pain  in  the  stomach.  In 
an  ordose  (half  an  ounce  to  an  ounce  or  more),  taken  in  concentrated  solution, 
it  cr  ses  heat  and  pain  in  the  stomach,  vomiting  and  purging  of  blood,  great 
prosition,  convulsions,  and  sometimes  death.  On  dissection,  the  stomach  and 
internes  are  found  inflamed.  The  treatment  consists  in  the  speedy  removal  of 
the  ison  from  the  stomach,  and  in  the  administration  of  mucilaginous  drinks, 
laud  um  to  allay  pain  and  irritation,  and  cordials  to  sustain  the  system.  No 
anti'  te  is  known. 

N withstanding  the  toxical  pi’operties  of  nitre  when  taken  in  a large  dose  in 
cone  itrated  solution,  it  may  be  given,  in  divided  doses,  to  the  extent  of  one  or 
two  mces  in  twenty-four  hours,  provided  it  be  largely  diluted  with  water.  It 
is  pi  cipally  in  acute  rheumatism  that  large  doses  of  this  salt  have  been  given  ; 
andith  M.  Gendrin  and  M.  Martin-Solon  bear  testimony  to  its  remarkable  effi- 
cacy i that  disease,  after  ample  experience  with  its  use  in  two  of  the  hospitals 
of  1 is.  Dr.  Henry  Bennett,  of  London,  also  speaks  highly  of  its  efficacy  in 
the  i ne  disease.  It  may  be  given  in  quantities,  varying  from  six  to  sixteen 
draoxs  in  twenty-four  hours,  dissolved  in  sweetened  barley  water,  in  the  pi-o- 
port  i of  half  an  ounce  of  the  salt  to  a pint  and  a half  or  two  pints  of  the  liquid. 
Aduiiistered  in  this  way,  the  principal  action  of  the  salt  is  that  of  a sedative  on 
the  i culation,  decreasing  the  force  and  frequency  of  the  pulse. 

F mnaceutical  Uses,  &c.  In  pharmacy  nitre  is  employed  to  form  crocus  of 


592 


PABL 


Potassse  Niiras. — Potassae  Sulphas. 

antimony,  and  to  procure  nitric  acid.  It  is  also  used  in  the  formula  of  the  IS. 
Pharmacopoeia  for  obtaining  sweet  spirit  of  nitre.  It  enters  into  the  compos  tn 
of  inoxa,  and  is  employed  in  preparing  the  sulphate  of  potassa  with  sulphi  of 
the  Edinburgh  College.  In  the  laboratory  it  is  used  as  an  oxidizing  agent,  id 
to  yield  oxygen  at  a red  heat.  In  the  arts  it  is  employed  in  the  productk.of 
aqua  fortis  (common  nitric  acid),  the  manufacture  of  sulphuric  acid,  anche 
fabrication  of  gunpowder. 

Off.  Prep.  Acidurn  Nitricum  Purum ; Collodiutn;  Potassae  Xitras  Puin; 
Potassae  Sulphas  cum  Sulphure;  Spiritus  PEtheris  Xitriei;  Unguentum  fi. 
phuris  Compositum. 

POTASSiE  SULPHAS.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Bui. 
Sulphate  of  Potassa. 

Vitriolated  tartar:  Tartarum  vitriolatum,  Arcanum  duplicatum,  Sal  de  duobns,  it.: 
Sulfate  de  potasse,  Potasse  vitriolee,  Fr.;  Scliwefelsaures  Kali,  Vitriolisirtir  Wein-in, 
Germ.;  Solfato  di  potassa,  Ilal. 

Several  chemical  processes  give  rise  to  sulphate  of  potassa  as  a secondarjro- 
duct.  Thus,  it  is  produced  in  the  distillation  of  nitric  acid  from  a mixtu  of 
nitre  with  sulphuric  acid;  in  the  decomposition  of  sulphate  of  magnesia  b'ar- 
bonate  of  potassa,  in  one  of  the  processes  for  preparing  carbonate  of  magnia; 
during  the  combustion  of  the  mixture  of  nitre  and  sulphur  in  the  manufaare 
of  sulphuric  acid  ; and  in  the  decomposition  of  tartrate  of  potassa  by  suljate 
of  lime.  (See  Aculum  Nitricum , Acidurn  Sulphuricum,  and  Acidurn  Taitri- 
cum.)  When  nitric  acid  is  obtained  by  calcining  a mixture  of  nitre  andul- 
phate  of  iron,  the  residue  consists  of  sesquioxide  of  iron  and  sulphate  of  po«sa, 
the  latter  of  which,  being  alone  soluble,  is  separated  by  means  of  watennd 
crystallized  from  its  solution.  The  residue  of  the  combustion  of  sulphuind 
nitre,  in  making  sulphuric  acid,  is  an  impure  sulphate  of  potassa  mixedrith 
sulphur,  which  is  sold  to  the  alum  makers. 

The  U.  S.  and  London  Pharmacopoeias  place  sulphate  of  potassa  in  th  list 
of  the  Materia  Mediea;  the  Edinburgh  and  Dublin,  among  the  preparams, 
obtaining  it  from  the  salt  which  remains  after  the  distillation  of  nitric cid. 
This  salt  is  a supersulphate  of  potassa,  and  must  be  so  treated  as  to  bring  to 
the  neutral  state.  The  Edinburgh  College  brings  it  to  that  state  by  rem  ing 
the  excess  of  acid  by  the  addition  of  white  marble,  which  converts  it  if  an 
insoluble  sulphate  of  lime.  The  Dublin  College  saturates  the  supersalt  in  biing 
solution  with  slaked  lime;  strains  the  solution  to  separate  the  sulphate  of  ae; 
adds  carbonate  of  potassa  at  the  boiling  temperature,  to  remove  lime  ansul- 
phate  of  lime;  strains  again ; exactly  neutralizes  the  strained  li<juor  with  dited 
sulphuric  acid ; and,  finally,  having  evaporated  it  to  a pellicle,  sets  it  asi  for 
twTenty-four  hours  to  crystallize. 

The  manufacturer  of  tartaric  acid  who  avails  himself  of  sulphate  of  lie  to 
decompose  the  tartrate  of  potassa,  forms  sulphate  of  potassa  as  a collatertpro- 
duct.  For  the  manner  in  which  the  latter  salt  may  be  economically  crysttizol 
for  use  in  the  arts,  see  Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xxiii.  343. 

Properties.  Sulphate  of  potassa  is  a white,  anhydrous  salt,  in  the  foi  of 
small,  aggregated,  transparent,  very  hard  crystals,  permanent  in  the  air.  Wing 
the  shape  usually  of  short  six-sided  prisms,  terminated  by  six-sided  pyraids, 
and  possessing  a nauseous,  somewhat  bitter  taste.  Insoluble  in  alcohoD  is 
slowly  soluble  in  about  nine  and  a half  times  its  weight  of  cold,  and  in  les  ban 
four  times  its  weight  of  boiling  water.  (Gay-Lussac .)  Its  solution  is  pcipi- 
tated  yellow  by  chloride  of  platinum,  and  white  by  chloride  of  barium.  -Ided 
to  a solution  of  sulphate  of  alumina,  it  generates  alum,  recoguised  by  tkxto- 


PAI I.  Potassse  Sulphas. — Potassii  Ferrocyanuretum. 


593 


h&al  shape  of  its  crystals.  It  is  decomposed  by  tartaric  acid,  which  forms 
bit  trate  of  potassa,  and  by  the  soluble  salts  of  baryta,  strontia,  lime,  silver, 
an  lead,  forming  insoluble  or  sparingly  soluble  sulphates.  This  salt  is  not 
subct  to  adulteration.  It  consists  of  one  eq.  of  sulphuric  acid  40,  and  one  of 
poi-sa  47*2=87*2. 

edical  Properties  and  Uses.  Sulphate  of  potassa  is  a mild  purgative,  ope- 
ratg  without  heat,  pain,  or  'other  symptoms  of  irritation.  In  small  doses  of 
frc  a scruple  to  half  a drachm,  it  operates  as  an  aperient,  and  is  useful  in 
renving  obstructions ; in  larger  doses,  of  four  or  five  drachms,  it  acts  slowly 
as  purge.  Combined  with  rhubarb,  in  the  proportion  of  about  a drachm  of  the 
saLo  ten  grains  of  the  root,  Dr.  Fordyce  found  it  an  excellent  alterative  cathartic 
in  e visceral  obstructions  of  children,  characterized  by  a tumid  abdomen,  and 
deistive  digestion  and  nutrition ; and  we  can  bear  testimony  to  its  efficacy  in 
the  cases.  The  late  Dr.  A.  T.  Thomson  found  this  salt,  in  combination  with 
rh'arb  or  aloes,  “ more  useful  than  any  of  the  other  saline  purgatives,  in  jaun- 
dic  and  dyspeptic  affections.”  On  the  continent  of  Europe  it  is  frequently 
gin  as  an  aperient  after  delivery,  and  for  the  purpose  of  drying  up  the  milk. 
It  iters  into  the  composition  of  Dover's  powder. 

^withstanding  the  general  sentiment  of  practitioners  as  to  the  mildness  and 
saf y of  sulphate  of  potassa  as  a purgative,  several  cases  have  been  reported  in 
thfJournals  of  supposed  poisoning  from  its  use.  M.  Moritz  attributed  the 
poi  nous  effects  of  the  salt,  in  the  case  which  came  under  his  notice,  to  the  pre- 
set! of  a notable  quantity  of  sulphate  of  zinc;  but  his  explanation  cannot  be 
adi  tted  as  adequate.  In  other  cases,  the  salt,  though  found  to  be  pure,  seemed 
to  t as  a poison.  Still,  we  are  not  disposed  to  admit  that  sulphate  of  potassa 
is  isonous.  In  the  cases  in  which  it  apparently  acted  as  such,  its  effects  may 
be  tributed  sometimes  to  the  largeness  of  the  dose  in  which  it  was  adminis- 
ter, and  perhaps  also  to  the  insufficiency  of  the  water  used  to  dissolve  it;  at 
off  times,  where  the  dose  used  was  moderate,  to  the  existence  of  a predis- 
pofion  to  gastric  inflammation.  For  further  information  in  relation  to  this 
sulct,  the  reader  is  referred  to  a paper  by  Dr.  T.  Homey n Beck,  in  the  Amer. 
Jem.  of  the  Med.  Sci.,  N.  S.,  vii.  88. 

f.  Prep.  Pilulse  Colocyntliidis  Composite ; Pilulae  Opii  sive  Thebaicae ; 
Fossae  Bisulphas;  Pulvis  Ipecacuanhae  et  Opii;  Pulvis  Salinus  Compositus. 

B. 

POTASSII  FERROCYANURETUM.  U.S. 

Ferrocyanuret  of  Potassium. 

■>.  Syn.  POTASSII  FERROCYANIDUM.  Land,,  Ed.,  Dub. 

J 'rocyanide  of  potassium,  Ferrocyanate  of  potassa,  Ferroprussiate  of  potassa,  Prus- 
sia! if  potassa;  Proto-cyanure  jauue  de  fer  et  de  potassium,  Fr. ; Cyaneisenkalium,  Germ. 

- is  is  the  yellow  double  cyanuret  of  potassium  and  iron,  the  salt  from  which 
the  yanuret  of  potassium  is  obtained  by  calcination  at  a low  red  heat.  (See 
Porsii  Cyanuretum.') 

Irrocyanuret  of  potassium  is  prepared  on  a large  scale  by  calcining  animal 
ma  rs,  such  as  dried  blood,  hoofs,  chips  of  horn,  woollen  rags,  old  leather,  the 
refi!  of  tallow-chandlers,  called  greaves , and  other  substances  rich  in  nitrogen, 
wit  he  pearlash  of  commerce,  in  an  egg-shaped  iron  pot,  called  a shell,  dissolv- 
lughe  calcined  mass,  after  cooling,  in  water,  and  evaporating  the  solution  so 
tba crystals  may  form.  The  requisite  iron  for  forming  the  salt  is  derived  from 
the  ots  and  stirrers  used  in  the  process.  Occasionally  iron  filings  are  added. 

- new  process  for  manufacturing  this  salt,  carried  into  successful  operation 
at . w Castle-on-Tyne  by  MM.  Possoz  and  Boissiere,  dispenses  with  the  use  of 

38 


594 


Potassii  Ferrocyanuretum. 


PAI  I. 


animal  matters;  the  necessary  nitrogen  being  obtained  by  a current  of  a to- 
spheric  air.  In  this  process  fragments  of  charcoal,  impregnated  with  thirt  ,er 
cent,  of  carbonate  of  potassa,  are  heated  to  white  redness  in  a cylinder,  thrU 
which  a current  of  air  is  drawn  by  a suction  pump.  For  further  details  in  la- 
tion  to  this  process,  see  the  paper  of  Mr.  Ambrose  Smith  on  the  manufai.re 
of  this  salt,  contained  in  the  Am.  Journ.  of  Pharmacy,  for  July,  1848,  p.  '8. 

Properties.  Ferrocyanuret  of  potassium  is  in  large,  beautiful,  transpa  it, 
permanent,  four-sided,  tabular  crystals,  of  a lemon-yellow  colour,  devoid  of  otir. 
but  possessing  a sweetish,  yet  somewhat  bitter,  saline  taste.  It  dissolve  in 
between  three  and  four  times  its  weight  of  cold  water,  and  in  about  its  m 
weight  of  boiling  water,  but  is  insoluble  in  alcohol.  It  acts  but  slightly,  at 
all,  on  turmeric  paper.  The  alkaline  reaction,  when  it  occurs,  is  probably  o ng 
to  the  presence  of  a little  free  potassa  retained  by  the  water  of  crystallizam. 
When  heated  to  140°  it  loses  its  water  of  crystallization,  amounting  to  !'6 
per  cent.,  and  becomes  white.  When  ignited,  the  insoluble  residue  amoun  to 
18'7  per  cent,  of  sesquioxide  of  iron,  resulting  from  the  oxidation  of  the  in  of 
the  salt.  It  is  characterized  by  striking  a deep  blue  colour  with  the  sal  of 
sesquioxide  of  iron,  a deep  brown  one  with  the  salts  of  copper,  and  a white  ne 
with  those  of  zinc,  the  several  precipitates  formed  being  ferrocyanurets  ot he 
respective  metals.  Heated  with  eight  or  ten  times  its  weight  of  concentred 
sulphuric  acid,  a large  quantity  of  pure  carbonic  oxide  is  evolved.  (Fows.) 
When  boiled  with  dilute  sulphuric  acid,  it  emits  the  smell  of  hydrocyanic  id. 
Ferrocyanuret  of  potassium  consists  of  two  eqs.  of  cyanuret  of  potassium  If  4, 
one  of  cyanuret  of  iron  54,  and  three  of  water  27  = 211'4.  The  water  prent 
is  just  sufficient  to  convert  the  iron  and  potassium  into  protoxides,  and  theca- 
nogen  into  hydrocyanic  acid.  Apart  from  the  water  present,  it  is  genelly 
considered  to  consist  of  a compound  radical,  called  ferrocyanogen,  forme  of 
three  eqs.  of  cyanogen  and  one  of  iron  (tercyanuret  of  iron),  united  witkwo 
eqs.  of  potassium.  Hence  its  officinal  name.  This  salt  is  remarkably  pn  as 
it  occurs  in  commerce. 

Medical  Properties,  &c.  Judging  from  the  experiments  of  the  German  p si- 
cians,  this  salt  possesses  but  little  activity.  Callies,  as  quoted  by  Pereira,  f.nd 
the  commercial  salt  slightly  poisonous,  but  the  pure  salt  unproductive  of  irm 
in  the  dose  of  several  ounces.  It  should  be  borne  in  mind  that  it  is  the  >m- 
mercial  salt  which  is  used  medicinally.  Westrumb  and  Hering  proved  tl:  it 
passed  with  rapidity  into  the  blood  and  urine. 

Notwithstanding  these  statements,  the  late  Dr.  Burleigh  Smart,  of  Kenmee, 
Maine,  found  this  salt  to  possess  active  medicinal  powers.  [Am.  Journ.  of  led. 
Sri.,  xv.  362.)  Its  primary  effect  was  that  of  a sedative,  diminishing  the  fuess 
and  frequency  of  the  pulse,  and  allaying  pain  and  irritation.  It  acted  also,  ider 
favourable  circumstances,  as  a diaphoretic  and  astringent.  Dr.  Smart  us.  it 
with  success  in  a case  of  chronic  bronchitis  in  a child,  with  the  effect,  in  Few 
days,  of  diminishing  the  frequency  of  the  pulse,  and  of  lessening  the  sweeng, 
cough,  and  dyspnoea.  It  sometimes  acted  as  a diaphoretic,  but  only  in  ses 
attended  with  excessive  vascular  action  and  increased  heat  of  skin.  4 an 
astringent  its  power  was  most  conspicuous  in  the  colliquative  sweats  of  ebnic 
bronchitis  and  phthisis.  The  same  power  was  evinced  in  several  cases  oteu- 
corrhoea  cured  by  its  use.  It  sometimes  produced  ptyalism,  unattended,  ow- 
ever,  by  swelling  of  the  salivary  glands  or  fetor  of  the  breath.  Its  prop  tie; 
as  an  anodyne  and  sedative  rendered  it  applicable  to  cases  of  neuralgic  painand 
whooping  cough,  in  which  diseases,  especially  the  latter.  Dr.  Smart  foul  it 
useful.  When  given  in  an  overdose  he  stated  that  it  occasioned  vertigo,  col 
and  numbness,  with  a sense  of  gastric  sinking. 

The  form  of  administration  which  Dr.  Smart  preferred  was  that  of  solutii.  ia 
the  proportion  of  two  drachms  to  the  fluidounce  of  water.  Of  this  the  dose  ran 


P4T  I.  Potassii  Ferrocyanuretum. — Prinos.  595 

ad  t was  from  30  to  45  drops,  equivalent  to  from  10  to  15  grains  of  the  salt, 
rejated  every  four  or  six  hours. 

bis  salt  is  manufactured  on  a large  scale,  chiefly  for  the  use  of  dyers  and 
calo-printers.  In  pharmacy  it  is  employed  to  prepare  diluted  hydrocyanic  acid, 
Pr:sian  blue,  and  the  cyanurets  of  potassium  and  silver. 

■ff.  Prep.  Acidum  Hydrocyanicum  Dilutum;  Argenti  Cyanuretum;  Ferri 
Fcoeyanuretum;  Potassii  Cyanuretum.  B. 

PRINOS.  TJ.  S.  Secondary. 

Black  Alder. 

fie  bark  of  Prinos  verticillatus.  TJ.  S. 

S.IN.OS.  Sex.  Syst.  Hexandria  Monogynia. — Xat.  Ord.  Aquifoliacese. 

pi.  C'h.  Ccdyx  small,  six-cleft.  Corolla  monopetalous,  subrotate,  six-parted. 
Bey  six-seeded ; seeds  nuciform.  Nuttall. 

Hnos  verticillatus.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  ii.  225  ; Bigelow,  Am.  Bled.  Pot.  iii. 
14  Barton,  Med.  Pot.  i.  203.  The  black  alder  is  an  indigenous  shrub,  with 
a sm  six  or  eight  feet  high,  furnished  with  alternate,  spreading  branches,  and 
cored  with  a bluish-gray  bark.  The  leaves,  which  stand  alternately  or  irregu- 
lar on  short  petioles,  are  oval,  pointed,  tapering  at  the  base,  acutely  serrate, 
of  dark-green  colour,  smooth  on  their  upper  surface,  but  downy  on  the  veins 
betith.  The  flowers  are  small,  white,  nearly  sessile,  and  grow  three  or  four 
tog  her  at  the  axils  of  the  leaves.  They  are  often  dioecious.  The  calyx  is  per- 
sisl it ; the  segments  of  the  corolla  obtuse;  the  stamens  usually  six  in  number, 
anc’urnished  with  oblong  anthers;  the  germ  large,  green,  roundish,  and  sur- 
mo'ited  by  a short  style,  terminating  in  an  obtuse  stigma.  The  fruit  when 
rip> consists  of  glossy,  scarlet,  roundish  berries,  about  the  size  of  a pea,  con- 
taii  ig  six  cells  and  six  seeds.  Several  of  these  berries  are  clustered  together 
so ; to  form  little  bunches  at  irregular  intervals  on  the  stem.  In  the  latter 
par  of  autumn,  after  the  leaves  have  fallen,  they  still  remain  attached  to  the 
stei  and  render  the  shrub  a striking  object  in  the  midst  of  the  general  naked- 
nesof  vegetation.  Hence  the  plant  has  received  the  name  of  winter-berry,  by 
win  it  is  frequently  designated. 

Rrows  in  all  parts  of  the  United  States,  from  Canada  to  Florida,  frequenting 
low  et  places,  such  as  swamps,  and  the  borders  of  ponds,  ditches,  and  streams. 
Its  >wers  appear  in  June.  The  berries,  which  have  a bitter,  sweetish,  some- 
wh;  acrid  taste,  are  sometimes  used  medicinally  for  the  same  purposes  with  the 
bar.  which  is  the  officinal  portion. 

4 3 dried  bark  is  in  slender  pieces,  more  or  less  rolled,  brittle,  greenish-white 
inte  ally,  and  covered  with  a smooth  epidermis,  easily  separable,  and  of  a 
whi  k-ash  colour,  alternating  or  mingled  with  brown.  It  has  no  smell,  but  a 
bitt  and  slightly  astringent  taste.  Boiling  water  extracts  its  virtues. 

idical  Properties  and  Uses.  Black  alder  is  usually  considered  tonic  and 
ast-rlgent;  and  is  among  the  remedies  proposed  as  substitutes  for  Peruvian  bark, 
witl  vhick,  however,  it  has  very  little  analogy.  It  has  been  recommended  in 
inte  iittent  fever,  diarrhoea,  and  other  diseases  connected  with  debility,  espe- 
eial  gangrene  and  mortification.  It  is  a popular  remedy  in  gangrenous  or  flabby 
and  1-conditioned  ulcers,  and  in  chronic  cutaneous  eruptions,  in  which  it  is 
give  internally,  and  applied  locally  in  the  form  of  a wash  or  poultice.  It  may 
he  ijd  in  substance  or  decoction.  The  dose  of  the  powder  is  from  thirty  grains 
to  ajrachm,  to  be  repeated  several  times  a day.  The  decoction,  which  is  usually 
prefued  both  for  internal  and  external  use,  may  be  prepared  by  boiling  two 
oun:;  of  the  bark  with  three  pints  of  water  to  a quart,  and  given  in  the  dose  of 
two  • three  fluidounces.  A saturated  tincture,  as  well  of  the  berries  as  of  the 
bar]  is  sometimes  employed.  W. 


596 


Prunum. — Prunus  Virginiana. 


PAR 


PRUNUM.  U.S.,  Land. 

Prunes. 

The  dried  fruit  of  Primus  domestica.  U.  S.  The  prepared  fruit.  Lond. 

Off.  Syn.  PRIJNA.  Dried  fruit  of  Prunus  domestica.  Ed.,  Dub. 

Pruneaux,  Ft.;  Pflaumen,  Germ.;  Pruni,  Ital.;  Ciruelas  secas,  Span. 

Prunus.  Sex.  Syst.  Icosandria  Monogynia. — Nat.  Orel.  Amygdaleae. 

Gen.  Ch.  Calyx  inferior,  bell-shaped,  deciduous,  with  five  obtuse,  conre 
segments.  Petals  five,  roundish,  concave,  spreading,  larger  than  the  segmts 
of  the  calyx,  into  the  rim  of  which  they  are  inserted.  Filaments  awl-sha  1, 
nearly  as  long  as  the  corolla,  from  the  rim  of  the  calyx  within  the  petals,  zi- 
thers short,  of  two  round  lobes.  Ovary  superior,  roundish.  Style  of  the  lei  :h 
of  the  stamens.  Stigma  orbicular,  peltate.  Drupe  roundish  or  elliptical,  ut 
hard,  somewhat  compressed,  of  one  cell,  and  two  more  or  less  distinct  sutes 
with  an  intermediate  furrow.  Leaves  rolled  up  when  young.  ( Lindley .)  i 

Prunus  domestica.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  ii.  995 ; Woodv.  Med.  Bot.  p.  520,  t.  7. 
The  cultivated  prune  or  plum  tree  is  so  well  known  as  to  render  a minutee- 
scription  unnecessary.  We  merely  give  the  specific  character.  “ Peduncles  ib- 
solitary;  leaves  lanceolate-ovate,  couvolute;  branches  not  spiny.”  The  varices 
of  the  tree  produced  by  cultivation  are  very  numerous.  Nearly  one  hundrecre 
to  be  found  in  the  British  gardens.  Though  at  present  growing  wild  in  vams 
parts  of  Europe,  it  is  thought  to  have  been  brought  originally  from  Asia  Mor 
and  Syria.  It  is  the  dried  fruit  only  that  is  officinal. 

The  prunes  brought  to  our  market  come  chiefly  from  the  South  of  France  he 
best  from  the  port  of  Bordeaux.  They  are  derived  from  the  variety  of  the  ee 
named  Juliana  by  Linnaeus.  The  fresh  fruit,  called  Prune  de  Saint  Juliet] 
the  French,  is  of  an  oval  shape,  nearly  an  inch  in  length,  and  of  a deep  net 
colour.  It  is  prepared  by  drying  in  the  sun,  after  having  been  exposed  tche 
heat  of  an  oven.  The  finest  prunes,  used  on  the  tables  in  France,  are  preped 
from  the  larger  kinds  of  plums,  such  as  the  Saint  Catharine  and  Peine-Chde 
or  green-gage.  An  inferior  sort  is  brought  from  Germany. 

Prunes  have  a feeble  odour,  and  a sweet  mucilaginous  taste,  which  is  gene  :ly 
also  somewhat  acid.  They  contain  uncrystallizable  sugar,  malic  acid,  andiu- 
cilaginous  matter.  In  Germany  there  is  obtained  from  this  fruit  a kind  of  braly, 
which  in  some  districts  is  largely  consumed.  Bonneberg,  a German  chemistias 
extracted  from  prunes  crystallizable  sugar,  equal  to  that  of  the  cane. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Prunes  are  laxative  and  nutritious,  and  st  ed 
with  water  form  an  excellent  diet  in  costiveness,  especially  during  convalesce 
from  febrile  and  inflammatory  diseases.  Imparting  their  laxative  property  to  iter 
in  which  they  are  boiled,  they  serve  as  a pleasant  and  useful  addition  to  purgive 
decoctions.  Their  pulp  is  used  in  the  preparation  of  laxative  confections,  loo 
largely  taken  in  a debilitated  state  of  the  digestive  organs,  they  are  apt  to  ca- 
sion  flatulence,  and  griping  pain  in  the  stomach  and  bowels. 

Off.  Prep.  Pruni  Pulpa. 

PRUNUS  VIRGINIANA.  U.  S. 


Wild-cherry  Baric. 


The  bark  of  Cerasus  serotina  (De  Cand.'),  Cerasus  Yirciniana  (Michaux).  $■ 
Cerasus.  See  LAURO-CERASUS. 

This  genus,  which  is  now  generally  admitted,  includes  a large  numb  of 
species  formerly  embraced  in  the  genus  Prunus  of  Linnaeus. 


p/,T  I.  Prunus  Virginiana.  597 

Jerasus  serotina.  I)e  Candolle.  Prodrom.  ii.  540;  Torrey  and  Gray,  Flora  of 
Ml merica,  i.  410. — Cerasus  Virginiana.  Michaux,  N.  Am.  Sylv.  ii.  205.  Ac- 
coling  to  Torrey  and  Cray,  the  name  Prunus  Virginiana,  which  has  frequently 
ba  applied  to  this  species,  was  given  by  Linnaeus  to  the  choke-cherry,  a small 
tr>  or  shrub,  growing  in  the  Northern  States,  and  bearing  a dark-red,  globular, 
asingent  fruit,  about  as  large  as  that  of  the  wild-clierry.  This  is  described  in  the 
F.  'a  of  N.  America  of  these  authors,  under  the  name  of  Cerasus  Virginiana.  The 
qf  inal  species,  or  wild-cherry  tree,  is,  according  to  Michaux,  one  of  the  largest 
pi  luctions  of  the  American  forest.  Individuals  were  seen  by  that  botanist  on  the 
bars  of  the  Ohio  from  eighty  to  one  hundred  feet  high,  with  trunks  from  twelve 
tofteen  feet  in  circumference,  and  undivided  to  the  height  of  twenty-five  or 
thty  feet.  But,  as  usually  met  with  in  the  Atlantic  States,  the  tree  is  much 
sailer.  In  the  open  fields  it  is  less  elevated  than  in  forests,  but  sends  out  more 
nuerous  branches,  which  expand  into  an  elegant  oval  summit.  The  trunk  is 
reilarly  shaped,  and  covered  with  a rough  blackish  bark,  which  detaches  itself 
se icircularly  in  thick  narrow  plates,  and  by  this  peculiar  character  serves  as  a 
di  nguishing  mark  of  the  tree,  when  the  foliage  is  too  high  for  inspection. 
T)  leaves  are  oval-oblong,  or  lanceolate-oblong,  acuminate,  unequally  serrate, 
snoth  on  both  sides,  of  a beautiful  brilliant  green,  and  supported  alternately 
upi  petioles,  which  are  furnished  with  from  two  to  four  reddish  glands.  The 
fleers  are  small,  white,  and  collected  in  long  erect  or  spreading  racemes.  They 
apiarin  May,  and  are  followed  by  globular  drupes  about  the  size  of  a pea,  and 
win  ripe  of  a shining  blackish-purple  colour. 

his  tree  grows  throughout  the  Union,  flourishing  most  in  those  parts  where 
thsoil  is  fertile  and  the  climate  temperate,  and  abounding  in  the  Middle  Atlantic 
Stes,  and  in  those  which  border  on  the  Ohio.  In  the  neighbourhood  of  Phil- 
ad  phi  a,  it  affects  open  situations,  growing  solitarily  in  the  fields  and  along 
feies,  and  seldom  aggregated  in  woods  or  groves.  It  is  highly  valued  by  the 
ca  net-makers  for  its  wood,  which  is  compact,  fine-grained,  susceptible  of  polish, 
an  of  a light-red  tint,  which  deepens  with  age.  Tbe  fruit  has  a sweetish,  astrin- 
ge , bitter  taste;  and  is  much  employed  in  some  parts  of  the  country  to  impart 
flaiur  to  spirituous  liquors.  The  inner  bark  is  the  part  employed  in  medicine, 
aD  is  obtained  indiscriminately  from  all  parts  of  the  tree,  though  that  of  the 
ro;?  is  thought  to  be  most  active.  Mr.  J.  S.  Perot  has  ascertained  that  it  is 
nr h stronger  when  collected  in  autumn  than  in  the  spring.  Thus,  from  a por- 
tic  gathered  in  April  he  obtained  0478  per  cent,  of  hydrocyanic  acid,  and 
fri  . another  in  October  ‘1436  per  cent,.,  or  about  three  times  as  much  from  the 
lai  r as  the  former.  The  parcels  tried  were  taken  from  the  same  tree,  and  the 
sa  ; part  of  the  tree.  (Am.  Journ.  of  P harm.,  xxiv.  111.)  The  bark  should 
be  referred  recently  dried,  as  it  deteriorates  by  keeping. 

ioperties.  Wild-cherry  bark,  as  kept  in  the  shops,  is  in  pieces  of  various 
sis , more  or  less  curved  laterally,  usually  destitute  of  epidermis,  of  a lively 
redsh-cinnamon  colour,  brittle,  and  pulverizable,  presenting  a reddish-gray 
fn  ure,  and  affording  a fawn-coloured  powder.  In  the  fresh  state,  or  when 
tn  ed  with  water,  it  emits  an  odour  resembling  that  of  peach  leaves.  Its  taste  is 
ag  eably  bitter  and  aromatic,  with  the  peculiar  flavour  of  the  bitter  almond.  It 
itt'irts  its  sensible  properties  to  water,  either  cold  or  hot,  producing  a clear  red- 
di:  infusion,  closely  resembling  Madeira  wine  in  appearance.  Its  peculiar  flavour 
as  ell  as  medical  virtues  are  injured  by  boiling,  in  consequence  partly  of  the 
vo  dlization  of  the  principle  upon  which  they  depend,  partly  upon  a chemical 
cb  ge  effected  by  the  heat.  From  an  analysis  by  Dr.  Stephen  Procter,  it  appears 
to  mtain  starch,  resin,  tannin,  gallic  acid,  fatty  matter,  lignin,  red  colouring 
nr  er,  salts  of  lime  and  potassa,  and  iron.  He  obtained  also  a volatile  oil, 
as  iiated  with  hydrocyanic  acid,  by  distilling  the  same  portion  of  water  succes- 


598 


Prunus  Virginiana. — Pulegium. 


PAP,  I. 


sively  from  several  different  portions  of  the  bark.  This  oil  was  of  a light-si  w 
colour,  and  very  analogous  in  its  properties  to  the  volatile  oil  of  bitter  almo  s. 

In  the  quantity  of  two  drops  it  proved  fatal  to  a cat  in  less  than  five  mim  s. 
Journ.  of  the  Phil.  Col.  of  Pharm.,  vi.  8.)  Prof.  William  Procter  proved  tt, 
as  in  the  case  of  bitter  almonds,  the  volatile  oil  and  hydrocyanic  acid  do  notest 
ready  formed  in  the  bark,  but  are  the  result  of  the  reaction  of  water  upon  aD y. 
dalin,  which  he  ascertained  to  be  one  of  its  constituents.  In  order,  hower, 
that  this  change  may  take  place,  the  agency  of  another  principle,  probably  aD). 
gous  to  if  not  identical  with  emulsin,  or  the  synaptase  of  Robiquet,  is  also  essenli; 
and,  as  this  principle  becomes  inoperative  at  the  boiling  temperature,  we  n 
understand  how  decoction  may  interfere  with  the  virtues  of  the  bark.  [Am.  Jo,  t. 
of  Pharm.,  x.  197.)  The  conjecture  was  advanced,  in  former  editions  of  is 
work,  that  wild-cherry  bark  might  contain  also  phloridzin,  a bitter  princle 
proved  to  exist  in  the  bark  of  the  apple,  pear,  cherry,  and  plum  trees.  (:e 
Phloridzin  in  the  Appendix.)  But  Mr.  Perot  sought  for  this  principle,  witht 
success,  in  specimens  of  the  bark  of  different  ages,  and  taken  from  different  pts 
of  the  tree;  so  that  the  tonic  property,  which  is  undoubtedly  possessed  byie 
bark,  must  reside  either  in  the  portion  of  amygdalin  which  may  remain  undeeti- 
posed,  in  the  pure  volatile  oil  resulting  from  its  reaction  with  water,  or  in  s.ie  I 
yet  undiscovered  principle.  The  sedative  properties  of  the  bark  depend  un 
the  hydrocyanic  acid  which  it  yields.  {Ibid.,  xxiv.  111.) 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  This  bark  is  among  the  most  valuable  of  .r 
indigeuous  remedies.  Uniting  with  a tonic  power  the  property  of  calming  ii- 
tation  and  diminishing  nervous  excitability,  it  is  admirably  adapted  to  thetrt- 
ment  of  diseases  in  which  debility  of  the  stomach,  or  of  the  system,  is  un  d 
with  general  or  local  irritation.  When  largely  taken  it  is  said  to  diminish  e 
action  of  the  heart,  an  effect  ascribable  to  the  hydrocyanic  acid.  Pr.  Eb'.e 
found  copious  draughts  of  the  cold  infusion,  taken  several  times  a day,  and  n- 
tinued  for  nearly  two  weeks,  to  reduce  his  pulse  from  seventy^-five  to  fifty  strces 
in  the  minute.  The  remedy  is  highly  useful,  and  has  been  much  emplod 
in  this  country,  in  the  hectic  fever  of  scrofula  and  consumption.  In  the  genul 
debility  which  often  succeeds  inflammatory  diseases,  it  is  also  advantageous;  id 
it  is  well  adapted  to  many  cases  of  dyspepsia.  It  has  been  given  suocessfulhn 
intermittent  fever,  but  is  much  inferior  to  cinchona. 

It  may  be  used  in  powder  or  infusion.  The  dose  of  the  powder  is  from  th:y 
grains  to  a drachm.  The  infusion  is  properly  directed  by  our  national  Phan- 
copoeia  to  be  prepared  with  cold  water.  (See  Infusvm  Pruni  1 irymiaiix.)  i 
syrup  of  wild-cherry  bark  was  introduced  into  the  last  edition  of  the  Pharms- 
poeia,  and  is  considerably  used.  (See  Syrupus  Pruni.  Virginianae.') 

Off.  Prep.  Iufusum  Pruni  Virginianae ; Syrupus  Pruni  Virginianae.  W 

PULEGIUM.  Loncl,  Ed.,  Dub. 

European  Pennyroyal. 

Mentha  Pulegium.  The  herb  in  flower,  recent  and  dried.  Lond.  The  ho. 
Ed.,  Pub. 

Menthe-pouliot,  Pouliot,  Fr.;  Polevmunze,  Germ.;  Puleegio,  Ital.;  Poleo,  Span. 

Mentha.  See  MENTHA  PIPERITA. 

Mentha  Pulegium.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  iii.  82;  Woodv.  Med.  Pot.  p.  342.'. 
122.  This  species  of  mint  is  distinguished  by  its  roundish  prostrate  stems,  s 
ovate,  obtuse,  somewhat  crenate  leaves,  and  its  verticillate  flowers.  It  is  a naie 
of  Europe,  and  neither  cultivated  nor  employed  in  this  country.  Our  uate 
pennyroyal  belongs  to  a different  genus.  (See  Hedeoma  Pulegioides.)  Puleg'.n 


pa:c  i. 


Pyrethrum. — Quassia. 


599 


possses  similar  properties,  and  is  employed  for  the  same  purposes  with  the 
otb‘  mints. 

f.  Prep.  Aqua  Pulegii ; Oleum  Pulegii.  W. 

PYRETHRUM.  U.  S.  Secondary,  Lond.,  Ed. 

Pellitory. 

t.e  root  of  Anacyelus  Pyrethrum.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed. 

Irttlire,  Fr.;  Bertram  IVurzel,  Germ.;  Piretro,  Ilal.;  Pelitre,  Span. 

JfACYCljUS.  Differing  from  Anthemis  by  its  winged  and  obcordate  Achcenia. 
Liiley.  See  ANTHEMIS. 

j.acyclus  Pyrethrum.  De  Cand.  Prodrom.  vi.  15. — Anthemis  Pyrethrum. 
Wil.  Sp.  Plant,  iii.  2184;  Woodv.  Med.  Bot.  p.  50,  t.  20.  The  root  of  this 
pla  is  perennial,  and  sends  up  numerous  stems,  usually  trailing  at  the  base, 
ere  in  their  upper  portion,  eight  or  ten  inches  high,  and  terminated  by  one  large 
flow.  The  leaves  are  doubly  pinnate,  with  narrow  nearly  linear  segments  of  a 
paQreen  colour.  The  florets  of  the  disk  are  yellow;  the  rays  white  on  their 
upg  surface,  and  reddish  or  purple  beneath  and  at  their  edges. 

Te  plant  is  a native  of  the  Levant,  Barbary,  and  the  Mediterranean  coast  of 
Eu  pe.  The  root  is  the  part  used  under  the  name  of  pellitory,  or  pellitory  of 
Spiri.  According  to  Hayne,  the  pellitory  of  the  shops  is  derived  from  the 
Anyclus  ojfcinarum , a plant  cultivated  in  Thuryngia  for  medical  purposes. 
Thfremark,  however,  can  apply  only  to  Germany. 

loperties.  The  dried  root  of  A.  Pyrethrum  is  about  the  size  of  the  little 
flap,  cylindrical,  straight  or  but  slightly  curved,  wrinkled  longitudinally,  of 
an  la-brown  colour  externally,  whitish  within,  hard  and  brittle,  and  sometimes 
fondled  with  a few  radicles.  It  is  destitute  of  odour,  though,  when  fresh,  of 
a d agreeable  smell.  Its  taste  is  peculiar,  slight  at  first,  but  afterwards  acidu- 

louisaline,  and  acrid,  attended  with  a burning  and  tingling  sensation  over  the 
win  mouth  and  throat,  which  continues  for  some  time,  and  excites  a copious 
flovf  saliva.  Its  analysis  by  Koene  gives,  in  100  parts,  0'59  of  a brown,  very 
acri  substance,  of  a resinous  appearance,  and  insoluble  in  caustic  potassa;  1'60 
of  dark-brown,  very  acrid  fixed  oil,  soluble  in  potassa;  0'35  of  a yellow  acrid 
oil,  so  soluble  in  potassa;  traces  of  tannin;  9'40  parts  of  gum;  inulin;  7'60 
par  of  sulphate  and  carbonate  of  potassa,  chloride  of  potassium,  phosphate  and 
carl  late  of  lime,  alumina,  silica,  &c.;  and  19'80  of  lignin,  besides  loss.  (See 
AmJourn.  of  P harm.,  viii.  175.) 

i Heal  Properties  and  Uses.  Pellitory  is  a powerful  irritant,  used  almost 
exc  lively  as  a sialagogue  in  certain  forms  of  headache,  rheumatic  and  neuralgic 
affe  ons  of  the  face,  toothache,  &c.,  or  as  a local  stimulant  in  palsy  of  the  tongue 
or  float,  and  in  relaxation  of  the  uvula.  For  these  purposes  it  may  be  chewed, 
or  e ployed  as  a gargle  in  decoction  or  vinous  tincture.  The  dose  as  a masti- 
cate is  from  thirty  grains  to  a drachm.  An  alcoholic  extract  is  sometimes 
empyed  by  dentists  as  a local  application  to  carious  teeth,  with  a view  to  its 
ben  abing  effect  before  plugging.  W. 


QUASSIA.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub. 

Quassia. 

a 3 wood  of  Siiliaruba  excelsa.  U.S.  Picrsena  excelsa.  The  wood.  Lond., 
Du,  Wood  chiefly  of  Picraena  excelsa,  seldom  of  Quassia  amara.  Ed. 

I sde  quassie,  Fr.;  Quassienholz,  Germ.;  Leguo  della  quassia,  Ital.;  Leno  de  quassia, 


600  Quassia.  par1;. 

Quassia.  Sex.  Syst.  Decandria  Monogynia. — Nat.  Ord.  Simarubaces. 

Gen.C'h.  Calyx  five-leaved.  Petals  five.  Nectary  five-leaved.  Drupes  i;, 
distant,  bivalve,  one-seeded,  inserted  into  a fleshy  receptacle.  Willd. 

Of  the  species  included  by  Linnaeus  in  this  genus,  some,  as  Quassia  ctmcL 
are  hermaphrodite ; others,  as  Q.  excelsa  and  Q.  Simaruba,  are  monoeciou  ir 
polygamous.  The  latter  have  been  associated  together  by  De  Candolle, : a 
distinct  genus,  with  the  title  Simaruba.  This  has  been  again  divided  by  Line  y 
into  Simaruba  with  monoecious,  and  Picrsena  with  polygamous  flowers,  o 
the  last-mentioned  genus  the  proper  quassia  plant,  the  Q.  excelsa  of  Linna3, 
belongs. 

The  medicine  was  formerly  thought  to  be  obtained  from  Quassia  amara;  it 
more  than  twenty  years  since,  Lamarck  stated  that,  in  consequence  of  ie 
scarcity  of  this  tree,  Quassia  excelsa  had  been  resorted  to  as  a substitute,  d 
the  Pharmacopoeias  at  present  agree  in  acknowledging  the  latter  as  the  officii 
plant.  Martius,  however,  thinks  that  the  genuine  quassia  plant  of  Surinanis 
the  Q.  amara ; and  we  shall,  therefore,  give  a brief  description  of  both  spec?. 

Quassia  excelsa.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  ii.  569.  — Simaruba  excelsa,  De  Cri. 
Prodrom.  i.  733 ; Hayne,  Darstel.  unci  Beschreib.  &c.  ix.  16. — Picrsena  exem. 
Lindley,  Flor.  Med.  208.  As  its  name  imports,  this  is  a lofty  tree,  attaiig 
sometimes  not  less  than  one  hundred  feet  in  height,  with  a straight,  smou, 
tapering  trunk,  which  is  often  three  feet  in  diameter  near  its  base,  and  coved 
with  a smooth  gray  bark.  The  leaves  are  pinnate,  with  a naked  petiole,  d 
oblong  pointed  leaflets  standing  upon  short  footstalks,  in  opposite  pairs,  wii  a 
single  leaflet  at  the  end.  The  flowers  are  small,  of  a yellowish-green  colour,  d 
disposed  in  panicles.  They  are  polygamous  and  peutandrous.  The  fruit  a 
small  black  drupe.  This  species  inhabits  Jamaica  and  the  Caribbean  islais, 
where  it  is  called  bitter  ash.  The  wood  is  the  officinal  portion. 

Quassia  amara.  Willd.  Sp>.  Plant,  ii.  567 ; Woodv.  Med.  Bot.  p.  57 it. 
204.  The  bitter  quassia  is  a small  branching  tree  or  shrub,  with  alternate  lea  s, 
consisting  of  two  pairs  of  opposite  pinnae,  with  an  odd  one  at  the  end.  The  lealts 
are  elliptical,  pointed,  sessile,  smooth,  of  a deep-green  colour  on  their  upper  r- 
face,  and  paler  on  the  under.  The  common  footstalk  is  articulated,  and  ed;d 
on  each  side  with  a leafy  membrane.  The  flowers,  which  are  herinaphrote 
and  decandrous,  have  a bright-red  colour,  and  terminate  the  branches  in  hg 
racemes.  The  fruit  is  a two-celled  capsule,  containing  globular  seeds.  Quaia 
amara  is  a native  of  Surinam,  and  is  said  also  to  grow  in  some  of  the  Yst 
India  islands.  Its  root,  bark,  and  wood  were  formerly  officinal.  They  arer- 
cessively  bitter,  as  in  fact  are  all  parts  of  the  plant.  It  is  uncertain  wheur 
any  of  the  produce  of  this  tree  reaches  our  markets. 

Quassia  comes  in  cylindrical  billets  of  various  sizes,  from  an  inch  to  De  a 
foot  in  diameter,  and  several  feet  in  length.  These  are  frequently  invested  vh 
a whitish  smooth  bark,  brittle,  and  but  slightly  adherent,  and  possessing  i at 
least  an  equal  degree  the  virtues  of  the  wood.  Their  shape  and  structure  clely 
evince  that  they  are  derived  from  the  branches  or  trunk,  and  not,  as  some  Le 
supposed,  from  the  root  of  the  tree.  In  the  shops  they  are  usually  kept  sit 
into  small  pieces',  or  rasped. 

Properties.  The  wood  is  at  first  whitish,  but  becomes  yellow  by  exposure.  It 
is  inodorous,  and  has  a purely  bitter  taste,  surpassed  by  that  of  few  other  ;b- 
stances  in  intensity  and  permanence.  It  imparts  its  active  properties,  witlts 
bitterness  and  yellow  colour,  to  water  and  alcohol.  Its  virtues  depend  up<  a 
peculiar  bitter  crystallizable  principle,  denominated  quassia,  which  was  first  s- 
covered  by  Winckler.  It  may  be  obtained  pure  by  the  following  procesot 
Wiggers.  A filtered  decoction  of  quassia  is  evaporated  to  three-quarters  oflie 
weight  of  the  wood  employed,  slaked  lime  is  added,  and  the  mixture  hang 


PRT  I. 


Quassia. 


601 


bn  allowed  to  stand  for  a day,  with  occasional  agitation,  is  again  filtered.  A 
c'siderable  quantity  of  pectin,  besides  other  substances,  is  thus  separated.  The 
car  liquor  is  evaporated  nearly  to  dryness,  and  the  resulting  mass  exhausted 
balcohol  of  the  sp.  gr.  0'835,  which  leaves  behind  gum,  common  salt,  nitre, 
in  large  amount,  and  dissolves  quassin  with  some  common  salt  and  nitre, 
a:  an  organic  substance  of  a brown  colour.  In  order  to  separate  the  quassin 
fin  these  latter  principles,  which  are  soluble  in  water,  the  solution  is  evapo- 
r$d  to  dryness,  the  resulting  mass  is  dissolved  in  the  least  possible  quantity  of 
alolute  alcohol,  a large  proportion  of  ether  is  added,  and  the  liquor,  previously 
SBrated  by  filtration  from  the  brown  mass  which  the  ether  has  thrown  down, 
isvaporated  to  dryness;  and  this  process  is  repeated  till  the  quassin  remains 
bond  quite  colourless,  and  affords  no  evidence  of  the  presence  of  the  above- 
nntioned  salts.  Lastly,  in  order  to  obtain  it  in  a crystalline  form,  to  which  it 
isiot  strongly  disposed,  pour  the  alcoholic  solution  mixed  with  ether  upon  a 
file  water,  and  allow  it  to  evaporate  spontaneously.  Quassin  is  white,  opaque, 
udterable  in  the  air,  inodorous,  and  of  an  intense  bitterness,  which  in  the  solu- 
ti  s of  this  principle  is  almost  insupportable.  The  bitterness  is  pure,  and  re- 
sembles that  of  the  wood.  When  heated,  quassin  melts  like  a resin.  It  is  but 
sljptly  soluble  in  water,  100  parts  of  which  at  54°  dissolve  only  0’45,  and  that 
si  dy.  By  the  addition  of  salts,  especially  of  those  with  which  it  is  associated 
in  uassia,  its  solubility  is  strikingly  increased.  It  is  also  but  slightly  soluble 
intker,  but  is  very  soluble  in  alcohol,  more  so  in  that  liquid  hot  than  cold,  and 
tbrnore  so  the  purer  it  is.  Quassin  is  perfectly  neuter,  though  both  alkalies 
ai  acids  increase  its  solubility  in  water.  It  is  precipitated  by  tannic  acid  from 
itslqueous  solution,  which  is  not  disturbed  by  iodine,  chlorine,  corrosive  subli- 
m },  solutions  of  iron,  sugar  of  lead,  or  even  the  subacetate  of  lead.  Its  ulti- 
mo constituents  are  carbon,  hydrogen,  and  oxygen. 

I edical  Properties  and  Uses.  Quassia  has  in  the  highest  degree  all  the  pro- 
peies  of  the  simple  bitters.  It  is  purely  tonic,  invigorating  the  digestive  organs, 
wi  little  excitement  of  the  circulation,  or  increase  of  animal  heat.  It  has  not 
be  very  long  known  as  a medicine.  About  the  middle  of  the  last  century,  a 
ne  o of  Surinam,  named  Quassi,  acquired  considerable  reputation  in  the  treat- 
m<!t  of  the  malignant  fevers  of  that  country,  by  a secret  remedy,  which  he  was 
indeed  to  disclose  to  Mr.  Rolander,  a Swede,  for  a valuable  consideration. 
Spimens  were  taken  to  Stockholm  by  this  gentleman  in  the  year  1756;  and 
tb  nedicine  soon  became  popular  in  Europe.  The  name  of  the  negro  has  been 
pe  etuated  in  the  generic  title  of  the  plant.  But  the  quassia  of  Surinam  is 
no  iow  in  use,  having  been  superseded  by  the  product  of  Quassia  excelsa,  from 
thWest  Indies.  This  medicine  is  useful  whenever  a simple  tonic  impression 
is  ;sirable.  It  is  particularly  adapted  to  dyspepsia,  and  to  that  debilitated 
sta!  of  the  digestive  organs  which  sometimes  succeeds  acute  disease.  It  may 
alshe  given  with  advantage  in  the  remission  of  certain  fevers  in  which  tonics 
an  emanded.  No  one  at  present  would  expect  from  it  any  peculiar  controlling 
ml  mce  over  malignant  fevers.  It  is  said  to  be  largely  employed  in  England 
by  le  brewers,  to  impart  bitterness  to  their  liquors. 

is  most  conveniently  administered  in  infusion  or  extract.  (See  Infusum 
Qi'isise  and  Extractum  Quassise .)  The  difficulty  of  reducing  the  wood  to  powder 
is  objection  to  its  use  in  substance.  It  may,  however,  be  employed  in  a dose 
vai  ng  from  a scruple  to  a drachm,  repeated  three  or  four  times  a day.  Some 
dy  eptic  patients,  who  have  become  habituated  to  its  bitterness,  chew  the  wood 
oclionally  with  benefit. 

f-Prep.  Extractum  Quassise;  Infusum  Quassise;  Tinctura Quassise ; Tinctura 
Qu  sise  Composita.  W. 


602 


Quercus  Alba. — Quercus  Tinctoria. 


PAE] 


QUERCUS  ALBA.  TJ.S. 

While-oak  Bark. 

The  bai'k  of  Quercus  alba.  U.  S. 

QUERCUS  TINCTORIA.  U.S. 

Black-oak  Bark. 

The  bark  of  Quercus  tinctoria.  U.  S- 

Off.  Syn.  QUERCUS.  Quercus  pedunculata.  The  bark.  Land.,  Du; 
QUERCUS  CORTEX.  Bark  of  Quercus  pedunculata.  Ed. 

Ecorce  de  chene,  Fr. ; Eichenrinde,  Germ.;  Corteccia  della  quercia,  Ital.;  Corteza  e 
roble,  Span. 

Quercus.  Sex.  Syst.  Monoecia  Polyandria. — Eat.  Ord.  Amentaceae,  Jw ; 
Cupuliferae,  Richard;  Corylaceae,  Lindley. 

Gen.  Ch.  Male.  Calyx  commonly  five-cleft.  Corolla  none.  Stamens  fmo 
ten.  Female.  Calyx  one-leafed,  entire,  rough.  Corolla  none.  Styles  twco 
five.  Nut  coriaceous,  surrounded  at  the  base  by  the  persistent  calyx.  WiUo 

This  extensive  genus  comprises  not  less  than  eighty  species,  of  which  betwa 
thirty  and  forty  are  within  the  limits  of  the  United  States.  Many  of  these  e 
applied  to  important  practical  purposes.  In  the  northern  hemisphere,  the  |k 
is  the  most  valuable,  as  it  is  the  most  widely  diffused  of  all  forest  trees.  X- 
withstanding  the  great  number  of  species,  few,  comparatively,  have  found  a pie 
in  the  officinal  catalogues.  Q.  robur,  or  common  European  oak,  was  formey 
recognised  by  the  British  Colleges;  but  at  present  they  admit  only  Q.  jxch- 
culata,  or  European  white  oak.  As  these  do  not  grow  in  the  United  States,  id 
their  products  are  not  imported,  it  is  unnecessary  to  treat  of  them  particulay 
in  this  work.  According  to  Michaux,  they  grow  in  the  same  countries,  3- 
quently  together,  constituting  the  greater  part  of  the  forests  of  Europe,  d 
spreading  over  almost  the  whole  northern  section  of  Asia,  and  the  nortbn 
coast  of  Africa.  Q.  pedunculata  is  the  common  British  oak,  celebrated  as  dl 
for  its  majestic  growth  and  the  venerable  age  which  it  attains,  as  for  the  strenh 
and  durability  of  its  timber.  Our  own  Pharmacopoeia  recognises  only  Q.  oa 
or  white  oak,  and  Q.  tinctoria  or  black  oak;  but  several  other  species  afford  bra 
which  are  equally  useful,  and  perhaps  as  much  employed.  Such  are  Q.falca 
or  Spanish  oak,  Q.  primes  or  white  chestnut  oak,  and  Q.  montuna  or  ik 
chestnut  oak.  The  remarks  which  follow  in  relation  to  the  white-oak  bark,  11 
apply  also  to  that  of  the  three  last-mentioned  species.  The  bark  of  Q.  tindea 
is  somewhat  peculiar. 

1.  Quercus  alia.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  iv.  448;  Michaux,  N.  Am.  Sylv.  i- 1. 
Of  all  the  American  species,  the  white  oak  approaches  nearest,  in  the  eharajsr 
of  its  foliage,  and  the  properties  of  its  wood  and  bark,  to  the  Q.  pedunadaM 
Great  Britain.  When  allowed  to  expand  freely  in  the  open  field,  it  divideat 
a short  distance  from  the  ground  into  numerous  widely  spreading  branches,  id 
attains  under  favourable  circumstances  a magnificent  size.  Its  trunk  and  lge 
branches  are  covered  with  a whitish  bark,  which  serves  to  distinguish  it  fm 
most  of  the  other  species.  The  leaves  are  regularly  and  obliquely  divided  to 
oblong,  obtuse,  entire  lobes,  which  are  often  narrowed  at  their  base.  When'll 
grown,  they  are  smooth  and  light  green  on  their  upper  surface,  and  glamas 
beneath.  Some  of  the  dried  leaves  remain  on  the  tree  during  the  whole  wirr. 
The  acorns  are  large,  ovate,  contained  in  rough,  shallow,  grayish  cups,  and  p- 
ported  singly  or  in  pairs  upon  peduncles  nearly  an  inch  in  length. 


P/.T  I. 


Quercus  Alba. — Quercus  Tinctoria. 


603 


he  white  oak  abound^  in  the  Middle  States,  and  extends  also  through  the 
wile  Union,  though  comparatively  rare  in  the  northern,  southern,  and  western 
sei  ons.  It  is  the  most  highly  valued  for  its  timber  of  all  the  American  oaks, 
wi  the  exception  of  the  live  oak(Q.  virens),  which  is  preferred  in  ship-building. 
T1  hark  is  sometimes  used  for  tanning,  but  that  of  the  red  and  Spanish  oaks 
is  ’eferred  for  this  purpose.  All  parts  of  the  tree,  with  the  exception  of  the 
epermis,  are  more  or  less  astringent,  but  this  property  predominates  ill  the 
fn  and  bark. 

Uiite-oak  bark,  deprived  of  its  epidermis,  is  of  a light-brown  colour,  of  a 
cone  fibrous  texture,  and  not  easily  pulverized.  It  has  a feeble  odour,  and  a 
roih,  astringent,  and  bitterish  taste.  Water  and  alcohol  extract  its  active  pro- 
pe  es.  The  chief  soluble  ingredients  are  tannin,  gallic  acid,  and  extractive 
m;er.  It  is  upon  the  tannin  that  its  medical  virtues,  as  well  as  its  use  in  the 
pmration  of  leather,  chiefly  depend.  The  proportion  of  this  ingredient  varies 
wi  the  size  and  age  of  the  tree,  the  part  from  which  the  bark  i3  derived,  and 
ev(  the  season  when  it  is  gathered.  It  is  most  abundant  in  the  young  bark; 
amthe  English  oak  is  said  to  yield  four  times  as  much  in  spring  as  in  winter. 
Sirl.  Davy  found  the  inner  bark  most  abundant  in  tannin,  the  middle  portion 
or  llular  integument  much  less  so,  and  the  epidermis  almost  wholly  destitute 
as  :11  of  this  principle  as  of  extractive. 

erber  has  discovered,  in  European  oak  bark,  a peculiar  bitter  principle  upon 
whi  he  has  conferred  the  name  of  quercin.  It  is  obtained  by  boiling  the  bark 
wit  water  acidulated  with  one  hundredth  of  sulphuric  acid,  adding  first  milk  of 
lira  until  the  sulphuric  acid  is  removed,  and  then  a solution  of  carbonate  of 
potsa  so  long  as  a white  precipitate  is  produced,  filtering  the  liquor,  evaporating 
to  3 consistence  of  a thin  extract,  adding  alcohol,  and  finally  evaporating  the 
spi:uous  solution  down  to  a small  volume,  and  allowing  it  to  rest  for  some  days. 
Ye  w crystals  form,  which  may  be  obtained  colourless  by  repeated  erystalliza- 
tioi  Quercin  thus  obtained  is  in  small  white  crystals,  inodorous,  very  bitter, 
rea  y soluble  in  water,  less  so  in  alcohol  containing  water,  insoluble  in  abso- 
lute lcohol,  ether,  and  oil  of  turpentine,  and  without  acid  or  alkaline  reaction. 
(Mi.  der  Pharm.,  xxxiv.  167.) 

S Quercus  tinctoria.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  iv.  444;  Michaux,  N.  Am.  Spiv.  i. 
91.  The  black  oak  is  one  of  our  largest  trees,  frequently  attaining  the  height 
of  ghty  or  ninety  feet.  Its  trunk  is  covered  with  a deeply  furrowed  bark,  of 
ab.  k or  dark-brown  colour.  The  leaves  are  ovate-oblong,  pubescent,  slightly 
sine  ed, 'with  oblong,  obtuse,  mucronate  lobes.  The  fructification  is  biennial. 
The  corn  is  globose,  flattened  at  top,  and  placed  in  a saucer-shaped  cup. 

1'ck-oak  bark  has  a more  bitter  taste  than  that  of  the  other  species,  and 
majie  distinguished  also  by  staining  the  saliva  yellow  when  it  is  chewed.  Its 
cell  ir  integument  contains  a colouring  principle,  capable  of  being  extracted  by 
boil  g water,  to  which  it  imparts  a brownish-yellow  colour,  which  is  deepened 
by  £ alies  and  rendered  brighter  by  acids.  Under  the  name  of  quercitron,  large 
qua  ties  of  this  bark,  deprived  of  its  epidermis  and  reduced  to  coarse  powder, 
are  at  from  the  United  States  to  Europe,  where  it  is  used  for  dyeing  wool  and 
silk  ■ a yellow  colour.  The  colouring  principle  is  called  quercitrin,  or,  from 
its  operty  of  combining  with  salifiable  bases,  qverciiric  acid.  When  quite 
purtt  is  colourless,  but  becomes  yellow  by  absorbing  oxygen.  It  is  sweetish, 
witl  hitter  after-taste,  and  is  very  soluble  in  water,  alcohol,  and  ether.  M. 
Treter  obtained  it  by  precipitating  the  tannin  of  a decoction  of  the  bark  by 
mea  of  gelatin,  filtering  the  liquor,  adding  a very  little  hydrated  oxide  of  lead, 
whii  produced  a brown  precipitate,  decanting  the  golden-yellow  liquid  left,  pre- 
cipn  ing  with  an  additional  quantity  of  the  hydrated  oxide,  and  decomposing 
the : ulting  quercitrate  of  lead  by  hydrosulphurio  acid.  A colourless  liquid  re- 


604  Quercus  Alba. — Quercus  Tinctoria. — Ranunculus.  par  ;. 

mained,  which,  evaporated  in  vacuo,  yielded  white  needle-shaped  crystal: jf 
pure  quereitrin.  {.Jo urn.  de  Pharm.  et  de  Chirn.,  v.  251.)  Besides  this  pi- 
ciple,  the  bark  contains  also  much  tannin ; but  it  is  less  used  in  tanning  t n 
the  other  barks,  in  consequence  of  the  colour  which  it  imparts  to  the  leathe: 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Oak  bark  is  astringent  and  somewhat  to;. 
It  has  been  given  with  advantage  in  intermittent  fever,  obstinate  chronic  cr- 
rhoea,  and  certain  forms  of  passive  hemorrhage;  but  it  is  not  much  empkd 
as  an  internal  remedy.  Externally  applied  it  is  often  productive  of  benefit.  ie 
decoction  may  be  advantageously  used  as  a bath,  particularly  for  children,  w n 
a combined  tonic  and  astringent  effect  is  desirable,  and  the  stomach  is  not  s- 
posed  to  receive  medicines  kindly.  It  has  been  employed  in  this  way  in  mss- 
mus,  scrofula,  intermittent  fevers,  chronic  diarrhoea,  and  cholera  infantum,  u 
an  injection  in  leucorrhoea,  a wash  in  prolapsus  ani  and  hemorrhoidal  affecti  s, 
and  as  a gargle  in  slight  inflammation  of  the  fauces,  attended  with  prolapd 
uvula,  the  decoction  is  often  highly  useful.  It  has  also  been  recommende<as 
an  injection  into  dropsical  cysts.  Reduced  to  powder  and  made  into  a poule, 
the  bark  was  recommended  by  the  late  Dr.  Barton  as  an  excellent  applies® 
in  cases  of  external  gangrene  and  mortification ; and  the  infusion  obtained  1m 
tanners’  vats  has  been  used  beneficially  as  a wash  for  flabby,  ill-eonditiod 
ulcers.  The  bark  may  be  given  internally  in  the  form  of  powder,  extractor 
decoction.  The  dose  of  the  powder  is  from  thirty  grains  to  a drachm,  of  the  ext  ct 
about  half  as  much,  of  the  decoction  two  fluidounces.  (See  Decoctum  Quern.) 

Black-oak  bark  is  considered  inferior  to  the  white-oak  bark  as  an  inteal 
remedy,  in  consequence  of  being  more  disposed  to  irritate  the  bowels. 

Acorns,  besides  the  bitter  and  astringent  principles  of  the  bark,  contain  so 
a peculiar  saccharine  matter,  which  is  insusceptible  of  the  vinous  fermenta  n. 
{Journ.  de  Pliarm.,  3e  ser.,  xx.  335.)  They  are  sometimes  used  as  a ton  or 
astringent;  and  a decoction  made  from  roasted  acorns  has  been  long  empled 
in  Germany  as  a remedy  in  scrofula.  Before  roasting  they  should  be  depied 
of  their  shells ; and  the  cotyledons,  according  to  Dausse,  should  lose,  dung 
the  process,  140  parts  of  their  weight  out  of  500.  ( Pliarm . Cent.  B>%, 

Oct.  9,  1850,  p.  687.)  From  half  an  ounce  to  an  ounce  may  be  prepare  as 
coffee,  and  the  whole  taken  at  breakfast  with  cream  and  sugar.  {Richter.) 

Off.  Prep.  Decoctum  Quercus  Albas.  I 

RANUNCULUS.  TJ.S.  Secondary. 

Crowfoot. 

The  cormus  and  herb  of  Ranunculus  bulbosus.  U.  S. 

Ranunculus.  Sex.  Syst.  Polyandria  Polygynia. — Nat.  Ord.  Ranunculi*. 

Gen.  Ch.  Calyx  five-leaved.  Petals  five,  having  the  inner  side  of  each  aw 
furnished  with  a melliferous  pore.  Seeds  naked,  numerous.  Nuttall. 

Most  of  the  plants  belonging  to  this  genus  have  the  same  acrid  propees. 
Several  of  them  grow  together  in  our  fields  and  pastures,  and,  from  their  ose 
resemblance,  are  confounded  under  the  common  name  of  butter-cup,  appli  to 
them  from  the  colour  and  shape  of  their  flowers.  Those  which  are  most  abuiant 
are  believed  to  have  been  introduced  from  Europe.  Such  are  R.  bulbosuE ■ 
acris,  and  R.  repens,  which,  with  R.  sceleratus,  may  be  indiscriminately  ed- 
In  Europe,  R.  sceleratus  appears  to  have  attracted  most  attention ; in  this  tin- 
try,  R.  bulbosus.  The  latter  is  the  only  one  designated  by  our  Pkarmaco?«. 
R.  acris  and  R.  Flammula  were  formerly  directed  by  the  Dublin  College  but 
were  discarded  from  their  Pharmacopoeia  at  the  last  revision. 

Ranunculus  bidbosirs.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  ii.  1324;  Bigelow,  Am.  Med3ot. 
iii.  60.  This  species  of  crowfoot  is  perennial,  with  a solid,  fleshy  root  (corns)) 


PAI  I. 


Ranunculus. — Resina. 


605 


wbh  sends  up  annually  several  erect,  round,  and  branching  stems,  from  nine 
to  ighteen  inches  high.  The  radical  leaves,  which  stand  on  long  footstalks, 
arcernate  or  quinate,  with  lobed  and  dentate  leaflets.  The  leaves  of  the-  stem 
aresessile  and  ternate,  the  upper  more  simple.  Each  stem  supports  several 
soliry,  bright-yellow,  glossy  flowers,  upon  furrowed,  angular  peduncles.  The 
leais  of  the  calyx  are  reflexed,  or  bent  downwards  against  the  flowerstalk.  The 
pet  s are  obcordate,  and  arranged  so  as  to  represent  a small  cup  in  shape.  At 
thdnside  of  the  claw  of  each  petal  is  a small  cavity,  which  is  covered  with  a 
mi  ite  wedge-shaped  emarginate  scale.  The  fruit  consists  of  numerous  naked 
see!,  in  a spherical  head.  The  stem,  leaves,  peduncles,  and  calyx  are  hairy. 

' the  months  of  May  and  June  our  pastures  are  everywhere  adorned  with 
thJich  yellow  flowers  of  this  species  of  Ranunculus.  Somewhat  later  R.  acris 
and?.  repens  begin  to  bloom,  and  a succession  of  similar  flowers  is  maintained 
tilbeptember.  The  two  latter  species  prefer  a moister  ground,  and  are  found 
mo  abundantly  in  meadows.  R.  sceleratus  is  found  in  ponds  and  ditches.  In 
all  iese  species,  the  whole  plant  is  pervaded  by  a volatile  acrid  principle,  which 
is  tjsipated  by  drying  or  by  heat,  and  may  be  separated  by  distillation.  Dr. 
billow  found  that  water  distilled  from  the  fresh  plant  had  an  acrid  taste,  and  pro- 
dud  when  swallowed  a burning  sensation  in  the  stomach ; and  that  it  retained 
the;!  properties  for  a long  time,  if  kept  in  closely  stopped  bottles.  The  plant 
itsc,  when  chewed,  excites  violent  irritation  in  the  mouth  and  throat;  inflaming 
anc  ven  excoriating  the  tongue  and  inside  of  the  cheeks  and  lips,  if  not  quickly 
dis  ;arged.  Both  the  root  and  herb  of  R.  bulbosus  are  officinal. 

. Mical  Properties  and  Uses.  Crowfoot,  when  swallowed  in  the  fresh  state, 
projices  heat  and  pain  in  the  stomach,  and,  if  the  quantity  be  considerable, 
ma excite  fatal  inflammation.  It  is,  however,  never  used  internally;  though 
the  lice  and  distilled  water  of  some  species  of  Ranunculus  are  said  to  act  as  a 
projpt  and  powerful  emetic.  The  property  for  which  it  has  attracted  the  atten- 
tiornf  physicians  is  that  of  inflaming  and  vesicating  the  skin ; and,  before  the 
inti  luction  of  the  Spanish  fly  into  use,  it  was  much  employed  for  this  purpose. 
Bupe  uncertainty  and  occasional  violence  of  its  action  have  nearly  banished 
it  jim  regular  practice.  While  on  some  individuals  it  appears  to  produce 
scaiily  any  effect,  on  others  it  acts  very  speedily,  exciting  extensive  and  trou- 
bles^ inflammation,  which  sometimes  terminates  in  deep  and  obstinate  ulcers. 
It  pbably  varies  in  strength  with  the  season;  and,  in  the  dried  state,  or  boiled 
wit  water,  is  wholly  inert.  The  decoction,  moreover,  is  inert  in  consequence 
of  la  escape  of  the  acrid  principle.  Nevertheless,  the  plant  has  been  very 
pro  rly  retained  in  the  Pharmacopoeia,  in  the  catalogue  of  medicines  of  second- 
ary aportance ; as  occasions  may  occur  when  the  practitioner  in  the  country 
ma;  :nd  advantage  in  having  recourse  to  its  powerful  rubefacient  and  epispastic 
ope  tion.  W. 


EESINA.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub. 


Resin. 

1 } residuum  after  the  distillation  of  the  volatile  oil  from  the  turpentine  of 
Pin;  palustris  and  other  species  of  Pinus.  U.  S.  The  residue  of  turpentine 
afte  the  oil  has  been  distilled.  Lond.  Residue  of  the  distillation  of  the  tur- 
pen  ies  of  various  species  of  Pinus  and  Abies.  Ed.  Resin  from  the  turpentine 
of  1 ius  sylvestris.  Dub. 

Ijine  blanche,  Resine  jaune,  Fr.;  Fichtenkarz,  Germ.;  Ragea  di  pino,  Ital.;  Resina 
<le  jjp,  Span. 

i er  the  distillation  of  the  volatile  oil  from  the  turpentines  (see  Terebinthina), 
a-  re  rous  matter  remains,  which  on  the  continent  of  Europe  is  called  colophony, 


606 


Resina. 


pae  r. 


but  in  our  language  is  commonly  known  by  the  name  of  rosin.  It  is  tbe  Res  a 
of  the  U.  S.  and  British  Pharmacopoeias.  It  is  sometimes  called  resina  flavn 
yellow  resin.  When  this,  in  a state  of  fusion,  is  strongly  agitated  with  wate  it 
acquires  a distinct  appearance,  and  is  now  denominated  resina  alba  or  white  n\i. 
Before  describing  this  officinal  substance,  it  may  be  proper  to  enumerate  ie 
characteristic  properties  of  the  proximate  principles  denominated  resins. 

llesins  are  solid,  brittle,  of  a smooth  and  shining  fracture,  and  generally  a 
yellowish  colour  and  semitransparent.  When  perfectly  pure,  they  are  prob.ly 
inodorous  and  often  insipid ; but,  as  usually  found,  they  have  a slight  odour,  id 
a somewhat  acrid  or  bitterish  taste.  Their  sp.gr.  varies  from0'92  to  1'2.  By 
are  fusible  by  a moderate  heat,  decomposed  at  a higher  temperature,  and  ime 
open  air  take  fire,  burning  with  a yellow  flame  and  much  smoke.  Insolublin 
water,  they  are  dissolved  by  ether  and  the  volatile  oils,  and  generally  by  ;o- 
hol ; and  their  alcoholic  and  ethereal  solutions  afford  precipitates  upon  the  addim 
of  water.  With  pure  potassa  and  soda  they  unite  to  form  soaps,  which  are  sol  le 
in  water  ; and  the  same  result  takes  place  when  they  are  heated  with  solutas 
of  the  alkaline  carbonates.  Concentrated  sulphuric  acid  dissolves  them  th 
mutual  decomposition ; and  nitric  acid  converts  them  into  artificial  tannin.  Ty 
readily  unite  hy  fusion  with  wax  and  the  fixed  oils. 

Common  or  yellow  resin , in  its  purest  state,  is  beautifully  clear  and  pelhd, 
but  much  less  so  as  commonly  found  in  the  shops.  Its  odour  and  taste  are  usuly 
in  a slight  degree  terebinthinate;  its  colour  yellowish-brown  with  a tinge  of  o e, 
and  more  or  iess  dark  according  to  its  purity,  and  the  degree  of  heat  to  whit  it 
has  been  exposed  in  its  preparation.  Sometimes  it  is  almost  black.  It  is  raer 
heavier  than  water.  At  276°  F.  it  fuses,  is  completely  liquid  at  306°,  bens 
to  emit  bubbles  of  gas  at  316°,  and  is  entirely  decomposed  at  a red  heat,  ts 
ultimate  constituents  are  carbon,  hydrogen,  and  oxygen,  in  variable  proportiis. 
It  appears,  from  the  researches  of  Unverdorben,  to  contain  three  distinct  resims 
bodies,  two  of  which,  denominated  pinic  and  sylvic  acids,  pre-existed  in  theu- 
pentine,  and  the  third,  called  coluphonic  acid,  is  formed  by  the  agency  of  he 
heat  in  the  process  of  distillation.  The  pinic  acid  is  dissolved  by  cold  spin  of 
the  sp.  gr.  0'865,  and  is  thus  separated  from  the  sylvic  acid.  It  is  obtained  .re 
by  adding  to  the  solution  a spirituous  solution  of  acetate  of  copper,  dissolug 
the  precipitated  pinate  of  copper  in  strong  boiling  alcohol,  decomposing  thisilt 
with  a little  muriatic  acid,  and  adding  water,  which  throws  down  the  pinic  id 
in  the  form  of  a resinous  powder.  The  sylvic  acid  is  obtained  by  treatinghe 
residue  of  the  common  resin  with  boiling  spirit  of  0'865,  which  dissolves  it. ad 
lets  it  fall  upon  cooling.  Both  of  these  resinous  acids  are  colourless.  Piuic  id 
is  soluble  in  weak  cold  alcohol;  sylvic  acid  is  insoluble  in  the  same  menstrtm 
when  cold,  but  is  dissolved  by  it  when  boiling  hot,  and  by  strong  alcohol  sail 
temperatures.  The  salts  which  they  form  with  the  alkalies  are  soluble,  t>se 
with  the  earths  and  metallic  oxides,  insoluble  in  water.  Colophonic  acid  ders 
from  the  others  in  having  stronger  acid  properties,  and  in  being  less  solub  in 
alcohol.  It  is  of  a brown  colour;  and  common  resin  is  more  or  less  eolourcin 
proportion  to  the  quantity  of  this  acid  which  it  contains.  ( Kane’s  Chemts /.  ) 
The  experiments  of  Unverdorben  were  made  with  European  colophony.  i» 
somewhat  uncertain  whether  exactly  the  same  results  would  be  afforded  by  he 
common  resin  of  this  country,  which  is  obtained  from  a different  species  of  ue. 
By  the  destructive  distillation  of  resin  an  oleaginous  product  is  obtained,  eked 
resin  oil,  which  in  various  degrees  of  purity  is  employed  in  currying  lea er, 
lubricating  machinery,  preparing  printers’  ink,  &c. 

White  resin  differs  from  the  preceding  only  in  being  opaque  and  of  a wbish 
colour.  These  properties  it  owes  to  the  water  with  which  it  is  incorporatedhd 
which  gradually7  escapes  upon  exposure,  leaving  it  more  or  less  transparent 


Resina. — Rhamni  Baccee. 


607 


pn  i. 


Medical  Uses.  Resin  is  important  as  an  ingredient  of  ointments  and  plasters, 
bi  is  Dever  used  internally.  According  to  Professor  Olmsted,  it  has  the  pro- 
poyof  preventing  the  oxidation  of  fatty  substances,  and  thus  contributes  to  the 
piservation  of  ointments.  (Am,.  Journ.  of  P harm,.,  xxii.  325.) 

Iff.  Prep.  Ceratum  Cantharidis ; Ceratum  Resinae;  Ceratum  Resinae  Com- 
pctum;  Emplastrum  Cantharidis;  Emplastrum  Cantharidis  Comp.;  Emplast. 
Firi;  Emplast.  Hydrargyri ; Emplast.  Picis;  Emplast.  Resinae;  Emplast.  Sa- 
pc:s;  Emplast.  Simplex;  Unguentum  Infusi  Cantharidis;  Unguent.  Picis. 

W. 

RHAMNI  BACCAE.  Ed. 

Buckthorn  Berries. 

y.r 

fruit  of  Rhamnus  catharticus.  Ed. 


RHAMNI  SUCCUS.  Loud, 

Buckthorn  Juice. 

harnnus  catharticus.  The  juice  of  the  fruit.  Land. 

"lies  du  nerprun,  Fr.;  Kreutzbeeren,  Germ,.;  Bacclie  del  spino  cervino,  Ital.;  Bay  as 
de  rano  catartico,  Span. 

HAMNUS.  Sex.  Syst.  Pentandria  Monogynia. — Nat.  Ord.  Rhamnaceae. 

| en.  Ch.  Calyx  tubular.  Corolla  scales  defending  the  stamens,  inserted  into 
thqalyx.  Berry.  Willd. 

, Jiamnus  catharticus.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  i.  1092;  Woodv.il. led.Bot.  p.  594,  t. 
21  The  purging  buckthorn  is  a shrub  seven  or  eight  feet  high,  with  branches 
ter inating  in  a sharp  spine.  The  leaves  are  in  fascicles,  on  short  footstalks, 
ovl,  serrate,  veined.  The  flowers  are  usually  dioecious,  in  clusters,  small, 
greiish,  peduncled,  with  a four-cleft  calyx,  and  four  very  small  scale-like  petals, 
plaid  in  the  male  flower,  behind  the  stamens,  which  equal  them  in  number. 
Ih  fruit  is  a four-seeded  berry. 

e shrub  is  a native  of  Europe,  and  is  said  to  have  been  found  growing  wild 
is  country.  It  was  first  discovered  in  the  Highlands  of  New  York  by  Dr. 
itt.  ( Eaton’s  Manual.)  It  flowers  in  May  and  June,  and  ripens  its  fruit  in 
itter  part  of  September.  The  berries  and  their  juice  are  officinal.  When 
hey  are  about  the  size  of  a pea,  round,  somewhat  flattened  on  the  summit, 
blal,  smooth,  shining,  with  four  seeds,  surrounded  by  a green,  juicy  paren- 
chyma. Their  odour  is  unpleasant,  their  taste  bitterish,  acrid,  and  nauseous. 
Th  expressed  juice  has  the  colour,  odour,  and  taste  of  the  parenchyma.  It  is 
red  ned  by  the  acids,  and  from  deep-green  is  rendered  light-green  by  the  alka- 
lies Upon  standing  it  soon  begins  to  ferment,  and  becomes  red  in  consequence 
of  e formation  of  acetic  acid.  Evaporated  to  dryness,  with  the  addition  of 
limor  an  alkali,  it  forms  the  colour  called  by  painters  sap  green.  The  dried 
fruipf  another  species,  R.  infectorius,  yields  a rich  yellow  colour,  for  which  it 
is  r,  ch  employed  in  the  arts  under  the  name  of  French  berries. 

1!gel  obtained  from  the  juice  of  the  berries  a peculiar  colouring  matter,  acetic 
acic mucilage,  sugar,  and  a nitrogenous  substance.  Hubert  found  green  colour- 
mg latter,  acetic  and  malic  acids,  brown  gummy  matter,  and  a bitter  substance 
whi  he  considered  as  the  purgative  principle.  M.  Fleury  obtained  a peculiar 
cry:  lhzable  principle,  which  is  contained  both  in  the  expressed  juice  and  the 
e remaining  after  expression,  and  for  which  he  proposed  the  name  of 
■iin;  but  he  did  not  ascertain  whether  it  possessed  cathartic  properties. 
(Se  hum.  de  Pharm.,  xxvii.  666.)  Winckler  obtained  from  the  ripe  fruit  a 


in  i 
Ba 
the! 
rip. 


resi 

rha 


608 


Rhamni  Baccae. — Rheum. 


par  i. 


principle  which  he  called  catharfin,  and  believes  that  the  rhamnin  of  Fie 
which  was  obtained  from  the  unripe  berries,  is  converted  into  that  principle  id 
grape  sugar  as  the  fruit  matures.  (6 'hem.  Gaz.,  viii.  232.)  The  cathartic 
tVinckler,  which  must  not  be  confounded  with  the  substance  of  the  same  me 
at  one  time  supposed  to  be  the  purgative  principle  of  senna,  may  be  produce*  y 
evaporating  the  expressed  juice  of  the  berries  to  the  consistence  of  syrup,  trea  n? 
this  repeatedly  with  boiling  absolute  alcohol  till  it  ceased  to  yield  bitter  ss 
to  the  menstruum,  mixing  the  tinctures,  allowing  the  liquor  to  become  id, 
filtering,  adding  a large  excess  of  ether,  allowing  the  mixed  liquids  to  std, 
then  filtering,  evaporating  in  a water-bath,  and  repeating  the  process  withae 
residue.  The  cathartin  thus  obtained  is  a pale-yellow  powder,  very  bitter, . u- 
ble  in  water  and  alcohol  but  not  in  ether,  and  actively  cathartic  in  a dose  of : m 
one  to  three  grains.  (See  JV.  Y.  Journ.  of  Rharm.,  April,  1853,  and  Am.  Jo  n. 
of  Rharm.,  xxv.  526.) 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Both  the  berries  and  the  expressed  juice  re 
actively  purgative;  but,  as  they  are  apt  to  occasion  nausea  and  severe  gripg, 
with  much  thirst  and  dryness  of  the  mouth  and  throat,  they  are  now  littlem- 
ployed.  They  formerly  enjoyed  considerable  reputation  as  a hydragogue  ea  rn 
tic  in  dropsy;  and  were  given  also  in  rheumatism  and  gout.  The  onlyspe 
in  which  they  are  used  in  this  country  is  that  of  the  syrup,  which  is  someties, 
though  rarely,  added  to  hydragogue  or  diuretic  mixtures.  (See  Syrupus  Rhar.  i.) 
The  dose  of  the  recent  berries  is  about  a scruple,  of  the  dried  a drachm,  ai  of 
the  expressed  juice  a fluidounce. 

Under  the  name  of  cortex  frangulse , the  bark  of  Rhamnus  Frangula  is  s:e- 
times  used  in  Germany  as  a cathartic.  Buchner  found  in  this  bark  a peciar 
yellow  volatile  colouring  principle  which  he  called  rhamnoxanthin ; and  wch 
may  be  obtained  by  subjecting  the  alcoholic  and  ethereal  extract  to  distillaon. 
(Journ.  dg  Rharm.,  3e  sir.,  xxiv.  293.) 

Off.  Prep.  Syrupus  Rhamni. 

RHEUM.  U.S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub. 

Rhubarb. 

The  root  of  Rheum  palmatum,  and  other  species  of  Rheum.  U.  S.  Ro  of 
an  undetermined  species  of  Rheum.  Ed.,  Lond..  Dub. 

Rhabarbarum ; Rhubarbe,  Fr.;  Rhabarber,  Germ.;  Rabarbaro,  Ital. ; Ruibarbo,  an.; 
Hai-lioung,  Chinese;  Schara-modo,  Thibet. 

Rhedm.  Sex.Syst.  Enneandria  Trigynia. — Eat.  Ord.  Polygonaceas. 

Gen.  Ch.  Calyx  petaloid,  six-parted,  withering.  Stamens  about  nim  in- 
serted into  the  base  of  the  calyx.  Styles  three,  reflexed.  Stigmas  peltate,  eire. 
Achenium  three-cornered,  winged,  with  the  withered  calyx  at  the  base.  Ewyo 
in  the  centre  of  the  albumen.  ( Lindley .) 

Notwithstanding  the  length  of  time  that  rhubarb  has  been  in  use,  it  ha  not 
yet  been  determined  from  what  precise  plant  the  Asiatic  drug  is  derived.  The 
remoteness  of  the  region  where  it  is  collected,  and  the  jealous  care  with  nich 
the  monopoly  of  the  trade  is  guarded,  have  prevented  any  accurate  information 
the  subject.  All  that  we  certainly  know  is  that  it  is  the  root  of  one  or  lore 
species  of  Rheum.  The  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia  refers  it  to  R.  Palmatum ,*ith 
other  species  not  designated.  The  British  Colleges  recognise  at  present  npar- 
ticular  species. 

The  terms  rlia  and  rheon,  from  the  former  of  which  were  derived  the  imes 
rhabarbarum  and  rhubarb,  and  from  the  latter  the  botanical  title  Rheunaae 
applied  by  the  ancients  to  a root  which  came  from  beyond  the  Bosphoru  aud 
which  is  supposed,  though  upon  somewhat  uncertain  grounds,  to  have  be<  the 


P.tT  I. 


Rheum. 


609 


piluct  of  the  Rheum  Rhaponticum,  growing  on  the  banks  of  the  Caspian  Sea 
at  the  Wolga.  This  species  was  also  at  one  time  believed  to  be  the  source  of 
thnedicine  now  in  use;  but  the  true  rhubarb  has  long  been  known  to  be  wholly 
di:  net  from  the  Rhapontic,  and  derived  from  a different  source.  It  was  not 
til  the  year  1732  that  any  probable  information  was  obtained  as  to  its  real  origin. 
At  hat  time  plants  were  received  from  Russia  by  Jussieu  in  France,  and  Rand 
in  Ingland,  which  were  said  to  be  of  the  species  which  afforded  the  genuine 
rh  iarb,  and  were  named  by  Linnaeus,  under  this  impression,  Rheum  Rhabar- 
la  m,  a title  which  has  since  given  way  to  Rheum  undulatum.  At  a subse- 
qu  t period,  Kauw  Boerhaave  obtained  from  a merchant,  who  dealt  in  the 
rhiarb  of  Tartary,  some  seeds  which  he  said  were  those  of  the  plant  which 
praiced  the  root  he  sold.  These  seeds,  having  been  planted,  yielded  two 
sptes  of  Rheum,  R.  undulatum,  and  another  which  Linnaeus  named  R.  palma- 
tui  Seeds  transmitted  by  Dr.  Mounsey  from  St.  Petersburg  to  Dr.  Hope, 
amplanted  in  the  botanic  garden  at  Edinburgh,  produced  the  latter  species;  and 
theiame  was  also  raised  at  Upsal  from  a root  received  by  Linnaeus  from  De 
Goer,  and  was  described  A.  D.  1767  by  the  younger  Linnaeus,  two  years  after 
theppearance  of  Dr.  Hope’s  paper  in  the  Philosophical  Transactions.  Thus 
far  lie  evidence  appears  equally  in  favour  of  R.  palmatum  and  R.  undulatum. 
Tholaims  of  another  species  were  afterwards  presented.  Pallas,  upon  exhibit- 
inghe  leaves  of  R.  palmatum  to  some  Bucharian  merchants  of  whom  he  was 
ma  ag  inquiries  relative  to  the  rhubarb  plant,  was  told  that  the  leaves  of  the 
lattj  were  entirely  different  in  shape;  and  the  description  he  received  of  them 
cor pponded  more  closely  with  those  of  R.  compactum,  than  of  any  other  known 
spe|s.  Seeds  of  this  plant  were,  moreover,  sent  to  Miller  from  St.  Petersburg, 
as  t >se  of  the  true  Tartarian  rhubarb.  A few  years  since  the  attention  of  na- 
tuflsts  was  called  to  a fourth  species,  for  which  the  same  honour  has  been 
clai  ?d.  Dr.  Wallich,  superintendent  of  the  botanical  garden  at  Calcutta,  re- 
ceiv I seeds  which  were  said  to  be  those  of  the  plant  which  yielded  the  Chinese 
l'liu  vb,  growing  on  the  Himalaya  mountains  and  the  highlands  of  Tartary. 
The  produced  a species  not  previously  described,  which  Dr.  Wallich  named 
R.  .nodi,  from  the  native  title  of  the  plant.  It  is  the  R.  australe  of  Mr.  Don 
and  ? Colebrooke,  and  has  been  ascertained  to  afford  a root  which,  though  pur- 
gaff,  is  very  unlike  the  officinal  rhubarb.  Other  species  have  been  found  to 
groi  n the  Himalaya  mountains,  from  which  a kind  of  rhubarb  used  by  the 
caffs  is  said  to  be  procured;  but  none  of  it  reaches  the  markets  of  this  country 
or  pope.  From  what  has  been  said,  it  is  obvious  that  no  species  yet  men- 
tion1 can  be  considered  as  the  undoubted  source  of  commercial  rhubarb;  the 
plan  raving,  in  no  instance,  been  seen  and  examined  by  naturalists  in  its  native 
plac  Sievers,  an  apothecary,  sent  to  Siberia  in  the  reign  of  Catharine  II., 
withllhe  view  of  improving  the  cultivation  of  the  native  rhubarb,  asserts  from 
the  formation  given  him  by  the  Bucharians,  that  all  the  seeds  procured  under 
the  :me  of  true  rhubarb  are  false,  and  pronounces  “all  the  descriptions  in  the 
Mat|a  Medicas  to  be  incorrect.”  This  assertion,  however,  has  no  relation  to 
R-  d'trale  which  has  been  subsequently  described;  but  it  is  said  that  the  roots 
of  tli  plant,  dried  by  the  medical  officers  of  the  British  army,  differ  from  true 
rhukb  in  appearance  and  power. 

A;  the  plants  of  this  genus  are  perennial  and  herbaceous,  with  large  branching 
rootsyhich  send  forth  vigorous  stems  from  four  to  eight  feet  or  more  in  height, 
Bumhded  at  their  base  with  numerous  very  large  petiolate  leaves,  and  termi- 
natn  in  lengthened  branching  panicles,  composed  of  small  and  very  numerous 
flowc|,  resembling  those  of  the  Rumex  or  dock.  There  is  some  difficulty  in 
#rrat  ug  the  species,  in  consequence  of  the  tendency  of  the  cultivated  plants  to 
form  y brids ; and  it  is  frequently  impossible  to  ascertain  to  which  of  the  wild 
39 


610 


Rheum. 


par  [. 


types  the  several  garden  varieties  are  to  he  referred.  The  following  descript  is 
are  from  the  Flora  Medica  of  Dr.  Lindley. 

Rheum  palmatum.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  ii.  489;  Lindley,  Flor.  Med.  p. 
Carson,  Illust.  of  Med.  Bot.  ii.  22,  pi.  69.  “Leaves  roundish-cordate,  half  p;  a- 
ate;  the  lobes  pinnatifid,  acuminate,  deep  dull-green,  not  wavy,  but  uneven  id 
very  much  wrinkled  on  the  upper  side,  hardly  scabrous  at  the  edge,  minuy 
downy  on  the  under  side;  sinus  completely  closed;  the  lobes  of  the  leaf  stanug 
forwards  beyond  it.  Petiole  pale  green,  marked  with  short  purple  lines,  te  e, 
obscurely  channeled  quite  at  the  upper  end.  Flowering  stems  taller  than  t se 
of  any  other  species.”  This  species  is  said  to  inhabit  China  in  the  vicinit  of 
the  great  wall.  It  has  been  cultivated  in  England  and  France  for  the  sal  of 
its  root,  which  is  generally  admitted  to  approach  more  nearly  in  odour,  t: -e, 
and  the  arrangement  of  its  colours,  than  that  of  any  other  known  specie  to 
the  Asiatic  rhubarb. 

R.  undulatum.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  ii.  489;  Lindley,  Flor.  Med.  p.  el; 
"Woodv.  Med.  Bot.  3d  ed.  v.  81.  “Leaves  oval,  obtuse,  extremely  wavy, c’p- 
green,  with  veins  purple  at  the  base,  often  shorter  than  the  petiole,  distir  ly 
and  copiously  downy  on  each  side,  looking  as  if  frosted  when  young,  scab  us 
at  the  edge;  sinus  open,  wedge-shaped,  with  the  lower  lobes  of  the  leaves  tued 
upwards.  Petiole  downy,  blood-red,  semi-cylindrical,  with  elevated  edges  tche 
upper  side,  which  is  narrower  at  the  upper  than  the  lower  end.”  This; a 
native  of  Siberia,  and  probably  of  Tartary  and  China.  It  was  cultivated  by  he 
Russian  government  as  the  true  rhubarb  plant;  but  the  culture  has  been  a.n- 
doned.  It  contributes  to  the  rhubarb  produced  in  France. 

R.  compactum.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  ii.  489;  Lindley,  Flor.  Med.  p.  8; 
Carson,  Illust.  of  Med.  Bot.  ii.  24,  pi.  71.  “Leaves  heart-shaped,  obtuse,  ry 
wavy,  deep-green,  of  a thick  texture,  scabrous  at  the  margin,  quite  smooton 
both  sides,  glossy  and  even  on  the  upper  side;  sinus  nearly  closed  by  the  pen- 
chyma.  Petiole  green,  hardly  tinged  with  red  except  at  the  base,  setni  ciu- 
drical,  a little  compressed  at  the  sides,  with  the  upper  side  broad,  flat,  borced 
by  elevated  edges,  and  of  equal  breadth  at  each  end.”  This  plant  is  said  be 
a native  of  Tartary  and  China.  It  is  one  of  the  garden  rhubarbs,  and  is  ilti- 
vated  in  France  for  its  root. 

R.  australe.  Don,  Prod.  Flor.  Nepal,  p.  75.  — R.  Emodi.  Wallic-h;  Liney, 
Flor.  Med.  p.  354;  Carson,  Illust.  of  Med.  Bot.  ii.  24,  pi.  70.  “ Leaves  eonte, 
acute,  dull-green,  but  little  wavy,  flatfish,  very  much  wrinkled,  distinctly  regh, 
with  coarse  short  hairs  on  each  side;  sinus  of  the  base  distinctly  open,  not  wge- 
shaped  but  diverging  at  an  obtuse  angle,  with  the  lobes  nearly  turned  upwds. 
Petioles  very  rough,  rounded-angular,  furrowed;  with  the  upper  side  deprt ed, 
bordered  by  an  elevated  edge,  and  very  much  narrower  at  the  upper  tbaithe 
lower  end.”  The  root  of  this  species  was  at  one  time  conjectured  to  b the 
source  of  officinal  Asiatic  rhubarb;  but  has  been  found  to  have  scarcely  ar  re- 
semblance to  it.  The  plant  has  been  cultivated  both  in  Europe  and  this  courry, 
and  its  petioles  answer  well  for  tarts,  &c. 

R.  Rhaponticum.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  ii.  488;  Lindley,  Flor.  Med.  p.  ,57; 
Loudon’s  Encyc.  of  Plants,  p.  335.  “Leaves  roundish-ovate,  cordate,  ohse, 
pale-green,  but  little  wavy,  very  concave,  even,  very  slightly  downy  on  the  der 
side,  especially  near  the  edge,  and  on  the  edge  itself;  scabrous  at  the  inarm; 
sinus  quite  open,  large,  and  cuneate.  Petiole  depressed,  channeled  on  the  >p« 
side,  with  the  edges  regularly  rounded  off,  pale  green,  striated,  scarcely  s cabas. 
Panicles  very  compact  and  short,  always  rounded  at  the  ends,  and  never  £ as 
in  the  other  garden  species.  Flowering  stem  about  three  feet  high.  Tbc 
Rhapontic  rhubarb  grows  upon  the  banks  of  the  Caspian  Sea,  in  the  desei  be- 
tween the  Wolga  and  the  Oural,  and  in  Siberia.  It  is  said  also  to  grow-P<m 


PRT  I. 


Rheum. 


611 


t]i  borders  of  the  Euxine.  It  is  cultivated  as  a garden  plant  in  Europe  and 
tjg  country;  and  large  quantities  of  the  root  are  produced  for  sale  in  France. 
I s said  by  Royle  to  be  the  source  of  the  English  rhubarb. 

3esides  the  species  above  described,  R.  leucorrhizum,  growing  in  the  Kirghese 
dart  in  Tartary,  R.  Caspicum  from  the  Altai  mountains,  R.  Wehbianum,  R. 
sjiiforme,  and  R.  Moorcraftianum,  natives  of  the  Himalaya  mountains,  and 
% crassinervium  and  R.  hybridum,  cultivated  in  Europe,  but  of  unknown 
oilin,  yield  roots  which  have  either  been  employed  as  purgatives,  or  possess 
pperties  more  or  less  analogous  to  those  of  officinal  rhubarb,  though  they  have 
n-  entered  into  general  commerce. 

ihe  leafstalks  of  the  different  species  of  Rheum  have  a pleasant  acid  taste, 
ai  are  used  for  making  tarts  and  pies,  which  are  not  unlike  those  made  with 
gcgeberries.  It  is  for  this  purpose  only  that  the  plants  are  cultivated  in  the 
U ted  States.  Lindley  states  that  R.  Rhaponticum,  R.  hybridum,  and  R.  com- 
p;;um,  and  hybrid  varieties  of  them,  are  the  common  garden  rhubarbs. 

n relation  to  the  culture  and  preparation  of  rhubarb,  our  information  is  almost 
asincertain  as  on  the  subject  of  its  natural  history.  The  accounts  received 
fra  the  Bucharian  merchants  are  very  discordant,  and  few  intelligent  travellers 
h;e  penetrated  into  the  country  where  the  medicine  is  collected.  We  shall 
pient,  however,  a brief  abstract  of  what  we  have  been  able  to  collect  upon  the 
suect  from  the  authorities  we  have  consulted. 

hubarb  is  produced  abundantly  in  the  elevated  lands  of  Tartary,  about  the 
la  Koko  Norr,  and  is  said  to  be  cultivated  in  the  neighbouring  Chinese  province 
of  hen-see,  and  in  that  of  Setchuen.  From  these  sources  it  is  generally  supposed 
th  our  supplies  of  Russian  and  Chinese  rhubarb  are  exclusively  derived ; but 
th  root  is  also  collected  in  Boutan  and  Thibet,  on  the  north  of  the  Himalaya 
m ntains;  and  it  is  probable  that  the  plant  pervades  the  whole  of  Chinese  Tar- 
ta: . It  flourishes  best  in  a light  sandy  soil.  We  are  told  by  Mr.  Bell,  who, 
on  journey  from  St.  Petersburg  to  Pekin,  had  an  opportunity  of  observing  it 
in  growing  state,  that  it  is  not  cultivated  by  the  Tartars,  but  springs  up  spon- 
tanusly  in  tufts  at  uncertain  distances,  wherever  the  seeds  have  fallen  upon  the 
he  s of  loose  earth  thrown  up  by  the  marmots.  In  other  places  the  thickness 
of  le  grass  prevents  their  access  to  the  soil.  The  root  is  not  considered  suffi- 
ce ly  mature  for  collection  till  it  has  attained  the  age  of  six  years.  It  is  dug 
np  vice  a year  in  Tartary,  in  the  spring  and  autumn ; in  China  not  till  the  winter. 
Ai  r removal  from  the  ground,  it  is  cleaned,  depi’ived  of  its  cortical  portion  and 
of  e smaller  branches,  and  then  divided  into  pieces  of  a convenient  size.  These 
aroored  with  holes,  and  strung  upon  cords  to  dry,  according  to  Mr.  Bell,  about 
thonts  and  on  the  horns  of  sheep ; according  to  Sievers,  under  sheds,  by  which 
tbt  ays  of  the  sun  are  excluded,  while'the  air  has  free  access.  The  Chinese  are 
sai  arst  to  place  the  pieces  on  a stone  slab  heated  by  fire  beneath,  and  afterwards 
to  mplete  the  drying  process  by  exposing  them  to  the  sun  and  air.  In  Boutan 
ths  oots  are  hung  up  in  a kind  of  drying  room,  in  which  a moderate  and  regular 
he;  is  maintained.  Much  time  and  attention  are  devoted  to  the  preparation  of 
the  oot ; and  Sievers  states  that  a year  sometimes  elapses  from  the  period  of  its 
col  etion,  before  it  is  ready  for  exportation.  A very  large  proportion  of  its  weight 
is  ’It  in  drying,  according  to  some  accounts  four-fifths,  to  others  not  less  than 
sey  -eighths.  It  is  probably  in  order  to  favour  the  drying  that  the  bark  is 
reeved.  The  trade  in  rhubarb  is  said  to  centre  in  the  Chinese  town  of  Si-nin, 
wh:j  a Bucharian  company  or  family  is  established,  which  possesses  a monopoly 
of  'is  trade,  in  consideration  of  a certain  tribute  paid  to  the  government.  To 
tki.  ;ity  the  rhubarb  is  brought  from  the  various  places  of  its  collection,  and, 
haVg  been  duly  assorted,  and  undergone  further  preparation,  is  transmitted 
PM7  to  Russia,  partly  to  the  coast  of  China;  so  that  the  drug  which  reaches 


612 


Rheum. 


PAEl 


us  through  St.  Petersburg  is  procured  from  the  same  neighbourhood  with  t! 
imported  from  Canton.  But  it  will  soon  be  seen  that  there  are  differences  betwf. 
the  Russian  and  Chinese  rhubarb,  which  would  seem  to  indicate  a different  c. 
gin,  and  might  authorize  doubts  as  to  the  entire  accuracy  of  the  above  aecour 
It  is  at  least  probable  that  the  drug  produced  in  the  province  of  Setchuen,  whei  ■ 
the  best  China  rhubarb  is  said  to  be  brought,  takes  a more  direct  route  to  t 
coast  than  that  through  the  town  of  Si-nin.  Besides  the  two  commercial  variet ; 
just  mentioned,  a third  occasionally  comes  to  us  from  Europe,  where  the  eu- 
vation  of  rhubarb  has  been  carried  on  for  some  time  with  success,  especially! 
France,  Belgium,  and  Great  Britain.  Of  these  three  varieties  we  shall  trt 
under  different  heads. 

1.  Chinese  Rhubarb. 

LicUa  Rhubarb.  Rlieum  Sinense  vel  Indicum.  Much  the  largest  proport  1 
of  rhubarb  consumed  in  this  country  is  brought  from  Canton.  Though  somew  t 
inferior  to  the  Russian,  its  comparative  cheapness  gives  it  a decided  preferee 
in  our  markets ; and,  when  of  good  quality,  it  does  not  disappoint  the  exf  - 
tations  of  the  physician. 

It  is  in  cylindrical  or  roundish  pieces,  sometimes  flattened  on  one  or  both  sic  , 
of  a dirty  brownish-yellow  colour  externally,  appearing  as  if  the  cortical  porta 
of  the  root  had  been  removed  by  scraping,  and  the  surface  rendered  smooth  d 
somewhat  powdery  by  attrition.  The  best  pieces  are  heavier  than  the  Russa 
rhubarb,  have  a texture  rather  close  and  compact,  and  when  broken  presera 
ragged  uneven  surface,  variegated  with  intermingled  shades  of  dull-red,  yell  - 
ish,  and  white,  which  are  sometimes  diversified  or  interrupted  by  darker  colon. 
The  pieces  are  generally  perforated  with  small  holes,  intended  for  conveniee 
of  suspension  during  the  drying  process;  and  portions  of  the  suspending  cd 
are  not  unfrequently  found  remaining  in  the  holes.  Chinese  rhubarb  haa 
peculiar  somewhat  aromatic  smell,  and  a bitter  astringent  taste,  is  gritty  wn 
chewed,  imparts  a yellow  colour  to  the  saliva,  and  affords  a yellowish  powr 
with  a reddish-brown  tinge.  With  the  pieces  of  good  quality  others  often  cue 
mingled,  which  are  defective  from  decay  or  improper  preparation.  These  v 
usually  lighter,  and  of  a dark  or  russet  colour.  Like  all  the  other  varietieaf 
rhubarb,  this  is  liable  to  be  attacked  by  worms;  and  in  almost  every  large  pael 
pieces  may  be  found  which  have  suffered  from  this  cause.  The  want  of  prcer 
care  in  its  selection  by  the  Chinese  merchants,  and  the  exposure  incident  4 a 
long  sea-voyage,  are  causes  which  contribute  to  its  inferiority  to  the  Rus.n 
rhubarb.  As  the  whole  contents  of  the  chest  imported  are  usually  powded 
together,  including  the  worst  as  well  as  the  best  pieces,  it  follows  that  the  jt- 
der  is  inferior  in  efficacy  to  the  selected  and  sound  pieces. 

In  former  editions  of  this  work,  we  have  noticed  a variety  of  rhubarb  impo:d 
from  Canton,  which  was  evidently  prepared,  before  leaving  China,  so  as  to  resenle 
the  Russian,  having  an  angular  surface  as  if  pared  with  a knife.  The  pieces  arc 
obviously  selected  with  great  care,  as  they  were  remarkably  free  from  def<  s. 
But  in  most  of  those  which  came  under  our  notice,  the  small  penetrating  lc 
was  observable,  which  characterizes  the  Chinese  rhubarb,  though  it  had  in  sac 
instances  been  filled  with  the  powdered  root,  so  as  in  some  measure  to  conceal. 
Besides,  the  colours  were  not  quite  so  bright  as  those  of  Russia  rhubarb,  'its 
is  undoubtedly  the  variety  described  by  Pereira,  under  a distinct  head,  as  be 
Dutcli-trimmed  or  Batavian  rhubarb,  and  considered  by  him  as  probablyfu- 
charian  or  Russian  rhubarb  of  inferior  quality,  sent  by  the  way  of  Canton.  A 
sufficient  proof,  we  think,  that  this  is  not  the  case,  is  the  presence  in  most  j t: 
of  the  small  penetrating  hole,  occasionally  filled  with  remains  of  the  cord,  a- 


]RT  I. 


Rheum. 


613 


i 'some  pieces  almost  shaved  away  in  the  paring  process.  We  have  never  seen 
ska  hole  in  any  piece  of  true  Russian  rhubarb,  which  does  not  appear  to  be 
s mg  up  like  the  Chinese  when  dried. 

Under  the  title  of  Canton  stick  rhubarb,  Pereira  describes  a variety  of  which 
sail  quantities  have  been  imported  from  Canton  into  London.  It  bears  much 
remblance  to  the  English  stick  rhubarb,  and  is  supposed  to  be  derived  from 
tl  branches  of  the  root  of  the  plant  which  yields  the  true  Chinese  rhubarb. 

2.  Russian  Rhubarb. 

Turkey  Rhubarb.  Bucharian  Rhubarb.  Rheum  Russicum  vel  Turcicum.  The 
rlbarb  taken  to  Russia  from  Tartary  undergoes  a peculiar  preparation,  in  con- 
foiity  with  the  stipulations  of  a contract  with  the  Bucharian  merchants  who 
finish  the  supply.  The  best  is  selected,  and  each  piece  perforated  in  order  to 
asrtain  whether  it  is  sound  in  the  centre.  From  Si-nin  it  is  conveyed  by  the 
B karian  merchants  to  the  frontier  town  of  Kiachta,  where  it  undergoes  a rigid 
inection  by  an  apothecary  stationed  at  that  place  by  the  Russian  government. 
A those  pieces  which  do  not  pass  examination  are  committed  to  the  flames;  and 
th i'emainder  is  sent  to  St.  Petersburg.  This  variety  is  sometimes  called  Turkey 
rharb,  from  the  circumstance  that  it  was  formerly  derived  from  the  Turkish 
pop,  whither  it  is  said  to  have  been  brought  from  Tartary  by  caravans  through 
Pda  and  Natoiia.  The  circumstance  of  the  identity  of  the  Russian  and  Turkey 
rk  arb,  and  their  decided  difference  from  the  Chinese,  would  appear  to  indicate 
a c tinct  origin  for  the  two  varieties.  Inferior  parcels  of  the  root,  which  will 
noiass  the  inspection  of  the  Russian  authorities,  are  said  to  enter  Russia  by 
Takkent,  and  to  be  known  to  the  druggists  of  that  country  by  the  name  of 
Tahkent  rhubarb. 

le  pieces  of  Russian  rhubarb  are  irregular  and  somewhat  angular,  appearing 
as  the  bark  had  been  shaved  off  longitudinally  by  successive  strokes  of  a knife, 
ami  portion  of  the  interior  substance  removed  with  each  shaving.  They  have 
a ctner  and  fresher  appearance  than  the  Chinese,  and  their  colour  both  inter- 
nal1 and  externally,  though  of  the  same  general  character,  is  somewhat  more 
live r.  They  are  less  compact  and  heavy;  and  are  cut  with  less  facility,  owing 
to  dr  giving  away  before  the  knife.  Another  distinction  is  the  character  of 
the  erforations,  which  in  the  Russian  rhubarb  are  large,  frequently  reaching 
onlto  the  centre,  and  evidently  made  for  the  purpose  of  inspection;  while  in 
the  hinese  they  are  small,  penetrate  completely  through  the  pieces,  and  were 
intc  led  for  the  passage  of  a suspending  cord.  The  taste  and  smell  of  the 
fort r closely  resemble  those  of  the  latter,  except  that  the  Russian  is  rather 
moi  aromatic.  There  is  the  same  crackling  under  the  teeth,  and  the  same  yel- 
low ain  imparted  to  the  saliva ; but  the  colour  of  the  powder  in  this  variety  is 
abi  ht  yellow,  without  the  brownish  tinge  exhibited  by  the  Chinese.  When 
thit  dices,  previously  boiled  in  water,  are  examined  by  the  microscope,  they 
exk  it  numerous  clusters  of  minute  crystals  of  oxalate  of  lime.  Mr.  Quekett 
fout  between  35  and  40  grains  of  them  in  100  grains  of  the  root.  They  are 
obswed  both  in  the  Russian  and  Chinese  rhubarb. 

1 care  which  renders  the  Russian  rhubarb  so  free  from  defects,  tends  greatly 
to  e ance  its  price,  and  consequently  to  limit  its  consumption.  Its  great  com- 
pare re  value  in  the  market  has  led  to  frequent  attempts  at  adulteration ; and 
the  reces  of  Chinese  rhubarb  are  sometimes  cut  down  and  prepared  so  as  to 
rese  fle  the  Russian.  The  fraud,  however,  may  be  detected  by  adverting  to 
the  iculiarities  in  texture,  colour,  and  weight,  by  which  the  varieties  are  dis- 
ting iked,  and  to  the  occasional  presence  of  the  small  penetrating  hole  or  ves- 
tigei  f it.  We  have  seen  a specimen  in  which  the  hole  was  enlarged  at  its  two 


614 


Rheum. 


PAR] 


extremities,  and  closed  by  powder  in  the  middle,  with  the  view  of  imitating  3 
larger  perforations  of  the  Prussian  pieces.  Sometimes  the  worm-eaten  pie? 
are  made  to  resemble  the  sound,  by  filling  up  the  holes  with  a mixture  of  j - 
verized  rhubarb  and  mucilage,  and  covering  over  the  surface  with  the  powc 
By  removing  this,  the  fraud  is  at  once  revealed. 

3.  European  Rhubarb. 

In  various  parts  of  Europe,  particularly  in  England,  France,  Belgium,  d 
Germany,  the  rhubarb  plants  have  been  cultivated  for  many  years;  and  o 
siderable  quantities  of  the  root  are  annually  brought  into  the  market.  1 .3 
imported  into  this  country  from  England  and  France. 

English  Rhubarb.  This  formerly  came  in  two  forms.  In  one  the  root  .s 
cut  and  perforated  in  imitation  of  the  Russian.  The  pieces  were  of  varits 
shape  and  size,  sometimes  cylindrical,  but  more  commonly  fiat,  or  someffit 
lenticular,  and  of  considerable  dimensions.  We  have  for  a long  time  seen  me 
of  this  variety  in  our  markets.  In  the  other,  the  pieces  are  somewhat  cyi- 
drical,  five  or  six  inches  long  by  an  inch  or  less  in  thickness,  and  more  or  a 
irregular  upon  the  surface,  as  if  they  had  shrunk  unequally  in  drying.  Th  is 
called  stick  rhubarb  in  England,  and  is  still  occasionally  met  with  in  our  shs. 
English  rhubarb  is  lighter  than  the  Asiatic,  more  spongy,  and  often  somevrt 
pasty  under  the  pestle.  It  is  of  a redder  colour,  and  when  broken  exhibi  a 
more  compact  and  regular  marbling ; the  pinkish  lines  being  arranged  i a 
radiated  manner  from  the  centre  towards  the  circumference.  The  powder  so 
has  a deeper  reddish  tint.  The  odour  is  feeble  and  less  aromatic  than  thaof 
the  Asiatic  varieties;  the  taste  is  astringent  and  mucilaginous  with  little  hi  r- 
ness ; and  the  root,  when  chewed,  scarcely  feels  gritty  between  the  teeth,  id 
but  slightly  colours  the  saliva.  Few  crystals  of  oxalate  of  lime  are  discover  le 
by  means  of  the  microscope.  Most  of  the  commercial  English  rhubarb  is  iff 
cultivated  near  Banbury,  and  is  said  to  be  the  product  of  R.  Rhaponticum. 

French  Rhubarb.  Rhapontic  Rhubarb.  Krimea  Rhubarb.  The  rhurb 
produced  in  France  is  at  present,  according  to  Guibourt,  chiefly  from  R.  la- 
ponticum,  R.  uhdulatum,  and  R.  compactum ; that  of  R.  palmatum,  meh 
most  closely  resembles  the  Asiatic,  having  been  found  to  degenerate  so  mb, 
as  not  to  be  a profitable  object  of  culture.  Most  of  the  French  rhubarb  is:o- 
duced  in  the  neighbourhood  of  L’ Orient,  in  the  department  of  Morbihan;nd 
the  spot  where  it  grows  has,  from  this  circumstance,  received  the  name  of  Rhm- 
pole.  Two  kinds  are  described  by  Guibourt,  both  under  the  name  of  Rhapitic 
root.  One  proceeds  from  the  R.  Rhaponticum,  growing  in  the  gardens  irbe 
environs  of  Paris;  the  other,  from  this  and  the  two  other  species  above  ac- 
tioned, cultivated  at  Rheumpole.  The  former  is  in  pieces  of  the  size  of  those 
or  smaller,  ligneous  in  their  appearance,  of  a reddish-gray  colour  on  the  outle, 
internally  marbled  with  red  and  white  arranged  in  the  form  of  crowded  ijs 
proceeding  from  the  centre  to  the  circumference,  of  an  odour  like  that  of  Attio 
rhubarb,  but  more  disagreeable,  of  a mucilaginous  and  very  astringent  tastaot 
crackling  under  the  teeth,  but  tinging  the  saliva  yellow,  and  affording  a redsh- 
yellow  powder.  The  pieces  of  the  latter  are  irregularly  cylindrical,  thri  or 
four  inches  long,  and  from  one  to  two  or  even  three  inches  thick,  less  ligrous 
in  appearance  than  the  preceding,  and  externally  of  a pale  or  brownish-yioff 
colour  less  inclining  to  redness.  In  exterior  aspect,  this  variety  bears  conaer- 
able  resemblance  to  Chinese  rhubarb ; but  may  be  distinguished  by  its  ore 
disagreeable  odour,  its  astringent  and  mucilaginous  taste,  its  want  of  erac-nG 
under  the  teeth,  and  its  radiating  fracture,  in  which  properties  it  is  similar  tthe 
preceding  variety.  Considerable  quantities  of  this  drug  have  been  importednto 


PRT  I. 


Rheum. 


615 


tl  United  States  from  France,  under  the  name  of  Krimea  rhubarb  ; and  it  is 
soetimes  employed,  we  fear,  to  adulterate  the  powder  of  the  Chinese  rhubarb. 
Iippears  to  have  displaced  in  France  the  Rhapontic  root  formerly  imported  from 
tl  Euxine.  Whether  from  difference  in  species,  or  from  the  influence  of  soil  and 
cl  late,  none  of  the  European  rhubarb  equals  the  Asiatic  in  purgative  power.* 
Jhoiee  of  Rhubarb.  In  selecting  good  rhubarb,  without  reference  to  the 
cc  mercial  variety,  those  pieces  should  be  preferred  which  are  moderately  heavy 
ai  compact,  of  a lively  colour,  brittle,  presenting  when  broken  a fresh  appear- 
aie,  with  reddish  and  yellowish  veins  intermingled  with  white,  of  an  odour 
dcdedly  aromatic,  of  a bitter  and  astringent  not  mucilaginous  taste,  feeling 
gity  and  staining  the  saliva  yellow  when  chewed,  and  affording  a powder  either 
hi  lit  yellow,  or  yellow  with  but  a slight  reddish-brown  tinge.  When  very  light, 
rlioarb  is  usually  rotten  or  worm-eaten;  when  very  heavy  and  compact,  it  is  of 
inrior  species,  culture,  or  preparation.  Rotten,  worm-eaten,  or  otherwise  in- 
feor  rhubarb,  is  often  powdered  and  coloured  yellow  with  turmeric;  and  the 
sb'ings  left  when  Chinese  rhubarb  is  trimmed  for  powdering,  or  to  imitate  the 
Esian,  are  applied  to  the  same  purpose. 

'hemical  Properties.  Rhubarb  yields  all  its  active  properties  to  water  and 
alihol.  The  infusion  is  of  a dark  reddish-yellow  colour,  with  the  taste  and 
odirof  rhubarb;  and  the  residue,  after  sufficient  maceration,  is  whitish,  inodor- 
ou  and  insipid.  By  long  boiling  the  virtues  of  the  medicine  are  impaired. 
M y attempts  have  been  made  to  analyze  the  root,  with  various  results. 
Ailing  them,  are  those  of  the  two  Henrys  and  Caventou  of  Paris,  Brande  of  Lon- 
do  Perettiof  Rome,  and  Hornemann,  Brandes,  and  Schlossberger  and  Dopping 
of  ermany.  Brandes  found  in  100  parts  of  Chinese  rhubarb,  2 of  pure  rhabar- 
ba]z  acid,  7‘5  of  the  same  acid  impure,  2‘5  of  gallic  acid,  9'0  of  tannin,  3‘5  of 
co  wing  extractive,  11‘0  of  uncrystallizable  sugar  with  tannin,  4'0  of  starch, 
14  of  gummy  extractive,  4 0 of  pectic  acid,  11  of  malate  and  gallate  of  lime, 
11  of  oxalate  of  lime,  1‘5  of  sulphate  of  potassa  aud  chloride  of  potassium, 
l'(  if 'silica,  0'5  of  phosphate  of  lime  and  oxide  of  iron,  25'0  of  lignin,  and  2'0 
of  iter.  The  most  recent  elaborate  analysis  which  has  come  to  our  notice  is 
th;  of  Schlossberger  and  Dopping.  Besides  extractive,  tannic  and  gallic  acids, 
su;.r,  starch,  pectin,  lignin,  oxalate  of  lime,  and  various  inorganic  salts,  they 
dis  vered  three  colouring  principles,  holding  an  intermediate  place  between  resin 
am  ^tractive  matter,  being  freely  soluble  in  alcohol,  and  slightly  soluble  in  water. 
Tw  of  these  were  uncrystallizable,  and  denominated  brown  resin  and  red  resin, 
or  'seoretin  and  erythroretin,  the  other  crystallizable  in  granular  crystals,  and 
idejieal  with  the  chrysophanic  acid,  previously  discovered  by  Rochleder  and 


Resides  the  varieties  of  rhubarb  above  described,  others  are  noticed  by  writers.  Pallas 
spe1  s of  a white  rhubarb,  brought  to  Kiachta  by  the  Bucharian  merchants  who  conveyed 
to  fj.t  place  the  drug  for  Russian  commerce.  It  was  white  as  milk,  of  a sweet  taste,  and 
equi  to  the  best  rhubarb  in  quality.  It  is  supposed  to  be  the  product  of  R.  leucorrhizum. 
At  esent,  however,  it  is  unknown  at  St.  Petersburg.  The  Himalaya  rhubarb  is  produced 
by  | australe,  and  other  species  mentioned  in  the  text  as  growing  in  the  Himalaya 
mo)  r.ains.  According  to  Dr.  Royle,  it  makes  its  way  to  the  lower  countries  in  Hindostan, 
wlii  it  sells  for  one-tenth  of  the  price  of  the  best  rhubarb.  Mr.  Twining  tried  it  in  the 
Ho;  tal  at  Calcutta,  and  found  it  superior  as  a tonic  and  astringent  to  Russian  rhubarb, 
and  early  equal  to  it  in  purgative  power.  A variety  known  in  Russia  as  Bucharian 
rhit.'b,  differing  from  the  variety  which  we  call  Russian,  and  which  is  known  in  Russia 
as  (:  nese  rhubarb,  is  imported  into  that  country  from  Tartary,  and  reaches  St.  Peters- 
bur  by  Nishny.  Parcels  of  it  are  said  also  to  reach  Vienna,  by  the  way  of  Brody  in 
Gallia.  Still  another  variety  is  that  called  Siberian  rhubarb,  which  is  known  in  Russia  by 
the y .me  of  Siberian  rhapontic  root.  As  these  are  inferior  kinds,  and  probably  never  reach 
ourjarkets,  we  have  not  thought  it  necessary  to  swell  our  pages  with  descriptions  of  them. 
lh(  ;ader  who  wishes  further  information  is  referred  to  papers  by  Pereira,  in  the  London 
Pht  laceulical  Journal,  republished  in  the  Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xviii.  63,  and  123. 


616 


Rheum. 


par 

Heldt  in  the  yellow  lichen,  or  Parmelia  parietina  of  Sprengel.  Another  rei- 
ous  substance  was  also  obtained,  which  was  named  aporetin;  but,  as  it  was  ins  i- 
hie  in  the  alcohol  from  which  it  had  been  precipitated  by  ether,  and  wasisom.c 
with  phseoretin,  there  is  reason  to  think  that  it  was  a product  of  the  operate 
The  three  principles  above  referred  to  were  obtained  by  exhausting  rhubarb  r h 
alcohol,  evaporating  the  tincture,  exhausting  the  extract  with  water,  dissob  g 
the  residue  in  the  least  possible  quantity  of  alcohol,  and  treating  this  sola  n 
with  ether.  A precipitate  was  produced,  a portion  of  which  (aporetin)  wasi- 
soluble  in  alcohol,  and  the  remainder  was  obtained  separate  by  solution  in  it 
fluid  and  evaporation.  This  was  phseoretin.  It  is  a yellowish-brown  pow  r, 
very  slightly  soluble  in  water  and  ether,  freely  soluble  in  alcohol  and  in  alkaie 
solutions,  with  which  it  produces  an  intense  reddish-brown  colour,  and  from  wlk 
it  is  thrown  down  yellow  by  the  mineral  acids.  The  ethereal  solution  of  le 
alcoholic  extract,  after  all  the  aporetin  and  phaeoretin  had  been  separated,  is 
allowed  to  evaporate  spontaneously,  and  a large  quantity  of  crystalline  grans 
was  obtained,  of  a beautiful  yellow  colour.  These  .being  washed  with  ether  a- 
stituted  the  chrysoplianic  acid.  When  the  ethereal  solution  showed  no  lour 
a disposition  to  deposit  crystals,  it  was  evaporated,  and  yielded  a product  ka’ig 
all  the  properties  of  the  resins,  and  forming  beautiful  purple  combinations  ",h 
potassa  and  ammonia.  This  was  the  erythroretin,  or  red  resin  of  rhubarb,  le 
matter  dissolved  by  water  from  the  alcoholic  extract  was  found  to  have  the  oar 
and  taste  of  rhubarb  in  a high  degree.  In  this  no  doubt  was  contained  the e- 
culiar  active  principle  or  principles  of  rhubarb;  but  Schlossberger  and  Doppg 
were  not  more  successful  than  their  predecessors  in  isolating  it.  They  obta  ;d 
a slightly  bitter  extractive  matter;  but  it  had  not  the  flavour  of  rkubb. 
( Pharm . Journ.  and  Trans.,  iv.  136,  232,  318,  and  viii.  190.) 

Many  distinguished  chemists  have  sought  for  the  purgative  ingredient  of  u- 
barb,  and  some  not  without  supposed  success ; but  scarcely  has  the  new  prinde 
been  described  and  named,  before  the  fallacy  of  its  claim  has  been  determi  d. 
The  caphopicrite  of  Henry,  the  rhttharbarin  of  Pfaff  and  others,  the  rheiimloi 
Hornemann,  the  rhabarbaric  acid  of  Brandes,  and,  lastly,  the  rliein  of  Profeor 
Dulk,  have  all  been  shown  to  be  bodies  more  or  less  complex;  and  c-ertainlao 
one  of  them  can  be  admitted  to  be  the  peculiar  purgative  principle.  The  as  n- 
gency  of  rhubarb,  there  can  be  no  doubt,  resides  iu  its  tannic  acid.  Some  he 
supposed  that  the  tonic  and  cathartic  properties  reside  in  different  princi]  s; 
but  we  are  disposed  to  think,  from  the  correspondence  of  the  bitterness  witlhe 
purgative  property,  that  they  reside  in  the  same  substance;  and,  from  the .ct 
that  exposure  to  heat  diminishes  the  cathartic  power,  there  is  reason  to  be;ve 
that  this  substance  when  isolated  will  prove  to  be  more  or  less  volatile. 

Chrysophanic  acid  is  at  present  one  of  the  most  interesting  eonstituits. 
Most  of  the  hitherto  supposed  active  principles  have  been  mixtures  of  this  th 
other  substances.  The  rhabarbaric  acid  of  Braudes  probably  approaches  nenst 
to  it  in  character.  When  pure  it  is  beautifully  yellow,  without  smell  and  tie, 
disposed  to  an  imperfect  granular  crystallization,  almost  insoluble  in  cold  war, 
more  soluble  in  hot  water  and  in  ether,  but  most  freely  so  in  alcohol,  ben 
heated  it  emits  yellow  vapours.  Alkaline  solutions  dissolve  it  with  the  prcre- 
tion  of  a beautiful  red  colour;  but  the  solution  with  potassa,  when  evapored, 
changes  first  to  violet,  aud  then  to  blue.  It  is  probably  the  chief  ingredieun 
the  fine  yellow  colouring  matter  which  is  produced  by  the  reaction  of  nitric-ad 
on  rhubarb, andwhich, in  consequence  of  the  magnificent  purples  which  it  profits 
with  the  alkalies,  M.  Gfarot  has  recentlj'  proposed,  under  the  name  of  erythro.  ^to 
introduce  into  the  arts  as  a dyestuff.  (See  Journ.  de  Pharm.  et  de  Clum.,  xvi:5.) 

There  are  other  interesting  principles  in  rhubarb.  Some  have  been  dispscd 
to  ascribe  its  odour  to  a volatile  oil;  but  this  has  not  been  isolated.  Tanniccid 
is  an  important  constituent.  It  is  of  that  variety  which  precipitates  the  sa  ■ ot 


PiT  I. 


Rheum. 


617 


sesaioxide  of  iron  of  a greenish  colour.  The  oxalate  of  lime  is  interesting  from 
its  uantity,  and  from  the  circumstance  that,  existing  in  distinct  crystals,  it 
ocoions  the  grittiness  of  the  rhubarb  between  the  teeth.  The  proportion  seems 
to  ry  exceedingly  in  different  specimens.  According  to  Scheele  and  Henry, 
it  nstituted  nearly  one-third,  and  Quekett  found,  as  already  stated,  between 
35 ad  40  per  cent.;  while  Brandes  obtained  only  11,  and  Schrader  only  4'5 
par  in  the  hundred.  Little  or  no  difference  of  composition  has  been  found 
betaen  the  Kussian  and  Chinese  rhubarb.  The  European  contains  but  a small 
prortion  of  oxalate  of  lime,  and  is  therefore  less  gritty  when  chewed.  It- has, 
hovver,  more  tannin  and  starch  than  the  Asiatic. 

’ben  powdered  rhubarb  is  heated,  odorous  yellow  fumes  rise,  which  are  pro- 
bat'  in  part  the  vapour  of  c-hrysophanic  acid.  Its  infusion  is  reddened  by  the 
alkies,  in  consequence  of  their  union  with  this  acid,  and  their  reaction  on  the 
oth  colouring  principles.  It  yields  precipitates  with  gelatin,  most  of  the  acids, 
thealts  of  sesquioxide  of  iron,  acetate  of  lead,  nitrate  of  protoxide  of  mercury, 
niti:e  of  silver,  protochloride  of  tin,  lime-water,  and  solutions  of  quinia.  Nitric 
aciioccasions  at  first  a turbidness,  and  afterwards  the  deposition  of  a yellow  pre- 
eipi  te.  The  substances  producing  precipitates  may  be  considered  as  incompatible 
wit  the  infusion. 

j.dical  Properties  and  Uses.  The  medical  properties  of  rhubarb  are  peculiar 
andaluable.  Its  most  remarkable  singularity  is  the  union  of  a cathartic  with 
an  tringent  power;  the  latter  of  which,  however,  does  not  interfere  with  the 
fornr,  as  the  purgative  effect  precedes  the  astringent.  It  is  also  tonic  and 
stoi.ehic;  invigorating,  in  small  doses,  the  process  of  digestion.  It  is  not 
profile  that  these  properties  reside  in  a single  proximate  principle;  and,  as 
rhu.rb  owes  its  chief  value  to  their  combination,  it  is  not  to  be  expected  that 
che'cal  analysis  will  be  productive  of  the  same  practical  advantages  in  this,  as 
in  sae  other  medicines,  the  virtues  of  which  are  concentrated,  in  one  ingredient. 
Ini  purgative  operation  rhubarb  is  moderate,  producing  fecal  rather  than  watery 
disc  irges,  and  appearing  to  affect  the  muscular  fibre  more  than  the  secretory 
ves;  s.  It  sometimes  occasions  griping  pains.  Its  colouring  principle  is  absorbed, 
andaay  be  detected  in  the  urine.  By  its  long  continued  use,  the  perspiration, 
espt  ally  that  of  the  axilla,  is  said  to  become  yellow,  and  the  milk  of  nurses  to 
accp-e  a purgative  property.  It  gives  a yellow  colour  to  the  alvine  discharges. 

lb  circumstances  of  disease  to  which  it  is  applicable  may  be  inferred  from 
its ; mliar  properties.  "When  the  stomach  is  enfeebled,  or  the  bowels  relaxed, 
at  tj  same  time  that  a gentle  cathartic  is  required,  rhubarb,  as  a general  rule, 
is  p ’erable  to  all  others.  Hence  its  use  in  dyspepsia  attended  with  constipation, 
iu  d 'rhcea  when  purging  is  indicated,  in  the  secondary  stages  of  cholera  infantum, 
iu  c onic  dysentery,  and  in  almost  all  typhous  diseases  when  fecal  matter  has 
acei  ulated  in  the  intestines,  or  the  use  of  cathartic  medicine  is  necessary  to 
previt  such  accumulation.  When  employed  in  cases  of  habitual  constipation, 
its  i ringent  tendency  should  be  counteracted  by  combining  it  with  soap.  Mag- 
nesias also  an  excellent  associate  in  disorders  of  the  stomach  and  bowels.  By 
com  nation  with  other  cathartics,  rhubarb  frequently  acquires  additional  activity, 
whi-it  gives  increased  efficiency  to  the  substance  with  which  it  is  associated. 
A nature  of  calomel  and  rhubarb  is  a brisk  and  powerful  cathartic,  much  used 
in  t commencement  of  our  bilious  fevers.  As  a general  rule,  rhubarb  is  not 
app;  able  to  cases  attended  with  much  inflammatory  action.  Its  griping  effect 
made  counteracted  by  combining  it  with  aromatics. 

I ■ dose  of  rhubarb  as  a purgative  is  from  twenty  to  thirty  grains,  as  a laxa- 
tive id  stomachic  from  five  to  ten  grains.  European  rhubarb  must  be  given  in 
dou  : or  treble  the  dose  to  produce  an  equal  effect.  Few  medicines  are  used  in 
a fffter  variety  of  forms.  It  is  most  effectual  in  substance.  It  is  frequently 


618 


Rheum. — Rhoeas. — Rhus  CTlabrum. 


PAI  i. 


given  in  the  shape  of  pill,  combined  with  an  equal  proportion  of  soap,  whe  ts 
laxative  effect  is  desired.  The  infusion  is  much  used  in  cases  of  delicate  stoir h 
and  is  peculiarly  adapted  to  children.  The  syrup  and  tincture  are  also  hi  ly 
useful  preparations.  They  are  all  officinal. 

By  the  roasting  of  rhubarb  its  cathartic  property  is  diminished,  probabl  jy 
the  volatilization  of  the  purgative  principle,  while  its  astringency  remains  n- 
affected.  This  mode  of  treatment  has,  therefore,  been  sometimes  resorted  !in 
cases  of  diarrhoea.  By  long  boiling  the  same  effect  is  said  to  be  produced. 

Powdered  rhubarb  has  been  usefully  applied  to  indolent  and  sloughing  ul-$. 
It  is  said  to  have  proved  purgative  when  sprinkled  over  a large  ulcerated  surl  e; 
and  the  same  effect  is  asserted  to  have  been  produced  by  rubbing  it,  mingled  th 
saliva,  over  the  abdomen. 

Off.  Prep.  Extractum  Rhei ; Extract.  Rhei  Fluidum  ; Infusum  Rhei;  Pila 
Rhei;  Pil.  Rhei  Comp.;  PulvisRhei  Comp.;  Syrupus  Rhei;  SyrupusRhei  ;o- 
maticus;  Tinctura  Rhei;  Tinctura  Rhei  Comp. ; Tinctura  Rhei  et  Aloes;  Tincra 
Rhei  et  Gentian®;  Tinctura  Rhei  et  Sennae;  Vinum  Rhei.  I 

RHCEAS.  Lond Ed. 

Red  Poppy. 

Papaver  Rhoeas.  The  recent  petals.  Lond.  The  petals.  Ed. 

Off.  Syn.  PAP  AYER  RHCEAS.  The  petals.  Dub. 

Coquelicot,  Fr.;  Wilder  Mohn,  Klapperrose,  Germ,.;  Rosolaccio,  Ilal.;  Amapola,  .in. 

Papaver.  See  OPIUM. 

Papaver  Rhoeas.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  ii.  1146;  IVoodv.  Med.  Bot.  p.  38  t. 
139.  The  red  or  corn  poppy  is  distinguished  by  its  hairy  stem,  which  is  brash- 
ed  and  rises  about  a foot  in  height,  by  its  incised  pinnatifid  leaves,  by  its  m- 
shaped  capsule,  and  by  the  full,  bright,  scarlet  colour  of  its  petals.  It  is  na- 
tive of  Europe,  where  it  grows  wild  in  great  abundance,  adorning  espec-iallyhe 
fields  of  grain  with  its  brilliant  flower.  It  has  been  introduced  and  natura:ed 
in  this  country. 

Its  capsules  contain  the  same  kind  of  milky  juice  as  that  found  in  P.  m- 
niferum,  and  an  extract  has  been  prepared  from  them  having  the  properti  of 
opium ; but  the  quantity  is  too  small  to  repay  the  trouble  of  its  preparation.il 
Tilhoi  has  shown  that  the  extract  contains  morphia,  but  in  a proportion  exed- 
ingly  minute  compared  with  that  in  which  it  exists  in  opium.  ( Journ . dePhrm. 
et  de  Chim .,  ii.  513.)  The  petals  are  the  officinal  portion.  They  have  a nantic 
smell,  and  a mucilaginous,  slightly  bitter  taste.  By  drying,  they  lose  their  o«ur, 
and  assume  a violet-red  colour.  Chevalier  detected  a very  minute  proporth  of 
morphia  in  an  extract  obtained  from  them  ; but  their  operation  on  the  systa  is 
exceedingly  feeble,  and  they  are  valued  more  for  their  beautiful  scarlet  ccur, 
which  they  communicate  to  water,  than  for  their  medical  virtues.  Aceojmg 
to  Leo  Meier,  the  colouring  principles  of  the  flowers  are  two  acids,  whit  ho 
denominates  rhceadic  and  papaver ic  acids.  (See  Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  mi. 
211.)  A syrup  is  prepared  from  them,  which  was  formerly  prescribed  ; an 
anodyne  in  catarrhal  affections;  but  is  now  little  esteemed,  except  for  its  c-our. 

Off.  Prep.  Syrupus  Rhceados. 

RHUS  GLABRUM.  TJ.  S.  Secondary. 

Sumach. 

The  fruit  of  Rhus  glabrum.  TJ.  S. 

Rhus.  Sex.  Syst.  Pentandria  Trigynia. — Eat.  Ord.  Anacardiaceao. 


PA  1 1. 


Rhus  Crlabrum. 


619 


en.  Ch.  Calyx  five-parted.  Petals  five.  Berry  small,  with  one  nuciform 
gee'  Nuttall. 

if  this  genus  there  are  several  species  -which  possess  poisonous  properties,  and 
shcld  be  carefully  distinguished  from  that  here  described.  For  an  account  of 
the  the  reader  is  referred  to  the  article  Toxicodendron. 

hits  glabrum.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  i.  1478.  This  species  of  Rhus,  called 
vai  usly  smooth  sumach,  Pennsylvania  sumach,  and  upland  sumach,  is  an  indi- 
geius  shrub  from  four  to  twelve  feet  high,  with  a stem  usually  more  or  less 
heii  and  divided  into  straggling  branches,  covered  with  a smooth  light-gray  or 
sorwhat  reddish  bark.  The  leaves  are  upon  smooth  petioles,  and  consist  of 
may  pairs  of  opposite  leaflets,  with  an  odd  one  at  the  extremity,  all  of  which 
aveinceolate,  acuminate,  acutely  serrate,  glabrous,  green  on  their  upper  surface, 
ancvhitish  beneath.  In  the  autumn  their  colour  changes  to  a beautiful  red. 
Th  dowers  are  greenish-red,  and  disposed  in  large,  erect,  terminal,  compound 
thjies,  which  are  succeeded  by  clusters  of  small  crimson  berries  covered  with 
a s::y  down. 

he  shrub  is  found  in  almost  all  parts  of  the  United  States,  growing  in  old 
negated  fields,  along  fences,  and  on  the  borders  of  woods.  The  flowers  appear 
in  ,dy;  and  the  fruit  ripens  in  the  early  part  of  autumn.  The  bark  and  leaves 
arestringent,  and  said  to  be  used  in  tanning  leather  and  in  dyeing.  Mr.  W. 
J.  atson  found  in  the  bark  of  the  root,  albumen,  gum,  starch,  tannic  and 
gal;  acids,  caoutchouc,  resin,  colouring  matter,  and  evidences  of  volatile  oil. 
(A  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xxv.  194.)  Excrescences  are  produced  under  the 
lea  s resembling  galls  in  character,  and  containing  large  quantities  of  tannic 
andjiallic  acids.  These  have  been  used  as  a substitute  for  the  imported  galls 
by  r.  Walters,  of  New  York,  who  thought  them,  in  every  respect,  preferable. 
Th<  may  be  collected  at  little  expense,  as  they  are  produced  very  abundantly, 
espially  in  the  Western  States.  (A.  W.  Ives’s  edition  of  Paris’s  Pharmacolo- 
<jia  The  only  officinal  part  of  the  plant  is  the  berries. 

ese  have  a sour,  astringent,  not  unpleasant  taste,  and  are  often  eaten  by 
the  Duntry  people  with  impunity.  According  to  Mr.  Cozzens,  of  New  York, 
thecid  to  which  they  owe  their  sourness  is  the  malic,  and  is  contained  in  the 
pul  icence  which  covers  their  surface;  as,  when  it  is  washed  away  by  warm  water, 
theerries  are  wholly  free  from  acidity.  Professor  W.  B.  Rogers,  of  Virginia, 
fou  l the  acid  combined  with  lime,  in  the  state  of  bimalate.*  Mr.  W.  J.  Watson 
asc  :ained  that  free  malic  acid  and  bimalate  of  lime  coexist  in  the  berries,  which 
con  in  also,  upon  the  same  authority,  tannic  and  gallic  acids,  fixed  oil,  extractive, 
red;flouring  matter,  and  a little  volatile  oil. 

■hdical Properties  and  Uses.  Sumach  berries  are  astringent  and  refrigerant; 
and  heir  infusion  has  been  recommended  as  a cooling  drink  in  febrile  complaints, 
and;  pleasant  gargle  in  inflammation  and  ulceration  of  the  throat.  By  Dr. 
Fal  estock  an  infusion  of  the  inner  bark  of  the  root,  employed  as  a gargle,  is 
con  lered  almost  as  a specific  in  the  sore  mouth  attending  inordinate  mercurial 
sali  tion.  (Am.  Journ.  of  Med.  Sciences,  v.  61.)  W. 


sou- 

boil 


’rof.  Rogers  suggested  that  malic  acid  might  be  advantageously  procured  from  this 
Prof.  Procter  informs  us  that  he  has  obtained  it  by  the  following  process.  Pour 
; water  on  the  ripe  berries ; macerate  for  twelve  hours ; strain,  evaporate  to  one- 
foui  , and  again  strain ; resume  the  evaporation  and  continue  it  till  the  liquid  assumes 
the  nsistence  of  thin  syrup;  then  set  it  aside  to  crystallize.  Wash  the  crystals  of  bi- 
nial >,  of  lime  with  a little  water,  and  recrystallize  from  a boiling  solution.  Dissolve  the 
salt  hot  water,  and  decompose  it  with  a solution  of  acetate  of  lead.  Wash  the  precipi- 
tate malate  of  lead,  suspend  it  in  watex-,  and  pass  sulphuretted  hydrogen  through  the 
liqu  until  the  whole  of  the  lead  is  separated.  Lastly,  filter  and  evaporate  to  dryness, 
m porcelain  vessel.  Malic  acid  thus  obtained  may  be  used  in  preparing  the  malates  of 
iTOi  id  of  manganese,  both  of  which  have  been  employed  medicinally  in  Europe. 


620 


Rosa  Canina. — Rosa  Centifolia. 


PA  i. 


ROSA  CANINA.  Load. 

Bog  Rose. 

Rosa  c-anina.  The  recent  fruit.  Lond. 

Off.  Syn.  ROSiE  FRUCTUS.  Hip  of  Rosa  canina  and  of  several  tied 
species  deprived  of  the  carpels.  Hips.  Ed. 

Rose  sauvage,  Fr. ; Hundsrose,  Germ. 

Rosa.  See  ROSA  CENTIFOLIA. 

Rosa  canina.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  ii.  1077 ; Woodv.  Med.  Bot.  p.  493,  t.  77. 
The  cloy  rose,  wild  briar,  or  heptree,  is  a native  of  Europe,  and  distinguish  as 
a species  by  its  glabrous  ovate  germs,  its  smooth  peduncles,  its  prickly  am 
and  petioles,  and  its  ovate,  smooth,  rigid  leaves.  It  is  eight  or  ten  feet  in  heht, 
and  bears  white  or  pale-red  flowers,  having  usually  five  obcordate  fragrant  p.Js. 
The  plant  has  been  introduced  into  this  country,  but  is  not  much  cultivate. 

The  fruit  is  fleshy,  smooth,  oval,  red,  and  of  a pleasant,  sweet,  acidulous  tte; 
and  contains  sugar,  and  uncombined  citric  and  malic  acids. 

The  pulp,  separated  from  the  seeds  and  the  silky  bristles  in  which  the  ire 
embedded,  is  employed  in  Europe  for  the  preparation  of  a confection,  inteLed 
chiefly  as  an  agreeable  vehicle  for  other  medicines. 

Off.  Prep.  Confectio  Rosae  Caninae.  1 

ROSA  CENTIFOLIA.  US.,  Load.,  Ed.,  Dab. 
Hundred-lea  red  Roses. 

The  petals  of  Rosa  centifolia.  U S-,  Pd.,  Pub.  The  recent  petals.  Lon 

Roses  a cent  feuilles,  Fr. ; tlundertblatterige  Rose,  Germ.;  Rosa  pallida,-  Ital;  Rc  de 
Alexandria,  Span. 

Rosa.  Sex.  Syst.  Icosandria  Polygynia. — Mat.  Ord.  Rosaceae. 

Gen.  Ch.  Petals  five.  Calyx  urceolate,  five-cleft,  fleshy,  contracted  at  the  i:k. 
Seeds  numerous,  hispid,  attached  to  the  inner  side  of  the  calyx.  Willd, 

Rosa  centifolia.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  ii.  1071;  Woodv.  Med.  Bot.  p.  4£  r. 
178.  This  species  of  rose  has  prickly  stems,  which  usually  rise  from  thr  to 
six  feet  in  height.  The  leaves  consist  of  two  or  three  pairs  of  leaflets,  wit  an 
odd  one  at  the  end,  closely  attached  to  the  common  footstalk,  which  is  rc:b, 
but  without  spines.  The  leaflets  are  ovate,  broad,  serrate,  pointed,  and  liry 
on  the  under  surface.  The  flowers  are  large,  with  many  petals,  usually ’ a 
pale-red  colour,  and  supported  upon  peduncles  beset  with  short  bristly  Irs. 
The  germ  is  ovate,  and  the  segments  of  the  calyx  semi-pinnate.  The  variies 
of  R.  centifolia  are  very  numerous,  but  maybe  indiscriminately  employed,  'he 
plant  is  now  cultivated  in  gardens  all  over  the  world;  but  its  original  cocry 
is  not  certainly  known.  It  has  sometimes  been  mistaken  for  the  damask  se, 
which  is  a distinct  species. 

The  petals  are  the  officinal  portion.  They  are  extremely  fragrant,  and  we 
a sweetish,  slightly  acidulous,  somewhat  bitterish  taste.  Their  odour  is  sa  to 
be  increased  by  iodine.  It  depends  on  a volatile  oil,  which  may  be  sepated 
by  distillation  with  water.  (See  Oleum  Rosae .)  They  should  be  collected  aten 
the  flower  is  fully  expanded,  but  has  not  begun  to  fall.  Their  fragrance  Im- 
paired but  not  lost  by  drying.  They  may  be  preserved  fresh,  for  a consideble 
time,  by  compressing  them  with  alternate  layers  of  common  salt  in  a well-e.sed 
vessel,  or  beating  them  with  twice  their  weight  of  that  substance. 

The  petals  are  slightly  laxative,  and  are  sometimes  administered  in  the  jrm 
of  syrup  combined  with  cathartic  medicines;  but  their  chief  use  is  in  the  re- 
paration of  rose  water.  (See  Aqua  Rosae.) 

Off.  Prep.  Aqua  Rosse;  Syrupus Rosae ; Syrupus  SarsaparilleeCompositus.  A 


PAI  I. 


Rosa  Gallica. — Rosmarinus . 


621 


ROSA  GALLICA.  U.  S.,  Loud.,  Ed.,  Dub. 

Red  Roses. 

I;  petals  of  Rosa  Gallica.  U.S.,  Ed.,  Dub.  The  unexpanded  petals,  recent 
andried.  Land. 

Ees  rouges,  Fr.;  Franzosiclie  Rose,  Essig  rosen,  Germ.;  Rosa  domestica,  Lai.;  Rosa 
rubr  3 Castillara,  Span. 

Esa.  See  ROSA  CENTIFOLIA. 

ha  Gallica.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  ii.  1071 ; Woodv.  J led.  Bot.  p.  498,  t.  179. 
This  pecies  is  smaller  than  R.  cent  if  alia,  but  resembles  it  in  the  character  of 
its  fiage.  The  stem  is  beset  with  short  bristly  prickles.  The  flowers  are  very 
larg  with  obcordate  widely  spreading  petals,  which  are  of  a rich  crimson  colour, 
and  iss  numerous  than  in  the  preceding  species.  In  the  centre  is  a crowd  of 
yellc  anthers  on  thread-like  filaments,  and  as  many  villose  styles  bearing 
papiiry  stigmas.  The  fruit  is  oval,  shining,  and  of  a firm  consistence.  The 
red  se  is  a native  of  the  South  of  Europe,  and  is  cultivated  in  gardens  through- 
out e United  States. 

T:  petals,  which  are  the  part  employed,  should  be  gathered  before  the  flower 
has  own,  separated  from  their  claws,  dried  in  a warm  sun  or  by  the  fire,  and 
kepti  a dry  place.  Their  odour,  which  is  less  fragrant  than  that  of  R.  centi- 
folic is  improved  by  drying.  They  have  a velvety  appearance,  a purplish-red 
- color , and  a pleasantly  astringent  and  bitterish  taste.  Their  constituents, 
accoing  to  M.  Cartier,  are  tannin,  gallic  acid,  colouring  matter,  a volatile  oil, 
a fix^  oil,  albumen,  soluble  salts  of  potassa,  insoluble  salts  of  lime,  silica,  and 
oxid  of  iron.  (Journ.  de  Pliarni.,  vii.  531.)  Their  sensible  properties  and 
med.l  virtues  are  extracted  by  boiling  water.  Their  infusion  is  of  a pale  red- 
dish dour,  which  becomes  bright  red  on  the  addition  of  sulphuric  acid.  As 
theii  olour  is  impaired  by  exposure  to  light  and  air,  they  should  be  kept  in 
opaq:  well-closed  bottles  or  canisters. 

h'ical Properties  and  Uses.  Red  roses  are  slightly  astringent  and  tonic,  and 
werebrmerly  thought  to  possess  peculiar  virtues.  They  are  at  present  chiefly 
empked  in  infusion,  as  an  elegant  vehicle  for  tonic  and  astringent  medicines. 

OPrep.  Confectio  Rosae ; Infusunr  Rosse  Compositum  j MelRosse;  Syrupus 
EossTallicre.  IV. 

ROSMARINUS.  U.  S.,  Ed.,  Dub. 

Rosemary. 

T1  tops  of  Rosmarinus  officinalis.  US.,  Ed.,  Dub. 

Rcavin,  Fr.;  Rosmarin,  Germ.;  Rosmarino,  Ital.;  Romero,  Span. 

R'Marinus.  Sex.  Spst.  Diandria  Monogynia. — Eat.  Orel.  Lamiaceae  or 

Labi  b. 

G . Ch.  Corolla  unequal,  with  the  upper  lip  two-parted.  Filaments  long, 
curvi , simple,  with  a tooth.  Willd. 

Ryiarmus  officinalis.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  i.  126  ; Woody.  Med.  Bot.  p.  329, 
h 11  Rosemary  is  an  evergreen  shrub,  three  or  four  feet  high,  with  an  erect 
stem  livided  into  many  long,  slender,  ash-coloured  branches.  The  leaves  are 
num-  ms,  sessile,  opposite,  more  than  an  inch  long,  about  one-sixth  of  an  inch 
Goai1  linear,  entire,  obtuse  at  the  summit,  turned  backward  at  the  edges,  of  a 
Srtn  nsistence,  smooth  and  green  on  the  upper  surface,  whitish  and  somewhat 
lowr  beneath.  The  flowers  are  pale-blue  or  white,  of  considerable  size,  and 
place  in  opposite  groups  at  the  axils  of  the  leaves,  towards  the  ends  of  the 


622 


Rosmarinus. — Rubia. 


PAI  I. 


branches.  The  seeds  are  four  in  number,  of  an  oblong  shape,  and  naked  inne 
bottom  of  the  calyx. 

The  plant  grows  spontaneously  in  the  countries  which  border  on  the  Med  r- 
ranean,  and  is  cultivated  in  the  gardens  of  Europe  and  this  country,  ae 
flowering  summits  are  the  officinal  portion.  They  have  a strong  balsamic  oar 
which  is  possessed,  though  in  a less  degree,  by  all  parts  of  the  plant.  1 jr 
taste  is  bitter  and  camphorous.  These  properties  are  imparted  partially  to  w;r 
completely  to  alcohol,  and  depend  on  a volatile  oil  which  may  be  obtaineoy 
distillation.  (See  Oleum  Rosmarini.)  The  tops  lose  a portion  of  their  semle 
properties  by  drying,  and  become  inodorous  by  age. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Rosemary  is  gently  stimulant,  and  has  en 
considered  emmenagogue.  In  the  practice  of  this  country  it  is  scarcely  u i ; 
but  in  Europe,  especially  on  the  continent,  it  enters  into  the  compositic  of 
several  syrups,  tinctures,  &c.,  to  which  it  imparts  its  agreeable  odour  and  ci- 
tant  property'.  It  is  sometimes  added  to  sternutatory  powders,  and  is  used  e n- 
nally  in  connexion  with  other  aromatics  in  the  form  of  fomentation.  In  ne 
countries  it  is  employed  as  a condiment;  and  its  flowers,  which  are  much  soht 
after  by  the  bees,  impart  their  peculiar  flavour  to  the  honey  of  the  district  in 
which  the  plant  abounds. 

Off.  Prep.  Oleum  Rosmarini ; Spiritus  Rosmarini.  I 

RUBIA.  TJ.  S.  Secondary. 

Madder. 

The  root  of  Rubia  tinctorum.  U.  S. 

Garance,  Fr.;  Krappwurzel,  Germ.;  Eobbia.  Ital.;  Kubia  de  tintoreros,  Granza,  Sp. 

Rubia.  Sex.  Si/st.  Tetrandria  Monogynia. — Mat.  Ord.  Rubiaceae.  Jus 

Gen.  Cli.  Corolla  one-petalled,  bell-shaped.  Berries  two,  one-seeded.  J'ld. 

Rubia  tinctorum.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  i.  603  ; AVoodv.  Med.  Bot.  p.  173,  til. 
The  root  of  the  dyers  madder  is  perennial,  and  consists  of  numerous  long,ic- 
culent  fibres,  varying  in  thickness  from  the  size  of  a quill  to  that  of  the  tie 
finger,  and  uniting  at  top  in  a common  head,  from  which  also  proceed  side-ots 
that  run  near  the  surface  of  the  ground,  and  send  up  many  annual  stems,  lese 
are  slender,  quadrangular,  jointed,  procumbent,  and  furnished  with  short  priles 
by  which  they  adhere  to  the  neighbouring  plants  upon  which  they  climb,  'he 
leaves  are  elliptical,  pointed,  rough,  firm,  about  three  inches  long  and  njrly 
one  inch  broad,  having  rough  points  on  their  edges  and  midrib,  and  standi:  at 
the  joints  of  the  stem  in  whorls  of  four,  five,  or  six  together.  The  branes 
rise  in  pairs  from  the  same  joints,  and  bear  small  yellow  flowers  at  the  su  nk 
of  each  of  their  subdivisions.  The  fruit  is  a round,  shining,  black  berry. 

The  plant  is  a native  of  the  South  of  Europe,  and  the  Levant,  and  is  lti- 
vated  in  France  and  Holland.  It  is  from  the  latter  country  that  counrce 
derives  its  chief  supply.  The  root,  which  is  the  part  used,  is  dug  up  in  the  :ird 
summer,  and,  having  been  deprived  of  its  cuticle,  is  dried  by  artificial  heatmd 
then  reduced  to  a coarse  powder.  In  this  condition  it  is  packed  in  barrelstnd 
sent  into  the  market.  Madder  from  the  Levant  is  in  the  state  of  the  wholeMt, 
from  the  South  of  France,  either  whole  or  in  powder.  The  plant  is  also  |lti- 
vated  in  this  country,  in  the  States  of  Delaware  and  Ohio. 

The  root  consists  of  a reddish-brown  bark,  and  a ligneous  portion  within.  He 
latter  is  yellow  in  the  recent  state,  but  becomes  red  when  dried.  The  pojkr, 
as  kept  iu  the  shops,  is  reddish-brown. 

Madder  has  a weak  peculiar  odour,  and  a bitterish  astringent  taste;  an  im- 
parts these  properties,  as  well  as  a red  colour,  to  water  and  alcohol.  It  conins. 


PAC  I. 


Rubia. — Rubus  Trivialis. — Rubus  Villosus. 


623 


aec-'ding  to  M.  Range,  five  distinct  colouring  substances;  a red,  a purple,  an 
ora^e,  a yellow,  and  a brown.  According  to  M.  Decaisne,  only  yellow  colouring 
masr  is  found  in  the  recent  root;  and  it  is  under  the  influence  of  atmospheric 
air  iat  this  changes  to  red.  The  most  interesting  of  the  colouring  substances 
is  t s alizarin  of  Robiquet  and  Collin.  This  is  of  an  orange-red  colour,  inodorous, 
ins  id,  crystallizable,  capable  of  being  sublimed  without  change,  scarcely  soluble 
in  ild  water,  soluble  in  boiling  water,  and  very  readily  so  in  alcohol,  ether,  the 
ikeoils,  and  liquid  alkalies.  The  alcoholic  and  watery  solutions  are  rose-coloured; 
thethereal,  golden-yellow;  the  alkaline,  violet  and  blue  when  concentrated,  but 
viofc-red  when  sufficiently  diluted.  A beautiful  rose-coloured  lake  is  produced 
by  ecipitating  a mixture  of  the  solutions  of  alizarin  and  alum.  Rochleder  finds 
a die  analogy  between  alizarin  and  the  chrysophanic  acid  of  rhubarb.  (See  Chem. 
Ga,  A.D.  1852,  p.  243.)  Madder  also  contains  sugar;  and  Dobereiner  suc- 
ceed in  obtaining  alcohol  from  it  by  fermentation  and  distillation,  without 
affeing  its  colouring  properties.  It  is  much  used  by  the  dyers. 

j’dical  Properties  and  Uses.  Madder  was  formerly  thought  to  be  emmena- 
go°jp  and  diuretic;  and  was  used  in  amenorrhoea,  dropsy,  jaundice,  and  visceral 
obs actions.  It  is  still  occasionally  prescribed  in  suppressed  menstruation;  but 
plncians  generally  have  no  confidence  in  its  efficacy  in  this  or  any  other  corn- 
plat.  When  taken  into  the  stomach  it  imparts  a red  colour  to  the  milk  and 
urii,  and  to  the  bones  of  animals,  without  sensibly  affecting  any  other  tissue. 
Thcffect  is  observable  most  quickly  in  the  bones  of  young  animals,  and  in  those 
neast  the  heart.  Under  the  impression  that  it  might  effect  some  change  in  the 
ossi  as  system,  it  has  been  prescribed  in  rachitis,  but  without  any  favourable 
resiv  The  dose  is  about  half  a drachm,  repeated  three  or  four  times  a day. 

W. 

RUBUS  TRIVIALIS.  U.  S.  Secondary. 
Dewberry-root. 

Die  root  of  Rubus  trivialis.  U.  S. 

RUBUS  VILLOSUS.  U.  S.  Secondary. 

B lackberry-root. 

■Nun?-. 

le  root  of  Rubus  villosus.  U.  S. 

I bus.  Sex.  Syst.  Icosandria  Polygynia. — Nat.  Ord.  Rosacem. 

in.  Ch.  Calyx  five-cleft.  Petals  five.  Berry  compound,  with,  one-seeded 
acii  Willd. 

0 this  extensive  genus  not  less  than  twenty  species  are  indigenous  in  the 
Uni,d  States,  where  they  are  called  by  the  various  names  of  raspberry,  black- 
btr\  dewberry , cloudberry,  &c.  Most  of  them  are  shrubby  or  suffruticose  briers, 
withstringent  roots  and  edible  berries ; some  have  annual  stems  without  prickles. 
The  July  officinal  species  are  the  R.  trivialis  and  R.  villosus,  which,  so  far  as 
relajs  to  their  medical  properties,  are  so  closely  alike  as  not  to  require  a sepa- 
rate escription. 

1 Rubus  trivialis.  Michaux,  Flor.  Americ.  i.  296.  The  dewberry,  sometimes 
alsqalled  low  blackberry,  or  creeping  blackberry,  has  a slender,  prickly  stem, 
whi  runs  along  the  ground,  and  occasionally  puts  forth  roots.  The  leaves  are 
peti  ate,  and  composed  of  three  or  five  leaflets,  which  are  oblong-oval,  acute, 
uaejially  serrate,  and  somewhat  pubescent.  The  stipules  are  awl-shaped.  The 
flov  s are  large,  white,  and  nearly  solitary,  with  elongated  pedicels,  and  peduncles 


624 


H ub  us  Trivialis. — Rubus  Villosus. 


par  i. 


which,  like  the  leafstalks,  are  armed  with  recurved,  hispid  prickles.  The  pels 
are  generally  obovate,  and  three  times  longer  than  the  c-alyx.  In  one  variety  t v 
are  orbicular.  The  plant  grows  abundantly  in  old  fields  and  neglected  grot  Is 
in  the  Middle  and  Southern  States.  Its  fruit  is  large,  black,  of  a very  plea  it 
flavour,  and  ripens  somewhat  earlier  than  that  of  R.  villosus.  According  to ' r- 
rey  and  Gray,  the  dewberry  of  the  Northern  States  is  the  Rubus  Canadem  if 
Linn.,  or  R.  trivialis  of  Pursh.  ( Flor . of  N.  Am.  i.  455.) 

2.  R.  villosus.  Willd.  £);>.  Plant,  ii.  1085;  Bigelow,  Am.  Med.  Rot.  ii.  li: 
Barton,  Med.  Bot.  ii.  151.  The  stem  of  the  blackberry  is  somewhat  shrul r, 
from  three  to  seven  feet  high,  branching,  more  or  less  furrowed  and  angular,  d 
armed  with  strong  prickles.  The  smaller  branches  and  young  shoots  are  he  a- 
ceous.  The  leaves  are  ternate  or  quinate ; the  leaflets  ovate,  acuminate,  i- 
equally  and  sharply  serrate,  and  pubescent  on  both  sides;  the  footstalk  and  mi  b 
usually  armed  with  short  recurved  prickles.  The  flowers  are  large,  white,  4 
in  erect  racemes,  with  a hairy,  prickly  stalk.  The  calyx  is  short,  with  acumi  te 
segments.  The  fruit  is  first  green,  then  red,  and,  when  perfectly  ripe,  of  a sliii.. 
black  colour  and  very  pleasant  taste.  It  is  a compound  berry,  consistin' af 
numerous  pulpy  one-seeded  globules  or  acini  attached  to  the  receptacle.  1 is 
species  of  Iiubus  is,  perhaps,  the  most  abundant  of  those  indigenous  in  ie 
United  States,  growing  in  neglected  fields,  along  fences,  on  the  borders  of  wos, 
in  forest  glades,  and  wherever  tillage  or  too  much  shade  and  moisture  does  it 
interfere  with  it.  Its  flowers  appear  from  May  to  July,  and  its  fruit  is  rip  n 
August. 

The  berries  of  both  these  species  of  Iiubus  are  much  used  as  food;  and  a j i 
made  from  them  is  in  great  esteem  as  an  article  of  diet,  and  even  as  a re  mein 
dysenteric  affections.  The  roots  only  are  oflk-inal. 

The  blackberry  root  is  branching,  cylindrical,  of  various  dimensions,  from  new 
an  inch  in  thickness  down  to  the  size  of  a straw,  ligneous,  and  covered  with  a in 
bark,  which  is  externally  of  a light-brownish  or  reddish-brown  colour,  and  ime 
dried  root  is  wrinkled  longitudinally.  The  dewberry  root  is  usually  sma  r. 
without  the  longitudinal  wrinkles,  but  with  transverse  fissures  through  the  W- 
dermis,  and  of  a dark-ash  colour,  without  any  reddish  tinge.  Both  are  inodoris. 
The  bark  in  both  has  a bitterish  strongly  astringent  taste,  and  the  ligneous  ir- 
tion  is  nearly  insipid,  and  comparatively  inert.  The  smaller  roots,  therefe. 
should  be  selected  for  use;  or,  if  the  thicker  pieces  are  employed,  the  corral 
part  should  be  separated,  and  the  wood  rejected.  Their  virtues  are  extracteoy 
boiling  water,  and  by  diluted  alcohol,  and  depend  chiefly,  if  not  exclusively,!® 
tannin,  which  experiment  has  proved  to  be  an  abundant  constituent. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Dewberry  and  blackberry  roots  are  tonic  id 
strongly  astringent.  They  have  long  been  a favourite  domestic  remedy  in  be  el 
affections;  and  from  popular  favour  have  passed  into  regular  medical  use.  Gon 
in  the  form  of  decoction,  they  are  usually  acceptable  to  the  stomach,  witlut 
being  offensive  to  the  taste;  and  may  be  employed  with  great  advantage  in  c-es 
of  diarrhoea  from  relaxation  of  the  bowels,  whether  in  children  or  adults,  t 
can  add  our  own  decided  testimony  to  that  of  others  who  have  spoken  favour .ly 
of  their  use  in  this  complaint;  and  there  is  no  doubt  that  they  are  applicab.to 
all  other  cases  in  which  the  vegetable  astringents  are  found  serviceable,  be 
decoction  may  be  prepared  by  boiling  an  ounce  of  the  smaller  roots,  or  of&e 
bark  of  the  larger,  in  a pint  and  a half  of  water  down  to  a pint;  of  which 
one  to  two  fiuidouuces  may  be  given  to  an  adult  three  or  four  times,  or  ire 
frequently,  during  the  twenty-four  hours.  The  dose  of  the  powdered  re  15 
twenty  or  thirty  grains.  -I  M-l 


Pi,T  I. 


Rumex  Britannica. — Rumex  Obtusifolius. 


625 


RUMEX  BRITANNICA.  TJ.S.  Secondary. 

Water  Dock. 

he  root  of  Rumex  Britannica.  U.  S. 

RUMEX  OBTUSIFOLIUS.  U.S.  Secondary. 
Blunt-leaved  Dock. 

ie  root  of  Rumex  obtusifolius.  U.  S. 

omex.  Sex.  Syst.  Hexandria  Trigynia. — Nat.  Ord.  Polygonacese. 

en.  Ch.  Calyx  three-leaved.  Petals  three,  converging.  Seed  one,  three- 
sidl.  Willd.  Calyx  six-parted,  persistent,  the  three  interior  divisions  petaloid, 
convent-  Seed  one,  three-sided,  superior,  naked.  Stigmata  multifid.  Nuttall. 

veral  species  of  Rumex  have  acid  leaves,  and  are  distinguished  by  the  com- 
mcname  of  sorrel  from  the  others,  which  are  called  dock.  Of  the  former,  Pri- 
me Acetosa  or  common  English  sorrel , has  but  recently  been  dismissed  from  the 
Lo  Ion  and  Dublin  Pharmacopoeias.  R.  Acetosella  is  the  common  sorrel  of  our 
fief,  though  supposed  to  have  been  originally  introduced  from  Europe.  The 
lea  s of  both  these  plants  are  agreeably  sour  to  the  taste,  and  owe  their  acidity 
to  noxalate  of  potassa  with  a little  tartaric  acid.  They  quite  lose  this  taste  in 
drj'ig.  They  are  refrigerant  and  diuretic,  and  may  be  used  advantageously  as 
au  tide  of  diet  in  scorbutic  complaints.  For  this  purpose  they  are  prepared 
in  e form  of  salad.  The  juice  of  the  leaves  forms  with  water  an  agreeable 
act  lous  drink,  sometimes  used  in  fevers.  Taken  very  largely,  the  leaves  are 
sail  to  have  produced  poisonous  effects.  (See  Wood’s  Quarterly  Retrospect,  i. 
10b)  R.  scutatus  also  ranks  among  the  sorrels. 

< the  proper  docks,  though  two  only  are  recognised  by  the  Pharmacopoeia, 
sev  al  others  have  been  used.  The  roots  of  R.  Patientia  and  R.  Alpinus,  Eu- 
ropn  plants,  and  of  R.  aquaticus,  R.  crispus,  R.  acutus,  and  R.  sanguineus, 
bel  ging  both  to  Europe  and  the  United  States,  may  be  employed  indiscrimi- 
nate with  those  of  the  officinal  species.  R.  Hydrolapathum  {Hudson),  which 
is  t R.  aquaticus  of  the  late  Dublin  Pharmacopoeia,  is  thought  to  be  the  Herba 
Br  nniea  of  the  ancients,  celebrated  for  the  cure  of  scurvy  and  diseases  of  the 
ski:  The  docks  are  herbaceous  plants  with  perennial  roots.  Their  flowers  are 
in  1 minal  or  axillary  panicles.  Some  of  the  species  are  dioecious;  but  those 
her  described  have  perfect  flowers. 

1 R.  Britannica.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  ii.  250.  This  species  is  distinguished 
m t;  vernacular  language  by  the  name  of  yellow-rooted  water  dock.  The  root 
is  1 be,  dark  on  the  outside,  and  yellow  within.  The  stem  is  two  or  three  feet 
big  and  bears  broad-lanceolate,  smooth,  flat  leaves,  with  the  sheathing  stipules 
sligdy  torn.  The  spikes  of  the  panicle  are  leafless;  the  valves  entire  and  all 
graferous.  The  plant  is  indigenous,  inhabiting  low,  wet  places,  and  flowering 
in  t,ae  and  July. 

2;i?.  obtusifolius.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  ii.  254;  Loudon’s  Encyc.  of  Plants,  p. 
293  The  root  of  the  blunt-leaved  dock  is  externally  brown,  internally  yellow; 
the  em  two  or  three  feet  high  and  somewhat  rough;  the  radical  leaves  ovate- 
corc;e,  obtuse,  and  very  large;  the  valves  dentate,  and  one  of  them  conspicu- 
ous. graniferous.  It  is  a common  weed  in  our  rich  grounds  and  pastures,  but 
is  s posed  to  have  been  introduced  from  Europe.  Its  flowers  appear  in  June 
and  uly. 

I :k  root,  from  whatever  species  derived,  has  an  astringent,  bitter  taste,  with 

40 


626  Rumex  Britannica. — Rumex  Obtusifolius. — Ruta.  part, 

little  or  no  smell.  It  readily  yields  its  virtues  to  water  by  decoction.  Acc  1- 
ing  to  Kegel,  the  root  of  7?.  obtusifolius  contains  a peculiar  principle  ca  d 
rumicin , resin,  extractive  matter  resembling  tannin,  starch,  mucilage,  album, 
lignin,  sulphur,  and  various  salts,  among  which  are  the  phosphate  of  lime,  d 
different  acetates  and  malates.  ( Journ . de  Pharm.,  3e  sir.,  i.  410.)  Kuna  n 
is  probably,  like  rhabarbaric  acid,  an  impure  form  of  ckrysophanie  acid.  ( :e 
Rheum.')  The  leaves  of  most  of  the  species  are  edible,  and  are  occasion  y 
used  as  spinage.  They  are  somewhat  laxative,  and  form  an  excellent  die  n 
scorbutic  cases.  The  roots  are  used  to  dye  a yellow  colour. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  The  medical  properties  of  dock  root  are  ti-e 
of  an  astringent  and  mild  tonic.  It  is  also  supposed  to  possess  an  alteram 
property,  which  renders  it  useful  in  scorbutic  disorders,  and  cutaneous  erupti  s, 
particularly  the  itch,  in  the  cure  of  which  it  enjoyed  at  one  time  consider le 
reputation.  It  is  said  to  have  proved  useful  in  scrofula  and  syphilis,  r. 
Thomson  found  a decoction  of  the  root  of  R.  Patientia  very  efficacious  in  o i- 
nate  ichthyosis.  R.  aquaticus  and  R.  Britannica  are  the  most  astringent.  ie 
roots  of  some  species  unite  a laxative  with  the  tonic  and  astringent  proper, 
resembling  rhubarb  somewhat  in  their  operation.  Such  are  those  of  R.  crin 
and  R.  obtusifolius  ; and  R.  Alpinus  has  in  some  parts  of  Europe  the  nairof 
mountain  rhubarb.  This  resemblance  of  properties  is  not  singular,  as  the:o 
genera  belong  to  the  same  natural  family.  Dock  root  is  given  in  powder  oie- 
coction.  Two  ounces  of  the  fresh  root  bruised,  or  one  ounce  of  the  dried,  iy 
be  boiled  in  a pint  of  water,  of  which  two  fluidounces  may  be  given  at  a dose,  id 
repeated  as  the  stomach  will  bear  it.  The  root  has  often  been  applied  exterriy 
in  the  shape  of  ointment,  cataplasm,  and  decoction,  to  the  cutaneous  eruptas 
and  ulcerations  for  which  it  has  been  used  internally.  The  powdered  m is 
recommended  as  a dentifrice,  especially  when  the  gums  are  spongy.  M 

RUTA.  U.  S.  Secondary,  Lond.,  Ed. 

Rue. 

The  leaves  of  Ruta  graveolens,  US.,  Bond.  Leaves  and  unripe  fruit,  d. 

Hue  odorante,  Fr.;  Garten-Raute,  Germ.;  Ruta,  Ital.;  Ruda,  Span. 

Ruta.  Sex.  Syst.  Decandria  Monogynia. — Nat.  Ord.  Rutaceae. 

Gen.  Oh.  Calyx  five-parted.  Petals  concave.  Receptacle  surrounded  byen 
melliferous  points.  Capsule  lobed.  Willd. 

Ruta  graveolens.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  ii.  542;  Woodv.  Med.  Bot.  p.  487,  t.  4. 
Common  rue  is  a perennial  plant,  usually  two  or  three  feet  high,  with  se,-al 
shrubby  branching  stems,  which,  near  the  base,  are  woody  and  covered  wi  a 
rough  bark,  but  in  their  ultimate  ramifications  are  smooth,  green,  and  herbacus. 
The  leaves  are  doubly  pinnate,  glaucous,  with  obovate,  sessile,  obscurely  c-reite, 
somewhat  thick  and  fleshy  leaflets.  The  flowers  are  yellow,  and  disposed  i a 
terminal  branched  corymb  upon  subdividing  peduncles.  The  calyx  is  persisat. 
with  four  or  five  acute  segments;  the  corolla  consists  of  four  or  five  conve 
petals,  somewhat  sinuate  at  the  margin.  The  stamens  are  usually  ten,  but  sre- 
times  only  eight  in  number.  The  plant  is  a native  of  the  South  of  Europeat 
cultivated  in  our  gardens.  It  flowers  from  June  to  September.  The  whole  ;rb 
is  active;  but  the  leaves  are  usually  employed. 

These  have  a strong  disagreeable  odour,  especially  when  rubbed.  Their  ste 
is  bitter,  hot,  and  acrid.  When  recent,  and  in  full  vigour,  they  have  so  rwii 
acrimony  as  to  inflame  and  even  blister  the  skin,  if  much  handled;  but  thesn- 
mony  is  diminished  by  drying.  Their  virtues  depend  chiefly  on  a volatiloil, 
which  is  very  abundant,  and  is  contained  in  glandular  vesicles,  apparent cer 


Pj;T  I. 


R uta. — Sabadilla. 


627 


th  whole  surface  of  the  plant.  (See  Oleum  Rutee.)  They  contain,  also,  accord- 
in  to  Mahl,  chlorophylle,  albumen,  an  azotized  substance,  extractive,  gum, 
stiph  or  inulin,  malic  acid,  and  lignin;  and,  according  to  Borntrager,  a peculiar 
ac  which  he  calls  rutinic  acid.  (See  Client.  Gazette,  Sept.  1845,  p.  385.) 
Bu  alcohol  and  water  extract  their  active  properties. 

ledical  Properties  and  Uses.  Iiue  is  stimulant  and  antispasmodic,  and,  like 
me  other  substances  which  excite  the  circulation,  occasionally  increases  the 
sections,  especially  when  deficient  from  debility.  It  appears  to  have  a tend- 
en  to  act  upon  the  uterus;  in  moderate  doses  proving  emmenagogue,  and  in 
lai:r  doses  producing  a degree  of  irritation  in  that  organ  which  sometimes  de- 
tei  ines  abortion.  Taken  very  largely  it  acts  as  an  acrid  narcotic  poison.  Three 
cac  are  recorded  by  Dr.  Helie  in  which  it  was  taken  by  pregnant  women,  with 
thieffect  of  producing  dangerous  gastro-intestinal  inflammation  and  cerebral 
dengement,  which  continued  for  several  days,  but  from  which  the  patients 
ultiately  recovered.  In  each  instance  miscarriage  resulted.  Great  depression 
anclowness  of  the  pulse  attended  the  narcotic  action  of  the  poison.  In  one  of 
thoases,  three  fresh  roots  of  the  size  of  the  finger  were  used  in  the  form  of 
dection.  (Ann.  d’  Hi/g.  Pub.  et  de  Med.  Leg.,  xx.  180.)  A case  is  recorded  by 
I)r  x.  F.  Cooper  in  the  Nashville  Journ.  of  Med.  and  Surg.,  in  which  a man, 
coidescent  from  dysentery,  having  added  some  ‘brandy  to  a haudful  of  the 
breed  herb,  expressed  it,  and  took  the  whole  of  the  liquor  with  fatal  effects. 
Tharominent  symptoms  were  vomiting,  violent  tormina,  tenesmus,  with  bloody 
sto s,  abdominal  distension  with  -tenderness,  and  severe  strangury.  (Med. 
Em.,  N.  S.,  ix.  720.)  Rue  is  sometimes  used  in  hysterical  affections,  worms, 
fiat  ent  colic,  and  amenorrhoea,  particularly  in  the  last  complaint.  The  ancients 
em  oyed  it  as  a condiment,  and  believed  it  to  possess,  besides  other  valuable 
pretties,  that  of  resisting  the  action  of  poisons.  Its  excitant  and  irritating 
prerties  require  that  it  should  be  used  with  caution.  The  dose  of  the  powder 
is  t m fifteen  to  thirty  grains  two  or  three  times  a day.  The  medicine  is  also 
giv  in  infusion  and  extract. 

L Prep.  Confectio  Rutae;  Oleum  Rutae.  W. 

SABADILLA.  U.S.,  Ed. 

CevadiUa. 

lie  seeds  of  Yeratrum  Sabadilla.  US.  Fruit  of  Yeratrum  Sabadilla,  Helo- 
nia;  ifficinalis,  and  probably  of  other  Melanthacese.  Ed. 

C|  adille,  Fr.;  Sabadillsame,  Germ.;  Cebadilla,  Span. 

Hare  has  been  much  uncertainty  in  relation  to  the  botanical  origin  of  ceva- 
dill  At  one  time,  it  was  generally  believed  to  be  derived  from  Yeratrum 
Satditta,  which  is  recognised  in  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia.  But  Schiede,  during 
bis  javels  in  Mexico,  ascertained  that  it  was,  in  part  at  least,  collected  from  a 
diftisnt  plant,  of  the  same  natural  order  of  Melanthacem,  growing  upon  the 
eastn  declivity  of  the  Mexican  Andes.  This  was  considered  by  Schlec-htendahl 
as  a )ther  species  of  Yeratrum,  by  Don  as  a Helonias,  and  by  Bindley  as  be- 
long to  a new  genus  which  he  named  Asagrasa.  Hence  it  has  been  variously 
den  floated  Yeratrum  officinale,  Helonias  officinal  is,  and  Asagrsea  officinalis. 
The' Edinburgh  College  recognises  this  plant,  under  Don’s  title  of  Helonias 
offie  alis,  as  one  of  the  sources  of  cevadilla,  but  refers  the  drug  also  to  Vera- 
tru®  Sabadilla,  and  admits  other  plants  of  the  same  order  as  probable  sources 
of  i More  exact  information,  however,  is  wanted  before  we  can  determine  its 
prec3  origin.  It  has  been  adopted  in  the  Pharmacopoeias  solely  on  account 


628 


Sabadilla. 


PAP, 

of  its  employment  in  the  preparation  of  veratria.  It  is  brought  from  Va 
Cruz.* 

Cevadilla  seeds  usually  occur  in  commerce  mixed  with  the  fruit  of  the  pi  t. 
This  consists  of  three  coalescing  capsules  or  follicles,  which  open  above,  d 
present  the  appearance  of  a single  capsule  with  three  cells.  It  is  three  or  it 
lines  long  and  a line  and  a half  in  thickness,  obtuse  at  the  base,  light-hrom  ir 
yellowish,  smooth,  and  in  each  capsule  contains  one  or  two  seeds.  A resi- 
blance  existing  or  supposed  between  this  fruit  and  that  of  barley,  is  said  to  1 e 
given  rise  to  the  Spanish  name  cevadilla,  which  is  a diminutive  of  barley.  ie 
seeds  are  elongated,  pointed  at  each  end,  flat  on  one  side  and  convex  on  e 
other,  somewhat  curved,  two  or  three  lines  long,  wrinkled,  slightly  wind, 
black  or  dark-brown  on  the  outside,  whitish  within,  hard,  inodorous,  and  okn 
exceedingly  acrid,  burning,  and  durable  taste.  Cevadilla  was  found  by  P e- 
tier  and  Caventou  to  contain  a peculiar  organic  alkali  which  they  named  verat  i, 
combined  with  gallic  acid;  fatty  matter,  consisting  of  olein,  stearin,  and  a pa- 
liar  volatile  fatty  acid  denominated  cevadic  or  salad illic  acid;  wax ; yellow  col  r- 
ing  matter;  gum;  lignin;  and  salts  of  potassa  and  of  lime,  with  a little  si  a. 
From  100  parts  of  the  seeds,  separated  from  their  capsules,  Meissner  obta'  d 
0‘58  of  veratria.  M.  Couerbe  discovered  another  alkaloid  in  the  seeds  wliiche 
denominated  sabadiUin.  Besides  the  principles  above  mentioned,  a pecur 
acid  was  discovered  by  Merck,  called  vevatric  acid,  which  is  in  colourless  c-rys  s, 
fusible  and  volatilizable  without  decomposition,  but  slightly  soluble  in  cold  w;r, 
more  soluble  in  hot  water,  soluble  in  alcohol,  insoluble  in  ether,  having  the  o- 
perties  of  reddening  litmus  paper,  and  forming  soluble  salts  with  the  alkas. 
For  an  account  of  the  mode  of  preparing  veratria,  its  properties,  and  remeal 
applications,  and  for  a more  particular  notice  of  sabadillin  ( saladillia ),  seete 
article  Veratria  in  the  second  part  of  this  work. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Cevadilla  is  an  acrid  drastic  emeto-catha.c, 
operating  occasionally  with  great  violence,  and  in  over-doses  capable  of  produig 
fatal  effects.  It  was  made  known  as  a medicine  in  Europe  so  early  as  the  ar 
1572;  but  has  never  bedn  much  employed.  It  has  been  chiefly  used  as  an  anel- 
mintic,  especially  in  cases  of  taenia,  in  which  it  has  been  given  in  doses  varflg 

* Until  more  definite  information  is  obtained  on  the  subject,  we  give  in  a note  a ief 
description  of  the  two  plants  above  referred  to. 

Veralrum  Sabadilla.  Retzius,  Obs.  i.  31;  Carson,  lllust.  of  Med  Bot.  ii.  50,  pi.  94.1ee 
Veratrum  Album.  The  leaves  of  tliis  plant  are  numerous,  ovate-oblong,  obtuse,  witlnm 
eight  to  fourteen  ribs,  glaucous  beneath,  and  all  radical.  The  flower-stem  is  erect,  side, 
and  round,  rises  three  or  four  feet  in  height,  and  bears  a spreading,  simple,  or  but  sli  tly 
branched  panicle  of  somewhat  nodding  flowers,  supported  upon  very  short  pedicels,  'he 
flowers,  which  are  of  a blackish-purple  colour,  approximate  in  twos  and  threes,  the  file 
turning  at  length  to  one  side,  and  the  sterile  falling  off.  The  segments  of  the  coroll  me 
ovate-lanceolate,  and  without  veins.  The  capsules  occupy  only  one  side  of  the  stem,  his 
plant  grows  in  Mexico  and  the  West  Indies,  and  was  cultivated  by  Descour tilz  at  SaDo- 
mingo,  from  seeds  obtained  in  Mexico. 

Jisagraea  officinalis.  Lindley,  Bolan.  Beg.,  June.  1839.—  Veratrum-officinale.  Schlecen- 
dalil,  Linnasa,  vi.  45. — Helonias  officinalis.  Don.  Ed.  New  Phil.  Journ.,  October,  181  p- 
234.  The  following  is  the  generic  character  given  by  Lindley.  “Flowers  polygaius, 
racemose,  naked.  Perianth  six-partite;  segments  linear,  veinless,  almost  equal,  wr  a 
nectariferous  excavation  at  the  base,  equal  to  the  stamens.  Stamens  alternately  sheer; 
anthers  cordate  as  if  unilocular,  after  dehiscence  shield-shaped.  Ovaries  three,  jibe 
simple,  attenuated  into  an  obscure  stigma.  Follicles  three/acuminate,  papery:  eds 
scimitar-shaped,  corrugated,  winged.  Bulbous  herbs,  with  grass-like  leaves,  and  f All, 
pale,  and  densely  racemed  flow'ers.”  The  A.  officinalis,  which  is  the  only  known  spie=> 
has  linear,  acuminate,  subcarinate  leaves,  roughish  at  the  margin,  and  four  feet  in  lgth 
by  three  lines  in  breadth,  and  a round  flower  stem,  about  six  feet  high,  terminatinui  a 
very  dense,  straight,  spike-like  raceme,  eighteen  inches  long.  The  flowers  arewhitenth 
yellow  anthers. 


Pi.T  I. 


Sabadilla. — Sabbatia. 


629 


fr<i  five  to  thirty  grains.  It  has  also  been  given  in  different  nervous  affections. 
It  j the  principal  ingredient  of  the  pulvis  Capucinorum , sometimes  used  in 
Eope  for  the  destruction  of  vermin  in  the  hair.  It  is  considered  by  the  natives 
of  lexico  useful  in  hydrophobia,  and  was  employed  by  M.  Fouilhoux,  of  Lyons, 
in  supposed  case  of  that  disease,  in  the  dose  of  about  nine  grains,  with  asserted 
sufflss.  Externally  applied,  it  is  highly  irritating,  and  is  even  said  to  be  cor- 
rore.  Its  chief  employment  at  present  is  for  the  preparation  of  veratria. 
ff.  Prep.  Yeratria.  W. 

SABBATIA.  U.S. 

American  Centaury. 

ie  herb  of  Sabbatia  angularis.  U.  S. 

lbbatia.  Sex.  Syst.  Pentandria  Monogynia.  — Nat.  Orel.  Gentianaceae. 
en.  Ch.  Calyx  five  to  twelve-parted.  Corolla  rotate,  five  to  twelve-parted. 
Strnas  two,  spiral.  Anthers  at  length  revolute.  Capsule  one-celled,  two- 
valid,  many-seeded.  Nuttall. 

kbbatha  angularis.  Pursh,  Flor.  Am.  Sept.  137 ; Bigelow,  Am.  Med.  Bot. 
iii.  47 ; Barton,  Med.  Bot.  i.  255.  — Chironia  angularis.  Linn.  The  American 
cerairy  is  an  annual  or  biennial  herbaceous  plant,  with  a fibrous  root,  and  an 
ere,  smooth,  four-sided  stem,  winged  at  the  angles,  simple  below,  sending  off 
op] site  axillary  branches  above,  and  rising  one  or  two  feet  in  height.  The 
lea  s,  which  vary  considerably  in  length  and  width,  are  ovate,  entire,  acute, 
net ;d,  smooth,  opposite,  and  sessile,  embracing  half  the  circumference  of  the 
ste  at  their  base.  The  flowers  are  numerous,  growing  on  the  ends  of  the 
brathes,  and  forming  altogether  a large  terminal  corymb.  The  calyx  is  divided 
intfive  lanceolate  segments,  considerably  shorter  than  the  corolla.  This  is 
deey  five-parted,  with  obovate  segments  of  a beautiful  delicate  rose-colour, 
wh  i is  paler  and  almost  white  in  the  middle  of  their  under  surface.  The 
aut  rs  are  yellow,  and,  after  shedding  their  pollen,  become  revolute.  The 
sty  which  .is  bent  downward,  and  is  longer  than  the  stamens,  terminates  in 
twe  inear  stigmas,  which  become  spirally  twisted  together. 

e plant  is  widely  diffused  through  the  Middle  and  Southern  States,  growing 
in  1 7 meadow  grounds,  and  in  wet  seasons  upon  uplands,  in  woods  and  neglected 
fiel , It  flowers  in  July  and  August.  In  its  general  aspect  as  well  as  medical 
pro  rties,  it  bears  a close  resemblance  to  Erythrsea  Centaurium,  or  European 
cen  ary,  for  which  it  was  mistaken  by  the  earlier  settlers.  The  whole  herb  is 
em;  iyed,  and  should  be  collected  when  in  flower. 

j 1 parts  of  it  have  a strongly  bitter  taste,  without  any  admixture  of  astrin- 
gen  -,  or  other  peculiar  flavour.  Both  alcohol  and  water  extract  its  bitterness, 
tog  aer  with  its  medical  virtues. 

j dical  Properties  and  Uses.  American  centaury  has  the  tonic  properties  of 
the  m pie  bitters,  and  is  very  analogous  in  its  action  to  the  other  plants  belong- 
ing > the  same  natural  family.  It  has  long  been  popularly  employed  as  a pro- 
phyctic  and  remedy  in  our  autumnal  intermittent  and  remittent  fevers ; and 
was  ormerly  much  esteemed  by  some  physicians  in  the  latter  of  these  eom- 
plai  s.  The  condition  to  which  it  was  considered  applicable,  was  that  existing 
bet  en  the  paroxysms,  when  the  remission  was  such  as  to  call  for  the  use  of 
ton;;,  but  was  not  deemed  sufficient  to  justify  a resort  to  the  preparations  of 
Fer/ian  bark.  It  is  occasionally  useful,  during  the  progress  of  a slow  con- 
vak  hence,  by  promoting  appetite  and  invigorating  digestion ; and  may  be 
em|  iyed  for  the  same  purpose  in  dyspepsia  and  diseases  of  debility. 

- e most  convenient  form  for  administration  is  that  of  infusion.  A pint  of 


630 


Sabbatia. — Sabina. 


PAR' 

boiling  water  poured  on  an  ounce  of  the  herb  and  allowed  to  cool,  maybe  gin 
in  the  dose  of  two  fluidounces,  repeated  every  hour  or  two  during  the  remis  a 
of  fevers,  and  less  frequently  in  chronic  affections.  The  dose  of  the  powde.3 
from  thirty  grains  to  a drachm.  The  decoetion,  extract,  and  tincture  are  0 
efficient  preparations.  M 

SABINA.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub. 

Savine. 

The  tops  of  Juniperus  Sabina.  U.  S.,  Ed.,  Dub.  The  recent  and  dried  t?. 
Lond. 

Sabine,  Fr.;  Sevenbaum,  Germ.;  Sabina,  Ital.,  Span. 

Juniperus.  See  JUNIPERUS. 

Juniperus  Sabina.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  iv.  852 ; Woodv.  Med.  Bot.  p. ), 
t.  5.  This  is  an  evergreen  shrub,  from  three  to  fifteen  feet  in  height,  \ h 
numerous  erect,  pliant  branches,  very  much  subdivided.  The  bark  of  the  yo  g 
branches  is  light-green,  that  of  the  trunk  rough  and  reddish-brown.  The  leas, 
which  completely  invest  the  younger  branches,  are  numerous,  small,  erect,  f 1, 
smooth,  pointed,  dark-green,  glandular  in  the  middle,  opposite,  and  imbrieod 
in  four  rows.  The  flowers  are  male  and  female  on  different  trees.  The  fru  is 
a blackish-purple  berry,  of  an  ovoid  shape,  marked  with  tubercles  and  le 
remains  of  the  calyx  and  petals,  and  containing  three  seeds. 

The  savine  is  a native  of  the  South  of  Europe  and  the  Levant,  and  is  saito 
grow  wild  in  the  neighbourhood  of  our  north-western  lakes.  The  ends  of  le 
branches,  and  the  leaves  by  which  they  are  invested,  are  collected  for  mecal 
use  in  the  spring.  When  dried  they  fade  very  much  in  colour. 

There  is  reason  to  believe  that  the  tops  of  Juniperus  Virginiana,  or  comm 
red  cedar,  are  sometimes  substituted  in  the  shops  for  the  savine,  to  which  i;y 
bear  so  close  a resemblance  as  to  be  with  difficulty  distinguished.  The  ro 
species,  however,  differ  in  their  taste  and  smell.  In  J.  Virginiana,  moreor, 
the  leaves  are  sometimes  ternate. 

The  tops  and  leaves  of  the  savine  plant  have  a strong,  heavy,  disagreed 
odour,  and  a bitter,  acrid  taste.  These  properties,  which  are  less  striking  inae 
dried  than  in  the  recent  leaves,  are  owing  to  a volatile  oil,  which  is  obtaineoy 
distillation  with  water.  (See  Oleum  Sabinse.)  The  leaves  impart  their  vires 
to  alcohol  and  water.  From  an  imperfect  analysis  by  Mr.  C.  H.  Needles,  ?v 
appear  to  contain  volatile  oil,  gum,  tannic  or  gallic  acid,  resin,  chlorophylle,  led 
oil,  bitter  extractive,  lime,  and  salts  of  potassa.  {Am.  Journ.  o/Pharm.,  xiii.  >.) 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Savine  is  highly  stimulant,  increasing  mo:of 
the  secretions,  especially  those  of  the  skin  and  uterus,  to  the  latter  of  w-'h 
organs  it  is  supposed  to  have  a peculiar  direction.  It  has  been  much  use  in 
amenorrhoea,  and  occasionally  as  a remedy  for  worms.  Dr.  Chapman  strovly 
recommended  it  in  chronic  rheumatism;  and  it  is  employed  in  Germany,  th 
internally  and  externally,  in  chronic  gout.  In  overdoses  it  is  capable  of  in- 
ducing dangerous  gastro-intestinal  inflammation,  and  should  therefore  he  ed 
with  caution.  In  no  case  should  it  be  employed  when  much  general  or  ,tal 
excitement  exists.  In  pregnancy  it  should  always  be  given  with  great  cautn; 
though  it  has  recently  been  recommended  as  an  effective  remedy  in  certain  fins 
of  menorrhagia,  and  is  asserted  to  prove  occasionally  useful  in  preventing  th  it- 
ened  abortion.  (See  Am.  Journ.  of  Med.  Sci.,  N.  S.,  viii.  475.)  It  is  nst 
conveniently  administered  in  the  form  of  powder,  of  which  the  dose  is  frouive 
to  fifteen  grains,  repeated  three  or  four  times  a day. 

As  an  external  irritant  it  is  useful,  in  the  form  of  cerate,  for  maintaini:  a 


PAT  I. 


Sabina. — Saccharum. 


631 


di barge  from  blistered  surfaces;  but,  as  tbe  preparation  sold  in  this  country 
mer  the  name  of  savine  ointment  is  often  feeble,  either  from  the  age  of  the 
dr;,  or  the  substitution  of  red  cedar,  it  has  in  some  measure  fallen  into  dis- 
reate.  (See  Ceratum  Sabinge.)  In  powder  or  infusion,  savine  is  used  in  Europe 
as  a application  to  warts,  indolent,  carious,  and  gangrenous  ulcers,  psora,  and 
tin  capitis;  and  the  expressed  juice  of  the  fresh  leaves,  diluted  with  water,  is 
soAimes  applied  to  similar  purposes. 

iff.  Prep.  Ceratum  Sabinas  ; Oleum  Sabinas ; Unguentum  Sabinae.  W. 

SACCHARUM.  U.  S.,  Lond. 

Sugar. 

he  sugar  of  Saccharum  officinarum,  refined.  U.  S.  The  prepared,  purified, 
crtalline  juice  of  the  stem.  Lond. 

"f.  Syn.  SACCHARUM  PURUM.  Ed.  SACCHARUM  PURIFICATUM. 

D, 

hite  Sugar;  Sucre  pur,  Sucre  en  pains,  Fr.;  Weisser  Zucker,  Germ.;  Zucchero  en 
pai.  Ital.;  Azucar  de  pilon,  Azucar  refinado,  Span. 

SACCHARUM  COMMUNE.  Ed. 

Brown  Sugar. 

ipure  sugar,  from  Saccharum  officinarum.  Muscovado.  Ed. 

if.  Syn.  BROWN  SUGAR.  Dub. 

,w  or  muscovado  sugar;  Sucre  brut,  Cassonade  rouge,  Moseouade,  Fr.;  Gemeiner 
Zuor,  Germ,.;  Zucchero  brutto,  Ital.;  Azucar  negro,  Span. 

SACCHARI  F JEX.  Lond,,  Ed, 

Molasses. 

ccharum  officinarum.  The  impure  prepared  juice.  Lond.  The  concentrated 
un  fstallizable  juice.  Ed. 

fi Syn.  THERIAGA.  Treacle.  Dub. 

■lasse,  Fr.;  Zuckersatz,  Zuckersyrup,  Germ.;  Melazzo,  Ital.;  Melaca,  Span. 

te  saccharine  principles  distinguished  by  the  chemist  are  cane  sugar,  or  sugar 
prcjirly  so  called,  derived  from  the  sugar  cane,  the  beet,  and  the  sugar  maple; 
gltuse  or  grape  sugar,  with  which  the  crystallizable  sugar  of  honey,  starch  sugar, 
atu  liabetic  sugar  are  identical;  uncrystallizable  sugar,  or  fruit  sugar,  called  by 
Soieiran  chulariose  (from  ^Mapior,  syrup) ; sorbin,  or  the  sugar  of  the  berries  of 
the  iountain  ash  (Sorbus  aucuparia))  lactin,  or  sugar  of  milk;  sugar  of  ergot, 
iuroperly  called  mushroom  sugar;  mannite  ; and  glycerin.  Glucose  or  grape 
say;  is  less  sweet  than  cane  sugar.  It  is  also  less  soluble  in  water,  and  much 
mo  soluble  in  alcohol.  It  has  the  sp.  gr.  of  1'886.  Obtained  from  a concen- 
tre 1 aqueous  solution,  it  forms  crystalline  grains.  Strong  mineral  acids  hardly 
act  1 grape  sugar,  but  destroy  cane  sugar  with  facility.  On  the  other  hand,  grape 
sug  is  destroyed  by  alkalies,  with  which  cane  sugar  forms  definite  compounds. 
Dihlved  in  water  and  subjected  to  prolonged  ebullition,  grape  sugar  undergoes 
vei  little  alteration.  Its  solution  rotates  the  plane  of  polarization  of  polarized 
lig  to  the  sight,  and  is  capable  of  undergoing  the  vinous  fermentation  directly, 
wit  >ut  passing  through  any  intermediate  state.  Uncrystallizable  sugar  exists 
in  ney  and  the  juice  of  fruits,  and  is  generated  from  cane  sugar  by  solution  in 


632 


Saccharum. 


par  i. 


water  or  weak  acids,  and  long  boiling.  Hence  it  is  present  in  molasses,  e 
view  of  Liebig  that  uncrystallizable  sugar,  whether  derived  from  fruits,  or  g 3. 
rated  by  weak  acids,  is  really  a combination  of  ordinary  sugar  with  an  acid,  is 
been  disproved  by  Soubeiran,  who  obtained  it  exempt  from  acid,  and,  theref  e, 
considers  it  a distinct  kind  of  sugar.  An  aqueous  solution  of  this  sugar  tr  is 
the  plane  of  polarization  to  the  left,  and,  like  grape  sugar,  is  susceptible  of  e 
vinous  fermentation  without  an  intermediate  change.  Uncrystallizable  sugsis 
transformed  into  grape  sugar,  when  it  is  made  to  assume  a crystalline  struct  L 
but  not  by  mere  solidification.  ( Soubeiran .)  A solution  of  cane  sugar,  like  1 it 
of  grape  sugar,  has  a rotating  power  to  the  right.  When  it  ferments,  it  is 
as  is  generally  supposed,  first  converted  into  grape  sugar.  It  is  found  bothy 
Mitscherlich  and  Soubeiran  to  be  first  changed  into  uncrystallizable  sugar;  pi, 
as  the  change  proceeds,  the  rotating  power  to  the  right  of  the  cane  sugar  gradu  y 
lessens  and  disappears,  and  is  replaced  by  the  rotating  power  to  the  left  of  e 
uncrystallizable  sugar  formed.  Sorbin  was  discovered  by  M.  Pelouze.  It  i n 
perfectly  transparent  crystals,  having  the  same  taste  as  cane  sugar,  but  is  it 
susceptible  of  fermentation.  Lac  tin  or  sugar  of  milk  is  now  officinal  with  e 
Dublin  College,  Pharm.  of  1850.  (See  Saccharum  Lactis.)  For  a descripin 
of  mannite  and  glycerin , see  the  articles  Manna  and  Glycerina. 

Cane  sugar  is  manufactured  extensively  on  the  continent  of  Europe  from  e 
beet,  and  in  considerable  quantities,  in  Canada  and  the  north-western  parts  of  e 
United  States,  from  the  sap  of  the  sugar  maple  ( Acer  Saccharinum).  In  ra- 
tion to  maple  sugar,  see  a paper  by  Dr.  George  D.  Gibb,  in  the  Brit.  Am.  Jon. 
of  Med.  Sci.  for  July,  1851.  Cane  sugar  may  also  be  obtained  from  eornstas. 
(II.  L.  Ellsworth.)  In  India,  it  is  made  from  the  sap  of  different  species  of  pai. 
In  1844,  more  than  6000  tons  of  crude  palm  sugar,  called  Jaggary,  were  mai- 
factured.  It  is  more  easily  refined,  and  at  less  cost  than  the  sugar  from  e 
cane.  (Stevens.)  But  the  supply  of  sugar  from  these  sources  is  insignificit 
when  compared  with  that  obtained  from  the  sugar  cane  itself,  which  is  eva- 
sively cultivated  in  the  East  and  West  Indies,  Brazil,  and  some  of  our  Southn 
States,  particularly  Louisiana.  This  plant  is  the  Saccharum  officinarumi 
botanists,  and  is  the  source  of  the  officinal  sugars  of  the  Pharmacopoeias. 

Saccharum.  Sex.  Syst.  Triandria  Digynia.  — Mat.  Orel.  Graminaceae. 

Gen.  Ch.  Calyx  two-v.alved,  involucred,  with  long  down.  Corolla  two-vald. 

wm. 

Saccharum  qfficinarum.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  i.  321 ; Phil.  Trans.  Ixix. 
The  sugar  cane  is  an  herbaceous  plant,  possessing  a jointed,  succulent  root,  fill 
which  arise  several  shining,  jointed,  solid  stems,  from  an  inch  to  two  inchem 
diameter,  and  from  six  to  twelve  feet  high,  and  containing  a white  and  juicy  pi. 
The  colour  of  the  stem  is  yellow,  greenish-yellow,  purple,  or  striped.  The  jots 
are  about  three  inches  apart,  and  give  origin  to  the  leaves,  which  embrace  e 
stem  at  their  base,  are  three  or  four  feet  long  and  about  an  inch  wide,  flat,  acui- 
nate,  longitudinally  striated,  furnished  with  a white  midrib,  glabrous,  fiuy 
dentate,  and  of  a green  colour  inclining  to  yellow.  The  flowers  are  pink  1, 
surrounded  by  a long  silky  down,  and  disposed  in  a large,  terminal,  nearly  pu- 
midal  panicle,  composed  of  subdivided  spikes,  and  two  or  three  feet  in  leap. 
The  plant  has  a general  resemblance  to  the  Indian  corn.  Four  varieties  -e 
mentioned;  1.  the  common,  with  a yellow  stem;  2.  the  purple,  with  a pure 
stem  and  richer  juice  ; 3.  the  gigantic,  with  a very  large  light-coloured  stem ; A 
4.  the  Otaheitan,  which  was  introduced  into  the  West  Indies  from  the  island 
Tahiti  (Otaheite)  by  Bougainville  and  Bligh,  and  is  distinguished  by  its  grecr 
height,  the  longer  intervals  between  its  joints,  and  by  the  greater  length  of -8 
hairs  which  surround  the  flowers. 


PAC  I. 


Saccharum 


633 


'ie  sugar  cane  is  cultivated  by  cuttings,  -which  are  planted  in  rows,  and  which, 
by  ring  rise  to  successive  shoots,  furnish  five  or  six  crops  before  the  plants 
reqre  to  be  renewed.  At  the  end  of  a year  the  plant  generally  flowers,  and 
in  :rr  or  five  months  afterwards  the  canes  are  completely  ripe,  at  which  time 
the  have  a yellowish  colour,  and  contain  a sweet  viscid  juice.  The  quantity  of 
sug- which  they  yield  is  variable.  According  to  Avequin,  of  New  Orleans,  the 
proution  of  cane  sugar  in  the  recent  stalk  is  about  10  per  cent.,  of  uncrystal- 
liza  e sugar  from  34  to  4 per  cent.  Cane-juice  is  usually  stated  to  contain  from 
sev  teen  to  twenty-three  per  cent,  of  crystallizable  sugar,  though  scarcely  seven 
perent.  is  extracted  in  practice. 

separation  and  Purification.  The  canes,  when  ripe,  are  cut  down  close  to 
theirtk,  topped,  and  stripped  of  their  leaves,  and  then  crushed  between  vertical 
irorollers  in  a kind  of  mill.  The  juice,  constituting  ninety  per  cent,  of  the 
can  though  fifty  per  cent,  is  scarcely  obtained  in  practice,  is  of  a pale-greenish 
colcr,  sweet  taste,  and  balsamic  odour,  and  has  a sp.gr.  varying  from  l'OBS 
to  1-06.  As  it  runs  out  it  is  received  in  suitable  vessels,  and,  being  quickly 
reared,  is  immediately  mixed  with  lime,  in  the  form  of  milk  of  lime,  in  the 
pro  rtion  of  about  one  part  of  the  earth  to  eight  hundred  of  the  juice,  and  heated 
in  noiler  to  140°.  The  exact  proportion  of  the  lime  cannot  be  determined, 
as  t;  juice  varies  in  quality  in  different  seasons ; but  the  manufacturer  should 
aim!  making  the  liquor  neutral,  or  very  slightly  alkaline.  The  gluten  and 
albuen  rise  to  the  top,  and  form  a thick  scum,  from  underneath  which  the 
liqv  is  drawn  off  by  a cock  into  a copper  boiler,  where  it  is  concentrated  by 
ebu  tion,  the  scum  being  carefully  skimmed  off  as  it  forms.  Filtering  the  juice 
thrigh  cloth  filters  before  heating  it  is  advantageous.  When  sufficiently  con- 
cen  !ed,  the  juice  is  transferred  to  shallow  vessels  called  coolers,  from  which, 
befo  it  cools,  it  is  drawn  off  into  wooden  vessels,  with  perforated  bottoms,  the 
hob  in  which  are  temporarily  plugged.  At  the  end  of  twenty-four  hours,  the 
liqu  is  strongly  agitated  with  wooden  stirrers,  in  order  to  accelerate  the  granu- 
lath  of  the  sugar,  which  is  completed  in  six  hours.  The  stoppers  are  now  re- 
morl,  and  the  syrup  is  allowed  to  drain  off  from  the  sugar,  which  in  this  state 
is  gaular,  of  a yellowish  colour,  and  moist.  It  is  next  dried  in  the  sun,  and, 
beii  introduced  into  hogsheads,  forms  the  brown  sugar  of  commerce.  The 
syri , by  a new  evaporation,  furnishes  an  additional  portion  of  sugar ; and  the 
liqu  which  finally  remains,  incapable  of  yielding  more  sugar  with  advantage, 
iscsed  molasses.  Eight  pounds  of  the  juice  yield,  on  an  average,  one  pound 
of  bwn  sugar.  In  the  process  of  extraction,  it  is  important  that  the  juice 
shot!  be  concentrated  by  a moderate  heat,  which  prevents  the  cane  sugar  from 
beifi  converted  into  uncrystallizable  sugar,  and,  therefore,  lessens  the  amount 
of  t:  molasses.  Sometimes  the  brown  sugar  undergoes  an  additional  prepara- 
tionconsisting  in  boiling  it  with  lime-water,  and,  after  sufficient  concentration, 
alio  ug  the  syrup  to  crystallize  in  large  inverted  conical  vessels,  pierced  at  the 
ape:  md  plugged.  The  surface  of  the  crystalline  mass  being  covered  with  a thin 
mix  re  of  clay  and  water,  the  plug  is  removed,  and  the  water  from  the  clay, 
percating  the  mass,  removes  the  coloured  syrup,  which  flows  out  at  the  hole. 
Theagar,  as  thus  prepared,  approaches  to  the  white  state,  and  constitutes  the 
day  sugar  of  commerce,  usually  called  in  this  country  Havana  sugar. 

I re  is  no  doubt  that  a large  proportion  of  the  sugar  is  lost  in  the  ordinary 
proc  s of  manufacture;  and  several  plans  have  been  proposed  to  prevent  this 
loss.  In  December  1847,  Dr.  John  Scoffern,  of  England,  took  out  a patent  for 
the’e  of  subacetate  of  lead  as  a purifying  agent,  added  to  the  cane-juice  in 
the  oportion  of  one-sixth  of  one  per  cent.*  As  applied  to  cane-juice,  it  sepa- 

* is  alleged  that  Mr.  Sievier  took  out  a patent  for  the  same  process  in  July,  1847, 
fire  ntks  before  the  date  of  Dr.  Scoffern’s  patent,  and  that  the  former  employed  the 


634 


Saccliarum. 


PAI  I. 


rates  the  impurities  completely,  thus  avoiding  the  labour  of  skimming,  id 
furnishes  the  whole  of  the  sugar,  instead  of  about  one-third,  as  by  the  ordi  ry 
process.  When  used  in  refining  operations,  it  enables  the  refiner  to  wor  ip 
residues,  which  would  not  furnish  sufficient  sugar  to  repay  the  cost  of  the  Id 
process.  The  lead  is  finally  removed  from  the  sugar  solutions  in  the  for  of 
sulphite  of  lead,  by  the  action  of  sulphurous  acid  gas,  forced  through  t m 
by  mechanical  means.  In  this  way  Dr.  Scoffern  alleges  that  the  whole  ofae 
lead  may  be  separated;  but  even  if  it  is  not,  he  believes  that  a minute  por- 
tion of  sulphite  of  lead  in  the  sugar  would  not  prove  injurious.  In  this  opim 
he  is  supported  by  several  eminent  chemists  and  physicians ; but  the  positi<  is 
controverted  by  others  equally  eminent,  and,  we  think,  on  just  grounds;  are 
should  feel  doubt  of  the  wholesomeness  of  an  aliment,  so  extensively  use  as 
sugar,  containing  a proportion  of  lead,  however  minute.  Such  is  the  view  1 211 
in  France,  where  the  process  of  Dr.  Scoffern  has  been  prohibited.  Ancer 
patented  process  for  the  defecation  of  cane-juice,  and  of  the  syrups  of  suga-e- 
fineries,  is  that  of  R.  & J.  Oxland,  in  which  acetate  of  alumina  is  used,  he 
details  of  the  process  are  given  in  the  Chem.  Gazette  for  Nov.  16,  1849,  to  weh 
the  reader  is  referred.  M.  Melsens,  Professor  of  Chemistry  at  Brussels,  has  0- 
posed  a third  process,  which  consists  in  the  use  of  bisulphite  of  lime.  This ilt 
is  said  to  act  as  an  antiseptic,  preventing  the  operation  of  any  ferment;  aaa 
absorber  of  oxygen,  opposing  the  action  of  that  gas  on  the  juice;  as  a clara, 
rendering  insoluble  at  212°  all  coagulable  matters  ; as  a bleacher  of  pre-exmg 
colouring  matters,  and  a preventive  of  the  formation  of  new  ones;  and,  la  y, 
as  a substance  furnishing  a base  to  neutralize  hurtful  acids,  which  unite  th 
the  lime,  displacing  the  weaker  sulphurous  acid.  M.  Melsens  acknowle.es 
that  he  has  made  his  experiments,  on  the  sugar-cane,  on  a small  scale  t.y, 
and,  therefore,  leaves  the  application  of  the  principles  of  his  method  to  he 
intelligence  of  the  manufacturers  themselves.  {Chem.  Gaz.,  Jan.  15,  185C 

Therefiningof  brown  sugar  forms  a distinct  branch  of  business,  and  the  met  ds 
pursued  have  undergone  many  improvements.  By  the  original  process,  he 
sugar  was  boiled  with  lime-water,  and  clarified  by  heating  it  with  bullocks’  bid. 
The  clarified  syrup  was  then  strained  through  cloth  filters,  whereby  it  was;n- 
dered  limpid.  It  was  next  transferred  to  a boiler,  where  it  was  subjected© 
ebullition,  until  it  was  brought  to  a proper  concentration;  when  it  was  alhed 
to  cool  in  conical  moulds,  and  to  drain  for  the  separation  of  the  molasses.  Tis 
last  boiling  required  to  be  continued  so  long,  that  the  action  of  the  fire  amir 
frequently  decomposed  the  sugar  to  such  an  extent  as  to  cause  a loss  of  twcy- 
five  per  cent,  in  molasses.  This  disadvantage  led  to  the  abandonment  of  ro- 
longed  boiling;  and  now  the  sugar  refiners  boil  the  syrup  in  shallow  bo  rs, 
which  are  suspended  in  such  a way  as  to  admit  of  their  being  emptied  witi he 
greatest  quickness,  without  putting  out  the  fire. 

The  process  of  refining  was  still  further  improved  by  Messrs.  Philip  Taylomd 
Howard.  The  former  introduced  the  improvement  of  heating  the  syrup  itli 
great  rapidity  by  means  of  steam,  made  to  pass  through  a series  of  tubes  trac- 
ing the  boiler ; and  the  latter  devised  the  plan  of  causing  the  syrup  to  boil  uier 
a diminished  pressure,  created  by  a suction  pump,  set  in  motion  by  a steam  en  ae, 
while  it  was  heated  by  steam  circulating  round  the  boiler.  In  this  way  be 
syrup  was  made  to  boil  at  a lower  temperature,  and  with  a diminished  conta  ot 
the  air;  and  the  loss  of  the  cane  sugar,  by  its  conversion  into  unerystalhbh 
sugar,  was  in  a great  measure  avoided. 

latter  as  a professional  chemist  to  perfect  the  details  of  the  process.  (Pharm.  Jourrin 
Trans.,  ix.  220,  Nov.  1849.)  Subsequently  Mr.  Sievier  compromised  with  Dr.  Sc  ern 
in  regard  to  their  conflicting  claims,  leaving  to  the  latter  undisputed  possession  c e 
patent. 


pa:?  i. 


Saccharum. 


635 


|ter  the  syrup  is  sufficiently  concentrated  by  any  one  of  these  methods,  it  is 
traiferred  to  coolers,  where  it  is  agitated  to  cause  it  to  granulate.  In  this  state 
it  iboured  into  unglazed  earthenware  moulds  of  a conical  shape,  with  a hole  in 
theipex,  which  is  stopped  with  a paper  plug.  The  moulds  are  placed,  with  the 
ape  downwards,  above  stone-ware  pots,  intended  to  receive  the  uncrystallizable 
syrw.  When  the  mass  has  completely  concreted,  the  moulds  are  unstopped,  to 
alio  the  coloured  syrup  to  drain  off.  To  remove  the  remains  of  this  syrup,  the 
ope fion  called  claying  is  performed.  This  consists  in  removing  from  the  base 
of  t;  loaf  a layer  of  the  sugar,  about  an  inch  thick,  and  replacing  it  with  pure 
sug!  in  powder,  which  is  covered  with  a mixture  of  pipe  clay  and  water,  of 
abo  the  consistence  of  cream.  The  water  gradually  leaves  the  clay,  dissolves 
the  are  sugar,  and  percolates  the  mass  as  a pure  syrup,  removing  in  its  progress 
the  oloured  syrup.  Sometimes  the  purification  is  performed  without  the  use 
of  ay,  by  allowing  a saturated  solution  of  pure  sugar  to  percolate  the  loaf. 
Whi  all  the  coloured  syrup  is  removed,  the  loaf  is  taken  out  of  the  mould  and 
placl  in  stoves  to  dry.  It  now  constitutes  white  or  purified  sugar.  The  syrup 
whi  drains  from  the  loaves  contains  a considerable  quantity  of  cane  sugar, 
ands  used  in  subsequent  operations.  The  syrups  of  lowest  quality  are  em- 
plojl  in  forming  inferior  white  sugar,  from  which  a syrup  finally  drains,  con- 
taing  so  little  cane  sugar  as  not  to  repay  the  expense  of  extracting  it.  This 
consjtutes  sugar  house  molasses.  Good  brown  sugar,  in  the  process  of  refining, 
yiel  about  70  per  cent,  of  white  sugar. 

0 the  several  forms  of  sugar  above  mentioned,  three  only,  white  and  brown 
sugi  and  molasses,  are  officinal  in  the  British  and  United  States  Pharmaco- 
pceij,  and  these  are  designated  by  the  Latin  names  placed  at  the  head  of  this 
artio.  The  United  States  Pharmacopoeia  recognises  white  sugar  only,  giving 
it  tliname  of  Saccharum ; the  use  of  brown  sugar  and  molasses  being  replaced 
by  t;  employment  of  an  officinal  syrup  of  known  strength.  (See  Syrupus.') 
Thefcondon  Pharmacopoeia  recognises  white  sugar  and  molasses;  and  the  Edin- 
bur<  and  Dublin  Colleges  admit  not  only  these,  but  also  brown  sugar. 

Cnmercial  History.  Sugar  has  been  known  from  the  earliest  ages,  and  was 
orig  ally  obtained  from  Asia.  About  the  period  of  the  Crusades,  the  Venetians 
broth t it  to  Europe;  but  at  that  time  it  was  so  scarce  as  to  be  used  exclusively 
as  a lediciue.  Upon  the  discovery  of  the  Cape  of  Good-Hope  and  the  mari- 
timeoute  to  the  East  Indies,  the  commerce  in  sugar  passed  into  the  hands  of 
the  Portuguese.  Subsequently,  the  cultivation  of  the  cane  was  extended  to 
Arab,  Egypt,  Sicily,  Spain,  and  the  Canaries,  and  finally,  upon  the  discovery 
of  tlinew  world,  to  America,  where  it  was  pursued  with  the  greatest  success,  and 
contues  to  be  so  to  the  present  day.  In  America  it  is  produced  most  abun- 
dant] in  the  West  Indies,  which  supply  the  greater  part  of  the  consumption  of 
Eur  e,  little  comparatively  being  taken  thither  from  Brazil  or  the  East  Indies. 
The  msumption  of  the  United  States  is  more  than  half  supplied  by  Louisiana 
and  me  of  the  neighbouring  States.  The  crop  of  sugar  of  Louisiana,  in  1847, 
washimated  at  240,000  hogsheads;  in  1853,  at  322,000.  The  crop  of  Cuba 
for  t ; latter  year  is  supposed  to  have  reached  600,000  hogsheads.  Within  a 
rece  period,  our  planters  have  introduced  into  Louisiana  the  variety  of  cane 
calk  tlie  Otaheite  cane,  which  is  hardier  and  more  productive  than  the  common 
cane  ind  better  suited  to  the  climate  of  our  Southern  States. 

Piper  lies.  Sugar,  in  a pure  state,  is  a solid  of  a peculiar  grateful  taste,  per- 
man  t in  the  air,  phosphorescent  by  friction,  and  of  the  sp.  gr.  1'6.  It  dis- 
solvi  readily  in  half  its  weight  of  cold  water,  and  to  almost  an  unlimited  extent 
m being  water.  The  solution,  when  thick  and  ropy,  is  called  syrup.  An  aqueous 
solu  n of  sugar  possesses  the  property  of  dissolving  a large  quantity  of  hydrate 


636 


Saccharum. 


.PAI  L 


of  lime,  forming  a compound,  called  syrup  of  lime.  When  a concentrated  s ap 
is  gently  heated,  and  spirit  added  to  it,  the  liquid,  on  cooling,  forms  white  ni, 
transparent  crystals  of  hydrated  sugar,  having  the  shape  of  oblique  four-.  ed 
prisms,  and  called  sugar  candy.  Sugar  is  nearly  insoluble  in  absolute  ale  ol, 
but  dissolves  in  four  times  its  weight  of  boiling  alcohol  of  the  sp.  gr.  0*83.  Ven 
heated  to  365°,  it  melts  into  a viscid,  colourless  liquid,  which,  on  being  sude  ly 
cooled,  forms  a transparent  amorphous  mass,  called  barley  sugar.  At  a hi  er 
temperature  (between  400°  and  420°)  it  loses  two  eqs.  of  water,  and  is  convted 
into  a black  porous  mass,  having  a high  lustre  like  anthracite,  called  care  el. 
At  a still  higher  heat  it  yields  combustible  gases,  carbonic  acid,  empyreunic 
oil,  and  acetic  acid;  and  there  remains  one-fourth  of  its  weight  of  charcoal,  w:h 
burns  without  residue.  Sugar  renders  the  fixed  and  volatile  oils  to  a ce  in 
extent  miscible  with  water,  and  forms  with  the  latter  an  imperfect  combinaoi, 
called  in  pharmacy  oleo-saecharum.  When  in  solution,  it  is  not  precipitate  by 
subacetate  of  lead,  a negative  property  which  distinguishes  it  from  mostc.er 
organic  principles. 

Cane  sugar  may  be  distinguished  from  grape  sugar  by  the  combined  acti  of 
sulphate  of  copper  and  caustic  potassa.  If  solution  of  cane  sugar  be  mixed  th 
solution  of  sulphate  of  copper,  and  potassa  be  added  in  excess,  a deep-blue  bad 
is  obtained,  which,  on  being  heated,  lets  fall  a little  red  powder  after  a ne. 
Solution  of  grape  sugar,  similarly  treated,  yields,  when  heated,  a copious  g-n- 
ish  precipitate,  which  rapidly  changes  to  scarlet,  and  eventually  to  dark-red.  )r. 
Donaldson’s  test  for  sugar  in  the  animal  fluids  is  formed  of  five  parts  of  c, do- 
nate of  soda,  five  of  caustic  potassa,  six  of  bitartrate  of  potassa,  four  of  sulfite 
of  copper,  and  thirty-two  of  distilled  water.  A few  drops  of  this  solution,  lag 
added  to  an  animal  fluid,  and  the  mixture  heated  over  a spirit-lamp,  a yello’-h- 
green  colour  is  developed,  if  sugar  be  present. 

Action  of  Acids  and  Alkalies,  &c.  The  mineral  acids  act  differently  on  ne 
sugar,  according  as  they  are  concentrated  or  dilute.  Strong  nitric  acid,  Lth 
the  assistance  of  heat,  converts  it  into  oxalic  acid.  (See  Oxalic  Acid  in  theqj- 
pendix.)  The  same  acid,  when  weak,  converts  it  into  saccharic  acid,  confou.ed 
by  Scheele  with  malic  acid.  Concentrated  muriatic  or  sulphuric  acid  c-hai  it. 
Treated,  in  fine  powder,  with  a mixture  of  sixteen  parts  of  sulphuric  and  :ht 
of  nitric  acid,  cooled  to  the  temperature  of  60°,  it  is  converted,  in  a few  seeds, 
into  a pasty  substance,  which,  after  having  been  washed  with  cold  water  and  is- 
solved  in  alcohol,  furnishes,  on  the  addition  of  an  excess  of  carbonate  of  potas  to 
the  alcoholic  solution,  a peculiar  explosive  and  inflammable  substance,  resem  ng 
common  rosin  in  its  physical  properties,  and,  like  it,  insoluble  in  water,  but  lu- 
ble  in  alcohol,  ether,  and  the  volatile  oils.  ( L . Thompson.)  Diluted  rnu.tic 
acid,  when  boiled  with  cane  sugar,  converts  it  into  a solid,  brown,  gelat  )us 
mass.  Weak  sulphuric  acid,  by  a prolonged  action  at  a high  temperare, 
converts  cane  sugar,  first  into  uncrystallizable  sugar,  afterwards  into  grape  star, 
and  finally  into  two  substances,  analogous  to  ulmin  and  ulmic  acid,  called ac- 
chulmin  and  sacchulmic  acid.  Vegetable  acids  are  supposed  to  act  in  a si’lar 
way.  If  the  boiling  be  prolonged  for  several  days  in  open  vessels,  oxyg'  is 
absorbed,  and,  besides  these  two  substances,  formic  acid  is  generated.  Soubran 
admits  the  change  of  the  uncrystallizable  into  grape  sugar,  but  attributes  to 
a molecular  transformation  of  the  sugar,  independently  of  the  action  of  the  id; 
as,  according  to  his  observation,  the  conversion  takes  place  only  after  rest.  In 
confirmation  of  his  views,  this  chemist  states  that  he  found  the  same  ch;ges 
to  be  produced  by  boiling  sugar  with  water  alone. 

Cane  sugar  unites  with  the  alkalies  and  some  of  the  alkaline  earths,  taring 
definite  combinations  which  render  the  sugar  less  liable  to  change.  Itdso 
unites  with  protoxide  of  lead.  Boiled  for  a long  time  with  aqueous  solution  of 


PAT  !• 


Saccharum. 


6 37 


potsa,  lime,  or  baryta,  the  liquid  becomes  brown,  formic  acid  is  produced,  and 
twaew  acids  are  generated ; one  brown  or  black  and  insoluble  in  water,  called 
■meissic  acid,  the  other  colourless  and  very  soluble,  named  glucic  acid. 

: e account  above  given  of  the  action  of  acids  and  alkalies  on  sugar  explains 
the  ay  in  which  lime  acts  in  the  manufacture  and  refining  of  sugar.  The  acids, 
nat  ally  existing  in  the  saccharine  juice,  have  the  effect  of  converting  the  cane 
sug  into  uhctystallizable  sugar,  by  which  a loss  of  the  former  is  sustained. 
Thase  of  lime,  by  neutralizing  these  acids,  prevents  this  result.  An  excess  of 
lim  however,  must  be  carefully  avoided;  as  it  injures  the  product  of  cane  sugar 
hot  in  quantity  and  quality.  The  change  in  the  sugar  which  precedes  fer- 
meiation  points  to  the  necessity  of  operating  before  that  process  sets  in ; and 
hem  the  advantage  of  grinding  the  canes  immediately  after  they  are  cut,  and 
boil  g the  juice  with  the  least  possible  delay. 

]e  following  is  a description  of  the  several  forms  of  officinal  sugar. 

irified  or  white  sugar,  as  obtained  on  a large  scale,  is  in  concrete,  somewhat 
pors  masses,  called  loaves,  consisting  of  an  aggregate  of  small  crystalline 
gras.  When  carefully  refined,  it  is  brittle  and  pulverulent,  perfectly  white, 
inoirous,  and  possessed  of  the  pure  saccharine  taste.  Cane  sugar  is  sometimes 
adulated  with  starch  sugar,  which  may  be  detected  by  adding  to  a concentrated 
soli  on  of  the  suspected  sugar,  first  a small  portion  of  fused  potassa,  and  after- 
war , at  the  boiling  temperature,  a few  drops  of  nitrate  of  cobalt.  This  test, 
if  t sugar  be  pure,  will  produce  a violet-blue  precipitate,  a reaction  prevented 
by  e presence  of  a small  proportion  of  starch  sugar.  (Dr.  G.  Reich.) 

. li purified  or  brown  sugar  is  in  the  form  of  a coarse  powder,  more  or  less 
moi  and  sticky,  consisting  of  shining  crystalline  grains,  intermixed  with  lumps, 
havg  an  orange-yellow  colour,  more  or  less  deep,  a sweet,  cloying  taste,  and 
hea  peculiar  smell.  It  varies  very  much  in  quality.  The  best  sort  is  nearly 
dry  n large  sparkling  grains  of  a clear  yellow  colour,  and  possesses  much  less 
sme  than  the  inferior  kinds.  It  consists  of  cane  sugar,  associated  with  variable 
quaities  of  gummy  and  colouring  matter,  and  a small  proportion  of  lime  and 
tani ; acid.  By  keeping,  it  becomes  soft  and  gummy,  and  less  sweet ; a change 
attr.ated  to  the  lime. 

Masses  is  of  two  kinds,  the  West  India  and  sugar  house.  West  India  mo- 
lass  is  a black  ropy  liquid,  of  a peculiar  odour,  and  sweet  erapyreumatic  taste. 
Wh  mixed  with  water  and  the  shimmings  of  the  vessels  used  in  the  manu- 
fact  e of  sugar,  it  forms  a liquor,  which,  when  fermented  and  distilled,  yields 
run  Sugar  house  molasses  has  the  same  general  appearance  as  the  West  India. 
It  i:  however,  thicker,  and  has  a different  flavour.  Its  sp.gr.  is  about  1'4,  and 
it  c<  tains  about  75  per  cent,  of  solid  matter.  Both  kinds  of  molasses  consist 
of  i erystallizable  sugar,  more  or  less  cane  sugar  which  has  escaped  separation 
in  I j process  of  manufacture  or  refining,  and  gummy  and  colouring  matter. 
Wh}  the  molasses  from  cane  sugar  is  treated  with  a boiling,  concentrated  solu- 
tion f bichromate  of  potassa,  and  boiled,  a violent  reaction  takes  place,  and  the 
liqu  becomes  green ; but  if  it  be  adulterated  with  only  an  eighth  of  starch  sugar 
wolves,  the  reaction  is  prevented,  and  the  colour  is  not  changed.  (Dr.  G.  Reich.') 

(imposition.  The  following  formulas  express  the  composition  of  the  different 
vari;ies  of  sugar,  so  far  as  known.  Cane  sugar,  Cane  sugar,  as  it 

exis  in  combination  with  two  eqs.  of  protoxide  of  lead  (caramel  ? anhydrous 
sug;],?),  C13He09.  Grape  sugar,  C^H^O,,,.  Grape  sugar  aud  uncrystallizable 
sugt  dried  at  212°,  C13H13012.  Sorbin,  CJ2H130,3.  ( Pelouze .)  The  theory  of 
the  inversion  of  sugar,  during  the  vinous  fermentation,  into  alcohol  and  car- 
bon acid,  will  be  explained  under  absolute  alcohol.  (See  Alcohol,  Ed.,  Dub., 
ln  t second  part  of  this  work.) 

if.  and  Rharm.  Uses,  &c.  The  uses  of  sugar  as  an  aliment  and  condiment 


638 


Saccharum. — Saccharum  Lactis. 


PAR  C. 


are  numerous.  It  is  nutritious,  but  not  capable  of  supporting  life  when  ta  n 
exclusively  as  aliment,  on  account  of  the  absence  of  nitrogen  in  its  composit  1. 
It  is  a powerful  antiseptic,  and  is  beginning  to  be  used  for  preserving  meat  d 
fish ; for  which  purpose  it  possesses  the  advantage  of  acting  in  a much  less  qi  > 
tity  than  is  requisite  of  common  salt,  and  of  not  altering  the  taste,  nor  impair 
the  nutritious  qualities  of  the  aliment.  Prof.  Marchand  has  ascertained  th  a 
solution  of  sugar  has  no  action  on  the  teeth  out  of  the  body.  It  may  hene  oe 
inferred  that  the  popular  notion  that  sugar  is  injurious  to  the  teeth  is  unfound. 

The  medical  properties  of  sugar  are  those  of  a demulcent,  and  as  such  j is 
much  used  in  catarrhal  affections,  in  the  form  of  candy,  syrup,  &c.  Accon  g 
to  M.  Provencal,  it  acts  as  a powerful  antaphrodisiac,  given  in  the  quantitof 
a pound  or  more  daily,  dissolved  in  a quart  of  cold  water.  In  pharmacy  :is 
employed  to  render  oils  miscible  with  water,  to  cover  the  taste  of  medicinelo 
give  them  consistency,  to  preserve  them  from  change,  and  to  protect  from  osa- 
tion  certain  ferruginous  preparations.  Accordingly  it  enters  into  the  cornpi- 
tion  of  several  infusions  and  mixtures,  of  nearly  all  the  syrups  and  confectis, 
and  of  all  the  troches.  It  is  directed  by  the  Edinburgh  College  for  purifig 
the  commercial  sulphuric  acid  from  nitrous  acid.  Molasses  is  used  to  give  le 
proper  consistence  to  pills,  in  ten  London  formulae,  six  Dublin,  and  one  Tn- 
burgh.  It  is  well  fitted  for  forming  pills,  preserving  them  soft  and  free  im 
mouldiness,  on  account  of  its  retentiveness  of  moisture  and  antiseptic  quaffs. 

Off.  Prep,  of  Saccharum.  Syrupus. 

Off.  Prep,  of  Saccharum  Commune.  Confectio  Sennas ; Infusum  Sennas  Cn- 
positum. 

Off.  Prep,  of  Sacchari  Feex.  Syrupus  Sennas.  1 

SACCHARUM  LACTIS.  Dub. 

Sugar  of  Milk. 

Lactose;  Sucre  de  lait,  Fr.;  Milclizucker,  Germ. 

Sugar  of  milk,  or  lactin,  is  found  only  in  milk,  of  which  it  forms  aboutve 
per  cent.  ( Boussingavlt .)  It  is  manufactured  largely  in  Switzerland  as  an  ar  le 
of  food.  In  preparing  it,  milk  is  first  coagulated  by  the  addition  of  a l ie 
dilute  sulphuric  acid,  and  the  resulting  whey  is  evaporated  to  a syrupy  'D- 
sistence,  and  set  aside  for  several  weeks,  in  a cool  place,  to  crystallize,  he 
crystals,  which  constitute  the  sugar  of  milk,  are  then  decolorized  by  an  al 
charcoal,  and  repeated  crystallizations. 

Sugar  of  milk  is  a hard,  somewhat  gritty,  white  substance,  crystallize  in 
four-sided  prisms,  and  possessing  a slightly  sweet  taste.  In  commerce  it  soe- 
times  occurs  in  cylindrical  masses,  in  the  axis  of  which  is  a cord,  around  well 
the  crystals  have  been  deposited.  It  dissolves  slowly  in  six  parts  of  cold  ad 
three  of  boiling  water,  without  forming  a syrup.  It  is  insoluble  in  ether, nd 
but  slightly  soluble  in  alcohol.  Its  sp.  gr.  is  1'54.  It  is  not  susceptible  oihe 
vinous  fermentation  by  the  direct  influence  of  yeast,  but,  after  the  actio  of 
dilute  acids,  which  first  convert  it  into  grape  sugar,  it  is  capable  of  furnishi;  a 
spirituous  liquor.  It  is  well  known  that  both  mares’  and  cows'  milk,  aftepe- 
coming  sour,  is  capable  of  forming  an  intoxicating  drink  by  fermentation.  By 
the  action  of  nitric  acid,  sugar  of  milk  is  converted  into  mucic  (saclactic)  id- 
When  anhydrous  it  consists  of  Co4H100,g;  when  crystallized,  of  €.,411,5015  + 510. 

Sugar  of  milk  has  been  proposed  by  Dr.  Turnbull,  of  England,  as  a 'Q- 
nitrogenous  article  of  diet,  in  consumption  and  other  pulmonary  diseases,  dr. 
Ruschenberger  used  it  with  good  effect  as  nourishment  in  a case  of  extremerrt- 
lability  of  stomach,  following  profuse  loss  of  blood  from  menorrhagia.  ( Trim  <;/ 
the  Phil.  Col.  of  Pliys.,  ii.  48.) 


PAI  I. 


Sagapenum. — Sago. 


639 


SAGAPENUM.  Loncl. 

Sagapenum. 

.1  uncertain  plant.  The  gum  resin.  Loud. 

Sgapenum,  Fr. ; Sagapen,  Germ.;  Sagapeno,  Ital.,  Span.;  Sugbeenuj,  Arab. 

. 1 that  is  known  in  relation  to  the  source  of  this  gum-resin  is,  that  it  is  the 
corete  juice  of  a plant,  probably  umbelliferous,  growing  in  Persia.  The  plant 
is  njectured  to  be  a species  of  Ferula,  and  Willdenow  supposed  it  to  be  F. 
Peica,  but  without  sufficient  evidence.  The  drug  is  brought  from  Alexandria, 
Snrna,  and  other  ports  of  the  Levant. 

] is  in  irregular  masses,  composed  of  agglutinated  fragments,  slightly  trans- 
luc  t,  of  a brownish-yellow,  olive,  or  reddish-yellow  colour  externally,  paler 
intaally,  brittle,  of  a consistence  somewhat  resembling  that  of  wax,  and  often 
rnhi  with  impurities,  especially  with  seeds  more  or  less  entire.  An  inferior 
varty  is  soft,  tough,  and  of  uniform  consistence.  It  has  an  alliaceous  odour, 
lesslisagreeable  than  that  of  assafetida,  and  a hot,  nauseous,  bitterish  taste.  It 
sofiis  and  becomes  tenacious  by  the  heat  of  the  hand.  The  effect  of  time  and 
expure  is  to  harden  and  render  it  darker.  It  is  inflammable,  burning  with  a 
wk  flame  and  much  smoke,  and  leaviug  a light  spongy  charcoal.  Pure  alcohol 
andrater  dissolve  it  partially,  diluted  alcohol  almost  entirely.  Distilled  with 
wat  it  affords  a small  quantity  of  volatile  oil;  and  the  water  is  strongly  im- 
pre  ated  with  its  flavour.  According  to  Pelletier,  it  contains,  in  100  parts, 
54'i  of  resin,  31-94  of  gum,  l'O  of  bassorin,  0'60  of  a peculiar  substance,  0’40 
of  Idulous  malate  of  lime,  and  11'80  of  volatile  oil  including  loss.  Brandes 
fou:  3 73  per  cent,  of  volatile  oil.  This  is  pale-yellow,  very  fluid,  lighter  than 
wat,  and  of  a disagreeable  alliaceous  odour. 

■ idical  Properties  and  Uses.  Sagapenum  is  a moderate  stimulant,  resembling 
ass?  tida,  but  much  inferior,  and  usually  considered  as  intermediate  between  that 
ginmin  and  galbanum.  It  has  been  given  as  an  emmenagogue  and  antispas- 
moo  in  amenorrhcea,  hysteria,  chlorosis,  &c.,  but  is  now  seldom  used.  It  was 
knca  to  the  ancients ; and  Dioscorides  speaks  of  it  as  being  derived  from  Media. 
Thdose  is  from  ten  to  thirty  grains,  and  may  be  given  in  pill  or  emulsion. 
Sagienum  is  also  considei’ed  discutient,  and  has  been  occasionally  applied  ex- 
ten  ly,  in  the  form  of  plaster,  to  indolent  tumours. 

('.Prep.  Sagapenum  Pneparatum.  W. 

SAGO.  U.S.,  Loncl,  Ed.,  Dab. 

1 ' 

Sago. 

7?  prepared  fecula  of  the  pith  of  Sagus  Rumphii.  U.  S.  Sagus  Isevis,  S. 
Runhii,  and  other  species  of  palms.  The  fecula  of  the  stem.  Land.  Farina 
froi  the  iuterior  of  the  trunk  of  various  Palmaceae  and  species  of  Cycas.  Ed. 
Cyc  circinalis  and  other  species  of  Cycas,  and  various  Palmaceae.  The  farina 
froithe  interior  of  the  trunk.  Dub. 

S ou,  Fr.;  Sago,  Germ.,  Ital.;  Sagu,  Span. 

Imerous  trees,  inhabiting  the  islands  and  coasts  of  the  Indian  Ocean,  con- 
tarn  i farinaceous  pith,  which  is  applied  to  the  purposes  of  nutriment  by  the 
natps.  Such  are  Sagus  Rumpliii,  Sagus  leevis,  Sagus  Ruffia,  Saguerus  Rum- 
phi  ind  Phoenix  farinifera,  belonging  to  the  family  of  palms;  and  Cycas  circi- 
nal  Cycas  revoluta,  and  Zamia  lanuginosa,  belonging  to  the  Cycadacese.  Of 
the;  Sagus  Rumphii,  Sagus  Isevis,  and  Saguerus  Rumphii  probably  contribute 


640 


Sago. 


PAI  i. 


to  furnish  the  sago  of  commerce.  Crawford,  in  his  History  of  the  Indian  A:  d- 
pelago,  states  that  it  is  derived  exclusively  from  Metroxyhn  Sagu,  identical  th 
Sagus  Rumphii ; but  Roxburgh  ascribes  the  granulated  sago  to  S.  hern,  id 
one  of  the  finest  kinds  is  said  by  Dr.  Hamilton  to  be  produced  by  the  Sayi.  vs 
Rumphii  of  Roxburgh.  The  farinaceous  product  of  the  different  species  of  0 is 
sometimes  called  Japan  sago,  does  not  enter  into  general  commerce. 

Sagus.  Sex.  Syst.  Monoecia  Hexandria. — Nat.  Ord.  Palmacese. 

Gen.  Ch.  Common  spathe  one-valved.  Spadix  branched.  Male.  Cyx 
three-leaved.  Corolla  none.  Filaments  dilated.  Female.  Calyx  three-lea  d, 
■with  two  of  the  leaflets  bifid.  Corolla  none.  Style  very  short.  Stigma  sin  ie' 
Nut  tessellated-imbricated,  one-seeded.  Willd. 

Sagus  Rumphii.  Willd.  Sp.  Riant,  iv.  404;  Carson,  I/lust,  of  Med.  Be  ii. 
44,  pi.  88.  The  sago  palm  is  one  of  the  smallest  trees  t>f  the  family  to  weh 
it  belongs.  Its  extreme  height  seldom  exceeds  thirty  feet.  The  trunk  is  ;o- 
portionably  very  thick,  quite  erect,  cylindrical,  covered  with  the  remains  o he 
old  leafstalks,  and  surrounded  by  a beautiful  crown  of  foliage,  consistin  of 
numerous  very  large,  pinnate  leaves,  extending  in  every  direction  from  he 
summit,  and  curving  gracefully  downwards.  From  the  basis  of  the  leaves ro- 
ceed  long,  divided  and  subdivided  flower  and  fruit-bearing  spadices,  the  branes 
of  which  are  smooth.  The  fruit  is  a roundish  nut,  covered  with  a cheeked 
imbricated  coat,  and  containing  a single  seed. 

The  tree  is  a native  of  the  East  India  islands,  growing  in  the  Peninsu  of 
Malacca,  Sumatra,  Borneo,  Celebes,  the  Moluccas,  and  a part  of  New  Guja. 
It  flourishes  best  in  low  and  moist  situations.  Before  attaining  maturity  he 
stem  consists  of  a shell  usually  about  two  inches  thick,  filled  with  an  enornus 
volume  of  spongy  medullary  matter  like  that  of  elder.  This  is  gradually  absoed 
after  the  appearance  of  fruit,  and  the  stem  ultimately  becomes  hollow,  he 
greatest  age  of  the  tree  is  not  more  than  thirty  years.  At  the  proper  peril  of 
its  growth,  when  the  medullary  matter  is  fully  developed,  and  has  not  yet  bun 
to  diminish,  the  tree  is  felled,  and  the  trunk  cut  into  billets  six  or  seveneet 
long,  which  are  split  in  order  to  facilitate  the  extraction  of  the  pith.  Th  is 
obtained  in  the  state  of  a coarse  powder,  which  is  mixed  with  water  in  a tregh, 
having  a sieve  at  the  end.  The  water,  loaded  with  farina,  passes  tbroughhe 
sieve,  and  is  received  in  convenient  vessels,  where  it  is  allowed  to  stand  til.he 
insoluble  matter  has  subsided.  It  is  then  strained  off;  and  the  farina  wkiiis 
left  may  be  dried  into  a kind  of  meal,  or  moulded  into  whatever  shape  m;  be 
desired.  For  the  consumption  of  the  natives  it  is  usually  formed  into  cak  of 
various  sizes,  which  are  dried,  and  extensively  sold  iu  the  islands.  The  >m- 
mercial  sago  is  prepared  by  forming  the  meal  into  a paste  with  water,  andub- 
bing  it  into  grains.  It  is  produced  in  the  greatest  abundance  in  the  Moiras, 
but  of  the  finest  quality  on  the  eastern  coast  of  Sumatra.  The  Chinese  of  Macca 
refine  it  so  as  to  give  the  grains  a fine  pearly  lustre.  Malcolm  states  thatc  is 
also  refined  in  large  quantities  at  Singapore.  In  this  state  it  is  called  pearl  go, 
and  is  iu  great  repute.  It  is  said  that  not  less  than  five  or  six  hundred  pads 
of  sago  are  procured  from  a single  tree.  {Crawford.) 

Pearl  sago  is  that  which  is  now  generally  used.  It  is  in  small  grains,  :out 
the  size  of  a pin’s  head,  hard,  whitish,  of  a light-brown  colour,  iu  some  inst  ees 
translucent,  inodorous,  and  with  little  taste.  It  may  be  rendered  perfectly  life 
by  a solution  of  chloride  of  lime.  Common  sago  is  iu  larger  and  browner  gms- 
of  more  unequal  size,  of  a duller  aspect,  and  frequently  mixed  with  more  oiess 
of  a dirty-looking  powder. 

Sago  meal  is  imported  into  England  from  the  East  Indies;  but  we  kavmet 
with  none  in  the  markets  of  this  country*.  It  is  iu  the  form  of  a fine  amylaous 
powder,  of  a whitish  colour,  with  a yellowish  or  reddish  tint,  and  of  a fainbut 
somewhat  musty  odour. 


PiT  I. 


Sago. — Salix. 


641 


ommon  sago  is  insoluble  in  cold  water,  but  by  long  boiling  unites  with  that 
]iq  d,  becoming  at  first  soft  and  transparent,  and  ultimately  forming  a gelatinous 
sollion.  Pearl  sago  is  partially  dissolved  by  cold  water,  probably  owing  to  beat 
use  in  its  preparation.  Chemically  considered,  it  has  the  characters  of  starch. 
Uner  the  microscope  the  granules  of  sago  meal  appear  oval  or  ovate,  and  often 
trusted  so  as  to  be  more  or  less  mullar-shaped.  Many  of  them  are  broken, 
am  n most  the  surface  is  irregular  or  tuberculated.  They  exhibit  upon  their 
suice  concentric  rings,  which,  however,  are  much  less  distinct  than  in  potato 
sta  h.  The  hilum  is  circular  when  perfect,  and  cracks  either  with  a single  slit, 
or  ;?ross,  or  in  a stellate  manner.  The  granules  of  pearl  sago  are  of  the  same 
for:  but  are  all  ruptured,  and  exhibit  only  indistinct  traces  of  the  annular  lines, 
bang  been  altered  in  the  process  employed  in  preparing  them.  Those  of  the 
comon  sago  are  very  similar  to  the  particles  of  sago  meal,  except  that  they  are 
perps  rather  less  regular  and  more  broken.  (Pereira.) 

1 tato  starch  is  sometimes  prepared  in  Europe  so  as  to  resemble  bleached 
pea  sago,  for  which  it  is  sold.  But,  when  examined  under  the  microscope,  it 
exbits  larger  granules,  which  are  also  more  regularly  oval  or  ovate,  smoother, 
lessbroken,  and  more  distinctly  marked  with  the  annular  rugae  than  those  of 
sag  and  the  hilum  often  cracks  with  two  slightly  diverging  slits. 

fro  is  used  exclusively  as  an  article  of  diet.  Being  nutritive,  easily  digesti- 
ble, id  wholly  destitute  of  irritating  properties,  it  is  frequently  employed  in  febrile 
cast  and  in  convalescence  from  acute  disorders,  in  the  place  of  richer  and  less 
inment  food.  It  is  given  in  the  liquid  state,  and  in  its  preparation  care  should 
be  ken  to  boil  it  long  in  water,  and  stir  it  diligently,  in  order  that  the  grains 
majse  thoroughly  dissolved.  Should  any  portion  remain  undissolved,  it  should 
be  narated  by  straining;  as  it  might  offend  a delicate  stomach.  A tablespoon- 
ful the  pint  of  water  is  sufficient  for  ordinary  purposes.  The  solution  may 
be  slsoned  with  sugar  and  nutmeg  or  other  spice,  and  with  wine,  where  these 
are  lit  contra-indicated.  W. 


SALIX.  TJ.  S.  Secondary. 

Willow. 

T bark  of  Salix  alba.  TJ.  S. 

C Syn.  SALICIS  CORTEX.  Bark  of  Salix  Caprea.  Ed. 

Ekce  de  saule,  Fr.;  Weidenrinde,  Germ,.;  Corteccia  di  salcio,  Ital. ; Corteza  de  sauce, 
mlM  1 -v  - ~ ' .« 

S|ix.  Sex.  Syst.  Dicecia  Diandria. — Nat.  Ord.  Salieaceae. 

G .Ch.  Male.  Amentum  cylindrical.  Calyx  a scale.  Corolla  none.  Glands 
of  tl  base  nectariferous.  Female.  Amentum  cylindrical.  Calyx  a scale.  Co- 
wa  one.  Style  two-cleft.  Capsule  one-celled,  two-valved.  Seeds  downy.  Willd. 

T I is  a very  extensive  genus,  comprising,  according  to  Nuttall,  not  less  than 
one  ndred  and  thirty  species,  which,  with  very  few  exceptions,  are  natives  of 
Eiurc ;,  and  of  the  northern  and  temperate  parts  of  North  America.  Though 
most  f them  are  probably  possessed  of  similar  medical  properties,  only  two  are 
now  pognised  as  officinal  in  the  Pharmacopoeias  of  the  U.  States  and  Great 
brit;i;  viz.,  S.  alba  and  S.  caprea;  of  which  Salix  alba  only  has  been  intro- 
duce into  this  country.  N.  Russell iana,  which  has  been  introduced  from 
hurt :,  is  said  by  Sir  James  Smith  to  be  the  most  valuable  species.  S.  pur- 
p.ure,  which  is  a European  species,  is  said  by  Lindley  to  be  the  most  bitter,  and 

p tandra  is  preferred  by  Nees  von  Esenbeck.  Many  native  species  are  in 
al|  pi  lability  equally  active  with  the  foreign ; but  they  have  not  been  sufficiently 
tried  i regular  practice  to  admit  of  a positive  decision.  The  younger  Michaux 


642 


Scilix. 


PAE 

speaks  of  S.  nigra  or  Uaclc  willow  as  affording  in  its  root  a strong  bitter,  id 
in  the  country  as  a preventive  and  cure  of  interiuittents.  In  consequence  of  e 
pliability  of  the  young  branches  or  twigs,  the  willow  is  well  adapted  for  the  m;  i- 
facture  of  baskets  and  other  kinds  of  wicker-work;  and  several  species,  na  e 
and  introduced,  are  employed  for  this  purpose  in  the  United  States.  S.  B< /- 
lonica  or  weeping  willow  is  a favourite  ornamental  tree.  The  degree  of  bitter ;s 
in  the  bark  is  probably  the  best  criterion  of  the  value  of  the  different  spec-i 
Salix  alba.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  iv.  710;  Smith,  Flor.  Brit.  1071.  Theci- 
mon  European  or  white  willow  is  twenty-five  or  thirty  feet  in  height, 
numerous  round  spreading  branches,  the  younger  of  which  are  silky.  The  I k 
of  the  trunk  is  cracked  and  brown,  that  of  the  smaller  branches  smooth  ,d 
greenish.  The  leaves  are  alternate,  upon  short  petioles,  lanceolate,  poinl, 
acutely  serrate  with  the  lower  serratures  glandular,  pubescent  on  both  sides,  id 
silky  beneath.  There  are  no  stipules.  The  flowers  appear  at  the  same  lie 
with  the  leaves.  The  amenta  are  terminal,  cylindrical,  and  elongated,  ':h 
elliptical-lanceolate,  brown,  pubescent  scales.  The  stamens  are  two  in  numr, 
yellow,  and  somewhat  longer  than  the  scales;  the  style  is  short;  the  stigas 
two-parted  and  thick.  The  capsule  is  nearly  sessile,  ovate,  and  smooth,  le 
white  willow  has  been  introduced  into  this  country  from  Europe,  and  is  w 
very  common.  It  flowers  in  April  and  31ay;  and  the  bark  is  easily  separle 
throughout  the  summer. 

That  obtained  from  the  branches  rolls  up  when  dried  into  the  form  of  a qll, 
has  a brown  epidermis,  is  flexible,  fibrous,  and  of  difficult  pulverization.  Wbw 
bark  has  a feebly  aromatic  odour,  and  a peculiar  bitter  astringent  taste.  It  y:ds 
its  active  properties  to  water,  with  which  it  forms  a reddish-brown  decocn. 
Pelletier  and  Caventou  found  among  its  ingredients  tannin,  resin,  a bitter  year 
colouring  matter,  a green  fatty  matter,  gum,  wax,  lignin,  and  an  organic  id 
combined  with  magnesia.  The  proportion  of  tannin  is  so  considerable  thathe 
bark  has  been  used  for  tanning  leather.  A crystalline  principle  has  also  en 
obtained  from  it,  which,  having  the  medical  virtues  of  the  willow,  has  receed 
the  name  of  salicin.  When  pure,  it  is  in  white,  shining,  slender  crystals,  10- 
dorous,  but  very  bitter,  with  the  peculiar  flavour  of  the  bark.  It  is  solub  in 
cold  water,  much  more  so  in  boiling  water,  soluble  in  alcohol,  and  insolub  in 
ether  and  the  oil  of  turpentine.  It  neutralizes  neither  acids  nor  salifiable  bis; 
and  is  not  precipitated  by  any  reagent.  Concentrated  sulphuric  acid  deeomjses 
it,  receiving  from  it  an  intense  and  permanent  bright-red  colour,  and  proding 
a new  compound  called  rululin.  Muriatic  and  dilute  sulphuric  acids  convt  it 
into  grape-sugar,  and  a white,  tasteless,  insoluble  powder  named  saliretin.  ‘is- 
tilled  with  bichromate  of  potassa  and  sulphuric  acid,  it  yields,  among  otkerro- 
ducts,  a volatile  oleaginous  fluid,  identical  with  one  of  the  components  of  i of 
spiraea,  and,  from  its  acicl  properties,  denominated  salicylous  acid.  Tb  is 
considered  by  Dumas  as  consisting  of  a peculiar  compound  radical  called  sahjle 
and  hydrogen.  The  formula  of  salicin  is  C^H^CU,.  ( Turners  Chemistry .)tbe 
honour  of  its  discovery  is  claimed  by  Buchner,  of  Germany,  and  Fontanmd 
Bigatelli,  of  Italy;  but  M.  Leroux,  of  France,  deserves  the  credit  of  havingrst 
accurately  investigated  its  properties.  Braconnot  procured  it  by  adding  suce- 
tate  of  lead  to  a decoction  of  the  bark,  precipitating  the  excess  of  lead  byul- 
phuric  acid,  evaporating  the  colourless  liquid  which  remains,  adding  neaithe 
end  of  the  process  a little  animal  charcoal  previously  washed,  and  filterin  the 
liquor  while  hot.  Upon  cooling  it  deposits  the  salicin  in  a crystalline  nn. 
(Journ.  de  Chimie  Medicate , Jan.  1^31.)  The  following  is  the  proce  of 
Merck.  A boiling  concentrated  decoction  of  the  bark  is  treated  with  litlrge 
until  it  becomes  nearly  colourless.  Gum.  tannin,  and  extractive  matter,  tab 
would  impede  the  crystallization  of  the  salicin,  are  thus  removed  from  the  libd; 


P;LT  I. 


Salix. — Salvia. 


643 


wl  e a portion  of  the  oxide  is  dissolved  in  union  probably  with  the  salicin.  To 
se  rate  this  portion  of  oxide,  sulphuric  acid  is  first  added  and  then  sulphuret 
ofarium,  and  the  liquor  is  filtered  and  evaporated.  Salicin  is  deposited,  and 
m:  be  purified  by  repeated  solution  and  crystallization.  ( Turner’s  Chemistry.') 
Emann  has  given  another  process.  Sixteen  ounces  of  the  bark  are  macerated 
for wenty-four  hours  in  four  quarts  of  water  mixed  with  two  ounces  of  lime, 
an  the  whole  is  then  boiled  for  half  an  hour.  The  process  is  repeated  with  the 
reflue.  The  decoctions  having  been  mixed,  and  allowed  to  become  clear  by 
sulidence,  the  liquor  is  poured  off,  concentrated  to  a quart,  then  digested  with 
eig.:  ounces  of  ivory -black,  filtered,  and  evaporated  to  dryness.  The  extract  is 
exlusted  by  spirit  containing  28  per  cent,  of  alcohol,  and  the  tincture  evaporated 
so  at  the  salicin  may  crystallize.  This  is  purified  by  again  dissolving,  treating 
wit  ivory-black,  and  crystallizing.  ( Christison’s  Dispensatory.)  Merck  ob- 
tai  d 251  grains  from  16  ounces  of  the  bark  and  young  twigs  of  Salix  helix, 
anclrdmann  300  grains  from  the  same  quantity  of  the  bark  of  Salix  pentandra. 
It  ay  probably  be  obtained  from  any  of  the  willow  barks  having  a bitter  taste. 
Brrbnnot  procured  it  from  various  species  of  Populus,  particularly  P.  tremula 
or  iropean  aspen. 

.idical  Properties  and  Uses.  The  bark  of  the  willow  is  tonic  and  astringent, 
anaas  been  employed  as  a substitute  for  Peruvian  bark,  particularly  in  inter- 
mit nt  fever.  It  has  attracted  much  attention  from  the  asserted  efficacy  of 
salia  in  the  cure  of  this  complaint.  There  seems  to  be  no  room  to  doubt,  from 
theestimony  of  numerous  practitioners  in  France,  Italy,  and  Germany,  that 
thinrinciple  has  the  property  of  arresting  intermittents ; though  the  ascription 
to  i'jof  equal  efficacy  with  the  sulphate  of  quinia  was  certainly  premature.  The 
bar  may  be  employed  in  substance  or  decoction,  in  the  same  doses  and  with 
the  toe  mode  of  preparation  as  cinchona.  The  dose  of  salicin  is  from  two  to 
eigl  grains,  to  be  so  repeated,  that  from  twenty  to  forty  grains  may  be  taken 
dail  or  in  the  interval  between  the  paroxysms  of  an  intermittent.  Magendie 
has  pen  fevers  cut  short  in  one  day  by  three  doses  of  six  grains  each.  The 
deciion  of  willow  has  been  found  beneficial  as  an  external  application  to  foul 
andidolent  ulcers.  W. 

SALVIA.  U.S.  Secondary. 

Sage. 

T><  leaves  of  Salvia  officinalis.  U.  S. 

Sige,  Fr.;  Salbey,  Germ.;  Salvia,  Ital.,  Span. 

S ,via.  Sex.  Syst.  Diandria  Monogynia. — Nat.  Ord.  Lamiaceae  or  Labiatse. 

C i.Ch.  Corolla  unequal.  Filaments  affixed  transversely  to  a pedicel.  WUld. 

<Si via  officinalis.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  i.  129;  Woody.  Med.  Bot.  p.  352,  t. 
127  Common  garden  sage  is  a perennial  plant,  about  two  feet- high,  with  a 
quat'mgular,  pubescent,  branching,  shrubby  stem,  furnished  with  opposite, 
peticj  te,  ovate-lanceolate,  crenulate,  wrinkled  leaves,  of  a grayish-green  colour, 
somi  mes  tinged  with  red  or  purple.  The  flowers  are  blue,  variegated  with 
wkit.and  purple ; and  are  disposed  on  long  terminal  spikes,  in  distant  whorls, 
each  omposed  of  few  flowers,  and  accompanied  with  ovate,  acute,  deciduous 
brae  s.  The  calyx  is  tubular  and  striated,  with  two  lips,  of  which  the  upper 
has  • -ee  acute  teeth,  the  under  two.  The  corolla  is  tubular,  bilabiate,  ringent, 
with  ie  upper  lip  concave,  the  lower  divided  into  three  rounded  lobes,  of  which 
the  tddle  is  the  largest.  The  filaments  are  supported  upon  short  pedicels,  to 
whicjthey  are  affixed  transversely  at  the  middle. 

Si ; grows  spontaneously  in  the  South  of  Europe,  and  is  cultivated  abund- 
ant!; i oUr  gardens.  There  are  several  varieties,  differing  in  the  size  and  colour 


644 


Salvia. — Sambucus. 


par: 


of  their  flowers,  but  all  possessed  of  the  same  medical  properties.  The  flower? 
period  is  in  June,  at  which  time  the  plant  should  be  cut  and  dried  in  a sh  y 
place.  The  leaves  are  the  officinal  portion. 

Both  these  and  the  flowering  summits  have  a strong  fragrant  odour,  an  a 
warm,  bitterish,  aromatic,  somewhat  astringent  taste.  They  abound  in  a vi- 
tile  oil,  which  may  be  obtained  separate  by  distillation  with  water,  and  cont;  s 
a considerable  proportion  of  camphor.  Sulphate  of  iron  strikes  a black  coir 
with  their  infusion. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Sage  unites  a slight  degree  of  tonic  power  d 
astringency  with  aromatic  properties.  By  the  ancients  it  was  highly  esteem  ; 
but  it  is  at  present  little  used  internally,  except  as  a condiment.  In  the  s:e 
of  infusion  it  may  be  given  in  debility  of  the  stomach  with  flatulence,  an  is 
said  to  have  been  useful  in  checking  the  sweats  of  hectic  fever.  But  its  r st 
useful  application  is  as  a gargle  in  inflammation  of  the  throat,  and  relaxa  n 
of  the  uvula.  For  this  purpose  it  is  usually  employed  in  infusion,  with  hey 
and  alum,  or  vinegar.  The  dose  of  the  powdered  leaves  is  from  twenty  to  th  y 
grains.  The  infusion  is  prepared  by  macerating  an  ounce  of  the  leaves  a 
pint  of  boiling  water,  of  which  two  fluidounces  may  be  administered  at  oe. 
When  intended  merely  as  a pleasant  drink  in  febrile  complaints,  or  to  aty 
nausea,  the  maceration  should  continue  but  a very  short  time,  so  that  all 
bitterness  of  the  leaves  may  not  be  extracted. 

Two  other  species  of  salvia — S.  pratensis  and  S.  Sclarea — are  ranked  amig 
officinal  plants  in  Europe.  The  latter,  which  is  commonly  called  clarry,  as 
been  introduced  into  our  gardens.  Their  medical  properties  are  essentiallyie 
same  as  those  of  the  common  sage ; but  they  are  less  agreeable,  and  are  ot 
much  used.  In  Europe,  the  leaves  of  S.  Sclarea  are  said  to  be  introduced  to 
wine  in  order  to  impart  to  it  a muscadel  taste.  V 


SAMBUCUS.  TJ.  S.  Secondary,  Land.,  Ed. 

Elder  Flowers. 

The  flowers  of  Sambucus  Canadensis.  U.  S.  Sambucus  nigra.  The  rent 
flowers.  Land.  Flowers  of  Sambucus  nigra.  Ed. 

Sureau,  Fr.;  Hollunder,  Germ,.;  Sambuco,  ltal.;  Sauco,  Span. 

Sambucus.  Sex.  Syst.  Pentandria  Trigynia.  — Nat.Ord.  Caprifoliace®. 

Gen.  Ch.  Calyx  five-parted.  Corolla  five-cleft  Berry  three-seeded.  IT//. 

Sambucus  Canadensis.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  i.  1494.  Our  indigenous  comon 
elder  is  a shrub  from  six  to  ten  feet  high,  with  a branching  stem,  which  is  coved 
with  a rough  gray  bark,  and  contains  a large  spongy  pith.  The  small  branes 
and  the  leafstalks  are  very  smooth.  The  leaves  are  opposite,  pinnate,  someties 
bipinnate,  and  composed  usually  of  three  or  four  pairs  of  oblong-oval,  aeumi  te, 
smooth,  shining,  deep-green  leaflets,  the  midribs  of  which  are  somewhat  ]be- 
scent.  The  flowers  are  small,  white,  and  disposed  in  loose  cymes,  having  out 
five  divisions.  The  berries  are  small,  globular,  and  deep-purple  when  ripe 

The  shrub  grows  in  low  moist  grounds,  along  fences,  and  on  the  horde  ot 
small  streams,  in  all  parts  of  the  United  States,  from  Canada  to  Carolina  It 
flowers  from  May  to  July,  and  ripens  its  berries  early  in  autumn.  The  flo’n. 
which  are  the  officinal  portion,  have  a somewhat  aromatic,  though  rather  Iwy 
odour.  The  berries  as  well  as  other  parts  of  the  plant  are  employed  in  dou-tic 
practice,  and  answer  the  same  purposes  as  the  corresponding  parts  of  the  ]m>- 
pean  elder,  to  which  this  species  bears  a close  affinity. 

Sambucus  nigra.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  i.  1495;  Woodv.  Med. Bot.  p.  596.  t.lb 
The  common  elder  of  Europe  differs  from  the  American  most  obviously  lta 
size,  which  approaches  to  that  of  a small  tree.  The  stem  is  much  brauchi  to- 


PBT  I. 


Sambucus. — Sanguinaria. 


645 


\rds  the  top,  and  has  a rough  whitish  bark.  The  leaves  are  pinnate,  consisting 
u ally  of  five  oval,  pointed,  serrate  leaflets,  four  of  which  are  in  opposite  pairs, 
ai  the  fifth  terminal.  The  flowers  are  small,  whitish,  and  in  five-parted  cymes. 
T:  berries  are  globular,  and  of  a blackish-purple  colour  when  ripe. 

deflowers  have  a peculiar  sweetish  odour,  which  is  strong  in  their  recent 
st:e,  but  becomes  feeble  by  drying.  Their  taste  is  bitterish.  They  yield  their 
acve  properties  to  water  by  infusion,  and  when  distilled  give  over  a small  pro- 
pibion  of  volatile  oil,  which  on  cooling  assumes  a butyraceous  consistence, 
liter  distilled  from  them  contains  an  appreciable  portion  of  ammonia.  The 
beies  are  nearly  inodorous,  but  have  a sweetish,  acidulous  taste,  dependent  on 
tt  saccharine  matter  and  malic  acid  which  they  contain.  Their  expressed  juice 
is  isceptible  of  fermentation,  and  forms  a vinous  liquid  used  in  the  North  of 
Eope.  It  is  coloured  violet  by  alkalies,  and  bright  red  by  acids;  and  the 
ccuring  matter  is  precipitated  blue  by  acetate  of  lead.  The  inner  bark  is  with- 
oi  smell.  Its  taste  is  at  first  sweetish,  afterwards  slightly  bitter,  acrid,  and 
n£3eous.  Both  water  and  alcohol  extract  its  virtues,  which  are  said  to  reside 
eslcially  in  the  green  layer  between  the  liber  and  epidermis.  According  to 
Sion,  the  active  principle  of  the  inner  bark  of  the  root  is  a soft  resin,  which 
nr  be  obtained  by  exhausting  the  powdered  bark  with  alcohol,  filtering  the  tinc- 
tu , evaporating  to  the  consistence  of  syrup,  then  adding  ether,  which  dissolves 
th  active  matter,  and  finally  evaporating  to  the  consistence  of  a thick  extract. 
0 his,  twenty  grains  produce  brisk  vomiting  and  purging.  (Annal.  der  Pliarm., 
xii.  262.)  The  bark,  analyzed  by  Kramer,  yielded  an  acid  called  by  him  vi- 
bviie  acid,  but  which  has  proved  to  be  the  valerianic,  traces  of  volatile  oil, 
al  men,  resin,  an  acid  sulphurous  fat,  wax,  chlorophylle,  tannic  acid,  grape-sugar, 
go,  extractive,  starch,  pectin,  and  various  alkaline  and  earthy  salts.  ( Chem . 
G .,  May,  1846,  from  Archiv.  der  Pharm.) 

■edical  Properties  and  Uses.  The  flowers  are  gently  excitant  and  sudorific, 
bo  are  seldom  used  except  externally,  as  a discutient  in  the  form  of  poultice, 
foimtation,  or  ointment.  The  berries  are  diaphoretic  and  aperient;  and  their 
in: issa ted  juice  has  enjoyed  some  reputation  as  a remedy  in  rheumatic,  gouty, 
entire,  and  syphilitic  affections.  Its  dose  as  an  alterative  diaphoretic  is  one  or 
tw  drachms,  as  a laxative  half  an  ounce  or  more.  The  inner  bark  is  a hydra- 
go  e cathartic,  acting  also  as  an  emetic  in  large  doses.  It  has  been  employed 
in  -opsy,  and  as  an  alterative  in  various  chronic  diseases.  An  ounce  may  be 
bo  d with  two  pints  of  water  to  a pint,  and  four  fluidounces  of  the  decoction 
gin  for  a dose.  It  is  also  sometimes  used  in  vinous  infusion.  The  leaves  are 
no  vithout  activity,  and  the  young  leaf-buds  are  said  to  be  a violent  and  even 
un  fe  purgative.  The  juice  of  the  root  has  been  highly  recommended  in  dropsy 
as  hydragogue  cathartic,  sometimes  acting  as  an  emetic,  in  the  dose  of  a table- 
spuful,  repeated  every  day,  or  less  frequently  if  it  act  with  violence. 

f.  Prep.  Aqua  Sambuci ; Unguentum  Sambuci.  "W. 

SANGUINARIA.  U.S. 

Blood  root. 

ie  rhizoma  of  Sanguinaria  Canadensis.  U.  S. 

.nguinaria.  Sex.  Syst.  Polyandria  Monogynia.  — Nat.  Ord.  Papaveraceae. 

°.n.Ch.  Calyx  two-leaved.  Petals  eight.  Stigma  sessile,  two-grooved.  Cap- 
swl  iuperior,  oblong,  one-celled,  two-valved,  apex  attenuated.  Receptacles  two, 
fib  m,  marginal.  Nuttall. 

inguinaria  Canadensis.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  ii.  1140;  Bigelow,  Am.  Med.  Bot. 
i-  i ; Barton,  Med.  Bot.  i.  31 . The  bloodroot,  or,  as  it  is  sometimes  called,  puc- 
coc  is  an  herbaceous  perennial  plant.  The  root  (rhizoma)  is  horizontal,  abrupt, 


646 


Sanguinaria. 


PAR; 


often  contorted,  about  as  thick  as  the  finger,  two  or  three  inches  long,  fleshy  f 
a reddish-brown  colour  on  the  outside,  and  brighter  red  within.  It  is  furnis  1 
with  numerous  slender  radicles,  and  makes  offsets  from  the  sides,  which  suc-ei 
the  old  plant.  From  the  end  of  the  root  arise  the  scape  and  leafstalks,  f- 
rounded  by  the  large  sheaths  of  the  bud.  These  spring  up  together,  the  fol  1 
leaf  enveloping  the  flower-bud,  and  rolling  back  as  the  latter  expands.  re 
leaf,  which  stands  upon  a long  channeled  petiole,  is  reniform,  somewhat  he  - 
shaped,  deeply  lobed,  smooth,  yellowish-green  on  the  upper  surface,  paler r 
glaucous  on  the  under,  and  strongly  marked  by  orange-coloured  veins.  re 
scape  is  erect,  round,  and  smooth,  rising  from  a few  inches  to  a foot  in  heiy, 
and  terminating  in  a single  flower.  The  calyx  is  two-leaved  and  deciduous.  e 
petals,  varying  from  seven  to  fourteen,  but  usually  about  eight  in  number,  e 
spreading,  ovate,  obtuse,  concave,  mostly  white,  but  sometimes  slightly  tin  d 
with  rose  or  purple.  The  stamens  are  numerous,  with  yellow  filaments  sho  r 
than  the  corolla,  and  orange  oblong  anthers.  The  germ  is  oblong  and  ex- 
pressed, and  supports  a sessile,  persistent  stigma.  The  capsule  is  oblong,  ac  e 
at  both  ends,  two-valved,  and  contains  numerous  oval,  reddish-brown  seeds.  e 
whole  plant  is  pervaded  by  an  orange-coloured  sap,  which  flows  from  every  j-t 
wdien  broken,  but  is  of  the  deepest  colour  in  the  root. 

The  bloodroot  is  one  of  the  earliest  and  most  beautiful  spring  flowers  of  Nch 
America.  It  grows  abundantly  throughout  the  whole  United  States,  delightg 
in  loose  rich  soils,  and  shady  situations,  and  flowering  in  March  and  April.  A r 
the  fall  of  the  flower,  the  leaves  continue  to  grow,  and,  by  the  middle  of  sumnr, 
have  become  so  large  as  to  give  the  plant  an  entirely  different  aspect.  All  p :s 
of  the  plant  are  active,  but  the  root  only  is  officinal. 

This,  when  dried,  is  in  pieces  from  one  to  three  inches  long,  from  a qua?r 
to  half  an  inch  or  more  in  thickness,  flattened,  much  wrinkled  and  twisted,  oin 
furnished  with  abrupt  offsets  and  numerous  short  fibres,  of  a reddish-brown  co.'ir 
externally,  with  a spongy  uneven  fracture,  the  surface  of  which  is  at  first  bri;t- 
orange,  but  becomes  of  a dull-brown  by  long  exposure.  The  colour  of  the  pow'r 
is  a brownish  orange-red.  Sanguinaria  has  a faint  narcotic  odour,  and  a bitte  h 
very  acrid  taste,  the  pungency  of  which  remains  long  in  the  mouth  and  faus. 
It  yields  its  virtues  to  wrnter  and  alcohol.  The  late  Dr.  Dana,  of  New  Yfc, 
obtained  from  it  a peculiar  alkaline  principle,  denominated  by  him  sanguinary 
upon  which  the  acrimony,  and  perhaps  the  medical  virtues  of  the  root  depd. 
It  may  be  procured,  according  to  Dana,  by  infusing  the  finely  powdered  room 
hot  water  or  diluted  muriatic  or  acetic  acid,  precipitating  with  water  of  ammoa, 
collecting  the  precipitated  matter,  boiling  it  in  water  with  pure  animal  chard, 
filtering  off  the  water,  exposing  the  residue  left  upon  the  filter  to  the  actio ot 
alcohol,  and  finally  evaporating  the  alcoholic  solution.  (Ann.  Ltjc.  of  Nat.  hi., 
New  York,  ii.  250.)  It  may  also  be  conveniently  procured  by  a process  siaar 
to  that  employed  by  Probst  for  obtaining  chelerythrin  from  celandine,  ds 
consists  in  forming  a strong  ethereal  tincture  of  the  root;  passing  through  is 
muriatic  acid  gas,  drying  the  precipitated  muriate  which  is  insoluble  in  et  r, 
dissolving  it  in  hot  water,  filtering,  precipitating  by  ammonia,  drying  the  e- 
cipitate,  dissolving  it  in  ether,  decolorizing  by  animal  charcoal,  again  precipitate 
by  means  of  muriatic  acid  gas,  and  decomposing  the  muriate  as  before.  (CM. 
Gaz.,  i.  145.)  Sanguiuarina,  thus  obtained,  is  a white  pearly  substance,  oin 
acrid  taste,  very  sparingly  soluble  in  water,  soluble  in  ether,  and  very  solub.m 
alcohol.  With  the  acids  it  forms  salts  soluble  in  water,  all  of  which  have  sue 
shade  of  red,  crimson,  or  scarlet,  and  form  beautiful  red  solutions.  Thevre 
acrid  and  pungent  to  the  taste,  particularly  the  muriate  and  acetate.  From  t se 
facts  it  would  appear  that  the  red  colour  and  acrid  properties  of  the  blood  ot 
may  be  owing  to  the  presence  of  some  native  salt  of  sanguinarina,  which  ism- 


Pi  IT  I. 


Sanguinaria. — Santalum. 


647 


ec  posed  by  ammonia  in  the  separation  of  the  organic  alkali.  The  formula  of 
saruinarina  is  NC37H1608.  A principle  has  been  extracted  from  bloodroot  by 
R^el  analogous  to  the  porphyroxin  found  by  Merck  in  opium.  ( (Jheni.  Gaz., 
iv  198.)  The  virtues  of  the  root  are  said  to  be  rapidly  deteriorated  by  time. 

ledical  Properties  and  Uses.  Sanguinaria  is  an  acrid  emetic,  with  stimulant 
an  narcotic  powers.  In  small  doses  it  excites  the  stomach,  and  accelerates  the 
einlation ; more  largely  given,  produces  nausea  and  consequent  depression  of 
th pulse;  and  in  the  full  dose  occasions  active  vomiting.  The  effects  of  an 
ovdose  are  violent  emesis,  a burning  sensation  in  the  stomach,  tormenting 
that,  faintness,  vertigo,  dimness  of  vision,  and  alarming  prostration.  Four 
peons  lost  their  lives  at  Bellevue  Hospital,  New  York,  in  consequence  of 
dr  king  largely  of  tincture  of  bloodroot,  which  they  mistook  for  ardent  spirit. 
(A  Journ.  of  Med,  Sci.,  N.  S.,  ii.  506.)  Snuffed  up  the  nostrils,  bloodroot 
ex;es  much  irritation,  attended  with  sneezing.  Upon  fungous  surfaces  it  acts 
as  i escharotic.  It  has  been  given  in  typhoid  pneumonia,  catarrh,  pertussis, 
cnp,  phthisis  pulmonalis,  scarlatina,  rheumatism,  jaundice,  dyspepsia,  hydro- 
tkax,  and  some  other  affections,  either  as  an  emetic,  nauseant,  or  alterative; 
an  its  virtues  are  highly  praised  by  many  judicious  practitioners.  Dr.  Mothers- 
he , of  Indianapolis,  speaks  in  the  strongest  terms  of  its  efficacy  as  an  excitant 
to  e liver,  given  in  alterative  doses.  (See  Wood’s  Quart.  Retrosp,,  ii.  80.) 

he  dose  with  a view  to  its  emetic  operation  is  from  ten  to  twenty  grains,  given 
in  >wder  or  pill.  The  latter  form  is  preferable,  in  consequence  of  the  great  irri- 
tatn  of  throat  produced  by  the  powder  when  swallowed.  For  other  purposes 
thtlose  is  from  one  to  five  grains,  repeated  more  or  less  frequently  according  to 
tkiffect  desired.  The  medicine  is  sometimes  given  in  infusion  or  decoction,  in 
thc'i-oportion  of  half  an  ounce  to  the  pint.  The  emetic  dose  of  this  preparation 
is  im  half  a fluidounce  to  a fluidounce.  The  tincture  is  officinal.  An  infusion 
in  aegar  has  been  employed  advantageously,  as  a local  application,  in  obstinate 
cutieous affections;  and  Dr.  R.  G.  Jennings  has  found  it  more  efficient  as  a gargle 
in  e sorethroat  of  scarlatina  than  any  other  that  he  has  employed.  ( Stethoscope , 
ii.  j!2.)  Dr.  Stevens,  of  Ceres,  New  York,  has  found  the  powder  useful  as  an 
errne,  in  coryza,  combined  with  cloves  and  camphor.  [N.  Y.  Journ.  of  Med., 
N.  , iv.  358.) 

f.  Prep.  Tinctura  Sanguinariae.  W. 


j e wood  of  Pterocarpus  santalinus.  U.  S. 

?■  Syn.  PTEPiOCARPUS.  Pterocarpus  santalinus.  The  wood.  Lond.,  Ed. 
latal  rouge,  Ft.;  Santelkolz,  Germ. 

Ierocarpus.  Sex.  Syst.  Diadelphia  Decandria. — Nat.  Ord.  Fabaceae  or 
Le;  minosae. 

_ 4*.  Oh.  Calyx  five-toothed.  Legume  falcated,  leafy,  varicose,  girted  by  a 
wir  not  gaping.  Seeds  solitary.  Willd. 

- erocarpus  santalinus.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  iii.  906;  Woodv.  Med.  Bot.  p. 
43(t.  156.  This  is  a large  tree  with  alternate  branches,  and  petiolate  ternate 
lea each  simple  leaf  being  ovate,  blunt,  somewhat  notched  at  the  apex,  entire, 
vei  l,  smooth  on  the  upper  surface,  and  hoary  beneath.  The  flowers  are  yellow, 
m illary  spikes,  and  have  a papilionaceous  corolla,  of  which  the  vexi/lum  is 
obc  date,  erect,  somewhat  reflexed  at  the  sides,  toothed  and  waved,  the  alee 
spr  ling  with  their  edges  apparently  toothed,  and  the  carina  oblong,  short,  and 
son  ,vhat  inflated.  The  tree  is  a native  of  India,  attaining  the  highest  perfection 


SANTALUM.  US. 

Red  Saunders. 


648 


Santalum. — Sapo.  par  L 

in  mountainous  districts,  and  inhabiting  especially  the  mountains  of  Coromaifi 
and  Ceylon.  Its  wood  is  the  true  officinal  red  saunders,  though  there  is  re;  a 
to  believe  that  the  product  of  other  trees  is  sold  by  the  same  name. 

The  wood  comes  in  roundish  or  angular  billets,  internally  of  a blood-red  coir 
externally  brown  from  exposure,  compact,  heavy,  and  fibrous.  It  is  kept  inie 
shops  in  the  state  of  small  chips,  raspings,  or  coarse  powder. 

Red  saunders  has  little  smell  or  taste.  It  imparts  a red  colour  to  alee  1 
ether,  and  alkaline  solutions,  but  not  to  water;  and  a test  is  thus  affordeoy 
which  it  may  be  distinguished  from  some  other  colouring  woods.  The  aleotic 
tincture  produces  a deep-violet  precipitate  with  the  sulphate  of  iron,  a see  at 
with  the  bichloride  of  mercury,  and  a violet  with  the  soluble  salts  of  lead.  ie 
colouring  principle,  which  was  separated  by  Pelletier,  and  called  by  him  santen, 
is  of  a resinous  character,  scarcely  soluble  in  cold  water,  more  so  in  boiling  w;  r, 
very  soluble  in  alcohol,  ether,  acetic  acid,  and  alkaline  solutions,  but  slightlin 
the  fixed  and  volatile  oils,  with  the  exception  of  those  of  lavender  and  rosemy, 
which  readily  dissolve  it.  It  is  precipitated  when  acids  are  added  to  the  infum 
of  the  wood  prepared  with  an  alkaline  solution.  Weyermann  and  Hoefferly  ]?e 
found  it  to  be  possessed  of  acid  properties.  The  wood  has  no  medical  virt  s, 
and  is  employed  solely  for  the  purpose  of  imparting  colour. 

Off.  Prep.  Spiritus  Lavandulae  Compositus;  Tinctura  Cinchonas  Compoa; 
Tiuctura  Rhei  et  Senuae.  I' 

SAPO.  TJ.  S.,  Lond. 

Soap. 

Soap  made  with  soda  and  olive  oil.  U.  S.,  Lond. 

Off.  Syn.  SAPO  PURUS,  Ed.,  Dub.  Spanish  or  Castile  soap,  made  th 
olive  oil  and  soda.  Ed. 

Savon  blanc,  Ft.;  Oel-sodaseife,  Germ.;  Sapone  duro,  Ital.;  Xabon,  Span. 

SAPO  VULGARIS.  TJ.  S. 

Common  Soap. 

Soap  made  with  soda  and  animal  oil.  U.  S. 

Savon  de  suit,  Savon  de  graisse,  Fr.;  Talgseife,  Germ. 

SAPO  MOLLIS.  Lond.,  Ed. 

Soft  Soap. 

Soap  made  with  olive  oil  and  potash.  Lond.,  Ed. 

Savon  mou,  Savon  vert,  Savon  a base  de  potasse,  Fr.;  Schmierseife,  Kaliseife. 

Soaps,  in  the  most  extended  signification  of  the  term,  embrace  all  those  m- 
pounds  which  result  from  the  reaction  of  salifiable  bases  with  fats  and  oils,  ats 
and  oils,  as  has  been  explained  under  the  titles  Adeps  and  Olea,  consist  of  'res 
principles,  two  solid,  differing  in  fusibility,  called  stearin  and  mdrgarin,  anone 
liquid,  called  olein,  of  which  there  are  two  varieties.  Stearin  charac-terizethe 
fats  which  are  firm  and  solid,  as  tallow ; margarin,  those  that  are  soft  like  d; 
and  olein  the  oils.  When  the  fats  and  oils  undergo  saponification  by  reaioa 
with  a salifiable  base,  these  three  principles  are  decomposed  into  oily  acids  cu- 
liar  to  each,  discovered  by  Chevreul,  and  called  stearic,  margaric,  and  oleic  J ds. 
which  unite  with  the  base  to  form  the  soap,  and  into  a sweet  principled 


P/T  I. 


649 


Sapo. 

sa  nifiable,  called  glycerin,  which  is  set  free.  Hence  it  is  inferred  that  stearin 
is  stearate,  margarin  a margarate,  and  olein  an  oleate  of  glycerin,  and  that  the 
fat  and  oils  are  mixtures  of  these  three  oily  salts.  Hence,  also,  it  is  obvious 
th;  soaps  are  mixed  stearates,  margarates,  and  oleates  of  various  bases.  Stearic 
ad  is  a firm  white  solid,  fusible  at  167°,  greasy  to  the  touch,  pulverizable, 
solble  in  alcohol,  very  soluble  in  ether,  but  insoluble  in  water.  In  the  impure 
sta-  it  is  used  as  a substitute  for  wax,  for  making  candles.  Margaric  acid  has 
tbappearance  of  fat,  and  is  fusible  at  140°.  Oleic  acid  is  au  oily  liquid, 
inf  uble  in  water,  soluble  in  alcohol  and  ether,  lighter  than  water,  crystallizable 
in  3edles  a little  below  32°,  and  having  a slight  smell  and  pungent  taste.  Gly- 
cen  will  be  described  under  a separate  head.  (See  Glycerina .) 

)aps  are  divided  into  the  soluble  and  insoluble.  The  soluble  soaps  are  com- 
biitions  of  the  oily  acids  with  soda,  potassa,  and  ammonia;  the  insoluble  consist 
of  ie  same  acids  united  with  earths  and  metallic  oxides.  It  is  the  soluble  soaps 
on  that  are  detergent,  and  to  which  the  name  soap  is  generally  applied.  Several 
of  ie  insoluble  soaps  are  employed  in  pharmacy ; as,  for  example,  the  soap  of 
thorotoxide  of  lead,  or  lead  plaster,  and  the  soap  of  lime,  or  lime  liniment. 
(S  Emplastrum  Plumbi  and  Linimentum  Calais.) 

he  consistency  of  the  fixed  alkaline  soaps  depends  partly  on  the  nature  of 
thioil  or  fat,  and  partly  on  the  alkali  present.  Soaps  are  harder  the  more 
steate  and  margarate  they  contain,  and  softer  when  the  oleate  predominates; 
an  as  it  respects  the  alkali  present,  they  are  harder  when  formed  with  soda, 
an  softer  when  containing  potassa.  Hence  it  is  that  of  pure  soaps,  considered 
as  Its,  stearate  of  soda  is  the  hardest  and  least  soluble,  and  oleate  of  potassa 
thooftest  and  most  soluble. 

le  officinal  soaps,  here  described,  embrace  three  varieties;  namely,  two  soda 
so:;,  one  made  with  olive  oil  (Castile  soap),  the  other  with  animal  oil  (common 
so:);  and  one  potassa  soap  (soft  soap).  The  soap  of  ammonia  is  noticed  under 
an  :er  head.  (See  Linimentum  Ammoniee) 

reparation.  The  following  is  an  outline  of  the  process  for  making  soap.  The 
oil  r fat  is  boiled  with  a solution  of  caustic  alkali,  until  the-whole  forms  a thick 
m: , which  can  be  drawn  out  into  long  clear  threads.  After  the  soap  is  com- 
ple  ly  formed,  the  next  step  is  to  separate  it  from  the  excess  of  alkali,  the 
ghirin,  and  redundant  water.  This  is  effected  by  adding  common  salt,  or  a 
ve  strong  alkaline  lye,  in  either  of  which  the  soap  is  insoluble.  The  same 
en  may  be  attained  by  boiling  down  the  solution,  until  the  excess  of  alkali 
fois  a strong  alkaline  solution,  which  acts  the  same  part  in  separating  the  soap 
as  e addition  of  a similar  solution.  As  soon  as  the  soap  is  completely  sepa- 
rate it  rises  to  the  surface,  and,  when  it  has  ceased  to  froth  in  boiling,  is  ladled 
ou  nto  wooden  frames  to  congeal,  after  which  it  is  cut  into  bars  by  means  of  a 
wi  The  soap,  as  first  separated,  is  called  grain  soap.  It  may  be  purified  by 
dis  lving  it  in  an  alkaline  lye,  and  separating  it  by  common  salt.  During  this 
pri;ss  the  impurities  subside,  and  the  soap  combines  with  more  water;  and 
he  e it  becomes  weaker,  although  purer  and  whiter.  If  the  grain  soap  be  not 
pu  ied  it  forms  marbled  soap,  the  coloured  streaks  arising  principally  from  an 
ins  uble  soap  of  oxidized  iron.  Sometimes  the  marbled  appearance  is  produced 
bydding  to  the  soap,  as  soon  as  it  is  completely  separated,  a fresh  portion  of 
1}'<  md  immediately  afterwards  a solution  of  sulphate  of  iron.  The  black  oxide 
of  on  is  precipitated,  and  gives  rise  to  dark-coloured  streaks,  which,  by  expo- 
se to  the  air,  become  red,  in  consequence  of  the  conversion  of  the  black  into 
tin  esquioxide  of  iron. 

ie  officinal  soap  (Sapo)  of  the  U.  S.  and  London  Pharmacopoeias  is  an  olive 
oil  )da  soap,  made  on  the  same  general  plan  as  that  just  explained.  It  is  the 
*So  Durus  of  the  Edinburgh  and  Dublin  Colleges. 


650 


Sapo. 


PAR' 


Common  Soap  (Sapo  Vulgaris)  is  also  a soda  soap;  but  instead  of  olivi  t 
contains  concrete  animal  oil.  This  soap  corresponds  with  the  white  soap  f 
Northern  European  countries  and  of  the  United  States,  and  is  formed  usuy 
from  barilla  and  tallow.  In  Scotland  it  is  manufactured  from  kelp  and  talk. 
It  was  introduced  into  the  list  of  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia  as  the  only  prc  r 
soap  for  making  opodeldoc.  (See  Linimentum  Saponis  Camphoratum.) 

Soft  Soap  (Sapo  Mollis)  is  prepared  on  the  same  general  principles  as  bd 
soap ; potash  being  employed  as  the  alkali,  and  a fatty  matter,  rich  in  olein  s 
the  oil.  The  French  soft  soap  is  made  with  the  seed  oils,  such  as  rape  seed, hop 
seed,  &c.;  the  Scotch  and  Irish,  with  fish  oil  and  some  tallow;  and  our  ch 
with  refuse  fat  and  grease.  A lye  of  wood-ashes  is  the  form  of  potash  usu;y 
employed.  In  forming  this  soap  it  is  necessary  that  it  should  continue  dissold 
in  the  alkaline  solution,  instead  of  being  separated  from  it.  Hence  soft  soa's 
a soap  of  potassa,  completely  dissolved  in  the  solution  of  its  alkali,  which  is  c 
sequently  present  in  excess.  A soap  of  potassa  is  sometimes  made  with  a vv 
to  its  conversion  into  a soda  soap.  This  conversion  is  effected  by  the  addiin 
of  common  salt,  which,  by  double  decomposition,  generates  a soap  of  soda,  d 
chloride  of  potassium  in  solution.  After  this  change  is  effected,  the  additionf 
a further  portion  of  salt  separates  the  soda  soap  formed. 

Besides  the  officinal  soaps  of  the  United  States  and  British  Pharmacopoe?, 
there  are  many  other  varieties,  more  or  less  used  for  medicinal  or  ec-onomd 
purposes.  The  officinal  soap  of  the  French  Codex,  called  amygdaline 
( almond  oil  soap),  is  formed  of  caustic  soda  and  almond  oil,  and  is  directedo 
be  kept  for  two  months  exposed  to  the  air,  before  being  used.  Starkey’s  so, 
also  officinal  in  the  Codex,  is  prepared  by  uniting,  by  trituration,  equal  partof 
carbonate  of  potassa,  oil  of  turpentine,  and  Venice  turpentine.  Beef’s  mano 
soap  is  a fine  animal  oil  soap,  also  included  in  the  French  standard  of  pharmsi. 
Windsor  soap  is  a scented  soda  soap,  made  of  one  part  of  olive  oil  and  nine  pas 
of  tallow.  Eau  de  luce  ( aqua  luciae)  is  a kind  of  liquid  soap,  formed  by  rnixg 
a tincture  of  oil  of  amber  and  balsam  of  Gilead  with  water  of  ammonia.  Trcs- 
parent  soap  is  prepared  by  saponifying  kidney  fat  with  soda  free  from  foren 
salts,  drying  the  resulting  soap,  dissolving  it  in  alcohol,  filtering  and  evaporatg 
the  solution,  and  running  it  into  moulds  wheu  sufficiently  concentrated,  '.e 
soap  is  yellow  or  yellowish-brown,  and  preserves  its  transparency  after  desiu- 
tion.  Palm  soap  is  prepared  from  soda  and  palm  oil,  to  which  tallow  is  add 
to  increase  its  firmness.  If  it  be  wanted  white,  the  palm  oil  must  be  bleacd 
by  sulphuric  acid,  by  chlorine,  or  by  exposure  to  the  sun.  This  soap  has  a 1- 
lowish  colour,  and  the  agreeable  odour  of  violets,  derived  from  the  oil.  Sp 
balls  are  prepared  by  dissolving  soap  in  a small  quantity  of  water,  and  tn 
forming  it  with  starch  into  a mass  of  the  proper  consistence.  Common  yet'-c 
soap  (rosin  soap)  derives  its  peculiarities  from  an  admixture  of  rosiu  and  a li.e 
palm  oil  with  the  tallow  employed ; the  oil  being  added  to  improve  its  colcr. 
Large  quantities  of  lard  oil  (nearly  pure  olein)  are  manufactured  into  soap. 

All  the  varieties  of  soap,  except  a few  of  the  fancy  sort  and  the  olive  il 
soaps,  are  manufactured  in  the  United  States.  The  latter,  which  are  cliiy 
used  for  medicinal  purposes,  are  imported  from  France. 

Properties.  Soap,  whatever  may  be  its  variety,  has  the  same  general  pret- 
ties. Its  aspect  and  consistence  are  familiar  to  every  one.  Its  smell  is  peculr, 
and  taste  slightly  alkaline.  It  is  somewhat  heavier  than  water,  and  therefe 
sinks  in  that  liquid.  Exposed  to  heat  it  quick]}’  fuses,  swells  up,  and  is  deei- 
posed.  It  is  soluble  in  water,  and  more  readily  in  hot  than  in  cold.  Pot;:;a 
soaps  and  those  containing  oleic  acid  are  far  more  soluble  than  the  soda  so;s, 
especially  those  in  which  the  stearates  and  margarates  predominate.  Acs. 
added  to  an  aqueous  solution  of  soap,  combine  with  the  alkali,  and  set  free  te 


PAP  I. 


651 


Sapo. 

oil’icids,  whic-b,  being  diffused  through  the  water,  give  it  a milky  appearance, 
Itsecomposition  is  also  produced  by  metallic  salts,  which  invariablygive  rise 
to  'soluble  soaps.  Soap  is  soluble  in  cold,  and  abundantly  in  boiling  alcohol. 
Th:  solution  constitutes  the  tincture  of  soap,  and  forms  a very  convenient  test 
for  iscovering  lime  in  natural  waters.  The  efficacy  of  soap  as  a detergent 
depids  upon  its  power  of  rendering  grease  and  other  soiling  substances  soluble 
in  'iter,  and,  therefore,  capable  of  being  removed  by  washing.  Various  adul- 
tenlons  in  soap  are  lime,  gypsum,  heavy  spar,  steatite,  and  pipe-clay,  in  which 
casijit  will  not  be  entirely  soluble  in  alcohol.  According  to  Dr.  Riegel,  glue 
is  aoccasional  adulteration  in  Spanish  soap,  discoverable  also  by  its  insolubility 
in  Ejioho].  The  same  impurity  is  found  in  other  soaps. 

Vive  oil  soda  soap  (Sapo),  otherwise  called  Castile  or  Spanish  soap,  is  a 
har  soap,  and  is  presented  under  two  principal  varieties,  the  white  and  the 
mailed.  White  Castile  soap,  when  good,  is  of  a pale  grayish-white  colour, 
incrkble  of  giving  an  oily  stain  to  paper,  devoid  of  rancid  odour  or  strong  alka- 
linepialities,  and  entirely  soluble  both  in  water  and  alcohol.  It  should  not 
feellreasy,  nor  grow  moist,  but,  on  the  contrary,  should  become  dry  by  exposure 
to  ip  air,  without  exhibiting  any  saline  efflorescence.  This  variety  of  soap 
con  ins  about  twenty-one  per  cent,  of  water.  Sometimes  it  contains  a larger 
pro  rtion  of  water,  with  which  the  soap  is  made  to  combine  by  the  manufac- 
ture with  the  fraudulent  intention  of  increasing  its  weight.  Soap,  thus  adul- 
terad,  is  known  by  its  unusual  whiteness,  and  by  its  suffering  a great  loss  of 
weiit  in  a dry  air.  The  proportion  of  water  may  be  ascertained  by  introducing 
the  lap  into  a saturated  solution  of  chloride  of  sodium  and  boiling;  when  the 
soapnearly  free  from  water,  concretes  into  a solid  mass.  Marbled  Castile  soap 
is  h der,  more  alkaline,  and  more  constant  in  its  composition  than  the  other 
varijy.  It  contains  about  fourteen  per  cent,  of  water.  Containing  less  water 
that  .he  white  Castile,  it  is  a stronger  and  more  economical  soap;  but  at  the 
samtime  less  pure.  The  impurity  arises  from  the  veins  of  marbling,  which 
con:  t of  ferruginous  matter,  as  already  explained. 

A'mal  oil  soda  soap  (Sapo  Vulgaris)  is  a hard  soap,  of  a white  colour, 
ipcl  ing  to  yellow.  It  is  made  from  tallow  and  caustic  soda.  This  soap  pos- 
sess the  same  general  properties  as  the  olive  oil  soda  soap. 

St  soap  (Sapo  Mollis),  as  made  in  this  country,  is  semi-fluid,  slippery, 
capne  of  being  poured  from  one  vessel  to  another,  and  of  a dirty  brownish- 
yell  r colour.  This  soap  always  contains  an  excess  of  alkali,  which  causes 
it  edict  more  powerfully  as  a detergent  than  hard  soap,  it  also  contains  the 
glye  in  of  the  fatty  matters,  which  is  always  separated  from  hard  soap.  The 
bon  n and  Edinburgh  Colleges  direct  it  to  be  made  from  olive  oil  and  potash; 
but  r.  Pereira  states  that  he  has  not  been  able  to  meet  with  it  in  England. 
Tha  vhich  is  made  in  France  has  a greenish  colour  and  the  consistence  of  soft 
oint  :nt,  and  is  composed  of  hemp  seed  oil  and  potash.  It  is  called  in  the  French 
Cod- , savon  vert.  Sometimes  it  is  manufactured  from  the  dregs  of  olive  oil. 

Compatibles.  Soap  is  decomposed  by  all  the  acids,  earths,  and  earthy  and 
metaic  salts.  Acids  combine  with  the  alkali,  and  set  free  the  oily  acids  of  the 
soap  the  earths  unite  with  the  oily  acids  and  separate  the  alkali ; while  the 
eart;  and  metallic  salts  give  rise,  by  double  decomposition,  to  an  insoluble  soap 
of  tl  ir  base,  and  a saline  combination  between  their  acid  and  the  alkali  of  the 
soap  Hard  waters,  in  consequence  of  their  containing  salts  of  lime,  decompose 
and  ardle  soap.  They  may  be  rendered  soft  and  fit  for  washing,  by  adding 
suffi  nt  carbonate  of  soda,  or  of  potassa,  to  precipitate  all  the  lime. 

C [position.  It  has  been  already  explained  that  soap  consists  of  certain  oily 
acid  united  with  an  alkali.  As  olive  oil  is  a compound  of  margarin  and  olein, 
so  tl  officinal  “ soap”  is  a mixed  margarate  and  oleate  of  soda.  The  officinal 


652 


PAI I. 


Sapo. — Sarsaparilla. 

“common  soap”  is  principally  a stearate  of  soda,  and  “soft  soap,”  asde  ri 
by  the  London  and  Edinburgh  Colleges,  is  a mixed  margarate  and  oleat  of 
potassa.  The  most  important  soaps  have  the  following  composition  in  ae 
hundred  parts.  Marseilles  white  soap, — soda  10  24,  margaric  acid  9'20,  -ic 
acid  59'20,  water  2136.  ( Braeonnot .)  Castile  soap,  very  dry. — soda,  9 0,  It 
acids  76  5,  water  14'5.  ( Ure. ) Glasgow  soft  soap , — potassa  9'0,  oily  acids  1 7 
water  47'3.  (Ure.)  French  soft  soap, — potassa  9'5,  oily  acids  44,  water 5. 
( Theriard ,)  Most  soaps,  it  is  perceived,  contain  a large  proportion  of  watc1 

Medical  Properties.  Soap  possesses  the  properties  of  a laxative,  antacid,  ad 
antilithic.  It  is  seldom  given  alone,  but  frequently  in  combination  with  u- 
barb,  the  astringenc-y  of  which  it  has  a tendency  to  correct.  Thus  combine  it 
is  frequently  administered  in  dyspepsia,  attended  with  constipation  and  tcor 
of  the  liver.  As  it  is  readily  decomposed  by  the  weakest  acids,  which  comne 
with  the  alkali,  it  has  proved  useful  in  acidity  of  the  stomach,  and  has  en 
recommended  as  a remedy  in  the  uric  acid  diathesis;  but  it  possesses  no  p er 
to  dissolve  calculi,  as  was  once  supposed.  Externally,  soap  is  a stimulating is- 
cutient,  and  as  such  has  been  used,  by  friction,  in  sprains  and  bruises,  he 
late  Dr.  A.  T.  Thomson  found  much  benefit  to  result  from  rubbing  the  ti  id 
abdomen  of  children  in  mesenteric  fever,  morning  and  evening,  with  a stag 
lather  of  soap.  In  constipation  of  the  bowels,  particularly  when  arising  >m 
hardened  feces  in  the  rectum,  a strong  solution  of  soap,  especially  of  soft ; p, 
forms  a useful  enema.  When  the  latter  is  used,  two  tablespoonfuls  may  beis- 
solved  in  a pint  of  warm  water.  In  pharmacy,  soap  is  frequently  employefor 
the  purpose  of  giving  a proper  consistence  to  pills;  but  care  must  be  takenot 
to  associate  it  with  a substance  which  may  be  decomposed  by  it.  It  is  alsan 
ingredient  in  some  liniments  and  plasters.  In  toxicology  it  is  used  as  a covnr- 
poison  for  the  mineral  acids,  and  should  always  be  resorted  to  in  poisoninby 
these  agents  without  a moment’s  delay,  and  its  use  continued  until  magnia, 
chalk,  or  the  bicarbonate  of  soda  or  of  potassa  can  be  obtained.  The  mot  of 
administration,  in  these  cases,  is  to  give  a teacupful  of  a solution  of  soap,  ide 
by  dissolving  it  in  four  times  its  weight  of  water,  every  three  or  four  min  os, 
until  the  patient  has  taken  as  much  as  he  can  swallow.  The  dose  of  so:  is 
from  five  grains  to  half  a drachm,  given  in  the  form  of  pill. 

Off.  Prep,  of  Soap.  Ceratum  Saponis  ; Emplastrum  Resinae;  Emplasm 
Saponis;  Extractum  Colocynthidis  Compositum  ; Linimentum  Opii ; Pike 
Aloes;  Pil.  Aloes  et  Assafoetidae ; Pil.  Assafoetidae ; Pil.  Cambogiae;  Pil.  *lo- 
cynthidis  Comp. ; Pil.  Opii ; Pil.  Rhei;  Pil.  Rhei  Comp. ; Pil.  Saponis  Co ).; 
Pil.  Seillas  Comp.  ; Tinctura  Saponis  Camphorata. 

Off.  Prep,  of  Common  Soap.  Linimentum  Saponis  Campkoratum. 

Off.  Prep,  of  Soft  Soap.  Enema  Colocynthidis;  Linimentum  Terebinths; 
Pilula  Aloes  cum  Myrrha;  Pil.  Aloes  cum  Sapone ; Pil.  Cambogiae  Compo:a; 
Pil.  Colocynthidis  Comp. ; Pil.  G-albani  Comp. ; Pil.  Rhei  Comp. ; Pil.  Sajnis 
Comp. ; Pil.  Scillae  Comp. ; Unguentum  Sulphuris  Compositum. 

SARSAPARILLA.  tJ.  S.,  Dab. 

Sarsaparilla. 

The  root  of  Smilax  officinalis  and  of  other  species  of  Smilax.  U.  S.  Sqax 
officinalis.  Jamaica  Sarsaparilla.  The  root.  Pub. 

Off.  Syn.  SA11SA.  Smilax  officinalis.  The  root.  Lond.;  SARZA.  Ro  oi 
Smilax  officinalis,  and  probably  other  species.  Pd. 

Salsepareille,  Fr.;  Sarsaparille,  Germ.;  Sftlsapariglia,  It  at.:  Zarzaparrilla,  Span. 

&MILAX.  Sex.  Sj/st.  Dicecia  Hexandria. — Mat.  Ord.  Smilacem. 


PAq  i.  Sarsaparilla.  653 

,;n.Ch.  Male.  Calyx  six-leaved.  Corolla  none.  Female.  Calyx  six-leaved. 
(j0Jla  none.  Styles  three.  Berry  three-celled.  Seeds  two.  Wittd. 

Jrmerly,  Smilax  Sarsaparilla  was  admitted  by  most  of  the  standard  autho- 
viti  as  the  source  of  this  drug ; but  it  is  doubtful  whether  any  of  the  sarsa- 
par  a of  the  shops  was  ever  obtained  from  that  species.  S.  Sarsaparilla  is  a 
nat  'e  of  the  United  States  ; and  the  medicine  has  never,  within  our  knowledge, 
bee  collected  in  this  country.  It  is  not  among  the  eleven  species  of  Smilax 
desibed  by  Humboldt,  Bonpland,  and  Kunth,  who  indicate  S.  officinalis,  S. 
syplitica,  and  S.  Cumanensis,  especially  the  first,  as  the  probable  sources  of 
the  rug  exported  from  Mexico  and  the  Spanish  Main.  In  the  present  state  of 
ournowledge,  it  is  impossible  to  decide  with  certainty  from  what  species  the 
sevnl  commercial  varieties  of  the  drug  are  respectively  derived.  This  much 
is  ctain,  that  they  do  not  proceed  from  the  same  plant.  Of  the  many  species 
bebgiug  to  this  genus,  few  possess  any  medicinal  power;  and  Hancock  states 
tha  of  the  six  or  eight  which  he  found  growing  in  the  woods  of  Guiana,  only 
oneiresented  in  any  degree  the  sensible  properties  of  the  genuine  sarsaparilla, 
the  est  being  insipid  and  inert.  The  root  (rhizoma)  of  Smilax  China,  a native 
of  ( ina  and  Japan,  has  been  employed  under  the  name  of  China  root  for  similar 
purises  with  the  officinal  sarsaparilla.  As  it  occurs  in  commerce,  it  is  in  pieces 
frolj  three  to  eight  inches  long  and  an  inch  or  two  thick,  usually  somewhat 
flat  red,  more  or  less  knotty,  often  branched,  of  a brownish  or  grayish-brown 
cohr  externally,  whitish  or  of  a light  flesh-colour  internally,  without  odour, 
andf  a taste  flat  at  first,  but  afterwards  very  slightly  bitterish  and  somewhat 
acr;  like  that  of  sarsaparilla.  The  root  of  Smilax  aspera  is  said  to  be  em- 
ploid  in  the  South  of  Europe  as  a substitute  for  sarsaparilla;  but  it  has  little 
rep  ation.  The  East  India  sarsaparilla,  which  was  at  one  time  referred  to  this 
specs  of  Smilax,  is  now  known  to  be  the  product  of  Hemidesmus  Indicus.  (See 
Hendesmus.)  We  shall  briefly  describe  S.  Sarsaparilla,  on  account  of  its 
fori  r officinal  rank,  and  afterwards  such  other  species  as  are  believed  to  yield 
anyortion  of  the  drug.  All  of  these  species  are  climbing  or  trailing  plants,  with 
pricy  stems;  a character  expressed  in  the  name  of  the  medicine,  which  is  derived 
froitwo  Spanish  words  (zar'za  and  parilla),  signifying  a small  thorny  vine. 

iiilax  Sarsaparilla.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  iv.  776;  Woodv.  Med.  Bot.  p.  161, 
t.  6 The  stem  of  this  plant  is  long,  slender,  shrubby,  angular,  and  beset  with 
prides.  The  leaves  are  unarmed,  ovate-lanceolate  with  about  five  nerves, 
sonvhat  glaucous  beneath,  and  supported  alternately  upon  footstalks,  at  the 
bas'  of  which  are  long  tendrils.  The  flowers  usually  stand  three  or  four  together, 
upc  a common  peduncle,  which  is  longer  than  the  leafstalk.  This  species  is 
ind  mous,  growing  in  swamps  and  hedges  in  the  Middle  and  Southern  States. 

& officinalis.  Hurnb.  and  Bonpl.  Plant.  SEquinoet.  i.  271.  In  this  species 
the  tern  is  twining,  angular,  smooth,  and  prickly ; the  young  shoots  are  un- 
artrl;  the  leaves  ovate-oblong,  acute,  cordiform,  five  or  seven-nerved,  coria- 
ceot , smooth,  twelve  inches  long  and  four  or  five  broad,  with  footstalks  an  inch 
Ion;  smooth,  and  furnished  with  tendrils.  The  young  leaves  are  lanceolate- 
oblig,  acuminate,  and  three-nerved.  According  to  Humboldt,  the  plant 
abo  ids  on  the  river  Magdalena,  in  New  Granada,  where  it  is  called  zarzaparilla 
by  p natives.  Large  quantities  of  the  root  are  sent  down  the  river  to  Mompox 
and  iarthagena. 

* Syphilitica.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  iv.  780.  The  stem  is  round  and  smooth ; 
am  1 at  the  joints  with  from  two  to  four  thick,  straight  prickles;  and  furnished 
wit  oblong-lanceolate,  acuminate,  three-nerved,  coriaceous,  shining  leaves, 
whi  are  a foot  in  length,  and  terminate  by  a long  point.  The  plant  was  seen 
by  umboldt  and  Bonpland  in  New  Granada,  upon  the  banks  of  the  river  Cas- 
si(|i  re,  and  by  Martius  in  Brazil,  at  Yupura  and  near  the  Rio  Negro.  It  has 
bee  supposed  to  yield  the  Brazilian  sarsaparilla. 


654 


Sarsaparilla. 


PAR  i. 


S.  Papyracea.  Poiret,  Encyc.  Meth.  iv.  467.  This  is  an  under-shrub  wi  a 
compressed  stem,  angular  below,  and  furnished  with  spines  at  the  angles,  ts 
leaves  are  elliptical,  acuminate,  and  three-nerved.  It  inhabits  Cayenne  d 
Brazil,  chiefly  upon  the  banks  of  the  Amazon  and  its  tributaries,  and  is  thout 
to  yield  the  variety  of  sarsaparilla  denominated  Brazilian.  (Am.  Journbf 
Pharm.,  sv.  277.)  A particular  description  of  a specimen  of  Smilax,  supp 'd 
to  belong  to  this  species,  is  given  by  Professor  Bentley  in  the  London  Plum. 
Journ.  and  Trans,  (x.  470).  It  was  obtained  from  Guatemala,  and  was  ie 
source  of  a variety  of  commercial  sarsaparilla,  recently  introduced  into  ie 
market,  which  Professor  Bentley  proposes  to  name  Guatemala  sarsaparilla. 

S.  medico..  Schlechtendahl,  in  Linnsea , vi.  47 ; Carson,  Illust.  of  Med.  _t. 
ii.  51,  pi.  95.  This  species  has  an  angular  stem,  armed  with  straight  prie?s 
at  the  joints,  and  a few  hooked  ones  in  the  intervals.  The  leaves  are  smoi, 
bright-green  on  both  sides,  shortly  acuminate,  five-nerved,  'with  the  veins  pn  i- 
nent  beneath.  They  vary  much  in  form,  the  lower  being  cordate,  auricuh- 
hastate ; the  upper  cordate-ovate.  In  the  old  leaves,  the  petiole  and  midribs 
armed  with  straight  subulate  prickles.  The  inflorescence  is  an  umbel  of  fa 
eight  to  twelve  flowers,  with  a smooth  axillary  peduncle,  and  pedicels  aht 
three  lines  loug.  Schiede  found  this  plant  on  the  eastern  declivity  of  ie 
Mexican  Andes,  where  the  root  is  collected  to  be  taken  to  Vera  Cruz. 

The  medicinal  species  of  Smilax  grow  in  Mexico,  Guatemala,  and  thewn 
latitudes  of  South  America.  The  roots  are  very  long  and  slender,  and  origins 
in  great  numbers  from  a common  head  or  rhizoma,  from  which  the  stems  of le 
plant  rise.  The  whole  root  with  the  rhizoma  is  usually  dug  up,  and  as  brought  :o 
market  exhibits  not  unfrequently  portions  of  the  stems  attached,  sometimes  su- 
ral inches  in  length.  The  sarsaparilla  of  commerce  comes  from  different  sours, 
and  is  divided  into  varieties  according  to  the  place  of  collection  or  shipment 

Honduras  Sarsaparilla  is  the  variety  most  used  in  this  country.  I is 
brought  from  the  bay  of  Honduras , and  comes  in  bundles  two  or  three  feet  log, 
composed  of  several  roots  folded  lengthwise,  and  secured  in  a compact  formy 
a few  circular  turns.  These  are  packed  in  bales  imperfectly  covered  with  sks, 
each  bale  containing  one  hundred  pounds  or  more.  The  roots  are  usually  o 
nected  at  one  extremity  in  large  numbers  in  a common  head,  to  which  port  is 
of  the  stems  are  also  attached.  In  some  bundles  are  many  small  fibres  eitr 
lying  loose,  or  still  adhering  to  the  roots.  The  colour  of  the  roots  externallis 
a dirty  grayish  or  reddish-brown ; and  the  cortical  portiou  beneath  the  epideris 
often  appears  amylaceous  when,  broken. 

The  Jamaica  or  red  sarsaparilla  of  foreign  writers  is  little  known  by  ut 
name  in  the  United  States.  The  island  of  Jamaica  is  merely  its  ehannebf 
exportation  to  Europe,  and  it  is  probably  derived  originally  from  Central  Ae- 
rica.  It  does  not  materially  differ  in  properties  from  Honduras  sarsapari.; 
its  chief  peculiarity  being  the  reddish  colour  of  the  epidermis,  which  is  so 
sometimes  found  in  that  variety.  It  is  said  also  to  yield  a larger  proportion 
extract,  and  to  contain  less  starch.  As  found  in  commerce,  it  is  in  bunes 
twelve  or  eighteen  inches  long,  by  four  or  five  in  thickness,  consisting  of  lg 
slender  roots  folded  up,  with  numerous  radical  fibres  attached. 

Considerable  quantities  of  the  drug  are  imported  from  the  Mexican  portof 
Vera  Cruz  and  Tampico.  The  Vera  Cruz  sarsaparilla  comes  in  large,  rat;r 
loose  bales,  weighing  about  two  hundred  pounds,  bound  with  cords  or  leatr 
thongs,  and  usually  containing  the  roots  folded  upon  themselves,  and  separa'J 
packed.  These,  as  in  the  Honduras  sarsaparilla,  consist  of  a head  or  cam* 
with  numerous  long  radicles,  which,  however,  are  somewhat  smaller  than  in  tit 
variety,  and  have  a thinner  bark.  They  are  often  also  much  soiled  with  eai. 
This  variety  is  not  highly  esteemed;  but  from  the  acrid  taste  which  it  possess, 


PAP  I.  Sarsaparilla.  655 

it  probably  not  inferior  in  real  virtues  to  the  other  kinds.  It  is  probably 
dered  from  the  Smilax  medica. 

jiotber  variety  is  the  Caracas  sarsaparilla,  brought  in  large  quantities  from 
La  uayra.  It  is  in  oblong  packages,  of  about  one  hundred  pounds,  surrounded 
wit  broad  strips  of  hide,  which  are  connected  laterally  with  thongs  of  the  same 
ma  rial,  and  leave  much  of  the  root  exposed.  The  roots,  as  in  the  last  variety, 
areeparately  packed,  but  more  closely  and  with  greater  care.  The  radicles  are 
oftt  very  amylaceous  internally,  in  this  respect  resembling  the  following. 

Ije  Brazilian , or,  as  it  is  sometimes  called  in  Europe,  the  Lisbon  sarsapa- 
rill'i  is  less  used  in  the  United  States  than  in  Europe,  where  it  has  commanded 
a hber  price.  Within  a few  years,  however,  it  has  been  imported  in  consider- 
ablquantities.  It  comes  from  the  ports  of  Para  and  Maranham,  in  cylindrical 
buues  of  from  three  to  five  feet  in  length,  by  about  a foot  in  thickness,  bound 
abo  by  close  circular  turns  of  a very  flexible  stem,  and  consisting  of  unfolded 
root  destitute  of  caudex  (rhizoma)  and  stems,  and  having  few  radical  fibres.  It 
is  t variety  of  which  Hancock  speaks  as  celebrated  throughout  South  America 
by  je  name  of  sarsa  of  the  Rio  Negro,  aud  is  considered  as  the  most  valuable 
variy  of  the  drug.  It  is  distinguished  by  the  amylaceous  character  of  its 
inteor  structure,  and  has  considerable  acrimony.  It  was  said  by  Martius  to 
be  (rived  from  Smilax  syphilitica;  but  Dr.  Hancock  considers  that  portion  of 
it  w.ch  comes  from  the  Rio  Negro,  and  is  shipped  at  Para,  as  the  product  of 
an  (described  species,  certainly  not  S.  syphilitca.  According  to  Richard,  it 
has  sen  ascertained  to  be  the  product  of  the  S.  papyracea  of  Poiret.  (See  Am. 
Jou  . of  Pharm.,  xv.  277.) 

Ip  variety  described  by  Professor  Bentley  under  the  name  of  Guatemala 
saniarilla  was  collected  in  the  province  of  Sacatepeques,  about  ninety  miles 
fronthe  sea.  It  is  in  cylindrical  bundles  about  two  feet  eight  inches  long 
by  i ir  inches  in  diameter,  composed  of  separate  roots,  arranged  in  parallel 
orde  without  rootstalk,  and  bound  together  by  a few  turns  of  the  flexible  stem 
of  aaonocotyledonous  plant.  The  bundles  resemble  the  Brazilian  in  arrange- 
men  but  are  much  less  compact.  It  is  amylaceous,  has  considerable  acrimony, 
and  | probably  one  of  the  most  efiicient  varieties.  Professor  Bentley  ascribes 
it  tel.  papyracea.  For  a particular  description  of  the  root,  the  reader  is  refer- 
red the  Pharm.  Journ.  and  Trans,  (xii.  472). 

ki eh  sarsaparilla  has  been  imported  into  England  from  Lima,  Valparaiso, 
andither  places  on  the  Pacific  coast  of  South  America.  It  is  described  by 
Perf  a as  bearing  a close  resemblance  to  Jamaica  sarsaparilla,  but  yielding  a 
sma  'r  proportion  of  extract.  It  is  in  bundles  of  about  three  feet  long  and  nine 
inch  thick,  consisting  of  the  roots  folded  with  their  heads  or  rhizoma  attached. 
The  pidermis  is  brown  or  grayish-brown.  Sometimes  roots  of  a light  clay 
colo  are  found  in  the  bundles. 

Lperties.  The  dried  sarsaparilla  roots  are  several  feet  in  length,  about  the 
thiejess  of  a goose-quill,  cylindrical,  more  or  less  wrinkled  longitudinally, 
flexile,  and  composed  of  a thick  exterior  cortical  portion,  covered  with  a thin 
easif  separable  epidermis,  of  an  inner  layer  of  ligneous  fibre,  and  of  a central 
pith  The  epidermis  is  of  various  colours,  generally  ash-coloured,  grayish- 
brov , or  reddish-brown,  and  sometimes  very  dark.  The  cortical  portion  is  in 
somi.speeimens  whitish,  in  others  brown,  and  not  unfrequently  of  a pink  or 
1-osy  re.  It  is  occasionally  white,  brittle,  and  almost  powdery  like  starch.  The 
worn  part  is  usually  very  thin,  and  composed  of  longitudinal  fibres,  which  allow 
the  )t  to  be  split  with  facility  through  i,ts  whole  length.  The  central  medulla 
oftei  (bounds  in  starch. 

Sfiaparilla  in  its  ordinary  state  is  nearly  or  quite  inodorous,  but  in  decoc- 
tion epnres  a decided  and  peculiar  smell.  To  the  taste  it  is  mucilaginous  and 


656 


Sarsaparilla. 


par: 


very  slightly  bitter,  and,  when  chewed  for  some  time,  produces  a disagrees  a 
acrid  impression,  which  remains  long  in  the  mouth  and  fauces.  The  rools 
efficient  in  proportion  as  it  possesses  this  acrimony,  which  is  said  by  some  auth  s 
to  be  confined  to  the  cortical  portion,  while  the  ligneous  fibre  and  medully 
matter  are  insipid  and  inert.  Hancock  avers  that  all  parts  are  equally  ad 
and  efficacious.  The  truth  is  probably  between  the  two  extremes;  and,  asi 
most  medicinal  roots,  it  must  be  admitted  that  the  bark  is  more  powerful  t a 
the  interior  portions,  while  these  are  not  wholly  inactive.  The  virtues  of  e 
root  are  communicated  to  water  cold  or  hot,  but  are  impaired  by  long  boili . 
(See  Decoctum  Sarsapari/lse.)  They  are  extracted  also  by  diluted  alcol. 
According  to  Hancock,  the  whole  of  the  active  principle  is  not  extracted  y 
water.  He  observes  in  his  paper  upon  sarsaparilla,  published  in  the  Lon-% 
Medico- Botanical  Transactions,  when  speaking  of  the  sarsaparilla  from  Para  d 
the  Rio  Negro,  “after  exhausting  half  a pound  of  this  sort  by  two  digestic;, 
boiling,  and  pressure,  I added  to  the  dregs  half  a pint  of  proof  spirit,  and  digesd 
this  with  a gentle  heat  for  a few  hours  in  a close  vessel,  then  affusing  hot  w;r 
to  the  amount  of  that  taken  off  from  the  first  boiling,  and  pressing  again,  Ip- 
cured  by  the  last  operation  about  four  pints  of  an  infusion  which  possessed  e 
acrid  properties  of  the  sarsa  in  a much  higher  degree  even  than  that  obtaid 
by  the  first  decoction  with  simple  water.”  It  appears  that  in  South  Americlt 
is  the  custom  to  prepare  sarsaparilla  by  digestion  in  wine  or  spirit,  or  by  it.- 
sion  in  water  with  additions  which  may  produce  the  vinous  fermentation,  d 
thus  add  alcohol  to  the  menstruum.  The  same  result,  as  to  the  superior  effic-y 
of  alcohol  as  a solvent  of  the  acrid  principle  of  sarsaparilla,  has  been  obtaid 
by  the  French  experimentalists.  (Soubeiran,  Journ.  de  Phann.,  xvi.  38.) 

According  to  M.  Thubeuf,  sarsaparilla  contains,  1.  a peculiar  crystalline  si- 
stance,  which  is  probably  the  active  principle  of  the  root,  2.  a colouring  substan, 
3.  resin,  4.  starch,  5.  lignin,  6.  a thick,  aromatic,  fixed  oil,  7.  a waxy  substai;, 
and  8.  chloride  of  potassium  and  nitrate  of  potassa.  It  is  said  also  to  contaia 
minute  proportion  of  volatile  oil,  and  Batka  found  gum,  bassorin,  albuna, 
gluten  and  gliadine,  lactic  and  acetic  acids,  and  various  salts.  The  proporln 
of  starch  is  large.  Chatin  found  iodine  in  Honduras  sarsaparilla;  but  •. 
Winckler,  not  having  succeeded  in  detecting  this  principle  in  any  one  root,  thi:s 
it  probable  that  the  specimen  examined  by  Chatin  had  been  exposed  to  sea-war. 
( Pharm . Cent.  Blatt , May  7,  1852.) 

Sarsaparittin.  ( Smilacin . Pariglin.  Salseparine.  PariUinic  acid.)  'e 
crystalline  principle  in  which  the  virtues  of  sarsaparilla  reside  should  be  ca  d 
sarsaparittin.  It  was  first  discovered  by  Hr.  Palotta,  who  described  it  in  14 
under  the  name  of  pariglin.  Subsequently,  M.  Folchi  supposed  that  be  d 
found  another  principle  which  he  called  smilacin.  In  1831,  M.  Thubeuf  1* 
nounced  the  discovery  of  a new  substance  in  sarsaparilla  which  he  nard 
salseparine,  from  the  French  name  of  the  root.  Finally,  Batka,  a German  chi- 
ist,  towards  the  end  of  1833,  published  an  account  of  a principle  which  he  d 
discovered  in  the  root,  and  which,  under  the  impression  that  it  possessed  id 
properties,  he  called  parillinic  acid.  M.  Poggiale,  however,  has  shown  that  the 
substances  are  identical,  though  procured  by  different  processes.  Thefollovg 
is  the  process  of  M.  Thubeuf.  The  root  is  treated  with  hot  alcohol  till  deprial 
of  taste.  The  tincture  is  submitted  to  distillation,  and  seven-eighths  of  >0 
alcohol  drawn  off.  The  remainder  is  treated  with  animal  charcoal,  and  filted 
at  the  end  of  twenty-four  or  forty-eight  hours.  The  sarsaparillin  is  depos  d 
in  the  form  of  a granular  powder.  This  is  dissolved  in  a fresh  portion  of  alctol 
and  crystallized.  The  alcoholic  mother  liquors  may  be  deprived  of  that  pom 
of  the  principle  which  they  retain  by  evaporating  to  dryness,  dissolving 
product  in  water,  filtering,  again  evaporating  to  dryness,  redissolving  in  alcol, 


pai  I.  Sarsaparilla.  657 

amcrystallizing.  Sarsaparittin  is  white,  inodorous,  almost  tasteless  in  the 
sol  state,  but  of  a bitter,  acrid,  nauseous  taste,  when  dissolved  in  alcohol  or 
war.  It  is  very  slightly  soluble  in  cold  water,  but  more  readily  in  boiling 
war,  which  deposits  it  on  cooling.  It  is  very  soluble  in  alcohol,  especially  at 
a b ling  temperature.  Ether  and  the  volatile  oils  also  dissolve  it.  Its  aqueous 
sol  ion  has  the  property  of  frothing  very  much  by  agitation.  M.  Beral  states 
thahe  has  procured  it  pure  by  distilling,  by  means  of  a salt-water  bath,  a tinc- 
turof  sarsaparilla  prepared  with  very  dilute  alcohol.  In  that  case  it  must  be 
volile,  and  we  can  understand  why  sarsaparilla  suffers  in  decoction.  ( Am . 
Join,  of  Pharm.,  xii.  245,  from  Journ.  tie  Chim.  Mecl.)  The  solutions  of 
sar. parillin  are  without  acid  or  alkaline  reaction.  Batka  erred  in  considering 
it  a acid.  M.  Poggiale  found  it  both  in  the  cortical  and  medullary  part  of  the 
roobut  most  largely  in  the  former.  Pallotta  gave  it  internally  in  doses  vary- 
ing’om  two  to  thirteen  grains,  and  found  it  to  produce  nausea,  and  to  diminish 
then-ce  of  the  circulation.  It  is  probably  the  principle  upon  which  sarsaparilla 
demds  chiefly,  if  not  exclusively,  for  its  remedial  powers.  (Journ.  de  Pharm., 
J.  53  and  679.) 

le  sarsaparilla  of  the  shops  is  apt  to  be  nearly  if  not  quite  inert,  either  from 
agevr  from  having  been  obtained  from  inferior  species  of  Srailax.  This  ine- 
qua'y  of  the  medicine,  with  the  improper  modes  of  preparing  it  long  in  vogue, 
has  robably  contributed  to  its  variable  reputation.  The  only  criterion  of  good 
sarnarilla  to  be  relied  on  is  the  taste.  If  it  leave  a decidedly  acrid  impression 
in  t;  mouth  after  having  been  chewed  for  a short  time,  it  may  be  considered 
efficnt;  if  otherwise,  it  is  probably  inert. 

Ldical  Properties  and  Uses.  Few  medicines  have  undergone  greater  changes 
of  rotation.  About  the  middle  of  the  sixteenth  century  it  was  introduced  into 
Eune  as  a remedy  for  the  venereal  complaint,  in  which  it  had  been  found  very 
usel  in  the  recent  Spanish  settlements  in  the  West  Indies.  After  a time  it  fell 
intc  isrepute,  and  was  little  employed  till  about  a century  ago,  when  it  was  again 
broi  ht  into  notice  by  Sir  William  Fordyce  and  others,  as  a useful  adjuvant 
and  orrigent  of  mercury  in  lues  venerea.  Since  that  period  very  different 
opii  ns  have  been  entertained  of  its  efficacy.  Some,  among  whom  was  Dr. 
Cul  i,  considered  it  wholly  inert;  others,  on  the  contrary,  have  had  the  most 
unb  nded  confidence  in  its  powers.  The  probable  cause  of  much  of  this  dis- 
crep  icy  has  been  already  mentioned.  Experience,  both  among  regular  practi- 
tion  3 and  empirics,  would  seem  to  have  placed  its  efficacy  beyond  reasonable 
dou  Its  most  extensive  and  useful  application  is  to  the  treatment  of  second- 
ary philis  and  syphiloid  diseases,  and  that  shattered  state  of  .the  system  which 
som  mes  follows  the  imprudent  use  of  mercury  in  these  affections.  It  is  also 
emp  yed,  though  with  less  obvious  benefit,  in  chronic  rheumatism,  scrofulous 
affecons,  certain  cutaneous  diseases,  and  other  depraved  conditions  of  health. 
Its  nde  of  action  is  less  evident  than  its  ultimate  effects.  It  is  said  to  increase 
the  ] inspiration  and  urine;  but,  allowing  it  to  possess  this  power,  the  amount  of 
effecis  too  trifling  to  explain  its  remedial  influence;  and  the  diaphoretic  and 
diur  c action  which  it  appears  to  evince  may  perhaps  be  as  justly  ascribed^  to 
the  :dicines  with  which  it  is  generally  associated,  or  the  liquid  in  which  it  is 
exhi  ted.  In  this  ignorance  of  its  precise  modus  operandi  we  call  it  an  altera- 
tive^ those  medicines  are  named  which  change  existing  morbid  actions,  with- 
out ' vious  influence  over  any  of  the  functions. 

S;  aparilla  may  be  given  in  powder,  in  the  dose  of  half  a drachm  three  or 
four  imes  a day.  The  medicine,  however,  is  more  conveniently  administered^ 
m t form  of  infusion,  decoction,  syrup,  or  extract.  (See  the  several  officinal 
prep  ations  in  Part  II.)  A beer,  made  by  fermenting  an  infusion  of  the  drug 
42  " 


658 


Sassafras  Medulla. — Sassafras  Radicis  Cortex.  par 

with  molasses,  is  said  to  be  a popular  remedy  in  South  America.*  The  sm.e 
of  sarsaparilla  has  been  highly  recommended  in  asthma.  ( Journ . de  Pham  ■■{ 
de  Chim .,  xviii.  221.) 

Off.  Prep.  Decoctum  Sarsaparillae;  Decoctum  Sarsaparillae  Composite; 
Extractum  Sarsaparillae;  Extractum  Sarsaparillae  Fluidum;  Infusum  Ssi- 
parillae;  Infusum  Sarsaparillae  Comp.;  Syrupus  Sarsae;  Syrupus  Sarsapar * 
Comp.  V\ 

SASSAFRAS  MEDULLA.  U.S. 

Sassafras  Pith. 

The  pith  of  the  stems  of  Sassafras  officinale.  IT.  S. 


SASSAFRAS  RADICIS  CORTEX.  U.S. 


Bark  of  Sassafras  Root. 


The  hark  of  the  root  of  Sassafras  officinale.  U.  S. 

Off.  Si/ n.  SASSAFRAS.  Sassafras  officinale.  The  root.  Lond.,  Ed.  SAS- 
SAFRAS ROOT.  Sassafras  officinale.  The  root.  Dub. 

Sassafras,  Fr.,  Germ.  - Sassafras,  Sassafras®©,  Lai.;  Sasafras,  Span. 

In  the  new  distribution  of  the  species  composing  the  genus  Laurus  of  n- 
naeus,  the  sassafras  tree  has  been  made  the  type  of  a distinct  genus,  denomined 
Sassafras,  which  has  been  admitted  into  the  last  edition  of  our  Pharmacopa. 

Sassafras.  Sex.  Syst.  Enneandi  ia  Monogynia.  — Nat.  Ord.  Lauraceas. 

Gen. Oh.  Dioecious.  Calyx  six-parted,  membranous;  segments  equal,  ?r- 
manent  at  the  base.  Males.  Fertile  stamens  nine,  in  three  rows,  the  tee 
inner  with  double  stalked  distinct  glands  at  the  base.  Anthers  linear,  four-ce:d, 
all  looking  inwards.  Females,  with  as  many  sterile  stamens  as  the  mahor 
fewer;  the  inner  often  co*nfluent.  Fruit  succulent,  placed  on  the  thick  flhy 
apex  of  the  peduncle,  and  seated  in  the  torn  unchanged  calyx.  (. Lindley .)  I 

Sassafras  officinale.  Nees,  Laurin.  488. — Laurus  Sassafras.  Willd.  \p. 
Plant,  ii.  485;  Bigelow,  Am.  Med.  Bot.  ii.  142  ; Michaux,  N.  Am.  Sylv.  ii.  14 
This  is  an  indigenous  tree  of  middling  size,  rising  in  favourable  situations  :>m 
thirty  to  fifty  feet  in  height,  with  a trunk  about  a foot  in  diameter.  lake 
Southern  States  it  is  sometimes  larger,  and  in  the  northern  parts  of  NewEngnd 
is  little  more  than  a shrub.  The  bark  which  covers  the  stem  and  large  branes 
is  rough,  deeply  furrowed,  and  grayish;  that  of  the  extreme  branches  or  iig; 
is  smooth  and  beautifully  green.  The 'leaves,  which  are  alternate,  petiolate  nd 
downy  when  young,  vary  much  in  their  form  and  size  even  upon  the  same  ee. 
Some  are  oval  and  entire,  others  have  a lobe  on  one  side  ; but  the  greater  mCer 
are  three  lobed.  Their  mean  length  is  four  or  five  inches.  The  flowers,  rich 
are  frequently  dioecious,  and  appear  before  the  leaves,  are  small,  of  a pale  greesk- 
yellow  colour,  and  disposed  in  racemes  which  spring  from  the  branches  1 ovr 
the  leaves,  and  have  linear  bractes  at  their  base.  The  corolla  is  divided nto 
six  oblong  segments.  The  male  flowers  have  nine  stamens;  the  hermaplmite, 


* The  following  is  a formula  recommended  by  Hancock.  “Take  of  Rio  N’egro  rsa. 
bruised,  21b. ; bark  of  guaiac,  powdered,  8oz. ; raspings  of  guaiac  wood,  anise  seed  and 
liquorice  root,  each  4oz. ; mezereon,  bark  of  the  root,  2oz. : treacle  [molasses]  21b.:  id  a 
dozen  bruised  cloves ; pour  upon  these  ingredients  about  four  gallons  of  boiling  wateard 
^shake  the  vessel  thrice  a day.  When  fermentation  has  well  begun,  it  is  tit  tor  usovol 
may  be  taken  in  the  dose  of  a small  tumblerful  twice  or  thrice  a day.”  This  font  a is 
worthy  of  attention;  but  the  bark  of  guaiacum,  which  is  not  kept  in  the  shops.  mi:t  'e 
omitted,  or  replaced  by  the  wood. 


Pi.T  I. 


Sassafras  Radicis  Cortex. 


659 


wbh  are  on  a different  plant,  have  only  six,  with  a simple  style.  The  fruit  is 
anval  drupe,  about  as  large  as  a pea,  of  a deep-blue  colour  when  ripe,  and  sup- 
posd  on  a red  pedicel,  which  enlarges  at  the  extremity  into  a cup  for  its 
reiption. 

be  sassafras  is  common  throughout  the  United  States,  and  extends  into  Mexico. 
It  said  also  to  grow  in  Brazil  and  Cochin  China ; but  the  plants  observed  in 
the  places  are  probably  not  of  the  same  species.  In  this  country  the  sassafras 
is  und  both  in  woods  and  open  places,  and  is  apt  to  spring  up  in  the  neighbour- 
ho.  of  cultivation,  and  in  neglected  or  abandoned  fields.  In  Pennsylvania  and 
Nt  York,  it  blooms  in  the  beginning  of  May;  but  much  earlier  at  the  South. 
Th  fresh  flowers  have  a slightly  fragrant  odour,  and  almost  all  parts  of  the 
pkt  are  more  or  less  aromatic.  The  root  is  directed  by  the  British  Pharma- 
copias;  the  bark  of  the  root,  and  the  pith  of  the  twigs  or  extreme  branches,  by 
thi  of  the  United  States.  The  root  is  exported,  and  is  the  part  chiefly  used  in 
Brsh  pharmacy.  It  consists  of  a brownish-white  wood,  covered  with  a spongy 
ba;  divisible  into  layers.  The  latter  portion  is  by  far  the  most  active,  and  is 
usilly  kept  separate  in  our  shops- 

Sassafras  Pith.  This  is  in  slender  cylindrical  pieces,  very  light  and  spongy, 
wi  a mucilaginous  taste,  and  in  a slight  degree  the  characteristic  flavour  of  the 
sas.fras.  It  abounds  in  a gummy  matter,  which  it  readily  imparts  to  water, 
foring  a limpid  mucilage,  which,  though  ropy  and  viscid,  has  much  less  tena- 
cit  than  that  of  gum  Arabic,  and  will  not  answer  as  a substitute  in  the  suspen- 
siofof  insoluble  substances.  It  differs  also  from  solutions  of  ordinary  gum,  in 
rerining  limpid  when  added  to  alcohol.  This  mucilage  is  much  employed  as 
a rid  and  soothing  application  in  inflammation  of  the  eyes ; and  forms  an  agree- 
abland  useful  drink  in  dysenteric,  catarrhal,  and  nephritic  diseases.  It  may 
be  'epared  by  adding  a drachm  of  the  pith  to  a pint  of  boiling  water. 

' Park  of  Sassafras  Root.  As  found  in  the  shops,  this  is  usually  in  small 
irrular  fragments,  sometimes  invested  with  a brownish  epidermis,  sometimes 
panlly  or  wholly  freed  from  it,  of  a reddish  or  rusty  cinnamon  hue,  very  brittle, 
anoresenting  when  freshly  broken  a lighter  colour  than  that  of  the  exposed 
sui  ces.  Its  odour  is  highly  fragrant,  its  taste  sweetish  and  gratefully  aromatic. 
Th  3 properties  are  extracted  by  water  and  alcohol.  They  reside  in  a volatile 
oil.  Inch  is  obtained  by  distillation  with  water.  (See  Oleum  Sassafras.)  Ac- 
cor ag  to  Dr.  Reinsch,  the  bark  contains  a heavy  and  light  volatile  oil,  cam- 
phi  rus  matter,  fatty  matter,  resin,  wax,  a peculiar  principle  resembling  tannic 
aci called  sassafrid,  tannic  acid,  gum,  albumen,  starch,  red  colouring  matter, 
lig:  1,  and  salts.  (See  Am.  Journ.  of  P harm.,  xviii.  159.) 

,'dical  Properties  and  Uses.  The  bark  of  sassafras  root  is  stimulant,  and 
per  .ps  diaphoretic;  though  its  possession  of  any  peculiar  tendency  to  the  skin, 
ind  'endently  of  its  mere  excitant  property,  is  quite  doubtful.  It  is  used  almost 
excriively  as  an  adjuvant  to  other  more  efficient  medicines,  the  flavour  of  which 
it  i proves,  while  it  renders  them  more  cordial  to  the  stomach.  The  complaints 
for' hich  it  has  been  particularly  recommended  are  chronic  rheumatism,  cuta- 
neoi  eruptions,  and  scorbutic  and  syphiloid  affections.  As  a remedy  in  lues 
ver.'ea,  in  which  it  formerly  had  a high  reputation,  it  is  now  universally  eon- 
skied  as  in  itself  wholly  inefficient.  It  is  most  conveniently  administered  in 
the  >rm  of  infusion.  The  oil  may  also  be  given. 

Prep,  of  the  Pith.  Infusum  Sassafras  Medullas. 

r.  Prep,  of  the  Bark  of  the  Root,  or  of  the  Root.  Decoctum  G-uaiaci ; De- 
coc'm  Sarsaparilbe  Compositum;  Extractum  Sarsaparillae  Fluidum;  Oleum 
Sasfras.  W. 


660 


Scammonium. 


PAR] 


SCAMMONIUM.  TJ.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub. 
Scammony. 

The  concrete  juice  of  the  root  of  Convolvulus  Scammonia.  U.  S.  The  gi . 
resin  emitted  from  the  root  cut  off.  Load.  Gummy-resinous  exudation  fn 
incisions  into  the  root.  Ed.,  Dub. 

Scammon6e,  Fr.;  Scammonium,  Germ.;  Scamonea,  Ilal.;  Escamonea,  Span. 

Convolvulus.  Sex.  Syst.  Pentandria  Monogynia.  — Nat.  Ord.  Convoh- 
laceae. 

Gen.  Ch.  Corolla  campanulate,  Style  one.  Stigmas  two,  linear-cylindri  1, 
often  revolute.  Ovary  two-celled,  four-seeded.  Capsule  two-celled.  ( Lindl ) 

Convolvolus  Scammonia.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  i.  845;  Woodv.  Med.  Bot  i. 
243,  t.  86 ; Carson,  Illust.  of  Med.  Bot.  ii.  14,  pi.  62.  This  species  of  Convolve 
has  a perennial,  tapering  root,  from  three  to  four  feet  long,  from  nine  to  tw<  e 
inches  in  circumference,  branching  towards  its  lower  extremity,  covered  wi;a 
light-gray  bark,  and  containing  a milky  juice.  The  stems  are  numerous,  slen  r, 
and  twining,  extending  sometimes  fifteen  or  twenty  feet  upon  the  ground,  oin 
neighbouring  plants,  and  furnished  with  smooth,  bright-green,  arrow-shad 
leaves,  which  stand  alternately  upon  long  footstalks.  The  flowers  are  placem 
pairs,  or  three  together  upon  the  peduncles,  which  are  round,  axillary,  solity, 
and  of  nearly  twice  the  length  of  the  leaf. 

The  plant  is  a native  of  Syria,  Anatolia,  and  certain  islands  of  the  Archipelo. 
No  part  is  medicinal  except  the  root,  which,  when  dried,  was  found  by  Dr.  Reel 
to  be  a mild  cathartic.  Scammony  is  the  concrete  juice  of  the  fresh  root,  at  is 
collected,  according  to  Russel,  in  the  following  manner.  In  the  month  of  Jie, 
the  earth  is  cleared  away  from  about  the  root,  the  top  of  which  is  cut  off  obliqdy 
about  two  inches  from  the  origin  of  the  stems.  The  milky  juice  which  exies 
is  collected  in  shells,  or  other  convenient  receptacle,  placed  at  the  most  depenog 
part  of  the  cut  surface.  A few  drachms  only  are  collected  from  each  root,  le 
juice  from  several  plants  is  put  into  any  convenient  vessel,  and  concretes  By  tie. 
In  this  state  it  constitutes  genuine  scammony,  but  is  very  seldom  exported.  It 
is  generally  prepared  for  the  market  by  admixture,  while  it  is  yet  soft,  withae 
expressed  juice  of  the  stalks  and  leaves,  with  wheat  flour,  ashes,  fine  sand, 
and  it  has  been  supposed  that  scammony  sometimes  consists  wholly  or  in  gat 
part  of  the  expressed  juice  of  the  root,  evaporated  to  dryness  by  exposure  tohe 
sun,  or  by  artificial  heat.  The  drug  is  exported  chiefly  from  Smyrna,  thigh 
small  quantities  are  said  to  be  sent  out  of  the  country  at  Alexandretta,  the  a- 
port  of  Aleppo.  Dr.  Pereira  was  informed  by  a merchant  who  had  residein 
Smyrna,  that  it  is  brought  upon  camels  in  a soft  state  into  that  city,  and  air- 
wards  adulterated  by  a set  of  individuals  called  scammony  makers.  The  alli- 
teration appears  to  be  conducted  in  conformity  with  a certain  understood  sjle, 
more  or  less  foreign  matter  being  added  according  to  the  price.  The  mateib 
employed  are  chiefly  chalk  and  some  kind  of  flour  or  meal.  Very  little  un- 
paratively  is  exported  perfectly  pure.  We  obtain  scammony  either  directly  urn 
Smyrna,  or  indirectly  through  some  of  the  Mediterranean  ports.* 

* An  interesting  account  of  the  collection  and  preparation  of  scammony  in  Anatol  m 
the  vicinity  of  Smyrna,  has  been  communicated  by  Mr.  S.  H.  Maltass  to  the  London  Phene- 
ceulical  Journ.  and  Trans,  (xiii.  264).  The  juice  is  collected  in  the  same  manner  as  descaed 
by  Russel  in  reference  to  Syria.  The  product,  however,  of  each  plant  is  somewhat's--- 
In  some  districts,  according  to  Maltass,  ten  plants  produce  only  a drachm  of  scammy: 
in  others  the  average  from  each  root  is  a drachm ; and  in  a good  soil  a plant  four  ars 
old  will  yield  two  drachms.  The  juice  received  in  the  shells  is  mixed  with  another  prion 
scraped  from  the  cut  surface  of  the  root;  and  this  mixture  is  the  pure  or  lachryma  eni- 
mony.  Only  a small  quantity  of  this  is  taken  to  Smyrna ; the  greater  part  being  adulteted 


PAr  i. 


Scammonium. 


661 


ie  name  of  Aleppo  scammony  was  formerly  given  to  the  better  kinds  of  the 
dri,  and  of  Smyrna  scammony  to  those  of  inferior  quality;  the  distinction 
bang  probably  originated  in  some  difference  in  the  character  of  the  scammony 
obtned  at  these  two  places.  But  no  such  difference  now  exists;  as  scammony 
is  1 night  from  Smyrna  of  every  degree  of  purity.  It  has  been  customary  in  this 
cortry  to  designate  the  genuine  drug  of  whatever  quality  as  Aleppo  scammony; 
wh;  the  name  of  Smyrna  scammony  has  been  given  to  a spurious  article  manu- 
fac  red  in  the  South  of  France,  and  to  other  factitious  substitutes.  It  is  quite 
tin  that  these  terms  should  be  altogether  abandoned.  We  shall  treat  of  the 
dri  under  the  heads  of  genuine  and  factitious  scammony. 

ermine  Scammony.  This  is  sent  into  commerce  in  drums  or  boxes,  and  is 
eitiir  in  irregular  lumps,  in  large  solid  masses  of  the  shape  of  the  containing 
ves  1 into  which  it  appears  to  have  been  introduced  while  yet  soft,  or  in  circular, 
flalsh  or  plano-convex  cakes.  It  seldom  reaches  us  in  an  unmixed  state.  For- 
me y small  portions  of  pure  scammony  were  occasionally  to  be  met  with  in 
Einpe,  contained  in  the  shells  in  which  the  juice  was  collected  and  dried.  This 
vaity,  denominated  scammony  in  shells,  is  now  scarcely  to  be  found.  The  pure 
dri.  as  at  present  known  in  the  shops  of  London,  and  occasionally  brought  to 
thi  country,  is  called  virgin  scammony.  It  is  in  irregular  pieces,  often  covered 
wit  a whitish-gray  powder,  friable  and  easily  broken  into  small  fragments  be- 
twa  the  fingers,  with  a shining  grayish-green  fracture  soon  passing  into  greenish- 
bla:,  and  exhibiting  under  the  microscope  minute  air-cells,  and  numerous  gray 
ser.transparent  splinters.*  It  is  easily  pulverized,  affording  a pale  ash-gray 
pover.  When  rubbed  with  water  it  readily  forms  a milky  emulsion.  It  has 
a r her  strong,  peculiar  odour,  which  has  been  compared  to  that  of  old  cheese. 
Th  aste  is  feeble  at  first,  and  afterwards  somewhat  acrid,  but  without  bitterness. 
It  res  no  evidence,  when  the  requisite  tests  are  applied,  of  the  presence  of 
•stab  or  carbonate  of  lime,  leaves  but  a slight  residue  when  burned,  and  yields 
abr,  80  per  cent,  of  its  weight  to  ether. 

he  form  of  scammony  chiefly  found  in  our  markets  is  that  in  circular  cakes. 
Th  3 are  sometimes  flattish  on  both  sides,  but  generally  somewhat  convex  on 
omide  and  flat  on  the  other,  as  if  dried  in  a saucer,  or  other  shallow  vessel. 
Th  are  from  four  to  six  inches  in  diameter,  and  from  half  an  inch  to  an  inch 
anc  half,  or  even  two  inches  thick  in  the  centre.  As  found  in  the  retail  shops, 
the  are  often  in  fragments.  They  are  hard  and  heavy,  with  a faintly  shining 
rouiish  fracture;  and  when  broken  exhibit  in  general  a structure  very  finely 

by  i peasants  before  it  reaches  the  market.  Sometimes  the  juice  is  worked  up  with  a 
decjdon  of  the  roots,  in  which  case  it  is  black,  heavier  than  the  preceding,  and  not  so  easily 
broja.  Sometimes  they  add  a calcareous  earth,  in  a proportion  varying  from  10  to  150 
per  :nt.  The  kind  thus  prepared  is  usually  kept  for  some  time  in  Smyrna,  and  is  apt  to 
fen  nt,  so  as  to  become  porous  and  lose  its  gloss.  It  is  in  irregular  lumps,  and  is  the  kind 
usu  y sold  in  London  as  lachryma  scammony.  Another  kind  sold  in  London  in  rough 
lum  , and  probably  under  the  same  name,  is  prepared  in  the  interior  of  the  country  by 
mixg  the  juice  with  wheat  starch,  ashes,  earthy  matters,  gum  arabic  or  tragacanth,  and 
son'imes  wax,  yolk  of  egg,  pounded  scammony  roots  and  leaves,  flour,  or  resin.  A kind 
mu  used  in  Great  Britain  is  prepared  by  the  Jews  in  Smyrna,  and  is  in  the  form  of  cakes  as 
des  bed  in  the  text.  It  is  of  two  qualities.  The  first  quality  is  prepared  by  mixing  skilip 
(wlh  is  an  inferior  kind  of  scammony  prepared  at  Anjora,  and  consists  of  30  to  40  per 
cen  jf  juice  and  60  to  70  of  starch)  with  60  per  cent,  of  inferior  scammony  from  the 
nei; oourhood  of  Smyrna;  the  second  quality  by  mixing  skilip  with  about  30  per  cent,  of 
the.  ter  kind,  and  adding  about  10  per  cent,  of  gum  arabic  and  black-lead.  The  first  quality 
eon,  ns  usually  about  50  per  cent,  of  resin,  the  second  about  30  per  cent.  For  an  account 
of  s eral  specimens  of  scammony  sent  by  Mr.  Maltass  from  Smyrna,  see  a paper  by  Mr. 
Dai  1 Hanbury  in  the  Pharm.  Journ.  and  Trans.,  xiii.  268. — Note  to  the  tenth  edition. 

1 ccording  to  Maltass,  the  purest  scammony  has  a reddish-black  fracture,  unless  it 
has  sen  mixed  with  water  in  its  preparation,  in  which  case  it  is  black  and  very  glossy. 
(Pi  •m.  Journ.  and  Trans.,  xiii.  266.) 


662 


Scammonium. 


par 

porous,  sometimes  almost  compact,  and  in  a very  few  instances  cavernous.  T j 
colour  externally  is  a dark  ask  or  dark  olive,  or  slate  colour  approaching  to  bk  • 
internally  somewhat  lighter  and  grayish,  with  an  occasional  tinge  of  gree:  ir 
yellow,  but  deepening  by  exposure.  The  small  fragments  are  sometimes  slig  y 
translucent  at  the  edges.  The  mass,  though  hard,  is  pulverizable  without  git 
difficulty,  and  affords  a light-gray  powder.  It  imparts  to  water  with  which  is 
triturated  a greenish  milky  appearance.  The  smell  is  rather  disagreeable,  id 
similar  to  that  of  the  pure  drug.  The  taste,  very  slight  at  first,  becomes  fe>  y 
bitterish  and  acrid.  This  kind  of  scammony  is  never  quite  pure,  and  mac  If 
it  is  considerably  adulterated.  In  some  of  the  cakes  carbonate  of  lime  is  the  cef 
impurity;  in  others  the  adulterating  substance  is  probably  meal,  as  evidenetof 
the  presence  of  starch  and  lignin  are  afforded;  and  in  others  again  both  t se 
substances  are  found.  Christison  discovered  in  the  chalky  specimens  a propoi  m 
of  carbonate  of  lime  varying  from  15  to  38  per  cent.;  in  the  amylaceous,  im 
13  to  42  per  cent,  of  impurity.  It  was  probably  to  the  flat,  dark-coloured,  < n- 
pact,  difficultly  pulverizable,  and  more  impure  cakes  that  the  name  of  Smna 
scammony  was  formerly  given.  These  have  been  erroneously  ascribed  by  tae 
to  the  Periploca  Secamone,  a plant  growing  in  Egypt.* 

Scammony  is  ranked  among  the  gum-resins.  It  is  partially  dissolved  by  w;  r, 
much  more  largely  by  alcohol  and  ether,  and  almost  entirely,  when  purely 
boiling  diluted  alcohol.  Its  active  ingredient  is  resin,  which  constitutes  1 m 

* Dr.  Pereira,  in  his  work  on  Materia  Medica,  describes  tbe  varieties  of  scammo;  as 
they  exist  in  the  London  market.  As  these  have  interest  for  the  druggist,  we  introdu  a 
notice  of  them. 

1.  Virgin  Scammony.  Pure  Scammony.  Lachryma  Scammony.  The  description  of  Sis 
corresponds  with  that  of  pure  scammony  given  in  the  text.  In  addition,  the  follcng 
particulars  may  be  mentioned.  The  whitish  powder  often  found  upon  the  surface  er- 
vesces  with  muriatic  acid,  and  consists  of  chalk,  in  which  the  lumps  have  probably  en 
rolled.  The  sp.  gr.  of  the  masses  is  1'210.  In  the  same  pieces  it  sometimes  happennat 
certain  portions  are  shining  and  black,  while  others  are  dull-grayish.  Virgin  seanrnv 
readily  takes  fire,  and  burns  with  a yellowish  flame.  This  variety  is  now  much  jre 
abundant  in  the  shops  of  London  than  formerly. 

2.  Scammony  of  second  quality.  This  is  called  seconds  in  commerce.  It  is  in  two  fas. 
1.  In  irregular  pieces.  This,  in  external  appearance,  brittleness,  odour,  and  taste,  resales 
virgin  scammony;  but  is  distinguished  by  its  greater  sp.  gr.,  which  is  1-463,  by  its  dull  ;ry 
slightly  shining  fracture,  and  its  grayish  colour.  The  freshly  broken  surface  effervesces ith 
muriatic  acid,  but  the  cold  decoction  does  not  give  a blue  colour  with  iodine.  Ittheiore 
contains  chalk,  but  not  fecula.  2.  In  large  regular  masses.  This  has  the  form  of  the  um 
or  box  in  which  it  was  imported,  and  into  which  it  was  probably  introduced  while  sof  It 
has  a dull  grayish  fracture,  and  the  sp.  gr.  1 -359.  It  exhibits,  with  the  appropriate  its, 
evid’ence  of  the  presence  both  of  chalk  and  fecula.  It  is  sometimes  found  of  a soft  or  c esy 
consistence. 

3.  Scammony  of  third  quality.  This  is  called  thirds  in  commerce.  It  is  in  circuit  flat 
cakes,  about  five  inches  in  diameter  and  one  inch  thick.  The  cakes  are  dense,  hearind 
more  difficult  to  break  than  the  preceding  varieties.  The  fracture  is  sometimes  re; ous 
and  shining,  sometimes  dull,  and  exhibits  air  cavities,  and  numerous  white  specks,  iich 
consist  of  chalk.  The  colour  is  grayish  or  grayish-black.  The  sp.  gr.  varies  from  - 
to  1 -543.  Both  chalk  and  flour  are  detected  by  tests.  In  five  different  cakes,  the  qu.-tity 
of  chalk  employed  in  the  adulteration  was  stated  by  the  importer  to  be.  in  100  parts  tbe 
cakes  respectively,  13-07,  23-1,  25-0,  31-05,  and  37-54,  numbers  which  correspond erv 
closely,  in  the  two  extremes,  with  the  results  obtained  by  Christison.  This  is  the  v iety 
of  scammony  referred  to  in  the  text  as  the  one  chiefly  used  in  the  United  States. 

A valuable  paper  by  Dr.  Carson,  on  the  varieties  of  scammony  imported  into  this  eo'.try. 
was  published  in  the  Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.  (xx.  i.),  to  which  the  reader  is  referred  Be- 
sides the  kinds  described  in  the  text,  namely  the  virgin  scammony,  and  those  whi>  are 
adulterated  with  chalk  or  meal  or  both,  Dr.  Carson  describes  two,  under  the  names  ot  gvnu 
and  black  gummy  scammony,  in  which  the  chief  adulteration  appears  to  be  tragaean.  < r 
some  analogous  substance,  which  is  associated  in  the  dark  variety  with  bone-black,  key 
afforded  from  6 to  13  per  cent,  of  resin.  They  are  in  circular  cakes,  hard,  comp;-  w 
difficult  pulverization,  and  viscid  when  moistened. — Note  to  the  eighth  edition. 


PAT  I. 


iScammonium. 


663 


80  ■>  90  per  cent,  of  pure  dry  scammony.  The  gum-resin  has  been  analyzed 
byirious  chemists,  but  the  results  are  somewhat  uncertain;  as  the  character 
of  e specimens  examined  is  insufficiently  determined  by  the  terms  Aleppo  and 
Smrna  scammony,  employed  to  designate  them.  Thus,  Bouillon-Lagrange  and 
Yo'l  obtained,  from  100  parts  of  Aleppo  scammony,  60  of  resin,  3 of  gum,  2 
of  tractive,  and  35  of  insoluble  matter;  from  the  same  quantity  of  Smyrna 
scamony,  29  parts  of  resin,  8 of  gum,  5 of  extractive,  and  58  of  vegetable 
reams  and  earthy  substances.  It  is  obvious  that  both  the  specimens  upon 
wh  i they  operated  were  very  impure.  Marquart  found  in  pure  scammony 
(saimony  in  shells ) 81‘25  per  cent,  of  resin,  3-00  of  gum  with  salts,  0'75  of 
wa:  4*50  of  extractive,  1'75  of  starchy  envelopes,  bassorin,  and  gluten,  1'50  of 
albnen  and  lignin,  3'75  of  ferruginous  alumina,  chalk,  and  carbonate  of  mag- 
nes,  and  3 '50  of  sand.  Christison  found  different  specimens  of  pure  scammony 
to  intain,  in  100  parts,  from  77  to  83  parts  of  resin,  from  6 to  8 of  gum,  from 
3'2o  5 of  lignin  and  sand,  and  from  7'2  to  12'6  of  water,  with  occasionally  a 
litt  starch,  probably  derived  accidentally  from  the  root,  and  not  in  sufficient 
fjuitity  to  cause  a cold  decoction  of  the  gum-resin  to  give  a blue  colour  with 
iode.  Mr.  Hanbury,  of  London,  found  in  the  purest  scammony  in  shells  91 '1 
perent.  of  resin ; and  Mr.  B.  W.  Bull,  of  New  York,  86'88  per  cent,  in  a spe- 
cial in  irregular  lumps,  received  from  Constantinople  as  Aleppo  Scammony. 
(NY.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  June,  1852.)  For  the  character  of  the  resin,  see 
Ex ictum  sive  Resina  Scammonii.  As  already  stated,  scammony  is  seldom 
or  ver  quite  pure  as  found  in  our  shops.  Much  of  it  contains  not  more  than 
50  t cent,  of  the  resin,  some  not  more  than  42  per  cent.,  and  the  worst  varie- 
ties little  as  10  per  cent.,  or  even  less.*  Sometimes  the  cakes  are  of  good 
qWity  on  the  outside,  and  inferior  within.  (Bull,  IP.  Y.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  i.  7.) 
It  b been  suggested,  in  this  uncertainty  as  to  the  strength  of  the  scammony  of 
tkerops,  whether  it  might  not  be  best  to  abandon  its  internal  use  altogether, 
anc  o substitute  its  resin,  which  is  of  uniform  strength. 

e Edinburgh  College  gives  the  following  signs  of  pure  scammony,  “ Fracture 
glkning,  almost  resinous,  if  the  specimen  be  old  and  dry;  muriatic  acid  does 
not  rase  effervescence  on  its  surface ; the  decoction  of  its  powder,  filtered  and 
coo  l,  is  not  rendered  blue  by  tincture  of  iodine.  Sulphuric  ether  separates  at 
leas  eighty  per  cent,  of  resin  dried  at  280°.”  Effervescence  with  muriatic  acid 
indites  the  presence  of  chalk,  a blue  colour  with  iodine  that  of  starch  in  the 
fori  of  flour. 

ftitious  Scammony.  Montpellier  Scammony.  Much  spurious  scammony 
is  ij-.nufactured  in  the  South  of  France,  said  to  be  made  from  the  expressed 
juiojof  Cynanchum  Monspdiacum,  incorporated  with  various  resins,  and  other 
pur  dive  substances. f It  has  been  occasionally  imported  into  the  United  States, 
and  old  as  Smyrna  scammony.  It  is  usually  in  flat  semicircular  cakes,  four  or 
fivebches  in  diameter,  and  six  or  eight  lines  thick,  blackish  both  externally  and 


*;he  following  table  is  given  by  Dr. 


unristison  as  tne  result 


Calcareous. 

Amylaceous. 

Calcareo-amyla^eous. 

P] 

in. 

64-6 

56-6 

43-3 

37-0  62-0 

42-4 

6j 

a, 

6-8 

50 

8-2 

9-0  7-2 

7-8 

c 

Ik, 

17-6 

25-0 

31-6 



18-6 

F 

'ula, 



1-4 

4-0 

20-0  10-4 

13-2 

1 

bin  and  sand, 

5-2 

7-1 

7-8 

22-2  13-4 

9-4 

V 

;er, 

6-4 

5-2 

6-4 

1.2-0  7-5 

10-4 

100-6 

100-3 

101-3 

100-2  100-5 

101-8 

t 

liis  statement  as 

to  the  employment  of  Cynanchum  Monspeliacum  is  made  on 

aut 

• ity  of  Guibourt. 

M.  Thorel, 

a pharmaceutist  of  Ayallon,  denies  that  this  pi 

664 


Scammonium. — Scilla. 


PAR 


within,  very  hard,  compact,  rather  heavy,  of  a somewhat  shining  and  resir  3 
fracture,  a feeble  balsamic  odour  wholly  different  from  that  of  genuine  seammc ; 
and  a very  bitter  nauseous  taste.  When  rubbed  with  the  moistened  fingfrt 
becomes  dark-gray,  unctuous,  and  tenacious.  We  have  seen  another  substf  e 
sold  as  Smyrna  scammony,  which  was  obviously  spurious,  consisting  of  black  1 
circular,  flat  cakes,  or  fragments  of  such  cakes,  rather  more  than  half  anih 
thick,  very  light,  penetrated  with  small  holes  as  if  worm  eaten,  and  when  bro  n 
exhibiting  an  irregular,  cellular,  spongy  texture.  Dr.  Pereira  describes  a f;  i- 
tious  substance  sold  as  Smyrna  scammony , which  is  in  circular  flat  cakes,  aht 
half  an  inch  thick,  blackish,  and  of  a slaty  aspect,  breaking  with  difficulty,  a 
dull  black  fracture,  and  of  the  sp.gr.  1'412.  Moistened  and  rubbed  it  has  .e 
smell  of  guaiac,  which  may  also  be  detected  by  chemical  tests. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Scammony  is  an  energetic  cathartic,  apt  to  01- 
sion  griping,  and  sometimes  operating  with  harshness.  It  was  known  to  le 
ancient  Greek  physicians,  and  was  much  employed  by  the  Arabians,  who  it 
only  gave  it  as  a purgative,  but  also  applied  it  externally  for  the  cure  of  vans 
cutaneous  diseases.  It  may  be  used  in  all  cases  of  torpid  bowels,  when  a powefl 
impression  is  desired;  but  on  account  of  its  occasional  violence  is  seldom  I- 
ministered,  except  in  combination  with  other  cathartics,  the  action  of  whiciit 
promotes,  while  its  own  harshness  is  mitigated.  It  should  be  given  in  emul® 
with  mucilage,  sugar,  almonds,  liquorice,  or  other  demulcent ; and  its  disposi;® 
to  gripe  may  be  counteracted  by  the  addition  of  an  aromatic.  The  dose  is  frn 
five  to  fifteen  grains  of  pure  scammony,  from  ten  to  thirty  of  that  commdy 
found  in  the  market. 

Off.  Prep.  Confectio  Scammonii ; Extractum  Colocynthidis  Composit  i; 
Extractum  sive  Resina  Scammonii;  Pilulae  Colocynthidis  Comp.;  Pulvis  Scn- 
monii  Comp. 

SCILLA.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub. 

/Squill. 

The  bulb  of  Scilla  maritima.  U.S.  Urginea  Scilla.  Recent  bulb.  Zone?,  be 
bulb.  Dub.  Bulb  of  Squilla  maritima.  Ed. 

Scille,  Ft.;  Meerzwiebel,  Germ.;  Scilla,  Ital.;  Cebolla  nlbarrana.  Spun.  t 

Scilla.  Sex.  Syst.  Hexandria  Monogynia. — Xat.Ord.  Liliaceae. 

Gen.  Cli.  Corolla  six-petaled,  spreading,  deciduous.  Filaments  thread-.:e. 

mud. 

Scilla  maritima.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  ii.  P25;  Woodv.  Med.  Bot.  p.  745,  t.  :5. 
— Squilla  maritima.  Steinheil ; Bindley,  Flor.  Med.  p.  591;  Carson,  Hint of 
Med.  Bot.  ii.  46,  pi.  89.  This  is  a perennial  plant,  with  fibrous  roots  proceeog 
from  the  bottom  of  a large  bulb,  which  sends  forth  several  long,  lanceote, 
pointed,  somewhat  undulated,  shining,  deep-green  leaves.  From  the  mid  of 
the  leaves  a round,  smooth,  succulent  flower- stem  rises,  from  one  to  three  .’et 
high,  terminating  in  a long,  close  spike  of  whitish  flowers.  These  are  dest  ite 
of  calyx,  and  stand  on  purplish  peduncles,  at  the  base  of  each  of  which  is  a him 
twisted,  deciduous  floral  leaf. 

The  squill  grows  on  the  sea-coast,  of  Spain,  France,  Italy,  Greece,  andbe 
other  countries  bordering  on  the  Mediterranean.  The  bulb  is  the  officinal  op- 
tion. It  is  generally  dried  for  use ; but  is  sometimes  imported  into  this  con  ry 
in  the  recent  state  packed  in  sand. 

Properties.  The  fresh  bulb  is  pear-shaped,  usually  larger  than  a man  s.st. 
• sometimes  as  large  as  the  head  of  a child,  and  consisting  of  fleshy  scales  attiu- 
ated  at  their  edges,  closely  applied  over  each  other,  and  invested  by  exterior  s ies 
so  thin  and  dry  as  to  appear  to  constitute  a membranous  coat.  There  are  wo 


PAI  I. 


Scilla. 


665 


varlies,  distinguished  as  the  red  and  white  squill.  In  the  former,  the  exterior 
coaig  is  of  a deep  reddish-brown  colour,  and  the  inner  scales  have  a whitish 
rosjir  very  light  pink  epidermis,  with  a yellowish-white  parenchyma;  in  the 
latt , the  whole  bulb  is  white.  They  do  not  differ  in  their  medicinal  virtues. 
Theoulb  abounds  in  a viscid,  very  acrid  juice,  which  causes  it  to  inflame  and 
eve  excoriate  the  skin  when  much  handled.  By  drying,  this  acrimony  is  very 
mu(  diminished,  with  little  loss  of  medicinal  power.  The  bulb  loses  about 
fouiiftks  of  its  weight  in  the  process.  Vogel  found  100  parts  of  fresh  squill  to 
be  duced  to  18  by  desiccation.  The  process  is  somewhat  difficult,  in  conse- 
que«  of  the  abundance  and  viscid  character  of  the  juice.  The  bulb  is  cut 
into  bin  transverse  slices,  and  the  pieces  dried  separately  by  artificial  or  solar 
beai  The  outer  and  central  scales  are  rejected,  the  former  being  dry  and  des- 
titu  of  the  active  principle,  the  latter  too  fleshy  and  mucilaginous.  The  Lon- 
don ollege  gives  directions  for  the  slicing  and  drying  of  the  recent  bulb. 

led  squill,  as  found  in  our  shops,  is  in  irregular  oblong  pieces,  often  more 
or  Is  contorted,  of  a dull  yellowish-white  colour  with  a reddish  or  rosy  tint, 
somimes  entirely  white,  slightly  diaphanous,  brittle  and  pulverizable  when  per- 
fect dry,  but  often  flexible  from  the  presence  of  moisture,  for  which  they  have 
a grit  affinity.  Occasionally  a parcel  will  be  found  consisting  of  vertical  slices, 
somof  which  adhere  together  at  the  base.  The  odour  is  very  feeble,  the  taste 
bitt,  nauseous,  and  acrid. 

I;  virtues  of  squill  are  extracted  by  water,  alcohol,  and  vinegar.  According 
tolgel,  it  contains  a bitter  principle  named  by  him  scillitin,  gum,  tannin, 
citr; ; of  lime  and  saccharine  matter,  lignin,  and  an  acrid  principle  which  he 
wasnable  to  isolate.  Water  distilled  from  it  had  neither  taste  nor  smell,  and 
was  rank  by  Vogel  to  the  amount  of  six  ounces  without  effect.  From  the 
esp<  ments  of  Duncan  and  Buchner,  it  appears  that  tannin,  if  it  exists  in  squill, 
is  ii  ery  small  proportion.  The  scillitin  of  Vogel  was  soluble  in  water,  alcohol, 
and  inegar;  but  was  considered  by  M.  Tilloy,  of  Dijon,  to  be  a compound  of 
the  oper  active  principle  of  squill  with  gum  and  uncrystallizable  sugar.  The 
scitt  n,  obtained  by  the  latter  experimenter,  was  insoluble  in  water  and  dilute 
acid  soluble  in  alcohol,  exceedingly  acrid  and  bitter,  and  very  powerful  in  its 
inflnce  on  the  system.  A single  grain  produced  the  death  of  a strong  dog. 
Therocess  of  Tilloy  may  be  seen  in  former  editions  of  this  work.  The  scillitin 
obtc  ed  by  him  was  still  impure.  Labourdais  believed  that  he  had  obtained  it  in 
an  ilated  state  by  means  of  animal  charcoal.  A decoction  of  squill  was  first 
tread  with  acetate  of  lead  to  separate  the  viscid  matters,  was  then  filtered  and 
agited  in  the  cold  with  purified  animal  charcoal  in  fine  powder,  and  afterwards 
alloid  to  rest.  The  charcoal  gradually  subsided,  carrying  with  it  the  bitter 
and  flouring  principles.  The  liquid  being  decanted,  the  solid  matter  was  dried, 
and/eated  with  hot  alcohol,  which  acquired  an  insupportable  bitterness.  The 
alco  1 being  distilled  off,  left  a milky  liquid,  which  was  allowed  to  evaporate 
spoi  neously.  The  scillitin  thus  procured  was  solid,  uncrystallized,  easily  de- 
comisable  by  heat,  almost  caustic  to  the  taste,  not  deliquescent,  neuter,  but 
sligi  y soluble  in  water,  to  which,  however,  it  imparted  a very  great  bitterness, 
ven  oluble  in  alcohol,  and  dissolved,  but  at  the  same  time  decomposed  by  con- 
cen  ted  sulphuric  and  nitric  acids,  imparting  to  the  former  a purple  colour, 
inst  tly  becoming  black.  {Ann.  de  Therap.,  1849,  p.  145.)  L.  F.  Bley  suc- 
ceec  l in  obtaining  scillitin,  by  the  process  of  Labourdais,  in  long  flexible  needle- 
sha]  1 crystals,  by  simply  allowing  the  last  alcoholic  solution  to  evaporate 
spoi  neously.  {Arch,  der  Pharm.,  Ixi.  141.)  Landerer  obtained  a crystalline 
prir  pie  from  fresh  squill,  by  treating  the  bruised  bulb  with  dilute  sulphuric 
acid  oncentrating  the  solution,  neutralizing  it  with  lime,  drying  the  precipitate, 
exh  sting  this  with  alcohol,  and  evaporating  the  tincture,  which,  on  cooling, 
dep;  ted  the  substance  in  question  in  prismatic  crystals.  It  was  bitter,  but  not 


666 


Scilla. — Scoparius.  par 

acrid,  insoluble  in  water  or  the  volatile  oils,  slightly  soluble  in  alcohol,  and  > 
cording  to  Landerer,  capable  of  neutralizing  the  acids.  ( Christison’s  Dispc 
tory.)  Wittstein  inferred  from  his  experiments  that  the  bitterness  and  ac-rim  y 
of  squill  reside  in  distinct  principles.  (See  Pharm.  Journ.  and  Tram.,  x.  3 .) 
Tilloy  has  recently  made  a new  analysis  of  squill,  which  he  finds  to  contain,  a 
resinoid  substance  very  acrid  and  poisonous,  soluble  in  alcohol  and  not  in  etr, 
2.  a very  bitter  principle,  yellow,  and  soluble  in  water  and  alcohol,  3.  a f y 
matter  soluble  in  ether  and  not  in  alcohol,  4.  citrate  of  lime,  and  5.  muei:e 
and  sugar.  The  acrid  principle,  in  the  dose  of  about  three  quarters  of  a gi  a, 
killed  a dog.  The  bitter  principle  is  much  less  powerful.  Both  are  conta  :d 
in  the  matters  extracted  from  squill  by  means  of  animal  charcoal.  The  citte 
of  lime  is  in  the  form  of  minute,  silky,  acicular  crystals,  interspersed  thrcrh 
the  parenchyma  of  the  bulb.  {Journ.  de  Pharm.,  3e  sir.,  xxiii.  410.) 

When  kept  in  a dry  place,  squill  retains  its  virtues  for  a long  time;  b if 
exposed  to  moisture  it  soon  becomes  mouldy. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Squill  is  expectorant,  diuretic,  and  in  he 
doses  emetic  and  purgative.  In  over-doses  it  has  been  known  to  occasion  hyr- 
catharsis,  strangury,  bloody  urine,  and  fatal  inflammation  of  the  stomach  id 
bowels.  The  Greek  physicians  employed  it  as  a medicine;  and  it  has  retaid 
to  the  present  period  a deserved  popularity.  As  an  expectorant,  it  is  used  ;h 
in  cases  of  deficient  and  of  superabundant  secretion  from  the  bronchial  mu  as 
membrane;  in  the  former  case  usually  combined  with  tartar  emetic  or  ipec u- 
anha,  in  the  latter  frequently  with  the  stimulant  expectorants.  In  both  installs, 
it  operates  by  stimulating  the  vessels  of  the  lungs;  and,  where  the  inflammiry 
action  in  this  organ  is  considerable,  as  in  pneumonia  and  severe  catarrh,  the  se 
of  squill  should  be  preceded  by  the  lancet.  In  dropsical  diseases  it  is  ry 
much  employed,  especially  in  connexion  with  calomel,  which  is  supposed  tox- 
cite  the  absorbents,  while  the  squill  increases  the  secretory  action  of  the  kidirs. 
It  is  thought  to  succeed  best,  iu  these  complaints,  in  the  absence  of  geiral 
inflammatory  excitement.  On  account  of  its  great  uncertainty  and  occas  ial 
harshness,  it  is  very  seldom  prescribed  as  an  emetic,  except  in  infantile  croi  or 
catarrh,  in  which  it  is  usually  given  in  the  form  of  syrup  or  oxymel.  Ten 
given  in  substance,  it  is  most  conveniently  administered  iu  the  form  of  pill,  he 
dose,  as  a diuretic  or  expectorant,  is  one  or  two  grains  repeated  two  or  three  ties 
a day,  and  gradually  increased  till  it  produces  slight  nausea,  or  evinces  its  a on 
upon  the  kidneys  or  lungs.  From  six  to  twelve  grains  will  generally  vnit. 
The  vinegar  and  syrup  of  squill  are  officinal,  and  much  used.  An  acetic  exact 
has  been  prepared  by  Mr.  F.  D.  Niblett,  by  digesting  a pound  of  squill  with  ree 
fluidounces  of  acetic  acid  and  a pint  of  distilled  water,  with  a gentle  hea  for 
forty-eight  hours,  then  expressing,  and,  without  filtration,  evaporating  to  a ro- 
per consistence.  One  grain  is  equal  to  about  three  of  the  powder.  (Phtn. 
Journ.  and  Trans.,  xii.  138.) 

Off.  Prep.  Acetum  Scillae;  Pilulre  Digitalis et  Sc-illfe;  Pil.  Ipecacuanha;^ 
Scilla;  Pil.  Scillre  Comp.;  Syrupus  Scillae  Comp.;  Tinetura  Scillae. 

SCQPARIU'S.  U.  S.  Secondary,  Lond. 

Broom. 

The  fresh  tops  of  Cytisus  Scoparius.  U.  S.  Cytisus  Scoparius.  Recenana 
dried  top.  Lond. 

Off-  Syn.  SCOPARIUM.  Tops  of  Cytisus  Scoparius.  Ed..  Duh 

Genet  a balais,  Fr.;  Gemeine  Besenginster,  Germ.;  Scoparia,  Itah:  Return,  Spaa. 

Cytisus.  Sex.  Syst.  Diadelphia  Decandria.  — Xat.OrJ.  Fabaceae  or  .'gu* 
minosse. 


PAI  I. 


667 


Scoparius. — Senega. 

( n.Ch ■ Calyx  bilabiate,  upper  lip  generally  entire,  lower  somewhat  three- 
toot:d.  Vexittum  ovate,  broad.  Carina  very  obtuse,  enclosing  the  stamens 
and  istils.  Stamens  monadelphous.  Legume  piano-compressed,  many-seeded, 
not (landular.  {De  Cand.) 

Cisus  Scoparius.  De  Cand.  Prodrom.  ii.  154.  — Spartivm  Scoparium. 
Wil.  Sp.  Plant,  iii.  933;  Woodv.  Med.  Pot.  p.  413,  t.  150.  This  is  a common 
Eunean  shrub,  cultivated  in  our  gardens,  from  three  to  eight  feet  high,  with 
nuiprous  straight,  pentangular,  bright-green,  very  flexible  branches,  and  small, 
oblog,  downy  leaves,  which  are  usually  ternate,  but  on  the  upper  part  of  the 
plat  are  sometimes  simple.  The  flowers  are  numerous,  papilionaceous,  large, 
shot,  of  a golden-yellow  colour,  and  supported  solitarily  upon  short  axillary 
pedicles.  The  seeds  are  contained  in  a compressed  legume,  which  is  hairy  at 
the  tures. 

T;  whole  plant  has  a bitter  nauseous  taste,  and,  when  bruised,  a strong  pecu- 
liar lour.  The  tops  of  the  branches  are  the  officinal  portion;  but  the  seeds  are 
alsosed,  and,  while  they  possess  similar  virtues,  have  the  advantage  of  keeping 
bett . Water  and  alcohol  extract  their  active  properties.  According  to  Cadet 
de  (ssicourt,  the  flowers  contain  volatile  oil,  fatty  matter,  wax,  chlorophylle, 
yell'  colouring  matter,  tannin,  a sweet  substance,  mucilage,  osmazome,  albumen 
andjgnin.  Dr.  Stenhouse  has  separated  from  them  two  principles,  one  of  which 
cAUscoparin  he  believes  to  be  the  diuretic  principle,  and  the  other,  named  spar- 
teing  be  narcotic.  The  former  is  in  stellate  crystals,  easily  dissolved  by  boiling 
watt  and  alcohol,  and  is  obtained  by  purifying  a yellow  gelatinous  substance 
deputed  upon  the  evaporation  of  the  decoction.  It  may  be  given  in  the  dose 
of  fir  or  five  grains.  The  latter  was  obtained  by  distillation  from  the  mother 
watci  of  the  scoparin.  It  is  a colourless  liquid,  having  a peculiar  bitter  taste, 
and  11  the  properties  of  a volatile  organic  base.  It  appears  to  have  narcotic 
pro;  ties.  But  we  need  more  definite  information  on  the  subject.  {Ann.  de 
TMp.,  A.D.  1853,  p.  153.) 

Mical  Properties  and  Uses.  Broom  is  diuretic  and  cathartic,  and  in  large 
doseemetic,  and  has  been  employed  with  great  advantage  in  dropsical  com- 
plain, in  which  it  was  recommended  by  Mead,  Cullen,  and  others.  Cullen 
presibed  it  in  the  form  of  decoction,  made  by  boiling  half  an  ounce  of  the 
freslnops  in  a pint  of  water  down  to  half  a pint,  of  which  he  gave  a fluidounce 
ever  hour  till  it  operated  by  stool  or  urine.  It  is  a domestic  remedy  in  Great 
Brit  a,  but  is  seldom  used  in  this  country.  The  seeds  may  be  given  in  powder, 
in  ti  dose  of  ten  or  fifteen  grains. 

f Prep.  Decoctum  Scoparii;  Decoctum  Scoparii  Compositum.  W. 

SENEGA.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub. 

Seneka. 

T root  of  Polygala  Senega.  U.  S.,  Loncl.,  Ed.,  Dub. 

I’1  gale  de  Virginie,  Fr.;  Klapperschlangenwurzel,  Germ.;  Poligala  Tirginiana,  Ital. 

P .ygala.  Sex.  Syst.  Diadelphia  Octandria.  — Nat.  Ord.  Polygalaceae. 

Ci.  Ch.  Calyx  five-leaved,  with  two  leaflets  wing-shaped,  and  coloured. 
Leg  le  obcordate,  two-celled.  Willd. 

B ides  P.  Senega,  two  other  species  have  attracted  some  attention  in  Europe — 
L.  aara  and  P.  vulgaris — as  remedies  in  chronic  pectoral  affections;  but  as  they 
are  it  natives  of  this  country,  and  are  never  used  by  practitioners  here,  they 
do  r merit  particular  notice. 

1 ygala  Senega.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  iii.  894;  Bigelow,  Am.  Med.  Bot.  ii. 

. 1 ; arton,  Med.  Bot.  ii.  111.  This  unostentatious  plant  has  a perennial  brandi- 
ng ot,  from  which  several  erect,  simple,  smooth,  round,  leafy  stems  annually 
rise, "om  nine  inches  to  a foot  in  height.  The  stems  are  occasionally  tinged 


668 


Senega. 


pap.  : 


with  red  or  purple  below,  but  are  green  near  the  top.  The  leaves  are  alternat  * 
scattered,  lanceolate,  pointed,  smooth,  bright-green  on  the  upper  surface,  p j 
beneath,  and  sessile  or  supported  on  very  short  footstalks.  The  flowers  -e 
small  and  white,  and  form  a. close  spike  at  the  summit  of  the  stem.  Thecix 
is  their  most  conspicuous  part.  It  consists  of  five  leaflets,  two  of  which  -e 
wing-shaped,  white,  and  larger  than  the  others.  The  corolla  is  small  andclcji 
The  capsules  are  small,  much  compressed,  obcordate,  two-valved,  and  two-ce'i, 
with  two  oblong-ovate,  blackish  seeds,  pointed  at  one  end. 

This  species  of  Polygala,  commonly  called  Seneka  snakeroot,  grows  wild  ii  11 
parts  of  the  United  States,  but  most  abundantly  in  the  southern  and  wesn 
sections,  where  the  root  is  collected  for  sale.  It  is  brought  into  market  in  lea 
weighing  from  fifty  to  four  hundred  pounds. 

Properties.  As  the  root  occurs  in  commerce,  it  is  of  various  sizes,  from  at 
of  a straw  to  that  of  the  little  finger,  presenting  a thick  knotty  head,  w:h 
exhibits  traces  of  the  numerous  stems.  It  is  tapering,  branched,  varicly 
twisted,  often  marked  with  crowded  annular  protuberances,  and  with  a prat- 
ing keel-like  line,  extending  along  its  whole  length.  The  epidermis  is  c<  11- 
gated,  transversely  cracked,  of  a yellowish-brown  colour  in  the  young  roots.ad 
brownish  gray  in  the  old.  In  the  smaller  branches  the  colour  is  a lighter  yeiw. 
The  bark  is  hard  and  resinous,  and  contains  the  active  principles  of  the  tt. 
The  central  portion  is  ligneous,  white,  and  quite  inert,  and  should  be  rejted 
in  the  preparation  of  the  powder.  The  colour  of  this  is  gray.  The  odo  of 
seneka  is  peculiar,  strong  in  the  fresh  root,  but  faint  in  the  dried.  The  tas  is 
at  first  sweetish  and  mucilaginous,  but  after  chewing  becomes  somewhat  pun  lit 
and  acrid,  leaving  a peculiar  irritating  sensation  in  the  fauces.  These  prope  es, 
as  well  as  the  medical  virtues  of  the  root,  are  extracted  by  boiling  water,  an bv 
aleohol.  Diluted  alcohol  is  an  excellent  solvent.  The  root  has  been  anaked 
by  Gehlen,  Pesehier  of  Geneva,  Feneulle  of  Cambray,  Dulong  D’ Astafort,  Fchi, 
and  Trommsdorff,  and  more  recently  by  M.  Quevenne.  Gehlen  was  supped 
to  have  found  the  active  principle  in  the  substance  left  behind,  when  the  co- 
holic  extract  is  treated  successively  with  ether  and  water  ; and  thenameofsei/oi 
was  accordingly  conferred  upon  it.  But  it  does  not  seem  to  have  any  just  i.im 
to  the  rank  assigned  to  it,  though  it  probably  contains  the  active  principle  aimg 
its  constituents.  From  a comparison  of  the  results  obtained  by  the  above-on- 
tioned  chemists,  it  would  appear  that  seneka  contains,  1.  a peculiar  acrid  'in- 
ciple,  which  M.  Quevenne  considers  to  be  an  acid,  and  has  named  polygalic  ad; 
2.  a yellow  colouring  matter,  of  a bitter  taste,  insoluble  or  nearly  so  in  v:er, 
but  soluble  in  ether  and  alcohol;  3.  a volatile  principle,  considered  by  sob  as 
an  essential  oil,  but  thought  by  Quevenne  to  possess  acid  properties,  and  naed 
by  him  virgincic  acid ; 4.  pectic  acid  or  pectin;  5.  tannic  acid  of  the  v;ety 
which  precipitates  iron  green;  6.  gum;  7.  albumen;  8.  cerin;  9.  fixed  oil  It1, 
woody  fibre;  and  11.  saline  and  earthy  substances,  as  the  carbonates,  sulpltes, 
and  phosphates  of  lime  and  potassa,  chloride  of  potassium,  alumina,  mag  sia, 
silica,  and  iron.  The  virtues  of  seneka  appear  to  reside  chiefly,  if  not  abu- 
sively, in  the  acrid  principle  which  M.  Quevenue  called  polygalic  acid,  anduich 
he  considered  closely  analogous  to  saponin.  He  obtained  it  pure  by  the  flow- 
ing process.  Powdered  seneka  is  exhausted  by  alcohol  of  33°,  and  so  mu  of 
the  alcohol  is  distilled  off  as  to  bring  the  resulting  tincture  to  the  consisted  of 
syrup.  The  residue  is  treated  with  ether,  in  order  to  remove  the  fatty  niter. 
The  liquid  upon  standing  deposits  a precipitate,  which  is  separated  by  filtrion, 
and  is  then  mixed  with  water.  To  the  turbid  solution  thus  formed  aleo'l  is 
added,  which  facilitates  the  production  of  a white  precipitate,  consisting  c.efly 
of  polygalic  acid.  The  liquid  is  allowed  to  stand  for  several  days,  that  thpre- 
cipitate  may  be  fully  formed.  The  supernatant  liquid  being  decanted,  thlpre- 


PAT  I. 


669 


Senega. 

cipite  is  drained  upon  a filter,  and,  being  removed  while  yet  moist,  is  dissolved 
by  is  aid  of  heat  in  alcohol  of  36°.  The  solution  is  boiled  with  purified  animal 
chaoal,  and  filtered  while  hot.  Upon  cooling  it  deposits  the  principle  in  ques- 
tion n a state  of  purity.  Thus  obtained,  polygalic  acid  is  a white  powder, 
inocrous,  and  of  a taste  at  first  slight,  but  soon  becoming  pungent  and  acrid, 
androducing  a very  painful  sensation  in  the  throat.  It  is  fixed,  unalterable 
in  t air,  inflammable,  soluble  in  water  slowly  when  cold  and  rapidly  with  the 
aid  beat,  soluble  in  all  proportions  in  boiling  absolute  alcohol,  which  deposits 
mosof  it  on  cooling,  quite  insoluble  in  ether  and  in  the  fixed  and  volatile  oils, 
andossessed  of  the  properties  of  reddening  litmus  and  neutralizing  the  alkalies. 
Its  mstituents  are  carbon,  hydrogen,  and  oxygen.  M.  Quevenne  found  it,  when 
give  to  dogs,  to  occasion  vomiting  and  much  embarrassment  in  respiration,  and 
in  lige  quantities  to  destroy  life.  Dissection  exhibited  evidences  of  inflamma- 
tionf  the  lungs,  and  frothy  mucus  was  found  in  the  stomach,  oesophagus,  and 
supeor  portion  of  the  trachea,  showing  the  tendency  of  this  substance  to  in- 
crea  the  mucous  secretion,  and  explaining  in  part  the  beneficial  influence  of 
senei  in  croup.  ( Journ . de  Phnrrn.,  xxii.  449,  and  xxiii.  227.) 

Fm  the  experiments  of  M.  Quevenne  it  also  appears  that  seneka  yields  its 
virtis  to  water,  cold  or  hot,  and  to  boiling  alcohol ; and  that  the  extracts  obtained 
by  mans  of  these  liquids  have  the  sensible  properties  of  the  root.  But,  under 
the  fluence  of  heat,  a portion  of  the  acrid  principle  unites  with  the  colouring 
mat  - and  coagulated  albumen,  and  thus  becomes  insoluble  in  water;  and  the 
deccion,  therefore,  is  not  so  strong  as  the  infusion,  if  time  is  allowed,  in  the 
form  ion  of  the  latter,  for  the  full  action  of  the  menstruum.  If  it  be  desirable 
to  oun  the  virtues  of  the  root  in  the  form  of  an  aqueous  extract,  the  infusion 
shoe  be  prepared  on  the  principle  of  displacement;  as  it  is  thus  most  concen- 
trate and  consequently  requires  less  heat  in  its  evaporation.  In  forming  an 
infu  >n  of  seneka,  the  temperature  of  the  water,  according  to  M.  Quevenne, 
shot  not  exceed  104°  F.  ( Ibid .) 

T roots  of  Panax  quinquefolium  or  ginseng  are  frequently  mixed  with  the 
sene , but  are  easily  distinguishable  by  their  shape  and  taste.  Another  root 
has  en  occasionally  observed  in  parcels  of  seneka,  supposed  to  be  that  of  Gil- 
lenis  rifoliata.  This  would  be  readily  distinguished  by  its  colour  and  shape 
(see  Hllenia),  and  by  its  bitter  taste  without  acrimony.  One  of  the  most  cha- 
ractcstic  marks  of  seneka  is  the  projecting  line  running  the  whole  length  of 
the  ])t,  and  appearing  as  though  a thread  were  placed  beneath  the  bark,  and, 
bein  ittached  at  the  upper  end,  were  drawn  at  the  lower,  so  as  to  give  the  root 
a courted  shape. 

M'ical Properties  and  Uses.  Seneka  is  a stimulating  expectorant  and  diuretic, 
and  large  doses  emetic  and  cathartic.  It  appears  indeed  to  excite  more  or 
less  1 the  secretions,  proving  occasionally  diaphoretic  and  emmenagogue,  and 
inerd  ing  the  flow  of  saliva.  Its  action,  however,  is  especially  directed  to  the 
lung  and  its  expectorant  virtues  are  those  for  which  it  is  chiefly  employed. 
It  w;  introduced  into  practice  about  a century  ago  by  Dr.  Tennant,  of  Virginia, 
who  commended  it  as  a cure  for  the  bite  of  the  rattlesnake,  and  in  various 
pecti  d complaints.  As  an  expectorant  it  is  employed  in  cases  not  attended 
withjmte  inflammatory  action,  or  in  which  the  inflammation  has  been  in  great 
meas  -e  subdued.  It  is  peculiarly  useful  in  chronic  catarrhal  affections,  the 
secoi  iry  stages  of  croup,  and  in  peripneumonia  notha  after  sufficient  depletion, 
hy  1.  Archer,  of  Maryland,  it  was  recommended  in  the  early  stages  of  croup; 
but  jtder  these  circumstances  it  is  now  seldom  given,  unless  in  combination 
with  quill  and  an  antimonial,  as  in  the  Syrupus  Scillee  Compositus.  Em- 
ploy. so  as  to  purge  and  vomit,  it  has  proved  useful  in  rheumatism;  and  some 
cases  f dropsy  are  said  to  have  been  cured  by  it.  It  has  also  been  recom- 
meni  1 in  amenorrhoea. 


670 


Senega. — Senna. 


pap>  r, 


The  dose  of  powdered  seneka  is  from  ten  to  twenty  grains;  but  the  mediie 
is  more  frequently  administered  in  decoction.  (See  Decoctum  Senegas.)  T e 
is  an  officinal  syrup.  An  extract  is  prepared  by  macerating  sixteen  ouno  of 
coarsely  powdered  senega,  for  two  days,  in  three  pints  of  a liquid  consistinof 
one  measure  of  alcohol  and  two  of  water;  then  putting  the  mixture  into  a pi  o- 
lator,  and  pouring  upon  it  a similar  fluid  until  six  pints  of  filtered  liquor  re 
obtained;  and,  lastly,  evaporating  by  means  of  a water-bath  to  the  consist c-e 
of  an  extract.  The  dose  is  from  one  to  three  grains.  ( Am . Journ.  of  Pbai ., 
xiv.  287.)  A tincture  may  also  be  prepared,  but  is  not  much  employed,  ly- 
galic  acid  may  be  employed  in  the  dose  of  from  the  fourth  to  the  half  of  a g a, 
dissolved  iu  hot  water,  with  the  addition  of  gum  and  sugar. 

Off.  Prep.  Decoctum  Senegae;  Electuarium  Opii ; Iufusum  Senegae;  Syr  os 
Scillae  Compositus;  Syrupus  Senegae.  T 

SENNA.  US., Dub. 

Senna. 

The  leaflets  of  Cassia  acutifolia  (Defile),  Cassia  obovata  (De  Candolle ).nd 
Cassia  elongata  (Lemaire).  U.  S.  Cassia  acutifolia.  Alexandrian  Senna,  he 
leaves.  Cassia  elongata.  Tinuevelly  senna.  The  leaves.  Dub. 

Off.  Syn.  SENNA  ALEXANDRIA  A.  Loncl.,  Eel.  Cassia  acutifolia  ar  C. 
obovata.  The  leaf.  Loncl.  Leaves  of  various  species  of  Cassia,  probably  C. 
lanceolata,  C.  acutifolia,  and  C.  obovata.  Ed.  SENNA  INDICA.  Lond.yd. 
Cassia  acutifolia  ? The  leaf.  Land.  Leaves  of  Cassia  elongata.  Ed. 

Send,  Fr.;  Sennesblatter,  Germ.;  Senna,  Ital.,  Port.;  Sen,  Span. 

Cassia.  See  CASSIA  FISTULA. 

The  plants  which  yield  senna  belong  to  the  genus  Cassia,  of  which  sera! 
species  contribute  to  furnish  the  drug.  These  were  coufounded  together  by.in- 
nasus  in  a single  species,  which  he  named  Cassia  Senna.  Since  his  timthe 
subject  has  been  more  thoroughly  investigated,  especially  by  Delile,  who  aom- 
panied  the  French  expedition  to  Egypt,  and  had  an  opportunity  of  examing 
the  plant  iu  its  native  country.  Botanists  at.  present  distinguish  at  least  ree 
species,  C.  acutifolia,  C.  obovata,  and  C.  elongata,  as  the  sources  of  commend 
senna;  and  it  is  probable  that  two  others,  C.  lanceolata  of  Forskhal  ai  C 
jEthiopica  of  Guibourt,  contribute  towards  it.  The  first  three  are  recogsed 
by  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia. 

1.  Cassia  acutifolia.  Delile,  Flore  d' Eyi/pte,  lxxv.  tab.  27,  f.  1 — C.lanceata. 
De  Candolle;  Carson,  Illust.  of  Med.  Bot.  i.  34,  pi.  27.  This  is  describees  a 
small  undershrub,  two  or  three  feet  high,  with  a straight,  woody,  branching,  wtish 
stem;  but,  according  to  Landerer,  the  senna  plant  attains  the  height  of  eigt  or 
ten  feet  in  the  African  deserts,  and  affords  the  natives  shelter  from  the  suu.  Joe 
Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm. , xvni.  174.)  The  leaves  are  alteruate  and  pinnatevith 
glandless  footstalks,  and  two  small  narrow  pointed  stipules  at  the  base.  The 
leaflets,  of  which  from  four  to  six  pairs  belong  to  each  leaf,  are  almost  ssile, 
oval-lanceolate,  acute,  oblique  at  their  base,  nerved,  from  half  an  inch  to  amok 
long,  and  of  a yellowish-green  colour.  The  flowers  are  yellow,  and  in  aslary 
spikes.  The  fruit  is  a flat,  elliptical,  obtuse,  membranous,  smooth,  grayish-tom, 
bivalvular  legume,  about  an  inch  long  and  half  an  inch  broad,  scarcely  if t all 
curved,  and  divided  into  six  or  seven  cells,  each  containing  a hard,  heart-s(ped, 
ash-coloured  seed.  C.  acutifolia  grows  wild  in  great  abuudance  in  Lpper  ;yp: 
near  Sienne,  in  Nubia,  Sennaar,  and  probably  in  other  parts  of  Africa  Ring 
similar  qualities  of  soil  aud  climate.  This  species  furnishes  the  greater  ]rt  ot 
that  variety7  of  senna,  known  iu  commerce  by  the  title  of  Alexandria  sent- 


PA!?  I. 


Senna. 


671 


c.  Cassia  obovata.  Colladon,  Monographie  des  Casses;  De  Cand.  Prodrom.  ii. 
49:  Carson,  Must,  of  Med.  Bot.  i.  35,  pi.  28.  The  stem  of  this  species  is  rather 
shoar  than  that,  of  C.  acutifolia,  rising  to  the  height  of  only  a foot  and.a  half. 
Theeaves  have  from  five  to  seven  pairs  of  leaflets,  which  are  obovate,  very  obtuse, 
somimes  mucronate,  in  other  respects  similar  to  those  of  the  preceding  species. 
Thelowers  are  in  axillary  spikes,  of  which  the  peduncles  are  longer  than  the 
leav;  of  the  plant.  The  legumes  are  very  much  compressed,  curved  almost  into 
the  idneyform,of  a greenish-brown  colour,  and  covered  with  a very  short  down, 
wki  is  perceptible  only  by  the  aid  of  a magnifying  glass.  They  contain  from 
ekdto  ten  seeds.  The  C.  obtusata  of  Hayne,  vVith  obovate,  truncated,  emarginate 
leaf  s,  is  probably  a mere  variety  of  this  species.  The  plant,  which  according 
to  mat  is  annual,  grows  wild  in  Syria,  Egypt,  and  Senegambia;  and  is  said  to 
liavoeen  cultivated  successfully  in  Italy,  Spain,  and  the  West  Indies.  It  yields 
the  iriety  of  senna  called  in  Europe  Aleppo  senna,  and  contributes  to  the  pack- 
ages! the  Alexandrian. 

3 Cassia  elongata.  Lemaire,  Journ.  de  Pliarm.  vii.  345 ; Fee,  Journ.  de  Chim. 
Mean.  232;  Carson,  Illust.  of  Med.  Bot.  i.  36,  pi.  29.  This  name  was  conferred 
by  J Lemaire  upon  the  plant  from  which  the  India  senna  of  commerce  is  derived. 
Theotanical  description  was  completed  by  M.  Fee,  from  dried  specimens  of  the 
leav  and  fruit  found  by  him  in  unassorted  parcels  of  this  variety  of  senna.  Dr. 
Wabh  has  subsequently  succeeded  in  raising  the  plant  from  seeds  found  in  a 
pare  of  senna  taken  to  Calcutta  from  Arabia;  and  it  has  been  described  by  Dr. 
Roy, "Wight  & Arnott,  and  Dr.  Lindley.  As  usually  grown,  it  is  annual;  but 
wit  blare  it  may  be  made  to  live  through  the  year,  and  then  assumes  the  character 
of  aundershrub.  It  has  an  erect,  smooth  stem,  and  pinnate  leaves,  with  from 
four  o eight  pairs  of  leaflets.  These  are  nearly  sessile,  lanceolate,  obscurely 
muc  nate,  oblique  at  the  base,  smooth  above  and  somewhat  downy  beneath,  with 
the  ins  turned  inwards  so  as  to  form  a wavy  line  immediately  within  the  edge 
of  tl  leaflet.  The  most  striking  character  of  the  leaflet  is  its  length,  which 
variifrom  an  inch  to  twenty  lines.  The  petioles  are  without  glands;  the  stipules 
minn,  spreading,  and  semi-hastate.  The  flowers  are  bright  yellow,  and  arranged 
in  a.  lary  and  terminal  racemes,  rather  longer  than  the  leaves.  The  legume  is 
oblo  , membranous,  tapering  abruptly  at  the  base,  rounded  at  the  apex,  and  an 
inch  id  a half  long  by  somewhat  more  than  half  an  inch  broad.  This  plant  is 
a na  e of  the  southern  parts  of  Arabia.  It  has  been  said  also  to  grow  in  the 
inteir  of  India,  and  is  at  present  cultivated  at  Tinnevelly  for  medical  use. 

B des  the  three  officinal  species  above  described,  the  C.  lanceoiata  of  Forskhal, 
foun  by  that  author  growing  in  the  deserts  of  Arabia,  is  admitted  by  Lindley 
and  tjiers  as  a distinct  species.  Some  difference,  however,  of  opinion  exists  upon 
this  int.  De  Candolle  considered  it  only  a variety  of  the  C.  acutifolia  of  Delile, 
from  ie  ordinary  form  of  which  it  differs  chiefly  in  having  leaflets  with  glandular 
peticis;  and,  as  Forskhal’s  description  was  prior  to  that  of  Delile,  he  designated 
the  skies  by  the  name  of  C.  lanceoiata.  Forskhal’s  plant  has  been  supposed 
hy  soe  to  be  the  source  of  the  India  and  Mocha  senna;  but  the  leaflets  in  this 
wie,  are  much  longer  than  those  of  C.  lanceoiata,  from  which  the  plant  differs 
also  having  no  gland  on  the  petiole.  Niebuhr  informs  us  that  he  found  the 
Aiextdria  senna  growing  in  the  Arabian  territory  of  Abuarish,  whence  it  is 
takeipy  the  Arabs  to  Mecca  and  Jedda.  This  is  probably  the  C.  lanceoiata  of 
Rors  al.  It  is  highly  probable  that  this  species  is  the  source  of  a variety 
°f  S£pa  which  has  been  brought  to  this  market  under  the  name  of  Mecca 
senn: 

Tl  Cassia  JEthiopica  of  Guibourt  ( C.  ovata  of  Merat),  formerly  confounded 
. acutifolia,  is  considered  by  Dr.  Lindley  as  undoubtedly  a distinct  species. 
Lgirsin  Nubia,  Fezzan  to  the  south  of  Tripoli,  and  probably,  according  to 


672 


Senna. 


PAP,  L 


Guibourt,  throughout  Ethiopia.  It  is  from  this  plant  that  the  Tripoli  senntf 
commerce  is  derived.* 

Commercial  History.  Several  varieties  of  this  valuable  drug  are  known  in  m- 
merce.  Of  these,  four  have  been  received  in  America,  the  Alexandria,  ie 
Tripoli,  the  India,  and  the  Mecca  senna. 

1.  Alexandria  Senna.  Though  the  name  of  this  variety  is  derived  frome 
Egyptian  port  at  which  it  is  shipped,  it  is  in  fact  gathered  very  far  in  the  inte  >r. 
The  Alexandria  senna  does  not  consist  exclusively  of  the  product  of  one  spes 
of  Cassia.  The  history  of  its  preparation  is  not  destitute  of  interest.  Thesna 
plants  of  Upper  Egypt  yield  two  crops  annually,  one  in  spring  and  the  otbin 
autumn.  They  are  gathered  chiefly  in  the  country  beyond  Sienne.  The  na  ee 
cut  the  plants,  and,  having  dried  them  in  the  sun,  strip  off  the  leaves  and  )k 
which  they  pack  in  bales,  and  send  to  Boulac,  in  the  vicinity  of  Cairo,  the  pat 
entrepot  for  this  article  of  Egyptian  commerce.  This  senna  from  Upper  Ept, 
consisting  chiefly  though  not  exclusively  of  the  product  of  C.  acutifolia,  was  ere 
formerly  mixed  with  the  leaflets  of  C.  obovata,  brought  from  other  parts  of  E pt, 
and  even  from  Syria,  with  the  leaves  of  Cynanchum  oleaefoliinn  ( C . Arg  of 
Delile),  known  commonly  by  the  name  of  argel  or  arguel,  and  sometimes  ith 
those  of  the  Tephrosia  Apol/inea  of  De  Candolle,  a leguminous  plant  growi  in 
Egypt  and  Nubia.  According  to  M.  Royer,  the  proportions  in  which  the  ree 
chief  constituents  of  this  mixture  were  added  together,  were  five  parts  C. 
acutifolia,  three  of  C.  obovata,  and  two  of  Cynanchum.  Thus  preparedihe 
senna  was  again  packed  in  bales,  and  transmitted  to  Alexandria.  But  at  prent 
there  is  no  such  uniformity  in  the  constitution  of  Alexandria  senna;  and,  thigh 
the  three  chief  ingredients  may  still  sometimes  be  found  in  it,  they  are  not  ithe 
same  fixed  proportions;  and  not  unfrequently  the  Cynanchum  leaves  are  willy 
wanting.  This  commercial  variety  of  senna  is  often  called  in  the  French  phiina- 
c-eutic  works  sene  de  la  palthe,  a name  derived  from  an  impost  formerly  laidpon 
it  by  the  Ottoman  Porte. 

A parcel  of  Alexandria  senna,  as  it  was  formerly  brought  to  market,  con  ted 
of  the  following  ingredients: — 1.  The  leaflets  of  C.  acutifolia,  characterize  by 
their  acute  form,  and  their  length  almost  always  less  than  an  inch;  ‘2.  the  Islets 
of  C.  obovata,  known  by  their  rounded  very  obtuse  summit,  which  is  somemes 
furnished  with  a small  projecting  point,  and  by  their  gradual  diminutii  in 
breadth  towards  their  base;  3.  the  pods,  broken  leafstalks,  flowers,  and  fhnrag- 
ments  of  other  parts  of  one  or  both  of  these  species;  4.  the  leaves  of  Cynamuni 
oleaefolium,  which  are  distinguishable  by  their  length,  almost  always  morthan 
an  inch,  their  greater  thickness  and  firmness,  the  absence  of  any  visible  leral 
nerves  on  their  Under  surface,  their  somewhat  lighter  colour,  and  the  regard}' 
of  their  base.  In  this  last  character  they  strikingly  differ  from  the  genuine  moa 
leaflets,  which,  from  whatever  species  derived,  are  always  marked  by  obliqi  y a: 
their  base,  one  side  being  inserted  in  the  petiole  at  a point  somewhat  lowedian 

* The  following  is  the  botanical  description  of  the  two  species  last  mentioned,  not  hierw 
officinally  recognised. 

1.  C.  lanceolata.  Forskhal;  Lindley,  Flor.  iled.  p.  259.  ‘‘Leaflets  in  four  or  firs  airs, 
never  more ; oblong,  and  either  acute  or  obtuse,  not  at  all  ovate  or  lanceolate,  and  ptect.y 
free  from  downiness  even  when  young : the  petioles  have  constantly  a small  roundrowa 
gland  a little  above  the  base.  The  pods  are  erect,  oblong,  tapering  to  the  base,  tuse, 
turgid,  mucronate,  rather  falcate,  especially  when  young,  at  which  time  they  are  sptng.v 
covered  with  coarse  scattered  hairs.”  {Lindley.) 

2.  C.  TEthiopica.  Guibourt,  Hist.  Ab.  des  Drogues,  <5"c.  ii.  219;  Lindley,  Flor.  Mtdi.  - A 
The  plant  is  about  eighteen  inches  high.  The  footstalks  have  a gland  at  the  ba.  and 
another  between  each  pair  of  leaflets.  There  are  from  three  to  five  pairs  of  leafletsvlrA 
are  pubescent,  oval-lanceolate,  from  seven  to  nine  lines  in  length,  aud  three  or  ur  in 
breadth,  rather  shorter  and  less  acute  than  those  of  C.  acutifolia.  The  legume  is  flat. ; noth, 
not  reniform,  rounded,  from  eleven  to  fifteen  lines  long,  with  from  three  to  five  ses- 


P/.T  I. 


Senna. 


673 


th  other,  and  at  a different  angle.  The  discrimination  between  this  and  the 
otr  ingredients  is  a matter  of  some  consequence,  as  the  cynanchum  must  be 
coiidered  an  adulteration.  It  is  said  by  the  French  writers  to  occasion  hyper- 
ca arsis  and  much  irritation  of  the  bowels;  but  was  found  by  Christison  and 
M er  to  occasion  a griping,  and  severe  protracted  nausea,  with  little  purgation. 
Ti  flowers  and  fruit  of  the  Cynanchum  were  also  often  present,  the  former  of 
a iite  colour,  and  in  small  corymbs,  the  latter  an  ovoid  follicle  rather  larger 
th  an  orange  seed.  Besides  the  above  constituents  of  Alexandria  senna,  it 
ocsionally  contained  leaflets  of  genuine  senna,  much  longer  than  those  of  the 
ac  ifolia  or  obovata,  equalling  in  this  respect  the  cynanchum,  which  they  also 
so ewhat  resembled  in  form.  They  were  distinguishable,  however,  by  their 
grter  thinness,  the  distinctness  of  their  lateral  nerves,  and  the  irregularity  of 
th'  base.  The  leaflets  and  fruit  of  Te.phrosia  Apollinea,  which  have  been  an 
ocsional  impurity  in  this  variety  of  senna,  may  be  distinguished,  the  former 
byheir  downy  surface,  their  obovate-oblong,  emarginate  shape,  their  parallel 
un  anched  lateral  nerves,  and  by  being  usually  folded  longitudinally’ ; the  latter, 
by  is  dimensions,  being  from  an  inch  to  an  inch  and  a half  long,  and  only,  two 
lie;  broad.  As  now  imported,  the  Alexandria  senna  is  often  quite  free  from 
tbi  eaves  of  the  Cynanchum,  and  may  have  few  or  none  of  the  leaflets  of  the 
ob  ate  senna.  It  is  probably  brought  directly  to  Alexandria  from  Upper  Egypt, 
wi  out  having  undergone  any  intermixture  at  Boulac  or  other  intervening  places 
Inlurope,  this  senna  is  said  to  have  been  sometimes  adulterated  with  the  leaf- 
letof  ■Collutea  arborescens  or  bladder  senna,  and  the  leaves  of  Coriaria  nxyrti- 
foi a plant  of  Southern  Europe,  said  to  be  astringent  and  even  poisonous. 
Aijiccount  of  the  former  of  these  plants  is  given  in  the  Appendix.  The  leaflets 
of  lie  Coriaria  are  ovate-lanceolate,  grayish-green  with  a bluish  tint,  and  are 
re;  ly  known,  when  not  too  much  broken  up,  by  their  strongly  marked  midrib, 
an  two  lateral  nerves  running  from  the  base  nearly  to  the  summit.  They  are 
chiically  distinguished  by  giving  a whitish  precipitate  with  solution  of  gelatin, 
an  i bluish-black  one  with  the  salts  of  sesquioxide  of  iron,  proving  the  presence 
of  nnin.  Their  poisonous  properties  are  denied  by  Peschier.  According  to 
Bckardat,  they  are  closely  analogous  to  strychnia  in  their  effect.  (Ann.  de 
Tl  ap.,  1843,  p.  55.) 

Tripoli  Senna.  Genuine  Tripoli  senna  consists  in  general  exclusively  of 
thceaflets  of  one  species  of  Cassia,  which  was  formerly  considered  as  a variety 
of  acuti/olia,  but  is  now  admitted  to  be  distinct,  and  named  C.  AEthiopica. 
Th  leaflets,  however,  are  much  broken  up;  and  it  is  probably  on  this  account 
the  the  variety  is  usually  less  esteemed  than  the  Alexandrian.  The  aspect  given 
to  by  this  state  of  comminution,  and  by  the  uniformity  of  its  constitution, 
ernes  the  eye  at  once  to  distinguish  it  from  the  other  varieties  of  senna.  The 
lea  ts,  moreover,  are  shorter,  less  acute,  thinner,  and  more  fragile  than  those 
of  e C.  acutifolia  in  Alexandria  senna;  and  their  nerves  are  much  less  distinct. 
Tk  general  opinion  at  one  time  was,  that  it  was  brought  from  Sennaar  and 
No  a to  Tripoli  in  caravans;  but  it  is  reasonably  asked  by  M.  Fee,  how  it  could 
be  forded  at  a cheaper  price  than  the  Alexandrian,  if  thus  brought  on  the 
bach  of  camels  a distance  of  eight  hundred  leagues  through  the  desert.  It  is 
prCibly  collected  in  Fezzan,  immediately  south  of  Tripoli,  and  brought  to  that 
toy  for  exportation. 


' India  Senna.  This  variety  is  in  Europe  sometimes  called  Mocha  senna, 
pre  ibly  because  obtained  originally  from  that  port.  It  derives  its  name  of  India 
sen  from  the  route  by  which  it  reaches  us.  Though  produced  in  Arabia,  it  is 
breght  to  this  country  and  Europe  from  Calcutta,  Bombay,  and  possibly  other 
P°i  of  Hindostan.  It  consists  of  the  leaflets  of  Cassia  elongata,  with  some  of 
the  eafstalks  and  pods  intermixed.  The  eye  is  at  once  struck  by  the  great 


674 


Senna. 


par 

length  and  comparative  narrowness  of  the  leaflets,  so  that  no  difficulty  can  e 
experienced  in  distinguishing  this  variety.  The  pike-like  shape  of  the  le;  -t 
has  given  rise  to  the  name  of  sene  de  la  pique,  by  which  it  is  known  in  Freh 
pharmacy.  Many  of  the  leaflets  have  a yellowish,  dark-brown,  or  blaci  h 
colour,  probably  from  exposure  after  collection ; and  this  variety  has  in  ma  a 
dull  tawny  hue  which  is  not  found  in  the  others.  It  is  generally  considi  d 
inferior  in  pui’gative  power. 

A variety  of  India  senna  has  recently  reached  this  country,  which  is  the  o- 
duce  of  Hindostan,  being  cultivated  at  Tinnevelly,  and  probably  other  placcn 
the  South  of  the  Peninsula.  The  plant  was  originally  raised  from  seeds  b- 
tained  from  the  Red  Sea,  and  is  the  same  as  that  from  which  the  common  I ia 
senna  is  derived.  The  drug  is  exported  from  Madras  to  England,  where  is 
known  by  the  name  of  Tinnevelly  senna.  It  is  a very  fine  unmixed  variety,  n- 
sisting  of  unbroken  leaflets,  from  one  to  two  or  more  inches  in  length,  and  si.e- 
times  half  an  inch  in  their  greatest  breadth,  thin,  flexible,  and  of  a fine  gen 
colour. 

4.  Mecca  Senna.  Since  the  publication  of  the  fifth  edition  of  this  Dispea- 
tory,  a variety  of  senna  has  been  imported  under  the  name  of  Mecca  senna,  cor  st- 
ing of  the  leaflets,  pods,  broken  stems,  and  petioles  of  a single  species  of  Gaia. 
The  leaflets  are  oblong-lanceolate,  on  the  average  longer  and  narrower  than  trae 
of  C.  acutifolia,  and  shorter  than  those  of  C.  elongata.  The  variety  in  masuas 
a yellowish  or  tawny  hue,  more  like  that  of  India  than  that  of  Alexandria  seia. 
May  it  not  be  the  product  of  the  C.  lanceolata  of  Forskhal?  Landerer,  w- 
ever,  speaks  of  a valuable  variety  of  senna,  characterized  by  the  large  size  o lie 
leaflets,  and  sold  under  the  name  of  Mecca  senna,  which  he  says  comes  fronhe 
interior  of  Africa. 

Commercial  senna  is  prepared  for  use  by  picking  out  the  leaflets,  and  reje.ng 
the  leafstalks,  the  small  fragments,  and  the  leaves  of  other  plants.  The  nds 
are  also  rejected  by  some  apothecaries ; but  they  possess  considerable  catHic 
power,  though  said  to  be  milder  than  the  leaves. 

Properties.  The  odour  of  senna  is  faint  and  sickly;  the  taste  slightly  her, 
sweetish,  and  nauseous.  Water  and  diluted  alcohol  extract  its  active  prineies. 
Pure  alcohol  extracts  them  but  imperfectly.  (Bley  and  Diesel,  Pharm.  Ct'ral 
Blatt.,  Feb.  1849,  p.  126.)  The  leaves  are  said  to  yield  about  one-thi  of 
their  weight  to  boiling  water.  The  infusion  is  of  a deep  reddish-brown  cour, 
and  has  the  odour  and  taste  of  the  leaves.  When  exposed  to  the  air  for  a ion 
time,  it  deposits  a yellowish  insoluble  precipitate,  supposed  to  result  fronthe 
union  of  extractive  matter  with  ox}rgen.  The  nature  of  this  precipitate, ow- 
ever,  is  not  well  understood.  Decoction  also  produces  some  chauge  in  the rin- 
ciples  of  senna,  by  which  its  medicinal  virtues  have  been  supposed  to  b im- 
paired; but  some  experiments  of  B.  Heerlein  would  seem  to  show  tha  this 
opinion  is  incorrect.  An  extract  prepared  by  boiling  down  an  infusion,  dis- 
solving the  residue,  and  again  boiling  down  to  a solid  consistence,  was  ford  to 
operate  actively  in  a dose  equivalent  to  a drachm  of  the  leaves.  (Pharm. lent. 
Blatt,  A.  D.  1851,  p.  909.)  To  diluted  alcohol  it  imparts  the  same  reph- 
brown  colour  as  to  water;  but  rectified  alcohol  and  ether  digested  upon  thoow- 
dered  leaves  become  of  a deep  olive-green.  The  analysis  of  senna  by  MMLas- 
saigne  and  Feneulle  furnished  the  following  results.  The  leaves  contain- 1-  s 
peculiar  principle  called  cathartin;  2.  chlorophylle  or  the  green  colouring  utter 
of  leaves  ; 3.  a fixed  oil ; 4.  a small  quantity  of  volatile  oil;  5.  albumen  6-  & 
yellow  colouring  matter;  7.  mucilage;  8.  salts  of  the  vegetable  acids  viz., 
malate  and  tartrate  of  lime  and  acetate  of  potassa;  and  9.  mineral  salts.  The 
pods  are  composed  of  the  same  principles,  with  the  exception  of  the  chloropy He, 
the  place  of  which  is  supplied  by  a peculiar  colouring  matter.  (Journ.  dePBrn ., 


PAT  I. 


Senna. 


675 


vii.148,  and  is.  58.)  Catliartin  was  at  one  time  believed  to  be  the  active 
priiiple  of  senna;  but  upon  trial  it  has  proved  to  possess  little  power  of  affect- 
inghe  system;  and  it  is  now  believed  to  be  a complex  body,  consisting,  accord- 
ing o Bley  and  Diesel,  of  a mixture  of  resinous  and  extractive  matter.  It  is 
an  icrystallizable  substance,  having  a peculiar  smell,  a bitter,  nauseous  taste, 
and  reddish-yellow  colour;  is  soluble  in  every  proportion  in  water  and  alcohol, 
butrsoluble  in  ether;  and  in  its  dry  state  attracts  moisture  from  the  air.  It 
is  p pared  in  the  following  manner.  To  a filtered  decoction  of  senna  the  solution 
of  a tate  of  lead  is  added;  and  the  precipitate  which  forms  is  separated.  A stream 
of  1 drosulphuric  acid  (sulphuretted  hydrogen)  is  then  made  to  pass  through 
the  ijuor  in  order  to  precipitate  the  lead,  and  the  sulphuret  produced  is  removed 
by  tration.  The  liquid  is  now  evaporated  to  the  consistence  of  an  extract ; 
the  roduct  is  treated  with  rectified  alcohol;  and  the  alcoholic  solution  is  evapo- 
rate:  To  the  extract  thus  obtained  sulphuric  acid  diluted  with  alcohol  is 

add , in  order  to  decompose  the  acetate  of  potassa  which  it  contains ; the  sul- 
pha of  potassa  is  separated  by  filtration  ; the  excess  of  sulphuric  acid  by  ace- 
tateif  lead;  the  excess  of  acetate  of  lead  by  hydrosulphuric  acid;  and  the 
sulpjret  of  lead  by  another  filtration.  The  liquid  being  now  evaporated  yields 
catl'tin.  Bley  and  Diesel  found  in  senna  a peculiar  yellow  resin  which  they 
MiVLcliri/soretin,  a brown  resin  and  brown  extractive  wbic-h  they  could  not  fully 
sepate,  pectin,  gummy  extractive,  chlorophylle,  fatty  matter,  and  various  salts. 
{Finn.  Cent.  Blatt,  Feb.  1849,  p.  126.) 

liompatibles.  Many  substances  produce  precipitates  with  the  infusion  of 
sent;  but  it  does  not  follow  that  they  are  all  medicinally  incompatible;  as 
theynay  remove  ingredients  which  have  no  therapeutical  effect,  and  leave  the 
acti  principles  untouched.  Cathartin  is  precipitated  by  the  infusion  of  galls 
and  ie  solution  of  subacetate  of  lead.  Acetate  of  lead  and  tartarized  antimony, 
whi<  disturb  the  infusion,  have  no  effect  upon  the  solution  of  this  principle. 

Mical  Properties  and  Uses.  Senna  was  first  used  as  a medicine  by  the 
Arams.  It  was  noticed  in  their  writings  so  early  as  the  ninth  century;  and 
the  ane  itself  is  Arabic.  It  is  a prompt,  eificient,  and  very  safe  purgative, 
well  alculated  for  fevers  and  febrile  complaints,  and  other  cases  iu  which  a 
decldbut  not  violent  impression  is  desired.  An  objection  sometimes  urged 
agai  t it  is  that  it  is  apt  to  produce  severe  griping.  This  effect,  however,  may 
be  o iated  by  combining  with  the  senna  some  aromatic,  and  some  one  of  the 
alka  ie  salts,  especially  bitartrate  of  potassa,  tartrate  of  potassa,  or  sulphate  of 
magjsia.  The  explanation  which  attributes  the  griping  property  to  the  oxi- 
dizec  :xtractive,  and  its  prevention  by  the  saline  substances  to  their  influence 
in  p;  noting  the  solubility  of  that  principle,  is  not  entirely  satisfactory.  The 
purgive  effect  of  senna  is  considerably  increased  by  combination  with  bitters; 
afacvvhich  was  noticed  by  Cullen,  and  has  been  abundantly  confirmed  by  the 
expe  mee  of  others.  The  decoction  of  guaiac  is  said  to  exert  a similar  influence. 
The  )se  of  senna  in  powder  is  from  half  a drachm  to  two  drachms;  but  its 
hulk  mders  it  of  inconvenient  administration  ; and  it  is  not  often  prescribed  in 
this  tte.  Besides,  the  powder  is  said  to  undergo  decomposition,  and  to  become 
moul/  on  exposure  to  a damp  air.  The  form  of  infusion  is  almost  universally 
Prefe:ed.  (See  Infusum  Sennse.)  The  medicine  is  also  used  in  the  forms  of 
eonfe  ion,  fluid  extract,  syrup,  and  tincture,  all  of  which  are  officinal. 

Seja  taken  by  nurses  is  said  to  purge  sucking  infants,  and  an  infusion 
1Djec  1 into  the  veins  operates  as  a cathartic. 

Qi  Prep.  Confectio  Sennae ; Enema  Catharticum ; Extractum  Sennae  Flui- 
dum  Extract.  Spigeliae  et  Sennas  Fluidum ; Infusum  Sennae ; Infusum  Sennae 
“oml  dtum ; Syrupus  Sarsaparillae  Comp. ; Syrupus  Sennae ; Tinctura  Rhei  et 
*-enn  ; Tinctura  Sennae  Comp. ; Tinctura  Sennae  et  Jalapae.  W. 


676 


Serpentaria. 


PAl  I. 


SERPENTARIA.  U.  S.,  Land.,  Ed.,  Dub. 
Virginia  Snakeroot. 

The  root  of  Aristolochia  Serpentaria,  A.  reticulata,  and  other  species  of  is- 
tolochia.  U.  S.  Aristolochia  Serpentaria.  The  root.  Land.,  Ed..  Dvb. 

Serpentaire  de  Virginie,  Fr. ; Virginianische  Schlangenwurzel,  Germ.;  Serpentari:  'ir- 
giniana,  Ilal.,  Span. 

Aristolochia.  Sex.  Syst.  G-ynandria  Hexandria. — Nat.  Ord.  Arista  hi- 
aceae. 

Gen.  Ch.  Calyx  none.  Corolla  one-petaled,  ligulate,  ventricose  at  the  se. 
Capsule  six-celled,  many-seeded,  inferior.  Willd. 

Numerous  species  of  Aristolochia  have  been  employed  in  medicine,  ihe 
roots  of  all  of  them  are  tonic  and  stimulant,  and,  from  their  supposed  possrion 
of  emmenagogue  properties,  have  given  origin  to  the  name  of  the  genus  A. 
Clematitis , A.  lonya,  A.  rotunda , and  A.  Pistolocliia  are  still  retained  in  any 
officinal  catalogues  of  the  continent  of  Europe,  where  they  are  indigenous.  Ihe 
root  of  A.  Clematitis  is  very  long,  cylindrical,  as  thick  as  a goosequill  or  thier, 
variously  contorted,  beset  with  the  remains  of  the  stems  and  radicles,  of  a gr  ish- 
brown  colour,  a strong  peculiar  odour,  and  an  acrid  bitter  taste;  that  4. 
longa  is  spindle-shaped,  from  a few  inches  to  a foot  in  length,  of  the  thicjiess 
of  the  thumb  or  more,  fleshy,  very  brittle,  grayish  externally,  brownish-;;  low 
within,  bitter,  and  of  a strong  disagreeable  odour  when  fresh;  that  of  A.  ronda 
is  tuberous,  roundish,  heavy,  fleshy,  brownish  on  the  exterior,  grayish-  Aw 
internally,  and  similar  to  the  preceding  in  odour  and  taste ; that  of  A.  ttolo- 
chia  consists  of  numerous  slender  yellowish  or  brownish  fibres,  attache®)  a 
common  head,  and  possessed  of  an  agreeable  aromatic  odour,  with  a taste  it  ter 
and  somewhat  acrid.  Many  species  of  Aristolochia  growing  in  the  West  Hies, 
Mexico,  and  South  America,  have  attracted  attention  for  their  medicinal  pper- 
ties,  and  some,  like  our  own  snakeroot,  have  acquired  the  reputation  of  aulotes 
for  the  bites  of  serpents.  In  the  East  Indies,  A.  Indica  is  employed  for  .ailax 
purposes  with  the  European  and  American  species ; and  the  Arabians  a)  said 
by  Forskhal  to  use  the  leaves  of  A.  snnpervirens  as  a counter-poison.  Whave 
1 in  the  United  States  six  species,  of  which  four — A.  Serpentaria,  A.  hirsu,A. 
hastata,  and  A.  reticulata — contribute  to  furnish  the  snakeroot  of  the  sh<s. 

Aristolochia  Serpentaria.  W illd.  Sp.  Plant,  iv.  159 ; Bigelow,  Am.Me<Bot. 
iii.  82;  Barton,  Med.  Bot.  ii.  41.  This  species  of  Aristolochia  is  an  herbeous 
-plant  with  a perennial  root,  which  consists  of  numerous  slender  fibres  proediag 
from  a short  horizontal  caudex.  Several  stems  often  rise  from  the  satcroot. 
They  are  about  eight  or  ten  inches  in  height,  slender,  round,  flexuose,  intea 
at  irregular  distances,  and  frequently  of  a reddish  or  purple  colour  at  tb base. 
The  leaves  are  oblong-cordate,  acuminate,  entire,  of  a pale  yellowish-green  dour, 
and  supported  on  short  petioles  at  the  joints  of  the  stem.  The  flowers  weed 
from  the  joints  near  the  root,  and  stand  singly  on  long,  slender,  round,  anted 
peduncles,  which  are  sometimes  furnished  with  one  or  two  small  scales,  ai  bend 
downwards  so  as  nearly  to  bury  the  flower  in  the  earth  or  decayed  leaves.  There 
is  no  calyx.  The  corolla  is  purple,  monopetalous,  tubular,  swelling  at  tl  base, 
contracted  and  curved  in  the  middle,  and  terminating  in  a labiate  bord  wu- 
lanceolate  lips.  The  anthers — six  or  twelve  in  number — are  sessile,  at  tied  to 
the  under  part  of  the  stigma,  u-hich  is  roundish,  divided  into  six  parts,  ai  sup- 
ported by  a short  fleshy  style  upon  an  oblong,  angular,  hairy,  inferio  germ. 
The  fruit  is  a hexangular,  six-celled  capsule,  containing  several  small  fl; seeds. 

The  plant  grows  in  rich,  shady  woods,  throughout  the  Middle,  Southo,  and 


PA!  I.  Serpentaria.  677 

Weern  States,  abounding  in  the  valley  of  the  Ohio,  and  in  the  mountainous 
regiis  of  our  interior.  It  flowers  in  May  and  June.  The  root  is  collected  in 
Weiru  Pennsylvania  and  Virginia,  in  Ohio,  Indiana,  and  Kentucky,  and  is 
hroi  ht  eastward  chiefly  by  the  routes  of  Wheeling  and  Pittsburg.  As  it  reaches 
Phi  ielphia,  it  is  usually  in  bales  containing  about  one  hundred  pounds,  and 
is  ol'.n  mixed  with  the  leaves  and  stems  of  the  plant,  and  with  dirt  from  which 
it  h.  not  been  properly  cleansed  at  the  time  of  collection. 

/.hirsuta.  Muhlenberg,  Catalogue,  p.  81;  Bridges,  Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm., 
xiv.  21.  In  Muhlenberg’s  Catalogue  this  species  was  named  without  being 
descbed;  and  botanists,  supposing  from  the  name  that  it  was  identical  with  A. 
tomiosa,  have  generally  confounded  the  two  plants.  But  they  are  entirely 
distbt.  A description  of  A.  hirsuta  in  the  handwriting  of  Muhlenberg,  and  a 
labe:d  specimen  of  the  plant,  in  the  possession  of  the  Academy  of  Natural 
Scie:es  of  this  city,  have  been  found  to  correspond  with  a dried  specimen 
recesd  by  one  of  the  authors  of  this  work  from  Virginia.  A.  tomentosa  is  a 
climng  plant,  growing  in  Louisiana  on  the  banks  of  the  Mississippi,  ascending 
to  tl  summit  of  the  highest  trees.  A plant  in  the  garden  of  the  author  has  a 
thiclereeping  root,  entirely  different  in  shape  from  that  of  the  officinal  species, 
thorn  possessed  of  an  analogous  odour.  A.  hirsuta  has  a root  like  that  of  A. 
Sermtaria,  consisting  of  a knotty  caudex,  sending  out  numerous  slender  simple 
fibre  sometimes  as  much  as  six  inches  in  length.  From  this  arise  several 
jointl,  flexuose,  pubescent  stems,  less  than  a foot  high,  with  one  or  two  pubes- 
centractes,  and  several  large  roundish-cordate  leaves,  of  which  the  lower  are 
obtu , the  upper  abruptly  acuminate,  and  all  pubescent  on  both  sides  and  at  the 
niarji.  From  the  joints  near  the  root  originate  from  one  to  three  solitary 
pedides,  each  bearing  three  or  four  leafy  bractes  and  one  flower.  The  pedun- 
cles, ractes,  and  corolla  are  all  hairy.  This  species  grows  in  Virginia,  and 
probly  other  parts  of  the  Western  and  Southern  States.  There  is  reason  to 
belie;  that  it  contributes  to  afford  the  serpentaria  of  commerce,  as  its  leaves, 
at  oi  time  mistaken  for  those  of  A.  tomentosa,  have  been  found  in  bales  of  the 
drug 

Aastata.  Nuttall,  Gen.  of  N.  Am.  Plants,  p.  200. — A.  sagittata.  Muhl. 
Cak  This  species,  if  indeed  it  can  be  considered  a distinct  species,  differs 
fromr.  Serpentaria  in  having  hastate,  acute,  somewhat  cordate  leaves,  and  the 
lip  o the  corolla  ovate.  It  flourishes  on  the  banks  of  the  Mississippi,  in  the 
Caro  ms,  and  elsewhere.  Its  root  scarcely  differs  from  that  of  the  officinal  plant, 
and  frequently  mixed  with  it,  as  proved  by  the  presence  of  the  characteristic 
leavfflof  A.  hastata  in  the  parcels  brought  into  market. 

A eticulata.  Nuttall;  Bridges,  Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.  xvi.  118;  Carson, 
Illus  of  Med.  Bot.  ii.  32,  pi.  77.  This  plant  wras  probably  first  observed  by 
Jlr.  attall ; as  a specimen  labelled  “A.  reticulata,  Bed  river,”  in  the  hand- 
writi ; of  that  botanist,  is  contained  in  the  Herbarium  of  the  Academy  of  Natural 
Sciei  ;s  of  Philadelphia.  From  this  specimen,  as  well  as  from  others  found  in 
parce  of  the  drug  brought  into  market,  a description  was  drawn  up  by  Hr. 
liobt  Bridges,  and  published  in  the  Amer.  Journ.  of  Pharmacy.  From  a 
mot,  milar  to  that  of  A.  serpentaria,  numerous  short,  slender,  round,  flexuose, 
joint  stems  arise,  usually  simple,  but  sometimes  branched  near  the  root.  The 
older  stems  are  slightly  villous,  the  young  densely  pubescent.  The  leaves, 
whie1  stand  on  very  short  villous  petioles,  are  round  or  oblong-cordate,  obtuse, 
reticiite,  very  prominently  veined,  and  villous  on  both  sides,  especially  upon 
tbe  vps.  From  the  lower  joints  of  the  stem  four  or  five  hairy,  jointed  pedun- 
cles x-eed,  which  bear  small  leafy  villous  bractes  at  the  joints,  and  several 
flowe  on  short  pedicels.  The  flowers  are  small,  purplish,  and  densely  pubes- 
cent, specially  at  the  base  and  on  the  germ.  The  hexangular  capsule  is  deeply 


678 


Serpentaria. 


par 


sulcate.  This  species  grows  in  Louisiana,  Arkansas,  and  probably  in  the  Ini  n 
Territory  west  of  that  State;  but  its  geographical  range  has  not  been  ascertain. 

Bales  of  a new  variety  of  serpentaria  have  within  a few  years  been  brout 
to  Philadelphia,  which  is  certainly  the  product  of  this  species;  as  specimerff 
all  parts  of  the  plant  have  been  found  in  the  bales,  and  the  roots,  which  d?r 
somewhat  from  those  before  known,  are  homogeneous  in  character.  On  of 
these  bales  was  brought  from  New  Orleans,  and  was  said  to  have  come  dm 
the  Bed  river,  and  to  have  been  collected  by  the  Indians.  The  chief  differ  ee 
between  this  and  ordinary  Virginia  snakeroot  is  in  the  size  of  the  radicles,  w:-h 
are  much  thicker  and  less  interlaced  in  the  new  variety.  Each  root  has  usiiy 
a considerable  portion  of  one  or  more  stems  attached  to  the  caudex.  The  ctur 
is  yellowish.  The  odour  and  taste  are  scarcely,  if  at  all  distinguishable  m 
those  of  common  serpentaria  ; and  there  is  no  doubt  that  the  root  is  eqijy 
effectual  as  a medicine.  From  a chemical  examination  by  Mr.  ThomaS. 
Wiegand,  it  appears  to  have  the  same  constituents,  and  to  differ  only  in  in- 
taining  a somewhat  larger  proportion  of  gum,  extractive,  and  volatile  oil.  (m. 
Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xvi.  16.) 

Properties.  Virginia  snakeroot,  as  found  in  the  shops,  is  in  tufts  of  ig, 
slender,  frequently  interlaced,  and  brittle  fibres,  attached  to  a short,  contced, 
knotty  head  or  caudex.  The  colour,  which  in  the  recent  root  is  yello  sh, 
becomes  brown  by  time.  That  of  the  powder  is  grayish.  The  smell  is  st  ig, 
aromatic,  and  camphorous;  the  taste  warm,  very  bitter,  and  also  camphous. 
The  root  yields  all  its  virtues  to  water  and  alcohol,  producing  with  the  faer 
a yellowish-brown  infusion,  with  the  latter  a bright  greenish  tincture,  wh:.  is 
rendered  turbid  by  the  addition  of  water.  Chevallier  found  in  the  root  votile 
oil,  a yellow  bitter  principle  soluble  in  water  and  alcohol,  resin,  guui,  slch, 
albumen,  lignin,  and  various  salts.  Buchholz  obtained  from  1000  parts,  Of  a 
green,  fragrant  volatile  oil,  28.5  of  a yellowish-green  resin,  17  of  extractive:^- 
ter,  181  of  gummy  extract,  624  of  lignin,  and  144'5  of  water.  The  active  gre- 
dients  are  probably  the  volatile  oil,  and  the  yellow  bitter  principle  of  Chewier, 
which  that  chemist  considers  analogous  to  the  bitter  principle  of  quassia.  Thtola- 
tile  oil  passes  over  with  water  in  distillation,  rendering  the  liquid  milky,  arim- 
pregnating  it  with  the  peculiar  odour  of  the  root.  Dr.  Bigelow  states  that  the  juid 
on  standing  deposits  around  the  edges  of  its  surface  small  crystals  of  canqor. 

The  roots  of  Spigelia  Marilandica  are  sometimes  found  associated  wit  ser- 
pentaria. They  may  be  distinguished  by  the  absence  of  the  bitter  tastetnd, 
when  the  stem  and  foliage  are  attached,  hy  the  peculiar  character  of  thesearis 
of  the  plant.  (See  Spigelia .)  We  have  occasionally  seen  the  young  ros  of 
Polygala  Senega  mixed  with  serpentaria.  Independently  of  their  differed  in 
odour  and  taste,  they  may  be  readily  distinguished  by  being  single,  and  the 
projecting  line  running  from  one  end  to  the  other  of  the  root. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Serpentaria  is  a stimulant  tonic,  acting  :o  as 
a diaphoretic  or  diuretic,  according  to  the  mode  of  its  application.  Too  1'gelv 
taken,  it  occasions  nausea,  griping  pains  in  the  bowels,  sometimes  vomitii  and 
dysenteric  tenesmus.  It  is  admirably  adapted  to  the  treatment  of  t-boid 
fevers,  whether  idiopathic  or  symptomatic,  when  the  system  begins  to  ft  the 
necessity  for  support,  but  is  unable  to  bear  active  stimulation.  In  e^ts-- 
matous  diseases  in  which  the  eruption  is  tardy  or  has  receded,  and  the  gdeof 
action  is  low,  it  is  thought  to  be  useful  by  promoting  the  cutaneous  aflnon. 
It  has  also  been  highly  recommended  in  intermittent  fevers  ; and  thought 
generally  inadequate  to  the  cure  of  the  complaint,  often  proves  service^  as 
an  adjunct  to  Peruvian  bark  or  sulphate  of  quinia.  With  the  same  remuesa 
is  frequently  associated  in  the  treatment  of  typhous  diseases.  It  is  sontmie? 
given  in  dyspepsia,  and  is  employed  as  a gargle  in  malignant  sorethroat. 


PAT  I. 


679 


Serpentaria. — Sesami  Folia. — Oleum  Sesami. 

he  dose  of  the  powdered  root  is  from  ten  to  thirty  grains ; but  the  infusion 
is  lmost  always  preferred.  (See  Infusum  Serpentarise.)  The  decoction  or 
exact  would  be  an  improper  form ; as  the  volatile  oil,  upon  which  the  virtues 
of  le  medicine  partly  depend,  is  dissipated  by  boiling.* 

)ff.  Prep.  Infusum  Serpentarise;  Tinctura  Cinchonse  Composita;  Tinctura 
Sejentarise.  W. 

SESAMI  FOLIA.  TJ.  S.  Secondary. 

Benne  Leaves. 

he  leaves  of  Sesamum  Indicum,  and  of  Sesamum  orientale.  U.  S. 


OLEUM  SESAME  U.S.  Secondary. 

Benne  Oil. 

ie  oil  of  the  seeds  of  Sesamum  Indicum,  and  of  Sesamum  Orientale.  U.S. 

Isame,  Fr.;  Sesam,  Germ.;  Sesamo,  Ital.;  Anjonjoli,  Span. 

'jsamum.  Sex.  Syst.  Didynamia  Angiospermia.  — Nat.  Orel.  Bignonise, 
Ju ; Pedaliaceae,  R.  Brown,  Bindley. 

few.  Ch.  Calyx  five-parted.  Corolla  bell-shaped,  five-cleft,  with  the  lower 
lot;  largest.  Stamens  five,  the  fifth  a rudiment.  Stigma  lanceolate.  Capsule 
focpelled.  Willd. 

I isamum  orientale.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  iii.  358 ; Rheed.  Hort.  Malab.  ix. 
54r  Leaves  ovate,  oblong,  entire.” 

Isamum  Indicum.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  iii.  359 ; Curtis,  Bot.  Mag.  vol.  xli. 
t.  ,88.  “Leaves  ovate-lanceolate,  the  inferior  three-lobed,  the  superior  undi- 
vidl.  Stem  erect.”  There  is  reason  to  believe  that  this  species  is  the  one 
chi  y cultivated  in  our  Southern  States.  At  least  we  have  found  plants,  raised 
in . tiladelphia  from  seeds  obtained  from  Georgia,  to  have  its  specific  character, 
as  yen  by  Willdenow. 

|e  benne  plant  of  our  Southern  States  is  annual,  with  a branching  stem 
fem  or  five  feet  high,  and  bearing  opposite,  petiolate  leaves,  varying  consider- 
abl  in  their  shape.  Those  on  the  upper  part  of  the  plant  are  ovate-lanceolate, 
irrularly  serrate,  and  pointed;  those  near  the  base  three-lobed  and  some- 
tini  ternate;  and  lobed  leaves  are  not  uncommon  at  all  distances  from  the 
gro id.  The  flowers  are  of  a reddish-white  colour,  and  stand  solitarily  upon 
she  peduncles  in  the  axils  of  the  leaves.  The  fruit  is  an  oblong  capsule,  con- 
taii  ig  small,  oval,  yellowish  seeds. 

■*  1|ese  two  species  of  Sesamum  are  natives  of  the  East  Indies,  and  have  been 
cu Gated  from  time  immemorial  in  various  parts  of  Asia  and  Africa.  From 
the  atter  continent  it  is  supposed  that  seeds  were  brought  by  the  Negroes  to 
the  'nited  States,  where,  as  well  as  in  the  West  Indies,  one  or  both  species  are 
nor  ultivated  to  a considerable  extent.  It  has  been  found  that  the  plant  above 
desi  bed  will  grow  vigorously  in  the  gardens  so  far  north  as  Philadelphia, 
tho,|;h  it  does  not  usually  ripen  its  seeds  in  this  vicinity. 


*|[r.  J.  B.  Savery  proposes  a,  fluid  extract  of  serpentaria , made  in  the  following  manner. 
Eig  ounces  of  the  powdered  root  are  macerated  for  a day  or  two  in  a pint  of  alcohol ; 
and  ie  mixture  is  then  submitted  to  percolation,  diluted  alcohol  being  poured  upon  it 
ant  our  pints  have  passed.  The  tincture  thus  obtained  is  evaporated  by  a gentle  heat, 
witl  onstant  agitation,  to  twelve  fiuidounces,  in  which  eight  ounces  of  poYvdered  sugar 
are  ssolved,  and  the  Yvhole  strained  through  flannel.  Ajiuidounce  contains  the  virtues 
efli  an  ounce  of  the  root.  From  half  a fluidrachm  to  a fluidrachm  may  be  given  for  a 
“0Sl  [Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xxiii.  120.) 


680 


Sevum. — Silex  Contritus. 


PAR] 


The  seeds  are  employed  as  food  by  the  negroes,  who  parc-h  them  over  the  f 
boil  them  in  broths,  make  them  into  paddings,  and  prepare  them  in  vari  3 
other  modes.  By  expression  they  yield  a fixed  oil,  which,  as  well  as  the  lea? 
of  the  plant,  has  been  introduced  into  the  secondary  catalogue  of  our  natic  1 
Pharmacopoeia. 

1.  Benne  Leaves.  These  abound  in  a gummy  matter,  which  theyrea(y 
impart  to  water,  forming  a rich,  bland  mucilage,  much  used  in  the  South  a 
States  as  a drink  in  various  complaints  to  which  demulcents  are  applicable  3 
in  cholera  infantum,  diarrhoea,  dysentery,  catarrh,  and  affections  of  theuriny 
passages.  The  remedy  has  attracted  attention  also  in  the  North,  and  has  tn 
employed  with  favourable  results  in  Philadelphia.  One  or  two  fresh  leave; if 
full  size,  stirred  about  in  half  a pint  of  cool  water,  will  soon  render  it  sufficieiy 
viscid.  In  their  dried  state  they  should  be  introduced  into  hot  water,  '.e 
leaves  also  serve  for  the  preparation  of  emollient  cataplasms. 

2.  Benne  Oil.  This  is  inodorous,  of  a bland,  sweetish  taste,  and  will  kp 

long  without  becoming  rancid.  It  bears  some  resemblance  to  olive  oil  in  its  0- 
perties,  and  may  be  used  for  similar  purposes.  It  was  known  to  the  ancit 
Persians  and  Egyptians,  and  is  highly  esteemed  by  the  modern  Arabs  and  Ofer 
people  of  the  East,  both  as  food  and  as  an  external  application  to  promote  t- 
ness  of  the  skin.  Like  olive  oil,  it  is  laxative  in  large  doses.  Ti 

SEVUM.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed. 

Suet. 

The  prepared  suet  of  Ovis  Aries.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed. 

Suit’,  Graisse  de  mouton,  Fr.;  Hammelstalg,  Germ.;  Grasse  duro.  Ital.;  Sebo,  Spa 

Suet  is  the  fat  of  the  sheep,  taken  chiefly  from  about  the  kidneys.  It  isre- 
pared  by  cutting  the  fat  into  pieces,  melting  it  with  a moderate  heat,  and  straing 
it  through  linen  or  flannel.  In  order  to  avoid  too  great  a heat,  the  crude  let 
is  sometimes  purified  by  boiling  it  in  a little  water. 

Mutton  suet  is  of  a firmer  consistence,  and  requires  a higher  temperaturfor 
its  fusion  than  any  other  animal  fat.  It  is  very  white,  sometimes  brittkin- 
odorous,  of  a bland  taste,  insoluble  in  water,  and  nearly  so  in  alcohol.  Bong 
alcohol,  however,  dissolves  it,  and  deposits  it  upon  cooling.  It  consists,  acrd- 
ing  to  Chevreul,  of  stearin,  olein,  and  a small  proportion  of  hircin.  Fean 
account  of  the  two  first-mentioned  principles,  the  reader  is  referred  to  the  aide 
Adeps.  Hircin  is  a liquid  like  olein,  from  which  it  differs  in  being  much  ore 
soluble  in  alcohol,  and  iu  yielding  hircic  acid  by  saponification. 

Suet  acquires  by  time  an  unpleasant  smell,  and  becomes  unfit  for  phrna- 
ceutic  purposes.  It  is  employed  to  give  a proper  consistence  to  ointimts, 
cerates,  and  plasters,  and  sometimes  as  a dressing  to  blisters.  y 

SILEX  CONTRITUS.  Lond. 

Pulverized  Silex. 

Powdered  flint,  Silica,  Silicic  acid;  Silice,  Fr.;  Kieselerde,  Germ. 

In  operations  of  pharmacy,  substances  are  sometimes  employed  whose  non 
is  exclusively  mechanical.  Thus,  in  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia,  sand  is  usl  in 
preparing  oil  of  amber  and  the  fluid  extract  of  rhubarb,  and  carbonate  of  mag- 
nesia in  forming  several  of  the  medicated  waters.  The  use  of  the  same  carbate 
was  also  directed  in  the  London  Pharmacopoeia  of  1836,  in  alternative  presses 
for  preparing  several  of  these  waters.  Mr.  It.  Warington  has  objected  the 


PAC  I. 


Silex  Contritus. — Simarula. 


681 


usof  this  carbonate,  as  being  dissolved  to  an  injurious  extent,  and  proposed  to 
sulitute  porcelain  clay,  or  pulverized  silica,  glass,  or  pumice  stone.  ( Chem . 
Go,,  March  1,  1845  ) The  London  College,  probably  influenced  by  this  ob- 
jeon,  has,  in  its  Pharmacopoeia  of  1851,  abandoned  the  use  of  carbonate  of 
ma  icsia,  and  substituted  finely  pulverized  silex,  under  the  name  of  Silex  Con- 
trili. 

bis  powder  may  be  conveniently  obtained  from  colourless  quartz  or  rock- 
cry  al.  In  order  to  render  it  more  easily  pulverizable,  it  is  advantageous  to 
hea  it  to  redness,  and  quench  it  in  water.  It  may  then  be  reduced  to  fine 
pover  in  a porphyry  or  agate  mortar. 

Idverized  silex  is  a harsh,  white,  tasteless  powder,  insoluble  in  water  and 
mo  other  solvents.  Its  sp.  gr.  is  2 '66.  In  composition  it  is  generally  con- 
sid  sd  to  be  a teroxi.de  of  silicon,  consisting  of  one  eq.  of  silicon  2 1 "3,  and  three 
of  :ygen  24=45 '3. 

be  London  College  directs  the  use  of  pulverized  silex  in  preparing  all  the 
meoated  waters,  except  two,  from  the  volatile  oils  of  the  plants,  in  addition  to 
thenethod  of  distillation  with  water  from  the  plants  themselves.  In  the  ex- 
cepd  cases  (rose  and  elder  water),  distillation  is  alone  allowed.  The  oil  is 
ruled  up  first  with  the  silex  and  then  with  the  water,  and  the  whole  is  filtered. 
Thsilex  acts  as  a mechanical  agent  in  minutely  dividing  the  oil  and  diffusing 
it  t-ough  the  water,  and,  by  the  subsequent  filtration,  is  entirely  removed. 

B. 

SIMARUBA.  U.  S.  Secondary,  Lond.,  Ed. 

Simaruba. 

e bark  of  the  root  of  Simaruba  officinalis.  U.  S.  Root-bark  of  Simaruba 
ami.  Ed.,  Dub. 

Arce  de  simarouba,  Fr. ; Simarubarinde,  Germ.;  Corteccia  di  simaruba,  Ital.;  Cor- 
tez; e simaruba,  Span. 

Cassia.  See  QUASSIA. 

( assia  Simaruba.  Willd.  Sp.Plant.  ii  568 ; Woodv.  Med.  Bot.  p.  569,  t.  203. 
— maruba  officinalis.  De  Cand.  Prodrom.  i.  733. — S.  amara.  Aublet ; Lind- 
lejFlor.  Med.  p.  207.  As  this  plant  is  unisexual,  it  belongs  to  the  genus  Si- 
ma ba  of  De  Candolle  and  Lindley,  those  only  being  placed  by  these  botanists 
in  3 genus  Quassia  which  are  hermaphrodite.  But  as  the  Linnsean  arrange- 
me  was  adhered  to  in  the  case  of  Quassia  excelsa,  we  continue  to  adhere  to  it 
in  ation  to  this  plant.  (See  Quassia.)  It  is  a tree  of  considerable  height  and 
tlii  ness,  having  alternate  branches,  with  a bark  which  in  the  old  tree  is  black 
amsomewhat  furrowed,  in  the  young  is  smooth,  gray,  and  marked  here  and 
the  with  broad  yellow  spots.  The  leaves  are  alternate  and  abruptly  pinnate, 
wit  a naked  petiole,  to  which  the  leaflets  are  alternately  attached  by  short  foot- 
sta  3.  The  leaflets  are  nearly  elliptical,  on  the  upper  surface  smooth  and  of  a 
dee  green  colour,  on  the  under  whitish.  The  flowers  are  yellow,  and  disposed 
in  ig  axillary  panicles.  In  some  descriptions  they  are  stated  to  be  monoecious, 
in  i iers  dioecious.  According  to  Dr.  Wright,  the  female  flowers  are  never  found 
in  maica  on  the  same  tree  with  the  male.  The  number  of  stamens  is  ten. 

' e tfee  is  found  in  the  West  Indies  and  Guyana.  In  Jamaica  it  is  called 
that oimtain  damson.  The  Simaruba  amara  of  Aublet,  which  grows  in  Guyana, 
andias  generally  been  considered  identical  with  Q.  simaruba,  is  believed  by 
Hsie  to  be  a distinct  species;  the  Jamaica  plant  having  dioecious,  while  this 
has  mnoecious  flowers.  The  bark  of  the  root  is  the  part  employed;  the  wood 
its;  being  nearly  tasteless  and  inert. 

naruba  bark  is  in  long  pieces,  some  inches  in  breadth,  folded  lengthwise, 


682 


Simaruba. — Sinapis.  PAR' 

light,  flexible,  tenacious,  very  fibrous,  externally  of  a light  brownish-yellow  cob  ■ 
rough,  warty,  aud  marked  with  transverse  ridges,  internally  of  a pale  yellow,  t 
is  without  smell,  and  of  a bitter  taste.  It  readily  imparts  its  virtues,  at  o.- 
nary  temperatures,  to  water  and  alcohol.  The  infusion  is  at  least  equally  hi  r 
with  the  decoction,  which  becomes  turbid  as  it  cools.  Its  constituents,  accii- 
ing  to  M.  Morin,  are  a bitter  principle  identical  with  quassin,  a resinous  mat- 
a volatile  oil  having  the  odour  of  benzoin,  malic  acid,  gallic  acid  in  very  mit  e 
proportion,  an  ammoniacal  salt,  malate  and  oxalate  of  lime,  some  mineral  sj s 
oxide  of  iron,  silica,  ulmin,  and  lignin. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Simaruba  possesses  the  same  tonic  properties 
other  simple  bitters,  and  may  be  employed  for  the  same  purposes.  In  large  d ;s 
it  is  said  to  purge  and  vomit.  It  was  introduced  into  France  in  the  year  1 3 
from  Guyana,  where  it  had  previously  been  used  as  a remedy  for  dysentery,  n 
the  treatment  of  this  disease  and  of  obstinate  diarrhoea  it  afterwards  obta  -d 
much  credit  in  Europe;  but  Cullen  was  right  in  denying  to  it  any  specific  o- 
trol  over  these  complaints.  It  operates  simply  as  a tonic;  and,  though  it  iy 
be  occasionally  beneficial  in  relaxed  and  debilitated  states  of  the  alimentary  ea.l. 
it  would  do  much  harm  if  indiscriminately  prescribed  in  dysenteric  cases.  >n 
account  of  its  difficult  pulverization,  it  is  seldom  given  in  substance.  The  st 
mode  of  administration  is  by  infusion.  The  dose  is  from  a scruple  to  a dracn. 

Off.  Prep.  Infusum  Simarubae.  A 

SINAPIS.  U.  S.,  Lond. 

Mustard. 

The  seeds  of  Sinapis  nigra  and  Sinapis  alba.  U.  S-,  Lond. 

Off.  Syn.  SINAPI.  Flour  of  the  seeds  of  Sinapis  nigra,  generally  mixed  th 
those  of  Sinapis  alba,  and  deprived  of  fixed  oil  by  expression.  Ed.  SIXAIN 
ALBA  and  SINAPIS  NIGRA.  The  flour  of  the  seeds.  Dub. 

Moutarde,  Fr.;  Senf'samen,  Germ.;  Senapa,  Ital.;  Mostaza,  Span. 

Sinapis.  Sex.  Syst.  Tetradynamia  Siliquosa.  — Nat.  Ord.  Brasicaceae  or  :u- 
ciferae. 

Gen.  Ch.  Calyx  spreading.  Corolla  with  straight  claws.  Glands  betweeihe 
shorter  stamens  and  pistil,  and  between  the  longer  stamens  and  calyx.  Wil. 

Sinapis  nigra.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  iii.  555;  Woodv.  Med.  Bot.  p.  403, 1. 16. 
Common  or  black  mustard  is  an  annual  plant,  with  a stem  three  or  four  fe  in 
height,  divided  and  subdivided  into  numerous  spreading  branches.  The  Ice? 
are  petiolate  and  variously  shaped.  Those  near  the  root  are  large,  rough,  lyte- 
pinnate,  and  unequally  toothed;  those  higher  on  the  stem  are  smooth  andess 
lobed;  aud  the  uppermost  are  entire,  narrow,  smooth,  and  dependent.  The  fleer^ 
are  small,  yellow,  with  a coloured  calyx,  and  stand  closely  together  upon  pedu  les 
at  the  upper  part  of  the  branches.  The  pods  are  smooth,  erect,  nearly  pa  .lel 
with  the  branches,  quadrangular,  furnished  with  a short  beak,  and  occupie  by 
numerous  seeds. 

Sinapis  alba.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  iii.  555;  Smith,  Flor.  Brit.  721.  The  rite 
mustard  is  also  annual.  It  is  rather  smaller  than  the  preceding  species,  .he 
lower  leaves  are  deeply  pinnatifid,  the  upper  sublyrate,  and  all  irregularly  tooed, 
rugged,  with  stiff  hairs  on  both  sides,  and  pale- green.  The  flowers  are  in  raeoes, 
with  yellow  petals,  aud  linear,  green,  calycine  leaflets.  The  pods  are  spreang, 
bristly,  rugged,  roundish,  swelling  in  the  position  of  the  seeds,  ribbed,  ancrio- 
vided  with  a very  long  eusiform  beak. 

Both  plants  are  natives  of  Europe  and  cultivated  in  our  gardens;  and  S.  " 
has  become  naturalized  in  some  parts  of  this  country.  Their  flowers  appem 


P^T  I. 


683 


Sinapis. 

Jie.  The  seeds  are  kept  in  the  shops  both  whole  and  in  the  state  of  very  fine 
pcder,  as  prepared  by  the  manufacturers  for  the  table. 

’lack  mustard  seeds  are  small,  globular,  of  a deep-brown  colour,  slightly  rugose 
on  he  surface,  and  internally  yellow.  In  the  entire  state  they  are  inodorous,  but 
haa  a distinct  smell  in  powder,  and  when  rubbed  with  water  or  vinegar  exhale 
a rong  pungent  odour,  sufficient  in  some  instances  to  excite  a flow  of  tears. 
Tlir  taste  is  bitterish,  hot,  and  pungent,  but  not  permanent.  White  mustard 
secs  are  much  larger,  of  a yellowish  colour,  and  less  pungent  taste.  Both  afford 
a flow  powder,  which  has  a somewhat  unctuous  appearance,  and  cakes  when 
copressed.  This  is  commonly  called  flour  of  mustard,  or  simply  mustard,  and 
is  repared  by  crushing  and  pounding  the  seeds,  and  then  sifting  them;  the 
pisst  flour  being  obtained  by  a second  sifting.  Both  the  black  and  the  white 
se  s are  used  in  its  preparation.  It  is  often  adulterated  with  wheat  flour  coloured 
bj urmeric,  to  which  red  pepper  is  added  to  render  the  mixture  sufficiently  hot. 
T1  skin  of  white  mustard  seeds  contains  a mucilaginous  substance,  which  is 
exacted  by  boiling  water.  When  bruised  or  powdered,  both  kinds  impart  their 
acre  properties  wholly  to  water,  but  in  a very  slight  degree  to  alcohol.  They 
yii  upon  pressure  a fixed  oil,  called  oil  of  mustard,  of  a greenish-yellow  colour, 
fits  smell,  and  a mild  not  unpleasant  taste;  and  the  portion  which  remains  is 
evi  more  pungent  than  the  unpressed  seeds.  The  fixed  oil  of  mustard  yields, 
up  saponification,  a peculiar  acid,  for  which  the  name  of  erucic  acid  has  been 
pnosed.  (Darby,  Chem.  Gaz.,  vii.  163,  from  Liebig’s  Annalen.) 

It  has  been  long  known  that  black  mustard  seeds  yield  by  distillation  with 
w::r  a very  pungent  volatile  oil,  containing  sulphur.  Guibourt  conjectured, 
at  Robiquet  and  Boutron  proved,  that  this  oil  does  not  pre-exist  in  the  seeds, 
br  is  produced  by  the  action  of  water.  Hence  the  absence  or  very  slight  degree 
of  lour  in  the  seeds  when  bruised  in  a dry  state,  and  their  great  pungency7  when 
w:;r  is  added.  It  seemed  reasonable  to  suppose  that  the  reaction  in  this  case 
W;  similar  to  that  exercised  by  water  upon  bitter  almonds  (see  Amygdala  Amara ); 
at  this  has  been  proved  to  be  the  fact  by  the  experiments  of  Simon,  Bussy, 
B tron,  and  Eremy.  According  to  M.  Bussy,  there  are  two  peculiar  principles 
in  lack  mustard  seeds,  one  named  by  him  myronic  acid,  which  exists  in  the 
se  s in  the  state  of  myronate  of  potassa  ; the  other  myrosyne,  closely  analogous 
inharacter  to  the  albuminous  constituent  of  almonds  called  emulsin.  When 
tv;  r is  added  to  black  mustard  seed,  the  myrosyne,  acting  the  part  of  a ferment, 
de  rrnines  a reaction  between  the  water  and  myronate  of  potassa,  which  results 
in  le  production  of  the  volatile  oil.  The  same  thing  happens  when  any  one  of 
tb  myronates  is  brought  into  contact  with  water  and  myrosyne.  The  presence 
of.ie  last-mentioned  principle  is  essential.  Like  emulsin,  it  becomes  inoperative 
win  coagulated  by  heat,  alcohol,  or  the  acids;  and,  if  black  mustard  seeds  be 
su  ected  to  either  of  these  agencies  previously  to  the  addition  of  water,  they 
wi  yield  no  volatile  oil.  The  myrosyne,  however,  sometimes  partially  recovers 
itaower  by  continued  contact  with  water.  This  substance  is  found  also  in  white 
m tard  seeds,  but  without  the  myronate  of  potassa.  If,  therefore,  white  mustard 
se  s be  added  to  the  black  in  which  the  myrosyne  has  been  coagulated,  the  vola- 
til  oil  will  be  generated  on  the  application  of  water.  Though  closely  analogous 
to  nulsin,  myrosyne  is  yet  a distinct  principle,  as  its  place  cannot  be  supplied 
bj  mulsin  with  the  same  effect.  ( Journ . de  Pharm.,  xxvi.  39.)  Simon  obtained 
re  Its  somewhat  different  from  those  of  M.  Bussy.  The  former  chemist  suc- 
ce  ed  in  procuring  a peculiar  crystalline  principle  from  the  seeds  which  he  called 
si'pisin,  and  which,  upon  contact  with  rvater  and  the  albuminous  principle  of 
tb  seeds,  emitted  the  odour  of  the  oil  of  mustard.  The  whole  subject  requires 
fu  aer  investigation. 

he  volatile  oil  of  mustard  is  usually  obtained  from  seeds  which  have  been 
d<  ived  of  their  fixed  oil  by  pressure.  It  is  a colourless  or  pale-yellow  liquid, 


684 


Sinapis. 


PART 


rather  heavier  than  water,  of  an  exceedingly  pungent  odour,  and  an  acrid  burni; 
taste.  It  boils  at  about  298°;  is  slightly  soluble  in  water,  and  readily  so 
alcohol  and  ether;  with  alkaline  solutions  yields  sulphocyanurets;  and  coDsis 
according  to  M.  Lbwig  and  Dr.  Will,  of  nitrogen,  carbon,  hydrogen,  and  sulpha 
its  formula  being  NCsII5S2.  Dr.  Will  considers  it  a sulphocyanuret  of  alb 
(C8H5),  the  compound  radical  of  oil  of  garlic,  which  is  considered  a sulphuret 
allyle.  ( Chem . Gaz.,  No.  62  and  64.)  It  is  the  principle  upon  which  bla 
mustard  seeds  depend  for  their  activity. 

White  mustard  seeds  do  not  yield  volatile  oil  when  treated  with  water;  I 
an  acrid  fixed  principle  is  developed,  which  renders  these  seeds  applicable  to  t 
same  purposes  as  the  other  variety.  MM.  Robiquet  and  Boutron,  who  ase< 
tained  this  fact,  concluded  that  the  acrid  principle  resulted  from  the  reaction’ 
water  upon  sulpha-sinapism,  discovered  in  the  seeds  by  MM.  Henry,  Jun.,  a 
Grarot.  Their  reason  for  this  belief  was  that  mustard,  which  had  been  depriv. 
of  this  ingredient,  was  incapable  of  developing  the  acrid  principle.  The  my  • 
syne  or  emulsin  is  equally  essential  to  the  change  here,  as  to  that  which  oco; 
in  black  mustard;  and  the  reaction  equally  fails,  if  this  principle  be  previou- 
rendered  inert  by  heat,  alcohol,  or  the  acids.  MM.  Boutron  and  Fremy  st> 
that  not  only  the  acrid  principle  of  white  mustard,  but  hydrosulphocyanic  a 1 
also  results  from  the  reaction  above  explained;  and  this  observation  renders  si 
closer  the  analogy  between  the  changes  that  take  place,  upon  contact  with  wat, 
in  mustard  seeds  and  bitter  almonds.  ( Journ . de  Pharm.,  xxvi.  50.)* 

* As  some  may  desire  to  push  these  investigations  further,  we  give  the  propertied 
these  peculiar  principles,  and  the  modes  of  procuring  them. 

Myronic  acid  is  a fixed  inodorous  substance,  of  a bitter  and  sour  taste,  and  acid  react! . 
When  obtained  separate  from  its  bases,  it  forms  a colourless  solution,  which  by  evaporata 
becomes  of  a thick  consistence  like  molasses,  without  crystallizing.  It  is  soluble  inwir 
and  alcohol,  but  not  iu  ether;  and  forms  soluble  salts  with  the  alkalies,  baryta,  lime.  1 
the  oxides  of  lead  and  silver,  all  of  which  yield  volatile  oil  of  mustard,  when  mixed  vh 
an  aqueous  solution  of  myrosyne.  It  contains  sulphur,  besides  nitrogen,  carbon,  hydro';, 
and  oxygen.  It  is  obtained  from  the  myronate  of  potassa  by  adding  to  100  parts  of  tt 
salt  38  parts  of  crystallized  tartaric  acid,  concentrating  the  solution  by  evaporation,  d 
then  adding  weak  alcohol,  which  precipitates  the  bitartrate  of  potassa  and  retains  the  r- 
ronic  acid  in  solution.  To  obtain  myronate  of  potassa  from  black  mustard  seeds,  the  powr, 
having  been  dried  at  212°,  and  deprived  of  its  fixed  oil  by  pressure,  is  treated  with  strg 
alcohol  in  a displacement  apparatus,  and,  when  thus  nearly  exhausted  of  everything  soli  e 
in  that  liquid,  is  pressed  and  treated  with  water.  The  aqueous  solution  is  evaporated.  ;i. 
before  it  is  too  much  concentrated,  weak  alcohol  is  added,  which  precipitates  a glutins 
matter.  The  solution,  being  then  carefully  evaporated,  deposits  crystals  of  myronat  f 
potassa,  which  may  be  obtained  very  pure  and  white  by  washing  the  mass  with  dilW 
alcohol.  This  salt  is  easily  crystallizable  in  fine  large,  transparent  crystals,  is  unalter  ,e 
in  the  air,  very  soluble  in  water,  insoluble  in  pure  alcohol,  aud  of  a bitter  taste. 

Myrosyne,  when  dry,  has  the  character  of  an  albuminous  substauce.  It  is  solubla 
water,  forming  a viscid  solution  which  froths  when  agitated,  and  is  coagulated  by  bt, 
alcohol,  and  the  acids.  It  is  obtained  by  treating  white  mustard  seed  with  cold  w;  r. 
filtering  the  solution,  evaporating  it  by  a heat  not  exceeding  100°,  and.  when  it  is  ofie 
consistence  of  syrup,  carefully  adding  alcohol,  which  causes  a precipitate  easily  separie 
by  decantation.  If  this  be  dissolved  in  water,  and  the  solution  evaporated  as  before,  m;o- 
syne  is  obtained,  though  not  entirely  pure.  (Journ.  de  Pharm.,  xxvi.  39.) 

The  sinapisin  of  Simon  is  in  brilliant,  white,  scaly  crystals,  sublimable  by  heat,  soke 
in  alcohol,  ether,  and  the  fixed  and  volatile  oils,  but  insoluble  in  acids  and  alkalies.  1 
obtain  it  he  exhausted  black  mustard  seed  with  strong  alcohol,  distilled  off  the  greater  it 
of  the  alcohol,  treated  the  residue  several  times  with  four  or  five  times  its  weight  of  et  r. 
from  the  ethereal  solutions  distilled  off  all  the  ether,  treated  the  extract  again  with  a sm  er 
quantity  of  ether  so  as  to  leave  behind  insoluble  substances,  and  repeated  this  process  tu 
the  extract  formed  a perfectly  clear  solution  without  residue.  The  extract  was  then. 5- 
solved  in  cold  strong  alcohol,  and  the  solut  ion,  having  been  decolorized  with  animal  char  u- 
was  allowed  to  evaporate  in  the  air.  Simon  obtained  front  55  pounds  of  the  seeds  onk" 
grains  of  crystallized  sinapisin.  ( Annal . der  Pharm.,  xxviii.  291.) 

Sulpho-sinapisin,  the  peculiar  ingredient  of  white  mustard  seed,  is  white,  crystalliz :■?, 


P IT  I. 


685 


Sin  ap  is. 

i’rom  the  above  account  of  the  chemical  relations  of  mustard,  it  is  obvious  that 
anixture  with  alcohol  or  the  acids,  or  the  application  of  a boiling  heat,  can  only 
hie  the  effect  of  impairing  its  medical  virtues,  and  that  the  best  vehicle,  whether 
foexternal  or  internal  use,  is  water  at  common  temperatures. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Mustard  seeds  swallowed  whole  operate  as  a 
laitive,  and  have  acquired  some  reputation  as  a remedy  in  dyspepsia,  and  in 
ot:r  complaints  attended  with  torpid  bowels  and  deficient  excitement.  The  white 
sels  are  preferred,  and  are  taken  in  the  dose  of  a tablespoonful  once  or  twice  a 
dr,  mixed  with  molasses,  or  previously  softened  and  rendered  mucilaginous  by 
inlersion  in  hot  water.  They  probably  act  in  some  measure  by  mechanically 
stiulating  the  bowels.  The  bruised  seeds  or  powder,  in  the  quantity  of  a large 
tepoonful,  operate  as  an  emetic.  Mustard  in  this  state  is  applicable  to  cases 
ot;reat  torpor  of  stomach,  especially  that  resulting  from  narcotic  poisons.  It 
roses  the  gastric  susceptibility,  and  facilitates  the  action  of  other  emetics.  In 
seller  quantities  it  is  useful  as  a safe  stimulant  of  the  digestive  organs;  and, 
ast  is  frequently  determined  to  the  kidneys,  has  been  beneficially  employed  in 
dnsy.  Whey,  made  by  boiling  half  an  ounce  of  the  bruised  seeds  or  powder 
in  pint  of  milk  and  straining,  is  a convenient  form  for  administration.  It  may 
bciven  in  the  dose  of  a wineglassful  repeated  several  times  a day.  But  mustard 
ia  lost  valuable  as  a rubefacient.  Mixed  with  water  in  the  form  of  a cataplasm, 
ar  applied  to  the  skin,  it  very  soon  produces  redness  with  a burning  pain,  which 
iniss  than  an  hour  usually  becomes  insupportable.  When  a speedy  impression 
is  ot  desired,  especially  when  the  sinapism  is  applied  to  the  extremities,  the 
peder  should  be  diluted  with  an  equal  portion  of  rye  meal  or  wheat  flour. 
Ce  should  be  taken  not  to  allow  the  application  to  continue  too  long,  as  vesi- 
capn  with  obstinate  ulceration,  and  even  sphacelus  may  result.  This  caution 
is  irticularly  necessary  in  cases  where  the  patient  is  insensible,  and  the  degree 
of  ain  can  afford  no  criterion  of  the  sufficiency  of  the  action.  The  volatile  oil, 
w ;h  is  powerfully  rubefacient,  and  capable  of  producing  speedy  vesication,  has 
be  1 considerably  used  in  Germany.  For  external  application  as  a rubefacient, 
BUrops  may  be  dissolved  in  a fluidounce  of  alcohol,  or  6 or  8 drops  in  a flui- 
di  hw  of  almond  or  olive  oil.  It  has  been  given  internally  in  colic,  two  drops 
bt  g incorporated  with  a six-ounce  mixture,  and  half  a fluidounce  given  for  a 
dc . (See  Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xi.  9.)  In  overdoses  it  is  highly  poisonous, 

in  orous,  bitter,  and  soluble  in  alcohol  and  water,  forming  a yellow  solution.  It  was  at 
fir  thought  by  MM.  Henry  and  Garot  to  be  an  acid,  but  they  afterwards  ascertained  that 
it  is  neuter.  It  consists  of  sulphur,  nitrogen,  carbon,  hydrogen,  and  oxygen.  It  may 
bebtained  from  white  mustard  seeds,  previously  deprived  of  the  fixed  oil  by  expression, 
by  oiling  them  in  water,  evaporating  the  decoction  to  the  consistence  of  honey,  mixing 
th  -esidue  with  6 or  8 times  its  volume  of  anhydrous  alcohol  which  precipitates  various 
su  tances,  then  distilling  off  the  alcohol,  and  setting  aside  the  syrupy  residue  to  crystal- 
lizi  The  crystals  may  be  purified  by  repeated  solution  and  crystallization  in  alcohol. 
(Hzelius,  TraitS  de  Chimie.)  This  principle,  which  has  also  been  called  sinapin,  is  con- 
siij  ed  by  L.  von  Babo  and  Hirschbrunn  to  be  the  sulphocyanuret  of  an  alkaloid,  to  which 
th  propose  to  confine  the  name  of  sinapin,  and  for  which  they  give  the  formula  NC32HZ6Oi2. 
T1  sulphocyanuret  of  sinapin  is  obtained  from  seeds,  already  so  far  exhausted  by  cold 
ah  iol  as  to  yield  only  a pale-yellow  colour  to  that  liquid,  by  boiling  them  in  alcohol  of 
thj.jt.gr.  0-833,  evaporating  the  liquor,  and  crystallizing.  It  has  an  appearance  like  that 
of  ystallized  sulphate  of  quinia,  is  soluble  with  difficulty  in  cold  water  and  alcohol,  but 
relly  in  both  liquids  when  hot,  and  is  nearly  insoluble  in  ether.  When  boiled  with  alkalies, 
it  fids  an  acid  called  sinapic  acid.  It  is  difficult  to  separate  the  organic  base  sinapin  from 
it,j;cause  this  is  decomposed  by  alkalies.  It  does  not  appear  that  sulphocyanuret  of 
siiifin  yields  with  synaptase  the  acrid  principle  developed  in  white  mustard  seeds  by  water; 
hi  he  authors  state  that  another  substance  rich  in  sulphur  has  been  ascertained  by  Simon 
tojast  in  white  mustard  seeds,  which  plays  an  important  part  in  the  production  of  the 
pi  ;ent  matter.  (See  Chem.  Gaz.,  March  1, 1853,  p.  81.) 


686 


Sodium. — Sodse  Acetas. 


PART 


producing  gastro-enteric  inflammation,  and  probably  perverting  the  vital  p 
cesses  by  pervading  the  whole  system.  Its  odour  is  perceptible  in  the  blo< 
and  it  is  said  to  impart  the  smell  of  horseradish  to  the  urine. 

Off.  Prep.  Cataplasma  Sinapis;  Emplastrum  Cantharidis  Compositum:  ] 
fusum  Armoraciae.  W. 

SODIUM. 

Sodium. 

Sodium,  Fr.;  Natrium,  Natronmetall,  Germ.;  Sodio,  Ital.,  Span. 

Sodium  is  a peculiar  metal,  forming  the  radical  of  the  alkali  soda.  It  v , 
discovered  by  Sir  H.  Davy  in  1807,  who  obtained  it  in  minute  quantity  by  ■ 
composing  the  alkali  by  the  agency  of  galvanic  electricity.  It  was  afterwa:’ 
procured  in  much  larger  quantities  by  Gay-Lussac  and  Thenard,  by  bring’; 
the  alkali  in  contact  with  iron  turnings  heated  to  whiteness.  The  iron  bec-a: 
oxidized,  and  the  metallic  radical  of  the  soda  was  liberated.  It  is  now  obtaiil 
by  the  cheaper  process  of  Schoedler,  which  consists  in  converting,  by  igniti , 
the  commercial  acetate  of  soda  into  carbonate  and  charcoal,  and  heating  2 
product  to  whiteness  in  an  iron  mercury-bottle,  mixed  with  an  additional  port  1 
of  charcoal. 

Sodium  is  a soft,  malleable,  sectile  solid,  of  a silver-white  colour.  It  possess 
the  metallic  lustre  in  a high  degree  when  protected  from  the  action  of  the:, 
by  which  it  is  quickly  tarnished  and  oxidized.  Its  sp.gr.  is  0'97,  fusing  pot 
about  200°,  equivalent  number  23 '3,  and  symbol  Na.  Its  chemical  affini;s 
resemble  those  of  potassium,  but  are  less  energetic.  Like  potassium  it  haa 
strong  attraction  for  oxygen.  When  thrown  upon  cold  water  it  instantly  fus 
into  a globule  without  inflaming,  and  traverses  the  surface  in  different  direc-tbs 
with  rapidity;  on  hot  water  it  inflames.  In  both  cases  the  water  is  decompose 
hydrogen  is  liberated,  and  a solution  of  soda  generated.  It  combines  also  wj 
a larger  proportion  of  oxygeu  than  exists  in  soda,  forming  a sesquioxide.  Is 
oxide  is  always  formed  when  the  metal  is  burnt  in  the  open  air. 

Sodium  is  an  ingredient  iu  a number  of  important  medicinal  preparations,  id 
is  briefly  described  in  this  place  as  an  introduction  to  these  compounds,  s 
protoxide  only  is  salifiable,  constituting  the  alkali  soda,  which,  united  to  ac- s, 
gives  rise  to  a numerous  class  of  compounds,  called  salts  of  soda.  These  e 
characterized  by  their  communicating  to  the  blowpipe  flame  a rich  yellow  cola', 
and  by  not  being  precipitable  by  any  reagent,  except  the  metantimoniatof 
potassa.  (See  paye  585.)  Protoxide  of  sodium  (dry  soda)  consists  of  one  \. 
of  sodium  23'3,  and  one  of  oxy^gen  8=31'3.  United  with  one  eq.  of  wate:', 
it  forms  hydrate  of  soda  (caustic  soda),  weighing  40'3. 

The  officinal  combinations  containing  sodium  are  chloride  of  sodium,  thesi- 
tions  of  soda  and  chlorinated  soda,  the  acetate,  borate,  carbonate,  bicarbone, 
phosphate,  sulphate,  and  valerianate  of  soda,  and  the  tartrate  of  potassa  and  $(*• 
The  description  of  a part  of  these  combinations  will  immediately  follow;  wle 
the  remainder  will  be  noticed,  under  their  respective  titles,  in  the  second  ]rt 
of  this  work.  I 

SODaE  ACETAS.  U S.,  Dub. 

Acetate  of  Soda. 

Terra  foliata  tartari,  Lat.;  Acetate  de  soude,  Fr.;  Essigsaurcs  Natron,  Germ.:  Accto 
di  soda,  Ital. 

Acetate  of  soda  is  included  among  the  Preparations  by  the  Dublin  Coll <e; 
but,  as  it  is  obtained  on  a large  scale  by  the  manufacturing  chemist,  it  is  nre 


pai  i.  Sodae  Acetas. — Sodas  Boras.  687 

pro  rly  placed  in  the  catalogue  of  the  Materia  Medica  in  the  United  States 
Phsnacopceia. 

Separation.  The  Dublin  College  obtains  this  salt  by  the  following  process. 
“T;e  of  Crystallized  Carbonate  of  Soda  of  commerce  one  pound  [avoirdupois], 
or  sufficient  quantity;  Acetic  Acid  of  commerce  (sp.  gr.  1 044)  one  pint  [Imp. 
meajj.  To  the  Acid,  placed  in  a porcelain  capsule,  add  by  degrees  the  Car- 
bone of  Soda,  and,  taking  care  that  there  shall  be  a slight  excess  of  Acid, 
evajrate  the  resulting  solution  till  a pellicle  begins  to  form  on  its  surface,  and 
set  by  to  crystallize.  The  crystals,  when  drained  of  the  mother  liquor,  and 
drie  by  a short  exposure  to  air  on  a porous  brick,  should  be  enclosed  in  a well 
stop:d  bottle.”  Dub. 

Atate  of  soda  is  prepared  by  the  manufacturer  of  crude  pyroligneous  acid, 
for  e purpose  of  being  decomposed  so  as  to  yield  the  officinal  acetic  acid  by  the 
actiij  of  sulphuric  acid.  The  steps  of  the  process  by  which  it  is  made  from 
tbe  ude  acid  have  already  been  given  under  the  head  of  Acidum  Aceticum, 
pagel8. 

Ifperties,  &c.  Acetate  of  soda  is  a white  salt,  crystallized  in  long  striated 
pris s,  and  possessing  a sharp,  bitterish,  not  disagreeable  taste.  Exposed  to 
a dr  air  it  effloresces  slowly,  and  loses  about  forty  per  cent,  of  its  weight.  It 
is  sible  in  about  three  parts  of  cold  water,  and  in  twenty-four  of  alcohol. 
Subpted  to  heat  it  undergoes  first  the  aqueous  and  then  the  igneous  fusion, 
and  finally  decomposed ; the  residue  being  a mixture  of  carbonate  of  soda  and 
cbanal.  By  the  affusion  of  sulphuric  acid  it  is  decomposed,  the  acetic  acid 
bein  liberated,  known  by  its  acetous  odour,  and  sulphate  of  soda  formed.  The 
salt  iould  be  perfectly  neutral  to  test  paper,  and  not  precipitated  by  chloride  of 
bari  i,  nitrate  of  silver,  or  chloride  of  platinum.  The  non-action  of  these  tests 
prop:  the  absence  of  sulphates,  chlorides,  and  salts  of  potassa.  For  the  proper 
acti<  of  the  nitrate  of  silver  test,  the  solution  should  be  dilute ; for  if  it  be  strong, 
ther  will  be  a crystalline  precipitate  of  acetate  of  silver,  which  dissolves  on  the 
addi)n  of  water.  Acetate  of  soda  consists,  when  crystallized,  of  one  eq.  of 
acet  acid  51,  one  of  soda  3 1 '3,  and  six  of  water  54=136'3. 

Mical  Properties  and  Uses.  Acetate  of  soda  is  diuretic,  and  possesses 
gem.lly  the  same  medical  properties  as  acetate  of  potassa,  to  which  article  the 
read  is  referred.  It  is,  however,  more  convenient  for  exhibition  than  the  latter 
salt,,;  it  is  not  deliquescent.  The  dose  is  from  a scruple  to  two  drachms.  It 
is  erloyed  principally  to  yield  acetic  acid  by  the  action  of  sulphuric  acid. 

B. 

SODiE  BORAS.  U.  S. 

Borate  of  Soda. 

C Syn.  BORAX.  Land.,  Ed.,  Dub. 

Batede  soude.  Borax,  Fr.;  Boraxsaures  Natron,  Borax,  Germ.;  Borace,  Ital.;  Borrax, 
Span  Boorak,  Arab. 

B ax  was  known  to  the  ancients,  but  its  chemical  nature  was  first  ascertained 
By  Ooffroyin  1732.  It  exists  native,  and  may  be  obtained  by  artificial  means. 
It  O'  irs  in  several  localities  in  Europe,  in  Peru,  and  in  beds  associated  with 
bora  of  li  me  in  the  district  of  Iquique,  iu  the  Republic  of  Ecuador.  This  mine- 
ral, analyzed  by  M.  Le  Canu,  contained  from  13  to  19  per  cent,  of  borate  of 
sodamd  from  23  to  26  per  cent,  of  borate  of  lime.  ( Journ . de  Pharm.,  July, 
U5'  p.  22.)  It  has  already  become  an  article  of  commerce.  Borax  is  found 
abut  mtly  in  certain  lakes  of  Thibet  and  Persia,  from  which  it  is  obtained  by 
spoaneous  evaporation.  The  impure  borax  concretes  on  the  margins  of  these 
lake1  and  is  dug  up  in  lumps,  called  in  commerce  tincal  or  crude  borax.  In  this 


688 


Sodse  Boras. 


par:  . 


state  it  is  in  the  form  of  crystalline  masses,  which  are  sometimes  colourless,  so  ■ 
times  yellowish  or  greenish,  and  always  covered  with  an  earthy  coating,  greas  o 
the  touch,  and  having  the  odour  of  soap.  The  greasy  appearance  is  deri  ] 
from  a fatty  matter,  saponified  by  soda.  The  tincal  thus  obtained  in  the  inte  r 
is  transferred  to  the  seaports  of  India,  especially  Calcutta,  from  which  it  is 
ported  to  this  country  in  chests.  Besides  Indian  tincal,  there  is  another  ci- 
mercial  variety  of  borax  which  comes  from  China,  and  which  is  partially  refill. 
Both  varieties  require  to  be  purified  before  being  used  in  medicine  or  the 

Purification.  The  method  of  refining  borax  was  originally  possessed  : a 
secret  by  the  Venetians  and  Dutch,  but  is  now  practised  in  several  Euro]  n 
countries.  The  process  pursued  in  France,  as  reported  by  Bobiquet  and  I:r- 
chand,  is  as  follows.  The  tincal  is  placed  in  a large  woodeD  vessel,  and  coved 
to  the  depth  of  three  or  four  inches  with  water;  in  which  state  it  is  alloweito 
remain  for  five  or  six  hours,  being  agitated  from  time  to  time.  Slaked  linns 
now  added,  in  the  proportion  of  one  part  to  four  hundred  of  the  impure  salt;  id 
the  whole,  being  thoroughly  mixed,  is  allowed  to  remain  at  rest  till  the  succd- 
ing  day.  The  salt  is  next  separated  by  means  of  a sieve,  the  crystals  being cin- 
bled  between  the  hands,  and  placed  so  as  to  drain.  The  object  of  this  t it- 
ment  is  to  separate  the  soapy  matter,  with  which  the  lime  forms  an  insoble 
soap;  and  at  the  same  time  sulphate  of  soda  and  chloride  of  sodium  are  rented, 
with  only  a minute  loss  of  the  borax.  The  borax  being  drained  is  next  dissold, 
by  the  assistance  of  heat,  in  two  and  a half  times  its  weight  of  water,  andbe 
solution  treated  with  one-fiftieth  of  its  weight  of  chloride  of  calcium,  in  ord'to 
complete  the  separation  of  the  soapy  matter;  after  which  it  is  strained  thruh 
a coarse  bag.  The  liquor  is  then  concentrated  by  heat,  and  run  into  woeu 
vessels,  lined  with  lead,  having  the  shape  of  an  inverted  quadrangular  pyraid. 
If  care  be  taken  that  the  cooling  proceeds  very  gradually,  distinct  crystals  ill 
be  obtained,  such  as  are  found  in  commerce;  otherwise,  crystalline  crustsill 
be  formed.  The  Chinese  borax  is  purified  in  a similar  manner;  but,  beingess 
impure  than  the  common  tincal,  does  not  require  to  be  washed. 

Preparation  of  Artificial  Borax.  Large  quantities  of  borax  are  now  nde 
by  the  direct  combination  of  native  lioracic  acid  with  soda.  The  acid  is  find 
in  solution  in  certain  lagoons  in  Tuscany,  from  which  hot  vapours  are  ejeed, 
and  which  are  situated  within  a space  of  ten  or  twelve  miles.  The  water  ctbe 
lagoons  is  economically  concentrated  by  the  hot  vapours  themselves.  In  116, 
the  product  of  these  lagoons  was  estimated  by  M.  Larderel,  the  original  Dim- 
facturer  of  the  acid,  at  three  millions  of  Tuscan  pounds.  As  here  proeureitbe 
acid  contains  from  17  to  20  per  cent,  of  impurities,  consisting  principally  ctbe 
sulphates  of  ammonia,  magnesia,  lime,  and  alumina,  muriate  of  ammonia,  do- 
ride  of  iron,  and  clay,  sand,  and  sulphur.  It  is  added  to  saturation  toadu- 
tion  of  carbonate  of  soda,  heated  by  steam,  and  the  liquor,  after  boilii.  is 
allowed  to  stand  for  ten  or  twelve  hours.  It  is  then  drawn  off  into  w Jen 
vessels  lined  with  lead,  where  it  crystallizes.  The  impure  crystals,  thus obtaed, 
are  refined  by  dissolving  them  in  water  heated  by  steam,  adding  carbonate  oloda 
to  the  solution,  and  crystallizing.  The  merit  of  introducing  the  proce:  for 
obtaining  artificial  borax  belongs  to  Cartier  and  Payen,  who  succeeded  insta- 
blishing  its  manufacture  in  France,  notwithstanding  the  strong  prejudiefik 
against  the  use  of  the  artificial  salt.  In  the  process  for  artificial  borax  ■ M. 
Koehnke,  a solution  of  caustic  soda  is  used,  extemporaneously  obtained  1 the 
action  of  lime.  For  the  details  of  his  process,  see  the  AnuJoum.  of  Firm ., 
xvii.  p.  111. 

Properties.  Borax  is  a white  salt,  generally  crystallized  in  flattened 
hedral  prisms,  terminated  by  triangular  pyramids,  and  possessing  a swtisb. 
feebly  alkaline  taste,  and  an  alkaline  reaction.  It  dissolves  in  twelve  tins 


PAI  I. 


Sodse  Boras. 


689 


weiit  of  cold,  and  twice  its  weight  of  boiling  water.  Exposed  to  the  air  it 
efflosces  slowly,  and  the  surface  of  the  crystals  becomes  covered  with  a white 
power.  Subjected  to  a moderate  heat  it  undergoes  the  aqueous  fusion,  swells 
con.derably,  and  finally  becomes  a dry  porous  mass,  with  loss  of  half  its  weight. 
Abes  a red  heat  it  melts  into  a limpid  liquid,  and,  after  cooling,  concretes  into 
a tr  sparent  solid,  called  <jlass  of  borax,  much  used  as  a flux  in  assays  with  the 
blov  ipe.  Borax  has  been  found,  in  the  English  market,  adulterated  to  the 
extet  of  twenty  per  cent,  with  phosphate  of  soda.  The  foreign  salt  may  be  de- 
tect by  exposing  the  suspected  borax  to  the  heat  of  a drying  room  for  a few 
Lou  when  the  phosphate,  if  present,  will  effloresce,  and  may  be  picked  out. 
Sulj uric  acid,  added  to  a saturated  solution  of  the  salt,  unites  with  the  soda, 
and  recipitates  the  boracic  acid  in  white,  shining,  scaly  crystals,  possessing  the 
propty  of  imparting  a green  colour  to  the  flame  of  burning  alcohol.  Boracic 
acidousists  of  one  eq.  of  boron  1 0 '9,  and  three  of  oxygen  24=34'9. 

Bax  has  the  property  of  rendering  cream  of  tartar  very  soluble  in  water,  and 
forira  combination  with  it  called  soluble  cream  of  tartar , which  is  sometimes 
used  n medicine.  This  preparation  is  made  by  boiling  six  parts  of  cream  of 
tart;  and  two  of  borax  in  sixteen  of  water  for  five  minutes,  allowing  the  solution 
to  cd,  and  then  filtering  to  separate  some  tartrate  of  lime.  Soluble  cream  of 
tsrtsfattraets  moisture  from  the  air,  and  is  soluble  in  its  own  weight  of  cold, 
and  alf  its  weight  of  boiling  water.  A similar  preparation  may  be  made  by 
subs  uting  boracic  acid  for  the  borax,  the  proportions  being  four  parts  of  cream 
of  tear  to  one  of  the  acid.  This  combination  is  even  more  soluble  than  the 
othe  It  has  not  been  well  ascertained  what  is  the  nature  of  these  compounds. 
Therrd  has  thrown  out  the  suggestion,  that  the  former  consists  of  two  double 
salts  artrate  of  potassa  and  soda  (Rochelle  salt),  and  tartrate  of  potassa  and 
bora;  acid,  the  boracic  acid  acting  the  part  of  a base;  and  Berzelius  inclines 
to  tl  opinion  that  the  latter  is  a double  tartrate  of  potassa  and  boracic  acid. 
Accdiug  to  the  formula  of  the  Paris  Codex,  soluble  cream  of  tartar  is  made 
with  'oracic  acid.  Four  hundred  parts  of  cream  of  tartar  and  one  hundred  of 
the  fid  are  dissolved  in  a silver  basin,  at  the  temperature  of  ebullition,  in  2400 
partsjf  water.  The  solution  is  kept  boiling  until  the  greater  part  of  the  wTater 
is  co  umed.  The  fire  is  then  moderated,  and  the  solution  continually  stirred 
whih  he  evaporation  proceeds.  When  the  matter  has  become  very  thick,  it  is 
remo  d by  portions,  which  are  flattened  in  the  hand,  completely  dried  by  the 
heat  ' a stove,  reduced  to  powder,  and  kept  in  well  stopped  bottles. 

exposition.  Borax  consists  of  two  eqs.  of  boracic  acid  69 '8,  and  one  of  soda 
31'3  lOl’l.  It  ordinarily  crystallizes  in  prisms,  and  contains  ten  eqs.  of  water 
(prkatic  borax)-,  but  a variety  of  the  salt  exists,  ■which  crystallizes  in  octo- 
hedre,,  and  contains  only  five  eqs.  of  water  (octohed ra I borax) . The  latter  is 
obtai  d in  the  artificial  production  of  borax,  by  crystallizing  from  a concentrated 
solut: i at  a temperature  between  174°  and  133°.  When  a solution  of  borax 
is  evsorated  at  212°,  the  salt  is  left  as  an  amorphous,  transparent,  brittle  mass, 
contajing  four  eqs.  of  water.  ( Schweitzer .)  From  the  composition  of  borax  in 
equivents,  it  is  evidently  a biborate,  though  sometimes  called  a subborate  on 
aceou,,  of  its  possessing  an  alkaline  reaction. 

Mi'cal  Properties  and  Uses.  Borax  is  a mild  refrigerant  and  diuretic.  It 
>s  supsed  also  to  exercise  a specific  influence  over  the  uterus,  promoting  men- 
strua .n,  facilitating  parturition,  and  favouring  the  expulsion  of  the  placenta. 
(Vog  Pharma  lead ynamik,  cited  by  Pereira.)  Dr.  Binswanger,  in  a prize 
essay  ublished  in  1848,  denies  its  specific  power  of  exciting  uterine  contrac- 
tions, r promoting  menstruation.  Nevertheless  Dr.  Daniel  Stahl,  of  Indiana, 
fount  t useful  in  dysmenorrhoea,  occurring  in  sanguineous  constitutions,  vene- 
sectic  being  premised.  He  gives  it  in  doses  of  about  nine  grains  ever}'  two 


690 


Sodse  Boras. — Sodse  Carbonas. 


PAR' 


hours  in  a tablespoonful  of  flaxseed  tea,  for  two  days  before  the  time  of  the  > 
pected  return  of  the  menses.  (See  Am.  Journ.  of  Med.  Sci.,  xx.  536.)  Y:y 
deemed  it  aphrodisiac ; and,  according  to  Dr.  J.  C.  Hubbard,  it  is  eminently  i, 
when  used  in  the  form  of  enema.  {New  York  Journ.  of  Med.,  for  Nov.  1Y, 
from  the  Annalist.)  Binswanger  considers  borax  as  the  best  remedy  that  care 
used  in  nephritic  and  calculous  complaints,  dependent  on  an  excess  of  uric  a 1. 
It  probably  acts  in  such  cases  as  an  alkali,  the  soda  of  the  salt  neutralizing  e 
uric  acid,  occurring  in  the  urinary  passages,  and  the  boracic  acid  being  set  (g. 
The  dose  is  from  thirty  to  forty  grains.  Cream  of  tartar,  rendered  soluble  y 
borax  or  boracic  acid,  is  a convenient  preparation,  where  it  is  desirable  to i- 
minister  large  quantities  of  the  former  salt.  Externally  the  solution  of  bora  is 
used  as  a wash  in  scaly  cutaneous  eruptions.  A solution  formed  by  dissoh  » 
a drachm  of  the  salt  in  two  fluidounces  of  distilled  vinegar  has  been  found,  :h 
by  Dr.  Abercrombie  and  Dr.  Christison,  an  excellent  lotion  for  ringworm  ohe 
scalp.  Borax  is  very  much  used  as  a detergent  in  aphthous  affections  of  re 
mouth  in  children.  When  employed  for  this  purpose,  it  is  generally  applie  in 
powder,  either  mixed  with  sugar  in  the  proportion  of  one  part  to  seven,  or  ruisd 
up  with  honey.  (See  Mel  Boracis.) 

Off.  Prep.  Mel  Boracis.  1 

SODAS  CARBONAS.  US.,  Lond.,  Ed. 
Carbonate  of  Soda. 

Off.  Syn.  SODiE  CARBONAS  CRYSTALLIZATUM.  Dub. 

Carbonate  de  soude,  Fr.;  Einfach  Kohlensaures  Natron,  Germ.;  Carbonato  di  la, 
Ital.;  Carbonato  de  soda,  Span. 

In  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia  this  salt  has  been  always  placed  in  the  list  c:be 
Materia  Medica ; the  crystallized  carbonate  of  soda,  obtained  on  a large  ale 
by  the  manufacturing  chemist,  being  a nearly  pure  salt,  and  that  which  isold 
in  the  shops  of  our  apothecaries.  The  same  position  is  now  given  to  it  bthe 
three  British  Colleges;  the  officinal  processes  for  preparing  it  having  ten 
abandoned  by  the  Edinburgh  College  in  1839,  and  by  the  Dublin  and  Lclon 
Colleges  in  their  recent  Pharmacopoeias  of  1850  and  1851. 

Before  entering  upon  the  consideration  of  the  carbonate  of  soda  as  a purealt, 
we  shall  speak  generally  of  the  sources  of  the  alkali  soda. 

The  sources  of  carbonated  soda  may  be  divided  into  the  natural  and  artiial. 
The  natural  sources  are  the  minerals  of  native  soda,  and  certain  marine  j.nts 
which  yield  the  alkali  in  their  ashes;  the  artificial  are  certain  salts  which  finish 
it  by  chemical  decomposition. 

Native  soda,  sometimes  called  natron,  is  found  chiefly  in  Hungary,  Epb 
and  South  America,  and  exists,  in  these  countries,  either  in  the  earth  t the 
surface,  which  often  exhibits  a saline  efflorescence,  or  in  solution  in  small  kes, 
from  which  it  is  extracted  by  taking  advantage  of  the  drying  up  of  theater 
during  the  heats  of  summer.  That  from  Egypt,  called  trona  by  the  nati's.  ts 
a sesquicarbonate ; while  that  from  South  America  is  less  carbonated.  Hive 
soda,  iu  the  form  of  a sesquicarbonate,  has  been  found  in  a soda  lake  in  tl  ter- 
ritory of  the  Nizam,  India.  (See  Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  July,  1853,  p.  50.) 

Impure  soda,  derived  from  the  ashes  of  plants  growing  on  the  surhe  or 
borders  of  the  sea,  is  called  barilla  or  kelp,  according  to  the  character  the 
plants  incinerated.  Barilla  is  obtained  from  several  vegetables,  prinoally 
belonging  to  the  genera  Salsola,  Salicornia,  and  Chenopodium.  In  earn, 
Sicily,  and  some  other  countries,  the  plants  are  regularly  cultivated  for  thpnr- 
pose  of  yielding  soda  by  their  combustion.  When  ripe,  they  are  cut  owD) 


pa:c  i. 


Sodse  Carbonas. 


691 


dr!,  and  burnt  in  heaps.  The  ashes  form  a semi-fused,  hard,  and  compact 
salii  mass,  which  is  broken  up  into  fragments  by  means  of  pickaxes,  and 
thrm  into  commerce.  Kelp,  called  vareck  in  France,  is  procured  by  the  incine- 
ratii  of  various  kinds  of  sea-weeds,  principally  the  algae  and  fuci,  which 
gro.-'on  the  rocky  coasts  of  many  countries.  The  Orkneys  and  Hebrides,  and 
the  )cky  coasts  of  Wales,  Scotland,  and  Ireland,  furnish  large  quantities  of  these 
wees.  The  plants  are  allowed  to  ferment  in  heaps,  then  dried,  and  afterwards 
bur,  to  ashes  in  ovens,  roughly  made  with  brick  or  stone,  and  built  in  the 
gro  id.  The  alkali  in  the  ashes  melts,  and  forms  the  whole  into  one  solid  mass. 
Wh  cold,  it  is  broken  up  with  iron  instruments  into  large  heavy  masses,  in 
whii  state  it  is  found  in  commerce.  About  twenty-four  tons  of  sea-weeds  are 
reqjred  to  produce  one  of  kelp. 

1\ villa,  when  of  good  quality,  is  in  hard,  dry,  porous,  sonorous,  grayish-blue 
mans,  which  become  covered  with  a saline  efflorescence  after  exposure  to  the 
air.lt  possesses  an  alkaline  taste  and  peculiar  odour.  Spanish  barilla  contains 
froitwenty-five  to  forty  per  cent,  of  real  carbonated  alkali ; the  residue  being 
mac  up  of  sulphate  of  soda,  sulphuret  and  chloride  of  sodium,  carbonate  of 
lim,  alumina,  silica,  oxidized  iron,  and  a small  portion  of  charcoal  which  has 
escEjad  combustion.  Before  the  introduction  of  artificial  soda,  barilla  formed 
the  ource  of  the  crystallized  carbonate  employed  in  medicine.  At  present 
baria  is  principally  used  in  the  manufacture  of  soap. 

l]p  is  in  hard,  vesicular  masses,  of  a dark-gray,  bluish,  or  greenish  colour, 
suljurOus  odour,  and  acrid,  caustic  taste.  It  is  still  less  pure  than  barilla, 
con  ning  only  from  five  to  eight  per  cent,  of  carbonated  soda ; the  rest  being 
mac  up  of  a large  proportion  of  the  sulphates  of  soda  and  potassa,  and  the 
chimes  of  potassium  and  sodium,  a small  quantity  of  iodide  of  sodium,  and 
insc  ble  and  colouring  matters.  Large  quantities  of  kelp  were  formerly  manu- 
fact  ed  in  Great  Britain  and  the  neighbouring  islands,  particularly  the  Orkney 
Islals ; but  the  demand  and  production  have  greatly  fallen  off,  since  the  intro- 
duc  in  of  artificial  soda  at  a comparatively  low  price.  At  present  kelp  is  used 
prir  pally  in  the  manufacture  of  iodine.  (See  Iodinium.) 

M'ificial  Soda.  Several  plans  have  been  proposed  for  obtaining  soda  by 
c-hefcal  decomposition;  but  none  are  at  present  used,  except  that  of  decom- 
posi;  sulphate  of  soda.  This  salt  is  procured  from  the  manufacturers  of  chlo- 
rinad  lime  (bleaching  powder),  or,  what  is  more  usual  on  account  of  the  insuf- 
fieie  supply  from  that  source,  is  made  expressly  for  the  purpose,  by  decomposing 
oontjon  salt  (chloride  of  sodium)  by  sulphuric  acid.  The  dried  sulphate  is 
nnx  with  its  own  weight  of  ground  limestone,  and  half  its  weight  of  small  coal, 
grovd  and  sifted,  and  the  whole  is  heated  in  a reverberatory  furnace,  where 
it  fibs  and  forms  a black  mass,  called  black  ash,  soda  ball,  or  British  barilla. 
Thejoal-,  at  the  temperature  employed,  converts  the  sulphate  of  soda  into  sul- 
phut  of  sodium.  This  reacts  with  the  limestone,  so  as  to  form  sulphuret  of 
calcm  and  carbonate  of  soda  (NaS  and  CaO,COa=CaS  and  NaO,C02.)  If  this 
com  >und  were  digested  in  water,  sulphuret  of  sodium  and  carbonate  of  lime 
wou  be  reproduced.  To  prevent  this  result  a large  excess  of  lime  is  used, 
whii  gives  rise  to  the  formation  of  an  oxysulphuret  of  calcium  (3CaS,CaO), 
whi  is  insoluble  in  water,  and  without  action  on  carbonate  of  soda.  British 
bari . contains  about  36  per  cent,  of  alkali,  imperfectly  carbonated  on  account 
of  H high  heat  used;  the  remainder  being  principally  oxysulphuret  of  calcium, 
caus'3  lime,  and  coaly  matter.  It  is  next  digested  in  warm  water,  which  takes 
UP  3 alkali  and  other  soluble  matters,  and  leaves  the  insoluble  impurities, 
calk  soda  v:aste.  The  solution  is  evaporated  to  dryness,  and  the  mass  obtained 
is  e aued  with  one-fourth  of  its  weight  of  sawdust,  in  order  to  convert  the 
■dlu  fully  into  carbonate,  by  means  of  the  carbonic  acid  resulting  from  the 


692 


Sodse  Carbonas. 


PAR!! 


combustion  of  the  sawdust.  The  product  is  redissolved  in  water,  and  the  s<  - 
tion  evaporated  to  dryness.  The  alkali,  in  this  stage  of  its  purification,  conks 
about  50  per  cent,  of  carbonate  of  soda  and  is  called  soda-ash.  It  is  brou  t 
to  the  state  of  crystallized  carbonate  of  soda  by  dissolving  it  in  water,  strain 
the  solution,  evaporating  it  to  a pellicle,  and  setting  it  aside  to  crystallize,  a 
the  subject  of  the  products  of  the  soda  manufacture,  see  the  elaborate  pape  [f 
John  Brown,  Esq  , in  the  Land.,  Ed.,  and  Dub.  Philos.  Mag.  for  Jan.  18-1 

The  chemical  process  here  described  for  obtaining  carbonated  soda  was  i. 
covered  in  1784  by  Le  Blanc  and  Dize.  It  is  at  present  pursued  on  an  u 
mense  scale  in  Great  Britain,  especially  at  Liverpool  and  Glasgow;  and  s 
product  is  so  cheap  that  its  use  has  nearly  superseded  that  of  barilla  and  Ip 
as  sources  of  soda. 

Carbonate  of  soda  may  also  be  obtained  by  the  patented  process  of  Mr.  Hey 
Pemberton,  of  Philadelphia.  This  consists  in  converting  sulphate  of  soda  o 
sulphuret  of  sodium  in  the  usual  manner,  and  decomposing  the  latter  by  runs 
of  a stream  of  carbonic  acid,  derived  from  the  chimneys  of  furnaces  in  wlh 
coal  or  wood  is  used  as  fuel.  By  the  aid  of  the  elements  of  water,  carboi :e 
of  soda  is  formed,  and  sulphuretted  hydrogen  disengaged.  A patent  for  le 
same  process  was  subsequently  obtaiued,  in  England,  by  Mr.  W.  E.  Nevn 
(Nov.  1852).  In  Mr.  Newton’s  plan,  the  sulphuretted  hydrogen  is  decompoi, 
so  as  to  furnish  sulphur  or  sulphurets.  (See  Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xxvi.  -.) 

The  different  kinds  of  impure  carbonate  of  soda,  whether  barilla,  kelp,  or  sa- 
ash,  being  exceedingly  variable  in  composition,  it  is  important  to  have  a rely 
method  of  determining  the  quantity  of  real  carbonated  alkali  which  theyconta. 
The  mode  in  which  this  is  done,  by  means  of  an  instrument  called  an  sz- 
limeter,  has  been  already  explained.  (See  page  584.)  These  various  fornof 
carbonated  soda  are  largely  consumed  in  the  manufacture  of  soap  and  glass,  id 
in  dyeing  and  bleaching. 

The  following  are  descriptions  of  the  different  grades  of  artificial  soda,  kDrn 
under  the  names  of  British  barilla,  soda-ash,  and  crystallized  carbonate  of  sa. 

British  barilla , so  called  to  distinguish  it  from  Spanish  barilla,  which  ha  ts 
source  in  the  ashes  of  maritime  plants,  is  a blackish-brown  substance,  becong 
darker  by  exposure  to  the  air.  When  broken  it  exhibits  an  imperfect  metallicis- 
tre,  and  a close  striated  texture.  Its  taste  is  caustic  and  hepatic.  By  exposu  to 
a moist  atmosphere,  it  becomes  covered  with  a yellow  efflorescence,  and  quily 
falls  to  powder,  with  disengagement  of  heat  and  sulphuretted  hydrogen;  aiiie 
same  time  increasing  in  weight  by  the  absorption  of  carbonic  acid  and  watt 

Soda-ash  is  in  white  or  gray  compact  masses,  and  contains  about  half  its  wcht 
of  foreign  salts,  consisting  principally  of  chloride  of  sodium  and  sulphate  of  da. 

Crystallized  carbonate  of  soda  is  a colourless  salt,  possessing  an  alkalinend 
disagreeable  taste,  and  crystallizing  usually  in  large  oblique  rhombic  pr:as, 
which  speedily  effloresce  and  fall  into  powder  when  exposed  to  the  air.  is 
soluble  in  twice  its  weight  of  cold  water,  but  insoluble  in  alcohol,  and  display  an 
alkaline  reaction  with  tests.  When  heated  it  undergoes  the  aqueous  fu;>n; 
and,  if  the  heat  be  continued,  it  dries  and  finally  suffers  the  igneous  fusion,  'he 
most  usual  impurities  are  sulphate  of  soda  and  common  salt,  which  may  bde- 
tected  by  converting  the  salt  into  a nitrate,  and  testing  separate  portions  o: his 
severally  with  the  chloride  of  barium  and  nitrate  of  silver.  Common  s;  is 
seldom  entirely  absent,  but  good  specimens  are  free  from  sulphate  of  soda.  ben 
badly  prepared,  it  is  liable  to  contain  a portion  of  sulphuret  of  sodium,  rich 
may  be  detected  by  the  production  of  the  smell  of  sulphuretted  hydrogen  oon 
dissolving  the  salt  iu  water.  Carbonate  of  soda  is  incompatible  with  ;ds, 
acidulous  salts,  lime-water,  muriate  of  ammonia,  and  earthy  and  metallic  Its 
It  consists  of  one  eq.  of  carbonic  acid  22,  and  one  of  soda  ol  o=5o'3.  Vjen 


pa::  i. 


693 


Sodae  Carbonas. — Sodse  Sulphas. 

full  crystallized  it  contains  ten  eqs.  of  water  90,  giving  as  the  number  repre- 
sen ag  the  crystallized  salt  143 '3.  It  is  thus  perceived  that  this  salt,  when 
perbtly  crystallized,  contains  nearly  two-thirds  of  its  weight  of  water;  but  the 
quality  actually  present  in  it,  as  found  in  the  shops,  is  variable,  being  dependent 
on  e extent  to  which  it  may  have  undergone  efflorescence. 

Mical  Properties  and  Uses.  Carbonate  of  soda  is  antacid,  ant-ilithic,  and 
resc-ent.  It  is  given  principally  in  diseases  attended  with  acidity  of  the  sto- 
ma<;  such  as  gout,  uric  acid  gravel,  and  certain  forms  of  dyspepsia.  It  is  more 
free ently  exhibited  than  carbonate  of  potassa,  as,  from  its  less  acrid  taste,  it  is 
mor  easily  takeu.  It  has  also  been  recommended  in  hooping-cough,  scrofula, 
andmonchocele.  In  the  latter  disease,  Dr.  Peschier,  of  Geneva,  considers  it 
moiefficacious  than  iodine.  It  is  also  employed  with  advantage,  internally  and 
extiaally,  in  skin  diseases,  especially  those  of  a papular  and  scaly  character. 
A 1 ion  suitable  for  these  cases  may  be  formed  by  dissolving  from  two  to  three 
drauns  of  the  carbonate  in  a pint  of  water.  For  a bath,  from  eight  to  sixteen 
oun  s of  the  salt  may  be  dissolved  in  the  necessary  quantity  of  water.  The 
ointlent  should  vary  in  strength  from  eight  to  sixty  grains  to  the  ounce  of  lard, 
acceding  to  the  character  of  the  affection.  Carbonate  of  soda  is  given  in  doses 
of  iim  ten  grains  to  half  a drachm,  either  in  powder,  or  in  solution  in  some 
bitt  infusion.  In  consequence  of  the  variable  state  in  which  it  exists  in  the 
sho],  as  to  the  amount  of  water  of  crystallization  which  it  contains,  the  dose 
canljt  be  indicated  with  precision.  It  is  on  this  account  that  the  salt  is  most 
con  uiently  administered  in  the  dried  state,  which  admits  of  its  being  given  in 
the  lular  form.  (See  Sodas  Carbonas  Exsiccatus. ) When  taken  in  an  over- 
dosed acts  as  a corrosive  and  irritant  poison.  The  best  antidotes  are  fixed  oils, 
acet:  acid,  and  lemon  juice. 

harm.  Uses.  Carbonate  of  soda  is  used  as  a chemical  agent  by  the  Edinburgh 
Ool|e  in  preparing  sulphate  of  quinia,  and  by  the  London  College  in  making 
amt  nio-citrate  of  iron. 

C.  Prep.  Calcis  Carbonas  Praecipitatus;  Ferri  Carbonas  Saccharatum ; Ferri 
Subybonas;  Liquor  Sodae;  Liquor  Sodae  Chlorinatae;  Magnesiae  Carbonas; 
Maisise  Carbonas  Ponderosum;  Pilulae  Ferri  Carbonatis;  Pil.  Ferri  Compo- 
sitaejSodas  Acetas ; Sodae  Bicarbonas;  Sodse  Carbonas  Exsiccatus;  Sodae  Car- 
bons Liquor;  Sodae  et  Potassse  Tartras;  Sodae  Phosphas;  Zinci  Carbonas 
Pral  pitatus.  B. 

SODiE  SULPHAS.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub. 

Sulphate  of  Soda. 

V iolated  soda,  Glauber’s  salt;  Sulfate  de  soude,  Fr.;  Schwefelsaures  Natron,  Glau- 
bers: , Germ.;  Solfato  di  soda,  Ital.;  Sulfato  de  soda,  Sal  de  Glaubero,  Span. 

S phate  of  soda,  in  small  quantities,  is  extensively  diffused  in  nature,  and 
is  ol  lined  artificially  in  several  chemical  operations.  It  exists  in  solution  in 
man  mineral  springs,  among  which  maybe  mentioned  those  of  Cheltenham  and 
Carl} ad;  and  it  is  found  combined  with  sulphate  of  lime,  constituting  a distinct 
min |d.  Many  ponds  containing  this  salt  are  found  in  the  country  between 
San  Fe  and  the  head  waters  of  the  Arkansas,  and  on  the  route  to  the  Rocky 
Mor  pins.  The  water  in  one  of  these  ponds  forms  a solution  so  highly  con- 
cent ted  that,  in  dry  weather,  the  salt  crystallizes  on  the  surface  to  the  depth 
of  sjeral  inches,  so  as  to  have  the  appearance  of  limpid  ice.  (Am.  Journ.  of 
Phifi.,  xii.  110.)  As  an  artificial  product,  it  is  formed  in  the  processes  for 
obta ling  muriatic  acid  and  chlorine,  and  in  the  preparation  of  muriate  of  am- 
moo1  from  sulphate  of  ammonia  and  common  salt.  It  may  also  be  procured 
fron pea-water,  in  which  its  ingredients  are  present. 


694 


Sodas.  Sulphas. 


PAM 


Of  the  Pharmacopoeias  commented  on  in  this  work,  the  Edinburgh  is  the  o i 
one  which  gives  a formula  for  preparing  this  salt.  It  is  directed  to  be  obtaiil 
from  the  salt,  left  after  the  distillation  of  muriatic  acid,  by  the  following  proe< . 
Dissolve  two  pounds  of  the  salt,  which  is  a supersulphate  of  soda,  in  three  p .? 
(Imp.  meas.)  of  boiling  water.  Then  saturate  the  excess  of  acid  with  powdei 
white  marble,  and,  having  boiled  the  liquid  and  filtered  it,  wash  the  insole  e 
matter  with  boiling  water,  and  add  the  washings  to  the  original  liquid.  La  p 
concentrate  the  solution  to  a pellicle,  and  set  it  aside  to  crystallize.  In  ;3 
process  the  excess  of  acid  is  removed  by  converting  it  into  the  insoluble  sulpl  e 
of  lime. 

Immense  quantities  of  sulphate  of  soda  are  made  in  Great  Britain  and  Fra  e 
by  the  process  of  decomposing  common  salt  by  sulphuric  acid,  for  the  purposrf 
being  manufactured  into  soda-ash  and  carbonate  of  soda;  and,  so  far  from  e 
generated  muriatic  acid  being  a product  of  value,  its  absorption  in  a couvemt 
way,  so  as  to  avoid  the  nuisance  of  its  escape  into  the  atmosphere  in  a gasus 
state,  is  an  object  of  importance  to  the  manufacturer.  (See  Acidum  Muriaticu.) 
MM.  Thomas,  Dellisse,  and  Boucard  have  proposed  a new  process  for  prepaig 
sulphate  of  soda,  by  double  decomposition  between  chloride  of  sodium  and  1- 
phate  of  iron.  It  is  stated  that  this  process  furnishes  the  salt  cheaply;  anc'it 
the  same  time,  it  avoids  the  production  of  muriatic  acid  vapours. 

The  residuum  of  the  process  for  obtaining  chlorine,  by  the  action  of  sulphic 
acid  and  deutoxide  of  manganese  on  common  salt,  is  a mixture  of  sulphate  of  da 
and  sulphate  of  protoxide  of  manganese.  (See  Chlorinii  Liquor.)  Large  quant  es 
of  this  residuum  are  formed  in  manufacturing  chlorinated  lime  (bleaching  sr); 
and  the  sulphate  of  soda  in  it,  roughly  purified,  supplies  a part  of  the  consumpm 
of  this  salt  in  making  soda-ash  and  carbonate  of  soda.  (See  Sodee  Curbona- 

In  the  process  for  obtaining  muriate  of  ammonia  from  sulphate  of  ammia 
and  common  salt,  water  is  decomposed,  and  a double  decomposition  takes  pie, 
resulting  in  the  formation  of  sulphate  of  soda  and  muriate  of  ammonia,  ly 
exposing  the  mixed  salts  to  heat,  the  muriate  of  ammonia  sublimes,  and  he 
sulphate  of  soda  remains  behind.  (See  Ammonias  Murias.) 

In  some  of  our  Northern  States,  particularly  Massachusetts,  a portion  of  Gu- 
ber’s  salt  is  procured  from  sea-water  in  the  winter  season.  The  circumsta  es 
under  which  it  is  formed  have  been  explained  by  Mr.  Daniel  B.  Smith,  in  a p'er 
published  in  the  fourth  volume  of  the  Journal  of  the  Philadelphia  Colleiof 
Pharmacy.  The  constituents  of  a number  of  salts  exist  in  sea-water;  anclie 
binary  order  in  which  these  constituents  will  precipitate  during  evaporam, 
depends  on  the  temperature.  During  the  prevalence  of  rigorous  cold,  sulpite 
of  soda  is  the  least  soluble  salt  which  can  be  formed  out  of  the  acids  and  lies 
present,  and  consequently  separates  in  the  form  of  crystals. 

Properties.  Sulphate  of  soda  is  a colourless  salt,  possessing  a cooling,  w- 
seous,  very  bitter  taste,  and  crystallizing  with  great  facility  in  six-sided  str.ed 
prisms.  When  recently  prepared,  it  is  beautifully  transparent;  but  by  espure 
to  the  air  it  effloresces,  and  the  crystals  become  covered  with  an  opaque  \ite 
powder.  By  long  exposure  it  undergoes  complete  efflorescence,  and  fal  to 
piowder  with  loss  of  more  than  half  its  weight.  It  is  soluble  in  three  tiunits 
weight  of  cold  water,  and  in  its  own  weight  of  boiling  water,  but  is  insolut  m 
alcohol.  Subjected  to  heat,  it  dissolves  in  its  water  of  crystallization,  then  <es, 
and  afterwards,  by  the  application  of  a red  beat,  melts,  with  the  loss  of  55  per 
cent,  of  its  weight.  Occasionally  it  contains  an  excess  of  acid  or  alkali,  wich 
may  be  discovered  by  litmus  or  turmeric  paper.  The  presence  of  commoralt 
may  be  detected  by  sulphate  of  silver;  that  of  iron  by  ferrocyanuret  of  potasum 
or  tincture  of  galls.  This  salt  is  not  subject  to  adulteration.  It  is  incomp;  hie 
with  carbonate  of  potassa,  chloride  of  calcium,  the  salts  of  baryta,  aeetatcind 


PA11  I. 


695 


Sodas  Sulphas. — Sodii  Chloridum. 

subetate  of  lead,  and  with  nitrate  of  silver  if  the  solutions  are  strong.  It  con- 
sist )f  one  eq.  of  sulphuric  acid  40,  one  of  soda  3 1 '8,  and  ten  of  water  90  = 161‘3. 

Jdical  Properties  and  Uses.  Sulphate  of  soda,  in  doses  of  from  half  an  ounce 
to  a ounce,  is  an  efficient  cathartic;  in  smaller  doses,  largely  diluted,  an  aperient 
and  iuretic.  When  in  an  effloresced  state,  the  dose  must  be  reduced  one-half, 
on  count  of  its  having  lost  about  one-half  of  its  weight  in  water.  It  is  much 
less  sed  than  formerly,  having  been  almost  entirely  superseded  by  sulphate  of 
magesia,  which  is  less  disagreeable  to  the  palate.  Its  nauseous  taste,  however, 
mayie  readily  disguised  by  the  admixture  of  a little  lemon-juice  or  cream  of 
tart,  or  the  addition  of  a few  drops  of  sulphuric  acid.  It  is  an  ingredient  in 
the  ’tificial  Cheltenham  salt.  (See  Appendix .)  The  only  use  of  sulphate  of 
sod;  n the  arts  is  to  make  carbonate  of  soda,  and  as  an  ingredient  in  some  kinds 
of  giss.  It  has  no  officinal  preparations.  B. 

SODII  CHLORIDUM.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Dub. 

Chloride  of  Sodium. 

C.  Syn.  SODiE  MURIAS.  Ed. 

IV date  of  soda.  Sea  salt.  Common  salt;  Cklorure  de  sodium,  Hydro-chlorate  de  soude, 
Sel  l rin,  Fr.;  Cklornatrium,  Koclisalz,  Germ.;  Salt,  Dan.,  Sired.;  Chloruro  di  sodio,  Sal 
comiine,  Ital.;  Sal,  Span. 

Is  mineral  production,  so  necessary  to  mankind-,  is  universally  distributed 
oveihe  globe,  and  is  the  most  abundant  of  the  native  soluble  salts.  Most  ani- 
malaave  an  instinctive  relish  for  it;  and  from  its  frequent  presence  in  the  solids 
and  aids  of  the  animal  economy,  it  may  be  supposed  to  perform  an  important 
parti  nutrition  and  assimilation. 

Mural  State.  Common  salt  exists  in  nature,  either  in  the  solid  state  or  in 
solu  m.  In  the  solid  state,  called  rock  salt,  fossil  salt,  and  sal  gemmae,  it  is  often 
four  forming  extensive  beds,  and  even  entire  mountains,  from  which  it  is  ex- 
trac  1 in  blocks  or  masses  by  mining  operations.  Its  geological  position  is  very 
consnt,  occurring  almost  invariably  in  secondary  formations,  associated  with 
clay  ad  gypsum.  In  solution  it  occurs  in  certain  springs  and  lakes,  and  in  the 
watt;  of  the  ocean.  The  principal  salt  mines  are  found  in  Poland,  Hungary, 
and  ussia;  in  various  parts  of  Germany,  particularly  the  Tyrol;  in  England 
in  tl  county  of  Cheshire;  in  Spain;  in  various  parts  of  Asia  and  Africa;  and 
in  Bn,  and  other  countries  of  South  America.  In  the  United  States  there  are 
no  st  mines,  but  numerous  salt  springs,  which  either  flow  naturally,  or  are  pro- 
duce artificially  by  sinking  shafts  to  various  depths  in  places  where  salt  is  known 
to  est.  These  are  found  principally  in  Missouri,  Kentucky,  Illinois,  Ohio, 
Pen  ylvania,  Virginia,  and  New  York.  In  the  last-mentioned  State  the  springs 
are  3 most  productive;  the  chief  ones  being  situated  at  Salina,  Montezuma, 
and  alen.  In  Virginia  an  important  salt  region  exists,  extending  fifteen  miles 
on  l h sides  of  the  great  Ivenhawa  river.  Rock  salt  is  always  transparent  or 
tranicent;  but  it  often  exhibits  various  colours,  such  as  red,  yellow,  brown, 
viol;  blue,  &e.,  which  are  supposed  to  be  derived  from  iron  and  manganese. 

fraction.  Mines  of  salt  are  worked  in  two  ways.  When  the  salt  is  pure  it 
is  nrely  dug  out  in  blocks  and  thrown  into  commerce.  When  impure  it  is 
dissi-;ed  in  water,  and  extracted  afterwards  from  the  solution  by  evaporation. 
B hi'  the  salt  is  naturally  in  solution,  the  mode  of  extraction  depends  upon  the 
£tre;  th  of  the  brine,  and  the  temperature  of  the  place  where  it  is  found.  When 
the  .ter  contains  from  fourteen  to  fifteen  per  cent,  of  salt,  it  is  extracted  by 
eva;  'ation  in  large  iron  boilers.  If,  however,  it  contains  only  two,  three,  four, 
°i'  fi  per  cent.,  the  salt  is  obtained  in  a different  manner.  If  the  climate  be 


696 


Sodii  Cliloridum. 


PARI 


warm  it  is  procured  by  spontaneous  evaporation,  effected  by  the  heat  of  the  s’  • 
if  temperate,  by  a peculiar  mode  of  evaporation  to  be  mentioned  presently,  1 
the  subsequent  application  of  artificial  heat. 

Sea-water  is  a weak  saline  solution,  containing  2'7  per  cent,  of  common  s 
which  is  extracted  by  the  agency  of  solar  heat  in  warm  countries.  Salt  thus  obt;  - 
ed  is  called  bay  salt.  The  extraction  is  conducted  in  Europe  principally  on  3 
shores  of  the  Mediterranean,  the  waters  of  which  are  salter  than  those  of  e 
open  ocean.  The  mode  in  which  it  is  performed  is  by  letting  the  sea-water  io 
shallow  dikes,  lined  with  clay,  and  capable,  after  being  filled,  of  being  shut  off  f:  a 
the  sea.  In  this  situation  the  heat  of  the  sun  gradually  concentrates  thewa;, 
and  the  salt  is  deposited.  In  temperate  climates,  weak  brines  are  first  conu- 
trated  in  buildings,  called  graduation  houses.  These  are  rough  wooden  sta- 
tures open  on  the  sides,  ten  or  eleven  yards  high,  five  or  six  wide,  and  three  r 
four  hundred  long,  and  containing  an  oblong  pile  of  brushwood  somewhat  sum 
than  the  building  itself.  The  brine  is  pumped  up  into  troughs  full  of  he?, 
placed  above  the  brushwood,  upon  which  it  is  allowed  to  fall ; and  in  its  desiiit 
it  becomes  minutely  divided.  This  operation,  by  greatly  increasing  the  sur:e 
of  the  brine,  promotes  its  evaporation ; and  being  repeated  several  times,  ie 
solution  is  at  last  brought  to  the  requisite  degree  of  strength  to  permit  of ts 
final  concentration  in  iron  boilers  by  artificial  heat.  Sometimes,  to  save  fuelpe 
last  concentration  is  performed  by  allowing  the  brine  to  trickle  down  a numbof 
vertical  ropes,  on  the  surface  of  which  the  salt  is  deposited  in  the  form  of  a cit. 

Properties.  Chloride  of  sodium  is  white,  without  odour,  and  of  a pecnr 
taste  called  saline.  It  is  usually  crystallized  in  cubes ; but  by  hasty  evapa- 
tion  it  often  assumes  the  form  of  hollow  quadrangular  pyramids.  When  re 
it  undergoes  no  change  in  the  air;  but,  when  contaminated  with  chlorid of 
magnesium,  as  not  unfrequently  happens,  it  is  deliquescent.  Water  ato4F. 
dissolves  36  per  cent,  of  this  salt,  aud  at  the  boiling  temperature,  40  per  cit. 
( Fehling ..)  It  is  but  sparingly  soluble  in  alcohol.  One  hundred  parts  of  tis 
liquid  (sp.  gr.  0'815)  dissolve,  at  the  temperature  of  59°,  only  0174  part  of 
common  salt.  (i?.  Wagner.')  Exposed  to  a gradually  increasing  heat,  it  st 
decrepitates  from  the  presence  of  interstitial  moisture,  next  melts,  and  fir lv 
volatilizes  in  white  fumes  without  decomposition.  It  is  decomposed  by  seval 
of  the  acids,  particularly  the  sulphuric  aud  nitric,  which  disengage  vapouiof 
muriatic  acid  ; by  carbonate  of  potassa  with  the  assistance  of  heat;  and  byhe 
nitrates  of  silver  and  of  the  protoxide  of  mercury. 

Several  varieties  of  common  salt  are  distinguished  in  commerce;  as  stored  It, 
fishery  salt,  bay  salt,  &c. ; but  they  are  characterized  by  the  size  and  comjct- 
ness  of  the  grains,  rather  than  by  any  difference  in  composition. 

Composition.  Common  salt,  in  its  pure  state,  consists  of  one  eq.  of  chime 
8542,  and  one  of  sodium  23'3  = 58’72.  It  contains  no  water  of  crvstallizam. 
When  in  solution  it  is  by  some  supposed  to  become  muriate  of  soda,  in  c-ise- 
quence  of  the  decomposition  of  water,  the  hydrogen  and  oxygen  of  wkichre 
alleged  to  convert  the  chlorine  and  sodium  into  muriatic  acid  and  soda,  be 
common  salt  of  commerce,  besides  pure  chloride  of  sodium,  contains,  genelly 
speaking,  insoluble  matter,  and  usually  more  or  less  of  the  sulphates  of  me 
and  magnesia,  aud  chlorides  of  calcium  and  magnesium.  When  pure  it  not 
precipitated  by  carbonate  of  soda,  chloride  of  barium,  or  ferrocyanuret  of  p as- 
sium.  Chloride  of  calcium  is  generally  present  in  very  small  amount:  butbe 
chloride  of  magnesium  sometimes  amounts  to  28  parts  in  1000.  Sulpha  of 
lime  is  usually  present,  constituting  variously  from  1 to  23A  parts  in  1000  >mi 
sulphate  of  magnesia  is  sometimes  present  and  sometimes  absent.  To  sepate 
the  earths,  a boiling  solution  of  carbonate  of  soda  must  be  added,  as  long  a any 
precipitate  is  formed.  The  earths  will  fall  as  carbonates,  and  must  be  sepated 


PA  I I. 


697 


Sodii  Chloridum. — Solidago. 

by  i ration,  and  the  sulphate  of  soda  and  chloride  of  sodium,  resulting  from  the 
don  e decomposition,  will  remain  in  solution.  The  sulphate  of  soda  may  then 
be  (composed  by  the  cautious  addition  of  chloride  of  barium,  which  will  gene- 
rate-hloride  of  sodium  and  insoluble  sulphate  of  baryta. 

helical  Properties  and  Uses.  Chloride  of  sodium,  in  small  doses,  acts  as  a 
stinlant  tonic  and  anthelmintic ; in  larger  ones  as  a purgative  and  emetic.  It 
certnly  promotes  digestion,  and  the  almost  universal  animal  appetency  for  it, 
pro  s it  to  be  a salutary  stimulus  in  health.  When  taken  in  larger  quantities 
thaiusual  with  food,  it  is  useful  in  some  forms  of  dyspepsia.  According  to  the 
expiments  of  M.  Plouviez,  made  upon  himself,  at  intervals,  during  twenty-five 
moilas,  a saline  regimen  has  the  effect  of  increasing  the  weight  and  strength  of 
thejpdv.  He  began  with  a teaspoonful  daily,  which  he  increased  to  a table- 
spoijful,  continuing  to  take  this  dose  for  a period  of  three  or  four  months.  The 
regien  appeared  to  produce  plethora.  The  blood,  analyzed  while  under  the 
fullffects  of  the  salt,  was  found  to  contain  more  of  the  globules  and  salts,  but 
lessf  the  albumen  and  water. 

( the  sudden  occurrence  of  haemoptysis,  common  salt  is  usefully  resorted  to 
as  a typtic,  in  the  dose  of  a teaspoonful,  taken  dry,  and  often  proves  successful 
in  spping  the  flow  of  blood.  Externally  applied  in  solution  it  is  stimulant, 
andiay  be  used  either  locally  or  generally.  Locally,  it  is  sometimes  employed 
as  aomentation  in  sprains  and  bruises  ; and  as  a general  external  application, 
it  f ms  the  salt-water  bath,  a valuable  remedy  as  a tonic  and  excitant  in 
dep  lved  conditions  of  the  system,  occurring  especially  in  children,  and  supposed 
to  Independent  on  the  scrofulous  diathesis.  A pound  of  salt  dissolved  in  four 
gall  is  of  water,  forms  a solution  of  about  the  strength  of  sea-water,  and  suitable 
for  bath.  It  is  frequently  used  as  an  ingredient  in  stimulating  enemata.  The 
doseas  a tonic,  is  from  ten  grains  to  a drachm  ; as  a cathartic,  though  seldom 
usec’or  that  purpose,  from  two  drachms  to  half  an  ounce.  In  doses  of  from 
lialiij.ii  ounce  to  an  ounce,  dissolved  in  four  or  five  times  its  weight  of  water,  it 
freqptly  proves  a prompt  and  efficient  emetic,  invigorating  rather  than  de- 
p retug  the  powers  of  the  system.  As  a clyster,  it  may  be  used  in  the  amount 
of  fim  one  to  two  tablespoon fuls,  dissolved  in  a pint  of  water. 

1;  uses  of  common  salt  in  domestic  economy  as  a condiment  and  antiseptic 
are  ill  known.  In  agriculture  it  is  sometimes  employed  as  a fertilizer,  and  in 
the  ts  to  prepare  muriate  of  ammonia,  as  also  to  form  sulphate  of  soda,  with 
a vi  r to  the  conversion  of  the  latter  into  carbonate  of  soda. 

C oride  of  sodium,  in  concentrated  solution,  is  employed  by  the  Edinburgh 
Collge,  as  a chemical  agent,  to  prepare  biniodide  of  mercury. 

C.  Prep.  Acidum  Muriaticum  Purum ; Chlorinei  Aqua ; Ilydrargyri  Chlo- 
ride Corrosivum ; Hydrargyri  Chloridum  Mite  j Liquor  Sodae  Chlorinatae ; 
SodjMurias  Purum.  B. 

SOLIDAGO.  U.  S.  Secondary. 

Golden-rod. 

T;  leaves  of  Solidago  odora.  U.  S. 

Sjdago.  Sex.  Syst.  Syngenesia  Superflua. — Nat.  Ord.  Composite  Aste- 
roids, De  Candolle ; Asteraceae,  Lindley. 

C'l.Ch.  Calyx  imbricated,  scales  closed.  Radical  florets  about  five,  yellow. 
Recltacle  naked,  punctate.  Pappus  simple  pilose.  Nuttall. 

I s is  a very  abundant  genus,  including,  according  to  Eaton’s  enumeration, 
upv;ds  of  sixty  species  belonging  to  this  country.  Of  these  S.  odora  only  is 
offical.  S.  Yirgaurea,  which  is  common  to  the  United  States  and  Europe,  was 


698 


Solidago. — Spigelia. 


PART 


formerly  directed  by  the  Dublin  College,  but  has  been  omitted.  It  is  astride, 
and  has  been  supposed  to  possess  lithontriptic  virtues. 

Solidago  odora.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  iii.  2061 ; Bigelow,  Am.  Med.  Bot.\.\ 
The  sweet-scented  golden-rod  has  a perennial  creeping-root,  and  a slender,  ere , 
pubescent  stem,  which  rises  two  or  three  feet  in  height.  The  leaves  are  sess , 
linear-lanceolate,  entire,  acute,  rough  at  the  margin,  elsewhere  smooth,  ;| 
covered  with  pellucid  dots.  The  flowers  are  of  a deep  golden-yellow  colour,  1 1 
are  arranged  in  a terminal,  compound,  panicled  raceme,  the  branches  of  whi 
spread  almost  horizontally,  are  each  accompanied  by  a small  leaf,  and  support  3 
flowers  on  downy  pedicels,  which  put  forth  from  the  upper  side  of  thepeduu, 
and  have  small  linear  bractes  at  their  base.  The  florets  of  the  ray  are  ligul; , 
oblong,  and  obtuse;  those  of  the  disk,  funnel-shaped,  with  acute  segments. 

The  plant  grows  in  woods  and  fields  throughout  the  United  States,  and  isi 
flower  from  August  to  October.  The  leaves,  which  are  the  officinal  portion, he 
a fragrant  odour,  and  a warm,  aromatic,  agreeable  taste.  These  properties  - 
pend  on  a volatile  oil,  which  may  be  separated  by  distillation  with  water.  Is 
of  a pale  greenish-yellow  colour,  and  lighter  than  water. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Golden-rod  is  aromatic,  moderately  stimult 
and  carminative,  and,  like  other  substances  of  the  same  class,  diaphoretic  w n 
given  in  warm  infusion.  It  may  be  used  to  relieve  pain  arising  from  flatulen, 
to  allay  nausea,  and  to  cover  the  taste  or  correct  the  operation  of  unpleasan  >r 
irritating  medicines.  For  these  purposes  it  may  be  given  in  infusion.  The  vi- 
tile  oil  dissolved  in  alcohol  is  employed  in  the  Eastern  States.  According 0 
Pursh,  the  dried  flowers  are  used  as  a pleasant  and  wholesome  substitute  ir 
common  tea.  TV 


SPIGELIA.  U.  S.,  Ed. 

Pinhroot. 

The  root  of  Spigelia  Marilandica.  U.  S.,  Pd. 

Spigelie  du  Maryland,  Fr. Spigelie,  Germ.;  Spigelia,  Ital. 

Spigelia.  Sex.  Syst.  Pentandria  Monogynia. — Mat.  Ord.  Gentians,  Ji  ; 
Spigeliacese,  Martins,  hindleg. 

Gen.  Gh.  Calyx  five-parted.  Corolla  funnel-shaped,  border  five-cleft,  eqd. 
Capsule  didymous,  two-celled,  four-valved,  many’-seeded.  Kuttall. 

Two  species  of  Spigelia  have  attracted  attention  as  anthelmintics,  S.An  /- 
mia  of  South  America  and  the  West  Indies,  and  S '■  Marilandica  of  this  couny- 
The  former  is  an  annual  plant,  used  only  in  the  countries  where  it  grows.ae 
latter  is  much  employed,  both  in  this  country  and  in  Europe. 

Spigelia  Marilandica.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  i.  825  ; Bigelow,  Am.  Med.  B i i. 
142;  Barton,  Med.  Bot.  ii.  75.  The  Carolina  pink  is  an  herbaceous  plant  th 
a perennial  root,  which  sends  off  numerous  fibrous  branches.  The  stems,  seval 
of  which  rise  from  the  same  root,  are  simple,  erect,  four-sided,  nearly  suidb, 
and  from  twelve  to  twenty  inches  high.  The  leaves  are  opposite,  sessile,  ove- 
lanceolate,  acuminate,  entire,  and  smooth,  with  the  veins  and  margins  sligly 
pubescent.  Each  stem  terminates  in  a spike,  which  leans  to  one  side,  and  ip- 
ports  from  four  to  twelve  flowers  with  very  short  peduncles.  The  calyx  is  ’r- 
sistent,  with  five  long,  subulate,  slightly  serrate  leaves,  reflexed  in  the  ripe  f it. 
The  corolla  is  funnel-shaped,  and  much-  longer  than  the  calyx,  with  the  be 
inflated  in  the  middle,  and  the  border  divided  into  five  acute,  spreading  segnflts. 
It  is  of  a rich  carmine  colour  externally,  becoming  paler  at  the  base,  and  ontre- 
yellow  within.  The  edges  of  the  segments  are  slightly  tinged  with  green,  be 
Stamens,  though  apparently  very  short,  and  inserted  iuto  the  upper  part  ot  he 


pai:  i. 


699 


Spigelia. 

tub  between  the  segments,  may  be  traced  down  its  internal  surface  to  the  base. 
Tlinnthers  are  oblong,  heart-shaped;  the  germ  superior,  ovate;  the  style  about 
the  'Dgth  of  the  corolla,  and  terminating  in  a linear  fringed  stigma,  projecting 
conierably  beyond  it.  The  capsule  is  double,  consisting  of  two  cohering, 
glollar,  one-celled  portions,  and  containing  many  seeds. 

'l,e  plant  is  a native  of  our  Southern  and  South-western  States,  being  seldom 
if  enr  found  north  of  the  Potomac.  It  grows  in  rich  soils  on  the  borders  of 
woes,  and  flowers  from  May  to  July.  The  root  is  the  only  part  recognised  in 
the  harmacopoeias.  The  drug  was  formerly  collected  in  Georgia  and  the  neigb- 
bouug  States  by  the  Creek  and  Cherokee  Indians,  who  disposed  of  it  to  the 
whi  traders.  The  whole  plant  was  gathered  and  dried,  and  came  to  us  in 
bale  or  casks.  After  the  emigration  of  the  Indians,  the  supply  of  spigelia 
froi  this  source  very  much  diminished,  and  has  now  nearly  if  not  entirely  failed. 
Theonsequence  was  for  a time  a great  scarcity  and  increase  in  the  price  of  ^he 
dru  but  a new  source  of  supply  was  opened  from  the  Western  and  South-wesiern 
Stau,  and  it  is  now  again  plentiful.  As  we  receive  spigelia  at  present,  it  con- 
sist; kiefly  if  not  exclusively  of  the  root,  without  the  stem  and  leaves.  We  have 
bee  informed  that  most  of  it  comes  in  casks  or  bales  from  St.  Louis  by  the  way 
otCw  Orleans.  That  contained  in  casks  is  to  be  preferred,  as  less  liable  to  be 
dau  and  mouldy. 

hperties.  Pinkroot  consists  of  numerous  slender,  branching,  crooked, 
wri:  led  fibres,  from  three  to  six  inches  long,  attached  to  a knotty  head  or 
cau  x,  which  exhibits  traces  of  the  stems  of  former  years.  It  is  of  a brownish 
or ) lowish-brown  colour  externally,  of  a faint,  peculiar  smell,  and  a sweetish, 
sligly  bitter,  not  very  disagreeable  taste.  Its  virtues  are  extracted  by  boiling 
wat  The  root,  analyzed  by  M.  Feneulle,  yielded  a fixed  and  volatile  oil,  a 
sma  quantity  of  resin,  a bitter  substance  supposed  to  be  the  active  principle,  a 
luuciginous  saccharine  matter,  albumen,  gallic  acid,  the  malates  of  potassa  and 
limi&c.,  and  woody  fibre.  The  principle  upon  which  the  virtues  of  the  root  are 
thoiht  to  depend,  is  brown,  of  a bitter  nauseous  taste,  like  that  of  the  purgative 
luatr  of  the  leguminous  plants,  and,  when  taken  internally,  produces  vertigo 
aud  kind  of  intoxication. 

li  stalks  of  the  dried  plant  are  oval  below  the  first  pair  of  leaves,  and  then 
beeve  obscurely  four-sided.  The  leaves,  when  good,  have  a fresh  greenish 
colo. , and  an  odour  somewhat  like  that  of  tea.  In  taste  they  resemble  the 
root  md  afforded  to  M.  Feneulle  nearly  the  same  principles.  The  quantity, 
how  er,  of  the  bitter  substance  was  less,  corresponding  with  their  inferior  effi- 
cacy This  circumstance  should  cause  their  rejection  from  the  shops ; as  the 
iueedity  in  power  of  the  two  portions  of  the  plant  would  lead  to  uncertainty 
in  t result,  when  they  are  both  employed. 

T;!  roots  are  sometimes  mixed  with  those  of  other  plants,  particularly  of  a 
sma  vine  which  twines  round  the  stem  of  the  Spigelia.  These  are  long,  slender, 
croc/d,  yellowish,  thickly  set  with  short  capillary  fibres,  and  much  smaller  and 
hgk  r-coloured  than  the  pinkroot.  They  should  be  separated  before  the  latter 
ls  u b The  activity  of  spigelia  is  somewhat  diminished  by  time. 

h heal  Properties  and  Uses.  Pinkroot  is  generally  considered  among  the 
mo?!powerful  anthelmintics.  In  the  ordinary  dose  it  usually  produces  little 
sens  le  effect  on  the  system  ; more  largely  given  it  acts  as  a cathartic,  though 
une‘  al  and  uncertain  in  its  operation  ; in  overdoses  it  excites  the  circulation, 
aud.etermines  to  the  brain,  giving  rise  to  vertigo,  dimness  of  vision,  dilated 
pup  , spasms  of  the  facial  muscles,  and  sometimes  even  to  general  convulsions. 
Spa  iodic  movements  of  the  eyelids  have  been  observed  among  the  most  common 
atte  ants  of  its  narcotic  action.  The  death  of  two  children,  who  expired  in 
concisions,  was  attributed  by  Dr.  Chalmers  to  the  influence  of  spigelia.  The 


700 


PAR] 


Spigelia. — Spiraea. 

narcotic  effects  are  said  to  be  less  apt  to  occur  when  the  medicine  purges, ; 1 
to  be  altogether  obviated  by  combining  it  with  cathartics.  The  danger  from  5 
employment  cannot  be  great;  as  it  is  in  very  general  use  in  the  United  Sta 
both  in  regular  and  domestic  practice,  and  we  never  hear  at  present  of  seris 
consequences.  Its  effects  upon  the  nervous  system  have  been  erroneously  c - 
jectured  to  depend  on  other  roots  sometimes  mixed  with  the  genuine,  'e 
vermifuge  properties  of  spigelia  were  first  learned  from  the  Cherokee  Indi; 
They  were  made  known  to  the  medical  profession  by  Drs.  Lining,  Garden,  i 
Chalmers,  of  South  Carolina.  The  remedy  has  also  been  recommended  in  inu- 
tile remittents  and  other  febrile  diseases;  but  is  entitled  to  little  c-onfidencea 
these  complaints. 

It  may  be  given  in  substance  or  infusion.  The  dose  of  the  powdered  root* 
a child  three  or  four  years  old,  is  from  ten  to  twenty  grains,  for  an  adult  f:n 
one  to  two  drachms,  to  be  repeated  morning  and  evening  for  several  days  ;> 
cessively,  and  then  followed  by  a brisk  cathartic.  The  practice  of  preceding  s 
use  by  an  emetic  has  been  generally  abandoned.  It  is  frequently  given  in  ci- 
bination  with  calomel.  The  infusion,  however,  is  a more  common  form  of  1- 
ministration.  (See  Infusum  Spigeliae.)  It  is  usually  combined  with  senn  >r 
some  other  cathartic,  to  ensure  its  action  on  the  bowels.  A preparation  go- 
rally  kept  in  the  shops  and  much  prescribed  by  physicians,  under  the  narurf 
worm  tea , consists  of  pinkroot,  senna,  manna,  and  savine,  mixed  togethei  n 
various  proportions,  to  suit  the  views  of  different  individuals.  Spigelia  is  ;o 
very  often  given  in  the  form  of  fluid  extract. 

Off.  Prep.  Extractum  Spigeliae  et  Sennae  Fluidum;  Infusum  Spigeliae. 

SPIRAEA.  U.  S.  Secondary. 

Hardback. 


The  root  of  Spiraea  tomentosa.  U.  S. 

Spir.ea.  Sex  Syst.  Icosaudria  Pentagynia.  — Nat.  Ord.  Rosac-eae. 

Gen.  Ch.  Calyx  spreading,  five-cleft,  inferior.  Petals  five,  equal,  rounch. 

Stamens  numerous,  exserted.  Capsules  three  to  twelve,  internally  bivre, 
each  one  to  three-seeded.  Nuttall. 

Spiraea  ulmaria,  queen  of  the  meadow,  or  meadow-siceet,  which  is  a E'O- 
pean  plant,  though  introduced  into  this  country,  has  been  found  by  31.  Teser, 
of  Lyons,  to  possess  valuable  diuretic  properties,  united  with  those  of  a 10- 
derate  tonic  and  astringent.  All  parts  of  it  are  active.  31.  Tessier  empl  ed 
it  in  the  form  of  decoction,  of  which  he  gave  a quart  daily.  See,  for  ere 
extended  observations  in  relation  to  this  medicine,  Bouchardat's  Annuavde 
Therapeutique  (A.  D.  1852,  p.  119). 

Spiraea  tomentosa.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  ii.  1056  ; Rafinesque,  Med.  Flor.ol. 
ii.  This  is  an  indigenous  shrub,  two  or  three  feet  high,  with  numerous  sink, 
erect,  round,  downy,  and  purplish  stems,  furnished  with  alternate  leaves  clely 
set  upon  very  short  footstalks.  The  leaves  are  ovate-lanceolate,  unequallyer- 
rate,  somewhat  pointed  at  both  ends,  dark-green  on  their  upper  surface,  whish 
and  tomentose  beneath.  The  flowers  are  beautifully7  red  or  purple,  and  dispel 
in  terminal,  compound,  crowded  spikes  or  racemes. 

The  hardback  flourishes  in  low  grounds,  from  New  England  to  Carolinaout 
is  most  abundant  in  the  Northern  States.  It  flowers  in  July  and  August.  AH 
parts  of  it  are  medicinal.  The  root,  though  designated  in  the  Pharmacoyia, 
is,  according  to  Dr.  A.  W Ives,  the  least  valuable  portion.  The  taste  ode 
plant  is  bitter  and  powerfully7  astringent.  Among  its  constituents  are  ta  in, 
gallic  acid,  and  bitter  extractive.  Water  extracts  its  sensible  properties'^ 
medicinal  virtues. 


PAI  I. 


701 


Spir  sea.  — Spiritus  Pyroxilicus. 

idical  Properties  and  Uses.  Spiraea  is  tonic  and  astringent,  and  may  be 
use'in  diarrhoea,  cholera  infantum,  and  other  complaints  in  which  astringents 
are  idicated.  In  consequence  of  its  tonic  powers  it  is  peculiarly  adapted  to 
easel  of  debility;  and,  from  the  same  cause,  should  not  be  given  during  the 
exisince  of  inflammatory  action,  or  febrile  excitement.  It  is  said  to  have  been 
empyed  by  the  aborigines  of  our  country;  but  was  first  brought  to  the  notice 
of  t|!  medical  profession  by  Dr.  Cogswell,  of  Hartford,  Connecticut.  It  is  said 
to  Hess  apt  to  disagree  with  the  stomach  than  most  other  astringents. 

Te  form  in  which  it  is  best  administered  is  that  of  an  extract,  prepared  by 
eva] rating  the  decoction  of  the  leaves,  stems,  or  root,  or  an  infusion  of  the  same 
pari  made  by  percolation.  The  dose  is  from  five  to  fifteen  grains,  repeated 
seval  times  a day.  A decoction,  prepared  by  boiling  an  ounce  of  the  plant  in 
a pi.  of  water,  may  be  given  in  the  dose  of  one  or  two  fluidounces.  W. 

SPIRITUS  PYROXILICUS.  Dub. 

Pyroxylic  Spirit. 

P-oligneous  spirit.  Wood  spirit,  Pyroligneous  ether,  Wood  naphtha,  Pyroxylic  alcohol, 
Wooalcohol,  Methylic  alcohol,  Hydrated  oxide  of  methyle,  Bihydrate  of  methylene; 
Espi:  pyroxylique,  Esprit  de  bois,  Alcool  methylique,  Ft. 

I s substance  was  discovered  in  1812  by  P.  Taylor,  and  was  afterwards  ex- 
ami  d by  Macaire  and  Marcet,  Liebig,  Dumas  and  Peligot,  Kane,  and  others. 

lien  wood  is  subjected  to  destructive  distillation,  there  is  formed,  besides 
acet:  acid,  tar,  and  other  products  (see  page  18),  about  one  per  cent,  of  an 
infli  mable,  volatile  liquid,  which,  when  separated  and  purified,  constitutes 
pyri  ylic  spirit.  The  crude  liquor,  derived  from  the  wood,  separates  on  standing 
into  vo  liquids;  the  lighter  containing  the  tarry  matters,  and  the  heavier  con- 
sisti;  of  water,  acetic  acid,  pyroxylic  spirit,  &c.  The  heavier  liquid  is  satu- 
rate with  lime,  and  subjected  to  distillation,  whereby  the  impure  pyroxylic 
spir  first  comes  over,  mixed,  however,  with  various  compounds,  among  which 
are  .jlehyd  and  pyroacetic  spirit  (acetone).  This,  after  having  been  redistilled, 
and  eprived  of  water  by  repeated  rectifications  from  lime,  forms  the  pyroxylic 
spir  of  commerce.  The  spirit  of  commerce  is  purified  by  adding  to  it  as  much 
chicle  of  calcium  as  it  can  dissolve,  and  allowing  the  mixture  to  stand  for  a 
few.iys.  The  pyroxylic  spirit  unites  with  the  chloride  of  calcium,  and  the 
comjiund  formed  is  subjected  to  distillation  to  separate  certain  contaminating 
subf  nces,  which  distil  over.  Finally,  the  pyroxylic  spirit  is  separated  from 
the  loride  of  calcium  by  the  addition  of  water  and  a new  distillation,  and  from 
watt  by  rectification  from  dry  lime. 

Pperties.  Pure  anhydrous  pyroxylic  spirit  is  a mobile,  colourless  liquid, 
hav:  r a hot  and  pungent  taste,  and  a peculiar  aromatic  smell,  recalling  that  of 
acet  ether.  It  mixes  in  all  proportions  with  water,  alcohol,  and  ether,  without 
havijr  its  transparency  disturbed.  It  burns  like  alcohol,  but  with  a less  lumin- 
ous me.  Its  sp.  gr.  as  a liquid  is  0'798;  as  a vapour,  1*041.  ( Regnault .)  It 
hoilnt  140°,  and  during  ebullition  its  vapour  causes  concussions,  which  render 
its  (Filiation  difficult,  and  which  may  be  prevented  by  placing  in  the  bottom  of 
the  ■ ssel  a layer  of  mercury.  It  forms  a set  of  compounds  precisely  analogous 
to  trie  of  the  alcohol  series;  and  from  this  circumstance,  and  from  its  being 
sup)  ied  to  contain  a compound  radical  called  metlxyle  (CaH3),  it  is  called  methylic 
alcpl.  As  a solvent  it  resembles  alcohol,  all  bodies  soluble  in  that  menstruum 
bein  likewise  soluble  in  pyroxylic  spirit.  It  consists  of  two  eqs.  of  carbon  12, 
four  f hydrogen  4,  and  two  of  oxygen  16=32;  and  its  empirical  formula  is 
C3L  *3.  Considered  as  a hydrated  oxide  of  methyle,  its  formula  is  C2H3,0  + HO. 
Vie  d as  a bihydrate  of  methylene,  it  is  represented  by  C2Ha+2HO.  Accord- 


702 


Spiritus  Pyroxilicus. — Spiritus  Vini  Gallici.  pap,' 

ing  to  Mr.  Reuben  Phillips,  pyroxylic  spirit  usually  contains  sulphur,  not  ea, 
separated  from  it.  ( Chern . Gaz.,  July  1,  1852,  p.  252.) 

The  officinal  pyroxylic  spirit  is  directed  by  the  Dublin  College  to  have  e 
sp.gr.  0‘846.  The  density,  thus  recognised,  shows  that  the  College  cont.- 
plated,  not  the  pure,  but  the  commercial  pyroxylic  spirit,  which  has  astr- 
yellow  colour,  and  a powerful  odour  of  wood-smoke.  But  the  commercial  spir  x 
often  too  impure  for  medicinal  use.  According  to  Mr.  Morson,  of  London,  it  ’y 
be  purified  “ by  largely  diluting  it  with  water,  when  an  oily  substance  sepam;, 
after  the  removal  of  which  the  spirit  may  be  recovered  by  distillation.”  ?. 
roxylic  spirit  has  been  confounded  with  pyroacetic  spirit.  They  may  be  disi- 
guished,  according  to  Mr.  Scanlan,  by  chloride  of  calcium,  which  is  witlit 
action  on  the  latter,  but  dissolves  in  the  former.  In  applying  the  test,  a op 
or  two  of  a saturated  solution  of  chloride  of  calcium  is  added  to  the  douhl 
liquid  in  a test  tube.  This  solution  is  immiscible  with  pyroacetic  spirit,  sa- 
rating  after  agitation,  but  dissolves  instantly  in  pyroxylic  spirit.  The  Md 
examined  must  be  sufficiently  pure  not  to  separate  into  two  layers,  nor  to  bee  ie 
milky  on  the  addition  of  water.  ( Pharm . Journ.  and  Trans.  April,  1850.) 

Medical  Properties,  &c.  Pyroxylic  spirit,  under  the  incorrect  name  of  napba, 
was  introduced  as  a therapeutic  agent,  some  years  ago,  by  Dr.  John  Hasti  s, 
who  proposed  it  as  a remedy  for  pulmonary  consumption.  It  exerts  no  cunte 
power  over  this  disease,  but  may  be  usefully  employed  to  palliate  the  cough  id 
lessen  the  febrile  excitement  which  attend  it.  The  therapeutic  propertieof 
pyroxylic  spirit  have  not  as  yet  been  fully  investigated  ; but  so  far  as  observam 
has  gone,  it  may  be  ranked  as  a narcotic,  sedative,  and  anti-emetic.  As  an  ti- 
emetic  remedy  in  chronic  vomiting,  whether  dependent  on  functional  or  orgiic 
disease,  Dr.  Christison  has  found  it  useful,  having  frequently  seen  the  vonrag 
arrested  or  greatly  mitigated  by  its  use.  Dr.  D.  W.  Yandell  speaks  favoutly 
of  its  efficacy  as  a remedy  in  diarrhoea  and  dysentery.  The  dose  is  from  te to 
forty  drops,  three  times  a day,  sufficiently  diluted  with  water.  At  one  tin  it 
was  doubtful  whether  the  substance,  used  by  Dr.  Hastings  under  the  nam  of 
naphtha,  was  pyroxylic  or  pyroacetic  spirit;  but  it  is  now  decided  to  have  ea 
the  former,  both  by  the  admission  of  Dr.  Hastings,  and  by  a careful  examimon 
of  the  medicinal  agent  currently  employed. 

Crude  pyroxylic  spirit,  varying  in  density  from  0'846  to  0‘890.  is  empled 
by  hatters  and  varnish-makers  for  dissolving  resinous  substances,  and  byhe- 
rnists  for  burning  in  lamps  as  a substitute  for  alcohol. 

SPIRITUS  YIN  I GALLICI.  U.  S.,  Lond. 

Brandy. 

Eau  de  vie,  Fr.;  Brantwein,  Germ.;  Acquavite,  Ital.;  Aqua  ardiente.  Span. 

All  liquids  which  have  undergone  the  alcoholic  fermentation,  yield  an  aent 
spirit  by  distillation.  (See  Alcohol,  page  60.)  V\  hen  the  alcoholic  liqu  is 
wine,  the  product  of  the  distillation  is  brandy.  This  ardent  spirit  is  subjr:  to 
variation,  according  to  the  character  of  the  wine  from  which  it  is  distilled.  The 
most  esteemed  French  brandies  are  those  of  Cognac  and  Armagnac. 

Brandy  has  an  agreeable,  vinous,  aromatic  odour,  and  a peculiar,  well  k<wn 
taste.  Its  sp.  gr.  varies  from  0'902  to  0*941,  and  it  contains  on  an  avage 
about  53  per  cent,  by  measure  of  alcohol  of  the  density'  0'S25.  Besides  abaol, 
water,  and  volatile  oil,  it  contains  colouring  matter,  tannin,  oenantbic  :ber 
described  under  wine,  and  a little  acetic  ether.  Brandy  is  distinguished  it* 
colour  into  the  pale  and  high-coloured.  Pale  brandy  has  a yellow  eour, 


PAI  I. 


703 


Spirit  us  Vini  Gfallici. — Spongia. 

der:?d  from  the  cask  in  which  it  is  kept.  High-coloured  brandy  has  its  deep- 
red  dour  given  to  it,  before  importation,  by  burnt  sugar  (caramel),  which  is 
saido  impart  a more  agreeable  flavour.  Factitious  brandy  is  sometimes  made 
by  iding  acetic  ether  to  alcohol,  deprived  of  fusel  oil,  and  reduced  to  the  proper 
prot  by  water,  in  the  proportion  of  one  or  two  drachms  to  the  quart.  The 
prop1  colour  is  then  given  to  the  mixture  by  burnt  sugar.  The  spurious  liquid 
maioe  known  by  its  leaving  on  evaporation  a residue,  containing  sugar  and 
no  nnin ; the  absence  of  the  latter  being  shown  by  its  not  striking  a black 
cole1  with  the  salts  of  sesquioxide  of  iron. 

J diced.  Properties.  Brandy  is  esteemed  cordial  and  stomachic,  and  is  fre- 
que  ly  given,  in  the  form  of  toddy  or  milk  punch,  in  the  sinking  stages  of  low 
fevei.  The  only  officinal  preparation  of  it  is  the  Mistvra  Spiritus  Vini  Gal/ici 
oft  London  College,  which  is  an  imitation  of  the  compound  known  under  the 
nan  of  egg-flip. 

C Prep.  Mistura  Spiritus  Vini  Gallici.  B. 

SPONGIA.  U.  S.,  Ed. 

Sponge. 

Smgia  officinalis.  U.  S.,  Ed. 

I)Dge,  Fr. ; Badeschwamm,  Germ.;  Spugna,  Ital. ; Esponja,  Span.;  Isfung,  Arab. 
le  sponge  is  now  generally  admitted  to  be  an  animal.  It  is  characterized 
as  flexile,  fixed,  torpid,  polymorphous  animal,  composed  either  of  reticulate 
fibr*  or  masses  of  small  spires  interwoven  together,  and  clothed  with  a gelatinous 
fleshull  of  small  mouths  on  its  surface,  by  which  it  absorbs  and  ejects  water.” 
Moij  than  two  hundred  and  fifty  species  have  been  described  by  naturalists,  of 
whi  several  are  probably  employed,  though  Spongia  officinalis  is  the  only 
one  esignated  in  the  Pharmacopoeias.  Sponges  inhabit  the  bottom  of  the  sea, 
whe  they  are  fixed  to  rocks  or  other  solid  bodies;  and  are  most  abundant 
with  the  tropics.  They  are  collected  chiefly  in  the  Mediterranean  and  Red 
Sea:  and  in  those  of  the  East  and  West  Indies.  In  the  Grecian  Archipelago 
mat  persons  derive  their  support  altogether  from  diving  for  sponges.  When 
coll  ted  they  are  enveloped  in  a gelatinous  coating,  which  forms  part  of  the 
anil  1,  and  is  separated  by  first  rubbing  them  with  fine  sand  ( Lander er ),  and 
theivashing  them  with  water.  Large  quantities  of  the  coarser  kinds  are  im- 
port! from  the  Bahamas;  but  the  finest  and  most  esteemed  are  brought  from 
the  editerranean. 

Smge,  as  found  in  commerce,  is  in  yellowish-brown  masses  of  various  shape 
and  ize,  light,  porous,  elastic,  and  composed  of  fine,  flexible,  tenacious  fibres, 
inte  roven  in  the  form  of  cells  and  meshes.  It  usually  contains  numerous  minute 
frag  ents  of  coral  or  stone,  or  small  shells,  from  which  it  must  be  freed  before 
it  ea  be-  used  for  ordinary  purposes.  Sponge  is  prepared  by  macerating  it  for 
sevej  1 days  in  cold  water,  beating  it  in  order  to  break  up  the  concretions  which 
it  ci- tains,  and  dissolving  what  cannot  thus  be  separated  of  the  calcareous  matter 
by  liriatic  acid  diluted  with  thirty  parts  of  water.  By  this  process,  it  is  ren- 
ders perfectly  soft,  and  fit  for  surgical  use.  It  may  be  bleached  by  steeping 
it  1 water  impregnated  with  sulphurous  acid,  or  by  exposure  in  a moist  state 
to  t>  action  of  chlorine.  When  intended  for  surgical  purposes,  the  softest, 
fine,  and  most  elastic  sponges  should  be  selected ; for  forming  burnt  sponge, 
the  arser  will  answer  equally  well. 

Aording  to  Mr.  Hatchett,  the  chemical  constituents  of  sponge  are  gelatin, 
coaglated  albumen,  common  salt,  and  carbonate  of  lime.  Magnesia,  silica,  iron, 
suk  ir,  and  phosphorus  have  been  detected  in  it ; as  also  have  iodine  and  bromine, 


704  Spongia. — Stannum.  par', 

combined  with  sodium  and  potassium.  From  the  experiments  of  Mr.  Crooc . 
wit,  it  would  appear  that  sponge  is  closely  analogous  to,  if  not  identical  with  e 
fibroin  of  Mulder,  differing  from  it  only  in  containing  iodine,  sulphur,  and  pb. 
phorus.  (Annul.  cler  Chem.  und  Pharm.,  xlviii.  43.)  Fibroin  is  an  aoi  1 
principle  found  by  Mulder  in  the  interior  of  the  fibres  of  silk. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Sponge,  in  its  unaltered  state,  is  not  emplo  1 
as  a medicine;  but)  in  consequence  of  its  softness,  porosity,  and  property 
imbibing  liquids,  it  is  very  useful  in  surgical  operations.  From  the  same  qii- 
ties  it  may  be  advantageously  applied  over  certain  ulcers,  the  irritating  sa  -s 
from  which  it  removes  by  absorption.  Compressed  upon  a bleeding  vessel,  .3 
sometimes  useful  for  promoting  the  coagulation  of  the  blood,  especially  in  Len r- 
rhage  from  the  nostrils.  In  the  shape  of  sponge  tent  it  is  also  useful  for  dila  a 
sinuses.  This  is  prepared  by  dipping  sponge  into  melted  wax,  compressinit 
between  two  flat  surfaces  till  the  wax  hardens,  and  then  cutting  it  into  piece  if 
a proper  form  and  size.  By  the  heat  of  the  body  the  wax  becomes  soft,  and  e 
sponge,  expanding  by  the  imbibition  of  moisture,  gradually  dilates  the  woumr 
sinus  in  which  it  may  be  placed.  After  having  been  partially  charred  by  ht, 
sponge  has  long  been  used  as  a remedy  in  goitre.  (See  Spongia  Usta.)  Its  i- 
cacy  in  this  complaint,  formerly  considered  doubtful  by  many  physicians,  is 
been  generally  admitted  since  the  discovery  of  iodine. 

Off.  Prep.  Spongia  Usta.  h 

STANNUM.  U S.,  Ed.,  Dub. 

Tin. 

Etain,  Fr. ; Zinn,  Germ..;  Staglio,  Ttal. ; Estanno,  Span. 

Tin  is  one  of  those  metals  which  have  been  known  from  the  earliest  atres  It 
exists  generally  as  an  oxide  ( tin  stone  and  wood  tin),  rarely  as  a sulphuret  in 
pyrites),  and  is  by  no  means  generally  diffused.  It  is  found  in  England,  Spn, 
Germany,  Bohemia,  and  Hungary,  in  Europe;  in  the  island  of  Banca  amihe 
peninsula  of  Malacca  in  Asia;  and  in  Chili  and  Mexico.  Tin  mines  are  r- 
ticularly  abundant  and  rich  in  the  Tenasserim  provinces  of  British  India.  (V. 
Royle.)  A valuable  tin  ore  has  been  discovered  in  the  United  States,  at  Jac-kn. 
New  Hampshire.  The  Cornwall  mines  are  the  most  productive,  but  thosof 
Asia  furnish  the  purest  tin.  The  metal  is  extracted  from  the  native  ode. 
When  this  occurs  in  its  purest  state,  in  detached  roundish  grains,  called  strm 
tin,  the  reduction  is  effected  by  heating  with  charcoal.  When  the  oxide  c;ed 
mine  tin,  is  extracted  from  mines,  it  requires  to  be  freed,  by  pounding  nd 
washing,  from  the  adhering  gangue;  after  which  it  is  roasted  to  drive  off  sulpir, 
arsenic,  and  antimony,  and  finally  reduced  in  furnaces  by  means  of  stone  al. 
The  metal,  as  thus  obtained,  is  not  pure.  To  render  it  so,  it  requires  (be 
subjected  to  a geutle  heat,  whereby  the  pure  tin  enters  first  into  fusion,  ai  is 
thus  separated  from  the  impurities,  which  consist  of  tin  united  with  co|er, 
arsenic,  iron,  and  antimony.  The  pure  metal,  thus  obtained,  is  called  grain  n; 
while  the  impure  residue,  after  being  fused,  constitutes  block-tin. 

Properties.  Tin  is  a malleable,  rather  soft  metal,  of  a silver-white  colour  It 
may  be  beaten  out  into  thin  leaves,  called  tin-foil.  It  undergoes  a supeijial 
tarnish  in  the  air.  Its  taste  is  slight,  and  when  rubbed  it  exhales  a peciar 
smell.  Its  ductility  and  tenacity  are  small;  and,  when  beut  to  and  fro,  it  t its 
a crackling  noise,  which  is  characteristic  of  this  metal.  Its  sp.  gr.  is  7 -9.  me  ng 
point  442°,  equivalent  number  58‘9,  and  symbol  Su.  It  forms  three  oxid.  a 
protoxide,  sesquioxide,  and  deutoxide.  The  protoxide  is  of  a grayish-hck 
colour,  and  consists  of  one  eq.  of  tin  58’9,  and  one  of  oxygen  s=(36  9.  I'eD 


PA]'  i.  Stannum. — Staphisagria.  705 

perptly  pure  it  has,  according  to  Dr.  lloth,  a red  colour.  The  sesquioxide  is 
grai  and  is  composed  of  two  eqs.  of  tin  117’8,  and  three  of  oxygen  24  = 141 -8. 
Th(f leutoxide  ( stannic  acid ) is  of  a white  colour,  and  constitutes  the  native 
oxii.  It  consists  of  one  eq.  of  tin  58'9,  and  two  of  oxygen  16=74'9. 

le  tin  of  commerce  is  often  impure,  being  contaminated  with  other  metals 
intiluced  by  fraud,  or  present  in  consequence  of  the  mode  of  extraction  from 
the  re.  A high  specific  gravity  is  an  indication  of  impurity.  When  its  colour 
has  bluish  or  grayish  cast,  the  presence  of  copper,  lead,  iron,  or  antimony  may 
be  fspected.  Arsenic  renders  it  whiter,  but  at  the  same  time  harder;  and  lead, 
cop  r,  and  iron  cause  it  to  become  brittle.  Pure  tin  is  converted  by  nitric  acid 
intcf  white  powder  ( deutoxide ),  without  being  dissolved.  Boiled  with  muriatic 
acidit  forms  a solution  which  gives  a white  precipitate  with  ferrocyanuret  of 
potilium.  A blue  precipitate  with  this  test  indicates  iron;  a brown  one,  copper; 
and  violet-blue  one,  both  iron  and  copper.  If  lead  be  present,  a precipitate 
willie  produced  by  sulphate  of  magnesia.  The  Malacca  aud  Banca  tin,  and  the 
Ent.sk  grain  tin  are  the  purest  kinds  found  in  commerce.  Banca  tin,  from 
rece:  analyses  by  Mulder,  is  particularly  pure,  containing  only  A,th  of  one  per 
ceniof  foreign  metals.  Block  tin  and  the  metal  obtained  from  Germany  are 
alw;s  of  inferior  quality. 

bs.  Tin  enters  into  the  composition  of  bronze,  bell-metal,  pewter,  and 
plumpers’  solder.  It  is  used  also  in  making  tin-plate,  which  is  sheet-iron  coated 
within,  in  silvering  looking-glasses,  and  iu  forming  the  solution  of  bichloride 
of  t , a combination  essential  to  the  perfection  of  the  scarlet  dye.  It  is  em- 
plof  in  fabricating  various  vessels  and  instruments,  useful  in  domestic  economy 
and  \e  arts.  Being  unaffected  by  weak  acids,  it  forms  a good  material  for  vessels 
inteled  for  boiling  operations  in  pharmacy.  For  its  medical  properties,  see 
Sta  H Palvis. 

C.  Prep.  Stanni  Pulvis.  B. 

STAPHISAGRIA.  Lond.,  Ed. 

Stavesacre. 

Dphinium  Staphisagria.  The  seed.  Lond.,  Ed. 

Siihisaigi'e,  Fr.;  Stephanskvaut,  Lausekraut,  Germ.;  Stafisagria,  Ilal.;  Abarraz , Span. 

Dlphinium.  See  DELPHINIUM. 

Luhinium  Stapliisayria.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  ii.  1231;  Woodv.  Med.  Bot. 
p.  4|,  t.  168.  Stavesacre  is  a handsome  annual  or  biennial  plant,  one  or  two 
feet  Sigh,  with  a simple,  erect,  downy  stem,  and  palmate,  five  or  seven-lobed 
leavi1  supported  on  hairy  footstalks.  The  flowers  are  bluish  or  purple,  in 
tern;  al  racemes,  with  pedicels  twice  as  long  as  the  flower,  and  bracteoles  in- 
serts at  the  base  of  the  pedicel.  The  nectary  is  four-leaved  and  shorter  than 
the  j tals,  which  are  five  in  number,  the  uppermost  projected  backward  so  as  to 
form  spur,  which  encloses  two  spurs  of  the  upper  leaflets  of  the  nectary.  The 
seed  ire  contained  in  straight,  oblong  capsules.  The  plant  is  a native  of  the 
Soutiof  Europe. 

Fxperties.  Stavesacre  seeds  are  about  as  large  as  a grain  of  wheat,  irregu- 
larWriangular,  wrinkled,  externally  brown,  internally  whitish  and  oily.  They 
have;  slight  but  disagreeable  odour,  and  an  extremely  acrid,  bitter,  hot,  nause- 
ous j;te.  Their  virtues  are  extracted  by  water  aud  alcohol.  Analyzed  by  MM. 
Lass gne  and  Feneulle,  they  yielded  a brown  and  a yellow  bitter  principle,  a 
fola  j oil,  a fixed  oil,  albumen,  an  azotized  substance,  a mucilaginous  saccharine 
mah  , mineral  salts,  and  a peculiar  organic  alkali  called  delphine  or  delpMniar 
whi(!  exists  in  the  seeds  combined  with  an  excess  of  malic  acid.  It  is  white, 


706  Staphisagria. — Statice.  pari 

pulverulent,  inodorous,  of  a bitter  acrid  taste,  fusible  by  beat  and  becoming  h 1 
and  brittle  upon  cooling,  slightly  soluble  in  cold  water,  very  soluble  in  alcohol ; l 
ether,  and  capable  of  forming  salts  with  the  acids.  It  is  obtained  by  boilin  i 
decoction  of  the  seeds  with  magnesia,  collecting  the  precipitate,  and  treatim  t 
with  alcohol,  which  dissolves  the  delphinia,  and  yields  it  upon  evaporati . 
According  to  M.  Couerbe,  it  is  impure  as  thus  obtained,  consisting  of  three  - 
tinct  principles — one  of  a resinous  nature  separated  from  its  solution  in  dilu  i 
sulphuric  acid  by  the  addition  of  nitric  acid,  another  distinguished  by  its  ina  - 
bility in  ether,  and  named  by  M.  Couerbe  staphisain,  and  the  third  soluble  hi 
in  alcohol  and  ether,  and  considered  as  pure  delphinia.  ( Journ . de  Pho:, 
xix.  519.) 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  The  seeds  were  formerly  used  as  an  emetic  d 
cathartic,  but  have  been  abandoned  in  consequence  of  the  violence  of  their  act  i. 
Powdered  and  mixed  with  lard,  they  are  employed  in  some  cutaneous  disea s, 
and  to  destroy  lice  in  the  hair.  An  infusion  in  vinegar  has  been  applied  to  e 
same  purpose.  A preparation  made  by  mixing  three  parts  of  the  seeds  in  ie 
powder  with  five  parts  of  lard,  and  maintaining  the  mixture  at  the  tempera  -e 
of  212°  for  twenty-four  hours,  is  recommended  by  Dr.  Bourguignon  as  vy 
efficacious  in  the  itch.  ( Journ . de  Pharm.,  3e  seV.,  xviii.  421.)  M.  Bazin  is 
obtained  good  effects  from  the  external  and  internal  use  of  stavesacre  in  eezea. 
He  gave  the  extract  in  the  dose  of  a grain  and  a half  from  four  to  twelve  ties 
a day.  (Ann.  de  Therap.,  A.  D.  1851,  p.  18.)  Dr.  Turnbull  states  that  be  is 
employed  a strong  tincture  with  advantage  as  an  embrocation  in  rheumatic  a c- 
tions.  In  some  countries  the  seeds  are  used  to  intoxicate  fish  in  the  same  in- 
ner as  Cocculus  Indicus. 

Delphin  ia  is  highly  poisonous,  exerting  its  effects  chiefly  on  the  nervous  sys  n. 
Experiments  made  by  Drs.  Falck  and  Bbrig  on  the  lower  animals  show  that  n- 
troduced  into  the  rectum,  the  cellular  tissue,  or  the  veins,  it  produces  deatiby 
asphyxia,  preceded  by  symptoms  of  local  irritation,  convulsive  movements, ad 
extreme  anaesthesia,  without  apparent  disturbance  of  the  cerebral  functions  \ til 
the  moment  before  death.  Introduced  into  the  stomach,  it  caused  salivam, 
vomiting,  and  diarrhoea  without  other  signs  of  absorption.  (Arch.  Gen.,ier 
xxx.  482.)  Dr.  Turnbull,  in  his  work  “ On  the  Medical  Properties  of  the'a- 
nunculaceos,”  states  that  pure  delphinia  may  be  given  to  the  extent  of  tbre  or 
four  grains  a day,  in  doses  of  half  a grain  each,  without  exciting  vomiting nd 
without  producing  much  intestinal  irritation,  though  it  sometimes  purges.  In 
most  instances  it  proves  diuretic,  and  gives  rise  to  sensations  of  heat  and  tin: ng 
in  various  parts  of  the  body.  Externally  employed,  it  acts  like  veratria,  at  is 
applicable  to  the  same  complaints;  but,  according  to  Dr.  Turnbull,  prooees 
more  redness  and  burning,  and  less  tingling  than  that  substance.  He  ha.-m- 
ployed  it  in  neuralgia,  rheumatism,  and  paralysis.  It  may  be  applied  by  fricon, 
in  the  form  of  ointment  or  alcoholic  solution,  in  proportions  varying  from  0 to 
thirty  grains  of  the  alkaloid  to  an  ounce  of  the  vehicle;  and  the  friction  sluld 
be  continued  till  a pungent  seusation  is  produced. 

STATICE.  U.S. 

Marsh  Rosemary. 

The  root  of  Statice  Caroliniana.  U.  S. 

Statice.  Sex.  Syst.  Pentandria  Pentagynia. — Mat.  Ord.  Plumbagineae. 

Gen.  Ch.  Calyx  one-leaved,  entire,  plaited,  scariose.  Petals  five.  Seed ue, 
superior.  Muttall. 

Statice  Caroliniana.  Walter,  Flor.  Car.  118;  Bigelow,  Am.  Med.Bot.  51- 


PAI  I. 


Statice. — Stilling  ia. 


707 


Thi  s considered  by  Nuttall,  Torrey,  and  some  other  botanists,  as  a mere  variety 
of  t : Statice  Limoniwm  of  Europe.  Pursh,  Bigelow,  and  others  follow  Walter 
in  cisidering  it  as  a distinct  species.  It  is  an  indigenous  maritime  plant  with 
a piennial  root,  sending  up  annually  tufts  of  leaves,  which  are  obovate  or 
cunform,"  entire,  obtuse,  mucronate,  smooth,  and  supported  on  long  footstalks. 
The  differ  from  the  leaves  of  S.  Limonium  in  being  perfectly  flat  on  the  mar- 
gin,hile  the  latter  are  undulated.  The  flower-stem  is  round,  smooth,  from  a 
fewiiches  to  a foot  or  more  in  height,  sending  off  near  its  summit  numerous 
alte  ate  subdividing  branches,  which  terminate  in  spikes,  and  form  altogether  a 
loospanicle.  The  flowers  are  small,  bluish-purple,  erect,  upon  one  side  only 
of  t;  common  peduncle,  with  a mucronate  scaly  bracte  at  the  base  of  each,  a 
five-igled,  five-toothed  calyx,  and  spatulate,  obtuse  petals. 

Jrsh  rosemary  grows  in  the  salt  marshes  along  the  seacoast,  from  New  En- 
gl air  to  Florida,  and  flowers  in  August  and  September.  The  root,  which  is  the 
offical  porfion,  is  large,  spindle-shaped  or  branched,  fleshy,  compact,  rough, 
andf  a purplish-brown  colour.  It  is  bitter  and  extremely  astringent  to  the 
tasti  but  without  odour.  Mr.  Edward  Parrish,  of  Philadelphia,  found  it  to 
contn  tannic  acid,  gum,  extractive,  albumen,  volatile  oil,  resin,  caoutchouc, 
colo  ing  matter,  lignin,  and  various  salts,  among  which  were  common  salt  and 
the  lphates  of  soda  and  magnesia.  The  proportion  of  tannic  acid  was  12 '4 
per  jjnt.  (Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xiv.  116.) 

Mical  Properties  and  Uses.  Statice  is  powerfully  astringent,  and  in  some 
part  of  the  United  States,  particularly  in  New  England,  is  much  employed. 
It  ny  be  iiscd  for  all  the  purposes  for  which  kino  and  catechu  are  given  ; but 
its  cief  popular  application  is  to  aphthous  and  ulcerative  affections  of  the  mouth 
and  uces.  Dr.  Baylies,  of  Massachusetts,  found  it  highly  useful  in  cynanche 
nialiia,  both  as  an  internal  and  local  remedy.  It  is  employed  in  the  form  of 
infu  m or  decoction.  W. 

STILLINGIA.  U.S. 

Queens-root. 

T root  of  Stillingia  sylvatica.  U.  S. 

S'llingia.  Sex.  Syst.  Monoecia  Monadelphia.  — Nat.  Ord.  Euphorbiaceae. 

G .Cli.  Male.  Involucre  hemispherical,  many-flowered,  or  wanting.  Calyx 
tubu  r,  eroded.  Stamens  two  and  three,  exserted.  Female.  Calyx  one-flowered, 
infeijr.  Style  trifid.  Capsule  three-grained.  Nuttall. 

F m the  fruit  of  Stillingia  sebifera,  the  Chinese  procure  a vegetable  tallow 
m la  e quantities,  which  is  said  to  be  almost  pure  stearin,  and  is  much  used  in 
Diak  g candles.  It  exists  between  the  shell  of  the  seeds,  and  the  outer  husk  ; 
the  rnel,  contained  within  the  shell,  yielding  a liquid  oil  by  expression. 
(Ph  m.  Journ.  and  Trans.,  xii.  73.) 

S lingia  sylvatica.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  iv.  588.  This  is  an  indigenous  peren- 
nial ant,  commonly  called  Queen’s  delight,  with  herbaceous  stems,  two  or  three 
feet  gh,  and  alternate,  sessile,  oblong  or  lanceolate-oblong,  obtuse,  serrulate 
leavi  tapering  at  the  base,  and  accompanied  with  stipules.  The  male  and  fe- 
male owers  are  distinct  upon  the  same  plant.  They  are  yellow,  and  arranged 
in  ti  form  of  a spike,  of  which  the  upper  part  is  occupied  by  the  male,  the 
lowe  by  the  female  flowers.  The  male  florets  are  scarcely  longer  than  the 
nracjil  scales. 

T plant  grows  in  pine  barrens  from  Virginia  to  Florida,  flowering  in  May 
and  me.  When  wounded,  it  emits  a milky  juice.  The  root,  which  is  the  part 
used  is  large,  thick,  and  woody.  A specimen  presented  to  us  by  Dr.  J.  B. 


708  Stillingia. — Stramonii  Folia. — S.  Radix. — S.  Semen,  pap/  , 

Holmes,  of  Charleston,  S.  C.,  is  in  long  cylindrical  pieces,  from  a third  of  a 
inch  to  more  than  an  inch  thick,  wrinkled  from  drying,  of  a dirty  yellow  \. 
brown  colour  externally,  and,  when  cut  across,  exhibiting  an  interior  soft  jel t- 
ish  ligneous  portion,  surrounded  by  a pinkish-coloured  bark.  The  odou  is 
slight,  peculiar,  and  somewhat  oleaginous,  but  in  the  recent  root  is  said  by  r. 
Frost  to  be  strong  and  acrimonious.  The  taste  is  bitterish  and  pungent,  lea'  a 
an  impression  of  disagreeable  acrimony  in  the  mouth  and  fauces.  It  impart  y 
virtues  to  water  and  alcohol.  Dr.  Frost  thinks  that  the  active  principle  is  see- 
what  volatile,  and  states  that  the  root  loses  much  of  its  activity  when  long  k t. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  In  large  doses,  stillingia  is  emetic  and  catha  c, 
in  smaller  doses  alterative,  with  some  influence  over  the  secretions.  It  has  bn 
long  popularly  used  in  South  Carolina;  but  was  first  introduced  to  the  notic of 
the  profession  by  Dr.  Thomas  Young  Simons,  in  a paper  published  in  the  A r- 
ican  Medical  Recorder  for  April,  1828  (vol.  xiii.  p.  312),  as  a valuable  ala- 
tive  remedy  in  syphilitic  affections,  and  others  ordinarily  requiring  the  u.  of 
mercury.  Dr.  Simons’s  statements  have  been  confirmed  and  extended  by >r. 
A.  Lopez,  of  Mobile,  [N.  Orleans  Med.  and  Surg.  Journ .,  iii.  40),  and  DrI. 
11.  Frost,  of  Charleston,  S.  C.  [South.  Journ.  of  Med.  and  Phann.  for  No  n- 
ber,  1846).  From  the  reports  in  its  favour  there  seems  no  reason  todbt 
the  efficacy  of  this  medicine  in  secondary  syphilis,  scrofula,  cutaneous  dise;s, 
chronic  hepatic  affections,  and  other  complaints  ordinarily  benefitted  by  aba- 
tive  medicines.  It  may  be  given  in  substance,  decoction,  or  tincture;  buthe 
two  latter  forms  are  preferable.  The  dose  of  the  powder  is  stated  at  from  filen 
to  thirty  grains.  The  decoction,  made  by  slowly  boiling  an  ounce  of  the  bried 
root  in  a pint  and  a quarter  of  water  to  a pint,  may  be  given  in  the  quanti  of 
one  or  two  fluidounces  three  or  four  times  a day,  increased  as  the  stomach  ill 
bear  it.  The  dose  of  a tincture  made  with  two  ounces  of  the  root  and  a pi  of 
diluted  alcohol  is  about  a fluidrachm.  Stillingia  is  sometimes  advantageisly 
combined  with  sarsaparilla  and  other  alteratives.  \ 

STRAMONII  FOLIA.  U.S. 

Stramonium  Leaves. 

The  leaves  of  Datura  Stramonium.  U.  S. 

Off.  Syn.  STRAMONII  FOLIUM.  Datura  Stramonium.  The  leaf.  lid. 
STRAMONIUM.  Herb  of  Datura  Stramonium.  Thornapple.  Pd. 

STRAMONII  RADIX.  U.  S. 

Stramonium  Root. 

The  root  of  Datura  Stramonium.  U.  S. 

STRAMONII  SEMEN.  U.S.,Lond . 
Stramonium  Seed. 

The  seeds  of  Datura  Stramonium.  U.  S.  Lond. 

Off.  Syn.  STRAMONIUM.  Datura  Stramonium.  The  seeds.  Dub. 

Thornapple;  Stramoine,  l'omme  epineuse,  Fr.;  Steckapfel,  Germ.:  Stramonio  tA 
Estramonio,  Span. 

Datuka.  Sex.  Syst.  Pentandria  Monogynia. — Mat.  Ord.  Solanace®. 

Gen.  Ch.  Corolla  funnel-shaped,  plaited.  Calyx  tubular,  angular,  deeicoui. 
Capsule  four-valved.  Willd. 


PA  I I. 


Stramonii  Folia. — S.  Radix. — S.  Semen. 


709 


j itura  Stramonium.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  i.  1008;  Bigelow,  Am.  Med.  Bot. 
i.  1 Woodv.  Med.  Bot.  p.  197,  t.  74.  The  thornapple  is  an  annual  plant,  of 
raniand  vigorous  growth,  usually  about  three  feet  high,  but  in  a rich  soil  some- 
timi  rising  six  feet  or  more.  The  root  is  large,  whitish,  and  furnished  with 
nuDrous  fibres.  The  stem  is  erect,  round,  smooth,  somewhat  shining,  simple 
belc,  dichotomous  above,  with  numerous  spreading  branches.  The  leaves, 
whii  stand  on  short  round  footstalks  in  the  forks  of  the  stem,  are  five  or  six 
inch  long,  of  an  ovate-triangular  form,  irregularly  sinuated  and  toothed  at  the 
edgi,  unequal  at  the  base,  of  a dark-green  colour  on  the  upper  surface,  and  pale 
heath.  The  flowers  are  large,  axillary,  solitary,  and  peduncled;  having  a 
tubur,  pentangular,  five-toothed  calyx,  and  a funnel-shaped  corolla  with  a long 
tubond  a waved  plaited  border,  terminating  in  five  acuminate  teeth.  The 
upp  portion  of  the  calyx  falls  with  the  deciduous  parts  of  the  flower,  leaving 
its  be,  which  becomes  reflexed  and  remains  attached  to  the  fruit.  This  is  a 
larg  .fleshy,  roundish-ovate,  four-valved,  four-celled  capsule,  thickly  covered 
witlsharp  spines,  and  containing  numerous  seeds,  attached  to  a longitudinal 
rece.acle  in  the  centre  of  each  cell.  It  opens  at  the  summit. 

Drc  are  two  varieties  of  this  species  of  Datura,  one  with  green  stems  and 
whi  flowers;  the  other  with  a dark-reddish  stem  minutely  dotted  with  green, 
andurplish  flowers  striped  with  deep  purple  on  the  inside.  The  latter,  how- 
eveiis  considered  by  some  botanists  as  a distinct  species,  being  the  D.  Tatida 
oflmaeus.  The  properties  of  both  are  the  same. 

Lis  doubtful  to  what  country  this  plant  originally  belonged.  Many  Euro- 
peamotanists  refer  it  to  North  America,  while  we  in  return  trace  it  to  the  old 
content.  Nuttall  considers  it  as  having  originated  in  South  America  or  Asia; 
and  is  probable  that  its  native  country  is  to  be  found  in  some  portion  of  the 
Eas  Its  seeds,  being  retentive  of  life,  are  taken  in  the  earth  put  on  shipboard 
for  Hast  from  one  country  to  another,  not  unfrequently  springing  up  upon  the 
pass;e,  and  thus  propagating  the  plant  in  all  regions  which  have  any  commer- 
cial mnexion.  In  the  United  States  it  is  found  everywhere  in  the  vicinity  of 
cultition,  frequenting  dung-heaps,  the  road-sides  and  commons,  and  other 
plac  where  a rank  soil  is  created  by  the  deposited  refuse  of  towns  and  villages. 
Its  iwers  appear  from  May  to  July  or  August,  according  to  the  latitude. 
Wk  3 the  plant  grows  abundantly,  its  vicinity  may  be  detected  by  the  rank 
odoi  which  it  diffuses  to  some  distance  around.  All  parts  of  it  are  medicinal. 
The  erbaceous  portion  is  directed  by  the  Edinburgh  College;  the  seeds  by  that 
of  Iblin;  the  leaves  and  seeds  by  the  London  College;  and  the  leaves,  root, 
and  jeds  by  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia.  The  leaves  may  be  gathered  at  any 
timcrom  the  appearance  of  the  flowers  till  the  autumnal  frost.  In  this  country 
the  ant  is  generally  known  by  the  name  of  Jamestown  weed,  derived  probably 
fron  ts  having  been  first  observed  in  the  neighbourhood  of  that  old  settlement 
in  \ ginia.  In  great  Britain  it  is  called  thornapple. 

1 1’he  fresh  leaves  when  bruised  emit  a fetid  narcotic  odour,  which  they  lose 
upoilrying.  Their  taste  is  bitter  and  nauseous.  These  properties,  together 
witl  heir  medical  virtues,  are  imparted  to  water  and  alcohol.  Water  distilled 
fron  them,  though  possessed  of  their  odour  in  a slight  degree,  is  destitute  of 
thei  ic'tive  properties.  They  coutain,  according  to  Promnitz,  0'58  per  cent,  of 
guaO’6  of  extractive,  0'64  of  green  starch,  0T5  of  albumen,  0‘12  of  resin, 
0'2Lf  saline  matters,  5T5  of  lignin,  and  91'25  of  water.  The  leaves,  if  care- 
full;  fried,  retain  their  bitter  taste. 

- The  seeds  are  small,  kidney-shaped,  flattened  on  the  sides,  of  a dark -brown 
aim  black  colour,  inodorous,  and  of  the  bitter  nauseous  taste  of  the  leaves, 
witl  some  degree  of  acrimony.  They  were  analyzed  by  Brandes,  who  found, 
besi  g a peculiar  alkaline  principle  called  daturia,  a glutinous  matter,  albumen, 


710 


Stramonii  Folia. — S.  Radix. — S.  Semen. 


PAR  i 


gum,  a butyraeeous  substance,  green  wax,  resin  insoluble  in  ether,  fixed  oil, 
sorin,  sugar,  gummy  extractive,  orange-coloured  extractive,  and  various  sste 
and  earthy  substances.  Chemists,  however,  have  failed  to  obtain  the  daturbf 
Brandes  by  his  own  process;  and  Berzelius  states  that  it  has  been  admitted,  ( n 
by  that  chemist  himself,  to  be  nothing  more  than  phosphate  of  magnesia.  (Ti  U 
de  Chimie,  vi.  319.)  But  Geiger  and  Hesse  succeeded  in  isolating  an  alkaie 
principle,  to  which  the  same  name  has  been  given,  and  which  Trommsdorff  is 
repeatedly  procured  by  their  process. 

As  described  by  Geiger  and  Hesse,  dciturin  crystallizes  in  colourless,  modor  s, 
shining  prisms,  which,  when  first  applied  to  the  tongue,  are  bitterish,  but  :i- 
mately  have  a flavour  like  that  of  tobacco.  It  is  dissolved  by  280  parts  of  d, 
and  72  of  boiling  water,  is  very  soluble  in  alcohol,  and  less  so  in  ether.  It  is 
been  shown  to  have  a poisonous  action  upon  animals,  and  strongly  dilates le 
pupil.  Crystals  of  it  are  asserted  to  have  been  obtained  from  the  urine  a 
person  fatally  poisoned  by  stramonium.  (See  Am.  Journ.  of  Med.  Sci.,  i. 
485.)  It  may  be  procured  from  the  seeds  in  the  same  manner  as  hyoscyaia 
from  those  of  Hyoscyamus  niger.  (See  Hyoscyamusd)  The  product  is  excel- 
ingly  small.  In  the  most  favourable  case,  Trommsdorff  got  only  of  oncer 
cent.  [Anval.  der  Pharm.,  xxxii.  275.)  Mr.  Morries  obtained  a poisons 
empyreumatic  oil  by  the  destructive  distillation  of  stramonium.  Accordiito 
Dr.  A.  Yon  Planta,  daturia  is  identical  with  atropia,  its  formula  being  NCMH)6. 
(See  Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xxiii.  38.) 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Stramonium  is  a powerful  narcotic.  Tim 
taken  in  quantities  sufficient  to  affect  the  system  moderately,  it  usually  prod  es 
more  or  iess  cerebral  disturbance,  indicated  by  vertigo,  headache,  dimneior 
perversion  of  vision,  and  confusion  of  thought,  sometimes  amounting  to  s ;ht 
delirium  or  a species  of  intoxication.  At  the  same  time  peculiar  dera  ed 
sensations  are  experienced  about  the  fauces,  oesophagus,  and  trachea,  inerted 
occasionally  to  a feeling  of  suffocation,  and  often  attended  with  nausea.  Ap- 
position to  sleep  is  sometimes  but  not  uniformly  produced.  The  pulse  isiot 
materially  affected.  The  bowels  are  rather  relaxed  than  confined,  and  the  sre- 
tions  from  the  skin  and  kidneys  not  unfrequently  augmented.  These  e c-ts 
pass  off  in  five  or  six  hours,  or  in  a shorter  period,  and  no  inconvenien  is 
subsequently  experienced.  In  poisonous  doses,  this  narcotic  produces  cardie  ia, 
excessive  thirst,  nausea  and  vomiting,  a sense  of  strangulation,  anxiety  nd 
faintness,  partial  or  complete  blindness  with  dilatation  of  the  pupil,  someties 
deafness,  flushing  and  swelling  of  the  face,  headache,  vertigo,  delirium  somelies 
of  a furious,  sometimes  of  a whimsical  character,  tremors  of  the  limbs,  psy, 
and  ultimately  stupor  and  convulsions.  From  all  these  symptoms  the  paent 
may  recover;  but  they  have  frequently  terminated  in  death.  To  evacuatthe 
stomach  by  emetics  or  the  stomach  pump  is  the  most  effectual  remedy. 

Though  long  known  as  a poisonous  and  intoxicating  herb,  stramoniunras 
first  introduced  into  regular  practice  by  Baron  Stdrck,  of  Vienna,  who  find 
some  advantage  from  its  use  in  mania  and  epilepsy.  Subsequent  observion 
has  confirmed  his  estimate  of  the  remedy;  and  numerous  cases  are  on  rec-c.  in 
which  benefit  has  accrued  from  it  in  these  complaints.  Other  diseases  in  tick 
it  has  been  found  beneficial  are  neuralgic  and  rheumatic  affections,  dysmenonea, 
syphilitic  pains,  cancerous  sores,  and  spasmodic  asthma.  In  the  last  compint 
it  has  acquired  considerable  reputation.  It  is  employed  only  during  the  parojun, 
which  it  very  often  greatly  alleviates  or  altogether  subverts.  The  praetiewas 
introduced  into  Great  Britain  from  the  East  Indies,  where  the  natives  are  i the 
habit  of  smoking  the  dried  root  and  lower  part  of  the  stem  of  Datura  Jen.  m 
the  paroxysms  of  this  distressing  complaint.  The  same  parts  of  D.  Stramoum 
were  substituted,  and  found  equally  effectual.  To  prepare  the  roots  for  use  '.iey 


711 


pat  I.  Stramonii  Folia. — S.  Radix. — S.  Semen. — Styrax. 

arquickly  dried,  cut  into  pieces,  and  beat  so  as  to  loosen  the  texture.  The 
dr  l leaves  answer  the  same  purpose.  They  are  smoked  by  means  of  a common 
toleco-pipe.  These  and  other  narcotic  leaves  have  also  been  used  in  the  shape 
of  gars.  The  smoke  produces  a sense  of  heat  in  the  lungs,  followed  by  copious 
ex  ctoration,  and  attended  frequently  with  temporary  vertigo  or  drowsiness,  and 
sobtimes  with  nausea.  The  remedy  should  never  be  used  in  plethoric  cases, 
unss  preceded  by  ample  depletion,  and  in  no  case  where  there  is  determination 
to  le  head.  Dangerous  and  even  fatal  consequences  have  resulted  from  its 
inutious  or  improper  use;  and  General  Gent,  who  was  instrumental  in  intro- 
dung  the  practice  into  England,  is  said  at  last  to  have  fallen  a victim  to  it. 
Stioionium  has  sometimes  been  given  by  the  stomach  in  the  same  complaint. 
It  used  by  Dr.  H.  D.  W.  Pawling  in  the  treatment  of  delirium  tremens,  and, 
as  presented  in  the  inaugural  dissertation  of  his  pupil  Dr.  G.  W.  Holstein,  with 
grit  success.  Dr.  Pawling  employs  a decoction  of  the  leaves. 

sternally  the  medicine  is  used  advantageously  as  an  ointment  or  cataplasm  in 
irrible  ulcers,  inflamed  tumours,  swelling  of  the  mammae,  and  painful  hemor- 
rhdal  affections.  Dr.  J.  Y.  Dortch,  of  North  Carolina,  has  found  it  very  useful 
in  rea  capitis.  ( Thesis,  Feb.  1846.)  By  American  surgeons  it  is  very  frequently 
ap  led  to  the  eye,  in  order  to  produce  dilatation  of  the  pupil,  previously  to  the 
opation  for  cataract;  and  is  found  equally  efficacious  with  belladonna.  For 
thipurpose  the  extract,  mixed  with  lard,  is  generally  rubbed  over  the  eyelid, 
or  solution  of  it  dropped  into  the  eye. 

f the  parts  of  the  plant  employed,  the  seeds  are  the  most  powerful.  They 
me  be  given  in  the  dose  of  a grain  twice  a day;  and  an  extract  made  by  evapo- 
rat  g the  decoction,  in  one  quarter  or  half  the  quantity.  The  dose  of  the  pow- 
de;l  leaves  is  two  or  three  grains.  The  inspissated  juice  of  the  fresh  leaves, 
wl  h is  the  officinal  extract,  is  more  commonly  prescribed  than  any  other  prepa- 
raln,  and  may  be  administered  in  the  quantity  of  one  grain.  (See  Extractum 
St  monii.)  There  is  also  an  officinal  tincture,  to  which  the  reader  is  referred. 
Tblose  should  be  gradually  increased  till  the  narcotic  operation  becomes  evident, 
or  lief  from  the  symptoms  of  the  disease  is  obtained.  Fifteen  or  twenty  grains 
of  ie  powdered  leaves,  and  a proportionate  amount  of  the  other  preparations, 
ha  often  been  given  daily  without  unpleasant  effects. 
f.  Prep,  of  the  Leaves.  Extractum  Stramonii  Foliorum. 
ff.  Prep.  of  the  Seeds.  Extractum  Stramonii  Seminis;  Tinctura  Stramonii. 

W. 

STYRAX.  U.S.,  Land.,  Ed. 

Storax. 

ie  concrete  juice  of  Styrax  officinale.  TJ.  S.  Balsamic  exudation.  Ed.  An 
un  rtaiu  plant.  The  liquid  balsam.  Land. 
orax,  Fr.,  Germ.;  Storace,  Ital.;  Estoraque,  Span. 

’yrax.  See  BENZOINUM. 

'yrax  officinale.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  ii.  623  ; Woodv.  Med.  Bot.  p.  291,  t. 
10  This  species  of  Styrax  is  a tree  which  rises  from  fifteen  to  twenty-five  feet 
in  tight,  sends  off  many  branches,  and  is  covered  with  a rough  gray  bark.  The 
lea es  are  alternate,  petiolate,  entire,  oval,  pointed,  bright-green  on  their  upper 
su  ce,  white  with  a cotton-like  down  upon  the  under,  about  two  inches  in 
lef:h,  and  an  inch  and  a half  in  breadth.  The  flowers  are  united  in  clusters 
of  iree  or  four  at  the  extremities  of  the  branches.  They  are  white,  and  bear 
co’  derable  resemblance  to  those  of  the  orange. 

lis  tree  is  a native  of  Syria  and  other  parts  of  the  Levant,  and  has  been 
na  ralized  in  Italy,  Spain,  and  the  South  of  France,  where,  however,  it  does 


712 


Styrax. 


PART 


not  yield  balsam.  This  circumstance  has  induced  some  naturalists  to  dm 
whether  Styrax  officinale  is  the  real  source  of  storax;  and,  as  the  Liqvidamb 
styraciflua  of  this  country  affords  a balsam  closely  analogous  to  that  under  c • 
sideration,  Bernard  de  Jussieu  conjectured  that  the  latter  might  be  derived  fr 
another  species  of  the  same  genus,  the  L.  orientale  of  Lamarck,  which  is  m; 
abundant  in  Syria  than  the  Styrax. 

Storax  is  obtained  in  Asiatic  Turkey  by  making  incisions  into  the  trunk  f 
the  tree.  Several  kinds  are  mentioned  in  the  books.  The  purest  is  the  star, 
in  yrains , which  is  in  whitish,  yellowish-white,  or  reddish-yellow  tears,  ah; 
the  size  of  a pea,  opaque,  soft,  adhesive,  and  capable  of  uniting  so  as  to  forri 
mass.  Another  variety,  formerly  called  styrax  calamita,  from  the  eireumstan , 
as  is  supposed,  that  it  was  brought  wrapped  in  the  leaves  of  a kind  of  reed,  c- 
sists  of  dry  and  brittle  masses,  formed  of  yellowish  agglutinated  tears,  in  5 
interstices  of  which  is  a brown  or  reddish  matter.  The  French  writers  cal! t 
storax  amygdalo'ide.  Both  this  and  the  preceding  variety  have  a very  pleas  t 
odour  like  that  of  vanilla.  Neither  of  them,  however,  is  brought  to  our  mark. . 

A third  variety,  which  is  sometimes  sold  as  the  styrax  calamita,  is  in  brci 
or  reddish-brown  masses  of  various  shapes,  light,  friable,  yet  possessing  a certi 
degree  of  tenacity,  and  softening  under  the  teeth.  Upon  exposure,  it  becois 
covered  upon  the  surface  with  a white  efflorescence  of  benzoic  acid.  It  evideny 
consists  of  sawdust,  united  either  with  a portion  of  the  balsam,  or  with  otr 
analogous  substances.  As  found  in  our  shops,  it  is  usually  in  the  state  oa 
coarse,  soft,  dark-coloured  powder,  mingled  with  occasional  light  friable  lurs 
of  various  magnitude,  and  containing  very  little  of  the  balsam.  When  goodt 
should  yield,  upon  pressure  between  hot  plates,  a brown  resinous  fluid,  havg 
the  odour  of  storax. 

Another  variety,  found  in  our  market,  is  a semi-fluid  adhesive  matter,  eaid 
liquid  storax,  which  is  brown  or  almost  black  upon  the  surface  exposed  to  e 
air,  but  of  a slightly  greenish-gray  colour  within,  and  of  an  odour  somewhat  le 
that  of  the  Peruvian  balsam,  though  less  agreeable.  It  is  kept  in  jars,  ants 
the  most  employed.  What  is  the  source  of  liquid  storax  is  not  certainly  knot. 
Some  suppose  it  to  be  derived  by  decoction  from  the  young  branches  of  Liqil- 
ambar  styraciflua ; but  some  of  the  genuine  juice  of  this  plant,  brought  fin 
New  Orleans,  which  we  have  had  an  opportunity  of  inspecting,  has  an  odtr 
entirely  distinct  from  that  of  the  substance  under  consideration.  According 
Landerer,  who  resides  in  Greece,  liquid  storax  is  obtained,  in  the  islands  of  is 
and  Rhodes,  from  the  bark  and  young  twigs  of  Styrax  officinale,  by  subjectg 
them  to  pressure.  The  plant,  according  to  the  same  authority,  grows  alson 
the  mainland  of  Greece,  but  in  that  situation  does  not  yield  balsam. 

General  Properties.  Storax  has  a fragrant  odour  and  aromatic  taste.  It 
melts  with  a moderate  heat,  and  when  the  temperature  is  raised  takes  fire  d 
burns  with  a white  flame,  leaving  a light  spongy  carbonaceous  residue.  It  11- 
parts  its  odour  to  water,  which  it  renders  yellow  and  milky.  Its  active  eori- 
tuents  are  dissolved  by  alcohol  and  ether.  Newmann  obtained  from  480  gras 
of  storax  120  of  watery  extract;  and  from  an  equal  quantity,  360  graius  of  ao- 
holic  extract.  Containing  volatile  oil  and  resin,  and  yielding  benzoic  or  c-iia- 
mic  acid  by  distillation,  it  is  entitled  to  be  ranked  as  a balsam.  Besides  oil,  ren, 
and  benzoic  acid,  Reinsch  found  in  styrax  calamita,  gum,  extractive,  ligni  a 
matter  extracted  by  potassa,  water,  and  traces  of  ammonia.  Simon  founoin 
liquid  storax,  cinnamic  acid,  and  a resinous  substance  which  he  considered  i>n- 
tical  with  the  styracine  of  Bonastre.  According  to  Toel,  styracine  is  a corupoid 
of  cinnamic  acid  with  a peculiar  substance  which  he  calls  styrone,  and  inn 
composition  perfectly  analogous  to  the  natural  fats.  ( Chem . Gaz.,  July  2. 18 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  This  balsam  is  a stimulating  expectorant,  id 
was  formerly  recommended  in  phthisis,  chronic  catarrh,  asthma,  and  ame>r- 


pa]:  i. 


Styrax .■ — Succinum. 


713 


rko  ; but  it  is  very  seldom  used  at  present,  except  as  a constituent  of  the  com- 
poul  tincture  of  benzoin.  Liquid  storax  has  been  recommended  in  gonorrhoea 
andeucorrhoea  as  equally  effectual  with  copaiba,  and  less  disagreeable.  From 
ten  3 twenty  grains  may  be  given  twice  a day,  and  the  dose  gradually  increased. 

if.  Prep.  Styrax  Purificata.  W. 

SUCCINUM.  U.S.yDub. 

Amber. 

Sscin,  Ambre  jaune,  Karabe,  Fr.;  Bernstein,  Germ.;  Ambra  gialla,  Succino,  Ital.;  Suc- 
cino^aa. 

Jiber  is  a kind  of  fossil  resin,,  derived,  probably,  from  extinct  coniferte, 
occu’ing  generally  in  small  detached  masses,  in  alluvial  deposits,  in  different 
pari  of  the  world.  It  is  found  chiefly  in  Prussia,  either  on  the  sea-shore,  where 
it  ishroyra  up  by  the  Baltic,  or  underneath  the  surface,  in  the  alluvial  forma- 
tionalong  the  coast.  It  occurs  also  in  considerable  quantities  near  Catania,  in 
Sici.  It  is  most  frequently  associated  with  lignite,  and  sometimes  encloses 
inses  and  parts  of  vegetables.  In  the  United  States,  it  was  found  in  Maryland, 
at  Cite  Sable,  near  Magothy  river,  by  Dr.  Troost.  In  this  locality  it  is  associated 
witl  rou  pyrites  and  liguite.  It  has  also  been  discovered  in  New  Jersey.  The 
ami' consumed  in  this  country,  however,  is  brought  from  the  ports  of  the  Baltic. 

bperties.  Amber  is  a brittle  solid,  generally  in  small  irregular  masses, 
peri  uent  in  the  air,  having  a homogeneous  texture  and  vitreous  fracture,  and 
suscotible  of  a flue  polish  It  becomes  negatively  electric  by  friction.  Its 
colo  is  generally  yellow,  either  light  or  deep  ; but  is  occasionally  reddish-brown 
or  e n deep-brown.  It  has  no  taste,  and  is  inodorous  unless  heated,  when  it 
exhlis  a peculiar,  aromatic,  not  unpleasant  smell.  It  is  usually  translucent, 
thoi a occasionally  transparent  or  opaque.  Its  sp.gr.  is  about  I 'OT.  Water 
and(cohol  scarcely  act  ou  it.  When  heated  in  the  open  air,  it  softens,  melts 
at  51°,  swells,  and  at  last  inflames,  leaving,  after  combustion,  a small  portion 
of  a;es.  Subjected  to  distillation  in  a retort  furnished  with  a tubulated  receiver, 
ityils,  first,  a yellow  acid  liquor;  and  afterwards  a thin  yellowish  oil,  with  a 
yelli  waxy  substance,  which  is  deposited  in  the  neck  of  the  retort  and  the 
uppi,  part  of  the  receiver.  This  waxy  substance,  exhausted  by  cold  ether  of 
the  rt  soluble  in  that  menstruum,  is  reduced  to  a yellow  micaceous  substance, 
idenjal  with  the  chrysene  of  Laurent.  A wdiite  crystalline  substance,  identical 
witkjtie  idrialine  of  Dumas,  may  be  separated  from  the  micaceous  substance 
by  Ming  alcohol.  Both  chrysene  and  idrialine  are  carbohydrogens.  (Pelletier 
and  'alter,  Journ.  de  Pliarm.,  v.  60.)  As  the  distillation  proceeds,  a con- 
sidenle  quantity  of  combustible  gas  is  given  off,  which  must  be  allowed  to 
esca;  from  the  tubulure  of  the  receiver.  By  continuing  the  heat,  the  oil  gra- 
dual deepens  in  colour,  until,  towards  the  end  of  the  distillation,  it  becomes 
blaclind  of  the  consistence  of  pitch.  The  oil  obtained  is  called  oil  of  amber, 
and  e acid  liquor  is  a solution  of  impure  succinic  acid.  When  amber  is  dis- 
tillerepeatedly  from  nitric  acid,  it  yields  an  acid  liquor,  from  which,  after  it 
has  ten  neutralized  with  caustic  potassa,  ether  separates  pure  camphor.  (Doep- 
ping/oMHi.  de  Pharm.,  vi.  168.)  Camphor  is  also  obtained  by  distilling  to 
dryn's  powdered  amber  with  an  extremely  concentrated  solution  of  caustic 
potau.  (G-.  Reich,  Ibid..,  xiii.  33,  Jan.  1848.) 

C l position.  According  to  Berzelius,  amber  consists  of  1.  a volatile  oil  of 
an  abeable  odour  in  small  quantity;  2.  a yellow  resin,  intimately  united  with 
a vo.dle  oil,  very  soluble  in  alcohol,  ether,  and  the  alkalies,  easily  fusible,  and 
resending  ordinary  resins;  3.  another  resin,  also  combined  with  volatile  oil, 
solul ! in  ether  and  the  alkalies,  sparingly  soluble  in  cold,  but  more  soluble  in 


714 


Succinum. — Sulphur. 


PAR 


boiling  alcohol;  4.  succinic  acid;  5.  a bituminous  principle  insoluble  in  alcol 
ether,  and  the  alkalies,  having  some  analogy  to  the  lac  resin  of  John,  and  i- 
stituting  more  than  four-fifths  of  the  amber.  It  also  contains  a strongly  odor  % 
bright-yellow  substance,  which  hardens  by  time,  but  preserves  in  part  its  odr. 
The  ultimate  constituents  of  amber  are  carbon  80'59,  hydrogen  7 31,  oxj  a 
6‘73,  ashes  (silica,  lime,  and  alumina)  3 '27 =97  '90.  ( Brassier , cited  in  Pern's 
Elem.  of  Mat.  Med. ) 

Pharmaceutical  Uses,  &c.  Amber  was  held  in  high  estimation  by  the a- 
cients  as  a medicine;  but  at  present  is  employed  only  in  pharmacy  and  the ; s. 
In  pharmacy  it  is  used  to  prepare  oil  of  amber  and  succinic  acid.  (See  01  m 
Succini  and  Succinic  Acid  in  the  Appendix.)  In  the  arts  it  is  made  to 
ornaments,  and  employed  in  preparing  varnishes.  When  put  to  the  latter se 
it  requires  to  be  first  subjected  to  roasting,  whereby  it  is  rendered  soluble  a 
mixture  of  linseed  oil  and  oil  of  turpentine.  This  solution  forms  amber  var.h. 

Off.  Prep.  Oleum  Succini.  j 

SULPHUR.  U.  S.,  Loud.,  Ed. 

Sulphur. 

Sublimed  sulphur.  US.,  Lond.  Sulphur  entirely  sublimed  by  heat,  and -ee 
from  acidity.  Ed. 

Off.  Sjjn.  SULPHUR  SUBLIMATUM.  Dub. 


SULPHUR  LOTUM.  U.  S. 

Washed  Sulphur. 

Sublimed  sulphur,  thoroughly  washed  with  water.  U.  S. 

Off.  Si/n.  SULPHUR  SUBLIMATUM.  Ed. 

Brimstone;  Soufre,  Fr.;  Scliwefel,  Germ.;  Zolfo,  Ital.;  Azufre,  Span. 

The  officinal  forms  of  sulphur  are  the  sublimed,  the  washed,  and  the  prepi- 
fated.  The  sublimed  sulphur  is  designated  in  the  United  States  and  Lolon 
Pharmacopoeias  by  the  single  word  Sulphur;  the  washed  sulphur  in  the  U ted 
States  Pharmacopoeia  by  the  name  Sulphur  Lotum.  The  Dublin  Colleghas 
dismissed  washed  sulphur  as  an  officinal  preparation  ; and  the  Edinburgh  Ccege 
only  recognises  sulphur  which  is  free  from  acidity;  calling  it  “Sulphur  £bli- 
matum”  under  the  Preparations,  and  “Sulphur”  in  the  Materia  Medieaist. 
Sublimed  sulphur  and  washed  sulphur  will  be  noticed  in  this  place;  the  pripi- 
tated  sulphur  in  Part  II,  under  the  Preparations. 

Natural  States.  Sulphur  is  very  generally  disseminated  throughou  the 
mineral  kingdom,  and  is  almost  always  present,  in  minute  quantity,  in  amal 
and  vegetable  matter.  Among  vegetables,  it  is  particularly  abundant  i the 
cruciform  plants,  as  for  example  in  mustard.  It  occurs  in  the  earth,  either  itive 
or  in  combination.  When  native  it  is  found  in  masses,  translucent  or  oppue, 
or  in  the  powdery  form  mixed  with  various  earthy  impurities.  In  combii'-ion 
it  is  usually  united  with  certain  metals,  as  iron,  lead,  mercury,  antimony,  opet 
and  zinc,  forming  compounds  called  sulphurets.  Native  sulphur  is  mostanw- 
ant  in  volcanic  countries,  and  is  hence  called  volcanic  sulphur.  The  m os  cele- 
brated mines  of  native  sulphur  are  found  at  Solfatara  in  the  kingdom  of  Ales, 
in  Sicily,  and  in  the  Roman  States.  It  occurs,  also,  in  different  localities  the 
United  States. 

Extraction,  &c.  Sulphur  is  obtained  either  from  sulphur  earths,  or  fro  the 
native  sulphurets  of  iron  and  copper,  called  iron  and  copper  pyrites.  T1  sul- 
phur earths  are  placed  in  earthen  pots,  set  in  oblong  furnaces  of  briciork. 


p^.t  i.  Sulphur.  715 

Fun  the  upper  and  lateral  part  of  each  pot  proceeds  a tube,  whieh  communi- 
ea;3  with  the  upper  part  of  another  pot,  situated  outside  the  furnace,  and  per- 
foited  near  its  bottom  to  allow  the  melted  sulphur  to  flow  out  into  a vessel 
coaming  water,  placed  beneath.  Fire  being  applied,  the  sulphur  rises  in 
vaiur,  leaving  the  impurities  behind,  and,  being  condensed  again,  flows  from 
^perforated  pot  into  the  vessel  containing  the  water.  Sulphur,  as  thus  ob- 
taiid,  is  called  crude  sulphur , and  contains  about  one-twelfth  of  its  weight  of 
eaiy  matter.  For  purification,  it  is  generally  melted  in  a cast  iron  vessel. 
Win  the  fusion  is  complete,  the  impurities  subside,  and  the  purer  sulphur  is 
di]  ed  out  and  poured  into  cylindrical  wooden  moulds,  which  give  it  the  form 
of  olid  cylinders,  about  an  inch  in  diameter,  called  in  commerce  roll  sulphur 
mine  brimstone.  The  dregs  of  this  process,  ground  to  powder,  constitute  a 
ve  impure  kind  of  sulphur,  of  a gray  colour,  known  in  the  shops  by  the  name 
of  dphur  vivum  or  horse  brimstone. 

he  above  process  purifies  the  sulphur  but  imperfectly.  At  the  same  time 
it  uses  a considerable  loss;  as  the  dregs  just  mentioned  contain  a large  propor- 
tio  of  sulphur.  A more  eligible  mode  of  purification  consists  in  distilling  the 
one  sulphur  from  a large  cast  iron  still,  set  in  brick-wmrk  over  a furnace,  and 
finished  with  an  iron  head.  The  head  has  two  lateral  communications,  one 
wi  a chamber  of  brick-work,  the  other  with  an  iron  receiver,  immersed  in 
war,  which  is  constantly  renewed  to  cool  it  sufficiently  to  cause  the  sulphur  to 
coiense  in  the  liquid  form.  When  the  tube  between  the  still  and  receiver  is 
sh , and  that  communicating  with  the  chamber  is  open,  the  sulphur  condenses 
on  s walls  in  the  form  of  an  impalpable  powder,  and  constitutes  sublimed  sulphur 
or  lowers  of  sulphur.  If,  on  the  other  hand,  the  communication  with  the 
ch  iber  be  closed  and  that  with  the  receiver  opened,  the  sulphur  condenses  in 
thi  after  in  the  fused  state,  and,  w'hen  cast  in  cylindrical  moulds,  forms  the 
mmlphur  of  commerce. 

le  extraction  of  sulphur  from  the  bisulphuret  of  iron  (iron  pyrites)  is  per- 
foied  by  distilling  it  in  stoue-ware  cylinders.  Half  the  sulphur  contained  in 
thoisulphuret  is  volatilized  by  the  heat,  and  conducted,  by  means  of  an  adopter, 
int  vessels  containing  water,  where  it  condenses.  The  residue  of  the  mineral  is 
em  oyed  for  making  sulphate  of  iron,  or  green  vitriol,  by  exposure  to  air  and 
meture.  In  the  island  of  Anglesea,  large  quantities  of  sulphur  are  obtained 
fro  copper  pyrites  in  the  process  for  extracting  that  metal.  The  furnaces  in 
wbh  the  ore  is  roasted  are  connected  by  horizontal  flues  with  chambers,  in 
wbh  the  volatilized  sulphur  is  condensed.  Each  chamber  is  furnished  with  a 
dor  through  which  the  sulphur  is  withdrawn  once  in  six  weeks. 

^cording  to  Berzelius,  a very  economical  method  of  extracting  sulphur  from 
iro  pyrites  is  practised  in  Sweden,  which  saves  the  expenditure  of  fuel.  The 
py.es  is  introduced  into  furnaces  with  long  horizontal  chimneys,  of  which  the 
pai  next  to  the  furnace  is  of  brick-work,  while  the  rest  is  formed  of  wood.  The 
py  es  is  kindled  below7,  and  continues  to  burn  of  itself;  and  the  heat  generated 
caus  the  stratum  immediately  above  the  part  kindled  to  give  off  half  its  sul- 
ph  , which  becomes  condensed  in  flowers  in  the  wooden  chimney.  As  the  fire 
ad' aces,  the  iron  and  the  other  half  of  the  sulphur  enter  into  combustion,  and, 
hy  *e  increase  of  heat  thus  generated,  cause  the  volatilization  of  a fresh  portion 
of  Iphur.  In  this  manner  the  process  continues  until  the  whole  of  the  pyrites 
is  usunied.  The  sulphur  thus  obtained  is  pulverulent  and  very  impure,  and 
ret.  res  to  be  purified  by  distillation  from  iron  vessels. 

ude  sulphur  is  employed  by  the  manufacturers  of  sulphuric  acid;  and,  as 
it  , very  variable  in  quality,  it  becomes  important  to  ascertain  its  exact  value. 
Th  may  be  done  by  drying  a given  weight  of  it,  and  submitting  it  to  combus- 
ts The  weight  of  the  incombustible  residue,  added  to  that  lost  by  desiccation, 
gh  the  amount  of  impurity. 


716 


PART 


Sulphur. 

Crude  sulphur  comes  to  this  country  principally  from  Trieste,  Messina 
Sieily,  and  the  ports  of  Italy,  being  imported  for  the  use  of  the  sulphuric  a. 
manufacturers.  Roll  sulphur  and  the  flowers  are  usually  brought  from  M 
eeilles.  Good  Sicilian  sulphur  does  not  contain  more  than  three  per  cent. ’ 
impurity,  consisting  chiefly  of  earths. 

Properties.  Sulphur  is  an  elementary  non-metallic  brittle  solid,  of  a pale  y 
low  colour,  permanent  in  the  air,  and  exhibiting  a crystalline  texture  and  shin  ' 
fracture.  It  has  a slight  taste,  and  a perceptible  smell  when  rubbed.  Wli 
pure,  its  sp.  gr.  is  about  2;  but  it  varies  a little  in  density,  according  to  its  t- 
lecular  state.  {Charles  Brume.)  Occasionally,  from  impurity,  its  sp.gr.  is 5 
high  as  2'35.  Its  equivalent  number  is  16,  and  symbol  S.  It  is  a bad  c- 
ductor  of  heat,  and  becomes  negatively  electric  by  friction.  It  is  insoluble  1 
water,  but  soluble  in  alkaline  solutions,  petroleum,  the  fixed  and  volatile  0, 
and,  provided  it  be  in  a finely  divided  state,  in  alcohol  and  ether.  Upon  be: 
heated,  it  begins  to  volatilize  at  about  180°,  when  its  peculiar  odour  is  perceiv  ; 
it  melts  at  225°,  and,  at  600°,  in  close  vessels,  boils  and  rises  in  the  form  oa 
yellow  vapour,  which  may  be  condensed  again,  either  in  the  liquid  or  pulverul  t 
form,  according  as  the  temperature  of  the  recipient  is  above  or  below  the  m- 
ing  point  of  the  sulphur.  When  heated  to  340°,  it  becomes  brownish  and  vis' , 
and,  by  continuing  the  heat,  is  rendered  more  and  more  so  until  the  temperate 
reaches  to  between  450°  and  500°.  If,  in  this  state,  it  be  suddenly  cooled  y 
throwing  it  into  water,  it  is  converted  into  an  allotropic  modification  of  sulpb, 
called  brown  viscid  suflhur,  which  is  used  for  taking  impressions  of  coins,  se;, 
&c.  The  same  allotropic  modification  is  obtained  by  precipitation,  by  actinon 
sulphuret  of  copper  by  aqua  regia,  which  dissolves  the  copper,  and  sets  the  bi\n 
sulphur  free.  In  open  vessels,  sulphur  takes  fire  at  about  the  temperatur  >f 
300°,  and  burns  with  a blue  flame,  combining  with  the  oxygen  of  the  air,  d 
giving  rise  to  a peculiar  gaseous  acid,  called  sulphurous  acid.  The  coiubinatiis 
of  sulphur  are  numerous,  and  among  the  most  powerful  agents  of  ckemisy. 
It  forms  with  oxygen  four  principal  acids,  the  hyposulp hurous,  sulphurous,  hp- 
sulphuric,  and  sulphuric,  with  hydrogen,  sulphghydric  arid  (hyd rdkulphuric  cd 
or  sulphuretted  hydrogen ),  and  with  the  metals,  various  sulphurets.  Som )f 
the  sulphurets  are  analogous  to  acids,  others  to  bases;  and  these  different  I- 
phurets,  by  combining  with  each  other,  form  compounds  analogous  to  salts,  id 
called  by  Berzelius  su/pho-salts. 

Sulphur,  when  obtained  by  roasting  the  native  sulphurets,  sometimes  conris 
arsenic,  and  is  thereby  rendered  poisonous.  Sicilian  sulphur,  being  volcani is 
not  subject  to  this  impurity.  The  common  English  roll  sulphur  is  someties 
made  from  irou  pyrites,  and  is  then  apt  to  contain  orpiment  {tersulphurm 
arsenic).  This  impurity  may  be  detected  by  heating  the  suspected  sulphurth 
nitric  acid.  The  arsenic,  if  present,  will  be  converted  into  arsenic  acid;  ri 
the  nitric  solution,  diluted  with  water,  neutralized  with  carbonate  of  soda,  id 
acidulated  with  muriatic  acid,  will  give  a yellow  precipitate  of  quintosulpket 
of  arsenic  with  a stream  of  sulphuretted  hydrogen.  Sulphur,  when  perft ly 
pure,  is  wholly  volatilized  by  heat,  and  soluble  without  residue  in  oil  of  tura- 
tine.  According  to  Dr.  Playfair,  nitroprusside  of  sodium  is  a delicate  test  or 
the  soluble  sulphurets,  producing  with  them  a delicate  violet  tint.  Prof.  J .)  • 
Bailey,  of  West  Point,  N.  Y.,  has  employed  the  same  test  for  detecting - 
phur  in  any  compound.  The  substance  suspected  to  contain  it  is  heated  t 
carbonate  of  soda,  with  the  addition  of  carbouaceous  matter  if  necessary.  - 
small  portion  of  the  fused  mass,  containing  the  sulphur  as  sulphuret  of  sod  in, 
if  added  to  a drop  of  the  nitroprusside,  will  occasion  the  characteristic  y ef 
tint.  {Silliman’s  Journ.,  May  1851,  p.  851.)  B.  '. 

Sublimed  sulphur,  usually  called  flowers  0/  sulphur  ( flores  sulphuru,.  lL 
the  form  of  a crystalline  powder  of  a fine  yellow  colour.  It  is  always  con  fin 


PAT  I. 


717 


Sulphur. — Tabacum. 

nail  with  a little  sulphuric  acid,  which  is  formed  at  the  expense  of  the  oxygen 
of  e air  contained  in  the  subliming  chambers.  It  is  on  this  account  that  sub- 
lind  sulphur  always  reddens  litmus;  and,  if  the  acid  be  present  in  considerable 
qiutity,  it  sometimes  cakes.  It  may  be  freed  from  acidity  by  careful  ablution 
wit  hot  water,  when  it  becomes  the  officinal  washed  sulphur. 

'ashed  sulphur  is  placed  in  the  list  of  the  Materia  Medica  in  the  U.  S.  Phar- 
mailpoeia,  with  an  explanatory  note,  that  it  is  sublimed  sulphur,  thoroughly 
wa.ed  with  water.  The  Edinburgh  College  includes  it  among  the  Preparations, 
andirects  it  to  be  prepared  by  subliming  “ sulphur,”  and  washing  the  powder 
obtned  with  boiling  water  until  it  is  freed  from  acid  taste.  Washed  sulphur 
hashe  general  appearance  of  sublimed  sulphur,  and  is  wholly  volatilized  by 
he;  When  properly  prepared  it  does  not  affect  litmus,  and  undergoes  no  change 
by  yposure  to  the  atmosphere. 

I diced  Properties  and  Uses.  Sulphur  is  laxative,  diaphoretic,  and  resolvent. 
It  supposed  to  be  rendered  soluble  by  the  soda  of  the  bile.  It  evidently  passes 
offy  the  pores  of  the  skin;  as  is  shown  by  the  fact  that  silver,  worn  in  the 
pocsts  of  patients  under  a course  of  it,  becomes  blackened  with  a coating  of 
suljuret.  The  stools  which  it  occasions  are  usually  solid,  and  it  is  gentle  in 
its  deration,  unless  it  contain  a good  deal  of  acid,  when  it  causes  griping;  and 
theiability  of  the  sublimed  sulphur  to  contain  acid,  renders  it  less  eligible  for 
exbition  than  the  washed  sulphur,  from  which  all  acidity  is  removed.  The 
disses  in  which  sulphur  is  principally  used  are  hemorrhoidal  affections,  chronic 
rhenatism  and  catarrh,  atonic  gout,  asthma,  and  other  affections  of  the  respi- 
rat  y organs  unattended  with  acute  inflammation.  It  is  also  much  employed, 
bot  internally  and  externally,  in  cutaneous  affections,  especially  scabies,  for  the 
cur  of  which  it  is  considered  a specific.  In  these  affections,  as  well  as  in  chronic 
rhe  natism,  it  is  sometimes  applied  as  an  air  bath,  in  the  form  of  sulphurous 
aciigas,  the  head  being  protected  from  its  effects.  The  dose  of  sulphur  is 
fro 'one  to  three  drachms,  mixed  with  syrup  or  molasses,  or  taken  in  milk. 
It  often  combined  with  bitartrate  of  potassa  or  with  magnesia. 

J;cording  to  M.  Hannon,  of  Belgium,  brown  viscid  sulphur,  recently  pre- 
part,  possesses  valuable  therapeutic  properties,  not  as  a laxative,  but  as  a 
stinlant  to  the  circulation,  lungs,  and  skin,  far  more  active  than  ordinary  sul- 
pln  The  dose  of  the  brown  sulphur,  obtained  by  fusion,  is  from  twenty  to 
lift  grains;  of  the  precipitated,  which  is  more  active,  from  five  to  twenty  grains, 
botigiven  in  the  form  of  pill.  (Ann.  de  Therap.,  1852,  p.  186.) 

f lphur  is  consumed  in  the  arts,  principally  in  the  manufacture  of  gunpowder 
anoulphuric  acid. 

J.  Prep,  of  Sulphur.  Confectio  Sulphuris;  Emplastrum  Ammoniaci  cum 
Hy  argyro;  Emplast.  Hydrargyri;  Ferri  Sulphuretum;  Hydrargyri  Sulphu- 
red; Nigrum;  Hydrargyri  Sulphuretum  Rubrum ; Potassse  Sulphas  cum  Sul- 
plu.1;  Potassii  Sulphuretum;  Sulphur  Praecipitatum ; Sulphuris  Iodidum; 
Un  .enturn  Sulphuris ; Unguent.  Sulphuris  Composition.  B. 

I 

TABACUM.  U.S.,  Loncl,  Ed.,  Dub. 

Tobacco. 

'■  e leaves  of  Nicotiana  Tabacum.  U.  S.,  Land.,  Ed.,  Bub. 

i >ac,  Ft.;  Tabak,  Germ.;  Tobacco,  Ital.;  Tobaco.  Spent. 

Icotiana.  Sex.  Spst.  Pentandria  Monogynia. — Nat.  Ord.  Solanaccae. 

1 p.  Ch.  Corolla  funnel-shaped,  with  the  border  plaited.  Stamens  inclined. 
Canutes  two-valved,  two-celled.  Wil/d. 

icotiana  Tabacum.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  i.  1014;  Bigelow,  Am.  Med.  Bot. 
h-  1;  Woodv.  Med.  Bot.  p.  208,  t.  77.  The  tobacco  is  an  annual  plant,  with 


718 


Tabacum. 


PARI 


a large  fibrous  root,  and  an  erect,  round,  bairy,  viscid  stem,  which  branches  n • 
the  top,  and  rises  from  three  to  six  feet  in  height.  The  leaves  are  numero. 
alternate,  sessile,  and  somewhat  decurrent,  very  large,  ovate-lanceolate,  point 
entire,  slightly  viscid,  and  of  a pale-green  colour.  The  lowest  are  often  two  ft 
long,  and  six  inches  broad.  The  flowers  are  disposed  in  loose  terminal  panic , 
and  are  furnished  with  long,  linear,  pointed  bractes  at  the  divisions  of  the  pedum . 
The  calyx  is  bell-shaped,  hairy,  somewhat  viscid,  and  divided  at  its  summit  i ) 
five  pointed  segments.  The  tube  of  the  corolla  is  twice  as  long  as  the  calyx  f 
a greenish  hue,  swelling  at  top  into  an  oblong  cup,  and  ultimately  expand; 
into  a five-lobed,  plaited,  rose-coloured  border.  The  whole  corolla  is  very  vis<* 
The  filaments  incline  to  one  side,  and  support  oblong  anthers.  The  pistil  c- 
sists  of  an  oval  germ,  a slender  style  longer  than  the  stamens,  and  a cleft  stigi . 
The  fruit  is  an  ovate,  two-valved,  two-celled  capsule,  containing  numerous  r<  - 
form  seeds,  and  opening  at  the  summit. 

There  is  good  reason  to  believe  that  this  plant  is  a native  of  tropical  Amer  , 
where  it  was  found  by  the  Spaniards  upon  their  arrival.  It  is  at  present  cu- 
vated  in  most  parts  of  the  world,  and  nowhere  more  abundantly  than  within  e 
limits  of  the  United  States.  Virginia  is,  perhaps,  the  region  most  celebratedir 
its  culture.  The  young  shoots,  produced  from  seeds  thickly  sown  in  beds,  e 
transplanted  into  the  fields  duriug  the  month  of  May,  and  set  in  rows  witkn 
interval  of  three  or  four  feet  between  the  plants.  Through  the  whole  perioof 
its  growth,  the  crop  requires  constant  attention.  The  development  of  the  lef? 
is  promoted  by  removing  the  top  of  each  plant,  and  thus  preventing  it  from  li- 
ning into  flower  and  seed.  The  harvest  is  in  August.  The  ripe  plants,  ha\  g 
been  cut  off  above  their  roots,  are  dried  under  cover,  and  then  stripped  of  t’ir 
leaves,  which  are  tied  in  bundles,  and  packed  in  hogsheads. 

Two  varieties  of  this  species  are  mentioned  by  authors,  one  with  narrow,  ie 
other  with  broad  leaves;  but  they  do  not  differ  materially  in  properties.  Gbt 
diversity  in  the  quality  of  tobacco  is  produced  by  difference  of  soil  and  modaf 
cultivation;  and  several  varieties  are  recognised  in  commerce.  Other  spec-ieof 
Nicotiana  are  also  cultivated,  especially  N.  rustica  aud  AT.  paniculata,  the  forer 
of  which  is  said  to  have  been  the  first  introduced  into  Europe,  and  is  thouglto 
have  been  cultivated  by  the  aborigines  of  this  country,  as  it  is  naturalized  ;ar 
the  borders  of  some  of  our  small  northern  lakes.  The  Ar.  quotin' vahis  of  Psb 
affords  tobacco  to  the  Indians  of  the  Missouri  and  Columbia  rivers;  and  X.J'c- 
ticosa,  a native  of  China,  was  probably  cultivated  in  Asia  before  the  disco rv 
of  this  continent  by  Columbus. 

Properties.  Tobacco,  as  it  occurs  in  commerce,  is  of  a yellowish-brown  cohr, 
a strong  narcotic  penetrating  odour  which  is  less  obvious  in  the  fresh  leaves, id 
a bitter,  nauseous,  and  acrid  taste.  These  properties  are  imparted  to  water  ai 
alcohol.  They  are  destroyed  by  long  boiling;  and  the  extract  is,  therefore,  fe'le 
or  inert.  An  elaborate  analysis  of  tobacco  was  made  by  Vauquelin,  whois- 
covered  in  it,  among  other  ingredients,  an  acrid,  volatile,  colourless  substeee, 
slightly  soluble  in  water,  very  soluble  in  alcohol,  aud  supposed  to  be  the  awe 
principle.  It  was  separated  by  a complicated  process,  of  which,  however  be 
most  important  step  was  the  distillation  of  tobacco  juice  with  potassa.  Irhe 
results  of  this  distillation  Vauquelin  recognised  alkaline  properties,  whic|be 
ascribed  to  ammonia,  but  which  were,  in  part  at  least,  dependent  upon  the  add 
principle  alluded  to.  To  this  principle  the  name  of  nicotin  was  given;  huts 
alkalinity  was  not  ascertained  till  a subsequent  period.  Another  substance'^ 
obtained  by  ITermstadt  b}'  simply  distilling  water  from  tobacco,  and  allowin  be 
liquid  to  stand  for  several  days.  A white  crystalline  matter  rose  to  the  suue, 
which,  upon  being  removed,  was  found  to  have  the  odour  of  tobacco,  ai  to 
resemble  it  in  effects.  It  was  fusible,  volatilizable,  similar  to  the  nicot  of 


PAI  I. 


Tahacum. 


719 


Varuelin  in  solubility,  and  without  alkaline  or  acid  properties.  It  was  called 
n icoaniri  by  Hermstadt,  and  appears  to  partake  of  the  nature  of  volatile  oils. 
Twclerman  chemists,  Posselt  and  Reimann,  subsequently  analyzed  tobacco,  and 
asceained  the  alkaline  nature  of  its  active  principle,  which,  however,  neither 
thejior  Yauquelin  obtained  in  a state  of  purity.  According  to  these  chemists, 
10,(0  parts  of  the  fresh  leaves  contain  6 parts  of  an  alkaline  substance,  which 
thejsall  nicotin,  1 of  the  nicotianin  of  Hermstadt,  287  of  slightly  bitter  ex- 
trac/e,  174  of  gum  mixed  with  a little  malate  of  lime,  26'7  of  green  resin,  26 
of  anmen,  104'8  of  a substance  analogous  to  gluten,  51  of  malic  acid,  12  of 
mal;3  of  ammonia,  4'8  of  sulphate  of  potassa,  6.3  of  chloride  of  potassium,  9'5 
of  passa,  which  was  combined  in  the  leaves  with  malic  and  nitric  acids,  16'6 
of  posphate  of  lime,  24’2  of  lime  which  had  been  combined  with  malic  acid, 
8-8  ' silica,  496'9  of  lignin,  traces  of  starch,  and  8828  parts  of  water.  (Ber- 
zelii  Traite,  de  Chimie.)  According  to  M.  E.  Goupet,  tobacco  also  contains 
a lita  citric  acid.  ( Chem . Gaz.,  Aug.  1846,  p.  319.)  The  nicotin  obtained  by 
Vauielin,  and  by  Posselt  and  Reimann,  was  a colourless,  volatile  liquid,  and, 
as  si  sequently  ascertained  by  MM.  Henry  and  Boutron,  was  in  fact  an  aqueous 
solum  of  the  alkaline  principle  in  connexion  with  ammonia.  It  was  reserved 
for  <2se  chemists  to  obtain  nicotin,  or  nicotia,  as  it  should  now  be  called,  in  a 
statof  purity.  It  exists  in  tobacco  combined  with  an  acid  in  excess,  and  in 
this  tate  is  not  volatile.  The  following  is  the  process  employed  by  the  last- 
menoned  chemists.  Five  hundred  parts  of  smoking  tobacco  were  exposed  to 
distortion,  in  connexion  with  about  6000  parts  of  water  and  200  parts  of  caustic 
soda  the  heat  applied  being  at  first  very  moderate,  and  afterwards  increased  to 
the  iling  point.  The  product  of  the  distillation  was  received  in  a vessel  con- 
taiaig  about  30  or  40  parts  of  sulphuric  acid,  diluted  with  three  times  its  weight 
of  wer;  and  the  process  was  continued  till  nearly  one-half  of  the  liquid  bad 
comover.  The  product,  in  which  care  was  taken  to  preserve  a slight  excess  of 
acid  ?as  evaporated  to  about  100  parts,  and  was  then  allowed  to  cool.  A slight 
depct  which  had  formed  was  separated  by  filtration,  an  excess  of  caustic  soda 
was  ded,  and  the  liquor  again  distilled.  A colourless,  very  volatile,  acrid  liquid 
now  tme  over,  which,  being  concentrated  under  the  receiver  of  an  air-pump, 
lost  e ammonia  which  accompanied  it,  and  assumed  a syrupy  consistence,  and 
moror  less  of  the  colour  of  amber.  In  this  liquid,  after  a few  days,  minute 
crys  line  plates  formed;  but,  in  consequence  of  their  great  affinity  for  moisture, 
it  w;  difficult  to  isolate  the  crystals.  This  product  was  pure  nicotia. 

Motia.  ( Nicotina . Nicotin.)  This  is  a colourless  or  nearly  colourless  fluid; 
oftbsp.gr.  T048 ; remaining  liquid  at  22°  F. ; of  little  smell  when  cold;  of 
an  e^eedingly  acrid  burning  taste,  even  when  largely  diluted ; entirely  vola- 
tile !e,  and,  in  the  state  of  vapour,  very  irritant  to  the  nostrils,  with  an  odour 
reca. ag  that  of  tobacco;  inflammable;  very  soluble  in  water,  alcohol,  ether, 
the  f ad  oils,  and  oil  of  turpentine ; strongly  alkaline  in  its  reaction  ; and  capable 
of  fining  crystallizable  salts  with  the  acids.  These  salts  are  deliquescent, 
have,  burning  and  acrid  taste,  and,  like  the  salts  of  ammonia,  lose  a portion 
of  tl  ir  base  by  heat.  Nicotia  contains  a much  larger  proportion  of  nitrogen 
than  lost  of  the  other  organic  alkalies.  Its  formula  is  N^^H,.,,  and  combining 
nunyr  consequently  162.  In  its  action  on  the  animal  system,  it  is  one  of  the 
most  irulent  poisons  known.  A drop  of  it  in  the  state  of  concentrated  solution 
was  fficient  to  destroy  a dog;  and  small  birds  perished  at  the  approach  of  a 
tube  mtaining  it.  Tannin  forms  with  it  a compound  of  but  slight  solubility, 
mid  ight  be  employed  as  a counter-poison.  It  exists  in  tobacco  in  small  pro- 
portiji.  Henry  and  Boutron  found  different  varieties  of  tobacco  to  give  pro- 
ductj’arying  from  3'8  to  11'28  parts  in  1000.  It  has  been  found  in  the  seeds, 
and  very  small  proportion  in  the  root.  (See  Journ.  de  Pharm.,  xxii.  689.) 


720 


Tabacum. 


par  i. 


There  can  be  little  doubt  that  tobacco  owes  its  activity  to  this  alkali.*  It13 
been  employed  as  a poison.  For  a very  interesting  account  of  it  in  all  its  ;j. 
cological  relations,  the  reader  is  referred  to  a memoir  by  Orfila,  translate'  >y 
Dr.  Lee,  and  published  in  the  N.  Y.  Journ.  of  Med.  (N.  S-,  ix.  112,  219,  id 
369).  It  has  the  remarkable  property  of  resisting  decomposition  in  thedeeaig 
tissues  of  the  body,  and  it  was  detected  by  Orfila  in  the  bodies  of  ani  ,1s 
destroyed  by  it  two  or  three  months  after  their  death. 

Nicotianin  is  probably  the  odorous  principle  of  tobacco.  Posselt  and  Bernm 
prepared  it  by  distilling  six  pounds  of  the  fresh  leaves  with  twelve  pounc  of 
water,  till  one  half  of  the  liquid  passed  over,  then  adding  six  pounds  moi  of 
water,  and  again  distilling,  and  repeating  this  process  three  times.  The  ;o- 
tianin  was  obtained  to  the  amount  of  eleven  grains,  floating  on  the  surfac  of 
the  water.  It  was  a fatty  substance,  having  the  smell  of  tobacco-smoke,  an  an 
aromatic  somewhat  bitter  taste.  It  was  volatilizable  by  heat,  insoluble  inw?r, 
soluble  in  alcohol  and  ether,  and  not  affected  by  the  dilute  acids,  but  dissred 
by  solution  of  potassa.  This  was  not  obtained  by  MM.  Henry  and  Bourn. 
According  to  Landerer,  it  does  not  exist  in  the  fresh  leaves,  but  is  general  in 
the  drying  process.  It  produces  sneezing  when  applied  to  the  nostrils,  al  a 
grain  of  it  swallowed  by  Hermstadt  occasioned  giddiness  and  nausea. 

When  distilled  at  a temperature  above  that  of  boiling  water,  tobacco  airds 
an  empyreumatic  oil,  which  Mr.  Brodie  proved  to  be  a most  virulent  poisoi  A 
single  drop  injected  into  the  rectum  of  a cat  occasioned  death  in  abouiive 
minutes,  and  double  the  quantity,  administered  in  the  same  manner  to  a og, 
was  followed  by  the  same  result.  This  oil  is  of  a dark-brown  colour,  ai  an 
acrid  taste,  and  has  a very  peculiar  smell,  exactly  resembling  that  of  toeeo 
pipes  which  have  been  much  used.  It  has  been  shown  to  contain  uicotia.  (nn. 
de  Cliim.  et  de  Phys.,  3c  sir.,  ix.  465.) 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Tobacco  unites  with  the  powers  of  a sec  ive 
narcotic,  those  of  an  emetic  and  diuretic;  and  produces  these  effects  to  a gnter 
or  less  extent  to  whatever  surface  it  may  be  applied.  In  addition,  when  srffed 
up  the  nostrils,  it  excites  violent  sneezing  and  a copious  secretion  of  nrus; 
when  chewed,  it  irritates  the  mucous  membrane  of  the  mouth,  and  increascthe 
flow  of  saliva;  and,  when  injected  into  the  rectum,  it  sometimes  operates  a 
cathartic.  Moderately  taken,  it  quiets  restlessness,  calms  meutal  and  corjreal 
inquietude,  and  produces  a state  of  general  languor  or  repose,  which  hasreat 
charms  for  those  habituated  to  the  impression.  In  larger  quantities,  it  ires 
rise  to  confusion  of  the  head,  vertigo,  stupor,  faintness,  nausea,  vomitinsaad 
general  debility  of  the  nervous  and  circulatory  functions,  which,  if  incrsed, 
eventuates  in  alarming  and  even  fatal  prostration.  The  symptoms  of  its  ces- 
sive  action  are  severe  retching,  with  the  most  distressing  and  continued  n sea, 
great  feebleness  of  pulse,  coolness  of  the  skin,  fainting,  and  sometimes  evul- 
sions. It  probably  operates  both  through  the  medium  of  the  nervous  stem, 

* M.  Schloesing  obtained  a much  larger  proportion  than  that  stated  above  by  t fol- 
lowing process.  Tobacco  is  exhausted  by  boiling  water,  the  infusion  evaporated  to  enn- 
solid  consistence,  and  the  extract  shaken  with  twice  its  volume  of  alcohol  of  36°.  Two 
layers  form,  of  which  the  upper  contains  all  the  nicotia.  This  is  decanted,  most:  the 
alcohol  evaporated,  and  alcohol  anew  added  in  order  to  precipitate  certain  matters  The 
extract  is  treated  with  a concentrated  solution  of  potassa,  and,  after  cooling,  is  aken 
with  ether,  which  dissolves  the  nicotia.  To  the  ethereal  solution  powdered  oxalic -id  is 
added,  which  unites  with  the  nicotia,  and  separates  in  the  form  of  a syrupy  mass.  Has 
being  washed  with  ether,  treated  with  potassa,  taken  up  by  water,  and  distilled  in;  salt- 
water bath,  yields  the  nicotia,  which  may  be  obtained  pure  by  rectification  in  a nvnt 
of  hydrogen.  (Journ.  de  Pharm.,  8e  ser.,  xii.  157.)  Orfila,  in  hismetnoiron  nicotia  tue.- 
that  Havana  tobacco  yields  2 per  cent,  of  this  alkaloid.  Maryland,  2-3  per  cent-,  a Tir- 
ginia  6-9  per  cent. 


PAT  I. 


Tabacum. 


721 


ancjy  entering  the  circulation.  As  its  local  action  is  stimulant,  we  can  thus 
accint  for  the  fact,  that  it  excites  the  functions  of  the  kidneys,  at  the  same 
tim  that  it  reduces  the  nervous  and  secondarily  the  arterial  power.  The  experi- 
meip  of  Brodie  lead  to  the  inference  that  the  function  of  the  heart  is  affected 
by  bacco,  through  the  medium  of  the  nervous  system ; for  in  a decapitated 
aniial  in  which  the  circulation  was  sustained  by  artificial  respiration,  the  infu- 
siornjected  into  the  rectum  did  not  diminish  the  action  of  the  heart;  while, 
on  e contrary,  this  organ  almost  immediately  ceased  to  contract,  when  an  equal 
dosaf  the  poison  was  administered  to  a healthy  animal.  Mr.  Brodie  observed 
a markable  difference  between  the  operation  of  the  infusion  and  that  of  the 
emjreumatic  oil.  After  death  from  the  former  the  heart  was  found  completely 
quieent,  while  it  continued  to  act  with  regularity  for  a considerable  time  after 
appent  death  from  the  latter.  We  may  infer  from  this  fact,  either  that  there 
are  p poisonous  principles  in  tobacco,  or  that  a new  narcotic  product  is  formed 
duri'g  its  destructive  distillation.  In  cases  of  poisoning  from  tobacco,  the  indica- 
tioD;are,  after  the  evacuation  of  the  poison,  to  support  the  system  by  external  and 
inteial  stimulants,  and  to  allay  irritation  of  stomach  by  the  use  of  opiates. 

'Je  use  of  tobacco  was  adopted  by  the  Spaniards  from  the  American  Indians. 
In  e year  1560,  it  was  introduced  into  France  by  the  ambassador  of  that 
cou  ry  at  the  court  of  Lisbon,  whose  name — Nicot — has  been  perpetuated  in 
the  meric  title  of  the  plant.  Sir  Walter  Laleigh  is  said  to  have  introduced 
the  :actice  of  smoking  into  England.  In  the  various  modes  of  smoking,  chew- 
ing, nd  snuffing,  the  drug  is  now  largely  consumed  in  every  country  on  the 
glol  It  must  have  properties  peculiarly  adapted  to  the  propensities  of  our 
natik  to  have  thus  surmounted  the  first  repugnance  to  its  odour  and  taste,  and 
to  lire  become  the  passion  of  so  many  millions.  When  employed  in  excess,  it 
enfedes  digestion,  produces  emaciation  and  general  debility,  and  lays  the 
fountion  of  serious  nervous  disorders.  The  late  Dr.  Chapman  informed  us  that 
he  H met  with  several  instances  of  mental  disorder,  closely  resembling  delirium 
trenas,  which  resulted  from  its  abuse,  and  which  subsided  in  a few  days  after 
it  h;  been  abandoned;  and  Dr.  Kirk  bride,  in  the  Annual  Report  of  the  Penn- 
sylvda  Hospital  for  the  Insane  for  1850,  refers  to  four  cases  of  insanity,  the 
orig  of  which  was  ascribed  to  the  abuse  of  tobacco. 

Fremedial  employment  is  less  extensive  than  might  be  inferred  from  the 
variw  of  its  powers.  The  excessive  and  distressing  nausea  which  it  is  apt  to 
occalqn,  interferes  with  its  internal  use;  and  it  is  very  seldom  administered  by 
the  iomach.  As  a narcotic  it  is  employed  chiefly  to  produce  relaxation  in 
spaspdic  affections.  For  this  purpose,  the  infusion  or  smoke  of  tobacco,  or  the 
leaf  substance  in  the  shape  of  a suppository,  is  introduced  into  the  rectum  in 
case:  of  strangulated  hernia,  obstinate  constipation  from  spasm  of  the  bowels, 
and  jtention  of  urine  from  a spasmodic  stricture  of  the  urethra.  For  a similar 
purpe,  the  powdered  tobacco,  or  common  snuff,  mixed  with  simple  cerate,  as 
reco  nended  by  the  late  Dr.  Grodman,  is  sometimes  applied  to  the  throat  and 
brea  in  cases  of  croup;  and  Dr.  Chapman  directed  the  smoking  of  a cigar 
m tl  same  complaint,  with  decided  benefit.  One  of  the  worst  cases  of  spasm 
of  thlrima  glottidis  which  we  have  seen,  and  which  resisted  powerful  depletion 
by  t lancet,  yielded  to  the  application  of  a tobacco  cataplasm  to  the  throat. 
A siilar  application  to  the  abdomen  is  highly  recommended  in  painters’  colic, 
a,id  s proved  useful  in  hysterical  convulsions.  Tetanus  is  said  to  have  been 
cure  by  baths  made  with  the  decoction  of  the  fresh  leaves.  The  relaxation 
prod  ed  by  smoking,  in  a person  unaccustomed  to  it,  was  very  happily  resorted 
to  b;  Or.  Physick,  in  a case  of  obstinate  and  long-continued  dislocation  of  the 
jaw  ind  the  same  remedy  has  frequently  been  found  useful  in  the  paroxysm 
ci  s ; smodic  asthma.  Tobacco  has  been  highly  recommended,  in  the  form  of 


722 


Tabacum. — Tamarindus. 


PAR'. 

cataplasm,  in  articular  gout  and  rheumatism ; and  has  been  employed  in  e 
same  way,  as  well  as  by  injection,  in  cases  of  obstinate  verminose  affections,  s 
an  emetic  it  is  seldom  employed,  unless  in  the  shape  of  a cataplasm  to  the  L 
gastrium,  to  assist  the  action  of  internal  medicines  in  cases  of  great  insensib:  y 
of  stomach.  As  a diuretic  it  was  used  by  Fowler  in  dropsy  and  dysury;  bat  e 
practice  is  not  often  imitated.  There  is  no  better  errhine  than  tobacco,  for  e 
ordinary  purposes  for  which  this  class  of  medicines  is  employed.  As  ash- 
gogue,  it  is  beneficial  in  rheumatism  of  the  jaws,  and  often  relieves  tooth;  e 
by  its  anodyne  action.  It  is  also  used  externally  in  the  shape  of  catapln, 
infusion,  or  ointment,  in  cases  of  tinea  capitis,  psora,  and  some  other  cutanus 
affections.  The  empyreumatic  oil  mixed  with  simple  ointment,  in  the  prcr- 
tion  of  twenty  drops  to  the  ounce,  has  been  applied  with  advantage,  by  Amer.n 
practitioners,  to  indolent  tumours  and  ulcers;  but,  in  consequence  of  its  liab  :y 
to  be  absorbed,  and  to  produce  unpleasant  effects  on  the  system,  it  shoube 
used  with  great  caution.  (See  Oleum  Tabaci.)  This  remark  is  applicable  t ill 
the  modes  of  employing  tobacco;  particularly  to  the  injection  of  the  infon 
into  the  rectum,  which  has  in  several  instances  caused  the  death  of  the  pat  it 
It  is  even  more  dangerous  than  a proportionate  quantity  introduced  into  he 
stomach  ; as,  in  the  latter  case,  the  poison  is  more  apt  to  be  rejected,  lea 
the  external  application  of  the  leaves  or  powder  is  not  without  danger,  espec  ly 
when  the  cuticle  is  removed.  A case  of  death  is  on  record,  occurring  in  a ild 
eight  years  old,  in  consequence  of  the  application  of  the  expressed  juice  olhe 
leaves  to  the  head,  for  the  cure  of  tinea  capitis.  Death  has  also  been  proded 
in  several  instances  by  the  inhalation  of  the  smoke. 

Five  or  six  grains  of  powdered  tobacco  will  generally  act  as  an  emetic  put 
the  remedy  is  not  given  in  this  shape.  The  infusion  used  in  dropsy  by  Fcler 
was  made  in  the  proportion  of  an  ounce  to  a pint  of  boiling  water,  and  giv  in 
the  dose  of  sixty  or  eighty  drops.  The  officinal  infusion,  which  is  employefor 
injection,  is  much  weaker.  (See  Infusum  Tabaci.)  A wine  and  an  ointmetof 
tobacco  are  directed  by  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia. 

Off.  Prep.  Infusum  Tabaci;  Oleum  Tabaci;  Unguentum  Tabaci;  Tinunra- 
baci. 

TAMARINDUS.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed. 
Tamarinds. 

The  preserved  fruit  of  Tamarindus  Indica.  U.  S.  Pulp  of  the  fruit,  j mi. 
Pulp  of  the  pods  of  Tamarindus  indica.  Pd. 

Off-  Syn.  PULP  OF  TAMARINDS.  Tamarindieus  Indica.  The  pulp  .the 
pods.  Dub. 

Tamurins,  Ft.;  Tamarinden,  Germ.;  Tamarind!,  Ital.;  Tamarindos,  Span. 

Tamarindus.  Sex.  Syst.  Monadelphia  Triandria. — Nat.  Ord.  Fabace  or 
Leguminosae. 

Gen.  Ch.  Calyx  four-parted.  Petals  three.  Nectary  with  two  short  Files 
under  the  filaments.  Legume  filled  with  pulp.  Willd. 

Tamarindus  Indica.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  iii.  577;  Woodv.  Med.  Bot.  pPb 
t.  161.  The  tamarind  tree  is  the  only  species  of  this  genus.  It  rises  torreat 
height,  sends  off  numerous  spreading  branches,  and  has  a beautiful  appeanee. 
The  trunk  is  erect,  thick,  and  covered  with  a rough,  ash-coloured  bark,  lb 
leaves  are  alternate  and  pinnate,  composed  of  many  pairs  of  opposite  ldeti! 
which  are  almost  sessile,  entire,  oblong,  obtuse,  unequal  at  their  base, but 
half  an  inch  long  by  a sixth  of  an  inch  broad,  and  of  a yellowish-green  tour. 
The  flowers,  which  are  in  small  lateral  racemes,  have  a yellowish  caly  auu 
petals  which  are  also  yellow,  but  beautifully  variegated  with  red  veins.  Re 


PAE  I. 


Tamarindus. — Tanacetum. 


728 


fruils  a broad,  compressed,  reddish  ash-coloured  pod,  very  much  curved,  from 
two  six  inches  long,  and  with  numerous  brown,  flat,  quadrangular  seeds,  con- 
tain! in  cells  formed  by  a tough  membrane.  Exterior  to  this  membrane  is  a 
ligktoloured  acid  pulpy  matter,  between  which  and  the  shell  are  several  tough 
ligntus  strings,  running  from  the  stem  to  the  extremity  of  the  pod,  the  attach- 
men  >f  which  they  serve  to  strengthen.  The  shells  are  very  fragile  and  easily 
sepated. 

Tnarindus  Indica  appears  to  be  a native  of  the  East  and  West  Indies,  Egypt, 
and  .-abia,  though  believed  by  some  authors  to  have  been  imported  into  America. 
De  (ndolle  is  doubtful  whether  the  East  and  West  India  trees  are  of  the  same 
speck  The  pods  of  the  former  are  much  larger  than  those  of  the  latter,  and 
conta  a greater  number  of  seeds.  At  least  such  is  the  statement  made  by  au- 
thorspffio  inform  us  that  East  India  tamarinds  contain  six  or  seven  seeds,  those 
frombe  West  Indies  rarely  more  than  three  or  four.  We  found,  however,  in 
a paid  of  the  latter  in  our  possession,  numerous  pods  with  from  eight  to  ten 
seedsind  the  number  generally  exceeded  four.  The  fruit  is  the  officinal  portion. 

Taiarinds  are  brought  to  us  chiefly,  if  not  exclusively,  from  the  West  Indies, 
wherthey  are  prepared  by  placing  the  pods,  previously  deprived  of  their  shell, 
in  la  rs  in  a cask,  and  pouring  boiling  syrup  over  them.  A better  mode,  some- 
time; iractised,  is  to  place  them  in  stone  jars,  with  alternate  layers  of  powdered 
sugar  They  are  said  to  be  occasionally  prepared  in  copper  boilers. 

Pnerties.  Fresh  tamarinds,  which  are  sometimes,  though  rarely,  brought 
to  th  country,  have  an  agreeable  sour  taste,  without  any  mixture  of  sweetness. 
As  w usually  find  them,  in  the  preserved  state,  they  form  a dark-coloured  ad- 
kesiv'jmass,  consisting  of  syrup  mixed  with  the  pulp,  membrane,  strings,  and 
seeds f the  pod,  and  of  a sweet  acidulous  taste.  The  seeds  should  be  hard, 
clean  ind  not  swollen,  the  strings  tough  and  entire,  and  the  smell  without 
must  ;ss.  From  the  analysis  of  Vauquelin,  it  appears  that  in  100  parts  of  the 
pulp  tamarinds,  independently  of  the  sugar  added  to  them,  there  are  9'40 
parts7  citric  acid,  155  of  tartaric  acid,  0'45  of  malic  acid,  3'25  of  bitartrate 
of  possa,  4’70  of  gum,  6'25  of  jelly,  34'35  of  parenchymatous  matter,  and 
27'5Sif  water;  so  that  the  acidity  is  chiefly  owing  to  the  presence  of  citric  acid. 
It  is  sd  that  copper  may  sometimes  be  detected  in  preserved  tamarinds,  derived 
from  e boilers  in  which  they  are  occasionally  prepared.  Its  presence  may  be 
ascerl  ned  by  the  reddish  coat  which  it  imparts  to  the  blade  of  a knife  immersed 
in  tbi  amarinds. 

Me  cal  Properties  and  Uses.  Tamarinds  are  laxative  and  refrigerant,  and 
infust  in  water  form  a highly  grateful  drink  in  febrile  diseases.  Convalescents 
often  id  the  pulp  a pleasant  addition  to  their  diet,  and  useful  by  preserving 
the  bi  els  in  a loose  condition.  It  is  sometimes  prescribed  in  connexion  with 
other  ild  cathartics,  and  is  one  of  the  ingredients  of  the  confection  of  senna. 
Thou;  frequently  prescribed  with  the  infusion  of  senna  to  cover  the  taste  of 
that  idicine,  it  is  said  to  weaken  its  purgative  power;  and  the  same  observation 
has  bill  made  of  its  influence  upon  the  resinous  cathartics  in  general.  From  a 
drack  to  an  ounce  or  more  may  be  taken  at  a dose. 

Off  kep.  Confectio  Sennae;  Infusum  Sennas  Compositum;  Tamarindi  Pulpa. 

W. 

TANACETUM.  U.  S.  Secondary. 

Tansy. 

Thtjerb  of  Tanacetum  vulgare.  U.  S. 

tan  ie,  Fr.;  Gemeiner  Rheinfarrn,  Wurmkraut,  Germ  ; Tanaceto,  Ilal.,  Span. 

Ta,  cetum.  Sex.  Syst.  Syngenesia  Superflua. — Nat.  Ord.  Compositm- 
oenec  lideae,  De  Candolle;  Asteraceae,  Lindley. 


724 


Tanacetum. — Tapioca. 


PAB I. 


Gen.  Ch.  Receptacle  naked,  Pappus  somewhat  margioate.  Calyx  imbrue 
hemispherical.  Corolla  rays  obsolete,  trifid.  Willd. 

Tanacetum  vulgare.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  iii.  1814;  Woodv.  J led.  Bot.  p.  6 
t.  27.  This  is  a perennial  herbaceous  plant,  rising  two  or  three  feet  in  he  ,t. 
The  stems  are  strong,  erect,  obscurely  hexagonal,  striated,  often  reddish,  bran  ;d 
towards  the  summit,  and  furnished  with  alternate,  doubly  pinnatifid  leaves &e 
divisions  of  which  are  notched  or  deeply  serrate.  The  flowers  are  yellow,  id 
in  dense  terminal  corymbs.  Each  flower  is  composed  of  numerous  floret  of 
which  those  constituting  the  disk  are  perfect  and  five-cleft,  those  of  the  ray  ry 
few,  pistillate,  and  trifid.  The  calyx  consists  of  small,  imbricated,  lance  ite 
leaflets,  having  a dry  scaly  margin.  The  seeds  are  small,  oblong,  with  fi  or 
six  ribs,  and  crowned  by  a membranous  pappus. 

Tansy  is  cultivated  in  our  gardens,  and  grows  wild  in  the  roads  and  bid 
fields;  but  was  introduced  from  Europe,  where  it  is  indigenous.  It  is  in  fber 
from  July  to  September. 

There  is  a variety  of  the  plant  with  curled  leaves,  which  is  said  to  be  ire 
grateful  to  the  stomach  than  that  above  described,  but  has  less  of  the  peciar 
sensible  properties  of  the  herb,  and  is  probably  less  active. 

The  odour  of  tansy  is  strong,  peculiar,  and  fragrant,  but  much  diminisht  by 
drying;  the  taste  is  warm,  bitter,  somewhat  acrid,  and  aromatic.  These ro- 
perties  are  imparted  to  water  and  alcohol.  According  to  Pesc-hier,  the  Ives 
contain  volatile  oil,  fixed  oil,  wax  or  stearin,  chlorophylle,  yellow  resin,  row 
colouring  matter,  tannic  and  gallic  acids,  bitter  extractive,  gum,  lignin,  da 
peculiar  acid  which  he  calls  tanacelic , and  which  precipitates  lime,  baryta,  ide 
of  lead,  and  oxide  of  copper.  The  medical  virtues  of  the  plant  depend  ctbe 
bitter  extractive  and  volatile  oil.  The  latter,  when  separated  by  distillatio  has 
a greenish-yellow  colour,  with  the  flavour  of  the  plaut,  is  lighter  than  wateand 
deposits  camphor  upon  standing.  The  seeds  contain  the  largest  proportion  the 
bitter  principle,  and  the  least  of  volatile  oil. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Tansy  has  the  medical  properties  common  the 
aromatic  bitters.  It  has  been  recommended  in  intermittents,  hysteria,  amenor  tea, 
and  as  a preventive  of  arthritic  paroxysms;  but  at  present  it  is  chiefly  useds  an 
anthelmintic,  and  in  this  country  is  scarcely  employed,  for  any  purpose, in  mlar 
practice.  The  seeds  are  said  to  be  most  effectual  as  a vermifuge.  The  de  of 
the  powder  is  from  thirty  grains  to  a drachm  two  or  three  times  a day;  b the 
infusion  is  more  frequently  administered.  A fatal  case  of  poisoning  wit  half 
an  ounce  of  oil  of  tansy  is  recorded  in  the  Medical  Magazine  for  November,  >34. 
Frequent  and  violent  clonic  spasms  were  experienced,  with  much  disturbae  of 
respiration ; and  the  action  of  the  heart  gradually  became  weaker  till  deat took 
place  from  its  entire  suspension.  No  inflammation  of  the  stomach  or  bowe  was 
discovered  upon  dissection.  (Am.  Journ.  of  the  Med.  Sci.,  xvi.  256.)  Tw<  tfcer 
fatal  cases  have  since  been  recorded,  one  in  which  more  than  a fluidoun  was 
taken,  the  other  only  a fluidraehm.  In  both  death  followed  speedily,  prfeded 
by  coma  and  violent  convulsions.  In  two  of  the  three  cases  above  refer-!  to, 
the  oil  seems  to  have  been  taken  with  the  view  of  producing  abortion,  t no 
such  effect  followed  in  either.  {Ibid.,  xxiii.  136,  and  xxiv.  279.) 


The  fecula  of  the  root  of  Janipha  Manihot.  U.  S.,  Pd.,  Pub. 
Janifha.  Sex.  Sust.  Monoecia  Monadelnhia. — Mat.  Ord.  Euphorbias. 


TAPIOCA.  U.  S.,  EcL,  Bub. 
Tapioca. 


PAI  I. 


Tapioca.  725 

sho:?r.  Stigmas  three,  many-lobed.  Fruit  three-celled,  with  solitary  seeds. 
(Li:  ley,  Med.  and  BSconom.  Bot.,  82.) 

Itanists  have  generally  followed  Kunth  in  separating  this  genus  from  Ja- 
tropi.  Its  name  was  derived  from  the  Indian  designation  of  another  species. 

JnipJia  Manihot.  Curtis’s  Bot.  Mag.  3071. — Jatropha  Manihot.  Willd.  Sp. 
Plat  iv.  562.  This  is  the  cassava  plant  of  the  West  Indies,  the  mandioca  or 
tapva  of  Brazil.  It  is  a shrub  about  six  or  eight  feet  in  height,  with  a very 
larg  white,  fleshy,  tuberous  root,  which  often  weighs  thirty  pounds.  The  stem 
is  ri  nd,  jointed,  and  furnished  at  its  upper  part  with  alternate  petiolate  leaves, 
deep  divided  into  three,  five,  or  seven  oval-lanceolate,  very  acute  lobes,  which 
are  mewhat  wavy  upon  their  borders,  of  a deep-green  colour  on  their  upper 
surle,  glaucous  and  whitish  beneath.  The  flowers  are  in  axillary  racemes. 

Jiipha  Manihot  is  a native  of  South  America,  and  is  cultivated  extensively 
in  t;  West  Indies,  Brazil,  and  other  parts  of  tropical  America,  for  the  sake  of 
its  nt,  which  is  much  employed  as  an  article  of  food.  The  plant  is  of  quick 
grovh,  and  the  root  arrives  at  perfection  in  about  eight  months.  There  are  two 
variies,  distinguished  by  the  names  of  sweet  and  bitter.  The  root  of  the  former 
majie  eaten  with  impunity;  that  of  the  latter,  which  is  most  extensively  culti- 
vate; abounds  in  an  acrid  milky  juice,  which  renders  it  highly  poisonous  if  eaten 
in  t recent  state.  By  MM.  Henry  and  Boutron-Charlard  it  has  been  ascer- 
tain that  the  bitter  cassava  owes  its  poisonous  properties  to  the  presence  of 
hyd.cyanic  acid.  ( Journ . de  Fharm.,  xxii.  119.)  Both  varieties  contain  a large 
prop rtion  of  starch.  The  root  is  prepared  for  use  by  washing,  scraping,  and 
gratg  or  grinding  it  into  a pulp,  which,  in  the  case  of  the  bitter  variety,  is  sub- 
mittl  to  pressure  so  as  to  separate  the  deleterious  juice.  It  is  now  in  the  state 
of  nil  or  powder,  which  is  made  into  bread,  cakes,  or  puddings.  As  the  poi- 
soner principle  is  volatile,  the  portion  which  may  have  remained  in  the  meal  is 
enti  ty  dissipated  by  the  heat  employed  in  cooking.  The  preparation  denomi- 
natetapioca-  among  us  is  obtained  from  the  expressed  juice.  This,  upon  standing, 
depi  ts  a powder,  which,  after  repeated  washings  with  cold  water,  is  nearly  pure 
star.  It  is  dried  by  exposure  to  heat,  which  renders  it  partly  soluble  in  cold 
watt;  and  enables  it  to  assume  the  consistence  by  which  it  is  characterized. 
Whi  dried  without  heat,  it  is  pulverulent,  and  closely  resembles  the  fecula  of 
arroi'root. 

T ioca  is  in  the  form  of  irregular,  hard,  white,  rough  grains,  possessing  little 
tasfiipartially  soluble  in  cold  water,  and  affording  a fine  blue  colour  when  iodine 
is  aid  to  its  filtered  solution.  The  partial  solubility  in  cold  water  is  owing  to  the 
ruptie  of  the  starch-granules  by  heat.  Examined  under  the  microscope,  the  gra- 
nulelippear  partly  broken,  partly  entire.  The  latter  are  muller-shaped,  about  the 
two-  ousandth  of  an  inch  in  diameter,  more  uniform  in  size  than  the  granules 
ot  n.st  other  varieties  of  fecula,  with  a distinct  hilum  which  is  surrounded  by 
ring  and  eracks  in  a stellate  manner.  The  tapioca  meal,  called  sometimes 
Brarian  arrow-root,  and  by  the  (French  moussache,  is  the  fecula  dried  without 
lieat:  Its  granules  are  identical  with  those  already  described.  Being  nutritious, 
and  the  same  time  easy  of  digestion,  and  destitute  of  all  irritating  properties, 
tapiu  forms  an  excellent  diet  for  the  sick  and  convalescent.  It  is  prepared  for 
use  boiling  it  in  water.  Lemon  juice  and  sugar  will  usually  be  found  grate- 
ful ditions;  and,  in  low  states  of  disease  or  cases  of  debility,  it  may  be  ad- 
vant  ;eously  impregnated  with  wine  and  nutmeg  or  other  aromatic. 

A ictitious  tapioca  is  found  in  the  shops,  consisting  of  very  small,  smooth, 
sphe  cal  grains,  and  supposed  to  be  prepared  from  potato  starch.  It  is  sold  under 
the  me  of  pearl  tapioca.  W. 


726 


Taraxacum. 


PAR 


TARAXACUM.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed. 

Dandelion. 

The  root  of  Leontodon  Taraxacum . V . S.  Taraxacum  Dens-leonis.  Thereat 
root.  Lond.  The  root  of  Taraxacum  Dens-leonis.  Ed. 

Off.  Syn.  TARAXACUM  DEXS-LEONIS.  The  root.  Dub. 

Pissenht,  Dent  de  lion,  Ft.;  Lowenzahn,  Germ.:  Tarassaco,  Ilal.;  Diente  de  leon,  A 

Leontodon.  Sex.  Syst.  Syngenesia  ^Uqualis. — Nat.  Ord.  Compose- 
Cichoraceae,  De  Candolle;  Cichoraeeae,  Lindley. 

Gen.Cli.  Receptacle  naked  Calyx  double.  Seed-down  stipitate,  hi; 
Willd. 

Leontodon  Taraxacum . Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  iii.  1544;  Woodv.  Med.  Bo p. 
39,  t.  16. — Taraxacum  Densdeonis.  De  Cand.  Prodrom.  vii.  145.  The  n- 
delion  is  an  herbaceous  plant,  with  a perennial  fusiform  root.  The  leaves,  wh 
spring  immediately  from  the  root,  are  long,  pinnatifid,  generally  runcinate,  th 
the  divisions  toothed,  smooth,  and  of  a fine  green  colour.  The  common  me 
of  the  plant  was  derived  from  the  fancied  resemblance  of  its  leaves  to  the  t th 
of  a lion.  The  flower-stem  rises  from  the  midst  of  the  leaves,  six  inches  or  ire 
in  height.  It  is  erect,  simple,  naked,  smooth,  hollow,  fragile,  and  termined 
by  a large  golden-coloured  flower,  which  closes  in  the  evening,  and  expands  th 
the  returning  light  of  the  sun.  The  calyx  is  smooth  and  double,  with  the  cer 
scales  bent  downwards.  The  florets  are  very  numerous,  ligulate,  and  too ed 
at  their  extremities.  The  receptacle  is  convex  and  punctured.  The  seed-era 
is  stipitate,  and  at  the  period  of  maturity  is  disposed  in  a spherical  form,  ai  is 
so  light  and  feathery  as  to  be  easily  borne  away  by  the  wind,  with  the  sds 
attached. 

This  species  of  Leontodon  grows  spontaneously  in  most  parts  of  the  globe  It 
is  abundant  in  this  country,  adorning  our  grass-plats  and  pasture-grounds  ith 
its  bright-yellow  flowers,  which,  in  moist  places,  show  themselves  with  therst 
opening  of  spring,  and  continue  to  appear  till  near  the  close  of  summer.  All  rts 
of  the  plant  contain  a milky  bitterish  juice,  which  exudes  when  they  are  brok  or 
wounded.  The  leaves,  when  very  young,  and  blanched  by  the  absence  of  rht 
during  their  growth,  are  tender  and  not  unpleasant  to  the  taste,  and  on  theon- 
tinent  of  Europe  are  sometimes  used  as  a salad.  When  older  and  of  their  naral 
colour,  they  are  medicinal.  The  Pharmacopoeias  recognise  only  the  root,  vich 
is  by  far  the  most  efflcacious  part.  It  should  be  full  grown  when  collected^ 
should  be  employed  in  the  recent  state,  as  it  is  then  most  active.  It  does.ot, 
however,  as  stated  by  Duncan,  lose  nearly  all  its  bitterness  by  drying;  an  the 
root  dug  up  in  the  warmer  seasons  might,  if  dried  with  care,  be  employed  ith 
propriety  in  the  succeeding  winter.  The  juice  of  the  root  is  thin  and  wate  in 
the  spring;  milky,  bitter,  and  spontaneously  coagulable  in  the  latter  ps of 
summer  and  autumn;  and  sweet  and  less  bitter  in  the  winter,  when  affect'  by 
the  frost.  The  months  of  J uly,  August,  and  September  are,  therefore,  the  pper 
period  for  collecting  it. 

The  fresh  full-grown  root  of  the  dandelion  is  several  inches  in  length,  as  iek 
as  the  little  finger  or  thicker,  round  and  tapering,  somewhat  branched,  of  a ;ht- 
brown  colour  externally,  whitish  within,  having  a yellowish  ligneous  cord  mi- 
ning through  its  centre,  and  abounding  in  a milky  juice.  In  the  dried  ste  it 
is  much  shrunk,  wrinkled  longitudinally,  brittle,  and  when  broken  presits  a 
shining  somewhat  resinous  fracture.  It  is  without  smell,  but  has  a sweish, 
mucilaginous,  bitterish,  herbaceous  taste.  Its  active  properties  are  yield*  to 
water  by  boiling,  and  do  not  appear  to  be  injured  in  the  process.  The  Ay 


PAI'  I. 


Taraxacum. — Terebinthina. 


727 


juic  examined  by  John,  was  found  to  contain  bitter  extractive,  gum,  caout- 
cholf,  saline  matters,  a trace  of  resin,  and  a free  acid.  Besides  these  ingre- 
dien,  starch  or  inulin,  and  saccharine  matter  exist  in  the  root.  Mannite, 
whi . has  been  found  in  the  infusion  of  the  root,  has  been  demonstrated  by  the 
Mes’s.  Smith,  of  Edinburgh,  not  to  pre-exist  in  the  root,  but  to  be  formed  by 
spouneous  changes  consequent  on  exposure.  ( Pharrn . Journ.  and  Trans.,  viii. 
481  A crystallizable  principle  has  been  extracted  from  the  juice  of  the  root 
by  i.  Pollex,  who  has  named  it  taraxacin.  It  is  bitter  and  somewhat  acrid, 
fusie  but  not  volatile,  sparingly  soluble  in  cold  water,  but  very  soluble  in  boiling 
wati,  alcohol,  and  ether.  It  is  obtained  by  boiling  the  milky  juice  in  distilled 
wati,  filtering  the  concentrated  liquor,  and  allowing  it  to  evaporate  spontane- 
ous! in  a warm  place.  The  taraxacin  crystallizes,  and  may  be  purified  by  re- 
peatl  solution  and  crystallization  in  alcohol  or  water.  ( Pharm . Journ.  and 
Trasact.,  i.  425.) 

li  root  of  Aspargia  hispida  has  been  largely  substituted  for  dandelion  in 
Enc.nd  by  the  herb  gatherers  ( Pharrn . Journ.  and  Trans.,  xi.  107);  and  we 
are  formed  that  a similar  fraudulent  substitution  is  not  unfrequent,  in  this 
couiry,  of  the  root  of  Cichorium  Intibus,  or  chicory.  This  is  distinguishable 
fronthe  genuine  root  by  its  lighter  colour,  and  greater  bitterness. 

Mical  Properties  and  Uses.  Taraxacum  is  slightly  tonic,  diuretic,  and 
apeint,  and  is  thought  to  have  a specific  action  upon  the  liver,  exciting  it 
whelanguid  to  secretion,  and  resolving  its  chronic  engorgements.  It  has  been 
muc  employed  in  Germany,  and  is  a popular  remedy  with  many  practitioners 
in  1 3 country.  The  diseases  to  which  it  appears  to  be  especially  applicable, 
are  lose  connected  with  derangement  of  the  hepatic  apparatus,  and  of  the 
digeive  organs  generally.  In  congestion  and  chronic  inflammation  of  the  liver 
and  >leen,  in  cases  of  suspended  or  deficient  biliary  secretion,  and  in  dropsical 
affecons  dependent  on  obstruction  of  the  abdominal  viscera,  it  appears  to  be 
caps  e of  doing  good,  if  employed  with  a due  regard  to  the  degree  of  excite- 
men  Our  own  experience  is  in  its  favour.  An  irritable  condition  of  the 
stonjh  and  bowels,  and  the  existence  of  acute  inflammation,  contra-indicate  its 
empyment.  It  is  usually  given  in  the  form  of  extract  or  decoction,  though 
som  prefer  the  infusion.  (See  these  preparations  in  the  second  part  of  this 
worl)  Bitartrate  of  potassa  is  sometimes  added  to  the  decoction  when  an 
aperut  effect  is  desired;  and  aromatics  will  occasionally  be  found  useful  in 
corr  ting  a tendency  to  griping  or  flatulence.  The  root  is  sometimes  prepared 
and  ound  with  coffee,  the  taste  of  which  covers  that  of  the  dandelion.  ( Pharm . 
Jou,.  and  Trans,  xii.  505.) 

C Prep.  Decoctum  Scoparii  Compositum;  Decoctum  Taraxaci;  Extractum 
Taraci;  Infusum  Taraxaci.  W. 

I.''#,  ! ;?•  . ••  ^ y.  \ ,.  ■?  • 7 • . 

TEREBINTHINA.  U.  K,  Loud.,  Dub. 

Turpentine. 

T juice  of  Pinus  palustris,  and  other  species  of  Pinus.  U.  S.  Pinus  palus- 
tns  d P.  Taeda.  An  oleo-resin  effused  from  the  stem  on  the  removal  of  the 
bark  Lond.  Pinus  sylvestris.  Common  turpentine.  Pub. 

TEREBINTHINA  CANADENSIS.  U.S. 

Canada  Turpentine. 

T juice  of  Abies  balsamea.  U.  S. 

C Syn.  BALSAMUM  CANADENSE.  Fluid  resinous  exudation  of  Abies 
bals  iea;  Canada  balsam.  Ed. 


728 


Terebinthina. 


PAST 


TEREBINTHINA  CHIA.  Lond.,  Ed. 

Chian  Turpentine. 

Pistacia  Terebinthus.  An  oleo-resin  effused  from  the  incised  stem.  Lo 
Liquid  resinous  exudation  of  Pistacia  Terebinthus.  Ed. 

TEREBINTHINA  YENETA.  Ed. 

Venice  Turpentine. 

Liquid  resinous  exudation  of  Abies  Larix.  Ed. 

Tfirebenthine,  Fr. ; Terpentin,  Germ.;  Trementina,  Ital.,  Span. 

The  term  turpentine  is  now  generally  applied  to  certain  vegetable  juices,  liql 
or  concrete,  which  consist  of  resin  combined  with  a peculiar  essential  oil,  call 
oil  of  turpentine.  They  are  generally  procured  from  different  species  of  pi, 
fir,  or  larch,  though  other  trees  afford  products  which  are  known  by  the  sa; 
general  title,  as  for  instance  the  Pistacia  Terebinthus,  which  yields  the  Chi 
turpentine.  Some  of  the  French  writers  extend  the  name  of  turpentine  to  otr 
juices  consisting  of  resin  and  essential  oil,  without  benzoic  or  cinnamic  acid  s 
copaiba,  balm  of  Gilead,  &c.  We  shall  describe  particularly,  in  this  place,  oy 
the  officinal  turpentines.  A brief  botanical  view  of  the  plants  from  which  ty 
are  respectively  derived,  will  be  in  accordance  with  the  plan  of  this  work.  Is 
proper  first  to  observe  that  the  original  genus  Pinus  of  Linnaeus  has  been 
vided  into  the  three  genera,  Pinus,  Abies,  and  Larix,  which  are  now  verygo 
rally  recognised,  though  Lindley  unites  the  two  latter  in  his  Flora  Medica. 

Pinus.  Sex.  Syst.  iMonoecia  Monadelphia. — Nat.  Ord.  Pinacese  or  Conife:. 

Gen.  Ch.  Flowers  monoecious.  Males.  Catkins  racemose,  compact,  and  .*• 
minal;  squamose;  the  scales  staminiferous  at  the  apex.  Stamens  two;  the  antes 
one-celled.  Females.  Catkins  or  cones  simple,  imbricated  with  aeumii.e 
scales.  Ovaries  two.  Stigmas  glandular.  Scales  of  the  cone  oblong,  c> 
shaped,  woody;  umbilicato-angular  at  the  apex.  Seeds  in  pairs,  covered  rh 
a sharp-pointed  membrane.  Cotyledons  digitato-partite.  Leaves  two  or  mu, 
in  the  same  sheath.  ( Pereira’s  Mat.  Med.  from  Bot.  Gall.') 

1.  Pinus  palustris.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  iv.  499.  — P.  Australis.  Michs, 

N.  Am.  Sylv.  iii.  133.  “ Leaves  in  threes,  very  long;  stipules  pinnatifid,  rani- 

taceous,  persistent;  strobiles  subeylindrieal,  armed  with  sharp  prickles.'’ 

This  is  a very  large  indigenous  tree,  growing  in  dry,  sandy  soils,  from  ie 
southern  part  of  Virginia  to  the  Gulf  of  Mexico.  Its  mean  elevation  is  s :y 
or  seventy  feet,  and  the  diameter  of  its  trunk  about  fifteen  or  eighteen  imes 
for  two-thirds  of  this  height.  The  leaves  are  about  a foot  in  length,  of  a brillat 
green  colour,  and  united  in  bunches  at  the  ends  of  the  branches.  The  naes 
by  which  the  tree  is  known  in  the  Southern  States  are  long-leaved  pine,  yenc 
pine,  and  pitch  pine;  but  the  first  is  most  appropriate,  as  the  last  two  are  appd 
also  to  other  species.  This  tree  furnishes  by  far  the  greater  proportion  ofie 
turpentine,  tar,  &c.,  consumed  in  the  United  States,  or  sent  from  this  to  oer 
countries.  (See  Pix  Liquida.) 

2.  Pinus  Tseda.  AVilld.  Sp.  Plant,  iv.  498;  Michaux,  A7!  Am.  Sylv.  iii.  6. 
“Leaves  in  threes,  elongated,  with  elongated  sheaths;  strobiles  oblong-cond, 
deflexed,  shorter  than  the  leaf;  spines  inflexed.” 

This  is  the  loblolly,  or  old  field  pine  of  the  Southern  States.  It  is  abumnt 
in  Virginia,  where  it  occupies  the  lands  which  have  been  exhausted  by  cul  > 
tion.  It  exceeds  eighty  feet  in  height,  has  a trunk  two  or  three  feet  in  diamer, 


PAE  I. 


Terebinthina. 


729 


and  rpands  into  a wide  spreading  top.  The  leaves  are  abont  sis  inches  long, 
and  f a light-green  colour.  It  yields  turpentine  in  abundance,  but  less  fluid 
that  hat  which  flows  from  the  preceding  species. 

S', Finns  sybiestris.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  iv.  494;  Woodv.  Med.  Bot.  p.  1, 1. 1; 
Miclux,  N.  Am.  Sylv.  iii.  p.  125.  “Leaves  in  pairs,  rigid;  strobiles  ovate- 
conill,  of  the  length  of  the  leaves;  scales  echiuate.” 

Tjs  species  of  pine,  when  of  full  size,  is  eighty  feet  high,  with  a trunk  four 
or  ft  feet  in  diameter.  It  inhabits  the  northern  and  mountainous  parts  of 
Eure.  In  Great  Britain  it  is  called  the  wild  pine,  or  Scotch  fir;  the  latter 
nam  having  been  applied  to  it  from  its  abundance  in  the  mountains  of  Scotland. 
It  y ds  a considerable  proportion  of  the  common  European  turpentine. 

Bides  the  pines  above  described,  various  others  yield  medicinal  products. 
Pin,  maritima  (P.  Pinaster  of  Aiton  and  Lambert),  growing  in  the  southern 
and  ;aritime  parts  of  Europe,  yields  much  of  the  turpentine,  pitch,  and  tar  con- 
sum  in  France,  and  is  admitted  among  the  officinal  plants  in  the  French 
Codt.  From  the  branches  of  Pinus  Pumilio,  which  inhabits  the  mountains 
of  Istern  and  South-eastern  Europe,  a terebiuthinate  juice  exudes  sponta- 
neouy,  called  Hungarian  l/alsam.  Pinus  Cembra,  or  the  Siberian  stone-pine 
oft!  Alps  and  Carpathian  mountains,  is  said  to  afford  the  product  called  Car- 
path  n balsam ; and  the  seeds  both  of  that  species,  and  of  Pinus  Pinea,  ox  stone- 
pine'  the  South  of  Europe  and  North  of  Africa,  are  used  in  Europe  in  desserts, 
undethe  name  of  pine  nuts.  The  Pinus  rigida,  or  pitch  pine  of  this  country, 
and  robably  others  besides  those  mentioned,  are  sometimes  employed  in  the 
prep  ation  of  tar. 

Aes.  See  P1X  BURGUNDICA. 

Acs  balsamea.  Lindley,  Flo'r.  Med.  p.  554.  — A.  balsamifera.  Miehaux,  N. 
Amdylv.  iii.  191. — Pinus  balsamea,  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  iv.  504.  “ Leaves  soli- 
tary. iat,  emarginate  or  entire,  glaucous  beneath,  somewhat  pectinate,  sub-erect 
aboy  recurved,  spreading;  cones  cylindrical,  erect;  bractes  abbreviate,  obovate, 
cons  ;uously  mucronate,  sub-serrulate.” 

T i is  the  American  silver  fir,  or  balm  of  Gilead  tree,  inhabiting  Canada, 
Nov;dcotia,  Maine,  and  the  mountainous  regions  further  to  the  south.  It  is 
anegant  tree,  seldom  rising  more  than  forty  feet  in  height,  with  a tapering 
trun.  and  numerous  branches,  which  diminish  in  length  in  proportion  to  their 
heig , and  form  an  almost  perfect  pyramid.  The  leaves  are  six  or  eight  lines 
long  nserted  in  rows  on  the  sides  and  tops  of  the  branches,  narrow,  flat,  rigid, 
brigl  green  on  their  upper  surface,  and  of  a silvery  whiteness  beneath.  The 
cone:'ire  large,  erect,  nearly  cylindrical,  of  a purplish  colour,  and  covered  with 
a reajous  exudation  which  gives  them  a glossy,  rich,  and  beautiful  appearance. 
It  is  fom  this  tree  that  the  Canada  balsam  is  obtained. 

Sepal  other  species  of  Abies  are  officinal.  Abies  excelsa  of  Europe,  and  A. 
Can  ’ensis  of  the  United  States,  have  already  been  described  as  the  sources 
respc- ively  of  Burgundy  and  Canada  pitch.  (See  Pic  Burgundica  and  Pix 
Oani’ensis.)  The  A.  Picea  ( Abies  pectinata  of  De  Candolle,  A.  taxifolia  of 
tbe  bn  eh  Codex,  Pinus  Picea  of  Linnaeus),  or  European  silver  fir,  growing  in 
the  i untainous  regions  of  Switzerland,  Germany,  and  Siberia,  yields  the  Stras- 
bitnjr.rpentine,  which  is  much  used  in  some  parts  of  Europe.  The  Abies  nigra 
{Fen,  nigra),  or  black  spruce  of  this  country,  yields  a product,  which,  though 
not  l ognised  by  the  Pharmacopoeia,  is  considerably  employed.  The  substance 
allucj  to  is  the  essence  of  spruce,  prepared  from  the  young  branches  by  boiling 
theuiQ  water,  and  evaporating  the  decoction.  It  is  a thick  liquid,  having  the 
coloi  and  consistence  of  molasses,  with  a bitterish,  acidulous,  astringent  taste. 
It  is  auch  used  in  the  preparation  of  the  beverage  commonly  known  by  the 


730 


Terebinthina. 


Pae 

name  of  spruce  beer,  which  is  a pleasant  and  wholesome  drink  in  summer,  d 
useful  in  long  sea-voyages  as  a preventive  of  scurvy.* 

Larix.  Sex.Syst.  Monoecia  Monadelphia. — Nat.Ord.  Pinaceae  or  Conif<;. 

Gen.  Ch.  As  in  Abies,  except  that  the  cotyledons  are  simple,  and  n r 
lobed ; the  cones  lateral ; the  leaves,  when  first  expanding,  in  tufted  fascl  s 
becoming  somewhat  solitary  by  the  elongation  of  the  new  branch.  {Perec’s 
Mat.  Med.  from  Bot.  Gall.) 

Larix  Europsea.  De  Cand.  Flor.  Fr.  2064.  — Abies  Larix.  Lamb.  777u-t. 
785,  f.  2.  — Pinas  Larix.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  iv.  503;  Woodv.  Med.  Bot.  j ], 
t.  4.  “ Leaves  fascicled,  deciduous ; cones  ovate-oblong;  margins  of  the  sees 

reflexed,  lacerated  ; bractes  panduriform.” 

The  European  larch  is  a large  tree,  inhabiting  the  mountains  of  Siberia,  St- 
zerland,  Germany,  and  the  East  of  France.  It  yields  the  Venice  turpendnni 
commerce,  and  a peculiar  sweetish  substance,  called  in  France  Brianconma  i, 
which  exudes  spontaneously,  and  concretes  upon  its  bark.  When  the  l:h 
forests  of  Russia  take  fire,  a juice  exudes  from  the  trunk  during  their  coms- 
tion,  which  concretes,  and  is  called  Orenburgh  gum.  It  is  wholly  soluhl  in 
water.  (Lindlei/,  Flor.  Med.) 

Pistacia.  See  MASTICHE. 

Pistacia  Terebinthus.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  iv.  752;  Woodv.  Med.  Bot.  p 9, 
t.  12.  This  is  a small  tree  with  numerous  spreading  branches,  bearing  altente 
pinnate  leaves,  which  consist  of  three  or  four  pairs  of  ovate-lanceolate,  erne, 
acute,  smooth,  and  shining  leaflets,  with  an  odd  one  at  the  end.  The  malead 
female  flowers  are  dioecious,  small,  and  in  branching  racemes.  This  is  a n ve 
of  Barbary  and  Greece,  and  flourishes  in  the  islands  of  Cyprus  and  Ohio  he 
latter  of  which  has  given  its  name  to  the  Chian  turpentine  obtained  from  he 
tree.  A gall  produced  upon  this  plant  by  the  puncture  of  an  insect,  has  en 
used  in  Eastern  Europe  in  pectoral  affections. 

We  shall  treat  of  the  several  varieties  of  turpentine  under  distinct  heads 

1.  White  Turpentine. 

Terebenthine  de  Boston,  Fr. 

The  common  American  or  white  turpentine  ( Terebinthina , F.  S.,  Lona  is 
procured  chiefly  from  Pinus  palnstris,  partly  also  from  Pin  us  Tseda,  and  penps 
some  other  species  inhabiting  the  Southern  States.  In  former  times,  large  (an- 
tities were  collected  in  New  England;  but  the  turpentine  trees  of  that  selon 
of  the  Uniou  are  said  to  be  nearly  exhausted ; and  our  commerce  has  been  itil 
recently  almost  exclusively  supplied  from  North  Carolina,  and  the  south-eaern 
parts  of  Virginia.  Within  a few  years,  however,  attention  has  been  turned  tthe 
collection  of  this  valuable  product  in  Georgia  and  Florida ; and  there  is  no  tubt 
that,  iu  time,  an  abundant  supply  will  be  derived  from  the  vast  pine  forests  % ich 
occupy  the  southern  portion  of  our  country  bordering  on  the  Gulf  of  Mdco. 
The  following  is  the  process  for  obtaining  the  turpentine  as  described  by  Miclux. 
During  the  winter  months,  excavations  of  the  capacity  of  about  three  pin  are 
made  in  the  trunk  of  the  tree  three  or  four  inches  from  the  ground.  Into  iese 
the  juice  begins  to  flow  about  the  middle  of  March,  and  continues  to  flow  thr  gh- 
out  the  warm  season,  slowly  at  first,  rapidly  in  the  middle  of  summer,  and  ore 
slowly  again  in  the  autumnal  months.  The  liquid  is  removed  from  these  rea- 
vations  as  they  fill,  and  transferred  into  casks,  where  it  gradually  thickensand 

* The  following  is  the  formula  usually  followed.  Take  of  essence  of  spruce  halt  nst; 
pimento  bruised,  ginger  bruised,  hops,  each,  four  ounces;  water,  three  gallons.  B <uT 
Eire  or  ten  minutes;  then  strain,  and  add  of  warm  water  eleven  gallons:  yeast  i>mt, 
molasses  six  pints.  Mix,  and  allow  the  mixture  to  ferment  for  twenty-four  hours. 


PAH  I. 


TerebintJiina. 


731 


ultijately  acquires  a soft  solid  consistence.  Very  large  quantities  are  thus 
anmlly  procured,  sufficient  not  only  to  supply  the  whole  consumption  of  this 
cou  ry,  but  also  to  furnish  a valuable  export. 

Ihite  turpentine,  as  found  in  our  shops,  is  yellowish-white,  of  a peculiar 
somWhat  aromatic  odour,  and  a warm,  pungent,  bitterish  taste.  It  is  somewhat 
traifucent,  and  of  a consistence  which  varies  with  the  temperature.  In  the 
mime  of  summer  it  is  almost  semi-fluid  and  very  adhesive,  though  brittle ; in 
the  inter  it  is  often  so  firm  and  hard,  as  to  be  incapable  of  being  made  into 
pillyithout  heat.  Exposed  to  the  air  it  ultimately  becomes  perfectly  hard  and 
dry  In  the  recent  state  it  affords  about  seventeen  per  cent,  of  volatile  oil. 
It  iiipt  to  contain  small  pieces  of  bark,  wood,  or  other  impurity. 

2.  Common  European  Turpentine. 

ijebenthine  de  Bordeaux,  Terdbentbine  commune,  Ft.;  Gemeiner  Terpentin,  Germ.; 
Treijntina  comune,  Ital.;  Trementina  cornua,  Span. 

Tis  is  the  Terebinthina  Vulgaris  of  the  former  London  Pharmacopeia.  It 
is  finished  by  several  species  of  pine;  but  chiefly  by  P.  sy/vestris  and  P.  mari- 
tirru  From  the  latter  tree  it  is  obtained  largely  in  the  maritime  districts  of 
the  mth-west  of  France,  especially  in  the  department  of  the  Landes,  and  is 
expjted  from  Bordeaux.  Hence  it  is  called  in  commerce  Bordeaux  turpentine. 
The  rocess  for  procuring  it  consists  simply  in  making  incisions  into  the  trunk, 
or  inoving  portions  of  the  bark,  and  receiving  the  juice  which  flows  out  in 
sma  troughs,  or  in  holes  dug  at  the  foot  of  the  tree.  It  is  purified  by  heating, 
ancfltering  it  through  straw,  or  by  exposing  it  to  the  sun  in  a barrel,  through 
holeljin  the  bottom  of  which  the  melted  turpentine  escapes.  Thus  prepared,  it 
is  w tish,  turbid,  thickish,  and  separates,  upon  standing,  into  two  parts,  one 
liqu  and  transparent,  the  other  of  a consistence  and  appearance  like  those  of 
thic  ned  honey.  As  found  in  European  commerce  it  often  consists  wholly  of 
this  itter  portion.  It  speedily  hardens  upon  exposure  to  the  air  in  thin  layers. 
The  lost  liquid  specimens  are  completely  solidified  by  the  addition  of  one  part 
of  ugnesiato  thirty-two  of  the  turpentine.  (Gruibourt,  Journ.  de  Pharm.,  xxv. 
499  It  is  scarcely  ever  given  internally,  but  furnishes  large  quantities  of  oil 
ot  ti'pentine  and  resiu.  We  do  not  import  it  into  this  country.  The  substance 
whil  the  French  call  galipot  or  hurras,  is  that  portion  of  the  turpentine  which 
conltes  upon  the  trunk  of  the  tree  when  wounded,  and  is  removed  during  the 
win!'.  ( Thenard .)  This,  when  purified  by  melting  with  water  and  straining, 
take  the  name  of  yellow  or  white  pitch,  or  Burgundy  pitch.  When  turpentine 
has  pen  deprived  of  its  oil  by  distillation,  the  resin  which  remains  is  called 
WU  and  sometimes  colophony,  from  the  Ionian  city  of  that  name,  where  it  was 
fornrly  prepared.  It  is  the  resin  ( resina ) of  the  Dublin  College,  and  is  some- 
tnnecalled  yellow  resin  ( resina  flava).  White  resin  ( resina  alba)  is  prepared 
by  i'orporating  this,  while  in  fusion,  with  a certain  proportion  of  water.  Tar 
( pi^quida ) is  the  turpentine  extracted  from  the  wood  by  a slow  combustion,  and 
cherpally  altered  by  the  heat.  Common  pitch  (pix,  pix  nigra , or  resina  nigra) 
is  tl  solid  residue  left  after  the  evaporation  by  boiling  of  the  liquid  parts  of  tar. 

3.  Canada  Turpentine.  . 

Ci  idabalsam,  Balsam  of  fir ; Baume  de  Canada,  Fr.;  Canadischer  Balsam,  Canadischer 
Terp  tin,  Germ.;  Trementina  del  Canada,  Ital. 

T s is  the  product  of  Abies  balsamea,  and  is  collected  in  Canada  and  the 
Stat  if  Maine.  It  is  procured  by  breaking  the  vesicles  which  naturally  form 
upoitke  trunk  and  branches,  and  receiving  their  liquid  contents  in  a bottle. 
''  b fresh,  it  is  colourless  or  slightly  yellowish,  transparent,  of  the  consistence 


732 


Terehintldna. 


PAR' 


of  thin  honey,  very  tenacious,  of  a strong,  agreeable  odour,  and  a bitterish,  so 
what  acrid  taste.  By  time  and  exposure  it  becomes  thicker  and  more  yell-, 
and  at  last  assumes  a solid  consistence.  It  is  usually  brought  into  marken 
bottles,  and  is  kept  in  the  shops  under  the  name  of  Canada  balsam  or  bahai,f 
fir.  In  Europe,  it  is  sometimes  called  balm  of  Gilead , from  its  supposed  refi- 
nance to  that  celebrated  medicine.  The  term  balsam,  as  at  present  underst  1 
is  improperly  applied  to  it ; as  it  contains  no  benzoic  or  cinnamic  acid,  and  i n 
fact  a true  turpentine,  consisting  chiefly  of  resin  and  volatile  oil.  Bona-e 
obtained  from  100  parts  of  Canada  turpentine,  18 '6  parts  of  volatile  oil,  - 0 
of  resin  easily  dissolved  by  alcohol,  33'4  of  sub-resin  of  difficult  solubilit.n 
that  fluid,  4'0  of  caoutchouc  similar  to  sub-resin,  and  4'9  of  bitter  extrarre 
and  salts,  besides  traces  of  acetic  acid.  There  is  reason  to  believe  that  Strath 
turpentine  is  sometimes  sold  for  it  in  the  shops. 

4.  Venice  Turpentine. 

Ter6benthine  de  mtileze,  T6rebentliine  de  Venise,  Fr.;  Venetianischer  Terpentin.  G i.; 
Trementina  di  Venezia,  Ilal.;  Trementina  de  Venecia,  Span. 

This  turpentine  received  its  name  from  the  circumstance  that  it  was  fora  ly 
an  extensive  article  of  Venetian  commerce.  It  is  procured  in  Switzerland. ad 
the  French  province  of  Dauphiny,  from  the  Larix  Europeea  or  larch,  wch 
grows  abundantly  upon  the  Alps  and  the  Jura  mountains.  The  peasants  ire 
holes  into  the  trunk  about  two  feet  from  the  ground,  and  conduct  the  juicby 
means  of  wooden  gutters  into  small  tubs,  placed  at  a convenient  distance,  is 
afterwards  purified  by  filtration  through  a leather  sieve.  Genuine  Veniceor- 
pentine  is  a viscid  liquid,  of  the  consistence  of  honey,  flowing  with  diffiety, 
cloudy  or  imperfectly  transparent,  of  a yellowish  or  slightly  greenish  c-olo  , a 
strong  not  disagreeable  odour,  and  a warm  bitterish  and  very  acrid  taste.  It 
does  not  readily  concrete  on  exposure,  is  not  solidified  by  one-sixteenth  of  ag- 
nesia,  and  is  entirely  soluble  in  alcohol.  (Guibourt,  Journ.  de  Pharm.,xxx.  ,:0.) 
What  is  sold  under  the  name  of  Venice  turpentine  in  our  shops,  is  usually  ate 
brown,  and  is  said  to  be  a factitious  substance,  prepared  by  dissolving  ros  in 
oil  of  turpentine.  Dr.  A.  T.  Thomson  states  that  much  of  the  Venice  turpeine 
of  the  shops  of  London  is  obtained  from  America.  It  is  probably  the  me 
preparation  as  that  which  passes  under  the  name  in  this  country. 

5.  Chian  Turpentine. 

Terebenthine  de  Ohio,  Fr.;  Cyprischer  Terpentin,  Germ.;  Trementina  Cipria,  It 

This  variety  of  turpentine  is  collected  chiefly  in  the  island  of  Chio  or  Sc,  by 
incisions  made  during  the  summer  in  the  bark  of  Pistacia  Terebinthus.  The 
juice,  flowing  from  the  wounds,  falls  upon  smooth  stones  placed  at  the  ft  of 
the  tree,  from  which  it  is  scraped  with  small  sticks,  and  allowed  to  drojinto 
bottles.  The  annual  product  of  each  tree  is  very  small;  and  the  turpeme, 
therefore,  commands  a high  price  even  in  the  place  where  it  is  procured,  cry 
little  of  it  reaches  this  country.  It  is  said  to  be  frequently  adulterated  wii  the 
other  turpentines.  It  is  a thick,  tenacious  liquid,  of  a greenish-yellow  cour, 
a peculiar  penetrating  odour  more  agreeable  than  that  of  the  other  substau  sof 
the  same  class,  and  a mild  taste  without  bitterness  or  acrimony.  Itlemsa 
glutinous  residue  when  treated  with  strong  alcohol.  {Guibourt. ) On  expure 
to  the  air  it  speedily  thickens,  and  ultimately  becomes  concrete  and  hard,  i con- 
sequence  of  the  loss  of  its  volatile  oil. 

Besides  the  turpentines  mentioned,  various  others  are  noticed  in  bocs  on 
materia  medica,  though  not  found  in  the  shops  of  this  country.  There  a the 
Strasburg  turpentine,  much  used  in  France,  and  obtained  from  the  Abies  u-ta 


pat  i. 


TerebintJiina. 


733 


(A'es  pedinata  of  De  Candolle),  or  European  silver  fir,  which  grows  on  the 
mcatains  of  Switzerland  and  Germany,  and  bears  a close  resemblance,  as  well 
in  :•  appearance  as  its  product,  to  the  Abies  balsamea  of  Canada;*  the  Damarra 
tur’n/ine,  which  speedily  concretes  into  a very  hard  resin,  and  is  derived  from 
thePtVivs  Damarra  of  Lambert,  the  Agathis  Damarra  of  Richard,  growing  in 
thodlast  India  islands;  and  the  Dombeya  turpentine,  a glutinous,  milky-looking 
flu , of  a strong  odour  and  taste,  derived  from  Dombeya  excelsa,  the  Araucaria 
Dcibeyi  of  Richard,  which  inhabits  Chili,  and  is  said  to  be  identical  with  the 
Noolk  Island  pine.  These,  with  one  or  two  other  turpentines  scarcely  known, 
or  iving  a doubtful  claim  to  the  title,  are  all  that  belong  properly  to  this  class 
of  igetable  products. 

■eneral  Properties.  The  turpentines  resemble  each  other  in  odour  and  taste, 
thcgh  distinguished  by  shades  of  difference.  Liquid  at  first,  they  become  thick, 
anqradually  solid  by  exposure,  in  consequence  partly  of  the  volatilization,  partly 
of  e oxidation  of  their  essential  oil.  They  are  rendered  more  liquid  or  softened 
by  ;at,  and  at  a high  temperature  take  fire,  burning  with  a white  flame  and  much 
sm:e.  Water  extracts  only  a minute  proportion  of  their  volatile  oil.  They  are 
alost  wholly  soluble  in  alcohol  and  ether,  and  readily  unite  with  the  fixed  oils. 
Thr  yield  by  distillation  a volatile  oil,  well  known  as  the  oil  of  turpentine,  and 
lea'  a residue  consisting  exclusively  of  resin.  (See  Oleum  Terebinthinae  and 
Rena.)  A minute  proportion  of  succinic  acid  passes  over  with  the  oil.  From 
tkexperiments  of  M.  Faure,  of  Bordeaux,  it  appears  that  some  of  the  liquid 
tuimtines,  like  copaiba,  may  be  solidified  by  the  addition  of  magnesia  ( Journ . 
de  him.  Med.,  1830,  p.  94);  and,  according  to  M.  Thierry,  the  same  result  is 
obtned  by  the  addition  of  one  part  of  hydrate  of  lime  to  thirty-two  parts  of 
thcommon  European  turpentine.  (Journ.  de  Pharm.,  3c  ser.,  i.  315.) 

ledical  Properties  and  Uses.  The  effects  of  the  turpentines  upon  the  system 
are  ependent  entirely  on  their  volatile  oil.  They  are  stimulant,  diuretic,  an- 
thcaintic,  and  in  large  doses  laxative.  When  taken  internally,  or  applied  to 
the  kin,  they  communicate  a violet  odour  to  the  urine,  and,  if  continued  for 
sot  time,  produce  an  irritation  of  the  mucous  membrane  of  the  urinary  passages, 
aimnting  frequently  to  strangury.  The  last  effect  is  less  apt  to  be  experienced 
wbi  they  operate  upon  the  bowels.  Externally  applied  they  act  as  rubefa- 
cie  s.  Their  medical  virtues  were  known  to  the  ancients.  At  present  they 
are  ass  used  than  formerly,  having  been  superseded  by  their  volatile  oil.  They 
are  however,  occasionally  prescribed  in  leucorrhoea,  gleet,  and  other  chronic 
disses  of  the  urinary  passages ; in  piles  and  chronic  inflammation  or  ulceration 
of  ie  bowels;  in  chronic  catarrhal  affections;  and  in  various  forms  of  rheuma- 
tic especially  sciatica  and  lumbago.  The  white  turpentine  is  usually  employed 
in  'is  country. 

' ley  may  be  given  in  the  shape  of  pill  made  with  powdered  liquorice  root; 
in  jaulsion  with  gum  Arabic  or  yolk  of  egg,  loaf  sugar,  and  water;  or  in  electu- 
ary'ormed  with  sugar  or  honey.  Their  dose  is  from  a scruple  to  a drachm.  In 
thquantit-y  of  half  an  ounce  or  an  ounce,  triturated  with  the  yolk  of  an  egg, 
am  mixed  with  half  a pint  of  mucilaginous  liquid,  they  form  an  excellent  in- 
jec  m in  cases  of  asearides,  and  of  constipation  attended  with  flatulence. 

' ?his  turpentine  is  described  by  Guibourt  as  being  nearly  as  liquid  as  olive  oil,  at  first 
tur  1 and  whitish,  but  becoming  by  filtration  or  long  standing  transparent  and  almost 
col  rless.  Its  odour  is  very  agreeable,  analogous  to  that  of  the  citron,  and  its  taste 
moirately  acrid  and  bitter.  It  dries  quickly  in  the  air,  is  solidified  by  a sixteenth  of 
ma  esia,  and  is  not  entirely  soluble  in  alcohol.  It  is  procured,  like  the  Canada  turpen- 
tin  by  incisions  into  the  vesicles  which  form  upon  the  surface  of  the  tree,  beneath  the 
ouii  bark.  According  to  Guibourt,  this  is  the  true  Venice  turpentine,  while  that  described 
ln  ! text,  and  generally  recognised  by  authors  as  Venice  turpentine,  is  in  fact  the  Stras- 
bu,':  (S ee  Journ.  de  Pharm.,  xxv.  487.) — Note  to  the  eighth  edition. 


734 


Testa. — Tormentilla. 


PAR' 


The  vapour  of  turpentine,  employed  as  a vapour-bath,  has  recently  hj 
highly  recommended  in  the  treatment  of  obstinate  chronic  rheumatism, 
cording  to  M.  A.  Chevandier,  it  is  borne  well  for  about  twenty-five  minu 
at  a temperature  of  from  140°  to  160°  F.,  producing  acceleration  of  the  pv,  • 
and  copious  sweating,  sometimes  accompanied  with  a confluent  eruption,  (d 
Gen.,  4e  ser.,  xxviii.  80.) 

Off- Prep.  Ceratum  Resinse  Compositum ; Emplastrum  Cantharidis  Corr  • 
Emplastrum  G-albani  Comp.;  Unguentum  Elemi;  Unguentum  Infusi  Can  i- 
ridis.  If 

TESTA.  U.S 

Ouster-shell. 

The  shells  of  Ostrea  edulis.  U.  S. 

Ecailles  des  liuitres,  Ft.;  Austersclialen,  Germ.;  Gusci  della  ostriclie,  Ital.;  Cases  s, 
Span. 

The  common  oyster  is  the  Ostrea  edulis  of  naturalists,  an  animal  belonjg 
to  the  class  Vermes , order  Testacea.  It  is  found  in  many  parts  of  the  wei, 
and  is  particularly  abundant  on  our  own  coast,  and  in  the  bays  of  our  l;;e 
rivers.  It  consists  of  a soft  pulpy  portion,  comprising  the  vital  organs  of  le 
animal,  enclosed  in  a hard  bivalve  shell,  of  the  nature  of  mother-of-pearl.  ie 
flesh  of  the  oyster  forms  a very  digestible  and  nutritious  article  of  food,  part a- 
larly  suited  to  convalescents;  but  the  shell  only  is  officinal. 

Properties.  Oyster-shells  are  too  familiarly  known  to  require  descripta. 
They  are  made  up,  like  other  mother-of-pearl  shells,  of  alternate  layers  of  ea ly 
matter,  and  of  animal  matter  of  the  nature  of  coagulated  albumen.  Accorog 
to  the  analysis  of  Bucholz  and  Brandes,  their  exact  constituents  are  carbo  te 
of  lime  98'6,  phosphate  of  lime  1'2,  animal  matter  0'5,  alumina  (accider  1) 
0'2  = 100'5.  Thus  it  appears  that  the  animal  matter  is  present  in  but  sill 
amount.  When  calcined  or  burnt,  the  animal  matter  and  carbonic  acid  are:s- 
sipated,  and  the  shells  are  converted  into  a species  of  lime,  called  oyster-shell  l\t 

Crabstones,  called  crabs’  eyes,  and  crabs’  claws  are  both  forms  of  carbona  of 
lime,  resembling  oyster-shell  in  containing  a small  proportion  of  animal  ma  r. 
They  were  formerly  officinal  in  the  Edinburgh  Pharmacopoeia,  but  were  ry 
properly  omitted  on  the  last  revision  of  that  work.  They  will  be  noticed  inhe 
Appendix. 

Pharmaceutical  Uses.  Oyster-shells  require  to  be  reduced  to  an  impalpile 
powder,  before  they  are  fit  for  medicinal  employment;  and  their  preparatioin 
this  way  constitutes  their  sole  pharmaceutical  use.  When  thus  prepared  ey 
form  Testa  Prseparata,  under  which  head  their  medicinal  properties  wilbe 
noticed. 

Off.  Prep.  Testa  Praeparata. 

TORMENTILLA.  U.S.  Secondary,  Load.,  Ed. 
Torment'd. 

The  root  of  Potentilla  Tormentilla.  U.  S.,  Ed.  The  rhizoma.  Loud. 

Tormentille,  Ft.;  Tormentillwurzel,  Germ.;  Tormentilla,  ltal.;  Tormentila,  Span. 

Potentilla.  Sex.  Syst.  Icosandria  Polygynia. — Eat.  Ord.  Rosace®. 

Gen.  Ch.  Calyx  with  a concave  tube,  a four  or  five-cleft  limb,  and  foi  or 
five  bractlets.  Petals  four  or  five.  Stamens  numerous.  Carpels  numerous,  ith 
a lateral  style,  on  a procumbent,  persistent,  capitate,  juiceless  receptacle,  ed 
appended.  Herbs  or  undershrubs,  with  compound  leaves,  stipules  adnatetiie 
petiole,  and  white,  yellow,  rarely  red  flowers.  ( De  Candolle.) 


PA]'  I. 


Tormentilla. — Toxicodendron. 


735 


i t.entilla  Tormentilla.  Sibthorp.  FI.  Ox.  162;  Lindley,  Flor.  Med.  225. — 
Tmentilla  erecta.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  ii.  1112;  Woodv.  Med.  Bot.  p.  503,  t. 
1 8 p| — T7.  officinalis.  Smith,  Flor.  Brit.  The  tormentil,  or  septfoil,  is  a small 
pennial  plant,  very  common  throughout  Europe.  The  stems,  which  rise  about 
six  • eight  inches  in  height  from  a woody  root,  are  slender,  more  or  less  erect, 
braihing  towards  the  top,  and  furnished  with  sessile  leaves,  which  on  the  stalk 
usuly  consist  of  seven,  on  the  branches  of  five,  digitate,  elliptical,  villous,  deeply 
sen  ed  leaflets,  three  of  which  are  larger  than  the  others.  The  flowers  are 
sma,  yellow,  and  solitary  upon  axillary  peduncles.  All  parts  of  the  plant  are 
astrgent,  especially  the  root,  which  is  the  part  employed.  It  is  gathered  in 
sprip 

loperties.  The  root  of  tormentil  is  cylindrical  or  roundish,  rather  larger 
abo  than  at  the  lower  extremity,  an  inch  or  two  in  length,  about  as  thick  as 
the  Qger,  knotty,  sometimes  contorted,  brown  or  blackish  externally,  and  red- 
dislrithin.  It  has  a slight  aromatic  odour,  and  a very  astringent  taste.  Tan- 
nin an  abundant  constituent.  There  is  also  a red  colouring  principle,  soluble 
inaohol,  but  insoluble  in  water.  Besides  these  ingredients  Meissner  found 
resi  cerin,  myricin,  gummy  extractive,  gum,  extractive,  lignin,  water,  and  a 
trac'of  volatile  oil.  The  root  is  said  to  be  used  for  tanning  leather  in  the 
Orksys  and  Western  Islands  of  Scotland,  and  for  staining  leather  red  by  the 
Lap  nders.  It  yields  all  its  medical  virtues  to  boiling  water. 

ildical  Properties  and  Uses.  Tormentil  is  a simple  and  powerful  astringent, 
app  able  to  all  cases  of  disease  in  which  this  class  of  medicines  is  indicated.  We 
seldn,  however,  employ  it  in  this  country,  having  indigenous  plants  of  equal 
virt:.  It  may  be  given  in  substance,  decoction,  or  extract.  The  dose  of  the 
pow ;r  is  from  thirty  grains  to  a drachm. 

(’.  Prep.  Decoctum  Tormentillae;  Pulvis  Cretre  Compositus.  W. 

TOXICODENDRON.  U.  S.  Secondary. 

Poison-oak. 

I;  leaves  of  Rhus  Toxicodendron.  U.  S. 

S iach  veneneux,  Fr.;  Gift-Sumach,  Germ.;  Albero  del  veleno,  Ital. 

I us.  See  RHUS  GLABRUM. 

I mitting,as  appears  generally  to  be  done  at  present,  that  Rhus  Toxicodendron 
and  ’A us  radicans  of  Linnaeus  are  mere  varieties  of  the  same  plant,  there  are 
tbre  indigenous  species  of  Rhus  which  possess  poisonous  properties — the  one 
abo’  mentioned,  R.  vernix,  commonly  known  by  the  name  of  swamp  sumach 
or  fson  sumach,  and  R.  pumilum  of  the  Southern  States.  Though  the  first 
onlj  s designated  in  the  Pharmacopoeia,  we  shall  briefly  describe  the  three  spe- 
cies as  their  medical  effects  are  probably  similar,  and  their  operation  upon  the 
syst  i such  that  the  plants  should  be  known  to  every  practitioner. 

1 Rlius  radicans.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  i.  1481;  Bigelow,  Am.  Med.  Bot.  iii.  17. 
— 1 Toxicodendron.  Pursh,  FI.  Am.  Sept.  p.  205.  Though  Elliott  and  Nuttall 
com  er  R.  radicans  and  R.  Toxicodendron  as  distinct  species,  the  weight  of 
botacal  authority  is  on  the  other  side,  and  Bigelow  declares  that  he  has  “fre- 
que  y observed  individual  shoots  from  the  same  stock,  having  the  characters 
of  1 ,h  varieties.”  The  difference,  however,  in  their  appearance  is  sufficiently 
stril  ig  to  have  led  to  the  adoption  of  different  common  names,  R.  radicans  being 
usu:  y called  poison  vine,  and  R.  Toxicodendron,  poison  oak.  The  former  ha3 
a cl  bing  stem,  rising  to  a great  height  upon  trees,  rocks,  and  other  objects,  to 
whi;  it  adheres  by  strong  rooting  fibres,  which  it  throws  out  from  its  sides.  The 
leat , which  stand  upon  long  footstalks,  are  ternate,  with  broad-ovate  or  rhom- 
boic , acute  leaflets,  smooth  and  shining  on  both  sides,  sometimes  slightly  hairy 


736 


Toxicodendron. 


pak 

on  the  reins  beneath,  entire,  or  irregularly  lobecl  and  toothed.  The  flowers  e 
small,  greenish-white,  dioecious,  and  grow  in  lateral,  usually  axillary  panicle  ,r 
compound  racemes.  The  male  flowers  have  five  stamens,  and  the  rudiment  jf 
a style;  the  female,  which  are  of  only  half  the  size  and  on  a different  plant, i e 
abortive  stamens,  and  a short  erect  style,  standing  on  a roundish  germ,  and  r- 
minating  in  three  stigmas.  The  fruit  consists  of  roundish,  pale-green  or  wh  ;h 
berries. 

R.  Toxicodendron,  or  poison-oak,  has  the  form  of  a shrub  from  one  to  tie 
feet  high,  with  leaflets  angularly  indented,  and  pubescent  beneath.  But  is 
character  of  the  foliage  is  probably  not  constant;  and  the  stunted  growth  iy 
be  owing  to  peculiarities  of  situation.  Dr.  Bigelow  states  that  the  young  pi  ts 
of  R.  radicans  do  not  put  forth  rooting  fibres  until  they  are  several  years  old  id 
that  they  are  influenced  in  this  respect  by  the  contiguity  of  supporting  obj  5. 

This  species  of  Rhus  grows  in  woods,  fields,  and  along  fences  from  Canac  to 
Georgia.  It  flowers  in  June  and  July.  When  wounded,  it  emits  a milky  j -e, 
which  becomes  black  on  exposure  to  the  air,  and  leaves  upon  linen  or  other  ■ th 
a stain,  which  cannot  afterwards  be  removed  by  washing  with  soap  and  wat<  or 
by  alcohol  either  hot  or  cold,  but  deepens  by  age.  It  has  been  proposed  ran 
indelible  ink.  Ether  dissolves  it. 

The  juice  applied  to  the  skin  frequently  produces  inflammation  and  vesica  n; 
and  the  same  poisonous  property  is  possessed  by  a volatile  principle  which  esAes 
from  the  plant  itself,  and  produces  in  certain  persons  when  they  come  in' its 
vicinity  an  exceedingly  troublesome  erysipelatous  affection,  particularly  0 he 
face.  Itching,  redness,  a sense  of  burning,  tumefaction,  vesication,  and  ultiite 
desquamation,  are  some  of  the  attendants  of  this  poisonous  action.  The  sweng 
of  the  face  is  sometimes  so  great  as  almost  entirely  to  obliterate  the  feates. 
The  effects  are  experienced  soon  after  exposure,  and  usually  begin  to  deine 
within  a week.  A light  cooling  regimen,  with  saline  purgatives,  and  the  cal 
use  of  cold  lead-water,  are  the  best  remedies.  All  persons  are  not  equally  ;ble 
to  the  affection,  and  the  great  majority  are  wholly  insusceptible  of  it  fromny 
ordinary  exposure. 

2.  Rhus  vernix.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  i.  1479;  Bigelow,  Am.  Med.  Bot.  96. 
The  swamp  sumach  is  a beautiful  shrub  or  small  tree,  usually  ten  or  fifteei’eet 
high,  but  sometimes  rising  thirty  feet.  The  bark  of  the  trunk  is  dark-gr;,  of 
the  branches  lighter,  of  the  extreme  twigs  and  petioles  beautifully  red.  The 
leaves  are  pinnate,  with  four  or  five  pairs  of  opposite  leaflets,  and  an  odd  ter  nal 
one.  These  are  oblong  or  oval,  entire  or  slightly  sinuated,  acuminate,  smth, 
and,  except  the  one  at  the  end,  nearly  sessile.  The  flowers,  as  in  the  precing 
species,  are  dioecious.  They  are  very  small,  greenish,  and  arranged  in  >ose 
axillary  panicles.  The  berries  are  small,  roundish,  and  greenish-white. 

The  tree  grows  in  swamps  and  low  grounds,  from  Canada  to  Carolimand 
flowers  in  June  and  July.  It  is  thought  to  be  identical  with  a species  of  bus 
which  grows  in  Japan,  and  furnishes  a fine  black  varnish,  much  used  irthat 
country.  Dr.  Bigelow  found  that  the  opaque  whitish  juice  which  exudesrom 
our  native  plant  when  wouuded,  and  which  becomes  permanently  black  c ex- 
posure, may  be  made  to  afford  a brilliant,  glossy,  durable  varnish,  by  bong 
sufficiently  before  applying  it. 

Rhus  vernix  produces,  much  more  powerfully  than  R.  radicans,  the  poinons 
effects  already^  described.  Persons  coming  within  its  influence  are  mucboore 
apt  to  be  affected  with  the  poison,  and  generally  suffer  more  severely.  The  bote 
body  is  sometimes  enormously  swollen,  and  the  patient  for  many  days  seedy 
able  to  move;  but  the  complaint  almost  always  spontaneously  subsides  waout 
destroying  life.  As  in  the  former  instance,  the  susceptibility  to  the  influev  of 
the  poison  is  exceedingly  various,  and  some  persons  handle  the  plant  with  jxfect 
impunity. 


PAE  L 


Toxicodendron. — Tragacantha. 


737 


8 Rhuspumilum.  Michaux,  Flor.  Americ.  i.  182.  This  is  a southern  species, 
grong  in  upper  Carolina,  and  not  more  than  a foot  in  height.  It  is  characterized 
by  i pubescent  branches  and  petioles;  its  pinnate  leaves,  with  many  pairs  of 
ovahearly  acuminate,  incised-dentate  leaflets,  downy  beneath;  and  by  its  silky 
fruit  According  to  Pursh,  it  is  the  most  poisonous  of  the  genus. 

Its  probable  that  all  parts  of  Rhus  radicans  (R.  Toxicodendron)  are  possessed 
of  a<  ve  properties;  but  the  leaves  only  are  directed  in  the  Pharmacopoeia,  under 
the  le  of  Toxicodendron.  These  are  inodorous,  have  a mawkish  acrid  taste, 
and  eld  their  virtues  to  water.  The  presence  of  tannic  and  gallic  acids  has 
beenletected  in  them. 

Mical  Properties  and  Uses.  These  leaves  appear  to  be  stimulant  and  narcotic, 
prodfing  when  swallowed  more  or  less  irritation  of  the  stomach  and  bowels,  and 
pronting  the  secretory  function  of  the  skin  and  kidneys.  Orfila  found  them  to 
act  i the  manner  of  the  acrid  poisons,  and  to  produce  a stupefying  effect  upon 
the  irvous  system.  They  were  successfully  used  by  Du  Fresnoy,  in  France,  in 
the  ere  of  obstinate  cutaneous  diseases.  Dr.  Anderson,  of  Hull,  in  England, 
effecd  cures  with  the  medicine  in  several  cases  of  palsy.  A sense  of  heat  and 
priclig,  with  irregular  twitchings,  was  excited  by  it  in  the  affected  parts.  Dr. 
Horseld,  and  other  physicians  of  this  country,  have  used  it  in  consumption  and 
drop , but  with  little  success. 

T1  dose  of  the  leaves  recommended  by  Dr.  Anderson  was  half  a grain  or  a 
grairhree  times  a day;  but  this  is  much  too  small.  Dr.  Duncan  gave  them  in 
large  doses,  with  little  other  than  a laxative  .effect.  Dr.  Horsfield  administered 
a teaipful  of  the  strong  infusion  without  disadvantage.  In  France,  the  extract 
isrecnmended  in  doses  of  fifteen  or  twenty  grains,  repeated  two  or  three  times 
a da;  and  gradually  increased  to  one  or  two  drachms.  Some  of  Du  Fresnoy’s 
paties  took  an  ounce  without  effect.  The  probability  is,  that  the  active  prin- 
ciple, volatile,  and  that  the  extract  is  less  efficient  than  the  leaves  themselves. 
The  k of  experiencing  the  poisonous  effects  of  the  plant  upon  the  system,  will 
probdy  prevent  its  extensive  employment  as  a remedy,  unless  it  should  prove 
muclnore  useful  than  the  trials  hitherto  made  give  us  reason  to  expect. 

W. 

TKAGACANTHA.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub. 
Tragacanth. 

Th  concrete  juice  of  Astragalus  verus.  U.  S.  Juice  exuded  from  the  bark, 
hardffed  in  the  air.  Lond.  Gummy  exudation  from  Astragalus  gummifer  and 
probe  y A.  verus,  and  other  species.  Ed.  Astragalus  gummifer.  The  gummy 
exud;  on.  Dub. 

Go  ne  Adraganthe,  Fr. ; Tragant  .Germ.;  Dragante,  Ital.;  Gomo  tragacanto,  Span. 

As  iagalus.  Sex.  Syst.  Diadelphia  Decandria. — Nat.  Ord.  Fabaceae  or  Le- 
gumi  sae. 

Go  Ch.  Legume  two-celled,  more  or  less  gibbous,  with  the  lower  suture 
turne  inwards.  Carina  blunt.  Loudon  s Encyc.  of  Plants. 

Nu  erous  species  belonging  to  this  genus  yield  a gummy  matter  having  the 
propc:ies  of  tragacanth.  The  drug  known  in  commerce  by  that  name  was  at 
first  c oneously  supposed  to  be  obtained  from  A.  Tragacantha  of  Linnaeus  (A. 
mass^nsis  of  Lamarck),  which  grows  in  the  South  of  Europe  and  North  of  Africa, 
and  ii  iow  said  to  yield  no  gum.  It  was  afterwards  ascribed,  on  the  authority  of 
loun  :ort,  to  a species  (A.  Creticus  of  Lamarck)  which  grows  in  Crete  and  Ionia, 
and,  '|  that  of  Olivier,  to  A.  verus , which  inhabits  Asia  Minor,  Armenia,  and 
Aortl  n Persia.  Labillardibre  described  a species  by  the  name  of  A.  gummifer, 
whiet  lejound  growing  on  Mount  Libanus  in  Syria,  and  from  which  tragacanth 


738 


Tragacantha. 


pah 


exudes,  though  not  that  of  commerce.  Sieber  denies  that  any  one  of  these  3. 
cies  yields  the  officinal  tragacanth,  which  he  ascribes  to  A.  aristotus  gnn  » 
in  Anatolia,  especially  upon  Mount  Ida,  where  the  gum  is  most  abundantly  \. 
lected.  This  plant,  however,  is  not  the  A.  aristatus  of  Villars,  which,  accorog 
to  Sibthorp,  furnishes  tragacanth  in  Greece.  (Mrrot  and  De  Lens.)  Profor 
Lindley  received  two  specimens  of  plants,  said  to  be  those  which  furnish  tra- 
canth  in  Turkistan,  one  of  which  proved  to  be  A.  gummifer  of  Labillard  e, 
which  was  said  to  yield  a white  variety,  and  the  other  a new  species  whic-  ie 
called  A.  strobififerus,  and  which  was  said  to  yield  a red  and  inferior  proct. 
The  fact  seems  to  be,  that  the  commercial  drug  is  collected  from  various  souis; 
and  it  is  affirmed  that  all  the  species  of  Astragalus  with  thorny  petioles  are  ca- 
ble of  producing  it.  These  form  a natural  group,  and  so  closely  resemble  :h 
other  that  botanists  have  found  some  difficulty  in  distinguishing  them.  A I. 
verus  is  designated  in  the  Pharmacopoeia  of  the  United  States,  and  that  ot he 
London  College,  we  shall  briefly  describe  it. 

Astragalus  verus.  Olivier,  Voy.  dans  V Empire  Ottoman , v.  342,  pi.  1. 
This  is  a small  shrub,  not  more  than  two  or  three  feet  high,  with  a stem  an  eh 
in  thickness,  and  numerous  very  closely  crowded  branches,  covered  with  iiri- 
cated  scales,  and  spines  which  are  the  remains  of  former  petioles.  The  less, 
which  are  little  more  than  half  an  inch  long,  consist  of  several  pairs  of  oppUe, 
villous,  stiff,  pointed  leaflets,  with  a midrib  terminating  in  a sharp  yellash 
point.  The  flowers  are  papilionaceous,  small,  yellow,  axillary,  aggregate  nd 
furnished  with  cottony  bractes.  This  species  yields  the  gum  collected  in  P<  ia, 
and  thence  transmitted  southward  to  India  through  Bagdad  and  Bassora,  nth- 
ward  to  Russia,  and  westward  to  Aleppo. 

Tragacanth  exudes  spontaneously  during  the  summer  from  the  stems.nd 
branches,  hardening  as  it  exudes,  and  assuming  various  forms  according  tithe 
greater  or  less  abundance  of  the  juice. 

Properties.  It  is  in  tortuous  vermicular  filaments,  rounded  or  flattened,  tied 
up  or  extended,  of  a whitish  or  yellowish-white  colour,  somewhat  transient, 
resembling  horn  in  appearance.  Sometime^  the  pieces  are  irregularly  oblo: or 
roundish,  and  of  a slightly  reddish  colour.  It  is  hard  and  more  or  less  frile, 
but  difficult  of  pulverization,  unless  exposed  to  a freezing  temperatui  or 
thoroughly  dried,  and  powdered  in  a heated  mortar.  The  powder  is  verfine 
and  white.  Tragacanth  has  no  smell  and  very  little  taste.  Its  sp.gr.  is  1 84. 
Introduced  into  water  it  absorbs  ascertain  proportion  of  that  liquid,  swelbery 
much,  and  forms  a soft  adhesive  paste,  but  does  not  dissolve.  If  agitatecbth 
an  additional  quantity  of  water,  this  paste  forms  a uniform  mixture;  but  the 
course  of  one  or  two  days  the  greater  part  separates,  and  is  deposited,  leavg  a 
portion  dissolved  in  the  supernatant  fluid.  Tragacanth  is  wholly  insolue  ia 
alcohol.  It  appears  to  be  composed  of  two  different  constituents,  one  solue in 
water  and  resembling  gum  Arabic,  the  other  swelling  iu  water,  but  not  d olv- 
ing.  The  former  is  said  to  differ  from  gum  Arabic  in  affording  no  prec-'tate 
with  silicate  of  potassa  or  sesquic-hloride  of  iron.  ( Pereira's  Mat.  Mol.)  The 
latter,  which,  according  to  Bueholz,  constitutes  43  per  cent,  of  tragac-au,  is 
ranked  by  some  among  the  peculiar  proximate  principles  with  the  title  of  vja- 
canthin.  It  is  probably  identical  with  bassorin.  It  has  the  property  of  beeamg 
blue  with  iodine,  which  is  not  the  case  with  bassoriu  ; but  this  proptj 
ascribed  to  the  presence  of  a small  quantity  of  insoluble  starch.  Accorog  to 
M.  Guerin,  100  parts  of  tragacanth  contain  533  parts  of  arabin  or  purerum, 
33T  of  bassorin  and  insoluble  starch,  and  11  1 of  water,  and  yield  when  lrned 
2 5 parts  of  ashes.  To  separate  the  soluble  entirely  from  the  insoluble  pt,  re- 
quires agitation  with  separate  portions  of  water,  which  are  to  be  decant  and 
filtered;  and  the  process  is  to  be  continued  till  water  ceases  to  dissolve  amUDg. 


PAP  I. 


Tragacantha. — Triosteum. — Ulmus. 


739 


Ber  lius  considers  tragacanth  as  a variety  of  mucilage.  (See  Linum.)  Ex- 
arniid  by  Dr.  Kiitzing,  by  means  of  the  microscope,  it  was  found  to  consist  of 
orgaized  cells,  having  thick  walls  sometimes  of  several  concentric  layers,  and 
filleiwith  starch  granules.  (See  Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xxv.  87.) 

Aiical  Properties  and  Uses.  Tragacanth  is  demulcent,  but,  on  account  of  its 
diffidt  solubility,  is  not  often  given  internally.  The  great  viscidity  which  it 
imp:ts  to  water,  renders  it  useful  for  the  suspension  of  heavy  insoluble  powders; 
and  is  also  employed  in  pharmacy  to  impart  consistence  to  troches,  for  which 
it  anvers  better  than  gum  Arabic. 

C.  Prep.  Confectio  Opii;  Mucilago  Tragacanth* ; Pilulae  Ferri  Iodidi; 
Pubs  Tragacanth*  Compositus.  W. 

TRIOSTEUM.  TJ.  S.  Secondary. 

Fever-root. 

T root  of  Triosteum  perfoliatum.  U.  S. 

Tosteum.  Sex.  Syst.  Pentandria  Monogynia. — Nat.  Ord.  Caprifoliace*. 

Gi.Ch.  Calyx  five-cleft,  persistent,  nearly  the  length  of  the  corolla;  seg- 
men  linear,  acute.  Corolla  tubular,  five-lobed,  sub-equal;  base,  nectariferous, 
gibbis.  Stiyma  somewhat  five-lobed,  capitate.  Berry  three-celled,  three-seeded, 
crowed  with  the  calyx.  Nuttatt. 

Tosteum  perfoliatum.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  i.  990;  Bigelow,  Am.  Afcd.  Bot. 
i.  90  Barton,  Ahd.  Bot.  i.  -59.  This  plant  is  indigenous  and  perennial.  Several 
stem  usually  rise  from  the  same  root.  They  are  simple,  erect,  round,  hairy, 
fistups,  herbaceous,  and  from  one  to  four  feet  high.  The  leaves  are  opposite, 
large, mostly  connate,  oval,  acuminate,  entire,  abruptly  narrowed  at  the  base, 
and  ibescent  on  their  under  surface.  The  flowers  are  of  a dull-purple  colour, 
axilly,  sessile,  rarely  solitary,  sometimes  in  pairs,  generally  in  triplets  or  five 
togeier  in  the  form  of  whorls.  The  germ  is  inferior,  and  the  style  projects 
beyo  1 the  corolla,  into  the  tube  of  which  the  stamens  are  inserted.  The  berry 
is  ov,  and  of  a deep-orange  colour,  and  contains  three  hard,  bony  seeds. 

Fy.r-root,  fever- wort,  or  wild  ipecac,  as  this  plant  is  variously  called,  though 
not  ry  abundant,  is  found  in  most  parts  of  the  United  States,  preferring  a 
limeMne  soil  and  shady  situations.  Its  flowers  appear  in  June.  The  whole 
plan)  as  a bitter  taste;  but  the  root  is  most  active,  and  is  the  only  officinal  part. 

It ji  horizontal,  long,  about  three-quarters  of  an  inch  in  diameter,  thicker 
and  (berculated  near  the  origin  of  the  stem,  of  a yellowish  or  brownish  colour 
extei  illy,  whitish  within,  and  furnished  with  fibres  which  may  be  considered 
as  br  ches  of  the  main  root.  When  dry  it  is  brittle  and  easily  pulverized.  It 
bas  sickening  odour,  and  a bitter  nauseous  taste.  Both  water  and  alcohol  take 
up  it  active  properties,  which  are  retained  in  the  extract. 

M ical  Properties  and  Uses.  Fever-root  is  cathartic,  and  in  large  doses  emetic. 
The  1 e Professor  Barton  observed  it  also  to  produce  a diuretic  effect.  The  bark 
of  th  root  is  the  part  which  has  been  usually  employed.  In  the  quantity  of 
tweu  or  thirty  grains  it  ordinarily  acts  upon  the  bowels;  and  may  be  given 
alonqr  in  combination  with  calomel  at  the  commencement  of  fevers.  The  ex- 
tract ay  be  given  in  half  the  dose.  W. 

ULMUS.  Loud. 

Elm  Baric. 

i 

El  as  campestris.  The  interior  bark.  Lend. 

Ec'1  e d’orme,  Fr.;  Ulmenrinde,  Germ..;  Scorza  del  olma,  Ital.;  Corteza  de  olmo,  Span. 

bi  us.  Sex.  Syst.  Pentandria  Digynia. — Nat.  Ord.  Ulmace*. 


740 


Ulmus. 


PA]  I. 


Gen.Ch.  Calyx  five-cleft.  Corolla  none.  Capsule  (samara)  compressed  i m- 
branaceous.  Willd. 

Ulmus  campestris.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  i.  1324;  Woodv.  Med.  Bot.  p.  71  t. 
242.  This  species  of  elm  is  characterized  by  its  doubly  serrate  leaves,  uncial 
at  their  base,  by  its  nearly  sessile,  clustered,  pentandrous  flowers,  and  its  sd  ith 
fruit.  It  is  a large  tree,  with  strong  spreading  branches,  and  a rough,  erred 
bark.  It  is  a native  of  Europe,  where  the  wood  is  highly  esteemed  for  cf  tin 
purposes  in  the  arts. 

The  inner  bark  of  its  young  branches,  which  is  the  oflicinal  portion,  is  in, 
tough,  of  a brownish-yellow  colour,  inodorous,  and  of  a mucilaginous,  bittsh, 
and  very  slightly  astringent  taste.  It  imparts  to  water  its  taste  and  mueij  in- 
ous  properties.  The  tincture  of  iodine  indicates  the  presence  of  starch  nd 
Davy  found  somewhat  more  than  two  per  cent,  of  tannin.  A peculiar  vegc ble 
principle  called  ulmin  or  ulmic  acid,  now  believed  to  be  a constituent  of  ost 
barks,  was  first  discovered  in  the  matter  which  spontaneously  exudes  frorthe 
bark  of  the  European  elm.  It  is  a dark-brown  almost  black  substance,  wiout 
smell  or  taste,  insoluble  in  cold  water,  sparingly  soluble  in  boiling  water ' ich 
it  colours  yellowish-brown,  soluble  in  alcohol,  and  readily  dissolved  by  all  ine 
solutions. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  The  bark  of  the  European  elm  is  demu  nt, 
and  very  feebly  tonic  and  astringent,  and  is  said  also  to  be  diuretic.  It  haseen 
recommended  in  cutaneous  affections  of  the  leprous  character.  Dr.  Sigrnd 
speaks  in  strong  terms  of  its  efficacy  in  all  the  varieties  of  lepra,  in  lichous 
eruptions,  and  in  tinea  capitis,  employed  both  internally  and  externally.  ( liko - 
Bot.  Trans.,  i.  169.)  It  is  usually  given  in  the  form  of  decoction,  and  in  cbnic 
cases  must  be  long  continued  to  produce  beneficial  results. 

Off.  Prep.  Decoctum  Ulmi. 

ULMUS.  U.S. 

Slippery  Elm  Bark. 

The  inner  bark  of  Ulmus  fulva.  U.S. 

Ulmus.  See  ULMUS.  Bond. 

Ulmus  fulva.  Michaux,  Flor.  Americ.  i.  172. — Ulmus  rubra.  F.  Airev 
Michaux,  N.  Am.  Sylv.  iii.  89.  The  slippery  elm,  called  also  red  elm,  is  tofty 
tree,  rising  fifty  or  sixty  feet  in  height,  with  a stem  fifteen  or  twenty  incs in 
diameter.  The  bark  of  the  trunk  is  brown,  that  of  the  branches  rougand 
whitish.  The  leaves  are  oblong-ovate,  acuminate,  nearly  equal  at  the  ba;  un- 
equally serrate,  pubescent  and  very  rough  on  both  sides,  four  or  five  incs  m 
length  by  two  or  three  in  breadth,  and  supported  on  short  footstalks.  Tie 
buds,  a fortnight  before  their  development,  are  covered  with  a dense  use: 
down.  The  flowers,  which  appear  before  the  leaves,  are  sessile,  and  in  c-sters 
at  the  extremity  of  the  young  shoots.  The  bunches  of  flowers  are  summed 
by  scales,  which  are  downy  like  the  buds.  The  calyx  also  is  downy.  Treis 
no  corolla.  The  stamens  are  five  in  number,  short,  and  of  a pale-rose  lour. 
The  fruit  is  a membranaceous  capsule  or  samara,  enclosing  in  the  midi:  one 
round  seed,  destitute  of  fringe. 

This  species  of  elm  is  indigenous,  growing  in  all  parts  of  the  United  fates 
north  of  Carolina,  but  most  abundantly  west  of  the  Alleghauy  mountaii  b 
flourishes  in  open,  elevated  situations,  and  requires  a firm,  dry  soil.  Fm  the 
white  elm,  U.  Americana , it  is  distinguished  by  its  rough  branches,  its  rgcr, 
thicker,  and  rougher  leaves,  its  downy  buds,  and  the  character  of  its  flowc  ana 
seeds.  Its  period  of  flowering  is  in  April.  The  inner  bark  is  the  parusea, 
and  is  brought  to  the  shops  separated  from  the  epidermis. 


PAB  I. 


Ulmus. — Uva  Passa. 


741 


Its  in  long,  nearly  flat  pieces,  from  one  to  two  lines  in  thickness,  of  a fibrous 
text’e,  a tawny  colour  which  is  reddish  on  the  inner  surface,  a peculiar  sweetish, 
not  apleasant  odour,  and  a highly  mucilaginous  taste  when  chewed.  By  grind- 
ing,!; is  reduced  to  a light,  grayish  fawn-coloured  powder.  It  abounds  in  mu- 
cilagious  matter,  which  it  readily  imparts  to  water.  The  mucilage  is  precipi- 
tately solutions  of  acetate  and  subacetate  of  lead,  but  not  by  alcohol. 

Mch  of  the  bark  recently  brought  into  the  market  is  of  inferior  quality,  im- 
part g comparatively  little  mucilage  to  water.  It  has  the  characteristic  odour 
of  tl; genuine  bark,  but  is  much  less  fibrous  and  more  brittle,  breaking  abruptly 
whebent,  instead  of  being  capable,  like  the  better  kind,  of  being  folded  length- 
wise/ithout  breaking.  To  what  this  inferiority  is  owing,  whether  to  difference 
in  tl  species  or  the  age,  or  to  circumstances  in  the  growth  of  the  tree  producing 
it,  vare  unable  to  determine. 

D C.  W.  Wright,  of  Cincinnati,  in  a communication  to  the  Western  Lancet, 
state  that  slippery  elm  bark  has  the  property  of  preserving  fatty  substances 
fronrancidity ; a fact  derived  originally  from  the  Indians,  who  prepared  bears’ 
fat  l melting  it  with  the  bark,  in  the  proportion  of  a drachm  of  the  latter  to  a 
pour  of  the  former,  keeping  them  heated  together  for  a few  minutes,  and  then 
straing  off  the  fat.  Dr.  Wright  tried  the  same  process  with  butter  and  lard, 
and  rand  them  to  remain  perfectly  sweet  for  a long  time.  (. Am . Journ.  of 
Phan.,  xxiv.  180.) 

Mical  Properties  and  Uses.  Slippery  elm  bark  is  an  excellent  demulcent, 
appl  able  to  all  cases  in  which  this  class  of  medicines  is  employed.  It  is  espe- 
ciall Recommended  in  dysentery,  diarrhoea,  and  diseases  of  the  urinary  passages. 
Like  he  bark  of  the  common  European  elm,  it  has  been  employed  in  cutaneous 
erupras;  but  neither  in  these,  nor  in  any  other  complaints,  does  it  probably 
exerfmy  greater  powers  than  such  as  belong  to  the  demulcents  generally.  Its 
mucige  is  highly  nutritious;  and  we  are  told  that  it  has  proved  sufficient  for 
the  pport  of  life  in  the  absence  of  other  food.  The  instance  of  a soldier  is 
men  >ned,  who  lived  for  ten  days  in  the  woods  on  this  bark  and  sassafras;  and 
the  .dians  are  said  to  resort  to  it  for  nutriment  in  extreme  emergencies. 

It  usually  employed  as  a drink  in  the  form  of  infusion.  (See  Infusum  Ulmi.) 
The  )wder  may  be  used,  stirred  in  hot  water,  with  which  it  forms  a mucilage, 
moror  less  thick  according  to  the  proportion  added.  The  bark  also  serves  as 
an  eminent  application  in  cases  of  external  inflammation.  For  this  purpose  the 
powilr  may  be  formed  into  a poultice  with  hot  water,  or  the  bark  itself  may  be 
appl  1,  previously  softened  by  boiling.  Dr.  McDowell,  of  Virginia,  has  recom- 
memd  the  use  of  slippery  elm  bark  for  the  dilatation  of  fistulas  and  strictures. 
(Me(  Examiner,  i.  244,  from  the  West.  Journ.  of  Med.  and  Pliys.  Sci .) 

Oi  Prep.  Infusum  Ulmi.  W. 

UYA  PASSA.  U.S. 

Raisins. 

Tl  dried  fruit  of  Vitis  vinifera.  U.  S. 

L Syn.  UVA.  Vitis  vinifera.  The  prepared  fruit.  LoruL;  UVAE  PASSiE. 
Dne  fruit  of  Vitis  vinifera.  Ed.,  Dub. 

Ri  ins  secs,  Fr.;  Rosinen,  Germ.;  Uve  passe,  Ital.;  Pasas,  Span. 

• "V  ts.  Sex.  Syst.  Pentandria  Monogynia.  — Mat.  Ord.  Vitaceae. 

G . Ch.  Petals  cohering  at  the  apex,  withering.  Berry  five-seeded,  superior. 
Will 

1 $ vinifera.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  i.  1180;  Woodv.  Med.  Bot.  p.  144,  t.  57. 
Ike  ue  is  too  well  known  to  require  description.  This  particular  species  is 


742 


Uva  Passa. 


PAJ  (, 

distinguished  by  the  character  of  its  leaf,  which  is  lobed,  sinuated,  and  nod 
or  downy.  The  leaves  and  tendrils  are  somewhat  astringent,  and  were  fonrly 
used  in  diarrhoea,  hemorrhages,  and  other  morbid  discharges.  The  juice  w h 
flows  from  the  stem  was  also  thought  to  be  possessed  of  medicinal  virtues,  d 
the  prejudice  still  lingers  among  the  vulgar  in  some  countries.  The  uc« 
fruit  has  a harsh  sour  taste,  and  yields  by  expression  a very  acid  liquor,  c;  d 
verjuice,  which  was  much  esteemed  by  the  ancients  as  a refreshing  drink,  \;q 
diluted  with  water.  It  contains  malic  and  tartaric  acids,  and  another  calle  )y 
some  chemists  racemic  acid,  by  Berzelius  paratartaric  acid,  from  its  resembl  ee 
to  the  tartaric,  with  which  it  agrees  in  composition,  though  differing  from  in 
properties.  The  grape,  when  quite  ripe,  is  among  the  most  pleasant  andgra  'ul 
fruits  brought  upon  the  table,  and  is  admirably  adapted,  by  its  refreshing  o- 
perties,  to  febrile  complaints.  If  largely  taken,  it  proves  diuretic  and  gt  ly 
laxative.  The  ripe  fruit  differs  from  the  unripe  in  containing  more  sugar  id 
less  acid,  though  never  entirely  destitute  of  the  latter.  The  plant  is  supped 
to  have  been  derived  originally  from  Asia;  but  it  has  been  cultivated  in  Erpe 
aud  Northern  Africa  from  the  remotest  antiquity,  and  is  now  spread  ove  all 
the  temperate  civilized  regions  of  the  globe.  The  fruit  is  exceedingly  influe  ed 
by  soil  and  climate,  and  the  varieties  which  have  resulted  from  culture  or  sia- 
tion  are  innumerable.  Those  which  yield  the  raisins  of  commerce  are  coned 
to  the  basin  of  the  Mediterranean. 

Raisins  are  prepared  either  by  partially  cutting  the  stalks  of  the  buries 
before  the  grapes  are  perfectly  ripe,  and  allowing  them  to  dry  upon  the  \e; 
or  by  picking  them  in  their  mature  state,  and  steeping  them  for  a short  ne 
previously  to  desiccation  in  an  alkaline  ley.  Those  cured  by  the  first  me  od 
are  most  highly  esteemed. 

Several  varieties  of  raisins  are  known  in  commerce.  The  best  of  those  brqbt 
to  this  country  are  the  Malaga  raisins,  imported  from  Spain.  They  are  -ge 
and  fleshy,  of  a purplish-brown  colour,  and  sweet  agreeable  taste.  Those  re- 
duced in  Calabria  are  similar.  The  Smyrna  raisins  are  also  large,  but  of  t el- 
lowish-brown  colour,  slightly  musky  odour,  and  less  agreeable  flavour,  ley 
are  originally  brought  from  the  coast  of  Syria.  The  Corinthian  raisins,  ow- 
rants  as  they  are  commonly  called  in  this  country,  are  small,  bluish-black, f a 
fatty  appearance,  with  a vinous  odour,  and  a sweet  slightly  tartish  taste,  heir 
name  was  derived  from  the  city  in  the  vicinity  of  which  they  were  formerl cul- 
tivated. At  present  they  are  procured  chiefly  from  Zante,  Cephalonia,  anthe 
other  Ionian  Islands.  In  the  older  Pharmacopoeias  they  are  (listinguishc  by 
the  title  of  uvse  passee  minores. 

Raisins  contain  a larger  proportion  of  sugar  than  recent  grapes.  This  rin- 
ciple,  indeed,  is  often  so  abundant  that  it  effloresces  on  the  surface,  or  conotes 
in  separate  masses  within  the  substance  of  the  raisin.  The  sugar  of  gip® 
differs  slightly  from  that  of  the  caue,  and  is  said  to  be  identical  with  thaore- 
duced  by  the  action  of  sulphuric  acid  upon  starch.  It  is  less  sweet  than  coinon 
sugar,  less  soluble  in  cold  water,  much  less  soluble  in  alcohol,  and  forms  a rep 
of  less  consistence. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  The  chief  medical  use  of  raisins  is  to  fl  our 
demulcent  beverages.  Taken  in  substance  they  are  gently  laxative ; bt  are 
also  flatulent  and  difficult  of  digestion,  and,  wheu  largely  eaten,  sometimeero- 
duce  unpleasant  effects,  especially  in  children. 

Off.  Prep.  Decoctum  Guaiaci;  Decoctum  Hordei  Compositum ; Mistui  Al- 
thaeas; Tinctura  Cardamomi  Composita;  Tiuctura  Quassim  Comp.;  Tittura 
Rhei  et  Sennae;  Tinctura  Senuae  Comp. 


PAI1  I. 


Uva  Ur  si. 


743 


UVA  URSI.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub. 

Uca  Ur  si. 

fie  leaves  of  Arctostaphylos  Uva  Ursi.  U.  S-,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub. 

Ejserole,  Raisin  d’ours,  Ft.;  Biirentraube,  Germ.;  Corbezzolo,  Uva  Ursina,  Ital. ; 
Gay  ia.  Span. 

1 'ctostaphylos.  Sex.  Syst.  Decandria  Monogynia. — Nat.  Ord.  Ericaceae. 

(}n.  Oh.  Drupe  with  five  distinct,  one-seeded  stones.  Corolla  urceolate,  with 
are  lute  limb.  Stamens  included.  Anthers  with  two  spurs  at  the  back.  (Lindley, 
Meaand  AEcon.  Dot.,  106.) 

Atostophylos  Uva  Ursi.  Sprengel,  Syst.  ii.  287;  Carson,  Illust.  of  Med.Bot. 
i.  6*1.  5 "2.  — Arbutus  Uva  Ursi.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  ii.  618;  Bigelow,  Am.  Med. 
Bot'.  66.  The  uva  ursi,  or  bearberry,  is  a low  evergreen  shrub,  with  trailing 
stent  the  young  branches  of  which  rise  obliquely  upwards  for  a few  inches.  The 
leavi  are  scattered  upon  short  petioles,  obovate,  acute  at  the  base,  entire,  with  a 
routed  margin,  thick,  coriaceous,  smooth,  shining,  of  a deep-green  colour  ou 
theiupper  surface,  paler  and  covered  with  a network  of  veins  beneath.  The 
flow;s,  which  stand  on  short  reflexed  peduncles,  are  collected  in  small  clusters 
at  t ends  of  the  branches.  The  calyx  is  small,  five-parted,  of  a reddish  colour, 
andjjersistent.  The  corolla  is  ovate  or  urceolate;  reddish- white,  or  white  with 
a re  lip,  transparent  at  the  base,  contracted  at  the  mouth,  and  divided  at  the 
marlin  into  five  short  reflexed  segments.  The  stamens  are  ten,  with  short  fila- 
mer  and  bifid  anthers;  the  germ  round,  with  a style  longer  than  the  stamens, 
and  simple  stigma.  The  fruit  is  a small,  round,  depressed,  smooth,  glossy,  red 
ben  containing  an  insipid  mealy  pulp,  and  five  cohering  seeds. 

fils  humble  but  hardy  shrub  inhabits  the  northern  latitudes  of  Europe,  Asia, 
and  merica.  It  is  also  found  in  the  lofty  mountains  of  Southern  Europe,  such 
as  fi;  Pyrenees  and  the  Alps;  and,  on  the  American  continent,  extends  from 
Hunn’s  Bay  as  far  southward  as  New  Jersey,  in  some  parts  of  which  it  grows 
in  gat  abundance.  It  prefers  a barren  soil,  flourishing  on  gravelly  hills,  and 
elev  ed  sandy  plains.  The  leaves  are  the  only  part  used  in  medicine.  They 
are  ported  from  Europe;  but  are  also  collected  within  our  own  limits;  and  the 
mar  :t  of  Philadelphia  is  supplied  to  a considerable  extent  from  New  Jersey. 
The  should  be  gathered  in  autumn,  and  the  green  leaves  only  selected. 

I [Europe  the  uva  ursi  is  often  adulterated  with  the  leaves  of  Vaccinium  Vitis 
Ihc,  which  are  wholly  destitute  of  its  peculiar  properties,  and  may  be  distin- 
guis  id  by  their  rounder  shape,  their  revolute  edges  which  are  sometimes  slightly 
tooted,  and  the  appearance  of  their  under  surface,  which  is  dotted,  instead  of 
beitj  reticulated  as  in  the  genuine  leaf.  Leaves  of  the  Chimaphila  umbellata 
are  metimes  found  among  the  uva  ursi  as  it  exists  in  our  markets.  They  may 
be  l dily  detected  by  their  greater  length,  their  cuneiform-lanceolate  shape,  and 
thei'-errate  edges. 

Ib  leaves  of  the  uva  ursi  are  inodorous  when  fresh,  but  acquire  a smell  not 
unli  ; that  of  hay  when  dried  and  powdered.  Their  taste  is  bitterish,  strongly 
astrgent,  and  ultimately  sweetish.  They  afford  a light-brown,  greenish-yellow 
power.  Water  extracts  their  active  principles,  which  are  also  soluble  in  officinal 
alcoSil.  Among  their  ingredients  are  tannic  and  gallic  acids,  bitter  extractive, 
resi  gum,  fatty  matter,  a volatile  oil,  and  salts  of  potassa  and  lime.  The  tannic 
acid  i so  abundant  that  the  leaves  are  used  for  tanning  in  some  parts  of  Russia. 


Nei 

Ida. 


r this  principle  nor  gallic  acid  exists  in  the  leaves  of  the  Vaccinium  Vitis 
A crystallizable  principle  was  extracted  from  uva  ursi  by  Mr.  J.  0.  C. 
Huj  es,  by  the  following  process.  An  aqueous  extract  of  the  leaves  was  treated 
witl  itrong  alcohol,  and  submitted  for  twenty-four  hours  to  the  action  of  purified 


744 


Uva  Ursi. — Valeriana. 


par:, 

animal  charcoal.  The  tincture  was  filtered  and  evaporated,  and  the  resi  3 
redissolved  in  alcohol  and  treated  with  animal  charcoal  as  before.  After  filtrat 
the  liquid  was  allowed  to  evaporate  spontaneously,  and  yielded  colourless,  tr; - 
parent,  needle-shaped  crystals,  soluble  in  alcohol,  ether,  and  dilute  acids,  insolie 
in  the  fixed  and  volatile  oils,  neutral  to  test-paper,  and  combustible.  Its  wai  j 
solution  is  precipitated  by  subacetate  of  lead  and  carbonate  of  potassa,  but  t 
by  lime-water,  or  tincture  of  chloride  of  iron.  One  grain  of  it  acted  as  a powe  J 
diuretic.  Mr.  Hughes  proposed  for  this  substance  the  name  of  ursin.  (Am.Jor. 
of  Pharm.,  xix.  90.)  Kawalier  obtained  a crystalline  substance,  named  arhu •, 
by  precipitating  the  decoction  with  acetate  of  lead,  filtering,  treating  the  lied 
with  sulphuretted  hydrogen,  again  filtering,  evaporating  to  the  consistence  if 
syrup,  and  allowing  the  resulting  product  to  stand  for  several  days.  Thisgra- 
ally  assumed  the  form  of  a crystalline  jelly,  which,  being  placed  upon  line  0 
as  to  allow  the  mother  liquor  to  drain  off,  and  then  pressed,  yielded  nearly  col  r- 
less  crystals,  which  were  purified  by  solution  in  boiling  water,  and  treatment'll 
animal  charcoal.  Arbutin  thus  obtained  is  in  long,  acicular,  colourless  crys  s, 
united  in  tufts,  and  of  a bitter  taste.  It  is  soluble  in  water,  alcohol,  and  et  r, 
unchanged  apparently  by  a heat  of  2 1'2°,  but  fusible  at  a high  temperature,  witlit 
action  on  vegetable  colours,  and  not  precipitated  by  sesquisalts  of  iron,  ony 
acetate  or  subacetate  of  lead.  Its  formula  is  C32H„4021.  ( Chem . Gaz.,  Feb. 5, 
1853,  p.  61.) 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Uva  ursi  is  astringent  and  tonic,  and  is  tbout 
by  some  to  have  a specific  direction  to  the  urinary  organs,  for  the  complaint^ 
which  it  is  chiefly  used.  Others  deny  that,  it  possesses  any  peculiar  tendencof 
this  kind,  and  ascribe  all  its  effects  to  its  astringent  and  tonic  action.  It  a rs 
the  colour  of  the  urine,  and  its  astringent  principle  has  been  detected  in  at 
secretion.  It  probably,  therefore,  exerts  a direct  influence  on  the  kidneys  id 
urinary  passages.  Though  known  to  the  ancients,  it  had  passed  into  all  st 
entire  neglect,  till  its  use  was  revived  by  De  Haen  about  the  middle  of  the  st 
century.  It  has  acquired  some  reputation  as  an  antilithic,  and  has  undoubt  ly 
been  serviceable  in  gravel,  partly,  perhaps,  by  a direct  action  on  the  kidrs, 
partly  by  giving  tone  to  the  digestive  organs,  and  preventing  the  aceumukon 
of  principles  calculated  to  produce  a secretion  or  precipitation  of  calculous  ma?r. 
In  chronic  nephritis  it  is  also  a popular  remedy,  and  is  particularly  reconmieied 
when  there  is  reason  to  conjecture  the  existence  of  ulceration  in  the  kidrrs, 
bladder,  or  urinary’  passages.  Diabetes,  catarrh  of  the  bladder,  ineontinemof 
urine,  gleet,  leucorrhcea,  and  menorrhagia,  are  also  among  the  diseases  in  wch 
it  has  occasionally  proved  serviceable;  and  testimony  is  not  wanting  to  its  he- 
ficial  effects  in  phthisis  pulmonalis.  Dr.  E.  G.  Harris,  of  Fayette,  Alabia, 
believes  it  to  have  the  property  of  promoting  uterine  contraction,  and  hasm- 
ployed  it  with  supposed  advantage  as  a substitute  for  ergot  in  tedious  labers. 
(Med.  Exam.,  N.  S.,  ix.  727,  from  South.  Med.  and  Surg.  Journ.)  These 
of  the  powder  is  from  a scruple  to  a drachm,  to  be  repeated  three  or  four  ties 
a day;  but  the  form  of  decoction  is  usually  preferred.  (See  Decoctum  l use  l <•) 

Off.  Prep.  Decoctum  Uvas  Ursi;  Extractuin  Uvae  Ursi. 

VALERIANA.  U.  S.,  Land.,  Ed.,  Dub. 
Valerian. 

The  root  of  Valeriana  officinalis.  U.  S-,  Ed.  Root  of  the  wild  plant.  L d., 
Pub.  ...  . , 

Valtiriane,  Fr.;  Wilde  Baldrianwurzel,  Germ.;  Valeriana  silvestre,  It al.;  Valeris  n!- 
vestre,  Span. 

Valeriana.  Sex.  Sgst.  Triandria  Monogynia. — Eat.  Ord.  Valerianace 


PAB  I. 


Valeriana. 


745 


(n.  Ch.  Calyx  very  small,  finally  enlarged  into  a feathery  pappus.  Corolla 
monoetalous,  five-lobed,  regular,  gibbous  at  the  base.  Capsule  one-celled.  (Lou- 
don Encyc.  of  Plants. ) Stamens  exserted,  one,  two,  three,  and  four.  (Nutt  all.') 

1 \eriana  officinalis.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  i.  177;  Woodv.  Med.  Bot.  p.  77,  t. 
32.  The  officinal,  or  great  icild  valerian,  is  a large  handsome  herbaceous  plant, 
with,  perennial  root,  and  an  erect,  round,  channeled  stem,  from  two  to  four  feet 
high  urnished  with  opposite  pinnate  leaves, and  terminatinginfloweringbranc-hes. 
The  saves  of  the  stem  are  attached  by  short  broad  sheaths,  the  radical  leaves  are 
large  and  stand  on  long  footstalks.  In  the  former  the  leaflets  are  lanceolate  and 
partly  dentate,  in  the  latter  elliptical  and  deeply  serrate.  The  flowers  are  small, 
whit  or  rose-coloured,  agreeably  odorous,  and  disposed  in  terminal  corymbs,  inter- 
spers'd with  pear-shaped  pointed  bractes.  The  number  of  stamens  is  three.  The 
fruits  a capsule  containing  one  oblong-ovate,  compressed  seed. 

T plant  is  a native  of  Europe,  where  it  grows  either  in  damp  woods  and 
meai  ws,  or  on  dry  elevated  grounds.  As  found  in  these  different  situations,  it 
presets  characters  so  distinct  as  to  have  induced  some  botanists  to  make  two 
variies.  Dufresne  makes  four,  of  which  three  prefer  marshy  situations.  The 
varii?  which  affects  a dry  soil  ( sylvestris , L.  Ph.)  is  not  more  than  two  feet  high, 
and  distinguished  by  its  narrow  leaves.  It  has  been  generally  believed  to  be 
supeor  to  the  others  in  medicinal  virtue;  but,  from  experiments  of  A.  Buchner, 
it  ap jars  that  the  dried  roots  of  the  variety  which  grows  in  low  moist  grounds 
are  i no  respect  inferior,  and  that  the  general  opinion  to  the  contrary  is  a pre- 
judii;  (Pharm.  Cent.  Blatt,  June  16,  1852,  p.  429.) 

T.  root,  which  is  the  officinal  portion,  is  collected  in  spring  before  the  stem 
begi  to  shoot,  or  in  the  autumn  when  the  leaves  decay.  It  should  be  dried 
quicy,  and  kept  in  a dry  place.  It  consists  of  numerous  long,  slender,  cylin- 
dridfibres,  issuing  from  a tuberculated  head  or  rhizoma.  As  brought  to  this 
couny  it  frequently  has  portions  of  the  stem  attached.  The  English  is  superior 
to  th  brought  from  the  continent  of  Europe.  Within  a few  years  valerian  of  very 
good quality  has  been  produced  by  the  Shakers  at  Enfield,  New  Hampshire. 
(Garrner,  New  York  Journ.  of  Med.,  N.  S.,  iv.  190.)  From  our  own  observa- 
tion,, e know  that  the  plant  grows  luxuriantly  under  culture  in  this  country. 

B oerties.  The  colour  of  the  root  is  externally  yellowish  or  brown,  internally 
whit  The  powder  is  yellowish-gray.  The  odour,  which  in  the  fresh  root  is 
sligh1  in  the  dried  is  strong  and  highly  characteristic,  and,  though  rather  plea- 
sant many  persons,  is  very  disagreeable  to  others.  Cats  are  said  to  be  strongly 
attra  ed  by  it.  The  taste  is  at  first  sweetish,  afterwards  bitter  and  aromatic. 
Yalem  yields  its  active  properties  to  water  and  alcohol.  Trommsdorff  found 
't  to  nsistof  1'2  parts  of  volatile  oil;  12‘5  of  a peculiar  extractive  matter,  solu- 
ble ii  rater,  insoluble  in  ether  and  alcohol,  and  precipitated  by  metallic  solutions; 
18'7  of  gum  ; 6'25  of  a soft  odorous  resin ; and  63  of  lignin.  Runge  found  in 
it  a puliar  fixed  acid,  which  produced  with  bases  white  salts,  becoming  green 
on  e:osure  to  the  air.  (Chem.  Gaz.,  No.  170,  p.  452.)  Of  these  constituents 
the  list  important  is  the  volatile  oil,  in  which  the  virtues  of  the  reot  chiefly 
resid  It  is  of  a pale-greenish  colour,  of  the  sp.  gr.  0'934,  with  a pungent  odour 
of  varian,  and  an  aromatic  taste.  It  becomes  yellow  and  viscid  by  exposure. 
Iroriisdorff  ascertained  that  it  contains  a peculiar  volatile  acid,  upon  which  the 
nanu  f valerianic  acid  or  valeric  acid  has  been  conferred.  This,  when  separated 
from  ie  oil,  is  a colourless  liquid,  of  an  oleaginous  consistence,  having  an  odour 
analpus  to  that  of  valerian,  and  a very  strong,  sour,  disagreeable  taste.  It  is 
solul  in  thirty  parts  of  water,  and  in  all  proportions  in  ether  and  alcohol.  It 
comls.es  with  salifiable  bases,  .forming  soluble  salts,  which  retain,  in  a diminished 
degr  the  odour  of  the  acid.  (Journ.  de  Pharm.,  xx.  316.)  From  the  experi- 
menl  of  MM.  Cozzi  and  Thirault,  it  would  appear  that  the  acid  does  not  pre- 


746 


Valeriana. 


pap.: 


exist  in  the  root,  but  results  from  the  oxidation  of  the  volatile  oil.  (Ibid.,  3es 
xii.  162.)  Valerianic  acid  is  obtained  by  distilling  the  impure  oil  from  carbor  e 
of  magnesia,  decomposing  by  sulphuric  acid  the  valerianate  of  magnesia  wl  a 
remains,  and  again  distilling.  M.  Rabourdin,  of  Orleans,  believing  that  a he 
proportion  of  the  valerianic  acid  remains  fixed  in  the  root  by  union  with  a b ■ 
and  does  not  come  over  by  distillation  alone,  procures  it  by  adding  sulphuric . d 
to  the  root  with  a sufficient  quantity  of  water,  distilling,  separating  the  ob- 
turating the  liquor  with  carbonate  of  soda,  evaporating,  adding  a slight  ex  s 
of  sulphuric  acid,  and  again  distilling.  (Ibid.,  vi.  310.)  The  following  pro  s 
by  Messrs.  T.  and  H.  Smith,  of  Edinburgh,  avoids  the  inconvenience  of  dis  1- 
ing  so  bulky  a root  as  valerian,  while  it  answers  the  same  purpose  as  that  of:. 
Rabourdin.  Boil  the  root  for  three  or  four  hours  with  rather  more  than  itsl  k 
of  water,  in  which  an  ounce  of  carbonate  of  soda  is  dissolved  for  every  poun  if 
the  root,  replacing  the  water  as  it  evaporates.  Express  strongly,  and  boil  ie 
residuum  twice  with  the  same  quantity  of  water,  expressing  each  time  as  bele. 
Mix  the  liquids,  add  two  fluidrachms  of  strong  sulphuric  acid  for  every  pour  :f 
the  root,  and  distil  till  three-fourths  of  the  liquid  have  passed  over.  Xeutnze 
this  with  carbonate  of  soda,  concentrate  the  liquid,  decompose  the  valerianaiof 
soda  contained  in  it  by  sulphuric  acid,  and  separate  the  valerianic  acid  nonet 
free,  either  by  a separatory,  or  by  distillation.  (See  Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  :ii. 
253.)  A similar  process  was  also  proposed  by  Prof.  Procter,  of  Philadelp a. 
(Ibid.,  xvii.  3.)  M.  J.  Lefort  proposes  to  obtain  the  acid  by  the  rapid  (ra- 
tion of  the  volatile  oil.  His  plan  is  to  distil  100  parts  of  the  root  with  5C  of 
water,  10  of  sulphuric  acid,  aud  6 of  bichromate  of  potassa.  In  this  wayhtas 
procured  a larger  proportion  of  acid  than  by  any  other  process.  (Journ.  dePhai., 
Se  sir.,  x.  194.)* 

The  roots  of  the  Valeriana  Phu  and  V.  dioica  are  said  to  he  sometimes  mired 
with  those  of  the  officinal  plant;  but  the  adulteration  is  attended  with  noseius 
consequences;  as,  though  much  weaker  than  the  genuine  valerian,  theyposs 
similar  properties.  The  same  cannot  be  said  of  the  roots  of  several  of  the  'u- 
nunculacese,  which,  according  to  Ebermayer,  are  sometimes  fraudulently  sniti- 
tuted  in  Germany.  They  may  be  readily  detected  by  their  want  of  the  pec-iar 
odour  of  the  officinal  root. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Valerian  is  gently  stimulant,  with  an  espial 
direction  to  the  nervous  system,  but  without  narcotic  effect.  In  large  dos  it 
produces  a sense  of  heaviness  aud  dull  pain  in  the  head,  with  various  other  e cts 
indicating  nervous  disturbance.  It  is  useful  in  cases  of  irregular  nervous  aeon, 
when  not  connected  with  inflammation,  or  an  excited  condition  of  the  syim. 
Among  the  complaints  in  which  it  has  been  particularly  recommended  areys- 
teria,  hypochondriasis,  epilepsy,  hemicrania,  and  low  forms  of  fever  attendedith 
restlessness,  morbid  vigilance,  or  other  nervous  disorder.  It  has  also  beensed 
in  intermittents,  combined  with  Peruvian  bark.  At  best,  however,  it  is  an  wer- 
tuin  remedy.  It  may  be  given  in  powder  or  infusion.  In  the  latter  forint  is 
said  by  Professor  Joerg,  of  Leipsic,  who  has  experimented  with  it,  to  be  lesapt 
to  irritate  the  alimentary  canal  than  when  administered  in  substance.  Tlncse 
of  the  powder  is  from  thirty  to  ninety'  grains,  repeated  three  or  four  times  raj- 

* Recently  valerianic  acid  has  been  obtained  from  various  sources  as  a result  of  eh'ical 
reaction.  A relation  has  been  discovered  between  it  and  fusel  oil  ( Alcohol 
Dub.),  similar  to  that  which  exists  between  acetic  acid  and  alcohol.  Amyle  Vio^i15 
compound  radical,  which  by  uniting  with  one  eq.  of  oxygen  and  one  of  water  fururu-o 
oil  ((J^'HjjO-f-HO).  This,  by  the  absorption  of  two  eqs.  of  oxygen  and  the  loss  ' tw0 
eqs.  of  hydrogen,  is  converted  into  hydrated  valerianic  acid  (010HgOs-{-  HO).  3 
change  may  be  effected  by  exposing  the  fusel  oil  to  various  oxidizing  influences.  Ae 
Alcohol  Amylicum  and  Sodre  Valerianae  in  the  second  part  of  this  work.  ) — Aote  to  th  t»< 
edition. 


PA]'  I. 


Valeriana. — Veratrum  Album. 


747 


Thctlncture  is  also  officinal.  As  the  virtues  of  valerian  reside  chiefly  in  the 
volile  oil,  the  medicine  should  not  be  given  in  decoction  or  extract.  The  dis- 
tills! water  is  used  on  the  continent  of  Europe;  and  the  volatile  oil  is  occasionally 
sub  ituted  with  advantage  for  the  root.  The  dose  of  the  oil  is  four  or  five  drops. 

if.  Prep.  Extractum  Valerianae  Fluidum ; Infusum  Valerianae;  Oleum  Va- 
leri;®; Tinctura  Valerianae;  Tiuctura  Valerianae  Ammoniata.  W. 


VERATRUM  ALBUM.  TJ.S. 

White  Hellebore. 


le  rhizoma  of  Veratrum  album.  U.  S. 

C.  Syn.  VERATRUM.  Veratrum  album.  The  rhizoma.  Lone].,  Ed. 

Eibore  blanc,  Ft.;  Weisse  Niesswurzel,  Germ.;  Eleboro  bianco,  Ital.;  Veratro  bianco, 
Spail 

\ratrum.  Sex.Syst.  Polygamia  Monoecia. — Nat.  Ord.  Melanthaceae. 

(n.  Ch.  Hermaphrodite.  Calyx  none.  Corolla  six-petaled.  Stamens  six. 
Pm  three.  Capsules  three,  many-seeded.  Male.  Calyx  none.  Corolla  six- 
petaid.  Stamens  six.  Pistils  a rudiment.  Willd. 

Blanists  who  reject  the  class  Polygamia  of  Linnaeus,  place  this  genus  in  the 
clasand  order  Hexandria  Trigynia,  with  the  following  character.  “ Polyga- 
moU;  Corolla  six-parted,  spreading,  segments  sessile  and  without  glands. 
Status  inserted  upon  the  receptacle.  Capsules  three,  united,  many-seeded." 


A uml. 

Xsatrum  album.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  iv.  895;  Woodv.  Med.  Pot.  p.  754,  t. 
257  This  is  an  herbaceous  plant,  with  a perennial,  fleshy,  fusiform  root  or 
rhizia,  yellowish-white  externally,  pale  yellowish-gray  within,  and  beset  with 
long  ylindrical  fibres  of  a grayish  colour,  which  constitute  the  true  root.  The 
stems  three  or  four  feet  high,  thick,  round,  erect,  and  furnished  with  alternate 
leavj,  which  are  oval,  acute,  entire,  plaited  longitudinally,  about  ten  inches 
longbv  five  in  breadth,  of  a yellowish-green  colour,  and  embrace  the  stem  at 
thei  base.  The  flowers  are  greenish,  and  arranged  in  a terminal  panicle. 

T:  white  hellebore  is  a native  of  the  mountainous  regions  of  continental  Eu- 
rope md  abounds  in  the  Alps  and  Pyrenees.  All  parts  of  the  plant  are  said 
to  b acrid  and  poisonous;  but  the  root  (rhizoma)  only  is  officinal.  This  is 
broujit  to  us  from  Germany  in  the  dried  state,  in  pieces  from  one  to  three  inches 
long  y an  inch  or  less  in  mean  diameter,  cylindrical  or  in  the  shape  of  a trun- 
cate!bone,  internally  whitish,  externally  blackish,  wrinkled,  and  rough  with  the 
reams  of  the  fibres  which  have  been  cut  off  near  their  origin.  Sometimes  the 
fibre  continue  attached  to  the  root.  They  are  numerous,  yellowish,  and  of  the 
size  a crow’s  quill.  White  hellebore  deteriorates  by  keeping. 

Fmerties.  The  fresh  root  has  a disagreeable  odour,  which  is  lost  by  drying. 
The  ste  is  at  first  sweetish,  afterwards  bitterish,  acrid,  burning,  and  durable. 
The  owdered  root  is  grayish.  Analyzed  by  Pelletier  and  Caventou,  white 
hellebre  was  found  to  contain  an  oily  matter  consisting  of  olein,  stearin,  and  a 
vola  e acid;  supergallate  of  veratria,  a yellow  colouring  matter,  starch,  gum, 
ligni  silica,  and  various  salts  of  lime  and  potassa.  The  medicinal  properties 
ot  tl  root  reside  in  the  veratria,  which  was  first  discovered  in  the  seeds  of  Ve- 
ratr  'i  Sabadilla,  and  probably  exists  in  other  plants  belonging  to  the  same 
fa  rail.  Por  an  account  of  this  alkaloid,  see  the  article  Veratria,  among  the 
pi'epjations.  Simon  believed  that  he  had  found  two  new  vegetable  alkalies  in 
whit  hellebore,  one  of  which  was  named  barytina,  from  being  precipitated,  like 
Tary,  from  its  solution  in  acetic  or  phosphoric  acid  by  sulphuric  acid  or  the 
snip  tes;  the  other  jervina,  from  the  Spanish  name  for  a poison  obtained  from 
the  :>t  of  white  hellebore.  ( Pliarm . Cent.  Platt,  1837,  p.  191.) 


748 


Yeratrum  Album. — Yeratrum  Viride. 


PARI 


Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  White  hellebore  is  a violent  emetic  and  cathar 
capable  of  producing  dangerous  and  fatal  effects  when  incautiously  administer. 
Even  in  small  doses  it  has  sometimes  occasioned  severe  vomiting,  hypercatha  j 
with  bloody  stools,  and  alarming  symptoms  of  general  prostration.  Like  mi? 
other  acrid  substances,  it  appears,  in  small  doses,  to  be  a general  stimulan  r 
the  secretions.  Applied  externally  upon  a portion  of  the  surface  denuded  of  j 
cuticle,  as  upon  ulcers,  for  example,  it  gives  rise  to  griping  pain  in  the  bow , 
and  sometimes  violent  purging.  When  snuffed  up  the  nostrils,  it  occasions  g> t 
irritation  with  violent  sneezing,  and  its  use  in  this  way  is  not  free  from  dam-. 
It  was  employed  by  the  ancients  in  dropsy,  mania,  epilepsy,  leprosy,  eleph- 
tiasis,  and  other  obstinate  disorders,  not  without  occasional  advantage;  but  e 
severity  of  its  operation  has  led  to  its  general  abandonment  as  an  internal  rernt  -. 
It  is  sometimes  used  as  an  errhine,  diluted  with  some  mild  powder,  in  case  if 
gutta  serena  and  lethargic  affections;  and,  in  the  shape  of  decoction,  or  of  ct- 
ment  prepared  by  mixing  the  pulverized  root  with  lard,  has  been  found  bed- 
cial  as  an  external  application  in  the  itch,  and  other  cutaneous  eruptions.  Fn 
the  resemblance  of  its  operation  to  that  of  the  eau  medicinale  d’  Hasson,  soie- 
brated  for  the  cure  of  gout,  it  was  at  one  time,  though  erroneously,  conjectid 
to  be  the  chief  constituent  of  that  remedy.  A mixture  of  the  wine  of  wte 
hellebore  and  the  wine  of  opium,  in  the  proportion  of  three  parts  of  the  foier 
to  one  of  the  latter,  was  introduced  into  use  by  Air.  Moore,  of  London,  as  a b- 
stitute  for  the  eau  medicinale,  and  was  considerably  employed  in  gouty  id 
rheumatic  affections. 

In  whatever  way  white  hellebore  is  used,  it  requires  cautious  managenit. 
It  has  been  given  in  doses  varying  from  one  grain  to  a scruple.  Not  more  an 
two  grains  should  be  administered  at  first.  When  employed  as  an  enbir  it 
should  be  mixed  with  five  or  six  parts  of  pulverized  liquorice  root,  or  othein- 
active  powder.  Ten  or  twelve  grains  of  the  mixture  may  be  snuffed  nphe 
nostrils  at  one  time.  Veratria  acts  in  a similar  manner  with  the  white  tie- 
bore,  but  is  much  more  powerful.  From  one-twelfth  to  one-sixth  of  a grain  ay 
be  given  in  pill  or  alcoholic  solution,  and  repeated  three  or  four  times  iishe 
twTenty-four  hours,  till  it  nauseates  or  purges.  For  an  account  of  its  praical 
applications  the  reader  is  referred  to  Veratria,  among  the  Preparations,  klie 
second  part  of  this  work. 

Off.  Prep.  Unguentum  Sulphuris  Compositum;  Unguentum  Ycratri  .bi; 
Yinum  Veratri  Albi. 

YERATRUM  VIRIDE.  U.  S. 

American  Hellebore. 

The  rhizoma  of  Yeratrum  viride.  U.  S. 

Yeratrum.  See  VERATRUM  ALBUM. 

Yeratrum  viride.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  iv.  896;  Bigelow,  Am.  Med.  Bot.  ii  -1. 
The  American  hellebore,  known  also  by  the  names  of  Indian  poke , pokroot, 
and  swamp  hellebore,  has  a perennial,  thick,  fleshy  root  or  rhizoma,  the  'pu 
portion  of  which  is  tunicated,  the  lower  solid,  and  beset  with  numerous  wtisb 
fibres  or  radicles.  The  stem  is  annual,  round,  striated,  pubescent,  and  hd, 
from  three  to  six  feet  in  height,  furnished  with  green  bright  leaves,  and  rau- 
nating  in  a panicle  of  greenish-yellow1  flowers.  The  leaves  gradually  deease 
in  size  as  they  ascend.  The  lower  are  from  six  inches  to  a foot  long,  ova  acu- 
minate, plaited,  nerved,  and  pubescent;  and  embrace  the  stem  at  their  basethus 
affording  it  a sheath  for  a considerable  portion  of  its  length.  Those  on  theppet 
part  of  the  stem,  at  the  origin  of  the  flowering  branches,  are  oblong- lane  law- 


PAI  I. 


Veratrum  Viride. 


749 


Thepanicle  consists  of  numerous  flowers,  distributed  in  racemes  with  downy 
pedicles.  Each  flower  is  accompanied  with  a downy  pointed  bract*,  much 
lon<r  than  its  pedicel.  There  is  no  calyx,  and  the  corolla  is  divided  into  six 
ovalicute  segments,  thickened  on  the  inside  at  their  base,  with  the  three  alter- 
nateegments  longer  than  the  others.  The  six  stamens  have  recurved  filaments, 
andoundish  two-lobed  anthers.  The  germs  are  three,  with  recurved  styles  as 
lonjas  the  stamens.  Some  of  the  flowers  have  only  the  rudiments  of  pistils. 
The  on  the  upper  end  of  the  branchlets  are  barren,  those  on  the  lower  portion 
friii  |il.  The  fruit  consists  of  three  cohering  capsules,  separating  at  top,  open- 
ing i the  inner  side,  and  containing  flat  imbricated  seeds. 

Tis  indigenous  species  of  Veratrum  is  found  from  Canada  to  the  Carolinas, 
inciting  swamps,  wet  meadows,  and  the  banks  of  mountain  streamlets.  Early 
in  tl  spring,  before  the  stem  rises,  it  bears  a slight  resemblance  to  the  Sipn- 
plocrpus  foetidus,  with  which  it  is  very  frequently  associated ; but  the  latter 
sen(  forth  no  stem.  From  May  to  July  is  the  season  for  flowering.  The  root 
shoil  be  collected  in  autumn,  and  should  not  be  kept  longer  than  one  year,  as 
it  dieriorates  by  time. 

Te  root  of  the  American  hellebore  has  a bitter  acrid  taste,  leaving  a perma- 
nen  mpression  in  the  mouth  and  fauces.  In  sensible  properties  it  bears  a close 
reseblance  to  white  hellebore and  from  this  circumstance,  as  well  as  from  the 
stro;  botanical  affinity  of  the  two  plants,  it  is  highly  probable  that  it  contains 
veraia.  The  experiments  of  Mr.  Mitchell  and  Mr.  Worthington,  of  Philadel- 
phiago  to  strengthen  this  probability.  (See  Am.  Journ.  of  Pharrn.,  ix.  181, 
and . 89.) 

Mical  Properties  avcl  Uses.  American  hellebore  has  been  thought  to  re- 
sem  e its  European  congener  in  its  effects  upon  the  system,  though  asserted  by 
Dr.  sgood  to  be  wholly  destitute  of  cathartic  properties.  In  addition  to  its 
erne;  action,  which  is  often  violent  and  long-continued,  it  is  said  to  increase 
mosof  the  secretions,  and,  when  freely  taken,  to  exercise  a powerful  influence 
ora  he  nervous  system,  indicated  by  faintness,  somnolency,  vertigo,  headache, 
dim  ss  of  vision,  and  dilated  pupils.  According  to  Dr.  Osgood,  it  reduces  the 
freq  ncy  and  force  of  the  pulse,  sometimes,  when  taken  in  full  doses,  as  low  as 
thir  five  strokes  in  the  minute.  It  may  be  safely  substituted  for  the  European 
root  i most  cases  in  which  the  latter  is  employed ; and  is  highly  recommended 
as  a.ibstitute  for  colchicum  by  Dr.  Tully,  of  New  Haven.  Gouty,  rheumatic, 
and  mralgie  affections  are  those  to  which  it  appeared  best  adapted.  For  an 
acco  it  of  its  medical  properties  and  applications,  the  reader  is  referred  to  a 
pape  by  Dr.  Charles  Osgood,  of  Providence,  in  the  American  Journal  of  the 
Medal  Sciences,  vol.  xvi.  p.  296.  It  may  be  used  in  substance,  tincture,  or 
extr  t.  Dr.  Osgood  states  the  dose  in  which  it  will  generally  prove  emetic  at 
honour  to  six  grains  of  the  powder,  one  or  two  fluidrachms  of  a tincture  made 
in  tl  proportion  of  six  ounces  of  the  fresh  root  to  a pint  of  alcohol,  and  one  or 
two  runs  of  an  extract  made  by  inspissating  the  juice  of  the  root.  The  medi- 
cine lowever,  should,  in  most  cases,  be  given  in  doses  insufficient  to  vomit. 

See  the  publication  of  the  last  edition  of  this  work,  various  communications 
lave  ppeared  in  our  Southern  medical  journals,  tending  to  prove  that  American 
hell  lore  is  applicable  to  the  treatment  of  numerous  febrile  and  inflammatory 
affeojms,  in  which  an  indication  is  offered  for  reducing  the  frequency  of  the 
puls;  The  credit  of  calling  public  attention  to  it  is  due  more  especially  to  Dr. 
W.  Norwood,  of  Cokesbury,  South  Carolina,  who  has  employed  it  with  great 
suets  in  pulmonary  inflammation,  typhoid  fever,  &c.,  and  believes  that  it 
affoi ; the  means  of  reducing  the  frequency  of  the  pulse  at  will.  He  employs 
a sa  rated  tincture  made  by  macerating  eight  ounces  of  the  dried  root  in  sixteen 
oun'H  of  alcohol  for  at  least  two  weeks.  Of  this  he  gives  to  an  adult  man  eight 


750 


Vinum. 


PAR' . 

drops,  and  repeats  the  dose  every  three  hours,  increasing  by  one  drop  atea 
dose,  until  the  pulse  is  reduced,  or  nausea  and  vomiting  are  occasioned,  when  s 
to  be  diminished  one-half,  and  continued  so  long  as  may  be  necessary  to  pre\  t 
a return  of  the  symptoms.  ( Charleston  Med.  Journ.  and  Rev.,  vii.  768.)  Otl-s 
have  found  the  commencing  dose  of  Dr.  Norwood  somewhat  too  large.  Fn 
its  powerful  emetic  properties,  and  the  prostration  resulting  from  excessive  dc < 
it  should  always  be  used  with  great  caution,  and  its  effects  carefully  obserl. 
Its  nauseating  and  depressing  effects  are  best  counteracted  by  opiates  and 
holic  stimulants. 

VINUM  ALBUM.  U.  S.,  Ed. 

White  IT  me. 

Sherry  wine.  U.  S.,  Ed. 

Off.  Syn.  VINUM  XERICUM.  Land.;  VINUM  ALBUM  HlSPil- 
CUM.  Sherry  wine.  Dub. 

Yin  blanc,  Fr.;  Weisser  Wein,  Germ.;  Vino  bianco,  Ilal.;  Yino  bianco,  Span. 

VINUM  RUBRUM.  US. 

* 

Bed  Wine. 

Port  wine.  U.  S. 

Vin  rouge,  Fr.;  Rother  Wein,  Germ.;  Yino  vermiglio,  Ilal. ; Yino  rubro.  Span. 

Wine  is  the  fermented  juice  of  the  grape,  the  fruit  of  Vitis  vinifera  of  b n- 
ists,  the  description  of  which  will  be  found  under  another  bead.  (See  Eva  Pai.) 
The  juice  of  sweet  grapes  consists  of  a considerable  quantity  of  grape  sug.  a 
peculiar  matter  of  the  nature  of  ferment  or  yeast,  and  a small  portion  of  extct- 
ive,  tannic  acid,  bitartrate  of  potassa,  tartrate  of  lime,  common  salt,  and  sulfite 
of  potassa;  the  whole  dissolved  or  suspended  in  a large  quantity  of  water,  ar 
grapes  contain,  in  addition,  a peculiar  acid  isomeric  with  the  tartaric,  c ed 
paratartaric  add.  (See  page  53.)  Grape  juice,  therefore,  embraces  alfche 
ingredients  essential  to  the  production  of  the  vinous  fermentation,  and  reqres 
only  the  influence  of  the  atmosphere  and  a proper  temperature  to  convert  into 
wine.  (Seepage  60.) 

Preparation.  When  the  grapes  are  ripe,  they  are  gathered,  and  trolen 
under  foot  in  wooden  vessels  with  perforated  bottoms,  through  which  the  jee, 
called  the  must,  runs  into  a vat  placed  beneath.  The  temperature  of  th air 
being  about  60°,  the  fermentation  gradually  takes  place  in  the  must,  an  be- 
comes fully  established  after  a longer  or  shorter  period.  In  the  mean  timetbe 
must  becomes  sensibly  warmer,  and  emits  a large  quantity  of  carbonic  'id, 
which  causes  the  more  solid  parts  to  be  thrown  to  the  surface  in  a mass  of  oth 
having  a hemispherical  shape,  called  the  head.  The  liquor  from  being  : eet 
becomes  vinous,  and  assumes  a deep-red  colour  if  the  product  of  red  grapes,  ter 
a while  the  fermentation  slackens,  when  it  becomes  necessary  to  accelerate  bv 
thoroughly  mixing  the  contents  of  the  vat.  When  the  liquor  has  acquip  a 
strong  vinous  taste,  and  become  perfectly  clear,  the  wine  is  considered  foied, 
and  is  racked  off  into  casks.  But  even  at  this  stage  of  the  process,  the  ferrnt- 
ation  continues  for  several  months  longer.  During  the  whole  of  this  perl,  a 
frothy  matter  is  formed,  which  for  the  first  few  days  collects  round  the  iDg, 
but  afterwards  precipitates  along  with  colouring  matter  and  tartar,  formg  a 
deposit  which  constitutes  the  wine-lees. 

Division  and  Nomenclature.  Wines,  according  to  their  colour,  are  dided 


PAI  I. 


Vinum. 


751 


intothe  red  and  white;  and,  according  to  their  taste  and  other  qualities,  are 
eith1  spirituous,  sweet,  dry,  light,  sparkling,  still,  rough,  or  acidulous.  Red 
win.  are  derived  from  the  must  of  black  grapes,  fermented  with  their  husks ; 
whi [vines,  from  white  grapes,  or  from  the  juice  of  black  grapes  fermented 
apaifrom  their  skins.  The  other  qualities  of  wines,  above  enumerated,  depend 
on  13  relative  proportions  of  the  constituents  of  the  must,  and  on  the  mode  in 
whi  i the  fermentation  is  conducted.  The  essential  ingredients  of  the  must  as 
a feientable  liquid  are  water,  sugar,  and  a ferment.  If  the  juice  be  very  sac- 
chane,  and  contain  sufficient  ferment  to  sustain  the  fermentation,  the  conver- 
sion f the  sugar  into  alcohol  will  proceed  until  checked  by  the  production  of  a 
certa  amount  of  the  latter,  and  there  will  be  formed  a spirituous  or  generous 
win  If,  while  the  juice  is  highly  saccharine,  the  ferment  be  deficient  in  quan- 
tity he  production  of  alcohol  will  be  less,  and  the  redundancy  of  sugar  propor- 
tion )ly  greater,  and  a sweet  wine  will  be  formed.  When  the  sugar  and  ferment 
are  1 considerable  amount,  and  in  the  proper  relative  proportions  for  mutual 
decuposition,  the  wine  will  be  strong  bodied  and  sound,  without  any  sweetness 
or  adity,  and  of  the  kind  called  dry.  A small  proportion  of  sugar  can  give 
risenly  to  a small  proportion  of  alcohol,  and  consequently  the  less  saccharine 
grajs  will  generate  a comparatively  weak,  or  light  wine,  which  will  be  sound 
and  table  in  its  constitution,  in  case  the  ferment  is  not  in  excess,  but  otherwise 
liab  to  pass  into  the  acetous  fermentation  and  become  acescent.  In  case  the 
winis  bottled  before  the  fermentation  is  fully  completed,  the  process  will  pro- 
ceec  lowly  in  the  bottles,  and  the  carbonic  acid  generated,  not  having  vent,  will 
impgnate  the  wine,  and  render  it  effervescing  and  sparkling.  The  rough  or 
astrigent  wines  owe  their  flavour  to  a portion  of  tannic  acid  derived  from  the 
bus)  of  the  grape ; and  the  acidulous  wines  to  the  presence  of  carbonic  acid  or 
an  lusual  proportion  of  tartar.  Several  of  the  above  qualities  often  co-exist. 
Thu  a wine  may  be  spirituous  and  sweet,  spirituous  and  rough,  sweet  and  rough, 
ligh  md  sparkling,  &c. 

Wes  are  made  in  many  countries,  and  are  known  in  commerce  by  various 
nam , according  to  their  source.  Thus,  Portugal  produces  port  and  lisbon; 
Spop  sherry,  saint  lucar,  malaga,  and  tent;  France , champagne,  burgundy, 
heritage,  vin  de  grave,  sauterne,  and  claret;  Germany,  hock  and  moselle; 
Eutary,  tokay;  Sicily,  marsala  or  Sicily  madeira,  and  lissa;  the  Gape  of  Good 
Eoj.  constantia;  Madeira  and  the  Canaries,  madeira  and  teneriffe. 

I:  the  United  States  the  first  attempt  to  manufacture  wine,  on  an  extended 
seal  was  made  towards  the  close  of  the  last  century,  at  Spring  Mill,  near  Phila- 
delp  a,  by  Mr*  Peter  Legaux,  agent  of  the  Pennsylvania  Vine  Company,  and 
prov  l unsuccessful.  The  native  grape  found  most  suitable,  after  the  foreign 
had  iled  on  account  of  the  climate,  was  the  Schuylkill  muscadel  grape.  The 
nexnttempt  was  made  by  the  Swiss  at  Vevay,  Indiana,  with  the  Schuylkill 
grapandwas  partially  successful;  a rough  red  wine  being  manufactured  which 
met -ith  a ready  sale  in  the  neighbouring  States.  In  a few  years  the  manu- 
factije  of  this  wine  languished,  being  superseded  by  foreign  wines.  For  a con- 
side  ble  period,  investigations  have  been  in  progress  to  determine  the  adaptation 
of  0:  various  native  grapes  for  making  wine.  The  Catawla  grape,  introduced 
to  p.dic  notice  by  Major  Adlum,  of  Washington  city,  about  the  year  1825,  is  a 
supeor  wine  grape,  producing  a wine  resembling  hock.  Mr.  N.  Longworth,  of 
Cinunati,  considers  it,  undoubtedly,  a native  grape.  The  Herhemont  and  Mis- 
sour  u-e  both  good  wine  grapes,  the  latter  producing  a wine  resembling  madeira. 
The!>V«pper«o»i(7  grape,  indigenous  to  North  Carolina,  yields  a hard  dry  wine 
like  ock ; and  the  vine  is  a very  abundant  bearer.  According  to  Mr.  It.  Bu- 
obai  a,  this  grape  produces  from  two  to  three  thousand  gallons  of  wine  per  acre. 
(Tr  Use  on  the  Cultivation  of  the  Grape.  Cincinnati,  1850.)  The  climate  of 


752 


Vinum. 


paii. 


Texas  is  peculiarly  favourable  to  the  growth  of  the  grape  vine.  The  El  so 
grape,  is  found  in  the  vicinity  of  the  falls  of  the  Rio  Grande,  and  the  < at 
mustang  grows  luxuriantly  in  every  part  of  the  State,  and  yields  a superio  r] 
wine.  (See  Patent  Office  Report  for  1847.) 

Properties.  Wine,  considered  as  the  name  of  a class,  may  be  characters  as 
a spirituous  liquid,  the  result  of  the  fermentation  of  grape-juice,  and  contaiig 
colouring  matter,  and  some  other  substances,  which  are  either  combined  or  ti- 
mately  blended  with  the  spirit.  All  its  other  qualities  vary  with  the  natu  of 
each  particular  wine.  The  principal  wines  used  for  medicinal  purposes  an  he 
officinal  wines,  sherry  and  port,  together  with  madeira,  teneriffe,  claret,  nd 
champagne. 

Sherry  (Vinum  Album)  is  of  a deep-amber  colour,  and  when  goodposs-es 
a dry  aromatic  flavour  and  fragrancy,  without  any  acidity.  It  ranks  amoD:  he 
stronger  white  wines,  and  contains  between  19  and  20  per  cent,  by  ineasu  of 
alcohol  of  sp.  gr.  0'825.  The  United  States  and  British  Pharmacopoeias  :ree 
in  indicating  it  as  the  officinal  white  wine.  It  is  prepared  in  the  vicini  of 
Xeres  in  Spain,  and  hence  its  English  name  sherry.  This  wine  is  suppos  to 
have  been  the  sack  of  Shakspeare,  so  called  from  the  word  sec  (dry),  in  all  on 
to  its  being  a dry  wine. 

Port  (Vinum  Rubrum)  is  of  a deep-purple  colour,  and,  in  its  new  states  a 
rough,  strong,  and  slightly  sweet  wine.  When  kept  a certain  time  in  botf , it 
deposits  a considerable  portion  of  its  astringent  matter,  loses  the  greater  art 
of  its  sweetness,  acquires  more  flavour,  and  retains  its  strength.  If  too  mg 
kept,  it  deposits  Ehe  whole  of  its  astringent  and  colouring  matter,  and  becaes 
deteriorated.  Considerable  quantities  of  brandy  are  usually  added  to  it,  rich 
causes  its  heating  quality  on  the  palate.  It  is  the  strongest  of  the  win  in 
common  use.  It  was  first  made  officiual  in  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia  of  18b 

Madeira  is  the  strongest  of  the  white  wines  in  general  use.  It  is  a sli  tly 
acid  wine,  and,  when  of  proper  age  and  in  good  condition,  has  a rich,  rty, 
aromatic  flavour.  As  it  occurs  in  the  market,  however,  it  is  of  very  vaible 
quality,  on  account  of  the  adulterations  and  mixtures  to  which  it  is  subjted 
after  importation.  The  madeira  consumed  in  this  country  is  generally  l:ter 
than  that  used  in  England;  its  adulteration  being  practised  to  a less  extenfith 
us,  and  our  climate  being  more  favourable  to  the  improvement  of  the  win 

Teneriffe  is  a white  wine,  of  a slightly  acid  taste,  and,  when  of  good  quity, 
of  a fine  aromatic  flavour.  Its  average  strength  is  about  the  same  as  tit  of 
sherry.  It  is  made  from  the  same  grape  as  madeira,  to  which  it  bears  a lose 
resemblance. 

Claret,  called  in  France  tin  de  Bordeaux,  from  its  being  produced  nea  bat 
city,  in  the  district  of  Medoc,  is  a red  wine,  and  from  its  moderate  stren h is 
ranked  as  a light  wine.  It  has  a deep-purple  colour,  and,  when  good,  a dc:aie 
taste,  in  which  the  vinous  flavour  is  blended  with  slight  acidity  and  astrinpey. 
The  most  esteemed  kinds  are  the  clarets  called  Chateau- Maryaux,  ChiitcaLa- 
fite , and  Chateau- Latour.  Another  celebrated  variety  is  the  Chateaxdnul 
Brian  of  the  Pays  de  Grave.  Claret  is  the  variety  of  French  wine  most  'ten- 
sively  consumed  in  the  United  States. 

Adulterations.  Wines  are  very  frequently  adulterated,  and  counterfeit  mi  tores 
are  often  palmed  upon  the  public  as  genuine  wine.  Free  sulphuric  acid  red 
wines  cannot  be  detected  by  barytic  salts;  for  all  wines  contain  a small  qmtity 
of  the  soluble  sulphates.  It  may  be  discovered,  however,  by  dropping  tbsus- 
pected  red  wine  on  a piece  of  common  glazed  paper,  containing  starch.  the 
wine  be  pure,  the  spot,  when  dry,  will  be  violet-blue,  and  the  paper  unaltedin 
texture;  but  if  the  wine  contain. even  a thousandth  part  of  sulphuric  aci  the 
paper  will  be  spotted  rose-red,  and  prove  brittle  and  friable  when  slightly  r)bed 


PAI  I. 


Vinum. 


753 


betven  the  fingers.  ( Lassaigne , 0.  Henri,  and  Bayard. ) Formerly  the  wine 
deal's  were  in  the  habit  of  putting  litharge  into  wines  that  had  become  acescent. 
Thexide  of  lead  formed  with  the  acetic  acid  acetate  of  lead,  which,  being  sweet, 
corr  ted1  the  defect  of  the  wine,  but  at  the  same  time  rendered  it  poisonous.  At 
the  esent  day,  this  criminal  practice  is  wholly  abandoned.  The  adulteration 
is  reply  detected  by  sulphuretted  hydrogen,  which  causes  a black  and  flocculent 
preclitate.  Mr.  Brande  assures  us  that,  among  the  numerous  samples  of  wine 
of  sfepected  purity  which  he  had  examined,  he  had  not  found  one  containing 
anyioisonous  ingredient  fraudulently  introduced.  Lead,  in  minute  quantity, 
acceding  to  this  writer,  may  sometimes  be  detected  in  wines;  but  it  is  derived  in- 
vari >ly  from  shot  in  the  bottle,  or  from  some  analogous  source.  Rhenish  wines, 
whe  acid  from  the  presence  of  free  tartaric  or  acetic  acid,  may  be  restored  by 
the  idition  of  neutral  tartrate  of  potassa,  which  gives  rise  to  the  formation  of 
crea  of  tartar.  ( Andrew  Ure .)  Spurious  mixtures,  frequently  containing  very 
littlof  the  fermented  juice  of  the  grape,  and  which  are  sold  as  particular  wines, 
mayot  be  poisonous;  but  are,  notwithstanding,  highly  pernicious  in  their  effects 
upoitke  stomach,  and  always  produce  mischief  and  disappointment,  when  de- 
pemjl  on  as  therapeutic  agents.  The  wines  most  frequently  imitated  are  port 
and  adeira;  and  cider  is  the  chief  ingredient  in  the  spurious  mixtures.  English 
port)  sometimes  made  of  a small  portion  of  real  port,  mixed  with  cider,  juice 
of  e’jpr  berries,  and  brandy,  and  rendered  astringent  with  logwood  and  alum. 

imposition.  Wines  consist  mainly  of  water  and  alcohol.  They  contain,  also, 
grap sugar,  gum,  extractive,  colouring  matter,  tannic,  malic,  and  carbonic  acids, 
bita'-ate  of  potassa  (tartar),  tartrate  of  lime,  volatile  oil,  and  oenanthic  ether. 
Thejolatile  oil  has  never  been  isolated,  but  is  supposed  to  be  the  cause  of  the 
delioie  flavour  and  odour  of  wine,  called  the  bouquet.  According  to  Dr.  F.  L. 
Winder,  the  bouquet  depends  upon  the  presence  of  a nitrogenous  compound 
of  aplatile  organic  acid  with  a volatile  base,  which  has  a different  smell  in  dif- 
feren  wines.  ( Enanthic  ether  ( oenanthate  of  ether,  oenanthate  of  oxide  of  ethyle) 
was  scovered  by  Pelouze  and  Liebig.  It  is  obtained  towards  the  end  of  the 
distlition  of  wine  on  the  great  scale  for  making  brandy.  It  forms  only  about 
one  art  in  ten  thousand  of  the  wine.  It  is  a mobile,  oily,  colourless  liquid, 
havi;  the  peculiar  unpleasant  smell  which  is  perceived  in  a bottle  which  has 
cont  aed  wine.  Its  sp.  gr.  is  0'862,  and  boiling  point  435°.  Its  formula  is 
C13I  O3— C14Hj302  (oenanthic  acid)  +C4H50  (ether).  (Enanthic  ether  must 
not  confounded  with  the  substance  upon  which  the  bouquet  of  wine  is  sup- 
pose to  depend.  The  other  ingredients  of  wine,  above  enumerated,  are  not  to 
be  s posed  present  in  every  wine.  Thus,  sugar  is  present  in  sweet  wines,  tannic 
acid  1 rough  wines,  and  carbonic  acid  in  those  that  effervesce.  The  different 
kindjof  wine  derive  their  various  qualities  from  the  mode  of  fermentation,  the 
natu  of  the  grape,  and  the  soil  and  climate  in  which  it  may  have  grown.  The 
alcoljl  in  pure  wine  is  that  which  results  from  the  vinous  fermentation,  and  is 
intir tely  united  with  the  other  ingredients  of  the  liquid;  but  with  almost  all 
the  iiaes  of  commerce  a portion  of  brandy  is  mixed,  the  state  of  union  of  which 
is  pr  ably  different  from  that  of  the  natural  alcohol  of  the  wine.  By  the  British 
custji-house  regulations  ten  per  cent,  of  brandy  may  be  added  to  wines  after 
lmpt  ation;  but  to  good  wines  not  more  than  four  or  five  per  cent,  is  added. 

T intoxicating  ingredient  in  all  wines  is  the  alcohol  which  they  contain; 
and  nee  their  relative  strength  depends  upon  the  quantity  of  this  substance 
ente  tg  into  their  composition.  The  alcohol,  however,  naturally  in  wine,  is  so 
Men  d with  its  other  constituents,  as  to  be  in  a modified  state,  which  renders  it 
less  toxicating  and  less  injurious  than  the  same  quantity  of  alcohol,  separated 
byd, illation  and  diluted  with  water.  Mr.  Brande  published  in  1811  a very 
intei  ting  table,  giving  the  per  centage  by  measure  of  alcohol  of  the  sp.  gr.  0'825 
48 


754 


Vinum. 


PAH;. 

in  different  kinds  of  wine.  Similar  tables  have  since  been  published  bj  [. 
Julia-Fontenelle,  and  by  Dr.  Christison.  An  abstract  of  their  results  is  g n 
in  the  following  table,  the  proof  spirit  of  Dr.  Christison’s  table  (0"920)  b,g 
reduced,  for  the  sake  of  comparison,  to  the  standard  of  0’825,  the  density  die 
spirit  adopted  by  Mr.  Brande.  The  results  of  Julia-Fontenelle  are  distingui  _-d 
by  the  letter  J.;  those  of  Dr.  Christison  by  the  letter  C.  The  rest  are  Mr.  Bran  s. 


Table  of  the  Proportion  by  Measure  of  Alcohol  (sp.  gr.  0"825)  cmtaine  in 
100  parts  of  different  Wines. 


Lissa  (mean) 

25-41 

Vidonia  .... 

Raisin  wine  (mean) 

2512 

Alba  flora 

Marsala  [Sicily  madeira] 

Zante  .... 

(mean) 

25-09 

Malaga  .... 

Port,  strongest 

25  83 

White  hermitage 

mean 

22  96 

Rousillon  (mean) 

weakest 

19-00 

Claret,  strongest 

strongest  (C.) 

20-49 

mean 

mean  (C.) 

18-68 

weakest 

weakest  (C.) 

16-80 

ditto  (J.)  . 

White  port  (C.) 

17-22 

vin  ordinaire  (C.) 

Madeira,  strongest 

24-42 

Chateau-Latour,  1825,  (C.) 

mean 

22.27 

first  growth,  1811,  (C.) 

weakest 

19-24 

Malmsey  madeira 

strongest  (C.) 

2035 

Ditto  (C.) 

Sercial  madeira 

21-40 

Lunel  .... 

Ditto  (C.) 

18-50 

Ditto  (J.) 

Sherry,  strongest 

19-81 

Sheraaz  .... 

mean 

19-17 

Ditto  (C.) 

weakest 

18-25 

Syracuse  .... 

strongest  (C.) 

1931 

Sauterne 

mean  (C.) 

18-47 

Burgundy  (mean) 

weakest  (C.) 

1696 

Hock  (mean) 

Amontillado  (C.) 

1518 

Nice  .... 

Teneriffe 

19-79 

Barsac  .... 

Ditto  (C.) 

1661 

Tent  .... 

Colares  .... 

19-75 

Champagne  (mean)  . 

Lachryma  Christi 

1970 

Ditto  (J.) 

White  constantia 

19-75 

Red  hermitage  . 

Red  constantia 

1892 

Vin  de  Grave  (mean) 

Lisbon  .... 

18-94 

Frontignac  (Rives  Altes)  . 

Ditto  (C.) 

1909 

Ditto  (J.) 

Bucellas  .... 

18-49 

Ditto  (C.) 

Red  madeira  (mean) 

20  35 

Cote  rotie 

Cape  muschat 

1825 

Tokay 

Cape  madeira  (mean) 

20  51 

Rudesheimer,  first  qua! , (C.) 

Grape  wine 

18-11 

inferior  (C.) 

Calcavella  (mean) 

18-65 

Hambacher,  first  quality,  (C.) 

115 

126 

105 

126 

143 

113 

111 

110 

191 

173 

142 

38 

32 

1- 40 
:-60 
:-52 

:-io 

••52 

i'56 

:-28 

•22 

•57 

:-08 

:*63 

[•86 

;-30 

!-61 

>■20 

2- 32 
187 
>•79 
1-80 
2-29 
2'32 
9'88 
014 
835 
888 


The  alcoholic  strength  of  wines  may  be  ascertained,  with  sufficient  presion, 
by  the  ebullioscope  of  Oonaty,  or  the  di/atometer  of  Silbermann;  the  indi  tions 
of  the  former  instrument  depending  upon  the  determination  of  the  boilin point 
of  the  wine;  of  the  latter,  upon  its  dilatation,  when  heated  through  a gin  in' 
terval  of  temperature.  For  a description  of  these  ingenious  instrumeD,  tne 
reader  is  referred  to  the  Journ.  de  Pharmacie,  for  Feb.  1849. 


PAI  I. 


Vinum. 


755 


I.  Christison  considers  it  a mistake  to  suppose  that  wines  become  stronger 
by  ing  kept  a long  time  in  cask.  His  experiments  appear  to  prove  the 
revcse.  While,  however,  the  wine  is  not  rendered  more  alcoholic  by  age,  its 
flav  r is  improved,  and  its  apparent  strength  increased. 

Bides  the  grape,  a number  of  other  fruits  yield  a juice  susceptible  of  tbe 
vines  fermentation.  The  infusion  of  malt,  also,  is  capable  of  undergoing  this 
proos,  and  becomes  converted  into  the  different  kinds  of  porter  and  ale.  The 
procct  in  all  these  cases,  though  not  commonly  called  a wine,  is  nevertheless  a 
vines  liquor,  and  may  be  classed  among  the  wines  properly  so  called.  The 
folk  ing  is  a list  of  these  vinous  liquors,  together  with  the  per  centage  of  alco- 
hol nich  they  contain,  as  ascertained  by  Mr.  Brande: — Currant  wine,  20 '55  ; 
goonerry  wine,  11'84;  orange  wine,  11'26;  elder  wine,  8‘79;  cider,  from  5 '21 
to9  7;  perry,  7'26;  mead,  7'32;  Burton  ale,  8'88;  Edinburgh  ale,  6'20  ; brown 
stou  6‘80;  London  porter,  4'20;  small  beer,  1'28.  According  to  L.  Hoffmann 
Burn  ale  consists,  in  the  100  parts,  of  carbonic  acid  0‘04,  absolute  alcohol 
6'62extract  of  malt  14‘97,  and  water  78 ‘37 ; and  pale  ale,  of  carbonic  acid  0‘07, 
abscite  alcohol  5'57,  extract  of  malt  4'62,  and  water  89'74. 

Mical  Properties  and  Uses.  Wine  is  consumed  in  most  civilized  countries; 
but  a state  of  health  is  at  least  useless,  if  not  absolutely  pernicious.  The 
degi;  of  mischief  which  it  produces  depends  on  the  character  of  the  wine.  Thus 
the  Hit  wines  of  France  are  comparatively  harmless ; while  the  habitual  use  of 
the  fonger  wines,  such  as  sherry,  port,  madeira,  &c.,  even  though  taken  in  mo- 
derajon,  is  always  injurious,  as  having  a tendency  to  induce  gout  and  apoplexy, 
and  her  diseases  dependent  on  plethora  and  over-stimulation.  All  wines,  how- 
ever vhen  used  habitually  in  excess,  are  productive  of  bad  consequences.  They 
wealn  the  stomach,  produce  disease  of  the  liver,  and  give  rise  to  dropsy,  gout, 
apop  xy,  tremors,  and  not  uufrequently  mania.  Nevertheless,  wine  is  an  im- 
port t medicine,  productive  of  the  best  effects  in  certain  diseases.  As  an  article 
of  tl  materia  medica,  it  ranks  as  a stimulant  and  antispasmodic.  In  the  con- 
vale,  3nce  from  protracted  fever,  it  is  frequently  the  best  remedy  that  can  be 
empyed.  In  certain  stages  of  typhoid  fevers,  and  in  extensive  ulceration  and 
gangne,  this  remedy,  either  alone,  or  conjoined  with  bark  and  opium,  is  often 
our  lin  dependence.  In  low  febrile  affections,  if  it  increase  the  fulness  and 
lessc  the  frequency  of  the  pulse,  mitigate  delirium,  and  produce  a tendency  to 
sleep  its  further  use  may  be  deemed  proper;  but,  on  the  contrary,  if  it  render 
the  pise  quicker,  augment  the  heat  and  thirst,  produce  restlessness,  or  increase 
delii  ra,  it  should  be  immediately  laid  aside  as  injurious.  In  some  convulsive 
diseejs,  as  for  example  tetanus,  wine,  liberally  given,  has  often  proved  useful. 

We,  when  used  medicinally,  should  be  good  of  its  kind;  for  otherwise  it 
will  jsagree  with  the  stomach,  and  prove  rather  detrimental  than  useful.  The 
indidual  wine  selected  for  internal  exhibition  must  be  determined  by  the 
natu  of  the  disease,  and  the  particular  object  in  view.  Sherry,  when  in  good 
cond  on,  is  a fine  wine,  and,  being  free  from  all  acid,  is  to  be  preferred  when- 
ever le  stomach  is  delicate,  or  has  a tendency  to  dyspeptic  acidity.  Good  ma- 
dein  s the  most  generous  of  the  white  wines,  particularly  adapted  to  the  pur- 
pose f resuscitating  debilitated  constitutions,  and  of  sustaining  the  sinking 
eneres  of  the  system  in  old  age.  The  slight  acidity,  however,  of  pure  madeira 
caus  it  to  disagree  with  some  stomachs,  and  renders  it  an  improper  wine  for 
gout,  persons.  Tenerife  is  a good  variety  of  white  wine  for  medicinal  use, 
beiniff  about  a medium  strength,  and  agreeing  very  well  with  most  stomachs. 
FWi  generally  used  in  cases  of  pure  debility,  especially  when  attended  with 
a loc  state  of  the  bowels,  unaccompanied  by  inflammation.  In  such  cases  it 
oftei  .cts  as  a powerful  tonic  as  well  as  stimulant,  giving  increased  activity  to 
all  t!  functions,  especially  digestion.  Claret  is  much  less  heating,  and  is  often 


756 


Vinum. — Viola. 


PART 


useful  on  account  of  its  aperient  and  diuretic  qualities.  Champagne  is  applica 
to  the  sinking  stage  of  low  fevers,  and  is  often  useful  in  the  debility  of  the  atr 
All  the  acidulous  wines  are  contra-indicated  in  the  gouty  and  uric  acid  c • 
thesis ; as  they  are  apt  to  convert  the  existing  predisposition  into  disease. 

The  quantity  of  wine  which  may  be  given  with  advantage  in  disease  isvr 
variable.  In  low  fevers,  it  may  be  administered,  to  the  extent  of  a bottle  r 
more  in  twenty-four  hours,  either  pure,  or  in  the  form  of  wine-whey.  This 3 
made  by  adding  to  a pint  of  boiling  milk  from  a gill  to  half  a pint  of  white  wi , 
straining  without  pressure  to  separate  the  curd,  and  sweetening  the  clear  w v 
with  loaf  sugar.  Wine-whey  forms  a safe  and  grateful  stimulus  in  typti 
fevers,  and  in  other  febrile  affections,  which,  after  depletion,  may  tend  to  a si e 
of  deficient  action,  and  be  accompanied  with  a dry  skin.  Under  these  circn- 
stances,  it  often  acts  as  a diaphoretic,  and,  when  used  of  moderate  strenji, 
without  stimulating  the  system  injuriously. 

Pharmaceutical  Uses.  White  wine  is  employed  as  a menstruum  to  ext  tt 
the  virtues  of  several  plants,  and  the  preparations  thus  formed  are  called  vim 
tinctures  or  medicated  wines.  Tartar  emetic  and  iron  are  the  only  mineral  :> 
stances  prepared  in  a similar  manner.  (See  Vinum  Anti monii  and  Vinum Fer.) 
For  the  peculiar  powers  of  wine  as  a menstruum,  see  Vina  Medicata.  I 

YIOLA.  TJ.  S.  Secondary,  Lond.,  Ed. 

Violet. 


The  herb  of  Viola  pedata.  U.S.  Viola  odorata.  The  recent  petal.  Li. 
The  flowers.  Ed. 

Violette  odorante,  Ft.;  Wohlriecliendes  Veilclien,  Germ.;  Violetta.  Ital;  Yioleta,  Sp. 

Viola.  Sex.  Syst.  Pentandria  Monogynia. — Eat.  Orel.  Violaeese. 

Gen.  Ch.  Calyx  five-leaved.  Corolla  five-petalled,  irregular,  horned  at  he 
back.  A7ithers  cohering.  Capsule  superior,  three-valved,  one-celled. 

This  genus  includes  numerous  species,  of  which,  though  perhaps  all  or  ncly 
all  are  possessed  of  analogous  properties,  two  only  are  recognised  as  offical, 
Viola  odorata,  by  the  London  and  Edinburgh  Colleges,  and  Viola  pedate  by 
our  National  Pharmacopoeia.  Viola  ovata,  an  indigenous  species,  has  been  rem- 
mended  as  a remedy  for  the  bite  of  the  rattle-snake.  (See  a paper  bylr. 
Williams  in  the  Am.  Journ.  of  the  Med.  Scien.,  xiii.  310.) 

Viola  odorata.  Willd.  Sp.  'Plant,  i.  1163;  Woodv.  Med.  Bot.  p.  251,  69. 
This  is  a small,  pretty,  creeping  plant,  the  runners  of  which  are  furnished  ith 
fibrous  roots,  and  send  up  annually  tufts  of  leaves  and  flowers.  The  leaveare 
heart-shaped,  crenate,  and  supported  on  long  petioles.  The  flowers  are  a the 
summit  of  delicate,  quadrangular,  channeled,  radical  peduncles.  The  leau  of 
the  calyx  are  shorter  than  the  petals,  which  are  obovate,  obtuse,  unequahnd 
of  a bluish-purple  or  deep-violet  colour,  except  at  the  claws,  which  are  wh  sh. 
The  two  lateral  petals  are  spreading  and  bearded  towards  the  base,  the  in  nor 
furnished  with  a large  spur,  and  the  two  upper  reflected.  In  the  centre  aithe 
stamens  with  very  short  filaments,  and  anthers  slightly  cohering  by  an  orige- 
coloured  membranous  expansion. 

The  sweet  violet  is  a native  of  Europe,  growing  in  woods,  hedges,  and  hor 
shady  places.  It  is  cultivated  in  gardens  both  for  its  beauty  and  for  m ical 
use ; and  has  been  introduced  into  this  country.  It  is  valued  chiefly  t 113 
flowers,  which  appear  in  April  and  May. 

The  flowers  of  this  species  of  violet,  besides  their  beautiful  colour.  Ire  a 
peculiar  agreeable  odour,  and  a very  slightly  bitter  taste.  These  properties  bey 
yield  to  boiling  water ; and  their  infusion  affords  a very  delicate  test  forcia* 


P/T  I. 


Viola. — Wintera. 


757 


an  alkalies,  being  reddened  by  the  former,  and  rendered  green  by  the  latter. 
Tlir  odour  is  destroyed  by  desiccation ; and  the  degree  to  which  they  retain 
thr  fine  colour  depends  upon  the  care  used  in  collecting  and  drying  them. 
Tly  should  be  gathered  before  being  fully  blown,  deprived  of  their  calyx,  and 
rajily  dried,  either  in  a heated  room,  or  by  exposing  them  to  a current  of  very 
dr  air.  The  flowers  of  other  species  are  often  mingled  with  them,  and,  if  of 
tbsarne  colour,  are  equally  useful  as  a chemical  test. 

l the  root,  leaves,  flowers,  and  seeds  of  Viola  odorata,  M.  Boulay  discovered 
a ]culiar  alkaline  principle,  bearing  some  resemblance  to  emetia,  but  possessing 
dif net  properties.  He  called  it  violine;  but  violia  is  its  proper  title,  in  accord- 
an  with  the  nomenclature  adopted  in  this  work.  It  is  white,  soluble  in  alco- 
lio  scarcely  soluble  in  water,  and  forms  salts  with  the  acids.  It  exists  in  the 
plit  combined  with  malic  acid,  and  may  be  obtained  by  treating  with  distilled 
W£r  the  alcoholic  extract  of  the  dried  root,  decomposing  by  means  of  magnesia 
thmalate  of  violia  contained  in  the  solution,  and  extracting  the  alkali  from  the 
pripitated  matters  by  alcohol,  which  yields  it  on  evaporation.  To  obtain  it 
enrely  pure,  a more  complicated  process  is  necessary.  Orfila  has  ascertained 
th  it  is  exceedingly  active  and  even  poisonous.  It  is  probably  contained  in 
mit  of  the  other  species  of  Viola. 

:iola  pedata.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  i.  1160  ; Curtis,  Bot.  Mag.  89.  This  is  an 
ingenous  species,  without  stems,  glabrous,  with  many  parted  often  pedate 
le:2S,  the  segments  of  which  are  linear-lanceolate,  obtuse,  and  nearly  entire. 
T1  flowers  are  large  and  of  a beautiful  blue  colour,  often  more  or  less  varie- 
gad.  The  divisions  of  the  calyx  are  linear  and  acute.  The  stigma  is  large, 
co  pressed  at  the  sides,  obliquely  truncate  and  perforate  at  the  apex.  The  plant 
gr  rs  in  dry  sandy  hills  and  fields,  and  rocky  woods,  from  New  England  to  Caro- 
lir  and  flowers  in  May  and  J une. 

fedical  Properties,  &c.  of  the  Violets.  The  herbaceous  parts  of  different  species 
of  olet  are  mucilaginous,  emollient,  and  slightly  laxative ; and  have  been  used 
in  rntoral,  nephritic,  and  cutaneous  affections.  Much  was  formerly  thought  of 
th  Viola  tricolor,  or  pansy,  as  a remedy  in  crusta  lactea.  A decoction  in  milk 
of  handful  of  the  fresh  herb  was  taken  morning  and  evening,  and  a poultice 
mi  2 with  the  same  decoction  was  applied  to  the  affected  part.  Cures  in  numerous 
ini  mces  are  said  to  have  been  effected  by  this  treatment  persevered  in  for  some 
tir . Our  own  Viola  pedata  is  considered  a useful  expectorant  and  demulcent 
in  ;ctoral  complaints.  ( Bigelow .) 

i Europe,  a syrup  prepared  from  the  fresh  flowers  of  Viola  odorata  is  much 
enloyed  as  an  addition  to  demulcent  drinks,  and  as  a laxative  for  infants.  (See 
Sytpus  Violas.)  The  seeds  were  formerly  considered  useful  in  gravel,  but  are 
no  now  employed.  The  root,  which  has  a bitter,  nauseous,  slightly  acrid  taste, 
ac  in  the  dose  of  from  thirty  grains  to  a drachm  as  an  emetic  and  cathartic. 
It  probable  that  the  same  property  is  possessed  by  the  roots  of  all  the  violets, 
as  is  known  to  be  by  several  species  of  Ionidium,  which  belong  to  the  same 
na  ral  family.  The  existence  in  small  proportion  of  the  emetic  principle,  upon 
wl  h the  powers  of  the  root  probably  depend,  in  the  leaves  and  flowers,  accounts 
foi  he  expectorant  properties  long  attributed  to  these  parts  of  the  plant. 


he  bark  of  Drimys  Winteri.  U.  S. 

inrr.fi  rip  Winter,  Dr.;  Winterscke  Rinde,  Germ.;  Corteccia  Vinterana,  Ital.;  Corteza 


"ff.  Prep.  Syrupus  Violas. 


W. 


WINTERA.  TJ.  S.  Secondary. 
Winter  s Bark. 


758 


Winter  a. — Xanthorrhiza. 


PARI 


Drimys.  Sex.  Syst.  Polyandria  Tetragynia. — Nat.  Orel.  Magnoliacese,  Jui ; 
Winteraceas,  Lindley. 

Gen.  Ch.  Calyx  with  two  or  three  deep  divisions.  Corolla  with  two  or  the 
petals,  sometimes  more  numerous.  Stamens  with  the  filaments  thickened  at  3 
summit,  and  anthers  having  two  separate  cells.  Ovaries  from  four  to  ei» 
changing  into  the  same  number  of  small,  many-seeded  berries.  A.  Richard. 

Drimys  Winter i.  De  Cand.  Prod.  i.  78;  Carson,  lllust.  of  Med.  Bot.  i. 
pi.  5. — Wintera  aromatica.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  ii.  1239;  Woodv.  Med.  Bot 
647,  t.  226.  This  is  an  evergreen  tree,  varying  very  much  in  size,  sometirs 
rising  forty  or  fifty  feet  in  height,  sometimes  not  more  than  six  or  eight  fi . 
The  bark  of  the  trunk  is  gray,  that  of  the  branches  green  and  smooth.  3 
leaves  are  alternate,  petiolate,  oblong,  obtuse,  somewhat  coriaceous,  entire 
smooth,  green  on  their  upper  surface,  of  a pale-bluish  colour  beneath,  with  b 
caducous  stipules  at  their  base.  The  flowers  are  small,  sometimes  solitary,  'it 
more  frequently  in  clusters  of  three  or  four,  upon  the  summit  of  a comm 
peduncle  about  an  inch  in  length,  simple,  or  divided  into  as  many  pediceks 
there  are  flowers.  The  tree  is  a native  of  the  southern  parts  of  South  Ameri, 
growing  along  the  Straits  of  Magellan,  and  extending  as  far  north  as  Ch. 
According  to  Martius  it  is  found  also  in  Brazil.  The  bark  of  the  tree  13 
brought  to  England,  in  the  latter  part  of  the  sixteenth  century,  by  Capti 
Winter,  who  attended  Brake  in  his  voyage  round  the  world,  and  while  in  e 
Straits  had  learned  its  aromatic  and  medicinal  properties.  Since  that  perioct 
has  been  occasionally  employed  in  medicine. 

It  is  in  quilled  pieces,  usually  a foot  in  length,  and  an  inch  or  more  in  c- 
meter,  appearing  as  if  scraped  or  rubbed  on  the  outside,  where  the  colouis 
pale-yellowish  or  reddish-gray,  with  red  elliptical  spots.  On  the  inside  e 
colour  is  that  of  cinnamon,  though  sometimes  blackish.  The  pieces  are  son- 
times  flat  and  very  large.  The  bark  is  two  or  three  lines  in  thickness,  hardd 
compact,  and  when  broken  exhibits  on  the  exterior  part  of  the  fracture  a grajh 
colour,  which  insensibly  passes  into  reddish  or  yellowish  towards  the  inter’. 
The  powder  resembles  in  colour  that  of  Peruvian  bark.  The  odour  is  aroma1, 
the  taste  spicy,  pungent,  and  even  burning. 

Winter’s  bark  was  found  by  M.  Henry  to  contain  resin,  volatile  oil,colourg 
matter,  tannic  acid,  several  salts  of  potassa,  malate  of  lime,  and  oxidized  in. 
The  presence  of  tannic  acid  and  oxide  of  iron  serves  to  distinguish  it  fin 
canella  alba,  with  which  it  has  often  been  confounded. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  It  is  a stimulant  aromatic  tonic,  and  was  6- 
ployed  by  Winter  as  a remedy  for  scurvy.  It  may  be  used  for  similar  purpex 
with  cinnamon  or  canella  alba,  but  is  scarcely  known  in  the  medical  practiced 
this  country.  The  dose  of  the  powder  is  about  half  a drachm.  Another  spec;, 
the  Drimys  Chiletisis  of  De  Candolle,  growing  in  Chili,  yields  a bark  havg 
similar  properties.  (Carson,  Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xix.  81.)  W 

XANTHORRHIZA.  U.  S.  Secondary. 
Yellow-root. 

The  root  of  Xanthorrhiza  apiifolia.  U.  S. 

Xanthorrhiza.  Sex.  Syst.  Pentandria  Polygynia. — Nat.  Ord.  Ranum- 
laceae. 

Gen.Ch.  Calyx  none.  Petals  five.  Nectaries  five,  pedicelled.  Capsules  e 
to  eight,  one-seeded,  semibivalve.  Nuttall. 

Xanthorrhiza  apiifolia.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  i.  1568;  Barton,  Med.  Bot.i. 
203. — X.  tinctoria.  Woodhouse,  N H Med.  Repos,  vol.  v.  This  is  an  indie- 


PA  C I. 


Xanthorrhiza. — Xanthoxylum. 


759 


nov  shrub,  two  or  three  feet  in  height,  with  a horizontal  root,  which  sends 
off  umerous  suckers.  The  stem  is  simple,  rather  thicker  than  a goose-quill, 
wit  a smooth  bark,  and  bright-yellow  wood.  The  leaves,  which  stand  thickly 
at  ie  upper  part  of  the  stem,  are  compound,  consisting  of  several  ovate-lan- 
ceote,  acute,  doubly  serrate  leaflets,  sessile  upon  a long  petiole,  which  embraces 
theitem  at  its  base.  The  flowers  are  small,  purple,  and  disposed  in  long,  droop- 
inodivided  racemes,  placed  immediately  below  the  first  leaves.  The  nectaries 
arebovate  and  bilobed,  the  styles  usually  about  six  or  eight  in  number. 

'ie  yellow-root  grows  in  the  interior  of  the  Southern,  and  in  the  Western 
Stas.  Nuttall  says  that  it  is  abundant  on  the  banks  of  the  Ohio.  It  flowers 
in  pril.  The  root  is  the  part  directed  by  the  Pharmacopoeia;  but  the  bark  of 
thdtem  possesses  the  same  virtues. 

ie  root  is  from  three  inches  to  a foot  in  length,  about  half  an  inch  in  thick- 
ner  of  a yellow  colour,  and  of  a simple  but  extremely  bitter  taste.  It  imparts 
its  flour  and  taste  to  water.  The  infusion  is  not  affected  by  a solution  of  sul- 
ph  3 of  iron.  By  the  late  Professor  Barton  the  bark  of  the  root  was  con- 
sided  more  bitter  than  its  ligneous  portion. 

edical  Properties  and  Uses.  Xanthorrhiza  possesses  properties  closely 
anogous  to  those  of  columbo,  quassia,  and  the  other  simple  tonic  bitters ; and 
hk  be  used  for  the  same  purposes,  and  in  the  same  manner.  Dr.  Woodhouse 
eir  oyed  it  in  the  dose  of  two  scruples,  and  found  it  to  lie  easily  upon  the 
stcach.  W. 

XANTHOXYLUM.  JJ.  S.  Secondary. 

Prickly  Ash. 

ie  bark  of  Xanthoxylum  fraxineum.  U.  S. 

anthoxylum.  Sex.  Syst.  Dioecia  Pentandria. — Nat.  Ord.  Terebintaceae, 
Jb  ; Xanthoxylaceae,  Lindley. 

en.  Ch.  Male.  Calyx  five-parted.  Corolla  none.  Female.  Calyx  five-parted. 
Cvlla  none.  Pistils  five.  Capsules  five,  one-seeded.  Willd. 

anthoxylum  fraxineum.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  iv.  757;  Bigelow,  Am.  Med. 
Bi  iii.  156.  X.  Americanum.  Miller;  Torrey  and  Gray,  FI.  of  N.  Am. 
i.  4.  The  prickly  ash  is  a shrub  from  five  to  ten  feet  in  height,  with  alter- 
na  branches,  which  are  covered  with  strong,  sharp,  scattered  prickles.  The 
le;:;s  are  alternate  and  pinnate,  consisting  of  four  or  five  pairs  of  leaflets,  and 
an  dd  terminal  one,  with  a common  footstalk,  which  is  sometimes  prickly  on 
th  nack,  and  sometimes  unarmed.  The  leaflets  are  nearly  sessile,  ovate,  acute, 
sliitly  serrate,  and  somewhat  downy  on  their  under  surface.  The  flowers, 
wl  h are  small  and  greenish,  are  disposed  in  sessile  umbels  near  the  origin  of 
th  poung  shoots.  The  plant  is  polygamous,  some  shrubs  bearing  both  male 
an  perfect  flowers,  others  only  female.  The  number  of  stamens  is  five,  of  the 
pi  Is  three  or  four  in  the  perfect  flowers,  about  five  in  the  pistillate.  Each 
fn  ful  flower  is  followed  by  as  many  capsules  as  it  had  germs.  These  capsules 
ar  ffipitate,  oval,  punctate,  of  a greenish-red  colour,  with  two  valves,  and  one 
ov  blackish  seed. 

his  species  of  Xanthoxylum  is  indigenous,  growing  in  woods  and  in  moist 
sh  y places  throughout  the  Northern,  Middle,  and  Western  States.  The  flowers 
a;  iar  in  April  and  May,  before  the  foliage.  The  leaves  and  capsules  have 
ai  romatic  odour  recalling  that  of  the  oil  of  lemons.  The  bark  is  the  officinal 
prion. 

his,  as  found  in  the  shops,  is  in  quilled  pieces,  from  one  or  two  lines  to 


760 


Xanthoxylum. — Zincum. 


par: 


nearly  an  inch  in  diameter,  rather  thin,  externally  of  a darkish-gray  coir 
diversified  by  whitish  patches,  with  the  epidermis  in  many  pieces  marked  7 
closely  set  transverse  cracks,  internally  finely  striated  longitudinally  and  soi . 
what  shining,  and,  when  derived  from  the  smaller  branches,  exhibiting  ocl- 
sionally  remains  of  the  prickles.  The  bark  is  very  light,  brittle,  nearly  or  cpe 
inodorous,  and  of  a taste  which  is  at  first  sweetish  and  slightly  aromatic,  ti  1 
bitterish,  and  ultimately  acrid.  The  acrimony  is  imparted  ta  boiling  water  .1 
alcohol,  which  extract  the  virtues  of  the  bark.  Its  constituents,  according  o 
Dr.  Staples,  besides  fibrous  substance,  are  volatile  oil,  a greenish  fixed  oil,  re; , 
gum,  colouring  matter,  and  a peculiar  crystallizable  principle  which  he  c s 
xanthoxylin,  but  of  which  the  properties  are  not  designated.  ( Journ . of  the  P 
Col.  of  Pharm.,  i.  165.)  It  is  probably  identical  with  the  bitter  crystall e 
principle  found  by  MM.  Chevallier  and  Pelletan  in  the  bark  of  Xanthoxyli 
Clava  Herculis,  and  named  by  them  xanthopicrite. 

A specimen  of  bark  has  been  shown  to  us,  collected  on  the  shores  of  3 
Chesapeake  Bay,  and  said  to  be  the  product  of  Xanthoxylum  Clava  Heron;, 
though  probably  derived  from  the  trunk  of  the  plant  under  consideration,  s 
the  X.  Clava  Herculis  is  a native  of  the  West  Indies,  and  not  of  the  Unil 
States,  and  the  X.  fraxineum  was  considered  by  Linnaeus  as  a variety  of  1 1 
species.  The  specimen  referred  to  resembles  the  bark  above  described  consic- 
ably  in  its  general  characters,  but  differs  in  consisting  of  irregular  fragmentsf 
a bark  of  larger  dimensions,  flat,  or  but  slightly  rolled,  and  exhibiting  on  3 
outer  surface  of  some  of  the  fragments,  large  conical,  corky  eminences,  whi 
serve  as  the  bases  of  the  spines,  and  no  doubt  give  to  the  trunk  of  the  tree  3 
rough,  knotty  appearance,  which  obtained  for  its  congener  the  name  of  the  C b 
of  Hercules. 

Dr.  Bigelow  states  that  the  Aralia  spinosa , or  angelica  tree,  which  grows  1 
the  Southern  States,  is  occasionally  confounded  with  X.  fraxineum,  in  con' 
quence  partly  of  being  sometimes  called,  like  the  latter,  prickly  ash.  Its  ba, 
however,  in  appearance  and  flavour,  is  entirely  different  from  the  xanthoxylu. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Xanthoxylum  is  stimulant,  producing,  wh 
swallowed,  a sense  of  heat  in  the  stomach,  with  more  or  less  general  artei  1 
excitement,  and  a tendency  to  diaphoresis.  It  is  thought  to  resemble  mezera 
and  guaiac  in  its  remedial  action,  and  is  given  in  the  same  complaints.  Aa 
remedy  in  chronic  rheumatism,  it  enjoys  considerable  reputation  in  this  count  . 
The  dose  of  the  powder  is  from  ten  grains  to  half  a drachm,  to  be  repeated  the 
or  four  times  a day.  A decoction,  prepared  by  boiling  an  ounce  in  three  pis 
of  water  down  to  a quart,  may  be  given  in  the  quantity  of  a pint,  in  divid 
doses,  during  the  twenty-four  hours.  The  powder  has  sometimes  been  emplod 
as  a topical  irritant;  and  the  bark,  used  as  a masticatory,  is  a popular  remty 
for  toothache,  and  has  been  recommended  in  palsy  of  the  tongue.  W. 


ZINCUM.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Eel,  Dub. 

Zinc. 

Speltre;  Zinc,  Fr.;  Zink,  Germ.;  Zinco,  Ilal.,  Span.  | 

Zinc  occurs  native  in  two  principal  states;  as  a sulphuret,  called  blende,  ai 
as  a carbonate  or  silicate,  denominated  calamine.  It  is  found  in  various  pas 
of  the  world,  but  most  abundantly  in  Germany,  from  which  country  the  I ni  1 
States  are  principally  supplied.  The  metal  is  extracted  generally  from  calami . 
This  is  roasted  and  mixed  with  charcoal  powder,  and  the  mixture  heated  in  in 
cylinders  placed  horizontally  over  a furnace.  When  the  reduction  of  the  zic 


PAP  I. 


Zincum. 


761 


com  ences,  iron  receivers  are  adapted  to  the  opening  of  the  cylinder  to  receive 
the  datilized  metal  as  it  condenses.  The  metal  is  then  melted  and  run  into 
mods,  and  forms  speltre,  or  the  zinc  of  commerce.  In  this  state  it  contains 
ironmd  traces  of  lead,  cadmium,  arsenic,  copper,  sulphur,  and  charcoal.  To 
puri  it  from  these  substances,  it  must  be  subjected  to  a second  distillation  in 
a cr  ible,  furnished  with  a tube  passing  through  its  bottom,  and  open  at  both 
end;  its  upper  extremity  reaching  a little  more  than  half  way  up  the  interior 
of  t crucible,  and  its  lower  end  terminating  above  a vessel  of  water.  The 
imp'ezinc  being  placed  in  the  crucible,  the  cover  luted  on,  and  the  fire  applied, 
the  ire  zinc  is  volatilized,  and,  passing  down  the  tube  by  a descending  distil- 
latic  condenses  in  the  water  below. 

Fperties.  Zinc  has  a bluish-white  colour,  a peculiar  taste,  and  a perceptible 
BUielwhen  rubbed.  Its  texture  is  laminated,  and  its  fracture  crystalline.  Its 
mall  bility  and  ductility  are  not  very  great.  When  perfectly  pure,  it  may  be 
redud  to  thin  leaves  at  ordinary  temperatures;  but  the  zinc  of  commerce  re- 
quire to  be  heated  to  a temperature  between  212°  and  300°  to  render  it  suf- 
ficieiy  laminable  to  be  rolled  into  sheets.  The  softness  of  zinc  is  peculiar,  as 
is  shra  by  the  circumstance  that  it  clogs  the  file  when  the  attempt  is  made  to 
redu  it  to  filings ; and  hence,  if  it  be  desired  to  have  it  in  the  divided  form,  it 
is  nessary  to  submit  it  to  fusion,  and  to  triturate  it  at  the  moment  of  solidifi- 
catio  Its  sp.gr.  is  about  6'8,  its  equivalent  number  32'3,  and  symbol  Zn. 
By  ereriments  instituted  to  determine  the  point,  Favre  makes  its  equivalent 
32'9!  and  Erdmann,  32'527.  Subjected  to  heat,  it  fuses  at  773°.  At  full 
redan  it  boils,  and  in  close  vessels  may  be  distilled  over;  but  in  open  ones  it 
takes  re,  and  burns  with  a dazzling  white  flame,  giving  off  dense  white  fumes. 
It  dr  fives  in  most  of  the  acids  with  disengagement  of  hydrogen,  and  precipi- 
tates 1 the  metals  either  in  the  metallic  state,  or  in  that  of  oxide.  It  forms 
but  <3  well-characterized  oxide  (a  protoxide),  and  but  one  sulphuret.  A per- 
oxide  >f  uncertain  composition  was  obtained  by  Thenard.  The  protoxide  is 
officii  !,  and  will  be  described  under  another  head.  (See  Zinci  Oxiclum.') 

Zi;  of  good  quality  dissolves  in  dilute  sulphuric  acid,  with  the  exception  of 
a scary  grayish-black  residuum.  If  absolutely  pure,  it  would  be  wholly  dis- 
solver The  solution  is  colourless,  and  yields  white  precipitates  with  ferrocya- 
nuret ? potassium  and  hydrosulphate  of  ammonia.  Ammonia  throws  down  from 
this  i ution  a white  precipitate,  which  is  wholly  dissolved  when  the  alkali  is 
added  n excess.  If  copper  be  present,  the  solution  will  be  rendered  blue  by 
the  aiaonia;  and  if  iron  be  an  impurity  it  will  be  thrown  down  by  this  alkali, 
but  n redissolved  by  its  excess.  Arsenic  may  be  detected,  unless  present  in 
very  :nute  proportion,  by  dissolving  the  zinc  in  pure  dilute  sulphuric  acid  in 
a self-  gulating  reservoir  for  hydrogen ; when  arsenuretted  hydrogen  will  be 
forme  recognisable  by  its  flame  producing  a dark  stain  on  a white  plate. 

Zin  is  extensively  employed  in  the  arts.  It  is  the  best  metal  that  can  be 
used,  conjunction  with  copper,  for  galvanic  combinations.  Combined  with 
tin  an  mercury,  it  forms  the  amalgam  for  electrical  machines.  Its  solution  in 
dilute  dphuric  acid  furnishes  the  readiest  method  for  obtaining  hydrogen.  With 
copper  t forms  brass,  and,  in  the  form  of  sheet  zinc,  it  is  employed  to  cover  the 
roofs  - houses,  and  for  other  purposes.  It  should  never  be  used  for  culinary 
vessel  as  it  is  soluble  in  the  weakest  acids. 

Tht  ompounds  of  zinc  are  poisonous,  but  not  to  the  same  extent  as  those  of 
'he  oxide  of  zinc,  at  present  used  in  painting  as  a substitute  for  white 
i capable  of  producing  a colic,  resembling  that  caused  by  lead,  and  called 
It  attacks  workmen,  exposed  to  the  dust  of  the  oxide  while  engaged 


lead. 


zmccc,. 


m pac  rg  it  in  barrels,  and  yields  to  the  remedies  appropriate  to  the  treatment 
°f  ieac  (flic,  (See  Chem.  Gaz.,  Sept.  16,  1850.) 


762 


Zincum. — Zingiber. 


PAR 


Pharmaceutical  Uses.  Zinc  is  never  used  as  a medicine  in  the  metallic  st  :• 
but  is  employed  in  this  state  to  form  the  officinal  preparations,  acetate,  sulpte, 
and  chloride  of  zinc.  In  combination  it  forms  a number  of  important  medical 
preparations,  a list  of  which,  with  the  synonymes,  is  subjoined. 

Zinc  is  employed  medicinally, 

I.  Oxidized. 

Zinci  Oxidum,  U.  S.,  Loncl.,  Ed.;  Zinci  Oxydum,  Dub. 

Unguentum  Zinci  Oxidi,  U.  S. ; Unguentum  Zinci,  Load., 
Unguentum  Zinci  Oxydi,  Dub. 

II.  Combined  with  chlorine. 

Zinci  Chloridum,  U.  S.,  Land.,  Dub. 

Zinci  Chloridi  Liquor,  Dub. 

III.  Oxidized  and  combined  with  acids. 

Zinci  Acetas,  U.  S.,  Dub. 

Zinci  Carbonas  Praecipitatus,  US. ; Zinci  Carbonas,  Dub. 

Ceratum  Zinci  Carbonatis,  U.  S. 

Calamina,  U.  S. ; Anglic^,  Calamine. 

Calamina  Praeparata,  U S.,  Land.,  Ed. 

Ceratum  Calaminae,  U.  S.,  Land.,  Ed.;  Anglice,  Turner' s cate. 
Zinci  Sulphas,  U.  S.,  Loud.,  Ed.,  Dub. 

Liquor  Aluminis  Compositus,  Lond. 

Zinci  Valerianas,  Dub. 


ZINGIBER.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub. 


Ginger. 


The  rhizoma  of  Zingiber  officinale.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub. 

Gingembre,  Fr.;  Ingwer,  Germ.;  Zenzero,  dial.;  Gengibre,  Span. 

Zingiber.  Sex.  Syst.  Monandria  Monogynia. — Nat.  Ord.  Scitamine,  R- 
Brown;  Zingiberaceae,  Lindley. 

Gen.Ch.  Flowers  spathaceous.  Inner  limb  of  the  corolla  with  one  lipabi- 
ther  double,  with  a simple  recurved  horn  at  the  end.  Germen  inferior,  ityk 
enclosed  in  the  furrow  formed  by  the  anther.  Loudon's  Eicyc.  of  Plan. 

Zingiber  officinale.  Poscoe,  Trans.  Linn.  Soc.  viii.  348;  Carson,  Hit.  of 
Med.  Dot.  ii.  55,  pi.  98.  — Amomum  Zingiber.  Willd.  Sp.  Plant,  i.  6;  Todv. 
Med.  Bot.  p.  731,  t.  250.  The  ginger  plant  has  a biennial  or  perennial,  creting, 
tuberous  root  or  rhizoma,  and  an  annual  stem,  which  rises  two  or  three  et  m 
height,  is  solid,  round,  erect,  and  enclosed  in  an  imbricated  membranous  scath- 
ing. The  leaves  are  lanceolate,  acute,  smooth,  five  or  six  inches  long  by  bout 
an  inch  in  breadth,  and  stand  alternately  on  the  sheaths  of  the  stem.  The 
flower-stalk  rises  by  the  side  of  the  stem  from  six  inches  to  a foot  high,  ai  The 
it  is  clothed  with  oval,  acuminate  sheaths;  but  it  is  without  leaves,  and  terrnates 
in  an  oval,  obtuse,  bracteal,  imbricated  spike.  The  flowers  are  of  a dingy  Low 
colour,  and  appear  two  or  three  at  a time  between  the  bracteal  scales. 

The  plant  is  a native  of  Ilindostan,  and  is  cultivated  in  all  parts  of  Inc  . It 
is  also  cultivated  in  the  West  Indies,  whither  it  was  transplanted  from  thEa.-t. 
and  at  Sierra  Leone  in  Africa.  The  flowers  have  an  aromatic  smell,  al  the 
stems,  when  bruised,  are  slightly  fragrant ; but  the  root  is  the  portion  icvbKti 
the  virtues  of  the  plant  reside.  This  is  fit  to  be  dug  up  when  a year  ol 
the  West  Indies,  the  ginger  crop  is  gathered  in  January  and  February,  aer  me 
stems  have  withered.  After  having  been  properly  cleansed,  the  root  is  Laea 


PAP  I. 


Zingiber. 


763 


in  tiling  water,  in  order  to  prevent  germination,  and  is  then  rapidly  dried. 
Thu  prepared,  it  constitutes  the  ordinary  ginger  of  commerce,  or  black  ginger 
as  its  sometimes  called  from  the  darkish  colour  which  it  acquires  in  the  process. 
It  i imported  into  this  country  chiefly  from  Calcutta,  and  is  known  to  the 
drufists  by  the  name  of  East  India  ginger ; but  recently  considerable  quanti- 
ties ive  been  brought  from  Africa,  and  some  probably  reaches  us  from  the  West 
Indi.  In  Jamaica  another  variety  is  prepared  by  selecting  the  best  roots, 
depring  them  of  their  epidermis,  and  drying  them  separately  and  carefully  in 
the  n.  This  is  called  in  the  books  white  ginger , and  is  most  highly  valued. 
It  rohes  us  from  England,  where  it  is  said  to  undergo  some  further  prepara- 
tion.>y  which  its  appearance  is  improved.  It  is  usually  called  in  our  markets 
Jamica  ginger.  The  root  is  also  at  present  imported  from  the  East  Indies 
depred  of  the  epidermis.  Considerable  quantities  are  brought  immediately 
fromhe  West  Indies  in  a recent  state,  and  sold  by  the  confectioners.  A pre- 
serve s made  from  ginger  by  selecting  the  roots  while  young  and  tender,  de- 
prive them  of  their  cortical  covering,  and  boiling  them  in  syrup.  This  is 
occaunally  imported  from  the  East  and  West  Indies.  When  good  it  is  trans- 
luce]  and  tender. 

T1  recent  root  is  from  one  to  four  inches  long,  somewhat  flattened  on  its  upper 
and  der  surface,  knotty,  obtusely  and  irregularly  branched  or  lobed,  externally 
of  a rht-ash  colour  with  circular  rugae,  internally  fleshy  and  yellowish-white. 
It  soetimes  germinates  when  kept  in  the  shops. 

T1  common  or  black  ginger  is  of  the  same  general  shape,  but  has  a dark  ash- 
colot  :d  wrinkled  epidermis,  which,  being  removed  in  some  places,  exhibits 
patch  of  an  almost  black  colour,  apparently  the  result  of  exposure.  Beneath 
tliec  dermis  is  a brownish,  resinous,  almost  horny  cortical  portion.  The  inte- 
rior penchyma  is  whitish  and  somewhat  farinaceous.  The  powder  is  of  a light 
yello  sk-brown  colour.  This  variety  is  most  extensively  used  throughout  the 

COUD  r. 

T1  Jamaica  or  white  ginger  differs  in  being  entirely  deprived  of  epidermis, 
and  i ite,  or  yellowish-white  on  the  outside.  The  pieces  are  rounder  and  thin- 
ner, consequence  of  the  loss  of  substance  in  their  preparation.  They  afford 
when  alverized  a beautiful  yellowish-white  powder,  which  is  brought  from  Liver- 
pool jars.  This  variety  is  firm  and  resinous,  and  has  more  of  the  sensible 
quali  s of  ginger  than  the  black.  The  uncoated  ginger  of  the  East  Indies 
resen  es  the  Jamaica,  but  is  darker.  There  is  reason  to  believe  that  a portion 
at  leal  of  the  white  ginger  of  commerce  has  been  subjected  to  a bleaching  pro- 
cess, which  not  only  the  exterior,  but  also  the  internal  parts  are  rendered 
whitejhhan  in  the  unprepared  root.  Trommsdorff  found  in  a specimen  which 
he  expined,  evidences  of  the  presence  of  chlorides,  sulphates,  and  lime ; and 
couched  that  the  bleaching  was  effected  by  chlorine,  or  by  chloride  of  lime 
and  sbhuric  acid.  Having  macerated  some  black  ginger  in  water,  deprived  it 
of  the  artical  portion,  treated  it  for  twenty-four  hours  with  sulphuric  acid  diluted 
with  ie  times  its  weight  of  water,  and  finally  placed  it  in  a mixture  of  chloride 
of  liri  and  water,  in  which  it  was  allowed  to  remain  for  two  days,  he  found  it, 
upon  ing  washed  and  dried,  to  present  an  appearance  closely  resembling  that 
of  th>  finest  white  ginger,  both  on  the  surface  and  internally.  ( Annul . der 
Phan,  xvii.  98.)  According  to  Brande,  ginger  is  often  washed  in  whiting 
and  wjer;  and  Pereira  states  that  it  is  sometimes  bleached  by  exposure  to  the 
fumes.!  burning  sulphur. 

Ge  al  Properties.  The  odour  of  ginger  is  aromatic  and  penetrating,  the 
taste  cy,  pungent,  hot,  and  biting.  These  properties  gradually  diminish,  and 
ore  ul  uately  lost  by  exposure.  The  virtues  of  ginger  are  extracted  by  water 
and  a.  hoi.  Its  constituents,  according  to  M.  Morin,  are  a volatile  oil;  a resin- 


764 


Zingiber. 


PAB  I, 


ous  matter,  soft,  acrid,  aromatic,  and  soluble  in  ether  and  alcohol;  a sub-] in 
insoluble  in  ether;  a little  osmazome;  gum;  starch;  a vegeto-animal  ma  r 
sulphur;  acetic  acid;  acetate  of  potassa;  and  lignin.  The  peculiar  flavor  of 
the  root  appears  to  depend  on  the  volatile  oil,  its  pungency  partly  on  the  resi  us 
or  resino-extractive  principle.  A considerable  quantity  of  very  pure  white  si  ch 
may  be  obtained  from  it.  The  volatile  oil,  examined  by  A.  Papousek,  was  el- 
low,  of  the  odour  of  ginger,  and  of  a hot  aromatic  taste.  Its  sp.  gr.  was  0 i3 
and  boiling  point  475°  F.  Deprived  of  water  by  distillation  with  anhyous 
phosphoric  acid,  it  consisted  of  carbon  and  hydrogen,  with  the  formula  C10Hfnd 
therefore  belongs  to  the  camphene  series.  (See  C'liem.  Gaz.,  Jan.  1, 1853,  p.  2.) 

Those  pieces  of  ginger  which  are  very  fibrous,  light  and  friable,  or  worm-em, 
should  be  rejected. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Ginger  is  a grateful  stimulant  and  carmimve, 
and  is  often  given  in  dyspepsia,  flatulent  colic,  and  the  feeble  state  of  tbili- 
mentary  canal  attendant  upon  atonic  gout.  It  is  an  excellent  addition  to  iter 
infusions  and  tonic  powders,  imparting  to  them  an  agreeable,  warming,  ancor- 
dial  operation  upon  the  stomach.  When  chewed  it  produces  much  irritati  of 
the  mouth,  and  a copious  flow  of  saliva;  and  when  snuffed  up  the  nostrils n a 
state  of  powder,  excites  violent  sneezing.  It  is  sometimes  used  as  a loc  re- 
medy in  relaxation  of  the  uvula,  and  paralysis  of  the  tongue  and  fauces.  Ex- 
ternally applied  it  acts  as  a rubefacient.  It  may  be  given  in  powder  or  infi  on. 
The  dose  of  the  former  is  from  ten  grains  to  a scruple  or  more.  The  inf.iou 
may  be  prepared  by  adding  half  au  ounce  of  the  powder  or  bruised  root  to  )int 
of  boiling  water,  and  may  be  given  in  the  dose  of  one  or  two  fluidounces. 

Off.  Prep.  Acidum  Sulphuricum  Aromaticum;  Confectio  Opii;  Conctio 
Scammonii;  Infusum  Sennas ; Infusum  Zingiberis  ; Pilula  Cambogiae Compita; 
Piluhe  Sc-illae  Composite;  Pulvis  Aromatic-us;  Pulvis  Cinnamomi  Comporus; 
Pulvis  Jalapae  Comp.;  Pulvis  Rhei  Comp.;  Pulvis  Scammonii  Comp.;  Sy.pus 
Rhamni;  Syrupus  Zingiberis;  Tinctura  Cinnamomi  Composita;  Tinct. Ihei 
Comp.;  Tinct.  Zingiberis;  Yinum  Aloes.  (. 


PAET  II. 


PREPARATIONS. 

Te  preparation  of  medicines,  which  constitutes  the  art  of  Pharmacy,  comes 
with  the  peculiar  province  of  the  apothecary.  It  is  for  his  guidance  that  the 
vari'is  formulae  of  the  Pharmacopoeia  have  been  arranged,  and  to  him  that 
thei directions  are  especially  addressed.* 

iew  general  observations,  therefore,  of  an  explanatory  nature,  calculated  to 
faci  ate  the  progress  of  the  pharmaceutical  student,  will  not  be  misplaced  under 
the  resent  head.  The  duty  of  the  apothecary  is  to  obtain  a supply  of  good 
mecines,  to  preserve  them  with  care,  to  prepare  them  properly  for  use,  and  to 
dispise  them.  Our  remarks  will  embrace  each  of  these  points. 

I substances  obtained  from  the  mineral  and  animal  kingdoms,  and  those 
funked  by  the  chemical  manufacturer,  are  of  a nature  to  admit  of  no  general 
preots  as  to  their  proper  condition,  which  would  not  be  suggested  by  the  com- 
moi  ense  of  the  purchaser.  He  must  receive  them  as  offered,  and  judge  of 
thei  fitness  for  his  purposes  by  his  knowledge  of  the  peculiar  properties  of  each. 
Theame  remark  applies  to  vegetable  substances  from  abroad ; but  with  respect 
to  iligenous  plants,  the  apothecary  is  frequently  called  upon  to  exercise  his 
judjient  in  relation  to  their  collection  and  desiccation,  and  will  derive  advantage 
fronome  brief  practical  rules  upon  the  subject. 

C jLECting  and  Drying  of  Plants.  The  proper  mode  of  proceeding  varies 
acccling  to  the  nature  of  the  part  used.  The  different  parts  of  plants  are  to 
be ; bered  at  the  period  when  the  peculiar  juices  of  the  plant  are  most  abund- 
ant i them.  In  the  roots  of  annual  plants  this  happens  just  before  the  time 
of  firering;  in  the  roots  of  biennials,  after  the  vegetation  of  the  first  year  has 
ceas . ; and  in  those  of  perennials,  in  the  spring  before  vegetation  has  corn- 
met  d.  They  should  be  washed,  and  the  small  fibres,  unless  they  are  the  part 
emf  yed,  should  be  separated  from  the  fleshy  solid  part,  which  is  to  be  cut  in 
slici  previously  to  being  dried.  Bulbs  are  to  be  gathered  after  the  new  bulb 
is  p fected,  and  before  it  has  begun  to  vegetate,  which  is  at  the  time  the  leaves 
dec;  Barks  whether  of  the  root,  trunk,  or  branches,  should  be  gathered  in 
the  tumn  or  early  in  the  spring.  The  dead  epidermis,  and  the  decayed  parts 
are  be  separated.  Of  some  trees,  as  the  slippery  elm,  it  is  the  inner  bark  only 
thal  5 preserved.  Leaves  are  to  be  gathered  after  their  full  development,  before 

* iese  preliminary  observations  to  the  second  part  of  the  work  were  originally  pre- 
pan; by  Mr.  Daniel  B.  Smith,  President  of  the  Philadelphia  College  of  Pharmacy.  They 
havi  ;om  time  to  time  been  somewhat  modified  since  their  first  appearance ; but  never 
to  tl;  same  extent  as  in  the  present  edition.  The  alterations  now  made  are  such  as  the 
nap  ements  in  Pharmacy  have  suggested,  and  were  deemed  necessary  to  render  the  work 
>i  pt  er  exponent  of  the  present  state  of  knowledge  upon  the  subject.  The  authors  are 
hop  to  acknowledge  their  obligations,  in  the  revision  of  this  introduction,  to  Professor 
hill  n Procter,  of  the  Philadelphia  College  of  Pharmacy. — Note  to  the  ninth  edition. 


766 


Collecting  and  Drying  of  Plants. 


PAH  I. 


the  fading  of  the  flower.  The  leaves  of  biennial  plants  do  not  attain  their  >r- 
feet  qualities  until  the  second  year.  Flowers  should  in  general  be  gathere  at 
the  time  of  their  expansion,  before  or  immediately  after  they  have  fully  oped' 
and  some,  as  the  Rosa  Gallica,  while  in  the  hud.  Aromatic  herbs  are ’be 
gathered  when  in  flower.  Leaves,  flowers,  and  herbs  are  to  be  gathered  in  >ar 
dry  weather,  in  the  morning,  after  the  dew  is  exhaled.  Stalks  and  twign re 
collected  in  autumn;  seeds  at  the  period  of  their  full  maturity. 

Vegetables  should  be  dried  as  rapidly  as  is  consistent  with  their  perfect  re- 
servation. Those  collected  in  the  warm  months  and  during  dry  weather,  iv, 
except  in  a few  instances,  be  dried  by  spontaneous  evaporation  in  a well-v  ti- 
lated  apartment;  and  some,  as  roots  and  barks,  may  be  exposed  to  the  dect 
rays  of  the  sun.  In  spring  and  autumn,  and  especially  in  damp  foggy,  or  iny 
weather,  the  drying  room  should  be  artificially  heated,  and  furnished  with  er- 
tures  near  the  top  for  the  escape  of  the  moist  warm  air,  and  others  benea  in 
the  direction  of  the  prevailing  wind  so  as  to  command  a current  of  air.  he 
arrangements  for  supplying  heat,  which  may  consist  of  a small  stove,  or  a am 
connected  with  a stove  in  another  apartment,  should  be  capable  of  regulatk  so 
that  the  temperature  may  range  between  70°  and  100°  Fahr.  at  will.  Theib- 
stances  to  be  dried  should  be  supported  on  wicker  or  tinned  wire  hurdles,  arraied 
horizontally  above  each  other,  so  that  the  ascending  and  lateral  currents  oair 
may  pass  over  and  through  every  part.  Fibrous  roots  may  be  dried  in  them, 
or  at  a heat  of  from  65°  to  80°  in  the  drying  room.  Fleshy  roots  should  b :ut 
in  transverse  slices  not  exceeding  half  an  inch  in  length,  and,  during  the  drug 
process,  should  be  stirred  several  times  to  prevent  moulding ; the  heat  bei.  at 
first  maintained  at  about  100°.  Bulbs  must  have  the  outer  membranes  pled 
off : in  other  respects  they  are  to  be  treated  like  fleshy  roots.  Barks,  wds, 
and  twigs  readily  dry  in  thin  layers  in  the  open  air.  Leaves,  after  separion 
from  the  stalks,  should  be  loosely  strewed  over  the  hurdles,  and  their  posion 
changed  twice  a day  till  they  become  dry.  When  very  succulent  they  retire 
more  care,  in  order  to  prevent  discoloration.  For  dry  and  thin  leaves  the  eat 
need  not  exceed  70°;  for  the  succulent,  it  may  be  gradually  raised  to  100°.  4»- 
nual  plants,  and  tops,  if  not  too  juicy,  may  he  tied  loosely  in  small  bundleand 
strung  on  lines  stretched  across  the  drying  room.  Flowers  must  be  driedire- 
fully  and  rapidly  so  as  to  preserve  their  colour.  They  should  be  spread  loely 
on  the  hurdles  and  turned  several  times  by  stirring.  When  flowers  or  Ives 
owe  their  virtues  to  volatile  oils,  greater  care  is  necessary.  Succulent  frw,  as 
berries,  may  be  dried  when  in  bunches  by  suspending  them  in  the  drying  om. 

The  following  table,  taken  from  the  Edinburgh  Dispensatory,  present  the 
amounts  yielded  by  1000  parts  of  the  vegetables  respectively  mentioned, fter 
being  dried. 


Roots  of  Angelica  Archangelica 
Aspidium  Filix  Mas 
Inula  Helenium  . 
Valeriana  sylvestris 
Bark  of  the  Oak 

Elder  . 

Elm 

Twigs  of  Solanum  Dulcamara 
Leaves  of  Atropa  Belladonna 
Conium  maculatum 
Datura  Stramonium 


268  Leaves  of  Digitalis  purpurea 
500  Hyoscyamus  niger 

187  Melissa  officinalis 

816  Salvia  officinalis 

410  Tops  of  Mentha  piperita  . 
292  Flowers  of  Anthemis  nobilis 
375  Borago  officinalis 

308  Lavandula  vera 

140  Sambucus  Ebulus 

185  Petals  of  Papavar  Rhoeas 
110  Rosa  rubra 


135 

220 

220 

215 

338 

96 

510 

256 

84 

330 


Preservation  of  Medicines.  The  proper  preservation  of  medicines?  an 
object  of  the  greatest  importance  to  the  apothecary.  The  apartment  destinl  tor 


PA]' II.  Preservation  of  Medicines.— Weights  and  Measures.  767 

a s re  room  should  be  quite  dry,  and  capable  of  being  ventilated  at  will,  and 
proved  from  vermin.  As  a general  rule  drugs  should  be  excluded  from  the 
ligl  and  not  packed  away  until  thoroughly  dry.  New  parcels  should  not  be 
puti  old  receptacles  until  these  have  been  examined,  and  freed  from  dust  and 
insets.  Barrels  and  boxes  well  fitted  with  movable  covers,  are  suitable  for  most 
rooi  barks,  and  woods,  and  for  some  herbs,  leaves,  and  seeds.  They  should  be 
paind  externally,  and  are  less  liable  to  harbor  insects  when  varnished  inside 
wit  a solution  of  shellac,  imbued  with  aloes,  wormwood,  or  colocynth.  Roots 
and  ulbs,  which  are  to  be  preserved  fresh,  should  be  buried  in  dry  sand.  Aro- 
ma i haves  and  those  containing  alkaloids,  flowers,  most  seeds,  and  some  roots, 
esp<  ally  liable  to  the  attacks  of  insects,  should  be  kept  in  tin  canisters  or  in 
lighboxes  lined  with  lead,  tin,  or  zinc,  or  in  opaque  glass,  or  earthenware  ves- 
sels They  should  be  frequently  examined  in  order  to  prevent  deterioration  from 
inses  or  moisture.  When  insects  are  discovered  in  a drug,  the  best  means  of 
desnying  them,  according  to  Lutrand,  is  to  suspend  an  open  vial  containing 
chloform  in  the  canister,  which  is  to  be  closed  securely,  so  that  the  atmosphere 
of  ti  vessel  may  become  saturated  with  the  vapour.  Cantharides  and  ergot  may 
be  tis  treated.  Bundles  of  aromatic  herbs,  the  leaves  of  which  are  very  friable, 
as  s;e,  marjoram,  &c.,  should  be  wrapped  loosely  in  refuse  paper,  so  as  to  pre- 
sen  a due  proportion  between  stems,  leaves,  and  flowers.  Gum-resins,  unless 
in  cginal  packages,  should  be  kept  in  earthen  jars  or  tinned  boxes.  Fixed  and 
wide  oils  should  be  kept  in  canisters  or  bottles,  in  a cool  dark  place,  where 
the  mrage  temperature  is  about  60°.  Substances  in  the  form  of  fecula  should 
be  Ipt  in  oak  barrels,  or  in  canisters,  and  carefully  examined  from  time  to  time 
to  eject  and  remove  insects. 

( rbling  or  Drugs.  Drugs  frequently  require  to  be  garbled  before  they  are 
in  a roper  state  for  use.  Senna  is  to  be  separated  from  the  stalks  and  legumes; 
cetr  ia  from  moss,  leaves,  and  sticks;  myrrh  from  bdellium,  &c. ; gum  Senegal 
froiBassora  gum  and  a terebinthinate  resin;  flaxseed  from  clover  and  garlic 
seer  seneka  from  ginseng;  spigelia  from  the  stems  and  leaves,  and  both  it  and 
ser^iana  from  adhering  dirt.  Seroons  of  cinchona  should  be  examined,  and 
the  irks  assorted  before  they  are  put  by  for  use.  Gums  and  gum-resins  should 
be  i -bled,  and  the  tears  preserved  separately. 

I :ights  and  Measures.  A precise  acquaintance  with  the  recognised  mea- 
sun  of  weight  and  capacity  is  essential  to  the  operations  of  the  apothecary.  The 
wei:  ts  used  by  him  in  compounding  medicines  are  the  troy  pound  and  its  divi- 
sion those  by  which  he  buys  and  sells,  the  avoirdupois  pound  and  its  divisions. 
Thnrmer  contains  5760  grains,  the  latter  7000  grains;  so  that  11  troy  pounds 
are  arly  equivalent  to  9 pounds  avoirdupois.  The  troy  pound  contains  12  ounces 
of  4)  grains;  the  avoirdupois  pound  16  ounces  of  437v  grains;  eleven  of  the 
form  being  nearly  equal  to  twelve  of  the  latter.  The  troy  ounce  is  divided,  for 
the  le  of  the  apothecary,  into  8 drachms  of  60  grains  each;  and  the  drachm  into 
o sc  pies  of  20  grains  each.  The  United  States  and  British  Pharmacopoeias, 
that  f the  Dublin  College  excepted,  recognise  the  troy  weights;  and  whenever, 
|n  1 5 work,  any  term  is  used  expressive  of  weight,  when  not  otherwise  stated, 
it  >s  o be  understood  as  being  of  this  denomination.  The  Dublin  Pharmacopoeia 
°f  t)0  recognises  the  avoirdupois  pound  and  ounce;  dividing  the  ounce  into  8 
chai  ns  of  54'68  grains  each;  and  the  drachm  into  3 scruples  of  18 '22  grains  each. 

I I measures  used  by  the  apothecary,  in  this  country,  are  the  wine  pint  and 
the  lion.  The  wine  pint  contains  28'875  cubic  inches.  The  weight  of  a pint 
of  dilled  water,  at  62°  Fahrenheit  and  30  inches  of  the  barometer,  is  7289'7 
8rai , or  1 pound  3 ounces  1 drachm  29'7  grains  troy,  or  1 pound  289'7  grains 
avo1  upois.  The  gallon  is  divided  into  8 pints,  the  pint  into  16  fluidounces,  the 
uuiiunce  into  8 fluidrachms,  and  the  fluidrachm  into  60  minims.  The  weight  of  a 


768  Weights  and  Measures. — Specific  Gravity.  PAR’ i. 

fluidounce  of  water  is  455 i grains,  being  18  grains  more  than  an  avoirduig 
ounce.  A drop  is  generally  though  incorrectly  considered  as  equivalent  a 
minim.  Drops  vary  in  size  according  to  the  nature  of  the  fluid,  and  the  sizfad 
shape  of  the  lip  from  which  they  fall.  A drop  of  water  nearly  equals  amim. 
A fluidrachm  of  antimonial  wine  will  make,  on  an  average,  about  72  drops  ne 
of  laudanum  120  drops,  one  of  alcohol  138  drops,  one  of  ether  150  drops  nd 
one  of  chloroform  more  than  200  drops.  For  a table  showing  the  relative  ’ue 
of  minims  and  drops,  see  the  Appendix.  The  measures  recognised  by  al  he 
British  Pharmacopoeias  are  the  Imperial  gallon  of  70,000  grains  of  distilled ' ter 
or  277  cubic  inches,  and  its  divisions.  The  gallon  is  divided  into  8 pints  (20 
fluidounces  each.  The  fluidounce  is  divided  as  that  of  wine  measure,  but  d ers 
from  it  in  value,  containing  precisely  an  ounce  avoirdupois  or  437 '5  grai  of 
distilled  water.  Measures  are  employed,  both  in  the  United  States  and  Biish 
Pharmacopoeias,  to  express  the  quantity  of  liquids  in  nearly  all  their  forn  *. 

Liquids  are  to  be  dispensed  from  graduated  measures,  of  which  those  ho  .n» 
from  a fluidounce  to  a pint  are  hollow  inverted  cones;  and  those  holding  aui- 
drachm,  and  graduated  to  every  five  minims,  are  cylindrical.  For  smaller  tan- 
tities  than  five  minims,  a slender  tube  holding  a fluidrachm  may  be  used,  hang 
the  aliquot  parts  divided  off,  and  marked  with  a diamond.  Alsop’s  mininer, 
which  consists  of  a slender  glass  syringe  graduated  into  sixty  parts,  each  ual 
to  a minim,  is  the  most  convenient  and  accurate  instrument  for  measuring-ac- 
tions of  a fluidrachm.  Care  should  be  taken  to  verify  these  instruments,  he 
following  approximate  measures  are  used  in  prescribing  medicines;  viz., a ne- 
glassful  containing  two  fluidounces,  a tablespoonful  containing  half  a fluidoice, 
a dessertspoonful  two  fluidrachms,  and  a teaspoonful  a fluidrachm. 

Specific  Gravity.  The  specific  gravity  of  liquids  affords  one  of  theiest 
tests  of  their  purity.  The  instrument  commonly  used  by  the  apothecai  for 
ascertaining  this  is  Baume’s  hydrometer . This  is  a glass  bulb  loaded  at  emend, 
and  drawn  out  at  the  other  into  a tube  on  which  the  scale  is  marked,  hat 
used  for  alcohol  is  graduated  by  loading  it  until  it  sinks  to  the  foot  of  theeem 
(which  is  marked  zero)  in  a solution  of  one  part  of  common  salt  in  nine  pas  of 
water.  It  is  then  put  into  water,  and  the  place  to  which  it  sinks  marked  1 0 of 
the  scale,  which  is  constructed  from  these  data.  The  hydrometer  for  liiids 
heavier  than  water  is  made  by  loading  it,  so  that  in  distilled  water  it  shal dnk 
nearly  to  the  top  of  the  stem.  The  place  to  which  it  sinks  in  a solution  15 
parts  of  salt  in  85  parts  of  water  is  then  marked  15°,  and  the  scale  divid<  off. 
For  a table  exhibiting  the  value  of  these  scales  in  specific  gravities,  sc  the 
Appendix.  Hydrometers  are  made  specially  for  syrups,  acids,  and  salineolu- 
tions.  Those  for  syrups  should  have  a very  short  tube,  graduated  from  1°  to 
40°  of  Baume’s  scale  for  heavy  liquids.  The  advantage  of  a short  stemkthat 
the  instrument  may  be  used  in  small  vessels.* 

The  hydrometers  commonly  imported  are  so  carelessly  made  that  scarce  any 
two  will  agree,  and  little  dependence  is  to  be  placed  on  their  accuracy.  Atoore 
certain  method  consists  in  weighing  the  liquid  at  a uniform  temperatui  in  a 
bottle,  the  capacity  of  which,  in  grains  of  distilled  water,  has  been  prevusly 
ascertained.  If  a bottle  is  selected  which  will  hold  exactly  1000  grains  of  ater 
at  00°,  the  weight  in  grains  of  the  quantity  of  any  liquid  which  it  will  hoi  will 
be  the  specific  gravity  of  that  liquid.  Such  bottles  are  sold  in  the  shop  h 

* For  some  very  interesting  observations  in  reference  to  tbe  inaccuracy  of  tbeasOng 
tables  of  specific  gravities  corresponding  to  the  several  degrees  of  Baume’s  hydri<te1' 
to  the  uncertainty  of  the  hydrometer  in  use,  and  to  a mode  of  remedying  these11’  ,n‘ 
veniences,  the  reader  is  referred  to  a paper  by  Mr.  Henry  Pemberton  in  the  Aw-P1' 
of  Pharm.  (xxiv.  i.) ; and  for  a good  and  accurate  method  of  graduating  hydromers  .0 
a communication  from  Dr.  W.  H.  Pile,  in  the  same  Journal  (xxiv.  310). 


PAI  II. 


Mechanical  Division. 


769 


one;  not  attainable,  an  ordinary  vial  may  be  used,  and  the  specific  gravity  ob- 
tainl  by  dividing  the  weight  of  the  liquid  examined  by  the  weight  of  the  water. 
Tbeiperation  is  rendered  more  accurate  by  fitting  a smooth  cork  to  the  vial, 
passg  a pin  transversely  through  it  so  as  to  rest  on  the  lips  of  the  vial,  and 
theiiutting  a small  vertical  groove  into  the  side  of  the  cork  so  as  to  admit  of 
the  cape  of  the  excess  of  liquid,  when  the  cork  is  inserted. 

Gy  Lussac’s  centesimal  alcoholmeter  is  a very  useful  instrument,  being  gra- 
dua  1 so  as  to  indicate  the  per  centage  of  absolute  alcohol  in  any  mixture  of 
pun  spirit  and  water. 

I;  specific  gravity  of  a solid  is  ascertained  by  first  weighing  it  in  air  and 
ther  n water,  and  dividing  the  former  weight  by  the  difference  between  the  two. 
If  1 liter  than  water,  it  should  first  be  weighed  in  the  air,  then  in  air  and  in 
watt  in  connexion  with  a heavier  body,  which  has  itself  been  previously  weighed 
in  a and  in  water;  and  the  weight  of  the  lighter  body  in  the  air,  should  be 
divi  d by  the  excess  of  the  difference  between  the  weights  in  air  and  water  of 
the  io  conjoined,  over  that  of  the  weights  in  air  and  water  of  the  heavier  body 
aloe  If  the  body  be  soluble  in  water,  its  relative  weight  to  that  of  some  other 
liqu  of  known  specific  gravity  should  be  ascertained,  in  the  manner  above 
dire  3d,  and  this  weight  multiplied  by  the  specific  gravity  of  that  liquid. 

T)  specific  gravity  of  insoluble  powders  heavier  than  water,  as  calomel,  may 
be  earned  by  introducing  100  grains  into  a thousand  grain  bottle,  filling  it 
carelly  with  distilled  water,  so  as  to  disengage  all  the  air,  ascertaining  the 
weijt  of  the  contents  in  grains,  subtracting  the  number  of  grains  exceeding 
100  from  the  weight  of  the  powder  in  air,  and  dividing  the  latter  by  the  differ- 
ence When  the  powder  is  soluble  or  lighter  than  water,  another  liquid,  as 
alco  1,  ether,  or  oil  of  turpentine  maybe  used,  the  necessary  allowance  being 
mad.’or  the  difference  in  specific  gravity.  Very  accurate  thousand  grain  bottles 
are  w made  in  Philadelphia. 

J5 3HANICAL  Division.  One  of  the  simplest  methods  of  preparing  medicines 
is  tl'r  reduction,  by  mechanical  means,  to  a state  of  minute  division.  This  is 
effec  d by  the  operations  of  slicing,  bruising,  rasping,  filing,  triturating,  grind- 
ing, fting,  levigation,  and  elutriation.  When  the  result  is  a fine  powder,  the 
proc.;3  or  processes  employed  are  called  pulverization. 

T more  important  drugs  which  are  sold  in  the  state  of  powder  are  pulverized 
byp  sons  who  pursue  that  occupation  for  a livelihood.  Owing  to  the  readiness 
with  hich  fraud  can  be  perpetrated  in  this  operation,  the  apothecary  cannot  be 
too  I eful  to  place  his  drugs  in  honest  hands.  In  sending  drugs  to  the  pow- 
dere  i certain  per  centage  of  powder  is  sometimes  required,  without  regard  to 
the  edition  of  the  drugs,  as  to  moisture,  extraneous  admixture,  &c.,  which  per 
cent,  e often  cannot  be  obtained  without  the  addition  of  foreign  matter.  This 
procure  on  the  part  of  the  druggist  is  one  of  the  chief  sources  of  dishonesty 
io  tl  powderer,  and  is  highly  reprehensible.  The  loss  of  weight  during  the 
proc  ;es  of  pulverization  is  due  to  the  evaporation  of  moisture,  the  unavoidable 
esca;  of  dusty  particles,  and  the  useless  residue  called  gruffs.  The  following 
state  ent  has  been  abbreviated  from  a table  prepared  by  MM.  Henry  and 
Guil  art.  One  thousand  parts  of  the  substances  mentioned  yielded,  when  pul- 
verisl — 


Roots. 

Jalaj  . 
ltliul  b 
Coluij  o 
Liqu  ce  root 
Vale,  u 

Elecapane  . 
Gent  i . 

49 


Florentine  orris 

850 

Cinchona,  red 

880 

940 

Rhatany 

850 

, yellow 

900 

920 

Calamus 

840 

Cinnamon 

890 

900 

Virginia  snake  root 

800 

Angustura 

825 

900 

Ipecacuanha  . 

750 

Leaves. 

860 

Squill  (bulb)  . 

820 

Hemlock 

800 

850 

Barks. 

Savine 

800 

850 

Cinchona,  pale 

875 

Digitalis 

790 

770 


Contus  ion. — Grinding. 


PAR'  2. 


Belladonna 

Senna 

Henbane 

Flowers. 
Chamomile 
Saffron  . 

Fruits. 

Mustard 
Black  pepper  . 


785 

720 

530 


850 

800 


950 

900 


Nux  vomica 
Colocynth 

Vegetable  Products. 

Aloes 

Tragacanth 
Opium  . 

Gum  Arabic  . 
Scammony 
Catechu  . 

Liquorice  (extract) 


850 

500 

960 

940 

930 

925 

915 

900 

810 


Animal  Substances. 
Castor  ...  >00 

Spanish  flies  . . 50 

Mineral  Substances. 
Red  oxide  of  mercury  <go 
Red  sulphuret  of  mer- 
cury . . . )50 

Arsenious  acid  . I), 50 

Sulphuret  of  antimony  )50 
Tin  ...  625 


The  apothecary  often  finds  it  necessary  to  pulverize  drugs  in  small  quant  es. 
For  this  purpose  he  should  be  provided  with  mortars  of  iron,  brass,  Wedgood 
ware,  glass,  and  marble,  sieves  of  several  degrees  of  fineness,  at  least  one  nd 
mill,  one  or  more  cutting  knives,  a rasp,  and  a pair  of  pruning  shears. 

Contusion  should  be  performed  in  an  iron  or  brass  mortar,  the  latter  1 ng 
used  for  astringent  substances.  The  curve  of  the  interior  surface  of  the  beam 
should  be  elliptical,  and  that  of  the  pestle  should  be  of  the  same  kind,  b of 
shorter  radius,  so  that  when  the  pestle  stands  vertically  in  the  mortar  theiinr- 
faces  may  approximate  pretty  closely  for  some  distance  around  the  poi  of 
actual  contact.  Powdering  by  contusion  is  much  facilitated  by  using  a rge 
mortar,  with  the  pestle  suspended  on  a spring  so  as  to  assist  in  elevating  it  In 
powdering  acrid  substances,  as  well  as  to  prevent  loss  in  those  that  are  dur,  a 
leathern  cover  should  be  attached  to  the  pestle,  and  held  tightly  aroumthe 
edge  of  the  mortar  by  a circular  wooden  frame.  The  operator  should  jard 
himself  against  the  fine  particles  of  very  acrid  substances,  like  canthanes, 
euphorbium,  &c.,  by  standing  with  his  back  to  a current  of  air,  and  coying 
his  nostrils  with  a wet  cloth.  He  should  be  careful  not  to  impede  the  press 
by  introducing  too  large  a quantity  of  tbe  material  so  as  to  clog  the  p tie. 
After  the  pestle  has  been  in  action  a certain  time,  the  fine  particles  accum.ate 
so  as  to  hinder  the  reduction  of  the  coarser.  At  this  point  the  sieve  sbou  be 
brought  into  requisition.  Sieves  for  powders  are  constructed  of  woven  ‘ass 
wire,  and  silk  cloth  (bolting  cloth).  The  best  arrangement  for  the  apotheefy  s 
use  is  that  known  as  the  box  or  drum  sieve,  being  cylindrical,  with  a 'ver 
above,  and  a receptacle  below  for  the  powder.  After  introducing  tbe  counts 
of  the  mortar,  a jerking  circular  motion  should  be  given  to  the  sieve,  wi  out 
much  jarring,  so  that  none  but  the  finest  particles  shall  pass.  The  coarsepor- 
tion  should  then  be  returned  to  the  mortar  to  be  again  acted  on.  A set  of  stple 
sieves,  formed  by  tacking  pieces  of  woven  wire,  with  meshes  varying  froi  tie 
twentieth  to  the  fourth  of  an  inch,  to  square  wooden  frames,  should  be  preded 
to  prepare  drugs  for  percolation  and  other  modes  of  solution.  When  tbe  tan- 
tity  of  material  to  be  sifted  is  large,  recourse  may  be  advantageously  hi  to 

Harris’s  patent  sieve,  which  b;  tbe 
merits  of  the  drum  sieve,  witbreat 
facility  of  use.  (See  Am.  Jou..  of 
Pharrn.,  xxv.  31.)  A figure  ctbis 
instrument  is  given  in  the  mara. 

Grinding.  The  hand  mill  ex- 
ceedingly useful  for  the  coarse  om- 
minution  of  drugs,  especially  ofoose 
which  from  their  acrimony  m;  an- 
noy the  operator  in  the  proco  of 
contusion.  Swift’s  drug  mil(see 
following  page),  is  one  of  tbenost 
useful  and  manageable  of  tbe  ind. 
It  does  not  answer  well  for  frous 


PAR  II. 


T71 


Trituration. — Levigation. — Elutriation. 

druo  like  slippery  elm  and  sarsa- 
parO,  unless  sliced  transversely  in 
shor  sections. 

T'uration  is  the  effect  produced 
whei  a circular  motion,  accompanied 
bypssure,  is  communicated  to  the 
pestl  and  is  applied  most  generally 
to  frjple  substances,  or  to  powders 
obta  ed  by  other  means  with  a view 
to  t|ir  further  and  more  regular 
cominution.  The  operation  is  ac- 
celered  by  alternately  increasing 
and  onnishing  the  circular  move- 
men'  so  as  to  bring  the  pestle  in 
contifc  with  all  portions  of  the  sur- 
face ' the  mortar.  Dover’s  powder 
and  d oxide  of  mercury  are  in- 
stand requiring  this  operation;  and 
in  p scriptions  for  powders,  where 
a va;ty  of  substances  of  variable 
moledar  condition  are  associated, 

this  ocess  is  employed  to  bring  them  to  a uniform  state  of  division. 

Legation,  or  porphyrization  as  it  was  formerly  called,  is  a kind  of  tritura- 
tion ected  between  the  flat  surfaces  of  a slab  and  muller.  As  the  surfaces  are 
equiltant  at  all  parts,  a substance  subjected  to  their  action  has  its  particles 
moruniformly  divided,  than  between  the  curved  surfaces  of  a mortar  and 
pestl  It  is  usual  to  moisten  the  powder  with  water  or  alcohol  (in  which  it 
shou  be  insoluble)  so  as  to  bring  it  to  a pasty  consistence.  The  slab  and 
mull  are  made  of  glass,  porphyry,  Wedgwood  ware,  or  marble. 

E t nation  bears  the  same  relation  to  trituration  and  levigation  that  sifting 
does ) contusion.  It  consists  in  agitating  a powder,  obtained  by  those  pro- 
cesse  in  a large  quantity  of  water,  allowing  the  coarser  particles  to  subside, 
and  uring  off  the  supernatant  liquid,  holding  the  finer  particles  in  suspension, 
that  ley  may  settle  separately.  The  pasty  thick  mass,  left  when  the  clear 
liqui  is  decanted,  is  put  into  a funnel,  and  dropped  in  small  portions  on  a chalk 
stone o as  to  form  small  conical  masses.  The  fineness  of  the  powder  depends 
on  it  specific  gravity,  and  the  length  of  time  which  elapses  before  the  liquid 
from  kich  it  subsides  is  drawn  off. 

V : ous  means  are  used  to  facilitate  the  operation  of  powdering.  All  vegetable 
subs;  ices  must  be  carefully  and  thoroughly  dried.  No  part  of  the  business  of  the 
powder  requires  more  care  than  this,  especially  in  relation  to  those  substances 
whic  owe  their  activity  to  volatile  principles.  The  heat  derived  from  steam,  regu- 
lated elow  100°  for  aromatic  substances,  and  below  140°  for  others  not  injured 
there) 7,  is  the  most  appropriate.  Resins,  gum-resins,  and  gums  must  be  pow- 
dereen  cold  frosty  weather.  Tragacanth  and  nux  vomica  must  be  dried  in  a 
stove  . eat,  and  powdered  while  hot.  The  fibrous  roots,  as  liquorice  and  marsh- 
mall  , should  be  previously  cut  into  thin  transverse  slices.  Agaric  is  to  be 
powered  by  heating  it  into  a paste  with  water,  then  drying,  and  triturating  it. 
Cloy  and  the  aromatic  seeds  may  be  ground  in  a hand  mill,  and  afterwards 
tritu  ed.  Squill  and  colocynth,  the  comminution  of  which  is  sometimes  aided 
kj  si  ring  them  in  mucilage  of  tragacanth  and  then  drying,  are  best  powdered 
m a fy  atmosphere,  after  being  thoroughly  dried  by  a stove  heat.  Camphor 
r®qu  s the  addition  of  a few  drops  of  alcohol.  The  efflorescent  salts  may  be  ob- 
tain<  in  the  state  of  fine  powder  by  exsiccation ; and  those  which  are  insoluble 


772 


Separation  of  Solids  from  Liquids. 


PAE II. 


in  alcohol  may  be  precipitated  by  it,  in  an  impalpable  powder,  from  their  ae- 
ous  solutions.  Vanilla,  mace,  and  other  oily  aromatic  substances,  may  be  med 
to  powder  with  sugar;  magnesia  and  white  lead,  by  friction  on  a wire  siev 

Care  should  be  taken,  in  powdering,  to  separate  previously  the  inert  ponDs 
and  impurities,  and  to  mix  intimately  the  whole  of  the  powder  which  is  res  red 
for  use.  The  central  woody  fibre  of  ipecacuanha  and  of  other  roots,  the  viaes 
of  which  reside  in  the  bark,  is  to  be  rejected.  The  first  portions  of  those  rks 
to  which  lichens,  and  the  dead  epidermis  adhere,  are  inert;  as  are  also  th  ust 
particles  of  the  fibrous  roots  and  barks. 

Ivory,  horn,  nux  vomica,  wood,  and  iron  are  prepared  for  pharmaceutic  ur- 
poses  by  filing  and  rasping;  guaiacum  wood  and  quassia  by  turning  in  a hie; 
roots,  stalks,  and  dried  herbaceous  plants  by  cutting  with  a large  pair  of  shrs. 
or  with  a large  knife,  fixed  in  a frame  at  one  end  and  furnished  with  ain? 
handle  at  the  other.  Tin  and  zinc  are  granulated  by  melting  them,  and  str  gly 
agitating  while  they  are  cooling,  and  carbonate  of  potassa  by  stirring  with  rod 
the  concentrated  solution  as  it  hardens.  Earthy  insoluble  substances  art  on- 
veniently  reduced  to  powder  by  levigation. 

Separation  of  Mixed  Substances.  Various  mechanical  operations  fc:his 
purpose  are  resorted  to  in  practical  pharmacy.  Some  of  these  have  referee  to 
the  separation  of  solids  from  liquids,  others  to  the  separation  of  one  liquid 'om 
another. 

Separation  of  Solids  from  Liquids.  This  includes  the  processes  of  denta- 
tion, filtration,  straining,  expression,  clarification,  &c. 

Decantation.  Solids  may  be  separated  from  liquids,  when  there  exis  no 
chemical  action  between  them,  by  being  allowed  to  subside.  The  supenant 
liquid  may  then  be  carefully  poured  off;  or  it  may?  be  drawn  off  by  a syphi,  or 
separated  by  filtering.  The  last  operation,  or  expression  by  a stronger  ton,  is 
necessary  to  separate  the  whole  of  the  liquid. 

Jars  larger  at  bottom  than  at  the  top,  and  furnished  with  a lip  for  porng, 
called  precipitating  jars , are  sold  in  the  shops,  and  are  proper  for  decantion, 
precipitation,  and  the  receiving  of  filtering  liquids.  When  the  decanted  [uid 
is  the  object  of  the  process,  and  the  powder  subsides  very  slowly,  the  precipition 
may  be  greatly  hastened  by  the  addition  of  a small  quantity  of  solution  of  ge tin. 
Decantation  by  pouring  is  facilitated  by  holding  vertically  against  the  lip  alass 
rod,  which  attracts  and  gives  a direction  to  the  current,  and  prevents  itrom 
running  down  the  sides  of  the  vessel.  The  syphon  is  a tube  bent  like  the  tier 
U having  one  limb  longer  than  the  other.  When  it  is  filled  with  liquicand 
the  shorter  end  is  inserted  in  the  fluid  to  be  decanted,  a current  is  estabhed 
towards  the  longer  limb  owing  to  the  greater  weight  of  its  contents,  whicbou- 
tinues  as  long  as  the  shorter  limb  is  kept  below  the  surface  of  the  liquid. 

Filtration  consists  in  pouring  a mixture  of  solid  and  fluid  matter  on  a poos 
surface,  called  a filter  or  strainer,  which  admits  of  the  passage  of  the  fluidniy, 
and  is  designed  either  to  clarify  the  liquid,  or  to  separate  the  solid  froi  the 
associated  liquid  by  washing  and  draining. 

Filters  or  strainers  are  made  of  unsized  paper,  cotton,  linen,  and  woollen  oth, 
charcoal,  glass,  and  sand.  The  apothecary  should  be  provided  with  several  inds 
of  filtering  paper,  one  of  which  should  be  white  and  free  from  matter  soluein 
dilute  acids,  especially  oxides  of  iron.  Paper  filters  are  plain  or  plaited.  The 
plain  filter  is  made  by  folding  a square  piece  of  paper  twice,  so  as  to  brie  the 
four  corners  together,  aud  then  separating  one  of  the  layers  from  theotherhree 
so  as  to  form  a hollow  cone,  wEich  is  inserted  in  a funnel.  Such  filters  ai best 
for  precipitates;  but  when  rapid  filtration  is  required,  the  plaited  filter,  b pre- 
senting  a much  greater  extent  of  surface,  and  numerous  channels  for  thedcect 


PAB  II. 


Filtration. 


773 


of  tl  liquid,  is  to  preferred.  The  paper  is  folded 
into. 2 triangular  surfaces,  all  the  points  meeting 
in  t;  centre,  and  the  edge  presenting  a zig-zag 
outl  e as  in  the  figure.  In  some  cases  it  may  be 
nect  ary  to  place  a small  cone  of  the  same  material 
outs' e of  the  large  one  to  strengthen  it.  When 
the  i uid  is  too  viscid  to  pass  readily  through  paper, 
a coon  or  woollen  bag  of  a conical  shape  may  be 
used  Cotton  flannel  with  a thick  nap  is  well  suited 
for  frups.  Acids  may  be  filtered  through  a layer 
of  £;  siliceous  sand,  supported  in  the  neck  of  a 
glasj’unnel  by  pieces  of  glass  gradually  decreasing  in  size.  Castor  oil,  syrups,  and 
oxyiils  may  be  readily  filtered  through  coarse  paper,  made  entirely  of  woollen 
shreq  but  the  best  material  for  fixed  oils  is  hatters’  felt,  in  the  conical  form  in 
whidiit  is  prepared  in  the  making  of  hats.  This  may  be  attached  to  a tin  ring,  and 
suspided  over  a suitable  vessel.  Melted  fats,  resins,  wax,  and  plasters  may  be 
strand  through  muslin  stretched  over  a 
squ?:  frame,  or  a hoop.  Hair  cloth  or 
wireauze  is  better  suited  for  plasters  than 
mush  Small  sieves  of  fine  bolting  cloth 
serv  for  straining  emulsions,  decoctions 
and  lfusions;  and  a temporary  strainer 
for  tpe  purposes  may  be  made  by  fasten- 
ing piece  of  muslin  between  the  upper 
and  wer  parts  of  a common  pill  box,  and 
then  utting  off  the  ends  so  as  to  leave  the 
rim  dy  of  the  box  around  the  muslin. 

The  itration  of  viscid  substances  is  facili- 
tate! y heat.  Filtration  through  bone  black 
is  piitised  for  muddy  or  dark  coloured  li- 
quid Much  inconvenience  is  often  expe- 
riem  1 in  the  filtration  of  hot  saturated  sa- 
line lutions,  by  the  cooling  of  the  liquid, 
andasequentcrystallization  of  the  salt,  in 
the  fer  and  neck  of  the  funnel.  To  obviate  this,  the  tin  apparatus  represented  in 
theahve  wood  cut  was  contrived  by  Professor  Hare.  The  vessel  is  filled  with  hot 
wate  which  is  kept 
at  a iling  heat  by 
lamp  placed 
the  cavity 
the  shape  of 
an  iigrted  funnel. 

A gl  3 funnel  with 
a filt  is  placed  in 
her  cavity, 

3 liquid  pass- 
es tl  ngh  rapidly. 

In  fil  ring  alcohol- 
ic so.  .ions,  it  is  ne- 
cess;  - to  protect 


aspi 

und( 

havi 


the 

and 


the  1 uid  from  the  flame  of  the  lamp,  and  for  this  purpose  the  partition  under- 
neat  aas  been  added.  No  apothecary  should  be  without  this  useful  apparatus. 

je  'angementof  Dr.  Hare  has  been  simplified  by  having  a funnel  with  double 
!>Kei  is  in  the  figure,  with  a hollow  cylindrical  projection  at  the  lower  part,  to 


774 


Expression. — Clarification. — Precipitation.  pap  ii. 


which  a spirit  lamp  heat  may  be  applied,  while  the  funnel  is  supported  on  a Lp 
stand;  the  space  between  the  sides  being  filled  with  water.  Frames  of  vabus 
sizes  for  holding  funnels  and  filters  will  be  found  very  useful;  the  wood  e re- 
presents the  one  commonly  used.  The  efflorescence  of  saline  solutions  o]  the 
edge  of  the  filtering  paper  may  be  prevented  by  dipping  it  in  melted  tallow  oi.rd. 

The  filtration  of  liquids  which  are  altered  by  exposure  to  the  air  requires  ich 
caution.  A very  simple  method  of  accomplishing  it  is  to  insert  a slendeiabe 
of  glass  into  the  funnel,  long  enough  to  reach  below  the  neck,  while  the  ;per 
part  is  nearly  as  high  as  the  top  of  the  funnel.  The  space  between  the  tulmd 
the  neck  must  be  filled  with  bits  of  glass  and  fine  sand  so  as  to  form  a ood 
filtering  bed;  the  liquid  is  then  poured  in,  and  the  top  of  the  funnel  cored 
with  a plate  of  glass.  If  this  be  luted  on,  and  the  funnel  luted  into  the  eck 
of  a bottle,  the  process  will  be  performed  with  perfect  accuracy.  Anotheray 
of  performing  this  operation,  in  relation  both  to  liquors  altered  by  the  caimic 
acid  of  the  air,  and  to  those  which  are  very  volatile,  as  ethereal  and  ammoacal 
solutions,  consists  in  covering  the  funnel  with  a sheet  of  tin  foil,  or  moist  lad- 
der, and  putting  a small  tube  within  and  against  the  side  of  the  funnel,  exteiing 
nearly  to  the  top,  so  as  to  form  a communication  between  the  atmosphere  the 
receptacle  and  that  of  the  funnel.  By  such  an  arrangement  ordinary  fil  ring 
through  paper  can  be  conducted  with  perfect  success  with  ether  or  soluta  of 
ammonia.  The  filtration  of  large  quantities  of  liquids  is  facilitated  by  brag 
a self-supplying  apparatus,  so  that  the  level  of  liquid  in  the  filter  may  hcon- 
stant.  This  is  effected  by  inserting  a tube,  with  a bore  of  a quarter  of  anrch, 
through  the  cork  of  a large  bottle  containing  the  liquid  to  be  filtered,  an  sup- 
porting the  bottle  in  an  inverted  position  over  the  filter,  as  at  page  783,  s that 
the  tube  shall  dip  slightly  below  the  surface  of  the  liquid.  As  this  desceis  its 
place  is  supplied  from  the  bottle  above.  Another  arrangement,  in  which  a sdion 
is  used,  is  figured  in  the  following  page. 

Expression  is  required  to  separate  the  last  portions  of  tinctures  and  inf  ions 
from  the  dregs.  A screw-press  is  used  for  this  purpose.  The  substanc-eo  be 
pressed  is  put  into  a cylinder  of  strong  sheet  tin,  the  sides  of  which  are  greed 
with  small  holes.  This  is  placed  on  a square  tray  of  tin  having  a lip  for  po'ing. 
A block  of  wood,  which  fits  into  the  cylinder,  like  a piston,  is  placed  on  tl  top, 
and  the  whole  is  put  under  the  screw-press,  the  pressure  of  which  is  graially 
brought  to  bear  upon  it. 

This  press  is  to  be  used  for  expressing  the  juices  of  fresh  plants,  whic1  pre- 
viously to  being  pressed,  must  be  well  beaten  in  a mortar,  water  being  add  to 
those  which  are  hard  and  dry.  The  juices  of  succulent  fruits,  as  strawbries, 
raspberries,  &c.,  are  most  advantageously  extracted  by  filling  several  strong  nnel 
bags  about  two-thirds  full,  without  bruising  them,  laying  these  in  a pilon  a 
suitable  tray,  placing  a strong  block  over  the  whole,  and  gradually  bringij  the 
press  to  bear  upon  them.  The  expressed  oils  are  obtained  by  bruising  th-eeds 
which  contain  them,  and  enclosing  the  bruised  mass  in  strong  bags,  wb  1 are 
placed  in  a firm  hollow  frame,  and  subjected  to  strong  sudden  pressure  by  c viog 
up  a wedge.  Expressed  oils  are  clarified  from  mucilage  by  boiling  thei with, 
water. 

The  clarification  of  liquids  may  be  effected  by  the  addition  of  some  coaplable 
substance,  such  as  milk  or  an  aqueous  solution  of  ichthyocolla.  The  whit  of  an 
egg  beaten  up  with  water  will  coagulate  with  a gentle  heat,  and  clarify  anyquid 
with  which  it  has  been  mixed.  The  vegetable  acids  will  clarify  many  • the 
expressed  juices  of  plants;  and  the  juice  of  sour  cherries  will  cause  thecoplete 
separation  of  the  pectin  of  currant  and  raspberry  juice,  so  as  to  fit  them  for  rups. 

Precipitation  is  sometimes  mechanical,  as  in  the  process  of  Irrigating  al  e<  ■ 
triating  chalk,  and  sometimes  chemical,  as  in  the  preparation  of  the  preci  tatea 


PAJ’  II.  Separation  of  Liquids. — Application  of  Heat. 


775 


carinate  of  lime  by  decomposing  chloride  of  calcium.  When  a precipitant  is 
dirced  to  be  added  until  no  further  precipitation  takes  place,  the  fact  may  be 
ascoained  by  taking  a drop  of  the  liquid  on  a glass  plate,  and  trying  it  with 
tke'reeipitant.  The  formation  of  a precipitate  is  often  much  assisted  by  agi- 
tatii,  or  by  heat.  The  separation  of  the  supernatant  liquid  from  the  precipitate 
is  nst  effectually  accomplished  by  means  of  a syphon.  When  the  liquid  is  a 
sail;  solution,  it  is  necessary  to  wash  the  precipitate  until  the  water  exhibits  no 
trac  of  the  salt.  In  doing  this  great  care  must  be  taken  to  select  the  purest 
andlearest  water,  and  the  ultimate  drying  of  the  precipitate  must  be  performed 
in  alter,  or  on  a porous  stone. 

]e  apparatus  figured  in  the  margin  is  very  con- 
vennt  for  procuring  a constant  and  gentle  stream 
of  ’ ter,  in  washing  precipitates  and  in  clearing 
erynls  of  the  impurities  of  their  mother-water.  It 
consts  of  a syphon  having  legs  of  equal  length, 
onef  which  is  inserted  in  an  air-tight  bottle  nearly 
fille with  water,  and  the  other  dips  into  the  funnel. 

A slight  open  tube  is  also  inserted  in  the  bottle, 
the  wer  end  of  which  is  about  half  an  inch  or  an 
incl.bove  the  end  of  the  syphon.  It  is  obvious  that 
theater  will  run  from  the  syphon  no  longer  than 
till  [e  water  in  the  funnel  is  level  with  the  end  of  the 
stra  ht  tube.  The  same  effect  may  be  produced  by  using  an  inverted  bottle  and 
tubas  described  in  the  preceding  page. 

, faration  of  Liquids.  Liquids  which 
havino  chemical  affinity,  and  differ  in 
spec.c  gravity,  may  be  separated  by 
alio  ng  them  to  remain  at  rest  in  the 
sept  .ting  funnel  represented  in  the  an- 
nex figure,  and  then  drawing  off  the 
heaur  fluid.  Another  very  convenient 
met  d of  separating  fluids  is  by  means 
of  3 separatory  figured  in  the  wood 
cut  1 the  margin.  The  last  drops  of 
the  eavier  fluid  may  be  drawn  off  by 
mea;  of  this  instrument. 

Plication  op  Heat.  The  most  efficient  and  economical  means  of  obtaining 
heal  $ a subject  of  great  importance  to  the  pharmaceutist,  on 
acccit  of  the  variety  of  processes  in  which  it  is  required. 

I ;h  the  small  furnaces,  which  are  now  made  of  fire  clay,  of 
vari  s patterns  and  sizes,  almost  all  the  operations  of  the  labora- 
tory hich  require  heat  can  be  performed.  The  fuel  used  is 
chai  al,  although  anthracite  will  burn  in  those  of  a larger  size, 
aud  to  be  preferred  where  a uniform  heat  is  necessary  for 
sevel  hours.  The  apothecary  should  be  provided  with  a com- 
plet  set  of  these  useful  utensils,  including  one  with  a dome  for 
a re  rberatory  furnace.  By  adding  a pipe  several  feet  in  length 
to  t|i,  and  urging  the  fire  with  a pair  of  double  bellows,  the  heat 
way  e raised  to  that  of  an  air  furnace.  A small  pipe  of  sheet 
iron  ith  a cone  at  the  lower  end,  as  in  the  figure,  to  fit  on  the 
furn  e,  will  be  found  an  excellent  means  of  obtaining  an  intense 
heal  i those  of  the  smallest  size.  For  operations  on  a smaller 
seal  i convenient  means  of  obtaining  heat  is  by  alcohol  lamps. 

Ale  fi  burns  without  smoke  or  smell,  and  is  almost  as  cheap  a 
fuel  oil,  to  which  it  is  on  every  other  account  preferable.  The 


r 


776 


Application  of  Heat. — Gas  Burners. 


par  II. 


annexed  figures  represent  the  usual  form  of  spirit  lamps.  The  larger  one -ill 

be  found  very  useful  in  at- 
ing  spatulas  for  spre;  ng 
plasters. 

Gas  burners  afford  ; yet 
more  eligible  and  econo  cal 
means  of  applying  heatian 
alcohol  lamps.  When'oal 
gas  is  mixed  with  a duero- 
portion  of  atmospheri  air 
before  ignition,  it  burns  with  a bluish  flame  and  produces  but  little  ihnv 
smoke.  The  gas  burner  consists  of  a cylinder  of  sheet  or  tinned  iron  fra  2 

to  4 inches  in  diameter,  and  6 or  eight  i hes 
long,  open  at  the  inferior  end,  whil  the 
upper  end,  which  is  slightly  flared,  is colred 
with  a piece  of  number  70  brass  wire  gaze, 
fastened  on  with  wire.  This  burner  sup- 
ported vertically  over  an  ordinary  gas  t in 
any  convenient  position,  and  the  gas  on  ing 
allowed  to  issue  into  it,  rises  from  its  tpe- 
rior  levity,  mixes  with  the  air,  and  is  ig  ted 
by  means  of  a taper  above  the  gauze,  dhe 
heat  can  be  managed  by  regulating  thdow 
of  gas,  and  by  using  burners  of  dif-ent 
sizes.  The  left  of  the  two  figures  i the 
margin  exhibits  this  arrangement.  Tkon 
the  right,  in  which  a tube  conveying  g (a) 
enters  the  cylinder  horizontally  while  te  air 
passes  in  at  b below,  is  an  arrangemensug- 
gested  by  Dr.  Bridges,  and  may  be  adapted  to  the  common  bat-wing  or  fis-tail 
gas  burner. 

For  supporting  the  substance  to  be  heated,  iron  tripods,  of  various  bgbts 

and  sizes,  must  be  provided.  These  shod  be 
furnished  with  sets  of  concentric  rings, s in 
the  figure,  for  vessels  of  different  size;  A 
very  convenient  support  is  the  stand  ancring 
figured  in  the  wood  cut,  which  w ill  answ  for 
a spirit  lamp,  i for 
a small  furnaceiade 
from  a black  let  cru- 
cible, as  in  the  lure. 

The  tempeture 
required  in  pb'ma- 
ceutical  process  sel- 
dom exceeds  red 
heat;  and  the  vssels 
used  are  erueics  of 
silver,  porceiin, 
W edgwood  are, 
black  lead,  ar  fir® 

clay  (Hessian  crucibles).  Silver  is  used  for  the  fusion  of  potassa,  porceln  for 
nitrate  of  silver,  and  black  lead  and  Hessian  crucibles  for  the  metals,  g»  0 
antimony,  sulphuret  of  potassium,  and  the  ordinary  operations  which  redrew 
great  heat.  They  are  each  liable  to  objections;  silver  fuses  too  readily;  one- 


PASO  II. 


Evaporation. — Distillation. 


777 


lainnd  Wedgwood  ware  do  not  bear  sudden  changes  of  temperature ; black 
leai  which  bears  these  changes,  is  destroyed  by  saline  substances,  and  burns  in 
a c rent  of  air;  and  the  Hessian  crucibles  are  so  porous  as  to  absorb  and  waste 
mu.  of  the  fused  substance.  The  crucibles  should  be  covered  with  a lid  or  an 
inv  ted  crucible,  and  should  be  supported  at  a little  distance  from  the  bottom 
of  (3  grate,  and  surrounded  and  covered  with  ignited  coals. 

iquef action  is  performed  in  open  earthen,  copper,  or  iron  vessels,  and  care 
mu  be  taken  not  to  raise  the  heat  so  as  to  char  or  inflame  the  substance. 

isand  bath  is  an  indispensable  part  of  the  pharmaceutic  apparatus.  It  is 
usuly  an  iron  pot,  or  a shallow  vessel  of  sheet  iron  capable  of  holding  sand  to 
the  epth  of  four  or  six  inches.  It  serves  to  regulate  the  action  of  the  heat  on 
ves  Is  which  do  not  bear  a rapid  change  of  temperature.  It  is  sometimes  heated 
to  red  heat  as  in  preparing  the  mineral  acids,  though  more  frequently  used  for 
thevaporation  of  saline  solutions  and  vegetable  juices. 

laporation  is  one  of  the  most  important  operations  of  the  pharmaceutical 
labUtory,  and  on  its  proper  management  depends  the  value  of  a large  number 
of  pparations.  The  readiness  with  which  organic  matter  is  modified  by  direct 
hea  has  caused  the  invention  of  various  means  and  apparatus  to  effect  evapo- 
ratii  under  the  most  favourable  circumstances,  as  with  the  water  bath,  steam 
hat',  solution  bath,  vacuum  pans,  etc. 

:e  water  bath  is  to  be  used  in  all  cases  where  a heat  above  that  of  boiling 
wat  would  be  injurious.  A convenient  one  consists  of  two  copper  vessels,  the 
upp  one  of  which  is  well  tinned.  It  is  still  more  convenient  to  have  the  water 
bat/jonstructed  as  a hollow  vessel  with  one  opening  at  the  top  for  the  escape  of 
stea  and  for  the  introduction  of  the  water,  as  in 
the  pure.  By  inserting  a cork  in  the  aperture,  the 
con  its  of  the  inner  vessel  may  be  poured  out  as 
froia  dish  without  spilling  the  water.  It  may  be 
mao  of  tinned  iron,  or  preferably  of  tinned  copper. 

Wli  e a temperature  above  that  of  boiling  water, 
andot  exceeding  228°  is  required,  the  water  bath 
mapie  filled  with  a saturated  solution  of  common 
salt  ulphate  of  soda,  or  chloride  of  calcium,  the 

last  lentioned  salt  communicating  a heat  as  high  as  240°  when  desired. 

i am  baths  are  by  far  the  most  useful  and  easily  regulated  of  the  arrange- 
mei  for  indirect  heating.  When  steam  heat  is  applied  in  a double-sided 
vest  like  the  water  bath,  it  is  called  a steam  jacket,  and  must  have  two  openings, 
one  r the  ingress  of  the  steam,  the  other  for  the  exit  of  the  air,  and  for  drawing 
off  (;!  condensed  water.  When  the  steam  jacket  is  strongly  made,  a heat  of  300° 
mar  e readily  commanded.  A more  economical  and  easily  applied  arrangement 
com  ts  in  placing  a coil  of  tube  in  the  vessel  containing  the  liquid  to  be  evapo- 
rate and  causing  a strong  current  of  steam  to  circulate  through  it.  For  further 
remks  on  apparatus  for  evaporation,  including  the  vacuum  pan,  see  Extracts. 

I;  apothecary  should  be  provided  with  a set  of  evaporating  vessels,  of  porce- 
lain lazed  iron,  tinned  iron,  and  copper.  For  metallic  solutions  vessels  of  Berlin 
por<  ain  are  the  most  useful.  In  most  cases  of  surface  evaporation,  where  the 
pro'At  is  uncrystallizable,  the  process  should  be  hastened  by  stirring. 

1 ■•tillation  consists  in  vaporizing  a fluid  in  one  vessel,  and  conducting  the 
yap  r into  another  vessel,  where  it  is  condensed  and  collected.  The  process 
m u 1 for  separating  a liquid  from  solid  substances  which  it  may  hold  in  solu- 
tion «■  with  which  it  may  be  mixed  ; for  separating  a more  volatile  liquid,  as 
etbi  and  alcohol,  from  one  less  so;  for  impregnating  a liquid  with  the  volatile 
pw  pies  of  plants  to  the  exclusion  of  other  principles,  as  in  the  preparation  of 
ar°i  tic  spirits  and  waters ; and  for  separating  by  means  of  aqueous  vapour,  the 


778 


Distillation. 


PAR"  I. 


essential  oils  and  volatile  proximate  principles  of  the  vegetable  kingdom.  3e 
process  for  separating  one  liquid  from  another  is  termed  rectification.  Tim 
in  the  last  two  processes,  the  distillation  is  repeated  with  the  same  liquid  a a 
fresh  quantity  of  the  plant,  the  operation  is  called  cohohation.  Distillati*  is 
also  used  for  obtaining  the  volatile  products  which  result  from  the  deeomposon 
by  heat  of  substances  of  animal  or  vegetable  origin.  The  oils  which  are  obtaed 
in  this  manner  are  called  empyreumatic  oils.  Sometimes  the  result  is  an  d, 
as  the  succinic  acid,  and  sometimes  a volatile  alkali,  as  in  the  destructive  is- 
tillation  of  animal  substances. 

The  common  still  and  worm , the  vessels  in  general  use  for  distillation , ar  oo 
well  known  to  need  description.  A convenient  still  or  alembic  for  small  ora- 
tions, which  may  be  heated  by  a spirit  lamp,  is  figured  in  the  wood  cut.  he 
top  of  the  head  is  kept  filled  with  cold  water,  and  all  escape  of  vapour  is  re- 
vented  by  having  an  inner  ledge  to  the  still,  and  filling  the  space  in  which  he 
head  fits  with  water.  The  condensation  of  all  the  vapour  is  secured  by  adajng 
a worm,  or  a long  tube  to  the  apparatus.  The  boiler  of  this  still  may  holc«ne 
or  two  gallons,  and  it  will  be  found  a very  uful 
means  of  recovering  the  alcohol  in  making  alcodic 
extracts.  It  may  easily  be  converted  into  a iter 
bath  by  fitting  on  the  top  of  the  boiler,  a vess  of 
convenient  form.  These  stills  are  easily  adapt'  to 
the  common  cylindrical  anthracite  stoves,  usecfor 
heating,  by  means  of  a sheet  iron  collar,  thr.gh 
which  the  boiler  of  the  still  is  made  to  pass,  ar  on 
which  it  is  supported. 

When  the  common  glass  retort  and  receive  are 
used  for  the  distillation  of  liquids,  care  should  be  teen 
not  to  apply  the  luting  until  the  atmospheric  i is 
expelled,  unless  the  receiver  has  a tubulure  fc  its 
escape.  The  chief  objects  to  be  aimed  at  are  toeep 
the  body  of  the  retort  hot,  and  the  neck  and  receiver  cool.  A hood  of  pte- 
board  or  tin,  as  represented  in  the  figure,  will  much  facilitate  the  former  and 

the  latter  will  be  gained  by  keeping  theeck 
and  receiver  wrapped  in  wet  cloths,  on  rich 
a stream  of  cold  water  is  kept  running,  'his 
may  be  conveniently  done  by  meansf  a 
syphon  made  by  dipping  one  end  of  atrip 
of  cotton  or  woollen  cloth  in  a ves;  of 
water,  and  allowing  the  other  end  toang 
down  upon  cloths  bound  loosely  arounthe 
receiver  and  the  neck  of  the  retort.  The 


apparatus  figured  in  the  margin  is  one  of  tlioest 
for  the  condensation  of  ethereal  vapour,  in 
regaining  the  ether  in  the  process  for  m ing 
ethereal  extracts.  It  consists  of  a close  blow 
cylindrical  tin  vessel,  having  a large  neck  ove 
for  the  insertion  of  the  neck  of  a retort  or  a ibe; 
and  a small  tube  below  for  the  escape  of  theon- 
densed  ether.  This  vessel  sits  in  a largone 
open  at  top,  which  is  kept  filled  with  cold  ’ ter, 
constantly  renewed  by  a tube  descending  the 
bottom. 

When  certain  liquids  are  boiled  in  glasves- 
sels, ‘sudden  jars  or  succussions  are  apt  to  eur, 


SI  T II. 


Sublimation. — Lutes. 


779 


wbh  are  often  inconvenient,  and  sometimes  interrupt  tlie  process.  These  may- 
be bviated  by  giving  a metallic  coating  to  the  lower  portion  of  the  interior  sur- 
fai  of  the  vessel.  Mr.  Redwood  recommends  for  this  purpose  the  process  of 
Dyton.  He  introduces  into  the  flask  or  retort  as  much  ammoniacal  solution 
ofilver  as  may  cover  the  part  to  be  coated,  precipitates  the  silver  by  the  addi- 
tic  of  essential  oils,  and  afterwards  thoroughly  cleanses  the  vessel  by  boiling 
it  successive  portions  of  alcohol,  until  the  silver  becomes  perfectly  bright  and 
allmell  of  the  oil  is  removed.  A coating  of  platinum  may  also  be  obtained, 
tb  gh  less  perfect,  by  precipitating  a solution  of  the  chloride  of  that  metal  by 
fonic  acid  and  afterwards  boiling.  (See  Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.  xx.  333.)  These 
suussions  are  moderated  and  sometimes  prevented  by  putting  in  the  retort  a 
nuber  of  small  angular  fragments  of  glass  or  quartz  crystal.  The  most  con- 
yeent  and  effectual  apparatus  for  distillation  in  small  quantities,  is  the  flask 
an  Liebig’s  condenser,  figured  in  page  793  ; and  with  such  an  arrangement 
thbontents  of  the  flask  are  less  likely  to  be  driven  over,  so  as  to  mix  with  the 
dished  liquid. 

Ten  the  object  of  distillation  is  to  preserve  the  residuum,  and  this  is  liable 
to  jury  from  heat,  as  is  the  case  with  vegetable  extracts,  the  operation  is  best 
pe'irmed  in  vacuo.  For  this  purpose  the  still  and  recipient  are  made  so  as  to 
for.  an  air-tight  apparatus,  and  the  latter  is  furnished  with  a stop-cock  which 
is  ;pt  open  until  the  whole  of  the  atmospheric  air  is  expelled  by  the  vapour. 
It  then  closed,  and  a vacuum  formed  and  maintained  in  the  recipient  by  sur- 
ro  ding  it  with  cold  water.  The  distillation  is  carried  on  in  this  manner  at  a 
mih  lower  temperature  than  under  ordinary  circumstances,  and  the  heat  may 
be  pplied  by  a water  or  steam  bath,  with  greater  certainty  of  obtaining  an  un- 
bred product.  For  a more  extended  account  of  vacuum  apparatus,  see  Ex- 
tras. 

Mimation.  The  vapours  of  some  volatile  solids  have  the  property  of  con- 
de  ing  into  the  solid  form,  either  in  mass  or  in  a state  of  minute  division.  The 
op  ition  in  which  this  occurs  is  called  sublimation.  When  the  product  is  com- 
pact is  called  a sublimate,  when  slightly  cohering  it  is  called  flowers.  The 
opi  ition  is  generally  performed  in  a sand  bath ; and  the  apparatus  consists  of 
tw  vessels  fitting  each  other,  one  being  inverted  over  the  other.  The  shape, 
siz  material,  and  depth  of  the  vessels,  and  the  degree  of  heat  to  be  applied  are 
reflated  by  the  nature  of  the  substance  operated  on.  For  the  details  of  this 
pri  iss  see  the  articles  corrosive  sublimate,  camphor,  and  benzoic  acid. 

:itcs.  The  most  precious  material  for  the  chemist  is  glass,  the  transparency, 
ins  ubility  and  hardness  of  which  fit  it  for  almost  every  purpose.  It  is  often 
neusary  to  strengthen  it  by  means  of  lutes  which  will  bear  a heat  at  which 
gif  would  soften ; and  the  application  of  lutes  for  this  purpose,  and  for  securing 
tin  tinctures  of  tubes  and  vessels,  is  an  important  part  of  the  pharmaceutic  art. 
The  lutes  which  are  required  for  coating  vessels  exposed  to  a great  heat,  are 
ma ! of  Stourbridge  clay.  The  clay  is  made  into  a paste  with  water,  mixed 
wn  chopped  straw  or  cut  hemp,  and  successive  coats  applied  as  they  become 
Dr.  Hare  recommends  the  fine  wool-like  turnings  of  iron  for  this  purpose 
ms  id  of  chopped  straw.  Earthenware  vessels  may  be  rendered  impervious  to 
airr  vapours  by  brushing  over  them  a thin  paste  made  of  slaked  lime  and  a 
sol  ion  of  borax  containing  an  ounce  to  the  half  pint.  This  is  allowed  to  dry, 
am  he  vessel  is  then  coated  with  slaked  lime  and  linseed  oil,  beaten  till  the 
mi  ire  becomes  plastic.  Earthenware  retorts,  thus  coated,  may  be  safely  used 
me  than  once,  the  coating  being  renewed  every  time. 

f lute  is  applied  to  the  joinings  of  apparatus  to  prevent  the  escape  of  cor- 
ros  3 vapours.  It  is  made  like  glaziers’  putty,  pipe  clay  being  substituted  for 
ng.  It  will  bear  a considerable  heat,  and  great  care  must  be  taken  that 


780 


Chemical  Operations. — Solution. 


PART 


the  part  where  it  is  applied  be  perfectly  dry.  If  it  he  exposed  to  heat,  slip  if 
moistened  bladder  must  be  wrapped  around  it  and  secured  with  twine. 

Roman  cement  and  plaster  of  Paris  may  be  applied  in  the  same  manner 
fire-clay.  When  used  for  securing  the  joinings  of  apparatus  a coating  of  oi>r 
wax  will  render  them  air-tight. 

A very  useful  lute  is  formed  by  beating  the  white  of  an  egg  thoroughly  a h 
an  equal  quantity  of  water,  and  mixing  it  with  some  slaked  lime  in  the  stat of 
fine  powder  so  as  to  form  a thin  paste.  This  must  be  spread  immediate!’ n 
strips  of  muslin  and  applied  to  the  cracks  or  joinings  intended  to  be  luted."  It 
soon  hardens,  adheres  strongly,  and  will  bear  a heat  approaching  to  redss 
without  injury.  A leak  in  this  lute  is  readily  stopped  by  the  application  < a 
fresh  portion.  Solution  of  glue,  or  any  liquid  albuminous  matter,  maybe  i;d 
in  place  of  the  white  of  eggs. 

An  excellent  cement  for  surfaces  of  iron  consists  of  one  part  of  sulphur,  ro 
of  sal  ammoniac,  and  eighty  of  iron  filings,  mixed  together  and  slightly  m ;t- 
ened.  It  is  rammed  or  caulked  into  the  joints,  and  solidifies  perfectly  in  t e. 

White  lead  ground  in  oil  is  an  excellent  cement  for  broken  glass.  Spid 
upon  linen  it  forms  a good  coating  for  a cracked  surface,  but  dries  sloy. 
Strips  of  bladder  macerated  in  water,  adhere  well  to  glass  and  are  very  usel. 

A mixture  of  whiting  and  paste  or  gum  water,  spread  upon  strips  of  pair, 
forms  an  excellent  luting  for  joinings  not  exposed  to  acrid  vapours  or  a gat 
heat. 

A useful  lute  is  formed  by  spreading  a solution  of  glue  on  strips  of  cloth, ad 
coating  them,  after  they  are  applied,  with  drying  oil. 

Linseed  meal,  beaten  into  a uniform  mass  with  milk,  lime  water,  rye  p:;e, 
or  thin  glue,  and  applied  in  thick  masses,  adheres  well ; and  when  dry  ill 
resist  most  vapours. 

Cap  cement  is  made  of  six  parts  of  resin,  one  part  of  yellow  wax,  and  or  of 
Venetian  red.  It  is  a very  useful  cement  for  fastening  metals  or  wood  to  gss, 
and  for  rendering  joints  impervious  to  water.  Soft  cement  is  used  for  the  me 
purposes,  and  is  made  of  yellow  wax,  melted  with  half  its  weight  of  turpenpe, 
and  coloured  with  a little  Venetian  red.  It  is  very  useful  for  renderinghe 
stoppers  of  bottles  perfectly  air-tight. 

Chemical  Operations.  Some  of  the  chemical  processes,  conducted  bj he 
apothecary,  have  been  explained  in  the  former  part  of  this  Introduction.  It 
remains  to  notice  others  in  constant  or  frequent  use. 

Solution.  The  act  of  solution,  in  which  solid  substances  assume  the  lid 
state  through  the  agency  of  liquids,  is  one  of  the  most  important  operatioi  of 
practical  pharmacy.  The  process  has  received  a variety  of  names  ac-cordii  to 
the  mode  of  applying  the  menstruum  and  the  degree  of  heat  employed  as 
maceration,  infusion,  digestion , decoction,  displacement  or  percolation,  anc nr- 
culatory  displacement. 

Two  classes  of  substances  are  the  subject  of  solution  ; those  which  dis  Ive 
entirely  in  the  menstruum,  as  salts,  gum,  &c.,  and  those  which  consist  of  soble 
and  insoluble  matter,  as  roots,  leaves,  barks,  etc.  The  former  yield  simple  A- 
tions ; the  latter  infusions,  decoctions,  tinctures,  urines,  etc.  Solution  is  sne- 
times  accompanied  "by  chemical  reaction,  as  when  metals  are  dissolved  ineid 
solutions.  Mechanical  division  facilitates  solution  by  increasing  the  exte:  of 
surface.  Heat  as  a general  rule  favours  solubility.  All  aqueous  solutio!  of 
solid  bodies  are  denser  than  water.  A solution  is  said  to  be  saturated  whe  tho 
dissolved  substance  ceases  to  be  taken  up  at  common  temperatures.  A satuted 
solution  of  one  salt  will  dissolve  other  salts,  a fact  taken  advantage  of  iu  pU>‘ 
ing  nitre,  and  other  saline  bodies  in  powder,  by  percolating  them  with  their  wn 


PA  C II. 


Infusion. — Decoction. — Lixiviation. 


781 


satiated  solutions.  Rapid  solution  when  unaccompanied  by  chemical  reaction 
cans  a reduction  of  temperature;  hence  in  such  cases,  where  dense  solutions 
are  squired,  heat  should  be  employed  to  counteract  that  effect.  In  dissolving 
a stance  wholly  soluble  in  the  amount  of  liquid  used,  a convenient  method 
is  treduce  it  to  powder  in  a mortar,  add  the  liquid  in  portions,  and  decant 
unt  the  whole  is  dissolved.  Capsules  and  flasks  are  the  most  suitable  vessels 
for  jrforming  solution  when  heat  is  necessary.  If  the  solid  softens  before  dis- 
solug,  as  iu  the  case  of  the  extracts,  a capsule  should  be  used,  with  constant 
stirog.  When  effervescence  occurs  a flask  should  be  used  inclined  to  one  side 
to  : oid  loss;  or,  if  the  capsule  be  employed,  an  inverted  funnel  should  be 
plad  over  it.  When  the  quantity  of  a substance  is  large,  and  time  permits, 
therocess  called  circulatory  displacement  affords  the  best  means,  especially  in 
mahg  saline  solutions.  This  is  performed  by  suspending  the  salt  enclosed  in 
a pi:e  of  gauze  or  other  porous  tissue  near  the  surface  of  the  liquid.  The  solu- 
tiomroceeds  rapidly;  as  the  liquid  in  contact  with  the  salt,  by  becoming  satu- 
rate and  heavier,  descends  to  give  place  to  less  saturated  portions,  so  as  to 
cau:  a kind  of  circulation  of  the  solvent.  This  process  is  applied  in  the  arts, 
and  as  been  suggested  in  making  infusions  and  tinctures. 

Fusion  is  the  subjecting  of  a substance  containing  soluble  principles  to  the 
acti  of  a menstruum,  which  is  usually  water.  Hot  infusions  are  made  by 
pouig  boiling  water  on  the  substance,  and  allowing  it  to  remain  in  a covered 
vesi  till  cold.  Cold  infusions  are  made  with  cold  water,  and  require  several 
kou  to  attain  their  full  strength.  Maceration  is  the  term  employed  to  denote 
the  stion  of  liquids  upon  medicines,  when  allowed  to  remain  upon  them  for 
somtirae,  at  a heat  from  60°  to  90°.  Digestion  is  the  name  given  to  the  same 
opeiion,  when  conducted  at  a temperature  between  90°  and  100°.  This 
procs  is  sometimes  effected  at  higher  temperatures,  but  the  heat  is  uniform 
duri ; the  operation,  and  always  below  the  boiling  point  of  the  liquid.  It  is 
comanly  performed  in  glass  bottles  or  flasks,  and  a common  fire  or  stove  heat 
isenloyed.  When  digestion  is  performed  with  alcohol  and  ether  at  temper- 
atur1  near  their  boiling  points,  the  vessel  should  be  connected  with  a refrigerated 
wortor  other  condenser  to  save  the  vaporized  portion.  Soubeiran  places  the 
won  above  the  digesting  vessel,  so  that  the  condensed  fluid  runs  back  at  once 
into  ;ie  vessel. 

L oction,  or  boiling,  is  sometimes  employed  in  extracting  the  virtues  of  plants ; 
but  often  disadvantageous,  as  most  of  the  proximate  principles  of  vegetables 
are  tered  by  it,  especially  when  long-continued.  When  it  is  practised,  the 
ebul  ion  should  generally  be  continued  for  a few  minutes  ouly,  and  the  liquid 
be  a!  wed  to  cool  slowly  in  a close  vessel.  For  further  remarks  on  infusions  and 
decoiions  see  the  preliminary  notices  to  these  classes  of  preparations. 

L iviation  is  a process  used  to  separate  a soluble  from  a porous  insoluble  body. 
It  exists  in  placing  the  substance  to  be  lixiviated  in  a vessel,  the  bottom  of 
wkic  is  covered  with  straw,  sand,  &c.,  pouring  water  upon  it,  allowing  the  water 
to  n;ain  until  saturated,  and  then  drawing  it  off  through  an  opening  at  the 
botfaj.  of  the  vessel.  It  is  found  that  if  fresh  water  is  poured  on  without  dis- 
turb^ the  mixture  in  the  vessel,  it  does  not  mix  with  the  liquid  already  there, 
but  rcolates  the  solid  particles,  driving  the  saturated  liquid  before  it ; so  that, 
for  (imple  in  lixiviating  wood  ashes,  if  a gallon  of  water  had  been  poured  on 
the  ; ies,  and  allowed  to  become  saturated  with  the  alkali,  we  shall  obtain,  by 
this  tde  of  proceeding,  a gallon  of  strong  ley,  and  immediately  thereafter  the 
wate  vill  become  almost  tasteless.  This  fact  has  been  applied  to  the  service  of 
the  farmaceutist,  and  has  led  to  some  valuable  improvements  in  the  mode  of 
extr;  ing  the  medicinal  qualities  of  plants. 


782 


Percolation. 


PAEl 


The  operation  referred  to  is  called  by  the  French  the  method  of  displacem  ■ 
but  the  terms  percolation  for  the  process,  and  pe  L 
lator  for  the  instrument  in  which  it  is  performed,  e 
f more  appropriate  in  our  language.  The  figure  in  e 

margin  represents  Boullay's  filter,  or  percolator,  < 1- 
structed  on  this  principle.  It  consists  of  a lon»  n 
vessel,  nearly  cylindrical,  but  narrower  at  the  lo;r 
end,  which  has  a funnel  shaped  termination,  for  ie 
purpose  of  being  inserted  in  the  neck  of  a bo- 3. 
A metallic  plate,  or  diaphragm,  pierced  with  he  s, 
like  a colander,  and  having  a handle  in  the  ceD3, 
fits  accurately  in  the  lower  part  of  the  cylinr. 
Upon  this,  previously  covered  with  a thin  layeof 
carded  cotton,  tow,  or  a piece  of  cotton  flannel k 
placed  the  substance  upon  which  it  is  intendeto 
operate,  and  which  should  be  coarsely  powdereior 
ground  in  a mill.  It  must  then  be  saturated  'ch 
the  menstruum,  which  is  done  by  pouring  on  th li- 
quid from  time  to  time  until  it  will  absorb  no  more,  and  then  allowing  theito 
remain  for  a few  hours  in  contact.  On  the  top  of  the  powdtis 
placed  another  similarly  pierced  plate,  and  fresh  portions  of  ae 
menstruum  are  gradually  and  successively  added,  until  theprcs3 
is  completed.  The  first  portion,  that  with  which  the  powder  as 
mixed,  flows  off  very  highly  concentrated,  while  the  next  is  neh 
less  so,  and  the  successive  infusions  rapidly  become  weaker.  A 
stop-cock  near  the  lower  end  of  the  instrument,  as  represente  in 
the  second  figure,  will  be  convenient  for  regulating  the  dischge 
of  the  fluid.  A single  example  will  show  the  value  of  this  pross. 
The  Messrs.  Boullay,  by  subjecting  four  ounces  of  bruised  einclna 
to  percolation  with  half  a pint  of  water,  and  then  adding  fouralf 
pints  in  succession,  obtained  the  following  results. 


1st  Half  pint  yielded  0 drs.  48  grs.  dry  extet. 

2d 

Do. 

“ 1 dr.  5 grs. 

Do. 

3d 

Do. 

“ 15  grs. 

Do. 

4th 

Do. 

“ 9 grs. 

Do. 

5th 

Do. 

“ 7 grs. 

Do. 

Cylinders  14  inches  long  by  2| 

in  wid 

at 

the  base,  14  inches  by  4,  and  17  by  6,  areon- 
venient  sizes  for  ordinary  use.  Queensare 
percolators  are  now  to  be  procured  fronthe 
druggists,  and  are  useful  for  acid  or  astriient 
solutions.  In  a large  proportion  of  the  ses 
of  percolation  small  vessels  only  are  reqied. 
The  common  glass  cones,  used  as  lampgb^s, 
figured  in  the  margin,  when  inverted,  vh  a 
piece  of  close  cauvass  or  flannel  tied  ovethe 
smaller  end,  form  convenient  percolators  and 
their  transparency  enables  the  operati  to 
assure  himself  that  the  powder  is  prc.'riy 
stratified  before  adding  the  menstruum  A 
tin  percolator,  formed  with  a double  rim.nto 
which  the  rim  of  the  lid  is  inserted,  the 


PA  I II. 


Percolation. — Crystallization. 


783 


intetice  being  filled  with  water  so  as  to  make  an  air-tight  juncture,)  and  fur- 
nisllwith  an  open  vertical  tube  extending  from  the  top  through  the  diaphragm 
belo,  is  used  when  volatile 
liqus,  as  ether,  alcohol,  and 
spir  of  ammonia,  are  used  as 
meurua.  It  is  figured  in  the 
precling  page.  When  it  is 
wisl  i to  operate  upon  a fine 
powir,  it  will  be  found  ad- 
visa  e to  increase  the  height 
of  tie  column  of  liquid  by 
mak  g the  top  of  the  cylinder 
air  ght.,  and  inserting  a tin 
tube  several  feet  long,  which 
musbe  kept  filled  with  the 
liqu.  All  the  substantial  ad- 
vances of  this  method  may, 
how  er,  be  generally  obtained 
withit  pressure,  by  using  the 
filte»f  Boullay.  For  operat- 
ing very  small  quantities  of 
a su.tance,  an  adapter  or  the 
necif  a broken  retort  may  be 
used  by  loosely  stopping  the 
lowe  and  smaller  end  with  a 
piecof  cotton. 

Sibeiran  has  adapted  to 
Bou  y’s  filter  a receiver  of 
tin,  ’om  which  the  filtered 
liqu<  may  be  drawn  off  by  a stop-cock  at  the  most  dependent  part.  An  appa- 
ratus this  kind  is  represented  above.  One  of  the  most  important  points  in 
cond  ting  the  displacement  process  is  to  keep  the  ingredients  constantly  satu- 
ratec with  a stratum  of  the  displacing  liquid  over  them.  To  avoid  the  neces- 
sity constant  supervision  to  effect  this,  the  arrangement  in  the  right-hand 
hgur above  maybe  used.  An  ordinary  bottle  containing  the  menstruum,  with 
a tul  of  a quarter  of  an  inch  bore  passing  through  the  cork,  is  inverted  over 
tke  i 'colator  with  the  end  of  the  tube  dipping  in  the  liquid  above  the  ingre- 
dieni 

C itaUization.  Numerous  chemical  substances,  in  becoming  solid  when  their 
solut  as  are  evaporated,  take  on  certain  regular  forms.  The  bodies  having  such 
form  are  called  crystals,  and  the  process  for  obtaining  them,  crystallization. 
Ike  Dst  usual  method  is  by  the  evaporation  of  solutions,  either  spontaneously, 
or  bs  he  application  of  heat.  The  extent  to  which  the  evaporation  should  be 
cam'  depends  on  the  solubility  of  the  substance.  The  proper  degree  of  con- 
centr  ion  is  attained,  when  a drop  of  the  solution  removed  to  a cool  glass  plate 
depcu  s well  formed  crystals.  When  set  aside  to  crystallize,  a solution  should 
Dot  1 disturbed  until  the  deposition  ceases.  The  crystals  are  large  in  propor- 
tl0n  tke  slowness  of  the  cooling  of  the  solution,  to  effect  which  the  vessel  is 
some  nes  set  in  the  drying  closet,  and  sometimes  left  to  cool  with  the  sand  bath, 
-too  position  of  crystals  is  facilitated  by  suspending  some  insoluble  substance, 
13  Wl  1,  or  sheet  lead  in  the  solution,  or  crystals  of  the  same  substance,  which 
are  t s increased  in  size.  When  it  is  desirable  to  have  small  acieular  crystals, 
rtion  should  be  cooled  rapidly  and  stirred  constantly  meanwhile, 
br  tallization  is  one  of  the  best  means  of  purifying  many  substances ; the  im- 


the 


784  Effects  of  Heat. — Dispensing  of  Medicines.  par’  j, 

purities  remaining  wholly  or  chiefly  in  the  residual  liquid  called  mother  w r. 
Fine  silky  crystals  which  retain  their  mother  water  by  capillary  attraction,  :i$t 
be  dried  by  strong  expression  in  a linen  bag.  The  finest  silky  crystals  mabe 
entirely  freed  from  their  adhering  liquid,  by  placing  them  in  a funnel  which? 
closely  to  one  of  the  necks  of  a double  mouthed  bottle,  and  fitting  a tube  ti  be 
other,  through  which  air  is  drawn.  The  current  of  air,  in  passing  throuhhe 
funnel,  carries  the  water  with  it,  and  dries  the  crystals  perfectly. 

The  operations  which  require  a heat  greater  than  that  used  in  digestimre 
liquefaction,  fusion,  calcination,  ustulation,  incineration,  distillation,  subha- 
tion,  and  reduction. 

Liquefaction  is  the  melting  of  those  substances  that  become  soft  previ< sly 
to  fusion,  as  wax,  tallow,  plaster,  &c.  The  heat  employed  is  always  belowiat 
at  which  charring  takes  place. 

Fusion  is  the  melting  of  those  substances  which  pass  immediately  fronihe 
solid  to  the  fluid  state.  It  is  employed  in  pharmacy  in  preparing  the  niate 
of  silver  and  caustic  potassa  for  casting  into  cylinders.  The  former  mu  be 
melted  in  a porcelain,  the  latter  in  an  iron  crucible.  The  moulds  in  which  iey 
are  cast  are  formed  of  two  thick  plates  of  cast  iron,  with  semi-cylindrical  gr  ves 
that  fit  accurately  to  each  other.  Fusion  is  also  used  in  preparing  the  gin  of 
antimony. 

Calcination  is  a term  applied  to  the  changes  produced  in  mineral  subst  ces 
by  intense  heat,  not  attended  with  fusion,  and  leaving  a solid  residue,  a.  is 
often  synonymous  with  oxidation.  The  term  ustulation  is  restricted  t the 
metallurgic  operations  of  roasting  ores,  to  drive  off  the  volatile  matters,  a ar- 
senic, &c.  Calcination  is  often  used  to  express  the  ustulation  or  burni'  of 
carbonate  of  magnesia.  This  is  to  be  performed  in  an  earthen  vessel  at  red 
heat.  Exposure  to  the  heat  of  a potter’s  furnace  during  the  burning  of  theiln, 
is  an  excellent  mode  of  performing  the  operation.  More  commonly  the  ca>on- 
ate  is  burnt  in  an  iron  pot,  which  is  objectionable,  as  the  heat  soon  oxtzes 
the  iron,  and  the  oxide  scales  off  and  mixes  with  the  magnesia,  which  is  sdom 
free  from  iron  when  prepared  in  this  way. 

Incineration,  as  the  name  expresses,  is  the  operation  of  burning  subslices 
for  the  sake  of  their  ashes.  It  is  performed  in  obtaining  phosphate  of  15 e — 
the  Cornu  Ustum  of  the  London  Pharmacopoeia.  The  bones  are  burnt  in  arpen 
fire  until  all  the  combustible  matter  is  consumed. 

Reduction  is  that  operation  by  which  certain  binary  compounds  of  the  r tals 
are  brought  to  the  metallic  state,  by  heating  them  alone,  or  with  some  subsnee 
capable  of  attracting  the  combined  substance  and  setting  the  metal  at  li  rty. 
Arsenious  acid  is  thus  reduced  by  heating  it  with  charcoal,  and  oxide  of  in,  in 
the  state  of  powder,  by  heating  it  iu  a current  of  hydrogen.  When,  in  t;  re- 
duction of  metallic  compounds,  some  third  substance  interferes  with  the  press, 
as  silica,  a substance  capable  of  combining  with  this  is  added  called  a flic 

Dispensing  of  Medicines.  A large  portion  of  the  operations  of  thapo- 
thecary  is  performed  in  the  shop  extemporaneously.  In  dispensing  meciues 
from  the  counter,  he  is  continually  called  upon  to  put  his  previous  knov.hge 
in  practice,  and  often  to  substitute  extemporaneous  for  the  regular  offioinabrm- 
ulae.  There  is  no  part  of  his  business  which  requires,  for  its  proper  perfortjnce, 
so  much  ready  knowledge  and  so  accurate  a judgment.  A few  direction  sug- 
gested by  running  the  eye  over  the  list  of  preparations  of  the  PkarmaC'ffia, 
may  be  found  useful. 

It  may  sometimes  be  necessary  for  the  apothecary  to  make  extemporannsly 
an  aromatic  water,  not  usually  kept  iu  the  shops.  In  this  case  he  is  to  ppare 
it  by  rubbing  two  drops  of  essential  oil  with  from  four  to  six  grains  of  car  uate 
of  magnesia  for  every  fluidounce  of  water,  and  filtering. 


PAI  II. 


Dispensing  of  Medicines. 


785 


For  the  description  of  an  ap- 


Iis  sometimes  desirable  to  apply  plasters  prepared  from  the  narcotic  herbs. 
The:  may  be  made  extemporaneously  by  mixing  the  soft  extract  of  the  plant, 
witlibout  twice  its  weight  of  melted  adhesive  plaster.  The  most  suitable  ma- 
ted. on  which  to  spread  plasters  is  soft  white  leather.  A margin  of  half  an 
inchhould  be  allowed  to  remain  around  the  plaster.  The  plaster  iron  or  spatula 
majie  heated  over  the  large  spirit  lamp,  figured  in  page  77b.  A skilful  apothe- 
eanvill  be  able  to  spread  the  plaster  uniformly  and  evenly,  without  overheat- 
ing so  as  to  corrugate  or  penetrate  the  leather.  A convenient  instrument  for 
detenining  the  size  and  preserving  a straight 
edg  consists  of  two  squares  made  of  tin  and 
gradated  to  inches,  as  in  the  annexed  figure;  or 
piec  of  paper  may  be  cut  out  and  pasted  on 
the  ather  so  as  to  enclose  a space  of  the  re- 
quill dimensions.  The  plaster  should  first  be 
ioel  1 on  a piece  of  brown  paper,  and  then 
tranerred  to  the  leather,  in  order  to  prevent 
its  Ing  applied  at  too  great  a heat.  For  all 
the  dcinal  plasters  the  apothecary  should  have 
sma  tin  trays  open  on  one  side,  on  which  to 
mel  hem.  If  the  plaster  to  be  spread  is  a very 
largme,  it  is  better  to  liquefy  the  material  in 
a einule,  and  add  it  to  different  parts  of  the 
leatlir  as  it  is  wanted,  till  the  whole  is  covered, 
para  s for  spreading  plasters,  see  Emplastra. 

Dioctions  and  infusions  are  often  ordered  in  prescriptions  in  the  quantity 
of  a.sw  ounces.  A very  convenient  vessel  for  preparing  them  is  the  common 
nursy  lamp,  which  consists  of  a cylindrical  vessel,  open  at  one  side  to  receive 
a sp  t lamp,  and  at  the  top  to  receive  a teapot  or  tin  boiler.  The  infusion  mug 
of  }■  Alsop  of  London  (see  Infuso ),  which  consists  of  a queensware  vessel, 
with,  perforated  diaphragm  of  the  same  material  resting  on  a ledge  at  one-third 
of  it  height  from  the  top,  is  the  best  instrument  for  this  purpose.  The  mate- 
rial be  infused  is  placed  on  the  diaphragm  and  the  boiling  water  poured  on 
till  rises  over  the  ingredients.  No  stirring  is  necessary,  and  the  process  is 
acco:  dished  rapidly.  Infusions  and  decoctions  may  be  kept  during  the  hot 
weat  r,  and  for  many  months  by  straining  them  while  lwt,  and  pouring  them 
at  or  i into  bottles  provided  with  accurately  ground  stoppers.  The  bottle  must 
be  ei  rely  filled;  the  stopper  being  made  to  displace  its  own  bulk  of  the  liquid. 
A eemon  bottle  with  a perforated  cork  stopper  may  be  used,  provided  the  hole 
be  i;  antly  closed,  and  the  cork  covered  with  sealing  wax.  The  hotter  the 
bffn  and  the  freer  from  air  bubbles,  the  better  will  the  infusion  be  preserved. 

Fdral  mixture  is  known  to  be  saturated  perfectly,  when  it  does  not  affect 
btiui  paper  either  in  its  blue  state,  or  when  reddened  by  an  acid.  For  pre- 
parir  the  effervescing  draught  it  is  advisable  to  keep  in  the  shop  a solution  of 
carbate  of  potassa  containing  an  ounce  to  the  pint.  The  silica  which  this  salt 
conta  3 precipitates  after  a few  weeks,  and  leaves  a perfectly  clear  solution; 
whei’)s  that  prepared  at  the  time  it  is  to  be  used  always  becomes  turbid  after 
beinsaturated.  The  carbonic  acid,  extricated  in  the  preparation  of  the  neutral 
mistp,  combines  at  first,  without  effervescence,  with  the  remaining  carbonate, 
au'I  1 ms  a bisalt.  This  circumstance  may  lead,  unless  the  solution  be  tested, 
to  th  supposition  that  the  mixture  is  saturated. 

In  reparing  extemporaneous  mixtures  by  direction  of  the  physician,  it  is  of 
the  fi , importance  to  mix  the  ingredients  in  the  manner  best  calculated  to  insure 
a sm  h and  readily  miscible  compound,  without  any  grittiness  or  imperfectly 
comr  mted  portions,  when  a part  of  the  constituents  are  insoluble.  Kino  and 


786 


PAI  II. 


Dispensing  of  Medicines. 

extract  of  rhatany  should  be  first  dissolved  in  boiling  water,  when  admisde. 
If  an  aromatic  water  is  directed,  they  should  be  rubbed  to  powder,  mixed  ith 
the  insoluble  ingredients,  if  any,  and  the  water  gradually  added,  the  whole  in? 
triturated  till  smoothly  mixed.  Emulsions  of  the  gum-resins  should  he  ribed 
till  all  the  particles  are  softened,  and  then  strained,  if  any  extraneous  mat  r is 
present.  Water  can  be  saturated  with  camphor  by  means  of  carbonate  of  am- 
nesia, and  an  aqueous  mixture  of  any  strength  may  be  made  with  it,  by  itu- 
rating  the  camphor  with  magnesia,  and  shaking  the  mixture  before  usi  it. 
Camphor  softens  the  gum-resins,  and  solid  fats  and  oils,  and  may  be  reared 
permanently  miscible  with  water,  in  considerable  quantity,  by  trituration  vha 
fifth  part  of  myrrh.  In  preparing  oily  emulsions  in  which  gum  Arabic, op 
and  sugar  are  the  medium,  a sufficient  quantity  of  water  must  be  added  (;ne- 
rally  about  twice  their  weight)  to  convert  them  into  a thick  mucilage  fore 
adding  the  oil,  which  must  then  be  thoroughly  mixed  with  the  mucilagand 
the  remaining  water  added  gradually  with  great  care.  Ether  is  rendered  lore 
soluble  in  water  by  trituration  with  spermaceti.  The  mixture  should  be  fired 
to  separate  the  superfluous  spermaceti.  If  elaterium  is  to  be  incorporate  in  a 
mixture,  it  should  be  first  rubbed  with  a little  alcohol,  then  with  sugar  or  ,rup, 
and  lastly  with  the  other  ingredients.  When  a few  drops  of  croton  oil  e to 
be  suspended  in  a mixture,  the  latter  will  be  more  permanent  if  a little  oli  oil 
be  added  with  the  croton  oil  to  increase  its  quantity.  Mixtures  that  conts  the 
resinous  tinctures,  should  also  contain  syrup,  with  which  the  tincture  sho  i be 
first  mixed,  and  the  water  then  added  very  gradually.  If  a mixture  coains 
laudanum  and  a fixed  oil,  the  former  should  be  first  mixed  with  the  syru  and 
the  oil  afterwards  incorporated,  and  lastly  the  water.  The  mixture  wi  not 
otherwise  be  uniform.  When  a considerable  quantity  of  sugar  is  adde  to  a 
mixture  it  is  best  to  use  syrup,  employing  a fluidrachm  of  syrup  for  each  dchm 
of  sugar,  and  making  allowance  for  the  water  contained  in  the  syrup,  which  juals 
half  its  bulk. 

Powders  are  often  mixed  together  with  difficulty,  by  means  of  a pest  and 
mortar,  on  account  of  their  differing  greatly  in  weight,  or  of  their  softne  and 
compressibility,  as  charcoal  and  magnesia,  or  rhubarb  and  magnesia.  Irhese 
cases  the  mixing  should  be  completed  with  a spatula  on  a sheet  of  pape  In 
dividing  powders  into  doses  it  is  very  desirable  ( fold 
the  packages  neatly  and  of  a uniform  size.  The  jwder 
folder  represented  in  the  figure  is  very  useful  f this 
purpose.  It  may  be  made  of  mahogany  or  othe  bard 
wood.  Instruments  of  this  kind  with  a movable  peek, 
so  as  to  be  widened  or  contracted  by  a screw,  anenade 
of  brass,  are  used  in  some  of  the  shops.  When  datile 
or  deliquescent  substances,  as  camphor  and  carboite  of 
potassa,  are  prescribed  in  several  powders,  these  lould 
be  enveloped  separately  in  tin  foil  or  waxed  paper;  and  when  the  nuner  of 
doses  is  more  than  two  they  should  be  enclosed  in  a paper  box. 

In  ordering  pills  care  must  be  taken  to  avoid  the  use  of  deliquescent  sa;,  and 
to  deprive  those  which  are  efflorescent  of  their  water  of  crystallization.  T)  mas; 
must  be  thoroughly  incorporated  previously  to  being  divided;  and  this  ■ par- 
ticularly important  when  extracts  of  different  degrees  of  hardness  enter  i o the 
composition.  A section  of  the  mass  should  be  throughout  of  uniform  eohr  and 
consistency.  Pills  are  to  be  rolled  and  preserved  in  powdered  liquori  root, 
which  ought  to  be  kept  for  use  in  a tin  box  with  a perforated  lid,  like  aepper 
box.  When  pills  are  of  too  soft  a consistence,  a little  liquorice  powder  ay  be 
incorporated  with  them  to  render  them  more  firm.  Pills,  into  the  corn  siuon 
of  which  gum  Arabic  enters,  should  be  softened  with  syrup,  and  not  witlvater. 


PAB  n.  Dispensing  of  Medicines.  787 

as  tl  latter  renders  the  mass  difficult  to  roll.  For  further  remarks  relative  to 
the  rmation  of  masses  for  pills,  see  Pilulae 

T proper  cleanliness  of  his  vessels  is  an  object  of  great  importance  to  the 
apot^ary.  Open  vessels,  as  mortars  and  measures,  are  easily  cleansed,  and 
shou-  be  wiped  dry  immediately  after  being  washed.  Fats  and  resins  are  readily 
remted  by  pearlash,  or  tow  and  damp  ashes,  or  sand;  red  precipitate  and  other 
luefeic  substances  by  a little  nitric  or  muriatic  acid;  Prussian  blue  by  means 
of  prlash.  Bottles  may  be  cleansed  from  the  depositions  which  accumulate 
on  tjir  sides  and  bottom  from  long  use  in  the  shop,  by  a few  shreds  of  grocers’ 
pape  and  a little  clean  water.  They  are  to  be  shaken  so  as  to  give  the  paper 
and  iter  a centrifugal  motion,  which  effectually  removes  the  dirt  from  the  sides. 
Themay  be  freed  from  oil  by  a little  strong  nitric  acid,  after  the  action  of  which 
watewill  thoroughly  cleanse  them.  Long  sticks  armed  with  sponge,  or  dry 
linenr  cotton  cloth,  should  be  provided  for  wiping  dry  the  interior  of  flasks  and 
bottl A wire  bent  at  the  end  into  a sort  of  hook  will  be  found  useful  for 
gettijg  corks  out  of  bottles.  Wire  instruments  with  three  prongs  are  made 
specily  for  this  purpose.  In  the  absence  of  these,  a loop  of  twine  will  often 
be  fnd  a convenient  means  of  effecting  the  same  object.  When  the  glass 
stopjr  of  a bottle  is  fast,  it  may  often  be  loosened  by  gently  tapping  its  sides 
alter  tely  with  the  handle  of  a spatula.  Sometimes  a drop  or  two  of  oil,  alco- 
hol, water,  will  soften  the  cementing  substance.  It  will  sometimes  answer  to 
wrap  he  stopper  in  a cloth,  insert  it  in  a crevice  or  hole,  in  a table  or  door,  and 
twisthe  bottle  gently  and  dextrously.  Sometimes  the  stopper  may  be  loosened 
by  q ckly  expanding  the  neck  in  the  flame  of  a lamp,  and  tapping  the  stopper 
befoi  the  heat  has  reached  it.  The  bottle  should  be  constantly  turned  in  the 
hand  uring  the  heating  process,  to  avoid  unequal  expansion  and  fracture.  In 
the  lienee  of  a flame,  a piece  of  twine  turned  twice  around  the  neck  and  drawn 
hack  ad  forward  rapidly  will  soon  heat  it  sufficiently,  in  most  instances.  When 
thespper  of  a bottle  containing  caustic  alkali  adheres  in  consequence  of  the 
neck  ot  having  been  wiped  thoroughly  dry,  it  is  almost  impossible  to  loosen  it, 
and  3 neck  must  be  cut  off. 

Tl  apothecary  should  be  provided  with  spatulas  of  wood,  whalebone,  and 
horn  ,s  well  as  of  steel.  It  should  be  an  invariable  rule  to  clean  every  knife 
and  iiduated  measure  immediately  after  it  is  used,  and  to  put  the  dirty  mortars 
apart -om  those  which  are  clean.  Too  much  particularity  and  order  in  all  the  mi- 
nute tails  of  the  shop  cannot  be  practised.  The  counters  should  be  cleaned  every 
day,  id  wiped  as  often  as  they  become  dusty.  The  scales  should  be  thoroughly 
clean  ..every  week,  and  wiped  always  after  using  them  for  dusty  substances; 
and  t]i  prescription  balance  should  be  kept  carefully  enclosed  in  a glass  case,  and 
the  ( lies  wiped  after  each  time  of  using.  The  beam  should  occasionally  be 
wipewith  a soft  cotton  or  silk  cloth.  The  mortar  stand  should  pass  through 
the  f ir  and  cellar,  into  the  ground,  so  as  not  to  jar  the  counter  during  the  con- 
tusiopf  substances,  and  thus  injure  the  balance.  Bottles  should  be  replaced 
as  sa  after  being  taken  down  and  used  as  possible,  and  should  on  no  account 
he  chiged  from  their  accustomed  place  on  the  shelf.  For  the  proper  preserva- 
tion < leaves,  flowers,  aromatic  powders,  calomel,  and  other  medicines  to  which 
light:  injurious,  the  bottles  should  be  coated  with  tin  foil  or  black  varnish. 

N(  pothecary  should  be  unprovided  with  a set  of  troy  weights,  as  without  them 


*T 
be  rei 
kerne1! 
matte 
Chim. 
effect 


odour  of  volatile  oils,  and  other  strong  smelling  substances,  such  as  musk,  may 
ved  from  bottles,  mortars,  &c.,  by  means  of  the  pulp  of  bitter  almonds  or  peach 
bruised  peach  leaves,  or  other  substances  containing  hydrocyanic  acid.  But  fatty 
should  first  be  removed  by  an  alkaline  solution,  and  resins  by  alcohol.  ( Journ . de 
,'ed.,  1845,  p.  535.)  It  is  asserted  that  the  powder  of  black  mustard  has  the  same 
Ibid.,  2eser.,  iii.  727.) 


788 


General  Officinal  Direction s. 


PA1  II. 


he  will  find  it  difficult  to  comply  with  the  officinal  directions  for  the  prepa:ion 
of  his  medicines;  and  the  drawer  in  which  his  smaller  weights  are  kept  s.ald 
be  clean  and  free  from  dust,  so  that  the  weights  may  be  accurate.  In  dispi  ;ino 
medicines,  no  vial  or  parcel  should  be  suffered  to  leave  the  shop  without : ap- 
propriate label,  and  this,  in  the  case  of  prescriptions,  should  always  be  thilhy- 
sician’s  direction  as  to  the  manner  of  taking  it,  and  not  the  name  of  themeqine, 
unless  it  be  so  directed  by  him.  The  prescription,  or  a copy  of  it,  shoi.  be 
retained  and  numbered,  and  the  same  number  marked  on  the  parcel  or  tie. 
Everything  connected  with  the  shop,  and  the  dispensing  and  putting  3 of 
medicines  and  parcels,  should  be  characterized  by  neatness,  accuracy,  systet  and 
competent  knowledge. 

The  apprentice  who  desires  to  qualify  himself  for  his  business,  should  are- 
fully  study  Turner’s,  Graham’s,  or  Fownes’  Elements  of  Chemistry,  Mol  and 
Redwood’s  Practical  Pharmacy,  and  Faraday’s  Treatise  on  Chemical  Marini  &■ 
tion,  which  may  be  termed  the  hand-books  of  his  profession.  D.  B 0. 

General  Officinal  Directions. 

As  all  the  processes  of  the  United  States  and  British  Pharmacopoeias  are  ther 
described  or  fully  detailed  in  the  following  pages,  it  is  proper  that  the  prt  tory 
explanations  of  the  several  Pharmacopoeias  should  be  introduced  in  this  lace, 
in  order  that  the  reader  may  be  prepared  to  understand  the  precise  signif.tion 
of  the  terms  employed. 

The  Pharmacopoeias  recognised  in  this  work,  excepting  that  of  the  iiblin 
College,  unite  in  the  use  of  the  troy  or  apothecaries’  pound,  and  its  divisas  of 
ounces,  drachms,  scruples,  and  grains,  for  the  expression  of  weights.  Up'  this 
subject  the  United  States  Pharmacopoeia  has  the  following  note,  to  whi.  the 
attention  of  apothecaries  is  particularly  invited.  “ It  is  highly  importai  that 
t hose  eugaged  in  preparing  or  dispensing  medicines  should  be  provided  wit  Trey 
weights  of  all  denominations;  but,  when  these  are  not  to  be  had,  the  sac  end 
may  be  attained  by  calculating  the  Avoirdupois  pound  at  7000  Troy  grai, and 
the  Avoirdupois  ounce  at  437 '5  grains,  and  making  the  requisite  alloance. 
Thus  42 '5  grains  added  to  the  Avoirdupois  ounce  will  make  it  equal  to  tlTrcv 
ounce,  and  1240  grains  deducted  from  the  Avoirdupois  pound  will  redu  it  to 
the  Troy  pound.”  As  the  common  weights  of  the  country  are  the  avoirapois 
weights,  and  every  apothecary  is  in  possession  of  the  lower  denomination;!  the 
apothecaries’  weight,  viz.  grains,  scruples,  and  drachms,  there  can  be  no  dic-ulty 
in  complying  with  the  officinal  directions.  The  Dublin  College,  in  -t  lad 
edition  of  their  Pharmacopoeia,  have  abandoned  the  troy  weights,  and  substoted 
the  avoirdupois  pound  and  ounce,  in  common  use,  but  make  a new  div  on  of 
the  ounce  into  drachms  and  scruples,  which  are  different  in  value  from  y de- 
nomination of  weight  hitherto  used.  Thus  their  ounce  is  divided  int eight 
drachms  of  54'68  graius  each,  and  the  drachm  into  three  scruples  ofis  -- 
grains  each.  The  difference  in  value  of  these  weights  from  others  of  tl  same 
denomination,  and  the  fractions  of  grains  contained  in  them,  are  likely  lead 
to  much  confusion  and  inconvenience.  [ 

Both  in  the  United  States  and  British  Pharmacopoeias,  the  quantity  ofluids 
is  generally  indicated  by  the  liquid  measure,  consisting  of  the  gallon  id  its 
divisions  of  pints,  fluidouuces,  fluidrac-hms,  and  minims.  It  is  highly  nassary 
that  the  apothecary  should  understand  that  this  distinction  is  rigidly  ohse  ed  in 
all  the  details  which  follow,  and  that  whenever  the  simple  terms  pound, out1,  and 
drachm  are  employed,  they  must  be  considered  as  belonging  to  the  denoniiation 
of  troy  weight.  This  caution  is  the  more  necessary,  as  these  terms  are  of  n con- 
founded with  the  corresponding  divisions  of  liquid  measure,  viz.  tt  pinb 


PAB'H.  Greneral  Officinal  Directions.  789 

fluid  nee,  and  fluidrachm.  (See  tables  of  weights  and  measures  in  the  Appen- 
dix.) 

At  the  British  Colleges  have  adopted  the  Imperial  gallon  and  its  divisions 
instei'  of  the  wine  gallon  which  they  before  employed.  In  the  United  States 
Pharacopoeia  the  wine  gallon  is  still  retained.  This  discrepancy  is  very  un- 
fortuite,  as  no  one  denomination  of  the  imperial  measure  corresponds  exactly 
withie  same  denomination  of  the  wine  measure;  and  the  formulae,  therefore, 
of  to  British  Colleges,  so  far  as  measures  are  concerned,  when  they  agree  in 
term  nth  those  of  the  United  States  Pharmacopoeia,  differ  from  them  in  reality; 
whikn  other  cases,  though  differing  in  terms,  they  may  be  quite  or  very  nearly 
idental.  It  is  very  important  that  the  apothecary  should  bear  this  distinction 
in  mid;  and,  when  he  has  occasion  to  carry  into  effect  one  of  the  foreign  form- 
ula, at  he  should  make  the  due  allowances.  He  will  find,  among  the  Tables 
in  th  Appendix  of  this  work,  a statement  of  the  relative  value  of  the  several 
denoi  nations  of  the  Imperial  and  wine  measures,  and  by  consulting  this  state- 
ment'ill  be  enabled  to  convert  the  former  into  the  latter  without  difficulty. 
The  nasures  kept  in  the  shop  should  be  graduated  according  to  the  divisions 
of  thwine  gallon ; as  this  is  recognised  by  our  own  officinal  standard. 

In  ie  Pharmacopoeia  of  the  United  States,  and  in  that  of  the  Edinburgh 
Collei,  when  the  specific  gravity  of  a body  is  given,  it  is  considered  to  be  at  the 
tempiture  of  60°,  of  Fahrenheit;  in  the  London  Pharmacopoeia,  at  62°. 

Th  United  States  and  London  Pharmacopoeias  explain  the  term  gentle  heat 
as  sif lying  a temperature  between  90°  and  100°.  Fahrenheit’s  scale  is  re- 
ferret  ,o  by  all  the  officinal  standards. 

Th  London  College  directs  that,  when  not  otherwise  ordered,  glass,  porcelain, 
or  steware  vessels  shall  be  used  for  preparing  and  preserving  medicines,  at 
the  sue  time  guarding  especially  against  the  employment  of  earthen  vessels 
glazet  vith  lead.  The  same  College  also  directs  that  acid,  alkaline,  and  metallic 
prepations,  and  salts  of  every  kind,  be  kept  in  stopped  glass  bottles,  which, 
for  chain  substances,  should  be  of  black  or  green  glass. 

W1  never,  in  the  United  States  and  London  Pharmacopoeias,  an  acid  or  an 
alkali  i directed  to  be  saturated,  the  point  of  saturation  is  to  be  ascertained  by 
mean: of  litmus  or  turmeric.  For  this  purpose  litmus  or  turmeric  paper  is 
usual  employed,  the  latter  being  rendered  brown  by  the  alkalies,  the  former 
being  sddened  by  the  acids,  and  having  its  blue  colour  restored  by  the  alkalies. 
(See  icmus  and  Curcuma .)  The  London  College  provides  that,  when  the 
soluti  of  carbonate  of  soda  is  employed  to  saturate  an  acid,  all  the  carbonic 
acid  1 driven  off  by  heat,  before  the  test  is  applied.  It  directs,  moreover,  that 
in  ma  ng  experiments  no  other  water  than  the  distilled  should  be  used ; and 
that,  less  otherwise  ordered,  white  bibulous  paper  should  be  employed  both 
for  fil  -ing  liquids  and  drying  crystals. 

Th<  London  College  uses  Hessian  or  Cornish  crucibles  exclusively.  It  de- 
fines Daterbath  to  be  an  arrangement  by  which  anything,  contained  in  its  own 
vessels  exposed  either  to  hot  water  itself,  or  to  the  vapour  of  boiling  water; 
:md  a nd  bath,  as  consisting  of  sand  to  be  gradually  heated,  in  which  anything, 
contai  d in  its  own  vessel,  is  placed. 

PeMation,  or  Filtration  by  Displacement.  In  relation  to  this  process,  the 
follow g directions  are  given  in  the  United  States  Pharmacopoeia.  “The  kind 
ot  filt.don  commonly  designated  as  the  process  of  displacement,  which  is  em- 
ploye:, n many  of  the  processes  of  this  Pharmacopoeia,  is  to  be  effected  in  the 
follow. g manner,  unless  otherwise  specially  directed.  A hollow  cylindrical 
instru  eat,  called  a Percolator,  is  to  be  used,  somewhat  conical  towards  the 
inferil  extremity,  having  a funnel-shaped  termination  so  as  to  admit  of  being 
nsert  into  the  mouth  of  a bottle,  and  provided  internally,  near  the  lower  end, 


790 


General  Officinal  Directions. 


PAI II. 


with  a transverse  partition  or  diaphragm,  pierced  with  numerous  minute  les. 
or,  in  the  absence  of  such  a partition,  obstructed  with  some  insoluble  and.ert 
substance,  in  such  a manner  that  a liquid  poured  into  the  cylinder  may  periate 
slowly.  [See  page  782.]  The  substance  to  be  acted  upon,  having  been  re  ced 
to  a coarse  powder,  and  mixed  with  enough  of  the  menstruum  to  moist  it 
thoroughly,  is,  after  a maceration  of  some  hours,  to  be  introduced  into  the  i tru- 
ment,  and  slightly  compressed  upon  the  diaphragm.  Any  portion  of  the  icer- 
ating liquid  which  may  not  have  been  absorbed  by  the  powder,  is  afterwasto 
be  poured  upon  the  mass  in  the  instrument,  and  allowed  to  percolate.  Suiient 
of  the  menstruum  is  then  to  be  gradually  added  to  drive  before  it,  or  displac  the 
liquid  contained  in  the  mass;  the  portion  introduced  is  in  like  mannenbe 
displaced  by  another  portion  ; and  so  on  till  the  required  quantity  of  fired 
liquor  is  obtained.  If  the  liquor  which  first  passes  should  be  turbid,  it  in  be 
again  introduced  into  the  instrument.  Care  must  be  taken  that  the  powrbe 
not,  on  the  one  hand,  too  coarse  or  loosely  pressed,  lest  it  should  allow  the  quid 
to  pass  too  quickly,  nor,  on  the  other,  too  fine  or  compact,  lest  it  should  or  an 
unnecessary  resistance.  Should  the  liquor  flow  too  rapidly,  it  is  to  be  re  raed 
to  the  instrument,  which  is  then  to  be  closed  beneath  for  a time,  in  ordt that 
the  finer  parts  of  the  powder  may  subside,  and  thus  cause  a slower  pereolnn.” 
The  Edinburgh  College  gives  directions  for  percolation  unc  the 
head  of  Tinctures.  According  to  that  College,  “ the  solid  marials, 
usually  in  coarse  or  moderately  fine  powder,  are  moistened  th  a 
sufficiency  of  the  solvent  to  form  a thick  pulp;  in  twelve  ho s,  or 
frequently  without  any  delay,  the  mass  is  put  into  a cylinr  of 
glass,  porcelain,  or  tinned  iron,  open  at  both  ends,  but  obstru  id  at 
the  lower  end  by  a piece  of  calico  or  linen,  tied  tightly  over  as  a 
filter  (see  figure  in  the  margin) ; and  the  pulp  being  packed  tpres- 
sure,  varying  as  to  degree  with  various  articles,  the  remainder!  the 
solvent  is  poured  into  the  upper  part  of  the  cylinder,  and  sowed 
gradually  to  percolate.  In  order  to  obtain  the  portion  of  tl  fluid 
which  is  kept  in  the  residuum,  an  additional  quantity  of  the  dvent 
is  poured  into  the  cylinder,  until  the  tincture  which  has  assed 
through,  equals  in  amount  the  spirit  originally  prescribed.” 

The  advantages  of  the  process  of  percolation  or  displacemet  are, 
that  the  active  soluble  principles  of  medicinal  substances  are  i gene- 
ral extracted  by  it  more  speedily,  thoroughly,  and  economical  than 
by  any  other  mode;  that  concentrated  solutions  of  these  principles  ar more 
easily  obtained ; and  that  no  portion  of  the  impregnated  menstruum  ied  be 
lost  by  remaining  in  the  solid  mass.  It  is,  however,  liable  to  the  obetion, 
that  considerable  experience  and  skill  are  necessary  to  carry  it  prope:'  into 
effect,  and  that,  if  improperly  performed,  it  must  often  result  in  prepatnras 
very  different  from  those  contemplated  in  the  formulae.  It  should  notthere- 
fore,  be  resorted  to  in  the  fulfilment  of  officinal  directions,  when  any  alterative 
is  given,  unless  by  individuals  who  have  acquired  the  requisite  skill  bmuch 
practice.  Hence,  both  the  United  States  and  Edinburgh  Pharmacopoeia  when 
directing  displacement  in  any  particular  case,  frequently  give  another  ide  of 
accomplishing  the  same  object,  better  adapted  to  inexperience  in  the  ope.tor. 

The  sources  of  failure  in  this  process  are  chiefly  an  improper  degree  com- 
minution in  the  substance  to  be  acted  upon,  and  an  improper  conditioof  the 
mass  after  it  has  been  introduced  into  the  instrument.  If  the  materiibe  in 
too  flue  a piowder,  it  resists  or  obstructs  the  passage  of  the  fluid ; if  tocoarse, 
it  allows  the  fluid  to  pass  too  rapidly,  and  at  the  same  time  opposes  its  caesura 
to  the  solvent  power  of  the  menstruum.  If  merely  bruised,  especially  ilibrous 
pieces  of  some  length  are  intermixed,  it  causes  the  fluid  to  make  irregul;  chan- 


PAB  II. 


General  Officinal  Directions. 


791 


nelsmd  thus  to  act  upon  it  partially.  An  improper  packing  of  the  material 
occaons  similar  inconveniences.  If  too  compact  it  impedes,  if  too  loose  it  inju- 
riouy  facilitates  the  passage  of  the  solvent,  and  if  not  uniform,  it  produces  an 
irrejlar  flow  which  necessarily  vitiates  the  result.  The  liquid,  finding  an 
easir  passage  at  one  part  than  another,  flows  more  rapidly  in  that  direction,  and 
thustoakes  channels  by  which  it  may  in  great  measure  or  wholly  escape,  with 
littlfnfluence  upon  the  mass.  Besides,  the  uniform  progression  by  which  each 
aupeidded  portion  displaces  that  immediately  beneath  it  is  broken,  the  succes- 
sive lyers  become  intermingled,  and  thus  one  of  the  peculiar  advantages  of  the 
proofs  is  lost.  The  following  observations  may  be  of  some  use  in  assisting  the 
opeijor  to  avoid  these  consequences. 

Tfi  solid  material  should  in  general  be  in  the  state  of  a uniform  coarse 
powir,  to  which  it  is  most  conveniently  brought  by  grinding  in  a common 
coffsiinill.  If  its  texture,  however,  be  very  hard,  firm,  and  not  easily  permeable 
by  nisture,  as  in  certain  barks,  woods,  and  ligneous  roots,  it  should  be  rather 
fine!  powdered.  If,  on  the  contrary,  the  texture  be  loose  and  spongy,  and 
espeally  if  the  material  be  disposed  to  swell  up  and  form  a viscid  mass  with 
watt  so  as  to  impede  percolation,  as  in  the  case  of  gentian  and  squill,  it  may 
be  alisable  merely  to  bruise  it  in  a mortar;  though  care  should  be  taken  to  do 
thisits  equably  as  possible ; and  the  substances  which  require  this  treatment 
wbe  water  is  used,  may  come  under  the  general  rule  with  another  solvent,  as 
alco  >1  or  ether. 

I s generally  advisable,  before  introducing  the  material  into  the  instrument, 
to  hi  it  with  a portion  of  the  solvent,  and  allow  it  to  stand  for  some  time  in 
anotpr  vessel.  It  thus  becomes  more  penetrable  and  more  easily  acted  on  by 
the  enstruum,  admits  of  a more  uniform  packing,  and,  if  liable  to  swell  with 
wat<  undergoes  this  expansion  where  it  cannot  have  the  effect  of  checking  per- 
colairn.  The  quantity  of  liquid  should  be  sufficient  to  form  a soft  pulp-like 
maswith  the  powder.  In  general,  a weight  about  half  that  of  the  solid  mate- 
rial ill  be  sufficient,  though  a much  larger  quantity  may  be  used,  if  on  any 
acecit  deemed  advisable.  The  maceration  may  continue  on  the  average  about 
twe|  hours ; but  a much  shorter  time  will  often  answer.  It  has  sometimes 
beerecommended  to  perform  this  preliminary  maceration  in  the  displacement 
Site  its  lower  orifice  being  closed  for  a time.  With  some  substances  this  may 
bene  without  disadvantage;  but  in  all  those  instances  in  which  the  material 
is  Me  to  swell  considerably  with  water,  and  thus  to  choke  the  passage,  the 
maciiation  should  take  place  in  another  vessel. 

I|!  packing  of  the  material  in  the  instrument  is  that  part  of  the  process  which 
mos  -equires  experience  in  the  operator,  and  about  which  the  least  precise  rules 
can  e given.  When  mixed  with  a considerable  portion  of  fluid,  it  will  often 
subi  e of  itself  into  the  proper  state ; but  generally  it  requires  some  shaking  or 
pres  re,  and  the  degree  of  the  latter  must  be  in  proportion  to  the  looseness  of 
tcxte  in  the  material;  reference,  however,  being  always  had  to  its  disposition 
to  s 11  with  water.  Certain  substances  in  which  this  property  is  found,  such 
as  g tian  and  rhubarb,  must  not  be  pressed  compactly,  when  water  is  the  solvent. 
As  i;  percolation  advances,  and  portions  of  the  substance  acted  on  are  dissolved, 
tbe  jass  often  becomes  too  loose,  and  requires  to  be  again  pressed  down.  Sub- 
star  s which  are  apt  to  form  with  the  menstruum  an  adhesive  and  impermeable 
mas  such  as  the  resins  and  gum-resins,  may  be  advantageously  mixed,  in  the 
stat  >f  coarse  powder,  with  about  half  their  weight  of  perfectly  clean  white 
sand  as  suggested  by  the  late  Mr.  Duhamel.  (See  Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  x. 
15.;  The  sand  separates  the  particles  of  the  mass,  and  allows  the  menstruum 
a re  ier  access. 

Aer  the  moistened  material  has  been  properly  packed,  the  upper  surface 


792 


General  Officinal  Directions. 


PAP/.  I. 


should  he  made  quite  level,  and  then  covered  with  a circular  disk  of  tin  o Q. 
tering  paper  pierced  with  numerous  minute  holes;  and,  if  the  disk  be  of  pt  r 
it  should  be  kept  in  its  place  by  pieces  of  glass  rod.  The  solvent  is  thus  ma<  to 
enter  into  the  mass  equably,  and  prevented  from  forming  partial  passages  by  1 .r. 
ing  upon  one  or  a few  points.  The  liquid  is  now  tube  introduced  in  succesve 
portions,  as  stated  in  the  officinal  directions  above  given,  and  in  the  gei  al 
account  of  the  process  given  at  page  782. 

The  fluid  which  first  passes  is  turbid,  unless  the  diaphragm  has  been  cored 
by  a close  filtering  material.  Should  it  be  turbid,  it  should  be  returned  to 
the  instrument,  before  the  addition  of  any  displacing  menstruum;  and  the  sue 
thing  should  continue  to  be  done,  until  the  liquid  comes  away  perfectly  cir. 
If  the  percolation  be  too  rapid,  pressure  may  be  made  upon  the  upper  diaphr  m 
so  as  to  render  the  mass  more  compact,  or  the  instrument  may  be  closed  b)w 
for  a time,  as  stated  in  the  officinal  direction.  Hence  the  advantage  of  haij 
a stop-cock  near  the  lower  end  for  regulating  the  discharge.  In  the  absem  of 
a stop  cock,  a soft  cork  may  be  used,  with  a small  groove  cut  lengthwise  a 
short  distance  from  its  smaller  end.  By  withdrawing  the  cork  until  the  grve 
appears,  a passage  for  the  fluid  can  be  opened  at  will.  When  the  pereolatk  is 
too  slow,  it  may  be  increased  by  the  pressure  of  a column  of  liquid,  and  iis 
plan  may  sometimes  be  advantageously  resorted  to  when  the  powder  is  ry 
fine,  or  large  masses  of  material  are  operated  upon.  (See  page  783.)  Tien 
the  object  is  to  keep  up  a constant  supply  of  the  percolating  fluid,  it  mabe 
accomplished  by  filling  a long-necked  bottle  or  matrass  with  the  fluid,  amin- 
verting  it  over  the  filtering  instrument,  with  its  mouth  beneath  the  surfa1  of 
the  liquid  in  the  latter. 

Hot  liquids  may  be  used  in  the  process  as  well  as  cold,  and  are  sometiea 
preferable  when  the  substance  yields  its  active  principles  more  largely  at  anle- 
vated  temperature.  But  there  is  often  an  inconvenience  in  employing  hot  w:  r; 
as  it  dissolves  or  renders  glutinous  substances  not  affected  by  cold  water,  wch 
are  not  requisite,  and  may  even  be  injurious  in  the  preparation,  and  which  nd 
to  embarrass  the  process  by  filling  up  the  interstices  of  the  mass,  and  thus’n- 
dering  it  less  permeable.  An  instrument  has  been  invented  by  Mr.  C-  A.  Srth, 
of  Cincinnati,  by  which  the  menstruum  is  made  to  enter  the  contents  of  theer- 
colator  in  the  state  of  hot  vapour,  and,  being  condensed  by  means  of  a iri- 
gerating  vessel  surrounding  the  percolator,  passes  out  in  the  liquid  form,  hilly 
impregnated  with  the  soluble  principles  of  the  material  operated  on.  (See  m. 
Journ.  of  Pliarm.,  xviii.  98.) 

The  first  portion  of  filtered  liquid  is  very  strongly  impregnated,  and  theor- 
tions  which  subsequently  come  away,  are  successively  less  so.  It  is  souieties 
desirable  to  obtain  the  whole  of  the  particular  solvent  employed.  This  end  ay 
he  very  nearly  attained  by  adding,  at  the  close  of  the  process,  enough  of  aimer 
liquid  to  supply  the  place  of  that  retained  in  the  mass.  It  was  Boullay  s lea 
that  the  whole  of  the  liquid  contained  in  the  moist  material  might  be  thus  dren 
out  of  it  or  displaced  by  the  one  added,  without  any  admixture  of  the  two.  ' is, 
however,  has  been  ascertained  not  to  be  exactly  true;  and,  however  care lly 
the  process  may  be  conducted,  some  mixture  will  take  place.  Hence,  it  ire- 
commended,  when  one  liquid  is  added  in  order  to  displace  another,  to  introice 
first  a shallow  layer  of  the  same  liquid  with  that  contained  in  the  mass.  In  me 
instances,  the  solvent,  if  consisting  of  two  liquids,  is  resolved  into  these  it  be 
process.  Thus,  when  myrrh  is  subjected  to  percolation  with  proof  spirit  he 
first  liquid  which  comes  away  is  alcohol  holding  the  oil  and  resin  of  the  nrrh 
in  solution. 

There  are  very  few  substances  to  which  the  mode  of  filtration  by  displacement 
will  not  be  found  applicable,  if  due  attention  be  paid  to  the  circumstances  web 
require  variations  in  the  process. 


PAI  II. 


Aceta. 


793 


htillation.  In  the  preface  to  the  last  edition  of  the  Edinburgh  Pliarma- 
copca,  the  following  remarks  are  made  in  relation  to  this  process.  “In  the 
procss  of  distillation,  complete  success  cannot  he  easily  attained,  especially  on 


the  aall  scale,  without  the  substitution  of  a different  apparatus  for  the  retort 
and  eceiver  commonly  used.  In  all  operations,  except  where  inorganic  acids 
are  be  distilled,  it  is  greatly  preferable  to  use  a globular  matrass  (a),  to  which 
is  fid  with  a cork  a tube  (be),  cut  obliquely  at  its  lower  end  (b),  curved 
abo\  at  a somewhat  acute  angle,  and  fitted  at  the  other  end  to  a refrigeratory. 
Thirefrigeratory  consists  of  a long  narrow  cylinder  (c if)  slightly  inclined  to 
the  irizon,  and  of  a tube  (ce)  which  passes  along  the  centre  of  the  cylinder,  and 
is  fi:i  at  each  end,  so  that  the  space  between  them  is  air-tight ; and  by  means 
of  amnel  (<jh)  entering  at  the  lower  end  of  this  interspace,  and  an  exit  tube 
(di')-om  its  upper  extremity,  a stream  of  cold  water  may  be  kept  constantly 
rum  ig,  by  which  refrigeration  and  the  condensation  of  vapours  within  the  inner 
tubeire  far  more  effectually  accomplished  than  by  any  other  mode  that  has 
hith  to  been  devised.”  This  is  Liebig’s  distillatory  apparatus.  The  object  of 
the  < lique  ending  of  the  tube  at  b,  is  to  prevent  any  of  the  fluid  which  may  be 
driv  against  it,  during  the  ebullition,  from  passing  along  the  tube.  The  inner 
tubef  the  refrigeratory  should  be  made  of  glass  or  block-tin,  the  outer  may 
cons;  of  glass,  brass,  copper,  or  common  tinned  iron.  The  end  e of  the  central 
tubeii  either  straight,  or  curved  downward  so  that  it  may  be  inserted  into  a 
bott.  when  the  liquid  distilled  is  very  volatile.  By  connecting  the  funnel  with 
achrn  by  means  of  a syphon,  and  allowing  the  water  to  flow  out  from  the 
bentabe  di  into  a bucket  or  sink,  the  distillation  may  be  allowed  to  go  on  for 
a lot]  time  without  supervision.  Dr.  Christison  states  that  a refrigeratory,  with 
the  iter  tube  a foot  long,  and  an  inch  and  a quarter  in  diameter,  will  be  suf- 
ficier  to  condense  the  whole  vapour  from  a matrass  holding  two  pints  of  alcohol 
brisl  • boiling.  W. 

ACETA. 


Vinegars. 

U er  this  title,  in  the  United  States  Pharmacopoeia,  are  included  both  Dis- 
tilleijfinegar  and  those  preparations  usually  denominated  Medicated  Vinegars. 
The  tter  are  infusions  or  solutions  of  various  medicinal  substances  in  vinegar  or 
aceti  acid.  The  advantage  of  vinegar  as  a menstruum  is  that,  in  consequence 
of  tl  acetic  acid  which  it  contains,  it  will  dissolve  substances  not  readily  solu- 
ble, altogether  insoluble,  in  water  alone.  It  is  an  excellent  solvent  of  the 
orgai!  alkalies,  which  it  converts  into  acetates,  thereby  modifying,  in  some 
ej  though  not  injuriously,  the  action  of  the  medicines  of  which  they  are 
ingryents.  As  ordinary  vinegar  contains  principles  which  promote  its  decom- 
pose a,  it  should  be  purified  by  distillation  before  being  used  as  a solvent.  In- 


794 


Aceta. 


PARI 


fusions  prepared  with  it,  even  in  this  state,  are  apt  to  spoil  in  a short  time;  d 
a portion  of  alcohol  is  usually  added  to  contribute  to  their  preservation.  As:  11 
quantity  of  acetic  ether  is  said  to  result  from  this  addition;  and,  on  the  conti: it 
of  Europe,  the  place  of  the  alcohol  is  frequently  supplied  by  an  equal  amouiof 
concentrated  acetic  acid.  At  present  diluted  acetic  acid  is  generally  prefeid 
as  the  menstruum  to  distilled  vinegar,  as  being  of  more  uniform  strength.  In 
consequence  of  their  liability  to  change,  the  medicated  vinegars  should  be  nie 
in  small  quantities,  and  kept  but  for  a short  time.  V 


ACETUM  DESTILLATUM.  U.S.,  Land.,  Ed.  Distilled  Vine j. 

“Take  of  Vinegar  a gallon.  Distil  the  Vinegar,  by  means  of  a sand-1  h, 
from  a glass  retort  into  a glass  receiver.  Discontinue  the  process  when  sen 
pints  shall  have  been  distilled,  and  keep  these  for  use.”  U.  S. 

The  London  process  is  the  same  as  that  of  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia,  he 
Edinburgh  process  is  as  follows.  “ Take  of  Vinegar  (French  by  prefere-e) 
eight  parts:  distil  over  with  a gentle  heat,  seven  parts : dilute  the  produ  if 
necessary,  with  distilled  water  till  the  density  is  1 005.” 

Vinegar  is  a very  heterogeneous  liquid,  containing  colouring  matter,  <m, 
sugar,  alcohol,  &c.;  and  the  object  of  its  distillation  is  to  purify  it.  (See  ce- 
tum .)  The  first  portion  which  distils  contains  alcohol  and  pyroacetic  frit 
(acetone),  these  being  the  most  volatile  ingredients;  next  the  acetic  acid  oes 
over  much  purified,  but  weaker  than  it  exists  in  the  vinegar,  on  account  cits 
being  less  volatile  than  water ; and,  if  the  distillation  be  stopped  when  the  ore 
vinegar  ceases  to  come  over,  there  will  be  found  in  the  retort  a liquid  of  a cep- 
brown  colour,  very  sour  and  empyreumatic,  and  containing  free  tartartic.nd 
malic  acids,  bitartrate  of  potassa,  and  other  sirbstances.  This  statement  espies 
why  the  last  portion  (one-eighth)  is  not  distilled;  the  seven-eighths  whichrst 
come  over  being  alone  preserved.  The  residuary  liquid  in  the  retort,  if  di  ted 
with  an  equal  bulk  of  hot  water,  may  be  made  to  yield,  by  a fresh  distillaon, 
a quantity  of  weak  acetic  acid  equal  to  the  residuary  liquid,  and  of  abouthe 
strength  and  purity  of  officinal  distilled  vinegar. 

Wine  vinegar  furnishes  a stronger  and  more  aromatic  distilled  vinegar  ban 
malt  or  cider  vinegar.  The  London  College  gives  1 0065  as  the  density  odis- 
tilled  vinegar.  The  Edinburgh  College,  assuming  that  distilled  vinegar-ill 
have  the  sp.  gr.  of  at  least  1'005,  directs  that  its  density,  when  above  that  lin- 
ber,  shall  be  reduced  to  it.  The  U.  S.  Pharmacopceia  does  not  give  the  deity, 
on  account  of  its  being  an  uncertain  criterion  of  strength.  The  saturating  ]tver 
is  the  proper  test  of  the  acid  present.  This  is  given  in  the  different  Phma- 
copoeias  as  follows.  A fluidounce  is  saturated  by  about  35  grains  of  cry  staved 
bicarbonate  of  potassa  {U.  S.) ; an  Imperial  fluidounce  by  57  grains  of  cr.tal- 
lized  carbonate  of  soda  ( Land .)  ; and  100  minims  by  8 grains  of  the  sarnecar- 
bonate  {Ed.)  The  saturating  power,  thus  given,  of  the  different  officinal  dislled 
vinegars  indicates  the  following  proportions  of  monohydrated  acetic  ae  per 
cent.,  assuming  the  sp.  gr.  of  the  U.  S.  distilled  vinegar  to  be  1 005; — ■ 5 
Pharmacopoeia  4‘5,  London  5'4,  Edinburgh  3'6.  Considering  the  ordiuaryhar- 
maceutical  uses  of  distilled  vinegar,  variations  in  its  strength,  limited  as  hey 
are  by  the  qualities  of  different  vinegars,  are  not  very  important.  Its  puiy  is 
the  point  of  importance.  If,  however,  precision  be  attempted,  the  satutmg 
power  and  not  the  density  must  be  indicated;  and  directions  should  be  wen 
for  bringing  a distilled  vinegar,  which  varies  from  the  standard  of  satu  tmg 
power,  to  that  standard  by  the  addition  either  of  pure  acetic  acid,  or  of  dialed, 
water.  The  reason  why  density  cannot  be  depended  upon,  is  that  the  s cauc 
gravity  is  not  iu  proportion  to  the  strength.  If  the  vinegar  contain  a goqdea 
of  alcohol  and  pyroacetic  spirit,  the  distilled  product  will  be  light,  but  n ne- 
cessarily weak.  This  remark  applies  particularly  to  distilled  wine  vinegar 


PA  I II. 


Aceta. 


795 


he  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia  directs  the  distillation  of  vinegar  to  be  conducted  in 
gkt  vessels;  but  it  is  generally  distilled  in  a copper  alembic  furnished  with  a 
peier  worm.  The  use  of  these  metals,  however,  is  hazardous,  on  account  of 
thdanger  of  metallic  impregnation.  Mr.  Brande  has  suggested  that  the  con- 
de;er  might  be  made  of  very  thin  silver,  a metal  not  acted  on  by  acetic  acid  of 
an  strength.  If  this  cannot  be  procured,  the  head  and  worm  should  be  of  glass 
or  irthenware.  Empyreuma  is  effectually  prevented  by  distilling  by  means  of 
stem 

roperties.  Distilled  vinegar  is  a limpid,  colourless  liquid,  of  a weak  acetous 
tas  and  smell,  less  agreeable  than  those  of  common  vinegar.  It  is  wholly  vola- 
tile by  heat.  It  is  not  a perfectly  pure  solution  of  acetic  acid  in  water;  but 
couins  a portion  of  organic  matter  which  rises  in  the  distillation.  It  is  on 
acJint  of  the  partial  decomposition  of  this  impurity  that  distilled  vinegar,  when 
satiated  with  an  alkali,  is  liable  to  become  of  a reddish  or  brownish  colour. 
W:n  distilled  in  metallic  vessels,  it  is  apt  to  contain  traces  of  copper,  lead,  and 
tit  Copper  is  detected,  after  saturating  with  ammonia,  by  the  addition  of  fer- 
roemuretof  potassium,  which  produces  a brown  cloud;  lead  by  iodide  of  potas- 
siu , which  occasions  a yellow  precipitate;  and  tin  by  a solution  of  chloride  of 
go;  which  causes  a purplish  appearance.  The  two  latter  metals  are  discovered 
als  by  sulphuretted  hydrogen,  which  occasions  a dark-coloured  precipitate.  The 
noaction  of  this  gas  proves  the  absence  of  metals  generally.  Distilled  vinegar 
sk  Id  have  neither  an  empyreumatic  taste  nor  a sulphurous  smell.  As  usually 
prared,  however,  it  is  somewhat  empyreumatic.  British  malt  vinegar  is  al- 
loid  by  law  to  contain  one-thousandth  of  sulphuric  acid;  but,  when  it  is  dis- 
till, this  acid  does  not  come  over.  If,  however,  sulphuric  acid  should  be 
acdentally  present  in  distilled  vinegar,  it  may  be  detected  by  chloride  of  barium 
orcetate  of  lead.  If  muriatic  acid  be  present,  it  may  be  shown  by  a precipitate 
beg  formed  with  nitrate  of  silver;  and  if  nitric  acid  be  an  impurity,  the  vine- 
ga  will  possess  the  property,  by  digestion,  of  dissolving  silver,  which  may  be 
de  cted  afterwards  by  muriatic  acid. 

edical  Properties  and  Uses.  The  medical  properties  of  distilled  vinegar  are 
thsame  as  those  of  common  vinegar  (see  Acetuni)-,  but  the  former,  being 
pur,  and  not  liable  to  spontaneous  decomposition,  is  preferable  for  pharmaceu- 
tic purposes.  Still,  it  is  less  pure  than  the  officinal  diluted  acetic  acid,  which 
ha  been  substituted  for  it  in  a number  of  preparations. 

ff.  Prep.  Acetum  Colchici;  Acetuni  Opii;  Acetum  Scillae;  Ammoniac 
Ai'atis  Aqua;  Emplastrum  Ammoniaci.  B. 

CETUM  CANTHARIDIS.  ( Epispasticum .)  Lond.  Acetum  Can- 
ti  ridis.  Ed.,  Dub.  Vinegar  of  Spanish  Flies. 

Take  of  Spanish  Flies,  in  very  fine  powder,  two  ounces  ; Acetic  Acid  a pint 
[I  aerial  measure].  Macerate  the  Spanish  Flies  with  the  acid  for  eight  days, 
oc>  jionally  shaking.  Finally  express  and  filter.”  Lond. 

Take  of  Cantharides,  in  powder,  three  ounces;  Acetic  Acid  five  fluidounces; 
P;  (ligneous  Acid  fifteen  fluidounces  ; Euphorbium,  in  coarse  powder,  half  an 
ou  e.  Mix  the  acids,  add  the  powders,  macerate  for  seven  days,  strain  and 
excess  strongly,  and  filter  the  liquor.”  Ed. 

Take  of  Spanish  Flies,  in  fine  powder,  four  ounces;  Strong  Acetic  Acid  four 
fit'ounces;  Acetic  Acid  of  Commerce  (sp.  gr.  1‘044)  sixteen  fluidounces.  Mix 
tb  Acids,  and,  having  added  the  Flies,  macerate  in  a close  vessel  for  fourteen 
da  ; then  strain  through  flannel  with  expression,  and  filter  so  as  to  obtain  a 
cl-  • liquor.”  Dub. 

pis  preparation  is  intended  exclusively  for  external  use,  as  a speedy  epis- 
Pa  c.  It  is  said,  when  lightly  applied  by  a brush,  to  act  as  a rubefacient;  and, 
wl,i  rubbed  freely  upon  the  skin  for  three  minutes,  to  be  followed,  in  two  or 


796 


Aceta. 


PART 


three  hours,  by  full  vesication.  The  pain  produced  by  the  application,  thou 
more  severe,  is  also  more  transient  than  that  occasioned  by  the  blistering  cer; . 
From' experiments  made  by  Mr.  Redwood,  it  may  be  inferred  that  the  prel- 
ration  proves  epispastic  chiefly  if  not  exclusively  in  consequence  of  its  ac  c 
acid,  and  that  it  contains  little  of  the  active  principle  of  the  flies.  {Loud.  Pha 
Journ.  and  Trans.,  Oct.  1841.)  Prof.  Procter  finds  that,  by  digestion  aa 
temperature  of  212°  F.,  the  active  principle  of  the  flies  is  readily  taken  upy 
officinal  acetic  acid,  though  a portion  of  the  cantharidin  is  deposited  upon  Go- 
ing. (Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.  xxiv.  299.)  It  would  seem,  therefore,  that  e 
vinegar  of  Spanish  flies  would  be  best  prepared  with  the  aid  of  heat.  TV 

ACETUM  COLCIIICI.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub.  Vinegar  of  O- 
chicum. 

“ Take  of  [dried]  Colchicum  Root,  bruised,  two  ounces;  Diluted  Acetic  id 
two  pints.  Macerate  the  Colchicum  Root  with  the  Diluted  Acetic  Acid,  i a 
close  glass  vessel,  for  seven  days;  then  express  the  liquor,  and  set  it  by  tit 
the  dregs  may  subside ; lastly,  pour  off  the  clear  liquor. 

“ Vinegar  of  Colchicum  may  also  he  prepared  by  macerating  the  Colchicn 
Root,  in  coarse  powder,  with  a pint  of  Diluted  Acetic  Acid  for  two  days,  t n 
putting  the  mixture  into  a percolator,  and  gradually  pouring  upon  it  Dilnd 
Acetic  Acid  until  the  quantity  of  filtered  liquor  equals  two  pints. 

“ In  the  above  processes,  Distilled  Vinegar  may  be  substituted  for  Dilud 
Acetic  Acid.”  U.  S. 

“ Take  of  dried  Colchicum  Cormus  three  drachms  and  a half;  Diluted  Acic 
Acid  a pint  [Imperial  measure];  Proof  Spirit  a fluidounce  and  a half,  a- 
cerate  the  Colchicum  with  the  Acid  in  a covered  vessel  for  three  days;  t:a 
express,  and  set  apart  that  the  dregs  may  subside;  lastly,  add  the  spirit  tore 
filtered  liquor.”  Lond. 

“Take  of  Colchicum-bulb,  fresh  and  sliced,  one  ounce;  Distilled  Vinegar  r- 
teen  fluidounces ; Proof  Spirit  one  fluidounce.  Macerate  the  Colchicum  in  le 
Vinegar  for  three  days  in  a covered  glass  vessel;  strain  and  express  strong; 
filter  the  liquors,  aud  add  the  spirit.”  Ed. 

“ Take  of  Colchicum  Bulbs,  dried  and  bruised,  one  ounce;  Acetic  Acicof 
Commerce  (sp.  gr.  1'044 ) four  fluidounces;  Distilled  Water  twelve  ounces  [fld- 
ounces ].  Iu  the  Acid,  diluted  with  the  Water,  macerate  the  Colchicum,  : a 
close  vessel  for  seven  days;  then  straiu  with  expression,  and  filter."  Dub.  , 

Of  these  processes  the  American  and  Dublin  yield  the  strongest  preparatn, 
and  on  this  account  are  preferable.  They  also  agree  in  omitting  the  spit, 
which,  in  the  London  and  Edinburgh  processes,  is  intended  to  retard  the  sn- 
taneous  decomposition  to  which  this,  like  the  other  medicated  vinegars,  is  li Re, 
hut  is  of  little  use. 

Vinegar  is  an  excellent  solvent  of  the  active  principle  of  colchicum  ; andhe 
organic  alkali  of  the  latter  loses  none  of  its  efficacy  by  combination  with  he 
acetic  acid  of  the  former. 

Medical  Uses.  This  preparation  has  been  extolled  as  a diuretic  in  droy, 
and  may  be  given  in  gout,  rheumatism,  aud  neuralgia ; but  the  wines  of  copi- 
cum  are  usually  preferred.  It  is  recommended  by  Scudamore  to  be  give  in 
connexion  with  magnesia,  so  as  to  neutralize  the  acetic  acid  of  the  menstrnn. 
The  dose  is  from  thirty  drops  to  two  fluidrachms.  ^ 

ACETUM  OPII.  U.  S.,  Ed.,  Dub.  Vinegar  of  Opium.  Black  D p. 

“ Take  of  Opium,  in  coarse  powder,  eight  ounces;  Xutmeg,  in  coarse  pover, 
an  ounce  and  a half;  Saffron  half  an  ounce;  Sugar  twelve  ounces;  Diled 
Acetic  Acid  a sufficient  quantity.  Digest  the  Opium,  Xutmeg,  and  Saffron  tli 
a pint  and  a half  of  the  Diluted  Acetic  Acid,  on  a sand-bath,  with  a gentle  lat, 


P4T  II. 


Aceta. 


797 


foi’orty-eight  hours,  and  strain.  Digest  the  residue  with  an  equal  quantity  of 
thiDiluted  Acetic  Acid,  in  the  same  manner,  for  twenty-four  hours.  Then 
puthe  whole  into  a percolator,  and  return  the  filtered  liquor,  as  it  passes,  until 
it  lines  away  quite  clear.  When  the  filtration  has  ceased,  pour  Diluted  Acetic 
Ac!  gradually  upon  the  materials  remaining  in  the  instrument,  until  the  whole 
quitity  of  filtered  liquor  equals  three  pints.  Lastly,  add  the  Sugar,  and,  by 
mas  of  a water  bath,  evaporate  to  three  pints  and  four  fluidounces. 

In  the  above  process,  Distilled  Vinegar  may  be  substituted  for  Diluted 
Aciic  Acid.”  U.  S. 

Take  of  Opium  four  ounces;  Distilled  Vinegar  sixteen  fluidounces.  Cut 
thtdpium  into  small  fragments,  triturate  it  into  a pulp  with  a little  of  the 
Vi  gar,  add  the  rest  of  the  Vinegar,  macerate  in  a closed  vessel  for  seven  days, 
am  agitate  occasionally.  Then  strain  and  express  strongly,  and  filter  the 
licpr.”  Ed. 

Take  of  Opium,  in  coarse  powder,  one  ounce  and.  a half ; Dilute  Acetic 
Ac  one  pint  [Imperial  measure].  Macerate  for  seven  days  in  a close  vessel, 
wii  occasional  agitation;  then  strain  with  expression,  and  filter.”  Dub. 

he  vinegar  of  opium  has  been  introduced  into  the  Pharmacopoeias  as  an  imi- 
tata  of  or  substitute  for  a preparation,  which  has  been  long  in  use  under  the 
na: ; of  Lancaster  or  Quaker’s  black  drop,  or  simply  black  drop.  The  formula 
of  .e  first  edition  of  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia  was  so  deficient  in  precision,  and 
so  .certain  in  its  results,  that  it  was  abandoned  in  the  second  edition ; but,  as  this 
obj  tion  was  obviated  in  a process  by  Mr.  Charles  Ellis,  published  in  the  Ameri- 
caifournal  of  Pharmacy  (vol.  ii.  page  202),  and  as  the  preparation  continued 
to  joy  a considerable  degree  of  professional  and  popular  favour,  it  was  deemed 
pror  to  restore  it  to  its  officinal  rank  at  the  subsequent  revision  of  the  Pharma- 
copia.  The  U.  S.  formula  above  given  is  essentially  that  of  Mr.  Ellis.  It  is, 
we  fink,  preferable  to  the  Edinburgh  and  Dublin  formulae.  In  the  former  of 
the  we  cannot  but  suspect  that  there  is  some  waste  of  opium,  as  it  is  the  same 
as  jie  old  Dublin  formula;  and  Dr.  Montgomery,  in  his  observations  on  the 
for  3r  Dublin  Pharmacopoeia,  states  that  twenty  drops  of  the  preparation  are 
eqi  alent  to  thirty  of  the  common  tincture  of  opium,  though,  in  making  the 
lati|,  somewhat  less  than  one-third  the  quantity  of  opium  is  used.  Iu  the 
prent  Dublin  process,  much  less  opium  is  employed,  and  the  resulting  vinegar, 
is  pibably  of  about  the  same  strength  as  laudanum.  In  the  last  U.  S.  formula, 
dili  ;d  acetic  acid  has  been  substituted  for  distilled  vinegar.  The  advantages  of 
thejack  drop  over  laudanum  are,  probably,  that  disturbing  principles  contain- 
ed opium  and  soluble  in  alcohol  are  left  behind  by  the  aqueous  menstruum 
em  pyed ; while  the  meconate  of  morphia  is  converted  by  the  acetic  acid  into 
thejeetate.  In  the  original  process,  published  by  Dr.  Armstrong,  who  found 
it  s.ong  the  papers  of  a relative  of  the  proprietor  in  England,  verjuice,  or  the 
juie  of  the  wild  crab,  was  employed  instead  of  vinegar.  Other  vegetable  acids 
alsifavourably  modify  the  narcotic  operation  of  opium;  and  lemon  juice  has 
bee  employed  in  a similar  manner  with  vinegar  or  verjuice,  and  perhaps  not  less 
ad\  itageously.* 

* he  following  is  the  formula  given  in  the  first  edition  of  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia. 
“T  e of  Opium  half  a pound ; Vinegar  three  pints ; Nutmeg,  bruised,  one  ounce  and  a half; 
Safin  half  an  ounce.  Boil  them  to  a proper  consistence;  then  add  Sugar  four  ounces  ; 
lea'  one  jiuidounce.  Digest  for  seven  weeks,  then  place  in  the  open  air  until  it  becomes 
« s;  p;  lastly,  decant,  filter,  and  bottle  it  up,  adding  a little  sugar  to  each  bottle.”  The 
hoilg  to  a proper  consistence,  the  digestion  in  the  open  air  until  a syrup  is  formed,  and  the 
addpn  of  a little  sugar  to  each  bottle,  are  all  indefinite  directions  which  must  have  led 
to  Certain  results.  Independently  of  this  want  of  precision,  the  point  in  which  the  old 
pro, ;s  chiefly  differs  from  that  at  present  officinal  is,  that,  in  the  former,  fermentation  is 
aid  :d  by  the  addition  of  yeast.  But  fermentation  is  of  very  doubtful  value  in  the  pro- 
ces;i  at  least  its  advantages  have  not  been  proved. 


798 


Ac  eta. 


PART 

The  vinegar  of  opium  may  sometimes  be  advantageously  used  when  op  n 
itself,  or  the  tincture,  in  consequence  of  peculiarity  in  the  disease  or  in  the  - 1- 
stitution  of  the  patient,  occasions  so  much  headache,  nausea,  or  nervous  disor  r 
as  to  render  its  employment  inconvenient  if  not  impossible.  It  exhibits  all  ie 
anodyne  and  soporific  properties  of  the  narcotic,  with  less  tendency  to  proc;e 
these  disagreeable  effects,  at  least  in  many  instances.  The  U.  S.  preparaticis 
of  about  double  the  strength  of  laudanum,  six  and  a half  minims  containing  ie 
soluble  parts  of  about  one  grain  of  opium,  supposing  the  drug  to  be  complely 
exhausted  by  the  menstruum.  The  dose  may  be  stated  at  from  seven  to  ;n 
drops  or  minims.  Y 

ACETUM  SCILLiE.  U.  S.,  Lond Ed.,  Dub.  Yinegar  of  Sq  U. 

‘‘Take  of  Squill,  bruised,  four  ounces;  Diluted  Acetic  Acid  two  pints,  a- 
eerate  the  Squill  with  the  Diluted  Acetic  Acid,  in  a close  glass  vessel,  for  sen 
days;  then  express  the  liquor,  and  set  it  by  that  the  dregs  may  subside;  lay, 
pour  off  the  clear  liquor. 

“ Vinegar  of  Squill  may  also  be  prepared  by  macerating  the  Squill,  in  cose 
powder,  with  a pint  of  Diluted  Acetic  Acid  for  two  days,  then  putting  the  mis  re 
into  a percolator,  and  gradually  pouring  upon  it  Diluted  Acetic  Acid  until  he 
quantity  of  filtered  liquor  equals  two  pints. 

“In  the  above  processes,  Distilled  Vinegar  maybe  substituted  for  Dil  ed 
Acetic  Acid.”  U.  S. 

The  London  College  directs  two  ounces  and  a half  of  recently  dried  squ:.  a 
pint  (Imperial  measure)  of  diluted  acetic  acid,  a fluidounce  and  a half  of  pof 
spirit,  and  maceration  with  a gentle  heat  for  three  days.  The  Edinburgh  Ct-ge 
directs  five  ounces  of  dried  squill,  tico  pints  (Imp.  meas.)  of  distilled  vinegar,  ree 
fiuidounces  of  proof  spirit,  and  maceration  for  seven  days.  The  Dublin  Ctege 
takes  two  ounces  of  dried  squill,  four  fiuidounces  of  acetic  acid  of  commeretsp. 
gr.  l’044),and  twelve  fiuidounces  of  distilled  water;  and  macerates  for  seven  <vs. 

In  the  United  States  process  by  percolation,  the  whole  of  the  diluted  acid  m- 
ployed  in  the  maceration,  and  introduced  with  the  squill  into  the  instrumt, 
should  be  allowed  to  enter  the  mass,  before  the  fresh  portion  is  added,  .’he 
preparations  of  the  several  Pharmacopoeias  are  so  nearly  the  same  that,  fall 
practical  purposes,  they  may  be  considered  identical.  In  the  present  U.  Sund 
Dublin  processes  the  alcohol  has  been  omitted.  Its  only  object  is  to  retarthe 
decomposition  of  the  vinegar  of  squill;  while  its  presence  is  medically  injuons 
by  rendering  the  preparation  too  stimulating.  It  is  best,  therefore,  to  prare 
the  vinegar  of  squill  frequently,  and  in  small  quantities,  so  as  not  to  retire 
alcohol  for  its  preservation.  In  the  preparation  of  the  oxyrnel  and  syn  of 
squill,  for  which  purpose  the  vinegar  is  chiefly  used  in  this  country,  it  shod  he 
employed  without  alcohol.  The  vinegar  of  squill  deposits,  upon  standing,  pre- 
cipitate which  consists,  according  to  Vogel,  of  citrate  of  lime  and  tanniccid. 

Medical  Uses.  This  preparation  has  all  the  properties  of  the  squill  in  ub- 
stance,  and  is  occasionally  prescribed  as  a diuretic  and  expectorant  in  v;  ous 
forms  of  dropsy  and  of  pulmonary  disease ; but  the  oxyrnel  and  syrup  are  mally 
preferred,  as  they  keep  better,  and  are  less  unpleasant  to  the  taste.  Thdose 
is  from  thirty  minims  to  two  fluidrachms;  but  the  latter  quantity  would  1 apt 
to  produce  vomiting.  It  should  be  given  in  cinnamon  water,  mint  wat,  or 
some  other  aromatic  liquid  calculated  to  conceal  its  taste  and  obviate  naus. 

Off.  Prep.  Oxyrnel  Scillae;  Syrupus  Scillse.  '■ 

ACIDUM  ACETICUM  CAMPHORATUM.  Ed.,  Dub.  Carffio- 
rated  Acetic  Acid. 

“ Take  of  Camphor  one  ounce  [half  an  ounce,  Ed.'];  Rectified  Spirit  onhnt- 
drachm ; Strong  Acetic  Acid  ten  fiuidounces  [Acetic  Acid  six  fluidounce and 


pa::  ii. 


Acida. 


799 


a hf,  Ed,.'].  Reduce  the  camphor  to  powder  by  means  of  the  spirit;  then  add 
thelcid,  and  dissolve.”  Dub.,  Ed. 

r_e  use  of  the  alcohol  is  simply  to  facilitate  the  pulverization  of  the  camphor, 
anoi  few  drops  are  sufficient.  Acetic  acid  in  its  concentrated  state  readily  dis- 
Sol4  camphor.  In  this  preparation,  the  whole  of  the  camphor  is  taken  up  by 
thecid.  In  consequence  of  the  powerful  chemical  agency  of  the  solution,  and 
its  itreme  volatility,  it  should  be  kept  in  glass  bottles  accurately  fitted  with 
groid  stoppers. 

(mphorated  acetic  acid  is  an  exceedingly  pungent  perfume,  which,  when 
gnmd  up  the  nostrils,  produces  a strongly  excitant  impression,  and  may  be 
benicially  resorted  to  in  cases  of  fainting  or  nervous  debility.  It  is  an  officinal 
subitute  for  Henry’s  aromatic  spirit  of  vinegar. 

1 Apothecaries’  Hall,  in  London,  an  aromatic  vinegar  is  prepared  by  dis- 
solug  the  oils  of  cloves,  lavender,  rosemary,  and  calamus,  in  highly  concen- 
tratl  acetic  acid.  It  is  used  for  the  same  purpose  as  the  officinal  camphorated 
acei  acid,  being  dropped  on  sponge  and  kept  in  smelling  bottles.  A similar 
pre.  ration  may  be  made  extemporaneously  by  adding  to  a drachm  of  acetate  of 
potoa,  contained  in  a stoppered  bottle,  three  drops  of  one  or  more  of  the  aromatic 
vokle  oils,  and  twenty  drops  of  sulphuric  acid.  ( Pereira’s  Mat.  Med. ) 

/preparation  called  Marseilles  vinegar,  or  thieves’  vinegar  (vinaigre  des 
quaes  voleurs ),  consisting  essentially  of  vinegar  impregnated  with  aromatic 
sub  mces,  was  formerly  esteemed  a prophylactic  against  the  plague  and  other 
con  gious  diseases.  It  is  said  to  have  derived  its  name  and  reputation  from 
the  rcumstance,  that  four  thieves,  who,  during  the  plague  at  Marseilles,  had 
plui ered  the  dead  bodies  with  impunity,  confessed,  upon  the  condition  of  a 
paniQ,  that  they  owed  their  safety  to  the  use  of  it.  The  aromatic  acetic  acid 
of  tj  former  Edinburgh  Pharmacopoeia  was  intended  as  a simplification  of  this 
nosiirn.  It  was  made  by  macerating  for  a week  an  ounce  of  rosemary,  an 
oun  of  sage,  half  an  ounce  of  lavender,  and  half  a drachm  of  cloves,  with  two 
pou  s of  distilled  vinegar,  then  expressing  the  liquor  and  filtering.  Origanum 
was  ’terwards  substituted  for  sage,  and  thirty  fluidounces  of  acetic  acid  for  the 
two  xmds  of  distilled  vinegar.  In  the  last  edition  of  the  Pharmacopoeia  the 
prepation  was  abandoned.  In  the  present  state  of  knowledge,  it  is  hardly 
nectary  to  observe  that  neither  the  original  nostrum,  nor  its  substitute,  has 
any  her  power  of  protecting  the  system  against  disease  than  such  as  may 
depd  on  its  slightly  stimulant  properties,  and  its  influence  over  the  imagina- 
tion! #. 

ACIDA. 

Acids. 

ids,  in  chemical  classification,  are  compounds  which  are  capable  of  uniting 
m c inite  proportions  with  alkalies,  earths,  and  ordinary  metallic  oxides,  with 
the  pet  of  producing  a combination,  in  which  the  properties  of  its  constituents 
are  rtually  destroyed.  Such  combinations  are  said  to  be  neutral,  and  are  de- 
nomated  salts.  Most  acids  have  a sour  taste,  and  possess  the  power  of  chang- 
ing getable  blues  to  red;  and,  though  these  properties  are  by  no  means  constant, 
jet  ey  afford  a ready  means  of  detecting  acids,  applicable  in  practice  to  most 
ease  The  above  explanation  of  the  nature  of  an  acid  is  that  usually  given ; 
but,  icording  to  strict  definition,  acids  are  compounds  having  a strong  electro- 
neg;  ve  energy,  and,  therefore,  possessing  a powerful  affinity  for  electro-positive 
com  unds,  such  as  alkalies,  earths,  and  ordinary  oxides.  It  is  this  antagonism 
in  t electrical  condition  of  these  two  great  classes  of  chemical  compounds  that 
S1T€  ’is®  to  their  mutual  affinity,  which  is  so  much  the  stronger  as  the  contrast 


800 


Acida. 


pae  ii, 


in  this  respect  is  greater.  In  the  majority  of  cases,  the  electro-negative  m- 
pound  or  acid  is  an  oxidized  body,  but  by  no  means  necessarily  so.  Whi  an 
acid  does  not  contain  oxygen,  hydrogen  is  usually  present.  These  peculia  ie; 
in  composition  have  given  rise  to  the  division  of  acids  by  some  writers  ato 
oxacids  and  hydracids.  Vegetable  acids,  for  the  most  part,  contain  both  h ro- 
gen  and  oxygen. 

The  number  of  acids  used  in  medicine  is  small ; but  among  these  are  be 
found  examples  of  the  three  kinds  above  mentioned. 

ACIDUM  ACETICUM  DILUTUM.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Dub.  Vi  ted 
Acetic  Acid. 

“Take  of  Acetic  Acid  [sp.gr.  1'041]  a pint ; Distilled  "Water  seven  nts. 
Mix  them.”  U.  S.  The  sp.  gr.  of  this  acid  is  1 004,  and  100  grains  of  it  sat  -ate 
7 '5  grains  of  crystallized  bicarbonate  of  potassa. 

“ Take  of  Acetic  Acid  [sp.  gr.  1'048]  twenty-three  ffuidrachms  [Imp.  ms.], 
Distilled  Water  a pint  [Imp.  meas  .].  To  the  Acid  add  enough  of  the  ’iter 
to  fill  accurately  the  measure  of  a pint  [Imp.  meas.],  and  mix.”  Lond.  The 
sp.gr.  of  this  acid  is  1 008,  and  an  Imperial  fluidounce  of  it  is  saturated  57 
grains  of  crystallized  carbonate  of  soda. 

“ Take  of  Acetic  Acid  of  Commerce  (sp.  gr.  1'044)  one  pint ; Distilled  ’ater 
seven  pints.  Mix.”  Dub.  The  sp.gr.  of  this  acid  is  l-006. 

The  object  of  having  this  preparation  is  to  possess  a weak  solution  of  mre 
acetic  acid,  which  may  be  substituted  for  distilled  vinegar  in  all  formulae  in  rich 
nicety  is  required.  Distilled  vinegar  contains  a portion  of  organic  matter,  rich 
is  always  darkened  or  precipitated  when  this  acid  is  saturated  with  an  alk  , aa 
occurrence  which  does  not  take  place  when  the  diluted  acetic  acid  is  empyel 
The  saturating  strength  of  the  diluted  acids  of  the  U.  S.  and  London  Pbrna- 
copoeias  indicates  the  same  per  centage  of  monohydrated  acetic  acid  as  ieon- 
tained  in  the  corresponding  distilled  vinegars;  namely, 4‘5  U.  S.,  and  b’iLcdon.. 
The  Dublin  diluted  acid,  being  intermediate  in  density,  may  be  assumedo  be 
intermediate  in  strength.  While  the  London  distilled  vinegar  and  dilute  acid 
have  precisely  the  same  saturating  strength,  the  former  is  lighter  than  thatter 
in  the  proportion  of  1‘0065  to  1 008.  This  arises  from  the  fact  that  thepetic 
acid  in  distilled  vinegar  is  in  part  diluted  with  alcohol  and  pyroaeetic  irit, 
which  are  lighter  than  water. 

The  acetic  acid  diluted  in  making  this  preparation,  is  known  in  commee  as 
“ No.  8.”  In  all  cases  in  which  the  apothecary  is  doubtful  as  to  its  being:"  the 
officinal  strength,  it  will  be  his  duty  to  ascertain  its  saturating  power,  d.  if 
this  should  vary  from  the  standard,  to  vary  the  dilution  accordingly. 

Off.  Prep.  Acetum  Colc-hici;  Aeetum  Opii ; Acetum  Sc-ilke;  Empkrum 
Ammouiaci;  Extractum  Colchici  Aceticum;  Liquor  Ammonite  Acetati  Sy- 
rupus  Allii ; Unguentum  Plumbi  Compositum.  B. 

ACIDUM  BENZOICUM.  V.S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub.  Benzoic  did. 

“ Take  of  Benzoin,  in  coarse  powder,  a pound.  Put  the  Benzoin  into  suit- 
able vessel,  and,  by  means  of  a sand-bath,  with  a gradually  increasing  lies  sub- 
lime until  vapours  cease  to  rise.  Free  the  sublimed  matter  from  oil  by  p:ssure 
in  bibulous  paper,  and  again  sublime.”  U.  S. 

The  London  College  has  transferred  benzoic  acid  to  the  Materia  Medi  list, 
directing,  however,  that  it  shall  be  prepared  by  sublimation.  The  Edawgh 
College  puts  a convenient  quantity  of  benzoin  into  a glass  matrass,  and  orates 
in  the  manner  directed  in  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia. 

“ Take  of  Benzoin  any  convenient  quantity.  Place  it  in  a small  c-ylindc  pot 
of  sheet  iron,  furnished  with  a flange  at  its  mouth;  and  having  fitted  the  p:  into 
a circular  hole  in  a sheet  of  pasteboard,  interpose  between  the  pasteboa  and 


PA!  II. 


Acicla. 


801 


flan  acollar  of  tow,  so  as  to  produce  a nearly  air-tight  junction.  Let  a cylinder 
of  sff  paper,  open  at  one  end,  eighteen  inches  high,  and  having  a diameter  at 
leas  twice  that  of  the  pot,  be  now  placed  in  an  inverted  position  on  the  paste- 
boar,  and  secured  to  it  by  slips  of  paper  and  flour  paste.  A couple  of  inches 
oft.  lower  part  of  the  pot  being  passed  through  a hole  in  a plate  of  sheet  tin, 
whi'  is  to  be  kept  from  contact  with  the  pasteboard  by  the  interposition  of  a 
few  irks,  let  a heat  just  sufficient  to  melt  the  benzoin  (that  of  a gas-lamp  answers 
well|be  applied,  and  continued  for  at  least  six  hours.  Let  the  product  thus 
obta'.ed,  if  not  quite  white,  be  enveloped  in  bibulous  paper,  then  subjected  to 
powful  pressure,  and  again  sublimed.”  Dub. 

T:  Pharmacopoeias  now  unite  in  procuring  benzoic  acid  by  sublimation.  In 
the  rmer  U.  S.  process,  the  benzoin  was  mixed  with  an  equal  weight  of  sand; 
but  lis  was  omitted  in  the  last  edition  of  the  Pharmacopoeia,  as  not  only 
usel 3,  but  probably  injurious  by  favouring  the  production  of  empyreumatic 
subsnces.  The  acid,  which  exists  in  the  benzoin  combined  with  resin,  is  vola- 
tile by  the  heat,  and  condensed  in  the  upper  part  of  the  apparatus.  Unless 
the  mperature  is  very  carefully  regulated,  a portion  of  the  resin  is  decomposed, 
and  j oily  substance  generated,  which  rises  with  the  acid  and  gives  it  a brown 
cob,  from  which  it  cannot  be  entirely  freed  by  bibulous  paper;  and  this  result 
som  rues  takes  place  even  with  the  greatest  caution.  The  process  for  sub- 
limi  : benzoic  acid  may  be  conducted  in  a glazed  earthen  vessel,  surmounted 
by  a one  of  paper,  or  by  another  vessel  with  a small  opening  at  top,  and  a band 
of  p|er  pasted  round  the  place  of  junction.  After  the  heat  has  been  applied 
for ; hour,  the  process  should  be  suspended  till  the  condensed  acid  is  removed 
frondie  upper  vessel  or  paper  cone,  when  it  may  be  renewed,  and  the  acid 
agai  removed,  and  thus  alternately  till  coloured  vapours  rise.  Mohr,  after 
man  experiments,  recommends  the  following  plan  as  unobjectionable.  In  a 
roue  cast-iron  vessel,  eight  or  nine  inches  in  diameter  and  two  inches  deep,  a 
poui  or  less  of  coarsely  powdered  benzoin  is  placed,  and  uniformly  strewed 
over pe  bottom.  The  top  of  the  vessel  is  closed  by  a sheet  of  bibulous  paper, 
whic  is  secured  to  the  sides  by  paste.  A cylinder  of  thick  paper  in  the  form 
of  a at,  just  large  enough  to  fit  closely  around  the  sides  of  the  pot,  is  then 
placi  over  it,  and  in  like  manner  secured  by  paste.  A moderate  heat  is  now 
appl  l by  means  of  a sand-bath,  and  continued  for  three  or  four  hours.  The 
vapo  s pass  through  the  bibulous  paper,  which  absorbs  the  empyreumatic  oil, 
and  3 condensed  within  the  hat  in  brilliant  white  flowers,  having  an  agreeable 
odoupf  benzoin.  ( Annal.  cler  Pharm.,  xxix.  178.)  The  remaining  acid  of  the 
benz  i may  be  extracted,  if  deemed  advisable,  by  treating  the  residue  of  the 
bals;  with  lime  or  carbonate  of  soda.  From  the  mode  of  preparing  benzoic 
acid  }jr  sublimation,  it  was  formerly  called  flowers  of  benzoin. 

A ,'ther  mode  of  separating  the  acid  from  benzoin  is  by  combining  it  with  a 
salifi  le  base,  and  precipitating  with  an  acid.  Such  is  the  process  of  Scheele. 
It  exists  in  boiling  the  powdered  benzoin  with  hydrate  of  lime  and  water, 
filter  g the  solution  of  benzoate  of  lime  thus  obtained,  and  precipitating  the 
benz.;  acid  with  muriatic  acid.  Carbonate  of  soda  or  of  potassa  may  be  sub- 
stitujl  for  the  lime,  and  sulphuric  for  the  muriatic  acid;  and  the  precipitated 
benze  acid  may  be  purified  by  dissolving  it  in  boiling  water,  which  will  deposit 
cooling.  Stenhouse  unites  the  process  of  Scheele  with  one  proposed  by 
After  concentrating  the  solution  of  benzoate  of  lime,  procured  by  boiling 
equa parts  of  benzoin  and  hydrate  of  lime  with  water,  he  adds  a strong  solution 
ot  ch  ride  of  lime,  and  subsequently  a slight  excess  of  muriatic  acid,  and  boils 
till  t chlorine  is  dissipated.  The  bleaching  effect  of  the  chlorine  on  the  crys- 
benzoic  acid  is  thus  obtained.  The  acid,  however,  requires  to  be  still 
purified  by  repeated  crystallization  from  small  portions  of  boiling  water. 
51 


it  uh 
Lieb 


tals 

furtl 


802 


Adda. 


pabil 


A little  animal  charcoal  may  be  employed  to  render  the  crystals  quite  ccur- 
less.  These  processes  afford  a purer  product  than  that  obtained  by  sublim;  on 
but  not  preferable  in  a medicinal  point  of  view ; as  the  small  quantity  < oil 
present  in  the  sublimed  acid  adds  to  its  stimulant  properties,  and  at  the  me 
time  renders  it  pleasant  to  the  smell. 

Several  other  modes  of  extracting  the  acid  have  been  recommended.  Tie 
following  is  the  process  of  Stolze.  One  part  of  the  balsam  is  dissolved  in  ree 
parts  of  alcohol,  the  solution  filtered  and  introduced  into  a retort,  and  tbt  cid 
saturated  by  carbonate  of  soda  dissolved  in  a mixture  of  eight  parts  of  wate  .nd 
three  of  alcohol.  The  alcohol  is  distilled  off;  and  the  benzoate  of  sodaon- 
tained  in  the  residuary  liquid  is  decomposed  by  sulphuric  acid,  which  precip.tes 
the  benzoic  acid.  This  is  purified  by  solution  in  boiling  water,  which  leifall 
the  acid  when  it  cools.  By  this  process  Stolze  obtained  18  per  cent,  oi  cid 
from  benzoin  containing  19425  per  cent.  By  the  process  of  Scheele  he  obtaed 
13‘5  per  cent.  ; by  the  agency  of  carbonate  of  soda,  12  per  cent. ; by  sulma- 
tion  only  7'6  per  cent.  Nevertheless,  Mr.  Brande  says  that  the  last  procsis 
on  the  whole  the  most  economical.  According  to  this  author,  good  be.oin 
affords  by  sublimation  from  10  to  15  per  cent,  of  the  acid  contaminatedrith 
empyreumatic  oil,  and  about  9 per  cent,  of  the  purified  acid.  Professor  fiar- 
ling  has  prepared  benzoic  acid  by  means  of  heated  steam,  and  obtained  per 
cent.  (Am.  Journ.  of  Pliarm.,  xxiv.  236.) 

Properties.  Sublimed  benzoic  acid  is  in  white,  soft,  feathery  crystals )f  a 
silky  lustre,  and  not  pulverulent.  From  solution  the  acid  crystallizes  in  ms- 
parent  prisms.  When  quite  pure  it  is  inodorous;  but,  prepared  by  sublintion 
from  the  balsam,  it  has  a peculiar  agreeable  aromatic  odour,  dependent  (the 
presence  of  an  oil,  which  may  be  separated  by  dissolving  the  acid  in  al hoi, 
and  precipitating  it  with  water.  Its  taste  is  warm,  acrid,  and  acidulous,  .t  is 
unalterable  in  the  air,  but  at  230°  melts,  and  at  a somewhat  higher  tempeture 
rises  in  suffocating  vapours.  It  is  inflammable,  burning  without  residw  It 
is  soluble  in  200  parts  of  cold  water  ( Annals  of  Pharmacy,  i.  206),  al  in 
about  twenty-four  parts  of  boiling  water,  which  deposits  it  upon  coolmg.  it  is 
soluble  in  alcohol,  and  in  concentrated  sulphuric  and  nitric  acids,  from  hich 
it  is  precipitated  by  water.  The  fixed  oils  also  dissolve  it.  It  is  entire,  dis- 
solved by  solutions  of  potassa,  soda,  ammonia,  and  lime,  from  which  it  is  rec-i- 
pitated  by  muriatic  acid.  Its  solution  reddens  litmus  paper,  and  it  formsalts 
with  salifiable  bases;  but  its  acid  properties  are  not  powerful.  Benzoiacid 
consists  of  benzyle  and  oxygen,  and  in  the  uncombined  state  usually  coains 
water.  The  anhydrous  acid  has,  however,  been  isolated  by  Gerhardt.  (item. 
Gaz.  x.  237.)  Benzyle  consists  of  fourteen  eqs.  of  carbon  84,  five  of  kyogen 
5,  and  two  of  oxygen  16  = 105.  The  crystallized  acid  contains  one  eq.  cben- 
zyle  105,  one  of  oxygen  8,  and  one  of  water  9=122.  It  cannot  be  dewed 
of  its  water  by  heat,  but  sometimes  loses  it  in  combination.  Benzoic  ac  is  a 
characteristic  constituent  of  the  balsams,  and  has  been  found  in  various  tiier 
vegetable,  and  some  animal  products.* 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Benzoic  acid  is  irritant  to  the  alimentai  mu- 
cous membrane,  and  stimulant  to  the  system,  and  has  been  thought  to  be  cpec- 
torant;  but  it  is  seldom  used  internally  except  as  a constituent  of  one  ' two 
officinal  preparations.  It  was  proposed  by  Dr.  Alexander  Ure  as  a renter  for 
uric  acid  deposits  in  the  urine,  and  for  the  chalk-like  concretions,  eonsistgof 

* Benzyle,  which  was  at  first  hypothetical,  has  been  isolated.  When  benzoate  ofpPP® 
is  cautiously  distilled  without  water,  it  yields  a product  which  crystallizes  ou  coolins  it-1-' 

substance  has  the  smell  of  geranium,  melts  at  loS°  F..  and  has  a composition  reprptea 
by  the  formula  C,4H502.  'When  heated  with  hydrate  of  potassa.  it  is  converted  into  nzoic 
acid,  with  the  escape  of  hydrogen.  It  is,  therefore,  benzyle.  It  was  discovered  by  .t**% 
and  afterwards  investigated  by  Stenhouse.  (Foicne’s  Chemistry,  Am.  Ed.,  1S-53,  p.  d-) 


PAE'II. 


Acida. 


803 


uratof  soda,  in  the  joints  of  gouty  individuals.  He  supposed  it  to  operate  by 
convting  the  uric  into  bippuric  acid,  and  consequently  the  insoluble  urates 
into  bluble  hippurates.  It  appears,  however,  from  the  observations  of  Dr. 
Garrl  and  Mr.  Keller,  that  such  a transformation  of  uric  acid  does  not  take 
placfhut  that  the  benzoic  acid  is  itself  converted  into  hippuric  acid,  which  is 
alwa  found  in  the  urine,  when  the  former  acid  is  taken  freely.  The  quan- 
tity uric  acid  in  the  urine  remains  undiminished.  In  consequence  of  the 
acid  bate  of  urine  produced  by  benzoic  acid,  it  has  been  found  useful  in  the 
phosiatic  variety  of  gravel;  though  its  beneficial  influence,  being  purely  chemi- 
cal, (dtinues  only  during  its  use.  ( Journ . de  Pharm.,  3e  ser.,  ii.  327,  iii.  41, 
iv.  3'  .)  It  is  said  to  have  cured  nocturnal  incontinence  of  urine.  Mr.  White 
Coop'  has  employed  it  with  supposed  advantage  in  a case  of  rheumatic  sclero- 
titis.  See  Am.  Journ.  of  Med.  Sci.,  N.  S.,  xxv.  518.)  A convenient  mode  of 
exhiition  is  to  give  the  acid  with  four  parts  of  phosphate  of  soda,  or  one  part  and 
a halof  biborate  of  soda,  which  enable  it  to  be  readily  dissolved  by  water.  The 
dose  from  10  to  30  grains.  It  is  an  ingredient  in  some  cosmetic  washes,  and 
has  fen  employed  by  way  of  fumigation  as  a remedy  in  affections  of  the  skin. 

O^Prep.  Tinctura  Opii  Ammoniata;  Tinctura  Opii  Camphorata;  Unguentum 
Sulpiris  Compositum.  W. 

AIDUM  GALLICUM.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Dub.  Gallic  Acid. 

“'  ke  of  Galls,  in  powder,  three  pounds;  Distilled  Water,  Animal  Charcoal, 
each,  sufficient  quantity.  Mix  the  Galls  with  sufficient  Distilled  Water  to  form 
a thi  paste,  and  expose  the  mixture  to  the  air,  in  a shallow'  glass  or  porcelain 
vesse  in  a warm  place,  for  a month,  occasionally  stirring  it  with  a glass  rod,  and 
addii  from  time  to  time  sufficient  Distilled  Water  to  preserve  the  semi-fluid 
consignee.  Then  submit  the  paste  to  expression,  and,  rejecting  the  expressed 
liquc  boil  the  residue  in  a gallon  of  Distilled  Water  for  a few  minutes,  and 
filter  hile  hot  through  Animal  Charcoal.  Set  the  hot  liquor  aside  that  crystals 
may  rm,  which  may  be  dried  on  bibulous  paper.  If  the  crystals  be  not  suffi- 
cient free  from  colour,  they  may  be  purified  by  dissolving  them  in  boiling 
Disti'd  Water,  filtering  through  a fresh  portion  of  Animal  Charcoal,  and  crys- 
talling.” U.S. 

T1  London  College  places  Gallic  Acid  in  its  Materia  Medica  catalogue,  di- 
rectii  simply  that  it  be  in  crystals,  and  prepared  from  galls. 

Tl  Dublin  College  gives  two  processes,  of  which  the  first  is  essentially  the 
same  i that  of  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia.  It  differs  in  requiring  an  exposure 
of  si  weeks  instead  of  a month,  in  not  expressing  the  paste  before  boiling  in 
wateland  in  expressing  the  impure  acid  deposited  from  the  filtered  decoction, 
befor  redissolving  it  in  boiling  water.  The  second  process  is  as  follows. 

“ike  of  powdered  Galls  one  pound  [avoirdupois];  Oil  of  Vitriol  of  Com- 
ment1 ioewty-s/x  fluidounces  ; Water  five  pints  [Imp.meas.]  and  fourteen  \_fiuid~] 
ounce.  Steep  the  galls  for  twenty-four  hours  in  one  part  of  the  water,  then 
trans  - them  to  a glass  or  porcelain  percolator,  and  pour  on  a pint  and  a half  of 
tkew  er  in  successive  portions.  Dilute  five  ounces  of  the  oil  of  vitriol  with  an 
equal  ulk  of  water,  and,  when  the  mixture  has  cooled,  add  it  to  the  infusion 
obtai ; d by  percolation,  stirring  well,  so  as  to  bring  them  into  perfect  contact. 
Let  tj|:  viscid  precipitate  which  forms  be  separated  by  a filter,  and  to  the  solu- 
tion ich  passes  through  add  five  ounces  more  of  the  oil  of  vitriol,  which  will 
yield  i additional  precipitate.  This  being  added  to  that  previously  obtained, 
let  bi  i be  enveloped  in  calico,  and  subjected  to  powerful  pressure.  Dissolve 
the  r due  in  the  rest  of  the  oil  of  vitriol,  this  latter  being  first  diluted  with 
what; '.mains  of  the  water;  boil  the  solution  for  twenty  miuutes,  then  allow  it 
to  co  and  set  it  by  for  a week.  Let  the  deposit  which  has  formed  at  the  end 
°f  tb  period  be  pressed,  dried,  and  then  dissolved  in  three  times  its  weight  of 


804 


Adda. 


pap  n. 


boiling  water,  clearing  the  solution,  if  necessary,  by  filtration,  and,  when  :as 
cooled  down  to  80°,  decant  the  liquid  from  the  crystalline  sediment  whicaas 
formed,  and  wash  the  latter  with  three  ounces  of  ice-cold  water.  Finally,  t it 
be  transferred  to  blotting  paper,  and  when  deprived  by  this  of  adhering  I fid 
let  it  be  dried  perfectly  at  a temperature  not  exceeding  212°.  The  gallic  c-id 
obtained  may  be  rendered  nearly  white  by  dissolving  it  in  twenty  times  its  v »ht 
of  boiling  distilled  water,  and  causing  the  solution  to  traverse  a stratum  o ire- 
pared  animal  charcoal  spread  upon  a calico  filter.  When  the  liquid  passes  th  igh 
colourless  it  should  be  evaporated  to  one-sixth  of  its  volume,  and  then  su  red 
to  cool  in  order  to  the  separation  of  the  crystallized  acid.”  Dub. 

The  U.  S.  process  is  founded  upon  the  fact  that,  when  galls  in  decoction 'in 
the  state  of  moistened  powder,  are  exposed  to  the  air,  their  tannic  acid  is  r du- 
ally converted  into  gallic  acid,  with  the  absorption,  as  generally  believ,of 
oxygen,  and  the  escape  of  an  equivalent  quantity  of  carbonic  acid.  The  illic 
acid,  being  freely  soluble  in  boiling  but  very  sparingly  in  cold  water,  is  ext  ;ted 
from  the  altered  galls  by  decoction,  and  is  deposited  as  the  water  cools.  A?pe- 
tition  of  the  solution  and  deposition  renders  the  acid  more  pure;  but  it  c-.not 
be  obtained  wholly  free  from  colour  unless  by  the  aid  of  animal  ebareoa  la 
the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia  it  was  neglected,  no  doubt  through  inadvertei-,  to 
direct  purified  animal  charcoal.  There  are  few  processes  in  which  it  is  lore 
necessary  that  this  decolorizing  agent  should  be  purified.  The  presence  i the 
slightest  quantity  of  sesquioxide  of  iron  interferes  with  the  bleaching  > the 
acid;  and  it  is  even  advisable  to  examine  the  filtering  paper  employed,  st  it 
may  contain  sufficient  of  this  substance  to  vitiate  the  results  of  the  press. 
The  first  crop  of  crystals  in  the  U.  S.  process  retains  a very  large  proportn  of 
water;  and  it  will  be  found  convenient  to  subject  them  to  strong  expision 
between  folds  of  bibulous  paper. 

Dr.  C.  Wetherill,  believing  that  gallic  acid  differs  from  the  tannic  simy  in 
containing  water,  conceived  the  idea  of  preparing  the  former  from  the  latlr  by 
the  fixation  of  water.  This  he  effected  through  the  agency  of  sulphumeid. 
Having  mixed  13  drachms  of  tannic  acid  with  22  fluidounces  of  sulphuriacid 
and  four  times  that  bulk  of  water,  he  heated  the  mixture  to  the  boiling  hint, 
and  then  allowed  it  to  stand.  In  a few  days  an  abundant  precipitate  of  kite 
gallic  acid  took  place,  amounting  to  87‘4  per  cent,  of  the  tannic  acid.  (Se4»». 
Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xx.  112.)  Upon  the  same  principle  is  based  the  secor  pro- 
cess of  the  Dublin  College.  Dr.  Christison,  in  his  Dispensatory,  states  tb  the 
process  was  originally  suggested  by  Liebig. 

Some  new  and  interesting  views  have  been  advanced  in  relation  to  the  rrna- 
tion  of  gallic  acid  from  the  tannin  of  galls.  The  elder  Eobiquet  first  suggest)  that 
galls  contain  a principle  capable  of  converting  tannic  into  gallic  acid,  wa  the 
presence  of  water,  and  in  the  absence  of  atmospheric  air.  M.  Larocque  roved 
that  this  principle  acts  as  a ferment,  and  that  the  change  referred  to  is  e re- 
sult of  a gallic  acid  fermentation  in  the  galls.  M.  Edmund  Eobiquet  hasaowa 
that  galls  contain  pectose  and  pectase,  the  former  of  which,  according  to  e ex- 
periments of  M.  Fremy,  is  the  principle  out  of  which  pectin  is  formed  in  ants, 
and  the  latter  a peculiar  ferment  which  effects  the  transformation.  It  spears 
that  in  galls  the  pectase,  aided  by  a proper  temperature  and  the  presece  of 
water,  changes  not  only  pectase  into  pectin,  but  also  tannic  into  gallij acid. 
Strecker  had  previously  advanced  the  opinion  that  tannic  acid  is  a combation 
of  gallic  acid  and  sugar,  the  latter  of  which  is  destroyed  in  the  process  f pr^ 
curing  gallic  acid,  which  is  thus  simply  set  free  from  the  combination.  I voula 
seem,  if  this  view  is  correct,  that  the  pectase  acts  upon  the  saccharine  nEer  oi 
the  tannic  acid,  causing  its  conversion  into  carbonic  acid  and  alcohol,  ai  libe- 
rating the  gallic  acid,  and  that  the  process  is  in  fact  au  example  of  the  meus 
fermentation.  M.  E.  Eobiquet  admits  the  occasional  transformation  ofannie 


PAB  II. 


Acida. 


805 


acidnto  gallic  acid  and  sugar,  but  does  not  believe  that  the  sugar  pre-exists  as 
surf  n the  tannin ; and  this  point  yet  remains  to  be  determined.  ( Journ . de 
Plum.,  Be  ser.,  xxiii.  241.)  Wittstein,  in  endeavouring  to  obtain  gallic  acid 
fron  Chinese  galls  (see  page  357)  by  forming  them  into  a paste  with  water, 
four  that  but  a very  small  proportion  of  the  acid  was  generated  at  the  end  of  six 
weei.  Thinking  that  this  might  have  resulted  from  the  want  of  the  ferment 
in  tl  Chinese  galls,  he  added  to  these  one-eighth  of  their  weight  of  common 
gall.'and  at  the  end  of  three  weeks  obtained  an  amount  of  gallic  acid  nearly 
equjto  one-half  the  weight  of  the  galls  employed.  The  same  result,  though 
mor  slowly,  followed  the  addition  of  yeast  to  the  Chinese  galls.  "Wittstein 
obtaed  both  carbonic  acid  and  alcohol  as  products  of  this  operation,  thus 
farming  the  views  of  Strecker  as  to  the  constitution  of  tannic  acid.  (See  Am. 
Jon.,  of  Pliarm.,  xxv.  258.) 

Jlperties.  Gallic  acid  is  in  delicate,  silky,  acicular  crystals,  which,  as  ordi- 
nari  found  in  the  shops,  are  slightly  brownish,  but  when  quite  pure  are  colourless. 
It  ishodorous,  and  of  a sourish  astringent  taste.  It  is  soluble,  according  to 
Bramnot,  in  100  parts  of  cold  and  3 of  boiling  water,  is  very  soluble  in  alcohol, 
and  it  slightly  so  in  ether.  It  reddens  litmus,  and  produces  a deep  bluish-black 
colo  with  solutions  of  the  salts  of  the  sesquioxide  of  iron,  which  disappears 
whe  the  solution  is  heated.  It  does  not  precipitate  gelatin,  or  a solution  of 
sulp.te  of  protoxide  of  iron.  On  exposure  to  the  air,  its  solution  undergoes 
sponsneous  decomposition.  The  formula  of  gallic  acid  is  C7H305,  and  its  com- 
biniy  number  85.  Heated  to  420°  it  gives  out  carbonic  acid,  and  is  converted 
intoi yrogallic  acid  * Thrown  on  red-hot  iron  it  is  entirely  dissipated. 

Mical  Properties.  Forming  an  ingredient  in  all  astringent  products  contain- 
ing llo-tannic  acid,  it  was  at  one  time  supposed  to  be  the  active  principle  of 
the  getable  astringents.  This  reputation  it  afterwards  lost  when  the  proper- 
ties ; tannic  acid  became  well  known.  But  it  has  recently  again  come  into 
noth,  and  is  now  thought  by  many  to  be  a very  valuable  astringent,  having  the 
propty  of  arresting  hemorrhages  when  taken  internally,  especially  those  from 
the  nrus  and  urinary  passages.  In  all  cases  of  hemorrhage  in  which  the  bleeding 
vess'i  must  be  reached  through  the  route  of  the  circulation,  it  is  believed  by 
some  o be  more  efficient  even  than  tannic  acid,  as  its  chemical  affinities  do  not 
affortke  same  impediment  to  its  absorption  as  those  of  the  latter  acid.  But  in 
hem  rhage  from  the  alimentary  mucous  membrane  or  from  any  other  part  with 
whic? tannic  acid  can  be  brought  into  direct  contact,  this  astringent  is  by  far  the 
wosi  ffectual.  Gallic  acid  is  said  not  to  constipate  the  bowels.  The  dose  is 
fromve  to  fifteen  grains  three  or  four  times  a day,  and  may  be  given  in  the 
forndjf  pill  or  powder.  W. 

A IDUM  HYDROCYANICUM  DILUTUM.  U.  S.,  Lond .,  Bub. 
Aci  im  Hydrocyanicum.  Ed.  Biluted  Hydrocyanic  Acid.  Prussic 
Acil  Cyanohydric  Acid. 

“ ike  of  Ferrocyanuret  of  Potassium  two  ounces;  Sulphuric  acid  an  ounce 
end  half;  Distilled  Water  a sufficient  quantity.  Mix  the  acid  with  four  fluid- 
°unc  of  Distilled  Water,  and  pour  the  mixture,  when  cool,  into  a glass  retort. 
To  t h add  the  Ferrocyanuret  of  Potassium,  previously  dissolved  in  ten  fluid- 


. [ consequence  of  the  great  sensitiveness  of  pyrogallic  acid  to  light,  in  connexion 
with  Ttain  metallic  salts,  it  has  come  into  use  as  an  agent  in  photography.  According  to 
Ltiwi  it  is  best  prepared  by  heating  gallic  acid,  previously  dried  at  212°  F.,  in  a glass 
retorjay  means  of  a chloride  of  zinc  bath,  to  410°  F.,  when  pure  pyrogallic  acid  sublimes. 
R >sjhite,  foliated,  inodorous,  very  bitter,  soluble  in  three  and  a half  parts  of  water, 
reaili  dissolved  by  alcohol  and  ether,  fusible  at  239°  F.,  and  sublimable  at  410°  F.,  in 
irnta  ig  vapours.  Chlorine,  iodine,  and  acids  which  readily  yield  oxygen  decompose  it 
msta  meously. — Note  to  the  tenth  edition. 


806 


Acida. 


PAR'  I. 


ounces  of  Distilled  Water.  Pour  eight  fluidounces  of  Distilled  Water  ir  a 
cooled  receiver,  and,  having  attached  this  to  the  retort,  distil,  by  means  of  a s d- 
batli,  with  a moderate  heat,  six  fluidounces.  Lastly,  add  to  the  product  ve 
fluidounces  of  Distilled  Water,  or  as  much  as  may  be  sufficient  to  rendei  he 
Diluted  Hydrocyanic  Acid  of  such  strength,  that  12'7  grains  of  nitrate  of  si  ;r 
dissolved  in  distilled  water,  may  be  accurately  saturated  by  100  grains  of  the  Ld. 

“ Diluted  Hydrocyanic  acid  may  also  be  prepared,  when  wanted  for  imme  ite 
use,  in  the  following  manner. 

“ Take  of  Cyanuret  of  Silver  fifty  grains  and  a half;  Muriatic  Acid  fort  ne 
grains ; Distilled  Water  a fluidounce.  Mix  the  Muriatic  Acid  with  the"  is- 
tilled  Water,  add  the  Cyanuret  of  Silver,  and  shake  the  whole  in  a well-stoed 
vial.  When  the  insoluble  matter  has  subsided,  pour  off  the  clear  liquor nd 
keep  it  for  use.  Diluted  Hydrocyanic  Acid  should  be  kept  in  closely  sto  ed 
bottles  from  which  the  light  is  excluded.”  U.  S. 

The  process  of  the  London  College  for  diluted  hydrocyanic  acid  is  the  sac  as 
that  of  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia;  the  latter  having  been  adopted  from  the  forer. 
The  following  is  the  Edinburgh  formula,  Imperial  measure  being  used. 

“ Take  of  Ferrocyanide  of  Potassium  three  ounces;  Sulphuric  Acid  two  fid- 
ounces;  Water  sixteen  fluidounces.  Dissolve  the  salt  in  eleven  fluidounc  of 
the  Water,  and  put  the  solution  in  a matrass  with  a little  sand:  add  the  .id, 
previously  diluted  with  five  fluidounces  of  the  Water  and  allowed  to  cool:  on- 
nect  the  matrass  with  a proper  refrigeratory  : distil  with  a gentle  heat,  hymns 
of  a sand-bath  or  naked  gas-flame,  till  fourteen  fluidounces  pass  over,  or  tikhe 
residuum  begins  to  froth  up.  Dilute  the  product  with  distilled  water  t.  it 
measures  sixteen  fluidounces.”  Ed. 

The  Dublin  College,  in  its  Pharmacopoeia  of  1850,  has  abandoned  the-m- 
ployment  of  cyanuret  of  mercury  and  muriatic  acid  as  the  source  of  this  id, 
and  adopted  the  use  of  ferrocyanuret  of  potassium  and  sulphuric  acid,  in  i ita- 
tion  of  the  other  British  Pharmacopoeias.  The  process  adopted  is.  virtuall  the 
same  as  those  just  given,  and,  therefore,  need  not  be  quoted. 

Hydrocyanic  acid  was  admitted  into  the  French  Codex  in  1818,  into  the  Uted 
States  Pharmacopoeia  in  1820,  into  the  Dublin  in  1826,  into  the  London  in  136, 
and  into  the  Edinburgh  in  1839.  It  is  now  made  by  one  chief  process;  nauly, 
from  the  ferrocyanuret  of  potassium  by  the  action  of  sulphuric  acid.  It  i ilso 
obtained  by  an  extemporaneous  process,  when  wanted  for  immediate  use,  ithe 
U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia,  by  decomposing  the  cyanuret  of  silver.  When  ferrya- 
nuret  of  potassium  is  decomposed  by  sulphuric  acid,  the  residue  in  the  rett  is 
bisulphate  of  potassa,  mixed  with  a compound  of  two  eqs.  of  cyanuret  otron 
and  one  of  cyanuret  of  potassium  ( Everitt’s  salt').  Two  eqs.  of  ferrocyairet 
2(FeCy + 2KCy),  react  with  six  eqs.  of  hydrated  sulphuric  acid  6(SO3+0), 
and  produce  three  eqs.  of  hydrated  bisulphate  of  potassa  3(K0,2S03  + 0), 
together  with  one  eq.  of  Everitt’s  salt  2FeCy +KCy,  which  remain  in  therort, 
and  three  eqs.  of  hydrocyanic  acid  3IICy,  which  distil  over.  Everitt’s  sa,  so 
named  from  its  discoverer,  called  bi ferrocyanuret  of  potassium  by  Dr.  Pena, 
is  yellow  according  to  Mr.  Everitt;  but  Dr.  Pereira,  who  prepared  it  wit  the 
greatest  care,  always  found  it  white.  Its  constitution  (2FeCy+ KCy)  i pre- 
cisely the  converse  of  that  of  ferrocyanuret  of  potassium  (FeCy+2KCy) 

According  to  Mr.  Phillips,  the  proportion  of  sulphuric  acid,  directed  t the 
Edinburgh  College,  is  so  large  that  there  is  great  risk  of  the  production  of  f uno 
acid.  ( Observations  on  the  Ed.  Pharm.,  dr. ) The  acid,  instead  of  exc-eling 
the  weight  of  the  ferrocyanuret,  should  only  form  three-fourths  of  its  wjht. 
In  relation  to  the  most  convenient  method  of  bringing  the  hydrocyanic  ai  to 
the  standard  strength,  and  to  some  other  points  in  its  preparation  by  the  of  inal 
formula,  the  reader  is  referred  to  a paper  by  Prof.  Procter,  contained  in  the  Jier. 
Journ.  of  Pharmacy,  xix.  259. 


PAC  II. 


Acida. 


807 


'ie  rationale  of  the  U.  S.  process  for  obtaining  hydrocyanic  acid  extempo- 
ranusly  is  exceedingly  simple.  The  reacting  materials  are  single  equivalents 
reslctively  of  cyanuret  of  silver  and  muriatic  acid.  These,  by  double  decom- 
posion,  generate  hydrocyanic  acid  which  dissolves  in  the  water,  and  chloride  of 
sihr  which  subsides,  and  from  which  the  acid  is  poured  off  when  clear.  (See 
Annti  Cyanuretum.)  The  extemporaneous  process  is  useful  to  country  prac- 
titijers ; because  the  acid  will  not  generally  keep.  A portion  of  hydrocyanic 
aci  if  procured  by  a practitioner,  may  spoil  on  his  hands,  before  he  has  oeca- 
siofo  use  it;  but  if  he  supplies  himself  with  cyanuret  of  silver,  he  may  readily 
at  y moment  prepare  a small  portion  of  the  acid,  by  following  the  directions 
of  lie  formula. 

be  French  Codex  of  1837  gives  the  following  process  for  hydrocyanic  acid, 
in  ace  of  the  three  formerly  contained  in  that  work.  Take  of  bicyanuret  of 
meury  thirty  parts;  muriatic  acid  (sp.gr.  1T7)  twenty  parts.  Reduce  the 
bicmuret  to  powder,  and  introduce  it  into  a small  tubulated  glass  retort,  placed 
ovt  a furnace.  Adapt  to  its  neck  a tube  about  13  inches  long,  and  half  an  inch 
in  ameter,  and  filled  one-half  with  pieces  of  marble,  and  the  remainder  with 
chi  ide  of  calcium.  To  this  tube,  arranged  nearly  horizontally,  adapt  a smaller 
onebent  at  a right  angle,  and  plunging  into  a graduated  tube,  surrounded  with 
a rxture  of  common  salt  and  pounded  ice.  The  apparatus  being  thus  arranged, 
am  he  junctures  well  luted,  add  the  muriatic  acid;  and,  having  allowed  the  action 
to  ke  place  for  a few  moments  in  the  cold,  apply  the  heat  gradually.  When 
the  ction  is  over,  drive  forward  any  acid  which  may  have  condensed  in  the  large 
tul  by  means  of  a live  coal  brought  near  to  it,  and  passed  along  its  whole 
lenh.  The  quantity  of  acid  found  in  the  graduated  tube  is  mixed  with  either 
six  mes  its  bulk,  or  eight  and  a half  times  its  weight  of  distilled  water. 

be  above  process  is  Gay-Lussac’s,  and,  therefore,  the  same  in  principle  as  the 
for  3r  Dublin.  In  the  first  part  of  it,  G-ay-Lussac’s  strong  acid  is  obtained  in 
thcraduated  tube,  and  this  is  afterwards  diluted  to  a given  extent  with  water. 
Th  object  of  the  marble  and  chloride  of  calcium  is  to  detain,  the  former  muriatic 
aci  the  latter  water. 

mther  process  for  obtaining  medicinal  hydrocyanic  acid,  proposed  by  Dr. 
Cilice,  and  adopted  by  Mr.  Laming,  is  by  the  reaction  of  tartaric  acid  on  cyanu- 
ret f potassium  in  solution.  Laming’s  formula  is  as  follows.  Dissolve  twenty- 
twigrains  of  the  cyanuret  in  six  fluidrachms  of  distilled  water,  and  add  fifty 
gra's  of  crystallized  tartaric  acid,  dissolved  in  three  fluidrachms  of  rectified 
spi  . Crystallized  bi tartrate  of  potassa  precipitates,  and  each  fluidrachm  of 
thelear  decanted  liquor  contains  one  grain  of  pure  hydrocyanic  acid.  The  re- 
act i in  this  process  takes  place  between  two  eqs.  of  tartaric  acid,  one  of  cya- 
uu:,  of  potassium,  and  one  of  water.  The  water  is  decomposed,  and  the  tar- 
tar acid,  potassium,  and  oxygen  unite  to  form  the  bitartrate,  and  the  cyanogen 
anoydrogen  to  form  the  hydrocyanic  acid.  Dr.  Pereira  considers  this  process 
to  ive  several  advantages,  but  very  properly  objects  to  it  on  account  of  the 
tro  Ie  and  expense  of  obtaining  the  cyanuret  of  potassium  pure,  and  its  liability 
to  dergo  spontaneous  decomposition.  (See  Potassii  Cyanuretum.) 

cbig  recommends  the  decomposition  of  cyanuret  of  potassium  with  hydrated 
sul  uric  acid.  In  this  case  the  products  of  the  double  decomposition  are  sul- 
ph;  i of  potassa  and  hydrocyanic  acid.  Any  cyanate  of  potassa  present  as  an 
nn  rity  is  at  the  same  time  decomposed,  and  the  ammonia  resulting  from  the 
cyc.c  acid  unites  with  the  sulphuric  acid,  so  as  to  form  a supersulphate.  The 
mc  of  proceeding  is  to  distil  one  part  of  the  cyanuret,  dissolved  in  two  parts 
of  iter,  with  one  part  of  sulphuric  acid,  diluted  with  three  parts  of  water. 
Tbaydrocyanic  acid  obtained  is  much  stronger  than  the  medicinal  acid ; but 
it  i y be  reduced  to  any  desired  standard  by  the  addition  of  the  proper  propor- 
tion )f  distilled  water. 


808 


Acida. 


par:  i. 


The  processes,  thus  far  given,  are  intended  to  furnish  a dilute  hydrocj  ic 
acid  for  medicinal  purposes.  The  methods  of  obtaining  the  anhydrous  or  re 
acid  are  different.  Vauquelin’s  process  for  the  pure  acid  is  to  pass  a curre  of 
hydrosulphuric  acid  gas  over  the  bicyanuret  of  mercury  contained  in  a ,ss 
tube,  connected  with  a receiver  kept  cold  by  a freezing  mixture  of  ice  and  It. 
The  first  third  only  of  the  tube  is  filled  with  the  bicyanuret ; the  remai  ag 
two-thirds  being  occupied,  half  with  carbonate  of  lead,  and  half  with  chide 
of  calcium ; the  carbonate  being  intended  to  detain  the  hydrosulphuric  acid  is, 
the  chloride  to  separate  water.  Another  process  for  the  anhydrous  acid  is  tb  of 
Gautier,  the  details  of  which  are  thus  given  by  Berzelius.  The  ferrocyanur  of 
potassium  is  fused  without  access  of  air,  whereby  it  is  converted  into  a mb  ire 
of  cyanuret  of  potassium  and  carburet  of  iron.  The  mass  obtained,  after  hang 
been  pulverized  and  placed  in  a flask,  is  slightly  moistened  with  water,  nd 
acted  on  with  muriatic  acid,  added  by  small  portions  at  a time.  By  a dole 
decomposition  between  the  cyanuret  and  muriatic  acid,  chloride  of  potasim 
and  hydrocyanic  acid  are  formed.  The  flask  is  then  plunged  into  hot  wer, 
which  causes  the  hydrocyanic  acid  to  be  disengaged  in  the  form  of  vapour,  ais 
is  passed  through  a tube  containing  chloride  of  calcium,  and  finally  receiv  in 
a small  flask  kept  cool  by  a freezing  mixture. 

The  process  of  Wohler  for  the  anhydrous  acid  is  substantially  the  sau  as 
that  of  Liebig.  The  cyanuret  of  potassium  selected  is  a black  cyanuret,  foiled 
by  fusing  together  8 parts  of  dry  ferrocyanuret,  3 of  ignited  cream  of  tartar  nd 
1 of  charcoal  in  fine  powder  in  a covered  crucible.  This  is  better  than  Lies’s 
cyanuret.  which  contains  a large  amount  of  cyanate  of  potassa.  The  cyanet, 
while  still  warm,  is  exhausted  by  6 parts  of  water,  and  the  clear  solution,  p *ed 
in  a retort,  is  decomposed  by  cold  dilute  sulphuric  acid,  gradually  added,  'he 
hydrocyanic  acid  is  condensed  first  in  a U-shaped  tube,  containing  c-hlorio  of 
calcium,  and  surrounded  with  ice-cold  water,  and  afterwards  in  a small  b:le, 
connected  with  the  U-shaped  condenser  by  a narrow  tube,  and  immersed  i to 
the  neck  in  a mixture  of  ice  and  salt.  After  the  acid  has  been  condenseond 
dehydrated  in  the  U-tube,  the  cold  water  surrounding  it  is  withdrawn  y a 
siphon,  and  replaced  by  water  at  a temperature  between  85°  and  90°  Iir., 
whereby  the  anhydrous  acid  is  made  to  distil  over  into  the  small  bottle. 

Properties  of  the  Medicinal  Acid.  Diluted  hydrocyanic  acid,  of  the  pper 
medicinal  strength,  is  a transparent,  colourless,  volatile  liquid,  possessing  a.ste 
at  first  cooling,  afterwards  somewhat  irritating,  and  a peculiar  smell.  It  imirta 
a slight  and  evanescent  red  colour  to  litmus.  If  it  reddens  litmus  stronghold 
permanently,  the  fact  shows  the  presence  of  some  acid  impurity.  It  is  nofed- 
dened  by  the  iodo-cyanuret  of  potassium  and  mercury.  The  non-action  ofchis 
test  shows  the  absence  of  contaminating  acids,  which,  if  present,  would  dom- 
pose  the  test,  and  give  rise  to  the  red  iodide  of  mercury.  It  is  liable  toumrgo 
decomposition  if  exposed  to  the  light,  but  is  easily  kept  if  the  bottle  containg 
it  is  covered  with  black  paint,  or  black  paper.  Its  most  usual  impuritic  are 
sulphuric  and  muriatic  acids;  the  former  of  which  may  be  detected  by  chlide 
of  barium,  which  will  produce  a precipitate  of  sulphate  of  baryta ; and  the  Iter, 
by  precipitating  with  nitrate  of  silver,  when  so  much  of  the  precipitate  asaay 
be  chloride  of  silver  will  be  insoluble  in  boiling  nitric  acid,  while  the  cyaJiret 
of  silver  is  readily  soluble.  The  presence  of  these  acids  in  slight  amou;  is 
injurious,  only  in  so  far  as  they  render  the  strength  of  the  acid  uncertain.  In- 
deed, Mr.  Barry,  of  London,  adds  a small  proportion  of  muriatic  acid  to  a Lis 
medicinal  hydrocyanic  acid,  in  order  to  preserve  it.  ( Pereira. ) But  tkeare- 
sence  of  a mineral  acid  is  not  necessary  for  its  preservation  ; for  Dr.  Chri.-son 
has  known  medicinal  hydrocyanic  acid  from  ferrocyanuret  of  potassium  toeep 
perfectly  well,  although  nitrate  of  baryta,  added  to  it,  did  not  produc  the 
slightest  muddiness.  If  lead  be  present,  it  may  be  detected  by  hydrosulpnic 


pai:  ii. 


Adda. 


809 


acic'gas,  which  will  cause  a blackish  precipitate.  Hydrocyanic  acid  is  incom- 
pat.le  in  prescriptions  with  nitrate  of  silver,  the  salts  of  iron  and  copper,  and 
mo:  of  the  salts  of  mercury. 

medicinal  acid  is  of  different  strengths,  as  ordered  by  the  different  phar- 
mautical  authorities.  Formerly  its  strength  was  indicated  by  its  specific 
gra  :y,  which  is  lower  in  proportion  as  it  is  stronger ; but  this  unprecise  mode 
of  cimate  has  been  generally  abandoned.  The  Pharmacopoeias  now,  with  the 
exc  tion  of  the  Dublin,  rely  on  the  saturating  power  as  an  index  of  strength. 
Accding  to  the  United  States  formula,  100  grains  of  the  acid  must  accurately 
satnte  12‘7  (12.59,  Load.)  grains  of  nitrate  of  silver,  dissolved  in  distilled 
wat,  and  produce  a precipitate  (cyanuret  of  silver),  which,  when  washed  and 
drie  at  a temperature  not  exceeding  212°,  shall  weigh  10  grains,  and  be  wholly 
solu.e  in  boiling  nitric  acid.  An  acid  of  this  strength  contains  2 per  cent,  of 
the  ure  anhydrous  acid.  The  test  of  entire  solubility  in  boiling  nitric  acid, 
app;d  to  the  precipitate  obtained  by  nitrate  of  silver,  is  intended  to  verify  its 
natie;  for,  if  the  hydrocyanic  acid  contain  muriatic  acid,  part  of  this  preci- 
pita  would  be  chloride  of  silver,  not  soluble  in  the  boiling  acid.  The  Edin- 
bur<  acid  is  directed  to  contain  about  3’22  per  cent,  of  anhydrous  acid.  The 
moc  laid  down  by  the  College  for  testing  its  strength  by  nitrate  of  silver,  admits 
of  variation  in  this  particular;  the  stronger  allowable  acid  being  one-tenth 
stro;er  than  the  weaker.  The  Dublin  acid  is  directed  to  have  the  sp.gr. 
0'91,  and  probably  contains  a little  over  2 per  cent,  of  the  anhydrous  acid. 
Its  turating  strength  is  not  given.  Scheele’s  medicinal  hydrocyanic  acid  con- 
tain ive  per  cent,  of  anhydrous  acid;  and,  therefore,  two  minims  of  it  are  equal 
to  fi  of  the  U.  S.  acid.  The  use  of  Scheele’s  acid  should  be  discouraged  as 
unn  sssary,  and  as  leading  to  mistakes. 

M.  Fordos  and  Gfelis  have  proposed  as  a test  of  the  strength  of  the  prepa- 
ratii s containing  cyanogen,  an  alcoholic  solution  of  iodine  of  known  strength; 
as,  f example,  three  grains  to  the  fluidounce.  The  test  solution  is  added,  drop 
by  op,  to  the  cyanogen  compound,  until  a permanent  yellowish  tinge  is  pro- 
duct The  iodine  unites  with  the  cyanogen  in  the  ratio  of  their  equivalents ; 
and  mce  the  cyanogen  present  is  easily  calculated  from  the  iodine  expended. 
This  est  is  commended  for  its  accuracy  by  Mr.  James  Roberton,  of  Manches- 
ter. ?ee  Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  Nov.  1853,  p.  551.) 

b perties  of  the  Anhydrous  Acid.  Hydrocyanic  acid,  perfsltly  free  from 
watt  is  a colourless,  transparent,  inflammable  liquid,  of  extreme  volatility, 
boili;  at  80°,  and  congealing  at  5°.  Its  sp.gr.  as  a liquid  is  0‘6969,  at  the 
tempature  of  61°  ; and  as  a vapour  0'9423.  Its  taste  is  at  first  cooling,  then 
hurt  g,  with  an  after-taste  in  the  throat  like  that  of  bitter  almonds;  but, 
fromts  extremely  poisonous  nature,  it  must  be  tasted  with  the  utmost  caution. 
Its  our  is  so  strong  as  to  produce  immediate  headache  and  giddiness;  and  its 
vapo  so  deleterious  that  it  cannot  be  inhaled  without  the  greatest  danger.  Both 
wate  ind  alcohol  dissolve  it  readily.  It  is  much  more  prone  to  undergo  decom- 
positn  than  the  dilute  acid.  In  the  course  of  a few  hours  it  sometimes  begins  to 
assu  ; a reddish-brown  colour,  which  becomes  gradually  deeper,  till  at  length 
tbe  i d is  converted  into  a black  liquid,  which  exhales  a strong  smell  of  ammo- 
nia. It  is  a very  weak  acid  in  its  chemical  relations,  and  reddens  litmus  but 
shgly.  It  does  not  form  solid  compounds  with  metallic  oxides,  but  a cyanuret 
of  tl  metal,  the  elements  of  water  being  exhaled.  According  to  Sobero,  hydro- 
cyan acid  is  generated,  in  -sensible  quantities,  by  the  action  of  weak  nitric  acid 
on  t volatile  oils  and  resins.  Though  a product  of  art,  it  exists  in  some 
plan  It  is,  however,  a matter  of  doubt,  in  many  cases  in  wdiich  it  is  extracted 
from  egetables,  whether  it  is  an  educt  or  a product.  (See  Amygdala.  Amarad) 

C ’position,  &c.  Hydrocyanic  acid  consists  of  one  eq.  of  cyanogen  26,  and 
one  hydrogen  1=27 ; or,  in  volumes,  of  one  volume  of  cyanogen  and  one 


810 


Adda. 


PAR'  I. 


volume  of  hydrogen  without  condensation.  Cyanogen  is  a colourless  gas,  a 
strong  and  penetrating  smell,  inflammable,  and  burning  with  a beautiful  bhlh- 
purple  flame.  Its  sp.  gr.  is  1’8157.  It  was  discovered  in  1815  byGuy-Luie 
who  considered  it  a compound  radical,  which,  when  acidified  by  hydrogen  je- 
couies  hydrocyanic  acid.  It  consists  of  two  eqs.  of  carbon  12,  and  one  of  r -ei- 
gen 14=26;  or,  in  volumes,  of  two  of  carbon  vapour,  and  one  of  nitnlm 
condensed  into  one.  The  ultimate  constituents  of  hydrocyanic  acid  are,  t re- 
fore,  two  eqs.  of  carbon,  one  of  nitrogen,  and  one  of  hydrogen. 

Hydrocyanic  acid,  in  a dilute  state,  was  discovered  in  1780  by  Scheele,  ho 
correctly  stated  its  constituents  to  be  nitrogen,  carbon,  and  hydrogen;  bu  he 
peculiar  way  in  which  they  are  combined  was  first  pointed  out  by  Gay-La  ac. 
by  whom  also  the  anhydrous  acid  was  first  obtained. 

Medical  and  Toxicological  Properties.  Hydrocyanic  acid  is  one  of  the  ost 
deadly  poisons  known,  proving,  in  many  cases,  almost  instantaneously  fatal.  1c- 
eording  to  Dr.  Christison,  a grain  and  a half  of  the  anhydrous  acid  is  eapahof 
producing  death  in  the  human  subject.  In  the  opinion  of  Dr.  Meyer,  it  ac  by 
paralysing  the  heart,  being  conveyed  into  the  blood,  and  operating  direct  on 
that  organ.  One  or  two  drops  of  the  pure  acid  are  sufficient  to  kill  a vigous 
dog  in  a few  seconds.  Notwithstanding  its  tremendous  energy  as  a poist,  it 
has  been  ventured  upon  in  a dilute  state  as  an  anodyne  and  antispasnlic. 
Though  occasionally  resorted  to  as  a remedy  previously  to  1817,  yet  it  dinot 
attract  much  attention  until  that  year,  when  Magendie  published  his  ob.-va- 
tions  on  its  use  in  diseases  of  the  chest,  and  recommended  its  employme  to 
the  profession.  When  given  in  medicinal  doses  gradually  increased,  it  proices 
the  following  symptoms  in  different  cases: — peculiar  bitter  taste;  increaS'  se- 
cretion of  saliva;  irritation  in  the  throat;  nausea;  disordered  respiration ; >ain 
in  the  head;  giddiness;  faintness;  obscure  vision;  and  tendency  to  sleep.  The 
pulse  is  sometimes  quickened,  at  other  times  reduced  in  frequency.  Oeeion- 
ally  salivation  and  ulceration  of  the  mouth  are  produced.  It  has  been  khly 
recommended  and  extensively  used  in  complaints  of  the  respiratory  orgamand 
is  supposed  to  exert  a control  over  pulmonary  inflammation,  after  the  excitdent 
has  been  diminished  by  bloodletting;  and  there  is  no  doubt  that,  in  son  in- 
stances, it  may  be  beneficial  under  such  circumstances.  Dr.  Joseph  Jobon, 
of  Charleston,  S.  C.,  has  found  it  useful  in  pneumonia.  ( Charleston  Med.  J>rn., 
Sept.  1853,  p.*643.)  In  phthisis  it  may  be  resorted  to  with  advantagas  a 
palliative  for  the  cough.  In  various  other  affections  of  the  chest,  attendees  th 
dyspnoea  or  cough,  such  as  asthma,  hooping-cough,  and  chronic  catarrh,  has 
often  been  decidedly  beneficial,  by  allaying  irritation  or  relaxing  spasu  In 
hypertrophy  of  the  heart,  and  aneurism  of  the  aorta,  it  has  also  been  useiwith 
advantage.  In  various  affections  of  the  stomach,  characterized  by  pai  and 
spasm,  and  sometimes  attended  with  vomiting,  but  unconnected  with  inflpma- 
tion,  it  has  proved  beneficial  in  the  hands  of  several  practitioners.  It  h also 
been  administered  as  an  anodyne  in  several  painful  affections,  as  cane,  tic 
douloureux,  &c.,  but  with  doubtful  advantage.  Sometimes  it  is  used  exte  ally, 
diluted  with  water,  as  a wash  in  cutaneous  diseases.  The  late  Dr.  A.  T.  oom- 
son,  from  personal  observation,  insisted  particularly  on  its  efficacy  in  alying 
the  itching  in  impetiginous  affections. 

The  dose  of  the  medicinal  hydrocyanic  acid  of  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopia.  is 
from  two  to  six  drops,  dissolved  in  distilled  water,  or  mixed  with  gum  wer  or 
syrup.  It  requires  to  be  administered  with  the  greatest  caution,  on  accent  of 
the  minuteness  of  the  dose,  and  the  great  variableness  in  strength  of  the  id  as 
found  in  the  shops.  The  proper  plan,  therefore,  is  to  begin  with  a smaldose, 
two  drops,  for  example,  and  gradually  to  increase  the  quantity  until  soinobvi- 
ous  impression  is  produced.  If  giddiness,  weight  at  the  top  of  the  headseuse 
of  tightness  at  the  stomach,  or  faintness  come  on,  its  use  should  be  discon  med. 


PAr  ir. 


Acida. 


811 


In  11  cases  in  which  a fresh  portion  of  medicine  is  used,  the  dose  should  he 
lovred  to  the  minimum  quantity,  lest  the  new  sample  should  prove  stronger 
tha  that  previously  employed.  When  resorted  to  as  a lotion,  from  thirty 
mi  ms  to  a fluidrachm  may  be  dissolved  in  a fluidounce  of  distilled  water. 

hydrocyanic  acid  is  so  rapidly  fatal  as  a poison  that  physicians  have  seldom 
an  bportunity  to  treat  its  effects.  When  not  immediately  fatal,  the  symptoms 
prcaced  are  sudden  loss  of  sense,  trismus,  difficult  and  rattling  respiration, 
col  iess  of  the  extremities,  smell  of  the  acid  proceeding  from  the  mouth,  though 
thi is  sometimes  absent,  smallness  of  the  pulse,  swelling  of  the  neck,  dilatation, 
imiibility,  and  sometimes  contraction  of  the  pupils,  convulsions,  &c.  The  anti- 
dot  and  remedies  most  to  be  relied  on,  are  chlorine,  ammonia,  cold  affusion, 
anurtificial  respiration.  Chlorine  in  the  form  of  chlorine  water,  or  weak  solu- 
tion of  chlorinated  lime  or  soda,  may  be  exhibited  internally,  or  applied  exter- 
nal. When  chlorine  is  not  at  hand,  water  of  ammonia,  largely  diluted,  may 
be  ven,  and  the  vapour  arising  from  it  cautiously  inhaled.  A case  is  related 
in  e Dublin  Med.  Journal,  for  Nov.,  1835,  of  poisoning  by  this  acid,  in  which 
the  iluted  aromatic  spirit  of  ammonia  applied  to  the  mouth,  and  the  solid  car- 
bote  assiduously  applied  to  the  nostrils,  produced  speedy  and  beneficial  effects. 
Col  affusion  was  first  proposed  in  1828  by  Herbst,  of  Gottingen,  and  its  utility 
was.bubsequently  confirmed  by  Orfila.  Its  efficacy  is  strongly  supported  by 
exp-imeDts  performed  in  1889  by  Dr.  Robinson  and  M.  Lonyet,  who  quickly 
resicitated  rabbits,  apparently  dead  from  hydrocyanic  acid,  by  pouring  on  their 
beaand  spine  a stream  of  water  artificially  refrigerated.  A case  of  poisoning 
replied  by  Dr.  Christison  in  Feb.  1850,  in  which  the  patient  recovered,  strongly 
supirts  the  value  as  a remedy  of  a stream  of  cold  water,  poured  upon  the  head 
froia  moderate  height.  Messrs.  T.  & FI.  Smith,  of  Edinburgh,  have  recom- 
meied  as  an  antidote  a mixture  of  the  sulphates  of  the  protoxide  and  sesqui- 
oxi>  of  iron,  swallowed  after  a solution  of  carbonate  of  potassa.  So  soon  as  the 
antrte  comes  in  contact  with  hydrocyanic  acid,  sulphate  of  potassa  is  formed, 
and  he  poison  is  converted  into  Prussian  blue.  This  antidote  is  proposed  by 
tbelessrs.  Smith  for  the  medicinal  acid  only.  It  may  be  prepared  extempo- 
ranpsly,  according  to  the  same  chemists,  by  adding  ten  grains  of  sulphate  of 
provide  of  iron  and  a drachm  of  the  tincture  of  chloride  of  iron  to  a fluidounce 
of  ter,  contained  in  one  vial,  and  twenty  grains  of  carbonate  of  potassa  to  a 
flui'  unee  or  two  of  water  in  another  vial.  The  patient  is  made  to  swallow  the 
solion  of  carbonate  of  potassa,  and  immediately  afterwards  the  mixed  ferra- 
gini3  solution.  The  quantity  of  antidote,  here  mentioned,  is  estimated  to  be 
sufl  ent  to  render  insoluble  nearly  two  grains  of  the  anhydrous  acid. 

4er  death  from  suspected  poison,  it  is  sometimes  necessary  to  ascertain 
whder  the  event  was  caused  by  this  acid.  If  death  has  taken  place  a long 
tim  it  would  be  needless  to  search  for  so  volatile  a poison;  but  it  has  been  re- 
cog sed  in  one  instance  seven  days  after  death.  The  best  test  is  that  proposed 
by  ebig  in  January  1847,  consisting  in  the  conversion  of  the  hydrocyanic  acid 
mtc  rlphocyanate  of  ammonia,  which  salt  is  then  tested  with  a sesquioxide  salt 
of  in.  Two  drops  of  the  acid,  so  dilute  as  not  to  afford  the  least  blue  tint 
witlihe  salts  of  iron,  upon  being  mixed  with  a drop  of  bihydrosulphate  of  am- 
moij'>  and  heated  upon  a watch-glass  until  the  mixture  is  colourless,  yields  a 
soli  m of  sulphocyanate  of  ammonia,  which  becomes  of  a deep  blood-red  colour 
upo  the  addition  of  the  sulphate  of  sesquioxide  of  iron,  in  consequence  of  the 
forijtion  of  the  sulphocyanuret  of  iron.  ( Cherti.  Gaz.,  April  1,  1847,  from 
hie  ;’s  Annalen.')  This  test  is  praised  by  Mr.  A.  S.  Taylor,  who  found  it  to 
act  aracteristicaily  on  two  grains  of  dilute  hydrocyanic  acid,  containing  only 
1-d!  Oth  of  a grain  of  anhydrous  acid.  To  render  the  test  thus  delicate,  Mr. 
j Jjr  deems  it  necessary  to  evaporate  the  liquid  gently  to  dryness,  after  the 
aud' on  of  the  bihydrosulphate  of  ammonia,  in  order  to  bring  the  sulphocyanate 


812 


Adda. 


PAR]  [, 


to  the  solid  state,  before  adding  the  iron  test,  a fractional  part  of  a drop  of  w h 
will  commonly  suffice  to  produce  the  characteristic  colour.  In  case  the  aci  is 
mixed  with  organic  matters,  Mr.  Taylor  proposes  a modification  of  Liebig’s  st 
as  follows.  Place  the  contaminated  acid  in  a watch-glass,  and  invert  ovc  it 
another,  holding  in  its  centre  a drop -of  the  bihydrosulphate  of  ammonia,  [a 
from  half  a minute  to  ten  minutes,  without  the  application  of  heat,  the  bihj  o- 
sulphate  will  be  converted  into  the  sulphocyanate  of  ammonia;  and  upon  rei  v- 
ing  the  upper  glass,  and  evaporating  its  contents  to  dryness,  the  addition  obe 
iron  test  will  produce  the  blood-red  colour.  I 

ACIDUM  MURIATICUM  DILUTUM.  U.  S.,  Ed.,  Dub.  Acr  u 
Hydrochloricum  Dilutum.  Lond.  Diluted  Muriatic  Acid. 

“Take  of  Muriatic  Acid  four  fluidounces ; Distilled  Water  twelve  fluidoues. 
Mix  them  in  a glass  vessel.  The  specific  gravity  of  Diluted  Muriatic  Ac  is 
1-046.”  U.S. 

The  London  and  Edinburgh,  directions  are  the  same  as  those  of  the  1 S. 
Pharmacopoeia.  The  London  College  gives  the  sp.  gr.  of  the  acid  at  1 043  nd 
states  that  a fiuidounce  of  it  is  saturated  by  168  grains  of  crystallized  carbute 
of  soda.  The  U.  S.  and  London  diluted  acids  are  identical;  but  the  Edinbgh 
diluted  acid  is  somewhat  stronger  (1  050),  in  consequence  of  the  pure  niuitic 
acid  of  that  College  having  a density  of  1T7,  instead  of  1T6  ( U.  S.,  Lot.). 
The  Dublin  College  mixes  four  fluidounces  of  pure  muriatic  acid  with  thi\ien 
[ fluid~\ounccs  of  distilled  water,  and  states  the  density  of  the  acid  to  be  1(5. 

It  is  convenient  to  have  an  officinal  diluted  muriatic  acid,  and,  at  presen  all 
the  Pharmacopoeias  give  a formula  for  it.  The  acids  of  the  different  Phsna- 
copoeias  virtually  agree  in  strength ; the  variations  being  practically  insignifint. 
For  an  account  of  the  medicinal  properties  of  muriatic  acid,  see  Acidum  Mia- 
ticum.  The  dose  of  the  diluted  acid  is  from  twenty  to  sixty  drops,  mixed  ith 
water  or  other  convenient  vehicle.  The  Dublin  College  employs  this  acid.s  a 
chemical  agent,  in  the  preparation  of  Calcis  Phosphas  Prsecipitatum. 

ACIDUM  NITRICUM  DILUTUM.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub.  Di- 
luted Nitric  Acid. 


“ Take  of  Nitric  Acid  [sp.  gr.  142]  a fiuidounce;  Distilled  Water  six  <t id- 
ounces.  Mix  them  in  a glass  vessel.  The  specific  gravity  of  Diluted  .trie 
Acid  is  1‘07 ; and  100  grains  of  it  saturate  20  grains  of  crystallized  bicarbiate 
of  potassa.”  U.  S. 

“Take  of  Nitric  Acid  [sp.gr.  1'42]  three  fluidounces ; Distilled  Water  ven- 
teen  fluidounces.  Mix.  The  sp.  gr.  is  1‘082.  A fiuidounce  of  the  Ad  is 
saturated  by  154  grains  of  crystallized  carbonate  of  soda.”  Lond. 

“ Mix  together  one  fiuidounce  of  Pure  Nitric  Acid  (D.  1 ’500),  and  nine  fid- 
ounces  of  Distilled  Water.  If  the  Commercial  Nitric  Acid  of  D.  1'390  besed, 
one  fiuidounce  and  five  fluidrachms  and  a half  are  required.  The  dens?  of 
this  diluted  acid  is  1'077.”  Ed. 

“Take  of  Pure  Nitric  Acid  [sp.gr.  1'5]  four  fluidounces;  Distilled  ater 
twenty -nine  \_fluid~\ounces.  Mix.  The  sp.  gr.  of  this  Acid  is  1 092.’  Dm 

All  the  Pharmacopoeias  embrace  Diluted  Nitric  Acid,  for  convenience  i pre- 
scribing. The  acids  of  the  U.  S.,  London,  and  Edinburgh  Pharmacopcei  are 
nearly  of  the  same  strength,  being,  for  equal  volumes  with  the  strong  ad,  a 
little  more  than  one-tenth  its  strength.  The  acid  of  the  Dublin  College  is  >me- 
what  stronger. 

The  medicinal  properties  of  the  diluted  acid  are  the  same  as  those  of  the  :-ong 
acid.  (See  Acidum  Nitricum.)  The  dose  is  from  twenty  to  forty  dropspree 
times  a day,  sufficiently  reduced  with  water  at  the  time  of  taking  it.  A dated 
nitric  acid  is  used  by  the  Edinburgh  College  for  preparing  the  red  oxide  oner- 


pa::  ii. 


Adda. 


813 


cur;  but  it  is  directed  to  have  the  density  of  1'280,  and  is,  therefore,  not  the 
offi  ral  diluted  acid  of  that  College. 

if,  Prep.  Plumbi  Nitras.  B. 

.CIDUM  NITRICUM  PURUM.  Pd.,  Dub.  Pure  Nitric  Acid. 

°urify  Nitrate  of  Potash,  if  necessary,  by  two  or  more  crystallizations  till 
mti:e  of  silver  does  not  act  on  its  solution  in  distilled  water.  Put  into  a glass 
retdt'  equal  weights  of  this  purified  Nitrate  and  of  Sulphuric  Acid ; and  distil 
inti  cool  receiver,  with  a moderate  heat  from  a sand-bath  or  naked  gas-flame, 
so  lig  as  the  fused  material  continues  to  give  off  vapour.  The  pale-yellow  Acid 
thuobtained  may  be  rendered  colourless,  should  this  be  thought  necessary,  by 
kealag  it  gently  in  a retort.”  The  density  of  this  Acid  is  15.  Ed. 

I preparing  pure  nitric  acid,  the  Dublin  College  distils  nitre  with  nearly  an 
equi  weight  of  sulphuric  acid ; but  before  the  nitre  is  used,  it  is  dissolved  in 
boil  g water,  and  purified  from  common  salt  by  the  addition  of  nitrate  of  silver, 
so  lig  as  it  produces  a precipitate.  The  solution  is  then  strained  from  the 
chli.de  of  silver,  and  evaporated  to  dryness.  The  pure  nitric  acid  obtained  is 
direed  to  have  the  sp.gr.  15. 

le  officinal  pure  nitric  acid  is  colourless  or  pale-yellow.  If  previously  diluted 
witljdistilled  water,  it  is  not  affected  by  solutions  of  nitrate  of  silver  or  nitrate 
oflyta;  the  non-action  of  these  tests  showing  the  absence  of  muriatic  and  sul- 
phuc  acids.  As  an  acid  having  the  sp.gr.  of  1’5,  it  is  considered  to  he  a ses- 
quiidrate  by  Mr.  Phillips;  consisting  of  one  eq.  of  dry  acid  54,  and  one  and 
a b'eqs.  of  water  13'5=67'5.  This  acid  is  inconveniently  strong,  and  might 
witlidvantage  be  replaced  by  a pure  acid  of  the  density  1‘42.  This  substitu- 
tion ;as  been  made  in  the  U-  S.  and  London  Pharmacopoeias  of  1850  and  1851. 

} ric  Acid  has  been  fully  treated  of  under  Acidum  Nitricum , page  40,  to 
whi  article  the  reader  is  referred. 

1 arm.  Uses.  Pure  Nitric  Acid  is  used  merely  as  a chemical  agent  in  pre- 
pari;  Calomelas;  Ferri  Oxidum  Nigrum;  Ferri  Peroxydum  Hydratum;  Hy- 
draiyri  Oiydum  Itubrum ; Sublimatus  Corrosivus;  Tinctura  Ferri  Acetatis; 
Tin  ara  Ferri  Sesquichloridi. 

U Prep.  Acidum  Nitricum  Dilutum;  Acidum  Nitro-muriaticum ; Argenti 
Nitijij  Bismuthi  Subnitras;  Ferri  Pernitratis  Liquor;  Hydrargyri  Pernitratis 
Liq  r;  Plumbi  Nitras;  Spiritus  Adtheris  Nitrici;  Unguentum  Hydrargyri 
Nitlis.  B. 

idIDUM  NITROMURIATICUM.  U.S.,  Dub.  Nitromuriatic 
Aa, 

“ ake  of  Nitric  Acid  [sp.  gr.  1'42]  four  fluid-ounces;  Muriatic  Acid  eight 
fluiknees.  Mix  them  in  a glass  vessel,  and,  when  effervescence  has  ceased,  keep 
the  oduct  in  a well-stopped  glass  bottle,  in  a cool  and  dark  place.”  U.  S. 

“lake  of  Pure  Nitric  Acid  one  fluidounce;  Pure  Muriatic  Acid  two  fluid- 
ounr.  Mix  in  a green  glass  bottle,  furnished  with  an  accurately  ground  stop- 
per,jad  keep  in  a cool  place.”  Dub. 

Nromuriatic  acid  is  the  aqua  regia  of  the  earlier  chemists,  so  called  from  its 
prop  ty  of  dissolving  gold.  Nitric  and  muriatic  acids,  when  mixed  together, 
aiul  lly  decompose  each  other.  According  to  the  researches  of  Gay-Lussac 
(Ju  1848),  the  reaction  gives  rise  to  two  compounds,  in  variable  proportions, 
ofnic  oxide  and  chlorine  (N03Cl3and  NOaCl),  mixed  with  free  chlorine;  the 
fora : being  analogous  in  constitution  to  nitrous,  the  latter  to  hyponitrous  acid. 
Theijiower,  however,  of  nitromuriatic  acid  to  dissolve  gold,  and  similar  metals 
bav:  r a weak  affinity  for  oxygen,  is  owing  exclusively  to  the  free  chlorine  pre- 
sent md  is  in  nowise  dependent  on  the  compounds  above  referred  to,  which 
rem  i entirely  passive  during  the  solution  of  the  metal.  ( Journ . de  Pharm., 
Aual848.)  Adopting  the  views  of  Gay-Lussac,  the  proportion  of  the  acids 


814 


Adda. 


pap:  i. 


for  total  mutual  decomposition  would  be  two  eqs.  of  nitric  and  six  of  mui:ic 
acid;  and  the  products  would  be  the  two  compounds  of  nitric  oxide  and  ehlo'.e, 
free  chlorine,  and  water  Assuming  this  proportion,  it  follows  that  a larg  x- 
cess  of  nitric  acid  is  employed  in  the  U.  S.  formula.  According  to  the  ne 
views,  the  proportion  of  free  chlorine  must  be  variable,  dependent  upon  he 
relative  proportion  of  the  nitric  oxide  compounds  to  each  other.  For  evenq. 
of  N0aCl2  formed,  one  eq.  of  chlorine  will  be  set  free;  while  for  every  e of 
NCLC1,  two  eqs.  of  chlorine  will  be  evolved.  The  precise  circumstances  iat 
determine  the  simultaneous  formation  of  the  two  nitric  oxide  compounds  nd 
their  constantly  varying  proportion  to  each  other,  have  not  been  pointed  01  by 
Gay-Lussac  in  the  paper  above  referred  to.  When  nitromuriatic  acid  is  ide 
from  strong  acids,  there  is  always  a loss  of  the  nitric  oxide  compounds  a of 
free  chlorine  by  effervescence,  in  consequence  of  these  acids  not  containing  uf- 
ficient  water  to  hold  the  gaseous  products  in  solution.  Hence  the  substition, 
in  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia  of  1850,  of  nitric  acid  of  1'42  for  the  acid  othe 
density  1'5  is  an  improvement.  At  the  same  time,  as  the  measure  of  the  :ric 
acid  is  not  increased,  its  relative  excess  in  the  old  formula  is  diminished. 

Properties.  Nitromuriatic  acid  has  a golden-yellow  colour,  and  emits  the  lell 
of  chlorine.  It  possesses  the  power  of  dissolving  gold  and  platinum.  It  s’uld 
be  kept  in  a cool  dark  place,  on  account  of  its  liability7  to  lose  chlorine  by  eat, 
and  to  have  it  converted,  by  the  action  of  light,  into  muriatic  acid,  thiigh 
the  decomposition  of  water.  On  account  of  its  tendency  to  decompositi , it 
should  not  be  made  by  the  apothecary  until  wanted  for  use,  and  then  op  ia 
the  quantity  ordered ; care  being  taken  not  to  transfer  it  to  the  bottle  ntil 
effervescence  has  ceased,  lest  the  pressure  within  should  drive  out  the  irk. 
Nitric  and  muriatic  acids,  as  found  in  the  shops,  are  sometimes  so  weak  hat 
when  mixed  they  will  not  readily  act  on  gold-leaf.  In  this  case,  their  scent 
power  may  be  rendered  effective  by  the  addition  of  a little  sulphuric  acid,  rich, 
by  its  superior  attraction  for  water,  concentrates  the  other  acids,  and  ases 
immediate  action.* 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Nitromuriatic  acid  was  brought  into  note  as 
a remedy,  in  consequence  of  the  favourable  report  of  its  efficacy  as  an  exmal 
remedy  in  hepatitis,  made  by  Dr.  Scott,  formerly  of  Bombay.  When  thuem- 
ployed,  it  produces  a tingling  sensation  in  the  skin,  thirst,  a peculiar  taste  the 
mouth,  and  occasional  soreness  in  the  gums  and  plentiful  ptyalism;  and  the 
same  time  stimulates  the  liver,  as  is  evinced  by  an  increased  flow  of  bil  It 
is  used  either  by  sponging,  or  in  the  form  of  a local  or  general  bath,  hen 
applied  by  sponging,  the  acid  is  first  diluted  so  as  to  have  the  acidity  of  song 
vinegar.  When  used  as  a foot-bath,  three  gallons  of  water,  contained  in  deep 
narrow  wooden  tub,  may  be  acidulated  with  six  fluidounces  of  the  acid.  ] this 
the  feet  and  legs  are  to  be  immersed  for  twenty  minutes  or  half  an  hour.  The 
bath  may  be  employed  at  first  daily,  and  afterwards  twice  or  thrice  a weel  and 
the  sponging  may  be  used  at  the  same  time.  The  bath  is  said  to  beeffec'ein 
promoting  the  passage  of  biliary  calculi.  The  solution,  prepared  for  a ba,  as 
above  mentioned,  may  be  used  for  a week,  adding  to  it  daily  a pint  of  iter, 
acidulated  with  two  fluidrachms  of  the  acid,  to  make  up  for  the  waste  by  apo- 
ration.  The  bath  should  have  a temperature  of  about  97°  F.,  which  cy  be 
attained  by  heating  part  of  the  acid  solution,  and  throwing  it  back  into  t‘  re- 
mainder. For  some  good  directions  for  the  preparation  and  use  of  the  itro- 
muriatic  acid  bath,  by  Mr.  Ranald  Martin,  the  reader  is  referred  to  th eFirm. 
Journ.  and  Trans,  for  July,  1851,  p.  38. 

* In  relation  to  nitromuriatic  acid,  see  a paper  in  the  third  volume  of  the  Jottal  of 
the  Philadelphia  College  of  Pharmacy,  by  Daniel  B.  Smith. 


PAI1  II. 


Acida. 


815 


Jtromuriatic  acid  is  also  used  internally,  principally  in  hepatic  and  syphilitic 
diseSea,  and  in  the  oxalic  lithiasis.  The  dose  in  this  case  is  three  or  four 
droi,  largely  diluted  with  water.  B. 

jOIDUM  PHOSPHORICUM  DILUTUM.  Land.  Diluted  Phos- 
phcic  Acid. 

“’ake  of  Phosphorus  six  drachms;  Nitric  Acid  [sp.  gr.  l-42.]  four  fluid- 
oun.s;  Distilled  Water  eight  fluidounces.  Add  the  Phosphorus  to  the  Acid, 
prenusly  mixed  with  the  Water  in  a retort  placed  in  a sand-bath;  then  apply 
neauntil  six  fluidounces  are  distilled.  Return  these  into  the  retort,  and  again 
disti six  fluidounces,  which  are  to  be  rejected.  Evaporate  the  remaining  liquor 
in  a la  tin  um  capsule  until  only  two  ounces  remain.  Lastly,  add  to  the  acid, 
whe  it  is  cold,  as  much  distilled  water  as  may  be  sufficient  to  make  it  accurately 
mearre  a pint,  and  mix.”  Lond.  The  sp.gr.  of  this  acid  is  1 064.  An  Impe- 
rial uidounce  of  it  is  saturated  by  132  grains  of  crystallized  carbonate  of  soda, 
and  tolling  is  thrown  down.  Imperial  measure  is  used  in  this  formula. 

I3  process  for  this  officinal  preparation  of  the  London  College  may  be  thus 
exp  ned.  Phosphorus,  when  added  to  strong  nitric  acid,  decomposes  it  with 
expliion  and  rapid  combustion ; but  when  it  is  distilled  with  the  diluted  acid  the 
aetic  takes  place  slowly,  the  phosphorus  gradually  melts  and  becomes  oxidized, 
and  itric  oxide  is  evolved.  Before,  however,  the  whole  of  the  phosphorus  is 
acidjed,  the  nitric  acid  will  have  distilled  over;  and  hence  the  necessity  of  re- 
turng  it  into  the  retort,  as  directed  by  the  College,  in  order  to  complete  the 
acid  cation  of  the  phosphorus.  When  this  has  been  completed,  all  remains  of 
nitr  acid  are  driven  off  by  evaporation  in  the  platinum  capsule ; and  the  residue, 
vliii  contains  all  the  phosphoric  acid  that  can  be  generated  from  six  drachms 
of  prsphorus,  is  brought  to  a standard  degree  of  dilution,  by  the  addition  of 
Buffimt  distilled  water  to  make  it  measure  an  Imperial  pint.  (See  Acidum 
Nitmim  and  Phosphorus.) 

Pisphoric  acid  may  be  obtained  more  economically  than  by  the  above  pro- 
cess iy  decomposing  phosphate  of  lime  (calcined  bones)  by  sulphuric  acid, 
satu  ting  the  superphosphate  formed  with  carbonate  of  ammonia,  which  gene- 
rate,ohosphate  of  ammonia  in  solution  with  precipitation  of  phosphate  of  lime, 
and  lally  decomposing  the  phosphate  of  ammonia  by  a red  heat  in  a platinum 
crude.  The  ammonia  is  thus  expelled,  and  the  solid  residuum  will  be  mono- 
lijd  ed  phosphoric  acid  (II0,P05),  called  also  metaphosphoric  acid,  phosphate 
of  ttjjer,  and  glacial  phosphoric  acid  from  its  resemblance  to  ice.  Phosphoric 
acid  1 this  form  is  a white,  transparent,  fusible  solid,  slowly  soluble  in  water, 
and  laracterized  by  producing  a white  precipitate  in  a solution  of  albumen. 
Fort  five  and  a half  grains  of  this  acid,  dissolved  in  a fluidounce  of  distilled 
watt  form  a solution  of  about  the  strength  of  the  officinal  acid. 

Fperties.  Diluted  phosphoric  acid  is  a colourless,  inodorous,  sour  liquid, 
aetii  strongly  on  litmus,  and  possessing  powerful  acid  properties.  Although 
evadated  so  as  to  become  dense,  it  is  not  powerfully  corrosive  like  the  other 
mind  acids.  According  to  the  late  Mr.  Phillips,  it  contains  8 '7  per  cent,  of 
won  ydrated  phosphoric  acid.  {Trans,  of  London  Pliarm.  of  1851,  p.  71.) 
The  [Bernal  acid  is  not  precipitated  by  chloride  of  barium  or  nitrate  of  silver. 
If  ppipitates  are  produced,  chloride  of  barium  indicates  sulphuric  acid  or  a 
sulplte;  nitrate  of  silver,  muriatic  acid  or  a chloride.  Strips  of  copper  or 
silva ire  not  affected  by  the  acid,  nor  is  it  coloured  by  sulphuretted  hydrogen. 
If  cremate  of  soda  causes  a precipitate,  phosphate  of  lime,  or  some  other  phos- 
pkat  insoluble  in  water,  is  probably  held  in  solution.  The  presence  of  one- 
tent!  )f  phosphorous  acid,  or  of  a minute  quantity  of  arsenic  acid,  renders  the 
wed  nal  acid  poisonous.  {Weigel  and  Krug.)  Dry  phosphoric  acid  consists 
°f  01  eq.  of  phosphorus  32,  and  five  of  oxygen  40=72. 


816 


Acida. 


PAW  I. 


Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Diluted  phosphoric  acid  is  deemed  tonic  id 
refrigerant.  It  is  preferable  in  point  of  flavour  to  the  diluted  sulphuric  : d 
and  is  less  apt  to  disturb  the  digestive  functions.  Various  properties  have  bn 
ascribed  to  it,  such  as  allaying  pain  and  spasm,  strengthening  the  sexual  ore,? 
preventing  the  morbid  secretion  of  bony  matter,  and  correcting  phosphati<  e- 
posits  in  the  urine.  The  last  two  properties  are  attributed  to  its  power  of  is- 
solving  phosphate  of  lime.  It  has  been  recommended  in  hysteria,  in  diabis. 
and  in  leucorrhcea  when  the  secreted  fluid  is  thiu  and  acrid.  In  diabetes  h! 
Paris  found  it  to  allay  the  thirst  more  effectually  than  any  other  acid  d k. 
The  dose  is  from  twenty  drops  to  a teaspoonful,  diluted  with  water. 

ACIDUM  SULPHURICUM  AROMATICUM.  U.  S.,  Ed.,  A. 

Aromatic  Sulphuric  Acid.  Elixir  of  Vitriol. 

“Take  of  Sulphuric  Acid  three  fluidounces  and  a half;  Ginger,  in  cose 
powder,  an  ounce ; Cinnamon,  in  coarse  powder,  an  ounce  and  a half ; Alaol 
a sufficient  quantity.  Add  the  Acid  gradually  to  a pint  of  the  Alcohol  nd 
allow  the  liquor  to  cool.  Mix  the  Ginger  and  Cinnamon,  and,  having  put  cm 
into  a percolator,  pour  Alcohol  gradually  upon  them  until  a pint  of  fil-ed 
liquor  is  obtained.  Lastly,  mix  the  diluted  acid  and  the  tincture.”  U.S. 

“ Take  of  Sulphuric  Acid  (commercial)  three  fluidounces  and  a half;  ec- 
tified  Spirit  a pint  and  a half  [Imp.  meas.] ; Cinnamon,  in  moderatebine 
powder,  an  ounce  and  a half;  Ginger,  in  moderately  fine  powder,  an  c>ce. 
Add  the  acid  gradually  to  the  spirit,  let  the  mixture  digest  at  a very  gentkeat 
for  three  days  in  a closed  vessel ; mix  the  powders,  moisten  them  with  a :tle 
of  the  acid  spirit,  let  the  mass  rest  for  twelve  hours,  and  then  put  it  into  oer- 
colator  and  transmit  the  rest  of  the  acid  spirit.  This  preparation  may  al  be 
made  by  digesting  the  powders  for  six  days  in  the  acid  spirit,  and  then  straing 
the  liquor.”  Ed. 

The  Dublin  process  is  substantially  the  same  as  the  second  process  cthe 
Edinburgh  Pharmacopoeia,  and  therefore  need  not  be  copied. 

Properties.  Aromatic  sulphuric  acid  is  a reddish-brown  liquid,  of  a pe  liar 
aromatic  odour,  and,  when  sufficiently  diluted,  of  a grateful  acid  taste.  1 has 
been  supposed  by  some  to  be  a kind  of  ether,  its  main  ingredients  just:  ing 
such  a suspicion ; but  the  late  Dr.  Duncan,  who  originally  held  this  opion, 
satisfied  himself  that  the  alcohol  and  sulphuric  acid,  in  the  proportionsiere 
employed,  do  not  produce  a single  particle  of  ether.  It  must,  therefo,  be 
viewed  merely  as  sulphuric  acid  diluted  with  alcohol,  and  containing  the  ?en- 
tial  oils  of  ginger  and  cinnamon. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  This  valuable  preparation,  commonly  lied 
elixir  of  vitriol,  is  a simplification  of  Mynsicht's  acid  elixir.  It  is  toni  and 
astringent,  and  affords  the  most  agreeable  mode  of  administering  sulphuric  cid. 
It  is  very  much  employed  in  debility  with  night  sweats,  in  loss  of  appetit- and 
in  the  convalescence  from  fevers,  especially  those  of  the  intermittent  typ  It 
is  often  given  in  conjunction  with  cinchona,  the  taste  of  which  it  sers  to 
cover,  and,  by  promoting  the  solubility  of  the  febrifuge  principles  of  the  ark, 
appears  to  increase  its  efficacy.  (See  Jnfusum  Cinchonas  Compositum.  Ib 
haemoptysis  and  other  hemorrhages,  when  not  attended  with  obvious  ilam- 
mation,  it  frequently  proves  useful  in  stopping  the  flow  of  blood.  The  ue  is 
from  ten  to  thirty  drops  in  a wineglassful  of  water,  repeated  two  or  threetmes 
a day.  Care  must  be  taken  that  the  teeth  are  not  injured  by  the  acid. 

Off.  Prep.  Infusum  Cinchonae  Compositum. 

ACIDUM  SULPHURICUM  DILUTUM.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed.?ub. 

Diluted  Sulphuric  Acid. 

“ Take  of  Sulphuric  Acid  a fluidounce  ; Distilled  Water  thirteen  fluidcncs. 
Add  the  Acid  gradually  to  the  Water,  in  a glass  vessel,  and  mix  them.  IQe 


PAI  II. 


Adda. 


817 


specie  gravity  of  this  acid  is  1'09 ; and  100  grains  of  it  saturate  25  grains  of 
crysllized  bicarbonate  of  potassa.”  V.  S. 

“'ake  of  Sulphuric  Acid  fifteen  fluidrachms  [Imp.  meas.]  ; Distilled  Water 
ap\t  [Imp.  meas.].  Add  the  Acid  gradually  to  half  a pint  of  the  Water;  theu 
pou:  n sufficient  of  the  remaining  Water  to  fill  accurately  the  measure  of  a pint, 
andiix.  The  sp.gr.  is  1'103;  and  a fluidounce  [Imp.  meas.]  of  the  Acid  is 
satu.ted  by  216  grains  of  crystallized  carbonate  of  soda.”  Land. 

“jtix  together  one  fluidounce  of  Sulphuric  Acid  and  thirteen  fiuidounces  of 
Wat-.  The  density  of  this  preparation  is  about  1 '090.”  Ed. 

“ake  of  Pure  Sulphuric  Acid  one  fluidounce;  Distilled  Water  thirteen 
[( flu']ounces . Mix.  The  specific  gravity  of  this  acid  is  1.084.”  Dub. 

Ts  preparation  is  sulphuric  acid,  diluted  to  such  an  extent  as  to  make  it 
connient  for  prescription.  The  U.  S.,  Edinburgh,  and  Dublin  Pharmacopoeias 
agrein  making  the  strong  acid  to  the  water  as  one  to  thirteen  in  volume,  equi- 
vale  nearly  to  one  to  seven  in  weight;  but  unfortunately  the  formula  of  the 
Lomu  College  gives  an  acid  considerably  stronger.  The  coincident  processes 
affor  an  acid  containing  about  13  per  cent,  of  the  strong  liquid  acid;  while  the 
Lomu  acid  contains  15  per  cent.,  and  has  a specific  gravity  as  high  as  1'103. 
The  :rong  acid  is  added  gradually  to  the  water,  to  guard  against  the  too  sudden 
prod.ition  of  heat,  which  might  cause  the  fracture  of  the  vessel.  During  the 
dilmn,  when  commercial  sulphuric  acid  is  used,  the  liquid  becomes  slightly 
turb,,and  in  the  course  of  a few  days  deposits  a grayish-white  powder,  which 
is  snhate  of  lead,  and  from  which  the  diluted  acid  should  be  poured  off  for 
use.  This  noxious  salt  is  thus  got  rid  of,  but  sulphate  of  potassa,  another  im- 
puri  in  the  strong  acid,  still  remains  in  solution.  To  avoid  these  impurities, 
the  rblin  College  directs  the  dilution  of  pure  sulphuric  acid.  The  presence 
of  an  all  portion  of  sulphate  of  potassa  will  do  no  harm ; but  if  it  should  be 
fraudently  introduced  into  the  strong  acid  to  increase  its  specific  gravity,  its 
amort  may  be  ascertained  by  saturating  the  acid,  after  dilution,  with  ammonia, 
and  pelling  by  a red  heat  the  sulphate  of  ammonia  formed.  Whatever  sul- 
phatof  potassa  is  present  will  remain  behind. 

M deal  Properties  and  Uses.  Diluted  sulphuric  acid  is  tonic,  refrigerant,  and 
astrbent.  It  is  given  in  low  typhoid  fevers,  and  often  with  advantage.  In 
the  mvalescence  from  protracted  fevers,  it  often  acts  beneficially  as  a tonic, 
excii  g the  appetite  and  promoting  digestion.  As  an  astringent,  it  is  employed 
in  cliquative  sweats,  passive  hemorrhages,  and  diarrhoeas  dependent  on  a 
reins  l state  of  the  mucous  membrane  of  the  intestines.  In  calculous  affections 
atter  ed  with  phosphatic  sediments,  it  is  the  proper  remedy,  being  preferable  to 
murijic  acid,  as  less  apt,  by  continued  use,  to  disorder  the  stomach.  Exter- 
nally t is  used  as  an  ingredient  in  gargles  for  ulcerated  sorethroat  and  for 
chec.pg  excessive  ptyalism,  and  as  a wash  for  cutaneous  eruptions  and  ill-con- 
ditio  d ulcers.  The  dose  is  from  ten  to  thirty  drops  three  times  a day,  in  a 
wine  assful  of  plain  or  sweetened  water.  It  is  added  with  advantage  to  infu- 
sions f cinchona,  the  organic  alkalies  of  which  it  tends  to  hold  in  solution.  As 
it  is.  it  to  injure  the  teeth,  it  is  best  taken  by  sucking  it  through  a quill.  It 
is  m h less  used  in  the  United  States  than  the  elixir  of  vitriol,  which  possesses 
near/  the  same  medical  properties.  An  elegant  form  for  giving  it  is  the  com- 
pouD  infusion  of  roses.  (See  Acidum  Sulphuricum  Aromaticum  and  Infusum 
Rosa  iompositum.) 

In  be  summer  of  1851,  attention  was  called  by  Mr.  Buxton,  of  London,  to 
theiaarkable  efficacy  of  diluted  sulphuric  acid  in  several  forms  of  diarrhoea, 
espellly  choleraic  diarrhoea.  In  October,  1853,  Dr.  H.  W.  Fuller,  of  St. 
Geoi ’s  Hospital,  published  a paper  in  the  London  Medical  Times  and  Gazette, 
in  w ;h  he  strongly  recommends  it  in  choleraic  diarrhoea,  from  his  own  expe- 


818 


Adda . 


PAR  II. 


rience  and  that  of  his  friends,  in  more  than  ninety  eases,  without  a single  fai  re. 
The  dose  employed  is  half  a fluidrachm,  diluted  with  water,  given  every  tv ity 
minutes  in  ordinary  cases;  every  quarter  of  an  hour  in  severe  eases,  he 
vomiting,  purging,  and  cramps  usually  cease  after  the  third  or  fourth  dose,  ■or 
bilious  diarrhoea  the  acid  is  not  a suitable  remedy. 

P liar vi.  Uses.  Diluted  sulphuric  acid  is  used  as  a chemical  agent  to  pr  are 
Acidum  Citrieum;  Acidum  Tartaricum ; Aconitia;  Antimonii  Sulphuretum  se- 
cipitatum;  Strychnia. 

Off.  Prep.  Atropiae  Sulphas;  Infusum  Ros®  Compositum;  Morphiae  Sul  as; 
Potass®  Sulphas;  Quin®  Sulphas;  Zinci  Sulphas. 

ACIDUM  SULPHURICUM  PURUM.  Ed.,  Dub.  Pure  Sulpiric 
Add. 

“ If  Commercial  Sulphuric  Acid  contain  nitrous  acid,  heat  eight  fiuido'.m 
of  it  with  between  ten  and  fifteen  grains  of  sugar,  at  a temperature  not  rite 
sufficient  to  boil  the  acid,  till  the  dark  colour  at  first  produced  shall  have  r.rlv 
or  altogether  disappeared.  This  process  removes  nitrous  acid.  Other  impv ties 
may  be  removed  by  distillation,  which  on  the  small  scale  is  easily  manag  by 
boiling  the  acid,  with  a few  platinum  chips,  in  a glass  retort  by  means  of  a nd- 
bath  or  gas  flame,  rejecting  the  first  half  ounce.”  Ed. 

“ Take  of  Oil  of  Vitriol  of  Commerce  any  convenient  quantity.  Introdu  it 
into  a small  plain  retort,  containing  a few  slips  of  platinum  foil,  and,  passii  the 
beak  of  the  retort  into  a Florence  flask  which  is  to  be  used  as  a receiver  rith 
the  aid  of  a small  charcoal  fire  or  gas-lamp,  distil  over  one-tenth  of  the  cid. 
This  being  rejected,  and  a fresh  receiver  of  the  same  kind  connected  wii  the 
retort,  let  the  distillation  be  resumed,  and  continued  until  no  more  than  >out 
an  ounce  of  liquid  remains  behind.  The  distilled  product  should  now  be  ms- 
ferred  to  and  preserved  in  a well-stopped  bottle.  The  sp.  gr.  of  this  Ad  is 
1-846.”  Dub.  ^ 

The  object  of  these  processes  is  the  purification  of  commercial  sulphuric  cid. 
This  acid  contains  the  sulphates  of  lead  and  potassa,  amounting  not  unfreqiotly 
to  three  or  four  per  cent. ; and  nitrous  acid  is  almost  always  present.  Thcalts 
mentioned,  not  being  volatile,  are  effectually  got  rid  of  by  distillation,  as  dieted 
in  the  formula.  The  manner  of  conducting  the  distillation  is  explained  a iage 
49,  under  the  head  of  Acidum  Sulphuricum.  The  mode  of  detecting  nitroracid 
is  pointed  out  at  page  48.  If  present  in  the  commercial  acid,  the  Edinugh 
College  directs,  before  distilling  it,  that  it  should  be  heated  with  a small  proption 
of  sugar,  according  to  the  plan  of  Wackenroder.  The  acid  impurity  andagar 
mutually  decompose  each  other,  and  the  products  are  dissipated  by  the  heat  The 
acid  is  at  first  rendered  dark  and  opaque,  but  gradually  becomes  pale-yeU,  it 
kept  for  two  hours  near  the  boiling  point.  Nitrous  acid  is  hurtful  to  tl  sul- 
phuric, when  the  latter  is  used  to  obtain  muriatic  acid,  which  consequent  be- 
comes contaminated  with  chlorine.  Hence  the  Edinburgh  College  usegwre 
sulphuric  acid  in  the  formula  for  preparing  muriatic  acid.  If  the  comnreial 
sulphuric  acid  contain  arsenic,  it  should  not  be  distilled,  but  rejected.  The 
tests  for  this  impurity  are  given  at  page  49. 

The  following  tests  are  given  by  the  Ed.  College  for  pure  sulphuriucid. 
“ Density  1 '845:  colourless:  dilution  causes  no  muddiness:  solution  of  suhate 
of  iron  shows  no  reddening  at  the  line  of  contact,  when  poured  over  it.’  The 
negative  indication  of  the  last  mentioned  test  shows  the  absence  of  nitrouic-id. 

It  is,  perhaps,  an  advantage  to  have  an  officinal  pure  sulphuric  acid,  to  em- 
ployed in  making  the  preparations  containing  this  acid;  in  order  to  avd  the 
danger  of  introducing  lead  into  the  system,  through  the  use  of  the  comrrcml 
acid.  It  is  true  that  the  commercial  acid,  upon  dilution,  lets  fall  the  sulp  teot 


pa:c  ii, 


Adda. 


819 


]ea<  but  can  we  be  certain  that  the  precipitate  is  always  removed  from  the  pre- 
paring into  which  the  acid  enters?  When  the  acid  is  required  as  a mere 
cheical  agent,  or  for  forming  sulphates,  the  commercial  acid  is  sufficiently  pure. 

here  is  a want  of  precision  in  the  nomenclature  of  the  officinal  sulphuric 
aeic  in  the  Edinburgh  Pharmacopoeia.  The  College  adopts  the  names  “ Acidum 
Suhuricum”  and  “Acidum  Sulphuricum  Purum,”  and  translates  them  in  three 
wai  in  the  formulas — “commercial  sulphuric  acid,”  “pure  sulphuric  acid,”  and 
“snhuric  acid.”  The  last  name  is  ambiguous,  and  may  mean  either  the  com- 
ma al  or  pure  acid;  but  we  shall  assume  that  it  is  intended  to  designate  the 
comercial  acid. 

^cording  to  the  views  here  taken,  pure  sulphuric  acid  should  be  used  espe- 
cial in  forming  “diluted  sulphuric  acid”  and  “aromatic  sulphuric  acid.”  Never- 
theiss  in  neither  of  these  preparations  is  it  employed  by  the  Edinburgh  College. 
Wire  a dilute  acid  is  required  as  a chemical  agent,  and  not  as  a medicine,  it 
mijpbe  directed,  in  the  formula,  to  be  formed  by  the  addition  of  a determinate 
quaity  of  water  to  the  commercial  acid.  While  the  Edinburgh  College  has 
omud  to  order  “pure  sulphuric  acid”  in  making  preparations  into  which  the 
acic  uters  as  an  ingredient,  it  has,  with  needless  refinement,  directed  it  for  pre- 
parig  Acidum  Aceticum  and  Acidum  Muriaticum  Purum ; though  in  these 
probations  it  acts  merely  as  a chemical  agent. 

C.Prep.  Acidum  Sulphuricum  Aromaticum;  Acidum  Sulphuricum  Dilutum; 
Pots*  Bisulphas.  B. 

/3IDUM  TANNICUM.  U.  S.,  Lond  , Pub.  Tannic  Acid. 

“ake  of  Galls,  in  powder,  Ether,  each,  a sufficient  quantity.  Put  into  a 
glasadapter,  loosely  closed  at  its  lower  end  with  carded  cotton,  sufficient  pow- 
dert  Galls  to  fill  about  one-half  of  it,  and  press  the  powder  slightly.  Then  fit 
the  apter  accurately  to  the  mouth  of  a receiving  vessel,  fill  it  with  Ether  pre- 
vious washed  with  water,  and  close  the  upper  orifice  so  as  to  prevent  the  escape 
of  t Ether  by  evaporation.  The  liquid  which  passes  separates  into  two  un- 
equ;  portions,  of  which  the  lower  is  much  smaller  in  quantity  and  much  denser 
thar  he  upper.  When  the  ether  ceases  to  pass,  pour  fresh  portions  upon  the 
Gall  until  the  lower  stratum  of  liquid  in  the  receiver  no  longer  increases.  Then 
sepate  this  from  the  upper,  put  it  into  a capsule,  and  evaporate  with  a mode- 
rate sat  to  dryness.  Lastly,  rub  what  remains  into  powder. 

“ le  upper  portion  of  liquid  will  yield  by  distillation  a quantity  of  ether, 
whit  when  washed  with  water,  may  be  employed  in  a subsequent  operation.” 

T London  College  places  Tannic  Acid  in  the  catalogue  of  the  Materia  Med- 
ica,  escribing  that  it  shall  be  prepared  from  galls.  The  process  of  the  Dub- 
lin i liege  is  the  same  as  that  of  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia.  In  relation  to  the 
was!  g of  the  ether,  it  gives  the  more  precise  direction  to  incorporate  the  ether 
and  iter  by  agitation  in  the  proportion  of  12  parts,  by  measure,  of  the  former 
to  1 the  latter. 

T;  U.  S.  process  is  that  of  M.  Pelouze.  It  may  be  conducted  in  an  ordinary  . 
percutor.  The  ether  employed  should  be  that  of  the  shops,  containing  a small 
propltion  of  water,  which  has  been  considered  necessary  to  the  success  of  the 
open  on.  It  has  therefore  been  advised,  should  the  ether  contain  no  water, 
to  w i it  with  that  fluid,  which  answers  the  double  purpose  of  depriving  it  of 
alcol  and  rendering  it  sufficiently  hydrous.  To  obtain  the  tannic  acid  quite 
pure  he  lower  stratum  may  be  washed  with  ether  after  the  separation  of  the 
uPPe  and  evaporated  in  a vacuum  with  sulphuric  acid.  The  explanation  first 
givei  .f  the  process  was  that  the  water  in  the  ether  dissolves  the  tannic  acid,  to 
the  ( ilusion  of  all  the  other  principles  of  the  galls,  and  forms  a saturated  solu- 


820 


Acida. 


par  ;i, 


tion,  which  separates  from  the  ether,  and  constitutes  the  lower  stratum  it  he 
receiver.  But  it  has  been  satisfactorily  proved  that  ether  as  well  as  wai  is 
present  in  the  solution;  and  the  idea  was  advanced  by  M.  Beral  that  the  tnic 
acid,  ether,  and  water  form  a definite  compound,  which  is  essentially  li  id. 
and  is  decomposed  during  the  evaporation  ; the  two  fluids  escaping,  and  the  lid 
tannic  acid  being  left  behind.  M.  E.  Kobiquet  considers  the  liquid  not  • a 
definite  compound  of  these  ingredients,  but  simply  as  a “juxtaposition  ofver. 
tannic  acid,  and  ether”  in  various  proportions;  founding  his  belief  upot  he 
fact  that,  at  22°  F.  the  liquid  separates  into  two  layers,  of  which  one  is  ler 
and  the  other  a watery  solution  of  tannin,  while  at  about  130°  F.  it  is  res  red 
into  dry  tannin  and  common  sulphuric  ether.  The  upper  and  larger  stratc  in 
the  receiver  consists  of  ether,  holding  colouring  matter  with  a small  propcion 
of  gallic  and  tannic  acids  in  solution.  From  30  to  35  per  cent,  of  tannicad 
may  be  obtained  from  galls  by  this  process,  if  properly  conducted. 

According  to  Sandrock,  the  presence  of  water  in  the  ether  is  unnecessary  rad 
crude  ether  acts  better  than  the  pure,  in  consequence  of  the  small  propcion 
of  alcohol  contained  in  it.  If  pure  ether  mixed  with  one-sixteenth  of  al  hoi 
be  employed  as  the  menstruum,  equally  satisfactory  results  are  obtained.  Che 
alcohol  is  supposed  to  operate  by  rendering  the  solution  of  tannin  in  ethe.ess 
viscid,  and  thereby  facilitating  its  percolation.  (See  Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.  xv. 
446.)  Professor  Procter  informs  us  that  his  experience  corresponds  wit!  hat 
of  Sandrock,  but  that  the  product  is  apt  to  contain  a little  of  the  brown  enur- 
ing matter. 


For  practical  purposes  it  is  unnecessary  to  obtain  the  tannic  acid  quite  ire. 
It  is  probably  sufficiently  so  when  extracted  by  the  following  simple  procs  of 
Leeonnet,  given  in  Christison’s  Dispensatory.  The  powder  of  galls  is  maceted 
in  a bottle,  with  just  enough  ether  to  moisten  it,  for  twenty-four  hours,  andlien 
expressed  in  a powerful  press;  and  the  process  of  maceration  and  expressois 
repeated,  in  the  same  way,  until  the  powder  is  exhausted.  The  liquoi  are 
mixed,  the  ether  distilled  off,  and  the  residue  dried  by  means  of  a vapour  ith. 
It  is  stated  that  60  per  cent,  of  tannic  acid,  but  very  slightly  coloured,  nr  be 
got  in  this  way.  As  gallic  acid  exists  but  in  small  proportion  in  galls,  dug 
chiefly  produced  by  the  reaction  of  atmospheric  air  upon  tannic  acid  in  thpro- 
cess  for  extracting  it,  very  little  of  that  principle  is  found  in  the  ethereal  exact, 
and  the  amount  of  colouring  matter  taken  up  by  the  ether,  will  scarcely  intfere 
with  the  medicinal  efficacy  of  the  preparation. 

The  term  tannin  was  originally  applied  to  a principle  or  principles  exist  g in 
many  vegetables,  having  a very  astringent  taste,  and  the  property  of  produig  a 
white  flocculeut  precipitate  with  the  solution  of  gelatin,  and  a black  prec-itate 
with  the  salts  of  the  sesquioxide  of  iron.  As  obtained,  however,  from  di:rent 
plants,  it  was  found  to  exhibit  some  difference  of  properties;  and  chemistuave 
recognised  two  kinds,  one  existing  in  oak  bark,  galls,  &c.,  distinguished  bpro- 
dneing  a bluish-black  precipitate  with  the  salts  of  the  sesquioxide  of  iroiand 
the  other  existing  in  Peruvian  bark,  catechu,  &c.,  and  characterized  hyproccmg 
a greenish-black  or  dark-olive  precipitate  with  the  same  salts.  The  fori  r is 
the  one  which  has  received  most  attention,  and  from  an  examination  of  kich 
the  characters  of  tannin  have  generall}-  been  given.  It  is  the  substance  desibed 
in  this  article.  It  will  probably  be  found  that  the  latter  is  essentially  dciuct 
from  the  tannin  of  galls,  and  probably  different  in  different  vegetables.  0m 
striking  peculiarity  of  the  tannin  of  galls  is  its  facility  of  conversion  intoallic 
acid,  which  is  wanting  in  some  at  least  of  the  other  varieties.  Since  the  ubli- 
cation  of  the  experiments  of  M.  Pelouze  in  relation  to  tannin,  this  subs  tan'  has 
been  universally  admitted  to  rank  with  the  acids,  and  is  now,  thereto,  de- 
nominated tannic  acid.  The  ordinary  variety  procured  from  galls  is  call-;Wr 


PAT  II. 


Acida. 


821 


theake  of  distinction,  by  some  gdllo-tannic  acid,  and  by  others  querci-tannic 
aci 

_• operties . Pure  tannic  acid  is  solid,  uncrystallizable,  white  or  slightly 
yel wish,  inodorous,  strongly  astringent  to  the  taste  without  bitterness,  very 
sol'le  in  water,  much  less  soluble  in  alcohol  and  ether,  especially  when  anhy- 
drcJ,  and  insoluble  in  the  fixed  and  volatile  oils.  It  may  be  kept  unchanged 
in  fe  solid  state;  but  its  aqueous  solution,  when  exposed  to  the  air,  gradually 
becnes  turbid,  and  deposits  a crystalline  matter,  consisting  chiefly  of  gallic 
aci"  During  the  change,  oxygen  is  absorbed,  and  an  equal  volume  of  carbonic 
acidisengaged.  But,  according  to  M.  E.  Robiquet,  this  change  does  not  always 
takplace,  and,  when  it  does  happen,  is  ascribable  to  the  presence  of  pectase 
in  e tannin.  (See  Acidum  Gallicum,  page  804.)  If  the  solution  of  tannic 
acihe  boiled  for  a long  time,  the  pectase  loses  its  property  of  acting  as  a fer- 
ine, and  the  solution  may  be  kept  indefinitely  without  change.  ( Journ . de 
Pbm.,  April,  1858,  p.  246.)  Exposed  to  heat  tannic  acid  partly  melts,  swells 
up,lackens,  takes  fire,  and  burns  with  a brilliant  flame.  Thrown  on  red-hot 
iroiit  is  entirely  dissipated.  Its  solution  reddens  litmus,  and  it  combines  with 
mo  of  the  salifiable  bases.  With  potassa  it  forms  a compound  but  slightly 
soli le,  and  is,  therefore,  precipitated  by  this  alkali  or  its  carbonates  from  a 
sokion  which  is  not  too  dilute,  though  a certain  excess  of  alkali  will  cause  the 
pre  pi  tat  e to  be  redissolved.  Its  combination  with  soda  is  much  more  soluble; 
ancihis  alkali  affords  no  precipitate,  unless  with  a very  concentrated  solution  of 
tanc  acid.  With  ammonia  its  relations  are  similar  to  those  with  potassa. 
Ba:ta,  strontia,  lime,  and  magnesia,  added  in  the  state  of  hydrates,  form  with 
it  cnpounds  of  little  solubility.  The  same  is  the  case  with  most  of  the  metallic 
oxi  s,  when  presented,  in  the  state  of  salts,  to  a solution  of  the  tannate  of  po- 
tas:  Many  of  the  metallic  salts  are  precipitated  by  tannic  acid  even  in  the 

umnbined  state,  especially  those  of  lead,  copper,  silver,  uranium,  chromium, 
me  .ary,  teroxide  of  antimony,  and  protoxide  of  tin.  With  the  salts  of  sesqui- 
oxi  of  iron  it  forms  a black  precipitate,  which  is  a compound  of  tannic  acid  and 
theisquioxide,  and  is  the  basis  of  ink.  It  does  not  disturb  the  solutions  of  the 
pui  salts  of  protoxide  of  iron.  Several  of  the  alkaline  salts  precipitate  it  from  its 
aqmus  solution,  either  by  the  formation  of  insoluble  compounds,  or  by  simply 
abs acting  the  solvent.  Tannic  acid  unites  with  all  the  vegetable  organic  alkalies, 
fori  ng  compounds  which  are  for  the  most  part  of  a whitish  colour,  and  but  very 
slip ly  soluble  in  water;  though  they  are  soluble  in  the  vegetable  acids,  especially 
theietic,  and  in  alcohol,  and  in  this  latter  respect  differ  from  most  of  the  com- 
poujls  which  tannic  acid  forms  with  other  vegetable  principles.  On  account 
of  is  property  of  tannic  acid,  it  has  been  employed  as  a test  of  the  vegetable 
alk  es;  and  it  is  so  delicate,  that  it  will  throw  down  a precipitate  from  their 
soli  on,  even  when  too  feeble  to  be  disturbed  by  ammonia.  It  has  an  affinity 
for  veral  acids,  and  when  in  solution  affords  precipitates  with  the  sulphuric, 
nit) , muriatic,  phosphoric,  and  arsenic  acids,  but  not  with  the  oxalic,  tartaric, 
lacl  , acetic,  or  citric.  The  precipitates  are  compounds  of  tannic  acid  with  the 
resjptive  acids  mentioned,  and  are  soluble  in  pure  water,  but  insoluble  in  water 
wit  an  excess  of  acid.  Hence,  in  order  to  insure  precipitation,  it  is  necessary 
to  id  the  acid  in  excess  to  the  solution  of  tannic  acid.  It  precipitates  also 
soli  ons  of  starch,  albumen,  and  gluten,  and  forms  with  gelatin  an  insoluble 
conound,  which  is  the  basis  of  leather.  Its  ultimate  constituents  are  carbon, 
bycjigen,  and  oxygen ; and  its  formula,  according  to  Liebig,  is  C^HsO^  or 
pis|  09  + 3HO.  Mulder,  however,  from  recent  investigations,  considers  it 
isoi  vie  with  gallic  acid,  and  gives  its  formula  CagHgO^+HO.  Strecker  looks 
upc  it  as  a compound  of  gallic  acid  and  sugar,  the  latter  of  which  is  destroyed 
ia  ; spontaneous  change  which  moistened  galls  undergo  by  time.  (See  Acidum 
Ga'cum,  page  804.) 


822 


Adda. — Aconitia. 


par:  i. 


Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Tannic  acid,  being  the  chief  principle  of  ve- 
table  astringents,  is  capable  of  exerting  on  the  system  the  same  effects  with  is 
class  of  medicines,  and  may  be  given  in  the  same  complaints.  It  has  an  ad  n- 
tage  over  the  astringent  extracts  in  the  comparative  smallness  of  its  dose,  w;h 
renders  it  less  apt  to  offend  an  irritable  stomach.  In  most  of  the  vegeole 
astringents,  it  is  associated  with  more  or  less  bitter  extractive,  or  other  prin  >le 
which  modifies  its  operation,  and  renders  the  medicine  less  applicable  tin  it 
otherwise  would  be  to  certain  cases,  in  which  there  is  an  indication  for  puris- 
tringency  without  any  tonic  power.  Such  is  particularly  the  case  in  the  a-ve 
hemorrhages;  and  tannic  acid,  in  its  separate  state,  is  in  these  cases  prefenle 
to  the  native  combinations  in  which  it  ordinarily  exists.  Dr.  Porta,  an  It:  an 
physician,  employed  it  with  great  success  in  the  treatment  of  uterine  hemorrlre, 
and  published  the  results  of  his  experience  in  1827.  M.  Cavalier  afterwards  ed 
it  successfully  in  the  same  complaint,  and  found  it  effectual  also  in  a case  of  b ;d- 
ing  from  the  rectum.  It  is,  without  doubt,  a useful  remedy  in  most  forr  of 
hemorrhage,  after  a sufficient  reduction  of  arterial  action  by  depletory  meases. 
In  diarrhoea  it  is  probably  more  beneficial  than  ordinary  astringents,  as  less  ble 
to  irritate  the  stomach  and  bowels.  It  has  been  found  beneficial  in  colliqu  ve 
sweats,  in  cases  of  chronic  catarrh  with  excessive  and  debilitating  expectorain, 
in  the  advanced  stages  of  hooping-cough,  and  in  cystirrhoea.  The  dose  fo or- 
dinary purposes  is  from  two  to  five  grains,  but  in  urgent  cases  it  may  be  incrued 
to  ten  grains.  The  only  disadvantage  which  has  been  experienced  from  it,  ven 
taken  in  excess,  is  obstinate  constipation.  Locally,  it  may  be  used  for  al  he 
purposes  to  which  galls  or  other  vegetable  astringents  are  applicable;  as  foie- 
morrhages,  relaxation  of  the  uvula  and  chronic  inflammation  of  the  fauces,  tth- 
ache,  aphthae,  excessive  salivation,  leucorrhoea,  gleet,  gonorrhoea,  flabby  nd 
phagedenic  ulcers,  piles,  &c.  As  a wash  it  may  be  used  in  solution,  in  thero- 
portion  of  five  grains  to  a fluidounce  of  water.  (Am.  Journ.  of  Med.  Sci.,  AS', 
ix.  192.)  A Belgian  surgeon,  M.  Hairion,  recommends  a strong  solution,  ide 
in  the  proportion  of  one  part  of  tannic  acid  to  three  of  distilled  water,  s an 
application  in  various  ophthalmic  affections;  as  acute  and  chronic  inflammson, 
ulcers  and  specks  on  the  cornea,  swelling  of  the  conjunctiva,  &c.  (Jour  de 
Pharm.  et  de  Chim.,  xviii.  449.)  An  ointment  may  be  made  from  it  byub- 
bing  two  scruples  first  with  twenty  minims  of  water  into  a paste,  and  then  ith 
an  ounce  of  lard.  Given  largely  to  a dog,  it  caused  the  urine  to  become  <rk- 
brown  and  opaque;  and  this  secretion  gave  evidences  of  the  presence  of  ;llio 
and  pyrogallic  acids.  (Chem.  Gaz.,  No.  136,  p.  231.)  | 

ACONITIA.  U.S. 

Aconitia. 

“ Take  of  Aconite  Boot,  bruised,  two  pounds;  Alcohol  three  gallons ; Di  ted 
Sulphuric  Acid,  Solution  of  Ammonia,  Purified  Animal  Charcoal,  each,  aujfi- 
dent  quantity.  Boil  the  Aconite  Root  with  a gallon  of  the  alcohol,  in  a ( di- 
latory apparatus,  for  an  hour.  Pour  off  the  liquor,  and  boil  the  root  in  the  .me 
manner,  and  for  the  same  length  of  time,  with  another  gallon  of  the  Al  hoi 
and  the  portion  distilled.  Again  pour  off  the  liquor,  boil  as  before  wit  the 
remaining  gallon  of  the  Alcohol  and  the  portion  distilled,  and  decant,  ah- 
init  the  residue  to  expression,  mix  all  the  liquors,  distil  off  the  alcohol  and 
evaporate,  by  means  of  a water-bath,  to  the  consistence  of  an  extract,  'eat 
this  with  distilled  water,  filter  the  resulting  solution,  and  evaporate  wa  a 
gentle  heat  to  the  consistence  of  syrup.  To  the  residue  add  as  much  Pi. ted 
Sulphuric  Acid,  mixed  with  distilled  water,  as  may  be  sufficient  to  dissoh  the 


PAI  II. 


Aconitia. 


823 


Accitia.  Precipitate  this  with  Solution  of  Ammonia,  and  dissolve  the  precipi- 
tated Diluted  Sulphuric  Acid  mixed  with  distilled  water  as  before.  Mix  the 
Anial  Charcoal  with  the  solution,  shake  the  mixture  frequently  for  fifteen 
minbes,  filter,  again  precipitate  the  Aconitia  with  Solution  of  Ammonia,  and, 
last,  wash  it  with  water,  and  dry  it.”  U.  S. 

/onitia  probably  exists  in  the  plant  combined  with  a vegetable  acid,  forming 
a sable  salt.  In  the  above  process,  this  is  first  extracted  by  alcohol,  then  taken 
up  pm  the  alcoholic  extract  by  water,  and  afterwards  converted  into  a sulphate 
by  >e  addition  of  dilute  sulphuric  acid.  The  sulphate  is  decomposed  by  am- 
nion, which  precipitates  the  aconitia,  and  this  is  purified  by  being  once  more 
comined  with  sulphuric  acid,  then  decolorized  by  animal  charcoal,  and  again 
preoitated  by  ammonia.  Care  is  requisite,  in  conducting  the  process,  not  to 
addoo  great  an  excess  of  the  solution  of  ammonia,  which  diminishes  the  product 
prolbly  by  dissolving  the  aconitia.* 

loperties.  Aconitia,  when  freshly  precipitated,  is  said  to  be  white  and  in 
the  rm  of  a hydrate;  but  it  speedily  parts  with  its  water,  and  forms  a brownish, 
briti  mass.  (Soubeiran,  Trait,  de  Pharm.,  ii.  716.)  It  is  thought  not  to  be 
cryallizable.  Obtained  by  evaporating  its  alcoholic  solution,  it  is  described  as 
beii  in  the  form  of  a transparent,  colourless  mass,  having  a glassy  lustre.  In 

* he  following  process,  recommended  by  Mr.  F.  W.  Headland,  of  London,  as  being  the 
mosjatisfactory  and  the  most  productive,  of  those  tried  by  himself,  is  given  in  the  second 
edit: i of  Royle’s  Manual  of  Materia  Medica,  p.  288.  “ Take  of  the  root  of  Aconitum  feroz, 

coarly  bruised,  two  pounds,  of  rectified  spirit  three  gallons.  Boil  the  Aconite  with  a gallon 
of  tl  spirit  for  an  hour,  in  a retort  with  a receiver  adapted  to  it.  Pour  off  the  spirit.  Boil 
the  fcidue  with  another  gallon,  and  with  that  which  distilled  over.  Pour  off  again,  and 
do  t same  a third  time.  Press  the  root,  and  mix  the  solutions.  Filter.  Distil  off  the 
spir:from  the  tincture  thus  obtained  until  this  is  of  the  consistence  of  thin  syrup.  Then 
poult  out  of  the  retort,  and  mix  with  twice  its  bulk  of  distilled  water,  and  excess  of  sul- 
phui  acid.  Filter  carefully  from  the  precipitate  produced,  until  it  is  quite  clear.  Then 
agai  evaporate  gently  in  a water-bath  to  the  consistence  of  syrup.  Pour  this  syrupy 
liqu  which  should  not  exceed  two  fluidounces,  into  a stoppered  bottle,  of  which  it  shall 
occw  about  one-third.  Add  then  an  excess  of  strong  solution  of  ammonia,  and  shake  gently. 
To  t white  mass  produced  add  an  equal  bulk  of  pure  ether.  Insert  the  stopper  tightly, 
and,  olding  the  bottle  in  a damp  cloth,  with  a finger  on  the  stopper,  shake  briskly  for  a 
few  nutes.  Allow  then  a sufficient  time  for  the  ether  to  rise  above  the  water,  and,  when 
it  hr completely  separated,  remove  the  stopper,  and  take  up  carefully  the  ethereal  solution 
fron  he  surface  of  the  water  with  a pipette  or  common  glass  syringe.  Pour  it  into  an 
openasin.  Again  shake  up  the  watery  solution  with  another  equal  bulk  of  ether,  and 
rem  2 this  in  the  same  manner.  Do  the  same  a third  time.  Let  the  ethereal  solution 
evapate  spontaneously.  The  Aconitia  is  deposited. 

“ us  process  is  quick  and  certain.  It  is  not  difficult;  but  great  care  should  be  taken 
thro  hout,  on  account  of  the  very  dangerous  nature  of  the  product. 

“ le  Aconitia  thus  prepared  is  transparent  and  vitreous  in  appearance,  and  of  a very 
ligh  ellow  colour,  like  good  gum  Arabic.  With  the  exception  of  this  tinge  of  colouring 
mat:  it  is  quite  pure.  If  required  white,  it  may  be  again  dissolved  in  a small  quantity 
of  ai  and  water,  precipitated  by  ammonia,  and  extracted  by  ether  as  before.  But  some 
of  it  dll  be  lost  bv  so  doincr,  and  there  will  be  no  increase  in  the  medicinal  virtue  of  the 
proijit.” 

A jrding  to  Mr.  Headland,  the  process  of  the  former  London  Pharmacopoeia,  which  is 
the  je  adopted  in  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia,  and  given  in  the  text,  has  generally  if  not 
invsiibly  proved  unsuccessful,  even  in  skilful  hands.  The  defects  of  this  process  are 
mail  • the  employment  of  so  large  an  amount  of  water,  the  repeated  solutions,  and  the 
use  | animal  charcoal,  which  has  the  property  of  absorbing  the  alkaloids. 

T root  of  Aconitum  feroz,  from  the  E.  Indies,  is  preferred  in  consequence  of  its  greater 
yieh  A specimen  of  this,  which  we  have  had  the  opportunity  of  examining,  was  in  single 
root  fusiform,  from  two  and  a half  to  three  and  a half  inches  long,  from  half  an  inch  to 
au  i a and  a half  thick  at  the  thickest  part  near  the  top,  gradually  tapering  to  a point, 
une'  illy  wrinkled  from  drying,  of  a dark-brown  colour  externally,  yellowish  internally, 
ban  «rith  a shining  wax-like  fracture,  and  the  characteristic  taste  of  the  aconites  in  a high 
<kgi  . — Note  to  the  tenth  edition. 


824 


Aconitia. 


par  ,i. 


powder,  it  is  white  when  quite  pure.  It  is  inodorous,  and  of  a hitter  and  : id 
taste,  producing  a benumbing  impression  on  the  tongue.  The  acrimony,  w- 
ever,  is  ascribed  by  some  to  a distinct  principle  associated  with  it,  from  whi  it 
maybe  freed  by  repeated  solution  in  dilute  acids  and  subsequent  precipitam. 
It  is  unalterable  in  the  air,  and  fusible  by  a gentle  heat.  At  a high  tenr-a- 
ture  it  is  decomposed,  with  the  escape  of  ammonia,  and  by  a continuant  of 
the  heat  is  entirely  dissipated.  It  is  sparingly  soluble  in  water,  requirinpor 
solution  150  parts  of  cold  and  50  of  boiling  water.  (Phillips.)  Alcohoind 
ether  dissolve  it  readily.  It  neutralizes  the  acids;  but  its  salts  are  not  cnal- 
lizable.  Their  solution  produces  a white  precipitate  with  bichloride  of  plati:  m, 
a yellowish  with  terchloride  of  gold,  and  a yellowish-brown  with  freeioie. 
That  it  contains  nitrogen  is  proved  by  the  evolution  of  ammonia,  when  it  ile- 
composed  by  heat.  Dr.  A.  von  Planta  gives  as  its  formula  NC^H^O^.  (See  m. 
Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xxiii.  40,  from  Liebig’s  Annalen.)  A spurious  subsnce 
has  sometimes  been  sold  under  the  sahae  name,  which  is  nearly  or  quite  i rt; 
and  at  best  the  alkaloid  is  apt  to  be  of  uncertain  strength,  as  found  in  the  sips. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  This  vegetable  principle  exercises  a powful 
influence  over  the  animal  economy.  One-fiftieth  of  a grain  dissolved  in  alnol 
destroyed  a sparrow  in  a few  minutes;  and  the  same  quantity  administer*  to 
au  elderly  female  is  said  to  have  nearly  proved  fatal.  In  a case  of  poisoninby 
aconitia,  recorded  by  Dr.  Golding  Bird,  though  two  grains  and  a half  were  treD, 
the  patient  ultimately  recovered.  But,  as  vomiting  almost  immediately  ened, 
there  is  reason  to  believe  that  much  of  the  poison  was  thus  discharged  fronhe 
stomach.  Besides  extreme  general  prostration,  indicated  by  a cold  pale  surce, 
and  a scarcely  perceptible  action  of  the  heart,  the  prominent  symptoms  ere 
convulsive  vomiting,  recurring  every  minute  or  two,  and  fearful  spasms  othe 
throat,  resembling  those  of  hydrophobia,  upon  any  attempt  at  swallowing.  ]ere 
was  no  paralysis,  the  pupils  were  sensible  to  light,  and  the  intellect  remaed 
perfectly  clear.  The  remedies  were  the  hot  bath,  mustard  to  the  epigasti  m, 
and  enemata  of  oil  of  turpentine,  laudanum,  and  nutriment.  ( Lond . Med.  (iz., 
Jan.  1847.)  Aconitia  is  not  used  internally  as  a remedy;  but  Dr.  Turnbuhas 
advantageously  resorted  to  its  external  application.  According  to  this  writ,  it 
produces  in  the  skin  a sensation  of  heat  and  prickling,  followed  by  num  ess 
and  a feeling  of  constriction;  and  the  effect  continues,  according  to  tbequaity 
applied,  from  two  to  twelve  hours  or  more.  He  found  it  not  to  act  as  a :be- 
facient,  or  at  least  but  slightly  so.  Applied  very  much  diluted  and  in  mate 
quantity  to  the  eye,  it  causes  contraction  of  the  pupil,  with  an  almost  intoleble 
sense  of  heat  and  tingling.  The  affections  in  which  Dr.  Turnbull  employ*  it 
with  benefit,  were  neuralgia,  gout,  and  rheumatism.  He  recommends  it  eher 
in  alcoholic  solution,  in  the  proportion  of  a grain  to  a fluidrachm,  or  in  therm 
of  an  ointment,  made  by  rubbing  up  two  grains  of  the  alkali  first  with  six  iops 
of  alcohol,  and  then  with  a drachm  of  lard.  These  proportions  are  suffiei  tly 
large  to  begin  with,  but  may  be  gradually  increased  to  four  or  five,  or  even  ght 
grains  to  the  drachm.  The  preparation  should  be  applied  by  friction  ovethe 
part  affected,  which  should  be  continued  till  the  peculiar  sensation  above  desebed 
is  produced,  and  may  be  repeated  three  or  four  times,  or  more  frequently,  dang 
the  day.  No  good  can  be  expected  unless  the  sensation  alluded  to  be  expensed 
in  a greater  or  less  degree.  Care  should  be  taken  not  to  apply  the  mediei'  to 
an  abraded  surface,  or  to  a mucous  membrane,  for  fear  of  dangerous  con. ra- 
tional effects.  It  is  very  seldom  used,  and  all  its  beneficial  effects  can  b ob- 
tained from  safer  and  cheaper  preparations  of  aconite. 


PAK  II. 


JEtherea. 


825 


tETHEREA. 

Ethers. 

E ers  are  peculiar,  fragrant,  sweetish,  very  volatile,  and  inflammable  sub- 
stam3,  generated  for  the  most  part  by  the  action  of  acids  on  alcohol.  Their 
comjsition  varies  with  the  acid  employed  in  their  formation.  Sometimes  this 
menr  acts  as  a chemical  agent  on  the  alcohol,  without  entering  into  the  com- 
positn  of  the  ether  generated;  in  which  case  the  ether  consists  of  etherine  and 
wate  In  other  instances  the  acid  employed  unites  with  etherine  and  water 
(the  her  just  mentioned),  or  with  etherine  only.  On  the  basis  of  these  differ- 
ence of  composition,  the  medicinal  ethers  may  be  divided  into  three  kinds:  1. 
tkosi  insisting  of  etherine  and  water;  2.  those  consisting  of  an  acid,  etherine, 
and  iter;  and  3.  those  composed  of  an  acid  and  etherine  only.  Hydric  e'tker 
is  th only  known  ether  of  the  first  kind,  hyponitrous  ether  is  an  example  of  the 
secoi,  and  muriatic  ether  of  the  third.  In  medicine,  the  hydric  and  hyponi- 
trous thers,  and  their  modifications,  are  those  most  commonly  employed ; though 
occaonally  the  acetic  and  muriatic  have  been  used. 

E ers,  from  their  extreme  inflammability,  should  never  be  decanted  in  the 
vieiffy  of  flame.  Hence  it  is  prudent  not  to  pour  them  out  near  a lighted 
cand.  They  should  be  kept  in  accurately  stopped  bottles  in  a cool  place; 
otheiise  they  are  liable  to  considerable  loss  by  evaporation.  B. 

^CHER.  U.S.,  Land.  iETHER  SULPHURICUS.  Ed.,  Dub. 
Eth . Sulphuric  Ether.  Hydric  Ether. 

“ ike  of  Alcohol  four  pints;  Sulphuric  Acid  a pint;  Potassa  six  drachms; 
Disked  Water  three  fluidounces.  To  two  pints  of  the  Alcohol,  in  an  open  ves- 
sel, d gradually  fourteen  fluidouuces  of  the  Acid,  stirring  them  frequently. 
Pour, lie  mixture,  while  still  hot,  into  a tubulated  glass  retort,  placed  upon  a 
sand  ith,  and  connected  by  a long  adapter  with  a receiver  kept  cold  by  ice  or 
wate  then  raise  the  heat  quickly  until  the  liquid  begins  to  boil.  When  about 
half  pint  of  ethereal  liquid  has  passed  over,  introduce  gradually  into  the  retort 
the  raainder  of  the  alcohol,  previously  mixed  with  two  fluidounces  of  the  Acid, 
takir  care  that  the  mixture  shall  enter  in  a continuous  stream,  and  in  such 
quail  y as  shall  supply  the  place,  as  nearly  as  possible,  of  the  liquid  which  dis- 
tils o r.  This  may  be  accomplished  by  connecting  a vessel  containing  the  alco- 
holic iquid  with  the  retort,  by  means  of  a tube  provided  with  a stop-cock  to 
regu  e the  discharge,  and  passing  nearly  to  the  bottom  of  the  retort,  through 
a coi  accurately  fitted  into  the  tubulure.  When  all  the  Alcohol  has  been  thus 
addeuontinue  the  distillation  until  about  three  pints  have  passed  over,  or  until 
whiti/apours  appear  in  the  retort.  To  the  product  thus  obtained  add  the  po- 
tassaq-eviously  dissolved  in  the  distilled  Water,  and  shake  them  frequently. 
At  t!  end  of  twenty-four  hours,  pour  off  from  the  alkaline  solution  the  super- 
aatai  ether,  introduce  it  into  a retort,  and,  with  a gentle  heat,  distil  until  two 
pmts  iave  passed  over,  or  until  the  distilled  liquid  has  the  specific  gravity 

“'ke  of  Rectified  Spirit  fifty  fluidounces ; Sulphuric  Acid  ten  fluidounces. 
Pourwelve  fluidounces  of  the  Spirit  gently  over  the  Acid  contained  in  an  open 
vesse,  and  then  stir  them  together  briskly  and  thoroughly.  Transfer  the  mix- 
ture mediately  into  a glass  matrass  connected  with  a refrigeratory,  and  raise 
the  Hit  quickly  to  about  280°.  As  soon  as  the  ethereal  fluid  begins  to  distil 
over,  ipply  fresh  spirit  through  a tube  into  the  matrass  in  a continuous  stream, 
uud  i such  quantity  as  to  equal  that  of  the  fluid  which  distils  over.  This  is 
best  complished  by  connecting  one  end  of  the  tube  with  a graduated  vessel 


826 


JEtlierea. 


PAR'  .1, 


containing  the  spirit, — passing  the  other  end  through  a cork  fitted  into  the  it- 
rass, — and  having  a stop-cock  on  the  tube  to  regulate  the  discharge.  Yen 
forty-two  [fluidjounces  have  distilled  over,  and  the  whole  spirit  has  beenac  d 
the  process  may  be  stopped.  Agitate  the  impure  ether  with  sixteen  fluidoi;es 
of  a saturated  solution  of  muriate  of  lime,  containing  about  half  an  oum  of 
lime  recently  slaked.  When  all  odour  of  sulphurous  acid  has  been  thus  remind, 
pour  off  the  supernatant  liquor,  and  distil  it  with  a gentle  heat  so  long  a he 
liquid  which  passes  over  has  a density  not  above  0‘735.  More  ether  of  the  ne 
strength  is  then  to  be  obtained  from  the  solution  of  muriate  of  lime.  Lm 
the  residuum  of  both  distillations  a weaker  ether  may  be  obtained  in  fall 
quantity,  which  must  be  rectified  by  distilling  it  gently  again.”  Ed. 

“ Take  of  Rectified  Spirit  three  pints  [Imp.  meas.] ; Oil  of  Vitriol  of  Comrrce 
eight  Jiuidounces  [Imp.  meas.];  Fresh  burned  Lime,  in  fine  powder,  one  nee 
[avoirdupois].  Mix  the  Acid  in  ten  ounces  of  the  Spirit  in  a glass  ma  ,ss, 
capable  of  holding  a quart  at  least,  and,  without  allowing  the  mixture  to  >ol, 
connect  the  matrass  with  a Liebig’s  condenser,  and,  applying  a sufficient  hs  to 
maintain  the  liquid  in  brisk  ebullition,  commence  the  distillation.  As  it  ro- 
ceeds,  admit  gradually,  through  a glass  tube  traversing  the  cork  of  the  ma  iss, 
the  remainder  of  the  spirit,  regulating  its  influx  so  that  the  boiling  liquid  wll 
maintain  a constant  level;  and,  when  the  entire  of  it  has  been  introduced, on- 
tinue  the  application  of  the  heat  until  the  contents  of  the  matrass  become  tek, 
and  show  a tendency  to  froth  over.  (The  tube  through  which  the  Spirit  eers 
should  dip  by  its  lower  extremity,  where  its  diameter  is  contracted,  at  leas mlf 
an  inch  beneath  the  surface  of  the  liquid  in  the  matrass;  and  the  eductionipe 
of  the  reservoir  for  the  Spirit,  with  which  the  exterior  extremity  of  the  ass 
tube  is  connected,  should  be  furnished  with  a stop-cock,  to  regulate  the  deent 
of  the  Spirit.  This  reservoir  also  should  be  placed  at  least  three  feetabo\the 
level  of  the  boiling  liquid.)  The-crude  Ether  thus  obtained  is  to  be  agited 
with  the  pulverized  quicklime,  and  then  rectified;  the  distillation  being  on- 
tinued  as  long  as  the  product,  on  being  well  shaken,  continues  to  have  a spific 
gravity  lower  than  0‘750.  The  resulting  liquid  should  be  preserved  in  cool 
place  in  accurately  stopped  bottles.  A fresh  receiver  being  attached  to  thfur- 
ther  end  of  the  condenser,  and  the  distillation  resumed,  a product  will  be  obtned 
which  may  be  substituted  for  Rectified  Spirit  in  a subsequent  ether  process.”  htb. 

In  the  last  sentence  of  the  above  process,  a misprint  occurs  in  the  Dolin 
Pharmacopoeia  of  the  word  “ reservoir”  for  receiver,  which  we  have  correcd. 

The  London  College,  in  its  Pharmacopoeia  of  1851,  has  transferred  etlr  to 
the  list  of  the  Materia  Medica,  giving  the  following  explanatory  note  and-sts. 
“ Ether  prepared  from  alcohol  by  the  action  of  sulphuric  acid.  It  is  freerom 
colour,  and  its  sp.gr.  does  not  exceed  0'750.  It  wholly  evaporates  in  tb air, 
and  reddens  litmus  slightly^  or  not  at  all.  A fluidounce  requires  for  its  conlete 
solution  ten  fluidounces  of  water  with  which  it  quickly  unites.” 

The  preparation  of  ether  embraces  two  stages ; its  generation,  and  its  bse- 
quent  rectification  to  remove  impurities.  The  formulas  all  agree  in  obtaiQg  it 
by  the  action  of  sulphuric  acid  on  alcohol.  In  the  United  States  process,  aicb 
is  adopted,  with  modifications,  from  that  of  the  French  Codex,  half  the  affiol 
taken  is  mixed  with  seven-eighths  of  the  acid,  and,  while  still  hot  froi  the 
reaction,  distilled  from  a glass  retort,  by  a heat  quicklj'  applied,  into  a n ite- 
rated receiver.  When  the  distilled  product  equals  one-fourth  of  this  portu  ot 
the  alcohol,  the  remainder  of  it,  mixed  with  the  reserved  eighth  of  the  ad.  is 
allowed  to  enter  the  retort  in  a continuous  stream,  the  supply  being  so  regaled 
as  to  equal  the  amount  of  the  liquid  which  distils  over.  By  a complicate*: fac- 
tion which  will  be  explained  presently,  the  acid  converts  the  alcohol  into  her, 
and,  were  it  not  that  the  acid  becomes  more  and  more  dilute  as  the  procespro- 


par:  ii. 


JEtherea. 


827 


ceedf it  would  be  able  to  etherize  an  unlimited  quantity  of  alcohol.  Although 
the  ad,  before  it  becomes  too  dilute,  is  capable  of  determining  the  decomposi- 
tion a certain  amount  of  alcohol,  yet  it  is  not  expedient  to  add  this  amount 
at  on;  as  a considerable  portion  of  it  would  distil  over  undecomposed  with 
the  tier.  The  proper  way  of  proceeding,  therefore,  is  that  indicated  in  the 
forma;  namely,  to  commence  the  process  with  the  use  of  part  of  the  alcohol; 
and,  len  the  decomposition  is  fully  established,  and  a portion  of  ether  has  dis- 
tilledto  add  the  remainder  in  a gradual  manner,  so  as  to  replace  that  which, 
everpoment  during  the  progress  of  the  distillation,  is  disappearing  by  its  conver- 
sion :to  ether.  As,  however,  the  acid  in  the  retort  has  already  become  some- 
what eaker,  it  is  considered  advantageous  to  mix  a small  portion  of  acid  with 
the  abhol  which  is  thus  gradually  added.  When  a portion  of  ether  has  distilled, 
equalo  about  three-fourths  of  the  alcohol  employed,  or  when  white  vapours 
apperin  the  retort,  the  process  is  discontinued.  These  vapours  indicate  the  com- 
mencoent  of  a series  of  reactions  different  from  those  which  generate  the  ether. 

^Edinburgh  and  Dublin  processes  for  the  generation  of  ether  are,  in  their 
genei  features,  the  same  with  that  of  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia.  In  the  Edin- 
burgbrocess  less  than  a fourth  of  the  alcohol  is  placed  in  the  distilling  vessel, 
previ  sly  mixed  with  the  whole  of  the  acid,  which  forms  one-fifth  of  the  bulk 
of  th  alcohol,  instead  of  one-fourth  as  in  the  U.  S.  formula.  As  soon  as  the 
ether  egins  to  distil  by  a quick  heat,  the  remainder  of  the  alcohol  is  added  in 
acomuous  stream  as  in  the  U.  S.  process;  and  the  distillation  is  continued 
until  quantity  of  ether  has  come  over,  equal  to  somewhat  less  than  six-sevenths 
of  thoulk  of  all  the  alcohol.  The  ether  is  conveniently  condensed  by  means 
ofLitig’s  excellent  refrigeratory,  described  and  figured  at  page  793. 

Th  ippearance  of  white  vapours  in  the  retort,  or  the  passing  over  of  a heavier 
portic  in  the  distillation,  is  the  signal  for  discontinuing  the  process.  If  it  were 
contiied  afterwards,  the  boiling  point  would  gradually  rise,  very  little  ether 
wouloe  obtained,  and  at  the  temperature  of  320°  there  would  be  generated, 
in  coiiquence  of  new  reactions,  sulphurous  acid,  heavy  oil  of  wine,  olefiant  gas, 
andairge  quantity  of  resino-carbonaceous  matter,  blackening  and  rendefing 
thick  ie  residuary  liquid;  all  products  arising  from  the  decomposition  of  a por- 
tion csulphuric  acid,  alcohol,  and  ether.  Notwithstanding  the  process  may  be 
stoppi  in  time,  yet  the  ether  obtained  is  contaminated  with  sulphurous  acid, 
heavy  il  of  wine,  alcohol,  and  water;  and  hence  its  purification  becomes  neces- 
sary. This  is  conducted  in  various  ways,  according  to  the  different  Pharma- 
copoei . The  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia  directs  for  this  purpose  an  aqueous  solution 
of  pot  sa,  the  Edinburgh  a saturated  solution  of  chloride  of  calcium  (muriate  of 
lime).)  which  a portion  of  recently  slaked  lime  has  been  added,  and  the  Dublin 
fresh  .rned  lime.  In  all  cases,  the  crude  ether  is  agitated  with  the  purifying 
agent  nd  submitted  to  a new  distillation  at  a gentle  heat,  called  the  rectification. 

Thourifying  substances  are  potassa  for  sulphurous  acid  and  water,  and  water 
for  aluol  in  the  U.  S.  formula ; lime  for  acid,  and  a saturated  solution  of  chlo- 
ride oialcium  for  alcohol  and  water,  in  the  Edinburgh ; and  lime  alone  in  the 
Dubli  The  Edinburgh  substances  for  purifying  are  stated  by  Dr.  Christison 
to  be  nvenient,  and  to  act  perfectly  and  promptly.  The  chloride  of  calcium 
solutio , after  having  been  used,  yields,  on  distillation,  a further  portion  of  ether 
of  the fiicinal  density;  and  by  concentrating  it,  filtering  while  hot,  and  sepa- 
rating ie  crystals  of  sulphite  of  lime  which  form  on  cooling,  the  chloride  may 
be  rec  ered  for  future  operations. 

Thi  orocess  for  forming  ether  is  conducted  with  most  advantage  on  a large 
scale.  At  Apothecaries’  Hall,  where  the  operation  is  performed  in  this  way, 
jbe  aj  iratus  employed  is  thus  described  by  Mr.  Brande.  It  “ consists  of  a 
leader  till,  heated  by  means  of  high  pressure  steam  carried  through  it  in  a con- 


828 


JEtherea. 


m ii. 


torted  leaden  pipe.  A tube  enters  the  upper  part  of  the  still,  for  the  pmse 
of  suffering  alcohol  gradually  to  run  into  the  acid.  The  still-head  is  of  peer 
and  is  connected,  by  about  six  feet  of  tin  pipe,  with  a very  capacious  condemn 
apparatus,  duly  cooled  by  a current  of  water.  The  receivers  are  of  pewter,  ith 
glass  lids,  and  have  a side  tube  to  connect  them  with  the  delivering  end  c the 
condensiug-pipe.”  ( Manual  of  Chemistry , Ed.  1848.) 

Properties.  Ether  is  a colourless  very  limpid  liquid,  of  a strong  and  eet 
odour,  and  hot  pungent  taste.  As  prepared  for  medical  use,  it  generally  re  ens 
litmus  slightly,  though  this  is  not  a property  belonging  to  the  pure  substc-e; 
but  if  it  reddens  litmus  strongly,  it  shows  that  the  ether  has  been  imperaly 
prepared  or  too  long  kept.  When  perfectly  pure  it  has  the  specific  gvity 
0'713,  boils  at  95°,  and  forms  a vapour  which  has  the  density  of  2 586.  t is 
not  frozen  by  a cold  of  166°  below  zero.  (Faraday,  Philos.  Mag.  and  Jou  . of 
Sci.  for  March,  1845.)  The  officinal  strength  of  the  United  States  et  r is 
0'750;  of  the  London,  0'750  or  under;  of  the  Edinburgh,  0'735  or  undt.  of 
the  Dublin,  under  0'750.  That  sold  in  the  shops  varies  from  D 733  to  ( "65. 
Its  sp.gr.  as  directed  by  the  French  Codex  is  0'758.  For  medicinal  puoses 
its  density  should  not  be  greater  than  0'750.  In  the  opinion  of  Dr.  Cbrhson, 
it  should  not  exceed  0’735;  because,  according  to  that  writer,  commercial ther 
is  generally  of  this  density,  and  may  be  obtained  of  such  purity  withoi  dif- 
ficulty. It  is  a very  volatile  liquid,  and,  when  of  the  sp.gr.  0'720,  b<s  at 
about  98°.  Its  extreme  volatility  causes  it  to  evaporate  speedily  in  theipen 
air,  with  the  production  of  a considerable  degree  of  c-old.  When  good  it  apo- 
rates  from  the  hand  without  leaving  a disagreeable  odour.  Its  inflammality 
is  very  great,  and  the  products  of  its  combustion  are  water  and  earboniacid. 
In  consequence  of  this  property  the  greatest  care  should  be  used  not  to  b ig  it 
in  the  vicinity  of  flame,  as,  for  example,  a lighted  candle,  for  fear  of  its  iing 
fire.  One  of  the  great  advantages  of  using  steam  as  the  source  of  heat  that 
it  obviates,  in  a great  measure,  the  danger  of  its  accidental  inflammation,  hen 
too  long  kept  it  undergoes  decomposition,  and  is  converted  in  part  intocetic 
acidt  It  dissolves  iodine  and  bromine,  and  sulphur  and  phosphorus  spangly. 
The  latter  substance  is  generally  exhibited  in  ethereal  solution.  (See  PI f to- 
rus.) Its  power  to  dissolve  corrosive  sublimate  makes  it  a useful  agent  i the 
manipulations  for  detecting  that  poison.  It  is  also  a solvent  of  volatile  an  fixed 
oils,  many  resins  and  balsams,  tannic  acid,  caoutchouc,  and  most  of  the  game 
vegetable  alkalies.  It  does  not  dissolve  potassa  and  soda,  in  which  res  ct  it 
differs  from  alcohol.  Water  dissolves  a tenth  of  its  volume  of  ether,  an  reci- 
procally ether  takes  up  about  the  same  proportion  of  water.  When  water  di  fives 
more  than  a tenth  of  its  volume,  the  ether  is  shown  to  contain  an  undue  qintity 
of  water  or  alcohol,  or  both.  Ether  unites  in  all  proportions  with  alcohc 

Impurities  and  Tests.  The  impurities  found  in  ether,  besides  acids  an  fixed 
substances,  are  alcohol,  water,  and  heavy  oil  of  wine.  Acids  are  deteed  by 
litmus  and  removed  by  agitation  with  potassa ; and  fixed  substances,  b their 
remaining  upon  the  evaporation  of  the  ether.  Alcohol  is  an  admissib  sub- 
stance in  the  officinal  ethers;  for  it  is  contained  in  the  Edinburgh  ether, chich 
has  the  lowest  density  of  them  all.  If,  however,  it  is  present  in  too  .'ge  a 
quantity,  the  density  of  the  ether  will  be  too  high.  It  may  be  sepan'd  by 
washing  the  ether,  as  it  is  called;  that  is,  agitating  it  with  twice  its  Uk  of 
water,  which  will  unite  with  the  alcohol,  forming  a heavier  stratum  aftt  rest, 
from  which  the  ether  may  be  poured  off.  The  ether  by  this  treatment  diohes 
about  a tenth  of  its  bulk  of  water,  from  which  it  may  be  purified  by  ac atiou 
with  fresh  burnt  lime,  and  subsequent  distillation.  An  easy  method  for  ducting 
and  measuring  any  alcohol  which  may  be  present  in  ether,  is  that  given  y tnc- 
Edinburgh  College ; namely,  to  agitate  it  in  a minim  measure,  with  If 


PAR  II. 


JEtherea. 


829 


volue  of  a concentrated  solution  of  chloride  of  calcium.  This  will  remove 
the  cohol,  and  the  reduction  of  the  volume  of  the  ether,  when  it  rises  to  the 
surfs,  will  indicate  the  amount  of  the  former.  Heavy  oil  of  wine  may  be  dis- 
coved  by  the  ether  becoming  milky  upon  being  mixed  with  water. 

Cnposition,  and  Theory  of  its  Production.  Ether  consists  of  four  eqs.  of 
carbi,  five  of  hydrogen,  and  one  of  oxygen,  and  its  empirical  formula  is  C4H50. 
In  v'umes  it  consists  of  four  volumes  of  carbon  vapour,  five  volumes  of  hydro- 
gen,nd  half  a volume  of  oxygen,  condensed  into  one  volume  of  ether  vapour. 
Its  poximate  constituents  may  be  considered  to  be  one  eq.  of  etheriue  and  one 
of  wier;  or,  in  volumes,  one  volume  of  etherine  vapour  and  one  volume  of 
aquep  vapour,  condensed  into  one  volume.  This  view  makes  it  a hydrate  of 
e there  (C4H4-|-HO).  The  sp.  gr.  of  its  vapour,  calculated  on  this  constitution 
in  Yiime,  is  2 '58 17,  which  is  very  near  2'586,  the  number  obtained  by  experi- 
men  By  the  generality  of  chemists,  however,  the  constituents  of  the  etherine, 
toge  er  with  the  hydrogen  of  the  alleged  water,  are  supposed  to  form  a peculiar 
radic , consisting  of  C4H5,  to  which  the  name  of  ethyle  has  been  given.  On 
this  ew,  ether  is  an  oxide  of  ethyle  (C4H5-f-0).  This  view  of  its  composition 
is  ctfirmed  by  Dr.  E.  Frankland,  who  has  isolated  ethyle  by  acting  on  iodide 
of  eyle  with  zinc.  As  described  by  him,  it  is  a colourless,  inflammable  gas, 
oftb  sp.gr.  2,  incondensible  at  zero,  but  condensible,  under  a pressure  of  2'25 
atmeiheres  at  87'5°  F.,  into  a colourless,  mobile  liquid.  Ether  is  generally 
calle!  sulphuric  ether,  in  allusion  to  the  sulphuric  acid  usually  employed  in  its 
prepition;  but  it  contains  no  sulphuric  acid,  and  an  identical  ether  may  be 
obtai  id.  by  the  action  of  other  substances  on  alcohol.  Hence  the  epithet  sul- 
phur1 is  improperly  applied  to  it;  and,  accordingly,  its  name  has  been  changed 
from1  Ether  Sulphuricus  to  JEther  in  the  U.  S.  and  London  Pharmacopoeias  of 
185(,nd  1851.  In  allusion  to  the  water  which  ether  is  supposed  to  contain,  it 
is  so  ;times  called  hydric  ether.  Etherine,  considered  as  a constituent  of  ether, 
is  a pothetical  4-4  carbohydrogen  (C4II4). 

Wjh  a view  to  determine  in  what  manner  sulphuric  acid  acts  upon  alcohol  in 
order  o convert  it  into  ether,  it  is  necessary  that  a comparison  should  be  insti- 
tutemetween  the  composition  of  the  two  latter.  Now  alcohol  is  a hydrated 
oxidf  if  ethyle,  and  ether,  oxide  of  ethyle  without  water.  It  follows,  therefore, 
that  i convert  alcohol  into  ether,  it  is  only  necessary  to  abstract  the  water  of 
the  f nier.  The  agent  in  effecting  this  abstraction  is  evidently  the  sulphuric 
acid,  hich  is  known  to  have  a strong  affinity  for  water;  but  its  action  is  not 
direc  as  originally  supposed,  but  intermediate,  as  was  first  pointed  out  by  the 
late.r,  Hennell.  This  chemist  found  that,  when  two  eqs.  of  sulphuric  acid 
and  [ e of  alcohol  were  merely  mixed,  the  acid  lost  a portion  of  its  saturating 
powe  and  a new  acid  was  formed,  to  which  he  gave  the  name  of  sulphovinic 
««</  he  ether osvlphuric  acid  of  Liebig).  In  view  of  its  composition  it  may  be 
callei  x bisulphate  of  alcohol,  or,  which  is  the  same  thing,  a bisulphate  of  ether 
with  re  eq.  of  water,  that  is,  a double  sulphate  of  ether  and  water.  When  one 
eq.  othis  acid  is  heated  it  is  decomposed;  two  eqs.  of  sulphuric  acid  with  one 
eq.  n water  remain  in  the  retort,  while  one  eq.  of  ether  distils  over. 

If  ie  original  proportion  of  acid  and  alcohol  continued  the  same  throughout 
the  vole  of  the  distillation,  all  the  alcohol  would  be  resolved  into  ether  and 
wate  ! but,  during  the  progress  of  the  process,  the  alcohol  is  constantly  dimin- 
ishin  and  of  course  the  relative  excess  of  the  acid  becoming  greater;  and  at 
last  i )oint  of  time  arrives  when  the  excess  of  acid  is  so  great  that  the  gene- 
ratio  of  ether  ceases.  As  these  results  depend  upon  the  relative  deficiency  of 
abol,  while  the  acid  remains  but  slightly  changed  in  amount,  it  is  easy  to 
iand  why  it  is  advantageous  to  add  alcohol  gradually  to  the  distilling 


the 

unde 


vessel  luring  the  progress  of  the  distillation;  for,  by  this  addition,  the  proper 


830 


JEtherea. 


PA]  ii, 


proportion  of  the  alcohol  to  the  acid  is  maintained.  But  the  decomposing  wer 
of  the  acid  has  its  limit ; as  it  becomes  at  last  too  dilute  to  act  upon  the  al  iol 
notwithstanding  a considerable  portion  of  water,  towards  the  close  of  th  dis^ 
tillation,  passes  over  with  the  ether. 

The  theory  here  given  of  etherification  is  at  present  (1851)  called  in  qudon. 
Prof.  Graham,  of  London,  has  succeeded  in  producing  ether  without  distil  ion 
or  the  formation  of  sulphovinic  acid,  using  a larger  proportion  of  alcoho  han 
is  ordinarily  employed.  The  reaction  was  made  to  take  place  in  sealed  lass 
tubes,  heated  for  a short  time  to  a temperature  between  284°  and  352°.  The 
sulphuric  acid  appears  to  act  by  mere  contact  with  the  alcohol,  in  deterndng 
the  production  of  ether,  without  combining  with  anything. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Ether  is  a powerful  diffusible  stimulan  pos- 
sessed also  of  expectorant,  antispasmodic,  and  narcotic  properties.  In  low  vers 
attended  with  subsultus  tendinum,  it  proves  beneficial  as  a stimulant  anc.nti- 
spasmodic.  In  these  cases  it  is  frequently  conjoined  with  laudanum.  It  is  eful 
also  in  nervous  headache  unattended  with  vascular  fulness,  and  genera?  in 
nervous  and  painful  diseases  which  are  unaccompanied  by  inflammatior  In 
nausea  it  is  given  as  a cordial;  and  in  cramp  of  the  stomach  and  flatulent olio, 
it  sometimes  acts  with  singular  efficacy.  It  is  also  useful,  given  alone,  or  xed 
with  oil  of  turpentine,  in  relieving  the  pain  and  spasm  caused  by  the  pass  e of 
biliary  calculi.  According  to  Mr.  Brande,  a small  teaspoonful  of  ether,  xed 
with  a glass  of  white  wine,  is  often  an  effectual  remedy  in  sea-sickness,  hen 
externally  applied  it  may  act  either  as  a stimulant  or  refrigerant.  If  its  'apo- 
ration  be  repressed,  it  operates  as  a powerful  rubefacient,  and  may  even  rebate; 
but,  when  this  is  allowed  to  take  place  freely,  it  is  refrigerant  in  conseque-e  of 
the  cold  which  it  produces.  In  the  latter  way  it  is  sometimes  emplod  in 
strangulated  hernia,  dropped  on  the  tumour  and  allowed  to  evaporate.  It  ime- 
times  produces  immediate  relief  when  dropped  into  the  ear  in  earache.  For 
external  use,  the  unrectified  ether  may  be  employed.  The  dose  of  sul  uric 
ether  is  from  fifty  drops  to  a teaspoouful,  to  be  repeated  frequently  wh  the 
full  effect  of  the  remedy  is  desired.  When  used  habitually  the  dose  mtbe 
much  larger,  to  produce  a given  effect.  It  may  be  perfectly  incorporateiwith 
water  or  any  aqueous  mixture,  by  first  rubbing  it  up  with  spermaceti,  empyed 
in  the  proportion  of  two  grains  for  each  fluidrachm  of  the  ether.  (Duran) 

Ether  is  conveniently  administered  in  capsules,  each  containing  four  five 
drops,  according  to  the  plan  of  M.  Clertan,  of  Dijon.  The  ether  capsul  are 
inodorous,  will  keep  for  a year  at  least  without  loss,  and  furnish  the  meis  of 
introducing  ether  into  the  stomach,  without  irritating  the  mouth  and  thro. 

Ether  may  be  exhibited  by  inhalation.  Many  years  ago,  its  use  in  th  way 
was  proposed  by  Drs.  Beddoes,  Pearson,  and  Thornton,  in  England,  as  a nedy 
in  certain  diseases  of  the  lungs.  As  early  as  1805,  Dr.  Warren,  of  Bosto  em- 
ployed ethereal  inhalation  to  relieve  the  distress  attending  the  last  stage  'pul- 
monary inflammation.  About  the  year  1812,  in  Philadelphia,  at  a time.’hen 
the  nitrous  oxide  was  the  subject  of  popular  lectures,  the  vapour  of  eth  was 
frequently  breathed  from  a bladder  for  experiment  or  diversion;  audits  fects 
in  producing  a transient  intoxication,  analogous  to  that  caused  by  the  irous 
oxide,  were  observed.  It  was  not,  however,  until  October,  1846,  that  attition 
was  particularly  drawn  to  ethereal  inhalation  as  a remedy  for  pain.  I: that 
month,  Dr.  Warren,  of  Boston,  was  applied  to  by  Dr.  W.  T.  G.  Morton,  (Qtist 
of  the  same  city,  to  ascertain  by  trial  whether  an  agent  which  he  had  suess- 
fully  employed  to  render  painless  the  extracting  of  teeth,  would  be  equal  suc- 
cessful in  preventing  the  pain  of  surgical  operations.  This  agent  is  now. own 
to  have  been  the  vapour  of  ether.  Dr.  Warren  acceded  to  this  reque;  an! 
shortly  afterwards,  at  the  Massachusetts  General  Hospital,  performed  3 vere 


PAI  II. 


JEtherea. 


831 


ope:tion,  without  pain  to  the  patient,  under  the  influence  of  ether,  administered 
by!’.  Morton.  A few  days  subsequently,  Dr.  C.  T.  Jackson,  of  Boston,  in 
con’rsation  with  Dr.  Warren,  claimed  to  have  first  made  known  to  Dr.  Morton 
the  se  of  ethereal  vapour  for  the  prevention  of  pain  in  dental  operations. 

Dm  this  beginning,  the  employment  of  ether  by  inhalation  for  the  preven- 
tion nd  removal  of  pain,  has  spread  throughout  the  civilized  world.  The  elfect 
proceed,  called  etherization , probably  takes  place  through  the  medium  of  the 
bloc  It  is  sometimes  partial,  suspending  sensibility,  without  abolishing  con- 
scioness;  so  that  the  patient,  without  feeling  pain,  is  aware  of  everything  that 
is  p sing  around  him.  At  other  times,  a perfect  unconsciousness  is  produced. 

Eierization  is  usefully  resorted  to  in  all  severe  operations,  not  merely  as  a 
rem  y for  pain,  but  as  a means  of  preventing  the  shock  which  the  system  would 
othevise  suffer  as  a consequence  of  pain.  Under  full  etherization,  even  the 
actu  cautery  may  be  extensively  applied,  without  causing  the  least  suffering. 
In  any  cases,  the  incidental  power  of  ethereal  vapour  as  a relaxing  agent  is 
usefly  brought  into  play;  as  in  the  treatment  of  strictures  of  the  urethra  and 
cesojagus,  strangulated  hernia,  retention  of  urine,  dislocations,  fractures,  an- 
chylis,  &c.  In  all  these  cases,  the  necessary  surgical  manipulations  are  very 
muc-  interfered  with  by  the  muscular  contractions  excited  by  pain.  This  is 
part  ilarly  the  case  in  dislocations,  and  in  fractures  attended  with  shortening 
of  t limb.  In  partial  anchylosis,  etherization  enables  the  surgeon  in  many 
casein  break  up  the  adhesions,  without  pain  to  the  patient,  or  resistance  from 
the  piscles.  Even  in  lithotomy  and  lithotrity,  the  incidental  advantage  is  gained 
of  parenting  or  lessening  the  inordinate  contraction  of  the  muscular  coat  of  the 
blad  r.  In  short,  in  most  cases  in  which  the  necessary  surgical  measures  are 
likel  to  involve  severe  pain,  or  to  encounter  resistance,  as  in  children,  etheriza- 
tion ay  be  usefully  employed. 

Eerization  has  been  employed  for  the  detection  of  feigned  diseases,  as  a 
meat  of  suspending  the  operation  of  the  will;  in  neuralgia,  as  a palliative;  in 
tetars  and  in  the  spasms  produced  by  an  over-dose  of  strychnia,  as  an  anti- 
spasiodic ; in  asthma  and  chronic  bronchitis,  as  an  expectorant;  and  in  dysme- 
non  ba,  as  an  anodyne  and  relaxing  remedy.  Dr.  Warren  found  it  useful  in 
relie  ag  the  agonizing  sufferings  which  often  attend  the  latter  complaint.  In 
vivis  tions,  humanity  calls  for  the  use  of  ether  vapour  or  other  anaesthetic 
agen 

E irization,  employed  in  midwifery  as  an  anaesthetic,  is  growing  in  favour  as 
a saf  agent ; and,  while  it  does  not  seem  materially  to  interfere  with  the  due 
contrition  of  the  uterus,  it  promotes  the  relaxation  and  lubricating  secretions 
of  tksoft  parts. 

El  ;real  vapour  is  most  conveniently  inhaled  through  a soft  sponge,  hollowed 
out  a one  side  to  receive  the  projection  of  the  nose,  and  saturated  with  ether 
of  tl  purest  quality.  The  sponge,  thus  prepared,  is  applied  over  the  nostrils, 
tkrmn  which  the  inhalation  should  be  made  in  preference  to  the  mouth. 
Whe1  the  inhalation  is  thus  conducted  through  a sponge,  the  ethereal  vapour 
is  co  ously  mixed  with  air,  and  there  is  no  fear  of  inducing  asphyxia.  At 
first  short  cough  is  generally  produced,  but  this  soon  disappears;  and  after  a 
lapsef  from  two  to  five  minutes,  and  the  expenditure  of  about  two  fluidounces 
of  et  r,  the  quantity  being  very  variable  in  different  cases,  the  patient  becomes 
mseu  ble,  and  appears  as  if  in  a deep,  almost  apoplectic  sleep.  The  usual  signs 
of  th  :ull  effect  of  the  ether  are  the  closure  of  the  eyelids,  muscular  relaxation, 
and  ’ " 
the  f 
slow, 

At  ii , there  is  redness,  afterwards  paleness  of  the  face  and  neck,  succeeded  by 


loility  to  answer  questions.  During  the  whole  process  of  etherization, 
j;ers  should  be  kept  on  the  pulse;  and,  in  case  it  becomes  feeble  and  very 
ie  sponge  should  be  removed  until  the  circulation  becomes  more  free. 


832 


JEtherea . 


PAI  II. 


cold  perspirations.  In  case  the  etherization  proves  excessive,  or  convu  ons 
supervene,  an  event  which  rarely  happens,  the  ether  must  be  immediately  th- 
drawn,  and  cold  water  freely  applied.  This  is  the  mode  of  proceeding  in  ;gj. 
cal  operations ; in  midwifery  cases,  partial  etherization  is  often  sufficient,  n a 
few  cases  persons  become  unmanageable  under  the  operation  of  the  etl  real 
vapour ; and  hence  the  propriety  of  a preliminary  trial  of  its  effects  on  a p:  ;nt, 
before  submitting  him  to  a surgical  operation.  Sometimes  death  has  eued 
from  ethereal  inhalation ; but  the  number  of  fatal  cases  has  been  small,  con?  red 
with  the  great  number  of  instances  in  which  ether  has  been  used  in  this-av. 
(See  the  Treatise  on  Etherization,  by  John  C.  Warren,  M.  D.,  Boston,  i£>.) 

PTiarm.  Uses.  Ether  is  used  as  a chemical  agent  in  preparing  Acidum'an- 
nic-um;  Extractum  Cubebae  Fluidum;  Extractum  Piperis  Fluidum;  Extrium 
Valeriana;  Fluidum ; Morphia;  Acetas. 

Off.  Prep.  Collodium  ; Spiritus  rEtheris  Compositus;  Spiritus  JEtheriSul- 
phurici ; Tinctura  Ergotae  ^Etherea;  Tinc-tura  Lobelias  xEtherea.  !. 

OLEUM  iETIIEREUM.  U. S. , Lond.  Ethereal  Oil.  Heavy  l of 
Wine.  Sulphate  of  Ether  and  Etherine. 

“Take  of  Alcohol  two  pints;  Sulphuric  Acid  three  pints;  Solution  of  I assa 
half  a fluid  ounce;  Distilled  Water  a fluidounce.  Mix  the  Acid  cautiousl  with 
the  Alcohol,  and  allow  the  mixture  to  stand  twelve  hours;  then  pour  it ; to  a 
large  glass  retort,  to  which  a receiver  kept  cool  by  ice  or  water  is  adapte,  and 
distil  by  means  of  a sand-bath  until  a black  froth  rises,  when  the  retort  iio  be 
removed  immediately  from  the  sand-bath.  Separate  the  lighter  super  tant 
licjuid  in  the  receiver  from  the  heavier,  and  expose  it  to  the  air  for  a day  then 
add  to  it  the  Solution  of  Potassa  previously  mixed  with  the  Distilled  Wat  and 
shake  them  together.  Lastly,  separate  the  Ethereal  Oil  as  soon  as  it  ha  sub- 
sided. The  specific  gravity  of  Ethereal  Oil  is  1 096.”  U.  S. 

“Take  of  Rectified  Spirit  two  pints  [Imp.  meas.] ; Sulphuric  Acid  thipsix 
jluidov.nces  [Imp.  meas.];  Solution  of  Potassa,  Distilled  Water,  each,  aluid- 
ounce  [Imp.  meas.],  or  as  much  as  maybe  sufficient.  Mix  the  Acid  caujmsly 
with  the  Spirit.  Let  the  liquor  distil  until  a black  froth  arises;  then  ntec- 
diately  remove  the  retort  from  the  fire.  Separate  the  lighter  supernatant  ;uor, 
and  expose  it  to  the  air  for  a day.  Add  to  this  the  Solution  of  Potassa  preuusiy 
mixed  with  the  Water,  and  shake  them  together.  Lastly,  when  sufficiently  vslied, 
separate  the  Ethereal  Oil  which  subsides.  The  specific  gravity  is  105.”  md. 

When  alcohol  is  distilled  with  a large  excess  of  sulphuric  acid,  the  sai  pro- 
ducts are  generated  as  those  mentioned  in  the  last  article  as  being  formed  thirds 
the  close  of  the  distillation  of  ether.  (Seepage  827.)  These  were  state  to  be 
sulphurous  acid,  heavy  oil  of  wine,  olefiant  gas,  and  carbonaceous  matti  In 
the  U.  S.  process  such  an  excess  of  sulphuric  acid  is  employed,  for  the  jrpc.se 
of  obtaining  the  oil.  The  product  of  the  distillation  is  in  two  layers,  a avier 
one,  consisting  of  water  holding  sulphurous  acid  in  solution,  and  a lighter,  gmed 
of  ether  containing  the  oil  of  wine.  The  lighter  liquid  is  separated  td  ex- 
posed for  twenty-four  hours  to  the  air,  in  order  to  dissipate  the  ether  byjvapo- 
ration;  and  the  oil  which  is  left  is  shaken  with  a dilute  solution  of  possa  to 
deprive  it  of  all  traces  of  sulphurous  acid ; after  which,  as  soon  as  it  susidts, 
it  is  to  be  separated.  The  London  process  is  substantially  the  same  as  iat  ot 
the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia.  The  differences  are,  that  the  London  Collegiomits 
to  direct  a prolonged  contact  between  the  alcohol  and  acid,  and  dispem  with 
a refrigerated  receiver. 

The  nature  and  mode  of  formation  of  heavy  oil  of  wine  are  not  wellmder- 
stood.  It  has  been  explained,  in  the  preceding  article  that,  in  the  ear  stage 
of  the  distillation  of  a mixture  of  sulphuric  acid  and  alcohol,  sulphovin  acid, 
or  double  sulphate  of  ether  and  water  is  formed.  During  its  progress  his  is 


PAE  II. 


JEtherea. 


83B 


deco.posed  so  as  to  yield  ether.  When,  however,  the  alcohol  is  distilled  with 
a la  e excess  of  sulphuric  acid,  the  sulphovinic  acid  is  decomposed  so  as  to 
fornb  small  quantity  of  the  heavy  oil  of  wine,  now  considered  to  be  a double 
sulpite  of  ether  and  etherine,  having  the  formula  C4H50,S03+C4H4,S03.  It 
is  ccceived  to  be  generated  from  two  eqs.  of  sulphovinic  acid  (double  sulphate 
of  e;er  and  water),  which  are  resolved  into  one  eq.  of  heavy  oil  of  wine,  two  of 
sulpiric  acid,  and  three  of  water.  When  the  heavy  oil  is  gently  heated  with 
fourbarts  of  water,  sulphovinic  acid  is  reproduced,  and  the  separated  etherine 
floaton  the  surface  as  an  oily  substance,  called,  when  thus  isolated,  light  oil  of 
wine  Light  oil  of  wine,  as  thus  obtained,  consists  of  two  substances,  which  are 
sepajted  from  each  other  by  time ; namely,  a thick  oil  called  etherole,  and  a 
coDC-  te  substance  in  crystals,  isomeric  with  it,  called  concrete  oil  of  wine,  or  oil 
cf  u-  e camphor,  injudiciously  denominated  etherine  by  some  chemists. 

Ffperties.  The  officinal  ethereal  oil  is  a yellowish  liquid,  possessing  an 
-oleajjous  consistency,  a penetrating  aromatic  odour,  and  rather  sharp  and  bitter 
taste  It  boils  at  540°.  Its  sp.  gr.  is,  according  to  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia, 
109  according  to  the  London  College,  after  Mr.  Hennell’s  results,  1'05.  By 
Dims  and  Serullas  its  density  is  stated  to  be  as  high  as  1'133,  which  is  pro- 
Labl  the  more  correct  number  for  the  pure  oil.  When  dropped  into  water  it 
sink  assuming  the  form  of  a globule.  It  is  very  sparingly  soluble  in  water,  but 
read  f dissolves  in  alcohol  and  ether.  It  is  devoid  of  acid  reaction,  the  sul- 
phui  acid  present  in  it  being  completely  neutralized  by  the  ether  and  etherine 
unit  with  it.  The  sulphuric  acid  present  is  not  precipitated  by  the  usual 
reag  ts;  because  they  furnish  a base,  which,  replacing  the  etherine,  gives  rise 
to  oi  of  the  salts  of  sulphovinic  acid,  all  of  which  are  soluble  in  water  and 
liydris  alcohol.  The  process  by  which  the  heavy  oil  of  wine  is  formed  yields 
but  umall  product,  being  only  about  one  part  in  weight  to  thirty-one  of  the 
alcol;  employed,  even  when  performed  on  the  large  scale;  and,  when  con- 
duct' on  the  small  scale  of  the  Pharmacopoeias,  the  product  is  only  one  part 
of  tl  oil  to  about  seventy-five  of  the  alcohol.  Etherole  is  a pale-yellow  oily 
liqui  having  an  aromatic  odour.  Its  sp.  gr.  is  0'921,  boiling  point  500°,  and 
freezig  point  31°  below  zero.  It  communicates  a greasy  stain  to  paper.  Con- 
crete il  of  wine  crystallizes  in  long,  transparent,  brilliant,  tasteless  prisms, 
solul  in  alcohol  and  ether,  insoluble  in  water,  fusible  at  230°,  boiling  at 
404° md  having  the  sp.gr.  0'980. 

exposition,  &c.  The  officinal  oil  of  wine  is  essentially  the  double  sulphate 
of  etf.ir  and  etherine,  or  heavy  oil  of  wine;  but,  as  prepared  by  the  officinal 
form  i,  it  always  contains  more  or  less  light  oil  of  wine,  in  addition  to  that 
press,  in  the  heavy  oil.  This  fact  accounts  for  the  different  densities  assigned 
to  tli  officinal  oil  by  different  authorities. 

Tl  article  sold  in  our  shops  as  ethereal  oil,  is  generally  a mixture  of  alcohol 
and  tier,  with  but  a trace  of  the  oil.  Four  samples  of  so-called  ethereal  oil, 
as  injorted  from  England,  were  examined  by  Mr.  E.  N.  Kent,  of  New  York, 
and  f nd  to  have  the  composition  above  stated.  (W  Y.  Journ.  of  Fharm.,  i.  65.) 
It  is  uch  to  be  wished  that  our  manufacturing  chemists  would  make  the  offi- 
cinal thereal  oil  for  the  apothecaries,  who  could  then  prepare  the  genuine 
comp  nd  spirit  of  ether  (Hoffmann’s  anodyne)  for  themselves. 

Ol Prep.  Spiritus  iEtheris  Compositus.  B. 

^SIRITUS  iETHERIS  SULPIIURICI.  Ed.  Spirit  of  Sulphuric 

-4e  of  Sulphuric  Ether  a pint;  Rectified  Spirit  two  pints.  Mix  them. 
Tbe  |nsity  of  this  preparation  ought  to  be  0'809.”  Ed. 

Tb  preparation  is  merely  ether  diluted  with  twice  its  volume  of  alcohol. 


834 


JEtherea. 


pai  ii. 


When  prepared  with  materials  of  proper  strength,  its  sp.gr.  is  0 '809.  Its 
medical  properties  are  similar  to  those  of  ether.  The  dose  is  from  one  to  ree 
fluidrachms,  given  with  a sufficient  quantity  of  sweetened  water. 

Off.  Prep.  Tinctura  Lobeliae  ^Etherea. 

SPIRITUS  iETHERIS  COMPOSITUS.  U.S.fLond.  SPIRITS 
iETHEREUS  OLEOSUS.  I)ub.  Compound  Spirit  of  Ether.  Iff. 
mann’s  Anodyne  Liquor. 

“ Take  of  Ether  half  a pint ; Alcohol  a pint ; Ethereal  Oil  three  fluidra  ms 
Mix  them.”  U.  S. 

“Take  of  Ether  eight  fluidounces ; Rectified  Spirit  sixteen fluidounces ; the- 
real  Oil  three  fluidrachms.  Mix  them.”  Land. 

“ Take  of  Rectified  Spirit  one  pint  and  a half  [Imp.  meas.]  ; Oil  of  1 riol 
of  Commerce  one  pint  and  a half  [Imp.  meas.] ; Sulphuric  Ether  fve  nid- 
ounces  [Imp.  meas.].  Mix  the  Oil  of  Vitriol  with  one  pint  of  the  RectifieSpi- 
rit,  iu  a matrass  of  glass,  and,  connecting  this  with  a Liebig’s  condenser,  oply 
heat,  and  distil,  till  a black  froth  begins  to  rise.  Separate  the  uppermt  or 
lighter  stratum  of  the  distilled  liquid,  and  having  exposed  it  in  a caps' n for 
twenty-four  hours  to  the  atmosphere,  let  the  residual  oil  be  transferred  a 
moist  paper  filter,  and  washed  with  a little  cold  water,  so  as  to  remov  any 
adhering  acid.  Let  it  now  be  introduced  into  a bottle,  containing  the  remider 
of  the  Spirit  mixed  with  the  Ether,  and  dissolved.”  Bub. 

This  preparation  is  an  alcoholic  solution  of  ether,  impregnated  with  et  real 
oil.  In  the  U.  S.  and  London  Pharmacopoeias,  determinate  measures  of  her, 
alcohol  and  oil  are  taken,  the  ether  having  half  the  volume  of  the  alcoho  In 
the  Dublin  formula,  the  same  relation  is  preserved  between  the  ether  anolco- 
hol ; but  as  the  Dublin  College  has  no  separate  formula  for  ethereal  oil,  it  fixes 
five  fluidounces  of  ether  and  ten  fluidounces  of  alcohol  with  all  the  oil  pnuced 
by  the  reaction  of  thirty  fluidounces  of  sulphuric  acid  on  twenty  of  alcohol.  The 
objections  to  this  process  are  that  the  quantity  of  ethereal  oil  produced  is  icer- 
tain,  aud  that  washing  alone  is  employed  for  its  purification. 

Compound  spirit  of  ether  is  a volatile  liquid,  having  a burning,  slightly  reet- 
ish  taste,  and  the  peculiar  odour  of  ethereal  oil.  Its  sp.gr.  is  0'816,  aceding 
to  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia.  When  pure  it  is  wholly  volatilized  by  he;  and 
devoid  of  acid  reaction.  It  becomes  milky  on  being  mixed  with  water, wing 
to  the  precipitation  of  the  ethereal  oil;  but  this  change  does  not  prove  itgood- 
ness,  as  the  same  property  may  be  given  to  the  spirit  of  sulphuric  ether  r the 
addition  of  various  fixed  oils.  This  sophistication  may  be  detected,  aceding 
to  Prof.  Procter,  by  mixing  the  suspected  preparation  with  water,  dramg  a 
piece  of  paper  over  the  surface  of  the  liquid  to  absorb  the  oily  globuk  aud 
exposing  the  paper  to  heat.  If  the  globules  are  fixed  oil,  the  greasy  sta  will 
be  permanent;  if  ethereal  oil,  the  stain  will  disappear. 

It  is  much  to  be  regretted  that  our  manufacturing  chemists  do  not  folk  the 
Pharmacopoeia  in  making  Hoffmann’s  anodyne.  Iu  rectifying  crude  eth,  the 
distillation  is  continued,  so  long  as  the  ether  comes  over  of  the  proper  .ecibc 
gravity;  after  which  the  receiver  is  changed,  and  an  additional  distillates  ob- 
tained, consisting  of  ether  and  alcohol,  impregnated  with  ethereal  oil.  A’ it 
this  second  distillate,  variously  modified  by  the  addition  of  alcohol,  ettr,  or 
water,  so  as  to  make  it  coufbrm  iu  taste,  smell,  opalescence,  &c.,  to  a stated 
preparation,  that  the  manufacturer  sells  as  Hoffmann’s  anodyne.  (See  ProlProc- 
ter’s  paper  on  Hoffmann’s  anodyne  in  the  Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.  for  JulyPo., 
p.  213.)  Nothing  could  be  more  uncertain  in  its  results  than  a proceed ig  like 
tffris  ; and  we  cannot  be  surprised  that  the  medicine,  as  obtained  from  derent 
apothecaries,  varies  very  much  in  properties,  and  often  disappoints  the  epecta- 


PAR  II. 


JEtherea. 


835 


tionsif  the  physician.  The  chief  excuse  for  the  departure  from  the  officinal 
direcons  is  the  costliness  of  the  ethereal  oil;  but  it  can  be  shown  that  the  oil 
at  nil  dollars  an  avoirdupois  pound  would  increase  the  cost  of  a pint  and  a half 
of  tl  preparation  only  twenty-two  cents. 

Mieal  Properties.  This  preparation  is  intended  as  a substitute  for  the  ano- 
dyneiquor  of  Hoffmann,  which  it  closely  resembles.  In  addition  to  the  stimu- 
late and  antispasmodic  qualities  of  the  ether  which  it  contains,  it  possesses 
anodie  properties,  highly  useful  in  nervous  irritation,  and  want  of  sleep  from 
this  use.  These  additional  virtues  are  probably  derived  from  the  officinal  oil 
of  w:3,  which  is  a more  important  substance  than  is  generally  supposed.  Mr. 
Brans  supposes  that  the  only  effect  of  it,  in  the  preparation  under  notice,  is  to 
alter  he  flavour  of  the  ether.  In  this  opinion  he  is  certainly  in  error.  Dr. 
Hardin  his  Chemical  Compendium,  reports  the  opinion  of  Drs.  Physick  and 
Dews  in  favour  of  the  efficacy  of  the  officinal  oil  of  wine,  dissolved  in  alcohol, 
in  ceiin  disturbed  states  of  the  system,  as  a tranquillizing  and  anodyne  remedy. 
Sucbndeed  are  the  generally  admitted  effects  of  Hoffmann’s  anodyne,  when 
madeyith  a due  admixture  of  the  ethereal  oil.  Hoffmann’s  anodyne  is  on 
manpccasions  a useful  adjunct  to  laudanum,  to  prevent  the  nausea  which  is 
excitl  by  the  latter  in  certain  habits.  Its  dose  is  from  one  to  two  fluidrachms, 
givern  water  sweetened  with  sugar.  B. 

S.tRITUS  2ETHERIS  NITRICI.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed.  Spiritus 
iEtiireus  Nitrosus.  Bab.  Spiritus  Nitri  Dulcis.  Spirit  of  Nitric 
Etlu.  Sweet  Spirit  of  Nitre. 

“|ke  of  Nitrate  of  Potassa,  in  coarse  powder,  two  pounds  ; Sulphuric  Acid 
apo\d  and  a half;  Alcohol  nine  pints  and  a half;  Diluted  Alcohol  a pint; 
Carbate  of  Potassa  an  ounce.  Mix  the  Nitrate  of  Potassa  and  the  Alcohol 
in  a -ge  glass  retort,  and,  having  gradually  poured  in  the  Acid,  digest  with  a 
gentlheat  for  two  hours;  then  raise  the  heat  and  distil  a gallon.  To  the  dis- 
tilled iquor  add  the  Diluted  Alcohol  and  Carbonate  of  Potassa,  and  again  distil 
a gab.”  U.S. 

‘‘Ike  of  Rectified  Spirit  forty  fluidounces ; Nitric  Acid  [sp  gr.  1'42]  three 
fluidhices  and  a half.  Add  the  Acid  gradually  to  the  Spirit  and  mix  them ; 
then  stil  twenty-eight  fluidounces.”  Lond. 

“Ike  of  Rectified  Spirit  two  pints  and  six  fluidounces  [Imperial  measure]; 
Pure  itric  Acid  (D.  1'500)  seven  fluidounces  [Imp.  meas.].  Put  fifteen  fluid- 
ouoc(|of  the  Spirit,  with  a little  clean  sand,  into  a two  pint  matrass,  fitted  with 
a cor  through  which  are  passed  a safety-tube  terminating  an  inch  above  the 
Spiri.md  another  tube  leading  to  a refrigeratory.  The  safety -tube  being  filled 
with  |ire  Nitric  Acid,  add  through  it  gradually  three  fluidounces  and  a half  of 
the  ad.  When  the  ebullition  which  slowly  rises  is  nearly  over,  add  the  rest  of 
the  a<  l gradually,  half  a fluidounce  at  a time,  waiting  till  the  ebullition  caused 
ly  ea?  portion  is  nearly  over  before  adding  more,  and  cooling  the  refrigeratory 
with  Atream  of  water,  iced  in  summer.  The  ether  thus  distilled  over,  being 
recehl  in  a bottle,  is  to  be  agitated  first  with  a little  milk  of  lime,  till  it  ceases 
to  rebn  litmus  paper,  and  then  with  half  its  volume  of  concentrated  solution 
of  mjiate  of  lime.  The  pure  hyponitrous  ether  thus  obtained,  which  should 
have  density  of  0 899,  is  then  to  be  mixed  with  the  remainder  of  the  Rectified 
Spirit  >r  exactly  four  times  its  volume.  Spirit  of  Nitric  Ether  ought  not  to  be 
kept  lg,  as  it  always  undergoes  decomposition,  and  becomes  at  length  strongly 
acid,  jilts  density  by  this  process  is  0’847.”  Ed. 

‘lie  of  Rectified  Spirit  forty-eight  fluidounces;  Pure  Nitric  Acid  three  fluid- 
ounce  Water  one  [fluid]ounce ; Solution  of  Ammonia  a sufficient  quantify. 
Place  x [fluid]ounces  of  the  Spirit  in  a glass  matrass  capable  of  holding  forty 


836 


JEtherea. 


par  ii. 


fluidounces,  and  connect  this  with  a Liebig’s  condenser,  whose  further  extreity 
is  fitted  loosely  by  a collar  of  tow  into  a thin  eight  ounce  vial.  Add  Dovhe 
Water  to  the  Nitric  Acid,  and,  having  introduced  half  of  the  resulting  sol  ion 
into  the  matrass,  through  a safety  syphon  tube,  close  the  mouth  of  this  ibe 
with  a cork,  and  apply  for  a few  moments  a gentle  heat,  so  as  to  cause  a an- 
mencement  of  ebullition.  When  the  action  (which,  shortly  after  commenng, 
proceeds  with  much  violence,  and  should  be  moderated  by  ihe  external  ap  ca- 
tion of  cold  water)  has  relaxed,  introduce  gradually  the  remainder  of  the  id 
so  as  to  restore  it.  The  action  having  entirely  ceased,  agitate  the  distillec .re- 
duct  with  half  its  bulk  of  the  Solution  of  Ammonia,  allow  the  mixture  t -est 
for  a few  minutes,  and,  having  separated  the  supernatant  ethereal  liquid  nix 
four  [fluidjounces  of  it  with  the  rest  of  the  Spirit,  and  preserve  the  prodvin 
small,  strong,  and  accurately  stopped  bottles.  In  the  performance  of  thore- 
eeding  distillation,  the  condenser  should  be  fed  with  ice-cold  water,  and  thaial, 
in  which  the  distilled  liquid  is  received,  should  be  surrounded  by  a mixtij  of 
one  part  salt  and  two  of  pounded  ice;  or,  when  ice  cannot  be  procured,  rh  a 
mixture  of  eight  parts  of  sulphate  of  soda  in  small  crystals  and  five  of  coner- 
cial  muriatic  acid.”  Dub. 

The  officinal  spirit  of  nitric  ether  is  a mixture,  in  variable  proportions,  < hy- 
ponitrous  ether  and  alcohol  (rectified  spirit).  Hyponitrous  ether  is  always  :ne- 
rated  by  the  reaction  of  nitric  acid  and  alcohol;  and  it  matters  not  whetb  the 
alcohol  be  mixed  with  nitric  acid  directly,  or  with  the  materials  for  gene' ting 
it,  namely,  nitre  and  sulphuric  acid.  When  the  materials  for  forming  the  her 
contain  an  excess  of  alcohol,  this  distils  over  with  the  ether,  and  forms  th pre- 
paration under  consideration. 

The  processes  of  the  Pharmacopoeias  differ  considerably.  The  U.  S.  Phma- 
copoeia  obtains  the  requisite  nitric  acid  by  using  the  materials  for  generatir  it ; 
while  the  British  Colleges  mix  the  ac-id  ready  formed  with  the  alcohol.  The 
London  process,  however,  differs  from  the  Edinburgh  and  Dublin  in  or  im- 
portant point ; namely,  that  while  the  London  College  distils  the  nitric  aeicvith 
an  excess  of  alcohol,  which  comes  over  largely  with  the  ether,  forming,  atnce, 
the  sweet  spirit  of  nitre;  the  other  Colleges  form  a concentrated  hyporrous 
ether,  and  dilute  it  with  a determinate  quantity  of  alcohol. 

The  United  States  formula  is  modeled  after  a recipe  communicated  by  Mr  ohn 
Carter,  manufacturing  chemist,  to  the  Philadelphia  College  of  Pharmae.  and 
recommended  for  adoption  by  a committee  of  that  body.  The  nitre  and  aobol 
being  mixed  in  the  retort,  the  sulphuric  acid  is  gradually  added,  and  a mile 
heat  applied.  Nitric  acid  is  set  free,  and  by  reacting  with  a part  of  the  cohol 
produces  the  hyponitrous  ether.  Upon  the  subsequent  increase  of  the  he,  the 
ether  and  the  remainder  of  the  alcohol  distil  over  as  the  sweet  spirit  of  itre. 
The  distilled  product,  however,  contains  some  acid,  and  hence  is  rectifiehya 
distillation  from  carbonate  of  potassa.  The  diluted  alcohol  is  added  beforcom- 
mencing  this  distillation,  to  enable  the  operator  to  obtain  a quantity  of  cL illed 
product  equal  to  that  procured  at  first,  without  distilling  to  dryness,  which'ould 
endanger  the  production  of  empyreuma.  The  alcohol  is  first  mixed  wii  the 
nitre,  and  the  sulphuric  acid  afterwards  gradually  added.  Were  the  alcoli  and 
sulphuric  acid  previously  mixed,  the  risk  would  be  run  of  generating  eth , be- 
fore their  addition  to  the  nitre  in  the  retort.  The  retort  should  be  of  ich  a 
size  as  to  be  capable  of  holding  twice  the  amount  of  the  materials  emplo  d. 

The  above  process,  as  conducted  by  Mr.  Carter  on  a large  scale,  is  perrmed 
in  a copper  still  of  about  twenty  gallons  capacity,  and  furnished  with  a ?wter 
head  and  worm.  The  materials  for  the  first  distillation  are  IS  pounds  of  j rifled 
nitre,  12  gallons  of  alcohol  of  34°  Baume  (0'847),  and  12  pounds  of  supuric 
acid;  and  10  gallons  are  drawn  cff.  The  distilled  product  is  then  rnixc  with 


PAR  II. 


JEtherea. 


837 


a gaon  of  diluted  alcohol,  and  rectified  by  a new  distillation  from  lime  or  a 
carbiated  alkali;  the  same  quantity  being  distilled  as  at  first.  When  large 
quaities  of  this  preparation  are  thus  obtained,  the  several  portions  require  to 
be  iued  in  a large  glass  vessel,  to  render  the  whole  of  uniform  strength;  as 
the  ]rtion  which  first  comes  over  in  the  rectification  is  strongest  in  hyponitrous 
ethe  Previously  to  the  redistillation,  the  head  and  worm  must  be  washed 
thonghly  with  water  to  remove  a little  acid  which  comes  over  in  the  first  dis- 
tillafn.  ( Journ . of  the  Phil  Col.  of  Pharm.,  i.  308.) 

Ir he  London  process,  nitric  acid,  ready  formed,  is  mixed  with  the  alcohol; 
the  joportion  of  acid  to  the  spirit  being  as  7 to  80  in  volume.  The  proportion 
of  li  rated  nitric  acid  to  the  alcohol  in  the  IT.  S.  formula  may  be  assumed  to  be 
the  [me  as  that  in  the  London  process;  since  the  preparation  obtained  by  the 
two  ocesses  has  the  same  specific  gravity.  The  proportion  of  sweet  spirit  of 
nitroy  measure  drawn  off  to  the  alcohol  employed  is  seven-tenths  in  the  Lon- 
don rrnula,  and  about  five-sixths  in  that  of  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia.  When 
the  (.filiation  is  pushed  too  far,  the  product  is  high-coloured,  specifically  heavier 
thant  should  be,  very  acid  so  as  to  act  strongly  on  litmus  paper,  decomposes  the 
alkaie  carbonates  with  effervescence,  and  contains  aldehyd,  which  gives  it  a 
punpt  odour.  (Dr.  Gold  in//  Bird.)  The  impurities  arising  from  a distillation 
carril  too  far  may,  according  to  Dr.  Bird,  be  entirely  avoided  by  following  the 
diredons  of  the  London  Pharmacopoeia.  The  residue  of  the  process,  if  further 
distii'd,  will  yield  a small  additional  portion  of  sweet  spirit  of  nitre,  nearly 
purepf  higher  specific  gravity  than  the  officinal  portion;  but,  on  continuing 
the  peess,  the  hyponitrous  ether  ceases  to  come  over,  and  about  the  same  time 
aide!  d appears  in  the  distilled  product,  and  in  the  residue,  oxalic  acid,  which 
replfa  the  oxalhydric  (saccharic)  acid,  formed  at  an  earlier  stage  of  the  reaction. 
Ada  ting  Dr.  Bird’s  results,  it  is  probable  that  the  sweet  spirit  of  nitre  which 
com<  over  in  the  first  distillation  of  the  U.  S.  process  will  contain  aldehyd;  as 
conserably  more  liquid  is  drawn  over  than  is  distilled  in  the  London  process. 
Supping  this  to  be  the  case,  it  is  presumable  that  this  impurity  would  be  sepa- 
ratecoogether  with  any  contaminating  acid,  by  the  second  distillation  from  car- 
bons; of  potassa.  According  to  Mr.  Alsop  and  Mr.  Scanlan,  of  London,  the 
proc'5  of  the  London  College  is  a precarious  one,  and  at  the  same  time  not 
econ  heal.  (Pharm.  Journ.  and  Trans.,  iii.  425.)  It  is  probably  not  eco- 
nom  d,  but  it  gives  a good  preparation  when  the  London  College  directions 
are  sjictly  complied  with. 

T Edinburgh  process  for  sweet  spirit  of  nitre  consists  of  two  steps : first, 
tbelmation  of  hyponitrous  ether,  and,  secondly,  its  dilution  with  four  times 
its  varne  of  alcohol.  Dr.  Christison,  commenting  on  this  process,  states  that 
it  m be  conducted  with  safety  and  despatch,  when  the  precautions  are  attended 
tow  eh  are  enjoined  by  the  Edinburgh  College.  The  conditions  for  success  are 
to  at  no  more  acid  to  the  spirit  at  first  than  what  is  necessary  to  commence  the 
actic;  to  wait  until  the  ebullition  thus  arising  shall  have  ceased;  to  add  the 
rest  the  acid  in  small  successive  portions;  to  let  the  acid  drop  from  the  height 
of  a ut  an  inch  into  the  spirit;  to  have  some  clean  sand  in  the  bottom  of  the 
raati.s;  and  to  employ  a refrigeratory,  such  as  that  figured  at  page  793.  Should 
the  ullition  increase  too  rapidly,  it  may  be  repressed  by  blowing  cool  air  across 
the  i trass.  The  presence  of  the  sand  prevents  the  dangerous  succussions  arising 
from  he  sudden  liberation  of  ethereal  vapour.  The  ethereal  product  is  first  agi- 
tatednth  milk  of  lime  to  separate  acid,  and  then  with  half  its  volume  of  a con- 
cent ed  solution  of  chloride  of  calcium,  to  remove  water  and  alcohol.  The 
densy  given  for  this  hyponitrous  ether  is  0'899,  which  is  lower  than  that  of 
the  re  ether.  The  last  step  in  the  process  is  to  mix  this  ether  with  the  pi-e- 
scril  l quantity  of  alcohol,  which  gives  a sweet  spirit  of  nitre  of  the  density  of 


838 


JEtlierea. 


PAR'  I. 


0'847.  The  hyponitrous  ether  of  this  process  may  be  presumed  to  measuron 
an  average,  7 1 fluidounces,  and,  consequently,  the  sweet  spirit  of  nitre  obtaed 
from  it  38 1 fluidounces.  The  degree  of  dilution  was  fixed,  so  as  to  mal  it 
conform  in  ethereal  strength  with  the  same  preparation  of  the  former  I n- 
burgh  Pharmacopoeia.  The  preparation  is  intended  to  contain  one- fifth  o its 
volume  of  ether,  and  is  probably  between  three  and  four  times  a3  strong  a:  he 
sweet  spirit  of  nitre  of  the  U.  S.  and  London  Pharmacopoeias.  For  makinofls 
preparation,  Dr.  Christison  prefers  the  present  plan  of  the  Edinburgh  Col.>e, 
of  diluting  the  pure  hyponitrous  ether  to  a determinate  degree,  on  the  gr  nd 
that  it  secures  a pure  and  uniform  preparation.  Many  years  ago  the  same  an 
was  proposed  by  Dr.  Hare. 

The  Dublin  process  proceeds  on  the  same  principle  as  the  Edinburgh;  narly, 
that  of  forming  hyponitrous  ether,  and  diluting  this  with  alcohol.  But  he 
dilution  is  carried  to  a much  greater  extent  ; four  fluidounces  of  the  ether  tng 
mixed  with  forty- two  fluidounces  of  alcohol,  or  in  the  proportion  of  one  to  ternd 
a half.  This  dilution  makes  it  a little  less  than  two-fifths  as  strong  in  hyponi  ms 
ether  as  the  Edinburgh  preparation.  The  sp.gr.  of  sweet  spirit  of  nitre  hot 
given  by  the  Dublin  College;  but  it  may  be  presumed  that  the  dilution  orders hy 
the  College  makes  it  conform  in  density  to  the  London  spirit. 

Theory  of  the  Production  of  Hyponitrous  Ether,  &c.  One  eq.  of  nitric  id, 
by  reacting  with  one  eq.  of  alcohol,  forms  one  eq.  of  hyponitrous  acid,  one  e of 
aldehyd  (C4H403),  and  two  eqs.  of  water.  Thus  N05  and  C4H602=X03nd 
C4II403  and  2IIO.  The  hyponitrous  acid,  as  soon  as  formed,  reacts  with  a send 
eq.  of  alcohol,  so  as  to  form  one  eq.  of  hyponitrous  ether,  with  separation  otme 
eq.  of  water.  It  has,  however,  been  shown  by  Dr.  Golding  Bird  that,  whean 
excess  of  alcohol  is  used,  oxcdhydric  ( saccharic ) acid  is  first  formed,  and  at, 
when  the  formation  of  the  hyponitrous  ether  has  nearly  ceased,  aldehyd  ap  ars 
in  the  distilled  product,  and  simultaneously  oxalic  acid  in  the  contents  o the 
retort,  before  which  time  the  latter  cannot  be  discovered.  All  these  proicts 
result  from  the  oxidizing  action  of  the  nitric  acid  upon  the  alcohol,  inere;:ng 
the  proportion  of  oxygen  in  the  substances  formed,  either  by  removing  thry- 
drogen,  or  by  abstracting  this  element  and  adding  oxygen  at  the  same  time.  Che 
reader  who  may  wish  to  pursue  this  subject,  is  referred  to  an  interesting  pper 
by'  Dr.  Bird,  in  the  Land,  and  Ed.  Philos.  May.,  xiv.  324,  for  May,  183 

Properties  of  Hyponitrous  Ether.  Pure  hyponitrous  ether  is  pale-yellowias 
the  smell  of  apples  and  Hungary  wines,  boils  at  02°  (below  65°  Hare),  anmas 
the  sp.  gr.  0'947  at  60°.  The  density  of  its  vapour  is  2 627.  Litmus  inot 
affected  by  it.  When  it  is  mixed  with  an  alcoholic  solution  of  potassa,  Ipo- 
nitrite  of  potassa  and  alcohol  are  formed,  without  producing  a brown  cour, 
showing  the  absence  of  aldehyd.  It  is  soluble  in  48  parts  of  water,  and  all 
proportions  in  alcohol  or  rectified  spirit.  It  is  highly  inflammable,  and  bus 
with  a white  flame  without  residue.  The  impure  ether,  as  obtained  by  thel.in- 
burgh  and  Dublin  processes  for  subsequent  dilution  to  form  sweet  spirit  of  ::re. 
boils  at  70°,  and  has  the  density'  of  0‘886  at  40°.  The  specific  gravity  assned 
to  it  by  the  Edinburgh  College  is  0 899.  Mixed  with  an  alcoholic  solution  (po- 
tassa, it  becomes  dark-brown,  with  production  of  aldehyd  resin.  (See  payeP 
This  discoloration  shows  the  presence  of  aldehyd.  When  kept  it  becomesadd 
in  a short  time,  as  shown  by  litmus;  and  nitriij  oxide  is  given  off,  which  ten 
causes  the  bursting  of  the  bottle.  Its  tendency  to  become  acid  is  rented 
greater  by  the  action  of  the  air,  and  depends  on  the  absorption  of  oxygen  t the 
aldehyd,  which  thereby  becomes  acetic  acid.  These  facts  show  the  propri  a ot 
preserving  this  ether  in  small,  strong  bottles,  kept  full  and  in  a cool  place.  Iy- 
ponitrous  ether  consists  of  one  eq.  of  hyponitrous  acid  and  one  of  ether,  ai  its 
formula  is  C4II50,N03.  It  is,  therefore,  improperly  called  nitrous  and  trie 


par:ii. 


JEtlierea. 


839 


ether  Considered  as  a salt  its  proper  name  would  be  Jujponitrite  of  ether.  In 
its  pie  or  concentrated  state  it  is  never  used  in  medicine. 

Pioerties  of  Spirit  of  Nitric  Ether.  This  is  a colourless  volatile  liquid,  of 
a frajant  ethereal  odour,  and  pungent,  aromatic,  sweetish,  acidulous  taste.  It 
slighv  reddens  litmus,  and  does  not  effervesce  with  carbonate  of  soda.  The 
Edinargh  preparation  is  yellow,  and  contains  twenty  per  cent,  of  hyponitrous 
ether  Its  officinal  sp.  gr.  is  0'834  U.  S.,  Loud.;  0‘847  Ed.  High  density  is 
not  icessarily  an  index  of  deficient  strength;  as  it  may  arise,  as  in  the  Edin- 
burg preparation,  from  containing  a large  proportion  of  hyponitrous  ether. 
Whelheated  by  means  of  a water-bath,  the  U.  S.  sweet  spirit  of  nitre  begins  to 
boil  1 160°.  It  mixes  with  water  and  alcohol  in  all  proportions.  It  is  very 
infl  aim  able,  and  burns  with  a whitish  flame. 

hurities  and  Tests.  Sweet  spirit  of  nitre,  when  the  product  of  a distillation 
too  hg  continued,  at  first  contains  aldehyd,  which  afterwards  becomes  acetic 
acid  • the  absorption  of  oxygen — rapidly  if  the  preparation  be  insecurely  kept. 
The  esence  of  aldehyd  may  be  detected  by  its  imparting  a pungent  odour  and 
acridavour,  and  by  the  preparation  containing  it  assuming  a yellow  tint  on  the 
additn  of  a weak  solution  of  potassa,  owing  to  the  formation  of  aldehyd  resin. 
Anotu  test  for  aldehyd  is  the  addition  of  an  equal  volume  of  sulphuric  acid  to 
the  s jet  spirit  of  nitre.  If  the  sample  be  good,  the  change  of  colour  will  be 
sligh  and  the  mixture  will  become  considerably  viscid ; but  if  it  contain  much 
aldehl,  it  will  become  dark-coloured.  If  water  or  spirit  be  present  in  undue 
propc ion,  the  viscidity  will  be  less.  [Phillips.')  As  aldehyd  appears  to  be  the 
chief  'ource  of  impurity  in  sweet  spirit  of  nitre,  and  as  it  is  detected  by  pro- 
ducic  a characteristic  colour  with  a solution  of  potassa,  it  would  seem  easy  to 
makehis  test  available  as  an  index  when  the  distillation  should  be  discontinued. 
For  ij the  distilled  product  were  made  to  pass  through  a small  portion  of  this 
alkale  solution,  it  would  probably  give  indications  of  the  first  appearance  of 
aldehl,  and  thus  enable  the  operator  to  stop  the  distillation  in  time.  Acetic 
acid,  well  as  other  acids  (usually  nitrogen  acids)  that  may  happen  to  be  present, 
may  discovered  by  the  taste,  by  their  acting  on  litmus  strongly,  and  by  their 
decor  osing  the  alkaline  carbonates  or  bicarbonates  with  effervescence.  These 
acids iften  operate  injuriously  by  their  chemical  reactions  with  other  substances, 
when  associated  in  mixtures.  Thus  they  liberate  iodine  from  iodide  of  potas- 
sium gradually  decolorize  compound  infusion  of  roses,  and,  in  the  compound 
mixtil;  of  iron,  hasten  the  conversion  of  the  protoxide  into  the  sesquioxide  of 
iron.  To  obviate  these  effects,  Mr.  Harvey,  of  Leeds,  keeps  the  sweet  spirit  of 
nitre  ,anding  on  crystals  of  bicarbonate  of  potassa,  and  states  that,  if  the  pre- 
paratji  be  of  full  strength,  no  appreciable  portion  of  the  alkali  will  be  dissolved. 
[Than.  Journ.  and  Trans.,  Jan.  1842.)  When  acid  sweet  spirit  of  nitre  is 
rectifl  from  calcined  magnesia,  it  becomes  acid  again  in  a short  time;  but, 
accor  ng  to  M.  Klauer,  when  rectified  from  neutral  tartrate  of  potassa,  it  con- 
tinue unchanged  for  months.  The  rationale  of  the  action  of  this  salt,  however, 
is  noi  bvious.  A deep-olive  colour  being  produced  with  the  sulphate  of  pro- 
toxid  of  iron,  shows  the  presence  of  a nitrogen  oxide  or  acid,  and  a blue  tint 
with  icture  of  guaiac,  passing  through  various  shades  of  green,  a nitrogen  acid. 

Aclrding  to  Mr.  Bastick,  sweet  spirit  of  nitre  contains  about  one-fifth  of  one 
per  c it.  of  anhydrous  hydrocyanic  acid,  when  made  from  hyponitrous  ether, 
ionm  by  impregnating  alcohol  with  hyponitrous  acid,  evolved  by  the  action  of 
nitric,  cid  on  starch,  according  to  the  process  of  Liebig.  The  same  contaminat- 
mg  all  has  been  detected  by  M.  Dalpaiz,  in  the  preparation  made  according  to 
the  I idon  Pharmacopceia,  though  not  found  in  it  by  Mr.  Bastick. 

All  hoi  and  water  are  often  fraudulently  added  to  sweet  spirit  of  nitre.  "When 
ia  ur  ie  proportion,  they  may  be  detected  in  the  Edinburgh  preparation,  as 


840 


JEtherea. 


par:  i. 


stated  by  the  College,  by  agitating  it  with  twice  its  volume  of  a concentred 
solution  of  chloride  of  calcium.  If  the  sweet  spirit  of  nitre  be  of  the  full  stre  th 
of  this  College,  twelve  per  cent,  of  ether  will  slowly  separate;  showing  thai he 
chloride  of  calcium  has  taken  up  eight  per  cent.,  together  with  eighty  per . it. 
of  alcohol  and  water.  If  less  ether  separates,  it  shows  the  presence  of  toorck 
alcohol  and  water.  This  test  is  hardly  applicable  to  the  U.  S.,  London,  ad 
Dublin  preparations,  which  are  much  weaker  than  the  Edinburgh.  Dr.  Cis- 
tison  states  that  the  London  sweet  spirit  of  nitre,  when  subjected  to  it,  hasi  er 
yielded  in  his  trials  more  than  four  per  cent,  of  ether.  But  it  must  be  recoil  ed 
that,  when  it  yields  by  this  treatment  four  per  cent.,  it  really  contains  tv  re 
per  cent. ; for  eight  per  cent,  has  been  absorbed  by  the  chloride  of  calcium  st. 
Specific  gravity  is  no  criterion  of  the  goodness  of  the  preparation  as  obts  ed 
by  any  formula.  The  addition  of  water  will  raise  its  density;  and  so  will  he 
addition  of  hyponitrous  ether.  A high  density,  in  connexion  with  defint 
ethereal  qualities,  would,  of  course,  show  the  presence  of  free  acids,  or  an  e: ess 
of  water,  or  both.  A specific  gravity  lower  than  the  U.  S.  and  London  starird 
would  probably  indicate  the  presence  of  alcohol  stronger  than  it  shoulcoe, 
which  might  be  either  in  proper  amount  or  in  too  large  proportion. 

The  fraudulent  dilution  of  sweet  spirit  of  nitre  with  alcohol  and  water  - a 
great  evil,  considering  the  extensive  use  of  the  medicine,  and  its  valuable  me- 
dial properties  wThen  pure.  We  have  been  informed,  on  good  authority,  tl:  it 
is  variously  diluted  with  twice,  thrice,  and  even  four  times  its  weight  of  al  hoi 
and  water.  In  some  shops  a strong  and  a weak  preparation  are  kept,  to  suirbe 
views  of  customers  as  to  price.  Some  of  the  wholesale  druggists  are  in  the  bit 
of  diluting  it,  either  upon  the  plea  that  the  physician’s  prescriptions  are  witen 
in  view  of  the  use  of  a weak  preparation,  or  for  the  purpose  of  affording  it  t a 
low  price.  All  these  evils  would  be  corrected,  if  the  different  manufaet’ing 
chemists  in  the  Union  would  comply  with  the  recommendation  of  the  lila- 
delphia  College  of  Pharmacy,  and  adopt  for  preparing  it  the  formula  othe 
United  States  Pharmacopoeia.  A uniform  preparation  being  in  this  waj’ur- 
nished  to  the  druggists,  all  that  would  be  necessary  on  their  part,  would  ■ to 
refrain  from  weakening  it  by  the  admixture  of  alcohol  and  water. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Sweet  spirit  of  nitre  is  diaphoretic,  diureticmd 
antispasmodic.  It  is  deservedly  much  esteemed  as  a medicine,  and  is  extern  ely 
employed  in  febrile  affections,  either  alone,  or  in  conjunction  with  tartar  ertie, 
for  the  purpose  of  promoting  the  secretions,  especially  those  of  sweat  and  une. 
It  often  proves  a grateful  stimulus  to  the  stomach,  relieving  nausea  and  rem  mg 
flatulence,  and  not  unfrequently  quiets  restlessness  and  promotes  sleep.  On 
account  of  its  tendency  to  the  kidneys,  it  is  often  conjoined  with  other  diuiics, 
such  as  squill,  digitalis,  acetate  of  potassa,  nitre,  &c.,  for  the  purpose  obro- 
moting  their  action  in  dropsical  complaints.  The  late  Dr.  Duncan  praid  a 
combination  of  it  with  a small  proportion  of  aromatic  spirit  of  ammoa  as 
eminently  diaphoretic  and  diuretic,  and  well  suited  to  certain  states  of  f rile 
disease.  The  dose  is  about  a teaspoonful,  given  every  two  or  three  bour  n a 
portion  of  water.  When  used  as  a diuretic,  it  should  be  given  in  larger  <ses. 

Off.  Prep.  Mistura  Glycyrrkizue  Composita.  *■ 

CHLOROFORMUM.  lT.  S.,  Pub.  Chloroformyl.  Lond.  Con- 
form. Tercliloride  of  Forrnyle. 

“Take  of  Chlorinated  Lime  ten  pounds;  Water  three  gallons  and  a hah  Al- 
cohol two  pints.  Mix  the  Chlorinated  Lime  first  with  the  Water,  and  tbeivith 
the  Alcohol,  in  a distillatory  vessel  having  the  capacity  of  about  six  gams. 
Distil  with  a brisk  heat  into  a refrigerated  receiver,  and,  when  the  tempo  ture 
approaches  to  176°,  withdraw  the  fire,  in  order  that  the  distillation  may  pi;a-d 
by  the  heat  derived  solelyT  from  the  reaction  of  the  materials.  V\  hen  th  dis- 


FA11  II. 


fEtherea. 


841 


tillajon  slackens,  hasten  it  by  a fresh  application  of  heat,  and  continue  to  distil 
imt  the  liquid  ceases  to  come  over  with  a sweet  taste.  Separate  the  heavier 
lays  of  liquid  in  the  receiver  from  the  lighter  by  decantation,  and,  having 
wasp  it  first  with  water,  and  then  with  a weak  solution  of  carbonate  of  soda, 
agitjle  it  thoroughly  with  powdered  chloride  of  calcium,  and  distil  it  off  by 
mess  of  a water-bath,  stopping  the  distillation  when  eleven-twelfths  of  the 
liqu  have  come  over.  The  residue,  together  with  the  light  liquid  of  the  first 
dist  ation,  may  be  reserved  for  use  in  a second  operation.”  U.  S. 

‘"ake  of  Chlorinated  Lime  four  pounds;  Rectified  Spirit  half  a pint  [Imp. 
rues];  Water  ten  pints  [Imp.  rneas.];  Chloride  of  Calcium,  broken  into  pieces, 
a ci\chm.  Put  the  Chlorinated  Lime,  previously  mixed  with  the  Water,  in  a 
retd,  and  add  the  Spirit,  the  retort  being  of  such  a size  as  to  be  only  one-third 
fille  Heat  by  means  of  a sand-bath,  and  so  soon  as  ebullition  begins,  quickly 
witlraw  the  fire,  that  the  retort  may  not  break  from  a sudden  increase  of  heat. 
Dis  the  liquor  into  a receiver  until  nothing  comes  over,  renewing  the  fire  if 
necisary.  To  the  distilled  liquor  add  four  parts  of  water,  and  shake  the  whole 
wel'ogether.  Separate  carefully  the  heavier  part  which  subsides,  and  add  to 
it  tl  Chloride  of  Calcium,  shaking  occasionally  during  an  hour.  Lastly,  again 
dist  the  liquor  from  a glass  retort  into  a glass  receiver.”  Land. 

“ake  of  Chloriuated  Lime  ten  pounds  [avoirdupois];  Fresh-burned  Lime 
ficeounds  [avoird.];  Water  four  gallons  [Imp.  meas.];  Rectified  Spirit  twentij- 
jivejmces  [avoird.] ; Peroxide  of  Manganese,  in  fine  powder,  two  drachms  [Dub- 
lin light].  Slake  the  lime  with  two  pints  [Imp.  meas.]  of  the  water,  first  raised 
to  t boiling  temperature,  and,  having  placed  the  slaked  Lime  and  Chlorinated 
Lin  in  a sheet  iron  or  copper  still,  pour  on  the  residue  of  the  Water  first  mixed 
wit)  he  Spirit,  and  raised  to  the  temperature  of  100°.  Connect  now  the  still 
with  condenser,  and  apply  heat,  which,  however,  must  be  withdrawn  the  mo- 
rnerthe  distillation  commences.  The  distilled  product,  the  bulk  of  which  need 
not  tceed  two  pints  [Imp.  meas.],  will  occur  in  two  distinct  strata,  the  lower 
of  Tich  is  the  crude  chloroform.  Let  this  be  agitated,  twice  in  succession,  with 
an  ( aal  volume  of  distilled  water,  and  then,  in  a separate  bottle,  with  half  its 
volijie  of  pure  sulphuric  acid.  Lastly,  let  it  be  shaken  in  a matrass  with  the 
Per  ide  of  Manganese,  and  rectified  from  off  this  at  a very  gentle  heat.  The 
lighr  liquid  which  distils  over  with  the  chloroform,  and  the  water  used  in 
wasjog  the  latter,  should  be  preserved  with  the  view  of  their  being  introduced, 
with  new  charge,  into  the  still  in  a subsequent  process.  The  specific  gravity 
of  ( loroform  is  149%”  Dub. 

I these  processes,  by  the  reaction  of  the  chlorinated  lime  with  the  alcohol, 
chic  form  is  generated  under  the  influence  of  a moderate  heat.  By  a calcu- 
late it  will  be  fouud  that,  while  for  ten  pounds  of  chlorinated  lime,  the  U.  S. 
forr  la  calls  for  thirty-two  fluidounces  of  alcohol,  the  London  and  Dublin  Col- 
lege take  about  twenty-three  and  a half  fluidounces.  The  water  varies  in  the 
diffent  formulae  from  twenty-eight  ( O.  S)  to  thirty-two  pints  (Dub.).  The 
cubiform,  as  first  distilled,  is  found  as  a dense  yellow  layer,  forming  the  lower 
Portn  of  the  distillate,  and  is  quite  impure.  In  order  to  purify  it,  the  U.  S. 
Phajaacopceia  directs  it  to  be  washed  with  water  to  separate  alcohol,  agitated 
wit.ii  weak  solution  of  carbonate  of  soda  to  remove  chlorine,  and  rectified  by 
dist  ation  from  chloride  of  calcium  to  free  it  from  water.  This  distillation  is 
stopd  when  eleven-twelfths  of  the  liquid  have  come  over,  to  avoid  contami- 
uati  r the  product  with  a chlorinated  pyrogenous  oil,  the  presence  of  which 
intepres  with  the  favourable  action  of  the  chloroform  when  inhaled.  The  same 
me;  res  of  purification,  except  the  use  of  carbonate  of  soda,  are  directed  by  the 
Lot  m College.  The  Dublin  College  uses  slaked  lime,  mixed  with  the  chlori- 
natl  Lme  in  the  distillation,  and  purifies  the  crude  chloroform  by  means  of 


842 


JEtherea. 


PART 


water,  sulphuric  acid,  and  deutoxide  of  manganese.  The  object  of  the  slat; 
lime  is  probably  to  lessen  the  production  of  the  chlorinated  pyrogenous  oil, 
amount  of  which  is  greater,  according  to  Soubeiran  and  Mialhe,in  proportion 
the  relative  excess  of  the  chlorine  to  the  lime  employed.  The  crude  prodi , 
after  having  been  freed  from  alcohol  by  washing  with  water  in  the  usual  ways 
purified  from  the  oil  by  agitation  with  half  its  volume  of  sulphuric  acid,  whi 
must  be  pure  and  colourless,  and  at  least  of  the  density  1 840.  The  oils 
charred  and  destroyed  by  the  acid,  which  becomes  yellow  or  reddish-brown,  G 
partially  changed  into  sulphurous  acid.  To  remove  the  latter  acid,  agitat: 
with  deutoxide  of  manganese  is  directed,  according  to  the  plan  of  Mr.  Alexanr 
Kemp,  of  Edinburgh.  The  process  of  the  Dublin  College  is  the  one  propoi 
by  Gregory  and  Kemp,  of  Edinburgh.  According  to  these  chemists  chlorofc n 
is  effectually  purified  from  the  pyrogenous  oil  by  agitation  with  strong  and  p e 
sulphuric  acid.  So  long  as  a ring,  darker  than  the  rest  of  the  acid,  appe;, 
after  rest,  at  the  line  of  contact  between  the  acid  and  the  chloroform,  the  ;- 
tatiou  must  be  repeated;  and  the  oil  is  known  to  be  fully  separated,  when  e 
acid  remains  colourless.  The  same  chemists  deem  it  unnecessary  to  distil  e 
chloroform  from  deutoxide  of  manganese  to  separate  sulphurous  acid;  but  ci- 
sider  agitation  with  the  oxide  as  quite  sufficient  for  this  purpose,  to  be  contin  d 
until  the  odour  of  the  acid  is  replaced  by  the  agreeable  smell  of  pure  chlorofoi. 
When  chloroform  is  purified  by  manganese,  it  is  apt  to  become,  after  the  Use 
of  a few  weeks,  of  a delicate  pink  colour,  which  sometimes  disappears  and  t n 
returns.  This  coloration  depends  upon  the  presence  of  manganese,  and  fois 
an  objection  to  the  use  of  the  deutoxide  as  a purifier. 

Dr.  Gregory  strongly  recommends  the  above  described  process  for  purifjtg 
commercial  chloroform  as  easily  performed,  and  asserts  that  all  good  rnanuc- 
turers  purify  it  by  the  action  of  sulphuric  acid.  Nevertheless  it  has  been  sh'n 
that  chloroform,  thus  purified,  though  apparently  pure  at  first,  will  not  kp, 
but,  after  the  lapse  of  some  time,  becomes  so  loaded  with  chlorine  that  it  <n- 
not  be  inhaled.  It  appears  from  the  observations  of  Dr.  Christison  that  chlo- 
form,  purified  by  sulphuric  acid  containing  nitrous  acid,  changes  in  less  tin 
twenty-four  hours;  but  even  when  purified  with  pure  acid,  the  decomposira 
begins  at  last,  so  that  at  the  end  of  four  weeks  the  odour  of  chlorine  is  inter- 
able.  Whether  chloroform,  purified  by  chemically  pure  sulphuric  acid,  wdd 
undergo  change,  is  not,  perhaps,  fully  decided;  but,  for  practical  purposes, ae 
purification  by  the  repeated  use  of  sulphuric  acid  must  be  abandoned,  he 
manufacturers  in  Edinburgh  have  laid  the  process  aside, ^nd  have  recalled  f m 
their  customers  the  chloroform  which  had  been  manufactured  by  it.  In  Jly, 
1850,  Mr.  John  Abraham  pointed  out  the  impurity  of  chlorine  and  mur.ic 
acid  in  specimens  of  Edinburgh  chloroform,  no  doubt  manufactured  by  Dr.  re- 
gory’s  process.  These  specimens  had  a suffocating  odour,  first  reddened  ad 
then  bleached  litmus  paper,  and  deposited  on  the  inside  of  the  bottle  a greerh, 
oily-looking  substance.  Prof.  Procter  (in  Oct.  1850)  obtained  some  chloronn 
from  a Philadelphia  manufacturer,  which  presented  similar  defects,  and  as 
ascertained  to  have  been  made  by  the  sulphuric  acid  process. 

Chloroform  may  be  made  by  the  action  of  chlorinated  lime  on  pyroxylic  srit 
(wood  spirit);  but  when  thus  prepared  it  is  largely  contaminated  with  a (fo- 
rmated pyrogenous  oil,  analogous  to  that  already  mentioned  as  being  four  in 
smaller  proportion  in  chloroform  prepared  from  alcohol.  Chloroform,  thus  re- 
pared, conveniently  called  mcthyllc  chloroform , is  purified  with  too  much  ffi- 
culty  to  be  advantageously  substituted  for  that  made  with  alcohol,  calle<by 
Soubeiran,  normal  chloroform.  Chloroform  may  also  be  procured  by  disting 
one  part  of  oil  of  turpentine  with  eight  parts  of  chlorinated  lime  and  twity- 
four  of  water.  (J.  Chautard,  Chem.  Gaz.,  Feb.  1852,  p.  GS.) 


PAF  II. 


JEtherea. 


843 


iVssrs.  Duncan  and  Flockhart,  druggists,  of  Edinburgh,  manufacture  chlo- 
rofcn  on  a large  scale,  in  a peculiar  apparatus,  using  the  proportions  of  20  parts 
of  ilorinated  lime,  about  3|  parts  of  rectified  spirit,  and  60  parts  of  water. 
The  employ  two  large  wooden  barrels  as  a still,  and  a third  as  a receiver,  and 
intc-he  former  throw  steam,  which  furnishes  both  sufficient  heat  and  water  for 
the  rocess.  Sixty  pounds  of  chlorinated  lime  are  used  by  them  at  each  distil- 
late; and  they  are  able  to  manufacture  three  hundred  ounces  of  chloroform  a 
day  The  heavy  layer  of  the  distillate,  constituting  the  impure  chloroform,  is 
purud  by  them,  by  mixing  it  with  half  its  measure  of  strong  sulphuric  acid, 
grac  ally  added,  and  distilling  the  mixture,  when  cool,  in  a leaden  retort,  from 
as  rich  carbonate  of  baryta  by  weight,  as  of  acid  previously  used  by  measure. 
Theroduct  is  finally  distilled  from  quicklime,  after  having  stood  over  the  earth, 
and  een  repeatedly  shaken  with  it,  for  a day  or  two.  In  this  long- tried  process 
sulfuric  acid  is  used;  but  it  may  be  presumed  that  the  chloroform  made  by  it 
is  n liable  to  undergo  the  change  which  follows  the  use  of  Gregory’s  process. 
It  vl  be  observed  that  the  product,  after  the  action  of  the  sulphuric  acid,  is 
suclsively  distilled  from  baryta  and  lime,  thus  removing  all  traces  of  the  acid, 
to  tl  presence  of  which,  combined  in  some  unknown  way,  the  liability  to  change 
of  (loroform,  prepared  by  Gregory’s  process,  may  be  plausibly  attributed. 

hcovery  and  History.  Chloroform  was  discovered  by  Mr.  Samuel  Guthrie, 
of  Sikett’s  Harbor,  N.  Y.,  in  1831,  and  about  the  same  time  by  Soubeiran  in 
Fraie,  and  Liebig  in  Germany.  Guthrie  obtained  it  by  distilling  a gallon  from 
a nature  of  three  pounds  of  chlorinated  lime  and  two  gallons  of  alcohol  of  the 
sp.g  0'844,  and  rectifying  the  product  by  redistillation,  first  from  a great  ex- 
cess f chlorinated  lime,  and  afterwards  from  carbonate  of  potassa.  ( Sil/iman’s 
Jouiial,  vol.  xxi.,  Jan.  1832,  p.  64.)  In  a subsequent  letter  to  Professor  Sil- 
lima  dated  Feb.  15th,  1832,  Mr.  Guthrie  states  that  the  substance  which  he 
had  )tained,  “distilled  off  sulphuric  acid,  has  the  specific  gravity  of  1'486,  or 
a lit  i greater,  and  may  then  be  regarded  as  free  from  alcohol ; and  if  a little 
sulpiric  jcid  which  sometimes  contaminates  it  be  removed  by  washing  it  with 
a stng  solution  of  carbonate  of  potassa,  it  may  then  be  regarded  as  absolutely 
pun  {Ibid.,  vol.  xxii.,  July  1832,  p.  105.)  It  is  thus  evident  that  Mr. 
Guti ie  obtained  in  a pure  state,  the  substance  now  called  chloroform;  but  he 
erro:ously  supposed  his  product  to  be  the  well-known  oily  liquid  of  the  Dutch 
clients,  which  it  greatly  resembles,  and  for  the  preparation  of  which  he  be- 
lieve he  had  fallen  on  a cheap  and  easy  process.  L7nder  this  impression,  he 
calls  he  substance,  in  his  communications,  chloric  ether,  one  of  the  names  by 
whicj the  Dutch  liquid,  or  chloride  of  olefiant  gas,  is  designated.  He  was  in- 
duce; to  make  the  preparation  from  noticing  a passage  in  Professor  Silliman’s 
Lie  tints  of  Chemistry,  which  referred  to  the  Dutch  liquid  as  a grateful  diffusi- 
hle  s.nulant,  when  properly  diluted  with  alcohol  and  water.  In  relation  to  the 
antic;  ated  importance  of  this  substance  as  a medicine,  Mr.  Daniel  B.  Smith, 
Present  of  the  Philadelphia  College  of  Pharmacy,  holds  the  following  language 
in  Jy,  1832.  “The  action  of  this  ether  on  the  living  system  is  interesting, 
and  iy  hereafter  render  it  an  object  of  importance  in  commerce.  Its  flavour 
is  de.iious,  and  its  intoxicating  qualities  equal  to  or  surpassing  those  of  alcohol. 
It  is;  strong  diffusible  stimulus,  similar  to  the  hydrated  ether,  but  more  grateful 
to  tl  taste.”  {Journ.  of  the  Phil.  Col.  of  Pharm.,  iv.  118.) 

F perties.  Chloroform  is  a limpid,  colourless,  volatile,  neuter  liquid,  having 
a 1 ethereal  odour,  and  hot,  aromatic,  saccharine  taste.  It  neither  reddens 
nor  laches  litmus  paper.  It  is  but  slightly  soluble  in  water.  Its  sp.gr.  is 
1 49  . S.,  1'48  London,  and  1'496  Dub.  Gregory  has  obtained  it  of  the  den- 
sity  5 at  60°.  It  boils  at  142°.  It  is  not  inflammable,  but  renders  the 
nam'  f an  alcohol  lamp  yellow  and  fuliginous.  It  burns,  however,  with  a smoky 


844 


JEtherea. 


PART 


flame,  when  mixed  with  an  equal  volume  of  alcohol.  "When  pure,  it  has  no  - 
tion  on  potassium.  According  to  M.  Augendre  and  M.  Ed.  Robin,  chlorofei 
is  a powerful  antiseptic.  It  does  not,  like  c-reasote,  coagulate  albumen.  1 3 
scarcely  acted  on  by  sulphuric  acid  in  the  cold,  but  dissolves  readily  in  alcol 
and  ether.  The  alcoholic  solution,  when  moderately  diluted  with  water,  fois 
an  aromatic,  saccharine  liquid  of  a very  grateful  taste.  A strong  alcobc 
solution  is  decomposed  by  abundance  of  water,  the  chloroform  separating  1 
subsiding,  and  the  alcohol  uniting  with  the  water.  Chloroform  has  extent e 
solvent  powers,  being  capable  of  dissolving  caoutchouc,  gutta  perclia,  mas-, 
elemi,  tolu,  benzoin,  and  copal.  Amber,  sandarac,  lac,  and  wax  are  only  partl  y 
soluble.  It  also  dissolves  iodine,  bromine,  the  organic  alkalies,  fixed  and  vt- 
tile  oils,  most  resins,  and  fats.  It  dissolves  sulphur  and  phosphorus  sparim-. 
It  possesses  the  power  of  dissolving  a large  quantity  of  camphor,  and  furnk'S 
the  means  of  administering  that  medicine  in  an  elegant  form.  As  a gen  il 
solvent,  it  has  the  advantage  over  ether  of  not  being  inflammable;  the  infli- 
mability  of  the  latter  being  the  cause  of  frequent  accidents.  For  an  exten  e 
list  of  substances,  soluble,  insoluble,  and  partially  soluble  in  chloroform,  s a 
paper  by  M.  Lepage,  of  Gisors,  France,  copied  into  the  Am.  Journ.  of  Phai. 
for  April,  1852,  p.  147. 

Composition.  Chloroform  is  composed  of  three  eqs.  of  chlorine  and  onof 
formyle,  and  is,  therefore,  the  terchloride  of  formyle.  As  formyle  is  ab  r- 
buret  of  hydrogen,  the  formula  of  chloroform  is  C„HC13.  Its  composition  as 
first  accurately  determined  by  Dumas  in  1835,  by  whom  it  was  called  chlorotm 
from  its  relation  to  formic  acid  (C2H03),  being  formic  acid  with  its  three  =. 
of  oxygen  replaced  by  three  of  chlorine.  When  first  obtained  by  him,  Li  ig 
supposed  it  to  consist  exclusively  of  chlorine  and  carbon  ; and  hence  the  01  in 
of  the  erroneous  name  of  perchloride  of  carbon , by  which  it  is  sometimes  call*. 

The  rationale  of  the  formation  of  chloroform  has  not  been  well  made  out.  If 
alcohol  be  considered  a bihydrate  of  etheriue  C4II4+2HO,  it  may  be  presued 
to  be  generated  by  the  removal  from  the  etherine  of  two  eqs.  of  carbon,  andhe 
substitution  of  three  eqs.  of  chlorine  for  three  of  hydrogen.  Thus  C4H4-(H3 
+ C13=C2HC13.  ! 

Impurities  and  Tests.  Chloroform  is  liable  to  contain  alcohol  and  ether,  »th 
of  which  lower  its  specific  gravity.  To  determine  the  presence  of  impurity  v ch 
has  this  effect  on  its  density,  Soubeiran  recommends  that  a drop  of  the  suspoed 
chloroform  be  added  to  a mixture  of  equal  weights  of  concentrated  sulplric 
acid  and  water.  Such  an  acid,  when  cool,  will  have  the  specific  gravity  of 
and  good  chloroform,  being  of  greater  density,  will  sink  in  it.  Any  spec-ieu 
of  chloroform  which  floats  in  this  acid  should  be  rejected  as  too  light;  baits 
sinking  would  not  prove  its  density  to  be  sufficiently  high.  31.  Mialhe  hasro- 
posed  the  following  test  for  the  presence  of  alcohol.  Drop  into  distilled  'ter 
a small  quantity  of  the  chloroform.  If  pure,  it  remains  transparent  at  thoot- 
tom  of  the  glass;  but,  if  it  contain  even  a small  proportion  of  alcohol,  thglo- 
bules  acquire  a milky  appearance.  The  most  injurious  impurities  are  the  d> 
rinated  pyrogenous  oils,  already  alluded  to.  These  are  different  as  obtteu 
from  methylic  or  normal  chloroform.  The  oil  obtained  by  Soubeiran  and  3Jlhe 
from  methylic  chloroform,  is  an  oleaginous,  yellow  liquid,  lighter  than  wer, 
and  having  a peculiar  nauseous  empyreumatic  odour,  perceptible  in  the  uielflie 
chloroform  itself.  In  commercial  chloroform  it  is  sometimes  present  t the 
amount  of  six  per  cent.  It  is  easily  set  on  fire,  and  burns  with  a smoky  fme, 
chlorine  being  among  the  products  of  its  combustion.  The  oil  procured  eat 
normal  chloroform,  which  contains  it  only  in  the  amount  of  about  one-fit  of 
one  per  cent , is  essentially  different  from  the  methylic  chloroform  oil.  t b 
heavier  than  water,  and  has  an  acrid,  penetrating  odour,  unlike  that  of  the 


PAC  II. 


JEtherea. 


845 


oil.  When  the  vapour  of  these  oils  is  inspired  or  even  smelt,  it  causes,  according 
to  ,r.  Gregory,  distressing  sickness  and  headache.  These  pyrogenous  oils  are 
det;ted  by  the  action  of  pure  and  strong  sulphuric  acid.  Pure  chloroform, 
wht  mixed  with  an  equal  volume  of  the  acid,  does  not  colour  it;  but,  when 
conminated  with  these  oils,  gives  the  acid  a colour,  varying  from  yellow  to 
redsk-brown,  according  to  the  amount  of  impurity  present.  In  applying  this 
tes  several  fiuidounces  of  chloroform  should  be  used;  as  a slight  change  of 
coliir  cannot  be  easily  seen  in  a test  tube.  The  discoloration  of  sulphuric  acid 
by  ipure  chloroform  was  first  noticed  by  Mr.  Morson,  of  London,  in  Nov.  1848. 
A ; 11  more  delicate  test  of  the  oily  impurities,  according  to  Dr.  Gregory,  is  the 
sun.  which  they  leave.  If  chloroform,  thus  contaminated,  be  poured  upon  the 
har!,  it  quickly  evaporates,  leaving  the  oily  impurities,  recognizable  by  their 
pec  far  offensive  smell,  which  is  now  no  longer  covered  by  that  of  the  chloro- 
for.  The  pure  substance,  rubbed  upon  the  skin,  quickly  evaporates,  and 
scaely  leaves  aD_y  odour.  (See  the  paper  of  Soubeiran  and  Mialhe,  Journ.  de 
Plim.,  July,  1849,  copied  into  the  Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xxi.  313.  Also 
tkeaper  of  Dr.  Gregory,  Chem.  Gaz.,  May  15, 1850.)  According  to  Mr.  Henry 
Perocrton,  of  Philadelphia,  the  pyrogenous  oils  are  not  derived  from  the  corn- 
mo  whisky  ordinarily  employed  in  procuring  chloroform  ; as  he  ascertained  by 
nia'ng  the  preparation  from  pure  alcohol  of  92  per  cent.  (Am.  Journ.  of 
Finn.,  March,  1853,  p.  113.) 

■dical  Properties,  <&c.  When  taken  internally,  chloroform  acts  as  a sedative 
nar  tic,  probably  operating  through  the  nervous  system,  independently  of  vas- 
cul  action  or  congestion.  Nevertheless  it  has  been  detected  by  Ragsky  in  the 
blo<,  by  distilling  an  ounce  from  a flask,  furnished  with  a tube  bent  horizon- 
tal! and  containing  at  its  further  extremity  a strip  of  paper,  coated  by  iodide 
of  tassium  and  starch  paste.  A portion  of  the  horizontal  tube  is  heated  to 
red  ss ; and  the  volatilized  chloroform,  being  decomposed  as  it  passes  along 
the  rbe,  furnishes  muriatic  acid  and  chlorine,  which,  by  coming  in  contact  with 
the  jdide  and  starch,  develop  iodine  and  strike  a blue  colour.  The  inside  of 
the  irther  extremity  of  the  tube  may  be  moistened  with  a solution  of  nitrate 
of  ;ver,  dispensing  with  the  iodide  and  starch,  according  to  the  plan  of  Dr. 
Snt,  in  which  case  chloride  of  silver  will  be  formed.  Proceeding  in  a similar 
maier,  Dr.  Snow  has  proved  that  chloroform  may  be  detected  in  different  por- 
tior  of  the  dead  body  destroyed  by  this  agent.*  Dr.  II.  Hartshorne,  who  tried 
its  ysiological  effects  in  the  dose  of  seventy-five  drops  on  himself,  found  it  to 
pro  ce  a general  diminution  of  sensorial  power,  with  drowsiness,  and  without 
exh  iration  or  acceleration  of  the  pulse.  (Am.  Journ.  of  Med.  Sci.,  Oct.  1848, 
P-  A.)  Since  then  he  has  used  it  internally  in  a number  of  cases,  and  finds 
it  aife  anodyne  and  soporific  remedy,  altogether  free  from  the  dangerous  effects 
whi  sometimes  follow  the  inhalation  of  its  vapour.  In  the  dose  of  a flui- 
dramt,  its  soporific  effect  is  about  equal  to  that  of  thirty-five  drops  of  laudanum. 
Dr.  artshorne  has  given  it  in  doses  of  from  fifty  to  seventy-five  drops  every  half 
koufor  several  hours  together.  The  best  vehicle  is  orgeat  syrup,  in  the  pro- 
por  n of  two  fiuidounces  to  each  fluidrachm  of  the  chloroform.  When  mixed 
withmcilage  of  gum  Arabic,  the  mixture  requires  agitation,  immediately  before 
swa  iwing  each  dose.  ( Ibid .,  Jan.  1854,  p.  113.)  Chloroform,  as  prepared  by 
Mr.  rutkrie,  was  used  internally  as  early  as  1832  by  Professor  Ives,  and  Dr. 
Nat  m B.  IVes,  of  New  Haven,  in  asthma,  spasmodic  cough,  scarlet  fever,  and 
atoi:  quinsy,  with  favourable  results.  ( Silliman’s  Journ.,  xxi.  406,  407.)  It 
wasmployed  by  Dr.  Formby,  of  Liverpool,  in  hysteria,  in  1838 ; by  Mr.  Tuson, 

* i relation  to  the  detection  of  chloroform  in  dead  bodies,  see  the  paper  of  M.  Duroy, 
of  I1  is,  in  the  Journ.  de  Pharm.,  Avril,  1851. 


846 


JEtherea. 


par:  i, 


of  London,  in  cancer  and  neuralgic  affections,  in  1843  ; and  by  M.  Guillo  of 
Paris,  in  asthma,  in  1844.  Antiperiodic  properties  have  been  attributed  f it 
by  Dr.  Delioux,  of  Rochefort,  who  proposes  it  as  a remedy  in  intermitt  s 
given,  during  the  apyrexia,  in  cases  in  which  the  bark  and  quinia  fail  to  eff  a 
cure.  Dr.  Aran  has  employed  it  with  success  in  lead  colic,  administered  Dae 
mouth  and  rectum,  and  applied  to  the  abdomen.  In  these  cases  it  probably :ts 
by  relaxing  the  intestinal  spasm.  One  of  the  authors  of  this  work  has  freqm  ]y 
used  it  with  advantage  for  the  relief  of  neuralgic  and  other  painful  afeetior  in 
the  dose  of  from  forty  to  eighty  drops,  suspended  in  water  by  means  of  m 
Arabic  or  yolk  of  egg.  This  dose  may  be  repeated,  if  necessary,  at  intern  of 
one  or  two  hours,  until  some  effect  on  the  system  is  produced.  A disadvai  ve 
connected  with  the  internal  use  of  chloroform  is  its  liability  to  sicken  the  sm- 
ach,  an  effect  which  may  sometimes  arise  from  the  presence  of  pyrogenouoil 
as  an  impurity.  Externally,  it  was  used,  in  1843,  by  Mr.  Tuson,  in  caer, 
senile  gangrene,  and  sloughing  ulcers,  and,  in  the  form  of  injection  and  ga  le, 
in  profuse  discharges  from  the  uterus,  and  foul  ulcers  of  the  throat,  wit  :he 
effect  of  relieving  pain,  destroying  fetor,  and  promoting  the  separation  of  disoed 
parts.  It  has  also  been  emplo3Ted  externally  with  benefit  by  an  anonyous 
writer  in  the  Bouton  Medical  and  Surgical  Journal,  in  a painful  wound  o:he 
forearm,  implicating  the  radial  nerve;  by  Dr.  Legroux  in  a painful  affeeti  of 
one  of  the  lower  extremities,  consequent  to  a cancerous  tumour  of  the  pe is ; 
by  Mr.  Iligginson  in  labour,  applied  to  the  perineum  when  painfully  stret  ed, 
and  in  dysmenorrhoea,  brought  in  contact  with  the  os  uteri  by  means  of  a spae; 
by  Dr.  Watson  in  swelled  testicle  and  acute  spinal  tenderness ; by  Dr.  ays 
and  Dr.  Bond  in  neuralgia;  by  the  late  Dr.  I.  Parrish  in  the  supra-orbitarain 
of  rheumatic  ophthalmia,  and  in  syphilitic  ulceration  at  the  root  of  the  til; 
and  by  M.  Devergie  in  papulous  eruptions,  made  into  an  ointment  in  the >ro- 
portion  of  a fluidrachm  to  ten  drachms  of  lard.  It  has  also  been  used  witluc- 
cess  by  Dr.  Venat,  of  Bordeaux,  in  the  form  of  injection,  in  the  commeneeent 
of  acute  gonorrhoea,  as  an  abortive  treatment.  Mr.  Behrend,  of  Liveuol, 
recommends  it  in  all  stages  of  this  complaint,  injected  pure,  or  mixed  witlnu- 
cilage.  This  treatment  gives  great  pain,  and  is,  moreover,  hazardous.  Dr. 
Rauch,  of  Iowa,  has  employed  chloroform  topically  with  decided  benefit  in.eu- 
ralgia,  colic,  and  other  painful  affections.  For  some  purposes  he  found  it  xoful 
to  incorporate  it  with  olive  oil  and  solution  of  ammonia,  which  formed  amiure 
having  effects  less  transient  than  those  of  the  uncombined  chloroform,  am. 
Journ.  of  Med.  Sci.,  July,  1851,  p.  112.)  As  a wash,  injection,  and  gargleMr. 
Tuson  prepared  it  diluted  with  water,  in  the  proportion  of  one  or  two  drams 
to  the  pint;  but,  as  an  application  to  the  sound  skin,  it  is  generally  usedndi- 
luted,  by  means  of  lint  or  soft  rags,  covered  with  oiled  silk  to  prevent  evaporion. 
When  employed  undiluted  it  should  be  pure;  as,  according  to  31.  Alialhe,  hen 
it  contains  absolute  alcohol,  it  acquires  caustic  properties. 

A third  method  of  using  chloroform  is  by  inhalation.  The  first  case  waive 
met  with  in  which  it  was  employed  in  this  way,  is  related  by  Professor  Iv,  of 
New  Haven,  under  date  the  2d  of  Jan.  1832.  The  case  was  one  of  pulonic 
disease,  attended  with  general  debility  and  difficult  respiration,  and  was  effect  ally 
relieved.  ( Sillimans  Journ.,  vol.  xxi.,  Jan.  1832,  p.  406.)  In  3Iareh,  $4i, 
the  action  of  the  pure  substance  by  inhalation  was  tried  on  the  lower  aiuals 
by  M.  Flourens,  and  its  effects  on  the  spinal  marrow  described.  In  Nov  iter 
of  the  same  year,  Dr.  Simpson,  of  Edinburgh,  after  experimenting  with  aum- 
ber  of  anaesthetic  agents,  in  order  to  discover  a substitute  for  ether,  tried  bio* 
roform  at  the  suggestion  of  3Ir.  Waldie,  and,  having  found  its  effects  favomtie, 
brought  it  forward  as  a new  remed}7  for  pain,  by  inhalation,  in  surgery  anmid- 
wifery.  The  advantages  which  he  conceives  it  to  possess  over  ether,  are  the  Jail- 


PAT  II. 


AEtherea. 


847 


nesof  its  dose,  its  more  prompt  action,  its  more  agreeable  effects,  its  less  tenacious 
odrr,  its  greater  cheapness,  and  the  readiness  with  which  it  may  be  exhibited. 

be  usual  effects  produced  by  a full  dose  of  chloroform,  administered  by 
inbation,  are  the  rapid  production  of  coma,  relaxation  of  the  muscles,  slow  and 
oft(  stertorous  breathing,  upturning  of  the  eyes,  and  total  insensibility  to  agents 
wb  i ordinarily  produce  acute  pain.  The  effect  on  the  heart’s  action  is  variable. 
Soi  tiraes  frothing  of  the  mouth  takes  place,  and,  more  rarely,  convulsive 
twibes  of  the  face  and  limbs.  The  insensibility  is  generally  produced  in  one 
or  10  minutes,  and  usually  continues  for  five  or  ten  minutes;  but  the  effect  may 
be  3pt  up  for  many  hours,  provided  the  inhalation  be  cautiously  renewed 
froi  time  to  time.  The  immediate  effects  of  the  agent  are  followed  by  a drowsy 
stat  sometimes  by  quiet  sleep.  As  a general  rule,  no  recollection  is  retained 
of  : y thing  that  occurred  during  the  state  of  insensibility.  Experience  has 
sboa  that  the  effects,  here  described  as  those  of  a full  dose  of  chloroform  by 
inh.ition,  cannot  be  induced  without  danger  to  life.  Hence  all  prudent  sur- 
.geo  will  be  content  with  an  impression  short  of  the  abolition  of  all  conscious- 
ness It  is  generally  admitted  that,  at  a certain  stage  of  anaesthesia,  there  is 
insesibility  to  pain,  while  consciousness  to  a certain  extent  remains;  and  it  is 
tliisondition  that  the  surgeon  should  aim  to  produce.  According  to  Mr.  Skey, 
cbloform  has  been  administered  in  9000  cases  in  St.  Bartholomew’s  Hospital, 
witlut  a single  accident,  a fact  which  must  be  taken  as  proof  of  its  careful  and 
skill  employment  in  that  institution.  (See  Am.  Journ.  of  Med.  Sei.,  April, 
185  p.  498.)  It  is  asserted  to  be  an  advantage  of  chloroform  in  surgical  ope- 
rati  s,  that  less  blood  is  lost.  If  this  assertion  should  prove  true,  there  will 
be  gater  necessity  of  delaying  the  dressings  until  reaction  has  taken  place. 

1 3 relative  advantages  and  disadvantages  of  chloroform,  when  compared  with 
etbtas  an  anaesthetic  in  operative  surgery,  have  not  been  satisfactorily  deter- 
min  ; but  on  one  point  the  evidence  appears  to  be  conclusive,  namely,  that  it 
is  f more  dangerous  to  life  than  ether.  According  to  Dr.  Snow,  of  London, 
tbe  ipour  in  the  air  breathed  by  the  patient  should  not  exceed  six  per  cent. 
Wh  thus  used,  insensibility  is  slowly  and  safely  induced.  ( London  Med.  Times , 
Nov  1853,  p.  485.)  Dr.  Gilman,  of  New  York,  thinks  that  chloroform  has  a 
mor  mdden  and  powerful  effect  than  under  ordinary  circumstances,  when  inhaled 
ininliately  after  bleeding;  a fact  which  he  explains  by  the  increased  power  of 
absotion  produced  by  the  loss  of  blood.  (JY  Y.  Med.  Times,  Oct.  1852.) 

Ii  midwifery,  chloroform  has  been  extensively  employed  to  relieve  pain  and 
facihte  labour,  since  it  was  first  recommended  by  Dr.  Simpson.  Its  effects  in 
subcjing  the  pain  of  childbearing  are  similar  to  those  of  ether;  and  each  agent 
bas  i exclusive  advocates  among  those  practitioners  of  midwifery  who  are  will- 
ing use  anaesthetics.  The  remarks,  made  in  relation  to  ether  used  in  labour, 
are : plicable  for  the  most  part  to  chloroform,  and,  therefore,  need  not  be  repeated 
beve  (See  page  831.) 

T dose  of  chloroform  for  inhalation  is  a fluidrachm,  equivalent  to  220  drops 
or  rre,  to  be  repeated  in  two  minutes,  if  the  desired  effect  should  fail  to  be 
prodded.  The  most  convenient  inhaler  is  a handkerchief,  loosely  twisted  into 
tbe  mi  of  a bird’s  nest,  which,  after  having  been  imbued  with  the  chloroform, 
is  bid  to  tbe  mouth  and  nose.  The  use  of  this  simple  inhaler  insures  a due 
adm  ture  of  atmospheric  air  with  the  vapour  of  the  chloroform.  The  moment 
mse: ibility  is  produced,  the  inhalation  should  be  suspended;  and,  if  conscious- 
nessjiturn  too  soon,  it  should  be  cautiously  renewed.  It  is  a good  rule  not  to 
admijister  chloroform  to  persons  subject  to  epilepsy,  affected  with  organic  dis- 
ease •’  the  heart,  or  predisposed  to  cerebral  congestion.  For  the  rules  laid  down 
by  jVBaudens  for  the  administration  of  chloroform,  see  the  Am.  Journ.  of  Med. 
Sd.  >r  Jan.  1854,  p.  208. 


848 


AEtherea. 


PAR  .1. 


Chloroform,  as  ordinarily  prepared,  is  apt  to  produce,  when  inhaled,  head; ie 
nausea,  and  even  vomiting.  Perfectly  pure  chloroform,  according  to  Soub  an 
and  Mialhe,  does  not  produce  these  disagreeable  effects,  which  are  plausibl at- 
tributed to  the  presence  of  the  pyrogenous  oils.  Dr.  Simpson,  however,  ds 
that  the  purest  chloroform  that  he  uses  not  unfrequently  causes  vomiting  out 
Dr.  Gregory  attributes  this  effect,  when  following  the  use  of  the  pure  substee 
to  its  administration  after  a full  meal,  which  should  always  be  avoided. 

Chloroform  has  been  recently  used  in  Paris  (Feb.  1854),  with  alleged  sm  ss, 
by  Dr.  Delabarre,  for  producing  local  anaesthesia  before  surgical  operations,  th- 
out  affecting  the  general  system. 

Chloroform  having  proved  to  be  a relaxing  agent  and  remedy  for  pain,  len 
used  by  inhalation  in  surgery  and  midwifery,  it  was  natural  that  its  effects s nld 
be  tried  iu  the  same  way  in  spasmodic  and  painful  affections.  According,  it 
has  been  inhaled  in  hiccough,  hooping-cough,  hysteria,  the  paroxysm  of  as  na, 
angina  pectoris,  nephritic  colic,  tetanus,  poisoning  from  strychnia,  hydroploia, 
and  the  paroxysm  of  tic  douloureux,  and  generally  with  decided  advai.ge. 
Several  German  physicians  have  recently  (1853)  praised  it  in  pneumonia  an 
expectorant  and  calming  remedy.  It  has  been  employed  also  with  succe  for 
the  reduction  of  strangulated  hernia.  Mr.  II.  J.  Mackenzie,  of  Edinlgh, 
bears  testimony  to  its  good  effects,  used  by  inhalation,  in  spasmodic  strict  e of 
the  urethra,  attended  with  retention  of  urine.  Sometimes  the  urine  is  cised 
to  flow  at  once;  aud,  when  this  is  not  the  case,  the  passage  of  the  rather  is 
facilitated.  (See  Am.  Journ.  of  Med.  Sci.,  July,  1852,  p.  250.)  As  a hy  otic 
it  has  been  given  beneficially  iu  delirium  tremens,  aud  in  the  noisy  fors  of 
chronic  insanity. 

Much  has  been  said  in  relation  to  the  dangers  attendant  upon  the  inhation 
of  chloroform,  and,  certainly,  many  more  deaths  have  been  reported  from  i use 
than  from  that  of  ether.  Dr.  Warren,  in  1849,  gave  the  details  of  ten  cas,  in 
which  death  was  caused  by  chloroform,  all  occurring  in  little  more  than  aear, 
and  many  other  fatal  cases  have  since  occurred ; and  he  declares  that,  if  luvere 
compelled  to  substitute  chloroform  for  ether  iu  inhalation,  he  would  do  i with 
much  anxiety.  Chloroform  is  unquestionably  a more  powerful  agent  than  her, 
and  acts  not  only  differently,  but  in  a much  smaller  dose.  The  compative 
smallness  of  its  dose  is  certainly  a ground  of  danger,  when  its  administ.tion 
falls  into  reckless  or  incompetent  hands.  At  the  same  time  it  must  be  orne 
iu  mind  that  a great  number  of  persons  have  inhaled  chloroform,  eit  r as 
patients,  or  with  a view  to  its  pleasurable  effects. 

When  the  effects  of  chloroform  inhalation  proceed  too  far,  the  proper  ret  uies 
are  the  horizontal  posture,  cold  air  fanned  upon  the  face,  cold  water  poureopon 
the  head,  sinapisms  to  the  feet,  frictions  and  heat  to  the  body  and  extremes, 
and  ammonia  to  the  nostrils.  If  these  remedies  fail,  artificial  respiratiomust 
be  resorted  to.  When  the  patient  can  swallow,  strong  coffee  may  be  givewith 
advantage.  Galvanic  electricity,  passed  through  needles  inserted  in  dbrent 
parts  of  the  body,  is  recommended  byM.  Abeille,  of  Ajaccio,  as  a powerful  cans 
of  recalling  sensibility;  and  it  is  highly  probable  that  the  electro-magnet  lot- 
tery would  be  found  useful.  When  an  over-dose  is  taken  by  the  stomac,  the 
same  remedies  maybe  employed,  with  the  addition  of  the  stomach-pump  men 
vomiting  cannot  be  produced  by  alum  or  mustard.  Iu  a case  of  suice  by 
swallowing  chloroform,  in  which  death  took  place  in  about  thirty-four  hois,  re- 
ported in  the  fifth  volume  of  the  Edinburgh  Journ.  of  Med.  Science,  tkeuung 
membrane  of  the  larynx  and  trachea  was  found  inflamed,  the  bronchi  were <aded 
with  a dirty-gray  purulent  fluid,  the  lungs  were  inflamed  as  in  the  first  sA 
pneumonia,  and  the  brain  and  its  membranes  congested. 

A preparation  for  inhalation,  composed  of  one  third  pure  chlorofor  and 


PAR  II. 


JEtherea. 


849 


two-irds  nearly  absolute  alcohol,  has  been  recommended  by  Dr.  Warren,  under 
the  ime  of  strong  chloric  ether.  As  the  name,  chloric  ether,  was  originally 
appll  by  Dr.  T.  Thomson  to  the  Dutch  liquid,  or  chloride  of  olefiant  gas,  it 
woul  be  well  to  abandon  the  same  appellation  to  designate  either  chloroform,  or 
its  u on  with  alcohol.  Correct  names  for  the  latter  combination  would  be  either 
alcoHiti  solution  of  chloroform , or  tincture  of  chloroform.  Dr.  Warren  has  used 
Inspiration  in  fifty  cases  with  success,  and  considers  it  safer  than  chloroform, 
and  ore  agreeable  than  ether.  ( Warren  on  the  Effects  of  Chloroform  and  of 
Stro>  Chloric  Ether.  Boston,  1849.)  Further  observation  is  required  to  deter- 
mine he  value  of  “strong  chloric  ether”  as  an  anaesthetic.  The  alcohol  may 
provuseful  by  obviating,  through  its  stimulant  properties,  the  depressing  influ- 
ence f the  chloroform  ; and  ether  has  been  occasionally  given,  in  connexion 
with  aloroform,  with  the  same  view. 

T1  preparation,  sold  in  London  and  elsewhere  under  the  name  of  “chloric 
ether’  is  a weak  tincture  of  chloroform  of  variable  quality,  containing  at  most 
but  1 or  18  per  cent,  of  chloroform,  and  sometimes  not  more  than  5 or  6 per 
cent.  B. 

C LLODIUM.  U.  S.  Collodion.  Ethereal  Solution  of  Grun  Cotton. 
Hazard's  Adhesive  Liquid. 

“Ike  of  Cotton,  freed  from  impurities,  and  finely  carded,  half  an  ounce; 
Nitrp  of  Potassa,  in  powder,  ten  ounces;  Sulphuric  Acid  eight  flu  idounces  and 
ahac  Ether  two  pints  and  a half;  Alcohol  a fluidounce.  Add  the  Sulphuric 
Acid  ) the  Nitrate  of  Potassa  in  a Wedgwood  mortar,  and  triturate  them  until 
unifoily  mixed;  then  add  the  Cotton,  and,  by  means  of  the  pestle  and  a glass 
rod, : bue  it  thoroughly  with  the  mixture  for  four  minutes.  Transfer  the  Cot- 
ton t i vessel  containing  water,  and  wash  it,  in  successive  portions,  by  agitation 
and  p ssure,  until  the  washings  cease  to  have  an  acid  taste,  or  to  be  precipitated 
on  thaddition  of  chloride  of  barium.  Having  separated  the  fibres  by  picking, 
dry  tl  Cotton  with  a gentle  heat,  dissolve  it  by  agitation  in  the  Ether  previously 
inixei.vith  the  Alcohol,  and  strain.  Collodion  should  be  kept  in  closely  stopped 
bottle  previously  well  dried.”  U.  S. 

Co  >n  is  changed  into  a peculiar  explosive  substance,  called  gun  cotton,  by  the 
actionf  nitric  acid.  (See  Gun  Cotton  in  the  Appendix. ) It  is  this  substance, 
freshl  prepared,  which  is  dissolved  in  ether  assisted  by  a little  alcohol,  to  form 
colloc  n.  Gun  cotton  may  also  be  prepared  by  the  process  of  Dr.  Ellet,  of 
South  larolina  College,  which  consists  in  steeping  the  cotton  in  a mixture  of 
nitre  d sulphuric  acid.  This  mixture  sets  free  the  necessary  nitric  acid  for 
effect  g the  change  in  the  cotton.  As  this  process  affords  a gun  cotton  which 
readil  dissolves  in  ether,  while  other  processes  furnish  a product  which  some- 
times, ssolves  only  partially,  at  other  times  not  at  all,  it  has  been  selected  in 
the  U . Pharmacopoeia  for  preparing  the  cotton  for  solution  in  the  ether.  Gun 
cottoeprepared  by  the  above  process,  if  well  washed,  is  not  liable  to  decompo- 
sition Prof.  Procter  has  kept  it  for  a year,  and  found  it  still  perfectly  soluble 
in  eth . 

Coljiion  is  a transparent,  colourless  liquid,  of  a syrupy  consistence,  and  ether- 
eal SDjl.  When  applied  to  a dry  surface,  the  ether  quickly  evaporates,  and  a 
transient  film  is  left,  having  remarkable  adhesiveness  and  contractility.  On 
accoui  of  the  great  volatility  of  ether,  collodion  must  be  kept  in  bottles  well 
stopps  When  insecurely  kept,  the  liquid  thickens  and  becomes  less  fit  for  the 
use  ot  he  surgeon.  The  thickened  liquid  sometimes  contains  acicular  crystals 
°f  gu  cotton,  as  was  first  observed  by  Mr.  Higginson,  of  London,  and  after- 
wards y Dr.  J.  Leidy,  of  this  city,  who  examined  collodion  for  crystalline  bodies 
with  t : microscope  at  the  suggestion  of  Mr.  E.  Parrish. 


850 


JEtherea. 


*AI  II. 


Collodion  was  first  applied  to  tlie  purposes  of  surgery  by  Mr.  J.  Parker  ay- 
nard,  student  of  medicine,  of  Boston,  in  January,  1847.  It  is  emplove  for 
holding  together  the  edges  of  incised  wounds,  for  covering  ulcers  or  ab  led 
surfaces  with  an  impervious  film,  not  acted  upon  by  water,  and  for  eming 
parts  which  require  to  be  kept  without  relative  motion.  It  is  applied  ; ne° 
brushed  over  the  part,  or  by  means  of  strips  of  muslin.  In  whatevenay 
applied,  the  solvent  quickly  evaporates,  and  leaves  the  solid  adhesive  ma  ial. 
According  to  Lepage,  gun  cotton  will  dissolve  in  equal  parts  of  ether  andlco- 
hol,  forming  a solution  quite  as  adhesive  as  that  made  with  ether  alone.  Adds 
solution  dries  more  slowly,  it  may  prove  preferable  to  the  ethereal  solutiin 
certain  cases.  The  strong  contractile  power  of  the  collodion  coating  is ; ob- 
jection to  it  for  some  purposes.  This  property  is  removed,  according  to  A.  C. 
S.  Band,  of  Philadelphia,  by  dissolving  first  one  part  of  gun  cotton,  ancben 
one  part  of  Venice  turpentine  in  twenty  parts  of  ether.  To  give  more  flex  lity 
to  the  film,  M.  Sourisseau,  of  Kaiserberg,  adds  one  part  of  elemi  to  twee  of 
collodion.  According  to  Mr.  Startin,  of  London,  opacity  and  elasticity  n be 
imparted  at  the  same  time,  by  adding  from  half  a drachm  to  a drachm  olard, 
or  some  similar  fatty  matter,  previously  dissolved  in  ether,  to  an  ounce  (col- 
lodion. The  qualities  of  softness  and  elasticity  are  given  by  combinin  col- 
lodion with  castor  oil,  in  the  proportion  of  thirty  parts  to  two,  agreeably  the 
plan  of  M.  Guersant,  who  found  it  useful,  thus  modified,  in  erysipelas  An 
elastic  collodion,  somewhat  similar,  in  which,  besides  castor  oil,  Yenic  tur- 
pentine and  white  wax  are  added,  has  been  proposed  by  E.  Lauras.  (P'irm. 
Journ.,  xii.  303.)  In  order  to  imitate  the  colour  of  the  skin,  an  etherettinc- 
ture  of  turmeric  or  of  saffron  may  be  added,  so  as  to  produce  the  desire  tint. 
Dr.  Meller  has  proposed  a solution  of  shell  lac  in  highly  rectified  alcohobo  as 
to  have  a gelatinous  consistence,  as  a succedaneum  for  collodion. 

Collodion  has  been  used  with  advantage  by  Dr.  J.  R.  Mitchell,  of  Dubl  . and 
by  Dr.  Aran,  to  form  an  artificial  covering  to  ulcers  of  the  os  and  cervix.teri, 
thereby  allowing  the  healing  process  to  go  on  underneath;  by  M.  Wetrr,  of 
Aix-la-Chapelle,  in  chilblains;  by  M.  Sourisseau,  and  by  Dr.  Liman,  oflrlin, 
in  burns;  and  by  Dr.  J.  W.  Freer,  of  Illinois,  in  erysipelas.  According) Dr. 
Christen,  of  Prague,  collodion  is  useful  in  erysipelas  from  local  causes  onl;  such 
as  wounds,  ulcers,  burns,  &c.,  but  hurtful  in  the  disease  from  an  internalause. 
The  same  writer  condemns  its  use  to  prevent  pitting  in  smallpox  as  poavely 
injurious.  In  superficial  inflammation  it  appears  to  act  on  the  principle f the 
contractile  power  of  the  film,  thus  driving  out  the  blood  from  the  inflam,  ves- 
sels; and  it  is  in  this  way  probably  that  it  proves  useful  in  erysipelas. 

Air.  Erasmus  Wilson  has  used  collodion  with  decided  advantage  in  rtain 
diseases  of  the  skin.  It  acts  principally  by  furnishing  a substitute  for  t;  epi- 
dermis, and  by  the  local  pressure  which  its  contraction  in  drying  product  Iu 
chapped  nipples  it  has  an  admirable  effect.  Dr.  J.  H.  Claiborne  has  sed  a 
thick  coating  of  collodion  with  decided  advantage  as  a compressing  agent  r the 
discussion  of  buboes.  When  applied  to  ulcers,  abrasions,  or  chaps  of  tbskm, 
it  requires  to  be  diluted  with  ether,  so  as  to  render  it  nearly  as  limpid  asvater. 
Air.  J.  II.  Tucker  found  it  useful  iu  stopping  the  bleeding  from  leech-bit.  31. 
Sourisseau  and  Air.  E.  H.  Durden  have  used  it  as  a coating  for  pills,  wlh  are 
thereby  deprived  of  taste,  but  not  injured  iu  medicinal  properties. 

Collodion  has  become  an  important  agent  in  photography,  in  the  preption 
of  crystallotypes.  & 


PAE  II. 


Alcohol. 


851 


ALCOHOL. 


Preparations  of  Alcohol. 


ACOHOL  AMYLICUM.  Dub.  Fusel  Oil.  Grain  Oil.  Corn  Spirit 
Oil.  Potato  Spirit  Oil.  Amylic  Alcohol.  Hydrated  Oxide  of  Amyle. 

“ike  of  the  light  liquid,  which  may  be  obtained  at  any  large  distillery,  by 
contuing  the  distillation  for  some  time  after  the  pure  spirit  has  been  drawn  off, 
any  nvmient  quantity.  Introduce  it  into  a small  still  or  retort  connected  with 
a co  lenser,  and  apply  heat  so  as  to  cause  distillation.  As  soon  as  the  oil  begins 
to  cue  over  unmixed  with  water,  the  receiver  should  be  changed,  and  the  dis- 
til'laim  being  resumed  and  carried  nearly  to  dryness,  the  desired  product  will  be 
obtaed.  The  liquid  drawn  over  during  the  first  part  of  the  distillation  will 
cons;  of  an  aqueous  fluid,  surmounted  by  a stratum  of  the  Fusel  Oil.  This 
latte  though  impregnated  with  a minute  quantity  of  water,  should  be  separated 
and  feserved,  as  being  sufficiently  pure  for  use.”  Dub. 

Tf  oil  is  always  present  in  the  products  of  the  alcoholic  fermentation.  It  is 
an  i;redient  in  the  ardent  spirit  obtained  from  various  grains,  but  is  most 
abunntin  that  procured  from  fermented  potatoes.  In  grain  spirit  it  is  present 
in  tb  proportion  of  about  one  part  in  five  hundred  by  measure.  When  grain 
or  puto  whisky  is  distilled  for  the  purpose  of  obtaining  alcohol,  the  pure  spirit 
will  ntinue  to  come  over  for  a certain  time,  after  which,  if  the  distillation  be 
contlied,  a milky  liquid  will  be  obtained,  which,  upon  standing,  will  be  covered 
with  stratum  of  this  peculiar  oil.  Subjected  to  distillation,  the  milky  liquid 
will  first  boil  at  a comparatively  low  temperature,  and  yield  water  and  a little 
of  tk oil;  but  after  a time  the  boiling  point  will  rise  to  269°,  when  the  oil  will 
come  ver  pure.  By  changing  the  receiver  when  the  oil  begins  to  distil  free  from 
wate  the  Dublin  College  collects  the  oil  separate  from  the  watery  part.  In 
relat  i to  fusel  oil,  see  a paper  by  Edward  N.  Kent,  in  the  N.  Y.  Journ.  of 
Pha%  (i.  257);  and  one  by  Dr.  Charles  M.  Wetherill,  copied  into  the  Am. 
Jour  of  P harm,  for  Sept.  1853. 

Pherties.  Fusel  oil  is  an  oily,  colourless  liquid,  of  a strong  offensive  odour, 
and  rid  burning  taste.  As  usually  prepared  it  has  a pale-yellow  colour. 
Its  s]  gr.  is  0'818;  that  of  its  vapour  3 '15.  It  boils  at  269°,  and  congeals  at 
-1°,  i the  form  of  crystalline  leaves.  It  is  very  sparingly  soluble  in  water, 
but  cites  in  all  proportions  with  alcohol  and  ether.  It  dissolves  iodine,  sulphur, 
and  ] osphorus,  and  forms  a good  solvent  for  fats,  resins,  and  camphor.  When 
drop;  1 upon  paper  it  does  not  leave  a greasy  stain.  It  does  not  take  fire  like 
alcoh  by  the  contact  of  flame,  but  requires  to  be  heated  to  a temperature  of 
about  30°  before  it  begins  to  burn.  Experiments  on  inferior  animals  show  it 
to  be  a active  irritant  poison.  It  consists  of  ten  eqs.  of  carbon  60,  twelve  of 
hydrCn  12,  and  two  of  oxygen  16=88.  It  is  generally  considered  to  be  a 
hy.drd  d oxide  of  a compound  radical  called  amyle  (C^H-n);  and  on  this  view 
its  fo  mla  will  be  C10Hn, O+IIO.  When  subjected  to  oxidizing  agents,  it  loses 
two  ej..  of  hydrogen  and  gains  two  of  oxygen,  and  becomes  C10Hg,O3  + IIO,  or 
(imp' acid,  which  is  identical  with  valerianic  acid,  the  acid  found  in  valerian. 
This  id  bears  the  same  relation  to  fusel  oil  that  acetic  acid  does  to  wine  alcohol, 
and  fi  nicacid  tomethylicalcohol.  Amyle  has  been  isolated  by  Dr.  E.  Frankland. 
It  is  colourless  pellucid  liquid,  of  the  sp.  gr.  0'7701.  (6Aem.  Gaz.,  March 


Cr  e fusel  oil  may  be  obtained  from  the  alcohol  distillers.  According  to 
Mr.  1 nt,  of  New  York,  it  contains,  as  impurities,  water,  alcohol,  acetic  and 
valer  tie  acid,  oxide  of  iron,  and  an  amyle  compound,  analogous  to  oenanthic 
ether 


852 


Alcohol. 


PAB  II, 


Fusel  oil  was  made  officinal  by  tbe  Dublin  College,  in  its  Pharmacopo  of 
1850,  as  an  artificial  source  of  valerianic  acid,  to  be  used  in  forming  valeri  ate 
of  soda,  from  which,  by  double  decomposition,  three  other  valerianates,  naly, 
those  of  iron,  zinc,  and  quinia,  are  directed  to  be  formed  by  the  College. 

Off.  Prep.  Sodae  Valerianas. 

SPIRITUS  FORTIOR.  Dub.  Stronger  Spirit. 

“Take'  of  Rectified  Spirit  half  a gallon  [Imp.  rneas.];  Carbonate  of  Pash 
from  Pearlash  eight  ounces  [avoirdupois].  Having  dried  the  Carbonate  of  Pash 
at  a low  red  heat,  and  rapidly  reduced  it  to  powder  in  a warm  mortar,  let  he 
shaken  occasionally  for  four  hours  in  a bottle  with  the  Spirit,  maintainir  the 
temperature  of  the  mixture  at  or  about  100°.  After  a subsidence  of  fnty 
minutes’  duration,  the  liquid  will  form  two  distinct  strata,  the  uppermtof 
which  (measuring  about  seventy -four  ounces)  should  be  separated  by  decan  ion 
or  a syphon,  and  then  distilled  with  the  aid  of  a Liebig’s  condenser,  andc-b-ide 
of  zinc  bath,  until  the  product  amounts  to  seventy-two  ounces.  The  s:;-ific 
gravity  of  this  spirit  is  0'818.”  Dub. 

In  this  newly  introduced  formula  of  the  Dublin  College,  rectified  spir  (sp. 
gr.  0'840)  is  shaken  with  hot  and  dry  carbonate  of  potassa,  to  separate  tier; 
and  the  strengthened  spirit,  floating  over  the  more  aqueous  portion,  which  rms 
the  solvent  of  the  added  carbonate,  is  decanted,  and  distilled  with  a heatagu- 
lated  by  a chloride  of  zinc  bath,  until  f-fths  have  passed  over. 

Stronger  spirit  has  the  same  general  properties  as  alcohol,  described  at wjt 
61  as  the  type  of  a class,  including  its  varieties  of  different  strengths.  Agrubly 
to  the  density  assigned  to  it  by  the  Dublin  College  (0  818),  it  contains  beteen 
eight  and  nine  per  cent,  of  water.  It  is  used  by  the  Dublin  College  in  pre  ring 
several  essences,  and  in  making  absolute  alcohol.  (See  next  article.) 

Off.  Prep.  Alcohol,  Dub.;  Essentia  Menthse  Piperitae;  Essentia  31  tbse 
Yiridis ; Essentia  Myristicae  Moschatas.  k 

ALCOHOL.  Dd.,  Dub.  Absolute  Alcohol. 

“ Take  of  Rectified  Spirit  one  pint  [Imp.  meas.] ; Lime  eighteen  ounces,  reak 
down  the  Lime  into  small  fragments;  expose  the  Spirit  and  Lime  togeth>toa 
gentle  heat  in  a glass  matrass  till  the  Lime  begins  to  slake ; withdraw  thheat 
till  the  slaking  is  finished,  preserving  the  upper  part  of  the  matrass  eocwith 
damp  cloths.  Then  attach  a proper  refrigeratory,  and  with  a gradually  incas- 
ing heat  distil  off  seventeen  fluidounces  [Imp.  meas.].  The  density  of  this  s-obol 
should  not  exceed  0'796;  if  higher,  the  distillation  must  have  been  begun  afore 
the  slaking  of  the  Lime  was  finished.”  Ed. 

“ Take  of  Stronger  Spirit  one  pint  [Imp.  meas.] ; pulverized  fresh-burner ame 
ten  ounces  [avoirdupois].  Having  introduced  the  Lime  and  Spirit  into  a mrass. 
connected  in  the  usual  manner  with  a Liebig’s  condenser,  let  heat  be  rplied 
until  the  lime  begins  to  slake,  and  when  this  process  is  completed,  did  by 
means  of  a chloride  of  zinc  bath  until  the  liquid  which  comes  over,  togethi with 
that  obtained  during  the  slaking,  measures  two  ounces  [Imp.  meas.].  Thifieing 
rejected,  the  receiver  should  be  changed,  and  the  distillation  resumed,  ai  con- 
tinued until  a product  of  nearly  sixteen  ounces  [Imp.  meas.]  is  procured1  Tbe 
specific  gravity  of  this  product  is  0'795.”  Dub. 

In  these  processes  an  alcoholic  liquid  of  a given  specific  gravity  is  broibt  to 
its  highest  strength,  so  as  to  form  absolute  alcohol,  by  the  dehydrating  ction 
of  lime,  and  subsequent  distillation.  These  processes  are  good  ones,  ul.  if 
carefully  followed,  will  yield  absolute  alcohol.  Dr.  Christison  assures  u that, 
on  using  pure  quicklime,  with  the  precautions  mentioned  in  theEdinburi  for- 
mula, he  has  “always  obtained  from  rectified  spirit  of  the  density  of  ’&>>. 
seventeen-twentieths  of  its  volume  of  alcohol,  of  density  0 796;  aud  if  V ar': 
tenth  be  kept  apart,  the  rest  may  be  obtained  so  low  as  0'7942.” 


PAR  II. 


Alcohol. 


853 


Sibeiran  recommends  the  following  as  an  easy  method  for  obtaining  alcohol 
free  rom  water,  abundantly  and  economically.  1st.  Rectify  alcohol,  marking 
86°  P the  centesimal  alcoholmeter  of  Gay-Lussac  (rectified  spirit),  by  distilling 
it  fra  carbonate  of  potassa.  This  operation  raises  its  strength  to  94°  or  95°. 
2d.  ,aise  this  alcohol  to  97°,  by  distilling  it  with  fused  chloride  of  calcium,  or 
by  ousting  it  with  quicklime  (from  which  it  must  be  afterwards  poured  off), 
in  t : proportion  of  a pint  of  the  alcohol  to  1%  ounces  of  the  chloride,  or  21 
oun(i  of  the  lime.  3d.  Distil  the  product  of  this  operation  slowly  with  quick- 
lime n the  proportion  of  3f  ounces  to  the  pint.  The  product  will  be  absolute 
alcoll.  The  operation  may  be  shortened  to  two  steps,  by  distilling  the  alcohol 
of  9-  or  95°,  with  an  excess  of  quicklime  (7 2 ounces  to  the  pint).  In  all  cases, 
befoi  decanting  or  distilling,  the  alcohol  must  be  digested  for  two  or  three  days 
withhe  lime,  at  a temperature  between  95°  and  100°  F.  Lime  will  not  answer 
as  a ibstance  to  be  distilled  from,  unless  it  be  in  sufficient  excess;  for  other- 
wise)owards  the  end  of  the  distillation,  the  hydrate  of  lime  formed  will  yield 
up  i water  to  the  alcohol,  and  weaken  the  distilled  product.  ( Journ . de 
Plxan.,  xxv.  1,  Jan.  1839.)  Thus  it  appears  that  the  Edinburgh  and  Dublin 
procises  for  absolute  alcohol  are  substantially  the  same  as  the  short  process  of 
Soul  ran. 

Pperties.  Absolute  alcohol  is  a colourless,  volatile  liquid,  of  an  agreeable 
odouand  burning  taste.  It  boils  at  172°,  and  is  not  congealed  by  a cold  of 
lGGbelow  zero.  Its  officinal  density  is  0'794-6  Ed. ; 0'795  Dub.  Its  sp.  gr. 
is  O' 78  at  68°,  according  to  Regnault;  0'79381  at  60°  according  to  Drink- 
wate  The  sp.gr.  of  its  vapour  is  1'59.  Its  freedom  from  water  may  be 
asceiined  by  dropping  into  it  a piece  of  anhydrous  baryta,  which  will  remain 
uncbiged  if  the  alcohol  be  free  from  water;  but  otherwise  will  fall  to  powder. 
AnofBr  method  for  determining  the  same  point,  is  to  allow  alcohol  to  stand  for 
some  ime,  in  a stoppered  bottle,  on  anhydrous  sulphate  of  copper.  If  the 
alcol  be  anhydrous,  the  salt  will  remain  white ; otherwise  it  will  become  blue. 
(Casia.)  Absolute  alcohol  should  be  free  from  fusel  oil.  In  view  of  this 
irnputy,  the  Edinburgh  College  gives  the  following  test.  “ When  mixed  with 
a lift  solution  of  nitrate  of  silver  and  exposed  to  bright  light,  it  remains  un- 
chan  d,  or  only  a very  scanty  dark  precipitate  forms.” 

Ablute  alcohol  burns  with  a pale  flame  without  residue,  the  products  being 
carbon  acid  and  water.  Its  vapour,  passed  through  a porcelain  tube  filled  with 
pumi -stone  and  heated  to  redness,  yields  carbon,  gaseous  carbohydrogens, 
aide!  1,  naphthaline,  benzine,  phenic  acid,  and  various  other  substances.  (Ber- 
' thelot  It  unites  in  all  proportions  with  ether  and  water.  Its  union  with  water 
is  att,,ded  by  condensation  and  a rise  of  temperature.  When  mixed  with  water 
in  th  proportion  of  51'9  volumes  of  alcohol  to  48  1 of  water,  corresponding 
with  ie  eq.  of  the  former  to  six  of  the  latter,  the  decrease  of  volume  is  at  the 
maxi  am,  amounting  to  3 '4  per  cent.  The  powers  of  absolute  alcohol  as  a sol- 
vent e very  much  the  same  as  those  of  officinal  alcohol,  noticed  at  page  62. 

Opposition.  Absolute  alcohol  consists  of  four  eqs.  of  carbon  24,  six  of 
hydnen  6,  and  two  of  oxygen  16=46;  or,  in  volumes,  of  four  volumes  of  the 
vapoi  of  carbon,  six  of  hydrogen,  and  one  of  oxygen,  condensed  into  two 
voIul's.  Its  empirical  formula  is,  therefore,  C4H6Oa.  Viewed  as  a hydrated 
oxide  f ethyle,  its  formula  is  C4H5,04-II0. 

It  s been  stated  at  page  60,  that  during  the  vinous  fermentation  sugar  dis- 
aPPe£ , and  the  sole  products  are  alcohol  and  carbonic  acid,  which,  taken  together, 
are  et  al  in  weight  to  the  sugar  lost.  Now,  the  comparative  composition  of  the 
substj ces  concerned  supports  the  opinion  that  these  are  the  sole  products. 
Preplttory  to  the  fermentation,  the  cane  sugar  is  changed  into  grape  sugar,  or, 
accor  ig  to  Mitscherlich  and  Soubeiran,  into  uncry stallizable  sugar.  These  two 


854 


Alcohol. 


PAR'  .1. 


sugars,  dried  at  212°,  consist  of  Supposing  one  ecp  of  tliis  fern  it- 

able  sugar  to  be  the  subject-matter  of  the  change,  it  will  be  found  to  hi  .•  a 
composition  which  admits  of  its  being  broken  up  into  two  eqs.  of  alcohol  nd 
four  of  carbonic  acid,  without  a remainder;  for  CiaHla0ia==2(C4H602)  and  4((  ), 

The  reasons  are  not  obvious  which  induced  the  Edinburgh  and  Dublin  ol- 
leges  to  include  absolute  alcohol  in  their  officinal  lists.  It  is  used  in  no  re- 
paration of  the  Edinburgh  Pharmacopoeia,  and  in  only  two  of  the  Dubli  in 
neither  of  which  is  it  necessary. 

Pharm.  Use.  Employed  as  a solvent  in  preparing  Arsenici  et  Hydra  yri 
Hydriodatis  Liquor. 

Off.  Prep.  Essentia  Foeniculi. 

ALCOHOL  DILUTUM.  U.S.  Spiritus  Tenuior.  Lond.,  Ed .,  .A 

Diluted  Alcohol.  Proof  Spirit. 

“ Take  of  Alcohol,  Distilled  Water,  each,  a pint.  Mix  them.  Thesrific 
gravity  of  Diluted  Alcohol  is  0'935.”  U.  S. 

“ Take  of  Rectified  Spirit  two  pints;  Distilled  Water  a pint.  Mix  them.  Ihe 
density  of  the  product  should  be  0'912.”  Ed. 

“ Take  of  Rectified  Spirit  seven  pints  ; Distilled  Water  four  pints.  Mix.  Che 
specific  gravity  of  Proof  Spirit  is  0'920.”  Dub. 

The  London  College  places  diluted  alcohol  or  proof  spirit  in  the  list  c the 
Materia  Medica.  The  Edinburgh  College  has  ordered  the  strongest  proof  srit, 
its  density  being  0 '9 12,  which  is  7 over  proof.  It  contains  52  per  cent,  (ab- 
solute alcohol,  and  is  considerably  stronger  than  the  corresponding  spirit  (the 
former  Edinburgh  Pharmacopoeia.  The  London  College  directs  the  sp. . to 
be  0'920.  When  of  this  strength,  it  contains  49  per  cent,  of  pure  alcoho’and 
may  be  formed  by  mixing  five  measures  of  the  rectified  spirit  of  that  Lege 
with  three  of  distilled  water  at  the  temp,  of  62°.  The  Dublin  proof  spir  has 
the  sp.  gr.  0'920  also,  and,  therefore,  agrees  in  strength  with  the  eorrespoing 
spirit  of  the  London  College.  The  diluted  alcohol  of  the  U.  S.  Pharmac  oeia 
has  the  sp.gr.  0'935,  and  contains  only  42  per  cent,  of  absolute  alcohol.  ; is, 
therefore,  the  weakest  officinal  proof  spirit. 

Medical  and  Pharmaceutical  Uses.  The  medicinal  effects  of  alcohol, s it 
exists  in  brandy  and  other  ardent  spirits,  have  been  detailed  under  other  lads. 
(See  Alcohol,  U.  S.,  Spiritus  Vini  Gallici,  and  Vinum  Album.')  As  a pc  di- 
luted spirit,  however,  consisting  solely  of  alcohol  and  water  in  determinatpro- 
portions,  its  use  is  exclusively  pharmaceutical.  It  is  employed  as  an  addon 
to  the  compound  infusion  of  gentian,  and  to  some  of  the  distilled  water  and 
preparations  of  vinegar,  in  order  to  preserve  them  from  decomposition  as  a 
menstruum  for  extracting  the  virtues  of  some  plants,  preparatory  to  their  sing 
brought  to  the  state  of  extracts  and  syrups;  and  in  preparing  many  of  the  snts, 
and  a few  of  the  medicated  wines.  But  it  is  in  forming  the  tinctures  that  dated 
alcohol  is  principally'  employed.  Many  of  these  are  formed  with  the  ohinal 
alcohol  (rectified  spirit),  but  the  majority,  with  diluted  alcohol  (proof  spi:)  as 
the  menstruum.  As  the  latter  contains  more  than  half  its  weight  of  wor,  it 
is  well  fitted  for  acting  on  those  vegetables,  the  virtues  of  which  are  utly 
soluble  in  water  and  partly  in  alcohol.  The  apothecary,  however,  should  ever 
substitute  the  commercial  proof  spirit  for  diluted  alcohol,  even  though  it  iybe 
of  the  same  strength,  on  account  of  the  impurities  in  the  former;  but  wh  it  is 
recollected  how  variable  the  so  called  proof  spirits  are  in  strength,  the  ob  ition 
to  their  use  in  pharmacy  becomes  still  stronger.  Thus,  according  to  Mr.  Bnde, 
gin  contains  51 '6  per  cent,  of  alcohol  of  0 ' 82 5 ; and  the  percentage  of  tkeame 
alcohol  is  53’39  in  brandy,  53’68  in  rum,  53'90  in  Irish  whisky,  and  54-  n 
Scotch  whisky.  The  alcohol  on  which  these  results  are  based  already  ccains 
11  per  cent,  of  water.  ^ 


PAR  II. 


Alumen. — Ammonia. 


855 


ALUMEN. 

Preparations  of  Alum. 

AiUMEN  EXSICCATUM.  U.S.,  Lond.,  Ed.  Alumen  Siccatum. 
Bui  Dried  Alum. 

“ ike  of  Alum,  in  coarse  powder,  a convenient  quantity.  Melt  it  in  a shallow 
iron  • earthen  vessel,  and  maintain  it  at  a moderate  heat  until  ebullition  ceases, 
and  becomes  dry;  then  rub  it  into  powder.”  U.  S. 

“ ike  of  Alum  a pound.  Melt  it  over  the  fire;  then  increase  the  heat  until 
ebuliion  has  ceased.”  Lond. 

T1  Edinburgh  and  Dublin  processes  agree  substantially  with  that  of  the  U.  S. 
Phai  acopoeia.  When  alum  is  heated,  it  quickly  dissolves  in  its  water  of  crys- 
tallh ion,  which,  if  the  heat  be  continued,  is  gradually  driven  off ; and  the  salt 
swell  up  exceedingly,  so  as  to  make  it  expedient  to  use  a vessel,  the  capacity 
of  wch  is  at  least  equal  to  three  times  the  bulk  of  the  alum  operated  on. 
Whe  the  boiling  up  has  ceased,  it  is  a sign  that  all  the  water  has  been  driven  otf. 

Pioerties.  Dried  alum,  sometimes  called  alumen  usium  or  burnt  alum,  is  in 
the  fm  of  an  opaque  white  power,  possessing  a more  astringent  taste  than  the 
cryst lized  salt.  Before  pulverization,  it  is  a light,  white,  opaque,  porous  mass. 
Dun;  the  exsiccation,  it  loses  from  41  to  46  per  cent,  of  its  weight  in  dissi- 
patecvater.  If,  however,  the  heat  be  strongly  urged,  some  of  the  acid  is  driven 
off,  a l the  loss  becomes  still  greater.  Dried  alum  resists  the  action  of  water 
for  a mg  time,  showing  that  the  process  to  which  it  has  been  subjected  has 
alten  its  state  of  aggregation.  In  composition  it  differs  from  crystallized 
alumierely  in  the  absence  of  water. 

Ma'cal  Properties  and  Uses.  Dried  alum  has  occasionally  been  given  in 
obstite  constipation,  with  the  effect  of  gently  moving  the  bowels,  and  of  afford- 
ing gat  relief  from  pain.  (See  Alumen. ) The  dose  is  from  five  to  ten  grains 
or  uni.  Its  principal  medical  use  is  as  a mild  escharotic  for  destroying  fun- 
gous :sh.  B. 

RlUOR  ALUMINIS  COMPOSITUS.  Lond.  Compound  Solu- 
tion 'Alum. 

“lie  of  Alum,  Sulphate  of  Zinc,  each,  an  ounce ; Distilled  Water  three  pints 
[Imp  aeas.].  Bub  the  Alum  and  Sulphate  together,  and  dissolve  in  the  Water; 
then  [rain.”  Lond. 

Tb  was  formerly  called  aqua  aluminosa  Bateana,  or  Bates’s  alum  water. 
It  is  powerful  astringent  solution,  and  is  employed  for  cleansing  and  stimu- 
latingjoul  ulcers,  and  as  an  injection  in  gleet  and  leucorrhoea.  It  is  also  some- 
times mployed  as  a collyrium  in  ophthalmia  after  depletion;  but  when  used  in 
this  vy  it  must  be  diluted.  A convenient  formula  is  half  a fluidounee  of  the 
solutii,  mixed  with  six  and  a half  fluidounces  of  rose  water.  B. 

AMMONIA. 

Preparations  of  Ammonia. 

AlMONLE  CARBONAS.  U.  S.,  Ed.  Ammonle  Sesquicarbo- 
RAS.  ond.,  Dub.  Carbonate  of  Ammonia.  Sesquicarbonate  of  Ammo- 
nia- Mild  Volatile  Alkali. 

‘ l:e  of  Muriate  of  Ammonia  a pound ; Chalk,  dried,  a pound  and  a half. 
kulvtze  them  separately;  then  mix  them  thoroughly,  and  sublime  with  a gra- 
duall  ncreasing  heat.”  U.  S. 


856 


Ammonia. 


PAM 

The  Edinburgh  process  is  the  same  as  that  of  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopu, 
The  London  and  Dublin  Colleges  have  placed  this  salt  in  the  list  of  the  Mat  a 
Medica. 

In  the  above  process,  by  the  reciprocal  action  of  the  salts  employed,  the  r- 
bonic  acid  unites  with  the  ammonia,  generating  carbonate  of  ammonia,  and.e 
muriatic  acid  with  the  lime,  forming  water  and  chloride  of  calcium.  The  r- 
bonate  and  water  sublime  together  as  a hydrated  carbonate  of  ammonia,  and  ie 
residue  is  chloride  of  calcium.  In  conducting  the  process,  the  retort  shouloe 
of  earthenware,  and  have  a wide  cylindrical  neck;  and  the  receiver  shoul  ie 
cylindrical,  to  facilitate  the  extraction  of  the  sublimate.  The  relative  qu;  i- 
ties  of  chalk  and  muriate  of  ammonia,  for  mutual  decomposition,  are  50'5  ohe 
former,  and  53 ’42  of  the  latter,  or  one  eq.  of  each.  In  the  formula  a gat 
excess  of  chalk  is  taken.  An  excess  is  desirable  to  ensure  the  perfect  dem- 
position  of  the  muriate  of  ammonia ; any  redundancy  of  which  would  sub  ie 
along  with  the  carbonate,  and  render  it  impure. 

Carbonate  of  ammonia  is  obtained,  on  the  large  scale,  usually  by  subling 
the  proper  materials  from  an  iron  pot  into  a large  earthen  or  leaden  rece  r. 
Sulphate  of  ammonia  may  be  substituted  for  the  muriate  with  much  econcy, 
as  was  shown  by  Payen.  Large  quantities  of  this  carbonate  are  manufactei 
indirectly  from  coal-gas  liquor  and  bone  spirit;  the  ammoniacal  products  in  t se 
liquors  being  successively  converted  into  sulphate,  muriate,  and  carbona  of 
ammonia.  (See  Ammonias  Marias.)  The  salt  as  first  obtained  has  a s’ ht 
odour  of  tar,  and  leaves  a blackish  carbonaceous  matter  when  dissolved  in  a Is. 
Hence  it  requires  to  be  purified,  which  is  effected  in  iron  pots,  surmounted  th 
leaden  heads. 

Properties.  Carbonate  ( sesquicarbonate ) of  ammonia,  recently  prepared,  in 
white,  moderately  hard,  translucent  masses,  of  a fibrous  and  crystalline  appr- 
ance,  a pungent  ammoniacal  smell,  and  a sharp  penetrating  taste.  It  poss-ses 
an  alkaline  reaction,  and  when  held  under  a piece  of  turmeric  paper  chang  it 
to  brown,  owing  to  the  escape  of  monocarbonate  of  ammonia.  When  Ion  or 
carelessly  kept,  it  gradually  passes  into  the  state  of  bicarbonate,  becoming  op  ue 
and  friable,  and  falling  iuto  powder.  It  is  soluble  without  residue  in  about  ur 
times  its  weight  of  cold  water,  and  is  decomposed  by  boiling  water  with  <er- 
vescence.  According  to  Dr.  Barker  ( Observations  on  the  Dublin  Pharnco- 
poeia),  it  dissolves  abundantly  in  diluted  alcohol,  as  also  in  heated  alcoh  of 
the  sp.gr.  0'836,  with  effervescence  of  carbonic  acid.  When  heated  on  a ece 
of  glass,  it  should  evaporate  without  residue,  and,  if  turmeric  paper  held  .rer 
it  undergoes  no  change,  it  has  passed  into  bicarbonate.  As  now  prepared  )m 
coal  gas  liquor,  it  usually  contains  traces  of  tarry  matter,  which  gives  a irk 
colour  to  its  solution  in  acids.  When  saturated  with  nitric  acid,  neither cbl ide 
of  barium  nor  nitrate  of  silver  causes  a precipitate.  The  non-action  of  ese 
tests  shows  the  absence  of  sulphate  and  muriate  of  ammonia.  It  is  decomped 
by  acids,  the  fixed  alkalies  and  their  carbonates,  lime-water  and  magma, 
solution  of  chloride  of  calcium,  alum,  acid  salts,  such  as  bitartrate  and  lul- 
phate  of  potassa,  solutions  of  iron  (except  the  tartrate  of  iron  and  potassal.or- 
rosive  sublimate,  the  acetate  and  subacetate  of  lead,  and  the  sulphates  of  -on 
and  zinc. 

Composition.  It  consists  of  three  eqs.  of  carbonic  acid  66,  two  of  ainnnia 
34,  and  two  of  water  18  = 118;  or,  which  comes  to  the  same  thing,  of  oneq. 
of  bicarbonate  61,  and  one  of  monocarbonate  39,  combined  with  the  same  (an- 
ti ty  of  water.  The  medicinal  carbonate  of  ammonia  is,  therefore,  when  pe'Ct, 
a sesquicarbonate,  as  it  is  called  by  the  London  and  Dublin  Colleges.  P-oa 
and  Scanlan,  however,  have  rendered  it  probable  that  it  is  a double  salt :_or, 
when  treated  with  a small  quantity  of  cold  water,  monocarbonate  is  diss  red 


PAB  II. 


Ammonia. 


857 


and  icarbonate  left.  When  converted  into  bicarbonate  by  exposure  to  the  air, 
eacliq.  of  the  medicinal  salt  loses  one  eq.  of  monocarbonate,  a change  which 
leav  the  acid  and  base  in  the  proper  proportion  to  form  the  bisalt.  The  mutual 
decc  position  of  the  salts,  employed  in  its  preparation,  would  generate,  if  no 
loss  ccurred,  the  monocarbonate,  and  not  the  sesquicarbonate.  The  way  in 
whir  the  latter  salt  is  formed  may  be  thus  explained.  Ey  the  mutual  decorn- 
posi  m of  three  eqs.  of  muriate  of  ammonia  and  of  chalk  respectively,  three 
eqs.  f monocarbonate  of  ammonia,  three  of  water,  and  three  of  chloride  of  cal- 
ciunire  generated.  During  the  operation,  however,  one  eq.  of  ammonia,  and 
one  f water,  forming  together  oxide  of  ammonium,  are  lost;  so  that  there 
remu  to  be  sublimed,  three  eqs.  of  carbonic  acid,  two  of  ammonia,  and  two  of 
watt;  or,  in  other  words,  the  exact  constituents  of  the  hydrated  sesquicarbonate. 
Wh<  this  is  re-sublimed  in  the  process  of  purification,  two  eqs.  of  the  salt  lose 
one  . of  carbonic  acid,  and  become  one  eq.  of  5-4  carbonate  of  ammonia. 

Mical  Properties  and  Uses.  Carbonate  of  ammonia  is  stimulant,  diapho- 
retic antispasmodic,  powerfully  antacid,  and  in  large  doses  emetic.  Under 
certa  circumstances  it  may  prove  expectorant;  as  when,  in  the  last  stages  of 
phtbis,  it  facilitates,  by  increasing  the  muscular  power,  the  excretion  of  the 
sput  As  a stimulant,  it  is  exhibited  principally  in  typhus  fever,  and  very 
freqmtly  in  connexion  with  wine  whey.  Its  principal  advantage,  in  this  dis- 
ease.; its  power  to  increase  the  action  of  the  heart  and  arteries  without  unduly 
excitig  the  brain.  It  is  employed,  with  a view  to  the  same  effect,  and  as  an 
antad,  in  certain  stages  of  atonic  gout,  and  in  the  derangement  of  the  stomach 
supejening  on  habits  of  irregularity  and  debauchery.  As  a diaphoretic,  it  is 
resoi'd  to  in  gout  and  chronic  rheumatism,  particularly  the  latter,  in  conjunc- 
tion ith  guaiac.  Dr.  Pereira  has  employed  it  in  many  cases  of  epilepsy  with 
bene ...  In  diabetes  it  has  been  recommended  by  Dr.  Barlow  in  England,  and 
Bomardat  in  France.  In  cases  of  scrofula  attended  with  languid  circulation 
and  jy  skin,  it  is  said  to  produce  excellent  effects.  It  is  very  seldom  used  as 
an  e:;tic;  but  is  supposed  to  act  with  advantage,  in  this  way,  in  some  cases  of 
para  .sis.  In  psoriasis  and  lepra  vulgaris,  Cazenave  has  used  it  with  remark- 
able jiccess.  Two  cases  of  glanders,  successfully  treated  chiefly  with  five-grain 
dosesbf  carbonate  of  ammonia,  repeated  every  hour  or  two  hours,  are  reported 
by  I Mackensie,  of  London.  (Ranking' s Abstract,  No.  18,  p.  280.)  As  an 
exteiil  application,  it  is  rubefacient,  and  may  be  employed  in  several  ways. 
Redud  to  fine  power,  and  mixed  with  some  mild  ointment,  it  is  useful  in  local 
rheu  itism.  One  part  of  it,  incorporated  with  three  parts  of  extract  of  bella- 
donn  forms  a plaster  very  efficacious  in  relieving  local  and  spasmodic  pains. 
Coar  ly  bruised,  and  scented  with  oil  of  lavender,  it  constitutes  the  common 
smel  ig  salts,  so  much  used  as  a nasal  stimulant  in  syncope  and  hysteria.  The 
ordir-y  dose  is  five  grains,  every  two,  threej  or  four  hours,  given  in  the  form 
of  pi  or  mixture;  and  as  an  emetic,  thirty  grains,  to  be  repeated  if  necessary, 
and  histed  by  free  dilution.  It  should  never  be  given  in  powder,  on  account 
of  its  olatile  nature.  Pills  of  it  may  be  made  up  with  some  vegetable  extract, 
as  ofjantian,  for  example,  and  should  be  dispensed  in  a wide-mouthed  vial,  and 
not  i a box. 

Cr aonate  of  ammonia  is  used  as  a chemical  agent  in  preparing  Zinci  Oxidum 
and  ,;rrum  Tartarizatum.  It  is  sometimes  employed  to  make  effervescent 
drag  ts,  20  grains  of  the  salt  requiring  for  this  purpose  6 fluidrachms  of  lemon 
juice  !4  grains  of  citric  acid,  or  25j  grains  of  tartaric  acid. 

O.Prep.  Ammoniae  Bicarbonas;  Cuprum  Ammoniatum;  Liquor  Ammonias 
Ac-et  s;  Liquor  Ammoniae  Citratis;  Liquor  Ammoniae  Sesquicarbonatis;  Po- 
tassa  licarbonas;  Potassas  Carbonas  Purum.  B. 


858 


Ammonia. 


PAM  I. 


AMMONLZE  BICARBONAS.  Dub.  Bicarbonate  of  Ammonia. 

“Take  of  Commercial  Sesquicarbonate  of  Ammonia  any  convenient  qnany. 
Reduce  it  to  a fine  powder,  and  having  spread  it  on  a sheet  of  paper,  expo  it 
to  the  air  for  twenty-four  hours.  Let  it  be  now  enclosed  in  a well  stopped  hot  ” 
Dub. 

This  salt  is  officinal  only  in  the  Dublin  Pharmacopoeia.  The  sesquicarboi  e 
by  exposure  to  the  air,  loses  monocarbonate  by  evaporation,  and  is  converted  to 
bicarbonate.  This  salt  is  an  opaque  white  powder,  having  a faint  ammon  al 
taste  and  smell.  It  is  less  soluble  in  water  than  the  sesquicarbonate,  requiatr 
eight  times  its  weight  of  that  liquid  to  dissolve  it.  It  possesses,  though  i an 
inferior  degree,  the  same  medical  properties  as  the  sesquicarbonate,  and  fund  as, 
according  to  Dr.  Barker,  of  Dublin,  the  means  of  prescribing  ammonia  in  a .n- 
venient  and  palatable  form.  The  dose  is  from  six  to  twenty-four  grains,  dissc  ed 
in  cold  water,  as  hot  water  decomposes  the  salt. 

The  curious  fact  has  been  ascertained  by  Mr.  L.  Thompson,  of  Newcasfon 
Tyne,  that  bicarbonate  of  ammonia  is  exhaled  from  the  lungs  in  the  amou  of 
about  three  grains  in  twenty-four  hours.  ( Philos . May.  for  Feb.  1847.) 

LIQUOR  AMMONLE  SESQUICARBONATIS.  Bond.  Ammcre 
Carbonatis  Aqua.  Ed.  Solution  of  Sesquicarbonate  of  Ammonia.  Tiler 
of  Carbonate  of  Ammonia. 

“Take  of  Sesquicarbonate  of  Ammonia  four  ounces;  Distilled  "Water  a hit 
[Imp.  rneas.].  Dissolve  and  strain.”  Lond. 

The  Edinburgh  solution  is  of  the  same  strength  as  the  London. 

This  preparation  may  be  viewed  as  a saturated  aqueous  solution  of  earbiate 
of  ammonia.  It  is  very  properly  omitted  in  the  United  States  Pharmacopia; 
as  it  is  liable  to  change  by  keeping,  and  the  solution  of  the  salt  may  be  reily 
ordered  of  any  desired  strength  in  prescription.  The  dose  is  from  half  a fluidram 
to  a fluidrachm,  given  in  any  bland  liquid. 

Off.  Prey.  Linimentum  Ammoniae  Sesquiearbonatis ; Pilulae  Cupri  Ammonti. 

AMMONLZE  IIYDRO-SULPHURETUM.  Dub.  Hydrosulplret 
of  Ammonia.  Solution  of  Hydrosulphate  of  Ammonia. 

“Take  of  Solution  of  Ammonia  four  jiuidounces  [Imp.  meas.];  Sulphui  of 
Iron  one  ounce  and  a half  [avoirdupois] ; Oil  of  Vitriol  of  Commerce  one  j id- 
ounce  and  a half  [Imp.  meas.];  Water  ffteen  ounces  [avoird.];  Distilled  Vter 
two  ounces  [avoird.].  Place  the  Sulphuret  of  Iron  and  Water  in  a two-nued 
bottle,  and,  adding  the  Oil  of  Vitriol  by  degrees  through  a safety  funnel,  comet 
by  suitable  tubes  the  sulphuretted  hydrogen  which  is  disengaged,  first  thrigb 
the  Distilled  Water  placed  in  a small  intermediate  vial,  and  then  to  the  biom 
of  a bottle  containing  the  Ammonia,  the  neck  of  the  latter,  through  whic-the 
glass  tube  conveying  the  gas  passes,  being  loosely'  plugged  with  tow.  If,  ien 
the  development  of  gas  has  ceased,  a drop  of  the  ammoniacal  liquid,  addeco  a 
saturated  solution  of  sulphate  of  magnesia,  gives  no  precipitate,  the  prepanon 
is  completed;  but  should  a precipitate  occur,  the  hydrosulphuret  still  conins 
free  ammonia,  and  must,  therefore,  be  again  subjected  to  the  action  of  a stam 
of  sulphuretted  hydrogen.  The  Hydrosulphuret  of  Ammonia  must  he  ke  in 
a green  glass  bottle,  furnished  with  an  accurately  ground  stopper.  The  spine 
gravity  of  this  solution  is  0'999.”  Dub. 

This  preparation  is  a solution  of  hydrosulphate  of  ammonia  in  water,  al  is 
formed  by  passing  a stream  of  hydrosulphuric  acid  gas  (sulphuretted  hydrin) 
through  water  of  ammonia,  contained  in  a Wolfe’s  bottle.  The  hydrosulpinc 
acid  is  generated  by  the  action  of  dilute  sulphuric  acid  on  sulphuret  of  iron. The 
water  yields  its  oxygen  to  the  iron  forming  protoxide  of  iron,  with  wbictne 


PAE  II. 


Ammonia. 


859 


sulparic  acid  combines;  while  the  hydrogen  of  the  water,  uniting  with  the  sul- 
pha generates  the  hydrosulphuric  acid. 

}yperlies.  Hydrosulphuret  of  ammonia  is  a liquid  of  a greenish-yellow  colour, 
very’etid  smell,  and  acrid,  disagreeable  taste.  It  is  characterized  by  giving  co- 
lourl  precipitates  with  neutral  metallic  solutions,  for  which  it  is  much  used  as 
a te.  It  is  decomposed  by  acids,  which  cause  the  escape  of  hydrosulphuric  acid 
witbffervescence,  and  the  deposition  of  sulphur.  The  salt  present  in  it  appears 
to  b a bihydrosulphate,  consisting  of  two  eqs.  of  hydrosulphuric  acid  34,  and 
one  ’ ammonia  17=51. 

Aiical  Properties.  This  preparation  is  sedative,  lessening  the  action  of  the 
heai  in  a remarkable  degree,  and  producing  nausea,  vomiting,  vertigo,  and 
drobness.  It  has  been  used  in  diabetes  mellitus,  in  which  it  was  proposed  as 
a re'sdy  by  Dr.  Cruickshank,  for  the  purpose  of  lessening  the  morbid  appetite 
whii  often  attends  that  affection,  and  has  been  employed  by  Dr.  Kollo  and 
othe . The  dose  is  from  five  to  six  drops  in  a tumblerful  of  water  three  or 
fourmes  a day,  to  be  gradually  increased  until  giddiness  is  produced.  B. 

L]UOR  AMMONITE.  U.  S.  Ammonle  Liquor.  Lond .,  Dub.  Am- 
MOSffl  Aqua.  Ed.  Aqua  Ammonite.  Solution  of  Ammonia.  Water  of 
Amonia. 

“ ake  of  Muriate  of  Ammonia,  in  fine  powder,  Lime,  each  a pound ; Distilled 
Wat.'  a pint;  Water  nine  fluidounces.  Break  the  Lime  in  pieces,  and  pour  the 
Wat'  upon  it  in  an  earthen  or  iron  vessel;  then  cover  the  vessel,  and  set  it  aside 
till  te  Lime  falls  into  powder  and  becomes  cold.  Mix  this  thoroughly  with  the 
Mmlte  of  Ammonia  in  a mortar,  and  immediately  introduce  the  mixture  into 
a gin  retort.  Place  the  retort  upon  a sand-bath,  and  adapt  to  it  a receiver, 
prevusly  connected,  by  means  of  a glass  tube,  with  a quart  bottle  containing 
the 'stilled  Water.  Then  apply  heat,  to  be  gradually  increased  till  the  bottom 
of  tl  iron  vessel  containing  the  sand  becomes  red-hot;  and  continue  the  process 
so  Ljg  as  ammonia  comes  over.  Remove  the  liquor  contained  in  the  quart 
bott  and  for  every  fiuidounce  of  it  add  three  and  a half  fluidrachms  of  Dis- 
tilleWater,  or  so  much  as  may  be  necessary  to  raise  its  specific  gravity  to  0‘960. 
Kee  the  solution  in  small  bottles  well  stopped.  Solution  of  Ammonia  may  also 
be  p pared  by  mixing  one  part,  by  measure,  of  Stronger  Solution  of  Ammonia 
withtvo  parts  of  Distilled  Water.”  U.  S. 

“ ike  of  Sal  Ammoniac,  in  fine  powder,  fresh-burned  Lime,  each  eight 
ounc  [avoirdupois]  ; Water  four  ounces  [avoird.]  ; Distilled  Water  sixteen 
ounci  [avoird.].  Pour  on  the  Lime  the  four  ounces  of  Water,  and,  when  the 
slaki'  lime  has  cooled,  mix  it  well  with  the  Sal  Ammoniac  by  trituration  in  a 
morl  ■.  Introduce  the  mixture  into  a matrass  of  glass,  or,  if  such  can  be  had, 
an  ii  i bottle,  and,  having  closed  this  by  means  of  a cork  perforated  by  a suitable 
tubepr  conveying  off  the  gas,  apply,  with  the  intervention  of  sand,  a gentle 
heat yvhicli  must  be  gradually  augmented,  and  cause  the  ammonia,  as  it  is 
evold,  to  pass  first  through  a small  Wolfe’s  bottle  furnished  with  a syphon 
safettube  containing  mercury,  and  thence  to  the  bottom  of  an  [Imperial]  pint 
bottlcontaining  the  Distilled  Water.  The  temperature  of  the  latter  must  be 
prev;  ted  from  rising  as  the  absorption  of  the  gas  proceeds,  by  surrounding  the 
bott.  which  contains  it  with  cold  water,  which  should  be  frequently  renewed. 
Tbe  lecific  gravity  of  this  solution  is  0'950.”  Dub. 

T London  College  now  places  solution  of  ammonia  in  the  Materia  Medica 
list,  recting  it  to  have  the  specific  gravity  0'960. 

T Edinburgh  process  includes  the  formation  of  Liquor  Ammoniac  Fortior 
and  is  preparation  at  one  operation.  The  process  has  been  quoted  at  length 
and  cplained  under  another  head.  (See  Liquor  Ammonise  Fortiori)  The 
solu  n of  ammonia  of  this  College  is  directed  to  have  the  sp.gr.  0‘960. 


860 


Ammonia. 


pai  ii. 


The  object  of  the  above  processes  is  to  obtain  a weak  aqueous  solution  (the 
alkaline  gas  ammonia.  The  muriate  of  ammonia  is  decomposed  by  the  su  :ior 
affinity  of  the  lime  for  its  acid,  ammonia  is  disengaged,  and  the  lime,  coml  in<r 
with  the  acid,  forms  chloride  of  calcium  and  water.  The  lime  is  slaked  to  i der 
it  pulverulent,  in  which  state  it  acts  more  readily  on  the  muriate  of  amraia. 
The  Wolfe’s  bottle  is  intended  to  retain  any  water  holding  in  solution  undom- 
posed  muriate,  or  the  oily  matter  sometimes  contained  in  this  salt,  asw.  as 
other  impurities,  which  may  be  driven  over  by  the  heat;  while  the  pui  gas 
passes  forward  through  the  glass  tube  into  the  bottle  containing  the  di- lied 
water,  which  should  not  fill  it,  on  account  of  the  increase  of  bulk  whii  the 
water  acquires  during  the  absorption  of  the  gas.  The  tube  should  coinne 
down  to  near  the  bottom  of  the  bottle,  and  pass  through  a cork,  loosely  fitti  r its 
mouth.  To  prevent  the  regurgitation  of  the  water  from  the  bottle  into  the  ter- 
mediate  vessel,  the  latter  should  be  furnished  with  a Welter’s  tube  of  safe,  as 
directed  by  the  Dublin  College.  Large  bottles  are  improper  for  keepir  the 
water  of  ammonia  obtained  ; as,  when  they  are  partially  empty,  the  atmos  eric 
air  contained  within  them  is  apt  to  furnish  a little  carbonic  acid  to  the  ami  nia. 

In  preparing  solution  of  ammonia,  the  Pharmacopoeias  now  agree  iu  sing 
equal  weights  of  muriate  of  ammonia  and  lime  for  generating  the  gaseoij  am- 
monia. This  proportion  gives  a great  excess  of  lime,  compared  with  the  qrntity 
required  if  determined  by  the  equivalents.  But  in  practice  it  is  found  ;van- 
tageous  to  have  an  excess,  as  well  to  insure  the  full  decomposition  of  them  rate 
of  ammonia,  as  to  make  up  for  accidental  impurities  in  the  lime. 

Solution  of  ammonia  is  obtained  on  the  large  scale  by  manufacturing  c-htists, 
with  greater  economy,  from  the  sulphate  instead  of  the  hydrochlorate  of  amtmia. 

The  U.  S.,  London,  and  Edinburgh  Pharmacopoeias  give  directions  foiilu- 
ting  Liquor  Ammonise  Fortior,  so  as  to  reduce  it  to  the  strength  of  jquor 
Ammoniae.  This  is  effected  by  mixing  one  measure  of  the  stronger  prep:.tion 
with  two  measures  of  distilled  water  (Co  S-,  Lond .),  or  with  two  and  half 
measures  (Ed.).  By  dilution  to  this  extent  the  stronger  solution  is  bright 
uniformly  to  the  sp.  gr.  0'960 ; the  Edinburgh  solution  requiring  more  -iter, 
because  more  concentrated. 

Properties.  The  properties  of  Liquor  Ammoniae  Fortior  have  alread’been 
given.  (See  page  84.)  Those  of  the  officinal  solution  of  ammonia,  descri  l in 
this  place,  are  the  same  in  kind,  but  weaker  in  degree.  Its  specific  gravy  in 
the  U.  S.,  London,  and  Edinburgh  Pharmacopoeias  is  the  same,  0'960;  1 the 
Dublin,  0‘950.  When  of  the  density  0'960, 100  grains  of  it  saturate  30  fains 
of  officinal  sulphuric  acid,  and  contain  nearly  10  grains  of  ammonia.  It  is 
incompatible  with  acids,  and  with  acidulous  and  most  earthy  and  metallic-alts : 
but  it  does  not  decompose  the  salts  of  lime,  baryta,  or  strontia,  and  (com- 
poses those  of  magnesia  only  partially.  If  precipitated  by  lime-water,  tl  am- 
monia is  partly  carbonated.  When  saturated  with  nitric  acid,  it  should  re  no 
precipitate  with  carbonate  of  ammonia,  nitrate  of  silver,  or  chloride  of  bium. 
A precipitate  with  the  first  indicates  earthy  matter;  with  the  second  nriatie 
acid  or  a chloride ; with  the  third  sulphuric  acid  or  a sulphate.  Obmnrcial 
solution  of  ammonia  sometimes  contains  pyrrol , naphthaline,  and  other  snble 
impurities.  These  may  be  detected  by  the  solution  being  reddened  byutric 
acid,  and,  after  having  been  supersaturated  with  muriatic  acid,  by  its  tin ng  a 
slip  of  fir  wood  of  a rich  purple  colour,  characteristic  of  pyrrol.  (Mactian.) 
The  source  of  these  impurities  is  coal-gas  liquor,  from  which  the  amm  heal 
compounds  are  largely  obtained. 

Composition.  Water  is  capable  of  absorbing  670  times  its  volume  of  nmo- 
niaeal  gas  at  50°,  and  increases  its  bulk  about  two-thirds.  But  the  oeiual 
solution  of  ammonia  is  by  no  means  a saturated  one.  Thus,  the  ammon  con- 


PAl'  II. 


Ammonia. 


861 


taiti  in  the  U.  S.,  London,  and  Edinburgh  preparations  is  about  10  per  cent.; 
in  e Dublin,  about  124  per  cent.  The  following  table  gives  the  per  centage 
of  a moniacal  gas  in  aqueous  solutions  of  different  densities. 


jecific 

cavity. 

Ammonia 
per  cent. 

Specific 

Gravity. 

Ammonia 
per  cent. 

Specific 

Gravity. 

Ammonia 
per  cent. 

8750 

32-50 

0-9326 

17-52 

0-9545 

11-56 

8875 

29-25 

0-9385 

15-88 

0-9573 

10-82 

9000 

26-00 

0-9435 

14-53 

0-9597 

10-17 

9054 

25-37 

0-9476 

13-46 

0-9619 

9-60 

;9166 

22-07 

0-9513 

12-40 

0-9692 

9-50 

9255 

19-54 

Idical  Properties  and  Uses.  Solution  of  ammonia  is  stimulant,  sudorific, 
ant:id,  and  rubefacient.  It  stimulates  more  particularly  the  heart  and  arteries, 
witljut  unduly  exciting  the  brain.  As  a stimulant,  it  is  occasionally  employed 
in  ralysis,  hysteria,  syncope,  asphyxia,  and  similar  affections.  In  the  same 
condaints  it  is  often  applied  to  the  nostrils  with  advantage ; but,  in  cases  of 
instability,  care  must  be  taken  not  to  carry  the  application  too  far,  for  fear  of 
induing  dangerous  and  even  fatal  bronchitis.  As  an  antacid,  it  is  one  of  the 
besfemedies  in  heartburn,  and  for  the  relief  of  sick  headache  when  dependent 
on  idity  of  stomach.  In  these  cases  it  acts  usefully  also  by  stimulating 
the  Stomach.  In  the  bites  of  poisonous  serpents,  it  has  long  been  deemed  a 
powful  antidote.  A successful  case,  caused  by  the  bite  of  a cobra  de  capello, 
is  norted  by  Dr.  W.  Chalmers,  formerly  of  Bengal,  in  which  the  solution  of 
amifmia  was  chiefly  relied  on.  It  has  been  recommended  by  Dr.  Guerard  as 
an  plication  to  burns,  which  have  proceeded  to  the  extent  of  rubefaction  or 
rais  g the  cuticle,  as  a means  of  relieving  the  pain  and  hastening  the  cure. 
(Jo,n.  de  Pharm.,  Jan.  1849.)  As  a rubefacient  it  is  employed  united  with 
oilsi  the  form  of  volatile  liniment.  (See  Linimentum  Ammoniae.')  The  dose 
is  fi  n ten  to  thirty  drops,  largely  diluted  with  water  to  prevent  its  caustic  effect 
on  ti  mouth  and  throat.  When  swallowed  in  an  over-dose,  its  effects  are  those 
of  piorrosive  poison.  The  best  antidotes  are  vinegar  and  lemon-juice,  which 
act  ; neutralizing  the  ammonia,  and  must  be  promptly  applied  to  be  useful. 
Thelonseeutive  inflammation  must  be  treated  on  general  principles. 

harm.  Uses.  To  prepare  Aconitia;  Calcis  Phosphas  Praecipitatum;  Ferri 
Oxiim  Hydra  turn;  Morphia;  Morphiae  Acetas;  Pulvis  Antimonialis,  Dub.; 
Spiijus  iEthereus  Nitrosus;  Strychnia;  Veratria. 

t.Prep.  Ammonias  Liquor  Fortior,  Dub.;  Ammoniae  Hydro-sulpburetum; 
her  Ammonio-citras;  Hydrargyrum  Ammoniatum ; Linimentum  Ammoniae; 
Lin  entum  Camphorae  Oompositum  ; Linimentum  Hydrargyri.  B. 

::QU0R  AMMONIA  ACETATIS.  U.S.,  Lond.  Ammoniae 
AcJatis  Aqua.  Ed.  Ammoniae  Acetatis  Liquor.  Dub.  Spiritus 
Mi  iereri.  Solution  of  Acetate  of  Ammonia.  Spirit  of  Mindererus. 

'fake  of  Diluted  Acetic  Acid  two  pints;  Carbonate  of  Ammonia,  in  powder, 
o s%  c lent  quantity.  Add  the  Carbonate  of  Ammonia  gradually  to  the  Acid 
Rot  it  is  saturated.”  U.  S. 

1;  London  and  Dublin  processes  are  substantially  the  same  as  the  above, 
ake  of  Distilled  Vinegar  (from  French  Vinegar  in  preference)  twenty-four 
flurlunces  [Imperial  measure];  Carbonate  of  Ammonia  an  ounce.  Mix  them 
andjssolve  the  salt.  If  the  solution  has  any  bitterness,  add  by  degrees  a little 
Disjied  Vinegar  till  that  taste  be  removed.  The  density  of  the  Distilled  Vine- 
gar iould  be  1 005,  and  that  of  the  Aqua  Acetatis  Ammoniae  1011.”  Ed. 


862 


Ammonia. 


PAR:  I. 


This  preparation  is  an  aqueous  solution  of  acetate  of  ammonia.  The  prt  gs 
by  which  it  is  formed  constitutes  a case  of  single  elective  affinity.  The  a ie 
acid  decomposes  the  carbonate,  combines  with  the  ammonia  forming  the  ac<  te 
of  ammonia,  and  disengages  the  carbonic  acid  with  effervescence.  The  I n- 
burgh  is  now  the  only  British  Pharmacopoeia  that  uses  distilled  vinegar  in  f n- 
ing  this  preparation;  the  London  and  Dublin  Colleges  having  followed  in  nr 
recent  Pharmacopoeias  the  U.  S.  process,  which  takes  the  officinal  diluted  a;ic 
acid  instead  of  distilled  vinegar  for  saturating  the  carbonate.  (See  Acidum  :e - 
ticum  Dilutum.)  The  use  of  diluted  acetic  acid  is  preferable  to  that  of  disted 
vinegar;  for,  besides  furnishing  a solution  of  the  acetate  of  uniform  streng,  a 
result  which  cannot  be  attained  by  the  employment  of  distilled  vinegar,  it  a'  ds 
the  production  of  a brownish  solution,  which  uniformly  follows  the  use  olhe 
latter,  especially  when  it  has  been  condensed  in  a metallic  worm.  Thequa;tv 
of  carbonate  of  ammonia,  necessary  to  saturate  a given  weight  of  the  ae  of 
average  strength,  cannot  be  laid  down  with  precision,  on  account  of  the  var  ole 
quality  of  the  salt.  The  preparation,  when  made  with  the  diluted  acetic  fid 
of  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia,  contains  about  six  per  cent,  of  acetate  of  arum  ia. 
It  is  more  convenient  to  add  the  salt  to  the  acid  than  the  acid  to  the  sal  as 
the  point  of  saturation  is  thus  more  easily  attained.  This  point  is  best  aer- 
tained  by  the  alternate  use  of  turmeric  and  litmus  paper;  and  it  is  a goodule 
to  allow  a slight  acidity  to  prevail,  which  will  be  due  to  carbonic  acid  diss.ed 
in  the  liquid,  and  will  disappear  as  soon  as  this  acid  is  dissipated  by  time. 

Properties.  Solution  of  acetate  of  ammonia,  when  made  of  pure  materii.is 
a limpid  and  colourless  liquid  without  smell.  Its  taste  is  saline,  and  resenlea 
that  of  a mixture  of  nitre  and  sugar.  When  it  contains  an  excess  of  aali, 
its  taste  is  bitterish.  It  should  be  freshly  prepared  at  short  intervals;  fits 
acid  becomes  decomposed,  and  a portiou  of  carbonate  of  ammonia  is  genei  ed. 
As  formerly  prepared,  under  the  name  of  spirit  us  Mindereri,  it  was  made  om 
the  impure  carbonate  of  ammonia  containing  animal  oil,  which  modified  thore- 
paration  by  giving  rise  to  a portion  of  ammoniacal  soap.  When  pure  it  inot 
coloured  by  bydrosulphuric  acid,  nor  precipitated  by  chloride  of  barium,  ti- 
trate of  silver  precipitates  crystals  of  acetate  of  silver,  soluble  in  watennd 
especially  in  nitric  acid.  An  insoluble  precipitate  with  this  test  is  chlori  of 
silver,  and  shows  the  presence  of  muriatic  acid.  Potassa  disengages  amuaia, 
sulphuric  acid,  acetous  vapours.  When  evaporated  to  dryness,  the  reside  is 
wholly  dissipated  by  heat,  with  the  smell  of  ammonia.  It  is  iucompatible.’itli 
acids,  the  fixed  alkalies  and  their  carbonates,  lime-water,  magnesia,  sulpha  of 
magnesia,  corrosive  sublimate,  the  sulphates  of  iron,  copper,  and  zinc,  andnrate 
of  silver.  When  it  contains  free  carbonic  acid,  it  produces  with  the  acete  or 
subacetate  of  lead  a precipitate  of  carbonate  of  lead,  which,  being  mistake  for 
the  sulphate,  has  sometimes  led  to  the  erroneous  conclusion  that  sulphuri acid 
was  present  in  the  distilled  vinegar,  when  this  has  been  employed.  Aceto  of 
ammonia,  the  salt  in  solution  in  this  preparation,  is  difficultly  erystallizabl  and 
very  deliquescent.  It  may  be  obtained  by  sublimation  from  a mixture  of  jual 
parts  of  dry  acetate  of  potassa  or  of  lime,  and  muriate  of  ammonia.  It  cc-ists 
of  one  eq.  of  acetic  acid  51,  and  one  of  ammonia  17=68.  When  crystallid  it 
contains  seven  eqs.  of  water  63. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Solution  of  acetate  of  ammonia  is  a va  able 
diaphoretic,  much  employed  in  febrile  and  inflammatory  diseases.  Accordg  to 
the  indications  to  be  answered  by  its  use,  it  is  variously  combined  with  nit  and 
antimonials,  camphor  and  laudanum.  If,  instead  of  promoting  its  determi  tion 
to  the  skin  by  external  warmth,  the  patient  walk  about  in  a cool  air,  its  tion 
will  be  directed  to  the  kidneys.  It  is  sometimes  used  externally  as  a disci  cut. 
Mr.  Brande  speaks  of  it  as  an  excellent  application  in  mumps,  applied  kokpon 


PAI  II. 


Ammonia. 


863 


a pile  of  flannel.  In  the  hydrocele  of  children,  it  is  strongly  recommended  by 
Dr.  laushner,  applied  by  means  of  compresses  kept  constantly  moist.  ( Journ . 
deAarm.,Se  ser.,\.  317.)  Mixed  in  the  quantity  of  a fluidounce  with  seven 
fluimnces  of  rosewater,  and  two  fluidrachms  of  laudanum,  it  forms  a useful 
coll  ium  in  chronic  ophthalmia.  The  late  Dr.  A.  T.  Thomson  used  it  as  a lotion 
witlgood  effect  in  porrigo  affecting  the  scalp.  The  dose  is  from  half  a fluid- 
oun  to  a fluidounce  and  a half,  every  three  or  four  hours,  mixed  with  water 
and  weetened  with  sugar.  It  proves  sometimes  very  grateful  to  febrile  patients, 
whe  prescribed  with  an  equal  measure  of  carbonic  acid  water.  B. 

1QUOR  AMMONIiE  CITRATIS.  Loncl.  Solution  of  Citrate  of 
Antonia. 

“ake  of  Citric  Acid  three  ounces;  Distilled  Water  a pint  [Imperial  measure]; 
Sesdcarbonate  of  Ammonia  two  ounces  and  a half,  or  a sufficient  quantity.  Dis- 
solvthe  Acid  in  the  Water,  and  add  the  Sesquicarbonate  to  saturation.”  Land. 

Iconsequence  of  the  want  of  correspondence  between  the  London  measures 
and  lose  in  use  with  us,  it  will  be  more  convenient  to  make  this  preparation  in 
accdance  with  the  U.  S.  process  for  Solution  of  Citrate  of  Potassa.  The  result 
will ot  be  materially  different.  All  that  is  required  is  to  saturate  lemon  or  lime 
juic  or  an  equivalent  solution  of  citric  acid,  with  carbonate  of  ammonia.  Such 
a sftion  may  be  made  by  rubbing  half  an  ounce  of  citric  acid  first  with  two 
minis  of  oil  of  lemons,  and  then  with  half  a pint  of  water  till  it  is  dissolved. 

inore  elegant  mode  of  exhibition  is  that  of  an  extemporaneous  effervescing 
draiht.  To  half  a fluidounce  of  lemon  juice  mixed  with  an  equal  measure  of 
wati  or  to  a fluidounce  of  a solution  of  citric  acid  containing  17  grains  of  the 
acid  s to  be  added  half  a fluidounce  of  a solution  containing  13  grains  of  car- 
bon® of  ammonia,  and  the  mixture  is  to  be  administered  while  effervescing. 

Ii  solution  of  citrate  of  ammonia  is  given  as  a refrigerant  diaphoretic  in 
febr;  complaints,  and  is  especially  applicable  to  typhoid  fevers,  with  a hot 
and  cy  skin.  A tablespoonful  of  the  saturated  solution,  or  the  whole  quantity 
abo'  mentioned  of  the  effervescing  preparation,  may  be  repeated  every  hour, 
two  or  three  hours.  W. 

SIRITUS  AMMONLZE.  U.  S.,  Ed.  Spirit  of  Ammonia. 

“ike  of  Muriate  of  Ammonia,  in  fine  powder,  Lime,  each  a pound;  Alcohol 
txoei  'fluidounces ; Water  nine  fluidounces.  Slake  the  lime  with  the  Water,  mix 
it  w l the  Muriate  of  Ammonia,  and  proceed  in  the  manner  directed  for  Solu- 
tion f Ammonia,  the  Alcohol  being  introduced  into  the  quart  bottle  instead  of 
Dist  ed  Water.  When  all  the  ammonia  has  come  over,  remove  the  liquor  con- 
tain in  the  quart  bottle,  and  keep  it  in  small  bottles  well  stopped.”  U.  S. 

“ ake  of  Rectified  Spirit  two  pints  [Imperial  measure];  fresh-burnt  Lime 
heel]  ounces  [a  pound];  Muriate  of  Ammonia,  in  very  fine  powder,  eight  ounces; 
Wat  six  fluidounces  and  a half  [Imp.  meas.].  Let  the  Lime  be  slaked  with 
the  ; ater  in  an  iron  or  earthenware  vessel,  and  cover  the  vessel  till  the  powder 
be  cl;  mix  the  Lime  and  Muriate  of  Ammonia  quickly  and  thoroughly  in  a 
mor  ■,  and  transfer  the  mixture  at  once  into  a glass  retort;  adapt  to  the  retort 
a tu.  which  passes  nearly  to  the  bottom  of  a bottle  containing  the  Rectified 
Spin;  heat  the  retort  in  a sand-bath  gradually,  so  long  as  anything  passes  over, 
pres  ving  the  bottle  cool.  The  bottle  should  be  large  enough  to  contain  one- 
balf  lore  than  the  spirit  used.”  Ed. 

8 'it  of  ammonia  is  now  officinal  in  the  U.  S.  and  Edinburgh  Pharmacopoeias 
only  the  London  and  Dublin  Colleges  having  dismissed  the  preparation  under 
the  me  name.  It  is  a solution  of  caustic  ammonia  in  rectified  spirit.  The  pro- 
port  is  of  the  ingredients  of  the  U.  S.  formula  are  so  adjusted  as  to  give  a pre- 
paraon,  containing  between  10  and  11  per  cent,  of  ammonia,  and  capable  of 


864 


Ammonia. 


pari  [, 


saturating  about  30  per  cent,  of  officinal  sulphuric  acid.  Accordingly  it  aco  s 
as  it  was  intended  it  should,  in  ammoniaeal  strength,  with  the  U.  S.  Li,  yr 
Ammoniae.  Its  sp.gr.  is  0 831,  or  thereabouts.  The  Edinburgh  spirit  of  a- 
monia  may  be  roughly  estimated  to  be  not  quite  one-third  as  strong  as  th;of 
the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia;  for  the  ammonia  extricated  from  the  same  quanti  of 
muriate  of  ammonia,  is  passed  into  three  times  as  much  rectified  spirit,  ae 
density  of  the  Edinburgh  spirit  is  “about  0'845.”  As  rectified  spirit  bectes 
lighter  by  the  absorption  of  ammoniaeal  gas,  it  is  evident  that  the  alcoholic  m- 
struum,  in  the  Edinburgh  preparation,  gains  water  as  well  as  ammonia  irae 
distillation.  This  addition  of  water  to  the  product  is  prevented  by  the  im- 
mediate receiver  used  in  the  U.  S.  process,  and  consequently  the  spirit  of  a- 
monia  obtained  has  a less  specific  gravity  than  that  of  rectified  spirit. 

Properties.  The  U.  S.  spirit  of  ammonia,  formerly  called  ammoniated ale  :1, 
is  a transparent  colourless  liquid,  having  a strong  ammoniaeal  odour,  and  nd 
taste.  When  good  it  does  not  effervesce  with  diluted  muriatic  acid;  but  iiild 
or  carelessly  kept,  it  is  apt  to  be  partially  carbonated,  as  shown  by  this  test.lt, 
however,  absorbs  carbonic  acid  more  slowly  than  Liquor  Ammoniae.  Theif;!- 
lurgh  preparation  agrees  in  nature  with  the  U.  S.  spirit,  but  is  only  one-thiiits 
strength. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Spirit  of  ammonia  is  stimulant  and  antispasm  ic, 
and  is  given  in  hysteria,  flatulent  colic,  and  nervous  debility.  It  is,  hower, 
not  much  used ; the  aromatic  spirit,  which  is  pleasanter  and  has  similar  prope  es, 
being  preferred.  The  dose  of  the  U.  S.  preparation  is  from  ten  to  thirty  ops 
in  a wineglassful  of  water;  of  the  Edinburgh  from  thirty  drops  to  a fluidram. 
Spirit  of  ammonia  dissolves  resins,  gum-resins,  camphor,  and  the  volatile ds. 
The  Edinburgh  College  uses  its  spirit  for  making  the  aromatic  and  fetid  sj-its 
of  ammonia,  and  the  am  moniated  tinctures,  as  is  seen  by  the  subjoined  list,  ’he 
U.  S.  spirit  enters  into  no  officinal  preparation. 

Off.  Prep.  Spiritus  Ammoniae  Aromaticus,  Ed. ; Spiritns  Ammonias  Foetus, 
Ed. ; Tinctura  Castorei  Ammoniata;  Tinet.  Guaiaci  Ammoniata,  Ed.;  let. 
Opii  Ammoniata;  Tinct.  Valerianae  Ammoniata,  Ed. 

SPIRITUS  AMMONLZE  AROMATICUS.  U.  S.,  Lond.,Ed.,<xl. 
Aromatic  Spirit  of  Ammonia. 

“ Take  of  Muriate  of  Ammonia  five  ounces;  Carbonate  of  Potassa  eight  oues; 
Cinnamon,  bruised,  Cloves,  bruised,  each,  two  drachms;  Lemon  Peel/oar  owe* ; 
Alcohol,  Water,  each,  five  pints.  Mix  them  and  distil  seven  pints  and  a If. ' 

u.  s. 

The  London  formula  is  the  original  of  the  above,  and  need  not  be  quo!. 

“Take  of  Spirit  of  Ammonia  eight fluidounces ; Volatile  Oil  of  Lemon’eel 
a fluid raclim;  Volatile  Oil  of  Rosemary  a fluidraclim  and  a half.  Dissohthe 
Oils  in  the  Spirit  by  agitation.”  Ed. 

“ Take  of  Rectified  Spirit  three  pints;  Stronger  Solution  of  Ammonia  six  nd- 
ounces;  Oil  of  Lemon  half  a fluidounce;  Oil  of  Xu t meg  tico  fluidrachnu  Oil 
of  Cinnamon  half  a fluidrachm.  Dissolve  the  Oils  in  the  Spirit,  and  ad  the 
Solution  of  Ammonia.  Mix  with  agitation  and  filter.  The  specific  graw  of 
this  solution  is  0'852.”  Bub.  The  measures  used  are  Imperial. 

The  London  and  U.  S.  aromatic  spirit  of  ammonia  is  made  by  impregttng 
the  menstruum  with  monocarbonate  of  ammonia,  formed  by  double  decompotion 
between  muriate  of  ammonia  and  carbonate  of  potassa.  Thus  the  products  a 
spirituous  solution  of  the  monocarbonate,  impregnated  with  aromatics.  Tharo- 
matic  spirit  of  the  Edinburgh  College  is  a mere  solution  of  certain  volatilons 
in  the  caustic  simple  spirit  of  that  College.  The  Dublin  College,  in  its  rc^d 
Pharmacopoeia  of  1850,  ammoniates  rectified  spirit  with  stronger  solution  cam- 
monia,  and  impregnates  the  product  with  certain  volatile  oils. 


PAR  II. 


Ammonia. — Antimonium. 


865 


T;  U.  S.  and  London  aromatic  spirits  are  the  same,  and  have  the  sp.gr. 
0 91.  The  Edinburgh  and  Dublin  preparations  are  much  stronger,  being 
rectied  spirit  highly  impregnated  with  caustic  ammonia.  The  density  of  the 
Ediijurgli  preparation  is  not  given,  that  of  the  Dublin  is  (P852. 

Mical  Properties  and  Uses.  Aromatic  spirit  of  ammonia  is  fitted  to  fulfill 
the  ime  indications  as  the  simple  spirit;  hut  is  much  more  used  on  account  of 
its  giteful  taste  and  smell.  It  is  advantageously  employed  as  a stimulant  an- 
tacicn  sick  headache.  The  dose  of  the  U.  S.  and  London  spirit  is  from  thirty 
dropito  a fluidrachm  or  more,  sufficiently  diluted  with  water;  that  of  the  Edin- 
burg and  Dublin,  about  one-third  as  much.  The  spirit  is  compatible  with  sul- 
phatof  magnesia,  and  may  be  usefully  added  to  aperient  draughts  of  that  salt, 
to  rc'der  them  less  offensive  to  the  stomach. 

Cj  Prep.  Tinctura  Colehici  Composita;  Tinct.  Gfuaiaci  Ammoniata,  U.  S., 
Loir;  Tinct.  Valerianae  Ammoniata,  U.  S.,  Lond.  B. 

SIRITUS  AMMONITE  FCETIDUS.  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub.  Fetid 
Spit  of  Ammonia. 

“'|ke  of  Hydrochlorate  [Muriate]  of  Ammonia  ten  ounces;  Carbonate  of 
Pota  a sixteen  ounces;  Rectified  Spirit,  Water,  each,  three  pints  [Imperial  mea- 
sure' Assafetida  y?  re  ounces.  Mix  them;  then  with  a slow  fire  distil  three  pints 
[Im|meas.].”  Lond.  Sp.  gr.  0'861. 

ke  of  Spirit  of  Ammonia  ten  fluid  ounces  and  a half  [Imp.  meas.];  Assa- 
fetid -half  an  ounce.  Break  the  Assafetida  into  small  fragments,  digest  it  in 
the  firit  for  twelve  hours,  and  distil  over  ten  fluidounces  and  a half  by  means 
of  a pour-bath  heat.”  Ed. 

“'keof  Assafetida  one  ounce  and  a half  [avoirdupois]  ; Rectified  Spirit  one 
pint  id  a half  [Imperial  measure];  Stronger  Solution  of  Ammonia  three  fluid- 
ounci.  Break  the  Assafetida  into  small  pieces,  and  macerate  it  in  the  Spirit 
for  t nty-four  hours;  then  distil  off  the  entire  of  the  Spirit,  and  mix  the  pre- 
ductsnth  the  Solution  of  Ammonia.  The  sp.  gr.  of  this  preparation  is  0'849.” 
Dubi 

Olhese  preparations  that  of  the  London  College  is  mainly  an  alcoholic  solu- 
tion Carbonate  of  Ammonia;  those  of  the  Edinburgh  and  Dublin  Colleges  a 
simil  solution  of  caustic  ammonia.  The  small  proportion  of  the  volatile  oil  of 
assaf  da  can  have  little  other  effect  than  to  impart  a disagreeable  odour  and 
taste.  The  spirit  is  colourless  at  first,  but  becomes  brownish  with  age.  It  is 
giver, n hysteria  in  doses  of  from  thirty  drops  to  a fluidrachm.  W. 

ANTIMONIUM. 

Preparations  of  Antimony. 

AIIMONII  TERCHLORIDI  LIQUOR.  Dab.  Solution  of  Ter- 
ehlorle  of  Antimony. 

“'J  te  of  Prepared  Sulphuret  of  Antimony  one  pound,  [avoirdupois] ; Muriatic 
Acid  ' Commerce  four  pints  [Imp.  meas.].  Upon  the  Sulphuret,  placed  in  a 
poreeUn  capsule,  pour  tbe  Acid,  and,  constantly  stirring,  apply  to  the  mixture, 
beueaii  a flue  with  a good  draught,  a gentle  heat,  which  must  be  gradually  aug- 
ment as  the  development  of  gas  begins  to  slacken,  and  finally  carried  to  ebul- 
lition nd  maintained  at  this  temperature  for  fifteen  minutes.  The  vessel  being 
now  moved  from  the  fire,  let  its  liquid  contents  be  separated  by  filtration 
tlirou  calico,  returning  what  passes  through  first,  in  order  that  a perfectly 
dear  ilution  may  be  obtained.  Transfer  the  liquid  to  another  capsule,  and 
bavin  boiled  it  down  to  the  bulk  of  one  quart  [Imp.  meas.],  allow  it  to  cool, 


866 


Antimonium. 


pap  n. 


and  preserve  it  in  a bottle,  furnished  with  a well-ground  glass  stopper,  'he 
specific  gravity  of  this  solution  is  1'470.”  Dub. 

When  tersulphuret  of  antimony  is  dissolved  by  the  aid  of  heat  in  mtfitic 
acid,  a double  decomposition  takes  place,  resulting  in  the  formation  of  tercb  ide 
of  antimony  and  hydrosulphuric  acid  (sulphuretted  hydrogen),  which  give  he 
to  effervescence.  As  this  gas  is  exceedingly  offensive  and  deleterious,  th  na- 
terials,  during  the  reaction,  are  directed  to  be  placed  under  a flue  with  a nod 
draught.  After  the  reaction  is  over,  the  resulting  aqueous  solution  of  te  jilo- 
ride  of  antimony,  after  having  been  strained,  is  boiled  down  to  a detern  ate 
volume. 

Properties.  Solution  of  terchloride  of  antimony  is  a pale-yellow,  transput, 
dense  liquid,  possessing  caustic  properties.  When  of  a deep-red  colour : is 
impure  from  the  presence  of  iron.  Its  sp.  gr.,  concentrated  to  the  extent  di  ted 
by  the  Dublin  College,  is  1’470.  When  it  is  distilled,  water,  the  exes  of 
muriatic  acid,  and  any  tersulphuret  of  arsenic  that  may  happen  to  be  print, 
are  first  expelled,  and  afterwards  the  terchloride  volatilizes.  The  pure  tejhlo- 
ride  may  be  obtained  by  changing  the  receiver,  as  soon  as  the  distilled  pi  luct 
concretes  on  cooling.  Pure  terchloride  of  antimony,  called  by  the  earlier  ch  ists 
butter  of  antimony , is  a white,  readily  fusible  solid,  of  the  consistence  of  1:  ter, 
deliquescent  and  powerfully  caustic,  and  volatilizable  under  an  obscure  red  eat, 
It  was  formerly  used  in  medicine  as  a caustic.  It  usually  acts  without  asing 
much  pain  or  inflammation,  and,  after  the  separation  of  the  eschar,  forms  a Ban, 
healthy  ulcer. 

Solution  of  terchloride  of  antimony  is  a new  officinal  of  the  Dublin  Pt  ma- 
copoeia  of  1850,  and  was  probably  introduced  not  as  a therapeutic  agent,  t as 
& source  of  the  officinal  oxide  of  antimony. 

Off.  Prep.  Antimonii  Oxydum.  I 

ANTIMONII  OXIDUM.  Ed.  Antimonii  Oxydum.  Dub.  die 
of  Antimony.  Teroxide  of  Antimony. 

“ Take  of  Sulphuret  of  Antimony,  in  fine  powder,  four  ounces;  MuriatiAcid 
(commercial)  a pint  [Imp.  meas.]  ; Water  Jive  pints  [Imp.  meas.].  Drive 
the  Sulphuret  in  the  Acid  with  the  aid  of  a gentle  heat;  boil  for  half  an  our; 
filter;  pour  the  fluid  into  the  Water;  collect  the  precipitate  on  a calico  Iter; 
wash  it  well  with  cold  water,  then  with  a weak  solution  of  carbonate  of  soc  and 
again  with  cold  water  till  the  water  ceases  to  affect  reddened  litmus  paper.  Dry 
the  powder  over  the  vapour  bath.”  Pd. 

“Take  of  Solution  of  Terchloride  of  Antimony  sixteen  fluid  ounces  Imp. 
meas.];  Water  two  gallons  [Imp.  meas.];  Solution  of  Caustic  Potash  on  pud 
[Imp.  meas.];  Distilled  Water  a sufficient  quantity.  Pour  the  antimoniapolu- 
tion  into  the  Water,  and,  having  stirred  the  mixture  well,  set  it  by  un.  the 
white  precipitate  which  forms  has  subsided.  Draw  off  the  supernatant; quid 
by  decantation,  or  the  syphon,  and  having  agitated  the  sediment  with  aallon 
of  Distilled  Water,  allow  the  whole  to  stand  until  the  Oxide  has  fallenothe 
bottom.  Decant  again,  and  having  placed  the  sediment  on  a calico  filteiwish 
it  with  Distilled  Water  until  the  liquid  which  trickles  through  redden  Hue 
litmus  paper  only  in  a very  slight  degree.  The  precipitate  is  now  to  be  aken 
occasionally  for  half  an  hour  with  the  Solution  of  Caustic  Potash,  and  then  ashed 
on  a filter  with  boiling  Distilled  Water,  until  the  washings  cease  to  give  pre- 
cipitate on  being  dropped  into  an  acid  solution  of  nitrate  of  silver.  Lasq  let 
the  product  be  dried  at  a heat  not  exceeding  120°.”  Dub. 

In  these  processes  the  teroxide  of  antimony  is  obtained  from  the  sobon  ot 
the  terchloride,  formed  by  a step  of  the  Edinburgh  formula,  but  by  a sarate 
formula  of  the  Dublin  Pharmacopoeia.  By  dissolving  tersulphuret  of  anflony 
in  muriatic  acid,  the  Edinburgh  College  forms  the  Dublin  solution  of  tercoride 


PAI'  II. 


Antimonium. 


867 


of  rtimony,  though  the  College  does  not  give  it  a distinct  name.  When  this 
soli  on  is  poured  into  a large  quantity  of  water,  there  is  precipitated  a white 
pover,  formerly  called  powder  of  Algaroth  (see  Appendix),  which  is  an  oxy- 
eklcde,  consisting  of  nine  eqs.  of  teroxide  and  two  of  terchloride.  The  ter- 
chlcide  is  in  great  part  decomposed  by  the  water,  the  elements  of  which  convert 
it  ill)  muriatic  acid  and  teroxide.  The  muriatic  acid  remains  in  solution,  while 
the  iroside  falls  in  union  with  a small  proportion  of  terchloride,  forming  the 
oxyiloride.  The  oxychloride  is  first  washed  with  abundance  of  water  to  sepa- 
rate  dhering  muriatic  acid,  and  afterwards  acted  upon  by  a solution  of  alkali 
(cannate  of  soda,  Ed.,  caustic  potassa,  Dub.)  to  remove  the  terchloride;  when 
the  iroxide  is  left,  and  only  requires  to  be  washed  with  water  in  order  to  render 
it  pre.  The  last  washing  separates  the  chloride  of  sodium  or  potassium.,  re- 
sult g from  the  decomposition  of  the  terchloride;  and  the  water  of  this  washing 
is  teed,  in  the  Dublin  formula,  for  the  absence  of  a chloride  by  nitrate  of  silver. 
In  liking  this  oxide,  the  apothecary  should  give  the  preference  to  the  Dublin 
forn.la,  as  more  precise  in  its  directions. 

lbperties.  Teroxide  of  antimony  is  a snow-white,  heavy  powder,  permanent 
in  ti  air,  insoluble  in  water,  but  readily  soluble  in  muriatic  or  tartaric  acid,  or 
in  aioiling  solution  of  bitartrate  of  potassa.  When  heated  in  close  vessels,  it 
hemes  yellow,  fuses  at  a full  red  heat,  and  finally  sublimes  in  crystalline 
neees.  When  cooled  from  a state  of  fusion,  it  forms  a fibrous  crystalline  mass. 
Head  in  open  vessels,  it  suddenly  becomes  red-hot,  and,  by  the  absorption  of 
oxy  n,  changes  into  antimonious  acid,  which  differs  from  the  teroxide  in  being 
insoble  in  muriatic  acid,  less  fusible,  and  not  volatile.  This  oxide  is  the  active 
ingmient  of  all  the  medicinal  preparations  of  antimony.  It  is  frequently  impure 
froccontaining  antimonious  acid,  in  which  case  it  will  not  be  entirely  soluble  in 
mui  tic  acid.  If  it  contain  terchloride,  which  it  is  apt  to  do  from  the  imperfect 
actil  of  the  alkaline  solutions  employed  in  its  purification,  its  solution  in  tartaric 
acid  rill  be  precipitated  by  nitrate  of  silver.  When  antimonious  acid  is  sub- 
stitiid  for  it,  the  fraud  may  be  detected  by  the  spurious  preparation  being  en- 
tire! insoluble  in  muriatic  acid.  Teroxide  of  antimony  consists  of  one  eq.  of 
antijony  129,  and  three  of  oxygen  24  = 153,  and  its  formula  is  consequently  Sb03. 

Alical  Properties.  This  oxide  possesses  the  general  therapeutic  properties 
of  t : antimonials.  It  deserves  more  attention  than  has  been  paid  to  it ; and 
its  etets,  comparatively  with  those  of  tartar  emetic,  should  be  carefully  studied. 
It  i probable  that  its  sedative  operation  would  be  found  the  same,  with  less 
nau.‘t  and  disturbance  of  the  stomach.  Like  antimonial  powder,  it  is  very 
unecal  in  its  effects,  sometimes  vomiting,  at  other  times  being  apparently  inert. 
Ia  t case  of  the  French  Codex  oxide,  prepared  by  boiling  the  oxychloride  with 
a soibion  of  bicarbonate  of  potassa,  these  differences  are  attributed  by  M.  Du- 
rancof  Caen,  to  the  presence  of  more  or  less  terchloride,  which  is  separated 
with  ifficulty . Objecting  to  the  Codex  oxide,  M.  Durand  proposes  to  obtain 
it  b precipitating  tartar  emetic  with  ammonia  in  excess.  The  oxide,  thus 
obta'ed,  contains  no  terchloride,  and  does  not  vomit.  ( Journ . de  Pharm.,  3e 
serd.  364.)  The  dose  of  the  oxide  is  from  three  to  ten  grains,  repeated  every 
two  | three  hours,  and  given  in  powder  with  syrup  or  molasses,  or  in  pill  made 
up  v h confection  of  roses,  or  other  suitable  excipient. 

C Prep.  Antimonium  Tartarizatum.  B. 

JfTIMONII  ET  POTASSiE  TARTRAS.  U.  S.  Antimonii  Po- 
tasi >tartras.  Lond.  Antimonium  Tartarizatum.  Ed.,  Dub.  Tar- 
tratgf  Antimony  and  Potassa.  Tartarized  Antimony.  Tartar  Emetic . 

“ ike  of  Sulphuret  of  Antimony,  in  fine  powder,  four  ounces ; Muriatic  Acid 
two i-five  ounces ; Nitric  Acid  two  drachms  ; Water  a gallon.  Having  mixed 


868 


Antimonium. 


pa:  ii. 


the  Acids  together  in  a glass  vessel,  add  by  degrees  the  Sulphuret  of  Anti  my, 
and  digest  the  mixture,  with  a gradually  increasing  heat,  till  efferve  ;nce 
ceases ; then  boil  for  an  hour.  Filter  the  liquor  when  it  has  become  col  and 
pour  it  into  the  Water.  Wash  the  precipitated  powder  frequently  with  .ter 
till  it  is  entirely  freed  from  acid,  and  then  dry  it.  Take  of  this  powd  two 
ounces;  Bitartrate  of  Potassa,  in  very  fine  powder,  two  ounces  and  a halj  Dis- 
tilled Water  eighteen  fluidounces.  Boil  the  Water  in  a glass  vessel;  th<  add 
the  powders  previously  mixed  together,  and  boil  for  an  hour;  lastly,  filt  the 
liquor  while  hot,  and  set  it  aside  to  crystallize.  By  further  evaporatic  the 
liquor  may  be  made  to  yield  an  additional  quantity  of  crystals,  which  shod  be 
purified  by  a second  crystallization.”  U.  S. 

“Take  of  Sulphuret  of  Antimony,  in  fine  powder,  four  ounces;  Muriatiicid 
(commercial)  a pint  [Imperial  measure]  ; Water  five  pints  [Imp.  meas.].  Dis- 
solve the  Sulphuret  in  the  Acid  with  the  aid  of  a gentle  heat;  boil  for  If  an 
hour;  filter;  pour  the  liquid  into  the  Water;  collect  the  precipitate  on  ailico 
filter,  wash  it  with  cold  water  till  the  water  ceases  to  redden  litmus  pape:  dry 
the  precipitate  over  the  vapour-bath.  Take  of  this  precipitate  three  aces; 
Bitartrate  of  Potashybwr  ounces  and  two  drachms ; Water  twenty-seven 'uid- 
ounces  [Imp.  meas.].  Mix  the  powders,  add  the  Water,  boil  for  an  hour  iter, 
and  set  the  liquid  aside  to  crystallize.  The  mother-liquor,  when  concemted. 
yields  more  crystals,  but  not  so  free  of  colour,  and,  therefore,  requiring  a cond 
crystallization.”  Ed. 

“Take  of  Oxide  of  Antimony  five  ounces  [avoirdupois];  white  Bitart te  of 
Potash  six  ounces  [avoird.]  ; Distilled  Water  one  quart  [Imp.  meas.].  Hr  the 
Bitartrate  to  a fine  powder,  and,  having  carefully  mixed  it  with  the  Ode  of 
Antimony,  add  a little  Water,  so  as  to  convert  the  mixture  into  a thick aste, 
which  should  be  set  by  for  twenty-four  hours.  Pour  on  this  the  remainderf  the 
Water,  previously  raised  to  the  temperature  of  212°,  and,  having  boiled  forfteen 
minutes,  with  repeated  stirring,  in  a glass  or  porcelain  vessel,  filter  t ough 
calico,  returning  the  slightly  turbid  liquor  which  first  passes  through,  sis  to 
obtain  a clear  solution.  After  twelve  hours  let  the  solution  be  decanted  frn  the 
crystals  which  will  have  formed,  and  boiled  down  to  one-third,  when,  on  oling, 
au  additional  product  will  be  obtained.  The  salt,  after  being  dried  upon  Itting 
paper  without  the  application  of  heat,  should  be  preserved  in  a bottle.”  :ul. 

“ Take  of  Tersulphuret  of  Antimony,  in  very  fine  powder,  a pound;  Suhuric 
Acid  fifteen  fiuidounces  [Imp.  meas.];  Bitartrate  of  Potassa  ten  ounces;  distil- 
led Water  five  pints  [Imp.  meas.].  Mix  the  Tersulphuret  with  the  Aeiun  an 
iron  vessel,  and  expose  the  mixture,  under  a chimney,  to  a gentle  hea  occa- 
sionally stirring  with  an  iron  spatula.  Then  increase  the  heat,  until,  thfiame 
of  burning  sulphur  having  gone  out,  nothing  remains  but  a whitish  pulvulent 
mass.  Wash  this,  when  cold,  with  water,  until  all  acid  is  removed,  andryit. 
Mix  thoroughly  nine  ounces  of  this  salt  with  the  Bitartrate,  and  boil  1 the 
Water  for  half  an  hour.  Strain  the  liquor  while  still  hot,  and  set  it  ade  to 
form  crystals.  Having  poured  off  the  liquor,  dry  these,  and  again  ev  orate 
that  crystals  may  form.”  Land. 

This  preparation  is  a double  salt,  consisting  of  tartrate  of  potassa,  unit  with 
tartrate  of  teroxide  of  antimony.  The  principle  of  its  formation  is  exceingly 
simple,  being  merely  the  saturation  of  the  excess  of  acid  in  the  bitartrate  cream 
of  tartar)  with  the  teroxide.  The  officinal  processes  all  consist  in  being  a 
mixture  of  cream  of  tartar  and  some  form  of  the  teroxide  with  water,  he  t ■ 
S.  and  Edinburgh  Pharmacopoeias  agree  in  using  the  form  of  teroxidecalled 
oxychloride  of  antimony , or  powder  of  Algaroth,  which  is  not  officinal  .der  a 
distinct  name,  but  is  formed  in  the  first  step  of  the  tartar  emetic  proctses  of 
those  works.  The  Dublin  College,  in  its  revised  Pharmacopoeia  of  IS.1,  has 


PAI  II. 


Antimonium. 


869 


sub;  tuted  the  pure  teroxide  of  antimony  for  the  oxychloride,  which,  not  being 
nowised  in  any  officinal  preparation,  is  expunged  from  its  catalogue.  The 
Iionj)DL  College  has  abandoned  the  use  of  the  crocus  of  antimony , and  employs 
at  psent  (Pharmacopoeia  of  1851)  the  form  of  teroxide  obtained  by  boiling 
sulfuric  acid  with  the  tersulphuret  to  dryness,  and  washing  the  product. 

Ti  U.  S.  and  Edinburgh  Pharmacopoeias  agree  in  the  same  general  plan  for 
matig  the  oxychloride.  The  tersulphuret  of  antimony  is  dissolved  in  from  five 
to  s times  its  weight  of  muriatic  acid,  assisted  by  a hundredth  of  nitric  acid 
in  ti  U.  S.  formula,  but  without  this  acid  in  the  Edinburgh.  The  solution  is 
thron  into  a large  quantity  of  water,  equal  to  about  twenty-five  or  thirty  times 
the  fight  of  the  sulphuret  employed,  and  the  oxychloride  is  precipitated.  This 
is  m:edwith  from  one  and  a quarter  to  about  one  and  a half  times  its  weight  of 
crea  of  tartar,  and  boiled,  for  from  half  an  hour  to  an  hour,  with  about  eight 
and  half  times  its  weight  of  distilled  water;  and  the  liquor  obtained  is  filtered 
whiihot  and  set  aside  to  crystallize.  By  further  evaporation  the  mother-liquor 
maye  made  to  yield  a second  crop  of  crystals,  which,  not  being  free  from  colour, 
musbe  purified  by  a second  crystallization.  When  no  more  crystals  can  be 
obta  ed,  the  liquor  which  is  left  contains,  according  to  Knapp,  a gummy  salt, 
whic  consists  of  tartrate  of  potassa  united  to  the  tertartrate  of  teroxide  of  an- 
tirncy.  If  this  liquor  be  boiled  with  a fresh  portion  of  oxychloride,  as  long 
as  tjjs  is  taken  up,  it  will  furnish  an  additional  quantity  of  crystals  of  tartar 
eme  .;  and,  finally,  if  the  new  mother-liquor  be  saturated  with  carbonate  of 
potah,  it  will  furnish  a third  crop  of  the  antimonial  salt,  after  which  the  liquor 
is  errely  exhausted.  ( Journ . de  Pharm. , xxvi.  136,  from  Annul,  der  Pharm.) 
The^yckloride,  as  its  name  imports,  contains  a portion  of  terchloride.  This 
is  d(  imposed  during  the  boiling,  by  means  of  the  elements  of  water,  into  addi- 
tion; teroxide,  which  helps  to  form  the  tartar  emetic,  and  muriatic  acid  which 
servi  to  hold  in  solution  iron  and  other  metallic  impurities,  which  otherwise 
wou.  fall  and  contaminate  the  crystals.  Accordingly,  it  is  asserted  that  the 
pure  eroxide  is  not  so  well  fitted  for  making  tartar  emetic  as  the  oxychloride, 
in  w ah  the  teroxide  is  usefully  combined  with  some  terchloride.  If  this  state- 
men  jihould  be  confirmed,  the  Dublin  College  has  injudiciously  substituted  the 
purejroxide  for  the  oxychloride  in  its  last  formula  for  tartar  emetic. 

Ir  he  London  formula,  the  teroxide  is  formed  in  the  following  manner.  By 
gent  heating  sulphuric  acid  with  the  tersulphuret  of  antimony,  the  metal  is 
teroPized  at  the  expense  of  part  of  the  acid,  sulphurous  acid  is  evolved,  and 
sulphr  set  free.  By  increasing  and  continuing  the  heat  until  dryness  is  pro- 
duce,! the  whole  of  the  sulphurous  acid  is  driven  off,  the  free  sulphur  is  burnt 
out,  Id  nothing  remains  but  the  teroxide,  united  with  sulphuric  acid,  in  the  form 
of  thltersulphate  of  the  teroxide  of  antimony.  This,  by  continued  washing,  is 
conv  ted  into  the  anhydrous  disulphate  of  the  teroxide  (l2Sb03,S03).  ( Phillips .) 
The  isulphate  is  then  mixed  with  cream  of  tartar  in  the  proportion  of  nine 
parts  a weight  to  ten,  and  the  mixture  boiled  with  water  in  the  usual  manner. 

Ti  use  of  disulphate  of  antimony  in  making  tartar  emetic  originated  with  the 
late  . \ Phillips  as  early  as  the  year  1811.  He  recommended  it  to  be  prepared 
by  b ing  metallic  antimony  with  twice  its  weight  of  sulphuric  acid  to  dryness, 
and  \ sking  the  product  with  water.  This  method  of  preparing  it  was  greatly 
impr  ed  by  the  substitution  of  the  tersulphuret  for  metallic  antimony,  as  sug- 
gests by  the  late  Dr.  Babington.  The  disulphate,  made  in  this  way,  has  been 
tor  a >ng  time  used  in  England  for  preparing  tartar  emetic,  and  is  now  adopted 
for  t,  same  purpose  by  the  London  College.  The  disulphate  process  is  an  eligi- 
ble on,  and,  at  the  same  time,  has  the  merit  of  being  economical.  Mr.  Phillips 
says  affords  “ a very  pure  and  beautiful  salt.” 

Thing  given  a sketch  of  the  several  officinal  formulas,  it  may  be  useful  to 


870 


Antimonium. 


PART 


present  them  in  a table.  The  form  of  teroxide  selected  is  reduced  to  the  s e 
quantity,  and  the  measures  of  water  in  the  U.  S.,  London,  and  Edinburgh  P r- 
macopceias  are  converted  into  the  nearest  corresponding  weights. 


AUTHORITY. 

Form  of 
Teroxide 
employed. 

Proportion 

of 

Teroxide. 

Proportion 
of  Cream  of 
Tartar. 

Proporti 

of 

IVater 

London  Pharmacopoeia. 

Disulphate. 

4 

4-4 

44.4 

Dublin 

do. 

Teroxide,  pure. 

4 

4.8 

82 

U.  S. 

do. 

Oxychloride. 

4 

5 

34 

Edinburgh 

do. 

Do. 

4 

5.7 

33 

It  is  seen  by  the  table  that  for  a given  amount  of  teroxide,  the  London  Co! ge 
orders  the  least  cream  of  tartar,  and  the  Edinburgh  the  most.  The  proponn 
of  water  is  not  very  different  in  the  Dublin,  U.  S.  and  Edinburgh  Pha:  a- 
copoeias,  but  is  considerably  greater  in  the  London. 

In  judging  of  the  relative  eligibility  of  these  processes,  several  eircumstaes 
are  to  be  taken  into  view.  The  cream  of  tartar  should  not  be  in  excess;  ; in 
that  case  it  is  apt  to  crystallize  upon  cooling  with  the  tartar  emetic  formed.  To 
avoid  such  a result  it  is  better  to  have  a slight  excess  of  antimonial  oxide.  .Vo 
rule  is  applicable  to  the  determination  of  the  proper  proportion  of  water,  e::pt 
that  it  should  be  sufficient  to  dissolve  the  tartar  emetic  formed.  Thehottra- 
' tion,  directed  in  the  U.  S.  and  London  Pharmacopoeias,  may  be  convenidly 
performed  by  means  of  the  tin  apparatus,  devised  by  Dr.  Hare  for  filtering  lit  ids 
at  the  point  of  ebullition.  (S ee  page  778  for  a figure  of  this  apparatus.)  "he 
U.  S.  and  Edinburgh  Pharmacopoeias  boil  for  an  hour;  the  London,  for  ha  an 
hour;  the  Dublin  for  fifteen  minutes.  In  all  cases  the  salt  should  be  obtaed 
in  well  defined  crystals,  unmixed  with  those  of  cream  of  tartar,  as  the  best  ilex 
of  its  purity.  The  practice  of  some  manufacturing  chemists  of  boiling  tl  fil- 
tered liquor  to  dryness,  whereby  an  impure  mass  is  obtained,  consisting  inart 
only  of  the  antimonial  salt,  is  very  reprehensible. 

It  is  not  easy  to  decide  as  to  the  relative  eligibility  of  the  different  fori  of 
antimonial  oxide  used  for  preparing  tartar  emetic;  but  it  may  be  proper  to  ate 
that  the  preference  was  given  to  the  oxychloride  ( powder  of  Abjaroth ) byler- 
zelius;  and  M.  Henry,  an  eminent  pharmaceutist  of  Paris,  after  a careful rm- 
parison  of  the  different  processes,  declared  in  favour  of  the  use  of  this  c.de. 
This  testimony  in  favour  of  the  oxychloride  induced  the  revisers  of  our  na  tal 
Pharmacopoeia  in  1830,  to  adopt  it  for  making  tartar  emetic;  and  the  Edinlrgh 
College  judiciously  substituted  it  for  the  crocus  of  antimony  in  its  revisi-  of 
1839. 

M.  Henry  has  given  a process  for  preparing  tartar  emetic  with  the  oxyehriae 
on  a large  scale;  and  as  his  formula  may’ be  useful  to  the  manufacturing choist, 
we  subjoin  it,  turning  the  French  weights  into  the  nearest  apothecaries  vrehts 
and  measures.  Take  of  prepared  sulphuret  of  antimony,  in  very  fine  peder, 
three  pounds  four  ounces;  muriatic  acid,  marking  2'2°  (sp.  gr.  1178),  eigeen 
pounds  and  a half;  nitric  acid  two  ounces  and  a half.  Introduce  the  sulpuret 
into  a glass  matrass,  of  a capacity  double  the  volume  of  the  mixture  to  be  foned; 
and  add  to  it  from  three  to  five  pounds  of  the  acids  previously  mixed,  s that 
the  sulphuret  may  be  thoroughly  penetrated  by  them;  then  add  the  remader 
of  the  acids.  Place  the  matrass  on  a sand-bath,  and  heat  the  mixture  gravity 
to  ebullition,  avoiding  the  vapours,  which  are  disengaged  in  large  quantity,  con- 
tinue the  heat  until  the  vapours  given  off  are  so  far  deprived  of  sulphuretted  Imo- 
gen as  not  to  blacken  white  paper  moistened  with  solution  of  acetate  of  lead  fter 


par:  ii. 


Antimonium. 


871 


wliic  allow  the  liquor  to  cool,  and  to  remain  at  rest  until  it  has  become  clear. 
Decao  the  clear  liquor,  and,  in  order  to  procure  the  portion  of  liquid  which 
may  e retained  by  the  moist  residue,  add  to  this  a small  portion  of  muriatic 
acid,  nd  again  decant.  Mix  the  decanted  liquids,  which  consist  of  a solution 
of  tehloride  of  antimony,  and  add  them  to  a large  quantity  of  water,  in  order 
that  e oxychloride  may  be  precipitated;  taking  care,  during  their  addition,  to 
stir  instantly  in  order  that  the  precipitated  powder  may  be  more  minutely  di- 
videcto  facilitate  its  subsequent  washing.  To  determine  whether  the  water  has 
been  ifficient  to  decompose  the  whole  of  the  terchloride.  a part  of  the  super- 
natai  liquid,  after  the  subsidence  of  the  powder,  is  to  be  added  to  a fresh  por- 
tion water;  and,  if  a precipitate  take  place,  more  water  must  be  added  to  the 
mist  e,  so  as  to  obtain  the  largest  possible  product  of  oxychloride.  The  pre- 
cipih  on  being  completely  effected,  wash  the  powder  repeatedly  with  water, 
until  his  no  longer  affects  litmus,  and  place  it  on  linen  to  drain  for  twenty-four 
hour;  The  quantity  of  oxychloride  thus  obtained  will  be  about  three  pounds 
and  ;aalf  in  the  moist  state,  or  two  pounds  nine  ounces  when  dry.  Assuming 
it  to  ; this  quantity,  mix  it  with  three  pounds  eleven  ounces  of  cream  of  tartar, 
in  fin  powder,  and  add  the  mixture  to  two  gallons  and  five  pints  of  boiling  water, 
contaed  in  an  iron  kettle.  Concentrate  the  liquor  rapidly  until  it  marks  25° 
of  B:mfi’s  hydrometer  for  salts,  and  then  filter.  By  repose  the  liquor  furnishes 
a croof  very  pure  crystals,  which  require  only  to  be  dried.  The  mother  waters 
are  tated  in  the  following  manner.  Saturate  the  excess  of  acid  with  chalk, 
filter  md  concentrate  to  25°.  By  cooling  a second  crop  of  crystals  will  be  ob- 
taine;  and  by  proceeding  in  a similar  manner,  even  a third  crop.  But  these 
cryst  s are  somewhat  coloured,  and  must  be  purified  by  recrystallization. 

In  elation  to  the  above  process,  it  may  be  observed  that  the  proportion  of 
oxyc.-oride  and  cream  of  tartar  must  be  adjusted  according  to  the  numbers  given, 
ou  tt  assumption  that  the  former  is  dry;  but  it  by  no  means  follows  that  the 
wholof  the  oxide  should  be  dried.  To  proceed  thus  would  be  a waste  of  time. 
The  ode  of  proceeding  is  to  weigh  the  whole  of  the  moist  oxide,  and  afterwards 
to  wf  h off  a small  part  of  it,  and  ascertain  how  much  this  loses  in  drying. 
Then-y  a calculation  it  is  easy  to  determine  how  much  the  whole  of  the  moist 
oxide  rould  weigh  in  the  dry  state. 

Taar  emetic  is  not  usually  prepared  by  the  apothecary,  but  made  on  a large 
scale  / the  manufacturing  chemist.  Different  processes  are  pursued  in  different 
manietories;  and  it  is  not  material  what  plan  is  adopted,  provided  the  crystals 
of  th  antimonial  salt  are  carefully  purified.  In  an  extensive  manufactory  in 
Londt,  antimony  ash  (see  page  104)  is  employed  for  boiling  with  the  cream  of 
tarta'  and  it  is  stated  to  form  the  cheapest  material  for  making  tartar  emetic. 
(Perea,  Mat.  Med.)  Mohr  prefers  the  use  of  a moist  oxide,  prepared  by  adding 
gradnly  an  intimate  mixture  of  one  part,  each,  of  tersulphuret  of  antimony  and 
nitra  of  potassa,  to  a boiling  mixture  of  one  part  of  sulphuric  acid  and  two  of 
water  The  liquid  is  boiled  down  nearly  to  dryness  and  allowed  to  cool.  The 
grayi -white  mass,  thus  formed,  is  then  washed  thoroughly  with  water.  The 
detai  of  this  process  are  given  by  Soubeiran,  by  whom  it  is  praised,  in  the 
Jouryle  Pharm.,  3e  sir.,  iii.  827. 

Pi-ierties , dr.  Tartrate  of  antimony  and  potassa  was  discovered  in  1631  by 
Adri;  de  Mynsicht.  It  is  in  the  form  of  transparent,  colourless  crystals,  which 
posse:  a nauseous,  metallic,  styptic  taste,  and  have  usually  the  form  of  rhombic 
octoh  rons.  When  prepared  from  the  oxychloride,  it  crystallizes  in  tetrahedrons. 
As  it  ccurs  in  the  shops  it  is  in  the  form  of  a white  powder,  resulting  from  the 
pulvczation  of  the  crystals.  The  crystals,  when  exposed  to  the  air,  effloresce 
digh;’  and  become  white  and  opaque.  They  are  insoluble  in  alcohol,  but  dis- 
solve1! proof  spirit  or  wine.  (See  Vinum  Antimonii.)  They  are  soluble  in  about 


872 


Antimonium. 


PARI 


fifteen  parts  of  water  at  60°,  and  in  between  two  and  three  parts  of  boiline  wa 
The  late  Dr.  Perceval,  of  Dublin,  alleged  that  good  tartar  emetic  dissolve.1  a 
twelve  parts  of  water,  and  this  statement  agrees  nearly  with  the  results  of  Bran- ; 
who  found  it  to  be  soluble  in  12'65  parts  of  water  at  70°.  Its  aqueous  sohra 
slightly  reddens  litmus,  and  undergoes  decomposition  by  keeping.  It  is  incs- 
patible  with  acids,  with  alkalies  and  their  carbonates,  with  some  of  the  ea:  s 
and  metals,  with  chloride  of  calcium,  and  with  acetate  and  subacetate  of  Id. 
It  is  incompatible  also  with  astringent  vegetable  infusions  and  decoctions,  sh 
as  of  rhubarb,  cinchona,  catechu,  galls,  &c. ; but  these  substances,  unless  gs 
be  an  exception,  do  not  render  it  inert,  though  they  lessen  its  activity  to  a gre  ;r 
or  less  extent. 

Characteristics  and  Tests  of  Purity.  Tartar  emetic,  when  pure,  exhibit;  ;s 
appropriate  crystalline  form.  A crystal  or  two,  dropped  into  a solution  of  hy  > 
sulphuric  acid,  will  be  covered  with  an  orange-coloured  deposit  of  tersulph  ?t 
of  antimony.  One  hundred  grains  of  the  salt  dissolved  in  water,  yield  forty -i;e 
grains  of  tersulphuret  with  this  test.  ( Land . Pharm.,  1851.)  Entire  solub  y 
in  water  is  not  a character  belonging  exclusively  to  the  pure  salt;  for,  aecon.g 
to  the  late  Mr.  Hennell,  tartar  emetic  may  contain  ten  per  cent,  of  uncomb  ;d 
cream  of  tartar,  and  yet  be  wholly  soluble  in  the  proper  proportion  of  w;  r. 
(Phillips.)  This  being  the  case,  the  character,  given  in  the  U.  S.  and  Edinbrh 
Pharmacopoeias,  of  entire  solubility  in  twenty  parts  of  water,  is  not  to  be  e- 
pended  upon.  A dilute  solution  is  not  precipitated  by  chloride  of  bariunr 
nitrate  of  silver,  nor  rendered  blue  by  ferrocyanuret  of  potassium.  A solutn, 
containing  one  part  of  tartar  emetic  in  forty  of  water,  is  not  disturbed  ban 
equal  volume  of  a solution  of  eight  parts  of  acetate  of  lead  in  thirty-two  of  wer 
and  fifteen  of  acetic  acid.  This  test  is  adopted  in  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia  tin 
the  Edinburgh,  and  is  intended  to  show  the  absence  of  uncombined  bitart  te 
of  potassa;  for  when  the  acidulated  acetate  is  used  as  here  directed,  it  does ot 
form  the  white  tartrate  of  lead  with  the  pure  antimonial  salt,  but  only  th 
the  bitartrate,  when  this  happens  to  be  present.  The  acidulated  acetate  a 
delicate  test  of  this  impurity,  capable  of  detecting  one  per  cent,  of  it  in  bar 
emetic;  but  Dr.  Christison  finds  difficulties  in  using  it  which  render  it  too  v- 
earious  for  practice.  Mr.  Ilennell’s  method  of  detecting  uncombined  bitart  :e, 
is  to  add  a few  drops  of  a solution  of  carbonate  of  soda  to  a boiling  soluticof 
the  antimonial  salt.  If  the  precipitate  formed  is  not  redissolved,  no  bitarute 
is  present. 

The  impurities  found  in  tartar  emetic  are  uncombined  cream  of  tartar  tan 
faulty  preparation  or  fraudulent  admixture,  tartrate  of  lime,  iron,  sulphates, nd 
chlorides.  The  mode  of  detecting  cream  of  tartar  has  been  indicated  abe. 
Tartrate  of  lime  is  derived  from  the  cream  of  tartar,  which  always  contains fis 
impurity.  It  is  apt  to  form  on  the  surface  of  the  crystals  of  tartar  emet  in 
crystalline  tufts,  which  are  easily  brushed  off.  Iron  is  sometimes  present,  oe- 
cially  when  the  antimonial  salt  has  been  prepared  from  glass  of  antimony.  It 
is  detected  by  a blue  colour  being  immediately  produced  by  ferroeyanun  of 
potassium,  added  after  a little  acetic  acid.  If  the  blue  colour  be  slowly  produd, 
it  may  arise  from  reactions  on  the  iron  of  the  ferrocyanuret  itself.  If  mnc-h  on 
be  present,  the  solution  of  the  tartar  emetic  will  be  yellow  instead  of  colourss. 
Sulphates  are  detected  by  chloride  of  barium  The  presence  of  a c-blori'  is 
shown  by  a precipitate  being  produced  by  nitrate  of  silver,  added  to  a dite 
solution.  According  to  Serullas,  tartar  emetic,  except  when  well  crystalled, 
and  all  the  other  antimonial  preparations  usually  contain  a minute  proportii  ot 
arsenic,  derived  from  the  native  tersulphuret  of  autimony,  which  almost  ahys 
contains  this  dangerous  metal.  (For  the  mode  of  detecting  it,  see  Aculumir- 
seniosum.)  Tartar  emetic  is  sometimes  sold  in  powder  to  conceal  its  uiot- 


PARjII. 


Antimonium. 


873 


fectics-  It  should  never  be  bought  in  this  state  by  the  apothecary,  but  always 
in  crstals,  in  which  state  the  salt  is  pure,  or  very  nearly  so,  and  entirely  free 
from  rsenic.  Its  powder  is  perfectly  white,  and  when  yellowish-white,  iron  is 
p rob sly  present.  It  is  said  that  some  druggists  ignorantly  prefer  a tartar 
emet  which  is  yellowish-white  in  powder. 

It  as  been  already  stated,  in  general  terms,  that  tartar  emetic  in  solution  is 
incomatible  with  acids  and  alkalies,  and  with  some  of  the  earths;  but  this  salt 
is  so  aportant,  that  some  details  in  regard  to  the  effects  of  particular  reagents, 
inclmd  under  these  titles,  seem  to  be  necessary.  Muriatic  and  sulphuric  acids, 
addecto  a solution  of  the  antimonial  salt,  not  too  dilute,  throw  down  a white 
precitate  of  subchloride  or  subsulphate  of  antimony,  mixed  with  cream  of  tartar, 
whiclis  redissolved  by  an  excess  of  the  precipitant.  Nitric  acid  throws  down 
a subitrate,  which  is  taken  up  by  an  excess  of  it.  This  effect  of  nitric  acid  is 
giveniy  the  London  College  as  a character  of  good  tartar  emetic,  but  is  certainly 
not  vy  distinctive.  When  caustic  pmtassa  is  added  to  a tolerably  concentrated 
solutii  of  the  antimonial  salt,  it  produces  at  first  no  effect,  then  a precipitate  of 
teroxe,  and  afterwards  the  solution  of  this  precipitate,  if  the  addition  of  the 
alkalne  continued.  Lime-water  acts  in  a weaker  solution,  and  throws  down  a 
white»recipitate,  consisting  of  the  mixed  tartrates  of  lime  and  antimony.  Car- 
bonatof  potassa  affects  still  weaker  solutions,  throwing  down  a white  precipitate 
of  teuide;  but  this  test  does  not  act  in  solutions  containing  less  than  a quarter 
of  a ain  of  the  antimonial  salt  to  the  fluidounce.  Ammonia,  both  pure  and 
carboited,  precipitates  a solution  of  tartar  emetic,  throwing  down  the  pure 
teroxe.  Dr.  Barker,  of  Dublin,  has  proposed  the  carbonate  of  ammonia  as  a 
precipant  for  obtaining  the  oxide,  when  wanted  as  a medicine.  (See  page 
867.1  To  these  reagents  may  be  added  the  infusion  of  galls,  which,  when  fresh 
and  song,  causes  a dirty,  yellowish-white  precipitate  of  tannate  of  the  teroxide 
of  an  nony. 

Co  position.  Tartar  emetic  consists  of  two  eqs.  of  tartaric  acid  132,  one  of 
potasi  47 "2,  one  of  teroxide  of  antimony  153,  and  three  of  water  27=859'2. 
It  is  ident  that  it  contains  tartaric  acid  and  potassa  in  the  precise  proportion 
to  for  hitartrate  of  potassa  or  cream  of  tartar ; and,  accordingly,  it  may  be 
viewe  as  a compound  of  one  eq.  of  cream  of  tartar,  and  one  of  antimonial 
teroxb.  The  excess  of  acid  in  the  bitartrate  may  be  considered  as  united  with 
the  toxide;  and  on  that  view  it  is  a double  salt,  composed  of  the  tartrate  of 
potas;  united  with  the  tartrate  of  teroxide  of  antimony.  The  name,  therefore, 
of  the  J.  S.  Pharmacopoeia  is  correct. 

Me  cal  Properties  and  Uses.  Tartrate  of  antimony  and  potassa  is  the  most 
impoi.nt  of  the  antimonials,  and  is  capable  of  fulfilling  numerous  indications 
m disse.  Its  general  action  is  that  of  a sedative  upon  the  circulation;  while, 
on  tk contrary,  it  excites  most  of  the  secretions.  According  to  the  dose,  and 
the  pi  aliar  circumstances  under  which  it  is  administered,  it  acts  variously  as 
an  alt  ative,  diaphoretic,  diuretic,  expectorant,  purgative,  and  emetic.  In  minute 
doses  is  employed,  either  alone  or  conjoined  with  calomel,  with  a view  to  its 
alterabe  effects,  and  has  been  found  useful  in  diseases  of  the  skin.  In  small 
doses,  aostly  associated  with  saline  remedies,  such  as  nitre  or  sulphate  of  mag- 
nesia, nd  assisted  by  copious  dilution,  it  is  frequently  resorted  to  in  febrile 
comp  nts,  for  the  purpose  of  producing  perspiration,  which  is  often  copiously 
mduc.  , especially  if  the  remedy  gives  rise  to  nausea.  If  the  surface  be  ex- 
posed;) cool  air,  so  as  to  constrict  the  pores,  the  tendency  will  be  to  the  kidneys, 
with  e effect  of  producing  an  increased  flow  of  urine.  On  the  principle  of 
exciti ; the  secretions,  it  proves  useful,  on  many  occasions,  in  pulmonary  and 
broncal  disease  as  an  expectorant;  and  with  a view  to  its  action  in  this  way, 
k is  i quently  conjoined  with  squill,  ammoniac,  and  similar  remedies.  In  full 


874 


Antimonium. 


part 

closes  it  acts  as  an  emetic,  and  as  such  is  characterized  by  certainty,  stren  1 
and  permanency  of  operation.  It  remains  longer  in  the  stomach  than  ipeci- 
anha,  produces  more  frequent  and  longer  continued  efforts  to  vomit,  and  ex  s 
a more  powerful  impression  upon  the  system  generally.  The  nausea  and  att<  1- 
ant  prostration  are  often  very  considerable.  As  an  emetic,  its  use  is  indie  d 
where  the  object  is  not  merely  to  evacuate  the  stomach,  but  to  agitate  and  ci- 
press  the  liver  and  other  abdominal  viscera.  By  the  extension  of  its  actio  :o 
the  duodenum,  it  often  causes  copious  discharges  of  bile,  and  hence  fornn.n 
appropriate  remedy  in  those  diseases  in  which  there  is  an  accumulation  of  at 
secretion.  It  is  employed  as  an  emetic  in  the  commencement  of  fevers,  ee- 
cially  those  of  an  intermittent  or  bilious  character;  in  jaundice,  hooping-co  h, 
and  croup;  and  in  several  diseases  of  the  nervous  system,  such  as  mania,  aiu- 
rosis,  tic  douloureux,  &c.  In  efforts  to  reduce  old  dislocations,  its  relaxing  pi  er 
over  the  muscles,  when  acting  as  a nauseant,  is  taken  advantage  of,  in  ord*  to 
facilitate  the  operation.  As  an  incidental  effect  to  its  diaphoretic  and  eu:ic 
operation,  tartar  emetic  often  produces  purging.  Taking  advantage  of  this  t d- 
ency,  practitioners  are  frequently  in  the  habit  of  adding  it  to  purgatives  he 
operation  of  which  it  promotes  in  a remarkable  degree.  It  is  contra-indic ed 
in  diseases  of  great  debility,  in  the  advanced  stages  of  febrile  affections,  arin 
fevers  attended  with  irritability  of  stomach. 

Of  late  years,  on  the  continent  of  Europe,  and  to  a certain  extent  in  C;at 
Britain  and  this  country,  tartar  emetic  has  been  given  in  large  doses,  with  a ew 
to  its  sedative,  or,  as  it  is  usually  termed,  controstimufont  operation.  This  no- 
tice originated  with  Rasori,  professor  of  clinical  medicine  at  Milan,  who  ib- 
lished  his  view's  in  1800.  The  principal  diseases  in  which  it  has  been  thus  ud, 
are  pneumonia,  pleurisy,  bronchitis,  acute  rheumatism,  especially  of  the  jets, 
articular  dropsies,  chorea,  hydrocephalus,  and  apoplexy.  The  medieii  is 
directed  in  doses,  varying  from  a grain  to  two  grains  or  more,  every  two  h rs, 
dissolved  in  a small  quantity  of  water ; the  patient  being  restricted  in  those 
of  drinks  whilst  under  its  operation.  It  is  stated  that  when  the  remedy  is  ius 
given  in  diseases  of  high  action,  it  seldom  produces  vomiting,  an  effect  vich 
the  authors  of  the  practice  wish  to  avoid.  The  power  of  the  system  to  ear 
large  doses  of  tartar  emetic,  during  the  existence  of  acute  disease,  was  conskred 
by  Rasori  to  depend  upon  the  coexistent  high  morbid  excitement,  and  the  pa- 
bility  of  bearing  them  was  expressed  by  the  term  tolerance.  It  is  in  jeu- 
monia  especially  that  the  controstimulaut  practice  has  most  advocates.  . is 
admitted  to  have  the  effect  of  lowering  the  force  and  frequency  of  the  pulseaul 
the  rapidity  of  the  respirations;  and,  in  not  a few  instances,  it  produces  m;red 
remedial  effects.  In  pleurisy  and  bronchitis,  the  advantages  of  the  saute  •ac- 
tice  are  less  decided.  Though  wrn  are  disposed  to  admit  the  controlling  iuflmce 
of  tartar  emetic,  when  thus  exhibited,  in  the  diseases  named;  yet  we  1 no 
means  think  that  its  use  should  supersede  bloodletting,  or  even  form  our  rief 
reliance.  In  cases,  however,  in  which  bloodletting,  both  general  and  loca.has 
no  effect,  or  has  been  carried  as  far  as  the  circumstances  of  the  case  will  wat.nt, 
tartar  emetic,  administered  on  the  controstimulaut  plan,  may  be  found  u!ui- 
If  the  tolerance  cannot  be  otherwise  established,  laudanum  may  be  eonjned 
with  the  antimony,  iu  order  to  bring  it  about.  Iu  the  treatment  of  artalar 
dropsies,  the  decided  benefit  derived  from  large  doses  of  tartar  emetic  is  jllj 
showm  by  M.  Gfimelle,  who  has  reported  twenty-eight  successful  cases  in  suiort 
of  the  practice.  The  medicine  was  gradually  increased  from  four  grains  tjax- 
teen  or  twenty  daily,  and,  generally,  the  tolerance  was  established  on  tkunt 
day.  The  effusion  was  absorbed  in  a space  of  time  varying  from  eight  to  si  <?eu 
days.  M.  Vidart  has  used  large  doses  of  tartar  emetic,  associated  with  W" 
num,  with  good  effect,  in  a case  of  delirium  tremens.  ( Journ . de  Pharm.Uit 
Chim.,  April,  1851.) 


PAR' II. 


Antimonium. 


875 


Eternally,  tartar  emetic  is  sometimes  employed  as  a counter-irritant,  mixed 
with  ard  or  cerate,  or  sprinkled  in  very  fine  powder  on  adhesive  plaster.  (See 
Ungmum  Antimonii.)  It  causes,  after  a longer  or  shorter  interval,  a burning 
sensfon,  accompanied  by  a peculiar  and  painful  pustular  eruption.  This  mode 
of  pijiucing  counter-irritation  is  serviceable  in  a number  of  diseases;  but  par- 
ticulily  in  deep-seated  pains,  spinal  irritation,  hooping-cough,  and  chronic 
inflamation  of  the  chest  threatening  consumption.  Care  must  be  taken,  when 
the  st  is  applied  by  means  of  a plaster,  that  the  pustular  inflammation  does  not 
procel  too  far;  as,  in  that  event,  it  produces  deep  and  very  painful  ulcerations, 
diffict  to  heal.  According  to  M.  G-uerin,  inflamed  parts  exhibit  a condition  of 
tolence  to  the  local  effects  of  tartar  emetic,  evinced  by  the  absence  of  pustula- 
tion.  In  support  of  this  view,  he  asserts  that  be  has  treated  hundreds  of  cases 
of  ac  e arthralgia  with  tartar  emetic  ointment  with  the  best  effects,  mostly  with- 
out t!  production  of  any  eruption;  and  when  the  pustules  were  produced,  the 
beuel  accrued  before  they  appeared.  When  no  pustulation  follows,  M.  Guerin 
suppies  that  the  antimony  acts  by  absorption. 

Taar  emetic  is  generally  given  in  solution,  and  in  an  amount  which  varies 
with  ae  intention  in  view  in  its  administration.  Its  dose  as  an  alterative  is 
from  re  thirtieth  to  the  twelfth  of  a grain;  as  a diaphoretic  or  expectorant,  from 
the  Fifth  to  the  sixth  of  a grain ; and  as  a nauseating  sudorific,  from  a quarter 
to  hi'  a grain ; in  each  case,  repeated  every  hour,  two,  or  four  hours.  If  re- 
quire to  act  as  a purgative,  a grain  may  be  dissolved  in  half  a pint  of  water 
with  i.  ounce  of  Epsom  salt,  and  two  tablespoonfuls  of  the  solution  given  every 
two  ' three  hours.  As  an  emetic  the  full  dose  is  from  two  to  three  grains ; 
thouj!  it  is  usually  given  in  divided  portions  of  a grain,  dissolved  in  a table- 
spooni  of  water,  every  ten  or  fifteen  minutes  till  it  vomits;  the  operation  being 
aidedjy  warm  water,  or  warm  chamomile  tea.  It  is  often  conjoined  with  ipe- 
cacuapa,  in  the  proportion  of  one  or  two  grains  to  twenty  of  that  emetic.  For 
conveient  administration  in  small  doses,  the  Pharmacopoeias  order  it  dissolved 
in  win  (See  Vinum  Antimonii.)  It  is  given  very  conveniently  to  children  in 
diluti  aqueous  solution,  which,  being  nearly  tasteless,  is  readily  taken  by  them. 
In  aliases  this  medicine  should  be  given  with  caution ; as,  in  some  peculiar 
const  itions,  it  acts  in  small  doses  with  unexpected  violence. 

Ems  as  a Poison.  The  effects  produced  by  a poisonous  dose  of  tartar  emetic 
are  a austere  metallic  taste;  nausea;  copious  vomiting;  frequent  hiccough; 
burni ; pain  in  the  stomach;  colic;  frequent  stools  and  tenesmus;  fainting; 
small;  ontracted,  and  accelerated  pulse;  coldness  of  the  skin;  sometimes  intense 
beat;  ifficu.lt  respiration ; loss  of  sense;  convulsive  movements;  very  painful 
cram;,  in  the  legs;  prostration  and  death.  To  these  effects  is  sometimes  added 
difficijy  of  deglutition.  Vomiting  and  purging  in  a few  instances  do  not  take 
place  md  when  they  are  absent,  the  other  symptoms  are  aggravated.  A case 
of  poiming  by  tartar  emetic  is  reported  by  Dr.  J.  T.  Gleaves,  of  Tennessee,  in 
which:,  pustular  eruption,  like  that  caused  by  the  external  application  of  the 
antidiial,  was  copiously  produced.  ( Amer . Journ.  of  Med.  Sci.,  xv.  573,  from 
the  lip™.  Journ.  of  Med.  and  Surg.)  These  are  the  effects  produced  on  the 
healtlj  economy;  but  it  has  been  fully  proved  that  the  doses  which,  in  a state 
of  he  tli  would  prove  fatal,  are  sometimes  borne  with  safety  in  certain  morbid 
states  f the  system,  attended  with  internal  acute  inflammation. 

In  | eating  a case  of  poisoning  by  tartar  emetic,  if  it  is  found  that  the  patient 
has  n vomited,  immediate  recourse  must  be  had  to  tickling  the  throat  with  a 
feathij  and  the  use  of  abundance  of  warm  water.  Usually,  however,  the  vomit- 
1Dg  nlxcessive  and  distressing,  and  here  it  is  necessary  to  use  remedies  calculated 
to  de.mpose  the  poison,  and  to  allay  the  pain  and  irritation.  To  effect  the 
lormoobject,  astringent  decoctions  and  infusions,  such  as  of  bark  and  common 


876 


Antimonium. 


PAR II. 


tea,  are  recommended  as  antidotes.  These,  however,  act  but  imperfectly,  acrd- 
ing  to  the  experiments  of  M.  Toulmouche,  who  found  that  a decoction  of  cinona 
had  usually  no  power  in  lessening  the  emetic  effect  of  this  antimonial.  Si  liar 
observations  have  been  made  by  Dr.  Clutterbuck.  {Pereira.')  The  decocti  of 
galls  acts  more  decidedly;  but  M.  Toulmouche  accords  the  preference  t the 
galls,  given  in  substance,  as  an  antidote  in  poisoning  by  tartar  emetic,  iase 
of  accidental  poisoning  with  half  an  ounce  of  tartar  emetic,  successfully  ti  ted 
with  copious  draughts  of  green  tea  and  large  doses  of  tannin,  is  reported  bDr. 
S.  A.  McCreery,  U.  S.  Navy.  (Am.  Journ.  of  Med.  Set.,  Jan.  1853,  p.  131.)  ills 
no  doubt  act  by  the  tannin  they  contain,  which  forms,  with  the  antimonialart 
of  the  salt,  the  insoluble  and  probably  inert  tannate  of  antimony.  Totop 
the  vomiting  and  relieve  pain,  laudanum  should  be  given,  either  by  the  Dath 
or  injection,  and  to  combat  consecutive  inflammation,  bleeding,  both  loesmd 
general,  and  other  antiphlogistic  measures  should  be  resorted  to. 

After  death  from  suspected  poisoning  by  tartar  emetic,  it  is  necessary  to  s rch 
for  the  poison  in  the  body.  The  substances  in  the  stomach  should  be  digted 
in  water,  acidulated  with  a little  muriatic  and  tartaric  acids.  The  forme  icid 
will  serve  to  coagulate  some  organic  matter;  the  latter  to  give  complete  solulity 
to  the  antimony.  The  solution  obtained,  after  having  been  filtered,  is  sub;  ted 
to  a stream  of  sulphuretted  hydrogen,  which  will  throw  down  the  orange-reter- 
sulphuret  of  antimony,  distinguishable  from  the  tersulphuret  of  arsenic,  ai  all 
other  precipitates,  by  its  forming  with  hot  muriatic  acid  a solution,  from  vich, 
when  added  to  water,  a white  curdy  precipitate  of  oxychloride  of  antimev  is 
thrown  down.  Sulphuretted  hydrogen  is  by  far  the  most  delicate  test  for  :tar 
emetic. 

Sometimes  the  antimony  cannot  be  found  in  the  stomach  and  bowels,  ai  yet 
may  exist  in  other  parts.  When  it  leaves  the  alimentary  canal,  it  has>een 
found  by  Orfila  especially  in  the  liver  and  kidneys  and  their  secretions.  The 
mode  of  extracting  the  antimony,  recommended  by  Orfila,  is  to  carbonk  the 
dried  viscera  with  pure  concentrated  nitric  acid  in  a porcelain  capsule,  to  be  the 
charred  mass  obtained  for  half  an  hour  with  muriatic  acid,  assisted  with  few 
drops  of  nitric  acid,  to  filter  the  liquor,  and  introduce  it  into  Marsh's  appatus. 
Antimoniuretted  hydrogen  will  be  formed,  wThich,  being  inflamed,  will  cbosit 
the  antimony  on  a cold  surface  of  porcelain,  as  a black  stain,  distinguiable 
from  the  similar  stain  produced  by  arsenic  by  its  less  volatility,  and  by  its  inn- 
ing with  hot  muriatic  acid  a solution  which  affords  a white  precipitate  hen 
added  to  water.  (See  Arch.  Gen.,  3e  ser.,  vii.  511.) 

Off.  Prep.  Pulvis  Antimonialis,  Dub.;  Syrupus  Seillae  Compositus;  Umen- 
tum  Antimonii;  Vinum  Antimonii.  I 

VINUM  ANTIMONII.  U.S.  Vinum  Antimonii  Potassiomr- 
tratis.  Lond.  Vinum  Antimoniale.  Ed.  Antimonii  Tartaeaii 
Liquor.  Dub.  Antimonial  Wine. 

“ Take  of  Tartrate  of  Antimony  and  Potassa  a scruple;  White  H ine  [b  try] 
ten  fluidoUnces.  Dissolve  the  Tartrate  of  Autimony  and  Posassa  in  the  Vne. 
U.S. 

The  London  and  Edinburgh  Colleges  direct  two  scruples  of  the  salt  [crjtals, 
Lond.)  to  be  dissolved  in  a pint  [Imperial  measure]  of  Sherry  >ne- f e 
Dublin  College  dissolves  a drachm  [51 '68  grains]  of  the  salt  in  a pint )[nps- 
rial  measure]  of  distilled  water,  and  adds  seven  ffut  Jounces  of  Rectified  8pt. 

In  the  first  edition  of  the  United  States  Pharmacopoeia,  the  proportion  otirtar 
emetic  was  four  grains  to  the  fluidounce  of  wine.  In  the  revision  of  183  t e 
quantity  was  reduced  to  two  grains,  and,  as  this  is  very  nearly  the  prof  tun 
directed  by  the  British  Colleges,  the  highly  important  object  has  been  ; 


r 


pab  ii.  Antimonium.  877 

plisld,  of  uniformity  in  the  strength  of  this  very  popular  preparation.  The 
seeD'Jg  discrepancy  between  the  London  and  Edinburgh  formulae,  and  that  of 
the  L S.  Pharmacopoeia  will  disappear,  when  it  is  considered  that  the  Imperial 
pintjidopted  by  the  two  British  Colleges,  contains  twenty  fluidounces,  each  very 
near  equal  to  the  fluidounce  of  the  ordinary  apothecaries’  measure.  The  U.  S. 
official  name  was  adopted  as  most  convenient,  sufficiently  expressive,  and  in 
acco  ance  with  the  nomenclature  of  several  other  metallic  preparations,  such 
as  Mplastrum  Ferri,  Mistura  Ferri  Composita,  &c. 

Dic-ulty  is  often  experienced  in  effecting  a solution  of  tartar  emetic  in  wine; 
and  recipitation  is  apt  to  occur  after  the  solution  has  been  effected.  These 
resu;  are  attributable  either  to  impurity  in  the  antimonial  salt,  which  fre- 
queiy  contains  bitartrate  of  potassa  and  various  insoluble  substances,  or  to 
infenrity  in  the  character  of  the  wine,  which  holds  in  solution  vegetable  prin- 
ciple that  form  insoluble  compounds  with  the  teroxide  of  antimony:  Dr.  Paris 
state  that  he  has  seen  the  decomposition  of  the  tartar  emetic  so  complete,  that 
no  tices  of  the  salt  could  be  detected  in  the  supernatant  liquid.  The  difficulty 
is  nt  avoided  by  the  plan,  at  one  time  directed,  of  first  dissolving  the  antimo- 
nial l water,  and  then  adding  the  wine ; for,  even  allowing  that  the  solution 
may  e accomplished,  the  same  ingredients  are  present,  and  their  mutual  reac- 
tion ust  ultimately  result  in  the  same  effects.  The  proper  course  is  to  select 
perfidy  pure  crystallized  tartar  emetic,  and  sound  Sherry  or  Teneriffe  wine, 
whic  make  a permanent  solution.  To  obviate  the  risk  of  decomposition,  the 
Dub  t College  directs  water  and  rectified  spirit  in  about  the  proportion  in  which 
thesqxist  in  the  wines  just  mentioned.  The  only  objection  to  this  menstruum 
is  til  want  of  colour,  which  renders  the  preparation  liable  to  be  confounded 
with  ess  active  liquids. 

Tl  advantages  of  antimonial  wine  are,  that  it  affords  the  means  of  adminis- 
terin  minute  doses  of  tartar  emetic,  and  is  more  permanent  than  an  aqueous 
solutn  of  that  salt,  which  is  liable  to  spontaneous  decomposition.  It  is  usually 
admi  stered  in  small  doses  as  a diaphoretic  or  expectorant,  or  as  an  emetic  in 
infade  cases.  Where  a considerable  quantity  of  tartar  emetic  is  requisite,  it 
slum  always  be  given  in  extemporaneous  aqueous  solution.  The  dose  of  the 
wine'iis  an  expectorant  or  diaphoretic,  is  from  ten  to  thirty  drops,  given  fre- 
quent; as  an  emetic  for  children,  from  thirty  drops  to  a fluidrachm,  repeated 
ever'ifteen  minutes  till  it  operates. 

Oj  Prep.  Mistura  Glycyrrhizae  Composita.  W. 

A TIMONII  SULPHURETUM  PR2EPARATUM.  Dub.  Pre- 
pare, Sulphuret  of  Antimony. 

“ 1 ke  of  Sulphuret  of  Antimony  of  Commerce  any  convenient  quantity.  Let 
this  i reduced  to  powder,  and  the  finer  particles  having  been  separated  from 
the  mrser  by  the  method  explained  in  the  formula  for  Creta  Prseparata,  let 
them  e dried,  and  preserved  for  use.”  Dub. 

Su  huret  of  antimony  in  mass  is  placed  in  the  Materia  Medica  list  of  all  the 
Pkarhcopoeias  noticed  in  this  work.  But  for  use  in  medicine,  and  for  some 
phamceutical  processes,  it  requires  to  be  in  powder,  and  the  above  process  is 
intern  d to  bring  it  to  that  state.  But  it  is  hardly  necessary  to  have  a distinct 
form  i to  indicate  the  mode  of  proceeding,  and  accordingly  this  preparation  is 
not.  i luded  in  the  U-  S.,  London,  and  Edinburgh  Pharmacopoeias. 

Poverties.  Prepared  sulphuret  of  antimony  is  in  the  form  of  an  insoluble 
powd,  without  taste  or  smell,  usually  of  a dull  blackish  colour,  but  reddish- 
brow11  when  perfectly  pure.  By  exposure  to  the  air,  it  absorbs,  according  to 
Bucher,  a portion  of  oxygen,  and  becomes  partially  converted  into  teroxide. 
Its  i mrities  and  composition  are  mentioned  under  another  head.  (See  Anti- 
inoni  Sulphur etumi) 


878 


Antimonium. 


PAI II, 


Pf- 
- in 
Che 


ins, 

ans 

eri- 


Mediccd  Properties  and  Uses.  This  preparation  is  very  uncertain  in  it- 
ration ; being  sometimes  without  effect,  at  other  times,  if  it  meets  with  a 
the  stomach,  operating  with  extreme  violence  by  vomiting  and  purging 
effects  usually  attributed  to  it  are  those  of  a diaphoretic  and  alterative;  an  the 
diseases  in  which  it  has  been  principally  used,  are  scrofula,  glandular  obstruc 
cutaneous  diseases,  and  chronic  rheumatism.  It  is  not  employed  by  phys.a 
in  the  United  States,  its  use  in  this  country  being  exclusively  confined  to 
nary  practice.  The  dose  is  from  ten  to  thirty  grains,  given  in  powder  or  in?, 

Off.  Prep.  Antimonii  Sulphuretum  Prascipitatum ; Antimonii  Terclridi 
Liquor. 

ANTIMONII  SULPHURETUM  PRASCIPITATUM.  U.S. , L 
Antimonii  Oxysulphuretum.  Lond.  Antimonii  SulphuretujM- 
reum.  Ed.  Precipitated  Sulphuret  of  Antimony.  Oxy sulphur  of 

Antimony. 

“Take  of  Sulphuret  of  Antimony,  in  fine  powder,  six  ounces ; Solut a of 
Potassa  four  pints ; Distilled  Water,  Diluted  Sulphuric  Acid,  each,  a su-ient 
quantity.  Mix  the  Sulphuret  of  Antimony  with  the  Solution  of  Potas:  and 
twelve  pints  of  Distilled  Water,  and  boil  them  over  a gentle  fire,  for  two  mrs, 
constantly  stirring,  and  occasionally7  adding  Distilled  Water,  so  as  to  pierve 
the  same  measure.  Strain  the  liquor  immediately  through  a double  linen  oth, 
and  drop  into  it,  while  yet  hot,  Diluted  Sulphuric  Acid  so  long  as  it  procresa 
precipitate ; then  wash  away  the  sulphate  of  potassa  with  hot  water,  ci  the 
Precipitated  Sulphuret  of  Antimony,  and  rub  it  into  a fine  powder.”  U. 

“Take  of  Tersulphuret  of  Antimony,  powdered,  seven  ounces;  Solutn  of 
Soda  four  pints  [Imp.  meas.]  ; Distilled  Water  two  gallons  [Imp.  meas.]  dilu- 
ted Sulphuric  Acid  a sufficient  quantity.  Mix  the  Tersulphuret  and  Sod  with 
the  Water,  and  boil  with  a slow  fire  for  two  hours,  frequently  stirring,  D filed 
Water  being  often  added,  so  that  the  mixture  may  fill  about  the  same  meure. 
Strain  the  liquor,  and  gradually  drop  into  it  as  much  of  the  Acid  as  i y be 
sufficient  to  throw  down  the  Oxysulphuret  of  Antimony;  then  wash  aw  the 
sulphate  of  soda  with  water,  and  dry  what  remains  with  a gentle  heat.” 

“Take  of  Sulphuret  of  Autimony,  in  fine  pow’der,  an  ounce;  Solution 
ash  eleven  fiuidounces  [Imp.  meas.];  Water  two  pints  [Imp.  meas.]. 

Water  and  Solution  of  Potash,  add  the  Sulphuret,  boil  for  an  hour,  filterntne- 
diately,  and  precipitate  the  liquid,  while  hot,  with  an  excess  of  Diluted  Su  auric 
Acid.  Collect  the  precipitate  on  a calico  filter,  wash  it  thoroughly  with'ater, 
and  dry  it  with  a gentle  heat.”  Ed. 

“Take  of  Prepared  Sulphuret  of  Antimony  five  ounces  [avoirdupois  Car- 
bonate of  Potash  from  Pearlash,  first  dried  at  a low  red  heat,  and  reded  to 
powder,  four  ounces  [avoird.];  Water  one  gallon  [Imp.  meas.];  Pure  Sujhuric 
Acid  two  fiuidounces  [Imp.  meas.] ; Distilled  Water  one  quart  [Imp.  meas.  Ihi 
the  Sulphuret  of  Antimony  and  Carbonate  of  Potash  in  a mortar,  and  ht  the 
mixture  in  a Hessian  crucible,  first  cautiously7  until  effervescence  ceases,  ai  then 
to  low  redness,  so  as  to  produce  liquefaction.  Pour  out  the  melted  mass  on  clean 
flag,  and,  when  it  has  concreted  and  cooled,  rub  it  to  a fine  powder  in  a pc 


Olid. 

Pot - 
Us  the 


retain 


mortar.  Add  this,  in  successive  portions,  to  the  gallon  of  Water  while  bojng  in 
an  iron  vessel,  and,  having  maintained  the  ebullition  for  twenty  minutes,  tester 
the  whole  to  a calico  filter,  and  cause  the  solution  which  passes  through  drop 
into  the  Distilled  Water,  previously  mixed  with  the  Sulphuric  Acid,  T joe 
precipitate  which  forms  be  collected  on  a calico  filter,  and  let  warm  otilled 
water  be  repeatedly  poured  upon  it.  until  the  liquid  which  passes  through1®^ 
to  give  a precipitate  when  dropped  into  a solution  of  nitrate  of  barytes.  Inaiy- 
dry  the  product  on  porous  bricks,  placed  in  a warm  atmosphere.  Dub. 


PAE  II. 


Antimonium. 


879 


A the  theory  of  the  formation  of  the  precipitated  sulphnret  of  antimony  is 
intintely  connected  with  that  of  the  production  of  the  substances  called  kermes 
min  al  and  golden  sulphur , we  shall  first  describe  the  latter  preparations  as  in- 
trod  'tory  to  our  account  of  the  former. 

R-mes  mineral,  according  to  Thenard,  may  he  obtained  by  treating  the  ter- 
sulpiret  of  antimony  in  three  ways;  1st  with  a boiling  solution  of  the  carbonated 
alka|s,  2d  with  a boiling  solution  of  the  caustic  alkalies,  and  3d  with  the  car- 
bon: ;d  alkalies  at  a red  heat.  These  several  processes  give  brown  powders, 
wilic  vary  iu  their  shade  of  colour,  and  which,  though  usually  considered  as 
idenial, differ  in  composition.  The  kermes  obtained  by  means  of  the  carbonated 
alka;s  in  solution  is  an  oxysulphuret,  that  is,  a mixture  of  teroxide  of  antimony 
withiydrated  tersulphuret;  while  the  product,  when  either  the  caustic  alkalies 
in  sntion,  or  the  carbonated  alkalies  at  a red  heat  are  used,  is  essentially  a 
hydtied  tersulphuret,  though  containing  occasionally  a little  oxysulphuret. 

Iterance  the  process  by  the  use  of  the  carbonated  alkalies  in  solution  is  pre- 
fern  for  preparing  kermes;  and  the  alkali  selected  is  soda  as  giving  a handsomer 
prodit.  The  formula  of  Cluzel  is  to  boil  for  half  an  hour  one  part  of  pulverized 
tersuhuret  of  antimony  with  twenty-two  or  twenty-three  parts  of  crystallized 
carblate  of  soda,  in  two  hundred  and  fifty  parts  of  water,  to’  filter  the  liquor, 
and  ceive  it  in  warm  earthen  pans,  which  must  be  covered,  and  allowed  to  cool 
slow.  At  the  end  of  twenty-four  hours,  the  kermes  is  deposited.  It  is  then 
colleed  on  a filter,  washed  with  boiled  water  cooled  without  contact  of  air,  dried 
at  th temperature  of  77°,  and  kept  in  bottles  well  stopped.  This  formula  is 
subs  ntially  the  same  with  that  given  in  the  French  Codex  of  1837. 

T1  rationale  of  the  formation  of  kermes  by  this  process  is  as  follows.  A 
portii  of  the  carbonate  of  soda  is  converted,  by  a transfer  of  carbonic  acid,  into 
caus  ■ soda  and  sesquicarbonate.  By  a double  decomposition  taking  place 
betw  n a part  of  the  tersulphuret  of  antimony  and  the  caustic  soda,  teroxide 
of  armony  and  sulphuret  of  sodium  are  formed.  The  teroxide  then  dissolves 
in  tb  solution  of  the  remaining  carbonate  of  soda,  and  the  undecomposed  por- 
tion the  tersulphuret  in  that  of  the  sulphuret  of  sodium.  The  teroxide  and 
terse  huret  being  both  more  soluble  in  these  menstrua  hot  than  cold,  precipitate 
togetir  as  the  liquid  cools,  and  constitute  this  variety  of  kermes.  When  thus 
obtai  :d,  it  is  light,  velvety,  of  a dark  reddish-purple  colour,  brilliant  in  the 
sun,  id  of  a crystalline  appearance.  It  consists,  according  to  M.  Henry,  jun., 
of  te-ulphuret  of  antimony  62 '5,  teroxide  27'4,  water  10,  and  soda  a trace : 
prop  tions  which  correspond  most  nearly  with  two  eqs.  of  tersulphuret,  one  of 
teroj  e,  and  six  of  water.  In  consequence  of  the  presence  of  a considerable 
amort  of  teroxide  of  antimony  in  this  variety  of  kermes,  it  must  be  far  more 
activ  ban  the  other  kinds,  and  ought,  therefore,  to  be  preferred  for  medicinal  use. 

Kjones,  when  obtained  by  means  of  the  caustic  alkalies,  may  be  formed  by 
the  i!  of  either  potassa  or  soda.  When  the  former  alkali  is  selected,  it  may 
be  p pared  by  boiling  for  a quarter  of  an  hour,  two  parts  of  the  tersulphuret 
of  at  mony  with  one  part  of  caustic  potassa  dissolved  in  twenty-five  or  thirty 
partsbf  water,  filtering  the  liquor,  and  allowing  it  to  cool;  whereupon  the 
kerm  precipitates.  In  this  process,  one  portion  of  the  tersulphuret,  by  re- 
actin'with  a portion  of  the  potassa,  gives  rise  to  teroxide  of  antimony  and  sul- 
phur of  potassium.  A second  portion  dissolves  in  the  solution  of  sulphuret 
of  pissium  formed,  and  a third  forms  an  insoluble  compound  with  a part  of 
the  i oxide.  The  remainder  of  the  teroxide  unites  with  the  undecomposed 
potas,  forming  a compound,  which,  being  but  sparingly  soluble,  is  only  in  part 
dissoled.  The  hot  filtered  liquor,  therefore,  contains  this  compound  dissolved 
m w;  t,  and  tersulphuret  of  antimony  dissolved  in  the  solution  of  sulphuret  of 
potasum.  By  refrigeration,  the  tersulphuret  in  a hydrated  state  falls  down, 


880 


Antimonium. 


par:  i, 


free  or  nearly  free  from  teroxide,  this  latter  being  still  held  in  solution  by  m is 
of  the  caustic  alkali  with  which  it  is  united. 

Kermes  is  obtained  by  the  third  method,  that  is,  in  the  dry  way,  by  rubw 
together  two  parts  of  tersulphuret  of  antimony  and  one  of  carbonate  of  pot  to 
fusing  the  mixture  in  a crucible  by  a red  heat,  reducing  the  fused  mass  to  w- 
der,  boiling  it  with  water,  and  straining.  As  the  strained  liquor  cools  the  ke  es 
is  deposited.  The  rationale  of  its  formation  is  nearly  the  same  with  that  o he 
formation  of  the  second  variety  of  kermes.  An  inferior  kermes,  prepare  in 
the  dry  way,  and  intended  for  use  in  veterinary  medicine,  is  directed  mhe 
Trench  Codex  to  be  prepared  by  fusing  together,  well  mixed,  500  parts  ofir- 
sulphuret  of  antimony,  1000  of  carbonate  of  potassa,  and  30  of  washed  suljir, 
reducing  the  fused  mass  to  powder,  and  boiling  it  with  10,000  parts  of  wer. 
The  liquor,  upon  cooling,  lets  fall  the  kermes,  which  must  be  washed  with  ire 
and  dried. 

Kermes  mineral  is  an  insipid,  inodorous  powder,  of  different  shades  of  bi/n. 
By  the  action  of  air  and  light  it  gradually  becomes  lighter  coloured,  and  aast 
yellowish-white.  It  is  sometimes  adulterated  with  sesquioxide  of  iron.  In 
Paris,  in  1849,  a number  of  the  shops  contained  a spurious  kermes  of  ,-ry 
handsome  appearance,  which  was  little  else  than  this  oxide.  ( Jourii . de  Plan., 
Oct.  1849.)  Kermes  mineral  first  came  into  use  as  a remedy  in  FraDC-e  out 
the  beginning  of  the  last  century.  Its  mode  of  preparation  was  possessecsa 
secret  by  a French  surgeon  named  La  Ligerie.  In  1720,  the  recipe  wasur- 
chased  by  the  French  government  and  made  public. 

Golden  sulphur  is  formed  by  the  addition  of  an  acid  to  the  liquor  rich 
remains  after  the  precipitation  of  the  kermes.  According  to  the  directio  of 
the  French  Codex,  acetic  acid  is  employed  for  this  purpose.  The  liquor,  ten 
caustic  potassa  has  been  used,  consists  at  first  chiefly  of  tersulphuret  of  oti- 
mony  dissolved  in  solution  of  sulphuret  of  potassium,  but  in  part  also  of  terc  de, 
dissolved  in  solution  of  potassa.  By  the  action  of  the  oxygen  of  the  air  othe 
liquor,  however,  the  sulphuret  of  potassium  has  part  of  its  potassium  gradilly 
converted  into  potassa,  and  thus  passes  to  a higher  state  of  sulphuration;nd, 
consequently,  the  addition  of  an  acid,  while  it  throws  down  the  tersulpkureand 
teroxide  of  antimony  with  disengagement  of  sulphuretted  hydrogen,  wibre- 
cipitate  at  the  same  time  the  excess  of  sulphur  which  the  sulphuret  of  pota  um 
has  gained.  Agreeably  to  this  explanation,  golden  sulphur  is  a mixture  cter- 
sulphuret  and  teroxide  of  antimony,  containing  more  or  less  free  sulphui  It 
is  in  the  form  of  a powder  of  a golden-yellow  colour.  As  it  is  partially  d om- 
posed  by  light,  it  should  be  kept  in  opaque  vessels.  It  may  be  worth  win  to 
mention  that  the  kermes  liquor,  left  after  the  use  of  the  carbonated  alkals  in 
solution,  gives  but  little  golden  sulphur;  while  the  liquors,  resulting  fro  the 
two  other  processes,  yield  it  in  abundance. 

From  the  explanations  above  given,  the  reader  is  prepared  to  understanehat 
the  method  of  preparing  the  precipitated  sulphuret  of  antimony  of  the  i5-> 
London,  and  Edinburgh  Pharmacopoeias,  combines  the  process  for  formii  the 
kermes  mineral  by  means  of  a caustic  alkali,  with  that  for  obtaining  £ den 
sulphur;  for,  while  the  refrigeration  of  the  solution  acting  alone  wouldiuse 
the  precipitation  of  the  variety  of  kermes,  which  contains  little  or  no  aiuto- 
nial  oxide,  the  sulphuric  acid  added  would  throw  down  more  or  less  of  the  guen 
sulphur.  But  the  question  here  arises  how  far  this  golden  sulphur  wot  be 
identical  with  that  obtained  from  the  mother  liquor  of  kermes  which  kaseeen 
kept  for  some  time.  From  the  explanations  above  given  iu  relation  to  jldea 
sulphur,  it  may  be  inferred  as  probable  that  the  precipitate  by  acids,  if  t°WQ 
down  immediately,  while  the  solution  is  hot,  as  directed  by  the  Pharmacoeias, 
and  before  the  air  has  had  time  to  act,  would  consist  exclusively  ot  tersuljuret 


PARTI. 


Antimonium. 


881 


and  t oxide;  but,  if  thrown  down  from  the  kermes  mother  liquor,  would  con- 
tain ore  or  less  free  sulphur,  according  as  the  liquor  had  been  more  or  less 
subje<  to  the  influence  of  the  air.  If  these  views  be  admitted,  it  follows  that 
the  sc  ailed  golden  sulphur  must  be  a variable  preparation  as  to  the  free  sulphur 
it  con  ins,  dependent  upon  the  greater  or  less  change  which  the  kermes  liquor 
may  lve  undergone  before  being  used  for  furnishing  the  precipitate. 

Fonerly,  all  the  Pharmacopoeias  noticed  in  this  work  used  a solution  of 
caustipotassa  in  preparing  precipitated  sulphuret  of  antimony;  but  at  present 
the  Lidon  College  employs  a solution  of  caustic  soda,  and  the  Dublin,  car- 
bonatof  potassa  in  the  dry  way.  These  changes  were  made  in  the  recently 
revise  Pharmacopoeias  of  those  Colleges.  The  use  of  soda  does  not  alter  the 
theoryrf  the  process.  The  Dublin  College,  in  the  use  of  carbonate  of  potassa, 
proceejs,  at  first,  precisely  as  if  kermes  by  the  third  method  was  to  be  obtained 
(see  me  880);  but,  instead  of  collecting  the  strained  liquor  in  an  empty  vessel, 
allows!  to  drop  into  water,  acidulated  with  sulphuric  acid. 

Prarties  of  the  Precipitated  Sulphuret  of  Antimony.  This  substance  is  a 
reddisbrown  insoluble  powder,  tasteless  when  pure,  but  having  usually  a 
slight! styptic  taste.  When  treated  with  twelve  times  its  weight  of  muriatic 
acid  o: the  sp.gr.  1T6,  with  the  aid  of  heat,  it  is  nearly  all  dissolved,  with 
effervejence  of  sulphuretted  hydrogen.  The  residue  burns  with  the  characters 
of  sulp'ur,  and  leaves  a scanty  ash.  The  solution  obtained,  when  added  to  water, 
is  decclposed,  giving  rise  to  a white  powder  of  oxychloride  of  antimony  (powder 
of  Algjoth).  The  solution,  filtered  from  the  powder,  yields  an  orange-red,  pre- 
cipitat  vith  hydrosulphate  of  ammonia,  proving  the  presence  of  a small  quantity 
of  ant  iony,  not  thrown  down  by  the  water.  A dark-coloured  precipitate,  pro- 
duced j this  test,  shows  the  presence  of  contaminating  metals,  probably  lead 
and  co  ier.  Water  in  which  this  preparation  has  been  boiled,  should  not  yield 
a whit  precipitate  with  chloride  of  barium  or  oxalate  of  ammonia.  The  non- 
action these  tests  shows  the  absence  of  sulphuric  acid  and  lime.  When  pure, 
precipi  ted  sulphuret  of  antimony  is  completely  soluble  in  a hot  solution  of 
potassajjbut  as  it  is  found  in  the  shops,  a white  matter  is  usually  left  undis- 
solved. When  boiled  with  a solution  of  cream  of  tartar,  about  12  per  cent,  of 
teroxidjis  dissolved;  but,  according  to  H.  Rose,  this  method  of  determining 
the  prcprtion  of  the  teroxide  cannot  be  relied  on.  Exposed  to  heat  it  takes 
lire,  bUjting  with  a greenish-blue  flame  and  giving  off  sulphurous  acid,  while 
the  mejl  remains  behind  in  the  state  of  a grayish  oxide. 

The  pndon  precipitated  sulphuret  of  antimony,  as  analyzed  by  Mr.  Phillips, 
■consistfjin  the  100  parts,  of  tersulphuret  76'5,  teroxide  12,  and  water  11'5; 
proport  ns  corresponding  nearly  with  five  eqs.  of  tersulphuret,  one  of  teroxide, 
and  fifth  of  water.  It  usually  contains  a portion  of  free  sulphur,  as  shown 
by  the  ttion  of  muriatic  acid.  Its  active  ingredient  is  the  teroxide;  and,  in 
referent!  to  its  presence,  the  London  College  calls  the  preparation  oxysulphuret 
'■/  cmtibny.  The  Edinburgh  College  names  it  incorrectly  golden  sulphuret  of 
mtimor ; this  name  being  properly  applicable  to  the  precipitate  produced  by 
the  . sob  action  of  acids,  and  not  to  that  obtained  by  the  action  of  acids  and 
refriger  ion  conjointly. 

Mi’dii  l Properties.  The  precipitated  sulphuret  of  antimony  is  alterative, 
liaphorlic,  and  emetic.  It  is,  however,  an  uncertain  medicine,  as  well  from 
the  war  of  uniformity  in  its  composition,  as  from  its  liability  to  vary  in  its 
iction  v h the  state  of  the  stomach.  It  is  seldom  given  alone,  but  generally 
iucoml  ation  with  calomel  and  guaiac,  in  the  form  of  Plummer’s  pill,  as  an 
literati'!  in  secondary  syphilis  and  cutaneous  eruptions,  or  conjoined  with  hcn- 
hane  orpmlock  in  chronic  rheumatism.  (See  Pilidse  Calomelanos  Compositse.) 
during  is  use  the  patient  should  abstain  from  acidulous  drinks.  Its  dose  as  an 


882 


Antimonium. 


PAH]  I. 


alterative  is  from  one  to  two  grains  twice  a day,  in  the  form  of  pill;  as  an  em  c 
from  five  grains  to  a scruple.  The  kermes,  obtained  by  means  of  the  carbon  >d 
alkalies  in  the  moist  way,  as  it  contains  between  two  and  three  times  as  dA 
teroxide  as  the  precipitated  sulphuret,  is  a more  active  preparation,  and  1 st 
be  used  in  a smaller  dose.  Kermes  mineral  is  sometimes  given  in  large  ces 
as  an  antiphlogistic  remedy  in  peripneumony  and  other  inflammations  of  ie 
chest. 

Off.  Prep.  Pilulre  Calomelanos  Composite. 

PULYIS  ANTIMONIALIS.  Ed.,  Dub.  Pulvis  Antimoxii  (m- 
posixus.  Lond.  Antimonial  Powder.  Compound  Powder  of  Ai- 


mony. 

“ Take  of  Tersulphuret  of  Antimony,  powdered,  a pound ; Horn  shaving  wo 
pounds.  Mix,  and  throw  them  into  a red-hot  crucible,  and  stir  constantly  til 
vapour  ceases  to  arise.  Ilub  the  residue  to  powder,  and  put  it  into  a eru<  le. 
Then  apply  heat,  and  raise  it  gradually  to  redness,  and  keep  it  so  for  two  h rs. 
Rub  the  remaining  powder  until  it  is  as  fine  as  possible.”  Lond. 

“Take  of  Sulphuret  of  Antimony,  in  coarse  powder,  Hartshorn  shatgs, 
equal  weights.  Mix  them,  put  them  into  a red-hot  iron  pot,  and  stir  const  tly 
till  they  acquire  au  ash-gray  colour,  and  vapours  no  longer  arise.  Pub  fie 
the  product,  put  it  into  a crucible  with  a perforated  cover,  and  expose  tkiioa 
gradually  increasing  heat  till  a white  heat  is  produced,  which  is  to  be  maintied 
for  two  hours.  Reduce  the  product,  when  cold,  to  fine  powder.”  Ed. 

“ Take  of  Tartarized  Antimony,  Phosphate  of  Soda,  each,  four  ounces  [ oir- 
dupois];  Chloride  of  Calcium  two  ounces  [avoird.] ; Solution  of  Ammonbrar 
fluidounces  [Imp.  meas.]  ; Distilled  Water  one  gallon  and  a ms.], 

or  a sufficient  quantity.  Dissolve  the  Tartarized  Antimony  in  half  a galloiand 
the  Phosphate  of  Soda  and  Chloride  of  Calcium,  each,  in  a quart  of  the  T ter. 
Mix  the  solutions  of  the  Tartarized  Antimony  and  Phosphate  of  Soda  whenold, 
and  then  pour  in  the  solution  of  Chloride  of  Calcium,  having  first  added  the 
latter  the  Water  of  Ammonia.  Boil  now  for  twenty  minutes,  and,  bavin  col- 
lected the  precipitate,  which  will  have  then  formed,  on  a calico  filter,  wa  it 
with  hot  distilled  water  until  the  liquid  which  passes  through  ceases  to  re  a 
precipitate  with  a dilute  solution  of  nitrate  of  silver.  Finally,  dry  the  pduet 
by  a steam  or  water  heat,  and  reduce  it  to  a fine  powder.”  Dub. 

This  preparation,  made  according  to  the  London  and  Edinburgh  for alae, 
consists  mainly  of  bone-phosphate  of  lime,  or  calcined  bone,  mixed  with  a mo- 
nious  acid,  and  is  intended  to  furnish  a substitute  for  the  celebrated  nostmof 
Dr.  James,  an  Euglish  physician  who  died  in  1 776,  and  after  whom  the  o ,dnal 
composition  was  called  James's  powder.  Dr.  Pearson,  of  London,  four  the 
genuine  powder,  on  analysis,  to  consist  of  phosphate  of  lime  and  oxidizeanti- 
mony,  and,  guided  by  his  results,  devised  the  formula  adopted  by  the  Irdon 
and  Edinburgh  Colleges.  By  burning  the  materials  directed  by  these  Cceges, 
the  sulphur  is  expelled  iu  the  form  of  sulphurous  acid,  and  the  antimoi  oxi- 
dized; while  the  horn,  which  is  of  the  nature  of  bone,  has  its  animal  after 
converted  into  charcoal.  By  the  subsequent  calc-iuation,  the  charcoal  ilissi- 
pated,  leaving  only'  the  phosphate  of  lime  mixed  with  the  oxidized  ant  ony. 
This  mixture  constitutes  the  antimonial  powder.  The  only  material  dif  ence 
between  the  processes  is  that  the  London  College  uses  two  parts  of  horn  sl  ings 
to  one  of  sulphuret;  while  the  Edinburgh  employs  equal  weights,  which  a also 
the  proportions  adopted  in  the  French  Codex.  The  use  of  the  larger  pro 
of  horn  is  said  to  obviate  the  inconvenience  of  the  vitrification  of  part 
antimony;  but  the  late  Dr.  Duncan  alleged  that  the  product  thus  obtain  d-Cs 
not  correspond  so  well  with  James’s  powder  as  analyzed  by  Dr.  Pearson,  a^en 
the  smaller  proportion  is  employed. 


rtion 
' the 


PAET I. 


Antimonium. 


883 


Th  third  formula  quoted  is  a new  one  of  the  Dublin  Pharmacopoeia  of  1850. 
By  tn  formula  the  liquid,  resulting  from  mixing  aqueous  solutions  of  tartar 
emetinnd  phosphate  of  soda,  is  precipitated  by  a solution  of  chloride  of  calcium, 
previcsly  mixed  with  water  of  ammonia.  The  water  of  ammonia  throws  down 
teroxh  of  antimony  from  the  tartar  emetic;  and  the  chloride  of  calcium,  phos- 
phate f lime  from  the  phosphate  of  soda ; and  the  mixed  precipitate  from  these 
two  s trees,  washed,  dried,  and  reduced  to  fine  powder,  constitutes  the  new 
Dubli  antimonial  powder.  As  phosphate  of  lime  is  generally  considered  to  be 
inert,  t is  questionable  whether  this  powder  will  have  any  other  therapeutic 
effect  an  that  produced  by  the  teroxide  of  antimony  alone. 

Pmrties,  Composition , and  Tests.  Antimonial  powder,  as  made  by  the  old 
forinu,  is  a tasteless,  inodorous,  gritty  powder,  of  a dull-white  colour.  As 
often  iepared  it  is  insoluble  in  water;  but  usually  a small  portion,  consisting 
of  antnonite  and  superphosphate  of  lime,  dissolves  in  boiling  distilled  water. 
Its  conosition  varies  exceedingly,  a circumstance  which  forms  a strong  objection 
to  it  aa  medicine.  When  entirely  insoluble  in  boiling  water,  it  probably  con- 
tains r thing  but  antimonious  acid  and  phosphate  of  lime ; for,  when  its  soluble 
constants  are  absent,  the  teroxide  is  absent  also.  The  best  samples,  as  stated 
by  theEdinburgh  College,  are  formed  of  “ a mixture  chiefly  of  antimonious 
acid  aa  phosphate  of  lime,  with  some  sesquioxide  [teroxide]  of  antimony,  and 
a littMntimonite  of  lime.”  To  these  ingredients  may  be  added  superphosphate 
of  limcwhich  was  found  in  small  quantity  by  Dr.  D.  Maclagan,  of  Edinburgh. 
This  wter  obtained  in  his  experiments  about  50  per  cent,  of  antimonious  acid, 
45  of  yosphate  of  lime,  nearly  4 of  teroxide,  and  not  quite  1 of  antimonite  and 
superplsghate  of  lime.  The  antimonial  powder,  sold  by  the  representatives  of 
Dr.  Jajes,  is  more  active,  and  more  uniform  in  its  effects,  than  the  imitation 
powdenf  the  Pharmacopoeias ; its  greater  activity  being  explained  by  the  pre- 
sence ca  greater  proportion  of  teroxide,  which  Dr.  Maclagan  found  to  vary  from 
four  tojen  per  cent.  In  analyzing  antimonial  powder,  the  first  step  is  to  act 
on  it  v h boiling  distilled  water.  If  any  antimonite  should  be  dissolved,  the 
solutioiwill  form  with  sulphuretted  hydrogen  an  orange-coloured  precipitate  of 
quadris  phuret  of  antimony;  if  superphosphate  be  present,  nitrate  of  silver  will 
throw  (iwn  phosphate  of  silver.  What  remains  of  the  powder,  unacted  on  by 
the  dis  led  water,  is  next  digested  with  muriatic  acid,  which  will  dissolve  the 
phosph  3 of  lime,  and  also  teroxide  of  antimony  if  present,  and  leave  a residue 
which  ithe  antimonious  acid.  If  teroxide  be  present  in  the  muriatic  solution, 
it  will  ij  precipitated  by  sulphuretted  hydrogen,  as  an  orange-coloured  tersul- 
phuret,  ad  from  the  filtered  solution,  water  of  ammonia  will  throw  down  the 
phosphji  of  lime.  In  this  way  all  the  ingredients  of  antimonial  powder  may 
bedeteqd  and  separated.  It  might  be  supposed  that  the  muriatic  solution 
would!, more  readily  tested  for  the  presence  of  teroxide  by  the  action  of  water, 
which  i mown  to  cause  a white  precipitate  of  teroxide  in  this  solution;  but 
there  a lears  to  be  some  ambiguity  in  relation  to  the  action  of  water.  The 
Udinbu  h College,  in  its  formula  of  tests,  states  that  the  muriatic  solution  of 
the  resiiie,  left  after  the  exhaustion  by  water,  does  not  become  turbid  by  dilu- 
10n  5 b,,  according  to  Dr.  Barker  and  Dr.  Pereira,  this  effect  sometimes  takes 
place,  |hese  different  results  may  be  explained  by  the  different  qualities  of 
he  preu-atiou.  A small  quantity  of  teroxide  may  be  in  the  muriatic  solution, 
»ud  yet! ot  be  precipitated  by  water;  while  a larger  quantity  will  be  so  pre- 
cipitated On  the  other  hand  a precipitate  may  be  produced  with  water,  without 
he  fact  roving  the  presence  of  teroxide ; for,  unless  the  antimonial  powder  be 
most  cal!fully  exhausted  by  the  distilled  water  before  being  subjected  to  the 
acid,  tb  muriatic  solution  may  contain  antimonite  of  lime,  which,  like  the 
teroxide  gives  it  the  property  of  becoming  turbid  with  water. 


884 


par:  i. 


Antimonium. — Aqua. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  This  preparation  is  stated  to  be  altera  e, 
diaphoretic,  purgative,  or  emetic,  according  to  the  dose  in  which  it  is  gin. 
Until  within  a few  years  it  was  frequently  used  in  febrile  diseases,  with  a >w 
to  its  diaphoretic  effect.  According  to  the  late  Dr.  A.  T.  Thomson,  it  is  ac  n- 
tageously  given  in  acute  rheumatism,  conjoined  with  camphor,  calomel,  ad 
opium,  and  with  calomel  and  guaiac  in  several  cutaneous  affections.  The  ti- 
mation  in  which  this  preparation  is  held  is  very  various.  The  late  Dr.  Du  an 
characterized  it  as  one  of  the  best  antimonials  we  possess  ; yet  he  acknowle  ed 
that  its  effects  are  very  unequal,  either  from  idiosyncrasy  in  the  patten1  or 
variations  in  its  composition.  Dr.  Thomson  found  it  sometimes  to  answenis 
expectations,  hut  as  often  to  disappoint  them.  Mr.  Brande  admits  its  actity 
sometimes,  and  entire  inertness  at  others;  differences  which  he  attributes  t he 
presence  or  absence  of  teroxide  of  antimony.  Upon  the  whole  it  appears  at, 
whatever  may  be  the  occasional  efficacy  of  this  medicine,  it  is  too  variable  its 
composition,  from  circumstances  in  its  preparation  scarcely  within  the  cc  red 
of  the  pharmaceutical  chemist,  to  make  it  a safe  remedy.  No  therape  cal 
effect  can  be  expected  from  it,  which  may  not  be  more  certainly  and  safebiro-' 
duced  by  tartar  emetic;  and  it  seems  to  be  the  sentiment  of  some  of  tboest 
practitioners,  that  antimonial  powder  may  very  well  be  dispensed  with  s a 
remedy.  Considerations  of  this  kind  caused  it  tube  omitted  from  the.S. 
Pharmacopoeia,  upon  the  revision  of  1830. 

The  dose  of  antimonial  powder,  as  a diaphoretic,  is  from  three  to  eight ; dns 
every  third  or  fourth  hour,  given  in  the  form  of  pill.  In  larger  doses  it  Pur- 
gative or  emetic.  It  is  impossible,  however,  to  give  precise  directions  as  the 
dose;  as  it  sometimes  proves  violently  emetic  in  moderate  doses,  and  at  :her 
times  produces  no  obvious  effect,  even  in  doses  of  one  hundred  grains.  I. 

AQUA. 

Water. 


AQUA  DESTILL ATA.  U.  S.,  Loncl,  Ed.,  Dub.  Distilled  T 'ter. 

“Take  of  Water  ten  gallons.  First  distil  two  pints,  and  throw  them  raj; 
then  distil  eight  gallons.  Keep  the  Distilled  Water  in  glass  bottles.”  U>. 

“Take  any  convenient  quantity  of  Spring  Water;  distil  it  from  a oper 
vessel,  rejecting  the  first  twentieth  part,  and  preserving  the  first  half  the 
remainder.”  Ed. 

“Take  of  Spring  or  River  Water  any  convenient  quantity.  Havingatro- 
duced  it  into  a copper  still,  connected  with  a block-tin  worm,  or  a Liebig  con- 
denser, draw  over  about  one-fortieth  by  distillation;  this  being  rejected,  ccanuc 
the  process  until  only  one-fifth  of  the  original  volume  of  the  Water  remas  m 
the  still.  Let  the  Distilled  Water  be  preserved  in  well  stopped  bottles. ’DA 

The  London  College  has  placed  distilled  water  in  the  list  of  the  Materia  Uioa. 

The  purest  natural  water  is  not  sufficiently  pure  for  some  pharmaceutic  pur- 
poses; and  hence  the  necessity  of  the  above  processes  for  its  distillation.  It  is 
best  to  reject  the  first  portion  which  comes  over,  as  this  may  contain  c.oomc 
acid  and  other  volatile  impurities;  and  the  last  portion  of  the  water  out  not 
to  be  distilled,  lest  it  should  pass  over  with  an  empyreumatic  taste.  Dis- 
tillation is  usually  performed  with  the  ordinary  still  and  condenser,  and  chan 
apparatus  is  evidently  contemplated  in  the  United  States  formula.  Mr.  rJD“e 
states  that  distilled  water  often  derives  from  the  still  a foreigu  flavour,  rich ‘t 
is  difficult  to  avoid.  He,  therefore,  recommends  that  a still  and  condecr  e 
kept  exclusive!}-  for  distilling  water;  or  where  this  cannot  be  done,  thasteam 
be  driven  through  the  condensing  pipe  for  half  an  hour,  for  the  pur'^  0 
washing  it  out  before  it  is  used,  the  worm-tub  having  been  previously  eptof 


PARItl. 


885 


Aqua. — Aquae  Medicatse. 

Pmerties,  &c.  Distilled  Water,  as  usually  obtained,  lias  a vapid  and  dis- 
agree) le  taste,  and  is  not  perfectly  pure;  water,  to  be  rendered  so,  requiring 
to  btdistilled  in  silver  vessels.  The  properties  of  pure  water  have  already 
been  iven  under  the  head  of  Aqua.  Distilled  water  should  undergo  no  change 
by  silohuretted  hydrogen,  or  on  the  addition  of  tincture  of  soap,  subacetate  of 
lead,  iiloride  of  barium,  oxalate  of  ammonia,  nitrate  of  silver,  or  lime-water, 
and  sould  evaporate  without  residue.  It  is  uselessly  employed  in  some  formulae, 
but  isssential  iu  others.  As  a general  rule,  when  small  quantities  of  active 
medi'ies  are  to  be  given  in  solution,  and  in  the  preparation  of  collyria,  distilled 
watei  hould  be  directed.  The  following  list  contains  the  chief  substances  which 
requi  distilled  water  as  a solvent; — tartar  emetic,  corrosive  sublimate,  nitrate 
of  giler,  the  chlorides  of  barium  and  calcium,  acetate  and  subacetate  of  lead, 
the  siphates  of  iron  and  zinc,  sulphate  of  quinia,  and  the  sulphate,  muriate, 
and  state  of  morphia.  Distilled  water  is  used  in  preparing  the  officinal  diluted 
acids.br  absorbing  gaseous  ammonia,  and  for  forming  nearly  all  the  officinal 
aquecs  solutions.  B. 

AQUiE  MEDICATE.  U.  S. 

Medicated  Waters. 

Ucer  this  head  are  included,  in  the  United  States  Pharmacopoeia,  all  those 
prepafions  consisting  of  water  impregnated  with  some  medicinal  substance, 
wbichire  not  arranged  in  any  other  class.  Among  them  are  the  “Waters”  and 
“Dis  led  Waters”  of  the  British  Pharmacopoeias,  which  therefore  require  some 
notice  n the  present  place. 

Aqj3.  Lond.  Waters.  Dub.  Distilled  Waters.  Ed. 

“D tilled  waters  may  be  prepared  from  fresh,  and  generally  also  from  dried 
veget  les.  In  the  latter  case  only  half  the  weight  of  material  should  be  used. 
They  i ay  also  be  prepared,  for  the  most  part,  by  agitating  the  volatile  oils  of 
the  p’jits  with  water,  and  filtering  the  solution.  But  distilled  waters  obtained 
in  th  way  have  seldom  so  fine  a flavour  as  those  obtained  from  the  plants 
themsves.”  Ed. 

Mac  vegetables  impart  to  water  distilled  from  them  their  peculiar  flavour, 
and  rare  or  less  of  their  medical  properties.  The  distilled  waters  chiefly  used 
are  thee  prepared  from  aromatic  plants,  the  volatile  oil  of  which  rises  with  the 
aqueo  vapour,  and  is  condensed  with  it  in  the  receiver.  But  as  water  is  capable 
of  homg  but  a small  proportion  of  the  oil  in  solution,  these  preparations  are 
genenjy  feeble,  and  are  employed  chiefly  as  pleasant  vehicles  or  corrigents  of 
other  edicines. 

In  te  preparation  of  the  distilled  waters,  dried  plants  are  sometimes  used, 
becau  the  fresh  are  not  to  be  had  at  all  seasons;  but  the  latter,  at  least  in  the 
instan  of  herbs  and  flowers,  should  be  preferred  if  attainable.  Flowers  which 
lose  t ir  odour  by  desiccation  may  be  preserved  by  incorporating  them  inti- 
mate! with  one-third  of  their  weight  of  common  salt,  and  in  this  state  afford 
distill  waters  of  delicate  flavour. 

It  ijnecessary  to  observe  certain  practical  rules  in  conducting  the  process  of 
distill  on.  When  the  substance  employed  is  dry,  hard,  and  fibrous,  it  should 
be  me'  anically  divided,  and  macerated  in  water  for  a short  time  previously  to 
the  op/ation.  The  quantity  of  materials  should  not  bear  too  large  a proportion 
to  the  ipacity  of  the  alembic,  as  the  water  might  otherwise  boil  over  into  the 
receiv:.  The  water  should  he  brought  quickly  to  the  state  of  ebullition,  and 
contied  in  that  state  till  the  end  of  the  process.  Care  should  be  taken  to 
leave  fficient  water  undistilled  to  cover  the  whole  of  the  vegetable  matter;  lest 


886 


Aquas  Medic  at  as. 


PAR  il. 


a portion  of  the  latter,  coming  in  contact  with  the  sides  of  the  vessel,  mi!?]  be 
decomposed  by  the  heat,  and  yield  empyreumatic  products.  Besides,  wheihe 
operation  is  urged  too  vigorously  or  carried  too  far,  a slimy  matter  is  apt  toim 
which  adheres  to  the  sides  of  the  alembic  above  the  water,  and  is  thus  exj  ed 
to  igneous  decomposition.  To  obviate  these  disadvantages,  the  heat  ma  be 
applied  by  means  of  an  oil-bath  regulated  by  a thermometer,  or  of  a ba  .of 
solution  of  chloride  of  calcium,  by  which  any  temperature  may  be  obtaineoe- 
tween  212°  and  270°,  according  to  the  strength  of  the  solution;  or,  wherhe 
process  is  conducted  upon  a large  scale,  by  means  of  steam  introduced  iler 
pressure  into  a space  around  the  still.  A convenient  mode  of  applying  he  by 
steam,  is  by  means  of  a coil  of  leaden  tube  placed  in  the  bottom  of  the  ill, 
having  one  end  connected  with  a boiler,  and  the  other  passing  out  beneath  ■ at 
the  side,  and  furnished  with  a stop-cock,  by  which  the  pressure  may  be  inerced. 
or  the  condensed  water  drawn  off  at  will.  If  any  volatile  oil  float  upon  thmr- 
face  of  the  distilled  water,  it  should  be  separated. 

But,  however  carefully  the  process  may  be  conducted,  the  distilled  water  re- 
pared from  plants  always  have  at  first  an  unpleasant  smoky  odour.  Theyiay 
be  freed  from  this  by  exposure  for  a short  time  to  the  air,  before  being  encsed 
in  well  stopped  bottles,  in  which  they  should  be  preserved.  When  long  pt, 
they  are  apt  to  form  a viscid  ropy  matter,  and  to  become  sour.  This  resu'has 
been  ascribed  to  other  principles,  which  rise  with  the  oil  in  distillation,  anoro- 
mote  its  decomposition.  To  prevent  this  decomposition,  the  Edinburgh  C'ege 
orders  rectified  spirit  to  be  added  to  the  water  employed  in  the  process  of  (fil- 
iation. But  this  addition  is  inadequate  to  the  intended  object,  and  is  i tract 
injurious,  as  the  alcohol  by  long  exposure  to  the  air  appears  to  undergo  the cet- 
ous  fermentation.  The  London  College , which  formerly  directed  a spirious 
addition,  has  abandoned  it.  A better  plan  is  to  redistil  the  waters.  Wherhus 
purified,  it  is  said  that  they  may  he  kept  for  several  years  unchanged. 

Bobiquet  considers  the  mucosity  which  forms  in  distilled  waters  as  the  suit 
of  a vegetative  process,  to  which  the  presence  of  air  is  essential.  He  has  hnd 
that,  so  long  as  the  water  is  covered  with  a layer  of  essential  oil,  it  unde;oe3 
no  change ; but  that  the  oil  is  gradually  altered  by  exposure  to  the  air,  ai,  as 
soon  as  it  disappears,  the  water  begins  to  be  decomposed.  He  states  thatam- 
phor  exercises  the  same  preservative  influence  over  the  distilled  waters  by  list- 
ing the  vegetation,  and  that  those  in  which  the  odour  of  camphor  is  devaped 
keep  better  on  that  account.  Finally,  he  has  observed  that  the  more  dislled 
water  is  charged  with  volatile  oil,  the  more  abundant  is  the  mucosity,  win  it 
has  begun  to  form.  Bobiquet  unites  with  Henry  and  Guibourt,  and  with  key, 
in  recommending  that  all  these  waters,  when  intended  to  be  kept  for  a conder- 
able  time,  should  be  introduced,  immediately  after  distillation,  into  bottle jf  a 
size  proportionate  to  the  probable  consumption  of  the  water  when  broughmto 
use;  and  that  the  bottles  should  be  quite  filled,  and  then  sealed  or  oth<-vrse 
well  stopped,  so  as  entirely  to  exclude  the  air.  Thus  treated,  they  may  bpre- 
served  without  change  for  many  years.  ( Journ . de  Pharm.,  xxi.  402. ) 

Another  mode  of  preparing  the  distilled  waters  is  to  substitute  the  vutile 
oil  previously  separated  from  the  plant,  for  the  plant  itself  in  the  process,  c his 
mode  was  directed  in  former  editions  of  the  London  and  Lublin  Pharaco- 
poeias,  in  several  instances,  but  has  been  omitted  in  the  last  editions.  It  isaid 
to  afford  a more  permanent  product  than  the  preceding ; but  does  not  stays 
preserve  the  flavour  of  the  plant. 

In  relation  to  most  of  the  aromatics,  the  United  States  Pharmaeopoeij  dis- 
cards altogether  the  process  by  distillation,  and  directs  that  water  shoe-  be 
impregnated  with  the  volatile  oil  by  trituration  with  carbonate  of  magnesi.ana 
subsequently  filtered.  This  is  by  far  the  most  simple  and  easy  process.  Be 
resulting  solution  is  pure  and  permanent,  and  is  perfectly  transparent,  tb  car- 


PAB'II. 


887 


Aqux  Medicatse. 

bona  of  magnesia  being  separated  by  the  filtration.  Carbonate  of  magnesia 
is  prerable  to  the  pure  earth;  as  the  latter  sometimes  gives  a brownish  colour 
to  th  liquid,  and  requires  to  be  used  in  larger  proportion.  But  both  these  sub- 
stanci  are  dissolved  in  minute  quantities,  and  are  apt  to  occasion  a slight  floc- 
culer  precipitate.  They  may  also  possibly  prove  injurious  by  decomposing 
certa  substances  given  in  very  small  doses,  as  sulphate  of  morphia,  bichloride 
of  nrcury,  and  nitrate  of  silver.  The  object  of  the  magnesia  or  its  carbonate 
is  sinly  to  enable  the  oil  to  be  brought  to  a state  of  minute  division,  and  thus 
preseted  with  a larger  surface  to  the  action  of  the  solvent.  According  to  Mr. 
Robe'  Warington,  this  object  may  be  better  accomplished  by  porcelain  clay, 
finel')owdered  glass,  or  pumice  stone,  which  are  wholly  insoluble  ( Chem . Gaz., 
Marc,  1845,  p.  113);  and  the  London  College  now  employs  finely  powdered 
silica’or  the  purpose.  (See  Silex  Contritus.)  Chalk  and  sugar  answer  the  same 
endjiut  the  latter,  by  being  dissolved  with  the  oil,  renders  the  preparation 
irapm.  The  Dublin  College  prepares  its  waters  by  agitating  an  alcoholic  solu- 
tion ’ the  oil  with  distilled  water  and  filtering.  They  consequently  contain 
alcob,  and  are  liable  to  the  objection  already  mentioned  against  the  medicated 
watei  thus  impregnated.  They  are  besides  feeble  in  the  properties  of  their 
respe  ive  oils.  In  the  preparation  of  the  aromatic  waters  by  these  processes,  it 
is  ve  important  that  the  water  should  be  pure.  The  presence  of  a sulphate 
cause  a decomposition  of  the  oil,  resulting  in  the  production  of  sulphuretted 
bydr  en  and  a carbonate  ; and  the  aromatic  properties  are  quite  lost.  (See  Am. 
Jour  of  Pharm.,  xix.  303.)  Hence  the  propriety  of  the  officinal  direction  to 
empl  • distilled  water.  W. 

AiUAACIDI  CAKBONICI.  U.S.  Carbonic  Acid  Water.  Arti- 
ficia.Seltzer  Water. 

“ .'means  of  a forcing  pump,  throw  into  a suitable  receiver,  nearly  filled  with 
WatcJ  a quantity  of  carbonic  acid  equal  to  five  times  the  bulk  of  the  Water. 
Garble  acid  is  obtained  from  Marble  by  means  of  dilute  sulphuric  acid.”  U.  S. 

Tt  preparation,  which  is  peculiar  to  the  United  States  Pharmacopoeia,  con- 
sists water  highly  charged  with  carbonic  acid.  Water  is  found  to  take  up  its 
volui  of  this  acid  under  the  pressure  of  the  atmosphere;  and  Dr.  Henry  ascer- 
taine  that  precisely  the  same  volume  of  the  compressed  gas  is  absorbed  under 
a big  a-  pressure.  Prom  this  law,  the  bulk  taken  up  is  constant,  the  quantity 
beingliflerent  in  proportion  as  there  is  more  or  less  driven  into  a given  space. 
Asti  space  occupied  by  a gas  is  inversely  as  the  compressing  force,  it  follows 
that  e quantity  of  the  acid  forced  into  the  water  will  be  directly  as  the  pres- 
sure. A double  pressure  will  force  a double  quantity  into  a given  space,  and, 
there  re,  cause  a double  quantity  to  be  absorbed;  a treble  pressure  will  drive  a 
trebkquantity  into  the  same  space,  and  cause  its  absorption;  and  so  on  for 
bight  pressures,  the  bulk  of  the  compressed  gas  absorbed  always  l-emaining  the 
same'  From  the  principles  above  laid  down,  it  follows  that,  to  saturate  water 
with  re  times  its  volume  of  carbonic  acid,  as  directed  in  the  formula,  it  must 
be  suected  to  a pressure  of  five  atmospheres. 

Ca|j  onic  acid  water  is  familiarly  called  in  this  country  “ mineral  water,”  and 

sod  water;”  the  latter  name,  originally  applied  to  the  preparation  when  it 
conta  ed  a small  portion  of  carbonate  of  soda,  being  from  habit  continued  since 
the  a ali  has  been  omitted.  As  it  is  largely  consumed  both  as  an  agreeable 
bevei;e  and  as  a medicine,  it  will  be  proper  to  give  a sketch  of  the  apparatus 
empl  ed  in  its  preparation.  This  consists  of  a strong  egg-shaped  copper  vessel, 
aboui  ighteen  inches  long,  called  a generator,  fixed  upright  in  a wooden  frame, 
and  mounted  by  another  upright  vessel  of  similar  shape,  about  nine  inches 
long, ommunicating  with  the  generator  by  a short  neck,  and  intended  to  contain 
the  S;phuric  acid.  Connected  with  the  generator  by  a copper  tube,  and  placed 


888 


Aquae  Medicatse. 


pai  n. 


by  its  side,  is  a strong  cylindrical  vessel  for  washing  the  gas,  about  fifteen  i aes 
long  and  three  and  a half  in  diameter,  two-thirds  filled  with  water,  and  tc  ear 
the  bottom  of  which  the  connecting  tube  passes.  Severally  communicatinc  ith 
the  washing  vessel  are  a mercurial  gauge  to  indicate  the  pressure,  and  a s m? 
vessel,  called  the  reservoir  or  fountain,  of  about  the  capacity  of  eighteen  gains 
three-fourths  filled  with  water,  the  connexion  of  the  latter  being  by  a lead  or  ,tta 
percha  tube,  commanded  by  a stop-cock.  The  charge  of  whiting  or  marble  ist, 
say  eight  pounds,  and  the  requisite  water  are  added  through  an  opening : the 
generator,  in  front  of  the  sulphuric  acid  vessel,  and  closed  by  a screw  stoer. 
The  communication  between  the  acid  vessel  and  generator  is  commander  y a 
vertical  square  rod,  reaching  within  the  vessel  to  about  two-thirds  of  its  h ;ht, 
and  terminating  at  its  lower  end  in  a screw.  This  rod,  when  unscrewed,  ens 
a communication  between  the  acid  vessel  and  the  generator.  The  requisit sul- 
phuric acid  is  added  to  the  acid  vessel  through  an  opening  at  its  top,  capaaof 
being  closed  by  a screw  stopper.  Through  the  axis  of  this  stopper,  and  revcing 
within  it,  but  without  having  any  vertical  motion  on  it,  passes  the  ke  the 
lower  end  of  which  has  a square  hole  to  fit  on  the  square  rod.  When  th  icid 
vessel  is  to  be  closed,  the  screw  stopper,  with  its  key,  is  placed  over  the  «n- 
ing,  in  which  situation  the  lower  end  of  the  key  reaches  down  a sufficien  dis- 
tance to  embrace  loosely  the  square  rod.  The  stopper  is  now  screwed  hand 
the  key,  without  revolving  with  the  stopper,  descends  so  as  duly  to  embra  the 
square  rod.  By  turning  the  handle  of  the  key  in  the  proper  direction,  tl  rod 
is  partially  unscrewmd,  the  passage  to  the  generator  opened,  and  the  acitgra- 
dually  flows  in.  From  time  to  time,  when  the  acid  is  allowed  to  enter  theane- 
rator,  its  contents  are  briskly  mixed  by  means  of  an  agitator,  attached  to  aori- 
zontal  axis,  passing  air-tight  through  the  short  diameter  of  the  generate  and 
turned  by  a crank.  The  stop-cock  between  the  washing  vessel  and  founnis 
now  partially  opened,  and  the  impregnation  of  the  water  with  the  gas  bins. 
As  it  proceeds,  the  sulphuric  acid  is  gradually  allowed  to  enter  the  genator 
until  it  is  expended,  and  the  stop-cock  is  from  time  to  time  turned,  unti  t is 
entirely  opened.  Finally,  after  the  water  is  fully  charged  with  gas,  ar  the 
whiting  wholly  decomposed,  the  fountain  is  detached,  and  the  generatorreed 
from  the  pulpy  sulphate  of  lime  by  the  assistance  of  water  and  the  agitate  and 
its  contents  allowed  to  escape  through  an  opening  in  its  most  dependingrart. 
In  the  apparatus  of  the  size  above  described,  a single  fountain  only  is  ckged 
by  one  operation,  and  the  carbonic  acid  water  formed  contains  between  nil  and 
ten  times  its  volume  of  the  gas.  In  this  improved  mode  of  making  caomc 
acid  water,  it  is  perceived  that  the  requisite  pressure  is  obtained  by  geneting 
the  carbonic  acid  in  a confined  space,  instead  of  by  a forcing  pump. 

Carbonic  acid  water  is  dispensed  in  man 3^  of  the  apothecary  shops  in  the  bited 
States.  The  fountain  is  usually  placed  in  the  cellar,  and  the  tube  procdiDg 
from  the  fountain  is  made  to  pass  through  the  floor  and  counter  of  the  she  and 
to  terminate  in  a stop-cock,  by  means  of  which  the  carbonic  acid  water  ry  be 
drawn  off  at  pleasure.  In  order  to  have  the  liquid  cool  in  summer,  thmbe 
from  the  cellar  generally  terminates  in  a strong  metallic  vessel  of  conviient 
shape,  placed  under  the  counter  and  surrounded  with  ice,  and  from  this essel 
a separate  tube  penetrating  the  counter  proceeds. 

Properties.  Carbonic  acid  water  is  a sparkling  liquid,  possessing  an  agruble, 
pungent,  acidulous  taste.  It  reddens  litmus  deeply  from  its  state  of  ccnotia- 
tion,  and  is  precipitated  by  lime-water.  Being  impregnated  with  a largeusm- 
tity  of  the  acid  gas  under  the  influence  of  pressure,  it  effervesces  stronglyrhea 
freed  from  restraint.  Hence,  to  preserve  its  briskness,  it  should  be  k t 
strong  well-corked  bottles,  placed  inverted  in  a cool  place.  Several  1 nra 
waters  are  of  a similar  nature ; such  as  those  of  Seltzer,  Spa,  and  Pyrmon  tat 
the  artificial  water  has  the  advantage  of  a stronger  impregnation  with  tl  act 


PAR  II. 


889 


Aquae  Medicatse. 


gas.  Carbonic  acid  water,  when  pure,  is  not  discoloured  by  sulphuretted  hydro- 
gen ■ solution  of  ammonia,  nor  precipitated  by  sulphate  of  soda  or  ferrocyanuret 


of  pj 

T'uri 


lassium.  It  should  be  made  with  every  precaution  to  avoid  metallic  lm- 
Hence  the  necessity  of  having  the  reservoir  or  fountain  well  tinned  on 
the  J'ner  surface.  Even  with  this  precaution,  a slight  metallic  impregnation  is 
not  ways  avoided,  especially  in  the  winter  season,  when  the  water  is  less  con- 
sume as  a drink,  and,  therefore,  allowed  to  remain  longer  in  the  reservoir. 
Glasjfountains  are  sometimes  used  with  advantage  at  this  season ; and  a patent 
has  sen  taken  out  for  a stoneware  fountain,  enclosed  in  tinned  copper,  which 
has  fen  found  to  answer  a good  purpose.  When  leaden  tubes  are  employed  to 
convijf  the  water,  it  is  liable  to  be  contaminated  with  this  metal,  which  renders 
it  doterious.  A case  of  colica  pictonum  was  treated  by  one  of  the  authors, 
arisijr  from  the  daily  use  of  the  first  draught,  of  carbonic  acid  water  from  a 
foun  in  furnished  with  tubes  of  lead.  Tin  tubes  are  sometimes  employed,  en- 
close in  lead  ones  to  give  them  strength. 

C'bonic  acid , formerly  called  fixed  air,  is  a.  colourless  gas,  of  a slightly 
punilt  odour  and  acid  taste.  It  reddens  litmus  feebly,  and  combines  with 
salifiole  bases,  forming  salts  called  carbonates,  from  which  it  is  expelled  by  all 
the  long  acids.  It  extinguishes  flame,  and  is  quickly  fatal  to  animals  when 
respiid.  All  kinds  of  fermented  liquors  which  are  brisk  or  sparkling,  such  as 
chan!agne,  cider,  porter,  &c.,  owe  these  properties  to  its  presence.  Its  sp.gr. 
is  li.  In  1823  it  was  liquefied  by  Faraday  by  a pressure  of  36  atmospheres, 
and  i|  1836  solidified  by  Thilorier,  by  taking  advantage  of  the  cold  generated 
by  ti  sudden  gasefaction  of  the  liquid  acid,  when  freed  from  pressure.  It  is 
coinj|sed  of  one  eq.  of  carbon  6,  and  two  of  oxygen  16=22. 

Mfical  Properties  and  Uses.  Carbonic  acid  water  is  diaphoretic,  diuretic, 
and  ti-emetic.  It  forms  a grateful  drink  to  febrile  patients,  allaying  thirst, 
lessefng  nausea  and  gastric  distress,  and  promoting  the  secretion  of  urine. 
The  aantity  taken  need  only  be  regulated  by  the  reasonable  wishes  of  the  pa- 
tient It  also  forms  a very  convenient  vehicle  for  the  administration  of  magne- 
sia, e carbonated  alkalies,  sulphate  of  magnesia,  and  the  saline  cathartics 
genelly;  rendering  these  medicines  less  unpleasant  to  the  palate,  and,  in  irrita- 
ble stes  of  the  stomach,  increasing  the  chances  of  their  being  retained.  When 
uSedpr  this  purpose,  six  or  eight  fluidounces  will  be  sufficient. 

Cnonic  acid  gas  has  been  used  by  Professor  Mojon,  of  Geneva,  as  an  injection 
iu  d'nenorrhcea  with  the  most  soothing  effects.  It  is  applied  by  means  of  a 
flexi  i tube,  inserted  into  the  vagina,  and  proceeding  from  a bottle  containing 
piece  of  chalk  and  dilute  sulphuric  acid.  The  application  is  continued  for  five 
mini  Is,  and  repeated  several  times  a day.  ( Am . Journ.  of  the  Med.  Sci.,  xxii. 
469, 


om  the  Bull.  Gin.  de  T her  apt.)  B. 

UA  AMYGDALAE  AMAR2E.  U.  S.  Bitter  Almond  Water. 
ke  of  Oil  of  Bitter  Almonds  sixteen  minims;  Carbonate  of  Magnesia 
hm;  Water  two  pints.  Proceed  in  the  manner  directed  for  Cinnamon 
” US. 

Tl  i preparation  has  the  effects  of  hydrocyanic  acid  on  the  system,  and  may 
beuf  l as  a vehicle  of  other  medicines  in  nervous  coughs,  and  various  spasmodic 
affec  ins.  It  is,  however,  liable  to  spontaneous  change,  and  is  consequently 
morf.r  less  uncertain.  A drop  of  sulphuric  acid  added  to  a pint  of  it  will  con- 
toits  preservation;  as  will  also  complete  exclusion  from  the  light  and  air. 
e better  plan  is  to  prepare  it  in  small  quantities,  as  wanted  for  use.  The 
’ it,  to  begin  with,  when  of  full  strength,  should  not  exceed  half  a fluid- 
Under  the  same  name,  a preparation  has  been  considerably  used  on  the 
content  of  Europe,  prepared  by  distilling  bitter  almonds  with  water.  This 
whei  resh  is  much  stronger  than  the  preparation  of  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia, 


A 

Ur 

a dr 
Wat 


tribi 

But 

dose 

ounc) 


890 


PAR  a. 


Aquas  Medicates. 

containing,  according  to  an  analysis  of  Geiger,  in  1000  parts,  12  parts  o n- 
hydrous  hydrocyanic  acid.  It  has  been  prescribed  with  fatal  effects  (Phm. 
Jouvn.  and  Trans.,  vi.  439);  and  the  greatest  caution,  therefore,  shoul  be 
observed  by  the  apothecary  not  to  put  up  the  distilled  water  instead  o he 
officinal.  i 

AQUA  ANETHI.  Lond.,  Ed.  Dill  Water. 

“Take  of  Dill  [fruit],  bruised,  a pound  and  a half;  Water  two  gallons  m- 
perial  measure].  Distil  a gallon.”  Or,  “ Take  of  Oil  of  Dill  two  fluidracu; 
Pulverized  Silex  two  drachms;  Distilled  Water  a gallon  [Imp.  meas.].  Eu  he 
oil  diligently,  first  with  the  Silex,  afterwards  with  the  Water,  and  filter  tl  so- 
lution.” Lond. 

The  Edinburgh  College  takes  the  same  quantity  of  dill  and  of  water,  ith 
three  fuidounces  of  rectified  spirit,  mixes,  and  distils  a gallon. 

This  is  seldom  if  ever  used  in  the  United  States. 

AQUA  ANISI.  Dub.  Anise  Water. 

“Take  of  Essence  of  Anise  one  fluidounce ; Distilled  Water  half  a flon 
[Imperial  measure].  Mix  with  agitation,  and  filter  through  paper.”  Dub 

This  preparation  is  seldom  used  in  the  United  States.  j 

AQUA  C AMPHORAE.  V.S.  Mistura  Camphors.  Lond., Ed.,. 
Camphor  Water. 

“Take  of  Camphor  two  drachms;  Alcohol  forty  minims;  Carbonate  of  ag- 
nesia  four  drachms;  Distilled  Water  two  pints.  Rub  the  Camphor  firstith 
the  Alcohol,  afterwards  with  the  Carbonate  of  Magnesia,  and  lastly  witithe 
Water  gradually  added;  then  filter  through  paper.”  U.  S. 

The  London  College  takes  half  a drachm  of  camphor,  ten  minims  of  reefied 
spirit,  and  a pint  [Imperial  measure]  of  distilled  water;  rubs  the  camphoirst 
with  the  spirit,  and  then  with  the  water  gradually  added ; and  strains  thngh 
linen.  The  Edinburgh  College  directs  a scruple  of  camphor  and  half  an  l nee 
of  sugar,  well  rubbed  together,  to  be  beat,  with  half  an  ounce  of  blanched  bet 
almonds,  into  a smooth  pulp ; a pint  [Imp.  meas.]  of  water  to  be  gracilly 
added,  and  the  mixture  to  be  strained.  The  Dublin  College  takes  a fluidince 
of  tincture  of  camphor,  and  three  pints  [Imp.  meas.]  of  water;  shakes  theinc- 
ture  and  water  together  in  a bottle,  and,  after  the  mixture  has  stood  twent;'our 
hours,  filters  through  paper. 

In  all  these  processes  the  object  is  to  effect  a solution  of  the  camphor,  hter 
is  capable  of  dissolving  but  a small  proportion  of  this  principle ; but  the  ian- 
tity  varies  with  the  method  employed.  The  London  and  Dublin  prepar-ons 
are  very  feeble.  Made  according  to  the  Edinburgh  process,  one  pint  c the 
water  contains  less  than  twenty  graius  of  camphor;  while  our  own  officinapre- 
pai'ation  contains  about  fifty  grains  to  the  pint,  or  more  than  three  grains  the 
fluidounce.  ( Journ . of  the  Phil.  Col.  of  Pharm.,  iv.  13.)  The  differed  is 
attributable,  at  least  in  part,  to  the  minute  division  effected  in  the  camp!'  by 
trituration  with  the  carbonate  of  magnesia,  which  is  afterwards  separati  by 
filtration.  The  use  of  the  alcohol  is  simply  to  break  down  the  cohesion  ( the 
camphor,  and  enable  it  to  be  more  easily  pulverized.  The  process  of  the  .&• 
Pharmacopoeia  is  much  preferable  to  the  others,  as  it  affords  a permanentolu- 
tion,  of  sufficient  strength  to  be  employed  with  a view  to  the  influence  ( the 
camphor  on  the  system ; while  the  British  preparations  have  little  morebaa 
the  flavour  of  the  narcotic,  and  are  fit  only  for  vehicles  of  other  medieines.The 
camphor  is  separated  by  a solution  of  pure  potassa,  and,  according  to  Dr.  ub, 
by  sulphate  of  magnesia  and  several  other  salts.  Sir  J.  Murray  propes  a 
solution  of  camphor  and  bicarbonate  of  magnesia,  which  contaius  three  Jin5 
of  the  former  and  six  graius  of  the  latter  in  each  fluidounce.  (See  Am. 
of  Pharm.,  xx.  195.) 


PAR’ II. 


891 


Aquse  Medieatse. 


Caphor  water  is  chiefly  employed  in  low  fevers  and  typhoid  diseases,  at- 
tend with  restlessness,  slight  delirium,  or  other  symptoms  of  nervous  derange- 
menor  debility.  It  is  used  also  to  allay  uterine  after-pains.  It  has  this  advan- 
tage ver  camphor  in  substance,  that  the  latter  is  with  difficulty  dissolved  by 
the  |Uors  of  the  stomach  ; but  it  is  not  applicable  to  cases  where  very  large 
dosespf  the  medicine  are  required.  It  is  usually  given  in  the  dose  of  one  or 
two  iblespoonfuls  repeated  every  hour  or  two  hours.  W. 

A.UA  CARUL  Lond.,  Dub.  Caraway  Water. 

T1  London  College  prepares  this  in  the  same  manner  as  Dill  Water.  (See 
AquiAnethi.)  The  Dublin  College  takes  a fluidounce  of  the  essence  of  cara- 
way,nd  half  a gallon  [Imperial  measure]  of  distilled  water,  mixes  with  agita- 
tion,:'nd  filters  through  paper. 

Caway  water  has  the  flavour  and  pungency  of  the  seeds,  but  is  not  used  in 
this  'untry.  W. 

A UA  CASSLZE.  Ed.  Water  of  Cassia. 

“Ike  of  Cassia-bark,  bruised,  eighteen  ounces;  Water,  two  gallons  [Imperial 
meas’e];  Rectified  Spirit  three  fluidounces.  Mix  them  together,  and  distil  off 
one  jLlon.”  Ed. 

T1  distinction  between  cassia  and  cinnamon  is  not  recognised  in  our  Phar- 
macopeia ; so  that  this  preparation  would  rank  as  a variety  of  cinnamon  water, 
(See  qua  Cinnamomi.)  W. 


AUA  CINNAMOMI.  U.S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub.  Cinnamon  Water. 

“r|ke  of  Oil  of  Cinnamon  half  a fluidracKm;  Carbonate  of  Magnesia  a 
dram;  Distilled  Water  two  pints.  Rub  the  Oil  of  Cinnamon  first  with  the 
Carb  ate  of  Magnesia,  then  with  the  Water  gradually  added,  and  filter  through 
papei  ’ U.  S. 

TI  London  College  prepares  this  in  the  same  manner  as  Dill  Water;  the 
Edin.irgh,  as  the  Water  of  Cassia.  The  Dublin  College  takes  a fluidounce  of 
essen  of  cinnamon,  and  half  a gallon  [Imperial  measure]  of  distilled  water, 
mixeitvith  agitation,  and  filters  through  paper. 

Of  hese  processes,  we  prefer  that  of  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia  or  the  second 
Lonoi  process,  as  easier  than  the  others,  or  affording  a better  product.  Cin- 
namc  water  is  much  used  as  a vehicle  for  other  less  agreeable  medicines ; but 
shout  be  given  cautiously  in  inflammatory  affections.  For  ordinary  purposes 
it  is  fficiently  strong  when  diluted  with  an  equal  measure  of  water. 

0[Prep.  Mistura  Cretae;  Mistura  Gluaiaci;  Mistura  Spiritus  Vini  Gallici. 

W. 

A [JA  FGENICULI.  U.  S.,  Ed.,  Dub.  Fennel  Water. 

Tb  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia  directs  this  to  be  prepared  from  oil  of  fennel,  in  the 
sameiianner  as  cinnamon  water.  (See  Aqua  Cinnamomi.) 

Th  Edinburgh  College  prepares  it  in  the  same  manner  as  dill  water  (see 
AquoXnethi).  The  Dublin  College  takes  a fluidounce  of  the  essence  of  fennel, 
and  h'f  a gallon  [Imperial  measure]  of  distilled  water,  mixes  with  agitation, 
and  levs  through  paper. 

Fe  hel  water  is  an  agreeable  vehicle  for  other  medicines,  and  useful  when  a 
mild  omatic  is  indicated.  W. 


A [JA  LAURO-CERASI.  Ed.,  Dub.  Cherry-laurel  Water. 

‘Ace  of  Fresh  Leaves  of  Cherry-laurel,  apoxind;  Water  two  pints  and  a 
half  inperial  measure]  ; Compound  Spirit  of  Lavender  an  ounce.  Chop  down 
the  l ives,  mix  them  with  the  Water,  distil  off  one  pint  [Imp.  meas.],  agitate 
the  d tilled  liquid  well,  filter  it  if  any  milkiness  remain  after  a few  seconds  of 
rest,  jd  then  add  the  Lavender  Spirit.”  Ed. 


892 


Aquae  Medicatae.  part 

“Take  of  Fresh  Leaves  of  the  Common  Laurel,  one  pound ; Water  two p 
and  a half  [Imperial  Measure],  Upon  the  Leaves,  chopped,  and  crushed  i a 
mortar,  macerate  the  Water  for  twenty-four  hours,  and  then  draw  over  a ] t 
of  liquid  by  distillation,  using  a Liebig’s  condenser,  and  chloride  of  zinc  hi. 
Filter  the  product  through  paper,  and  preserve  it  in  a well-stopped  bottle.”  l‘>. 

The  leaves  yield  a larger  product  of  hydrocyanic  acid  when  cut  and  bru  d 
than  when  distilled  whole.  According  to  M.  G-arot,  the  proportion  of  the;d 
in  cherry-laurel  water  depends  upon  the  time  of  year  at  which  the  distillatio  Ls 
performed ; the  leaves  yielding  not  more  than  half  as  much  in  April,  as  in  e 
middle  of  July.  ( Annuaire,  de  Therap.,  1843,  p.  45.)  The  use  of  compo  d 
spirit  of  lavender,  in  the  Edinburgh  formula,  instead  of  alcohol,  is  in  ordei  o 
impart  colour  to  the  preparation,  and  thus  prevent  it  from  being  mistaken  >r 
common  water.  The  proportion  of  hydrocyanic  acid  in  the  water  dimini;  >s 
with  time.  It  has  been  ascertained  by  M.  Desc-hamps,  that  if  a drop  of  1- 
phuric  acid  be  added  to  a pint  of  the  preparation,  it  will  keep  unchanged  fo it 
least  a year.  It  is  best  preserved  by  the  entire  exclusion  of  air  and  light.  [. 
Lepage  found  that,  preserved  in  full  and  perfectly  air-tight  bottles,  both  is 
and  bitter  almond  water  remained  unchanged  at  the  end  of  a year ; while  fn  y 
exposed  to  the  air,  they  lost  all  their  hydrocyanic  acid  and  essential  oil  in  -o 
or  three  months.  ( Journ . de  Pharm.  et  de  Chim.,  xvi.  346.)  Cherry-la  d 
water  is  employed  in  Europe  as  a sedative  narcotic,  identical  in  its  propens 
with  a dilute  solution  of  hydrocyanic  acid;  but  it  is  of  very  uncertain  strenji. 
The  dose  is  from  thirty  minims  to  a fluidrachm.  M 

AQUA  MENTHA]  PIPERITA).  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub.  Pepjr - 
mint  Water. 

This  is  prepared,  according  to  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia,  from  the  oil  of  ]0- 
permint,  in  the  manner  directed  for  cinnamon  water.  (See  Aqua  Cinnamoi.) 

“Take  of  Peppermint,  dried,  two  joouncls ; Water  tico  gallons  [Imperial  Da- 
sure).  Distil  a gallon.  When  the  fresh  herb  is  used  the  quantity  skouloe 
doubled.  This  Water  may  be  more  quickly  prepared  from  the  Oil  of  Pepperuit 
in  the  same  manner  as  Dill  Water.”  Loud. 

The  Edinburgh  College  mixes  four  pounds  of  fresh  or  two  of  dry  peppermt, 
two  gallons  [Imp.  mens.]  of  water,  and  three  fuidounces  of  rectified  spirit,  .d 
distils  a gallon.  The  Dublin  College  mixes,  with  agitation,  a fluidovnce  of  essee 
of  peppermint  with  half  a gallon  [Imp.  rneas.]  of  distilled  water,  and  filrs 
through  paper.  Y 

AQUA  MENTHA)  YIRIDIS.  U.  S.,  Land.,  Ed.,  Dub.  Spearmt 
Water. 

This  is  prepared,  according  to  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia,  from  the  oil  of  spr- 
mint,  in  the  manner  directed  for  cinnamon  water.  (SeeM<y«a  Cinnamom.) 

By  the  British  Colleges  it  is  prepared  in  the  manner  directed  by  tkemar 
peppermint  water. 

The  two  mint  waters  are  among  the  most  grateful  and  most  employed  of  is 
class  of  preparations.  Together  with  c-innamou  water,  they  are  used  in  is 
country,  almost  to  the  exclusion  of  all  others,  as  the  vehicle  of  medicines  gi  n 
in  the  form  of  mixture.  They  serve  not  only  to  conceal  or  qualify  the  fast  A 
other  medicines,  but  also  to  counteract  their  nauseating  properties.  Peppermt 
water  is  generally  thought  to  have  a more  agreeable  flavour  than  that  of  spr- 
mint,  but  some  prefer  the  latter.  Their  effects  are  the  same.  ^ 

AQUA  PIMENTA).  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub.  Pimento  Water. 

“Take  of  Pimento,  bruised,  a pound;  Water  two  gallons  [Imperial  measu]- 
Distil  a gallon.  This  Water  may  be  more  quickly  prepared  from  Oil  of  Pinu-O 
in  the  same  manner  as  Dill  Water.”  Lond. 


PR.T  II. 


893 


Aquae  Medicatx. 

Hie  Edinburgh  College  mixes  a pound  of  bruised  pimento,  two  gallons  [Imp. 
nis.]  of  water,  and  three  fluidounces  of  rectified  spirit,  and  distils  a gallon. 
rJo  Dublin  College  agitates  a jluidounce  of  essence  of  pimento  with  half  a 
glon  [Imp.  meas.]  of  distilled  water,  and  filters  through  paper. 

Pimento  water  is  brownish  when  first  distilled,  and  upon  standing  deposits  a 
bwn  resinous  sediment.  It  is  used  as  a carminative  in  the  dose  of  one  or  two 
fldounces.  W. 

AQUA  PULEGII.  Lond.,  Ed.  Aqua  Mentha  Pulegii.  Dub.  Pen- 
riroyal  Water. 

This  is  prepared  from  European  pennyroyal  or  its  oil,  precisely  in  the  manner 
dscted  by  the  British  Colleges  for  peppermint  water.  It  is  not  used  in  this 
c ntry,  as  we  have  not  the  plant.  A water  prepared  from  Iledeoma  pulegioides , 

0 American  pennyroyal,  might  be  substituted. 

Pennyroyal  water  is  employed  for  the  same  purposes  as  those  of  peppermint 
al  spearmint.  W. 

VQUA  ROSiE.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Pd.,  Pub.  Pose  Water. 

‘Take  of  Fresh  Hundred-leaved  Roses  eight  pounds;  Water  two  gallons.  Mix 
t'jm  and  distil  a gallon.”  U.  S. 

Che  London  College  takes  ten  pounds  of  roses  and  two  gallons  [Imperial  mea- 
s e]  of  water,  aud  distils  a gallon.  The  Edinburgh  College  mixes  ten  pounds 
ofoses,  two  gallons  [Imp.  meas.]  of  water,  and  three  fluidounces  of  rectified 
spit,  and  distils  off  a gallon;  adding  the  following  notice.  “The  petals  should 
bpreferred  when  fresh ; but  it  also  answers  well  to  use  those  which  have  been 
plserved  by  beating  them  with  twice  their  weight  of  muriate  of  soda.”  The 

1 blin  College  agitates  twenty  minims  of  oil  of  roses  with  half  a gallon  [Imp. 
n as.]  of  distilled  water,  and  filters  through  paper. 

I should  be  observed  that,  in  the  nomenclature  of  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia, 
ti  term  “Roses”  implies  only  the  petals  of  the  flower.  These  are  directed  in 
t recent  state;  but  it  is  said  that,  when  preserved  by  being  incorporated  with 

0 -third  of  their  weight  of  common  salt,  they  retain  their  odour,  and  afford  a 
wer  equally  fragrant  with  that  prepared  from  the  fresh  flower.  It  is  not  un- 
c irnon  to  employ  the  whole  flower  including  the  calyx,  but  the  product  is  less 
fgrant  than  when  the  petals  only  are  used,  as  officinally  directed.  Rose  water 
i:  ometimes  made  by  distilling  together  water  and  the  oil  of  roses. 

When  properly  prepared,  it  has  the  delightful  perfume  of  the  rose  in  great 
pfection.  It  is  most  successfully  made  on  a large  scale.  Like  the  other  dis- 
tal waters  it  is  liable  to  spoil  when  kept;  and  the  alcohol  which  is  sometimes 
a ed  to  preserve  it  is  incompatible  with  some  of  the  purposes  to  which  the 
wer  is  applied,  and  is  even  said  to  render  it  sour  through  acetous  fermentation. 

1 s best,  therefore,  to  avoid  this  addition,  and  to  substitute  a second  distillation. 
I s distilled  water  is  chiefly  employed,  on  account  of  its  agreeable  odour,  in 
c yria  and  other  lotions.  It  is  wholly  destitute  of  irritating  properties,  unless 
wm  it  contains  alcohol. 

Off.  Prep.  Confectio  Rosse;  Mistura  Ferri  Composita;  Unguentum  Aquae 
ll?ae.  W. 

\.QUA  SAMBUCI.  Lond.,  Pd.  Elder  Water. 

'Take  of  Elder  Flowers  ten  pounds;  Water  two  gallons  [Imperial  measure]. 
I til  a gallon.”  Lond. 

che  Edinburgh  College  mixes  ten  pounds  of  the  fresh  flowers,  two  gallons 
[ ip.  meas.]  of  water,  and  three  fluidounces  of  rectified  spirit,  and  distils  a 
glon. 

Aider  flowers  yield  very  little  oil  upon  distillation;  and  if  the  water  be  needed, 
i my  be  best  prepared  from  the  flowers.  In  this  country  it  is  not  used.  W. 


894 


Aquse  Medicatse. 


PARI  I. 


CHLORINII  LIQUOR.  Dub.  Chlorinei  Aqua.  Ed.  Solution/ 

Chlorine.  Chlorine  Water. 

“ Take  of  Peroxide  of  Manganese,  in  fine  powder,  half  an  ounce  [avoirdupo]  ■ 
Muriatic  Acid  of  Commerce  three  fluidounces  [Imp.  meas.];  Distilled  Wbr 
twenty-four  ounces  [avoird.].  Introduce  the  Peroxide  of  Manganese  into  a is 
bottle,  and  having  poured  upon  it  the  Muriatic  Acid  diluted  with  two  ounccof 
[the]  Water,  apply  a gentle  heat,  and,  by  suitable  tubes,  cause  the  gas,  as  is 
developed,  to  bubble  through  two  additional  ounces  of  the  Water  placed  ii.n 
intermediate  small  vial,  and  then  to  pass  to  the  bottom  of  an  [Imperial]  the- 
pint  bottle,  containing  the  remainder  of  the  Water,  and  whose  mouth  is  loo  iy 
plugged  with  tow.  When  the  air  has  been  entirely  displaced  by  the  clolor e, 
let  the  bottle  be  disconnected  from  the  apparatus  in  which  the  gas  is  general, 
corked  loosely,  and  shaken  until  the  chlorine  is  absorbed.  It  should  be  w 
transferred  to  an  [Imperial]  pint  bottle  with  a well-ground  glass  stopper,  d 
preserved  in  a cool  and  dark  place.”  Dub. 

“Take  of  Muriate  of  Soda  [chloride  of  sodium]  sixty  grains;  Sulphuric  id 
(commercial)  two  fiuidrachms  [Imp.  meas.];  Pied  Oxide  of  Lead  three  Tinned 
and  fifty  grains;  Water  eight  fluidounces  [Imp.  meas.].  Triturate  the  Muite 
of  Soda  and  Oxide  together;  put  them  into  the  Water  contained  in  a bottle  vh 
a glass  stopper;  add  the  Acid;  agitate  occasionally  till  the  Red  Oxide  becoes 
almost  all  white.  Allow  the  insoluble  matter  to  subside  before  using  the  liqm” 
Ed. 

In  order  to  understand  the  Dublin  process  for  making  chlorine  water,  iis 
necessary  to  recollect  that  twenty-four  avoirdupois  ounces  of  water  are  equato 
twenty-four  Imperial  fluidounces,  and  that  the  Imperial  pint  contains  twe:y 
fluidounces.  The  three-pint  bottle  used,  therefore,  has  the  capacity  of  s::y 
fluidounces.  Four  fluidounces  of  the  water  are  appropriated  in  diluting  the  id 
and  in  absorbing  impurities  in  the  intermediate  vial.  The  remaining  twety 
fluidounces,  or  an  Imperial  pint,  is  placed  in  the  three-pint  bottle,  which  it  dy 
one-third  tills.  The  chlorine  gas  is  extricated  from  the  muriatic  acid  by  le 
deutoxide  of  manganese  separating  the  hydrogen,  and  is  passed  into  the  tlie- 
pint  bottle,  loosely  stopped,  until  the  vacant  part,  having  the  capacity  of  ro 
pints,  is  filled  with  it  to  the  exclusion  of  atmospheric  air.  The  bottle,  bog 
then  corked,  is  shaken,  so  as  to  cause  the  absorption  of  the  gas  by  the  war. 
The  product  is  an  Imperial  pint  of  chlorine  water,  which  is  transferred  1 a 
bottle  just  sufficient  in  capacity  to  contain  it. 

By  the  Edinburgh  process  the  solution  is  formed  in  the  liquid  way.  The  id 
oxide  of  lead  oxidizes  the  sodium,  converting  it  into  soda,  and  is  itself  redud 
to  the  state  of  protoxide.  The  chlorine  set  free  is  dissolved  by  the  water,  id 
the  sulphuric  acid  forms  with  the  soda,  sulphate  of  soda  which  remaimm 
solution,  and  with  the  protoxide  of  lead,  sulphate  of  protoxide  of  lead  whicis 
precipitated.  The  action  is  completed  in  the  course  of  a few  hours,  andae 
sulphate  of  lead  having  subsided,  the  supernatant  liquid  forms  an  aqueous  su- 
tion  of  chlorine,  containing  a little  sulphate  of  soda,  which  does  not  interre 
with  its  medicinal  properties. 

Properties.  The  Dublin  chlorine  water  has  a pale  yellowish-green  colourm 
astringent  taste,  and  the  peculiar  odour  of  the  gas.  Like  gaseous  chloric  it 
destroys  vegetable  colours.  When  cooled  to  about  the  freezing  point,  it  foas 
deep-yellow  crystalline  plates,  consisting  of  hydrate  of  chlorine.  As  prepi’d 
by  the  Dublin  College,  it  is  intended  to  contain  twice  its  volume  of  the  gas. It 
is  decomposed  by  light,  with  the  production  of  muriatic  acid,  and  the  evolum 
of  oxygen,  and  hence  must  be  kept  in  a dark  place.  According  to  MM.  Ri<“ 
and  Waltz,  chlorine  water,  containing  two  and  a half  volumes  of  the  gas  at  i , 
keeps  best. 


p.:T  II. 


895 


Aquae  Medicatae. — Argentum. 

llilonne  is  an  elementary  gaseous  fluid,  of  a greenish-yellow  colour,  and 
cbacteristic  smell  and  taste.  It  is  a supporter  of  combustion.  Its  specific 
gi/ity  is  2'47,  and  equivalent  number  35'42.  When  the  attempt  is  made  to 
bnthe  it,  even  much  diluted,  it  excites  cough  and  a sense  of  suffocation,  and 
cases  a discharge  from  the  nostrils  like  coryza.  Breathed  in  considerable 
qintities,  it  produces  spitting  of  blood,  violent  pains,  and  sometimes  death. 

ledical  Properties  and  Uses.  Chlorine  water  is  stimulant  and  antiseptic.  It 
hi  been  used  in  typhus,  and  chronic  affections  of  the  liver;  but  the  diseases  in 
w eh  it  has  been  most  extolled  are  scarlatina  and  malignant  sorethroat.  Ex- 
te.ally  it  may  be  used,  duly  diluted,  as  a gargle  in  smallpox,  scarlatina,  and 
prid  sorethroat,  as  a wash  for  ill-conditioned  ulcers  and  cancerous  sores,  and 
as  local  bath  in  diseases  of  the  liver.  It  has  been  used  with  advantage  as  an 
ajlication  to  buboes  and  large  abscesses,  promoting  the  absorption  of  the  mat- 
te As  it  depends  upon  chlorine  for  its  activity,  its  medical  properties  coincide 
gorally  with  those  of  chlorinated  lime,  chlorinated  soda,  and  nitromuriatic 
ac , under  which  heads  they  are  more  particularly  given.  The  dose  of  chlorine 
wer  is  from  one  to  four  fluidrachms,  properly  diluted. 

raseous  chlorine  has  been  recommended  in  minute  doses,  by  Gannal,  in  chronic 
bnehitis  and  pulmonary  consumption,  exhibited  by  inhalation  four  or  six  times 
a y.  Its  first  effect  is  to  produce  some  dryness  of  the  fauces,  with  increased 
enctoration  for  a time,  followed  ultimately  with  diminution  of  the  sputa  and 
aindment.  Dr.  Ckristison  states  that  he  has  repeatedly  observed  these  results 
in ;hronic  catarrh ; and  in  consumption,  both  he  and  Dr.  Elliotson  have  wit- 
nned  the  temporary  melioration  of  the  symptoms  from  chlorine  inhalations, 
sci  as  they  never  obtained  by  any  other  means.  The  liquid  in  the  inhaler  may 
bi'ormed  either  of  water  containing  from  ten  to  thirty  drops  of  chlorine  water, 
01  f chlorinated  lime  dissolved  in  forty  parts  of  water,  to  which  a drop  or  two 
ofulphuric  acid  must  be  added,  each  time  the  inhalation  is  practised.  The 
ia.ler  should  be  placed  in  water,  heated  to  about  100°.  B. 


ARGENTUM. 

Preparations  of  Silver. 

lRGENTI  CYANURETUM.  U.  S.  Cyanuret  of  Silver.  Cyanide 
ojjilver. 

Take  of  Nitrate  of  Silver,  Ferrocyanuret  of  Potassium,  each,  two  ounces ; 
Si  ihuric  Acid  an  ounce  and  a half;  Distilled  Water  a sufficient  quantity.  Dis- 
so;e  the  Nitrate  of  Silver  in  a pint  of  Distilled  Water,  and  pour  the  solution 
in  a tubulated  glass  receiver.  Dissolve  the  Ferrocyanuret  of  Potassium  in  ten 
fli  ounces  of  Distilled  Water,  and  pour  the  solution  into  a tubulated  retort, 
pi  iously  adapted  to  the  receiver.  Having  mixed  the  Sulphuric  Acid  with 
fo|  fluidounces  of  Distilled  Water,  add  the  mixture  to  the  solution  in  the 
re  ft,  and  distil  by  means  of  a sand-bath,  with  a moderate  heat,  until  six  fluid- 
oi  :es  pass  over,  or  until  the  liquid  that  passes  produces  no  longer  a precipitate 
in  le  receiver.  Finally,  wash  the  precipitate  with  distilled  water,  and  dry  it.” 

w. 

his  preparation  was  originally  introduced  into  the  U.S.  Pharmacopoeia  for 
th  purpose  of  being  used  in  the  extemporaneous  preparation  of  diluted  hydro- 
cj  iic  acid.  (Seepage  805.)  By  the  formula  adopted  in  the  Pharmacopoeia  of 
P )>  the  officinal  hydrocyanic  acid  was  added  to  a solution  of  nitrate  of  silver. 
I expenditure  in  this  way  of  the  officinal  acid,  which  is  very  weak,  and  at 
thsame  time  nicely  adjusted  to  a given  strength,  was  injudiciously  directed; 
ai,  accordingly,  that  formula  has  been  abandoned,  and  a new  process  adopted 


896 


Argentum. 


PAR'. i, 


in  the  Pharmacopoeia  of  1850,  in  which  all  the  silver  contained  in  a given  weht 
of  nitrate  of  silver,  placed  in  a receiver  in  solution  is  converted  into  c-yam  ;t 
by  hydrocyanic  acid,  extricated  from  ferroeyanuret  of  potassium  by  the  aon 
of  sulphuric  acid.  By  a double  decomposition  between  the  oxide  of  silve  of 
the  nitrate  and  the  hydrocyanic  acid,  water  and  cyanuret  of  silver  are  forme  in 
the  receiver,  the  latter  of  which  precipitates.  The  materials  in  the  retor  re 
sufficient  to  produce  a little  more  hydrocyanic  acid  than  is  necessary  to  cor  at 
the  whole  of  the  silver  in  the  receiver  into  cyanuret;  so  that  the  eompletue- 
composition  of  the  nitrate  of  silver  is  insured. 

According  to  Messrs.  Glassford  and  Napier,  the  best  way  of  obtaining  cyan  et 
of  silver  is  to  add  cyanuret  of  potassium  to  a solution  of  nitrate  of  silver,  so  ag 
as  a precipitate  is  formed. 

Properties.  Cyanuret  of  silver  is  a tasteless  white  powder,  insoluble  in  wer 
and  cold  nitric  acid,  but  readily  soluble,  with  decomposition,  in  that  acid  van 
boiling  hot.  It  is  decomposed  by  muriatic  acid,  exhaling  the  odour  of  hyo- 
cyanic  acid.  It  is  not  soluble  in  potassa  or  soda,  but  readily  so  in  ammi  ia. 
Its  best  solvent  is  cyanuret  of  potassium.  When  heated  it  is  decomposed,  a- 
nogen  being  evolved,  and  metallic  silver  left.  It  consists  of  one  eq.  of  cyamen 
26,  and  one  of  silver  108  = 134.  It  has  no  medical  uses. 

Off.  Prep.  Acidum  Hydrocyanic-urn  Dilutum.  ] 

ARGENTI  NITRAS.  U.  S.  Nitrate  of  Silver.  Nitrate  of  Silve  in 
Crystals. 

“Take  of  Silver,  in  small  pieces,  an  ounce ; Nitric  Acid  [sp.gr.  1'42]  sen 
f uidrachms ; Distilled  Water  two  fluid-ounces.  3Iix  the  acid  with  the  War, 
and  dissolve  the  Silver  in  the  mixture,  on  a sand-bath,  with  a gentle  heat,  lur 
off  the  clear  solution  into  a porcelain  capsule,  and,  having  evaporated  it  to  ie- 
half,  allow  it  to  cool  that  crystals  may  form.  Pour  off  the  supernatant  liqd, 
and,  after  due  evaporation,  put  it  aside  for  the  formation  of  fresh  crystals.  A in 
pour  off  the  liquid,  and  evaporate  for  a third  crop  of  crystals.  Lastly,  placehe 
crystals  in  a glass  funnel,  in  order  that  they  may  drain,  and,  when  they  re 
dry,  put  them  into  a bottle,  which  is  to  be  well  stopped,  and  protected  fromhe 
light.  The  silver  remaining  in  the  mother  water  of  the  last  crystallization  ay 
be  obtained  by  introducing  into  it  a plate  of  copper,  which  will  precipitatehe 
whole  of  the  silver  in  the  form  of  a gray  powder,  which,  when  washed  th 
water,  will  be  perfectly  pure.”  U.  S. 

During  the  solution  of  silver  in  nitric  acid,  part  of  the  acid  is  decomposed  to 
nitric  oxide  which  is  given  off  and  becomes  red  fumes  by  contact  with  the  ano- 
sphere,  and  oxygen  which  oxidizes  the  silver.  The  oxide  formed  then  combes 
with  the  remainder  of  the  acid,  and  generates  the  nitrate  of  silver  in  sohrn, 
which,  by  due  evaporation,  furnishes  crystals  of  the  salt.  The  silver  shoulbe 
pure,  and  the  acid  diluted  for  the  purpose  of  promoting  its  action.  If  the  srer 
contain  copper,  the  solution  will  have  a greenish  tint,  not  disappearing  on  he 
application  of  heat ; and  if  a minute  portion  of  gold  be  present,  it  will  beeft 
undissolved  as  a black  powder.  The  acid  also  should  be  pure.  The  c-omme ial 
nitric  acid,  as  it  frequently  contains  both  muriatic  and  sulphuric  acids,  sh  Id 
never  be  used  in  this  process.  The  muriatic  acid  gives  rise  to  an  insoble 
chloride,  and  the  sulphuric,  to  the  sparingly  soluble  sulphate  of  silver. 

Properties.  Nitrate  of  silver  is  in  colourless  transparent  crystals,  havinghe 
form  of  rhomboidal  plates,  sometimes  of  considerable  size.  Its  taste  is  inten  ly 
metallic  and  bitter.  It  is  soluble  in  its  own  weight  of  cold  water,  and  in  ur 
parts  of  boiling  alcohol.  When  perfectly  pure,  it  is  wholly  soluble  in  dist  ed 
water.  The  solution  stains  the  skin  of  an  indelible  black  colour,  and  is  Dlf 
discoloured  by  the  most  minute  portion  of  organic  matter,  of  which  it  fori-  a 
delicate  Test.  The  affinity  of  this  salt  for  animal  matter  is  evinced  by  its  ftffi* 


P.T  II. 


Argentum. 


897 


indefinite  compounds  with  albumen  and  fibrin.  The  solution  also  stains  linen 
an  muslin  in  a similar  manner;  and  benc-e  its  use  in  making  the  so-called  in- 
de)le  ink.  To  remove  these  stains,  Mr.  W.  B.  Herapath  advises  to  let  fall 
on, he  moistened  spots  a few  drops  of  tincture  of  iodine,  which  converts  the 
sibr  into  iodide  of  silver.  The  iodide  is  then  dissolved  by  a solution  of  hypo- 
suliite  of  soda,  made  of  the  strength  of  half  a drachm  to  a fluidounce  of  water, 
ory  a moderately  dilute  solution  of  caustic  potassa,  and  the  spots  are  washed 
ouwith  warm  water.  Stains  may  be  removed  from  the  skin  by  the  same  re- 
ag  ts.  When  exposed  to  heat  nitrate  of  silver  fuses  at  426°,  and  upon  con- 
cri.ng  forms  the  fused  nitrate,  which  is  officinal  under  the  name  of  Argent! 
Fas  Fusus.  At  about  600°  it  undergoes  decomposition  with  evolution  of 
ox;en  and  nitrous  acid,  and  the  metal  is  revived.  This  statement  explains  the 
nelssity  of  guarding  against  the  application  of  too  high  a heat  during  the  fusion 
of  le  salt.  Nitrate  of  silver  is  incompatible  with  almost  all  spring  and  river 
war,  on  account  of  the  common  salt  usually  contained  in  it;  with  soluble 
ehi  ides;  with  sulphuric,  hydrosulphuric,  muriatic,  and  tartaric  acids,  and  their 
sal;  with  the  alkalies  and  their  carbonates;  with  lime-water;  and  with  astrin- 
gei, vegetable  infusions.  It  is  an  anhydrous  salt,  and  consists  of  one  eq.  of 
nit:  acid  54,  and  one  of  protoxide  of  silver  116  = 170. 

.'purities  and  Tests.  A solution  of  chloride  of  sodium,  when  added  in  excess 
to  e of  nitrate  of  silver,  should  throw  down  the  whole  of  the  silver  as  a white 
cult  precipitate,  and  nothing  besides.  This  precipitate  should  be  entirely  solu- 
blei  ammonia.  If  not  entirely  soluble,  the  insoluble  part  is  probably  chloride 
of  id.  If  the  supernatant  liquid,  after  the  removal  of  the  above-mentioned 
pre oitate,  be  discoloured  or  precipitated  by  sulphuretted  hydrogen,  the  fact 
sho s the  presence  of  metallic  matter,  which  is  probably  copper  or  some  remains 
of  Id,  or  both.  After  all,  the  best  test  of  nitrate  of  silver  is  the  characteristic 
app ranee  of  the  crystals  of  the  pure  salt.  For  further  tests  of  nitrate  of  silver, 
see  rgenti  Nitras  Fusus. 

idical  Properties.  Nitrate  of  silver,  as  an  internal  remedy,  is  deemed  tonic 
andotispasmodic.  The  principal  diseases  in  which  it  has  been  employed  are 
epil  sy,  chorea,  angina  pectoris,  and  other  spasmodic  affections.  In  epilepsy 
it  fins  our  most  reliable  remedy;  but  the  kind  of  cases  to  which  it  is  particu- 
lar! applicable  and  its  modus  operandi  are  not  understood.  It  is  said  to 
proi'ce  most  good  in  this  disease  when  it  acts  upon  the  bowels.  Dr.  James 
Joh  on  and  other  practitioners  have  found  it  useful,  as  a palliative  and  sedative, 
>n  conic  disease  of  the  stomach  attended  with  pain  and  vomiting.  Dr.  J.  F. 
Bee  :s,  of  Petersburgh,  Va.,  bears  testimony  to  its  efficacy'  in  jaundice  con- 
nect with  gastric  irritation,  given  preferably  on  an  empty  stomach.  (Am. 
Jou  . of  the  Med.  Sciences,  July  1849.)  Dr.  Boudin,  of  Marseilles,  has  em- 
ploy it  in  typhoid  fever  as  a remedy  for  the  inflammation  and  ulceration  of 
the: uin,  which  constitute  the  most  constant  lesion  in  that  disease.  When  the 
gast  symptoms  predominate,  he  gives  the  nitrate  in  pill,  in  doses  of  from  the 
tour  to  the  half  of  a grain.  When  diarrhoea  is  the  principal  symptom,  he 
■'“lnr  sters,  night  and  morning  by  injection,  a solution  of  the  salt  containing 
threor  four  grains  to  six  fluidounces  of  water.  The  injections  appear  to  be 
usef  by  promoting  the  cicatrization  of  the  intestinal  ulcers,  and  were  found 
toe;ml  their  operation  as  high  up  as  the  small  intestines.  M.  Delioux,  of 
Wl  ort,  has  proposed  albuminous  injections  of  nitrate  of  silver  in  diarrhoea, 
farm  of  half  a pint  of  water,  containing  the  white  of  one  egg,  from  two  to  four 
trim  of  the  nitrate,  and  an  equal  weight  of  common  salt.  Nitrate  of  silver  is 
s 'lal  in  an  excess  of  an  albuminous  solution,  and  when  thus  prepared  is  more 
reid;  absorbed  than  when  dissolved  in  water.  The  common  salt  promotes  its 
somt  a without  decomposing  it.  {.Jo urn.  de  Pharm.  xx.  149.)  In  chronic 


898 


Argentum. 


PAP,  II. 


diarrhoea,  especially  in  that  kind  attendant  on  phthisis,  Dr.  Macgreggc  of 
Dublin,  has  found  the  nitrate  of  silver,  conjoined  with  opium,  a valuable  reriy. 
Whatever  may  be  the  remedial  value  of  this  salt  internally  administere  its 
occasional  effect  of  producing  a slate-coloured  discoloration  of  the  skin,  \ich 
is  seldom  removed,  is  a great  objection  to  its  use.  This  effect  proves  th ab- 
sorption of  the  medicine,  and  is  alleged  to  show  itself  first  on  the  tongurnd 
fauces.  According  to  Dr.  Branson,  an  indication  of  the  approach  of  disc  na- 
tion is  furnished  by  the  occurrence  of  a dark  blue  line  on  the  edges  of  the  | ms, 
very  similar  to  that  produced  by  lead,  but  somewhat  darker.  The  discolo:ion 
of  the  skin  is  said  to  be  removed  by  a steady  course  of  cream  of  tartar. 

Externally,  nitrate  of  silver  is  occasionally  employed  in  solution  as  a stino  ant 
and  escharotic;  but  the  fused  nitrate,  which  is  not  so  pure  as  the  officinal  n ■ ate 
(pure  salt  in  crystals),  is  generally  used  for  making  solutions.  In  all  c-as  re- 
quiring nicety,  the  officinal  nitrate  (crystals)  should  be  directed  to  be  dissyed, 
and  distilled  water  should  be  selected  as  the  solvent.  A solution  made  i the 
proportion  of  half  a grain  of  the  crystals  to  a fluidounce  of  distilled  water,  rms 
a good  mouth  wash  for  healing  ulcers  produced  by  mercury.  In  the  inflama- 
tion  of  the  mouth  from  mercurial  salivation,  31.  Bouchaeourt  found  a cqsen- 
trated  solution  of  the  salt,  applied  to  the  gums,  base  of  the  tongue,  &c.  a 
camel’s  hair  brush,  very  useful.  A solution  containing  two  grains  of  the  cr  tab 
to  a fluidounce  of  distilled  water  is  an  excellent  application  in  ophthalmnvitli 
ulcers  of  the  cornea,  in  fetid  discharges  from  the  ear,  aphthous  affections  ' the 
mouth,  and  spongy  gums. 

The  dose  of  nitrate  of  silver  (crystals)  is  the  fourth  of  a grain,  gradual  in- 
creased to  four  or  five  grains,  three  times  a day.  For  internal  exhibitio  the 
physician  should  always  prescribe  the  crystals,  which  are  meant  by  theame 
Argenti  Nitras,  in  the  revised  nomenclature  of  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia  of  ;50, 
and  never  direct  the  fused  nitrate  (Argenti  Nitras  Fusus),  which  is  often  inure. 
Nitrate  of  silver  should  always  be  given  in  pill,  in  which  form,  according  Dr. 
Powell,  the  system  bears  a dose  three  times  as  large  as  when  given  in  solion. 
In  the  treatment  of  epilepsy,  this  physician  recommends  the  exhibition  ; first 
of  grain  doses,  to  be  gradually  increased  to  six  grains,  three  times  a day  Its 
effects  vary  very  much,  owing  no  doubt  to  the  salt  being  more  or  less  com- 
posed by  the  substances  used  in  preparing  it  in  pill,  or  with  which  it  cons  in 
contact  in  the  stomach.  It  should  not  be  made  up  into  pill  with  crumb  of  ead, 
as  this  contains  common  salt,  but  with  some  vegetable  powder  and  muiage. 
Considering  that  chloride  of  sodium  is  used  iu  food,  and  exists,  togetbewitb 
phosphates,  in  the  secretions,  and  that  free  muriatic  acid  and  albuminous  uids 
are  present  in  the  stomach,  it  is  almost  certain  that,  sooner  or  later,  the  bole 
of  the  nitrate  of  silver  will  be  converted  into  the  chloride,  phosphate,  ;d  al- 
buminate, compounds  far  less  active  than  the  original  salt.  The  expenents 
of  Keller,  who  analyzed  the  feces  of  patients  under  the  use.  of  this  salt,  cifinn 
this  view.  Such  being  the  inevitable  result  when  the  nitrate  is  given,  th]ues- 
tion  arises  how  far  it  would  be  expedient  to  anticipate  the  change,  and  gja  the 
silver  as  a chloride  ready  formed.  One  of  the  authors  of  this  work  ba;tried 
the  chloride  in  large  doses,  in  two  veryr  unpromising  eases  of  epilepsy,  bulvhh- 
out  advantage.  _■ 

According  to  Mialhe,  nitrate  of  silver  is  immediately  changed  into  the  c-.oride 
upon  entering  the  stomach,  and  this  chloride  is  quickly  converted  into  a iuble 
and  readily  absorbable  double  chloride,  by  combining  with  the  chloride  of  dium 
or  potassium. 

Nitrate  of  silver,  in  an  over-dose,  produces  the  effects  of  the  corrosive  psons. 
The  proper  antidote  is  common  salt,  which  acts  by  converting  the  pois-  into 
the  insoluble  chloride  of  silver. 

Off.  Prep.  Argenti  Cyanuretum.  Argenti  Oxidum. 


PiT  II. 


Argentum. 


899 


m. 


.RGENTI  NITRAS  FUSUS.  U.  S.  Argenti  Nitras  Fusum. 
Argenti  Nitras.  Lond.,  JEd.  Fused  Nitrate  of  Silver.  Lu- 
nc  Caustic.  Lapis  Infernalis. 

Take  of  Silver,  in  small  pieces,  an  ounce;  Nitric  Acid  [sp.  gr.  1'42]  seven 
fiibachms;  Distilled  Water  two  fluidounces.  Mix  the  Acid  with  the  Water, 
andissolve  the  silver  in  the  mixture,  on  a sand-bath,  with  a gentle  heat;  then 
gr; ually  increase  the  heat,  and  evaporate  to  dryness.  Melt  the  resulting  salt 
in  crucible  over  a gentle  fire,  and  continue  the  heat  until  ebullition  ceases ; 
the  immediately  pour  it  into  suitable  moulds.”  U.  S. 

Take  of  pure  Silver  an  ounce  and  a half;  Pure  Nitric  Acid  [sp.  gr.  1’5] 
onifluidounce  [Imp.  meas.];  Distilled  Water  two  fuidounces  [Imp.  meas.]. 
Mi  the  Acid  and  Water,  add  the  Silver,  and  dissolve  it  with  the  aid  of  a gentle 
her,  increase  the  heat  gradually  till  a dry  salt  be  obtained ; fuse  the  salt  in  an 
ear.enware  or  porcelain  crucible,  and  pour  the  fused  matter  into  iron  moulds, 
pit  ously  heated,  and  greased  slightly  with  tallow.  Preserve  the  product  in 
gla  vessels.”  Ed. 

Take  of  Refined  Silver  three  ounces  [avoirdupois];  Pure  Nitric  Acid  [sp.  gr. 
l't/wo  fuidounces  [Imp.  meas.];  Distilled  Water  five  ounces  [avoird,].  Place 
theiilver  in  a flask,  and,  having  poured  upon  it  the  Acid  and  AVater,  apply  a 
gefe  heat  until  the  metal  is  dissolved.  Transfer  the  solution  to  a porcelain 
eapile,  decanting  it  off  a heavy  black  powder  which  appears  at  the  bottom  of 
the  ask,  and,  having  evaporated  it  to  dryness,  raise  the  heat  (in  a dark  room) 
’ un:  liquefaction  is  produced.  Pour  the  melted  Nitrate  of  Silver  into  a brass 
mod,  furnished  with  cylindric  cavities  of  the  size  of  a goose  quill,  and  which 
adr  :s  of  being  opened  by  a hinge,  and,  when  the  salt  has  concreted,  remove  it, 
ancjireserve  it  in  well  stopped  vessels,  rendered  impervious  to  light.”  Dub. 

I'e  London  College  places  fused  nitrate  of  silver  in  the  list  of  the  Materia 
Mejpa.  • 

he  first  step  in  the  process  for  making  fused  nitrate  of  silver  is  the  same  as 
tha  'or  preparing  the  crystallized  nitrate,  namely,  the  solution  of  silver  in  nitric 
acic  but,  instead  of  concentrating  the  solution  so  that  crystals  may  form,  it  is 
at  me  evaporated  to  dryness,  and  the  dry  mass  fused,  and  cast  in  cylindrical 
moils.  As  the  salt  sinks  into  a common  crucible,  the  fusion  should  be  per- 
fbrijjd  in  one  of  porcelain,  as  recommended  by  the  Edinburgh  College,  the  size 
of  \ ic-h  should  be  sufficient  to  hold  five  or  six  times  the  quantity  of  the  dry  salt 
ope|:ed  on,  in  order  to  prevent  its  overflowing  in  consequence  of  the  ebullition. 
Son  inies  small  portions  of  the  liquid  are  spirted  out,  and  the  operator  should 
be  oi  his  guard  against  this  occurrence.  When  the  mass  flows  like  oil,  it  is 
cotrietely  fused,  and  ready  to  be  poured  into  the  moulds.  These  should  be 
wared,  but  not  greased  as  directed  by  the  Edinburgh  College;  as  grease  fur- 
uisl  organic  matter  which  partially  decomposes  the  fused  salt. 

f per  ties.  Fused  nitrate  of  silver,  as  prepared  by  the  above  processes,  is  in 

the  rm  of  hard  brittle  sticks,  of  the  size  of  a goose  quill,  at  first  white,  but 
bec|ing  gray  or  more  or  less  dark  under  the  influence  of  light,  owing  to  the 
redi  ion  of  the  silver,  effected  probably  by  organic  matter,  or  sulphuretted 
byd'gen  contained  in  the  atmosphere.  That  the  change,  however,  does  not  de- 
penou  the  sole  action  of  light  has  been  proved  by  Mr.  Scanlan,  who  finds  that 
mtr ' of  silver,  in  a clean  glass  tube  hermetically  sealed,  undergoes  no  change 
by  closure  to  light.  The  sticks  often  become  dark-coloured  and  nearly  black 
cm  i surface,  and,  Avhen  broken  across,  exhibit  a crystalline  fracture  with  a 
radi|jd  surface.  Fused  nitrate  of  silver,  when  pure,  is  wholly  soluble  in  dis- 
tillejwater;  but  even  good  samples  of  the  fused  salt  will  not  totally  dissolve,  a 
ver)  canty  black  powder  being  left  of  reduced  silver,  arising  probably  from  the 
'.ring  been  exposed  to  too  high  a heat  in  fusion. 


salt 


900 


Argentum. 


par:i. 


Impurities  and  Tests.  Fused  nitrate  of  silver  is  liable  to  contain  free  s er 
from  having  been  exposed  to  too  high  a heat,  the  nitrates  of  lead  and  cojer 
from  the  impurity  of  the  silver  dissolved  in  the  acid,  and  nitrate  of  potassa  m 
fraudulent  admixture.  Free  silver  will  be  left  undissolved  as  a black  pov.n-, 
after  the  action  of  distilled  water.  A very  slight  residue  of  this  kind  is  ha.ly 
avoidable ; but,  if  there  be  much  free  silver,  it  will  be  shown  by  the  surfaiof 
a fresh  fracture  of  one  of  the  sticks  presenting  an  unusually  dark-gray  com 
( Christison .)  The  mode  of  detecting  lead  and  copper  is  given  under  nitra  of 
silver.  (See  Aryenti  Nitras.)  In  order  to  detect  nitre,  a solution  of  the  is- 
pected  salt  should  be  precipitated  by  muriatic  acid  in  excess,  and  sulphuned 
hydrogen,  to  remove  the  silver,  and  other  metals  if  they  happen  to  be  pre  it. 
The  filtered  solution,  if  the  salt  be  pure,  will  entirely  evaporate  by  heat;  it 
contain  nitre,  this  will  be  left,  easily  recognizable  by  its  properties  as  a nitte. 
This  impurity  sometimes  exists  in  fused  nitrate  of  silver  iu  large  amount,  Ty- 
ing, according  to  different  statements,  from  10  to  75  per  cent.  Accordir  to 
Dr.  Christisou,  it  may  be  suspected  if  the  sticks  present  a colourless  frac re. 
A mode  is  giveu  in  the  Edinburgh  Pharmacopoeia  for  testing  fused  nitra  of 
silver  for  impurity,  without  determining  its  nature.  It  depends  upon  the  ct, 
that  the  pure  salt  requires  for  its  conversion  into  chloride,  a given  quantityfa 
muriate  or  chloride;  and  that  if  a little  less  than  this  quantity  be  used  to  re- 
cipitate  it,  the  supernatant  liquid  will  be  precipitable  by  more  of  the  test,  ow 
this  will  not  be  the  case  with  the  impure  salt.  In  applying  this  test,  the  1 in- 
burgh  College  directs  that  29  grains  of  the  salt  should  be  dissolved  in  a fluidmce ' 
of  distilled  water  acidulated  with  nitric  acid,  precipitated  with  a solution  : 9 
grains  of  muriate  of  ammonia,  briskly  agitated  for  a few  seconds,  and  the  al- 
lowed to  rest.  If  the  salt  be  impure,  it  will  not  be  precipitated  on  the  addon 
of  more  of  the  test.  The  similar  test  of  the  London  Pharmacopoeia  of  -51 
proceeds  on  the  principle  that  a given  weight  of  chloride  of  sodium  is  fully  >re- 
c-ipitated  by  an  equivalent  weight  of  th e pure  nitrate,  and,  consequently,  th  an 
equivalent  weight  of  impure  nitrate  is  not  competent  to  produce  a full  palpi- 
tation. With  this  explanation,  the  following  details  of  the  test  will  be  undersod. 
A solution  of  six  grains  of  chloride  of  sodium,  after  having  been  precipitate  by 
seventeen  grains  of  nitrate  of  silver  and  filtered,  furnishes  a solution  whh  is 
not  precipitated  by  more  of  the  nitrate.  The  chief  test  of  the  U.  S.  Ph;xia- 
copmia  is  founded  on  the  quantity  of  the  chloride  of  silver  which  a given  wgbt 
of  the  pure  nitrate  should  furnish,  when  fully  decomposed  by  chloride  of  socim. 
Thus,  it  is  stated  that  a solution,  containing  twenty-five  grains  of  fused  D ate 
of  silver,  yields  with  chloride  of  sodium  about  twenty-one  grains  of  a tite 
precipitate,  totally  soluble  in  ammonia. 

Medical  Properties.  Fused  nitrate  of  silver  should  be  restricted  to  ext'nal 
use.  The  medical  properties  of  the  salt,  as  an  internal  remedy,  are  giveu  der 
the  head  of  the  crystallized  nitrate.  (See  Aryenti  Ultras.)  Externally  a plied 
the  fused  nitrate  acts  variously  as  a stimulant,  vesicant,  and  escharoticand 
may  be  employed  either  dissolved  in  water,  or  iu  the  solid  state.  Dissolv!  to 
the  extent  of  from  one  to  five  grains  iu  a fluidounce  of  water,  it  is  used  ft  the 
purpose  of  stimulating  indolent  ulcers,  and  as  an  injection  for  fistulous  res. 
It  is,  in  general,  most  conveniently  applied  to  ulcers  by  means  of  a camel'  aatr 
brush.  A drachm  of  the  fused  salt,  dissolved  in  a fluidounce  of  water,  forg  an 
escharotic  solution,  which  may  often  be  resorted  to  with  advantage.  But  tsed 
nitrate  of  silver  is  most  frequently  employed  in  the  solid  state;  and,  as  it  not 
deliquescent  nor  apt  to  spread,  it  forms  the  most  manageable  caustic  tlncan 
be  used.  When  thus  employed,  it  is  useful  to  coat  the  caustic,  as  reconun  ded 
by  M.  Dumeril,  by  dipping  it  into  melted  engravers’  sealing  wax,  which  strtl<h- 
ens  the  stick,  protects  it  from  change,  prevents  it  from  staining  the  finger  ana 


PAC  II. 


Argentum. 


901 


affds  facilities  for  limiting  the  action  of  the  caustic  to  particular  spots.  If  it 
is  isired,  for  example,  to  touch  a part  of  the  throat  with  the  caustic,  it  is  pre- 
pail  by  scraping  off  the  wax,  with  a penknife,  to  a suitable  extent  from  one 
enc  Another  way  to  strengthen  the  stick  is  to  cast  it  around  a platinum  wire, 
as  commended  by  M.  Chassaignac ; or  around  a wick  of  cotton,  according  to 
theolan  of  M.  Blatin.  By  the  latter  plan  the  fragments  of  the  stick  remain 
att:hed  to  one  another.  If  the  fused  nitrate  be  rubbed  gently  over  tbe  moistened 
ski  until  it  becomes  gray',  it  generally  vesicates,  causing  usually  less  pain  than 
is  pduced  by  cantharides.  The  fused  nitrate  is  also  employed  to  destroy  stric- 
tur  of  the  urethra,  warts  and  excrescences,  fungous  flesh,  incipient  chancres, 
anche  surface  of  other  ulcers  Mr.  Higginbottom  considers  its  free  application 
to  uers,  so  as  to  cover  them  with  an  eschar,  as  an  excellent  means  of  expediting 
the  cicatrization.  He  alleges  that,  if  an  adherent  eschar  be  formed,  the  parts 
umrneath  heal  before  it  falls  off.  The  same  writer  recommends  lunar  caustic 
as  topical  remedy  in  various  external  inflammations,  but  particularly  in  erysi- 
pel,  applied  both  to  the  inflamed  and  to  the  surrounding  healthy  parts.  In 
sou  cases  it  is  sufficient  to  blacken  tbe  cuticle ; in  others  it  is  best  to  produce 
vesition.  It  has  also  been  used  with  good  effect,  in  the  solid  state,  by  Dr. 
Jevll  in  leucorrkcea,  and  by  Ricord,  Hannay,  and  others  in  the  gonorrhoea  of 
worn.  In  these  cases  the  pain  produced  is  much  less  than  would  be  expected. 
It  b been  recommended  in  gonorrhoea  in  the  male,  even  in  the  acute  stage, 
use  in  solution  containing  ten  or  twelve  grains  to  the  fluidounce ; but,  although 
sou  quick  cures  are  well  authenticated,  the  practice  is  hazardous.  In  small- 
post  has  been  proposed  by  Bretonneau  and  Serres  to  cauterize  each  pustule 
afteits  top  has  been  removed,  on  the  first  or  second  day  of  the  eruption,  in 
ord  to  arrest  its  development  and  prevent  pitting.  The  fused  nitrate  also 
fori  an  efficacious  application  to  certain  ulcerations  of  the  throat,  to  different 
fori,  of  porrigo  of  the  scalp  and  other  skin  diseases,  to  punctured  and  poisoned 
wools,  and  to  chilblains,  slowly  rubbed  over  the  moistened  part.  If,  unex- 
pec-lly,  the  pain  produced  by  its  external  use  should  be  excessive,  it  may  be 
imndiafely  allayed  by  washing  the  parts  with  a solution  of  common  salt,  which 
actsy  decomposing  the  caustic.  The  salt  in  impalpable  powder,  mixed  with 
au  nal  weight  of  lymopodium,  and  used  by  inhalation,  has  been  found  beneficial 
iu  rerated  sorethroat,  laryngitis,  bronchitis,  and  incipient  phthisis,  by  Dr.  W. 
M.  < rnell,  of  Boston.  ( Boston  Med.  and  Surg.  Journ.  Sept.  25,  1850.)  It  has 
alsoiecn  used  successfully  in  croup  by  Dr.  Homans,  of  Boston,  applied  in  solu- 
tion) the  larynx,  either  by  infection  or  by  means  of  a sponge.  (Am.  Journ.  of 
tea,  April,  1854,  p.  346.) 

firm..  Use.  Fused  nitrate  of  silver  is  employed  by  the  Dublin  College  as 
a cb  aical  agent  for  preparing  Acidum  Nitricuin  Purum. 

C Prep.  Argent!  Oxydum.  B. 

XGENTI  OXIDUM.  U.  S.  Argenti  Oxydum  .Dub.  Oxide  of 

Sih  \ 

■ 

“ ike  of  Nitrate  of  Silver  four  ounces ; Distilled  Water  half  a pint;  Solu- 
tion Potassa  a pint  and  a half  or  a sufficient  quantity.  Dissolve  the  Nitrate 
ot  S'er  in  the  Water,  and  to  the  solution  add  the  Solution  of  Potassa,  as  long 
as  it  reduces  a precipitate.  Wash  the  precipitate  repeatedly  with  water  until 
the  y shings  are  nearly  tasteless.  Lastly,  dry  the  powder,  and  keep  it  in  a well 
dop  1 bottle,  protected  from  the  light.”  U.  S. 

ke  of  [fused)  Nitrate  of  Silver  half  an  ounce  [avoirdupois]  ; Lime-water 
\aV\  yo-Uon  [Imp.  meas.],  or  a sufficient  quantity  ; Distilled  Water  half  a pint 
[hupmeas.].  Dissolve  the  Nitrate  of  Silver  in  four  ounces  of  the  Distilled 
^at  and,  having  poured  the  solution  into  a bottle  containing  the  Lime-water, 


902 


Argentum. 


PART  I. 


stake  the  mixture  well,  and  then  set  it  by  till  the  sediment  subsides,  e 
supernatant  solution  being  drawn  off,  let  the  sediment  be  placed  upon  a file, 
and,  when  washed  with  the  remainder  of  the  Distilled  Water,  let  it  be  drie  it 
a heat  not  exceeding  212°,  and  preserved  in  a bottle.”  Dub. 

Oxide  of  silver  is  a new  officinal  of  the  U.S.  and  Dublin  Pharmacopoeias,  n 
the  processes  for  making  it,  nitrate  of  oxide  of  silver  is  decomposed  by  pot;a 
or  lime,  the  oxide  being  precipitated,  and  nitrate  of  potassa  or  nitrate  of  he, 
as  the  case  may  be,  remaining  in  solution.  When  thus  obtained  the  oxidis 
an  olive-brown  powder.  If  the  potassa  used  is  not  wholly  free  from  carb  ic 
acid,  the  precipitated  oxide  of  silver  will  be  contaminated  with  some  carboire. 
According  to  Mr.  Borland,  of  London,  the  carbonate  is  sometimes  sold  forte 
oxide.  A third  process  for  obtaining  it  is  that  of  Gregory,  which  consist.in 
boiling  the  moist,  recently  prepared  chloride  of  silver  with  a very  strong  solum 
of  caustic  potassa  (sp.gr.  1'25  to  1'30).  In  this  case,  by  double  decompositn, 
oxide  of  silver  and  chloride  of  potassium  are  formed.  When  thus  prepare  it 
is  a very  dense  pure-black  powder.  Oxide  of  silver  is  very  slightly  solublin 
water.  Exposed  to  heat  it  gives  out  oxygen,  and  is  wholly  converted  into  e- 
tallic  silver.  It  should  not  effervesce  with  acids.  When  its  solution  in  n ic 
acid  is  precipitated  by  chloride  of  sodium  in  excess,  the  supernatant  liqu:  is 
not  discoloured  by  sulphohydrate  of  ammonia.  The  non-action  of  this  test  sI.ts 
the  absence  of  most  foreign  metals,  especially  copper  and  lead.  Oxide  of  sier 
consists  of  one  eq.  of  silver  108,  and  one  of  oxygen  8 = 116. 

Medical  Properties.  This  oxide  has  been  proposed  as  a substitute  for  nit  te 
of  silver,  as  having  the  therapeutic  properties  of  the  latter,  without  its  escbaric 
effect,  and  objectionable  power  of  discolouring  the  skin.  It  was  first  emphed 
in  medicine  by  Van  Mons  and  Sementini.  More  recently  it  has  been  recn- 
mended  by  Mr.  C.  II.  B.  Lane,  who  considers  it  to  act  as  a sedative.  Mr.  Ine 
has  used  it  with  more  or  less  success  in  nausea, cardialgia,  pyrosis,  various  in- 
ful affections  of  the  stomach  independent  of  organic  lesion,  dysentery,  diarrba, 
night  sweats  without  other  obvious  affection,  dysmenorrhoea,  menorrhagia, -u- 
corrhoea,  chronic  enlargements  of  the  uterus,  attended  with  flooding,  &c.  he 
oxide  appeared  to  exert  a peculiar  control  over  uterine  fluxes.  Some  of  the  oes 
treated  required  the  use  of  tonics,  after  the  salutary  influence  of  the  oxide  ad 
been  exerted.  Dr.  Golding  Bird  has  also  obtained  favourable  effects  frorohe 
use  of  the  oxide  of  silver,  and  confirms  to  a certain  extent  the  results  of  Ir. 
Lane,  especially  as  to  its  valuable  powers  in  menorrhagia.  Thus  far  no  ca  of 
cutaneous  discoloration  has  occurred,  though  3Ir.  Lane  has  given  the  oxidre- 
peatedly  for  two  months,  and  Dr.  Bird  in  more  than  a hundred  cases;  inne 
for  four  months.  Mr.  Lane  has  observed  one  case  in  which  repeated  saliv;on 
occurred,  and  Dr.  Bird  several  in  which  the  gums  were  affected.  But,  iu  der 
to  draw  any  inference  from  this  result,  the  prescriber  should  be  certain  tha  he 
medicine  is  not  contaminated  with  black  oxide  of  mercury.  In  stomach  disise, 
characterized  by  a glairy  discharge  instead  of  a watery  one,  this  physician  dered 
not  the  slightest  benefit  from  the  oxide,  though  he  used  it  in  thirty  cases.  Ia 
epilepsy  it  is  supposed  that  the  oxide  will  accomplish  all  that  can  be  expced 
from  the  nitrate,  with  less  risk  to  the  stomach,  and  without  incurring  the  daier 
of  discolouring  the  skin.  In  taenia  it  has  been  used  successfully  in  two  case  by 
Mr.  W'hittel.  The  dose  of  oxide  of  silver  is  a grain,  twice  or  thrice  a day,  gen 
in  pill.  In  no  case  did  Mr.  Lane  carry  the  dose  beyond  six  grains  iu  the  twjty- 
four  hours.  It  has  been  used  in  the  form  of  ointment,  composed  of  fromwe 
to  ten  grains  to  the  drachm  of  lard,  as  an  application  to  venereal  sores,  at  to 
the  urethral  membrane  in  gonorrhoea,  smeared  on  a bougie. 


pa:1  ii. 


Arsenicum. 


903 


ARSENICUM. 

Preparations  of  Arsenic. 

AIDUM  ARSENTOSUM  PURUM.  Dub.  Pure  Arsenious  Acid. 

1 like  of  Commercial  White  Oxide  of  Arsenic  any  convenient  quantity.  Place 
it  i a Florence  flask,  the  neck  of  which  is  made  to  pass  into  that  of  a second 
Has  of  larger  size,  and  applying  to  the  former  a regulated  heat,  by  suspending 
it  heath  a semi-cylindric  hood  of  sheet  iron,  a few  inches  above  a small  ehar- 
coaire,  cause  the  Arsenic  to  sublime  into  the  latter.  This  sublimation  should 
be  nducted  under  a flue  with  a good  draught,  so  as  to  protect  the  operator  from 
inhing  any  vapours  which  may  escape  being  condensed.”  Dub. 

Oe  Dublin  College,  deeming  the  commercial  white  oxide  of  arsenic  (Acidum 
Ariiiosum,  U.  S.,  Lond.)  not  sufficiently  pure  for  medicinal  employment,  has 
gin  the  above  formula  for  its  purification.  But,  as  the  commercial  oxide  itself 
hasndergone  a second  sublimation,  this  process  is  superfluous.  The  only  pre- 
cauin  necessary  to  be  taken,  on  the  part  of  the  apothecary,  is  to  purchase  the 
oxi'  in  lump;  for  when  in  powder  it  is  apt  to  be  adulterated  with  chalk  or  sul- 
pha of  lime.  The  chemical,  medical,  and  toxicological  properties  of  this  sub- 
staie  have  been  given  under  the  head  of  Acidum  Arseniosum. 

f.  Prep.  Liquor  Arsenicalis.  B. 

1QUOR  ARSENIC!  CHLORIDE  Lond.  Solution  of  Chloride  of 
Arnie.  De  Valangin’s  Arsenical  Solution. 

‘('ake  of  Arsenious  Acid,  broken  into  small  pieces,  half  a drachm;  Hydro- 
c-hb  c Acid  afluidrachm  and  a 7<«{/’[Irap.  meas.] ; Distilled  Water  a pint  [Imp. 
me;]-  Boil  the  Arsenious  Acid  with  the  Hydrochloric  Acid,  mixed  with  an 
out)  of  the  Water,  until  it  is  dissolved;  then  add  sufficient  Water  to  make  the 
sohon  accurately  fill  the  measure  of  a pint  [Imp.  meas.].”  Lond. 

3 is  new  officinal  of  the  London  Pharmacopoeia  of  1851  is  intended  to  be  an 
imi  ion  of  De  Yalangin’s  arsenical  solution,  called  by  the  inventor,  who  was 
a petitioner  in  London,  solutio  solventis  mineral is.  It  was  originally  made  by 
sub  aing  three  parts  of  arsenious  acid  with  eight  of  common  salt,  and  dissolving 
the  oduct  in  a determinate  quantity  of  diluted  muriatic  acid.  The  sublimation 
dirt  sd  by  De  Yalangin  with  common  salt,  had  no  effect  on  the  arsenious  acid, 
and  ccordingly,  his  preparation  may  be  considered  to  have  been  a solution  of 
arseous  acid  in  muriatic  acid,  becoming  probably  terchloride  of  arsenic  by  the 
mu'  d decomposition  of  the  acids. 

I the  London  formula  thirty  grains  of  arsenious  acid  are  dissolved  in  twenty 
Impial  fluidounces  of  the  menstruum,  that  being  the  measure  to  which  the 
prepation  is  ultimately  brought.  Hence  each  fluidounce  contains  a grain  and 
a b;  of  arsenious  acid,  or  an  equivalent  quantity  of  terchloride. 

i iical  Properties.  This  arsenical  solution  appears  to  have  considerable  repu- 
tati'  in  London  as  an  alterative.  It  is  chiefly  employed  in  the  treatment  of 
cho-i  and  lepra  vulgaris.  Dr.  Farre,  of  London,  states,  as  the  result  of  his 
obshation,  that  it  effectually  cures  the  worst  forms  of  chorea.  (Pereira,  Mat. 
Mel  3d  ed.,  p.  670.)  Dr.  Pereira,  who  has  used  this  solution  on  numerous 
occf  ons,  bears  testimony  to  its  efficacy  in  the  treatment  of  chorea  and  lepra, 
butjas  not  satisfied  himself  of  its  superiority  to  Fowler’s  solution.  It  is  said 
to  b less  apt  to  disturb  the  stomach  ; but  it  must  be  recollected  that  De  Yalan- 
gm  solution  is  only  three-eighths  as  strong  as  that  of  Fowler,  and  yet  is  not 
PV(  ln  larger  doses.  The  average  dose  is  five  drops  three  times  a day.  Dr. 
Far  begins  with  three  drops  three  times  a day,  increasing  one  drop  each  day, 


904 


Arsenicum. 


par:  i, 


until  the  dose  reaches  ten  drops  three  times  daily.  Whenever  the  stomacbe- 
comes  disordered,  the  medicine  should  be  suspended;  and  when  renewe' it 
must  be  given  in  the  original  dose.  ] 

ARSENICI  IODIDUM.  U.  S.  Iodide  of  Arsenic. 

“Take  of  Arsenic  a drachm;  Iodine  five  drachms.  Rub  the  Arsenic  a 
mortar  until  reduced  to  a very  fine  powder,  free  from  metallic  lustre;  then  id 
the  Iodine,  and  rub  them  together  till  they  are  thoroughly  mixed.  Put  he 
mixture  into  a small  flask  or  a test-tube,  loosely  stopped,  and  heat  it  very  gely 
until  liquefaction  occurs.  Then  incline  the  vessel  in  different  directions,  in  c er 
that  any  portion  of  the  Iodine,  which  may  have  condensed  on  its  inner  sur;e, 
may  be  returned  into  the  fused  mass.  Lastly,  pour  the  melted  Iodide  on  a ir- 
celain  slab,  and,  when  it  is  cold,  break  it  into  pieces,  and  put  it  into  a bcle, 
which  is  to  be  well  stopped.”  U.  S- 

This  iodide  was  introduced  into  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia  for  the  purpo:  of 
being  used  in  preparing  the  solution  of  iodide  of  arsenic  and  mercury,  desei  ed 
in  the  next  article.  It  is  made  by  the  direct  combination  of  its  elementary  >n- 
stituents  by  the  aid  of  a gentle  heat. 

Properties , &c.  Iodide  of  arsenic  is  an  orange-red,  crystalline  solid,  entdy 
soluble  in  water,  and  wholly  volatilized  by  heat.  In  composition  it  is  m- 
sidered  to  be  a teriodide,  consisting  of  one  eq.  of  arsenic  75,  and  three  of  ione 
378  9=453 '9.  It  has  been  used  by  Biett  as  an  external  application  injr- 
roding  tubercular  skin  diseases.  By  the  late  Dr.  A.  T.  Thomson  it  was  gen 
internally  with  advantage  in  lepra,  impetigo,  and  diseases  resembling  carer. 
Dr.  F.  C.  Crane  cured  a ease  of  what  he  considered  cancer  of  the  breast  b its 
use  for  nearly  eight  months.  The  ointment  used  by  Biett  was  composed  of  t-ee 
grains  of  the  iodide  to  an  ounce  of  lard.  The  dose  for  internal  exhibition  ian 
eighth  of  a grain  three  times  a day,  given  in  pill  or  solution. 

Off.  Prep.  Liquor  Arsenici  et  Hydrargyri  Iodidi.  J 

LIQUOR  ARSENICI  ET  IIYDRARGYRI  IODIDI.  U.  S.  b- 
senici  et  Hydrargyri  Hydriodatis  Liquor.  Pub.  Solution  of 
Iodide  of  Arsenic  and  Mercury.  Solution  of  Hydriodate  of  Amic 
and  Mercury.  Donovan  s Solution. 

“Take  of  Iodide  of  Arsenic,  Red  Iodide  of  Mercury,  each,  thirty-five grths; 
Distilled  Water  half  a pint.  Rub  the  Iodides  with  halt  a fluidounc-e  of  be 
Water,  and,  when  they  have  dissolved,  add  the  remainder  of  the  W ater,  he!  to 


the  boiling  point,  and  filter.”  U.  S. 

“ Take  of  Pure  Arsenic,  in  fine  powder,  six  grains;  Pure  Mercury  siren, 
grains;  Pure  Iodine  fifty  grains  and  a half;  Alcohol  [sp.  gr.  0'795]  he a 
fluidrachm  [Imp.  meas.];  Distilled  "Water  nine  ounces  [avoirdupois],  or  wfi 
ficient  quantity.  Rub  together  the  Arsenic,  Mercury,  Iodine,  and  Spirit,  'til 
a dry  mass  is  obtained,  and,  having  triturated  eight  ounces  of  the  Water  ith 
this  in  successive  portions,  let  the  whole  be  transferred  to  a flask,  and  heed 
until  it  begins  to  boil.  W7hen  cooled  and  filtered,  let  as  much  Distilled  Wter 
be  added  to  it  as  will  make  the  bulk  of  the  solution  exactly  eight  fiuidoces 
and  six  drachms  [Imp.  meas.].”  Dub. 

This  solution  was  introduced  to  the  notice  of  the  medical  profession  in  1>L 
by  Mr.  Donovan,  of  Dublin,  as  a therapeutic  agent  combining  the  medical  vines 
of  its  three  ingredients,  and  has  been  adopted  as  an  officinal  preparation  iihe 
U.  S.  and  Dublin  Pharmacopoeias  of  1850.  The  formula  of  the  I . S.  Phajaa- 
copoeia  is  the  simplified  one  of  Prof.  Procter,  which  consists  essentially  in  as- 
solving  equal  weights  of  the  teriodide  of  arsenic  and  biuiodide  (red  iodid  ot 
mercury  in  a measured  quantity  of  distilled  water.  The  proportion  of  tial 
weights  corresponds  nearly  to  single  equivalents  of  the  component  iodides 


he 


PAT  II. 


Arsenicum. 


905 


Dclin  formula  is  more  complicated.  In  it  the  proper  quantities  of  arsenic, 
meury,  and  iodine  are  caused  to  unite  by  first  rubbing  them  together  with 
alciol,  and  then  boiling  the  product  with  distilled  water,  which  is  afterwards 
ackl,  so  as  to  give  the  whole  a determinate  bulk.  The  iodides  of  arsenic  and 
meury,  formed  by  the  trituration,  are  assumed  by  Mr.  Donovan  to  become,  by 
sol  ion,  hydriodates  severally  of  arsenious  acid  (white  oxide  of  arsenic),  and  of 
deoxide  of  mercury  (red  precipitate) ; and  the  Dublin  College  name  is  formed 
od  ie  supposition  of  this  change. 

poverties.  This  solution  has  a pale-yellow  colour,  and  a slightly  styptic 
tas.  It  is  incompatible  with  laudanum,  and  the  sulphate,  muriate,  and  acetate 
of  orphia.  On  the  supposition  that  the  preparation  is  an  aqueous  solution  of 
iodes,  it  will  contain  them  in  the  proportion  of  one  eq.  of  teriodide  of  arsenic 
459  to  one  of  biniodide  of  mercury  454'6,  which  are  nearly  equal  weights. 
Onhe  theory  of  their  conversion  into  hydriodates  by  solution,  five  eqs.  of  water 
45  ould  be  required,  three  for  the  arsenical  teriodide,  and  two  for  the  mercu- 
riaiiniodide;  and  the  result  would  be  one  eq.  of  arsenious  acid  99,  one  of  deu- 
toxe  of  mercury  218,  and  five  of  hydriodic  acid  636'5,  the  latter  containing  five 
eqsof  iodine  631 ’5.  The  solution  here  supposed  would  contain  two  and  one- 
fift  times  as  much  deutoxide  of  mercury  as  of  arsenious  acid. 

.’.dica't  Properties.  This  preparation  has  been  found  decidedly  useful  as  an 
alt  itive  in  the  treatment  of  various  diseases  of  the  skin,  such  as  the  different 
for ) of  psoriasis,  impetigo,  porrigo,  lepra,  pityriasis,  lupus,  and  venereal  erup- 
tio\  both  papular  and  scaly.  In  support  of  its  efficacy  in  these  affections,  Mr. 
Do  van  has  adduced  the  testimony  of  a number  of  respectable  practitioners,  of 
Du  in  and  elsewhere,  who  have  communicated  to  him  the  results  of  their  expe- 
riek  The  disease  in  some  of  the  cases  cured  had  existed  for  a number  of 
yea.  Dr.  E.  I.  Taylor,  of  New  York,  has  employed  it  in  a number  of  cuta- 
nec;  diseases,  and  finds  that  it  produces  more  marked  and  prompt  effects  than 
the?medies  usually  resorted  to  in  the  treatment  of  lupus,  rupia,  psoriasis,  and 
sec  dary  venereal.  ( J rn.  Journ.  of  Med.  Sci.,  iY  S.,  v.  319.)  In  two  cases 
of  erine  disease,  characterized  by  patency  of  the  os  uteri  and  vascular  tur- 
gesince  of  the  cervix,  and  attended  with  lumbar  and  pelvic  pains,  Dr.  Kirby  of 
Du  n,  afforded  relief  by  the  use  of  the  solution.  The  dose  is  from  five  to  twenty 
dro  three  times  a day,  given  preferably  in  distilled  water.  The  latter  dose 
con  Ins  the  twenty-fourth  of  a grain  of  arsenious  acid,  a little  over  the  twelfth 
of  *rain  of  deutoxide  of  mercury,  and  about  a quarter  of  a grain  of  iodine. 
Dr.  aylor  never  exceeded  the  dose  of  five  drops,  three  times  a day.  Sometimes 
the  edic-ine  deranges  the  stomach,  confines  the  bowels,  and  produces  headache, 
gid'  less,  and  confusion  of  mind.  When  these  effects  are  produced,  it  must  be 
laid  '.side  and  a purgative  administered.  After  an  interval  varying  from  ten 
day:o  three  weeks,  it  may  be  resumed,  but  in  a smaller  dose.  The  treatment 
ofte, requires  to  be  persevered  in  for  several  months.  Sometimes  the  medicine 
proves  moderate  salivation.  By  some  practitioners,  the  solution,  diluted  with 
au  (jjal  bulk  of  water,  was  used  with  advantage  as  an  external  application  to 
the  leers  or  eruptions,  at  the  same  time  that  the  medicine  was  given  inter- 
nal] For  further  information  the  reader  is  referred  to  the  three  papers  of  Mr. 
Doi  ’an,  contained  in  the  Dublin  Journal  of  Med.  Science,  for  Nov.  1839, 
Sep: 1840,  and  Nov.  1842.  B. 

IQUOR  PQTASSiE  ARSENITIS.  U.  S.,  Land.  Liquor  Ar- 
8B®alis.  Ed.,  Dub.  Solution  of  Arsenite  of  Potassa.  Arsenical 
dol'ion.  Foivler's  Solution. 

‘ dee  of  Arsenious  Acid,  in  small  fragments,  Pure  Carbonate  of  Potassa, 
eacl hixly-four  grains;  Distilled  Water  a sufficient  quantity;  Compound  Spirit 


906 


Arsenicum. 


PARI  I. 


of  Lavender  half  a fluidounce.  Boil  the  Arsenious  Acid  and  Carbonate  of  o- 
tassa  in  a glass  vessel,  with  twelve  fluidounces  of  Distilled  Water,  till  the  J d 
is  entirely  dissolved.  To  the  solutiou,  when  cold,  add  the  Spirit  of  Lavenr, 
and  afterwards  sufficient  Distilled  Water  to  make  it  fill  exactly  the  measunf 
a pint.”  U.  S. 

“Take  of  Arsenious  Acid,  broken  into  small  pieces,  Carbonate  of  Potaa, 
each,  eighty  grains;  Compound  Tincture  of  Lavender  f re  Jluidrachms  [Ip. 
meas.] ; Distilled  Water  a pint  [Imp.  meas.].  Boil  the  Arsenious  Acid  id 
Carbonate  of  Potassa  with  half  a pint  of  the  Water,  until  they  are  dissold. 
Add  the  Tincture  to  the  cooled  liquor,  and,  lastly,  sufficient  Distilled  W;  r, 
that  it  may  accurately  fill  a pint  [Imp.  meas.].”  Land. 

The  Edinburgh  formula  is  substantially  the  same  with  the  London,  fm 
which  it  injudiciously  varies  by  ordering  the  arsenious  acid  in  powder,  and  wer 
instead  of  distilled  water.  In  it  the  lavender  preparation  is  misnamed  “tinctui,” 
it  being  recognised  as  a “spirit”  in  the  nomenclature  of  the  Edinburgh  Collie. 

“Take  of  Pure  Arsenious  Acid;  Pure  Carbonate  of  Potash,  each,  eighty do 
grains;  Compound  Tincture  of  Lavender,  half  a fluidounce  [Imp.  meas.];  is- 
tilled  Water  as  much  as  is  sufficient.  Introduce  the  Arsenious  Acid  and  _r- 
bonate  of  Potash  into  a flask  containing  half  a pint  of  Water,  and  boil  un  a 
perfect  solution  is  obtained.  When  this  has  cooled,  add  to  it  the  Comp  id 
Tincture  of  Lavender,  and  as  much  Water  as  will  make  the  bulk  of  the  eire 
one  pint  [Imp.  meas  ].  The  specific  gravity  of  this  Solution  is  1 013.”  D . 

This  preparation  originated  with  the  late  Dr.  Fowler,  of  Stafford,  Eogl  d, 
and  was  intended  as  a substitute  for  the  celebrated  remedy,  known  underhe 
name  of  “the  tasteless  ague  drop.”  It  is  an  arsenite  of  potassa  dissolve  in 
water,  and  is  formed  by  the  combination  of  the  arsenious  acid  with  the  poi-sa 
of  the  carbonate,  the  carbonic  acid  being  evolved.  The  name,  thereforeby 
which  it  is  designated  in  the  United  States  aud  London  Pharmacopoeias,  is  <vi- 
ously  the  most  correct.  The  spirit  of  lavender  is  added  to  give  it  taste,  in  oier 
to  prevent  its  being  mistaken  for  simple  water.  The  United  States  prepanon 
is  of  about  the  same  strength  as  those  of  the  London  and  Edinburgh  Collels; 
for,  although  one-fourth  more  acid  and  alkali  is  taken  iu  the  London  and  Pin- 
burgh  than  in  the  U.  S.  formula,  yet  it  is  to  be  recollected  that-  the  Impial 
pint  is  nearly  one-fourth  larger  than  the  wine  pint.  The  solution,  aecordir  to 
the  formula  of  the  Dublin  Pharmacopoeia  of  1850,  is  one-fortieth  strongeffiy 
reason  of  the  injudicious  direction  to  take  eighty-two  grains  instead  of  eight  to 
dissolve  in  the  Imperial  pint  of  twenty  fluidounces.  This  formula  is  an  ameled 
one,  aud  it  is  to  be  regretted  that  the  Dublin  College  did  not  perceive  thero- 
priety  of  making  the  strength  of  its  arsenical  solution  conform  with  that  ta- 
Wished  for  this  preparation,  of  four  grains  of  arsenious  acid  to  the  fluidout?. 

In  making  this  preparation,  care  should  be  taken  that  the  arsenious  ac  is 
pure.  This  object  is  best,  secured  by  using  the  acid  in  small  pieces  inste;  of 
in  powder.  Sulphate  of  lime  is  a common  adulteration  in  the  acid,  and  it  're- 
sent  will  remain  undissolved,  and  cause  the  solution  to  be  weaker  than  it  slald 
be.  Hence,  if  the  arsenious  acid  does  not  entirely  dissolve,  the  preparion 
must  be  rejected. 

Properties.  Solution  of  arsenite  of  potassa  is  a transparent  liquid,  havinffie 
colour,  taste,  and  smell  of  the  spirit  of  lavender.  It  has  a strong  alkaline  ae-^ 
tion.  It  is  decomposed  by  the  usual  reagents  for  arsenic,  such  as  nitra  of 
silver,  the  salts  of  copper,  lime-water,  aud  sulphuretted  hyTdrogen  ; and  is  iu>tn- 
patible  with  infusions  and  decoctions  of  cinchona.  Before  sulphuretted  hydgea 
will  act,  the  solution  must  be  acidulated  with  some  acid,  as  the  muriat  or 
acetic.  If  very  long  kept  in  flint  glass,  it  is  apt  to  suffer  partial  decomposjon, 
exhaling  a garlicky  odour,  and  giving  the  inner  surface  of  the  bottle  a melho 


pad  ii.  Arsenicum. — Atropia.  907 

luse,  owing  to  the  lead  of  the  glass  being  revived.  (Canavan,  N.  Ir.  Journ.  of 
Pllrm.,  i.  131.) 

9 mical  Properties  and  Uses.  This  solution  has  the  general  action  of  the 
ars1  ical  preparations  on  the  animal  economy,  already  described  under  the  head 
of  'rsenious  Acid.  Its  liquid  form  makes  it  convenient  for  exhibition  and 
graial  increase ; and  it  is  the  preparation  generally  resorted  to,  when  arsenic 
is  pen  internally.  It  has  been  much  employed  in  intermittent  fever.  Dr. 
Thfias  D.  Mitchell,  of  Philadelphia,  has  given  the  result  of  his  experience,  as 
to  i efficacy  and  safety  in  this  disease,  when  exhibited  in  the  large  dose  of  fifteen 
or  enty  drops  three  times  a day.  It  is  a valuable  resource  in  the  intermittents 
ofdldren,  who  are  with  difficulty  induced  to  swallow  bark  or  even  sulphate  of 
qui  a.  The  late  Dr.  Dewees  relates  the  case  of  a child  only  six  wec-ks  old, 
affted  with  a Severe  tertian,  in  which  this  solution  was  given  with  success.  A 
fluirachm  was  diluted  with  twelve  fluidraclnns  of  water;  and  of  this  six  drops 
we:  given  every  four  hours. 

iwler’s  solution  appears  to  be  peculiarly  adapted  to  the  treatment  of  several 
disses.  It  has  been  employed  with  great  success  in  lepra  and  other  invete- 
rateutaneous  affections.  The  late  Dr.  S.  Calhoun  published  an  account  of 
fivehases  of  nodes,  successfully  treated  b}7  it;  and,  in  consequence  of  his  suc- 
cesDr.  Baer,  of  Baltimore,  and  the  late  Dr.  Eberle  gave  it  a trial  in  this  affec- 
tioi  and  obtained  satisfactory  results.  Several  cases  of  chorea,  cured  by  this 
ready,  are  reported  by  Mr.  Martin,  Mr.  Slater,  and  Dr.  Gregory,  in  the  Medico- 
Cmrgical  Transactions  of  London.  Two  interesting  cures  of  periodical  head- 
acbl  performed  by  the  solution,  are  related  by  the  late  Dr.  Otto,  of  Philadelphia, 
in  ,|s  fourth  and  fifth  volumes  of  the  North  American  Med.  and  Surg.  Journal. 
Mr: 3.  Hunt  found  it  useful  in  menorrhagia,  but  prefers  the  use  of  arsenious 
acii  as  less  apt  to  produce  unpleasant  effects,  requiring  the  discontinuance  of 
the^ruedy.  (See page  23.)  A diluted  solution,  in  the  proportion  of  a fluidrachm 
to  fe  fiuidounce  of  water,  has  been  used  with  advantage  as  a topical  application 
to : il  ulcers. 

1 ch  fluidrachm  of  the  solution  contains  half  a grain  of  arsenious  acid.  The 
avege  dose  for  an  adult  is  ten  drops  two  or  three  times  a day.  For  the  pecu- 
liai  ffects  which  it  produces  in  common  with  the  other  arsenical  preparations, 
tlieeader  is  referred  to  the  article  on  Arsenious  Acid. 

1 flos’s  antidote  to  the  poisonous  effects  of  Fowler’s  solution,  and  of  the  salts 
of  3 acids  of  arsenic  generally,  is  the  acetate  of  the  sesquioxide  of  iron  with 
exes  of  base,  made  by  dissolving  freshly  precipitated  sesquioxide  in  acetic  acid 
to  duration,  adding  an  equal  quantity  of  the  oxide  to  the  solution,  and  diluting 
the  hole  with  water  to  the  consistence  of  cream.  (S ee  page  29.)  B. 


ATROPIA. 


Preparation  of  Atropia. 


ancl 

Acij 

Fil 

Loi 


CROPIiE  SULPHAS.  Pond.  Sulphate  of  Atropia. 
ake  of  Diluted  Sulphuric  Acid  two  fluidrachms ; Atropia  seven  scruples 
1 half  or  a sufficient  quantity ; Distilled  Water  half  a fiuidounce.  To  the 
previously  mixed  with  the  Water  add  gradually  the  Atropia  to  saturation, 
the  solution,  and  evaporate  with  a gentle  heat  so  that  crystals  may  form.” 


- ? London  College  prepares  this  salt  exclusively  for  external  use.  Its  pro- 
per s and  uses  are  those  of  its  alkaline  base,  and  are  described  under  Belladonna. 


W. 


908 


Baryta. 


par:  ;i. 


BARYTA. 

Preparations  of  Baryta. 

BARII  CHLORIDUM.  U.S.,Dub.  Baryta  Murias.  Ed.  Cklok 

of  Barium.  Muriate  of  Baryta. 

“Take  of  Carbonate  of  Baryta,  in  small  fragments,  a -pound ; Muriatic. id 
twelve  fluidounces ; Water  three  pints.  Mis  the  Acid  with  the  Water,  and  gr  u- 
ally  add  the  Carbonate  of  Baryta.  Towards  the  close  of  the  effervescence  a ly 
a gentle  heat,  and,  when  the  action  has  ceased,  filter  the  liquor,  and  erapt.t'e 
so  that  crystals  may  form  when  it  cools.”  U.  S. 

The  Edinburgh  College  gives  two  processes  for  obtaining  this  chloride ; ne 
in  which  the  native  carbonate  of  baryta,  the  other  in  which  the  native  sulp.te 
is  employed.  The  process  with  the  sulphate  is  as  follows. 

“Take  of  Sulphate  of  Baryta  two  pounds;  Charcoal,  in  fine  powder,  ur 
ounces;  Pure  Muriatic  Acid  a sufficiency.  Heat  the  sulphate  to  redness,  re  ice 
it  to  fine  powder,  mix  the  charcoal  with  it  thoroughly,  heat  the  mixture  a 
covered  crucible  for  three  hours  at  a low  white  heat.  Pulverize  the  product  at 
it  gradually  into  five  pints  [Imp.  meas.]  of  boiling  water;  boil  for  a few  mint  s; 
let  it  rest  for  a little  over  a vapour-bath ; pour  off  the  clear  liquor,  and  filt  it 
if  necessary,  keeping  it  hot.  Pour  three  pints  [Imp.  meas.]  of  boiling  water  er 
the  residuum,  and  proceed  as  before.  Uuite  the  two  liquids;  and,  while  ex 
are  still  hot,  or,  if  cooled,  after  heating  them  again,  add  Pure  Muriatic  ..-id 
gradually  so  long  as  effervescence  is  occasioned.  In  this  process  the  solu'<ns 
ought  to  be  as  little  exposed  to  the  air  as  possible;  and  in  the  last  step  tkeis- 
engaged  gas  should  be  discharged  by  a proper  tube  into  a chimney  or  the  as  pit 
of  a furnace.  Strain  the  liquor,  concentrate  it,  and  set  it  aside  to  crvstall:;.” 
Ed. 

The  Dublin  College  also  obtains  chloride  of  barium  severally  from  the  n:ve 
carbonate  and  native  sulphate,  and  by  processes  which  are  in  principle  the  sue 
as  those  above  quoted. 

When  the  carbonate  of  baryta  is  employed  for  obtaining  chloride  of  barm, 
the  reactions  are  exceedingly  simple.  The  muriatic  acid  displaces  the  cartue 
acid  with  effervescence;  and,  by  reacting  with  the  baryta,  forms  chloric  of 
barium  and  water.  A solution  of  chloride  of  barium  being  thus  obtaine  it 
yields  crystals  of  the  chloride  by  concentration  and  cooling.  The  reactioruc- 
curring  in  the  process  in  which  the  sulphate  is  used  are  more  complicated,  lie 
ignitiou  with  carbonaceous  matter  deoxidizes  its  constituents,  converting  it ito 
sulphuret  of  barium,  the  oxygen  escaping  in  combination  with  the  c-arbo  as 
carbonic  oxide  and  acid.  The  sulphuret  of  barium,  when  dissolved  in  watyis 
decomposed  on  the  addition  of  muriatic  acid,  sulphuretted  hydrogen  tag 
evolved  in  large  quantities,  and  chloride  of  barium  formed  in  solution,  pm 
which,  iu  the  usual  manner,  the  solid  salt  is  obtained.  The  direction  toils- 
charge  the  sulphuretted  hydrogen  into  a chimney,  or  the  ash-pit  of  a furna',  is 
intended  to  provide  for  its  decomposition  by  smoke;  for  if  the  gas  is  not  dispsed 
of  in  this  or  some  similar  way,  it  becomes  exceedingly  annoying  to  the  operor. 

Of  the  officinal  processes,  that  iu  which  the  native  carbonate  is  used  is  he 
simplest  and  most  convenient;  but  the  carbonate  is  comparatively  a rare  minal; 
and  as  the  sulphate  iu  fine  powder  is  a cheap  article  of  commerce,  being  e:m- 
sively  used  iu  the  adulteration  of  white  lead,  it  is  almost  always  used  for  obin- 
ing  chloride  of  barium  and  the  other  barium  compounds. 

Properties.  Chloride  of  barium  is  a permanent  white  salt,  possessing  a her 
and  disagreeable  taste.  It  crystallizes  in  rhombic  tables  with  beveled  edges  It 


P/’T  II. 


Baryta. 


909 


di.olves  in  about  two  and  a half  times  its  weight  of  cold  water,  and  in  a little 
mi3  than  its  own  weight  at  222°,  the  boiling  point  of  a saturated  solution.  It 
is  arcely  soluble  in  absolute  alcohol,  but  dissolves  in  rectified  spirit.  Alcohol, 
inregnated  with  it,  burns  with  a yellow  flame.  When  exposed  to  heat,  it  de- 
criitates  and  loses  its  water  of  crystallization,  and  at  a red  heat  fuses.  It  is 
demposed  by  the  sulphates,  oxalates,  and  tartrates,  and  the  alkaline  phosphates, 
botes,  and  carbonates;  also  by  nitrate  of  silver,  acetate  and  phosphate  of  mer- 
cu , and  acetate  of  lead.  When  pure  it  does  not  deliquesce.  Its  solution  is 
DOiffected  by  ammonia,  which  proves  the  absence  of  alumina  and  sesquioxide 
of  on,  or  by  sulphuretted  hydrogen,  which  shows  that  neither  copper  nor  lead 
is  resent.  After  the  whole  of  the  barium  has  been  precipitated  by  an  excess 
of  iilpkuric  acid,  the  supernatant  liquid  is  shown  to  be  free  from  lime  by  the 
no  action  of  carbonate  of  soda.  Lime  may  be  separated  by  the  process  of  Dr. 
Wcott  Gibbs,  which  consists  in  adding  to  the  solution  of  the  chloride  a small 
po  ion  of  the  solution  of  hydrate  of  baryta,  and  then  passing  through  it  a cur- 
rei  of  carbonic  acid,  when  the  whole  of  the  lime  will  be  thrown  down  as  a 
caipnate.  (Wurtz,  A7!  Y.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  i.  164.)  If  strontia  be  present, 
an  Icoholic  solution  of  the  salt  will  burn  with  a red  flame.  Like  all  the  soluble 
sal  of  barium  it  is  poisonous.  It  consists  of  one  eq.  of  chlorine  35'42,  one 
of  arium  68’7,  and  two  of  water  18  = 122  12.  It  is  used  in  medicine  only  in 
so!  ion. 

f.  Prep.  Liquor  Barii  Chloridi ; Quinae  Murias.  B. 

[QUOR  BARII  CHLORIDI.  U.S.  Solutio  Baryta  Muriatis. 
■E<\  Barii  Chloridi  Liquor.  Dub.  Solution  of  Chloride  of  Barium. 
iSc.tion  of  Muriate  of  Baryta. 

Take  of  Chloride  of  Barium  an  ounce;  Distilled  Water  three  fluidounces. 
Di  live  the  Chloride  of  Barium  in  the  Water  and  filter.”  U.  S. 

Take  of  Muriate  of  Baryta  one  drachm;  Distilled  Water  one  fluidounce 
[In.  meas.].  Dissolve  the  Salt  in  the  Water.”  Ed. 

le  Dublin  College  dissolves  the  chloride  in  eight  times  its  weight  of  distilled 
war,  forming  a solution  having  the  sp.  gr.  1'088,  which  is  a little  weaker  than 
tbiof  the  Edinburgh  College. 

doride  of  barium,  not  being  used  in  the  solid  state,  is  here  dissolved  for 
coipnient  exhibition.  The  U.S.  solution  is  nearly  a saturated  one,  and  is  pro- 
ban too  strong  for  convenient  use.  The  Edinburgh  and  Dublin  preparations 
artiuch  weaker.  The  solution  should  be  limpid  and  colourless;  and,  to  make 
it  i the  salt  in  crystals,  and  not  in  powder,  should  be  employed. 

Meal  Properties  and  Uses.  This  solution  is  deobstruent  and  anthelmintic, 
ant  n large  doses  poisonous;  its  action,  according  to  some,  being  analogous  to 
th;  of  arsenic.  It  was  introduced  into  practice  by  Dr.  Crawford  as  a remedy 
for  ancer  and  scrofula.  Its  value  in  the  latter  disease  has  been  particularly 
ius;ed  on  by  Hufeland.  This  physician  considers  it  to  act  more  particularly 
ou  e lymphatic  system,  in  the  irritated  states  of  which  he  esteems  it  a valuable 
rcr  ly.  Hence  he  recommends  it  in  the  scrofulous  affections  of  delicate  and 
irr:  ble  organs,  such  as  the  eyes,  lungs,  &c.  In  the  commencement  of  scrofu- 
l°i'  phthisis,  he  views  it  as  one  of  the  best  remedies  to  which  we  can  have 
recj  rse.  It  is  employed  also  in  diseases  of  the  skin,  in  ulcers,  and  ophthalmia. 
Hr  lose  for  an  adult  of  the  U. S.  solution  is  about  five  drops,  given  twice  or 
dm  a day,  and  gradually  but  cautiously  increased,  until  it  produces  nausea,  or 
sor  other  sensible  impression.  When  taken  in  an  overdose  it  causes  violent 
vojhng  and  purging,  vertigo,  and  other  dangerous  symptoms.  To  combat  its 
poinous  effects,  recourse  must  be  had  immediately  to  a weak  solution  of  sul- 
ph  i of  magnesia,  which  acts  by  converting  the  poison  into  the  insoluble  sul- 
ph  ■ of  baryta.  If  vomiting  does  not  come  on,  it  should  be  induced  by  tickling 


910 


Baryta. — Bismuthum. 


PAR  II. 


the  fauces,  or  by  the  administration  of  an  emetic.  A case  of  poisoning  by  ree 
drachms  of  the  solid  salt  taken  by  mistake  for  sulphate  of  magnesia,  whicltas 
successfully  treated  with  dilute  sulphuric  acid  and  castor  oil,  is  reported  b- Jr. 
C.  Wolf,  a German  physician.  The  chief  symptoms  were  tormina  and  vom 
weak  and  irregular  pulse,  cold  extremities,  weak  voice,  want  of  muscular  jwer 
in  the  hands  and  feet,  and  paralysis  of  the  left  eyelid. 

BISMUTHUM. 

Preparation  of  Bismuth. 

BISMUTHI  SUBNITRAS.  U.S.,Bub.  Bismuthi  Xmus . hd. 
Bismuthum  Album.  Bd.  Subnitrate  of  Bismuth.  Nitrate  of  Bismh. 
White  Bismuth.  Trisnitr ate  of  Bismuth.  White  Oxide  of  Bismlk 

“ Take  of  Bismuth,  in  fragments,  an  ounce ; Nitric  Acid  [sp.  gr.  1 '42  fire 
fuidounces;  Distilled  Water  a sufficient  quantity.  Mix  a fluidounce  of  Dislled 
Water  with  the  Nitric  Acid,  and  dissolve  the  Bismuth  in  the  mixture.  Ben 
the  solution  is  complete,  pour  the  clear  liquor  into  three  pints  of  Dislled 
Water,  and  set  the  mixture  by,  that  the  powder  may  subside.  Lastly,  h;ins 
poured  off  the  supernatant  liquid,  wash  the  Subnitrate  of  Bismuth  with  Disiled 
Water,  wrap  it  in  bibulous  paper,  and  dry  it  with  a gentle  heat.”  U.  S. 

“Take  of  Bismuth  an  ounce ; Nitric  Acid  [sp.gr.  1’42]  a fluidounce  ad  a 
half  [Imp.  mens.];  Distilled  Water  three  pints  [Imp.  meas.].  Mix  a fluidmce 
of  the  Water  with  the  Acid,  and,  having  added  the  Bismuth,  apply  heat  util 
it  is  dissolved.  Add  the  solution  to  the  rest  of  the  Water,  and  strain  theiix- 
ture  through  a cloth,  in  order  to  separate  the  powder.  Wash  this  with  disded 
water,  and  dry  it  with  a gentle  heat.”  Land. 

“ Take  of  Bismuth,  in  fine  powder,  an  ounce ; Nitric  Acid  [of  eonimee?] 
(D.  1380)  a fluidounce  and  a half  [Imperial  measure];  Water  three  ints 
[Imp.  meas.].  Add  the  metal  gradually  to  the  acid,  favouring  the  action  ith 
a gentle  heat,  and  adding  a very  little  Distilled  Water  so  soon  as  crystal  or  a 
white  powder  may  begin  to  form.  When  the  solution  is  complete,  pou.the 
liquor  into  the  Water.  Collect  the  precipitate  immediately  on  a calico  ter, 
wash  it  quickly  with  cold  water,  and  dry  it  in  a dark  place.”  Ed. 

“ Take  of  Bismuth,  in  small  fragments,  two  ounces  [avoirdupois]  ; Pure  Itric 
Acid  three  fluidounces  [Imp.  meas.];  Distilled  Water  one  yallon  [Imp.  ms.]. 
Into  the  Acid,  first  diluted  with  three  ounces  of  the  Water,  introduce  thedis- 
muth  in  successive  portions;  and  having,  when  the  spontaneous  action  has  cffied, 
applied  for  teu  minutes  a heat  approaching  that  of  ebullition,  decant  thesoriou 
off’  any  particles  of  metal  which  may  remain  un dissolved.  Evaporate  tbeplu- 
tion  at  a gentle  heat  until  it  is  reduced  to  two  fluidounces,  and  then  pour  into 
half  a gallon  of  the  Water.  When  the  precipitate  which  forms  has  subjled, 
decant  the  supernatant  liquid,  and  agitate  the  sediment  with  the  remaincr  of 
the  Water.  After  twelve  hours  again  decant,  and,  having  placed  the  preci  fate 
on  a filter,  dry  it  at  a temperature  of  212°,  and  reduce  it  to  powder."  Du 
When  bismuth  is  added  to  dilute  nitric  acid,  red  fumes  are  copiously  ven 
off,  and  the  metal,  oxidized  by  the  decomposition  of  part  of  the  nitric  ad,  is 
dissolved  by  the  remainder,  so  as  to  form  a solution  of  the  ternitrate  of  ferule 
of  bismuth.  It  is  unnecessary  to  have  the  metal  in  powder,  as  it  dissolve;, 'ith 
great  facility  when  added  to  the  acid  in  fragments.  When  the  solution  Com- 
pleted, the  liquor  should  be  added  to  the  water,  which  should  be  distillecand 
not  the  water  to  the  solution,  which  is  not  so  eligible  a plan.  Immediote  on 
the  contact  of  the  solution  with  the  water,  four  eqs.  of  the  ternitrate  a re- 


P.  IT  II. 


Bismuthum. — Calx. 


911 


sc  ed  into  three  eqs.  of  neutral  nitrate  of  bismuth  (generally  called  subnitrate) 
w,eh  precipitates,  and  one  eq.  of  the  9-nitrate  which  remains  in  solution. 
4(|i03,f$N05)=8(Bi03,N05)  and  Bi03,9N05.  In  order  to  have  a smooth  light 
peeler  which  is  most  esteemed,  the  precipitate  should  be  washed  and  dried  as 
spdily  as  possible. 

Properties.  Subnitrate  of  bismuth  is  a tasteless,  inodorous,  heavy  powder, 
ofi  pure-white  colour.  It  is  slightly  soluble  in  water,  and  readily  so  in  the 
stag  acids,  from  which  it  is  precipitated  by  water.  The  fixed  alkalies  dissolve 
it  Daringly,  and  ammonia  more  readily.  It  is  darkened  by  hydrosulphuric  acid 
g;  but  not  by  exposure  to  light,  unless  it  contains  a little  silver,  or  is  subjected 
tche  influence  of  organic  matter.  If  it  dissolves  in  nitric  acid  without  effer- 
veence,  it  contains  no  carbonate,  and,  if  the  nitric  solution  is  not  precipi- 
tad  by  dilute  sulphuric  acid,  it  is  free  from  lead.  It  sometimes  contains 
ainic,  which  may  be  detected  by  acting  on  it  with  pure  sulphuric  acid, 
evirating  to  dryness,  dissolving  in  hot  distilled  water,  and  testing  a part  of 
tl  solution  by  Marsh’s  apparatus.  By  this  method  Lassaigne  detected  oue- 
sih  of  one  per  cent,  of  arsenic  in  a sample  of  subnitrate  sold  in  Paris.  By 
tb  earlier  chemists  it  was  called  mag  is  ter  j of  bismuth.  The  perfumers,  by 
w m it  is  sold  as  a paint  for  the  complexion,  denominate  it  pearl  white.  It 
coasts  of  one  eq.  of  nitric  acid  54,  one  of  teroxide  of  bismuth  237,  and  one  of 
wjpr  9=300. 

ledical  Properties  and  Uses.  This  preparation  is  tonic  and  antispasmodic. 
It -as  originally  introduced  into  practice  by  Dr.  Odier,  of  Geneva,  and  has  been 
silequently  employed  with  advantage  both  in  this  country  and  in  Europe.  It 
lu'been  used  in  epilepsy,  palpitation  of  the  heart,  and  spasmodic  diseases 
g( rally;  but  more  particularly  in  various  painful  affections  of  the  stomach,  de- 
pt lent  on  disordered  digestion,  such  as  cardialgia,  pyrosis,  and  gastrodynia. 
R er  employed  it  with  great  advantage  in  the  diarrhoea  occurring  in  phthisis 
ai  in  typhus,  and  Aran  recommends  it  in  the  obstinate  diarrhoea  w7hich  some- 
th's  follows  typhoid  fever.  Its  use  always  blackens  the  stools,  from  the  effect 
of  xe  intestinal  gases.  The  dose  is  five  grains,  gradually  increased  to  twelve  or 
tiffin,  twice  or  thrice  a day,  and  may  be  taken  in  pill,  or  mixed  with  an  equal 
W'  ;bt  of  aromatic  powder.  Dr.  Pereira  seldom  commences  with  less  than  a 
sc  pie,  and  has  repeatedly  exhibited  half  a drachm.  M.  Monneret,  who  praises 
tb  remedy  in  gastro-intestinal  affections  attended  with  diarrhoea,  never  gives 
le  than  two  or  three  drachms  a day.  He  conceives  that  its  operation  is  en- 
tity local ; but  this  view  is  combatted  by  Dr.  Lussaua,  who  believes  it  is  sorne- 
tn  s absorbed.  It  never  passes  into  the  urine.  In  an  over-dose  it  produces 
aiming  gastric  distress,  nausea,  vomiting,  diarrhoea  or  constipation,  colic,  heat 
m he  breast,  slight  rigors,  vertigo,  and  drowsiness.  The  remedies  are  bland 
ar  mucilaginous  drinks,  and,  in  case  of  inflammation,  bleeding  by  leeches  or 
ve  section,  enemata,  and  emollient  fomentations.  B. 


CALX. 

Preparations  of  Lime. 

IQUOR  CALCIS.  U.S.,  Loud.,  Bub.  Aqua  Calcis.  JEd.  Lime- 

V'  :r. 

Take  of  Lime  four  ounces ; Distilled  Water  a gallon.  Upon  the  Lime,  first 
sh  :d  with  a little  of  the  Water,  pour  the  remainder  of  the  Water,  and  stir  them 
tottber ; then  immediately  cover  the  vessel,  and  set  it  aside  for  three  houx-s. 
K p the  solution,  together  with  the  undissolved  Lime,  in  stopped  glass  bottles, 
sd  pour  off  the  clear  liquor  when  wanted  for  use.  Water  free  from  saline  or 


912 


Calx. 


PAR  II. 


other  obvious  impurity  may  be  employed  in  this  process,  though  not  distil  1 ” 

u s. 

The  London  College  takes  half  a pound  of  lime,  and  twelve  pints  [Impial 
measure]  of  distilled  water,  and  proceeds  as  above  directed. 

“Take  any  convenient  quantity  of  Water,  pour  a little  of  it  over  abt  a 
twentieth  of  its  weight  of  Lime;  when  the  Lime  is  slaked,  add  to  it  the  r<  of 
the  Water  in  a bottle;  agitate  well;  allow  the  undissolved  matter  to  subjle • 
pour  off  the  clear  liquor  when  it  is  wanted,  replacing  it  with  more  water '.nj 
agitating  briskly  as  before.”  Ed. 

“ Take  of  Fresh-burned  Lime  two  ounces  [avoirdupois]  ; Distilled  Water \alf 
a gallon  [Imperial  measure].  Having  slaked  the  Lime  with  a [fluid]ftc’e 
and  a half  of  the  Water,  introduce  it  into  a well-stopped  bottle  contaiuinjtke 
remainder  of  the  Water,  and  shake  well  for  the  space  of  five  minutes,  .'ter 
twelve  hours  the  excess  of  Lime  will  have  subsided,  and  the  clear  Lime--  ter 
may  be  drawn  off  with  a syphon  as  it  may  be  required.  When  the  entire  ctlte 
solution  has  been  withdrawn,  it  may  be  renewed  by  shaking  the  sediment  athe 
bottom  of  the  bottle  with  another  half  gallon  of  Water;  and,  if  the  Lin!  be 
pure,  and  the  bottle  be  accurately  stopped,  this  process  may  be  succesalk 
repeated  three  or  four  times.”  Dub. 

A solution  of  lime  in  water  is  the  result  of  these  processes.  By  the  shins; 
of  the  lime  it  is  reduced  to  powder,  and  rendered  more  easily  diffusible  thugh 
the  water.  According  to  all  the  Pharmacopoeias,  the  solution  is  to  be  ke  in 
bottles  with  a portion  of  undissolved  lime,  which  causes  it  always  to  be  satured. 
whatever  may  be  the  temperature,  and  to  whatever  extent  it  ma}'  be  expos',  to 
the  air.  If  care  be  taken  to  have  a considerable  quantity  of  the  solution  i the 
bottle,  and  to  avoid  unnecessary  agitation,  the  upper  portion  will  always  ream 
sufficiently  clear  for  use.  The  direction  of  the  Edinburgh  College  to  repla  bv 
more  water  the  clear  liquid  poured  off,  cannot,  of  course,  be  carried  into  feet 
indefinitely.  By  the  absorption  of  carbonic  acid,  the  lime  is  gradually  convted 
into  the  carbonate,  and  thus  rendered  insoluble.  The  employment  of  disiled 
water  as  the  solvent  may  seem  a useless  refinement;  and  it  certainly  is  unites- 
sary  when  pure  spring  or  river  water  is  attainable;  but  in  many  places  the  >m- 
mon  water  is  very  impure,  and  wholly  unfit  for  a preparation,  one  of  tbeiost 
frequent  uses  of  which  is  to  allay  irritation  of  stomach.  Water  dissolves  it  a 
minute  proportion  of  lime,  and,  contrary  to  the  general  law,  less  when  hotaan 
cold.  Hence  the  propriety  of  employing  cold  water  in  the  process.  Accoing 
to  Mr.  Phillips,  a pint  of  water  (the  wine  pint  of  the  U.  S.  Ph.)  at  212  dis- 
solves 5'6  grains  of  lime,  at  60°,  9'7  grains,  and  at  32°,  110  grains.  Win  a 
cold  saturated  solution  is  heated,  a deposition  of  lime  takes  place. 

Properties.  Lime-water  is  colourless,  inodorous,  and  of  a disagreeable  ka- 
line  taste,  changes  vegetable  blues  to  green,  and  forms  an  imperfect  soap-ith 
oils.  Exposed  to  the  air  it  attracts  carbonic  acid,  and  becomes  covered  wh  a 
pellicle  of  insoluble  carbonate  of  lime,  which,  subsiding  after  a time,  is  repced 
by  another,  and  so  on  successively  till  the  whole  of  the  lime  is  exhausted.  luce 
the  necessity  of  keeping  lime-water  either  in  closely  corked  bottles  which  sink! 
be  full,  or,  what  is  more  convenient,  in  bottles  with  an  excess  of  lime. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Lime-water  is  antacid,  tonic,  and  astrinmt, 
and  is  very  usefully  employed  in  dyspepsia  with  acidity  of  stomach,  diarxea, 
diabetes,  and  gravel  attended  with  superabundant  secretion  of  uric  acid.  Meu 
with  an  equal  measure  of  milk,  which  completely  covers  its  offensive  taste  t :s 
one  of  the  best  remedies  in  our  possession  for  nausea  and  vomitiug  depeient 
on  irritability  of  stomach.  "We  have  found  a diet  exclusively  of  lime-watemd 
milk  to  be  more  effectual  than  almost  any  other  plan  of  treatment  in  dysjpia 
accompanied  with  vomiting  of  food.  In  this  case,  one  part  of  the  solutii  to 
two  or  three  parts  of  milk  is  usually  sufficient.  Lime-water  is  also  thougt  to 


PAT  II. 


Calx . 


913 


be  seful  by  dissolving  the  intestinal  mucus  in  cases  of  worms,  and  in  other 
coulaints  connected  with  an  excess  of  this  secretion.  Externally  it  is  employed 
as  wash  in  tinea  capitis  and  scabies,  as  an  application  to  foul  and  gangrenous 
ulcs,  as  an  injection  in  leucorrhcea  and  ulceration  of  the  bladder  or  urethra, 
an'  mixed  with  linseed  or  olive  oil,  as  a liniment  in  burns  and  scalds.  The 
do:  is  from  two  to  four  fluidounces  taken  several  times  a day.  When  employed 
to  day  nausea,  it  is  usually  given  in  the  dose  of  a tablespoonful  mixed  with  the 
gar:  quantity  of  new  milk,  and  repeated  at  intervals  of  half  an  hour,  an  hour, 
or  ro  hours.  If  too  long  continued  it  debilitates  the  stomach.  Lime-water  is 
usi  by  the  Dublin  College  in  the  preparation  of  Oxide  of  Silver.* 


ALOIS  CARBONAS  PR^CIPITATUS.  IT.S.  Calcis  Carbo- 
NaPraicipitatum.  Dub.  Precipitated  Carbonate  of  Lime. 


fake  of  Solution  of  Chloride  of  Calcium  five  pints  and  a half;  Carbonate 
of  oda  six  pounds ; Distilled  Water  a sufficient  quantity.  Dissolve  the  Car- 
boite  of  Soda  in  six  pints  of  Distilled  Water.  Heat  this  solution  and  the  solu- 
tio  of  Chloride  of  Calcium,  separately,  to  the  boiling  point,  and  mix  them. 
Af  r the  precipitate  has  subsided,  pour  off  the  supernatant  liquid,  wash  the  pre- 
cipite  repeatedly  with  Distilled  Water,  and  dry  it  on  bibulous  paper.”  U.  S. 

Take  of  Chloride  of  Calcium  five  ounces  [avoirdupois]  ; Crystals  of  Comrner- 
ciajarbonate  of  Soda  thirteen  ounces  [avoirdupois];  Boiling  Water  two  quarts 
[he  a gallon , Imperial  measure].  Dissolve  each  salt  in  a quart  of  the  Water, 
mi  he  two  solutions,  and,  when  the  precipitate  has  subsided,  draw  off  the  super- 
natit  liquor.  Transfer  the  sediment  to  a calico  filter,  and  wash  it  with  boiling 
hoi  istilled  water,  until  the  washings  cease  to  give  a precipitate  with  nitrate  of 
sib’.  Finally,  dry  the  product  at  a temperature  not  exceeding  212°.”  Dub. 

' ese  processes  do.  not  essentially  differ.  In  each  a mutual  interchange  of 
priiples  takes  place,  resulting  in  the  production  of  chloride  of  sodium  which 
ret  ins  in  solution,  and  carbonate  of  lime  which  is  deposited.  Any  peculiar 
adutage  which  the  preparation  may  possess  must  depend  on  the  minute  divi- 
siopf  its  particles.  According  to  Dr.  Bridges,  this  effect  is  best  obtained  by 
cm  tying  the  solutions  at  the  boiling  temperature,  a precaution  which  is  ob- 
ser  1 in  both  the  present  officinal  processes.  (1m.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xvi.  163.) 
W1 1 properly  made,  it  is  a very  pure  carbonate  of  lime,  in  the  form  of  a very 
fim  bite  powder,  free  from  grittiness,  insoluble  in  water,  but  wholly  soluble  in 
dilt:  muriatic  acid  with  copious  effervescence.  These  properties  serve  to  dis- 
tinjish  it  from  sulphate  of  lime,  with  which  it  is  sometimes  adulterated.  For 
ord  ary  use,  it  probably  has  no  such  .superiority  over  prepared  chalk  as  to 
couerbalanee  its  greater  expensiveness.  It  is  said  to  be  preferred  by  some  to 
cha  in  the  preparation  of  tooth-powders.  It  is  frequently  sold  in  the  shops 
unc  the  name  of  creta  praecipitata.  W. 

* 'ynp  of  Lime. — Saccharate  of  Lime.  Under  the  latter  name  a preparation  has  been 
mtr  uced  into  notice,  made  by  saturating  pure  syrup  with  lime,  and  filtering.  The  sugar 
iorr  a soluble  compound  with  the  lime,  large  quantities  of  which  are  dissolved  by  the  syrup. 

1 lie  yrup  remains  perfectly  transparent,  and  is  in  no  degree  disturbed  by  dilution  with 


f.  Prep.  Linimentum  Calcis. 


W. 


58 


914 


Calx. 


par  ii. 


CRETA  PRiEPARATA.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Pd.,  Dub.  Prepared  Cllk. 

“Take  of  Chalk  a convenient  quantity.  Add  a little  water  to  the  Chalk,  nd 
rub  it  into  a fine  powder.  Throw  this  into  a large  vessel  nearly  full  of  wer. 
stir  briskly,  and,  after  a short  interval,  pour  the  supernatant  liquor,  whih.-et 
turbid,  into  another  vessel.  Repeat  the  process  with  the  chalk  remainin  in 
the  first  vessel,  and  set  the  turbid  liquor  by,  that  the  powder  may  sulie. 
Lastly,  pour  off  the  water,  and  dry  the  powder.”  U.  S. 

The  London  College  places  this  preparation  in  the  Materia  Medica  eatali  ie. 
The  process  of  the  Edinburgh.  College  is  essentially  the  same  as  that  of  the  ni- 
ted  States  Pharmacopoeia.  The  College  directs  the  chalk  to  be  powdered  1 a 
mortar,  and  orders  it,  after  having  been  prepared,  to  be  dried  on  a filter  of  en 
or  calico. 

“ Take  of  Chalk  one  pound;  Water  a sufficient  quantity.  Reduce  the  (ilk 
to  a fine  powder,  and,  having  triturated  this  in  a large  mortar  with  as  much  iter 
as  will  give  it  the  consistence  of  cream,  fill  the  mortar  with  water,  and  stir  ill, 
giving  the  whole  a circular  motion.  Allow  the  mixture  to  stand  for  fben 
seconds,  and  then  decant  the  milky  liquid  into  a large  vessel.  Triturate  aat 
remains  in  the  mortar,  adding  as  much  water  as  was  previously  used,  and,  ter 
allowing  it  to  settle  for  fifteen  seconds,  again  decant,  and  let  this  proeet  be 
repeated  several  times.  Let  the  fine  sediment  which  subsides  from  thedecred 
liquids  be  transferred  to  a calico  filter,  and  dried  at  a temperature  not  excet.ng 
212°.”  Dub. 

The  object  of  these  processes  is  to  reduce  chalk  to  a very  fine  powder,  'be 
mineral,  previously  pulverized,  is  rubbed  with  a little  water  upon  a porphyry  ab, 
by  means  of  a rubber  of  the  same  material,  and,  having  been  thus  very  min  ely 
divided,  is  agitated  with  water,  which  upon  standing  a short  time  depositrhe 
coarser  particles,  and,  being  then  poured  off,  slowly  lets  fall  the  remainder  an 
impalpable  state.  The  former  part  of  the  process  is  called  levigation,  the  Iter 
elutriation.  The  soft  mass  which  remains  after  the  decanting  of  the  clear  lit  or, 
is  made  to  fall  upon  an  absorbent  surface  in  small  portions,  which  when  ded 
have  a conical  shape.  Practically,  prepared  chalk  is  generally7  made  on  the  rge 
scale  from  whiting  by  the  manufacturer.  For  the  particulars  of  the  procesthe 
reader  is  referred  tq  the  Pharmaceutical  Journal  and  Transactions,  viii.  4>. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  This  is  the  only  form  in  which  chalk  is  us  in 
medicine.  It  is  an  excellent  antacid;  and,  as  the  salts  which  it  forms  iu:he 
stomach  and  bowels,  if  not  astringent,  are  at  least  not  purgative,  it  is  adminly 
adapted  to  diarrhoea  accompanied  with  acidity.  It  is  also  sometimes  use  in 
acidity  of  stomach  attending  dyspepsia  and  gout,  when  a laxative  effect  is ! be 
avoided;  is  one  of  the  best  antidotes  for  oxalic  acid;  and  has  been  recommeled 
in  rachitis.  In  scrofulous  affections  it  may7  sometimes  do  good  by  formingjlu- 
ble  salts  with  acid  in  the  primae  vise,  and  thus  finding  an  entrance  into  the  bod- 
vessels.  It  is  frequently  employed  as  an  application  to  burns  and  ulcers,  rich 
it  moderately  stimulates,  while  it  absorbs  the  ichorous  discharge,  and  tbusre- 
vents  it  from  irritating  the  diseased  surface,  or  the  sound  skin.  It  is  fen 
internally  in  the  form  of  powder,  or  suspended  in  water  by  the  interventu  of 
gum  Arabic  and  sugar.  (See  Mistura  Cretee.')  The  dose  is  from  ten  to  |rty 
grains  or  more. 

Pharm.  Uses.  Prepared  chalk  is  used  by  one  or  another  of  the  Pbtna- 
copoeias  in  the  preparation  of  Citric  Acid,  Tartaric  Acid,  Chloride  of  nc, 
Solution  of  Chloride  of  Zinc,  and  Sulphate  of  Zinc. 

Off.  Prep.  Confectio  Aromatica;  Hydrargyrum  cum  Creta;  Mistura  Cite; 
Pulvis  Cretan  Compositus;  Trochisci  Cretae;  Unguentum  Plumbi  Compos  an. 


PiT  II. 


Calx. 


915 


'ESTA  PRiEPARATA.  U.  S.  Prepared  Oyster-sliell. 

Take  of  Oyster-shell  a convenient  quantity.  Free  it  from  extraneous  mat- 
teiwash  it  with  boiling  water,  and  reduce  it  to  powder;  then  prepare  it  in  the 
miner  directed  for  chalk.”  U.  S. 

repared  oyster-shell  differs  from  prepared  chalk  in  containing  animal  matter, 
will,  being  very  intimately  blended  with  the  carbonate  of  lime,  is  supposed  by 
so ; physicians  to  render  the  preparation  more  acceptable  to  a delicate  stomach. 
It  given  as  an  antacid  in  diarrhoea,  in  the  dose  of  from  ten  to  forty  grains  or 
m«,  frequently  repeated.  A preparation  has  been  introduced,  within  a few 
yes,  into  use  in  this  country  under  the  name  of  CastiUon’s  powders,  consisting 
of  go,  salep,  and  tragacanth,  each,  in  powder,  a draclim,  prepared  oyster-shell 
acuple,  and  sufficient  cochineal  to  give  colour  to  the  mixture.  A drachm  of 
thi  is  boiled  in  a pint  of  milk,  and  the  decoction  used  ad  libitum  as  a diet  in 
ch  nic  bowel  affections.  W. 

IQUOR  CALCII  CHLORIDI.  U.S.  Pub.  Calcis  Muriatis 
Sojtio.  Ed.  /Solution  of  Chloride  of  Calcium.  Solution  of  Muriate 
of  lime. 

Take  of  Marble,  in  fragments,  nine  ounces ; Muriatic  Acid  a pint;  Distilled 
Wer  a sufficient  quantity.  Mix  the  Acid  with  half  a pint  of  the  Distilled  Wa- 
tered gradually  add  the  Marble.  Towards  the  close  of  the  effervescence  ap- 
pljs  gentle  heat,  and,  when  the  action  has  ceased,  pour  off  the  clear  liquor  and 
ev;  mate  to  dryness.  Dissolve  the  residue  in  its  weight  and  a half  of  Distilled 
Wcr,  and  filter  the  solution.”  U.  S. 

1 e Edinburgh  College  dissolves  eight  ounces  of  muriate  of  lime  (chloride  of 
calim)  in  twelve  fuidounces  (Imp.  meas.)  of  water.  The  Dublin  College  dis- 
sols  three  ounces  (avoirdupois)  of  the  salt  in  twelve  f uidounces  of  distilled 
wa-,  filters,  and  states  the  sp.  gr.  of  the  solution  at  1‘225. 

the  U.  S.  process  chloride  of  calcium  is  first  formed,  and  then,  as  in  the 
oth  processes,  is  dissolved  in  a certain  proportion  of  water.  The  U.  S.  and  Edin- 
bun  preparations  agree  very  nearly  in  strength,  containing  1 part  of  the  chlo- 
rid  n about  2 "5  parts  of  the  solution.  That  of  the  Dublin  College  is  only 
kalis  strong,  containing  1 part  of  the  chloride  in  5 of  the  solution. 

e solution  of  chloride  of  calcium  has  a disagreeable,  bitter,  acrid  taste.  It 
is  c omposed  by  sulphuric  acid  and  the  soluble  sulphates;  by  potassa,  soda,  and 
the  carbonates;  by  carbonate  of  ammonia,  tartrate  of  potassa  and  soda,  nitrate 
of  ver,  nitrate  and  acetate  of  mercury,  and  acetate  of  lead.  The  mode  of 
pre  ring  chloride  of  calcium,  and  its  chemical  properties,  are  detailed  under  the 
hea of  Calcii  Chloridum  in  the  first  part  of  this  work. 

idical Properties  and  Uses.  Chloride  of  calcium  is  considered  tonic  and  de- 
obs  lent,  and  is  said  to  promote  the  secretion  of  urine,  perspiration,  and  mucus. 
It  15  first  brought  into  notice  as  a remedy  by  Foureroy,  and  was  at  one  time 
mui  used  in  scrofulous  diseases  and  goitre.  It  still  continues  to  be  a favourite 
wit!  lome  physicians,  but  is  less  employed  than  formerly.  It  has  been  especially 
recc  mended  in  tabes  mesenterica.  Cazenave  has  employed  it  advantageously 
m e onic  eczema  and  impetigo,  when  connected  with  a lymphatic  temperament. 
II  b too  largely  taken  it  sometimes  occasions  nausea,  vomiting,  and  purging, 
au<I 1 excessive  doses  may  even  produce  fatal  effects;  but  it  is  a much  safer 
re™  y than  chloride  of  barium,  which  has  been  recommended  in  the  same  com- 
plai  3.  The  dose  of  the  solution  is  from  thirty  minims  or  drops  to  a fluidrachm, 
to  t repeated  twice  or  three  times  a day,  and  gradually  increased  to  two,  three, 
of  0 n four  fluidrachms.  It  may  be  given  in  milk  or  sweetened  water. 

( Prep.  Calcis  Carbonas  Praecipitatus.  W. 


916 


Calx. 


PAR  a. 


CALCIS  CHLORINATE  LIQUOR.  Dub.  Solution  of  Chn- 
nated  Lime. 

“Take  of  Chlorinated  Lime  half  a pound  [avoirdupois];  Water  half  a g on 
[Imperial  measure].  Blend  well  the  Water  and  Chlorinated  Lime  by  tritur  on 
in  a large  mortar,  and,  having  transferred  the  mixture  to  a stoppered  bottl  let 
it  be  well  shaken  several  times  for  the  space  of  three  hours.  Pour  out  novhe 
contents  of  the  bottle  on  a calico  filter,  and  let  the  solution  which  passes  thr  "h 
be  preserved  in  a well-stopped  bottle.  The  sp.gr.  of  this  liquid  is  1 035.”  ,ib. 

For  the  properties  and  uses  of  this  preparation  see  Calx  Chlorinata,  page  A. 
Its  strength  must  vary,  according  to  the  quality  of  the  chlorinated  lime  m- 
ployed.  It  is  one  of  the  best  antidotes  for  hydrosulphuric  acid,  bydrosuljite 
of  ammonia,  sulphuret  of  potassium,  and  hydrocyanic  acid.  The  dose  f(  in- 
ternal use  is  from  twenty  minims  to  a fluidrachm.  For  external  applicati  it 
may  be  diluted  with  twice  its  bulk  of  water,  or  may  be  used  of  the  full  streith 
in  some  cutaneous  affections. 

The  Dublin  College  uses  it  in  the  preparation  of  Acetate  of  Zinc  and  Sol  ion 
of  Chloride  of  Zinc. 

CALCIS  PHOSPHAS  PRECIPITATUM.  Dub.  Predated 
Phosphate  of  Lime. 

“ Take  of  Ox-bones,  burned  to  whiteness  in  a clear  fir e,four  ounces  [avciu- 
pois];  Pure  Muriatic  Acid  six  fluidounces ; Distilled  Water  one  quart  [two  jjits, 
Imperial  measure];  Solution  of  Ammonia  eleven  fluidounces,  or  as  much  aswy 
be  sufficient.  Reduce  the  Calcined  Bones  to  a fine  powder,  and  digest  upoihis 
the  Acid,  diluted  with  a pint  of  the  Water,  until  it  is  dissolved.  To  the  solion, 
first  cleared  (if  necessary)  by  filtration,  add  the  remainder  of  the  water,  andien 
the  Solution  of  Ammonia,  until  the  mixture  acquires  an  alkaline  reaction, nd, 
having  collected  the  precipitate  upon  a calico  filter,  let  it  be  washed  with  being 
distilled  water  as  long  as  the  liquid  which  passes  through  gives  rise  to  a>re- 
cipitate,  when  permitted  to  drop  into  a solution  of  nitrate  of  silver  aciduted 
with  nitric  acid.  The  washed  product  should  now  be  dried  by  exposing  : for 
some  days  on  porous  bricks  to  a warm  atmosphere.”  Dub. 

The  muriatic  acid  dissolves  the  phosphate  of  lime  of  the  bones,  and  lets  fall 
on  the  addition  of  ammonia,  in  a state  of  minute  division.  The  ablution  in- 
tended to  free  it  from  any  adhering  muriate  of  ammonia.  The  salt  thus  obtned 
is,  for  the  sake  of  distinction,  called  bone-phosphate  of  lime.  It  is  in  thejrm 
of  a white  powder,  without  taste  or  smell,  insoluble  in  water,  but  very  sable 
in  nitric,  muriatic,  and  acetic  acids,  from  which  it  is  precipitated  unchang  on 
the  addition  of  ammonia.  By  an  intense  heat  it  is  fused,  but  is  not  othevise 
changed.  It  consists,  according  to  Mitscherlich,  of  one  equivalent  of  phospric 
acid  and  three  of  lime. 

The  chemical  characteristics  of  bone-phosphate  of  lime,  besides  those ien- 
tioned,  are  that  with  its  solution  in  dilute  nitric  acid,  oxalate  of  arumoni, pro- 
duces a white  precipitate  of  oxalate  of  lime,  and  acetate  of  lead  a white  preci  rate 
of  phosphate  of  lead ; and,  if  the  nitric  solution  be  neutralized  as  far  as  pcible 
W'ithout  causing  a permanent  precipitate  of  phosphate  of  lime,  ammoniacal  Drate 
of  silver  throws  down  from  it  a lemon-yellow  precipitate  of  phosphate  of  ;rer. 
( Christison’s  Dispensatory .) 

Medical  Uses.  In  the  form  of  burnt  hartshorn,  phosphate  of  lime  forerly 
enjoyed  a brief  popularity  in  the  treatment  of  rickets,  and  mollifies  ossiu,  in 
which  its  use  seemed  to  be  indicated  upon  obvious  chemical  grounds.  1 1'115 
recently  been  again  brought  into  notice,  in  consequence  of  the  suggestion  iBe- 
necke  ( London  Lancet,  July,  1851),  that,  as  it  is  essential  in  animals  as  vl  as 
plants  to  the  formation  of  cells,  it  might  be  found  useful  in  certain  patholpeal 


P/T  II. 


Calx. — Carlo  Animalis. 


91T 


stss  of  the  system  characterized  by  defective  nutrition,  such  as  the  scrofulous 
actions.  Upon  considerations  of  this  kind,  the  late  Dr.  W.  Stone,  of  New 
Oiians,  was  induced  to  employ  it  in  cases  of  scrofulous  ulceration,  phthisis,  &c., 
an  with  considerable  supposed  advantage.  (See  St.  Louis  Med.  and  Stay.  Journ., 
x.a.)  Subsequently,  it  has  been  used  by  other  practitioners,  and,  in  connexion 
wi  other  phosphates,  as  those  of  iron,  soda,  and  potassa,  has  acquired  no  little 
re  lation  in  different  forms  of  scrofula  and  phthisis.  When,  however,  it  is 
coidered  that,  in  ordinary  food,  there  is  more  of  the  phosphates  than  the  sys- 
tei  has  need  of,  so  that  they  are  constantly  escaping  with  the  stools ; and  that 
in  lose  very  disorders  in  which  they  are  supposed  to  be  indicated  they  are  not 
unequently  in  excess  in  the  blood  and  urine,  in  consequence  probably  of  the 
rad  disintegration  of  the  tissues,  it  would  seem  doubtful  whether  the  want,  in 
sedulous  cases,  is  as  much  that  of  materials  for  cells  as  that  of  due  power  to 
ap  opriate  those  materials.  In  the  reported  cases,  the  phosphate  of  lime  has 
ge  rally  been  administered  in  connexion  with  cod-liver  oil  or  other  tonics ; to 
wlh,  there  is  reason  to  believe,  any  benefit  experienced  is  more  truly  ascribable 
tli.  to  the  phosphate.  In  two  of  Dr.  Stone’s  cases  the  good  effects  began  to 
bexperienced  at  the  period  when  they  might  have  been  expected  from  the  oil 
ales.  Phosphate  of  lime,  though  insoluble  in  water,  is  probably  in  general 
mo  or  less  soluble  in  the  gastric  liquids,  in  consequence  of  the  acid  present  in 
tbi;  and,  if  desirable,  it  may  readily  be  administered  in  solution  by  the  addition 
of  ae  of  the  acids  mentioned  in  the  above  account  of  its  chemical  properties. 
T1  dose  is  from  ten  to  thirty  grains.  W. 

CARBO  ANIMALIS. 

Preparation  of  Animal  Charcoal. 

ARBO  ANIMALIS  PURIFICATUS.  U.S.,  Ed.,  Dub.  Purified 
A mal  Charcoal. 

Take  of  Animal  Charcoal  a pound;  Muriatic  Acid,  Water,  each,  twelve  fiuicl- 
011  °.s.  Pour  the  Muriatic  Acid,  previously  mixed  with  the  Water,  gradually 
up  the  Charcoal,  and  digest  with  a gentle  heat  for  two  days,  occasionally  stir- 
ric  the  mixture.  Having  allowed  the  undissolved  portion  to  subside,  pour  off 
th(  upernatant  liquor,  wash  the  charcoal  frequently  with  water  until  it  is  entirely 
frefrom  acid,  and  dry  it.”  U.  S. 

le  Edinburgh  formula  is  essentially  the  same  as  that  of  the  U.  S.  Pharma- 
cop  ia. 

Take  of  Ivory  Black  five  pounds  [avoirdupois] ; Muriatic  Acid  of  Commerce 
lh  pints  [Imp.  meas.] ; Water  three  gallons  and  three  pints  [Imp.  meas.];  Dis- 
till Water  as  much  as  is  necessary.  To  the  Acid,  diluted  with  three  pints  of 
W.  ;r,  gradually  add  the  Ivory  Black,  and  digest,  with  repeated  stirring,  at  a 
gei  e heat  for  twenty-four  hours.  Pour  on  now  a gallon  of  Water,  and  when, 
aft  the  mixture  has  been  well  agitated,  the  insoluble  matters  have  subsided, 
rerye  the  clear  solution  by  decantation,  or  the  syphon.  Let  this  be  done  a 
sec  d and  a third  time.  Place  now  the  black  sediment  on  a calico  filter,  and 
wa,  it  with  Distilled  Water,  until  the  washings  cease  to  give  a precipitate  with 
uitjte  of  silver.  Finally,  let  the  product  be  dried  in  a stove  or  oven,  a gentle 
be;  being  at  first  applied,  which  must  be  finally  raised  to  between  300°  and 
40;.”  Dub. 

timal  charcoal,  as  it  is  made  by  charring  bones,  necessarily  contains  bone- 
pb  ohate  and  carbonate  of  lime,  the  presence  of  which  does  no  harm  in  some 
de<  orizing  operations;  but,  in  delicate  chemical  processes,  these  salts  would  be 
dis  Ived  or  decomposed,  and  thus  be  a source  of  impurity.  It  is  on  this  account 


918 


PART  1 


Carlo  Animalis. — Cataplasmata. 

that  animal  charcoal  requires  to  be  purified  from  the  calcareous  salts  which 
contains ; and  this  is  accomplished  by  dilute  muriatic  acid,  which  dissolves  t 
phosphate  and  decomposes  the  carbonate. 

Purified  animal  charcoal  is  a dark  brownish-black  powder.  If  it  contain  e; 
bonate  of  lime,  muriatic  acid  will  cause  effervescence,  and  the  solution  obtain 
will  give  a precipitate  with  carbonate  of  ammonia  ; and  if  phosphate  of  lime 
present,  the  acid  will  dissolve  this  salt  and  yield  it  as  a precipitate  on  the  additi 
of  ammonia.  The  Edinburgh  College  directs  purified  animal  charcoal  to  be  test 
by  incinerating  it  with  its  volume  of  red  oxide  of  mercury;  when,  if  good,  it  w 
be  dissipated  with  the  exception  of  a scanty  ash. 

It  has  been  shown  by  Mr.  Warington  that  bitter  vegetable  substances,  includi 
the  organic  alkalies,  are  removed  from  solution  by  passing  through  purified  anin 
charcoal,  especially  when  the  action  is  assisted  by  heat.  M.  lYeppen  finds  tb 
a similar  effect  is  produced  by  it  in  removing  resins  from  tinctures,  tannic  at 
and  bitter  principles  from  astringent  and  bitter  infusions,  aud  certain  metal 
salts  from  their  solutions.  Purified  animal  charcoal,  thus  employed,  has  be 
resorted  to  by  M.  Lebourdais  as  a means  of  obtaining  the  active  principles : 
plants.  A decoction  or  infusion  of  the  plant  is  either  boiled  with  or  filter, 
through  the  charcoal,  which  takes  up,  more  or  less  completely,  the  bitter  a. 
colouring  principles.  The  charcoal  is  then  washed  and  dried,  and  treated  wi 
boiling  alcohol,  which  dissolves  the  principles  taken  up.  Finally,  the  aleohoh 
distilled  off,  and  the  principles  are  obtained  in  a separate  state.  In  this  w 
digitalin,  ilicin,  scillitin,  colombiu,  colocynthin,  arnicina,  strychnia,  quinia,  a; 
other  principles  have  been  obtained  by  M.  Lebourdais.  ( Cheni . Gaz.,  Nov.  ], 
1848.)  In  relation  to  the  method  of  31.  Lebourdais  for  extracting  the  active  pr- 
ciples  of  plants,  see  a paper  by  3Ir.  J.  S.  Cobb,  in  the  Am.  Journ.  of  P harm.  ' 
July  1851,  from  the  London  Pharm.  Journ.  and  Trans.  Dr.  A.  B.  Garrod  b 
proposed  purified  animal  charcoal  as  an  antidote  to  vegetable  and  animal  poisoi, 
with  which  it  appears  to  combine.  According  to  his  experiments,  common  boi- 
blac-k  has  not  one-fifth  of  the  power  of  the  purified  substance;  and  vegetable  ch- 
coal  and  lamp-black  are  nearly  or  quite  useless  in  counteracting  the  effects! 
poisons.  The  amount  of  the  antidote  proposed  by  Dr.  Garrod  is  half  an  oun 
for  each  grain  of  a vegetable  organic  alkali.  Dr.  Alfred  Taylor  deems  the  resns 
of  Dr.  Garrod  inconclusive.  Dr.  B.  H.  Band,  of  Philadelphia,  has  made  soe 
interesting  observations  in  relation  to  the  antidotal  powers  of  purified  aninl 
charcoal,  and  has  proved  by  experiment  that  poisonous  doses  of  the  strongt 
vegetable  poisons  may  be  swallowed  with  impunity,  if  taken  mixed  with  tit 
substance.  (Med.  Exam.,  Sept.  1848.) 

Pharm.  Uses.  It  is  employed  as  a decolorizing  agent  in  preparing  Aconil, 
3forphia,  3Iorphiae  Hydrochloras,  Quinae  Sulphas,  Strychnia,  and  Yeratr. 
3Vheu  used  for  this  purpose,  its  power  of  absorbing  the  vegetable  organic  bas 
should  not  be  overlooked ; as  it  may  be  a source  of  considerable  loss.  B. 

CATAPLASMATA. 

Cataplasms. 

Cataplasms  or  poultices  are  moist  substances  intended  for  external  applicati , 
of  such  a consistence  as  to  accommodate  themselves  accurately  to  the  surfaceo 
which  they  are  applied,  without  being  so  liquid  as  to  spread  over  the  ueighbo  - 
ing  parts,  or  so  tenacious  as  to  adhere  firmly  to  the  skin.  As  they  are  in  ts 
country  scarcely  ever  prepared  by  the  apothecary,  they  were  not  deemed  by  e 
compilers  of  the  United  States  Pharmacopoeia  proper  objects  for  officinal  dir- 
tion.  ^ 


PiT  II.  Cataplasmata.  919 

3ATAPLASMA  CARBONIS.  Lond.  Charcoal  Cataplasm. 

‘Take  of  boiling  Water  ten  fluidounces ; Bread  two  ounces ; powdered  Flax- 
sd  ten  drachms ; powdered  Charcoal  three  drachms.  Macerate  the  Bread  with 
tl  Water  for  a little  while  near  the  fire;  then  mix,  and  gradually  add  the  flax- 
sd,  stirring  so  as  to  make  a soft  cataplasm.  With  this  mix  two  drachms  of 
tl  Charcoal,  and  sprinkle  the  rest  upon  the  surface.”  Lond. 

lharcoal,  recently  prepared,  has  the  property  of  absorbing  those  principles 
u n which  the  offensive  odour  of  putrefying  animal  substances  depends.  In  the 
fen  of  poultice,  it  is  an  excellent  application  to  foul  and  gangrenous  ulcers, 
erecting  their  fetor,  and  improving  the  condition  of  the  sore.  It  should  be 
fluently  renewed.  W. 

JATAPLASMA  CONTI.  Lond.  Hemlock  Cataplasm. 

‘Take  of  boiling  Water  ten  fluidounces ; powdered  Flaxseed  four  ounces  and 
aalf,  or  a sufficient  quantity ; Extract  of  Hemlock  an  ounce.  To  the  Water 
gdually  add  the  Flaxseed,  constantly  stirring,  so  as  to  make  a Cataplasm. 
Uira  this  spread  the  Extract  previously  softened  with  water.”  Lond. 

’his  cataplasm  may  be  advantageously  employed  as  an  anodyne  application 
tcancerous,  scrofulous,  syphilitic,  and  other  painful  ulcers:  but  its  liability  to 
prluce  narcotic  effects,  in  consequence  of  the  absorption  of  the  active  principle 
oihe  hemlock,  should  not  be  overlooked.  W. 

IATAPLASMA  FERMENTI.  Lond.  Yeast  Cataplasm. 

Take  of  Yeast,  Water  heated  to  100°,  each,  five  fluidounces;  Wheat  Flour 
a mnd.  Mix  the  Yeast  with  the  Water,  and  add  the  Flour,  stirring  so  as  to 
m:e  a Cataplasm.  Place  this  near  the  fire  until  it  begins  to  swell  up.”  Lond. 

!y  exposing  a mixture  of  yeast  and  flour  to  a gentle  heat,  fermentation  takes 
pie,  and  carbonic  acid  gas  is  extricated,  which  causes  the  mixture  to  swell, 
ai  is  the  source  of  its  peculiar  virtues.  The  yeast  cataplasm  is  gently  stimu- 
la,  and  is  sometimes  applied  with  much  benefit  to  foul  and  gangrenous  ulcers, 
tli  fetor  of  which  it  corrects,  while  it  is  supposed  to  hasten  the  separation  of  the 
sigh.  W. 

1ATAPLASMA  LINI.  Lond.  Flaxseed  Cataplasm. 

Take  of  boiling  Water  ten  fluidounces  ; Flaxseed,  powdered,  four  ounces  and 
a dfl  or  a sufficient  quantity.  Add  gradually  the  Flaxseed  to  the  Water,  con- 
st tly  stirring,  so  as  to  make  a Cataplasm.”  Lond. 

he  flaxseed  meal  which  remains  after  the  expression  of  the  oil  has  sometimes 
he  employed;  but  that  which  has  not  been  submitted  to  pressure  is  decidedly 
pnrable,  and  answers  an  excellent  purpose  when  mixed  with  boiling  water, 
wi  out  other  addition,  as  in  the  London  cataplasm.  Fresh  lard  or  olive  oil, 
sp  ad  upon  the  surface  of  the  poultice,  serves  to  prevent  its  adhesion  to  the 
sk,  and  to  preserve  its  softness. 

he  use  of  this  and  other  emollient  cataplasms  is  to  relieve  the  tense  condition 
of  le  vessels  in  inflammation,  and  to  promote  suppuration.  They  act  simply 
bj  heir  warmth  and  moisture.  The  one  most  extensively  employed,  perhaps 
be  use  its  materials  are  always  at  hand,  is  that  prepared  by  heating  together 
m and  the  crumb  of  bread.  The  milk  should  be  quite  sweet,  and  fresh  lard 
sh  Id  be  incorporated  with  the  poultice.  Mush  made  with  the  meal  of  Indian 
co  also  forms  an  excellent  emollient  cataplasm.  W. 

ATAPLASMA  SINAPIS.  Lond.  Mustard  Cataplasm. 

Take  of  boiling  Water  ten  fluidounces ; Flaxseed,  Mustard  [seed],  each  in 
po  ler,  two  ounces  and  a half,  or  a sufficient  quantity.  Add  the  powders,  pre- 
vi'  sly  mixed  together,  gradually  to  the  Water,  stirring  so  as  to  make  a cata- 
pk  n.”  Loud. 


920  Cataplasmata. — Cerata.  part 

r 

The  simplest  and  most  effectual  mode  of  preparing  a mustard  poultice,  iso 
mix  the  powdered  mustard  of  the  shops  with  a sufficient  quantity  of  warm  wj  r 
to  give  it  a due  consistence.  When  a weaker  preparation  is  required,  an  eq  ] 
portion  or  more  of  rye  or  wheat  flour  should  be  added.  Vinegar  never  incres  s 
its  efficiency,  and,  in  the  case  of  the  black  mustard  seed,  has  been  ascertained  y 
MM.  Trousseau  and  Blanc  to  diminish  its  rubefacient  power.  A boiling  t(  - 
perature  is  also  injurious  by  interfering  with  the  development  of  the  volatile  J 
or  acrid  principle.  (See  S inapis  C 

These  poultices  are  frequently  called  sinapisms.  They  are  powerfully  rt> 
facient,  exciting  a sense  of  warmth  in  a few  minutes,  and  usually  becoming  t- 
supportably  painful  in  less  than  an  hour.  When  removed,  they  leave  the  surie 
intensely  red  and  burning;  and  the  inflammation  frequently  terminates  in  ci;- 
quamation,  or  even  blistering,  if  the  application  has  been  too  long  continrl 
Obstinate  ulcers  and  gangrene  also  sometimes  result  from  the  protracted  actn 
of  mustard,  especially  on  parts  possessed  of  little  vitality.  As  a general  ru, 
the  poultice  should  be  removed  when  the  patient  complains  much  of  the  ps ; 
and  in  cases  of  insensibility  should  not,  unless  greatly  diluted,  be  alloweco 
remain  longer  than  one,  or  at  most  two  hours;  as  violent  inflammation,  follo'd 
by  obstinate  ulceration,  is  apt  to  occur  upon  the  establishment  of  reaction  in  e 
system.  In  children  also  particular  care  is  necessary  to  avoid  this  result.  e 
poultice  should  be  thickly  spread  on  linen,  and  may  be  covered  with  gauzor 
unsized  paper  in  order  to  prevent  its  adhesion  to  the  skin.  If  hairs  are  presit 
they  should  be  removed  by  the  razor.  Sinapisms  may  be  employed  in  all  cas 
in  which  it  is  desirable  to  produce  a speedy  and  powerful  rubefacient  imps- 
sion.  W 

CATAPLASMA  SODE  CHLORINATE.  Lond,  Cataplamj 
Chlorinated  Soda. 

“ Take  of  boiling  Water  six  fluidounces ; Flaxseed,  in  powder,  four  ounces  cd 
a half;  Solution  of  Chlorinated  Soda  two  fluidounces.  Add  the  Flaxseed  ;i- 
dually  to  the  Water,  constantly  stirring;  then  mix  in  the  Chlorinated  Sod” 
Lond. 

This  is  an  excellent  application  to  sloughing  and  other  fetid  ulcers,  tocorct 
the  smell,  and  afford  a moderate  stimulation.  W 

CERATA. 

Cerates. 

These  are  unctuous  substances  consisting  of  oil  or  lard,  mixed  with  wax,  sr- 
maceti,  or  resin,  to  which  various  medicaments  are  frequently  added.  T ir 
consistence,  which  is  intermediate  between  that  of -ointments  and  of  plasterds 
such  that  they  may  be  spread  at  ordinary  temperatures  upon  linen  or  leat  r, 
by  means  of  a spatula,  and  do  not  melt  or  run  when  applied  to  the  skiu.  n 
preparing  them,  care  should  usually  be  taken  to  select  the  oil  or  lard  perfely 
free  from  rancidity.  The  liquefaction  should  be  effected  by  a very  gentle  h t, 
which  may  be  applied  by  means  of  a water-bath ; and  during  the  refrigera'n 
the  mixture  should  be  well  stirred,  and  the  portions  which  solidify  on  the  ses 
of  the  vessel  should  be  made  to  mix  agaiu  with  the  liquid  portion,  until  je 
whole  assumes  the  proper  consistence.  When  a large  quantity  is  prepared,  je 
mortar,  or  other  vessel  into  which  the  mixture  may  be  poured  for  cooling,  shdd 
be  previously  heated  by  means  of  boiling  water.  ^ 

CERATUM  CALAMINE.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  JEd.  Calamine  Cere, 

Turner  s Cerate. 

“ Take  of  Prepared  Calamine,  Yellow  Wax,  each,  three  ounces;  Lard  a poid. 


PAT  II. 


Cerata. 


921 


Mi;  the  Wax  and  Lard  together,  and,  when  upon  cooling  they  begin  to  thicken, 
ad  the  Calamine,  and  stir  the  mixture  constantly  until  cool.”  U.  S. 

ae  London  College  orders  of  prepared  calamine  and  wax,  each,  seven  ounces 
an  a half,  and  of  olive  oil  a pint  [Imperial  measure] ; the  Edinburgh,  one  part 
of  repared  calamine,  and  five  parts  of  simple  cerate  ( Ceratum  Cetacei,  U.  S.). 

his  is  the  Ceratum  Zinci  Carbonatis  of  the  former  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia, 
an  is  an  imitation  of  the  cerate  recommended  by  Turner.  It  is  mildly  astrin- 
ge:,  and  is  used  in  excoriations  and  superficial  ulcerations,  produced  by  the 
chng  of  the  skin,  irritating  secretions,  burns,  or  other  causes.  W. 

ERATUM  CANTHARIDIS.*  U.S.  Emplastrum  Cantiiaridis. 
Ltd.,  Ed.,  Dub.  Emplastrum  Epispasticum.  Cerate  of  Spanish 
Fis.  Blistering  Plaster. 

Take  of  Spanish  Flies,  in  very  fine  powder,  a pound ; Yellow  Wax,  Resin, 
eat,  seven  ounces;  Lard  ten  ounces.  To  the  Wax,  Resin,  and  Lard,  previously 
meed  together  and  strained,  add  the  Spanish  Flies,  and,  by  means  of  a water- 
in', keep  the  mixture  in  a fluid  state  for  half  an  hour,  stirring  occasionally; 
the  remove  it  from  the  bath,  and  stir  it  constantly  until  cool.”  U.  S. 

he  London  College  orders  of  Spanish  flies,  in  very  fine  powder,  a pound; 
wa  suet,  each,  seven  ounces  and  a half;  resin  three  ounces,  and  lard  six  ounces; 
adi  to  the  wax,  suet,  and  lard,  melted  together,  the  resin  previously  melted ; 
the  removes  from  the  fire,  and  a little  before  cooling,  sprinkles  in  the  flies,  and 
mi  s.  The  Edinburgh  College  orders  two  ounces,  each,  of  flies,  resin,  yellow 
wa  and  suet;  the  Dublin,  six  ounces  of  flies,  and  four  ounces,  each,  of  yellow 
wa  resin,  and  prepared  lard. 

his  is  the  common  blistering  plaster  of  the  shops.  As  it  can  be  readily 
spi\d  without  the  aid  of  heat,  it  is  properly  a cerate,  and  is  therefore  correctly 
nai:d  in  the  U.S.  Pharmacopoeia.  Though  essentially  the  same  in  character 
as  -epared  by  the  different  processes,  it  varies  somewhat  in  strength.  The 
U.  , London,  and  Dublin  preparations  have  the  same  proportion  of  flies,  but 
are'tronger  than  that  of  the  Edinburgh  College.  One  of  the  former,  therefore, 
is  pferable.  Care  has  usually  been  considered  requisite,  in  making  the  cerate, 
nol'o  injure  the  flies  by  heat.  It  has,  therefore,  been  recommended  that  they 
she  d not  be  added  to  the  other  ingredients,  until  immediately  before  these 
beg  to  stiffen  after  having  been  removed  from  the  fire.  But  from  the  experi- 
nrejls  of  Mr.  Donovan  ( Dublin  Med.  Press,  Aug.  1840),  and  those  of  Professor 
Pri  ,er  ( Am . Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xiii.  302,  and  xxiv.  296),  it  may  be  inferred 
tha  the  vesicating  principle  of  Spanish  flies  is  not  injured  or  dissipated  by  a 
herunder  300°  F.,  and  that  an  elevated  temperature,  instead  of  being  hurtful, 
is  ] litively  advantageous  in  the  preparation  of  the  blistering  cerate.  The  can- 
tha  lin  is  thus  more  thoroughly  dissolved  by  the  oleaginous  matter,  and  con- 
seqjntly  brought  more  efficiently  into  contact  with  the  skin,  than  when  retained 
in  3 interior  of  the  tissue  of  the  fly.  Another  advantage,  stated  by  Donovan, 
is  nt  the  moisture  which  usually  exists  to  a certain  extent  in  all  the  ingre- 
die  s of  the  cerate  is  thus  dissipated,  and  the  preparation  is  less  apt  to  become 
molly,  or  otherwise  to  undergo  decomposition.  Instead,  therefore,  of  waiting 
un‘.  the  melted  wax,  resin,  and  lard  begin  to  stiffen,  it  is  better  to  add  the 
povm  before  the  vessel  is  removed  from  the  fire.  Mr.  Donovan  recommends 
tha  as  soon  as  the  other  ingredients  are  melted,  the  powdered  flies  should  be 
add  , and  the  mixture  stirred  until  the  heat  is  shown  by  a thermometer  to  have 
nse  to  250°,  when  the  vessel  is  to  be  removed  from  the  fire,  and  the  mixture 
stir  1 constantly  until  cool.  At  the  heat  mentioned,  ebullition  takes  place  in 


of  V 


bis  is  a different  preparation  from  tlie  London  Ceratum  Cantharidis,  for  an  account 
ch  see  Unguentum  Cantharidis,  Ed. 


922 


Cerata. 


parti. 


consequence  of  the  escape  of  the  moisture  contained  in  the  materials.  Inne 
cerate  thus  prepared,  the  active  matter  has  been  dissolved  by  the  lard,  andae 
powder  may  be  separated,  if  deemed  advisable,  by  straining  the  mixture  be  re 
it  solidifies.  Care  should  he  taken  that  the  temperature  be  not  so  high  a to 
decompose  the  ingredients;  and  it  would  be  better  to  keep  it  within  212  )y 
means  of  a water-bath,  than  to  incur  any  risk  from  its  excess.  Violent  irritm 
and  even  vesication  of  the  face  of  the  operator  are  stated  to  have  resulted  i m 
exposure  to  the  vapours  of  the  liquid,  at  a temperature  of  250°.  ( Pharm . Jo  n. 
and  Trans.,  ii.  391.)  From  an  experiment,  however,  of  Prof.  Procter,  itapprs 
that,  though  cantharides  begin  to  volatilize  slightly  at  250°,  and  rapidly  ruin 
vapour  and  sublime  at  from  402°  to  412°,  yet  they  are  not  decomposed  unss 
by  increasing  the  heat  considerably  above  the  last  mentioned  point.  ( Am.  Jo~n. 
of  Pharm.,  xxiv.  296  and  298.)  It  is  desirable  that  the  flies  should  be  ry 
finely  pulverized.  Powdered  euphorbium  is  said  to  be  sometimes  fraudule.ly 
substituted  for  a portion  of  the  flies. 

The'cerate  will  always  raise  a blister  in  ordinary  conditions  of  the  systei  if 
the  flies  are  good,  and  not  injured  in  the  preparation.  It  should  he  sprea<on 
soft  leather,  though  linen  or  even  paper  will  answer  the  purpose  when  th  is 
not  to  be  had.  An  elegant  mode  of  preparing  it  for  use  is  to  spread  a pie  of 
leather,  of  a proper  size,  first  with  adhesive  plaster,  and  afterwards  withhe 
cerate,  leaving  a margin  of  the  former  uncovered,  in  order  that  it  may  adire 
to  the  skin.  Heat  is  not  requisite,  and  should  not  be  employed  in  spreang 
the  cerate.  Some  sprinkle  powdered  flies  upon  the  surface  of  the  plaster,  ;ess 
them  lightly  with  a roller,  and  then  shake  off  the  portion  which  has  not  adhed; 
but,  if  the  flies  originally  employed  were  good,  this  addition  is  superflius. 
Prof.  Procter  is  in  the  habit  of  applying  over  the  surface  with  a brush  an  ae- 
real  tincture  of  cantharides,  which  leaves  a thin  coating  of  extract,  and  reters 
the  preparation  more  certain. 

Upon  the  application  of  the  plaster,  the  skin  should  be  moistened  with  rrm 
vinegar  or  other  liquid;  and  a good  rule  is  to  cover  the  surface  of  the  plter 
closely  with  very  thin  gauze  or  unsized  paper,  which  prevents  any  of  the  cate 
from  adhering  to  the  cuticle,  and  is  thought  by  some  to  diminish  its  liahili  to 
occasion  strangury.  In  the  cases  of  adults,  when  the  full  action  of  the  fii  is 
desired,  and  the  object  is  to  produce  a permanent  effect,  the  application  sbald 
be  continued  for  twelve  hours,  and  on  the  scalp  for  twenty- four  hours.  In  ary 
delicate  persons,  however,  or  those  subject  to  strangury,  or  upon  parts  of  a ose 
texture,  or  when  the  object  is  merely  to  produce  a blister  to  be  healed  as  qukly 
as  possible,  the  plaster  should  remain  no  longer  than  is  necessary  for  the>ro- 
duction  of  full  redness  of  the  skin,  which  generally  occurs  in  five  or  six  lnrs, 
or  even  in  a shorter  time.  It  should  then  be  removed,  and  followed  by  a bad 
and  milk  poultice,  or  some  other  emollient  dressing,  under  which  the  cncle 
rises,  and  a full  blister  is  usually  produced.  By  this  management  the  pcent 
will  generally  escape  strangury,  and  the  blister  will  very  quickly  heal  aftethe 
discharge  of  the  serum.*  In  young  children,  cantharides  sometimes  pnuce 

* Dr.  M.  B.  Smith,  of  Philadelphia,  informed  us  that  he  had  frequently  employeuva 
ursi,  as  a preventive  of  strangury  from  blisters,  and  had  never  found  it  to  fail.  Htare 
a small  wineglassful  of  the  officinal  decoction  (see  Decoctum  U>sb  Ursi)  every  hour.om- 
mencing  two  hours  after  the  application  of  the  blister.  Camphor  is  sometimes  inc'P0’ 
rated  with  the  blistering  cerate  to  prevent  strangury,  though  with  doubtful  effect,  -daa 
proposed  by  M.  Yee  is  to  spread  over  the  surface  of  the  plaster,  when  ready  for  delery, 
by  means  of  the  finger,  a saturated  solution  of  camphor  in  ether.  The  ether  evapoten 
leaving  a thin  coating  of  camphor  uniformly  diffused.  (Journ.  d,  Pharm.,  3e  ser.,  viibM 
The  late  Dr.  Joseph  Hartshorne.  of  Philadelphia,  was  in  the  habit,  in  cases  who  he 
apprehended  strangury,  of  directing  four  grains  of  opium  and  twenty  of  camphor’  e 
mixed  with  the  cei’ate  of  a blister  of  large  size,  and  experienced  the  happiest  effectiroin 
the  addition. 


Pi  I II. 


Cerata. 


923 


alauing  and  even  fatal  ulceration,  if  too  long  applied.  From  two  to  four  hours 
arasuallj  sufficient  for  any  desirable  purpose.  When  the  head,  or  other  very 
ha : part  is  to  be  blistered,  an  interval  of  ten  or  twelve  hours  should,  if  pos- 
sib,  be  allowed  between  the  shaving  of  the  part  and  the  application  of  the 
plaer;  so  that  the  abrasions  may  heal,  and  some  impediment  be  offered  to  the 
abrption  of  the  active  principles  of  the  flies.  After  the  blister  has  been  formed, 
it  :ould  be  opened  at  the  most  depending  parts,  and,  the  cuticle  being  allowed 
to  main,  should  be  dressed  with  simple  cerate ; but,  if  it  be  desirable  to  main- 
tai the  discharge  for  a short  time,  resin  cerate  should  be  used,  and  the  cuticle 
reived,  if  it  can  be  done  without  inconvenience.  When  it  is  wished  that  the 
blbred  surface  should  heal  as  soon  as  possible,  and  with  the  least  inconvenience 
to  le  patient,  Dr.  3Iaclagan  recommends  a dressing  of  cotton  wadding;  an 
emlient  poultice  being  first  applied  for  two  hours  after  the  removal  of  the 
blbring  cerate,  the  cuticle  then  cut,  and  the  surface  afterwards  covered  with 
tkffiotton,  with  its  raw  surface  next  the  skin.  Should  the  dressing  become 
soaed  with  the  serous  discharge,  so  much  of  the  cotton  may  be  removed  as  can 
be  me  without  disturbing  the  cuticle,  and  a new  batch  applied.  The  cotton  is 
to  allowed  to  remain  until  the  old  cuticle  spontaneously  separates.  The  effects 
of  i issue  may  be  obtained  by  employing  savine  ointment,  or  the  ointment  of 
Sp  ish  flies,  as  a dressing.  If  much  inflammation  take  place  in  the  blistered 
since,  it  may  be  relieved  by  emollient  poultices,  or  weak  lead-water.  Where 
the  is  an  obstinate  indisposition  to  heal,  we  have  found  nothing  so  effectual  as 
the;erate  of  subacetate  of  lead,  mixed  with  an  equal  weight  of  simple  cerate. 
Wla  deep  and  extensive  ulceration  occurs  in  consequence  of  general  debility, 
bat  or  sulphate  of  quinia  should  be  used,  with  nutritious  aliment. 

nous  preparations  of  cantharides  have  been  proposed  and  employed  as  sub- 
stit  es  for  the  cerate.  They  consist  for  the  most  part  of  eantharidin,  more  or 
lesmre,  either  dissolved  in  olive  oil  and  applied  to  the  skin  by  means  of  a piece 
of  per  saturated  with  it,  or  incorporated  with  wax  and  spread  in  a very  thin 
lay  upon  fine  waxed  cloth,  silk,  or  paper,  constituting  the  blistering  cloth,  blis- 
ter, i gaper,  vesicating  taffetas,  i be.,  of  the  shops.  The  advantages  of  these 
pre  rations  are  that  they  occupy  less  space,  are  more  portable,  and,  being  very 
plii.e,  are  more  easily  adapted  to  irregularities  of  the  surface.  Absolutely  pure 
ciDaridin  is  expensive  and  not  requisite;  as  extracts  of  cantharides,  made  with 
cth , alcohol,  or  boiling  water,  will  answer  every  purpose.  Henry  and  Guibourt 
piv  he  following  formula.  Digest  powdered  cantharides  in  sulphuric  ether, 
dis  off  the  ether,  evaporate  the  residue  by  means  of  a salt-water  bath  until 
ebu  tion  ceases,  melt  the  oily  mass  which  remains  with  twice  its  weight  of  wax, 
andpread  the  mixture  upon  waxed  cloth.  The  icaxecl  cloth  may  be  prepared 
by  reading  upon  linen  or  muslin  a mixture  composed  of  8 parts  of  white  wax, 
d o live  oil,  and  1 of  turpentine,  melted  together.  An  extract  of  cantharides, 
of  buttery  consistence,  said  to  act  very  efficiently  when  applied  by  means  of 
pap  greased  with  it,  is  prepared  by  digesting  4 parts  of  flies  with  1 part  of 
strc  r acetic  acid  and  16  of  alcohol,  straining,  filtering,  and  evaporating  at  a 
moi-ate  heat.  A preparation  which  has  received  the  favourable  report  of  a 
con  ittee  of  the  Society  of  Pharmacy,  at  Paris,  is  the  following,  proposed  by 
M.  !ubuison.  Four  parts  of  a hydro-alcoholic  extract  of  the  flies  made  by  ma- 
cerson,  is  mixed  with  an  aqueous  solution  of  one  part  of  pure  gelatin,  so  as  to 
°bt;  i a solution  of  suitable  consistence,  which  is  then  applied  upon  a piece  of 
cxtGed  waxed  cloth,  care  being  taken  that  the  brush  should  always  have  the 
San  direction.  When  the  first  layer  has  dried,  a second,  and  a third  are  to  be 
aPP>  d in  the  same  manner.  The  gelatin  renders  the  cloth  more  adhesive  and 
less  eliquescent.  The  hydro-alcoholic  extract  is  preferred  to  the  alcoholic, 
hec.se  it  contains  less  of  the  green  oil,  which  does  not  readily  mix  wiih  the 


924 


Cerata. 


par  [I. 


other  ingredients.  The  committee,  however,  prefer  the  aqueous  extrac  a= 
cheaper  and  more  active.  This  taffeta  has  been  tried,  and  found  to  raise  bli ers 
in  four  hours.  ( Journ . de  Pharm.,  3e  sir.,  viii.  67.)  A strong  decoction  oihe 
flies  in  olive  oil,  applied  by  means  of  paper,  would  probably  answer  a siiiar 
purpose  with  these  more  elaborate  preparations.  But  none  of  them  is  like  to 
supersede  the  officinal  cerate.  For  very  speedy  vesication,  an  infusion  oi  he 
flies  in  strong  acetic  acid  is  sometimes  employed.  (See  Acetum  Cantharidd 

A preparation,  called  cantharidal  collodion,  has  recently  been  introducec'ito 
use.  It  was  origiually  proposed  by  M.  Ilisch,  of  St.  Petersburg,  Piussia,  a is 
made  in  the  following  manner.  Exhaust,  by  percolation,  a pound  of  eanthaies, 
with  a mixture  consisting  of  a pound  of  sulphuric  ether  and  three  ounces  of  a tic 
ether;  and  in  two  ounces  of  this  liquid  dissolve  25  grains  of  gun  cotton,  ro- 
fessor  Procter  states  that  it  has  been  found  more  advantageous  to  exhans.he 
flies  with  ether,  distil  off  the  ether,  and  mix  the  oily  residue  with  collodio  ah 
ready  prepared  of  the  proper  consistence.  {Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xxiv.  IB.) 
Mr.  Charles  S.  Rand,  in  a communication  to  the  American  Journal  of  Phar  v-y 
(xxii.  18),  states  that  llisch’s  preparation  made  with  double  the  proportion  of  aer 
vesicates  equally  well,  and  proposes  the  addition  of  about  one  per  cent,  of  V ice 
turpentine,  which  he  has  found  to  prevent  the  disagreeable,  and  sometimes  in- 
fill contraction  of  the  preparation  upon  drying.  The  preparation  may  be  tept 
indefinitely  in  a glass-stoppered  bottle  without  change.  It  may  be  applit  to 
the  surface  by  means  of  a camel’s  hair  brush,  and,  after  the  evaporation  othe 
ether,  which  takes  place  in  less  than  a minute,  may  be  reapplied  if  the  suac-e 
should  not  be  well  covered.  It  produces  a blister  in  about  the  same  time  athe 
ordinary  cerate,  and  has  the  advantage  that  it  is  applied  with  greater  facili , is 
better  adapted  to  cover  uneven  surfaces,  and  retains  its  place  more  certaly. 
According  to  Mr.  Rand,  if  the  evaporation  of  the  ether  be  restrained  by  a eee 
of  oiled  silk  immediately  after  its  application,  it  will  act  much  more  speed). 

It  is  said  that  the  flies,  by  ebullition  with  water,  are  deprived  of  their  prosrty 
of  producing  strangury,  while  their  vesicating  powers  remain  unaltered.  {Piss 
Pharmacologia .)  Dr.  Theophilus  Beasly,  of  Philadelphia,  was  in  the  hal:  of 
employing  a cerate  made  with  cantharides  prepared  in  this  manner,  and  ver 
knew  it  to  produce  strangury  in  more  than  two  or  three  instances.  [Joui  of 
the  Phil.  Col.  of  Pliarm.,  iv.  185.)  In  a letter  addressed  to  one  of  the  auors 
by  Dr.  James  Couper,  of  Newcastle,  Delaware,  a similar  method  of  preparintlie 
flies  is  recommended  as  an  expedient  against  strangury,  both  from  his  ow  ex- 
perience and  that  of  the  late  Dr.  Groom,  of  Elkton,  Maryland,  from  wbo|  he 
derived  his  knowledge  of  the  plan.  Yet  there  can  be  no  doubt  that  b<ing 
water  extracts  cantharidin  from  the  flies;  and  the  cerate  made  as  here  rom- 
mended  must  be  somewhat  weaker  in  the  blistering  principle  than  the  offirfl. 

Off.  Prep.  Emplastrum  Picis  cum  Cantharide.  I- 

CERATUM  CETACEI.  U.  S.,  Land.  Ceratum  Simples.  Ed. 
Ungtjentum  Cetacei.  Dub.  Spermaceti  Cerate. 

“Take  of  Spermaceti  an  ounce;  White  Wax  three  ounces;  Olive  0 six 
fluidounces.  Melt  together  the  Spermaceti  and  Wax;  then  add  the  Oipre- 
viously  heated,  and  stir  the  mixture  until  cool.”  U.  S. 

The  London  College  directs  two  ounces  of  spermaceti,  eight  ounces  of  bite 
wax,  and  a pint  [Imp.  meas.]  of  olive  oil;  the  Edinburgh,  six  parts  office 
oil,  three  parts  of  white  wax,  and  one  part  of  spermaceti;  the  Dublin,  lit  a 
pound  of  white  wax,  a pound  of  spermaceti,  and  three  pounds  of  lard. 

The  direction  to  heat  the  oil  before  adding  it  to  the  other  ingredients  isecu- 
liar  to  the  U.  S.  and  Edinburgh  Pharmacopoeias.  If  added  cold,  it  is  to 
produce  an  irregular  congelation  of  the  wax  and  spermaceti,  and  thus  to  nder 


pa::  ii. 


Cerata. 


925 


p reparation  lumpy.  This  cerate  is  employed  as  a dressing  for  blisters,  es- 
corted surfaces,  and  wounds,  and  as  the  basis  of  more  active  preparations. 
Wla  the  ingredients  are  pure  and  sweet,  it  is  perfectly  free  from  irritating 
pro  trties. 

<?.  Prep.  Ceratum  Cantharidis;  Ceratum  Calaminae.  W. 

(5RATUM  HYDRARGYRI  COMPOSITUM.  Land.  Compound 
Cede  of  Mercury. 

Take  of  Mercurial  Ointment,  Compound  Soap  Cerate,  each,  six  ounces ; Cam- 
phr  an  ounce  and  a half.  Rub  them  together.”  Land. 

rjis  cerate  is  used  as  a discutient  application  to  indolent  tumours.  W. 

GRATUM  PLUMBI  SUBACETATIS.  U.  S.  Ceratum  Plumbi 
Copositum.  Lond.  Cerate  of  Subacetate  of  Lead.  GoularcV s Cerate. 

‘lake  of  Solution  of  Subacetate  of  Lead  two  fluidounces  and  a half;  White 
Wa  four  ounces;  Olive  Oil  nine  fluidounces ; Camphor  half  a drachm.  Mix 
the/ax,  previously  melted,  with  eight  fluidounces  of  the  Oil ; then  remove  the 
mbire  from  the  fire,  and,  when  it  begins  to  thicken,  gradually  pour  in  the  So- 
Iutii  of  Subacetate  of  Lead,  stirring  constantly  with  a wooden  spatula  till  it 
bee  res  cool.  Lastly,  add  the  Camphor  dissolved  in  the  remainder  of  the  Oil, 
andiix.”  U.  S. 

le  London  College  takes  six  fluidounces  of  the  solution  of  subacetate  of  lead, 
dgi  ounces  of  wax,  a pint  [Imperial  measure]  of  olive  oil,  and  a drachm  of 
canhor,  and  proceeds  in  the  manner  above  directed. 

is  cerate  becomes  so  speedily  rancid  that  but  little  should  be  prepared  at 
one  when  the  demand  is  not  great.  It  received  the  name  by  which  it  is  com- 
mou  known  from  M.  Goulard,  by  whom  it  was  employed  and  recommended. 
It  } used  to  dry  up  excoriations,  to  relieve  the  inflammation  of  burns,  scalds, 
and hilblains,  and  to  remove  cutaneous  eruptions.  We  have  found  it  more 
effe  ral  than  any  other  application  to  blistered  surfaces  indisposed  to  heal ; and, 
on  ) recommendation  of  the  late  Dr.  Parrish,  have  used  it  in  the  following 
con  nation  with  advantage  in  various  cutaneous  eruptions  of  a local  character. 
Tab  of  cerate  of  subacetate  of  lead,  simple  cerate,  each,  half  an  ounce  ; calomel, 
pow:red  opium,  each,  a drachm  ; mix  them.  The  same  preparation,  without 
the  pium,  was  a favourite  remedy  with  the  late  Dr.  Wistar  in  similar  com- 
plai  s.  W. 

GRATUM  RESINYE.  U.  S.,  Lond.  Unguentum  Resinosum. 
Pd  Unguentum  Resinue.  Dub.  Resin  Cerate.  Basilicon  Ointment. 

‘ ake  of  Resin  flee  ounces;  Lard  eight  ounces ; Yellow  Wax  two  ounces. 
Me.  them  together,  strain  through  linen,  and  stir  them  constantly  until 
cool'  U.  s. 

I ; proportions  directed  by  the  Edinburgh  College  are  the  same  as  the  above. 
Th Qjondon  College  orders  of  resin  and  wax,  each  fifteen  ounces,  and  of  olive  oil 
a V [Imperial  measure].  The  resin  and  wax  are  melted  together  over  a slow 
nre,ie  oil  then  added,  and  the  mixture  while  hot  strained  through  linen.  By 
the  j ublin  process  half  a pound  [avoirdupois]  of  resin,  in  coarse  powder,  four 
oum  [avoird.]  of  yellow  wax,  and  a pound  [avoird.]  of  prepared  lard,  are  melted, 
stra  ed  while  hot  through  flannel,  and  stirred  constantly  till  they  concrete. 

1 : straining  is  directed  in  consequence  of  the  impurities  which  resin  often 
cod. ns.  Resin  cerate,  commonly  called  basilicon  ointment,  is  much  used  as  a 
gen  ■ stimulant  application  to  blistered  surfaces,  indolent  ulcers,  burns,  scalds, 
and  lilblains.  We  have  found  no  application  more  effectual  in  disposing  the 
nice  which  follow  bums  to  heal. 

(.Prep.  Ceratum  Sabinae;  Linimentum  Terebinthinae ; Unguentum  Can- 
in' is ; Unguentum  iEruginis.  W. 


926 


Cerata. 


PAR1  [I. 


CERATUM  RESINA  COMPOSITUM.  U.  S.  Compound  R in 
Cerate. 

“Take  of  Resin,  Suet,  Yellow  Wax,  each,  a pound ; Turpentine  half  apod] 
Flaxseed  Oil  half  a pint.  Melt  them  together,  strain  through  linen,  anctir 
them  constantly  until  cool.”  U.  S. 

This  is  somewhat  more  stimulating  than  the  preceding,  but  is  applicab  to 
similar  purposes,  particularly  to  the  treatment  of  indolent  ulcers.  Undeihe 
name  of  Deshler’s  salve,  it  is  popularly  employed  in  some  parts  of  the  Pied 
States.  It  should  be  kept  well  protected  from  the  air,  in  consequence  cits 
liability  when  exposed  to  acquire  a tough  consistence.  ^ 

CERATUM  SABINiE.  U.S.,  JEd.  Unguentum  Sabina.  Ld., 
Dub.  Savine  Cerate. 

“Take  of  Savine,  in  powder,  two  ounces;  Resin  Cerate  a pound.  Mi: he 
Savine  with  the  Cerate  previously  softened.”  U.  S. 

The  London  College  orders  half  a pound  of  fresh  savine,  bruised,  to  be  n ed 
with  three  ounces  of  white  wax  and  a pound  of  lard  previously  melted  togeer, 
and  the  whole  to  be  strained  through  linen.  The  Edinburgh  College  direct Ihe 
same  ingredients,  in  the  same  proportions,  to  be  boiled  together  till  the  la-es 
become  friable,  and  then  strained.  The  Dublin  College  rubs  intimately  togmer 
a drachm  of  savine,  in  fine  powder,  and  seven  drachms  of  ointment  of  white  ix. 

As  the  savine  used  in  this  country  is  generally  brought  from  Europe  it  be 
dried  state,  we  are  compelled  to  resort  to  the  mode  of  preparing  the  ceratdi- 
reeted  in  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia.  Nor  have  we  found  the  preparation  l us 
made  to  be  “intolerably  acrid  and  almost  caustic,”  as  Dr.  Duncan  describe  it. 
On  the  contrary,  it  answers  very  well  the  purpose  for  which  it  is  used,  th;  of 
maintaining  the  discharge  from  blistered  surfaces.  A cerate  prepared  it  he 
same  manner  from  the  leaves  of  the  red  cedar  ( Juniperus  Yirginiana ) is  sre- 
times  substituted  for  that  of  savine,  but  is  less  efficient. 

Prepared  according  to  the  processes  of  the  London  and  Edinburgh  Collies, 
savine  cerate  has  a fine  deep-green  colour,  and  the  odour  of  the  leaves.  It  smld 
be  kept  in  closely  covered  vessels. 

Savine  cerate  is  preferable  to  the  ointment  of  Spanish  flies  as  a dressinf  r 
perpetual  blisters,  from  the  circumstance  that  it  has  no  tendency  to  preuee 
strangury.  The  white  coating  which  forms  during  its  use  upon  the  blisred 
surface  should  be  occasionally  removed,  as  it  prevents  the  contact  of  the  c-e>re. 
It  is  sometimes  applied  to  seton  cords,  with  the  view  of  increasing  thelis- 
charge. 

CERATUM  SAPONIS.  U.  S.  Ceratum  Saponis  Compose  ji. 
Lond.  Soap  Cerate. 

“Take  of  Solution  of  Subacetate  of  Lead  two  pints ; Soap  six  ounces;  Yite 
Wax  ten  ounces ; Olive  Oil  a pint.  Boil  the  Solution  of  Subacetate  of  ad 
with  the  Soap,  over  a slow  fire,  to  the  consistence  of  honey ; then  transfero  a 
water- bath,  and  evaporate  until  all  the  moisture  is  dissipated ; lastly  adethe 
Wax  previously  melted  with  the  Oil,  and  mix.”  U.  S. 

“Take  of  Soap  ten  ounces ; Wax  twelve  ounces  and  a half;  Oxide  of  ’ad 
[litharge],  in  powder,  fifteen  ounces;  Olive  Oil  a pint  [Imperial  meas'e] ; 
Vinegar  a gallon  [Imp.  meas.].  Boil  the  Y’iuegar  with  the  Oxide  of  Jad 
over  a slow  fire,  constantly  stirriug  until  they  unite;  then  add  the  Soapknd 
again  boil  iu  a similar  manner,  until  all  the  moisture  is  dissipated;  lastly,  ith 
these  mix  the  Wax  previously  dissolved  in  the  Oil.”  Lond. 

The  present  U.  S.  formula  is  that  of  Mr.  Durand,  given  iu  the  Anuran 
Journal  of  Pharmacy  (vol.  viii.  p.  27),  and  was  substituted,  iu  the  L.  S.  Dr- 
macopceia  of  1840,  for  the  London  formula,  which  had  been  adopted  in  there- 


pa::  ii. 


Cerata. — Confectioner. 


92T 


vio  editions.  It  has  the  advantages  of  being  more  precise  in  the  directions, 
mo:  easy  of  execution,  and  more  uniform  in  its  results.  It  yields  a perfectly 
wb  cerate,  having  the  same  properties  as  the  London,  and  a finer  appearance. 
Thtsolution  of  subaeetate  of  lead,  which  in  the  U.  S.  process  is  taken  already 
pre  red,  results,  in  the  London,  from  the  action  of  thevinegar  upon  the  litharge. 
In  th  processes,  the  subacetate  of  lead  is  decomposed  by  the  soap,  the  soda  of 
whii  unites  with  the  acetic  acid,  and  the  oleaginous  acids  with  the  oxide  of 
leacin  the  same  manner  as  in  the  formation  of  Emplastrum  Plumbi.  The  wax 
and il  subsequently  added  merely  serve  to  give  due  consistence  to  the  prepara- 
tior  Soap  cerate  is  thought  to  be  cooling  and  sedative ; and  is  sometimes  used 
in  rofulous  swellings  and  other  instances  of  chronic  external  inflammation. 
It  ts  formerly  employed  by  Mr.  Pott  as  a dressing  for  fractured  limbs;  but 
ans  :rs  no  other  purpose  in  these  cases  than  to  yield  mechanical  support. 

([.  Prep.  Ceratum  Hydrargyri  Compositum.  W. 

tSRATUM  SIMPLEX.  U.S.  Ceratum.  Lond.  Simple  Cerate. 

‘ ake  of  Lard  eight  ounces ; White  Wax  four  ounces.  Melt  them  together, 
andtir  them  constantly  until  cool.”  U.  S. 

L London  College  directs  that  a pint  [Imperial  measure]  of  olive  oil  be 
mix!  with  twenty  ounces  of  wax  previously  melted. 

\ prefer  the  U.  S.  formula.  Lard  is  preferable  to  olive  oil,  as  it  may  always 
be  11  perfectly  sweet,  and  is  the  mildest  application  which  can  be  made  to 
irrited  surfaces.  In  the  preparation  of  this  cerate,  peculiar  care  should  be 
take  that  the  oleaginous  ingredient  be  entirely  free  from  rancidity,  and  that 
the  [cat  employed  be  not  sufficient  to  produce  the  slightest  decomposition;  for 
the  lue  of  the  preparation  depends  on  its  perfect  blandness.  To  avoid  change, 
it  si  lid  be  put  up  in  small  jars,  and  covered  closely  with  tin  foil  so  as  to  ex- 
cludlie  air.  It  is  used  for  dressing  blisters,  wounds,  &c.,  in  all  cases  in  which 
the  ject  is  to  prevent  the  contact  of  air  and  preserve  the  moisture  of  the  part, 
and  t the  same  time  to  avoid  all  irritation.  It  is  sometimes  improperly  em- 
ploy as  the  vehicle  of  substances  to  be  applied  by  inunction.  For  this  purpose 
lard  lould  be  used  in  winter,  and  simple  ointment  in  summer;  the  cerate  having 
too  in  a consistence.  W. 

CRATUM  ZIXCI  CARBONATIS.  U.S.  Cerate  of  Carbonate 
of  he. 

u he  of  Precipitated  Carbonate  of  Zinc  two  drachms;  Simple  Ointment  ten 
drat  ns.  Mix  them.”  U.  S. 

T > cerate  was  intended  as  a substitute  for  the  former  Ceratum  Zinci  Car- 
bons s of  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia,  now  Ceratum  Calaminse,  as  being  more  to 
be  d ended  on  in  consequence  of  the  frequent  falsification  of  calamine.  For 
hs  u s,  see  Ceratum  Calaminse.  W. 

CONFECTIONES.  U.  S.,  Lond. 

Confections. 

C ifections.  Dub.  Conserves  and  Electuaries.  Ed. 

lifer  the  general  title  of  Confections,  the  Pharmacopoeias  of  the  United 
btate  London,  and  Dublin,  include  all  those  preparations  having  the  form  of 
a son  solid,  in  which  one  or  more  medicinal  substances  are  incorporated  with 
saccl  ine  matter,  with  a view  either  to  their  preservation  or  more  convenient 
adm  i|  strati  on . The  Edinburgh  College  retains  the  old  division  into  Conserves 
M»d  .actuaries;  and,  as  there  is  some  ground  for  the  distinction,  we  shall  make 


928 


Confectioner. 


PAR' [I. 


a few  general  remarks  upon  each  division,  before  proceeding  to  the  consider;  on 
of  the  individual  preparations. 

Conserves  consist  of  recent  vegetable  substances  and  refined  sugar  beat  ito 
a uniform  mass.  By  means  of  the  sugar,  the  vegetable  matter  is  enable  to 
resist  for  some  time  the  decomposition  to  which  it  would  otherwise  be  exped 
in  the  undried  state,  and  the  properties  of  the  recent  plant  are  thus  retain;  to 
a certain  extent  unaltered.  But,  as  active  medicines  even  thus  treated  nne  go 
some  change,  and  those  which  lose  their  virtues  by  desiccation  cannot  be  ng 
preserved,  the  few  conserves  now  retained  are  intended  rather  as  conves-nt 
vehicles  of  other  substances  than  for  separate  exhibition.  The  sugar  use  in 
their  preparation  should  be  reduced  to  a fine  powder  by  pounding  and  sitpg, 
as  otherwise  it  will  not  mix  uniformly  with  the  other  ingredient. 

Electuaries  are  mixtures  consisting  of  medicinal  substances,  especialbiry 
powders,  combined  with  syrup  or  honey,  in  order  to  render  them  less  unpleaDt 
to  the  taste,  and  more  convenient  for  internal  use.  They  are  usually  preped 
extemporaneously ; and  it  is  only  when  their  complex  nature  renders  it  c<ve- 
nient  to  keep  them  ready  made  in  the  shops,  or  some  peculiarity  in  the  mo;  of 
mixiug  the  ingredients  requires  attention,  that  they  become  proper  object  for 
pharmaceutic  direction.  Their  consistence  should  not  be  so  soft,  on  thone 
hand,  as  to  allow  the  ingredients  to  separate,  nor  so  firm,  on  the  other,  to 
prevent  them  from  being  swallowed  without  mastication.  Different  substyes 
require  different  proportions  of  syrup.  Light  vegetable  powders  usually  retire 
twice  their  weight,  gum-resins  two-thirds  of  their  weight,  resins  somewhat.’ss, 
mineral  substances  about  half  their  weight,  and  deliquescent  salts  not  ore 
than  one-tenth.  Should  the  electuary  be  found,  after  having  been  kept  >r  a 
short  time,  to  swell  up  and  emit  gas,  it  should  be  beat  over  again  in  a mar, 
so  that  any  portion  of  the  sugar  which  may  have  crystallized  may  be  again  ;ca- 
rately  incorporated  with  the  other  ingredients.  Should  it,  on  the  contrary  be- 
come dry  and  hard  from  the  mutual  reaction  of  its  constituents,  more  aup 
should  be  added,  so  as  to  give  it  the  requisite  consistence.  If  the  dryness  suit 
from  the  mere  evaporation  of  the  aqueous  part,  water  should  be  added  iriead 
of  syrup,  and  the  same  remark  is  applicable  to  the  conserves.  To  prevertbe 
hardening  of  electuaries,  the  French  writers  recommend  the  use  of  syrupre- 
pared  from  brown  sugar,  which  is  less  apt  to  crystallize  thau  that  madefro  tbe 
refined.  Molasses  would  answer  the  same  purpose;  but  its  taste  might  beon- 
sidered  objectionable.  Some  persons  employ  honey,  but  this  is  not  arays 
acceptable  to  the  stomach. 

CONFECTIO  AMYGDALiE.  Lond.  Conserva  Amygdalacm. 
Ed.  Almond  Confection. 

“ Take  of  [sweet]  Almonds  eight  ounces ; Gum  Arabic,  in  powder,  an  oice; 
Sugar  four  ounces.  Having  macerated  the  Almonds  in  cold  water,  anddejived 
them  of  their  external  coat,  bruise  them,  and  rub  them  through  a fine  mnllic 
sieve;  then,  having  added  the  other  ingredients,  beat  altogether  till  tb<  are 
thoroughly  incorporated.  The  confection  may  be  kept  longer,  if  the  Alunds. 
previously  denuded,  dried,  and  rubbed  to  a ver}'  fine  powder,  should  be  xed 
with  the  gum  Arabic  and  sugar  separately  powdered,  and  the  mixed  pidcr 
preserved  in  a stopped  bottle.”  Lond. 

The  directions  of  the  Edinburgh  College  are  essentially  the  same  as  the  :ove, 
except  that  this  College  does  not  admit  the  alternative  of  having  the  ingreents 
separately  rubbed,  and  afterwards  mixed. 

This  preparation  is  intended  to  afford  a speedy  method  of  preparing  the  aiona 
mixture,  which,  when  made  immediately  from  the  Almonds,  requires  muchtme, 
and  which  cannot  be  kept  ready  made  in  the  shops.  But,  from  its  liabij  to 


PA.’  II. 


Confeetiones. 


929 


be  jured  by  keeping,  it  was  omitted  from  our  Pharmacopoeia,  which  directs  the 
aland  mixture  to  be  made  immediately  from  the  ingredients. 

jjstura  Amygdalae.  W. 

ONFECTIO  AROMATICA.  U.S.,  Lond.,  Dub.  Electuarium 
Amaticum.  Ed.  Aromatic  Confection. 

‘''ake  of  Aromatic  Powder  five  ounces  and  a half;  Saffron,  in  powder,  half 
an  bice;  Syrup  of  Orange  Peel  six  ounces ; Clarified  Honey  two  ounces.  Rub 
the  romatic  Powder  with  the  Saffron;  then  add  the  Syrup  and  Honey,  and 
beathe  whole  together  until  thoroughly  mixed.”  U.  S. 

“ ake  of  Cinnamon,  Nutmegs,  each,  two  ounces;  Cloves  an  ounce ; Cardamom 
halfin  ounce;  Saffron  two  ounces;  Prepared  Chalk  sixteen  ounces;  Sugar  two 
puis;  Distilled  Water  a sufficient  quantity.  Rub  the  dry  ingredients  together 
to  aery  fine  powder,  and  keep  them  in  a closed  vessel.  But  when  the  confec- 
tion  to  be  used,  to  every  ounce  of  the  powder  add  two  fiuidrachms  of  the  Water, 
and  ix  all  together  until  incorporated.”  Lond. 

T Dublin  College  rubs  fire  ounces  [avoirdupois]  of  aromatic  powder  with  half 
an  owe  of  saffron  in  powder;  then  adds  five  fiuidounces  of  simple  syrup,  and 
two  vices  [avoirdupois]  of  clarified  honey,  and  beats  them  together  till  thoroughly 
mist;  and  lastly  adds  half  a fiuidrachm  of  oil  of  cloves.  The  Edinburgh  Col- 
lege -ects  one  part  of  its  aromatic  powder,  and  two  parts  of  syrup  of  orange 
peel  be  mixed,  and  triturated  into  a uniform  pulp. 

T1  preparation  of  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia  contains  cinnamon,  ginger,  car- 
dam< , and  nutmeg,  without  prepared  chalk,  which  appears  to  us  to  be  an 
unnessary  if  not  improper  ingredient;  as  it  is  not  always  indicated  in  cases 
whic  call  for  the  use  of  the  confection,  and  may  be  added  extemporaneously 
when-equired.  The  aromatic  confection  affords  a convenient  method  of  ad- 
mini;  ring  the  spices  which  enter  into  its  composition,  and  an  agreeable  vehicle 
for  oer  medicines.  It  is  given  in  debilitated  states  of  the  stomach,  alone  or 
asanljuvant  to  other  substances.  The  dose  is  from  ten  to  sixty  grains. 

On  Prep.  Pilulse  Digitalis  et  Scillas.  W. 

CCFECTIO  AURANTII  CORTICIS.  U.  S.  Confectio  Auran- 
tii.  bad.  Conserva  Aurantii.  Ed.  Confection  of  Orange  Peel. 

“He  of  Orange  Peel,  recently  separated  from  the  fruit  by  grating,  a pound ; 
Sugar  refined]  three  pounds.  Beat  the  Orange  Peel  with  the  Sugar  gradually 
added  ill  they  are  thoroughly  mixed.”  U.  S. 

Th<  lirections  of  the  London  and  Edinburgh  Colleges  correspond  with  the 
above  The  rind  of  the  bitter  orange  is  intended  by  these  Colleges,  that  either 
of  thehtter  or  sweet  by  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia.  By  the  London  process,  the 
beatin  is  performed  in  a stone  mortar  with  a wooden  pestle. 

Thi  infection  is  sometimes  used  as  a grateful  aromatic  vehicle  or  adjunct  of 
tonic ; i purgative  powders.  W. 

COFECTIO  CASSIiE.  Lond.  Confection  of  Cassia. 

T?3  of  Prepared  Cassia  half  a pound;  Manna  two  ounces;  Prepared  Ta- 
narmc  an  ounce;  Syrup  of  Roses  eight  fiuidounces.  Bruise  the  Manna,  and 
lissolv'.it  in  the  Syrup;  then  mix  in  the  Cassia  and  Tamarinds,  and  evaporate  to 
be  prc  ?r  consistence.”  Lond. 

The  infection  of  cassia  is  slightly  laxative;  but  is  seldom  if  ever  prepared  in 
this  co  try,  and  might  very  properly  be  expunged  from  the  catalogue  of  prepa- 
rations: s it  is  both  feeble  and  expensive.  W. 

COFECTIO  CATECHU  COMPOSITA.  Pub.  Electuarium 
atec  j.  Ed.  Compound  Confection  of  Catechu. 

Ta  of  Compound  Powder  of  Catechu  five  ounces  [avoirdupois] ; Simple- 


930 


Confectiones. 


PAI  II. 


Syrup  five  fluulounces.  Add  the  Syrup  gradually  to  the  Powder,  and  mix  em 
well  together.”  Dub. 

“Take  of  Catechu  and  Kino,  of  each,  four  ounces;  Cinnamon  and  Xu  eg 
of  each,  one  ounce ; Opium,  diffused  in  a little  Sherry,  one  drachm  and  a alf; 
Syrup  of  Red  Ptoses,  reduced  to  the  consistence  of  honey,  one  pint  and  cialj 
[Imperial  measure].  Pulverize  the  solids,  mix  the  opium  and  syrup,  the  the 
powders,  and  beat  them  thoroughly  into  a uniform  mass.”  Ed. 

The  Edinburgh  Confection  is  aromatic  and  astringent,  containing  one  rain 
of  opium  in  about  two  hundred  grains  of  the  mass;  and  may  be  ad  van  tag  jsly 
given  in  diarrhoea  and  chronic  dysentery,  in  the  dose  of  half  adracbiora 
drachm  more  or  less  frequently  repeated.  It  may  be  taken  in  the  form  of  plus, 
or  diffused  in  water.  The  Dublin  Confection  contains  no  opium,  but  is  siilar 
in  other  respects. 

CONFECTIO  OPII.  U.  S.,  Land.  Electuarium  Opii.  Ed.  Con- 
fection of  Opium. 

“Take  of  Opium,  in  powder,  four  drachms  and  a half;  Aromatic  Ivder 
six  ounces;  Clarified  Honey  fourteen  ounces.  Rub  the  Opium  with  the  Ariatie 
Powder,  then  add  the  Honey,  and  beat  the  whole  together  until  thor  ghly 
mixed.”  U.  S. 

“ Take  of  Opium,  in  powder,  six  drachms;  Long  Pepper  an  ounce;  (iger, 
in  powder,  two  ounces;  Caraway  three  ounces;  Tragacanth,  in  powdc  two 
drachms  ; Syrup  sixteen  fiuidounces  [Imperial  measure].  Rub  the  dryagre- 
dients  together  to  a very  fine  powder,  and  keep  it  in  a covered  vessel  But 
when  the  Confection  is  to  be  used,  add  the  powder  gradually  to  the  Syr'  pre- 
viously heated,  and  mix.”  Lond. 

“Take  of  Aromatic  Powder  six  ounces;  Senega,  in  fine  powder,  three  cues; 
Opium,  diffused  in  a little  Sherry,  half  an  ounce;  Syrup  of  Ginger  a ntnd. 
Mix  them  together,  and  beat  them  into  an  electuary.”  Ed. 

This  confection  was  intended  as  a substitute  for  those  exceedingly  cnplex 
and  unscientific  preparations  which  were  formerly  known  by  the  names  f the- 
riaca  and  mithridate,  and  which  have  been  expelled  from  modern  primacy. 
The  seneka,  directed  in  the  last  edition  of  the  Edinburgh  Pharmacopoi,  was 
probably  put  inadvertently  for  serpentaria,  directed  in  the  old  Latin  iition. 
The  former  medicine  has  no  property  which  adapts  it  to  this  position  The 
preparation  is  a combination  of  opium  with  spices,  which  render  it  morStimu 
lant,  and  more  grateful  to  a debilitated  stomach.  It  is  given  in  aton  gout, 
flatulent  colic,  diarrhoea  unattended  with  inflammation,  and  in  various  obr  dis 
eases  requiring  the  use  of  a stimulant  narcotic.  Added  to  Peruvian  irk  o' 
sulphate  of  quinia,  it  increases  considerably  the  efficacy  of  this  remedy  , obsti 
nate  cases  of  intermittent  fever.  One  grain  of  opium  is  contained  : abou 
thirty-six  grains  of  the  U.  S.  and  London  confections,  and  in  forty-threof  th- 
Edinburgh. 

CONFECTIO  PIPERIS.  Lond.  Coxfectio  Piperis  Nigr  Dub 
Electuarium  Piperis.  Ed.  Confection  of  Black  Pepper. 

“Take  of  Black  Pepper,  Elecampane,  each,  a pound;  Fennel  [see]  tire 
pounds;  Honey,  Sugar  [refined],  each,  two  pounds.  Rub  the  dry  iojedient 
together  into  a very  fine  powder,  and  keep  them  in  a covered  vessel.  B uher 
ever  the  confection  is  to  be  used,  add  the  powder  gradually  to  the  Hoy,  an 
beat  them  until  thoroughly  incorporated.”  Lond. 

“ Take  of  Black  Pepper,  Liquorice  Root  in  powder,  each,  a pound  JenD‘ 
three  pounds;  Honey,  White  Sugar,  each,  two  pounds.  Triturate  t^  solid 
together  into  a very  fine  powder;  add  the  Honey;  and  beat  the  who  into 
uniform  mass.”  Ed. 


R.T  II. 


Confectiones. 


931 


Take  of  Black  Pepper,  in  fine  powder,  Liquorice  Boot,  in  powder,  each,  half 
anunce  [avoirdupois];  Befined  Sugar  one  ounce  [avoird.];  Oil  of  Fennel  half 
a f drachm;  Clarified  Honey  two  ounces  [avoird.].  Bub  the  dry  substances 
to>ther  into  a very  fine  powder,  then  add  the  Honey  and  Oil,  and  beat  them 
ini  a uniform  mass.”  Dub. 

iis  preparation  was  intended  as  a substitute  for  Ward's  paste,  which  acquired 
son  reputation  in  Great  Britain  as  a remedy  in  piles  and  ulcers  of  the  rectum. 
Too  good,  it  must  be  continued,  according  to  Mr.  Brodie,  for  two,  three,  or 
for  months.  The  dose  is  from  one  to  two  drachms  repeated  two  or  three  times 
a 6;.  Its  stimulating  properties  render  it  inapplicable  to  cases  attended  with 
nm  inflammation.  W. 

ONFECTIO  ROSiE.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Dub.  Conserva  Ros,e.  Ed. 
Gmedion  of  Roses.  Conserve  of  Roses. 

Take  of  Bed  Boses,  in  powder,  four  ounces ; Sugar  [refined],  in  powder, 
thiv  ounces ; Clarified  Honey  six  ounces ; Bose  Water  eight  fluidounces.  Bub 
the  loses  with  the  Bose  Water  heated  to  150°;  then  gradually  add  the  Sugar 
anoloney,  and  beat  the  whole  together  until  thoroughly  mixed.”  U.  S. 

Make  of  fresh  Bed  Boses  a 'pound;  Sugar  [refined]  three  pounds.  Beat  the 
Ron  in  a marble  mortar ; then  add  the  Sugar,  and  beat  again  until  they  are 
incoorated.”  Lond. 

L Edinburgh  College  directs  the  petals  to  be  beaten  into  a pulp  with  the 
graial  addition  of  twice  their  weight  of  white  sugar.  The  Dublin  College , 
usii  the  avoirdupois  weights,  macerates  an  ounce  of  the  dried  roses  in  two  fluid- 
oun  \ of  rose  water  for  two  hours,  adds  gradually  eight  ounces  of  refined  sugar, 
and  eats  them  into  a uniform  mass;  or,  it  prepares  the  confection  in  the  same 
matir  as  the  London  College,  using  three  parts  of  petals  to  eight  of  sugar. 

Ir.he  London  process,  the  unblown  petals  only  are  used,  and  these  should  be 
depied  of  their  claws;  in  other  words,  the  rose  buds  should  he  cut  off  a short 
distne  above  their  base,  and  the  lower  portion  rejected.  In  the  last  two  editions 
of  t U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia,  dried  roses  have  been  substituted  for  the  fresh,  as 
the  iter  are  not  brought  to  our  market.  The  process  is  very  similar  to  that 
of  tl  French  Codex.  We  have  been  informed,  however,  that  much  of  the  con- 
fecti  of  roses  made  in  Philadelphia  is  prepared  from  the  fresh  petals  of  the 
hunt  'd-leaved  rose  and  others,  by  beating  them  into  a pulp  with  sugar  as  in 
the'iadon  process.  An  excuse  for  this  deviation  from  the  officinal  formula 
is,  th  the  confection  thus  made  has  greater  adhesiveness  than  the  officinal,  and 
is  th  Tore  better  fitted  for  the  formation  of  pills. 

Th  confection  is  slightly  astringent,  but  is  almost  exclusively  used  as  a vehicle 
of  ot  r medicines,  or  to  impart  consistence  to  the  pilular  mass.  The  Edinburgh 
Colie  employs  it  in  most  of  its  officinal  pills. 

Oj  Prep.  Pilulae  Hydrargyri.  W. 

CUFECTIO  ROSiE  CANINiE.  Lond.  Conserva  Ros^e  Fruc- 
A's.  Id.  Confection  of  Dog  Rose. 

He  of  Dog  Rose,  enucleated,  a pound;  Sugar  [refined],  in  powder,  twenty 
ounce  Rub  the  Rose  with  the  Sugar  gradually  added,  until  they  are  incorpo- 
ratedj  Lond. 

He  any  convenient  quantity  of  hips,  carefully  deprived  of  their  carpels, 
beat  t:m  to  a fine  pulp,  adding  gradually  thrice  their  weight  of  white  Sugar.” 
Ed. 

Th  preparation  is  acidulous  and  refrigerant,  and  is  used  in  Europe  for  forming 
®ore  five  medicines  into  pills  and  electuaries.  W. 

CC  FECTIO  RUTiE.  Lond.  Confection  of  Rue. 

T e of  Rue,  recently  powdered,  Caraway,  Laurel  [fruit],  each,  an  ounce  and 


932 


Confectiones. 


par:  i. 


a half;  Prepared  Sagapenum  half  an  ounce ; Black  Pepper  two  drachms ; H ey 
[clarified]  sixteen  ounces.  Rub  the  dry  ingredients  together  to  a very  fine  w- 
der;  then,  the  Sagapenum  having  been  liquefied  over  a slow  fire  with  the  W :er 
and  Honey,  gradually  add  the  powder,  and  mix  all  together.”  Lond. 

The  confection  of  rue  is  antispasmodic,  and  in  Great  Britain  is  employ;  in 
the  form  of  enema  in  hysterical  complaints  and  flatulent  colic;  but  in  this  coi  ry 
it  is  not  used.  From  a scruple  to  a drachm  may  he  administered,  diffus  in 
half  a pint  of  warm  mucilaginous  fluid.  1 

CONFECTIO  SCAMMONII.  Lond.,  Bub.  Confection  of  Scamm\y. 

“ Take  of  Scammony  an  ounce  and  a half;  Cloves,  bruised,  Ginger,  in  >w- 
der,  each,  six  drachms;  Oil  of  Caraway  half  a fluidrachm;  Syrup  of  Res  a 
sufficient  quantity.  Rub  the  dry  ingredients  into  a very  fine  powder,  and  iep 
them  in  a closed  vessel;  then,  when  the  Confection  is  to  be  used,  pour  i the 
Syrup,  and  again  rub  them ; finally,  add  the  Oil  of  Caraway,  and  mix  em 
all.”  Lond. 

The  Dublin  College , employing  avoirdupois  weights,  beats  three  ounces  ofow- 
dered  scammony,  and  an  ounce  and  a half  of  finely  powdered  ginger,  with im 
fiuidounces  of  simple  syrup  and  an  ounce  and  a half  of  clarified  honey;  nen 
adds  half  a fluidrachm,  each,  of  oil  of  cloves  and  oil  of  caraway,  and  mix  all 
together. 

This  confection  is  actively  cathartic  in  the  dose  of  half  a drachm  or  a dram; 
but  is  very  little  used.  The  proportion  of  scammony  in  the  London  prepa.ion 
is  uncertain,  from  the  indefinite  quantity  of  syrup  employed. 

CONFECTIO  SENNoE.  U.S.,  Lond.,  Dub.  Electuarium  Sem. 
Ed.  Confection  of  Senna.  Lenitive  Electuary. 

“Take  of  Senna  eight  ounces;  Coriander  [seed]  four  ounces;  Liquorice ,oot, 
bruised,  three  ounces;  Figs  a pound;  Pulp  of  Prunes,  Pulp  of  Tamarinds  3ulp 
of  Purging  Cassia,  each,  half  a pound;  Sugar  [refined]  two  pounds  and  amf; 
Water  four  pints.  Rub  the  Senna  and  Coriander  together,  and  separa  ten 
ounces  of  the  powder  with  a sieve.  Boil  the  residue  with  the  Liquoricdoot 
and  Figs,  in  the  Water,  to  one-half;  then  press  out  the  liquor  and  rain. 
Evaporate  the  strained  liquor,  by  means  of  a water-bath,  to  a pint  and  aalf; 
then  add  the  Sugar  and  form  a syrup.  Lastly,  rub  the  Pulps  with  the  yrup 
gradually  added,  and,  having  thrown  in  the  sifted  powder,  beat  all  to.-ther 
until  thoroughly  mixed.”  U.  S. 

The  London  process  corresponds  with  the  above.  The  Edinburgh  Dge 
directs  « pound  of  the  pulp  of  prunes,  and  omits  the  pulps  of  tamarin  and 
cassia  fistula;  but  otherwise  proceeds  in  the  same  manner.  The  Dublin  Glop, 
using  avoirdupois  weights,  takes  of  finely  powdered  senna  two  ounces, inely 
powdered  coriander  an  ounce,  oil  of  caraway  half  a fluidrachm,  pulp  of  ‘unes 
five  ounces,  pulp  of  tamarinds  two  ounces,  brown  sugar  eight  ounces,  andrater 
two  fiuidounces;  dissolves  the  sugar  in  the  water,  and  beats  the  pulps  to  uni- 
form consistence ; then,  having  stirred  in  the  powders  and  oil,  mixes  ; well 
together,  and  heats  the  mass  thoroughly  in  a water-bath  for  ten  minutes. 

The  confection  of  senna,  when  properly  made,  is  an  elegant  prepation. 
Directions  may  be  found  under  Pulpse  for  preparing  the  several  pulps  i erred 
to  in  the  U.  S.  formula;  but  the  apothecary  will  find  it  most  convenient)  pre- 
pare them  in  connexion  with  this  process ; and,  by  following  the  direction  here 
given,  he  will  approximate  very  closely  to  the  result  aimed  at  in  the  acinal 
directions.  Take  sixteen  ounces  of  cassia  fistula,  ten  ounces  of  tamarin?,  auu 
seven  ounces  of  prunes;  bruise  and  slice  them;  digest  with  sufficient  oiling 
water  thoroughly  to  soften  the  pulps ; remove  as  far  as  convenient  the  foments 
of  the  cassia  pods,  and  the  seeds  and  fibres  of  the  prunes  and  tamarinc;  ana 


P/T II.  Confectiones. — Cuprum.  933 

th  separate  the  pulp  by  rubbing  through  a hair  sieve.  The  crude  substances 
wi  in  the  quantities  mentioned,  each  yield  on  the  average  half  a pound  of 
pu . It  is  common  to  omit  the  cassia  pulp  in  the  preparation  of  the  confection, 
as  le  pods  are  not  always  to  be  found  in  the  market.  But  as  this  is  next  to 
sera  the  most  active  ingredient,  the  omission  is  to  be  regretted ; and  there  is 
noloubt  that  a steady  demand  for  the  fruit  would  be  met  by  an  abundant 
su  ly  from  the  West  Indies. 

bis  is  one  of  our  best  and  most  pleasant  laxatives,  being  admirably  adapted 
to  ses  of  habitual  costiveness,  especially  in  pregnant  women  and  persons  affected 
wi  piles.  It  is  also  very  useful  in  the  constipation  which  is  apt  to  attend  con- 
vascence  from  fevers  and  other  acute  diseases.  The  mean  dose  is  two  drachms, 
to  ! taken  at  bedtime.  W. 

ONFECTIO  SULPHURIS.  Dub.  Confection  of  Sulphur. 

Take  of  Sublimed  Sulphur  two  ounces ; Bitartrate  of  Potassa  one  ounce  ; 

Cli  tied  Honey,  by  weight,  one  ounce ; Syrup  of  Ginger,  Syrup  of  Saffron,  of 
eaq  half  a fluidounce.  Triturate  all  the  ingredients  in  a mortar,  until  they 
armtimately  mixed.”  Dub.  The  weights  here  employed  are  avoirdupois. 

iis  is  merely  a mode  of  administering  the  two  laxatives  sulphur  and  bitar- 
tra  of  potassa ; and  the  relative  proportion  of  the  latter  is  so  small  that  it  can 
ha  little  effect.  The  dose  may  be  from  two  drachms  to  half  an  ounce  or  more. 

W. 

ONFECTIO  TEREBINTIIINiE.  Dub.  Confection  of . Turpentine. 

Take  of  Oil  of  Turpentine  one  fluidounce ; Liquorice  Root,  in  powder,  one 
our,;  Clarified  Honey,  by  weight,  two  ounces.  Rub  the  Oil  of  Turpentine 
wit  the  Liquorice  Powder,  then  add  the  Honey,  and  beat  them  all  together 
inti  uniform  consistence.”  Dub.  The  weights  employed  are  avoirdupois. 

infections  might  be  multiplied  indefinitely  upon  the  principle  which  appears 
to  ve  been  adopted  here,  that,  namely,  of  giving  a convenient  formula  for  the 
adnistration  of  medicines.  The  effects  of  this  confection  are  those  only  of  the  . 
oil ' turpentine.  The  dose  may  be  from  a scruple  to  a drachm.  W. 

CUPRUM. 

Preparations  of  Copper. 

1 JPRI  SUBACETAS  PRiEPARATUM.  Dub.  Prepared  Suba- 
cet-?  of  Copper. 

‘ 'ake  of  Subacetate  of  Copper  a convenient  quantity.  Reduce  it  to  powder 
by  ireful  trituration  in  a porcelain  mortar,  and  separate  the  finer  parts  for  use 
by  ;ans  of  a sieve.”  Dub. 

I the  process  of  the  former  Dublin  Pharmacopoeia,  in  which  levigation  and 
elui  ation  were  employed,  a chemical  change  was  effected,  which  was  not  ori- 
gin: y contemplated,  the  object  being  merely  to  reduce  verdigris  to  the  state 
ofvy  fine  powder.  This  object  is  accomplished  by  the  present  process.  The 
prepation  is  used  only  as  an  escharotic  and  stimulant  application  to  unhealthy 
ulct  and  obstinate  cutaneous  eruptions. 

( . Prep.  Unguentum  Cupri  Subacetatis.  W. 

CPRUM  AMMONIATUM.  U.S.,Ed.  Cupri  Ammonio-sulphas. 
Loy,  Dub.  Ammoniated  Copper. 

lake  of  Sulphate  of  Copper  half  an  ounce ; Carbonate  of  Ammonia  six 
dra  ms.  Rub  them  together  in  a glass  mortar  till  the  effervescence  ceases ; 
thep vrap  the  Ammoniated  Copper  in  bibulous  paper,  and  dry  it  with  a gentle 
bea  Let  it  be  kept  in  a well-stopped  glass  bottle.”  U.  S. 


934 


pari  r. 


Cuprum. 

The  processes  of  the  British  Colleges  are  essentially  the  same  as  the  abe, 
the  ingredients,  proportions,  and  general  mode  of  operating  being  identical.  ie 
London  College  orders  that  the  salt  be  dried  in  the  air,  and  omits  the  direem 
as  to  the  mode  of  keeping  it;  the  Edinburgh  directs  that  the  product  shoubre 
first  dried  in  folds  of  blotting  paper,  and  afterwards  by  exposure  for  a short  ne 
to  the  air ; and  the  Dublin  orders  the  ingredients  to  be  triturated  in  a porcein 
mortar,  and  the  drying  to  be  effected  in  bibulous  paper  on  a porous  brick. 

When  the  two  salts  above  mentioned  are  rubbed  together,  a reaction  ties 
place  between  them  attended  with  the  extrication  of  the  water  of  crystalliza on 
of  the  sulphate  of  copper,  which  renders  the  mass  moist,  and  with  the  sinn  a- 
neous  escape  of  carbonic  acid  gas  from  the  carbonate  (sesquicarbonate)  of  an  o- 
nia,  which  occasions  an  effervescence.  The  colour  is  at  the  same  time  alte  d, 
passing  from  the  light  blue  of  the  powdered  sulphate  of  copper  to  a beau  ul 
deep  azure.  The  nature  of  the  chemical  changes  which  take  place  is  not  e- 
cisely  known.  One  of  the  views  which  have  been  taken  is,  that  the  blue  viiol 
parts  with  a portion  of  its  acid  to  the  ammonia  of  the  carbonate,  thus  foriag 
a subsulphate  of  copper  and  sulphate  of  ammonia,  which  are  either  mixe -o- 
gether,  or  chemically  united  in  the  form  of  a double  salt,  the  sulphate  of  co>er 
and  ammonia.  According  to  Phillips,  the  sulphuric  acid  of  the  sulphat  of 
copper  unites  with  the  ammonia  of  a portion  of  the  sesquicarbonate  of  animc  a; 
while  the  carbonic  acid  of  the  decomposed  sesquicarbonate  partly  escapes, nd 
partly  combines  with  the  oxide  of  copper;  so  that  the  resulting  preparation  in- 
sists of  sulphate  of  ammonia,  carbonate  of  copper,  and  undecomposed  sesquir- 
bonate  of  ammonia.  It  is  highly  probable  that  Cuprum  Ammoniatum,  de- 
pendency of  the  excess  of  sesquicarbonate  of  ammonia  which  it  may  eontai  is 
identical  with  the  crystallized  salt  obtained  by  dropping  a solution  of  ire 
ammonia  into  a solution  of  sulphate  of  copper  till  the  subsalt  first  thrown  csvn 
is  dissolved,  then  concentrating,  and  precipitating  by  alcohol.  Now,  from  he 
analysis  of  this  salt  by  Berzelius,  it  appears  to  contain  one  equivalent  oful- 
phuric  acid,  one  of  oxide  of  copper,  two  of  ammonia,  and  one  of  water,  w.ch 
may  be  supposed  to  be  combined  in  the  form  of  a double  salt — the  cupro-suljate 
of  ammonia — consisting  of  one  equiv.  of  sulphate  of  ammonia,  one  of  euprc  of 
ammonia,  in  which  the  oxide  of  copper  acts  the  part  of  an  acid,  and  one  of  vter 
of  crystallization  (NH3,S03-fNH3,CuO  + HO).  But  as  half  an  ounce  oful- 
phate  of  copper  would  require  for  such  a result  somewhat  less  than  the  me 
weight  of  sesquicarbonate  of  ammonia,  there  must  be  a considerable  exce  of 
the  latter  salt,  unless  dissipated  in  the  drying  process.  In  the  uncertnty 
which  exists  as  to  the  precise  nature  of  the  preparation,  the  name  of  ammonled 
copper  appears  to  be  as  appropriate  for  a pharmaceutical  title  as  any  that  old 
be  adopted. 

This  salt  has  a beautiful  deep  azure-blue  colour,  a strong  ammoniacal  O'Ur, 
and  a styptic,  metallic  taste.  It  is  soluble  in  water,  and  the  solution  h:  an 
alkaline  reaction  on  vegetable  colours ; but,  unless  there  be  excess  of  sesquar- 
bonate  of  ammonia,  the  solution  deposits  subsulphate  of  copper  if  much  diled. 
When  exposed  to  the  air  it  parts  with  ammonia,  and  is  said  to  be  ultimely 
converted  into  sulphate  of  ammonia  and  carbonate  of  copper.  This  chare  is 
apt  to  occur  to  a greater  or  less  extent  while  it  is  drying.  It  should  not,  tere- 
fore,  be  prepared  in  large  quantities  at  a time,  and  should  be  kept  in  well-csed 
bottles.  By  heat,  the  whole  of  it  is  dissipated,  except  the  oxide  of  ccrer. 
Arscnious  acid  precipitates  a green  arsenite  of  copper  from  its  solution.  Possa, 
soda,  lime-water,  and  the  acids  are  incompatible  with  it. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Ammoniated  copper  is  tonic,  and  is  th'ght 
to  exercise  an  influence  over  the  nervous  system  which  renders  it  antispasndic. 
It  has  been  much  employed  in  epilepsy,  in  which  it  was  recommended  by  C en. 


pa ; ii. 


935 


Cuprum. — Decocta. 

The  is  good  reason  to  believe  that  it  has  occasionally  effected  cures;  but  like 
all  ;her  remedies  in  that  complaint  it  very  frequently  fails.  It  has  also  been 
use  in  chorea,  hysteria,  and  worms;  and  by  Swediaur  as  an  injection  in  gonor- 
rbo  and  leucorrhoea.  In  over-doses  it  produces  vomiting,  and  the  poisonous 
effete  which  result  from  the  other  preparations  of  copper.  (See  Cuprum .)  It  is 
sail  however,  to  be  less  apt  to  excite  nausea.  The  dose  is  a quarter  or  half  a 
gra , repeated  twice  a day,  and  gradually  increased  to  four  or  five  grains.  It 
mabe  given  in  pill  or  solution.  The  medicine  should  not  be  very  long  con- 
timd  without  interruption;  according  to  Cullen,  not  longer  than  a ni'onth. 

•f.  Prep.  Cupri  Ammoniati  Solutio;  Pilulae  Cupri  Ammoniati.  W. 

jtJPRI  .AMMONIATI  SOLUTIO.  Ed.  Liquor  Cupri  Ammonio- 
SU:  HATIS.  Lond.  Solution  of  Ammoniated  Copper. 

Take  of  Ammonio-sulphate  of  Copper  a drachm ; Distilled  Water  a pint 
[Inerial  measure].  Dissolve  and  filter.”  Lond. 

1e  Edinburgh  formula  is  the  same  as  the  London. 

] the  quantity  of  water  employed  in  these  processes,  the  ammoniated  copper, 
unis  it  contain  an  excess  of  carbonate  of  ammonia,  which  it  probably  does 
win  recently  prepared,  is  said  by  Mr.  Phillips  to  be  decomposed,  with  a pre- 
cip  tion  of  one-half  of  the  oxide  of  copper.  According  to  the  same  author,  a 
smier  portion  of  water  dissolves  it  perfectly. 

- is  solution  is  sometimes  employed  as  a stimulant  to  foul  and  indolent  ulcers, 
and  diluted  with  water,  as  an  application  to  the  cornea  when  affected  with  specks 
or  < acity ; but  it  is  probably  in  no  respect  superior  for  these  purposes  to  a solu- 
tioijpf  sulphate  of  copper,  and  scarcely  deserves  a place  among  the  officinal  pre- 
pardons.  W. 

UPRI  SULPHAS.  Lond.  Sulphate  of  Copper. 

1 'ake  of  Commercial  Sulphate  of  Copper  four  pounds ; Boiling  Distilled 
War  four  pints  [Imperial  measure].  Pour  the  Water  upon  the  Sulphate,  and 
app  heat,  occasionally  stirring  until  it  is  dissolved.  Filter  the  solution  while 
hot  ad  set  it  aside  that  crystals  may  form.  Evaporate  the  decanted  liquor,  that 
it  ny  again  crystallize.  Dry  all  the  crystals.”  Lond. 

Is  is  merely  a method  of  purifying  commercial  sulphate  of  copper.  For  the 
pro  rties  and  uses  of  the  purified  salt  the  reader  is  referred  to  Cupri  Sulphas 
in  tji  first  part  of  this  work.  The  London  College  gives  as  tests  of  its  purity, 
thai.t  is  [wholly]  soluble  in  water,  and  that  whatever  ammonia  throws  down 
froi  the  solution  is  redissolved  by  the  ammonia  in  excess. 

( ’.  Prep.  Cupri  Ammonio-sulphas.  • W. 

DECOCTA. 

r . 

Decoctions. 

Itoctions  are  solutions  of  vegetable  principles,  obtained  by  boiling  the  sub- 
starts  containing  these  principles  in  water.  Vegetables  generally  yield  their 
soh;e  ingredients  more  readily  and  in  larger  proportion  to  water  maintained 
at  t point  of  ebullition,  than  to  the  same  liquid  at  a lower  temperature.  Hence 
dec;  ;ion  is  occasionally  preferred  to  infusion  as  a mode  of  extracting  the  vir- 
tue: f plants,  when  the  call  for  the  remedy  is  urgent,  and  the  greatest  possible 
acti  y in  the  preparation  is  desirable.  The  process  should  be  conducted  in  a 
cov  id  vessel,  so  as  to  confine  the  vapour  over  the  surface  of  the  liquid,  and 
thu prevent  the  access  of  atmospheric  air,  which  sometimes  exerts  an  injurious 
age  y upon  the  active  principle.  The  boiling,  moreover,  should  not,  as  a ge- 
ncr ■:  ruU,  be  long  continued ; as  the  ingredients  of  the  vegetable  are  apt  to  react 


936 


Decocta. 


PAR' [I. 


on  each  other,  and  thus  lose,  to  a greater  or  less  extent,  their  original  charaar. 
The  substance  submitted  to  decoction  should  if  dry  be  either  powdered  or  ell 
bruised,  if  fresh  should  be  sliced,  so  that  it  may  present  an  extensive  surfa'  to 
the  action  of  the  solvent;  and  previous  maceration  for  some  time  in  wat  is 
occasionally  useful  by  overcoming  the  cohesion  of  the  vegetable  fibre.  Stfld 
the  physician  in  his  prescription  not  happen  to  direct  this  preliminary  coiai- 
nution,  the  apothecary  should  nevertheless  not  omit  it. 

All  vegetable  substances  are  not  proper  objects  for  decoction.  In  man' he 
active  principle  is  volatile  at  a boiling  heat,  in  others  it  undergoes  some  ch  ge 
unfavourable  to  its  activity,  and  in  a third  set  is  associated  with  ineffieie  or 
nauseous  principles,  which,  though  insoluble  or  but  slightly  soluble  in  cool  war, 
are  abundantly  extracted  by  that  liquid  at  the  boiling  temperature,  and  thu  in- 
cumber, if  they  do  not  positively  injure  the  preparation.  In  all  these  instates, 
infusion  is  preferable  to  decoction.  Besides,  by  the  latter  process,  more  m‘er 
is  often  dissolved  than  the  water  can  retain,  so  that  upon  cooling  a precipit  on 
takes  place,  and  the  liquid  is  rendered  turbid.  When  the  active  princip  is 
thus  dissolved  in  excess,  the  decoction  should  always  be  strained  while  hoi  so 
that  the  matter  which  separates  on  cooling,  may  be  mixed  again  with  the  ud 
by  agitation  at  the  time  of  administering  the  remedy. 

In  compound  decoctions,  the  ingredients  may  be  advantageously  addt  at 
different  periods  of  the  process,  according  to  the  length  of  boiling  requisitfor 
extracting  their  virtues ; and,  should  any  one  of  them  owe  its  activity  to  a la- 
tile  principle,  the  proper  plan  is,  at  the  close  of  the  process,  to  pour  upon  i;he 
boiling  decoction,  and  allow  the  liquor  to  cool  in  a covered  vessel. 

As  a general  rule,  glass  or  earthenware  vessels  should  be  preferred ; as  rise 
made  of  metal  are  sometimes  corroded  by  the  ingredients  of  the  decoction,  weh 
thus  becomes  contaminated.  Vessels  of  clean  cast-iron  or  common  tin,  of 
block  tin,  are  preferable  to  those  of  copper,  brass,  or  zinc;  but  iron  pots  sbild 
not  be  used  when  astringent  vegetables  are  concerned. 

Decoctions,  from  the  mutual  reaction  of  their  constituents,  as  well  as  fronhe 
influence  of  the  air,  are  apt  to  spoil  in  a short  time.  Hence  they  should  be  re- 
pared only  when  wanted  for  use,  and  should  not  be  kept,  in  warm  weatheifor 
a longer  period  than  forty-eight  hours.  1 

DECOCTUM  ALOES  COMPOSITUM.  Lo?id.,  Dub.  Decocjm 
Aloes.  Ed.  Compound  Decoction  of  Aloes. 

“ Take  of  Extract  of  Liquorice  seven  drachms ; Carbonate  ofPotassa  a dram; 
Extract  of  Aloes,  Myrrh,  in  powder,  Saffron,  each,  a drachm  and  a half;  As- 
tilled  Water  a pint  and  a half  [Imperial  measure];  Compound  Tincture  ofar- 
damom  seven  jluidounces.  Boil  the  Liquorice,  Carbonate,  Aloes,  Myrrhind 
Saffron  with  the  Water  to  a pint  [Imp.  meas.],  and  strain;  then  add  the  'nc- 
ture.”  Lond. 

“ Take  of  Socotrine  or  Hepatic  Aloes,  Powder  of  Myrrh,  and  Saffron,  ch, 
one  drachm ; Extract  of  Liquorice  half  an  ounce ; Carbonate  of  Potasljfwo 
scruples;  Compound  Tincture  of  Cardamom  four  Jluidounces;  Water  siecn 
Jluidounces.  Mix  the  Aloes,  Myrrh,  Saffron,  Liquorice,  and  Carbonate  of  Pish 
with  the  Water;  boil  down  to  twelve  [Jluid]ounces  ; filter,  and  add  the  Compmd 
Tincture  of  Cardamom.”  Ed. 

“ Take  of  Hepatic  Aloes,  in  powder,  a drachm  and  a half;  Myrrh,  in  pover, 
Saffron,  chopped  fine,  of  each,  one  drachm;  Pure  Carbonate  of  Potash  two  ru- 
pies;  Extract  of  Liquorice  half  an  ounce;  Water  fourteen  \_  fluid]ounces;  im- 
pound Tincture  of  Cardamom  as  much  as  is  sufficient.  Rub  the  Aloes,  31  rh, 
and  Carbonate  of  Potash  together,  then  add  the  Saffron  and  Extract  of  Lique  t) 
and  boil  for  ten  minutes  in  a covered  vessel ; cool,  strain  through  flannel,  anadd 


P.LT  II. 


Decocta. 


937 


ofJompound  Tincture  of  Cardamom  as  much  as  will  make  sixteen  fluidounces.” 
Bb.  The  weights  employed  in  this  process  are  avoirdupois. 

'here  is  no  essential  difference  between  these  processes. 

'he  aloes,  myrrh,  and  carbonate  of  potassa  should  be  rubbed  together  before 
ti  addition  of  the  other  ingredients.  The  effect  of  the  alkaline  carbonate  is, 
b'iombining  with  the  resin  of  the  myrrh,  and  the  insoluble  portion  (apotheme 
of  Berzelius)  of  the  aloes,  to  render  them  more  soluble  in  water;  while  the 
li  iorice  assists  in  the  suspension  of  the  portion  not  actually  dissolved.  The 
ti  ture  of  cardamom  is  useful  not  only  by  its  cordial  property,  but  also  by  pre- 
vtiing  spontaneous  decomposition. 

iong  boiling  impairs  the  purgative  property  of  aloes;  and  the  same  effect  is 
thght  to  be  produced,  to  a certain  extent,  by  the  alkalies,  which  certainly 
qdify  its  operation,  and  render  it  less  apt  to  irritate  the  rectum.  This  decoc- 

ti , therefore,  is  milder  as  a cathartic  than  aloes  itself,  and  not  so  liable  to  pro- 
die  or  aggravate  hemorrhoidal  disease.  At  the  same  time  it  is  more  tonic  and 
cdial  from  the  presence  of  the  myrrh,  saffron,  and  cardamom,  and  derives 
aiicid  properties  from  the  carbonate  of  potassa.  It  is  given  as  a gentle  ca- 
tl.-tic,  tonic,  and  emmenagogue ; and  is  especially  useful  in  dyspepsia,  habitual 
ccstipation,  and  those  complicated  cases  in  which  suppressed  or  retained  men- 

st. ation  is  connected  with  enfeebled  digestion  and  a languid  state  of  bowels. 

I:  dose  is  from  half  a fluidounce  to  two  fluidounces.  The  decoction  should 
n be  combined  in  prescription  with  acids,  acidulous  salts,  or  other  saline  bodies 
wch  are  incompatible  with  the  alkaline  carbonate.  W. 

pECOCTUM  CETRARLE.  U.S.,  Lond.  Decoctum  Lichenis 
I andici.  Dub.  Decoction  of  Iceland  Moss. 

Take  of  Iceland  Moss  half  an  ounce ; Water  a pint  and  a half.  Boil  down 
t(.  pint,  and  strain  with  compression.”  U.  S. 

'he  London  College  orders  five  drachms  of  the  moss  with  a pint  and  a half  of 
wer  to  be  boiled  to  a pint  and  strained;  but,  as  the  Imperial  measure  is  used 
it  he  process,  the  proportion  is  in  fact  equivalent  to  about  half  an  ounce  to  the 
a thecaries’  pint.  The  Dublin  College  orders  an  ounce  (avoirdupois)  of  the 
ms  to  be  washed  in  cold  water  to  purify  it,  then  to  be  boiled  for  ten  minutes 
in  pint  and  a half  of  water  (Imp.  meas  ),  and  strained  while  hot. 
as  the  bitter  principle  is  dissolved  along  with  the  starch  of  the  moss,  this 
d action  unites  an  unpleasant  flavour  to  its  demtflcent  properties ; but  the 
p 1 which  has  been  proposed  of  first  extracting  the  bitterness  by  maceration  in 
w er,  or  a very  weak  solution  of  an  alkaline  carbonate,  and  afterwards  pre- 
p ng  the  decoction,  is  inadmissible ; as  the  peculiar  virtues  which  distinguish 
tl  medicine  from  the  ordinary  demulcents  are  thus  entirely  lost.  (See  Cetraria. ) 
l >int  of  the  decoction  may  be  taken  in  divided  doses  during  the  twenty-four 
h rs.  W. 

3EC0CTUM  CHIMAPHILiE.  U.S.,  Lond.  Decoctum  Pyroue. 
1 b.  Decoction  of  Pipsissewa.  Decoction  of  Winter  Grreen. 

Take  of  Pipsissewa,  bruised,  an  ounce;  Water  a pint  and  a half.  Boil 
d/n  to  a pint  and  strain.”  U.  S. 

' Take  of  Pipsissewa  an  ounce ; Distilled  Water  a pint  and  a half  [Imperial 
msure].  Boil  to  a pint,  and  strain.”  Lond. 

' Take  of  Leaves  of  Winter  green,  dried,  half  an  ounce  [avoirdupois] ; Water 
hi  a pint  [Imp.  meas.].  Boil  for  ten  minutes,  in  a covered  vessel,  and  strain. 
1'  product  should  measure  about  eight  [ fluidfipunces .”  Dub. 

-he  medical  properties  and  uses  of  pipsissewa  have  been  detailed  under  the 
h d of  Chimaphila.  One  pint  of  the  decoction  may  be  given  in  the  course  of 
t nty-four  hours.  W. 


938 


Decocta. 


PART 


DECOCTUM  CINCHONA  FLAVJE.  TJ.S.  Decoctum  Cutchob. 
Lond.,  Ed.  Decoction  of  Yelloio  Bark. 

“ Take  of  Yellow  Bark,  bruised,  an  ounce ; Water  a 'pint.  Boil  for  ten  minis 
in  a covered  vessel,  and  strain  the  liquor  while  hot.”  U.  S. 

The  London  College  boils  ten  drachms  of  yellow  bark,  bruised,  with  a pint  Q - 
perial  measure]  of  distilled  water,  for  a quarter  of  an  hour,  in  a covered  ves  , 
and  strains  while  hot.  The  Edinburgh  College  boils  an  ounce  of  the  yellow  ba , 
bruised,  with  twenty-four  fluidounces  of  water,  for  ten  minutes,  allows  the  - 
coction  to  cool,  then  filters  it,  and  evaporates  to  sixteen  fluidounces. 

DECOCTUM  CINCHONA  PALLID2E.  Lond.  Decoctum  C - 
chona;.  Ed .,  Dub.  Decoction  of  Pale  Bark. 

The  London  and  Edinburgh  Colleges  prepare  this  in  the  same  manner  as  3 
Decoction  of  Yellow  Bark.  The  Dublin  College  takes  half  an  ounce  (avoirdupc) 
of  pale  bark,  in  coarse  powder,  and  half  a pint  (Imp.  meas.)  of  water,  boils  r 
ten  minutes  in  a covered  vessel,  and  strains  while  hot. 

DECOCTUM  CINCHON2E  RUBRiE.  U.S.,  Lond.  Decoct  i 
Cinchonje.  Ed.  Decoction  of  Red  Bark. 

The  U.  S.,  London,  and  Edinburgh  Pharmacopoeias  direct  this  to  be  prepai 
in  the  same  manner  as  the  Decoction  of  Yellow  Bark. 

The  virtues  of  Peruvian  bark,  though  extracted  more  rapidly  by  decoction  tin 
by  infusion,  are  materially  impaired  by  long  boiling,  in  consequence  of  the  chan  s 
effected  in  its  constituents,  either  by  their  mutual  reaction,  or  by  the  ageneyf 
atmospheric  oxygen,  or  by  both  causes  united.  To  prevent  this  result,  the  ]> 
cess  is  directed  to  be  performed  in  a covered  vessel,  and  to  be  continued  only  1 
minutes.  But  even  with  these  precautions,  a considerable  precipitate  takes  pie 
in  the  decoction  upon  cooling,  which  is  thus  rendered  turbid.  According  to  Pe- 
tier,  besides  the  kinates  of  cinchonia  and  quinia,  the  water  dissolves  gum,  star., 
yellow  colouring  matter,  kinate  of  lime,  tannin,  and  a portion  of  cinehonie  r , 
with  a minute  quantity  of  fatty  matter.  But  the  tannin  and  starch,  at  the  boilg 
temperature,  unite  to  form  a compound  insoluble  in  cold  water;  and,  when  e 
decoction  is  allowed  to  cool,  this  compound  is  precipitated,  together  with  a p- 
tion  of  the  cinchonic  red  and  fatty  matter,  which  carry  with  them  also  a c - 
siderable  quantity  of  the  alkaline  principle  of  the  bark.  {Journ.de  Pliarm.f. 
119.)  Hence  the  decoctioiris  ordered  to  be  strained  while  hot,  so  that  the  porta 
of  active  matter  precipitated  may  be  mingled  by  agitation  with  the  liquor,  td 
not  be  lost.  Pelletier  recommends  that  a larger  proportion  of  water,  sufficit 
to  retain  the  alkali  in  solution,  be  employed,  that  the  decoction  be  filtered  wla 
cold,  and  then  sufficiently  concentrated  by  evaporation.  This  plan  has  bn 
adopted  by  the  Edinburgh  College,  but  is  unnecessarily  tedious.  A better  m e 
is  to  add  to  the  liquid  some  acid  which  may  form  with  the  quinia  and  cinchoa 
compounds  more  soluble  than  the  native  salts.  Lemon  juice  has  been  long  0- 
ployed  as  a useful  addition  to  the  decoction  of  cinchona,  and  we  can  now  unc> 
stand  the  manner  in  which  it  acts.  Sulphuric  acid  in  excess  answers  the  sae 
purpose.  By  acidulating  the  pint  of  water  employed  in  preparing  the  decoetn 
with  a fluidrachm  of  the  aromatic  or  diluted  sulphuric  acid,  we  shall  probay 
enable  the  menstruum  to  extract  all  the  virtues  of  the  bark.  The  propriety! 
such  an  addition  is  confirmed  by  the  experiments  of  MM.  Henry,  Jun.,  and  P;- 
son,  who  have  ascertained  that  portions  of  the  alkalies  exist  in  the  bark  conneed 
with  the  colouring  matter  in  the  form  of  insoluble  compounds,  and  that  its 
impossible,  therefore,  completely  to  exhaust  the  bark  by  water  alone.  The 
may,  however,  be  some  diversity  of  action  in  the  different  salts  of  quinia  ri 
cinchonia;  and  the  native  kinates  may,  under  certain  circumstances,  be  mt 
efficient. 


PAC  II. 


Decocta. 


989 


jmerous  substances  produce  precipitates  with  this  decoction ; but  compara- 
tive few  affect  its  activity  as  a medicine.  (See  Infusum  Cinchonse.)  Tannic  acid 
anohe  substances  containing  it  should  be  excluded  from  the  decoction;  as  it 
for s salts  with  the  alkaline  principles  of  the  bark,  which  are  either  insoluble 
or  at  slightly  soluble  in  water.  The  alkalies,  alkaline  earths,  and  salifiable 
bas;  generally  should  also  be  excluded;  because,  uniting  with  the  kinic  acid, 
the  precipitate  the  quinia  and  cinchonia. 

1 ie  dose  of  the  decoction  is  two  fluidounces,  to  he  repeated  more  or  less  fre- 
quitly  according  to  circumstances.  Two  drachms  of  orange  peel,  added  to  the 
deotion  while  still  boiling  hot,  improve  its  flavour,  and  render  it  more  ac- 
cepble  to  the  stomach.  W. 

ECOCTUM  CORNUS  FLORIDA.  U.  S.  Decoction  of  Dogwood. 

Take  of  Dogwood  [bark],  bruised,  an  ounce;  Water  a pint.  Boil  for  ten 
unites  in  a covered  vessel,  and  strain  the  liquor  while  hot.”  V.  S. 

iis  decoction  has  been  proposed  as  a substitute  for  that  of  Peruvian  bark; 
bu  though  possessed  of  analogous  properties,  it  is  much  inferior  in  eflicacy,  and 
is  t likely  to  be  extensively  employed  so  long  as  the  Peruvian  tonic  is  attain- 
ab!  The  dose  is  two  fluidounces.  W. 

ECOCTUM  CYDONII.  Lond.  Decoction  of  Quince  Seed. 

Take  of  Quince  [seeds]  two  drachms;  Distilled  Water  a pint  [Imperial  mea- 
sui|.  Boil  over  a slow  fire  for  ten  minutes;  then  strain.”  Lond. 

jus  decoction  is  viscid,  nearly  colourless,  insipid,  and  inodorous;  and  consists 
cb  ly  of  the  mucilaginous  principle  of  the  quince  seeds  dissolved  in  water.  For 
an  ;count  of  the  properties  and  uses  of  this  mucilage  see  Cydonia.  It  is  only 
en  oyed  externally.  As  it  speedily  undergoes  decomposition,  it  should  be  used 
imsdiately  after  being  prepared.  W. 

ECOCTUM  DULCAMARA.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub.  Decoction 
of  bittersweet. 

Take  of  Bittersweet,  bruised,  an  ounce;  Water  a pint  and  a half.  Boil 
do  i to  a pint,  and  strain.”  U.  S. 

le  processes  of  the  London  and  Edinburgh  Colleges  correspond  with  the 
abe.  The  Dublin  College  boils  half  an  ounce  (avoirdupois)  of  the  bittersweet 
wi  half  a pint  (Imperial  measure)  of  water,  for  ten  minutes,  in  a covered 
ve:  1,  and  strains. 

le  slender  twigs  of  the  bittersweet  are  the  part  employed.  Their  properties 
an  uses  have  been  already  detailed  under  the  head  of  Dulcamara.  The  dose 
of  e decoction  is  from  one  to  two  fluidounces  three  or  four  times  a day,  or  more 
freiently.  W. 

ECOCTUM  GALL2E.  Lond.  Decoction  of  Galls. 

Take  of  Galls,  bruised,  two  ounces  and  a half;  Distilled  Water  two  pints 
[Inerial  measure].  Boil  to  a pint,  and  strain.”  Lond. 

>r  the  properties  of  this  decoction  and  its  uses,  see  Galla  in  the  first  part  of 
th:  ivork.  The  dose  internally  would  be  from  half  a fluidounce  to  a fluidounce ; 
bu  t is  better  adapted  for  external  or  local  use.  W. 

ECOCTUM  GRANATI.  Lond.  Decoction  of  Pomegranate. 

Take  of  Pomegranate  [rind]  two  ounces;  Distilled  Water  a pint  and  a half 
[I  >erial  measure].  Boil  down  to  a pint,  and  strain.”  Lond. 

ie  dose  of  this  decoction  is  a fluidounce.  For  its  uses  see  Granatum. 
ECOCTUM  GRANATI  RAD1CIS.  Lond.  Decoction  of  Pome - 
gr  late  Loot. 

Take  of  Pomegranate  Root,  sliced,  two  ounces;  Distilled  Water  two  pints 
[I  aerial  measure].  Boil  to  a pint  and  strain.”  Lond. 

)r  the  uses  and  dose  of  this  decoction,  see  Granati  Radicis  Cortex. 


940 


Decocta. 


pari  t. 

DECOCTUM  GUAIACI.  Ed.  Decoction  of  Gruaiacum  Wood. 

"Take  of  Guaiac  turnings  three  ounces;  Raisins  two  ounces;  Sassafras  [r<  ] 
rasped,  and  Liquorice  Root  bruised,  each,  one  ounce ; Water  eight  pints  [Iu!- 
rial  measure].  Boil  the  Guaiac  and  Raisins  gently  with  the  Water  down  o 
five  pints,  adding  the  Liquorice  and  Sassafras  towards  the  end.  Strain  e 
decoction. ” Ed. 

This  is  the  old  decoction  of  the  woods.  Notwithstanding  its  former  reputat  1, 
it  is  little  more  than  a demulcent  drink ; for  water  is  capable  of  dissolving  it 
a minute  proportion  of  the  active  matter  of  guaiacum  wood,  and  one  ounce )f 
sassafras  root  can  impart  no  appreciable  activity  to  five  pints  of  menstruum,  i 
was  thought  useful  in  chronic  rheumatism  and  cutaneous  affections,  and  as  n 
adjuvant  to  a mercurial  course  in  syphilis,  or  an  alterative  course  of  anti  i- 
nials.  As  the  patient  was  directed  to  be  kept  warm  during  its  use,  it  no  doit 
acted  favourably  in  some  instances  as  a mere  diluent,  by  promoting  perspiratii. 
From  one  to  two  pints  may  be  taken  in  the  course  of  the  day,  in  doses  of  at  it 
four  fluidounces.  IV 

DECOCTUM  HJEMATOXYLL  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub.  Dele- 
tion of  Logwood. 

“ Take  of  Logwood,  rasped,  an  ounce;  Water  two  pints.  Boil  down  to  a p t, 
and  strain.”  U.  S. 

The  London  College  takes  ten  drachms  to  a pint  and  a half  [Imperial  m- 
sure],  boils  to  a pint,  and  strains. 

"Take  of  Logwood,  in  chips,  one  ounce ; Water  a pint  [Imperial  measur ; 
Cinnamon,  one  drachm,  in  powder.  Boil  the  Logwood  in  the  Water  dowi  o 
ten  fluidounces,  adding  the  Cinnamon  towards  the  end ; and  then  strain.’’  J. 

The  Dublin  College  boils  an  ounce  (avoirdupois)  of  logwood  with  half  a jit 
(Imp.  meas.)  of  water  for  ten  minutes,  in  a covered  vessel,  and  strains. 

This  is  an  excellent  astringent  in  diarrhoea ; particularly  in  that  form  o:it 
which  succeeds  the  cholera  infantum  of  this  climate,  or  occurs  as  an  original  cn- 
plaint  in  children  during  summer.  The  dose  for  an  adult  is  two  fluidounces,  >r 
a child  about  two  years  old,  two  or  three  fluidrachms,  repeated  several  timia 
day.  A little  bruised  cinnamon  may  often  be  added  with  advantage  at  the  d 
of  the  boiling,  as  directed  by  the  Edinburgh  College.  W 

DECOCTUM  HORDEI.  U.S.,  Lond.,  Dub.  Decoction  of  Barb. 

“Take  of  [Pearl]  Barley  two  outices;  Water  four  pints  and  a half.  Fst 
wash  away,  with  cold  water,  the  extraneous  matters  which  adhere  to  the  Bari ; 
then  pour  upon  it  half  a pint  of  the  Water,  and  boil  for  a short  time.  Havg 
thrown  away  this  water,  pour  the  remainder  boiling  hot  upon  the  Barley ; tin 
boil  down  to  two  pints,  and  strain.”  U.  S. 

The  process  of  the  London  College  does  not  essentially  differ  from  the  abe. 
The  Dublin  College  washes  an  ounce  and  a half  (avoirdupois)  of  barley  in  cd 
water,  rejects  the  washings,  and  then  boils  for  twenty  minutes  with  a pint  cd 
a half  (Imperial  measure)  of  water,  in  a covered  vessel,  and  strains. 

Barley  water,  as  this  decoction  is  usually  called,  is  much  employed  as  a nui- 
tive  drink  in  febrile  and  inflammatory  complaints,  and,  from  the  total  ahse  e 
of  irritating  properties,  is  peculiarly  adapted  to  cases  in  which  the  gastricr 
intestinal  mucous  membrane  is  inflamed.  As  the  stomach  of  those  for  whomt 
is  directed  is  often  exceedingly  delicate,  and  apt  to  revolt  against  anyth  g 
having  the  slightest  unpleasantness  of  flavour,  it  is  important  that  the  decocta 
should  be  properly  made ; and,  though  the  office  of  preparing  it  generally  f-S 
to  nurses,  yet  the  introduction  of  the  process  into  the  Pharmacopoeia  is  t 
without  advantage,  as  a formula  is  thus  ever  before  the  physician,  by  wkieli  e 
may  give  his  directions,  with  the  certainty,  if  obeyed,  of  having  a good  prei- 


Pi  T II. 


Decocta. 


941 


ra>n.  The  use  of  the  washing  with  cold  water,  and  of  the  first  short  boiling, 
is  impletely  to  remove  any  mustiness,  or  other  disagreeable  flavour,  which  the 
baey  may  have  acquired  from  exposure. 

)ff.  Prep.  Decoctum  Hordei  Compositum;  Enema  Aloes;  Enema  Assa- 
fache;  Enema  Terebinthinse.  W. 

)ECOCTUM  HORDEI  COMPOSITUM.  Lond.  Mistura  Hor- 
d:.  Ed.  Compound  Decoction  of  Barley. 

Take  of  Decoction  of  Barley  two  pints  [Imperial  measure] ; Figs,  sliced, 
tu  ounces  and  a half ; fresh  Liquorice  Root,  bruised,  five  drachms ; Raisins, 
st  ed,  two  ounces  and  a half;  Distilled  Water  a pint  [Imperial  measure].  Boil 
dtn  to  two  pints  [Imp.  meas.],  and  strain.”  Lond. 

Take  of  Pearl-Barley,  Figs,  sliced,  Raisins  freed  of  the  seeds,  of  each,  two 
owes  and  a half ; Liquorice  Root,  sliced  and  bruised,  five  drachms;  Water 
Ji,  pints  and  a half  [Imperial  measure].  Clean  the  Barley,  if  necessary,  by 
whing  it  with  cold  water;  boil  it  with  four  pints  and  a half  of  the  Water  down 
tcwo  pints;  add  the  Figs,  Raisins,  and  Liquorice  Root,  with  the  remaining 
pi  of  Water;  and  again  boil  down  to  two  pints;  then  strain.”  Ed. 

’he  compound  decoction  of  barley,  in  addition  to  the  demulcent  and  nutritive 
poerties  of  the  simple,  is  somewhat  laxative,  and  may  be  preferably  employ- 
ecvhere  there  is  a tendency  to  constipation.  But  it  is  so  often  necessary  to 
v if  the  nature  of  the  sapid  ingredients  to  suit  the  taste  of  the  patient,  that  it 
wild  be  better  to  leave  the  preparation  entirely  to  extemporaneous  prescrip- 
ti . W. 

3ECOCTUM  LINT  COMPOSITUM.  Dub.  Compound  Decoction 
OjFlaxseed. 

Take  of  Linseed  one  ounce;  Liquorice  Root,  bruised,  half  an  ounce;  Water 
O'i  pint  and  a half  [Imperial  measure].  Boil  for  ten  minutes  in  a covered 
vniel,  and  strain  while  hot.”  Dub.  The  weights  employed  are  the  avoir- 
d'ois. 

’laxseed  is,  we  think,  a better  subject  for  infusion  than  decoction,  by  which 
tl  oil  is  partially  evolved,  and  the  preparation  rendered  unpleasant.  W. 

)ECOCTUM  MEZEREI.  Ed.  Decoction  of  Mezereon. 

Take  of  Mezereon,  in  chips,  two  drachms;  Liquorice  Root,  bruised,  half  an 
vice;  Water  two  pints  [Imperial  measure].  Mix  them  and  boil  down  with  a 
g tie  heat  to  a pint  and  a half,  and  then  strain.”  Ed. 

’his  preparation  affords  a convenient  mode  of  exhibiting  mezereon,  the  acri- 
n iy  of  which  is  qualified  by  the  demulcent  principles  of  the  liquorice  root. 
I an  account  of  its  medical  applications,  see  Mezereum.  The  dose  is  from  four 
t(  ight  fluidounces  four  times  a day.  W. 

)ECOCTUM  MYRRHiE.  Dub.  Decoction  of  Myrrh. 

‘Take  of  Myrrh  two  drachms  [Dub.  weight];  Water  eight  [ jluicT]ounces 
a',  a hcdf.  Triturate  the  Myrrh  with  the  Water  gradually  added;  then  boil 
fi  ten  minutes,  in  a covered  vessel,  and  strain.  The  product  should  measure 
a ut  eight  [fluid]ounces.”  Dub. 

t does  not  appear  to  us  that  myrrh  is  a suitable  substance  for  decoction.  Its 
a ve  principles  are  but  very  sparingly  imparted  to  water.  W. 

DECOCTUM  PAPAYERIS.  Lond .,  Ed.,  Dub.  Decoction  of 

Appy- 

‘Take  of  Poppy  [Capsules],  sliced,  four  ounces;  Distilled  Water  four  pints 
[ iperial  measure].  Boil  for  a quarter  of  an  hour,  and  strain.”  Lond. 

The  Edinburgh  process  differs  from  the  above  only  in  the  proportion  of  water, 
e ploying  three  pints  (Imp.  meas.).  The  Dublin  College  boils  four  ounces 


942 


Decocta. 


pari  i. 


(avoirdupois)  with  three  pints  (Imp.  meas.)  of  water,  for  ten  minutes,  in  a cov  >d 
vessel,  and  strains. 

This  decoction  is  used  as  an  anodyne  fomentation  in  painful  tumours  id 
superficial  cutaneous  inflammation  or  excoriation.  It  is  recommended  no  to 
reject  the  seeds ; as  their  oil,  suspended  in  the  water  by  the  mucilage  of  the  o- 
sules,  adds  to  the  emollient  virtues  of  the  preparation.  W 

DECOCTUM  PAREIRA3.  Lond.  Decoction  of  Pareira  Brav< 

“Take  of  Pareira  Brava,  sliced,  ten  drachms ; Distilled  Water  a pint  ar  a 
half  [Imperial  measure].  Boil  down  to  a pint,  and  strain.”  Lond. 

The  dose  of  this  preparation  is  from  one  to  two  fluidounces  three  or  Hr 
times  a day. 

DECOCTUM  QUERCUS  ALBiE.  U.S.  Decoction  of  White  Ik 
Bark.  Decoctum  Quercus.  Lond , Ed.,  Dub.  Decoction  of  Ck 
Bark. 

“Take  of  White  Oak  Bark,  bruised,  an  ounce;  Water  a pint  andahf. 
Boil  down  to  a pint,  and  strain.”  U.  S. 

The  London  and  Edinburgh  Colleges  take  ten  drachms  of  oak  bark  and  o 
pints  (Imperial  measure)  of  distilled  water,  and  boil  to  a pint;  the  Dmn 
College  takes  an  ounce  and  a half  (avoirdupois)  of  the  bark;  and  a pint  id 
a half  (Imp.  meas.)  of  water,  and  boils  for  ten  minutes. 

This  decoction  contains  the  tannin,  bitter  principle,  and  gallic  acid  of  k 
bark.  It  affords  precipitates  with  the  decoction  of  Peruvian  bark  and  ot  r 
substances  containing  vegetable  alkalies,  with  solution  of  gelatin,  and  with  mt 
metallic  salts,  particularly  those  of  iron.  Alkaline  solutions  diminish  or  desty 
its  astringency.  Its  uses  have  been  already  detailed.  The  dose  is  a winegl;;- 
ful,  frequently  repeated.  W 

DECOCTUM  SARSAPARILLiE.  Dub.  Decoctum  Sars.e.  Loi. 
Decoctum  Sarzje.  Ed.  Decoction  of  Sarsaparilla. 

“ Take  of  Sarsaparilla,  five  ounces;  Distilled  Water  four  pints  [Imperial  m - 
sure].  Boil  down  to  two  pints,  and  strain.”  Lond. 

“Take  of  Sarza,  in  chips,  five  ounces;  boiling  Water  four  pints  [Impeil 
measure].  Digest  the  root  in  the  Water  for  two  hours  at  a temperature  soi- 
what  below  ebullition,  take  out  the  root,  bruise  it,  replace  it,  boil  down  to  to 
pints  [Imp.  meas.],  and  then  squeeze  out  the  decoction  and  strain  it.”  Ed. 

The  Dublin  College  digests  two  ounces  (avoirdupois)  of  the  sliced  root  with 
pint  and  a half  { Imp.  meas.)  of  water  for  an  hour,  then  boils  for  ten  minut, 
in  a covered  vessel,  cools,  and  strains. 

There  can  be  no  occasion  for  the  digestion  directed  by  the  Edinburgh  Colie., 
as,  if  the  root  is  sliced  and  well  bruised,  all  its  ingredients  that  are  soluble  1 
water  may  be  extracted  by  a length  of  boiling  sufficient  to  reduce  the  liquor) 
one-half.  An  idea  was  formerly  entertained  that  the  virtues  of  sarsaparii 
resided  in  its  fecula,  the  extraction  of  which  was,  therefore,  the  main  object f 
the  decoction.  Hence  the  long  boiling  ordered  by  the  London  and  Edinburi 
Colleges.  But  this  opinion  is  now  admitted  to  be  erroneous.  The  activity: 
the  root  is  believed  to  depend  upon  one  or  more  acrid  principles,  soluble  to 
certain  extent  in  water  cold  or  hot,  and  either  volatilized,  or  rendered  inert 
chemical  change,  at  the  temperature  of  212°.  This  fact  appears  to  be  demc- 
strated  by  the  experiments  of  Pope,*  Hancock, f Soubeiran,J  Beral,  and  othe 

* Trans,  of  the  Medico-Chirurg.  Society  of  London,  vol.  xii.  p.  344. 

| Trans,  of  the  Medico-Botan.  Society  of  London.  See  also  Journ.  of  the  Phil.  Col. 
Pharm.,  vol.  i.  p.  295.  The  observations  of  Dr.  Hancock  are  entitled  to  much  credit, 
he  practised  long  in  South  America,  in  the  neighbourhood  of  the  best  sarsaparilla  regioi 

J Journ.  de  Pharmacie,  tom.  xvi.  p.  38. 


PRT  II. 


Decocta. 


943 


Incock  makes  the  following  observations.  “ After  long  boiling,  the  peculiar 
our  which  rises  abundantly  on  the  coction  of  good  sarsa  is  almost  extinguished. 
Iom  the  sarsa  prepared  in  this  way,  I found  no  sensible  results  upon  any  pa- 
tiit,  nor  were  its  peculiar  nauseating,  drowsy,  and  racking  effects  produced  by 
airge  quantity,  although  the  decoction  of  six  or  eight  ounces  was  tried  at  a 
de.  These  experiments  having  been  carried  to  a sufficient  length,  most  of  the 
sue  patients  recovered  under  the  use  of  the  sarsa,  taken  from  the  same  parcels 
aoefore,  but  now  prepared  by  simple  maceration  in  hot  water,  i.  e.,  affused  in 
a oiling  state,  and  kept  near  the  boiling  state  for  some  hours.  In  all  cases  the 
sua  was  directed  to  be  well  bruised  in  large  mortars,  and  in  the  mean  time  all 
oer  remedies  were  abstained  from,  which  might,  in  anyway,  affect  the  result.” 
Sibeiran  macerated  one  portion  of  bruised  sarsaparilla  in  cold  water  for  twenty- 
fir  hours;  infused  another  portion  in  boiling  water,  and  digested  with  a mode- 
rn heat  for  two  hours;  boiled  a third  portion  bruised,  and  a fourth  unbruised, 
iurater  for  two  hours;  and  in  each  instance  used  the  same  relative  quantities. 
Tting  these  various  preparations  by  the  taste,  he  found  the  cold  and  hot  in- 
fions  scarcely  different  in  this  respect;  and  both  possessed  of  a stronger  odour 
al  more  acrid  taste  than  the  decoctions,  of  which  that  prepared  with  the  bruised 
r t was  the  strongest.  Beral  has  proved  that  sarsaparillin,  which  is  believed 
toe  the  active  principle  of  the  drug,  is  volatile.  From  all  these  facts  the  in- 
fonce  is  obvious,  that  the  best  method  of  imparting  the  virtues  of  sarsaparilla 
twater  is  either  by  cold  or  hot  infusion.  Digestion  for  some  hours  in  water 
nintained  at  a temperature  of  180°  or  somewhat  less,  in  a covered  vessel,  has 
s mg  testimony  in  its  favour.  Percolation  in  a displacement  apparatus,  if  pro- 
ply  conducted,  is  a convenient,  and  no  doubt  efficient  mode  of  exhausting  the 
r t,  so  far  as  water  will  effect  that  object.  Decoction  is  the  worst  method;  and 
t longer  it  is  continued,  the  weaker  will  be  the  preparation.  Accordingly,  in 
t last  edition  of  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia,  an  infusion  of  sarsaparilla  has  been 
s stituted  for  the  simple  decoction.  It  is  probable  that,  as  in  the  case  of  the 
l uvian  bark,  a boiling  of  ten  or  fifteen  minutes  might  be  advantageously  re- 
sted to,  when  circumstances  require  the  preparation  to  be  made  in  less  time 
t.n  is  requisite  for  infusion.  In  every  instance  the  root  should  be  thoroughly 
b ised,  or  reduced  to  a coarse  powder,  thus  obviating  the  necessity  for  a long 
meration,  merely  to  overcome  the  cohesion  of  its  fibres. 

Aecipitates  are  produced  by  various  substances  with  the  decoction  of  sarsa- 
p ilia ; but  it  has  not  been  ascertained  how  far  such  substances  interfere  with 
ii  activity.  Those  which  merely  throw  down  the  fecula  do  not  injure  the  pre- 
p ation. 

The  simple  decoction  of  sarsaparilla  is  chiefly  used  in  the  preparation  of  the 
c lpound  decoction.  If  given  alone,  it  may  be  administered  in  the  dose  of  four 
o ;ix  fluidounces  four  times  a day. 

Off.  Prep.  Decoctum  Sarsae  Compositum.  W. 

DECOCTUM  SARSAPARILLA  COMPOSITUM.  U.S.,  Dub. 
Icoctum  Sars,®  Compositum.  Lond.  Decoctum  Sarz.e  Composi- 
te Ed.  Compound  Decoction  of  Sarsaparilla. 

fake  of  Sarsaparilla,  sliced  and  bruised,  six  ounces  ; Bark  of  Sassafras  Root, 
s ed,  Guaiacum  Wood,  rasped,  Liquorice  Root,  bruised,  each,  an  ounce ; Me- 
zeon,  sliced,  three  drachms;  Water  four  pints.  Macerate  for  twelve  hours; 
t n boil  for  a quarter  of  an  hour,  and  strain.”  U.  S. 

‘Take  of  Decoction  of  Sarsaparilla,  boiling  hot,  four  pints  [Imp.  meas.]; 
*"  safras  [root],  sliced,  Guaiacum  Wood,  rasped,  fresh  Liquorice  Root,  bruised, 
eh,  ten  drachms;  Mezereon  three  drachms.  Boil  for  a quarter  of  an  hour, 
a l strain.”  Lond. 


944 


Decoda. 


PART 


The  Edinburgh  process  differs  from  the  London  only  in  the  quantity  of  me- 
reon,  which  in  the  former  is  half  an  ounce.  The  Dublin  College  takes  two  own  j 
(avoirdupois)  of  the  sarsaparilla,  two  drachms.  (Dub.  weight),  each,  of  the  sas. 
fras,  guaiacum  wood,  and  liquorice  root,  a drachm  (Dub.  weight)  of  the  mezere 
root-bark,  and  a pint  and  a half  { Imp.  meas.)  of  boiling  water;  digests  all  . 
get-her,  in  a close  vessel,  for  an  hour,  then  boils  for  ten  minutes,  cools,  and  strai 

The  process  of  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia  differs  essentially  from  those  of  t> 
London  and  Edinburgh  Colleges  in  this  respect,  that,  instead  of  taking  the  si- 
pie  decoction  of  sarsaparilla  prepared  by  long  boiling,  it  mixes  the  bruised  r ; 
immediately  with  the  other  ingredients,  and  boils  the  whole  together  for  a f • 
minutes.  Thus,  the  sarsaparilla  does  not  undergo  a longer  boiling  than  the  otl  • 
substances ; and  the  preparation  is  brought  more  nearly  into  accordance  w: 
the  present  state  of  knowledge  in  relation  to  this  valuable  drug.  (See  Decocti 
Sarsaparillse.')  The  direction  in  the  edition  of  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia  : 
1850,  to  macerate  for  twelve  hours,  is  an  improvement.  The  Dublin  process, 
preferable  to  those'  of  the  other  British  Colleges. 

This  decoction  is  an  imitation  of  the  celebrated  Lisbon  diet  drink.  The  s;- 
saparilla  and  mezereon  are  the  active  ingredients;  the  guaiacum  wood  impa 
ing  scarcely  any  of  its  virtues,  and  the  sassafras  and  liquorice  serving  lit 
other  purpose  than  to  communicate  a pleasant  flavour. 

If  prepared  with  good  sarsaparilla,  and  with  a due  regard  to  the  practic 
rules  which  may  now  be  considered  as  established,  the  decoction  may  be  used  wi 
great  advantage  as  a gentle  diaphoretic  and  alterative  in  secondary  syphil 
either  alone,  or  as  an  adjuvant  to  a mercurial  course;  also  in  certain  scrofulo 
and  other  depraved  conditions  of  the  system,  in  chronic  rheumatism,  and 
various  obstinate  cutaneous  affections.  The  dose  is  from  four  to  six  fluidounc 
three  or  four  times  a day.  The  patient  during  its  use  should  wear  flannel  ne 
the  skin,  and  avoid  unnecessary  exposure  to  changes  of  temperature.*  W. 

DECOCTUM  SCOP  ARIL  Dub.  Decoction  of  Broom. 

“Take  of  Broom-tops,  dried,  half  an  ounce  [avoirdupois];  Water  half  a pi 
[Imperial  measure].  Boil  for  ten  minutes  in  a covered  vessel,  and  strain.  T 
product  should  measure  about  eight  [fluid]ounces.”  Dub. 

DECOCTUM  SCOPARII  COMPOSITUM.  Land.  Decoctu 
Scoparii.  Ed.  Compound  Decoction  of  Broom. 

“ Take  of  Broom,  Juniper,  bruised,  Dandelion,  bruised,  each,  half  anounc. 
Distilled  Water  a pint  and  a half  [Imperial  measure].  Boil  down  to  a pi: 
[Imp.  meas.],  and  strain.”  Lond. 

“ Take  of  Broom-tops,  and  Juniper-tops,  of  each,  half  an  ounce ; Bitartra 

* The  Decoction  of  Zittmann  (Decoctum  Zitmanni)  is  a preparation  of  sarsaparilla  mu> 
used  in  Germany,  for  similar  purposes  with  our  compound  decoction  of  sarsaparilla ; an 
as  it  has  attracted  some  attention  in  this  country  as  a remedy  in  obstinate  ulcerative  affe 
tions,  we  give  the  formula  of  the  Prussian  Pharmacopoeia,  which  is  generally  followed 
its  preparation:  “ Take  of  sarsaparilla  twelve  ounces;  spring  water  ninety  pounds.  Dige 
for  twenty-four  hours;  then  introduce,  enclosed  in  a small  bag,  an  ounce  and  a half 
saccharine  alum  (a  paste  formed  of  alum  Jvi,  white  lead  ^vi,  sulphate  of  zinc  ^iij,  wki 
sugar  ^iss,  white  of  egg  and  distilled  vinegar,  each  g.  s.),  half  an  ounce  of  calomel,  and- 
drachm  of  cinnabar.  Boil  to  thirty  pounds,  and  near  the  end  of  the  boiling  add  of  anisee 
fennel-seed,  each,  half  an  ounce,  senna  three  ounces,  liquorice  root  an  ounce  and  a half.  P’ 
aside  the  liquor  under  the  name  of  the  strong  decoction.  To  the  residue  add  six  cunc 
of  sarsaparilla  and  ninety  pounds  of  water.  Boil  to  thirty  pounds,  and  near  the  end  ac 
lemon-peel,  cinuamon,  cardamom,  liquorice,  of  each,  three  drachms.  Strain,  and  set  ask 
the  liquor  under  the  name  of  the  weak  decoction.”  Mercury  was  detected  by  Wigge: 
in  this  decoction  in  very  small  proportion.  It  should  not  be  prepared  in  metallic  Tesse! 
lest  the  mercurial  in  solution  should  be  decomposed.  The  decoction  may  be  drunk  free! 


P^T  II. 


Decocta. 


945 


of  otassa  two  drachms  and  a half;  Water  a pint  and  a half  [Imp.  meas.]. 
Be  them  together  down  to  a pint  [Imp.  mens.],  and  then  strain.”  Ed. 

his  decoction  may  be  used  as  an  adjuvant  to  more  powerful  diuretics  in 
dr  sy.  From  half  a pint  to  a pint  may  be  taken  during  the  day.  The  simple 
dection  of  the  Dublin  College  is  twice  as  strong  with  broom  as  the  compound 
deletion.  W. 

•ECOCTUM  SENEGiE.  U.  S.,  fond.  Decoction  of  Seneka. 

Take  of  Seneka,  bruised,  an  ounce;  Water  a pint  and  a half.  Boil  down 
to  pint,  and  strain.”  U.  8. 

he  London  College  boils  ten  drachms  of  the  Toot  with  two  pints  of  distilled 
war  to  a pint;  but  the  relation  of  the  Imperial  measure  used  by  this  College  to 
thoommon  wine  measure  is  such,  that  the  proportions  in  the  decoction  are 
esntially  the  same  as  those  of  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia. 

is  customary  to  add  to  the  seneka  an  equal  weight  of  liquorice  root,  which 
sens  to  cover  its  taste,  and  in  some  measure  to  obtund  its  acrimony.  The 
vines  and  practical  application  of  seneka  have  been  already  treated  of.  (See 
Saga.)  The  dose  of  the  decoction  is  about  two  fluidounces  three  or  four  times 
a iy,  or  a tablespoonful  every  two  or  three  hours.  W. 

‘ECOCTUM  TARAXACI.  Lond.,  Ed.  Decoction  of  Dandelion. 
Take  of  Dandelion,  bruised,  four  ounces;  Distilled  Water  a pint,  and  a half 
[I  serial  measure].  Boil  to  a pint,  and  strain.”  Lond. 

ae  Edinburgh  College  takes  seven  ounces  of  the  fresh  herb  and  root,  and  two 
pie  [Imperial  measure]  of  water,  boils  to  one  pint  [Imperial  measure],  and 
strus. 

lis  decoction  is  most  efficient  when  prepared  from  the  root  alone.  The  dose 
is  wineglassful  two  or  three  times  a day.  (See  Taraxacum.)  W. 

ECOCTUM  TORMENTILLiE.  Lond.  Decoction  of  Torment il. 
Take  of  Tormentil,  bruised,  two  ounces;  Distilled  Water  a pint  and  a half 
[I] aerial  measure].  Boil  down  to  a pint,  and  strain.”  Lond. 

lis  decoction  is  astringent,  and  may  be  given  in  the  dose  of  one  or  two  fluid- 
ou  es,  three  or  four  times  a day.  W. 

ECOCTUM  ULMI.  Lond.  Decoction  of  Elm  Bark. 
lake  of  Elm  [bark],  bruised,  two  ounces  and  a half;  Distilled  Water  two 
pi  [Imperial  measure].  Boil  down  to  a pint,  and  strain.”  Lond. 

lis  decoction,  being  prepared  from  the  bark  of  the  European  elm,  is  not 
use  in  this  country.  It  has  had  some  repute  in  England  as  a remedy  for  cer- 
tai  cutaneous  disorders.  From  four  to  six  fluidounces  are  given  two  or  three 
tin  3 a day.  W. 

ECOCTUM  UVJE  URSI.  U.S. , Lond,,  Dub.  Decoction  of  Eva 
U\i. 

Take  of  Uva  Ursi  an  ounce;  Water  twenty  fluidounces.  Boil  down  to  a 
pii  and  strain.”  U.  8. 

Take  of  Uva  Ursi,  bruised,  an  ounce;  Distilled  Water  a pint  and  a half 
[Inerial  measure].  Boil  down  to  a pint,  and  strain.”  Lond. 

Take  of  Uva  Ursi,  bruised,  half  an  ounce  [avoirdupois];  Water  half  a pint 
[b  i.  meas.].  Boil  for  ten  minutes  in  a covered  vessel,  and  strain.  The  pro- 
du  should  measure  about  eight  [fluid]ounces.”  Dub. 

lis  decoction  contains  the  tannin,  extractive,  and  gallic  acid  of  the  leaves. 
To  m account  of  its  uses  see  Uva  Ursi.  The  dose  is  from  one  to  two  fluidounces 
tin  ; or  four  times  a day.  W. 

60 


946 


Emplastra. 


part 


EMPLASTRA. 

Plasters. 

Plaster?  are  solid  compounds  intended  for  external  application,  adhesive  at  e 
temperature  of  the  human  body,  and  of  such  a consistence  as  to  render  the  d 
of  heat  necessary  in  spreading  them.  Most  of  them  have  as  their  basis  aci- 
pound  of  olive  oil  and  litharge,  constituting  the  Emplastrum  Plumbi  of  e 
United  States  Pharmacopoeia.  . Those  plasters  which  contain  none  of  the  ex- 
pound of  oil  and  litharge,  owe  their  consistence  and  adhesiveness  to  resin  s 
substances,  or  to  a mixture  of  these  with  wax  and  oleaginous  matter. 

In  the  preparation  of  the  plasters,  care  is  requisite  that  the  heat  employees 
not  sufficiently  elevated  to  produce  decomposition,  nor  so  long  continued  am 
drive  off  any  volatile  ingredient  upon  which  the  virtues  of  the  preparation  1 v 
in  any  degree  depend.  After  having  been  prepared,  they  are  usually  sha  d 
into  cylindrical  rolls,  and  wrapped  in  paper  to  exclude  the  air.  Plasters  shod 
be  firm  at  ordinary  temperatures,  should  spread  easily*  when  heated,  and,  a r 
being  spread,  should  remain  soft,  pliable,  and  adhesive,  without  melting  at  e 
heat  of  the  human  body.  When  long  kept,  they  are  apt  to  change  colour  ;d 
to  become  hard  and  brittle;  and  as  this  alteration  is  most  observable  upon  tlr 
surface,  it  must  depend  chiefly  upon  the  action  of  the  air,  which  should  tberete 
be  as  much  as  possible  excluded.  The  defect  may  usually  be  remedied  by  meltg 
the  plaster  with  a moderate  heat,  and  adding  a sufficient  quantity  of  oil  to  ge 
it  the  due  consistence. 

Plasters  are  prepared  for  use  by  spreading  them  upon  leather,  linen,  or  rous.., 
according  to  the  particular  purposes  the}’  are  intended  to  answer.  Leathers 
most  convenient  when  the  application  is  made  to  the  sound  skin,  linen  or  rnu.-a 
when  the  plaster  is  used  as  a dressing  to  ulcerated  or  abraded  surfaces,  or  wh 
the  view  of  bringing  and  retaining  together  the  sides  of  wounds.  The  leatir 
usually  preferred  is  white  sheep  skin.  A margin  about  a quarter  or  half  an  i)h 
broad  should  usually  be  left  uncovered,  in  order  to  facilitate  the  removal  of  e 
plaster,  and  to  prevent  the  clothing  in  contact  with  its  edges  from  being  soil. 
An  accurate  outline  may  be  obtained  by  pasting  upon  the  leather  a piece  of  pap, 
so  cut  as  to  leave  in  the  centre  a vacant  space  of  the  required  dimensions,  a 
removing  the  paper  when  no  longer  required.  The  same  object  may  someth s 
be  accomplished  by  employing  two  narrow  rulers  of  sheet  tin,  graduatedn 
inches,  and  so  shaped  that  each  of  them  may  form  two  sides  of  a rectangle.  ('e 
the  figure  p.  785.)  These  may  be  applied  in  such  a manner  as  to  enclose  wit  n 
them  any  given  rectangular  space,  aud  may  be  fixed  by  weights  upon  the  leat  r 
while  the  plaster  is  spread.  For  any  other  shape,  as  in  the  instance  of  plasts 
for  the  breast,  pieces  of  tin  may  be  employed  having  a vacuity  within,  coi- 
sponding  to  the  required  outline.  The  spreading  of  the  plaster  is  most  con- 
niently  accomplished  by  means  of  a peculiar  iron  iustrument  employed  for  e 
purpose;  though  a common  spatula  will  answer.  This  may  be  heated  by  me:5 
of  a spirit  lamp.  Care  must  be  taken  that  the  instrument  be  not  so  hot  aso 
discolour  or  decompose  the  plaster,  and  special  care  is  requisite  in  the  case  f 
those  plasters  which  contain  a volatile  ingredient.  A sufficient  portion  of  e 
plaster  should  first  be  melted  by  the  heated  instrument,  and,  having  been  receid 
on  a piece  of  coarse  stiff  paper,  or  in  a shallow  tin  tray  open  on  one  side, shou, 
when  nearly  cool,  be  transferred  to  the  leather,  and  applied  quickly  aud  eveiv 
over  its  extended  surface.  By  this  plan  the  melted  plaster  is  prevented  from  pc  - 
trating  the  leather,  as  it  is  apt  to  do  when  applied  too  hot.  Before  removing  u 
paper  from  the  edge  of  the  plaster,  if  it  has  become  so  hard  as  to  crack,  the  m 


P^r  ii.  Emplastra.  947 

skid  be  drawn  over  the  line  of  junction.*  When  linen  or  muslin  is  used,  and 
tklimensions  of  the  portion  to  be  spread  are  large,  as  is  often  the  case  with 
adhive  plaster,  the  best  plan  is  to  pass  the  cloth  “ on  which  the  plaster  has  been 
laidhrough  a machine  formed  of  a spatula,  fixed  by  screws  at  a proper  distance 
fro  a plate  of  polished  steel.”  A machine  for  spreading  plasters  is  described 
by  [.  Herent  in  the  Journ.  de  Pharm.  et  de  Chim.  (3e  ser.,  ii.  403). f W. 

MPLASTRUM  AMMONIAC!  U.S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub.  Am- 
inciae  Plaster. 

Take  of  Ammoniac  five  ounces;  Diluted  Acetic  Acid  half  a pint.  Dissolve 
thdmmoniac  in  the  Diluted  Acetic  Acid,  and  strain ; then  evaporate  the  solu- 
tio:  by  means  of  a water-bath,  stirring  constantly  until  it  acquires  a proper 
corstence.”  U.  S. 

he  London  College  takes  five  ounces  of  prepared  ammoniac,  and  eight  fluid- 
ouiis  of  diluted  acetic  acid ; dissolves  the  ammoniac  in  the  acid;  and  evapo- 
rat  the  solution  by  a slow  fire,  stirring  constantly,  to  the  proper  consistence. 
Th  Edinburgh  College  takes  five  ounces  of  ammoniac  and  nine  fiuidounces  of 
dis  led  vinegar ; dissolves  the  ammoniac  in  the  vinegar,  and  evaporates  over 
theapour-bath,  frequently  stirring.  The  Dublin  College  dissolves  four  ounces 
(atrdupois)  of  ammoniac,  coarsely  powdered,  in  four  fiuidounces  of  proof  spirit, 
ant  hen  evaporates,  by  means  of  a steam  or  water-bath,  stirring  constantly  until 
it  quires  a proper  consistence. 

■*'he  reader  is  referred  to  the  Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.  (xxv.  29,  and  xxvi.  15),  for  de- 
scriions  of  plaster  spatulas,  with  contrivances  for  heating  them,  which  he  may  some- 
tim  find  convenient. 

f 'ithin  a few  years  it  has  been  customary  with  apothecaries  to  employ  an  appa- 
rati  such  as  that  here  figured, 
for  sparing  quantities  of  plas- 
ters An  oblong  rectangular  block 
of  1 -d  wood  (a  e)  has  its  upper 
sur:  e (c)  gently  convex.  To  this 
is  sached  by  a movable  joint 
(at  a sheet  iron  frame  (5),  with 
an  cming  (r?)  of  the  dimensions 
of  ii  plaster  to  be  spread,  and 
clas  (rf)  at  the  other  end,  by 
whi  this  may  be  fixed  to  the 
bloi  Another  portion  of  the  ap- 
par  is  is  a wooden  measure  ( m ), 
bv  ich  the  leather  is  cut  out, 
and  ie  margin  marked.  The  lea- 
theihus  prepared  is  laid  on  the 
cony  surface  of  the  block  (c)  ; 
thelieet  iron  frame  is  brought 
don,  on  it  evenly  (as  at  h i) ; 
the  | aster,  previously  melted,  is 
pou  1 on  the  leather  in  the  cen- 
tre, id,  by  means  of  an  iron  in- 
strijent(y),  previously  heated  by 
a sjyt  lamp,  is  spread  uniformly 
ove:  the  surface,  the  thickness 
beii  regulated  by  the  frame 
aga.it  which  the  iron  is  pressed. 

Am  ;xcess  of  plaster  is  thus 
pre:  d over  upon  the  frame.  The 
poii of  a sharp  instrument  ( l ) is 
theijrawn  along  the  intenor  edge 
of  t frame  so  as  to  separate  the  J 

plai  r from  it,  after  which  the 
clas!  are  unfastened  and  the  plas- 
ter noved. 


948 


Emplastra.  parte 

As  ammoniac  is  not  usually  kept  purified  in  our  stops,  the  straining  of  be 
solution  in  the  diluted  acid  is  directed  as  the  most  convenient  method  of  s a- 
rating  impurities.  Dr.  Duncan  remarked  that  the  plaster,  prepared  in  iron  ;g. 
sels,  “ acquires  an  unpleasant  dark  colour,  from  being  impregnated  with  in; 
•whereas,  when  prepared  in  a glass  or  earthenware  vessel,  it  has  a yellov'h- 
white  colour,  and  more  pleasant  appearance.” 

Medical  Properties.  The  ammoniac  plaster  is  stimulant,  and  is  applied  er 
scrofulous  tumours  and  chronic  swellings  of  the  joints,  to  promote  their  rela- 
tion. It  often  produces  a papular  eruption,  and  sometimes  occasions  cons  :r- 
able  inflammation  of  the  skin.  Dr.  Duncan  has  described  a fatal  case  of  di  se 
inflammation  following  its  use  in  an  instance  of  diseased  knee-joint. 

Off.  Prep.  Emplastrum  Ammoniaci  cum  Hydrargyro.  V 

EMPLASTRUM  AMMONIACI  CUM  HYDRARGYRO.  UL 
Lond.,  Pub.  Emplastrum  Ammoniaci  et  Hydrargyri.  Ed.  Pher 
of  Ammoniac  with  Mercury. 

“Take  of  Ammoniac  a pound;  Mercury  three  ounces;  Olive  Oil  an- 
draclim;  Sulphur  eight  grains.  Heat  the  Oil,  and  gradually  add  the  Sulp.r. 
constantly  stirring,  until  they  unite;  then  add  the  Mercury,  and  triturate  nil 
globules  no  longer  appear.  Boil  the  Ammoniac  with  sufficient  water  to  cov  it 
until  they  are  mixed;  then  strain  through  a hair  sieve,  and  evaporate,  by  mas 
of  a water-bath,  until  a small  portion  taken  from  the  vessel  hardens  on  coolg. 
Lastly,  add  the  Ammoniac,  while  yet  hot,  gradually  to  the  mixture  of  il, 
Sulphur,  and  Mercury,  and  thoroughly  incorporate  all  the  ingredients.”  IS. 

“ Take  of  Prepared  Ammoniac  a pound;  Mercury  three  ounces;  Olive  C a 
fluid  rachm  ; Sulphur  eight  grains.  Add  the  Sulphur  gradually  to  the  heed 
Oil,  constantly  stirring  with  a spatula,  until  they  unite;  then  rub  the  Merry 
with  them  until  the  globules  disappear;  lastly,  gradually  add  the  Ammoi.c, 
previously  melted,  and  mix  the  whole  together.”  Lond. 

The  Edinburgh  process  corresponds  closely  with  the  above. 

“ Take  of  Ammoniac  Plaster  four  ounces;  Mercurial  Plaster  eight  ounces,  ix 
them  together  by  means  of  a steam  or  water-bath,  and  stir  constantly  untilae 
mixture  stiffens  on  cooling.”  Pub. 

Of  these  processes  the  last  is  preferable,  as  the  unpleasant  odour  of  theil- 
phuretted  oil  is  avoided,  as  well  as  the  action  of  the  sulphur  upon  the  merc  y, 
with  which  it  must  form  an  inactive  sulphuret.  When  ammoniac  not  previoly 
prepared  is  used,  as  it  is  not  fusible  by  heat,  it  must  be  brought  to  the  prer 
consistence  by  dissolving  it  in  a small  quantity  of  hot  water,  straining,  id 
evaporating. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  This  plaster  unites  with  the  stimulant  peer 
of  the  ammoniac  the  specific  properties  of  the  mercury,  which  is  societies 
absorbed  in  sufficient  quantity  to  affect  the  gums.  It  is  used  as  a discutieoin 
enlargement  of  the  glands,  tumefaction  of  the  joints,  nodes,  and  other  indent 
swellings,  especially  when  dependent  on  a venereal  taint.  It  is  also  someties 
applied  over  the  liver  in  chronic  hepatitis.  ^ 

EMPLASTRUM  ASSAFCETIDrE.  U.S.,Ed.  Assafetida  Plasr. 

“Take  of  Assafetida,  Lead  Plaster,  each,  a pound ; Galbanum,  lellow  Wx, 
each,  half  a pound ; Alcohol  three  pints.  Dissolve  the  Assafetida  and  tfalhaini 
in  the  Alcohol  with  the  aid  of  a water-bath,  strain  the  liquor  while  hot,  id 
evaporate  to  the  consistence  of  honey;  then  add  the  Lead  Plaster  and  Wax  e- 
viously  melted  together,  stir  the  mixture  well,  and  evaporate  to  the  pr<cr 
consistence.”  U.  IS. 

“Take  of  Litharge  [Lead]  Plaster  and  Assafetida,  of  each,  two  ounces;  (1- 
banuin  and  Bees’-wax,  of  each,  one  ounce.  Liquefy  the  gum-resins  toget  r, 


pa:  ir.  Emplastra.  949 

ancitrain  them,  then  add  the  plaster  and  wax  also  in  the  fluid  state,  and  mix 
the  all  thoroughly.”  Ed. 

he  directions  of  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia  indicate  the  mode  in  which  the 
guiresins  may  be  brought  to  the  liquid  state  before  being  incorporated  with 
theSther  ingredients.  Galbanum  melts  sufficiently  by  the  aid  of  heat  to  admit 
of  'ing  strained ; but  this  is  not  the  case  with  assafetida,  which  must  be  pre- 
par,  by  dissolving  it  in  a small  quantity  of  hot  water  or  alcohol,  straining,  and 
evaluating  to  the  consistence  of  honey ; and  even  galbanum  may  be  most  con- 
verntly  treated  in  the  same  way.  Formerly  these  gum-resins  were  ordered 
mefy  to  be  melted  and  strained,  and  such  is  at  present  the  direction  of  the  Edin- 
bun  Pharmacopoeia,  unless  the  term  “liquefy”  be  considered  as  leaving  to 
thelperator  the  choice  of  the  mode  in  which  they  should  be  brought  into  the 
liqtl  state. 

jis  plaster  may  be  advantageously  applied  over  the  stomach  or  abdomen,  in 
cas<  of  hysteria  attended  with  flatulence,  and  to  the  chest  or  between  the 
sboders  in  hooping-cough.  W. 

MPLASTRUM  BELLADONNAS.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub.  Plas- 
ter f Belladonna. 

‘hke  of  Resin  Plaster  three  ounces ; Extract  of  Belladonna  an  ounce  and  a 
1ml  Add  the  Extract  to  the  Plaster,  previously  melted  by  the  heat  of  a water- 
bat  and  mix.”  U.  S. 

fl e Edinburgh  and  Dublin  processes  are  the  same  as  the  above.  The  London 
diff  s in  taking  three  ounces,  each,  of  the  extract  and  of  soap  plaster. 

le  most  convenient  method  of  forming  this  plaster  is  to  rub  the  ingredients 
togtierin  an  earthenware  mortar,  placed  in  hot  water,  and  then,  having  removed 
the  aortar  from  the  water-bath,  to  continue  the  trituration  till  the  mixture 
coo  It  should  be  prepared  with  the  extract  made  according  to  the  directions 
of  ? U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia,  which  is  deprived  of  the  albumen  and  insoluble 
matr;  as  otherwise  it  is  apt  to  be  wanting  in  the  due  adhesiveness.  The  pre- 
par  on  is  a useful  anodyne  application  in  neuralgic  and  rheumatic  pains,  and 
ia  c mienorrhoea.  We  have  seen  the  constitutional  effects  of  belladonna  result 
fronts  external  use.  W. 

MPLASTRUM  CANTHARIDIS.  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub.  Plaster  of 
$p<  ish  Flies. 

ECERATUM  CANTHARIDIS.  U.  S. 

MPLASTRUM  CANTHARIDIS  COMPOSITUM.  Ed.  Com- 
pom  Plaster  of  Spanish  Flies. 

“ake  of  Venice  Turpentine  four  ounces  and  a half;  Burgundy  Pitch  and 
Cab arides,  of  each,  three  ounces;  Bees’-wax  one  ounce;  Verdigris  half  an  ounce; 
Who  Mustard  Seed  and  Black  Pepper,  of  each,  two  drachms.  Liquefy  the 
Wa  and  Burgundy  Pitch,  add  the  Turpentine,  and  while  the  mixture  is  hot 
spride  into  it  the  remaining  articles,  previously  in  fine  powder,  and  mixed 
togfer.  Stir  the  whole  briskly  as  it  concretes  on  cooling.”  Ed. 

Tsis  intended  to  be  a powerful  and  speedy  blistering  plaster,  and  may  pro- 
bah  prove  beneficial  in  very  urgent  cases  attended  with  much  torpor  of  the  skin; 
but  peat  care  should  be  observed  not  to  allow  it  to  remain  on  too  long,  as  un- 
plea nt  and  tedious  ulceration,  if  not  gangrene,  might  result.  To  the  cases  of 
chil  en  it  is  wholly  inapplicable.  W. 

j IPLASTRUM  CUMINI.  Lond.  Cumin  Plaster. 

“ike  of  Cumin,  Caraway,  Laurel  [fruit],  each,  three  ounces;  Prepared 
Buundy  Pitch  three  pounds;  Wax  three  ounces;  Olive  Oil,  Water,  each  a. 
flui\  unce  and  a half.  To  the  Pitch  and  Wax  melted  together  add  the  dry 


950  Emplastra.  part  t. 

ingredients  powdered,  the  Oil,  and  the  Water;  then  evaporate  to  the  prc-r 
consistence.”  Land. 

This  is  a gently  stimulant  plaster  of  an  agreeable  odour,  and  may  be  used  w n 
a very  moderate  rubefacient  impression  is  indicated.  The  London  College  is 
inadvertently  employed  the  name  Ci/minum  in  the  Materia  Medica  list,  d 
Cuminum  here.  M 

EMPLASTRUM  FERRI.  U.S.,  Lond .,  Ed.,  Dub.  Emplastp.ii 
Roborans.  Iron  Plaster.  Strengthening  Plaster. 

“ Take  of  Subcarbonate  of  Iron  three  ounces ; Lead  Plaster  two  pounds;  } -- 
gundy  Pitch  half  a pound.  Add  the  Subcarbonate  of  Iron  to  the  Lead  Pla  r 
and  Burgundy  Pitch,  previously  melted  together,  and  stir  them  constantly  uil 
they  thicken  upon  cooling.”  U.  S. 

The  London  and  Dublin  preparations  are  the  same  as  the  above,  except  t.t 
prepared  Thus  or  frankincense  is  used  in  the  former  instead  of  Burgundy  pi  1, 
and  peroxide  of  iron  in  the  latter,  instead  of  the  subcarbonate. 

“Take  of  Litharge  Plaster  three  ounces;  Resin  six  drachms;  Olive  Oil  the 
Jluidrachms  and  a half;  Bees’-wax  three  drachms;  Red  Oxide  of  Iron  [Sub:- 
bonate  of  Iron,  U.  S ] one  ounce.  Triturate  the  Oxide  of  Iron  with  the  Oil,  :d 
add  the  mixture  to  the  other  articles  previously  liquefied  by  gentle  heat,  lx 
the  whole  thoroughly.”  Ed. 

This  preparation  has  enjoyed  some  popular  celebrity,  under  the  impress n 
that  it  strengthens  the  parts  to  which  it  is  applied;  whence  it  has  derived  ;e 
name  of  strengthening  plaster.  It  is  used  in  those  conditions  of  the  loins,  lai:r 
muscles,  and  joints,  which,  though  usually  ascribed  to  debility,  are  in  fact  n?t 
frequently  dependent  on  rheumatic  or  other  chronic  inflammatory  affections,  al, 
if  relieved  by  the  plaster,  are  so  in  consequence  of  the  gentle  excitation  wbh 
it  produces  in  the  vessels  of  the  skin.  It  may  also,  in  some  instances,  gi vee- 
iief  by  affording  mechanical  support ; but  neither  in  this,  nor  in  any  other  resp  t, 
can  it  bfe  deemed  very  efficient.  IV 

EMPLASTRUM  GALBANI  COMPOSITUM.  U.S.  Empl?- 
trum  Galbani.  Lond.  Compound  G-albanum  Plaster. 

“Take  of  Galbanum  eight  ounces ; Turpentine  ten  drachms;  Burgundy  P h 
three  ounces;  Lead  Plaster  three  pounds.  To  the  Galbanum  and  Turpent?, 
previously  melted  together  and  strained,  add  first  the  Burgundy  Pitch,  d 
afterwards  the  Lead  Plaster  melted  over  a gentle  fire,  and  mix  the  wile 
together.”  U.  S. 

The  London  process  differs  only  in  directing  an  ounce  of  turpentine  instd 
of  ten  drachms,  prepared  galbanum  instead  of  the  crude,  and  prepared  Thu.) r 
frankincense,  instead  of  Burgundy  pitch. 

Before  being  employed  in  this  process,  the  galbanum  should  be  purified,  ait 
often  contains  foreign  matters  which  must  injure  the  plaster.  It  may  be  frd 
from  these  by  melting  it  with  a little  water  or  diluted  alcohol,  straining,  .1 
evaporatiug  to  the  due  consistence. 

This  plaster  is  an  excellent  local  stimulant  in  chronic  scrofulous  enlargemits 
of  the  glands  and  joints.  We  have  employed  it  iu  some  obstinate  cases  of  is 
kind,  which,  after  having  resisted  general  and  local  depletion,  blistering  d 
other  measures,  have  yielded  under  its  use.  As  a discutient  it  is  alsoemplo  d 
in  the  induration  which  sometimes  remains  after  the  discharge  of  abscesses.  It 
is  said  to  have  been  useful  in  rickets  when  applied  over  the  whole  lumbar  regb, 
and  has  been  recommended  in  chronic  gouty  or  rheumatic  articular  affeetio. 
It  should  not  be  used  iu  the  discussion  of  tumours  in  which  any  considerae 
inflammation  exists.  H 


p/T  II.  Emplastra.  951 

JMPLASTRUM  GUMMOSUM.  Ed.  Gum  Plaster . 

Take  of  Litharge  Plaster  [Emplastrum  Plumbi]  four  ounces ; Ammoniac, 
Goanum,  and  Bees’-wax,  of  each,  half  an  ounce.  Melt  the  Gum-resins  to- 
geer  and  strain  them;  melt  also  together  the  Plaster  and  Wax;  add  the  former 
to  te  latter  mixture,  and  mix  the  whole  thoroughly.”  Ed. 

ie  addition  of  ammoniac  adds  little  to  the  virtues  of  this  plaster,  which 
clo  ly  resembles  the  compound  galbanum  plaster  in  its  effects.  The  galbanum 
an  ammoniac  are  best  prepared  by  dissolving  them  in  a small  quantity  of  hot 
war  or  diluted  alcohol,  straining  the  solution,  and  evaporating  it  to  the  proper 
coiistence  for  mixing  with  the  other  ingredients. 

f.  Prep.  Emplastrum  Saponis.  W. 

MPLASTRUM  HYDRARGYRI.  U.S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Pub.  Mer- 
cual  Plaster. 

fake  of  Mercury  six  ounces;  Olive  Oil,  Resin,  each,  two  ounces;  Lead  Plaster 
affind.  Melt  the  Oil  and  Resin  together,  and  when  they  have  become  cool, 
rulihe  Mercury  with  them  till  the  globules  disappear;  then  gradually  add  the 
Le  Plaster,  previously  melted,  and  mix  the  whole  together.”  U.  S. 

he  London  College  takes  three  ounces  of  mercury,  a pound  of  lead  plaster, 
a f {drachm  of  olive  oil,  and  eight  grains  of  sulphur;  gradually  adds  the  sulphur 
to  e heated  oil,  constantly  stirring  with  a spatula  until  they  unite;  then  rubs 
theaercury  with  them  until  the  globules  disappear;  and  finally  adds  by  degrees 
thead  plaster  previously  melted  with  a slow  fire,  and  mixes  the  whole  together. 
Th  Edinburgh  process  corresponds  with  that  of  the  United  States  Pharmaco- 
pce  except  that  only  one-half  of  the  quantity  of  materials  is  employed,  and 
niiifhiidrachms  of  olive  oil  are  directed  iustead  of  an  ounce. 

e Dublin  College  substitutes  a fluidounce  of  oil  of  turpentine  for  the  two 
oui:s  of  olive  oil;  hut  in  other  respects  its  process  corresponds  with  that  of  the 
II.  . Pharmacopoeia. 

le  sulphuretted  oil  employed  by  the  London  College  is  intended  to  facilitate 
the  rtinguishment  of  the  mercury ; but,  as  it  operates  by  the  union  of  the  sul- 
plu  with  the  metal  forming  an  inefficient  sulphuret,  it  impairs  the  virtues  of 
the  laster  at  least  as  much  as  it  assists  in  its  preparation.  The  melted  resin 
anoil  of  the  United  States  and  Edinburgh  processes  are' decidedly  preferable. 

I is  plaster  is  employed  to  produce  the  local  effects  of  mercury  upon  venereal 
ljuhs,  nodes,  and  other  chronic  tumefactions  of  the  bones  or  soft  parts,  de- 
pen ut  on  a syphilitic  taint.  In  these  cases  it  sometimes  acts  as  a powerful 
disc  dent.  It  is  frequently  also  applied  to  the  side  in  chronic  hepatitis  or  sple- 
niti  In  habits  peculiarly  susceptible  to  the  mercurial  influence,  it  occasionally 
affeh  the  gums. 

l>m  observations  made  in  France  by  Messrs.  Serres.  Gariel,  Briquet,  and 
oth|i  ( Archives  Generales,  viii.  468,  and  3e  ser.,  vi.  24),  it  appears  that  the 
mei  rial  plaster  of  the  French  Codex  ( Emplastrum  de  Vigo  cum  Mercurio ) has 
the  >wer,  when  applied  over  the  eruption  of  small-pox,  before  the  end  of  the 
thir  day  from  its  first  appearance,  to  check  the  progress  of  the  eruption,  and 
preyit  suppuration  and  pitting.  This  operation  of  the  plaster,  so  far  from 
heir;  attended  with  an  increase  of  the  general  symptoms,  seems  to  relieve  them 
in  p portion  to  the  diminution  of  the  local  affection.  It  is  also  thought  that  the 
coui  of  the  disease  is  favourably  modified  when  the  mercurial  impression  is 
proceed  upon  the- system.  That  the  local  effect  is  not  ascribable  to  the  mere 
excl  ion  of  air  is  proved  by  the  fact,  that  the  use  of  lead  plaster  was  not  fol- 
low! by  the  same  results.  It  is  probable  that  other  mercurial  preparations 
wou  answer  the  same  purpose;  and  the  common  mercurial  ointment  has,  in  our 
own  ands,  proved  effectual  in  rendering  the  erhption  upon  the  face  to  a consider- 


952  Emplastra.  part  . 

able  extent  abortive,  in  one  bad  case  of  small-pox.  But  as  the  most  success  1 
results  were  obtained  with  the  plaster  above  mentioned,  we  give  the  formulaif 
the  French  Codex  for  its  preparation.  The  weights  mentioned  are  those  of  5 
French  metrical  pound.  (See  table  in  the  Appendix .) 

Emplastrum  de  Vigo  cum  Mercurio.  “ Take  of  simple  plaster  [lead  plast] 
two  pounds  eight  ounces;  yellow  wax  two  ounces;  resin  two  ounces;  ammon  , 
bdellium,  olibanum,  and  myrrh,  each,  five  drachms ; saffron  three  drachms ; n - 
cury  twelve  ounces;  turpentine  [common  European]  two  ounces;  liquid  stox 
six  ounces;  oil  of  lavender  two  drachms.  Powder  the  gum-resins  and  saffr , 
and  rub  the  mercury  with  the  storax  and  turpentine  in  an  iron  mortar  until  ci  - 
pletely  extinguished.  Melt  the  plaster  with  the  wax  and  resin,  and  add  to  e 
mixture  the  powders  and  volatile  oil.  When  the  plaster  shall  have  been  cool , 
but  while  it  is  yet  liquid,  add  the  mercurial  mixture,  and  incorporate  thewle 
thoroughly.'”  This  should  be  spread  upon  leather  or  linen  cloth,  and  appii 
so  as  effectually  to  cover  the  face,  or  whatever  other  part  it  is  desired  to  prot-p. 

Off.  Prep.  Emplastrum  Ammoniaci  cum  Idydrargyro.  W 

EMPLASTRUM  OPII.  U.S.,  Land.,  Pd.,  Pub.  Opium  Plasll 

“ Take  of  Opium,  in  powder,  two  ounces;  Burgundy  Pitch  three  ounces ; Li 
Plaster  a pound;  Boiling  Water  four  fiuidounces.  Melt  together  the  Ld 
Plaster  and  Burgundy  Pitch;  then  add  the  Opium  previously  mixed  with  e 
Water,  and  boil  them  over  a gentle  fire  to  the  proper  consistence.”  U.  S. 

“Take  of  Extract  of  Opium  an  ounce;  Lead  Plaster  eight  ounces;  Prepad 
Thus  [frankincense]  two  ounces;  boiling  Water  a fuidounce.  To  the  me'd 
Thus  add  the  Plaster  melted  with  a slow  fire,  and  the  Extract  previously  mi  d 
with  the  Water,  and  evaporate,  with  a slow  fire,  constantly  stirring,  until  e 
proper  consistence  is  obtained.”  Loncl. 

“ Take  of  Powder  of  Opium  half  an  ounce;  Burgundy  Pitch  three  ounc; 
Litharge  Plaster  [Lead  Plaster]  twelve  ounces.  Liquefy  the  Plaster  and  Pi  1, 
add  the  Opium  by  degrees,  and  mix  them  thoroughly.”  Ed. 

“ Take  of  Opium,  in  very  fine  powder,  one  ounce;  Resiu  Plaster  nine  ouns. 
Melt  the  Plaster  by  means  of  a steam  or  water  bath,  then  add  the  Opium  y 
degrees,  and  mix  thoroughly.”  Dub. 

The  use  of  the  water  in  the  U.  S.  and  London  processes  is  to  enable  the  op:n 
to  be  more  thoroughly  incorporated  with  the  other  ingredients;  but  care  shc.d 
be  taken  that  the  moisture  be  well  evaporated. 

The  opium  plaster  is  thought  to  relieve  rheumatic  and  other  pains  in  the  p ts 
to  which  it  is  applied. 

EMPLASTRUM  PICIS.  Pond.,  Ed.  Pitch  Plaster. 

“ Take  of  Prepared  Burgundy  Pitch  two  pounds;  Prepared  Thus  [frankincen] 
a pound  ; Resin,  Wax,  each,  four  ounces ; Expressed  Oil  of  Nutmegs  an  our i 
Olive  Oil,  Water,  each,  two  f uidounces.  To  the  Thus,  Pitch,  Resin,  andlU, 
melted  together,  add  the  Oils  and  the  Water.  Then  evaporate  all,  eontinuly 
stirring,  to  the  proper  consistence.”  Lond. 

“Take  of  Burgundy  Pitch  one  pound  and  a half;  Resin  and  Bees’-waiof 
each,  two  ounces;  Oil  of  Mace  half  an  ounce;  Olive  Oil  one  flindounce ; Wer 
one  fuidounce.  Liquefy  the  Pitch,  Resin,  and  Wax  with  a gentle  heat;  Id 
the  other  articles;  mix  them  well  together;  and  boil  till  the  mixture  aequiresre 
proper  consistence.”  Ed. 

The  simple  “ Myristicse  Oleum ” of  the  Loudon  Materia  Medica  list,  has  becae 
il  Myrislica s Oleum  Expressum  ’ here.  We  presume  that  the  Edinburgh  o p 
mace,  in  the  above  formula,  though  the  term  is  not  defined  in  the  Pharinacop  a, 
has  reference  to  the  substance  denominated,  in  the  Edinburgh  Materia  Meea 
catalogue,  Myristicse  Adeps  or  concrete  oil  of  nutmeg.  (See  Myristicse  T 'S, 
page  487.) 


PA]:  ir.  Pmplastra.  953 

]is  is  a rubefacient  plaster,  applicable  to  catarrhal  and  other  pectoral  affec- 
tion chronic  inflammation  of  the  liver,  and  rheumatic  pains  in  the  joints  and 
mmles.  It  often  keeps  up  a serous  discharge,  which  requires  that  it  should  be 
freccntly  renewed.  The  irritation  which  it  sometimes  excites  is  so  great  as  to 
ren  jr  its  removal  necessary.  W. 

jllPLASTRUM  PICIS  BURGUNDICiE.  U.S.  Burgundy  Pitch 
Piker. 

‘‘Jake  of  Burgundy  Pitch  six  pounds;  Yellow  Wax  half  a pound.  Melt  them 
togfer,  and  stir  them  constantly  till  they  thicken  on  cooling.”  U.  S. ' 

I this  formula,  the  object  of  the  wax  is  simply  to  give  a proper  consistence 
to  t Burgundy  pitch,  and  to  prevent  it  from  breaking  in  cold  weather.  W. 

I1PLASTRUM  PICIS  CUM  CANTHARIDE.  U.S.  Emplas- 
trie  Calefaciens.  I)ub.  Plaster  of  Pitch  zvith  Spanish  Flies. 
Warning  Plaster. 

“'ake  of  Burgundy  Pitch  three  pounds  and  a half;  Cerate  of  Spanish  Flies 
h alp  pound.  Melt  them  together  by  means  of  a water-bath,  and  stir  them 
conantly  till  they  thicken  upon  cooling.”  U.S. 

Tip  Dublin  College  employs  the  same  ingredients,  but  has  increased  the  pro- 
porin  of  Burgundy  pitch  to  five  pounds  and  a half. 

T.s  plaster  is  an  excellent  rubefacient,  more  active  than  Burgundy  pitch,  yet 
in  Jieral  not  sufficiently  so  to  produce  vesication.  Still,  however,  in  conse- 
que'e  of  peculiar  susceptibility  of  the  skin  in  some  individuals,  it  occasionally 
blisrs;  and  it  has  been  recommended  to  lessen  the  proportion  of  the  flies.  But, 
whi  such  a reduction  would  render  the  plaster  insufficiently  active  in  most  cases, 
it w. Id  not  entirely  obviate  the  objection;  as  the  smallest  proportion  of  flies 
wou  vesicate  in  certain  persons,  and  even  the  Burgundy  pitch  alone  sometimes 
procyes  the  same  effect.  In  whatever  mode,  therefore,  this  plaster  may  be  pre- 
pare it  cannot  always  answer  the  expectations  which  may  be  entertained;  and 
the  ly  plan,  when  the  skin  of  any  individual  has  been  found  to  be  very  suscep- 
tiblois  to  accommodate  the  proportions  to  the  particular  circumstances  of  the 
case  Much,  however,  may  be  accomplished  by  care  in  the  preparation  of  the 
plasr,  towards  obviating  its  tendency  to  blister.  If  the  flies  of  the  Ceratum 
Cariaridis  have  been  coarsely  pulverized,  the  larger  particles  coming  in  contact 
wit! he  skin,  will  exert  upon  the  particular  part  to  which  they  may  be  applied 
thei  'ull  vesicatory  effect,  while,  if  reduced  to  a very  fine  powder,  they  would  be 
roor  thoroughly  enveloped  in  the  other  ingredients,  and  thus  have  their  strength 
muc  diluted.  Hence  the  cerate,  when  used  as  an  ingredient  of  the  warming  plaster, 
shoe1!  contain  the  cantharides  as  minutely  divided  as  possible,  and,  if  that  usually 
kepi  5 not  in  the  proper  state,  a portion  should  be  prepared  for  this  particular 
purj  ;e.  A good  plan,  we  presume,  would  be  to  keep  the  cerate  used  in  this  pre- 
parahn,  for  a considerable  time,  at  the  temperature  of  *212°,  and  then  strain  it 
so  a ,o  separate  the  flies.  (See  Ceratum  Cantharidis.)  The  mode  frequently 
purs  .d  of  preparing  the  warming  plaster  by  simply  sprinkling  a very  small  pro- 
port a of  powdered  flies  upon  the  surface  of  Burgundy  pitch  is  altogether  ob- 
jectkable.  The  U.  S.  process  is  that  of  the  old  Dublin  Pharmacopoeia.  In 
the  ition  of  the  Dub.  Pharmacopoeia  of  1850,  the  proportion  of  the  Burgundy 
Pitchas  been  increased  so  as  considerably  to  diminish  the  strength  of  the  pre- 
para >n. 

T warming  plaster  is  employed  in  chronic  rheumatism,  and  various  chronic 
mte:  il  diseases  attended  with  inflammation  or  an  inflammatory  tendency ; such 
as  ejarrh,  asthma,  pertussis,  phthisis,  hepatitis,  and  the  sequelae  of  pleurisy 
and  leumonia.  W. 


954  Emplastra.  pari  i. 

EMPLASTRUM  PLUMBL  TJ.  S.,  Lond.  Emplastrum  Lima. 
gyri.  Ed.,  Dub.  Lead  Plaster.  Litharge  Plaster. 

“ Take  of  Semivitrified  Oxide  of  Lead,  in  very  fine  powder,  five  pounds ; C?e 
Oil  a gallon ; Water  two  pints.  Boil  them  together  over  a gentle  fire,  sting 
constantly,  until  the  Oil  and  Oxide  of  Lead  unite  into  a plaster.  It  wibe 
proper  to  add  a little  boiling  water,  if  that  employed  at  the  commencemen  )e 
nearly  all  consumed  before  the  end  of  the  process.”  U.  S. 

The  above  process  is  precisely  that  of  the  London  Pharmacopoeia  of  11,4. 
In  the  editions  of  that  work  for  1836  and  1851,  the  quantities  directed  artic 
pounds  of  the  oxide  of  lead,  a gallon  of  olive  oil,  and  two  pints  of  water;  t, 
as  the  Imperial  measure  is  employed,  the  proportions  are  in  fact  nearly  the  sje 
as  before. 

The  Edinburgh  College  orders  five  ounces  of  litharge,  twelve  fluidounceol 
olive  oil,  and  three  finidounces  of  water.  The  Dublin  process  does  not  d er 
materially  from  that  of  the  London  and  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeias. 

The  importance  of  this  plaster,  as  the  basis  of  most  of  the  others,  requir  a 
somewhat  detailed  account  of  the  principles  and  manner  of  its  preparation. 

It  was  formerly  thought  that  the  oil  and  oxide  of  lead  entered  into  di:t 
union,  and  that  the  presence  of  water  was  necessary  only  to  regulate  the  ti- 
perature,  and  prevent  the  materials  from  being  decomposed  by  heat.  The  s- 
covery,  however,  was  afterwards  made,  that  this  liquid  was  essential  to  the  > 
cess ; and  that  the  oil  and  oxide  alone,  though  maintained  at  a temperaturof 
220°,  would  not  combine;  u'hile  the  addition  of  water,  under  these  circa- 
stances,  would  produce  their  immediate  union.  It  was  now  supposed  that  le 
oil  was  capable  of  combining  only  with  the  hydrated  oxide  of  lead,  and  that  ie 
use  of  the  water  was  to  bring  the  oxide  into  that  state ; and,  in  support  of  is 
opinion,  the  fact  was  advanced  that  the  hydrated  oxide  of  lead  and  oil  wc.d 
form  a plaster,  when  heated  together  without  any  free  water.  But,  since  ie 
general  reception  of  Chevreul’s  views  in  relation  to  oils  and  their  combinatiis 
with  alkalies  and  other  metallic  oxides,  the  former  opinions  have  been  ah- 
doned ; and  it  is  now  admitted  that  the  preparation  of  the  lead  plaster  afore  a 
geuuine  example  of  saponification,  as  explained  by  that  chemist.  A reacua 
takes  place  between  the  oil  and  water,  resulting  in  the  development  of  a sweeth 
substance  called  glycerin , and  of  two  acid  bodies,  the  oleic  and  margaric  acs, 
to  which,  when  animal  fat  is  employed  instead  of  olive  oil,  a third  is  adql, 
namely,  the  stearic.  The  plaster  is  formed  by  a union  of  these  acids  with  te 
oxide,  and,  prepared  according  to  the  directions  of  the  Pharmacopoeias,  is  in  ct 
an  oleo-margarate  of  lead.  The  glycerin  remains  dissolved  in  the  wateror 
mechanically  mixed  with  the  plaster.  That  such  is  the  correct  view  of  ie 
nature  of  this  compound  is  evinced  by  the  fact,  that,  if  the  oxide  of  lead  be  sea- 
rated  from  the  plaster  by  digestion  at  a moderate  heat  in  very  dilute  nitric  ad, 
the  fatty  matter  which  remains  will  unite  with  litharge  with  the  greatest  facilv, 
without  the  intervention  of  water.  According  to  a more  recent  chemical  viv, 
the  fixed  oils  are  compounds  of  the  oily  acids  mentioned  and  oxide  of  gbpeie. 
When  boiled  with  the  oxide  of  lead  and  waiter,  the  oily  acids  combine  witlne 
metallic  oxide  to  form  the  plaster,  and  the  oxide  of  glyceryle  takes  an  equivait 
of  water  and  becomes  glycerin.  Glyceryle  is  a hypothetical  compound  of  carm 
and  hydrogen  (CeIL),  wThich  unites  with  five  equivalents  of  oxygen  to  form  ode 
of  glyceryle  (C(iII.65),  also  a hypothetical  substance,  and  additionally  withm 
equivalent  of  water  to  form  glycerin  (CBH-05+  HO). 

Other  oleaginous  substances  and  other  metallic  oxides  are  susceptible  of  ie 

consistence! 

except  aui  d 

fat  can  properly  be  substituted  for  olive  oil,  and  no  metallic  oxide,  not  even  te 


same  combination,  and  some  of  them  form  compounds  having  the 
a plaster;  but  according  to  M.  Henry,  of  Paris,  no  oily  matter 


pat  II.  Urnplastra.  955 

of  ie  other  oxides  of  lead,  for  litharge.  He  ascertained,  moreover,  that  the 
Brilish  litharge  is  preferable  for  the  formation  of  lead  plaster  to  the  German. 
Fra  more  recent  experiments  of  Soubeiran,  it  appears  that  massicot  or  even 
mium  may  be  substituted  for  litharge,  and  a plaster  of  good  consistence  be 
obmed;  but  that  a much  longer  time  is  required  for  completing  the  process 
thf  when  the  officinal  formula  is  followed.  When  minium  is  used,  the  neces- 
sit  for  its  partial  deoxidation  renders  a longer  continuance  of  the  process  neces- 
sar  than  with  massicot.  According  to  M.  Davallon,  Professor  in  the  School 
of  edicine  and  Pharmacy  at  Lyons,  it  is  important  that  the  olive  oil  employed 
shad  be  pure;  for  when  adulterated,  as  it  frequently  is  in  commerce,  it  yields 
aa  ^perfect  product.  Mr.  N.  S.  Thomas  prepared  a good  plaster  by  substitut- 
ingard  for  olive  oil,  in  the  proportion  of  eight  pounds  of  lard  to  five  of  litharge, 
(d  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xix.  175.) 

i ad  plaster  has  also  been  prepared  by  double  decomposition  between  soap 
ancacetate  or  subacetate  of  lead;  but  the  results  have  not  been  so  advantageous 
as  i lead  to  the  general  adoption  of  this  process.  For  particular  information 
on  e subject  the  reader  is  referred  to  the  American  Journal  of  Pharmacy  (ix. 
121  and  to  the  Journal  de  Pharmacie  (xxiii.  163  and  822). 

Reparation.  The  vessel  in  which  the  lead  plaster  is  prepared,  should  be  of 
sueja  size  that  the  materials  will  not  occupy  more  than  two-thirds  of  its  capa- 
city The  oil  should  be  first  introduced,  and  the  litharge  then  sprinkled  in  by 
me;s  of  a sieve,  the  mixture  being  constantly  stirred  with  a spatula.  The  par- 
ticljl  of  the  oxide  are  thus  prevented  from  coalescing  in  small  masses,  which 
the,.!  would  not  easily  penetrate,  and  which  would  therefore  delay  the  process. 
Wife  the  water  exerts  an  important  chemical  agency  in  the  changes  which 
occi,  it  is  also  useful  by  preventing  too  high  a temperature,  which  would 
decupose  the  oil  and  cause  the  reduction  of  the  metal.  The  waste  must,  there- 
forepe  supplied  by  fresh  additions  as  directed  in  the  process;  and  the  wrater 
add  for  this  purpose  should  be  previously  heated,  as  otherwise  it  would  not 
onlmelay  the  operation,  but  by  producing  explosion  might  endanger  the  ope- 
rates During  the  continuance  of  the  boiling,  the  materials  should  be  constantly 
stiril,  and  the  spatula  should  be  repeatedly  passed  along  the  bottom  of  the 
vess,  from  side  to  side,  so  as  to  prevent  any  of  the  oxide,  which  is  disposed  by 
its  later  density  to  sink  to  the  bottom,  from  remaining  in  that  situation.  The 
mat  jals  swell  up  considerably  in  consequence  partly  of  the  vaporization  of  the 
wat|  partly  of  the  escape  of  carbonic  acid  gas,  which  is  liberated  by  the  oily 
acid  Tom  some  carbonate  of  lead  usually  contained  in  the  litharge.  The  pro- 
cessyould  not  be  continued  longer  than  is  sufficient  to  produce  complete  union 
of  t ingredients,  and  this  may  be  known  by  the  colour  and  consistence  of  the 
mas;1  The  colour  of  the  litharge  gradually  becomes  paler,  and  at  length  almost 
whit  when  the  plaster  is  fully  formed.  The  consistence  increases  with  the 
prog ss  of  the  boiling,  and  is  sufficiently  thick,  when  a portion  of  the  plaster, 
take  out  and  allowed  to  cool  upon  the  end  of  a spatula,  or  thrown  into  cold 
wate1  becomes  solid,  without  adhering  in  this  state  to  the  fingers.  The  portion 
thusiolidified  should  not  present,  when  broken,  any  red  points,  which  would 
indile  the  presence  of  a portion  of  uncombined  litharge.  When  the  plaster  is 
form L it  should  be  removed  from  the  fire,  and  after  a short  time  cold  water 
shou  be  poured  upon  it.  Portions  should  then  be  detached  from  the  mass, 
and/iving  been  well  kneaded  under  wrater,  in  order  to  separate  the  viscid  solu- 
tion glycerin  contained  in  the  interior,  should  be  formed  into  cylindrical  rolls, 
and  |japped  in  paper.  Such  at  least  has  been  the  course  of  proceeding  usually 
recoi,aended.  But  M.  Davallon  maintains  that  the  presence  of  glycerin  in  the 
plasti  is  useful  by  keeping  it  in  a plastic  state,  and  that  washing  and  kneading 
we  ; urious,  the  former  by  removing  the  glycerin,  the  latter  by  introducing 


PART  [. 


956  Pmplastra. 

particles  of  air  and  moisture  into  the  mass,  which  is  thus  rendered  more  dispr  d 
to  rancidity.  (Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xv.  274,  from  Journ.  de  Chim.  M ) 
By  employing  steam  heat  in  the  preparation  of  this  plaster  the  risk  of  buri  a 
it  is  avoided.  For  a good  arrangement  for  this  purpose  see  Mohr  and.  Redwo  '] 
Pharmacy,  edited  by  Prof.  Procter,  p.  420. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  This  plaster,  which  has  long  been  known  ur  r 
the  name  of  diachylon,  is  used  as  an  application  to  excoriated  surfaces,  an<  o 
slight  wounds,  which  it  serves  to  protect  from  the  action  of  the  air.  It  i y 
also  be  beneficial  by  the  sedative  influence  of  the  lead  which  enters  into  its  ex- 
position. A case  is  on  record  in  which  lead  colic  resulted  from  its  long-contin  d 
application  to  a large  ulcer  of  the  leg.  (Am.  Journ.  of  Med.  Sci.,  xxiii.  2-.) 
Its  chief  use  is  in  the  preparation  of  other  plasters.*  While  in  its  yet  inci- 
plete  state,  it  is  used  in  the  preparation  of  glycerin.  (See  Glycerina.) 

Off.  Prep.  Emplastrum  Assafcetidae ; Emp.  Ferri;  Emp.  Galbani  Ci- 
positum;  Emp.  Gummosum ; Emp.  Hydrargyri ; Emp.  Opii;  Emp.  Resin; 
Emp.  Saponis;  Unguentum  Plumbi  Compositum.  \\ 

EMPLASTRUM  POTASSII  IODIDI.  Land.  Plaster  of  lode 
of  Potassium. 

“Take  of  Iodide  of  Potassium  an  ounce ; prepared  Thus  [frankincense] ix 
ounces;  Wax  six  drachms;  Olive  Oil  two  fluid  rachms.  To  the  Thus  and  Yx 
melted  together  add  the  Iodide  previously  rubbed  with  the  Oil,  and  stir  constafy 
till  they  cool.  This  plaster  is  to  be  spread  rather  on  linen  than  leather.”  Ltd. 

This  plaster  may  be  employed  for  the  resolution  of  indolent  tumours,  andpr 
the  other  purposes  for  which  the  preparations  of  iodine  are  used  extemy. 
(See  Potassii  Iodidum .)  YY 

EMPLASTRUM  RESESLE.  U.S.,  Lond.,  Pub.  Emplastrum  e- 
sinosum.  Pd.  Emplastrum  Adhaesivum.  Resin  Plaster.  Adhere 
Plaster. 

“ Take  of  Resin,  in  powder,  half  a pound ; Lead  Plaster  three  pounds.  Tote 
Lead  Plaster  melted  over  a gentle  fire  add  the  Resin,  and  mix  them.”  U.  & 

The  London  process  differs  only  in  melting  the  resin  before  adding  it.  re 
Edinburgh  College  orders  five  ounces  of  the  lead  plaster,  and  one  of  resin.  te 
Dublin  melts  two  pounds  of  litharge  plaster  over  a gentle  fire,  then  adds  pr 
ounces  of  powdered  resin,  and  two  ounces  of  powdered  eastile  soap,  and  mes 
them  intimately,  employing  the  avoirdupois  weights  in  the  process. 

This  preparation  differs  from  the  lead  plaster  in  being  more  adhesive  id 
somewhat  more  stimulating.  It  is  the  common  adhesive  plaster  of  the  sh  s, 
and  is  much  employed  for  retaining  the  sides  of  wounds  in  contact,  andor 
dressing  ulcers  according  to  the  method  of  Baynton,  by  which  the  edges  re 
drawn  towards  each  other,  and  a firm  support  is  given  to  the  granulations,  is 
prepared  by  the  Dublin  College  it  contains  soap,  which  gives  it  greater  pliabi.y, 
and  renders  it  less  liable  to  crac-k  in  cold  weather,  without  impairing  its  a<e- 

* A plaster  of  carbonate  of  lead  was  originally  introduced  into  our  Pharmacopoeia  a 
substitute  for  Mahy's  plaster,  so  much  employed  in  some  parts  of  the  United  States ; ut 
was  omitted  in  the  edition  of  1840.  It  is  a good  application  to  surfaces  inflamed  or  eo- 
riated  by  friction ; and  may  be  resorted  to  with  advantage  in  those  troublesome  cast  oi 
cutaneous  irritation,  and  even  ulceration,  occurring  upon  the  back  and  hips  during  lg- 
continued  confinement  to  one  position.  We  give  the  process  as  contained  in  the  Phaia- 
copceia  of  1830.  “Take  of  Carbonate  of  Lead  a pound ; Olive  Oil  two  pints  ; Yellow  '.x 
four  ounces  ; Lead  Plaster  a pound  and  a half;  Florentine  Orris,  in  powder,  nine  oufs. 
Boil  together  the  Oil  and  Carbonate  of  Lead,  adding  a little  water,  and  constantly  stir  g. 
till  they  are  thoroughly  incorporated ; then  add  the  Wax  and  Plaster,  and,  when  thes(re 
melted,  sprinkle  in  the  Orris,  and  mix  the  whole  together.'’  By  this  process,  a good  ph« 
may  be  prepared,  rather  too  soft,  perhaps,  at  first,  hut  soon  acquiring  the  proper  consisted 


PAC  II. 


Emplastra. 


957 


6iv  ess.  As  thus  prepared,  it  is  equivalent  to  the  Emplastrum  Saponis  Com- 
poshm  vcl  adhserens  of  the  old  Dublin  Pharmacopoeia.  It  is  usually  spread 
upl  muslin;  and  the  spreading  is  best  accomplished,  on  a large  scale,  by  means 
of  joaachine,  a§  described  in  the  general  observations  upon  plasters.  It  is  kept 
in  e shops  ready  spread ; but,  as  the  plaster  becomes  less  adhesive  by  long 
expiure  to  the  air,  the  supply  should  be  frequently  renewed.  When  the  skin 
is  vy  delicate,  it  occasionally  excites  some  irritation,  and  under  these  circuin- 
staies  a plaster  may  be  substituted,  containing  a smaller  proportion  of  resin. 
Ths;  originally  employed  by  Baynton  contained  only  six  drachms  of  resin  to 
the  ound  of  lead  plaster. 

border  to  render  the  plaster  more  adhesive,  and  less  brittle  in  cold  weather, 
it  icustomary  with  many  apothecaries  to  employ  a considerable  proportion  of 
Buiundy  pitch  or  turpentine  in  its  preparation ; but  these  additions  are  objec- 
tiorble,  as  they  greatly  increase  the  liability  of  the  plaster  to  irritate  the  skin, 
andjhus  materially  interfere  with  the  purposes  for  which  the  preparation  was 
chiey  intended.* 

(•'.Prep.  Emplastrum  Belladonnas ; Emplastrum  Opii.  W. 

^IPLASTRUM  SAPONIS.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub.  Soap  Plaster. 

“.'ake  of  Soap,  sliced,  four  ounces ; Lead  Plaster  three  pounds.  Rub  the 
Soa'with  sufficient  water  to  bring  it  to  a semi-fluid  state;  then  mix  it  with 
the  taster  previously  melted,  and  boil  to  the  proper  consistence.”  U.  S. 

“lake  of  Soap,  sliced,  half  a pound;  Lead  Plaster  three  pounds;  Resin  an  ounce. 
To  1.3  Plaster  melted  by  a slow  fire  add  the  Soap  and  Resin  previously  liquefied  ; 
tkenvaporate  the  whole,  constantly  stirring,  to  the  proper  consistence.”  Lond,. 

“ ike  of  Litharge  Plaster  [Lead  Plaster]  four  ounces;  Gum  Plaster  two 
ouni ; Castile  Soap,  in  shavings,  one  ounce.  Melt  the  Plasters  together  with 
a mJerate  heat,  add  the  Soap,  and  boil  for  a little.”  Ed. 

“ ke  of  Castile  Soap,  in  powder,  four  ounces;  Litharge  Plaster  [Lead  Plas- 
ter] to  pounds  and  a half.  To  the  Plaster  previously  melted  over  a gentle 
fire,  Id  the  Soap,  and  heat  them  together  until  they  are  thoroughly  incorpo- 
rate! ’ Dub.  The  avoirdupois  weights  are  used  in  this  process. 

Ti  present  U.  S.  process  is  an  improvement  upon  that  of  the  former  edition 
of  tl  Pharmacopoeia.  The  proportion  of  soap  in  the  old  process  was  so  large 
as  tijrender  the  plaster  friable.  It  has  been  diminished  from  six  to  four 
ounc . Besides,  by  the  present  mode  of  proceeding,  it  is  more  thoroughly 
incoi orated  with  the  plaster.  The  same  end  of  greater  plasticity  is  accom- 
plish , in  some  degree,  in  the  London  process  by  the  resin,  and  in  the  Edin- 
burgjby  the  gum  plaster. 

Sol  plaster  is  considered  discutient,  and  is  sometimes  used  as  an  application 
to  tujjiurs. 

0[Prep.  Emplastrum  Belladonnae.  W. 

E PLASTRUM  SIMPLEX.  Ed.  Simple  Plaster. 

“Ae  of  Bees’-wax  three  ounces ; Suet  and  Resin,  of  each,  two  ounces.  Melt 
them , gether  with  a moderate  heat,  and  stir  the  mixture  briskly  till  it  concretes 
onccimg.”  Ed. 


* Ahdhesive  plaster,  exempt  from  oxide  of  lead,  is  prepared  by  Pettenkofer.  It  con- 
sists | calcareous  soap  incorporated  with  turpentine  and  suet,  and  may  be  prepared  in 
the  fOj  wing  manner.  A solution  of  soap  is  decomposed  by  a solution  of  chloride  of  cal- 
cium. 'he  precipitate,  having  been  expressed  and  dried,  is  powdered  with  half  its  weight 
of  tubjitine  dried  by  heat ; and  the  mixture  is  melted  along  with  an  eighth  part  of  suet, 
m boil  t water.  The  mixture  is  boiled  until  the  mass  melts  into  a homogeneous  fluid, 
when  s worked  by  the  hand,  in  the  ordinary  manner,  in  cold  water.  Should  portions 
of  thehlcareous  soap  not  melt,  they  should  be  separated  by  straining  through  flannel. 
(JourrJe  Pharm.,  3e  ser.,  x.  358,  from  Repertorium  fur  die  Pharm .,  xlii.  40.) 


958 


Emplastra. — Enemata. 


PARI  I. 


This  plaster  was  originally  intended  for  dressing  blistered  surfaces,  in  ordeto 
maintain  a moderate  discharge,  to  which  purpose  it  is  adapted  by  the  stimu  it 
property  of  the  resin.  But  its  stiffness  and  adhesiveness  render  it  unplea at 
and  of  difficult  management;  and  it  has  been  entirely  superseded  by  the  r in 
cerate.  It  is  equivalent  to  the  old  Emplastrum  Cerae  of  the  London  Colleo 

i 

ENEMATA. 

Clysters. 

These  can  scarcely  be  considered  proper  objects  for  officinal  direction;  i, 
having  been  introduced  into  the  British  Pharmacopoeias,  the  plan  of  this  v k 
requires  that  they  should  be  noticed.  They  are  substances  in  the  liquid  fm, 
intended  to  be  thrown  up  the  rectum,  with  the  view  either  of  evacuating ae 
bowels,  of  producing  the  peculiar  impression  of  a remedy  upon  the  lower  ponn 
of  the  alimentary  canal  and  neighbouring  organs,  or  of  acting  on  the  system  g,e- 
rally  through  the  medium  of  the  surface  to  which  they  are  applied.  Theyre 
usually  employed  to  assist  the  action  of  remedies  taken  by  the  mouth,  or  to  p- 
ply  their  place  when  the  stomach  rejects  them,  or  is  insensible  to  their  imps- 
sion.  Sometimes  they  are  preferably  used  when  the  seat  of  the  disorder  is  inhe 
rectum  or  its  vicinity.  As  a general  rule,  three  times  as  much  of  any  reniy 
is  required  to  produce  a given  impression  by  enema,  as  when  taken  intebe 
stomach;  but  this  rule  should  be  acted  on  with  caution,  as  the  relative  su;p- 
tibilities  of  the  stomach  and  rectum  are  not  the  same  in  all  individuals;  id, 
with  regard  to  all  very'  active  remedies,  the  best  plan  is  to  administer  less  an 
the  stated  proportion.  Attention  should  also  be  paid  to  the  fact,  that,  by  he 
frequent  use  of  a medicine,  the  susceptibility  of  the  stomach  may  be  in  ;ne 
measure  exhausted,  without  a proportionate  diminution  of  that  of  the  recta. 

When  the  object  is  to  evacuate  the  bowels,  the  quantity  of  liquid  administed 
should  be  considerable.  For  an  adult  from  ten  fluidounces  to  a pint;  for  a c Id 
of  eight  or  ten  years,  half  that  quantity;  for  an  infant  within  the  year,  fronne 
to  three  fluidounces,  are  about  the  proper  proportions.  Much  larger  quanles 
of  mild  liquids  may  sometimes  be  given  with  safety  and  advantage ; as  the  bcels 
will  occasionally'  feel  the  stimulus  .of  distension,  when  insensible  to  irritmg 
impressions. 

When  the  design  is  to  produce  the  peculiar  impression  of  the  remedy  upoi  be 
neighbouring  parts,  or  on  the  system,  it  is  usually  desirable  that  the  enema  sbild 
be  retained;  aud  the  vehicle  should  therefore  be  bland,  and  as  small  in  quality 
as  is  compatible  with  convenient  administration.  A solution  of  starch,  flawed 
tea,  or  other  mucilaginous  fluid  should  be  selected,  and  the  quantity  staid 
seldom  exceed  two  or  three  fluidounces. 

In  every  case,  the  patient  should  be  instructed  to  resist  any  immediate  dpo- 
sition  to  discharge  the  injected  fluid;  and  his  efforts  to  retain  it  should  be  assied, 
if  necessary,  by  pressure  with  a w;arm  folded  towel  upon  the  fundament,  be 
best  instrument  for  administering  enemata  is  an  accurate  metallic  syringe. 

ENEMA  ALOES.  Lord.  Clyster  of  Aloes. 

“ Take  of  Aloes  two  scruples ; Carbonate  of  Potassa  fifteen  grains;  Pecoiou 
of  Barley7  half  a pint  [Imperial  measure].  Mix,  and  rub  them  together."  hi- 

This  is  intended  as  a formula  for  the  use  of  aloes  in  cases  of  ascarides  i the 
rectum,  and  of  ameuorrhoea  attended  with  constipation. 

ENEMA  ASSAFCETIDiE.  Lond.  Enema  F<etidum.  Ed.,  A 

Clyster  of  Assafetida. 

“Take  of  Prepared  Assafetida  a drachm;  Decoction  of  Barley  half  ai’U 


PA  I II. 


Enemata. 


959 


[Imbrial  measure].  Rub  the  Assafetida  with  the  Decoction  gradually  added, 
till  'ey  are  thoroughly  mixed.”  Lond. 

T;  Edinburgh  College  prepares  this  by  adding  hco  drachms  of  tincture  of 
assa tida  to  the  cathartic  clyster;  the  Dublin , by  mixing  two  fiuidrachms  of 
the  octure  with  twelve  fluid  ounces  of  warm  water. 

Ts  is  carminative  and  antispasmodic  as  well  as  laxative.  The  preparation 
of  t London  Pharmacopoeia  is,  we  think,  the  best.  The  whole  quantity  di- 
recti may  be  administered  at  once.  W. 


EEMA  CATHARTICUM.  Ed.,  Dub.  Cathartic  Clyster. 

“ ike  of  Olive  Oil  one  ounce;  Sulphate  of  Magnesia  half  an  ounce;  Sugar 
onecnce;  Senna  half  an  ounce;  Boiling  Water  sixteen  fluidounces.  Infuse  the 
Sear  for  an  hour  in  the  Water;  then  dissolve  the  Salt  and  Sugar;  add  the  Oil, 
and  ix  them  by  agitation.”  Ed. 

“ ike  of  Sulphate  of  Magnesia  one  ounce  [avoirdupois] ; Olive  Oil  one  fluid- 
mine . Mucilage  of  Barley  sixteen  fluidounces.  Dissolve  the  Sulphate  of  Mag- 
nesian the  Mucilage,  add  the  Oil,  and  mix.”  Dub. 

T1  laxative  enema  most  commonly  employed  in  this  country,  consists  of  a 
table  oonful  of  common  salt,  two  tablespoonfuls  of  lard  or  olive  oil,  the  same 
quanty  of  molasses,  and  a pint  of  warm  water.  It  has  the  advantage  of  con- 
sistit  of  materials  which  are  always  at  hand  in  families,  is  in  all  respects  equal 
to  th  Dublin  preparation,  and,  though  less  active  than  the  Edinburgh,  is  pre- 
ferab  to  it  on  ordinary  occasions. 

OjFrep.  Enema  Fcetidum.  W. 

E.SMA  COLOCYNTHIDIS.  Lond.  Clyster  of  Colocynth. 

“like  of  Extract  of  Colocynth  half  a drachm ; Soft  Soap  an  ounce;  Water 
a p«ji  Imperial  measure].  Mix,  and  rub  them  together.”  Lond. 

Th  may  be  employed  whenever  a very  powerful  purgative  impression  is  re- 
quireupon  the  lower  bowels,  as  in  obstinate  colic  and  constipation.  W. 

EfMA  OPII.  Lond.  Enema  Opii  vel  Anodynum.  Ed.  Clyster- 
of  Ohm. 

“T:e  of  Decoction  of  Starch  four  fluidounces ; Tincture  of  Opium  thirty 
ini  nil  Mix  them.”  Lond. 

ThEdinburgh  College  boils  half  a drachm  of  starch  in  two  fluidounces  of 
water,  nd,  when  it  is  c-ool  enough  for  use,  adds  from  thirty  minims  to  a flui- 
chadt  of  tincture  of  opium. 

Of  liese  processes  that  of  the  London  College  is  preferable,  although  the 
quant  of  decoction  of  starch  is  unnecessarily  large.  The  Edinburgh  process 
is  obje  ionable  from  its  indefiniteness.  It  must  have  happened  to  every  one  in 
the  hat  of  prescribing  opium  in  this  way,  to  have  seen  a much  greater  effect 
prodiu  1 by  a certain  amount  of  laudanum  injected  into  the  rectum  than  by 
one-th  1 of  the  quantity  swallowed.  The  fluidrachm  contains  at  least  one  hun- 
dred d ps  of  laudanum  of  the  ordinary  size,  and  not  less  than  one  hundred  and 
twenty  s they  are  often  formed.  From  twenty  to  twenty-five  drops  are  usually 
considc  id  as  a medium  dose  by  the  mouth ; so  that  sixty  drops,  equivalent  to 
about  a-ty  minims,  are  abundantly  sufficient  by  enema.  The  quantity,  there- 
fore, qered  by  the  London  College,  and  the  smallest  quantity  by  the  Edin- 
burgh, the  full  dose.  As  the  object  is  that  the  enema  should  remain  in  the 
rectum  he  smaller  the  quantity  of  the  vehicle  the  better;  and  a mucilaginous 
fluid  isj|referable  to  water,  as  it  involves  the  tincture,  and  prevents  the  irritation 
el  the  bohol  before  the  opium  begins  to  take  effect.  The  ordinary  anodyne 
enema,  nployed  in  this  country,  consists  of  about  sixty  drops  of  laudanum  and 
one  or  '-o  fluidounces  of  flaxseed  tea  or  solution  of  starch. 


960 


Enemata. — Extracta. 


PAR- [I. 


This  is  an  admirable  remedy  in  obstinate  vomiting,  strangury  from  blis rs 
painful  affections  of  the  kidneys,  bladder,  and  uterus,  and  in  the  tenesmi  of 
dysentery.  It  may  also  frequently  be  employed  to  produce  the  effects  of  oj.m 
upon  the  system,  when  circumstances  prevent  the  administration  of  that  r li- 
cine  by  the  mouth.  y 

ENEMA  TEREBINTHINiE.  Bond.,  Ed .,  Bub.  Clyster  of  ;:?- 
pentine. 

“Take  of  Oil  of  Turpentine  a jbndounce;  the  Yolk  of  one  Egg;  Deco  on 
of  Barley  nineteen  fluidounces.  Hub  the  Oil  with  the  Yolk,  and  mix  the  Dic- 
tion with  them.”  Lond. 

The  Edinburgh  College  employs  the  same  proportions,  but  substitutes  iter 
for  decoction  of  barley.  The  Dnblin  College  mixes  a fluidounce  of  the  oil  ith 
sixteen  fluidounces  of  mucilage  of  barley.  (See  Oleum  Terebinthinse .)  1 

EXTRACTA. 

Extracts. 

Extracts,  as  the  term  is  employed  in  the  Pharmacopoeias,  are  solid  substaes, 
resulting  from  the  evaporation  of  the  solutions  of  vegetable  principles,  obtaed 
either  by  exposing  the  vegetable  to  the  action  of  a solvent,  or  by  expressii  its 
juice  in  the  recent  state.  The  Dublin  College  formerly  made  a distinction  bet;en 
those  prepared  from  the  infusions,  decoctions,  or  tinctures,  and  those  fronthe 
expressed  juices  of  plants,  calling  the  former  Extracta,  the  latter  Sued  Spitti; 
but  abandoned  it  in  the  last  edition  of  its  Pharmacopoeia.  There  is  no  ich 
essential  difference  between  these  two  sets  of  preparations,  as  to  require  hat 
they  should  be  separately  classed ; and  something  is  gained  in  the  simplic:-  of 
nomenclature,  as  well  as  of  arrangement,  which  results  from  their  union.  vTe 
shall  consider  them  under  the  same  head,  taking  care,  however,  to  detaiUis- 
tinctly  whatever  is  peculiar  in  the  mode  of  preparing  each. 

The  composition  of  extracts  varies  with  the  nature  of  the  vegetable,  theha- 
racter  of  the  solvent,  and  the  mode  of  preparation.  The  object  is  genera’  to 
obtain  as  much  of  the  active  principles  of  the  plant,  with  as  little  of  theiert 
matter  as  possible ; though  sometimes  it  may  be  desirable  to  separate  the  ;:ive 
ingredients  from  each  other,  when  their  effects  upon  the  system  are  matetlly 
different ; and  this  may  be  accomplished  by  employing  a menstruum  which,  bile 
it  dissolves  one,  leaves  the  other  untouched.  The  proximate  prineiplesiost 
commonly  present  in  extracts  are  gum,  sugar,  starch,  tannin,  extractive,  cor- 
ing matter,  salts,  and  the  peculiar  principles  of  plants;  to  which,  when  a sjitu- 
ous  solvent  is  employed,  may  usually  be  added  resinous  substances,  fatty  niter, 
and  frequently  more  or  less  essential  oil ; gum  and  starch  being  excluded  hen 
the  menstruum  is  pure  alcohol.  Of  these  substances,  as  well  as  of  others ucb. 
being  soluble,  are  sometimes  necessarily  present  in  extracts,  we  have  takencca- 
sion  to  treat  under  various  heads  in  the  Materia  Medica.  There  is  one,  ho'ver. 
which,  from  its  supposed  almost  uniform  presence  in  this  class  of  preparrons, 
and  from  the  influence  it  is  thought  to  exert  upon  their  character,  deservepar- 
ticular  consideration  in  this  place.  We  allude  to  extractive , or,  as  it  is  somimes 
called,  extractive  matter. 

It  has  long  been  observed  that  in  most  vegetables  there  is  a substance,  sable 
both  in  water  and  alcohol,  which,  in  the  preparation  of  extracts,  undoes 
chemical  change  during  the  process  of  evaporation,  imparting  to  the  liquid  ven 
if  originally  limpid,  first  a greenish,  then  a yellowish-brown,  and  ultimidy  a 
deep-brown  colour,  and  becoming  itself  insoluble.  This  substance,  oris  ally 
called  saponaceous  matter  by  Scheele,  afterwards  received  the  more  expi>sive 


PAt  II. 


Extracta. 


961 


nan  of  extractive,  derived  from  its  frequent  presence  in  extracts.  Its  existence 
as  a-istinct  principle  is  denied,  or  at  least  doubted  by  some  chemists,  who  con- 
sidethe  phenomena  supposed  to  result  from  its  presence,  as  depending  ppon 
the  lutual  reaction  of  other  principles ; and,  in  relation  to  Peruvian  bark,  it 
uppers  to  have  been  proved  that  the  insoluble  matter  which  forms  during  its 
decoion  in  water  is  a compound  of  starch  and  tannin.  A similar  compound 
mus also  be  formed  in  other  cases  when  these  two  principles  co-exist ; but  they 
are  at  always  present  in  the  same  vegetable,  nor  can  all  the  changes  which 
bavt'een  attributed  to  extractive  be  accounted  for  by  their  union,  even  when 
theyre  present;  so  that,  till  further  light  is  shed  on  the  subject,  it  is  best  to 
ad m the  existence  of  a distinct  substance,  which,  though  not  the  same  in  all 
plan  possesses  sufficient  identity  of  character  to  be  entitled,  like  sugar,  resin, 
&c.,  b a distinctive  name.  The  most  interesting  property  of  extractive  is  its 
dispetion  to  pass,  by  the  influence  of  atmospheric  air  at  a high  temperature, 
into  i insoluble  substance.  If  a vegetable  infusion  or  decoction  be  evaporated 
in  th open  air  to  the  consistence  of  an  extract,  then  diluted,  filtered,  and  again 
evapated,  and  the  process  repeated  so  long  as  any  insoluble  matter  is  formed, 
the  vole  of  the  extractive  will  be  separated  from  the  liquid,  while  the  other 
ingre.ents  may  remain.  If  chlorine  be  passed  through  an  infusion  or  decoction, 
a sinfar  precipitate  is  formed  with  much  greater  rapidity.  The  change  is 
usual  ascribed  to  the  absorption  of  oxygen  by  the  extractive,  which  has,  there- 
fore, |en  called,  in  its  altered  condition,  oxidized  extractive;  but  De  Saussure 
ascerined  that,  though  oxygen  is  absorbed  during  the  process,  an  equal  measure 
of  caibnic  acid  gas  is  given  out,  and  the  oxygen  and  hydrogen  of  the  extractive 
unite.)  form  water  in  such  a manner  as  to  leave  the  principle  richer  in  carbon 
than  was  originally.  The  name  of  oxidized  extractive  is,  therefore,  obviously 
incornt;  and  Berzelius  proposes  to  substitute  for  it  that  of  apotheme,  synony- 
mousiith  deposit.  According  to  Berzelius,  apotheme  is  not  completely  inso- 
luble water,  but  imparts  a slight  colour  to  that  liquid  when  cold,  and  is  rather 
more'luble  in  boiling  water,  which  becomes  turbid  upon  cooling.  It  is  still 
more  luble  in  alcohol,  and  is  freely  dissolved  by  solutions  of  the  alkalies  and 
alkali!  carbonates,  from  which  it  is  precipitated  by  acids.  It  has  a great  tend- 
ency,'hen  precipitated  from  solutions,  to  unite  with  other  principles,  and  to 
carry  em  along  with  it;  thus  acquiring  properties  somewhat  different,  according 
to  tkhource  from  which  it  is  obtained.  In  this  way,  also,  even  when  the 
ext  rathe  of  a plant  is  itself  medicinally  inert,  its  conversion  into  apotheme  may 
; bo  inj ;ious  by  causing  a precipitation  of  a portion  of  the  active  principle ; and, 
in  prajical  pharmaceutic  operations,  this  change  should  always,  if  possible,  be 
avoide  With  these  preliminary  views,  we  shall  proceed  to  the  consideration 
of  thejiractical  rules  necessary  to  be  observed  in  the  preparation  of  extracts. 
We  sb  1 treat  of  the  subject  under  the  several  heads  of,  1.  the  extraction  of  the 
soluble Principles  from  the  plant;  2.  the  method  of  conducting  the  evaporation; 
o.  the  ;-oper  condition  of  extracts,  the  changes  they  are  liable  to  undergo,  and 
tbe  be  method  of  preserving  them ; and  4.  the  general  directions  of  the  several 
Phartn'  opoeias  in  relation  to  them. 

1.  Extraction  of  the  Soluble  Principles. 

The:  are  two  distinct  modes  of  obtaining,  in  a liquid  state,  the  principles 
which  wish  to  extract;  1.  by  expression  alone;  2.  by  the  agency  of  a solvent, 
with  ojdthout  expression. 

b 1 Expression.  This  method  is  applicable  to  recent  vegetables1.  All  plants 
cannot  e advantageously  treated  in  this  way,  as  many  have  too  little  juice  to 
afford  ; appreciable  quantity  upon  pressure,  and  of  the  succulent  a considerable 


962 


Extrada. 


PAR1  [I. 


portion  do  not  yield  all  their  active  principles  with  their  juice.  Succulent  fi  ts, 
and  various  acrid  and  narcotic  plants,  are  proper  subjects  of  this  treatment,  he 
plants  should  be  operated  upon,  if  possible,  immediately  after  collection,  [r. 
Battley,  of  London,  recommends  that,  if  not  entirely  fresh,  they  should  Re- 
vived by  the  immersion  of  the  stalks  in  water  for  twelve  or  eighteen  hours,  nd 
those  only  used  which  recover  their  freshness  by  this  management.  They  shld 
then  be  cut  into  pieces,  and  bruised  in  a stone  mortar  till  brought  to  appy 
consistence.  When  the  plant  is  not  very  succulent,  it  is  necessary  to  add  a tie 
water  during  this  part  of  the  process,  in  order  to  dilute  the  juice.  Afteiaf- 
ficient  contusion,  the  pulp  is  introduced  into  a linen  or  canvas  bag,  anr  he 
liquid  parts  expressed.  Mr.  Brande  states  that  light  pressure  only  shou]  be 
employed;  as  the  extract  is  thus  procured  greener,  of  a less  glutinous  or  tud 
consistence,  and,  in  his  opinion,  more  active  than  when  considerable  force  is  .ed 
in  the  expression.  ( Manual  of  Pharmacy.')  The  juice  thus  obtained  is  op;ae 
and  usually  green,  in  consequence  of  the  presence  of  green  wax  or  chloroplle, 
and  of  a portion  of  the  undissolved  vegetable  fibre  in  minute  division.  By  at- 
ing  the  juice  to  about  160°,  the  albumen  contained  in  it  coagulates,  and,  invotng 
the  chlorophylle  and  vegetable  fibre,  forms  a greenish  precipitate.  If  the  laid 
he  now  filtered,  it  becomes  limpid  and  nearly  colourless,  and  is  prepared  foiva- 
poration.  The  clarification,  however,  is  not  absolutely  necessary,  and  is  gendly 
neglected.  Sometimes  the  precipitate  carries  with  it  a considerable  porti  of 
the  active  principle;  in  which  case  it  should  be  subsequently  incorporated ith 
the  juice,  when  reduced  by  evaporation  to  the  consistence  of  a syrup. 

2.  By  Solution.  The  active  principles  of  dried  vegetables  can  be  estrted 
only  by  means  of  a liquid  solvent.  The  menstruum  usually  employed  is  «her 
water  or  alcohol,  or  a mixture  of  the  two.  Water,  on  account  of  its  cheaps?, 
is  always  preferred,  when  circumstances  do  not  strongly  call  for  the  use  ofleo- 
hol.  It  has  the  advantage,  moreover,  that  it  may  be  assisted  in  its  actii,  if 
necessary,  by  a higher  degree  of  heat  than  the  latter.  Pump  water  is  oft«cnfit 
for  the  purpose,  in  consequence  of  the  quantity  of  its  saline  matter,  whi , in 
some  instances,  may7  exert  an  unfavourable  influence  on  the  active  principland 
must  always  be  left  in  the  extract.  Rain,  river,  or  distilled  water  shou.  be 
preferred.  Alcohol  is  employed  when  the  principles  to  be  extracted  are  insoble, 
or  but  slightly  soluble  in  water,  as  in  the  case  of  the  resins;  when  it  is  desible 
to  avoid  in  the  extract  inert  substances,  such  as  gum  and  starch,  which  ar dis- 
solved by  water  and  not  by  alcohol;  when  the  heat  required  to  evapora  the 
aqueous  solution  would  dissipate  or  decompose  the  active  ingredients  of  the  ant, 
as  the  volatile  oils  and  the  active  principle  of  sarsaparilla ; when  the  reaeta  of 
the  water  itself  upon  the  vegetable  principles  is  injurious;  and,  finally,  wh  the 
nature  of  the  substance  to  be  exhausted  requires  so  long  a maceration  in  ater 
as  to  endanger  spontaneous  decomposition.  The  watery  solution  requires}  be 
soon  evaporated,  as  this  fluid  rather  promotes  than  counteracts  chemical  chiges; 
while  an  alcoholic  tincture  may  be  preserved  unaltered  for  an  indefinite  pod. 
An  addition  of  alcohol  to  water  is  sufficient,  to  answer  some  of  the  purpos  for 
which  the  former  is  preferable;  and  the  employment  of  both  fluids  is  esstial, 
when  the  virtues  of  the  plant  reside  in  two  or  more  principles,  all  of  whi  are 
not  soluble  in  either  of  these  menstrua.  In  this  case  it  is  usually  better  t sub- 
mit the  vegetable  to  the  action  of  the  two  fluids  successively,  than  to  both  u-ted. 
Extracts  obtained  by  the  agency  of  water,  are  called  watery  or  aqueous  exacts , 
those  by7  means  of  alcohol,  undiluted  or  diluted,  alcoholic  or  spirituous  exacts. 

The  method  of  preparing  the  solution  is  not  a matter  of  indifference.  The 
vegetable  should  be  thoroughly  bruised,  or  reduced  to  a coarse  powder,  sas  to 
allow  the  access  of  the  solvent  to  all  its  parts,  and  yet  not  so  finely  puhtzea 
as  to  prevent  a ready  precipitation  of  the  undissolved  and  inactive  P';i0Ui 


pa:'  ii. 


Extracta. 


963 


Wfci  water  is  employed,  it  has  been  customary  to  boil  the  medicine  for  a con- 
sidetble  time,  and,  if  the  first  portion  of  liquid  does  not  completely  exhaust  it, 
tor  eat  the  operation  with  successive  portions,  till  the  whole  of  the  active  matter 
is  e racted.  This  may  be  known  by  the  sensible  properties  of  the  liquid,  and 
by influence  upon  reagents.  But  the  boiling  temperature  produces  the  de- 
conosition  of  many  vegetable  principles,  or  at  least  so  modifies  them  as  to  render 
thei inert;  and  the  extracts  prepared  by  decoction  are  usually  less  efficient  than 
thof  prepared  with  a less  degree  of  heat.  From  numerous  experiments  upon 
extiits,  Orfila  concluded  that  their  virtues  were  less  in  proportion  to  the  heat 
empyed.  It  has,  therefore,  been  recommended  to  substitute  for  decoction  the 
prods  of  maceration,  digestion,  or  hot  infusion;  in  the  first  of  which  the  liquid 
actsdthout  heat,  in  the  second  is  assisted  by  a moderately  increased  tempera- 
turemstained  for  a considerable  time,  and  in  the  third  is  poured  boiling  hot 
upoithe  vegetable  matter,  and  allowed  to  stand  for  a short  period  in  a covered 
vess.  When  the  active  principles  are  readily  soluble  in  cold  water,  maceration 
isoin  preferable  to  the  other  modes,  as  starch,  which  is  inert,  is  thus  left  be- 
liinc  but  in  many  instances  the  preparation  would  spoil  before  the  extraction 
wou  be  completed.  By  digestion,  though  the  solvent  power  of  water  is  mo- 
deraly  increased,  the  advantage  is  often  more  than  counterbalanced  by  the 
incused  disposition  to  spontaneous  decomposition.  Hot  infusion,  therefore,  is 
to  ^preferred  where  the  vegetable  does  not  readily  yield  its  virtues  to  cold 
watt  It  has  the  advantage,  moreover,  in  the  case  of  albuminous  substances, 
that  le  albumen  is  coagulated,  and  thus  prevented  from  increasing  the  bulk  of 
the  Itraet,  without  any  addition  to  its  virtues.  A convenient  mode  of  perform- 
ing us  process,  is  to  introduce  the  solid  material  into  a vessel  with  an  opening 
near  e bottom  temporarily  closed,  or  into  a funnel  with  its  mouth  loosely  stopped, 
then  i pour  on  the  boiling  water,  and,  having  allowed  it  to  remain  a sufficient 
leugi  of  time,  to  draw  it  off  through  the  opening.  This  operation  may  be  re- 
peat! till  the  water  comes  away  without  any  obvious  impregnation.  It  is 
alwa  desirable  to  obtain  the  solution  in  the  first  place  as  concentrated  as  pos- 
sible  o as  to  prevent  the  necessity  of  long  continued  evaporation,  which  injures 
the  e.ract.  It  is  better,  therefore,  to  incur  the  risk,  both  where  decoction  and 
infusla  are  employed,  of  leaving  a portion  of  the  active  matter  behind,  than  to 
obtai  a very  weak  solution.  When  successive  portions  of  water  are  employed, 
those which  are  least  impregnated  should  be  brought  by  evaporation  to  the 
stren  h of  that  first  obtained  before  being  mixed  with  it,  as  the  latter  thus 
escap  exposure  to  unnecessary  heat. 

W n alcohol  is  employed  as  a menstruum,  the  vegetable  should  be  mace- 
rated i it  for  one  or  two  weeks,  and  care  should  be  taken  that  the  tincture  bo 
at  ne  ly  saturated  as  possible.  The  extraction  may  be  hastened  by  substituting 
digesin  for  maceration;  as  the  moderate  heat  employed,  while  it  facilitates  the 
actiotif  the  alcohol,  has  in  this  case  no  effect  in  promoting  decomposition,  and 
the  it  aence  of  the  atmospheric  air  may  be  excluded  by  performing  the  process 
in  clo  vessels.  When  alcohol  and  water  are  both  used,  it  is  best,  as  a general 
tule,  exhaust  the  vegetable  with  each  separately,  as  the  two  menstrua  require 
differi  t modes  of  treatment.  In  whichever  of  these  modes  the  extraction  is 
effeetil  it  requires  the  assistance  of  occasional  agitation  ; and,  when  the  vege- 
table jitter  is  very  porous,  and  absorbs  large  quantities  of  the  solvent,  expres- 
sion r st  be  resorted  to. 

Ae;c  acid  has  been  introduced  into  use  as  a menstruum  in  the  preparation 
°f  exj Lets.  It  is  supposed  to  be  a better  solvent  of  the  active  principles  of 
certai. substances  than  either  water  or  alcohol  alone.  According  to  Girolamo 
the  acrid  narcotics,  such  as  aconite,  hemlock,  hyoscyamus,  and  stramo 


Fer 


mum, Held  much  stronger  extracts  with  distilled  vinegar  than  with  water,  and 


964 


Extracta. 


PAE1 1. 


still  stronger  to  alcohol  to  which  strong  acetic  acid  has  been  added.  ( Jourr  le 
Pharm.  Be  ser.,  i.  239.)  This  acid  is  used  in  the  preparation  of  the  acetic  x- 
tract  of  eolchicum. 

Ether  is  now  also  used  to  a considerable  extent  in  the  preparation  of  ceiin 
extracts.  Having  the  property  of  dissolving  volatile  oil  and  resin,  and  of  a- 
porating  at  a temperature  insufficient  to  volatilize  the  oil,  it  is  admirably  adaed 
for  the  preparation  of  extracts  from  those  substances  the  virtues  of  which  nde 
in  the  two  principles  referred  to.  An  ethereal  tincture  is  first  prepared  ffiae 
process  of  percolation  or  displacement,  and  the  ether  is  then  either  allowc  to 
escape  by  spontaneous  evaporation,  or  is  distilled  off  at  a very  moderate  !u. 
The  oleo-resinous  extracts  thus  obtained  are  usually  of  a thick  fluid  or  semi-  id 
consistence.  For  more  precise  information  as  to  the  mode  of  preparing  tin, 
the  reader  is  referred  to  a paper  by  Prof.  Procter,  in  the  Arner.  Journ.  of  Phi  n. 
(xxi.  114).  Several  of  them  are  now  ranked  among  the  officinal  preparatis, 
in  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia,  under  the  title  of  Fluid  Extracts. 

The  process  of  percolation  or  displacement  has  within  a few  years  been  ry 
advantageously  applied  to  the  preparation  of  extracts,  both  with  water  andpi- 
rituous  menstrua.  It  has  the  following  great  advantages;  1.  that  itenable.he 
soluble  principles  to  be  sufficiently  extracted  by  cold  water,  thereby  avoing 
the  injury  resulting  from  heat  in  decoction  and  hot  infusion;  2.  that  it  ects 
the  extraction  much  more  quickly  than  can  be  done  by  maceration,  therebyrot 
only  saving  time,  but  also  obviating  the  risk  of  spontaneous  decomposition  :nd 
8.  that  it  affords  the  opportunity  of  obtaining  highly  concentrated  solutions,  ms 
diminishing  all  the  injurious  effects  of  the  subsequent  evaporation.  IVhile  ius 
advantageous,  it  is  less  liable  in  this  particular  case  than  in  others  to  the  oec- 
tion  of  yielding  imperfect  results  if  not  well  performed;  for,  though  an  ine:ert 
or  careless  operator  may  incur  loss  by  an  incomplete  exhaustion  of  the  subsnee 
acted  on,  and  the  extract  may  be  deficient  in  quantity,  it  may  still  be  orhe 
intended  strength  and  quality,  which  is  not  the  case  with  infusions  or  tine  res 
unskilfully7  prepared  upon  this  plan.  For  an  account  of  the  mode  of  opemg 
iu  the  process  of  displacement,  and  of  the  instruments  used,  the  reader  is  refeed 
to  pages  782  and  789. 

Some  prefer  the  mode  of  expression  to  that  of  displacement.  This  also  :ap- 
plicable  both  to  watery  and  alcoholic  menstrua.  The  substance  to  be  acted  ton 
is  mixed  with  the  menstruum,  cold  or  hot  according  to  circumstances;  anthe 
mixture  is  allowed  to  stand  from  twelve  to  twenty-four  hours.  The  liquid  art 
is  then  filtered  off,  and  the  remainder  submitted  to  strong  pressure,  in  a ten 
bag,  by  means  of  a common  screw  press,  or  other  convenient  instrument.  An- 
other portion  of  the  menstruum  may  then  be  added,  and  pressure  again  appd; 
aud,  if  the  substance  is  not  sufficiently  exhausted,  the  same  operation  ru  be 
performed  a third  time.  Frequently  only  a single  expression  is  requiredmd 
very  seldom  a third.  The  quantity  of  menstruum  added  must  vary  witithe 
solubility  of  the  principles  to  be  extracted.  According  to  Ylohr,  the  metUot 
expression  has  the  advantages  over  that  of  displacement,  that  it  yields  sohons 
of  more  uniform  concentration,  that  it  does  not  require  the  material  to ; so 
carefully  powdered,  or  otherwise  so  skilfully  managed  in  order  to  insure  ts>ar- 
able  results,  and  finally  that  it  occupies  less  time. 

2.  Mode  of  conducting  the  Evaporation. 

In  evaporating  the  solutions  obtained  in  the  modes  above  described,  attooa 
should  always  be  paid  to  the  fact,  that  the  extractive  matter  is  constant  bo- 
coming  insoluble  at  high  temperatures  with  the  access  of  air,  and  that  her 
chemical  changes  are  going  on,  sometimes  not  less  injurious  than  this,  ade 
the  volatile  principles  are  expelled  with  the  vapour.  The  operator  sbldj 


pa;:  ii. 


JExtracta. 


965 


the  fore,  observe  two  rules;  1.  to  conduct  the  evaporation  at  as  low  a tempera- 
turns  is  consistent  with  other  objects;  2.  to  exclude  atmospheric  air  as  much 
as  issible,  and,  when  this  cannot  be  accomplished,  to  expose  the  liquid  the 
shoest  possible  time  to  its  action.  According  to  Berzelius,  the  injurious  in- 
flue'se  of  atmospheric  air  is  much  greater  at  the  boiling  point  of  water  than  at 
a le:  heat,  even  allowing  for  the  longer  exposure  in  the  latter  case ; and,  there- 
fore! slow  evaporation  at  a moderate  heat  is  preferable  to  the  more  rapid  effects 
of  mllition.  Bearing  these  principles  in  mind,  we  shall  proceed  to  examine 
the  ifferent  modes  in  practice.  First,  however,  it  is  proper  to  observe  that 
decisions  generally  let  fall  upon  cooling  a portion  of  insoluble  matter;  and  it 
is  auestion  whether  this  should  be  rejected,  or  retained  so  as  to  form  a part  of 
the  xtract-  Though  it  is  undoubtedly  in  many  instances  inert,  as  in  that  of 
the  isoluble  tannate  of  starch  formed  during  the  decoction  of  certain  vegetable 
submces,  yet,  as  it  frequently  also  contains  a portion  of  the  active  principle 
whi  a boiling  saturated  solution  necessarily  deposits  on  cooling,  and,  as  it  is 
diffidt  to  decide  with  certainty  when  it  is  active  and  when  otherwise,  the  safest 
plaras  a general  rule,  is  to  allow  it  to  remain. 

Ti  method  of  evaporation  usually  resorted  to  in  the  case  of  the  aqueous  so- 
lutMS  is  rapid  boiling  over  a fire.  The  more  quickly  the  process  is  conducted 
the  tter,  provided  the  liquid  is  to  be  brought  to  the  boiling  point;  for  the 
temvrature  cannot  exceed  this,  and  the  length  of  exposure  is  diminished.  But, 
everjvhere  this  method  is  employed,  it  should  not  be  continued  till  the  com- 
pleti  of  the  evaporation;  for,  when  most  of  the  water  has  escaped,  the  tem- 
pera re  can  no  longer  be  kept  down  to  the  boiling  point,  and  the  extract  is 
bun  The  caution,  therefore,  should  always  be  observed  of  removing  the 
prepation  from  the  fire,  before  it  has  attained  the  consistence  of  thick  syrup, 
and  Impleting  the  evaporation  either  by  means  of  a water-bath,  or  in  shallow 
vessli  at  a moderate  heat.  When  large  quantities  of  liquid  are  to  be  evapo- 
rateijit  is  best  to  divide  them  into  portions,  and  evaporate  each  separately;  for, 
as  eai  portion  requires  less  time  for  evaporation  than  the  whole,  it  will  thus  be 
a shifter  time  exposed  to  heat.  (Mohr.)  But  the  mode  of  evaporation  by  boiling 
is  aljys  more  or  less  objectionable,  and  should  be  employed  only  in  cases  where 
the  ]|nciples  of  the  plant  are  so  fixed  and  unchangeable  as  to  authorize  their 
extirion  by  decoction. 

E poration  by  means  of  the  water-bath,  from  the  commencement  of  the  pro- 
cess, safer  than  the  plan  just  mentioned,  as  it  obviates  all  danger  of  burning 
the  r.ract;  but,  as  the  heat  is  not  supplied  directly  fronwlthe  fire,  the  volatili- 
zatioof  the  water  cannot  go  on  so  rapidly,  and  the  temperature  being  the  same, 
or  vt  • nearly  so,  when  the  water-bath  is  kept  boiling,  there  is  greater  risk  of 
injur  as  action  from  the  air.  The  liquid  should  be  stirred  during  the  process. 
The  e of  the  vapour-bath,  as  suggested  by  M.  Henry,  is  perhaps  preferable; 
as  it  quires  a smaller  consumption  of  fuel,  and  the  heat  imparted  to  the  liquid, 
while  ufficient  to  evaporate  it,  is  less  than  212°.  We  take  the  following  de- 
scrip  n of  the  apparatus  employed  at  the  Central  Pharmacy  of  Paris,  from  M. 
CheVlier’s  highly  useful  Manual.  It  consists  of  a covered  boiler,  containing 
wate-  he  vapour  of  which  is  conducted  through  a pipe  into  evaporating  vessels, 
cornu  nicating  with  each  other  by  means  of  metallic  tubes.  These  vessels  have 
the  ft  n of  an  ordinary  copper  basin,  over  the  top  of  which  is  soldered  a shallow 
tin  etude,  intended  to  contain  the  liquor  to  be  evaporated.  The  vapour  from 
theb.er  circulates  through  these  vessels,  and  the  water  into  which  it  condenses 
is  all  ed  to  escape  through  a stop-cock  attached  to  the  bottom  of  each  vessel. 
Fron.he  last  one  of  the  series  a tube  passes  into  a vessel  of  water,  so  as  to 
afforc  slight  pressure  against  the  escape  of  any  excess  of  vapour.  The  liquid 
to  bevaporated  is  first  distributed  in  two  or  three  capsules,  but  when  con- 


966 


Extracta. 


PARI  i. 


siderably  concentrated  is  transferred  to  a single  one,  where  it  is  stirred  tow  Is 
the  close  of  the  process  to  hasten  the  evaporation.  The  heat  applied  to  ie 
liquid,  if  there  are  four  vessels,  is  in  that  nearest  the  boiler  about  198°  F ia 
the  fourth  or  most  remote,  about  135°.  An  incidental  advantage  of  this  aji- 
ratus  is,  that  it  affords  a large  supply  of  distilled  water. 

A good  plan  of  evaporation,  though  slow,  is  to  place  the  liquid  in  a broad  al- 
low vessel,  exposed  in  a stove  or  drying  room  to  a temperature  of  about  1 0 
or  a little  higher,  taking  care  that  the  air  have  free  access  in  order  to  facil  te 
the  evaporation.  This  mode  is  particularly  applicable  to  those  cases  in  w :h 
maceration  or  infusion  is  preferred  to  decoction  for  extracting  the  active  ]n- 
ciples.  Berzelius  says  that  we  may  thus  usually  obtain  the  extract  in  the  : m 
of  a yellowish  transparent  mass,  while  those  prepared  in  the  ordinary  wajre 
almost  black,  and  are  opaque  even  in  very  thin  layers.  Even  when  the  liqu  is 
boiled  at  first,  the  process  may  often  be  advantageously  completed  in  this  in- 
ner. It  has  been  proposed  to  effect  the  evaporation  at  the  common  tempera  -e, 
by  directing  a strong  current  of  air,  by  means  of  a pair  of  smith’s  bellows,  er 
the  surface  of  the  liquid;  and  in  reference  to  substances  which  are  injurecby 
heat  and  not  by  atmospheric  air,  the  plan  will  be  found  useful. 

Plans  have  been  proposed  and  carried  into  execution  for  performing  evaponon 
without  the  admission  of  atmospheric  air.  The  apparatus  for  evaporation  in  vuo 
invented  by  Mr.  Barry,  and  described  in  the  Land.  Journ.  of  Science  and  rt$ 
(vol.  viii.  p.  360),  is  well  calculated  to  meet  this  object,  at  the  same  time  thaby 
removing  the  atmospheric  pressure,  it  enables  the  water  to  rise  in  vapour  ore 
rapidly,  and  at  a comparatively  low  temperature.  The  method  of  Barry  coEts 
in  distilling  the  liquid  into  a large  receiver  from  which  the  air  has  been  exp  ed 
by  steam,  and  in  which  the  vapour  is  condensed  by  cold  water  applied  tche 
surface  of  the  receiver,  so  as  to  maintain  a partial  vacuum.  Mr.  Kedwoouas 
modified  this  process  by  keeping  an  air-pump  in  action  during  the  evaporaiD, 
thus  removing  not  only  the  air,  but  the  vapour  as  fast  as  it  forms,  and  rin- 
taiuing  a more  complete  vacuum  than  can  be  done  by  the  condensation  othe 
vapour  alone.  {Journ.  de  Pharm.,  3 eser.,  i.  231.)  Another  method  is  to  ice 
the  liquid  under  an  exhausted  receiver,  together  with  some  concentrated  sulp:rie 
acid,  or  chloride  of  calcium,  which,  by  its  affinity  for  water,  assists  the  e po- 
ration  of  the  liquid.  But,  from  the  expense  and  trouble  of  these  modes  of  e-po- 
ration,  they  are  not  calculated  for  general  use.  Dr.  Christison  recommen  as 
probably  the  most  perfect  and  convenient  method,  especially  with  watery  fu- 
sions and  decoctions?  to  evaporate  the  fluid  in  a vacuum  to  the  .consisten  of 
syrup,  and  then  to  complete  the  process  in  shallow  vessels,  exposed  to  a Client 
of  air  without  heat.* 

A convenient  plan  of  excluding  the  air,  though  it  does  not  at  the  same  me 
meet  the  object  of  reducing  the  requisite  degree  of  heat,  is  to  distil  off  the  ter 

* Mr.  Grandval  has  described  an  apparatus,  for  evaporation  in  vacuo  for  the  prepaacn 
of  extracts,  in  the  Journ.  de  P/iarm.  el  de  Chim.,  xv.  82.  Messrs.  Tilden  X Co.,  one* 
York,  have  recently  employed  a vacuum  apparatus  analogous  to  that  used  in  refining  g»r- 
The  vacuum  is  obtained  and  continued  by  the  constant  action  of  a powerful  steam  '«n 
pump.  Their  apparatus  includes  two  evaporating  pans  : one  large,  having  a capau  ot 
several  hundred  gallons,  used  to  concentrate  the  solutions  for  extracts  to  a syrup,!*®’ 
sistence  ; the  other,  holding  about  fifty  gallons,  in  which  the  evaporation  is  finishedlte 
latter  is  furnished  with  an  opening  of  such  size  as  to  permit  the  operator  to  remo  the 
residual  extract.  The  temperature  during  the  evaporation  is  from  120°  to  140° F.,  a'3 
derived  from  steam  pipes,  placed  within  the  boiler  in  the  large  evaporating  pan,  ><■  * 
steam  jacket  beneath  the  smaller  one.  Very  fine  extracts  are  prepared  in  this  wa;  10 
the  Journ.  de  Pharm.  (3 eser.,  xxiii.  1),  MM.  Soubeiran  and  Gobley  have  particular 
scribed  and  figured  an  apparatus,  founded  upon  that  of  M.  Grandval,  but  modified  sc- t0 
be  adapted  to  operations  on  a small  scale,  and  to  be  within  the  reach  of  apothecaneffho 
may  desire  to  prepare  their  own  extracts. — Note  to  the  ninth  and  tenth  editions. 


PAi'  II. 


Extracta. 


967 


in  ose  vessels.  Berzelius  says  that  this  is  the  best  mode  of  concentration  next* 
to  ft  in  vacuo.  Care,  however,  must  be  taken  that  the  fire  be  not  too  long 
appjd,  lest  the  extract  should  be  burnt.  The  process  should,  therefore,  be  com- 
plell  by  means  of  the  water-bath. 

I the  concentration  of  alcoholic  solutions,  distillation  should  always  he  per- 
forid;  as  not  only  is  the  atmospheric  air  thus  excluded,  but  the  alcohol  is 
reccered,  if  not  absolutely  pure,  certainly  fit  for  the  purpose  to  which  it  was 
origially  applied.  Here  also  the  water-bath  should  be  employed,  to  obviate 
anyossible  risk  of  injury  from  the  fire.  When  the  decoction  or  infusion,  and 
tincire  of  the  same  vegetable  have  been  made  separately,  they  should  be  sepa- 
rate' evaporated  to  the  consistence  of  syrup,  and  then  mixed  together,  while 
thejare  of  such  a consistence  as  to  incorporate  without  difficulty.  The  object 
of  lis  separate  evaporation  is,  that  the  spirituous  extract  may  not  be  exposed 
to  te  degree  of  heat,  or  lengthened  action  of  the  air,  which  is  necessary  in  the 
ordiiry  mode  of  concentrating  the  infusion  or  decoction. 

I every  instance,  care  should  be  taken  to  prevent  any  portion  of  the  extract 
frorbecoming  dry  and  hard  on  the  sides  of  the  evaporating  vessel,  as  in  this 
statit  will  not  readily  incorporate  with  the  remaining  mass.  The  beat,  there- 
foreshould  be  applied  to  the  bottom,  and  not  to  the  sides  of  the  vessel. 

3.  Condition  and  Preservation  of  Extracts. 

Htracts  are  prepared  of  two  different  degrees  of  consistence ; soft  so  that 
theynay  be  readily  made  into  pills,  and  hard  that  they  may  be  pulverized.  In 
astr gent  extracts,  the  evaporation  should  be  carried  to  dryness.  Those  obtained 
frorathe  expressed  juices  of  plants  are  apt  to  attract  moisture  from  the  air,  in 
eonquence  of  the  deliquescent  nature  of  the  salts  existing  in  the  juice.  They 
are  ius  rendered  softer,  and  more  liable  to  become  mouldy  upon  the  surface. 
Oth  s,  especially  such  as  contain  much  chlorophylle,  harden  by  time,  in  con- 
seqnce  of  the  escape  of  their  moisture ; and  it  not  unfrequently  happens  that 
sma  crystals  of  saline  matter  are  formed  in  their  substatjce.  Most  extracts, 
espcially  those  containing  azotized  principles,  are  capable,  when  left  to  them- 
selv,  of  producing  nitrates.  The  air,  moreover,  exercises  an  unfavourable 
cheical  influence  over  the  softer  extracts,  which  are  enfeebled,  and  ultimately 
bect  e nearly  inert,  by  the  same  changes  which  they  undergo  more  rapidly  in 
the  quid  state  at  an  elevated  temperature.  If  an  extract  be  dissolved  in  water, 
and;ie  liquid  be  saturated  with  common  salt,  or  any  other  very  soluble  salt  of 
diffi  It  decomposition,  the  greater  part  of  it  is  precipitated,  in  consequence  of 
the  solubility  of  this  class  of  substances  in  tealine  solutions.  The  precipitate 
rnajjie  again  dissolved  in  pure  water. 

ftracts,  in  order  that  they  may  keep  well,  should  be  placed  in  glazed  earthen- 
wap  glass,  or  porcelain  jars,  and  completely  protected  from  the  access  of  the 
air.  This  may  be  effected  by  covering  their  surface  with  a layer  of  melted  wax, 
or  v h a piece  of  paper  moistened  with  strong  spirit,  then  closing  the  mouth  of 
the  'ssel  with  a cork,  spreading  wax  or  rosin  over  this,  and  covering  the  whole 
witb.eather,  or  a piece  of  bladder.  ( Duncan. ) The  dry  extracts,  being  less 
liab  to  be  affected  by  atmospheric  oxygen,  do  not  require  so  much  care.  The 
apphtion  of  alcohol  to  the  surface  has  a tendency  to  prevent  mouldiness.  A 
aiet!;d  of  protecting  extracts  from  the  action  of  the  air  frequently  resorted  to, 
'a  t cover  them  closely  with  oiled  bladder;  but  this,  though  better  than  to 
leav  them  uncovered,  is  not  entirely  effectual.  Should  the  extract  become  too 
mot  it  may  be  dried  by  means  of  a water-bath ; should  it,  on  the  contrary, 
be  t dry,  the  proper  consistence  may  be  restored  by  softening  it  in  the  same 
mar  :r,  and  incorporating  with  it  a little  distilled  water.  ( Chevallier .) 


968 


Extracta. 


part  i 


‘ Some  extracts  when  powdered  have  a tendency  to  cohere  again.  Accordir 
to  Greiseler,  this  may  be  obviated  by  the  addition  of  sugar  of  milk  or  powderc 
liquorice-root;  two  or  three  parts  of  the  former,  and  one  part  of  the  latter 
one  of  the  extract  being  sufficient  for  the  purpose.  ( Pharni . Cent.  Blatt,  A.  1 
1850,  p.  238.)  Mohr  recommends  the  following  plan  of  drying  and  preservir 
extracts.  Take  equal  parts  of  powdered  liquorice-root  and  of  the  extract,  rt 
them  well  together  in  a mortar,  put  the  resulting  paste  into  an  earthen  vessel  wii 
a flat  bottom,  place  this  in  another  of  iron,  a little  deeper,  containing  chloride 
calcium  thoroughly  dried  by  a heat  insufficient  to  melt  it;  then  enclose  tl 
whole  with  a cover  fitted  to  the  iron  vessel,  and  allow  them  to  stand  for  a dt 
or  more.  When  the  extract  is  quite  dry,  powder  it,  and  mix  it  with  an  equ 
weight  of  powdered  liquorice-root.  ( Ibid . p.  719.) 

Extracts  from  recent  plants  should  be  prepared  at  the  season  when  the  plai 
is  medicinally  most  active ; and  a good  rule  is  to  prepare  them  once  a year. 

4.  General  Officinal  Directions. 

“ In  the  preparation  of  the  Extracts,  evaporate,  unless  otherwise  directed, ; 
quickly  as  possible,  in  a broad,  shallow  dish,  by  means  of  a water-bath,  unt 
they  have  acquired  the  consistence  proper  for  forming  pills ; and  towards  tl 
end  of  the  process,  stir  them  constantly  with  a spatula.  Sprinkle  upon  the  softi 
Extracts  a small  quantity  of  Alcohol.”  U.  S- 

The  directions  of  the  London  College  are  the  same  as  the  above,  the  sprinkliE 
being  omitted. 

“ Extracts  are  usually  prepared  by  evaporating  the  expressed  juices  of  plant 
or  their  infusions  and  decoctions  in  water,  proof  spirit,  or  rectified  spirit,  at 
temperature  not  exceeding  212°  F.,  by  means  of  a vapour-bath.  Most  of  theD 
however,  may  be  obtained  of  greatly  superior  quality  by  the  process  of  evapor 
tion  in  vacuo.  And  the  extracts  of  expressed  juices  cannot,  perhaps,  be  bett> 
prepared  than  by  spontaneous  evaporation  in  shallow  vessels,  exposed  to  a cu 
rent  of  air.  Extracts  should  he  evaporated  to  such  a consistence  as  to  form 
pill-mass  when  cold.”  Ed. 

E'XTR  ACTUM  ACONITI.  V.  S.,  Loud..  Ed.  Extract  of  Aeon  it 

This  is  prepared,  according  to  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia,  from  fresh  Aconi 
Leaves  in  the  manner  directed  for  extract  of  stramonium  leaves.  (See  Exlractu 
Stramonii  Foliorum.') 

‘‘Take  of  fresh  Aconite  Leaves  a pound.  Bruise  them  in  a stone  mortal 
then  express  the  juice,  and  evaporate  it,  without  straining,  to  the  proper  coi 
sistence.”  Loud. 

“ Take  of  the  Leaves  of  Monkshood,  fresh,  any  convenient  quantity.  Be: 
them  into  a pulp;  express  the  juice;  subject  the  residuum  to  percolation  wit 
Rectified  Spirit,  so  long  as  the  Spirit  passes  materially  coloured ; unite  tl 
expressed  juice  and  the  spirituous  infusion;  filter;  distil  oflf  the  spirit;  at 
evaporate  the  residuum  in  the  vapour-hath,  taking  care  to  remove  the  vessel  fro 
the  heat  so  soon  as  the  due  degree  of  consistence  shall  be  attained.”  Ed. 

The  FT.  S.  and  London  processes  for  this  extract  are  the  same ; consisting : 
the  evaporation  of  the  expressed  juice  of  the  leaves.  The  reader  will  find  tl 
general  officinal  directions  at  the  close  of  our  introductory  observations  in  relatic 
to  extracts.  Among  these  observations,  he  will  also  fiud  rules  which  may  be  • 
practical  use  in  regulating  the  various  steps  of  the  process  under  consideration 

In  relation  to  the  preparation  of  this  extract,  as  well  as  of  all  others  derive 
from  the  expressed  juices  of  narcotic  plants,  the  following  summary  of  the  pin 
pursued  by  Mr.  Battley,  an  experienced  apothecary  of  London,  may  be  of  se 
vice.  Having  passed  the  expressed  juice  through  a fine  hair  sieve,  he  places 


’ART  II. 


Extracta. 


969 


mmediately  upou  the  fire.  Before  it  boils,  a quantity  of  green  matter  rises  to 
he  surface,  which  in  some  plants  is  very  abundant.  This  is  removed  by  a per- 
orated tin  dish,  and  preserved.  It  ceases  to  appear  soon  after  the  liquid  begins 
o boil.  The  boiling  is  continued  till  rather  more  than  half  the  fluid  has  been 
vaporated,  when  the  decoction  is  poured  into  a conical  pan  and  allowed  to  c-ool. 
■In  abundant  dark-green  precipitate  forms,  from  which  the  supernatant  liquid  is 
loured  off ; and  this,  having  been  reduced  one-half  by  a second  boiling,  is  again 
flowed  to  stand.  The  precipitate  which  now  falls  is  less  green  than  the  first. 
Ihe  remaining  fluid  is  once  more  placed  over  the  fire,  and  allowed  to  boil  till  it 
ssuraes  the  consistence  of  syrup,  when  it  is  removed.  The  matter  at  first  col- 
ected  by  skimming,  together  with  that  precipitated,  is  now  incorporated  with 
t,  and  the  whole  placed  in  a metallic  pan,  and  by  means  of  a water-bath  evapo- 
ated  to  the  consistence  of  an  extract.  In  the  latter  part  of  the  process,  care  is 
ecessary  to  prevent  the  extract  from  hardening  on  the  sides  of  the  vessel,  as  it 
bus  loses  its  fine  green  colour,  and  becomes  proportionably  feeble. 

The  superiority  of  this  plan  over  a continuous  boiling  is,  that  the  portions  of 
ctive  matter  which  are  deposited  at  different  stages  of  the  process,  are  subjected 
or  a shorter  time  to  heat  than  if  allowed  to  remain  in  the  liquor,  and  are  con- 
3quently  less  deteriorated.  The  matter  which  coagulates  before  the  fluid  boils 
j chiefly  albumen,  embracing  portions  of  chlorophylle  and  of  the  undissolved 
Vegetable  fibre.  It  might  probably  be  thrown  away  without  diminishing  the 
irtues  of  the  extract ; but  as  chlorophylle,  though  itself  inactive,  has  often  as- 
ociated  with  it  a portion  of  the  active  principle,  it  is  the  most  economical  plan 
) incorporate  it  with  the  other  , matters.  Mr.  Brande  states  that  one  cwt.  of 
■-psh  aconite  yields  about  five  pounds  of  extract.  According  to  Geiger,  one 
bund  yields  an  ounce  and  a half. 

The  Edinburgh  process,  which  was  adopted  from  the  Prussian  Pharmacopoeia, 
rst  expresses  the  leaves,  then  digests  the  residue  in  alcohol,  and  evaporates  the 
vo  liquids  together.  This  is  an  improvement  on  the  other  process;  as  the  re- 
due  of  the  leaves  after  the  expression  of  the  juice  is  still  very  acrid.  But  the 
vaporation  of  the  expressed  juice  and  that  of  the  tincture  should  be  carried  on 
■parately  to  the  consistence  of  a syrup;  since,  by  the  present  plan,  the  active 
atter  of  both  liquids  is  exposed  to  heat  during  the  time  necessary  for  the 
/aporation  of  the  whole. 

When  properly  prepared  by  means  of  a water-bath,  according  to  the  U.  S.  and 
ondon  process,  which  is  that  of  Storek,  this  extract  has  a yellowish-brown 
lour,  with  a disagreeable  narcotie  odour,  and  the  acrid  taste  of  the  plant, 
repared  according  to  the  Ediuburgh  process,  it  is  said  to  be  more  acrid  and 
ore  active  as  a medicine.  The  extract  of  aconite  may  be  given  in  the  dose  of 
le  or  two  grains,  night  and  morning,  to  be  gradually  increased  till  the  system 
affected.  Twenty  grains  or  more  have  been  given  in  the  course  of  a day. 
f.  Turnbull  states  that  he  has  tried  several  extracts  of  aconite  made  by  evapo- 
ting  the  expressed  juice,  and  found  them  almost  inert.  W. 

EXTRACTUM  ACONITI  ALCOIIOLICUM.  U.S.  Alcoholic 
xtract  of  Aconite. 

“Take  of  Aconite  Leaves,  in  coarse  powder,  a pound;  Diluted  Alcohol  four 
\nta.  Moisten  the  powder  with  half  a pint  of  the  Diluted  Alcohol,  and,  having 
; owed  the  mixture  to  stand  for  twenty-four  hours,  transfer  it  to  a percolator, 

: d add  gradually  the  remainder  of  the  Diluted  Alcohol.  When  the  last  por- 
u of  this  has  penetrated  the  powder,  pour  in  sufficient  water  from  time  to 
tie  to  keep  the  mass  covered.  Cease  to  filter  when  the  liquid  which  passes 
Igins  to  produce  a precipitate,  as  it  falls,  in  that  which  has  already  passed. 

. stil  off  the  Alcohol  from  the  filtered  liquor,  and  evaporate  the  residue  to  the 
pper  consistence.”  U.  S. 


970 


Extracta. 


PARI  I. 


This  is  essentially  the  process  of  the  French  Codex.  The  water  adde  ig 
merely  intended  to  expel  that  portion  of  the  spirituous  solution  remaining  ime 
aconite;  and  the  filtration  is  directed  to  cease  when  a precipitate  begins  toapp  r, 
because  this  is  an  indication  that  the  water  is  passing.  It  is  important  that  ie 
heat  employed  in  the  evaporation  should  not  be  greater  than  that  produeec  y 
a vapour-bath,  as  otherwise  decomposition  will  be  apt  to  ensue.  If  made  lm 
recently  dried  leaves,  which  have  not  yet  been  impaired  by  time,  this  is  a 
preparation  of  aconite,  and  is  believed  to  be  more  powerful,  and  to  keep  be  r, 
than  the  inspissated  juice.  The  dose  is  half  a grain  or  a grain,  to  be  grade ly 
increased  if  necessary. 

An  alcoholic  extract  prepared  from  the  root  is  stronger,  and  may  be  give  in 
the  dose  of  one-sixth  or  one-quarter  of  a grain  three  times  a day,  to  be  gradnly 
increased  until  its  effects  are  experienced.*  T1 

EXTR ACTUM  ALOES.  Lond.  Extractum  Aloes  Aquos*. 
Dub.  Extract  of  Aloes. 

“Take  of  Socotrine  Aloes  fifteen  ounces;  Boiling  Distilled  Water  a gen 
[Imperial  measure].  Macerate  for  three  days  with  a gentle  heat;  then  stin 
the  liquor,  and  set  it  by  that  the  dregs  may  subside.  Four  off  the  clear  liq>r, 
and  evaporate  it  to  a proper  consistence.’'  Lond. 

“Take  of  Hepatic  Aloes,  in  coarse  powder,  four  ounces  [avoirdupois];  Mer 
two  pints  [Imp.  meas.].  Boil  the  Aloes  until  it  is  dissolved  ; when  the  solum 
is  cold  and  the  dregs  have  subsided,  pour  off  the  clear  liquid,  and  evapora  it 
to  a proper  consistence.”  Dub. 

Off.  Prep.  Decoctum  Aloes  Compositum;  Pilula  Colocynthidis  Composit 

EXTRACTUM  ALOES  BARBADENSIS.  Lond.  Extractof 
Barbadocs  Aloes. 

“Prepare  this  in  the  manner  directed  for  Extract  of  Aloes.”  Lond. 

The  object  of  these  processes  is  to  separate  from  aloes  the  resinoid  matterae 
apotheme  of  Berzelius,  which  is  supposed  to  irritate  the  bowels,  without  as- 
sessing purgative  properties;  but  the  truth  appears  to  be,  that,  when  depred 
of  a small  proportion  of  adhering  extractive,  this  matter  is  quite  inert.  It  n- 
not,  therefore,  injuriously  affect  the  virtues  of  the  medicine;  and,  as  it  exis'iu 
comparatively  small  proportion,  and  during  the  process  a part  of  the  extraeve 
becomes  insoluble,  the  preparation  may  be  considered  as  at  best  unnecessy. 
The  dose  of  the  purified  aloes  is  from  five  to  fifteen  grains. 

Off.  Prep.  Piiula  Aloes  cum  Sapone.  R * 

EXTRACTUM  ANTHEMIDIS.  Ed.  Extract  of  Chamomile. 

“Take  of  Chamomile  [dried  flowers]  a pound.  Boil  it  with  a gallon  [Ine- 
rial  measure]  of  Water  down  to  four  pints  ; filter  the  liquor  hot;  evaporate  irhe 
vapour-bath  to  the  proper  consistence.”  Ed. 

According  to  Mr.  Brande,  one  cwt.  of  dried  chamomile  flowers  affords  ion 
an  average  48  pounds  of  extract. 

This  extract  has  a deep-brown  colour,  and  the  bitter  taste  of  chamomile,  ut 

* Plaster  of  Aconite. — It  is  often  desirable  to  employ  aconite  externally  in  thefornf  a 
plaster,  and  for  this  purpose  the  alcoholic  extract  of  the  root  may  be  advantage*;!/ 
resorted  to.  Professor  Procter  prepares  such  a plaster  by  the  following  process,  hx 
four  ounces  of  the  coarsely  powdered  root  with  six  fluidounces  of  alcohol  (sp.  gr. 
macerate  for  24  hours,  then  submit  the  mixture  to  percolation  with  alcohol,  so  as  to  oun 
a pint  of  tincture.  From  this  distil  off  three-fourths  of  the  alcohol,  and  evaporathe 
residue  by  a water-bath  to  a syrupy  consistence.  IVhile  it  is  still  hot,  add  three  ones 
and  a half  of  adhesive  plaster,  previously  melted,  and  stir  the  mixture  constantly  t h 
cools.  About  four  ounces  of  plaster  are  thus  obtained.  (Am.  Journ.  of  Phan:.,  xxv. 

— Note  to  the  tenth  edition. 


P4T  II. 


Extracta. 


971 


is  holly  destitute  of  aroma ; the  volatile  oil  having  been  entirely  driven  off 
duag  the  process.  It  does  not,  therefore,  possess  the  peculiar  virtues  of  the 
flours;  but  is  simply  a mild  bitter,  which  may  sometimes  be  advantageously 
coihned  with  laxatives  and  mineral  tonics  in  debilitated  states  of  the  digestive 
onns.  All  the  effects  of  the  flowers  may  be  obtained  from  it  by  adding  a little 
of  le  oil  of  chamomile.  It  is  most  used,  however,  as  a vehicle  for  other  tonics 
in  e pilular  form.  The  dose  is  from  ten  to  twenty  grains.  An  extract  may 
be  Prepared,  having  the  peculiar  flavour  as  well  as  bitterness  of  chamomile,  by 
marating  the  flowers  in  water,  and  evaporating  the  infusion  in  vacuo.  W. 

XTRACTUM  BELLADONNA.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub.  Ex- 
tra of  Belladonna. 

sis  is  prepared  from  fresh  Belladonna  (leaves)  in  the  manner  directed  by 
the  If.  S.  Pharmacopoeia  for  extract  of  stramonium  leaves  (see  Extractum 
St:  raonii  Foliorum)  ; and  by  the  London  for  extract  of  aconite  (see  Extractum 
Acid). 

Take  of  Belladonna,  fresh,  any  convenient  quantity.  Bruise  it  in  a marble 
moar  into  a uniform  pulp;  express  the  juice;  moisten  the  residuum  with  water, 
anexpress  again.  Unite  the  expressed  fluids,  filter  them,  and  evaporate  the 
lilted  liquid  in  the  vapour-bath  to  the  consistence  of  firm  extract,  stirring  con- 
staly  towards  the  close.”  Ed. 

Take  of  fresh  Belladonna  Leaves,  collected  when  the  plant  begins  to  flower, 
(inconvenient  quantity.  Crush  them  in  a mortar,  express  the  juice,  and  allow 
it  ( stand  for  twenty-four  hours.  Pour  off  the  clear  liquor,  and  set  it  aside  for 
subquent  use;  and  having  placed  the  sediment  on  a calico  filter,  wash  it  with 
an  ual  bulk  of  distilled  water,  and  mix  the  washings  with  the  decanted  liquors. 
Win,  by  the  application  of  a water  heat,  coagulation  has  occurred,  skim  off  the 
coa dated  matter,  filter  the  hot  liquid  through  flannel,  mix  in  now  the  washed 
sedient,  and  evaporate  to  the  consistence  of  a firm  extract,  by  a steam  or  water 
bat  constantly  stirring,  particularly  towards  the  close  of  the  evaporation.”  Dub. 

I,o m the  experiments  of  MM.  Solon  and  Soubeiran,  it  appears  that,  in  relation 
tot  s extract,  the  insoluble  matter  separated  from  the  expressed  juice  by  filter- 
ing md  that  coagulated)  by  heat,  are  nearly  if  not  quite  inert;  so  that  advantage 
res  :s  from  clarifying  the  juice  by  these  means  before  evaporating  it.  Mr. 
Buie  states  that  one  cwt.  of  fresh  belladonna  yields  from  4 to  6 pounds  of 
ext  ct.  According  to  M.  Recluz,  nearly  ten  parts  may  be  obtained  from  one 
bui  red.  The  extract  employed  in  this  country  is  brought  chiefly  from  England; 
butlr.  Alfred  Jones  has  found  that  it  may  be  prepared  of  equally  good  quality 
froi  the  plant  grown  in  the  United  States.  (Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xxiv.  108.) 
It  h usually  a dark-brown  colour,  a slightly  narcotic  not  unpleasant  odour,  a 
bitt  ish  taste,  and  a soft  consistence  which  it  long  retains.  Asparagin  has  been 
foul  in  this  extract.  {Journ.  de  Pharm.,  xxi.  178.) 

1 medical  properties  and  uses  have  been  detailed  under  the  head  of  Bella- 
dor  i.  A few  words  in  relation  to  its  mode  of  application  may  be  proper  here. 
For  he  dilatation  of  the  pupil,  it  is  either  mixed  with  water  to  the  consistence 
of  ( am  and  rubbed  on  the  brow  and  eyelids,  or  dissolved  in  water  and  dropped 
mk  he  eye.  In  rigidity  of  the  os  uteri,  it  is  applied  at  intervals  to  the  neck  of 
the  terus,  mixed  with  simple  ointment  in  the  proportion  of  two  drachms  to  an 
ourq  but  care  must  be  taken  not  too  powerfully  to  affect  the  system;  and  the 
pre  ration,  therefore,  should  be  used  in  a small  quantity  at  first.  In  irritability 
of  e bladder,  chordee,  spasm  of  the  urethra,  and  painful  constriction  of  the 
rec  n,  it  may  either  be  rubbed  in  the  form  of  ointment  upon  the  perineum, 
aloi  the  urethra,  &e.,  or  may  be  used  in  the  form  of  enema;  but  care  is  requisite 
not ) introduce  it  too  freely  into  the  bowel.  It  is  sometimes  smeared  upon  the 


972 


Extracta. 


PARI  I. 


bougie,  mixed  with  oil,  in  tbe  treatment  of  stricture  of  tbe  urethra.  In  ie 
form  of  ointment  it  has  been  beneficially  employed  in  phymosis  and  parafy- 
mosis,  and  in  that  of  plaster  or  ointment,  in  local  pains  of  a neuralgic  or  rheutt  ic 
character.  (See  Emplastrum  Belladonnse.')  The  dose  of  the  extract  isuncerjn 
on  account  of  its  variable  strength.  The  best  plan  is  to  begin  with  one-quijr 
or  one-half  of  a grain,  repeated  two  or  three  times  a day,  and  gradually  ton- 
c-rease  the  dose  till  the  effects  of  the  medicine  are  experienced.  To  a child  ,o 
years  old  not  more  than  one- twelfth  of  a grain  should  be  administered  at  lit. 

Off.  Prep.  Emplastrum  Belladonnae;  Unguentum  Belladonnse.  ft 

EXTRACTUM  BELLADONNA  ALCOHOLICUM.  U.S.  I . 

coholic  Extract  of  Belladonna. 

This  is  directed  by  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia  to  be  prepared  from  Bellado  a, 
in  coarse  powder,  in  the  same  manner  as  the  alcoholic  extract  of  aconite,  ae 
Extractum  Aconiti  Alcohol icurn.')  It  is  a good  preparation,  though  less  necesry 
than  some  other  spirituous  extracts  of  the  narcotic  plants;  as  the  inspisspd 
juice,  or  common  extract  of  belladonna,  can  generally  be  procured  of  good  quay. 
It  is  one  of  the  officiuals  of  the  French  Codex.  The  dose  to  begin  with  is  If 
a grain.  Y\ 

EXTRACTUM  CINCHONA  FLAVA.  U.  S.  Extractum  (er- 
CIIOXM5.  Bond .,  Ed.  Extract  of  Yellow  Baric. 

“Take  of  Yellow  Bark,  in  coarse  powder,  a pound;  Alcohol  four  pints;  Tier 
a sufficient  quantity.  Macerate  the  Yellow  Bark  with  the  Alcohol  for  four  d.s; 
then  filter  by  means  of  a percolator,  and,  when  the  liquid  ceases  to  pass,  or 
gradually  upon  the  Bark  sufficient  Water  to  keep  its  surface  covered.  Wn 
the  filtered  tincture  measures  four  pints,  set  it  aside,  and  proceed  with  thefija- 
tion  until  six  pints  of  infusion  are  obtained.  Distil  off  the  alcohol  frorahe 
tincture,  and  evaporate  the  infusion,  till  the  liquids  respectively  are  brougljto 
the  consistence  of  thin  honey;  then  mix  them,  and  evaporate  so  as  to  form 
extract.”  V.  S. 

“ Take  of  Yellow  Bark,  coarsely  powdered,  three  pounds;  Distilled  Watt  ix 
pints  [Imperial  measure].  Add  four  pints  of  the  Water  to  the  Bark,  and  :ir 
constantly  with  a spatula  until  it  is  thoroughly  moistened  ; macerate  for  twey- 
four  hours,  and  strain  through  linen.  Macerate  what  remains  in  the  re  of 
the  water  for  twenty-four  hours,  and  strain.  Then  mix  the  liquors,  and  evo- 
rate  to  the  proper  consistence.”  Lond. 

“ Take  of  any  of  the  varieties  of  Cinchona,  but  especially  the  Yellow  or  ed 
Cinchona,  in  fine  powder,  four  ounces;  Proof  Spirit  twenty-four  fluidoues. 
Percolate  the  Cinchona  with  the  Spirit;  distil  off  the  greater  part  of  the  spit; 
and  evaporate  what  remains  in  an  open  vessel  over  the  vapour-bath  to  aue 
consistence.”  Ed. 

EXTRACTUM  CINCHONA  PALLIDA.  Lond.  Extract 
Cixchon^e.  Ed.  Extract  of  Pale  Bark. 

The  London  and  Edinburgh  Colleges  prepare  this  from  Pale  Bark  inlie 
same  manner  as  extract;  of  yellow  bark.  (See  Extractum  Cinchona s Flares 
EXTRACTUM  CINCHONA  RUBRA.  U.  S.,  Lond.  Extract 
Cixchonae.  Ed.  Extract  of  Red  Bark. 

This  is  directed,  in  the  Pharmacopoeias  recognising  it,  to  be  prepared  m 
Bed  Bark  in  the  same  manner  as  extract  of  yellow  bark.  (See  Extractum  «- 
chon  as  Fla  vac.) 

Either  of  the  above  processes  will  afford  an  efficient  extract;  and  they  arid 
much  preferable  to  the  old  methods,  in  which  the  virtues  of  the  bark  wen*- 
tracted  by  boiling.  The  U.  S.  or  Edinburgh  process  is  preferable  to  that  olne 


par  ii. 


Extracta. 


973 


Lolon  Pharmacopoeia,  as  water  does  not  thoroughly  exhaust  the  bark,  and  the 
meiod  of  percolation  is  more  efficient  than  maceration  simply.  It  is  very  de- 
sir  le  that  the  evaporation,  in  the  preparation  of  this  extract,  should  be  effected 
at  low  temperature. 

very  good  extract  of  bark  was  formerly  prepared,  in  the  shops  of  Phila- 
dehia,  by  macerating  cinchona  for  a considerable  length  of  time  in  a large 
preprtion  of  water,  and  slowly  evaporating  the  infusion,  by  a very  moderate 
lie;  in  large  shallow  dishes  placed  upon  the  top  of  a stove.  Before  the  use  of 
the  ulpbate  of  quinia  had  superseded  that  of  most  other  preparations  of  bark, 
^employed  this  extract  with  success  in  the  treatment  of  intermittents,  and 
foul  ten  grains  of  it  equivalent  to  nearly  a drachm  of  the  powdered  cinchona. 

.ecording  to  Mr.  Brande,  one  cwt.  of  fine  crown  bark  (best  pale  bark)  yields 
on  1 average  28  pounds  of  watery  extract,  and  25  pounds  of  alcoholic  extract. 
It  best  that  the  bark  should  be  only  coarsely  powdered  when  submitted  to 
decition  or  maceration;  as  in  this  state  it  is  sufficiently  penetrable  by  the  sol- 
ver: and  more  readily  separated  after  being  exhausted.  The  extract  should 
alws  be  brought  to  the  hard  dry  state  in  which  it  may  be  pulverized ; as  it  is 
tin  less  apt  to  be  injured  by  exposure,  and  in  the  state  of  powder  maybe  more 
unirmly  incorporated  with  other  substances.  It  is  best  prepared  from  the 
jel.w  ( Calisaya ) or  the  red  bark. 

.•diced  Uses.  The  extract  of  Peruvian  bark  is  at  present  much  less  employed 
tha  before  the  discovery  of  quinia.  It  is  still,  however,  occasionally  prescribed 
as  tonic  in  combination  with  other  medicines;  and  as  it  possesses,  when  pro- 
per prepared  with  a spirituous  menstruum,  almost  all  the  active  principles  as 
thelexist  in  the  bark  itself,  it  may  be  used  in  preference  to  the  sulphate  of 
quia,  whenever  it  is  supposed  that  the  latter  is  incapable  of  exerting  all  the 
curive  influence  of  cinchona.  We  are  told,  however,  that  on  account  of  the 
big  price  of  Calisaya  bark,  much  of  the  extract  as  at  present  in  the  gjiops  is 
pre  red  from  inferior  varieties.  The  dose  is  from  ten  to  thirty  grains,  equiva- 
lent about  a drachm  of  the  powdered  bark.  W. 

KTRACTUM  COLCHICI.  Lond.  Extract  of  Colchicum. 

Iflis  is  prepared  in  the  manner  directed  for  extract  of  aconite;  the  cormus 
bei  first  deprived  of  its  coating.  (See  Extract  um  Ac  on  it  i.') 

(ere  scarcely  seems  to  be  occasion  for  both  this  and  the  following  extract  of 
me;  ow-saffron  bulb.  The  dose  is  one  or  two  grains. 

1 Great  Britain  a preparation  called  preserved  juice  of  colchicum  is  given  in 
tbejase  of  five  minims  or  more.  It  is  prepared  by  expressing  the  fresh  bulb, 
aiming  it  to  stand  for  forty-eight  hours,  so  that  the  feculent  matter  may  be 
depited,  then  adding  one-quarter  of  its  bulk  of  alcohol,  allowing  it  again  to 
stai  for  a short  period,  and  ultimately  filtering.  W. 

KTRACTUM  COLCHICI  ACETICUM.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Bub. 
Acli'c  Extract  of  Colchicum. 

‘.ake  of  Colchicum  Root,  in  coarse  powder,  a pound;  Acetic  Acid  four  fluicl- 
oun is;  Water  a sufficient  quantity.  To  the  Acetic  Acid  add  a pint  of  Water, 
andinx  the  resulting  liquid  with  the  Colchicum  Root.  Transfer  the  mixture 
to  percolator,  and  pour  Water  gradually  upon  it  until  the  liquid  passes  with 
litt  or  no  taste.  Lastly,  evaporate  the  liquid,  in  a porcelain  vessel,  to  the  proper 
con  ;tence.”  U.  S. 

‘ bike  of  fresh  Colchicum  Cormus  [bulb]  a pound;  Acetic  Acid  three  fluid- 
ou,f-  Bruise  the  Cormus  previously  deprived  of  its  coating,  gradually  sprink- 
hnpn  the  Acetic  Acid;  then  express  the  juice,  and  evaporate  it,  without  strain- 
ingjo  the  proper  consistence.”  Lond. 

‘ 'ake  of  Bulb  of  Colchicum  a pound;  Pyroligneous  Acid  [acetic  acid,  sp.  gr. 


I 


974 


Extracta. 


PARI  i. 


1'034]  three  fluidounces.  Beat  the  Colcbieum  to  a pulp,  gradually  adding ie 
Acid;  express  the  liquor,  and  evaporate  it  in  a porcelain  vessel  (not  glazed  i h 
lead)  over  the  vapour-bath  to  the  due  consistence.”  Ed. 

“Take  of  Colchicuin  Boot,  dried,  four  ounces  [avoirdupois];  Dilute  Ac ic 
Acid  eiyht  fluidounces.  Digest  the  Boot  in  the  Acid  for  fourteen  days,  t-n 
filter,  and  evaporate  by  means  of  a water-bath,  to  the  consistence  of  a soft  s- 
tract.”  Dub. 

As  the  fresh  colchicum  bulb  is  rarely  to  be  had  in  this  country,  the  U.  S.  P r- 
macopoeia  employs  the  dried  bulb;  and  its  process,  if  properly  conducted,  11 
afford  a very  efficient  extract.  Some  inconveniences  are  experienced  in  prepa  :g 
the  extract,  according  to  the  London  process,  from  the  recent  bulb  by  express, 
which  would  seem  to  render  the  U.  S.  process  under  all  circumstances  pnr- 
able.  ( Pharm . Journ.  and  Trans.,  xiii.  62.) 

The  use  of  the  acetic  acid,  in  this  preparation,  is  to  render  more  soluble le 
alkaline  principle  upon  which  the  virtues  of  meadow-saffron  are  thought  toe- 
peDd.  The  acetic  extract  of  colchicum  is  highly  commended  by  Sir  C.  Sea- 
more,  who,  however,  prefers  it  made  by  evaporating  to  the  consistence  of  ho  c, 
a saturated  acetic  infusion  of  the  dried  bulb.  ( Land . Med.  Gazette,  Dec. 0, 
1841.)  The  dose  of  the  extract  is  one  or  two  grains,  to  be  repeated  twor 
three  times  a day,  and  increased  if  necessary. 

EXTRACTUM  COLOCYNTHIDIS.  Land.,  Ed.  Extract  of  Co- 
cynth. 

“Take  of  Colocynth,  sliced  and  deprived  of  its  seeds,  three  pounds;  Disti-d 
Water  half  a gallon  [Imperial  measure].  3Iacerate  the  Colocynth  for  tkirtjix 
hours,  occasionally  pressing  it  with  the  hand.  Express  the  liquor  strongly  id 
strain.  Finally  evaporate  to  the  proper  consistence.”  Land. 

“Take  of  Colocynth  a pound;  Water  two  gallons.  Boil  gently  for  six  krs, 
replacing  the  evaporated  water  occasionally.  Strain  the  liquor  while  hot;  id 
evaporate  it  in  the  vapour-bath  to  the  due  consistence.”  Ed. 

Colocynth  should  be  deprived  of  its  seeds,  as  directed  by  the  London  Colic, 
before  being  submitted  to  the  action  of  the  menstruum.  Dr.  Duncan  found  .If 
a pound  of  colocynth  to  contain  2770  grains  of  seeds,  which,  boiled  by  tin- 
selves,  yielded  almost  nothing  to  water.  Boiling  water  extracts  so  much  pcic 
acid  and  mucilage  from  colocynth,  that  the  decoction  or  hot  infusion  gelatines 
on  cooling.  Hence  the  Edinburgh  College  directs  that  the  decoction  shouloe 
strained  while  hot.  But  the  extract  made  in  this  way  is  loaded  with  inert  lit- 
ter, and,  besides,  is  apt  to  be  mouldy  or  so  tough  and  hard  as  to  resist  triturara 
and  formation  into  pills.  Hence  the  London  College,  following  in  this  reset 
the  French  Codex,  directs  in  the  last  edition  of  its  Pharmacopoeia,  macerain 
with  cold  water;  but  there  is  reason  to  believe  that  the  very  large  proportioot 
colocynth  ordered  is  a mistake;  three  pounds  having  probably  been  inadvertely 
substituted  for  three  ounces.  In  the  former  London  process,  in  which  boiig 
was  directed,  the  proportion  was  a pound  of  colocynth  to  two  gallons  of  wrr. 
which  is  the  same  as  three  ounces  to  half  a gallon;  and  it  is  probable  that ue 
only  difference  intended  was  the  use  of  cold  iustead  of  boiling  water.  Besrs- 
it  is  admitted  that  the  compound  pill  of  colocynth  of  the  present  London  P-r- 
macopceia  was  designed  as  a substitute  for  the  old  compound  extract,  to  be  g-’n 
in  the  same  dose;  but,  if  made  with  the  present  simple  extract,  it  has  been  fold 
to  be  much  more  powerful  than  the  old  preparation,  so  that  it  cannot  with  o- 
priety  be  given  in  the  same  quantity;  while,  if  made  with  simple  extract  e- 
pared  from  three  ounces  of  the  pulp  to  half  a gallon  of  water,  it  has  precih 
the  same  strength.  (See  Pharm.  Journ.  and  Trans.,  xii.  271,  376,  and  4 1 
Upon  the  whole  it  will  be  safest  to  adopt  the  three  ounces  in  making  this  pr-‘- 
ration;  in  which  case  it  may  be  used,  as  formerly  recommended,  in  the  dosoi 


PAT  II. 


Extracta. 


975 


fro  five  grains  to  half  a drachm;  whereas  if  it  be  made  in  precise  compliance 
wit  the  formula,  the  dose  has  not  been  well  ascertained,  but  would  certainly  be 
mui  less.  This  extract  is  little  used  in  the  United  States. 

f.  Prep.  Enema  Colocynthidis;  Pilula  Colocynthidis  Composita.  W. 

XTRACTUM  COLOCYNTHIDIS  COMPOSITUM.  U.  S.  Cam- 
pond  Extract  of  Colocynth. 

Take  of  Colocynth,  deprived  of  the  seeds  and  sliced,  six  minces;  Aloes,  in 
pover,  twelve  ounces;  Scammony,  in  powder,  four  ounces;  Cardamom,  in  pow- 
derm  ounce;  Soap  [Castile]  three  ounces;  Diluted  Alcohol  a gallon.  Macerate 
thelolocynth  in  the  Diluted  Alcohol,  with  a gentle  heat,  for  four  days.  Ex- 
pre  and  filter  the  liquor,  and  add  to  it  the  Aloes,  Scammony,  and  Soap  ; then 
eva>rate  to  the  proper  consistence,  and  near  the  end  of  the  process,  mix  the 
Canmom  with  the  other  ingredients.”  U.  S. 

he  object  of  the  soap  in  this  formula  is  to  improve  the  consistence  of  the 
ma,  which,  when  hardened  by  time,  it  renders  more  soluble  in  the  liquors  of 
thetomach.  It  may  possibly  also  serve  the  purpose  of  qualifying  the  action 
of  e aloes.  Diluted  alcohol  is  a much  better  solvent  of  the  active  principle 
of  locynth  than  water.  The  proper  consistence,  alluded  to  in  this  process,  is 
thawhich  is  adapted  to  the  formation  of  pills;  but  as  it  is  very  convenient  to 
hat  it  in  the  state  of  powder  for  admixture  with  other  substances,  a portion  of 
thextrac-t  should  be  evaporated  to  dryness,  by  exposing  it  in  thin  layers  to  dry 
air  r a few  days. 

j is  extract  is  an  energetic  and  safe  cathartic,  possessing  the  activity  of  its 
thr|  purgative  ingredients,  with  comparatively  little  of  the  drastic  character  of 
the  fiocynth  and  scammony.  It  may  be  still  further  and  advantageously  modi- 
fied y combination  with  rhubarb,  jalap,  calomel,  &c.,  with  one  or  more  of  which 
itisery  often  united  in  prescription.  In  suc-h  combination  it  is  much  employed 
vrhover  an  active  cathartic  is  desirable,  particularly  in  the  commencement  of 
fev<!  and  febrile  complaints,  in  congestion  of  the  liver  or  portal  system,  and  in 
obs  iate  constipation.  In  small  doses  it  is  an  excellent  laxative  in  that  state 
of  Ijbitual  costiveness,  depending  on  a want  of  the  due  irritability  of  the  bow- 
els, hich  often  occurs  in  old  people.  The  dose  is  from  five  to  thirty  grains, 
accding  to  the  effect  to  be  produced,  and  the  susceptibility  of  the  bowels.  A 
ver  eligible  combination  is  the  compound  cathartic  pill  of  the  U.  S.  Pharma- 
cop- a.  We  are  informed  that  much  of  the  extract  sold  in  this  country  is  made 
witi  nferior  scammony  and  aloes,  and  an  insufficient  proportion  of  colocynth, 
so  tit  it  is  comparatively  inert.  Cheap  compound  extract  of  colocynth  should 
he  bked  on  with  suspicion,  and  the  apothecary  should  prepare  it  for  himself. 

('.Prep.  Pilulas  Catharticse  Compositae.  U.  S.  W. 

KTRACTUM  CONII.  TJ.  S.,  Bond.,  Ed .,  Bub.  Extract  of  Hem- 
loci. 

“ake  of  fresh  Hemlock  Leaves  a pound.  Bruise  them  in  a stone  mortar, 
spriding  on  them  a little  water;  then  express  the  juice,  and,  having  heated  it 
to  t boiling  point,  filter  it,  and  evaporate  to  the  proper  consistence,  either  in 
a Vfjium  with  the  aid  of  heat,  or  in  shallow  vessels,  at  ordinary  temperatures, 
by  i -ans  of  a current  of  air  directed  over  the  surface  of  the  liquid. ” U.  S. 

lb  London  College  directs  this  extract  to  be  made  in  the  same  manner  as 
ext-i  t of  aconite  (see  Extractum  Aconiti),  and  the  Dublin,  as  extract  of  bella- 
don  (see  Extractum  Belladonnse) . 

“ ake  of  Conium  any  convenient  quantity.  Beat  it  into  a uniform  pulp  in 
a npble  mortar,  express  the  juice,  and  filter  it.  Let  this  juice  be  evaporated 
to  t consistence  of  a very  firm  extract,  either  in  a vacuum  with  the  aid  of  heat, 
or  smtaneously  in  shallow  vessels  exposed  to  a strong  current  of  air  freed  of 


i 


976 


Hxtracta. 


par:  i. 


dust  by  gauze- screens.  This  extract  is  of  good  quality  only  when  a very  sthg 
odour  of  conia  is  disengaged  by  degrees  on  its  being  carefully  triturated  th 
Aqua  Potassae.”  Ed. 

The  most  important  point  in  the  preparation  of  this  extract  is  to  evap<  te 
the  juice  without  an  undue  degree  of  heat.  At  a temperature  of  212°  or  p- 
wards,  its  active  principle  undergoes  rapid  decomposition,  being  converted  to 
resinous  matter  and  ammonia.  This  is  detected  by  the  operator  by  the  an  o- 
niacal  odour  mixed  with  that  which  is  peculiar  to  the  plant.  The  juice  ahys 
to  a certain  extent  undergoes  this  decomposition  when  evaporated  over  a e, 
and  is  not  exempt  from  it  even  when  the  heat  is  regulated  by  a water-1  h, 
Hence  the  propriety  of  the  directions  in  the  U.  S.  and  Edinburgh  Phara-o- 
poeias.  An  excellent  plan  in  the  evaporation  is  to  conduct  it  first  in  a vaetn, 
and  afterwards  in  shallow  vessels  with  a current  of  air  at  common  temperatns. 
By  the  present  PT.  S.  process,  which  is  an  improvement  upon  that  of  the  foier 
edition  of  the  Pharmacopoeia,  the  extract  is  procured  in  a more  concentred 
state  by  heating  the  juice  to  the  boiling  point  and  then  filtering,  whereby ae 
inert  albumen  is  coagulated,  and,  along  with  the  equally  inert  chloropkyllehd 
vegetable  fibre,  is  separated  from  the  liquid  before  evaporation.  Long-eontiied 
exposure  to  the  air  is  productive  of  the  same  result  as  too  much  heat,  so  at 
old  extracts  are  frequently  destitute  of  activity.  ( Journ . de  Pharm.,  xxii.  L.) 
No  one  of  the  extracts  is  more  variable  in  its  qualities  than  this.  The  sebn 
at  which  the  herb  is  collected,  the  place  and  circumstances  of  its  growth, he 
method  of  preparing  the  extract,  are  all  points  of  importance,  and  are  alloo 
frequently  neglected.  (See  Conil  Folia.)  In  this  country  the  process  is  cen 
very  carelessly  conducted ; and  large  quantities  of  an  extract,  prepared  by  il- 
ing  the  plant  in  water  and  evaporating  the  decoction,  have  been  sold  ashe 
genuine  drug.  The  apothecary  should  always  prepare  the  extract  himselor 
procure  it  from  persons  in  whom  he  can  have  entire  confidence.  That  impend 
from  Loudon  has  usually  been  considered  the  best;  but  we  have  seen  and  ted 
the  extract  prepared  by'  the  Messrs.  Tilden  and  Co.,  of  New  York,  by  ev-o- 
ration  in  vacuo  at  a low  heat,  and  have  found  it  superior  to  any  that  we  id 
previously  employed.  It  is  not  improbable  that,  as  suggested  to  us  by  ;o- 
fessor  Procter,  the  addition  of  a portion  of  acetic  acid  to  the  juice  before  evo- 
ration,  might  tend  to  fix  the  conia,  and  enable  it  better  to  resist  the  infltnee 
of  heat  than  in  its  native  combination.  The  activity  of  any  specimen  ofae 
extract  may  be  in  some  measure  judged  of  by  rubbing  it  with  potassa,  wlh, 
disengaging  the  conia  and  rendering  it  volatile,  gives  rise  to  the  pecaar 
mouse-like  odour  of  that  principle.  If  no  odour  be  evolved  under  these ’.r- 
cumstanc-es,  the  extract  may  be  deemed  inert. 

The  extract  of  hemlock  prepared  without  separating  the  c-hlorophylle  as 
a fresh  olive  or  green  colour;  but  made  according  to  the  U.  S.  process  is  browih. 
It  should  have  a strong  narcotic  somewhat  fetid  odour,  and  a bitterish  sale 
taste.  According  to  Brande,  from  three  to  five  pounds  are  obtained  fromae 
cwt.  of  the  leaves.  M.  Becluz  got  rather  more  than  an  ounce  from  sum 
ounces.  Of  the  medical  properties  and  application  of  this  extract,  we  he 
spoken  under  the  head  of  Conii  Folia.  The  dose  is  two  grains  two,  threeor 
four  times  a day.  to  be  gradually  increased  till  evidences  of  its  action  uponie 
system  are  afforded.  It  may  be  administered  in  pill  or  solution. 

Off.  Prep.  Cataplasma  Conii;  Pilula  Conii  Composita.  ^ 

EXTRACTUM  CONII  ALCOHOLICUM.  U.  S.  Alcoholic  .r- 
tract  of  Hemlock. 

This  is  prepared,  according  to  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia,  from  Hemlock  Leal, 
in  coarse  powder,  in  the  manner  directed  for  alcoholic  extract  of  aconite.  (* 
Extractum  Aconiti  Alcoholicum.) 


pa:  ii. 


Extracta. 


977 


' is  is  one  of  the  French  officinal  extracts,  and,  when  well  made  from  recently 
ancarefully  dried  leaves,  is  a good  preparation.  The  same  caution  is  requisite 
in  (aporating  in  this  case  as  in  that  of  the  inspissated  juice  or  common  extract. 
Thdose,  to  begin  with,  is  two  or  three  grains.  W. 

KTRACTUM  DIGITALIS.  Ed.  Extract  of  Foxglove. 

5 is  is  prepared  from  the  fresh  leaves,  in  the  manuer  directed  Ly  the  Edin- 
lun  College  for  extract  of  hemlock.  (See  Extractum  Conii.) 

His  preparation  appears  to  us,  considering  the  activity  of  the  leaves  them- 
sehs,  and  the  at  least  equal  uncertainty  of  the  extract,  to  be  quite  superfluous. 
Tlidose  is  from  half  a grain  to  two  grains.  W. 

KTRACTUM  I)  U L C A M A R JE . U.  S.  Extract  of  Bitter siveet. 

His  is  prepared,  according  to  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia,  from  Bittersweet,  in 
coai  powder,  in  the  manner  directed  for  extract  of  gentian.  (See  Extractum 
Gei'anas.) 

He  preparation  is  well  known  on  the  continent  of  Europe,  but  little  used  in 
tkisountry  or  Great  Britain.  The  dose  is  from  five  to  ten  grains;  but  much 
moimay  be  given  with  impunity.  W. 

KTRACTUM  GENTIAM.  U.S.,  Lond .,  Ed .,  Dub.  Extract 
of  kntian. 

“lake  of  Gentian,  in  coarse  powder,  a pound ; "Water  a sufficient  quantity. 
Mis  he  Gentian  with  a pint  of  Water,  and,  after  allowing  the  mixture  to  stand 
for  :enty-four  hours,  transfer  it  to  a percolator,  and  pour  Water  upon  it  gra- 
dual-'until  the  liquid  passes  but  slightly  impregnated  with  the  properties  of  the 
Germ.  Heat  the  filtered  liquor  to  the  boiling  point,  strain,  and  evaporate  to 
the  oper  consistence.”  U.  S. 

“ake  of  Gentian,  sliced,  three  pounds;  Distilled  Water  six  pints  [Imperial 
raeare].  Macerate  for  twelve  hours  in  four  pints  of  the  Water;  pour  off  the 
liqu  and  strain.  To  the  residue  add  two  pints  of  the  Water,  macerate  for  six 
hou:  and  lightly  express  the  liquor  and  strain.  Lastly,  having  mixed  the 
liqus,  evaporate  to  the  proper  consistence.”  Lond. 

T Dublin  process  does  not  differ  essentially  from  that  of  the  London  College. 

“ike  of  Gentian  any  convenient  quantity.  Bruise  it  to  a moderately  fine 
pow.r,  mix  it  thoroughly  with  half  its  weight  of  Distilled  Water;  in  twelve 
houiput  it  into  a proper  percolator,  and  exhaust  it  by  percolation  with  temper- 
ate .stilled  Water;  concentrate  the  liquid,  filter  it  before  it  becomes  too  thick, 
and  '-aporate  in  the  vapour-bath  to  the  due  consistence.”  Ed. 

T London  and  Dublin  Colleges  have  very  properly  abandoned  decoction  in 
preping  this  extract,  but  have  not  adopted  percolation  as  employed  in  the  U. 
S.  ai  Edinburgh  processes,  which  is  a great  improvement  over  the  plan  of  ma- 
ccra  n.  The  extract,  however,  may  be  advantageously  made  by  macerating 
the  i)t  in  two  parts  of  water  for  thirty-six  hours,  then  expressing  in  a powerful 
presf again  macerating  with  additional  water  and  in  like  manner  expressing, 
and  .-aporating  the  united  expressed  liquors.  MM.  Guibourt  and  Cadet  de 
I au  obtained  by  maceration  in  cold  water  an  extract  not  only  greater  in 
amo-‘t,  but  more  transparent,  more  bitter,  and  possessing  more  of  the  colour 
and  hell  of  the  root  than  that  prepared  by  decoction.  Guibourt  attributes  this 
resu.  to  the  circumstance  that,  as  gentian  contains  little  if  any  starch,  it  yields 
nothjg  to  boiling  which  it  will  not  also  yield  to  cold  water;  while  decoction 
favors  the  combination  of  a portion  of  the  colouring  matter  with  the  lignin. 
But  us  opinion  requires  modification,  now  that  it  is  understood  that  gentian 
contiis  pectic  acid,  which  water  will  extract  when  boiling  hot,  but  not  when 
cold.  For  observations  in  relation  to  the  best  modes  of  evaporation  in  the 
62 


I 


978 


Extracta. 


pae  ii, 


formation  of  extracts,  the  reader  is  referred  to  page  964.  Gentian,  accoinp 
to  Brande,  yields  half  its  weight  of  extract  by  decoction. 

As  ordinarily  procured,  the  extract  of  gentian  is  nearly  inodorous,  very  Her 
of  a dark-brown  colour  approaching  to  black,  shining,  and  tenacious.  Iti  ’re- 
quently  used  as  a tonic  in  the  form  of  pill,  either  alone  or  in  connexion  ith 
metallic  preparations.  The  dose  is  from  ten  to  thirty  grains. 

Off.  Prep.  Pilulce  Aloes  Composite. 

EXTRACT  UM  MMATOXYLL  U.S.,  Land.,  Ed.  Extra  of 
Logwood. 

“Take  of  Logwood,  rasped,  a pound;  Water  a gallon.  Boil  down  tour 
pints,  and  strain  the  liquor  while  hot;  then  evaporate  to  the  proper  coist- 
ence.”  U.  S. 

“ Take  of  Logwood,  in  fine  chips,  a pound  ; boiling  Water  a gallon  [Inr.ial 
measure].  Macerate  for  twenty-four  hours,  then  boil  down  to  four  pints,  s, in, 
and  concentrate  in  the  vapour-bath  to  the  due  consistence.’'  Ed. 

The  London  College  takes  two  pounds  and  a half  of  sliced  logwood  an'iro 
gallons  [Imperial  measure]  of  boiling  distilled  water ; macerates  for  twentyrar 
hours,  then  boils  down  to  a gallon,  and  strains  the  liquor  wiiile  hot;  and  tly 
evaporates  to  the  proper  consistence. 

The  evaporation  should  be  carried  so  far  that  the  extract  may  he  druid 
brittle  when  cold.  About  twenty  pounds  of  it  are  obtained  from  one  ct  of 
logwood.  ( Brande .)  It  is  of  a deep  ruby  colour,  and  an  astringent  swrish 
taste  ; and  possesses  all  the  medical  virtues  of  the  wood.  If  given  in  pills,  ese 
should  be  recently  made,  as,  when  long  kept,  they  are  said  to  become  soard 
as  sometimes  to  pass  unchanged  through  the  bowels.  The  extract,  kowev.  is 
best  administered  in  solution.  The  dose  is  from  ten  to  thirty  grains.  This  e-act 
is  said  to  be  prepared  largely  in  Yucatan  and  other  parts  of  Mexico. 

EXTRACTUM  HELLEBORE  U.S.  Extract  of  Black  Eellm. 

This  is  prepared,  according  to  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia,  from  Black  1 lie- 
bore,  in  coarse  powder,  in  the  manner  directed  for  alcoholic  extract  of  ac  ite. 
(See  Extractum  Aconiti  Alcoholicum.) 

In  consequence,  probably,  of  the  injurious  influence  of  heat  upon  hlac’hel- 
lebore,  the  watery  extract  prepared  by  decoction  is  little  if  at  all  strongemaa 
the  root.  The  process  of  percolation  with  cold  spirit,  has,  therefore,  been  adrtcd 
in  the  last  edition  of  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia;  and,  if  proper  attention  hoaid 
to  conduct  the  evaporation  at  as  low  a temperature,  and  with  as  little  expure 
to  the  air  as  possible,  an  efficient  extract  will  probably  be  obtained.  Care  sluld 
be  taken  to  separate  from  the  sides  of  the  vessel  any  of  the  resin  deposited  ding 
the  evaporation,  and  mix  it  with  the  rest.  The  extract  operates  as  a dstic 
purge  in  the  dose  of  twelve  or  fifteen  grains,  but  is  seldom  employed. 

The  former  French  Codex  contained  a process  for  preparing  the  extra  of 
hellebore,  according  to  the  method  of  Bacher.  Two  pounds  of  the  root  an  half 
a pound  of  carbonate  of  potassa  are  digested,  with  a moderate  heat,  for  t;be 
hours,  in  eight  pounds  of  alcohol  of  22°  B.  ; the  tincture  is  strainedvith 
expression  ; the  residuum  is  again  digested  with  eight  pounds  of  white  wi  Hr 
twenty-four  hours;  the  wine  is  expressed,  and  having  stood  four  hours  to -tile 
is  decanted;  the  liquors  are  then  mixed,  and  with  a gentle  heat  evaporalto 
the  consistence  of  an  extract.  One  ounce  of  this  extract,  mixed  with  theuae 
quantity  of  myrrh,  and  with  ten  scruples  of  the  powdered  leaves  of  Cenftrea 
heuedicta,  and  made  into  pills  of  one  grain  each,  constitutes  the  prepauou 
known  as  the  tonic  pills  of  Bacher , formerly  much  used  in  amenorrhffiaai 
dropsy,  and  probably  not  without  advantage,  especially  in  the  former  of iese 
diseases.  The  dose  is  from  ten  to  twenty  pills  during  the  day.  An  addbaa- 


pa::  ii. 


Extracta. 


979 


quality  of  diluted  alcohol  might,  without  disadvantage,  he  substituted  for  the 
win  in  the  preparation  of  the  extract.  W. 

KTRACTUM  HYOSCYAMI.  U.S.,  Land.,  Ed.,  Eub.  Extract 
of  henbane. 

7is  is  prepared  from  fresh  Henbane  Leaves  in  the  manner  directed  by  the 
U.  I Pharmacopoeia  for  extract  of  stramonium  leaves  (see  Extractum  Stramonii 
Folrum),  by  the  London  for  extract  of  aconite  (see  Extractum  Acaniti),  by 
the  rlinburgh  for  extract  of  hemlock  (see  Extractum  Conii ),  and  by  the  Dublin 
for  i:  tract  of  belladonna  (see  Extractum  Belladonnse). 

Jill.  Solon  and  Soubeiran  have  shown  that  the  insoluble  matter  separated 
fronthe  expressed  juice  of  henbane  by  filtering,  and  that  coagulated  by  heat, 
are  arly,  if  not  quite,  inert;  so  that  the  juice  may  be  advantageously  clarified 
befo!  evaporation.  (Mmer.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  viii.  228.)  Extract  of  henbane 
is  dived  chiefly  from  England.  It  is  at  present,  however,  prepared  by  the 
Mess.  Tilden  & Go.,  of  New  York,  by  the  vacuum  process.  Mr.  Brande  says 
that  ae  cwt.  of  the  fresh  herb  affords  between  four  and  five  pounds.  M.  Recluz 
obtaed  about  one  part  from  sixteen. 

T extract,  as  it  reaches  us,  is  of  a dark-olive  colour  almost  black,  of  a nar- 
cotiqather  unpleasant  odour,  and  a bitterish,  nauseous,  slightly  saline  taste.  It 
retail  its  softness  for  a long  time;  but  at  the  end  of  three  or  four  years  becomes 
dry,  ad  exhibits,  when  broken,  small  crystals  of  nitrate  of  potassa  and  chloride 
of  sdum.  ( Recluz .)  Like  all  the  inspissated  juices  it  is  of  variable  strength, 
aecoung  to  its  age,  the  care  used  in  its  preparation,  and  the  character  of  the 
leave  from  which  it  was  procured.  (See  Plyoscyamus.)*  In  its  use,  therefore, 
it  is  lvisable  to  begin  with  a moderate  dose,  two  or  three  grains  for  instance, 
aad.adually  to  increase  the  quantity  till  some  effect  is  experienced,  and  the 
degr  of  efficiency  of  the  particular  parcel  employed  is  ascertained.  It  is 
usua / given  in  pill.  It  is  sometimes  used  externally  for  the  same  purposes 
as  exact  of  belladonna. 

OlPrep.  Pilulae  Colocynthidis  et  Hyoscyami.  W. 

E IRACTUM  HYOSCYAMI  ALCOHOLICUM.  U.S.  Alcoholic 
Extiyt  of  Henbane: 

TL  is  prepared,  according  to  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia,  from  Henbane  Leaves, 
n co;  ie  powder,  in  the  manner  directed  for  alcoholic  extract  of  aconite.  (See 
E.dri’.um  Aconiti  Alcoholicumi) 

Th  alcoholic  extract  of  henbane,  if  prepared  from  recently  driecf  leaves,  is 
bout  ; to  be  more  uniform  and  powerful  than  the  inspissated  juice  or  common 
ixtrajj  It  is  one  of  the  preparations  of  the  French  Codex.  The  dose  is  one 
»r  tw  grains,  to  be  gradually  increased  until  its  effects  are  obtained.  W. 

EYRACTUM  JALAPiE.  U.  S.,  Land.  Extract  of  Jalap. 

Th  is  prepared,  according  to  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia,  from  Jalap,  in  coarse 
|0wdi  in  the  manner  directed  for  extract  of  yellow  bark.  (See  Extractum 
jinclh.se  Flavse .) 
i 

* M h depends  on  the  choice  of  the  leaves ; and  too  little  attention  is  paid  to  this  point. 
u refdnce  to  the  biennial  plant,  there  seems  to  he  no  doubt  that  the  leaves  of  the  se- 
on(lyjr  are  much  more  efficacious  than  those  of  the  first,  and  should,  therefore,  always 
e seized.  It  is  stated  under  Hyoscyamus,  in  the  first  part  of  this  work,  that  the 
ayes  i ould  be  gathered  soon  after  the  plant  has  flowered.  Mr.  Charles  Cracknell 
ues  rre  particular  directions.  He  thinks  that  the  plant  is  in  a fit  state  for  collection 
aly  ding  a very  short  period,  when  the  flowers  at  the  top  are  blown,  but  have  not  yet 
i fade,  and  the  seed-vessels  and  seeds  which  have  been  formed  are  still  soft  and 
1Icy-  >r  other  observations  on  the  preparation  of  this  extract,  see  a paper  by  Mr.  Crack- 
ed in'e  Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.  (23,  245),  from  Pharm.  Journ.  and  Trans.,  March,  1851. 


980 


E xtracta. 


PAR  II. 


“ Take  of  Jalap,  in  powder,  two  pounds  and  a half;  Rectified  Spirit  a g 'm 
[Imperial  measure];  Distilled  Water  two  gallons  [Imperial  measure].  Macpte 
the  Jalap  in  the  Spirit  for  four  days,  and  pour  off  the  tincture.  Boil  thereaie 
in  the  Water  down  to  half  a gallon.  Filter  the  tincture  and  decoction  pa- 
rately ; then  distil  the  former  and  evaporate  the  latter  until  they  thi  bn. 
Lastly,  mix  the  extract  with  the  resin,  and  evaporate  to  the  proper  consistx-e. 
Let  the  extract  be  kept  soft,  fit  for  forming  pills,  and  hard,  so  that  it  m.  be 
powdered.”  Land. 

Jalap  contains  a considerable  quantity  of  starch,  which  is  extracted  bycoc- 
tion,  but  left  behind  by  cold  water.  As  this  principle  serves  only  to  impecthe 
filtration  or  straining,  and  augment  the  bulk  of  the  extract,  without  addi  to 
its  virtues,  the  U.  S.  process,  in  which  the  water  is  employed  at  common  :m- 
peratures,  is  preferable  to  the  London,  in  which  decoction  is  resorted  to.  Tie 
use  both  of  alcohol  and  water  is  necessary,  in  order  to  extract  all  the  di- 
cinal  qualities  of  the  drug,  and  they  are  employed  successively,  under  th  im- 
pression that  the  previous  removal  of  the  resin  by  the  former,  facilitate  the 
action  of  the  latter.  The  use  of  percolation,  as  directed  by  the  U.  S.  Phna- 
copoeia,  enables  the  cold  water  to  extract  the  soluble  parts  without  thong 
maceration  which  would  otherwise  be  necessary.  According  to  Cadet  de^as- 
sicourt,  water  at  ordinary  temperatures,  and  in  the  old  mode,  acts  so  sidy, 
that  fermentation  takes  place  before  the  active  matter  is  all  dissolved.  Bice, 
if  the  extract  is  prepared  without  percolation,  the  residuum,  after  the  tinctu  has 
been  decanted,  should  be  digested  with  water  at  a heat  of  about  90°  or  10<  F.. 
which,  while  it  is  insufficient  for  the  solution  of  the  starch,  enables  the  scent 
to  take  up  the  active  matter  with  sufficient  rapidity. 

One  cwt.  of  jalap  affords,  according  to  Mr.  Brande,  about  fifty  pounds  ofaqons 
extract  and  fifteeu  of  resin.  The  product  of  the  former  is  somewhat  L by 
infusion  than  decoction ; and  the  extract  is  proportionably  stronger. 

The  extract  of  jalap  is  of  a dark -brown  colour,  slightly  translucent  l the 
edges,  and  tenacious  when  not  perfectly  dry.  It  contains  the  resin  and  gumy 
extractive,  and,  consequently,  has  all  the  medical  properties  of  the  root;  it  it 
is  not  often  exhibited  alone,  being  chiefly  used  as  an  ingredient  of  purgativeills, 
for  which  it  is  adapted  by  its  comparatively  small  bulk.  The'dose  is  fro  ten 
to  twenty  grains,  or  rather  more  than  half  that  of  jalap. 

Off.  Prep.  Pilulae  Catharticae  Composite;  Pulvis  Scammonii  Comp. 

EXTRA CTUM  sive  RESINA  JALAPiE.  Ed.  Extract  or  Rea  of 
Jalap. 

“ Take  any  convenient  quantify  of  Jalap,  in  moderately  fine  powder;  is  A 
thoroughly  with  enough  of  Rectified  Spirit  to  moisten  it  well ; put  it  in  ebe 
hours  into  a percolator,  and  exhaust  the  powder  with  Rectified  Spirit;  di]ou 
the  greater  part  of  the  Spirit,  and  concrete  the  residuum  over  the  vapoubath 
to  a due  consistence.”  Ed. 

This  process  yields  the  resin  of  jalap  in  an  impure  state.  It  maybeobined 
pure  by  pouring  boiling  water  on  the  roots,  macerating  for  a day,  then  ctmg 
them  into  very  thin  slices,  boiling  them  three  times  successively  for  abo  ten 
minutes  in  water,  expressing  after  each  decoction,  afterwards  boiling  tin  a? 
often  and  as  long  in  alcohol,  and  in  like  manner  expressing,  finally  mixii  the 
tinctures,  treating  the  liquor  with  animal  charcoal,  filtering,  and  evapo  mg. 
(Nativelle,  Journ.  de  Pharrn.,  Be  sir.,  i.  228.)  Another  mode  is  to  int iuce 
into  a displacement  instrument,  first  one  part  of  finely  powdered  animal ch coal, 
and  afterwards  two  parts  mixed  with  an  equal  quantity  of  powdered  jala{ then 
to  pour  on  alcohol  until  the  liquid  which  passes  equals  the  jalap,  and  fin  J t0 
add  to  the  tincture  thus  obtained  twice  its  volume  of  water,  so  as  to  precitate 
the  resin,  which  is  to  be  washed  and  dried,  ( Christison’s  Dispensatory.]  Re 


PAC  II. 


Extracta. 


981 


pui  resin  is  as  white  as  starch,  and  in  doses  of  from  three  to  five  grains  is  said 
to  ] rge  actively.  For  use,  however,  the  Edinburgh  preparation  is  sufficiently 
pui  It  is  dark-coloured,  brittle,  and  of  a shining  fracture. 

(laiac  is  said  to  be  sometimes  fraudulently  added  to  the  resin  of  jalap.  It 
ma  be  detected  by  the  green  colour  it  produces,  when  a few  drops  of  solution 
of  cloride  of  soda  or  of  lime  are  added  to  an  alcoholic  solution  of  the  suspected 
resi.  ( Journ . de  Pharm.,  3 e ser.,  x.  357.)  According  to  G-.  A.  Kaiser,  jalap 
resi  may  be  distinguished  from  all  other  resins  by  being  gradually  dissolved  by 
conutrated  sulphuric  acid,  and  depositing,  after  some  hours,  a brown  soft  viscid 
ma  r.  ( Chem . Gaz.,  Jan.  1845,  from  Liebig’s  Annalen.') 

is  now  generally  believed  that  the  resin  of  jalap  is  its  sole  purgative  prin- 
cipl  the  gummy  extractive  being  perhaps  diuretic.  The  U.  S.  or  London  ex- 
timbetter  represents  the  whole  virtues  of  jalap,  and  should  be  preferred  when 
its  culiar  hydragogue  operation  is  required.  The  Edinburgh  extract  or  resin 
is  are  powerfully  purgative,  but  is  also  harsh,  and  apt  to  operate  painfully. 
To  aviate  this  effect  it  is  advised  that  it  should  be  triturated  with  loaf-sugar, 
sulpate  of  potassa,  almond  emulsion,  or  other  substance  calculated  to  separate 
its  rticles.  The  dose  is  from  four  to  twelve  grains.  W. 

KTRACTUM  JUGLANDIS.  U.S.  Extract  of  Butternut. 

Tis  is  prepared  from  the  inner  bark  of  the  root  of  Juglans  cinerea,  in  coarse 
power,  in  the  manner  directed  for  extract  of  gentian.  (See  Extractum  Gentianse.) 

Tis  extract  was  formerly  for  the  most  part  prepared  by  the  country  people, 
whe  re  said  to  have  used  the  bark  of  the  branches,  and  even  the  branches  them- 
selvjj,  instead  of  the  inner  bark  of  the  root,  as  directed  by  the  Pharmacopoeia; 
and!)  have  injured  the  preparation  by  too  much  heat.  That  it  should  have 
provl  uncertain  in  the  hands  of  many  physicians  is,  therefore,  not  a matter  of 
surpise.  It  should  be  prepared  by  the  apothecary,  and  from  the  inner  bark  of 
the  ot  gathered  in  May  or  June.  Experiments  are  yet  wanting  to  prove  that 
wat<  is  the  best  solvent  of  the  active  principles  of  this  bark.  Prof.  Procter 
iufo|lis  us  that  he  has  found  an  extract  of  the  fresh  bark  prepared  with  diluted 
alco  1 to  have  much  more  of  the  pungency  of  the  bark  than  the  officinal. 

K extract  of  butternut  is  of  a black  colour,  sweetish  odour,  and  bitter 
astrigent  taste.  In  the  dose  of  twenty  or  thirty  grains,  it  acts  as  a mild  ca- 
thar ;.  (See  Juglans.')  W. 

KTRACTUM  KRAMERLE.  U.  S.,  Ed.  Extract  of  Rhatany. 

Ts  is  prepared  from  Rhatany,  in  coarse  powder  ( U.  S.),  or  in  moderately 
fine  iwder  ( Ed .),  in  the  manner  directed  for  extract  of  gentian.  (See  Extractum 
Gernnse.') 

Selecting  a process  for  the  preparation  of  this  extract,  it  was  undoubted^ 
wise  > adopt  the  mode  of  displacement,  with  cold  water  as  the  menstruum.  (See 
paye!36.)  It  is  absolutely  necessary  to  the  success  of  this  process,  that  the 
root  iould  be  well  and  uniformly  comminuted;  and  the  “moderately  fine  pow- 
der1'f the  Edinburgh  Pharmacopoeia  is,  therefore,  preferable  to  the  “coarse 
powr”  of  our  own.  The  wood  of  the  root  yielded  to  Prof.  Procter  only  6'8 
per  (jit.  of  extract,  while  the  bark  separated  from  the  wood  yielded  33  per  cent, 
wood  is  of  difficult  pulverization,  the  inference  is  obvious,  that,  in  pow- 
the  roots,  the  ligneous  portion  may  be  rejected  with  advantage.  ( Am . 
of  Pharm.,  xiv.  270.)  As  a prolonged  exposure  of  the  infusion  to  the 
jttended  with  the  absorption  of  oxygen,  and  the  production  of  insoluble 
apot|ine,  it  is  desirable  that  the  evaporation  should  be  conducted  rapidly  or  in 
a vai  arn.  There  scarcely  appears  to  be  occasion,  in  the  case  of  rhatany,  for 
heat; ; and  filtering  the  infusion  before  evaporation,  the  only  use  of  which  is  to 
get  i of  albumen,  which  is  not  among  the  recognised  ingredients  of  the  root. 


i 


982 


Extracta. 


PAR]  I. 


Very  inferior  extracts  of  rhatany  are  often  found  in  the  shops.  Such  is ie 
South  American  extract,  which  has  been  occasionally  imported.  As  the  prect 
obtained  by  decoction  is  greater  than  that  afforded  by  the  officinal  plan,  ie 
temptation  to  substitute  the  former  is  not  always  resisted,  although  it  has  1 .n 
shown  to  contain  nearly  50  per  cent,  of  insoluble  matter.  Some  druggists  ,e- 
pare  the  extract  with  an  alcoholic  menstruum  with  a view  to  the  greater  prod  t; 
but  the  extract  thus  prepared  has  from  20  to  30  per  cent,  less  of  the  active  ja- 
ciple  than  the  officinal.  A substance  was  shown  to  us  by  a respectable  apoL 
cary  of  this  city,  said  to  have  been  imported  as  extract  of  rhatany  from  Eur  e, 
which  was  nearly  tasteless,  and  was  plausibly  conjectured  to  be  the  dried  col- 
lated matter  of  old  tincture  of  kino. 

Extract  of  rhatany  should  have  a reddish-brown  colour,  a smooth  shir -g 
fracture,  and  a very  astringent  taste;  and  should  be  almost  entirely  solubl  n 
water.  Its  virtues  may  be  considered  as  in  proportion  to  its  solubility.  ] is 
much  used  for  all  the  purposes  for  which  the  astringent  extracts  are  emplod. 
The  dose  is  from  ten  to  twrnnty  grains. 

Off.  Prep.  Syrupus  Krameriae.  Y 

EXTR ACTUM  LATUCiE.  Lond.  Extract  of  Lettuce. 

This  extract  is  prepared  by  the  London  College  from  fresh  Lettuce  leave  n 
the  same  manner  as  extract  of  aconite.  (See  Extractum  Aconiti.) 

The  claims  of  this  extract  to  favourable  notice  are  at  least  very  questionaa. 
Consisting  chiefly  of  the  common  sap  of  the  plant,  which  is  inert,  with  a variae, 
but  always  small  proportion  of  the  milky  secretion,  on’wkich  the  activity  of  t- 
tuce  depends,  it  is  at  best  a feeble  and  uncertain  preparation.  Lactuoarium  s- 
sesses  all  its  virtues,  with  more  strength  and  uniformity  of  action.  The  dosaf 
the  extract  is  from  five  to  fifteen  grains.  Y 

EXTRACTUM  LUPULI.  Lond.,  Ed.  Extract  of  Hops. 

“Take  of  Hops  two  pounds  and  a half;  boiling  Distilled  Water  tico  gain 
[Imperial  measure].  Macerate  for  twenty-four  hours;  then  boil  to  a gallon,  d 
strain  the  liquor  while  hot;  lastly,  evaporate  to  the  proper  consistence.”  Ld. 

The  Edinburgh  College  prepares  this  in  the  same  manner  as  extract  of  logwd 
(See  Extractum  Hsematoxyli.) 

Since  the  discovery  of  the  fact  that  the  active  properties  of  hops  reside  ehi  y 
in  the  lupulin,this  extract  has  not  been  deemed  an  eligible  preparation,  and  is 
been  little  used.  It  has  the  bitterness  of  the  strobiles  without  their  aroi. 
Lupulin  may  be  advantageously  substituted  for  it  in  all  cases  in  which  it  is 
formerly  employed.  Mr.  Brande  says  that  the  average  yield  of  one  cwt  >f 
hops  is  forty  pounds  of  the  extract.  The  dose  is  from  ten  to  thirty  grains. 

Under  the  inappropriate  name  of  humuline,  an  extract  has  been  preparedy 
first  treating  hops  with  alcohol  and  subsequently  with  water,  evaporating  .e 
tincture  and  infusion  separately,  and  mixing  the  products.  ( PJuinn . Join, 
and  Trans.,  xiii.  281.)  W 

EXTRACTUM  XUCIS  VOMIC2E.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed.  Extract f 

Nux  Vomica. 

“Take  of  Nux  Vomica  a pound ; Alcohol  a sufficient  quantity.  Expose  e 
Nux  Vomica  to  steam  till  it  is  softened;  then,  having  sliced  and  dried  it,  grd 
it  into  powder.  Introduce  it  into  a percolator,  and  pour  Alcohol  upon  it  grai- 
ally  until  the  liquid  passes  without  bitterness.  Distil  off  the  greater  part  of  e 
alcohol  from  the  filtered  liquor,  and  evaporate  the  residue  to  the  proper  ci- 
sistence.”  U.  S. 

The  Edinburgh  College  treats  the  nux  vomica  in  the  same  manner,  grinds 
it  to  powder  in  a coffee-mill;  then  exhausts  it  with  rectified  spirit,  either  by  j - 
eolation  or  repeated  decoction;  and  completes  the  process  as  above  directed. 


pa::  ii. 


JExtracta. 


983 


nake  of  Nux  Yomica  eight  ounces;  Rectified  Spirit  three  pints  [Imperial 
meijire].  Apply  steam  to  the  Nux  Yomica  so  that  it  may  he  softened.  Having 
cut.  into  thin  slices,  bruise,  dry,  and  macerate  it  for  seven  days  in  two  pints 
of  e Spirit.  Express  the  tincture  and  filter.  Macerate  what  remains  in  the 
restif  the  Spirit  for  three  days;  then  again  express  and  filter.  Having  mixed 
the  nctures,  distil  off  the  greater  part  of  the  spirit,  and  evaporate  the  remainder 
to  f proper  consistence.”  Lond. 

]is  extract  is  an  active  preparation  of  nux  vomica,  though  not  always  of  uni- 
fori  strength,  owing  to  the  variable  proportion  of  strychnia  in  the  substance 
froi  which  it  is  prepared.  M.  Recluz  obtained  from  sixteen  ounces  of  nux 
von:a  the  average  product  of  one  ounce  and  a quarter.  The  dose  of  the  extract 
is  fun  half  a grain  to  two  grains,  to  be  repeated  three  times  a day.*  W. 

KTRACTUM  OPII.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed.  Extractum  Opii  Aquo- 
sua  Dub.  Extract  of  Opium. 

“'ake  of  Opium  a pound;  Water  five  pints.  Cut  the  Opium  into  small 
piec , macerate  it  for  twenty-four  hours  in  a pint  of  the  Water,  and  reduce  it 
to  aibft  mass  by  trituration.  Express  the  liquid,  and  treat  the  residue  with  each 
of  t;  four  remaining  pints  of  Water  successively  in  the  same  manner.  Mix 
the  quors,  filter,  and  evaporate  by  means  of  a water-bath  to  the  proper  con- 
fflstlce.”  U.  S. 

“ake  of  Opium,  in  powder,  a pound  and  a half;  Distilled  Water  five  pints 
[Imlrial  measure].  To  the  Opium  add  gradually  two  pints  and  a half  of  the 
Wa:>,  and  macerate  for  twenty-four  hours,  occasionally  stirring  with  a spatula; 
thexistrain.  Macerate  the  residue  in  the  rest  of  the  Water  for  twenty-four 
hou  and  strain.  Lastly,  evaporate  the  strained  liquors  to  the  proper  con- 
sistOe."  Lond. 

T : Edinburgh  and  Dublin  processes  correspond  essentially  with  that  of  the 
U.  ^Pharmacopoeia. 

A advantage  of  this  preparation  is  that,  by  the  solubility  of  the  extract  in 
wate  it  affords  a convenient  method  of  obtaining  quickly  an  aqueous  solution 
of  tl  active  ingredients  of  opium.  It  is  exceedingly  doubtful  whether  anything 
is  le  behind  after  the  opium  has  been  exhausted  by  water,  which  materially 
modes  the  action  of  its  anodyne  principle ; and  the  extract  probably  has  no 
adviage  on  this  account  over  opium.  Nor  has  it  the  advantage  of  greater  uni- 
foray;  as  the  gum,  extractive,  &e.,  taken  up  by  the  water,  bear  no  fixed  pro- 
port, i to  the  active  ingredients. 

L arcotized  Extract  of  Opium.  Under  the  impression  that  the  stimulating 
and  .pleasant  effects  of  opium  are  owing  to  the  narcotina,  it  has  been  proposed 
to  se  .rate  that  principle  by  treating  the  extract  with  ether,  which  dissolves  the 
narc  na  and  leaves  the  morphia  with  the  other  ingredients.  Robiquet  em- 
ploy. cold  ether;  but  M.  Dublanc,  convinced  that  the  whole  of  the  narcotina 
was  t thus  extracted,  proposed  the  following  plan.  “Take  of  watery  extract 
of  o;im  16  ounces;  dissolve  it  in  8 ounces  of  distilled  water;  introduce  the 
solut  a into  the  water-bath  of  a still ; pour  upon  it  104  ounces  of  pure  ether ; 
distil  ff  24  ounces  of  the  ether;  take  apart  the  apparatus  and  decant  the  ether 
whiefloats  on  the  top  of  the  extract  ; ymsh  the  latter  while  hot  with  the  dis- 
tillec  .ther;  concentrate  the  residual  matter,  dissolve  it  in  distilled  water,  filter 

* I lessor  Procter  informs  us,  as  the  result  of  his  own  observations,  that  in  the  alco- 
holic tract  of  nux  vomica  there  is  a considerable  proportion  of  fixed  oil  (giij  from  3xvi 
of  tli  eeds),  which  will  not  remain  mixed  with  the  other  ingredients,  becoming  fluid  in 
sumn;,  and  concreting  in  cold  weather.  This  he  thinks  should  be  separated  from  the 
extra!  and  shaken  with  a little  diluted  alcohol,  which  separates  any  adhering  active 
niatte.from  it.  The  washings  should  be  evaporated,  and  the  residuum  mixed  with  the 
extra  ; the  fatty  matter  being  thrown  away. — Note  to  the  tenth  edition. 


984 


Extracta. 


PAR  II. 


the  solution,  and  evaporate  to  a proper  consistence.”  It  is  very  doubtful,  w- 
ever,  whether  any  useful  end  is  gained  by  this  expensive  operation,  as  it  i iot 
by  any  means  conclusively  settled  that  nareotina  does  in  fact  produce  thun- 
pleasant  effects  which  have  been  attributed  to  it;  and,  even  admitting  the  et, 
the  preparations  of  morphia,  which  are  of  uniform  strength,  are  greatly  pier- 
able  to  the  denarcotized  extract. 

The  dose  of  the  extract  of  opium  prepared  by  the  U.  S.,  Edinburgh,  or  Dtdn 
process  is  about  one-half  that  of  opium  itself.  The  London  extract,  aecomg 
to  Braude,  is  never  stronger,  and  is  sometimes  weaker  than  opium.  This  ste- 
ment,  however,  has  reference  to  the  preparation  of  the  Pharmacopoeia  of  L6. 
In  the  present,  the  maceration  is  continued  longer,  but  is  still  probably  i uf- 
ficient.  Recluz  obtained  from  sixteen  ounces  of  opium  an  average  produ  of 
nine  ounces  by  hot  water  and  six  by  cold. 

Off.  Prep.  Emplastrum  Opii ; Yinum  Opii.  A 

EXTRACTUM  PAPAYERIS.  Land.,  Ed.  Extract  of  Popp. 

“ Take  of  Poppy  [capsules],  freed  from  their  seeds,  and  bruised,  fifteen  ours; 
boiling  Distilled  Water  a gallon  [Imperial  measure].  Macerate  for  twenty  ur 
hours,  then  boil  down  to  four  pints,  and  strain  the  liquor  while  hot;  laly, 
evaporate  to  the  proper  consistence.”  Land. 

The  Edinburgh  process  corresponds  closely  with  the  above;  boiling  \ter 
simply,  instead  of  boiling  distilled  water  being  employed,  and  evaporation  rer 
the  vapour-bath  directed. 

Mr.  Brande  observes  in  relation  to  this  extract,  that  if  prepared  over  the  aen 
fire  it  is  often  nearly  inert.  He  states,  moreover,  that  it  is  apt  to  be  of  a du- 
blesome  consistence,  too  hard  to  be  formed  into  pills,  and  too  tough  to  beul- 
verized;  and  advises  that  it  should  always  be  carefully  dried  till  it  bec-ies 
sufficiently  brittle  to  admit  of  being  reduced  to  powder.  One  c-wt.  of  theap- 
sules,  without  the  seeds,  yields,  according  to  this  author,  the  average  produ  of 
35  pounds  of  extract.  M.  Meurein  gives  particular  directions  for  makiran 
alcoholic  extract  of  poppy  capsules,  which  may  be  consulted  with  advantapby 
those  who  may  be  called  oh  to  supply  any  demand  for  this  preparation,  dee 
Journ.  de  Pharm.  3e  ser. , xxiii.  341.)  We  are  told  that  an  extract  is  preyed 
in  this  country  from  the  whole  herb,  cut  after  the  fruit  has  formed,  but  wh.1  it 
is  yet  green.  This  of  course  is  not  the  officinal  extract,  and  should  not  besed 
as  such.  The  capsules  exclusively  should  be  used;  and  the  best  time  for  cost- 
ing them  is  after  they  have  begun  to  become  yellowish,  but  are  not  yet  dr 

This  preparation  is  little  used  in  the  United  States.  It  possesses  the  vises 
of  opium,  but  is  much  inferior  and  less  uniform  in  strength.  The  dose  is  om 
five  to  ten  grains. 

EXTRACTUM  PAREIRAE.  Land.,  Ed.  Extract  of  Pam 
Brava. 

This  is  prepared  by  the  London  College  from  sliced  Pareira  Brava  iuhe 
manner  directed  for  extract  of  logwood.  (See  Extractum  Hrematoxyli ■) 

The  Edinburgh  College  directs  the  root  to  be  cut  into  small  chips,  ied 
thoroughly  with  a gentle  heat,  then  reduced  to  a moderately  fine  powder .nd 
treated  as  directed  for  the  extract  of  gentian.  (See  Extractum  Gentians.) 

The  dose  is  from  ten  grains  to  half  a drachm. 

EXTRACTUM  PODOPHYLLI.  U.  S.  Extract  of  May-appl 

This  is  prepared  from  the  root  of  Podophyllum  peltaturn,  in  coarse  po’er, 
in  the  manner  directed  for  the  extract  of  yellow  bark.  (See  Extradum-ui- 
chonse  F/avse.) 

It  is  possessed  of  the  purgative  properties  of  the  root,  and  may  be  giv  w 
the  dose  of  from  five  to  fifteen  grains,  but  is  little  employed.  It  might  beib- 
stituted  in  all  cases  for  the  extract  of  jalap. 


PAT  II. 


Extracta. 


985 


■om  experiments  made  by  Mr.  John  R.  Lewis,  it  is  probable  that  the  alco- 
hol extract  would  be  much  more  powerful  as  a purgative  than  the  officinal  pre- 
pailjion;  but  it  does  not  follow  that  it  would  be  more  serviceable.  (See  Am. 
Join,  of  Pharm.  xix.  170.)  W. 


ATRACTUM  QUASSIiE.  U.  S.,  Ed.  Extract  of  Quassia. 

his  is  prepared,  according  to  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia,  from  the  raspings  of 
Qufisia,  in  the  manner  directed  for  the  extract  of  gentian.  (See  Extractum 
Geiianse.) 

(e  Edinburgh  College  prepares  it  by  cutting  the  quassia  into  small  chips, 
dry  g it  thoroughly  with  a gentle  heat,  reducing  it  to  a moderately  fine  powder, 
anoroceeding  as  directed  for  the  extract  of  gentian. 

Jscording  to  M.  Recluz,  sixteen  ounces  of  quassia  yield  by  infusion  in  water 
sevi  drachms  of  extract;  by  maceration  in  alcohol  of  19°  Baume,  two  ounces 
fiverachms  and  a half.  The  difference  between  these  quantities  is  so  great  that 
we  spcct  some  mistake  in  the  table  of  the  Dictionnaire  des  Drogues  from  which 
we  note. 

he  extract  of  quassia  is  dark-brown  or  black,  and  excessively  bitter.  It  is 
apt)  become  dry  and  disposed  to  crumble  by  time.  It  concentrates  a greater 
ammt  of  tonic  power  within  a given  weight  than  any  other  extract  of  the 
simje  bitters ; and  may,  therefore,  be  given  with  great  advantage  in  cases  in 
wh|  it  is  desirable  to  administer  this  class  of  substances  in  as  small  a bulk, 
andntk  as  little  inconvenience  to  the  patient  as  possible.  The  dose  is  about 
fivejjrains,  to  be  given  in  the  form  of  pill.  W. 


KTRACTUM  RHEI.  TJ.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub.  Extract  of  Rhu- 
han 

‘-’ake  of  Rhubarb,  in  coarse  powder,  a pound ; Diluted  Alcohol  a sufficient 
qumty.  Mix  the  Rhubarb  with  an  equal  bulk  of  coarse  sand,  moisten  it 
thojighly  with  Diluted  Alcohol,  and,  having  allowed  it  to  stand  for  twenty- 
fouijiours,  put  it  into  a percolator,  and  add  Diluted  Alcohol  gradually  until  four 
pinijof  filtered  liquor  are  obtained;  then,  by  means  of  a water-bath,  evaporate 
to  t ' proper  consistence.”  U.  S. 

“;ake  of  Rhubarb,  in  powder,  fifteen  ounces;  Proof  Spirit  a pint  [Imperial 
wee  .re] ; Distilled  Water  seven  pints  [Imp.  meas.].  Macerate  for  four  days, 
tbei  strain,  and  set  the  liquor  by  that  the  dregs  may  subside.  Pour  off  the 
clea  liquor,  and  evaporate  it  to  the  proper  consistence.”  Lond. 

“:ake  of  Rhubarb  one  pound;  Water  five  'pints  [Imp.  meas.];  cut  the  Rhu- 
barl  nto  small  fragments,  macerate  it  for  twenty-four  hours  in  three  pints  of 
the  rater,  filter  the  liquor  through  a cloth,  and  express  it  with  the  hands  or 
othc vise  moderately;  macerate  the  residuum  with  the  rest  of  the  Water  for 
twelj!  hours  at  least,  filter  the  liquor  with  the  same  cloth  as  before,  and  express 
the  siduura  strongly.  The  liquors,  filtered  again  if  necessary,  are  then  to  be 
evapated  together  to  a proper  consistence  in  the  vapour-bath.  The  extract, 
low  er,  is  obtained  of  finer  quality,  by  evaporation  in  a vacuum  with  a gentle 
beat  Ed. 

T Dublin  process  corresponds  with  that  of  the  Edinburgh  College. 

b ibarb  yields  all  its  active  matter  to  water  and  alcohol ; but,  unless  the 
evajj  ation  is  performed  with  great  care  and  with  a moderate  heat,  it  is  certain 
that  ie  purgative  principle  is,  to  a greater  or  less  extent,  injured  or  dissipated 
la  d process ; and  the  extract  may  thus  become  even  less  efficient  than  the 
root  Among  other  consequences  which  result  from  the  boiling  temperature,  is 
the  ’mation  of  a compound  of  the  tannin  and  starch,  which  is  insoluble  in  cold 
watt  and  upon  its  precipitation  probably  carries  with  it  a portion  of  the  pur- 
gatr  principle.  There  is,  moreover,  reason  to  believe  that  this  principle  is 


986 


Extracta. 


PART  ] 


volatilizable  by  beat,  and  that  a portion  of  it  escapes  with  tbe  vapour.  Wh 
properly  prepared  the  extract  lias  decidedly  the  peculiar  odour  of  rhubarb.  l\ 
advantage  which  it  possesses  over  the-powdered  root,  independently  of  its  small 
dose,  is  that  it  may  be  given  in  solution.  The  dose  of  the  extract  is  from  t 
to  thirty  grains. 

Off.  Prep.  Pilulae  Ilhei  et  Ferri.  yy 

EXTRACTUM  SARSAPARILLA.  U.S.  Extract  of  Sarsaparih 

The  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia  prepares  this  extract  from  Sarsaparilla,  in  coai 
powder,  in  the  manner  directed  for  alcoholic  extract  of  aconite.  (See  Extract i 
Aconiti  Alcohol icumi) 

The  watery  extract  of  sarsaparilla  has  been  very  properly  abandoned  by  t: 
London  and  Dublin  Colleges  in  the  recent  editions  of  their  Pharmacopcei 
Water,  unless  in  very  large  proportion,  is  incapable  of  exhausting  the  root,  ai 
the  extract  could  not  but  suffer  in  the  long  process  of  evaporation.  Very  c- 
f'erent  quantities  have  been  obtained  from  different  varieties  of  sarsaparilla,  al 
even  from  different  parcels  of  the  same  variety ; but,  as  the  matter  taken  up  - 
boiling  water  consists  chiefly  of  starch,  no  inference,  as  to  the  relative  value  f 
any  particular  specimen  of  the  root,  can  be  drawn  from  a knowledge  of  a 
quantity  of  watery  extract  which  it  is  capable  of  affording. 

The  spirituous  extract  of  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia,  which  is  the  same  as  f t 
of  the  French  Codex,  contains  the  active  matter  of  the  root.  Diluted  alco  1 
extracts  all  the  virtues  of  sarsaparilla,  leaving  the  inert  fecula  which  enc-umbs 
the  extract  obtained  by  decoction ; while  the  temperature  requisite  for  the  cl- 
centration  of  the  tincture  is  insufficient  to  destroy  the  active  principle.  31.  Bel 
obtained  from  32  ounces  of  sarsaparilla  about  4 ounces  of  extract  by  macerata 
with  diluted  alcohol.  As  the  product  of  this  operation  is  about  one-eightM 
the  sarsaparilla  employed,  a drachm  of  the  extract  represents  an  ounce  of  e 
root.  From  ten  to  twenty  grains  of  it  may  be  given  three  or  four  times  a d . 
It  possesses  in  a high  degree  the  acrid  taste  of  sarsaparilla.  W 

EXTRACTUM  sive  RESIXA  SCAMMOXII.  Ed.  Extract  r 

Resin  of  Scammony. 

“Take  any  convenient  quantity  of  Scammony  in  fine  powder;  boil  itn 
successive  portions  of  Proof  Spirit  till  the  Spirit  ceases  to  dissolve  any  thii ; 
filter;  distil  the  liquid  till  little  but  water  passes  over.  Then  pour  away ie 
watery  solution  from  the  resin  at  the  bottom ; agitate  the  resin  with  suc-cesre 
portions  of  boiling  water  till  it  is  well  washed;  and  lastly,  dry  it  at  a temperat  e 
not  exceeding  240°.”  Ed. 

The  only  advantage  of  this  process  is  that  it  separates  the  active  matteof 
scammony  from  the  impurities  with  which  the  drug  is  generally  adulterai. 
When  pure  virgin  scammony  can  be  procured  the  extract  is  unnecessary.  Je- 
pared  according  to  the  above  process,  the  resin  is  of  a dirty  greenish-brni 
colour,  with  a feeble  odour  and  taste  of  scammony,  and  is  very  soluble  in  et  r, 
alcohol,  and  boiling  proof  spirit.  When  purified  with  animal  charcoal  it  h a 
pale  brownish-yellow  colour,  and  is  without  odour  or  taste;  but  retains  its  er- 
gative property.  The  resin  of  scammony  is  liable  to  adulteration.  Jalap  rm 
may  be  detected  by  its  insolubility  in  rectified  ether,  which  dissolves  thaof 
scammony  in  all  proportions.  Sulphuric  acid  is  the  best  test  of  common  rjm 
or  colophony,  producing  instantaneously  with  this  substance  an  intense  ed 
colour ; while  in  the  resin  of  scammony  it  causes  no  immediate  change,  or 
the  tests  of  guaiac,  the  reader  is  referred  to  that  article  in  the  3Iateria  Meca. 
(See  Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xxiv.  158.)  When  rubbed  with  unskimmed  ilk 
the  resin  of  scammony  forms  a uniform  emulsion,  undistiuguishable  from  cli 
milk  itself.  This  is  an  excellent  mode  of  administration.  The  resin  slidd 


Extracta. 


PIT  II. 


987 


aliys  be  given  either  rubbed  up  with  some  mild  powder,  or  in  emulsion.  The 
do  is  from  five  to  twelve  grains. 

)ff.  Prep.  Mistura  Scammonii.  W. 

1XTRACTUM  STRAMONII  FOLIORUM.  U.  S.  Extract  of 
Samonium  Leaves. 

Take  of  Stramonium  Leaves  a pound.  Bruise  them  in  a stone  mortar, 
sppkling  on  them  a little  water;  then  express  the  juice,  and,  having  heated  it 
toie  boiling  point,  strain,  and  evaporate  to  the  proper  consistence.”  U.  S. 

ike  all  the  other  inspissated  narcotic  juices,  this  is  an  uncertain  preparation, 
vaing  in  strength  according  to  the  care  used  in  conducting  the  process,  and 
thseason  at  which  the  leaves  are  collected.  The  reader  will  find  at  page  969, 
anin  the  preliminary  observations  on  the  Extracts,  some  general  rules  which 
wi  be  found  useful  in  conducting  this  process,  and  all  those  of  which  it  is  the 
offnal  type.  The  insoluble  matter  separated  from  the  expressed  juice  by 
filling,  and  that  coagulated  by  heat,  may  be  advantageously  rejected  ; as, 
acrding  to  the  observations  of  MM.  Solon  and  Soubeiran,  they  are  nearly  or 
qup  inert.  M.  Recluz  obtained  half  an  ounce  of  the  extract  from  sixteen 
ones  of  the  leaves.  The  dose  is  a grain  night  and  morning,  to  be  gradually 
incased  till  it  affects  the  system. 

f.  Prep.  Unguentum  Stramonii.  W. 

XTRACTUM  STRAMONII  SEMINIS.  U.  S.  Extractum 
Stamonii.  Lond.j  Ed.  Extract  of  Stramonium  Seed. 

fake  of  Stramonium  Seed,  ground  into  powder,  a pound;  Diluted  Alcohol 
a indent  quantity.  Having  rubbed  the  powder  with  half  a pint  of  Diluted 
A1  hoi,  introduce  the  mixture  into  a percolator,  and  pour  upon  it  gradually 
Di.ied  Alcohol  till  the  liquid  passes  colourless.  Distil  off  the  Alcohol  from 
the  ltered  liquor,  and  evaporate  the  residue  to  the  proper  consistence.”  U.  S. 

Take  of  Seeds  of  Stramonium  any  convenient  quantity;  grind  them  well  in 
a c fee-mill.  Rub  the  powder  into  a thick  mass  with  Proof  Spirit;  put  the 
pul  into  a percolator,  and  transmit  Proof  Spirit  till  it  passes  colourless ; distil 
off  le  spirit,  and  evaporate  what  remains  in  the  vapour-bath  to  a proper  con- 
sist ice.”  Ed. 

Make  of  Stramonium  seeds  fifteen  ounces ; boiling  Distilled  Water  a gallon 
[Inerial  measure].  Macerate  for  four  hours  in  a covered  vessel  near  the  fire; 
thejtake  out  the  Seeds,  and,  after  having  bruised  them  in  a stone  mortar,  return 
the  to  the  liquor.  Boil  down  to  four  pints  [Imp.  measure],  and  strain  the 
dec  tion  while  hot.  Finally,  evaporate  to  the  proper  consistence.”  Land. 

" e U.  S.  and  Edinburgh  processes,  which  may  be  considered  identical,  are 
prei  able  to  the  London ; as  the  seeds  yield  their  virtues  more  freely  to  spirit 
tfia-to  water  alone.  According  to  the  table  of  Recluz,  sixteen  ounces  of  the 
seei  afford  two  ounces  and  two  drachms  of  extract  by  maceration  in  diluted 
alcCjff,  and  one  ounce  and  a half  by  decoction.  The  dose  to  begin  with  is  the 
qua  :r  or  half  of  a grain  twice  a day,  to  be  gradually  increased.  W. 

KTRACTUM  TARAXACI.  U.S.,  Loud.,  Ed.  Extract  of  E un- 
del',  i. 

“ake  of  Dandelion,  gathered  in  September,  five  pounds.  Slice  the  Dan- 
deli  ; bruise  it  in  a stone  mortar,  sprinkling  on  it  a little  water,  until  reduced 
to  a ulp;  then  express  the  juice,  strain,  and  evaporate  in  a vacuum,  or  in  a shal- 
low sh  over  a water-bath,  constantly  stirring,  to  the  proper  consistence.”  U.S. 

I i London  College  prepares  it  in  the  same  manner  as  extract  of  hops  (see 
xxt  ctum  Lupuli );  the  Edinburgh , from  a pound  of  the  fresh  root  and  a gal- 
lon mperial  measure)  of  boiling  water,  as  directed  for  the  extract  of  poppy 
fiea(  (see  Extractum  Papaveris ). 


988 


Extracta. 


part  : 


This  extract  is  undoubtedly  stronger,  prepared  from  the  root  alone  than  frc 
the  whole  plant.  It  is  important  that  the  root  should  be  collected  at  the  rig 
season.  The  juice  expressed  from  it  in  the  spring  is  thin,  watery,  and  oi 
feeble  flavour;  in  the  latter  part  of  summer,  and  in  autumn,  thick,  opaqi 
cream-coloured,  very  bitter,  and  abundant,  amounting  to  one-third  or  one-h: 
its  weight.  It  may  be  collected  in  August,  and  afterwards  until  severe  frc. 
According  to  Mr.  Squire,  frost  has  the  effect  of  diminishing  the  bitterness  ai 
increasing  the  sweetness  of  the  root.  An  extract  prepared  by  inspissatb 
this  juice,  as  now  directed  in  the  U.  S.  process,  is  much  more  efficient  th 
that  prepared  in  the  old  way  by  decoction.  The  inspissation  should  be  effec  l 
by  exposing  the  juice  in  shallow  vessels  to  a current  of  warm  dry  air,  or  by  e- 
poration  in  a vacuum,  and  should  not  be  unnecessarily  protracted.  Long  - 
posure,  during  evaporation,  changes  the  bitterness  of  the  juice  into  sweetne, 
which  is  a sign  of  inferiority.  As  often  found  in  the  shops,  the  extract  is  da- 
coloured,  sweet,  and  in  all  probability  nearly  inert.  Mr.  Houlton  took  me 
than  an  ounce  of  it  in  a day,  without  any  sensible  effect.  Pharm.  ( Joum . cl 
Transact.,  i.  421.)  When  prepared  from  the  root  and  leaves  together,  it  haa 
greenish  colour.  Mr.  Brande  states  that  one  cwt.  of  the  fresh  root  affords  fra 
twenty  to  twenty-five  pounds  of  extract  by  decoction  in  water.  The  expresi 
juice  yields  from  11  to  25  per  cent,  of  extract,  the  greatest  product  being  - 
tained  in  November,  and  the  least  in  April  and  May.* 

This  extract  deteriorates  by  keeping,  and  should,  therefore,  be  renewed  .- 

* Fluid  Extract  or  Preserved  Juice  of  Taraxacum.  The  rapid  change  of  the  active  pi- 
ciple  of  dandelion,  under  heat  and  exposure,  renders  it  extremely  difficult  to  obtain  a s,.d 
extract  preserving  the  virtues  of  the  plant.  Mr.  Donovan,  therefore,  suggests  the  p- 
priety  of  keeping  the  juice  in  the  liquid  state,  and  proposes  a plan,  by  which,  as  he  stas, 
it  may  be  obtained  and  preserved  throughout  the  year,  with  nearly  all  its  native  efficiek. 
The  whole  herb,  immediately  after  collection,  is  to  be  washed,  bruised,  and  express: 
and  the  residue,  having  been  mixed  with  as  much  water  at  200°  as  will  bring  it  to  ae 
consistence  of  a pulp,  is  to  be  allowed  to  stand  for  two  hours,  and  then  again  expresd. 
The  liquids  thus  obtained  are  to  be  mixed,  and  very  slowly  evaporated,  in  a wide  earpn 
vessel,  and  with  constant  agitation,  to  one-half.  The  salts  are  thus  obtained,  though  th 
little  of  the  bitter  principle.  To  supply  this,  a quantity  of  the  roots  equal  to  the  weht 
of  the  herb  first  employed,  is  to  be  bruised  and  expressed.  The  resulting  juice,  which  in 
small  quantity  and  bitter,  is  to  be  set  aside ; while  the  residual  marc  is  to  be  mixed  witlne 
concentrated  juice  already  prepared,  previously  brought  to  a boiling  heat.  When  coldhe 
mixture  is  to  be  strongly  expressed,  and  the  liquor  obtained  to  be  mixed  with  one-six  of 
its  measure  of  alcohol.  The  liquor  is  then  to  be  poured  into  quart  bottles,  but  so  asot 
to  fill  them.  These  are  to  be  immersed  in  a vessel  containing  water  as  high  as  the  h id 
within  them,  and  placed  over  a fire;  the  water  is  to  be  slowly  heated  to  180°:  the  boes 
are  to  be  withdrawn ; and  the  reserved  juice  of  the  root  is  to  be  added  to  each  in  eial 
quantities.  The  space  at  first  left  in  the  bottles  should  be  such  that,  after  the  addith  of 
the  juice,  and  the  driving  in  of  the  cork,  as  little  as  possible  should  remain.  The  ects, 
being  now  cut  off  close  to  the  glass,  are  to  be  covered  with  hard  sealing-wax;  andhe 
bottles  set  by,  inverted,  in  a cool  place.  The  alcohol  used  is  alone  insufficient  for  the:e- 
servation  of  the  juice;  and  hence  the  necessity  of  heating  the  bottles,  and  sealing  -‘m 
when  quite  full,  according  to  Appert's  process.  Each  ounce  will  contain  about  a (lnini 
of  the  alcohol.  (See  Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xxiv.  65.) 

Professor  Procter  proposes  the  following  plan.  Of  the  fresh  roots  collected  in  -p- 
tember  or  October,  twenty  pounds  avoirdupois  are  to  be  sliced  transversely,  reduced’  a 
pulpy  mass  by  grinding  or  contusion,  then  thoroughly  incorporated  with  four  pints  cal- 
cohol  of  0-835,  and  set  aside  in  stoneware  jars.  After  a week,  or  a longer  time,  the  pp.V 
mass  is  to  be  subjected  to  strong  pressure,  and  the  liquid  filtered  and  bottled  for  use.  'en 
after  six  months  the  pulp  thus  treated  preserves  the  sensible  properties  of  the  dand  on 
in  a marked  degree.  Should  the  alcohol  in  the  expressed  liquor  be  objected  to,  it  m:  he 
partially  removed  by  a gentle  evaporation  by  means  of  a water-bath  until  the  bulk  oie 
juice  has  been  diminished  one-sixth,  and  then  adding  eight  ounces  of  sugar  for  every  nt. 
(Ibid.,  xxv.  408.)  Note  to  the  tenth  edition. 


p.:T  II. 


Extracta. — Extracta  Fluida. 


989 


nilly.  It  is  most  conveniently  given  dissolved  in  cinnamon  or  mint  water. 
T.  dose  is  from  a scruple  to  a drachm  three  times  a day. 

)ff.  Prep.  Pilulse  Ferri  Sulphatis.  W. 

CXTRACTUM  UViE  URSI.  Lond.  Extract  of  Uva  Ursi. 

he  London  College  prepares  this  extract  in  the  manner  directed  for  extract 
ofiops.  (See  Extractum  Lnpvli.') 

he  dose  is  from  five  to  thirty  grains.  W. 

EXTRACTA  FLUIDA. 

Fluid  Extracts. 

hese  were  first  introduced  into  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia  of  1850,  as  a distinct 
els  of  preparations;  the  fluid  extract  of  sarsaparilla  being  the  only  one  pre- 
vi  sly  directed,  either  in  our  own  officinal  code  or  by  the  British  Colleges. 
Tlir  distinctive  character  is  the  concentration  of  the  active  ingredients  of  me- 
di aal  substances  into  a small  bulk,  in  the  liquid  form.  Independently  of  the 
gr .ter  convenience  of  administration,  the  advantages  of  this  class  of  preparations 
ar  in  relation  to  all  of  them,  that  the  evaporation  not  being  carried  so  far  as  in 
th ordinary  extracts,  the  active  principles  are  less  liable  to  be  injured  by  heat; 
ar  in  relation  to  a certain  portion,  the  fluid  extract  of  cubebs  for  example,  that 
th  afford  the  only  method  of  concentration,  as  it  would  be  impossible  to  obtain 
in  solid  extract  the  whole  activity  of  the  medicine,  depending  as  it  does,  in 
pa,  upon  an  essentially  liquid  substance.  The  main  difficulty  in  relation  to 
tin,  is  the  liability  of  substances  in  the  liquid  state  to  undergo  spontaneous 
demposition.  This  is  counteracted  in  some  of  the  fluid  extracts  by  means  of 
su  r.  In  others,  the  nature  of  the  ingredient  is  preservative.  A glance  at 
th  several  preparations  will  show  that  there  are  two  distinct  sets  of  them.  In 
ODset,  the  principles  extracted  are  mainly  volatile  oil  and  resin,  and  the  men- 
stum  employed  is  ether.  They  have  been  known  for  some  time  in  pharmacy  by 
th  lame  of  oleo-resins.  In  their  preparation,  the  active  matter  is  readily  yielded  to 
et.r,  while  principles  which  might  contribute  to  the  decomposition  of  the  extract 
arleft  behind  by  that  menstruum.  The  low  temperature  at  which  the  ether 
ev  orates  enables  the  whole  of  the  volatile  oil  to  be  retained  in  the  residue; 
an  the  preparation  keeps  well,  as  it  contains  no  water  to  favour  its  decompo- 
se q.  In  the  second  set  of  the  fluid  extracts,  the  active  matter  is  extracted  by 
di  ted  alcohol,  and  the  greater  part  of  the  alcohol  afterwards  evaporated.  A 
pc  .on,  however,  remains,  which  contributes  towards  the  preservation  of  the 
pr  aration ; but  this  alone  is  insufficient,  and  it  is  necessary  to  have  recourse  to 
su'r,  which  has  the  subsidiary  advantage  of  improving  the  flavour.  But  in 
th  3 fluid  extracts,  instead  of  two  pounds  of  sugar  to  each  pint  of  the  liquid, 
as « the  case  of  the  ordinary  syrups,  it  is  generally  sufficient  to  add  an  ounce 
foi  very  fluidounce.  Sometimes  there  is  an  advantage  in  adding  to  the  preserv- 
ati : influence  of  the  sugar,  that  of  some  other  substance  having  a similar  effect, 
as  Hoffmann’s  anodyne  liquor  in  the  fluid  extract  of  senna.  W. 

XTR ACTUM  CUBEBiE  FLUIDUM.  U.  S.  Fluid  Extract  of 

Ctebs. 

Take  of  Cubebs,  in  powder,  a pound;  Ether  a sufficient  quantity.  Put  the 
Cv  :bs  into  a percolator,  and,  having  packed  it  carefully,  pour  Ether  gradually 
up  it  until  two  pints  of  filtered  liqdor  are  obtained ; then  distil  off  by  means 
ot  water-bath,  at  a gentle  heat,  a pint  and  a half  of  the  ether,  and  expose  the 
re:  ue,  in  a shallow  vessel,  until  the  whole  of  the  ether  has  evaporated.”  U.  S. 

ns  is  one  of  the  oleo-resins,  and  consists  mainly  of  the  volatile  oil  and  resin, 


990 


Extracta  Fluida. 


PART 


with  a portion  of  the  cubebin  and  waxy  matter  of  the  cubebs.  The  consisted 
differs  with  the  character  of  the  cubebs  employed;  its  degree  of  fluidity  betr 
proportionate  to  the  amount  of  volatile  oil  contained  in  the  medicine.  rE 
colour  is  usually  brownish,  with  more  or  less  of  a greenish  hue,  according  to  e 
quantity  of  chlorophylle  present,  which  varies  with  the  character  of  the  cube, 
and  with  that  of  the  menstruum;  pure  ether  extracting  the  green  colouring  n> 
ter  preferably,  while  ordinary  alcoholic  ether  extracts  also  the  brown.  Cub  s 
yield  from  one-eighth  to  one-fifth  of  their  weight  of  fluid  extract.  The  pre- 
ration is  apt  in  time  to  deposit  waxy  matter  and  crystals  of  cubebin.  It  was  f t 
introduced  into  use  by  Prof.  Procter.  (See  Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xviii.  16  ) 
The  dose  is  from  five  to  thirty  minims,  which  may  be  given  suspended  in  wa 
or  mixed  with  powdered  sugar.  W 

EXTRACTUM  PIPERIS  FLUID UM.  U.S.  Fluid  Extract f 

Black  Peeper. 

“ Take  of  Black  Pepper,  in  powder,  a pound;  Ether  a sufficient  quant'. 
Put  the  powder  into  a percolator,  and  pour  Ether  gradually  upon  it  until  o 
pints  of  filtered  liquor  are  obtained.  From  this  distil  off,  by  means  of  awa-- 
bath,  at  a gentle  heat,  a pint  and  a half  of  ether,  and  expose  the  residue,  ia 
shallow  vessel,  until  the  whole  of  the  ether  has  evaporated,  and  the  deposit n 
of  piperin  in  crystals  has  ceased.  Lastly,  separate  the  piperin  by  expressn 
through  a cloth,  and  keep  the  liquid  portion.”  U.  S. 

A substance  has  long  been  in  use  under  the  name  of  oil  of  black  pepper,  wth 
consists  mainly  of  the  volatile  oil  and  resin  of  the  pepper,  and  belongs,  therefe, 
to  the  oleo-resins.  As  usually  found  it  is  of  a thickish  consistence  and  an  alnst 
black  colour,  and  is  a residue  of  the  proc&ss  for  preparing  piperin.  The  officii 
extract  has  the  same  general  character,  but  is  of  more  certain  strength,  and  shod, 
therefore,  be  preferred.  It  contains  almost  all  the  volatile  oil  and  acrid  reshf 
black  pepper,  with  little  of  the  piperin;  and  as  the  last  mentioned  principle,  w n 
quite  pure,  is  of  doubtful  efficacy,  the  extract  may  be  considered  as  represenig 
the  virtues  of  the  fruit.  The  colour  is  greener  than  that  of  the  common  oiof 
black  pepper,  and  not  so  dark,  owing  to  the  circumstance  that  ether  dissolvesie 
green  more  readily  than  the  brown  colouring  matter.  A pound  of  black  pepr 
yields  about  six  drachms  of  the  fluid  extract,  the  dose  of  which  proportionatto 
the  ordinary  dose  of  pepper  would  be  one  or  two  minims.  It  may  be  giveiin 
emulsion,  or  may  be  combined  in  small  proportion  with  other  substances  ime 
form  of  pill.  H 

EXTRACTUM  RHEI  FLUIDUM.  U.S.  Fluid  Extract  of  Ri- 
barb. 

“Take  of  Rhubarb,  in  coarse  powder,  eight  ounces;  Sugar  five  ounces ; Tc- 
ture  of  Ginger  half  a fiuidounce ; Oil  of  Fennel,  Oil  of  Anise,  each, /oar  minis; 
Diluted  Alcohol  two  pints,  or  a sufficient  quantity.  To  the  Rhubarb,  previody 
mixed  with  an  equal  bulk  of  coarse  sand,  add  twelve  fluidounces  of  Diluted  Ao- 
hol,  and  allow  the  mixture  to  stand  for  twenty-four  hours.  Transfer  the  ess 
to  a percolator,  and  gradually  pour  upon  it  Diluted  Alcohol  until  the  Ibid 
which  passes  has  little  of  the  odour  or  taste  of  rhubarb.  Evaporate  the  tineire 
thus  obtained,  by  means  of  a water-bath,  to  five  fluidounces;  then  add  theju- 
gar,  and,  after  it  is  dissolved,  mix  thoroughly  with  the  resulting  Fluid  Extet 
the  Tincture  of  Ginger  holding  the  Oils  in  solution.”  U.  S. 

This  is  a good  preparation  of  rhubarb,  the  root  being  nearly  exhausted  byhe 
menstruum,  and  the  evaporation,  if  carefully  conducted,  not  injuriously  affecog 
the  active  principles.  It  is  somewhat  stimulant  in  consequence  of  the  sail 
proportion  of  alcohol  present,  and  the  addition  of  the  volatile  oils,  and  is nl 
applicable,  therefore,  to  acute  inflammatory  affections.  For  observations  on  its 


P/,T  II. 


Extracta  Fluida. 


991 


pvmration  the  pharmaceutical  reader  is  referred  to  papers  by  Prof.  Procter  in 
th1.. American  Journal  of  Pharmacy  (xix.  182,  and  xxii.  110).  The  process 
yips  about  eight  fluidounces  of  the  preparation,  or  a fiuidrachm  for  each  drachm 
ofhe  rhubarb.  Its  purgative  dose,  if  well  made  from  good  rhubarb,  is  half  a 
Mrachm  for  an  adult,  to  be  proportionably  diminished  for  children.  W. 

1XTRACTUM  SARSAPARILLiE  FLUIDUM.  U.S.,  Dub. 
eIkactum  Sars^e  Liquidum.  Lond.  Extractum  Sarz^e  Fluidum. 
f Fluid  Extract  of  Sarsaparilla. 

Take  of  Sarsaparilla,  sliced  and  bruised,  sixteen  ounces ; Liquorice  Root, 
bi'ised,  Bark  of  Sassafras  Root,  bruised,  each,  two  ounces ; Mezereon,  sliced, 
siodrachms;  Sugar  twelve  ounces;  Diluted  Alcohol  eight  pints.  Macerate  all 
th  ingredients  together,  excepting  the  Sugar,  for  fourteen  days;  then  express 
an  filter.  Evaporate  the  liquid,  by  means  of  a water-bath,  to  twelve  fluidounces  ; 
ad  the  Sugar  to  it  while  still  hot;  and  remove  from  the  bath  as  soon  as  the  Sugar 
is  ssolved.”  U.  S. 

Take  of  Sarsa  three  pounds  and  a half;  Distilled  Water  five  gallons  [Im- 
ped measure];  Rectified  Spirit  two  fluidounces.  Boil  the  Sarsa  in  three  gal- 
loi  of  the  Water  to  twelve  pints  [Imp.  meas.] ; pour  off  the  liquor,  and  strain 
wfe  hot.  Again  boil  the  Sarsa  in  the  remainder  of  the  Water  to  one-half,  and 
strn.  Mix  the  liquors,  evaporate  to  eighteen  fluidounces,  and, when  the  extract 
ha  iooled,  mix  the  Spirit  with  it.”  Lond. 

Take  of  Sarza,  in  chips,  one  pound;  Boiling  Water  six  pints  [Imperial  mea- 
sure Digest  the  root  for  two  hours,, in  four  pints  of  the  Water;  take  it  out, 
hr  re  it,  replace  it,  and  boil  for  two  hours ; filter  and  squeeze  out  the  liquid ; 
bo: the  residuum  in  the  remaining  two  pints  of  Water,  and  filter  and  squeeze 
ou  his  liquor  also;  evaporate  the  united  liquors  to  the  consistence  of  thin  syrup; 
ad(  when  the  product  is  cool,  as  much  Rectified  Spirit  as  will  make  in  all  six- 
tee  fluidounces.  Filter.  This  fluid  extract  may  be  aromatized  with  volatile 
oilur  warm  aromatics.”  Ed. 

Take  of  Sarsaparilla  one  pound,  [avoirdupois];  Boiling  Water  eight  2>ints 
[Ir . meas.]  ; Rectified  Spirit  as  much  as  is  sufficient.  Digest  the  Sarsaparilla 
iu  e pints  of  the  Water  for  two  hours,  at  a temperature  near  212°,  and  then 
deqit.  Add  the  rest  of  the  Water,  digest  again  for  two  hours,  and  decant. 
Ev  orate  the  mixed  liquors  by  a steam  or  water  heat  to  the  consistence  of  a 
thi  syrup,  and,  when  the  product  has  cooled,  add  as  much  Rectified  Spirit  as 
wil  nake  the  entire  twenty  [fluid]ounces.”  Dub. 

r e British  Colleges  all  prepare  a simple  fluid  extract  of  sarsaparilla.  That 
of1;  Dublin  College  is  to  be  preferred,  as  the  long  boiling  to  which  the  other 
Col  ges  subject  the  root  is  avoided,  and  digestion,  which  experience  has  shown 
to  1 less  injurious,  is  substituted.  Nevertheless,  the  extract  would  probably 
kaybeen  more  efficient,  if  diluted  alcohol  had  been  directed  as  the  solvent. 

'Je  U.  S.  fluid  extract  is  a compound  preparation,  intended  to  represent  in  a 
con  atrated  state  the  compound  decoction  of  sarsaparilla,  having  all  its  ingre- 
dieu  with  the  exception  of  the  guaiacum  wood,  which  probably  adds  little  to 
the  ficacy  of  the  decoction.  The  preparation  was  originally  proposed  by  Wm. 
Ho  son,  jun.  ( Journ . of  the  Phil.  Col.  of  Pharm.,  ii.  285);  and  the  officinal 
protis  differs  from  his  mainly  by  the  omission  of  the  guaiacum  wood,  the  resin 
offch,  separating  during  the  evaporation,  somewhat  embarrassed  the  process, 
wit!  ut  adding  to  the  virtues  of  the  extract.  We  greatly  prefer  this  fluid  extract 
io  1 1 of  the  British  Colleges.  If  the  effects  of  a simple  extract  of  sarsaparilla 
ere  sired,  they  can  be  obtained  by  having  recourse  to  the  solid  officinal  extract 
°f  1 1 U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia.  The  dose  is  a fluidrachm,  equivalent  to  a drachm 
of  Ip  root,  three  or  four  times  a day.  W. 


992 


Fxtracta  Fluida. 


PART 


EXTRACTUM  SENKE  FLUIDUM.  V.  S.  Fluid  Extract  f 
Senna. 

“Take  of  Senna,  in  coarse  powder,  tico  pounds  and  a half ; Sugar  tice  / 
ounces ; Oil  of  Fennel  a fiuidrachm  ; Compound  Spirit  of  Ether  two  fluidrach \; 
Diluted  Alcohol  four  pints.  Mix  the  Senna  with  the  Diluted  Alcohol,  a , 
having  allowed  the  mixture  to  stand  for  twenty-four  hours,  introduce  it  inta 
percolator,  and  gradually  pour  in  water  mixed  with  one-third  of  its  bulk  of  a - 
hoi,  until  a gallon  and  a half  of  liquid  shall  have  passed.  Evaporate  the  licj  i 
by  means  of  a water-bath  to  twenty  fluidounces,  filter,  then  add  the  Sugar,  a , 
when  it  is  dissolved,  the  Compound  Spirit  of  Ether  holding  the  Oil  of  Fee  l 
in  solution.”  U.  S. 

This  preparation  was  originally  suggested  by  Mr.  Charles  Ellis,  of  Philaii- 
phia,  subsequently  modified  by  the  late  Mr.  Duhamel,  of  the  same  place,  d 
adopted  by  the  framers  of  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia.  The  use  of  the  eompoG 
spirit  of  ether  is  to  prevent  fermentation.  A fluid  extract  is  largely  prepud 
in  England  by  evaporating  the  infusion  of  senna  in  vacuo.  For  a formula  y 
Mr.  Duncan,  of  Edinburgh,  see  the  Medical  Examiner  (vi.  250).  The  dosof 
the  U.  S.  fluid  extract  is  half  a fluidounce  for  an  adult.  TV 

EXTRACTUM  SPIGELUE  ET  SENNiE  FLUIDUM.  TJX 

Fluid  Extract  of  S pig elia  and  Senna. 

“Take  of  Pinkroot,  in  coarse  powder,  a pound;  Senna,  in  coarse  pow'r, 
six  ounces;  Sugar  a pound  and  a half;  Carbonate  of  Potassa  six  drachms;  il 
of  Caraway,  Oil  of  Anise,  each,  half  a fltfldrachm ; Diluted  Alcohol  a svfficit 
quantity.  Mix  the  Pinkroot  and  Senna  with  two  pints  of  Diluted  Alcohol,  d, 
having  allowed  the  mixture  to  stand  for  two  days,  transfer  it  to  a percolator,  id 
gradually  pour  upon  it  Diluted  Alcohol  until  half  a gallon  of  liquid  has  pasd. 
Evaporate  the  liquid,  by  means  of  a water-bath,  to  a pint;  then  add  the  (r- 
bonate  of  Potassa,  and,  after  the  sediment  has  dissolved,  the  Sugar  previo  ly 
triturated  with  the  Oils.  Lastly,  dissolve  the  Sugar  with  a gentle  heat.”  IS. 

This  fluid  extract  combines  the  cathartic  property  of  senna  with  the  ant  1- 
rnintic  virtues  of  pinkroot,  and  is  a very  good  vermifuge,  being  generallye- 
ceptable  to  the  stomach,  and,  what  is  of  no  little  importance  in  such  medici;?, 
not  offensive  to  the  taste.  It  has  been  in  use  in  Philadelphia  for  several  yes, 
and  with  satisfactory  results.  The  use  of  the  carbonate  of  potassa  is  to  eude 
the  resinous  matter  which  is  deposited  during  evaporation  to  be  dissolved, ad 
also  to  counteract  the  griping  property  of  the  senna.  The  whole  product  oilie 
process  should  be  about  a pint  and  a half.  The  dose  is  half  a fluidounce  fcan 
adult,  a fiuidrachm  for  a child  two  years  old.  T 

EXTRACTUM  VALERIANAE  FLUIDUM.  U.S.  Fluid  Extict 
of  Valerian. 

“ Take  of  Valerian,  in  coarse  powder,  eight  ounces;  Ether  four  fluid  ours ; 
Alcohol  twelve  fluidounces;  Diluted  Alcohol  a sufficient  quantity.  Mix  he 
Ether  and  Alcohol,  and,  having  incorporated  the  Valerian  with  one  half  of  he 
mixture,  introduce  the  mass  into  a percolator,  and  gradually  pour  in  thre- 
mainder.  Then  add  Diluted  Alcohol  until  the  whole  liquid  which  has  p£ed 
shall  amount  to  a pint.  Put  the  ethereal  liquid  thus  obtained  into  a sh;ow 
vessel,  and  allow  it  to  evaporate  spontaneously  until  reduced  to  five  fluidou  es. 
Upon  the  mass  in  the  percolator  pour  gradually  Diluted  Alcohol  until  ten  : id- 
ounces  of  tincture  have  passed.  With  this  mix  the  five  fluidounces  left  aftethe 
spontaneous  evaporation,  taking  care  to  dissolve  in  a little  alcohol  any  ec- 
resinous  matter  which  may  have  been  deposited,  and  to  add  it  to  the  rest.  Aw 
the  mixture  to  stand,  with  occasional  agitation,  for  four  hours,  and  thenf?r- 


PAT  II. 


Fxtraeta  Fluida. — Ferrum. 


993 


Tbresulting  Fluid  Extract  should  measure  a pint;  and,  if  it  be  less  than  that 
quitity,  the  deficiency  should  be  supplied  by  the  addition  of  Alcohol.”  U.  S. 

his  is  a preparation  representing  in  a concentrated  state  the  virtues  of  Vale- 
ria: and  may  be  used  when  the  influence  of  that  medicine  is  desired.  (See  papers 
by  lr.  Evan  T.  Ellis  in  the  American  Journal  of  Pharmacy,  xix.  83,  and  by 
Pn  Procter,  ibid.,  184.)  The  dose  is  one  or  two  fluidrachms.  W. 

FERRUM. 

Preparations  of  Iron. 

ERRI  PULVIS.  U.  S.,  Pub.  Powder  of  Iron.  Reduced  Iron. 
In  by  Hydrogen.  Quevenne’s  Iron. 

Ike  of  Subcarbonate  of  Iron,  previously  calcined  in  an  open  vessel,  two 
nows-  and  a half,  or  a convenient  quantity.  Into  a wrought  iron  reduction 
tub  of  about  four  inches  in  diameter,  introduce  the  Subcarbonate,  contained 
in ; incomplete  sheet-iron  tube,  open  at  both  ends,  made  by  bending  the  iron 
intche  form  of  a cylinder,  and  of  such  a size  as  to  fill  loosely  about  seven-eighths 
of  e reduction  tube.  Place  the  reduction  tube  longitudinally  in  an  oblong 
chapal  furnace;  and,  by  means  of  a self-regulating  generator  of  hydrogen,  pass 
thrigh  it  a stream  of  that  gas,  previously  purified  by  bubbling  successively 
thri'gh  Solution  of  Subacetate  of  Lead,  diluted  with  three  times  its  volume  of 
wap,  and  through  milk  of  lime,  severally  contained  in  half-gallon  bottles, 
abo:  one-third  filled.  Connect  with  the  further  extremity  of  the  reduction  tube 
ale  tube  bent  so  as  to  dip  into  water.  Make  all  the  junctions  air-tight  by 
apppriate  lutes;  and,  when  the  hydrogen  has  passed  long  enough  to  fill  the 
who  of  the  apparatus,  to  the  exclusion  of  atmospheric  air,  light  the  fire,  and 
brill  that  part  of  the  reduction  tube  occupied  by  the  Subcarbonate  to  a dull 
red  eat,  which  must  be  kept  up  so  long  as  the  bubbles  of  hydrogen,  breaking 
frorLe  water  covering  the  orifice  of  the  lead  tube,  are  smaller  than  those  pass- 
ing 'rough  the  milk  of  lime.  When  the  reduction  is  completed,  remove  the 
fire,  id  allow  the  whole  to  cool  to  the  ordinary  temperature,  keeping  up,  during 
the : Yigeration,  a moderate  current  of  hydrogen  through  the  apparatus.  Lastly, 
wid -aw  the  reduced  iron  from  the  reduction  tube,  detach  it  from  the  sheet-iron 
tube  ind,  having  powdered  it,  keep  it  in  well-stopped  bottles.  When  two  pounds 
and;! half  of  Subcarbonate  of  Iron  are  operated  on,  the  process  occupies  from 
five  eight  hours.”  U.  S. 

ike  of  Peroxide  of  Iron,  Zinc,  in  small  pieces,  Oil  of  Vitriol,  Water,  each, 
a sv  'ient  quantity.  Introduce  into  a gun-barrel  as  much  of  the  Peroxide  of 
Iron'jis  will  occupy  the  length  of  about  ten  inches,  confining  it  to  the  middle 
port  i of  the  barrel  by  plugs  of  asbestos.  Let  the  gun-barrel  be  now  placed  in 
such  furnace  as  is  used  for  organic  analysis,  one  end  of  it  being  fitted  by  means 
of  a irk  into  a bent  adapter  whose  further  extremity  dips  in  water,  while  the 
othe  :nd  (of  barrel)  is  connected  with  a bottle  containing  the  Zinc  and  Water, 
with  he  intervention,  however,  of  a desiccating  tube  including  fragments  of 
caus,  potash,  and  a small  bottle  half  filled  with  oil  of  vitriol.  Matters  being 
thus,  ranged,  a little  Oil  of  Vitriol  is  to  be  poured  into  the  bottle  containing 
tbe  later  and  Zinc,  with  the  view  of  developing  a sufficiency  of  hydrogen  to 
espe';he  air  from  the  interior  of  the  apparatus.  As  soon  as  this  object  is  con- 
sider,! to  have  been  accomplished,  the  part  of  the  tube  containing  the  Peroxide 
°f  h must  be  surrounded  with  ignited  charcoal,  and,  when  it  is  thus  brought 
to  a j.y  red  heat,  the  Oil  of  Vitriol  is  to  be  gradually  added  to  the  Zinc,  so  as 
to  ca  e a steady  current  of  hydrogen  to  pass  through  the  oil  of  vitriol  and  de- 


994 


Ferrum. 


PAEl  I. 


siccation  tube  into  the  gun-barrel.  As  soon  as  the  reduction  of  the  Oxic  is 
completed,  which  may  be  judged  to  have  taken  place  when  the  gas  bubbles  esbe 
at  apparently  the  same  rate  through  the  water  in  which  the  adapter  terminus 
and  through  the  bottle  containing  the  oil  of  vitriol,  the  fire  is  to  be  remove  (a 
slow  current  of  hydrogen  being  still  continued),  and  when  the  gun-barrel  as 
assumed  the  temperature  of  the  air  its  metallic  contents  should  be  extracted, id 
preserved  in  an  accurately  stopped  bottle.”  Dub. 

This  is  a new  preparation  of  the  U.  S.  and  Dublin  Pharmacopoeias  of  1 0, 
and  consists  of  metallic  iron  in  fine  powder,  obtained  by  reducing  the  sesquicjde 
by  hydrogen  at  a dull-red  heat.  The  subcarbonate  of  the  U.  S.  Pharmaeopa, 
which  is  essentially  the  sesquioxide  of  iron,  is  deprived  of  water  by  calcina.n, 
and  then  subjected  to  the  reducing  influence  of  a stream  of  hydrogen,  pured 
from  sulphuretted  hydrogen  and  acid  by  passing  successively  through  a solion 
of  subacetate  of  lead  and  milk  of  lime.  The  hydrogen  unites  with  the  oxien 
of  the  sesquioxide  to  form  water,  and  leaves  the  iron  in  the  metallic  state,  he 
subcarbonate  should  be  perfectly  free  from  sulphate  of  soda,  which  it  is  a]  to 
contain  when  imperfectly  washed.  If  this  salt  be  present  it  will  be  reduce  (by 
the  hydrogen  to  the  state  of  sulphuret  of  sodium,  which  will  contaminateind 
spoil  the  metallic  iron  formed.  The  heat  should  be  carefully  regulated;  :-if 
it  fall  below  dull  redness,  part  of  the  oxide  will  escape  reduction;  and  if  itemed 
that  point  considerably,  the  particles  of  reduced  iron  will  agglutinate,  antiot 
be  readily  pulverizable.  The  Dublin  process  is  not  so  well  fitted  for  praccal 
purposes  as  that  of  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia.  The  directions  given  in  the  nb- 
lin  formula  to  dry  the  hydrogen  are  unnecessary.  On  the  subject  of  powd  of 
iroij,  manufacturing  chemists  will  find  it  useful  to  consult  the  paper  of  M. 
Soubeiran  and  Dublanc,  in  which  full  directions  are  given  for  purifyimthe 
hydrogen,  constructing  the  furnace,  regulating  the  heat,  and  avoiding  edo 
sions.  (Mmer.  Journ.  of  Pliarm.,  xviii.  303,  from  the  Journ.  de  Pharm.. dii. 
187.)  Prof.  Procter,  of  Philadelphia,  has  made  some  improvements  in  thoro- 
cess  of  Soubeiran  and  Dublanc,  which  he  has  communicated  in  a paper,  embriiig 
many  useful  details.  ( Amer . Journ.  of  Pliarm.,  xix.  11.) 

Properties.  Powder  of  iron  is  tasteless,  and  of  an  iron-gray  colour.  If  ack 
the  preparation  is  to  be  rejected  as  not  being  fully  deoxidized.  When  tbwn 
into  a dilute  acid,  it  causes  a lively  effervescence  of  hydrogen.  A small  pr  ion 
of  it,  struck  on  an  anvil  with  a smooth  hammer,  forms  a scale,  having  a bri  ant 
metallic  lustre.  On  account  of  its  great  liability  to  oxidation,  it  should  becept 
in  a dry  bottle,  well  stopped.  A black  powder,  having  a composition  rre- 
spondingwith  that  of  the  magnetic  oxide  of  iron,  has  been  recently  sold  nnon- 
don  and  Edinburgh  under  the  name  of  Quevenne’s  iron.  (See  the  Pliarm.  otrn. 
and  Trans,  for  Jan.,  Feb.,  and  March,  1854.)  The  spurious  powder  nr  be 
known  by  its  having  a black  instead  of  an  iron-gray  colour,  and  by  its  efferveing 
but  slightly  with  acids.  In  the  process  for  making  reduced  iron,  part  of  tbses- 
quioxide  almost  always  escapes  full  deoxidation,  and  comes  out  of  th&ube 
of  a black  colour.  This  part  should  be  rejected,  instead  of  being  sold  as  reiced 
iron,  as  appears  to  have  been  done  by  some  London  manufacturing  ckemis. 

Medical  Properties.  Powder  of  iron,  reduced  from  the  oxide  by  hydgen, 
was  first  prepared  for  medicinal  purposes  by  MM.  Quevenne  and  Miqueld,  ot 
Paris.  It  has  been  used  by  Raciborski  and  other  physicians  in  anmmiaand, 
generally,  in  those  diseases  characterized  by  a deficiency  of  colouring  mavr  m 
the  blood.  In  two  cases  of  enlarged  spleen,  following  intermittent  fer  m 
anemic  subjects,  M.  Coste  found  it  to  act  with  remarkable  efficacy.  In  W f 
the  peculiar  state  of  aggregation  of  its  particles,  this  preparation  is  undoujedly 
the  best  form  of  metallic  iron  for  medicinal  use.  The  dose  is  from  tbreel*  six 
grains  several  times  a day,  given  in  powder  or  pill.  P* 


P IT  II. 


Ferrum. 


995 


[INCTURA  EERRI  ACETATIS.  Dub.  Tincture  of  Acetate  of 

I,n. 

Take  of  Sulphate  of  Iron  eight  ounces  [avoirdupois] ; Distilled  Water  half 
a\int  [Imperial  measure];  Pure  Sulphuric  Acid  six  fuidrachms  [Imp.  meas.]  ; 
P e Nitric  Acid  half  a fluidounce  [Imp.  meas.] ; Acetate  of  Potash  eight  ounces 
[alird.];  Rectified  Spirit  half  a.  gallon  [Imp.  meas.].  To  nine  [fluid]ounces 
of  ke  Water  add  the  Sulphuric  Acid,  and  in  the  mixture,  with  the  aid  of 
hr.,  dissolve  the  Sulphate  of  Iron.  Add  next  the  Nitric  Acid,  first  diluted  with 
tbremaining  [fluid]ounce  of  Water,  and  evaporate  the  resulting  solution  to 
thjconsistence  of  a thick  syrup.  Dissolve  this  in  one  quart  [two  pints,  Imp. 
m s],  and  the  Acetate  of  Potash  in  the  remainder  of  the  Spirit,  and,  having 
med  the  solutions,  and  shaken  the  mixture  repeatedly  in  a large  bottle,  let  the 
wile  be  thrown  upon  a calico  filter.  When  any  further  liquid  ceases  to  trickle 
thugh,  subject  the  filter,  with  its  contents,  to  expression,  and,  having  cleared 
thturbid  tincture  thus  procured  by  filtration  through  paper,  let  it  be  added  to 
th  already  obtained.  The  sp.gr.  of  this  tincture  is  0'891.”  Dub. 

■his  preparation  is  a tincture  of  the  teracetate  of  sesquioxide  of  iron.  The 
fir  step  in  making  it  is  to  convert  the  sulphate  of  protoxide  of  iron  into  the 
tenlphate  of  the  sesquioxide  by  the  action  of  sulphuric  and  nitric  acids,  with 
th  lid  of  heat,  in  the  usual  way.  The  salt  thus  formed  is  then  dissolved  in  half 
th  rectified  spirit,  the  acetate  of  potassa  in  the  other  half.  The  spirituous  saline 
so  ions  having  been  mixed,  a double  decomposition  of  the  salts  takes  place, 
felting  in  the  formation  of  teracetate  of  sesquioxide  of  iron  which  dissolves  in 
th.  spirit,  and  sulphate  of  potassa  which  precipitates,  being  insoluble  in  that 
mtstruum.  By  filtration,  therefore,  the  sulphate  of  potassa  is  removed,  and 
thi dear  liquid  constitutes  the  tincture  under  notice.  As  there  is  an  excess  of 
sir  late  of  protoxide  of  iron  taken,  the  tersulphate  of  the  sesquioxide  into 
wish  it  is  converted,  is  more  than  sufficient  to  decompose  all  the  acetate  of  po- 
tas.  Accordingly,  the  portion  of  the  tersulphate  not  expended  in  the  double 
deinposition,  being  soluble  in  rectified  spirit,  remains  in  solution  along  with 
thieracetate  in  the  tincture. 

•operties.  This  tincture  is  a transparent  liquid,  of  a deep-red  colour,  and 
str  g chalybeate  taste.  It  is  said  to  form  an  agreeable  chalybeate.  The  dose 
is ) m twenty  drops  to  a teaspoonful,  sufficiently  diluted  with  water.  B. 

SeRRI  CARBONAS  SACCHARATUM.  Fd.,  Dub.;  Ferri  Car- 
bons cum  Saccharo.  Lond.  Saccharine  Carbonate  of  Iron.  Carbonate 
of  :on  with  Sugar. 

'lake  of  Sulphate  of  Iron  four  ounces;  Carbonate  of  Soda  four  ounces  and 
aq'irter;  Sugar  two  ounces ; boiling  Distilled  Water  four  pints  [Imp.  meas.], 
Dis,lve  separately  the  Sulphate  and  Carbonate  in  two  pints  of  the  Water.  Mix 
theblutions  while  still  hot,  and  set  the  mixture  by  that  the  Carbonate  of  Iron 
ma  subside.  Then,  having  poured  off  the  supernatant  liquor,  wash  frequently 
the  recipitated  Carbonate.  To  this  add  the  Sugar,  dissolved  in  two  fluidounces 
of 1 iter,  and  evaporate  the  mixture  by  means  of  a water-bath  until  the  powder 
is  d . Keep  this  in  a well  stopped  bottle.”  Lond. 

‘;'ake  of  Sulphate  of  Iron  four  ounces  ; Carbonate  of  Soda.yire  ounces;  Pure 
two  ounces;  Water  four  pints  [Imp.  meas.].  Dissolve  the  Sulphate  and 
Carnate,  each,  in  two  pints  of  the  water;  add  the  solutions  and  mix  them; 
coll  t the  precipitate  on  a cloth  filter,  and  immediately  wash  it  with  cold  water, 
sqn  |se  out  as  much  of  the  water  as  possible,  and  without  delay  triturate  the 
pul  which  remains  with  the  Sugar  previously  in  fine  powder.  Dry  the  mixture 
a miperature  not  much  above  120°.”  Ed. 

Dublin  process  is  substantially  the  same  as  the  Edinburgh,  and,  there- 
fore ieed  not  be  given. 


996 


Ferrum. 


PART 

When  solutions  of  sulphate  of  iron  and  carbonate  of  soda  are  mixed  togetb 
there  are  formed,  by  double  decomposition,  sulphate  of  soda  which  remain;  n 
solution,  and  carbonate  of  protoxide  of  iron  which  falls  as  a pale-bluish  pri- 
pitate.  This  precipitate  begins  immediately  to  alter  in  nature  by  the  absorp  n 
of  oxygen,  and,  if  washed  and  dried  in  the  ordinary  way,  becomes  sesquiohe 
of  iron,  associated  with  a small  quantity  of  the  carbonate  of  the  protoxide  wl  h 
has  escaped  change;  in  other  words,  it  is  converted  into  the  subc-arbonatof 
iron  of  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia.  (See  Ferri  Subcarbonas.)  As  the  preparat  is 
of  iron  containing  the  protoxide  are  most  esteemed,  the  change  which  this  3. 
cipitate  undergoes  was  always  matter  of  regret,  and  various  attempts  were  irle 
to  prevent  it.  Now  saccharine  matter  has  been  ascertained  to  possess  the  > 
perty  of  preventing  this  change;  and,  in  the  preparation  under  considerate 
its  power  is  brought  into  play  of  preventing  the  protoxide  of  iron  of  the  carbode 
as  first  precipitated  from  passing  into  sesquioxide,  with  loss  of  carbonic  acid 

Dr.  Becker,  a German  physician,  was  the  first  to  suggest  the  use  of  saechaie 
matter  as  a means  of  protection  against  the  absorption  of  oxygen ; and  the  ja 
was  carried  out  by  Klauer,  a German  chemist,  who  first  made  the  saccharine  r- 
bonate  of  iron.  In  the  London  process  the  washed  precipitate  is  immedialy 
mixed  with  the  sugar  in  the  form  of  syrup.  In  the  Edinburgh  formula,  is 
pressed  so  as  to  free  it  from  water  as  far  as  possible,  and  then  incorporated  th 
the  sugar  in  fine  powder.  The  mode  of  treating  the  precipitate,  directed  iniie 
London  formula,  is  that  recommended  by  Mr.  R.  Phillips,  jun.,  and  is  preferle 
to  the  treatment  by  expression,  which  exposes  it  for  a longer  period  to  the  aeon 
of  the  air.  The  final  drying  heat  should  not  exceed  130°.  The  protection  tin 
oxidation,  however,  is  more  complete,  when  both  the  materials  and  proict 
of  the  process  are  maintained  constantly  in  contact  with  saccharine  ma:r, 
by  using  weak  syrup  both  for  dissolving  the  salts  and  for  washing  the  precipite, 
after  the  improved  method  of  Vallet,  of  Paris.  This  improved  method  of:o- 
ceeding  is  adopted  for  forming  the  U.  S.  pills  of  carbonate  of  iron,  or  Talt’s 
ferruginous  pills.  (See  PiluJse  Ferri  Carbonatis,  U.  S.) 

Properties.  Saccharine  carbonate  of  iron  is  a grayish-green  powder,  permaat 
in  the  air,  having  a sweetish,  styptic  taste,  and  wholly  and  readily  solubl  in 
muriatic  acid,  with  brisk  effervescence.  Its  composition  is  not  well  madetit. 
The  Edinburgh  College  defines  it  to  be  a “carbonate  of  protoxide  of  iron  ian 
undetermined  state  of  combination  with  sugar  and  sesquioxide  of  iron.”  he 
presence  of  sesquioxide  of  iron  is  a defect,  which  is  avoided  in  Yallet’s  fru- 
ginous  pills. 

Medical  Properties.  This  preparation  is  an  excellent  chalybeate,  posseing 
the  advantages  of  having  nearly  all  the  iron  in  it  in  the  state  of  protoxidemd 
of  being  readily  soluble  in  acids.  Originally  introduced  into  the  officinal  liby 
the  Edinburgh  College,  it  appears  for  the  first  time  in  the  Dublin  and  Lolon 
Pharmacopoeias  of  1850  and  1851.  It  is  probably  more  active  than  the  swar- 
bonate  of  iron,  and  must  be  used  in  a smaller  dose.  It  is,  however,  infer:-  to 
Vallet’ s ferruginous  mass,  in  the  preparation  of  which  the  anti-oxidizing  infimee 
of  saccharine  matter  is  more  fully  applied.  The  dose  of  the  saccharine  carb.ate 
of  iron  is  from  five  to  thirty  grains,  given  in  the  form  of  pill. 

Off.  Prep.  Pilulae  Ferri  Carbonatis,  Ed.  I- 

TINCTURA  FERRI  CHLORIDE  U.S.  Tinctura  Ferri  es- 
quichloridi.  Lond Dub.  Ferri  Muriatis  Tinctura.  Fd.  pic- 
ture of  Chloride  of  Iron.  Tincture  of  Muriate  of  Iron. 

“ Take  of  Subcarbonate  of  Iron  half  a pound ; Muriatic  Acid  a pint;  Alhol 
three  .pints.  Pour  the  Acid  upon  the  Subcarbonate  of  Iron,  in  a glass  or  fee- 
lain  vessel,  mix  them,  and,  when  effervescence  has  ceased,  apply  a gentlest. 


PiT  II.  Ferrum.  997 

an  continue  it,  stirring  occasionally,  until  the  carbonate  is  dissolved;  then  filter 
th solution,  and  mix  it  with  the  alcohol.”  U.  S. 

Take  of  Sesquioxide  of  Iron  [Subcarbonate,  U.  N.]  six  ounces;  Hydrochloric 
Ail  a pin!  [Imperial  measure];  Rectified  Spirit  three  pints  [Imp.  meas.].  Mix 
tkSesquioslide  with  the  Acid,  and  digest  with  a sand-bath,  occasionally  stirring, 
til  t is  dissolved.  Then  to  the  solution,  after  it  has  cooled,  add  the  Spirit,  and 
fill:.”  Lond. 

Take  of  Red  Oxide  [Subcarbonate]  of  Iron  six  ounces;  Muriatic  Acid  (com- 
mend) one  pint  [Imp.  meas.];  Reqtified  Spirit  three  pints  [Imp.  meas.].  Add 
thOxide  to  the  Acid  in  a glass  vessel ; digest  with  a gentle  heat,  and  occa- 
siod  agitation,  for  a day,  or  till  most  of  the  Oxide  be  dissolved ; then  add  the 
Sp  t,  and  filter.”  Ed. 

Take  of  Iron  Wire  eight  ounces  [avoirdupois] ; Pure  Muriatic  Acid  one 
quit  [two  pints,  Imp.  meas.] ; Pure  Nitric  Acid  eighteen  fluidrachms  [Imp. 
me .] ; Distilled  Water  onepint  [Imp.  meas.]  ; Rectified  Spirit  one  pint  and  a 
ha.  [Imp.  meas.].  Dilute  the  Muriatic  Acid  with  the  Water,  and,  having 
poiad  the  mixture  on  the  Iron,  apply  a gentle  heat  till  the  metal  is  dissolved. 
Ne.  add  the  Nitric  Acid  in  successive  portions,  and  then  evaporate  at  a gentle 
hetuntil  the  solution  is  reduced  to  one  pint.  Finally  mix  this  in  a bottle  with 
tlielpirit,  and,  after  the  mixture  has  stood  for  twelve  hours,  draw  off  the  clear 
tin  ire.  The  sp.gr.  of  this  tincture  is  l'2-37.”  Dub. 

e subcarbonate  of  iron  of  the  shops  consists  of  sesquioxide  of  iron,  mixed 
wit  a variable,  but  always  small  proportion  of  carbonate  of  the  protoxide. 
Wb  acted  on  by  muriatic  acid  it  dissolves  with  effervescence,  in  consequence 
ofli  escape  of  carbonic  acid;  and  a solution  of  the  sesquichloride  of  iron,  with 
a lij'.e  protoehloride,  is  obtained.  When  the  muriatic  acid  employed  is  of  the 
offii.al  strength  (sp.gr.  1T6),  the  quantity  directed  in  the  U.S.  formula  dis- 
sohi  nearly  all  the  subcarbonate,  leaving  behind,  according  to  Mr.  Phillips, 
less  ban  one  scruple,  including  accidental  impurities.  A reaction  appears  to 
tak  dace  between  the  muriatic  acid  and  the  alcohol,  as  the  preparation  has  a 
deced  ethereal  odour.  On  exposure,  the  small  quantity  of  protochloride  of 
ironresent  is  converted,  by  the  absorption  of  oxygen,  into  sesquichloride  and 
sesnj'oxide,  the  latter  of  which  is  precipitated  unless  there  be  an  excess  of  mu- 
riat  acid  present.-  In  the  U.  S.  formula  no  such  excess  exists,  and  the  tincture 
mavonsequently  deposit,  upon  standing,  a little  sesquioxide  of  iron,  and  become 
in  tij  same  proportion  more  feeble;  but  this  is  a very  slight  objection,  and  is 
easi  obviated,  if  thought  advisable,  by  adding  sufficient  muriatic  acid  to  redis- 
solythe  precipitate.  The  London  and  Edinburgh  preparations,  which  have  a 
con?  erable  excess  of  acid,  are  liable  to  the  more  serious  objection  of  being  thus 
renewed  more  irritant  to  the  stomach.  It  is-important  that  the  apothecary  should 
empy  muriatic  acid  of  the  officinal  specific  gravity,  as  otherwise  his  preparation 
willji  of  uncertain  strength.  A want  of  attention  to  this  circumstance  is  pro- 
babl the  cause  that  the  tincture,  as  found  in  the  shops,  is  very  unequal.  Of 
fourjecimens  examined  by  Mr.  Phillips,  one  yielded  from  half  a fluidounce  20 
grai  of  sesquioxide  of  iron,  another  12  1 grains,  a third  11 '3  grains,  and  the 
four;  only  9 '3  grains.  A specimen  prepared  by  himself,  precisely  according  to 
die  (-ections  of  the  London  Pharmacopoeia  of  1824,  which  are  at  present  those 
of  o;  own  national  standard,  had  the  sp.gr.  0'994,  and  yielded,  from  half  a 
fluid’ nee,  16'8  grains  of  sesquioxide.  The  present  London  preparation,  accord- 
ing  the  same  authority,  has  the  sp.gr.  0'992,  and  would  afford,  from  half  a 
fluid  nee,  upon  the  addition  of  potassa,  nearly  15  grains  of  sesquioxide.  The 
proc  i of  the  Dublin  Pharmacopoeia  of  1850  is  quite  new.  In  the  first  step  of 
d a ution  of  protochloride  of  iron  is  formed,  which  is  subsequently  converted 
fly  t reaction  of  nitric  acid  into  a solution  of  the  sesquichloride,  to  which  the 


998 


Ferrum. 


PAET 


alcohol  is  added.  The  strength  of  the  resulting  tincture  is  more  than  thn 
that  of  the  other  British  preparations,  and  nearly  thrice  that  of  the  U.  S.  tincte1. 

Properties.  Tincture  of  chloride  of  iron  is  of  a reddish-brown,  somewhat  t - 
lowish  colour,  a sour  and  very  styptic  taste,  and  an  odour  resembling  thaif 
muriatic  ether.  The  sesquichloride  of  iron,  which  results  from  its  evaporati , 
is  a deliquescent  compound,  of  a dark-orange  colour,  scarcely  crystallizable, : 1 
consisting  of  two  eqs.  of  iron  56,  and  three  of  chlorine  106'26=1G2'26.  la 
\ tincture  is  decomposed  by  the  alkalies,  alkaline  earths  and  their  c-arbona  q 
astringent  vegetable  infusions,  and  the  mucilage  of  gum  Arabic,  which  produis 
with  it  a brown  semi-transparent  jelly.  Alf  these  substances  are,  therefip, 
incompatible  with  it  in  prescriptions.* 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  This  is  one  of  the  most  active  and  cerln 
preparations  of  iron,  usually  acceptable  to  the  stomach,  and  much  employed  >r 
the  purposes  to  which  the  chalybeates  generally  are  applied.  It  has  been 
ticularly  commended  as.  a tonic  in  scrofula,  in  which  it  was  formerly  often  gin, 
jointly  with  the  solution  of  chloride  of  calcium,  or  chloride  of  barium.  Ib 
supposed  to  be  diuretic,  and  to  have  a peculiar  influence  on  the  urinary  passa.s. 
Hence  it  has  been  employed  in  gleet,  old  gonorrhoea,  and  leucorrhcea;  anus 
said  to  be  useful  in  dysury  dependent  on  spasmodic  stricture  of  the  urethra. n 
the  dose  of  ten  drops  repeated  every  ten  minutes,  till  some  effect  is  experiend. 
In  hemorrhages  from  the  uterus,  kidneys,  and  bladder,  it  is  thought  to  act i- 
vantageously,  but  should  be  confined  to  those  of  a passive  character,  or  empled 
only  after  sufficient  depletion.  Externally  it  is  sometimes  used  for  the  dest  c- 
tion  of  venereal  warts,  and  as  a styptic  in  cancerous  and  fungous  ulcers.  It 
has  recently  been  employed  with  success,  as  an  injection  in  aneurismaltt- 
niours.  (See  Banking's  Abstract,  xviii.  120.)  The  dose  of  the  U.  S.  tinctmis 
from  ten  to  thirty  minims,  which  may  be  gradually  increased  to  one  or  even  to 
fluidraehms,  two  or  three  times  a day.  It  is  given  diluted  with  water. 

FERRI  CITRAS.  U.8.  Citrate  of  Iron. 

“Take  of  Citric  Acid  five  ounces  and  a half;  Sulphate  of  Iron  twelve  ouns; 
Distilled  Water  five  fiuidounces.  Dissolve  the  Acid  in  the  Water.  Then  re- 
pare from  the  Sulphate  the  Hydrated  Oxide  of  Iron,  according  to  the  fornla 
for  that  substauce.  To  the  solution  of  the  Acid,  heated  to  about  150°,'nd 
maintained  at  that  temperature,  gradually  add  the  Hydrated  Oxide,  in  its  nist 
and  recent  state,  as  long  as  it  is  dissolved,  and  until  the  Acid  is  fully  satured. 
Filter  the  liquid,  and,  having  evaporated  it  to  the  consistence  of  a thick  sm 
spread  it  in  layers  on  glass  or  porcelain  plates,  so  that,  when  dried,  it  may  rm 
thin  laminte,  which  are  to  be  detached  from  the  plates,  and  broken  into  pees 
of  convenient  size.”  U.  S. 

In  this  process  a strong  solution  of  citric  acid,  heated  to  150®,  is  securely 
saturated  with  moist  and  recent  hydrated  sesquioxide  of  iron.  The  heat  dinted 
promotes  the  solution  of  the  sesquioxide ; but  a boiling  temperature  is  he 
avoided,  as  it  renders  the  oxide  less  readily  soluble.  Citrate  of  iron,  as  ans 
prepared,  is  in  thin  transparent  pieces,  of  a beautiful  garnet-red  colour,  t is 
an  uncrystallizable  acid  salt,  slowly  soluble  in  cold,  but  readily  soluble  injoil- 

* Bestuchejp s tincture , wliieli  is  much  used  in  Europe,  is  simply  a solution  of  sflui- 
chloride  of  iron  in  a mixture  of  one  measure  of  ether  and  three  or  four  measures  of  aJwL 
Fr.  Mayer  recommends  that  the  sesquichloride  should  be  prepared  by  passing  chnne 
through  a solution  of  the  protochloride,  until  a solution  of  the  red  ferrocyauuret  ■ po- 
tassium no  longer  produces  a blue  precipitate,  and  then  evaporating  by  a water-bat  hi 
this  mode  crystals  of  the  sesquichloride  are  obtained,  one  ounce  of  which  is  to  b dis- 
solved in  twelve  ounces  of  ether,  mixed  with  four  times  its  bulk  of  alcohol.  The  squon 
may  be  rendered  colourless,  if  desired,  by  exposure  to  the  direct  rays  of  the  sun.  (•  1 • 
Journ.  of  Pharm.,  i.  233.) 


PAD  II. 


Ferrum. 


999 


injyater,  and  possessing  a mild  chalybeate  taste.  It  consists  of  one  eq.  of 
citj  acid  165,  and  one  of  sesquioxide  of  iron  80=245. 

Irate  of  iron  was  introduced  to  the  notice  of  the  profession,  in  1881,  by 
M.leral,  of  Paris.  It  is  a pleasant  chalybeate,  and  is  best  given  in  the  form  of 
pil  The  dose  is  five  grains,  repeated  several  times  a day.  B. 

ERRI  AMMONIO-CITRxlS.  Fond.,  Fub.  Ammonio-citrate  of 

ln. 

Take  of  Sulphate  of  Iron  twelve  ounces ; Carbonate  of  Soda  twelve  ounces  and 
allf ; Citric  Acid  six  ounces;  Solution  of  Ammonia  nine  fluidounces  [Imp. 

me. ];  boiling  Distilled  Water  twelve  pints  [Imp.  rneas.].  Dissolve  separately 
tliciulphate  and  Carbonate  in  six  pints  of  the  Water.  Mix  the  solutions  while 
sti’  hot,  and  set  the  mixture  by  that  the  precipitate  may  subside.  Having 
pomd  off  the  supernatant  liquor,  wash  the  precipitate  frequently  with  water, 
tbi v in  the  Acid,  and  dissolve  by  the  aid  of  heat.  When  the  solution  has 
coo  d,  add  the  Ammonia,  and  evaporate  to  the  consistence  of  syrup.  Pour  this 
in  in  layers  on  earthenware  plates,  dry  with  a gentle  heat,  and  preserve  the 
promt  in  a well  stopped  bottle.”  Lond. 

le  Dublin  College  dissolves  its  hydrated  peroxide  of  iron,  freshly  made,  in  a 
sol  ion  of  citric  acid,  and  boils  for  twenty  minutes.  The  cool  solution,  after  the 
ad<  ion  of  ammonia  in  slight  excess,  is  dried  in  thin  layers,  so  as  to  form  scales. 

the  London  process,  by  double  decomposition  between  sulphate  of  iron  and 
carinate  of  soda,  carbonate  of  protoxide  of  iron  is  first  formed,  which,  by  the 
exjture  to  the  air  during  washing,  becomes  the  sesquioxide  with  loss  of  car- 
bo^  acid.  To  this  oxide,  while  still  moist,  the  citric  acid  is  added,  and  the 
whs  is  dissolved  by  the  aid  of  heat,  the  moisture  present  and  the  water  of 
cry  allization  of  the  acid  being  sufficient  to  effect  the  solution.  In  this  manner 
the  itrate  of  sesquioxide  of  iron  is  formed,  the  salt  described  in  the  last  article. 
N(  this  is  an  acid  salt,  and  when  the  excess  of  acid  in  it  is  neutralized  with 
amonia,  the  ammonio-citrate  of  iron  is  formed,  from  which  the  greater  part  of 
tht  mmonia  is  driven  off  when  dried  with  a gentle  heat. 

.•operties,  &c.  Ammonio-citrate  of  iron  is  in  garnet-red  scales,  having  a 
slij  tly  chalybeate  taste,  and  forming  a solution  of  a clear  ruby  colour.  It  is 
Dn  i more  readily  soluble  in  water  than  the  citrate  of  iron  described  in  the  last 
art  e.  It  is  neutral  to  test  paper,  and  not  rendered  blue  by  the  addition  of 
fer  lyanuret  of  potassium.  It  is  decomposed  by  potassa  and  lime-water,  which 
tin  r down  sesquioxide  of  iron  and  evolve  ammonia.  The  London  College  states 
tin  100  grains  of  the  salt,  dissolved  in  water  and  treated  with  potassa,  yield 
ab|i  34  grains  of  sesquioxide  of  iron.  This  salt  forms  a pleasant  chalybeate. 
Its  eady  solubility  gives  it  an  advantage  over  the  citrate.  The  dose  is  five 
grys,  repeated  several  times  a day,  and  given  in  solution.  According  to  Dr. 
Ih  it  may  be  united  with  the  carbonated  alkalies  without  decomposition,  and 
ghi  in  a state  of  effervescence  with  citric  acid.  B. 

ERRI  ET  POTASSiE  TARTRAS.  U.S.  Ferri  Potassio- 
ta;ras.  Lond.  Ferrum  Tartarizatum.  Ed.,  Dub.  Tartrate  of 
Ir  and  Potassa.  Tartarized  Iron. 

.[fake  of  Sulphate  of  Iron  eight  ounces;  Bitartrate  of  Potassa  seven  ounces; 
Di;  lied  Water  half  a gallon.  Prepare  from  the  Sulphate  the  Hydrated  Oxide  of 
Ire  according  to  the  formula  for  that  substance.  Mix  the  Bitartrate  of  Po- 
tas:  with  the  Distilled  Water,  heat  the  mixture  to  140°,  and,  keeping  it  at  that 
ter  erature,  add  gradually  the  Hydrated  Oxide,  frequently  stirring,  until  it 
ceajs  to  he  dissolved.  Then  filter  the  solution,  evaporate  it  by  means  of  a water- 
bal  to  the  consistence  of  Syrup,  and  spread  it  upon  plates  of  glass  or  porcelain, 
so  at  it  may  dry  in  the  form  of  scales.”  U.  S. 


1000 


Ferrum. 


PART  [. 


“ Take  of  Sulphate  of  Iron  four  ounces ; Sulphuric  Acid  half  a fimdoui  ; 
[Imp.  meas.];  Nitric  Acid  a fiuidounce  [Imp.  meas.];  Solution  of  Ammqa 
ten  fluidounces  [Imp.  meas.]  ; Bitartrate  of  Potassa,  powdered,  two  ounces;  s- 
tilled  Water  four  gallons  [Imp.  meas.].  Dissolve  the  Sulphate  with  the  ;l- 
phuric  Acid  in  a pint  of  the  Water;  then,  applying  heat,  add  gradually  the  N:ic 
Acid.  Boil  down  the  solution  to  the  consistence  of  syrup,  and  mix  it  with  .e 
rest  of  the  Water.  Then  add  the  Ammonia,  in  order  to  throw  down  the  L 
quioxide  of  iron.  Wash  this  and  set  it  aside  for  twenty-four  hours.  Then  M 
the  Bitartrate,  mixed  with  half  a pint  of  Distilled  Water,  to  110°,  and  to  is 
mixture  add  the  moist  sescjuioxide,  the  water  which  floats  over  it  having  I n 
poured  off.  Separate  the  part  of  the  sesquioxide  which  fails  to  he  dissolvecly 
straining  through  a cloth;  then  evaporate  the  clear  liquor  until  the  salt  is  y. 
The  Potassio-tartrate  of  Iron  may  also  be  dried  in  the  manner  directed  or 
Ammonio-citrate  of  Iron.”  Land. 

“Take  of  Sulphate  of  Iron  five  ounces;  Bitartrate  of  Potash  five  ounces  id 
one  drachm;  Carbonate  of  Ammonia,  in  fine  powder,  a sufficiency.  Prepareae 
Rust  of  Iron  from  the  Sulphate  as  directed  under  Perrugo,  and  without  drug 
it.  Mix  the  pulpy  mass  with  four  pints  [Imp.  meas.]  of  Water;  add  the  B:r- 
trate;  boil  till  the  Rust  of  Iron  is  dissolved;  let  the  solution  cool;  pour  offae 
clear  liquid,  and  add  to  this  the  Carbonate  of  Ammonia  so  long  as  it  occashs 
effervescence.  Concentrate  the  liquid  over  the  vapour-bath  to  the  consisttpe 
of  a thick  extract,  or  till  the  residuum  becomes  on  cooling  a firm  solid,  w';h 
must  be  preserved  in  well-closed  vessels.”  Ed. 

“ Take  of  Sulphate  of  Iron  eight  ounces  [avoirdupois];  white  Bitartratof 
Potash  five  ounces  [avoird.];  Distilled  Water  one  pint  and  a half  [Imp.  me;]. 
From  the  Sulphate  of  Iron  prepare  Hydrated  Peroxide  of  Iron  by  the  [Duh] 
process,  and  having,  immediately  after  it  is  washed,  placed  it  with  theBitartte 
of  Potash  and  Water  in  a porcelain  capsule,  apply  heat  to  the  mixture  (tahg 
care,  however,  that  the  temperature  does  not  rise  beyond  150°),  and  stir  it  oa- 
sionally  for  six  hours.  Let  the  solution,  after  it  has  cooled  down  to  the  m- 
perature  of  the  atmosphere,  be  decanted  off  any  undissolved  oxide  of  iron,  :d, 
having  transferred  it  in  small  quantities  to  delf  dinner  plates,  let  it  be  evapored 
to  dryness  at  a heat  not  exceeding  150°.  Lastly,  chip  off  the  film  of  dryilt 
which  adheres  to  the  plates,  and  preserve  it  in  well  stopped  bottles.”  Dul.\ 

The  object  of  these  processes  is  to  combine  the  excess  of  acid  in  the  bitartite 
of  potassa  with  sesquioxide  of  iron.  In  all  of  them  the  plan  of  Soubeira  is 
adopted ; namely,  that  of  dissolving  the  moist  hydrated  sesquioxide  to  saturon 
in  a mixture  of  the  bitartrate  and  water,  aided  by  a moderate  heat.  The  ;s- 
quioxide  is  now  obtained,  in  all  the  Pharmacopoeias,  from  the  tersulphaiof 
sesquioxide  of  iron,  which  is  precipitated  either  by  ammonia  ( U.  S-,  Land..  A), 
or  by  solution  of  potassa  (Dub.').  Potassa  is  not  a good  precipitant;  bec-tse 
the  alkali  adheres  obstinately  to  the  precipitated  sesquioxide,  and  cannolbe 
completely  separated  even  by  repeated  washings.  The  necessary  hydratedps- 
quioxide  is  made  in  the  body  of  the  London  formula ; this  College  not  haug 
it  as  the  product  of  a separate  process.  The  sesquioxide  should  be  gradely 
added  to  the  bitartrate  and  water,  heated  to  140°,  as  recommended  by  Soubein, 
at  which  temperature  the  oxide  dissolves  more  readily  and  in  larger  quality 
than  when  ebullition  is  employed.  In  the  U.  S.  and  Dublin  formulas,  the  liiid 
is  poured  out  on  a plane  surface,  so  as  to  dry  iu  scales;  and  the  London  Co  ge 
gives  this  as  an  alternative  method  of  drying.  The  present  formulas  ofche 
U.  S.,  Loudon,  and  Dublin  Pharmacopoeias  are  much  superior  to  those  of  fcuer 
editions  of  those  works. 

Dr.  Ure  has  proposed  the  tartrate  of  protoxide  of  iron  for  medical  use.  L 
makes  it  by  acting  on  clean  iron  filings,  or  bits  of  iron  wire,  with  a solutioo 


p;iT  II. 


Ferrum. 


1001 


ta-iric  acid.  It  is  a pulverulent  salt,  insoluble  in  water,  and,  possessing  a mild 
cliybeate  taste. 

Properties.  Tartrate  of  iron  and  potassa,  as  obtained  by  the  U.  S and  Dub- 
lironnulae,  is  in  transparent  scales  of  a ruby-red  colour,  and  wholly  soluble  in 
ab.it  four  parts  of  water.  It  has  a slightly  chalybeate  taste.  Its  solution  does 
ncehange  the  colour  of  litmus,  and  at  common  temperatures  is  not  precipitated 
byotassa,  soda,  or  ammonia.  Ferrocyanuret  of  potassium  does  not  render  it 
bli,  unless  an  acid  be  added.  The  non-action  of  this  test  shows  that  the  iron 
is . a peculiar  state  of  combination.  It  is  incompatible  with  astringent  vege- 
tal infusions,  which  give  rise  to  a dark-coloured  precipitate.  When  heated 
wi  potassa,  100  grains  of  the  salt  yield  a precipitate  of  about  31  grains  of 
seiuioxide  of  iron.  [Land.  Pharm.  1851.) 

'omposition.  Prepared  according  to  the  U.  S.,  London,  or  Dublin  formula, 
it  nsists  of  one  eq.  of  tartrate  of  sesquioxide  of  iron,  and  one  of  tartrate  of 
possa.  When  of  this  composition  it  contains  34  per  cent,  of  sesquioxide  of  iron. 
TlEdinburgh  preparation  contains  only  about  18  per  cent,  of  sesquioxide. 

rediccd  Properties.  Tartrate  of  iron  and  potassa  is  an  agreeable  chalybeate, 
an  when  made  according  to  the  U.  S.,  London,  or  Dublin  formula,  may  be 
de  nded  upon  for  activity  and  uniformity  of  composition.  From  its  slight  taste 
airready  solubility,,  it  is  one  of  the  best  ferruginous  preparations  for  children. 
TLdose  for  an  adult  is  from  ten  grains  to  half  a drachm,  given  in  solution,  or 
copined  with  an  aromatic  or  bitter  in  the  form  of  bolus.  B. 

ERRI  FERROCYANURETUM.  TJ.S.  Ferrocyanuret  of  Iron. 
P\e  Prussian  Blue. 

Take  of  Sulphate  of  Iron  four  ounces ; Sulphuric  Acid  three  fluidrachms 
an  a half  ; Nitric  Acid  six  fluidrachms , or  a sufficient  quantity ; Ferrocyanuret 
of  otassium  four  ounces  and  a half ; Water  two  pints.  Dissolve  the  Sulphate 
of  ron  in  a pint  of  the  Water,  and,  having  added  the  Sulphuric  Acid,  boil  the 
sol  ion.  Pour  into  it  the  Nitric  Acid,  in  small  portions,  boiling  the  liquid  for 
a mute  or  two  after  each  addition,  until  a dark  colour  is  no  longer  produced; 
the  allow  it  to  cool.  Dissolve  the  Ferrocyanuret  of  Potassium  in  the  remainder 
of  je  Water,  and  add  this  solution  gradually  to  the  first  liquid,  agitating  the 
mi  are  after  each  addition ; then  pour  it  upon  a filter.  Wash  the  precipitate 
wit!  boiling  water,  until  the  washings  pass  tasteless.  Lastly,  dry  it  and  rub  it 
intpowder.”  U.  S. 

. the  process  above  given,  the  sulphate  of  protoxide  of  iron  in  solution  is 
firs  icidulated  with  sulphuric  acid,  and  then  converted  into  the  tersulphate  of 
thepsquioxide  by  means  of  nitric  acid.  The  object  of  the  addition  of  the  sul- 
pbi  c acid,  is  to  provide  for  the  higher  saturating  power  of  the  sesquioxide  over 
thelrotpxide,  and  thus  to  prevent  the  precipitation  of  the  subsulphate  of  the 
sesAoxide.  The  tersulphate  of  the  sesquioxide  may  be  obtained,  without 
thebe  of  nitric  acid,  by  treating  the  sulphate  of  the  protoxide,  previously 
dri< , with  boiling  sulphuric  acid.  (Levol,  Journ.  de  Pharm.,  xviii.  343.)  The 
ter:  phate  is  then  decomposed  by  the  gradual  addition  of  the  solution  of  ferro- 
cjajiret  °f  potassium.  Three  eqs.  of  ferrocyanuret,  and  two  of  tersulphate  of 
sesi  ioxide  of  iron,  are  mutually  decomposed,  with  the  result  of  forming  one 
eq.  ' Prussian  blue,  or  the  3—4  ferrocyanuret  of  iron,  which  precipitates,  and 
six  qs.  of  sulphate  of  potassa,  which  remain  in  solution.  Ferroeyanogen  is  a 
terunuret  of  iron  (FeCy3);  and,  representing  it  by  its  symbol  Cfy,  we  may 
con  ictly  express  the  above  reaction  by  the  following  equation;  3CfyKa  and 
2(I03,3S03)=30fy,4Fe  and  t>(K0,S03).  Prussian  blue  contains  the  ele- 
ven of  six  eqs.  of  water,  which  cannot  be  separated  without  the  destruction 
of  1 1 compound.  Adding  these  elements,  we  may  suppose  it  to  become  a hydro- 
fen  yanate  of  the  sesquioxide  of  iron,  represented  by  the  formula,  SCfyH^, 


1002 


Ferrum. 


PART 


Fe406.  From  the  formula  given  for  the  anhydrous  compound  (3Cfjj4Fe),  rk 
evident  that  it  contains  nine  eqs.  of  cyanogen  and  seven  of  iron. 

Preparation  for  Use  in  the  Arts.  Prussian  blue  is  manufactured  on  the  la  > 
scale  as  follows.  A mixture  made  of  equal  parts  of  carbonate  of  potassa  (pen- 
ash  of  commerce),  and  animal  matter,  such  as  dried  blood,  hair,  the  shavimof 
horn,  &c.,  is  calcined  at  a red  heat  in  an  iron  vessel,  until  it  becomes  pa- . 
The  mass,  when  cold,  is  thrown,  by  portions  at  a time,  into  twelve  or  tiftn 
times  its  weight  of  water,  with  which  it  is  stirred  for  half  an  hour.  The  whs 
is  then  put  upon  a linen  filter;  and  the  clear  solution  obtained  is  precipitated  v 
a mixed  solution  of  two  parts  of  alum  and  one  of  the  sulphate  of  protoxidcjf 
iron.  An  effervescence  occurs,  due  principally  to  carbonic  acid;  and  avy 
abundant  precipitate  is  thrown  down,  of  a blackish-brown  colour.  This  ] ■- 
cipitate  is  washed,  by  decantation,  by  means  of  a large  quantity  of  water,  wba 
is  renewed  every  twelve  hours.  By  these  washings,  which  last  from  twenty  o 
twenty-five  days,  the  precipitate  becomes,  successively,  greenish-brown,  blu  i, 
and  finally  deep-blue.  When  of  the  latter  colour,  it  is  collected  and  allowec  o 
drain  upon  a cloth,  after  which  it  is  divided  into  cubical  masses  and  dried. 

Properties.  Pure  Prussian  blue  is  a tasteless  powder,  insoluble  in  water  d 
alcohol,  and  having  a rich  deep-blue  colour.  It  is  insoluble  in  dilute  acs, 
decomposed  by  fuming  nitric  acid,  and  dissolved  without  decomposition  by  str  g 
sulphuric  acid,  forming  a white  mass  of  the  consistence  of  paste,  from  which  ,ie 
Prussian  blue  may  be  precipitated  unchanged  by  water.  Concentrated  muriic 
acid  decomposes  it,  dissolving  sesquioxide  of  iron,  and  liberating  hydroferrocy;ic 
acid.  Boiled  with  red  oxide  of  mercury  it  generates  bicyanuret  of  merciy. 
(See  Hydrargyri  Cyanuretum.')  By  the  contact  of  a red-hot  body  it  takes  re 
and  burns  slowly,  leaving  a residue  of  sesquioxide  of  iron.  When  it  is  head 
in  close  vessels,  water,  hydrocyanic  acid,  and  carbonate  of  ammonia  are  evol  d, 
and  carburet  of  iron  is  left.  Its  composition  has  been  given  above.  The  Ps- 
sian  blue  of  commerce  was  discovered  by  accident,  in  1710,  by  Diesbach,  a e- 
parer  of  colours  at  Berlin.  It  has  the  same  general  properties  as  the  pure  :b- 
stance.  It  occurs  in  small  rectangular  masses,  which  are  heavier  than  wct, 
and  have  a fracture  presenting  a bronzed  appearance.  Besides  the  eonstitmts 
of  pure  Prussian  blue,  it  always  contains  alumina,  derived  from  the  alum  n- 
ployed  in  its  manufacture,  and  which  serves  to  give  it  body  as  a pigment,  ad 
uncombined  sesquioxide  of  iron.  These  substances  may  be  detected  by  boiag 
the  pigment  with  dilute  muriatic  acid,  and  precipitating  the  filtered  soluon 
with  ammonia.  Pure  Prussian  blue,  treated  in  this  manner,  yields  no  precipi  :e. 

Medical  Properties,  &c.  Prussian  blue  is  supposed  to  act  as  a tonic,  firi- 
fuge,  and  alterative.  Dr.  Zolliekoffer,  of  Maryland,  has  recommended  it  ■ a 
remedy  in  intermittent  and  remittent  fevers,  and  deems  it  to  be  particuHy 
adapted  to  such  cases  occurring  in  children,  on  account  of  the  smallness  ofhe 
dose  and  its  want  of  taste.  lie  considers  it  more  certain,  prompt,  and  efficacus 
than  the  bark ; while  it  has  the  advantage  of  beiDg  admissible  in  the  stat  of 
pyrexia,  and  of  not  disagreeing  with  the  most  irritable  stomach.  It  has  ho 
been  used  by  Dr.  Ivirchoff,  of  Ghent,  in  epilepsy  with  good  success.  Dr.  Brices, 
of  this  city,  exhibited  it  in  a case  of  severe  and  protracted  facial  neuralgia,  tth 
considerable  relief,  after  the  usual  remedies  in  this  complaint  had  been  el 
with  little  or  no  benefit.  It  is  sometimes  employed  as  an  application  tall- 
conditioned  ulcers,  mixed  with  some  simple  ointment,  in  the  prcportio  ot 
a drachm  to  the  ounce.  The  dose  of  pure  Prussian  blue  for  an  adult  is  om 
three  to  five  grains,  repeated  several  times  a day,  and  gradually  increased  itil 
some  obvious  effect  is  produced. 

Of.  Prep.  Hydrargyri  Cyanuretum. 


pa:  ii. 


Ferrum. 


1003 


ERRI  IODIDUM.  TJ.  S.,  Fd.,  Dub.  Iodide  of  Iron. 

Take  of  Iodine  two  ounces;  Iron  Filings  an  ounce;  Distilled  Water  a pint 
anL  half.  Mix  the  Iodine  with  a pint  of  the  Distilled  Water,  in  a porcelain 
or  ass  vessel,  and  gradually  add  the  Iron  Filings,  stirring  constantly.  Heat 
thepixture  gently  until  the  liquid  acquires  a light-greenish  colour;  then  filter, 
anjafter  the  liquid  has  passed,  pour  upon  the  filter  the  remainder  of  the  Dis- 
till Water  boiling  hot.  When  this  has  passed,  evaporate  the  filtered  liquor 
at  [temperature  not  exceeding  212°,  in  an  iron  vessel,  to  dryness.  Keep  the 
diyodide  in  a closely  stopped  bottle.”  U.  S. 

Take  any  convenient  quantity  of  Iodine,  Iron  Wire,  and  Distilled  'Water,  in 
theoroportions  for  making  Solution  [Syrup]  of  Iodide  of  Iron.  Proceed  as 
dir  ted  for  that  process;  but  before  filtering  the  solution,  concentrate  it  to  one- 
sis  of  its  volume,  without  removing  the  excess  of  Iron  W7ire.  Put  the  filtered 
liq|r  quickly  in  an  evaporating  basin,  along  with  twelve  times  its  weight  of 
quidime  around  the  basin,  in  some  convenient  apparatus,  in  which  it  may  be 
sin  up  accurately  in  a small  space,  not  communicating  with  the  general  atmo- 
spke.  Heat  the  whole  apparatus  in  a hot  air-press,  or  otherwise,  until  the 
wa : be  entirely  evaporated ; and  preserve  the  dry  iodide  in  small  well  closed 
ves  Is/’  Ed. 

Take  of  Pure  Iodine  one  ounce  [avoirdupois] ; Filings,  or  thin  Turnings  of 
Wight  Iron,  separated  from  impurities  by  a magnet,  half  an  ounce  [avoird.]  ; 
Di allied  Water  five  ounces  [avoird.].  Introduce  the  Iodine,  Iron,  and  four 
oures  of  the  Water  into  a Florence  flask,  and,  having  heated  the  mixture  gently 
for  m minutes,  boil  until  the  solution  loses  its  red  colour.  Pass  the  liquid  now 
thr  igh  paper  into  a second  flask,  washing  the  filter  with  the  remaining  ounce  of 
Wor,  and,  by  means  of  a regulated  heat,  boil  down  the  liquor  until  a drop  of 
it  uen  out  on  the  end  of  an  iron  wire  solidifies  on  cooling.  When  the  flask  has 
asaned  the  temperature  of  the  air,  let  the  iodide  of  iron  be  extracted  from  it  (by 
brewing  the  flask  if  necessary),  and,  after  it  has  been  submitted  to  powerful  pres- 
sui  enveloped  in  blotting  paper,  let  it  be  enclosed  in  a well  stopped  bottle.”  Dub. 

these  processes  iron  is  made  to  unite  with  iodine  by  the  intervention  of 
wa ',  and  the  combination  takes  place  readily  and  quickly.  The  liquid  at  first 
is  d or  orange-coloured,  from  the  circumstance  that  all  the  iodine  has  not 
un  d with  the  iron ; but  after  the  application  of  heat  it  becomes  fully  saturated 
am  limpid,  and  assumes  a greenish  colour.  It  is  now  a solution  of  iodide  of 
iro  and  yields  the  solid  salt  by  evaporation.  The  proportion  of  the  iron  taken 
is  If  the  weight  of  the  iodine.  Fine  iron  wire,  recently  cleaned,  is  directed 
by  ie  Edinburgh  College  on  account  of  its  purity ; but  iron  filings  dissolve 
me  readily,  and,  if  carefully  selected,  will  be  sufficiently  pure.  It  is  exceed- 
ing difficult  to  obtain  this  salt  in  the  solid  state  perfectly  pure,  so  great  is  the 
prtjbness  of  its  solution  to  absorb  oxygen,  whereby  the  iodide  becomes,  in  part, 
comrted  into  sesquioxide.  This  change  is  prevented  to  a certain  extent  in  the 
prebss  of  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia,  by  evaporating  to  dryness  in  an  iron  vessel ; 
am  in  the  process  of  the  Edinburgh  College,  by  concentrating  the  solution, 
belie  filtering,  in  contact  with  the  excess  of  iron  wire,  and  afterwards  evapo- 
ratjg  it  in  a hot  air-press,  subjected  to  the  drying  influence  of  quicklime. 

jie  process  of  the  Edinburgh  College  for  iodide  of  iron  is  that  of  the  Messrs. 
T. ; H.  Smith,  of  Edinburgh.  These  chemists  have  since  recommended  the 
fobving  improved  process,  which  more  effectually  excludes  atmospheric  air. 
Br  in  a Florence  flask,  six  drachms  of  pure  iron  filings  with  two  ounces  and 
a Carter  of  iodine,  in  four  and  a half  ounces  of  distilled  water,  until  the  liquid 
los  its  dark  colour.  Then  filter  the  liquid  rapidly  into  another  flask,  and 
evi  Drate  it  at  a boiling  heat,  until  its  green  shade  passes  into  black.  After 
tbi  period,  the  heat  is  kept  up  as  long  as  the  evaporation  of  moisture  continues, 
wl  h may  be  ascertained  by  its  condensation  on  a cold  piece  of  glass,  placed, 


1004 


Ferrum. 


PART  [. 


from  time  to  time,  over  the  mouth  of  the  flask.  "When  this  ceases,  the  13  k 
contains  pure,  anhydrous,  spongy  iodide  of  iron,  which,  when  cold,  is  tote 
removed  by  breaking  the  flask,  bruised  coarsely  in  a warm  dry  mortar,  d 
enclosed  immediately  in  small  well-corked  bottles.  If  it  is  wished  to  obtain  .e 
iodide  as  a crystallized  hydrate,  the  heat  is  to  be  withdrawn  as  soon  as  the  lio[d 
is  sufficiently  concentrated  to  congeal,  in  a dry  and  hard  crust,  om  the  end  o:  n 
iron  wire,  dipped  into  it. 

Properties.  Iodide  of  iron  is  a crystalline  substance,  exceedingly  deliq  $- 
cent,  of  a greenish-black  colour,  and  styptic,  chalybeate  taste.  “ When  ce- 
fully  prepared  by  the  Edinburgh  formula,  it  has  a dark  grayish-black  methc 
appearance,  and  irregularly  foliated  texture,  not  unlike  iodine  itself.”  ( 67, js- 
tison’s  Dispensatory.')  Its  solution,  by  evaporation  with  as  little  contacof 
air  as  possible,  affords  transparent,  green,  tabular  crystals.  When  lie:  d 
moderately  it  fuses,  and,  on  cooling,  becomes  an  opaque  crystalline  mass,  hang 
an  iron-gray  colour  and  metallic  lustre.  At  a higher  temperature  it  emits  vie  t- 
coloured  vapours,  and  the  iron  is  left  in  the  state  of  sesquioxide.  It  is  vy 
soluble  both  in  water  and  alcohol.  When  recently  prepared  it  is  wholly  solvle 
in  water,  forming  a pale-green  solution  ; but  if  made  for  some  time,  it  alcst 
unavoidably  contains  some  sesquioxide  of  iron  from  a partial  decomposition,  .d 
will  not  be  entirely  soluble.  M.  Lecoq,  of  Saint-Quentin,  has  proposed  to  e- 
serve  it  in  a wide-mouthed,  ground-stoppered  bottle,  covered  with  a layer  de- 
duced iron,  which  cannot  decompose  it,  and  which  at  the  same  time  protec-  it 
from  the  action  of  the  air.  Wrhen  the  iodide  is  wanted,  the  iron  is  remed 
with  a bone  spatula,  or  a little  brush.  ( Journ . de  Pharm.,  Eeb.  1853,  p.  L.) 
The  aqueous  solution  is  very  liable  to  spontaneous  decomposition,  becoming 
last  orange-red  from  the  generation  of  free  iodine,  and  depositing  sesquioxidyf 
iron.  According  to  Mr.  Richard  Phillips,  juu.,  the  first  step  in  this  chants 
the  formation  of  protoxide  of  iron  and  hydriodic  acid,  from  the  deeomposion 
of  water.  As  the  protoxide  immediately  begins  to  be  converted  into  sesquiode 
by  absorbing  oxygen  from  the  air,  and  in  this  state  is  precipitated,  the  hydride 
acid  is  set  free ; and  hence  is  accounted  for  the  acidity  of  the  solution  fromae 
first  moment  the  sesquioxide  is  deposited.  Afterwards,  the  hydriodic  at:  is 
decomposed  by  the  action  of  air,  and  iodine  liberated.  When  the  solutions 
prevented  from  generating  free  iodine,  by  placing  in  it  a coil  of  iron  wireic- 
cording  to  the  plan  of  Mr.  Squire,  the  iron  acts  by  combining  with  the  iode 
of  nascent  hydriodic  acid,  and  not  with  nascent  iodine.  (Pharm.  Journ.  id 
Trans.,  iv.  19.)  The  plan  of  Mr.  Squire  does  not  prevent  the  deposition^ 
sesquioxide,  and  has,  therefore,  been  superseded  by  the  use  of  saccharine  ma:r, 
which  affords  a better  protection  to  the  solution.  (S ee  Liquor  Ferri  Iodn.) 
Iodide  of  iron  is  incompatible  with  alkalies  and  their  carbonates,  with  lie- 
water,  and  with  all  other  substances  by  which  sulphate  of  iron  is  decompcd. 
Wrhen  crystallized  it  consists  of  one  ecp  of  iodine  126'3,  one  of  iron  28, od 
five  of  water  45  = 199 '3. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Iodide  of  iron  was  first  employed  in  mediae 
by  Dr.  Pierquin  in  1824.  It  was  first  used  in  the  United  States  in  183'by 
Professor  Samuel  Jackson,  of  this  city,  at  whose  request  it  was  preparcin 
solution  by  Mr.  E.  Dnrand.  The  late  Dr.  A.  T.  Thomson,  of  London,  ab- 
sented it  to  the  notice  of  the  profession  in  England,  as  a remedy,  in  1834.  its 
powers  are  those  of  a tonic,  alterative,  diuretic,  and  emmenagogue.  As  a tPa- 
peutic  agent,  it  acts  more  like  the  preparations  of  iron  than  like  those  of  ioae. 
It  sometimes  sharpens  the  appetite  and  promotes  digestion,  and  occasionally -ts 
as  a laxative  and  diuretic.  When  it  does  not  operate  on  the  bowels,  it  geneily 
augments  the  urine.  Its  use  blackens  the  stools  and  lessens  their  fetor,  is 
chiefly  employed  in  scrofulous  complaints,  swellings  of  the  cervical  glands,  is- 
ceral  obstructions  attended  with  deficient  action,  chlorosis,  atonic  amenorrb, 


PiT  II. 


Ferrum. 


1005 


an  leucorrhoea.  In  the  two  diseases  last  mentioned,  Dr.  Pierquin  employed  it 
■Wi  success.  In  obstinate  syphilitic  ulcers,  M.  Baumes,  of  Lyons,  used  it  with 
sa". factory  results.  He  gave  it  in  the  form  of  pill,  conjoined  with  extract  of 
opm,  and  sometimes  increased  the  dose  to  20  grains  in  the  course  of  twenty  - 
foi  hours.  In  secondary  syphilis,  occurring  in  debilitated  and  scrofulous  sub- 
jec,  Rieord  has  found  it  a valuable  remedy.  The  dose  is  a grain,  gradually 
Leased  to  eight  or  more.  For  forming  enemata,  injections  for  the  vagina,  and 
lotus  for  ulcers,  one  or  two  drachms  of  the  salt  may  be  dissolved  in  a pint  of 
war.  It  should  never  be  given  in  the  form  of  pill,  unless  protected  by  sac- 
chine  matter,  on  account  of  its  deliquescent  property,  and  its  proneness  to 
composition;  and  even  when  thus  protected,  the  pills  become  soft  and  lose 
the  shape.  Messrs.  T.  and  H.  Smith,  of  Edinburgh,  have  given  a formula  for 
pi]  of  this  kind,  made  from  the  anhydrous  iodide  of  iron  with  refined  sugar 
an  honey.  A similar  pill  had  been  previously  devised  by  Dupasquier,  and 
im'oved  by  Mr.  H.  W.  Worthington,  of  this  city,  in  which  the  protecting 
su  tances  are  honey  and  tragacanth.  M.  Blancard  has  proposed  a pill  of 
iocle  of  iron,  made  directly  from  its  elements,  protected  by  honey,  brought 
to  pilular  consistence  with  powder  of  marshmallow,  rolled  in  the  powder  of 
meed  iron,  and  varnished  with  a thin  coating  of  resin,  by  clipping  it  once 
or  vice  in  an  ethereal  solution  of  the  balsam  of  Tolu.  Dr.  D.  F.  Wright, 
of  lemphis,  Tenn.,  has  given  a formula  for  a similar  pill,  made  extemporane- 
ous from  reduced  iron,  and  protected  by  honey  and  an  excess  of  iron.  (See 
Ai  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  Jan.  1854,  p.  6.)  Prof.  Procter  is  in  the  habit  of 
infducing  a small  proportion  of  reduced  iron  into  the  mass,  when  iodide 
of  on  is  extemporaneously  prescribed  in  pill.  In  view  of  the  serious  objec- 
tio  which  apply  to  the  solid  iodide  of  iron,  it  might  well  be  dispensed  with, 
an  the  syrup  or  saccharine  solution  substituted.  The  London  College  has 
on  ted  the  solid  iodide  from  its  Pharmacopoeia  of  1851.  Solutions  for  ex- 
tend use  may  be  formed  by  reducing  the  U.  S.  saccharine  solution  ( Liquor 
Fei  lodidi ) with  water  to  any  desired  extent,  at  the  moment  of  using  them; 
an  in  cases  in  which  it  might  be  desirable  to  give  the  salt  in  the  solid  state, 
thibfficinal  syrup  could  be  reduced  to  a saccharine  mass  proper  for  making 
piljby  evaporation  to  dryness.  (See  Pilulse  Ferri  lodidi.)  B. 

[QUOR  FERRI  IODIDI.  U.  S.  Syrupus  Ferri  Iodidi.  Lond., 
F\.  Ferri  Iodidi  Syrupus.  Ed.  Solution  of  Iodide  of  Iron.  Syrup 
of  )dide  of  Iron. 

fake  of  Iodine  two  ounces;  Iron  Filings  an  ounce;  Sugar,  in  powder,  twelve 
out’s;  Distilled  Water  a sufficient  quantity.  Mix  the  Iodine  with  five  fluid- 
eui  Bs  of  Distilled  Water,  in  a porcelain  or  glass  vessel,  and  gradually  add  the 
Ire  Filings,  stirring  constantly.  Heat  the  mixture  gently  until  all  the  Iodine 
is  ( solved,  or  until  the  liquid  acquires  a light  greenish  colour.  Then  filter  the 
sol  ion  into  a glass  bottle,  containing  the  Sugar,  and,  after  it  ha,s  passed,  pour 
Dialled  Water  gradually  upon  the  filter  until  the  filtered  liquor,  including  the 
Su  r,  measures  twenty  fluidounces.  Lastly,  shake  the  bottle  until  the  Sugar 
is  (; solved,  and  keep  it  closely  stopped.”  U.  S. 

Take  of  Iodine  an  ounce;  Iron  Wire  three  drachms;  Distilled  Water  twelve 
flummees  [Imp.  meas.],  or  a sufficient  quantity;  Sugar  Tew  ounces.  Mix  the 
lor  e and  Iron  with  eight  fluidounces  of  the  Water,  and  heat  until  the  solution 
acqres  a greenish  colour;  then  filter.  Evaporate  the  solution  to  about  four 
flui  lunces,  and  throw  in  the  Sugar.  Then,  when  the  syrup  has  grown  cold, 
au(  efficient  Water  to  make  it  measure  fifteen  fluidounces  [Imp.  meas.],  and 
M it  in  a black  glass  bottle, well  stopped.”  Lond. 

ake  of  Iodine  (dry)  two  hundred  grains  ; fine  Iron  Wire,  recently  cleaned,  one 
inc\red grains;  White  Sugar, in  powder,  four  ounces  and  a half;  Distilled  Water 


1006 


Ferrum. 


par:  x 


six  fluidounces  [Imperial  measure].  Boil  the  Iodine,  Iron,  and  Water  to^ethin 
a glass  matrass,  at  first  gently,  to  avoid  the  expulsion  of  Iodine  vapour,  air- 
wards  briskly,  until  about  two  fluidounces  of  liquid  remain.  Filter  this  quick 
while  hot,  into  a matrass  containing  the  Sugar;  dissolve  the  Sugar  with  a sole 
heat,nnd  add  Distilled  Water,  if  necessary,  to  make  up  six  fluidounces.  Tv,  ve 
minims  contain  one  grain  of  Iodide  of  Iron.”  Ed. 

“ Take  of  Pure  Iodine  Jive  drachms  [avoirdupois] ; Iron  Turnings,  separed 
by  a magnet,  three  drachms  [Dub.  weight] ; Distilled  Water  two  ounces  [avoii]; 
Simple  Syrup  six  fluidounces  [Imp.  meas.].  Introduce  the  Iodine,  Iron,  id 
Water  into  a glass  flask,  and  apply  a moderate  heat  until  the  solution  loseits 
red  colour.  Filter  the  solution  while  hot  into  a bottle  containing  the  Sj  p, 
mix  with  agitation,  and  add  distilled  Water,  to  make  up  eight  fluidounces  [’  p. 
meas.].  One  fluidrachui  contains  about  five  grains  of  Iodide  of  Iron.”  I)i 

These  preparations  furnish  a solution  of  iodide  of  iron,  rendered  more  peia- 
nent  by  sugar.  The  mode  of  making  the  iodide  is  precisely  the  same  as  .at 
given  under  the  head  of  Ferri  lodidum.  The  Edinburgh  College  direct- he 
iodine  to  be  dry ; because,  if  moist,  as  the  British  iodine  often  is,  less  iodk  of 
iron  will  be  formed,  and  the  syrup  will  be  proportionably  weaker.  (See  Ioci'um 
Purum.)  In  all  the  processes  an  excess  of  iron  is  taken,  the  excess  being  greast 
in  the  Dublin  formula,  and  least  in  the  London.  A moderate  excess  of  ir-  is 
useful  in  preventing  the  solution  of  iodide  of  iron  from  undergoing  any  c-hje 
from  the  absorption  of  oxygen  during  filtration,  before  it  comes  in  contact  .th 
the  sugar.  Assuming  that  the  iodine  without  loss  is  all  converted  into  ic.de 
of  iron,  it  is  easy  to  calculate  the  strength  of  the  several  officinal  solutions.  1 us 
it  will  be  found  that  the  U.  S.  solution  contains  7 1 grains,  and  those  of  the  Bi  sh 
Colleges  about  5 grains  of  the  dry  iodide  to  the  fluidrachm.  In  the  Bush 
preparations  sufficient  sugar  is  used  to  constitute  a syrup;  in  the  U.S.  p pa- 
ration,  much  less  sugar  is  directed.  According  to  Mr.  W.  Tozier,  of  Kgs- 
town,  Ireland,  the  proportion  of  sugar  in  the  British  formulae  is  not  suffi.nt 
fully  to  protect  the  iodide  from  change;  and,  if  this  statement  be  aecurate.he 
saccharine  strength  of  the  U.  S.  preparation  must  he  deemed  altogether  Ade- 
quate. Prof.  Procter  is  of  opinion  that  the  iodide  of  iron  in  the  U.  S.  forala 
would  be  better  protected  by  more  sugar.  A coil  of  iron  wire,  or  a str;  of 
bright  iron,  immersed  in  the  solution,  assists  in  preserving  it  from  change. 

The  plan  of  protecting  the  solution  of  iodide  of  iron  from  change  by  saha- 
rine  matter  originated  with  M.  Frederking,  of  Riga,  who  published  a foruli 
for  the  purpose  in  Buckner's  Repertorium  in  1839.  The  same  plan  was.ro- 
posed  in  a paper  by  Prof.  Procter,  contained  in  the  Amer.  Journ.  of  Pharncy 
for  April  1840.  In  the  Journal  de  Pharmacie  for  March  1841,  Dr.  P’as- 
quier,  of  Lyons,  claims  to  have  made  a pure  iodide  of  iron,  protected  by  mp 
of  gum,  as  early  as  1838.  In  the  Pharm.  Journ.  and  Trans,  for  August  HI, 
the  late  Dr.  A.  T.  Thomson  gave  a paper  in  which  he  confirmed  the  re$u;  of 
Frederking  and  Procter,  and  proposed  a formula  for  a strong  syrup,  which  ithe 
basis  of  that  adopted  in  the  British  Pharmacopoeias. 

Properties.  The  U.  S.  solution  of  iodide  of  iron  is  a transparent  liquid  ree 
or  nearly  so  from  sediment,  and  of  a pale-green  colour.  It  becomes  Srou  on 
the  addition  of  sulphuric  acid,  and  emits  violet  vapours  when  heated.  It  sluli 
not  contain  any  free  iodine,  which,  if  present,  may  be  detected  by  the  pr  ue- 
tion  of  a blue  colour  with  starch.  The  syrup  of  the  British  Colleges  is  a t ns- 
parent  liquid,  either  colourless  or  pale  yellowish-green,  and  without  sedient 
even  when  exposed  to  the  air.  When  concentrated  it  becomes  brown. ud, 
when  evaporated  to  dryness,  it  forms  a mass  which  may  be  called  the  sacch  we 
iodide,  and  whicli  is  not  entirely  soluble  again,  a little  sesquioxide  of  irou 
left.  This  saccharine  iodide,  being  protected  by  the  sugar  it  contains,  inot- 


Ferrum. 


P IT  II. 


1007 


li  le  to  the  objections  which  apply  to  the  pure  solid  salt,  and  may  be  made 
ii»  pills.  (See  page  1005.) 

Medical  Properties.  These  have  been  detailed  under  the  head  of  Ferri  Iodi- 

dk.  The  dose  of  the  U.  S.  solution  is  from  20  to  50  drops,  sufficiently  diluted 
yji  water;  that  of  the  syrup  of  the  British  Colleges,  one-half  larger.  The 
di.tion  should  be  made  at  the  moment  it  is  taken;  and,  in  order  to  guard 
alnst  injury  to  the  teeth,  the  mouth  should  be  carefully  washed- after  each 

dl.  B. 
jIQUOR  FERRI  NITRATIS.  U.  S.  Ferri  Pernitratis  Liquor. 

Zb.  Solution  of  Nitrate  of  Iron.  Solution  of  Pernitrate  of  Iron. 
Sution  of  Ternitrate  of  Sesquioxide  of  Iron. 

Take  of  Iron  Wire,  cut  in  pieces,  an  ounce ; Nitric  Acid  [sp.  gr.  1'42]  three 
fldounces;  Distilled  Water  a sufficient  quantity.  Mix  the  Acid  with  a pint  of 
Drilled  Water,  add  the  Iron,  and  agitate  occasionally  until  gas  ceases  to  be 
dingaged;  then  filter  the  solution,  and  add  to  it  sufficient  Distilled  Water  to 
m;e  it  measure  thirty  fluidounces.”  U.  S. 

Take  of  fine  Iron  Wire,  free  from  rust,  one  ounce  [avoirdupois];  Pure  Nitric 
Ad  [sp.  gr.  1'5]  three  fiuidoune.es  [Imp.  meas.];  Distilled  Water  a sufficient 
qfntity.  Into  the  Acid,  first  diluted  with  sixteen  ounces  [avoird.]  of  the 
liter,  introduce  the  Iron  Wire,  and  leave  them  in  contact  until  gas  ceases  to  be 
dingaged.  Filter  the  solution,  and  to  it  add  as  much  Water  as  will  make  its 
bu  one  pint  and  a half  [Imp.  meas.].  The  specific  gravity  of  this  Solution  is 
lj)7.”  Pub. 

'pon  a comparison  of  these  formulae,  it  will  be  found  that  the  U.  S.  process 
di-rs  from  the  Dublin  in  substituting  the  troy  for  the  avoirdupois  ounce  of  iron, 
ar  three  wine  fluidounces  of  nitric  acid,  sp.gr.  1'42,  for  three  Imperial  fluid- 
onpes  of  the  same, acid,  sp.gr.  1’5.  These  variations  from  the  Dublin  formula 
inease  the  iron  taken  42£  grains,  and  lessen  the  weight  of  the  acid;  for  three 
w:  fluidounces  of  nitric  acid,  sp.gr.  1’42,  weigh  271  grains  less  than  the  three 
Ir . fluidounces  of  the  acid,  sp.gr.  1'5.  The  comparative  deficiency  of  acid 
inhe  U.  S.  formula  is  much  greater  than  this,  when  the  sp.  gr.  of  the  U.  S. 
ac  compared  with  that  of  the  Dublin  acid,  is  taken  into  account.  These  dif- 
fe  ices,  however,  do  not  appear  material;  for,  on  the  supposition  that  the  pre- 
pa  tion  contains  the  ternitrate  of  sesquioxide  of  iron,  there  is  not  enough  acid 
ta  n in  either  formula  to  dissolve  all  the  iron.  To  produce  this  salt,  four  eqs. 
of  itric  acid  may  be  supposed  to  react  with  two  eqs.  of  iron.  One  eq.  of  the 
ni  c acid,  with  evolution  of  nitric  oxide,  will  be  expended  in  converting  the 
ir<  into  sesquioxide,  with  which  the  three  remaining  eqs.  of  acid  will  unite. 
4M  and  2Fe=Fea03,3N05  and  NOa. 

his  solution  was  introduced  to  the  notice  of  the  profession  by  Air.  William 
K -,  of  Scotland,  in  1832.  As  made  by  Air.  Kerr,  it  is  a transparent  liquid 
of  beautiful  dark-red  colour,  and  a very  astringent  but  not  caustic  taste.  Its 
spr.,  as  made  by  the  Dublin  formula,  is  1T07.  It  is  apt  to  become  turbid 
on  :eeping,  and  to  deposit  a subnitrate  of  the  sesquioxide.  To  obviate  this 
liality  to  change,  Air.  Kerr  always  added  a small  portion  of  muriatic  acid. 
P: . Procter  attains  the  same  end  by  adding  the  iron  gradually,  filtering  irnme- 
di;  ly  after  all  the  iron  has  been  thrown  in,  heating  the  filtrate  gently  in  a capsule 
or  isk,  and  carefully  dropping  in  nitric  acid,  with  stirring,  avoiding  an  excess, 
ue  'a  drop  of  the  solution,  tested  with  ammonia,  yields  a red  precipitate,  with- 
ou  my  tinge  of  black.  By  thus  preventing  a prolonged  contact  between  the 
sa  formed  and  metallic  iron,  but  little  protoxide  is  generated ; and  this  is  sub- 
set antly  turned  into  sesquioxide  and  saturated  by  the  careful  addition  of  nitric 
sc:  (See  Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.  Oct.  1851,  p.  313.)  Solution  of  nitrate  of 
irci  made  by  Prof.  Procter’s  modified  formula,  has  a bright  Aladeira  wine  colour, 


1008 


Ferrum. 


PART  I. 


and  keeps  very  well.  When  treated  with  ammonia,  it  yields  a red  precipice 
of  sesquioxide  of  iron.  The  late  Mr.  Duhamel,  of  Philadelphia  (Am.  Joun  ,f 
Pharm.,  xvii.  92)  proposed  to  render  the  solution  permanent  hy  preparin  it 
as  a syrup ; but  it  is  well  known  that  his  syrup  would  not  keep.*  Ternittte 
of  sesquioxide  of  iron,  as  described  by  Mr.  J.  M.  Ordway,  of  Massachusetts,  in 
the  form  of  oblique  rhombic  prisms,  which  are  either  colourless  or  of  a deli te 
lavender  colour.  It  is  somewhat  deliquescent,  and  very  soluble  in  water,  at 
sparingly  soluble  in  nitric  acid.  It  consists  of  three  eqs.  of  nitric  acid,  on  of 
sesquioxide  of  iron,  and  eighteen  of  water.  (SillimaP s Journ.,  Jan.  1850.' 

Medical  Properties.  This  solution  is  considered  to  act  as  a tonic  and  astin- 
gent.  Dr.  It.  J.  Graves,  of  Dublin  (Am.  Journ.  of  Med.  Sci.,  xviii.  216,  fm 
the  Lond.  Med.  and  Surg.  Journ.),  praises  it  as  a remedy  in  chronic  diarrlja, 
especially  when  occurring  in  delicate  and  nervous  women,  in  which  there  i|io 
thirst,  redness  of  tongue,  tenderness  of  the  abdomen  on  pressure,  or  other  id- 
eation of  inflammation.  Mr.  Kerr  attributed  to  it  the  property  of  diminisiig 
the  irritability  of  the  intestinal  mucous  membrane.  It  is  particularly  applic-jle 
to  the  treatment  of  mucous  diarrhoea,  attended  with  pain,  but  not  to  casein 
which  ulcerations  of  the  intestines  exist.  Dr.  T.  C.  Adams,  of  Michigan  (Air. 
Journ.  of  Med.  Sci.,  xxiv.  61),  also  reports  favourably  of  this  remedy  in  chrie 
diarrhoea,  considering  it,  like  Mr.  Kerr,  to  act  as  a sedative  as  well  as  astringit. 
He  employed  it,  likewise,  with  good  effect  in  menorrhagia,  and  both  intemly 
and  by  injection  in  leucorrhoea,  when  occurring  in  pale,  exsanguine,  and  fete 
subjects.  The  dose,  according  to  Dr.  Graves,  is  seven  or  eight  drops,  gradply 
increased  to  fifteen,  sufficiently  diluted,  in  the  course  of  the  day.  Dr.  Adas, 
however,  gave  it  in  doses  of  ten  drops,  two,  three,  or  four  times  a day,  and  sue- 
times  increased  it  to  twenty-five  drops.  As  an  injection  he  employed  it  lf- 
ficiently  diluted  to  cause  only  a slight  heat  and  smarting  in  the  vagina.  1 

EERRI  OXIDUM  HYDRATUM.  U.  S.  Ferrugo.  Ed.  Eeri 
Peroxydum  Hydratum.  Dub.  Hydrated  Oxide  of  Iron.  Hydr.ed 
Peroxide  of  Iron.  Hydrated  Sesquioxide  of  Iron. 

“ Take  of  Sulphate  of  Iron  four  ounces;  Sulphuric  Acid  three  fluidreums 
and  a half;  Nitric  Acid  six  fluidraclims,  or  a sufficient  quantity ; Solutiaof 
Ammonia  a sufficient  quantity ; Water  two  pints.  Dissolve  the  Sulphate  of  on 

* Prof.  Procter  has  proposed  the  following  formula  for  preparing  a syrup  of  the  trait 
of  protoxide  of  iron,  a preparation  considerably  used,  in  Philadelphia,  as  an  astringe,  in 
chronic  diarrhoea.  Take  of  iron  wire,  in  pieces  (card  teeth),  two  ounces;  nitric  acicsp. 
gr.  lr42)  three  fluidounces ; water  thirteen,  fluidounces ; sugar,  in  powder,  two  pounds,  put 
the  iron  in  a wide-mouthed  bottle,  kept  cool  by  standing  in  cold  water,  and  pour  up  it 
three  fluidounces  of  water.  Then  mix  the  acid  with  ten  fluidounces  of  water,  and  adthe 
mixture  in  portions  of  half  a fluidounce  to  the  iron,  agitating  frequently  until  the  aJ  is 
saturated,  using  litmus  paper.  When  the  saturation  is  complete,  filter  the  solutiowto 
a bottle  containing  the  sugar,  and  marked  to  contain  thirty  fluidounces.  If  the  '.ole 
does  not  measure  that  bulk,  pass  water  through  the  filter  to  make  up  the  deficiency,  hen 
all  the  sugar  is  dissolved,  strain  if  necessary,  and  introduce  the  syrup  into  suitable  als, 
and  seal  them.  This  syrup  is  thick,  permanent,  of  a light-greenish  colour,  perfectly  ins- 
parent,  neutral,  and  yields  a greenish  precipitate  with  ammonia.  (Ann  Journ.  of  Pitot., 
Oct,  1851,  p.  314.)  Mr.  W.  AY.  D.  Livermore  has  given  a formula  for  a similar  sup. 
(Ibid.  p.  315.)  These  syrups  should  not  contain  an  excess  of  acid;  for  if  they  do.bey 
are  apt  to  deposit,  after  keeping,  white  granular  masses  of  grape  sugar,  as  observ  by 
Mr.  AV.  Tozier,  of  Kingstown,  Ireland,  in  consequence  of  the  action  of  the  acid  upethe 
cane  sugar.  According  to  Air.  Joseph  Laidley,  of  Richmond,  A’a.,  the  so-called  syp  of 
the  nitrate  of  sesquioxide  of  iron  is  an  unscientific  preparation,  containing  protoxide  an 
excess  of  acid  is  avoided,  and  liable  to  let  fall  a precipitate  of  oxalate  of  iron  vhitlie 
acid  is  in  excess.  These  objections  do  not  apply  to  Prof.  Procter's  syrup,  containable 
protoxide;  and  hence  Mr.  Laidley  believes  that  the  only  nitrate,  pwoper  to  be  forme >nw 
a syrup,  is  the  nitrate  of  the  protoxide,  where  alone  the  protective  action  of  sug  '■* 
required.  (Ibid.,  March,  1853,  p.  97.) — Xote  to  the  tenth  edition. 


P2T  II. 


Ferrum. 


1009 


in  le  Water,  and,  having  added  the  Sulphuric  Acid,  boil  the  solution ; then 
ad  the  Nitric  Acid  in  small  portions,  boiling  the  liquid  for  a minute  or  two 
aft  each  addition,  until  the  acid  ceases  to  produce  a dark  colour.  Filter  the 
liqd,  allow  it  to  cool,  and  add  Solution  of  Ammonia  in  excess,  stirring  the 
mi  ure  briskly.  Wash  the  precipitate  with  water  until  the  washings  cease  to 
yid  a precipitate  with  chloride  of  barium,  and  keep  it  in  close  bottles  with 
war  sufficient  to  cover  it.”  U.S. 

Take  of  Sulphate  of  Iron  four  ounces  ; Sulphuric  Acid  (commercial)  three 
flu'rachms  and  a half  [Imp.  meas.]  ; Nitric  Acid  (I).  1'380)  nine  fluidrachms 
[In.  meas.];  Stronger  Aqua  Ammonia;  three  fluidounces  and  a half  [Imp. 
me..];  Water  tico  pints  [Imp.  meas.].  Dissolve  the  Sulphate  in  the  Water, 
adobe  Sulphuric  Acid,  and  boil  the  solution ; add  then  the  Nitric  Acid  in  small 
poions,  boiling  the  liquid  for  a minute  or  two  after  each  addition,  until  it  ac- 
quis a yellowish-brown  colour,  and  yields  a precipitate  of  the  same  colour  with 
amonia.  Filter,  allow  the  liquid  to  cool,  and  add  in  a full  stream  the  Aqua 
Anonias,  stirring  the  mixture  briskly.  Collect  the  precipitate  on  a calico  filter; 
wa  it  with  water  till  the  washings  cease  to  precipitate  with  nitrate  of  baryta; 
squze  out  the  water  as  much  as  possible,  and  dry  the  precipitate  at  a tempera- 
turnot  exceeding  180°.  When  this  preparation  is  kept  as  an  antidote  for 
joining  with  arsenic,  it  is  preferable  to  preserve  it  in  the  moist  state,  after 
beic  simply  squeezed.”  Ed. 

Take  of  Sulphate  of  Iron  eight  ounces  [avoirdupois];  Pure  Sulphuric  Acid 
six  u idrachms  [Imp.  meas.];  Pure  Nitric  Acid  half  a fluidounce  [Imp.  meas.]; 
Sol  ion  of  Caustic  Potash  one  quart  [two  pints,  Imp.  meas.];  Distilled  Water 
twee  ounces  [avoird.].  To  ten  ounces  of  the  Water  add  the  Sulphuric  Acid, 
anon  the  mixture  with  the  aid  of  heat  dissolve  the  Sulphate  of  Iron.  Mix  the 
Nil;  Acid  with  the  remainder  of  the  Water,  and,  having  added  the  Diluted  Acid 
to  'p  solution  of  Sulphate  of  Iron,  concentrate  bv  boiling,  until,  upon  the  sud- 
der  lisengagement  of  much  gas,  the  liquid  passes  from  a dark  to  a red  colour. 
Let  his  be  now  poured  into  the  Solution  of  Caustic  Potash,  and,  when  the  mix- 
tur  las  been  well  stirred,  place  it  on  a calico  filter,  and  let  the  precipitate  be 
wa;:d  with  distilled  water  until  the  liquid  which  passes  through  ceases  to  give 
a p cipitate  when  dropped  into  a solution  of  chloride  of  barium.  Lastly,  enclose 
the  recipitate,  while  in  the  pasty  state,  in  a porcelain  pot  whose  lid  is  made  air- 
tigl  by  a luting  of  lard,  so  as  to  prevent  the  loss  of  water  by  evaporation.”  Dub. 

3 is  preparation  was  introduced  into  the  officinal  catalogues  on  account  of  its 
imp  tance  as  an  antidote  to  the  poison  of  arsenious  acid.  The  first  step  of  the 
promises  is  to  convert  the  sulphate  of  protoxide  of  iron  into  the  tersulphate  of 
the  ;squioxide,  precisely  as  is  done  in  the  U.  S.  formula  for  pure  Prussian 
blu'  The  sesquioxide  is  then  thrown  down  in  the  hydrated  state  by  the  addi- 
tior  f ammonia  in  excess  in  the  U.  S.  and  Edinburgh  formulae,  and  by  potassa 
in  t Dublin.  The  precipitate  is  then  washed  with  water  to  remove  adhering 
suljite  of  ammonia  or  of  potassa,  until  the  washings  cease  to  precipitate  with 
a b:  -tic  salt.  In  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia  the  precipitate  is  directed  to  be  kept 
in  <se  bottles  with  sufficient  water  to  cover  it,  in  which  state  it  is  most  con- 
Tenjit  for  use  as  an  antidote.  The  Edinburgh  College  directs  it  to  be  kept  in 
two'ates;  dried  at  a temperature  not  exceeding  180°  for  use  as  a medicine,  and 
in  t moist  state  as  an  antidote. 

I ides  having  this  antidote  ready  formed  in  the  pulpy  state,  it  is  the  duty 
t apothecary  to  be  always  prepared  to  make  it,  by  keeping  the  necessary 
solu  ins  for  its  precipitation.  These  are  the  tersulphate  of  sesquioxide  of  iron 
m sqtion,  made  as  directed  in  the  above  formulas,  and  solution  of  ammonia. 
In  r ition  to  this  subject  the  reader  is  referred  to  a paper,  by  Prof.  Procter,  in 
the  n.  Journ.  of  P harm,  for  March,  1853,  p.  10!. 


1010 


Ferrum. 


PAKfl, 


Properties.  Hydrated  oxide  of  iron,  as  directed  to  be  kept  by  tbe  1 S. 
formula,  is  a soft,  moist,  reddish-brown  magma.  If  dried  at  a heat  not  exud- 
ing 180°,  and  afterwards  pulverized,  it  forms  a reddish-brown  powder,  no  it- 
tracted  by  the  magnet,  being  the  sesquioxide  in  the  state  of  hydrate,  containg 
about  18  per  cent,  of  water.  In  this  state  it  is  wholly  and  readily  solub’  in 
muriatic  acid  without  effervescence.  If  exposed  to  a red  heat,  it  loses  the  m- 
bined  water,  and  becomes  the  anhydrous  sesquioxide,  less  easily  soluble  in  a Is, 
improper  for  medicinal  use,  and  altogether  without  effect  as  an  antidote,  .y. 
drated  oxide  of  iron  consists  of  one  eq.  of  sesquioxide  80,  and  two  of  v er 
18=98,  and  is  represented  by  the  formula  Fe203+2H0. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  The  hydrated  oxide,  being  readily  solub  in 
acids,  would  no  doubt  form,  in  the  dry  state,  a good  ferruginous  preparatio  for 
medicinal  employment.  Its  antidotal  powers  in  cases  of  poisoning  by  ars  ic, 
the  manner  in  which  it  acts,  the  circumstances  which  impair  its  efficiency. nd 
the  mode  of  using  it,  are  fully  explained  under  the  head  of  arsenious  acid,  tge 
27.  Its  power  of  rendering  arsenious  acid  insoluble  is  readily  shown  by  agit;  nj 
a solution  of  the  acid  with  a considerable  excess  of  the  moist  oxide,  filtering  nd 
then  testing  the  filtered  solution  for  the  acid;  when  not  a trace  of  the  meta  an 
be  detected,  even  by  sulphuretted  hydrogen.  The  hydrated  oxide,  as  obtaed 
by  the  U.  S.  and  Edinburgh  formulae,  contains  a little  ammonia,  which  is  thciht 
by  some  to  assist  its  antidotal  powers.  At  least  it  has  been  ascertained  thathe 
sesquioxide,  precipitated  by  potassa,  as  directed  by  the  Dublin  Collegers : ess 
efficient  antidote  to  arsenic  than  when  ammonia  is  used  as  the  precipitantind 
must  be  employed  in  quantities  three  or  four  times  as  large  to  produce  the  me 
effect.  The  dry  hydrate,  rubbed  up  with  water,  is  in  the  same  proportion  wker 
than  the  pulpy  hydrate.  It  has  already  been  mentioned,  under  arsenious  .id, 
that  the  officinal  subcarbonate  of  iron  (formerly  called  precipitated  carboite) 
possesses  antidotal  powers  to  arsenic,  though  in  an  inferior  degree ; hut  this  fite- 
meut  wrill  not  apply  to  it,  after  having  been  exposed  to  a red  heat,  to  whicltis 
improperly  subjected  by  some  manufacturing  chemists.  By  ignition  it  becnes 
anhydrous,  and  is  rendered  altogether  inefficient  as  an  antidote. 

Off.  Prep.  Ferri  Peroxydum.  K 

FERRI  OXIDUM  NIGRUM.  Ed.  Black  Oxide  of  Iron, 

“ Take  of  Sulphate  of  Iron  six  ounces;  Sulphuric  Acid  (commercial)  ticflui- 
drachms  and  two  fluid  scruples ; Pure  Nitric  Acid  four  fluidrachnis  and  a df ; 
Stronger  Aqua  Ammoniae  four  fluidounces  and  a half ; boiling  Water  threMnts 
[Imperial  measure].  Dissolve  half  the  Sulphate  in  half  the  boiling  Watejand 
add  the  Sulphuric  Acid  ; boil ; add  the  Nitric  Acid  by  degrees,  boiling  the Jjuid 
after  each  addition  briskly  for  a few  minutes.  Dissolve  the  rest  of  the  Suhate 
in  the  rest  of  the  boiling  Water;  mix  thoroughly  the  two  solutions;  and  me- 
diately add  the  Ammonia  in  a full  stream,  stirring  the  mixture  at  the  samume 
briskly.  Collect  the  black  powder  on  a calico  filter;  wash  it  with  water  t:  the 
water  is  scarcely  precipitated  by  a solution  of  nitrate  of  baryta,  and  dry  :at  a 
temperature  not  exceeding  ISO0.”  Pd. 

The  black  oxide  of  iron  of  the  Edinburgh  College  is  here  made  by  the  p<ess 
of  Wohler,  which  consists  in  precipitating  by  ammonia  a solution  of  the  ixed 
sulphates  of  protoxide  and  sesquioxide  of  iron.  Half  the  sulphate  ojiron 
taken  in  the  formula,  after  having  been  dissolved  in  water,  is  acidulated  wi  sul- 
phuric acid,  aucl  converted  into  the  tersulphate  of  the  sesquioxide  by  mcis  ot 
nitric  acid.  The  object  of  the  addition  of  the  sulphuric  acid  is  explained  n^r 
the  head  of  Prussian  blue.  (See  Ferri Ferrocyanuretum.')  The  other  half  the 
sulphate  is  dissolved  in  water,  and  the  two  solutions,  being  thoroughly  i xed. 
form  a compound  solution  of  sulphate  of  the  protoxide  and  tersulphate  j the 
sesquioxide  of  iron.  From  this  the  ammonia  throws  down,  at  the  same  muent. 
both  the  protoxide  and  sesquioxide,  which  unite  chemically  to  form  the'lack 


PAC  II. 


Ferrum. 


1011 


oxi:  of  the  Edinburgh  College.  According  to  Mr.  Phillips,  the  black  oxide 
mabe  readily  obtained  by  mixing  boiling  solutions  of  equivalents  of  carbonate 
of  da  and  sulphate  of  protoxide  of  iron,  and  adding,  by  small  portions  at  a 
tin  somewhat  less  than  an  eq.  of  chlorate  of  potassa.  If  a whole  eq.  of  the 
chi  ate  be  added,  and  at  once,  the  hydrated  sesquioxide  would  be  obtained. 

,-operties.  The  black  oxide  of  iron  of  the  Edinburgh  College  is  a dark  gray- 
ish lack  powder,  unchangeable  in  the  air,  and  strongly  magnetic.  When  dried 
in  :iss  and  then  broken,  it  presents  a shining  fracture.  It  is  wholly  soluble 
in  rriatic  acid  without  effervescence,  and  may  be  thrown  down  again  as  a black 
prepitate  by  ammonia.  When  heated  in  close  vessels  it  suffers  no  change 
exert  the  loss  of  water;  but  in  open  vessels  it  absorbs  oxygen,  and  is  converted 
entfely  into  sesquioxide.  It  consists  of  two  eqs.  of  protoxide  of  iron,  one  of 
sesiioxide,  and  two  of  water,  and  its  formula  is  2Fe0,Fe203-f-2H0.  It  is 
perived  by  the  above  symbols,  that  the  two  oxides  are  united  in  it  in  such 
proirtions  as  to  contain,  each,  the  same  quantity  of  iron;  and  this  composition 
coriponds  with  what  it  should  be,  according  to  the  direction  given  in  the  form- 
ula') divide  the  sulphate  of  iron  into  two  equal  portions. 

J dical  Properties.  The  Ed.  black  oxide  is  a valuable  chalybeate,  having  the 
me:  of  uniform  composition  and  permanency  under  the  influence  of  air  and 
mo  ure.  The  dose  is  from  five  to  twenty  grains,  two  or  three  times  a day.  B. 

ERRI  OXYDUM  MAGNETICUM.  Bub.  Magnetic  Oxide  of 
Ire,  Martial  Fthiops. 

“’ake  of  Sulphate  of  Iron  twelve  ounces  [avoirdupois] ; Solution  of  Caustic 
Pot h fifty-four  ounces  [avoird.]  ; Distilled  Water  a sufficient  quantity.  Con- 
verts is  directed  in  the  formula  for  Ferri  Peroxydum  Hydratum,  eight  ounces 
of  3 Sulphate  of  Iron  into  a persulphate.  To  the  solution  thus  obtained  add 
the  ur  remaining  ounces  of  the  Sulphate  of  Iron,  first  dissolved  in  half  a pint 
[In  meas.]  of  Distilled  Water.  Mix  well  the  resulting  liquid  with  the  Solu- 
tion if  Caustic  Potash,  and,  having  boiled  for  five  minutes  in  an  iron  vessel, 
coll  t the  precipitate  on  a calico  filter,  and  wash  it  with  boiling  distilled  water, 
unt  the  liquid  which  passes  through  ceases  to  give  a precipitate  when  dropped 
intc  solution  of  chloride  of  barium.  Lastly,  let  the  precipitate  be  dried  by  a 
stea  or  water  heat,  and,  having  been  first  reduced  to  a fine  powder,  let  it  be 
eac  ed  in  a well  stopped  bottle.”  Dub. 

I this  formula,  two-thirds  of  the  sulphate  of  protoxide  of  iron  taken  is  con- 
vert into  tersulphate  of  the  sesquioxide.  The  remaining  third  of  the  sulphate 
is  tli  dissolved  in  water,  and  mixed  with  the  solution  of  the  tersulphate.  A 
com  iund  solution  is  thus  obtained,  containing  two-thirds  of  the  iron  in  the 
stat  if  sesquioxide,  and  one-third  in  that  of  protoxide.  When  this  solution  is 
flea  1 with  potassa,  a mixed  precipitate  of  one  eq.  of  sesquioxide  and  one  of 
protide  is  thrown  down.  Now  such  a compound  oxide  corresponds  in  com- 
posi  >n  with  the  native  magnetic  black  oxide.  The  precipitate  is  washed  to 
rem  e sulphate  of  potassa,  and  the  washings  are  known  to  be  completed,  when 
the  loride  of  barium  ceases  to  give  a precipitate  with  them. 

Ipertiesj  &c.  The  artificial  magnetic  oxide  of  iron  of  the  Dublin  College 
is  a irk  grayish-black  powder,  having  the  same  general  appearance  as  the  Edin- 
hur<  black  oxide.  It  is  formed  almost  always  to  some  extent  in  the  process 
for  i king  reduced  iron,  in  consequence  of  the  partial  deoxidation  of  part  of  the 
sesqpxide  by  the  hydrogen.  (See  Ferri  Pulvis,  p.  995.)  It  differs  from  the 
Edfurgh  black  oxide  in  composition,  containing  one  eq.  of  protoxide  to  one  of 
SCffl|JXide;  whereas  the  Edinburgh  oxide  contains  two  eqs.  of  protoxide  to  one 
Ot  st(uioxide.  The  Dublin  preparation  has  the  same  medical  properties  as  the 
torr ponding  one  of  the  Edinburgh  College.  The  dose  is  from  five  to  twenty 
gnu  given  several  times  a day.  B. 


1012 


Ferrum. 


par  n. 


FERRI  PEROXYDUM.  Dub.  Peroxide  of  Iron.  Sesquioxu  of 
Iron. 

“ Take  of  Hydrated  Peroxide  of  Iron  any  convenient  quantity.  Place  in 
an  oven  on  a few  folds  of  filtering  paper,  and,  when  it  has  become  dry  tithe 
touch,  transfer  it  to  a covered  crucible,  and  expose  it  for  a few  minutes  1 an 
obscure  red  heat.”  Dub. 

This  is  the  former  Dublin  red  oxide  of  iron  under  a new  name,  and  fcied 
by  a better  process.  The  dried  hydrated  oxide  loses,  by  ignition,  its  com  led 
water,  and  is  converted  into  the  pure  sesquioxide. 

Properties , &c.  This  oxide  is  a reddish-brown,  tasteless,  insoluble  po  ,er. 
identical  with  the  colcothar  of  commerce.  It  should  not  be  deliquescent  md 
should  dissolve  in  muriatic  acid  without  effervescence.  If  it  contain  coppe  its 
muriatic  solution  will  deposit  this  metal  on  a bright  piece  of  iron.  It  coasts 
of  two  eqs.  of  iron  56,  and  three  of  oxygen  24=80.  It  is,  therefore,  a s<  (Di- 
oxide. As  it  is  anhydrous,  it  has  no  effect  as  an  antidote  to  arsenious  -id. 
This  oxide  is  not  used  as  a medicine,  and  is  employed  by  the  Dublin  Ciege 
only  in  making  iron  plaster  and  powder  of  iron,  for  which  purposes  other  fork  of 
oxidized  iron  would  answer  as  well.  The  former  Dublin  Rubigo  Ferri  or  rtof 
iron , formed  by  exposing  moistened  iron  wire  to  the  air  till  converted  intojist, 
is  essentially  the  sesquioxide,  containing  a little  carbonate  of  the  protoxide 

Off.  Prep.  Emplastrum  Ferri ; Ferri  Pulvis. 

FERRI  PHOSPHAS.  U.  S.  Phosphate  of  Iron. 

“ Take  of  Sulphate  of  Iron  five  ounces;  Phosphate  of  Soda  six  ounces;  Mter 
a gallon.  Dissolve  the  Sulphate  of  Iron  and  Phosphate  of  Soda,  several,  in 
four  pints  of  the  Water;  then  mix  the  solutions,  and  set  the  mixture  b; hat 
the  powder  may  subside  ; lastly,  having  poured  off  the  supernatant  liquor, ‘ash 
the  Phosphate  of  Iron  with  hot  water,  and  dry  it  with  a gentle  heat.”  U. 

This  preparation  is  the  result  of  a double  decomposition  between  the  line 
materials  employed.  As  the  medicinal  phosphate  of  soda  is  the  tribasic  aos- 
phate,  having  the  composition,  2Na0,H0,P05,  it  follows  that  it  requireitwo 
eqs.  of  sulphate  of  protoxide  of  iron  for  its  decomposition,  as  shown  by  tb fol- 
lowing equation.  2(Fe0,S03)  and  2NaO,HO,PO5=2FeO,H0,P05  and  2(a0, 
S03).  The  resulting  salts,  therefore,  are  one  eq.  of  tribasic  phosphate  of  iroj  the 
salt  under  notice,  and  two  eqs.  of  sulphate  of  soda,  which  are  washed  awa1  If 
the  ferruginous  sulphate  be  a perfect  sulphate  of  the  protoxide,  the  preeitate 
as  first  thrown  down  will  be  white ; but  it  quickly  absorbs  oxygen  and  be.mes 
bluish-white.  It  is  in  the  form  of  a powder  of  a bright  slate  colour,  insnble 
in  water,  but  soluble  in  acids.  When  perfect,  it  consists  of  one  eq.  ofbos- 
phoric  acid,  two  of  protoxide  of  iron,  and  one  of  basic  water;  but  genenyit 
contains  some  phosphate  of  the  sesquioxide  (2Fe.,03,3H0,3P05). 

Phosphate  of  iron,  dissolved  to  saturation  in  a boiling  solution  of  mefinos- 
phoric  acid  (H0,P05),  under  the  name  of  superphosphate  of  iron,  was  bright 
forward  as  a new  remedy,  in  Jan.  1851,  by  Dr.  Routh,  of  London.  Mr.  Tuna.' 
Greenish,  of  the  same  city  ( Pliarm . Journ.  and  Trans.,  May,  1851),  state  that 
the  solution  of  the  salt,  on  cooling,  hardens  into  a mass  of  a pilular  consisnce, 
soluble  in  water  in  all  proportions,  and  free  from  any  disagreeable  or  inkyiste. 
From  this  superphosphate  Mr.  Greenish  has  prepared  a syrup,  eontainii  five 
grains  of  the  salt  to  the  fluidrachm. 

If  two  eqs.  of  tersulphate  of  sesquioxide  of  iron  be  decomposed  by  thn  eqs. 
of  pyrophosphate  of  soda,  one  eq.  of  pyrophosphate  of  sesquioxide  of  iron  pre- 
cipitated, and  six  eqs.  of  sulphate  of  soda  remain  in  solution.  2(FeaO  'P 
and  3(2Na0,P05)=2Fe303,3P05  and  6(Na0,S03).  This  ferruginous  pyrh  s- 
phate  is  soluble  in  an  excess  of  pyrophosphate  of  soda;  and  this  and  ssiilar 
solutions  of  pyrophosphates  were  proposed  as  medicines  by  Persoz  in  1S4S  Mr. 


P/T  II. 


Ferrum. 


1013 


Ak.  Ure,  of  London  (Pharm.  Journ.  and  Trans,  for  Dec.  1851),  tried  the  solu- 
tic  of  the  ferruginous  pyrophosphate,  calling  it  soda-pyrophosphate  of  iron,  in 
sctfula,  and  found  it  a mild  and  efficient  chalybeate.  In  this  instance  the  sul- 
ph e of  soda,  resulting  from  the  double  decomposition,  was  not  separated.  The 
sac  solution  has  been  prepared  as  a syrup  by  M.  Soubeiran,  under  the  name  of 
syip  of  pyrophosphate  of  iron.  {Journ.  de  Pharm.,  3e  ser.  xxiii.  62.)* 

(edical  Properties.  Phosphate  of  iron  possesses  the  general  properties  of  the 
fer.ginous  preparations,  and  has  been  given  with  advantage  in  amenorrhoea  and 
soil  forms  of  dyspepsia.  It  was  introduced  into  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia  at 
thtmggestion  of  the  late  Dr.  Hewson,  of  this  city,  who  found  it,  after  an  exten- 
siv  experience,  to  be  a valuable  chalybeate.  The  dose  is  from  five  to  ten 
gras.  B. 

ERRI  SUBCARBONAS.  U.  S.  Ferri  Sesquioxidum.  Lond. 
Filfti  Oxidum  Rubrum.  Fd.  Ferri  Carbonas.  Dub.  Subcarbonate 
of  ion.  Sesquioxide  of  Iron.  Fed  Oxide  of  Iron.  Precipitated  Car- 
lone  of  Iron. 

Take  of  Sulphate  of  Iron  eight  ounces ; Carbonate  of  Soda  nine  ounces; 
bong  Water  a gallon.  Dissolve  the  Sulphate  of  Iron  and  Carbonate  of  Soda, 
sev ally,  in  four  pints  of  the  Water;  then  mix  the  solutions,  and  having  stirred 
theaixture,  set  it  by  that  the  powder  may  subside ; lastly,  having  poured  off 
tkeupernatant  liquor,  wash  the  Subcarbonate  of  Iron  with  hot  water,  wrap  it 
in  bulous  paper,  and  dry  it  with  a gentle  heat.”  U.  S. 

Take  of  Sulphate  of  Iron  four  pounds  ; Carbonate  of  Soda  four  pounds  and 
tiefunccs;  boiling  "Water  six  gallons  [Imp.  meas.].  Dissolve  the  Sulphate  and 
Cannate,  separately,  in  three  gallons  of  the  Water.  Mix  the  solutions  together 
wk  yet  hot,  and  set  them  by  that  the  precipitate  may  subside.  Having  poured 
off  le  supernatant  liquor,  wash  the  precipitate  repeatedly  with  water,  and  dry 
it  .yrjond. 

1 'ake  of  Sulphate  of  Iron  four  ounces;  Carbonate  of  Soda  five  ounces;  boiling 
Wa  r half  a pint  [Imp.  meas.]  ; cold  Water  three  pints  and  a half  [Imp.  meas.]. 
Dislve  the  Sulphate  in  the  boiling  Water,  add  the  cold  Water,  and  then  the 
Cannate  of  Soda,  previously  dissolved  in  about  thrice  its  weight  of  water. 
Col ;;t  the  precipitate  on  a calico  filter;  wash  it  with  water  till  the  water  is  but 
littJ  affected  with  solution  of  nitrate  of  baryta,  and  dry  it  in  the  hot  air-press, 
or  mr  the  vapour-bath.”  Ed. 

‘ ake  of  Sulphate  of  Iron  eight  ounces  [avoird.];  Crystallized  Carbonate  of 
Sodof  Commerce  ten  ounces  [avoird.] ; Distilled  "Water  two  gallons  [Imp.  meas.]. 
Dis  ve  each  salt  in  one-half  of  the  Water,  and,  both  solutions  being  raised  to 
the  iling  temperature,  mix  them,  and  set  the  whole  to  rest  iD  a covered  vessel 
for  c.  hours.  The  supernatant  solution  having  been  drawn  off  with  a syphon, 
the  i ecipitate  is  to  be  drained  on  a calico  filter,  and  then  subjected  to  strong 
expssion.  Finally,  let  it  be  dried  at  a temperature  not  exceeding  212°,  pul- 
vefijd,  and  preserved  in  a well  stopped  bottle.”  Dub. 

F en  the  solutions  of  carbonate  of  soda  and  sulphate  of  iron  are  mixed  to- 
gs tl,  a hydrated  carbonate  of  protoxide  of  iron,  of  a pale-bluish  colour,  is 
{ 

* | Soubeiran’s  formula  is  as  follows  : Add  55  grains  of  tersulpliate  of  sesquioxide  of 
iron,  issolved  by  a gentle  heat,  in  2 fluidounces  of  water,  to  462  grains  of  crystallized 
Pyroi  osphate  of  soda,  dissolved  in  71-  fluidounces  of  water  and  3 J-  of  mint  water,  and  mix. 
So  s|i  as  the  precipitate  formed  redissolves,  filter  the  solution,  and  add  to  the  filtrate  19 
ounr’roy  of  white  sugar,  which  must  be  allowed  to  dissolve  without  heat.  The  dose  of 
this  '-up,  which  is  easy  to  take,  is  a tablespoonful,  containing  about  a third  of  a grain  of 
iron  the  state  of  a double  pyrophosphate.  For  a formula  for  a compound  syrup  of  phos- 
phat  f iron  by  Mr.  Wiegand,  and  for  some  remarks  on  the  pharmacy  of  the  phosphates 
V P . Procter,  see  the  Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.  for  March,  1854,  pp.  Ill  and  112. — Note 
dii  nth  edition. 


1014 


Ferrum. 


par  n, 


thrown  down,  and  sulphate  of  soda  remains  in  solution.  The  equivalent  (an- 
tities of  the  crystallized  salts  for  mutual  decomposition  are  139  of  the  suliate 
and  143'3  of  the  carbonate.  Taking  the  quantity  of  sulphate  of  iron  at  8 j-ts, 
the  London  Pharmacopoeia  orders  of  carbonate  of  soda  8|  parts,  the  U.  S. ' ar- 
macopoeia  9 parts,  and  the  Edinburgh  and  Dublin  10  parts.  The  proportii  of 
the  London  Chllege  coincides  most  nearly  with  the  equivalents.  The  precip  tte. 
during  the  washing  and  drying,  absorbs  oxygen,  and  loses  nearly  all  its  car  nic 
acid,  whereby  it  is  converted  almost  entirely  into  sesquioxide  of  iron.  This  ling 
the  chemical  nature  of  the  preparation,  the  London  College  has  given  it  the  me 
of  Ferri  Sesquioxidum ; but,  as  this  is  applicable  to  the  red  oxide  obtain'  by 
calcining  the  sulphate,  or  igniting  the  hydrated  sesquioxide,  the  U.  S.  nat  of 
Ferri  Subcarbonas,  adopted  in  allusion  to  the  small  quantity  of  carbonicjcid 
present  in  it,  is  more  distinctive.  Carbonate  of  potassa  will  answer  to  decobose 
the  ferruginous  sulphate;  but  carbonate  of  soda  is  preferred,  because  it  pro [ ees 
in  the  double  decomposition  sulphate  of  soda,  which,  from  its  greater  solubtv, 
is  more  readily  washed  away  than  sulphate  of  potassa. 

Properties.  Subcarbonate  of  iron  is  a reddish-brown  powder,  of  a disagreole, 
slightly  styptic  taste;  insoluble  in  water,  and  not  readily  dissolved  by  anjfcid 
except  the  muriatic,  with  which  it  effervesces  slightly.  After  prec-ipitationj-om 
its  muriatic  solution  by  ammonia  or  potassa,  either  of  which  throws  dowthe 
sesquioxide  of  iron,  the  supernatant  liquor  should  give  no  indications  onon- 
taining  any  metal  in  solution  by  the  test  of  sulphuretted  hydrogen  or  rro- 
cyanuret  of  potassium.  It  is  incompatible  with  acids  and  acidulous  salts  la 
composition  it  is  a hydrated  sesquioxide  of  iron,  containing  a little  protiide 
and  carbonic  acid. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Subcarbonate  of  iron  is  tonic,  alterativeand 
emmenagogue,  and  is  employed  for  all  the  purposes  to  which  the  prepanons 
of  iron  are  generally  applicable.  It  was  recommended  by  Mr.  Carmich;.  in 
cancer,  and  is  said  sometimes  to  prove  useful.  Mr.  Hutchinson  brought  iinto 
notice  as  a remedy  for  neuralgia;  and  an  extensive  experience  with  it  iibat 
disease  has  established  its  value.  It  is  also  useful  in  chorea,  in  chlorosis  ind, 
generally,  in  those  diseases  in  which  the  blood  is  deficient  in  colouring  niter. 
It  has  been  used  by  Dr.  Woollam,  Dr.  Shearman,  Dr.  Elliotson,  and  oths  in 
traumatic  tetanus,  with  success  in  twelve  cases  and  failure  in  three.  I the 
second  stage  of  hooping-cough,  Dr.  Steymann  represents  it  to  be  a prompand 
efficacious  remedy.  When  prescribed  as  a tonic,  the  usual  dose  is  from  fe  to 
thirty  grains  three  times  a day,  given  in  pill  or  powder,  and  frequently  comned 
with  aromatics  and  vegetable  tonics.  In  neuralgia,  chorea,  and  tetamuit  is 
administered  in  doses  of  from  one  to  two  teaspoonfuls.  No  nicety  need  ob- 
served in  the  dose ; its  only  obvious  effect  in  very  large  doses  being  a fight 
nausea,  and  a sense  of  weight  at  the  stomach.  It  blackens  the  stools. 

The  subcarbonate  of  iron  acts  as  an  antidote  to  the  poison  of  arsenimweid, 
provided  it  has  not  been  exposed  to  a red  heat ; and,  though  not  so  powedl  as 
the  hydrated  oxide  in  the  form  of  magma,  should  always  be  used  till  the  itter 
can  be  procured.  (See  page  28.) 

Off.  Prep.  Emplastrum  Ferri;  Ferri  Pulvis ; Ferrum  Ammoniatum ; me- 
tura  Ferri  Chloridi.  P* 

FERRI  SULPHAS.  U.  S.,  Land.,  Ed.,  Dub.  Sulphate  of  ron. 

Green  Vitriol. 

“ Take  of  Iron  Wire,  cut  in  pieces,  twelve  ounces ; Sulphuric  Acid  enUen 
ounces;  Water  a gallon.  Mix  the  Sulphuric  Acid  and  Water,  and  at  the 
Iron  ; then  heat  the  mixture  until  effervescence  ceases.  Pour  off  the  so.-ion, 
and,  having  added  half  a drachm  of  Sulphuric  Acid,  filter  through  >Per> 
allowing  the  lower  end  of  the  funnel  to  touch  the  bottom  of  the  receivir  ves- 


P,  .T  II. 


Ferrum. 


1015 


se  Evaporate  the  filtered  liquor  in  a matrass  until  sufficiently  concentrated ; 
th.  set  it  aside  in  a covered  vessel  to  crystallize.  Drain  the  crystals  in  a fun- 
nedry  them  on  bibulous  paper,  and  keep  them  in  closely  stopped  bottles.”  U.  S. 

Take  of  Commercial  Sulphate  of  Iron  four  pounds;  Sulphuric  Acid  a fluid- 
oire  [Imp.  meas.];  Iron  Wire  an  ounce ; Distilled  Water  four  pints  [Imp. 
mu.].  Mix  the  Acid  with  the  Water,  and  add  to  them  the  Sulphate  and  Iron; 
th  apply  heat,  stirring  occasionally,  until  the  Sulphate  is  dissolved.  Filter 
thlolution  while  yet  hot,  and  set  aside  to  crystallize.  Pour  off  the  liquor,  and 
ev  orate  it  that  crystals  may  again  form.  Dry  all  the  crystals.”  Lond. 

If  the  Sulphate  of  Iron  of  Commerce  be  not  in  transparent  green  crystals, 
wiout  efflorescence,  dissolve  it  in  its  own  weight  of  boiling  water,  acidulated 
wi  a little  Sulphuric  Acid ; filter,  and  set  the  solution  aside  to  crystallize. 
Prerve  the  crystals  in  well  closed  bottles.”  Ed. 

Take  of  Iron  Wire,  or  turnings  of  wrought  Iron,  four  ounces  [avoird.] ; Oil  of 
Yiiol  of  Commerce  four  fluidounces  [Imp.  meas.];  Distilled  Water  one  pint 
ana  half  [Imp.  meas.].  Pour  the  Water  on  the  Iron  placed  in  a porcelain 
cajule,  add  the  Oil  of  Vitriol,  and,  when  the  disengagement  of  gas  has  nearly 
cend,  boil  for  ten  minutes.  Filter  now  through  paper,  and,  having  separated 
thuystals  which,  after  the  lapse  of  twenty-four  hours,  will  have  been  deposited 
frc  the  solution,  let  them  be  dried  upon  blotting-paper  placed  upon  a porous 
briq-and  then  preserved  in  a well  stopped  bottle.”  Dub. 

lie  object  of  the  U.  S.  and  Dublin  processes  is  to  make  a pure  sulphate  of 
thorotoxide  of  iron  by  direct  combination.  Sulphuric  acid,  in  a concentrated 
sta,  acts  but  imperfectly  on  iron;  but  when  diluted,  a vigorous  action  takes 
play  the  oxygen  of  the  water  converts  the  metal  into  protoxide,  with  which  the 
sunuric  acid  unites,  and  hydrogen  is  evolved.  The  equivalent  quantities  for 
mrial  reaction  are  28  of  iron  to  49  of  acid.  This  proportion  is  one  part  of  iron 
to  e and  three-quarters  of  acid.  The  U.  S.  proportion  is  one  part  of  iron  to 
oni  nd  a half  of  acid,  and  gives  a quantity  of  iron  one-sixth  more  than  the  acid 
cai  dissolve.  The  Dublin  College  uses  an  excess  of  acid,  the  weight  of  acid 
tali  being  7‘38  avoirdupois  ounces,  instead  of  7.  An  excess  of  iron,  however, 
is  (arable ; as  it  tends  to  secure  the  production  of  a perfect  sulphate  of  the  pro- 
tos  e.  The  remaining  steps  of  the  U.  S.  process  are  peculiar,  and  are  intended 
to  cure  the  formation  of  a salt  entirely  free  from  sesquioxide,  by  the  method 
of  msdorff.  This  chemist  found  that,  when  a perfect  sulphate  of  protoxide  of 
iro  was  formed  in  solution  by  heating  dilute  sulphuric  acid  with  an  excess 
of  m,  it  migtft  be  crystallized  free  from  sesquioxide,  provided  a little  ex- 
ces  f sulphuric  acid  were  added  to  the  liquid  before  filtration,  in  order  to  hold  in 
sol  on  any  sesquioxide  that  may  have  been  formed;  at  the  same  time  avoiding, 
as  ich  as  possible,  the  contact  of  the  air.  Hence  the  directions  in  the  U.  S. 
for  da  to  acidulate  with  sulphuric  acid,  to  cause  the  funnel  to  touch  the  bottom 
oft  i receiving  vessel,  which  avoids  the  dropping  of  the  liquid  through  the  air, 
anc:o  cover  the  vessel  containing  the  concentrated  liquid,  when  it  is  set  aside 
to  t *stallize.  The  London  formula  proceeds  upon  the  plan  of  purifying  the 
coniercial  sulphate.  The  salt  is  dissolved  in  water,  acidulated  with  a quantity 
of  lphuric  acid,  equal  to  about  Afth  of  the  weight  of  the  salt.  A portion  of 
iroi  s placed  in  the  solution  to  precipitate  copper,  should  this  happen  to  be  an 
lm[  city,  and  to  convert  any  sesquioxide  of  iron  present  into  protoxide.  The 
lift  effect  is  produced  as  a consequence  of  the  decomposition  of  water,  the 
Has,  at  hydrogen  of  which  reduces  the  sesquioxide  to  protoxide.  Heat  is  then 
aPF  id,  and  the  solution  is  filtered  hot  and  set  aside  to  crystallize.  The  Edin- 
bw  College  purifies  the  commercial  sulphate  in  a similar  manner,  but  gives 
precise  directions,  and  omits  the  use  of  metallic  iron. 

jpperties.  Sulphate  of  iron  is  in  the  form  of  transparent  crystals,  efflores- 
cen  a the  air,  of  a pale  bluish-green  colour,  and  having  the  shape  of  oblique 


1016 


Ferrum. 


PAR]  I. 


rhombic  prisms.  It  has  a styptic  taste,  and  an  acid  reaction.  As  prepareoy 
Bonsdorff’s  method,  it  is  blue  verging  to  green.  When  it  becomes  more  g ;q 
than  blue,  or  entirely  green,  an  indication  is  afforded  that  it  contains  some  s- 
quioxide.  By  exposure  to  the  air  the  crystals  absorb  oxygen,  and  become  st 
green,  and  ultimately  covered  with  a yellow  efflorescence  of  subsulphate  of  re 
sesquioxide,  insoluble  in  water.  Sometimes  the  crystals  are  quite  penna  nt 
when  made  by  Bonsdorff's  method,  owing  to  the  slight  excess  of  acid  which  ay 
contain.  Sulphate  of  iron  is  soluble  in  about  twice  its  weight  of  cold  w:  r, 
and  in  three-fourths  of  its  weight  of  boiling  water,  but  is  insoluble  in  alcol. 
The  aqueous  solution  is  bluish-green  ; but  by  standing  it  attracts  oxygen,  ai  is 
rendered  first  green  and  then  reddish,  depositing,  in  the  mean  time,  a portio.of 
sesquisulphate  of  the  sesquioxide,  having  the  composition  2Fe203,3S03-f  80. 
(Wittstein,  Chem.  Gaz .,  May  15,  1849,  from  Buchner’ s Report.)  When  heed 
moderately,  it  parts  with  six-sevenths  of  its  water  of  crystallization,  and  becces 
grayish-white.  (See  Ferri  Sutyhas  Exsiccalum.')  At  a red  heat  it  lose  .ts 
acid,  and  is  converted  into  the  anhydrous  sesquioxide  of  iron,  called  colcot-r. 
It  is  incompatible  with  the  alkalies  and  their  carbonates,  soaps,  lime-water. he 
chlorides  of  calcium  and  barium,  the  borate  and  phosphate  of  soda,  nitra  of 
silver,  and  the  acetate  and  subacetate  of  lead.  It  is  decomposed  also  by  asn- 
gent  vegetable  infusions,  the  tannic  and  gallic  acids  of  which  form,  if  any:s- 
quioxide  be  present,  a black  compound  of  the  nature  of  ink.  To  what  eint 
this  change  lessens  the  medicinal  activity  of  the  salt,  is  not  well  ascertain. 
Sulphate  of  iron,  as  kept  in  the  shops,  is  often  the  impure  commercial  sulplte, 
which  is  not  fit  for  medicinal  use.  (See  Ferri  Sulphas  Venalis,  page  348.)  he 
perfectly  pure  salt  is  precipitated  white  by  ferrocyanuret  of  potassium;  but  mt 
of  ordinary  purity  gives  a greenish  precipitate,  more  or  less  deep,  with  this  st, 
owing  to  the  presence  of  some  sesquioxide  of  iron.  Copper  may  bedeteeteby 
immersing  in  the  solution  a bright  piece  of  iron,  on  which  a cupreous  film-ill 
be  deposited.  Both  copper  and  zinc  may  be  discovered  by  sesquioxidizinghe 
iron  by  boiling  the  solution  of  the  salt  with  nitric  acid,  and  then  precipitmg 
the  iron  by  an  excess  of  ammonia.  If  the  filtered  solution  he  blue,  coppis 
present;  and  if  it  contain  zinc,  this  will  be  separated  in  flakes  of  white  oxidon 
expelling  the  excess  of  ammonia  by  ebullition.  Sulphate  of  iron,  when  ys- 
tallized,  consists  of  one  eq.  of  acid  40,  one  of  protoxide  36,  and  seven  of  vter 
63  = 139,  and  its  formula  is  Fe0,S03  + 7H0. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Sulphate  of  iron  is  astringent  and  tonic.  In 
large  doses  it  is  apt  to  produce  nausea  and  vomiting,  and  gripilg  of  the  botls; 
and  its  use,  when  long  continued,  injures  the  stomach.  It  has  been  rem- 
mended  as  a remedy'  for  the  scrofulous  diathesis,  conjoined  with  extract  of  Irk. 
As  an  astringent  it  is  given  in  diseases  attended  with  immoderate  discha.es, 
such  as  passive  hemorrhages,  colliquative  sweats,  diabetes,  chronic  mucouea- 
tarrh,  leucorrhoea,  gleet,  &c.  As  a tonic  it  is  used  in  dyspepsia,  and  iithe 
debility  following  protracted  diseases.  In  amenorrhoea  with  deficient  actic,  it 
is  frequently  resorted  to  with  advantage,  either  alone,  or  conjoined  with  the-tid 
and  stimulant  gums.  Externally,  the  solution  is  used  in  eruptions  of  the  i.ce, 
chronic  ophthalmia,  leucorrhoea,  and  gleet,  made  of  various  strengths,  fronone 
or  two,  to  eight  or  ten  grains  of  the  salt  to  the  fluidounce  of  water.  The  do  is 
from  one  to  five  grains  in  the  form  of  pill,  preferably  made  from  the  dried  ul- 
phate.  (See  Ferri  Sulphas  Exsiccatum.)  If  given  in  solution,  the  water  fluid 
be  previously  boiled  to  expel  the  air,  which,  if  allowed  to  remain,  would  partlly 
decompose  the  salt.  Taken  in  an  overdose  it  acts  as  a poison. 

Off.  Prep.  Ferri  Ammonio-citras;  Ferri  Carbonas  Saccharatum;  Ferri  C as; 
Ferri  et  Potassae  Tartras;  Ferri  Ferrocyanuretum;  Ferri  Oxidum  Hydram; 
Ferri  Oxidum  Nigrum;  Ferri  Oxydurn  Magnetic-urn;  Ferri  Phosphas;  siri 


P/T  II. 


Ferrum. 


1017 


Sicarbonas;  Ferri  Sulphas  Exsiccatum;  Ferri  Yalerianas ; Mistura  Ferri  Com- 
pcta;  Pilulae  Aloes  et  Ferri;  Pil.  Ferri  Carbonatis;  Pil.  Ferri  Compositae;  Pil. 
Ffi  Iodidi;  Tinctura  Ferri  Acetatis.  B. 

'ERRI  SULPHAS  EXSICCATUM.  Ed.  Ferri  Sulphas  Sic- 
ciuM.  Dub.  Dried  Sulphate  of  Iron. 

Expose  any  convenient  quantity  of  Sulphate  of  Iron  to  a moderate  heat  in 
a rcelain  or  earthenware  vessel,  not  glazed  with  lead,  till  it  is  converted  into 
a m grayish-white  mass,  which  is  to  be  reduced  to  powder.”  Ed. 

Take  of  Granulated  Sulphate  of  Iron  any  convenient  quantity.  Expose  the 
sa  in  a porcelain  capsule  to  an  oven  heat  not  exceeding  400°,  until  aqueous 
valurs  cease  to  be  given  off,  and,  having  then  reduced  it  to  a fine  powder,  pre- 
see  it  in  a well  stopped  bottle.”  Dub. 

1 these  processes  six  eqs.  out  of  seven  of  the  water  of  crystallization  of  the 
sa'are  driven  otf.  The  heat  should  not  exceed  400°,  otherwise  the  salt  itself 
weld  suffer  decomposition.  Dried  sulphate  of  iron  is  used  for  making  pills,  the 
crtallized  sulphate  not  being  well  adapted  for  that  purpose.  In  prescribing 
th  dried  sulphate  it  is  necessary  to  recollect  that  three  grains  are  equivalent  to 
firof  the  crystallized  salt. 

ff.  Prep.  Pilulae  Ferri  Sulphatis;  Pil.  Rhei  et  Ferri.  B. 

ERRI  SULPHAS  GRANULATUM.  Dub.  Grranulated  Sulqohate 
offron. 

Take  of  Iron  Wire,  or  turnings  of  wrought  Iron,  four  ounces  [avoirdupois] ; 
Onf  Vitriol  of  Commerce  four  fluidounces  [Imp.  rneas.]  ; Distilled  Water  one. 
pi i and  a half  [Imp.  meas.] ; Rectified  Spirit  ten  fluidounces  [Imp.  meas.]. 
Pc  the  Water  on  the  Iron  placed  in  a porcelain  capsule,  add  the  Oil  of  Vitriol, 
an  when  the  disengagement  of  gas  has  nearly  ceased,  boil  for  ten  minutes. 
Fi  r now  through  paper  into  a vessel  containing  eight  [fluidjounces  of  the 
Sp.t,  and  stir  the  mixture  as  it  cools,  in  order  that  the  salt  may  be  obtained 
in  inute  granular  crystals.  Let  these,  deprived  by  decantation  and  draining 
of  le  adhering  liquid,  be  washed  on  a funnel  or  small  percolator  with  the  re- 
nu  der  of  the  Spirit;  and,  when  rendered  quite  dry  by  repeated  pressure 
beteen  folds  of  filtering  paper,  and  subsequent  exposure  for  twenty-four  hours 
heirth  a glass  bell  over  a common  dinner-plate  half  filled  with  oil  of  vitriol, 
let  lem  be  preserved  in  a well-stopped  bottle.”  Dub. 

te  directions  given  in  the  first  part  of  this  new  process  are  precisely  the 
sai  as  those  laid  down  by  the  Dublin  College  for  making  sulphate  of  iron ; 
bu  he  hot  solution  of  the  iron  in  the  sulphuric  acid,  instead  of  being  allowed 
to  ter  into  an  empty  vessel,  is  made  to  drop  into  a portion  of  rectified  spirit, 
thuixture  being  stirred  while  it  cools.  The  proportion  of  acid  taken  by  the 
Co.ge  forms  an  excess;  and  the  filtrate  is  consequently  an  acid  solution  of  sul- 
pha of  protoxide  of  iron,  mixed  with  spirit.  The  stirring  during  cooling  finely 
grs, dates  the  salt,  which  separates  in  a perfectly  pure  state;  the  spirit,  holding 
in  'ution  any  tersulphate  of  sesquioxide  of  iron  which  may  have  been  formed, 
anc  he  excess  of  acid  dissolving  any  free  sesquioxide.  This  process,  in  its  main 
fean’es,  is  the  same  as  that  of  M.  Berthemot.  (See  eighth  ed.  of  this  work.') 

loperties,  &c.  Granular  sulphate  of  iron  is  a crystalline  granular  powder  of 
ab  ish-white  colour.  When  carefully  dried  and  kept  it  undergoes  no  change. 
It  pears  to  have  been  introduced  into  the  officinal  catalogue  of  the  Dublin 
Fb  oiacopoeia  of  1850,  as  the  best  form  of  the  sulphate  for  conversion  into  the 
offi  ml  dried  salt;  and  its  peculiar  state  of  aggregation  would  seem  to  fit  it  for 
tha purpose. 

b Prep.  Ferri  Sulphas  Siccatum. 


B. 


1018 


Ferrum. 


PART 

FERRI  SULPHURETUM.  Ed.,  Dub.  Sulphur et  of  Iron. 

“ The  best  Sulphuret  of  Iron  is  made  by  heating  an  iron  rod  to  a full  w e 
heat  in  a forge,  and  rubbing  it  with  a roll  of  sulphur  over  a deep  Vessel  fi  d 
with  water  to  receive  the  fused  globules  of  Sulphuret  which  form.  An  infe.r 
sort,  good  enough,  however,  for  pharmaceutic  purposes,  is  obtained  bv  hea  a 
one  part  of  Sublimed  Sulphur  and  three  of  Iron  Filings  in  a crucible  in  a ci- 
mon  fire  till  the  mixture  begins  to  glow,  and  then  removing  the  crucible  d 
covering  it  until  the  action,  which  at  first  increases  considerably,  shall  com;o 
an  end.”  Ed. 

“ Take  of  rods  of  Iron,  of  the  size  employed  in  the  manufacture  of  nails,  y 
convenient  number.  Having  raised  them  to  a strong  red  or  white  heat,  aj  y 
them  in  succession  by  their  heated  extremities  to  sticks  of  Sulphur,  opera  v 
so  that  the  melted  Sulphuret,  as  it  is  formed,  may  drop  into  a stone  cistern  fi-d 
with  water,  and  be  thus  protected  from  oxidation.  The  water  being  poured!, 
let  the  product  be  separated  from  the  Sulphur  with  which  it  is  mixed,  and,  w n 
dried,  let  it  be  enclosed  in  a well  stopped  bottle.”  Dub. 

Iron  and  sulphur  form  a number  of  sulphurets,  among  which  the  most  impont 
are  the  protosulphuret  and  sesquisulphuret,  corresponding  with  the  protoxide  id 
sesquioxide  of  iron,  the  bisulphuret  or  cubic  pyrites,  and  magnetic  pyrites,  with 
is  a compound  of  five  eqs.  of  protosulphuret,  and  one  of  bisulphuret.  Wn 
the  sulphuret  is  obtained  by  the  application  of  solid  sulphur  to  white-hot  iron.ie 
product  corresponds  in  composition  with  magnetic  pyrites;  but,  when  procud 
by  heating  flowers  of  sulphur  with  an  excess  of  iron  filings,  as  is  directed  hue 
second  of  the  Edinbui'gh  processes,  a protosulphuret  is  generated  mixed  vh 
metallic  iron.  When  sulphur  is  applied  to  wbite-hot  iron,  the  metal  apprs 
to  become  hotter,  burns  with  scintillations  in  the  vapour  of  the  sulphur,  id 
forms  instantly  the  sulphuret,  which,  being  comparatively  fusible,  melts  to 
globules,  and  drops  into  the  water,  which  serves  to  extinguish  them. 

Properties,  &c.  The  officinal  sulphuret  of  iron  has  a yellowish  colour  andoe 
metallic  lustre.  When  obtained  over  water  it  is  in  the  form  of  brownish-yew 
globules,  having  a somewhat  crystalline  texture.  When  pure  it  furnishes  a d- 
low  powder,  and  dissolves  in  dilute  sulphuric  or  muriatic  acid  without  leavi;  a 
residue  of  sulphur,  and  with  the  production  of  hydrosulphurie  acid  gas  (il- 
phuretted  hydrogen),  free  from  admixture  of  hydrogen.  As  prepared,  bower, 
by  the  officinal  processes,  it  is  not  entirely  soluble  in  dilute  sulphuric  act  a 
portion  of  uncombined  sulphur  being  left.  The  fused  globules  have  the  cono- 
sition  of  5FeS  + FeS2,  or,  according  to  some,  5FeS-fFe.,S3.  This  preparaan 
is  employed  exclusively  as  a pharmaceutical  agent,  for  the  production  of  hyo- 
sulphuric  acid  gas.  It  may  be  made  to  yield  this  gas  by  the  action  of  diled 
sulphuric  acid.  During  the  reaction  water  is  decomposed;  its  hydrogen  <m- 
bines  with  the  sulphur  to  form  hydrosulphurie  acid,  while  the  oxygen  convts 
the  irou  into  protoxide,  with  which  the  sulphuric  acid  unites.  Hydrosulphfi 
acid,  is  a colourless  gas,  having  a smell  like  that  of  putrid  eggs.  Its  sp.  2 i? 
1*1782.  It  saturates  bases,  with  which  it  forms  salts  called  hyd ros ulpha tes id- 
phohydrates,  or  hydrosulphurets.  It  consists  of  one  eq.  of  sulphur  16,  andne 
of  hydrogen  1 = 17.  ' J 

Off.  Prep.  Ammoniae  Hydro-sulphuretum.  J 

FERRI  VALERIANAS.  Dub.  Valerianate  of  Iron. 

“ Take  of  Valerianate  of  Soda  five  ounces  and  three  drachms  [Dub.  weig] ; 
Sulphate  of  Irou  four  oimces  [avoird.]  ; Distilled  Water  one  pint  [Imp.  me-J- 
Let  the  Sulphate  of  Iron  be  converted  into  a persulphate,  as  directed  in  tktJr- 
mula  for  Ferri  Peroxydum  Uydratum,  and,  by  the  addition  of  distilled  wen 
let  the  solution  of  the  persulphate  be  augmented  to  the  bulk  of  eight  [fluid]ot.V5 
[Imp.  meas.].  Dissolve  the  Valerianate  of  Soda  in  ten  [fluidjounces  of  lie 
Water,  then  mix  the  two  solutions  cold,  and,  having  placed  the  precipitate  w-ch 


P IT  II. 


Ferrum. 


1019 


fens  upon  a filter,  and  washed  it  with  the  remainder  of  the  "Water,  let  it  he 
did  by  placing  it  for  some  days  rolled  up  in  bibulous  paper  on  a porous  brick. 
Ts  preparation  should  be  kept  in  a well  stopped  bottle.”  Dab. 

’his  is  a new  officinal  of  the  Dublin  Pharmacopoeia  of  1850.  The  first  step 
inhe  process  for  making  it  is  to  convert  the  sulphate  of  protoxide  of  iron  into 
th  tersulphate  of  sesquioxide.  Then  by  a double  decomposition  between  this 
sa:  and  valerianate  of  soda,  sulphate  of  soda  is  formed  in  solution,  and  ter- 
vrrianate  of  sesquioxide  of  iron  precipitates-.  The  proper  relative  proportion 
oihe  reacting  salts  is  three  equivalents  of  valerianate  of  soda,  and  one  of  ter- 
srfiate  of  sesquioxide  of  iron  ; and  the  resulting  salts  are  three  eqs.  of  sul- 
plte  of  soda,  and  one  of  tervalerianate  of  sesquioxide  of  iron. 

Properties,  &c.  This  salt  is  in  the  form  of  a dark  tile-red,  loose,  amorphous 
pcder,  having  a faint  odour  and  taste  of  valerianic  acid.  It  is  insoluble  in 
cc  water,  and  decomposed  by  boiling  water,  which  extracts  all  its  acid,  and 
leies  the  sesquioxide  of  iron  behind.  It  is  soluble  in  alcohol.  Citrate  and 
tarate  of  iron,  impregnated  with  oil  of  valerian,  have  been  fraudulently  sold 
fovalerianate  of  iron.  The  genuine  salt  may  be  distinguished  from  these  sub- 
stations by  being  insoluble  in  water  and  soluble  in  alcohol,  and  by  the  action 
of  little  dilute  muriatic  acid,  which  sets  free  the  valerianic  acid,  readily  reeog- 
nid  by  its  disagreeable  odour,  which  is  quite  distinct  from  that  of  the  oil  of 
virian.  In  relation  to  the  modes  of  distinguishing  the  true  from  the  spurious 
Ytrianates,  see  the  Pharm.  Journ.  and  Trans.,  viii.  577.  Valerianate  of  iron 
hr been  given  in  hysterical  affections,  complicated  with  chlorosis.  The  dose  is 
atit  a grain  repeated  several  times  a day.  B. 

FRRUM  AMMONIATUM.  U.  S.  Ferri  Ammonio-chloridum. 
Lid.  Ammoniated  Iron.  Ammonio-chloride  of  Iron. 

Take  of  Subcarbonate  of  Iron  three  ounces;  Muriatic  Acid  ten  fluidounces  ; 
M'iate  of  Ammonia  two  pounds  and  a half;  Distilled  Water  four  pints.  Mix 
th  Subcarbonate  of  Iron  with  the  Muriatic  Acid  in  a glass  vessel,  and  digest  for 
tv  hours;  then  add  the  Muriate  of  Ammonia,  previously  dissolved  in  the  Dis- 
till Water,  and,  having  filtered  the  liquor,  evaporate  to  dryness.  Rub  the 
re  lue  to  powder.”  U.  S. 

he  process  of  the  London  LoVege  is  essentially  the  same  as  the  above,  of 
wl-h  it  is  the  original.  The  College,  instead  of  a digestion  of  two  hours, 
di'its  that  it  should  continue  until  the  sesquioxide  (subcarbonate)  is  dissolved. 

y the  mutual  action  of  muriatic  acid  and  the  sesquioxide  of  iron  of  the  sub- 
ca-onate,  water  and  sesquichloride  of  iron  are  forined;  and  the  solution  of  the 
la:  r,  being  evaporated  along  with  that  of  the  muriate  of  ammonia,  yields  a 
rn  ure  of  the  two  salts.  If  any  carbonate  of  iron  be  present  in  the  subc-ar- 
bc  .te,  a portion  of  protochloride  of  iron  must  also  be  formed,  which,  however, 
W(.d  probably  be  converted  into  sesquichloride  during  the  operation.  The  pre- 
pation  was  formerly  made  by  subliming  a mixture  of  red  oxide  (sesquioxide) 
ofjon  and  muriate  of  ammonia.  A portion  of  the  muriate  of  ammonia  was 
demposed,  the  ammonia  escaping,  and  the  muriatic  acid  reacting  upon  the 
semioxide  of  iron  so  as  to  form  water  and  sesquichloride  of  iron,  the  latter  of 
w!  h was  sublimed  with  the  undecomposed  muriate  of  ammonia.  By  this  mode 
of  reparation  the  proportion  between  the  two  salts  was  variable.  The  present 
oil  nal  plan  has  the  double  advantage  of  uniformity  in  the  result,  and  greater 
facity  in  the  process.  There  is  no  reason  to  believe  that  the  sesquichloride  of 
ire  and  muriate  of  ammonia  are  chemically  combined  in  the  preparation. 
Ai  irding  to  Mr.  Phillips,  they  are  in  the  proportion  of  15  parts  of  the  sesqui- 
ch  -ide  to  85  of  the  muriate. 

roperties.  Ammoniated  iron,  thus  prepared,  is  in  crystalline  grains,  of  a 
fin, reddish-orange  colour,  and  a sharp  styptic  saline  taste.  It  is  entirely  soluble 


1020 


Ferrum. 


PARI 


in  water  and  diluted  alcohol,  is  deliquescent,  and  should  he  kept  in  well  stop]  l 
bottles.  By  the  alkalies  and  their  carbonates,  and  by  lime-water,  it  is  decc- 
posed,  with  the  precipitation  of  about  seven  per  cent,  of  sesquioxide  of  in • 
and  potassa  in  excess  occasions  the  evolution  of  ammonia.  Like  the  other  chal  - 
eates.  it  is  incompatible  with  vegetable  astringents.  As  procured  by  sublii- 
tion,  it  is  of  a yellow  colour,  and  feeble  odour,  and  is  probably  the  result  o i 
chemical  reaction  between  the  ingredients. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  This  preparation  unites  aperient  proper!  5 
with  those  belonging  to  the  chalybeates  generally,  and  is  said  to  have  been  u 1 
with  advantage  in  amenorrhoea,  epilepsy,  scrofula,  rickets,  &c. ; but  it  is  at  It 
uncertain,  and  is  now  very  seldom  prescribed.  The  sublimed  preparation  13 
formerly  employed  under  the  names  of  jlores  martiales  and  ens  marlis.  Fn 
four  to  twelve  grains  may  be  given  in  the  form  of  pill,  electuary,  or  soluti , 
several  times  a day. 

Off.  Prep.  Tinctura  Ferri  Ammonio-chloridi.  W 

TINCTURA  FERRI  AMMONIO-CHLORIDI.  Lond.  Tinctu 

of  Ammonio-cldoride  of  Iron. 

“ Take  of  Ammonio-chloride  of  Iron  [Ammoniated  Iron]  four  ounces;  Prf 
Spirit,  Distilled  Water,  each,  a pint  [Imperial  measure].  Dissolve  and  filte’ 
Lond. 

This  is  simply  a solution  of  the  preceding  preparation  in  diluted  alcohol,  t 
has  no  special  claims  to  attention.*  W 

VINUM  FERRI.  Lond.  Wine  of  Iron. 

“ Take  of  Iron  Wire  an  ounce;  Sherry  Wine  two  pints  [Imp.  meas.].  Dipt 
for  thirty  days,  and  filter.”  Lond. 

A preparation  under  the  name  of  Yinum  Ferri  was  officinal  in  the  Lodui 
Pharmacopoeia  of  1824,  but  dismissed  in  that  of  1836.  It  was  made  originsy 
by  a faulty  process,  in  which  a moistened  mixture  of  iron  and  cream  of  tarr, 
exposed  to  the  air  for  six  weeks,  was  acted  on  with  abundance  of  weak  spic, 
which  failed  to  dissolve  all  the  iron.  The  preparation  admitted  into  the  Lonm 
Pharmacopoeia  of  1851  is  much  more  entitled  to  the  name  of  Yinum  Ferri  tin 
the  discarded  one,  and  is  made  by  a better  process.  It  may  be  presumed  tit 
so  much  of  the  iron  as  is  necessary  to  convert  the  tartar  of  the  wine  into  tartie 
of  iron  and  potassa  is  dissolved.  This  must  be  but  a small  proportion  of  the  in 
taken ; so  that  the  preparation  is  a weak  solution  of  tartrate  of  iron  and  potaa 
in  wine.  Wine  of  iron  is  a feeble  chalybeate,  and,  on  account  of  the  variae 
quality  of  sherry  wine,  of  unequal  strength.  It  is  applicable  to  cases  requirg 
the  use  of  iron,  and  in  which  the  stimulant  effect  of  the  wine  may  be  usefuli, 
at  least,  is  not  contra-indicated.  The  dose  is  from  one  to  two  tablespoonfs. 
given  several  times  a day.  A good  substitute  for  wine  of  iron  may  be  madey 
dissolving  an  ounce  of  tartrate  of  irou  and  potassa  in  twelve  fluidounces  of  vrar, 
previously  mixed  with  an  equal  measure  of  sherry  wiue.  The  dose  of  this  p- 
paration,  each  fluidounce  of  which  will  contain  a scruple  of  the  double  salus 
about  the  same  as  that  of  Yinum  Ferri.  fl  , 

* As  now  directed  by  the  London  College,  it  is  only  half  as  strong  as  the  preparaticpf 
the  former  Pharmacopoeia,  in  which  a pint  of  proof  spirit  was  employed  as  the  menstrua 
with  the  same  amount  of  the  chalybeate.  As  formerly  prepared  it  was  liable  to  ther- 
mation  of  a deposit,  to  prevent  which  the  College  ordered  equal  measures  of  proof  silt 
and  water,  without  intending  to  alter  the  strength.  It  was,  therefore,  by  inadvertee 
that  each  of  the  liquids  was  directed,  in  the  existing  formula,  in  the  quantity  of  a !*• 
instead  of  half  a pint.  Such  at  least  is  the  statement  made  by  authority  in  the  Lorn 
Pkarm.  Journ.  and  Trans,  (xi.  67,)  Aug.  1851:  and  the  statement  is  confirmed  in  the  st 
edition  of  Philip’s  translation  of  the  London  Pharmacopoeia  (p.  290.) 


pyT  II. 


1021 


G-lycerina. 

GLYCERINA. 

Glycerin. 

rLYCERINA.  U.  S.,  Dub.  Glycerin.  Sweet  Principle  of  Oils. 

Take  of  Lead  Plaster,  recently  prepared  and  yet  fluid,  Boiling  Water,  each, 
a '.lion.  Mix  them,  stir  briskly  for  fifteen  minutes,  then  allow  them  to  cool, 
an  pour  off  the  supernatant  liquid.  Evaporate  this  until  it  has  the  specific 
grity  1’15,  and  pass  a current  of  sulphohydric  acid  slowly  through  it  until  a 
bkk  precipitate  is  no  longer  produced.  Filter,  and  boil  until  the  sulphohydric 
ac:  is  driven  off.  Lastly,  evaporate  the  liquid  until  it  ceases  to  lose  weight.”  U.  S. 

he  Dub.  College  places  glycerin  in  the  Materia  Medica  catalogue,  with  this 
exanation: — “ A sweet  principle  produced  during  saponification,  sp.gr.  1‘260.” 

i the  process  for  making  lead  plaster,  litharge,  olive  oil,  and  water  are  boiled 
togther,  with  the  result  of  decomposing  the  oil,  the  oily  acids  of  which  unite 
wi  the  oxide  of  lead  to  form  the  plaster.  ^A-t;.the  same  time  the  sweet  prin- 
cip  of  the  oil,  called  glycerin,  which  wejs  previously  united  to  the  oily  acids  to 
coititute  the  oil,  is  set  free,  becomes  hydrateS-,  and  dissolves  in  the  water.  (See 
Evlastrum  Plumbi.)  It  follows,  therefore,  that  the  plaster,  while  still  hot  and 
in  le  liquid  state,  contains  an  aqueous  solution  of  glycerin,  diffused  through  it. 
It  the  plaster  in  this  state  that  is  made  useiof  for  preparing  the  latter  sub- 
stsce  in  the  LT.  S.  formula.  Accordingly,  wnen  the  liquid  plaster  is  mixed 
wi  an  equal  measure  of  boiling  water,  and  the  mixture  stirred  briskly,  a solu- 
tio  of  glycerin  is  obtained ; which,  after  having  been  decanted,  and  evaporated 
to  limited  extent,  is  freed  from  lead  bysulphuretted  hydrogen.  The  liquid  is 
th'  filtered  to  separate  sulphuret  of  left,  boiled  to  free  it  from  sulphuretted 
hy  ogen,  and  finally  evaporated  to  expeX.'the  water,  which  is  known  to  be  all 
reived  when  it  ceases  to  lose  weight. 

ycerin  was  discovered  by  Scheele,  by  whom  it  was  called  the  sweet  prin- 
cip  of  oils.  It  is  produced,  not  only  during  the  saponification  of  the  fats  and 
oil  oy  oxide  of  lead  in  forming  lead  plaster,  but  also  during  the  same  process, 
wbi  effected  by  potassa  and  soda  in  the  manufacture  of  soap;  the  alkalies  unit- 
ing nth  the  oily  acids,  and  setting  the  glycerin  free.  Hence  soap-makers’  waste 
for 3 the  most  abundant  source  of  gljmerin;  but  the  substance  from  this  source 
is  t to  have  more  or  less  odour,  which  even  percolation  through  animal  char- 
codoes  not  always  remove.  A method  of  purifying  glycerin  from  soap-makers’ 
wa  ! is  given  by  M.  Brubre-Perrin.  (See  Am.  Journ.  of  P harm.,  xx.  549.)* 

4 )r.  Campbell  Morfit  has  devised  the  following  process  for  making  pure  glycerin  on 
the  rge  scale.  Melt  one  hundred  pounds  of  tallow,  lard,  or  pressed  lard  in  a clean  iron- 
boi  I barrel  by  the  direct  application  of  a current  of  steam,  and  add  to  the  melted  liquid 
fiftt]  pounds  of  lime,  previously  slaked  and  made  into  a milk  with  two  and  a half  gallons 
of  ter.  Then  cover  the  vessel,  and  continue  the  steaming  for  several  hours,  or  until 
the  'mpletion  of  the  saponification.  This  is  known  to  be  completed,  when  a portion  of 
the ooled  soap  gives  a smooth  shining  surface  on  being  scraped  with  the  nail,  and  breaks 
wit  i cracking  noise.  By  this  treatment  the  fat  is  decomposed,  the  oily  acids  unite  with 
the  ne  to  form  an  insoluble  lime  soap,  and  the  liberated  glycerin  remains  in  solution  in 
the.ater,  along  with  the  excess  of  lime.  After  the  liquid  has  been  sufficiently  boiled,  it 
is  a wed  to  cool  and  settle,  and  then  strained  through  a crash  cloth.  The  strained  liquid, 
con  ning  only  the  glycerin  and  excess  of  lime,  is  carefully  concentrated  by  steam  heat, 
trei  d with  a current  of  carbonic  acid  to  remove  the  lime  as  carbonate  of  lime,  boiled 
aga|  to  decompose  any  bicarbonate  of  lime  that  may  have  been  formed,  and  allowed  to 
repb.  The  supernatant  clear  liquid  is  finally  decanted  or  strained  off  from  the  precipi- 
tate carbonate  of  lime,  and  concentrated,  if  necessary,  to  drive  off  any  excess  of  water. 
Thipsidue  of  the  process,  the  lime  soap,  is  sold  to  the  stearic  candle  makers,  or  recon- 
ver  1 into  saleable  fat.  Dr.  Morfit  has  found  his  process  for  glycerin  to  combine  the  ad- 
vances of  saving  time,  labour,  and  money.  ( Silliman’s  Journal , 2nd  ser.,  xv.  429. — Xote 
to  t tenth  edition.) 


1022 


Glycerina. 


PART 


Properties,  &c.  Glycerin  is  a colourless  or  straw-coloured  syrupy  liqr , 
witliout  smell  when  pure,  unctuous  to  the  touch,  and  having  a very  sweet  tas . 
Its  sp.gr.  is  1'25,  U.  S.,  1'26  Dub.  It  is  soluble  in  all  proportions  in  war 
and  alcohol,  but  insoluble  in  ether.  Notwithstanding  its  syrupy  consistent  t 
acts  much  in  the  same  way  as  water,  as  a solvent  of  salts.  It  is  not  susceptie 
of  becoming  rancid,  or  of  fermenting  spontaneously.  "When  exposed  to  a : 1 
red  heat,  it  takes  fire,  and  continues  to  burn  with  a blue  flame.  It  does  it 
evaporate  on  exposure  to  the  air,  and  cannot  be  distilled  without  decompositi,. 
It  unites  with  sulphuric  acid  forming  the  sulphoylyceric  acid,  which  is  capae 
of  combining  with  bases,  giving  rise  to  soluble  salts  called  sulphoglycem, 
having  considerable  analogy  to  the  sulphovinates.  By  a mixture  of  sulphtc 
and  nitric  acids  it  is  converted  iai^>  an  explosive  and  extremely  poisonous  liqiL 
called  pyroglycerin.  (Sobrero,  Joum *.  deTPharm.,  April,  1850.)  M.  Berthe  , 
of  Paris,  has  recently  (1858)  sucqbfided«in  combining  glycerin  with  a numr 
of  acids,  both  organic  and  mineral,'  forming  neutral  compounds.  Among  otir 
acids,  he  has  combined  it  fatty  acids,  producing,  by  synthesis,  e 

organic  fatty  substances  stearin,  miargarjn,  olein,  Ac.  ( Chem . Gaz.,  No.  >, 
1853,  from  the  Comptes  Rendus.%  When  diluted  with  water  it  affords  no  p- 
cipitate  with  hydrosulphate  of  aiTuaaoniit  or  ferrocyanuret  of  potassium,  showg 
the  absence  of  lead  and  iron.  Itlconsists  of  one  eq.  of  the  hypothetical  rad.l 
glyceryle  (C6H7),  united  with  fiv^pqs.  of  oxygen,  and  one  of  water.  Its  formu, 
therefore,  is  C6H.05+H0.  •" 

Medical  Properties.  Glycerin  is  considered  emollient  and  antiseptic.  It  s 
first  used  as  a remedy  externally,  for^d>Tness  an<^  deficient  cerumen  in  the  ;- 
ternal  ear.  From  its  antiseptic  aud-umirying  properties,  Mr.  Startin,  surge), 
of  London,  was  led  to  suppose ’that,  it might  prove  useful,  as  an  external  api- 
cation,  in  eruptions  attended  wish  fe<*e£discharges,  or  with  preternatural  dry  us 
or  harshness  of  the  skin.  The  resilKs  of  his  trials  answered  his  expectatls. 
Iu  several  diseases  of  the  skin,  such  as  pityriasis,  lepra,  psoriasis,  lichen  ints 
dry  stage,  and  prurigo,  he  used  it  with  benefit.  He  also  found  it  a,  useful  a i- 
tion  to  lotions  in  the  incrusted  form  of  lupus  or  herpes  exedens,  and  in  varus 
syphilitic  and  strumous  eruptions.  In  the  cases  in  which  it  was  tried,  it  aed 
as  a soothing  application.  It  may  be  added  to  poultices  and  lotions  in  a pro*- 
tion  varying  from  one-fourth  to  one-sixteenth.  Its  effect  on  poultices  is  to  kp 
them  soft  for  a long  time.  Since  the  publication  of  the  last  edition  of  this  wfe, 
glycerin  has  been  used  by  a number  of  physicians,  in  a great  variety  of  ac- 
tions of  the  skin,  as  a softening  and  soothing  application,  and  generally  vh 
satisfactory  results.  In  certain  cases  of  deafness,  iu  which  the  auditory  can;is 
dry,  or  obstructed  by  hardened  wax,  Dr.  David  Steel,  of  Petersburg,  Ya.,as 
found  glycerin  useful,  inserted  into  the  canal  by  means  of  a piece  of  corn, 
saturated  with  it.  ( Stethoscope , Feb.  1853,  p.  101.)  From  its  extensive  sobot 
powers,  and  its  intermediate  qualities  between  those  of  water  and  oil,  glycin 
forms,  according  to  M.  Cap,  of  Paris,  an  excellent  excipient  for  many  mli- 
cines.  It  may  be  prepared  as  an  ointment,  for  which  formulae  are  given  by  r. 
J.  Laidley,  and  by  Mr.  J.  H.  Ecky.  (See  Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.  xii.,  118,  td 
xxv.  27.)* 

Pills  and  extracts,  incorporated  with  a small  proportion  of  glycerin,  are  e- 
served  soft  and  free  from  mouldiness.  I 

* Mr.  Ecky’s  glycerin  ointment  is  made  as  follows:  Take  of  spermaceti  half  an  ore: 
white  wax  a drachm;  oil  of  almonds  two  fluidounces  ; glycerin  a Jluidounce.  Melt  the  er- 
maceti  and  wax  with  the  oil  of  almonds  by  a moderate  heat.  Then,  having  poureAe 
melted  liquid  into  a wedgwood  mortar,  add  the  glycerin,  aud  rub  until  the  ingredas 
are  thoroughly  mixed  and  cold.  This  ointment  may  be  used  with  advantage  in  ehapsnd 
excoriations. 


pai  ii. 


Grummi-resinse  et  Resinosa. 


1023 


GU MMI-RESIN M et  RESINOSA. 

Gum-resins  and  Resinous  Substances. 

■urn-resins  are  concrete  natural  juices  of  plants,  obtained  by  spontaneous 
elation  or  inc-isiou,  and  consisting  of  gum  and  resin,  associated  for  the  most 
pai  with  more  or  less  essential  oil,  and  frequently  with  other  substances,  such 
as  /tractive,  bassorin,  starch,  wax,  and  various  salts.  The  gum  and  resin  are 
essitial  ingredients,  but  exist  in  very  different  proportions  in  the  different  va- 
ries. All  the  gum-resins  are  partially  soluble  in  alcohol  and  in  water,  but 
coriletely  so  in  neither  of  these  liquids.  Diluted  alcohol,  on  the  contrary, 
dislves  them  almost  entirely,  especially  if  assisted  by  heat.  With  water  they 
for  an  opaque  emulsion;  the  resin,  essential  oil,  and  other  insoluble  constitu- 
entbeing held  in  suspension  by  the  dissolved  gum.  They  are  to  a certain  ex- 
tensoluble  in  vinegar.  Upon  several  of  them,  especially  myrrh  and  ammoniac, 
cannate  of  potassa  so  reacts  as  to  render*  them  soluble  in  water,  or  capable  of 
bef;  permanently  retained  in  suspension  by  that  liquid.  A good  method  of 
eff(  ing  their  suspension  in  any  watery  vehicle,  is  to  rub  them  with  a few  drops 
of  ire  almond  oil  so  as  to  form  a smooth  paste,  and  then  very  gradually  add 
theiquid,  continuing  the  trituration. 

fey  are  often  so  impure  from  admixture  of  vegetable  and  mineral  substances, 
as  be  unfit  for  use  until  purified.  Various  modes  of  effecting  this  object  have 
bee  practised.  Some  of  the  gum-resins,  as  galbanum,  are  so  far  fusible,  that 
the  may  be  rendered  sufficiently  liquid  by  heat  to  admit  of  straining  through 
a bupen  cloth.  Care  should  be  taken  in  this  process  not  to  apply  too  great  a 
bet;  and  it  is  best  that  the  liquefaction  should  be  effected  by  means  of  a water- 
bat  But  several  of  them,  as  assafetida , and  ammoniac,  are  not  sufficiently 
fus  le  at  the  temperature  of  boiling  water  to  admit  of  being  strained  with  facility. 
As  ley  are  usually  brittle  and  pulverizable  when  very  cold,  they  may  be  freed 
fro  the  coarser  impurities  by  powdering  them  in  the  winter  season,  and  sifting 
tbeowder,  which  afterwards  agglutinates  with  warmth.  This  plan  is  recom- 
me  ed  by  Mr.  Brande  in  relation  to  assafetida,  ammoniac,  and  galbanum. 
Wli  boiled  with  hot  water  any  of  the  gum-resins,  though  not  dissolved,  will 
for  a semi-liquid  mass  capable  of  being  strained;  and  this  is  the  mode  now 
adc  ed  by  the  London  College  for  their  purification.  It  is  liable  to  the  objec- 
tioi  .hat  a portion  of  the  volatile  oil,  upon  which  their  medical  virtues  in  part 
depid,  is  driven  off ; and  the  gum-resins  thus  prepared  are  adapted  more  espe- 
cial for  external  use.  The  French  pharmaceutists  purify  these  substances  by 
disi  ving  them  in  diluted  alcohol,  filtering,  and  evaporating  the  solution.  This 
props,  though  liable  in  a still  greater  degree  than  that  of  the  London  College 
to  t>  objection  of  diminishing  the  virtues  of  the  medicine  by  driving  off  the 
essq/.ial  oil,  has  the  advantage  of  completely  separating  all  insoluble  substances, 
hovjver  minutely  divided,  such  as  fine  sand  or  other  earth,  which  might  pass 
thri  gh  the  pores  of  a hempen  strainer.  For  internal  use,  it  is  best  to  select 
the  urn-resin  of  such  quality  as  not  to  require  purification.  W. 

A1MONIACUM  PRiEPARATUM.  Land.  Prepared  Ammoniac. 
'ake  of  lump  Ammoniac  a pound;  Water  sufficient  to  cover  the  Ammoniac. 
He;  the  Ammoniac  with  the  Water  till  they  are  mixed.  Strain  the  mixture 
tkr  gh  a hair  sieve,  and  evaporate  by  means  of  a water  bath,  stirring  constantly, 
so  tit  upon  cooling  it  may  become  hard.”  Lond. 

( .Prep.  Mistura  Ammoniaci. 

■oSAFCETIDA  PRiEPARATA.  Lond.  Prepared  Assafetida. 
’repare  this  in  the  manner  directed  for  Prepared  Ammoniac.”  Lond. 

'!'■  Prep.  Enema  Assafoetidoe ; Pilula  G-albani  Composita. 


1024 


(dummi-resinae  et  Resinosa. — Hydrargyrum. 


PARI  I. 


GALBANUM  PRiEPARATUM.  Lond.  Prepared  G-albanum. 

“ Prepare  this  in  the  manner  directed  for  Prepared  Ammoniac.”  Lond. 

Off.  Prep.  Emplastrum  Galbani;  Pilula  Galbani  Composita. 

PIX  BURGUNDICA  PRiEPARATA.  Lond.  Prepared  Lr. 
gundy  Pitch. 

“ Prepare  this  in  the  manner  directed  for  Prepared  Ammoniac.”  Lond. 

This  is  not  a very  scientific  mode  of  purifying  Burgundy  pitch;  and  is  :o- 
gether  unnecessary.  It  may  be  very  readily  melted  by  the  heat  of  a water-bh, 
and  then  strained  through  linen  or  canvas. 

Off.  Prep.  Emplastrum  Cumini ; Emplastrum  Picis.  ^ 

SAGAPENUM  PRiEPARATUM.  Lond.  Prepared  Sagapen  k 

“ Prepare  this  in  the  manner  directed  for  Prepared  Ammoniac.”  Lond. 

Off.  Prep.  Confectio  Rutse;  Pilula  Galbani  Composita. 

STYRAX  PURIFICATA.  U.  S.  Styrax  Pr^parata.  Ld. 
Extractum  Styracis.  Ed.  Purified  Star  ax.  Prepared  Storax. 

“ Take  of  Storax,  Alcohol,  each,  a sufficient  quantity.  Dissolve  the  St  ix 
in  the  Alcohol,  and  strain  the  solution ; then  distil  off  the  Alcohol  with  a gde 
heat,  until  the  Storax  acquires  the  proper  consistence.”  U.  S. 

“ Take  of  Storax  a pound;  Rectified  Spirit  four  pints  [Imperial  measi']. 
Dissolve  and  strain  through  linen;  then  with  a gentle  heat  distil  thegreer 
part  of  the  spirit : evaporate  what  remains  by  means  of  a water-bath  to  the  o- 
per  consistence.”  Lond. 

“ Take  any  convenient  quantity  of  Storax,  in  fine  powder.  Exhaust  iby 
boiling  it  in  successive  quantities  of  Rectified  Spirit;  filter  the  spirituous  u- 
tions;  distil  off  the  greater  part  of  the  Spirit;  evaporate  the  remainder  oveihe 
vapour-bath  to  the  consistence  of  a thin  extract.”  Ed. 

Storax,  as  found  in  the  shops,  is  usually  so  much  adulterated  as  to  rendeits 
purification  necessary,  before  it  can  be  applied  to  the  purposes  for  which  is 
officinally  directed.  As  it  is  wholly  soluble  in  alcohol,  and  little  of  its  aive 
matter  is  driven  off  at  the  boiling  point  of  that  fluid,  there  can  be  no  cher:al 
objection  to  the  above  process.  Another  method,  sometimes  followed,  is  tex- 
press,  between  heated  iron  plates,  the  balsam  from  the  foreign  matters  with  well 
it  is  associated;  but,  if  the  process  be  not  very  carefully  conducted,  the  ?at 
employed  to  melt  the  storax  will  be  sufficient  to  dissipate  a portion  of  the  ;n- 
zoic  acid,  which  is  one  of  its  essential  ingredients. 

Off.  Prep.  Pilula  Styracis  Composita;  Tinetura  Benzoini  Composita. 

THUS  PRiEPARATUM.  Lond.  Prepared  Frankincense. 

“ Take  of  Frankincense  a pound ; Water  sufficient  to  cover  the  Prankincse. 
Heat  the  Frankincense  in  the  Water  till  it  liquefies,  and  strain  through  aair 
sieve ; then,  when  it  has  cooled,  pour  off  the  Water,  and  keep  the  Frankinase 
for  use.”  Lond. 

Off.  Prep.  Emplastrum  Ferri;  Emplast.  Galbani;  Emplast.  Opii;  Empst. 
Picis;  Emplast.  Potassii  Iodidi. 

HYDRARGYRUM. 

Preparations  of  Mercury. 

HYDRARGYRUM  PURUM.  Pub.  Pure  Mercury. 

“ Take  of  Quicksilver  of  Commerce  three  pounds  [avoirdupois]:  Pure  Muitie 
Acid  half  a fluidounce  [Imp.  meas.];  Distilled  Water  two  ounces  [avol  ] 
Plaving  introduced  the  Quicksilver  into  a small  glass  retort,  over  the  bo'  ot 
which  a hood  of  sheet  iron  is  supported,  let  the  heat  of  a gas  lamp  be  apkl 


fi  .T  II. 


1025 


Hydrargyrum. 


utl  two-thirds  of  the  metal  has  distilled  over.  Boil  this  for  a few  minutes 
wii  the  Acid  and  Water,  and  having,  by  repeated  affusion  of  distilled  water,  and 
dentation,  removed  the  entire  of  the  Acid,  let  the  metal  be  poured  into  a cap- 
su,  and  dried  by  the  application  of  heat.”  Dub. 

be  mercury  of  commerce  is  usually  sufficiently  pure  for  pharmaceutical  pur- 
pos ; but  occasionally  it  contains  foreign  metals,  such  as  lead,  tin,  zinc,  and 
biaiuth,  and  hence  the  direction  for  its  purification.  Mercury,  being  much 
me  volatile  than  the  contaminating  metals,  rises  first  in  distillation,  while  they 
art  eft  behind.  But  it  is  necessary  to  avoid  pushing  the  distillation  too  far ; 
foiin  that  event,  some  of  the  foreign  metals  are  apt  to  be  carried  over.  The 
Dilin  College,  on  account  of  this  danger,  directs  only  two-thirds  of  the  mercury 
to  e distilled.  The  distilled  product  is  boiled  for  a few  minutes  with  dilute 
mi  atic  acid,  which,  while  it  does  not  attack  the  mercury,  dissolves  any  con- 
tainating  metals  which  may  have  passed  over.  The  distillation  is  directed  to 
bejjerformed  from  a glass  retort  over  a gas  lamp;  but  it  is  more  conveniently 
coiueted  from  an  iron  retort,  over  a common  fire,  into  water  contained  in  a re- 
ceir.  In  small  operations  awash-hand  basin  will  answer  for  a receiver.  For 
otb  methods  of  purifying  mercury,  see  Hydrargyrum.  Millon  has  ascertained 
theurious  fact,  that  the  presence  of  so  small  a quantity  as  one-thousandth  or 
oncen-thousaudth  of  lead  or  zinc  in  mercury  raises  its  boiling  point.  As  it  is 
dif  ult  and  troublesome  to  purify  mercury  by  distillation,  it  is  better  to  purchase 
pu:  samples  of  the  metal,  which  may  be  always  found  in  the  market.  For  the 
preirties  and  tests  of  pure  mercury,  see  Hydrargyrum. 

.j;.  Violette  has  made  known  a new  method  of  distilling  mercury,  or  amalga- 
majd  silver,  which  presents  many  advantages.  It  consists  in  subjecting  the 
well,  in  iron  vessels,  to  a current  of  high  pressure  steam,  which  serves  the  double 
puijjjse  of  imparting  the  necessary  heat,  and  carrying  over  the  mercurial  vapour 
by  mechanical  agency.  ( Philos . Mag.,  Dec.  1850,  from  Comples  Rendus .) 

f. Prep.  Arsenici  et  Hydrargyri  Hydriodatis  Liquor;  Kmplastrum  Hy- 
dra yri;  Hydrargyri  Iodidum  Viride ; Hydrargyri  Oxydurn  Bubrum;  Hydrar- 
gyrPernitratis  Liquor;  Hydrargyrum  cum  Creta;  Hydrargyrum  cum  Mag- 
nes;  Pilulae  Hydrargyri;  Unguentum  Hydrargyri.  B. 


IZDRARGYRI  CHLORIDUM  CORROSIVUM.  U.S.  Hydrar- 

GY]  BlCHLORIDUM.  Bond.  SUBLIMATUS  CORROSIYUS.  Ed.  StJBLI- 
MA'i'I'M  Co'rrosivum.  Uuh.  Corrosive  Chlor  ide  of  Mercury.  Bichloride 
of  lercury.  Corrosive  Sublimate. 

‘'ake  of  Mercury  two  pounds:  Sulphuric  Acid  three  pounds;  Chloride  of 
Sodm  a pound  and  a half.  Boil  the  Mercury  with  the  Sulphuric  Acid  until 
aw'.e  dry  mass  is  left.  Rub  this,  when  cold,  with  the  Chloride  of  Sodium,  in 
an  ethenware  mortar;  then  sublime  with  a gradually  increasing  heat.”  U.  S. 

T i London  process  is  the  same  as  the  above,  the  twenty-one  and  a half  Irn- 
peri  fluidounces  of  sulphuric  acid,  taken  by  the  College,  being  equivalent  to 
thre  pounds. 

“ake  of  Mercury  four  ounces;  Sulphuric  Acid  (commercial)  two  fluidounces 
anclkree  fluidraclims ; Pure  Nitric  Acid  half  a fluidounce  ; Muriate  of  Soda 
threhunces.  Mix  the  Acids;  add  the  Mercury;  dissolve  it  with  the  aid  of  a 
mod  ate  heat;  and  then  raise  the  heat  so  as  to  obtain  a dry  salt.  Triturate  this 
thorjghly  with  the  Muriate  of  Soda,  and  sublime  in  a proper  apparatus.”  Ed. 

“dke  of  Sulphate  of  Mercury  ten  pounds;  Dried  Chloride  of  Sodium  five 
pouts.  Reduce  each  salt  to  a fine  powder,  and,  having  mixed  them  carefully 
by  t uration  in  a mortar,  let  the  mixture  be  introduced  into  an  iron  pot  lined 
with' lay,  and  by  a regulated  heat,  applied  through  the  intervention  of  sand,  let 
the  i -rosive  sublimate  be  sublimed  into  an  earthen  head  placed  over  the  pot, 
fi5 


I 


1026  Hydrargyrum.  paeti. 

and  connected  to  it  by  means  of  lute.  The  product  should  be  preserved  ii  m 
opaque  bottle.”  Dub. 

In  order  to  understand  the  above  processes,  which  are  the  same  in  princ  e, 
it  is  necessary  to  premise  that  corrosive  sublimate  is  a bichloride  of  mere  y, 
consisting  of  two  eqs.  of  chlorine  and  one  of  mercury.  By  boiling  sulph  ic 
acid  in  excess  with  mercury  to  dryness,  a white  salt  is  formed,  which  is  a bsl- 
phate  of  the  deutoxide  of  mercury.  (See  Hydrargyri  Sulphas .)  When  tb  is 
mixed  with  chloride  of  sodium  (common  salt),  and  the  mixture  exposed  a 
subliming  heat,  a mutual  decomposition  takes  place.  The  chlorine  of  the  <n- 
mon  salt  combines  with  the  mercury,  and  sublimes  as  bichloride  of  merev; 
while  the  sodium,  oxygen  of  the  deutoxide  of  mercury,  and  sulphuric  acid  uite 
to  form  sulphate  of  soda,  which  remains  behind.  The  quantities  for  mral 
decomposition  are  two  eqs.  of  chloride  of  sodium,  consisting  of  two  eqs.  ofco- 
rine  and  two  of  sodium;  and  one  eq.  of  bisulphate  of  deutoxide  of  mercy, 
consisting  of  one  eq.  of  mercury,  two  of  oxygen,  and  two  of  sulphuric  acid,  ae 
two  eqs.  of  chlorine  combine  with  the  one  eq.  of  mercury,  to  form  one  et of 
corrosive  sublimate;  and  the  two  eqs.  severally,  of  sodium,  oxygen,  and  sulpbic 
acid  form,  by  their  union,  two  eqs.  of  dry  sulphate  of  soda.  The  Edinb./h 
formula  is  very  much  changed  from  that  given  in  the  previous  edition  of  he 
Ed.  Pharmacopoeia.  It  is  characterized  by  the  small  quantity  of  mercury  tan, 
and  by  the  use  of  nitric  acid  to  assist  the  sulphuric  in  oxidizing  the  metal,  be 
Dublin  formula  is  peculiar  in  ordering  the  bisulphate  of  the  deutoxide  of  ::r- 
cury  ready  formed,  under  the  name  of  sulphate  of  mercury,  instead  of  prepaog 
it  as  the  first  step  of  the  process,  as  is  done  in  the  processes  of  the  other  P ir- 
macopoeias.  (See  Hydrargyri  Sulphas.') 

The  names  given  in  the  several  Pharmacopoeias  to  this  important  eblole, 
unfortunately,  do  not  correspond.  It  is  called  a chloride,  as  it  is  admitteto 
be,  in  the  U.  S.  and  London  Pharmacopoeias,  and  corrosive  sublimate,  irrespeive 
of  chemical  nomenclature,  in  the  Edinburgh  and  Dublin.  We  should  be  sry 
to  share  the  opinion  of  the  Edinburgh  College  that  the  adoption  of  the  morn 
chemical  nomenclature,  to  express  pharmaceutical  substances,  was  a great  e :>r, 
on  account  of  its  liability  to  change.  Systematic  nomenclature  belongs  to  scicce, 
and  its  change  is  the  inevitable  consequence  of  the  progress  of  the  latter.  In 
respect  to  the  London  name  of  bichloride , we  think  it  not  sufficiently  disict 
from  chloride,  adopted  by  the  same  College  for  calomel.  We  prefer  the  IS. 
designation  with  the  epithet  corrosivum,  as  serving  to  call  attention  to  he 
deleterious  nature  of  the  compound. 

Preparation  on  the  Large  Scale,  &c.  The  first  step  is  to  form  the  bisulpte 
of  the  deutoxide  of  mercury,  which  is  effected  by  heating  the  sulphuric  aeidnd 
metal  together  in  an  iron  pot,  so  arranged  as  to  carry  off  the  unwholesome  fnej 
of  sulphurous  acid  which  are  copiously  generated.  The  dry  salt  obtain<  is 
then  mixed  with  the  common  salt,  and  the  mixture  sublimed  in  an  ironoot 
lined  with  clay,  and  covered  by  an  inverted  earthen  pan.  The  late  Dr.  J T. 
Thomson,  of  London,  took  out  a patent  for  forming  corrosive  sublimate,  oi.he 
large  scale,  by  the  direct  combination,  by  combustion,  of  gaseous  chlorine  ith 
heated  mercury.  The  product  is  stated  to  be  perfectly  pure,  and  to  be  afield 
at  a lower  price  than  the  sublimate  made  in  the  usual  way.  In  order  thatbe 
combination  may  take  place,  the  mercury  need  not  be  heated  to  its  boiling  nut, 
but  only  to  a temperature  between  300°  and  400°.  According  to  Dr.  Mac-lain, 
corrosive  sublimate,  made  by  this  process,  is  liable  to  the  objection  that  a ro- 
portion  of  calomel  is  always  formed,  occasionally  amounting  to  ten  per  cen 

It  may  sometimes  be  useful  to  know  how  to  make  a small  quantity  of  ero- 
sive sublimate  on  an  emergency.  This  may  be  done  by  dissolving  deutoxi  of 
mercury  (red  precipitate)  in  muriatic  acid,  evaporating  the  solution  to  dryss, 


PiT  ii.  Hydrargyrum.  1027 

driving  the  dry  mass  in  water,  and  crystallizing.  Here  a double  decomposi- 
te takes  place,  resulting  in  the  formation  of  water  and  the  bichloride. 

Properties.  Corrosive  chloride  of  mercury,  as  obtained  by  sublimation,  is  in 
tl  form  of  colourless  crystals,  or  of  white,  semi-transparent,  crystalline  masses, 
oithe  sp.  gr.  5'2,  permanent  in  the  air,  and  possessing  an  exceedingly  acrid, 
static,  metallic,  durable  taste.  It  dissolves  in  a little  less  than  twenty  parts 
oi  old  water,  and  in  three  of  boiling  water.  A boiling  saturated  solution,  upon 
c(  ing,  lets  it  fall  in  a confused  mass  of  crystals.  It  is  soluble  also  in  two  and 
a iird  parts  of  cold  alcohol,  in  about  its  own  weight  of  boiling  alcohol,  and  in 
the  parts  of  ether.  The  latter  solvent  is  capable  of  removing  corrosive  sub- 
li'ite,  to  a considerable  extent,  from  its  aqueous  solution,  when  agitated  with 
it  Sulphuric,  nitric,  and  muriatic  acids  dissolve  it  without  alteration.  When 
hdfced  it  melts,  and  readily  sublimes  in  dense,  white,  acrid  vapours,  which  con- 
d<se,  on  cool  surfaces,  in  white  shining  needles.  Its  aqueous  solution  renders 
gun  the  syrup  of  violets,  and  is  precipitated  brick-red,  becoming  yellow,  by 
tl  fixed  alkalies  and  alkaline  earths,  and  white  by  ammonia.  (See  Hydrargy- 
ni  Ammoniatum.)  The  former  precipitate  is  the  hydrated  deutoxide  of  mer- 
ci?,  which  has  the  property  of  emitting  oxygen,  and  of  being  reduced  to  metallic 
gbules,  when  exposed  to  heat.  This  oxide  is  formed  in  the  process  for  pre- 
pi  ng  the  aqua  phagedsenica,  which  is  obtained  by  mixing  a drachm  of  corro- 
si  sublimate  with  a pint  of  lime-water.  Corrosive  sublimate  forms  with  muriate 
olmmonia  and  chloride  of  sodium,  compounds  which  are  more  soluble  than  the 
uiombined  mercurial  salt.  It  is  on  this  account  that  aqueous  solutions  of  sal 
aiaoniac,  or  of  common  salt  dissolve  much  more  corrosive  sublimate  than 
si  pie  water.  The  combination  of  corrosive  sublimate  with  muriate  of  ammonia 
w formerly  called  sal  alembroth , or  salt  of  wisdom.  (See  Liquor  Hydrargyri 
BMoridi.)  According  to  F.  Ilinterberger,  corrosive  sublimate  is  capable  of 
ccbining  with  quinia  and  cinchonia.  ( Chem . Gaz.,  ix.  211.) 

orrosive  sublimate  has  the  property  of  retarding  putrefaction.  Animal  mat- 
te, immersed  in  its  solution,  shrink,  acquire  firmness,  assume  a white  colour, 
ar  become  imputrescible.  On  account  of  this  property  it  is  usefully  employed 
fooreserving  anatomical  preparations. 

hts  of  Purity  and  Incompatibles.  Pure  corrosive  chloride  of  mercury  sub- 
li|s,  when  heated,  without,  residue,  and  its  powder  is  entirely  and  readily  soluble 
inther.  Consequently,  if  a portion  of  any  sample  should  not  wholly  dissolve 
inther,  or  if  it  should  not  evaporate  entirely,  the  presence  of  some  impurity  is 
pred.  If  calomel  be  present,  it  will  not  be  wholly  soluble  in  water.  Corro- 
si  sublimate  is  incompatible  with  many  of  the  metals,  with  the  alkalies  and 
tb;  carbonates,  with  soap,  lime-water,  tartar  emetic,  nitrate  of  silver,  the  ace- 
ta  i of  lead,  the  sulphurets  of  potassium  and  sodium,  and  with  all  the  hydro- 
su  hates.  It  is  also  decomposed  by  many  vegetable  and  some  animal  substances. 
A irding  to  the  late  Dr.  A.  T.  Thomson,  it  produces  precipitates  in  infusions 
orecoctions  of  the  following  vegetable  substances; — chamomile,  horse-radish, 
co  mbo,  catechu,  cinchona,  rhubarb,  senna,  simaruba,  and  oak-bark.  The 
ex  riments  of  M.  Mialhe  and  M.  Lepage  have  shown  that  corrosive  sublimate 
is  )wly  converted  into  calomel  by  syrup  of  sarsaparilla  and  syrup  of  honey,  but 
ul  irgoes  no  alteration  by  contact  with  pure  syrup.  B. 

redical  Properties  and  Uses.  Corrosive  sublimate  is  a very  powerful  prepa- 
ra n,  operating  quickly,  and,  if  not  properly  regulated,  producing  very  violent 
cfl  ts.  It  is  less  apt  to  salivate  than  most  other  mercurials.  In  minute  doses, 
su  .bly  repeated,  it  may  exert  its  peculiar  influence  without  any  obvious  altera- 
nt of  the  vital  functions,  except,  perhaps,  a slight  increase  in  the  frequency  of 
th  lulse,  and  in  the  secretions  from  the  skin  and  kidneys.  Sometimes,  how- 
ev,  it  purges;  but  this  effect  may  be  obviated  by  combining  it  with  a little 


1028 


Hydrargyrum. 


PART 


opium.  In  larger  doses  it  occasions  nausea,  vomiting,  griping  pain  in  the  he- 
els, diarrhoea,  and  other  symptoms  of  gastric  and  intestinal  irritation  ; and 
still  larger  quantities  produces  all  the  effects  of  a violent  corrosive  poison.  ; 
has  long  been  used  as  a remedy  in  syphilis,  in  all  stages  of  which  it  is  high 
recommended  by  some  authors.  It  is  said  to  remove  the  symptoms  more  speed  • 
than  other  mercurials  ; while  its  action  is  less  unpleasant,  as  the  mouth  is  1 s 
liable  to  be  made  sore.  For  the  latter  reason  it  has  been  much  employed  7 
empirics,  and  is  an  ingredient  in  most  of  those  nostrums  which  have  at  varii; 
periods  gained  a temporary  popularity  as  anti-venereals.  But  while  it  is  i 
tolled  by  some  authors,  others,  among  whom  is  Mr.  Pearson,  of  London,  der 
its  extraordinary  merits,  and  maintain  that,  though  occasionally  useful  in  am- 
ing  the  progress  of  the  complaint,  particularly  in  the  secondary  stage,  it  does  it 
produce  permanent  cures,  and,  in  the  primary  stage,  often  fails  altogether.  1 
the  whole  it  appears  to  be  best  adapted  to  secondary  syphilis,  in  which  it  oc- 
sionally  does  much  good.  It  is  also  used  advantageously  in  some  chronic  cu- 
neous  affections,  and  in  obstinate  chronic  rheumatism.  It  is  usually  assoc-ia  1 
with  alterative  or  diaphoretic  medicines,  such  as  the  antimonials,  and  the  cc- 
pound  decoction  or  syrup  of  sarsaparilla;  and,  in  order  to  obviate  the  irritat  1 
it  is  apt  to  produce,  it  may  often  be  advantageously  united  with  opium,  or  extrt 
of  hemlock.  There  is  no  doubt  that  many  of  the  substances  in  connexion  wi 
which  it  is  employed,  alter  its  chemical  condition ; but  it  does  not  follow  th, 
even  in  its  altered  state,  it  may  not  be  very  useful  as  a remedy. 

Externally  employed,  corrosive  sublimate  is  stimulant  and  escharotic.  l 
solution  in  water,  containing  from  an  eighth  to  half  a grain  in  the  fluidoun, 
is  employed  as  an  injection  in  gleet,  as  a gargle  in  venereal  sore-throat,  and  ar 
collyrium  in  chronic  venereal  ophthalmia.  A stronger  solution,  containing  (8 
or  two  grains  in  the  fluidounce,  is  an  efficacious  wash  in  lepra,  and  other  sc; 
eruptions.  Dissolved  in  water,  in  the  proportion  of  five  or  ten  grains  to  e 
fluidounce,  it  may  be  used  with  much  benefit  in  venereal  ulcers  of  the  throato 
which  it  should  he  applied  by  means  of  a camel’s  hair  pencil.  With  lime-war 
it  forms  the  aqua  pliagedsenica  of  the  older  writers,  employed  as  a wash  r 
ill-conditioned  ulcers.  The  powdered  chloride  has  been  used  as  an  escharot; 
but  is,  in  general,  inferior  to  nitrate  of  silver  or  caustic  potassa.  In  onyc.i 
maligna,  however,  it  is  employed  with  great  advantage,  mixed  with  an  eq.l 
weight  of  sulphate  of  zinc,  and  sprinkled  thickly  upon  the  surface  of  the  ulc, 
which  is  then  to  be  covered  with  a pledget  of  lint  saturated  with  tincture! 
myrrh.  The  whole  diseased  surface  is  thus  removed,  and  the  necessity  of  - 
sorting  to  the  knife  avoided.  This  practice  was  first  introduced,  we  believe, y 
the  late  Dr.  Perkins,  of  Philadelphia,  and  was  highly  recommended  by 
Physick.  We  have  employed  it  in  several  instances  with  complete  success. 

The  dose  of  corrosive  sublimate  is  from  the  twelfth  to  the  quarter  of  a gra, 
repeated  three  or  four  times  a day,  and  given  in  pill,  or  dissolved  in  wateir 
spirit.  The  pill,  which  is  the  preferable  form,  is  usually  prepared  with  crub 
of  bread ; and  care  should  be  taken  that  the  medicine  be  equally  diffused  throffi 
the  pilular  mass,  before  it  is  divided.  Mucilaginous  drinks  are  usually  givero 
obviate  the  irritating  effects  of  the  medicine. 

Toxicological  Properties.  Swallowed  in  poisonous  doses,  it  produces  burng 
heat  in  the  throat,  excruciating  pain  in  the  stomach  and  bowels,  excessive  tbit, 
anxiety,  nausea  and  frequent  retching  with  vomiting  of  bloody  mucus,  diarrlx 
and  sometimes  bloody  stools,  small  and  frequent  pulse,  cold  sweats,  gemd 
debility,  difficult  respiration,  cramps  in  the  extremities,  faintings,  insensibib', 
convulsions,  and  death.  The  mucous  membrane  of  the  stomach  exhibits  n 
dissection  all  the  signs  of  the  operation  of  a violent  corrosive  poison.  The 
symptoms  are  sometimes  followed  or  conjoined  with  others  indicating  an  excess 


P IT  II. 


Hydrargyrum. 


1029 


meurial  action  upon  the  system,  such  as  inflammation  of  the  mouth  and  salivary 
ehds,  profuse  salivation,  fetid  breath,  &c.  A case  is  on  record  of  death,  in  an 
innt,  from  the  constitutional  effects  of  corrosive  sublimate  sprinkled  upion  an 
esiriated  surface.  In  the  inferior  animals,  in  whatever  mode  introduced  into 
th system,  it  is  said  to  occasion  irritation  of  the  stomach  and  rectum,  inflam- 
mion  of  the  lungs,  oppression  of  the  brain,  and  depression  if  not  inflammation 
of  he  heart.  ( Christison .)  In  the  treatment  of  poisoning  by  corrosive  subli- 
me, Orfila  recommends  the  free  use  of  the  white  of  eggs  beat  up  with  water. 
T1  albumen  forms  an  insoluble  and  comparatively  innocent  compound  with  the 
coosive  sublimate ; and  the  liquid  by  its  bulk  dilutes  the  poison,  and  distends 
th  stomach  so  as  to  produce  vomiting.  It  is,  however,  asserted  by  M.  Lassaigne 
th  this  compound  of  albumen  and  corrosive  sublimate,  when  recently  precipi- 
tad,  is  soluble  in  acid  and  alkaline  liquids,  and  in  solutions  of  the  chlorides  of 
possium,  sodium,  and  calcium.  (See  Journ.  de  Pharm.,  xxiii.  510.)  It  is, 
th  store,  important,  at  the  same  time  that  the  antidote  is  used,  to  evacuate  the 
st(  ach  before  the  newly  formed  compound  can  be  dissolved.  If  eggs  cannot 
beaocured,  wheat  flour  may  be  substituted;  gluten  having,  according  to  M. 
Talei,  the  same  effect  as  albumen.  Milk  has  also  been  recommended,  in  con- 
serence  of  the  insoluble  compound  which  casein  forms  with  the  poison.  Besides 
thuntidotes  mentioned,  Peruvian  bark,  meconic  acid,  protosulphuret  of  iron, 
an  iron  filings  have  been  proposed,  all  of  which  have  the  property  of  decom- 
poag  corrosive  sublimate.  The  protosulphuret  of  iron  was  found  quite  suc- 
ceed by  M.  Mialhe  in  experiments  upon  dogs,  if  given  immediately  after  the 
po:  n was  swallowed,  but  failed  when  delayed  for  10  minutes.  It  is  of  the 
utnst  importance  that  whatever  antidote  is  used  should  be  given  without  delay, 
an  n this  respect  the  one  nearest  at  hand  may  be  considered  the  best.  Should 
nei  er  of  the  substances  mentioned  be  attainable,  mucilaginous  drinks  should 
be  rgely  administered ; and,  in  any  event,  the  patient  should  be  made  to  drink 
copusly,  so  long  as  vomiting  continues,  or  till  the  symptoms  are  relieved. 
Sh  ld  he  be  unable  to  vomit,  the  stomach  should  be  washed  out  by  means  of 
tht:omach  pump.  The  consecutive  inflammation  should  be  treated  with  general 
or  I al  bleeding,  fomentations,  and  cooling  mucilaginous  drinks,  and  the  attendant 
nenus  symptoms  should  be  alleviated  by  opiates.  W. 

1 'ts  for  Corrosive  Sublimate.  On  account  of  the  extreme  virulence  of  this  chlo- 
rids  a poison,  the  reagents  by  which  it  may  be  detected  form  a subject  of  study 
of  e utmost  importance,  as  connected  with  medico-legal  investigations.  The 
bes  ;ests  for  determining  its  mercurial  nature,  mentioned  in  the  order  of  their 
del  ,ey,  are  ferrocyanuret  of  potassium,  lime-water,  carbonate  of  potassa,  iodide 
of  i assium,  ammonia,  sulphuretted  hydrogen,  and  protochloride  of  tin.  Per- 
I'oc.nuret  of  potassium  gives  rise  to  a white  precipitate  (ferrocyanuret  of  mer- 
cur , becoming  slowly  yellowish,  and  at  length  pale-blue.  Lime-water  throws 
doy  a yellow  precipitate  of  hydrated  deutoxide.  Carbonate  of  potassa  causes 
a hk-red  precipitate  of  carbonate  of  mercury.  Iodide  of  potassium  produces 
a vj i characteristic  pale-scarlet  precipitate  of  biniodide  of  mercury.  This  pre- 
cipi  te  frequently  appears  at  first  yellow.  Ammonia  gives  rise  to  a fine,  white, 
floe., lent  precipitate,  the  officinal  ammoniated  mercury,  or  white  precipitate. 
Suivuretted  hydrogen  occasions  a black  precipitate  of  bisulphuret  of  mercury; 
aud’ie  same  precipitate  is  thrown  down  by  hydrosulphate  of  ammonia.  Finally, 
pm  Morale  of  tin  causes  a grayish-black  precipitate  (mercury  in  a finely  divided 
statj,  and,  as  a test,  is  not  liable  to  any  fallacy.  Taking  the  results  of  De- 
vei7 , the  relative  delicacy  of  these  tests  may  be  expressed  numerically  as  fol- 
low,—Ferrocyanuret  of  potassium  II;  lime-water  4;  carbonate  of  potassa  7 ; 
iodi  of  potassium  8;  ammonia  36;  sulphuretted  hydrogen  or  hydrosulphate  of 
annuia  60;  and  protochloride  of  tin  80.  To.  the  above  the  following  testa 


1030 


Hydrargyrum. 


PAEX 


may  be  added,  easily  applied  even  by  one  unacquainted  with  chemistry. 
bright  plate  of  copper,  immersed  in  a solution  containing  corrosive  sublimate. , 
instantly  tarnished,  and,  after  the  lapse  of  half  an  hour,  becomes  covered  w . 
a grayish-white  powder.  A polished  piece  of  gold,  moistened  with  the  mercml 
solution,  and  touched  through  the  liquid  with  a piece  of  iron,  contracts  a wh  ■ 
stain.  This  test,  which  was  proposed  by  Mr.  Sylvester  and  simplified  by  ]. 
Paris,  is  conveniently  applied  by  moistening,  with  the  suspected  solution,  a gd 
coin  or  ring,  and  touching  it  through  the  moistened  spot  with  the  point  o i 
penknife.  The  object  of  the  iron  is  to  form  with  the  gold  a simple  galvae 
circle,  which  enables  the  latter  metal  to  precipitate  the  mercury  on  its  surfa. 
Nearly  all  the  above  tests  merely  show  the  mercurial  nature  of  the  substaie 
acted  on.  To  determine  whether  the  metal  is  united  with  chlorine,  the  n- 
curial  liquid  may  be  precipitated  by  lime-water,  and  the  filtered  solution,  aei- 
lated  with  nitric  acid,  then  tested  with  nitrate  of  silver.  If  the  mercury  isi 
the  state  of  chloride,  the  filtered  solution  will  be  one  of  chloride  of  calcic, 
which,  with  nitrate  of  silver,  will  yield  a heavy  white  precipitate  (chloride  f 
silver),  insoluble  in  nitric  acid,  but  soluble  in  ammonia.  The  nitrate  of  silr 
may  be  added  directly  to  the  mercurial  liquid;  and,  if  it  contain  corrosive  s- 
limate,  chloride  of  silver  will  fall,  but  probably  mixed  with  calomel. 

By  the  combined  indications  of  the  foregoing  tests,  corrosive  sublimate  ry 
be  infallibly  detected,  unless  it  exists  in  very  minute  quantity,  associated  tih 
organic  substances,  by  wrhicb  its  presence  is  often  greatly  obscured.  Wheat 
exists  in  organic  mixtures,  made  by  boiling  the  contents  or  substance  of  e 
stomach  in  distilled  water,  Dr.  Christison  recommends  that  a preliminary  til 
be  made  with  the  protochloride  of  tin,  on  a small  portion  filtered  for  the  jr- 
pose.  If  this  causes  a grayish-black  colour,  he  shakes  the  mixture,  as  reci- 
mended  by  Orfila,  with  a fourth  of  its  bulk  of  ether,  which  dissolves  the  corro-e 
sublimate  and  rises  to  the  surface.  The  ethereal  solution  is  then  evaporateoo 
dryness,  and  the  dry  salt  obtained  is  dissolved  in  hot  water,  whereby  a pe 
solution  is  procured,  in  which  the  poison  may  be  readily  detected  by  the  oi- 
nary  tests.  If  the  trial  test  should  produce  a light  gray  colour,  the  eorrore 
sublimate  is  indicated  in  still  less  quantity,  and  Dr.  Christison  recommendto 
proceed  in  the  following  manner.  Treat  the  unfiltered  mixture  with  protoco- 
ride of  tin,  as  long  as  any  precipitate  is  formed,  which  will  have  a slate-py 
colour.  Collect,  wash,  and  drain  it  on  a filter,  and,  having  removed  it  witlut 
being  dried,  boil  it,  in  a glass  flask,  with  a moderately  strong  solution  of  catie 
potassa,  until  all  the  lumps  disappear.  The  alkali  will  dissolve  all  animal  id 
vegetable  matter;  and,  on  allowing  the  solution  to  remain  at  rest,  a heavy  grajh- 
black  powder  will  subside,  which  consists  chiefly  of  metallic  mercury,  aniin 
which  small  globules  of  the  metal  may  sometimes  be  seen  with  the  naked  e, 
or  by  the  aid  of  a magnifier. 

Off.  Prep.  Hydrargyri  Iodidum  Rubrum;  Hydrargyrum  Ammoniatum  li- 
quor Hydrargyri  Bichloridi.  1 

LIQUOR  HYDRARGYRI  BICHLORIDI.  Land.  SoMmof 

Bichloride  of  Mercury. 

“Take  of  Bichloride  of  Mercury  [corrosive  sublimate],  Hydrochlorate  of 
monia,  each  ten  grains  ; Distilled  Water  a pint  [Imperial  measure].  Dissol. 
Lon  cl. 

This  solution  was  intended  to  facilitate  the  dispensing  of  corrosive  sublinte 
in  small  doses.  The  muriate  of  ammonia  has  been  substituted  for  the  aleiol 
formerly  added  to  the  solution,  probably  in  order  to  prevent  the  decompose® 
of  the  bichloride.  A solution  of  corrosive  sublimate  in  water  alone,  undeihe 
influence  of  light,  deposits  calomel,  while  muriatic  and  chloric  acids  rema  in 
the  water;  nor  is  this  decomposition  prevented  by  the  addition  of  alcohol,  lie 


1031 


pat  II.  Hydrargyrum. 

do.1  of  the  solution,  of  which  a fluidounce  contains  half  a grain  of  corrosive  sub- 
linte,  is  from  one  to  four  fluidrachms,  taken  in  flaxseed  tea.  W. 

YDRARGYRI  CHLORIDUM  MITE.  U.  S.  Hydrargyri  Chlo- 
Lond.  Calojielas.  Ed.,  Dub.  Mild  Chloride  of  Mercury. 
Camel. 

Take  of  Mercury  four  pounds  ; Sulphuric  Acid  three  pounds ; Chloride  of 
So  am  a pound  and  a half ; Distilled  Water  a sufficient  quantity.  Boil  two 
potds  of  the  Mercury  with  the  Sulphuric  Acid,  until  a dry  white  mass  is  left. 
Ru  this,  when  cold,  with  the  remainder  of  the  Mercury,  in  an  earthenware 
moar,  until  they  are  thoroughly  mixed.  Then  add  the  Chloride  of  Sodium, 
arnrub  it  with  the  other  ingredients  till  all  the  globules  disappear;  afterwards 
sulme.  Reduce  the  sublimed  matter  to  a very  fine  powder,  and  wash  it  fre- 
qU'tlv  with  boiling  Distilled  Water,  till  the  washings  afford  no  precipitate  upon 
theddition  of  Solution  of  Ammonia;  then  dry  it.”  U.  S. 

'lie  London  formula  is  the  same  as  the  above,  except  that  a measure  of  sul- 
ph  ic  acid  is  taken,  equivalent  to  three  pounds,  and  the  testing  of  the  washings 
is ; t directed. 

Cake  of  Mercury  eight  ounces  ; Sulphuric  Acid  (commercial)  two  fluidounces 
an  three  fluidrachms  [Imperial  measure]  ; Pure  Nitric  Acid  half  a fluidounce 
[In.  meas.] ; Muriate  of  Soda  three  ounces.  Mix  the  Acids,  add  four  ounces 
of  e Mercury,  and  dissolve  it  with  the  aid  of  a moderate  heat.  Raise  the  heat 
so  to  obtain  a dry  salt.  Triturate  this  with  the  Muriate  of  Soda  and  the  rest 
of  e Mercury  till  the  globules  entirely  disappear.  Heat  the  mixture  by  means 
of  sand-bath  in  a proper  subliming  apparatus.  Reduce  the  sublimate  to  fine 
pover;  wash  the  powder  with  boiling  Distilled  Water  until  the  Water  ceases 
to  ecipitate  with  solution  of  iodide  of  potassium,  and  then  dry  it.”  Ed. 

Take  of  Sulphate  of  Mercury  ten  pounds;  Mercury  of  Commerce  seven 
po.ds;  Dried  Chloride  of  Sodium  five  pounds.  Incorporate  as  completely  as 
poible  the  Sulphate  and  the  metallic  Mercury  by  prolonged  trituration,  and, 
ha-  lg  then  added  the  Chloride  of  Sodium  previously  reduced  to  a fine  powder, 
rulidl  well  together  until  a perfectly  equable  mixture  is  obtained.  Heat  this, 
thngh  the  medium  of  sand,  in  a shallow  iron  pot  with  a flat  bottom,  lined  with 
cla  and  covered  with  a lid  of  cast  iron,  until  the  sublimate  which  attaches  itself 
to  circular  plug  in  the  centre  of  the  lid  (which  admits  of  being  removed  and 
ele  ed  from  time  to  time)  neither  exhibits  minute  globules  of  mercury,  nor  is 
retired  yellow  by  being  touched  with  a solution  of  potash.  The  whole  being 
no-  permitted  to  cool  down  to  the  temperature  of  the  air,  the  contents  of  the 
po  re  to  be  transferred  to  a small  hoPhearth  or  oven,  whose  door  is  made  tight 
by  clay  lute,  and  a regulated  heat  is  to  be  applied  so  as  to  cause  the  vaporized 
Ca  nel  to  pass  into  an  adjacent  chamber  of  considerable  size,  on  the  floor  of 
wh  i it  will  accumulate  in  the  form  of  a fine  white  powder.”  Dub. 

' e object  of  the  above  processes,  which  all  coincide  in  the  principle  on  which 
the  are  conducted,  is  to  obtain  the  protochloride  of  mercury.  This  chloride 
coi  sts  of  one  eq.  of  chlorine  and  one  of  mercury,  and  consequently  contains 
presely  half  as  much  chlorine  as  corrosive  sublimate,  combined  with  the  same 
qudity  of  mercury.  In  the  process  of  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia,  as  in  the 
caspf  corrosive  sublimate,  a bisulphate  of  the  deutoxide  is  first  formed ; but, 
ins  id  of  being  immediately  sublimed  with  the  chloride  of  sodium,  it  undergoes 
a f paratory  trituration  with  the  same  quantity  of  mercury  as  was  employed  in 
for  ng  it.  This  trituration  may  be  conceived  to  take  place  between  one  ecj.  of 
th(  isulphate  of  the  deutoxide,  and  one  of  metallic  mercury,  which  are  thus 
ooi  ;rted  into  two  eqs.  of  the  monosulphate  of  the  protoxide.  This  change  will 
be  asily  understood,  by  adverting  to  the  fact,  that  the  bisulphate  of  the  deut- 


1032 


Hydrargyrum. 


PAST  C. 


oxide  consists  of  two  eqs.  of  sulphuric  acid,  two  of  oxygen,  and  one  of  merer; 
and,  when  rubbed  up  with  one  additional  eq.  of  mercury,  the  whole  becomes  o 
eqs.  of  acid,  two  of  oxygen,  and  two  of  mercury,  evidently  corresponding  vK 
two  eqs.  of  the  monosulphate  of  the  protoxide.  The  two  eqs.  of  monosulpH 
thus  formed,  being  heated  with  two  eqs.  of  common  salt,  the  two  eqs.  of  chlo:  e 
in  the  latter  sublime  in  union  with  the  two  eqs.  of  mercury  in  the  former,  d 
generate  two  eqs.  of  protochloride  of  mercury;  while  the  two  eqs.,  severally ,f 
sulphuric  acid,  oxygen,  and  sodium,  unite  together  to  form  two  eqs.  of  dry  1- 
phate  of  soda,  which  remain  as  a fixed  residue.  It  is  hence  apparent  that  e 
residue  in  this  process  and  in  that  for  corrosive  sublimate  is  the  same. 

The  calomel  in  mass,  as  sublimed,  is  liable  to  contain  a little  corrosive  sui- 
mate;  and  hence  the  direction  of  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia  to  reduce  the  subliid 
matter  to  a very  fine  powder,  and  to  wash  it  with  boiling  distilled  water  uil 
ammonia  produces  no  precipitate  with  the  washings.  Ammonia  occasions  a wte 
precipitate  (ammoniated  mercury)  so  long  as  the  washings  contain  corrosive  sui- 
mate;  and  when  it  ceases  to  produce  this  effect,  the  operator  may  rest  satis d 
that  the  whole  of  the  poisonous  salt  has  been  removed.  The  London  Phan- 
copoeia  prescribes  a careful  washing,  but  omits  in  the  formula  any  directions  r 
testing  for  corrosive  sublimate. 

The  Edinburgh  formula  is  peculiar  in  ordering  a small  proportion  of  nitric  ad 
to  assist  the  sulphuric  acid  in  oxidizing  the  mercury,  as  is  done  also  in  the  |r- 
rosive  sublimate  process.  The  washings  are  tested  by  iodide  of  potassium,  wlh 
is  not  so  delicate  a test  as  ammonia.  The  Dublin  process  includes  no  directus 
for  making  the  bisulphate  of  the  deutoxide  of  mercury ; because  that  salt  u 
the  Dublin  Pharmacopoeia,  is  made  by  a separate  formula,  and  designated  ha 
distinct  name,  sulphate  of  mercury.  It  is,  therefore,  taken  ready  formed,  mi  d 
with  the  mercury  and  common  salt  in  the  usual  way,  and  the  mixture  is  so- 
mitted  to  a preliminary  sublimation  to  separate  metallic  mercury  and  corrore 
sublimate.  The  product  is  allowed  to  cool,  and  then  transferred  to  a small  o\a, 
connected  with  a chamber  of  considerable  size;  and,  heat  being  applied,  the i- 
porized  calomel  condenses  in  the  chamber,  and  falls  on  its  floor  in  the  powdy 
form.  By  thus  using  a large  cool  chamber,  the  calomel  does  not  require  toe 
pulverized,  but  is  got  at  once  in  the  form  of  powder.  The  Dublin  College  ores 
no  washing,  which  is  a defect ; for  although  the  preliminary  sublimation  sta- 
rates  corrosive  sublimate,  yet  some  accidental  circumstance  may  prevent  .e 
whole  of  it  from  being  removed  in  this  step  of  the  process,  in  which  case.e 
sublimed  powder  will  be  contaminated  with  the  poisonous  chloride. 

Preparation  on  the  Large  Scale.  The  process  for  making  calomel  by  mean! 
the  bisulphate  of  deutoxide  of  mercury,  was  originally  practised  at  Apothecary 
Hall,  London.  The  proportions  taken  and  the  mode  of  proceeding  in  that  ea- 
blishment  are,  according  to  Mr.  Brande,  as  follows : 50  lbs.  of  mercury  are  bo  d 
to  dryness  with  70  lbs.  of  sulphuric  acid,  in  a cast  iron  vessel;  and  62  lbs )f 
the  dry  salt  formed  are  triturated  with  401  lbs  of  mercury  till  the  globules  ss- 
appear,  and  the  whole  is  mixed  with  34  lbs.  of  common  salt.  The  mixturis 
sublimed  from  an  earthenware  retort  into  an  earthenware  receiver,  and  the  ;» 
duct  is  from  95  to  100  lbs.  of  calomel  in  mass.  This  is  then  ground  tom 
impalpable  powder,  and  washed  with  a large  quantity  of  distilled  water. 

The  object  of  bringing  calomel  into  a state  of  minute  division  is  more  jr- 
fectly  accomplished  by  the  method  of  Mr.  Joseph  Jewell,  of  London,  improfl 
by  M.  Ossian  Henry.  It  consists  in  causing  the  calomel  in  vapour  to  comm 
contact  with  steam  in  a large  receiver,  whereby  it  is  condensed  into  an  impalpJe 
powder,  and  perfectly  washed  from  corrosive  sublimate,  in  the  same  operate. 
Calomel  made  by  this  process,  sometimes  called  Jewell's  or  Howard’s  hydrosni- 
mate  of  mercury,  is  free  from  all  suspicion  of  containing  corrosive  sublimates 


pat  ii.  Hydrargyrum.  1033 

mu  finer  than  when  obtained  by  levigation  and  elutriation,  and  possesses  more 
actity  as  a medicine.  This  kind  of  calomel  is  included  in  the  French  Codex 
un  r a distinct  name  ( mercure  doux  d la  vapeur).  M.  Soubeiran,  of  Paris,  has 
percted  a process  for  obtaining  calomel  in  an  impalpable  powder,  by  substituting 
thugency  of  cold  air  for  that  of  steam  for  the  purpose  of  condensing  it;  a pro- 
ceswhich  he  believes  to  be  precisely  the  same  as  that  pursued  by  the  English 
marfacturers,  and  which  produces  a calomel  equal  to  the  best  English.  A 
desiption  of  his  apparatus  may  be  found  in  the  Journ.  de  Pharm.,  3e  ser.,  ii. 
50  For  an  account  of  the  English  apparatus,  as  described  by  F.  C.  Calvert, 
s ePourn.  de  Pharm.,  3e  ser.,  iii.  121.  Both  these  papers  are  copied  into  the 
Ar.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xv.  89  and  93. 

j Properties . Mild  chloride  of  mercury  is  a tasteless,  inodorous  substance,  in- 
sol)le  in  water,  alcohol,  and  ether,  less  volatile  than  corrosive  sublimate,  un- 
alt  able  in  the  air,  but  blackening  by  long  exposure  to  light.  When  in  mass 
itsirm  and  appearance  depend  on  the  shape  and  temperature  of  the  subliming 
ve»l.  In  this  state  it  is  generally  in  the  form  of  a white,  fibrous,  crystalline 
cal,  soft  and  brittle,  the  interior  surface  of  which  is  often  studded  with  shining 
trasparent  crystals,  having  the  shape  of  quadrangular  prisms,  and  a texture 
soi  what  horny  and  elastic.  When  the  mass  is  scratched  it  yields  a yellow 
strk,  which  is  very  characteristic.  Its  sp.gr.  is  7'2.  The  officinal  form  of 
thi chloride  is  that  of  powder,  in  which  state  it  is  always  kept  in  the  shops. 
Tb  powder  has  a light  buff  or  ivory  colour,  if  obtained  by  the  levigation  of 
sul  rned  masses;  but  if  condensed  at  once  in  the  form  of  an  impalpable  powder, 
as  the  case  with  Jewell’s  calomel,  it  is  perfectly  white.  To  protect  it  from 
tke.ction  of  the  light,  it  should  be  kept  in  a dark  place,  or  in  bottles  painted 
bin;  or  covered  with  black  paper.  By  the  action  of  the  alkalies  or  alkaline 
eai  s it  immediately  becomes  black,  in  consequence  of  the  formation  of  prot- 
oxi ;,  reducible  by  heat  to  the  metallic  state.  (See  Pdydrargyri  Oxiduin  Xi- 
gm.)  The  preparation,  formerly  in  use  and  still  occasionally  employed,  under 
thuame  of  lotio  niger  or  black  vjash,  as  a local  application  to  syphilitic  ulcers, 
&c  was  made  by  adding  a drachm  of  calomel  to  a pint  of  lime-water.  By 
doile  decomposition  between  the  calomel  and  lime,  the  black  protoxide  pre- 
cipites,  and  chloride  of  calcium  remains  in  solution.  The  oxide,  however,  is 
nouure,  but  associated  with  undecomposed  calomel,  which  is  used  in  excess. 
Be  re  being  applied,  the  wash  should  be  well  shaken. 

■sts  of  Purity  and  Incompatibles.  Calomel,  when  pure,  completely  sublimes 
on  ie  application  of  heat,  a property  which  detects  all  fixed  impurities,  such  as 
carinate,  sulphate,  and  phosphate  of  lime,  sulphate  of  baryta,  and  carbonate  of 
lea  It  also  strikes  a black  colour,  free  from  reddish  tinge,  by  the  action  of 
tlu.xed  alkalies.  The  buff  colour  indicates  the  absence  of  corrosive  sublimate; 
bu  whiteness  by  no  means  shows  the  presence  of  impurity.  Its  freedom  from 
tkc  sorrosive  chloride  may  be  determined  by  washing  a portion  of  it  in  warm 
(lisded  water,  and  then  testing  the  water  with  ammonia,  which  will  cause  a white 
pre  pitate  (ammoniated  mercury),  in  case  the  water  has  taken  up  any  of  the 
poi  nous  chloride.  Soluble  salts  of  mercury  may  be  detected  by  rubbing  the 
suncted  calomel  with  ether  on  a bright  surface  of  copper,  when  the  metal  will 
bet ne  amalgamated,  and  exhibit  a white  stain.  When  this  test  shows  im- 
pu  y,  the  soluble  salt  present  is  probably  corrosive  sublimate.  Calomel,  con- 
tai  ig  corrosive  sublimate,  acts  violently  on  the  bowels;  and,  when  the  impurity 
La!  been  present  in  considerable  amount,  has  been  known  to  cause  death.  Be- 
sid  being  incompatible  with  the  alkalies  and  alkaline  earths,  calomel  is  also 
decaposed  by  the  alkaline  carbonates,  soaps,  hydrosulphates,  and,  according  to 
soi  authorities,  by  iron,  lead,  and  copper.  It  should  not  be  given  at  the  same 
tin  with  nitromuriatic  acid,  for  fear  of  generating  corrosive  sublimate.  One  of 


1034 


Hydrargyrum. 


part  t. 


the  authors  has  been  informed  of  a ease,  in  which  death,  with  symptoms  of  )- 
lent  gastro-intestinal  irritation,  followed  their  simultaneous  use.  Agreeabl  o 
the  experiments  of  M.  Deschamps,  calomel  is  decomposed  by  bitter  almonds' d 
by  hydrocyanic  acid.  In  the  former  case  corrosive  sublimate,  bicyanuret  of  rr- 
cury,  and  muriate  of  ammonia  are  formed ; in  the  latter,  corrosive  sublimate  d 
bicyanuret  only.  Hence  this  writer  considers  it  very  dangerous  to  aasocte 
calomel  with  bitter  almonds  or  hydrocyanic  acid  in  prescription.  This  coni- 
sion  has  been  confirmed  by  M.  Mialhe,  and  M.  Prenleloup ; and  more  recei  j 
it  has  been  shown  by  Dr.  E.  Riegel,  that  cherry-laurel  water  has  the  powejf 
converting  calomel  into  corrosive  sublimate.  According  to  M.  Mialhe,  ealod 
is  in  part  converted  into  corrosive  sublimate  and  metallic  mercury  by  mur;e 
of  ammonia,  and  by  the  chlorides  of  sodium  and  potassium,  even  at  the  ti- 
perature  of  the  body ; and  hence  he  believes  that  the  conversion  may  take  p e 
in  the  primae  vise.  Popular  belief  coincides  with  M.  Mialhe’s  views  in  regar  o 
the  power  of  common  salt  of  increasing  the  activity  of  calomel.  More  reeeiy 
M.  Mialhe  has  extended  his  observations,  and  now  believes  that  all  the  prepi- 
tions  of  mercury  yield  a certain  amount  of  corrosive  sublimate  by  reacting  vh 
solutions  of  the  chlorides  of  potassium,  sodium,  and  ammonium.  The  deutorie 
and  similarly  constituted  compounds  are  most  prone  to  undergo  this  chau. 
Even  metallic  mercury,  digested  with  the  chlorides  named,  is  partly  converl, 
under  the  influence  of  air,  into  corrosive  sublimate.  Dr.  Gardner  denies  ie 
assertion  of  M.  Mialhe,  that  calomel  is  converted  into  corrosive  sublimately 
chlorides  of  the  alkalifiable  metals,  maintaining  that  it  is  merely  rendered  solile 
by  their  solutions.  I 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Calomel  unites  to  the  general  properties  of  ie 
mercurials  those  of  a purgative  and  anthelmintic.  It  is  the  most  valuablof 
the  mercurial  preparations,  and  in  extent  of  employment  is  inferior  to  few  artias 
of  the  Materia  Medica.  Whether  the  object  is  to  bring  the  system  under  ie 
general  influence  of  mercury,  or  to  produce  its  alterative  action  upon  the  hepic 
or  other  secretory  function,  calomel,  on  account  both  of  its  certainty  and  iri- 
ness,  is  preferred  to  all  other  preparations,  with  the  single  exception  of  the  he 
pill,  which,  though  less  certain,  is  still  milder,  and  is  sometimes  preferably  p- 
ployed.  When  used  with  the  above  objects,  the  tendency  to  purge  whielit 
sometimes  evinces,  even  in  very  small  doses,  must  be  restrained  by  combininit 
with  opium.  In  sialagogue  or  alterative  doses,  it  is  often  prescribed  with  oier 
medicines,  which,  while  they  give  it  a direction  to  certain  organs,  have  their  n 
peculiar  influence  increased  by  its  co-operation.  Thus  it  renders  squill  nre 
diuretic,  nitre  and  the  antimonials  more  diaphoretic,  and  seneka  more  expectort. 

As  a purgative,  calomel  owes  its  chief  value  to  its  tendency  to  the  liver,  ie 
secretory  function  of  which  it  powerfully  stimulates.  It  is  usually  slow  and  soe- 
what  uncertain  in  its  cathartic  effect,  and,  though  itself  but  slightly  irritatg, 
sometimes  occasions  severe  griping  pain  with  bilious  vomitiug,  attributable  toie 
acrid  character  of  the  bile  which  it  causes  the  liver  to  secrete.  It  is  peculiar 
useful  in  the  commencement  of  bilious  fevers,  in  hepatitis,  jaundice,  bilious  id 
painters’  colic,  dysentery,  especially  that  of  tropical  climates,  and  all  other  a c- 
tions  attended  with  congestion  of  the  portal  system,  or  torpidity  of  the  hepic 
vessels.  The  difficulty  with  which  it  is  thrown  from  the  stomach,  render  it 
highly  useful  in  some  cases  of  obstinate  vomiting,  when  other  remedies  arte- 
jected.  In  the  cases  of  children  it  is  peculiarly  valuable  from  the  facility  ots 
administration  ; and,  in  the  febrile  complaints  to  which  they  are  subject,  apprs 
to  exercise  a curative  influence,  depending  on  some  other  cause  than  its  ire 
purgative  effect,  aud  perhaps  referable  to  its  action  upon  the  liver.  In  the  trt- 
ment  of  worms  it  is  one  of  the  most  efficient  remedies,  acting  probably  not  Jv 
as  a purgative,  but  also  as  an  irritant  to  the  worms,  either  by  its  immediaten- 


PA1  II. 


Hydrargyrum. 


1035 


flue:e,  or  that  of  the  acrid  bile  which  it  causes  to  flow.  The  slowness  and 
uuctainty  of  its  action,  and  its  liability  to  salivate  if  too  long  retained  in  the 
bov  s,  render  it  proper  either  to  follow  or  combine  it  with  other  cathartics,  in 
ord<  to  ensure  its  purgative  effect.  When  given  alone,  it  should  be  followed, 
if  ilo  not  operate  in  six  or  seven  hours,  by  a dose  of  castor  oil  or  sulphate  of 
majesia.  The  cathartics  with  which  it  is  most  frequently  combined  are  jalap, 
rhujirb,  aloes,  scammony,  colocynth,  and  gamboge.  It  is  often  added  in  small 
qualities  to  purgative  combinations,  with  a view  to  its  influence  on  the  liver. 

Every  large  doses,  calomel  is  supposed  by  some  to  act  directly  as  a sedative, 
and  ith  this  view  has  been  given  in  yellow  and  malignant  bilious  fevers,  violent 
dys  tery,  malignant  cholera,  &c.  The  quantities  which  have  been  administered 
in  sih  affections,  with  asserted  impunity  and  even  advantage,  are  almost  incredi- 
ble. A common  dose  is  one  or  two  scruples,  repeated  every  half  hour,  or  hour, 
or  Is  frequently,  according  to  the  circumstances  of  the  case.  We  have  had  no 
expience  in  this  mode  of  administering  calomel. 

I is  sometimes  used  as  an  errhine  in  amaurosis,  mixed  with-dwice  its  weight 
of  .‘gar,  or  other  mild  powder;  and  in  the  same  combination  is  occasionally 
empyed  to  remove  specks  and  opacity  of  the  cornea.  For  the  latter  purpose, 
Duiytren  recommended  particularly  the  calomel  prepared  according  to  the 
plaibf  Mr.  Jewell.  Calomel  is  also  sometimes  employed  externally  in  herpetic 
andther  eruptions,  in  the  shape  of  an  ointment. 

fie  dose  as  an  alterative  in  functional  derangement  of  the  liver,  is  from  half 
a gin  to  a grain  every  night,  or  every  other  night,  followed  in  the  morning,  if 
tkejjowels  are  not  opened,  by  a gentle  saline  laxative.  When  the  stomach  or 
boms  are  very  irritable,  as  in  cholera  and  diarrhoea,  from  an  eighth  to  a quarter 
of  strain  may  be  given  every  hour  or  two,  so  as  to  amount  to  one  or  two  grains 
in  4 course  of  the  day.  With  a view  to  salivation,  the  dose  is  from  half  a 
gra  to  a grain  three  or  four  times  a day,  to  be  increased  considerably  in  urgent 
casi  Sometimes,  very  minute  doses,  as  the  twelfth  of  a grain  or  less,  given 
ver  frequently,  so  as  to  amount  to  the  ordinary  quantity  in  twenty-four  hours, 
wiloperate  more  effectually  as  a sialagogue  than  larger  doses.  When  large 
dos1  are  given  with  this  view,  it  is  often  necessary  to  combine  them  with 
opi  1.  As  a purgative,  from  five  to  fifteen  grains  or  more  may  be  given.  Calo- 
mel as  the  peculiarity  that  its  cathartic  action  is  not  increased  in  proportion  to 
thepse,  and  enormous  quantities  have  sometimes  been  given  with  impunity. 
In  allow  fever,  tropical  dysentery,  &c.,  from,  twenty  grains  to  a drachm  have 
bee  given,  and  repeated  at  short  intervals,  without  producing  hypercatharsis; 
but  his  practice  is  justifiable  only  in  cases  of  extreme  urgency,  in  which  the 
con  tutional  action  of  mercury  as  well  as  purgation  is  indicated.  Even  in  very 
smti  doses  of  not  more  than  one,  two,  or  three  grains,  calomel  purges  some  in- 
-divlials  briskly.  In  these  persons,  large  doses,  though  they  do  not  proportion- 
abh  ncrease  the  evacuation,  often  occasion  spasmodic  pain  in  the  stomach  and 


bov 

adu 


For  children  larger  doses  are  generally  required  in  proportion  than  for 
Not  less  than  from  three  to  six  grains  should  be  given  as  a purge  to  a 
cbil  two  or  three  years  old,  and  this  quantity  often  fails  to  act  on  the  bowels, 
uni;  assisted  by  castor  oil  or  some  other  cathartic.  Calomel  may  be  given  in  pill 
mat  with  gum  Arabic  and  syrup,  or  in  powder  mixed  with  syrup  or  molasses. 

<K  Prep.  Hydrargyri  Oxidum  Nigrum;  Pilulae  Calomelanos  Composite ; 
bil  e Calomelanos  et  Opii;  Piluhe  Catharticae  Composite  ; Pilulae  Hydrargyri 
Chi  idi  Mitia;  W. 

HYDRARGYRI  CYANURETUM.  U.S.  Cyanuret  of  Mercury. 
Buanuret  of  Mercury.  Prussiate  of  Mercury. 

Cake  of  Ferrocyanuret  of  Iron  [Prussian  blue]  four  ounces;  Red  Oxide  of 
Me  iry  three  ounces , or  a sufficient  quantity ; Distilled  Water  three  pints.  Put 


1036 


Hydrargyrum. 


PART  r. 


the  Ferrocyanuret  of  Iron  and  three  ounces  of  the  Oxide  of  Mercury,  previoiy 
powdered  and  thoroughly  mixed,  into  a glass  vessel ; and  pour  upon  them  o 
pints  of  the  Distilled  Water.  Then  boil  the  mixture,  stirring  constantly;  d 
if  at  the  end  of  half  an  hour  the  blue  colour  remain,  add  small  portions  of  e 
Oxide  of  Mercury,  continuing  the  ebullition  until  the  mixture  becomes  of  a 1- 
lowish  colour;  after  which,  filter  it  through  paper.  Wash  the  residue  in  e 
remainder  of  the  Distilled  Water,  and  filter  as  before.  Mix  the  solutions,  d 
evaporate  till  a pellicle  appears;  then  set  the  liquor  aside  that  crystals  )y 
form.  To  purify  the  crystals,  dissolve  them  in  distilled  water,  filter  and  evi- 
rate the  solution,  and  set  it  aside  to  crystallize.”  U.  S. 

The  object  of  the  above  process  is  to  present  cyanogen  and  mercury  to  eh 
other  under  favourable  circumstances  for  combination.  The  compound  fori  d 
consists  of  two  eqs.  of  cyanogen,  and  one  of  mercury.  It  is,  therefore,  prop  y 
speaking,  a bicyanuret.  As  Prussian  blue  is  a compound  of  cyanogen  and  n 
the  reaction  which  occurs  is  a case  of  double  decomposition,  resulting  in  ie 
formation  of  bicyanuret  of  mercury,  and  a mixture  of  the  protoxide  and  ses  i- 
oxide  of  iron.  The  reaction  may  be  thus  expressed;  2Fe;Cyg  and  9HgC= 
9HgCya  and  6FeO  and  4Fe303.  This  formula  would  be  exact,  if  nothing  remaid 
but  the  oxides  of  iron ; but  in  the  residuum  cyanogen  appears  to  be  present  n 
an  unknown  state  of  combination. 

Winckler  prepares  the  bicyanuret  of  mercury  by  the  following  process.  . x 
15  parts  of  ferrocyanuret  of  potassium  in  powder  with  13  parts  of  concentred 
sulphuric  acid,  and  100  parts  of  water.  Distil  the  mixture  to  dryness  in  a 
receiver  containing  30  parts  of  water.  The  ferrocyanuret  is  decomposed,  bil- 
phate  of  potassa  is  formed  in  the  retort,  and  hydrocyanic  acid  distils  over.  )f 
the  acid  thus  obtained  reserve  a portion,  and  mix  the  remainder  with  16  pts 
of  red  oxide  of  mercury  iu  fine  powder,  and  stir  the  mixture  till  the  odouof 
hydrocyanic  acid  has  entirely  disappeared.  Then  decant  the  liquor,  and  d, 
for  the  purpose  of  saturating  it,  the  portion  of  acid  that  had  been  reserved.  r.is 
process  yields  12  parts  of  bicyanuret.  If  the  liquor  were  not  treated 
free  hydrocyanic  acid  after  having  acted  on  the  red  oxide,  it  would  probay 
contain  some  of  this  oxide  in  excess,  and  when  evaporated  would  yield,  inskd 
of  the  bicyanuret,  a peculiar  salt,  composed  of  the  bicyanuret  and  the  red  oxe, 
which  crystallizes  in  small  acicular  crystals. 

Properties,  &c.  Cyanuret  of  mercury  is  permanent  in  the  air,  and  crystalbs 
iu  anhydrous  right  square  prisms,  which  are  sometimes  transparent,  but  usuy 
white  and  opaque.  It  has  a disagreeable  styptic  taste.  It  is  but  spariny 
soluble  in  alcohol,  but  dissolves  readily  in  cold  water,  and  much  more  abundaiy 
in  hot.  When  acted  on  by  muriatic  acid,  hydrocyanic  acid  is  evolved,  re>g- 
nisable  by  its  odour,  and  bichloride  of  mercury  is  left,  which  is  wholly  vopi- 
lizable  by  heat.  When  heated  it  yields  cyanogen,  and  a black  matter  is  ft 
containing  globules  of  mercury.  It  acts  on  the  animal  economy  as  a post 
poison,  in  medicinal  doses  it  excites  nausea,  vomiting,  and  not  unfrequely 
ptyalism,  but  does  not  produce  epigastric  pain  like  corrosive  sublimate.  It  is 
been  occasionally  used  as  a remedy  in  syphilis;  and  in  the  treatment  of  at 
disease  it  is  preferred  by  some  practitioners  to  corrosive  sublimate,  on  accent 
of  its  not  giving  rise  to  pain,  and  not  being  decomposed  by  alkalies  and  eerin 
organic  matters.  The  dose  is  from  a sixteenth  to  an  eighth  of  a grain,  ts 
composition  has  been  already  given.  I 

HYDRARGYRI  IODIDUM.  U.  S.,  Land.  Hydrargyri  Iodum 
Viride.  Dub.  Iodide  of  JSlercury.  Green  Iodide  of  Mercury.  Pu- 
odide  of  Mercury. 

“ Take  of  Mercury  an  ounce ; Iodine  five  drachms;  Alcohol  a su  fficient  qffl- 
tity.  Rub  the  Mercury  and  Iodine  together,  adding  sufficient  Alcohol  to  tin 


PAX  II. 


Hydrargyrum. 


1037 


a sc  paste,  and  continue  the  trituration  till  the  globules  disappear.  Then  dry 
the  pdide  in.  the  dark,  with  a gentle  heat,  and  keep  it  in  a well  stopped  bottle 
profited  from  the  light.”  TJ.  S. 

Is  London  and  Dublin  Colleges  make  this  iodide  by  the  foregoing  formula. 

Tis  process  for  forming  the  protiodide  of  mercury  is  a case  of  simple  com- 
bim'on,  the  alcohol  facilitating  the  union  by  dissolving  the  iodine.  It  may 
also-e  prepared  by  precipitation,  by  adding  a solution  of  iodide  of  potassium  to 
one  ? the  nitrate  of  protoxide  of  mercury;  but,  as  it  is  difficult  to  prepare  the 
nitre  of  the  protoxide,  without  being  mixed  with  some  nitrate  of  deutoxide, 
the  ji-otiodide,  when  thus  obtained,  is  apt  to  be  contaminated  with  biniodide. 
A bter  way  is  to  decompose  calomel  by  iodide  of  potassium,  in  which  case 
protidide  of  mercury  and  chloride  of  potassium  are  formed,  the  latter  of  which 
mayie  removed  by  washing.  The  formula  recommended  by  M.  Boutigny  is  to 
mixWenty-nine  drachms  of  calomel  with  twenty  of  pulverized  iodide  of  potas- 
siuDin  a glass  mortar,  and  to  pour  upon  the  mixture  twelve  ounces  of  boiling 
distied  water.  After  cooling,  the  liquid  is  decanted,  and  the  precipitate  washed 
on  alter  with  distilled  water,  and  dried  in  the  shade.  ( Anier . Jour,  of  Dharm., 
viii.126,  from  the  Bull.  Gen.  de  Therap.) 

Dperties.  Iodide  of  mercury  is  in  the  form  of  a yellowish-green  powder, 
inso'ble  in  water,  alcohol,  or  solution  of  chloride  of  sodium,  but  soluble  in 
ethe  Its  sp.  gr.  is  7 '75.  It  sometimes  contains  biniodide,  which  may  be  sepa- 
ratejby  washing  it  with  alcohol,  as  recommended  by  Mialhe.  When  exposed 
to  tl,  light  it  is  partially  decomposed,  and  becomes  of  a dark-olive  colour.  If 
quicy  and  cautiously  heated,  it  sublimes  in  red  crystals  which  afterwards 
beccje  yellow.  It  is  composed  of  one  eq.  of  mercury  202,  and  one  of  iodine 
126  =328'3.  Its  formula  is  Hgl. 

Mical  Properties  and  Uses.  Iodide  of  mercury  has  been  given  in  scrofula 
and  ..rofulous  syphilis.  The  dose  is  a grain  daily,  gradually  increased  to  three 
or  ft".  It  should  never  be  given  at  the  same  time  with  iodide  of  potassium, 
whic  converts  it  immediately  into  biniodide  and  metallic  mercury.  (Mialhe, 
Jour  de  Pliarm.,  2>e  sir.,  iv.  36.) 

0 Prep.  Unguentum  Ilydrargyri  Iodidi.  B. 

E DRARGYRI IODIDUM  RUBRUM.  U.S.,Hub.  Hydrargyri 
BinIdidum.  Ed.  Red  Iodide  of  Mercury.  Biniodide  of  Mercury. 

“ ike  of  Corrosive  Chloride  of  Mercury  an  ounce;  Iodide  of  Potassium  ten 
Aadins ; Distilled  Water  two  pints.  Dissolve  the  Chloride  of  Mercury  in  a 
pint  ad  a half,  and  the  Iodide  of  Potassium  in  half  a pint  of  the  Distilled 
W at | and  mix  the  solutions.  Collect  the  precipitate  upon  a filter,  and,  having 
wasbll  it  with  distilled  water,  dry  it  with  a moderate  heat,  and  keep  it  in  a well 
. stnpi  1 bottle.”  U.  S. 

Tl.  Dublin  formula  is  substantially  the  same  as  that  of  the  U.  S.  Pharma- 
copcej ; the  same  proportion  of  the  reacting  salts  being  taken,  and  a similar 
modlf  proceeding  prescribed. 

Ike  of  Mercury  two  ounces;  Iodine  two  ounces  and  a half;  Concentrated 
Soluin  of  Muriate  of  Soda  a gallon  [Imp.  meas.].  Triturate  the  Mercury  and 
Ioditj together,  adding  occasionally  a little  rectified  spirit  till  a uniform  red 
powoj  be  obtained.  Reduce  the  product  to  fine  powder,  and  dissolve  it  in  the 
solut|i  of  Muriate  of  Soda  with  the  aid  of  brisk  ebullition.  Filter,  if  neces- 
sary,  irough  calico,  keeping  the  funnel  hot.  Wash  and  dry  the  crystals  which 
formh  cooling.”  Ed. 

R be  U.  S.  and  Dub.  processes  for  forming  biniodide  or  red  iodide  of  mer- 
cury,:l  double  decomposition  takes  place  between  corrosive  sublimate  and  iodide 
°f  po.Jssium,  resulting  in  the  formation  of  chloride  of  potassium  which  remains 
!u  sc’tion,  and  biniodide  of  mercury  which  precipitates.  The  precipitate  is 
solut  in  the  reacting  salts,  and  hence  a loss  of  part  of  it  is  incurred  by  an 


103a 


PAR  II, 


Hydrargyrum. 

excess  of  either.  It  is  best,  however,  to  have  a slight  excess  of  the  iodi  of 
potassium,  which  is  furnished  by  the  proportion  taken  in  the  formulae;  as  en 
the  decomposition  of  the  whole  of  the  corrosive  sublimate  is  insured,  anc  ny 
contamination  of  the  biniodide  by  it  prevented.  The  process  of  the  EdinbU 
College  is  the  same  in  principle  as  that  for  obtaining  the  protiodide,  desc  led 
in  the  last  article;  namely,  the  simple  combination  of  the  ingredients  by  tu- 
ration  with  the  aid  of  alcohol,  a double  proportion  of  iodine,  of  course,  1 ng 
tahen;  but  after  the  red  powder  is  obtained,  it  is  treated  with  a boiling  sob  on 
of  common  salt,  which  dissolves  the  biniodide  to  the  exclusion  of  any  con  ni- 
nating  protiodide;  and  the  solution,  thus  obtained,  on  cooling,  deposits  the  ire 
biniodide  in  crystals. 

According  to  Dublane,  biniodide  of  mercury  may  be  made  economical,  by 
pouring  1000  parts  of  alcohol  of  38°  Cartier  (sp.  gr.  0'825)  on  100  of  mer  ry, 
contained  in  a matrass,  and  adding,  from  time  to  time,  10  parts  of  dry  iojae. 
until  120  parts  have  been  consumed.  By  agitation  each  portion  of  iodi  is 
successively  made  to  combine  with  the  mercury,  a result  which  is  known  to  we 
taken  place  by  the  alcohol  resuming  its  transparency.  To  complete  the  reaon, 
4 additional  parts  of  iodine  are  added,  which,  being  more  than  enough  to  on- 
vert  the  whole  of  the  mercury  into  biniodide,  permanently  colours  the  alciol. 
The  alcohol  is  now  poured  off,  and  the  deposited  biniodide  washed  with  a .tie 
concentrated  alcohol  and  dried.  The  alcohol  poured  off  is  reserved  for  f ire 
operations.  ( Journ . de  Pharm.,  March,  1849.) 

Properties.  Biniodide  of  mercury  is  a scarlet-red  powder,  of  the  sp.gr  >'3, 
insoluble  in  water,  but  soluble  in  alcohol,  and  in  solutions  of  iodide  of  potasun, 
chloride  of  sodium,  and  many  of  the  mercurial  salts.  As  obtained  by  the  . in- 
burgh  process,  it  is  in  splendid  crimson  acicular  crystals.  When  heated  it  ses 
readily  into  a yellow  liquid,  and  sublimes  in  yellow  rhombic  scales,  which  borne 
red  on  cooling.  Biniodide  of  mercury  is  a dimorphous  substance,  having  dif- 
ferent crystalline  form  in  its  red  and  yellow  states.  It  forms  definite  comptnds 
with  the  iodides  of  the  alkalifiable  metals.  The  compound  formed  with  iide 
of  potassium  has  been  used  as  a medicine.  (See  Iodoh yd  r orgy  rate  of  Potaslim, 
in  the  Appendix.)  Biniodide  of  mercury  consists  of  one  eq.  of  mercury02, 
and  two  of  iodine  252'6=4546.  Its  formula  is  HgTa.  It  combines  wit  the 
protiodide,  so  as  to  form  a yellow  sesquiodide,  represented  by  the  foiula 
Hgl  + HgL,  or  HgaI3. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Biniodide  of  mercury  is  a powerful  ir  ant 
poison.  It  has  been  used  in  similar  diseases  with  the  protiodide,  name,  in 
scrofula  and  syphilis,  but  is  much  more  active.  The  dose  is  a sixteenth  a 
grain,  gradually  increased  to  a fourth,  given  in  pill,  or  dissolved  in  alcohol  M. 
Cazenave  has  found  it  the  best  topical  application  he  has  used  in  lupus.  He 
applies  it  in  thin  layers,  every  six  or  eight  days,  to  small  portions  of  the  cer- 
ated  surface  at  a time,  in  the  form  of  a caustic  ointment,  made  of  equalarts 
of  the  iodide,  oil,  and  lard.  The  application  produces  violent  pain,  and  ;ve« 
rise  to  a sharp  inflammation  which  soon  terminates,  leaving  the  ulcer  an 
improved  condition,  with  a tendency  to  cicatrize  smoothly,  and  on  a levejfith 
the  surrounding  skin.  {Ann.  de  T/terap.,  A.  D.  1852,  p.  175.) 

Off.  Prep.  Liquor  Arsenici  et  Hydrargyri  Iodidi;  Unguentum  Hydrgvn 
Iodidi  Rubri.  r 

HYDRARGYRI  OXIDUM  NIGRUM.  U.  S.  Black  Oxide  of  hr- 
cury. 

“Take  of  Mild  Chloride  of  Mercury  [calomel],  Potassa,  each,/bi;r  or a; 
Water  a pint.  Dissolve  the  Potassa  in  the  Water,  and,  when  the  dregsmve 
subsided,  pour  off  the  clear  solution.  To  this  add  the  Mild  Chloride  ofbr- 
cury,  and  stir  them  constantly  together  till  the  Black  Oxide  is  formed.  L’ino 


PAT  II. 


1039 


Hydrargyrum. 


poi'ed  off  the  supernatant  liquor,  wash  the  Black  Oxide  with  distilled  water, 
an  dry  it  with  a gentle  heat.”  U.  S. 

'lis  preparation  has  been  abandoned  by  the  London  and  Dublin  Colleges  in 
theast  edition  of  their  Pharmacopoeias  (1851  and  1850).  The  object  of  the 
U.  process  is  to  obtain  the  protoxide  or  black  oxide  of  mercury,  which  was 
at>e  time  believed  to  be  the  active  constituent  of  those  preparations  in  which 
thepetal  is  minutely  divided  by  trituration.  The  calomel  is  completely  decom- 
posl  by  the  solution  of  potassa;  its  chlorine  uniting  with  potassium  to  form 
chllide  of  potassium,  which  remains  in  solution,  and  the  mercury  with  the 
oxjen  of  the  potassa  to  form  protoxide  of  mercury,  which  subsides.  More 
potjjsa  is  employed  than  by  calculation  would  seem  to  be  requisite;  but  it  has 
bee! ascertained  by  experiment  that  a considerable  excess  is  necessary  for  the 
conlete  decomposition  of  the  calomel.  The  use  of  the  officinal  solution  of 
potlsa  is  preferable,  on  the  score  of  economy,  to  that  of  a solution  extempo- 
ranlusly  prepared  from  the  caustic  alkali.  In  order  to  ensure  the  success  of 
theroeess,  the  calomel,  very  finely  levigated,  should  be  rubbed  quickly  with 
the lkaline  solution  in  a mortar;  and  the  resulting  oxide  should  be  dried  in 
thehrk  with  a very  gentle  heat,  as  it  is  decomposed  by  the  agency  both  of 
ligfand  of  an  elevated  temperature.  For  the  same  reason  it  should  be  pre- 
seri  in  an  opaque  bottle.  This  mode  of  preparing  the  black  oxide  of  mercury 
. waSatroduced  into  use  by  Mr.  Donovan. 

He  oxide  may  also  be  prepared  by  decomposing  a solution  of  the  nitrate  of 
pro  xide  of  mercury  by  the  solution  of  potassa.  This  nitrate  may  be  obtained  by 
trecng  twenty  parts  of  mercury  with  eighteen  parts  of  nitric  acid  of  25°  Baum6, 
add  g,  when  nitrous  vapours  cease  to  rise,  ten  parts  of  warm  distilled  water, 
boil  g for  a short  time,  decanting  the  clear  liquor,  and  setting  it  aside  to  crys- 
talll.  The  mother-waters  by  evaporation  will  furnish  a new  product  of  crystals 
of  irate  of  protoxide.  (Ratier,  Pharm.  Franc.)  The  former  London  Phar- 
maoceia  prepared  this  oxide  by  decomposing  calomel  with  lime-water ; but  it 
is  £ remely  difficult  to  effect  a complete  decomposition  in  this  way,  and  the 
prep-ation  was  consequently  almost  always  mixed  with  calomel.  The  process 
recffily  abandoned  by  the  Dublin  College  was  the  same  essentially  as  the  present 
one  ? the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia.  The  preparation,  officinal  in  a former  Dublin 
PbaQacopoeia  under  the  name  of  Pulvis  Hydraryyri  Cinereus,  made  by  adding 
carlhate  of  ammonia  to  a solution  of  mercury  in  heated  nitric  acid,  was  a mix- 
ture! subnitrate  of  mercury  and  ammonia  with  the  protoxide  of  mercury. 

Ifperlies,  &c.  As  first  prepared,  this  oxide  is  greenish-black  ; but  as  found 
in  t shops  it  is  almost  always  of  an  olive  colour,  owing,  it  is  supposed,  to  the 
chef  cal  changes  which  it  undergoes.  It  is  inodorous,  tasteless,  and  insoluble 
in  v erand  alkaline  solutions;  and  consists  of  one  eq.  of  mercury  202,  and 
one  f oxygen  8=210.  On  exposure  to  light  or  heat  it  is  decomposed,  one 
part  turning  the  metallic  state,  in  consequence  of  the  loss  of  its  oxygen,  which 
convjts  another  part  into  the  deutoxide.  The  preparation,  therefore,  becomes 
a na  ture  of  the  protoxide,  the  deutoxide,  and  metallic  m'ercury,  with  which 
calo  d is  sometimes  associated,  in  consequence  of  the  incomplete  decomposition 
of  tit  originally  employed  in  the  process.  By  a strong  heat  it  is  completely 
diss  nted,  and  metallic  globules  are  sublimed.  When  pure  it  is  soluble  in 
acet  and  nitric  acids,  and  entirely  insoluble  in  muriatic  acid,  which  forms  with 
it  w!;r  and  calomel.  If  it  contain  the  deutoxide,  this  will  be  dissolved  by  mu- 
riati  acid,  and  may  be  detected  in  the  solution  by  the  production  of  a white 
precjitate  with  water  of  ammonia,  and  a yellow  one  with  solution  of  potassa. 
Calc  si,  if  present,  may  be  discovered  by  boiling  the  powder  with  a solution  of 
potan,  thus  forming  chloride  of  potassium,  which,  when  the  solution  is  satu- 
rate<  with  nitric  acid,  will  afford  a white  precipitate  of  chloride  of  silver  on  the 
addi  >n  of  nitrate  of  silver.  {Phillips.) 


1040 


Hydrargyrum. 


part  t. 


Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  The  black  oxide  is  alterative,  sialagogue,  d 
purgative.  It  may  be  employed  for  the  same  purposes  with  calomel,  over  wh  1 
however,  it  has  not  in  our  hands  exhibited  any  superiority,  while,  from  the  02- 
sional  presence  of  the  deutoxide,  it  must  be  liable  to  operate  harshly.  Dr  ]. 
II.  Coates,  of  this  city,  informs  us  that  he  uses  it  habitually  as  a mercurial,  d 
finds  it  to  answer  an  excellent  purpose.  The  idea  under  which  it  was  introdnd 
into  use,  that  it  was  the  basis  of  the  blue  pill,  is  probably  erroneous,  hi  le 
into  an  ointment  with  lard  according  to  the  process  of  Donovan,  it  maue 
applied  externally  with  good  effect  in  bringing  the  system  under  the  merer il 
influence.  (See  Unguentum  Hydrargyri.')  Its  dose  as  an  alterative  is  one-foi  h 
or  half  of  a grain  daily,  as  a sialagogue  from  one  to  three  grains  two  or  ti^ 
times  a day,  given  in  the  form  of  pill.  It  was  employed  by  Mr.  Abemethjir 
mercurial  fumigation;  the  patient  being  placed,  covered  with  under  garmes, 
in  a vapour-bath,  and  exposed  for  fifteen  or  twenty  minutes  to  the  vapours  ari:. g 
from  two  drachms  of  the  oxide,  put  upon  heated  iron  within  the  bath. 

HYDRARGYRI  OXIDUM  RUBRUM.  U.  S.,  Ed.  Hydrarg-.i 
Nitrico-oxidum.  Lond.  Hydrargyri  Oxydum  Rubrum.  Dub.  j d 
Oxide  of  Mercury.  Red  Precipitate. 

“ Take  of  Mercury  thirty-six  ounces;  Nitric  Acid  eighteen  fluidounces ; Wer 
two  pints;  Dissolve  the  Mercury,  with  a gentle  heat,  in  the  Acid  and  War 
previously  mixed  together,  and  evaporate  to  dryness.  Rub  the  dry  mass  to 
powder,  and  heat  it  in  a very  shallow  vessel  till  red  vapours  cease  to  rise.”  I?. 

“Take  of  Mercury  three  pounds ; Nitric  Acid  eighteen  fluidounces;  Dish'd 
Water  two  pints  [Imperial  measure].  Mix,  and  apply  a gentle  heat  till  re 
mercury  is  dissolved.  Boil  down  the  solution,  and  rub  the  residue  into  powr. 
Put  this  into  a very  shallow  vessel ; then  apply  a gentle  fire,  and  graduly 
increase  it,  till  red  vapour  ceases  to  rise.”  Lond. 

“Take  of  Mercury  eight  ounces;  Diluted  Nitric  Acid  (D.  l'280)_/he  fid- 
ounces  [Imperial  measure].  Dissolve  half  of  the  Mercury  in  the  Acid  withie 
aid  of  a moderate  heat ; and  continue  the  heat  till  a dry  salt  is  formed.  Tiu- 
rate  the  rest  of  the  Mercury  with  the  salt  till  a fine  uniform  powder  be  obtaid; 
heat  the  powder  in  a porcelain  vessel  and  constantly  stir  it,  till  acid  fumes  cse 
to  be  discharged.”  Ed. 

“Take  of  Pure  Mercury  eight  ounces  [avoirdupois];  Pure  Nitric  Acid  fa 
fluidounces ; Distilled  Water  six  \jhrid~\ovnces.  In  the  Acid,  diluted  witlne 
Water,  digest  the  Mercury,  using  at  first  a very  gentle  heat,  but,  when  the  aeon 
has  ceased,  finally  boiling  for  a few  minutes ; and,  having  decanted  the  solutn, 
evaporate  to  dryness.  Let  the  residuum,  first  reduced  to  powder,  be  transfesd 
to  a shallow  cast-iron  pot  with  a flat  bottom,  and  loosely  covered  by  a firele 
lid;  and  in  this  let  it  be  exposed  to  the  heat  of  a slow  fire  until  red  vaprs 
cease  to  be  given  off.  The  heat  must  now  be  withdrawn,  and,  when  the  pot  as 
cooled,  its  contents  should  be  transferred  to  bottles.”  Dub. 

In  these  processes  the  mercury  is  first  oxidized  at  the  expense  of  a portioof 
the  nitric  acid,  the  remainder  of  which  unites  with  the  oxidized  metal  to  1m 
either  the  nitrate  of  the  deutoxide  of  mercury,  or  a mixture  of  this  withae 
nitrate  of  the  protoxide.  The  resulting  mass  when  exposed  to  a strong  he  is 
decomposed,  giving  out  red  nitrous  fumes,  and  assuming  successively  a yel  ir. 
orange,  and  brilliant  purple-red  colour,  which  becomes  orange-red  on  coolg- 
These  changes  are  owing  to  the  gradual  separation  and  decomposition  ofae 
nitric  acid,  by  the  oxygen  of  which  the  protoxide  of  mercury,  if  any  be  presit, 
is  converted  into  deutoxide,  while  nitric  oxide  gas  escapes,  and  takes  the  tm 
of  nitrous  acid  vapour  on  contact  with  the  air.  The  deutoxide  of  mercuiis 
left  behind;  but  in  general  not  entirely  free  from  the  nitrate,  which  canned 
wholly  decomposed  by  heat,  without  endangering  the  decomposition  of  the  ok 


PiT  II.  Hydrargyrum.  1041 

itsf,  and  the  volatilization  of  the  metal.  The  preparation  is,  in  common  lan- 
gu;e,  called  red  precipitate.  The  name  of  red  oxide  of  mercury , by  which  it 
is  )w  designated  in  most  of  the  Pharmacopoeias,  is  appropriate ; as  the  nitrate 
of  lercurv  exists  in  it  merely  as  an  incidental  impurity;  and  there  is  no  occa- 
sic  to  distinguish  the  preparation  from  the  pure  deutoxide  obtained  by  calcining 
moury,  the  latter  not  being  recognised  as  officinal,  and  perhaps  never  employed. 

i the  preparation  of  this  mercurial,  various  circumstances  influence  in  some 
memre  the  nature  of  the  product,  and  must  be  attended  to,  if  we  desire  to  pro- 
cu:  the  oxide  with  that  fine  bright  orange-red  colour,  and  shining  scaly  appear- 
an«,  which  are  usually  considered  desirable.  Among  these  circumstances  is 
thcondition  of  the  nitrate  of  mercury  submitted  to  calcination.  According  to 
G-aLussac,  it  should  be  employed  in  the  form  of  small  crystalline  grains.  If 
pniously  pulverized,  as  directed  in  the  officinal  processes,  it  will  yield  an 
orege-yellow  powder;  if  it  be  in  the  state  of  large  and  dense  crystals,  the  oxide 
wi  have  a deep-orange  colour.  Care  must  also  be  taken  that  the  mercury  and 
acibe  free  from  impurities.  It  is  highly  important  that  sufficient  nitric  acid 
be  nployed  fully  to  saturate  the  mercury.  M.  Paysse,  who  paid  great  atten- 
tio to  the  manufacture  of  red  precipitate,  recommended  70  parts  of  nitric  acid 
fro  34°  to  38°  Baume,  to  50  parts  of  mercury.  This,  however,  is  an  excess 
of  id.  We  have  been  told  by  a skilful  practical  chemist  of  Philadelphia  that 
hens  found,  by  repeated  experiment,  7 parts  of  nitric  acid  of  35°  Baume,  to 
be  afficient  fully  to  saturate  6 parts  of  mercury.  Less  will  not  answer,  and 
me  would  be  useless.  It  is  not  necessary  that  the  salt  should  be  removed 
fro  the  vessel  in  which  it  is  formed;  and  it  is  even  asserted  that  the  product 
is  ;vays  more  beautiful  wdien  the  calcination  is  performed  in  the  same  vessel. 
A itrass  may  be  used  writh  a large  fiat  bottom,  so  that  an  extended  surface 
ma  be  exposed,  and  all  parts  heated  equally.  The  metal  and  acid  having  been 
induced,  the  matrass  should  be  placed  in  a sand-bath,  and  covered  with  sand 
up  ' the  neck.  The  solution  of  the  mercury  should  be  favoured  by  a gentle 
bea  which  should  afterwards  be  gradually  increased  till  red  vapours  make  their 
apprance,  then  maintained  as  equably  as  possible  till  these  vapours  cease,  and 
at . t slightly  elevated  till  oxygen  gas  begins  to  escape.  This  may  be  known 
by  e increased  brilliancy  with  which  a taper  wdll  burn  if  placed  in  the  mouth 
of  1:  matrass,  or  by  its  rekindling  if  partially  extinguished.  Too  high  a tem- 
per are  must  be  carefully  avoided,  as  it  decomposes  the  oxide,  and  volatilizes 
the  lercury.  At  the  close  of  the  operation,  the  mouth  of  the  vessel  should  be 
sto]  ed,  and  the  heat  gradually  diminished,  the  matrass  being  still  allowed  to 
ren  n in  the  sand-bath.  These  last  precautions  are  said  to  be  essential  to  the 
fineed  colour  of  the  preparation.  It  is  best  to  operate  upon  a large  quantity 
of  iterials,  as  the  heat  may  be  thus  more  steadily  and  uniformly  maintained. 
Th« direction  of  the  Edinburgh  College  to  rub  a portion  of  mercury  with  the 
nitr  e before  decomposing  it,  renders  the  process  more  economical ; as  the 
niti  acid  which  would  otherwise  be  dissipated  is  thus  employed  in  oxidizing 
an  ; ditional  quantity  of  the  metal. 

I the  process  is  ordinarily  conducted  in  chemical  laboratories,  the  nitrate  of 
met  ry  is  decomposed  in  shallow  earthen  vessels,  several  of  which  are  placed 
upcia  bed  of  sand  in  the  chamber  of  an  oven  or  furnace,  provided  with  a flue 
for  ie  escape  of  the  vapours.  Each  vessel  may  conveniently  contain  ten 
pop  s of  the  nitrate.  There  is  always  loss  in  the  operation  thus  conducted. 

I]  he  former  Dublin  Pharmacopoeia,  under  the  name  of  Hydrargyri  Oxydum 
dui  im,  a preparation  was  officinal,  called  by  the  elder  chemists  hydrargyrum 
prse  oitatum  per  se,  or  precipitate  per  se,  and  sometimes  calcined  mercury , made 
by  ( posing  the  metal  to  a heat  near  its  boiling  point,  or  about  600°  F.,  in  a 
mat  5S  with  a broad  bottom  and  narrow  mouth.  The  vapours  rising  were  con- 
66 


1042 


Hydrargyrum. 


PART 


densed  in  the  upper  part  of  the  vessel ; and  a circulation  was  thus  kept  up  wit  a 
it,  during  which  the  mercury  slowly  combined  with  oxygen,  being  converd 
first  into  a black  and  then  into  a red  powder.  But  the  process  was  very  si 
requiring  several  weeks  for  the  complete  oxidation  of  the  metal;  and,  as  e 
product,  which  was  the  pure  deutoxide,  had  no  peculiar  virtues  to  reeommi 
it  over  the  oxide  procured  in  the  ordinary  mode,  it  has  been  very  props  y 
discarded  by  the  Dublin  College.  The  oxide  made  in  this  way  is  in  mimf, 
sparkling,  crystalline  scales,  of  a deep-red  colour,  becoming  still  deeper  by  h ;. 

The  same  oxide  of  mercury,  prepared  by  precipitation,  was  recognised  in  e 
former  London  Pharmacopoeia  by  the  name  of  Hydrargyri  Binoxidum or  lii 
ide  of  mercury.  It  was  made  by  adding  solution  of  potassa  to  a solution >f 
bichloride  of  mercury,  and  differed  from  the  preceding  only  in  containing  sc  e 
water.  It  was  an  orange-red  impalpable  powder,  having  the  same  proper  s 
essentially  as  the  present  officinal  red  oxide. 

Properties , &c.  Red  precipitate,  when  well  prepared,  has  a brilliant  red  coir, 
with  a shade  of  orange,  a shining  scaly  appearance,  and  an  acrid  taste.  1. 3 
very  slightly  soluble  in  water,  of  which  Dr.  Barker  found  1000  parts  to  takep 
only  0'62  of  the  oxide.  Dr.  Christison  found  1 part  of  the  oxide  to  be  3- 
solved  by  about  7000  parts  of  boiling  water,  and  the  solution  to  give  a blk 
precipitate  with  sulphuretted  hydrogen.  Nitric  and  muriatic  acids  dissolvit 
without  effervescence.  It  yields  oxygen  when  heated,  and  at  a red  heat  is  3- 
composed  and  entirely  dissipated.  It  is  essentially  the  deutoxide  (peroxide  :! 
mercury,  consisting  of  one  equivalent  of  the  metal  202,  and  two  of  oxvn 
16=218;  but,  in  its  ordinary  state,  it  always  contains  a minute  proportion! 
nitric  acid,  probably  iu  the  state  of  subnitrate.  According  to  Brande,  wn 
rubbed  and  washed  with  a solution  of  potassa,  edulcorated  with  distilled  war, 
and  carefully  dried,  it  may  be  regarded  as  nearly  pure  deutoxide.  It  is  saico 
be  sometimes  adulterated  with  brickdust,  red  lead,  &c. ; but  these  may  be  rea.y 
detected,  as  the  oxide  of  mercury  is  wholly  dissipated  if  thrown  upon  redot 
iron.  The  disengagement  of  red  vapours,  when  it  is  heated,  indicates  the  3- 
sence  of  nitrate  of  mercury.  The  same  or  some  other  saline  impurity  woulwe 
indicated,  should  water,  in  which  the  oxide  has  been  boiled,  afford  a precipite 
with  lime-water. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  This  preparation  is  too  harsh  and  irregula.n 
its  operation  for  internal  use ; but  is  much  employed  externally  as  a stimuat 
and  escharotic,  either  in  the  state  of  powder  or  of  ointment.  In  the  former  ste 
it  is  sprinkled  on  the  surface  of  chancres,  and  indolent,  flabby,  or  funcis 
ulcers;  and,  mixed  with  8 or  10  parts  of  finely  powdered  sugar,  is  someties 
blown  into  the  eye  to  remove  opacity  of  the  cornea.  The  powder  shoukbe 
finely  levigated.  The  ointment  is  officinal. 

Off.  Prep.  Hydrargyri  Cyanuretum;  Unguentum  Hydrargyri  Oxidi  Kub. 

T\ 

HYDRARGYRI  PERNITRATIS  LIQUOR.  Hub.  Solution 
Pernitrate  of  Mercury.  Acid  Nitrate  of  Mercury.  Acid  Binitratoj 
Deutoxide  of  Mercury. 

“ Take  of  Pure  Mercury  two  ounces  [avoirdupois] ; Pure  Nitric  Acid  one  fl- 
ounce and  a half  [Imp.  meas.]  ; Distilled  Water  one  ounce  and  a half  [avoii ]■ 
In  the  Acid,  first  diluted  with  the  Water,  dissolve  the  Mercury,  with  the  ajli- 
cation  of  heat,  and  evaporate  the  solution  to  the  bulk  of  two  ounces  and  a df 
[Imp.  meas.].”  Dub. 

In  the  process  for  making  this  new  officinal  of  the  Dublin  Pharmacopoe’Ot 
1850,  mercury  is  dissolved,  with  the  assistance  of  heat,  in  an  excess  of  n ic 
acid,  and  there  is  formed  an  acid  binitrate  of  deutoxide  of  mercury,  wliic  is 
brought  to  a determinate  bulk  by  evaporation.  Thus,  the  proportion  of  n'io 


p^t  ii.  Hydrargyrum.  1043 

aci  employed  is  sufficient  not  only  to  deutoxidize  the  mercury  and  generate  a 
bit  t,  but  to  furnish  an  excess  of  acid.  The  binitrate  of  the  deutoxide  of  mer- 
cu:  must  he  viewed  as  the  neutral  salt  of  that  oxide ; and  if  this  salt  were  ex- 
clrvely  formed,  it  may  be  presumed  that  three  eqs.  of  mercury  would  require 
eigifc  of  nitric  acid ; two  eqs.  of  the  acid  being  broken  up  into  nitric  oxide  and 
ox;en  in  oxidizing  the  mercury,  and  the  remaining  six  uniting  with  the  three 
eqsof  deutoxide  formed,  producing  three  eqs.  of  binitrate.  In  the  formula, 
hover , more  than  ten  eqs.  of  nitric  acid  are  taken  to  three  of  mercury;  and, 
conquently,  sufficient  acid  is  furnished  to  form  an  acid  salt.  This  solution 
for  s a dense  and  very  caustic  liquid,  containing  from  twelve  to  fifteen  per 
cer  of  acid  in  excess. 

hdical  Properties.  This  preparation  is  frequently  used  in  Europe,  and  has 
bee  employed  to  some  extent  in  this  country,  as  a caustic  application  to  ma- 
Iigiint  ulcerations  and  cancerous  affections.  It  has  been  used  by  Biett  in  lupus, 
byj'ennet  and  others  in  ulceration  of  the  neck  of  the  uterus,  and  by  Recamier 
in  mcer.  It  is  applied  by  means  of  a camel’s  hair  brush  to  the  diseased  sur- 
face which  is  then  covered  with  lint,  moistened  with  the  solution.  The  parts 
touled  immediately  become  white,  the  surrounding  parts  inflame,  and  in  a few 
daya  yellow  scab  is  formed,  which  gradually  falls  off.  Sometimes  the  applica- 
tiouroduces  salivation.  When  it  is  desirable  to  avoid  this  result,  the  cauter- 
izeoart  should  be  washed  with  water  immediately  after  the  application  of  the 
cauic.  B. 

TDRARGYRI  SULPHAS.  Dub.  Sulphate  of  Mercury. 

Makeof  Quicksilver  of  Commerce  ten  ounces  [avoirdupois];  Oil  of  Vitriol  of 
Cofaerce  six  fiuidounces  [Imp.  meas.].  Place  the  Quicksilver  and  Oil  of  Vi- 
trio  n a porcelain  capsule,  and  apply  heat  until  effervescence  ceases,  and  nothing 
ren  ns  but  a white  and  dry  crystalline  salt.”  Dub. 

Jrcury  is  not  acted  on  by  cold  sulphuric  acid;  but,  when  boiled  with  an  ex- 
cess f this  acid  to  dryness,  it  is  deutoxidized  at  the  expense  of  part  of  the  acid, 
suljhrous  acid  being  copiously  evolved;  and  the  deutoxide  formed  unites  with 
the  ^decomposed  portion  of  the  sulphuric  acid,  so  as  to  form  the  bisulphate  of 
tbe  mtoxide  of  mercury,  which  is  the  sulphate  of  the  Dublin  College. 

Sphate  of  mercury,  as  obtained  by  a separate  formula,  is  peculiar  to  the 
DuIiq  Pharmacopoeia;  but  it  is  formed  as  tbe  first  step  of  the  processes  of  the 
othe  Pharmacopoeias  for  preparing  corrosive  sublimate,  calomel,  and  turpeth 
minhl.  The  adoption  of  a separate  formula  and  distinct  officinal  name  for  this 
salt  i certainly  a convenience;  as  it  obviates  the  necessity  of  repeating  the  di- 
rectiis  for  obtaining  the  same  substance  in  several  distinct  formulae.  On 
accoit  of  its  important  uses,  it  requires  to  be  made  on  a large  scale  by  the 
man  aeturing  chemist;  and  the  process  is  generally  performed  in  a cast-iron 
vess  which  should  be  conveniently  arranged  for  the  escape  and  decomposition 
of  tl  sulphurous  acid  fumes,  whieh  otherwise  become  a serious  nuisance  to  the 
neigjiourhood.  The  best  way  to  effect  this  purpose  is  to  allow  them  to  pass  off 
thro  h a very  lofty  chimney,  mixed  with  abundance  of  coal  smoke. 

Pperties,  <Ssc.  Sulphate  of  mercury  is  in  the  form  of  a white  saline  mass. 
It  cr Lists  of  two  eqs.  of  acid  80  and  one  of  deutoxide  of  mercury  218=298. 
It  h;  no  medical  uses. 

0 Prep.  Calomelas;  Sublimatum  Corrosivum.  B. 

E DRARGYRI  SULPHAS  FLAVUS.  U.S.  Yellow  Sulphate 
°f  Prcury.  Turpeth  Mineral. 

“ ke  of  Mercury  four  ounces  ; Sulphuric  Acid  six  ounces.  Mix  them  in  a 
glassj  essel,  and  boil  by  means  of  a sand-bath  till  a dry  white  mass  remains. 
Sub  is  into  powder,  and  throw  it  into  boiling  water.  Pour  off  the  supernatant 


1044  Hydrargyrum.  pap.ti;. 

liquor,  and  wash  the  yellow  precipitated  powder  repeatedly  with  hot  water  - t n 
dry  it.”  U.S. 

By  referring  to  the  articles  on  corrosive  sublimate  and  calomel,  it  will  be  fo  d 
that  the  peculiar  salt  which  is  generated  by  boiling  sulphuric  acid  with  mercy 
to  dryness,  is  directed  to  be  made  as  the  first  step  for  obtaining  these  chloriY 
and  here  it  is  perceived  that  in  preparing  turpeth  mineral,  the  same  salt  is  a;  u 
directed  to  be  formed.  We  have  already  stated  that  this  salt  is  the  bisulpi  ;e 
of  the  deutoxide  of  mercury.  When  thrown  into  boiling  or  even  warm  w;r 
it  is  instantly  decomposed,  and  an  insoluble  salt  is  precipitated,  which  is  ,e 
turpeth  mineral.  According  to  Berzelius,  turpeth  mineral  is  a basic  sesquil- 
pihate  of  the  deutoxide  of  mercury,  and  the  supernatant  solution  contair  a 
supersulphate,  consisting  of  six  eqs.  of  acid  and  one  of  base.  The  same  codo- 
sition  for  turpeth  mineral  is  given  by  Gay-Lussac;  and  its  accuracy  has  beeie- 
cently  verified  by  an  analysis  of  Sir  Robert  Kane,  of  Dublin.  (See  Pharm.Jo  n. 
and  Trans,  for  August,  1842.)  The  composition  above  given  of  turpeth  minal 
implies  the  decomposition  of  four  eqs.  of  the  bisulphate  of  the  deutoxide,  id 
the  manner  in  which  the  reaction  takes  place  is  shown  by  the  following  equat  i; 
4(Hg02,2S03)=turpeth  mineral,  3Hg02,2S03,  and  supersulphate  of  merc  y, 
Hg02,6S03. 

Properties , &c.  Yellow  sulphate  of  mercury  is  in  the  form  of  a powder  a 
lemon-yellow  colour,  and  possessing  a somewhat  acrid  taste.  It  dissolve  in 
2000  parts  of  cold  water,  and  in  about  600  of  boiling  water.  When  expose'to 
a moderate  heat,  it  becomes  first  red  and  afterwards  brownish-red,  but  regain;  ts 
original  colour  on  cooling.  {Barker.')  At  a red  heat  it  is  decomposed  and  s- 
sipated,  sulphuric  acid  being  evolved,  and  metallic  globules  sublimed.  It  as 
originally  called  turpeth  mineral,  from  the  resemblance  of  its  colour  to  the  of 
the  root  of  Ipomeea  Turpethum. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Turpeth  mineral  is  alterative,  and  powerfly 
emetic  and  errhine.  As  an  alterative,  it  has  been  given  in  leprous  disorders  id 
glandular  obstructions.  It  has  been  employed  with  benefit  as  an  emetic,  repeied 
every  few  days,  in  chronic  enlargement  of  the  testicle.  It  operates  with  gat 
promptness,  and  sometimes  excites  ptyalism.  Dr.  Hubbard,  of  Maine,  consirs 
it  a valuable  medicine,  in  cases  in  which  the  equalizing  and  revulsive  effecof 
emesis  is  alone  desired,  apart  from  any  cathartic  operation,  which  he  has  ner 
known  it  to  produce.  He  recommends  it  highly  as  an  emetic  in  croup,  onhe 
ground  of  its  promptness  and  certainty,  and  of  its  not  producing  catharsiior 
the  prostration  caused  by  antimony.  The  dose  for  a child  two  years  old  is vo 
or  three  grains,  repeated  in  fifteen  minutes,  if  it  should  not  operate.  Ana 
errhine,  it  has  been  used  with  advantage  in  chronic  ophthalmia,  and  in  disees 
of  the  head;  and  it  sometimes  produces  salivation  when  thus  employed,  he 
dose  as  an  alterative  is  from  a quarter  to  half  a grain;  as  an  emetic  from  tv  to 
five  grains.  When  employed  as  an  errhine,  one  grain  may  be  mixed  with  ve 
of  starch  or  powdered  liquorice  root. 

Turpeth  mineral,  in  an  over-dose,  acts  as  a poison.  A case  of  death  in  aoy 
aged  sixteen,  caused  by  swallowing  a drachm,  is  reported  by  Dr.  Letheby  irhe 
London  Medical  Gazette , for  March,  1847.  1 

HYDRARGYRI  SULPHURETUM  NIGRUM.  US.  Bdt 

Sulplmret  of  Mercury.  JEthiops  Mineral. 

“ Take  of  Mercury,  Sulphur,  each,  a pound.  Rub  them  together  till  allhe 
globules  disappear.”  U.  S. 

Mercury  and  sulphur  have  a strong  affinity  for  each  other;  as  is  shown  byhe 

fact,  that,  when  they  are  triturated  together  in  quantities, 'the  mixture  grows1!. 

cakes,  and  exhales  a sulphureous  odour.  During  the  trituration,  the  rnixf3 


Pi  T II. 


1045 


Hydrargyrum. 

sh ild  be  sprinkled  from  time  to  time  with  a little  water  or  alcohol,  to  prevent 
th  lust  from  rising,  which  exposes  the  operator  to  serious  inconvenience.  When 
ruled  together  in  equal  weights,  as  directed  in  the  formula,  they  are  supposed 
to  nite  chemically;  hut  the  proportion  of  sulphur  is  much  greater  than  is  ne- 
ceury  to  form  a definite  compound.  Only  two  sulphurets  of  mercury  have 
be;  admitted  by  the  generality  of  chemists,  the  protosulphuret,  and  the  bisul- 
ph'et  or  cinnabar;  but  the  quantity  of  sulphur  directed  in  the  process  is  much 
mu  than  sufficient  to  form  even  the  latter.  Thus,  it  still  remains  an  unsettled 
po  t,  what  is  the  exact  nature  of  the  officinal  black  sulphuret,  or  ethiops  mineral. 
M Brande,  from  his  experiments,  considers  it  to  be  the  bisulphuret  mixed  with 
su  hur.  Thus  he  found  that,  when  boiled  repeatedly  in  a solution  of  potassa, 
sujaur  was  dissolved,  and  a black  insoluble  powder  was  left,  which  sublimed  with- 
oulecomposition,  and  yielded  a substance  having  all  the  characters  of  cinnabar. 

tkiops  mineral  is  sometimes  obtained  by  melting  sulphur  in  a crucible,  and 
adng  to  it  an  equal  weight  of  mercury ; but,  when  thus  prepared,  the  sulphur 
is  it  to  become  acidified,  and  the  preparation  to  acquire  an  activity  which  does 
nooelong  to  it  when  obtained  by  trituration.  According  to  C.  Yogler,  a better 
meiod  than  that  by  trituration  for  obtaining  ethiops  mineral,  is  to  agitate  for 
tw hours  four  ounces  of  mercury  with  an  ounce  of  finely  powdered  flowers  of 
sulpur  in  a strong  stoppered  bottle,  capable  of  holding  from  twelve  to  sixteen 
ou  es,  and  then  to  add  another  .ounce  of  sulphur  at  intervals,  continuing  the 
agi.tion  until  no  mercury  can  be  distinguished  with  the  naked  eye.  Finally, 
tw  ounces  more  of  sulphur  are  added,  and  the  mixture  shaken,  until  the  metal 
cafot  be  detected  with  a lens.  The  advantages  of  this  method  over  that  by 
tri  ration  are  that  it  consumes  less  time,  is  more  easy  of  execution,  and  less 
inj  ious  to  health.  ( Journ . de  Pliarm.  for  September  1848.) 

'■operties,  &c.  Black  sulphuret  of  mercury  is  a heavy,  tasteless,  insoluble, 
bla:  powder.  When  exposed  to  heat,  it  becomes  of  a dark- violet  colour,  emits 
thtxcess  of  sulphur  in  sulphurous  acid  fumes,  and  sublimes  in  brilliant  red 
nedes  without  residue.  If  charcoal  be  present,  it  will  remain  behind.  When 
we  prepared,  no  globules  of  mercury  are  discernible  in  it  when  viewed  with  a 
maiifier;  and,  if  rubbed  on  a gold  ring,  it  should  not  communicate  a white 
sta . Ivory  black  is  detected  in  it  by  throwing  a small  portion  on  a red-hot 
iro  when  a white  matter  (phosphate  of  lime)  will  be  left  behind.  Adultera- 
tioi.by  sulphuret  of  antimony  is  shown,  if  muriatic  acid,  boiled  on  a portion  of 
thtiowder,  acquires  the  property  of  causing  a precipitate  of  oxychloride  of  an- 
timy  when  added  to  water.  According  to  the  views  of  Mr.  Brande,  ethiops 
mitral  consists  of  one  eq.  of  bisulphuret  of  mercury,  mixed  with  about  ten  and 
a 1]  f eqs.  of  sulphur  in  excess. 

I’dical  Properties.  Ethiops  mineral  is  supposed  to  be  alterative,  and  as  such 
is  snetimes  prescribed  in  glandular  affections  and  cutaneous  diseases.  It  has 
betgiven  in  scrofulous  swellings,  occurring  in  children;  and  from  the  mildness 
of  i operation  is  considered  well  suited  to  such  cases.  The  dose  generally 
giv  is  from  five  to  thirty  grains,  repeated  several  times  a day ; but  it  has  often 
bee  administered  in  much  larger  doses,  without  producing  any  obvious  impres- 
sionn  the  system.  The  late  Dr.  Duncan  stated  that  he  had  given  it  in  doses 
of  veral  drachms,  for  a considerable  length  of  time,  with  scarcely  any  effect. 
Etl  ips  mineral  is  very  little  used  as  a medicine.  The  London  and  Dublin 
Col  ges,  in  the  recent  editions  of  their  Pharmacopoeias,  have  omitted  it.  B. 

JYDRARGYRI  SULPHURETUM  RUBRUM.  U.  S.  Hydrar- 
gy:  Bisulphuretum.  Bond.  Cinnabaris.  Ed.  Bed  Sulphuret  of 
Mtury.  Bisulphuret  of  Mercury.  Cinnabar. 

ake  of  Mercury  forty  ounces ; Sulphur  eight  ounces.  Mix  the  Mercury 
wit  ;he  melted  Sulphur  over  the  fire ; and,  as  soon  as  the  mass  begins  to  swell , 


1046 


Hydrargyrum. 


PART 


remove  the  vessel  from  the  fire,  and  cover  it  with  considerable  force,  to  prev  t 
combustion;  then  rub  the  mass  into  powder,  and  sublime.”  U.  S. 

The  London  and  Edinburyh  Colleges  take  two  pounds  of  mercury  and  e 
ounces  of  sulphur,  and  treat  them  as  in  the  U.  S.  process. 

Mercury  and  sulphur,  when  heated  together,  unite  with  great  energy,  ana 
product  is  obtained,  which  by  sublimation  becomes  the  red  or  bisulphurei  f 
mercury.  In  order  to  render  the  combination  more  prompt,  the  sulphur  is  1 1 
melted ; and  the  addition  of  the  mercury  should  be  made  gradually,  while  e 
mixture  is  constantly  stirred.  Dr.  Barker  recommends  the  addition  of  the  mi  l 
by  straining  it  upon  the  melted  sulphur  through  a linen  cloth,  whereby  it  f 3 
in  the  form  of  a shower,  in  a minutely  divided  state.  When  the  temperat  e 
has  arrived  at  a certain  point,  the  combination  takes  place  suddenly  with  a sli  t 
explosion,  attended  by  the  inflammation  of  the  sulphur,  which  must  be  ex  - 
guished  by  covering  the  vessel.  A black  mass  will  thus  be  formed,  contain g 
generally  an  excess  of  sulphur,  which,  before  the  sublimation  is  perform, 
should  be  got  rid  of  by  gently  heating  the  matter,  reduced  to  powder,  on  a sa.- 
bath.  The  sublimation  is  best  performed,  on  a small  scale,  in  a loosely  stop  i 
glass  matrass,  which  should  be  placed  in  a crucible  containing  sand,  and,  1 3 
arranged,  exposed  to  a red  heat.  The  equivalent  quantities  for  forming  >3 
sulphuret,  are  32  of  sulphur,  and  202  of  mercury. 

Preparation  on  the  Large  Scale.  Cinnabar  is  seldom  or  never  preparedn 
a small  scale,  being  made  in  large  quantities  for  the  purposes  of  the  arts,  n 
Holland,  where  it  is  principally  manufactured,  the  sulphur  is  melted  in  a ot 
iron  vessel,  and  the  mercury  is  added  in  a divided  state,  by  causing  it  to  ps 
through  chamois  leather.  As  soon  as  the  combination  has  taken  place,  the  in 
vessel  is  surmounted  by  another,  into  which  the  cinnabar  is  sublimed.  In  ]>- 
portion  as  the  quantity  of  the  materials  employed  in  one  operation  is  grea-, 
will  the  product  have  a finer  tint.  It  is  also  important  in  the  manufacture 
use  the  materials  pure,  and  to  drive  off  any  uncombined  sulphur  which  may  est 
in  the  mass,  before  submitting  it  to  sublimation. 

Properties,  ,&c.  Red  sulphuret  of  mercury  is  in  the  form  of  heavy,  brillkt, 
crystalline  masses,  of  a deep-red  colour  and  fibrous  texture.  It  is  inodorous  d 
tasteless,  and  insoluble  in  water  and  alcohol.  It  is  not  acted  on  by  nitric,  11- 
riatic,  or  cold  sulphuric  acid,  or  by  solutions  of  the  caustic  alkalies;  but  iis 
soluble  in  nitromuriatic  acid,  on  account  of  the  free  chlorine  which  the  mid 
acid  contains.  When  heated  with  potassa,  it  yields  globules  of  mercury,  n 
the  open  air  it  is  decomposed  by  heat,  the  sulphur  becoming  sulphurous  al, 
and  the  mercury  being  volatilized.  In  close  vessels  at  a red  heat  it  sublies 
without  decomposition,  and  condenses  in  a mass  composed  of  a multitadof 
small  needles.  When  duly  levigated,  it  furnishes  a powder  of  a brilliant  d 
colour,  and  in  this  state  constitutes  the  paint  called  vermilion.  It  occurs  1- 
tive,  and  forms  the  principal  ore  of  mercury,  and  that  from  which  the  metfis 
exclusively  extracted.  It  should  not  be  purchased  in  powder;  as,  in  that  st-3, 
it  is  sometimes  adulterated  with  red  lead,  dragon’s  blood,  or  chalk.  If  red  Id 
be  present,  acetic  acid,  digested  with  it,  will  yield  a yellow  precipitate  (iode 
of  lead)  with  iodide  of  potassium.  Dragon’s  blood  may  be  detected  by  alcod, 
which  will  take  up  the  colouring  matter  of  this  vegetable  product,  if  prese:^ 
and,  if  chalk  be  mixed  with  it,  effervescence  will  be  excited  on  the  addition! 
an  acid.  This  sulphuret  is  composed  of  one  eq.  of  mercury  202,  and  twof 
sulphur  32=234. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Cinnabar  was  formerly  considered  to  be  altera 'e 
and  anthelmintic,  but  is  at  present  seldom  given  internally.  It  is  someti-S 
employed  in  the  way  of  fumigation,  as  a rapid  sialagogue,  in  venereal  ulp 
of  the  nose  and  throat,  in  cases  in  which  it  is  an  object  of  importance  to  lug 
the  system  under  the  influence  of  mercury  in  the  shortest  possible  time.  >e 


Pj)T  II.  Hydrargyrum.  1047 

do  for  internal  exhibition  is  from  ten  grains  to  half  a drachm,  in  the  form  of 
eleuarj  or  bolus.  When  used  by  fumigation,  half  a drachm  may  be  thrown 
on.  red-hot  iron,  and  the  fumes  inhaled  as  they  arise.  These  consist  of  sul- 
ph  ous  acid  gas  and  mercurial  vapour,  the  former  of  which  must  prove  highly 
mating  to  the  patient’s  lungs.  A better  substance  for  mercurial  fumigation 
is  ie  black  oxide  of  mercury.  B. 

YDRARGrYRUM  AMMONIATUM.  U.  S.  Hydrargyri  Am- 
mcio-Chloridum.  Lond.,  Dub.  Hydrargyri  Precipitatum  Album. 
Ei  Ammoniated  Mercury.  White  Precipitate. 

Take  of  Corrosive  Chloride  of  Mercury  six  ounces;  Distilled  Water  a gallon; 
Soition  of  Ammonia  eight  fluidounces.  Dissolve  the  Corrosive  Chloride  of  Mer- 
cui  in  the  Water,  with  the  aid  of  heat,  and  to  the  solution,  when  cold,  add  the 
So'tion  of  Ammonia,  frequently  stirring.  Wash  the  precipitate  till  the  washings 
beene  tasteless,  and  dry  it.”  U.  S. 

he  London  and  Edinburgh  processes  are  essentially  the  same  as  the  above. 

Take  of  Corrosive  Sublimate  one  ounce  [avoirdupois];  Solution  of  Ammonia 
nh  fluidrachms  [Imp.  meas.] ; Distilled  Water  one  pint  [Imp.  meas.].  Dissolve 
tkelorrosive  Sublimate  in  the  Water,  with  the  aid  of  a gentle  heat,  pour  the 
Anonia  into  the  solution,  and,  having  stirred  the  mixture  well,  collect  the 
prt  pitate  on  a filter,  and  wash  it  with  warm  distilled  water,  until  the  liquid 
whli  passes  through  ceases  to  give  a precipitate  when  dropped  into  an  acid 
sol  ion  of  nitrate  of  silver.  Lastly,  dry  the  product  at  a temperature  not 
exuding  212°.”  Dub. 

.1  the  Pharmacopoeias  now  agree  in  obtaining  white  precipitate  by  precipi- 
tatg  a solution  of  corrosive  sublimate  by  ammonia.  When  ammonia,  in  slight 
exes,  is  added  to  a cold  solution  of  corrosive  sublimate,  muriate  of  ammonia 
is  1 med  in  solution,  and  the  white  precipitate  of  the  Pharmacopoeias  is  thrown 
dor . The  precipitate  is  washed,  according  to  the  U.  S.  formula,  until  the 
wa:ings  become  tasteless,  and  not  until  the  powder  is  tasteless  as  directed  by 
the  London  College ; because  the  powder  itself  is  sapid.  The  matter  washed 
aw;  is  muriate  of  ammonia  and  the  excess  of  ammonia  employed;  and  hence 
tkerashings,  agreeably  to  the  directions  of  the  Dublin  formula,  are  tested  with 
an  id  solution  of  nitrate  of  silver.  According  to  Sir  Robert  Kane,  white  pre- 
cip  te  has  a composition  corresponding  to  one  eq.  of  protochloride  of  mercury, 
unid  with  one  eq.  of  a compound  represented  by  one  eq.  of  ammonia,  minus 
oneq.  of  hydrogen.  To  this  compound,  represented  by  NHa,  he  has  given  the 
nat  of  amidogen,  the  amide  of  some  chemists.  The  reaction  may  be  thus 
exf  ined.  Two  eqs.  of  ammonia  are  decomposed  into  one  eq.  of  ammonium 
(N  ,)  and  one  of  amide  (NH2) ; and  one  eq.  of  corrosive  sublimate  is  resolved 
intone  eq.  of  chlorine  and  one  of  calomel.  The  chlorine  unites  with  the  am- 
nio mi  and  remains  in  solution  as  chloride  of  ammonium  (muriate  of  ammonia), 
andhe  calomel  precipitates  with  the  amide  as  white  precipitate.  In  symbols  the 
rea'jon  is  thus  denoted;  2NH3  and  HgCls=NH4Cl  and  HgCl,NHa.  For  an 
exp  nation  of  what  is  meant  by  ammonium,  see  page  81.  The  analysis  of  Kane 
agrls  virtually  with  those  of  Gmibourt  and  Ilennell ; for  Gwibourt’s  results, 
mills  the  elements  of  one  eq.  of  water,  and  Ilennell’s,  minus  the  elements  of 
twc'qs.  of  the  same  liquid,  give  exactly  the  constituents  found  by  Kane. 

ioperties,  &c.  Ammoniated  mercury  is  in  powder  or  pulverulent  masses, 
per  ;tly  white,  insoluble  in  water  and  alcohol,  decomposed  by  boiling  water,  and 
kavg  a taste,  at  first  earthy  and  afterwards  metallic.  It  dissolves  without  effer- 
ves  ice  in  muriatic  acid.  When  heated  with  a solution  of  caustic  potassa,  it 
y>e. ; ammonia  and  becomes  yellow.  Exposed  to  a strong  heat  it  is  entirely 
disrated,  and  resolved  into  nitrogen,  ammonia,  and  protochloride  of  mercury 
or  lomel.  Adulteration  with  white  lead,  chalk,  or  sulphate  of  lime  may  be 


1048 


Hydrargyrum. 


PART 


detected  by  exposing  a sample  to  a strong  red  beat,  when  these  impurities  11 
remain.  Should  starch  be  mixed  with  it,  a charry  residuum  will  be  obtainecjn 
the  application  of  heat.  Lead  may  also  be  found  by  digesting  the  white  ;)*. 
cipitate  with  acetic  acid,  and  testing  the  acetic  solution  with  iodide  of  potassi  1 
which,  if  lead  be  present,  will  give  a yellow  precipitate.  The  absence  of  pt- 
oxide  of  mercury  is  shown  by  its  not  being  blackened  when  rubbed  with  li  > 
water.  Ammoniated  mercury  is  used  only  as  an  external  application,  in  e 
form  of  ointment. 

Off.  Prep.  Unguentum  Hydrargyri  Ammoniati;  Unguentum  Sulphuris  C 1- 
positum.  I 

HYDRARGYRUM  CUM  GRETA.  U.  S.,  Load .,  Ed.,  Dub.  1- 
cury  with  Chalk. 

“Take  of  Mercury  three  ounces;  Prepared  Chalk  five  ounces.  Piub  tin 
together  till  all  the  globules  disappear.”  U.  S.,  Land.,  Ed. 

The  Dublin  College  rubs  an  ounce  of  mercury  with  two  ounces  of  preps  d 
chalk,  in  a porcelain  mortar  until  the  globules  cease  to  be  visible,  and  the  d;- 
ture  acquires  a uniform  gray  colour. 

When  mercury  is  triturated  with  certain  dry  and  pulverulent  substances,  s h 
as  chalk  or  magnesia,  it  gradually  loses  its  fluidity  and  metallic  lustre,  ands- 
sumes  the  form  of  a blackish  or  dark-gray  powder.  A similar  change  takes  pie 
when  it  is  rubbed  with  viscid  or  greasy  substances,  such  as  honey  or  lard,  'e 
globules  disappear,  so  as  in  some  instances  not  to  be  visible  even  through  a gd 
lens;  and  the  mercury  is  said  to  be  extinguished.  It  was  formerly  thought  tit 
the  metal  was  oxidized  in  the  process.  At  present,  the  change  is  generally  aii- 
buted  to  the  mechanical  division  of  the  metal,  which  in  this  state  is  supposero 
be  capable  of  acting  on  the  system.  There  is  good  reason,  however,  to  beli  e 
that  in  this,  as  in  all  the  analogous  preparations  of  mercury,  in  which  the  mil 
is  extinguished  by  trituration,  a very  small  portion  is  converted  into  protoxe, 
while  by  far  the  greater  part  remains  in  the  metallic  state. 

Mercury  with  chalk  is  a grayish  powder,  in  which  globules  of  mercury  n 
generally  be  seen  with  the  aid  of  a microscope ; as  the  metal  can  scarcely 
completely  extinguished  with  chalk  alone  byT  any  length  of  trituration,  r. 
Jacob  Bell  found  that,  by  powerfully  pressing  it,  a considerable  quantity  of  mil 
was  separated  in  the  form  of  globules.  Mr.  Phillips  states  that  the  extingui- 
ment  of  the  mercury  is  greatly  accelerated  by  the  addition  of  a little  water,  r. 
Stewart,  of  Baltimore,  proposed  the  following  process,  by  which  he  stated  tit 
the  preparation  might  be  completed  in  a short  time,  so  that  no  globules  shed 
be  visible  with  a powerful  lens.  Three  ouuces  of  mercury  and  six  ounceaf 
resin  are  to  be  rubbed  together  for  three  hours;  five  ounces  of  chalk  are  toe 
added,  and  the  trituration  continued  for  au  hour;  the  mixture  is  then  toe 
heated  with  alcohol  so  as  to  dissolve  the  resin  ; aud  the  remaining  powder  i:o 
be  dried  on  bibulous  paper,  and  well  rubbed  in  a mortar.  (Am.  Journ.of  Pha> ., 
xv.  162.)  But  Professor  Procter  has  shown  that  the  preparation  thus  made  ca- 
tains  deutoxide  of  mercury,  and  is,  therefore,  injuriously- harsh  in  itsoperati. 
(Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xxii.  113.)  It  is  said  that  the  precipitated  black  ode 
is  sometimes  added  wdth  a view  to  save  time  in  the  trituration.  But- this  nst 
be  considered  as  an  adulteration,  until  it  can  be  shown  that  the  same  oxide  ex  s, 
in  the  same  proportion,  in  the  preparation  made  according  to  the  officinal  dic- 
tions. Dr.  Edward  Jenner  Coxe,  of  New  Orleans,  has  found  that  the  exi- 
guishment  of  the  mercury  may  be  effected  much  more  speedily  than  in  ie 
ordinary  manner,  by  putting  the  ingredients  into  a quart  bottle,  to  be  'll 
corked,  and  kept  in  constant  agitation  till  the  object  is  attained.  This  mod >t 
proceeding  was  suggested  to  him  by  Mr.  W.  Hewson,  of  Augusta,  Ga.  (-*■ 
Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xxii.  317.)  The  mercury  contained  in  this  preparation 


PAC  II. 


1049 


Hydrargyrum. — Infusa. 

vol  ilized  by  beat.  The  remaining  chalk  is  dissolved  by  dilute  acetic  acid,  and 
theolution  is  not  coloured  by  sulphuretted  hydrogen.  The  presence  of  any 
prable  metallic  impurity  may  be  detected  in  this  way. 

sdical  Properties  and  Uses.  Mercury  with  chalk  is  a very  mild  mercurial, 
sinar  in  its  properties  to  the  blue  pill,  but  much  weaker.  It  is  sometimes 
use  as  an  alterative,  particularly  in  the  complaints  of  children  attended  with 
detent  biliary  secretion,  indicated  by  white  or  clay-coloured  stools.  The  chalk 
is  itacid,  and,  though  in  small  quantity,  may  sometimes  be  a useful  accompani- 
me  of  the  mercury  in  diarrhoea.  Eight  grains  of  the  preparation,  according  to 
theJ.  S.,  London,  and  Edinburgh  Pharmacopoeias,  contain  three  grains  of  mer- 
cui  The  dose  is  from  five  grains  to  half  a drachm  twice  a day.  Two  or  three 
gra's  is  the  dose  for  a child.  It  should  not  be  given  in  pill  with  substances 
win  become  hard  on  keeping;  as  the  contraction  of  the  mass  presses  together 
the  articles  of  mercury,  which,  in  time,  appear  in  globules  in  the  interior  of 
the  ill.  W. 

YDRARGYRUM  CUM  MAGNESIA.  Hub.  Mercury  with  Mag- 
ma,. 

he  Dublin  College  prepares  this  with  an  ounce  of  pure  mercury  and  two 
ouus  of  carbonate  of  magnesia  in  the  same  manner  as  directed  for  the  prepa- 
rat  i of  mercury  with  chalk.  (See  Hydrargyrum,  cum  Cretdi) 

'is  preparation  has  the  same  virtues  with  the  preceding,  but  maybe  prefer- 
abl  used  in  the  complaints  of  children  attended  with  constipation.  W. 

INFUSA. 

In fusions. 

ese  are  aqueous  solutions  obtained  by  treating  with  water,  without  the  aid 
of  ullition,  vegetable  products  which  are  only  partly  soluble  in  that  liquid. 
Thiyater  employed  may  be  hot  or  cold,  according  to  the  objects  to  be  accom- 
pli; :d.  Infusions  are  generally  prepared  by  pouring  boiling  water  upon  the 
vegable  substance,  and  macerating  in  a lightly  closed  vessel  till  the  liquid 
coo  The  soluble  principles  are  thus  extracted  more  rapidly,  and,  as  a general 
rut  in  a larger  proportion  than  at  a lower  temperature.  Some  substances, 
mo  over,  are  dissolved  in  this  manner,  which  are  nearly  or  quite  insoluble  in 
cot  .water.  A prolonged  application  of  heat  is  in  some  instances  desirable ; 
am  his  may  be  effected  by  placing  the  vessel  near  the  fire.  Cold  water  is  pre- 
fer]1!, when  the  active  principle  is  highly  volatile,  when  it  is  injured  by  heat, 
or  len  any  substance  of  difficult  solubility  at  a low  temperature  exists  in  the 
vegable,  which  it  is  desirable  to  avoid  in  the  infusion.  A longer  continuance 
of  fi  maceration  is  necessary  in  this  case;  and,  in  warm  weather,  there  is  sorne- 
tim  danger  that  spontaneous  decomposition  may  commence  before  the  process 
is  i|npleted.  When  a strong  infusion  is  required,  the  process  of  percolation 
ma  be  advantageously  resorted  to.  (See  pages  782  and  789.)  The  water  em- 
plo  d should  be  free  from  saline  impurities,  which  frequently  produce  preci- 
pitils,  and  render  the  infusion  turbid.  Fresh  river,  rain,  or  distilled  water  is 
usuly  preferable  to  that  of  pumps  or  springs. 

-]e  substance  to  be  acted  on  should  be  sliced  or  bruised,  or  employed  in  the 
sta;  of  powder;  but  this  last  condition  is  seldom  requisite,  and  is  always  incon- 
vepat,  as  it  requires  that  the  infusion  should  be  filtered  through  paper  in  order 
conletely  to  separate  the  undissolved  portion.  In  other  eases,  it  is  sufficient 
to  l ain  through  fine  linen  or  muslin.  When,  however,  percolation  or  displace- 
me  is  resorted  to,  the  substance  should  be  more  or  less  finely  powdered.  In- 
fos is  are  usually  prepared  in  glazed  earthenware  or  porcelain  vessels  fitted 


1050 


Infusa. 


pari  i, 


with  covers.  Mr.  Brande  suggests  the  use  of  clean  metallic  vessels,  which,  vr  n 
finely  polished,  retain  the  heat  for  a greater  length  of  time ; but  thev  are  -.0 
more  liable  to  chemical  alteration,  and  may  sometimes  injuriously  affect  ie 
preparation.  Vessels  of  block-tin  are  generally  well  adapted  for  the  purpos* 

As  infusions  do  not  keep  well,  especially  in  warm  weather,  they  should  ie 
made  extemporaneously  and  in  small  quantities.  In  this  country  they  -e 
usually  prepared  in  families,  and  the  propriety  of  their  introduction  into  ie 
Pharmacopoeia  has  been  doubted;  but  it  is  desirable  to  have  certain  fixed  stew- 
ards for  the  convenience  of  the  medical  practitioner;  and  it  is  sometimes  i- 
venient  to  direct  infusions  from  the  apothecary,  for  whose  guidance  officii 
formulae  are  necessary.  Physicians  would,  indeed,  find  their  advantage  in  nre 
frequently  directing  them  from  the  shops,  instead  of  leaving  their  prepara  a 
to  the  carelessness  or  want  of  skill  of  the  attendants  upon  the  sick.  Fora  nle 
of  preserving  infusions,  the  reader  is  referred  to  the  introductory  observati  s, 
page  785.  By  making  very  concentrated  infusions,  as  suggested  by  Mr.  D'O- 
van,  with  a mixture  of  three  parts  of  water  and  one  of  alcohol,  they  maybe  lbt 
for  a long  time,  and  when  used  can  be  diluted  with  water  to  the  proper  strena. 
Thus,  if  made  four  times  as  strong  as  the  officinal  infusion,  they  maybe  dill  d 
with  three  measures  of  water.  The  proportion  of  alcohol  would  thus  be  vy 
small ; but  it  would  still  frequently  be  medically  injurious;  and  infusions  shed 
never  be  prepared  in  this  way  unless  with  the  cognizance  of  the  prescriber. 

Mr.  Battley,  of  London,  has  introduced  a new  set  of  preparations,  whiehe 
calls  inspissated  infusions,  the  advantages  of  which  are  that  the  virtues  are  s- 
tracted  by  cold  water,  are  not  injured  by  heat  used  in  the  evaporation,  are  a 
concentrated  state,  and  are  not  injured  by  time.  To  prepare  them  he  maceres 
the  material,  coarsely  powdered,  bruised,  or  finely  sliced,  in  twice  its  weighof 
cold  distilled  water,  pressing  the  solid  matter  into  the  liquid  repeatedly  1 a 
rammer  or  the  hand;  then  allows  the  liquid  to  drain  out,  or  expresses  it  in  ie 


* Alsop’s  infusion  jar  affords  a very  neat  and  effectual  method  of  making  the  hot  iu- 

sions.  It  consists  of  an  earthenware  muge- 
presented  in  the  marginal  figure,  with  a sut 
\d)  proceeding  from  the  bottom,  and  pled 
closely  to  the  side  of  the  vessel  to  prevent  1c- 
ture  ; a perforated  plate  or  diaphragm  (61,  p- 
ported  on  a ledge  (c),  at  about  one-quarteor 
one-third  of  the  height  of  the  vessel  frombe 
top ; and  a lid  (a),  which  may  be  fasteneon 
by  a string  through  holes  (ff).  The  mat. a! 
to  be  submitted  to  infusion  is  placed  onne 
perforated  plate,  and  the  hot  water  pourtin 
so  as  cover  it,  the  vessel  having  been  previoly 
warmed  so  as  not  to  chill  the  liquid.  Ashe 
water  becomes  impregnated,  it  acquires  ain- 
creased  specific  gravity,  and  sinks  to  the  >t- 
tom,  its  place  being  supplied  by  the  unsu- 
rated  portion ; and  this  circulation  goe:on 
until  the  whole  of  the  soluble  matter  isv- 
tracted.  In  order  to  maintain  a due  warh. 
the  vessel  may  be  placed  upon  a stove  oan 
iron  plate  near  the  fire.  The  advantage  ohe 
process  is  that  the  material  is  subjected  tche 
solvent  power  of  the  least  impregnated  poion 
of  the  menstruum.  Such  jars  may  now  bead 
in  Philadelphia,  In  order  that  the  vessel  ay 
be  adapted  for  the  preparation  of  diffent 
quantities  of  infusions,  it  will  be  proper  to  have  ledges  arranged  within  at  different  heips. 
so  that  the  diaphragm  may  be  supported  at  any  desirable  pioint.  The  surface  otic 
liquid  (e)  should  of  course  always  be  above  the  medicinal  substance  placed  upon  the  a 
phragm.  (See  Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  viii.  89.) 


PAC  II. 


Infusa. 


1051 


casof  highly  absorbent  substances;  and  repeats  the  process,  with  an  amount  of 
war  equal  to  that  which  has  been  separated,  until  the  strength  is  exhausted. 
Foi  or  six  houi’S  maceration  is  usually  sufficient.  The  infusion  is  then  to  be 
comntrated  by  evaporation  at  a temperature  not  exceeding  160°  to  the  sp.  gr. 
12),  and  as  much  alcohol  is  to  be  added  as  will  make  its  sp.  gr.  l'lOO.  These 
pre-rations  are  very  analogous  to  the  fluid  extracts  already  treated  of.  As  a 
geral  rule  it  would  probably  be  preferable  to  prepare  the  infusion  by  the  pro- 
cespf  percolation.  The  inspissated  infusions  must  be  diluted  when  adminis- 
ter. The  presence  of  alcohol,  though  in  small  quantity,  would  in  some 
ins  aces  be  a serious  objection.  ( Pharm . Journ.  and  Trans.,  x.  129.) 

i we  have  already  treated  of  the  chemical  relations  and  medical  properties 
of  (3  substances  used  in  infusion,  it  would  be  useless  repetition  to  enlarge  upon 
the  points  in  the  following  details.  We  shall  touch  upon  them  only  in  cases 
of  jculiar  interest,  or  where  changes  requiring  particular  notice  may  grow  out 
of  13  nature  of  the  process.  W. 

IFUSUM  ANGUSTUR2E.  U.S.  Infusum  Cusparia;.  Lond., 
flu  Infusion  of  Angustur a Baric. 

take  of  Angustura  Bark,  bruised,  half  an  ounce;  Boiling  Water  a pint. 
Ma rate  for  two  hours  in  a covered  vessel,  and  strain.”  U.  S. 

'se  London  College  directs  five  drachms  to  a pint  [Imperial  measure]  of  boil- 
ing stilled  water;  the  Edinburgh,  five  drachms  to  a pint  [Imp.  meas.]  of  boiling 
waft;  and  both  proceed  as  above. 

fie  dose  of  the  infusion  is  two  fluidounces,  repeated  every  two,  three,  or  four 
h ox;.  W. 

.IFUSUM  ANTHEMIDIS.  U.S. , Bond.,  Ed.,  Bub.  Infusion  of 
Ch  nomile. 

‘ 'ake  of  Chamomile  half  an  ounce;  Boiling  Water  a pint.  Macerate  for 
ten  linutes  in  a covered  vessel,  and  strain.”  U.  S. 

1e  London  College  orders  five  drachms  of  the  flowers  to  a pint  [Imperial 
me; ire]  of  boiling  distilled  water,  and  proceeds  as  above;  the  Edinburgh,  five 
drams  to  a ; pint  [Imp.  meas.]  of  boiling  water,  and  infuses  for  twenty  minutes  ; 
the ‘hiblin,  half  an  ounce  [avoirdupois]  of  the  flowers  and  twelve  \JhikT\ounces 
of  1 ling  water,  and  infuses  for  fifteen  minutes. 

lie  infusion  of  chamomile  has  the  odour  and  taste  of  the  flowers.  It  affords 
preoitates  with  gelatin,  yellow  Peruvian  bark,  sulphate  of  iron,  tincture  of 
chk  de  of  iron,  nitrate  of  silver,  corrosive  chloride  of  mercury,  and  the  acetates 
of  I d.  ( London  Dispensatory .)  As  a tonic  it  is  given  cold,  in  the  dose  of  two 
flui - unces  several  times  a day.  To  assist  the  operation  of  emetic  medicines  it 
sho  d be  administered  in  the  tepid  state,  and  in  large  draughts.  The  infusion 
prejjred  by  maceration  in  cold  water  is  more  grateful  to  the  palate  and  stomach 
tharhat  made  with  boiling  water,  but  is  less  efficient  as  an  emetic.  W. 

1 FUSUM  ARMORACIrE.  U.  S.  Infusum  Armoracifg  Compo- 
site. Lond.  Infusion  of  Horse-radish. 

lake  of  Horse-radish  [fi-esh  root],  sliced,  Mustard  [seed],  bruised,  each,  an 
oun;  Boiling  Water  a pint.  Macerate  for  two  hours  in  a covered  vessel,  and 
stral”  U.S. 

Ti  London  College  macerates  an  ounce  of  the  root,  and  an  ounce  of  the  seeds 
in  mint  [Imp.  meas.]  of  boiling  distilled  water,  in  a covered  vessel,  for  two 
hou  t and  strains;  then  adds  a fluidounce  of  compound  spirit  of  horse-radish. 

Is  infusion  is  rendered  turbid  by  the  deposition  of  vegetable  albumen,  and 
in  xi  -m  weather  speedily  runs  into  the  putrefactive  fermentation.  It  affords 
prec  itates  with  the  infusions  of  galls  and  Peruvian  bark,  with  the  alkaline 
carl hates,  nitrate  of  silver,  and  corrosive  chloride  of  mercury.  ( London  Dis- 


1052 


Infusa. 


PART  (. 


pensatory .)  It  has  the  stimulant  properties  of  its  two  active  ingredients,  an  3 
occasionally  used  in  paralytic,  scorbutic,  and  dropsical  affections,  attended  ;h 
general  debility.  The  dose  is  two  fluidounces  three  or  four  times  a day.  \\ 

INFUSUM  AURANTII  COMPOSITUM.  Land,,  Dub.  Lxfusu 
Adrantii.  Ed.  Compound  Infusion  of  Orange  Peel. 

“Take  of  dried  Orange  Peel  half  an  ounce ; Lemon  Peel  two  drach  ; 
Cloves,  bruised,  a drachm ; boiling  Distilled  Water  a pint  [Imperial  measu]. 
Macerate  for  a quarter  of  an  hour  in  a covered  vessel,  and  strain.”  Land. 

The  Edinburgh  process  differs  from  the  above  only  in  the  use  of  boiling  w r 
not  distilled,  and  in  straining  through  linen  or  calico.  The  Dublin  College  tr>s 
three  drachms  [Dub.  weight]  of  dried  bitter  orange  peel,  half  a drachm  [Ij. 
weight]  of  bruised  cloves,  and  half  a pint  [Imp.  meas.]  of  boiling  water;  d 
infuses  for  half  an  hour. 

This  infusion  is  given  as  a grateful  stomachic,  in  the  dose  of  two  or  the 
fluidounces.  ft 

INFUSUM  BUCHU.  U.  S.,  Land.,  Dub.  Infusum  Buceu.  .1 

Infusion  of  Buchu. 

“ Take  of  Buchu  an  ounce ; Boiling  Water  a pint.  Macerate  for  two  hors 
in  a covered  vessel,  and  strain.”  U.  S. 

The  London  College  takes  an  ounce  of  buchu  and  a pint  [Imperial  measi] 
of  boiling  distilled  water,  and  macerates  for  four  hours ; the  Edinburgh , e 
same  quantities,  and  infuses  for  two  hours;  the  Dublin,  half  an  ounce  (avoi.) 
of  buchu  and  half  a pint  [Imp.  meas.]  of  boiling  water,  and  infuses  for  an  h<r. 

This  is  the  Infusum  Diosmee  of  former  Pharmacopoeias.  It  has  the  odr, 
taste,  and  medical  virtues  of  the  leaves,  and  affords  a convenient  method  ofd- 
ministering  the  medicine.  The  dose  is  one  or  two  fluidounces.  ft 

INFUSUM  CAPSICI.  U.  S.  Inf  usion  of  Cayenne  Pepper. 

“Take  of  Cayenne  Pepper,  in  coarse  powder,  half  an  ounce ; Boiling  ft" 
a pint.  Macerate  for  two  hours  in  a covered  vessel,  and  strain.”  U.  S. 

This  infusion  is  used  chiefly  as  a gargle.  It  may,  however,  be  given  internly 
in  the  dose  of  half  a fluidounce.  RM 


INFUSUM  CARYOPHYLLI.  U.S.,  Lond.,  Ed,,  Dub.  Infusion/ 

Cloves. 


“Take  of  Cloves,  bruised,  two  drachms;  Boiling  Water  a pint.  Maeete 
for  two  hours  in  a covered  vessel,  and  strain.”  U.  S. 

The  London  College  takes  three  drachms  of  cloves,  and  a pint  [Imperial  ra- 
sure]  of  boiling  distilled  water;  the  Edinburgh,  three  drachms  of  cloves  ar  a 
pint  [Imp.  meas.]  of  boiling  water ; and  both  proceed  as  above.  The  Dupi 
College  takes  two  drachms  [Dub.  weight]  of  cloves,  and  nine  [ fluid~\ounce,oi 
boiling  water,  and  infuses  for  an  hour.  1 I 

The  infusion  of  cloves  affords  precipitates  with  lime-water,  and  with  ae 
soluble  salts  of  iron,  zinc,  lead,  silver,  and  antimony.  ( Phillips .)  The  do; is 
about  two  fluidounces. 


INFUSUM  CASCARILLiE.  U.S.,  Land.,  Ed.,  Dub.  Infusiovf 

Cascarilla. 

“Take  of  Cascarilla,  bruised,  an  ounce ; Boiling  Water  a pint.  Macerator 
two  hours  in  a covered  vessel,  and  strain.”  U.  S. 

The  London  College  directs  an  ounce  and  a half  of  bruised  cascarilla.  ai  a 
pint  [Imperial  measure]  of  boiling  distilled  water  ; the  Edinburgh,  the  sje 
quantities  of.the<bark  and  of  boiling  water;  and  both  proceed  as  above.  ae 
Dublin  College  takes  an  ounce  [avoirdupois]  of  the  bark,  and  halt  a pint  [Ip- 
meas.]  of  boiling  water,  and  infuses  for  an  hour. 


PA  ’ II. 


Infusa. 


1053 


'Pis  infusion  affords  precipitates  with  lime-water,  infusion  of  galls,  nitrate  of 
silv,  acetate  and  subacetate  of  lead,  sulphate  of  zinc,  and  sulphate  of  iron. 

( Lulon  Dispensatory .)  The  medium  dose  is  two  fluidounces.  W. 

3IFUSUM  CATECHU  COMPOSITUM.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Dub.  Isr- 
PPfM  Catechu.  Ed.  Compound  Infusion  of  Catechu. 

‘fake  of  Catechu,  in  powder,  half  an  ounce;  Cinnamon,  bruised,  a drachm; 
going  Water  a pint.  Macerate  for  an  hour  in  a covered  vessel,  and  strain.” 

U.\ 

(1ake  of  Catechu,  in  powder,  six  drachms;  Cinnamon,  bruised,  a drachm; 
boiiig  Distilled  Water  a pint  [Imperial  measure].  Macerate  for  an  hour  in  a 
coved  vessel,  and  strain.”  Land. 

‘ lake  of  Catechu,  in  powder,  six  drachms;  Cinnamon,  in  powder,  one  drachm; 
Syn  three  fluidounces ; boiling  Water  seventeen  fluidounces.  Infuse  the  Catechu 
andJinnamon  with  the  Water  for  two  hours,  strain  through  linen  or  calico,  and 
add  be  Syrup.”  Ed. 

‘lake  of  Catechu,  in  coarse  powder,  three  drachms  [Dub.  weight];  Cinnamon 
bar  bruised,  half  a drachm  [Dub.  weight];  boiling  Water  nine  \_fluict\ounces. 
Inf  e for  one  hour  in  a covered  vessel,  and  strain.”  Dub. 

flis  is  an  elegant  mode  of  administering  catechu.  The  dose  is  from  one  to 
thr  fluidounces,  repeated  three  or  four  times  a day,  or  more  frequently.  W. 

FFUSUM  CHIRETTiE.  Ed .,  Eub.  Infusion  of  Chiretta. 

‘lake  of  Chiretta  four  drachms;  boiling  Water  one  pint  [Imperial  measure]. 
Inf  e for  two  hours,  and  strain  through  linen  or  calico.”  Ed. 

‘ 'ake  of  Chiretta,  bruised,  two  drachms  [Dub.  weight]  ; boiling  Water  nine 
[ fiiljounces  and  a half.  Infuse  for  one  hour  in  a covered  vessel,  and  strain.” 
Du 

le  dose  of  this  simple  bitter  is  from  one  to  three  fluidounces.  W. 

] FUSUM  CINCHON2E  COMPOSITUM.  U.S.  Compound  In- 
fus  n of  Peruvian  Bark. 

‘.'ake  of  Red  Bark,  in  powder  an  ounce;  Aromatic  Sulphuric  Acid  a flui- 
dra  m;  Water  a pint.  Macerate  for  twelve  hours,  occasionally  shaking,  and 
stra . 

‘the  Infusion  may  also  be  prepared  from  the  same  quantity  of  Red  Bark, 
in  urse  powder,  by  the  process  of  displacement,  in  the  manner  directed  for 
Inft  on  of  Yellow  Bark,  a fluidrachm  of  Aromatic  Sulphuric  Acid  being  added 
to  t Water  with  which  the  Bark  is  moistened.”  U.  S. 

I s is  an  elegant  and  very  efficient  preparation.  Water  extracts  from  bark 
the  nates  of  quinia  and  cinchonia,  but  leaves  behind  the  compounds  which 
thes  principles  form  with  the  cinchonic  red.  The  ordinary  infusion,  therefore, 
is  rater  feeble.  But  the  addition  of  the  acid  ensures  the  solution  of  all  or  nearly 
all  u active  matter.  We  have  been  long  in  the  habit  of  using  this  infusion, 
andlave  had  reason  to  be  satisfied  with  its  efficacy.  The  second  process  more 
spec  ly  and  perhaps  thoroughly  exhausts  the  bark ; but  in  this  case  a glass  or 
port  ain  percolator  should  be  used.  This  preparation  may  also  be  made  very 
adv.tageously  with  the  yellow  or  Calisaya  bark.  It  would  be  best  that  the 
barlshould  be  macerated  with  the  acidulated  water  some  time  before  being 
intr  uced  into  the  instrument.  The  medium  dose  of  the  infusion  is  two  fluid- 
oun  equivalent  to  a drachm  of  the  bark.  W. 

I FUSUM  CINCHONiE  FLAViE.  U.S.  Infusum  Cinchona:. 
Loi  Ed.  Infusion  of  Yellow  Bark. 

‘ ake  of  Yellow  Bark,  bruised,  an  ounce;  Boiling  Water  a pint.  Macerate 
for  o hours  in  a covered  vessel,  and  strain. 


1054 


Infusa. 


PART 


“ This  infusion  may  also  be  prepared  from  the  same  quantity  of  Yellow  Ba 
in  coarse  powder,  in  the  following  manner.  Having  moistened  the  Bark  t - 
roughly  with  Water,  introduce  it  into  a percolator,  press  it  slightly,  and  p r 
Water  upon  its  surface  so  as  to  keep  it  covered.  So  long  as  the  liquid  pas  5 
turbid,  return  it  into  the  apparatus;  then  allow  the  filtration  to  continue  uil 
a pint  of  clear  infusion  is  obtained.”  U.  S. 

“Take  of  Yellow  Bark,  bruised,  an  ounce ; boiling  Distilled  Water  a jt 
[Imp.  meas.].  Macerate  for  two  hours  in  a covered  vessel,  and  strain.”  Lon, 

“ Take  of  any  species  of  Cinchona,  according  to  prescription,  one  ounce  1 
powder;  boiling  Water  one  pint  [Imp.  measure].  Infuse  for  four  hours  in 
covered  vessel,  and  then  strain  through  linen  or  calico.”  Ed. 

Though  the  infusion  with  boiling  water  is  more  quickly  prepared  than  ; 
cold  infusion,  and  therefore  better  adapted  to  cases  of  emergency,  yet  the  lat: 
is  a more  elegant  preparation,  not  turbid  like  the  former,  and  at  least  eqna? 
efficient.  We,  therefore,  prefer  the  second  process  of  the  U.  S.  Pharmaeopa, 
provided  it  be  skilfully  conducted.  Perhaps  it  would  be  better  that  the  b.r 
should  be  in  moderately  fine  than  in  coarse  powder. 

The  infusion  of  cinchona  affords  precipitates  with  the  alkalies,  alkaline  c- 
bonates,  and  alkaline  ear-ths;  the  soluble  salts  of  iron,  zinc,  and  silver;  corross 
chloride  of  mercury,  arsenious  acid,  and  tartar  emetic ; gelatinous  solutio ; 
and  various  vegetable  infusions  and  decoctions,  as  those  of  galls,  c-hamom , 
columbo,  cascarilla,  horse-radish,  cloves,  catechu,  orange-peel,  foxglove,  sen , 
rhubarb,  valerian,  and  simaruba.  In  some  instances  the  precipitate  occurs  3- 
mediately,  in  others  not  for  several  hours.  {London  Dispensatory .)  Few,  h<- 
ever,  of  these  substances  diminish  the  efficacy  of  the  infusion,  as  they  do  t 
afl'ect  the  active  principles.  The  alkalies,  alkaline  earths,  and  vegetable  asti- 
gents  are  really  incompatible.  The  same  is  said  to  be  the  case  with  tartaric  ?1 
oxalic  acids,  and  the  soluble  tartrates  and  oxalates.  For  an  elaborate  ac-coit 
of  the  chemical  reactions  of  the  infusions  of  different  varieties  of  Peruvian  bit 
see  the  Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  ix.  128. 

The  infusion  of  cinchona  may  be  advantageously  administered  in  cases  whi 
require  tonic  treatment,  but  do  not  call  for  the  full  powers  of  the  bark,  le 
medium  dose  is  two  fluidounces,  to  be  repeated  three  or  four  times  a day,r 
more  frequently  in  acute  diseases.  Wf ' 

INFUSUM  CINCHON2E  PALLIDJE.  Land.  Infusum  C-. 
chonae.  Dub .,  Ed.  Infusion  of  Pale  Baric. 

The  London  College  prepares  this  in  the  manner  directed  for  infusion  of  j- 
low  bark.  (See  Infusum,  Cinclionae  Flavaef]  The  Edinburgh  College  has  oy 
one  infusion  of  bark,  which  it  names  Infusum  Cinclionae,  and  prepares  frotn;y 
one  of  the  varieties  in  the  manner  directed  for  infusion  of  yellow  bark,  le 
Dublin  College  directs  only  this  infusion  of  bark,  which  it  prepares  by  infusg 
an  ounce  [avoirdupois]  of  pale  bark,  in  coarse  powder,  in  half  a joint  [Imped 
measure]  of  boiling  water  for  an  hour,  in  a covered  vessel,  and  then  filterg 
through  paper. 

It  is  rather  singular  that  the  Dublin  College  should  have  selected  the  feeblt. 
bark  exclusively  for  this  preparation.  The  remarks  made  in  reference  to  e 
preparation  of  the  infusion  of  yellow  bark  are  applicable  to  this.  W 

INFUSUM  CINCHONA  RUBRJE.  U.S.  Infusum  CinchoX. 
Ed.  Infusion  of  Red  Bark. 

“ Take  of  Red  bark,  bruised,  an  ounce  ; Boiling  Water  a pint.  Prepare  3 
Infusion  in  the  manner  directed  for  Infusion  of  Yellow  Bark.”  E.S.  (»‘e 
Infusum  Cinclionae  Florae.) 

The  Edinburgh  directions  are  also  the  same  as  those  for  infusion  of  yellr 


Infusa. 


1055 


pa::  ii. 


bar  as  it  recognises  no  distinction  between  the  three  varieties  in  the  prepara- 
tioilf  the  infusion. 

Gje  remarks  made  in  relation  to  infusion  of  yellow  bark  are  equally  applicable 
to  t s.  W. 

IFUSUM  CINCHONiE  SPISSATUM.  Lond.  Inspissated  In- 
fusn  of  Peruvian  Baric. 

“'ake  of  Yellow  Bark,  coarsely  powdered,  three  pounds ; Distilled  Water  six 
pm|[Imperial  measure] ; Rectified  Spirit  a sufficient  quantity.  Macerate  the 
Bar  in  the  manner  directed  in  the  preparation  of  Extract  of,  Peruvian  Bark 
[seeSxtractum  Cinchonse , Loncl.'],  and  strain.  Mix  the  infusions,  evaporate  by 
meas  of  a water-bath  to  one-fourth,  and  set  apart  that  the  dregs  may  subside. 
Pou off  the  clear  liquor,  and  filter  the  rest.  Then  mix,  and  again  evaporate  till 
tbei.gr.  of  the  liquor  becomes  1'200.  Into  this,  when  cold,  slowly  drop  the 
Spit,  so  that  three  fluidrachms  may  be  added  for  every  fiuidounce.  Lastly,  set 
the  :|uor  aside  for  twenty  days,  that  it  may  become  entirely  clear.”  Lond. 

IFUSUM  CINCHONA  PALLIDIE  SPISSATUM.  Lond.  In- 
spirited Infusion  of  Pale  Bark. 

“'jrepare  this  in  the  manner  directed  for  Inspissated  Infusion  of  Peruvian 
Bar  j’  Lond.  (See  Infusum  Cinchonse  Spissatum.) 

TJse  two  inspissated  infusions  are  made  according  to  Mr.  Battley’s  method, 
descbed  under  the  general  observations  upon  infusions  ( seepage  1051).  They 
are  doubt  efficacious  preparations  of  Peruvian  bark;  and  the  proportion  of 
alco  1 is  scarcely  sufficient  to  interfere  with  their  use  in  most  cases  in  which  the 
barFr  its  preparations  are  prescribed.  They  might  without  violence  be  placed 
amo;tke  fluid  extracts.  We  have  had  some  of  the  “Infusum  Cinchonse  Spis- 
satu  ’ prepared,  and  found  that  each  ounce  of  the  bark  yielded  very  nearly 
two  lidrachms  of  the  preparation,  the  dose  of  which,  therefore,  equivalent  to  a 
drac  u of  the  bark  would  be  fifteen  minims,  supposing  the  bark  to  be  exhausted; 
but,  this  is  not  the  case,  twenty  minims  may  be  considered  as  a medium  dose. 
Tbe  reparation  is  a very  dark,  yet  clear,  and  intensely  bitter  liquid.  W. 

IFUSUM  COLOMBiE.  U.S.  Infusum  Calumet.  Lond.,  JEd., 
Bui  Infusion  of  Columbo. 

4 ike  of  Columbo,  bruised,  half  an  ounce ; Boiling  Water  a pint.  Macerate 
for  t ) hours  in  a covered  vessel,  and  strain.”  U.  S. 

Til  London  College  directs  jive  drachms  of  Columbo  to  a pint  [Imperial 
meas-e]  of  boiling  distilled  water,  and  proceeds  as  above. 

“Ike  of  Calumba,  in  coarse  powder,  half  an  ounce ; cold  Water  about  a 
pint  mperial  measure].  Triturate  the  Calumba  with  a little  of  the  Water,  so 
as  to roisten  it  thoroughly;  put  it  into  a percolator,  and  transmit  cold  Water 
till  s teen  fluidounces  of  infusion  be  obtained.”  Ed. 

“ 'ike  of  Calumba  Root,  in  coarse  powder,  three  drachms  [Dub.  weight] ; cold 
Wat  nine  \_fluid]ounces.  Macerate  for  two  hours  and  strain.”  Dub. 

T1  infusion  of  columbo  is  apt  to  spoil  very  quickly,  especially  in  warm  weather. 
It  ba  been  generally  supposed  that  the  cold  infusion  would  keep  better  than  the 
bot,  pause  it  contains  no  starch.  Mr.  Thomas  Greenish,  however,  upon  com- 
pare specimens  of  the  two  infusions,  found  that  the  spontaneous  change  began 
soont  in  the  cold  than  the  hot,  though  the  former  was  clearer.  Columbo  con- 
tains tarch  and  albumen.  Cold  water  extracts  the  latter  without  the  former; 
bot  v ,er  the  former  with  comparatively  little  of  the  latter,  which  is  partially  co- 
aguk  d by  the  heat.  Both  starch  and  albumen  are  liable  to  spontaneous  change; 
hut  t former  is  much  the  more  permanent  of  the  two.  Hence  it  is,  according 
to  M:  Ireenish,  that  the  hot  infusion  keeps  best.  Indeed,  he  ascribes  the  change 
whicl'  takes  place  in  the  starch  of  the  hot  infusion  chiefly  to  the  agency  of  a 


1056 


Irtfusa. 


par:  i. 


;Pe 


little  albumen,  which  has  escaped  coagulation.  According  to  these  views.: 
best  plan  of  preparing  infusion  of  columbo  is  to  exhaust  the  root  with  coldw.T 
by  which  the  starch  is  left  behind,  and  then  to  heat  the  infusion  to  the  bo: ig 
point  in  order  to  coagulate  the  albumen.  (Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xviii.  1 
from  Pharm.  Journi)  Upon  comparing  specimens  of  the  cold  and  hot  infu:  n 
we  have  not  found  the  results  of  Mr.  Greenish  fully  confirmed.  The  colon* 
fusion  appeared  to  keep  better  than  the  hot.  Nevertheless,  the  plan  of  prepay 
the  infusion  above  proposed  is  probably  the  best.  The  infusion  of  columl  is 
not  disturbed  by  salts  of  iron,  and  may  be  conveniently  administered  in  connepn 
with  them.  The  dose  is  two  fluidounces  three  or  four  times  a day.  T 


INFUSUM  DIGITALIS.  U.  S.,  Land.,  Ed.,  Dub.  InfmioM 

Foxglove. 

“Take  of  Foxglove  [dried  leaves]  a drachm;  Boiling  Water  half  a;t; 
Tincture  of  Cinnamon  a fiuidounce.  Macerate  the  Foxglove  with  the  Ti  er 
for  two  hours  in  a covered  vessel,  and  strain;  then  add  the  Tincture  of  Ciia- 
rnon.”  U.  S. 

The  London  College  takes  a drachm  of  the  dried  leaves,  a fiuidounce  of  frit 
of  cinnamon,  and  a pint  [Imperial  measure]  of  boiling  distilled  water;  macetes 
the  leaves  in  the  water  for  four  hours;  and,  having  strained  the  liquor, add: he 
spirit.  The  Ed.  College  takes  two  drachms  of  the  leaves,  two  fluidounces  of  trie 
of  cinnamon,  and  eighteen  fluidounces  of  boiling  water;  and,  having  maeered 
the  leaves  in  the  water  for  four  hours,  strains  through  linen  or  calico,  and  ds 
the  spirit.  The  Dub.  College  takes  a drachm  [5168  grains]  of  the  dried  le;ss, 
and  nine  \_fluid~\ounces  of  boiling  water,  infuses  for  an  hour,  and  strains. 

The  U.  S.  infusion  is  essentially  the  same  with  that  employed  by  Witheig. 
It  affords  precipitates  with  the  sulphate  of  iron,  acetate  of  lead,  and  infusit  of 
Peruvian  bark.  ( London  Dispensatory.')  The  dose  is  usually  stated  at  h:  a 
fiuidounce,  repeated  twice  a day  under  ordinary  circumstances,  every  eight  hrs 
in  urgent  cases,  until  the  system  is  affected.  The  proportion  of  digitalis  iaot 
half  as  great  in  the  London  preparation,  and  the  dose,  of  course,  is  proponn- 
ably  larger.  It  will  not,  however,  escape  the  close  observer,  that  the  statedose 
of  digitalis  in  infusion  is  much  larger  than  in  substance,  for  which  there oes 
not  appear  to  be  a good  reason.  It  might  be  safer  to  give  only  half  the  cm- 
tity,  and  increase  if  necessary.  \ 


INFUSUM  ERGOTAL  Dub.  Inf  usion  of  Ergot. 

“Take  of  Ergot  of  Rye,  in  coarse  powder,  two  drachms  [Dublin  weigh 
Boiling  Water  nine  \Jluid~\ounces.  Infuse  for  one  hour  in  a covered  vesse.nd 
strain.”  Dub. 

The  dose  of  this  infusion  is  two  fluidounces  for  a woman  in  labour.  h 


INFLISUM  EUPATORII.  U.  S.  Infusion  of  Thorough  wort. 

“Take  of  Thoroughwort  [the  dried  herb]  an  ounce;  Boiling  Water  a ,nl. 
Macerate  for  two  hours  in  a covered  vessel,  and  strain.”  U.  S. 

As  a tonic,  this  infusion  should  be  taken  cold  in  the  dose  of  two  fluidowes 
three  or  four  times  a day,  or  more  frequently;  as  an  emetic  and  diaphoret,  in 
large  tepid  draughts. 

INFUSUM  GENTIANiE  COMPOSITUM.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Mb. 
Infusum  Gentians.  Ed.  Compound  Infusion  of  Gentian. 

“Take  of  Gentian,  bruised,  half  an  ounce;  Orange  peel  [dried  peel  o the 
Seville  orange],  bruised,  Coriander,  bruised,  each,  a drachm;  Diluted  A1  hoi 
four  fluidounces;  Water  [cold]  twelve  fluidounces.  First  pour  on  the  Di ted 
Alcohol,  and,  three  hours  afterwards,  the  Water;  then  macerate  for  tdve 
hours,  and  strain.”  U:  S. 


TAC  II. 


Infusa. 


105T 


'ie  above  was  copied  from  the  Edinburgh  formula,  which  differs  only  in 
hang  four  fluidounces  [Imperial  measure]  of  proof  spirit  and  sixteen  Jiuid- 
oures  [Imp.  meas.]  of  cold  water. 

he  London  College  takes  of  sliced  gentian  and  dried  orange  peel,  each,  two 
dnhms,  of  [fresh]  lemon  peel  four  drachms,  of  boiling  distilled  water  a pint 
[Inerial  measure];  the  Dublin  takes  of  gentian  and  dried  orange  peel,  each, 
twwrachms  [Dub.  weight],  and  of  boiling  water  half  a pint  [Imp.  meas.] ; 
bot  macerate  for  an  hour  in  a covered  vessel,  and  strain. 

[ e U.  S.  and  Edinburgh  infusion  differs  materially  from  the  London.  The 
form  has  much  more  gentian  in  proportion  to  the  solvent  than  the  latter,  and 
is  tirefore  a much  stronger  bitter;  while,  by  the  use  of  cold  instead  of  boiling 
watt,  less  of  the  inert  mucilaginous  matter  is  extracted,  and  the  addition  of 
alccol  gives  the  preparation  the  character  rather  of  a weak  tincture  than  an 
infi.oD.  The  use  of  the  diluted  alcohol  is  to  assist  in  dissolving  the  bitter 
priiiple,  and  at  the  same  time  to  contribute  towards  the  preservation  of  the 
infi'on,  which,  without  this  addition,  is  very  apt  to  spoil.  The  Dublin  prepa- 
ratii  is  rather  weaker  than  that  of  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia,  and  is  simply  an 
infron. 

Ie  dose  of  the  U.  S.  infusion  is  a fluidounce,  that  of  the  preparation  of 
the  ondon  College  two  or  three  fluidounces,  to  be  repeated  three  or  four  times 
a d|. 

C Prep.  Mistura  G-entianae  Composita.  W. 

FFUSUM  HUMULI.  U.  S.  Infusum  Lupuli.  Lond.  Infusion 
of  bps. 

lake  of  Hops  half  an  ounce ; Boiling  Water  a pint.  Macerate  for  two  hours 
inaovered  vessel,  and  strain.”  U.  S. 

“ake  of  Hops  six  drachms;  boiling  Distilled  Water  a pint  [Imperial  mea- 
sure Macerate  for  four  hours  in  a covered  vessel,  and  strain.”  Lond. 

I ; dose  of  this  infusion  is  one  or  two  fluidounces.  W. 

IFUSUM  JUNIPERI.  Dub.  Infusion  of  Juniper. 

“Jake  of  Juniper  Berries,  bruised,  one  ounce  [avoirdupois];  Boiling  Water 
bal]  pint  [Imperial  measure].  Infuse  for  one  hour,  in  a covered  vessel,  and 
stra:;”  Dub. 

Ii  rill  be  found  more  convenient  to  prepare  this  infusion,  as  is  generally  done 
in  t!  i country,  in  the  proportion  of  an  ounce  of  the  fruit,  to  a pint  of  boiling 
watt  The  whole  quantity  made  may  be  taken  in  twenty-four  hours,  in  doses 
of  t\j  or  three  fluidounces.  TV. 

IFUSUM  KRAMERIiE.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Dub.  Infusion  of  Dha- 
tani 

“ ike  of  Bkatany,  bruised,  an  ounce ; Boiling  Water  a pint.  Macerate  for 
four  ours  in  a covered  vessel,  and  strain. 

“ lis  Infusion  may  also  be  prepared  from  the  same  quantity  of  Rhatany,  in 
coar;  powder,  by  the  process  of  displacement,  in  the  manner  directed  for  the 
h)fu  in  of  Yellow  Bark.”  U.  S.  {See  Infusum  Cinchonse  Flavsei) 

T London  College  takes  an  ounce  of  the  root,  and  a pint  [Imperial  measure] 
of  b ing  distilled  water,  and  macerates  for  four  hours;  the  Dublin  takes  half 
ono  'ce  [avoirdupois]  to  nine  \_fluid~\ounces,  and  digests  for  an  hour. 

T1  infusion  of  rhatany  would  probably  be  more  efficient,  if  prepared  by  the 
fflod'  if  percolation,  with  cold  water,  from  the  root  in  a state  of  moderately  fine 
powe,  as  directed  for  infusion  of  Peruvian  bark.  The  dose  of  the  infusion  is 
one  « two  fluidounces.  TV. 

67 


1058 


Infusa. 


PART 


INFUSUM  LINI  COMPOSITUM.  U.  S.,  Bond.  Infusum  Lit 
Ed.  Compound  Inf  usion  of  Flaxseed. 

“ Take  of  Flaxseed  half  an  ounce ; Liquorice  Root,  bruised,  two  deaden 
Boiling  Water  a pint.  Macerate  for  two  hours  in  a covered  vessel,  and  straii 
U.S. 

The  London  College  directs  six  drachms  of  flaxseed,  two  drachms  of  slid 
fresh  liquorice  root,  and  a pint  [Imperial  measure]  of  boiling  distilled  wat , 
and  macerates  for  four  hours;  the  Edinburgh  directs  the  same  except  boili' 
water  for  boiling  distilled  water,  and  digests  near  the  fire  for  four  hours. 

This  is  a useful  demulcent  drink  in  inflammatory  affections  of  themues 
membrane  of  the  lungs  and  urinary  passages.  It  may  be  taken  ad  libitum. 

W 

INFUSUM  MATICO.  Bub.  Infusion  of  Matieo. 

“Take  of  Matieo  Leaves,  cut  small,  half  an  ounce  [avoirdupois];  Boil g 
Water  half  a.  pint  [Imperial  measure].  Infuse  for  one  hour  in  a covered  ves; , 
and  strain.”  Dub. 

The  dose  of  this  infusion  is  two  fluidounces.  W 

INFUSUM  MENTILU  YIRIDIS.  Bub.  InfusionofSpearmi. 

“Take  of  Spearmint,  dried,  and  cut  small,  three  drachms  [Dublin  weigh; 
Boiling  Water  half  a pint  [Imperial  measure].  Infuse  for  fifteen  minutes  u 
a covered  vessel,  and  strain.”  Dub. 

This  is  common  mint  tea,  and  may  be  taken  ad  libitum.  W 

INFUSUM  PAREIRFE.  Ed.,  Bub.  Infusion  of  Pareira  Brat. 

“Take  of  Pareira  six  drachms  ; Boiling  Water  a pint  [Imperial  measu]. 
Infuse  for  two  hours,  in  a covered  vessel,  and  then  strain  through  linemr 
calico.”  Ed. 

“ Take  of  Pareira  Root,  bruised  and  torn  into  shreds,  half  an  ounce  [avoiu- 
pois];  Boiling  Water  nine  \_fhiid~\ounces.  Digest  for  one  hour,  in  a coved 
vessel,  and  strain.”  Dub. 

The  infusion  of  Pareira  brava  is  highly  esteemed  by  some  English  prd- 
tioners  as  a remedy  in  irritation  and  chronic  inflammation  of  the  urinary  s- 
sages,  and  has  been  found  useful  in  catarrh  of  the  bladder.  The  dose  is  onor 
two  fluidounces.  Brodie  employed  a decoction  of  the  root,  which  he  prepad 
by  boiling  half  an  ounce  in  three  pints  of  water  down  to  a pint,  and  gave  inae 
quantity  of  from  eight  to  twelve  fluidounces  daily.  The  London  Collegeas 
substituted  the  decoction  for  the  infusion.  ^ 

INFUSUM  PRUNI  VIRGINIANS.  U.S.  Infusion  of  TFI- 
cherry  Bark. 

“ Take  of  Wild-cherry  Bark,  bruised,  half  an  ounce;  Water  [cold]  a pt. 
Macerate  for  twenty-four  hours,  and  strain. 

“ This  Infusion  may  also  be  prepared  from  the  same  quantity  of  Wild-eliry 
Bark,  in  coarse  powder,  by  the  process  of  displacement,  in  the  manner  direed 
for  Infusion  of  Yellow  Bark.”  U.  S.  (See  Infusum  Cinchonse  Flavse.) 

This  is  a peculiarly  suitable  object  for  officinal  direction,  as,  in  consequee 
of  the  volatile  nature  of  one  of  its  active  ingredients,  and  for  another  reon 
before  stated  (see  page  598),  it  is  better  prepared  with  cold  water  than  in  be 
ordinary  mode.  The  infusion  of  wild-cherry  bark  is  one  of  the  preparatioi  to 
which  the  process  of  percolation  or  displacement  is  well  adapted.  In  this  ay 
the  virtues  of  the  bark  can  be  more  rapidly  and  thoroughly  exhausted  tha  by 
maceration  alone.  When  properly’  made,  it  is  beautifully  transparent?,  ha;  be 
colour  of  madeira  wiue,  and  the  agreeable  bitterness  and  peculiar  flavour  o be 
bark.  The  dose  is  two  or  three  fluidounces  three  or  four  times  a day,  or  ore 
frequently  when  a strong  impression  is  required.  ^ 


PIT  II. 


Infusa. 


1059 


INFUSUM  QUASSIA.  lr.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub.  Infusion  of 
Qassia. 

Take  of  Quassia,  rasped,  two  drachms  ; Water  [cold]  a pint.  Macerate  for 
tvive  hours,  and  strain.”  U.  S. 

'he  London  College  takes  two  scruples  of  quassia,  sliced,  and  a pint  [Imperial 
insure]  of  boiling  distilled  water;  the  Edinburgh,  a drachm  of  quassia  in 
cb'S,  and  a pint  [Imp.  meas.]  of  boiling  water;  both  macerate  for  two  hours. 
T1  Dublin  College  takes  a drachm  [54'68  grains]  of  the  wood,  and  eight  [ fluid ] 
ow.es  and  a half  of  boiling  water,  and  infuses  for  an  hour. 

he  proportion  of  quassia  directed  in  the  London  and  Edinburgh  Pharma- 
coeias  is  much  too  small.  The  London  infusion  contains  the  strength  of  only 
tw grains  of  quassia  in  a fluidounce,  and  the  Edinburgh  three  grains;  while 
thdose  of  quassia  in  substance  is  from  twenty  grains  to  a drachm,  and  of  the 
exact  not  less  than  five  grains.  We,  therefore,  prefer  the  proportions  directed 
byur  national  Pharmacopoeia  Boiling  water  may  be  employed  when  it  is  de- 
sinle  to  obtain  the  preparation  quickly;  but  cold  water  affords  a clearer  infu- 
sic  The  dose  is  two  fluidounces  three  or  four  times  a day.  W. 

IFUSUM  IlHEI.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub.  Infusion  of  Rhubarb. 

Take  of  Rhubarb,  bruised,  a drachm;  Boiling  Water  half  a pint.  Digest 
foiwo  hours  in  a covered  vessel,  and  strain.”  U.  S. 

Take  of  Rhubarb,  sliced,  three  drachms;  boiling  Distilled  Water  a pint 
[Inerial  measure].  Macerate  for  two  hours,  in  a covered  vessel,  and  strain.” 
LI. 

Take  of  Rhubarb,  bruised  into  coarse  powder,  one  ounce;  Spirit  of  Cinna- 
mc  two  fluidounces ; boiling  Water  eighteen  fluidounces.  Infuse  the  Rhubarb 
forwelve  hours  in  the  Water,  in  a covered  vessel,  add  the  Spirit,  and  strain 
thr;gh  linen  or  calico.”  Ed. 

Take  of  Rhubarb,  sliced,  three  drachms  [Dublin  weight];  boiling  Distilled 
W;r  a 'pint  [Imp.  meas.].  Macerate  for  two  hours,  in  a covered  vessel,  and 
stm.”  Dub. 

j order  that  the  rhubarb  may  be  exhausted,  it  should  be  digested  with  the 
wal  near  the  fire,  at  a temperature  somewhat  less  than  that  of  boiling  water. 
It  [customary  to  add  some  aromatic,  such  as  cardamom,  fennel-seed,  or  nutmeg, 
wh  t improves  the  taste  of  the  infusion,  and  renders  it  more  acceptable  to  the 
stoiich.  One  drachm  of  either  of  these  spices  may  be  digested  in  connexion 
wit,  he  rhubarb. 

I is  infusion  may  be  given  as  a gentle  laxative,  in  the  dose  of  one  or  two  fluid- 
oun  s,  every  three  or  four  hours,  till  it  operates.  It  is  occasionally  used  as  a 
veh  e of  tonic,  antacid,  or  more  active  cathartic  medicines.  The  stronger  acids 
andiost  metallic  solutions  are  incompatible  with  it.  W. 

1 FUSUM  ROSyE  COMPOSITUM.  U.  S.,  Lond.  Infusum  Ro- 
s M.-Ed.  Infusum  Ros^e  Acidum.  Dub.  Compound  Infusion  of 

Rot',. 


“ake  of  Red  Roses  [dried  petals]  half  an  ounce;  Boiling  Water  two  pints 
and\  half;  Diluted  Sulphuric  Acid  three  fluidrachms ; Sugar  [refined]  an 
oun!  and  a half.  Pour  the  Water  upon  the  Roses  in  a glass  vessel ; then 
addiie  Acid,  and  macerate  for  half  an  hour;  lastly,  strain  the  liquor,  and  add 
the  tgar.”  U.  S. 

T London  College  takes  three  drachms  of  dried  red  roses,  a fluidrachm  and 
« Ac  of  diluted  sulphuric  acid,  six  drachms  of  sugar,  and  a pint  [Imperial 
mea  re]  of  boiling  distilled  water,  and  proceeds  as  above,  except  that  it  mace- 
rate! ir  two  hours  instead  of  half  an  hour.  The  Edinburgh  process  corresponds 
with  be  London,  except  that  boiling  water  is  used  instead  of  boiling  distilled 
wate  the  maceration  continues  only  for  an  hour,  and  the  acid  is  added  after  the 


1060 


Inf  us  a. 


paet  : 


maceration  instead  of  before  it.  The  Dull  in  College  takes  two  drachms  [Dr 
weight]  of  the  dried  roses,  a fluid  rachm  of  the  diluted  acid,  and  half  a pint  [In 
meas.]  of  boiling  water;  infuses  the  petals  for  an  hour  in  the  water,  strains,  a 
adds  the  acid. 

The  red  roses  serve  little  other  purpose  than  to  impart  a fine  red  colour  a 
a slight  astringent  flavour  to  the  preparation,  which  owes  its  medicinal  virti 
almost  exclusively  to  the  sulphuric  acid.  It  is  refrigerant  and  astringent,  a 
affords  a useful  and  not  unpleasant  drink  in  hemorrhages  and  colliquative  swea 
It  is  much  used  by  British  practitioners  as  a vehicle  for  saline  medicines,  p. 
ticularly  sulphate  of  magnesia,  the  taste  of  which  it  serves  to  cover.  It  is  a i 
employed  as  a gargle,  usually  in  connexion  with  acids,  nitre,  alum,  or  tinctu 
of  Cayenne  pepper.  The  dose  is  from  two  to  four  fluidounces.  W. 

INFUSUM  SARSAPARILLA.  U.  S.  Infusion  of  Sarsaparil, 

“Take  of  Sarsaparilla,  bruised,  an  ounce;  Boiling  Water  a pint.  Digest : 
two  hours  in  a covered  vessel,  and  strain. 

“ This  infusion  may  also  be  prepared  from  the  same  quantity  of  Sarsapari, 
in  coarse  powder,  by  the  process  of  displacement,  in  the  manner  directed  for  - 
fusion  of  Peruvian  Bark.”  U.  S.  (See  Infusum  Cinchonse  Flavse .) 

From  the  experiments  of  Soubeiran  it  appears  that,  by  maceration  in  cl 
water  for  twenty-four  hours,  the  active  principle  of  sarsaparilla  is  extracted  s 
effectually  as  by  infusion  in  boiling  water  and  digestion  for  two  hours,  and  1 1 
in  either  case  the  infusion  is  stronger  than  the  decoction ; but  the  aqueous  im- 
putation which  he  fouud  to  possess  most  of  the  sensible  properties  of  the  re, 
was  made  by  infusing  the  spirituous  extract  in  water.  In  all  his  experimes, 
M.  Soubeiran  employed  the  same  proportions  of  the  root  and  of  water.  {Jon. 
de  Pharm.,  xvi.  43.)  These  observations  correspond  with  those  long  site 
made  by  Hancock,  and  subsequently  confirmed  by  Mr.  T.  J.  Husband,  of  is 
city,  so  far  as  relates  to  the  greater  solvent  power  of  spirit  than  of  water  or 
sarsaparilla.  (Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xv.  6.)  Water  does  not  appear  ca- 
petent  completely  to  exhaust  sarsaparilla  of  its  active  principle,  unless  emplod 
in  very  large  proportion.  Still  the  watery  preparations  made  from  the  rootre 
certainly  not  without  efficacy ; and  the  inference  from  the  experiments  of  fa- 
beiran  is,  that  it  is  of  little  consequence  whether  the  infusion  be  made  with  ot 
or  cold  water,  supposing  time  to  be  allowed  in  the  latter  case.  It  is  profile 
that  percolation,  as  directed  by  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia  in  the  second  fornla 
above  given,  will  be  found  the  most  efficacious  plan.  The  sarsaparilla  sh<ld 
in  this  case  be  reduced  to  powder.  From  two  to  four  fluidounces  of  the  infum 
may  be  taken  three  times  a day.  ” 

INFUSUM  SASSAFRAS  MEDULLA.  U.S.  Infusion  of  Sa  a- 
fras  Pith. 

“ Take  of  Sassafras  Pith  a drachm;  Water  [cold]  a pint.  3Iaceratefor  tee 
hours,  and  strain.”  U.S.  J 

This  infusion  is  much  used  as  an  application  to  the  eye  in  inflammaticof 
the  conjunctiva.  It  may  be  used  as  a drink  in  inflammatory  and  febrile  in- 
cases, particularly  inflammations  of  the  mucous  passages,  ad  libitum.  I 

INFUSUM  SENEGA.  Ed.  Infusum  Poltgal^:.  Dub.  Infuon 
of  SeneJca. 

“Take  of  Senega  ten  drachms;  boiling  Water  one  pint  [Imperial  mease]. 
Infuse  for  four  hours  in  a covered  vessel,  and  strain.”  Pd. 

The  Dublin  College  digests  half  an  ounce  [avoirdupois]  of  the  root  in  ne 
\Jtuid~\ounces  of  boiling  water,  for  an  hour,  and  strains. 

The  efficacy  of  the  officinal  decoction  of  seneka  has  been  proved  by  so  lor  an 
experience,  that  we  should  be  cautious  in  allowing  it  to  be  superseded  fi-lie 


Pi!T  II. 


Infusa. 


1061 


The  dose  of  the  preparation  is  from 

W. 

Ineusum  Senioe  Compositum. 


inision  on  hypothetical  grounds  alone. 
on  'o  three  fluidounces. 

SFUSUM  SENNiE.  U.  S.,  Ed. 

Ltd.,  Dub.  Inf usion  of  Senna. 

Take  of  Senna  an  ounce ; Coriander,  bruised,  a drachm;  Boiling  Water  a 
pii j Macerate  for  an  hour  in  a covered  vessel,  and  strain.”  U.  S. 

he  London  College  orders  fifteen  drachms  of  senna,  four  samples  of  bruised 
giter,  and  a pint  [Imperial  measure]  of  boiling  distilled  water ; the  Edinburgh , 
antunce  and  a half  of  senna,  four  scruples  of  ginger,  and  a pint  [Imp.  meas.] 
of  'iling  water;  and  the  Dublin , half  an  ounce  [avoirdupois]  of  senna,  half  a 
drdim  [Dub.  weight]  of  ginger,  and  half  a pint  [Imp.  meas.]  of  boiling  water. 
Alnacerate  as  above  directed. 

"e  decidedly  prefer  the  formula  of  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia.  The  propor- 
tio  of  senna  directed  by  the  London  and  Edinburgh  Colleges  are  unnecessarily 
lar  ; and  coriander  is  a better  addition  than  ginger  to  an  infusion  very  often 
giv.i  in  inflammatory  affections.  This  infusion  deposits,  on  exposure  to  the 
air  i yellowish  precipitate,  which  is  said  to  aggravate  its  griping  tendency;  it 
shcfld,  therefore,  not  be  made  in  large  quantities.  It  is  customary  to  connect 
wit  it  manna  and  some  one  of  the  saline  cathartics,  which  increase  its  efficacy 
anCender  it  less  painful  in  its  operation.  The  following  is  a good  formula  for 
Preparation  of  senna  tea.  Take  of  senna  half  an  ounce;  sulphate  of  mag- 
net', manna,  each,  an  ounce;  fennel-seed  a drachm;  boiling  water  half  a pint. 
Ma  rate  in  a covered  vessel  till  the  liquid  cools.  One-third  may  be  given  for 
a die;  and  repeated  every  four  or  five  hours  till  it  operates.  Such  a combination 
as  is  is  called  the  black  draught  by  English  writers.  The  dose  of  the  infusion 
of  13  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia  is  about  four  fluidounces. 

f.  Prep.  Mistura  Gentianm  Composita.  W. 


PFUSUM  SEKNFE  COMPOSITUM.  Ed.  Compound  Infusion 

of  inna. 

Take  of  Senna  one  drachm;  Tamarinds  one  ounce;  Coriander,  bruised,  one 
dmm;  Muscovado  [sugar]  half  an  ounce;  boiling  Water  eight  fluidounces. 
Inf  e for  four  hours,  with  occasional  stirring,  in  a covered  vessel  not  glazed 
wit  lead,  and  then  strain  through  linen  or  calico. 

‘ ’his  infusion  may  be  likewise  made  with  twice  or  thrice  the  prescribed 
quaity  of  senna.”  Ed. 

1 this  infusion,  the  unpleasant  taste  of  the  senna  is  covered  by  the  acidity 
of  tii  tamarinds  and  sweetness  of  the  sugar.  It  is  aperient  and  refrigerant,  and 
is  v 1 adapted  to  febrile  complaints  when  a laxative  operation  is  desired.  The 
dosijs  from  two  to  four  fluidounces.  W. 

JFUSUM  SERPENTARLaS.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed.  Infusion  of 
Viiinia  Snakeroot. 

‘"ake  of  Virginia  Snakeroot  half  an  ounce;  Boiling  Water  a pint.  Mace- 
rate] m two  hours  in  a covered  vessel,  and  strain.”  U.  S. 

3ji  London  College  employs  half  an  ounce  of  the  root  with  a pint  [Imperial 
meal  re]  of  boiling  distilled  water,  and  macerates  for  four  hours.  The  Edin- 
hwi  process  differs  from  the  London  only  in  the  use  of  boiling  water  instead 
of  b ling  distilled  water. 

I s is  the  ordinary  form  in  which  serpen  taria  is  employed.  The  dose  is  one 
or  to  fluidounces,  repeated  every  two  hours  in  low  forms  of  fever,  but  less 
fred  ntly  in  chronic  affections.  W. 

IFUSUM  SIMARUBFE.  Ed.,  Dub.  Infusion  of  Simarub a. 

‘ ake  of  Simaruba,  bruised,  three  drachms;  boiling  Water  a pint  [Imperial 


1062  Infusa.  part  j 

measure].  Infuse  for  two  hours  in  a covered  vessel,  and  then  strain  throm 
linen  or  calico.”  Ed. 

The  Dublin  College  infuses  two  drachms  [Dublin  weight]  of  the  bark  wi 
nine  [fiuid^ounces  of  boiling  water,  for  an  hour,  in  a covered  vessel,  and  strair 

This  preparation  is  little  used  in  the  United  States.  The  dose  is  two  flui 
ounces.  W. 

INFUSUM  SPIGELI2E.  U.  S.  Infusion  of  Pinkroot. 

“ Take  of  Pinkroot  half  an  ounce ; Boiling  Water  a pint,  Macerate  for  t\ 
hours  in  a covered  vessel,  and  strain.”  U.  S. 

The  dose  of  this  infusion,  for  a child  two  or  three  years  old,  is  from  four  fh 
drachms  to  a fluidounce;  for  an  adult,  from  four  to  eight  fluidounces,  repeat 
morning  and  evening.  A quantity  of  senna  equal  to  that  of  the  spigelia 
usually  added,  in  order  to  insure  a cathartic  effect.  W. 

INFUSUM  TABACI.  TJ.  S.  Enema  Tabaci.  Lond.,  Pd.,  Du 
Infusion  of  Tobacco. 

“ Take  of  Tobacco  a drachm ; Boiling  Water  a pint.  Macerate  for  an  ho 
in  a covered  vessel,  and  strain.”  U.  S. 

The  London  College  takes  a scruple  of  tobacco,  and  half  a pint  [Imper 
measure]  of  boiling  distilled  water,  macerates  for  an  hour,  and  strains.  T 
Edinburgh  College  takes  from  fifteen  to  thirty  grains  of  tobacco,  and  eight  Jha 
ounces  of  boiling  water,  infuses  for  half  an  hour,  and  strains.  The  Dublin  C 
lege  takes  a scruple  [18'22  grains],  and  eight  \_flui(T\ounccs  of  boiling  wat< 
infuses  for  an  hour,  and  strains. 

This  is  used  only  in  the  form  of  enema  in  strangulated  hernia,  obstinate  col 
and  retention  of  urine  from  spasm  of  the  urethra.  Only  half  of  the  pint  of  t 
U.  S.  infusion  should  be  employed  at  once;  and,  if  this  should  not  produce : 
laxation  in  half  an  hour,  the  remainder  may  be  injected.  Fatal  consequent 
have  resulted  from  too  free  a use  of  tobacco  in  this  way.  W. 

INFUSUM  TARAXACI.  U.  S.  Infusion  of  Dandelion. 

“Take  of  Dandelion,  bruised,  two  ounces;  Boiling  Water  a pint.  Macero 
for  two  hours  in  a covered  vessel,  and  strain.”  U.  S. 

This  has  been  substituted  in  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia  for  the  decoction.  T- 
dose  is  a wineglassful  two  or  three  times  a day,  or  oftener.  W. 

INFUSUM  ULMI.  U.S.  Infusion  of  Slippery  Dim  Baric. 

“Take  of  Slippery  Elm  Bark,  sliced  and  bruised,  an  ounce  ; Boiling  War 
a pint.  Macerate  for  two  hours  in  a covered  vessel,  and  strain.”  U.S. 

This  infusion  may  be  used  ad  libitum  as  a demulcent  and  nutritious  drink: 
catarrhal  and  nephritic  diseases,  and  in  inflammatory  affections  of  the  intestiil 
mucous  membrane.  W. 

INFUSUM  VALERIANiE.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Dub.  Infusion  of  T- 
lerian. 

“Take  of  Valerian  half  an  ounce;  Boiling  Water  a pint.  Macerate  for  1 
hour  in  a covered  vessel,  and  strain.”  U.  S. 

The  London  College  takes  half  an  ounce  of  Valerian,  and  a pint  [Impeil 
measure]  of  boiling  distilled  water,  macerates  for  half  an  hour  in  a covered  v- 
sel,  and  strains.  The  Dublin  College  takes  two  drachms  [Dub.  weight]  f 
valerian,  and  nine  [ Jluidjounces  of  boiling  water,  digests  for  an  hour,  and  strai. 

The  dose  of  this  infusion  is  two  fluidounces,  repeated  three  or  four  time» 
day,  or  more  frequently.  IE 

INFUSUM  ZINGIBERIS.  U.  S.  Infusion  of  Dinger. 

“Take  of  Ginger,  bruised,  half  an  ounce;  Boiling  Water  a pint.  Macer? 
for  two  hours  in  a covered  vessel,  and  strain.”  U.  S.  ' j" 

The  dose  of  this  infusion  is  two  fluidounces.  ” • 


PAr  ir. 


Iodinium. 


106B 


IODINIUM. 

Preparations  of  Iodine. 

JDINIUM  PIJRUM.  Pub.  Pure  Iodine. 

Take  of  Iodine  of  Commerce  any  convenient  quantity.  Introduce  it  into  a 
dee  porcelain  capsule  of  a circular  shape,  and,  having  covered  this  as  accurately 
as  ossible  with  a glass  matrass  filled  with  cold  water,  apply  to  the  capsule  a 
waif  heat  for  the  space  of  twenty  minutes,  and  then,  withdrawing  the  heat, 
per  it  the  capsule  to  cool.  Should  the  sublimate  attached  to  the  bottom  of  the 
maps  include  acicular  prisms  of  a white  colour  and  pungent  odour,  let  it  be 
scried  off  with  a glass  rod,  and  rejected.  The  matrass  being  now  returned  to  its 
preous  position,  a gentle  and  steady  heat  (that  of  a gas-lamp  answers  well)  is 
to  1 applied,  so  as  to  sublime  the  entire  of  the  iodine.  Upon  now  lifting  off  the 
maass,  the  purified  product  will  be  found  attached  to  its  bottom.  When  sepa- 
rate, it  should  be  immediately  enclosed  in  a bottle  furnished  with  an  accurately 
groid  stopper.”  Dub. 

lie  Edinburgh  College  does  not  recognise  purified  iodine  under  a separate 
nar,  but  gives  the  following  directions  for  its  purification. 

‘ odine,  as  obtained  in  commerce,  being  almost  always  adulterated  with  vari- 
abliproportions  of  water,  and  being  consequently  unfit  for  making  pharmaceu- 
tica preparations  of  fixed  and  uniform  strength,  it  must  be  dried  by  being  placed 
in  shallow  basin  of  earthenware  in  a small  confined  space  of  air  with  ten  or 
twee  times  its  weight  of  fresh-burnt  lime,  till  it  scarcely  adheres  to  the  inside 
of  airy  bottle.”  Ed. 

I the  Rublin  process  for  the  purification  of  iodine,  a short  preliminary  sub- 
lim  ion  by  the  heat  of  a water-bath  is  ordered,  in  which  the  bottom  of  a glass 
mal'SS  filled  with  cold  water  is  the  refrigerator.  The  object  of  this  is  to  sepa- 
rate iny  iodide  of  cyanogen  that  may  happen  to  be  present.  This  impurity  is 
son;  imes  present  in  considerable  amount.  Klobach  obtained  from  eighty  pounds 
ofcamercial  iodine,  twelve  ounces  of  this  iodide,  which  is  in  the  proportion  of 
near  one  per  cent.  (6vAem.  Gaz.,  April  15,  1850.)  If  the  matrass,  upon  its 
renfal,  should  have  attached  to  its  bottom  white  acicular  crystals,  these  will 
com  t of  the  iodide  referred  to,  and  must  be  rejected.  The  matrass  having 
bee;  replaced,  heat  is  again  applied  until  the  whole  of  the  iodine  has  sublimed, 
and  ttached  itself  to  the  cool  bottom  of  the  matrass.  The  Edinburgh  process 
for  rifying  iodine  is  merely  intended  to  separate  water  by  the  drying  influence 
of  qhklime.  Water  has  sometimes  been  found  to  the  extent  of  fifteen  or  twenty 
per  nt.  Its  amount  may  be  estimated  by  the  method  of  M.  Bolley,  which 
com  ts  in  rubbing  together,  until  the  smell  of  iodine  disappears,  thirty  grains 
of  i line  with  about  two  hundred  and  forty  grains  of  mercury,  in  a weighed 
sma  porcelain  dish,  using  a weighed  small  agate  pestle.  When  complete  com- 
binsjon  has  been  effected,  the  whole  is  placed  in  a water-bath  to  dissipate  the 
wati  The  loss  of  weight  gives  the  amount  of  water  in  the  iodine.  ( Chem. 
Gai  Mar.  15,  1853,  p.  118.)  The  presence  of  water  is  not  otherwise  injuri- 
ous jan  as  it  renders  all  the  preparations  of  iodine  weaker  than  they  should  be. 

U.  S.  and  London  Pharmacopoeias  give  no  directions  for  purifying  iodine ; 
butj  e iodine  recognised  is  the  pure  substance,  and  not  the  commercial  iodine, 
unla  this  should  happen  to  be  pure.  The  properties  and  tests  of  pure  iodine 
havueen  given  under  the  head  of  Iodinium  in  the  first  part  of  this  work. 

C Prep.  Arsenici  et  Hydrargyri  ILydriodatis  Liquor;  Ferri  Iodidum;  Hy- 
drarj ri  Iodidum  Viride;  Potassii  lodidi  Liquor  Compositus;  Potassii  Iodidum; 
Suljar  Iodatum;  Syrupus  Ferri  lodidi;  Tinctura  lodinii  Composita;  Unguent- 
ura  dinii  Compositum.  B. 


1064 


Iodin  ium. — Liniraenta. 


PART 


LIQUOR  IODINII  COMPOSITUS.  U.8.  Iodinei  Liquor  Co- 
positus.  Ed.  Compound  Solution  of  Iodine. 

“Take  of  Iodine  six  drachms;  Iodide  of  Potassium  an  ounce  and  a hal 
Distilled  Water  a pint.  Dissolve  the  Iodine  and  Iodide  of  Potassium  in  i< 
Water.”  U.S. 

“ Take  of  Iodine  two  drachms;  Iodide  of  Potassium  an  ounce;  Distilled  Wa  • 
sixteen  fluiclounces  [Imp.  meas.].  Dissolve  the  Iodide  and  Iodine  in  the  Wa  ■ 
with  gentle  heat  and  agitation.”  Ed. 

In  these  solutions  iodine  is  dissolved  in  water  with  the  assistance  of  iod : 
of  potassium.  Iodine  dissolves  sparingly  in  water,  but  freely  in  a solution’: 
that  salt.  In  using  iodide  of  potassium  to  render  iodine  more  soluble  inwat, 
the  iodide  is  generally  taken  in  a quantity  twice  the  weight  of  the  iodine;  at 
this  is  the  proportion  adopted  in  the  U.  S.  formula.  The  U.  S.  solution  c- 
responds  in  strength  with  Lugol’s  concentrated  solution  of  iodine  with  iodidef 
potassium,  and  is  intended  to  facilitate  the  administration  of  the  combinati 
in  drops.  The  Edinburgh  preparation  is  a weaker  form  of  the  same  concentra  1 
solution  of  iodine,  in  which  the  iodide  of  potassium  is  taken  in  a quantity  fir 
times  the  weight  of  the  iodine,  instead  of  twice  its  weight,  the  usual  proport  1 
adopted.  On  the  assumption  that  16  Imperial  fluidounces  are  equal  to  the  W3 
pint,  and  they  are  only  5 fluidrachms  less,  it  will  be  found,  on  comparing  3 
formulm,  that  the  Edinburgh  solution  is  one-third  as  strong  in  iodine,  and  t- 
thirds  as  strong  in  iodide  of  potassium  as  that  of  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia. 
medicinal  properties  of  these  solutions  depend  mainly  on  the  free  iodine  c - 
tained  in  them,  by  which  their  dose  must  be  regulated,  and  not  by  the  iodidef 
potassium.  The  dose  of  the  U.  S.  solution  is  six  drops,  containing  aboua 
quarter  of  a grain  of  iodine,  three  times  a day,  given  in  four  tablespoonfuL  f 
sweetened  water,  and  gradually  increased.  For  children  the  dose  to  begin  vh 
is  two  drops.  (See  page  411.)  The  Edinburgh  solution  may  be  given  in  dc s 
about  three  times  as  large.  B 

LINIMENTA. 

Liniments. 

These  are  preparations  intended  for  external  use,  of  such  a consistence  a:0 
render  them  conveniently  applicable  to  the  skin  by  gentle  friction  with  the  hal. 
They  are  usually  thicker  than  water,  but  thinner  than  the  ointments,  and  -e 
always  liquid  at  the  temperature  of  the  body. 

LINIMENTUM  aERUGINIS.  Lond.  Liniment  of  Verdigris. 

“ Take  of  Verdigris  [Subacetate  of  Copper],  in  powder,  an  ounce;  Yinar 
seven  fluidounces ; Honey  fourteen  ounces.  Dissolve  the  Verdigris  in  the  li- 
egar,  and  strain  through  linen ; then  gradually  add  the  Honey,  and  boil  dtn 
to  tbe  proper  consistence.”  Lond. 

It  sometimes  happens  during  the  boiling  of  the  acetic  solution  of  the  verdus, 
that  a red  deposit  rapidly  forms,  consisting  of  the  red  or  suboxide  of  cop]-; 
and  that,  at  the  end  of  the  process,  little  or  none  of  the  metallic  salt  remain.n 
the  preparation.  This  happens  especially  when  granular  honey  is  emplod. 
(Harley,  Pharm.  Journ.  and  Trans.,  xi.  857.)  The  change  is  owing  to  ie 
decomposition  of  the  oxide  of  copper  by  the  grape  sugar  of  the  honey,  converig 
it  into  the  suboxide.  The  inference  is  that,  in  making  the  preparation,  so  ato 
fulfil  the  intentions  of  the  original  prescription,  fresh  liquid  honey  should 
employed,  which  contains  comparatively  little  glucose.  • 

This  is  an  external  stimulant  and  escharotic,  and  was  formerly  called  « 
jEgyptiacum.  It  is  employed,  either  undiluted,  or  mixed  with  some  mild  c t- 


pa  : ii. 


Linimenta. 


1065 


me , to  destroy  fungous  granulations,  or  to  repress  their  growth.  In  the  latter 
stai  it  is  a useful  stimulant  to  flabby,  indolent,  and  ill-conditioned  ulcers,  and, 
larjly  diluted  with  water,  has  been  used  as  a gargle  in  venereal  ulcerations  of 
theiouth  and  throat.  It  is  sometimes  also  applied  undiluted  to  such  ulcers  in 
the mces,  by  means  of  a camel’s-hair  brush.  W. 

INIMENTUM  AMMONIiE.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Ld.,  Dub.  Liniment 
of  mmonia.  Volatile  Liniment. 

‘hike  of  Solution  of  Ammonia  a fluidounce:  Olive  Oil  two  fluidounces.  Mix 
the  ” U.S. 

he  London  and  Edinburgh  processes  agree  with  the  above.  The  Dublin 
Golge  directs  one  fluidounce  of  its  solution  of  ammonia,  and  three  fluidounces 

of  e ve  oil. 

r_  e U.  S.,  London,  and  Edinburgh  Pharmacopoeias  agree  at  present  in  the 
stregth  of  this  liniment.  In  the  preparation,  the  ammonia  unites  with  the  oil 
to  rm  a soap,  which  is  partly  dissolved,  partly  suspended  in  the  water,  pro- 
ducg  a white,  opaque  emulsion.  The  liniment  is  an  excellent  rubefacient, 
frecently  employed  in  inflammatory  affections  of  the  throat,  catarrhal  and  other 
pccral  complaints  of  children,  and  in  rheumatic  pains.  It  is  applied  by  rub- 
bin  it  gently  upon  the  skin,  or  placing  a piece  of  flannel  saturated  with  it  over 
theffected  part.  Should  it  occasion  too  much  inflammation,  it  must  be  diluted 
witjjoil.  W. 

• INIMENTUM  AMMONIiE  COMPOSITUM.  Ed.  Compound 
Liment  of  Ammonia. 

‘lake  of  Stronger  Aqua  Ammonias  (D.  0'880)  [Stronger  Solution  of  Ammo- 
nia ire  fluidounces ; Tincture  of  Camphor  two  fluidounces ; Spirit  of  Rosemary 
oneduidoun.ee.  Mix  them  well  together.  This  liniment  may  be  also  made 
weair  for  some  purposes  with  three  fluidounces  of  Tincture  of  Camphor  and 
fteojf  Spirit  of  Rosemary.”  Ed. 

His  liniment  is  a very  close  imitation  of  Dr.  Granville’s  counter-irritant 
loti.  Like  that,  it  is  of  two  strengths;  the  stronger  containing  five-eighths 
of  : bulk  of  the  ammoniacal  solution,  the  weaker  only  five-tenths.  They  are 
not  ag  more  than  dilutions  in  different  degrees  of  the  officinal  Liquor  Ammo- 
nisefortior,  which  is  itself  too  powerful  for  convenient  use.  The  tincture  of 
candor  and  spirit  of  rosemary  can  scarcely  exercise,  in  this  case,  any  peculiar 
the  peutical  influence.  These  preparations  are  employed  as  prompt  and  power- 
ful ibefacients,  vesicatories,  or  escharotics,  in  various  neuralgic,  gouty,  rheu- 
maf,  spasmodic,  and  inflammatory  affections,  in  which  strong  and  speedy 
cou  er-irritation  is  indicated.  When  mere  rubefaction  is  desired,  the  weaker 
loti  may  be  used;  and  even  for  blistering  or  cauterizing,  unless  a very  prompt 
effe  -is  necessary.  In  the  latter  case  the  stronger  lotion  should  be  resorted  to. 
The  are  applied  by  means  of  linen  folded  several  times,  or  a thick  piece  of  flan- 
nel turated  with  the  liniment.  A convenient  mode  is  to  fill  the  wooden  cover 
of  < large  pill  or  ointment  box,  an  inch  or  two  in  diameter,  with  patent  lint, 
satute  this  with  the  liquid,  and  press  it  upon  the  part.  The  ammonia  is  thus 
prejated  from  escaping,  and  a definite  boundary  given  to  the  inflammation. 
Thtipplieation  will  generally  produce  rubefaction  in  from  one  to  six  or  eight 
min  es,  vesication  in  from  three  to  ten  minutes,  and  a caustic  effect  in  a some- 
wlnjlonger  period.  W. 

INIMENTUM  AMMONIiE  SESQUICARBONATIS.  Lond. 
Liinent  of  Sesquicarbonate  of  Ammonia. 

l:  'ake  of  Solution  of  Sesquicarbonate  of  Ammonia  a fluidounce  ; Olive  Oil 
th't,  fluidounces.  Shake  them  together  until  they  are  mixed.”  Lond. 


1066. 


Linimenta. 


PART 


In  this,  as  in  the  liniment  of  ammonia,  a liquid  soap  is  formed ; hut  the  un  i 
between  the  oil  and  alkali  is  less  perfect,  and  after  a short  time  the  soapy  mat: 
separates  from  the  water.  The  preparation  is  therefore  less  elegant ; and  ; * 
end  which  it  was  intended  to  answer,  of  affording  a milder  rubefacient,  may  > 
obtained  by  diluting  the  liniment  of  ammonia  with  olive  oil.  W 

LINIMENTUM  CALCIS.  U.S.,Lond.,Fd.,  Dub.  LimeLinime. 

“Take  of  Lime-water,  Flaxseed  Oil,  each,  two  fluidounces.  Mix  them.” 

The  London  College  directs  ten  fluidounces , each,  of  lime-water  and  olive  c; 
the  Dublin , two  fluidounces,  each,  of  the  same  ingredients;  the  Edinburgh,  eg  l 
measures  of  lime-water  and  flaxseed  oil. 

The  lime  forms  a soap  with  the  oil,  of  which  there  is  a great  excess,  ft 
separates  upon  standing.  Olive  oil,  as  directed  by  the  London  and  Dublin  C- 
leges,  is  often  substituted  for' that  of  flaxseed;  but  possesses  no  other  advant;: 
than  that  of  having  a less  unpleasant  odour.  This  is  a very  useful  linimenti 
recent  burns  and  scalds.  It  is  sometimes  called  Carron  oil,  from  having  bu 
much  employed  at  the  iron  works  of  that  name  in  Scotland.  It  is  recommend 
to  be  applied  upon  carded  cotton.  W 

LINIMENTUM  CAMPHORS.  U.S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,Dub\  Camffr 

Liniment. 

“ Take  of  Camphor  half  an  ounce;  Olive  Oil  tiro  fluidounces.  Dissolve  s 
Camphor  in  the  Oil.”  U.  S. 

The  London  and  Edinburgh  Colleges  direct  an  ounce  of  camphor,  and  jv 
fluidounces  of  olive  oil ; the  Dublin  College,  an  avoirdupois  ounce  of  the  fora 
and  four  fluidounces  of  the  latter. 

This  is  employed  as  an  anodyne  embrocation  in  sprains,  bruises,  rheumaticr 
gouty  affections  of  the  joints,  and  other  local  pains.  It  is  also  supposed  to  he 
a discutient  effect  when  rubbed  upon  glandular  swellings. 

Mr.  Win.  B.  Price,  of  Burlington,  N.  J.,  proposes  a modification  of  this  11- 
ment,  founded  on  the  solvent  power  of  chloroform  over  camphor,  whereby  e 
preparation  is  made  stronger  with  camphor,  and  acquires  also  additional  anody 
influence  from  the  chloroform.  The  proposed  liniment  consists  of  an  ounce  d 
a half  of  camphor,  two  fluidrachms  of  chloroform,  and  two  fluidounces  of  ole 
oil.  It  is  useful  in  rheumatic  and  neuralgic  pains.  (Ar.  J.  Med.  Rep.,  ii.  21) 

Off.  Prep.  Linimentum  Hydrargyri  Compositum.  W 

LINIMENTUM  C AMPHORAE  COMPOSITUM.  Lond.,  Dub.  Co- 
pound Camphor  Liniment. 

“ Take  of  Camphor  two  ounces  and  a half;  Oil  of  Lavender  q fluidrach ; 
Rectified  Spirit  seventeen  fluidounces;  Stronger  Solution  of  Ammonia  the 
fluidounces.  Dissolve  the  Camphor  and  Oil  in  the  Spirit;  then  add  the  A- 
monia,  and  agitate  together  till  they  are  mixed.”  Lond. 

The  Dublin  College  takes  five  ounces  [avoirdupois]  of  camphor;  two  fluidrads 
of  oil  of  lavender,  a pint  and  a /ia//’[Iuip-  meas.]  of  rectified  spirit,  and  hah 
pint  [Imp.  meas.]  of  stronger  solution  of  ammonia,  and  proceeds  as  above. 

This  preparation  deserves  a place  rather  among  the  spirits  or  tinctures  tla 
the  liniments.  It  is  used  as  a rubefacient  and  at  the  same  time  anodyne  emh- 
catiou  in  local  pains,  particularly  of  a rheumatic  character.  H 

LINIMENTUM  CANTHARIDIS.  U.S.,Dub.  Liniment  of  Sp- 
iff Flies. 

“ Take  of  Spanish  Flies,  in  powder,  an  ounce;  Oil  of  Turpentine  half  a pf 
Digest  for  three  hours,  in  a close  vessel,  by  means  of  a water-bath,  and  strai 

U.'St  ...  I, 

“ Take  of  Spanish  Flies,  in  fine  powder,  three  ounces  [avoirdupois];  Olive  1 
twelve  fluidounces.  Digest  the  Flies  in  the  Oil  for  three  hours,  in  a steam r 


Linimenta. 


PAI  II. 


1067 


waff  bath,  and  strain  through  flannel;  express  the  residuum  and  strain  the  oil 
thuobtained ; finally  mix  both  products.”  Dub. 

0 of  turpentine  dissolves,  especially  with  the  aid  of  heat,  the  active  principle 
of  citharides,  and,  when  impregnated  with  it,  acquires  in  addition  to  its  own 
rubocient  properties  those  of  a powerful  epispastie.  The  U.  S.  liniment  was 
intrluced  into  notice  by  the  late  Dr.  Joseph  Hartshorne,  of  Philadelphia,  who 
erapyed  it  with  advantage  as  an  external  stimulant  in  the  prostrate  states  of 
typls  fever.  Caution,  however,  is  necessary  in  its  use,  both  to  graduate  its 
strerth  to  the  circumstances  of  the  case,  and  not  to  apply  it  very  extensively, 
lest  may  produce  troublesome,  if  not  dangerous  vesication.  If  too  powerful, 
it  in'  he  diluted  with  olive  or  linseed  oil.  The  Dublin  preparation,  in  which 
olivoil  is  the  solvent,  exercises  only  the  properties  of  the  flies. 

C Prep.  Unguentum  Cantharidis.  W. 


L'lIMENTUM  CROTONIS.  Dub.  Croton  Oil  Liniment. 

‘V* 

“ake  of  Croton  Oil  one  fluid ounce ; Oil  of  Turpentine  seven  fluidounces. 
Mixhern  with  agitation.”  Dub. 

Ts  is  a rubefacient  and  pustulating  preparation,  operating  speedily  in  the 
forn1  capacity  through  the  oil  of  turpentine,  and  more  slowly  in  the  latter 
tliro;k  the  croton  oil.  From  ten  to  thirty  minims  or  more  may  be  rubbed 
upon  limited  surface,  and  repeated  twice  a day  or  oftener  till  an  eruption  is 
prodied.  W . 

OIMENTUM  HYDRARGYRI.  Lond.  Linimentum  Hydrar- 
gyrCompositum.  Dub.  Mercurial  Tiiniment. 

“ ike  of  Mercurial  Ointment,  Lard,  each,  four  ounces ; Camphor  an  ounce; 
Keel  ed  Spirit  a fluid rachm  ; Solution  of  Ammonia  four  fluidounces.  Rub  the 
Camior  first  with  the  Spirit,  then  with  the  Lard  and  Ointment  ; lastly,  add 
grad  Jly  the  Solution  of  Ammonia,  and  mix  the  whole.”  Land. 

“ ike  of  Ointment  of  Mercury  one  ounce  [avoirdupois];  Camphor  Liniment, 
Solum  of  Ammonia,  of  each,  one  fluidounce.  Melt  the  Ointment  in  the  Lini- 
uien  with  a gentle  heat,  then  add  the  Ammonia,  and  mix  them  with  agitation.” 
Bui ‘ 

T|  is  a stimulating  liniment,  employed  for  the  discussion  of  chronic  gland- 
ular alargements,  swellings  of  the  joints,  and  venereal  tumours,  and  to  pro- 
raotehe  absorption  of  collections  of  fluid.  It  is  said  to  be  more  apt  to  salivate 
tban  iercurial  ointment.  One  drachm  of  it  may  be  rubbed  upon  the  affected 
part  ght  and  morning.  W. 

LGMENTUM  OPII.  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub.  Liniment  of  Opium. 
Ancyne  Liniment. 

“Ike  of  Castile  Soap  six  ounces ; Opium  an  ounce  and  a half;  Camphor 
threi unces ; Oil  of  Rosemary  six  fluidrachms  ; Rectified  Spirit  two  pints  [Im- 
peria  measure].  Macerate  the  Soap  and  Opium  in  the  Spirit  for  three  days; 
filter  idd  the  Oil  and  Camphor,  and  agitate  briskly.”  Ed. 

T1  Lond.  and  Dub.  Colleges  mix  their  liniment  of  soap  ( Tinctura  Saponis 
Camiorata,  U.  S.)  with  tincture  of  opium;  the  former,  in  the  proportion  of 
sir  insures  of  the  liniment  to  two  of  the  tincture,  the  latter,  in  equal  measures. 

Tl;  is  commonly  called  anodyne  liniment,  and  is  employed  as  an  anodyne 
and  ;Qtly  rubefacient  embrocation  in  sprains,  bruises,  and  rheumatic  and  gouty 
Pams  It  differs  from  camphorated  tincture  of  soap  only  in  containing  opium, 
and  most  conveniently  prepared  by  extemporaneously  mixing  that  tincture 
with  udanum,  as  directed  by  the  London  and  Dublin  Colleges.  W. 

L JIMENTUM  SAPONIS  CAMPHORATUM.  V.  S.  Camplio- 
rata  Soap  Liniment.  Opodeldoc. 

ke  of  Common  Soap,  sliced,  three  ounces;  Camphor  on  ounce  ; Oil  of 
Rosejiry,  Oil  of  Origanum,  each,  a fluidrachm;  Alcohol  a pint.  Digest  the 


1068  Linimenta. — Magnesia.  part. 

Soap  with  the  Alcohol,  by  means  of  a sand-bath,  till  it  is  dissolved;  then  1 
the  Camphor  and  Oils,  and  when  they  are  dissolved,  pour  the  liquor  into  brcl- 
mouthed  bottles.  This  liniment  has,  when  cold,  the  consistence  of  a soft  o L 
ment.”  U.  S. 

This  preparation  differs  from  the  common  soap  liniment  ( Tinctura  Sapp's 
Camphorata , U.  S .)  chiefly  in  being  prepared  with  common  white  soap,  m e 
with  animal  fat,  instead  of  Castile  soap,  which  is  made  with  olive  oil.  'e 
former  is  peculiarly  adapted  to  the  purposes  of  this  formula,  in  consequent  »f 
assuming,  when  its  alcoholic  solution  cools,  the  consistence  characteristic  of  e 
liniment.  It  is  customary,  after  the  solution  of  the  soap  has  been  effected  o 
pour  the  liquor  into  small  wide-mouthed  glass  bottles,  containing  about  tr 
fluidounces,  in  which  it  concretes  into  a soft,  translucent,  uniform,  yellowish-w  e 
mass.  This  liniment  melts  with  the  heat  of  the  body,  and  therefore  beco-s 
liquid  when  rubbed  on  the  skin.  It  is  much  used,  under  the  name  of  opodels, 
as  an  anodyne  application  in  sprains,  bruises,  and  rheumatic  pains.  11’ 
LINIMENTUM  SIMPLEX.  Ed.  Simple  Liniment. 

“Take  of  Olive  Oil  four  parts',  White  Wax  one  part.  Dissolve  theWa:n 
the  Oil  with  a gentle  heat,  and  agitate  well  as  the  fused  mass  cools  and  u- 
cretes.”  Ed. 

This  may  be  used  for  keeping  the  skin  soft  and  smooth  in  cold  weather. 

Off.  Prep.  Unguentum  Zinci.  "W 

LINIMENTUM  TEREBINTHIN2E.  U.S.,  Land.,  Dub.  Li:- 
mentum  Terebinthinatum.  Ed.  Liniment  of  Turpentine. 

“Take  of  Oil  of  Turpentine  half  a pint ; Resin  Cerate  a pound.  Add.e 
Oil  of  Turpentine  to  the  Cerate  previously  melted,  and  mix  them.”  U.S. 

“Take  of  Soft  Soap  two  ounces;  Camphor  an  ounce;  Oil  of  Turpentine  c- 
teen  fluidounces.  Shake  them  together  until  they  are  mixed.”  Lond. 

“Take  of  Resinous  Ointment  four  ounces  ; Oil  of  Turpentine  five  fluidoun. ; 
Camphor  half  an  ounce.  Melt  the  ointment,  and  gradually  mix  with  it  ie 
Camphor  and  Oil,  till  a uniform  liniment  be  obtained.”  Ed. 

“ Take  of  Oil  of  Turpentine  five  fluidounces ; Ointment  of  Resin  eight  ones 
[avoirdupois].  Melt  the  Ointment,  then  add  the  Oil  of  Turpentine  gradual", 
and  stir  the  mixture  until  a uniform  liniment  is  obtained.”  Dub. 

This  preparation,  made  according  to  the  U.  S.  and  Dublin  formula,  is  ie 
liniment  originally  proposed  by  Dr.  Kentish,  and  subsequently  so  highly  laud 
as  a remedy  in  burns  and  scalds.  It  should  be  applied  as  soon  after  the  ocr- 
rence  of  the  accident  as  possible,  and  should  be  discontinued  when  the  peeur 
inflammation  excited  by  the  fire  is  removed.  The  best  mode  of  applieatiois 
to  cover  the  burned  or  scalded  surface  with  pledgets  of  patent  lint  saturated  vh 
the  liniment.  It  should  not  be  allowed  to  come  in  contact  with  the  sound  p;s. 
This  liniment  may  also  be  successfully  applied  in  other  cases  of  cutaneous- 
flammation  requiring  stimulation,  as  in  certain  conditions  of  erysipelas,  ie 
liniment  of  the  London  College  is  a stimulating  mixture,  applicable  wkerev  a 
powerful  rubefacient  impression  is  desired.  H 

MAGNESIA. 

Preparations  of  Magnesia. 

MAGNESIA.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub.  Magnesia. 

“Take  of  Carbonate  of  Magnesia  any  quantity.  Put  it  into  an  earthen  s- 
sel,  and  expose  it  to  a red  heat  for  two  hours,  or  till  the  carbonic  ac-id  is  why 
expelled.”  U.S. 


1069 


pap  II.  Magnesia. 

“Jake  of  Carbonate  of  Magnesia  a pound.  Burn  it  for  two  hours  in  a strong 
fire.  Lond. 

“'nkectny  convenient  quantify  of  Carbonate  of  Magnesia,  expose  it  in  a cru- 
ciblito  a full  red  beat  for  two  hours,  or  till  the  powder,  when  suspended  in 
watt,  presents  no  effervescence  on  the  addition  of  muriatic  acid.  Preserve  the 
procict  in  well  closed  bottles.”  Ed. 

‘take  of  Carbonate  of  Magnesia  any  convenient  quantity.  Introduce  it  into 
a cl;  crucible  closed  loosely  by  a lid,  and  let  this  be  exposed  to  a low  red  beat 
as  kg  as  a little  of  the  magnesia,  taken  from  the  central  part  of  the  crucible, 
wbe  copied,  and  dropped  into  dilute  sulphuric  acid,  continues  to  give  rise  to 
effeisscence.  Let  the  product  be  preserved  in  well-closed  bottles.”  Dub. 

E exposure  to  a red  beat,  the  water  and  carbonic  acid  of  the  carbonate  of 
magesia  are  expelled,  and  the  earth  is  obtained  pure.  According  to  Dr.  Black, 
the  rbonate  loses  seven-twelfths  of  its  weight  by  calcination.  Brande  says 
tkatke  loss  varies  from  50  to  60  per  cent.,  of  which  from  15  to  20  per  cent, 
is  w er.  About  the  close  of  the  process  the  earth  exhibits  a luminous  or  phos- 
phoScent  appearance,  which  is  said  to  be  a good  criterion  of  its  freedom  from 
carhaic  acid.  ( Duncan .)  A more  certain  indication,  however,  is  the  absence 
of  tovescence  when  muriatic  acid  is  added  to  a little  of  the  magnesia,  pre- 
vioi  y mixed  with  water.  It  is  an  error  to  suppose  that  a very  intense  heat  is 
requite  in  the  calcination.  The  temperature  of  ignition  is  sufficient  for  the 
expfeion  of  the  water  and  carbonic  acid,  and  any  increase  serves  only  to  render 
the  agnesia  harder,  denser,  less  readily  soluble  in  acids,  and  consequently  less 
usei  as  a medicine.  In  order  to  ensure  a pure  product,  care  should  be  taken 
tbatjhe  carbonate  employed  be  free  from  lime.  It  should  be  rubbed  to  powder 
befc  being  introduced  into  the  pot  or  crucible ; and,  as  in  consequence  of  its 
levi  it  occupies  a very  large  space,  the  plan  has  been  proposed  of  moistening 
and  impressing  it  in  order  to  reduce  its  bulk.  The  magnesia  may  thus  be  ob- 
tain of  greater  density;  but  this  is  an  equivocal  recommendation;  and  the 
Fre  h pharmaceutical  writers  direct  that  the  vessels  employed  should  be  suf- 
ficie  ly  large  to  contain  a considerable  quantity  of  the  carbonate,  without  the 
nec<|,ity  of  resorting  to  compression.  The  officinal  direction,  to  keep  the  mag- 
nesi  after  it  has  been  prepared,  in  well  stopped  glass  vessels,  is  founded  on  the 
factliat  it  absorbs  carbonic  acid  and  water  from  the  air ; but,  as  the  absorption 
of  t;j:  acid  goes  on  very  slowly,  and  that  of  water  does  not  injure  the  prepara- 
tion he  caution  is  often  neglected  in  the  shops.  The  great  bulk  of  the  earth 
rent’s  its  introduction  into  small  bottles  inconvenient.  A four  ounce  bottle 
holcjonly  about  an  ounce  of  the  purest  and  finest  magnesia.  But  its  specific 
gravy  is  greatly  increased  by  trituration;  and  four  times  the  quantity  may  be 
thus  ’Ot  into  the  same  space.  ( Journ . of  the  Phil.  Col.  of  Pharm.,  iii.  198.) 
The  ensity  of  Henry’s  Magnesia , which  is  at  least  four  times  that  of  the  earth 
prered  in  the  ordinary  way,  has  been  ascribed  to  this  cause.  It  has  also  been 
attr  rted  to  the  influence  of  intense  heat  employed  in  the  calcination.  The 
conjj  ture  has  even  been  advanced,  that  this  magnesia,  which  has  enjoyed  so 
greta  popularity  in  England  and  this  country,  is  prepared  by  precipitating  a 
solum  of  sulphate  of  magnesia  by  caustic  potassa;  as  the  earth  afforded  by  this 
plan  comparatively  dense.  It  is  asserted  that  the  magnesia,  prepared  from  the 
cart  iate  procured  by  precipitating  the  sulphate  of  magnesia  with  carbonate  of 
sod;  is  softer  to  the  touch,  and  bears  a closer  resemblance  to  Henry’s  than  that 
prej/ed  from  the  ordinary  carbonate.  The  fact  is  explained  by  the  presence 
in  (nmon  magnesia  of  a little  sulphate  of  potassa,  from  which  it  is  difficult 
entijly  to  free  it  in  consequence  of  the  sparing  solubility  of  this  salt,  and  of  a 
porta  of  silica  which  originally  existed  in  the  carbonate  of  potassa  employed 
to  d ompose  the  sulphate  of  magnesia,  and  of  which  the  carbonate  of  soda  is 
destjite.  According  to  Mr.  Richard  Phillips,  jun.,  if  equivalent  quantities  of 


1070 


PART 


Magnesia. 

crystallized  sulphate  of  magnesia  and  crystallized  carbonate  of  soda  be  boi  1 
together  in  water,  the  mixture  evaporated  to  dryness,  the  residual  salts  calcic 
and  the  sulphate  of  soda  dissolved  out  by  water,  the  magnesia  obtained  will  3 
dense.  (Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  x\  i.  118,  from  the  Pharm.  Jour  a.)  It  is  si 
that  if  the  heat  be  kept  low  during  calcination  the  resulting  magnesia  is  lie 
if  high,  it  is  dense.  By  packing  the  carbonate  closely  in  the  crucible,  or/ 
moistening  and  then  compressing  it  strongly  in  a cloth,  before  calcination* 
heavy  magnesia  is  obtained.  The  advantages  of  Henry’s  magnesia,  indep  - 
dently  of  the  convenience  of  its  less  bulk,  are  its  greater  softness,  and  me 
ready  miscibility  with  water.  Preparations  similar  to  Henry’s  are  made  by . 
J.  Husband  and  by  Charles  Ellis,  of  Philadelphia,  and  sold  under  the  naij 
respectively  of  Husband’s  and  of  Ellis's  Magnesia.* 

Properties , &c.  Magnesia  is  a very  light,  white,  inodorous  powder,  of  a fees 
alkaline  taste.  Its  sp.  gr.  is  commonly  stated  at  2 '3.  It  was  deemed  infasi’-, 
till  melted  by  means  of  the  compound  blowpipe  of  Dr.  Hare.  Water  sprinki 
upon  it  is  absorbed  to  the  extent  of  about  18  per  cent.,  but  with  scarcely  ;y 
increase  of  temperature.  It  is  almost  insoluble,  requiring,  according  to  Dr.  Fj , 
5142  parts  of  water  at  60°,  and  36,000  parts  of  boiling  water  for  soluti. 
Water  thus  impregnated  has  no  effect  on  vegetable  colours;  but  magnesia  it. f 
produces  a brown  stain  by  contact  with  moistened  turmeric  paper.  Magnesi  s 
a metallic  oxide,  consisting  of  one  equivalent  of  magnesium  12,  and  one  of  0 - 
gen  8=20.  Magnesium  is  a white,  very  brilliant  metal,  resembling  silv, 
malleable,  fusible  at  a low  temperature,  and  convertible  into  magnesia  by  e 
combined  action  of  air  and  moisture.  There  is  a hydrate  of  magnesia  consists 
of  one  equiv.  of  the  earth  and  one  of  water.  Magnesia  forms  with  nitric  d 
muriatic  acids,  salts  which  are  soluble  in  alcohol,  and  very  deliquescent.  Is 
precipitated  from  its  saline  solutions  by  the  pure  alkalies  in  the  state  of  a hydra, 
and  by  the  carbonates  of  potassa  and  soda  as  a carbonate;  but  it  is  not  precipitai 
by  the  alkaline  bicarbonates,  nor  by  common  carbonate  of  ammonia. 

Magnesia  is  liable  to  contain,  as  impurities,  carbonate  of  magnesia,  lb’, 
alumina,  silica,  and  small  quantities  of  the  soluble  salts  employed  or  produd 
in  the  preparation  of  the  carbonate  from  which  it  is  procured.  The  present:! 
carbonate  of  magnesia  is  indicated  by  effervescence  when  the  earth  is  dissoli 

* The  three  kinds  of  heavy  magnesia  sold  in  onr  market  have  been  examined  by  Pf. 
Procter,  with  the  following  results.  All  are  heavier  than  common  magnesia,  morereay 
miscible  with  water,  smoother  upon  the  tongue,  and  of  a less  quickly  developed  taste:  it 
they  differ  in  these  respects,  Henry’s  standing  first.  Husband's  second,  and  Ellis's  I:. 
But  the  two  latter  are  much  more  readily  acted  on  by  acids  than  Henry’s,  differing  in  .s 
respect  little  from  each  other.  Both,  moreover,  though  less  readily  miscible  with  w r 
than  Henry’s,  are  longer  retained  in  suspension,  and  Ellis’s  exceeds  Husband’s  in  is 
quality.  In  reference,  therefore,  to  mere  facility  of  administration  and  to  taste,  it  appes 
that  the  imported  magnesia  has  the  advantage;  but  for  forming  liquid  mixtures,  andr 
rapiidity  of  antacid  action,  the  American  are  preferable.  Husband's  was  found  to  conn 
7 per  cent,  of  combined  water;  the  two  others  lost  at  a red  heat  onlyT  seven-tenths  one 
per  cent.  (See  Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xxii.  383.) 

Dr.  Pereira  found  light  magnesia,  under  the  microscope,  to  exhibit  the  same  formso- 
served  in  the  light  carbonate,  namely,  an  amorphous  portion  of  a floceulent  or  gran  ir 
consistence,  and  another  consisting  of  fragments  of  prismatic  crystals:  while  the  hey 
magnesia  was  homogeneous,  exhibiting  no  traces  of  crystals,  and  composed  of  mhe 
granules  more  or  less  cohering  into  small  soft  balls  or  masses.  (Pharm.  Journ.  and  Tra., 
viii.  235.) — Note  to  the  ninth  edition. 

After  this  sheet  had  been  prepared  for  the  press,  we  received  the  number  of  the  A 
Journ.  of  Pharm.  for  May,  1S54,  in  which  is  an  interesting  experimental  essay  by  '• 
T.  IT.  Barr,  on  the  preparation  of  heavy  magnesia.  The  author,  after  trying  vnr  .s 
methods,  obtained  the  best  results  either  by  precipitating  a hot  concentrated  solutio  f 
sulphate  of  magnesia  with  a like  solution  of  carbonate  of  soda,  or  by  decomposing  chlo  e 
of  magnesium  by  heat.  For  more  precise  information  the  reader  is  referred  to  the  pA 
itself,  vol.  xxvi.  p.  193. — Note  to  the  tenth  edition. 


PAI.  II. 


1071 


Magnesia. 

in  nriatic  acid.  Lime,  which  is  a very  frequent  impurity,  and  imparts  to  the 
inafesia  a more  strongly  alkaline  and  more  disagreeable  taste,  is  detected  by 
oxaie  of  ammonia  or  bicarbonate  of  potassa.  Neither  of  these  salts  disturbs  a 
neual  solution  of  pure  magnesia  in  a dilute  acid;  but  if  lime  be  present,  both 
procce  precipitates,  the  former  of  oxalate,  the  latter  of  carbonate  of  lime.  As 
luagesia  is  completely  dissolved  by  muriatic  acid,  silica  and  other  impurities 
insable  in  that  acid  would  be  left  behind.  Alumina  is  indicated  by  the  pro- 
due  >n  of  a precipitate,  when  ammonia  is  added  in  excess  to  a solution  of  fifty 
grai;  of  magnesia  in  a fluidounce  of  muriatic  acid.  ( Christ  [son’s  Dispensatory.') 
If  tl  magnesia  contain  a soluble  sulphate  or  carbonate,  from  insufficient  washing 
of  t;  carbonate  of  magnesia,  from  which  it  was  prepared,  chloride  of  barium 
willsveal  it  by  producing  a precipitate  with  water  digested  on  the  magnesia. 

Mical Properties  and  Uses.  Magnesia  is  antacid  and  laxative;  and  is  much 
empyed,  under  the  name  of  calcined  maynesia,  in  dyspepsia,  sick  headache, 
gomaud  other  complaints  attended  with  sour  stomach  and  constipation.  It  is 
also  favourite  remedy  in  the  complaints  of  children,  in  which  acidity  of  the 
prim  viae  is  often  a prominent  symptom.  Its  antacid  properties  render  it  very 
usef  in  gravel  attended  with  an  excessive  secretion  of  uric  acid.  Its  advantages 
overarbonate  of  magnesia  are  that  it  may  be  given  in  a smaller  dose,  and  does 
not  casion  flatulence.  The  dose  as  a laxative  is  from  thirty  grains  to  a drachm ; 
as  a antacid  merely,  or  antilithic,  from  ten  to  thirty  grains  twice  a day.  When 
it  mts  with  no  acid,  it  is  apt  to  linger  in  the  stomach  or  bowels,  and  may  in 
thatase  be  followed  by  lemonade.  It  should  be  administered  in  water  or  milk, 
and  lould  be  thoroughly  triturated  so  as  to  render  the  mixture  uniform.  If 
mix*.'  with  less  than  14  or  15  times  its  weight  of  water,  and  allowed  to  stand 
for  flay  or  two,  magnesia  is  apt  to  form  with  the  liquid  a more  or  less  concrete 
mas; owing  to  the  production  of  a hydrate  of  the  earth,  and  the  solidification  of 
a pc  ion  of  the  water.  This  change  does  not  take  place,  or  at  least  takes  place 
muc  less  readily,  when  magnesia  already  saturated  with  moisture  is  employed 
insttl  of  that  freshly  calcined.  It  has  been  conjectured  that  anhydrous  mag- 
nesi; night  prove  injurious  in  the  stomach  by  solidifying  its  liquid  contents; 
and  je  earth  which  has  become  saturated  with  moisture  by  exposure  to  a damp 
air  ioreferably  recommended.  ( Journ . de  Pharm.,  Be  ser.  iv.  360,  and  v.  475.) 
Fresy  precipitated  hydrate  of  magnesia  will  serve  as  an  antidote  to  arsenious 
acid, rough  less  efficient  than  hydrated  sesquioxide  of  iron.  Magnesia  is  used 
ia  tl  process  for  preparing  veratria. 

0 Prep.  Pilulas  Copaibas;  Pulvis  Rlrei  Compositus;  Trochisci  Magnesias. 

W. 

L )UOR  MAGNESIiE  CITRATIS.  lT.S.  Solution  of  Citrate  of 
Macesia. 

“ ike  of  Carbonate  of  Magnesia  five  drachms;  Citric  Acid  seven  drachms  and 
a ha;  Syrup  of  Citric  Acid  two  fluidounces : Water  a sufficient  quantity.  Dis- 
solve he  Citric  Acid  in  four  fluidounces  of  Water,  and  add  to  the  solution  four 
draelis  of  the  Carbonate  of  Magnesia,  previously  rubbed  with  three  fluidounces 
of  M er.  When  the  reaction  has  ceased,  filter  the  solution  into  a strong  glass 
bottl  of  the  capacity  of  twelve  fluidounces,  into  which  the  Syrup  of  Citric  Acid 
has  en  previously  introduced.  Rub  the  remaining  Carbonate  of  Magnesia 
with  wo  fluidounces  of  Water,  and  pour  the  mixture  into  the  bottle,  which  is 
then  i be  tightly  corked,  and  secured  with  twine.  Lastly,  shake  the  mixture 
occasnally  until  it  becomes  transparent.”  D.  S. 

Tl  new  officinal  of  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia  of  1850  is  founded  on  a pre- 
parat'n  proposed  by  M.  Roge  Delabarre,  and  improved  by  M.  Rabourdiu,  of 
Paris  It  is  an  aqueous  solution  of  citrate  of  magnesia,  containing  an  excess  of 
citric,  cid,  impregnated  with  carbonic  acid,  and  sweetened  with  syrup.  The  ex- 


1072 


Magnesia. 


PARI 


cess  of  citric  acid  taken,  together  with  the  c-itric  acid  in  the  syrup,  amounts  a 
about  14)-  grains.  Four-fifths  of  the  carbonate  of  magnesia  are  dissolved  in  3 
citric  acid,  forming  an  acid  citrate  of  magnesia,  the  acidity  of  which  is  inc-rea  1 
by  being  filtered  upon  the  syrup  of  citric  acid,  contained  in  the  bottle.  The:- 
tration  serves  to  separate  any  gritty  impurities  which  may  happen  to  be  contai:  1 
in  the  carbonate.  The  reserved  fifth  of  the  carbonate  is  now  rubbed  up  vi 
water,  and  added  to  the  bottle,  which  is  then  tightly  closed  with  a cork,  seen! 
by  twine.  This  last  addition  of  carbonate  of  magnesia  generates  a fresh  port  a 
of  the  citrate,  with  evolution  of  carbonic  acid,  which  is  prevented  from  escap  <t 
from  the  bottle  by  its  immediate  and  firm  closure.  The  magnesia,  thus  adc., 
is  not  sufficient  to  neutralize  the  whole  of  the  free  citric  acid;  so  that  the  p. 
paration,  when  finished,  is  still  an  acid  citrate  of  magnesia.  If  the  portionf 
carbonate  of  magnesia  used  in  completing  the  preparation  should  be  impure,  d 
not  all  soluble  in  the  citric  acid,  it  will  give  rise  to  a sediment  in  the  solut .. 
Any  similar  insoluble  portion,  depending  upon  impurity  in  the  carbonate  i t 
dissolved,  is  removed  by  the  filtration  ordered.  The  dispensing  apothecary  11 
be  able  to  judge  of  the  quality  of  his  carbonate  of  magnesia  by  the  solution  c.t 
in  the  citric  acid  in  the  beginning  of  the  process;  for,  if  good,  it  will  entiiy 
dissolve,  and  filtration  will  not  remove  anything  The  total  bulk  of  the  liqd 
ingredients  is  eleven  fluidounees;  but  the  solution  of  the  solids  will  inert « 
the  total  volume  to  near  twelve  fluidounees,  the  capacity  of  the  bottle  direr  1. 

Properties,  &c.  This  solution  is  a transparent  liquid,  having  an  agree? e 
taste,  like  that  of  lemonade.  Overlooking  the  slight  excess  of  ac-id  whic- it 
contains,  the  salt  present  in  it  may  be  considered  to  be  the  neutral  or  trib  c 
citrate,  consisting  of  one  eq.  of  citric  acid  and  three  of  magnesia.  In  thereat 
solution  this  salt  is  wholly  soluble,  but  in  that  which  has  been  kept  for  some  cs 
it  undergoes  a molecular  change,  and  precipitates  as  a white  granular  powr, 
rendering  the  solution  unfit  fop  medicinal  use.  This  precipitate  has  been  a- 
lyzed  by  Prof.  Procter,  who  finds  it  to  consist  of  one  eq.  of  citric  acid,  threrf 
magnesia,  and  fourteen  of  water.  (Am.  Journ.  of  Pha/m.,  July,  1851.)  a- 
rious  modes  have  been  suggested  of  obviating  the  liabilitv  of  this  solution*) 
precipitate  upon  being  kept.  Some  have  used  a considerable  excess  of  at; 
and  a solution  made  in  this  way  will  keep  for  a longer  time.  Although  it  is  le 
that  the  officinal  solution  will  form  a deposit  on  being  kept,  yet  it  must  bee- 
collected  that  it  was  never  intended  to  be  kept.  It  is  strictly  an  extemporanus 
solution,  to  be  made  at  the  time  it  is  ordered.  The  revisers  of  the  IT.  S.  Pr- 
macopoeia  so  considered  it,  and,  therefore,  ordered  a quantity  to  be  made  in)e 
formula,  equal  to  a full  dose.  The  formula  calls  for  filtration;  and  thesolu'D 
of  the  second  portion  of  carbonate  of  magnesia  added  requires  at  least  halim 
hour  to  effect  it.  To  avoid  the  loss  of  time  thus  occasioned,  some  pharmaceu  ts 
use  magnesia  instead  of  the  carbonate,  thus  forming  a solution  which  raly 
requires  filtering,  and  complete  the  preparation  by  adding  forty  grains  of  bir- 
bonate  of  potassa,  instead  of  the  reserved  carbonate  of  magnesia,  with  the  e ct 
of  forming  a clear  solution  at  once,  and  of  introducing  into  it  a small  portioof 
citrate  of  potassa.  These  varations  from  the  formula  are  not  admissible  wn 
the  U.  S.  solution  is  prescribed  under  its  officinal  name,  or  is  clearly  indiced 
as  the  preparation  wanted. 

Porvault  makes  a solid  citrate  of  magnesia  which  is  perfectly  and  readily 0- 
luble,  by  melting  on  a sand-bath  one  hundred  parts  of  crystallized  citric  acun 
its  water  of  crystallization,  and  thoroughly  incorporating  with  it tici  nty-ninep'ts 
of  calcined  magnesia.  A pasty  mixture  is  thus  formed,  which  soon  hardens, id 
may  be  pulverized  for  use.  Citrate  of  magnesia,  thus  prepared,  is  solublin 
twice  its  weight  of  water.  When  in  saturated  solution  it  soon  precipitates  a 
nearly  insoluble  hydrate;  but  when  dissolved  in  eight  or  ten  times  its  weiglpi 
water,  it  forms  a permanent  solution.  See  the  report  on  the  solid  citrate,  nk 


PAI  II. 


Magnesia. — Mellita. 


1073 


by  . Parrish  and  A.  Smith,  to  the  Phil.  Coll,  of  Pharmacy  ( Am . Journ.  of 
Phm.,  April,  1852,  p.  113),  and  M.  E.  Kobiquet’s  paper  on  lemonades  of 
citr.3  of  magnesia  ( Journ . de  Plmrm.,  April,  1852,  p.  295). 

Mical  Properties.  This  solution  is  a cooling  cathartic,  and  operates  mildly. 
It  b come  into  extensive  use  in  Philadelphia,  and  perhaps  other  cities  in  the 
Unit,  on  account  of  the  facility  with  which  it  may  be  taken.  The  dose  as  a 
full  urge  is  the  whole  quantity  directed  in  the  formula,  or  twelve  fluidounces ; 
as  aixative,  half  that  quantity  or  less.  In  relation  to  this  solution,  see  a paper 
by  lof.  Procter,  in  the  Am.  Journ.  of  PJiarm.  for  July,  1851.  B. 


MELLITA. 


Preparations  of  Honey. 

Eney  is  used  in  pharmacy  chiefly  as  the  vehicle  of  more  active  medicines. 
It  i|aid  to  have  this  advantage  over  syrup,  that  its  preparations  are  less  apt  to 
becqe  candied ; but,  as  it  contains  principles  which  disagree  with  the  stomach 
in  any  persons,  and  as  its  variable  consistence  prevents  the  same  exact  precision 
in  r;ard  to  proportion  as  is  attainable  with  a solution  of  pure  sugar,  it  is  at 
presit  little  employed.  The  preparations  in  which  honey  and  vinegar  are  com- 
bine are  called  Oxymels. 

Micated  honeys  are  of  a proper  consistence,  if,  when  a small  quantity,  al- 
lowdi  to  cool  upon  a plate,  is  divided  by  the  edge  of  a spoon,  the  portions  do 
not  ladily  coalesce.  A more  accurate  criterion,  however,  is  their  specific  gra- 
vitywhich  should  be  1*319  (35°  B.)  at  ordinary  temperatures,  and  1‘261  (30° 
B.)  the  boiling  point  of  water.  The  specific  gravity  is  most  readily  deter- 
mini by  means  of  the  saccharometer.  W. 


DESPUMATUM.  U.S.  Mel  Depuratum.  Dub.  Clarified 


Melt  it  by  means  of  a water-bath,  and  then 


ML 

Eonj. 

“ ike  of  Honey  any  quantity. 
rem<3  the  scum.”  U.  S. 

T Dublin  College  prepares  it  by  melting  in  a water-bath,  and  straining  while 
bot  rough  flannel. 

Hiey,  by  the  heat  of  the  water-bath,  becomes  so  fluid  that  the  wax  and  other 
light • impurities  which  it  contains  rise  to  the  surface,  and  may  be  skimmed  off; 
whil  ;he  heavier  substances  which  may  have  been  accidentally  or  fraudulently 
adde1  such  as  sand  or  other  earth,  sink  to  the  bottom. 

T;  following  method  of  clarifying  honey  has  been  practised  in  France.  Take 
of  w :e  honey  3000  parts;  water  750  parts;  carbonate  of  lime,  powdered  and 
wastl,  96  parts.  Mix  them  in  a suitable  vessel,  and  boil  for  three  minutes, 
stirr  y constantly.  Then  add  96  parts  of  animal  charcoal  previously  washed, 
heat-  to  redness,  powdered,  and  sifted,  and  boil  for  a few  minutes.  Lastly, 
md  e whites  of  two  eggs  beat  up  with  500  parts  of  water,  and  bring  the  liquid 
to  tb  boiling  point.  Withdraw  the  vessel  from  the  fire,  and,  after  the  mixture 
bus  o' fled  for  fifteen  minutes,  strain  it  through  flannel,  and  repeat  the  straining 
tiii  t;  liquid  passes  perfectly  clear.  Should  it  not  have  the  proper  consistence, 
it  sb  Id  be  concentrated  sufficiently  by  a quick  boiling.  The  use  of  the  car- 
bons of  lime  is  to  saturate  any  acid  in  the  honey,  which  might  favour  the 
firm  ion  of  glucose,  and  thus  increase  the  tendency  to  granulation.  The 
Leo  Codex  simply  directs  six  pounds  of  white  honey  to  be  heated  with  three 
p up  of  water,  skimmed,  concentrated  to  30°  B.  while  boiling  hot,  and  then 
stmi  1 through  flannel. 

I!  following  method  of  clarifying  honey  is  recommended  by  Andre  von 
Hirs  berg.  Boil  twenty-five  pounds  of  honey,  to  which  half  the  quantity  of 
1 68 


1074 


Mellita. 


part  . 

water  has  been  added,  with  a pulp  obtained  by  stirring  three  sheets  of  wle 
blotting-paper  with  water,  over  a slow  fire  till  the  pulp  is  reduced  to  mir  e 
fibres.  When  the  mixture  cools,  put  it  into  a woollen  filtering-bag,  previoiy 
moistened,  and  allow  the  honey  to  pass.  It  comes  away  perfectly  clear,  'e 
paper  pulp  may  then  be  washed,  and  the  dark  wine-coloured  liquid  which  pas  q 
evaporated  by  a water-bath  to  the  proper  consistence.  ( Pharm . Journ.  andTro. ., 
ix.  543,  from  Arch,  der  Pharm.') 

Honey  clarified  with  carbonate  of  lime  and  animal  charcoal,  as  in  the  ; t 
process  described,  is  as  clear  and  colourless  as  syrup  made  with  sugar,  but  ill 
retains  a peculiar  flavour.  It  is  less  disposed  to  ferment  than  crude  honey,  d 
is  said  not  to  be  so  liable  to  produce  griping  pain  when  swallowed. 

Off.  Prep.  Confectio  Aromatica ; Confectio  Opii ; Confectio  Piperis  Ni< ; 
Confectio  Rosae ; Confectio  Scammonii ; Confectio  Sulphuris;  Confectio  T;- 
binthinae;  Mel  Boracis;  Mel  Rosae;  Oxymel;  Oxymel  Scillse ; Pilulas  F.i 
Carbonatis;  Tinctura  Opii  Camphorata.  TV 

MEL  BORACIS.  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub.  Honey  of  Borax. 

“Take  of  Borax,  in  powder,  a drachm ; Honey  [Clarified  Honey,  Dubfn 
ounce.  Mix  them.”  Land.,  Ed.,  Dub. 

This  preparation  might  well  be  left  to  extemporaneous  prescription.  I is 
used  in  the  thrush  of  iufants,  and  aphthous  ulcerations  of  the  mouth.  TV 
MEL  ROSiE.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed.  Honey  of  Roses. 

“Take  of  Red  Roses,  in  coarse  powder,  two  ounces ; Clarified  Honey  twiy 
fluidounces ; Boiling  Water  twelve  fluid  ounces.  Macerate  the  Roses  in  eiit 
fluidounces  of  boiling  Water  for  four  hours,  in  a glass  or  earthen  vessel;  th, 
with  strong  pressure,  remove  as  much  as  possible  of  the  infusion,  and  set  it  ase. 
Macerate  the  residue  in  four  fluidounces  of  the  boiling  Water  for  half  an  her, 
and  again  express.  Reserving  four  fluidounces  of  the  first  infusion,  mix  e 
remainder  with  the  infusion  last  obtained,  add  the  Honey,  and  by  means  ca 
water- bath  evaporate  to  a pint.  Lastly,  add  the  reserved  infusion,  and  strain.”  Li. 

The  London  College  macerates  four  ounces  of  dried  red  roses  in  sixteen  fl- 
ounces of  boiling  distilled  water  for  two  hours ; then  gently  expresses  with  ie 
hand,  and  strains.  The  residue  it  macerates  for  a little  while  in  eight  fl- 
ounces of  boiling  water,  and  pours  off  the  liquor.  To  this  it  adds  the  half  ofle 
former  infusion,  and  places  the  other  half  aside.  Lastly,  it  adds  the  mid 
liquors  to  the  honey,  and  evaporates  by  a water-bath,  so  that  upon  the  adix- 
ture  of  the  liquor  set  aside,  the  proper  consistence  may  be  obtained.  TheiL- 
lurgh  College,  operating  upon  the  same  quantity  of  roses  and  honey,  infusesie 
petals  for  six  hours  in  two  pints  and  a half  [Imperial  measure]  of  boiling  war, 
strains  with  expression,  allows  the  impurities  to  subside,  decants  the  clear  liq  r, 
adds  the  honey,  and  evaporates  in  the  vapour-bath  to  the  consistence  of  sv:p, 
removing  the  scum  which  forms. 

The  object  in  reserving  a portion  of  the  first  infusion,  as  in  the  U.  S.  id 
London  processes,  is  to  avoid  the  evaporation  of  the  volatile  oil  in  the  conn- 
tration  of  the  infusion,  and  thus  to  preserve  the  flavour  as  well  as  the  asta- 
gency  of  the  roses  in  the  preparation.  The  honey  of  roses  forms  a plea.nt 
addition  to  the  gargles  employed  in  inflammation  and  ulceration  of  the  nr  h 
and  throat.  H 

OXYMEL.  Lond.,  Dub.  Oxymel. 

“Take  of  Acetic  Acid  seven  fluidounces;  Distilled  Water  eight  fuidovn >; 
Honey  Jive  pounds.  Add  the  Acid  to  the  Water,  and  mix  them  with  the  Hoy 
previously  heated.”  Lond. 

“ Take  of  Clarified  Honey  one  pound  [avoirdupois];  Acetic  Acid  of  Compile 
(sp.gr.  1 044)  three  ounces  [avoird].  Mix  the  Acid  with  the  Honey  previoiy 
heated.”  Dub. 


P;  T II. 


Mellita. — Misturse. 


1075 


his  mixture  of  honey  and  vinegar  forms  a pleasant  addition  to  gargles,  and 
is  )met>imes  used  as  a vehicle  of  expectorant  medicines,  and  to  impart  flavour 
to  rinks  in  febrile  complaints.  W. 

•XYMEL  SCILL2E.  U.  S.,  Lond.  Oxymel  of  Squill. 

Take  of  Vinegar  of  Squill  two  pints ; Clarified  Honey  a pint  and  a half. 
M them,  and  evaporate  by  means  of  a water-bath  to  the  proper  consistence. 
Tb  specific  gravity  of  the  Oxymel  of  Squill  should  be  1 32.”  U.  S 

ae  London  College  takes  five  pounds  of  honey  and  two  pints  and  a half  [Im- 
pend measure]  of  vinegar  of  squill,  evaporates  the  vinegar  with  a slow  fire  to 
twve  fluidounces,  and  mixes  it  with  the  honey  previously  heated. 

lais  preparation  has  the  virtues  of  squill,  but  is  in  no  respect  superior  to  the 
syip.  Prepared  according  to  the  directions  of  the  London  College,  it  would  be 
vei  liable  to  be  injured  by  heat.  It  is  chiefly  used  as  an  expectorant  in  chronic 
cat'rh,  humoral  asthma,  hooping-cough,  and  generally  in  those  states  of  the 
puionary  organs  in  which  the  bronchial  tubes  are  loaded  with  a viscid  mucus 
of  ifficult  expectoration.  The  dose  is  from  one  to  two  fluidrachms.  In  large 
dos  it  is  emetic,  and  as  such  may  sometimes  be  given  with  advantage  in 
inf  tile  croup  and  catarrh.  W. 

MISTUR  M. 

Mixtures. 

’ iis  term  should  he  restricted,  in  the  language  of  pharmacy,  to  those  prepa- 
ratis  in  which  insoluble  substances,  whether  solid  or  liquid,  are  suspended  in 
wa  y fluids,  by  the  intervention  of  gum  Arabic,  sugar,  the  yolk  of  eggs,  or 
oth  viscid  matter.  When  the  suspended  substance  is  of  an  oleaginous  nature, 
the  fixture  is  sometimes  called  an  emulsion.  The  object  of  these  preparations 
is  ually  to  facilitate  the  administration,  to  conceal  the  taste,  or  to  obviate  the 
nai mating  effects  of  unpleasant  medicines;  and  their  perfection  depends  upon 
thefiimacy  with  which  the  ingredients  are  blended.  Some  skill  and  care  are 
req  site  for  the  production  of  a uniform  and  perfect  mixture.  As  a general 
rul<  the  body  to  be  suspended  should  be  thoroughly  mixed  by  trituration  with 
the  lbstance  intended  to  act  as  the  intermedium,  before  the  watery  vehicle  is 
add  . In  the  case  of  the  liquid  balsams  and  oils,  if  gum  Arabic  be  employed 
as  t ; intermedium,  it  should  be  previously  brought  to  the  state  of  mucilage  of 
the  onsistence  directed  in  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia.  The  white  of  eggs  has 
bee  frequently  ordered  by  physicians  as  the  suspending  substance;  but  it  is 
infebr  for  this  purpose  to  the  yolk,  or  to  gum  Arabic.  When  the  white  is 
usei;t  should  be  well  beaten,  and  incorporated  with  the  oleaginous  or  balsamic 
sub.inces  before  the  water  is  added.*  Mixtures  are  generally  the  objects  of 
ext(  poraneous  prescription  ; but  a few  have  been  deemed  of  sufficient  import- 
ancijto  merit  a place  in  the  Pharmacopoeias.  They  should  be  prepared  only 
whe  wanted  for  use.  W. 

YSTURA  ACACIaE.  JEd.  Gum  Arabic  Mixture. 

“jake  of  Mucilage  [of  gum  Arabic]  three  fluidounces ; Sweet  Almonds  one 

* r some  good  practical  observations  upon  the  preparation  of  mixtures,  the  reader  is 
refei  d to  a communication  published  in  the  Journal  of  the  Philadelphia  College  of  Phur- 
MciJ-ol.  iv.  p.  115  by  W.  Hodgson.  Jun.  The  proportion  of  gum  and  water  necessary 
to  lnje  a good  emulsion  with  the  fixed  oils  varies  with  the  oil.  Thus,  while  castor  oil 
requ  s only  two  drachms  of  the  gum  and  three  drachms  of  water  to  the  ounce,  most 
otliei  xed  oils  require  half  their  weight  of  gum,  and  a weight  of  water  equal  to  half  that 
ot  A oil  and  gum  united.  These  quantities  being  well  rubbed  together,  any  desirable 
omoi : of  water  may  afterwards  be  gradually  added,  and  will  readily  incorporate  with 
the  c er  ingredients.  (Overbeck,  Pharm.  Cent.  Blatt,  A.  D.  1851,  p.  95.) 


1076 


Misturse. 


part  : 


ounce  and  two  drachms;  Pure  Sugar  five  drachms ; Water  two  'pints  [Imper 
measure].  Steep  the  Almonds  in  hot  water  and  peel  them ; beat  them  to 
smooth  pulp  in  an  earthenware  or  marble  mortar,  first  with  the  Sugar,  and  th 
with  the  Mucilage;  add  the  water  gradually,  stirring  constantly,  then  stn 
through  linen  or  calico.”  Ed. 

This  mixture  is  used  as  a demulcent  in  the  dose  of  one  or  two  fluidounces, 
as  a vehicle  for  various  medicines  in  inflammatory  affections  of  the  bronchi 
alimentary,  and  urinary  mucous  membranes.  W. 

MIST  UR  A ALTILUzE.  Ed.  Marsh  Mallow  Mixture. 

“Take  of  Althaea-root,  dried,  four  ounces ; Raisins,  freed  of  the  seeds,? 
ounces;  boiling  Water  five  pints  [Imperial  measure].  Boil  down  to  three  pin 
strain  through  linen  or  calico,  and  when  the  sediment  has  subsided,  pour  off  l 
clear  liquor  for  use.”  Ed. 

This  should  have  been  placed  by  the  Edinburgh  Pharmacopoeia  among  1: 
decoctions.  It  is  essentially  a mucilage  flavoured  with  raisins,  and  may  be  us. 
advantageously  as  a drink,  in  all  cases  in  which  demulcents  are  indicated.  TV. 

MISTURA  AMMONIACI.  TJ.  S.,  Loncl.,  Dub.  Ammoniac  Mixtu\ 

“Take  of  Ammoniac  two  drachms;  Water  half  a pint.  Rub  the  Ammon: 
with  the  Water  gradually  added,  until  they  are  thoroughly  mixed.”  U.S. 

The  London  College  takes  five  clrachms  of  prepared  ammoniac,  and  apint[  I- 
perial  measure]  of  water;  the  Dublin,  two  drachms  [Dublin  weight]  of  ammon: 
and  eight  fluidounces  of  water;  both  proceed  as  above,  the  Dublin  directing  tk 
the  mixture  should  be  strained  through  muslin. 

In  this  mixture  the  insoluble  part  of  the  ammoniac  is  suspended  by  me:s 
of  the  gum,  imparting  a milky  appearance  to  the  preparation,  which,  from  ts 
circumstance,  was  formerly  called  lac  ammoniaci  or  milk  of  ammoniac.  Is 
greater  portion  of  the  resin  subsides  upon  standing.  The  mixture  is  slight 
curdled  by  acids.  The  dose  is  from  one  to  two  tablespoonfuls.  IV 

MISTURA  AMYGDALAE.  U.S.,  Lond,,  Dub.  Mistura  Am> 
dalarum.  Ed.  Almond  Mixture.  Almond  Emulsion, 

“ Take  of  Sweet  Almonds  half  an  ounce;  Gum  Arabic,  in  powder,  halji 
drachm;  Sugar  two  drachms;  Distilled  Water  eight  fluidounces.  Macerate  e 
Almonds  in  water,  and,  having  removed  their  external  coat,  beat  them  with  e 
Gum  Arabic  and  Sugar,  in  a marble  mortar,  till  they  are  thoroughly  mixed;  t!a 
rub  the  mixture  with  the  Distilled  Water  gradually  added,  and  strain.”  U.  <! 

“ Take  of  Almond  Confection  two  ounces  and  a half;  Distilled  Water  a pt 
[Imperial  measure].  To  the  Confection,  while  rubbing  it,  gradually  add  the  W;r 
till  they  are  mixed;  then  strain  through  linen.”  Load. 

“Take  of  Conserve  of  Almonds  tico  ounces;  Water  two  pints  [Imp.  measuj. 
Add  the  Water  gradually  to  the  Confection,  triturating  constantly;  and  then  stin 
through  linen  or  calico.  Or, 

O ' _ 

“ Take  of  Sweet  Almonds  one  ounce  and  two  drachms;  Pure  Sugar  fivedrach,  ; 
Mucilage  half  a fluidounce;  Water  two  pints  [Imp.  measure].  Steep  the  Almols 
in  hot  water  and  peel  them;  and  proceed  as  for  the  Mistura  Acaciae.”  Ed. 

“Take  of  Sweet  Almonds  five  drachms  [Dub.  weight];  Refined  Sugar  ~o 
drachms  [Dub.  weight];  Gum  Arabic,  in  powder,  one  drachm  [Dub.  weigl]; 
Distilled  Water  eight  \Jlui<L\ounces.  Steep  the  Almonds  in  hot  water  for  a 
minutes,  and,  having  removed  their  external  coat,  beat  them  with  the  Sugar  d 
Gum,  in  a mortar,  into  a coarse  powder;  add  the  Water  gradually,  andtritu-'e 
so  as  to  form  a uniform  mixture.  Finally,  strain  through  muslin.”  Dub. 

Of  the  above  modes  of  preparing  the  almond  emulsion,  we  prefer  thosiu 
which  the  mixture  is  made  directly  from  the  almonds,  and  not  from  the  <> 
lection.  This  very  speedily  spoils  if  kept;  and  it  would  be  a very  unneces'J 


P;.T  II. 


Misturse. 


10TT 


co  plication  of  the  process  to  prepare  it  each  time  that  the  emulsion  might  he 
wjted.  The  London  and  first  Edinburgh  processes  are,  therefore,  objectionable. 
Inhe  second  process  of  the  Edinburgh  College,  mucilage  is  employed  instead  of 
podered  gum  Arabic,  but  the  latter  is  preferable,  as  less  likely  to  have  under- 
go! change.  The  preparations,  however,  of  the  different  Pharmacopoeias  are 
esntially  the  same.  The  gum  Arabic  in  these  formulae  is  introduced  not  so 
nub  for  its  demulcent  properties  as  to  assist  in  the  suspension  of  the  insoluble 
imedients  of  the  almonds.  In  the  Mistura  Acacias,  described  at  page  1075,  it 
is  e prominent  ingredient.  The  same  formula  will  answer  for  the  preparation 
of  i emulsion  of  bitter  almonds,  which  may  be  preferred  to  the  present  when  a 
slitt  influence  of  hydrocyanic  acid  is  desired. 

he  oleaginous  matter  of  the  almonds  is  suspended  in  the  water  by  means  of 
the  albumen,  gum,  and  sugar,  forming  a milky  emulsion.  When  the  almonds 
thnselves  are  employed,  as  in  the  U.  S.  process,  care  should  be  taken  to  reduce 
tha  to  the  consistence  of  a paste  previously  to  the  addition  of  the  water;  and 
wi  each  successive  portion  of  fluid  a -uniform  mixture  should  be  formed  before 
an  her  portion  is  added.  Common  water,  when  not  very  impure,  may  be  pro- 
pek  substituted  for  the  distilled.  Great  care  should  be  taken  to  select  the 
alrnds  perfectly  free  from  rancidity.  The  mixture  is  not  permanent.  Upon 
staling,  the  oil  rises  like  thick  cream  to  the  surface,  and  the  separation  is  effected 
mo  quickly  by  heat,  alcohol,  and  the  acids,  which  coagulate  the  albumen.  It 
baa  close  analogy  to  milk  in  chemical  relations  as  well  as  in  appearance.  The 
praration,  in  warm  weather,  soon  becomes  sour,  and  unfit  for  use. 

le  almond  mixture  has  a bland  taste,  and  may  be  used  as  an  agreeable,  nu- 
trife  demulcent  in  catarrhal  and  dysenteric  affections,  and  irritation  of  the  uri- 
nai  passages.  To  be  of  service  it  must  be  freely  employed.  From  two  to  eight 
flu: ounces  may  be  taken  at  once.  It  is  occasionally  employed  as  the  vehicle  of 
lesigreeable  medicines;  but  should  not  be  used  in  connexion  with  any  con- 
sidable  quantity  of  tinctures,  acidulous  salts,  or  other  substances  containing  an 
exes  of  acid.  W. 

1ISTURA  ASSAFCETIDkE.  U.S.  Assafetida  Mixture. 

Take  of  Assafetida  two  drachms;  Water  half  a pint.  Rub  the  Assafetida 
witjthe  Water  gradually  added,  until  they  are  thoroughly  mixed.”  U.  S. 

1*  is  mixture,  from  its  whiteness  and  opacity,  is  frequently  called  lac  assa- 
foet'se,  or  milk  of  assafetida.  It  is,  as  a general  rule,  the  best  form  for  the 
adi  aistration  of  this  antispasm odic,  being  less  stimulant  than  the  tincture,  and 
mo  prompt  in  its  action  than  the  pill.  Its  excessively  disagreeable  smell  and 
tasi  are,  however,  objections,  which  induce  a frequent  preference  of  the  last- 
meqoned  preparation.  It  is  very  often  employed  as  an  enema.  The  dose  is 
froi.  one  to  two  tablespoonfuls  frequently  repeated.  From  two  to  four  fluid- 
oums  may  be  given  by  the  rectum.*  W. 

ASTURA  CAMPHORiE  CUM  MAGNESIA.  Ed.  Mixture  of 
Ca  vhor  with,  Magnesia. 

‘ 'ake  of  Camphor  ten  grains;  Carbonate  of  Magnesia  twenty-five  grains; 

■ War  six  fuidovnees.  Triturate  the  Camphor  and  Carbonate  of  Magnesia 
’togier,  adding  the  Water  gradually.”  Ed. 

*yrup  of  Assafetida.  Such  a preparation  has  been  proposed  by  Mr.  Richard  Petty.  He 
lias  ;und  the  following  formula  to  answer  the  purpose  best.  Take  of  assafetida  ^j,  boiling 
wat. Oj,  sugar  Jhij.  Rub  the  assafetida  with  a part  of  the  water  so  as  to  make  a uniform 
pastj  then  gradually  add  the  remainder  of  the  water,  strain,  and  add  the  sugar,  heating 
nioo  ately  till  it  is  dissolved.  This  has  a less  disagreeable  taste  than  the  mixture,  and 
keej1  much  better,  remaining  several  months  without  change,  while  the  latter  is  often 
altell  in  a short  time.  The  dose  is  the  same  as  that  of  the  mixture.  (Am.  Journ.  of 
Pha  ,,  xxiv.  319.) — Note  to  the  tenth  edition. 


1078 


Misturse. 


PART 


This  differs  from  the  Aqua  Camphorse  of  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia,  in  whi 
though  the  camphor  is  dissolved  by  the  intervention  of  carbonate  of  magnet, 
the  latter  is  afterwards  separated  by  filtration.  In  the  above  mixture  thec- 
bonate  of  magnesia  is  retained;  and  an  anodyne,  antacid,  and  laxative  draug 
is  formed,  which,  though  it  may  sometimes  be  given  with  advantage,  han  ■ 
deserves  a place  among  the  officinal  preparations. 

Camphor,  with  a view  to  its  full  effects  upon  the  system,  is  frequently  gh 
in  the  form  of  liquid  mixture,  being  suspended  in  water  by  various  intermed, 
as  gum  Arabic,  the  yolk  of  eggs,  &c.  The  addition  of  resinous  substances,; 
myrrh  for  example,  softens  the  camphor,  and  enables  it  to  be  more  readily  u 
tained  in  suspension.  Chloroform,  by  its  solvent  power  over  camphor,  answ; 
this  purpose  admirably.  (See  Camphora,  p.  164.)  Before  mixing  camphor  wi 
the  suspending  substance,  it  should  be  powdered  with  the  aid  of  a few  drops f 
alcohol.  A good  plan  also  is  to  rub  it  first  with  half  its  weight  of  olive  oil,  th 
with  sugar  and  gum  Arabic,  and  lastly',  with  water  gradually  added.  W 

MISTURA  CREASOTI.  Ed.  Creasote  Mixture. 

“ Take  of  Creasote  and  Acetic  Acid,  of  each,  sixteen  minims;  Compound  Sp  t 
of  Juniper  and  Syrup,  of  each,  one  flu  id ounce ; Water  fourteen  fluidoum. 
Mix  the  Creasote  with  the  Acid,  then  gradually  the  Water,  and  lastly  the  Sy» 
and  Spirit.”  Ed. 

The  dose  of  this  mixture  is  a fluidounce,  containing  a minim  of  creasote. 

MISTURA  CRETiE.  U.S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub.  Chalk  Mixture. 

“Take  of  Prepared  Chalk  half  an  ounce;  Sugar  [refined],  Gum  Arabic,! 
powder,  each,  two  drachms ; Cinnamon  Water,  Water,  each,  four  fluidoum. 
Rub  them  together  till  they  are  thoroughly  mixed.”  U.  S. 

The  London  College  orders  half  an  ounce  of  prepared  chalk,  three  drachmd 
sugar,  a fluidounce  and  a half  of  mixture  (mucilage)  of  gum  Arabic,  d 
eighteen  fluidounces  of  cinnamon  water.  The  Edinburgh  College  takes  i 
drachms  of  prepared  chalk,  five  drachms  of  pure  sugar,  three  fluidounces  oi  i- 
cilage  of  gum  Arabic,  two  ounces  (fluidounces)  of  spirit  of  cinnamon,  and  o 
Imperial  pints  of  water;  rubs  the  chalk,  mucilage,  and  sugar  together,  and  tla 
adds  gradually  the  water  and  spirit  of  cinnamon.  The  Dublin  College  rubs  o 
drachms  [Dub.  weight]  of  prepared  chalk  with  seven  fluidounces  of  cinnaim 
water,  then  adds  half  a fluidounce,  each,  of  mucilage  of  gum  Arabic  and  sirne 
syrup,  and  mixes. 

This  mixture  is  a convenient  form  for  administering  chalk,  and  is  much  t- 
ployed  in  looseness  of  the  bowels  accompanied  with  acidity.  Laudanum  ;d 
kino  or  catechu  are  very  often  added  to  increase  its  astringency.  The  dose  :a 
tablespoonful  frequently  repeated.  WJ 

MISTURA  FERRI  AROMATICA.  Dub.  Aromatic  Mixture If 
Iron. 

“Take  of  Peruvian  Bark  (crown  or  pale),  in  powder,  one  ounce;  Calura 
Root,  in  coarse  powder,  three  drachms;  Cloves,  bruised,  two  drachms;  Fili;» 
of  Iron,  separated  by  a magnet,  half  an  ounce.  Digest  for  three  days  i:a 
covered  vessel,  with  occasional  agitation,  with  as  much  Peppermint  Watens 
will  give  twelve  \Jtuid~\ounces  of  a filtered  product,  and  then  add,  of  Compoul 
Tincture  of  Cardamom  three  [ fluid]  ounces;  Tincture  of  Orange  Peel  three  [yd] 
drachms.  This  mixture  should  be  kept  in  a well  stopped  bottle.''  Dub.  e 
weights  used  here  are  the  avoirdupois,  with  the  Dublin  divisions. 

This  is  an  aromatic  infusion  of  Peruvian  bark  and  columbo,  and  has  not  ie 
slightest  claim  to  the  title  given  it  in  the  Pharmacopoeia;  as  it  contains  bt a 
very  small  proportion  of  iron,  and  that  in  a state  of  solution,  not  of  misn5. 
In  consequence  of  the  action  of  some  of  the  vegetable  principles  upon  the  fife, 


paT  ii. 


Misturse. 


1079 


e-ugh  of  the  metal  is  taken  up  to  impart  a greenish-black  colour  to  the  liquor; 
b the  quantity  is  not  appreciable,  as  the  filings  seem  to  be  scarcely  diminished 
b the  process.  The  preparation  may  be  given  as  a tonic  in  the  dose  of  one  or 
tv  fluidounces.  W. 

\1ISTURA  FERRI  COMPOSITA.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub.  Com- 
pmd  Mixture  of  Iron. 

‘Take  of  Myrrh  a drachm ; Carbonate  of  Potassa  twenty-five grains ; Sulphate 
ofron,  in  powder,  a scruple;  Spirit  of  Lavender  half  a fluidounce ; Sugar  [re- 
fi  d]  a drachm ; Rose  Water  seven  fluidounces  and  a half.  Rub  the  Myrrh 
wli  the  Rose  Water  gradually  added;  then  mix  with  these  the  Spirit  of  La- 
vlder,  Sugar,  and  Carbonate  of  Potassa,  and,  lastly,  the  Sulphate  of  Iron. 
Pir  the  mixture  immediately  into  a glass  bottle,  which  is  to  be  well  stopped.” 

m 

‘Take  of  Myrrh,  in  powder,  two  drachms;  Carbonate  of  Potassa  a drachm; 
Tie  Water  eighteen  fluidounces  ^Imperial  measure] ; Sulphate  of  Iron,  in  powder, 
ti  scruples  and  a half;  Spirit  of  Nutmeg  a fluidounce;  Sugar  two  drachms. 
Bb  the  Myrrh  with  the  Spirit  and  Carbonate;  and  to  these,  while  rubbing,  add 

the  Rose  Water  with  the  Sugar,  and  then  the  Sulphate.  Put  the  Mixture 
imediately  into  a glass  vessel,  and  stop  it.”  Land. 

?he  Edinburgh  process  differs  from  the  London  only  in  using  the  myrrh 
b ised,  and  the  sulphate  of  iron  in  coarse  powder.  The  Dublin  College  takes  a 
cl  chm  of  myrrh,  half  a.  drachm  of  pure  carbonate  of  potassa,  a fluidrachm  of 
eance  of  nutmeg,  eight  fluidounces  of  rose  water,  a drachm  of  refined  sugar,  and 
hf  a drachm  of  sulphate  of  iron,  using  the  Dublin  weights ; rubs  the  myrrh, 
Ciponate,  and  essence  with  seven  fluidounces  of  the  rose  water;  then  adds  the 
si  Fate  dissolved  in  the  remaining  fluidounce  of  rose  water,  and  puts  the  mix- 
ti;  into  a bottle,  to  be  tightly  corked. 

’his  is  very  nearly  the  same  with  the  celebrated  tonic  or  antihectic  myrrh 
njtture  of  Dr.  Griffith.  The  sulphate  of  Non  is  decomposed  by  the  carbonate 
ofiotassa,  with  the  production  of  sulphate  of  potassa  and  carbonate  of  protoxide 
ol  ron;  while  the  excess  of  the  alkaline  carbonate  forms  a saponaceous  corn- 
paid  with  the  myrrh.  The  mixture  is  at  first  of  a greenish  colour,  which  it 
lcs  upon  exposure  to  the  air,  in  consequence  of  the  conversion  of  the  protoxide 
ofiron  of  the  carbonate  into  the  red  or  sesquioxide.  It  may,  however,  be  kept 
fc!some  time  without  change,  if  the  vessel  in  which  it  is  contained  be  well 
cl  ed ; but  the  best  plan  is  to  prepare  it  only  when  it  is  wanted  for  use.  The 
silir  contained  in  it  probably  contributes  somewhat  to  retard  the  further  oxida- 
ti  of  the  protoxide  of  iron,  and  if  considerably  increased  in  amount  would  act 
st  more  efficiently.  The  finest  pieces  of  myrrh  in  lump  should  be  selected, 
at!  rubbed  down  for  the  occasion  with  a little  of  the  rose  water; ’as  the  pow- 
dt  id  myrrh  of  the  shops  is  often  impure,  and  does  not  make  a good  mixture. 

'his  mixture  is  a good  tonic  in  debility  of  the  digestive  organs,  especially  when 
at  nded  with  derangement  of  the  menstrual  function.  Hence  it  is  used  with 
auntage  in  chlorosis  and  hysterical  affections.  It  has  been  also  much  em- 
pl  red  in  the  hectic  fever  of  phthisis  and  chronic  catarrh.  It  is  contraindicated 
by  he  existence  of  inflammation  of  the  gastric  mucous  membrane.  The  dose 
is  ae  or  two  fluidounces  two  or  three  times  a day.  W. 

1ISTURA  GENTIAFLE  COMPOSITA.  Lond.  Compound  Mix- 
ti I?  of  Centian. 

Take  of  Compound  Infusion  of  Gentian  twelve  fluidounces ; Compound  Infu- 
si  of  Senna  six  fluidounces ; Compound  Tincture  of  Cardamom  two  fluidounces. 
1M  them.”  Lond. 

. tonic  and  cathartic  preparation  adapted  to' dyspepsia  and  constipation. 
T dbse  is  one  or  two  fluidounces.  W . 


1080 


PART  I 


Misturae. — Morphia. 

MISTURA  GLYCYRRHIZ2E  COMPOSITA.  U.  S.  Compour 

Mixture  of  Liquorice.  Brown  Mixture. 

“ Take  of  Liquorice  [extract],  in  powder,  Gum  Arabic,  in  powder,  Sugar,  eac- 
half  an  ounce ; Camphorated  Tincture  of  Opium  two  fluidounces ; Antimoni 
Wine  a fluidounce ; Spirit  of  Nitric  Ether  half  a fluidounce;  Water  twelve  Aui 
ounces.  Rub  the  Liquorice,  Gum  Arabic,  and  Sugar  with  the  Water  graduai 
poured  upon  them ; then  add  the  other  ingredients,  and  mix.”  U.  S. 

This  is  an  exceedingly  popular  cough  mixture,  which  was  made  officinal 
the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia  of  1850.  The  spirit  of  nitric  ether  is  probably  usef 
by  somewhat  retarding  decomposition.  The  preparation  is  applicable  to  the  a; 
vanced  stages  of  catarrhal  affections,  after  expectoration  has  become  establishe' 
The  dose  is  a tablespoonful  for  an  adult;  a teaspoonful  for  a child  two  years  ol 
It  should  be  well  shaken  when  administered.  W. 

MISTURA  GUAIACI.  Bond.,  Ed.  duaiac  Mixture. 

“Take  of  Guaiac,  in  powder,  three  drachms;  Sugar  half  an  ounce ; Gu 
Arabic,  in  powder,  two  drachms  ; Cinnamon  Water  a pint  [Imperial  measure 
Rub  the  Sugar  with  the  Guaiac  and  Gum  Arabic,  and  to  these,  while  rabbin 
add  gradually  the  Cinnamon  Water.”  Land. 

The  Edinburgh  process  differs  only  in  using  half  a fluidounce  of  mucilag 
instead  of  the  powdered  gum,  and  half  a fluidounce  less  of  cinnamon  water. 

For  the  changes  of  colour  which  the  guaiac  in  this  mixture  undergoes,  ar 
produces  in  other  substances,  see  Guaiaci  Resina , p.  377.  From  one  to  thn 
tablespoonfuls  may  be  given  for  a dose,  and  repeated  two  or  three  times  a da 
or  more  frequently.  W. 

MISTURA  SCAMMONII.  Ed.  Scammony  Mixture. 

“Take  of  Resin  of  Scammony  seven  grains ; unskimmed  Milk  three  jhd 
ounces.  Triturate  the  Resin  with  a little  of  the  Milk,  and  gradually  with  tl 
rest  of  it  till  a uniform  emulsion  is  formed.”  Ed. 

This  Edinburgh  officinal  is  an  imitation  of  a mixture  recommended  by  Planch 
The  resin  of  scammony  mixes  admirably  with  the  vehicle,  and  forms  an  emulsii 
scarcely  distinguishable  in  appearance  or  taste  from  rich  milk.  Of  course, 
should  be  prepared  only  when  wanted  for  immediate  use.  The  whole  is  to  1 
taken  for  a dose.  W. 

MISTURA  SPIRITUS  VINI  GALLICI.  Lon d.  Brandy  Mixture 

“ Take  of  Brandy,  Cinnamon  Water,  each  four  fluidounces  ; the  yolks  of  ti 
Eggs;  Sugar  [refined]  half  an  ounce ; Oil  of  Cinnamon  two  minims.  M 
them.”  Lond. 

A stimuhjnt  and  nutritive  draught,  applicable  to  the  sinking  stage  of  low  fora 
of  fever,  but  scarcely  entitled  to  a place  in  the  Pharmacopoeia.  W . 

MORPHIA. 

Preparations  of  Morphia. 

MORPHIA.  U.S.,  Biib.  Morphia. 

“Take  of  Opium,  sliced,  a pound;  Solution  of  Ammonia  sir  fluidounce 
Distilled  Water,  Alcohol,  Animal  Charcoal,  each,  a sufficient  quantity.  Macera 
the  Opium  with  four  pints  of  Distilled  Water  for  twenty-four  hours,  and,  havii 
worked  it  with  the  hand,  digest  for  twenty-four  hours,  and  strain.  In  like  uia 
ner,  macerate  the  residue  twice  successively  with  the  same  quantity  of  Distill' 
Water,  and  strain.  Mix  the  infusions,  evaporate  to  six  pints,  and  filter;  tin 
add  first  five  pints  of  Alcohol,  and  afterwards  three  fluidounces  of  the  Solutk 


PRT  II. 


1081 


Morphia. 

o Ammonia,  previously  mixed  with  half  a pint  of  Alcohol.  After  twenty-four 
hirs,  pour  in  the  remainder  of  the  Solution  of  Ammonia,  mixed,  as  before,  with 
hf  a pint  of  Alcohol;  and  set  the  liquor  aside  for  twenty-four  hours,  that  crys- 
tr;  may  form.  To  purify  these,  boil  them  with  two  pints  of  Alcohol  till  they 
a:;  dissolved,  filter  the  solution,  while  hot,  through  Animal  Charcoal,  and  set  it 
ade  to  crystallize.”  U S. 

‘Take  of  Turkey  Opium,  cut  into  thin  slices,  one  pound  [avoirdupois]  ; Dis- 
tijed  Water  six  pints  [Imperial  measure] ; Chloride  of  Calcium  six  drachms 
[ab.  weight] ; Prepared  Animal  Charcoal  as  much  as  is  sufficient-  Macerate 
tl  Opium  for  twenty-four  hours  with  a quart  [two  pints,  imp.  meas.]  of  the 
Tier,  and  decant.  Macerate  the  residuum  for  twelve  hours  with  a second  quart 
o:the  Water,*  decant,  and  repeat  this  process  with  the  rest  of  the  water,  sub- 
jeing  the  insoluble  residuum  to  strong  expression.  Let  the  decanted  solutions 
ar  expressed  liquor  be  evaporated  by  a steam  or  water  heat  to  the  bulk  of  one 
pit,  and  then  passed  through  a calico  filter.  Pour  in  now  the  chloride  of  calcium, 
fit  dissolved  in  four  [fluid]ounces  of  distilled  water,  and  then  proceed  with  the 
e'poration  until  the  solution  is  so  far  concentrated,  that  upon  cooling  nearly  the 
w?le  of  it  becomes  solid.  Let  this  solid  matter  be  enveloped  in  a couple  of  folds 
ottrong  calico,  and  subjected  to  powerful  pressure,  the  dark  liquid  which  exudes 
bug  reserved  for  subsequent  use.  The  squeezed  cake  is  now  to  be  acted  on  with 
alut  half  a pint  of  boiling  water,  and  the  whole  being  thrown  upon  a paper 
fii  r,  the  precipitate  must  be  well  washed.  The  filtered  solution  having  been 
e’porated  as  before,  cooled  and  solidified,  the  residue  is  to  be  again  subjected 
tc  xpression.  If  the  product  be  not  quite  white,  this  process  should  be  repeated 
a lird  time,  the  liquid  forced  out  during  expression  beiug  always  preserved.  Let 
tl  squeezed  cake  be  dissolved  in  six  [fiuid]ounces  of  boiling  water,  and,  if  neces- 
sajf,  cleared  by  filtration  through  Prepared  Animal  Charcoal,  the  portion  of  it 
steed  by  the  filter  being  carefully  washed  out  of  it;  and  to  the  solution  thus 
ohined  let  Water  of  .Ammonia  be  added,  in  slight  excess,  and  let  the  crystalline 
pnipitate  which  forms  when  the  liquor  has  cooled  be  collected  on  a paper  filter, 
ai  washed  with  cold  distilled  water  until  the  washings  cease  to  give  a precipitate 
u]n  being  dropped  into  an  acid  solution  of  nitrate  of  silver.  Lastly,  let  the 
fil  r be  transferred  to  a porous  brick,  in  order  that  the  Morphia  it  contains  may 
bf'mie  dry. 

The  liquids  separated  by  expression  from  the  Muriate  of  Morphia,  in  the 
preding  process,  having  been  diluted  with  water,  so  as  to  occupy  the  bulk  of 
fo  [fluid]ounces,  and  then  supersaturated  slightly  with  Ammonia,  let  the  pre- 
ci  rate  which  forms  be  collected,  after  the  lapse  of  six  hours,  on  a filter,  and 
w red  with  a little  cold  water.  This,  if  redissolved  in  dilute  muriatic  acid, 
herd  with  a little  animal  charcoal,  and  filtered,  will,  upon  cooling,  afford  a 
cr  talline  deposit,  from  which,  when  pressed,  dissolved  in  water,  and  supersatu- 
ra  d with  ammonia,  an  additional  quantity  of  morphia  will  be  procured.”  Dub. 

hese  processes  will  be  better  understood  by  a previous  acquaintance  with 
th  properties  and  chemical  relations  of  the  substance  in  question. 

lorphia  crystallizes  from  alcohol  in  the  form  of  small,  colourless,  shining 
crtals.  It  is  inodorous  and  bitter.  Exposed  to  a moderate  heat,  it  loses  its 
w;:r  of  crystallization  and  the  crystalline  form,  becoming  white  and  opaque. 
A a higher  temperature  it  melts,  forming  a yellowish  liquid,  which  becomes 
wl  e and  crystalline  upon  cooling.  Heated  in  the  open  air  it  burns  with  a 
bi  ht  flame,  and  at  a red  heat  is  wholly  dissipated.  It  is  insoluble  or  nearly 
so  i cold  water,  soluble  in  rather  less  than  100  parts  of  water  at  212°,  slightly 
so  ble  in  cold  alcohol,  and  freely  so  in  boiling  alcohol,  which  deposits  it  upon 
co  ng.  It  is  dissolved  also  by  the  fixed  and  volatile  oils,  but  very  slightly  if 
at,  1 by  ether.  Its  solution  restores  the  blue  colour  of  litmus  paper  reddened 


1082 


Morphia. 


PART  ; 


by  acids,  and  turns  the  yellow  of  turmeric  to  brown.  With  the  acids  it  fori 
salts,  which  are  generally  soluble,  and  are  decomposed  by  the  alkalies.  T 
solutions  of  potassa  and  soda  are  also  capable  of  dissolving  morphia,  which 
precipitated  slowly  on  exposure  to  the  air,  in  consequence  of  the  absorption 
carbonic  acid.  Solution  of  ammonia  has  to  a certain  extent  the  same  solve 
power;  and  hence  the  necessity,  in  precipitating  morphia  by  this  alkali,  not 
employ  it  in  great  excess.  Morphia  and  its  salts,  by  the  contact  of  nitric  ac 
assume  a blood-red  colour,  which  ultimately  changes  to  yellow.  When  add) 
to  a solution  of  iodic  acid,  or  an  acidulous  iodate,  they  redden  the  liquid  and  : 
iodine  free.  ( Serulias .)  They  assume  a fine  blue  colour  with  the  sesquichlori 
of  iron,  and  the  salts  of  the  sesquioxide ; at  least  this  is  true  of  morphia, 
acetate,  and  oxalate;  and  the  same  effect  will  be  produced  by  the  other  salts.' 
previously  decomposed  by  an  alkali.  Water,  acids,  and  alkalies,  added  in  lai 
quantity  to  the  blue  compound  formed,  destroy  its  colour.  According  to  P 
letier,  however,  there  occasionally  exists  in  opium  a principle  called  by  h 
pseudomorphia,  which  becomes  red  under  the  action  of  nitric  acid,  and  c-han; 
the  salts  of  sesquioxide  of  iron  blue,  and  yet  is  destitute  of  poisonous  prop 
ties;  so  that  the  occurrence  of  these  phenomena,  in  any  medico-legal  case,  cam; 
loe  considered  as  certain  evidence  of  the  presence  of  morphia.  (See  Am.  Join 
of  Pharm.,  viii.  77.)  The  terchloride  of  gold  precipitates  morphia  first  yellct 
then  bluish,  and  lastly  violet.  ( Larocque  and  Thibierge.)  Morphia  is  pre- 
pitated  from  its  solutions  by  potassa  or  soda,  and  redissolved  by  an  excess  of  t- 
alkali.  Infusions  of  galls  and  other  vegetable  substances  containing  tannic  at. 
precipitate  morphia  in  the  state  of  a tannate,  which  is  soluble  in  acetic  aci 
but,  according  to  Dublanc,  the  alkali  is  not  precipitated  by  pure  gallic  acid. 
ammonia  be  added  to  a mixture  of  the  solutions  of  chlorine  and  morphia,  adac 
brown  colour  is  produced,  which  is  destroyed  by  a further  addition  of  chlorii. 
The  proportion  of  the  ingredients  of  morphia  is  somewhat  differently  given  r 
different  writers.  According  to  the  most  recent  authorities,  anhydrous  morph 
consists  of  one  eq.  of  nitrogen  IT,  thirty-five  of  carbon  210,  twenty  of  hydrog 
20,  and  six  of  oxygen  48=292,  to  which  in  the  crystals  are  added  two  eqs.t 
water  18,  or  about  5'8  per  cent. 

Various  processes  for  preparing  morphia  have  been  employed.  In  most  f 
them  the  morphia  is  extracted  from  opium  by  maceration  with  water  either  p« 
or  acidulated,  is  then  precipitated  by  ammonia,  and  afterwards  purified  by  t; 
agency  of  alcohol,  or  by  repeated  solution  in  a dilute  acid  and  precipitation. 

Sertiirner,  the  discoverer  of  morphia,  made  an  infusion  of  opium  in  distil  l 
water,  precipitated  the  morphia  by  ammonia  in  excess,  dissolved  the  precipite 
in  dilute  sulphuric  acid,  precipitated  anew  by  ammonia,  and  purified  by  soluti 
in  boiling  alcohol,  and  crystallization. 

The  process  of  the  French  Codex  is  a modification  of  that  of  Sertiirner.  t 
is  as  follows.  “Take  of  opium  1000  parts,  solution  of  ammonia  a sufficht 
quantity.  Exhaust  the  opium,  by  means  of  cold  water,  of  "all  its  parts  solu; 
in  that  menstruum.  For  that  purpose,  it  is  sufficient  to  treat  the  opium,  fir 
times  consecutively,  with  ten  parts  of  water  to  one  of  the  drug,  provided  care 3 
taken  to  macerate  the  opium  for  some  hours,  and  to  work  it  with  the  han. 
Filter  the  liquors,  and  evaporate  them  to  a quarter  of  their  volume.  Then  rl 
sufficient  ammonia  to  render  the  liquor  very7  sensibly  alkaline.  Boil  for  so; 
minutes,  always  maintaining  a slight  excess  of  ammonia.  Upon  cooling,  3 
morphia,  impure  and  much  coloured,  will  be  precipitated  in  granular  cryst;, 
which  are  to  be  washed  with  cold  water.  Reduce  this  coloured  morphia.1 
powder,  macerate  it  for  twelve  hours  in  alcohol  of  24°  Cartier  (sp.  gr.  ab<t 
0'900);  then  decant  the  alcoholic  liquid;  dissolve  the  residuary  morphia,  aim; 
in  great  measure  deprived  of  colour  by  the  cold  alcohol,  in  boiling  alcohol  of  c 


par  II.  Morphia.  1083 

Cart r (sp.gr.  about  0‘850);  add  to  the  solution  a little  animal  charcoal,  and 
filtei  Upon  cooling,  the  morphia  crystallizes  in  colourless  needles.  In  this  state 
the  orphia  always  retains  some  narcotina,  to  free  it  from  which,  boil  it  with 
sulphric  ether  in  a matrass  with  a long  neck  surmounted  by  a refrigerator.” 

T1  process  of  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia  is  an  improvement  upon  the  above, 
and  essentially  the  same  with  that  of  Dr.  Edward  Staples,  published  in  the 
Jouial  of  the  Philadelphia  College  of  Pharmacy  (i.  15).  Without  repeat- 
ing description  of  the  process,  we  shall  make  such  remarks  upon  its  several 
stepaas  appear  to  us  likely  to  be  of  practical  advantage.  The  employment  of 
wateas  the  solvent  is  justified  by  the  almost  universal  practice.  It  is  true 
that  ilute  acetic  acid  has  sometimes  been  employed,  and  Vogel  states  that  the 
prodlt  thus  obtained  is  much  greater  than  when  water  alone  is  used.  But 
whefhe  opium  is  properly  comminuted,  either  by  being  reduced  to  a coarse 
power  when  dry,  or  by  being  finely  sliced,  in  its  ordinary  state,  water  alone 
will  i found  sufficiently  to  extract  the  morphia,  by  a protracted  maceration  or 
digeson  in  successive  portions  of  water,  assisted  by  kneading,  as  directed  in  the 
Phanacopceia.  The  acids  have  this  disadvantage,  that  they  dissolve  more  of  the 
narejina  than  pure  water,  and  thus  render  the  ultimate  product  more  impure ; 
for  t;  narcotina  which  is  originally  taken  up  continues  associated  with  the  mor- 
phia 1 all  the  subsequent  steps  of  the  process.  It  has  been  proposed  to  expose 
the  iium  to  fermentation  with  water  and  yeast,  in  order  to  facilitate  the  ex- 
tractn  of  the  morphia.  By  this  plan  M.  Blondeau  succeeded  in  procuring 
morcif  the  alkaline  principle  than  he  could  obtain  by  the  ordinary  mode;  and 
his  rjjults  were  confirmed  by  the  experiments  of  MM.  Robiquet  and  Guibourt. 
Acceding  to  these  latter  chemists,  no  alcohol  is  produced  during  the  ferment- 
atiorwhich  appears  to  act  merely  by  disengaging  the  morphia  from  the  combi- 
natic s in  which  it  naturally  exists,  and  which  tend  to  counteract  the  solvent 
powt  of  the  menstruum.  Alcohol  was  proposed  as  the  solvent  by  M.  Guiller- 
mon  but  is  liable  to  the  objection  that  it  dissolves  also  the  resin,  a portion  of 
whic-  is  afterwards  precipitated  with  the  morphia  and  embarrasses  the  process. 
Muc  of  the  resin,  however,  may  be  separated  by  distilling  most  of  the  alcohol 
from  he  tincture,  and  then  adding  water.  The  resin  is  precipitated,  and  the 
liqui  may  now  be  treated  in  the  same  manner  as  the  aqueous  infusion.*  On 
the  vole,  however,  the  officinal  mode  of  extraction  will  probably  be  found  most 
satis ijtory ; and  Mohr  states  that  opium  thus  exhausted  yields  no  more  mor- 
phia zen  to  muriatic  acid ; but  he  recommends  that  each  maceration  should  be 
folio  ;d  by  strong  expression.  The  infusion  of  opium  having  been  prepared, 
the  list  object  is  to  decompose  the  meconate  or  other  salt  of  morphia  contained 
ia  it  For  this  purpose  solution  of  ammonia  is  added,  which  seizes  the  acid,  and 
preci  fates  the  organic  alkali ; but  much  colouring  matter  is  thrown  down 
alon:vith  the  latter,  occasioning  some  trouble  to  separate  it,  unless  measures 
are  then  to  obviate  this  effect.  The  object  is  gained  by  mixing  the  infusion 
with.  Icohol,  previously  to  the  addition  of  the  ammonia,  and  by  employing  the 

* X a modification  of  the  process  of  Guillermond,  MM.  Desmedt  have  succeeded  in 
extrajng  all  the  morphia  from  opium,  perfectly  free  from  narcotina.  Of  crude  opium 
fO  pi's  were  treated  with  240  of  alcohol  at  71°  centigrade  (160°  F.),  and  expressed  when 
cold ; ie  residue  was  then  treated  in  the  same  manner  with  160  parts  of  alcohol;  the 
liquo  ras  introduced  into  a bottle  well  stopped;  next  day  a copious  crystallization  of 
narcoia  appeared,  without  the  least  morphia;  the  liquid  was  decanted,  and,  on  the  ad- 
ditioi: >f  4 parts  of  ammonia,  furnished  a considerable  quantity  of  morphia,  free  from 
narccj  ia.  To  the  mother  liquor  a little  distilled  water  was  added,  and  the  mixture  was 
kept  the  temperature  of  24°  C.  In  two  days  an  additional  quantity  of  the  crystals  of 
laorpi  was  obtained  equally  free  from  narcotina.  The  opium  was  completely  exhausted, 
and  t 60  parts  employed  furnished  5 parts  of  morphia.  ( Annuaire  de  1'herap.,  1852, 
p.  31  —Note  to  the  tenth  edition. 


1084 


PA  ’ II, 


Morphia. 


solution  of  ammonia  itself  in  connexion  with  alcohol,  as  directed  in  thePlma. 
eopoeia.  This  is  the  peculiarity  and  chief  merit  of  the  process  of  Dr.  S lies. 
By  the  presence  of  the  alcohol  in  all  parts  of  the  liquor,  the  colouring  masris 
dissolved  as  soon  as  it  is  separated  by  the  ammonia,  and  the  morphia  i,  bus 
precipitated  in  a much  purer  state.  The  advantage  of  adding  the  ammcain 
separate  portions  is,  that  the  morphia,  being  thus  more  slowly  disengage  can 
be  more  completely  deprived  of  its  impurities  by  the  alcohol  of  the  mitre, 
than  if  the  whole  were  liberated  at  once.  It  is  necessary  to  be  careful  thf the 
ammonia  be  not  in  great  excess ; as  it  has  the  property,  under  these  c nm- 
stances,  of  dissolving  the  morphia  in  some  degree,  and  will  therefore  less- the 
product,  while  waste  is  incurred  by  its  own  unnecessary  consumption,  erv 
little  more  should  be  added  than  is  sufficient  to  saturate  the  acid  present.  Ihe 
solution  of  ammonia  of  the  shops  is  often  much  below  the  officinal  standariand 
this  should  always  be  attended  to  in  the  process.  Alcohol  is  mixed  wi  the 
ammonia  before  it  is  added,  in  order  that  every  particle  of  the  separateiaor* 
phia  may  come  in  contact  with  the  particles  of  this  fluid,  and  thus  hailtbe 
opportunity  of  being  deprived  of  colouring  matter.  The  crystals  of  nnliia 
obtained  by  this  first  operation  have  a light-yellowish  colour,  and  are  uch 
purer  than  when  no  alcohol  is  added  to  the  infusion  before  the  precipitate  bjar 
ammonia.  According  to  Dr.  Staples,  opium  yields  from  10  to  12i  per  co.  of 
these  crystals.  Their  purification  by  solution  in  boiling  alcohol,  is  the  eo.ud- 
ing  step  of  the  operation.  The  liquid,  on  cooling,  deposits  the  morphiau  a 
crystalline  state  and  nearly  free  from  colour.  As  cold  alcohol  retains  a ptioa 
of  the  morphia  in  solution,  it  should  not  be  employed  too  largely.  Athol 
somewhat  reduced  by  water,  is  preferable  to  the  highly  rectified  spirit  ; ait  is 
less  capable  of  holding  the  morphia  in  solution  when  cold.  It  is  sufficatly 
strong  for  the  purpose  at  25°  Baume  (sp.  gr.  0'9032).  The  impure  mohia 
remaining  in  the  alcohol  may  be  obtained  by  distilling  off  the  latter,  and  hen 
sufficiently  accumulated  may  be  purified  by  a separate  operation.  The  cntals 
of  morphia  may  also  be  purified  by  solution  in  dilute  sulphuric  acid,  dision 
with  animal  charcoal  deprived  of  earthy  matter,  filtration,  and  precipitate  by 
ammonia.  If  alcohol  be  added  to  the  solution  previously  to  the  ammoDithe 
digestion  with  animal  charcoal  may  be  dispensed  with,  as  the  alcohol  retai: the 
colouring  matter.  Morphia  procured  in  this  way  always  contains  narcina, 
from  which  it  may  be  freed  by  ether,  as  directed  in  the  French  Codex  pres, 
or  in  some  of  the  modes  hereafter  to  be  indicated. 

Magnesia  was  employed  by  Bobiquet  instead  of  ammonia.  But  his  pfcess 
was  soon  abandoned ; as  it  was  found  to  occupy  more  time,  to  require  a gater 
consumption  of  alcohol,  and  to  be  attended  with  a greater  loss  of  morph  ia 
consequence  of  the  previous  washing,  than  the  processes  in  which  ammonva: 
employed  as  the  precipitant.  For  an  account  of  it  the  reader  is  referred  to  finer 
editions  of  this  work. 

A process  for  extracting  morphia  without  the  employment  of  alcohol  w de- 
vised by  MM.  Henry,  jun.,  and  Plissou.  The  opium  was  exhausted  by jater 
acidulated  with  muriatic  acid ; the  resulting  solution  was  sufficiently  eoncentted, 
then  filtered,  and  decomposed  by  ammonia;  the  precipitate  was  washejand 
treated  with  muriatic  acid  to  saturation ; and  the  muriatic  solution  was  died 
with  animal  charcoal,  filtered,  and  evaporated  to  the  point  of  crystallizatiou.Ihe 
crystals  of  muriate  of  morphia  thus  obtained  were  pressed,  purified  by  repteu 
solution  and  crystallization,  and  finally  decomposed  by  ammonia.  (Jou\- 
Chim.  Med.,  Mars,  1828.)  J 

Somewhat  similar  to  this  is  the  process  of  Gregory,  of  Edinburgh,  byjnc 
muriate  of  morphia  is  obtained  by  double  decomposition  between  chine o 
calcium  and  the  meconate  of  morphia  of  the  opium,  and  the  muriate  tli  ob- 


PAR’ II. 


Morphia. 


1085 


aine  is  decomposed  by  ammonia.  This  process  was  adopted  by  the  Edinburgh 
’ollO  for  the  preparation  of  muriate  of  morphia;  and  is  imitated  by  the  Dublin 
Poll®  in  the  elaborate  process  above  given.  It  will  be  sufficiently  explained 
md e Muriate  of  Morphia. 

Min'  has  proposed  a process  founded  on  the  solubility  of  morphia  in  water 
nixe  with  lime,  which  he  recommends  as  the  shortest  and  easiest  method 
if  pimring  the  alkali,  without  the  use  of  alcohol,  and  without  the  possibility 
if  ccfamination  from  narcotina.  Opium  is  three  or  four  times  successively 
aace.ted  with  three  parts  of  water,  and  each  time  strongly  expressed.  The 
iquc  are  then  added  to  a boiling-hot  milk  of  lime,  containing  a quantity  of 
unequal  to  about  a sixth  or  a quarter  of  the  opium  used;  and  the  mixture  is 
loile  for  a few  minutes.  It  is  then  strained  through  linen,  and  the  residue 
rasfii.1  with  boiling  water  and  expressed.  The  whole  of  the  narcotina  is  left 
lehii,  as  not  a trace  of  it  can  be  discovered  in  the  filtered  liquor.  The  liquor 
huslbtained  is  evaporated  till  reduced  to  double  the  weight  of  the  opium, 
henuickly  filtered  through  paper,  and  heated  to  ebullition.  Muriate  of  am- 
□oni is  now  added  to  it  in  the  proportion  of  1 part  to  16  of  the  opium  used; 
nd  Is  morphia  is  abundantly  precipitated.  The  use  of  animal  charcoal  is  un- 
lecesiry  in  the  process,  as  the  lime  acts  even  more  powerfully  as  a decolorizing 
gen  The  crystallized  morphia  obtained  is  somewhat  coloured,  but  may  be 
ended  pure  by  solution  in  dilute  muriatic  acid,  boiling  with  milk  of  lime,  fil- 
ratii , and  precipitation  by  muriate  of  ammonia.  (Annul,  der  Pliarm.,  xxxv. 
19,  jad  Am.  Journ.  of  Pliarm.,  xiii.  60.) 

V(ous  other  processes,  or  modifications  of  those  above  described,  have  been 
iroped;  but,  for  the  preparation  of  small  quantities  of  morphia  by  the  apothe- 
ary,'one  are  probably  better  adapted  than  that  of  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia, 
inlet  indeed  the  plan  of  Mohr,  should  be  found  to  equal  the  representations  in 
ts  fajmr. 

It.as  been  already  stated  that  morphia,  obtained  in  the  ordinary  manner, 
onfi'.s  a considerable  proportion  of  narcotina.  It  is  highly  probable  that  this 
ngreent  exercises  no  influence,  either  beneficial  or  injurious,  upon  the  operation 
f tlmorphia;  but,  as  the  contrary  has  been  supposed,  various  methods  have 
ieeu  nployed  for  separating  it.  The  simplest  and  easiest  is  to  submit  the 
nixtte  to  the  action  of  ether,  which  dissolves  the  narcotina  and  leaves  the 
norpia.  The  agency  of  acetic  acid  may  also  be  resorted  to.  Distilled  vinegar, 
>r  di  ted  acetic  acid  of  the  same  strength,  will  dissolve  the  morphia  and  leave 
lie  neotina,  and  the  former  may  be  recovered  from  the  acetic  solution  by  sa- 
urat  g the  acid  with  ammonia.  Another  mode  is  to  dissolve  the  mixed  bases 
u st  ag  acetic  acid  (of  7°  Baume,  or  sp.  gr.  10511,  for  example),  and  expose 
lie  sution  to  heat.  The  narcotina  is  deposited,  and  the  morphia,  remaining 
u section,  may  be  precipitated  by  diluting  the  liquid  and  adding  ammonia. 
Jow  . de  Pliarm. , xvii.  640.)  Wittstoek  advises  one  of  the  following  modes. 
Dissc.  e the  impure  morphia  in  dilute  muriatic  acid,  evaporate  to  the  point  of 
tryst  lization,  and  strongly  express  the  crystals,  which  consist  solely  of  the 
Buri b of  morphia,  the  narcotina  being  retained  in  the  mother  waters : — or 
iaturje  the  muriatic  solution  with  common  salt,  which  will  render  the  liquor 
aiilkj and  cause  the  narcotina  to  separate  after  some  days;  then  precipitate  the 
Hiorfia  by  ammonia: — or  pour  into  the  diluted  muriatic  solution  a weak  ley 
af  caitic  potassa,  which,  if  in  slight  excess,  will  dissolve  the  morphia  at  the 
mom  t of  its  separation,  while  the  narcotina  is  precipitated;  then  immediately 
filter  fie  liquor,  and  separate  the  morphia  by  neutralizing  the  alkali.  If  the 
potas  is  in  great  excess  a small  portion  of  the  narcotina  is  redissolved.  (Ber- 
yhm  Vraite  de  Chirnie.)  Mohr  recommends  to  dissolve  the  morphia  in  dilute 
muri  c acid,  and  to  boil  the  solution  with  lime,  which  throws  down  the  nar- 


1086 


PARI  I. 


Morphia. 

cot-ina  and  holds  the  morphia  dissolved.  The  liquid  being  filtered  yieldshe 
morphia  upon  the  addition  of  muriate  of  ammonia.  (Annal.  der  Pharm  - 
123.) 

The  proportion  of  pure  morphia  which  Turkey  opium  is  capable  of  afford? 
varies  from  nine  per  cent,  or  less,  to  fourteen  per  cent.,  according  to  the  qury 
of  the  drug ; but  much  less  than  the  least  quantity  mentioned  is  often  obtai  i 
in  consequence  of  the  incomplete  exhaustion  of  the  opium,  the  loss  in  the  o- 
cess  for  preparing  it,  or  inferiority  in  the  quality  of  the  drug. 

Medical  Properties.  There  can  be  no  doubt  that  morphia  is  the  chief,  if  it 
the  exclusive  narcotic  principle  of  opium,  from  which,  however,  it  differs  sce- 
what  in  its  mode  of  action.  Whether  the  difference  arises  from  the  peciar 
state  of  combination  in  which  morphia  exists  in  opium,  or  from  other  nanic 
principles  being  associated  with  it,  has  not  been  determined;  butthefoier 
would  seem  to  be  the  probable  cause,  from  the  circumstance  that,  long  be  re 
the  discovery  of  this  alkali,  preparations  of  opium  were  habitually  used,  in  w :h 
the  properties  of  the  medicine  were  somewhat  similarly  modified  by  the  ag<;y 
of  vinegar,  lemon-juice,  or  other  vegetable  acid.  In  consequence  of  its  insolub  ty 
in  water,  morphia  in  its  pure  state  is  less  certain  in  its  effects  than  some  o.  ts 
saline  compounds;  as  the  mode  and  degree  of  its  action  must,  in  some  meare. 
depend  on  the  presence  or  absence  of  acid  in  the  stomach,  and  perhaps  onie 
peculiar  character  of  the  acid.  Its  salts  are  therefore  always  preferred,  ae 
acetate,  sulphate,  and  muriate  have  been  employed.  Between  these  there  a 
great  similarity  of  action,  and  what  may  be  said  of  one,  in  regard  to  its  tba- 
peutical  effects,  will  equally  apply  to  the  others.  They  have  the  anodyne,  s>o- 
rific,  and  diaphoretic  properties  of  opium,  but  are  less  stimulant,  less  disped 
to  constipate  the  bowels,  and  less  apt  to  leave  behind  them  headache,  nause  or 
other  unpleasant  effect.  They  are  usually  also  more  acceptable  to  an  irritea 
stomach,  and  may  be  retained,  when  opium  or  its  tincture  would  be  rejecd. 
They  are  applicable  to  all  cases  where  the  object  is  to  relieve  pain,  quiet  >t- 
lessness,  promote  sleep,  or  allay  nervous  irritation  in  any  shape ; but  are  ss 
efficient-  than  opium  in  the  suppression  of  morbid  discharges,  and  as  stimulus 
in  low  forms  of  disease.  We  have  found  them  especially  useful  in  the  miia 
arising  from  intemperance.  A great  advantage  which  they  possess  is  the  >d- 
venience  of  their  external  application  to  blistered  surfaces,  and  the  certaimof 
their  effects  when  thus  applied.  In  cases  which  do  not  admit  of  the  intaal 
use  of  opium  or  its  preparations,  the  acetate  or  sulphate  of  morphia,  sprinbd, 
in  triple  the  ordinary  dose,  upon  a blistered  surface  denuded  of  the  cuticle, ill 
be  found  to  exercise  upon  the  system  all  the  influence  it  is  capable  of  exeing 
when  taken  into  the  stomach.  Applied  in  this  manner,  these  salts  are  pu- 
liarly  useful  in  relieving  violent  neuralgic  pains,  and  controlling  obsthte 
sickness  of  the  stomach.  When  intended  to  act  on  the  system  through  theae- 
dium  of  the  skin,  they  should  be  applied  preferably  to  the  epigastrium;  wh  to 
act  locally,  as  near  the  affected  part  as  possible.  When  given  in  doses  nelv. 
but  not  quite  sufficient  to  produce  sleep,  they  sometimes  give  rise  to  a ay 
troublesome  condition  of  the  brain,  amounting  almost  to  delirium;  but  thial- 
ways  subsides  spontaneously,  or  vanishes  immediately  upon  the  increase  of  be 
dose.  A liniment  of  morphia  for  internal  use  may  be  made  by  dissolving  be 
morphia  in  a little  chloroform,  and  adding  the  solution  to  olive  or  almonoil- 
The  mixture  is  homogeneous.  The  chloroform  acts  merely  as  a menstrua, 
being  in  too  small  a quantity  to  produce  its  own  effects  on  the  system.  (J<Tn- 
de  Pharm.,  3e  ser.  xxiv.  358.) 

lu  over-doses,  morphia  and  its  salts  produce  the  effects  of  narcotic  poins, 
though  not  perhaps  equally  with  a quantity  of  opium,  equivalent  in  ano  ne 
effect.  The  toxicological  treatment  is  precisely  the  same  as  in  the  case  of  ltd®' 


pa:'  ii.  Morphia.  1087 

nut  (See  Opium.')  Strong  coffee  has  been  employed  with  great  apparent  ad- 
vange  as  an  antidote. 

i the  proportion  of  acid  necessary  to  neutralize  morphia  is  very  small,  the 
dosof  the  alkali  is  the  same  as  that  of  its  salts.  One-sixth  of  a grain  may  he 
conlered about  equivalent  to  a grain  of  opium  of  the  medium  strength. 
f.  Prep.  Morphise  Aeetas;  Morphias  Murias;  Morphias  Sulphas.  W. 

lOEPHIiE  ACETAS.  U.S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub.  Acetate  of  Mor- 

ph . 

‘'’ake  of  Morphia,  in  powder,  freed  from  narcotina  by  boiling  with  Ether, 
an  .nee;  Distilled  Water  half  a pint;  Acetic  Acid  a sufficient  quantity.  Mix 
the  iorphia  with  the  Water ; then  carefully  drop  in  the  Acid,  constantly  stirring, 
unt  the  Morphia  is  saturated  and  dissolved.  Evaporate  the  solution,  by  means 
of  avater-bath,  to  the  consistence  of  syrup.  Lastly,  dry  the  Acetate  with  a 
gen?  heat,  and  rub  it  into  powder.”  U.  S. 
lb  London  College  places  this  salt  in  the  catalogue  of  Materia  Medica. 

‘'’ake  of  Muriate  of  Morphia  any  convenient  quantity.  Dissolve  it  in  four- 
teen imes  its  weight  of  warm  Water,  and  when  the  solution  is  cool,  add  Aqua 
Amoniae  gradually  and  with  constant  agitation  until  there  is  a permanent  but 
fainodour  of  ammonia  in  the  fluid.  Collect  the  precipitate  on  a calico  filter, 
was  it  moderately  with  cold  water,  and  dissolve  it  by  means  of  a slight  excess  of 
Pyrigneous  Acid  [acetic  acid,  sp.  gr.  1’034]  in  twelve' parts  of  warm  Water 
for  ery  part  of  Muriate  of  Morphia  that  was  used.  Concentrate  the  solution 
ovei  he  vapour-bath  and  set  it  aside  to  crystallize.  Drain  and  squeeze  the 
crysls,  and  dry  them  with  a gentle  heat.  More  Acetate  of  Morphia  may  be 
obts.ed  on  concentrating  the  mother  liquor.”  Ed. 

“ ake  of  Morphia,  in  fine  powder,  one  ounce  [avoirdupois] ; Rectified  Spirit 
eft  fluid ounces;  Acetic  Acid  of  Commerce  (sp.gr.  1'044 ) four  fluidrachms 
andt  half,  or  as  much  as  is  sufficient.  Pour  the  Spirit  on  the  Morphia,  and, 
appl  ng  heat,  gradually  add  the  Acetic  Acid  until  a neutral  or  slightly  acid 
solum  is  obtained.  Let  this  be  evaporated  to  the  consistence  of  syrup,  by  a 
stea  or  water  heat,  and  then  set  by  for  a few  days,  until  it  solidifies.”  Dub. 

lull  these  processes,  morphia  is  saturated  with  acetic  acid;  in  the  U S.  and 
Dull  it  is  taken  already  prepared;  in  the  Edinburgh,  it  is  procured  by  the 
decc  position  of  the  muriate  by  means  of  ammonia.  Acetic  acid  is  employed 
in  pt'erence  to  vinegar  for  saturating  the  morphia;  because  it  can  leave  no  im- 
puri  in  the  resulting  salt.  In  the  U.  8.  process,  the  solution  of  the  morphia 
in  tl  water  is  an  indication  that  it  is  saturated.  A small  excess  of  acid  is 
atteied  with  no  inconvenience,  as  it  is  subsequently  driven  off  by  the  heat. 
Care 3 required  not  to  employ  too  much  heat  in  the  evaporation;  as  the  acetate 
is  esly  decomposed,  a portion  of  the  acetic  acid  escaping,  and  leaving  an  equi- 
vale  portion  of  uncombined  morphia.  With  attention  to  arrest  the  evapora- 
tion a certain  point,  the  acetate  may  be  obtained  in  the  state  of  crystals;  but 
the  Lstailization  is  attended  with  some  difficulty,  and  evaporation  to  dryness 
is  alost  universally  preferred.  Some  recommend  to  dissolve  the  morphia  in 
hoi  ID  alcohol,  instead  of  suspending  it  in  water,  previously  to  the  addition  of 
the  ■ ;tic  acid.  A less  heat  is  thus  required  in  the  evaporation,  and  impurities 
iu  tl  morphia  may  often  be  detected,  as  they  are  apt  to  be  insoluble  in  alcohol. 
To  pertain,  in  this  case,  whether  the  morphia  is  saturated,  it  is  necessary  to 
enipc  litmus  paper,  the  blue  colour  of  which  should  not  be  restored,  if  pre- 
vion ' reddened  by  an  acid.  Alcohol  is  employed  as  the  solvent  in  the  Dublin 
ptocs.  If  the  morphia  used  in  preparing  the  acetate  contain  narcotina,  it  will 
he  b|t  to  employ  as  the  solvent  distilled  vinegar,  or  diluted  acetic  acid  of  the 
same  trength,  and  to  favour  its  solvent  power  by  heat.  Under  these  circum- 


1088 


Morphia. 


PART 


stances  it  dissolves  only  the  morphia,  leaving  the  narcotina  nearly  or  quite  i. 
touched.  (Hodgson,  Journ.  of  the  Phil.  Col.  of  Pharm.,  v.  35.) 

Acetate  of  morphia  crystallizes  in  the  form  of  slender  needles  united  in  fas. 
culi.  It  is  readily  dissolved  by  water,  and  less  easily  by  alcohol.  As  ordinar- 
obtained,  however,  by  evaporation  to  dryness,  it  is  not  entirely  soluble  in  wat , 
a portion  of  it  being  uncombined  morphia.  To  render  it  soluble,  all  that  is  j. 
cessary  is  to  add  a little  distilled  vinegar.  The  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia  gives •; 
following  tests  of  its  character.  “ From  its  solution  potassa  throws  down  a p- 
cipitate  which  is  dissolved  by  an  excess  of  the  alkali.  It  is  affected  by  he, 
nitric  acid,  and  sesquichloride  of  iron,  in  the  same  manner  as  morphia.  Wh 
sulphuric  acid  is  added  to  the  salt,  acetous  vapours  are  evolved.”  In  additi 
to  these  tests,  the  London  College  refers  to  the  property,  possessed  by  this  sS 
other  salts,  when  treated  first  with  chlorine,  and  then  with  ammonia,  of  prese- 
ing  a brown  colour,  which  disappears  on  the  further  addition  of  chlorine.  L 
Edinburgh  College  gives  the  following  mode  of  testing  its  purity:  “Oneirj- 
dred  measures  of  a solution  of  ten  grains  in  half  a fluidounce  of  water  and  .3 
minims  of  acetic  acid,  heated  near  to  212°,  and  decomposed  by  a faint  excesrf 
ammonia,  yield  by  agitation  a precipitate  which  in  24  hours  occupies  15'5  in- 
sures of  the  liquid.” 

From  an  eighth  to  a quarter  of  a grain  may  be  given  for  a dose,  and  repeat, 
if  necessary,  in  order  to  obtain  the  anodyne  and  soporific  effects  of  the  medic-k 
One-sixth  of  a grain  is  about  equivalent  to  a grain  of  opium.  It  may  be  gi  1 
in  pill  or  solution.  It  is  frequently  employed  externally,  sprinkled  on  blistel 
surfaces,  to  obtain  its  effects  upon  the  system. 

Off.  Prep.  Liquor  Morphise  Acetatis.  W 

LIQUOR  MORPHEE  ACETATIS.  Lo?id.,  Pub.  Solution  of  A - 
tate  of  Morphia. 

“Take  of  Acetate  of  Morphia  four  drachms;  Acetic  Acid  fifteen  mini); 
Distilled  Water  a pint  [Imperial  measure] ; Proof  Spirit  half  a pint  [In. 
meas.].  Mix  and  dissolve.”  Land. 

“Take  of  Acetate  of  Morphia  eighty-two  grains ; Rectified  Spirit  five  fid- 
ounces;  Distilled  Water  fifteen  \_fluid~\ounces.  Having  added  the  Spirit  to  le 
Water,  dissolve  the  Acetate  of  Morphia  in  the  mixture,  and,  if  the  solutio is 
not  quite  clear,  pass  it  through  a paper  filter.”  Dub. 

The  object  of  the  Spirit  in  these  solutions  is  to  aid  in  their  preservation.  ^ 
the  acetate  often  contains  some  uncombined  morphia,  in  consequence  of  the  r- 
tial  escape  of  acetic  acid  during  the  evaporation  in  preparing  it,  the  Lonn 
College  very  properly  directs  a little  acetic  acid  for  its  solution.  The  Du  n 
College  less  wisely  wastes  it  by  filtration.  Unfortunately  the  solutions  of  ie 
two  Colleges  are  of  unequal  strength,  the  London  being  about  twice  as  stronis 
the  Dublin.  The  dose  of  the  London  solution  is  from  7'5  to  15  minims,  equa- 
lent  to  from  one-eighth  to  one-quarter  of  a grain  of  the  salt;  that  of  the  Dum 
solution  is  from  15  to  30  minims.  The  latter  was  intended  to  have  the  sie 
strength  as  laudanum. 

Off.  Prep.  Syrupus  Morphiae  Acetatis.  It 

MORPHLE  MURIAS.  U.S.,  Ed.,  Dub.  Morphine  Hydrocio- 
RAS.  Loud.  Muriate  of  Morphia.  Hydrochlorate  of  Morphia. 

“Take  of  Morphia,  in  powder,  an  ounce;  Distilled  Water  half  a pint;  u- 
riatic  Acid  a sufficient  quantity.  Mix  the  Morphia  with  the  Water;  then  ce- 
fully  drop  in  the  Acid,  constantly  stirring,  till  the  Morphia  is  saturated  id 
dissolved.  Evaporate  the  solution  by  means  of  a water-bath,  so  that  it  >y 
crystallize  upon  cooling.  Dry  the  crystals  upon  bibulous  paper.”  1.  S. 

The  Loudon  College  has  transferred  muriate  of  morphia  to  the  Materia  Meca 
list. 


PAB  II. 


1089 


Morphia. 

“ uke  of  Opium  twenty  ounces ; Water  eight  'pints  [Imperial  measure]  ; Mu- 
riatof  Lime  [chloride  of  calcium]  one  ounce,  or  a slight  excess.  Macerate  the 
Opin  in  fragments  for  twenty-four  hours  in  two  pints  of  the  Water;  and  separate 
the  fusion,  squeezing  well  the  residue.  Repeat  the  maceration  successively 
vitlwo  pints  more  of  the  Water  till  the  whole  is  made  use  of.  Concentrate  the 
who  infusions  over  the  vapour-bath  to  one  pint,  and  add  the  Muriate  of  Lime 
diss-ved  in  four  fluidounces  of  Water.  Set  the  whole  aside  to  settle ; pour  off 
the  quid;  wash  the  sediment  with  a little  water,  adding  the  washings  to  the 
liqu.  Evaporate  the  liquid  sufficiently  in  the  vapour-bath  for  it  to  solidify  on 
cool  g.  Subject  the  cooled  mass  to  very  strong  pressure  in  a cloth ; redissolve 
the  ke  in  a sufficiency  of  warm  distilled  water ; add  a little  fine  powder  of 
whii  marble,  and  filter;  acidulate  the  filtered  fluid  with  a very  little  muriatic 
acidand  concentrate  a second  time  in  the  vapour-bath  for  crystallization.  Sub- 
ject le  crystals  again  to  very  strong  pressure  in  a cloth.  Repeat  the  process 
of  sution,  clarification  by  marble  and  muriatic  acid,  concentration,  and  crys- 
talli  tion,  until  a snow-white  mass  be  obtained. 

“ n the  small  scale  trouble  and  loss  are  saved  by  decolorizing  the  solution  of 
murte  of  morphia  by  means  of  a little  purified  animal  charcoal  after  two  crys- 
talli  tions.  Rut  on  the  large  scale  it  is  better  to  purify  the  salt  by  repeated 
crys llizations  alone,  and  to  treat  all  the  expressed  fluids,  except  the  first,  in 
the  one  way  with  the  original  solution  of  impure  muriate  of  morphia.  An 
addnnal  quantity  of  salt  may  often  be  got  from  the  first  dark  and  resinous 
fluiobtained  by  expression,  on  merely  allowing  it  to  remain  at  rest  for  a few 
moms,  when  a little  muriate  of  morphia  may  be  deposited  in  an  impure  con- 
ditio. 

“he  opium  which  yields  the  largest  quantity  of  precipitate  by  carbonate  of 
soda  recording  to  the  formula  [given  in  page  538],  yields  muriate  of  morphia 
not  ,ly  in  greatest  proportion,  but  likewise  with  the  fewest  crystallizations. ” 
Ed. 

“ ike  of  Morphia,  in  fine  powder,  one  ounce  [avoirdupois] ; Pure  Muriatic 
Acii four  fluidrachms  and  a half,  or  a sufficient  quantity ; Distilled  Water  two 
[ftu  ]ounces  and  a half.  Mix  the  Acid  with  the  Water,  heat  to  about  200°, 
and  dd  the  Morphia,  constantly  stirring,  so  that  a solution  may  be  formed 
havi;  a slightly  acid  reaction.  Set  this  to  cool  for  twelve  hours,  and  let  the 
crys  Is  which  separate  be  drained  of  the  liquor  which  surrounds  them,  and 
drie  in  blotting  paper.  The  decanted  liquor  will,  by  further  concentration  and 
coolg,  give  additional  crystals.”  Dub. 

lielation  to  the  process  of  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia,  the  remarks  made  upon 
the  'eparation  of  the  sulphate  of  morphia  are  equally  applicable  here.  (See 
Morfas  Sulphas .)  The  Dublin  process  differs  from  that  of  the  U.  S.  Pharma- 
copci  only  in  employing  heat  in  effecting  the  solution  of  the  morphia  in  the 
dilu  1 acid,  so  as  to  lessen  the  amount  of  subsequent  evaporation,  and  in  di- 
rect:^ a slight  excess  of  acid.  The  Edinburgh  process  is  based  upon  the  plan, 
orig  illy  suggested  by  Wittstock,  of  obtaining  muriate  of  morphia  imme- 
diate from  opium  without  the  use  of  alcohol.  It  is  that  of  Dr.  Wm.  Gregory, 
whii  is  an  improvement  on  Wittstock’s.  The  meconate  and  a little  sulphate 
of  i rphia  extracted  by  water  from  opium  are  decomposed  by  chloride  of  cal- 
ciun  yielding  muriate  of  morphia  in  solution,  and  meconate  and  sulphate 
of.li  3 as  precipitates.  The  remaining  steps  consist  in  obtaining  the  muriate  of 
rnor  ia  from  the  solution  by  evaporation  and  crystallization,  and  in  freeing  it 
Iron  olouring  impurities.  For  the  latter  purpose  the  College  directs  repeated 
solu  n,  clarification  by  marble  and  muriatic  acid,  concentration,  and  erystal- 
lhat  q ; advising,  when  the  process  is  conducted  upon  a small  scale,  the  use  of 
aniE  [ charcoal  after  two  crystallizations.  It  prevents  waste  by  operating  upon 


1090 


pat  n. 


Morphia. 

all  the  liquids  expressed  from  the  impure  muriate  of  morphia,  except  that  pa- 
rated  by  the  first  expression,  in  the  same  manner  as  upon  the  original  In- 
tion.  Points  deserving  of  particular  notice  in  the  process  are,  to  obtaii  the 
infusion  of  opium  as  concentrated  as  possible  without  leaving  morphia  bead 
so  as  to  shorten  the  period  of  evaporation;  and  to  add  the  chloride  of  caium 
before  instead  of  after  the  concentration,  as,  according  to  Christison,  a large  nd 
purer  product  is  obtained,  in  the  former  way,  with  fewer  crystallizations.  Or. 
Christison  says,  in  favour  of  Dr.  Gregory’s  process,  that  the  Edinburgh  niu- 
fucturers,  who  follow  it,  produce  a salt  of  unrivalled  purity  and  cheapness,  iut 
it  is  much  better  calculated  for  the  large  laboratory  of  the  manufacturing  che  st 
than  for  the  smaller  operations  of  the  apothecary,  who  will  probably  find  the  8. 
process  more  convenient. 

Muriate  of  morphia  procured  by  the  process  of  the  Edinburgh  College  free 
from  narcotina;  but  always  contains  a portion  of  muriate  of  codeia,  which,  w- 
ever,  is  scarcely  sufficient  to  affect  its  operation  upon  the  system.  Dr.  Chris-on 
found  the  proportion  to  vary  between  a 60th  in  the  muriate  prepared  from  >od 
Turkey  opium,  a 30th  in  that  from  inferior  samples  of  the  same  variety,  ri  a 
12th  in  that  from  the  East  Indian.  This  impurity  may  be  separated  by  pr< pi- 
tating  the  morphia  by  means  of  ammonia  ; the  codeia  being  left  in  solutio 

The  late  Dr.  A.  T.  Thomson  published  a process  for  procuring  muria  of 
morphia,  which  he  found  considerably  more  productive  than  that  of  the  Bush 
Colleges.  After  macerating  the  opium  in  water,  as  directed  by  the  College  for 
thirty  hours,  and  expressing,  he  rubbed  it  in  a mortar  with  an  equal  weight  of  ire 
white  sand,  and  enough  water  to  form  the  mixture  into  a paste,  which  he  p ed 
in  a percolator,  and  subjected  to  the  action  of  distilled  water  till  the  fluid  paed 
without  colour  and  taste.  He  then  concentrated  the  liquor  to  the  consisten  of 
a thin  syrup,  added  diacetate  of  lead,  diluted  the  solution  with  twice  its  bu  of 
distilled  water,  allowed  it  to  stand  for  twenty-four  hours,  decanted  the  sier- 
natant  liquid,  washed  the  precipitate  with  warm  water,  added  the  washin;  to 
the  decanted  solution,  and  concentrated  to  one-half.  To  free  the  liquid  frotoj 
remaining  acetate  of  lead,  he  added  diluted  sulphuric  acid  in  slight  excesrie- 
canted  the  liquid  from  the  precipitate,  washed  the  latter,  added  the  washin  to 
the  solution,  and  boiled  for  some  minutes  to  drive  off  acetic  acid.  To  coiert 
the  sulphate  of  morphia  now  contained  in  the  solution  into  muriate,  he  add  a 
saturated  solution  of  chloride  of  barium,  washed  the  precipitate,  evaporateche 
conjoined  washings  and  solution  to  the  point  of  crystallization,  pressed  the  ys- 
tals,  diluted  and  again  evaporated  the  mother  liquor  so  long  as  it  afforded  crysls, 
which  were  purified  by  means  of  animal  charcoal,  and  by  repeated  solum, 
evaporation,  and  crystallization.  ( Pharm . Journ.,  i.  459.) 

Muriate  of  morphia  crystallizes  in  tufts  of  feathery  acieular  crystals,  is 
white,  inodorous,  bitter,  soluble  in  16  parts  of  water  at  60°,  and  in  its  own  w<;ht 
at  212°,  and  soluble  also  in  alcohol.  A saturated  solution  in  boiling  water  fms 
a solid  crystalline  mass  on  cooling.  The  crystals  are  said  to  consist  of  one  eqva- 
lent  of  morphia  292,  one  of  muriatic  acid  36'42,  and  six  of  water  54.  )r. 
Christison  states  that  he  constantly  found  the  crystals,  when  dried  at  150  to 
contain  12 ’7  per  cent,  of  water;  and  the  Edinburgh  College  states  that  theoss 
of  weight  at  212°  is  not  above  13  per  cent.  The  salt  may  be  known  to  a 
muriate  by  yielding  in  solution  with  nitrate  of  silver,  a precipitate  insolub  m 
nitric  or  muriatic  acid,  but  dissolved  by  an  excess  of  ammonia.  Potassa  th ws 
down  from  its  solution  a precipitate  which  is  redissolved  by  an  excess  of  the  aldi. 
The  salt  is  affected  by  heat,  nitric  acid,  sesquic-hloride  of  iron,  aud  chhne 
followed  by  ammonia,  in  the  same  manner  as  morphia.  Sugar  is  said  to  re 
been  used  largely  in  the  adulteration  of  this  salt.  It  may  be  detected  by  he 
test  of  fermentation. 


P4T  II. 


1091 


Morphia. 

:bis  preparation  of  morphia  is  much  used  in  Great  Britain,  but,  in  this  coun- 
ty less  than  either  the  sulphate  or  acetate.  The  dose,  equivalent  to  a grain  of 
opm,  is  about  one-sixth  of  a grain. 

f.  Prep.  Liquor  Morphia)  Muriatis ) Morphia)  Acetas;  Trochisci  Morphias; 
Tr  hisci  Morphiae  et  Ipecacuanbse.  W. 

IQUOR  MORPHIA  MURIATIS.  Dub.  Morphia  Muriatis 
Scutio.  Ed.  Liquor  Morphiae  Hydrochloratis.  Land.  Solution 
of  lunate  of  Morphia.  Solution  of  Hydrochlorate  of  Morphia. 

Take  of  Hydrochlorate  of  Morphia  four  drachms;  Distilled  Water  a pint 
[Iiperial  measure];  Proof  Spirit  half  a pint  [Imperial  measure].  Mix  and 
diolve.”  Lond. 

Take  of  Muriate  of  Morphia  one  drachm  and  a half;  Rectified  Spirit  five 
flit! ounces ; Distilled  Water  fifteen  fluidounces.  Mix  the  Spirit  and  Water,  and 
di.olve  the  Muriate  of  Morphia  in  the  mixture  with  the  aid  of  a gentle  heat.” 

a| 

Take  of  Muriate  of  Morphia  ninety  grains;  Rectified  Spirit  five  fluidounces; 
Diilled  Water  fifteen  \_fluid]ounces.  Mix  the  Spirit  and  Water,  dissolve  the 
M’iate  of  Morphia  in  the  mixture,  and,  unless  the  solution  be  quite  clear,  pass 
it  rough  a paper  filter.”  Dub. 

he  use  of  the  alcohol  is  to  prevent  spontaneous  decomposition.  It  is  ex- 
trcely  unfortunate  that,  in  the  solutions  of  the  salts  of  morphia,  the  same  de- 
gr  of  strength  should  not  have  been  directed  by  the  different  Pharmacopoeias. 
Af  hey  now  are,  the  medical  practitioner  and  apothecary  must  be  constantly  on 
thi'|  guard  to  avoid  the  most  serious  results.  One  grain  of  the  muriate  of 
mohia  is  contained  in  60  minims  of  the  London  solution,  and  in  106  66  minims 
of  .ie  Edinburgh  and  Dublin  solutions  which  are  identical.  The  dose,  therefore, 
is  om  7'5  to  15  minims  of  the  London,  and  from  13  to  26  minims  of  the  Edin- 
buh  and  Dublin  solution,  equivalent  to  from  one-eighth  to  one-quarter  of  a 
gra  of  the  dry  salt.  The  Edinburgh  and  Dublin  preparation  was  intended  to 
ha  the  medium  strength  of  laudanum. 

f.  Prep.  Syrupus  Morphise  Muriatis.  W. 

10RPHI2E  SULPHAS.  U.S.  Sulphate  of  Morphia. 

Take  of  Morphia,  in  powder,  an  ounce;  Distilled  Water  half  a pint;  Di- 
lu  1 Sulphuric  Acid  a sufficient  quantity.  Mix  the  Morphia  with  the  Water, 
tb  carefully  drop  in  the  Acid,  constantly  stirring  till  the  Morphia  is  saturated 
an;  dissolved.  Evaporate  the  solution  by  means  of  a water-bath,  so  that  it 
mi  crystallize  upon  cooling.  Dry  the  crystals  upon  bibulous  paper.”  U.  S. 

i this  process  the  morphia  is  known  to  be  saturated  when  it  is  wholly  dis- 
so.  :d  by  the  water.  To  ascertain  whether  the  acid  is  added  in  excess,  litmus 
pa  r may  be  resorted  to.  If  the  morphia  employed  contain  narcotina,  this  will 
renin  in  the  mother  liquor,  and  will  not  contaminate  the  product.  The  mother 
lichr  remaining  after  the  first  crystallization  may  be  evaporated  so  as  to  afford 
a f sh  supply  of  the  sulphate ; but,  if  the  morphia  wa3  not  originally  quite  pure, 
tb  second  product  will  contain  the  impurities,  and  should  not  be  used  till  it 
hajandergone  further  preparation.  When  impure  morphia  is  employed,  the 
maer  liquor  should  be  mixed  with  alcohol,  or  boiled  with  purified  animal 
ch  coal  and  filtered,  and  then  decomposed  by  ammonia,  which  will  precipitate 
th  morphia.  This  may  be  converted  into  the  sulphate  in  the  manner  directed 
by  he  Pharmacopoeia. 

notker  mode  of  obtaining  sulphate  of  morphia,  is  to  dissolve  the  alkali  in 
Lo  ng  alcohol  of  36°  Baume  (sp.  gr.  0'8428),  saturate  it  while  hot  with  sul- 
pl-ic  acid,  add  purified  animal  charcoal,  boil  for  a few  minutes,  and  filter  the 
so  ion  while  at  the  boiling  temperature.  Upon  cooling,  it  deposits  most  of  the 
suihate ; and  the  remainder  may  be  obtained  by  evaporating  the  mother  liquor. 


1092 


PARI  I, 


Morphia. — Mucilagines. 

In  the  evaporation  of  the  solution  of  this  salt,  care  should  he  taken  no  ;o 
carry  the  heat  too  far;  for  when  pushed  to  incipient  decomposition  with  n 
excess  of  acid,  a new  substance  is  formed  containing  no  morphia.  (See . i 
Journ.  of  Pliarm.,  xvii.  286.) 

Sulphate  of  morphia  crystallizes  in  beautifully  white,  minute,  feathery  c 3- 
tals,  which  are  soluble  in  cold  water,  and  in  twice  their  weight  of  boiling  war. 
They  contain,  according  to  Liebig,  in  100  parts,  10'33  of  sulphuric  acid,  7c  8 
of  morphia,  and  14’29  of  water.  By  exposure  to  a heat  of  248°  F.  they  ;e 
9 '66  parts  of  the  water,  but  cannot  be  deprived  of  the  remainder  without  3- 
composition.  Their  equivalent  composition  is  stated  to  he  one  equivalen  if 
morphia  292,  one  of  sulphuric  acid  40,  and  six  of  water  54,  of  which  five  'e 
water  of  crystallization,  and  may  be  expelled  by  heat.  The  tests  for  it  are  tl  e 
for  sulphuric  acid  and  for  morphia. 

The  dose  of  sulphate  of  morphia  is  from  an  eighth  to  a quarter  of  a gr  1, 
which  may  be  given  in  pill  or  solution. 

Off.  Prep.  Liquor  Morphiae  Sulphatis.  W 

LIQUOR  MORPHIiE  SULPHATIS.  U.S.  Solution  of  Sulplie 
of  Morphia. 

“Take  of  Sulphate  of  Morphia  eight  grains ; Distilled  Mater  half  a pi 
Dissolve  the  Sulphate  of  Morphia  in  the  Mater.”  U.  S- 

Sulphate  of  morphia,  as  found  in  the  shops,  is  not  always  entirely  solublen 
water.  This  sometimes,  perhaps,  arises  from  adulterations;  but  more  frequen-, 
in  all  probability,  from  the  mode  of  preparing  the  sulphate.  As  this  salt  s 
formerly  prepared,  the  quantity  of  water  employed  for  the  suspension  of  e 
morphia  was  sometimes  insufficient  to  hold  the  resulting  sulphate  in  su- 
tion;  and  the  consequence  was  that,  upon  the  addition  of  sulphuric  acid,  e 
crystallization  of  the  sulphate  took  place  before  the  whole  of  the  morpa 
was  saturated  by  the  acid.  A portion  of  uncombined  morphia  was  therele 
necessarily  mixed  with  the  salt.  Under  such  circumstances,  the  addition  oa 
little  sulphuric  acid  usually  remedied  the  defect,  and  rendered  the  whole  sa- 
ble. Pure  sulphate  of  morphia  is  readily  and  entirely  soluble  in  water. 

This  solution  is  very  convenient,  by  enabling  the  physician  to  prescriha 
minute  dose,  which,  in  consequence  of  the  great  energy  of  the  preparations! 
morphia,  is  often  necessary.  It  has  the  advantage  that  it  may  be  kept  foa 
very  considerable  length  of  time  unchanged.  The  full  dose  for  an  adult  is  fra 
one  to  two  fluidrachms,  containing  from  an  eighth  to  a quarter  of  a grair  f 
the  sulphate. 

Unfortunately,  in  some  parts  of  the  Union,  the  formula  of  Magendie  for  ts 
solution,  containing  16  grains  in  a fluidounce,  is  habitually  employed  under  e 
name  of  solution  of  sulphate  of  morphia.  This  is  the  proper  name  of  the  oa- 
nal  solution,  which  is  much  weaker;  and  the  most  dangerous  results  may  ene 
from  the  confusion.  Magendie’s  solution  should  never  be  prescribed  or  si 
unless  under  some  special  designation.  U 

MUCILAGINES. 

Mucilages. 

Mucilage,  in  the  ordinary  acceptation  of  the  term,  and  in  the  sense  in  whi 
it  is  employed  in  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia,  is  an  aqueous  solution  of  gum,  orf 
substances  closely  allied  to  it.  As  used  by  the  British  Colleges  it  appears-1 
signify  any  bland,  viscid,  aqueous,  vegetable  solution  resembling  that  ot  g1 
in  sensible  properties.  ^ • 


pa;’  II.  Mucilagines.  1093 

1UCILAGO  ACACLZE.  U.  S.,  Dub.  Mucilago.  Ed.  Mistuka 
AciliE.  Lond.  Mucilage  of  Glum  Arabic. 

‘’ake  of  Gum  Arabic,  in  powder,  four  ounces ; Boiling  Water  half  a pint. 
Adithe  Water  gradually  to  the  Gum,  rubbing  them  together  till  the  mucilage 
is  fined.”  U.S. 

le  London  College  takes  ten  ounces  of  powdered  gum  Arabic,  and  a pint 
[Imrial  measure]  of  boiling  distilled  water,  and  proceeds  as  above.  The  Edin- 
burg College  directs  nine  ounces  of  gum  Arabic  to  be  dissolved  in  a pint  [Imp. 
mea]  of  cold  water,  without  heat,  but  with  occasional  stirring,  and  then  to  be 
straed  through  linen  or  calico.  The  Dublin  College  takes  four  ounces  (avoir- 
dups)  of  the  gum,  and  six  [ fluid~]ounces  of  water,  dissolves  the  gum  with 
occaonal  stirring,  and  strains  through  flannel. 

Id  gum  used  for  this  purpose  should  be  in  the  state  of  a ooarse  powder,  as 
it  is  lore  readily  dissolved  in  this  state  than  when  finely  pulverized.  Straining 
is  nessary  to  separate  the  foreign  substances  which  are  often  mixed  with  gum 
Arac.  This  mucilage  is  semitransparent,  almost  colourless  if  prepared  from 
gooqum,  viscid,  tenacious,  of  a feeble  peculiar  odour,  and  nearly  tasteless.  If 
the  ilution  of  gum  should  be  coloured,  it  may  be  rendered  colourless  by  the 
addim  of  a concentrated  solution  of  chlorine ; and,  by  boiling  for  about  half 
an  hr  so  as  to  drive  off  the  chlorine  and  muriatic  acid,  it  may  be  rendered  fit 
for  vi.  (Guerin.)  By  keeping,  mucilage  becomes  sour,  in  consequence  of  the 
spon  neous  generation  of  acetic  acid ; and  this  happens  even  though  it  be 
enclud  in  well-stopped  bottles.  But,  according  to  M.  Guerin,  the  aqueous 
solui  n of  pure  gum  undergoes  no  change  in  vacuo.  Heat  in  its  preparation 
is  sa  to  favour  the  production  of  acid,  in  which  case  the  Edinburgh  or  Dublin 
form  a is  preferable.  Mucilage  is  employed  chiefly  in  the  formation  of  pills, 
and  • the  suspension  or  diffusion  of  insoluble  substances  in  water.  Physicians, 
in  pfcribing  mucilage  in  mixtures,  should  always  recollect  that  it  is  a solution 
of  dmite  strength,  containing  half  an  ounce  of  the  gum  in  each  fluidounce. 
Half  fluidounce  is  usually  sufficient  for  a six  or  eight  ounce  mixture. 

OsPrep.  Mistura  Acaciae ; Mistura  Amygdalarum ; Mistura  Cretae;  Mistura 
Guai  i.  " W. 

MCILAGO  AMYLI.  Ed .,  Dub.  Decoctum  Amyli.  Lond. 
Muc\age  of  Starch. 

“ike  of  Starch  four  drachms;  Water  a pint  [Imperial  measure].  Rub 
the  S'rch  with  the  Water  gradually  added;  then  boil  for  a short  time.”  Lond. 

Th  Edinburgh  College  takes  half  an  ounce  of  starch  and  a pint  [Imp.  meas.] 
ofwa;r;  the  Dublin,  half  an  ounce  [avoirdupois]  of  the  former,  and  half  a pint 
[Imp  aeas.]  of  the  latter;  both  proceed  according  to  the  directions  of  the  Lon- 
don (liege. 

Tli  mucilage  has  an  opaline  appearance,  and  gelatinous  consistence,  and  is 
muchhed  as  a vehicle  for  laudanum  and  other  active  medicines  given  in  the  form 
of  en  ia.  In  consequence  of  its  demulcent  properties,  it  may  be  usefully  em- 
ploye'is  an  enema  in  irritation  and  inflammation  of  the  mucous  coat  of  the 
rectui  and  large  intestines.  Its  unpleasant  flavour,  when  it  is  prepared  from 
ordimv  starch,  precludes  its  employment  by  the  mouth. 

Off  rep.  Enema  Opii.  W. 

MpILAGO  HORDEI.  Dub.  Mucilage  of  Barley. 

H e of  ground  Pearl  Barley  half  an  ounce  [avoirdupois];  Water  sixteen 
[fidc'mrnces.  Triturate  the  Barley  with  the  Water  gradually  added;  then  boil 
for  a i j minutes.”  Dub. 

Thi  is  intended  simply  as  an  emollient  enema,  or  as  a vehicle  of  other  sub- 
stanc-egiven  in  that  form. 

Off  }rep.  Enema  Catharticum ; Enema  Terebinthinae.  W. 


1094  Mucilagines. — Olea  Destillata.  part  , 

MUCILAGO  TRAGACANTHiE.  U.S.,  Ed.  Mucilage  of  1,. 
gacanth. 

“Take  of  Tragacanth  an  ounce;  Boiling  Water  a pint.  Macerate  tke  'i- 
gacanth  in  the  Water  for  twenty-four  hours,  occasionally  stirring;  then  tritu.e 
it  so  as  to  render  the  mucilage  uniform,  and  strain  forcibly  through  linen.”  i ?, 

The.  Edinburgh  College  takes  two  drachms  of  tragacanth  and  nine  fluidoues 
of  boiling  water,  macerates  for  twenty-four  hours,  then  triturates,  and  expreis 
through  linen  or  calico. 

A part  only  of  tragacanth  is  soluble  in  water.  The  remainder  swells  up  .d 
forms  a soft  tenacious  mass,  which  may  be  mechanically  mixed  with  water,  it 
does  not  form  a proper  solution.  Hence  trituration  is  necessary  to  complete ie 
incorporation  of  the  ingredients.  This  mucilage  is  thick  and  very  viscid,  butot 
permanent,  as  the  water  separates  from  the  insoluble  portion  of  the  tragacrh 
on  standing.  It  is  chiefly  used  in  making  pills  and  troches.  In  consecjuoe 
of  its  great  tenacity,  it  may  be  advantageously  employed  for  the  suspensioof 
heavy  insoluble  substances,  such  as  the  metallic  oxides  in  water. 

Off.  Prep.  Trochisci  Ipecacuanhas;  Trochisci  Magnesiae;  Trochisci  Mera 
Piperitae;  Trochisci  Sodse  Bicarbonatis.  V 

OLEA  DESTILLATA. 

Distilled  Oils. 

For  an  account  of  the  general  properties  of  the  volatile,  essential,  ordisted 
oils,  the  reader  is  referred  to  the  head  of  Olea  Volatilia  in  the  first  part  of  ais 
work.  The  following  are  the  different  officinal  directions  for  preparing  the. 

OLEA  DESTILLATA.  U.  S. 

“ In  the  preparation  of  the  Distilled  Oils,  put  the  substance  from  which  he 
oil  is  to  be  extracted  into  a retort,  or  other  vessel  suitable  for  distillation. nd 
add  enough  water  to  cover  it,  then  distil  into  a large  refrigeratory.  Sepate 
the  Distilled  Oil  from  the  water  which  comes  over  with  it. 

“ In  this  manner  prepare  Oil  of  Anise,  from  Anise;  Oil  of  Caraway,  om 
Caraway;  Oil  of  Cloves,  from  Cloves;  Oil  of  Wormseed,  from  Wornmd; 
Oil  of  Cubebs,  from  Cubebs;  Oil  of  Fennel,  from  Fennel-seed;  Oiof 
Partridge-berry,  from  Partridge-berry  [leaves] ; Oil  of  Pennyroyal  [Oam 
Hedeoaue],  from  Pennyroyal;  Oil  of  Juniper,  from  Juniper  [berries] ; Iil 
of  Lavender,  from  Lavender  [flowers];  Oil  of  Peppermint,  from  Peer- 
mint;  Oil  of  Spearmint,  from  Spearmint;  Oil  of  IIorsemint,  from  B’se- 
mint;  Oil  of  Origanum,  from  Origanum  [Marjoram];  Oil  of  Pimiio, 
from  Pimento;  Oil  of  Rosemary,  from  Rosemary  [tops];  Oil  of  Saw, 
from  Savine;  Oil  of  Sassafras,  from  Bark  of  Sassafras  Root;  and  0:  OF 
Valerian,  from  Valerian.”  U.  S. 

The  London  College  gives  no  directions  for  the  preparation  of  the  volatile^ 
but  places  such  as  it  recognises  in  the  Materia  Medica  catalogue. 

VOLATILE  OILS.  Ed. 

“ Volatile  oils  are  obtained  chiefly  from  the  flowers,  leaves,  fruit,  barksaml 
roots  of  plants,  by  distilling  them  with  water,  in  which  they  have  been  allied 
to  macerate  for  some  time.  Flowers,  leaves,  and  fruits  generally  yield  the  rest 
oils,  and  in  greatest  quantity,  when  they  are  used  fresh.  Many,  howeve  an- 
swer equally  well  if  they  have  been  preserved  by  beating  them  into  a pulpit 


PAH  II. 


Olea  Bestillata. 


1095 


abor  twice  their  weight  of  muriate  of  soda,  and  keeping  the  mixture  iu  well- 
close1  vessels. 

“ labs  tan  ces  yielding  volatile  oils  must  be  distilled  with  water,  the  proper 
prop.tion  of  which  varies  for  each  article,  and  for  the  several  qualities  of  each. 
In  a instances,  the  quantity  must  be  such  as  to  prevent  any  of  the  material 
fromleing  empyreumatized  before  the  whole  oil  is  carried  over.  In  operations 
whei!| the  material  is  of  pulpy  consistence,  other  contrivances  must  be  resorted 
to  fothe  same  purpose.  These  consist  chiefly  of  particular  modes  of  applying 
heatio  as  to  maintain  a regulated  temperature  not  much  above  212°.  On  the 
smaljscale,  heat  may  be  thus  conveniently  applied  by  means  of  a bath  of  a 
stroi,  solution  of  muriate  of  lime,  or  by  means  of  an  oil-bath,  kept  at  a sta- 
tion^ temperature  with  the  aid  of  a thermometer.  On  the  large  scale,  heat  is 
oftenpplied  by  means  of  steam  under  regulated  pressure.  In  other  operations 
it  is  and  sufficient  to  hang  the  material  within  the  still  in  a cage  or  bag  of 
fine  jit-work;  and  sometimes  the  material  is  not  mingled  with  the  water  at  all, 
but  isubjected  to  a current  of  steam  passing  through  it. 

“ ie  best  mode  of  collecting  the  oil  is  by  means  of  the  refrigeratory  de- 
scrib  in  the  preface  [see  page  793],  from  which  the  water  and  oil  drop  together 
into  ;tall  narrow  vessel,  provided  with  a lateral  tube  or  lip  near  the  top,  and 
anotlr  tube  rising  from  the  bottom  to  about  a quarter  of  an  inch  below  the 
levelSf  the  former.  It  is  evident  that  with  a receiver  of  this  construction,  the 
watewill  escape  by  the  lower  tube;  while  the  volatile  oil,  as  it  accumulates, 
will  discharged  by  the  upper  one,  except  in  the  very  few  instances  where  the 
oil  is|eavier  than  the  water. 

“I  attending  to  the  general  principles  now  explained,  Volatile  Oils  may  be 
read!  obtained  of  excellent  quality  from  the  flowers  of  Anthemis  nobilis, 
Lav.  dula  vera,  and  Ruta  graveolens;  from  the  fruit  of  Anethum  gra- 
VEOi'js  bruised,  Carum  Carui  bruised,  Eugenia  Pimenta  bruised,  Fggnicu- 
lum  ticinale  bruised,  Juniperus  communis  bruised,  Piper  Cubeba  ground, 
and Impinella  Anisum  ground;  from  the  undeveloped  dried  flowers  of  Cary- 
ophyajs  aromaticus;  from  the  tops  of  Juniperus  Sabina  and  Rosmarinus 
offiAalis;  from  the  entire  herb  of  Mentha  piperita,  Mentha  Pulegium, 
Menta  viridis,  and  Origanum  Majorana  [vulgare?];  and  also  from  the 
bruis  root  of  Sassafras  officinale.”  Ed. 


OILS.  Bub. 

“1 2 volatile  or  essential  OILS  may  be  obtained  by  the  following  general 
proce  The  substance  from  which  the  oil  is  to  be  extracted  is  macerated  for 
twentjfour  hours,  with  five  times  its  weight  of  water,  in  a sheet-tin  or  copper 
still,  | d,  a condenser  being  then  attached,  half  the  water  is  drawn  over  by  dis- 
tillati , on  the  surface  of  which  the  oil  will  be  found  to  float,  unless  (which  is 
rarely  he  case)  it  should  be  heavier  than  water,  when  it  will  be  found  at  the 
bottor  of  the  receiver.  The  oil  having  been  separated,  the  aqueous  product, 
which  s a saturated  solution  of  the  oil  in  water,  is  to  be  returned  to  the  still, 
and  t.  distillation  resumed,  and  continued  till  the  resulting  liquid  has  the  same 
volutt;  as  before.  The  oil  is  again  separated,  the  watery  product  returned  to 
[he  stj,  and  the  distillation  resumed;  and  this  process  is  to  be  repeated  until 
it  cea;:s  to  afford  any  additional  oily  product.  The  oil  thus  obtained  is  to  be 
separi  d as  completely  as  possible  from  water,  and  preserved  in  a well-stopped 
bottle  | 

“ Ii  this  way  volatile  oils  may  be  obtained  from  the  entire  herb  of  Mentha 
piper  a,  Mentha  Pulegium,  Mentha  viridis;  from  the  seeds  or  fruit  of 
Oaru  Carui,  Cubeba  officinalis,  Eugenia  Pimenta,  Fceniculum  offi- 


1096 


Olea  Destillata. 


PARI  i, 


CINALE,  JuNIPERUS  COMMUNIS,  MyRISTICA  MOSCHATA,  PlMPINELLA  AnIS  [■ 
from  the  flowers  of  Anthemis  nobilis,  Lavandula  vera;  from  the  ue- 
veloped  dried  flowers  of  Caryophyllus  aromaticus;  from  the  tops  of  J i. 
perus  Sabina,  Rosmarinus  officinalis;  from  the  bark  of  Cinnamo; m 
Zeylanicum. 

“ The  water  distilled  over  in  the  preparation  of  the  several  oils  should  be  e- 
served  for  medical  use.”  Dub. 

The  substances  from  which  the  volatile  oils  are  extracted  may  be  empLd 
either  in  the  recent  or  dried  state.  Certain  flowers,  however,  such  as  or;;e 
flowers  and  roses,  must  be  used  fresh,  or  preserved  with  salt,  as  they  afford  lie 
or  no  oil  after  exsiccation.  Most  of  the  aromatic  herbs,  also,  as  peppern  t, 
spearmint,  pennyroyal,  and  marjoram,  are  usually  distilled  while  fresh;  alth( ;h 
it  is  thought  by  some  that,  when  moderately  dried,  they  yield  a larger  and  ire 
grateful  product.  Dried  substances,  before  being  submitted  to  distillation,  rec  re 
to  be  macerated  in  water  till  they  are  thoroughly  penetrated  by  this  fluid;  d, 
to  facilitate  the  action  of  the  water,  it  is  necessary  that,  when  of  a hard  or  tab 
consistence,  they  should  be  properly  comminuted  by  slicing,  shaving,  rasj  g, 
bruising,  or  other  similar  mechanical  operation. 

The  water  which  is  put  with  the  subject  of  distillation  into  the  alembic,  ans  rs 
the  double  purpose  of  preventing  the  decomposition  of  the  vegetable  matte  )y 
regulating  the  temperature,  and  of  facilitating  the  volatilization  of  the  oil,  wl h, 
though  in  most  instances  it  readily  rises  with  the  vapour  of  boiling  water,  requ:s, 
when  distilled  alone,  a considerably  higher  temperature,  and  is  at  the  same  ne 
liable  to  be  partially  decomposed.  Some  oils,  however  will  not  ascend  redy 
with  steam  at  212°;  and  in  the  distillation  of  these  it  is  customary  to  use  ver 
saturated  with  common  salt,  which  does  not  boil  under  230°.  Recourse  ay 
also  be  had  to  a bath  of  strong  solution  of  chloride  of  calcium,  or  to  an  oil-lb, 
the  temperature  of  which  is  regulated  by  a thermometer,  as  suggested  byhe 
Edinburgh  College  in  their  general  directions  (see  page  1095).  Other  oils  ain 
may  be  volatilized  with  water  at  a temperature  below  the  boiling  point;  anas 
heat  esercises  an  injurious  influence  over  the  oils,  it  is  desirable  that  the  d il- 
lation should  be  effected  at  as  low  a temperature  as  possible.  To  prevent  inry 
from  heat,  it  has  been  recommended  to  suspend  the  substance  containing  thoil 
in  a basket,  or  to  place  it  upon  a perforated  shelf,  in  the  upper  part  of  thealenic, 
so  that  it  may  be  penetrated  by  the  steam,  wdthout  being  in  direct  contact  tb 
the  water.  Another  mode  of  effecting  the  same  object  is  to  distil  it  in  vao. 
Dr.  Duncan  stated  that  the  most  elegant  volatile  oils  he  had  ever  seen  werere- 
pared  in  this  manner  by  Mr.  Barry,  the  inventor  of  the  process.  The  employmt 
of  steam  heat  also  prevents  injury ; and  the  best  volatile  oils  are  now  preped 
in  Philadelphia  in  this  way.  Steam  can  be  very  conveniently  applied  to  ins 
purpose  by  causing  it  to  pass  through  a coil  of  leaden  tube  of  an  inc-h  or  tee- 
quarters  of  an  inch  bore,  placed  in  the  bottom  of  a common  still.  The  ei  at 
which  the  steam  is  admitted  enters  the  still  at  the  upper  part,  and  the  otheind 
at  which  the  steam  and  condensed  water  escape,  passes  out  laterally  below,  lag 
furnished  with  a stop-cock,  by  which  the  pressure  of  the  steam  may  beregulad, 
and  the  water  drawn  off’  if  necessary.  In  some  instances,  it  has  been  founde- 
sirable  to  conduct  the  steam  immediately  into  the  still  near  the  bottom,  by  web 
the  contents  are  kept  in  a state  of  brisk  ebullition.  This  method  is  used  iib® 
preparation  of  the  oil  of  bitter  almonds  and  the  oil  of  mustard.  The  same  me.oa 
is  applicable  to  the  preparation  of  the  distilled  waters.  (Soubeiran,  Tra>  «e 
Pharm.,  3e  ed.,  i.  423.) 

The  quantity  of  water  added  is  not  a matter  of  indifference.  An  excess  r>ve 
what  is  necessary  acts  injuriously  by  holding  the  oil  in  solution,  when  the  u-e 
vapours  are  condensed;  and,  if  the  proportion  be  very  large,  it  is  possible^ 


PjtT  II. 


Olea  Destillata. 


1097 


no  il  whatever  may  be  obtained  separate.  On  the  contrary,  if  the  quantity  be 
tocsmall,  the  whole  of  the  oil  will  not  be  distilled;  and  there  will  be  danger  of 
tlmubstance  in  the  alembic  adhering  to  the  sides  of  the  vessel,  and  thus  becoming 
bu[it.  Enough  water  should  always  be  added  to  cover  the  solid  material,  and 
pr'ent  this  latter  accident.  Dried  plants  require  more  water  than  those  which 
anfresh  and  succulent.  The  whole  amount  of  materials  in  the  alembic  should 
no  exceed  three-fourths  of  its  capacity;  as  otherwise  there  would  be  danger  of 
thliquor  boiling  over.  The  form  of  the  alembic  has  a considerable  influence 
ov  the  quantity  of  water  distilled,  which  depends  more  upon  the  extent  of  sur- 
fai  than  the  amount  of  liquid  submitted  to  evaporation.  By  employing  a high 
an. narrow  vessel,  we  may  obviate  the  disadvantage  of  an  excess  of  water.  The 
br  id  shallow  alembic,  suitable  for  the  distillation  of  alcohol  and  the  spirituous 
floors.,  will  not  answer  so  well  in  this  case.  Sometimes  the  proportion  of  oil 
co  ained  in  the  substance  employed  is  so  small  that  it  is  wholly  dissolved  in  the 
wsir  distilled,  even  though  the  proportion  of  the  liquid  in  the  alembic  is  not 
grjter  than  is  absolutely  essential.  In  this  case  it  is  necessary  to  redistil  the 
sas  water  several  times  from  fresh  portions  of  the  plant,  till  the  quantity  of  oil 
wl;h  comes  over  exceeds  its  solvent  power.  This  process  is  called  cohobation. 

he  more  volatile  of  the  oils  pass  with  facility  along  with  the  steam  into  the 
ne;  of  the  common  still;  but  some  which  are  less  volatile  are  apt  to  condense 
inre  head,  and  thus  return  into  the  alembic.  For  the  distillation  of  the  latter, 
a ill  should  be  employed  with  a large  and  very  low  head,  having  a rim  or 
goer  around  its  internal  circumference,  into  which  the  oils  may  be  received  as 
th  pondense,  and  thence  pass  into  the  neck.  As,  after  the  distillation  of  any 
OD  oil,  it  is  necessary  that  the  apparatus  should  be  thoroughly  cleansed  before 
beg  used  for  the  preparation  of  another,  it  is  better  that  the  condensing  tube 
sh ild  be  straight,  than  spiral  as  in  the  ordinary  still.  It  should  be  recollected, 
meover,  that  certain  oils,  such  as  those  of  anise  and  fennel,  become  solid  at  a 
coparatively  high  temperature  ; and  that,  in  the  distillation  of  these,  the  water 
erloyed  for  refrigeration  should  not  be  below  42°  E. 

he  mixed  vapours  are  condensed  into  a milky  liquid,  which  is  collected  in 
a .peiver,  and,  after  standing  for  some  time,  separates  into  a clear  solution  of 
th  oil  in  water,  and  into  the  oil  itself ; the  latter  floating  on  the  surface,  or 
Biiing  to  the  bottom,  according  as  it  is  lighter  or  heavier  than  water.  The 
di  llation  should  be  continued  so  long  as  the  fluid  which  comes  over  has  this 
m :y  appearance. 

he  last  step  in  the  process  is  to  separate  the  oil  from  the  water.  For  this 
pi  iose  the  Florence,  receiver  may  be  used.  This  is  a conical  glass  vessel,  broad 
at  le  bottom  and  narrow  towards  the  top,  and  very  near  its  base  furnished  with 
a bulure  or  opening,  to  which  is  adapted,  by  m£ans  of  a pierced  cork,  a bent 
tu  i so  shaped  as  to  rise  perpendicularly  to  seven-eighths  of  the  height  of  the 
re  iver,  then  to  pass  off  from  it  at  right  angles,  and  near  the  end  to  bend  down- 
tv;  Is.  The  condensed  liquid  being  admitted  through  the  opening  at  the  top  of 
threceiver,  the  oil  separates,  and  rising  to  the  top,  occupies  the  upper  narrow 
pa  of  the  vessel,  while  the  water  remains  at  the  bottom  and  enters  the  tube 
aflled  to  the  receiver.  When  the  surface  of  the  liquid  attains  in  the  receiver 
a jgher  level  than  the  top  of  the  tube,  the  water  will  necessarily  begin  to  flow 
or  through  the  latter,  and  may  be  received  in  bottles.  The  oil  thus  accumu- 
la  > so  long  as  the  process  continues;  but  it  is  evident  that  the  plan  is  appli- 
ca.e  only  to  the  oils  lighter  than  water.  For  the  heavier  oils,  cylindrical  ves- 
sel! may  be  employed,  to  be  renewed  as  fast  as  they  are  filled.  But,  as  all  the 
w;  ir  cannot  be  removed  by  these  plans,  it  is  necessary  to  resort  to  some  other 
maod  of  effecting  a complete  separation.  An  instrument  called  a separatory 
is pually  employed  for  this  purpose.  It  consists  of  a glass  funnel,  bulging  at 


1098 


Olea  Destillata. 


PART 


the  top,  where  it  is  furnished  with  a stopper,  and  prolonged  at  the  bottom  i:  i 
a very  narrow  tube.  (See  figure , page  775.)  The  lower  opening  being  clos , 
the  mixed  liquids  are  introduced  and  allowed  to  stand  till  they  separate.  T 
orifice  at  the  bottom  is  then  opened,  and  the  stopper  at  top  being  a little  looser, 
so  as  to  admit  the  air,  the  heavier  liquid  slowly  flows  out,  and  maybe  separai 
to  the  last  drop  from  the  lighter,  which  floats  above  it.  If  the  oil  is  heav 
than  the  water,  it  passes  out  of  the  separatory;  if  lighter  it  remains  with 
Another  mode  of  separating  the  oil  is  to  introduce  into  the  vessel  contain! 
the  two  liquids  one  end  of  a cord  of  cotton,  the  other  end  hanging  out,  and  t- 
ruinating  in  a suitable  receptacle  beneath  the  level  of  that  immersed  in  the  liqu 
The  oil  at  top  passes  through  the  cord,  and  may  thus  be  wholly  removt 
The  last  drops  may  be  collected  by  pressing  the  cord  between  the  fingers. 

The  water  saturated  with  oil  should  be  preserved  for  future  distillations ; 
it  can  dissolve  no  more  of  the  oil,  and  will  therefore  yield  a larger  product. 

When  first  procured,  the  oil  has  a disagreeable  empyreumatic  odour,  fr 
which  it  may  be  freed  by  allowing  it  to  stand  for  some  days  in  vessels  loose 
covered  with  paper.  It  should  then  be  introduced  into  small  opaque  bottL 
■which  should  be  well  stopped  so  as  to  exclude  the  air.  When  altered  by  c 
po6ure  to  air,  the  oils  may  sometimes  be  nearly  or  quite  restored  to  their  origit 
appearance  and  quality  by  agitation  with  a little  recently  heated  animal  charcot 
and  the  same  method  may  be  employed  for  freeing  oils  from  adhering  water. 

The  volatile  oils  have  the  medical  properties  of  the  plants  from  which  th 
are  derived ; and,  as  their  remedial  application  has  been  mentioned  under  t 
heads  of  these  plants  respectively,  it  will  be  unnecessary  to  treat  of  it  in  tl 
place.  They  may  be  administered  dropped  on  a lump  of  sugar;  or  triturat 
with  at  least  ten  times  their  weight  of  sugar,  forming  an  oleosaccharum,  ai 
then  dissolved  in  water;  or  made  into  an  emulsion  with  water,  sugar,  and  gu 
Arabic.  They  are  frequently  kept  dissolved  in  alcohol  under  the  name 
essences*  A\ . 

OLEUM  ANETHI.  Land.,  Ed.  Oil  of  Dill. 

The  fruit  of  dill  yields  about  3‘5  per  cent,  of  volatile  oil.  This  is  of  a pal 
yellow  colour,  with  the  odour  of  the  fruit,  and  a hot  sweetish  taste.  Its  spec:: 
gravity  is  stated  at  0’881.  It  is  employed  to  prepare  dill  water,  and  may  1 
given  as  a carminative  in  the  dose  of  three  or  four  drops ; but  it  is  little  us< 
in  this  country. 

Off.  Prep.  Aqua  Anethi.  W. 

OLEUM  ANISI.  U.S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub.  Oil  of  Anise. 

The  product  of  oil  from  anise  is  variously  stated  from  1'56  to  3 12  p' 
cent.  The  oil  employed  in  this  country  is  imported.  It  is  colourless  or  ye 


* It  is  often  important  to  know  Low  many  drops  a volatile  oil  will  yield  to  the  flu 
drachm,  in  other  words  the  relation  of  a drop  of  the  oil  to  a minim.  This  varies  extreme 
according  to  the  circumstances  elsewhere  noticed  as  influencing  the  size  of  the  drop : ■ 
that  any  results  obtained  are  only  approximate  and  relative.  At  our  request  Professc 
Procter  tried  the  following  oils,  with  the  results  stated  in  the  table  below.  The  columi 
of  figures  represent  the  number  of  drops  in  a fluidrachm  of  the  oils  respectively,  the  fir 
column  giving  those  obtained  by  dropping  the  oils  from  the  bottles  in  which  they  a. 
commonly  kept,  the  second  by  dropping  them  from  a minim  measure 


Oleum  Anisi 
“ Carui 


Caryophvlli 

Chenopodii 

Cinnamomi 

Cubebae 


85-  86 
106-108 
103-103 

97-100 

100-102 

86-  96 


Oleum  Foeniculi  103-103 

“ Gaultheri®  102-101 
“ Hedeomm  91-  91 

“ Menthse  Pipe- 

ritse  103-109 

“ Menthse  Yiri- 

dis  89-  94 


Oleum  Rosmarini 
“ Sabinas 
“ Sassafras 
“ Tanaceti 
“ Valerian* 
Creasotum 


104— 1C 

102— id 
102— 1C 
92-11 
116-11 
95-  £ 


PAl'.’  II. 


Olea  Destillata. 


1099 


lowh,  with  the  peculiar  odour  and  taste  of  the  seed.  At  50°  it  crystallizes  in 
flatibles,  and  does  not  melt  under  62°.  Its  sp.  gr.  increases  with  age,  and  is 
varusly  given  from  0'9768  to  0'9903.  It  is  soluble  in  all  proportions  in  alco- 
liolf  0‘806;  hut  alcohol  of  0'840  dissolves  at  77°  only  42  per  cent.  It  con- 
sist of  two  oils,  one  solid  at  ordinary  temperatures  and  heavier  than  water 
( stiroptene ),  the  other  liquid  and  more  volatile  ( eleoptene ),  both  of  which  are 
saiito  have  the  same  atomic  constitution,  and  to  consist  of  carbon,  hydrogen, 
ancoxygen  (C10H6O).  It  absorbs  oxygen  from  the  air,  and  becomes  less  dis- 
posl  to  concrete.  Oil  of  anise  is  said  to  be  sometimes  adulterated  with  sper- 
mati,  wax,  or  camphor.  The  first  two  may  be  detected  by  their  insolubility 
in  Hd  alcohol,  the  last  by  its  odour.  The  dose  of  the  oil  is  from  five  to  fifteen 
drc?.  Its  comparative  mildness  adapts  it  to  infantile  cases.  We  are  informed 
tha  the  oil  of  anise  has,  in  this  country,  been  almost  entirely  superseded  by 
th oil  of  star  aniseed  ( oleum  badiani),  which  closely  resembles  it  in  flavour. 
(Sc  page  101.) 

-ff.  Prep.  Essentia  Anisi;  Extractum  Rhei  Fluidum ; Extract.  Spigelise 
et  rnnse  Fluidum;  Spiritus  Anisi;  Syrupus  Sarsaparillae  Compositus;  Tine- 
tui  Opii  Ammoniata ; Tinctura  Opii  Camphorata ; Trochisci  Glycyrrhizre  et 
Op.  W. 

LEUM  ANTHEMIDIS.  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub.  Oil  of  Chamomile. 

pis  is  seldom  prepared  or  used  in  this  country.  Baume  obtained  thirteen 
dntims  of  the  oil  from  eighty-two  pounds  of  the  flowers;  according  to  Mr. 
Bride,  the  average  product  of  100  pounds  is  two  pounds  twelve  ounces.  It 
Lathe  peculiar  smell  of  chamomile,  with  a pungent  somewhat  aromatic  taste. 
Wn  recently  distilled  it  is  of  a sky-blue  colour,  which  changes  to  yellow  or 
brinish  on  exposure.  The  sp.  gr.  of  the  English  oil  is  said  to  be  0'9083. 
Aording  to  M.  Gerhardt,  oil  of  chamomile  is  a mixture  of  a carbohydrogen 
(CSl6)  with  an  oxygenated  oil  (C10H6O3).  (Chem.  Gaz.  vi.  483.)  It  has 
so: itim'es  been  used  in  spasm  of  the  stomach,  and  as  an  adjunct  to  purgative 
mucines.  The  dose  is  from  five  to  fifteen  drops. 

n the  continent  of  Europe,  an  oil  extracted  from  Matricaria  Chamomilla 
is  aployed  under  the  name  of  oil  of  chamomile.  It  is  dark-blue,  thick,  and 
ne  ly  opaque,  becoming  brown  and  unctuous  by  time.  It  has  the  odour  of  the 
pl.t  from  which  it  is  derived,  and  an  aromatic  taste.  W. 

>LEUM  CARL  U.S.  Oleum  Carui.  Lond.,  Ed.  Dub.  Oil  of 
C away. 

his  oil  is  prepared  to  a considerable  extent  by  our  distillers.  The  fresh  fruit 
yi  Is  on  an  average  about  4’7  per  cent.  (Recluz);  but  the  product  is  very  va- 
riijle.  The  oil  of  caraway  is  somewhat  viscid,  of  a pale-yellow  colour  becoming 
bi  mish  by  age,  with  the  odour  of  the  fruit,  and  an  aromatic  acrid  taste.  Its 
srip1.  is  0'946  according  to  Baume,  0'931  according  to  Braude.  Its  constitu- 
ed  are  carbon,  hydrogen,  and  oxygen.  It  is  much  used  to  impart  flavour  to 
m icines,  and  to  correct  their  nauseating  and  griping  effects.  The  dose  is  from 
or  to  ten  drops. 

fhen  oil  of  caraway  is  distilled  with  hydrated  phosphoric  acid,  the  distilled 
lit  or  being  poured  back  into  the  retort  until  it  ceases  to  have  the  smell  of 
ca  way,  an  oily  liquid  separates  from  the  phosphoric  acid,  having  a very  dis- 
aj  oaMe  odour,  and  a strong  taste.  This  product,  to  which  the  name  of  carva- 
ct  has  been  applied,  has  been  found  to  give  immediate  relief  to  toothache,  when 
in  rted  on  cotton  into  the  cavity  of  a carious  tooth.  (See  Am.  Journ.  of  Med. 
& , N.  S.  xv.  532.) 

Iff.  Prep.  Aqua  Carui;  Confectio  Scammonii ; Confectio  Sennse;  Essentia 
C ai;  Extractum  Spigelise  et  Sennae  Fluidum;  Pilulae  Aloes  Composite;  Pil. 
B si  Composite;  Spiritus  Juniperi  Compositus.  W. 


1100 


Olea  Destillata. 


PARI  i. 


OLEUM  CARYOPIiYLLI.  U.  S.,  Lond .,  Ed.,  Dub.  Oil  of  Clot. 

This  oil  is  obtained  by  distilling  cloves  with  water,  to  which  it  is  custon  y 
to  add  common  salt,  in  order  to  raise  the  temperature  of  ebullition ; and  e 
water  should  be  repeatedly  distilled  from  the  same  cloves,  in  order  comple  y 
to  exhaust  them.  Professor  Scharling  has  found  advantage  from  the  applica  a 
of  super-heated  steam  to  the  distillation  of  this  oil.  ( Pharm . Joum.  and  Tra. 
xi.  469.)  The  product  of  good  cloves  is  said  to  be  about  one-fifth  or  one-s;h 
of  their  weight.  The  oil  was  formerly  brought  from  Holland  or  the  East  Ind,; 
but,  since  the  introduction  of  the  Cayenne  cloves  into  our  markets,  the  redtd 
price  and  superior  freshness  of  the  drug  have  rendered  the  distillation  of  oi>f 
cloves  profitable  in  this  country;  and  the  best  now  sold  is  of  domestic  extract  i. 
We  have  been  informed  that  from  seven  to  nine  pounds  of  cloves  yield  to  j 
distillers  about  one  pound  of  the  oil. 

Properties.  Oil  of  cloves,  when  recently  distilled,  is  very  fluid,  clear,  i 
colourless,  but  becomes  yellowish  by  exposure,  and  ultimately  reddish-bro  i. 
It  has  the  odour  of  cloves,  and  a hot,  acrid,  aromatic  taste.  Its  sp.gr.  is  vi- 
ously  stated  at  from  1034  to  1*061,  the  latter  being  given  by  Bonastre  as  e 
sp.  gr.  of  the  rectified  oil.  It  is  one  of  the  least  volatile  of  the  essential  cL 
and  requires  for  congelation  a temperature  from  zero  of  Fahrenheit  to — i°.  t 
is  completely  soluble  in  alcohol,  ether,  and  strong  acetic  acid.  Yitric  ai 
changes  its  colour  to  a deep  red,  and  converts  it  by  the  aid  of  heat  into  ox:o 
acid.  When  long  kept  it  deposits  a crystalline  stearoptene.  It  is  frequecf 
adulterated  with  fixed  oils,  and  sometimes  also  with  oil  of  pimento  and  with  - 
paiba.  When  pure  it  sinks  in  distilled  water.  According  to  Zeller,  its  e - 
racter  of  congealing  entirely  into  a crystalline  mass  with  the  alcoholic  solnt  i 
of  potassa,  losing  at  the  same  time  its  peculiar  odour,  affords  a sufficient  criter  i 
of  its  purity. 

According  toEttling,  the  oil  of  cloves  consists  of  two  distinct  oils,  one  light, 
the  other  heavier  than  water.  They  may  be  obtained  separate  by  distilling  e 
oil  from  a solution  of  potassa.  The  lighter  comes  over,  the  heavier  remas 
combined  with  the  potassa,  from  which  it  may  be  separated  by  adding  sulpha: 
acid,  and  again  distilling.  Light  oil  of  cloves  is  colourless,  has  the  sp.  gr.  0*91, 
and  consists  exclusively  of  carbon  and  hydrogen,  being  isomeric  with  pure  oilf 
turpentine.  It  is  said  not  to  possess  active  properties.  (Kane.)  Heavy  oiU 
cloves  is  colourless  at  first,  but  darkens  with  age,  has  the  odour  and  tastef 
cloves,  is  of  the  sp.  gr.  1'079,  boils  at  470°,  and  forms  soluble  and  crystallizal: 
salts  with  the  alkalies.  Hence  it  has  been  called  eugenic  or  caryophyllic  ac. 
It  consists  of  carbon,  hydrogen,  and  oxygen ; the  formula,  according  to  Ettlii, 
being  C„4H1505. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  The  medical  effects  of  the  oil  are  similar  > 
those  of  cloves,  and  it  is  used  for  the  same  purposes ; but  its  most  common 
ployment  is  as  a corrigent  of  other  medicines.  Like  other  powerful  irritants,; 
is  sometimes  effectual  in  relieving  toothache,  when  introduced  into  the  cavity : 
a carious  tooth.  The  dose  is  from  two  to  six  drops. 

Off.  Prep.  Confectio  Aromatica;  Confectio  Scammonii ; Pilule  Coloc-ynthic 
Composite.  W. 

OLEUM  CIIENOPODII.  U.  S.  Oil  of  Wormseed, 

This  oil  is  peculiar  to  the  United  States.  The  best  is  prepared  in  the  vic-ini 
of  Baltimore.  (See  page  212.)  It  is  of  a light-yellow  colour  when  recently  d 
tilled,  but  becomes  deeper  yellow,  and  even  brownish  by  age.  It  has  in  a hi; 
degree  the  peculiar  flavour  of  the  plant.  Its  sp.  gr.  is  0'908.  It  is  used  as ; 
anthelmintic,  in  the  dose  of  from  four  to  eight  drops  for  a child,  repeated  mor 
iug  and  evening  for  three  or  four  day^s,  and  then  followed  by  a brisk  cathart: 
The  case  of  a child,  six  years  old,  is  recorded  in  the  Boston  Med.  and 


PAI  II. 


Olea  Destillata. 


1101 


Joui.  (xlv.  373),  in  which  death  is  supposed  to  have  resulted  from  the  use  of 
oveioses  of  this  oil.  W. 

(jEUM  COPAIBA.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed.  Oil  of  Copaiba. 

“'akeof  Copaiba  two  pounds;  Water  four  gallons.  Add  the  Copaiba  to  the 
Wa  r in  a tinned  still,  and,  having  adapted  a proper  refrigeratory,  distil  three 
gall  s.  Separate  the  Oil  which  comes  over  from  the  water,  return  the  latter 
to  t|:  Copaiba,  and  again  distil  three  gallons.  Lastly,  separate  the  Oil  obtained 
in  t’i|  second  distillation,  add  to  it  that  first  obtained,  and  keep  the  whole  in  a 
welltopped  bottle.”  U.  S. 

“ake  of  Copaiva  one  ounce;  Water  one  pint  and  a half  [Imperial  measure]. 
Diet  preserving  the  water;  when  most  of  the  water  has  passed  over,  heat  it, 
retu  it  into  the  still,  and  resume  the  distillation;  repeat  this  process  so  long 
as  a msible  quantity  of  oil  passes  over  with  the  water.”  Ed. 

Ti  oil  constitutes  from  one-third  to  one-half  or  more  of  the  copaiba.  From 
oneiecimen  of  recent  copaiba  as  much  as  80  per  cent,  of  oil  has  been  obtained. 
(AnJourn.  of  P harm. , xxii.  289).  It  is  prepared  largely  in  Philadelphia  by 
the  oplication  of  steam  heat.  (See  page  1096).  As  it  first  comes  over  it  is 
colodess,  but  the  latter  product  is  of  a fine  greenish  hue.  By  redistillation  it 
mays  rendered  wholly  colourless.  It  has  the  odour  and  taste  of  copaiba,  boils 
ataht470°  (Christison),  is  soluble  in  ether  and  alcohol,  absorbs  muriatic  acid 
gas  id  forms  with  it  crystals  of  artificial  camphor,  and  when  pure  consists 
exchively  of  carbon  and  hydrogen,  being  isomeric  with  pure  oil  of  turpentine. 
In  e sequence  of  its  want  of  oxygen,  it  answers  even  better  than  naphtha  for 
pressing  potassium,  a fact  first  observed  by  Mr.  Durand,  of  Philadelphia. 

Itiffects  on  the  system  are  those  of  copaiba.  From  the  experiments  of  C. 
Mits  erlich  it  is  one  of  the  least  injurious  to  the  animal  system  of  the  volatile 
oils ; ix  drachms  of  it  having  been  introduced  into  the  stomach  of  a rabbit 
with  t causing  death.  Externally  applied  it  produces  much  less  irritation  than 
the  c,  of  turpentine.  It  may  be  given  for  the  same  purposes  as  copaiba  in  the 
dose  ' ten  or  fifteen  drops;  and  may  be  administered  in  emulsion,  or  simply 
dropd  on  sugar.  W. 

O EUM  CUBEBJE.  U.S.,  Ed.,  Dub.  Oil  of  Cubebs. 

T1  oil  is  obtained  from  cubebs,  by  grinding  them,  and  then  distilling  with 
water  From  ten  pounds  Schonwald  procured  eleven  ounces  of  oil,  and  this  result 
very  ;arly  coincides  with  the  experiments  of  Christison,  who  obtained  seven 
per  i it.  When  perfectly  pure,  the  oil  is  colourless ; but  as  usually  found,  is 
yello  sh  or  greenish.  It  has  the  smell  of  cubebs,  and  a warm,  aromatic,  cam- 
phort s taste;  is  of  a consistence  approaching  that  of  almond  oil;  is  lighter 
than  ater,  having  the  sp.  gr.  0'929;  and,  when  exposed  to  the  air,  is  said  to 
thick  without  losing  its  odour.  Upon  standing,  it  sometimes  deposits  crystals, 
wkiclire  thought  to  be  a hydrate  of  the  oil.  It  consists  of  carbon  and  hydro- 
gen, d its  formula  is  stated  to  be  C15H^. 

Th' oil  has  the  medicinal  properties  of  cubebs,  but  it  is  probably  not  the  sole 
active  ngredient ; as  it  is  much  less  pungent  than  the  fluid  extract  or  oleo-resin. 
It  mi;  however,  often  be  advantageously  substituted  for  the  powder,  in  the  com- 
mence dose  of  ten  or  twelve  drops,  to  be  gradually  increased  until  its  effects 
are  ol  lined,  or  until  it  proves  offensive  to  the  stomach.  It  may  be  given  sus- 
pende  in  water  by  means  of  sugar,  or  in  the  form  of  emulsion,  or  enclosed  in 
capsup  of  gelatin.  W. 

0I1UM  FCENICULI.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub.  Oil  of  Fennel. 

Feiel  seeds  yield  about  2'5  per  cent,  of  oil.  That  used  in  this  country  is 
lmpor d.  It  is  colourless  or  yellowish,  with  the  odour  and  taste  of  the  seeds. 
Its  sp;r.  is  0'997.  It  congeals  below  50°  into  a crystalline  mass,  separable  by 


1102 


Olea  Destillata. 


PAEl  I, 


pressure  into  a solid  and  liquid  oil  (stearoptene  and  eleoptene) ; the  former  hea  -r 
than  water,  and  less  volatile  than  the  latter,  which  rises  first  when  the  oil  is  >. 
tilled.  As  found  in  the  shops,  therefore,  the  oil  of  fennel  is  not  uniform;  .d 
Dr.  Montgomery  found  that  a specimen  which  he  examined  did  not  congeait 
22°.  It  consists  of  carbon,  hydrogen,  and  oxygen;  its  formula  being,  accd- 
ing  to  Blanchet  and  Sill,  C13Hs02.  The  dose  is  from  five  to  fifteen  drops. 

Off.  Prep.  Aqua  Foeniculi;  Confectio  Piperis  Nigri ; Essentia  Foenki; 
Extractum  Pdiei  Fluidum;  Extractum  Sennae  Fluidum;  Spiritus  Juniperi  (a- 
positus.  Y 

OLEUM  GAUUTHERIZE.  U.S.  Oil  of  Partridge-berry. 

This  oil  is  a product  of  the  United  States,  and  is  prepared  chiefly  in  w 
Jersey.  It  is  directed  by  the  Pharmacopoeia  to  be  prepared  from  the  leav  of 
Gaultheria  procumbens;  but  the  whole  plant  is  usually  employed.  It  has  bn 
obtained  by  Prof.  Procter  from  the  bark  of  Betula  lenta  or  sweet  birch,  and  as 
been  supposed  to  exist  also  in  the  root  of  Polygala paucifolia,  and  the  rootsad 
. ‘ems  of  Spiraea  ulmaria,  Spiraea  lobata,  and  Gaultheria  hispidula,  vr  eh 
have  its  peculiar  flavour. 

Oil  of  partridge-berry  when  freshly  distilled  is  nearly  colourless,  but  as  fad 
in  the  shops  has  a brownish-yellow  or  reddish  colour.  It  is  of  a sweetish,  slisly 
pungent,  peculiar  taste,  and  a very  agreeable  characteristic  odour,  bywhi  it 
may  be  readily  distinguished  from  all  other  officinal  oils.  It  is  the  heavie  of 
the  known  essential  oils,  having  thesp.gr.  1T73.  Its  boiling  point  is  4;°. 
(Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  iii.  199,  and  xiv.  213.)  Its  unusual  weight  affona 
convenient  test  of  its  purity.  Prof.  Procter  proved  it  to  possess  acid  prope:es, 
and  to  be  closely  analogous  to  salicylous  acid,  one  of  the  results  of  the  dem- 
position  of  salicin  by  sulphuric  acid  and  bichromate  of  potassa,  and  an  ingreent 
in  the  oil  of  Spiraea  ulmaria.  (See  Salixd)  By  M.  Cahours  it  has  since  ‘en 
shown  to  have  the  same  composition  as  the  salicylate  of  methylene;  andaro- 
duct  having  its  properties  was  obtained  by  distilling  a mixture  of  pyro  lie 
spirit,  salicylic  acid,  and  sulphuric  acid.  (Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xiv.  211  nd 
xv.  241.)  Dr.  T.  J.  Gallaher,  of  Pittsburg,  Pa.,  records  the  case  of  aoy, 
nine  years  old,  who  took  about  half  an  ounce  of  this  oil,  with  the  effect  ofro- 
ducing  severe  vomiting,  purging,  epigastric  pain,  hot  skin,  frequent  pulse,  ow 
and  laboured  respiration,  dulness  of  hearing,  and,  notwithstanding  exetbe 
gastric  irritability,  an  uncontrollable  desire  for  food.  After  two  or  threeays 
of  great  danger,  he  began  to  improve,  and  in  two  weeks  was  entirely  resred 
to  health.  (Med.  Examiner,  N.  S.,  viii.  347.)  Oil  of  gaultheria  is  usedcL'fly, 
on  account  of  its  pleasant  flavour,  to  cover  the  taste  of  other  medicines. 

Off.  Prep.  Syrupus  Sarsaparilla}  Compositus.  I* 

OLEUM  HEDEOMaE.  U.S.  Oil  of  Pennyroyal. 

This,  though  analogous  in  properties  to  the  oil  of  European  pennyroy.is 
derived  from  a distinct  plant  ( Hedeoma  pulegioides)  peculiar  to  North  Arnica. 
It  has  a light-yellow  colour,  with  the  odour  and  taste  of  the  herb.  Its  sp. 
0'948.  It  may  be  used  as  a remedy  in  flatulent  colic  and  sick  stomach,  tcor- 
rect  the  operation  of  nauseating  or  griping  medicines,  and  to  impart  Have  to 
mixtures.  It  is  also  much  employed  as  a domestic  remedy  in  amenoroea. 
The  dose  is  from  two  to  ten  drops. 

OLEUM  JUNIPERI.  U.S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Pub.  Oil  of  Junfe 

The  proportion  of  oil  which  juniper  berries  afford  is  stated  very  different hj 
different  authors.  Trommsdorff  obtained  one  per  cent.  The  highest  qu  taty 
given  in  the  table  of  Recluz  is  2'34,  the  lowest  0'31  per  cent.  The  berri  are 
most  productive  when  bruised.  The  oil  of  juniper  consumed  in  this  coury  u 
brought  from  Europe,  and  is  believed  to  be  procured  chiefly  from  the  t s ot 


ta  c ii. 


Olea  Destillata. 


1103 


tlielant,  being  sold  for  a price  which  is  altogether  incompatible  with  the  idea 
tha  t is  prepared  from  the  fruit  alone.  It  is  colourless,  or  of  a light  greenish- 
yel  W,  with  a terebinthinate  odour,  and  a hot  acrid  taste.  Its  sp.  gr.  is  0 911. 

It  inot  very  soluble  in  alcohol.  According  to  Blanchet,  it  contains  two  iso- 
mei‘  oils,  of  which  one  is  colourless,  and  the  other  coloured  and  less  volatile. 
It  , when  pure,  a carbohydrogen,  and  is  said  to  have  the  same  composition  as 
oil  ' turpentine  (C10H8);  but  it  does  not  form  a solid  compound  with  muriatic 
aci«  (Journ.  de  JPharm.,  xxvi.  80.)  Oil  of  turpentine  is  often  fraudulently 
addl,  but  may  be  detected  by  the  specific  gravity  of  the  mixture,  which  is 
conflerably  less  than  that  of  the  unadulterated  oil  of  juniper. 

]e  oil  is  stimulant,  carminative,  and  diuretic;  and  may  be  employed  advan- 
taglusly  in  debilitated  dropsical  cases,  in  connexion  with  other  medicines,  es- 
peclly  digitalis.  It  is  this  oil  which  imparts  to  Holland  gin  its  peculiar  flavour 
andjiuretic  power.  The  dose  is  from  five  to  fifteen  drops  two  or  three  times 
a dl  and  maybe  considerably  increased. 

(if.  Prep.  Spiritus  Juniperi  Compositus.  W. 

GEUM  LAVANDUL2E.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub.  Oil  of  La- 
vemr. 

Its  oil  is  usually  distilled  from  the  flowers  and  flower-stems  conjointly,  though 
of  fir  quality  when  obtained  from  the  former  exclusively.  Dried  lavender  flowers 
yieljfrom  1 to  1'5  per  cent,  of  a very  fluid,  lemon-yellow  oil,  having  the  fragrance 
of  t|  flowers,  and  an  aromatic,  burning  taste.  That  met  with  in  commerce  has 
the  1 gr.  0'898  at  68°  F.,  which  is  reduced  to  0'877  by  rectification.  ( Berzelius .) 
Acceding  to  Brande,  the  sp.  gr.  of  the  oil  obtained  from  the  whole  herh  is  0 9206. 
Alct'ol  of  0'830  dissolves  oil  of  lavender  in  all  proportions;  that  of  0’877,  only 
42  f cent.  ( Berzelius .)  Proust  states  that,  when  allowed  to  stand  in  imper- 
fect)'; stopped  bottles,  it  lets  fall  a crystalline  deposit,  which  often  amounts  to 
one-Vuth  of  its  weight.  It  is  said  that  the  portion  of  oil  first  distilled  is  most 
agrebly  fragrant,  and  is  often  kept  separate,  and  sold  at  a higher  price.  Oil 
of  Fender  is  used  chiefly  as  a perfume,  though  possessed  of  carminative  and 
slim  ant  properties,  and  sometimes  useful  in  cases  of  nervous  languor  and  head- 
ache, The  dose  is  from  one  to  five  drops. 

Cof  Spike  is  procured  from  the  broad-leaved  variety  of  lavender  which  grows 
wild  ) Europe,  the  Lavandula  Spica  of  De  Candolle.  Its  odour  is  less  fragrant 
than  bat  of  common  oil  of  lavender,  and  is  somewhat  analogous  to  that  of  oil  of 
turpitine,  with  which  it  is  said  to  be  often  adulterated.  It  is  used  by  artists 
in  tlj  preparation  of  varnishes. 

0 Prep.  Linimentum  Camphorre  Compositum ; Tinctura  Ammonise  Com- 
Tinctura  Lavandulae  Composita.  Lond.  W. 


OEUM  MENTHiE  PIPERITiE.  U.S,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub.  Oil 
of  lippermint. 

Ptjpermint  varies  exceedingly  in  the  quantity  of  oil  which  it  affords.  Four 
poun  of  the  fresh  herb  yield,  according  to  Baume,  from  a drachm  and  a half 
to  the  drachms  of  the  oil.  The  product  is  generally  less  than  one  per  cent. 
Thisfl  is  largely  distilled  in  the  United  States.  It  is  of  a greenish-yellow  colour 
or  n rly  colourless,  but  becomes  reddish  by  age.  Its  odour  is  strong  and  aro- 
mati(  its  taste  warm,  camphorous,  and  very  pungent,  but  succeeded,  when  air 
'8  ad:;  tied  into  the  mouth,  by  a sense  of  coolness.  Its  sp.  gr.  is  stated  differently 
from  902  to  0'920;  its  boiling  point  at  365°.  Upon  long  standing  it  deposits 


a ste 

cja1 

cryst, 
is 


~>ptene,  which,  according  to  Kane,  has  the  same  composition  as  the  oil,  viz., 
)3.  Berzelius  states  that  at  8°  below  zero  the  oil  deposits  small  capillary 
).  This  oil  is  frequently  adulterated  with  alcohol,  and  occasionally,  there 
re:  u to  believe,  with  oil  of  turpentine.  This  is  detected  by  its  odour,  by  its 


1104 


Olea  Destillata. 


PART 


deficient  solubility  in  cold  alcohol,  and  by  imparting  the  property  of  exploc  2 
with  iodine. 

Oil  of  peppermint  is  stimulating  and  carminative,  and  is  much  used  in  fl  i. 
lence,  nausea,  spasmodic  pains  of  the  stomach  and  bowels,  and  as  a corrigen  >r 
adjuvant  of  other  medicines.  The  dose  is  from  one  to  three  drops,  and  is  tit 
conveniently  given  rubbed  up  with  sugar  and  then  dissolved  in  water.  Th<  il 
is  more  frequently  employed,  dissolved  in  alcohol,  in  the  form  of  essence  of  pep  r- 
mint,  which  is  now  an  officinal  preparation.  (See  Tinctura  Olei  Menthse  Piper i ) 

Off.  Prep.  Aqua  Menthse  Piperitae;  Essentia  Menthse  Piperitae;  Pilulaehi 
Composite;  Spiritus  Menthse  Piperitae;  Tinctura  Olei  Menthse  Piperitae;  ’> 
chisci  Menthse  Piperitae.  ? 

OLEUM  MENTELZE  YIRIDIS.  U.S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub.  Oij 
Spearmint. 

According  to  Lewis,  ten  pounds  of  spearmint  yield  an  ounce  of  oil;  by  otrs 
the  product  is  stated  not  to  exceed  one  part  from  five  hundred.  The  oil  is  larly 
distilled  in  this  country.  It  is  pale-yellow  or  greenish  when  recently  prepad, 
but  becomes  red  with  age,  and  ultimately  almost  of  a mahogany  colour.  Its  fla  ir 
is  analogous  to  that  of  the  oil  of  peppermint,  but  less  agreeable  and  less  n- 
gent.  Its  sp.  gr.  is  stated  differently  from  0'914  to  0‘975;  its  boiling  poiiat 
320°.  Kane  gives  the  formula  C^H^O,  as  representing  its  composition,  is 
used  for  the  same  purposes  as  the  oil  of  peppermint,  in  the  dose  of  from  tw  to 
five  drops.  An  essence  of  spearmint,  prepared  by  dissolving  the  oil  in  alctpl, 
is  now  officinal.  (See  Tinctura  Olei  Menthse  Yiridis .) 

Off.  Prep.  Aqua  Menthae  Yiridis;  Essentia  Menthae  Yiridis;  Spiritus  Men* 
Viridis ; Tinctura  Olei  Menthae  Yiridis.  I 

OLEUM  MONARD2E.  U.S.  Oil  of  Eorsemint. 

This  is  prepared  by  our  distillers  from  the  fresh  herb  of  Monarda  punc'.a. 
It  has  a reddish-amber  colour,  a fragrant  odour,  and  a warm,  very  pungent  tie. 
At  the  temperature  of  40°  F.  or  lower,  especially  in  the  presence  of  moisre, 
it  is  gradually  transformed  by  oxidation  into  a crystalline  body,  having  the  our 
and  taste  of  the  oil.  This  appears  to  be  analogous  in  constitution  to  camjor, 
being  the  oxide  of  a carbohydrogen  radical  (C10H,),  three  eqs.  of  which  ith 
one  eq.  of  oxygen  form  the  liquid  oil.  (C.  T.  Bonsall,  Am.  Journ.  ofPhon., 
xxv.  200.)  Applied  to  the  skin,  monarda  oil  acts  as  a powerful  rubefacnt, 
quickly  producing  heat,  pain,  redness,  and  even  vesication.  This  propel  of 
the  oil  was  made  known  to  the  profession  by  Dr.  Atlee,  of  Philadelphia, ’ho 
employed  it  externally  with  advantage  in  low  forms  of  typhus  fever,  c-hera 
infantum,  chronic  rheumatism,  and  other  affections  in  which  rubefacient  are 
indicated.  In  ordinary  cases  it  should  be  diluted  before  being  applied.  Itaay 
be  given  internally  as  a stimulant  and  carminative,  in  the  dose  of  two  or  ree 
drops  mixed  with  sugar  and  water.  j [• 


OLEUM  ORIGANI.  U.  S.,  Ed.  Oil  of  Origanum. 

This  is  obtained  from  the  common  marjoram,  Origanum  vulgare,  and  i fre- 
quently called  oil  of  marjoram.  The  plant  varies  exceedingly  in  the  propcion 
which  it  affords.  The  mean  product  may  be  stated  at  from  four  to  six  parts’otn 
a thousand.  The  recent  oil,  when  properly  prepared,  is  yellow;  but  it  too  uck 
heat  is  used  in  the  distillation-,  it  is  said  to  be  reddish,  and  it  acquires  theme 
tint  by  age.  It  may  be  obtained  colourless  by  rectification.  It  has  the  o'jr 
of  the  plant,  and  a hot  acrid  taste.  Kane  gives  its  sp.  gr.  0'S67,  its  boiling -mt 
354°,  and  its  composition  C^H^oO.  According  to  Lewis  its  sp.gr.  is  (Y- 
according  to  Brande  0'909.  It.  is  sometimes  used  as  an  external  irritant,  d10 
allay  the  pain  of  toothache,  by  being  introduced,  on  lint  or  cotton,  into  the  ony 


pa.:  ii. 


Olea  Destillata. 


1105 


of  carious  tooth.  It  is  not  employed  internally.  The  oil  commonly  sold  as 
oil  ’ origanum  has  been  ascertained  by  Mr.  Daniel  Hanbury  to  be  the  oil  of 
thye  ( Thymus  vulgaris),  and  is  prepared  in  the  South  of  France.  As  it 
rea.es  this  country  it  is  generally  largely  adulterated  with  oil  of  turpentine. 

lean  scarcely  be  doubted  that  the  oil  directed  by  the  Edinburgh  College  from 
Or-anum  Majorana,  or  siceet  marjoram,  was  intended  for  that  of  Origanum 
vulkre;  as  the  latter  plant  is  indicated,  under  the  name  of  Origanum,  in  the 
Maria  Medica  list  of  the  College,  where  the  former  is  not  mentioned;  and  the 
oil  referred  to  in  the  Index  of  the  Pharmacopoeia  with  the  title  of  Oleum  Ori- 
gan The  oil  of  sweet  marjoram  is  obtained  from  the  plant  by  distillation,  in 
theuantity  of  from  2'5  to  6 parts  from  1000.  It  is  of  a lemon-yellow  colour, 
ligt  and  camphorous,  and  is  said  upon  long  standing  to  deposit  a substance 
resobling  camphor.  It  is  not  used  in  this  country. 

(K  Prep.  Linimentum  Saponis  Camphoratum.  W. 

(LEUM  PIMENT2E.  U.  S.,  Lond..,  Ed.,  Dub.  Oil  of  Pimento. 

He  berries  yield  from  1 to  more  than  4 per  cent,  of  oil,  which,  as  found  in 
the  iops,  has  a brownish-red  colour,  and  the  odour  and  taste  of  pimento,  though 
warer  and  more  pungent.  It  is  said,  when  freshly  distilled,  to  be  colourless 
or  jllowish.  Nitric  acid  reddens  it.  Bonastre  states  that  it  combines  with 
sali  ble  bases  like  the  oil  of  cloves.  Its  sp.gr.  has  been  stated  at  P021,  but 
vari;.  It  consists,  like  the  oil  of  cloves,  of  two  distinct  oils,  a lighter  and 
heafir,  the  former  of  which  comes  over  first  in  distillation.  They  may  be 
sepated  by  distilling  the  oil  with  caustic  potassa.  The  light  oil  comes  over, 
andae  heavy  remains  combined  with  the  potassa.  The  latter  may  be  obtained 
by  stilling  the  residue  with  sulphuric  acid.  The  light  oil  is  lighter  than 
wat.,  and  is  a pure  carbohydrogen.  The  heavy  has  the  acid  property  of  form- 
ing ystalline  compounds  with  the  alkalies.  They  are  analogous  to  the  light 
and  javy  oils  of  cloves.  The  oil  of  pimento  is  given  for  the  same  purposes  with 
the  her  aromatic  stimulant  oils.  The  dose  is  from  three  to  six  drops. 

C.  Prep.  Aqua  Pimentas;  Essentia  Pimentae.  W. 

PEUM  PULEGII.  Lond.,  Pd.  Oleum  Menthae  Pulegii.  Dub. 
Oil  f European  Pennyroyal. 

A jut  1 part  of  this  oil  on  an  average  is  obtained  from  100  parts  of  the  plant. 
It  isyellowish  when  freshly  distilled,  but  becomes  reddish  by  age.  Its  sp.gr. 
is  st  ad  differently  from  0'925  to  0'978.  It  possesses  medical  properties  similar 
to  tlise  of  the  oil  of  peppermint ; but  is  seldom  used  in  this  country.  The  dose 
is  fi  n one  to  five  drops. 

C Prep.  AquaPulegii;  Essentia  Menthae  Pulegii;  Spiritus  Pulegii.  W. 

C iEUM  ROSMARINI.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub.  Oil  of  Rose- 
mai , 

T fresh  leaves  of  rosemary  yield,  according  to  Baumd,  0'26  per  cent,  of  oil; 
but  e product  is  stated  much  higher  by  other  authors.  According  to  Brande, 
a po  id  of  the  fresh  herb  yields  about  a drachm  of  the  oil,  which  is  about  one 
per  at.  This  oil  is  colourless,  with  an  odour  similar  to  that  of  the  plant, 
thova  less  agreeable.  Its  sp.  gr.  is  0'911,  but  is  reduced  to  0'8886  by  recti- 
ficata.  It  is  soluble  in  all  proportions  in  alcohol  of  0'830;  but  requires  for 
solu  in  at  64°,  forty  parts  of  alcohol  of  the  sp.  gr.  0‘887.  ( Berzelius .)  Kane 
givejits  sp.gr.  0’897,  its  boiling  point  365°,  and  its  composition  C^H^Oj. 
Kep  n bottles  imperfectly  stopped,  it  deposits  a stearoptene  analogous  to  cam- 
phor and  sometimes  amounting,  according  to  Proust,  to  one-tenth  of  the  oil. 
hue:  lz  states  that  it  affords  camphor  when  digested  with  from  one-half  its 
weig  to  an  equal  weight  of  potassa,  and  distilled.  It  is  said  to  be  sometimes 


1106 


Olea  Destillata. 


PART 


adulterated  with  oil  of  turpentine,  which  may  be  detected  by  mixing  the 
pected  liquid  with  an  equal  volume  of  pure  alcohol.  The  oil  of  rosemary 
dissolved,  and  that  of  turpentine  left.  This  oil  is  possessed  of  stimulant  p 
perties,  but  is  employed  chiefly  as  an  ingredient  of  rubefacient  liniments.  1 
dose  is  from  three  to  six  drops. 

A case  of  death  is  recorded,  in  a child  four  or  five  years  old,  from  a mixti 
of  six  measures  of  this  oil,  and  two  of  oil  of  wormseed,  given  in  repeated  do, 
of  a tablespoonful.  ( Am . Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xxiii.  286.) 

Off.  Prep.  Essentia  Eosmarini ; Linimentum  Opii;  Linimentum  Sapo 
Oamphoratum;  Spiritus  Ammonise  Aromaticus ; Spiritus  Eosmarini;  Tincti, 
Lavandulae  Composita;  Tinctura  Saponis  Camphorata.  TT. 

OLEUM  RUTJE.  Lond.,  Ed.  Oil  of  Rue. 

Eue  yields  a very  small  proportion  of  a yellow  or  greenish  oil,  which  becon; 
brown  with  age.  It  has  the  strong  unpleasant  odour  of  the  plant,  and  an  ac 
taste.  Kane  gives  its  sp.gr.  0‘837,  its  boiling  point  446°,  and  its  composite 
CagELgOg.  It  is  stimulant  and  antispasmodic,  and  has  been  given  in  hyster 
convulsions,  and  amenorrhoea.  The  dose  is  from  two  to  five  drops.  W. 

OLEUM  SABINdE.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub.  Oil  of  Savine. 

According  to  the  more  recent  authorities,  the  proportion  of  volatile  oil  • • 
tained  from  savine  varies  from  less  than  1 to  2 '5  per  cent.  The  oil  is  nea  r 
colourless  or  yellow,  limpid,  strongly  odorous,  and  of  a bitterish,  extremely  acd 
taste.  Kane  gives  its  sp.  gr.  0'915,  its  boiling  point  315°,  and  its  composita 
C10H8,  equivalent  to  that  of  oil  of  turpentine.  According  to  Winekler,  its 
converted  by  sulphuric  acid  into  an  oil  not  distinguishable  from  that  of  thyt. 
( Chem.  Gaz.,  Jan.  1847,  p.  1 1.)  The  oil  of  savine  is  stimulant,  emmenagog, 
and  actively  rubefacient,  and  may  be  given  for  the  same  purposes  as  the  pkt 
in  substance.  It  has  been  much  employed  empirically  in  amenorrhoea,  and  wi 
a view  to  produce  abortion,  and  in  some  instances  with  fatal  effects.  The  d3 
is  from  two  to  five  drops.  W. 

OLEUM  SASSAFRAS.  U.S.,  Ed.  Oil  of  Sassafras. 

The  proportion  of  oil  yielded  by  the  root  of  sassafras  is  variously  stated  fn 
less  than  1 to  somewhat  more  than  2 per  cent.  The  bark  of  the  root,  directed? 
the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia,  would  afford  a larger  quantity.  The  oil  is  of  a yelk 
colour,  becoming  reddish  by  age.  It  has  the  fragrant  odour  of  sassafras,  wi 
a warm,  pungent,  aromatic  taste.  It  is  among  the  heaviest  of  the  volatile  o, 
having  the  sp.  gr.  1'094.  According  to  Bonastre,  it  separates,  by  agitation  wi 
water,  into  two  oils,  one  lighter,  the  other  heavier  than  water.  Berzelius  stas 
that  the  first  is  often  nothing  more  than  oil  of  turpentine  existing  as  an  ad- 
teration  in  the  oil  of  sassafras.  Nitric  acid  colours  it  red,  and  fuming  niic 
acid  inflames  it  more  readily  than  most  other  oils.  It  has  the  property  f 
dissolving  caoutchouc.  When  kept  for  a long  time  it  deposits  transpart 
crystals,  having  the  same  odour  as  the  liquid  oil.  By  treating  the  oil  va 
chlorine,  neutralizing  with  lime,  and  distilling,  a product  is  obtained  identil 
in  properties  and  composition  with  common  camphor.  (See  Am.  Journ.  f 
Pharm.,  xxvi.  166.)  Oil  of  sassafras  is  stimulant,  carminative,  and  suppoi 
to  be  diaphoretic;  and  may  be  employed  for  the  same  purposes  with  the  bi 
from  which  it  is  derived.  The  dose  is  from  two  to  ten  drops. 

Off.  Prep.  Syrupus  Sarsaparillae  Compositus.  IE 

OLEUM  SUCCINI.  U.S.,Dub.  Oil  of  Amber. 

“ Take  of  Amber,  in  powder,  any  quantity.  Put  the  Amber,  previously  mid 
with  an  equal  weight  of  sand,  into  a glass  retort,  which  is  to  be  only  half  fill  I 
then  distil,  by  means  of  a sand-bath,  with  a gradually  increasing  heat,  an  ai 


Olea  Destillata. 


Pi  l II. 


1107 


liqor,  an  oil,  and  a concrete  acid  impregnated  with  oil.  Separate  the  Oil  from 
thother  matters,  and  keep  it  in  well  stopped  bottles.”  U.  S. 

ie  Dublin  College  has  transferred  the  oil  of  amber  from  the  preparations  to 
theMateria  Medica  list. 

he  amber  in  this  process  undergoes  decomposition,  and  affords,  among  other 
prcucts,  an  empyreumatic  oil,  which  floats  in  the  receiver  upon  the  surface  of 
an  fid  liquor.  The  heat  requisite  for  the  complete  decomposition  of  the  amber 
cacbt  be  supported  by  a glass  retort;  and,  in  order  that  all  the  oil  which  it  is 
cajole  of  yielding  may  be  collected,  the  distillation  should  be  performed  in  a 
tullated  iron  or  earthenware  retort,  which  may  be  placed  immediately  upon 
theire.  The  sand  is  added  to  prevent  the  amber  from  swelling  too  much. 
Thoil  may  be  separated  from  the  acid  liquor  by  means  of  the  separating  funnel. 
As  rst  procured,  it  is  a thick,  very  dark-coloured  liquid,  of  a peculiar  strong 
emrreumatic  odour.  In  this  state  it  is  occasionally  employed  as  a liniment ; 
butor  internal  use  it  should  be  rectified.  It  is  said  that  the  scrapings  of  copal 
ancihe  resin  dammar  are  often  substituted  for  amber,  and  yield  an  oil  scarcely 
disiiguishable  from  the  genuine.  ( Pereira’s  Mat.  Med.) 

if.  Prep.  Oleum  Succini  Rectificatum.  TV-. 

(LEUM  SUCCINI  RECTIFICATUM.  U.  S.  Rectified  Oil  of 
Ar\er. 

‘take  of  Oil  of  Amber  a pint;  Water  six  pints.  Mix  them  in  a glass  retort, 
andlistil  until  four  pints  of  the  Water  shall  have  passed  with  the  oil  into  the 
reci’er;  then  separate  the  Oil  from  the  Water,  and  keep  it  in  well  stopped 
bows.”  U.  S. 

I successive  distillations  the  oil  of  amber  is  rendered  thinner  and  more 
hard,  till  at  length  it  is  obtained  colourless.  The  first  portions  which  distil 
are  jss  coloured  than  those  which  follow,  and  may  be  separated  for  keeping, 
whi  the  remainder  is  submitted  to  another  distillation.  For  practical  pur- 
posi  however,  the  oil  is  sufficiently  pure  when  once  redistilled,  as  directed  in 
the  . S.  Pharmacopceia.  As  usually  found  in  the  shops,  the  rectified  oil  is  of 
a lij  t yellowish-brown  or  amber  colour.  When  quite  pure  it  is  colourless,  as 
fluids  alcohol,  of  the  sp.gr.  0'758  at  75°,  and  boils  at  186°.  It  has  a strong, 
pectar,  unpleasant  odour,  and  a hot,  acrid  taste.  It  imparts  these  properties 
in  slie  degree  to  water  without  being  perceptibly  dissolved.  It  is  soluble  in 
eigbparts  of  alcohol  of  the  sp.gr.  0'847  at  55°,  in  five  parts  of  the  sp.  gr.  0'825, 
and  a all  proportions  in  absolute  alcohol.  The  fixed  oils  unite  with  it.  On 
expure  to  the  light  and  air,  it  slowly  changes  in  colour  and  consistence,  be- 
comjg  ultimately  black  and  solid.  It  appears,  when  quite  pure,  to  be  a carbo- 
byd'gen,  consisting,  according  to  Dr.  Dbpping,  of  88 '46  parts  of  carbon  and 
ll'f  of  hydrogen  in  100  parts.  ( Chem . Gaz.,  Nov.  1845,  p.  447.)  It  is  said  to 
be  s letimes  adulterated  with  oil  of  turpentine,  which  may  be  detected  by  passing 
murpe  acid  gas  through  the  suspected  oil.  If  pure  it  will  remain  wholly 
liqul;  while  oil  of  turpentine  if  present  will  give  rise  to  the  formation  of  solid 
artif  al  camphor.  ( Pharm . Journ.  and  Trans.,  13,  292.) 

Mical  Properties  and  Uses.  Rectified  oil  of  amber  is  stimulant  and  anti- 
spaspdic,  and  occasionally  promotes  the  secretions,  particularly  that  of  urine. 
It  h been  employed  with  advantage  in  amenorrhcea,  and  in  various  spasmodic 
and  mvulsive  affections,  as  tetanus,  epilepsy,  hysteria,  hooping-cough,  and 
mfai  le  convulsions  from  intestinal  irritation,  &c.  The  dose  is  from  five  to 
fiftet  drops,  diffused  in  some  aromatic  water  by  means  of  sugar  and  gum  Arabic. 
Extdially  applied  the  oil  is  rubefacient,  and  is  considerably  employed  as  a lini- 
men  in  chronic  rheumatism  and  palsy,  and  in  certain  spasmodic  disorders,  as 
hoop  g-cough  and  infantile  convulsions.  In  the  latter  affection  it  should  be 


1108 


Olea  Destillata. 


PART  i 


rubbed  along  tbe  spine,  and  was  highly  recommended  by  the  late  Dr.  Josef 
Parrish,  mixed  with  an  equal  measure  of  laudanum,  and  diluted  with  three  - 
four  parts  of  olive  oil  and  of  brandy.  TV 

OLEUM  T ABACI.  U.  S.  Oil  of  Tobacco. 

“ Take  of  Tobacco,  in  coarse  powder,  a pound.  Put  the  Tobacco  into  a reto 
of  green  glass,  connected  with  a refrigeratory,  to  which  a tube  is  attached  f 
the  escape  of  the  incondensible  products ; then,  by  means  of  a sand-bath,  he 
the  retort  gradually  to  dull  redness,  and  maintain  that  temperature  until  emp 
reumatic  oil  ceases  to  come  over.  Lastly,  separate  the  dark  oily  liquid  in  ti 
receiver  from  the  watery  portion,  and  keep  it  for  use.”  U.  S. 

This  is  a black,  thickish  liquid,  of  a strong  characteristic  odour,  identical  wi 
that  of  old  tobacco  pipes,  and  in  no  degree  resembling  that  of  undecompos' 
tobacco.  It  may  be  obtained  colourless  by  rectification,  but  soon  becomes  y< 
lowish,  and  ultimately  brown.  It  probably  contains  a portion  of  nicotia  vol 
tilized  unchanged,  and  is  a powerful  poison,  unfit  for  internal  use,  and  wb 
employed  externally  requiring  much  caution.  Mixed  with  simple  ointment 
lard  in  the  proportion  of  twenty  drops  to  an  ounce,  it  has  been  used  as  an  app 
cation  to  indolent  tumours,  buboes,  ulcers,  and  obstinate  cutaneous  eruption 
but  in  all  cases  where  the  cuticle  is  wanting,  it  should  be  employed  with  resen 
and  carefully  watched.  W. 

OLEUM  TEREBINTHILUE  PURIFICATUM.  Ed.  Purified  ( 
of  Turpentine. 

“Take  of  Oil  of  Turpentine  one  pint;  Water  four  pints.  Distil  as  long 
Oil  comes  over  with  the  Water.”  Ed. 

Oil  of  turpentine  becomes  impure  by  exposure,  in  consequence  of  the  ahsor 
tion  of  oxygen  and  the  production  of  resin.  From  this  it  may  be  freed  by  d 
tillation,  as  above  directed,  or  by  the  agency  of  alcohol.  (See  Oleum  Terel 
tliinse.)  The  process  for  distilling  it  is  attended  with  some  danger,  in  consequer 
of  the  great  inflammability  of  the  vapour,  and  its  rapid  formation,  which  cam 
the  liquor  to  boil  over.  In  this  country,  the  apothecary  can  almost  always  p>- 
chase  the  oil  sufficiently  pure  for  medical  use  without  the  necessity  of  rectify! 
it.  The  presence  of  a little  resin  does  not  interfere  with  its  efficiency  asi 
medicine.  W. 

OLEUM  VALERIANJE.  U.S.  Oil  of  Valerian. 

This  was  introduced  for  the  first  time  as  an  officinal  into  the  U.  S.  Pharma- 
poeia  of  1850.  It  is  obtained  from  the  root  of  Valeriana  officinalis  by  the  usfl 
process  of  distillation  with  water.  Very  good  oil  has  been  distilled  from  fi 
root  cultivated  in  this  country.  As  first  procured,  it  is  of  a pale-greenish  colo, 
of  the  sp.gr.  0'934,  with  a pungent  odour  of  valerian,  and  an  aromatic  tas • 
LTpon  exposure,  it  becomes  yellow  and  viscid.  It  is  a complex  substance,  c • 
taining  1.  a carbohydrogen  isomeric  with  pure  oil  of  turpentine,  2.  a small  p- 
portion  of  stearoptene  of  an  odour  resembling  that  of  camphor  and  pepper,  d 
formed  probably  by  the  combination  of  water  with  the  preceding  constituent.. 
a peculiar  oxygenated  oil,  called  valerol  (CooH^O,  Kane’s  Chemistry),  which  y 
the  agency  of  the  air  is  converted  into  valerianic  ( valeric ) acid  and  a resms 
matter;  and  4.  valerianic  acid,  which  always  exists  in  the  oil  in  small  prop- 
tion,  but  is  increased  by  exposure.  The  conversion  of  valerol  into  valenac 
acid  through  the  agency  of  atmospheric  oxygen  is  very  much  promoted  by  e 
presence  of  caustic  alkalies,  which  combine  with  the  acid  when  formed,  to  J*- 
duce  valerianates.  The  oil  of  valerian  exercises  the  influence  of  the  root  u a 
the  nervous  system,  and  is  frequently  administered  as  a substitute  for  it  m e 
dose  of  four  or  five  drops.  H 


PhT  II. 


Pilulse. 


1109 


PILULSE. 

Pills . 

|hese  are  small  globular  masses  of  a size  convenient  for  swallowing.  They 
arwell  adapted  for  the  administration  of  medicines  which  are  unpleasant  to 
th  taste  or  smell,  or  insoluble  in  water,  and  do  not  require  to  be  given  in  large 
dc:s.  Deliquescent  substances  should  not  be  made  into  pills;  and  those  which 
ar  efflorescent  should  be  previously  deprived  of  their  water  of  crystallization. 
Csi  should  also  be  taken  not  to  combine  materials,  the  mutual  reaction  of  which 
m;  result  in  a change  of  form. 

ome  substances  have  a consistence  which  enables  them  to  be  made  immediately 
in  pills.  Such  are  the  softer  extracts  and  certain  gum-resins ; and  the  addition 
of  little  water  to  the  former,  and  a few  drops  of  spirit  to  the  latter,  will  give 
thn  the  requisite  softness  and  plasticity,  if  previously  wanting.  Substances 
wlih  are  very  soft,  or  in  the  liquid  state,  are  formed  into  the  pilular  mass  by 
imrporation  with  dry  and  inert  powders,  such  as  crumb  of  bread,  wheat  flour, 
stfjh,  and  powdered  gum  Arabic.  Powders  must  be  mixed  with  soft,  solid 
bop,  as  extracts,  confections,  soap,  &c.,  or  with  tenacious  liquids,  as  syrup, 
musses,  honey,  or  mucilage.  Heavy  metallic  powders  are  most  conveniently 
nne  into  pills  with  the  former;  light  vegetable  powders  with  the  latter.  Mu- 
cil|e  is  very  often  used;  but  pills  made  with  it  are  apt  when  kept  to  become 
ha , and  of  difficult  solubility  in  the  liquors  of  the  stomach,  and  if  metallic 
su dances  are  mixed  with  it,  the  mass  does  not  work  well.  A mixture  of  syrup 
an  powdered  gum  Arabic  is  not  subject  to  the  same  inconveniences,  and  is  an 
ex  llent  material  for  the  formation  of  pills.  Conserve  of  roses  and  molasses 
arumong  the  best  excipients,  when  the  pills  are  to  be  long  kept.  For  the  same 
pu'ose  of  keeping  the  pill  soft,  a small  portion  of  some  fixed  oil  or  deliquescent 
sal  has  been  recommended  as  an  addition  to  the  mass.  Many  powders  require 
on  the  addition  of  water.  Such  are  all  those  which  contain  ingredients  capable 
of  rming  an  adhesive  or  viscid  solution  with  that  liquid.  Care  should  always 
be  iken  that  the  matter  added  be  not  incompatible  with  the  main  ingredients 
of  le  pill. 

le  materials  should  be  accurately  mixed  together,  and  beat  in  a mortar  till 
for  ed  into  a perfectly  uniform  and  plastic  mass.  This  should  be  of  such  a con- 
sisnce  that  the  pills  may  preserve  their  form,  without  being  so  hard  as  to  resist 
theolvent  power  of  the  gastric  liquors.  As  pills  often  become  very  hard  by 
tin , it  is  often  convenient  to  keep  the  mass  in  a state  fit  to  be  divided  when 
wa  ed  for  use.  This  may  be  done  by  wrapping  it  in  bladders,  putting  it  in 
coved  pots,  and  occasionally  moistening  it  as  it  becomes  dry;  or  more  efleetu- 
all  by  keeping  it  in  glass  or  well  glazed  jars,  accurately  closed  with  varnished 
bla  ler. 

re  mass,  having  been  duly  prepared,  is  made  into  pills  by  rolling  it  with  a 
spmla  into  a cylinder  of  precisely  the  same  thickness  throughout,  and  of  a 
leu  h corresponding  to  the  number  of  pills  required.  It  is  then  divided  as 
eq  ily  as  possible  by  the  hand,  or  more  accurately  by  a machine  made  for  the 
pu  ose.*  The  pills  receive  a spherical  form  by  being  rolled  between  the  fingers. 
M.  [ialhe  describes  a little  instrument  for  rolling  pills,  composed  of  two  circular 
pla  s,  one  about  12,  the  other  6 inches  in  diameter,  the  former  having  a ledge 
at  e border  one-third  of  an  inch  high,  the  latter  with  a similar  ledge  varying 

1 'he  common  pill-machine  is  too  well  known  to  require  description.  In  the  Am. 
Joi  . of  P harm.  (xxiv.  315)  the  reader  will  find  the  description  of  a rotary  pill-machine, 
cal  ated  to  prepare  large  numbers  of  pills  in  a short  time ; and  in  the  same  journal  (xxvi. 
Ilf  mother,  which  is  considered  to  be  an  improvement  on  the  first. 


1110 


Pilulse. 


PAKT  : 


according  to  the  size  of  the  pills  from  less  than  a line  to  nearly  two  lines  a 
with  a strap  on  the  back  by  which  it  can  be  fitted  to  the  hand.  This  is  to 
moved  in  a rotary  manner  upon  the  larger  plate  holding  the  divided  portions 
the  pill  mass.  ( Journ . de  Pharm.  et  de  Chim.,  xvii.  *218.)  In  order  to  preve 
the  adhesion  of  pills  to  one  another,  or  to  the  sides  of  the  vessel  in  which  th 
may  be  placed,  it  is  customary  to  agitate  them  with  some  dry  powder,  whi 
gives  them  an  external  coating,  that  serves  also  to  conceal  their  taste.  For  ti 
purpose,  carbonate  of  magnesia,  starch,  or  powdered  liquorice  root  may  be  ust 
Carbonate  of  magnesia  is  sometimes  incompatible  with  one  of  the  ingredients 
the  pills;  and  liquorice  root  will,  as  a general  rule,  be  found  the  best.  T 
powder  of  lycopodium  is  much  employed  on  the  continent  of  Europe;  and  it  v 
formerly  the  custom  to  give  the  pill  a coating  of  gold  or  silver  leaf. 

It  has  been  proposed  by  M.  Garot  to  cover  pills  with  gelatin,  which  answi 
the  purpose  of  concealing  their  taste  and  odour,  and  counteracting  deliquescer 
or  chemical  change  from  exposure  to  the  air,  without  interfering  with  their  so 
bility  in  the  stomach.  He  dips  each  pill,  sustained  on  the  point  of  a pin,  ir 
melted  gelatin,  withdraws  it  with  a rotary  motion,  then  fixes  the  pin  in  a pa: 
so  as  to  allow  the  coating  to  dry  in  the  air,  and,  having  prepared  about  fifty  pi 
in  this  way,  proceeds  to  complete  the  operation  by  holding  the  pin  in  the  flai 
of  a taper  so  as  to  melt  the  gelatin  near  its  point,  and  then  withdrawing  it  frc 
the  pill  so  as  to  close  up  the  orifice.  The  purest  glue  should  be  selected  for  tl 
purpose,  melted  with  the  addition  of  two  or  three  drachms  of  water  to  an  oui 
of  the  glue,  and  kept  liquid  by  means  of  a salt-bath. 

Another  plan  of  attaining  the  same  objects,  less  effectual,  but  more  convenie 
than  the  above,  is  to  introduce  the  pills  into  a spherical  box,  to  drop  on  the 
enough  syrup  simply  to  moisten  their  surface,  then  to  give  a rotary  moveme. 
to  the  box  until  the  pills  are  uniformly  covered,  and  finally  to  add  by  degree: 
powder  consisting  of  equal  parts  of  gum,  sugar,  and  starch,  shaking  the  box  w 
each  addition,  and  continuing  the  process  until  nothing  more  will  adhere  to  t 
pills.  The  investing  material  may  be  rendered  agreeable  to  the  taste  and  sm 
by  aromatic  additions,  if  deemed  advisable.  (Journ.  de  Pharm.  et  de  Chu 
x.  82.)  M.  Calloud  finds  that  a better  powder  for  the  purpose,  because  less  d- 
posed  to  attract  moisture,  is  made  by  boiling  one  part  of  flaxseed  and  three  pa ; 
of  white  sugar  with  sufficient  water  till  a thick  mucilage  is  formed,  evaporati; 
this  carefully  to  dryness,  and  then  pulverizing.  ( Ibid .,  xxiii.  301.) 

Still  another  method,  proposed  by  3Ir.  E.  K.  Durden,  is  to  cover  the  pill  w:. 
a coating  of  collodion,  which  completely  conceals  the  taste.  The  solution  e- 
ployed  by  Mr.  Durden  had  the  sp.  gr.  of  0*810 ; and  two  dippings  gave  a su- 
cient  coating.  (See  Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xxi.  183.)  It  is,  however,  yeti 
be  determined  whether  a coating  of  collodion  would  yield  readily  to  the  solve 
powers  of  the  gastric  juice. 

Pills  which  are  to  he  long  kept  should  be  well  dried,  and  put  into  bottles  w- 
accurately  fitting  stoppers.  If  it  is  desirable  that  they  should  be  kept  soft,  tJ 
better  plan  is  to  preserve  them  in  mass  as  above  recommended. 

Though  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia,  in  almost  every  instance,  orders  the  mass' 
be  divided  into  pills;  yet  it  should  be  understood  rather  as  indicating  the  nu- 
her  of  pills  to  be  made  from  a certain  quantity  of  the  mass  when  particu1 
directions  are  not  given  by  the  physician,  than  as  requiring  the  division  to  ■ 
made  immediately  after  the  materials  have  been  mixed.  It  will  be  found  ce 
venient  by  the  apothecary  to  keep  a portion  of  the  mass  undivided.  M'-l 

PILULiE  ALOES.  U.  S.,  Pd.  Pilula  Aloes  cum  Sapoxe.  Lon 
Aloetic  Pills.  Pill  of  Aloes  with  Soap. 

“ Take  of  Aloes,  in  powder,  Soap,  each,  an  ounce.  Beat  them  with  water' 
as  to  form  a mass,  to  be  divided  into  two  hundred  and  forty  pills.’’  1.  S. 


PAT  II. 


Pilulee. 


1111 


he  London  College  takes  equal  parts  of  extract  of  Barbadoes  aloes,  soft  soap, 
an  liquorice  (extract),  and  a sufficiency  of  molasses,  beats  the  aloes  with  the 
80(1,  then  adds  the  other  ingredients,  and  beats  the  whole  together. 

he  Edinburgh  College  directs  equal  quantities  of  Socotrine  or  East  India 
ales  and  Castile  soap  to  be  beat  with  conserve  of  red  roses  into  a mass  fit  for 
foiling  pills. 

he  soap,  in  this  formula,  not  only  serves  to  impart  a proper  consistence  to 
th  aloes,  but  is  thought  to  qualify  its  operation,  and  diminish  its  liability  to 
mate  the  rectum.  Five  of  the  U.  S.  pills,  containing  ten  grains  of  aloes,  may 
beiven  with  a view  to  their  purgative  effect;  but  the  preparation  is  usually 
enloyed  as  a laxative  in  habitual  costiveness,  in  the  quantity  of  one,  two,  or 
the  pills,  taken  before  breakfast  or  dinner,  or  at  bedtime.  W. 

’ILULiE  ALOES  COMPOSITE.  Dub.  Pilula  Aloes  Compo- 
sn.  Lond.  Compound  Pills  of  Aloes. 

Take  of  Aloes,  in  powder,  an  ounce ; Extract  of  Gentian  half  an  ounce ; 
Oi  of  Caraway  forty  minims;  Molasses  a sufficient  quantity.  Beat  them  to- 
ge.er,  so  that  they  maj7  be  intimately  mixed  in  a mass  fit  for  forming  pills.” 

Ik 

he  Dublin  College  directs  tu-o  ounces  [avoirdupois]  of  hepatic  aloes,  an  ounce 
[aird.]  of  extract  of  gentian,  a fluidrachm  of  oil  of  caraway,  and  an  ounce 
[aird.]  of  molasses. 

. reaction  takes  place  between  the  aloes  and  extract  of  gentian  when  rubbed 
to.ither,  which  renders  the  mass  so  soft  as  sometimes  to  require  the  addition  of 
a ,;ht  powder.  This  combination  is  well  adapted  as  a laxative  to  the  costive- 
ne  of  sedentary  and  dyspeptic  persons.  The  dose  is  from  five  to  twenty  grains, 
adding  to  the  degree  of  effect  desired.*  W. 

'ILULiE  ALOES  ET  ASSAFOETIDiE.  U.  S.,  Pd.  Pills  of 
Aes  and  Assafetida. 

Take  of  Aloes,  in  powder,  Assafetida,  Soap,  each,  half  an  ounce.  Beat 
th  1 with  water  so  as  to  form  a mass,  to  be  divided  into  one  hundred  and 
eiJty  pills.”  U.  S. 

he  Edinburgh  College  takes  equal  parts  of  Socotrine  or  East  India  aloes, 
as; fetida,  and  Castile  soap,  and  beats  them  into  a mass  with  conserve  of  red  roses. 

hese  pills  are  peculiarly  adapted,  by  the  stimulant  and  carminative  properties 
of  ie  assafetida,  to  cases  of  costiveness  attended  with  flatulence  and  debility  of 
th; digestive  organs.  Each  pill  contains  about  four  grains  of  the  mass.  From 
tw  to  five  may  be  given  for  a dose.  , W. 


The  following  is  tlie  formula  for  the  aloetic  pills  usually  called  dinner  pills,  or  Lady 
F iter’s  pills.  They  are  the  pilulee  slomachicse  of  the  fifth  edition  of  the  Paris  Codex, 
A..  1758.  Take  of  the  best  Aloes  six  drachms;  Mastich  and  Red  Roses,  each,  two 
ur  ims;  Syrup  of  Wormwood  sufficient  to  form  a mass,  to  be  divided  into  pills  of  three 
gras  each.  Common  syrup  may  be  substituted  for  the  syrup  of  wormwood.  One  or  two 
of  iese  pills,  taken  shortly  before  a meal,  will  usually  produce  one  free  evacuation. 

.e  Philadelphia  College  of  Pharmacy  has  adopted  the  following  formulas  for  the  com- 
pOjd  aloetic  preparations  commonly  called  Hooper’s  and  Anderson’ s pills. 

'Hooper’s  female  pills.  R.  Aloes  Barbadensis  g viij.,  Ferri  Sulphatis  Exsiccati  Sij., 
3i.j,  vel Ferri  Sulphatis  Crystal,  giv.,  Extracti  Hellebori  gij.,  Myrrhse  Jij.,  Saponis  Jij., 
Oa  Use  in  pulv.  tritre  §j.,  Zingiberis  in  pulv.  trit.  gj. — Beat  them  well  together  into  a 
mt  with  water,  and  divide  into  pills,  each  containing  two  and  a half  grains.”  ( Journ . 
of  ; Phil . Col.  of  P harm.,  v.  25.) 

Anderson’s  Scots’  pills.  R.  Aloes  Barbadensis  gxxiv.,  Saponis  |iv.,  Colocynthidis  §j., 
Gtbogiee  gj.,  Olei  Anisi  fgss.  Let  the  aloes,  colocynth,  and  gamboge  be  reduced  to  a 
ve  fine  powder;  then  beat  them  and  the  soap  with  water  into  a mass,  of  a proper  con- 
sis  ace  to  divide  into  pills,  each  containing  three  grains.”  Ibid. 


1112 


Pilulse. 


PARI  I. 


PILUL2E  ALOES  ET  EERRI.  Pd.  Pills  of  Aloes  and  Iron 

“Take  of  Sulphate  of  Iron  three  parts;  Barbadoes  Aloes  two  parts ; j> 
matic  Powder  six  parts;  Conserve  of  Red  Roses  eight  parts.  Pulverize  ;e 
Aloes  and  Sulphate  of  Iron  separately;  mix  the  whole  ingredients;  and  fit 
them  into  a proper  mass;  which  is  to  be  divided  into  five-grain  pills.”  Ed. 

It  is  said  that  the  laxative  power  of  aloes  is  increased,  and  its  tendenc  .0 
irritate  the  rectum  diminished,  by  combination  with  the  sulphate  of  iron.  ((?/?. 
tison’s  Dispensatory.)  This  combination  is  useful  in  constipation  with  debiy 
of  stomach,  especially  when  attended  with  amenorrhcea.  The  dose  is  from  e 
to  three  pills.  M 

PILULE  ALOES  ET  MYRRHZE.  U.  S.,  Pd.  Pilula  Al  s 
cum  Myrrha.  Lond.  Pilule  Aloes  cum  Myrrha.  Dub.  Pilkf 
Aloes  and  Myrrh. 

“ Take  of  Aloes,  in  powder,  two  ounces;  Myrrh,  in  powder,  an  ounce;  Safin 
half  an  ounce ; Syrup  a sufficient  quantity.  Beat  the  whole  together  so  a 0 
form  a mass,  to  be  divided  into  four  hundred  and  eighty  pills.”  U.  S. 

The  London  College  takes  half  an  ounce  of  Socotrine  or  hepatic  aloes,  0 
drachms , each,  of  saffron,  myrrh,  and  soft  soap,  and  a sufficiency  of  molasy 
and  beats  them  together;  the  Edinburgh  takes  four  parts  of  Socotrine  or  It 
India  aloes,  two  parts  of  myrrh,  and  one  part  of  saffron,  and  beats  them  ki 
conserve  of  red  roses ; the  Dublin  takes  two  ounces  of  hepatic  aloes,  an  ouna  f 
myrrh,  half  an  ounce  of  saffron,  and  two  ounces  and  a half  of  molasses;  r 3 
the  first  three  ingredients  together  and  sifts  them ; then  adds  the  treacle,  ;d 
beats  the  whole  into  a uniform  mass. 

This  composition  has  been  long  in  use,  under  the  name  of  Rufus’s  pills.  t 
is  employed  as  a warm  stimulant  cathartic  in  general  debility  attended  wi 
constipation,  and  retention  or  suppression  of  the  menses.  From  three  to  1 
pills,  or  from  ten  to  twenty  grains  of  the  mass  may  be  given  for  a dose.  IV 

PILULIE  ASSAFCETIDiE.  U.  S.  Assafetida  Pills. 

“ Take  of  Assafetida  an  ounce  and  a half;  Soap  half  an  ounce.  Beat  thi 
with  water  so  as  to  form  a mass,  to  be  divided  into  two  hundred  and  forty  pill  ’ 

US. 

Each  of  these  pills  contains  three  grains  of  the  gum-resin.  They  are  a c- 
venient  form  for  administering  assafetida,  the  unpleasant  odour  and  taste  f 
which  render  it  very  offensive  in  the  liquid  state.  W. 

PILULJE  CALOMELANOS  COMPOSITE.  Pd.,  Dub.  Pim 
Hydrargyri  Chloridi  Composita.  Lond.  Compound  Calomel  Fit. 
Compound  Pill  of  Chloride  of  Mercury. 

“ Take  of  Chloride  of  Mercury  [calomel],  Oxysulphuret  of  Antimony,  ea., 
two  drachms  ; G uaiacum  [resin],  in  powder,  Molasses,  each,  half  an  ounce.  R) 
the  Chloride  with  the  Oxysulphuret,  then  witli  the  Guaiacum  and  Molasses,) 
as  to  form  a mass.”  Lond. 

The  Edinburgh  College  takes  of  calomel  and  golden  sulphuret  of  antimoi, 
each,  one  part;  guaiac,  in  fine  powder,  and  treacle,  each,  two  parts;  mixes  0 
solids  in  fine  powder,  then  the  treacle,  and  beats  the  whole  into  a mass,  to  '■ 
divided  into  six-grain  pills.  The  Dublin  College  agrees  with  the  London,  e- 
ploying  about  half  the  quantity  of  the  active  ingredients,  and  a ffuidradni. 
castor  oil  instead  of  the  molasses. 

We  prefer  the  title  “compound  calomel  pills”  of  the  Edinburgh  and  Rub 
Pharmacopoeias ; as,  though  not  scientific,  it  is  not,  like  the  London  name,  lial 
to  be  confounded  with  that  of  corrosive  sublimate.  The  antimonial  employ 
by  the  Colleges  is  the  same,  though  under  different  names,  and  is  identical  vs 


PAI  II. 


P ilulas. 


1113 


the  ’.  S.  precipitated  sulphuret.  According  to  Vogel,  a reaction  takes  place 
betven  the  calomel  and  sulphuret  of  antimony,  resulting  in  the  production  of 
chlcde  of  antimony  and  sulphuret  of  mercury.  ( Anna! . der  Pharm.,  xxviii. 
236  The  preparation  was  originally  introduced  to  the  notice  of  the  profession 
byl.  Plummer,  who  found  it  useful  as  an  alterative,  and  upon  whose  authority 
it  ws  at  one  time  much  employed  under  the  name  of  Plummer’s  pills.  The 
coronation  is  well  adapted  to  the  treatment  of  chronic  rheumatism,  and  of  scaly 
and  ther  eruptive  diseases  of  the  skin,  especially  when  accompanied  with  a 
sypllitic  taint.  Four  grains  of  the  mass  contain  about  one  grain  of  calomel. 
Fro  three  to  six  grains  or  more  may  be  given  morning  and  evening.  W. 

ILULiE  CALOMEL ANOS  ET  OPII.  Pd.  Pills  of  Calomel  and 

Opm. 

“'ake  of  Calomel  three  parts ; Opium  one  part ; Conserve  of  Red  Roses  a 
sujfiency.  Beat  them  into  a proper  mass,  which  is  to  be  divided  into  pills, 
eacbontaining  two  grains  of  Calomel.’'  Ed. 

Tb  proportion  in  which  opium  is  united  with  calomel  to  meet  different  indi- 
cates is  so  various,  that  such  a combination  as  the  above  is  scarcely  a proper 
subjjt  for  officinal  direction.  W. 

ILULA  CAMBOGLE  COMPOSITA.  Pond.  Pilule  Cambo- 
GL£  Pd.  Compound  Pill  of  G-amboge. 

“ ake  of  Gamboge,  in  powder,  two  drachms;  Socotrine  or  Hepatic  Aloes,  in 
powro,  three  drachms;  Ginger,  in  powder,  a drachm  ; Soft  Soap  half  an  ounce. 
Mixhe  powders  together  ; then  add  the  Soap,  and  beat  the  whole  together  so 
as  bform  a mass.”  Lond. 

Ti  Edinburgh  College  takes  of  gamboge,  East  India  or  Barbadoes  aloes,  and 
arortic  powder,  each,  one  part,  and  of  Castile  soap  two  parts;  pulverizes  the 
gamrge  and  aloes  separately,  mixes  all  the  powders,  adds  the  soap,  and  then  a 
suffi Bncy  of  syrup;  and  beats  the  whole  into  a proper  pill  mass. 

I s is  an  active  purgative  pill,  and  may  be  given  in  the  dose  of  ten  or  fifteen 
grai . The  formula  is  that  of  Dr.  George  Fordyce  simplified.  W. 

ILULiE  CATHARTICS  COMPOSURE.  U.S.  Compound  Ca- 
tha'iic  Pills. 

“ ake  of  Compound  Extract  of  Colocynth,  in  powder,  half  an  ounce;  Extract 
of  J.ap,  Mild  Chloride  of  Mercury  [calomel],  each  three  drachms;  Gamboge, 
in  p rder,  two  scruples.  Mix  them  together ; then  with  water  form  a mass,  to 
be  d ided  into  one  hundred  and  eighty  pills.”  U.  S. 

T s cathartic  compound  was  first  made  officinal  in  the  second  edition  of  the 
U.  t Pharmacopoeia.  It  was  intended  to  combine  smallness  of  bulk  with  effi- 
eien  and  comparative  mildness  of  purgative  action,  and  a peculiar  tendency  to 
the  liary  organs.  Such  an  officinal  preparation  was  much  wanted  in  this 
coufy,  in  which  bilious  fevers,  and  other  complaints  attended  with  congestion 
of  t liver  and  portal  circle  generally,  so  much  abound.  The  object  of  small- 
ness f bulk  is  accomplished  by  employing  extracts  and  the  more  energetic  ca- 
tharsis; that  of  a peculiar  tendency  to  the  liver,  by  the  use  of  calomel;  and  that 
of  ehiency  with  mildness  of  operation,  by  the  union  of  several  powerful  purga- 
tives It  is  a fact,  abundantly  proved  by  experience,  that  drastic  cathartics 
becce  milder  by  combination,  without  losing  any  of  their  purgative  power. 
Nor  it  difficult,  in  this  case,  to  reconcile  the  result  of  observation  with  pbysi- 
olog  il  principles.  Cathartic  medicines  act  on  different  parts  of  the  alimentary 
cans  and  organs  secreting  into  it.  In  small  doses,  both  the  irritation  which 
theyccasion  and  their  purgative  effect  are  proportionably  lessened.  If  several 
are  ; ministered  at  the  same  time,  each  in  a diminished  dose,  it  is  obvious  that 


1114 


Pilulse. 


PAR'  I, 


the  combined  purgative  effect  of  all  will  be  experienced;  while  the  irrita  n 
being  feeble  in  each  part  affected,  and  diffused  over  a large  space,  will  be  ss 
sensible  to  the  patient,  and  will  more  readily  subside.  In  the  compoum  a- 
thartic  pills,  most  of  the  active  purgatives  in  common  use  are  associated  toge  er 
in  proportions  corresponding  with  their  respective  doses,  so  that  an  exce  of 
any  one  ingredient  is  guarded  against,  and  violent  irritation  from  this  cause  e- 
vented.  The  name  of  the  preparation  may  at  first  sight  seem  objectionabl  as 
it  might  be  applied  to  any  compound  pills  possessing  cathartic  properties;  t 
when  it  is  considered  that  the  ingredients  cannot  all  be  expressed  in  the  < e, 
that  no  one  is  sufficiently  prominent  to  give  a designation  to  the  whole,  and  at 
the  preparation  is  intended  as  the  representative  of  numerous  cathartics,  id 
calculated  for  a wide  range  of  application,  the  name  will  not  be  eonsidereun 
inexcusable  deviation  from  ordinary  medical  nomenclature.  It  is  highly  irr  r- 
tant,  for  the  efficiency  of  these  pills,  that  they  be  prepared  in  exact  complice 
with  the  directions,  and  that  the  compound  extract  of  colocynth  and  the  ex.ct 
of  jalap  used  be  of  good  quality.  When  they  fail,  the  result  is  genedy 
ascribable  to  the  substitution  of  jalap  for  the  extract,  or  to  the  use  of  a<n- 
pound  extract  of  colocynth  made  with  nearly  inert  seammony,  inferior  a s, 
and  insufficient  colocynth,  and  altogether  badly  prepared. 

Three  of  the  pills,  containing  10f  grains  of  the  mass,  are  a medium  dosior 
an  adult.  In  this  quantity  are  four  grains  of  compound  extract  of  colocyh, 
three  of  extract  of  jalap,  three  of  calomel,  and  two-thirds  of  a grain  of  gambe. 
A single  pill  will  generally  be  found  to  operate  as  a mild  laxative.  In  a ill 
dose,  the  preparation  acts  vigorously  on  the  bowels,  producing  bilious  stc  s, 
generally  without  much  pain  or  disorder  of  the  stomach.  It  may  he  emphed 
in  most  instances  where  a brisk  cathartic  is  required ; but  is  particularly  a li- 
cable  to  the  early  stages  of  bilious  fevers,  to  hepatitis,  jaundice,  and  all  tse 
derangements  of  the  alimentary  canal,  or  of  the  general  health,  which  depd 
on  congestion  of  the  portal  circle.  T 

PILULA  COLOCYNTHIDIS  COMPOSITA.  Land.  Piuje 

COLOCYNTIIIDIS.  Ed.  PlLUInE  COLOCYXTHIDIS  COMPOSITE.  Dub.  Cll- 

pound  Pill  of  Colocynth. 

“Take  of  Extract  of  Colocynth  a drachm  ; Extract  of  Aloes,  in  powder  ix 
drachms  ; Seammony,  in  powder,  two  drachms;  Cardamom,  in  powder,  ha  a 
drachm ; Soft  Soap  a drachm  and  a half.  Mix  the  powders  together;  an 
add  the  other  ingredients,  and  beat  all  together  so  as  to  form  a mass.”  Lot. 

“ Take  of  Socatrine  or  East  India  Aloes,  and  Seammony,  of  each,  eight  pcs; 
Colocynth  four  parts;  Sulphate  of  Potash  and  Oil  of  Cloves,  of  each,  one  p t; 
Rectified  Spirit  a sufficiency.  Pulverize  the  Aloes,  Seammony,  and  Sulpha  of 
Potash  together;  mix  with  them  the  Colocynth  previously  reduced  tofinepowr; 
add  the  Oil  of  Cloves ; and  with  the  aid  of  a small  quantity  of  Rectified  Srit 
beat  the  whole  into  a proper  pill  mass;  which  is  to  be  divided  into  five-gin 
pills.”  Ed. 

“ Take  of  Pulp  of  Colocynth,  in  fine  powder,  one  ounce  [avoirdupois] ; Hepic 
Aloes,  in  fine  powder,  two  ounces  [avoird.];  Seammony,  in  fine  powder.  Cade 
Soap,  of  each,  one  ounce  [avoird.];  Oil  of  Cloves  one  fluidrachm ; Treacle  jo- 
lasses]  ten  drachms  [Dub.  weight.].  Reduce  the  Soap  to  a fiue  powder,  and  is 
it  with  the  Colocynth,  Aloes,  and  Seammony;  then  rub  all  together  with  he 
Oil  of  Cloves  and  Treacle,  and  beat  them  into  a mass  of  a uniform  consisten. 
Pub.  I 

The  London  preparation  is  only  another  form  of  the  compound  extract  of  o- 
cynth,  for  which  it  was  intended  as  a substitute;  the  ingredients,  the  proportip 
and  the  dose  being  essentially  the  same.  (See  Extractum  Co/ocynlhiais  («• 


PAR  II. 


Pilulse. 


1115 


posifi.)  The  Edinburgh  and  Dublin  preparations  are  imitations,  differing  in 
the  joportions  of  their  ingredients,  and  in  containing  colocynth  in  substance 
instel  of  the  extract  of  colocynth.  The  sulphate  of  potassa  is  used  by  the 
Editurgh  College  to  promote  the  more  complete  division  of  the  aloes  and 
scamony;  the  rectified  spirit,  because  it  is  believed  to  be  retained  by  the  mass 
mordrmly  than  water,  and  thus  to  preserve  the  due  consistence  longer.  The 
prepation  is  actively  cathartic  in  the  dose  of  from  five  to  twenty  grains.* 

0 [ Prep.  Pilulse  Colocynthidis  et  Hyoscyami.  W. 

PhULiE  COLOCYNTHIDIS  ET  HYOSCYAMI.  Pd.  Pills  of 
Golc/nth  and  Henbane. 

“'ike  of  the  Colocynth-pill  mass  two  parts;  Extract  of  Hvoscyamus  one  part. 
Beathem  well  together,  adding  a few  drops  of  rectified  spirit  if  necessary;  and 
divic  the  mass  into  five-grain  pills/’  Ed. 

It 3 asserted  that  the  compound  pill  and  compound  extract  of  colocynth  are 
almc  entirely  deprived  of  their  griping  tendency  by  combination,  as  above, 
with  he  extract  of  hyoscyamus,  without  losing  any  of  their  purgative  power. 
The  >se  is  from  five  to  twenty  grains.  W. 

PjULA  CONII  COMPOSITA.  Pond.  Compound  Pill  of  Hem- 
loch 

“'ke  of  Extract  of  Hemlock  five  drachms;  Ipecacuanha,  in  powder,  a 
dracyi;  Molasses  a sufficient  quant  it ij.  Beat  them  together  so  as  to  form  a 
mass  Lond. 

A:  anodyne  and  expectorant  combination,  useful  in  chronic  bronchial  dis- 
eases The  dose  is  five  grains  three  times  a day.  W. 

P jULPE  COPAIBA],  U.  S.  Pills  of  Copaiba. 

“'.ke  of  Copaiba  two  ounces;  Magnesia,  recently  prepared,  a drachm.  Mix 
them  and  set  the  mixture  aside  till  it  concretes  into  a pilular  mass,  which  is  to 
be  di  ded  into  two  hundred  pills.”  U.  S. 

Wen  copaiba  is  mixed  with  pure  magnesia,  it  gradually  loses  its  fluidity, 
form  g at  first  a soft  tenacious  mass,  and  ultimately  becoming  dry,  hard,  and 
britt.  The  quantity  of  magnesia,  and  the  length  of  time  requisite  for  this 
chan  , vary  with  the  condition  of  the  copaiba ; being  greater  in  proportion  to 
thefidity  of  this  substance,  or,  in  other  words,  to  its  amount  of  volatile  oil. 
The  aantity  of  magnesia  directed  by  the  Pharmacopoeia,  one-sixteenth  of  the 
weig  of  the  copaiba,  is  sufficient  to  solidify  the  latter,  as  it  is  often  found  in 
the  : ops,  in  the  course  of  six  or  eight  hours ; but,  when  the  copaiba  is  fresh, 
or  h;  been  kept  in  closely  stopped  bottles,  and  retains,  therefore,  nearly  the 
whol of  its  oil,  it  is  necessary  either  to  augment  the  proportion  of  magnesia,  or 
to  ex  ise  the  mixture  for  a much  longer  time,  or  to  diminish  the  volatile  oil  of 
the  e aiba  by  evaporation.  The  magnesia  combines  chemically  with  the  copaivic 
acid  hard  resin,  but,  in  relation  to  the  volatile  oil,  acts  merely  as  an  absorbent; 
for,  v en  the  solidified  mass  is  submitted  to  the  action  of  boiling  alcohol,  a part 
is  dis  dved,  abandoning  the  magnesia  with  which  it  was  mixed,  while  the  resin 
comb  ed  with  another  portion  of  the  earth  remains  undissolved.  Yarieties  of 
copa;,,  therefore,  are  solidifiable  by  magnesia,  directly  in  proportion  to  the 
hard  ' sin  they  contain,  and  inversely  in  proportion  to  the  volatile  oil ; the  soft 
resin  eing  indifferent.  According  to  Guibourt,  copaiba  not  solidifiable  by  mag- 

* 1 ’ some  observations  relative  to  the  present  simple  extract  of  colocynth  of  the 
Lcndi;  College,  employed  in  making  these  pills,  showing  that  there  has  probably  been  an 
error  i the  last  edition  of  the  Pharmacopoeia  in  reference  to  this  extract,  and  suggesting 
the  c rse  which,  under  these  circumstances,  it  would  be  safest  for  the  apothecary  to 
pursu1  see  Extraction  Colocynthidis,  p.  974. — Pole  to  the  tenth  edition. 


1116 


Pilulse. 


PAR  u. 


nesia,  may  be  male  so  by  aiding  one-sixth  of  Bordeaux  or  common  Eure  an 
turpentine.  ( Journ . cle  Pharm.,  xxv.  499.)  The  magnesia  employed  si  ill 
not  have  been  allowed  to  become  hydrated  by  exposure  to  a moist  air  or  c er- 
wise.  ( Ibid .,  3e  sir.,  v.  475.)  In  the  preparation  of  the  pills  of  copaiba. ire 
should  be  taken  to  divide  the  mass  before  it  has  become  too  hard.  The  aim- 
tage  of  this  preparation  is,  that  the  copaiba  is  brought  to  the  state  of  pill  1th 
little  increase  of  bulk.  Each  pill  contains  nearly  five  grains  of  copaiba  nd 
from  two  to  six  may  be  taken  for  a dose  twice  or  three  times  a day. 

Hydrate  of  lime  produces  the  same  effect  as  magnesia,  and,  as  stated  bM. 
Thierry,  in  a shorter  time,  if  employed  according  to  his  formula.  He  tab  15 
parts  of  copaiba  and  1 part  of  slaked  lime,  mixes  them  in  a marble  mortar,  t ns- 
fers  the  mixture  to  an  open  vessel,  places  this  upon  a sand-bath,  and  susins 
the  heat  for  four  hours,  occasionally  stirring.  The  hydrate  of  lime  must  .ve 
been  freshly  prepared  from  recently  burnt  lime.  The  mixture  loses  ora 
twenty- fourth  of  its  weight,  which  is  chiefly  the  water  of  the  hydrate.  (J  -n. 
de  Pharm.,  3e  sir.,  i.  310.) 

PILULiE  CUPRI  AMMONIATI.  Ed.  Pills  of  Ammon  ed 

Copper. 

“Take  of  Ammoniated  Copper,  in  fine  powder,  one  part ; Bread-cram  six 
parts;  Solution  of  Carbonate  of  Ammonia  a sufficiency.  Beat  them  into  aro- 
per  mass,  and  divide  it  into  pills,  containing  each  half  a grain  of  ammomed 
copper.”  Ed. 

This  is  a convenient  form  for  administering  ammoniated  copper.  Onoill 
may  be  given  night  and  morning,  and  the  dose  gradually  increased  to  fr  or 
six  pills. 

PILULiE  DIGITALIS  ET  SCILLxE.  Ed.  Pills  of  Pig italis nd 
Squill. 

“Take  of  Digitalis  and  Squill,  of  each,  one  part;  Aromatic  Electuar'i« 
parts.  Beat  them  into  a proper  mass  with  Conserve  of  Red  Roses;  and  tide 
the  mass  into  four-grain  pills.”  Ed. 

These  pills  combine  the  diuretic  properties  of  digitalis  and  squill,  andiay 
be  given  in  dropsy.  One  or  two  pills  constitute  a dose. 

PILULiE  FERRI  CARBONATIS.  U.  S.,  Ed.  Pills  of  Carbide 
of  Iron.  ValleC s Ferruginous  Pills. 

“ Take  of  Sulphate  of  Iron  eight  ounces;  Carbonate  of  Soda  ten  ounces;  on- 
tied  Honey  three  ounces;  Sugar,  in  powder,  two  ounces;  Boiling  Wate:'iffl 
pints;  Syrup  a sufficient  quantity.  Dissolve  the  Sulphate  of  Iron  and  Cbo- 
nate  of  Soda,  each,  in  a pint  of  the  Water,  a fluidounc-e  of  Syrup  having een 
previously  added  to  each  pint;  then  mix  the  two  solutions,  when  cold,  in  a lttle 
just  large  enough  to  hold  them,  close  it  accurately  with  a stopper,  and  set  by 
that  the  carbonate  of  iron  may  subside.  Pour  off  the  supernatant  liquid.nd, 
having  washed  the  precipitate  with  water  sweetened  with  Syrup,  in  the  pnon 
tion  of  a fluidouuee  of  the  latter  to  a pint' of  the  former,  until  the  waskin  na 
longer  have  a saline  taste,  place  it  upon  a flannel  cloth  to  drain,  and  afterrdj 
express  as  much  of  the  water  as  possible ; then  immediately  mix  the  precise 
with  the  Honey  and  Sugar,  and  by  means  of  a water-bath  evaporate  the  mkire, 
constantly  stirring,  until  it  is  so  far  concentrated  as  to  have  a pilular  consume 
on  cooling.”  U.  S.  I 

“ Take  of  the  Saccharine  Carbonate  of  Iron  four  parts  ; Conserve  of  Red  tsf= 
one  part.  Beat  them  into  a proper  mass,  to  be  divided  into  five-grain  pills-  JU- 

The  effect  of  saccharine  matter  in  protecting  iron  from  oxidation  hasten 
explained  under  the  heads  of  Ferri  Carbonas  Saccharatum  and  Liquor 
Iodidi.  The  U.  S.  pill  of  carbonate  of  iron  is  another  example  of  a ferrugoiu 


PART -I* 


Pilulse. 


1117 


prepalion,  in  which  the  iron  is  protected  from  further  oxidation  by  the  same 
mean':  The  salts  employed  are  the  same  as  those  used  for  obtaining  the  officinal 
subcaJonate  of  iron ; but,  in  forming  that  preparation,  the  carbonate  which  is 
at  fir:  precipitated  absorbs  oxygen  and  loses  nearly  all  its  carbonic  acid  in  the 
process  of  washing  and  drying.  When,  however,  as  in  the  U.  S.  formula, 
ubove;iven,  the  reacting  salts  are  dissolved  in  weak  syrup  instead  of  water,  and 
the  wshing  is  performed  with  the  same  substance,  the  absorption  of  oxygen 
and  1 s of  carbonic  acid,  during  the  separation  of  the  precipitate,  are  almost 
comptely  prevented.  It  only  remains,  therefore,  to  preserve  it  unaltered,  and 
to  big  it  to  the  pilular  consistence,  and  this  is  effected  by  admixture  with 
hone’ind  sugar,  and  evaporation  by  means  of  a water-bath.  Of  course  it  is 
essenil  to  the  success  of  this  process,  that  the  sulphate  of  iron  should  be  pure; 
otherise  some  sesquioxide  will  be  present  in  the  product.  The  process  just 
explaied  is  that  of  M.  Yallet,  of  Paris,  after  whom  the  preparation  is  popularly 
called  The  Edinburgh  pill  of  carbonate  of  iron  is  made  from  the  saccharine 
carboite,  which  is  brought  to  the  pilular  consistence  by  being  mixed  with  con- 
servef  roses.  This  mode  of  making  it  is  inferior  to  that  of  Yallet ; for,  in  the 
first  ace,  the  saccharine  carbonate  is  admitted  to  contain  sesquioxide  of  iron, 
and  s ondly  conserve  of  roses  is  a less  efficient  preservative  of  the  pilular  mass 
than  pney  and  sugar.  (See  Ferri  Carbonas  Saccharatum.') 

Pnerties.  The  U.  S.  preparation  is  in  the  form  of  a soft  pilular  mass,  of  a 
unifoi  black  colour,  and  strong  ferruginous  taste.  When  carefully  prepared, 
it  is  nolly  and  readily  soluble  in  acids.  It  contains  nearly  half  its  weight  of 
carboite  of  protoxide  of  iron.  The  corresponding  pill,  obtained  from  the  sac- 
charic carbonate,  may  be  supposed  to  contain  one-third  of  ferruginous  matter. 

Mdcal  Properties.  The  U.  S.  pill  of  carbonate  of  iron,  or  Yallet’ s ferruginous 
mass, Is  admirably  adapted  to  cases  in  which  ferruginous  preparations  are  indi- 
cated It  is  considered  particularly  useful  in  chlorosis,  amenorrhoea,  and  other 
fema:  complaints,  and  appears  to  act  favourably  by  increasing  the  colouring 
matti  of  the  blood,  causing  the  capillary  system  to  become  more  fully  injected, 
and  t;  lips  to  assume  a redder  colour.  It  may  be  given  in  divided  doses  to  the 
exter  of  from  ten  to  thirty  grains  in  the  course  of  the  day,  and  continued  for 
a mo  h or  six  weeks,  if  improvement  takes  place.  As  the  mass  is  not  divided 
in  th  U.  S.  formula,  it  is  necessary  in  prescription  to  indicate  the  weight  of  each 
pill,  lich  may  vary  from  three  to  five  grains,  according  to  the  views  of  the 
prescber.  There  can  be  but  little  doubt  that,  in  cases  in  which  the  alterative 
effect  of  iron  are  called  for,  Yallet’s  preparation  is  one  of  the  best  that  can  be 
empl  ed.  Its  chief  merits  are  its  unchangeableness  and  ready  solubility  in 
acids  For  further  information  respecting  it,  see  the  favourable  report  made  on 
Valles  ferruginous  pills  to  the  French  Royal  Academy  of  Medicine,  in  1837, 
by  MiSoubeiran,  republished  in  the  Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  x.  244,  and  the 
paperm  carbonate  of  iron  by  Professor  Procter,  contained  in  the  same  journal, 
x.  21  B. 

P ’jUL2E  FERRI  COMPOSITiE.  JJ.  S.  Pilula  Ferri  Com- 
posiL  Lond.  Compound  Pills  of  Iron. 

“'ke  of  Myrrh,  in  powder,  two  drachms ; Carbonate  of  Soda,  Sulphate  of 
Iron,ach,  a drachm;  Syrup  a sufficient  quantity.  Rub  the  Myrrh  with  the 
Carb  ate  of  Soda;  then  add  the  Sulphate  of  Iron,  and  again  rub  them ; lastly, 
beat  em  with  the  Syrup  so  as  to  form  a mass,  to  be  divided  into  eighty  pills.” 

Tli  directions  of  the  London  College  are  essentially  the  same  as  the  above,  a 
drach  of  molasses  being  substituted  for  the  indefinite  quantity  of  syrup,  and 
tbe  ; svious  heating  of  the  mortar  ordered.  The  London  preparation  is  not 
divic  1 into  pills. 


1118 


Pilulse. 


PAR]  I, 


This  preparation  is  closely  analogous  to  the  Mistura  Ferri  Composita  in  > 
perties  and  composition.  It  is  a good  emmenagogue  and  antihectic  tonic.  ,3 
its  peculiar  advantages  depend  upon  the  presence  of  carbonate  of  protoxid  i 
iron,  which  speedily  changes  into  the  sesquioxide  on  exposure,  it  is  proper  u 
only  so  much  of  the  mass  should  be  prepared  as  may  be  wanted  for  immec:e 
use.  It  is  said  that  the  iron  will  be  better  preserved  in  the  state  of  protoi  3 
if,  instead  of  mixing  the  ingredients  as  directed  in  the  Pharmacopoeia,  the  3. 
rator  should  first  dissolve  the  sulphate  of  iron, finely  powdered,  in  the  syrup,'  h 
a moderate  heat,  then  add  the  carbonate  of  soda,  stirring  till  effervescence  ee;  3 
and  lastly  incorporate  the  myrrh.  From  two  to  six  pills  may  be  given  at  a de, 
three  times  a day.  ^ 

PILULiE  FERRI  IODIDE  U.  S.  Pills  of  Iodide  of  Iron. 

“Take  of  Sulphate  of  Iron  a drachm;  Iodide  of  Potassium  four  scruy.; 
Tragacanth,  in  powder,  ten  grains;  Sugar,  in  powder,  half  a drachm.  Et 
them  with  Syrup  so  as  to  form  a mass,  to  be  divided  into  forty  pills.”  U.  I 

These  pills  are  formed  on  the  plau  proposed  by  M.  Calloud.  The  iodidif 
iron  results  from  a double  decomposition  between  crystallized  sulphate  of  jt- 
oxide  of  iron  and  iodide  of  potassium ; and  sulphate  of  potassa  is  at  the  s ie 
time  formed,  which,  consequently,  is  an  ingredient  in  the  pill.  There  is  -o 
present  some  iodide  of  potassium,  which  is  taken  in  a quantity  more  than  si- 
cient  to  decompose  all  the  sulphate  of  iron.  In  forming  the  pill,  the  sulpha 
and  iodide  should  be  rubbed  together  until  they  are  thoroughly  mixed;  e;r 
which  the  sugar  and  tragacanth  should  be  incorporated,  and  lastly  the  syp. 
The  sugar  used  is  intended  to  protect  the  iodide  of  iron  formed  from  oxidat:. 

This  pill  is  a new  officinal  of  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia  of  1850.  It  was  1- 
sidered  desirable  to  have  a pill  of  iodide  of  iron;  and  as  the  officinal  iodide  (33 
not  keep  well,  and  is  not  readily  made  into  pills,  it  was  thought  by  the  revi rs 
of  our  national  standard  that  the  process  of  Calloud,  by  double  decomposite 
would,  probably,  furnish  a convenient  extemporaneous  pill,  which  would  no>e 
injured  by  the  presence  of  a little  sulphate  of  potassa.  But  the  presence  <o 
of  some  iodide  of  potassium  also  renders  it  still  more  complex,  and  formi.n 
objection  to  it.  This  pill  should  never  be  kept,  but  made  only  when  wantedir 
immediate  use.  It  is  rather  friable  in  its  consistence,  and  exhales  iodine  sligiy 
when  made  for  some  time.  Its  taste  is  styptic  and  rather  acrid,  and  it  is,  the- 
fore,  unpleasant  to  swallow.  It  may  be  presumed  to  create  some  irritatioof 
the  stomach  before  it  is  dissolved.  When  freshly  prepared,  each  pill  contaiia 
little  over  a grain  and  a half  of  iodide  of  iron.  The  therapeutic  applicationnf 
this  preparation  are  the  same  as  those  of  the  solution  of  iodide  of  iron.  (:e 
Liquor  Ferri  lodidi. ) The  latter,  however,  is  in  all  respects  a preferable  for. 
For  other  formulae  for  making  a pill  of  iodide  of  iron  from  the  solid  iode 
directly,  see  Ferri  Iodidum,  page  1005.  IE 

PILULyE  FERRI  SULPHATIS.  Pd.  Pills  of  Sulphate  of  In. 

“Take  of  Dried  Sulphate  of  Iron  two  parts;  Extract  of  Taraxacum  five  pa'', 
Conserve  of  Red  Roses  tico  parts;  Liquorice-root  powder  three  parts.  Beat  tlx 
together  into  a proper  mass,  which  is  to  be  divided  into  five-grain  pills.”  E< 

There  may  be  some  doubt  of  the  propriety  of  mixing  the  sulphate  of  iron  \ h 
the  confection  of  roses,  by  the  tannic  acid  of  which  it  must  be  decomposed,  ' e 
dose  is  from  five  to  twenty  grains.  " , . 

PILULJE  GALBANI  COMPOSITE.  U.S.  Pilula  GalbE 
Composita.  Loud.  Pilule  Assafcetidj:.  Ed.  Piluljs  Assa:> 
T1DA2  Composite.  Pub.  Compound  P ills  of  G-albanum. 

“ Take  of  Galbanum,  Myrrh,  each,  six  drachms;  Assafetida  two  drach ; 


PAR1I. 


Pilulse. 


1119 


Syru  a sufficient  quantity.  Beat  them  together,  so  as  to  form  a mass,  to  be 
dividli  into  two  hundred  and  forty  pills.”  U.  S- 

Tb  London  College  beats  together  into  a mass  two  drachms  of  prepared  gal- 
banu,  three  drachms , each,  of  myrrh  and  prepared  sagapenum,  a drachm  of 
prepaid  assafetida,  two  drachms  of  soft  soap,  and  a sufficient  quantity  of  molasses. 
The  Edinburgh  College  takes  of  assafetida,  galbanum,  and  myrrh,  each,  three 
partsiconserve  of  red  roses  four  parts  or  a sufficient  quantity , mixes  them,  and 
beat* hern  into  a proper  pilular  mass.  The  Dublin  College  takes  two  ounces  of 
assafi'da,  and  an  ounce,  each,  of  galbanum,  myrrh,  and  molasses,  heats  them 
in  a tpsule,  by  means  of  a steam  or  water  bath,  and  stirs  the  mass  until  it  as- 
sumes uniform  consistence. 

Th  compound  is  given  as  an  antispasmodic  and  emmenagogue  in  chlorosis 
and  Isteria.  The  dose  is  from  ten  to  twenty  grains.  W. 

PMJLiE  HYDRARGYRI.  U.  S.,JEd.,Dub.  Pilula  Hydrargyri. 
Lone  Mercurial  Pills.  Blue  Bills. 

“ Tke  of  Mercury  an  ounce ; Confection  of  Roses  an  ounce  and  a half; 
Liquhee  Root,  in  powder,  half  an  ounce.  Rub  the  Mercury  with  the  Confec- 
tion it  all  the  globules  disappear;  then  add  the  Liquorice  Root,  and  beat  the 
whohnto  a mass,  to  be  divided  into  four  hundred  and  eighty  pills.”  V.  S. 

Th  process  of  the  London  College  is  the  same  with  the  above,  one-half  only 
of  th  quantity  of  materials  being  used.  The  Dublin  process  differs  only  in 
aboutloubling  the  quantity  of  the  materials.  Neither  of  these  Colleges  orders 
the  nss  to  he  divided  into  pills.  The  Edinburgh  process  corresponds  with  that 
of  thijU.  S.  Pharmacopoeia,  except  that  the  relative  quantity  of  the  ingredients 
is  exfessed  in  parts,  and  the  mass  is  divided  into  five-grain  pills. 

Th  preparation  is  very  generally  known  by  the  name  of  blue  pill  or  blue 
mass.  The  mercury  constitutes  one-third  of  the  mass;  and  consequently  the  pill 
of  ou  Pharmacopoeia,  which  weighs  three  grains,  contains  one  grain  of  the  metal. 

Th  precise  condition  of  the  mercury  in  this  preparation  is  somewhat  uncer- 
tain. jiy  far  the  greater  portion  is  in  a state  of  minute  mechanical  division,  and 
not  c mically  altered.  Some  maintain  that  the  whole  of  the  metal  is  in  this 
state; thers,  that  a small  portion  is  converted  during  the  trituration  into  pro- 
toxid  and  that  this  is  the  ingredient  upon  which  the  activity  of  the  pill  depends. 
The  6posed  oxidation  is  attributed  partly  to  the  influence  of  the  air  upon  the 
surfaij  of  the  metal,  greatly  extended  by  the  separation  of  its  particles,  partly 
to  th  action  of  the  substance  used  in  the  trituration.  If  the  mercury  be  not 
oxidi:  1 during  the  trituration,  there  can  be  little  doubt  that  it  becomes  so  to  a 
slight extent  by  subsequent  exposure.  The  obvious  changes  which  the  mass 
uudeioes  by  time  can  be  explained  in  no  other  way;  and  protoxide  of  mercury 
is  ass  ted  to  have  been  actually  extracted  from  old  mercurial  pill.  Neverthe- 
less, jscarcely  admits  of  dispute,  that  the  metal,  quite  independently  of  oxida- 
tion cjt  of  the  body,  is  capable  of  producing  the  peculiar  mercurial  effects  when 
iotroi  ced  into  the  stomach,  probably  undergoing  chemical  changes  there.  Ac- 
cordii  to  M.  Mialhe,  mercury  is  slowly  converted  into  corrosive  sublimate  in 
the  sfmach,  under  the  combined  agency  of  air  and  chloride  of  sodium.  All 
agreeiat  the  efficacy  of  the  preparation  is  proportionate  to  the  extinction  of  the 
merely,  in  other  words,  to  the  degree  in  which  the  metallic  globules  disappear. 
This  ctinction  may  be  effected  by  trituration  with  various  substances;  and 
mann  syrup,  honey,  liquorice,  mucilage,  soap,  guaiac,  and  extract  of  dandelion 
have  jen  recommended,  among  others,  for  this  purpose  ; but  the  confection  of 
roses  is  been  adopted  in  all  the  Pharmacopoeias,  as  less  liable  to  objection  than 
any  c er.  The  mercury  is  known  to  be  completely  extinguished,  when,  upon 
rabbi:;  a small  portion  of  the  mass  with  the  end  of  the  finger  upon  a piece  of 
paper  r glass,  no  globules  appear.  Powdered  liquorice  root  is  added  in  order 


1120 


Pilulse. 


PAR'  X 


to  give  due  consistence  to  tbe  mass.  Some  prefer  for  the  purpose  powded 
marshmallow  root.  As  the  trituration  requires  to  be  long  continued,  and  rer  rs 
the  process  very  laborious,  it  is  customary  to  prepare  the  mass  by  machir  y. 
At  Apothecaries’  Hall,  in  London,  the  trituration  is  elfected  by  the  avent  of 
steam.  The  machine  there  employed  consists  of  “a  circular  iron  trough foihe 
reception  of  the  materials,  in  which  revolve  four  wooden  cylinders,  having  so 
a motion  on  their  axis.”  A machine  for  preparing  blue  mass,  capable  of  tig 
worked  by  the  hand  or  by  steam-power,  has  been  invented  by  Mr.  J.  W Y. 
Gordon,  of  Baltimore,  and,  having  been  found  to  answer  well,  is  in  exteue 
use.  It  is  described  and  figured  in  the  American  Journal  of  Pharmacy  id. 
6).*  Formerly  much  of  the  blue  mass  used  in  this  country  was  imported  ;ut 
at  present  the  market  is  chiefly  supplied  by  our  own  druggists.  The  preparnn 
slowly  changes  colour  upon  being  kept,  assuming  an  olive  and  sometimes  ev  a 
reddish  tint,  in  consequence,  probably,  of  the  further  oxidation  of  the  merco.f 
Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  These  pills  are  among  the  mildest  of  the  t- 
c-urials,  being  less  liable  than  most  others  to  act  upon  the  bowels,  and  cxercbg 
the  peculiar  influence  of  the  remedy  upon  the  system  with  less  irritation.  Aj 
are  much  employed  for  producing  the  sialagogue  and  alterative  action  of  ;r- 
cury.  For  the  former  purpose,  one  pill  may  be  given  two  or  three  times  a y; 
and  in  urgent  cases  the  dose  may  be  increased.  Even  this  preparation  sne- 
times  disturbs  the  bowels.  It  should  then  be  given  combined  with  a lie 
opium,  or  in  very  minute  doses,  as  half  a grain  or  a grain  of  the  mass  repeed 
every  hour  or  two  through  the  day,  so  as  to  allow  of  its  absorption  before  a lf- 
ficient  quantity  has  been  administered  to  act  as  an  irritant.  With  a viewtche 
alterative  effect  upon  the  digestive  organs,  one  pill  may  be  given  every  nigh  or 
every  other  night,  at  bedtime,  and  followed  in  the  morning,  if  the  bowels  sh  Id 
not  be  opened,  by  a small  dose  of  laxative  medicine.  From  five  to  fifteen  gins 
of  the  mass  are  occasionally  given  as  a cathartic,  in  cases  requiring  a pec  ar 
impression  upon  the  liver;  but  when  used  for  this  purpose,  it  should  ahys 
either  be  combined  with  or  speedily  followed  by  a more  certain  purgative,  he 
Hue  mass  may  frequently  be  administered  with  advantage,  suspended  in  tier 
by  the  intervention  of  thick  mucilage;  and  it  forms  an  excellent  addition  tche 
chalk  mixture  in  diarrhoea,  particularly  that  of  children,  when  the  biliary  sec- 
tion is  deficient,  or  otherwise  deranged.  Y 

* Mr.  James  Beatson,  Apothecary  of  the  TJ.  S.  Naval  Hospital  at  New  York,  hasfnd 
great  advantage  in  the  following  mode  of  preparing  the  mercurial  pill,  which,  while  i.eh 
easier  than  the  officinal  method,  yields  the  same  results.  Instead  of  mixing  the  mewy 
with  the  confection,  he  first  rubs  it  with  the  honey  directed  in  the  preparation  of  the  in- 
fection, until  the  globules  disappear,  then  adds  the  heated  rose  water  and  sugar,  nd 
lastly  the  powdered  red  roses  and  liquorice  root  in  succession,  all  in  the  officinal  pror- 
tions.  For  the  quantity  of  the  material  directed  in  the  U.  S.  process  for  the  confecti  of 
roses,  he  employs  32  ounces  of  mercury.  (Am.  Journ.  of  P harm.,  xxiv.  204.) 

f This  preparation  is  very  apt  to  contain  less  than  the  due  proportion  of  mercury,  his 
was  frequently  the  case  with  the  mass  as  formerly  imported.  The  fraud  maybe  det  ed 
by  the  following  plan  of  estimating  the  proportion  of  mercury,  suggested  by  Prof,  .‘id 
of  New  York,  and  modified  by  a committee  of  the  Philadelphia  College  of  Pharmacy  A 
certain  weight  of  the  mercurial  pill,  say  fifty  grains,  is  ifiixed  with  about  one-fourth  its 
weight  of  iron  filings,  and  introduced  into  a small  green  glass  bulb,  at  the  end  of  a sie- 
what  curved  tube,  the  open  extremity  of  which  is  inserted  through  a cork,  into  alool 
contained  in  a broad-mouthed  glass  vial;  another  tube,  open  at  both  ends,  passing  thrgh 
the  cork  in  order  to  permit  the  escape  of  uncondensed  gases.  Heat  is  then  applied  the 
bulb  by  means  of  a spirit  lamp,  is  gradually  increased  until  the  glass  becomes  red-hotnd 
continued  for  an  hour.  The  alcohol  in  the  vial  dissolves  the  empyreumatic  products,  id. 
by  being  allowed  to  rise  in  the  tube,  and  then  expelled,  serves  to  wash  out  any  meuy 
that  may  be  condensed  upon  its  sides.  The  alcohol  is  poured  off  from  the  condensed  ?r- 
cury,  which  is  then  washed  with  fresh  alcohol,  dried,  and  weighed.  (See  Am.  Jour  oj 
P/tarm.,  xvii.  151  and  309.) 


PAi'  II.  Pilulse.  1121 

ILULA  HYDRARGYRI  CHLORIDI  MITIS.  U.S.  Pills  of 
Mil  Chloride  of  Mercury.  Calomel  Pills. 

“fake  of  Mild  Chloride  of  Mercury  [calomel]  half  an  ounce;  G-um  Arabic, 
in  ]ffder,  a drachm  ; Syrup  a sufficient  quantity.  Mix  together  the  Chloride 
of  ercury  and  the  Gum;  then  beat  them  with  the  Syrup  so  as  to  form  a mass, 
to  l\ divided  into  two  hundred  and  forty  pills.”  U.  S. 

1 is  is  a convenient  form  for  administering  calomel,  of  which  one  grain  is 
con'ined  in  each  pill.  Soap,  which  was  directed  in  the  preparation  of  this  pill 
in  t:  first  edition  of  the  Pharmacopoeia,  is  objectionable  on  account  of  its  chem- 
ical ^compatibility  with  calomel.*  Mucilage  of  gum  Arabic  alone  does  not  form 
a sriciently  plastic  mass;  but  gum  and  syrup  united,  as  in  the  officinal  formula, 
ans-pr  admirably  well,  forming  a mass  which  is  easily  made  into  pills,  and  which 
rcatly  yields  to  the  solvent  power  of  the  stomach.  W. 

ILULA  IPECACUANHA  CUM  SCILLA.  Land.  Pill  of 
Ipmcuanha  with  Squill. 

“fake  of  Compound  Powder  of  Ipecacuanha  [Dover’s  powder]  three  drachms ; 
Scjui,  recently  powdered,  Ammoniac,  in  powder,  each,  a drachm;  Molasses  a 
stiff ent  quantity.  Beat  them  together  so  as  to  form  a mass.”  Lond. 

A anodyne,  somewhat  stimulating,  and  expectorant  combination,  applicable 
to  c es  of  chronic  bronchial  disease.  The  dose  is  from  five  to  ten  grains.  W. 

ILULA  IPECACUANHA  ET  OPII.  Pd.  Pills  of  Ipeca- 
cuanha and  Opium. 

“fake  of  Powder  of  Ipecacuan  and  Opium  three  parts;  Conserve  of  Red 
Eos  one  part.  Beat  them  into  a proper  mass,  which  is  to  be  divided  into  four- 
graijpills.”  Ed. 

I s is  merely  the  Dover’s  powder  in  a pilular  form ; as  there  can  scarcely  be 
a dpt  that  the  College  intended  by  the  name  “ powder  of  ipecacuan  and 
opiu,”  to  designate  the  preparation  which  they  now  call  “ compound  powder  of 
ipecuanha.”  These  pills  are  narcotic  and  sudorific.  The  quantity  of  the 
maspquivalent  to  a grain  of  opium  is  about  thirteen  grains;  but  it  is  usually 
emp  yed  in  smaller  doses.  W. 

ILULA  OPII.  U.S.  Pilule  Opii  sive  Thebaic^.  Pd.  Pills 
of  (num. 

“-ike  of  Opium,  in  powder,  a drachm;  Soap  twelve  grains.  Beat  them  with 
watJso  as  to  form  a mass,  to  be  divided  into  sixty  pills.”  U.  S. 

“lake  of  Opium  one  part;  Sulphate  of  Potassa  three  parts;  Conserve  of  Red 
Eos  i one  part.  Beat  them  into  a proper  mass,  which  is  to  be  divided  into 
five-.ain  pills.”  Ed. 

T process  of  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia  is  designed  merely  to  furnish  a con- 
veni  t formula  for  putting  opium  into  the  pilular  form,  preferable  to  the  mode 
soar  mes  practised  of  making  the  pills  directly  from  the  unpowdered  mass  of 
opiu  as  found  in  commerce.  The  soap  answers  no  other  purpose  than  to  give 
a do  consistence,  and  is  therefore  in  small  proportion.  Each  pill  contains  a 
grai  of  opium. 

* 1 order  to  test  the  point  of  this  presumed  incompatibility,  Prof.  Procter,  at  our  re- 
ques 'made  some  experiments,  from  which  it  resulted  that  a hot  solution  of  pure  white 
Casts  soap,  allowed  to  cool,  produces  no  change  in  calomel  with  which  it  is  agitated ; 
but  tjt,  ifthe  same  solution  is  heated  with  calomel,  a somewhat  vigorous  reaction  takes 
placd-esulting,  by  double  decomposition,  in  the  production  of  chloride  of  sodium,  and 
oleo-  irgarate  of  the  protoxide  of  mercury.  But  the  experiment  does  not  decide,  whether 
long  (ntact  between  calomel  and  soap,  as  in  the  form  of  pill,  might  not  be  followed  by 
tbe  siie  effects  as  when  heat  is  employed.  There  can  be  no  doubt  of  the  incompatibility 
of  cr  mel  and  common  soap  with  an  excess  of  alkali. — Note  to  the  tenth  edition. 


1122 


Pilulae. 


PART 


The  object  intended  to  be  answered  by  the  Edinburgh  preparation  is  son 
what  uncertain.  The  proportion  of  the  opium  corresponds  with  that  in  t 
Pilulae  Saponis  Compositae  of  the  other  Pharmacopoeias,  but  the  name  given 
the  preparation  indicates  that  there  could  be  no  intention  to  conceal  its  natui 
while  the  direction  to  divide  the  mass  into  pills  of  five  grains,  each  containi 
a grain  of  opium,  shows  that  the  design  was  not  to  offer  the  means  of  exhibiti 
small  doses  of  that  narcotic  in  the  pilular  form.  The  object  probably  was  mere 
to  separate  the  particles  of  opium  by  the  intervention  of  sulphate  of  potassa,  a; 
thus  to  render  it  more  soluble  in  the  gastric  liquors.  In  this  case,  the  prej 
ration  ranks  rather  with  the  U.  S.  pills  of  opium,  with  which  we  have  placed 
than  with  the  compound  pills  of  soap. 

As  hard  old  opium  pills  are  sometimes  preferred,  in  cases  of  irritable  stomach, 
consequence  of  their  slow  solution,  it  is  proper  for  the  apothecary  to  keep  soi 
in  this  state  to  meet  the  prescription  of  the  physician. 

Of  either  of  the  officinal  pills  above  directed,  one  is  a medium  dose  in  referen 
to  the  full  effects  of  opium.  W. 

PILULiE  PLUMBI  OPIATiE.  Pd.  Opiate  pills  of  Lead. 

“ Take  of  Acetate  of  Lead  sixpjarts ; Opium  onepart ; Conserve  of  Red  Ros 
about  onepart.  Beat  them  into  a proper  mass,  which  is  to  be  divided  into  for 
grain  pills.  This  pill  may  be  made  also  with  twice  the  quantity  of  opium."  E 

This  pill  would  be  better  left  to  extemporaneous  prescription;  the  requisi 
proportion  of  opium  to  the  acetate  varying  in  different  cases.  Besides,  to  ha- 
two  preparations  under  the  same  name,  one  containing  twice  as  much  opium 
the  other,  must  lead  to  confusion,  and  is  altogether  objectionable.  The  tanD 
acid  of  the  confection  of  roses  decomposes  a portion  of  the  acetate;  but  the  r 
suiting  tannate  of  lead  is  not  inert.  Each  pill  contains  three  grains  of  aceta 
of  lead,  which  is  generally  too  much  for  a commencing  dose.  W. 

PILULiE  QUINLE  SULPHATIS.  U.  S.  Pills  of  Sulphate  < 
Quinia. 

“Take  of  Sulphate  of  Quinia  an  ounce;  Gum  Arabic,  in  powder,  h 
drachms ; Honey  a sufficient  quantity.  Mix  together  the  Sulphate  of  Quin 
and  the  Gum ; then  beat  them  with  the  Honey  so  as  to  form  a mass,  to  1 
divided  into  four  hundred  and  eighty  pills.”  U.  S. 

As  the  pills  made  as  here  directed  are  apt  to  become  hard,  and  of  diffieu 
solubility  when  long  kept,  various  other  excipients  have  been  recommended 
obviate  this  disadvantage,  as  honey  alone,  and  confection  of  roses.  Mr.  Edwai 
Parrish  lias  long  been  in  the  habit  of  preparing  pills  of  sulphate  of  quinia,  l 
taking  20  grains  of  the  salt,  adding  15  drops  of  aromatic  sulphuric  acid,  at 
triturating  with  a spatula  until  the  mixture  assumes  a pilular  consistent' 
Though  at  first  liquid,  the  mixture  soon  thickens,  and  finally  becomes  qui 
solid.  The  officinal  sulphate  is  thus  rendered  more  soluble  by  combining  wit 
an  additional  eq.  of  sulphuric  acid.  The  advantages  of  this  process  are  the  soh 
bility  of  the  resulting  pill,  and  the  smallness  of  its  bulk.  A five-grain  pill  mac 
in  this  way  is  not  inconveniently  large.  ( Am . Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xxv.  202. 1 

Each  of  the  officinal  pills  contains  a grain  of  sulphate  of  quinia,  and  tweh 
are  equivalent  to  an  ounce  of  good  Peruvian  bark.  W.. 

PILULiE  RHEI.  U.  S.,  Pd.  Pills  of  Rhubarb. 

“ Take  of  Rhubarb,  in  powder,  six  drachms ; Soap  tico  drachms.  Beat  thei 
with  water  so  as  to  form  a mass,  to  be  divided  into  one  hundred  and  twent 
pills.”  U.S. 

“Take  of  Rhubarb,  in  fine  powder,  nine  parts ; Acetate  of  Potash  one  port 
Conserve  of  Red  Roses  five  parts.  Beat  them  into  a proper  mass,  and  divic 
it  into  five-grain  pills.”  Ed. 


ART  II. 


Pilulse. 


1123 


Rhubarb  is  so  often  given  in  the  pilular  form,  that  it  is  convenient  both  for 
e physician  and  apothecary  to  have  an  officinal  formula,  indicating  the  mode 
' preparing  the  pills,  as  well  as  the  quantity  of  rhubarb  to  be  contained  in 
eh.  Soap,  as  directed  by  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia,  has  stood  the  test  of  long 
cperience  as  a good  excipient  for  rhubarb.  The  medicine  is  sufficiently  dis- 
ced to  constipate  without  the  addition  of  the  confection  of  roses,  ordered  by 
e Edinburgh  College.  The  acetate  of  potassa  directed  by  the  College  is 
iobably  intended  to  keep  the  pill  soft.  The  U.  S.  formula  is  decidedly  pre- 
rable.  According  to  both,  each  pill  contains  three  grains  of  rhubarb.  W. 

PILUL.ZE  RHEI  COMPOSITiE.  U.  S.,  Pd.,  Bub.  Pilula  Rhei 
OMPOSITA.  Lond.  Compound  Pills  of  Rhubarb. 

“Take  of  Rhubarb,  in  powder,  an  ounce;  Aloes,  in  powder,  six  drachms ; 
yrrh,  in  powder,  half  an  ounce;  Oil  of  Peppermint  half  a fluiclrachm.  Beat 
'em  with  water  so  as  to  form  a mass,  to  be  divided  into  two  hundred  and  forty 
fls”  U.S. 

The  London  College  takes  half  of  the  above  quantities  of  powdered  rhubarb, 
nes,  and  myrrh  ; mixes  them ; then  adds  half  a drachm  of  soft  soap,  fifteen 
inims  of  oil  of  caraway,  and  sufficient  molasses;  and  beats  them  all  together, 
he  Edinburgh  College  takes  of  rhubarb  twelve  parts,  aloes  nine  parts,  myrrh 
id  Castile  soap,  each,  six  parts,  oil  of  peppermint  one  part,  and  conserve  of  x-ed 
lies  five  parts;  mixes  them,  and  beats  them  into  a mass,  which  is  divided  into 
ie-grain  pills.  This  College  also  allows  the  pills  to  be  made  without  oil  of 
jopermint,  when  so  pi’eferred.  The  Dublin  College  uses  the  same  ingi-edients 
J the  Edinburgh,  in  the  same  relative  proportions,  except  that  sixteen  parts  of 
nlasses  are  used  instead  of  five  parts  of  conserve  of  roses.  The  proportion  of 
nlasses  (“treacle,”  Dub.)  is  so  large  that  we  suspect  some  error  of  the  press. 
This  is  a warm  tonic  laxative,  useful  in  costiveness  with  debility  of  stomach, 
lom  two  to  four  pills,  or  from  ten  to  twenty  grains  of  the  mass,  may  be  taken 
»ce  a day.  W. 

PILULaE  RHEI  ET  FERRI.  Pd.  Pills  of  Rhubarb  and  Iron. 
‘Take  of  Dried  Sulphate  of  Iron  four  parts  ; Extract  of  Rhubarb  ten  parts  ; 
(asexwe  of  Red  Roses  five  parts.  Beat  them  into  a proper  pill  mass,  and  divide 
i nto  five-grain  pills.”  Ed. 

Conic  and  laxative  in  the  dose  of  two  or  three  pills.  W. 

HLULaE  SAPONIS  COMPOSITE.  U.S.,  Bub.  Pilula  Saponis 
(mposita.  Lond.  Compound  Pills  of  Soap. 

‘Take  of  Opium,  in  powder,  half  an  ounce ; Soap  two  ounces.  Beat  them 
fill  water  so  as  to  form  a pilular  mass.”  U.  S. 

.'he  London  College  takes  of  opium  and  liquorice  root,  each,  in  powder,  two 
d'chms,  of  soft  soap  six  drachms,  and  beats  them  into  a mass;  the  Dublin  takes 
o opium,  in  fine  powder,  half  an  ounce  [avoirdupois],  Castile  soap  two  ounces 
Dpird.],  and  of  distilled  water  half  a fiuidraehm  or  a sufficiency,  reduces  the 
so  to  a fine  powder,  adds  the  opium  and  watei',  and  beats  into  a mass. 

'his  px-eparation  is  useful  by  affording  the  opportunity  of  conveniently  ad- 
it istering  opium,  in  a pilular  and  readily  soluble  form,  in  small  fractions  of  a 
g:  n.  The  na'me  adopted  in  the  Pharmacopoeias  was  probably  intended  to  con- 
cf  the  nature  of  the  pi’eparation  from  the  patient.  One  grain  of  opium  is 
crained  in  five  of  the  mass.  W. 

’ILUL M SCILLaE  COMPOSITE.  U.  S.,  Bub.  Pilula  Scillj; 
C iposita.  Lond.  Pilule  Scill^e.  Pd.  Compound  Pills  of  Squill. 

Take  of  Squill,  in  powder,  a drachm;  Ginger,  in  powder,  Ammoniac,  in 
p<  der,  each,  two  drachms  ; Soap  three  drachms  ; Syrup  a sufficient  quantity. 


1124 


Pilulse. — Plumbum. 


PARI 


Mix  tlie  powders  together ; then  beat  them  with  the  Soap,  and  add  the  Sy;  3 
so  as  to  form  a mass,  to  be  divided  into  one  hundred  and  twenty  pills.”  U.  >[ 

The  London  College  employs  the  same  materials,  in  the  same  quantities,  exc  t 
that  it  substitutes  soft  soap  for  Castile  soap,  and  a drachm  of  molasses  for  3 
sufficiency  of  syrup;  and  completes  the  process  in  the  same  manner,  but  witht 
dividing  the  mass.  The  Edinburgh  College  takes  of  squill,  in  fine  powder,  /3 
parts;  ammoniac,  ginger,  in  fine  powder,  and  Spanish  soap,  each,  four  par, 
conserve  of  red  roses  two  parts;  mixes  the  powders;  then  adds  the  other  ing- 
dients;  and  beats  them  into  a uniform  mass,  which  is  divided  into  five-gn 
pills.  The  Dublin  College  reduces  two  ounces  [avoirdupois]  of  Castile  soap) 
fine  powder,  adds  half  an  ounce  [avoird.]  of  finely  powdered  opium,  and  hah 
fluidrachm  or  as  much  as  may  be  sufficient  of  distilled  water,  and  beats  the  m - 
ture  into  a uniform  mass. 

This  is  a stimulant  expectorant  compound,  depending  for  its  virtues  chiefly  1 
the  squill,  and  applicable  to  the  treatment  of  chronic  affections  of  the  bronchi 
mucous  membrane.  From  five  to  ten  grains  may  be  given  three  or  four  tics 
a day.  The  preparation  should  be  made  when  wanted  for  immediate  use,  as  3 
squill  which  it  contains  is  liable  to  be  injured  by  keeping.  W. 

PILULA  STYRACIS  COMPOSITA.  Pond.  Pilulje  Styrac. 

Ed.  Compound  Pill  of  Storax. 

“Take  of  Prepared  Storax  six  drachms ; Opium,  in  powder,  Saffron,  each, U 
drachms.  Beat  them  together,  so  as  to  form  a mass.”  Land. 

The  Edinburgh  College  takes  of  opium  and  saffron,  each,  one  part,  and  f 
extract  of  storax  two  parts,  and  beats  them  into  a uniform  mass,  which  is  divic'l 
into  four-grain  pills. 

In  these  pills,  the  storax  and  saffron  are  added  merely  to  conceal  the  taste  al 
smell  of  the  opium,  as  the  name  of  the  pills  is  intended  to  conceal  their  rl 
character.  This  contrivance  is  deemed  necessary;  as  some  individuals  havi 
prejudice  against  the  use  of  opium,  which  reason  cannot  overcome.  Five  gras 
of  the  mass  contain  a grain  of  opium.  W.| 

PLUMBUM. 

Preparations  of  Lead. 

LIQUOR  PLUMBI  SUBACETATIS.  U.S.,Dub.  Liquor  Ploi 
Diacetatis.  Lond.  Plujibi  Diacetatis  Solutio.  Ed.  Solution  r 
Subacetate  of  Lead. 

“Take  of  Acetate  of  Lead  sixteen  ounces;  Semivittified  Oxide  of  Lead,i 
fine  powder,  nine  ounces  and  a half ; Distilled  Water  four  pints.  Boil  thn 
together  in  a glass  or  porcelain  vessel  for  half  an  hour,  occasionally  adding  I- 
tilled  Water  so  as  to  preserve  the  measure,  and  filter  through  paper.  Keep  t) 
solution  in  closely  stopped  bottles.”  U.  S.  The  sp.  gr.  of  this  solution  is  l'ffi. 

“Take  of  Acetate  of  Lead  two  pounds  and  three  ounces;  Oxide  of  Lead  [litharg , 
rubbed  into  powder,  a pound  and  four  ounces  ; Distilled  Water  six  pints  [I- 
perial  measure].  Boil  for  half  an  hour,  occasionally  stirring,  and,  when  t) 
solution  has  cooled,  add  enough  Distilled  Water  to  make  it  fill  ^x  pints  [In- 
meas.] ; lastly  filter.  Let  it  be  kept  in  well  stopped  bottles.”  Loncl.  The  ;• 
gr.  of  the  solution  is  1‘260. 

“Take  of  Acetate  of  Lead  six  ounces  and  six  drachms;  Litharge,  in  fb 
powder,  four  ounces;  Water  a pint  and  a half  [Imperial  measure].  Boil  t; 
Salt  and  Litharge  with  the  Water  for  half  an  hour,  stirring  occasionally.  Win 
the  solution  is  cold  add  Water,  if  necessary,  to  make  up  a pint  and  a half  [In- 
meas.];  and  then  filter.  Preserve  the  solution  in  well  closed  bottles.”  Ed. 


Plumbum. 


1125 


iiR-T  II. 

“ Take  of  Acetate  of  Lead  six  ounces  [avoirdupois] ; Litharge,  in  fine  powder, 
jiir  Qimdes  [avoird.];  Distilled  Water  two  pints  [Imperial  measure].  Dissolve 
te  Acetate  of  Lead  in  the  Water,  and,  when  the  solution  is  raised  to  its  boiling 
tnperature,  add  dhe  Litharge  in  successive  portions,  and  boil  gently  for  half  an 
]ur.  Add  now  as  much  distilled  water  as  will  supply  what  has  been  lost  by 
caporation,  and  filter  through  paper  into  a bottle,  which  should  be  furnished 
ith  an  air-tight  stopper.  The  sp.  gr.  of  this  solution  is  1‘066.”  Dub. 
Crystallized  acetate  of  lead  consists  of  one  equivalent  of  acetic  acid  51,  one 
(protoxide  of  lead  111 '6,  and  three  of  water  27  = 189'6.  Litharge,  as  usually 
iind  in  the  shops,  is  an  impure  protoxide  of  lead.  When  a solution  of  the 
1 mer  is  boiled  with  the  latter,  a large  quantity  of  the  protoxide  is  dissolved, 
d a subacetate  of  lead  is  formed,  which  remains  in  solution.  The  precise  com- 
pition  of  the  subacetate  varies  with  the  proportion  of  acetate  of  lead  and  of 
Large  employed.  When  the  quantity  of  the  latter  exceeds  that  of  the  former 
1 one-half  or  more,  the  acetic  acid  of  the  acetate  unites,  according  to  the  highest 
cjmical  authorities,  with  two  additional  equivalents  of  protoxide,  forming  a tris- 
t:tate ; when  the  two  substances  are  mixed  in  proportions  corresponding  with 
t;ir  equivalent  numbers,  that  is,  in  the  proportion  of  189 '6  of  salt  to  111 '6  of 
c de,  or  10  to  6 nearly,  only  one  additional  equivalent  of  protoxide  unites  with 
t;  acid,  and  a diacetate  of  lead  is  produced.  In  all  the  present  officinal  pro- 
cses,  the  proportions  appear  to  have  been  arranged  in  reference  to  this  result. 
1 executing  the  process,  the  litharge  should  be  employed  in  the  state  of  very 
1b  powder,  and,  according  to  Thenard,  should  be  previously  calcined  in  order 
tdecompose  the  carbonate  of  lead,  which  it  always  contains  in  greater  or  less 
{•portion,  and  which  is  not  dissolved  by  the  solution  of  the  acetate. 

[n  former  editions  of  the  London  and  Dublin  Pharmacopoeias,  a different  pro- 
cs  was  directed,  consisting  in  boiling  litharge  with  distilled  vinegar,  the  former 
tag  in  much  larger  proportion  than  necessary  to  form  the  neutral  acetate.  A 
Acetate  was  thus  produced;  but  as  the  vinegar  was  of  uncertain  strength,  there 
vs  necessarily  more  or  less  inequality  of  strength  in  the  preparation.  This  pro- 
c 3,  therefore,  has  been  abandoned.  The  solution  prepared  from  litharge  and 
d filled  vinegar  has  a pale  greenish-straw  colour,  owing  to  impurities  in  the 
vegar.  When  made  with  common  vinegar  it  is  brown. 

Properties.  The  solution  of  subacetate  of  lead  of  the  Pharmacopoeias  is  colour- 
lc. , and  of  a sweetish,  astringent  taste.  Vfihen  concentrated  by  evaporation,  it 
d osits  on  cooling  crystalline  plates,  which,  according  to  Dr.  Barker,  are  flat 
r;  inboidal  prisms,  with  dihedral  summits.  It  has  an  alkaline  reaction,  tinging 
tl  syrup  of  violets  green,  and  reddening  turmeric  paper.  One  of  its  most 
si  king  properties  is  the  extreme  facility  with  which  it  is  decomposed.  Car- 
b ic  acid  throws  down  a white  precipitate  of  carbonate  of  lead ; and  this  hap- 
p s by  mere  exposure  to  the  air,  or  by  mixture  even  with  distilled  water,  if 
tl  has  had  an  opportunity  of  absorbing  carbonic  acid  from  the  atmosphere.  It 
airds  precipitates  also  with  the  alkalies,  alkaline  earths,  and  their  carbonates, 
w i sulphurie  and  muriatic  acids  free  or  combined,  with  hydrosulphuric  acid 
ai  the  hydrosulphates,  with  the  soluble  iodides  and  chlorides,  and,  according 
tc'kenard,  with  solutions  of  all  the  neutral  salts.  Solutions  of  gum,  tannin, 
nd  vegetable  colouring  principles,  and  many  animal  substances,  particularly 
al  imen,  produce  with  it  precipitates  consisting  of  the  substance  added  and  oxide 
oi  ead.  It  should  be  kept  in  well  stopped  bottles.  It  is  known  to  contain  a 
B2  of  acetic  acid  by  emitting  an  acetous  smell  when  treated  with  sulphuric 
ac  ; and  a salt  of  lead  by  yielding  a white  precipitate  with  an  alkaline  carbo- 
m , a yellow  one  with  iodide  of  potassium,  and  a hlack  one  with  hydrosulphuric 
ac . It  is  distinguished  from  the  solution  of  acetate  of  lead  by  being  preci- 
pi  ted  by  gum  Arabic. 


1126 


Plumbum. 


PART  i 


Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  This  solution  is  astringent  and  sedative,  bi 
is  employed  only  as  an  external  application.  It  is  highly  useful  in  infkmmatic 
arising  from  sprains,  bruises,  burns,  blisters,  &c.,  to  which  it  is  applied  by  meai 
of  linen  cloths,  which  should  be  removed  as  fast  as  they  become  dry.  It  alway 
however,  requires  to  be  diluted.  From  four  fluidraclims  to  a fluidounee,  adde 
to  a pint  of  distilled  water,  forms  a solution  sufficiently  strong  in  ordinary  cas< 
of  external  inflammation.  When  applied  to  the  skin  denuded  of  the  cuticle,  tl 
solution  should  be  still  weaker ; as  constitutional  effects  might  result  frum  tl 
absorption  of  the  lead.  Paralysis  is  said  to  have  been  produced  by  its  loc 
action  ; but  we  have  not  witnessed  such  an  effect.  The  solution  has  the  commc 
name  of  Goulard’s  extract , derived  from  a surgeon  of  Montpellier,  by  whom 
was  introduced  into  general  notice,  though  previously  employed. 

Off.  Prep.  Ceratum  Plurnbi  Subacetatis;  Ceratum  Saponis;  Liquor  Plum 
Subacetatis  Dilutus.  W. 

LIQUOR  PLUMBI  SUBACETATIS  DILUTUS.  TJ.S.  Liquo 
Plumbi  Diacetatis  Dilutus.  Loud.  Plumbi  Subacetatis  Liquo 
Compositus.  Dub.  Diluted  Solution  of  Subacetate  of  Lead.  Lead-wate 

“ Take  of  Solution  of  Subacetate  of  Lead  two  fluidraclims ; Distilled  Water 
pint.  Mix  them.”  U.  S. 

The  London  College  mixes  a fluidrachm  and  a half  of  the  solution  with 
pint  [Imperial  measure]  of  distilled  water,  and  two  fluidraclims  of  proof  spirit 
the  Dublin,  two  fluidounces  of  the  solution,  with  half  a gallon  [Imp.  meas.] 
distilled  water,  and  two  fluidounces  of  proof  spirit. 

This  preparation  is  convenient ; as,  in  consequence  of  the  subsidence  of  tl 
carbonate  of  lead  usually  formed  on  the  dilution  of  the  strong  solution,  it  enabh 
the  apothecary  to  furnish  clear  lead-water  when  it  is  called  for.  The  streDgt 
of  the  U.  S.  preparation,  though  double  what  it  formerly  was,  might  be  sti 
further  increased  without  disadvantage.  The  London  preparation  is  much  t( 
feeble.  The  Dublin  College  in  its  Pharmacopoeia  for  1850  has  about  triple 
the  former  strength;  and  its  solution  is  about  one-third  stronger  than  that  of  oi 
own  Pharmacopoeia.  The  old  French  Codex  directed  two  drachms  of  the  stror 
solution  to  a pound  of  distilled  water,  and  an  ounce  of  alcohol  of  22°  Baum 
and  thus  formed  the  vegeto-mineral  water  of  Goulard.  The  minute  proportion 
of  proof  spirit  added  by  the  British  Colleges  can  have  little  sensible  effect.  Tl 
preparation  should  be  as  much  as  possible  excluded  from  the  air.  W. 

PLUMBI  IODIDUM.  U.S.,  Lond.,  Pd.,  Dub.  Iodide  of  Lead. 

“Take  of  Nitrate  of  Lead,  Iodide  of  Potassium,  each, /bar  ounces;  Distilk 
Water  a sufficient  quantity.  With  the  aid  of  heat;  dissolve  the  Nitrate  of  Let 
in  a pint  and  a half,  and  the  Iodide  of  Potassium  in  half  a pint  of  Distilk 
Water,  and  mix  the  solutions.  Having  allowed  the  insoluble  matter  to  subsid 
pour  off  the  supernatant  liquid,  wash  the  precipitate  with  Distilled  Water,  ar 
dry  it  with  a gentle  heat.”  U.  S. 

“Take  of  Acetate  of  Lead  eight  ounces;  Iodide  of  Potassium  seven  ounce. 
Distilled  Water  a gallon  [Imperial  measure].  Dissolve  the  Acetate  in  six  pin 
of  the  Water,  and  filter ; and  to  these  add  the  Iodide  of  Potassium  previous 
dissolved  in  two  pints  of  the  Water.  Wash  the  precipitate  with  cold  distilk 
water  and  dry  it.  Let  it  be  kept  excluded  from  the  light.”  Lond. 

“ Take  of  Iodide  of  Potassium  and  Nitrate  of  Lead,  of  each,  an  ounce;  Wat 
a pint  and  a half  [Imperial  measure].  Dissolve  the  salts  separately,  eaek 
one-half  of  the  Water;  add  the  solutions;  collect  the  precipitate  on  a filter 
linen  or  calico,  and  wash  it  with  water.  Boil  the  powder  in  three  gallons 
water  acidulated  with  three  fluidounces  of  Pyroligneous  Acid  [acetic  acid].  L 
any  undissolvecl  matter  subside,  maintaining  the  temperature  near  the  boilii 


irtii.  Plumbum.  1127 

pnt;  and  pour  off  the  clear  liquor,  from  which  the  Iodide  of  Lead  will  crystal- 
p on  cooling.”  Ed. 

The  Dublin  process  differs  from  that  of  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia  simply  in  the 
us  of  a much  larger  proportion  of  water  of  solution,  and  in  directing  the  two 
sutions  to  be  cold  before  being  mixed. 

[n  the  U.  S.  process  the  nitrate  of  lead  gives  up  its  metal  to  the  iodine,  from 
vich  it  receives  the  potassium;  the  operation  taking  place  between  single 
eiivalents  of  the  several  ingredients.  The  nitrate  of  potassa  thus  formed  re- 
sins in  solution,  while  the  iodide  of  lead  is  precipitated.  The  saturating  pro- 
ptions  of  nitrate  of  lead  and  iodide  of  potassium  are  165 '6  of  the  former  and 
1)'5  of  the  latter,  or  almost  precisely  equal  quantities.  The  proportions  should 
bas  nearly  as  possible  those  of  exact  saturation.  An  excess  of  the  iodide  of 
passium,  independently  of  the  waste,  has  the  disadvantage  of  holding  a portion 
otke  iodide  of  lead  in  solution;  while,  according  to  Christison,  an  excess  of 
Id  over  the  iodine  disposes  to  the  formation  of  the  lemon-yellow  insoluble 
o/iodide  of  lead.  By  the  use  of  equal  quantities  of'  the  two  salts,  these  dis- 
aantages  are  avoided.  As  iodide  of  lead  is  slightly  soluble  in  cold  water,  it 
isdesirable  to  use  as  little  of  the  menstruum  as  will  answer;  and  hence  the 
ciparatively  small  proportion  of  water  employed  in  the  U.  S.  process. 

The  Edinburgh  and  Dublin  processes  are  based  upon  the  same  principle  as 
tit  of  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia.  In  both,  however,  an  unnecessarily  large  pro- 
ption  of  water  is  employed.  The  iodide  of  potassium  of  commerce  is  apt  to 
b contaminated  with  carbonate  of  potassa,  which  occasions  a precipitation  of 
cbonate  of  lead.  It  is  to  free  the  precipitated  iodide  of  lead  from  this  impu- 
re, and  from  any  oxyiodide  that  may  be  formed  by  an  accidental  excess  of  lead, 
tit  the  Edinburgh  College  directs  it  to  be  boiled  with  water  acidulated  with 
a :ic  acid,  which  dissolves  any  carbonate  or  oxide  of  lead  present,  as  well  as  the 
ic  de,  and  deposits  only  the  last  upon  cooling.  But  some  waste  is  incurred  in 
tb  operation;  and  it  would  be  better  to  ascertain  beforehand  that  the  materials 
euloyed  are  pure. 

n the  process  of  the  London  College,  acetate  of  lead  is  used  instead  of  the 
n ate.  In  the  Pharmacopoeia  of  1836,  an  excess  of  the  acetate  was  directed; 
b the  error  was  corrected  in  the  last  edition.  There  are,  however,  other  objec- 
ti  s to  this  process.  Acetate  of  lead  is  very  liable  to  contain  an  excess  of  the 
o:le,  and,  as  iodide  of  potassium  is  often  impure,  it  follows  that  a portion  of 
o:  iodide  of  lead  will  be  very  apt  to  form,  even  when  the  two  materials  are  used 
ajurently  in  mutually  saturating  proportions.  To  obviate  the  disadvantage  of 
ai excess  of  oxide  in  the  acetate,  it  is  recommended  to  add  a little  acetic  acid 
tc  he  solution  of  that  salt  before  mixing  it  with  the  iodide  of  potassium. 

I.  Depaire,  of  Brussels,  ascertained  that,  in  the  process  in  which  acetate  of 
le  and  iodide  of  potassium  are  employed,  a considerable  amount  of  iodine 
reains  in  solution  after  the  precipitation  of  the  iodide  of  lead;  and  M.  F. 
B det  states  that  the  quantity  of  the  iodide  resulting  from  the  process  is  10 
pc  cent.  less  than  theory  would  indicate.  By  the  addition  of  nitric  acid  to  the 
sc  tion,  after  precipitation,  an  additional  quantity  of  iodide  of  lead  is  obtained. 
J1  Boudet  ascribes  this  result  to  the  formation  of  a portion  of  soluble  iodide  of 
pc.ssium  and  lead,  whenever  iodide  of  lead  and  acetate  of  potassa  are  in  con- 
ta  By  substituting  nitrate  for  acetate  of  lead,  he  found  that  a quantity  of 
io  le  of  lead  was  obtained,  as  near  that  required  by  theory  as  the  solubility  of 
tb  iodide  of  lead  permits.  ( Journ . de  Pliarm.,  3e  ser.,  xi.  274.) 

rom  the  above  remarks  it  would  appear  that  the  process  of  the  U.  S.  Phar- 
in  opceia  is  on  the  whole  to  be  preferred,  and  especially  over  that  in  which  the 
acute  of  lead  is  used,  as  the  nitrate  is  more  easily  obtained  pure.  Some  in- 
te  king  experiments  have  been  made  by  M.  T.  Huraut,  of  Paris,  on  the  different 


1128 


Plumbum. — Potas-sa. 


PART  i 


methods  of  preparing  iodide  of  lead.  It  may  be  obtained  by  the  reaction  betwe* 
any  of  the  soluble  iodides  and  the  soluble  salts  of  lead.  It  resulted  from  h 
observations  that  of  the  two  salts  of  lead  employed,  the  nitrate  was  to  be  pr 
ferred,  and  of  the  various  iodides,  though  iodide  of  potassium  yielded  a vet 
handsome  product,  yet  iodide  of  calcium  afforded  one  not  inferior  in  quality,  ar 
somewhat  greater  in  quantity.  Upon  a small  scale,  as  the  process  is  perform* 
by  the  apothecary,  the  difference  would  be  of  little  or  no  consequence;  hut 
might  be  important  to  the  manufacturer.  (See  Am.  Journ.  ofPharm.,  xxi.  228 

As  obtained  by  the  U.S.,  London,  and  Dublin  processes,  iodide  of  lead  is 
the  form  of  a bright-yellow,  heavy,  tasteless,  inodorous  powder.  It  is  solub 
in  1235  parts  of  cold  water  (Soubeiran,  Trait,  de  Pharm.f  and  194  of  boilii 
water,  which,  on  cooling,  deposits  it  in  minute,  shining,  golden-yellow,  c-rvstc 
line  scales.  In  this  form  it  is  presented  by  the  Edinburgh  process.  It  mel 
by  heat,  and  is  dissipated  in  vapours  which  are  at  first  yellow,  and  ultimate 
violet  in  consequence  of  the  disengagement  of  the  iodine.  It  consists  of  oi 
equivalent  of  iodine  1203,  and  one  of  lead  103 '6 =229  9.  As  a test  of  i 
purity,  the  Edinburgh  College  states  that  five  grains  are  entirely  dissolved,  wii 
the  aid  of  heat,  by  a fluidrachm  of  pyroligneous  acid,  diluted  with  a fluidoum 
and  a half  of  distilled  water ; and  golden  crystals  are  copiously  deposited  wE 
the  solution  cools.  According  to  the  London  Pharmacopoeia,  100  grains  of  i 
dissolved  at  a boiling  heat  in  nitric  acid  diluted  with  two  parts  of  water,  vri. 
after  the  expulsion  of  the  iodine,  yield  with  sulphate  of  soda,  a precipitate 
sulphate  of  lead  weighing  66  grains.  It  should  be  kept  excluded  from  the  ligb 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  This  compound  is  supposed  to  have  the  resolve1 
properties  of  iodine,  combined  with  those  which  are  peculiar  to  lead,  and  was 
one  time  recommended  in  tuberculous  diseases,  in  which  however  it  has  prove 
wholly  inefficient.  It  is  said  to  have  been  usefully  employed  in  the  discussie 
of  scrofulous  tumours  and  other  indolent  swellings,  and  in  the  cure  of  obstina 
ulcers ; and  for  these  purposes  has  been  used  both  internally,  and  locally  in  tl 
form  of  an  ointment.  According  to  Dr.  Cogswell,  if  given  for  some  time  : 
small  doses,  it  produces  the  effects  of  lead,  but  not  those  of  iodine,  upon  tl 
system.  (Christison’ s Dispensatory .)  The  dose  is  from  half  a grain  to  thr 
or  four  grains.  Dr.  O’Shaughnessy  states  that  ten  grains  are  borne  witho 
inconvenience. 

Off.  Prep.  Unguentum  Plumbi  Iodidi.  W. 

POTASSA. 

Preparations  of  Potassa. 

LIQUOR  POTASSPE.  U.  S.,  Lond.  Potassa  Aqua.  Ed.  P 
TASSiE  Caustics  Liquor.  Pub.  Solution  of  Potassa. 

“Take  of  Carbonate  of  Potassa  a pound ; Lime  half  a pound ; Boiling  P 
tilled  Water  a gallon.  Dissolve  the  Carbonate  of  Potassa  in  half  a gallon 
the  Water.  Pour  a little  of  the  Water  on  the  Lime,  and,  when  it  is  slaked,  a< 
the  remainder.  Mix  the  hot  liquors,  and  boil  for  ten  minutes,  stirring  co 
stantly ; then  set  the  mixture  aside,  in  a covered  vessel,  until  it  becomes  ele<^ 
Lastly,  pour  off  the  supernatant  liquor,  and  keep  it  in  well-stopped  bottles 
green  glass.  The  specific  gravity  of  this  solution  is  1'056.  ' U.  S. 

“ Take  of  Carbonate  of  Potassa  fifteen  ounces;  Lime  eight  ounces;  boilb 
Distilled  Water  a gallon  [Imp.  meas.j.  Dissolve  the  Carbonate  in  half  a gall 
of  the  Water.  Sprinkle  a little  of  the  Water  upon  the  Lime  in  an  earth 
vessel,  and,  the  Lime  being  slaked,  add  the  remainder  of  the  Water.  The  • 
quors  being  immediately  mixed  together  in  a close  vessel,  shake  them  frequent 


].RT  II. 


Potassa. 


1129 


i til  they  are  cold.  Then  set  the  mixture  by,  that  the  carbonate  of  lime  may 
fbside.  Lastly,  pour  off  the  supernatant  liquor,  and  keep  it  in  a well  stopped 
pen  glass  bottle.  The  specific  gravity  is  1‘063.”  Land. 

“ Take  of  Carbonate  of  Potash  (dry)  four  ounces;  Lime,  recently  burnt,  two 
tnces ; Water  forty-jive  fluidounces  [Imp.  meas.].  Let  the  lime  be  slaked  and 
(averted  into  milk  of  lime  with  seven  fluidounces  of  the  Water.  Dissolve  the 
Irbonate  in  the  remaining  thirty-eight  fluidounces  of  Water;  boil  the  solution, 
id  add  to  it  the  milk  of  lime  in  successive  portions,  about  an  eighth  at  a time, 
filing  briskly  for  a few  minutes  after  each  addition.  Pour  the  whole  into  a 
(2p  narrow  glass  vessel  for  twenty-four  hours;  and  then  withdraw  with  a syphon 
t'3  clear  liquid,  which  should  amount  to  at  least  thirty-five  fluidounces,  and 
ight  to  have  a density  of  D072.”  Ed. 

“Take  of  Pure  Carbonate  of  Potash  one  pound  [avoirdupois];  fresh-burned 
ime1  ten  ounces  [avoird.] ; Distilled  Water  one  gallon  and  seven  ounces  [Imp. 
gas.].  Slake  the  Lime  with  seven  ounces  of  the  Water.  Dissolve  the  Carbo- 
:te  of  Potash  in  the  remainder  of  the  Water,  and,  having  raised  the  solution 
1 the  boiling  point  in  a clean  iron  vessel,  gradually  mix  with  it  the  slaked 
ime,  and  continue  the  ebullition  for  ten  minutes  with  constant  stirring.  Ee- 
nve  the  vessel  now  from  the  fire,  and  when,  by  the  subsidence  of  the  insoluble 
utters,  the  supernatant  liquor  has  become  perfectly  clear,  transfer  it  by  means 
(•  a syphon  to  a green  glass  bottle  furnished  with  an  air-tight  stopper.  The 
!3cific  gravity  of  this  solution  is  1'068:”  Dub. 

The  object  of  these  processes  is  to  separate  carbonic  acid  from  the  carbonate 
i potassa,  so  as  to  obtain  the  alkali  in  a caustic  state.  This  is  effected  by 
[drate  of  lime;  and  the  chemical  changes  which  take  place  are  most  intel- 

I ibly  explained  by  supposing  the  occurrence  of  a double  decomposition.  The 
lie  of  the  hydrate  of  lime,  by  its  superior  affinity,  combines  with  the  carbonic 
i d,  and  precipitates  as  carbonate  of  lime ; while  the  water  of  the  hydrate  of 
lie  unites  with  the  potassa,  and  remains  in  solution  as  hydrate  of  potassa.  The 
pportion  indicated  by  theory  for  this  decomposition  would  be  69 '2  of  the  dry 
rbonate  to  28'5  of  lime,  or  one  eq.  of  each;  but  in  practice  it  is  found  neces- 
f y to  use  an  excess  of  lime.  In  the  U.  S.  and  Edinburgh  formulas  the  alka- 
i e salt  is  treated  with  half  its  weight  of  lime ; iu  the  London,  with  eight- 
eenths; and  in  the  Dublin,  with  five-eighths;  proportions,  the  lowest  of  which 
needs  the  theoretical  quantity.  The  proportion  of  water  employed  has  a 
oided  influence  on  the  result.  If  the  water  be  deficient  in  quantity,  the  de- 
( nposing  power  of  the  lime,  on  account  of  its  sparing  solubility,  will  be  lessened ; 

: 1 more  of  it  will  be  required  to  complete  the  decomposition  of  the  carbonate 
tm  if  the  solutions  had  been  more  dilute.  Taking  the  lime  at  three  ounces  in 
t;h  formula,  the  quantity  of  water  directed  in  ounces  is  expressed  by  the  fol- 
ding numbers  nearly:  61!  Ed.,  60!  U.  S.,  54  Land.,  and  45  Dub.  Strain- 
I;  must  not  be  used;  as  it  causes  a prolonged  contact  with  the  air,  and  risk  of 
t ! absorption  of  carbonic  acid,  and  is  apt,  moreover,  to  introduce  organic  mat- 
t from  the  strainer  into  the  solution.  The  direction  to  keep  the  solution  in 
pen  glass  bottles  is  judicious;  as  white  flint  glass  is  slightly  acted  on. 

A.s  the  solution  of  potassa  is  frequently  made  by  the  manufacturing  chemist 
i considerable  quantities,  the  following  details,  taken  from  Berzelius,  of  the  best 
) de  of  conducting  the  process,  may  not  be  without  their  use.  Dissolve  one 
] 't  of  carbonate  of  potassa  in  from  seven  to  twelve  parts  of  water  in  a bright 
i n vessel,  and  decant  the  solution  after  it  has  become  clear  by  standing.  Boil 
t : solution  in  an  iron  vessel,  and  while  it  is  boiling,  add,  at  intervals,  small 
< m titles  of  slaked  lime,  reduced  to  a thin  paste  with  water;  allowing  the  solution 
t boil  a few  minutes  after  each  addition.  One  and  a half  parts  of  pure  lime 

I I be  more  than  sufficient  to  decompose  one  part  of  the  carbonate.  When 


1130 


Potassa. 


PAET  r 


about  half  the  hydrate  of  lime  has  been  added,  take  out  about  a teaspoonful  ( 
the  boiling  solution,  and,  after  dilution  and  filtration  through  paper,  test  it  b 
adding  it  to  some  nitric  acid,  or  by  mixing  it  with  an  equal  bulk  of  lime-wate: 
If  the  solution  has  not  been  completely  freed  from  carbonic  acid,  the  first  reager 
will  cause  an  effervescence,  and  the  second  a milky  appearance;  in  either  < 
which  events  the  addition  of  the  lime  must  be  continued  as  before,  until  th 
above-mentioned  tests  give  negative  indications.  In  conducting  the  proces: 
several  advantages  are  gained  by  keeping  the  solution  constantly  boiling.  On 
is  that  the  carbonate  of  lime  formed  is  in  this  way  rendered  granular  and  heavi 
and  more  disposed  to  subside;  another,  that  it  prevents  the  precipitated  c-arbonai 
from  coalescing  into  a mass  at  the  bottom  of  the  vessel,  an  occurrence  whie 
causes  the  ebullition,  when  subsequently  renewed,  to  take  place  imperfectly  an 
by  jerks;  and  a third,  that  any  silica  present  is  precipitated  in  combination  wit 
lime  and  potassa.  The  process  here  described  is  essentially  the  same  with  thos 
introduced  into  the  last  editions  of  the  Edinburgh  and  Dublin  Pharmacopoeia: 

According  to  M.  Wohler,  pure  hydrate  of  potassa  in  solution  for  analytic  pu: 
poses  may  be  conveniently  obtained  by  exposing  for  half  an  hour  to  a moderat 
red  heat,  in  a copper  crucible,  one  part  of  pure  nitre  and  two  or  three  parts  c 
copper,  cut  into  small  pieces.  The  resulting  mass,  consisting  of  hydrate  of  pr 
tassa  and  black  oxide  of  copper,  is  treated  with  water,  and  the  solution  poure 
into  a narrow  cylindrical  vessel,  where  it  is  left  until  it  gets  perfectly  cle? 
by  the  deposition  of  the  oxide  of  copper.  The  solution  is  then  drawn  off  wit 
a syphon,  and  kept  in  well-stopped  bottles.  ( Chem . Gaz.,  Nov.  15,  1853,  j 
429,  from  the  Ann.  dev  Chem.  und  Pharm.) 

Properties , &c.  Solution  of  potassa  is  a limpid,  colourless  liquid,  withor 
smell,  and  having  an  acrid  caustic  taste,  and  alkaline  reaction.  It  acts  rapidl 
on  animal  and  vegetable  substances,  and  when  rubbed  between  the  fingers,  pn 
duces  a soapy  feel,  in  consequence  of  a partial  solution  of  the  cuticle.  It  di 
solves  gum,  resins,  and  extractive  matter,  and  by  union  with  oily  and  fatt 
bodies  forms  soap.  The  U.  S.,  London,  and  Edinburgh  solutions  are  neverpur 
but  contain  either  some  undecomposed  carbonate,  or  free  lime,  in  addition  i 
minute  portions  of  sulphate  of  potassa,  chloride  of  potassium,  silica,  andalumiD; 
impurities  usually  present  in  the  carbonate  of  potassa  obtained  from  pearlasl 
which  is  used  in  their  preparation.  The  Dublin  solution,  from  the  use  of  pui 
carbonate  of  potassa,  is  purer.  Uudecomposed  carbonate  may  be  detected  in  tl 
manner  explained  in  the  preceding  paragraph,  and  free  lime,  by  the  productic 
of  a milky  appearance  on  the  addition  of  a few  drops  of  carbonate  of  potass 
which  serves  to  precipitate  the  lime  as  a carbonate.  When  saturated  with  nitr 
acid,  it  gives  little  or  no  precipitate  with  carbonate  of  soda,  chloride  of  bariun 
or  nitrate  of  silver.  With  chloride  of  platinum  it  produces  a yellow  precipitat 
showing  that  the  alkali  present  is  potassa.  It  is  incompatible  with  acids,  acid 
lous  salts,  and  all  metallic  and  earthy  preparations  held  in  solution  by  an  acic 
also  with  all  ammoniacal  salts,  and  with  calomel  and  corrosive  sublimate.  Tl 
officinal  solutions  of  potassa  vary  in  strength;  the  U.  S.  solution  having  tl 
specific  gravity  1 '056  ; the  London,  1 *063 ; the  Edinburgh,  1*07*2 ; and  the  Du 
lin,  1 068.  These  solutions  are  quite  dilute;  that  of  the  London  College,  whu 
is  of  medium  strength,  containing  only  6’7  per  cent,  of  potassa.  On  account 
its  strong  attraction  for  carbonic  acid,  the  solution  of  potassa  should  be  caretul 
preserved  from  contact  wdth  the  air.  B. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Solution  of  potassa  is  antacid,  diuretic,  and  am 
lithic.  It  has  been  much  employed  in  calculous  complaints,  under  the  impressic 
that  it  has  the  property  of  dissolving  urinary  concretions  in  the  kidneys  ai 
bladder;  but  experience  has  proved  that  the  stone  once  formed  cannot  be  removi 
bjT  remedies  internally  administered,  and  the  most  that  the  alkaline  medicines  e; 


PRT  II. 


Potassa. 


1131 


eJct,  is  to  correct  that  disposition  to  the  superabundant  secretion  of  uric  acid, 
othe  insoluble  urates,  upon  which  gravel  and  stone  often  depend.  For  this 
p pose,  however,  the  carbonated  alkalies  are  preferable  to  caustic  potassa,  as  they 
a less  apt  to  irritate  the  stomach,  and  to  produce  injurious  effects  wThen  long 
citinued.  It  has  been  proposed  to  dissolve  calculi  by  injecting  immediately 
in  the  bladder  the  solution  of  potassa  in  a tepid  state,  and  so  much  diluted  that 
it  an  be  held  in  the  mouth;  but  this  mode  of  employing  it  has  not  been  found 
tunswer  in  practice.  This  solution  has  also  been  highly  recommended  in  lepra, 
priasis,  and  other  cutaneous  affections;  and  is  said  to  have  proved  peculiarly 
uful  in  scrofula ; but  in  all  these  cases  it  probably  acts  simply  by  its  antacid 
p perty,  and  is  not  superior  to  the  carbonate  of  potassa  or  of  soda.  Externally 
it  as  been  used,  in  a diluted  state,  as  a stimulant  lotion  in  rachitis  and  arthritic 
shillings,  and  concentrated,  as  an  escharotic  in  the  bite  of  rabid  or  venomous 
a rnals.  The  dose  is  from  ten  to  thirty  minims,  repeated  two  or  three  times  a 
dr,  and  gradually  increased  in  cutaneous  affections  to  one  or  two  fluidrachms ; 
b the  remedy  should  not  be  too  long  continued,  as  it  is  apt  to  debilitate  the 
smack.  It  may  be  given  in  sweetened  water  or  some  mucilaginous  fluid.  Yeal 
bith  and  table  beer  have  been  recommended  as  vehicles;  but  the  fat  usually 
psent  in  the  former  would  be  liable  to  convert  the  alkali  into  soap,  and  the  acid 
iiihe  latter  would  neutralize  it.  In  dyspeptic  cases  it  may  be  associated  with 
t!  simple  bitters.  In  excessive  doses  it  irritates,  inflames,  or  corrodes  the 
smack.  Oils  and  the  milder  acids,  such  as  vinegar  and  lemon-juice,  are  the 
a idotes  to  its  poisonous  action.  They  operate  by  neutralizing  the  alkali. 

t is  employed  pharmaceutically  in  the  preparation  of  Oxide  of  Antimony, 
I cipitated  Sulphuret  of  Antimony,  Ethereal  Oil,  Hydrated  Peroxide  of  Iron, 
ignetic  Oxide  of  Iron,  and  Oxide  of  Silver. 

Iff.  Prep.  Potassa ; Potassa  cum  Calce.  TV. 

’OTASSA.  U.  S.,  Pd.  Potass.®  Hydras.  Lond.  Potassa  Caus- 
TA.  Pub.  Potassa.  Hydrate  off  Potassa.  Caustic  Potassa. 

' Take  of  Solution  of  Potassa  a gallon.  Evaporate  the  Solution  rapidly  in 
a ean  iron  vessel,  over  the  fire,  till  ebullition  ceases,  and  the  Potassa  melts. 
I ir  this  into  suitable  moulds,  and  keep  it,  when  cold,  in  well  stopped  bottles.” 

iff 

'he  London  formula  is  essentially  the  same  with  the  above. 

Take  any  convenient  quantity  of  Aqua  Potassse;  evaporate  it  in  a clean  and 
cibred  iron  vessel,  increasing  gradually  the  heat,  till  an  oily-looking  fluid  re- 
ams, a drop  of  which,  when  removed  on  a rod,  becomes  hard  on  cooling.  Then 
P'  r out  the  liquid  upon  a bright  iron  plate,  and  as  soon  as  it  solidifies,  break  it 
q ;kly,  and  put  it  into  glass  bottles  secured  with  glass  stoppers.”  Pd. 

Take  of  Solution  of  Caustic  Potash  any  convenient  quantity.  Boil  it  in  a 
si  hr  or  bright  iron  vessel,  until  its  water  has  been  evaporated  away,  and  then 
rap  the  temperature  until  ebullition  ceases,  and  a liquid  is  obtained  which  flows 
li  oil.  Pour  this  out  upon  a silver  or  iron  dish,  and,  the  moment  it  has  set, 
bnk  it  into  fragments,  and  enclose  these  in  a green  glass  bottle,  furnished 
tv  1 an  air-tight  stopper.”  Pub. 

he  concrete  alkali,  obtained  by  these  processes,  is  the  hydrate  of  potassa, 
siciently  pure  for  medicinal  purposes.  The  solution  of  the  alkali  freed  from 
cr  ionic  acid  having  been  obtained  by  another  formula  (see  Liquor  Potassse'), 
tl  formation  of  the  present  preparation  requires  merely  the  evaporation  of  this 
sc,  tion,  until  the  whole  of  its  uncombined  water  is  driven  off.  The  evaporation 
is  squired  to  be  performed  in  metallic  vessels,  as  those  of  glass  or  earthenware 
ai  acted  on  by  the  alkali ; and  it  should  be  completed  as  quickly  as  possible,  in 
01  t to  abridge  the  period,  during  which  the  solution  would  be  liable  to  absorb 


1132 


Potassa. 


PART  i 


carbonic  acid  from  the  atmosphere.  When  poured  out  on  a metallic  plate 
dish,  the  cake,  just  as  it  concretes,  may  he  marked  with  a knife  in  the  directio: 
in  which  it  is  to  be  divided,  and  when  cold  it  readily  breaks  in  those  direction: 
A better  plan,  however,  is  to  run  the  fused  alkali  into  suitable  moulds,  as  direct* 
in  the  U.  S.  and  London  formulae.  These  should  be  made  of  iron  and  have 
cylindrical  shape,  which  is  the  most  convenient  form  of  the  alkali  for  the  use 
the  surgeon.  Green  glass  bottles  with  ground  stoppers  are  the  best  adapted  f 
preserving  this  preparation,  as  white  flint  glass  is  slightly  acted  on. 

Properties , &c.  In  its  officinal  form,  potassa  is  usually  in  sticks  which  have 
fibrous  fracture,  a dingy  gray  or  greenish  colour,  occasionally  a bluish  tint,  ai 
the  peculiar  odour  of  slaking  lime.  It  is  extremely  caustic  and  very  deliquescec, 
and  dissolves  in  less  than  its  weight  of  water,  leaving  but  a slight  residue.  I 
aqueous  solution  agrees  in  properties  with  Liquor  Potassae.  It  is  also  readi 
soluble  in  alcohol.  AYhen  exposed  to  a low  red  heat  it  melts,  and  at  bright  re 
ness  is  volatilized.  On  account  of  its  deliquescent  property,  and  its  stroi 
attraction  for  carbonic  acid,  it  requires  to  be  kept  in  very  accurately  stoppi 
bottles.  In  the  state  here  described,  the  alkali  always  contains  combined  wat 
as  a part  of  its  composition.  As  obtained  by  the  U.  S.,  London,  and  Edinburc 
formulae,  it  contains  various  impurities,  which,  however,  do  not  interfere  with  i 
medicinal  value;  such  as  sulphate  of  potassa,  chloride  and  teroxide  of  potassim 
sesquioxide  of  iron,  lime,  silica,  alumina,  and  a portion  of  the  alkali  itself  st 
in  a carbonated  state.  The  insoluble  impurities,  according  to  the  Edinburc 
Pharmacopoeia,  should  not  exceed  1'25  per  cent.  The  Dublin  alkali,  being  <r 
tained  from  a solution  derived  from  pure  carbonate  of  potassa,  is  purer  than  th 
of  the  other  Pharmacopoeias.  Officinal  potassa  may  be  rendered  nearly  pure  1 
digestion  in  alcohol,  which  takes  up  only  the  hydrated  alkali,  evaporating  ti 
solution  to  dryness,  and  fusing  the  dry  mass  obtained.  Hydrate  of  potassa,  win 
thus  procured,  is  called  alcoholic  potassa.  It  is  generally  in  the  form  of  fl 
white  pieces,  which  are  dry,  hard,  brittle,  and  extremely  caustic.  Its  other  pr 
perties  are  similar  to  those  of  the  impure  hydrate  above  described.  Accordii 
to  Mr.  H.  Wurtz,  of  New  York,  alcoholic  potassa  usually  contains  a trace 
silicate  of  potassa,  which  appears  to  be  taken  up  by  the  alcohol.  The  source  [ 
this  is  the  carbonate  of  potassa  employed,  which  maybe  freed  from  this  impuri 
by  evaporating  its  aqueous  solution,  in  a sheet-iron  dish,  to  dryness,  and  addin 
from  time  to  time,  lumps  of  carbonate  of  ammonia.  The  silicate  is  thus  co 
verted  into  the  carbonate;  and,  on  dissolving  the  residue,  the  silica  appears 
flakes,  which  may  be  separated  by  filtration.  (A”.  Y.  Journ.  of  Pharm .,  Fe 
1852.)  Potassa  may  be  discriminated  from  the  other  fixed  alkalies  (soda  ai 
lithia)  by  affording,  when  in  solution,  a crystalline  precipitate  (cream  of  tarta 
with  an  excess  of  tartaric  acid,  and  a yellow  one  with  chloride  of  platinum.  T 
officinal  potassa,  apart  from  impurities,  consists  of  one  eq.  of  dry  potassa  L 
and  one  of  water  9 = 56'2.  Dry  potassa  is  composed  of  one  eq.  of  potassiu 
39'2,  and  one  of  oxygen  8=47'2.  (See  Potassium.)  B. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  This  is  the  old  causticum  commune  acerrimu. 
or  strongest  common  caustic.  It  is  a very  powerful  escharotic,  quickly  destroy!; 
the  life  of  the  part  with  which  it  comes  in  contact,  and  extending  its  action  > 
a considerable  depth  beneath  the  surface.  In  this  latter  respect,  it  differs  frc 
the  nitrate  of  silver  or  lunar  caustic,  to  which  it  is,  therefore,  preferred  for  t 
purposes  of  forming  issues  and  opening  abscesses.  It  has  been  used  for  remon : 
stricture  of  the  urethra ; but,  in  consequence  of  its  tendency  to  spread,  it  me 
unless  carefully  applied,  produce  such  a destruction  of  the  lining  membrane,  > 
to  open  a passage  for  the  urine  into  the  cellular  tissue,  and  thus  involve  t 
patient  in  danger.  The  most  convenient  mode  of  employing  the  caustic  for  t1 
formation  of  an  issue,  is  to  apply  to  the  skin  a piece  of  linen  spread  with  adl- 


IRT  II. 


JPotassa. 


1133 


se  plaster,  having-  a circular  opening  in  its  centre  corresponding  with  the  in- 
t ded  size  of  the  issue,  and  then  to  rub  upon  the  skin,  within  the  opening,  a 
pee  of  the  caustic  previously  moistened  at  one  end.  The  application  is  to  be 
citinued  till  the  life  of  the  part  is  destroyed,  when  the  caustic  should  be  care- 
fly  washed  off  with  a wet  sponge  or  wet  tow,  or  neutralized  by  vinegar.  The 
pparation  is  also  employed  for  forming  solutions  of  potassa  of  definite  strength, 
ylether  for  medicinal  or  pharmaceutic  use.  A solution  of  one  drachm  and  a 
Lf  of  caustic  potassa  in  two  fluidounces  of  distilled  water,  was  highly  recom- 
rnded  by  the  late  Dr.  Hartshorne,  of  Philadelphia,  as  an  application  to  the 
sue  in  tetanus.  It  may  be  applied  by  means  of  a sponge  attached  to  the  end 
o, a stick,  which  should  be  drawn  quickly  along  the  back  from  the  nape  of  the 
fi;k  to  the  sacrum.  It  produces  a very  powerful  rubefacient  effect. 

The  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia  employs  caustic  potassa  in  the  preparation  of  Ether, 
al  of  Black  Oxide  of  Mercury. 

Off.  Prep.  Potassa  cum  Calce;  Potassii  Iodidum.  W. 

POTASSA  CUM  CALCE.  U.S.,  Lond.,  Ed.  Potassa  Caustica 
cm  Calce,  Dub.  Potassa  with  Lime. 

‘Take  of  Potassa,  Lime,  each,  an  ounce.  Bub  them  together,  and  keep  the 
rxture  in  a well  stopped  bottle.”  U.  S. 

The  London  and  Dublin  formulae  are  the  same  as  the  above. 

‘Take  any  convenient  quantity  of  Aqua  Potass oe ; evaporate  it  in  a clean, 
c ered  iron  vessel  to  one-third  of  its  volume;  add  slaked  Lime  till  the  fluid 
L the  consistence  of  firm  pulp.  Preserve  the  product  in  carefully  covered 
vjsels.”  Ed. 

The  U.  S.,  London,  and  Dublin  preparation  is  a mixture  of  equal  parts  of 
LI  rate  of  potassa  and  lime.  The  Edinburgh  College  employs  the  solution  of 
passa,  which  is  first  concentrated,  and  then  thickened  by  the  addition  of  lime 
u il  the  mixture  becomes  a pulpy  mass,  consisting  of  the  mixed  hydrates  of  po- 
tjsa  and  lime. 

[he  U.  S.,  London,  and  Dublin  preparation  is  a powder,  sometimes  called 
\nna  caustic.  It  is  prepared  for  use  by  being  made  up  into  a paste  with  a 
1:  le  alcohol.  The  paste  is  applied  to  the  part  to  be  cauterized  for  ten  or  fifteen 
mutes,  and  is  conveniently  limited  in  its  operation  by  a piece  of  adhesive 
p ster,  in  the  manner  explained  under  potassa.  The  Edinburgh  preparation  is 
ii,;he  form  of  a firm  pulp,  formerly  called  causticum  commune  mitius,  or  milder 
cimon  caustic.  Potassa  with  lime  is  a more  manageable  caustic  than  the  of- 
fipal  potassa,  on  account  of  the  presence  of  the  lime,  which  renders  it  milder, 
sverin  its  operation,  and  less  deliquescent,  and  causes  it  to  spread  less  beyond 
t part  intended  to  be  affected.  Dr.  Filhos  has  improved  this  caustic  by  forrn- 
ii'i  it  in  sticks.  To  prepare  it  thus,  the  potassa  is  perfectly  fused  in  an  iron 
s on,  and  one-third  of  its  weight  of  quicklime  is  added  in  divided  portions;  the 
vole  being  stirred  with  an  iron  rod.  The  fused  mass  is  then  run  into  lead 
ti  es,  closed  at  one  end,  about  three  inches  long,  and  from  a quarter  to  half  -an 
iip  in  diameter  in  the  clear.  The  sticks  are  kept,  still  enclosed  in  the  lead  tubes, 
Wjh  the  open  end  downwards,  in  thick  glass  tubes,  containing  some  powdered 
q o-klime,  and  closed  with  a cork,  between  which  and  the  stick  some  cotton  is 
p to  steady  the  caustic.  When  employed,  as  much  of  the  caustic  is  uncovered 
a 1 she  end,  by  scraping  off  the  lead,  as  it  is  proposed  to  use.  This  form  of 
c:  stic  is  particularly  recommended  for  cauterizing  the  neck  of  the  uterus. 
(•urn.  de  Pharm.,  Be  ser.,  vi.  137.)  B. 

30TASSiE  ACETAS.  U.S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub.  Acetate  of  Po- 
tha. 

'Take  of  Acetic  Acid  a pint ; Carbonate  of  Potassa  a sufficient  quantity. 


1134 


Potassa. 


PART  ] 


Add  the  Carbonate  of  Potassa  gradually  to  the  Acetic  Acid  till  it  is  saturate'! 
then  filter,  and  evaporate  cautiously,  by  means  of  a sand-bath,  until  a dry  st1 
remains.  Keep  this  in  closely  stopped  bottles.”  U S. 

“Take  of  Acetic  Acid  twenty-six  fluidounces  [Tmp.  meas.];  Carbonate  of  P 
tassa  a pound,  or  a sufficient  quantity,  Distilled  Water  twelve  flu  idounces^  Im 
meas.].  To  the  Acid,  mixed  with  the  Water,  gradually  add  the  Carbonate 
saturation  ; then  strain.  Evaporate  the  liquor  in  a sand-bath,  with  a heat  ca 
tiously  applied,  until  the  salt  is  dried.”  Loncl. 

“Take  of  Pyroligneous  Acid  [acetic  acid,  sp.gr.  1‘034]  a pint  and  a ho 
[Imp.  meas.];  Carbonate  of  Potash  (dry)  seven  ounces  or  a sufficiency.  Add  tl 
Carbonate  gradually  to  the  Acid  till  complete  neutralization  is  accomplishe 
Evaporate  the  solution  over  the  vapour-bath  till  it  is  so  concentrated  as  to  for 
a concrete  mass  when  cold.  Allow  it  to  cool  and  crystallize  in  a solid  cab 
which  must  be  broken  up  and  immediately  put  into  well  closed  bottles.”  Ed. 

“ Take  of  Pure  Carbonate  of  Potash  one  pound  [avoirdupois]  ; Acetic  Acid 
Commerce  (sp.gr.  1'044)  two  pints  [Imp.  meas.].  To  the  Acid,  placed  in  apcj 
celain  capsule,  gradually  add  the  Carbonate  of  Potash,  and,  when  effervescen 
has  ceased,  boil  for  a couple  of  minutes.  Add  now,  if  necessary,  a few  drops 
the  same  Acetic  Acid,  so  that  the  solution  may  have  a slightly  acid  reaetior 
and,  having  evaporated  to  dryness,  melt  the  residue,  by  the  cautious  applicatk 
of  heat,  in  a clean  pot  of  cast  iron.  The  liquefied  salt  is  now  to  be  removi 
from  the  fire,  and  when,  upon  cooling,  it  has  solidified,  it  should  be  quick 
broken  into  fragments  of  a suitable  size,  and  enclosed  in  a bottle,  furnished  vri 
an  air-tight  stopper.”  Dub. 

The  process  for  forming  acetate  of  potassa  is  a case  of  single  elective  affinit 
The  form  of  acid  employed  for  generating  the  salt  in  the  several  Pharmacopoei 
is  officinal  acetic  acid;  the  pyroligneous  acid  of  the  Edinburgh  College  beii 
equivalent  to  that  acid.  Distilled  vinegar  should  never  be  employed  to  for 
this  salt,  on  account  of  its  containing  organic  matter,  which  gives  the  solutio 
when  concentrated,  a reddish  or  brownish  colour.  When  acetic  acid  is  used 
colourless  solution  is  obtained.  This  is  evaporated  to  dryness,  according  to  tl 
U.  S.  and  London  Pharmacopoeias,  and  to  such  an  extent  as  to  concrete  into 
mass  w[ien  cold,  according  to  the  Edinburgh.  The  Dublin  College  fuses  tl 
dry  salt,  and  obtains  it  as  a solid  mass  on  cooling.  When  fusion  is  resorted  t 
great  care  must  be  taken  not  to  use  too  high  a heat;  otherwise  part  of  the  acet 
acid  will  be  decomposed,  and  a colourless  salt  will  not  be  obtained.  For  dryii 
the  acetate  of  potassa,  Dr.  Christison  considers  the  heat  of  a vapour-bath  t< 
low,  and  that  of  a sand-bath  apt  to  become  too  high.  He,  therefore,  recoinmen' 
the  use  of  a bath  of  chloride  of  calcium,  when  operating  on  a small  scale.  . 
conducting  the  evaporation,  it  is  best  to  have  the  solution  always  slightly  aei< 
for  if  the  alkali  predominate,  it  will  react  upon  the  acetic  acid  when  the  solutic 
is  concentrated,  and  give  rise  to  discoloration. 

Acetate  of  potassa  may  also  be  obtained  by  double  decomposition  between  ac 
tafe  of  lead  and  sulphate  of  potassa.  When  thus  procured  it  is  very  white  ai 
pure,  but  liable  to  the  objection,  for  medical  use,  that  it  may  possibly  eonta 
a little  lead.  Another  method  by  double  decomposition  is  between  acetate 
lime  and  sulphate  of  potassa. 

Properties,  &c.  Acetate  of  potassa  when  pure  is  a white  salt,  perfectly  ne 
tral  to  test  paper,  unctuous  to  the  touch,  and  of  a warm,  pungent,  saline  tasf 
When  unskilfully  prepared,  it  is  apt  to  be  more  or  less  coloured.  Its  state 
aggregation  differs  with  the  manner  in  which  it  is  prepared.  As  obtained  1 
evaporating  the  solution  to  dryness,  agreeably  to  the  directions  of  the  U.  S.  ai 
London  Pharmacopoeias,  it  is  in  the  form  of  soft  fibrous  masses.  As  usual 
prepared  and  found  in  the  shops,  it  has  a foliated  texture,  which  is  given  to 


IRT  II. 


Potassa. 


1185 


t fusion  and  cooling.  On  account  of  this  appearance  it  was  formerly  called 
jlated  earth  of  tartar.  This  salt  is  extremely  deliquescent,  and,  if  exposed  to 
tii  air,  becomes  converted  into  a liquid  of  an  oleaginous  appearance.  It  is  on 
a ount  of  this  property  that  it  must  always  be  preserved  in  well  stopped  bottles. 
Idissolves  in  about  half  its  weight  of  water,  and  twice  its  weight  of  alcohol. 
7 y thing  remaining  undissolved  by  these  menstrua  is  impurity.  Heated  above 
ii  point  of  fusion  it  is  decomposed  into  acetone  and  carbonate  of  potassa.  ; the 
a tic  acid  being  resolved  into  this  volatile  liquid  and  carbonic  acid.  When 
t ited  with  sulphuric  acid,  acetous  vapours  are  copiously  evolved,  and  sulphate 
opotassa  is  formed.  One  hundred  grains  of  the  salt,  decomposed  by  sulphuric 
ad,  furnish  a salt  (sulphate  of  potassa),  which,  after  exposure  to  a strong  heat, 
vghs  88 ’8  grains.  ( Land . Pharm .)  The  most  usual  impurities  contained  in 
it  re  sulphate  and  tartrate  of  potassa,  chloride  of  potassium,  and  the  salts  of 
Id  and  copper.  A soluble  sulphate  may  be  detected  by  chloride  of  barium; 
al  chloride  of  potassium,  or  any  soluble  chloride,  by  nitrate  of  silver  added  to 
a ilute  solution.  If  the  nitrate  be  added  to  a concentrated  solution,  crystals  of 
a<tate  of  silver  will  be  precipitated,  soluble  in  water  or  dilute  nitric  acid.  With 
clpride  of  platinum  it  yields  a yellow  precipitate,  showing  it  to  be  a salt  of  po- 
t;;a.  If  tartrate  of  potassa  be  present,  it  will  remain  undissolved  when  the  salt 
is-cted  on  by  alcohol.  Lead  and  copper  may  be  detected  by  sulphuretted  hy- 
d gen  and  ferrocyanuret  of  potassium ; the  former  test  producing  with  the  lead 
a ackish,  and  the  latter  with  the  copper  a brown  precipitate.  Since  the  in- 
tiluction  of  the  cheap  method  of  obtaining  pure  acetic  acid  from  wood,  this  salt 
h.  scarcely  been  subject  to  adulteration.  Acetate  of  potassa  is  incompatible 
wi  the  mineral  acids,  which  expel  the  acetic  acid;  with  sulphate  of  soda  and 
snhate  of  magnesia;  with  corrosive  sublimate  and  nitrate  of  silver;  and  with 
sural  other  earthy  and  metallic  salts.  This  salt  exists  in  the  juices  of  many 
pi  its,  and  especially  in  the  sap  of  trees,  and  is  the  principal  source  of  the  car- 
hate  of  potassa  existing  in  the  ashes  of  wood.  It  consists  of  one  eq.  of  acetic 
ai  51,  one  of  potassa  47'2,  and  two  of  water  18=116’2. 

ledical  Properties  and  Uses.  Acetate  of  potassa  acts  as  a diuretic  in  doses 
obom  a scruple  to  a drachm,  and  as  a mild  cathartic  when  given  to  the  extent 
oiivo  or  three  drachms.  It  is  employed  in  dropsies,  and  often  with  good  effect. 
T late  Dr.  Duncan  considered  it  to  be  a medicine  of  great  efficacy,  and  one  of 
oi  best  saline  deobstruents.  We  have  ourselves  used  it  in  dropsical  affections, 
at  can  bear  testimony  to  its  powers.  Dr.  J.  A.  Easton,  of  Glasgow,  has  found 
it  useful  remedy  in  several  skin  diseases,  such  as  psoriasis,  eczema,  and  lepra. 
C;  :s  which  had  resisted  the  ordinary  remedies  were  cured,  after  a treatment 
oc  pying  from  three  weeks  to  two  months.  The  dose  given  by  Dr.  Easton  was 
h;  a drachm,  three  times  a day,  dissolved  in  water.  The  remedy  seemed  to 
ac  hrough  the  kidneys,  the  urine  being  remarkably  increased,  both  in  its  aqueous 
an  solid  contents.  (Ed in.  Month.  Journ.  of  Med.  Sci.,  May,  1850.)  The  salt, 
eq  illy  efficacious,  may  be  made  extemporaneously  in  the  liquid  form  by  satu- 
ra  ig  distilled  vinegar  with  carbonate  of  potassa.  Two  drachms  of  the  carbo- 
ns, saturated  with  vinegar,  will  sometimes  produce  in  hydropic  cases  ten  or 
tv  ve  stools,  and  a copious  discharge  of  urine.  (Duncan.')  Acetate  of  potassa, 
lil  the  other  alkaline  salts  containing  a vegetable  acid,  may  be  given  in  the 
ur  acid  diathesis,  to  render  the  urine  alkaline;  for  the  experiments  of  Wohler 
haj:  shown  that  the  acid  of  these  salts  undergoes  decomposition  in  the  digestive 
an. assimilating  processes,  while  the  alkali  enters  the  current  of  the  circulation. 
Fia  the  decided  property  which  this  salt  possesses  of  increasing  the  secretion 
of  e kidneys,  it  was  formerly  called  sal  diureticus,  or  diuretic  salt. 

Iff.  Prep.  Pilulse  Rhei ; Tinctura  Ferri  Acetatis. 


B. 


1136 


Potassa. 


PART  ] 


POTASSiE  CARBONAS.  U.  S.,  Lond Ed.  Potass.®  Carbox. 
e Lixivo  Cinere.  I)ub.  Carbonate  of  Potassa.  Carbonate  of  Potas 
from  Pearlash. 

“Take  of  Impure  Carbonate  of  Potassa  [pearlash]  three  pounds;  Water  t 
pints  and  a half  Dissolve  the  Impure  Carbonate  of  Potassa  in  the  Water,  a: 
filter  the  solution ; then  pour  it  into  a clean  iron  vessel,  and  evaporate  ovei 
gentle  fire  till  the  solution  thickens ; lastly,  remove  it  from  the  fire,  and  stir 
constantly  with  an  iron  spatula  till  the  salt  granulates.”  U.  S. 

The  London  College , in  its  Pharmacopoeia  of  1851,  has  placed  this  salt 
the  Materia  Medica  list.  The  Edinburgh  College  also  includes  it  in  the  1 
teria  Medica  list,  designating  it  by  this  note.  “ Carbonate  of  potash  not  qu. 
pure,  obtained  by  lixiviating,  evaporating,  and  granulating  by  fusion  and  : 
frigeration  the  potashes  [pearlash]  of  commerce.” 

“ Take  of  Pearlash  ten  pounds  [avoirdupois];  Distilled  Water  one  gallon  [In 
meas.].  Pour  the  Water  on  the  Pearlash,  and  macerate  for  a week,  occasiona 
stirring  the  mixture.  Filter  through  calico,  and,  having  evaporated  the  soluti. 
nearly  to  dryness,  reduce  the  heat,  and  stir  constantly  with  an  iron  rod,  un. 
granular  crystals  are  obtained.  Let  these  be  immediately  enclosed  in  w. 
stopped  bottles.”  Dub. 

The  object  of  the  above  processes  is  to  purify  the  impure  carbonate  of  potas, 
or  pearlash.  This  generally  contains  certain  insoluble  impurities,  as  well  ; 
small  portions  of  sulphate  and  silicate  of  potassa,  and  chloride  of  potassium,; 
explained  under  another  head.  (See  Potasses  Carbonas  Impurus.)  By  dissolvi; 
it  in  a due  proportion  of  water,  and  filtering  the  solution,  the  insoluble  irapu 
ties  are  got  rid  of,  as  wrell  as  the  greater  part  of  the  foreign  salts,  which,  beir 
much  less  soluble  than  the  carbonate  of  potassa,  are  excluded  by  the  super: 
affinity  of  this  salt  for  the  water.  The  proper  way  of  conducting  the  purificat'i 
is  to  mix  the  impure  carbonate  with  an  equal  weight  of  cold  water,  and  to  all? 
the  mixture  to  stand  for  a day  or  two,  stirring  it  frequently  to  promote  e 
action  of  the  water.  The  clear  liquor  obtained  by  decantation  or  filtration s 
then  evaporated  to  dryness.  The  officinal  processes  are  conducted  very  mu 
iu  this  way ; cold  water  being  employed,  and  equal  weights  of  alkali  3i 
water  being  used  in  the  Dublin  formula,  and  about  equal  weights  in  the  procs 
of  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia.  The  prolonged  contact  of  the  water  with  the  si, 
and  the  occasional  stirring  of  the  mixture,  ordered  by  the  Dublin  College,  e 
useful  directions.  In  no  case  should  the  undissolved  residue  be  washed  wit  a 
fresh  portion  of  water;  as,  by  such  a proceeding,  the  foreign  salts,  which  it  is  ie 
object  of  the  process  to  separate,  would  be  dissolved.  Iron  vessels  are  direct, 
because  this  metal  is  not  acted  on  by  the  alkali,  while  glass  is  attacked  by:. 
In  granulating  the  salt  by  stirring,  it  is  better,  when  the  solution  is  brought  neay 
to  dryness,  to  keep  it  on  the  fire  at  a reduced  heat,  as  recommended  by  the  Duln 
College,  until  the  process  is  finished,  than  to  remove  it  the  moment  it  thic-kes. 

According  to  Berzelius,  a more  productive  process  for  purifying  pearlai, 
though  the  resulting  salt  is  not  so  pure  as  when  obtained  in  the  way  just 
scribed,  is  to  dissolve  the  pearlash  in  more  than  its  weight  of  water,  to  evapoie 
the  solution  till  it  has  the  density  of  1‘5’2,  and  then  to  put  it  in  a cool  pi;-, 
that  the  foreign  salts,  principally  sulphate  of  potassa  and  chloride  of  potassiu, 
may  crystallize.  The  solution  is  then  decanted,  and  evaporated  to  dryness. 

Properties,  &c.  Carbonate  of  Potassa,  as  found  in  the  shops,  is  in  the  fin 
of  a coarse  granular  white  powder,  having  a nauseous,  alkaline  taste,  and  actg 
as  an  alkali  on  vegetable  colours.  It  is  very  soluble  in  water,  dissolving  in  a 
weight  of  that  liquid;  but  is  insoluble  in  alcohol.  It  is  extremely  deliquesch, 
and  hence  a portion  of  it,  exposed  to  the  air  for  some  time,  attracts  so  inh 
water  as  completely  to  dissolve  into  an  oily  liquid,  called  by  the  older  chemis, 


:irt  ii. 


Potassa. 


1137 


kum  tartar i per  cleliquium.  On  account  of  this  property,  carbonate  of  potassa 
; ould  be  kept  in  bottles  with  accurately  ground  stoppers.  If  exposed,  in  its 
ual  state,  to  a red  heat,  it  retains  its  carbonic  acid,  but  loses  16  per  cent,  of 
iter;  and,  when  decomposed  by  dilute  sulphuric  acid,  evolves  26'3  per  cent,  of 
ubonic  acid.  ( Lond . Pharm .)  When  pure  it  is  completely  soluble  in  water ; 
.t,  generally,  a small  insoluble  portion  is  left  of  earthy  matter.  An  aqueous 
tlution,  when  saturated  with  an  acid,  slowly  deposits  a slight  gelatinous  pre- 
oitate,  derived  from  silica.  The  usual  impurities  are  earthy  matter,  sulphate 
potassa,  chloride  of  potassium,  and  silica  in  the  state,  probably,  of  silicate  of 
■tassa.  When  dissolved  in  water  and  supersaturated  with  nitric  acid,  it  affords 
.faint  cloudiness  with  chloride  of  barium,  and  a slight  precipitate  with  nitrate 
i silver ; effects  showing  the  presence  of  minute  portions  of  a sulphate  and  of  a 
doride.  The  nitric  solution  is  also  precipitated  by  carbonate  of  soda,  if  earthy 
utter  be  present.  If  the  indications  of  these  tests  are  decided,  the  salt  is  below 
e officinal  standard  of  purity.  It  is  incompatible  with  acids  and  acidulous 
Its,  muriate  and  acetate  of  ammonia,  lime-water,  chloride  of  calcium,  sulphate 
magnesia,  alum,  tartar  emetic,  nitrate  of  silver,  ammoniated  copper  and  am- 
oniated  iron,  sulphate  of  iron  and  tincture  of  chloride  of  iron,  calomel  and 
rrosive  sublimate,  acetate  and  subacetate  of  lead,  and  sulphate  of  zinc.  It  is 
t decomposed  by  tartrate  of  iron  and  potassa,  and,  therefore,  may  be  associated 
th  it  in  prescriptions. 

Composition.  Carbonate  of  potassa,  after  exposure  to  a red  heat,  is  an  an- 
clrous  salt,  consisting  of  one  eq.  of  carbonic  acid  22,  and  one  of  potassa  47'2  = 
''2.  As  obtained  by  the  officinal  formulae,  it  is,  according  to  Mr.  Phillips,  a 
?quikydrate,  consisting  of  two  eqs.  of  carbonate  and  three  of  water.  B. 
Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Purified  pearlash  is  the  form  of  carbonate  of 
tassa  usually  employed  in  this  country,  where  it  is  frequently,  though  incor- 
etly,  called  salt  of  tartar,  the  latter  name  being  strictly  applicable  to  the  purer 
rbonate,  obtained  by  decomposing  cream  of  tartar.  It  is  occasionally  used  as 
• antacid  in  dyspepsia,  as  a diuretic  in  dropsy,  and  as  an  antilithic  in  gravel 
::ended  with  red  deposits  from  the  urine;  but  the  purpose  to  which  it  is  most 
'tnmonly  applied  is  the  formation  of  the  neutral  mixture  and  effervescing 
aught.  (See  Liquor  Potassse  Citratis .)  It  is  worthy  of  observation,  that  its  so- 
:ion,  on  exposure  to  air,  or  on  the  addition  of  an  acid,  deposits  flocculi  consist- 
y of  hydrate  of  silica,  resulting  from  the  decomposition  of  the  silicated  potassa, 
lich  is  always  present  as  an  impurity.  The  spontaneous  deposition  of  silica  is 

■ iug  to  the  absorption  of  carbonic  acid.  Carbonate  of  potassa  is  also  used  with 
ijich  advantage  in  some  cases  of  jaundice,  in  which  it  probably  operates  by  en- 
' rag  the  circulation,  and  directly  exciting  the  hepatic  function.  It  has  enjoyed 

■ ne  popular  reputation  mixed  with  cochineal  in  hooping-cough,  and  is  supposed 
some,  in  common  with  other  alkaline  remedies,  to  operate  favourably  in  those 

dammations  in  which  there  is  a disposition  to  the  exudation  of  coagulable 
- nph,  or  the  formation  of  false  membranes.  It  is  considered  among  the  most 
tactual  remedies  in  obstinate  cutaneous  eruptions,  in  which  it  is  employed  both 
iernally  and  externally.  The  dose  is  from  ten  to  thirty  grains,  given  in  some 
lunatic  water  sweetened  with  sugar.  In  large  quantities  it  acts  as  a corrosive 
]|ison,  and  is  capable  of  producing  death  in  a few  hours.  The  antidotes  are  the 
. ed  oils  and  vegetable  acids. 

As  an  external  remedy  in  cutaneous  affections,  it  is  used  in  the  form  of  bath, 
i;  lotion,  and  of  ointment.  From  eight  to  sixteen  ounces  may  be  used  for  a 
fjgle  bath,  the  quantity  being  gradually  increased.  Lotions  may  be  made  by 
(solving  two  or  three  drachms  in  a pint  of  water;  and  ointments  by  rubbing 
i m ten  grains  to  a drachm  with  an  ounce  of  larch 
72 


1138 


Potassa. 


part  i; 


Carbonate  of  Potassa  is  used  iD  the  formulae  for  Precipitated  Sulphuret  < 
Antimony,  and  Spirit  of  Nitric  Ether. 

Off.  Prep.  Decoctum  Aloes  Compositum  ; Enema  Aloes;  Extractum  Spigeli; 
et  Sennae  Fluidum;  Liquor  Potassae;  Liquor  Potassae  Arsenitis;  Liquor  P. 
tassae  Carbonatis ; Mistura  Ferri  Composita;  Potassae  Aeetas;  Potassae  Bicai 
bonas  ; Potassae  Sulphas ; Potassae  Tartras ; Potassii  Bromidum  ; Potassii  Cy: 
nuretum  ; Potassii  Iodidum  ; Potassii  Sulphuretum ; Spiritus  Ammoniae  Aromc 
ticus;  Spiritus  Ammoniae  Fcetidus.  W. 

POTASSiE  CARBONAS  PURUS.  U.S.  Potassa  Carbona 
Purum.  Pd.,  Dub.  Pure  Carbonate  of  Potassa.  Salt  of  Tartar. 

“ Take  of  Bicarbonate  of  Potassa  a found.  Put  the  Bicarbonate,  previous! 
powdered,  into  a capacious  iron  crucible,  heat  gradually  until  the  water  of  cry; 
tallization  is  driven  off,  then  raise  the  heat  to  redness,  and  maintain  that  tern 
perature  for  half  an  hour.  Having  taken  the  crucible  from  the  fire,  andallovre 
it  to  cool,  remove  its  contents,  dissolve  them  in  distilled  water,  filter  the  sola 
tion,  and  complete  the  process  by  evaporating  and  granulating  as  directed  fo 
Carbonate  of  Potassa.”  U.  S. 

“Pure  Carbonate  of  Potash  may  be  most  readily  obtained  by  heating  crystal 
lized  Bicarbonate  of  Potash  to  redness  in  a crucible;  but  more  cheaply  by  dis 
solving  Bitartrate  of  Potash  in  thirty  parts  of  boiling  Water,  separating  am 
washing  the  crystals  which  form  on  cooling,  heating  these  in  a loosely  covers 
crucible  to  redness  so  long  as  fumes  are  discharged,  breaking  down  the  mass 
and  roasting  it  in  an  open  crucible  for  two  hours,  with  occasional  stirring,  lixi 
viating  the  product  with  Distilled  Water,  filtering  the  solution  thus  obtained 
evaporating  the  solution  to  dryness,  granulating  the  salt  towards  the  close  b; 
brisk  agitation,  and  heating  the  granular  salt  nearly  to  redness.  The  produc 
of  either  process  must  be  kept  in  well  closed  vessels.”  Ed. 

“Take  of  white  Bitartrate  of  Potash  tico  pounds  [avoirdupois];  Sesquicar 
bonate  of  Ammonia  half  an  ounce  [avoird.j ; Distilled  Water  three  pints  [Imp 
meas.].  Place  the  Bitartrate  of  Potash  in  an  iron  pot  or  crucible,  and,  con 
stantly  stirring  it  with  an  iron  rod,  expose  it  to  a red  heat  until  vapours  c-eas< 
to  be  evolved.  Reduce  the  residuum  to  a coarse  powder,  and  having  boiled  i 
for  twenty  minutes  with  one  quart  [two  pints,  Imp.  meas.]  of  the  Water,  filte. 
through  paper,  washing  the  filter  and  its  contents  with  the  residual  pint  of  Water 
in  which  the  Sesquicarbonate  of  Ammonia  has  been  first  dissolved.  The  filterec 
solution  is  now  to  be  evaporated  to  dryness,  and,  a low  red  heat  being  finally  ap 
plied,  the  product  is  to  be  rapidly  reduced  to  powder  in  a warm  mortar,  ant 
enclosed  in  well-stopped  bottles.”  Dub. 

In  the  U.  S.  process  for  pure  carbonate  of  potassa,  the  bicarbonate  is  ignited 
whereby  it  loses  its  water  of  crystallization,  and  second  equivalent  of  carbonic 
acid,  and  is  reduced  to  the  state  of  carbonate.  As  the  bicarbonate  is  a very  pun 
salt,  so  the  carbonate,  obtained  from  it,  is  also  very  pure. 

The  first  process  of  the  Edinburgh  College  is  the  same  as  the  above;  the  seconc 
directs  the  pure  carbonate  to  be  obtained  from  bitartrate  of  potassa,  by  first  puri 
fying  it  by  solution  and  crystallization,  and  then  incinerating  it.  The  tartaric 
acid,  which  consists  of  carbon,  hydrogen,  and  oxygen,  is  decomposed,  and  give; 
rise,  among  other  products,  to  carbonic  acid,  which  combines  with  the  potassa 
The  matter,  after  ignition,  contains,  besides  carbonate  of  potassa,  certain  irnpu 
rities  derived  from  those  pre-existing  in  the  bitartrate.  These  are  carbonate  o 
lime,  arising  from  the  decomposition  of  tartrate  of  lime,  alumina,  silica,  anc 
minute  portions  of  the  oxides  of  iron  and  manganese ; and,  being  all  insoluble 
in  water,  are  left  behind  when  the  mass  is  acted  on  by  that  liquid,  the  alkaline 
carbonate  alone  being  taken  up.  The  Dublin  process  is  the  same  as  the  seconc 
Edinburgh,  with  the  additional  step  of  washing  the  filter  and  its  contents  wit! 


lRT  II. 


Potassa. 


1139 


(solution  of  sesquicarbonate  of  ammonia.  This  addition  to  the  filtered  solution 
i the  carbonate  of  potassa  supplies  any  deficiency  in  its  carbonic  acid  which  may 
]ve  been  caused  by  the  previous  ignition;  while,  by  the  evaporation  to  dryness, 
;d  final  exposure  to  a low  red  heat,  the  whole  of  the  ammonia  is  dissipated. 

Properties,  doc.  Pure  carbonate  of  potassa,  obtained  from  the  bicarbonate  or 
fun  cream  of  tartar,  differs  from  the  same  salt  procured  from  pearlash,  in  con- 
(ning  no  impurities.  With  the  tests  mentioned  under  the  carbonate  it  gives 
igative  indications,  showing  the  entire  absence  of  foreign  substances.  When 
(tained  from  cream  of  tartar,  it  was  formerly  called  salt  of  tartar,  in  allusion 
tits  source;  but  at  present  this  name  is  usually  applied  to  any  pure  carbonate 
(potassa,  without  reference  to  its  mode  of  preparation.  It  may,  indeed,  be  very 
lich  doubted  whether  the  real  salt  of  tartar  is  often  kept  in  our  shops;  the 
dinary  carbonate  as  purified  from  pearlash  being  generally  substituted  for  it, 
j'd  answering,  in  ordinary  cases,  every  medicinal  purpose  that  could  be  expected 
fan  the  use  of  the  purer  salt. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  These  are  the  same  with  those  of  the  carbon- 
;i  of  potassa  described  in  the  preceding  article.  The  pure  carbonate,  on  ac- 
unt  of  its  freedom  from  silica,  furnishes  the  best  material  for  forming  the 
i ution  of  citrate  of  potassa,  or  neutral  mixture. 

Off.  Prep.  Decoctum  Aloes  Compositum ; Liquor  Potassse  Arsenitis ; Mistura 
Irri  Composita;  Potassse  Acetas;  Potassse  Carbonatis  Liquor;  Potassse  Caus- 
t®  Liquor;  Potassii  Iodidum.  B. 

LIQUOR  POTASSiE  CARBONATIS.  U.  S.,  Land.  Potass m 

tiRBONATis  Liquor.  Dub.  Solution  of  Carbonate  of  Potassa. 

“Take  of  Carbonate  of  Potassa  a pound;  Distilled  Water  twelve  ftuidounces. 
hsolve  the  Carbonate  of  Potassa  in  the  Water,  and  filter  the  solution.”  U.  S. 

“Take  of  Carbonate  of  Potassa  twenty  ounces ; Distilled  Water  a pint  [Imp. 
las.].  Dissolve  and  filter.  The  specific  gravity  is  1’473.”  Lond. 

‘Take  of  Pure  Carbonate  of  Potash  ten  ounces  [avoirdupois];  Distilled  Water 
a pint  [Imp.  meas.].  Dissolve  and  filter.  The  specific  gravity  of  this  solution 

ii-aio.”  Dub. 

This  is  a solution  of  carbonate  of  potassa  in  water,  and  furnishes  a conve- 
int  form  for  the  administration  of  the  salt.  An  ounce  is  dissolved  in  a fluid- 
nce  of  water  in  the  U.  S.  formula,  and  in  an  Imperial  fluidounce  in  the  London. 
1 the  Dublin  solution,  half  an  ounce  avoirdupois  is  dissolved  in  an  Imperial  fluid- 
cice.  This  statement  in  relation  to  the  British  solutions  will  be  understood, 
Ten  the  fact  is  adverted  to  that  the  Imperial  pint  contains  twenty  fluidounces. 
1 i London  solution  is  somewhat  stronger  than  that  of  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia, 
I ause  the  Imperial  fluidounce  weighs  a little  less  than  a fluidounce,  wine 
insure.  The  Dublin  process  differs  in  using  the  pure  carbonate,  and  in  fur- 
nhing  a solution  considerably  less  than  half  as  strong  as  the  U.  S.  and  London 
s itions.  Solution  of  carbonate  of  potassa  should  be  colourless  and  inodorous, 
a ' possess  the  general  alkaline  qualities  of  the  salt  from  which  it  is  made.  The 
de  of  the  U.  S.  or  London  solution  is  from  ten  minims  to  a fiuidrachm,  suffi- 
citly  diluted  with  water  or  other  bland  liquid.  B. 

POTASSSE  BICARBONAS.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Pd.,  Dub.  Bicarbonate 
c Potassa. 

’Take  of  Carbonate  of  Potassa  four  pounds  ; Distilled  Water  ten  pints.  Dis- 
S'  re  the  Carbonate  of  Potassa  in  the  Water,  and  pass  carbonic  acid  through  the 
Sation  till  it  is  fully  saturated.  Then  filter,  and  evaporate  the  filtered  liquor 
ti  t crystals  may  form,  taking  care  that  the  heat  does  not  exceed  160°.  Pour 
o the  supernatant  liquid,  and  dry  the  crystals  upon  bibulous  paper.  Carbonic 
a 1 is  obtained  from  Marble  by  the  addition  of  dilute  sulphuric  acid.”  U.  S. 


1140 


Potassa. 


PART  i 


In  the  London  Pharmacopoeia  of  1851,  bicarbonate  of  potassa  is  placed  in  tl 
list  of  the  Materia  Medica. 

“ Take  of  Carbonate  of  Potash  from  Pearlash  owe  pound  [avoirdupois]  ; Di 
tilled  Water  one  quart  [two  pints,  Imp.  meas.] ; Muriatic  Acid  of  Cornmer 
one  pint  and  a half  [Imp.  meas.];  Water  three  pints,  [Imp.  meas.];  Chalk, 
small  fragments,  one  pound  [avoird.],  or  a sufficient  quantity.  Dilute  the  M 
riatic  Acid  with  the  Water,  and  having  dissolved  the  Carbonate  of  Potash  in  tl! 
Distilled  Water,  filter  the  solution  into  a three-pint  bottle,  capable  of  being  tight 
closed  by  a cork,  traversed  by  a glass  tube  sufficiently  long  to  pass  to  the  botto 
of  the  solution.  A second  bottle,  in  the  bottom  of  which  a few  holes  are  drille! 
and  the  mouth  of  which  admits  of  being  closed  by  a cork,  also  traversed  by 
glass  tube,  having  been  filled  with  the  Chalk,  and  placed  in  a glass  or  porcela: 
jar  of  the  same  height  with  itself,  but  of  somewhat  larger  diameter,  the  extern 
ends  of  the  two  tubes  are  to  be  connected  air-tight  by  a tube  of  vulcanized  Indie; 
rubber.  The  cork  of  the  bottle  containing  the  Carbonate  of  Potash  being  plaet 
loosely,  and  that  of  the  other  bottle  tightly  in  its  place,  and  the  Muriatic  Ac 
having  been  poured  into  the  jar  in  which  is  lodged  the  perforated  bottle  co. 
taining  the  Chalk,  the  liberation  of  carbonic  acid  commences,  and  as  soon  as 
is  judged  that  a sufficient  amount  of  it  has  been  developed  to  expel  complete, 
the  air  from  the  apparatus,  the  cork  of  the  Carbonate  of  Potash  bottle  is  to  1 
forced  into  it  quite  tight,  and  the  process  is  to  be  abandoned  to  itself  for  a wee! 
At  the  end  of  this  time  numerous  crystals  of  the  Bicarbonate  of  Potash  will  hat 
formed,  which  are  to  be  removed,  shaken  in  a capsule  with  twice  their  bulk  < 
cold  water,  which  is  to  be  rapidly  decanted,  next  drained,  and  finally  dried  c 
bibulous  paper  by  mere  exposure  to  the  atmosphere.  The  mother  liquor, 
filtered,  and  concentrated  to  one-half,  at  a temperature  not  exceeding  110°,  wi 
yield  additional  crystals.  The  tube  immersed  in  the  solution  of  Carbonate  < 
Potash  will  have  to  be  occasionally  cleared  of  the  crystals  with  which  it  is  liab 
to  become  plugged,  else  the  process  will  be  suspended.”  Dub. 

“Take  of  Carbonate  of  Potash  six  ounces;  Carbonate  of  Ammonia  thr > 
ounces  and  a half.  Triturate  the  Carbonate  of  Ammonia  to  a very  fine  powdei 
mix  it  with  the  Carbonate  of  Potash;  triturate  them  thoroughly  together,  addin 
by  degrees  a very  little  water,  till  a smooth  and  uniform  pulp  be  formed.  Dr 
this  gradually  at  a temperature  not  exceeding  140°,  triturating  oceasionall 
towards  the  close ; and  continue  the  desiccation  till  a fine  powder  be  obtainei 
entirely  free  of  ammoniacal  odour.”  Ed. 

In  these  processes,  the  carbonate  of  potassa,  consisting  of  one  eq.  of  acid  aD 
one  of  base,  is  combined  with  an  additional  equivalent  of  carbonic  acid.  Iu  tl 
U.  S.  and  Dublin  processes  the  combination  is  effected  by  passing  a stream  < 
this  acid  through  a solution  of  the  carbonate,  so  long  as  it  is  absorbed.  In  tl 
U.  S.  formula  the  distilled  water  taken  is  about  three  times  the  weight  of  tl 
carbonate.  As  the  bicarbonate  of  potassa  requires  four  times  its  weight  of  wat; 
to  dissolve  it,  the  quantity  of  water  ordered  in  the  U.  S.  formula  would  seei 
not  to  be  sufficient  to  dissolve  the  new  salt;  unless  it  be  assumed  that  the  soh 
tion  becomes  heated  in  consequence  of  the  reaction.  The  solution  of  the  who! 
of  the  new  salt  is  not  intended  in  the  Dublin  process,  which  proceeds  on  the  pla 
of  forming  crystals  of  bicarbonate  at  once  in  the  original  solution,  without  coi 
centration  by  heat.  The  filtration  directed  in  the  U.  S.  formula  is  ordered  q 
the  presumption  that  the  whole  of  the  bicarbonate  formed  is  dissolved;  and 
intended  to  separate  silica,  which  is  always  deposited  during  the  progress  of  tl 
saturation,  when  carbonate  of  potassa  from  pearlash  is  employed.  On  a sma 
scale  the  saturation  of  the  carbonate  is  best  conducted  in  a Wolfe’s  apparatus  < 
three  bottles ; the  first  containing  water  to  wash  the  carbonic  acid  gas,  the  tv 
others,  solutions  of  the  carbonate.  The  bottles  should  be  connected  by  rneai 


iRT  II. 


Poiassa. 


1141 


' wide  tubes,  to  prevent  tbeir  being  obstructed  by  the  crystals  formed.  On  a 
rge  scale  the  saturation  is  performed  in  strong  vessels,  into  which  the  carbonic 
id  is  driven  under  pressure.  Sulphuric  acid  is  always  used  by  the  manufac- 
ring  chemist  for  generating  the  carbonic  acid ; but  in  small  operations,  mu- 
ltic  acid,  diluted  with  twice  its  bulk  of  water,  is  more  convenient;  inasmuch 
it  generates  with  the  marble  or  chalk  a soluble  salt  (chloride  of  calcium), 
rich  does  not  interfere  with  the  extrication  of  the  carbonic  acid,  as  the  insoluble 
lphate  of  lime  does.  In  the  Dublin  process  dilute  muriatic  acid  is  used  for 
;e  extrication  of  the  carbonic  acid,  which  is  effected  in  a self-regulating  gene- 
tor  of  that  gas. 

In  the  Edinburgh  process,  carbonate  of  ammonia,  in  very  fine  powder,  is  tho- 
uglily  incorporated  with  carbonate  of  potassa,  by  the  assistance  of  a little  water, 
as  to  form  a uniform  pulp,  which  is  dried  by  a gentle  heat.  By  the  com- 
ned  influence  of  the  volatility  of  the  ammonia,  and  the  affinity  of  the  carbonate 
potassa  for  carbonic  acid,  the  carbonate  of  ammonia  is  totally  decomposed ; 
; carbonic  acid  generating  the  bicarbonate  by  uniting  with  the  carbonate,  and 
; ammonia  being  evolved  during  the  drying  of  the  pulp,  which  is  then  reduced 
a fine  powder.  This  process  is  alleged  by  Dr.  Christison  to  be  superior  to 
e other  process,  “ in  point  of  economy,  dispatch,  and  certainty  in  small  ope- 
tions.” 

Mr.  Brande  gives  the  following  proportions  for  the  preparation  of  bicarbonate 
potassa  on  the  large  scale:  “ 100  lbs.  of  purified  carbonate  of  potassa  are  dis- 
ked in  17  gallons  of  water,  which,  when  saturated  with  carbonic  acid,  yield 
)m  35  to  40  lbs.  of  crystallized  bicarbonate ; 50  lbs.  of  carbonate  of  potassa 
e then  added  to  the  mother  liquor,  with  a sufficient  quantity  of  water  to  make 
J>  17  gallons,  and  the  operation  repeated.” 

Wohler  states  that  charcoal,  when  mixed  with  the  carbonate,  facilitates  by  its 
rosity,  in  a remarkable  degree,  the  formation  of  the  bicarbonate.  Thus  he 
:mdthat  when  crude  tartar  was  charred  in  a covered  crucible,  and  the  carbon- 
: 30us  mass,  after  having  been  slightly  moistened  with  water,  was  subjected  to 
: stream  of  carbonic  acid,  the  gas  was  absorbed  with  great  rapidity,  and  heated 
3 mass  so  considerably,  as  to  render  it  necessary  to  surround  the  vessel  with 
i d water,  to  prevent  the  decomposition  of  the  bicarbonate  that  had  been  formed, 
hen  the  temperature  diminished,  the  saturation  was  known  to  be  completed, 
he  mass  was  lixiviated  in  the  smallest  quantity  of  water  at  the  temperature  of 
1 m 85°  to  100°,  and  the  solution,  after  filtration  and  cooling,  deposited  the 
pater  part  of  the  bicarbonate  in  fine  crystals.  (Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  x.  82, 
I'm  the  Annalen  der  Physilc  und  C hemic  f 

M.  Behrens  has  proposed  to  obtain  bicarbonate  of  potassa  by  partially  satu- 
i ing  the  carbonate,  dissolved  in  an  equal  weight  of  water,  with  acetic  acid 
{ idually  added.  Up  to  a certain  point,  no  carbonic  acid  is  extricated,  and  a 
] :eipitate  takes  place  of  pure  bicarbonate  of  potassa,  equal  to  half  the  weight  of 
1 ■ carbonate  employed.  After  the  bicarbonate  is  separated,  the  saturation  may 
1 completed,  and  acetate  of  potassa  obtained.  (Journ.  de  Pliarm.,  oe  ser.,  iv. 
L 1.)  A similar  production  of  the  bisalt  takes  place  when  the  carbonate  is 
fated  with  weak  lemon-juice,  in  forming  the  citrate.  (S ee  page  1144.) 
According  to  Berzelius,  the  cheapest  method  of  obtaining  the  bicarbonate  of 
l'assa  is  to  suspend  a concentrated  solution  of  the  purified  carbonate,  contained 
i a stoneware  dish,  within  a cask  over  a liquid  undergoing  the  vinous  fermenta- 
1 1.  The  alkali  is  thus  surrounded  by  an  atmosphere  of  carbonic  acid,  and,  by 
c orbing  it,  crystallizes  into  bicarbonate  in  the  course  of  five  or  six  weeks. 

1 tillers  and  brewers  prepare  this  salt  with  great  facility  by  suspending  the 

2 aline  solution  in  the  fermenting  tun.  The  salt  in  powder  called  sal  aeratus, 
ide  principally  in  New  England,  is,  we  believe,  prepared  in  this  way.  In 
c iposition  it  is  between  a carbonate  and  bicarbonate. 


1142 


Potassa. 


PART  i 


Properties , &c.  Bicarbonate  of  potassa  is  in  transparent,  colourless,  inodoro 
crystals,  slightly  alkaline  to  the  taste  and  to  test  paper,  permanent  in  the  a 
and  having  the  shape  of  irregular  eight-sided  prisms  with  two-sided  summii 
It  dissolves  in  four  times  its  weight  of  cold  water,  and  in  five-sixths  of  its  weig 
of  boiling  water,  by  which  it  is  partially  decomposed,  and  converted  into  sesqil 
carbonate.  It  is  insoluble  in  alcohol.  Exposed  to  a red  heat,  it  loses  30‘7  p 
cent.,  comprising  half  its  carbonic  acid  and  the  whole  of  its  water  of  erystalliz 
tion,  and  returns  to  the  state  of  carbonate,  which,  when  thus  obtained,  is  fr 
from  silica,  and  otherwise  very  pure.  This  method  is  now  adopted  in  the  U. 
Pharmacopoeia  for  obtaining  the  pure  carbonate,  and  forms  the  first  process 
the  Edinburgh.  Supersaturated  with  nitric  acid,  it  should  give  a clear  solutio 
the  transparency  of  which  is  not  disturbed  by  chloride  of  barium,  and  but  slight 
by  nitrate  of  silver.  When  a perfect  bicarbonate,  its  solution,  unless  heate 
does  not  precipitate  a solution  of  sulphate  of  magnesia.  This  negative  indie 
tion,  however,  cannot  be  depended  upon  as  showing  the  absence  of  carbonat 
for,  according  to  Dr.  Christison,  no  precipitate  will  be  occasioned,  even  wh 
fifty  per  cent,  of  this  impurity  is  present.  Bicarbonate  of  potassa  does  not  c 
compose  calomel.  When  dissolved  in  40  parts  of  water,  it  produces  a wbi 
haze  merely  with  a solution  of  corrosive  sublimate;  but  if  it  contain  so  little 
a hundredth  part  of  carbonate,  a brick-red  precipitate  is  immediately  produce 
( Christison .)  Another  way  of  detecting  the  presence  of  carbonate  is  to  ai 
starch  sugar  to  a heated  solution  of  the  suspected  bicarbonate.  If  any  c-arbona 
be  present,  the  mixture  turns  yellow  or  brown.  ( Chevallier .)  Bicarbonate 
potassa  consists  of  two  eqs.  of  carbonic  acid  44,  one  of  potassa  47 '2,  and  one 
water  9 =100 '2. 

Medical  Properties.  The  medical  properties  of  this  salt  are  the  same  as  tho 
of  the  carbonate,  to  which  it  is  preferable  from  its  milder  taste,  and  greater  t 
ceptability  to  the  stomach.  The  dose  is  from  twenty  grains  to  a drachm. 

Off.  Prep.  Liquor  Potassa;  Citratis;  Potassae  Aqua  EfFervesc-ens;  Potas: 
Carbonas  Purus;  Potassa;  Citras;  Pulveres  Effervescentes;  Pulveres  Effervc 
centes  Citrati.  B. 

POTASS2E  AQUA  EFFERVESCENS.  Pd.  Effervescing  Wat 
of  Potassa. 

“ Take  of  Bicarbonate  of  Potash  one  drachm;  Distilled  Water  one  pint  [Lr 
measQ.  Dissolve  the  Salt  in  the  Water,  and  transmit  through  the  soluti 
carbonic  acid  gas  under  strong  pressure.”  Ed. 

This  preparation  maybe  considered  as  the  bicarbonate  of  potassa  dissolved 
carbonic  acid  water.  It  is,  however,  altogether  superfluous  in  this  country, 
consequence  of  the  general  introduction  into  the  shops  of  carbonic  acid  wat 
(artificial  Seltzer  water),  which  may  be  readily  employed  for  dissolving  a" 
desired  proportion  of  the  bicarbonate,  with  the  result  of  forming  a much  brisk 
preparation.  This  solution  has  the  general  sparkling  qualities  and  acidulce 
taste  of  carbonic  acid  water;  the  alkaline  taste  being  covered  in  a great  measii 
by  the  large  excess  of  carbonic  acid.  The  after-taste  is  more  purely  saline  tli. 
that  of  the  corresponding  preparation  made  with  soda.  (See  Sodas  Aqua  Effi 
vescensi)  B. 

POTASS2E  CITRAS.  U.S.  Citrate  of  Potassa. 

“ Take  of  Citric  Acid  ten  ounces;  Bicarbonate  of  Potassa  fourteen  ounce 
Water  a sufficient  quantity.  Dissolve  the  Citric  Acid  in  two  pints  of  Wat. 
add  the  Bicarbonate  gradually,  and,  when  effervescence  has  ceased,  strain,  a; 
evaporate  to  dryness,  stirring  constantly,  after  a pellicle  has  begun  to  form,  un. 
the  salt  granulates;  then  rub  it  in  a mortar,  pass  it  through  a coarse  sieve,  al 
put  it  in  bottles,  which  should  be  kept  closely  stopped.”  U.  S. 


ART  II. 


Potassa. 


1143 


Citrate  of  potassa  has  long  been  used  habitually  in  this  country  for  the  pre- 
iration  of  the  neutral  mixture,  but  was  first  recognised  as  officinal  in  the  U.  S. 
harmacopoeia  of  1850.  It  was  known  formerly  by  the  name  of  salt  of  River ius. 

1 the  above  formula,  mutually  saturating  proportions  of  the  acid  and  bicarbon- 
e were  intended  to  be  employed  ; the  latter  ingredient  being  preferred  to  the 
rbonate  on  account  of  its  greater  purity.  The  potassa  of  the  bicarbonate 
rites  with  the  citric  acid,  to  form  the  citrate  of  potassa,  and  the  carbonic  acid 
capes,  producing  effervescence.  The  resulting  solution  is  directed  to  be  evapo- 
ted  to  dryness,  as  affording  the  most  convenient  form  for  use.  The  granulation 
dered  has  a tendency  to  retard  the  deliquescence  of  the  citrate. 

Citrate  of  potassa  is  crystallizable ; but,  as  procured  by  the  above  process,  is 
; the  form  of  a white  granular  powder.  It  is  inodorous,  of  a saline,  slightly 
tterish,  not  unpleasant  taste,  deliquescent,  very  soluble  in  water  without 
sidue,  and  insoluble  in  alcohol.  It  is  stated  in  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia  that 
s solution  does  not  change  the  colour  of  litmus;  but  we  have  found  a carefully 
epared  specimen  slightly  to  redden  the  paper;  and  the  acid  used  in  the  pro- 
ss  is  theoretically  in  slight  excess.  By  a red  heat  with  exposure  to  the  air, 
e salt  is  decomposed,  leaving  a residue  of  pure  carbonate  of  potassa.  The 
esence  of  tartaric  acid  would  be  indicated  by  a precipitate  of  bitartrate  of 
itassa  on  the  addition  of  muriatic  acid. 

Medical  Properties.  This  salt  is  a grateful  refrigerant  diaphoretic,  and  has 
ng  been  much  used  in  the  fevers  of  this  country,  in  the  extemporaneous  forms 
neutral  mixture  and  effervescing  draught.  (See  Liquor  Potassse  Citratis.)  As 
jese  require  time  and  a somewhat  careful  manipulation  in  their  preparation,  it 
s been  found  more  convenient  to  keep  the  citrate  of  potassa  ready  made,  and 
ssolve  it  in  water  when  wanted  for  use.  This  solution  will  no  doubt  produce 
ie  essential  diaphoretic  and  refrigerant  effects  of  the  neutral  mixture  or  effer- 
scing  draught,  but  is  less  agreeable  to  the  stomach  and  palate,  because  destitute 
the  carbonic  acid  contained  in  the  latter.  The  dose  of  this  solution  is  half  a 
idounce,  of  the  dry  citrate  from  twenty  to  twenty-five  grains.  The  prepara- 
>n  may  be  improved  iu  flavour,  and  rendered  more  agreeable  to  the  stomach, 
rubbing  a drop  or  two  of  oil  of  lemons  with  the  six  drachms  of  citrate  before 
^solving  it,  and  substituting  carbonic  acid  water  for  pure  water  as  the  men- 
ruum.  W. 

LIQUOR  POTASSiE  CITRATIS.  U.  S.  Solution  of  Citrate  of 
otassa.  Neutral  Mixture. 

“Take  of  fresh  Lemon-juice  half  a pint;  Bicarbonate  of  Potassa  a sufficient 
' cintiti /.  Add  the  Bicarbonate  gradually  to  the  Lemon- juice  till  it  is  perfectly 
i urated ; then  filter.  Or, 

“Take  of  Citric  Acid  half  an  ounce;  Oil  of  Lemons  two  minims;  Water  half 
hint;  Bicarbonate  of  Potassa  a sufficient  quantity.  Bub  the  Citric  Acid  with 
> J Oil  of  Lemons,  and  afterwards  with  the  Water  till  it  is  dissolved;  then  add  the 
.(carbonate  of  Potassa  gradually  till  the  Acid  is  perfectly  saturated;  lastly,  filter. 
“Solution  of  Citrate  of  Potassa  prepared  according' to  these  formulae  contains 
i e carbonic  acid,  which  is  deemed  a desirable  ingredient.  It  may  also  be  pre- 
] red  by  dissolving  six  drachms  of  Citrate  of  Potassa  in  half  a pint  of  Water; 

1 1,  made  in  this  way,  contains  no  carbonic  acid.”  U.  S. 

The  first  two  are  equivalent  preparations ; the  solution  of  citric  acid  flavoured 
'ah  oil  of  lemons  being  intended  as  a substitute  for  fresh  lemon-juice  when  this 
'mot  be  had.  In  both,  the  potassa  of  the  bicarbonate  unites  with  the  citric 
'•  d,  and  the  carbonic  acid  is  liberated.  A portion  of  the  latter  remains  in  the 
f ution,  and  a portion  escapes  with  effervescence.  The  result,  therefore,  is  a 
! ution  of  citrate  of  potassa  in  water  impregnated  with  carbonic  acid.  When 
1 aon-juice  is  employed,  the  solution  has  a greenish  colour ; but  prepared  with 


1144 


Potassa. 


PART  II. 


the  pure  acid  it  is  colourless.  In  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia  of  1850,  bicarbonate 
of  potassa  has  been  substituted  for  the  carbonate  before  used.  As  the  prepa- 
ration was  formerly  made,  a fiocculent  precipitate  was  apt  to  exhibit  itself  in 
small  quantity,  owing  to  the  silicate  of  potassa  generally  present  as  an  impuritj 
in  the  carbonate  of  potassa.  This  gave  up  its  base  to  the  citric  acid,  and  the 
silica  was  deposited  in  the  state  of  a hydrate.  The  bicarbonate  is  free  from  this 
impurity,  and  consequently  hydrated  silica  is  not  thrown  down ; nevertheless, 
the  solution  is  still  directed  to  be  filtered ; a direction  which  may  be  useful, 
when  fresh  lemon-juice  is  used,  by  separating  the  undissolved  matters  of  the 
juice,  and  in  the  other  case  is  only  surplusage.  About  48  grains  of  the  crystals 
of  the  bicarbonate,  83  grains  of  the  pure  and  perfectly  dry  carbonate,  or  4c 
grains  of  the  hydrated  carbonate  found  in  the  shops,  are  sufficient  to  saturate  s 
fluidounce  of  good  lemon-juice;  but  the  strength  of  the  juice  is  variable,  and  the 
carbonate  is  apt  to  absorb  moisture  from  the  air,  so  that  precision  as  to  quantities 
cannot  be  readily  attained.  Hence  the  propriety  of  the  direction  to  add  the! 
alkaline  carbonate  to  saturation.  The  point  of  saturation  may  be  determined 
by  the  cessation  of  effervescence,  the  absence  of  either  an  acid  or  alkaline  taste, 
and  still  more  accurately  by  litmus  paper,  which  should  not  be  rendered  bright- 
red  by  the  solution,  nor  blue  if  previously  reddened  by  an  acid. 

The  inequality  of  strength  in  the  lemon-juice  renders  the  neutral  mixture 
prepared  with  it  more  or  less  uncertain  ; though,  if  the  apothecary  select  ripe 
and  sound  fruit,  and  express  the  juice  himself,  the  preparation  will  be  found  tc 
approach  suificiently  near  a uniform  standard  for  all  practical  purposes.  Never- 
theless, if  the  physician  wish  absolute  precision,  he  may  order  the  neutral  mix- 
ture to  be  made  with  crystallized  citric  acid  as  directed  in  the  second  officinal 
formula ; or  he  may  pursue  the  following  plan  suggested  in  former  editions  oi 
this  work.  Dissolve  two  drachms  of  bicarbonate  of  potassa  in  two  fluidouuce.- 
of  water;  saturate  the  solution  wuth  good  fresh  lemon-juice,  and  strain;  ana 
lastly  add  enough  water  to  make  the  mixture  measure  six  fluidounces.  A fluid- 
ounce  of  this  solution  may  be  given  for  a dose. 

In  relation  to  the  preparation  of  the  neutral  mixture,  by  simply  dissolving  the 
citrate  of  potassa  in  water,  as  permitted  in  the  third  U.  S.  process  above  given 
see  the  preceding  article,  page  1148. 

Effervescing  Draught.  Under  this  name,  the  citrate  of  potassa  is  often  pre 
pared  extemporaneously,  and  given  in  the  state  of  effervescence.  The  most  con- 
venient mode  of  exhibition  is  to  add  to  a fluidounce  of  a mixture  consisting  ol 
equal  parts  of  lemon-juice  and  water,  half  a fluidounce  of  a solution  containing 
fifteen  grains  of  carbonate  of  potassa,  or  twenty  grains  of  the  bicarbonate 
Should  effervescence  not  occur,  as  sometimes  happens,  when  the  carbonate  b 
used,  in  consequence  of  the  weakness  of  the  lemon-juice,  more  of  the  juice  shoulc 
be  added;  as,  unless  sufficient  acid  is  present  to  neutralize  the  potassa,  part  o: 
the  carbonate  passes  into  the  state  of  bicarbonate,  and  the  gas  is  thus  preventec 
from  escaping.  A solution  of  citric  acid  of  the  strength  of  that  directed  in  the 
officinal  formula  may  be  substituted  for  lemon-juice,  if  this  is  not  to  be  had.  Tin 
fifteen  grains  of  carbonate  of  potassa  above  mentioned  are  scarcely  sufficient  ti 
saturate  the  lemon-juice,  if  of  ordinary  strength;  but  a little  excess  of  the  ac-ic 
renders  the  preparation  more  agreeable  to  the  taste.  Some  prefer  the  bicarbon 
ate  in  the  preparation  of  the  effervescing  draught,  because  it  will  always  effer 
vesce  with  lemon-juice,  no  matter  what  may  be  the  strength  of  the  latter.  Bu 
this  is  an  objection.  The  carbonate  serves,  by  the  absence  of  effervescence,  t< 
indicate  wThen  the  lemon-juice  is  very  weak  in  acid;  and  the  defect  may  then  be 
easily  remedied  by  the  addition  of  more  juice.  When  the  bicarbonate  is  used 
if  there  should  be  a deficiency  of  acid,  it  is  not  discovered ; and  the  patient  take; 
a considerable  portion  of  undecomposcd  bicarbonate,  instead  of  the  full  quantity 
of  citrate  intended. 


’ART  II. 


Potassa. 


1145 


Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  The  solution  of  citrate  of  potassa  has  long  been 
ised  under  the  name  of  neutral  mixture,  saline  mixture,  or  effervescing  draught. 
it  is  an  excellent  refrigerant  diaphoretic,  adapted  to  almost  all  cases  of  fever 
nth  a hot  dry  skin,  and  especially  to  the  paroxysms  of  our  remittent  and  in- 
ermittent  fevers.  The  effervescing  draught  is  peculiarly  useful.  The  carbonic 
.cid  serves  to  cover  the  taste  of  the  citrate  of  potassa,  and  adds  to  the  diaphoretic 
lowers  of  the  salt  its  own  cordial  influence  over  the  stomach.  No  preparation 
fith  which  we  are  accpiainted  is  equally  efficacious  in  allaying  irritability  of 
tomach,  and  producing  diaphoresis,  in  our  remittent  fevers.  It  is  usually  also 
ery  grateful  to  the  patient.  In  order  to  increase  the  sedative  and  diaphoretic 
iroperties  of  the  neutral  mixture,  it  is  customary  to  add  to  it  a portion  of  tartar 
inetic;  and  a little  sweet  spirit  of  nitre  will  be  found  an  excellent  adjuvant  in 
evers  with  nervous  disturbance.  Should  the  solution  irritate  the  bowels,  as 
iccasionally  happens,  it  may  be  combined  with  a little  laudanum  or  solution  of 
ulphate  of  morphia.  Sugar  may  be  added  if  desired  by  the  patient. 

The  dose  of  the  officinal  solution  is  a tablespoonful  or  half  a fluidounce,  which 
hould  be  somewhat  diluted  when  taken.  The  whole  of  each  effervescing  draught, 
irepared  as  above  stated,  is  to  be  taken  at  once.  Each  dose  should  be  repeated 
very  hour,  two,  or  three  hours,  according  to  the  urgency  of  the  symptoms. 

W. 

POTASSiE  NITRAS  PURUM.  Pub.  Pure  Nitrate  of  Potassa. 
“Take  of  Commercial  Nitre  four  pounds  [avoirdupois];  Distilled  Water  five 
nnts  [Imp.  meas.],  or  a sufficient  quantity.  Having  dissolved  the  Nitre  in  two 
lints  of  the  Water  at  a boiling  temperature,  let  the  heat  be, withdrawn,  and  the 
olution  be  stirred  constantly  as  it  cools,  in  order  that  the  salt  may  be  obtained 
n very  minute  crystals.  These,  deprived  as  much  as  possible  of  the  unerystai- 
ized  solution  by  decantation  and  draining,  are  to  be  washed  in  a glass  or  earthen- 
rare  percolator  with  the  remainder  of  the  Water,  or  until  the  liquid  which  trickles 
hrough  ceases  to  give  a precipitate  when  dropped  into  a solution  of  nitrate  of 
ilver.  The  contents  of  the  percolator  should  now  be  extracted,  and  dried  in 
n oven.”  Pub. 

The  purified  nitre  of  commerce  is  sufficiently  pure  for  medicinal  use ; so  that 
his  formula  of  the  Dublin  College  is  entirely  unnecessary.  The  properties  of 
litre,  and  the  manner  in  which  it  is  purified,  have  been  fully  explained  under 
nother  head.  (See  Potassse  Nitras.)  B. 

POTASSIE  SULPHAS  CUM  SULPILURE.  Ed.  Sulphate  of 
°otassa  with  Sulphur. 

“ Take  of  Nitrate  of  Potash  and  Sulphur  equal  parts.  Mix  them  thoroughly; 
brow  the  mixture  in  small  successive  portions  into  a red-hot  crucible  ; and  when 
he  deflagration  is  over,  and  the  salt  has  cooled,  reduce  it  to  powder,  and  pre- 
;erve  it  in  well-closed  bottles.”  Ed. 

AVhen  the  mixture,  indicated  in  this  formula,  is  thrown  into  a red-hot  c-ruci- 
le,  each  successive  portion  melts,  and  the  sulphur  floats  on  the  surface  with 
he  appearance  of  a brown  oil,  burns  vividly,  and  gives  rise  to  a copious  evolu- 
ion  of  sulphurous  acid  gas.  The  product  of  the  deflagration  is  a grayish-white 
viable  mass,  intermixed  apparently  with  undecomposed  sulphur. 

The  nature  of  this  preparation  has  not  been  well  determined.  On  the  sup- 
osition  that  it  is  the  sulphate  of  potassa,  mixed  with  a portion  of  sulphur,  as 
ie  Edinburgh  name  implies,  its  formation  may  be  thus  explained.  By  the 
ombined  influence  of  the  sulphur  and  of  the  heat  employed,  the  nitric  acid  of 
he  nitre  is  totally  decomposed,  and  is  thus  enabled  to  furnish  sufficient  oxygen 
p convert  a portion  of  the  sulphur  into  sulphuric  acid,  which,  as  soon  as  formed, 
ombines  with  the  base  of  the  nitre,  to  form  the  sulphate  of  potassa.  This  is 


1146 


Potassa. 


PART  i 


left  mixed  with  a portion  of  sulphur  which  has  escaped  combustion ; hut  tb 
greater  part  of  the  latter  undergoes  ordinary  combustion,  and  is  dissipated  t 
sulphurous  acid  fumes. 

Supposing  the  saline  matter  to  be  a sulphate  containing  a little  free  sulphu 
this  combustible  is  evidently  used  in  great  excess;  but  whether  this  excess 
necessary  to  obtain  the  exact  preparation  desired  by  the  Edinburgh  College, 
is  not  easy  to  determine.  The  late  Dr.  Duncan  ascertained  that  the  produt1 
amounted  only  to  four-tenths  of  the  materials  employed.  It  is,  therefore,  smalh 
than  it  ought  to  be,  even  supposing  that  the  residue  consisted  of  nothing  bi 
sulphate  of  potassa. 

Dr.  Duncan  was  of  opinion  that  the  preparation  under  consideration  cannotl 
viewed  as  a sulphuretted  sulphate,  and  for  the  following  satisfactory  reason 
In  the  first  place,  it  is  more  soluble  in  water  than  sulphate  of  potassa,  andforn 
a yellowish  solution,  the  water  leaving  undissolved  only  a small  residue  of  a blac 
colour,  which  is  not  sulphur.  In  the  second  place,  it  exhales  during  solution 
sulphurous  smell,  and  its  taste  is  sulphurous.  These  facts  seem  to  show  that 
small  portion  of  sulphite  of  potassa  is  present  in  the  preparation,  or  at  lea 
some  sulphurous  acid  in  loose  combination.  It  does  not  yield  sulphuretted  h; 
drogen  on  the  addition  of  an  acid,  and  is  not  precipitated  by  the  salts  of  lea' 
These  characters  are  inconsistent  with  the  opinion  of  Mr.  John  Mackay,  < 
Edinburgh,  that  this  preparation  contains  sulphuret  of  potassium.  (See  Pharr. 
Jorum,  and  Trans,  for  Jan.  1842.) 

Properties , &c.  This  salt  has  an  acid  and  sulphurous  taste,  and  an  acid  r 
action  with  test  paper.  When  pulverized,  it  yields  a pale  yellowish-white  pot 
der.  It  is  soluble  in  eight  times  its  weight  of  cold  water.  It  is,  however,  n 
a uniform  preparation;  different  specimens,  apparently  prepared  with  equal  car 
exhibiting  some  difference  in  properties.  It  was  called  by  the  earlier  chemis 
sal  polgchrestus  Glaseri , or  sal  polychrest.  Its  other  properties  coincide- gen 
rally  with  those  of  sulphate  of  potassa,  which  may  be  considered  as  its  basis. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  The  medical  effects  of  this  preparation  diff 
but  little,  if  at  all,  from  those  of  sulphate  of  potassa.  Its  action  on  the  syste 
is  stated  by  Dr.  Duncan  to  resemble  that  of  the  sulphurous  mineral  wate 
which  contain  a portion  of  neutral  salt.  The  dose  is  from  half  a drachm  to 
drachm.  B. 

POTASS2E  BISULPHAS.  Ed.,  Dub.  Bisulphate  of  Potassa. 

“Take  of  the  residuum  of  the  preparation  of  Pure  Nitric  Acid  tico  pound 
Sulphuric  Acid  (commercial)  seven  Jhiidounces  and  one,  fluid rachm  [Imp.meas. 
boiling  Water  six  pints  [Imp.  meas.].  Dissolve  the  Salt  in  the  Water,  add  t 
Acid,  concentrate  the  solution,  and  set  it  aside  to  cool  and  form  crystals.”  L 

“Take  of  Sulphate  of  Potash,  in  powder,  three  ounces  [avoirdupois];  Pu 
Sulphuric  Acid  one  fiuidounce  [Imp.  meas.].  Place  the  Acid  and  Salt  in  a sun. 
porcelain  capsule,  and  to  this  apply  a heat  capable  of  liquefying  its  contents,  at. 
which  should  be  continued  until  acid  vapours  cease  to  be  given  off.  The  Bisn 
phate,  which  concretes  as  it  cools,  should  be  reduced  to  a fine  powder,  and  pi- 
served  in  a well  stopped  bottle.”  Dub. 

In  explaining  the  Edinburgh  formula,  it  is  only  necessary  to  recall  to  t' 
reader’s  attention  a part  of  the  explanations  given  under  the  head  of  XitricAo- 
(See  page  40.)  It  was  there  stated  that,  for  the  decomposition  of  nitre  on  t- 
small  scale  for  the  purpose  of  obtaining  nitric  acid,  it  is  necessary  to  use  two  ee 
of  sulphuric  acid  to  one  of  the  salt.  Consequently,  the  salt  which  remains  aft 
the  distillation  of  nitric  acid  is  really  a bisulphate,  and  would  seem  only  to  > 
quire  to  be  dissolved,  and  the  solution  filtered  and  duly  evaporated,  in  order) 
obtain  the  salt  in  crystals.  But  Mr.  Phillips  states  that,  when  the  bisulphatef 
potassa  is  dissolved  in  water,  and  the  solution  is  allowed  to  crystallize,  sou 


! 


art  II.  Potassa.  1147 

llphate  and  much  sesquisulphate  are  obtained  instead  of  bisulphate,  owing  to 
ie  water  retaining  a part  of  the  excess  of  acid  in  solution.  This  result  is  pre- 
Bnted  by  the  sulphuric  acid  directed  to  be  added,  and,  consequently,  the  real 
isulphate  is  obtained  in  crystals.  In  the  process  of  the  Dublin  College,  which 
a new  one  of  its  Pharmacopoeia  of  1850,  sulphate  of  potassa  is  mixed  with 
ore  sulphuric  acid  than  is  necessary  to  convert  it  into  a bisulphate,  and  the 
ixture  is  exposed  to  a liquefying  heat,  which  is  continued  so  long  as  acid  va- 
jurs  continue  to  be  given  off.  The  portion  of  acid,  more  than  sufficient  to  form 
bisulphate,  is  thus  driven  off;  so  that  the  saline  matter  left  is  the  salt  under 
rasideration,  which,  after  concreting,  is  reduced  to  fine  powder. 

Properties,  &c.  Bisulphate  of  potassa  is  a white  salt,  having  the  form  of  a 
ght  rhombic  prism,  so  flattened  as  to  be  tabular,  and  a bitter  and  extremely 
■id  taste.  It  is  soluble  in  twice  its  weight  of  cold  water,  and  in  less  than  its 
eight  of  boiling  water.  Alcohol  does  not  dissolve  it,  but,  when  added  to  an 
pieous  solution,  precipitates  the  neutral  sulphate.  Exposed  to  the  air,  it 
foresees  slightly  on  the  surface,  and  when  moderately  heated  readily  melts, 
id  runs  like  oil.  At  a red  heat  it  loses  water  and  the  excess  of  acid,  and  is 
iduced  to  the  state  of  neutral  sulphate.  From  its  excess  of  acid,  it  acts  pre- 
sely  as  an  acid  on  the  carbonates,  causing  them  to  effervesce.  It  is  incom- 
itible  with  alkalies,  earths,  and  their  carbonates,  with  many  of  the  metals,  and 
ost  oxides.  This  salt  was  formerly  called  sal  enixum.  It  consists' of  twoeqs. 
’sulphuric  acid  80,  one  of  potassa  47'2,  and  two  of  water  18=145'2. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Bisulphate  of  potassa  unites  the  properties  of 
i aperient  with  those  of  a tonic,  and  may  be  given  in  cases  of  constipation  with 
nguid  appetite,  such  as  often  occur  in  convalescence  from  acute  diseases.  Dr. 
aris  states  that  it  forms  a grateful  adjunct  to  rhubarb.  It  answers,  also,  ac- 
irding  to  Dr.  Barker,  for  preparing  an  aperient  effervescing  draught  at  little 
;pense.  Equal  weights,  a drachm  for  instance,  of  the  bisulphate  and  of  car- 
inate of  soda,  may  be  dissolved  separately,  each  in  two  fluidounc-es  of  water, 
ien  mixed,  and  taken  in  the  state  of  effervescence.  The  dose  of  the  bisulphate 
one  or  two  drachms.  B. 

POTASSiE  TARTRAS.  U.  S.,  Lond .,  Ed.,  Dub.  Tartrate  of 
1 otassa . Soluble  Tartar. 

“Take  of  Carbonate  of  Potassa  sixteen  ounces ; Bitartrate  of  Potassa  [cream 
tartar],  in  fine  powder,  three  pounds , or  a sufficient  quantity  ; Boiling  Water 
gallon.  Dissolve  the  Carbonate  of  Potassa  in  the  Water;  then  gradually  add 
e Bitartrate  of  Potassa  to  the  solution  till  it  is  perfectly  saturated,  and  boil, 
ilter  the  liquor,  evaporate  it  until  a pellicle  forms,  and  set  it  aside  to  crystallize, 
bur  off  the  liquid,  and,  having  dried  the  crystals  on  bibulous  paper,  keep  them 
closely  stopped  bottles.”  U.  S. 

In  the  London  Pharmacopoeia  of  1851  this  salt  has  been  transferred  from 
e Preparations  to  the  catalogue  of  the  Materia  Medica. 

“Take  of  Bitartrate  of  Potash  three  pounds ; Carbonate  of  Potash  sixteen 
nces,  or  a sufficiency ; boiling  Water  six  pints.  Dissolve  the  Carbonate  in  the 
'ater,  add  the  Bitartrate  till  the  liquor  is  neutralized,  boil  and  filter.  Concen- 
ite  the  liquor  till  a pellicle  forms  on  its  surface,  and  then  set  it  aside  to  cool 
id  crystallize.  The  residual  liquor  will  yield  more  crystals  by  farther  concen- 
ition  and  cooling.”  Ed. 

“ Take  of  Carbonate  of  Potash  from  Pearlash  eight  ounces  [avoirdupois];  white 
tartrate  of  Potash,  in  fine  powder,  one  pound  [avoird.],  or  a sufficient  quantity  ; 
istilled  Water  half  a gallon  [Imp.  meas.].  Dissolve  the  Carbonate  of  Potash 
the  Water,  and  to  the  solution,  while  boiling  hot,  gradually  add  the  Bitartrate, 
itil  the  liquid,  after  the  ebullition  has  been  continued  for  a couple  of  minutes, 
ases  to  change  the  colour  of  blue  or  reddened  litmus.  Filter  through  calico, 


1148 


Potassa. 


PART  II 


and,  having  evaporated  the  clear  liquor  until  a pellicle  forms  on  its  surface,  se 
it  by  to  crystallize.  After  twelve  hours  pour  off  the  liquid,  and,  having  drie 
the  crystals  on  bibulous  paper,  preserve  them  in  a well  stopped  bottle.”  Dub. 

In  these  processes,  the  excess  of  acid  in  the  bitartrate  is  saturated  by  the  pc 
tassa  of  the  carbonate,  the  carbonic  acid  is  extricated  with  effervescence,  and  th 
neutral  tartrate  of  potassa  is  formed.  On  account  of  the  greater  solubility  cj 
the  carbonate  than  of  the  bitartrate,  the  former  is  first  dissolved,  and  the  latte1 
added  to  the  solution  to  full  saturation.  As  the  bitartrate  is  gradually  addec 
the  mutual  action  of  the  salts  should  be  promoted  by  constant  stirring;  and  th 
addition  should  be  continued  so  long  as  effervescence  takes  place,  which  is 
better  mode  of  proceeding  than  to  add  any  specified  quantity  of  the  bisalt ; since 
from  its  variable  quality,  it  is  impossible  to  adjust  precisely  the  proportions  ay 
plicable  to  all  cases.  It  is  necessary  that  the  solution  should  be  exactly  neutra 
or  a little  alkaline;  and  hence,  if  inadvertently  too  much  bitartrate  has  bee 
added,  the  proper  state  may  be  restored  by  adding  a little  of  the  alkaline  ca; 
bonate.  When  the  saturation  has  been  completed,  the  solution  is  filtered  i 
order  to  separate  tartrate  of  lime,  which  appears  in  white  flocks,  and  which  j 
always  present  in  cream  of  tartar  as  an  impurity.  The  evaporated  liquor  shoul 
then  be  placed  in  icarm)  earthenware  vessels,  to  ensure  a slow  refrigeration ; ant 
after  remaining  at  rest  for  several  days,  the  crystals  begin  to  form.  In  ordc 
that  the  crystallization  should  proceed  favourably,  it  is  necessary,  according  t 
Baume,  that  the  solution  should  be  somewhat  alkaline.  Iron  vessels  should  n< 
be  used  in  any  part  of  the  process ; as  this  metal  is  apt  to  discolour  the  salt. 

Tartrate  of  potassa  is  sometimes  made  in  the  process  for  preparing  tartar 
acid.  When  thus  obtained,  the  exc-ess.of  acid  of  the  bitartrate  is  neutralized  b 
means  of  carbonate  of  lime.  This  generates  an  insoluble  tartrate  of  lime,  an 
leaves  the  neutral  tartrate  in  solution,  from  which  it  may  be  obtained  by  evap> 
ration  and  crystallization.  (See  Aciclum  Tartaric  inn.) 

Properties,  &c.  Tartrate  of  potassa,  prepared  according  to  the  officinal  pr 
cesses,  is  in  white  crystals,  which  are  neutral  to  test  paper,  slightly  deliquescen 
and  usually  in  the  form  of  irregular  six-sided  prisms  with  dihedral  summits.  I 
taste  is  saline  and  bitter.  It  dissolves  in  about  twice  its  weight  of  cold  watc 
and  in  much  less  boiling  water,  and  is  nearly  insoluble  in  alcohol.  Exposed  t 
heat  it  undergoes  fusion,  swells  up,  blackens,  and  is  decomposed;  being  converts 
into  carbonate  of  potassa.  For  medicinal  use  it  should  always  be  crystallized 
but,  as  it  ordinarily  occurs  in  the  shops,  it  is  in  a white  granular  powder,  obtainc 
by  evaporating  the  solution  to  dryness,  while  it  is  constantly  stirred.  In  th 
state  it  is  said  to  require  four  times  its  weight  of  water  for  solution.  It  is  nev 
purposely  adulterated;  but,  if  it  be  obtained  by  evaporation  to  dryness,  it  is  liab 
to  contain  an  excess  of  carbonate  or  of  bitartrate  of  potassa,  when  it  will  ha' 
either  an  alkaline  or  acid  reaction.  It  is  decomposed  by  all  the  strong  acids,  ai ' 
by  many  acidulous  salts,  which  cause  the  precipitation  of  minute  crystals 
bitartrate  of  potassa,  by  abstracting  one  eq.  of  alkali  from  two  of  the  sa 
Chloride  of  barium  or  acetate  of  lead  occasions  a white  precipitate  of  tartrate 
baryta  or  lead,  distinguishable  from  the  sulphate  of  those  bases  by  being  whol 
soluble  in  dilute  nitric  acid.  Tartrate  of  potassa  is  composed  of  one  eq.  of  t£ 
taric  acid  66,  and  one  of  potassa  47'2=113'2.  According  to  Berzelius,  t. 
crystals  contain  no  water  of  crystallization. 

Medical  Properties.  Tartrate  of  potassa  is  a mild  cooling  purgative,  operatin. 
like  most  of  the  neutral  salts,  without  much  pain,  and  producing  watery  stoo 
It  is  applicable  to  febrile  diseases,  and  is  occasionally  combined  with  senna,  tt 
griping  effects  of  which  it  has  a tendency  to  obviate.  The  dose  is  from  a drach 
to  an  ounce,  according  to  the  degree  of  effect  desired.  B. 


ART  II. 


Potassa. 


1149 


POTASSII  BROMIDUM.  U.  S.  Bromide  of  Potassium. 

“ Take  of  Bromine  two  ounces;  Iron  Filings  an  ounce;  Carbonate  of  Potassa 
•o  ounces  and  a drachm,  or  a sufficient  quantity ; Distilled  Water  four  pints. 
dd  first  the  Iron  Filings,  and  afterwards  the  Bromine,  to  a pint  and  a half  of 
e Distilled  Water,  stirring  the  mixture  frequently  with  a spatula  for  half  an 
>ur.  Apply  a gentle  heat,  and,  when  the  liquor  assumes  a greenish  colour,  add 
■adually  the  Carbonate  of  Potassa,  previously  dissolved  in  a pint  and  a half  of 
e Distilled  Water,  until  it  ceases  to  produce  a precipitate.  Continue  the  heat 
r half  an  hour,  and  then  filter.  Wash  the  precipitate  with  the  remaining  pint 
Distilled  Water,  boiling  hot,  and  filter.  Mix  the  filtered  liquors,  and  evapo- 
te  so  that  crystals  may  form.  Lastly,  pour  off  the  liquid,  and  dry  the  crystals 
1 bibulous  paper.”  U.  S. 

In  the  first  step  of  this  process,  a solution  of  bromide  of  iron  is  formed;  and 
is,  by  the  addition  of  the  solution  of  carbonate  of  potassa,  is  decomposed  so 
to  generate  carbonate  of  the  protoxide  of  iron  which  precipitates,  and  bromide 
potassium  in  solution.  By  straining,  the  precipitated  carbonate  is  separated, 
d from  the  strained  liquor  crystals  of  bromide  of  potassium  are  obtained  by 
:e  evaporation. 

Properties,  &c.  Bromide  of  potassium  is  a permanent,  colourless,  anhydrous 
It,  crystallizing  in  cubes  or  quadrangular  prisms,  and  having  a pungent,  saline 
ste,  similar  to  that  of  common  salt,  but  more  acrid.  It  is  very  soluble  in  cold 
iter,  more  so  in  hot,  and  but  slightly  soluble  in  alcohol.  When  heated  it  de- 
epitates,  and,  at  a red  heat,  fuses  without  decomposition.  The  following  cha- 
pters are  given  of  the  salt  in  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia.  "Its  aqueous  solution 
es  not  affect  the  colour  of  litmus  or  turmeric,  and  is  not  precipitated  by  chloride 
barium.  When  mixed  with  starch,  and  treated  with  sulphuric  acid,  it  becomes 
llow.  The  salt,  when  subjected  to  heat,  does  not  lose  weight.  Ten  grains  of 
require,  for  complete  precipitation,  14'28  grains  of  nitrate  of  silver,  and  the 
ecipitate  formed  has  a yellowish  colour.”  The  object  of  adding  sulphuric  acid 
tng  with  the  starch  is  to  set  the  bromine  free.  If  iodine  be  set  free  at  the 
ne  time,  the  starch  will  give  rise  to  a violet  or  feeble  blue  colour.  To  test  for 
line  in  this  salt,  Lassaigne  recommends  to  add  to  its  solution  a few  drops  of  a 
ak  solution  of  chlorine,  and  then  to  introduce  a piece  of  starched  white  paper. 

. iodine  be  present,  the  starch  will  become  violet,  or  faintly  blue.  If  the  salt 
composes  more  nitrate  of  silver  than  is  above  stated,  its  saturating  power  is 
; :ater  than  it  should  be,  and  the  presence  of  a chloride,  probably  of  potassium 
' sodium,  may  be  suspected.  Bromide  of  potassium  consists  of  one  eq.  of 
iimine  78 '4,  and  one  of  potassium  89'2=117'6. 

Medical  Properties.  Bromide  of  potassium  is  deemed  alterative  and  resolvent. 
.1828,  Pourche  used  it  with  benefit,  both  internally  and  in  the  form  of  oint- 
) nt,  in  the  treatment  of  bronchocele  and  scrofula.  Favourable  results  were 
cained  by  Dr.  Williams,  of  London,  from  its  use  as  an  internal  remedy  in  seve- 
i cases  of  enlarged  spleen.  According  to  Bicord,  it  produces  effects  in  seeond- 
: r syphilis  similar  to  those  of  iodide  of  potassium,  but  acts  more  slowly.  (See 
\ lassii  Ioclidum. ) The  same  view  is  taken  of  its  slow  action  in  syphilis  by  Dr. 
mn  Egan.  This  surgeon,  after  experimenting  with  the  bromide  of  potassium 
fj  a period  of  four  years  in  the  Westmoreland  Lock  Hospital,  found  its  effects, 
^secondary  and  tertiary  syphilis,  slow  and  unsatisfactory,  when  compared  with 
t se  of  iodide  of  potassium.  While  the  iodide  generally  increased  the  appetite 
£ l improved  the  powers  of  digestion,  the  bromide  not  unfrequently  produced 
lisea  and  derangement  of  the  digestive  organs.  (Am.  Journ.  of  Med.  Sci.,  xiv. 
A,  from  the  Dublin  Med.  Press. ) M.  Huette,  from  extensive  trials  made  with 
t ? remedy  in  the  same  stages  of  syphilis,  found  it  inefficacious ; exhibiting,  in 
i effects,  a marked  contrast  to  those  of  iodide  of  potassium,  which  rapidly 


1150 


Potassa. 


PART  II 


relieved  the  cases  in  which  the  bromide  had  failed.  (Ann.  de  TJierap .,  1851,  p 
216.)  When  given  in  large  doses  (from  two  to  five  drachms  daily),  it  produce 
headache,  followed  by  a peculiar  intoxication,  attended  with  torpor  and  drow1 
siness,  slowness  of  the  pulse,  temporary  dulness  of  sight  and  hearing,  and  weak 
ness  of  the  intellectual  faculties.  In  one  case,  observed  by  M.  Puimes,  th 
insensibility  was  so  complete  that  the  puncture  of  the  skin  with  a suture  need! 
was  not  felt,  and  the  titillation  of  the  conjunctiva  and  fauces  with  a feather  prr 
duced  neither  winking  nor  desire  to  vomit.  (Journ.  de  Pharm.,  Dec.  1849. 
Anaesthesia  of  the  fauces,  produced  by  this  bromide,  was  subsequently  observe- 
by  M.  Huette,  who  also  noticed  in  it  the  power  of  inducing  more  or  less  torpidit 
of  the  genital  organs. 

Bromide  of  potassium  may  be  given  in  the  form  of  pill,  or  dissolved  in  watei 
in  doses  of  from  three  to  ten  grains  three  times  a day.  The  ointment  may  b 
made  by  mixing  from  a scruple  to  two  drachms  of  the  bromide  with  an  ounc 
of  lard.  Of  this  from  half  a drachm  to  a drachm  may  be  rubbed  on  a scrofulou 
tumour,  or  other  part  where  its  local  action  is  desired,  once  in  twenty-four  hour1 
Sometimes  bromine  is  added  to  this  ointment  in  the  proportion  of  thirty  minim 
to  the  ounce  of  lard.  B. 

POTASSII  CYANURETUM.  U.S.  Cyanuret  of  Potassium. 

“Take  of  Ferrocyanuret  of  Potassium,  dried,  eight  ounces ; Carbonate  q 
Potassa,  dried,  three  ounces.  Mix  the  salts  intimately,  and  throw  the  mixtur 
into  a deep  iron  crucible  previously  heated  to  redness;  maintain  the  temperatui 
till  effervescence  ceases,  and  the  fused  mass  concretes,  of  a pure  white  colou 
upon  a warm  glass  rod  dipped  into  it ; then  pour  out  the  liquid  carefully  into; 
shallow  dish  to  solidify,  stopping  before  the  salt  becomes  contaminated  with  th 
precipitated  iron.  Break  up  the  mass  while  yet  warm,  and  preserve  it  in  we 
stopped  bottles.”  U.  S. 

The  above  process  for  obtaining  this  cyanuret  is  that  of  Liebig,  modified  b 
C.  Clemm,  and  has  been  substituted,  in  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia  of  1850,  fi 
that  in  which  the  ferrocyanuret  is  ignited  without  addition.  It  furnishes  a larg 
product  of  cyanuret  of  potassium,  contaminated,  but  not  to  an  injurious  exten 
with  cyanate  of  potassa.  The  reaction  takes  place  betwmen  two  eqs.  of  ferr 
cyanuret  of  potassium  and  two  of  carbonate  of  potassa.  The  iron  is  set  free,  tl 
carbonic  acid  evolved,  and  a compound  of  five  eqs.  of  cyanuret  of  potassium  ar 
one  of  cyanate  of  potassa  is  formed.  The  iron  occupies  the  lower  part  of  tl 
fused  liquid;  and,  if  the  latter  be  carefully  poured  out  to  solidify,  the  portii 
contaminated  with  the  iron  may  be  left  behind.  The  reaction  is  explained  1 
the  following  equation; — 2(FeCy,2KCy)  and  2(KO,COa)=5KCy  + KO,Cy 
aud  2Fe  and  2CO;,.  The  cyanate  of  potassa  may  be  readily  detected  by  sat 
rating  the  product  with  an  acid,  which  will  cause  an  effervescence  of  carbon 
acid,  and  the  generation  of  a salt  of  ammonia. 

In  the  process  in  which  the  ferrocyanuret  of  potassium  is  ignited  alone  (form 
U.  S.  process),  the  salt  is  first  deprived  of  its  water  of  crystallization  by  exposu 
to  a moderate  heat,  and  theu  calcined  at  a red  heat  for  two  hours,  in  order 
decompose  the  cyanuret  of  iron.  The  product  of  the  calcination  is  a blac 
porous  mass,  consisting  of  cyanuret  of  potassium,  mixed  with  carburet  of  in 
and  charcoal.  As  the  cyanuret  is  very  prone  to  absorb  oxygen,  especially  wh 
hot,  whereby  it  is  decomposed,  atmospheric  air  is  excluded  from  the  retort,  wh 
it  is  cooling,  by  luting  its  orifice.  When  the  whole  is  cold,  the  black  mass ; 
reduced  to  coarse  powder,  and  exhausted  by  cold  distilled  water,  which  dissolw 
the  cyanuret  of  potassium,  and  leaves  the  carburet  of  iron  and  charcoal  behit. 
The  filtered  liquor,  therefore,  is  an  aqueous  solution  of  cyanuret  of  potassiu. 
which  is  obtained  in  a solid  state  by  a rapid  evaporation  to  dryness.  Puri: 
the  evaporation,  a small  portion  of  the  cyanuret  is  decomposed,  attended  w:i 


].RT  II. 


Potassa. 


1151 


t;  evolution  of  ammonia,  and  the  production  of  formiate  of  potassa.  A portion 
cthis  salt,  therefore,  contaminates  the  cyanuret,  as  obtained  by  this  process; 
It  the  quantity  is  too  small  to  interfere  with  its  medicinal  action.  The  decom- 
pition  here  referred  to  takes  place  between  one  eq.  of  cyanuret  of  potassium 
d four  of  water,  and  is  represented  by  the  following  equation,  in  which  the 
nnogen  is  expressed  by  its  full  symbolNC2,and  formic  acid  byC2H03; — K,NC2 
al  4HO=NH3  and  K0,C2H03.  This  decomposition  is  avoided  by  exhausting 
t;  black  mass  with  boiling  alcohol  of  60  per  cent,  (sp.gr.  0'896)  instead  of 
iter.  The  alcoholic  solution,  by  evaporation  to  a pellicle,  lets  fall  the  salt 
un  cooling,  as  a crystalline  precipitate,  perfectly  white  and  pure. 

According  to  the  process  of  the  French  Codex,  this  cyanuret  is  obtained  in 
t dry  way,  without  the  use  of  any  solvent.  The  calcination  is  performed  in 
aoated  stoneware  retort,  half-filled  with  the  ferrocyanuret,  to  which  a tube  is 
arched  for  collecting  the  gaseous  products.  When  these  cease  to  be  disen- 
g;ed,  the  heat  is  gradually  raised  to  a very  high  temperature,  at  which  it  is  kept 
f a quarter  of  an  hour;  after  which  the  tube  is  closed  with  luting,  and  the 
vole  left  undisturbed  until  quite  cold.  When  the  calcination  is  thus  con- 
d;ted,  the  retort,  upon  being  broken,  will  be  found  to  contain  a black  mat- 
t,  covered  with  a fused  layer  of  pure  cyanuret  of  potassium,  resembling  white 
e mel.  This  is  detached  by  means  of  a knife,  and  immediately  transferred  to 
aottle,  with  an  accurately  fitting  stopper.  The  black  matter,  under  the  name 
o Hack  cyanuret  of  potassium,  is  also  kept  for  medicinal  use ; but  the  dose  of 
tj  cannot  be  accurately  fixed,  on  account  of  its  containing,  at  different  times, 
me  or  less  impurity. 

Ihe  French  Codex  process  is  commended  by  Mr.  Donovan,  of  Dublin,  as  being 
tl  best  for  obtaining  this  salt.  He  has  modified  it  by  substituting  for  the  stone- 
ve  retort,  an  iron  mercury  bottle,  which,  when  cold,  must  be  cut  in  two  by 
a fisel  and  heavy  hammer  to  get  out  the  product.  The  details  of  his  mode  of 
p;eeding  are  given  by  him  in  the  Pharm.  Journ.  and  Trans.,  ii.  578. 

lyanuret  of  potassium  may  be  formed  by  passing  a current  of  nitrogen,  pre- 
v isly  strongly  ignited,  over  charcoal,  impregnated  with  carbonate  of  potassa, 
ai  heated  to  whiteness.  (See  page  593.)  The  same  result  is  obtained,  under 
si  lar  circumstances,  by  a current  of  atmospheric  air,  mixed  with  watery  vapour, 
aordiDg  to  the  plan  of  M.  Armengaud.  {Pharm.  Journ.  and  Trans.,  Dec. 
1!;S,  p.  291.) 

Properties.  Cyanuret  of  potassium,  as  prepared  by  the  U.  S.  formula,  is  in 
w e,  opaque,  amorphous  masses,  having  a sharp,  somewhat  alkaline  and  bitter- 
abnd  taste,  and  an  alkaline  reaction.  If  yellow  it  contains  iron.  It  is  deli- 
qv  scent  in  moist  air,  very  soluble  in  water  when  reduced  to  powder,  and  sparingly 
sc  ble  in  strong  alcohol.  The  salt  and  its  solution,  when  exposed  to  the  air, 
eJile  the  odour  of  hydrocyanic  acid,  and  become  weaker;  but  the  change  takes 
pi  a slowly.  Orfila  found  that  the  salt,  after  fourteen  days’  exposure,  by  which 
it  is  almost  entirely  liquefied,  still  possessed  energetic  poisonous  properties. 
H thinks,  therefore,  that  the  bad  effects  of  opening  the  containing  bottle,  in 
di  3nsing  the  medicine,  have  been  exaggerated.  Unfortunately,  the  salt  varies 
w lality,  independently  of  the  effects  of  time  and  exposure.  Dr.  David  Stewart, 
oftaltimore,  examined  six  samples  of  this  cyanuret,  on  sale,  and  found  them 
to.iry  considerably  in  purity.  Besides  water,  the  usual  impurities  are  hydrate, 
ca  onate,  cyanate,  and  formiate  of  potassa.  These  sometimes  amount  to  nearly 
ba  the  weight  of  the  cyanuret,  consisting  principally  of  the  carbonate.  From 
th  :xtensive  use  at  present  made  of  cyanuret  of  potassium  in  electro-metallurgy 
an  photography,  it  is  of  importance  to  have  a reliable  test  of  its  purity.  Such 
a it  has  been  discovered  by  MM.  Fordos  and  Gelis,  founded  on  the  fact  that 
tw  sqs.  of  iodine  rapidly  react  with  one  of  the  cyanuret,  so  as  to  form  one  eq. 


1152 


JPotassa. 


PART  I] 


of  iodide  of  potassium,  and  one  of  iodide  of  cyanogen; — KCy  and  2I=KI  an 
Cyl.  Accordingly,  a tincture  of  iodine  of  known  strength  is  gradually  adde1 
to  an  aqueous  solution  of  a given  weight  of  the  cyanuret  to  be  tested,  until 
assumes  a permanent  yellowish  tinge ; and  the  amount  of  iodine  expended  ind 
cates  the  proportion  of  cyanuret  in  the  specimen.  A necessary  preliminary  stej 
before  using  the  tincture,  is  to  add  sufficient  carbonic  acid  water  to  the  solutio 
of  the  cyanuret,  to  convert  any  hydrate  or  carbonate  of  potassa  present  int 
bicarbonates,  in  which  state  these  impurities  have  no  action  on  the  iodin 
((7/mm.  Gaz.,  Oct.  15, 1852,  p.  387.)  This  test  is  applicable  to  other  cyanoge 
compounds.  (See  page  809.)  Cyanuret  of  potassium  yields  with  nitrate  of  silv< 
a precipitate  of  cyanuret  of  silver,  which  is  wholly  soluble  in  ammonia, 
consists  of  one  eq.  of  cyanogen  26,  and  one  of  potassium  39’2  = 65'2. 

Medical  Properties.  Cyanuret  of  potassium  is  pre-eminently  poisonous,  ac-tir 
precisely  like  hydrocyanic  acid  as  a poison  and  as  a medicine.  (See  Acidu 
lljdrocyanicum. ) The  grounds  on  which  it  was  proposed  as  a substitute  f< 
that  acid  by  Robiquet  and  Villerme,  are  its  uniformity  as  a chemical  produc 
and  its  less  liability  to  undergo  decomposition.  The  dose  is  the  eighth  of 
grain,  dissolved  in  half  a fluidounce  of  distilled  water,  to  which  may  be  add< 
half  a fluidrachra  of  syrup  of  lemons,  if  the  presc-riber  wishes  to  set  free  bydr 
cyanic  acid.  ( Donovan .)  The  spurious  cyanuret,  formed  by  calcining  dri. 
muscular  flesh  with  potash,  consists  principally  of  carbonate  of  potassa,  and 
but  slightly  poisonous.  ( Orfda .)  A solution,  made  with  from  one  to  four  grai 
to  the  fluidounce  of  water,  has  been  recommended  in  neuralgic  and  other  loC 
pains,  applied  by  means  of  pieces  of  linen.  Mr.  Guthrie  found  that  a soluth 
of  from  three  to  six  grains  to  the  fluidounce  of  distilled  water,  formed  an  adn 
rable  remedy,  applied  by  drops  every  other  day,  for  removing  the  olive-colour 
stains  of  the  conjunctiva,  caused  by  nitrate  of  silver.  B. 

POTASSII  IODIDUM.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub.  Iodide  of  Pott- 
slum. 

“Take  of  Potassa  six  ounces;  Iodine,  in  powder,  sixteen  ounces;  Charco, 
in  fine  powder,  two  ounces;  Boiling  Water  three  pints.  Dissolve  the  Potassa  i 
the  Water,  add  the  Iodine  gradually,  stirring  after  each  addition  until  the  sot 
tion  becomes  colourless,  and  continue  the  additions  uutil  the  liquid  remai; 
slightly  coloured  from  excess  of  Iodine.  Evaporate  the  solution  to  dryne, 
stirring  in  the  Charcoal  towards  the  close,  so  that  it  may  be  intimately  misl 
with  the  dried  salt.  Rub  this  to  powder,  and  heat  it  to  dull  redness  in  an  in 
crucible,  maintaining  that  temperature  for  fifteen  minutes;  then,  after  it  Is 
cooled,  dissolve  out  the  saline  matter  with  pure  water,  filter  the  solution,  eva  - 
rate,  and  set  aside  to  crystallize.  An  additional  quantity  of  crystals  may  be  - 
tained  from  the  residual  liquid  by  evaporating  and  crystallizing  as  before.”  l->- 

In  the  London  Pharmacopoeia  of  1851,  iodide  of  potassium  has  been  tra  - 
ferred  from  the  preparations  to  the  list  of  Materia  Mediea. 

“ Take  of  Iodine  (dry)  five  ounces;  fine  Iron  Wire  three  ounces ; Water  fir 
pints  [Imp.  meas.j;  Carbonate  of  Potash  (dry)  two  ounces  and  six  drachs. 
With  the  Water,  Iodine,  and  Iron  Wire  prepare  the  solution  of  iodide  of  in 
as  directed  [under  Ferri  Iodidi  Syrupus].  Add  immediately,  while  it  is  k, 
the  Carbonate  of  Potash  previously  dissolved  in  a few  ounces  of  water,  stir  e; 
fully,  filter  the  product,  and  wash  the  powder  on  the  filter  with  a little  war. 
Concentrate  the  liquor  at  a temperature  short  of  ebullition,  till  a dry  salfe 
obtained,  which  is  to  be  purified  from  a little  red  oxide  of  iron  and  other  i- 
purities,  by  dissolving  it  in  less  than  its  own  weight  of  boiling  water,  or  ill 
better  by  boiling  it  in  twice  its  weight  of  rectified  spirit,  filtering  the  soluth, 
and  setting  it  aside  to  crystallize.  More  crystals  will  be  obtained  by  coma- 
trating and  cooling  the  residual  liquor.”  Ed. 


art  II. 


Potassa. 


1153 


“ Take  of  Pure  Iodine,  reduced  to  powder,  four  ounces  and  a half  [avoir- 
ipois];  filings,  or  thin  turnings  of  wrought  Iron,  separated  from  impurities  by 
magnet,  two  ounces  [avoird.];  Pure  Carbonate  of  Potash  two  ounces  and  a half 
voird.],  or  a sufficient  quantity ; Distilled  Water  three  pints  and  a half  [Imp. 
eas.].  Heat  gently  five  ounces  of  the  Water  with  the  Iron  and  three  ounces 
' the  Iodine,  for  twenty  minutes,  and  then  boil  until  the  solution  loses  its  red 
lour.  Filter  this  through  paper,  washing  the  filter  with  five  ounces  of  Water 
a boiling  temperature,  and,  in  the  solution  thus  obtained,  dissolve,  by  diges- 
on  and  shaking,  the  remainder  of  the  Iodine.  To  the  Carbonate  of  Potash, 
ssolved  in  a quart  [two  pints  Imp.  meas.]  of  the  Water,  and  heated  to  212°  in 
large  porcelain  capsule,  add  the  solution  of  Iron  and  Iodine,  and  boil  until 
fervescence  ceases,  adding,  if  necessary,  a little  more  Carbonate  of  Potash,  so 
at  the  liquor  may  be  very  slightly  alkaline.  Filter  now,  washing  the  preei- 
tate  with  the  remaining  pint  of  water  boiling  hot,  and,  having  evaporated  the 
quid  till  a pellicle  begins  to  appear  on  its  surface,  let  it  be  set  by  that  crystals 
jay  form  These,  when  dried  on  blotting  paper,  should  be  preserved  in  a bottle 
rnished  with  a perfectly  tight  stopper.  The  liquor  from  which  the  crystals 
we  separated  will,  by  further  evaporation  and  cooling,  afford  an  additional 
rantity  of  the  salt.”  Dub. 

In  the  process  newly  adopted  in  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia  of  1850,  an  aque- 
jps  solution  of  potassa  is  treated  with  iodine  in  slight  excess.  The  result  of 
ius  saturating  potassa  with  iodine  is  the  formation  of  two  salts,  iodide  of  po- 
ssium  and  iodate  of  potassa.  Six  eqs.  of  iodine  react  with  six  of  potassa, 
id  there  are  formed  five  eqs.  of  iodide  of  potassium,  and  one  of  iodate  of  po- 
ssa; — 61  and  6KO=5Kl  and  KO,IOs.  By  evaporating  the  solution  to  dry- 
3ss  the  mixed  salts  are  obtained;  and,  if  the  dry  mass  be  exposed  to  a red  heat, 
le  iodate  will  be  converted  into  iodide  of  potassium,  thus  removing  this  im- 
urity  from  the  iodide.  In  the  formula  the  mixed  salts,  towards  the  close  of 
ieir  evaporation  to  dryness,  are  directed  to  be  mixed  with  powdered  charcoal, 
icording  to  the  plan  of  Mr.  Scanlan,  which  facilitates  the  deoxidation  of  the 
date.  This  being  accomplished  by  a dull  red  heat,  the  iodide  of  potassium 
dissolved  out  of  the  mass,  and  the  solution  set  aside  to  crystallize. 

The  first  step  of  the  Edinburgh  process  is  to  form  the  iodide  of  iron  in  solu- 
on,  precisely  as  is  done  in  the  formula  for  that  compound;  and  the  second  to 
acompose  it  by  carbonate  of  potassa,  which  gives  rise  to  iodide  of  potassium  in 
ilutiou,  and  a precipitate  of  carbonate  of  protoxide  of  iron.  The  solution  of 
dide  of  potassium  is  separated  by  filtration  and  washing  from  the  precipitated 
irbonate,  and  evaporated  to  dryness.  The  dry  salt  is  then  freed  from  iron  and 
her  impurities  by  solution  in  boiling  water  or  alcohol,  filtration  and  crystalli- 
ition.  Messrs.  T.  and  H.  Smith,  of  Edinburgh,  instead  of  washing  the  pre- 
pitate,  prefer  the  plan  of  pressing  it  strongly  in  a cloth,  in  order  to  extract  the 
:mains  of  the  solution.  The  mass  left  is  broken  up  in  a portion  of  distilled 
ater  equal  to  about  two-thirds  of  the  weight  of  the  iodine  employed,  and  pressed 
second  time.  Proceeding  thus,  less  water  is  used,  and  less  evaporation  is 
'ecessary.  The  solution  obtained  by  them  is  evaporated  to  dryness,  and  the  dry 
hit  is  carefully  fused  in  an  iron  pot,  in  order  to  free  it  from  colour.  It  is  then 
issolved,  and  the  solution,  by  filtration,  concentration,  and  cooling,  furnishes  a 
erfectly  pure  iodide  nearly  to  the  last. 

The  Dublin  process  is  similar  to  that  of  the  Edinburgh  College.  Two-thirds 
f the  iodine  are  gently  heated  with  the  iron  mixed  with  a portion  of  water,  and 
he  filtered  solution  of  the  iodide  of  iron  formed  is  shaken  with  the  remaining 
nrd  of  the  iodine  until  it  is  dissolved.  There  is  thus  formed  what  may  be 
died  a superiodide  of  iron,  which  is  mixed  in  the  usual  way  with  the  carbonate 
f potassa,  and  the  mixture  boiled  until  effervescence  ceases.  By  this  boiling 
73 


1154 


Potassa. 


PART  II 


the  salts  are  made  fully  to  react  on  each  other,  and  the  filtered  solution  pre 
vented  from  being  contaminated  with  iron.  The  Dublin  College  very  properl 
orders  the  use  of  the  pure  carbonate  of  potassa  in  this  process,  in  accordant 
with  the  practice  of  the  Messrs.  Smith. 

Properties,  &c.  Iodide  of  potassium,  sometimes  incorrectly  called  hydriodat 
of  potassa,  is  in  opaque,  white  or  transparent  crystals,  permanent  in  a dry  air 
slightly  deliquescent  in  a moist  one,  and  having  a sharp  saline  taste.  It  does  no 
change  the  colour  of  litmus,  and  has  little  or  no  effect  on  turmeric.  Accordin 
to  the  Messrs.  Smith,  of  Edinburgh,  it  is  not  at  all  deliquescent  when  perfect!' 
pure.  It  generally  crystallizes  in  cubes.  It  is  soluble  in  about  two-thirds  o 
its  weight  of  cold  water,  and  in  from  six  to  eight  parts  of  rectified  spirit.  It 
solution  is  decomposed  by  sulphuric  acid,  which  acts  by  generating  hydriodic  acid 
which  speedily  undergoes  decomposition,  with  evolution  of  iodine;  and,  if  starcl 
he  added  after  the  lapse  of  a few  minutes,  a blue  colour  is  generated.  Th 
starch  test  will  not  give  the  characteristic  blue  colour  immediately,  if  addei 
simultaneously  with  the  acid,  unless  the  iodide  of  potassium  contains  iodate  o 
potassa,  which  impurity  causes  an  immediate  liberation  of  iodine.  The  blu 
colour  being  produced  by  the  starch  and  acid,  simultaneously  added,  is,  there 
fore,  a sign  of  impurity.  A very  delicate  test  of  iodide  of  potassium,  am 
other  soluble  iodides,  is  that  of  M.  Grange.  It  consists  in  pouring  a little  o 
the  liquid  to  be  examined  into  a test-tube,  adding  a few  drops  of  solution  o 
starch,  and  passing  through  the  mixture  a few  bubbles  of  fuming  nitrous  acid 
The  liquid  immediately  assumes  a pale-rose  colour,  inclining  to  violet,  whei 
containing  1-200, 000th  of  its  weight  of  the  iodide,  and  a bright  blue  colour,  i 
1-100, 000th  is  present.  See  page  408.  ( C hem.  Gaz.,  Jan.  1,  1852,  p.  19. 

“ When  tartaric  acid  is  freely  added  to  a strong  solution  of  the  iodide,  it  occa 
sions  a white  crystalline  precipitate;  and  the  supernatant  liquid,  if  mixed  witl 
starch,  becomes  first  purple,  and  finally  blue.  Chloride  of  platinum  colour 
its  solution  reddish-brown,  without  causing  a precipitate ; chloride  of  bariun 
but  slightly  afiects  it;  and  sulphate  of  iron  occasions  no  change.”  ( U. . S.  Pharm. 
The  non-action  of  the  last  test  shows  the  absence  of  carbonate  of  potassa.  Th 
aqueous  solution  is  capable  of  taking  up  a large  quantity  of  iodine,  forming 
liquid,  containing  the  ioduretted  iodide,  of  a deep-brown  colour.  Exposed  to 
dull  red  heat  it  fuses,  and  on  cooling  concretes  into  a crystalline  pearly  mass 
without  loss  of  weight;  but  at  a full  red  heat  it  is  slowly  volatilized  withou 
decomposition.  The  most  usual  impurities  contained  in  this  salt  are  the  chic 
rides  of  potassium  and  sodium,  bromide  of  potassium,  and  iodate  and  carbonat 
of  potassa.  The  presence  of  a chloride  may  be  determined  by  the  use  of  nitrat 
of  silver.  This  test  will  throw  down  nothing  from  the  pure  salt  but  iodide  o 
silver,  which  is  scarcel}'  soluble  in  ammonia ; while  chloride  of  silver  is  readil 
soluble  in  it.  If  then  a solution  of  the  iodide  be  precipitated  by  an  excess  o 
nitrate  of  silver,  aud  agitated  with  ammonia,  the  latter  will  dissolve  any  chlorid 
which  may  have  beeu  thrown  down,  and  will  yield  it  again  as  a white  precip: 
tate  on  being  saturated  with  nitric  acid.  If,  on  the  other  hand,  the  iodide  c 
potassium  be  pure,  the  ammonia  will  only  take  up  a minute  quantity  of  iodid 
of  silver,  and  the  addition  of  nitric  acid  will  scarcely  disturb  the  transparent 
of  the  solution.  The  iodide  of  silver  thrown  down  from  10  grains  of  iodide  c 
potassium  weighs,  when  washed  and  dried,  14'1  grains.  When  acetate  of  lea 
is  added  to  a solution  of  iodide  of  potassium, .a  yellow  precipitate  of  iodide  of  lea 
is  thrown  down,  soluble  in  boiling  water.  Tbe  low  price  of  bromide  of  pota; 
sium,  compared  with  that  of  the  iodide,  has  caused  the  former  to  be  used  t 
adulterate  the  latter.  When  bromide  of  potassium  is  sold  for  the  iodide,  th 
fraud  maybe  detected  by  the  fact  that  the  bromide  produces  no  precipitate  wit 
bichloride  of  mercury.  In  order  to  detect  bromine,  M.  Personae  first  precip 


ART  II. 


Potassa. 


1155 


ites  from  an  aqueous  solution  of  the  suspected  iodide,  the  whole  of  the  iodine 
3 protiodide  of  copper,  by  successively  adding,  in  excess,  a solution  of  sulphate 
f copper,  and  aqueous  sulphurous  acid;  and  then  treats  the  filtered  liquid  with 
lier  and  chlorine  water,  the  whole  being  shaken  together  and  left  at  rest.  If 
romine  be  present,  the  ether  which  rises  to  the  surface,  will  be  tinged  of  a 
iddish-yellow  colour.  The  iodate  and  carbonate  may  be  detected  by  their  in- 
ilubility  in  alcohol.  The  iodate  may  be  detected  also  by  adding  a solution  of 
irtaric  acid  to  a solution  of  the  suspected  iodide.  Bitartrate  of  potassa  will  be 
recipitated,  and,  if  the  iodide  be  pure,  a yellow  colour  is  soon  developed  from 
le  action  of  the  air  on  the  liberated  hydriodic  acid;  but,  if  any  iodate  be  pre- 
;nt,  the  test  will  set  free  both  iodic  and  hydriodic  acid,  which,  by  their  reaction, 
ill  instantly  develope  free  iodine.  ( Pereira .)  Carbonate  of  potassa  is  generally 
resent  in  the  proportion  of  from  one  to  ten  per  cent.  Dr.  Christison  has  de- 
leted 74£  per  cent,  and  Dr.  Pereira  as  high  as  77  per  cent.  An  adulteration 
y the  carbonate  under  ten  per  cent,  does  not  alter  the  crystalline  appearance  of 
re  iodide,  but  gives  it  an  increased  tendency  to  deliquesce.  When  it  is  greater 
renders  the  salt  granular  and  highly  deliquescent.  This  impurity  may  be 
etected  by  lime-water,  which  causes  a milkiness  (carbonate  of  lime),  and  by 
ncture  of  iodine,  the  colour  of  which  is  destroyed.  Another  impurity,  found 
y A.  Erdmann,  is  bicarbonate  of  soda.  It  was  detected  by  adding  to  a small 
ortion  of  the  suspected  sample,  sufficient  water  to  dissolve  it  if  pure.  This 
fit  the  impurity  in  fragments  of  crystals,  which  required  from  thirteen  to  four- 
;en  parts  of  water  to  dissolve  them.  Upon  examination  they  effervesced  with 
fids,  and  proved  to  be  bicarbonate  of  soda.  (J.  M.  Maiseh,  Am.  Journ.  of 
diarm.,  xxvi.  p.  210.)  Iodide  of  potassium  consists  of  one  eq.  of  iodine  126'3, 
ad  one  of  potassium,  39'2  = 165‘5.  It  contains  no  water  of  crystallization. 
Professor  Procter  has  given  a paper  on  the  incompatibles  of  iodide  of  potas- 
mn,  in  relation  to  the  mercurial  preparations.  He  finds  it  incompatible  with 
ilomel,  the  black  and  red  oxides  of  mercury,  turpeth  mineral,  white  precipitate, 
lue  mass,  and  metallic  mercury.  These  experiments  serve  to  confirm  the  results 
f 31.  3Ielsens,  that  iodide  of  potassium,  given  in  connexion  with  the  insoluble 
reparations  of  mercury,  renders  them  soluble  and  much  more  active.  (See  Am. 
ourn.  of  Pharm.,  xxvi.  p.  222.) 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  This  salt  produces  very  marked  effects  on  the 
icretions  in  general,  which  it  increases,  and  into  which  it  readily  passes.  It  has 
tendency  to  irritate  the  mucous  membrane  of  the  air-passages,  as  is  shown  by 
s sometimes  occasioning  an  affection  like  cold  in  the  head.  Dr.  D.  P.  Phillips, 

. S.  Navy,  reports  a case  in  which  it  appeared  to  produce  trismus,  which  he  at- 
ibuted  to  the  use  of  the  medicine  in  too  concentrated  a solution.  {Med.  Exam., 
lay,  1853.)  When  long  continued  in  large  doses  it  sometimes  produces  a 
nder,  enlarged,  lobulated,  and  fissured  tongue,  constituting  a true  chronic 
'lossitis.  3Ir.  Langston  Parker,  of  England,  has  reported  several  cases  of  this 
ind,  in  which  the  iodide  had  been  taken  for  years.  (See  Am.  Journ.  of  Med. 
Ifet.,  Oct.  1852,  p.  495.)  Its  obvious  effects  on  the  system  are  very  variable, 
•ising  probably  either  from  peculiarities  of  constitution,  or  from  the  unequal 
tality  of  the  medicine  itself.  Thus,  in  some  cases  it  produces  nausea,  pain  in 
le  stomach,  and  diarrhoea,  in  moderate  doses ; and  in  others  is  borne  in  large 
fises  without  inconvenience.  Sometimes  it  increases  the  appetite  and  the  flesh, 
y some  practitioners  it  is  preferred  for  the  purpose  of  producing  the  constitu- 
onal  effects  of  iodine.  Dr.  De  Renzy,  of  Carnew,  used  it  with  great  success  in 
nmoptysis,  and  Dr.  Graves,  of  Dublin,  employed  it  with  advantage  in  a very 
tstinate  erythematic  swelling  of  the  hand.  31.  Oke  praises  its  effects  in  chorea, 
'ter  the  preparations  of  iron  have  failed.  Dr.  AVilliams,  of  London,  considers 
applicable  to  the  treatment  of  various  forms  of  secondary  syphilis.  He  used 


1156 


Potassa. 


PART  II 


it  with  success,  in  a majority  of  cases,  in  removing  hard  periosteal  nodes,  anc 
found  it  beneficial  in  the  treatment  of  tubercular  forms  of  venereal  eruptions 
It  is  also  considered  as  one  of  the  best  alterative  remedies  in  mereurio-syphilith 
sorethroat.  Bicord  bears  testimony  to  its  valuable  powers  in  the  treatment  o: 
secondary  syphilis.  According  to  the  clinical  observations  of  Dr.  W.  R.  Ba 
sham,  of  London,  iodide  of  potassium  is  well  suited  to  the  treatment  of  chronic 
periosteal  rheumatism  in  subjects  who  have  previously  taken  mercury  to  saliva 
tion ; while  it  is  not  applicable  to  the  disease  when  occurring  in  patients  whc 
have  not  undergone  a mercurial  course,  but  have  suffered  from  syphilis,  whict 
has  been  neglected,  or  treated  only  locally.  In  the  latter  cases  he  conceives 
that  corrosive  sublimate  and  sarsaparilla  are  the  proper  remedies.  (See  Am 
Journ.  of  Med.  Sci.,  Jan.  1854,  p.  227.)  It  is  probably  useful  in  the  forme: 
cases  on  the  principle  of  eliminating  mercury  from  the  system,  agreeably  to  the 
views  of  M.  Melsens,  given  below.  In  1843,  MM.  Guillot  and  Melsens  gav< 
iodide  of  potassium  with  advantage,  in  doses  of  from  a drachm  to  a drachm  anc 
a half  daily,  in  mercurial  tremours  and  lead  poison.  In  a memoir  published  ii 
1849,  M.  Melsens  gives  a full  account  of  his  experiments  with  it  as  a remedy 
for  the  affections  caused  by  mercury  and  lead.  He  effected  a number  of  cure: 
of  mercury  tremours  and  lead  palsy;  and  during  the  progress  of  the  cure,  thest 
metals  were  found  in  the  urine.  The  manner  in  which  the  remedy  acts,  ac 
cording  to  M.  Melsens,  is  by  rendering  the  poisonous  metal,  which  has  become 
fixed  in  the  tissues,  soluble,  first  converting  it  into  an  iodide,  and  then  dissolving 
the  iodide  formed.  This  view  is  supported  by  the  fact  that  all  the  compound 
of  mercury  and  lead  are  soluble  in  iodide  of  potassium.  (See  the  Memoir  of  M 
Melsens,  translated  by  Dr.  Budd,  of  Bristol,  England,  in  the  Brit,  and  For 
Medko-Chir.  Review,  Am.  ed.,  for  Jan.  1853,  p.  157;  also  a paper  by  Dr.  J 
W.  Corson,  in  the  N.  Y.  Journ.  of  Medicine,  for  Sept.  1853.)  An  importan 
fact  observed  by  M.  Melsens  was  that  iodide  of  potassium,  given  at  the  same  tim 
with  certain  compounds  of  mercury,  rendered  them  more  active;  and,  when  give: 
after  the  latter,  developed  an  activity  not  previously  manifested,  and  sometime 
to  such  an  extent  as  to  occasion  serious  accidents.  This  fact  he  attributed  t 
the  power  of  the  iodide  to  render  the  mercurial  compounds  soluble,  in  whic 
state  only  are  they  capable  of  being  eliminated  with  the  urine.  During  the  us 
of  iodide  of  potassium,  ptyalism  sometimes  occurs.  This  has  been  usually  cor 
sidered  a primary  effect  of  the  remedy ; but  the  light  shed  on  the  subject  b 
M.  Melsens,  leads  to  the  belief  that  it  may  be  a secondary  effect,  resulting  froi 
the  liberation  from  the  tissues  of  mercury  previously  taken,  which  is  thereb 
enabled,  by  becoming  soluble,  to  produce  its  constitutional  effects.  Dr.  Bud 
relates  several  cases,  in  which  mercurial  ptyalism  came  on,  during  the  use  ( 
iodide  of  potassium,  in  persons  who  had  not  taken  mercury  for  weeks  or  month 
before.  These  facts  render  it  probable  that  the  different  cases  of  ptyalism,  r< 
ported  as  the  result  of  iodide  of  potassium,  were  in  fact  produced  by  mercur 
previously  fixed  in  the  system,  being  rendered  soluble  and  active  by  the  iodid< 
The  late  Dr.  Isaac  Parrish,  of  this  city,  employed  iodide  of  potassium  suec-es 
fully  in  strumous  inflammation  of  the  e)re,  given  in  the  compound  syrup  of  sa 
saparilla..  It  appeared  promptly  to  relieve  the  severe  neuralgic,  circumorbit; 
pain.  Dr.  G.  L.  Upshur,  of  Virginia,  recommends  its  use  in  the  suppurath 
stage  of  pneumonia.  The  dose  is  from  two  to  ten  grains  or  more,  three  times 
day,  given  in  solution.  Bicord  rarely  exceeded  three  scruples  a day.  Sou 
practitioners  have  reported  the  exhibition  of  enormous  doses,  such  as  two,  fou 
and  even  six  drachms  daily  without  inconvenience.  Dr.  Buchanan,  of  Glasgow 
assures  us  that  he  has  given  the  pure  salt  in  doses  of  half  an  ounce,  without  ar 
precaution  being  observed  by  the  patient,  except  to  drink  freely  of  diluent 
Notwithstanding  this  testimony,  Dr.  Lawrie,  of  the  same  city,  reports  sever 


ART  II. 


Potassa. 


1157 


ases  of  dryness  and  irritation  of  the  throat,  ending  in  severe  spasmodic  croup, 
ad  one  case  of  death  following  the  sudden  occurrence  of  dyspnoea,  caused  by  the 
se  of  small  doses  of  this  iodide. 

Prof.  Brainard,  of  Chicago,  has  proposed  as  a remedy  for  the  bite  of  the  rat- 
esnake,  the  infiltration  of  the  tissues,  where  the  bite  has  been  inflicted,  with 
•om  half  a drachm  to  a drachm  and  a half  of  a solution  of  fifteen  grains  of 
>dide  of  potassium  and  five  of  iodine  in  a fluidounce  of  distilled  water.  A cup- 
ing  glass  is  applied  over  the  wound  as  soon  as  possible,  and  the  infiltration 
fleeted  by  passing  beneath  the  skin,  under  the  edge  of  the  cup,  a small  trocar, 
arough  the  cannula  of  which  the  solution  is  injected.  Forty  experiments  were 
ried  with  this  treatment  on  pigeons,  kittens,  and  dogs,  with  generally  successful 
ssults.  Prof.  Brainard  proposes  to  extend  it  to  dissection  wounds,  and  all  poi- 
aned  wounds  of  a dangerous  character.  (W.  Y.  Med.  Times , iii.  210.) 

Iodide  of  potassium  passes  quickly  into  the  urine,  in  which  it  may  be  detected 
y first  adding  to  the  cold  secretion  a portion  of  starch,  and  then  a few  drops  of 
itric  acid,  when  a blue  colour  will  be  produced.  It  has  been  detected  in  six 
imutes  after  having  been  swallowed. 

According  to  Ricord,  this  salt  produces  in  some  constitutions  peculiar  effects, 
ach  as  various  eruptions  of  the  skin,  excessive  diuresis,  vascular  injection  of  the 
onjunctiva  and  tumefaction  of  the  eyelids,  cerebral  excitement  like  that  produced 
y alcoholic  drinks,  and  discharges  from  the  urethra  and  vagina,  resembling 
lennoi'rhoea.  Eruptions  of  the  skin  were  also  observed  by  Dr.  A.  Van  Buren, 
3 a very  common  effect  of  large  and  long  continued  doses  of  iodide  of  potassium, 
iven  to  patients  in  the  Bellevue  Hospital.  (iVr.  Y.  Journ.  of  Med.,  viii.  208.) 
>r.  John  O’Rielly,  of  New  York,  reports  several  cases,  in  which,  after  the  use 
f this  iodide,  spots  like  purpura  were  produced,  invading  first  the  face,  and  then 
le  trunk  and  extremities.  These  became  bullae,  sometimes  an  inch  in  diameter, 
lied  with  a purple  liquid,  and  finally  sphacelated  spots  ending  in  ulcers.  Great 
anstitutional  disturbance  coexisted,  with  swollen  tongue,  fetor,  and  salivation, 
'he  remedies  found  successful  were  nutritious  diet,  tonics,  and  stimulants.  (A7! 
f.  Med.  Gaz .,  v.  7.)  From  the  facts  mentioned  above,  showing  the  power  of 
tdide  of  potassium  to  render  latent  mercury  in  the  system  active,  it  is  not  im- 
robable  that  the  cases  of  Dr.  O’Rielly  were  mercurial  salivation,  modified  by  a 
ichectic  condition  of  the  system,  which  caused  the  coincident  eruption. 

Iodide  of  potassium  is  employed  as  an  external  application  in  the  form  of 
intment,  either  alone  or  mixed  with  iodine.  (See  Unyuentum  Polassii  Iodidi 
ad  Unyuentum  Iodinii  Com  post  turn.) 

i Off.  Prep.  Emplastrum  Potassii  Iodidi ; Hydrargyri  Iodidum  Rubrum  ; Liquor 
odinii  Compositus;  Liquor  Potassii  Iodidi  Compositus;  Pilulae  Ferri  Iodidi; 

: lumbi  Iodidum ; Tinctura  Iodinii  Composita;  Unguentum  Iodinii;  Unguentum 
jadinii  Compositum;  Unguentum  Potassii  Iodidi.  B. 

LIQUOR  POTASSII  IODIDI  COMPOSITUS.  Lond.  Potassii 
ddidi  Liquor  Compositus.  Pub.  Compound  Solution  of  Iodide  of 
J otassium . 

“Take  of  Iodide  of  Potassium  ten  grains  ; Iodine  five  grains;  Distilled  Water 
pint  [Imp.  meas.].  Mix,  that  they  may  dissolve.”  Lond. 

The  Dublin  formula  is  the  same  as  the  above,  with  the  exception  that  the 
ollege  directs  its  pure  iodine. 

This,  like  the  compound  solution  of  iodine,  described  at  page  1064,  is  an  aque- 
as  solution  of  iodine  and  iodide  of  potassium;  but,  while  the  compound  solution 
If  iodine  is  so  concentrated  as  to  be  given  in  drops,  the  compound  solution  of 
>dide  of  potassium  is  so  dilute  as  to  be  administered  in  tablespoonfuls. 
Compound  solution  of  iodide  of  potassium  is  twice  as  strong  as  Lugol's  iodu- 


1158 


Potassa. 


PART  II 


retted  mineral  water  of  medium  strength,  assuming  the  Imperial  fluidounee  ti 
be  the  same  as  the  French  ounce.  (See  page  411.)  The  dose  is  a fluidounee 
containing  a quarter  of  a grain  of  iodine,  gradually  increased  to  two  fluidounee 
or  more.  The  dose  should  be  diluted  with  an  equal  bulk  of  water  at  the  tim' 
it  is  taken.  B. 

POTASSII  SULPHURETUM.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed.  IIepar  Sulph 
URis.  Dub.  Sulphuret  of  Potassium.  Liver  of  Sulphur. 

“ Take  of  Sulphur  an  ounce ; Carbonate  of  Potassa  two  ounces.  Rub  thi 
Carbonate  of  Potassa,  previously  dried,  with  the  Sulphur;  melt  the  mixture  ii 
a covered  crucible  over  the  fire;  then  pour  it  out,  and,  when  it  is  cold,  put  i 
into  a bottle,  which  is  to  be  well  stopped.”  U.  S. 

“Take  of  Sulphur  one  ounce ; Carbonate  of  Potash  four  ounces.  Triturat 
them  well  together,  and  heat  them  in  a covered  crucible  till  they  form  a uniforu 
fused  mass;  which,  when  cold,  is  to  be  broken  up  into  fragments,  and  kept  ii 
well  closed  vessels.”  Ed. 

“ Take  of  Sublimed  Sulphur  four  ounces;  Carbonate  of  Potash  from  Pearlash 
first  dried,  and  then  reduced  to  powder,  seven  ounces.  3Iix  the  ingredients  in ; 
warm  mortar,  and,  having  introduced  them  into  a Hessian  crucible,  let  this  b( 
heated,  first  gradually,  until  effervescence  has  ceased,  and  finally  to  low  redness 
so  as  to  produce  perfect  fusion;  and  let  its  liquid  contents  be  then  poured  inn 
an  iron  cup,  over  which  a second  vessel  should  be  immediately  inverted,  so  as  t< 
exclude  the  air  as  completely  as  possible,  while  solidification  is  taking  place.  Thi 
solid  product  thus  obtained  should,  when  cold,  be  broken  into  fragments,  am 
immediately  enclosed  in  a green  glass  bottle,  furnished  with  an  air-tight  stopper.’ 
Dub. 

The  London  College  has  transferred  this  sulphuret  to  its  Materia  3Iediea  list 

When  carbonate  of  potassa  is  melted  with  half  its  weight  of  sulphur,  as  ii 
the  U.  S.  process,  the  carbonic  acid  is  expelled.  Four  eqs.  of  potassa  and  tei 
of  sulphur  may  be  supposed  to  react  on  each  other.  Three  eqs.  of  potassa  an 
decomposed  into  three  eqs.  of  potassium  and  three  of  oxygen.  The  three  eqs 
of  potassium  unite  with  nine  eqs.  of  sulphur  to  form  three  eqs.  of  tersulphure 
of  potassium.  The  three  eqs.  of  oxygen,  by  uniting  with  the  remaining  eq.  o 
sulphur,  form  sulphuric  acid,  which  combines  with  the  undecomposed  eq.  o 
potassa  to  form  sulphate  of  potassa.  Thus  the  U.  S.  preparation  may  be  con 
sidered  to  be  a mixture  of  tersulphuret  of  potassium  with  sulphate  of  potassa 
and  the  French  Codex  sulphuret,  made  from  the  same  proportion  of  carbonaf 
and  sulphur,  is  stated  in  that  work  to  have  the  same  composition.  In  the  Dub 
lin  formula  a less  proportion  of  carbonate  of  potassa  is  taken  than  in  the  U.S 
process,  but  the  product  is  probably  very  similar.  The  product  of  the  Edinburgl 
formula  maybe  assumed  to  have  the  same  constituents,  plus  a certain  proportion 
of  undecomposed  carbonate  of  potassa,  on  account  of  the  large  excess  of  alkal 
taken.  In  performing  the  process,  the  fused  liquid  is  usually  poured  out  on 
marble  slab,  and,  as  soon  as  it  concretes,  the  mass  should  be  broken  into  pieces 
and  immediately  transferred  to  a well-stopped  bottle. 

The  Pharmacopoeias  use  the  carbonate  of  potassa  from  pearlash;  but  in  th 
process  of  M.  Henry,  which  is  stated  to  be  the  best  yet  devised,  the  pure  eai 
bonate  of  potassa  is  employed.  His  formula  is  as  follows.  Mix  two  parts  c 
real  salt  of  tartar  with  one  of  roll  sulphur  reduced  to  powder,  and  put  the  mis 
ture  into  flat-bottomed  matrasses,  which  should  be  only  two-thirds  filled.  Thes 
are  placed  on  a sand-bath,  and  the  fire  is  applied,  so  as,  at  first,  to  produce  onl 
a gentle  heat,  which  is  afterwards  increased.  Care  must  be  taken  that  the  neck 
of  the  matrasses  do  not  become  obstructed.  The  heat  is  continued  until  th 
matter  is  brought  to  the  state  of  tranquil  fusion,  when  it  is  allowed  to  cool.  Th 


iRT  II. 


Potassa. 


1159 


ass  obtained,  which  is  compact,  smooth,  and  of  a fine  yellow  colour,  is  broken 
to 'pieces,  and  preserved  in  well-stopped  bottles. 

Properties,  &c.  Sulphuret  of  potassium,  when  properly  prepared,  is  a hard 
•ittle  substance,  having  a nauseous,  alkaline,  and  bitter  taste.  Its  colour  is 
/er-brown,  and  hence  its  name  of  hepar  sulphuris  or  liver  of  sulphur.  The 
lour  of  the  surface  of  a fresh  fracture  is  brownish-yellow.  It  is  inodorous 
hen  dry,  but  emits  a slightly  fetid  smell  when  moist,  owing  to  the  extrication 
a little  sulphuretted  hydrogen  gas.  It  is  completely  soluble  in  water,  forming 
i orange-yellow  liquid,  and  exhaling  the  smell  of  sulphuretted  hydrogen.  By 
:posure  to  the  air  it  attracts  oxygen,  and  the  sulphuret  of  potassium  is  gradu- 
ly  converted  into  sulphate  of  potassa,  when  the  preparation  becomes  inodorous, 
id  white  on  the  surface.  The  solution  is  decomposed  by  the  mineral  acids, 
hich  extricate  sulphuretted  hydrogen,  and  precipitate  the  excess  of  sulphur, 
is  also  incompatible  with  solutions  of  most  of  the  metals,  which  are  precipi- 
ted  as  sulphurets.  When  boiled  with  an  excess  of  muriatic  acid  and  filtered, 
gives  a yellow  precipitate  with  chloride  of  platinum.  B. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Sulphuret  of  potassium  is  a local  irritant,  and, 
small  and  repeated  doses,  is  said  to  increase  the  frequency  of  the  pulse,  the 
?at  of  the  skin,  and  the  different  secretions,  especially  the  mucous.  Occa- 
onally  it  vomits  and  purges.  It  acts,  moreover,  as  an  antacid,  and  produces 
e alterative  effects  of  sulphur.  By  some  it  is  maintained  to  be  sedative,  and 
rectly  to  reduce  the  action  of  the  heart.  It  probably  does  so,  when  taken  in 
nsiderable  quantities,  by  the  development  of  sulphuretted  hydrogen.  In 
;-erdoses  it  acts,  according  to  Orfila,  as  a violent  poison,  corroding  the  stomach, 
id  depressing  the  powers  of  the  nervous  system.  Acetate  of  lead,  or  acetate 
zinc  may  be  used  as  an  antidote;  but  the  latter  is  preferable,  as  less  likely  to 
t injuriously  in  an  overdose,  and  having  besides  emetic  properties.  The  com- 
aints  in  which  it  has  been  most  advantageously  employed  are  chronic  rheurna- 
sm  and  gout,  and  various  cutaneous  affections.  It  has  been  given  also  in 
inters’  colic,  asthma,  and  chronic  catarrh,  and  acquired  a short-lived  repu- 
tion  as  a remedy  in  croup,  after  the  publication  of  the  essay  to  which  the  prize 
fered  by  Napoleon  for  the  best  dissertation  on  that  disease  was  awarded.  It  is 
id,  in  some  cases  of  cancer,  to  have  assisted  the  palliative  operation  of  hemlock, 
i consequence  of  forming  insoluble  sulphurets  with  the  metallic  salts,  it  has 
■en  proposed  as  an  antidote  for  some  of  the  mineral  poisons;  but  Orfila  has 
oved  that  it  does  not  prevent  their  effects.  Dissolved  in  water  it  has  proved 
ry  efficacious  as  an  external  application  in  cutaneous  diseases,  and  in  scabies  is 
almost  certain  remedy.  It  may  be  used  for  this  purpose  in  the  form  of  lotion, 
th,  or  ointment.  For  a lotion  it  may  be  dissolved  in  water  in  the  proportion 
from  fifteen  to  thirty  grains  to  the  fluidounce,  and  for  a bath,  the  same  quan- 
y or  rather  more  may  be  added  to  a gallon  of  water.  A very  small  proportion 
muriatic  or  sulphuric  acid  may  in  either  case  be  added  to  the  solution.  The 
ntment  is  made  by  mixing  half  a drachm  of  the  sulphuret  with  an  ounce  of 
rd.  The  dose  of  sulphuret  of  potassium  is  from  two  to  ten  grains,  repeated 
veral  times  a day,  and  given  in  pill  with  liquorice,  or  in  solution  with  syrup, 
infantile  cases  of  croup,  from  one  to  four  grains  were  given  every  three  or 
ur  hours.  W. 

PULPaE. 

Palps. 

These  are  soft  uniform  solid  bodies,  of  a consistence  fit  for  the  formation  of 
nfections  or  electuaries,  and  prepared  from  fruits  by  comminuting  them  when 


1160 


PART  I 


Pulpse. 

requisite,  softening  them  when  dry  with  a small  quantity  of  hot  water,  the 
passing  them  through  a sieve  to  separate  hard  solid  matters,  and  evaporating 
necessary.  But  few  of  them  are  officinal.  W. 

CASSI2E  FISTULiE  PULPA.  TJ.S.  Cassia  Pr^parata.  Lora. 
Cassia  Pulp  a.  Ed.  Pulp  of  Purging  Cassia. 

“ Take  of  Purging  Cassia,  bruised,  a convenient  quantity.  Pour  boiling  wat 
on  the  pods  so  that  the  pulp  may  be  softened;  then  strain,  first  through  a coar 
sieve,  and  afterwards  through  a hair  one,  and  evaporate  by  means  of  a water-bat 
to  the  proper  consisteuce.”  U.  S. 

“Take  of  Cassia  [pods  of  Cassia  Fistula]  broken  longitudinally  a pouno 
Distilled  Water  sufficient  to  cover  the  Cassia.  Macerate  for  six  hours,  occ 
sionally  stirring.  Strain  the  softened  pulp  through  a hair  sieve,  and  evapora 
by  means  of  a water  bath  to  the  consistence  of  a confection.”  Loud. 

The  Edinburgh  College  places  cassia  pulp  in  its  catalogue  of  Materia  Medic 

In  consequence  of  the  presence  of  the  fragments  of  the  pods,  it  is  inc-onvenie? 
to  pass  this  pulp  in  the  ordinary  way  through  a hair  sieve.  The  larger  fragmen 
may  be  picked  out,  and  the  remainder  of  the  cassia  pressed  by  the  hand  throng 
a very  coarse  kind  of  musliD,  such  as  that  used  by  the  bonnet-makers,  in  whic 
it  has  been  previously  enclosed.  A pound  of  the  pods  will  yield  between  fo; 
and  five  ounces  of  pulp. 

Cassia  pulp  has  a blackish  colour,  a slight  rather  sickly  odour,  and  a swe 
mucilaginous  taste.  It  is  apt  to  become  sour  by  exposure.  For  its  eompositio 
and  effects,  see  Cassia  Fistula. 

Off.  Prep.  Confectio  Cassias;  Confectio  Sennse.  W. 

PRUNI  PULPA.  U.  S.  Prunum  Pr^paratum.  Land.  Pulp  < 
Prunes. 

“ Take  of  Prunes  a convenient  quantity.  Soften  the  Prunes  in  the  vapour 
boiling  water,  and,  having  separated  the  stones,  beat  the  remainder  in  a marb 
mortar,  and  press  it  through  a hair  sieve.”  U.  S. 

“Take  of  Prunes  a pound ; Water  sufficient  to  cover  the  Prunes.  Boil  slow 
for  four  hours.  Express  the  softened  pulp,  first  through  a coarse  cane  siev 
afterwards  through  a fine  one  of  hair.  Lastly,  evaporate  by  means  of  a watt 
bath  to  the  consistence  of  a confection.”  Land. 

The  prunes  may  be  softened  by  placing  them  on  a perforated  plate  or  diaphragt 
or  a wire  sieve,  or  suspending  them  in  a net,  over  boiling  water.  A pound 
prunes  of  good  quality  yields  about  ten  ounces  of  pulp. 

Off.  Prep.  Confectio  Sennas.  W.  I 

TAMARINDI  PULPA.  U.S.  Tamarindus  Pr^eparatus.  Lon 
Tamarindus.  Ed.  Pulp  of  Tamarinds.  Dub.  Pulp  of  Tamarind 

“ Take  of  Tamarinds  a convenient  quantity.  Digest  them  with  a small  qua 
tity  of  water  until  they  become  of  a uniform  consistence;  then  separate  the  see 
and  filaments  by  pressing  the  pulp  through  a hair  sieve.”  U.  S. 

“ Take  of  Tamarinds  a pound ; Water  sufficient  to  cover  the  Tamarinds.  M 
cerate  with  a gentle  heat  for  four  hours,  and  complete  the  process  in  the  maun 
directed  for  Prepared  Prunes.”  Loud.  (See  Pruni  Pulpa.) 

The  Edinburgh  and  Dublin  Colleges  place  this  pulp  in  their  catalogue  of  M 
teria  Medica. 

The  tamarinds  should  be  digested  in  an  unglazed  earthenware  vessel  over  h 
ashes,  or  by  means  of  a sand-bath.  The  operator  should  be  specially  cautio 
not  to  employ  iron  vessels  or  iron  spatulas  in  making  this  preparation.  A pom 
of  good  tamarinds  will  yield  a little  more  than  seven  ounces  of  pulp. 

Off.  Prep.  Confectio  Cassias ; Confectio  Sennas.  W. 


’ART  II. 


Pulpse. — Pulveres. 


1161 


PULVERES. 

Powders. 

The  form  of  powder  is  convenient  for  the  exhibition  of  substances  which  are 
jot  given  in  very  large  doses,  are  not  very  disagreeable  to  the  taste,  have  no  cor- 
osive  property,  and  do  not  deliquesce  rapidly  on  exposure.  As  the  effect  of 
ralverization  is  to  expose  a more  extended  surface  to  the  action  of  the  air,  care 
hould  be  taken  to  keep  substances  which  are  liable  to  be  injured  by  such  ex- 
losure  in  closely  stopped  bottles.  In  many  instances  it  is  also  important  to 
xclude  the  light,  which  exercises  a deleterious  influence  over  numerous  medi- 
ines  when  minutely  divided.  This  may  be  done  by  coating  the  bottles  with 
lack  varnish.  In  relation  to  substances  most  liable  to  injury  from  these  causes, 
he  best  plan  is  to  powder  them  in  small  quantities  as  wanted  for  use. 

Powders  may  be  divided  into  the  simple , consisting  of  a single  substance,  and 
he  compound,  of  two  or  more  mixed  together.  The  latter  only  are  embraced 
mder  the  present  head.  In  the  preparation  of  the  compound  powders,  the  in- 
:redients,  if  of  different  degrees  of  cohesion  or  solidity,  should  be  pulverized 
eparately  and  then  mixed.  Au  exception,  however,  to  this  rule  is  the  employ- 
aent  of  one  substance  to  facilitate  by  its  hardness  the  minute  division  of  another, 
is  in  the  powder  of  ipecacuanha  and  opium.  Deliquescent  substances,  and  those 
ontaining  fixed  oil  in  large  proportion,  should  not  enter  into  the  composition  of 
Powders  intended  to  be  kept;  the  former,  because  they  render  the  preparation 
amp  and  liable  to  spoil;  the  latter,  because  they  are  apt  to  become  rancid,  and 
mpart  an  unpleasant  odour  and  taste.  When  deliquescent  substances  are  ex- 
emporaneously  prescribed,  the  apothecary  should  enclose  them  before  delivery 
a tin  foil  or  other  impervious  covering ; and  the  same  remark  is  applicable  to 
olatile  powders,  as  carbonate  of  ammonia  and  camphor. 

The  lighter  powders  may  in  general  be  administered  in  water  or  other  tbin 
quid;  the  heavier,  such  as  those  of  metallic  substances,  require  a more  con- 
istent  vehicle,  as  syrup,  molasses,  honey,  or  one  of  the  confections.  Resinous 
owders,  if  given  in  water,  require  the  intervention  of  mucilage  or  sugar. 

The  London  College  gives  the  following  general  directions  for  the  preparation 
f powders.  “ It  is  necessary  that  whatever  we  direct  to  be  reduced  to  powder 
hould  be  so  passed  through  a fine  sieve  that  the  impurities  and  thicker  parts 
lay  be  separated.  It  is  proper  that  most  powders  should  be  recently  pre- 
ared,  and  not  kept  long.”  The  whole  substance  in  the  mortar  should  not  be 
eaten  till  completely  pulverized;  as  the  portion  already  powdered  interferes 
ith  the  action  of  the  pestle  upon  the  remainder,  while  the  finer  matter  is  apt 
) be  dissipated;  so  that  there  is  a loss  both  of  time  and  material.  The  proper 
lan  is  to  sift  off  the  fine  powder  after  a short  trituration,  then  to  return  the 
barser  parts  to  the  mortar,  and  to  repeat  several  times  this  alternate  pulverization 
ad  sifting,  until  the  process  is  completed.  W. 

PULVIS  ALOES  COMPOSITES.  Lond.  Compound  Potvder  of 
floes. 

“Take  of  Socotrine  or  Hepatic  Aloes  an  ounce  and  a half ; Guaiacum  [Resin] 
n ounce;  Compound  Powder  of  Cinnamon  half  an  ounce.  Rub  the  Aloes  and 
-uaiacum,  separately,  into  powder;  then  mix  them  with  the  Compound  Powder 
f Cinnamon.”  Lond. 

The  tendency  of  pulverized  guaiac  to  concrete,  and  the  excessively  bitter  taste 
f aloes,  which  is  but  imperfectly  concealed  by  the  aromatic  addition,  render  the 
>rm  of  powder  ineligible  for  the  exhibition  of  these  medicines.  The  preparation 


1162  JPulveres.  part  n. 

is  a warm  stimulant  cathartic,  but  is  little  used.  The  dose  is  from  fifteen  to 
thirty  grains.  W. 

PUL  VIS  ALOES  ET  CANELLiE.  U.S.  Powder  of  Aloes  and 
Gctnella.  Hiera  Pier  a. 

“Take  of  Aloes  a pound;  Canella  three  ounces.  Rub  them  separately  into 
a very  fine  powder,  and  mix  them.”  U.  S. 

This  preparation  has  long  been  known  under  the  name  of  hiera  picra.  The 
canella  serves  to  correct  the  griping  property,  and  imperfectly  to  cover  the  taste 
of  the  aloes;  but  the  bitterness  of  the  latter  is  still  very  obvious  in  the  mixture, 
which  would  be  better  given  in  the  form  of  pill.  It  is  a popular  remedy  in 
amenorrhoea,  and  may  be  used  for  all  the  purposes  to  which  aloes  is  applied.  It 
is  sometimes  administered  in  domestic  practice,  infused  in  wine  or  spirit.  The 
dose  is  from  ten  to  twenty  grains.  W. 

PULVIS  ALUMINIS  COMPOSITES.  Pd.  Compound  Powdei 
of  Alum. 

“Take  of  Alum  four  ounces ; Kino  one  ounce.  Mix  them,  and  reduce  them 
to  fine  powder.”  Ed. 

A solution  of  alum  is  decomposed  by  a solution  of  kino,  and  it  is  probable 
that  the  same  effect  takes  place  when  the  two  substances,  mixed  in  the  state  Oj 
powder,  are  introduced  into  the  stomach;  but  whether  their  astringenc-y  is  rua 
terially  affected  by  the  change  is  uncertain.  The  preparation  may  be  employed 
in  diarrhoea,  menorrhagia,  and  hemorrhage  from  the  stomach  or  bowels,  anc 
externally  to  suppress  hemorrhage,  or  as  an  astringent  application  to  flabby  ulcers 
The  dose  is  from  five  to  twenty  grains.  W. 

PULVIS  AROMATICUS.  U.  S.,  Pd.,  Pub.  Pulvis  Cinnamom; 
Compositus.  Loud.  Aromatic  Powder. 

“Take  of  Cinnamon,  Ginger,  each,  tico  ounces;  Cardamom,  deprived  of  the 
capsules,  Nutmeg,  grated,  each,  an  ounce.  Rub  them  together  into  a very  fiat 
powder.”  U.  S. 

The  London  College  directs  two  ounces  of  cinnamon,  an  ounce  and  a half  o 
cardamom,  an  ounce  of  ginger,  and  half  an  ounce  of  long  pepper;  the  Edinburgh 
equal  parts  of  cinnamon,  cardamom,  and  ginger;  the  Dublin , two  ounces,  each 
of  cinnamon  and  ginger,  and  an  ounce,  each,  of  cardamom  seeds  freed  from  thei 
capsules,  and  of  nutmeg. 

The  cardamom  seeds  should  always  be  separated  from  their  capsules  befor< 
pulverization;  and  the  powder,  when  prepared,  should  be  kept  in  well  stoppei 
bottles.  The  London  preparation  is  more  pungent  than  the  others,  in  conse 
quence  of  the  long  pepper  which  it  contains.  These  powders  are  stimulant  an< 
carminative,  and  may  be  given  in  the  dose  of  from  ten  to  thirty  grains,  in  case 
of  enfeebled  digestion  accompanied  with  flatulence;  but  they  are  chiefly  used  a 
corrigents  and  adjuvants  of  other  medicines.  A mixture  of  aromatic  powder 
in  the  form  of  a cataplasm  is  much  used  as  a mild  rubefacient,  especially  ii 
nausea  and  vomiting,  being  applied  over  the  epigastrium.  Such  mixtures  ar 
commonly  called  spiced  plasters.  The  following  is  a good  formula.  Take  o 
ginger,  cloves,  cinnamon,  and  black  pepper,  each,  in  powder,  an  ounce;  tine 
ture  of  ginger  half  a fluidounce ; honey  a sufficient  quantity.  Mix  the  porc 
ders,  and  then  add  the  tincture  and  honey,  so  as  to  form  a stiff  cataplasm. 

Off.  Prep.  Confectio  Aromatica;  Confectio  Opii;  Pilul®  Aloes  et  Ferri;  Piluh 
Cambogim;  Pulvis  Aloes  Compositus.  W. 

PULVIS  CATECHU  COMPOSITUS.  Pub.  Compound  Powde 
of  Catechu. 

“Take  of  Catechu,  Kino,  of  each,  two  ounces;  Cinnamon,  Nutmeg,  of  eacl 


ART  II. 


Pulveres. 


1163 


alf  an  ounce.  Reduce  each  to  powder,  mix,  aud  pass  through  a fine  sieve. 
Then  prepared,  the  powder  should  be  kept  in  well  stopped  bottles.”  Dub. 

This  is  an  agreeable  form  for  the  administration  of  kino  or  catechu;  but  we 
3 not  see  the  propriety  of  mixing  two  substances  so  similar  in  their  properties, 

, least  in  relation  to  taste  and  medicinal  effect,  that  they  may  be  considered 
entical.  The  dose  is  from  fifteen  to  thirty  grains. 

Off.  Prep.  Confectio  Catechu  Composita.  W. 

PULYIS  CRETiE  COMPOSITES.  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub.  Compound 
) owder  of  Chalk. 

“Take  of  Prepared  Chalk  half  a pound ; Cinnamon  four  ounces;  Tormentil, 
urn  Arabic,  each,  three  ounces ; Long  Pepper  half  an  ounce.  Rub  them  sepa- 
tely  into  very  fine  powder,  and  then  mix  them.”  Lond. 

“ Take  of  Prepared  Chalk  four  ounces ; Cinnamon,  in  fine  powder,  one  drachm 
id  a half;  Nutmeg,  in  fine  powder,  a drachm.  Triturate  them  well  together.” 

a. 

, “Take  of  Prepared  Chalk  five  ounces ; Cinnamon  two  ounces  and  a half;  Cum 
rabic  two  ounces ; Nutmeg  half  an  ounce.  Rub  the  ingredients  separately  to 
>wder,  then  mix,  and  pass  through  a fine  sieve.”  Dub. 

In  the  Edinburgh  preparation,  the  aromatics  are  in  too  small  a quantity  to 
rve  any  other  purpose  than  to  give  an  agreeable  flavour  to  the  chalk,  which 
the  only  active  ingredient.  The  powder  of  the  London  and  Dublin  Colleges 
, on  the  contrary,  warm,  stimulant,  and  astringent,  as  well  as  antacid;  and  is 
pll  calculated  for  diarrhoea,  connected  with  acidity  and  without  inflammatory 
mptoms.  In  such  a combination,  however,  the  proper  proportion,  and  even 
e choice  of  the  ingredients,  vary  so  much  with  the  symptoms,  that  they  might 
ith  propriety  be  left  to  extemporaneous  prescription.  The  dose  is  from  ten  to 
renty  grains,  given  in  mucilage  or  sweetened  water,  and  frequently  repeated. 
Off.  Prep.  Pulvis  Cretse  Compositus  cum  Opio.  W. 

PULYIS  CRET2E  COMPOSITUS  CUM  OPIO.  Lond.  Pulvis 
ret.®  Opiatus.  Ed.,  Dub.  Compound  Powder  of  Chalk  with 
pium. 

“Take  of  Compound  Powder  of  Chalk  six  ounces  and  a half;  Opium,  in 
wder,  four  scruples.  Mix  them.”  Lond. 

The  Dublin  process,  though  differently  expressed,  is  identical  in  its  results 
th  the  London. 

“Take  of  Compound  Chalk  Powder  six  ounces;  Powder  of  Opium  four  scru- 
j es.  Triturate  them  together  thoroughly.”  Ed. 

The  addition  of  the  opium  greatly  increases  the  efficacy  of  the  compound  pow- 
r of  chalk  in  diarrhoea;  and  its  equal  diffusion  through  the  powder  presents 
is  advantage,  that  it  may  be  conveniently  given  in  minute  doses  applicable  to 
fantile  cases.  Two  scruples  of  the  London  or  Dublin  powder,  and  thirty- 
ven  grains  of  the  Edinburgh,  contain  a grain  of  opium.  Ip  the  diarrhoea  of 
ults  from  ten  to  twenty  grains  may  be  given  for  a dose,  and  repeated  several 
nes  a day,  or  after  each  evacuation.  W. 

PULVERES  EFFERVESCENTES.  Ed.  Pulveres  Eeferves- 
,‘INTES  Tartarizati.  Dub.  Effervescing  Poivders. 

“Take  of  Tartaric  Acid  one  ounce;  Bicarbonate  of  Soda  one  ounce  and  54 
ains,  or  Bicarbonate  of  Potassa  one  ounce  and  160  grains.  Reduce  the  Acid 
d either  Bicarbonate  separately  to  fine  powder,  and  divide  each  into  sixteen 
wders.  Preserve  the  acid  and  alkaline  powders  in  separate  papers  of  different 
lours.”  Ed. 


1164 


Pulveres. 


PART  I] 


The  Dublin  College  takes  ten  drachms  of  the  crystals  of  tartaric  acid,  an 
eleven  drachms  of  bicarbonate  of  soda  or  thirteen  drachms  of  bicarbonate  c 
potassa,  reduces  them  separately  to  powder,  divides  each  into  eighteen  parts,  an 
keeps  the  acid  and  alkaline  powders  in  papers  of  different  colours. 

This  is  a formula,  introduced  into  the  last  editions  of  the  Edinburgh  an 
Dublin  Pharmacopoeias,  for  a preparation  which  has  beeu  long  in  use  under  th 
name  of  soda,  poivders.  The  common  soda  powders  contain  the  ingredients  i 
somewhat  different  proportions;  consisting  of  twenty-five  grains  of  the  acid  i 
one  paper,  and  thirty  of  the  bicarbonate  in  the  other.  They  are  always  pn 
pared  with  bicarbonate  of  soda;  while  the  Pharmacopoeias  allov/  a choice  betwee 
that  and  the  bicarbonate  of  potassa.  This  want  of  precision  is  highly  objectioi 
able  in  officinal  formulae.  If  it  was  thought  advisable  that  the  practitioner  shoul 
have  the  opportunity  of  prescribing  either  of  these  preparations  at  his  optioi 
they  should  have  had  different  names. 

The  powders  are  administered  in  solution.  An  acid  and  an  alkaline  powdt 
may  be  dissolved  in  separate  portions  of  water  and  then  mixed;  or  they  may  l 
thrown  together,  or  successively  into  the  same  portion  of  water.  The  who 
draught  should  be  half  a pint  or  somewhat  less.  It  may  be  rendered  moi 
agreeable  by  addiug  two  or  three  fluidrachms  of  syrup  of  ginger  or  orange  pe> 
to  the  water,  before  dissolving  the  powders.  The  rationale  is  simple.  The  ta 
taric  acid  seizes  the  alkali  of  the  bicarbonate,  forming  a tartrate  of  soda  or  < 
potassa  as  the  case  may  be,  while  the  carbonic  acid  escapes  with  effervescenc 
The  effervescing  powders  are  refrigerant  and  very  slightly  laxative;  and  affoi 
an  agreeable  and  refreshing  drink,  suitable  to  febrile  complaints.  W. 

PULVERES  EFFERVESCENTES  CITRATE  Pub.  Citrate 

Effervescing  Poivclers. 

“Take  of  Crystals  of  Citric  Acid  nine  drachms ; Bicarbonate  of  Soda  elect 
drachms,  or  Bicarbonate  of  Potash  thirteen  drachms.  Reduce  the  Acid  ar 
alkaline  Bicarbonates,  separately,  to  a fine  powder,  and  divide  each  into  cightei 
parts.  The  acid  and  alkaline  powders  should  be  kept  in  papers  of  differei 
colours.”  Dub. 

The  same  remarks  are  applicable  to  these  as  to  the  preceding  powders,  and  t! 
same  objection  to  the  want  of  precision  in  the  name.  These  powders,  at  lea 
those  made  with  the  bicarbonate  of  potassa,  are  excellent  diaphoretics,  beii 
identical  in  composition  with  the  neutral  mixture  and  effervescing  draugb 
(See  Liquor  Potassse  Citratis .)  V. 

PULVIS  IPECACUANHA  ET  OPII.  U.S.  Pulvis  Ipecac 
anile  Compositus.  Loncl. , Ed.,  Pub.  Powder  ‘of  Ipecacuanha  ai 
Opium.  Compound  Powder  of  Ipecacuanha.  Pover's  Poivder. 

“Take  of  Ipecacuanha,  in  powder,  Opium,  iu  powder,  each,  a drachm ; Si 
phate  of  Potassa  an  ounce.  Rub  them  together  into  a very  fine  powder."  U. 

All  the  British  Colleges  employ  the  same  ingredients  as  above,  and  in  t 
same  proportions.  The  London,  having  ordered  them  in  the  state  of  powd< 
simply  directs  them  to  be  mixed  together.  The  Edinburgh  orders  eight  tins 
the  amount  of  the  materials,  and  directs  them  to  be  triturated  thoroughly  • 
gether.  The  Dublin  takes  the  opium  and  ipecacuanha  in  fine  powder,  mi® 
them  thoroughly  with  the  sulphate  by  trituration,  and  sifts  them. 

The  sulphate  of  potassa  in  this  preparation  serves,  by  the  hardness  of  ; 
particles,  to  promote  that  minute  divisiou  aud  consequent  thorough  interinixtp 
of  the  opium  and  ipecacuanha,  upon  which  the  peculiar  virtues  of  the  c-ompoul 
depend.  It  also  serves  to  dilute  the  active  ingredients,  and  thus  allow  of  th.' 
division  into  minute  doses  adapted  to  the  complaints  of  children.  This  co- 
position, though  usually  called  Dover’s  powder,  does  not  precisely  correspol 


IRT  II. 


Pulveres. 


1165 


th  that  originally  recommended  by  Dr.  Dover,  which  was  prepared  as  follows, 
our  ounces  of  nitrate  of  potassa  and  the  same  quantity  of  sulphate  of  potassa 
:re  mixed  in  a red-hot  crucible,  and  afterwards  very  finely  powdered;  one  ounce 
opium,  sliced,  was  then  added,  and  ground  to  powder  with  the  saline  mix- 
re;  lastly,  an  ounce  of  ipecacuanha  and  an  ounce  of  liquorice  root,  in  powder, 
ore  mixed  with  the  other  ingredients.  This  process  wTas  adopted  in  the  former 
•ench  Codex,  and  has  been  retained  with  little  change  in  the  present. 

This  powder  is  an  admirable  anodyne  diaphoretic,  not  surpassed,  perhaps,  by 
y other  combination  in  its  power  of  promoting  perspiration.  Opium  itself  has 
strong  tendency  to  the  skin,  evinced  both  by  the  occasional  diaphoresis,  and 
the  itching  and  tingling  sensation  which  it  excites.  While  the  vessels  of  the 
in  are  stimulated  by  this  ingredient,  the  secreting  pores  are  relaxed  by  the 
scacuanha,  and  the  combined  effect  is  much  greater  than  that  which  results 
om  either  separately.  At  the  same  time,  the  general  stimulating  influence  of 
e opium,  and  its  tendency  to  operate  injuriously  on  the  brain,  are  counteracted, 
that  the  mixture  may  be  given  with  safety  in  cases  which  might  not  admit 
the  use  of  opium  alone.  The  preparation  is  applicable  to  all  cases  not  attended 
th  much  fever  or  cerebral  disease,  or  sick  stomach,  in  which  there  is  an  indi- 
tion  for  profuse  diaphoresis,  especially  in  painful  affections,  or  those  connected 
th  unhealthy  discharges.  It  is  admirably  adapted  to  the  phlegmasias,  par- 
ularly  rheumatism  and  pneumonia,  when  complicated  with  a typhoid  tendency, 
after  sufficient  depletion.  Under  similar  circumstances,  it  is  useful  in  dyseu- 
•y,  diarrhoea,  and  the  various  hemorrhages,  especially  that  from  the  uterus, 
is  sometimes  also  given  in  dropsy.  In  bowel  affections,  and  whenever  the 
patic  secretion  is  deranged,  it  is  frequently  combined  with  small  doses  of 
lomel. 

Ten  grains  of  the  powder  contain  one  grain  of  opium.  The  dose  is  from  five 
fifteen  grains,  given  diffused  in  water,  or  mixed  with  syrup,  or  in  the  form  of 
lus,  and  repeated  at  intervals  of  four,  six,  or  eight  hours,  when  it  is  desirable 
maintain  a continued  diaphoresis.  Its  action  may  be  materially  promoted  by 
rm  drinks,  such  as  lemonade,  or  balm  tea,  which,  however,  should  not  be 
yen  immediately  after  the  powder,  as  they  might  provoke  vomiting. 

Off.  Prep.  Pilula  Ipecacuanhas  cum  Scilla;  Pilulae  Ipecacuanhas  et  Opii. 

W. 

PULYIS  JALAP ZE  COMPOSITUS.  U.  S.,  Land.,  Pd.,  Pub. 
mpound  Powder  of  Jalap. 

“Take  of  Jalap,  in  powder,  an  ounce;  Ditartrate  of  Potassa,  in  powder,  two 
fees.  Mix  them.”  U.  S. 

The  London  College  takes  three  ounces  of  jalap,  six  ounces  of  bitartrate  of 
] tassa,  and  two  drachms  of  ginger;  the  Dublin,  two  ounces  of  jalap,  three 
dices  and  a half  of  bitartrate  of  potassa,  and  half  an  ounce  of  ginger.  The 
dinburgh  College  takes  the  same  ingredients  in  the  same  proportion  as  the  U.  S. 

. .armacopoeia,  and  directs  them  to  be  rubbed  together  to  a very  fine  powder. 
The  bitartrate,  by  being  rubbed  with  the  jalap,  is  thought  to  favour  its  more 
mute  division,  while  it  increases  its  hydragogue  effect.  A combination  of  these 
i;o  ingredients,  though  with  a larger  proportion  of  cream  of  tartar  (see  Jalapa), 

' ms  a good  cathartic  in  dropsy,  and  in  scrofulous  affections  of  the  joints  and 
jnds.  The  dose  of  the  officinal  powder  is  from  thirty  grains  to  a drachm. 

Off.  Prep.  Pulvis  Scammonii  Compositus.  W. 

PULYIS  KINO  COMPOSITUS.  Land.  Compound  Powder  of 
.ino. 

“Take  of  Kino  fifteen  drachms ; Cinnamon  half  an  ounce;  dried  Opium  a 
W'hm.  Rub  them  separately  to  a very  fine  powder,  and  then  mix  them.”  Loud. 


1166 


Pulveres. 


PART  II 


This  is  an  anodyne  astringent  powder,  useful  in  some  forms  of  diarrhoea,  bu 
of  which  the  composition  would  be  better  left  to  extemporaneous  prescription 
as  the  proportion  of  the  ingredients  should  vary  with  the  circumstances  of  tb 
case.  Twenty  grains  contain  one  grain  of  opium.  The  dose  is  from  five  grain 
to  a scruple.  W. 

PULYIS  RHEI  COMPOSITUS,  Ed.,  Dub.  Compound  Powder  o 
Rhubarb. 

“ Take  of  Magnesia  one  pound ; Ginger,  in  fine  powder,  two  ounces ; Rhubar 
in  fine  powder,  four  ounces.  Mix  them  thoroughly,  and  preserve  the  powder  ii 
well  closed  bottles.”  Ed. 

The  Dublin  College  uses  the  same  ingredients  in  the  same  proportions. 

This  is  a good  laxative  antacid,  well  adapted  to  bowel  complaints,  espec-iall 
in  children.  The  dose  for  an  adult  is  from  half  a drachm  to  a drachm;  for 
child  two  or  three  years  old,  from  five  to  ten  grains.  W. 

PULYIS  SALINUS  COMPOSITUS.  Ed.  Compound  Salin 

Poivder. 

“Take  of  Pure  Muriate  of  Soda,  Sulphate  of  Magnesia,  each,  four  ounce * 
Sulphate  of  Potassa  three  ounces.  Dry  the  salts  separately  with  a gentle  hea’ 
and  pulverize  each;  then  triturate  them  well  together,  and  preserve  the  rnixtur 
in  well  closed  vessels.”  Ed. 

This  is  an  aperient  powder,  and  may  be  given  with  advantage  in  costive  habit: 
in  the  dose  of  two  or  three  drachms,  dissolved  in  half  a pint  of  water  or  carbon: 
acid  water,  before  breakfast.  W. 

PULVIS  SCAMMONII  COMPOSITUS.  Land.,  Ed.,  Pub.  Con 

pound  Poivder  of  Scammony. 

“ Take  of  Scammony,  hard  Extract  of  Jalap,  each,  two  ounces;  Ginger  ha 
an  ounce.  Rub  them  separately  to  a very  fine  powder;  and  then  mix  them. 
Land. 

The  Edinburgh  College  takes  equal  parts  of  scammony  and  bitartrate  of  p 
tassa;  the  Dublin,  an  ounce  of  scammony,  and  three  ounces  of  compound  powdi 
of  jalap. 

It.  should  be  observed  that  the  Edinburgh  compound  is  essentially  differei 
from  that  of  the  London  College;  but  we  do  not  think  that  either  of  them  is  i 
eligible  preparation.  The  cream  of  tartar  in  the  former  can  serve  little  oth 
purpose  than  to  aid  in  the  pulverization  of  the  scammony,  which  requires  r 
peculiar  care  in  this  respect.  In  the  latter,  though  the  ginger  may  tend  to  cd 
rect  the  griping  property  of  the  purgative  ingredients,  the  extract  of  jalap  t< 
closely  resembles  the  scammony  in  its  operation  to  exert  any  important  moc 
fying  influence  upon  it.  The  dose  of  the  London  powder  is  from  ten  to  twen 
grains,  of  the  Edinburgh  from  fifteen  to  thirty.  The  Dublin  powder  is  anal  ego 
in  power  to  the  Edinburgh,  though  somewhat  weaker.  W. . 

PULYIS  TRAGACANTHiE  COMPOSITUS.  Lond.,  Ed.  Co? 
pound  Powder  of  Tragacanth. 

“Take  of  Tragacanth,  in  powder,  Gum  Arabic,  in  powder.  Starch,  each,  < 
ounce  and  a half ; Sugar  [refined]  three  ounces.  Rub  the  Starch  and  Sug 
together  to  powder,  then  add  the  Tragacanth  and  Gum  Arabic,  and  mix  the 
all.”  Lond. 

The  Edinburgh  process  corresponds  with  the  above. 

This  is  applicable  to  the  general  purposes  of  the  demulcents ; but  is  chic 
employed  in  Great  Britain  as  a vehicle  for  heavy  insoluble  powders.  The  do 
is  from  thirty  grains  to  a drachm.  W. 


ART  II. 


Pulveres. — Quinia. 


1167 


QUINIA. 

Preparations  of  Quinia. 

QUINIA]  SULPHAS.  U.  S.  Quin.®  Disulphas.  Lond.  Quince 
ulphas.  Pd.,  Pub.  Sutyffiate  of  Quinia. 

“Take  of  Yellow  Bark,  in  coarse  powder,  four  pounds  ; Muriatic  Acid  three 
lidounees ; Lime,  in  powder,  five  ounces;  Water  five  gallons;  Sulphuric  Acid, 
lcohol,  Animal  Charcoal,  each,  a sufficient  quantify.  Boil  the  Bark  in 
[©-third  of  the  Water  mixed  with  one-third  of  the  Muriatic  Acid,  and  strain 
rough  linen.  Boil  the  residue  twice  successively  with  the  same  quantity  of 
'ater  and  Acid  as  before,  and  strain.  Mix  the  decoctions,  aud,  while  the  liquor 
hot,  gradually  add  the  Lime,  previously  mixed  with  two  pints  of  water,  stirring 
nstantly  until  the  Quiuia  is  completely  precipitated.  Wash  the  precipitate  with 
istilled  Water,  and,  having  pressed,  dried,  and  powdered  it,  digest  it  in  boiling 
lcohol.  Pour  off  the  liquor,  and  repeat  the  digestion  several  times,  until  the 
lcohol  is  no  longer  rendered  bitter.  Mix  the  liquors,  and  distil  off  the  Alcohol, 
itil  a brown  viscid  mass  remains.  LTpon  this  substance,  removed  from  the 
ssel,  pour  about  half  a gallon  of  Distilled  Water,  and,  having  heated  the  mix- 
re  to  the  boiling  point,  add  as  much  Sulphuric  Acid  as  may  be  necessary  to 
?solve  the  impure  alkali.  Then  add  an  ounce  and  a half  of  Animal  Charcoal, 
il  for  two  minutes,  filter  the  liquor  while  hot,  and  set  it  aside  to  crystallize, 
ould  the  liquor,  before  filtration,  be  entirely  neutral,  acidulate  it  very  slightly 
■th  Sulphuric  Acid;  should  it,  on  the  contrary,  change  the  colour  of  litmus 
per  to  a bright  red,  add  more  Animal  Charcoal.  Separate  the  crystals  from 
e liquor,  dissolve  them  in  boiling  water  slightly  acidulated  with  Sulphuric 
,iid,  add  a little  Animal  Charcoal,  filter,  and  set  aside  to  crystallize.  Wrap 
1;  crystals  in  bibulous  paper,  and  dry  them  with  a gentle  heat.  The  mother 
1 ters  may  be  made  to  yield  an  additional  quantity  of  Sulphate  of  Quinia  by 
pcipitating  the  Quinia  with  Solution  of  Ammonia,  and  treating  the  precipitated 
i ;ali  with  distilled  water,  Sulphuric  Acid,  and  Animal  Charcoal,  as  before.”  U.  S. 
The  London  Col/eye  has  transferred  this  salt  to  its  Materia  Medica  list. 

“ Take  of  Yellow  Bark,  in  coarse  powder,  one  pound ; Carbonate  of  Soda 
(Jit  ounces;  Sulphuric  Acid  half  a ftuidounce ; Purified  Animal  Charcoal  two 
c.ichns.  Boil  the  bark  for  an  hour  in  four  pints  [Imperial  measure]  of  water, 
i which  half  the  Carbonate  of  Soda  has  been  dissolved;  strain,  and  express 
sbngly  through  linen  or  calico;  moisten  the  residuum  with  water  and  express 
s fin ; and  repeat  this  twice.  Boil  the  residuum  for  half  an  hour  with  four 
pts  of  water  and  half  the  Sulphuric  Acid;  strain,  express  strongly,  moisten 
^ h water,  and  express  again.  Boil  the  residuum  with  three  piuts  of  water  and 
a lurth  part  of  the  Acid  ; strain  and  squeeze  as  before.  Boil  again  the  residuum 
\ h the  same  quantity  of  water  and  Acid,  strain  and  squeeze  as  formerly.  Con- 
cjtrate  the  whole  acid  liquids  to  about  a pint;  let  the  product  cool;  filter  it, 
a l dissolve  in  it  the  remainder  of  the  Carbonate  of  Soda.  Collect  the  impure 
onia  on  a cloth,  wash  it  slightly,  and  squeeze  out  the  liquor  with  the  hand, 
leak  down  the  moist  precipitate  in  a pint  of  distilled  waiter,  add  one  fluidscruple 
c Sulphuric  Acid,  heat  it  to  212°,  and  stir  occasionally.  Should  any  precipi- 
t:  retain  its  gray  colour,  aud  the  liquid  be  neutral,  add  Sulphuric  Acid  drop 
t drop,  stirring  constantly,  till  the  gray  colour  disappears.  Should  the  liquid 
r den  litmus,  neutralize  it  with  a little  carbonate  of  soda.  Should  crystals  form 
o the  surface,  add  boiling  distilled  water  to  dissolve  them.  Filter  through 
p er,  preserving  the  funnel  hot;  set  the  liquid  aside  to  crystallize;  collect  and 
S' eeze  the  crystals;  dissolve  them  in  a pint  of  distilled  water  heated  to  212°; 


1168 


Quinia. 


part  ii. 


digest  the  solution  for  fifteen  minutes  with  the  Animal  Charcoal ; filter  and  crys-, 
tallize  as  before.  Dry  the  crystals  with  a heat  not  exceeding  140°.  The  mother 
liquors  of  each  crystallization  will  yield  a little  more  salt  by  concentration  and 
cooling.”  Ed.  The  Imperial  measure  is  employed  in  the  above  process. 

The  Dublin  College  exhausts  the  bark  by  maceration  and  decoction  with  water 
acidulated  with  sulphuric  acid,  concentrates  the  liquor,  adds  lime  in  excess,  dries 
the  precipitate  partially  on  porous  bricks  and  subjects  it  to  powerful  pressure  ir 
blotting  paper,  boils  it  repeatedly  with  rectified  spirit,  expresses,  filters,  distil: 
off  all  the  spirit,  dilutes  the  brown  viscid  mass  -which  remains,  heats  it  to  the 
boiling  point,  adds  diluted  sulphuric  acid  to  neutralization  or  in  slight  excess 
and  finally,  after  treating  the  liquor  with  animal  charcoal,  sets  it  aside  to  coo 
and  crystallize. 

The  present  U.  S.  process,  which  is  essentially  that  of  the  French  Codex,  differ 
from  the  one  given  in  the  Pharmacopoeia  of  1830,  in  the  use  of  muriatic  insteai 
of  sulphuric  acid  for  acidulating  the  water  first  employed,  and  in  the  greate 
minuteness  of  the  details.  Both  this  and  the  French  Codex  process,  as  well  a 
that  of  the  Dublin  College,  are  modifications  of  the  plan  originally  proposed  b 
M.  Henry,  jun.,  of  Paris,  for  w hich  he  received  a prize  from  the  French  Acadera 
of  Sciences,  and  which  has  been  almost  universally  employed  where  alcohol  i 
not  too  expensive.  Henry’s  process,  writh  all  its  details,  may  be  found  in  prc 
vious  editions  of  this  work.  An  explanation  of  the  several  directions  given  i 
the  TJ.  S.  Pharmacopoeia  will  be  useful  to  the  student,  by  enabling  him  to  con 
prehend  each  step  of  the  process. 

The  yellow  bark  (Calisaya,  or  royal  yellow)  is  the  variety  selected,  becaus 
this  contains  quinia  ip  the  largest  proportion,  and  most  free  from  admixture  wit 
cinchonia.  The  alkali  exists  in  the  bark  combined  with  kiuic  add,  and  pn 
bablv  also  with  one  or  more  of  the  colouring  principles,  as  suggested  by  1 
Henry.  As  in  this  latter  state  it  is  of  difficult  solubility,  if  it  be  not  insoluK 
in  water,  the  whole  of  the  quinia  cannot  be  extracted  from  the  bark  by  meai 
of  that  liquid  alone.  Berzelius,  however,  attributes  the  difficulty  of  exhaustic 
the  bark  to  the  circumstance,  that  water  converts  the  native  neutral  kiuates  in 
soluble  superkinat.es  which  are  dissolved,  and  insoluble  subkinates  which  remai 
By  adding  muriatic  or  sulphuric  acid  to  the  water  in  such  quantities  as  to  be 
excess  in  relation  to  the  quinia,  the  whole  of  the  alkali  combines  with  the  ac- 
to  form  a very  soluble  muriate  or  sulphate,  in  which  state  it  exists,  togeth 
with  various  impurities,  in  the  decoctions  procured  by  the  first  steps  of  the  pr 
cess.  By  the  addition  of  lime  to  the  filtered  and  mixed  decoctions,  the  salt 
quinia  is  decomposed,  giving  up  its  acid  to  the  lime,  while  the  quinia  is  liberate 
and,  being  insoluble  in  water,  is  precipitated;  the  water  retaining  most  of  t 
impurities.  If  sulphuric  acid  was  employed  in  the  commencement  of  the  procei. 
sulphate  of  lime  is  deposited  along  with  the  quinia ; but  if  muriatic  acid  was  e- 
ployed,  the  resulting  chloride  of  calcium  is  retained  in  solution;  and  a reason; 
thus  afforded  for  the  preference  of  the  latter  acid.  But,  in  either  case,  the  <- 
cess  of  lime,  and  a compound  formed  of  the  lime  and  colouring  matter,  which; 
insoluble  both  in  water  and  alcohol,  are  thrown  down  with  the  alkali.  I-3 
precipitate  having  been  washed  in  order  to  remove  from  it  everything  solu.3 
in  water,  then  pressed,  dried,  and  powdered,  the  next  step  is  to  separate  t-3 
quinia  from  the  insoluble  impurities.  This  is  accomplished  by  the  repeal! 
action  of  alcohol,  which  dissolves  the  former,  and  leaves  most  of  the  latter  - 
hind.  The  whole  of  the  alkali  having  been  abstracted,  the  alcoholic  solution^ 
quinia  is  then  concentrated  so  as  to  afford  a brown  viscid  mass,  which  is  imp  s 
quinia.  Portions  of  this  may  be  reserved,  if  thought  advisable,  for  the  prep;> 
tion  of  other  salts  of  quinia.  The  mass  is  treated  with  boiling  distilled  w;  r 
acidulated  with  sulphuric  acid,  which  forms  a disulphate  (the  officinal  sulpha) 


4RT  II. 


Quinia. 


1169 


ith  the  quinia,  and,  being  somewhat  in  excess,  enables  the  salt  to  be  readily 
ssolved.  The  animal  charcoal  now  added  should  be  the  unpurified  bone-black, 
ie  carbonate  of  lime  contained  in  which  neutralizes  a portion  of  the  sulphuric 
iid,  and  thus  facilitates  the  crystallization  of  the  sulphate  of  quinia  when  the 
lution  cools.  Should  the  quantity  of  the  bone-black  added  be  sufficient  to 
nder  the  solution  quite  neutral,  so  as  in  no  degree  to  affect  litmus  paper,  as 
uch  sulphuric  acid  should  be  added  as  will  give  the  paper  a slightly  vinous 
it;  for  otherwise  the  crystallization  may  commence  before  the  liquor  is  com- 
etely  filtered.  If,  on  the  contrary,  the  bone-black  has  been  deficient,  and  the 
lution  colours  litmus  paper  cherry-red,  more  of  that  substance  is  to  be  added, 
his,  however,  is  merely  an  incidental  advantage  of  the  animal  charcoal;  its 
iief  use  being  to  decolorize  the  liquid.  The  second  crystallization  is  necessary 
obtain  the  salt  of  quinia  free  from  colour;  and  sometimes  it  cannot  be  ren- 
ted perfectly  white  without  a third.  It  is  essential  that  the  heat  employed  in 
■ying  the  crystals  should  be  gentle,  in  order  to  prevent  their  efflorescence.  The 
rail  quantity  of  cinchonia  contained  in  Calisaya  bark  is  extracted  along  with 
e quinia;  but,  as  the  sulphate  of  the  former  is  more  soluble  than  that  of  the 
tter,  it  remains  in  the  mother  liquors.* 

According  to  M.  Calvert,  the  proportion  of  sulphate  of  quinia  obtained  from 
irk  is  never  certain  when  muriatic  acid  is  employed  as  the  solvent,  and  lime 
the  precipitant;  for  quinia  is  dissolved  by  a solution  of  chloride  of  calcium, 
d by  lime-water;  and  a portion,  therefore,  remains  in  the  liquid  unprecipi- 
ted,  which  is  greater  when  the  lime  employed  is  in  excess.  Having  ascertained 
' trial  that  quinia  is  not  dissolved  by  a solution  of  soda,  and  in  scarcely  appre- 
ffile  proportion  by  chloride  of  sodium,  he  proposes  to  substitute  this  alkali  for 
ue;  first  neutralizing  the  excess  of  acid  by  the  carbonate,  and  then  precipi- 
ting  the  quinia  by  caustic  soda.  ( Journ . de  Pharm.,  2>e  ser.,  ii.  388.) 

The  Edinburgh  process  was  contrived  so  as  to  avoid  the  use  of  alcohol,  which 
so  costly  in  Great  Britain  as  materially  to  affect  the  economy  of  the  operation, 
le  object  of  the  first  boiling  with  water  and  carbonate  of  soda  is  to  get  rid  of  the 
louring  principles,  resin,  and  kinic  acid,  while  the  quinia  is  left  behind.  The 
fiduum  is  next  exhausted  by  means  of  water  acidulated  with  sulphuric  acid, 
lich  affords  an  impure  solution  of  sulphate  of  quinia.  This,  after  being  suf- 
iently  concentrated,  is  decomposed  by  carbonate  of  soda,  which  seizes  the  acid 
■ d precipitates  the  quinia  with  some  colouring  matter.  The  remaining  steps 
the  operation  are  similar  to  those  of  the  U.  S.  process,  except  that  animal 
' arcoal  is  employed  only  previous  to  the  last  crystallization ; and  the  advantage 
iidentally  obtained  from  it,  of  neutralizing  the  acid  when  in  excess,  is  gained 
: the  Edinburgh  process  by  the  use  of  carbonate  of  soda.  Both  Pereira  and 
1 ristison  speak  favourably  of  this  process. 

Pelletier  proposed  to  substitute  oil  of  turpentine  for  alcohol  in  the  ordinary 
pcess  of  procuring  sulphate  of  quinia.  The  impure  quinia,  precipitated  by 
1 ie  from  the  acidulous  decoctions,  after  being  washed,  pressed,  and  dried,  is 
( jested  with  the  oil,  which  dissolves  the  quinia.  The  solution  thus  obtained  is 

r Mr.  Weightman,  of  the  firm  of  Powers  and  YYeightman,  manufacturing  chemists  of 
f|5  city,  informs  us  that  the  following  modification  of  the  above  process  has  been  found 
f.ctically  advantageous  in  their  laboratory.  The  tincture  obtained  by  acting  with 
Sphol  on  the  impure  precipitated  quinia,  is  neutralized  with  sulphuric  acid  in  the  dis- 
t ,ng  vessel ; and  the  alcohol  is  then  distilled  off,  leaving  a viscid  mass  of  impure  sul- 
I ite,  which  is  drawn  off,  and  crystallizes  ou  cooling.  The  mass  thus  obtained  having 
1 n expressed,  is  dissolved  in  boiling  water,  to  which  purified  animal  charcoal  has  been 
c ed.  The  solution  is  filtered  while  hot,  and  then  allowed  to  cool  and  crystallize, 
t other  solution  and  crystallization  is  required  to  get  the  sulphate  of  quinia  quite  pure 
8 white. — Note  to  the  tenth  edition. 

74 


1170 


Quinia. 


PART  II 


agitated  with  water  acidulated  with  sulphuric  acid,  by  which  the  sulphate  o: 
quinia  is  formed.  The  oil  separating,  rises  to  the  top,  and  is  removed  for  future 
use;  and  the  watery  solution  of  the  salt  is  evaporated,  and  treated  as  in  the 
original  process.  A disadvantage,  however,  of  this  method  is  said  to  be  tha 
the  oil  does  not  completely  exhaust  the  precipitate  of  its  quinia. 

According  to  the  French  Codex,  1000  parts  of  yellow  bark  ought  to  yield  frou 
29  to  30  parts  of  sulphate  of  quinia,  when  treated  by  the  process  first  described 
Messrs.  Powers  & Weightman,  who  are  probably  among  the  largest  manufac 
turers  of  sulphate  of  quinia  in  the  world,  inform  us  that  they  have  usualh 
obtained  from  2 '5  to  3 per  cent,  as  an  average  product. 

Sulphate  of  quinia  may  be  obtained  from  other  varieties  of  Peruvian  bark  U 
the  above  processes;  and  from  some  in  considerable  quantity;  but  most  of  then 
yield  a much  larger  proportion  of  sulphate  of  cinchonia  than  the  Calisaya;  am 
this,  being  much  more  soluble  than  the  sulphate  of  quinia,  will  remain  dissolve! 
in  the  residuary  liquor  after  the  crystallization  of  the  latter.  To  obtain  tk 
cirulwnia  separate,  the  following  method,  originally  suggested  by  Pelletier  am 
Caventou,  may  be  employed.  Magnesia,  lime,  or  a solution  of  potassa  is  adde< 
to  the  mother  waters  in  excess.*  The  cinchonia  is  precipitated  together  with 
portion  of  quinia  which  has  remained  in  the  solution,  and  with  the  excess  o 
magnesia  or  lime,  if  one  of  these  earths  has  been  employed.  The  precipitat 
is  collected  on  a filter,  washed  with  hot  water,  then  dried,  and  treated  with  boil 
ing  alcohol,  which  dissolves  the  organic  alkalies.  The  alcoholic  solution  i 
filtered  while  hot,  and  the  residue  afterwards  treated  in  the  same  manner  wit’ 
successive  portions  of  alcohol,  till  quite  exhausted.  The  solutions  having  bee 
mixed,  are  concentrated  by  the  distillation  of  the  alcohol,  and  allowed  to  cool 
when  they  deposit  cinchonia  in  the  crystalline  state.  Successive  evaporation 
and  refrigerations  afford  new  crops  of  crystals,  and  the  process  should  be  cor 
tinued  till  no  more  can  be  obtained.  The  cinchonia  thus  procured,  if  impun 
should  be  reconverted  into  a sulphate  and  treated  as  before,  animal  charcoa 
being  employed  to  free  it  from  colour.  The  quinia  remaining  in  the  mothe 
liquors,  as  it  will  not  crystallize  from  alcohol,  may  be  obtained  by  evaporatio 
to  dryness.  To  obtain  the  sulphate  of  cinchonia,  mix  the  alkali  with  a sma 
quantity  of  water,  heat  the  mixture,  and  add  gradually  dilute  sulphuric  aci 
sufficient  to  saturate  it;  then  boil  with  animal  charcoal  previously  washed  wit 
muriatic  acid,  and  filter  the  liquor  while  hot.  Upon  cooling  it  will  depos 
crystals  of  the  sulphate,  and,  by  repeated  evaporation  and  crystallization,  wi 
yield  all  the  salt  which  it  holds  in  solution. f 

When  barks  containing  the  newly  discovered  alkaloid  quinidia,  are  used, : 
the  sulphate  of  this  base  is  much  more  soluble  than  that  of  quinia.  it  follov 
that,  in  the  mother  waters  left  after  the  crystallization  of  sulphate  of  quini 
there  will  be  found  a portion  of  sulphate  of  quinidia.  In  fact,  there  is  gen 
rally,  under  these  circumstances,  more  or  less  of  the  sulphates  of  the  thn 

* Soda  is  probably  a better  precipitant,  as  it  appears  to  be  incapable  of  dissolving  ai 
quinia  when  employed  in  excess.  (See  page  1169.) 

f A new  mode  of  extracting  quinia  and  other  active  vegetable  principles  has  been  pi 
posed,  which,  if  found  as  successful  on  trial  as  it  is  said  to  have  been  in  the  hands  of  i 
proposer,  promises  to  supersede  many  of  the  processes  now  in  use.  From  the  experimer 
of  M.  Lebourdais,  it  would  appear  that  purified  animal  charcoal  has  the  property  of  a 
stracting  from  many  vegetable  products  not  only  their  colouring,  but  their  sapid  princip! 
also,  and  afterwards  of  yielding  the  active  matter  uncombined  to  boiling  alcohol,  fr< 
which  it  is  obtained  by  evaporation.  M.  Lebourdais  deprived  Peruvian  bark  of  all 
soluble  principles  by  repeated  maceration  in  alcohol  of  0-923,  filtered  the  resulting  liquo 
removed  the  alcohol  by  distillation,  and  mixed  the  liquid  residue  with  a decoction  made 
boiling  the  same  bark  twice  in  distilled  water.  Acetate  of  lead  was  added  to  preeipit; 
the  resinous  matter;  and  the  liquor,  having  been  filtered,  was  made  to  pass  slowly  tlrrou 


PART  II. 


Quinia. 


1171 


alkaloids,  quinia,  cinehonia,  and  quinidia,  all  of  which  are  contained  in  many 
barks ; and,  besides  these,  a portion  of  amorphous  alkaloid,  incapable  of  c-rys- 

ourified  animal  charcoal  by  which  it  was  deprived  of  colour  and  taste.  The  charcoal  was 
ihen  washed,  dried,  and  treated  with  alcohol  of  0-848.  The  alcoholic  solution  thus  ob- 
:ained,  upon  being  evaporated,  yielded  the  quinia  perfectly  pure.  (Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm., 
ixi.  92,  from  Ann.  de  Chim.  el  dcPhys.)  A chemist,  however,  who  has  tried  this  process, 
nforms  us,  that  he  has  not  found  it  to  answer  well  in  practice. 

We  have  been  told  that  considerable  quantities  of  a preparation  have  been  imported 
rom  South  America,  consisting  of  a mixture  of  the  alkaloids  of  bark  in  an  impure  state, 
ibtained  by  forming  acidulated  decoctions  of  bark,  precipitating  with  lime,  treating  the 
)recipitate  with  alcohol,  and  evaporating  the  alcoholic  solution.  From  this  material  the 
sulphates  of  quinia  and  cinehonia  have  been  prepared  on  a large  scale.  It  has  sometimes 
yielded  25  per  cent,  of  quinia  converted  into  sulphate,  and  more  than  an  equal  quantity  of 
:inchonia. — Note  to  the  eighth  and  tenth  edition. 

Quinoidine.  Precipitated  Extract  of  Bark.  Amorphous  Quinia.  Upon  the  evaporation  of 
he  mother  liquor  left  after  the  crystallization  of  sulphate  of  quinia  in  the  preparation  of  that 
alt,  a dark-coloured  substance  is  obtained,  having  the  appearance  of  an  extract.  This  was 
labitually  employed  by  the  late  Dr.  Emlen  and  one  of  the  authors  of  this  work,  so  early 
is  about  the  year  1824,  in  the  cure  of  intermittent  fever,  in  which  it  proved  equally  effectual 
nth  the  pure  sulphate,  though  only  about  half  as  strong.  It  was  adopted  in  the  edition  of 
lieU.  S.  Pharmacopoeia  for  1830,  under  the  name  of  “ impure  sulphate  of  quinia,”  but  was 
bandoned  in  the  edition  of  1840,  on  account  of  the  difficulty  of  ascertaining  its  purity, 
lertiirner  supposed  that  he  had  discovered  a new  alkaline  principle  in  this  product ; but  his 
onclusions  were  invalidated  by  the  experiments  of  MM.  Henry  and  Delondre,  which  went 

0 prove  that  the  alkaline  matter  contained  in  it  consisted  of  quinia  and  cinehonia,  ob- 
cured  by  admixture  with  a yellowish  substance  that  interfered  with  their  crystallization, 
ievertheless,  under  the  name  of  quinoidine  or  chinoidine,  given  to  the  supposed  new  alkali 
y Serturner,  there  has  been  long  employed  in  Europe  a substance  precipitated  from  the 
bother  liquor  of  sulphate  of  quinia  by  means  of  an  alkaline  earbonate,  having  ayellowish- 

hite  or  brownish  colour,  and.  when  moderate^-  heated,  agglutinating  into  a mass  of  a 
esinous  appearance.  This  substance  was  found  by  Dr.  F.  L.  Winckler  to  contain  an  un- 
rystallizable  alkaline  principle,  having  the  same  combining  weight  as  quinia,  and  differing 
■om  that  alkali  only  in  the  want  of  the  property  of  crystallization,  and  in  forming  uncrys- 
illizable  salts  with  the  acids.  (Pharm.  Cent.  Blatt.  May,  1847,  p.  310.)  Liebig  after- 
•ards  proved  it  to  be  identical  in  composition  with  ordinary  quinia,  to  which  he  considers 
as  bearing  the  same  relation  that  uncrystallizable  sugar  bears  to  the  erystallizable. 
his  substance  has  been  found  equally  effectual  with  quinia  in  the  cure  of  intermittent*. 

1 an  economical  point  of  view,  it  is  highly  important  that  it  should  be  employed.  It  is 
jmetimes  sold  under  the  name  of  precipitated  extract  of  bark,  and  there  can  be  little 
oubt  that  it  enters  into  other  preparations,  which,  under  the  name  of  extract  of  bark, 
ave  been  put  forth  as  peculiarlj-  valuable  for  the  cure  of  intermittents.  It  must  not  be 
mfounded  with  the  substance  obtainod  by  evaporating  the  mother  liquors,  which  is  of 
acertain  composition  and  strength.  The  chief  objection  to  it  is  its  liability  to  adul- 
ration.  The  amorphous  quinia,  as  Liebig  calls  it,  is  entirely  soluble  in  dilute  sulphuric 
:id  and  in  alcohol;  and,  if  its  solution  in  a dilute  acid  yield  upon  the  addition  of  ammonia 
mctly  as  much  precipitate  as  there  was  of  the  original  substance  dissolved,  it  may  be 
msidered  pure.  (See  Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xviii.  181.)  We  have  been  told  that,  in  an 
ktensive  chemical  manufacturing  establishment  in  Philadelphia,  since  the  introduction  of 
earn  heat,  the  loss  by  quinoidine  in  the  preparation  of  sulphate  of  quinia  has  much  di- 
inished,  showing  the  agency  of  heat  in  converting  the  erystallizable  into  the  uncrystal- 
:able  salt. 

M.  Roder  supposed  that  he  had  succeeded  by  the  following  process  in  converting  amor- 
ious  quinia  into  the  erystallizable.  One  part  of  commercial  quinoidine,  not  previously 
■ecipitated  by  an  alkali,  was  dissolved  in  four  parts  of  alcohol  of  0-865,  and  a solution  of 
df  a part  of  protochloride  of  tin  in  two  parts  of  water  added.  The  liquid  was  separated 
om  the  dark  resinous  deposit  which  formed,  and  was  precipitated  by  ammonia.  The 
jecipitate  was  well  washed,  dried,  and  exhausted  by  alcohol;  half  the  original  quantity  of 
otochloride  of  tin  was  added  to  the  resulting  liquid,  which  was  again  precipitated  by 
omonia;  and  the  precipitate,  well  washed  and  dried,  -was  exhausted  by  alcohol.  A 
lution  of  pure  quinia  was  thus  obtained,  which,  saturated  with  sulphuric  acid,  yielded 
ystals  of  sulphate  of  quinia.  M.  Roder  obtained  from  two  different  samples  of  quinoidine 
and  43  per  cent,  of  quinia,  10  and  9 per  cent,  of  cinehonia,  30  and  28  per  cent,  of  resin, 
d 20  per  cent,  of  water ; so  that  this  product  is  somewhat  more  than  half  as  strong  as 


1172 


Quinia. 


PART  II. 


tallization,  probably  resulting,  in  part  at  least,  from  tbe  heat  employed  in  the 
process.  These  may  in  a great  degree  be  separated  through  their  different  solu- 
bilities in  water.  Sulphate  of  quinia  being  least  soluble  will  first  crystallize, 
afterwards  the  salt  of  quinidia,  and  finally  that  of  cinchonia,  which  is  the  most 
soluble  of  the  three;  while  the  uncrystallizable  salt  will  remain  in  solution, 
and  may  be  obtained  in  the  amorphous  state  by  evaporation  to  dryness. 

Properties.  Sulphate  of  quinia  is  in  fine  silky,  slightly  flexible,  needle-shaped 
crystals,  interlaced  among  each  other,  or  grouped  in  small  star-like  tufts.  Its 
taste  is  intensely  bitter,  resembling  that  of  the  yellow  bark.  It  effloresces  slightly 
on  exposure  to  the  air,  and,  at  a moderate  heat,  loses  its  crystalline  form  in 
consequence  of  the  escape  of  its  water  of  crystallization.  At  the  temperature 
of  212°  it  becomes  luminous,  especially  when  rubbed.  At  about  240°  it  melts, 
assuming  the  appearance  of  wax.  It  is  very  slightly  soluble  iu  cold  water,  re- 
quiring, according  to  M.  Baup,  740  parts  at  54°  F.  for  solution;  while  at  the 
boiling  point  it  is  dissolved  in  thirty  parts  of  water,  which  deposits  it  upon 
cooling.  Its  cold  solution  is  opalescent.  It  is  soluble  in  about  60  parts  of  cold 
alcohol  of  0'835,  but  only  to  a very  small  extent  in  ether.  The  diluted  acids, 
even  tartaric  and  oxalic  acids  in  excess,  dissolve  it  with  great  facility.  TVithan 
additional  equivalent  of  sulphuric  acid  it  forms  another  sulphate,  which  is  more 
soluble  in  water  than  the  officinal  salt,  and  crystallizes  from  its  solution  with 
much  greater  difficulty.  This  is  now  generally  believed  to  be  strictly  neutral, 
and  therefore  entitled  to  the  name  of  sulphate  of  quinia;  while  the  officinal  salt 
is  thought  to  contain  two  equivalents  of  base  to  one  of  acid,  and  is  therefore 
properly  a subsulphate  or  disulpliate  of  quinia.  The  latter  name  has  been 
adopted  by  the  London  College.  In  the  U.  S.,  Dublin,  and  Edinburgh  Phar- 
macopoeias, as  well  as  in  the  French  Codex,  the  name  of  sulphate  of  quinia. 
originally  given  to  the  officinal  salt,  under  the  impression  that  it  wa9  neutral,  is 
still  applied  to  it.  Hence  has  arisen  a confusion  of  nomenclature  which  must 
be  embarrassing  to  the  student.  According  to  M.  Baup,  the  proper  sulphate, 
formerly  called  supersulphate,  is  soluble  in  11  parts  of  water  at  54°  F.,  and  in 
its  own  water  of  crystallization  at  the  boiling  point.  It  is  very  soluble  in  di- 
luted, and  somewhat  less  so  in  absolute  alcohol.  It  may  be  obtained  by  adding 
to  a boiling  concentrated  solution  of  the  ordinary  sulphate,  as  much  sulphuric 
acid  as  already  exists  in  the  salt,  and  then  evaporating  the  solution. 

Composition.  The  officinal  sulphate  of  quinia,  the  disulphate  of  chemists,  i: 
the  only  one  used  in  medicine,  and  to  this  we  have  allusion  in  the  present  work 
whenever  sulphate  of  quinia  is  mentioned  without  any  distinguishing  epithet 
In  the  crystalline  form  it  is  stated  to  consist  of  one  equivalent  of  sulphuric  acic 
40,  two  eqs.  of  quinia  324,  and  eight  eqs.  of  water  72=436.  On  exposure  t( 
the  air,  or  to  a heat  of  212°,  it  effloresces,  losiug  one-half  of  its  water  of  c-rys 
tallization  (according  to  Soubeiran,  six  eqs.);  and  at  240°  it  loses  one-half  of  th< 
remainder,  retaining  two  eqs.  or  about  4 per  cent,  of  water,  of  which  it  canno 
bo  deprived  without  decomposition.  ( Phillips .)* 

pure  quinia.  (Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xxi.  49.)  But  we  have  been  assured  by  Mr.  Weight 
man,  in  relation  to  this  process  of  M.  Roder,  that,  if  all  the  crystallizable  matter  has  bee 
previously  separated  from  the  mother  waters,  no  crystals  can  afterwards  be  obtained  by  hi 
method,  though  much  uncrystallizable  alkaline  matter  remains ; showing  that  M.  Rode 
had  merely  succeeded  in  more  thoroughly  separating  the  crystallizable  portion,  not  i 
changing  one  form  into  the  other. — Note  to  the  seventh , eighth , and  tenth  editions. 

* Iodide  of  Sulphate  ( Disulphate ) of  Quinia.  This  remarkable  compound  of  officinal  su 
phate  of  quinia  was  discovered  by  Dr.  Wm.  Bird  Herapath,  of  Bristol.  England,  wh 
also  investigated  its  singular  optical  properties.  If  to  a solution  of  sulphate  of  quinia  i 
a mixture  of  acetic  acid  and  diluted  alcohol,  tincture  of  iodine  be  added  by  drops,  an 
the  mixture  kept  at  130°  F.  until  perfect  solution  takes  place,  upon  the  cooling  of  th 
liquid,  crystals  will  gradually  form,  which  Dr.  Herapath  has  found  to  consist  of  iodin' 


PART  II. 


Quinia. 


1173 


Incompatibles  and  Tests.  Sulphate  of  quinia  is  decomposed  by  the  alkalies, 
their  carbonates,  and  the  alkaline  earths.  In  solution,  it  affords  white  precipi- 
tates with  potassa,  soda,  and  ammonia,  which  are  partly  soluble  in  an  excess  of 
ilkali.  It  is  also  precipitated  by  astringent  infusions,  the  tannic  acid  of  which 
forms  a white  insoluble  compound  with  quinia.  The  soluble  salts  of  lead  and  of 
baryta  occasion  precipitates ; and  that  produced  by  the  salts  of  baryta  is  insoluble 
n the  acids.  A freshly  prepared  solution  of  chlorine,  added  to  a solution  of  the 
sulphate  of  quinia,  and  followed  by  the  addition  of  water  of  ammonia,  occasions 
in  emerald-green  colour,  and,  in  certain  proportions,  the  deposition  of  a green 
precipitate.  If,  instead  of  ammonia,  a concentrated  solution  of  ferrocyanuret  of 
potassium  be  added,  a dark-red  colour  is  produced,  which  persists  for  several 
pours,  but  ultimately  passes  into  green.  This  does  not  take  place  with  cin- 
phonia. 

Adulterations.  Sulphate  of  quinia  has  often  been  adulterated.  Sulphate  of 
ime,  and  other  alkaline  or  earthy  salts,  gum,  sugar,  mannite,  starch,  stearin  or 
nargarin,  caffein,  salicin,  and  sulphate  of  cinchonia,  are  among  the  substances 
which  are  said  to  have  been  fraudulently  added.  By  attending  to  the  degree  of 
solubility  of  the  sulphate  in  different  menstrua,  and  to  its  chemical  relations  with 
ither  substances  already  described,  there  can  be  little  difficulty  in  detecting  these 
idulterations.  The  presence  of  any  mineral  substance  not  readily  volatilizable, 
nay  be  at  once  ascertained  by  exposing  the  salt  to  a red  heat,  which  will  com- 
pletely dissipate  the  sulphate  of  quinia,  leaving  the  mineral  behind.  A volatile 
immoniacal  salt  may  be  detected  by  the  smell  of  ammonia  emitted  upon  the 
addition  of  potassa.  The  absence  of  organic  substances  may  be  inferred,  if  pure 
;old  concentrated  sulphuric  acid  forms  a colourless  solution.  Gum  and  starch 
ire  left  behind  by  alcohol,  and  fatty  matters  by  water  acidulated  with  sulphuric 
icid.  Sugar  and  mannite  cause  a solution  of  the  salt  in  acidulated  water  to 
lave  a sweet  taste,  after  the  precipitation  of  the  quinia  by  an  alkaline  carbonate. 
Salicin  imparts  the  property  of  becoming  red  upon  the  contact  of  sulphuric  acid; 
put,  according  to  Pelletier,  this  change  of  colour  does  not  take  place  unless  the 
proportion  of  salicin  exceeds  one-tenth.  If  only  in  this  proportion,  the  salicin 
nust  be  isolated.  To  1 part  of  the  suspected  salt,  6 parts  of  concentrated  sul- 
phuric acid  may  be  added,  and  to  the  brown  liquid  which  results,  125  parts  of 
rater.  The  salicin  is  thus  separated,  and  may  be  obtained  by  filtration,  in  the 
orm  of  a bitter  white  powder,  becoming  bright  red  with  sulphuric  acid.  (See 
4m.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xvii.  156.)  Caffein  alters  the  solubility  of  the  medicine 
n different  menstrua.  According  to  M.  Calvert,  a saturated  solution  of  sulphate 
if  quinia  in  cold  water  gives,  with  a solution  of  chloride  of  lime,  a precipitate 
oluble  in  an  excess  of  the  latter;  while  a solution  of  sulphate  of  cinchonia  of 
he  same  strength,  treated  in  the  same  manner,  gives  a precipitate  which  is  in- 
oluble  in  a great  excess  of  the  reagent.  The  same  effect  is  produced  with  lime- 
vater,  and  solution  of  ammonia;  and  solution  of  chloride  of  calcium,  while  it 

uinia,  and  sulphuric  acid,  probably  combined  in  the  state  of  iodide  of  sulphate  of  quinia. 
'o  obtain  fine  crystals  various  precautions  are  necessary,  for  which  the  reader  is  referred 
io  the  paper  of  Dr.  Herapath.  The  crystals  are  of  a brilliant  emerald-green  when  viewed 
y reflected  light;  but  almost  colourless  by  transmitted  light;  and  present'a  curious 
lay  of  colours  under  varying  circumstances  of  position.  Their  shape  is  very  diversified, 
ut  traceable  to  the  rhombic  prism.  They  are  dissolved  by  heated  acetic  acid  and  heated 
lcohol,  and  deposited  on  cooling.  Their  most  remarkable  property  is  that  of  polarizing 
ght,  in  which  they  are  equal  if  not  superior  to  the  tourmaline,  for  which  they  may  be 
ubstituted  with  advantage  in  experiments  in  this  branch  of  optics.  As  quinia  is  the  only 
rganic  alkali  which  aets  in  this  way,  it  is  evident  that  the  property  may  be  resorted  to  as 

means  of  detecting  it,  and  especially  of  distinguishing  it  from  cinchonia  and  quinidia. 
Pharm.  Journ.  and  Trans.,  xi.  448  and  449,  and  xiii.  378.  See  also  Am.  Journ.  of 
'harm.,  xxvi.  18.) — Note  to  the  tenth  edition. 


1174 


Quinia. 


PART  II. 


furnishes  a precipitate  with  a solution  of  sulphate  of  cinchonia,  yields  none  with 
a solution  of  sulphate  of  quinia.  ( Journ . de  Pharm.,  8e  ser.,  ii.  394.)*  The  Edin- 
burgh College  gives  the  following  mode  of  testing  the  purity  of  sulphate  of 
quinia.  “A  solution  of  ten  grains  in  a fluidounce  of  distilled  water  and  two  or 
three  drops  of  sulphuric  acid,  if  decomposed  by  a solution  of  half  an  ounce  of 
carbonate  of  soda  in  two  waters  [twice  its  weight  of  water],  and  heated  till  the 
precipitate  shrinks  and  fuses,  yields  on  cooling  a solid  mass,  which  when  dry 
weighs  7'4  grains,  and  in  powder  dissolves  entirely  in  solution  of  oxalic  acid.” 
According  to  the  London  College,  “100  grains  dissolved  in  diluted  hydrochloric 
acid,  yield,  on  the  addition  of  chloride  of  barium,  26  6 grains  of  sulphate  of 
baryta,  dried  at  a red  heat.” 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Sulphate  of  quinia  produces  upon  the  system, 
so  far  as  we  are  enabled  to  judge  by  observation,  the  same  effects  with  Peruvian 
hark,  without  being  so  apt  to  nauseate  and  oppress  the  stomach.  (See  Cinchona.) 
Its  effects  upon  the  brain  are  even  more  striking  than  those  of  cinchona,  probably 
because  it  is  given  in  larger  proportional  doses.  Even  in  ordinary  doses,  it  often 
produces  considerable  cerebral  disturbance,  evinced  by  a feeling  of  tightness  or 
distension  in  the  head,  ringing,  buzzing,  or  roaring  in  the  ears,  hardness  of  hear- 
ing, &c.  Some  individuals  are  more  liable  to  these  effects  than  others,  and  in 
some  even  small  doses  produce  them.  A certain  degree  of  this  observable  action 
on  the  brain  is  rather  desirable  than  otherwise,  as  the  evidence  that  the  medi- 
cine is  affecting  the  system.  In  very  large  quantities,  as  from  a scruple  to  a 
drachm  or  more,  besides  the  phenomena  mentioned,  it  has  been  observed  to 
occasion  severe  headache,  vertigo,  deafness,  diminution  or  loss  of  sight,  dilated 
and  immovable  pupil,  loss  of  speech,  general  tremblings,  intoxication  or  delirium, 
coma,  and  great  prostration.  In  some  instances  the  pulse  has  been  remarkably 
diminished  in  frequency,  down  to  fifty  or  even  less  in  the  minute.  In  an  in- 
stance recorded  by  Giacomini,  in  which  a man  took  by  mistake  about  three 
drachms,  the  patient  became  insensible,  and  some  hours  afterwards  was  found 
by  the  physician  in  a state  of  general  prostration,  from  which  he  recovered  under 
the  use  of  laudanum  and  aromatic  waters.  {Ann.  de  Thdrap.,  A.  D.  1843,  p. 
176.)  Besides  its  effects  on  the  brain,  sulphate  of  quinia  sometimes  occasions 
great  gastric  and  intestinal  irritation,  marked  by  oppression  at  stomach,  nausea, 
abdominal  pains,  vomiting,  and  purging.  In  general  these  effects  of  excessive 
doses  gradually  pass  off,  although  partial  deafness  often  continues  for  several 
days,  and  sometimes  much  longer.  It  is  even  said  that  permanent  deafness  has 
resulted.  Though  sulphate  of  quinia  has  been  proved  by  the  experiments  of 
Dr.  Baldwin,  of  Montgomery,  Alabama,  to  be  fatal  to  dogs,  if  prevented  from 
being  vomited  by  a ligature  round  the  oesophagus,  in  quantities  varying  from 
fifteen  or  twenty  grains  to  two  drachms,  with  the  symptoms  of  narcotic  poison- 
ing; yet  we  have  seen  no  well  authenticated  case  of  death  from  its  direct  action 
on  the  healthy  human  subject.  Given  largely  in  disease,  it  has  repeatedly 

* Liebig’s  test  of  the  presence  of  cinchonia  is  perhaps  the  simplest.  Rub  together  fif- 
teen grains  of  the  suspected  salt  and  two  ounces  of  solution  of  ammonia,  put  the  mixture 
into  a flask,  add  two  ounces  of  ether,  and  shake  frequently.  The  quinia  liberated  by  the 
ammonia  is  dissolved  by  the  ether,  while  any  cinchonia  that  may  be  present  remains  un- 
dissolved,  floating  between  the  ethereal  solution  above  and  the  anunoniacal  beneath.  Bui 
M.  0.  Henry  has  shown  that  cinchonia  is  slightly  soluble  in  ammonia,  so  that  a sma! 
portion  might  escape  detection.  It  has,  therefore,  been  proposed  to  modify  the  test  bj 
heating  the  mixture  of  the  suspected  salt  and  ammonia,  so  as  almost  entirely  to  drive  ofl 
the  excess  of  this  alkali,  and  then  to  add  the  ether.  If  the  liquid  now  remain  quite  trans 
parent,  without  any  turbid  layer  between  the  upper  and  lower  stratum,  it  may  be  inferret 
that  no  cinchonia  is  present.  For  papers  on  this  subject,  see  the  Journ.  dc  Pharm.  (of  ser 
xiii.  102,  xvi.  327,  and  xxi.  284),  and  Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.  (xx.  231.  and  xxiv.  1661 
For  a method  of  detecting  the  presence  of  quinidia  also  in  sulphate  of  quinia,  the  readei 
is  referred  to  a note  in  the  first  part  of  this  work,  page  258. 


ART  II. 


Quinta. 


1175 


aused  fatal  results,  not  so  much  however  by  its  peculiar  action,  as  by  co-ope- 
iting  with  the  disease  in  establishing  intense  local  irritation  or  inflammation, 
specially  in  the  brain.  Though  capable,  therefore,  of  doing  mischief  if  im- 
roperly  used,  sulphate  of  quinia  can  scarcely  be  ranked  among  the  poisons. 

From  its  occasional  effect  in  diminishing  the  frequency  of  the  pulse  and  the 
eneral  strength,  it  has  been  supposed  to  be  essentially  sedative  in  large  doses, 
uch  an  opinion,  unless  well  founded,  might  lead  to  hazardous  practice.  The 
robability  is  that  the  apparently  sedative  effect  upon  the  circulation  arises  from 
n overwhelming  stimulant  influence  upon  the  cerebral  centres,  whereby  the  sys- 
3m  is  deprived  of  the  support  of  these  centres,  and  the  heart’s  action  is  depressed 
'ith  other  organic  functions.  Similar  effects  may  be  obtained  from  excessive 
oses  of  most  of  the  cerebral  stimulants.  Examination  of  the  brain  in  the  lower 
nimals,  after  death  from  quinia,  has  shown  great  congestion  of  that  organ  and 
,s  membranes,  and  even  meningitis.  (See  Am.  Journ.  of  Med.  Sci.,  xix.  197.) 
n the  present  state  of  our  knowledge,  therefore,  it  is  safest  to  consider  sulphate 
f quinia  as  a direct  and  powerful  stimulant  to  the  brain.  It  probably  operates 
trough  the  circulation,  as  there  is  no  doubt  that  it  is  absorbed,  the  alkaloid 
aving  been  found  unchanged  in  the  urine. 

Sulphate  of  quinia  may  be  substituted  for  cinchona  in  all  diseases  to  which 
he  latter  is  applicable;  and,  in  the  treatment  of  intermittents,  has  almost  entirely 
uperseded  the  bark.  It  has  the  advantage  over  that  remedy,  not  only  that  it  is 
lore  easily  administered  in  large  doses,  and  more  readily  retained  by  the  stomach, 
ut  that,  in  cases  which  require  an  impression  to  be  made  through  the  rectum  or 
he  skin,  it  is  much  more  effectual;  because,  from  the  smallness  of  its  bulk,  it  is 
lore  readily  retained  in  the  former  case,  and  more  speedily  absorbed  in  the  latter, 
•'till  we  cannot  be  certain  that  there  are  not  other  active  principles  in  bark  besides 
he  quinia  and  cinchonia,  the  latter  of  which  possesses  properties  analogous  to 
hose  of  the  former;  nor  that  the  mode  of  combination  iu  which  these  principles 
xist,  may  not  in  some  measure  modify  their  therapeutic  effects.  The  question 
an  be  solved  only  by  careful  and  long-continued  observation.  In  the  mean  time, 
'e  may  resort  to  the  bark  if  the  sulphate  of  quinia  should  not  answer  the  ends 
i view ; and  instances  have  occurred,  under  our  own  notice,  in  which  it  has  proved 
accessful  in  intermittents  after  the  salt  has  failed. 

Sulphate  of  quinia  may  be  given  in  pill  or  solution,  or  suspended  in  water  by 
he  intervention  of  syrup  and  mucilage.  The  form  of  pill  is  usually  preferred. 
iSee  Pilulse  Quinise  Sulphatis.')  The  solution  may  be  readily  effected  by  the 
ddition  of  a little  acid  of  almost  any  kind  to  the  water.  Eight  grains  of  the 
ulphate  will  dissolve  in  a fluidounce  of  water,  acidulated  with  about  twelve 
rinirns  of  the  diluted  sulphuric  acid,  or  aromatic  sulphuric  acid  of  the  Pharma- 
opoeias;  and  this  is  the  most  eligible  mode  of  exhibiting  the  medicine  in  the 
quid  form.  The  addition  of  a small  proportion  of  sulphate  of  morphia  or  of 
ludanum  will  often  be  found  advantageous,  when  the  stomach  is  disposed  to  be 
ickened,  or  the  bowels  to  be  disturbed  by  the  quinia.  Dr.  R.  H.  Thomas,  of 
laltimore,  has  found  that  one  part  of  tannic  acid  will  deprive  five  parts  of  sul- 
hate  of  quinia  of  bitterness,  without  impairing  its  medicinal  efficacy.  (rim. 
rourn.  of  Med.  Sci.,  N.  S.,  xix.  541.)  It  is  obvious  that  tannate  of  quinia  is 
bus  formed;  and  as  this,  though  insoluble  in  water,  is  readily  dissolved  in 
ilute  acids,  and  consequently  in  the  gastric  liquor  when  acid,  there  can  be  no 
oubt  that  it  will  generally  prove  efficacious.  It  may,  however,  happen  that  the 
tomaeh  may  be  quite  free  from  acid,  and  that  the  operation  of  this  salt  may 
rove  less  certain  than  that  of  the  sulphate;  and  such  is  asserted  to  have  been 
be  case  in  some  instances.  But  a little  lemonade  taken  after  the  medicine  would 
robably  obviate  the  difficulty. 

Twelve  grains  of  sulphate  of  quinia  are  equivalent  to  about  an  ounce  of 
ood  bark.  The  dose  varies  exceedingly,  according  to  the  circumstances  of  the 


1176 


Quinia. 


PART  II 


patient  and  the  object  to  be  accomplished.  As  a tonic  simply,  a grain  may  hi 
given  three  or  four  times  a day,  or  more  frequently  in  acute  cases.  In  inter 
mittents,  from  twelve  to  twenty-four  grains  should  be  given  between  the  parox 
ysms,  divided  into  smaller  or  larger  doses  according  to  the  condition  of  thi 
stomach,  or  the  length  of  the  intermission.  From  one  to  four  grains  may  hi 
given  at  once,  and  some  even  advise  the  whole  amount.  In  malignant  inter 
mittents  and  remittents,  the  quantity  may  be  increased  to  thirty  grains  or  ever 
a drachm  between  the  paroxysms.  M.  Maillot  gave  one  hundred  and  twenty 
eight  grains,  in  the  course  of  a few  hours,  in  a case  of  malignant  fever  occurring 
in  Northern  Africa,  with  the  happiest  results.  The  caution,  however,  is  neces 
sary,  not  to  employ  this  heroic  practice  against  easily  conquerable  diseases 
Very  large  doses  of  the  sulphate  have  recently  been  given  in  acute  rheumatism 
and  with  great  asserted  success;  but  the  occurrence  of  at  least  one  fatal  cast 
from  inflammation  of  the  brain  should  lead  to  some  hesitation  in  this  employ 
ment  of  the  remedy.  When  the  stomach  will  not  retain  the  medicine,  it  maj 
be  administered  with  nearly  as  much  efficacy  by  enema;  from  six  to  twelvi 
grains,  with  two  fluidounces  of  liquid  starch,  and  from  twenty  to  forty  drops  o: 
laudanum,  being  injected  into  the  rectum,  in  ordinary  cases,  every  six  hours 
Should  circumstances  render  this  mode  of  application  impracticable,  an  equa 
quantity,  diluted  with  arrow-root  or  other  mild  powder,  may  be  sprinkled,  at  the 
same  intervals,  upon  a blistered  surface  denuded  of  the  cuticle.  The  epigastrium 
or  the  inside  of  the  thighs  and  arms,  would  be  the  proper  place  for  the  blister 
The  sulphate  has  also  been  employed  by  friction  in  the  form  of  ointment,  ii 
cases  of  malignant  intermittent.  The  ointment  should  be  made  by  incorporating 
a saturated  alcoholic  solution  of  the  salt  with  lard,  and  should  be  applied  to  the 
inside  of  the  thighs  and  arms.  It  is  said  that  quinia  is  more  readily  absorbec 
when  united  with  a fatty  acid.  This  union  may  be  effected  by  mixing  solution; 
of  soap  and  of  a salt  of  quinia.  The  quinia  soap  is  precipitated. 

Solutions  of  sulphate  of  quinia  have  been  advantageously  employed  as  loca. 
applications  to  indolent  ulcers,  and  chronic  mucous  inflammations.  (Wedderburr 
and  Fearn,  Neiv  Orleans  Med.  and  Surg.  Journ.,  iii.  161  and  341.) 

Off.  Prep.  Pilulae  Quinirn  Sulphatis;  Quinae  Murias;  Tinctura  Quinae  Com 
posita.  W. 

QUINiE  MURIAS.  Pub.  Muriate  of  Quinia. 

“Take  of  Sulphate  of  Quinia  one  ounce  [avoirdupois];  Chloride  of  Barium 
one  hundred  and  twenty -three  grains;  Distilled  Water  thirty-two  \JtuvT\  ounces 
Dissolve  the  Chloride  of  Barium  in  two  [fluid]  ounces  of  the  Water,  and  the 
Sulphate  of  Quinia  in  the  remainder,  raised  to  the  temperature  of  ebullition 
Mix  the  two  solutions,  evaporate  to  one-half,  filter,  and  continue  the  evaporatior 
by  means  of  a steam  or  water  heat,  until  crystalline  spic-ula  begin  to  appear 
The  solution  is  now  to  be  permitted  to  cool,  and  the  crystals  which  separate  ti 
be  dried  on  blotting  paper.  The  liquor  decanted  off  the  crystals  will,  by  furthe: 
concentration  and  cooling,  yield  an  additional  product.”  Dub. 

The  only  advantage  of  this  salt  of  quinia  over  the  sulphate  is  its  greater  solu 
bility;  and  this  is  scarcely  worth  the  trouble  of  the  process,  especially  as  the 
latter  salt  may  be  so  readily  rendered  soluble  by  the  addition  of  an  acid.  Tht 
dose  is  the  same  as  that  of  the  sulphate,  to  which  the  reader  is  referred.  (Set 
Quinise  Sulphas.') 

Off.  Prep.  Quinae  Valerianas.  W. 

QUINiE  VALERIANAS.  Pub.  Valerianate  of  Quinia. 

“Take  of  Muriate  of  Quinia  seven  drachms  [Dub.  weight] ; Valerianate  of  Sod; 
one  hundred  and  twenty-four  grains;  Distilled  Water  sixteen  \_  fluid\ounoi 
Dissolve  the  Valerianate  of  Soda  in  two  ounces,  and  the  Muriate  of  Quinia  ii 
the  remainder  of  the  Water,  and,  the  temperature  of  each  solution  being  raisa 


ART  II. 


Quinia. — Soda. 


1177 


1 120°,  but  not  higher,  let  them  be  mixed,  and  let  the  mixture  be  set  by  for 
renty-four  hours,  when  the  valerianate  of  quinia  will  have  become  a mass  of 
Iky  acicular  crystals.  Let  these  be  pressed  between  folds  of  blotting  paper, 
id  dried  without  the  application  of  artificial  heat.”  Dub. 

This  is  a case  of  double  decomposition  between  the  two  salts  employed,  re- 
ilting  in  the  production  of  chloride  of  sodium  which  remains  in  solution,  and 
' valerianate  of  quinia  which  crystallizes.  This  salt  has  a strong  and  adhesive 
lour  of  valerianic  acid,  which  is  very  repulsive,  and  quite  distinct  from  that  of 
1 of  valerian.  It  is  soluble  in  water,  more  so  in  that  liquid  at  a somewhat 
evated  temperature  than  when  cold,  and  is  deposited  from  its  warm  solution 
fine  crystals  on  cooling.  In  boiling  water  it  melts  into  oily  globules,  and 
adergoes  decomposition,  with  the  escape  of  valerianic  acid ; and  the  Dublin 
ollege  directs  that  its  solution  shall  not  be  heated  above  120°.  Even  at  com- 
on  temperatures  it  is  probably  undergoing  a constant,  though  slow  loss  of  the 
•id,  of  which  it  smells  so  strongly.  It  is  soluble  in  alcohol.  We  are  unac- 
aainted  with  any  special  virtues  in  this  salt.  It  may,  however,  be  given  in  the 
dse  of  a grain  or  two  repeated  several  times  a day,  in  cases  of  debility  attended 
ith  nervous  disorder.  A combination  of  Peruvian  bark  and  valerian  has  long 
jen  known  as  peculiarly  efficacious  in  hemicrania.  Perhaps  the  valerianate  of 
ainia  may  be  used  advantageously  in  the  same  affection.  W. 

SODA. 

Preparations  of  Soda. 

LIQUOR  SOD M.  Lond.  Sod^;  Caustics  Liquor.  Bub.  Solution 
r Soda.  Solution  of  Caustic  Soda. 

“Take  of  Carbonate  of  Soda  thirty-one  ounces;  Lime  nine  ounces;  boiling 
istilled  Water  a gallon  [Imp.  meas.].  Prepare  this  Solution  in  the  manner 
rected  for  Liquor  Potassse.”  Lond.  The  specific  gravity  of  this  Solution  is 
061. 

The  Dublin  College  takes  two  -pounds  [avoirdupois]  of  crystallized  carbonate 
’ soda,  ten  ounces  [avoird.]  of  fresh  burnt  lime,  and  a gallon  and  seven  fiuid- 
mces  [Imp.  meas.]  of  distilled  water,  and  proceeds  precisely  in  the  manner 
rected  for  obtaining  solution  of  potassa.  The  phraseology  of  the  two  formulae 
the  same.  The  resulting  Solution  is  stated  to  have  the  specific  gravity  of 
056. 

Solution  of  soda  is  prepared  in  the  same  way  as  solution  of  potassa.  By  a 
duble  decomposition  between  carbonate  of  soda  and  hydrate  of  lime,  there  are 
rmed  hydrate  of  soda  in  solution,  and  carbonate  of  lime  which  precipitates.  In 
oth  the  processes  an  excess  of  lime  is  used,  which  is  necessary  to  insure  a full 
^composition  of  the  carbonate. 

Properties,  &c.  Solution  of  soda,  commonly  called  solution  of  caustic  soda, 
a new  officinal  of  the  Dublin  Pharmacopoeia  of  1850,  and  the  London  of  1851. 

' is  a colourless  liquid,  having  a caustic  taste  and  alkaline  reaction.  Its  pro- 
irties  and  tests  are  the  same  as  those  of  solution  of  potassa,  with  the  exception 
lat  no  precipitate  is  produced  by  chloride  of  platinum  or  tartaric  acid.  The 
ondon  solution  is  somewhat  stronger  than  the  Dublin,  and  contains  four  per 
mt.  of  soda.  The  alkali  dissolved  must  be  viewed  as  hydrate  of  soda,  consist- 
g of  one  eq.  of  soda  31  3,  and  one  of  water  9 =40 '3. 

Solution  of  soda  is  used  by  the  London  College  as  a chemical  agent  for  pre- 
lring  oxysulphuret  of  antimony,  and  by  the  Dublin  College  for  saturating 
ilerianic  acid  in  forming  valerianate  of  soda. 

Off.  Prep.  Sodae  Valerianas.  B. 


1178 


Soda. 


PART  I 


SOD^  CARBONAS  EXSICCATUS.  U.  S.  Soda;  Carbons 
Exsiccata.  Lond.  Sod^:  Carbonas  Siccatdm.  Ed.,  Dub.  Dru 
Carbonate  of  Soda. 

“Take  of  Carbonate  of  Soda  a convenient  quantity.  Expose  it  to  heat,  in 
clean  iron  vessel,  until  it  is  thoroughly  dried,  stirring  constantly  with  an  ird 
spatula;  then  rub  it  into  powder.”  U.  S. 

The  London  College  takes  a pound  of  the  salt,  exposes  it  to  heat  until  tl 
crystals  fall  to  pieces,  then  subjects  it  to  a red  heat,  and  finally  rubs  it  to  powdei 
The  Edinburgh  College  heats  any  convenient  quantity  in  a shallow  vessel  ti 
it  is  dry,  then  urges  it  with  a red  heat  in  a crucible,  and  reduces  it  to  powd 
when  cold. 

“Take  of  Crystallized  Carbonate  of  Soda  of  Commerce  any  convenient  qua 
tity.  Expose  it  in  a porcelain  capsule  to  a pretty  strong  sand  heat,  until  tl 
liquid  which  first  forms  is  converted  into  a dry  cake,  and  having  rubbed  this 
powder,  enclose  it  in  a bottle.”  Dub. 

Carbonate  of  soda  contains  ten  equivalents  of  water  of  crystallization,  ai 
when  heated,  readily  undergoes  the  watery  fusion.  Upon  continuing  the  hea 
the  water  is  dried  off,  and  a white  porous  mass  remains,  which  is  easily  reduce 
to  powder.  The  London  and  Edinburgh  Colleges  expose  the  dry  mass  to  a r< 
heat  before  powdering  it.  Dried  carbonate  of  soda  is  in  the  form  of  a wbi 
powder,  and  differs  in  no  respect  from  the  crystallized  carbonate,  except  : 
being  devoid  of  water  of  crystallization.  (See  Sodae  Carbonas .)  When  decor 
posed  by  dilute  sulphuric  acid,  it  evolves  40'7  per  cent,  of  carbonic  acid.  ( Low 
Pharmf 

Medical  Properties  and,  Uses.  This  preparation  was  introduced  into  practb 
by  Dr.  Beddoes,  who  extolled  its  virtues  in  calculous  complaints.  It  is  applic 
ble  to  the  cure  of  such  affections,  only  when  dependent  on  a morbid  secretion 
uric  acid.  Its  advantage  over  the  common  carbonate  is  that  it  admits  of  beii 
made  into  pills,  in  consequence  of  being  in  the  dried  state.  As  the  water 
crystallization  forms  more  than  half  of  the  carbonate,  the  dose  of  the  dried  sa 
must  be  reduced  in  proportion.  From  five  to  fifteen  grains  may  be  given  thr 
times  a day  in  the  form  of  pill,  prepared  with  soap  and  aromatics.  The  ge 
eral  medical  properties  of  this  salt  have  been  given  under  the  head  of  Sou 
Carbonas. 

Off.  Prep.  Sodae  Bicarbonas.  B. 

SODA3  CARBONATIS  LIQUOR.  Dub.  Solution  of  Carbona 
of  Soda. 

“ Take  of  Crystallized  Carbonate  of  Soda  of  Commerce  one  ounce  and  a h: 
[avoirdupois];  Distilled  Water  one  pint  [Imp.  meas.].  Dissolve  and  filter.  T. 
specific  gravity  of  this  Solution  is  1 026.”  Dub. 

This  preparation  furnishes  a solution  of  carbonate  of  soda  of  determina 
strength,  each  Imperial  fluidounee  of  which  contains  nearly  thirty-three  grai 
of  the  salt.  It  is  convenient  for  prescribing  the  alkali  in  solution,  and  for  fori 
ing  effervescing  draughts,  each  fluidounee  being  saturated,  on  an  average,  by  Ik 
a fluidounee  of  lemon  juice.  The  dose  is  from  one  to  two  tablespooufuls,  si- 
ficiently  diluted  with  water,  and  given  two  or  three  times  a day.  B. ; 

SODiE  BICARBONAS.  U.S.,  Bond.,  Ed.,  Dub.  Bicarbonate' 
Soda. 

“Take  of  Carbonate  of  Soda,  in  crystals,  a convenient  quantity.  Break  t 
crystals  in  pieces,  and  put  them  into  a wooden  box,  having  a transverse  partiti 
near  the  bottom  pierced  with  numerous  small  holes,  and  a cover  which  can 
tightly  fitted  on.  To  a bottle  having  two  tubulures,  and  half  filled  with  wat< 


1RT  II. 


Soda. 


1179 


sipt  two  tubes,  one  connected  with  an  apparatus  for  generating  carbonic  acid 
d terminating  under  the  water  in  the  bottle,  the  other  commencing  at  the 
t)ulure  in  which  it  is  inserted,  and  entering  the  box  by  an  opening  near  the 
Ittom,  beneath  the  partition.  Then  lute  all  the  joints,  and  cause  a stream  of 
ebonic  acid  to  pass  through  the  water  into  the  box  until  the  carbonate  of  soda 
i fully  saturated.  Carbonic  acid  is  obtained  from  Marble  by  the  addition  of 
cute  sulphuric  acid.”  U.  S. 

In  the  London  Pharmacopoeia  of  1851,  bicarbonate  of  soda  has  been  trans- 
f red  from  the  Preparations  to  the  list  of  Materia  Medica. 

“Fill  with  fragments  of  Marble  a glass  jar,  open  at  the  bottom  and  tubulated 
5 the  top;  close  the  bottom  in  such  a way  as  to  keep  in  the  Marble  without 
pventing  the  free  passage  of  a fluid ; connect  the  tubulature  closely  by  a bent 
t)e  and  corks  with  an  empty  bottle,  and  this  in  like  manner  with  another  bottle, 
led  with  one  part  of  Carbonate  of  Soda  and  two  parts  of  Dried  Carbonate  of 
[da  well  triturated  together;  and  let  the  tube  be  long  enough  to  reach  the  bottom 
< the  bottle.  Before  closing  the  last  cork  closely,  immerse  the  jar  to  the  top 
i diluted  muriatic  acid,  contained  in  any  convenient  vessel;  when  the  whole 
iparatus  is  thus  filled  with  carbonic  acid  gas,  secure  the  last  cork  tightly;  and 
] the  action  go  on  till  next  morning,  or  till  the  gas  is  no  longer  absorbed  by 
1e  salt.  Remove  the  damp  salt  which  is  formed,  and  dry  it,  either  in  the  air 
'tkout  heat,  or  at  a temperature  not  above  120°.”  Ed. 

“Take  of  Crystallized  Carbonate  of  Soda  of  Commerce  two  pounds  [avoir- 
< pois] ; Distilled  Water  one  quart  [two  pints  Imp.  meas.];  Muriatic  Acid  of 
1 mrnerce  one  pint  and  a half  [Imp.  meas.];  Water  three  pints  [Imp.  meas.]; 
'talk,  in  fragments,  one  pound  [avoird.],  or  a sufficient  quantity.  Having  di- 
' ed  the  Muriatic  Acid  with  the  Water,  and  dissolved  the  Carbonate  of  Soda 
5.  the  Distilled  Water,  manipulate  with  these  solutions,  and  with  the  Chalk,  as 
i -ected  in  the  formula  for  Potassse  Bicarbonas,  employing  also  the  arrangement 
i apparatus  there  described.  With  the  view,  however,  of  obtaining  from  the 
:>ther  liquor  an  additional  quantity  of  Bicarbonate,  it  is  not  necessary  that  the 
uporation  shall  be  preceded  by  a filtration.”  Dub. 

The  object  of  these  processes  is  to  unite  the  soda  with  an  additional  equivalent 
ij  carbonic  acid,  whereby  it  becomes  converted  into  the  bicarbonate. 

The  process  adopted  in  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia  since  1840,  is  that  which  has 
en  practised  for  many  years  in  the  United  States,  and  which  was  described  in 
30,  by  Dr.  Franklin  R.  Smith,  in  the  first  volume  of  the  Journal  of  the  Phila- 
lphia  (jollege  of  Pharmacy.  This  process  is  attributed  to  Dr.  Smith  by  Sou- 
iran,  who  characterizes  it  as  the  best  that  can  be  employed.  ( Nouv . Traite.de 
harm.)  It  was  adopted  in  the  French  Codex  on  its  revision  of  1837.  A 
earn  of  carbonic  acid  is  passed  into  a suitable  vessel,  containing  the  crystal- 
ed  carbonate  placed  on  a diaphragm,  pierced  with  numerous  holes.  As  the 
carbonate  combines  with  much  less  water  of  crystallization  than  is  contained 
: the  carbonate,  it  follows  that,  during  the  progress  of  the  saturation  of  the  car- 
nate,  a considerable  quantity  of  water  is  liberated.  This  water  would  finally 
' isolve  the  bicarbonate  formed,  were  it  not  for  the  pierced  diaphragm,  through 
lich  it  is  allowed  to  drain  off,  holding  in  solution  a part  of  the  carbonate, 
hen  the  saturation  is  completed,  the  pieces  of  crystals,  still  supported  on  the 
iphragm,  are  found  to  have  retained  their  original  form,  but  to  have  become 
aque  and  of  a porous  texture.  The  necessary  carbonic  acid  for  forming  the 
carbonate  may  be  economically  obtained  from  other  processes  in  which  this 
d is  evolved ; as,  for  example,  from  the  process  for  making  tartaric  acid,  in 
lich  tartrate  of  lime  is  formed  from  cream  of  tartar  by  the  addition  of  car- 
nate  of  lime. 

The  process  adopted  in  the  last  Edinburgh  Pharmacopoeia  is  that  of  Berzelius. 


1180 


Soda. 


PART 


In  the  U.  S.  process,  the  excess  of  water  over  the  quantity  necessary  for  t, 
bicarbonate  is  allowed  to  drain  off;  hut  it  holds  a certain  portion  of  carbon;: 
in  solution,  which  thus  escapes  the  action  of  the  carbonic  acid.  To  avoid  t i 
result  it  is  only  necessary  to  prepare  a carbonate  containing  just  sufficient  wa  • 
of  crystallization  to  accommodate  the  bicarbonate;  and  the  process  recommend, 
by  Berzelius  accomplishes  that  purpose.  Thus,  the  salt  which  he  prepares  . 
he  submitted  to  the  carbonic  acid,  is  an  intimate  mixture,  in  fine  powder,  of  fc- 
parts  of  effloresced  carbonate,  with  one  of  the  crystallized  salt.  The  proporti 
adopted  by  the  Edinburgh  College  is  different,  namely,  two  parts  of  the  dr. 
carbonate  to  one  of  the  crystallized  carbonate;  and  is  such  as  to  afford  a slip 
excess  of  water  over  that  required  to  constitute  the  bicarbonate.  Hence  t; 
Edinburgh  process  furnishes  a damp  salt,  which  is  dried  in  the  air  without  he 
or  at  a temperature  not  exceeding  120°.  The  apparatus  employed  by  the  C- 
lege  for  obtaining  the  carbonic  acid  is  precisely  the  self-regulating  generat 
devised  by  Dr.  Hare  on  the  principle  of  Gay-Lussac’s.  The  empty  bottle,  plac 
between  the  generating  apparatus  and  that  containing  the  salt,  is  intended  < 
detain  any  impurity  which  may  be  carried  over  with  the  stream  of  carbonic  ac 

The  Dublin  College,  in  its  Pharmacopoeia  of  1850,  has  adopted  the  process : 
dissolving  the  carbonate  in  water  before  submitting  it  to  the  action  of  the  c- 
bonic  acid.  The  solution,  when  saturated,  lets  fall  the  sparingly  soluble  bic  - 
bonate  in  minute  crystals,  which  are  washed,  drained,  and  dried  as  directed  :• 
bicarbonate  of  potassa.  A second  crop  of  crystals  is  obtained  from  the  motb 
water  without  filtration,  by  evaporating  it  to  one-half  by  a heat  not  exeeedi; 
110°. 

Artus  has  given  a process  for  obtaining  bicarbonate  of  soda,  similar  to  th 
of  Wohler  for  forming  the  corresponding  salt  of  potassa.  (See  Potasses  Bice- 
bonas.)  In  this  process,  the  effloresced  carbonate,  mixed  with  half  its  weight: 
freshly  ignited  and  finely  powdered  charcoal,  is  saturated  by  a stream  of  carbon 
acid,  derived  from  the  fermentation  of  sugar.  The  presence  of  the  charcc 
greatly  promotes  the  absorption.  ( Pharm . Cent.  B/att,  1843,  p.  254.) 

Properties,  <Scc.  As  obtained  by  the  U.  S.  formula,  bicarbonate  of  soda  is  t 
opaque,  porous  masses,  made  up  of  numerous,  aggregated  crystalline  grains,  a! 
having  a snow-white  colour.  For  the  convenience  of  the  apothecary  these  maso 
are  reduced  to  powder.  As  procured  by  the  Edinburgh  process,  it  is  in  sms, 
white,  opaque,  irregular  scales.  The  Dublin  preparation  is  in  minute,  eolourle, 
indistinct  crystals.  Bicarbonate  of  soda  is  permanent  in  the  air,  and  slight- 
alkaline  to  the  taste  and  to  turmeric  paper.  It  is  soluble  in  thirteen  parts : 
cold  water.  When  the  solution  is  exposed  to  heat,  the  salt  gradually  parts  wit 
carbonic  acid,  and,  at  the  temperature  of  212°,  is  converted  into  sesquicarbona. 
At  a red  heat,  the  water  of  crystallization  and  the  second  equivalent  of  carbon 
acid,  amounting  together  to  37  per  cent.,  are  expelled,  and  the  anhydrous  c;- 
bonate  is  left.  One  eq.,  or  84"3  parts  of  the  crystallized  bicarbonate  should  lo, 
on  complete  decomposition  by  dilute  sulphuric  acid  two  eqs.  or  44  parts  of  c;- 
bonic  acid,  equal  to  52T  per  cent.  The  salt  is  seldom  so  perfect  as  to  satir 
this  test;  as  good  commercial  samples  generally  contain  from  two  to  three  j' 
cent,  of  carbonate.  The  note  of  tests  of  the  London  Pharmacopoeia  calls  i: 
the  presence  of  51 -7  per  cent,  of  carbonic  acid,  which  is  very  near  the  theoretbl 
quantity.  The  presence  of  carbonate  may  be  known  by  a decided  alkaline  tais 
and  reaction,  by  a cold  solution  of  the  salt  yielding  a precipitate  with  sulpha 
of  magnesia,  and  by  a solution  in  40  parts  of  water,  affording,  without  agitata, 
an  orange-coloured  or  reddish-brown  precipitate  with  corrosive  sublimate;  when? 
the  pure  salt  produces  a slight  opalescence  only  with  this  test.  The  corrosr 
sublimate  test  is  adopted  in  the  Edinburgh  Pharmacopoeia,  and,  according  to  I- 
Christison,  readily  detects  one  per  cent,  of  carbonate.  The  pure  bicarbonate? 


IRT  II. 


Soda. 


1181 


r:  precipitated  by  chloride  of  platinum,  or,  when  supersaturated  with  nitric 
ad,  by  chloride  of  barium  or  nitrate  of  silver.  The  non-action  of  these  tests 
s)ws  the  absence  of  salts  of  potassa,  and  of  sulphates  and  chlorides.  The  in- 
cnpatibles  of  this  salt  are  the  same  as  those  of  the  carbonate,  except  sulphate  of 
ignesia  in  the  cold,  which  decomposes  the  carbonate,  but  not  the  bicarbonate. 
Composition.  Bicarbonate  of  soda,  when  perfect,  consists  of  two  eqs.  of  car- 
hic  acid  44,  one  of  soda  31'3,  and  one  of  water  9=84'3.  The  London  College 
f merly  prepared  this  salt  by  a faulty  process,  and  gave  it  the  name  of  sesqui- 
cbonate.  In  its  Pharmacopoeia  of  1851,  it  has  placed  the  salt,  under  the 
erect  name  of  bicarbonate,  in  the  catalogue  of  Materia  Medica;  where,  per- 
Ips,  it  properly  stands,  as  it  is  now  prepared  in  great  perfection  on  a large  scale. 
Medical  Properties.  This  salt  has  the  general  medical  properties  of  the  car- 
inate; but,  from  its  mild  taste  and  less  irritating  qualities,  proves  more  ac- 
otable  to  the  palate  and  stomach.  It  is  often  resorted  to  in  calculous  cases, 
uracterized  by  predominant  uric  acid.  When  the  carbonate  is  given  in  these 
(|es,  its  continued  use  is  liable  to  induce  phosphatic  deposits,  after  the  removal 
< the  uric  acid.  According  to  D’Arcet,  who  made  the  observation  at  the 
rings  of  Vichy,  this  objection  does  not  lie  to  the  bicarbonate,  especially  when 
teen  in  carbonic  acid  water;  for  this  salt,  by  its  superabundant  acid  has  the 
jwerof  maintaining  the  phosphates  in  solution,  even  after  the  alkali  has  caused 
(3  uric  acid  to  disappear.  The  same  remark  is  applicable  to  the  bicarbonate  of 
jtassa.  Bicarbonate  of  soda  has  been  given  in  infantile  croup,  with  apparent 
wantage  in  promoting  the  expulsion  of  the  false  membrane,  in  the  dose  of  a 
pin  every  five  minutes,  dissolved  in  milk  and  water.  Dr.  Lemaire  has  pro- 
ved it  as  an  antiphlogistic  remedy  in  the  treatment  of  pneumonia,  membranous 
i gina,  and  croup,  supposing  it  to  act  on  tbe  principle  of  removing  from  the 
hod  the  excess  of  fibrin,  a morbid  condition  which  is  supposed  to  characterize 
at  liquid  in  local  inflammations.  The  dose  for  an  adult  is  from  ten  grains  to 
drachm,  and  is  taken  most  conveniently  in  a glass  of  carbonic  acid  water.  This 
: t is  principally  consumed  in  making  soda  and  Seidlitz  powders.  (See  pages 
i and  54.)  It  is  sometimes  made  into  lozenges.  (See  Trochisci  Sodas  Bicar- 
i natis.) 

Off.  Prep.  Pulveres  Effervescentes ; Pulveres  Effervescentes  Citrati ; Sodae 
qua  Effervescens ; Trochisci  Sodae  Bicarbonatis.  B. 

SODE  AQUA  EFFERVESCENS.  Ed.  Effervescing  Water  of 

:ida. 

“Take  of  Bicarbonate  of  Soda  one  drachm;  Water  one  pint  [Imp.  meas.]. 
ssolve  the  Bicarbonate  in  the  Water,  and  saturate  it  with  carbonic  acid  under 
ong  pressure.  Preserve  the  liquid  in  well  closed  vessels.”  Ed. 

This  is  a solution  of  bicarbonate  of  soda  in  carbonic  acid  water,  in  the  pro- 
rtion  of  three  grains  to  the  Imperial  fluidounce.  The  name  given  to  it  is 
;orrect.  The  reason  is  not  obvious  why  this  solution  is  made  with  water,  and 
3 corresponding  one  of  potassa  with  distilled  water.  B. 

LIQUOR  SODE  CHLORINATE.  U.S.,Lond.  SoDiE  Chlo- 
SATi  Liquor.  Bub.  Solution  of  Chlorinated  Soda.  Solution  of 
Moride  of  Soda.  Labarraque  s Disinfecting  Liquid. 

“Take  of  Chlorinated  Lime  a pound ; Carbonate  of  Soda  two  pounds;  Water 
gallon  and  a half.  Dissolve  the  Carbonate  of  Soda  in  three  pints  of  the 
ater,  with  the  aid  of  heat.  To  the  remainder  of  the  Water  add,  by  small 
rtions  at  a time,  the  Chlorinated  Lime  previously  well  triturated,  stirring  the 
xture  after  each  addition.  Set  the  mixture  by  for  several  hours  that  the  dregs 
ty  subside;  then  decant  the  clear  liquid,  and  mix  it  with  the  solution  of  Car- 
nate  of  Soda.  Lastly,  decant  the  clear  liquor  from  the  precipitated  carbonate 


1182 


Soda. 


PART  ] 


of  lime,  pass  it  through  a linen  cloth,  and  keep  it  in  bottles  secluded  from  ti 
light.”  U.  S. 

“Take  of  Carbonate  of  Soda  a pound ; Distilled  Water  forty-eight  fluidouw 
[Imp.  rneas.] ; Chloride  of  Sodium  four  ounces;  Binoxide  of  Manganese  thi 
ounces ; Sulphuric  Acid  two  fluidounces  and  a half.  Dissolve  the  Carbonate 
two  pints  [Imp.  meas.]  of  Water.  Then  put  the  Chloride  and  Binoxide,  rubb 
to  powder,  into  a retort ; and  add  to  them  the  Acid,  previously  mixed  with  thr 
fluidounces  of  Water,  and  cooled.  Heat  the  mixture,  and  pass  the  chlorine  fit 
through  five  fluidounces  of  Water,  and  afterwards  into  the  solution  of  the  Ce 
bonate  above  directed.”  Land. 

“Take  of  Chlorinated  Lime  half  a pound  [avoirdupois];  Water  half  a gall 
[Imp.  meas.] ; Crystallized  Carbonate  of  Soda  of  Commerce  seven  ounces  [avoird. 
Blend  well  by  trituration  in  a mortar  the  Chlorinated  Lime  with  three  pints 
the  Water,  and,  having  transferred  the  mixture  to  a stoppered  bottle,  let  tb 
be  well  shaken  several  times  for  the  space  of  three  hours.  Pour  out  the  c-o 
tents  of  the  bottle  on  a calico  cloth,  and  to  the  filtered  solution  add  the  Carbo 
ate  of  Soda,  dissolved  in  the  remaining  pint  of  Water.  Having  stirred  tl 
mixture  well  for  ten  minutes,  separate  the  liquid  by  a second  filtration,  and  pr 
serve  it  in  a well  stopped  bottle.  The  specific  gravity  of  this  liquid  is  1'034 
Dub. 

This  solution  was  first  brought  into  notice  as  a disinfecting  agent  by  L 
barraque,  an  apothecary  of  Paris.  It  was  afterwards  found  to  possess  valuab 
therapeutic  properties.  The  process  of  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia  is  that  of  Paye 
adopted  in  the  French  Codex  of  1837.  It  consists  in  decomposing  a solutk 
of  carbonate  of  soda  by  one  of  chlorinated  lime.  Carbonate  of  lime  is  precip 
tated  and  the  chlorinated  soda  remains  in  solution.  The  proportion  employ' 
gives  an  excess  of  carbonate  of  soda,  the  presence  of  which  renders  the  solutii 
more  permanent.  The  process  of  the  Dublin  College  for  this  newly  adopt' 
officinal  is  the  same  in  principle  as  that  of  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia  ; but  tl 
proportions  employed  are  different.  While  the  U.  S.  process  gives  an  excess 
carbonate  of  soda,  the  Dublin  formula  orders  a proportion  so  small  as  not  to  1 
sufficient  to  decompose  the  whole  of  the  chlorinated  lime,  even  assuming  this 
be  of  inferior  quality.  The  water  taken  is  not  much  more  than  half  that  orderi 
in  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia ; from  which  it  follows  that  the  Dublin  solution 
denser.  In  consequence  of  the  chlorinated  lime  being  taken  in  excess,  tl 
Dublin  preparation  must  be  a mixed  aqueous  solution  of  chlorinated  soda  at 
chlorinated  lime.  The  London  process  is  that  of  Labarraque.  All  the  chlorii 
generated  from  the  prescribed  quantity  of  materials  for  forming  that  gas, 
passed  into  the  solution  of  carbonate  of  soda;  and  when  the  chlorine  gas 
limited  to  this  quantity,  no  carbonic  acid  is  disengaged.  The  chlorine  is  fir 
passed  through  water  to  free  it  from  muriatic  acid,  which,  if  suffered  to  con 
over,  would  convert  the  alkali  into  common  salt. 

Properties.  The  U.  S.  solution  is  a colourless  liquid,  having  an  alkaline  r 
action,  and  a faint  smell  of  chlorine.  With  lime-water  it  yields  a precipitate 
carbonate  of  lime,  known  as  a carbonate  by  its  dissolving  with  effervescence 
an  acid.  This  precipitate  is  caused  by  the  excess  of  carbonate  of  soda.  Owii 
to  the  presence  of  loosely  combined  chlorine,  it  rapidly  destroys  the  colour 
sulphate  of  indigo.  The  London  solution  has  a pale-yellow  colour,  and  a sha 
saline,  astringent  taste.  The  colour  of  turmeric  is  first  rendered  brown,  at 
afterwards  destroyed.  When  it  is  boiled,  chlorine  is  not  given  off,  nor  is  i 
bleaching  property  sensibly  impaired;  and,  when  carefully  evaporated,  a ma 
of  damp  crystals  is  obtained,  which,  when  redissolved  in  water,  possess  the  pr 
perties  of  the  original  liquid.  Upon  the  addition  of  muriatic  acid,  both  the 
solutions  emit  carbonic  acid  and  chlorine  together,  the  former  known  by  its  pr 


art  ii. 


Soda. 


1183 


oitating  lime  from  lime-water,  the  latter  by  its  decolorizing  power  on  sulphate 
i indigo.  The  Dublin  solution  is  peculiar  in  containing  no  undecomposed 
.rbonate  of  soda.  It  therefore  has  not  an  alkaline  reaction,  is  not  precipitated 
• lime-water,  and  does  not  emit  carbonic  acid  on  the  addition  of  an  acid.  All 
ree  solutions,  when  exposed  to  the  air,  absorb  carbonic  acid,  and  slowly  evolve 
dorine.  It  is  on  this  property  of  gradually  evolving  chlorine  that  their  dis- 
secting power  depends. 

Nature  and  Composition.  The  chemical  nature  of  these  solutions  is  different, 
ssuming  the  chlorinated  lime  to  be  essentially  hypochlorite  of  lime  with  chlo- 
le  of  calcium  (see  paye  158),  the  U.  S.  solution  will  contain  hypochlorite  of 
da  with  chloride  of  sodium.  Besides  these  there  will  be  present  more  or  less 
rbonate  of  soda,  according  as  there  happens  to  be  in  the  chlorinated  lime  less 
more  chlorine  to  decompose  it.  In  all  cases,  however,  there  will  be  an  excess 
carbonate;  as  the  best  chlorinated  lime  does  not  contain  sufficient  chlorine  to 
?ect  its  entire  decomposition,  in  the  proportion  in  which  it  is  taken  in  the  for- 
ula.  The  constitution  of  the  London  preparation  is  more  complicated.  As  it 
a peculiarity  in  its  formation  that  no  carbonic  acid  is  evolved,  it  is  necessary 
assume  the  presence  of  all  the  carbonic  acid  of  the  carbonate  of  soda ; and 
■nee  it  is  considered  to  be  a combination  of  hypochlorite  of  soda,  chloride  of 
dium,  and  bicarbonate  of  soda.  The  reaction  is  supposed  to  take  place  between 
ur  eqs.  of  carbonate  of  soda  and  two  of  chlorine.  By  a transfer  of  carbonic 
id  from  two  eqs.  of  carbonate  to  the  remaining  two  eqs.  of  the  same  salt,  two 
s.  of  bicarbonate  are  formed,  and  two  of  soda  left.  The  sodium  and  oxygen 
one  eq.  of  soda,  unite,  each,  with  one  eq.  of  chlorine,  so  as  to  form  one  eq.  of 
loride  of  sodium,  and  one  of  hypochlorous  acid.  This  acid  then  unites  with 
e remaining  eq.  of  soda  to  form  hypochlorite  of  soda.  The  view  here  taken 
iakes  the  U.  S.  and  London  solutions  analogous  in  constitution;  but  differing 
one  containing  the  carbonate,  the  other  the  bicarbonate  of  soda.  In  the 
pndon  preparation,  half  the  soda  is  bicarbonated ; in  the  U.  S.  solution,  from 
half  to  a third  is  monocarbonated,  according  to  the  quality  of  the  chlorinated 
ne  used.  The  Dublin  may  be  supposed  to  be  the  same  as  the  U.  S.  prepara- 
>n,  with  the  exception  that,  instead  of  having  an  excess  of  carbonate  of  soda, 
contains  an  excess  of  undecomposed  chloriuated  lime.  According  to  Millon’s 


ews,  all  these  solutions  contain  oxychloride  of  sodium,  Na3 


Cl 


, or,  which  is 


,e  same  thing,  chloride  of  soda,  containing  two  eqs.  of  soda  to  one  of  chlorine 
NaO,Cl);  thus  making  the  compound  assimilate  in  constitution  to  the  sesqui- 
ide  of  sodium  (Na203).  On  Millon’s  supposition,  two  eqs.  of  carbonate  of 
;da  would  be  necessary  to  decompose  one  of  chlorinated  lime,  with  the  result 
forming  one  eq.  of  chlorinated  soda,  one  of  carbonate  of  lime,  and  one  of  free 
rbonic  acid.  Mr.  B.  Kavanagh,  of  Dublin,  finds  that  a solution  of  alum  has 
i alumina  precipitated  upon  being  added  to  the  London  chlorinated  soda  liquid, 
thout  effervescence  of  carbonic  acid,  but  with  the  evolution  of  chlorine  on  the 
plication  of  heat.  Hence  he  infers  that  the  soda,  not  combined  with  carbonic 
id  in  the  preparation,  is  united  with  chlorine  and  not  with  hypochlorous  acid, 
d,  accordingly,  conceives  that  he  has  proved  the  correctness  of  Millon’s  views, 
ipon  the  whole,  analyses  are  wanting  before  we  can  determine  the  true  consti- 
tionof  the  officinal  solutions  of  chlorinated  soda.  The  London  solution,  though 
ade  on  Labarraque’s  plan,  is  considerably  stronger  than  his  preparation;  for 
e London  College  dissolves  the  carbonate  in  about  three  times  its  weight  of 
iter,  before  transmitting  the  chlorine;  whereas  Labarraque  dissolved  it  in  four 
nes  its  weight. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Solution  of  chlorinated  soda  is  stimulant,  anti- 
ptic,  and  resolvent.  Internally  it  has  been  employed  in  diseases  termed  putrid 


1184 


Soda. 


PART  II 


or  malignant,  as  typhus  fever,  scarlatina  maligna,  &c.  The  conditions  whicl 
indicate  the  propriety  of  its  use  are  great  prostration  of  strength,  fetid  evacua 
tions,  and  dry  and  furred  tongue.  Under  these  circumstances  it  promotes  urine 
creates  a moisture  on  the  skin,  and  improves  the  secretions  and  evacuations.  I 
has  also  been  given  in  dysentery  accompanied  with  peculiarly  fetid  stools,  ii 
dyspepsia  attended  with  putrid  eructations,  and  in  glandular  enlargements  an< 
chronic  mucous  discharges.  Other  diseases  in  which  it  has  been  recommended 
are  secondary  syphilis,  scrofula,  bilious  disorders,  and  chronic  diseases  of  th> 
skin.  M.  Chailly  speaks  in  praise  of  it  in  suppressed  or  deficient  menstruation 
In  asphyxia  from  sulphuretted  hydrogen  it  forms,  like  chlorinated  lime,  an  effi 
cacious  antidote.  The  dose  is  from  thirty  drops  to  a teaspoonful,  given  in 
cupful  of  water  or  mild  aqueous  liquid,  and  repeated  every  two  or  three  hours. 

As  a local  remedy  it  is  found  useful  in  all  affections  attended  with  fetor,  sucl 
as  gangrenous,  cancerous,  scrofulous,  and  syphilitic  ulcers,  ulceration  of  the  gums 
carbuncle,  ozaena,  mortification,  putrid  sorethroat,  &c.  In  these  cases  it  is  ap 
plied  as  a gargle,  wash,  ingredient  of  poultices,  or  imbibed  by  lint.  In  tb 
sloughing  of  the  fauces  attendant  upon  severe  cases  of  scarlatina,  Dr.  Jackson 
late  of  Northumberland,  found  it  efficacious,  used  as  a gargle,  or  injected  int> 
the  throat.  In  the  sore  mouth  from  ptyalism,  it  forms  a good  mouth-wash,  whei 
diluted  with  eight  parts  or  more  of  water.  In  fetid  discharges  from  the  vagina 
uterus,  and  bladder,  it  has  been  employed  with  advantage  as  an  injection,  dilute, 
with  from  fifteen  to  thirty  parts  of  water  for  the  vagina  and  uterus,  and  wit! 
sixty  parts  when  the  object  is  to  wash  out  the  bladder  by  means  of  a doubl- 
cannula.  The  solution  of  chlorinated  soda  has  also  been  applied  successfully  t. 
burns,  and  to  cutaneous  eruptions,  particularly  psoriasis,  tinea  capitis,  scabies 
and  obstinate  herpetic  affections.  In  these  cases  it  is  diluted  with  from  ten  t 
thirty  parts  of  water,  the  strength  varying  according  to  circumstances.  For  tb 
cure  of  sore  nipples,  Dr.  Chopin  found  nothing  so  successful  as  frequently  re 
peated  lotions  with  this  solution. 

Solution  of  chlorinated  soda  is  a powerful  disinfectant,  better  suited  for  disin 
fecting  operations  on  a small  scale  than  chlorinated  lime.  In  the  bed-chamber 
of  the  sick,  especially  with  infectious  diseases,  it  will  be  found  highly  useful 
sprinkled  on  the  floor  or  bed,  and  added  to  the  vessels  intended  to  receive  tb 
excretions. 

Off.  Prep.  Cataplasma  Sodae  Chlorinatae.  B. 

SODtE  ET  POTASSyE  TARTRAS.  U.S.,  Pub.  Sodje  Potassio 
TARTKAS.  Lond.  Potass.®  et  Sod^e  Tartras.  Ed.  Tartrate  of  Po 
tassa  and  Soda.  Tartarized  Soda.  Rochelle  Salt. 

“ Take  of  Carbonate  of  Soda  a pound ; Bitartrate  of  Potassa  [cream  of  tartar] 
in  powder,  sixteen  ounces ; Boiling  Water  Jive  pints.  Dissolve  the  Carbonate  o 
Soda  in  the  Water,  and  gradually  add  the  Bitartrate  of  Potassa.  Filter  the  so 
lution,  and  evaporate  until  a pellicle  forms;  then  set  it  aside  to  crystallize.  Pou 
off  the  liquor,  and  dry  the  crystals  on  bibulous  paper.  Lastly,  again  evaporat 
the  liquor,  that  it  may  furnish  more  crystals.”  U.  S. 

The  Edinburgh  and  Dublin  processes  correspond  with  the  above.  The  Londo. 
College  has  transferred  this  salt  to  the  list  of  Materia  Medica. 

This  is  a double  salt,  consisting  of  tartrate  of  potassa  combined  with  t3rtrat 
of  soda.  .The  theory  of  its  formation  is  exceedingly  simple,  being  merely  th 
saturation  of  the  excess  of  acid  in  the  bitartrate  of  potassa  by  carbonate  of  sod? 
the  carbonic  acid  of  which  is  extricated  with  effervescence.  The  proper  quau 
tities  of  the  materials  for  mutual  saturation  are  143'3  parts  of  carbonate  am 
188 ‘2  of  bitartrate,  or  one  eq.  of  each.  This  gives  the  ratio  of  3 to  3 '95.  Th 
proportion  adopted  in  the  U.  S.,  Edinburgh,  and  Dublin  Pharmacopoeias  is  as 
to  4,  which  is  very  near  the  theoretical  quantities.  As  the  salts  employed  ar 


\RT  II. 


Soda. 


1185 


>t  to  vary  in  composition  and  purity,  the  carbonate  from  the  presence  of  more 
■ less  water  of  crystallization,  and  the  bitartrate  from  containing  tartrate  of 
ue,  it  is,  perhaps,  best  in  all  cases,  after  indicating  the  nearest  average  pro- 
irtion  as  a general  guide,  to  present  to  the  operator  the  alternative  of  using  the 
earn  of  tartar  to  the  point  of  exact  saturation. 

Properties.  Tartrate  of  potassa  and  soda  is  in  the  form  of  colourless,  trans- 
irent,  slightly  efflorescent  crystals,  often  very  large,  and  having  the  shape,  when 
refully  prepared,  of  right  prisms,  with  ten  or  twelve  unequal  sides.  As  ordi- 
irily  crystallized,  they  are  generally  in  half  prisms,  as  if  split  in  the  direction 
' their  axis.  The  salt  is  of  a saline  and  slightly  bitter  taste.  It  dissolves  in 
•e  times  its  weight  of  cold  water,  and  in  much  less  boiling  water.  Any  un- 
ssolved  residue  is  impurity,  probably  tartrate  of  lime  or  bitartrate  of  potassa, 
both.  Its  solution  is  neutral  to  test  paper,  and  yields  no  precipitate  with 
iloride  of  barium  or  a dilute  solution  of  nitrate  of  silver.  The  non-action  of 
ese  tests  shows  the  absence  of  sulphates  and  chlorides.  When  the  salt  is 
posed  to  a strong  heat,  the  tartaric  acid  is  destroyed,  and  a mixture  of  the 
lbonates  of  potassa  and  soda  is  left.  It  sometimes  contains  tartrate  of  lime, 
kick  may  be  removed  by  solution  and  crystallization;  but,  when  the  crystals 
e large  and  well  defined,  it  may  be  assumed  to  be  pure.  It  is  incompatible 
ith  most  acids,  and  with  all  acidulous  salts  except  bitartrate  of  potassa.  It  is 
so  decomposed  by  the  acetate  and  subacetate  of  lead,  by  the  soluble  salts  of 
lie,  and  by  those  of  baryta,  unless  the  solution  of  the  tartrate  be  considerably 
luted.  The  way  in  which  acids  act  in  decomposing  it,  is  by  combining  with 
e soda,  and  throwing  down  bitartrate  of  potassa  as  a crystalline  precipitate. 
iis  double  salt  was  discovered  by  Seignette,  an  apothecary  of  Rochelle;  and 
■nee  it  is  frequently  called  Seignette’ s salt,  or  Rochelle  salt. 

Composition.  Tartrate  of  potassa  and  soda  consists  of  two  eqs.  of  tartaric  acid 
>2,  one  of  potassa  47'2,  one  of  soda  31’3,  and  eight  of  water  72=282'5;  or, 
nsidered  as  a double  salt,  of  one  eq.  of  tartrate  of  potassa  113'2,  and  one  of 
rtrate  of  soda  97'3,  with  the  same  quantity  of  water. 

Medical  Properties  ancl  Uses.  This  salt  is  a mild,  cooling  purgative,  well  suited 
delicate  and  irritable  stomachs,  being  among  the  least  unpalatable  of  the  neu- 
il  salts.  As  it  is  not  incompatible  with  tartar  emetic,  it  may  be  associated  with 
at  salt  in  solution.  It  is  an  ingredient  in  the  effervescing  aperient  called  Seidlitz 
wders.  (See  page  54.)  The  dose  as  a purge  is  from  half  an  ounce  to  an  ounce, 
ven  in  small  and  repeated  doses  it  does  not  purge,  but  is  absorbed,  and  renders 
je  urine  alkaline.  (Millon  and  Laveran,  Journ.  de  Pharm.,  3e  ser.,  vi.  222.) 
Tartrate  of  potassa  and  magnesia,  formed  by  saturating  cream  of  tartar  with 
rbonate  of  magnesia,  has  been  proposed  by  M.  Maillier  as  a safe  and  pleasant 
rgative.  (Journ.  de  Pharm.,  x iii.  252.)  B. 

SOD2E  MURIAS  PURUM.  Ed.  Pure  Muriate  of  Soda.  Pure 
hloride  of  Sodium. 

“Take  any  convenient  quantity  of  Muriate  of  Soda;  dissolve  it  in  boiling  water  ; 
er  the  solution,  and  boil  it  down  over  the  fire,  skimming  off  the  crystals  which 
•m.  Wash  the  crystals  quickly  with  cold  water,  and  dry  them.”  Ed. 

This  formula  of  the  Edinburgh  College  is  unnecessary.  If  commercial  samples 
chloride  of  sodium  cannot  be  found  pure  enough  to  form  muriatic  acid,  the  salt 
iy  be  purified  as  a preparatory  step  to  the  process  fbr  obtaining  that  acid;  as 
ordered  by  the  College  in  the  formula  for  Acidum  Maria ticum  Purum,  where 
2 directions  for  purifying  the  salt  are  unnecessarily  repeated,  after  the  admission 
a distinct  formula  for  that  purpose.  Pure  muriate  of  soda  is  ordered  by  the 
liege,  with  needless  refinement,  as  an  ingredient  in  the  compound  saline  powder. 
Off.  Prep.  Pulvis  Salinus  Compositus.  B. 

75 


1186 


Soda. 


PART  II 


SODiE  PHOSPIIAS.  L.S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub.  Phosphate  of  Soda. 
Tribasic  Phosphate  of  Soda. 

“ Take  of  Bone,  burnt  to  whiteness  and  powdered,  ten  pounds;  Sulphuric  Acid 
six  pounds;  Carbonate  of  Soda  a.  sufficient  quantity.  Mix  the  powdered  Bom 
with  the  Sulphuric  Acid  in  an  earthen  vessel;  then  add  a gallon  of  water,  and 
stir  them  well  together.  Digest  for  three  days,  occasionally  adding  a little  wate: 
to  replace  that  which  is  lost  by  evaporation,  and  frequently  stirring  the  mixture 
At  the  expiration  of  this  time,  pour  in  a gallon  of  boiling  water,  and  straii 
through  linen,  gradually  adding  more  boiling  water  until  the  liquid  passes  nearh 
tasteless.  Set  by  the  strained  liquor  that  the  dregs  may  subside,  from  whicl 
pour  off  the  clear  solution,  and  boil  it  down  to  a gallon.  To  this  solution,  pourec 
off  from  the  dregs  and  heated  in  an  iron  vessel,  add  by  degrees  the  Carbonati 
of  Soda,  previously  dissolved  in  hot  water,  until  effervescence  ceases,  and  th< 
phosphoric  acid  is  completely  neutralized;  then  filter  the  liquor,  and  set  it  asidt 
to  crystallize.  Having  removed  the  crystals,  add,  if  necessary,  a small  quantit' 
of  Carbonate  of  Soda  to  the  liquor,  so  as  to  render  it  slightly  alkaline;  thei 
alternately  evaporate  and  crystallize,  so  long  as  crystals  are  produced.  Lastly 
preserve  the  crystals  in  a well  stopped  bottle.”  V.  S. 

The  Edinburgh  College  takes  the  same  materials  and  in  the  same  proportion 
and  proceeds  substantially  as  above.  The  two  pints  and  four  fluidounees  (Im 
perial  measure)  of  sulphuric  acid  ordered  by  the  College  weigh  six  pounds.  Th 
Dublin  takes  ten  avoirdupois  pounds  of  calcined  bone,  fifty-six  Imperial  fluid 
ounces  (six  and  a half  avoird.  pounds  nearly)  of  aeid,yWr  and  a half  Imperia 
gallons  or  sufficient  distilled  water,  and  ticelve  avoird.  pounds  or  sufficient  crys 
tallized  carbonate  of  soda,  and  makes  the  salt  in  the  usual  way. 

The  London  College  places  this  salt  in  the  list  of  Materia  Medica. 

The  incombustible  part  of  bones  is  obtained  by  burning  them  to  whiteness 
and  consists  of  a peculiar  phosphate  of  lime,  called  bone-phosphate,  associate! 
with  some  carbonate  of  lime,  &c.  (See  Os.)  When  this  is  mixed  with  sulphur! 
acid,  the  carbonate  of  lime  is  entirely  decomposed,  giving  rise  to  effervescence 
The  phosphate  of  lime  undergoes  partial  decomposition;  the  greater  part  of  th 
lime,  being  detached,  precipitates  as  sulphate  of  lime,  while  the  phosphoric  acid 
set  free,  combines  with  the  undecomposed  portion  of  the  phosphate,  and  remain 
in  solution  as  a superphosphate  of  lime,  holding  dissolved  a small  portion  0 
the  sulphate  of  lime.  In  order  to  separate  the  superphosphate  from  the  pre 
cipitated  mass  of  sulphate  of  lime,  boiling  water  is  added  to  the  mixture,  th 
whole  is  strained,  and  the  sulphate  washed  as  long  as  superphosphate  is  removed 
which  is  known  by  the  water  passing  through  in  an  acid  state.  The  differen 
liquids  which  have  passed  the  strainer,  consisting  of  the  solution  of  superphos 
phate  of  lime,  are  mixed  and  allowed  to  stand,  and  by  cooling  a portion  of  sul 
phate  of  lime  is  deposited,  which  is  got  rid  of  by  decantation.  The  bulk  of  th 
liquid  is  now  reduced  by  evaporation,  aud,  in  consequence  of  the  diminution  c 
the  water,  a fresh  portion  of  sulphate  of  lime  is  deposited,  which  is  separate' 
by  subsidence  and  decantation  as  before.  The  superphosphate  of  lime  solutio 
being  heated,  is  now  saturated  by  means  of  a hot  solution  of  carbonate  of  sod; 
The  carbouic  acid  is  extricated  with  effervescence,  and  the  alkali,  combining  wit 
the  excess  of  acid  of  the  superphosphate,  generates  that  variety  of  phosphate  c 
soda,  called  the  tribasic  phosphate;  while  the  superphosphate  of  lime,  by  th 
loss  of  its  excess  of  acid,  becomes  the  neutral  phosphate,  aud  precipitates.  1 
is  recommended  by  the  editor  of  the  Dublin  Hospital  Gazette  to  have  hot 
solutions  boiling  hot,  in  order  to  insure  the  full  extrication  of  the  carbonic  ac-ic 
and  the  complete  precipitation  of  the  phosphate  of  lime;  and  this  plan  is  adopte 
in  the  Dublin  formula.  The  phosphate  of  lime  is  separated  by  a new  filtration 


Soda. 


IRT  II. 


1187 


; d the  filtered  liquor,  consisting  of  the  solution  of  phosphate  of  soda,  is  evapo- 
ted  so  as  to  crystallize. 

In  the  U.  S.  and  Edinburgh  processes,  the  calcined  bone  is  to  the  acid  as  10 
6;  in  the  Dublin  process  as  10  to  6J  nearly.  The  proportion  recommended 
Berzelius  is  as  10  to  6‘66.  The  acid,  in  the  officinal  processes,  is  added  to 
ie  calcined  bone  in  the  concentrated  state,  and  afterwards  diluted  with  more 
i less  water.  In  the  process  given  by  Berzelius  it  is  first  diluted  with  twelve 
mes  its  weight  of  water.  All  the  writers  state  that  phosphate  of  soda  erystal- 
!es  more  readily  by  allowing  its  solution  to  be  slightly  alkaline;  and  a remark- 
de  fact  is  that  a neutral  solution,  when  it  crystallizes,  leaves  a supernatant 
luid  which  is  slightly  acid  and  uncrystallizable.  Hence  it  is  necessary,  after 
j.tting  each  successive  crop  of  crystals,  to  render  the  mother  water  neutral  or 
svhtly  alkaline,  before  it  will  furnish  an  additional  quantity. 

M.  Funcke,  a German  chemist,  has  given  the  following  cheap  and  expeditious 
ntkod  for  obtaining  phosphate  of  soda.  Add  to  the  powdered  calcined  bone, 
(fused  in  water,  sufficient  dilute  sulphuric  acid  to  decompose  all  the  carbonate 
i lime  which  it  contains.  As  soon  as  the  effervescence  has  ceased,  the  mat- 
i-  is  acted  on  with  nitric  acid,  which  dissolves  the  phosphate  of  lime,  and 
l.ves  the  sulphate.  The  nitric  solution  of  the  phosphate  is  then  treated  with 
siphate  of  soda,  equal  in  quantity  to  the  bone  employed;  and,  after  the  reaction 
icompleted,  the  nitric  acid  is  recovered  by  distillation.  In  consequence  of  a 
table  decomposition,  sulphate  of  lime  and  phosphate  of  soda  are  formed;  and 
ti  latter  is  separated  from  the  former  by  the  action  of  water,  and  crystallized 
i the  usual  manner. 

Properties,  &c.  The  medicinal  phosphate  of  soda  is  in  large  colourless  crys- 
1s,  which  are  transparent  at  first,  but  speedily  effloresce  and  become  opaque 
ven  exposed  to  the  air,  and  which  have  the  shape  of  oblique  rhombic  prisms. 
1 possesses  a pure  saline  taste,  resembling  that  of  common  salt.  With  tests  it 
tplays  a slight  alkaline  reaction.  It  dissolves  in  four  parts  of  cold,  and  in  two 
(boiling  water,  but  is  insoluble  in  alcohol.  Before  the  blowpipe  it  first  under- 
his  the  aqueous  fusion,  and  afterwards,  at  a red  heat,  melts  into  a globule  of 
1 pid  glass,  which  becomes  opaque  on  cooling.  It  is  not  liable  to  any  adulte- 
r ions,  but  sometimes  contains  carbonate  of  soda,  from  this  salt  being  added  in 
eess;  in  which  ease  it  will  effervesce  with  acids.  If  it  contain  sulphate  of  soda, 
c any  other  soluble  sulphate,  the  precipitate  caused  by  chloride  of  barium  will 
la  mixture  of  sulphate  and  phosphate  of  baryta,  and  will  not  be  totally  solu- 
1 in  nitric  acid.  Chloride  of  barium  will  detect  carbonate  of  soda  also,  by 
]i  ducing  a precipitate  (carbonate  of  baryta ),  soluble  with  effervescence  in  nitric 
al.  If  a chloride  be  present,  the  yellow  precipitate  caused  by  nitrate  of  silver 
vl  be  a mixed  one  of  chloride  and  phosphate  of  silver,  not  entirely  soluble  in 
t same  acid.  It  is  incompatible  with  soluble  salts  of  lime,  with  which  it  gives 
arecipitate  of  phosphate  of  lime,  and  with  neutral  metallic  solutions.  This 
s is  found  in  several  of  the  animal  secretions,  particularly  the  urine. 

ihe  medicinal  phosphate  of  soda  is  the  tribasic  phosphate,  consisting,  when 
c stallized,  of  one  ecp  of  phosphoric  acid  72,  two  of  soda  62'6,  one  of  basic 
er  9,  and  twenty-four  of  water  of  crystallization  216=359'6.  Its  formula 
if  therefore,  2Na0,H0,P05+24H0.  AYhen  gently  heated  it  loses  its  water  of 
c-stallization;  and  at  a red  heat  its  basic  water  is  driven  off,  and  the  salt  is 
averted  into  pyrophosphate  of  soda,  or  the  bibasic  phosphate,  which  has  the 
ft  aula  2NaO,P05,  and  is  characterized  by  giving  a white  precipitate  with  ni- 
ff e of  silver.  When  the  tribasic  salt  is  thus  dried  and  ignited,  it  loses 
6 1 per  cent,  of  water.  ( Lond . Pharm.) 

ledical  Properties  and  Uses.  This  salt  was  introduced  into  practice  about 
tl  year  1800,  by  Dr.  Pearson,  of  London.  It  is  a mild  purgative,  and,  from 


1188 


Soda. — Spiritus. 


TART  r 


its  pure  saline  taste,  is  well  adapted  to  the  cases  of  children,  and  of  persons  c 
delicate  stomach.  The  dose  is  from  one  to  two  ounces,  and  is  best  given  in  grui 
or  weak  broth,  to  which  it  communicates  a taste,  as  if  seasoned  with  common  sal 

Off.  Prep.  Ferri  Phosphas;  Pulvis  Antimonialis.  Dub.  B. 

SODiE  YALERIANAS.  Dub.  Valerianate  of  Soda. 

“ Take  of  Bichromate  of  Potash,  reduced  to  powder,  nine  ounces  [avoirdt 
pais];  Fusel  Oil  four  fluidounces  [Imp.  meas.]  ; Oil  of  Vitriol  of  Commerce  si 
fluidounccs  and  a 7m// [Imp.  meas.]  ; Water  half  a gallon  [Imp.  meas.];  Soh 
tion  of  Caustic  Soda  one  pint  [Imp.  meas.],  or  as  much  as  is  sufficient.  Dilut 
the  Oil  of  Vitriol  with  ten  [fluid]  ounces,  and  dissolve  with  the  aid  of  heat  th 
Bichromate  of  Potash  in  the  remainder  of  the  Water.  When  both  solutior 
have  cooled  to  nearly  the  temperature  of  the  atmosphere,  place  them  in  a ma 
rass,  and,  having  added  the  Fusel  Oil,  mix  well  by  repeated  shaking,  until  tli 
temperature  of  the  mixture,  which  first  rises  to  about  150°,  has  fallen  to  SO 
or  90°.  The  matrass  having  been  now  connected  with  a condenser,  beat  is  t 
be  applied,  so  as  to  distil  over  about  half  a gallon  of  liquid.  Let  this,  wbe 
exactly  saturated  with  the  Solution  of  Caustic  Soda,  be  separated  from  a litti 
oil  that  floats  on  its  surface,  and  evaporated  down  until,  the  escape  of  aqueoi 
vapour  having  entirely  ceased,  the  residual  salt  is  partially  liquefied.  The  he; 
should  now  be  withdrawn,  and  when  the  Valerianate  of  Soda  has  concreted, 
is,  while  still  warm,  to  be  divided  into  fragments,  and  preserved  in  a well  stoj 
ped  bottle.”  Dub. 

This  is  a new  officinal  of  the  Dublin  Pharmacopoeia  of  1850.  The  proce; 
for  making  it  consists  essentially  of  two  steps;  first,  the  artificial  formation  < 
valerianic  acid,  and,  secondly,  the  saturation  of  this  acid  with  caustic  soda.  B 
distilling  fusel  oil  with  a mixture  of  sulphuric  acid  and  bichromate  of  potass; 
valerianic  acid  is  formed,  and  passes  over  with  water.  The  change  is  effeete 
by  the  oxidizing  agency  of  the  chromic  acid  of  the  bichromate;  for  when  fus 
oil  loses  two  eqs.  of  hydrogen  by  oxidation  into  water,  and  gains  two  of  oxygei 
it  is  converted  into  valerianic  acid.  Thus,  C10HnO  + HO  and  4O=C10Hg03- 
HO  and  2HO.  (See  Potassse  Bichromas  and  Alcohol  Am ylicumi)  The  disti 
late,  by  being  exactly  saturated  with  the  solution  of  caustic  soda,  is  c-onverte 
into  a solution  of  valerianate  of  soda,  which,  by  the  application  of  heat  unt 
the  water  is  driven  off,  and  the  residual  matter  is  partially  liquefied,  furnishe 
on  cooling,  the  concrete  salt.  The  small  portion  of  oil  that  floats  on  the  su 
face  of  the  solution  of  valerianate  of  soda  is  valerianate  of  amvlic  ether  (C^Hnf 

C1cH903).  . ‘ I 

Properties,  Ac.  "\  alerianate  of  soda  is  a deliquescent  very  soluble  salt, 
snow-white  masses,  having  the  odour  of  valerian,  and  a taste  at  first  styptic,  ai 
afterwards  sweetish.  When  heated  to  285°,  it  fuses  without  loss  of  acid,  an 
upon  cooling,  concretes  into  a white  solid.  The  salt,  as  ordered  by  the  Dubl 
College,  is  in  the  form  produced  by  partial  fusion.  It  consists  of  one  eq. 
valerianic  acid  and  one  of  soda  (NaO,C10H9O.,).  It  has  no  medical  application 
having  been  introduced  into  the  Dublin  officinal  catalogue  for  the  sole  purpo 
of  forming,  by  double  decomposition,  the  valerianates  of  iron,  quinia,  and  zin 

Off.  Prep.  Ferri  Valerianas;  Quinae  Valerianas;  Zinci  Yalerianas.  B. 

SPIRITUS.  U.S.,  Lond. 

Spirits.  Ed.,  Dub. 

Spirits,  as  the  term  is  here  used,  are  alcoholic  solutions  of  volatile  prineiph 
formerly  procured  by  distillation,  but  now  frequently  prepared  by  simply  d 
solving  the  volatile  principle  in  alcohol  or  diluted  alcohol.  The  distilled  spir 
are  prepared  chiefly  from  aromatic  vegetable  substances,  the  essential  oils 


VRT  II. 


Spiritus. 


1189 


lick  rise  with  tke  vapour  of  alcohol,  and  condense  with  it  in  the  receiver, 
nne  of  the  oils,  however,  will  not  rise  at  the  temperature  of  boiling  alcohol, 
it  may  be  distilled  with  water.  In  this  case  it  is  necessary  to  employ  proof 
irit  or  diluted  alcohol,  with  the  water  of  which  the  oil  comes  over  in  the  latter 
rt  of  the  process.  As  the  proof  spirit  of  the  shops  is  often  impregnated  with 
:reign  matters,  which  give  it  an  unpleasant  flavour,  it  is  better  to  use  alcohol 
lich  has  been  carefully  rectified,  and  to  dilute  it  with  the  due  proportion  of 
iter,  as  directed  by  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia.  In  preparing  the  spirits,  care 
lould  be  taken  to  avoid  the  colour  and  empyreumatic  flavour  arising  from  the 
^composition  of  the  vegetable  matter  by  heat.  Sufficient  water  must,  therefore, 
added  to  cover  the  vegetable  matter  after  the  alcohol  shall  have  been  distilled; 

: d,  as  a general  rule,  the  heat  should  be  applied  by  means  of  a water-bath,  or 
i steam.  The  aromatic  should  be  macerated  for  some  days  with  the  alcohol, 
fore  being  submitted  to  distillation  ; as  the  oil,  being  thus  dissolved,  rises  more 
idily  with  the  spirituous  vapour  than  when  confined  in  the  vegetable  tissue, 
is  necessary,  during  the  process,  frequently  to  renew  the  water  in  the  re- 
geratory;  as  otherwise  much  of  the  vapour  will  escape  condensation.  A good 
;paratus  for  the  purpose  is  described  and  figured  in  page  793. 

The  aromatic  spirits  are  used  chiefly  to  impart  a pleasant  odour  and  taste  to 
xtures,  and  to  correct  the  nauseating  and  griping  effects  of  other  medicines, 
ley  serve  also  as  carminatives  in  flatulent  colic,  and  agreeable  stimulants  in 
bility  of  stomach ; but  their  frequent  use  may  lead  to  the  formation  of  intein- 
rate  habits,  and  should,  therefore,  be  avoided.  W. 

SPIRITUS  ANISI.  Lond.  Spirit  of  Aniseed. 

“Take  of  Oil  of  Anise  three  fluidruchms ; Proof  Spirit  a gallon  [Imperial 
easure].  Dissolve.”  Lond. 

The  dose  of  this  preparation,  as  a stomachic  and  carminative,  is  one  or  two 
ridrachms.  W. 

SPIRITUS  ARMORACIiE  COMPOSITUS.  Lond.  Compound 
'frit  of  Horse-radish. 

“Take  of  Horse-radish  [root],  sliced,  Dried  Orange  Peel,  each,  twenty  ounces ; 
itmeg,  bruised,  five  drachms;  Proof  Spirit  a gallon  [Imperial  measure];  Wa- 
two  pints  [Imp.  rneas.].  Mix  them;  then,  with  a slow  fire,  distil  a gallon.” 

. ' nd . 

This  may  be  used  advantageously  as  an  addition  to  diuretic  remedies,  in 
opsy  attended  with  debility,  especially  in  the  cases  of  drunkards.  The  dose  is 
] m one  to  four  fluidrackms. 

Off.  Prep.  Infusum  Armoraciae  Compositum.  W. 

SPIRITUS  CARUI.  Lond.,  Ed.  Spirit  of  Caraway. 

“Take  of  Oil  of  Caraway  two  flaidrachms ; Proof  Spirit  a gallon  [Imperial 
basure].  Dissolve.”  Lond. 

“Take  of  Caraway,  bruised,  half  a pound;  Proof  Spirit  seven  pints  [Imperial 
i asure].  Macerate  for  two  days  in  a covered  vessel ; add  a pint  and  a half 
I up.  meas.]  of  water;  and  distil  off  seven  pints.”  Ed. 

The  dose  as  a carminative  is  one  or  two  fluidrackms.  W. 

SPIRITUS  CASSIA].  Ed.  Spirit  of  Cassia. 

“Take  of  Cassia  in  coarse  powder,  one  pound.  Proceed  as  for  the  Spirit  of 
1 raway.”  Ed.  (See  Spiritus  Carui. ) 

This  is  essentially  the  same  as  the  spirit  of  cinnamon.  "W. 

SPIRITUS  CINNAMOMI.  Lond.,  Ed.  Spirit  of  Cinnamon. 
“Take  of  Oil  of  Cinnamon  two  fluidrachms ; Proof  Spirit,  a gallon  [Impe- 
)'l  measure].  Dissolve.”  Lond. 


1190  Spiritus.  part  i 

The  Edinburgh  College,  prepares  it  from  a pound  of  cinnamon,  in  coarse  pot 
der,  in  the  same  manner  as  spirit  of  caraway.  (See  Spiritus  Carui .) 

The  spirit  of  cinnamon  is  an  agreeable  aromatic  cordial,  and  may  be  given  i 
debility  of  the  stomach  in  the  dose  of  one  or  two  fluidrachms. 

Off.  Prep.  Infusum  Digitalis;  Infusum  Rhei ; Mistura  Cretae.  W. 

SPIRITUS  JUNIPERI  COMPOSITUS.  U.S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Du 

Compound  Spirit  of  Juniper. 

“Take  of  Oil  of  Juniper  a fluidrachm  and  a half ; Oil  of  Caraway,  Oil 
Fennel,  each,  ten  minims ; Diluted  Alcohol  a gallon.  Dissolve  the  Oils  in  tl 
Diluted  Alcohol.”  U.  S. 

“Take  of  Oil  of  Juniper  a fluidrachm  and  a half;  Oil  of  Caraway,  Oil  < 
Fennel,  each,  twelve  minims;  Proof  Spirit  a gallon  [Imperial  measure].  Di 
solve.”  Lond. 

“Take  of  Juniper  Berries,  bruised,  a pound;  Fennel  [seed],  bruised,  ar 
Caraway,  bruised,  of  each,  an  ounce  and  a half;  Proof  Spirit  seven  pints  [Im 
meas.];  Water  tivo  pints.  Macerate  the  fruits  in  the  Spirit  for  two  days,  ac 
the  Water,  and  distil  off  seven  pints.”  Ed. 

“Take  of  Juniper  Berries,  bruised,  eight  ounces  [avoirdupois];  Caraway  See' 
bruised,  Fennel  Seed,  bruised,  of  each,  one  ounce  [avoird.];  Proof  Spirit  half 
gallon  [Imp.  meas.].  Macerate  the  Berries  and  the  Seeds  in  the  Spirit  f< 
twenty-four  hours;  then  add  the  Water,  and  with  a slow  fire  distil  off  half 
gallon.”  Pub. 

This  spirit  is  a useful  addition  to  diuretic  infusions  and  mixtures  in  debilitate 
cases  of  dropsy.  The  dose  is  from  two  to  four  fluidrachms. 

Off.  Prep.  Mistura  Creasoti.  W. 

SPIRITUS  LAVANDUL.ZE.  TJ.S.,Ed.  Spirit  of  Lavender. 

“Take  of  Fresh  Lavender  [flowers]  two  pounds;  Alcohol  a gallon;  Wat 
two  pints.  Mix  them,  and  with  a slow  fire  distil  a gallon.”  U.  S. 

The  Edinburgh  College  takes  two  pounds  and  a half  of  the  fresh  flowers,  ar 
a gallon  [Imperial  measure]  of  rectified  spirit;  mixes  them,  and  with  the  he 
of  a vapour-bath  distils  seven  pints. 

Mr.  Brande  asserts  that  the  dried  flowers  produce  as  fragrant  a spirit  as  tl 
fresh.  Spirit  of  lavender  is  used  chiefly  as  a perfume,  and  as  an  ingredient 
other  preparations.  The  perfume  usually  sold  under  the  name  of  lavender  icat 
is  not  a distilled  spirit,  but  an  alcoholic  solution  of  the  oil,  with  the  addition 
other  odorous  substances.  The  following  is  given  by  Mr.  Brande  as  one  oft. 
most  approved  recipes  for  preparing  it,  “ Take  of  rectified  spirit  of  wine  fi 
gallons,  essential  oil  of  lavender  twenty  ounces,  essential  oil  of  bergamot  fi 
ounces,  essence  of  ambergris  [made  by  digesting  one  drachm  of  ambergris  a: 
eight  grains  of  musk  in  half  a piut  of  alcohol]  half  an  ounce.  Mix.” 

Off  Prep.  Mistura  Ferri  Composita;  Spiritus  Lavandulm  Comp.  W. 

SPIRITUS  LAVANDULiE  COMPOSITUS.  U.  S.,  Ed.,  Du 
Tinctura  Lavandula:  Composita.  Lond.  Compound  Spirit  of  L 
vender. 

“ Take  of  Spirit  of  Lavender  three  pints;  Spirit  of  Rosemary  a pint ; Cinr 
mon,  bruised,  an  ounce ; Cloves,  bruised,  two  drachms;  Nutmeg,  bruised,  he 
an  ounce;  Red  Saunders,  rasped,  three  drachms.  Macerate  for  fourteen  da\ 
and  filter  through  paper.”  U.  S. 

The  London  College  takes  a fluidrachm  and  a half  of  oil  of  lavender,  t 
minims  of  oil  of  rosemary,  two  drachms  and  a half  of  bruised  cinnamon,  t 
same  quantity  of  bruised  nutmeg,  five  drachms  of  sliced  red  saunders,  and  t‘ 
pints  [imp.  meas.]  of  rectified  spirit;  macerates  the  solids  iu  the  spirit  for  sev. 
days;  then  expresses,  filters,  and  dissolves  the  oils.  The  Edinburgh  Colic 


ART  II.  Spiritus.  1191 

kes  two  pints  [Imp.  meas.]  of  spirit  of  lavender,  twelve  fluidounces  of  spirit  of 
isemary,  an  ounce  of  cinnamon  in  coarse  powder,  two  clrachms  of  bruised 
oves,  half  an  ounce  of  bruised  nutmeg,  and  three  drachms  of  red  saunders; 
acerates  for  seven  days,  and  then  strains  the  liquor  through  calico. 

“Take  of  Oil  of  Lavender  three  fluid  rachnis ; Oil  of  Rosemary  one  fluidrachm  ; 
innamon,  bruised,  one  ounce  [avoirdupois];  Nutmeg,  bruised,  half  an  ounce 
voird.];  Cloves,  bruised,  Cochineal  in  powder,  each,  two  drachms  [Dub. 
jeight] ; Rectified  Spirit  two  pints  [Imp.  meas.].  Macerate  for  fourteen  days, 
rain,  express,  and  filter.”  Dub. 

Many  druggists  prepare  this  spirit  with  a spirit  of  lavender,  made  by  dissolv- 
g the  oil  of  lavender  in  alcohol  in  the  proportion  of  a fluidounce  to  a gallon, 
r.  Coggeshall,  of  New  York,  states  that  it  is  seldom  made  according  to  the 
. S.  formula,  in  consequence  of  the  difficulty  of  procuring  the  distilled  spirit 
' lavender,  and  that  the  oil  dissolved  in  spirit  yields  an  inferior  preparation, 
je  proposes  the  following  formula,  which  he  has  employed  with  entire  satisfac- 
jn.  “ Take  of  Lavender  flowers  twelve  ounces;  Rosemary  leaves,  Cinnamon, 
uised,  each,  four  ounces  and  a half ; Nutmegs,  bruised,  Cloves,  bruised,  each, 
jc  drachms;  Coriander,  bruised,  Red  Saunders,  each,  three  ounces;  powdered 
rrmeric  one  drachm;  Alcohol  six  pints,  and  Water  five  pints  and  a quarter. 
ix,  digest  for  fourteen  days,  and  filter.”  (N.  Y.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  i.  99.) 
When  properly  made,  this  is  a delightful  compound  of  spices.  It  is  much 
rployed  as  an  adjuvant  and  corrigent  of  other  medicines,  and  as  a remedy  for 
stric  uneasiness,  nausea,  flatulence  and  general  languor  or  faintness.  The 
;se  is  from  thirty  drops  to  a fluidrachm,  and  is  most  conveniently  administered 
a lump  of  sugar. 

Off.  Prep.  Aqua  Lauro-cerasi ; Liquor  Potassse  Arsenitis.  W. 

SPIRITUS  MENTITIE  PIPERITIE.  Lond.  Spiritus  Mbnthjb. 
d.  Spirit  of  Peppermint. 

“Take  of  Oil  of  Peppermint  three  fluidrachms ; Proof  Spirit  a gallon  [Impe- 
il  measure].  Dissolve.”  Lond. 

The  Edinburgh  College  prepares  this  spirit  from  a pound  and  a.  half  of  fresh 
ppermint,  in  the  same  manner  as  spirit  of  caraway.  (See  Spiritus  Caruif) 

The  distilled  spirit  of  peppermint  has  no  advantage  over  a simple  solution  of 
3 oil  in  alcohol ; and  the  London  College  has  adopted  this  mode  of  preparing 
The  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia  has  a preparation  consisting  of  the  oil  dissolved 
alcohol,  such  as  has  long  been  used  under  the  name  of  essence  of  peppermint. 
it  this  is  much  stronger  than  the  Spirits,  and  has  been  placed  among  the  tine- 
res  in  our  officinal  code.  (See  Tinctura  Olei  Menthee  Piper  Used)  W. 

SPIRITUS  ME  NT  HIE  VIRIDIS.  Lond.  Spirit  of  Spearmint. 

This  is  prepared  by  the  London  College  from  the  oil  of  spearmint,  in  the 
: inner  directed  for  the  preparation  of  the  spirit  of  peppermint.  (See  Spiritus 
°nthee  Piperitas.) 

The  two  spirits  are  used  for  the  same  purposes,  in  the  dose  of  from  thirty 
ops  to  a fluidrachm.  They  are  employed  chiefly  as  carminatives.  W. 

SPIRITUS  MYRISTICIE.  U.S.,  Lond.,  Ed.  Spirit  of  Nutmeg. 
“Take  of  Nutmeg,  bruised,  two  ounces;  Diluted  Alcohol  a gallon;  Water  a 
'Ait.  Mix  them,  and  with  a slow  fire  distil  a gallon.”  U.  S. 

The  London  and  Edinburgh  Colleges  take  two  ounces  and  a half  of  bruised 
1 tmeg,  a gallon  [Imp.  meas.]  of  proof  spirit,  and  a pint  [Imp.  meas.]  of  water; 
i x them ; and  distil  a gallon. 

The  spirit  of  nutmeg  is  used  chiefly  for  its  flavour,  as  an  addition  to  other 
) dicines.  The  dose  is  one  or  two  fluidrachms. 

Off.  Prep.  Mistura  Ferri  Composita.  W. 


1192  Spiritus. — Spongia.  part  I] 

SPIRITUS  PIMENTiE.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed.  Spirit  of  Pimento. 

“Take  of  Oil  of  Pimento  two  fluidrachms ; Diluted  Alcohol  a gallon.  Di; 
solve  the  Oil  in  the  Diluted  Alcohol.”  U.  S. 

The  London  College  prepares  it  as  above,  using  an  Imperial  gallon  of  prof 
spirit;  the  Edinburgh , from  half  a pound  of  bruised  pimento,  in  the  sam 
manner  as  spirit  of  caraway. 

This  preparation  may  be  used  for  the  general  purposes  of  the  aromatic  spirit: 
in  the  dose  of  one  or  two  fluidrachms.  W. 

SPIRITUS  PULEGII.  Lond.  Spirit  of  European  Pennyroyal. 

“ Take  of  Oil  of  Pennyroyal  three  fluidrachms ; Proof  Spirit  a gallon  [Impe 
rial  measure].  Dissolve.”  Lond. 

This  is  never  used  in  this  country.  'W. 

SPIRITUS  ROSMARINI.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed.  Spirit  of  Rosemary 

“Take  of  Oil  of  Rosemary  [by  weight]  four  drachms ; Alcohol  a galloi 
Dissolve  the  Oil  in  the  Alcohol.”  U.  S. 

The  London  College  dissolves  two  drachms  of  oil  of  rosemary  in  a gallon  [la 
perial  measure]  of  rectified  spirit.  The  Edinburgh  College  takes  two  pound 
and  a half  of  rosemary,  and  proceeds  as  for  the  spirit  of  lavender. 

Spirit  of  rosemary  is  a grateful  perfume,  aud  is  used  chiefly  as  an  ingredier 
in  lotions  and  liniments. 

Off.  Prep.  Linimentum  Ammonite  Compositum;  Linimentum  Saponis;  Sp 
ritus  Lavandulae  Compositus.  W. 

SPONGIA. 

Preparation  of  Sponge. 

SPONGIA  USTA.  U.  S.  Burnt  Sponge. 

“ Take  of  Sponge  a convenient  quantity.  Cut  it  into  pieces,  and  beat  it,  th; 
any  extraneous  matters  may  be  separated;  then  burn  it  in  a close  iron  vess' 
until  it  becomes  black  and  friable;  lastly,  rub  it  into  very  fine  powder.”  U.  S. 

The  sponge  is  decomposed,  the  volatile  matters  being  driven  off  by  the  hea 
and  a black  friable  coal  remaining.  Preuss  found  that,  of  1000  parts  of  ?pong 
submitted  to  calcination,  343'848  were  dissipated;  and  the  residue  consisted  « 
327  0 parts  of  carbon  and  insoluble  matters,  112  08  of  chloride  of  sodium,  164 
of  sulphate  of  lime,  21'422  of  iodide  of  sodium,  7'57  of  bromide  of  magnesiun 
103'2  of  carbonate  of  lime,  35  0 of  phosphate  of  lime,  4'73  of  magnesia,  ar 
28'72  of  protoxide  of  iron.  ( Pharm . Cent.  Elat/,  1837,  169.)  Herberger  four, 
in  burnt  sponge  one  per  cent,  of  iodide  of  potassium,  and  0'5  per  cent,  of  bromic 
of  potassium.  ( Annul . der  Pharm.,  xx.  204.)  As  the  remediate  value  of  bun 
sponge  depends  chiefly  upon  the  presence  of  iodine,  it  cannot  be  esteemed  goc 
unless  it  affords  purple  fumes  when  acted  on  by  sulphuric  acid  assisted  by  bea 
It  is  said  that  the  preparation  is  most  efficient  as  a remedy,  when  the  sponge 
kept  on  the  fire  no  longer  than  is  necessary  to  render  it  friable.  The  powder 
then  of  a much  lighter  colour.  Guibourt  recommends  that  the  sponge  select 
for  burning  should  be  unwashed,  of  a strong  odour,  firm,  and  compact,  that 
should  be  put  into  a roaster  similar  to  that  sometimes  used  for  coffee,  and  heatc 
over  a moderate  fire  till  it  becomes  of  a blackish-brown  colour,  that  it  shou 
then  be  removed,  powdered,  and  enclosed  in  a well  stopped  glass  bottle.  It 
best  when  recently  prepared;  as  the  iodine  is  dissipated  by  time,  and  the  spe< 
mens,  at  first  richest  in  this  principle,  contain  little  of  it  at  the  end  of  a yea 
( Journ . de  Chim.  Med.,  Dec.  1831.)  According  to  Herberger,  the  fine  and  eoar 
sponges  do  not  materially  differ  in  the  proportion  of  their  organic  constituent 
so  that  the  coarse  may  be  selected  for  this  operation. 


;lrt  II.  Spongia. — Stannum. — Strychnia.  1193 

Burnt  sponge  has  been  highly  recommended  in  goitre,  glandular  swellings  of 
scrofulous  character,  and  obstinate  cutaneous  eruptions.  It  is  most  conveniently 
; ministered  mixed  with  syrup  or  honey,  in  the  form  of  an  electuary,  with  the 
; dition  of  some  aromatic,  as  powdered  cinnamon.  The  dose  is  from  one  to  three 
lachms.  W . 

STANNUM. 

Preparation  of  Tin. 

STANNI  PUL  VIS.  U.S.,  Ed.,  Pub.  Powder  of  Tin. 

“Take  of  Tin  a convenient  quantity.  Melt  it  in  an  iron  vessel  over  the  fire, 

d,  while  it  is  cooling,  stir  it  until  it  is  reduced  to  a powder,  which  is  to  be 
.ssed  through  a sieve.”  U.  S. 

“Melt  Tin  in  an  iron  vessel;  pour  it  into  an  earthenware  mortar,  heated  a little 
iove  the  melting  point  of  the  metal;  triturate  briskly  as  the  metal  cools,  ceasing 
' soon  as  a considerable  proportion  is  pulverized;  sift  the  product,  and  repeat 
e process  with  what  remains  in  the  sieve.”  Ed. 

“Take  of  grain  Tin  a convenient  quantity.  Melt  the  Tin  in  a black  lead  cru- 
ble,  and,  while  it  is  cooling,  stir  it  with  a rod  of  iron  until  it  is  reduced  to 
iwder.  Let  the  finer  particles  be  separated  by  means  of  a sieve,  and  when, 
ter  having  been  several  times  in  succession  shaken  with  distilled  water,  the 
wanted  liquor  appears  quite  clear,  let  the  product  be  dried  and  preserved  for 

e. ”  Dub. 

Tin,  being  a very  fusible  metal,  is  easily  granulated  by  fusion,  and  subsequent 
itation  in  the  act  of  congealing.  On  a small  scale,  the  process  is  most  conve- 
ently  performed  in  a wooden  box,  the  inside  of  which  has  been  well  rubbed  with 
alk.  This  should  be  afterwards  washed  away  by  water;  and,  as  the  granu- 
ted  powder  is  of  unequal  fineness,  the  coarser  particles  must  be  separated  by  a 
:ve.  For  the  properties  of  this  metal  and  the  tests  of  its  purity,  see  Stannum. 
Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Powder  of  tin  is  used  exclusively  as  an  anthel- 
intic,  and  is  supposed  to  act  by  its  mechanical  properties.  It  is  considered 
rticularly  adapted  to  the  expulsion  of  HseaVs  lumbricoides,  and  is  sometimes 
iployed  to  expel  the  tapeworm.  For  internal  exhibition  it  should  be  free  from 
:idation.  The  dose  is  half  an  ounce,  mixed  with  molasses,  given  for  several 
ccessive  mornings,  and  then  followed,  by  a brisk  cathartic.  Dr.  Alston  was  in 
e habit  of  administering  larger  doses  for  the  expulsion  of  the  tapeworm.  He 
gan  by  giving  an  ounce  on  an  empty  stomach,  which  was  followed,  for  two  suc- 
ssive  days,  by  half  an  ounce  each  day,  and  finally  by  a brisk  purge.  B. 

STRYCHNIA. 

Preparations  of  Strychnia. 

STRYCHNIA.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Pub.  Strychnia. 

“Take  of  Nux  Vomica,  rasped,  four  pounds;  Lime,  in  powder,  six  ounces ; 
uriatic  Acid  three  fluidounces;  Alcohol,  Diluted  Sulphuric  Acid,  Solution  of 
mmonia,  Purified  Animal  Charcoal,  Water,  each,  a sufficient  quantity.  Digest 
te  Nux  Vomica  in  two  gallons  of  Water,  acidulated  with  a fluidounce  of  the 
uriatic  Acid,  for  twenty-four  hours;  then  boil  for  two  hours,  and  strain  with 
pression  through  a strong  linen  bag.  Boil  the  residuum  twice  successively  in 
e same  quantity  of  acidulated  Water,  each  time  straining  as  before.  Mix  the 
coctions  and  evaporate  to  the  consistence  of  thin  syrup;  then  add  the  Lime 
eviously  mixed  with  a pint  of  Water,  and  boil  for  ten  minutes,  frequently 


1194 


Strychnia. 


PART  i 


stirring.  Pour  the  mixture  into  a double  linen  bag,  and,  having  washed  tl 
precipitate  well  with  water,  press,  dry,  and  powder  it.  Treat  the  powder  r 
peatedly  with  boiling  Alcohol,  until  deprived  of  its  bitterness;  mix  the  liquor; 
and  distil  off  the  Alcohol  by  means  of  a water-bath.  Mix  the  residue  wit 
Water,  and,  having  applied  heat,  drop  in  sufficient  Diluted  Sulphuric  Acid 
neutralize  and  dissolve  the  Strychnia;  then  add  Purified  Animal  Charcoal,  be 
for  a few  minutes,  filter,  evaporate,  and  crystallize.  Dissolve  the  crystals  : 
Water,  and  add  sufficient  Solution  of  Ammonia  to  precipitate  the  Strychni 
Lastly,  dry  the  precipitate  on  bibulous  paper.”  U.  S. 

The  London  College  has  transferred  strychnia  to  its  Materia  Medica  list. 

“ Take  of  Nux  Vomica  one  pound ; Quicklime  one  ounce  and  a half;  Pieet 
fied  Spirit  a sufficiency.  Subject  the  Nux  Vomica  for  two  hours  to  the  vapoi 
of  steam,  chop  or  slice  it,  dry  it  thoroughly  in  the  vapour-bath,  or  hot  air-pres 
and  immediately  grind  it  in  a coffee-mill.  Macerate  it  for  twelve  hours  iu  t« 
pints  [Imperial  measure]  of  water,  aud  boil  it;  strain  through  linen  or  calic 
and  squeeze  the  residuum ; repeat  the  maceration  and  decoction  twice  with 
pint  aud  a half  of  water.  Concentrate  the  decoctions  to  the  consistence  of  tki 
syrup;  add  the  Lime  in  the  form  of  milk  of  lime;  dry  the  precipitate  in  tl 
vapour-bath;  pulverize  it,  and  boil  it  with  successive  portions  of  Rectified  Spir 
till  the  Spirit  ceases  to  acquire  a bitter  taste.  Distil  off  the  Spirit  till  the  r 
siduum  be  sufficiently  concentrated  to  crystallize  on  cooling.  Purify  the  crysta 
by  repeated  crystallizations.”  Ed. 

“Take  of  Nux  Vomica,  in  powder,  one  pound  [avoirdupois];  Water  one  galk 
and  a half;  Oil  of  Vitriol  of  Commerce  half  a fluidounce ; Slaked  Lime  01 
ounce  [avoird.];  Rectified  Spirit  one  quart;  Dilute  Sulphuric  Acid,  Solution  i 
Ammonia,  of  each,  a sufficient  quantity ; Prepared  Animal  Charcoal  half  a 
ounce  [avoird.].  Macerate  the  Nux  Vomica  for  twenty-four  hours  with  half 
gallon  of  the  Water,  acidulated  with  two  [fluid]draehms  of  the  Acid,  and,  havic 
boiled  for  half  an  hour,  decant.  Boil  the  residuum  with  a second  half  gallon  t 
the  Water,  acidulated  with  one  [fluid]drachm  of  the  acid ; decant,  and  repe; 
this  process  with  the  remaining  Water  and  Acid,  the  undissolved  matter  bein 
finally  submitted  to  strong  expression.  The  decanted  aud  expressed  liquo 
having  been  passed  through  a filter,  and  then  evaporated  to  the  consistence  of 
syrup,  let  this  be  boiled  with  the  Rectified  Spirit  for  twenty  minutes,  the  Liu 
being  added  in  successive  portions  during  the  ebullition,  until  the  solution  b< 
comes  decidedly  alkaline.  Filter  through  paper,  aud,  having  drawn  off  by  di 
filiation  the  whole  of  the  spirit,  let  the  residuum  be  dissolved  iu  the  Dilui 
Sulphuric  Acid,  and  to  the  resulting  liquid,  after  having  beeu  cleared  by  filtr 
tion,  add  the  Solution  of  Ammonia  in  slight  excess,  and  let  the  precipita 
which  forms  be  collected  upon  a paper  filter,  dried,  and  then  dissolved  iu 
minimum  of  boiling  rectified  spirit.  Into  this  solution  introduce  the  Anim 
Charcoal,  digest  for  twenty  minutes,  then  filter,  and  allow  the  residual  liquor  i 
cool,  when  the  strychnia  will  separate  in  crystals.”  Dub. 

It  should  be  recollected  that  the  British  Imperial  measure  is  employed  1 
the  Edinburgh  and  Dublin  Colleges  throughout  these  processes. 

In  preparing  strychnia,  the  first  step  is  properly  to  comminute  the  no 
vomica.  This  may  be  done  by  rasping  the  seeds,  or,  as  directed  in  the  Edi: 
burgh  Pharmacopoeia,  by  first  softening  them  by  steam,  then  slicing,  tlryin: 
and  grinding  them.  The  next  object  is  to  extract  the  strychnia.  For  th 
purpose  water  is  employed,  acidulated  in  the  U.S.  process  with  muriatic  ac-i< 
in  the  Dublin  with  sulphuric  acid,  in  the  Edinburgh  without  addition.  In  tl 
last,  the  native  igasurate  of  strychnia  is  taken  up;  in  the  first  the  muriate,  whit 
is  a very  soluble  salt,  and  in  the  second  the  sulphate.  In  the  L.  S.  and  Edi 
burgh  processes,  after  a concentration  of  the  infusion,  the  salt  of  strychnia 


ART  II. 


Strychnia. 


1195 


^composed  by  lime,  which  precipitates  the  strychnia  along  with  the  excess  of 
me  employed  and  impurities.  The  strychnia  is  extracted  from  the  precipitate 
y boiling  alcohol,  and  may  be  obtained  in  crystals  by  the  concentration  of  the 
ilution.  But  in  this  state  it  is  much  coloured  and  impure.  The  Edinburgh 
ollege  contents  itself  with  directing  it  to  be  purified  by  repeated  solution  in 
cohol  and  crystallization.  In  the  U.  S.  process,  the  impure  strychnia  is  con- 
jrted  into  a sulphate  by  the  addition  of  sulphuric  acid,  and  precipitated  again 
,y  ammonia;  being,  while  in  the  state  of  the  sulphate,  decolorized  by  means  of 
fimal  charcoal.  The  Dublin  College  adds  the  rectified  spirit  before  adding  the 
me,  so  that  the  separated  strychnia  is  held  in  solution  ; then,  having  got  rid  of 
le  insoluble  impurities  by  filtration,  it  distils  off  the  spirit,  and  proceeds  to 
urify  the  residue  by  dissolving  it  in  sulphuric  acid,  precipitating  with  ammonia, 
^dissolving  the  precipitated  strychnia  in  boiling  alcohol,  decolorizing  by  animal 
iarcoal,  and  crystallizing  by  refrigeration.  Throughout  the  process,  the  brueia 
mtained  in  the  nux  vomica  attends  the  strychnia,  and  is  only  left  behind  in 
ie  mother  liquors,  when  the  latter  alkali  crystallizes  from  the  alcoholic  solution 
pon  cooling;  brueia  being  much  more  soluble  than  strychnia  in  cold  alcohol. 

; would,  therefore,  be  better  to  conclude  the  U.  S.  process  by  one  or  more  solu- 
ons  and  crystallizations  in  alcohol,  as  directed  by  the  Edinburgh  and  Dublin 
olleges.  To  free  the  strychnia  entirely  from  brueia  requires  repeated  crystalli- 
itions,  and  a little  of  the  latter  principle  is  consequently  almost  always  retained; 
at  the  impurity  is  not  injurious,  as  the  effects  of  the  two  alkalies  upon  the  sys- 
•m  are  very  similar.  The  bean  of  St.  Ignatius  yields  strychnia  more  easily  and 
.ore  largely  than  nux  vomica,  but  is  less  plentiful.* 

If  thought  desirable,  brueia  may  be  in  great  measure  separated  from  the 
rychnia  of  the  shops,  by  dissolving  the  latter  in  very  dilute  nitric  acid,  filter- 
;g,  and  concentrating  to  the  point  of  crystallization.  The  nitrate  of  brueia 
ystallizes  in  short,  thick,  dense  prisms,  grouped  together;  the  nitrate  of  strych- 
ia  in  radiated  tufts  of  long,  light,  capillary  needles.  By  gentle  agitation  with 
ater,  the  latter  salt  is  suspended  and  may  be  poured  off,  leaving  the  former, 
he  alkalies  may  be  obtained  by  dissolving  the  salts  separately  in  water,  and 
•ecipitating  with  ammonia.  (Christ ison.) 

As  usually  kept  in  the  shops,  strychnia  is  a grayish-white  powder.  When 
pidly  crystallized  from  its  alcoholic  solution,  it  has  the  form  of  a white,  gra- 
fiar  powder ; when  slowly  crystallized,  that  of  elongated  octohedra,  or  quadri- 
teral  prisms  with  quadrilateral  terminations.  It  is  permanent  in  the  air, 
odorous,  but  excessively  bitter,  with  a metallic  after  taste.  So  intense  is  its 
tterness,  that  one  part  of  it  is  said  to  communicate  a sensible  taste  to  600,000 
irts  of  water.  It  melts  like  a resin,  but  is  not  volatile,  being  decomposed  at 
comparatively  low  temperature,  and  entirely  dissipated  at  a red  heat.  It  is 
luble  in  6667  parts  of  water  at  50°,  and  about  2000  at  the  boiling  point, 
oiling  officinal  alcohol  dissolves  it  without  difficulty,  and  deposits  it  upon  cool- 

j*  M.  J.  F.  Molyn  proposes,  previously  to  the  extraction  of  strychnia,  to  subject  nux 
mica  to  fermentation,  by  which  the  saccharine  and  gummy  matters  of  the  seeds  are  de- 
mposed,  and  lactic  acid  is  formed,  which  decomposes  the  igasurate  of  strychnia  and 
ucia,  producing  with  these  bases  very  soluble  lactates.  For  the  particulars  of  his  pro- 
'ss,  see  the  Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.  (xix.  99). 

We  are  informed  that  none  of  the  officinal  processes  are  followed  exactly  by  the  large 
inufacturers  in  reference  to  the  preliminary  comminution  of  the  nux  vomica.  The 
■in  most  approved  is  to  macerate  the  whole  seeds  in  dilute  sulphuric  acid,  and  to  pass 
bam  through  them,  under  pressure,  in  a covered  vat,  lined  with  lead.  The  seeds 
ftened  in  this  way  are  then  ground,  and  the  pulp  lixiviated  or  expressed.  One  advan- 
ce of  the  sulphuric  acid,  employed  in  this  way,  is  thought  to  be  the  conversion  of  the 
ssorin,  which  impedes  the  process,  into  soluble  dextrin.  The  liquors  are  precipitated 
tli  lime,  and  the  process  completed  as  officinally  directed. — Note  to  the  tenth  edition. 


1196 


Strychnia. 


part  i: 


ing.  In  absolute  alcohol  and  in  ether  it  is  very  sparingly  soluble.  The  volatil 
oils  dissolve  it  freely.  It  has  an  alkaline  reaction  on  test  paper,  and  forms  salt 
with  the  acids.  Nitric  acid  does  not  redden  it  if  perfectly  pure,  but  alma; 
always  reddens  it  as  found  in  the  shops,  in  consequence  of  the  presence  of  brack 
M.  Eugene  Marchand  proposes  the  following  test,  by  which  a very  minute  prr 
portion  of  strychnia  may  be  detected.  If  a little  of  the  alkali  be  rubbed  wit 
a few  drops  of  concentrated  sulphuric  acid  containing  one-hundredth  of  nitri 
acid,  it  will  be  dissolved  without  change  of  colour ; but  if  the  least  quantity  r 
peroxide  of  lead  be  added  to  the  mixture,  a magnificent  blue  colour  will  be  ii 
stantly  developed,  which  will  pass  rapidly  into  violet,  then  gradually  to  red,  an 
ultimately  become  yellow.  ( Journ . de  Pliarm.,  Se  ser.,  iv.  ’200.)  Professc 
Otto  recommends  as  a test  a minute  quantity  of  solution  of  bichromate  of  potass: 
which,  added  to  the  solution  of  strychnia  in  concentrated  sulphuric  acid,  pr< 
duces  a splendid  violet  colour.  [Am.  Journ.  of  Pliarm .,  xix.  77.)  A simila 
change  of  colour  is  produced,  according  to  Dr.  E.  W.  Davy,  by  substituting 
strong  solution  of  ferroc-yanuret  of  potassium  for  that  of  bichromate  of  potass: 
[Ibid.,  xxv.  414.)  Strychnia  consists  of  nitrogen,  carbon,  hydrogen,  an 
oxygen;  but  the  proportion  of  its  constituents  is  very  differently  given  by  diffe: 
ent  authors.  Liebig  states  the  composition  to  be  XjC^ILgO*.  Tbe  salts  c 
strychnia  are  for  the  most  part  soluble  and  crystallizable.  Their  solution  i 
decomposed  by  the  alkalies  and  their  carbonates,  and  by  tannic,  but  not  by  ga 
lie  acid;  and  is  not  affected  by  the  salts  of  sesquioxide  of  iron.  Strychnia: 
apt  to  contain  impurities,  of  which  the  chief,  besides  brucia,  are  colouring  ma 
ter,  and  lime  or  magnesia.  The  Edinburgh  College  gives  the  following  test  ( 
its  purity.  “A  solution  of  10  grains  in  4 fluidrachms  of  water  by  means  of 
fluidrachm  of  pyroligneous  acid,  when  decomposed  by  one  fluidounee  of  cot 
centrated  solution  of  carbonate  of  soda,  yields  on  brisk  agitation  a coherer 
mass,  weighing  when  dry  10  grains,  and  entirely  soluble  in  solution  of  oxali 
acid.” 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses,  &c.  The  effects  of  strychnia  upon  the  systei 
are  identical  in  character  with  those  of  nux  vomica,  and  it  is  employed  for  th 
same  purposes  as  a medicine.  (See  Mux  Vomica,  page  491.)  It  operates  in  th 
same  way  by  whatever  avenue  it  may  enter  into  the  circulation ; but  is  said  t 
act  most  powerfully  when  injected  into  the  veins,  or  applied  to  a fresh  woum 
The  blood  of  an  animal  under  its  influence  produces  similar  effects  in  another 
transfused  into  its  veins.  In  over-doses  it  is  a most  violent  poison.  Pelletic 
and  Caventou  killed  a dog  in  half  a minute  with  one-sixth  of  a grain  of  the  pui 
alkali.  One  grain  or  even  less  might  prove  fatal  in  the  human  subject.  A c-asi 
however,  is  recorded  in  which  recovery  took  place  after  seven  grains  had  bee 
swallowed ; but  the  medicine  was  probably  impure.  (See  Am.  Journ.  of  Mec 
Sci.,  N.  S.,  xxx.  562.)  According  to  M.  Duclos,  the  poisonous  effects  of  strycl 
nia  upon  auimals  subside  under  the  application  of  negative  electricity,  whi 
they  are  aggravated  by  the  positive.  (See  Am.  Journ.  of  Pliarm.,  xvi.  154.)  3 
Boudet  has  found  that  chlorine  water  alternated  with  tartar  emetic,  so  as  to  pr< 
duce  vomiting,  obviates  these  effects  in  dogs.  [Arch . Gen.,  Feb.  1S53,  p.  222 
Ivermes  mineral  has  been  recommended  by  31.  Thorel  as  an  antidote,  heir 
thought  by  him  to  form  with  strychnia  an  insoluble  sulphuret,  at  the  same  tin 
aiding  an}’  other  emetic  which  may  be  administered  in  its  expulsion.  In  cases  • 
poisoning  with  strychnia  he  recommends  fifteen  grains  of  kermes  and  one  and 
half  grains  of  tartar  emetic.  3131.  Bouc-hardat  and  Gobley  state  that,  out 
the  body,  the  ioduretted  iodide  of  potassium  acts  far  more  powerfully  in  pr 
ducing  an  absolutely  insoluble  compound.  (See  Am.  Join'll,  of  Pliarm.,  xxi 
S4.)  Chloroform  by  inhalation,  has  been  found  to  correct  the  poisonous  effec 
of  strychnia,  and  the  same  is  said  of  camphor  taken  internally.  The  iudicatioi 


ART  II. 


1197 


Strychnia. — Sulphur. 

■e  to  evacuate  tLe  stomach,  and  to  relieve  the  spasms  by  opiates  or  other  narcotics. 
:(ferent  persons  are  very  differently  susceptible  to  its  action,  and  some  arepow- 
fully  affected  by  the  smallest  doses.  Besides,  being  more  or  less  impure  as  kept 
the  shops,  it  cannot  be  relied  on  with  certainty.  Hence  the  necessity  of  great 
ution  in  prescribing  it,  and  of  carefully  watching  the  patient  during  its  use. 
ae  best  plan  is  always  to  begin  with  very  small  doses,  and  gradually  increase 
1 its  effects  are  observed.  From  one-twelfth  to  one-sixth  of  a grain  internally, 
id  from  a quarter  to  half  a grain  externally,  upon  a blistered  surface,  may  be 
iployed  at  first;  but,  if  the  alkali  is  very  pure,  the  dose  may  be  still  further 
duced  with  propriety.  It  is  most  conveniently  administered  in  the  form  of 
11.  It  may  be  given  also  in  the  saline  state,  which  is  produced  by  dissolving 
in  water  acidulated  with  sulphuric,  muriatic,  nitric,  or  acetic  acid. 

Off.  Prep.  Strychniae  Murias.  W. 

STRYCHNINE  MURIAS.  Pub.  Muriate  of  Strychnia. 

“Take  of  Strychnia  one  ounce  [avoirdupois];  Dilute  Muriatic  Acid  one  fluid  - 
■nee  or  a sufficient  quantity ; Distilled  Water  two  [fluidffmnces  and  a half. 
pur  the  Acid  upon  the  Strychnia,  and,  adding  the  Water,  apply  heat  until  a 
■rfect  solution  is  obtained.  Let  this  cool,  and  let  the  crystals  which  form  be 
ied  upon  bibulous  paper.  By  evaporating  the  residual  liquid  to  one-third  of 
t bulk,  and  then  allowing  it  to  cool,  an  additional  quautity  of  the  salt  will  be 
itained.”  Dub. 

The  only  advantage  of  this  preparation  is  that,  in  consequence  of  its  solubility 
water,  it  affords  the  means  of  administering  strychnia  in  the  dissolved  state  ; 
it  this  end,  when  desired,  is  so  easily  obtained  by  adding  a few  drops  of  an 
id  to  strychnia,  that  it  seems  scarcely  an  object  of  sufficient  importance  to  call 
r a distinct  officinal  preparation,  especially  as  the  intensely  bitter  taste  of 
aychnia  renders  its  administration  in  the  form  of  pill  generally  preferable. 
Drkaps,  in  consequence  of  its  solubility,  muriate  of  strychnia  may  be  preferable 
the  uncombined  alkaloid  for  application  to  a blistered  surface,  with  a view  to 
li  effects  on  the  system.  W. 

SULPHUR. 

Preparations  of  Sulphur. 

SULPHUR  PRNECIPITATUM.  U.  S.,  Lond.  Lac  Sulphuris. 
'recipitated  Sulphur.  Milk  of  Sulphur. 

“Take  of  Sulphur  [sublimed]  a.  pound;  Lime  a pound  and  a half:  Water 
j o gallons;  Muriatic  Acid  a sufficient  quantity.  Slake  the  Lime  with  a small 
irtion  of  the  Water,  and,  having  mixed  it  with  the  Sulphur,  add  the  remainder 
the  Water,  boil  for  two  or  three  hours,  occasionally  adding  water  so  as  to  pre- 
rve  the  measure,  and  filter.  Dilute  the  filtered  liquor  with  an  equal  bulk  of 
iter;  then  drop  into  it  sufficient  Muriatic  Acid  to  precipitate  the  Sulphur, 
istly,  wash  the  precipitate  repeatedly  with  water  till  the  washings  are  tasteless, 
id  dry  it.”  U.  S. 

This  preparation,  after  having  been  dismissed  from  the  London  Pharmacopoeia 
1836,  has  been  restored  in  that  of  1851,  being  placed  in  the  list  of  Materia 
edica  with  this  definition : “Sulphur  precipitated  from  sulphuret  of  calcium 
’ hydrochloric  acid.” 

In  the  U.  S.  process  two  eqs.  of  lime  react  with  six  of  sulphur,  so  as  to  form 
ro  eqs.  of  bisulphuret  of  calcium,  and  one  of  hyposulphurous  acid,  which  latter 
en  unites  with  one  eq.  of  lime  to  form  hyposulphite  of  lime.  On  the  addition 
the  muriatic  acid,  six  eqs.  of  sulphur  are  precipitated  (four  from  the  two  eqs. 
bisulphuret  of  calcium  and  two  from  the  one  eq.  of  hyposulphurous  acid), 


1198 


PART  II 


Sulphur. 

and  the  calcium  and  oxygen  unite  with  the  muriatic  acid,  so  as  to  form  chlorid 
of  calcium  and  water.  This  acid  is  the  most  eligible  precipitant  for  the  sul 
phur;  as  it  gives  rise  to  chloride  of  calcium,  which  is  a very  soluble  salt,  an' 
easily  washed  away.  Sulphuric  acid  is  wholly  inadmissible ; as  it  generate 
sulphate  of  lime,  which,  from  its  sparing  solubility,  becomes  necessarily  inter 
mingled  with  the  precipitated  sulphur.  According  to  Schweitzer,  the  bes 
material  from  which  to  precipitate  the  sulphur  is  the  sulphuret  of  potassium 
formed  by  boiling  sulphur  with  caustic  potassa.  Dr.  Otto,  of  Brunswick,  find 
that  sulphuret  of  potassium  is  apt  to  contain  sulphuret  of  copper,  and  therefor: 
prefers  sulphuret  of  calcium.  ( Pharm . Cent.  Blatt,  Jan.  1845.) 

Properties,  &c.  Precipitated  sulphur  is  in  friable  lumps  having  a white  colour 
with  a pale  yellowish-green  tint,  and  consisting  of  finely  divided  particles,  slight! 
cohering  together.  Water  boiled  upon  it  should  not  redden  litmus.  Whet 
recently  prepared,  it  is  devoid  of  taste,  but  possesses  a peculiar  smell.  Whei 
long  exposed,  in  a moist  state,  to  the  air,  it  becomes  strongly  contaminated  witl 
sulphuric  acid.  ( Annalen  der  Pharm.,  xx.  151.)  From  its  colour  it  was  for 
merly  called  lac  sulphuris,  or  mi  Ik  of  sulphur.  It  is  insoluble  in  water,  bu 
dissolves  in  a boiling  solution  of  caustic  potassa,  and  in  oil  of  turpentine  by  th< 
aid  of  heat.  When  of  a brilliant  white  colour,  the  presence  of  sulphate  of  linn 
may  be  suspected;  in  which  case  the  preparation  will  not  be  wholly  volatilize' 
by  heat.  If  pure  it  communicates  a harsh  feel  when  rubbed  between  the  fin 
gers,  owing  to  the  friction  between  the  crystalline  particles.  ( Dr . Bridges . 
We  have  seen  a sample  of  so-called  precipitated  sulphur,  which  consisted  almos 
entirely  of  sulphate  of  lime.  Precipitated  sulphur  differs  from  sublimed  sul 
phur,  in  being  in  a state  of  more  minute  division,  and  in  presenting,  afte: 
fusion,  a softer  and  less  brittle  mass.  Its  peculiarities  are  supposed  to  depem 
upon  the  presence  of  water,  which,  however,  is  found  in  too  small  a quantity  t 
constitute  a regular  hydrate.  According  to  Rose,  its  white  colour  is  oec-asioDet 
by  the  presence  of  a small  proportion  of  bisulphuretted  hydrogen.  Soubeirai 
states  that  it  always  contains  some  sulphuretted  hydrogen,  which  causes  it  0 
differ  as  a therapeutic  agent  from  sublimed  sulphur. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Precipitated  sulphur  possesses  similar  raedi 
cal  properties  to  those  of  sublimed  sulphur.  Its  state  of  extreme  division  ren 
ders  it  more  readily  suspended  in  liquids;  but  its  liability  to  become  acid  b; 
keeping  is  an  objection  to  it.  It  is  sometimes  selected  for  forming  ointments 
which  have  the  advantage  to  the  eye  of  being  of  a lighter  colour  than  whet 
made  with  sublimed  sulphur.  The  dose  is  from  one  to  three  drachms.  (Se« 
Sulphur.')  ' B- 

SULPHURIS  IODIDUM.  U.  S.,  Lond.  Sulphur  Iodatum.  Bub 
Iodide  of  Sulphur.  Bisulphuret  of  Iodine. 

“Take  of  Iodine  four  ounces;  Sulphur  an  ounce.  Rub  the  Iodine  and  Sul 
phur  together  in  a glass,  porcelain,  or  marble  mortar  until  they  are  thorough! 
mixed.  Put  the  mixture  into  a matrass,  close  the  orifice  loose!}’,  and  apply  ; 
gentle  heat  so  as  to  darken  the  mass  without  melting  it.  When  the  colour  ha 
become  uniformly  dark  throughout,  increase  the  heat  so  as  to  melt  the  Iodide: 
then  incline  the  matrass  in  different  directions,  in  order  to  return  into  the  mas 
any  portions  of  Iodine  which  may  have  condensed  on  the  inner  surface  of  tk 
vessel ; lastly,  allow  the  matrass  to  cool,  break  it,  and  put  the  Iodide  into  hot 
ties,  which  are  to  be  well  stopped.”  U.  S- 

“ Take  of  Sulphur  an  ounce;  Iodine  four  ounces.  Put  the  Sulphur  into  ; 
glass  vessel,  aud  place  the  Iodine  upon  it.  Hold  the  vessel  in  boiling  wate 
until  they  unite.  Then  break  the  vessel  when  the  Iodide  has  become  cold,  am 
reduce  this  to  pieces,  which  are  to  be  kept  in  another  vessel,  well  stopped. 
Lond. 


IRT  II. 


1199 


Sulphur. — Syrupi. 

The  Dublin  College  takes  an  ounce  of  its  pure  iodine  and  tioo  drachms  of 
sflimed  sulphur,  and  proceeds  as  in  the  U.  S.  formula. 

The  U.S.  and  Dublin  process  is  that  of  the  French  Codex.  The  combina- 
tn  may  be  conveniently  effected  in  a Florence  flask.  The  London  formula 
i peculiar  in  directing  the  application  of  the  necessary  heat  by  means  of  boil- 
i;  water.  This  is  an  improvement  on  the  usual  mode  of  proceeding;  as  it 
actually  prevents  the  application  of  too  high  a heat.  The  iodine  and  sulphur 
a taken  in  the  same  proportion  in  all  the  formulae. 

Properties , &c.  Iodide  of  sulphur  has  a grayish-black  colour,  and  radiated 
c stalline  appearance  like  that  of  sulphuret  of  antimony.  Its  smell  resembles 
tl  of  iodine,  and  it  stains  the  cuticle  in  a similar  manner.  It  is  rapidly  de- 
caposed,  when  in  the  state  of  powder,  upon  the  addition  of  several  of  the 
v'atile  oils,  violet  vapours  of  iodine  being  evolved,  and  the  smell  of  sulphur 
p'ceived.  (Dr.  G.  W.  Patterson,  Am.  Journ.  of  P harm.,  July,  1852,  p.  203.) 
Iis  entirely  volatilized  by  heat,  and  by  continued  boiling  with  water  is  wholly 
(Composed,  iodine  escaping  with  the  steam,  and  sulphur  being  left  nearly  pure. 
Te  proportion  of  sulphur  thus  obtained  is  about  20  per  cent.  (Land  Pharm.') 
Iis  analysis  shows  that  the  compound  is  a bisulphuret.  Iodide  of  sulphur 
h been  used  by  Biett,  Rayer,  Lugol,  and  others  as  an  external  application 
i various  skin  diseases,  such  as  tinea  capitis,  lupus,  lepra,  &c.,  applied  in  the 
fm  of  ointment.  (See  Unguentum  Sulphuris  Iodidid) 

Off.  Prep.  Unguentum  Sulphuris  Iodidi.  B. 

SYRUPI. 

Syrups. 

3yrups  are  concentrated  solutions  of  sugar  in  watery  fluids,  either  with  or 
\ bout  medicinal  impregnation.  When  the  solution  is  made  with  pure  water, 
i s named  syrup  or  simple  syrup,  when  with  water  charged  with  one  or  more 
rdieinal  agents,  it  is  called  in  general  terms  a medicated  syrup,  and  receives 
i particular  designation  from  the  substance  or  substances  added. 

Vledicated  syrups  are  usually  prepared  by  incorporating  sugar  with  vegetable 
i Isions,  decoctions,  expressed  juices,  fermented  liquors,  or  simple  aqueous 
sjtions.  When  the  active  matter  of  the  vegetable  is  not  readily  soluble  in 
v er,  is  associated  with  soluble  matter  which  it  is  desirable  to  avoid,  or  is  vola- 
t zed  or  decomposed  by  a heat  of  212°,  it  is  sometimes  extracted  by  diluted 
a jhol,  the  spirituous  ingredient  of  which  is  subsequently  driven  off.  Medi- 
czd  syrups  are  also  occasionally  prepared  by  adding  a tincture  to  simple  syrup, 
a evaporating  the  alcohol.  Another  and  better  mode  of  effecting  the  same 
o ect,  when  aromatic  or  other  volatile  substances  are  concerned,  is  to  mix  the 
t ;ture  with  sugar  in  coarse  powder,  expose  the  mixture  to  a very  gentle  heat 
o in  the  sun  till  the  alcohol  has  evaporated,  and  then  prepare  the  syrup 
fin  the  impregnated  sugar  by  dissolving  it  in  the  requisite  proportion  of  water. 
£, ce  the  introduction  into  use  of  the  process  of  percolation  or  filtration  by  dis- 
pgement,  it  has  been  applied  very  advantageously  to  the  preparation  of  vari- 

0 syrups,  especially  of  those  made  from  vegetables  of  which  the  active  prin- 
ce is  injured  or  dissipated  by  decoction.  But,  unless  the  operator  be  at  once 
s ful  and  very  careful,  there  will  be  great  danger  of  imperfectly  extracting 
t active  matters,  and  thus  making  a feeble  preparation.  One  practical  rule 
o, importance,  when  the  liquid  obtained  by  percolation  requires  concentration, 

1 o set  aside  the  first  portions  of  percolated  liquor,  which  are  usually  strongly 
ii  iregnated,  and  to  subject  only  the  subsequent  weaker  portions  to  evaporation. 
I ■ the  mode  of  properly  conducting  this  process  the  reader  is  referred  to  pages 
7 ! and  789. 


1200 


Syrupi. 


PART  i 


The  quality  and  quantity  of  the  sugar  employed  are  points  of  importanc 
Refined  sugar  should  always  be  preferred,  as  it  often  saves  the  necessity  of  cl 
rification,  and  makes  a clearer  and  better  flavoured  syrup  than  the  impure  kind 
The  U.S.  Pharmacopoeia  simply  directs  sugar,  but  explains  that  it  is  the  pm 
tied  or  refined  sugar  which  is  indicated  by  that  term.  In  relation  to  the  qua 
tity  of  sugar,  if  in  too  small  proportion,  fermentation  is  apt  to  occur;  if  t> 
abundant,  crystallization.  The  proper  proportion  is  about  two  parts  to  one 
the  liquid.  A somewhat  smaller  quantity  will  answer  where  an  acid,  such 
lemon  juice  or  vinegar,  is  used. 

As  it  is  desirable,  in  many  instances,  that  the  active  matters  should  be  in 
concentrated  a state  as  possible  in  the  syrup,  it  is  often  necessary  to  evapora 
a large  proportion  of  the  watery  fluid  in  which  they  are  dissolved.  This  nr 
be  done  either  before  the  addition  of  the  sugar  or  afterwards.  In  either  cas 
care  is  requisite  not  to  apply  a heat  too  great  or  too  long  continued,  lest  tl 
active  principles  should  be  injured.  When  these  are  very  volatile  or  easi 
decomposed  by  heat,  it  is  necessary  to  dispense  with  concentration  altogethe 
Some  substances  which  are  volatilized  or  decomposed  at  the  temperature  of  bo 
ing  water,  remain  fixed  and  unaltered  at  that  which  is  necessary  for  the  evap 
ration  of  alcohol.  These,  as  before  observed,  may  be  dissolved  in  diluted  ale 
hoi,  and  the  concentration  effected  by  evaporating  the  spirituous  part  of  t: 
solvent.  Independently  of  the  injury  which  the  medicinal  ingredient  of  tl 
syrup  may  sustain,  the  syrup  itself  is  apt  to  become  brown  by  a long-ccntimc 
application  of  heat,  even  when  the  degree  is  not  excessive.  It  is  reconnnende 
therefore,  that  syrups  which  admit  of  concentration  should  be  boiled  brisk- 
over  a lively  fire,  so  as  to  accomplish  the  object  as  quickly  as  possible.  It 
important  to  be  able  to  ascertain  positively  when  they  have  attained  the  d’ 
consistence.  An  operator  skilled  in  their  preparation  can  judge  with  sufficie 
accuracy  by  various  familiar  signs;  such  as  the  slowness  with  which  the  pat 
of  a drop  of  syrup  coalesce,  when  previously  separated  by  the  edge  of  a blu 
instrument;  and  the  receding  of  the  last  portion  of  each  drop,  when  the  syru 
after  being  cooled,  is  poured  out  drop  by  drop.  A pellicle  forming  upon  t 
surface  of  the  syrup  when  it  cools,  indicates  that  it  has  been  too  much  boile 
But  these  signs  are  not  to  be  relied  on  except  by  those  who  have  acquired  mu 
experience.  The  easiest  method  of  ascertaining  the  proper  point  of  concent)- 
tion  is  by  the  use  of  that  variety  of  Baumd’s  hydrometer,  called  a saccharon 
ter ; an  instrument  almost  indispensable  to  the  apothecary.  This  should  sta. 
at  30°  in  boiling  syrup  (301  in  hot  weather)  and  at  35°  in  the  syrup  when 
is  cool.  Another  very  accurate  though  less  ready  method  is  to  ascertain  t: 
sp.gr.  by  weighing  a portion  of  the  liquid.  Syrup  when  boiling  should  ha- 
a sp.gr.  of  about  1'261;  when  cold,  about  X "3 19.  Thomson  and  Duncan  n 
mistaken  in  giving  the  proper  sp.  gr.  of  cold  syrup  as  1'385.  We  found  tl; 
of  a specimen  of  simple  syrup  made  with  two  pounds  and  a half  of  sugar  to 
pint  of  water,  to  be  1326  at  68°  F. ; and  this  consistence  is  rather  too  great  " 
practical  convenience  in  cold  weather.  A third  method  of  ascertaining  the  p- 
per  point  of  concentration  is  by  the  thermometer,  which,  in  boiliug  syrup  f 
the  proper  consistence,  stands  at  ‘221°  F.  This  indication  is  founded  on  t> 
fact,  that  the  boiling  point  of  syrup  rises  in  proportion  to  the  increase  of  i 
density. 

When  carefully  prepared  with  the  best  double  refined  sugar,  syrups  usua' 
require  no  other  clarification  than  to  remove  any  scum  which  may  rise  to  thr 
surface  upon  standing,  and  to  pour  them  off  from  any  dregs  which  may  subsi  • 
But  as  the  sugar  employed  is  seldom  free  from  impurities,  it  may  be  best,  ai 
general  rule,  to  remove  the  scum  as  it  rises  during  the  heatiug  process,  anda 
strain  them  while  hot  through  muslin  or  flannel.  Should  they  at  any  time  w:t 


VET  II. 


1201 


Syrupi. 

e due  degree  of  clearness,  they  may  be  filtered  through  flannel,  or,  when  not 
lely  to  be  injured  by  the  treatment,  may  be  clarified  by  means  of  the  white  of 
;gs  or  animal  charcoal,  as  mentioned  under  the  head  of  syrupus.  But  the 
tive  principles  of  vegetables  are  so  apt  to  be  absorbed  by  the  charcoal  along 
ith  impurities,  that  this  agent  should  be  resorted  to  with  great  caution. 

The  medicated  syrups  are  liable  to  undergo  various  alterations,  according  to 
eir  nature  and  mode  of  preparation.  The  acid  syrups,  when  too  much  boiled, 
ten  let  fall  a copious  white  precipitate,  which  is  said  to  be  a saccharine  matter 
lalogous  to  the  sugar  of  grapes,  produced  by  the  reaction  of  the  acid  upon  the 
gar.  It  has  been  shown  that,  even  at  ordinary  temperatures,  acids  slowly 
avert  common  sugar  into  the  sugar  of  grapes,  which,  being  less  soluble  than 
e former,  is  gradually  deposited  in  the  form  of  crystalline  grains.  Syrups 
Inch  contain  too  little  sugar  are  apt  to  pass  into  the  vinous  fermentation,  in 
nsequence  of  the  presence  of  matters  which  act  as  a ferment.  Those  which 
utain  too  much  deposit  a portion  in  the  crystalline  state;  and  the  crystals, 
tracting  the  sugar  remaining  in  solution,  gradually  weaken  the  syrup,  and 
nder  it  liable  to  the  same  change  as  when  originally  made  with  too  little  sugar, 
tie  want  of  a due  proportion  of  saccharine  matter  frequently  also  gives  rise  to 
ouldiness,  when  air  has  access  to  the  syrup.  It  is  said  that  syrups,  enclosed, 
hile  they  are  still  hot,  in  bottles,  are  apt  to  ferment;  because  the  watery  va- 
rar,  rising  to  the  surface  and  there  condensing,  diminishes  the  proportion  of 
gar,  so  as  to  produce  a commencement  of  chemical  action,  which  gradually 
:tends  through  the  whole  mass;  but  if  the  bottles  are  well  shaken  this  result 
obviated;  and  the  syrups  will  generally  keep  better  when  thus  treated.  When 
rups  undergo  the  vinous  fermentation,  they  become  covered  at  the  surface 
111  froth,  produced  by  the  disengagement  of  carbonic  acid,  and  acquire  a 
nous  odour  from  the  presence  of  alcohol;  while  their  consistence  is  diminished 
• the  loss  of  a portion  of  the  sugar,  which  has  been  converted  into  that  liquid, 
'lien  the  quantity  of  alcohol  has  increased  to  a certain  point,  the  fermentation 
ases  or  goes  on  more  slowly,  owing  to  the  preservative  influence  of  that  prin- 
ole;  and,  as  the  active  ingredient  of  the  syrup  has  frequently  undergone  no 
aterial  change,  the  preparation  may  often  be  recovered  by  boiling  so  as  to 
ive  off  the  alcohol  and  carbonic  acid,  and  concentrate  the  liquid  sufficiently, 
syrup  thus  revived  is  less  liable  afterwards  to  undergo  change,  because  the 
inciples  which  acted  as  ferments  have  been  diminished  or  consumed.  It  is 
wious  that  syrups  which  depend  for  their  virtues  upon  a volatile  ingredient,  or 
e readily  changeable  by  heat,  cannot  be  restored  to  their  original  condition 
At  best,  syrups  are  too  apt  to  change,  and  various  measures  have  been  pro- 
sed for  their  preservation.  According  to  Dr.  Macculloc-h,  the  addition  of  a 
tie  sulphate  of  potassa  or  of  chlorate  of  potassa  which  is  tasteless,  prevents 
eir  fermentation.  M.  Chereau  has  found  sugar  of  milk  effectual  to  the  same 
d,  in  the  instance  of  the  syrup  of  poppies;  and  it  may  prove  useful  in  others, 
le  proportion  which  he  employs  is  32  parts  of  the  sugar  of  milk  to  1000  of  the 
rup.  Mr.  E.  Durand  has  found  that  1'3  per  cent,  of  Hoffmann’s  anodyne 
jpiritus  JEtlieris  Compositus),  added  to  syrups,  has  the  property  of  completely 
resting  or  preventing  fermentation,  probably  through  the  agency  chiefly  of  the 
. of  wine  which  it  contains.  (Am.  Journ.  of  P harm.,  xiii.  185.)  But  the  best 
in  is  to  make  small  quantities  of  syrups  at  a time,  and  to  keep  them,  unless 
den  wanted  for  immediate  use,  in  bottles  quite  full  and  well  stopped,  which 
ould  be  put  in  the  cellar  or  other  cool  place. 

The  following  general  officinal  directions  are  given  in  relation  to  syrups. 

“ Syrups  whose  density  is  not  precisely  determined  by  the  process,  should 
ve  the  specific  gravity  1'261  when  boiling,  and  about  1'319  at  ordinary  tem- 
ratures.”  TJ.  S. 

76 


1202 


Syrupi. 


PART  ] 


“ Let  the  syrups  be  preserved  in  vessels  well  closed,  and  in  a place  where  tl 
heat  never  exceeds  55°.”  Land.  It  would  be  difficult  to  comply  exactly  wi 
such  a rule  in  this  country.  W. 

SYRUPUS.  U.S.,  Lond.  Syrupus  Simplex.  Ed.,  Dub.  Syru2 
Simple  Syrup. 

“Take  of  Sugar  [refined]  two pppnds  and  a half;  Water  a pint.  Dissob 
the  Sugar  in  the  Water  with  the  aid  of  heat,  remove  any  scum  which  may  fori 
and  strain  the  solution  while  hot.”  U.  S. 

“Take  of  Sugar  [refined]  three  pounds;  Distilled  Water  a pint  [Imperi 
measure].  Dissolve  with  a gentle  heat.”  Lond. 

“Take  of  Pure  Sugar  ten  pounds;  boiling  Water  three  pints  [Imperial  me 
sure].  Dissolve  the  Sugar  in  the  Water  with  the  aid  of  a gentle  heat.”  Ed. 

“Take  of  Refined  Sugar,  in  powder,  five  pounds  [avoirdupois];  Distillc 
Water  two  pints  [Imp.  meas.].  Dissolve  the  Sugar  in  the  Water  with  the  a 
of  a steam  or  water  heat.  The  sp  gr.  of  this  Syrup  is  1'330.”  Dub. 

This  syrup,  when  properly  prepared,  is  inodorous,  of  a sweet  taste  withoi 
peculiar  flavour,  thick,. viscid,  nearly  colourless,  and  perfectly  transparent, 
somewhat  turbid,  as  it  is  apt  to  be  when  made  with  sugar  not  well  refined, 
may  be  clarified  by  beating  the  white  of  an  egg  to  a froth  with  three  or  foi 
ounces  of  water,  mixing  this  with  the  syrup,  boiling  the  mixture  for  a sho 
time  that  the  albumen  may  coagulate,  and  taking  off  the  scum  which  rises  t 
the  surface,  or  separating  it  by  filtration  through  paper  or  flannel.  Twoga 
Ions  of  the  syrup  may  be  thus  clarified.  Any  colour  and  peculiar  flavor  with- 
it  may  possess  may  be  removed  by  treating  it,  at  the  same  time,  with  a swa 
proportion  (about  5 per  cent.)  of  animal  charcoal. 

The  white  of  egg  is  beaten  to  a froth  in  order  that,  when  it  coagulates,  it  ma 
be  rendered  by  the  air  which  it  contains  specifically  lighter  than  the  syrup,  an 
thus  rise  to  the  surface.  If  not  thus  treated,  it  floats,  when  coagulated,  in  tL 
syrup,  or  sinks  to  the  bottom.  Now  it  is  obvious  that,  if  the  syrup  and  albi 
meu  be  heated  together,  the  latter  must  be  deprived  of  a portion  of  the  a 
which  it  contains,  before  the  point  of  coagulation  is  attained,  and  thus  be  rei 
dered  less  disposed  to  rise  to  the  surface.  Guibourt,  therefore,  recommem 
that  the  albumen  should  not  be  added  till  the  syrup  is  boiling  hot,  and  shoul 
then  be  poured  into  it  from  a height,  in  order  to  increase  the  quantity  of  a 
entangled  in  it. 

M.  Salles,  an  apothecary  of  Clermond-Ferrand,  in  France,  recommends  tli; 
syrups  which  require  clarification  should  be  treated  in  the  following  rnanne 
Allow  the  liquor  with  which  the  syrup  is  to  be  prepared,  without  previous! 
decanting  or  filtering  it,  to  become  quite  cold ; then  mix  with  it  the  white  • 
eggs  unbeaten,  in  the  proportion  of  one  egg  for  every  five  or  six  pounds  (avoi 
dupois)  of  sugar  employed;  and,  having  added  the  sugar  or  honey,  boil  tl 
whole  for  half  an  hour,  or  until  a portion  of  the  syrup  upon  cooling  exkibi 
flocculi  of  albumen  floating  in  a transparent  medium.  During  the  ebullition  ca: 
must  be  taken  to  agitate  the  syrup  in  such  a manner  as  to  prevent  the  form 
tion  of  foam  upon  its  surface.  When  allowed  to  cool,  the  coagulated  albume 
with  the  impurities  subsides,  and  the  clear  syrup  floats  above,  and  may  be  draw 
off  or  decanted.  In  this  process  the  albumen  sinks  because  not  incorporate 
with  air.  M.  Salles  calls  it  clarification  per  descensum,  and  states  that  it 
applicable  to  all  syrups  of  a density  below  30°  Baume  at  the  boiling  poin 
( Journ . de  Pharm.,  xxiv.  490.) 

Syrup  is  very  useful  in  the  formation  of  pills  and  mixtures,  and  in  varioi 
other  pharmaceutical  operations  in  which  sugar  in  solution  is  required. 

Off.  Prep.  Confec-tio  Aromatica;  Confectio  Catechu  Composita;  Confect 
Opii;  Confectio  Scammonii;  Infusum  Catechu;  Mistura  Creasoti;  Ristu 


ART  II. 


1203 


Syrupi. 

retie;  Pilulse  Ferri  Composite;  Syrupus  Aeidi  Citrici;  Syrupus  Ferri  Iodidi ; 
yrupus  Ipecacuanhae;  Syrupus  Morphiae  Acetatis;  Syrupus  Morphiae  Muriatis; 
yrupus  Rhei  Aromaticus;  Syrupus  Tolutanus.  W. 

SYRUPUS  ACACIiE.  U.S.  Syrup  of  Gum  Arabic. 

“Take  of  G-um  Arabic  [in  lumps]  two  ounces;  Sugar  [refined]  fifteen  ounces; 
later  eight  fluidounces.  Dissolve  first  the  Gum  in  the  Water  without  heat, 
;ien  the  Sugar  with  a gentle  heat,  and  strain.”  U.  S. 

The  gum  should  be  carefully  selected  ; and  if  its  solution  contain  impurities, 
should  be  strained  before  the  addition  of  the  sugar.  This  syrup  is  useful  in 
e preparation  of  mixtures,  pills,  and  troches,  and  is  a good  demulcent;  but  un- 
rtunately  the  proportion  of  the  gum  to  the  sugar  is  too  small  to  meet  all  the 
dications  calling  for  the  conjoint  use  of  these  two  substances,  and  could  not  be 
uch  increased  without  endangering  the  stability  of  the  preparation.  W. 
SYRUPUS  ACETI.  Ed.  Syrup  of  Vinegar. 

“Take  of  Vinegar,  French  in  preference,  eleven  Jtuidounces  ; Pure  Sugar  four- 
en  ounces.  Boil  them  together.”  Ed. 

Syrup  of  vinegar  forms  with  water  a refrigerant  and  grateful  drink  in  fevers, 
may  be  added  to  barley  water  and  other  farinaceous  and  mucilaginous  beve- 
ges  and  mixtures,  when  a vegetable  acid  is  not  contra-indicated.  W. 

SYRUPUS  ACIDI  CITRICI.  U.S.,Dub.  Syrup  of  Citric  Acid. 
“Take  of  Citric  Acid,  in  powder,  two  drachms;  Oil  of  Lemons  four  minims; 
yrup  two  pints.  Rub  the  Citric  Acid  and  Oil  of  Lemons  with  a iiuidounce  of 
e Syrup,  then  add  the  mixture  to  the  remainder  of  the  Syrup,  and  dissolve 
ith  a gentle  heat.”  U.  S. 

“Take  of  Citric  Acid,  in  powder,  Distilled  Water,  of  each,  two  and  a half 
mces  [avoirdupois];  Tincture  of  Lemon  Peel  five  fluidrachms;  Simple  Syrup 
ree  pints  [Imperial  measure].  Dissolve  the  Acid  in  the  Water  with  the  aid 
heat ; then  add  the  solution  and  Tincture  of  Lemon  Peel  to  the  Syrup,  and 
ix  with  agitation.”  Dub. 

This  is  more  uniform  in  its  character,  keeps  better,  and  is  more  readily  pre- 
red  than  lemon  syrup,  but  does  not  equal  it  in  flavour,  if  the  latter  is  well 
ade.  It  is  much  employed  as  an  agreeable  and  refrigerant  addition  to  drinks, 
pecially  carbonic  acid  water.  Tartaric  acid,  on  account  of  its  greater  cheap- 
■ss,  is  not  unfrequently  substituted  for  the  citric;  but  the  syrup  made  with 
does  not  keep  so  well,  and,  moreover,  is  more  apt  to  irritate  the  stomach. 

Off.  Prep.  Liquor  Magnesiae  Citratis.  W. 

SYRUPUS  ALLII.  U.S.  Syrup  of  Garlic. 

“Take  of  Fresh  Garlic,  sliced  and  bruised,  six  ounces;  Diluted  Acetic  Acid 
pint;  Sugar  [refined],  in  coarse  powder,  two  pounds.  Macerate  the  Garlic 
' ten  fluidounces  of  the  Diluted  Acetic  Acid,  in  a glass  vessel,  for  four  days, 
d express  the  liquor.  Then  mix  the  residue  with  what  remains  of  the  Acid, 
d again  express  until  sufficient  has  passed  to  make  the  whole,  when  filtered, 
pasure  a pint.  Lastly,  pour  the  filtered  liquor  on  the  Sugar  contained  in  a 
.art  bottle,  and  agitate  till  it  is  dissolved.”  U.  S. 

This  preparation  is  made  upon  correct  principles,  as  vinegar  is  a much  better 
(vent  of  the  active  matter  of  garlic  than  water.  The  syrup  is  given  in  chronic 
tarrhal  affections  of  the  lungs,  and  is  particularly  beneficial  in  infantile  cases, 
the  stimulus  which  it  affords  to  the  nervous  system.  A teaspoonful  may  be 
ren  for  a dose  to  a child  a year  old.  W. 

SYRUPUS  ALTHiEiE.  Lond.,  Ed.  Syrup  of  Marshmallow. 
“Take  of  Marshmallow  [root],  sliced,  an  ounce  and  a half;  Sugar  [refined] 
"ee  pounds,  or  a sufficient  quantity  ; Distilled  Water  a pint  [Imperial  measure] ; 
ictified  Spirit  two  fluidounces  and  a half,  or  a sufficient  quantity.  Macerate 


1204 


PART  1 


Syrupi. 

the  Marshmallow  in  the  Water  for  twelve  hours.  Express  the  liquor  and  stra 
through  linen.  Then  add  a weight  of  the  Sugar  double  that  of  the  strain 
liquor,  and  dissolve  with  a gentle  heat.  Finally,  when  the  Syrup  has  coole 
mix  with  each  fiuidounce  of  it  half  a fluidrachm  of  the  Spirit.”  Lond. 

“Take  of  Althaea  Root,  fresh  and  sliced,  eight  ounces;  Boiling  Water  fourpb 
[Imp.  meas.];  Pure  Sugar  two  pounds  and  a half.  Boil  the  Althaea  Root  wi 
the  Water  down  to  two  pints;  strain  and  express  strongly  through  calico;  1 
the  impurities  subside;  and  dissolve  the  Sugar  in  the  clear  liquor  with  the  a 
of  heat.”  Ed. 

This  syrup  made  according  to  the  directions  of  the  former  London,  and 
the  present  Edinburgh  Pharmacopoeia,  contains  a considerable  quantity  of  stare 
besides  mucilage,  and  is  very  liable  to  ferment.  The  French  prepare  it  wi 
cold  water,  and  thus  avoid  the  starc-h ; and  the  London  College  has  adopted  tb 
method  in  the  last  edition  of  the  Pharmacopoeia.  The  syrup  is  simply  denm 
cent;  but  is  not  much  used  in  this  country.  W. 

SYRUP lTS  AMYGDALAE.  U.  S.  Syrup  of  Almonds.  Syrup 
Orgeat. 

“Take  of  Sweet  Almonds  a pound ; Bitter  Almonds  four  ounces;  Wat 
three  pints;  Sugar  [refined]  six  pounds.  Having  blanched  the  Almonds,  n 
them  in  a mortar  to  a very  tine  paste,  adding,  during  the  trituration,  three  flui 
ounces  of  the  Whiter  and  a pound  of  the  Sugar.  Mix  the  paste  thoroughly  wi 
the  remainder  of  the  Wrater,  strain  with  strong  expression,  add  the  remainder 
the  Sugar  to  the  strained  liquor,  and  dissolve  it  with  the  aid  of  a gentle  hea 
Strain  the  Syrup  through  fine  linen,  and,  having  allowed  it  to  cool,  put  it  in 
bottles,  which  must  be  well  stopped,  and  kept  in  a cool  place.”  U.  S. 

This  process  corresponds  closely  with  that  of  the  French  Codex.  Orang 
flower  water,  however,  which  is  an  ingredient  of  the  French  preparation, 
wanting  in  ours.  It  may  be  added  to  the  syrup  in  the  quantity  of  half  a pi: 
immediately  after  the  sugar  is  dissolved. 

This  is  an  elegant  syrup  much  employed  in  Europe,  and  occasionally  in  tb 
country.  It  is  demulcent,  nutritive,  and,  in  consequence  of  the  hydrocyan 
acid  of  the  bitter  almonds,  somewhat  sedative.  It  is  said  to  impair  greatly  tl 
odour  of  musk  aud  assafetida,  when  mixed  with  them.  It  may  be  added  to  coin 
mixtures,  or  used  for  flavouring  driuks  in  complaints  of  the  chest.  W. 

SYRUPUS  AURANTII  CORTICIS.  U.S.  Syrupus  Auranti 
Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub.  Syrup  of  Orange  Peel. 

“ Take  of  Orange  Peel,  bruised,  two  ounces;  Boiling  Whiter  a pint;  Sug 
[refined]  two  pounds  and  a half.  Macerate  the  Orange  Peel  in  the  Water, 
a covered  vessel,  for  twelve  hours,  and  strain;  then  add  the  Sugar,  and  proce< 
in  the  manner  directed  for  Syrup.”  U.  S. 

The  London  College  takes  two  ounces  and  a half  of  the  dried  peel,  a p/aipli 
perial  measure]  of  boiling  distilled  water,  three  pounds,  or  a sufficient  quantity 
refined  sugar,  and  two  fiuidou-nces  and  a half,  or  a sufficient  quantity  of  rectiii> 
spirit;  macerates  the  peel  in  the  water  for  twelve  hours,  in  a covered  vesse 
then  expresses  the  liquor,  and  boils  for  ten  minutes;  lastly,  strains,  and  coi 
pletes  the  process  as  directed  for  the  syrup  of  marshmallow.  The  Edinbun 
College  takes  the  same  materials  in  the  same  quantities,  excepting  the  spiri 
infuses  the  peel  in  the  water  for  twelve  hours  in  a covered  vessel,  pours  off  ti 
liquor,  filters  if  necessary,  adds  the  sugar,  and  dissolves  it  with  the  aid  of  be: 
The  Dublin  College  employs  two  ounces  and  a half  [avoirdupois]  of  dried  bitt 
orange  peel,  a pint  [Imp.  meas.]  of  boiliug  distilled  water,  and  a sufficiency 
powdered  refined  sugar;  infuses  the  peel  in  the  water  for  twelve  hours,  ai 
strains  without  expression;  then  adds  to  the  liquor  twice  its  weight  of  sugar,  ai 
dissolves  with  a steam  or  water  heat. 


MtT  ii.  Syrupi.  1205 

In  the  preparation  of  this  syrup,  the  solution  of  the  sugar  in  the  infusion  of 
iange  peel  should  he  effected  with  as  little  heat  as  possible,  in  consequence  of 
e volatile  nature  of  the  active  principle  of  the  peel;  and,  to  facilitate  the  solu- 
m,  the  sugar  should  be  previously  powdered. 

The  syrup  has  an  agreeable  flavour,  for  which  alone  it  is  employed.  Prepared 
cording  to  the  U.  S.  process,  it  is  apt  to  ferment  in  warm  weather.  To  obviate 
•is  result,  a syrup  may  be  made  by  adding  a fluidounce  of  the  tincture  of 
ange  peel  to  a pint  of  simple  syrup.  This  preparation  is  little  inferior  to  the 
ficinal,  though  the  presence  of  the  spirit  may  in  some  instances  be  objectionable, 
rofessor  Procter  proposes  to  prepare  the  syrup  in  the  following  manner.  Two 
tabes  of  recently  dried  sweet  orange  peel,  in  powder,  is  subjected  to  percolation 
ith  a mixture  of  two  parts  of  alcohol  and  one  of  water  until  six  fluidounces 
e obtained;  the  tincture  is  mixed  with  about  two  and  a half  pounds  of  sugar, 
coarse  powder,  which  is  then  spread  on  paper  until  the  alcohol  has  evaporated ; 
id,  finally,  the  sugar  thus  prepared  is  dissolved  in  a pint  of  water  at  a boiling 
>at.  (Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xix.  97.) 

Off.  Prep.  Confectio  Aromatica.  W. 

SYRUPUS  COCCI.  Lond.  Syrup  of  Cochineal. 

“Take  of  Cochineal,  bruised,  four  scruples;  boiling  Distilled  Water  a pint 
"mperial  measure];  Sugar  [refined]  three  pounds , or  a sufficient  quantity ; Ree- 
fied  Spirit  two  fluidounces  and  a half  or  a sufficient  quantity.  Boil  the  Cochi- 
jeal  in  the  Water  for  fifteen  minutes,  in  a covered  vessel,  occasionally  stirring, 
lien  strain  and  complete  the  preparation  as  directed  for  Syrup  of  Marshmallow.” 
ond.  (See  Syrupus  Althsese.) 

This  syrup  is  used  chiefly  for  imparting  colour  to  mixtures.  W. 

SYRUPUS  CROCI.  Lond.,  Ed,,  Dub.  Syrup  of  Saffron. 

“ Take  of  Saffron  five  drachms;  boiling  Distilled  Water  a pint  [Imperial  mea- 
ire] ; Sugar  [refined]  three  pounds,  or  a sufficient  quantity ; Rectified  Spirit 
•jo  fluidounces  and  a half,  or  a sufficient  quantity.  Macerate  the  Saffron  in  the 
faterfor  twelve  hours,  in  a covered  vessel;  then  strain  the  liquor,  and  finish  in 
le  manner  directed  for  Syrup  of  Marshmallow.”  Lond,  (See  Syrupus  Althsese.') 
The  Edinburgh  College  takes  ten  drachms  of  saffron,  an  Imperial  pint  of 
filing  water,  and  three  pounds  of  sugar,  and  proceeds  in  the  manner  directed 
ir  syrup  of  orange  peel.  The  Dublin  College  infuses  half  an  ounce  [avoirdu- 
fis]  of  saffron  for  twelve  hours  in  a pint  [Imp.  mea.s.]  of  boiling  distilled 
ater,  boils  for  five  minutes,  strains  with  expression  through  calico,  sets  aside 
i settle,  decants  the  clear  liquor,  adds  twice  its  weight  of  sugar,  and  dissolves 
| ith  a steam  or  water  heat. 

This  is  slightly  stimulant,  but  is  valued  chiefly  for  its  fine  colour. 

Off.  Prep.  Confectio  Sulphuris.  W. 

SYRUPUS  HEMIDESMI.  Dub.  Syrup  of  Indian  Sarsaparilla. 
“Take  of  Indian  Sarsaparilla,  bruised,  four  ounces  [avoirdupois];  Boiling 
'istilled  Water  one  pint  [Imperial  measure];  Refined  Sugar,  in  powder,  as 
•inch  as  is  sufficient.  Infuse  the  Sarsaparilla  in  the  Water  for  four  hours,  in  a 
overed  vessel,  and  strain ; set  it  by  until  the  sediment  subsides,  then  decant 
he  clear  liquor,  and,  having  added  to  it  twice  its  weight  of  sugar,  dissolve  with 
le  aid  of  a steam  or  water  heat.”  Dub. 

This  is  a very  weak  preparation,  and  may  be  taken  almost  ad  libitum.  (See 
lemidesmus.)  W. 

SYRUPUS  IPECACUANHAS.  U.S.,Ed.  Syrup  of  Ipecacuanha. 
“Take  of  Ipecacuanha,  in  coarse  powder,  an  ounce;  Diluted  Alcohol  a pint; 
ugar  two  pounds  and  a half;  Water  a sufficient  quantity.  Macerate  the 
pecacuanha  in  the  Alcohol  for  fourteen  days,  and  filter.  Evaporate  the  filtered 


1206 


Syrup  i. 


PART  I 


liquor  to  six  fluidounces,  again  filter,  and  add  sufficient  Water  to  make  the  liqu 
measure  a pint.  Lastly,  add  the  Sugar,  and  proceed  in  the  manner  directed  fi 
Syrup. 

“Syrup  of  Ipecacuanha  may  also  be  prepared  by  putting  the  Ipecacuanha,  pr 
viously  moistened  with  Diluted  Alcohol,  into  a percolator;  pouring  upon  it  gr 
dually  Diluted  Alcohol  until  a pint  of  filtered  liquor  is  obtained;  then  evapo 
ating  to  six  fluidounces,  and  completing  the  process  as  above  directed.”  U S. 

“Take  of  Ipecacuanha,  in  coarse  powder,  four  ounces ; Rectified  Spirit  01 
pint  [Imperial  measure]  ; Proof  Spirit  and  Water,  of  each,  fourteen  fluidounce: 
Syrup  seven  pints.  Digest  the  Ipecacuanha  in  fifteen  fluidounces  of  the  Rect 
tied  Spirit  at  a gentle  heat  for  twenty-four  hours;  strain,  squeeze  the  residuun 
and  filter.  Repeat  this  process  with  the  residuum  and  Proof  Spirit,  and  agai 
with  the  Water.  Unite  the  fluids,  and  distil  off  the  Spirit,  till  the  residuu: 
amount  to  twelve  ounces ; add  to  the  residuum  five  fluidounces  of  the  Rectifie 
Spirit,  and  then  the  Syrup.”  Ed. 

By  the  U.  S.  process,  a tincture  of  ipecacuanha  is  first  formed  with  dilute 
alcohol,  then  reduced  by  evaporation  so  as  to  drive  off  the  alcohol,  and  afte 
wards  diluted  tvith  water  and  made  into  a syrup  with  sugar.  The  alternate 
of  preparing  the  tincture  by  maceration  or  percolation  is  allowed;  but  the  latte 
mode  should  be  resorted  to  only  by  those  experienced  in  the  process.  Th 
French  Codex  dissolves  the  alcoholic  extract  of  ipecacuanha  in  water,  and  the 
mixes  it  with  syrup;  but  it  is  obvious  that  the  U.  S.  process  is  preferable,  as 
spares  the  continued  heat  requisite  to  reduce  the  tincture  to  dryness.  The  Edit 
burgh  process  is  unnecessarily  complex;  and  the  addition  of  the  rectified  spir: 
to  the  syrup,  if  thought  necessary  for  its  preservation,  might  have  been  dispense 
with,  had  the  direction  been  given  to  concentrate  the  syrup. 

Mr.  Laidley,  of  Richmond,  Ya.,  having  found  this  syrup  as  ordinarily  mad 
to  spoil  by  keeping,  recommends  the  preparation  of  a fluid  extract  from  th 
root  by  means  of  alcohol,  and  the  addition  of  this  to  simple  syrup  in  sue 
proportion  as  to  have  the  due  officinal  strength.  It  is  probably  owing  to  th 
substances  extracted  by  the  water  of  the  diluted  alcohol  employed  in  theofficin; 
process,  that  the  syrup  is  liable  to  change.  (Am.  Joum.  of  P harm.,  xxvi.  103. 

This  syrup  is  chiefly  applicable  to  the  cases  of  children.  One  fluidounce  c 
it,  prepared  according  to  the  U.  S.  formula,  should  contain  the  virtues  of  fiftee 
grains  of  ipecacuanha.  The  dose  of  it,  as  an  emetic,  is  for  an  adult  from  one  t 
two  fluidounces,  for  a child  a year  or  two  old,  from  one  to  two  fluidraehms,  n 
peated  every  fifteen  or  twenty  minutes  till  it  acts.  As  an  expec-toraut,  the  dos 
for  an  adult  is  one  or  two  fluidraehms,  for  a child  from  five  to  twenty  minim: 
The  Edinburgh  syrup  is  somewhat,  but  not  materially  weaker.  W. 

SYRUPUS  KRAMERIiE.  U.  S.  Syrup  of  Rhatany. 

“Take  of  Rhatany,  in  coarse  powder,  a pound ; Sugar  [refined]  two  pound 
and  a,  half;  Water  a sufficient  quantity.  Mix  the  Rhatany  with  a pint  of  W atei 
and,  having  allowed  the  mixture  to  stand  for  twenty-four  hours,  introduce  it.  int 
a percolator,  and  gradually  pour  Water  upon  it,  until  four  pints  of  filtered  lique 
are  obtaiued.  Evaporate  this,  b)T  means  of  a water-bath,  to  seventeen  fluic 
ounces;  then  add  the  Sugar,  and  proceed  in  the  mauner  directed  for  Syruj 
This  Syrup  may  also  be  prepared  iu  the  following  manner. 

“Take  of  Extract  of  Rhatany  two  ounces;  Water  a pint;  Sugar  two  pounn 
and  a half.  Dissolve  the  extract  in  the  Water  and  filter;  then  add  the  Sugai 
and  proceed  in  the  manner  directed  for  Syrup.”  U.  S. 

As  rhatany  yields  a variable  proportion  of  extract,  it  follows  that  the  syru 
resulting  from  these  two  modes  of  preparation  must  differ.  To  obviate  thisev 
as  far  as  possible,  care  should  be  taken,  in  following  the  first  process,  to  selec 


irt  II.  Syrupi.  1207 

e best  rbatany,  and  preferably  the  small  roots,  as  it  is  these  only  -which  will 
eld  two  ounces  of  good  extract  to  the  pound. 

In  the  second  process  extract  of  rhatany  as  free  as  possible  from  insoluble 
after  should  be  chosen';  and  that  prepared  according  to  the  U.  S.  directions 
ill  be  found  the  best.  (See  Extraction  Kramerised)  This  preparation  affords 
convenient  mode  of  exhibiting  rhatany  to  infants.  The  dose  for  an  adult  is 
df  a fluidounce,  for  a child  a year  or  two  old,  twenty  or  thirty  minims.  W. 

SYRUPUS  LIMONIS.  U.  S.  Syrupus  Limonum.  Lond.,  Ed. 
emon  Syrup. 

“Take  of  Lemon-juice,  strained,  a pint;  Sugar  [refined]  tiro  pounds.  Add 
e Sugar  to  the  Juice,  and  proceed  in  the  manner  directed  for  Syrup.”  U.  S. 
“Take  of  Juice  of  Lemons,  strained,  a pint  [Imp.  meas.];  Sugar  [refined] 
'jo  pounds  and  a half;  Rectified  Spirit  two  fuidounces  and  a half.  Boil  the 
lice  for  ten  minutes,  and  strain.  Add  the  Sugar,  and  dissolve.  Lastly,  when 
ie  Syrup  has  cooled,  mix  the  Spirit  with  it.”  Lond. 

“Take  of  Lemon-juice,  freed  from  impurities  by  subsidence  and  filtration,  a 
nt  [Imp.  meas.];  Sugar  [refined]  two  pounds  and  a half.  Dissolve  the  Sugar 
the  Lemon-juice  with  the  aid  of  a gentle  heat,  and  after  twenty-four  hours’ 
i)st  remove  the  scum,  and  pour  the  clear  liquor  from  the  dregs.”  Ed. 

This  syrup  forms  a cooling  and  grateful  addition  to  beverages  in  febrile  com- 
jaints,  and  serves  to  conceal  the  taste  of  saline  purgatives  in  solution.  W. 
SYRUPUS  MORI.  Lond.  Syrup  of  Mulberries. 

“Take  of  Mulberry  Juice,  strained,  a pint  [Imperial  measure];  Sugar  [refined] 
■jo  pounds  and  a half;  Rectified  Spirit  two  f uidounces  and  a half.  Dissolve 
:e  Sugar  in  the  Mulberry  Juice,  with  a gentle  heat,  and  set  aside  for  twenty- 
ur  hours;  then  remove  the  scym,  and  pour  off  the  clear  liquor  from  the  dregs, 
there  be  any.  Lastly,  mix  the  Spirit  with  it.”  Lond. 

This  may  be  used  for  the  same  purposes  with  lemon  syrup.  In  like  manner 
Tups  may  be  prepared  from  various  succulent  fruits,  such  as  strawberries , 
ispberrics,  blackberries , currants,  pineapples,  Jr.  When  the  juice  is  thick,  it 
ay  be  diluted  with  from  one-third  of  its  bulk  to  an  equal  bulk  of  water,  previ- 
isly  to  the  addition  of  the  sugar.  In  the  preparation  of  raspberry  syrup,  wrhich, 
i ordinarily  made,  is  apt  to  gelatinize,  M.  Blondeau  recommends  that  the  strained 
:ice  be  allowed  to  stand  from  eight  to  fifteen  hours,  according  to  the  tempera- 
ire,  in  order  to  ferment.  The  juice  separates  into  two  portions,  the  upper  thick, 
ite  lower  clear.  The  latter  is  to  be  separated  by  straining,  and  made  into  a 
'rup  with  the  usual  proportion  of  sugar.  The  new  process  of  the  Loudon  Col- 
ge  for  Syrupus  Mori  is  in  accordance  with  this  recommendation.  These  syrups 
■e  employed  to  flavour  drinks,  and  are  much  used  as  grateful  additions  to  car- 
mic  acid  water.*  W. 

* Some  practical  remarks  in  relation  to  these  syrups,  so  much  used  with  artificial 
ineral  water,  may  prove  useful  to  the  inexperienced  pharmaceutist.  Care  should  be 
ken  that  the  fruit  employed  should  be  fully  ripe,  and  freed  from  all  its  natural  attach- 
ents,  as  calyx,  stem,  &c.,  and  from  all  other  impurities.  Without  being  previously 
ushed,  it  should  be  put  into  canvass  or  woollen  bags,  which  should  be  about  two-thirds 
11  when  placed  under  the  press.  The  expressing  force  should  be  gradually  increased,  so 
effectually  to  remove  the  juice  with  as  little  of  the  tissue  of  the  fruit  as  possible.  It  is 
jistomary  to  make  a pint  of  syrup  from  a pint  measure  of  fruit,  and,  if  the  expressed  juice 
insufficient  for  the  purpose,  to  dilute  it  with  water ; but  this  is  obviously  an  arbitrary  rule 
tiich  cannot  be  universally  applied  without  injuriously  affecting  the  character  of  the  pro- 
ict.  The  rule  in  the  text  is  better;  viz.,  to  dilute  the  juice  when  too  thick.  In  dissolv- 
g the  sugar,  as  short  an  exposure  to  heat  as  possible  is  desirable.  Some  dissolve  the 
■ gar  in  a portion  of  the  juice  with  heat,  and  add  the  remainder  a few  minutes  before  re- 
oval  from  the  fire.  Some  fruits  contain  so  much  pectin  that  their  syrups  are  apt  to 
'latinize.  This  is  particularly  the  case  with  currants  and  raspberries.  A mode  of  pre- 
nting  this  result  has  been  mentioned  in  the  text.  Another  method  is  to  add  to  the  juice 


1208  Syrupi.  part  i 

SYRUPUS  MORPHI2E  ACETATIS.  Dub.  Syrup  of  Acetate  , 
Morphia. 

“Take  of  Solution  of  Acetate  of  Morphia  one  fluidounce ; Simple  Syri 
fifteen  fluidounces.  Mix  with  agitation.”  Dub. 

SYRUPUS  MORPHLE  MURIATIS.  Dub.  Syrup  of  Muriate  c 
Morphia. 

“Take  of  Solution  of  Muriate  of  Morphia  one  fluidounce ; Simple  Sjrr 
seventeen  fluidounces.  Mix  with  agitation.”  Dub. 

These  are  mere  sweetened  solutions  of  the  respective  salts  of  morphia,  an 
were  probably  intended  to  take  the  place  of  the  syrup  of  poppies,  omitted  b 
the  Dublin  College  in  its  Pharmacopoeia  of  1850.  About  four  fluidounces  i 
the  syrups  contain  a grain  of  the  respective  salts.  The  full  dose,  tberefori 
for  an  adult  would  be  from  half  a fluidounce  to  a fluidounce;  for  a child  tw 
years  old,  half  a fluidrachm  to  a fluidrachm.  Mb 

SYRUPUS  PAPAYERIS.  Load.,  Ed.  Syrup  of  Poppies. 

“Take  of  Poppy  [capsules],  bruised  and  without  seeds,  three  pounds ; Suga 
[refined]  five  pounds;  boiling  Distilled  Water  five  gallons  [Imperial  measure] 
Rectified  Spirit  five  fluidounces.  Boil  down  the  Capsules  iu  the  Water  to  tw 
gallons,  and  press  strongly.  Boil  down  the  strained  liquor  again  to  four  pint; 
and  strain  it  while  hot.  Set  it  by  for  twelve  hours,  that  the  dregs  may  subside 
then  boil  down  the  clear  liquor  to  two  pints;  in  this  dissolve  the  sugar;  last!} 
mix  in  the  spirit.”  Lond. 

“Take  of  Poppydieads,  without  the  seeds,  one  pound  and  a half;  boilin 
Water  fifteen  pints  [Imperial  measure];  Pure  Sugar  three  pounds.  Slice  th 
Poppy-heads,  infuse  them  iu  the  water  for  twelve  hours,  boil  down  to  five  pints 
strain,  and  express  strongly  through  calico,  boil  again  down  to  two  pints  and 
half;  then  add  the  Sugar,  and  dissolve  it  with  the  aid  of  heat.”  Ed. 

As  the  capsules  contain  variable  proportions  of  the  narcotic  principle,  th 
syrup  prepared  from  them  is  necessarily  of  variable  strength.  It  is,  moreover 
very  apt  to  spoil.  Its  place  might,  with  great  propriety,  be  supplied  by  a syru 
prepared  from  one  of  the  salts  of  morphia,  which  would  keepwell,  and  have  th 
advantage  of  uniform  strength.  Four  grains  of  the  sulphate  of  morphia  dis 
solved  in  a pint  of  syrup,  would  afford  a preparation  at  least  equal  to  th 
average  strength  of  the  syrup  of  poppies,  and  much  more  certain  in  its  opera 
tion.  Mr.  Southall  recommends  that  the  syrup  of  poppies  should  be  preparei 
with  a cold  infusion  made  by  percolation;  the  same  proportions  being  employee 
as  directed  by  the  London  Pharmacopoeia.  The  virtues  of  the  capsules  are  thu 
extracted  without  those  principles  which  cause  the  syrup  to  ferment  speedily 
(See  Am.  Journ.  of  Phann.,xv.  140.)  Mr.  Southall  after  preparing  the  infu 
sion  evaporates  it  to  the  proper  measure  before  adding  the  sugar.  Mr.  Stockei 
prefers  adding  the  sugar  before  the  concentration  is  completed,  and  afterward 
evaporating  to  32°  of  the  saceharometer.  ( Pharm . Journ.  and  Trans.,  xi.  299. 
It  is  probable  that  a syrup  prepared  with  diluted  alcohol  as  the  menstruun 
would  keep  better  than  that  made  on  either  of  the  above  plans. 

The  syrup  of  poppies  is  employed,  chiefly  in  infantile  cases,  to  allay  cough 

after  expression  one-tenth  of  its  bulk  of  the  juice  of  sour  cherries,  allow  the  mixture  t 
stand  for  fifteen  hours,  and  then  separate  the  coagulated  pectin  by  very  gentle  pressur 
in  a cloth.  Pineapple  syrup  may  be  made  either  in  the  ordinary  mode,  or  by  slicing  tb 
fruit,  alternating  the  slices  with  layers  of  powdered  sugar,  permitting  them  to  stsn 
twenty-four  hours,  and  then  expressing  the  syrup  formed.  Each  pound  of  the  pared  fruit 
with  thirty  ounces  of  sugar,  should  yield  with  the  requisite  quantity  of  water  two  pints  c 
syrup.  For  some  further  practical  remarks  on  the  preparation  of  particular  syrups,  th 
r uler  is  referred  to  a paper  by  Mr.  Ambrose  Smith  in  the  American  Journal  of  Pharmae 
(xxii.  212). — Note  to  the  ninth  edition. 


ART  II. 


1209 


Syrwpi. 

iiet  restlessness,  relieve  pain,  and  promote  sleep.  The  dose  is  from  half  a 
iidrachm  to  a fluidrachm  for  an  infant,  from  half  a fluidounce  to  a fluidounce 
r an  adult.  W. 

SYRUPUS  PRUNI  VIRGIHIANiE.  U.S.  Syrup  of  Wild-cherry 
ark. 

“ Take  of  Wild-cherry  Bark,  in  coarse  powder,  five  ounces;  Sugar  [refined] 
:o  pounds;  Water  a sufficient  quantity.  Moisten  the  Bark  thoroughly  with 
ater,  let  it  stand  for  twenty-four  hours  in  a close  vessel,  then  transfer  it  to  a 
rcolator,  and  pour  Water  upon  it  gradually  until  a pint  of  filtered  liquor  is 
tained.  To  this  add  the  Sugar,  in  a bottle,  and  agitate  occasionally  until  it 
: dissolved.”  V.  S. 

This  process  affords  a handsome  syrup  with  the  virtues  of  the  bark  unim- 
ired  by  the  injurious  effects  of  heat.  It  is  based  upon  a formula  proposed  by 
essrs.  Procter  and  Turnpenny  in  the  American  Journal  of  Pharmacy  (xiv.  27). 
he  dose  is  half  a fluidounce.  W. 

SYRUPUS  RHAMNI.  Bond.,  Ed.  Syrup  of  Buckthorn. 

“Take  of  Juice  of  Buckthorn  [berries]  four  pints  [Imperial  measure]  ; Gin- 
;r,  sliced,  Pimento,  in  powder,  each,  six  drachms;  Sugar  [refined]  four  pounds; 
.ictified  Spirit  six  fluidounces.  Set  by  the  Juice  for  three  days  that  the  dregs 
:iy  subside,  and  then  strain  it.  To  a pint  of  the  clear  Juice  add  the  Ginger 
;d  Pimento;  then  macerate  for  four  hours  with  a gentle  heat,  and  strain.  Boil 
iwn  the  remainder  of  the  Juice  to  a pint  and  a half.  Mix  the  liquors,  and 
osolve  the  Sugar  in  them.  Finally,  mix  in  the  Spirit.”  Lond. 

The  Edinburgh  process  is  the  same  as  the  above,  omitting  the  spirit. 

The  syrup  of  buckthorn  is  a brisk  cathartic,  but,  having  an  unpleasant  taste, 
;d  being  apt  to  gripe  violently,  is  seldom  employed.  In  Europe  it  is  used 
nasionally  with  other  medicines  in  cathartic  and  diuretic  mixtures.  The  dose 
From  half  a fluidounce  to  a fluidounce.  The  patient  should  drink  freely  of  thin 
pel,  or  other  demulcent  beverage,  during  its  operation.  W. 

SYRUPUS  RHEI.  U.S.  Syrup  of  Rhubarb. 

“Take  of  Rhubarb,  in  coarse  powder,  two  ounces;  Alcohol  half  a pint; 
’iter  a pint  and  a half;  Sugar  [refined]  two  pounds.  Mix  the  Alcohol  and 
’iter,  pour  four  fluidounces  of  the  liquid  on  the  Rhubarb  previously  mixed 
i h an  equal  bulk  of  sand,  and  allow  the  whole  to  stand  four  hours  ; then  trans- 
i the  mass  to  a percolator,  and  gradually  pour  upon  it  the  remainder  of  the 
ixed  Alcohol  and  Water.  When  the  liquor  has  ceased  to  pass,  evaporate  it 
l means  of  a water-bath  to  thirteen  fluidounces,  and,  having  added  the  Sugar, 
jiceed  in  the  manner  directed  for  Syrup.”  U.  S. 

This  is  a mild  cathartic,  adapted  to  the  cases  of  infants,  to  whom  it  may  be 
£ en  in  the  dose  of  one  or  two  fluidrachms.  W. 

SYRUPUS  RHEI  AROMATICUS.  U.S.  Aromatic  Syrup  of 
liubarh. 

‘Take  of  Rhubarb,  bruised,  two  ounces  and  a half;  Cloves,  bruised,  Cinna- 
in,  bruised,  each,  half  an  ounce;  Nutmeg,  bruised,  two  drachms;  Diluted 
Aohol  two  pints;  Syrup  six  pints.  Macerate  the  Rhubarb  and  Aromatics  in 
t Diluted  Alcohol  for  fourteen  days,  and  strain;  then,  by  means  of  a water- 
1 k,  evaporate  the  liquor  to  a pint,  and,  while  it  is  still  hot,  mix  it  with  the 
I 'up  previously  heated. 

‘Aromatic  Syrup  of  Rhubarb  may  also  be  prepared  by  putting  the  Rhubarb 
a l Aromatics,  previously  reduced  to  coarse  powder  and  moistened  with  Diluted 
ijiohol,  into  an  apparatus  for  displacement;  pouring  upon  them  gradually  Di- 

I td  Alcohol  until  two  pints  of  filtered  liquor  are  obtained;  then  evaporating 

I I pint,  and  completing  the  process  as  above  directed.”  U.  S. 


1210 


Syrupi. 


part  i: 


Of  these  two  modes  of  proceeding,  the  first  should  always  be  preferred  b 
those  not  experienced  in  conducting  the  process  of  filtration  by  displacemen 
In  preparing  the  syrup,  the  apothecary  should  be  careful  to  employ  aromatic 
of  the  best  quality,  and  to  effect  the  evaporation  of  the  tincture,  according  t 
the  officinal  direction,  by  means  of  a water-bath. 

The  aromatic  syrup  of  rhubarb  is  a warm  stomachic  laxative,  too  feeble  fc 
adult  cases,  but  well  calculated  for  the  bowel-complaints  of  infants,  which  ai 
so  frequent  in  our  cities  during  the  summer  season,  and  as  a remedy  for  whic 
this  preparation,  or  one  analogous  to  it,  has  been  long  in  use  under  the  name  < 
spiced  syrup  of  rhubarb.  The  dose  for  an  infant  with  diarrhoea  is  a fluidracbr 
repeated  every  two  hours  till  the  passages  indicate  by  their  colour  that  the  med 
cine  has  operated.  IV. 

SYRUPUS  RHCEADOS.  Lond.,  Ed.  Syrup  of  Tied  Poppy. 

“Take  of  Red  Poppy  [petals]  a pound ; boiling  Water  a pint  [Imperial  me 
sure];  Sugar  [refined]  three  pounds,  or  a sufficient  quantity;  Rectified  Spirit  ti 
Jiuidounces  and  a half,  or  a sufficient  quantity.  To  the  Water  heated  by  a wate 
bath,  gradually  add  the  Petals,  occasionally  stirring;  then,  having  removed  tl 
vessel,  macerate  for  twelve  hours;  express  the  liquor  with  the  hand,  and  strai 
and  complete  the.  process  as  directed  for  Syrup  of  Marshmallow.”  Land.  (S' 
Syrupus  Althseae  ) 

The  Edinburgh  process  differs  from  the  London  only  in  using  two  poum 
and  a half  of  sugar,  and  not  using  rectified  spirit. 

The  object  of  introducing  the  petals  into  water  heated  by  a water-bath  is  tb 
they  may  shrink  by  being  scalded,  as  otherwise  they  could  not  be  complete 
immersed  in  the  quantity  of  water  directed.  After  this  has  been  accomplishe 
they  should  be  immediately  removed  from  the  fire,  lest  the  liquor  should  becoD 
too  thick  and  ropy.  The  fine  red  colour  of  this  syrup  is  its  only  recommend 
tion.  It  has  no  medical  virtues,  and  is  very  liable  to  ferment.  W. 

SYRUPUS  ROS2E.  Loud.  Syrupus  RosiE  Centifoll®.  T 
Syrup  of  Roses. 

“Take  of  Hundred-leaved  Roses  seven  ounces;  Sugar  [refined]  six  pound 
boiling  Distilled  Water  three  pints  [Imperial  measure] ; Rectified  Spirit  fveffui 
ounces  and  a half.  Macerate  the  Roses  in  the  Water  for  twelve  hours,  ai 
strain.  Evaporate  the  strained  liquor,  by  means  of  a water-bath,  to  two  pint 
in  this  dissolve  the  Sugar.  Lastly,  mix  in  the  Spirit.”  Lond. 

“ Take  of  fresh  Damask-rose  Petals  one  pound;  boiling  Water  three  pit 
[Imp.  meas.];  Pure  Sugar  three  pounds.  Infuse  the  Petals  in  the  Water  f 
twelve  hours,  strain  the  liquor,  and  dissolve  the  Sugar  in  it  with  the  aid  of  heat 
Ed. 

This  syrup  is  gently  laxative,  and,  on  account  of  its  mildness,  may  be  giv 
with  advantage  to  infants  and  persons  of  delicate  habit.  It  is  without  the  fi- 
grance  of  the  rose ; but  has  a reddish  colour  which  is  rendered  bright  red 
acids,  and  green  or  yellow  by  alkalies.  The  dose  is  from  two  fluidrachms » 
one  or  two  fluidounces. 

Off.  Prep.  Confectio  Cassiae ; Confectio  Scammonii.  WJ 

SYRUPUS  ROS2E  GALLIC2E.  Ed.,  Dub.  Syrup  of  Red  Eos.. 

“Take  of  dried  Red-rose  Petals  tiro  ounces;  boiling  Water  one  pint;  Pit 
Sugar  twenty  ounces.  Proceed  as  for  the  Syrup  of  Damask-rose.”  Ed. 

The  Dublin  College  boils  two  ounces  [avoirdupois]  of  the  dried  petals  in  a pt 
[Imperial  measure]  of  boiling  distilled  water,  in  a glass  or  porcelain  vessel,  uul 
their  colour  is  completely  extracted;  strains  with  expression,  and  allows  the  <- 
coction  to  settle;  then,  having  decauted  the  supernataut  liquor,  adds  to  it  tw? 
its  weight  of  sugar,  and  dissolves  with  a steam  or  water  heat. 


ART  II. 


Syrupi. 


1211 


The  syrup  of  red  roses  is  mildly  astringent;  but  is  valued  more  for  its  fine  red 
ilour,  on  account  of  which  it  is  occasionally  added  to  mixtures. 

Off.  Prep.  Electuarium  Catechu.  W. 

SYRUPUS  SARSiE.  Lond.  Syrupus  Sarzze.  Ed.  Syrup  of 

arsaparilla. 

“Take  of  Sarsaparilla  three  pounds  and  a half ; Distilled  Water  three  gallons 
mperial  measure];  Sugar  [refined]  eighteen  ounces;  Rectified  Spirit  two fluid- 
\nces.  Boil  the  Sarsaparilla  with  two  gallons  of  the  Water  to  a gallon;  pour 
f the  liquor,  and  strain  it  while  hot.  Again  boil  the  Sarsaparilla  with  the  rest 
the  Water  to  one-half,  and  strain.  Mix  the  liquors,  evaporate  to  two  pints, 
d in  these  dissolve  the  Sugar.  Lastly,  when  they  have  cooled,  mix  in  the 
tirit.”  Lond. 

The  Edinburgh  College  infuses  fifteen  ounces  of  the  sarsaparilla  in  a gallon 
nip.  meas.]  of  boiling  water  for  twenty-four  hours;  boils  down  to  four  pints, 
d strains  the  liquor  while  hot;  and,  lastly,  adds  fifteen  ounces  of  pure  sugar, 
d evaporates  to  the  consistence  of  syrup. 

This  syrup  is  necessarily  a weak  if  not  inert  preparation ; the  virtues  of  sar- 
parilla  being  only  partially  extracted  by  water,  at  least  by  the  quantity  ordina- 
y employed,  and  being  injured  or  destroyed  by  long  boiling.  It  is  scarcely 
ed  in  this  country,  our  own  compound  syrup  being  preferred.  W. 

SYRUPUS  SARSAPARILL2E  COMPOSITUS.  U.S.  Compound 
/rup  of  Sarsaparilla. 

“Take  of  Sarsaparilla,  bruised,  two  pounds ; Guaiacum  Wood,  rasped,  three 
fees;  Hundred-leaved  Roses,  Senna,  Liquorice  Root,  bruised,  each,  two  ounces; 
d of  Sassafras,  Oil  of  Anise,  each,  five  minims;  Oil  of  Partridgeberry  three 
'minis ; Diluted  Alcohol  ten  pints;  Sugar  [refined]  eight  pounds.  Macerate  the 
1'rsaparilla,  Guaiacum  Wood,  Roses,  Senna,  and  Liquorice  Root  in  the  Diluted 
.cohol  for  fourteen  days;  then  express  and  filter.  Evaporate  the  tincture  by 
leans  of  a water-bath  to  four  pints,  filter,  add  the  Sugar,  and  proceed  in  the 
inner  directed  for  Syrup.  Lastly,  having  rubbed  the  Oils  with  a small  quan- 
1y  of  the  Syrup,  mix  them  thoroughly  with  the  remainder. 

“ Compound  Syrup  of  Sarsaparilla  may  also  be  prepared  by  mixing  the  solid 
i terials,  excepting  the  Sugar,  in  coarse  powder,  with  three  pints  of  Diluted 
.cohol,  allowing  the  mixture  to  stand  for  twenty-four  hours,  then  transferring 
ito  a percolator,  gradually  pouring  upon  it  Diluted  Alcohol  until  ten  pints 
lye  passed,  and  proceeding  with  the  tincture  as  in  the  above  process.”  U.  S. 

In  the  original  edition  of  the  U.S.  Pharmacopoeia  published  in  1820,  a pro- 
cs  for  a syrup  of  sarsaparilla  was  adopted,  intended  to  represent  the  famous 
kncli  strop  de  Cuisinier.  This  was  very  much  improved  in  the  revised  edition 
1 ilished  in  1830;  and  the  amended  process  has  been  retained  with  little  altera- 
tu  in  the  subsequent  editions,  being  the  first  of  the  two  quoted  above.  In  the 
cginal  process,  the  sarsaparilla  was  subjected  to  long  decoction  with  water. 

I w it  has  been  proved  that  diluted  alcohol  more  thoroughly  extracts  the  acrid 
p aciple  of  the  root,  upon  which  its  activity  probably  depends,  than  water,  and 

I I this  principle  is  either  dissipated  or  destroyed  by  the  long-continued  appli- 
con  of  a boiling  heat.*  In  the  present  formula,  therefore,  which  employs 
Dated  alcohol  as  the  menstruum,  the  root  is  more  completely  exhausted  of  its 
a ve  matter;  while  the  heat  applied  to  the  concentration,  being  no  higher  than 
Requisite  for  the  evaporation  of  the  alcohol,  is  insufficient  to  injure  the  pre- 

See  a paper  by  J.  Hancock,  M.  D , republished  in  the  Journ.  of  the  Phil.  Col.  of  Pharm. 
( ; 95; ; a communication  by  M.  Herat  to  the  Journal  de  Pharmacie  (xv.  657 ) ; another  by 
it  Soubeiran  in  the  same  Journal  (xvi.  38) ; and  a paper  by  T.  J.  Husband  in  the  American 
J rn.  of  Pharm.  (xv.  6). 


1212 


Syrupi. 


part  ] 


paration.  The  spirituous  menstruum  has,  moreover,  the  advantage  of  not  d: 
solving  the  inert  fecula,  which  encumbers  the  syrup  prepared  by  decoction,  ai 
renders  it  liable  to  spoil.  In  the  Pharmacopoeia  of  1840,  the  pale  or  hundre 
leaved  roses  were  very  properly  substituted  for  the  red;  as  their  slightly  lax 
live  property  accords  better  with  the  character  of  the  preparation.  The  operat 
should  be  careful  to  comply  exactly  with  the  directions  of  the  Pharmacopoeia 
relation  to  the  period  of  maceration,  and  the  use  of  the  water-bath.  The  essenti 
oils,  being  intended  solely  to  communicate  an  agreeable  flavour,  are  used  in  ve 
small  proportion.  The  only  objection  to  this  process  is  that  a portion  of  t 
resin,  extracted  by  the  alcohol  from  the  guaiacum  wood,  is  deposited  during  t 
evaporation  of  the  tincture;  but  this  is  separated  by  the  filtration  directed,  a: 
is  therefore  of  no  disadvantage  to  the  preparation. 

The  second  process  above  quoted  differs  from  the  first  only  in  preparing  t 
tincture  for  evaporation  by  percolation  instead  of  maceration,  having  been  ve 
properly  substituted,  at  the  last  revision  of  the  Pharmacopoeia,  for  the  proee 
by  percolation  in  the  edition  of  1840,  in  which  water  was  employed  as  the  me 
struum,  and  which  was  found  to  yield  a syrup  having  less  of  the  sensible  pi 
perties  of  the  root  than  that  made  with  diluted  alcohol.*  But  the  prac-tition 
should  be  aware  that  much  of  the  sarsaparilla  as  it  exists  in  the  market  is  neai 
or  quite  inert,  and  should  be  prepared  to  meet  with  disappointment  in  the  use ' 
this  or  any  other  preparation,  unless  satisfied  of  the  good  quality  of  the  dr 
from  which  it  is  made. 

Corrosive  sublimate,  which  is  often  given  in  connexion  with  this  syrup,  is  si 
to  be  completely  decomposed  by  it,  being  converted  into  calomel.  M.  Lepas 
of  Glisors,  proposes  as  a substitute  the  iodohydrargyrate  of  potassium  (see  A- 
pendix),  which  he  has  found  not  to  undergo  decomposition.  {Journ.de  Pharr, 
'6e  s£r.,  viii.  63.) 

The  dose  of  the  syrup  is  half  a fluidounce,  equivalent  to  somewhat  less  th 
a drachm  of  the  root,  to  be  taken  three  or  four  times  a day.  W. 

SYRUPUS  SCILLiE.  U.S.,  JEd.,  Dub.  Syrup  of  Squill 

“Take  of  Vinegar  of  Squill  a pint;  Sugar  [refined]  tico  pounds.  Add  t 
Sugar  to  the  Vinegar  of  Squill,  and  proceed  in  the  manner  directed  for  Svrup 
lT.  S. 

“ Take  of  Vinegar  of  Squill  three  pints;  Pure  Sugar,  in  powder,  seven  poum. 
Dissolve  the  Sugar  in  the  Vinegar  of  Squill,  with  the  aid  of  a gentle  heat  at 
agitation.”  Pd. 

“Take  of  Vinegar  of  Squill  eight fluidounees;  Refined  Sugar,  in  powder, c 
pound  [avoirdupois].  Dissolve  the  Sugar  in  the  Vinegar  of  Squill  with  the 
of  a steam  or  water  heat.”  Dub. 

This  syrup  is  much  employed  as  an  expectorant,  especially  in  combination  w i 
a solution  of  tartarized  antimony.  The  dose  is  about  a fluidraehm.  In  infant; 
cases  of  catarrh  and  other  pectoral  complaints,  it  is  sometimes  given  in  the  sa:; 
dose  as  an  emetic.  W.: 

SYRUPUS  SCILLiE  COMPOSITES.  U.S.  Compound  Syrup  f 
Squill  Hive-syrup. 

“ Take  of  Squill,  bruised,  Seneka,  bruised,  each,yb?/r  ounces ; Tartrate  of  2 - 
timony  and  Potassa  forty-eight  grains;  Water  four  pints;  Sugar  [refined]  thi 
2oounds  and  a half.  Pour  the  Water  upon  the  Squill  and  Seneka,  and,  havi; 

* By  an  unfortunate  error  of  the  press  in  the  edition  of  the  Pharmacopoeia  for  1S50.  is 
few  of  the  earlier  sold  volumes,  the  word  two  was  substituted  for  ten  in  the  seventh  limt 
the  second  process.  This  was  corrected  as  soon  as  discovered,  and  in  by  far  the  grenr 
number  of  copies  the  sentence  is  properly  printed.  The  mistake  is  here  referred  to  > 
order  to  guard  as  far  as  possible  against  any  embarrassment,  in  the  execution  of  « 
process,  by  those  who  may  have  the  uncorrected  volume. 


ART  II. 


Syrupi. 


1213 


oiled  to  one-half,  strain,  and  add  the  Sugar;  then  evaporate  to  three  pints,  and, 
hile  the  Syrup  is  still  hot,  dissolve  in  it  the  Tartrate  of  Antimony  and  Potassa. 
“ Compound  Syrup  of  Squill  may  be  advantageously  prepared  in  the  following 
amier  by  those  familiar  with  the  process  of  displacement. 

“Take  of  Squill,  in  coarse  powder,  Seneka,  in  coarse  powder,  each,/o?<r  ounces; 
artrate  of  Antimony  and  Potassa  forty-eight  grains  ; Alcohol  half  a pint;  Water 
sufficient  quantity ; Sugar  three  pounds  and  a half.  Mix  the  Alcohol  with  two 
nts  and  a half  of  Water,  and  macerate  the  Squill  and  Seneka  in  the  mixture 
r twenty-four  hours.  Put  the  whole  into  a percolator,  and  add  as  much  AVater 
; may  be  necessary  to  make  the  filtered  liquor  amount  to  three  pints.  Boil  the 
}uor  for  a few  minutes,  evaporate  to  one-half,  and  strain;  then  add  the  Sugar, 
id  evaporate  until  the  resulting  Syrup  measures  three  pints.  Lastly,  dissolve 
,e  Tartrate  of  Antimony  and  Potassa  in  the  Syrup,  while  it  is  still  hot.”  U.  S. 
This  is  intended  as  a substitute  for  that  very  popular  preparation  called  Coxe’s 
've-syrup,  from  which  it  differs  chiefly  in  containing  sugar  instead  of  honey, 
repared  as  originally  directed  in  the  Pharmacopoeia,  it  invariably  fermented 
om  the  want  of  sufficient  concentration.  This  defect  was  corrected  at  the  re- 
sion  of  1840,  when  also  sugar  was  substituted  for  honey,  in  consequence  of 
e uncertain  consistence  and  constitution  of  the  latter.  It  will  be  observed  that 
70  formulae  are  given  above ; in  the  first  of  which  the  virtues  of  the  squill 
id  seneka  are  extracted  by  long  boiling  with  water,  in  the  second,  by  percolation 
ith  water  to  which  a small  portion  of  alcohol  has  been  added.  Either  of  them 
11  furnish  an  efficient  product;  but  the  latter  is  preferable  when  skilfully  per- 
rmed;  as  it  avoids  in  great  measure  the  injurious  influence  of  boiling  upon  the 
neka,  exhausts  both  this  and  the  squill  more  readily  in  consequence  of  the 
dition  of  alcohol  to  the  menstruum,  and  affords  a solution  of  their  active  prin- 
oles  less  embarrassed  with  inert  matters  calculated  to  favour  fermentation.  In 
is  process,  the  filtered  liquor  is  raised  to  the  boiling  point  in  order  to  coagulate 
e albumen,  after  which  the  evaporation  should  be  conducted  at  a lower  tem- 
rature.  Mr.  Laidley,  of  Richmond,  Ya.,  suggests  that  the  liquor  be  strained 
mediately  after  the  short  boiling,  and  before  the  evaporation ; as,  if  the  albu- 
,;n  be  retained  in  the  concentrated  liquor,  this  becomes  so  thick  as  to  render 
Bering  difficult.  He  also  suggests  that,  instead  of  following  the  officinal  pro- 
mises, a fluid  extract  should  be  prepared  from  the  materials  with  alcohol,  and 
norporated  with  simple  syrup.  (Am.  Journ.  of  Phcirm.,  xxvi.  104.)* 

The  compound  syrup  of  squill  combines  the  virtues  of  seneka,  squill,  and  tartar 
■ tetic,  of  the  last  of  which  it  contains  one  grain  in  every  fluidounce.  It  is 
i letic,  diaphoretic,  expectorant,  and  frequently  cathartic,  and  may  be  given  with 
; vantage  in  mild  cases  of  croup,  in  the  latter  stages  of  severe  cases  when  the 
eject  is  to  promote  expectoration,  and  in  other  pectoral  affections  in  which  the 
fine  indication  is  presented.  As  an  emetic  in  inflammatory  croup  and  infantile 
(,arrh,  we  decidedly  prefer  a simple  solution  of  tartar  emetic  in  water.  The 
<$e  of  the  compound  syrup  of  squill  is,  for  children,  from  ten  drops  to  a flui- 
( ichm,  according  to  the  age,  and  should  be  repeated  in  cases  of  croup  every 

J In  the  Pharmacopoeia  of  1830,  this  preparation  was  named  Mel  Scillse  Compositum,  or 
f lpound  honey  of  squill.  The  following  was  the  officinal  process:  “Take  of  Squill, 
1 ised,  Seneka,  bruised,  each,  four  ounces  ; Tartrate  of  Antimony  and  Potassa  forty-eijht 
t ins;  Clarified  Honey  two  pounds.  Pour  the  Distilled  Water  upon  the  Squill  and  Seneka, 
f l boil  to  one-half ; strain,  and  add  the  Clarified  Honey;  then  boil  down  to  three  pints, 
i vhich  dissolve  the  Tartrate  of  Antimony  and  Potassa.”  The  preparation  thus  made 
U insufficiently  concentrated,  measuring  only  20|°  Baumd,  instead  of  30°,  which  is  the 
I peri  standard  of  density  for  syrup.  It  therefore  speedily  fermented.  By  boiling,  bow- 
er, down  to  two  pints  instead  of  three,  it  will  have  the  proper  consistence,  and  will  keep 
i oh  better.  But  in  this  case  only  32  grains  of  tartar  emetic  should  be  added,  so  that 
“re  may  still  be  one  grain  of  the  antimonial  to  each  fluidounce  of  the  syrup. 


1214  Syrupi.  part  . 

fifteen  or  twenty  minutes  till  it  vomits.  As  an  expectorant  fur  adults  the  d: 
is  twenty  or  thirty  drops.  W 

SYRUPUS  SENEGiE.  U.  S.  Syrup  of  Seneka. 

“Take  of  Seneka,  bruised,  four  ounces;  Water  a pint;  Sugar  [refined! 
pound.  Boil  the  Water  with  the  Seneka  to  one  half,  and  straiu;  then  add  5 
Sugar,  and  proceed  in  the  manner  directed  for  Syrup.  Syrup  of  Seneka  n,- 
also  be  prepared  in  the  following  manner. 

“ Take  of  Seneka,  in  coarse  powder,  four  ounces;  Alcohol  half  a pint;  War 
a pint  and  a half;  Sugar  [refined]  fifteen  ounces.  Mix  the  Alcohol  and  Wat, 
pour  half  a pint  of  the  liquid  on  the  Seneka,  and  allow  the  mixture  to  stand  r 
twelve  hours;  then  transfer  it  to  a percolator,  and  gradually  pour  upon  it  3 
remainder  of  the  menstruum.  When  the  liquor  has  ceased  to  pass,  evaporate 
by  means  of  a water-bath  to  half  a pint,  filter,  and,  having  added  the  Sugar,  j,  - 
ceed  in  the  manner  directed  for  Syrup.”  U.  S. 

The  latter  of  these  processes  is  preferable  for  an  experienced  operator,  ast 
avoids  the  injury  to  the  seneka  resulting  from  long  boiling,  and  has,  moreov, 
the  advantage  of  the  solvent  power  of  the  alcohol  added;  but  they  who  are  t 
practically  acquainted  with  the  process  of  percolation  should  employe  the  form!. 

This  is  an  active  preparation,  and  affords  a very  convenient  mode  of  exhibit:: 
seneka  in  pectoral  complaints.  It  may  be  given  as  a stimulant  expectoranti 
the  dose  of  one  or  two  tiuidrachms.  W 

SYRUPUS  SENNiE.  U.S.,  Lond.,  Ed.  Syrup  of  Senna. 

“ Take  of  Senna  tico  ounces;  Fennel-seed,  bruised,  an  ounce;  Boiling  War 
a pint;  Sugar  [refined]  fifteen  ounces.  Digest  the  Senna  and  Fennel-seed  in  3 
Water,  with  a gentle  heat,  for  an  hour;  then  strain,  add  the  Sugar,  and  eva- 
rate  to  the  proper  consistence.”  U.  S. 

“ Take  of  Senna  three  ounces  and  a half;  Fennel  [seeds],  bruised,  ten  drachr.; 
Manna  three  ounces;  boiling  Distilled  Whiter  a pint  [Imp.  measure]  ; Molass 
three  pounds.  Macerate  the  Senna  and  Fennel  in  the  Water  with  a gentle  ht 
for  six  hours;  strongly  express  the  liquor  through  linen,  filter,  and  mix  3 
Manna  with  it.  Evaporate  the  Molasses  by  means  of  a water-bath,  until  a p- 
tiou  removed  from  the  bath  barely  concretes;  and  to  the  same  while  yet  hot  d 
the  liquor,  constantly  stirring,  until  they  are  mixed.”  Land. 

“Take  of  Senna  four  ounces;  boiling  IVater  one  pint  and  four  fiuidovu 
[Imperial  measure] ; Treacle  forty-eiyht  ounces.  Infuse  the  Senna  in  the  War 
for  twelve  hours;  strain  and  express  strongly  through  calico,  so  as  to  obtaia 
pint  and  two  fluidounces  at  least,  of  liquid.  Concentrate  the  Treacle  in  the  - 
pour-bath  as  far  as  possible,  or  till  a little  taken  out  upou  a rod  becomes  neap 
concrete  on  cooling;  and,  while  the  Treacle  is  still  hot,  add  the  infusion,  stirr: 
carefully,  and  removing  the  vessel  from  the  vapour-bath  as  soon  as  the  mixte 
is  complete.  If  Alexandrian  Senna  be  used  for  this  preparation,  it  must  be  cc- 
fully  freed  of  Cynauchum  leaves  by  picking  it.”  Ed. 

The  molasses  in  the  Edinburgh  and  London  syrup  almost  completely  covs 
the  taste  of  the  senna;  and  the  preparation,  according  to  Dr.  Christison,  is  vv 
effectual,  aud  seldom  occasions  nausea  or  griping.  The  U.  S.  process  is  liae 
to  the  objection,  that  considerable  evaporation  is  necessary  to  bring  the  syrupo 
the  proper  consistence;  so  that,  if  a boiling  heat  be  employed,  the  senna  maye 
injured.  This  syrup  is  intended  chiefly  as  a cathartic  for  children,  to  whout 
may  be  given  in  the  dose  of  one  or  two  tiuidrachms.  II 

SYRUPUS  TOLUTANUS.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub.  Syrup  f 
Tolu. 

“Take  of  Tincture  of  Tolu  a fluidounce  and  a half;  Water  a pint;  Sur 
[refined]  two  pounds  and  a half.  Mix  the  Tincture  with  the  Sugar  in  cose 


ART  II. 


Syrupi. 


1215 


iwder;  expose  the  mixture,  in  a shallow  dish,  to  a gentle  heat  until  the  alcohol 
is  evaporated ; then  pour  the  Water  upon  it  in  a covered  vessel,  heat  gradually 
1 the  Sugar  is  dissolved,  and  strain.”  U.  S. 

“Take  of  Balsam  of  Tolu  ten  drachms ; boiling  Distilled  Water  a pint  [Imp. 
eas.];  Sugar  [refined]  two  pounds  and  a half.  Boil  the  Balsam  in  the  Water 
r half  an  hour,  in  a covered  vessel,  occasionally  stirring,  and  strain  the  liquor 
hen  cold;  then  add  the  Sugar  and  dissolve  it.”  Land. 

The  Edinburgh  College  prepares  this  syrup  by  adding  gradually  one  ounce  of 
e tincture  of  tolu  to  two  pounds  of  simple  syrup  just  prepared,  and  before  it 
s become  cold.  The  Dublin  College  takes  an  ounce  [avoirdupois]  of  the  balsam 
■ a pint  [Imp.  meas.]  of  distilled  water,  and  proceeds  essentially  as  the  London 
allege. 

In  the  U.  S.  and  Edinburgh  processes,  the  syrup  is  prepared  with  the  tincture 
i tolu;  in  the  latter  by  adding  it  to  simple  syrup,  in  the  former  by  mixing  it 
th  the  sugar  employed,  and  evaporating  the  alcohol,  before  dissolving  the 
igar  in  the  water.  By  the  U.  S.  method  the  advantage  is  gained  of  getting 
of  the  alcohol  with  the  least  possible  loss  of  volatile  oil  by  heat.  The  London 
id  Dublin  process  affords  a syrup  with  a finer  flavour  than  that  prepared  with 
(3  tincture,  but  with  much  waste  of  balsam.  To  obviate  this  waste,  the  same 
jrtion  of  balsam  is,  according  to  Mr.  Brande,  usually  employed  in  successive 
(^rations,  and  it  long  continues  to  impart  odour  and  taste  to  boiling  water, 
e quantity  of  the  balsam  is  rather  more  than  two  grains  in  a fluidounce  of 
4 syrup,  prepared  according  to  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopafia,  which  is  a little 
longer  than  the  Edinburgh,  and  much  stronger  than  the  London  and  Dublin 
pparation.  The  syrup  of  tolu  may,  therefore,  be  considered  inert  as  a medi- 
c e ; and  its  only  use  is  to  impart  its  agreeable  flavour  to  mixtures.*  W. 

SYRUPUS  VIOLiE.  Lond.,  Ed.  Syrup  of  Violets. 

“Take  of  fresh  Violets  one  pound;  Boiling  Water  two  pints  and  a half  {fray. 
ras.] ; Pure  Sugar  seven  pounds  and  a half.  Infuse  the  flowers  for  twenty - 
f r hours  in  the  Water,  in  a covered  glass  or  earthenware  vessel;  strain  without 
sieezing,  and  dissolve  the  Sugar  in  the  filtered  liquor.”  Ed. 

‘Take  of  Violets  [recent  petals]  nine  ounces;  boiling  Distilled  Water  a pint 
[ iperial  measure];  Sugar  [refined]  three  pounds,  ox  a sufficient  quantity  ; Rec- 
t:d  Spirit  two  fluidounces  and  a half  or  a sufficient  quantity.  Macerate  the 
Iilets  in  the  Water  for  twelve  hours;  then  express,  and  filter.  Set  apart  that 
t dregs  may  subside,  and  finish  in  the  manner  directed  for  Syrup  of  Marsh- 
n low.”  Lond.  (See  Syrupus  Althsese.) 

Ibis  syrup  has  a deep-blue  colour  and  an  agreeable  flavour.  It  is  said  that 
it  colour  is  most  beautiful  when  it  is  prepared  in  well-cleaned  pewter  vessels; 
b the  action  of  the  metal  has  not  been  satisfactorily  explained.  As  it  is  apt 
t<ade  by  time,  it  is  sometimes  counterfeited  with  materials  the  colour  of  which 
isiore  permanent.  The  fraud  may  usually  be  detected  by  the  addition  of  an 
aij  or  alkali,  the  former  of  which  reddens  the  syrup  of  violets,  the  latter  ren- 
d>  s it  green,  while  they  produce  no  such  change  upon  the  counterfeit.  It  should 
n have  the  smell  or  taste  of  red  cabbage,  a syrup  from  which  acts  in  the  same 
tv  with  acids  and  alkalies. 

j Mr.  J.  D.  Finley  proposes  tlie  following  plan  of  preparing  the  syrup  of  tolu,  which 
fd  els  a syrup  twice  as  strong  as  the  U.  S.  process,  and  perfectly  clear,  whereas  the  of- 
ficial syrup  has  a somewhat  milky  appearance.  “Take  of  tincture  of  tolu  two  fluidounces, 
cn  onate  of  magnesia  two  drachms,  sugar  a pound  and  a half  (Avoirdupois),  water  twelve 
fli  ounces.  Rub  the  tincture  with  the  carbonate  and  two  ounces  of  the  sugar  in  powder, 
gi  ually  add  the  water,  and  filter.  Then  dissolve  the  remainder  of  the  sugar  in  the 
fil  ed  liquid  with  a gentle  heat.”  The  syrup  of  ginger  may  be  prepared  in  the  same  way. 
(-'  . Journ.  of  P harm,.,  xxiii.  220.) 


1210 


Syrupi. — Tincturos. 


PART  ] 


The  syrup  acts  as  a gentle  laxative  when  given  to  infants  in  the  dose  of  o 
or  two  fluidrachms ; hut  it  is  used  chiefly  as  a test  of  acids  and  alkalies.  F 
the  latter  purpose,  a syrup  prepared  from  the  juice  of  the  red  cabbage  mav 
substituted.  It  is  very  seldom  kept  in  our  shops.  FV, 

SYRUPUS  ZINGIBERIS.  U.S.,  Lend.,  Ed.,  Dub.  Ginger  Syr u 

“Take  of  Tincture  of  Ginger  four  fluid  ounces  ; Water  four  pints ; Sugar  [i 
fined]  ten  pounds.  Mix  the  Tincture  with  four  pounds  of  the  Sugar,  in  coai 
powder,  and  expose  the  mixture,  in  a shallow  dish,  to  a gentle  heat  until  t: 
alcohol  has  evaporated.  Add  the  residue  of  the  Sugar,  and  subsequently  t 
Water  in  a covered  vessel,  heat  gradually  till  the  Sugar  is  dissolved,  and  strain 
U S. 

The  London  College  macerates  tico  ounces  and  a half  of  sliced  ginger,  f 
four  hours,  in  a pint  [Imperial  measure]  of  boiling  distilled  water,  and,  havi: 
expressed  and  strained  the  infusion,  finishes  the  process  in  the  manner  direct 
for  syrup  of  marshmallow.  (See  Syrup  us  Altheeee.')  The  Edinburgh  Cold 
infuses  two  ounces  and  a half  of  bruised  ginger,  for  four  hours,  in  a pint  [I: 
perial  measure]  of  boiling  water,  strains,  adds  two  pounds  and  a half  of  pu 
sugar,  and  dissolves  it  with  the  aid  of  heat.  The  Dublin  College  mixes  a flue 
ounce  of  tincture  of  ginger  with  seven  fluidounces  of  simple  syrup. 

In  the  former  U.S.  process  the  tincture  of  ginger  was  added  to  syrup,  as 
the  present  Dublin  process,  and  the  alcohol  was  afterwards  evaporated.  In  t 
late  revision  of  the  Pharmacopoeia,  the  better  plan  has  been  adopted  of  add! 
the  tincture  to  the  sugar  before  its  solution;  as  in  this  way  the  alcohol  is  drivl 
off  more  thoroughly  with  less  heat,  and  the  volatile  principle  of  the  ginger 
better  preserved.  The  use  of  water  as  the  menstruum  in  the  London  and  Eli 
burgh  processes  encumbers  the  syrup  with  mucilage  and  starch,  and  thus  rende 
it  more  liable  to  decomposition.  (See  the  note  at  the  foot  of  page  1*215.) 

In  order  that  the  preparation  may  be  of  the  proper  strength,  it  is  necessa 
that  the  tincture  should  have  been  made  with  the  best  Jamaica  ginger.  T 
syrup  of  ginger  is  much  used  as  a warm  stomachic  addition  to  tonic  and  pc 
gative  infusions  or  mixtures,  and  to  impart  flavour  to  drinks,  particularly 
carbonic  acid  water. 

Off.  Prep.  Confectio  Sulphuris ; Electuarium  Opii.  W. 

TINCTURE. 

Tinctures. 

Tinctures,  in  the  pharmaceutical  sense  of  the  term,  are  solutions  of  medieir. 
substauces  in  alcohol  or  diluted  alcohol,  prepared  by  maceration,  digestion,  * 
percolation.  Solutions  in  spirit  of  ammonia  and  ethereal  spirit  are  embrac. 
under  the  same  denomination,  but  are  severally  distinguished  by  the  titles: 
amnioniated  tinctures  and  ethereal  tinctures.  The  advantages  of  alcohol  as 
menstruum  are,  that  it  dissolves  principles  which  are  sparingly  or  not  at 
soluble  in  water,  and  contributes  to  their  preservation  when  dissolved ; while 
leaves  behind  some  inert  substances  which  are  dissolved  by  water.  In  no  • 
stance,  however,  is  absolute  alcohol  employed.  The  U.S.  Pharmacopoeia  dire : 
it  of  the  sp.  gr.  0'835;  the  London  and  Edinburgh,  0'838 ; and  the  Publ 
0'840.  When  of  these  densities  it  contains  water,  and  is  capable  of  dissolvi: 
more  or  less  of  substances  which  are  insoluble  in  anhydrous  alcohol;  while  • 
solvent  power,  in  relation  to  bodies  soluble  in  that  fluid,  is  sufficient  for  ' 
practical  purposes.  Diluted  alcohol  or  proof  spirit  is  often  preferable  to  officii 
alcohol ; as  it  is  capable  of  extracting  a larger  proportion  of  those  active  pr- 
ciples  of  plants  which  require  an  aqueous  menstruum,  at  the  same  time  that: 


IRT  II. 


Tincturse. 


1217 


Etrong  enough,  in  most  instances,  to  prevent  spontaneous  decomposition,  and 
b the  advantages  of  being  cheaper  and  less  stimulating.*  The  diluted  alco- 
L of  the  different  Pharmacopoeias  is  not  of  the  same  strength;  that  of  the 
T ited  States  consisting  of  equal  measures  of  officinal  alcohol  and  water,  and 
bring  the  sp.gr.  0'985;  while  that  of  London  and  Dublin  has  the  sp.gr. 
C'20,  and  that  of  Edinburgh  0'912.  The  difference,  however,  is  not  very 
r terial.  Alcohol  or  rectified  spirit  is  preferred  as  the  solvent,  when  the  sub- 
snce  to  be  extracted  or  dissolved  is  nearly  or  quite  insoluble  in  water,  as  in 
t instances  of  the  resins,  guaiac,  camphor,  and  the  essential  oils.  The  pre- 
s ce  of  water  is  here  injurious,  not  only  by  diluting  the  menstruum,  but  by 
excising  an  affinity  for  the  alcohol  which  interferes  with  its  solvent  power, 
lus,  water,  added  to  an  alcoholic  solution  of  one  of  these  bodies,  produces  a 
p cipitate  by  abstracting  the  alcohol  from  it.  Diluted  alcohol  or  proof  spirit 
Employed,  when  the  substance  is  soluble  both  in  alcohol  and  water,  or  when 
Oi  or  more  of  the  ingredients  are  soluble  in  the  one  fluid,  and  one  or  more  in 
t other,  as  in  the  case  of  those  vegetables  which  contain  extractive  or  tannin, 
othe  native  salts  of  the  organic  alkalies,  or  gum  united  with  resin  or  essential 
o As  these  include  the  greater  number  of  medicines  from  which  tinctures 
a prepared,  diluted  alcohol  is  most  frequently  used. 

In  the  preparation  of  the  tinctures,  the  medicine  should  be  in  the  dry  state, 
al  properly  comminuted  by  being  bruised,  sliced,  or  pulverized.  It  is  usually 
bter  in  the  condition  of  a coarse  than  of  a very  fine  powder;  as  in  the  latter 
ils  apt  to  agglutinate,  and  thus  present  an  impediment  to  the  penetration  of 
t menstruum.  When  several  substances  differing  in  solubility  are  employed, 
t;y  should  be  added  successively  to  the  spirit,  those  least  soluble  first,  those 
Bst  so  last;  as  otherwise  the  menstruum  might  become  saturated  with  the  in- 
gdient  for  which  it  has  the  strongest  affinity,  and  thus  be  rendered  incapable 

0 dissolving  a due  proportion  of  the  others. 

Jntil  recently,  tinctures  have  been  universally  prepared  by  maceration  or 
d sstion.  The  Edinburgh  College  directs  digestion  to  be  continued  usually  for 
sien  days.  Our  own  Pharmacopoeia  directs  maceration  at  ordinary  tempera- 
ties,  and  extends  the  period  to  two  weeks.  The  latter  plan  is  preferable,  as  it 
it  lore  convenient  and  equally  effectual,  the  lower  temperature  being  compen- 
spd  by  the  longer  maceration.  When  circumstances  require  that  the  tincture 
si  aid  be  speedily  prepared,  digestion  may  be  resorted  to.  Care  should  always 
b :aken  to  keep  the  vessels  well  stopped,  in  order  to  prevent  the  evaporation  of 
tl  alcohol.  The  materials  should  be  frequently  shaken  during  the  digestion  or 
n oration ; and  this  caution  is  especially  necessary  when  the  substance  acted 

01  Is  in  the  state  of  powder.  The  tincture  should  not  be  used  till  the  macera- 
ti  is  completed;  when  it  should  be  separated  from  the  dregs  either  by  simply 
fi  ring  it  through  paper,  or,  when  force  is  requisite,  by  first  expressing  it  through 
lijn,  and  subsequently  filtering. 

'he  plan  of  preparing  tinctures  by  percolation  or  displacement  has  recently 
bi i extensively  adopted;  and  has  been  found  to  answer  an  excellent  purpose, 
w n skilfully  executed.  In  the  U.  S.  and  Edinburgh  Pharmacopoeias,  this 
mle  of  preparation  has  been  given  as  an  alternative  in  numerous  instances; 
ai  would  probably  have  been  exclusively  recommended  in  some,  except  for  its 

Mr.  Wm.  Bastick,  in  a communication  to  the  Pharmaceutical  Journal  and  Transac- 
states,  as  the  result  of  his  experience,  that  most  of  the  tinctures  prepared  with 
pi  f spirit  or  diluted  alcojjol  undergo  deterioration  by  time,  in  consequence  of  acetous 
fe  entation  taking-  place  in  the  alcoholic  fluid.  The  tinctures  most  prone  to  this  change 
ar  hose  of  senna,  rhubarb,  columbo,  henbane,  digitalis,  bark,  hops,  aloes,  and  the  com- 
pc  id  tincture  of  cinnamon.  The  best  preventive  is  to  keep  them  in  full  and  well-closed 
be  es,  at  a low  temperature.  (Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xx.  47.) 

! 77 


1218 


Tincturse. 


PAET 


liability  to  fail  in  the  hands  of  inexperienced  persons.  The  reader  will  fi 
rules  for  the  proper  management  of  this  process  at  pages  782  and  789. 

Another  mode  of  exhausting  medicines  by  spirit  has  been  proposed  by  1 
H.  Burton.  It  consists  in  suspending  in  the  solvent,  immediately  under  its  s ■ 
face,  the  solid  matter  contained  loosely  in  a bag.  The  liquid  in  contact  w 
the  bag,  becoming  heavier  by  impregnation  with  the  matters  dissolved,  sinks  i 
the  bottom;  its  place  is  supplied  with  a fresh  portion,  which  in  its  turn  sinl; 
and  thus  a current  is  established,  which  continues  until  the  solid  substance; 
exhausted  or  the  liquid  saturated.  During  the  maceration,  the  bag  should  • 
occasionally  raised  above  the  surface  of  the  liquor  in  the  bottle,  beneath  i: 
cover,  and  allowed  to  drain,  and  then  again  immersed.  It  is  asserted  that  t; 
period  of  maceration  is  much  shortened  in  this  way.  ( Lond . Med.  Gaz.,  Ai. 
30,  1844.)* 

Tinctures,  prepared  by  adding  alcohol  to  the  expressed  juices  of  plants,  hf: 
been  long  in  use  on  the  Continent  of  Europe,  and  have  been  brought  into  not ; 
in  Great  Britain.  They  are  sometimes  called  in  England  preserved  xegeta ; 
juices.  The  tinctures  of  some  of  the  narcotic  plants  might  no  doubt  be  adv;- 
tageously  prepared  in  this  way,  as  those  of  c-onium,  kyoscyamus,  and  belladon:. 
Mr.  Squire  and  Mr.  Bentley  have  paid  particular  attention  to  these  prepa- 
tions.  According  to  Mr.  Squire,  the  leaves  only  of  the  plants  should  be  us<, 
and  in  the  case  of  biennial  plants  those  exclusively  of  the  second  year’s  growl; 
and  they  should  always  be  preferably  collected  when  the  plant  is  in  full  flow. 
Mr.  Bentley  recommends  the  following  mode  of  preparation.  To  the  express) 
juice,  after  it  has  stood  for  twenty-four  hours,  and  deposited  its  feculent  matt, 
alcohol  of  0'838  is  to  be  added  in  the  proportion  of  one  part  by  measure  to  fcr 
of  the  juice;  and,  after  another  period  of  twenty-four  hours,  the  liquor  is  to i 
filtered.  The  proportion  of  alcohol  mentioned  has  been  found  sufficient  for  t; 
preservation  of  the  juice,  while  it  causes  the  precipitation  of  all  the  suspendl 
mucilaginous  matter. 

Tinctures  should  be  kept  in  bottles  accurately  stopped,  in  order  to  prevc 
evaporation,  which  might,  in  some  instances,  be  attended  with  serious  inc<- 
venience,  by  increasing  their  strength  beyond  the  officinal  standard. 

Medicines  are  most  conveniently  administered  in  tincture,  which  act  pow- 
fully  in  small  doses ; as  the  proportion  of  alcohol  in  which  they  are  dissolved* 
too  minute  to  produce  an  appreciable  effect.  Those  which  require  to  be  givi 
in  large  doses  should  be  cautiously  employed  in  this  form,  lest  the  injury  do 
by  the  menstruum  should  more  than  counterbalance  their  beneficial  operatii. 
This  remark  is  particularly  applicable  to  chronic  cases  of  disease,  in  which  h 
use  of  tinctures  is  apt  to  result  in  the  establishment  of  fatal  habits  of  iute- 
perance.  The  tinctures  of  the  weaker  medicines  are  more  frequently  given* 
adjuvants  of  other  remedies  than  with  the  view  of  obtaining  their  own  fl 
effects  upon  the  system. 

The  following  general  directions  are  given  in  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia. 

“Tinctures,  when  prepared  by  maceration,  should  be  frequently  shall 
during  the  process,  which  should  be  conducted  in  glass  vessels  well  stopp  ■ 
When  displacement  is  employed,  great  care  should  be  taken  to  observe  « 
directions  given  at  page  4 [_page  789,  of  this  Dispensatory],  so  that  the  si- 
stances  treated  may  be,  as  far  as  possible,  exhausted  of  their  soluble  principl, 

* For  this  mode  of  preparing  tinctures,  Mr.  Samuel  Gale  has  proposed  the  use  os 
cylindrical  stoneware  vessel,  with  a diaphragm  capable  of  bfing  supported  at  differ t 
heights  by  projections  from  the  inner  surface  of  the  jar,  with  corresponding  notched 
the  diaphragm,  to  permit  its  easy  passage  to  the  lower  ledges.  The  material  is  toe 
placed  upon  the  diaphragm  and  kept  covered  with  the  menstruum.  (See  Am.  JournJ 
Pharm.,  xsii.  381,  from  Pharm.  Journ.  and  Trans.) 


IKT  II. 


Tincturae. 


1219 


al  a perfectly  clear  tincture  obtained.  To  those  not  familiar  with  this  process, 
!•  plan  of  maceration  is  recommended.” 

Che  London  College  states  that  “ all  tinctures  should  be  prepared  in  closed 
gss  vessels,  and  frequently  shaken  during  the  maceration.”  The  general 
dmtions  of  the  Edinburgh  College,  which  relate  to  the  process  of  percolation, 
Ire  been  given  at  page,  790.  W. 

TINCTURA  ACONITI  FOLIORUM.  U.S.  Tincture  of  Aconite 
laves. 

‘Take  of  Aconite  Leaves  four  ounces ; Diluted  Alcohol  two  pints.  Mace- 
r;  i for  fourteen  days,  express,  and  filter  through  paper. 

‘ This  Tincture  may  also  be  prepared  by  thoroughly  moistening  the  Aconite 
Ives,  in  powder,  with  Diluted  Alcohol,  allowing  the  mixture  to  stand  for 
tmty-four  hours,  then  transferring  it  to  a percolator,  and  gradually  pouring 
u n it  Diluted  Alcohol  until  two  pints  of  filtered  liquor  are  obtained.”  U.  S. 

?his  is  a good  preparation  of  aconite  when  made  from  the  recently  dried 
le/es,  and  may  be  given  in  the  dose  of  twenty  or  thirty  drops.  A saturated 
ti  ture  prepared  from  the  root  is  now  more  used.  It  is  much  stronger  than 
tl  tincture  of  the  leaves,  and  great  care  should  be  taken  not  to  confound  them 
itirescription.  (See  Tinctura  Aconiti  Had  ids.)  AY. 

CINCTURA  ACONITI  RADICIS.  U.S.  Tinctura  Aconiti. 
Lid.  Tinctura  Radicis  Aconiti.  Dub.  Tincture  of  Aconite  Root. 

Take  of  Aconite  Root,  well  bruised,  a pound ; Alcohol  two  pints.  Mace- 
ra  for  fourteen  days,  express  strongly,  and  filter  through  paper. 

This  Tincture  may  also  be  prepared  by  the  process  of  displacement,  in  the 
fouving  manner. 

Take  of  Aconite  Root,  in  powder,  a pound  ; Alcohol  a sufficient  quantity. 
M the  Aconite  Root  with  a pint  of  Alcohol,  and  allow  the  mixture  to  stand 
Duty-four  hours;  then  transfer  it  to  a percolator,  and  pour  Alcohol  gradually 
up  it  until  two  pints  of  filtered  liquor  are  obtained.”  U.  S. 

he  London  College  macerates  fifteen  ounces  of  the  coarsely  powdered  root 
in  co  pints  [Imperial  measure]  of  rectified  spirit,  for  seven  days,  then  expresses, 
an  filters.  The  Dublin  College  takes  ten  ounces  [avoirdupois]  of  the  root,  and 
a fit  [Imp.  rneas.]  of  rectified  spirit,  and  macerates  for  fourteen  days. 

iis  tincture,  as  directed  in  the  different  Pharmacopoeias,  may  be  considered 
of  3 out  the  same  strength,  being  probably  very  nearly  saturated.  It  is  much 
stnger  than  the  tincture  of  the  leaves,  and  too  much  caution  cannot  be  ob- 
sei  ;d  to  avoid  mistaking  one  for  the  other.  In  preparing  it,  each  step  of  the 
pross  must  be  carefully  attended  to  in  order  to  insure  a favourable  result.  The 
rot  should  be  thoroughly  comminuted,  the  maceration  continued  for  the  full 
pe  d directed,  and  the  displacing  menstruum  very  gradually  added.  The  dose 
to  gin  with  is  from  five  to  ten  drops,  which  may  be  repeated  three  times  a day, 
ant  gradually  increased,  if  necessary,  until  its  peculiar  effects  are  experienced. 
(Si  Aconiti  Radix.)  AYe  would  repeat  here  the  caution,  already  given  when 
tre  mg  of  Aconite  in  the  Materia  Medica,  that  physicians  should  be  careful,  in 
prc  ribing  either  of  the  tinctures  of  aconite,  to  give  the  whole  name  of  the  one 
the  intend,  as  otherwise  serious  consequences  may  ensue.*  AV. 

* he  tincture  proposed  by  Dr.  Fleming  should  always  be  expressly  designated  when 
pre  abed.  It  is  considerably  stronger  than  the  officinal ; and  several  deaths  have  occurred 
hoi,:he  use  of  it.  The  following  is  his  formula.  Take  of  the  root,  carefully  dried  and 
hue  powdered,  sixteen  [troy]  ounces;  Alcohol  sixteen  fluidounces.  Macerate  for  four  days, 
put  to  a percolator,  and  add  alcohol  until  twenty-four  fluidounces  are  obtained.  Not 
jnoi  than  five  drops  of  this  should  be  given  as  a commencing  dose,  to  be  increased  till 
As ; ;uliar  effects  are  experienced. 


1220 


Tincturse. 


PART  i. 


TINCTURA  ALOES.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed.  Tincture  of  Aloes. 

“ Take  of  Aloes,  in  powder,  an  ounce ; Liquorice  [extract]  three  mru  ; 
Alcohol  half  a pint;  Distilled  Water  a pint  and  a half.  Macerate  for  fir- 
teen  days,  and  filter  through  paper.”  U.  S. 

The  London  College  directs  the  same  quantity  of  aloes  (Socotrine  or  hepa  ■) 
and  liquorice  with  a pint  and  a half  [Imperial  measure]  of  distilled  water,  d 
half  a pint  [Imp.  meas.]  of  rectified  spirit;  macerates  the  aloes  in  the  spirit  >r 
a week,  then  adds  the  liquorice,  dissolves,  and  filters.  The  Edinburgh  Cohe 
takes  an  ounce  of  Socotrine  or  Indian  Aloes,  three  ounces  of  liquorice,  tw:e 
fluidounces  of  rectified  spirit,  and  twenty-eight  fluidounces  of  water;  digests ir 
seven  days;  and  filters  the  liquor,  separated  from  the  sediment. 

The  original  tincture  of  aloes  of  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia  was  prepared  yh 
the  officinal  diluted  alcohol,  without  the  addition  of  water.  At  present  it  r- 
responds  with  the  tincture  of  the  British  Colleges.  It  is  little  more  tharn 
infusion,  with  the  addition  of  sufficient  alcohol  to  prevent  spontaneous  decon> 
sition.  The  liquorice  is  added  to  cover  the  taste  of  the  aloes;  but  it  ansrs 
the  end  imperfectly;  and  the  preparation,  on  account  of  its  unpleasant  bit r- 
ness,  is  little  used,  aloes  being  generally  administered  in  the  form  of  pill.  ie 
dose  is  from  half  a fluidounce  to  a fluidounce  and  a half.  M 

TINCTURA  ALOES  ET  MYRRH2E.  U.  S.,  Ed.  Tinctda 
Aloes  Composita.  Lond.  Tincture  of  Aloes  and  Myrrli. 

“ Take  of  Aloes,  in  powder,  three  ounces;  Saffron  an  ounce;  Tincture  of  Mjh 
two  pints.  Macerate  for  fourteen  days,  and  filter  through  paper.”  U.  S. 

The  London  College  takes  four  ounces  of  Socotrine  or  hepatic  aloes,  two  ou 
of  saffron,  and  two  Imperial  pints  of  tincture  of  myrrh,  and  proceeds  as  ab  ;. 
The  Edinburgh  College  takes  four  ounces  of  Socotrine  or  Indian  aloes,  two  on  es 
of  saffron,  and  two  Imperial  pints  of  tincture  of  myrrh;  digests  for  seven  dts; 
and  filters  the  clear  “superincumbent”  liquor. 

This  tincture  is  a modification  of  the  elixir  proprietatis  of  Paracelsus,  'ie 
saffron,  which  has  been  retained  in  compliance  with  former  prejudices,  can  id 
little  to  the  efficacy  of  the  preparation;  and,  being  very  expensive,  has  th 
great  propriety  been  much  reduced  in  the  U.  S.  formula.  It  serves,  howeveito 
impart  a richness  to  the  tincture,  the  want  of  which  might  be  considered  a dec-t 
by  those  accustomed  to  its  use. 

The  tincture  is  purgative,  tonic,  and  emmenagogue;  and  is  considerably  a- 
ployed  in  chlorosis,  and  other  disordered  states  of  health  in  females,  conned 
with  suppressed,  retained,  or  deficient  menstruation,  and  with  a constipated  ste 
of  bowels.  It  may  also  be  used  as  a stomachic  laxative  in  cold,  languid  hal  s, 
independently  of  menstrual  disorder.  The  dose  is  from  one  to  two  fluidracbs. 

TINCTURA  AMMONUE  COMPOSITA.  Lond.  Compound  Tc- 

ture  of  Ammonia. 

“Take  of  Mastich  two  drachms;  Rectified  Spirit  nine  fluidrachms;  Oiof 
Lavender  fourteen  minims;  Stronger  Solution  of  Ammonia  a pint  [Impial 
measure].  Macerate  the  Mastich  in  the  Spirit  that  it  may  be  dissolved,  id 
pour  off  the  clear  tincture;  then  add  the  other  ingredients,  and  shake  then .11 
together.”  Lond. 

This  has  taken  the  place  of  the  Spiritus  Ammonise  Succinatus  of  the  Id 
London  Pharmacopoeia,  and  was  intended  as  a substitute  for  the  eau  de  A 
The  oil  of  amber,  which  was  retained  as  an  ingredient  with  the  change  of  nae 
in  the  edition  of  1886,  was  abandoned  in  that  of  1851.  The  tincture  hi  a 
milky  appearance,  owing  to  the  separation  of  the  mastich  from  its  alcoU 
solution  by  the  water  of  ammonia.  Its  properties  are  essentially  those  o:  ts 


IKT  II. 


Tincturse. 


1221 


amoniacal  ingredient;  the  mastich  having  no  medical  action,  and  the  oil  of 
Lender  being  in  too  small  proportion  to  serve  any  other  purpose  than  that  of 
iioarting  flavour.  It  is  used  chiefly  as  a powerful  stimulant  applied  to  the 
nitrils,  in  cases  of  fainting  and  torpor.  It  has  considerable  reputation  as  an 
aidote  to  the  bite  of  venomous  animals,  particularly  of  serpents,  in  which  it 
^reported  to  have  been  often  used  successfully.  The  dose  for  internal  use  is 
fim  ten  to  thirty  drops,  very  largely  diluted  with  water.  W. 

ESSENTIA  ANISI.  Bub.  Essence  of  Anise. 

‘Take  of  Oil  of  Anise  one  fluidounce;  Rectified  Spirit  nine  fiuidounces.  Mix 
T\h  agitation.”  Dub. 

[he  Dublin  College  introduced  into  the  last  edition  of  its  Pharmacopoeia, 
uler  the  name  of  essences,  a set  of  preparations  consisting  of  solutions  of  the 
amatic  volatile  oils  in  alcohol.  They  are  essentially  tinctures,  as  the  term  is 
he  employed;  and  similar  preparations  of  the  oils  of  peppermint  and  spear- 
mt  have  been  so  named  in  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia.  They  are  much  stronger 
tin  the  spirits,  which,  though,  like  the  essences,  solutions  of  volatile  oil  in 
a ohol,  are  either  procured  by  distillation,  or  made  to  imitate  the  distilled 
S' -its  in  strength.  The  dose  of  this  preparation  is  from  twenty  minims  or  forty 
dps  to  a fluidrachm  for  an  adult,  which  may  be  given  in  sweetened  water. 

Off.  Prep.  Aqua  Anisi.  W. 

CINCTURA  ASSAFCETIDiE.  U.S.,  Bond.,  Ed.,  Bub.  Tincture 
o^Assafetida. 

‘Take  of  Assafetida  four  ounces ; Alcohol  two  pints.  Macerate  for  fourteen 
d s,  and  filter  through  paper.”  U.  S. 

?he  London  College  takes  five  ounces  of  assafetida,  and  two  Imperial  pints  of 
reified  spirit,  macerates  for  seven  days,  and  filters.  The  Edinburgh  College, 
Wh  the  same  quantity  of  materials,  digests  for  seven  days,  and  filters  the  clear 
liior.  The  Dublin  College  macerates  five  ounces  [avoirdupois]  with  two  1m- 
p i.al  pints  for  fourteen  days,  expresses,  and  filters. 

’his  tincture  becomes  milky  on  the  addition  of  water,  in  consequence  of  the 
suration  of  the  resin.  It  possesses  all  the  virtues  of  assafetida.  The  medium 
d'  i is  a fluidrachm. 

Iff.  Prep.  Enema  Foetidum.  W. 

'INCTURA  AURANTII.  Bond.,  Ed.,  Bub.  Tincture  of  Orange 

Iff. 

Take  of  dried  Orange  Peel  three  ounces  and  a half;  Proof  Spirit  two  pints 
[i  perial  measure].  Macerate  for  seven  days,  then  express,  and  filter.”  Loncl. 

Take  of  Bitter  Orange  Peel,  dried,  three  ounces  and  a half;  Proof  Spirit 
h pints  [Imp.  meas.].  Digest  for  seven  days,  strain  and  express  strongly,  and 
filr  the  liquor.  This  tincture  may  be  prepared  by  percolation,  by  cutting  the 
P 1 into  small  fragments,  macerating  it  in  a little  of  the  Spirit  for  twelve  hours, 
ai  beating  the  mass  into  a coarse  pulp  before  putting  it  into  the  percolator.” 
E\ 

he  Dublin  College  macerates  four  ounces  [avoirdupois]  of  the  dried  bitter 
oijige  peel  with  two  pints  [Imp.  meas.]  of  proof  spirit,  for  fourteen  days,  strains, 
ef  :esses,  and  filters. 

b is  the  peel  of  the  Seville  orange  which  is  intended  by  the  London  College; 
ai  the  Outer  part  only  should  be  used,  the  inner  whitish  portion  being  inert. 
T tincture  of  orange  peel  is  employed  as  a grateful  addition  to  infusions,  de- 
cc  ions,  and  mixtures. 

ff.  Prep.  Mistura  Ferri  Aromatica;  Tinctura  Quinas  Composita.  W. 


1222 


Tincturse. 


PART  i 


TINCTURA  BELLADONNA.  U.S.,Lond.  Tinctura  Folioru 
Belladonna.  Dub.  Tincture  of  Belladonna. 

“Take  of  Belladonna  [leaves]  four  ounces ; Diluted  Alcohol  two  pints.  M 
cerate  for  fourteen  days,  express,  and  filter  through  paper. 

“ This  Tincture  may  also  be  prepared  by  thoroughly  moistening  the  Bell 
donna,  in  powder,  with  Diluted  Alcohol,  allowing  it  to  stand  for  twenty-fo 
hours,  then  transferring  it  to  a percolator,  and  gradually  pouring  upon  it  Dilufi 
Alcohol  until  two  pints  of  filtered  liquor  are  obtained.”  U.  S. 

The  London  College  macerates  four  ounces  of  dried  belladonna  with  two  pit 
[Imperial  measure]  of  proof  spirit  for  seven  days,  expresses,  and  filters;  t 
Dublin,  five  ounces  [avoirdupois]  with  two  pints  [Imp.  meas.]  for  fourteen  daj 
strains,  expresses,  and  filters. 

This  tincture  is  an  efficient  preparation  when  made  from  the  recently  dri 
leaves  ; but  the  imported  leaves  are  of  very  uncertain  strength,  and  a tinctu 
prepared  from  them  is  less  to  be  relied  upon  than  the  extract.  The  dose  is  frc 
fifteen  to  thirty  drops.  W. 

TINCTURA  BENZOINI  COMPOSITA.  U.  S.,  Bond.,  Ed.  Co; 

pound  Tincture  of  Benzoin. 

“ Take  of  Benzoin  three  ounces;  Purified  Storax  two  ounces;  Balsam  of  Tc 
an  ounce;  Aloes,  in  powder,  half  an  ounce;  Alcohol  two  pints.  Macerate  1 
fourteen  days,  and  filter  through  paper.”  U.  S. 

The  London  College  takes  three  ounces  and  a half  of  benzoin,  two  ounces  a. 
a half  of  prepared  storax,  ten  drachms  of  balsam  of  Tolu,  five  drachms  of  Soc 
trine  or  hepatic  aloes,  and  two  pints  [Imperial  measure]  of  rectified  spirit,  mat 
rates  for  seven  days,  and  filters.  The  Edinburgh  College  takes  four  ounces ' 
benzoin,  two  ounces  and  a half  of  balsam  of  Peru,  half  an  ounce  of  East  Inc, 
aloes,  and  two  pints  [Imp.  meas.]  of  rectified  spirit,  digests  for  seven  days,  pm. 
off  the  clear  liquor,  and  filters  it. 

This  tincture  is  a stimulating  expectorant,  occasionally  used  in  chronic  catarrh 
affections,  but  more  frequently  as  a local  application  to  indolent  ulcers.  It 
the  balsamum  traumaticum  of  the  older  Pharmacopoeias,  and  may  be  consideri 
as  a simplified  form  of  certain  complex  compositions,  such  as  baume  decotnmo- 
deur,  Wade’s  balsam,  Friar’s  balsam,  Jesuits’  drops,  d'c.,  which  were  forme)' 
in  repute,  and  are  still  esteemed  among  the  vulgar  as  pectorals  and  vulnerari 
It  is  also  an  ingredient  in  Turlington’ s balsam,  which  is  a popular  remedy) 
this  country  for  the  same  purposes.*  It  is  scarcely  necessary  to  state  that  tB 
application  of  these  preparations  to  fresh  wounds  must  frequently  prove  injurioi, 
by  inducing  too  much  inflammation,  and  thus  preventing  union  by  the  first  - 
tention.  The  compound  tincture  of  benzoin  is  decomposed  by  water.  The  de 
is  from  thirty  minims  to  two  fluidrachms.  A variety  of  court  plaster  is  map 
by  applying  to  black  silk,  by  means  of  a brush,  first  a solution  of  isinglass,  al 
afterwards  an  alcoholic  solution  of  benzoin.  WJ 

TINCTURA  BUCHU.  Dub.  Tinctura  Bucku.  Ed.  Tincture  f 
Buchu. 

“Take  of  Bucku  five  ounces;  Proof  Spirit  two  pints  [Imperial  measur. 
Digest  for  seven  days,  pour  off  the  clear  liquor,  and  filter  it.  This  tincture  ur 
be  conveniently  and  quickly  made  also  by  the  process  of  percolation."  Ed. 

“Take  of  Buchu  Leaves,  bruised,  five  ounces  [avoirdupois];  Proof  Spirit  10 

* The  following  is  the  formula  for  Turlington’s  balsam  adopted  by  the  Philadelphia  C- 
lege  of  Pharmacy.  “ Take  of  Alcohol  Oviij.,  Benzoin  ^xij.,  Liquid  Storax  3iv.,  Soeotte 
Aloes  5,j.,  Peruvian  Balsam  l|ij.,  Myrrh  ijj.,  Angelica  Root  55s.,  Balsam  of  Tolu  5 ■ 
Extract  of  Liquorice  Root  Ijiv.  Digest  for  ten  days,  and  strain.'’  (Journ.  of  the  Phil.  ( ■ 
of  Pharm.,  v.  28.) 


VET  II. 


Tincturee. 


1223 


Ws  [Imp.  meas.].  Macerate  for  fourteen  days,  strain,  express,  and  filter.” 
iib. 

This  tincture  has  the  virtues  of  buchu  leaves,  and  may  he  given  in  the  dose 
from  one  to  four  fluidrachms,  either  simply  diluted  with  water,  or  as  an  ad- 
tion  to  the  infusion  of  the  leaves.  W. 

TINCTURA  CAMPHORS.  U.S.,  Ed.,  Dub.  Spiritus  Campho- 
e.  Lond.  Tincture  of  Camphor. 

“Take  of  Camphor  four  ounces ; Alcohol  two  pints.  Dissolve  the  Camphor 
the  Alcohol.”  IT.  S. 

The  London  College  dissolves  five  ounces  of  camphor  in  two  pints  [Imperial 
easure]  of  rectified  spirit ; the  Edinburgh , two  ounces  and  a half  in  two  pints 
mp.  meas.];  the  Dublin,  an  ounce  [avoirdupois]  in  eight  fluid  ounces. 

This  is  used  chiefly  as  an  anodyne  embrocation  in  rheumatic  and  gouty  pains, 
ilblains,  and  the  inflammation  resulting  from  sprains  and  bruises.  It  may 
so  be  employed  internally,  due  regard  being  paid  to  the  stimulant  properties 
the  alcohol.  The  camphor  is  precipitated  by  the  addition  of  water,  but  may 
: suspended  by  the  intervention  of  sugar.  The  dose  is  from  five  drops  to  a 
lidrachm,  first  added  to  sugar,  and  then  mixed  with  water. 

Off.  Prep.  Linimentum  Ammonias  Compositum  ; Mistura  Camphorae.  W. 

TINCTURA  CANNABIS  INDIO®.  Dub.  Tincture  of  Indian 
remp. 

“ Take  of  Purified  Extract  of  Indian  Hemp  half  an  ounce  [avoirdupois]  ; Ree- 
led Spirit  half  a pint  [Imperial  measure].  Dissolve  the  Extract  in  the  Spirit.” 
tub. 

The  American  reader  must  take  care  not  to  confound  the  Indian  hemp,  here 
luded  to,  with  the  Apocynum  Cannabinum  known  by  the  same  name  in  this 
untry.  The  dose,  equivalent  to  a grain  of  the  extract,  is  twenty-two  minims 
about  forty  drops,  which  is  to  he  gradually  increased  till  its  effects  are  ex- 
rienced.  W. 

TINCTURA  CANTHARIDIS.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub.  Tincture 
' Spanish  Flies. 

Take  of  Spanish  Flies,  bruised,  an  ounce  ; Diluted  Alcohol,  two  pints.  Ma- 
rate  for  fourteen  days,  express,  and  filter  through  paper. 

“ This  Tincture  may  also  be  prepared  by  thoroughly  moistening  the  Flies,  in 
wder,  with  Diluted  Alcohol,  allowing  them  to  stand  for  twenty-four  hours,  then 
msferring  them  to  a percolator,  and  gradually  pouring  upon  them  Diluted 
leohol  until  two  pints  of  filtered  liquor  are  obtained.”  IT.  S- 
The  London  College  takes  four  drachms  of  the  flies  and  tv:o  pints  [Imperial 
leasure]  of  proof  spirit,  macerates  for  seven  days,  expresses  and  filters;  the  Dub- 
i,  half  an  ounce  [avoirdupois]  of  the  former  and  two  pints  [Imp.  meas.]  of  the 
tter,  and  macerates  for  two  weeks,  strains,  expresses,  and  filters.  The  Edin- 
rgh  College  takes  the  same  proportions  as  the  London,  digests  for  seven  days, 
rains,  expresses  the  residuum  strongly,  and  filters;  or  prepares  the  tincture  by 
rcolation,  having  previously  moistened  the  coarsely  powdered  flies  with  a little 
j the  spirit,  and  allowed  them  to  stand  for  twelve  hours. 

This  tincture  is  one  of  the  most  convenient  forms  for  the  internal  use  of 
banish  flies,  the  virtues  of  which  it  possesses  to  their  full  extent.  (See  Can- 
laris.)  It  is  occasionally  employed  externally  as  a rubefacient ; but  its  lia- 
lity  to  vesicate  should  be  taken  into  consideration.  The  British  tinctures 
e all  too  feeble;  the  strongest  containing  the  virtues  only  of  three  quarters  of 
gtain  of  canthai’ides  in  a fluidrachm.  The  dose  of  the  U.  S.  tincture  is  from 
enty  drops  to  a fluidrachm,  repeated  three  or  four  times  a day.  W. 


1224 


Tincturse. 


PART  I] 


TINCTURA  CAPSICI.  U.S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub.  Tincture  o 
Cayenne  Pepper. 

“Take  of  Cayenne  Pepper  an  ounce;  Diluted  Alcohol  two  pints.  Macerat 
for  fourteen  days,  and  filter  through  paper. 

“This  Tincture  may  also  be  prepared  by  thoroughly  moistening  the  Cayenn 
Pepper,  in  powder,  with  Diluted  Alcohol,  putting  it  into  a percolator,  an 
gradually  pouring  upon  it  Diluted  Alcohol  until  two  pints  of  filtered  liquor  ar 
obtained.”  U.  S. 

The  London  College  takes  ten  drachms  of  bruised  Cayenne  pepper,  and  tw 
pints  (Imperial  measure)  of  proof  spirit,  macerates  for  fourteen  days,  and  filters 
the  Dublin  an  ounce  and  a half  [avoirdupois]  to  a pint  [Imp.  meas.],  and  ma 
cerates  fourteen  days;  the  Edinburgh  takes  the  same  proportions  as  the  Londor 
digests  for  seven  days,  strains,  expresses,  and  filters;  or  prepares  the  tinctur 
by  percolation,  having  previously  made  the  capsicum  into  a pulp,  with  a littl 
of  the  spirit. 

This  preparation  of  capsicum  is  a useful  stimulant  in  very  low  states  of  th 
system  with  great  gastric  insensibility,  as  in  malignant  scarlet  and  typhus  fever; 
and  in  the  cases  of  drunkards.  It  may  also  be  used  as  a gargle,  diluted  wit 
rose  water  or  some  mucilaginous  fluid.  (See  Capsicum.')  Applied  by  means  c 
a camel’s  hair  pencil  to  the  relaxed  uvula,  it  sometimes  produces  contraetior 
and  relieves  prolapsus  of  that  part.  The  dose  is  one  or  two  fluidrac-hms.  IV. 

TINCTURA  CARDAMOMI.  U.S.,  Ed.  Tincture  of  Cardamom 

“Take  of  Cardamom,  bruised,  four  ounces;  Diluted  Alcohol  two  pints.  Me 
cerate  for  fourteen  days,  express,  and  filter  through  paper. 

“This  Tincture  may  also  be  prepared  by  thoroughly  moistening  the  Carda 
mom,  in  powder,  with  Diluted  Alcohol,  allowing  it  to  stand  for  twenty-fou 
hours,  then  transferring  it  to  a percolator,  and  gradually  pouring  upon  it  Dilute 
Alcohol  until  two  pints  of  filtered  liquor  are  obtained.”  U.  S. 

The  Edinburgh  College  takes  four  ounces  and  a half  of  the  bruised  seed; 
and  two  pints  [Imp.  meas.]  of  proof  spirit,  digests  for  seven  days,  strains,  es 
presses,  and  filters;  or  prepares  the  tincture  by  percolation,  first  grinding  th 
seeds  in  a coffee-mill,  and  making  them  into  a pulp  with  a little  of  the  spirit. 

This  tincture  is  an  agreeable  aromatic,  and  may  be  advantageously  added  t 
tonic  and  purgative  infusions.  The  dose  is  one  or  two  fluidrachms. 

Off.  Prep.  Tinctura  Conii.  W. 

TINCTURA  CARDAMOMI  COMPOSITA.  U.S.,Lond.,Ed.,Dul 
Compound  Tincture  of  Cardamom. 

“Take  of  Cardamom,  bruised,  six  drachms;  Caraway,  bruised,  two  drachms 
Cinnamon,  bruised,  five  drachms;  Raisins,  deprived  of  their  seeds,  five  ounces 
Cochineal,  bruised,  a drachm;  Diluted  Alcohol,  two  pints  and  a half.  Mace 
rate  for  fourteen  days,  express,  and  filter  through  paper.”  U.  S. 

“Take  of  Cardamom,  Caraway,  Cochineal,  each,  bruised,  tico  drachms  and 
half;  Cinnamon,  bruised,  five  drachms;  Raisins  deprived  of  the  seeds  five  ounces 
Proof  Spirit  two  pints  [Imperial  measure].  Macerate  for  seven  days;  then  ei 
press,  and  filter.”  Lond. 

The  Edinburgh  College,  taking  the  same  materials  in  the  same  quantities  o 
the  London,  excepting  cochineal,  of  which  it  takes  only  a drachm,  digests  fo 
seven  days,  strains,  expresses  strongly,  and  filters.  The  same  College  allow 
the  tincture  to  be  prepared  also  by  percolation ; the  solid  materials  being  fir: 
beaten  together,  moistened  with  a little  spirit,  and  allowed  to  stand  for  twelv 
hours  before  being  introduced  into  the  instrument.  The  Dublin  College  takes  i 
cardamom  and  caraway,  each,  half  an  ounce  [avoirdupois],  cinnamon  an  on nc 
[avoird.],  cochineal  two  drachms  [Dub.  weight],  and  proof  spirit  two  pints  [Inq 
meas.],  macerates  for  fourteen  days,  strains,  expresses,  and  filters. 


IRT  II. 


Tineturse. 


1225 


This  is  a very  agreeable  aromatic  tincture,  occasionally  used  as  a carminative 
the  dose  of  one  or  two  fluidrachms,  but  more  frequently  as  an  addition  to 
ixtures,  infusions,  &c.,  which  it  renders  pleasant  to  the  taste,  and  acceptable 
the  stomach. 

Off.  Prep.  Decoctum  Aloes  Compositum ; Mistura  Ferri  Aromatica ; Mistura 
jntianas  Composita.  W. 

ESSENTIA  CARUI.  Dub.  Essence  of  Caraway. 

“Take  of  Oil  of  Caraway  one  fluidounce;  Rectified  Spirit  nine  fiuidounces. 
ix  with  agitation.”  Dub. 

For  general  observations  on  the  Dublin  essences  see  Essentia  Anisi.  The 
i>se  of  this  preparation  is  from  twenty  drops  to  a fluidrachm. 

Off.  Prep.  Aqua  Carui.  W. 

TINCTURA  CASCARILLiE.  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub.  Tincture  of  Cas- 
rilla. 

“Take  of  Cascarilla,  bruised,  five  ounces;  Proof  Spirit  two  pints  [Imperial 
easure].  Macerate  for  seven  days;  then  express,  and  filter.”  Lond. 

The  Edinburgh  College  employs  five  ounces  of  the  bark,  in  moderately  fine 
wder,  and  two  pints  [Imp.  meas.]  of  proof  spirit;  and  proceeds  by  percolation 
digestion  as  directed  for  the  tincture  of  Peruvian  bark.  (See  Tinctura  Cin- 
onse.)  The  Dublin  takes  five  ounces  [avoirdupois]  of  the  bark,  in  coarse  pow- 
r,  and  two  Imperial  pints  of  the  menstruum,  macerates  for  fourteen  days, 
•ains,  expresses,  and  filters. 

This  tincture  has  the  properties  of  cascarilla,  but  is  seldom  if  ever  used  in 
Is  country.  W. 

TINCTURA  CASSIiE.  Ed.  Tincture  of  Cassia. 

“Take  of  Cassia  [Chinese  cinnamon],  in  moderately  fine  powder,  three  ounces 
i d a half ; Proof  Spirit  two  pints  [Imperial  measure].  Digest  for  seven 
ys,  strain,  express  the  residuum  strongly,  and  filter.  This  tincture  is  more 
nveniently  made  by  the  process  of  percolation,  the  Cassia  being  allowed  to 
icerate  in  a little  of  the  Spirit  for  twelve  hours  before  being  put  into  the  per- 
lator.”  Ed. 

The  properties  of  this  tincture  are  identical  with  those  of  tincture  of  cinna- 
m.  (See  Tinctura  Cinnamomi. ) W. 

TINCTURA  CASTOREI.  U.S.,  Lond.,  Ed.  Tincture  of  Castor. 
“Take  of  Castor,  bruised,  two  ounces;  Alcohol  two  pints.  Macerate  for  seven 
ys,  express,  and  filter  through  paper.”  U.  S. 

The  London  College  takes  two  ounces  and  a half  of  bruised  castor,  and  two 
iperial  pints  of  rectified  spirit,  macerates  for  seven  days,  expresses,  and  filters, 
le  Edinburgh  College  directs  two  ounces  and  a half  of  bruised  castor,  and  two 
iperial  pints  of  rectified  spirit,  and  allows  the  tincture  to  be  prepared  either 
digestion  or  percolation,  like  the  tincture  of  cassia. 

As  castor  yields  little  if  any  of  its  virtues  to  water,  alcohol  is  a better  solvent 
in  proof  spirit.  It  is  said  also  to  form  a more  grateful  preparation.  The 
. issian  castor  should  always  be  preferred  when  attainable.  This  tincture  is 
ed  for  the  same  purposes  with  castor  in  substance.  The  dose  is  from  thirty 
: nims  to  two  fluidrachms.  W. 

TINCTURA  CASTOREI  AMMONIATA.  Ed.  Ammoniated  Tinc- 
re  of  Castor. 

“ Take  of  Castor,  bruised,  two  ounces  and  a half;  Assafetida,  in  small  frag- 
;nts,  ten  drachms;  Spirit  of  Ammonia  two  pints  [Imperial  measure].  Digest 
' seven  days  in  a well-closed  vessel;  strain,  and  express  strongly  the  residuum; 
d filter  the  liquor.”  Ed. 


1226 


Tincturae. 


PART  II 


This  is  au  active  stimulant  and  antispasmodic,  applicable  to  cases  of  seven 
spasm  of  the  stomach,  and  to  various  hysterical  and  other  nervous  affections 
unattended  with  inflammatory  symptoms.  The  dose  is  from  thirty  minims  tc 
two  fluidrachms.  W. 

TINCTURA  CATECHU.  U.S.,  Ed.,  Dub.  Tinctuba  Catechi 
Composita.  Lond.  Tincture  of  Catechu. 

“Take  of  Catechu  three  ounces;  Cinnamon,  bruised,  two  ounces;  Dilutee 
Alcohol  two  pints.  Macerate  for  fourteen  days,  express,  and  filter  througl 
paper.”  U.  S. 

The  London  College  takes  three  ounces  and  a hedf  of  powdered  catechu,  tux 
ounces  and  a half  of  bruised  cinnamon,  and  two  Imperial  pints  of  proof  spirit 
macerates  for  seven  days,  expresses,  and  filters.  The  Edinburgh  College  take: 
three  ounces  and  a half  of  catechu,  in  moderately  fine  powder;  two  ounces  and  i 
half  of  cinnamon,  in  fine  powder;  and  two  pints  [Imp.  meas.]  of  proof  spirit 
digests  for  seven  days,  strains,  expresses  strongly,  and  filters.  This  College  pre 
pares  the  tincture  also  by  percolation,  introducing  the  mixed  powders  into  thi 
percolator  without  previously  moistening  them  with  spirit.  The  Dublin  College 
macerates  four  ounces  [avoirdupois]  of  catechu,  and  two  ounces  [avoird.]  of  c-in 
namon  in  two  Imperial  pints  of  proof  spirit  for  fourteen  days,  strains,  expresses 
and  filters. 

This  is  a grateful  astringent  tincture,  useful  in  all  cases  to  which  catechu  i, 
applicable,  and  in  which  small  quantities  of  spirit  are  not  objectionable.  It  ma’ 
often  be  advantageously  added  to  cretaceous  mixtures  in  diarrhoea.  The  dose  i 
from  thirty  minims  to  three  fluidrachms,  which  may  be  given  with  sweetenet 
water  or  some  mucilaginous  liquid,  or  in  Port  wine  when  this  is  not  contra 
indicated.  Like  the  tincture  of  kino,  this  is  said  sometimes  to  gelatinize  whei 
kept.  In  this  state  it  is  unfit  for  use.  W. 

TINCTURA  CHIRETTiE.  Dub.  Tincture  of  Chiretta. 

“Take  of  Chiretta,  bruised,  five  ounces  [avoirdupois];  Proof  Spirit  tw o pint 
[Imperial  measure].  Macerate  for  fourteen  days,  strain,  express,  and  filter.’ 
Dub. 

This  is  a tonic  tincture,  and  may  be  given  in  the  dose  of  one  or  two  fluidraehm 
three  or  four  times  a day.  W. 

TINCTUR  A CINCHONiE.  lT.  iS.,  Lond.,  Ed.  Tincture  of  Pent 
vian  Bark. 

“ Take  of  Yellow  Bark,  in  powder,  six  ounces ; Diluted  Alcohol  two  pints 
Macerate  for  fourteen  days,  express,  and  filter  through  paper. 

“This  Tincture  may  also  be  prepared  by  thoroughly  moistening  the  Bark  wit’ 
Diluted  Alcohol,  allowing  it  to  stand  for  forty-eight  hours,  then  transferring  i 
to  a percolator,  and  gradually  pouring  upon  it  Diluted  Alcohol  until  two  pint 
of  filtered  liquor  are  obtained.”  U.  S. 

The  London  College  orders  eight  ounces  of  yellow  bark,  and  two  Imperial  pint 
of  proof  spirit,  macerates  for  seven  days,  expresses,  and  filters. 

“ Take  of  Yellow  Bark,  in  fine  powder  (or  of  any  other  species  of  Cinchons 
according  to  prescription),  eight  ounces;  Proof  Spirit  two  pints  [Imperial  me: 
sure].  Percolate  the  Bark  with  the  Spirit,  the  Bark  being  previously  moistene 
with  a very  little  Spirit,  left  thus  for  ten  or  twelve  hours,  and  then  firmly  paeke 
in  the  cylinder.  This  tincture  may  also  be  prepared,  though  much  less  expt 
ditiously,  and  with  much  greater  loss,  by  the  usual  process  of  digestion,  the  bar 
being  in  that  case  reduced  to  coarse  powder  only.”  Ed. 

This  tincture  is  very  properly  made  with  a large  proportion  of  bark;  as,  1 
the  bitter  tinctures,  it  is  important  that  the  alcohol  should  bear-  as  small  a pn 


&KT  II. 


Tincturx. 


1227 


)rtion  to  the  tonic  principle  as  possible.  Even  when  strongest,  however,  it 
nnot,  in  ordinary  cases,  be  given  in  doses  sufficiently  large  to  obtain  the  full 
Feet  of  the  bark,  without  stimulating  too  highly.  Tincture  of  cinchona  is  used 
liefly  as  an  adjunct  to  the  infusion  or  decoction  of  bark,  or  the  solution  of  sul- 
late  of  quinia,  to  a dose  of  which  it  may  be  added  in  the  quantity  of  from  one 
four  fluidraclims.  W. 

TINCTURA  CINCHON2E  COMPOStTA.  U.S.,  Lond.,  Ed., 

* ub . Compound  Tincture  of  Peruvian  Baric. 

“Take  of  Red  Bark,  in  powder,  two  ounces;  Orange  Peel,  bruised,  an  ounce 
id  a half;  Virginia  Snakeroot,  bruised,  three  drachms;  Saffron,  cut,  Red  Saun- 
prs,  rasped,  each,  a drachm;  Diluted  Alcohol  twenty  fluidounces.  Macerate 
r fourteen  days,  express,  and  filter  through  paper. 

“ Compound  Tincture  of  Peruvian  Bark  may  be  prepared  from  the  same  dry 
aterials,  by  beating  them  well  together,  moistening  them  thoroughly  with 
iluted  Alcohol,  allowing  the  mixture  to  stand  for  forty-eight  hours,  then  trans- 
rring  it  to  a percolator,  and  gradually  pouring  upon  it  Diluted  Alcohol  until 
?enty  fluidounces  of  filtered  liquor  are  obtained.”  U.  S. 

“Take  of  Pale  Bark,  bruised,  four  ounces;  dried  Orange  Peel  three  ounces; 
irginia  Snakeroot,  bruised,  six  drachms;  Saffron  two  drachms;  Cochineal, 
•uised,  a drachm;  Proof  Spirit  two  pints  [Imperial  measure].  Macerate  for 
ven  days,  then  express,  and  filter.”  Lond. 

The  Edinburgh  College  takes  the  same  materials  in  the  same  quantities  as  the 
ondon,  but  specifies  yellow  bark,  which  it  orders  in  coarse  powder,  if  digestion, 
fine  powder,  if  percolation  be  employed.  The  serpentaria  is  directed  in  mode- 
.tely  fine  powder.  The  process  is  conducted  either  by  digesting  for  seven  days, 
raining,  expressing  strongly,  and  filtering;  or  by  percolation  in  the  same  way 
compound  tincture  of  cardamom.  The  Dublin  College  takes  four  ounces 
voirdupois]  of  pale  bark,  two  ounces  [avoird.]  of  orange  peel,  six  drachms 
)ub.  weight]  of  Virginia  snakeroot,  two  drachms  [Dub.  weight]  of  saffron,  one 
•achm  [Dub.  weight]  of  cochineal,  and  two  Imperial  pints  of  proof  spirit, 
aeerates  for  fourteen  days,  strains,  expresses,  and  filters. 

This  is  the  preparation  commonly  known  by  the  name  of  Huxham’s  tincture 
' bark.  It  is  unfortunate  that  the  London  and  Dublin  Colleges  should  have 
lected  the  feeblest  of  the  officinal  varieties  of  bark  for  this  important  tincture, 
he  compound  tincture  of  bark  is  an  excellent  stomachic  cordial,  and  though  too 
able  in  the  principles  of  cinchona  to  serve  as  a substitute  for  that  tonic  when 
i full  effect  is  required,  may  be  very  usefully  employed  as  an  addition  to  the 
coction  or  infusion,  or  to  the  salts  of  quinia,  in  low  forms  of  fever,  partieu- 
rly  in  malignant  intermittents  and  remittents.  ITuxham  was  in  the  habit  of 
tiling  with  it  the  elixir  of  vitriol,  the  aromatic  sulphuric  acid  of  the  Pharrna- 
poeias.  The  dose  is  from  one  to  four  fluidrachms. 

Under  the  name  of  Tinctura  Cinchonas  Ferrata,  a preparation  has  been  con- 
lerably  employed  in  Philadelphia,  of  which  the  following  formula  is  given  by 
r.  Samuel  Simes,  in  the  Am.  Journ.  of  Pliarm.  (xxv.  402).  With  one  gallon 
the  Edinburgh  compound  tincture  of  bark,  one  ounce  of  hydrated  sesquioxide 
iron,  dried  at  a temperature  not  exceeding  130°  F.,  is  digested,  and  the  liquor 
tered.  The  tannic  acid  is  removed  by  the  iron,  forming  an  insoluble  tannate, 
rich  with  the  excess  of  oxide  is  separated  by  the  filtration.  In  order  not  to  lose 
y portion  of  the  alkaloids  which  may  adhere  to  the  precipitate,  this  is  to  be 
ill  washed  with  boiling  alcohol,  the  solution  evaporated  to  dryness,  the  product 
ssolved  in  a little  water  acidulated  with  citric  acid,  and  added  to  the  filtered 
|uor.  Lastly,  sixteen  grains  of  ammonio-citrate  of  iron  are  to  be  added  to 
ch  fluidounce  of  the  tincture.  The  dose  is  a fluidrachm.  W. 


1228 


Tincturse. 


PART  II 


TINCTURA  CINCH0N2E  PALLIDA.  Land.  Tikctura  Cin- 
chonas. Dub.  Tincture  of  Pale  Baric. 

“ Prepare  this  [from  Pale  Bark]  in  the  manner  directed  for  Tincture  of  Pe 
ruvian  Bark  [see  Tinctura  Cinchonse].”  Lond. 

“Take  of  Crown  or  Pale  Bark,  in  coarse  powder,  eight  ounces  [avoirdupois] 
Proof  Spirit  two  pints  [Imperial  measure].  Macerate  for  fourteen  days,  strain 
express,  and  filter.”  Dub. 

Pale  bark  from  its  general  feebleness  is  especially  inappropriate  for  tinctures 
This  preparation  should  be  abandoned.  The  dose  of  it  is  one  or  two  fluidrac-hm: 
or  more.  W. 

ESSENTIA  CINNAMOMI.  Dub.  Essence  of  Cinnamon. 

“Take  of  Oil  of  Cinnamon  one  fluidounce;  Rectified  Spirit  nine  Jluidounces 
Mix  with  agitation.”  Dub. 

For  general  observations  on  the  Dublin  essences,  see  Essentia  Anisi.  Th> 
dose  of  this  preparation  is  from  ten  to  twenty  drops. 

Off.  Prep.  Aqua  Cinnamomi.  W. 

TINCTURA  CINNAMOMI.  U.  S.,  Bond.,  Ed.  Tincture  of  Cin 
namon. 

“Take  of  Cinnamon,  bruised,  three  ounces;  Diluted  Alcohol  two  pints.  Ma 
cerate  for  fourteen  days,  express,  and  filter  through  paper. 

“This  Tincture  may  also  be  prepared  by  thoroughly  moistening  the  Cinna 
mon,  in  powder,  with  Diluted  Alcohol,  allowing  it  to  stand  for  forty-eight  hours 
then  transferring  it  to  a percolator,  and  gradually  pouring  upon  it  Diluted  Alco 
hoi  until  two  pints  of  filtered  liquor  are  obtained.”  U.  S. 

The  London  College  takes  three  ounces  and  a half  of  cinnamon,  and  two  pint 
[Imperial  measure]  of  proof  spirit,  and  macerates  for  fourteen  days ; the  Edin 
burgh,  three  ounces  and  a half  of  the  former,  in  moderately  fine  powder,  am 
two  pints  [Imp.  meas.]  of  the  latter,  and  proceeds  by  percolation  or  digestion 
as  in  the  preparation  of  tinoture  of  cassia. 

This  tincture  has  the  aromatic  and  astringent  properties  of  cinnamon,  ani 
may  be  used  as  an  adjuvant  to  cretaceous  mixtures,  and  astringent  infusions  o 
decoctions.  The  dose  is  from  one  to  three  or  four  fluidrachms. 

Off.  Prep.  Infusum  Digitalis.  W. 

TINCTURA  CINNAMOMI  COMPOSITA.  U.S.,Lond.,Ed.,Dub 
Compound  Tincture  of  Cinnamon. 

“Take  of  Cinnamon,  bruised,  an  ounce;  Cardamom  [seeds],  bruised,  half  a 
ounce ; Ginger,  bruised,  three  drachms;  Diluted  Alcohol  two  pints.  Macerat 
for  fourteen  days,  express,  and  filter  through  paper. 

“Compound  Tincture  of  Cinnamon  may  be  prepared  from  the  same  dry  mf 
terials,  in  the  state  of  powder,  by  moistening  them  thoroughly  with  Dilute 
Alcohol,  allowing  them  to  stand  for  forty -eight  hours,  then  transferring  them  t 
a percolator,  and  gradually  pouring  upon  them  Diluted  Alcohol  until  two  pint 
of  filtered  liquor  are  obtained.”  U.  S. 

The  London  College  orders  an  ounce  of  cinnamon,  half  an  ounce  of  cardamon 
two  drachms  and  a half  of  long  pepper,  the  same  quantity  of  ginger,  and  tic 
pints  [Imperial  measure]  of  proof  spirit,  macerates  for  a week,  expresses,  an 
filters.  The  Edinburgh  College  directs  an  ounce  of  cinnamon  in  coarse  or  fin 
powder,  according  as  digestion  or  percolation  is  followed,  an  ounce  of  bruise 
cardamom  seeds,  three  drachms  of  finely  ground  long  pepper,  and  two  p'n 
[Imp.  meas.]  of  proof  spirit;  and  allows  the  tincture  to  be  prepared  either  b 
digestion  for  seven  days,  straining,  expressing,  and  filtering,  or  by  percolation  i 
the  manner  directed  for  compound  tincture  of  cardamom ; preferring,  howeve 


ART  II. 


Tinctures. 


1229 


ie  latter  mode.  The  Dublin  College,  using  the  avoirdupois  weights,  takes  two 
unces  of  cinnamon,  an  ounce  of  cardamom  seeds,  half  an  ounce  of  ginger,  and 
oo  Imperial  pints  of  proof  spirit,  macerates  for  two  weeks,  strains,  expresses, 
nd  filters. 

This  is  a very  warm  aromatic  tincture,  useful  in  flatulence,  spasm  of  the  sto- 
lach,  and  gastric  debility.  The  dose  is  one  or  two  fluidrachms.  W. 

TINCTURA  COCCI  CACTI.  Dub . Tincture  of  Cochineal. 

“Take  of  Cochineal,  in  fine  powder,  tvoo  ounces  [avoirdupois];  Proof  Spirit 
ne  pint  [Imperial  measure].  Macerate  for  fourteen  days,  strain,  express,  and 
Iter.”  Dub. 

This  is  valued  chiefly  for  imparting  colour  to  liquid  preparations.  It  may, 
owever,  be  given  internally  in  nervous  affections  in  doses  varying  from  twenty 
rops  to  a fluidracbm.  W. 

TINCTURA  COLCHICI  COMPOSITA.  Lond.  Compound  Tinc- 
ure  of  Colchicum. 

“Take  of  Colchicum  Seed,  bruised,  five  ounces ; Aromatic  Spirit  of  Ammonia 
wo  pints  [Imperial  measure].  Macerate  for  seven  days;  then  express,  and 
Iter.”  Lond. 

This  is  the  Spiritus  Colchici  Ammoniatus  of  a former  London  Pharmacopoeia, 
t may  he  employed  for  the  same  purposes  as  the  wine  of  colchicum,  in  cases 
?hich  require  or  admit  of  an  active  stimulant.  The  dose  is  from  thirty  drops 
o a fluidrachm.  W. 

TINCTURA  COLCHICI  SEMINIS.  U.S.  Tinctura  Colchici. 
Lond.,  Ed.  Tinctura  Seminum  Colchici.  Dub.  Tincture  of  Col- 
hicum  Seed. 

“Take  of  Colchicum  Seed,  bruised,  four  ounces;  Diluted  Alcohol  two  pints. 
lacerate  for  fourteen  days,  express,  and  filter  through  paper. 

“ This  Tincture  may  also  he  prepared  by  thoroughly  moistening  the  Colchi- 
um  Seed,  in  powder,  with  Diluted  Alcohol,  allowing  it  to  stand  for  twenty-four 
ours,  then  transferring  it  to  a percolator,  and  gradually  pouring  upon  it  Diluted 
Ucohol  until  two  pints  of  filtered  liquor  are  obtained.”  U.  S. 

The  London  College  orders  five  ounces  of  the  bruised  seeds,  two  Imperial  pints 
f proof  spirit,  and  maceration  for  a week;  the  Dublin,  five  avoirdupois  ounces 
f the  former  and  two  Imperial  pints  of  the  latter,  and  maceration  for  two  weeks, 
'he  Edinburgh  College  takes  five  ounces  of  the  seeds  finely  ground  in  a coffee- 
aill,  and  two  pints  [Imp.  meas.]  of  proof  spirit ; and  prepares  the  tincture  in 
he  same  manner  as  the  tincture  of  Peruvian  bark,  either  by  percolation  or 
igestion ; preferring,  however,  the  former  process. 

It  was  at  one  time  supposed  that  the  tincture  was  quite  as  effective  made 
rom  the  unbruised  as  the  bruised  seeds,  and  corresponding  advice  was  given 
jinder  the  head  of  Colchici  Semen,  in  the  first  part  of  this  work  ; but  the  opinion 
as  recently  been  shown  to  have  been  erroneous.  (Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm., 
xvi.  120.) 

This  tincture  possesses  the  active  properties  of  colchicum,  and  may  be  given 
whenever  that  medicine  is  indicated;  but  the  wine,  which  contains  less  alcohol, 
is  generally  preferred.  The  dose  is  from  half  a fluidrachm  to  two  fluidrachms. 
'he  tincture  is  sometimes  used  as  an  embrocation  in  rheumatic,  gouty,  and 
euralgic  'pains.  W . 

TINCTURA  COLOMBiE.  U.  S.  Tinctura  Calumet.  Lond., 
fd.,  Dub.  Tincture  of  Columbo. 

“Take  of  Columbo,  bruised,  four  ounces ; Diluted  Alcohol  two  pints.  Ma- 
erate  for  fourteen  days,  express,  and  filter  through  paper. 


1230 


Tincturee. 


part  n 


“ This  tincture  may  also  he  prepared  by  thoroughly  moistening  the  Columbo. 
in  powder,  with  Diluted  Alcohol,  allowing  it  to  stand  for  twenty-four  hours : 
then  transferring  it  to  a percolator,  and  gradually  pouring  upon  it  Diluted  Alco- 
hol until  two  pints  of  filtered  liquor  are  obtained.”  U.  S. 

The  London  College  takes  three  ounces  of  finely  sliced  columbo,  and  two  Im- 
perial pints  of  proof  spirit;  the  Dublin,  jive  avoirdupois  ounces  of  the  former, 
and  two  Imperial  pints  of  the  latter;  the  former  College  macerating  for  seven, 
the  latter  for  fourteen  days.  The  Edinburgh  College  takes  three  ounces  of 
columbo,  in  small  fragments  or  moderately  fine  powder,  according  as  digestion 
or  percolation  is  followed,  and  two  pints  [Imp.  meas.]  of  proof  spirit;  and  pre- 
pares the  tincture  either  by  digesting  for  seven  days,  decanting,  expressing,  and 
filtering,  or  by  the  process  of  percolation,  allowing  the  powder  to  be  macerated 
with  a little  spirit  for  six  hours  before  being  put  into  the  cylinder. 

The  tincture  of  columbo  of  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia  was,  with  great  propriety, 
considerably  increased  in  strength  at  the  revision  of  1840.  The  larger  the  pro- 
portion of  the  tonic  is  to  the  alcohol  in  these  bitter  tinctures,  the  better  are  they 
calculated  to  meet  the  indications  for  which  they  are  usually  prescribed.  When 
the  proportion  is  very  small,  the  tonic  power  of  the  bitter  is  overwhelmed  by  the 
stimulant  influence  of  the  alcohol.  The  tincture  of  columbo  may  be  added  to 
tonic  infusions  or  decoctions,  to  increase  their  stimulant  power;  but,  like  all 
the  other  bitter  tinctures,  should  be  used  with  caution.  The  dose  is  from  one 
to  four  fluidrachms.  W. 

TINCTURA  CONII.  U.S.,  Lond.,  Ed.  Tincture  of  Hemloclc. 

“ Take  of  Hemlock  Leaves  four  ounces;  Diluted  Alcohol  two  pints.  Macerate 
for  fourteen  days,  express,  and  filter  through  paper. 

“This  Tincture  may  also  be  prepared  by  thoroughly  moistening  the  Hemlock 
Leaves,  in  powder,  with  Diluted  Alcohol,  allowing  them  to  stand  for  twenty-four 
hours,  then  transferring  them  to  a percolator,  and  gradually  pouring  upon  them 
Diluted  Alcohol  until  two  pints  of  filtered  liquor  are  obtained.”  U.  S. 

The  London  College  takes  five  ounces  of  the  dried  leaves,  and  two  Imperial 
pints  of  proof  spirit,  macerates  for  seven  days,  expresses,  and  filters. 

“Take  of  fresh  leaves  of  Conium  twelve  ounces;  Tincture  of  Cardamom  half 
a pint  [Imp.  meas.];  Rectified  Spirit  one  pint  and  a half  [Imp.  meas.].  Bruise 
the  Hemlock  Leaves,  express  the  juice  strongly;  bruise  the  residuum,  pack  it 
firmly  in  a percolator;  transmit  first  the  Tincture  of  Cardamom,  and  then  the 
Rectified  Spirit,  allowing  the  spirituous  liquors  to  mix  with  the  expressed  juice 
as  they  pass  through ; add  gently  water  enough  to  the  percolator  for  pushing 
through  the  Spirit  remaining  in  the  residuum.  Filter  the  liquor  after  agitation.” 
Ed. 

The  tincture  of  hemlock  necessarily  partakes  of  the  uncertainty  of  the  dried 
leaves  from  which  it  is  prepared.  There  can  be  little  doubt  that  the  tincture  of 
the  Edinburgh  College,  made  from  the  fresh  leaves  and  their  expressed  juice,  is 
the  most  efficient.  Another  superiority  of  the  process  of  that  College  is  the  use 
of  rectified  spirit  (Alcohol,  U.  S.),  which  extracts  the  conia,  and  leaves  the  mu- 
cilage and  albumen.  A preparation  made  by  adding  one  measure  of  alcohol  to 
four  of  the  expressed  juice,  has  been  used  in  England  under  the  name  of  pre- 
served juice  of  hemlock,  and  is  probably  quite  equal  to  the  Edinburgh  tincture. 
(See  page  1218.)  The  U.  S.  and  London  Pharmacopoeias  have  very  properly 
excluded  cardamom  from  this  preparation ; as  it  can  have  little  influence  upon 
its  medical  effects,  and  tends  to  obscure  the  odour  which  is  an  indication  of  the 
activity  of  the  tincture.  A strong  odour  of  conia  should  be  emitted  by  the 
tincture  upon  the  addition  of  potassa.  The  dose  is  from  thirty  minims  to  a 
fluidrachm.  VT. 


].RT  II. 


Tincturee. 


1231 


TINCTURA  CROCI.  Ed.,  Dub.  Tincture  of  Saffron. 

“Take  of  Saffron,  chopped  fine,  two  ounces;  Proof  Spirit  two  pints  [Imperial 
uasure].  This  Tincture  is  to  be  prepared  like  Tincture  of  Cinchona,  either  by 
jrcolation  or  by  digestion,  the  former  method  being  the  most  convenient  and 
{peditious.”  Ed. 

The  Dublin  College  macerates  two  avoirdupois  ounces  of  finely  chopped  saffron 
>th  an  Imperial  pint  of  proof  spirit  for  fourteen  days,  strains,  expresses,  and 
fjers. 

This  tincture  possesses  all  the  properties  of  saffron ; but  is  of  little  other  use 
tm  to  impart  colour  to  mixtures.  The  dose  is  from  one  to  three  fluidrachms. 

W. 

TINCTURA  CUBEBiE.  TJ.  S.,  Lond .,  Dub.  Tincture  of  Cubebs. 
“ Take  of  Cubebs,  bruised,  four  ounces;  Diluted  Alcohol  two  pints.  Macerate 
i'  fourteen  days,  express,  and  filter  through  paper. 

“ This  tincture  may  also  be  prepared  by  thoroughly  moistening  the  Cubebs, 
i powder,  with  Diluted  Alcohol,  allowing  the  mixture  to  stand  for  twenty-four 
lurs,  then  transferring  it  to  a percolator,  and  gradually  pouring  upon  it  Diluted 
jcohol  until  two  pints  of  filtered  liquor  are  obtained.”  U.  S. 

The  London  College  takes  a pound  of  powdered  cubebs,  and  two  Imperial 
pits  of  proof  spirit;  the  Dublin,  five  avoirdupois  ounces  of  the  former  and  two 
.'perial  pints  of  the  latter;  the  former  College  macerating  for  seven,  the  latter 
fi  fourteen  days. 

This  may  be  used  as  a carminative,  and  has  been  applied  with  advantage  to 
t:  treatment  of  gonorrhoea  in  the  advanced  stages.  The  London  tincture  has 
bn  greatly  increased  in  strength,  and  in  this  respect  is  nearly  triple  that  of  the 
liblin  College.  The  dose  of  the  former  tincture  is  from  half  a fluidrachm  to 
to  fluidrachms  or  more,  the  larger  doses  being  used  in  gonorrhoeal  affections. 

W. 

TINCTURA  CUSPARLZE.  Ed.  Tincture  of  Angustur a Baric. 
“Take  of  Cusparia  [Angustura  Bark],  in  moderately  fine  powder,  four  ounces 
id  a half;  Proof  Spirit  two  pints  [Imperial  measure].  This  Tincture  is  to  be 
i de  like  the  Tincture  of  Cinchona,  and  most  expeditiously  by  the  process  of 
j 'eolation.”  Ed. 

The  tincture  contains  the  active  principles  of  Angustura  bark,  and  may  be 
pen  in  the  dose  of  one  or  two  fluidrachms.  W. 

TINCTURA  DIGITALIS.  U.S.,  Bond.,  Ed.,  Dub.  Tincture  of 
jxglove. 

‘Take  of  Foxglove  four  ounces;  Diluted  Alcohol  two  pints.  Macerate  for 
frteen  days,  express,  and  filter  through  paper. 

‘This  Tincture  may  also  be  prepared  by  thoroughly  moistening  the  Foxglove, 
i powder,  with  Diluted  Alcohol,  allowing  it  to  stand  for  twenty-four  hours,  then 
t nsferring  it  to  a percolator,  and  gradually  pouring  upon  it  Diluted  Alcohol 
i :il  two  pints  of  filtered  liquor  are  obtained.”  U.  S. 

The  London  College  directs  four  ounces  of  the  dried  leaves,  tico  Imperial  pints 
c proof  spirit,  and  maceration  for  seven  days;  the  Dublin,  five  avoirdupois 
c ices  of  the  dried  leaves  (the  larger  being  rejected)  and  two  Imperial  pints  of 
J of  spirit,  and  maceration  for  two  weeks. 

‘Take  of  Digitalis,  in  moderately  fine  powder,  four  ounces;  Proof  Spirit  two 
l ts  [Imp.  measure].  This  tincture  is  best  prepared  by  the  process  of  perco- 
1 on,  as  directed  for  the  Tincture  of  Capsicum.  If  forty  fluidounces  of  Spirit 
1 passed  through,  the  density  is  0'944,  and  the  solid  contents  of  a fluidounce 
aount  to  tw'enty-four  grains.  It  may  also  be  made  by  digestion.”  Ed. 
in  preparing  this  tincture,  great  attention  should  be  paid  to  the  selection  of 


1232 


Tincturae. 


PART  i 


the  leaves,  according  to  the  rules  laid  down  under  the  head  of  Digitalis.  Fro: 
a neglect  of  these,  it  is  apt  to  be  weak  or  inefficient.  The  expressed  juice  of  tl 
leaves,  preserved  by  means  of  alcohol,  would  probably  he  found  a powerful  pr 
paration.  (See  page  1218.)  The  tincture  of  foxglove  possesses  all  the  virtvn 
of  that  narcotic,  and  affords  a convenient  method  of  administering  it,  especial 
in  mixtures.  The  dose  is  from  ten  to  twenty  drops,  repeated  two  or  three  tim< 
a day,  and  increased  if  necessary,  but  with  great  caution.  W. 

TINCTURA  ERGOTiE.  Dub.  Tincture  of  Ergot. 

“Take  of  Ergot  of  Rye,  in  coarse  powder,  eight  ounces  [avoirdupois];  PrO’ 
Spirit  two  pints  [Imperial  measure].  Macerate  for  fourteen  days,  strain,  e: 
press,  and  filter.’’  Dub. 

The  dose  of  this  tincture  is  one  or  two  fluidrachms.  W. 

TINCTURA  ERGOTiE  iETHEREA.  Lond.  Ethereal  Tinctu; 
of  Ergot. 

“ Take  of  Ergot,  bruised,  fifteen  ounces;  Ether  two  pints  [Imperial  measure 
Macerate  for  seven  days,  then  express,  and  filter.”  Lond. 

AVe  doubt  the  propriety  of  this  preparation.  Independently  of  its  liabilit 
to  the  loss  of  ether  by  evaporation,  and  to  consequent  great  diversity  of  strength 
the  inert  fixed  oil  of  the  ergot  is  extracted  abundantly  along  with  the  aetn 
matter.  The  dose  of  the  recently  prepared  tincture  would  he  from  sixty 
ninety  minims.  W. 

ESSENTIA  FCENICULI.  Dub.  Essence  of  Fennel. 

“ Take  of  Oil  of  Fennel  one  jiuidounce  ; Alcohol  nine  fluidounces.  Mix  wit 
agitation.”  Dub. 

The  Alcohol  of  the  Dublin  College  here  directed  is  absolute  alcohol,  of  tl 
sp.gr.  0'795.  For  general  observations  on  the  Dublin  essences  the  reader 
referred  to  Essentia  Anisi.  The  dose  of  the  essence  of  fennel  is  from  tweni 
drops  to  a fiuidrachm. 

Off.  Prep.  Aqua  Funiculi.  W. 

TINCTURA  GALL2E.  U.S.,  Lond.,  Dub.  Tinctura  Gallaro 
Ed.  Tincture  of  Gaits. 

“Take  of  Galls,  bruised,  four  ounces;  Diluted  Alcohol  two  pints.  Macera 
for  fourteen  days,  express,  and  filter  through  paper. 

“ This  Tincture  may  also  be  prepared  by  thoroughly  moistening  the  Galls, : 
powder,  with  Diluted  Alcohol,  allowing  them  to  stand  for  forty-eight  hours,  tht 
transferring  them  to  a percolator,  and  gradually  pouring  upon  them  Diluti 
Alcohol  until  two  pints  of  filtered  liquor  are  obtained.”  U.  S. 

The  London  College  directs  five  ounces  of  powdered  galls,  two  Imperial  pin 
of  proof  spirit,  and  maceration  for  seven  days;  the  Dublin,  five  avoirdvjr. 
ounces  of  the  galls,  tico  Imperial  pints  of  the  spirit,  and  maceration  for  fourtet 
days.  The  Edinburgh  College  takes  the  same  quantity  of  materials  as  tl 
London,  and  prepares  the  tincture  either  by  digestion  or  percolation,  as  direct 
for  tincture  of  capsicum. 

The  tincture  of  galls  is  powerfully  astringent ; hut  is  more  used  as  a test  th: 
as  a medicine.  When  long  kept  it  ceases  to  evince  the  reactions  of  tannic  aci 
in  consequence  of  the  conversion  of  this  into  gallic  acid.  The  dose  is  from  o: 
to  three  fluidrachms.  W. 1 

TINCTURA  GENTIANS  COMPOSITA.  U.S.,Lond.,  Ed.,  Du 
Compound  Tincture  of  Gentian. 

“Take  of  Gentian,  bruised,  two  ounces;  Orange  Peel  [dried]  an  ounce;  C; 
dam om  [seeds],  bruised,  half  an  ounce;  Diluted  Alcohol  two  pints.  Macera 
for  fourteen  days,  express,  and  filter  through  paper. 


VET  II. 


Tincturse. 


“ This  Tincture  may  also  be  prepared  from  the  same  dry  materials,  in  the 
ite  of  powder,  by  moistening  them  thoroughly  with  Diluted  Alcohol,  allowing 
'em  to  stand  for  forty-eight  hours,  then  transferring  them  to  a percolator,  and 
adually  pouring  upon  them  Diluted  Alcohol  until  two  pints  of  filtered  liquor 
;e  obtained.”  U.  S. 

The  London  College  takes  two  ounces  and  a half  oi  sliced  gentian,  ten  drachms 
dried  orange  peel , five  drachms  of  bruised  cardamom,  and  two  Imperial  pints 
proof  spirit,  and  macerates  for  seven  days.  The  Edinburgh  College  takes  two 
nces  and,  a half  of  bruised  gentian,  ten  drachms  of  bruised  dried  bitter  orange 
el,  six  drachms  of  canella  in  moderately  fine  powder,  half  a drachm  of  bruised 
chineal,  and  two  Imperial  pints  of  proof  spirit;  digests  for  seven  days,  strains, 
presses  strongly,  and  filters;  or  prepares  the  tincture  by  percolation  as  directed 
r the  compound  tincture  of  cardamom.  The  Dublin  College,  using  the  avoir- 
ipois  weights,  takes  three  ounces  of  the  root,  an  ounce  and  a half  of  the  peel, 
ilf  an  ounce  of  the  seeds,  and  two  Imperial  pints  of  proof  spirit,  and  macerates 
v two  weeks. 

This  is  an  elegant  bitter,  much  used  in  dyspepsia,  and  as  an  addition  to  tonic 
ixtures  in  debilitated  states  of  the  digestive  organs,  or  of  the  system  gene- 
lly.  There  is,  however,  much  danger  of  its  abuse,  especially  in  chronic  cases, 
ae  dose  is  one  or  two  fluidrachms.  W. 

TINCTURA  GUAIACI.  U.S.,  Ed.,  Dub.  Tincture  of  Guaiac. 
“Take  of  Guaiac,  in  powder,  half  a pound  ; Alcohol  two  pints.  Macerate  for 
urteen  days,  and  filter  through  paper.”  U.  S. 

The  Edinburgh  College  takes  seven  ounces  of  guaiac,  and  two  Imperial  pints 
rectified  spirit ; the  Dublin,  eight  avoirdupois  ounces  of  the  guaiac  and  two 
iperial  pints  of  the  spirit ; the  former  digests  for  a week,  the  latter  macerates 
• two  weeks. 

This  tincture  is  given  in  chronic  rheumatism  and  gout,  in  the  dose  of  from 
e to  three  fluidrachms  three  or  four  times  a day.  As  it  is  decomposed  by 
iter,  it  is  most  conveniently  administered  in  mucilage,  sweetened  water,  or 
lk,  by  which  the  separated  guaiac  is  held  in  temporary  suspension.  The  fol- 
ding is  a form  of  tincture  of  guaiac  which  the  late  Dr.  Dewees  found  very 

■ icient  in  the  cure  of  suppression  of  the  menses,  and  dysmenorrhoea.  “ Take 

the  best  Guaiac,  in  powder,  four  ounces;  Carbonate  of  Soda  or  of  Potassa 
>j e drachm  and  a half ; Pimento,  in  powder,  an  ounce;  Diluted  Alcohol,  a 
, und . Digest  for  a few  days.”  Dr.  Dewees  directed  a drachm  or  two  of  the 
ijirit  of  ammonia  to  be  added,  “pro  re  nata,”  to  four  fluidounces  of  the  tincture, 
i feat,  on  Dis.  of  Females,  A.  D.  1826,  p.  81.)  The  dose  is  a teaspoonful 
'ree  times  a day,  to  be  gradually  increased  if  necessary.  Within  our  own 
iperience,  this  remedy  has  proved  highly  useful  in  painful  menstruation,  given 
: the  intervals  of  the  attacks.  The  quantity  of  alkaline  addition  is  too  small 
ij produce  any  sensible  effect,  and  the  pimento  can  act  only  as  a spice;  so  that 
' 3 virtues  of  the  tincture  reside  in  the  guaiac,  and  the  officinal  tincture  would 
pbably  be  found  equally  effectual.  W. 

TINCTURA  GUAIACI  AMMONIATA.  U.S.,  Ed.  Tinciuka 
iJAiACi  Composita.  Lond.  Ammoniated  Tincture  of  Guaiac. 

“Take  of  Guaiac,  in  powder,  four  ounces;  Aromatic  Spirit  of  Ammonia  a 
pt  and  a half.  Macerate  for  fourteen  days,  and  filter  through  paper.”  TJ.  S. 
The  London  College  takes  seven  ounces  of  guaiac,  coarsely  powdered,  and  two 

■ perial  pints  of  aromatic  spirit  of  ammonia,  and  macerates  for  seven  days.  The 
. Unburgh  College  takes  seven  ounces  of  guaiac  and  two  Imperial  pints  of  spirit 
i ammonia,  and  digests  for  seven  days  in  a well  closed  vessel. 

Tins  tincture  is  celebrated  in  the  treatment  of  chronic  rheumatism.  It  is 
78 


1234 


Tincturae. 


PART  I] 


more  stimulating,  and  is  thought  to  he  more  effectual  than  the  preceding.  Lik 
that,  it  is  decomposed  by  water,  and  should  be  administered  in  some  viscid  o 
tenacious  vehicle  which  may  hold  the  guaiac  in  suspension.  The  Edinburg' 
differs  from  the  U.  S.  and  London  preparation  in  having  as  the  menstruun 
the  caustic  “ spirit  of  ammonia,”  instead  of  the  carbonated  “aromatic  spirit  o 
ammonia,”  and  is  therefore  stronger  in  reference  to  the  ammoniacal  propertie 
of  the  tincture.  The  dose  is  one  or  two  fluidrachms.  W. 

TINCTURA  HELLEBORI.  U.  S.,  Lond.  Tincture  of  Blaci 
Hellebore. 

“Take  of  Black  Hellebore,  bruised,  four  ounces;  Diluted  Alcohol  two  pink 
Macerate  for  fourteen  days,  express,  and  filter  through  paper. 

“This  Tincture  may  also  be  prepared  by  thoroughly  moistening  the  Blaci 
Hellebore,  in  powder,  with  Diluted  Alcohol,  allowing  it  to  stand  for  forty-eigh 
hours,  then  transferring  it  to  a percolator,  and  gradually  pouring  upon  it  Di 
luted  Alcohol  until  two  pints  of  filtered  liquor  are  obtained.”  U.  S. 

The.  London  College  takes  five  ounces  of  the  bruised  root,  and  two  Imperia 
pints  of  proof  spirit,  and  macerates  for  seven  days. 

This  tincture,  formerly  called  tinctura  Melampodii,  possesses  the  propertie 
of  black  hellebore,  and,  upon  the  recommendation  of  Dr.  Mead,  has  been  mucl 
used  in  suppression  of  the  menses.  It  is  said  to  he  peculiarly  applicable  t> 
cases  in  which  the  grade  of  action  is  too  high  for  the  use  of  chalybeates.  A 
best,  however,  it  is  an  uncertain  remedy,  and,  though  frequently  almost  iner 
from  the  bad  quality  of  the  root,  should  always  be  administered  with  caution 
as  it  is  sometimes  violent  in  its  action.  The  dose  is  from  thirty  minims  to; 
fluidrachm,  to  be  taken  night  and  morning.  W. 

TINCTURA  HUMULI.  U.S.  Tinctura  Lupuli.  Lond.  Tine 
ture  of  Hops. 

“Take  of  Hops  five  ounces;  Diluted  Alcohol  two  pints.  Macerate  for  four 
teen  days,  express,  and  filter  through  paper.”  U.  S. 

The  London  College  takes  six  ounces  of  hops  and  two  Imperial  pints  of  proo 
spirit,  macerates  for  seven  days,  expresses,  and  filters. 

Hops  are  so  light  and  bulky  that,  in  the  proportion  directed,  they  absorl 
almost  all  the  spirit,  which,  after  the  requisite  maceration,  can  be  separatee 
only  by  strong  pressure.  As  this  absorption  of  the  spirit  obstructs  its  propel 
action  on  all  parts  of  the  hops,  it  is  necessary  that  the  mixture  should  be  fre 
quently  stirred  during  the  maceration.  By  thoroughly  drying  the  hops  anc 
rubbing  them  between  the  hands,  or  by  cutting  and  bruising  them,  they  ma\ 
be  brought  to  a state  of  division  which  will  in  a great  measure  obviate  tin 
disadvantages  alluded  to.  As  the  virtues  of  hops  depend  chiefly  on  the  lupu 
lin,  and  as  the  quantity  of  this  substance  is  not  the  same  in  different  parcels 
the  tincture  is  necessarily  unequal  in  strength  ; and  the  tincture  of  lupulii 
itself  is  greatly  preferable.  (See  Tinctura  Lupulinse.) 

The  tincture  of  hops  is  tonic  and  narcotic,  and  has  been  proposed  as  a sub 
stitute  for  laudanum  when  the  latter  disagrees  with  the  patient ; but  littli 
reliance  can  be  placed  upon  it.  The  condition  of  disease  to  which  it  appear; 
to  be  best  adapted,  is  the  wakefulness,  attended  with  tremors  and  general  ner 
vous  derangement,  to  which  habitual  drunkards  are  liable,  and  which  fre 
quently  precedes  an  attack  of  delirium  tremens.  The  dose  is  from  one  to  thre< 
fluidrachms.  W. 

TINCTURA  HYOSCYAMI.  U.  S.,  Lond.  Ed.,  Dub.  Tinctur , 

of  Henbane. 

“ Take  of  Henbane  Leaves  four  ounces  ; Diluted  Alcohol  hco  pints.  Mace 
rate  for  fourteen  days,  express,  and  filter  through  paper. 


ART  II. 


Tincturae. 


1235 


“This  Tincture  may  also  be  prepared  by  thoroughly  moistening  the  Henbane 
weaves,  in  powder,  with  Diluted  Alcohol,  allowing  them  to  stand  for  twenty-four 
ours,  then  transferring  them  to  a percolator,  and  gradually  pouring  upon  them 
liluted  Alcohol  until  two  pints  of  filtered  liquor  are  obtained.”  U.  S. 

The  London  College  takes  five  ounces  of  the  dried  leaves,  and  two  Imperial 
ints  of  proof  spirit,  and  macerates  for  seven  days;  the  Dublin,  five  avoirdu- 
ois  ounces  of  the  former  and  two  Imperial  pints  of  the  latter,  and  macerates 
iir  two  weeks.  The  Edinburgh  College  orders  the  same  amount  of  materials 
i the  London,  the  henbane  being  in  moderately  fine  powder,  and  directs  the 
ncture  to  be  prepared  either  by  digestion,  or  preferably,  by  percolation,  as 
irected  for  the  tincture  of  capsicum. 

This  tincture  may  be  advantageously  substituted,  as  an  anodyne  and  sopo- 
fic,  for  that  of  opium,  when  the  latter  disagrees  with  the  patient,  or  is  objec- 
onable  on  account  of  its  property  of  inducing  constipation.  When  the  tinc- 
lre  of  henbane  purges,  as  it  sometimes  does,  it  may  be  united  with  a very 
nail  proportion  of  laudanum.  The  dose  is  a fluidrachm.  The  expressed  juice 
reserved  by  means  of  alcohol  may  be  used  for  the  same  purposes  as  the  tinc- 
lre.  (Seepage  1218.)  W. 

TINCTURA  IODINII.  U.S.  Tinctura  Iodinei.  Ed.  Tinc- 
ire  of  Iodine. 

“ Take  of  Iodine  an  ounce ; Alcohol  a pint.  Dissolve  the  Iodine  in  the 
.loohol.”  U.  S. 

The  Ed  inburgh  College  directs  two  ounces  and  a half  of  iodine  to  be  dis- 
ilved,  with  the  aid  of  a gentle  heat  and  agitation,  in  two  Imperial  pints  of  ree- 
Ged  spirit,  and  the  tincture  to  be  kept  in  well  stopped  bottles. 

These  tinctures  contain  so  nearly  the  same  proportion  of  iodine  that,  for  prac- 
cal  purposes,  they  may  be  considered  identical.  They  have  very  nearly  the 
rength  of  the  tincture  employed  by  Coindet,  which  contained  one  part  of 
dine  to  twelve  of  alcohol  by  weight;  while  the  U.  S.  tincture  contains  one 
irt  of  the  former  to  about  12*7  parts  of  the  latter.  It  is  best  to  prepare  the 
acture  in  small  quantities  at  a time  ; as  the  iodine  reacts  on  the  alcohol,  espe- 
ally  when  exposed  to  solar  light,  giving  rise  to  chemical  changes.  The  iodine 
ould  be  thoroughly  dried  before  being  weighed  out.  The  tincture  should  be 
■pt  in  well  stopped  bottles,  in  order  to  prevent  the  evaporation  of  the  alcohol, 
d the  consequent  crystallization  of  the  iodine. 

The  tincture  of  iodine  has  a deep-brown  colour.  Sixteen  minims,  equal  to 
out  thirty-five  drops,  contain  one  grain  of  iodine.  It  is  at  present  less  used 
ternally  than  it  formerly  was,  in  consequence  of  an  impression  that  it  is  apt 
irritate  the  stomach.  Water  decomposes  the  tincture,  and  when  this  is 
allowed,  it  is  supposed  that  the  iodine  is  precipitated  upon  the  mucous  mem- 
ane.  Besides,  the  tincture  undergoes  a gradual  change  when  kept,  owing, 
3ording  to  Guibourt,  to  the  reaction  between  the  alcohol  and  iodine.  A por- 

0 of  the  latter  is  supposed  to  take  hydrogen  from  the  former,  producing 
driodic  acid,  which  combines  with  another  portion  of  the  iodine  to  form 
luretted  hydriodic  acid  ; while  the  place  of  the  hydrogen  in  the  alcohol  is 
ought  to  be  supplied  by  iodine,  giving  rise  to  another  ioduretted  compound. 
ie  new  products  are  soluble  in  water ; and  consequently  the  tincture  gradu- 
'•  y loses  by  time  the  property  of  being  precipitated  on  dilution.  (Journ.  de 

harm.,  Be  ser.,  x.  113.)  Yet,  from  the  experiments  of  Dr.  A.  Gopel,  it 
' uld  appear  that  the  change  is  slow  if  the  tincture  is  kept  in  the  dark  and  at 

1 ow  temperature ; for  in  three  months  a specimen  thus  treated  had  lost  but 
'je  per  cent,  of  iodine.  (Pharm.  Central  Blatt,  No.  13,  A.  D.  1850.)  On 
oount  of  its  liability  to  precipitation  in  the  stomach,  the  tincture  of  iodine  is 
iw  almost  exclusively  employed  locally.  Undiluted,  it  acts  as  a powerful 


1236 


Tincturae. 


PART  II 


irritant  to  the  skin,  producing  inflammation,  desquamation  of  the  cuticle,  &c. 
Nevertheless,  it  is  much  used  in  this  state  in  erysipelas,  chilblains,  and  other 
cases  of  cutaneous  and  subcutaneous  inflammation,  and  often  with  very  happy 
effects.  But  its  application  requires  some  caution  ; and  in  erysipelas,  we  are 
in  the  habit  rather  of  surrounding  the  inflamed  surface  with  a border  of  the 
tincture,  embracing  a portion  of  both  the  sound  and  the  diseased  skin,  so  as  tc 
prevent  the  progress  of  the  inflammation,  than  of  attempting  a complete  cure 
by  covering  the  whole  surface  affected.  It  has  been  found  useful  in  rendering 
the  variolous  eruption  abortive.  It  has  also  been  employed  externally  in  croupi 
the  bites  of  serpents,  and  local  rheumatism.  It  is  most  conveniently  applied 
by  means  of  a camel’s  hair  pencil.  Diluted  with  the  camphorated  tincture  oi 
soap,  or  other  alcoholic  liquid,  it  is  sometimes  employed  as  an  embrocation  in 
scrofulous  tumours  and  other  affections  requiring  the  use  of  iodine.  It  is 
much  used  in  the  radical  cure  of  hydrocele,  as  an  injection  into  the  sac;  and  a 
similar  employment  of  it  has  been  extended  to  other  serous  cavities  morbidly 
distended  with  fluid,  as  in  the  cases  of  ovarian  dropsy,  ascites,  and  empyema; 
but  in  these  latter  affections  it  should  be  resorted  to,  if  at  all,  with  very  great 
caution.  In  hydrocele,  M.  Velpeau  employed  it  diluted  with  double  its  volume 
of  water.  In  the  other  cases  referred  to  it  has  been  variously  diluted  with  from 
three  to  ten  times  its  bulk  of  water,  or  some  demulcent  liquid.  To  prevent  the 
precipitation  of  the  iodine,  iodide  of  potassium  is  generally  added  in  the  propor- 
tion of  from  two  scruples  to  a drachm  to  each  fluidounce  of  the  tincture. 

The  dose  of  the  tincture  is  from  ten  to  twenty  drops,  which  may  be  gradually 
increased  to  thirty  or  forty  drops,  three  times  a day.  It  may  be  given  in  sweet- 
ened water,  and  still  better  in  wine,  when  this  is  not  contra-indicated.  M.  De- 
bauque,  an  apothecary  of  Mons,  has  ascertained  that  tannic  acid  has  the  property 
of  rendering  iodine  soluble  in  water,  and  states  that  an  ounce  of  syrup  of  orange- 
peel  in  four  or  six  ounces  of  water,  will  form  a clear  solution  with  a quantity 
of  tincture  of  iodine  containing  five  or  six  grains  of  the  medicine.  ( Journ . dt 
Pharm.,  3e  sir.,  xx.  34.)  W. 

TINCTURA  IODINII  COMPOSITA.  U.S.,  Land.,  Pub.  Com- 
pound Tincture  of  Iodine. 

“ Take  of  Iodine  half  an  ounce;  Iodide  of  Potassium  an  ounce ; Alcohol  a pint. 
Dissolve  the  Iodine  and  Iodide  of  Potassium  in  the  Alcohol.”  U.  S. 

The  London  College  takes  an  ounce  of  iodine,  two  ounces  of  iodide  of  potas- 
sium, and  two  Imperial  pints  of  rectified  spirit;  macerates  till  they  are  dis 
solved,  and  filters.  The  Lublin  College  dissolves  half  an  ounce  of  pure  iodine 
and  an  ounce  of  iodide  of  potassium  in  an  Imperial  pint  of  alcohol,  using  the 
avoirdupois  weights. 

The  U.  S.  tincture  is  rather  stronger  than  the  London,  the  wine  pint  employee 
in  the  former  containing  about  one-fifth  less  than  the  Imperial  pint  employed  ii 
the  latter.  The  difference,  however,  is  of  no  great  practical  importance.  The 
advantage  of  this  tincture  over  the  simple  tincture  above  described  is,  that  tin 
former  may  be  diluted  with  water  without  decomposition;  so  that,  when  it  i; 
swallowed,  iodine  is  not  precipitated  upon  the  mucous  coat  of  the  stomach,  ant 
will  not,  therefore,  be  so  likely  to  produce  gastric  irritation.  This  is  a gooc 
theoretical  recommendation ; but  we  are  by  no  means  confident  that  the  differ 
ence  of  the  two  preparations  in  irritating  properties  will  be  found  very  striking 
in  practice.  The  compound  tincture  of  iodine  may  be  given  internally  for  al 
the  purposes  which  iodine  is  capable  of  answering.  The  dose  is  from  fifteen  t< 
thirty  drops,  to  be  gradually  increased  if  necessary.  W. 

TINCTURA  JALAPiE.  U.S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub.  Tincture  of  Jalap 

“Take  of  Jalap,  in  powder,  six  ounces ; Diluted  Alcohol  two  pints.  Macerat 
for  fourteen  days,  express,  and  filter  through  paper. 


ART  II. 


Tincturse. 


1237 


“ This  Tincture  may  also  be  prepared  by  moistening  the  Jalap  thoroughly 
ith  Diluted  Alcohol,  allowing  it  to  stand  for  forty-eight  hours,  then  transfer- 
ng  it  to  a percolator,  and  gradually  pouring  upon  it  Diluted  Alcohol  until  two 
ints  of  filtered  liquor  are  obtained.”  TJ.  S. 

The  London  College  takes  jive  ounces  of  coarsely  powdered  jalap,  and  two 
mperial  pints  of  proof  spirit;  the  Dublin,  jive  avoirdupois  ounces  of  the  root 
id  two  Imperial  pints  of  the  spirit;  the  former  macerates  for  a week,  the  latter 
ir  two  weeks.  The  Edinburgh  College  orders  seven  ounces  of  jalap,  in  mode- 
itely  fine  powder,  and  tivo  Imperial  pints  of  proof  spirit,  and  allows  the  tinc- 
ire  to  be  prepared  either  by  digestion  or  percolation,  as  directed  for  tincture  of 
nchona. 

This  tincture  possesses  the  medical  virtues  of  jalap,  and  is  sometimes  added 
i cathartic  mixtures  in  the  quantity  of  one  or  two  fluidrachms,  to  increase  their 
itivity.  W. 

TINCTURA  KINO.  TJ.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed.  Tincture  of  Kino. 

“ Take  of  Kino,  in  powder,  six  drachms ; Diluted  Alcohol  a sufficient  quantity. 
'ix  the  Kino  with  an  equal  bulk  of  sand,  and,  having  introduced  it  into  a per- 
lator,  pour  Diluted  Alcohol  gradually  upon  it  until  eight  fluidounces  of  filtered 
quor  are  obtained. 

“This  Tincture  should  be  renewed  frequently,  and  kept  in  closely  stopped 
ittles ; as  it  is  apt  to  deteriorate  rapidly  by  exposure.”  U.  S. 

The  London  College  takes  three  ounces  and  a half  of  powdered  kino  and  two 
mperial  pints  of  rectified  spirit,  macerates  for  a week,  and  filters.  The  Edin- 
j rgli  College  takes  the  same  ingredients  in  the  same  proportion,  and  digests  for 
week. 

This  tincture  very  frequently  becomes  gelatinous  if  kept,  and  at  length  almost 
tirely  loses  its  astringency.  The  character  of  the  chemical  reaction  which 
lies  place,  remains  to  be  investigated.  The  air  has  some  effect ; for  if  this  is 
tirely  excluded  the  tincture  keeps  for  a long  time  without  undergoing  the 
ange.  The  apothecary  should  introduce  it  when  prepared  into  very  small 
ttles,  which  should  be  kept  well  corked,  and  only  opened  when  wanted  for 
|e.  It  is  in  consequence  of  its  tendency  to  gelatinize,  that  the  U.  S.  Pharma- 
'pceia  directs  it  to  be  frequently  renewed.  The  dose  is  one  or  two  fluidrachms. 
is  used  chiefly  as  an  addition  to  cretaceous  and  other  astringent  mixtures  iu 
nrrhcca.  , W. 

TINCTURA  KRAMERLZE.  TJ.  S.,  Dub.  Tincture  of  Rhatany. 
“Take  of  Rhatany,  in  powder,  six  ounces ; Diluted  Alcohol  two  pints.  Ma- 
oate  for  fourteen  days,  express,  and  filter  through  paper. 

“This  Tincture  may  also  be  prepared  by  moistening  the  Rhatany  thoroughly 
wh  Diluted  Alcohol,  allowing  it  to  stand  for  forty-eight  hours,  then  transferring 
i ;o  a percolator,  and  gradually  pouring  upon  it  Diluted  Alcohol  until  two  pints 
(filtered  liquor  are  obtained.”  U.  S. 

The  Dublin  College  takes  eight  avoirdupois  ounces  of  the  root,  and  two  Im- 
fial  pints  of  proof  spirit;  macerates  for  two  weeks,  strains,  expresses,  and 
fers. 

According  to  F.  Boudet,  the  tincture  of  rhatany  sometimes  gelatinizes  like 
1 1 of  kino  ( Journ . de  Pharm.,  Se  ser.,  i.  338);  and  the  same  observation  has 
bn  made  by  others.  .The  same  precaution,  therefore,  should  be  observed,  in 
r ition  to  the  mode  of  keeping  it,  as  recommended  in  reference  to  tincture  of 
1 o.  This  is  a good  preparation  of  rhatany  in  cases  which  admit  of  the  use  of 
s ill  quantities  of  alcohol.  The  dose  is  one  or  two  fluidrachms.  W. 

TINCTURA  LACTUCARII.  Ed.  Tincture  of  Lactucarium. 
‘Take  of  Lactucarium,  iu  fine  powder,  four  ounces ; Proof  Spirit  two  pints 


1238 


Tincturse. 


PART  II 


[Imperial  measure].  This  tincture  is  best  prepared  by  percolation  as  direete< 
for  Tincture  of  Myrrh ; but  may  also  be  prepared  by  digestion  with  coarse  powde. 
of  Lactucarium.”  Ed. 

The  dose  of  this  tincture  is  from  thirty  minims  to  two  fluidraehms.  TT. 
TINCTURA  LIMONIS.  Dub.  Tinctura  Limonum.  Lond.  Tine 
ture  of  Lemon  Peel. 

“Take  of  fresh  Lemon  Peel  three  ounces  and  a half;  Proof  Spirit  two  pint 
[Imperial  measure].  Macerate  for  seven  days;  then  express,  and  filter.”  Lond 

The  Dublin  College  macerates  five  avoirdupois  ounces  of  the  fresh  peel,  cat 
thin,  in  an  Imperial  pint  of  proof  spirit  for  two  weeks,  strains,  expresses,  am 
filters. 

This  tincture  forms  a grateful  aromatic  addition  to  tonic  and  purgative  in 
fusions,  mixtures,  &c.  It  may  be  used  in  the  dose  of  one  or  two  fluidrachins 

Off.  Prep.  Syrupus  Acidi  Citrici.  W. 

TINCTURA  LOBELLE.  U.S.,  Lond .,  Pd.,  Dub.  Tincture  o, 
Lobelia. 

“ Take  of  Lobelia  [the  herb]/bw?-  ounces;  Diluted  Alcohol  two  pints.  Macerat 
for  fourteen  days,  express,  and  filter  through  paper. 

“ This  Tincture  may  also  be  prepared  by  thoroughly  moistening  the  Lobelia,  ii 
powder,  with  Diluted  Alcohol,  allowing  it  to  stand  for  twenty-four  hours,  thei 
transferring  it  to  a percolator,  and  gradually  pouring  upon  it  Diluted  Aleoho 
until  two  pints  of  filtered  liquor  are  obtained.”  U.  S. 

The  London  College  takes  five  ounces  of  the  herb,  and  two  Imperial  pints  o 
proof  spirit,  and  macerates  for  a week;  the  Dublin,  five  avoirdupois  ounces  o 
the  former,  and  two  Imperial  pints  of  the  latter,  and  macerates  for  two  weeks 
The  Edinburgh  College  directs  the  same  quantities  as  the  London;  and  state 
that  the  tincture  is  best  prepared  by  percolation  as  directed  for  tincture  of  cap 
sicum,  though  it  may  also  be  made  by  digestion. 

This  tincture  possesses  the  emetic  and  narcotic  properties  of  lobelia,  and  i 
sometimes  used  in  asthma,  in  the  dose  of  one  or  two  fluidraehms,  repeated  ever 
two  or  three  hours  till  its  effects  are  experienced.  The  emetic  dose  is  half 
fluidounce.  W. 

TINCTURA  L OBELIZE  2ETHEREA.  Pd.,  Lond.  Ethereal  Tine 
ture  of  Lobelia. 

“Take  of  dry  Lobelia,  in  moderately  fine  powder,  five  ounces ; Spirit  of  Sul 
phuric  Ether  two  pints  [Imperial  measure].  This  Tincture  is  best  prepared  b 
percolation,  as  directed  for  Tincture  of  Capsicum ; but  it  may  also  be  obtained  b 
digestion  in  a well  closed  vessel  for  seven  days.”  Ed. 

The  London  College  orders  five  ounces  of  powdered  lobelia,  fourteen  fium 
ounces  of  ether,  and  twenty -six  fiuidounces  of  rectified  spirit,  macerates  for  seve 
days,  expresses,  and  filters. 

The  stimulant  operation  of  the  ether  in  this  preparation  can  scarcely  favon 
the  relaxing  and  nauseating  action  for  which  lobelia  is  usually  employed.  Tb 
dose  is  the  same  as  that  of  the  alcoholic  tincture.  W. 

TINCTURA  LUPULINiE.  U.  S.,  Dub.  Tinctura  Lupuli.  Pc 
Tincture  of  Lupulin. 

“Take  of  Lupulin  four  ounces;  Alcohol  two  pints.  Macerate  for  fourtee 
days,  and  filter  through  paper.”  U.  S. 

The  Dublin  process  corresponds  closely  with  that  of  the  LT.  S.  Pharmaeopcei; 
five  avoirdupois  ounces  of  the  lupulin,  and  two  Imperial  pints  of  rectified  spir 
being  used. 

“Take  any  convenient  quantity  of  Hops,  recently  dried;  separate  by  frictio 
and  sifting  the  yellowish-brown  powder  attached  to  their  scales.  Then  take  < 


ART  II. 


Tincturse. 


1239 


iis  powder  five  ounces,  and  of  Rectified  Spirit  hoo  pints  [Imperial  measure], 
id  prepare  the  tincture  bj  percolation  or  digestion,  as  directed  for  Tincture  of 
ipsicum.”  Ed. 

This  is  much  superior  to  the  tincture  of  hops  of  the  first  United  States  Phar- 
acopceia,  in  the  place  of  which  it  was  introduced  into  the  second  edition.  In 
e original  preparation,  a certain  quantity  of  hops  was  directed,  from  which  the 
pulin  was  to  be  separated  by  beating,  and  then  digested  in  alcohol.  As  hops 
ntain  a variable  proportion  of  lupulin,  a tincture  thus  made  must  be  of  unequal 
rength;  an  objection  to  which  the  tincture  of  hops,  even  as  now  prepared,  is 
some  measure  liable.  (See  Tinctura  Humuli.')  Besides,  the  amount  of  lupulin 
ntained  in  any  quantity  of  hops  upon  which  alcohol  can  conveniently  act,  is 
o small  in  proportion  to  the  alcohol,  to  afford  a tincture  of  the  due  strength, 
re  tincture  of  lupulin  is,  therefore,  in  all  respects,  preferable.  The  dose  is  one 
two  fluidrachms,  to  be  given  in  sweetened  water  or  some  mucilaginous  fluid. 

W. 

TINCTURA  MATICO.  Dub.  Tincture  of  Matico. 

“Take  of  Matico  Leaves,  in  coarse  powder,  eight  ounces  [avoirdupois];  Proof 
liirit  two  pints  [Imperial  measure].  Macerate  for  fourteen  days,  strain,  express, 
Id  filter.”  Dub. 

The  dose  of  this  tincture  is  from  one  to  three  fluidrachms.  W. 

ESSENTIA  MYRISTICiE  MOSCHATJE.  Dub.  Essence  of 
utmeg. 

“Take  of  [volatile]  Oil  of  Nutmeg  one  fiuidounce;  Stronger  Spirit  nine 
j idounces.  Mix  with  agitation.”  Dub. 

For  general  observations  on  the  Dublin  essences  see  Essentia  Anisi.  The 
longer  spirit  here  used  is  alcohol  of  the  sp.gr.  0'818.  The  dose  of  this  pre- 
] ration  is  twenty  or  thirty  drops.  W. 

TINCTURA  MYRRILZE.  U.S.,Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub.  Tincture  of 
firrh. 

“Take  of  Myrrh,  bruised,  four  ounces;  Alcohol  three  pints.  Macerate  for 
l.rteen  days,  and  filter  through  paper.”  V.  S. 

The  London  College  takes  three  ounces  of  powdered  myrrh,  and  two  Imperial 
fits  of  rectified  spirit,  and  macerates  for  a week.  The  Dublin  College  takes 
fir  avoirdupois  ounces  of  bruised  myrrh,  two  Imperial  pints  of  rectified  spirit, 
a'l  macefates  for  two  weeks. 

‘Take  of  Myrrh,  in  moderately  fine  powder,  three  ounces  and  a half;  Recti- 
fy Spirit  two  joints  [Imperial  measure].  Pack  the  Myrrh  very  gently  without 
a ' Spirit  in  a percolator;  then  pour  on  the  Spirit,  and  when  thirty-three  fluid- 
oices  have  passed  through,  agitate  well  to  dissolve  the  oleo-resinous  matter 
rich  first  passes,  and  which  lies  at  the  bottom.  This  tincture  is  much  less 
c veniently  obtained  by  the  process  of  digestion  for  seven  days.”  Ed. 

Ifficinal  alcohol  is  preferable,  as  a solvent  of  myrrh,  to  that  fluid  mixed  with 
er;  because  it  forms  a perfectly  clear  solution,  which  is  not  attainable  with 
t latter  menstruum.  The  addition  of  water  to  the  tincture  renders  it  turbid. 

5 ! tincture  of  myrrh  is  scarcely  ever  used  internally.  As  a local  application 
employed  to  stimulate  indolent  and  foul  ulcers,  and  promote  the  exfoliation 
o 'bones,  and,  diluted  with  water,  is  applied  to  spongy  gums,  aphthous  sore 
d ith,and  ulcerations  of  the  throat.  The  dose,  as  a stimulant  expectorant  and 
e:  nenagogue,  is  from  thirty  minims  to  a fluidrachm. 
pff.  Prep.  Tinctura  Aloes  et  Myrrhae.  W. 

TINCTURA  NUCIS  VOMICiE.  U.S.  Tincture  of  Nux  Vomica. 
Take  of  Nux  Vomica,  rasped,  eight  ounces;  Alcohol  two  pints.  Macerate 
f(  fourteen  days,  express,  and  filter  through  paper. 


1240 


Tincturse. 


part  : 


“ This  Tincture  may  also  be  prepared  by  moistening  the  Nux  Vomica  th< 
oughly  with  alcohol,  allowing  it  to  stand  for  two  days,  then  transferring  it  tc 
percolator,  and  very  gradually  pouring  Alcohol  upon  it  until  two  pints  of  filter 
liquor  are  obtained.”  U.  S. 

Should  the  operator  have  recourse  to  the  second  of  these  processes,  it  is  of  t 
greatest  importance  that  the  nux  vomica  should  be  well  powdered ; and,  in  cc 
sequence  of  the  difficult  action  of  solvents  on  this  substance,  probably  from  t 
presence  of  bassorin,  the  preliminary  maceration  should  be  continued  for  at  let 
a week. 

The  tincture  is  not  an  eligible  form  for  administering  nux  vomica,  as  it 
equally  uncertain  with  the  medicine  in  substance,  and  has  the  disadvantage 
excessive  bitterness.  The  alcoholic  extract,  or  strychnia  is  preferable.  T 
dose  of  the  tincture  is  from  five  to  twenty  drops.  It  is  sometimes  employ 
externally  in  cases  of  local  paralysis.  W. 


TINCTURA  OLEI  MENTH2E  PIPERITiE.  U.  S.  Essent 
Mentha  Piperit^e.  Dub.  Tincture  of  Oil  of  Peppermint.  Essen 
of  P effer mint. 

“ Take  of  Oil  of  Peppermint  two  fluidounces;  Alcohol  a pint.  Dissolve  t 
Oil  in  the  Alcohol.”  U.  S. 

The  Dublin  College  dissolves  a fluidounce  of  the  oil  in  nine  fluidounces 
its  stronger  spirit  (alcohol,  sp.  gr.  0'818). 

This  is  a very  popular  preparation,  which  has  long  been  kept  in  the  sbo 
under  the  name  of  essence  of  peppermint,  and  was  adopted  for  the  first  time 
the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia  of  1840.  It  affords  a convenient  method  of  hasti 
administering  a dose  of  the  oil  of  peppermint;  being  of  such  a strength  th: 
when  dropped  on  loaf  sugar,  it  may  be  taken  without  inconvenience  by  t 
patient.  The  dose  is  from  ten  to  twenty  drops,  which  may  be  given  as  ju 
mentioned,  or  mixed  with  sweetened  water. 

Off.  Prep.  Aqua  Menthae  Piperitae.  W. 

ESSENTIA  MENTILE  PULEGII.  Dub.  Essence  of  Europe 
Pennyroyal. 

“ Take  of  Oil  of  [European]  Pennyroyal  one  fluidounce;  Rectified  Spi 
nine  fluidounces.  Mix  with  agitation.”  Dub. 

This  preparation  is  seldom  or  never  used  in  the  United  States.  It  may 
given  in  the  dose  of  from  fifteen  to  thirty  drops. 

Off.  Prep.  Aqua  Mentbae  Pulegii.  W. 


TINCTURA  OLEI  MENTH.E  VIRIDIS.  U.  S.  Essent. 
Menthae  Viridis.  Dub.  Tincture  of  Oil  of  Spearmint.  Essence  ' 
Spearmint. 

“Take  of  Oil  of  Spearmint  two  fluidounces ; Alcohol  a pint.  Dissolve  t: 
Oil  in  the  Alcohol.”  U.  S. 

The  Dublin  College  dissolves  a fluidounce  of  the  oil  in  nine  fluidounces'. 
its  stronger  spirit  (alcohol  of  the  sp.  gr.  0'818). 

The  remarks  made  upon  the  tincture  of  oil  of  peppermint  are  applicable  a > 
to  the  present  tincture.  The  dose  of  the  essence  of  spearmint  is  from  twenty 
forty  drops. 

Off.  Prep.  Aqua  Menthae  Viridis.  V. 

TINCTURA  OPII.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub.  Tincture  of  Opiu. 
Laudanum. 

“ Take  of  Opium,  in  powder,  hco  ounces  and  a balf;  Diluted  Alcohol  i> 
pints.  Macerate  for  fourteen  days,  express,  and  filter  through  paper.’’  1.  8 

The  London  College  takes  three  ounces  of  opium,  in  powder,  and  two  Imper  l 
pints  of  proof  spirit,  macerates  for  seven  days,  expresses,  and  filters.  The  Dull 


PRT  II. 


Tincturse. 


1241 


(liege  macerates  three  avoirdupois  ounces  of  coarsely  powdered  opium  in  two 
Iperial  pints  of  proof  spirit  for  fourteen  days,  strains,  expresses,  and  filters. 

‘Take  of  Opium,  sliced,  three  ounces;  Rectified  Spirit  one  pint  and  seven 
Jiidounces  [Imperial  measure]  ; Water  thirteen  fluidounces  and  a half.  Digest 
t Opium  in  the  Water  at  a temperature  near  212°  for  two  hours;  break  down 
t : Opium  with  the  hand ; strain,  and  express  the  infusion ; macerate  the  re- 
suum  in  the  Rectified  Spirit  for  about  twenty  hours,  and  then  strain  and 
ejpress  very  strongly.  Mix  the  watery  and  spirituous  infusions,  and  filter. 

“ This  Tincture  is  not  easily  obtained  by  the  process  of  percolation ; but  when 
t;  Opium  is  of  fine  quality,  it  may  be  prepared  thus.  Slice  the  Opium  finely; 
ik  the  Spirit  and  Water;  let  the  Opium  macerate  in  fourteen  fluidounces  of 
t;  mixture  for  twelve  hours,  and  then  break  it  down  thoroughly  with  the  hand  ; 
jar  the  whole  pulpy  mass  and  fluid  into  a percolator,  and  let  the  fluid  part 
jls  through;  add  the  rest  of  the  Spirit  without  packing  the  Opium  in  the 
ciinder,  and  continue  the  process  of  percolation  till  two  pints  are  obtained.”  Ed. 
The  proportion  of  opium  in  the  several  officinal  formulae  is  so  nearly  the  same 
mt  the  resulting  tinctures  may  be  considered  identical.  The  apparent  differ- 
<ce  between  the  formulae  of  the  London  and  Edinburgh  Colleges  and  ours  will 
pnish,  when  the  relative  value  of  the  Imperial  measure,  which  they  employ, 
;d  the  wine  measure  of  our  Pharmacopoeia  is  estimated.  The  Dublin  prepara- 
>n  is  somewhat  weaker  than  the  others  from  the  use  of  the  avoirdupois  ounce, 
he  drying  and  powdering  of  the  opium,  directed  in  all  the  Pharmacopoeias 
{cept  the  Edinburgh,  is  clearly  a useful  provision  ; as  it  ensures  greater  uni- 
ymity  in  the  strength  of  the  tincture.  Crude  opium  contains  variable  pro- 
■jrtions  of  moisture;  and  laudanum  prepared  from  a moist  specimen  will 
viously  be  weaker  than  that  from  an  equal  weight  of  the  dried.  The  pulveri- 
ition  ensures  the  previous  drying  of  the  drug,  and  is  thus  useful  independently 
the  greater  facility  which  it  gives  to  the  action  of  the  menstruum.  It  is 
mblesome,  however,  and  is  often  neglected.  Innovation  in  so  important  a 
eparation,  and  one  in  which  uniformity  of  strength  is  so  desirable,  should  be 
oided,  unless  clearly  shown  to  be  necessary.  For  these  reasons  we  object  to 
e Edinburgh  formula,  and  greatly  prefer  the  old  standard  of  the  U.  S.,  London, 
id  Dublin  Pharmacopoeias. 

In  the  United  States  and  Great  Britain,  this  tincture  is  universally  known  by 
e name  of  laudanum.  As  this  term  was  formerly  applied  to  other  prepara- 
ms  of  opium,  and  still  continues  to  be  so  on  the  continent  of  Europe,  the 
peture  is  sometimes  distinguished  by  the  epithet  liquidum,  which,  however,  is 
ldom  used  in  this  country.  Tinctura  Thcbaica  is  another  title  by  which  the 
■eparation  is  known. 

About  two-thirds  of  the  opium  used  in  the  preparation  of  the  tincture  are 
ssolved,  the  residue  consisting  chiefly  of  inert  matter.  Allowing  the  opium 
I be  wholly  exhausted  of  its  active  principles,  one  grain  would  be  represented 
ff  12 "8  minims,  according  to  the  U.  S.  formula;  but  a minute  quantity  of 
orphia  has  been  detected  in  the  residuary  matter,  so  that  the  tincture  is  rather 
eaker  than  the  proportion  of  opium  employed  would  indicate.  The  difference, 
owever,  is  insufficient  to  be  of  any  practical  importance. 

The  tincture  of  opium  is  used  for  all  the  purposes  to  which  opium  itself  is 
yplied.  (See  Opium.')  The  dose,  equivalent  to  a grain  of  opium,  is  about 
lirteen  minims,  or  twenty-five  drops.  Mr.  Phillips,  in  his  translation  of  the 
london  Pharmacopoeia  of  1836,  states  that,  by  evaporating  the  tincture,  and 
iso  by  determining  the  quantity  of  opium  left  undissolved,  he  found  the  pre- 
aration  to  contain  one  grain  of  opium  in  19  minims;  and  this  quantity,  there- 
>re,  is  given  as  the  dose  equivalent  to  a grain  of  opium.  But  this  mode  of 
flculation  is  obviously  fallacious ; as  the  portion  of  the  drug  dissolved  is  much 


1242 


Tincturse. 


PART 


more  active  than  that  left  behind  by  the  menstruum.  Indeed,  so  feeble  is  t 
latter,  that  Dr.  Garrod  recently  gave  thirty  grains  of  the  residue  to  a healt 
adult  without  effect.  ( Pliarm . Journ.  and  Trans.,  xi.  252.)  It  should  be  ree- 
lected that  a fluidrachm  or  teaspoonful  of  laudanum  (sixty  minims),  will  affo; 
on  an  average,  about  one  hundred  and  twenty  drops.  Laudanum,  when  lo 
kept,  with  occasional  exposure  to  the  air,  becomes  thick,  in  consequence  of  t 
evaporation  of  a portion  of  the  alcohol,  and  the  deposition  of  opium.  If  giv 
in  this  state,  it  often  acts  with  unexpected  energy;  and  cases  of  death  ha 
resulted  in  infants  from  its  use  in  doses  which  would  have  been  entirely  safe 
the  tincture  had  been  clear. 

Denarcotized  laudanum,  may  be  prepared  by  substituting  the  extract  of  opiu 
in  half  the  quantity  for  the  opium  itself,  and  previously  to  the  maceration 
diluted  alcohol,  exhausting  it  of  the  narcotina  by  ether.* 

Off.  Prep.  Enema  Opii;  Linimentum  Opii.  W. 

TINCTURA  OPII  ACETATA.  U.S.  Acetated  Tincture 
Opium. 

“Take  of  Opium,  in  powder,  two  ounces ; Vinegar  twelve  fluidounces ; Alcoh 
half  a pint.  Rub  the  Opium  with  the  Vinegar;  then  add  the  Alcohol,  an- 
having  macerated  for  fourteen  days,  express,  and  filter  through  paper.”  U.  S. 

This  preparation  was  introduced  into  the  second  edition  of  our  Pharmac-' 
pceia  as  a substitute  for  the  Acetum  Opii  or  black  drop  of  the  original  worl 
the  advantages  of  which  it  wTas  supposed  to  possess,  without  being  liable  to  tL 
same  objection  of  uncertainty  of  strength.  The  Acetum  Opii,  however,  havin 
maintained  its  standing  in  the  estimation  of  the  profession,  and  of  the  publt 
was  restored,  in  the  edition  of  1840,  to  its  officinal  rank,  but  so  modified  as  t 
ensure  a preparation  as  uniform  as  is  consistent  with  the  variable  quality  of  th 
opium  used.  (See  page  797.)  At  the  same  time  the  formula  for  the  acetate 
tincture  was  retained,  as  affording  a useful  preparation  of  the  drug.  It  wa 
originally  employed  by  the  late  Dr.  Joseph  Ilartshorne,  of  Philadelphia. 

The  acetated  tincture  of  opium  may  often  be  advantageously  used  in  cases  ii 
which  laudanum  or  opium  itself  produces  unpleasant  effects,  such  as  nausea  an* 
vomiting,  intense  headache,  great  nervous  disorder,  &c. ; but  the  introductioi 
of  the  salts  of  morphia  into  use  has  in  a great  measure  superseded  the  necessit; 
of  this  preparation.  The  dose  is  ten  minims,  or  about  twenty  drops,  equivalen 
to  a grain  of  opium.  TT. 

* Elixir  of  Opium.  Under  this  name  have  been  sold  different  liquid  preparations  o 
opium,  consisting  mainly,  in  all  probability,  of  an  aqueous  solution,  with  sufficien 
alcohol  to  preserve  it.  A formula  of  this  kind  was  published  by  Mr.  Eugene  Dupuv,  o 
New  York,  in  the  Am.  Journ.  of  P harm,  (xxiii.  211).  Professor  Procter  in  the  same 
place  gives  a formula,  differing  from  that  of  Mr.  Dupuy  in  the  employment  of  ether 
so  as  to  obtain  at  one  operation  a preparation  analogous  to  the  denarcotized  laudanun 
mentioned  in  the  text.  The  following  is  the  formula  referred  to: — Take  of  opium.it 
powder,  ten  drachms;  ether,  alcohol,  each , four  fluidounces ; water  a sufficient  guantit’i 
Macerate  the  opium  in  half  a pint  of  water  for  two  days  and  express;  subject  the  dregs 
to  two  successive  macerations,  using  six  fluidounces  of  water  each  time,  with  expression: 
mix  and  strain  the  liquors,  and  evaporate  to  two  fluidounces;  agitate  the  liquid  with  ethci 
several  times  during  half  an  hour,  and  then  separate  the  ether  by  means  of  a funnel: 
evaporate  the  residue  to  dryness,  dissolve  the  extract  in  half  a pint  of  cold  water,  poui 
the  solution  on  a filter,  and  after  it  has  passed  wash  the  filter  with  sufficient  water  tc 
make  the  filtrate  measure  twelve  fluidounces;  lastly,  add  the  alcohol  and  mix.  This 
affords  a liquid  preparation  of  about  the  same  strength  as  laudanum,  containing  the  native 
meconate  of  morphia,  without  narcotina,  and  deprived  of  the  unpleasant  odour,  and  per- 
haps other  more  or  less  offensive  ingredients  of  opium.  The  dose  equivalent  to  a gram 
of  opium  is  about  thirteen  minims ; but  in  drops  less  than  that  of  the  tincture,  as  the 
elixir  is  much  less  alcoholic.  Professor  Procter  has  found,  from  numerous  trials  made 
at  our  request,  that  the  average  number  of  .drops  equivalent  to  thirteen  minims  is  seven- 
teen.— Note  to  the  tenth  edition. 


P,.T  II. 


Tinctures. 


1248 


CINCTURA  OPII  AMMONIATA.  Ed.  Ammoniated  Tincture  of 
Oium. 

Take  of  Benzoic  Acid,  and  Saffron,  chopped,  of  each,  six  drachms;  Opium 
sbd,  half  an  ounce;  Oil  of  Anise  a drachm  ; Spirit  of  Ammonia  two  pints 
[I  perial  measure].  Digest  for  seven  days,  and  then  filter.”  Ed. 

'his  tincture  is  used  in  Scotland  under  the  title  of  paregoric  elixir ; hut 
di?rs  both  in  composition  and  strength  from  the  preparation  known  by  that 
rme  in  the  United  States.  Some  doubts  have  been  entertained  whether  it 
cctains  morphia.  It  is  well  known  that  ammonia  precipitates  morphia  from 
it  solutions ; but  a great  excess  of  ammonia  redissolves  the  precipitate.  To 
dide  the  question,  Mr.  Gilbert,  of  Nottingham,  submitted  several  portions  of 
tl. tincture  to  a chemical  examination,  and  was  unable  to  detect  morphia  in 
tin.  (See  Med.  Exam.,  iv.  493.)  But  we  are  not  informed  by  the  experi- 
miter,  whether  the  tincture  was  prepared,  as  directed  by  the  College,  with  the 
Enburgh  spirit  of  ammonia,  which  is  a strong  alcoholic  solution  of  the  caustic 
aldi,  or  with  the  London  spirit,  which  is  a comparatively  feeble  solution  of 
coonate  of  ammonia.  In  the  former  case  the  ammonia,  according  to  Dr. 
C’istison,  is  in  sufficient  excess  to  hold  the  morphia  in  solution.  At  best, 
htever,  the  preparation  is  of  doubtful  propriety;  as,  if  the  ammoniacal  spirit 
s! uld  not  happen  to  have  the  due  strength,  or  if  the  ammonia  should  escape 

0 become  carbonated  by  exposure,  the  strength  of  the  tincture  would  be  af- 

fi.ed.  It  is  employed  in  spasmodic  complaints,  such  as  hooping-cough  and 
anna.  Eighty  minims  should  contain  about  a grain  of  opium.  W. 

TINCTURA  OPII  CAMPHORATA.  U.  S.,  Ed.,  Dub.  Tmctura 
Cmphobje  Composita.  Lond.  Camphorated  Tincture  of  Opium, 
l'.regoric  Elixir. 

‘Take  of  Opium,  in  powder,  Benzoic  Acid,  each,  a drachm ; Oil  of  Anise  a 
fi drachm;  Clarified  Honey  two  ounces;  Camphor  two  scruples;  Diluted  Alco- 
h two  pints.  Macerate  for  fourteen  days,  and  filter  through  paper.”  U.  S. 

The  London  College  takes  fifty  grains  of  camphor,  seventy-two  grains  of  pow- 
ded  opium,  the  same  quantity  of  benzoic  acid,  a Jluidrachni  of  oil  of  anise, 
ai  two  Imperial  pints  of  proof  spirit,  macerates  for  seven  days,  and  filters. 
Ip  Edinburgh  College  directs  fifty  grains  of  camphor,  four  scruples  of  opium, 
$ r scnqdes  of  benzoic  acid,  a fiuidrachm  of  oil  of  anise,  and  two  Imperial 
pts  of  proof  spirit,  and  digests  for  a week.  The  Dublin  College  takes  a 
caclim  and  a Tm//1  [Dub.  weight]  of  coarsely  powdered  opium,  the  same  quan- 
t • of  benzoic  acid,  a drachm  [Dub.  weight]  of  camphor,  a fiuidrachm  of  the 
c]  of  anise,  and  two  Imqrerial  qrints  of  proof  spirit,  and  macerates  for  two  weeks. 

This  is  the  well-known  paregoric  elixir.  It  is  a very  pleasant  anodyne  and 
a ispasmodic,  much  used  to  allay  cough  in  chronic  catarrh,  asthma,  consump- 
th,  pertussis,  &e. ; to  relieve  nausea  and  slight  pains  in  the  stomach  and 
Ivels;  to  check  diarrhoea;  and,  in  infantile  cases,  to  procure  sleep.  Half  a 
f dounce  of  the  U.  S.  and  London  tincture  contains  rather  less  than  a grain  of 
cum;  of  the  Edinburgh  and  Dublin,  about  a grain.  Liquorice,  which  was 
oected  in  a former  edition  of  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia,  was  omitted  in  that  of 
110,  in  consequence  of  giving  to  the  preparation  the  dark  colour  of  laudanum, 
pi  thus  leading  to  mistake.  The  dose  for  an  infant  is  from  five  to  twenty 
ops,  for  an  adult  from  one  to  two  fluidraehms.* 

Off.  Prep.  Mistura  Glycyrrhizas  Composita.  TV”. 

The  following  formulas  have  been  adopted  by  the  Philadelphia  College  of  Pharmacy 

1 the  preparation  of  the  two  compound  tinctures  of  opium,  so  much  used  under  the 
i nes  of  Bateman's  drops  and  Godfrey's  cordial.  So  long  as  these  nostrums  are  employed, 
i .s  important  that  they  should  be  prepared  in  a uniform  manner,  and  of  a certain 


1244 


Tincturse. 


PART 


ESSENTIA  PIMENTiE.  Dub.  Essence  of  Pimento. 

“Take  of  Oil  of  Pimento  one  fluidounce;  Rectified  Spirit  nine  fluidounc 
Mix  with  agitation.”  Dub. 

For  general  observations  on  the  Dublin  essences  see  Essentia  Anisi.  Thed< 
of  this  preparation  is  from  thirty  to  sixty  drops. 

Off.  Prep.  Aqua  Pimentse.  TT. 

TINCTURA  QUASSIiE.  TJ.  S.,  Ed.  Tincture  of  Quassia. 

“Take  of  Quassia,  rasped,  two  ounces;  Diluted  Alcohol  two  pints.  Macen 
for  fourteen  days,  express,  and  filter  through  paper. 

“This  Tincture  may  also  be  prepared  by  moistening  the  Quassia  thorough 
with  Diluted  Alcohol,  allowing  it  to  stand  for  forty-eight  hours,  then  transferrii 
it  to  a percolator,  and  gradually  pouring  upon  it  Diluted  Alcohol  until  two  pit 
of  filtered  liquor  are  obtained.”  U.  8. 

The  Edinburgh  College  takes  ten  drachms  of  quassia,  and  two  Imperial  pit 
of  proof  spirit,  and  digests  for  a week. 

In  the  edition  of  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia  of  1840,  the  proportion  of  the  quass 
to  the  menstruum  was  very  judiciously  doubled.  A tonic  tincture  can  scarce 
contain  too  large  a proportion  of  the  active  ingredient.  The  Edinburgh  pr 
paration  is  much  too  feeble. 

This  tincture  may  be  employed  as  an  addition  to  tonic  infusions  or  mixtur 
in  the  dose  of  one  or  two  fluidraehms.  It  is  a pure  and  intense  bitter.  W. 

TINCTURA  QUASSLE  COMPOS  IT  A.  Ed.  Compound  Tin, 
lure  of  Quassia. 

“Take  of  Cardamom  seeds,  bruised,  and  Cochineal,  bruised,  of  each,  half  o 
ounce ; Cinnamon,  in  moderately  fine  powder,  and  Quassia,  in  chips,  of  each,  si 
drachms;  Raisins  seven  ounces;  Proof  Spirit  two  pints  [Imperial  measure 
Digest  for  seven  days,  strain  the  liquor,  express  strongly  the  residuum,  and  filte: 
This  Tincture  may  also  be  obtained  by  percolation,  as  directed  for  Compoun 
Tincture  of  Cardamom,  provided  the  Quassia  be  rasped  or  in  powder.”  Ed. 

This  is  tonic  and  aromatic,  and  may  be  given  in  the  dose  of  one  or  two  flu 
drachms.  W. 

TINCTURA  QUIN2E  COMPOSITA.  Loud.  Compound  Tinctur 
of  Quinia. 

“Take  of  Disulphate  [Sulphate,  U.  A]  of  Quinia  five  drachms  and  a scruple 
Tincture  of  Orange  Peel  two  pints  [Imperial  measure].  Digest  for  seven  days 
or  until  it  is  dissolved,  and  filter.”  Loud. 

A fluidrachm  of  this  preparation,  containing  a grain  of  the  sulphate  of  quinia 
may  be  given  for  a dose.  W. 

strength ; as  serious  consequences  may  happen  from  diversity  in  the  formula?,  when  s 
active  a substance  as  opium  is  the  chief  ingredient.  Such  diversity  has  existed  to  a ver 
great  extent : so  much  so  that  iu  one  formula  for  Bateman's  drops  the  quantity  of  opiur 
was  seven  and  a half  grains  to  the  pint,  while  in  another  it  exceeded  one  hundred  grains 
It  was  in  order  to  remedy  this  evil,  that  the  College  was  induced  to  adopt  the  formul? 
here  presented. 

“ Bateman’ s pectoral  drops.  Take  of  Diluted  Alcohol  Cong,  ir.,  Red  Saunders,  rasped 
3 ij.  Digest  for  twenty-four  hours,  filter,  and  add  of  Opium  in  powder  3 ij.  Catechu  it 
powder  3 i j . , Camphor  3 ij . , Oil  of  Anise  1'qiv.  Digest  for  ten  days.”  This  preparation  i 
about  equal  in  strength  to  the  camphorated  tincture  of  opium  or  paregoric  elixir  of  th< 
U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia,  containing  about  two  grains  of  opium  to  the  fluidounce. 

“ Godfreys  cordial.  Take  of  Tincture  of  Opium  Oiss..  Molasses  (from  the  sugar  re 
finers)  Oxvj.,  Alcohol  Oij . , Water  Oxxyj.,  Carbonate  of  Potassa  3 iiss. , Oil  of  Sassafra: 
fjiv.  Dissolve  the  Carbonate  of  Potassa  in  the  Water,  add  the  Molasses,  and  heat  ovei 
a gentle  fire  till  they  simmer:  take  off  the  scum  which  rises,  and  add  the  Laudanum  an 
Oil  of  Sassafras,  having  previously  mixed  them  well  together."  This  preparation  con 
tains  the  strength  of  rather  more  than  one  grain  of  opium  in  a fluidounce.  ( Journ . or  A 
Phil.  Col.  of  Pharm.,  v.  26  and  27.) 


PiT  II. 


Tincturse. 


1245 


'INCTURA  RIIEI.  U.S.,Ed.  Tincture  of  Rhubarb. 

Take  of  Rhubarb,  bruised,  three  ounces;  Cardamom  [seeds],  bruised,  half 
on  unce;  Diluted  Alcohol  tico  pints.  Macerate  for  fourteen  days,  express,  and 
fill-  through  paper. 

This  Tincture  may  also  be  prepared  by  thoroughly  moistening  the  Rhubarb 
an  Cardamom,  in  powder,  with  Diluted  Alcohol,  allowing  them  to  stand  for 
foit-eight  hours,  then  transferring  them  to  a percolator,  and  gradually  pouring 
upi  them  Diluted  Alcohol  until  two  pints  of  filtered  liquor  are  obtained.” 

U.l 

he  Edinburgh  College  takes  three  ounces  and  a,  half  of  rhubarb,  in  mode- 
raly  fine  powder,  half  an  ounce  of  bruised  cardamom  seeds,  and  two  Imperiul 
pis  of  proof  spirit ; and  prepares  the  tincture,  like  that  of  cinchona,  either  by 
pefolation  or  by  digestion.  W. 

'INCTURA  RIIEI  COMPOSITA.  Eotid.,  Rub.  Compound  Tine - 
tm  of  Rhubarb. 

Take  of  Rhubarb,  sliced,  two  oiinces  and  a half;  fresh  Liquorice  Root, 
brsed,  six  drachms ; Ginger,  bruised,  Saffron,  each,  three  drachms ; Proof  Spirit 
tu  pints  [Imperial  measure].  Macerate  for  seven  days;  then  express,  and 
filr.”  Lond. 

he  Dublin  College  employs  three  avoirdupois  ounces  of  bruised  rhubarb,  one 
av.rdupois  ounce  of  bruised  cardamom  seeds,  half  an  avoirdupois  ounce  of 
bi  sed  liquorice  root,  two  drachms  [Dub.  weight]  of  saffron,  chopped  fine,  and 
tv.  Imperial  pints  of  proof  spirit;  and  macerates  for  two  weeks.  W. 

'INCTURA  RIIEI  ET  ALOES.  U.  S.,  Ed.  Tincture  of  Rhu- 
beb  and  Aloes.  Elixir  Sacrum.  Sacred  Elixir. 

Take  of  Rhubarb,  bruised,  ten  drachms;  Aloes,  in  powder,  six  drachms; 
Clamom  [seeds],  bruised,  half  an  ounce  ; Diluted  Alcohol  two  pints.  Mace- 
ra  for  fourteen  days,  express,  and  filter  through  paper.”  V.  S. 

he  Edinburgh  College  takes  an  ounce  and  a half  of  rhubarb,  in  moderately 
fit  powder,  six  drachms  of  Socotrine  or  East  India  aloes,  in  moderately  fine 
peder,  five  drachms  of  bruised  cardamom  seeds,  and  two  Imperial  pints  of 
pnf  spirit;  mixes  the  dry  materials,  and  proceeds  as  for  the  tincture  of  cin- 
cha.  W. 

’INCTURA  RIIEI  ET  GENTIANiE.  U.  S.,  Ed.  Tincture  of 
R'lbarb  and  Gentian. 

Take  of  Rhubarb,  bruised,  two  ounces;  Gentian,  bruised,  half  an  ounce; 
Dited  Alcohol  two  pints.  Macerate  for  fourteen  days,  express,  and  filter 
tb  ugh  paper. 

This  Tincture  may  also  be  prepared  by  thoroughly  moistening  the  Rhubarb 
ai  Gentian,  in  powder,  with  Diluted  Alcohol,  allowing  them  to  stand  for 
foy-eight  hours,  then  transferring  them  to  a percolator,  and  gradually  pouring 
u]i  them  Diluted  Alcohol  until  two  pints  of  filtered  liquor  are  obtained.” 

us. 

he  Edinburgh  College  takes  two  ounces  of  rhubarb,  in  moderately  fine  powder, 
h"  an  ounce  of  gentian,  finely  cut  or  in  coarse  powder,  and  two  Imperial  pints 
ol  roof  spirit ; mixes  the  powders,  and  proceeds  as  for  tincture  of  cinchona. 

fie  above  tinctures  of  rhubarb  are  all  in  a greater  or  less  degree  purgative, 
stnachic,  and  tonic;  but,  except  in  low  states  of  the  system,  or  in  cases  of  in- 
di  duals  accustomed  to  the  use  of  ardent  spirits,  they  are  too  feebly  cathartic 
in  roportion  to  their  stimulant  power,  to  be  advantageously  employed,  unless 
as  djuvants  to  other  medicines.  Combined  with  the  neutral  salts  or  other  laxa- 
ti  s,  or  with  tonic  and  stomachic  infusions,  mixtures,  &c.,  they  serve  to  render 


1246 


Tincture. 


PART 


them  warmer  and  more  cordial  to  the  stomach,  and  often  prove  beneficial 
flatulent  colic,  dyspepsia,  the  costiveness  of  cold  and  irritable  habits,  diarrhc. 
and  other  analogous  complaints.  One  of  them  is  to  be  preferred  to  anoth 
according  as  its  peculiar  composition  may,  in  the  judgment  of  the  practition 
appear  to  adapt  it  to  the  circumstances  of  the  case  under  treatment.  In  1 
forms  of  fever,  when  the  indication  is  to  evacuate  the  bowels,  and  at  the  sa 
time  stimulate  the  patient,  the  simple  tincture  ( Tinctura  Rhei)  may  be  adv; 
tageously  used  in  doses  of  two  or  three  fluidrachms,  repeated  at  proper  interv, 
till  it  operates.  The  ordinary  dose  of  these  tinctures,  as  purgatives,  is  fn 
half  a fluidouuce  to  a fluidounce;  as  stomachics,  from  one  to  two  or  three  fl 
drachms.  W. 

TINCTURA  RHEI  ET  SENN2E.  U.  S.  Tincture  of  Rhula 
and  Senna. 

“ Take  of  Rhubarb,  bruised,  an  ounce ; Senna  two  drachms;  Coriander  [seed 
bruised,  Fennel-seed,  bruised,  each,  a drachm;  Red  Saunders,  rasped,  t 
drachms;  Saffron,  Liquorice  [extract],  each,  half  a drachm;  Raisins,  depriv 
of  their  seeds,  half  a pound ; Diluted  Alcohol  three  joints.  Macerate  for  foi 
teen  days,  express,  and  filter  through  paper.”  U.  S. 

This  is  the  stomachic  so  well  known,  and  so  much  used  in  this  country,  unc 
the  name  of  Warner’s  gout  cordial.  It  is  a feeble  purgative,  usually  acceptal 
to  the  stomach,  and  well  adapted  to  cases  of  costiveuess,  with  gastric  uneasine; 
in  persons  of  a gouty  habit,  and  accustomed  to  the  free  use  of  wine  or  ott 
stimulant  drink.  The  dose  is  from  half  a fluidounce  to  two  fluidounces.  W. 

ESSENTIA  ROSMARINI.  Dub.  Essence  of  Rosemary. 

“ Take  of  Oil  of  Rosemary  one  fluidounce  ; Rectified  Spirit  nine  fluidounc 
Mix  with  agitation.”  Dub. 

For  some  general  observations  on  the  Dublin  essences,  see  Essentia  Am 
This  preparation  is  used  as  an  addition  to  rubefacient  liniments,  and  may 
given  internally  in  the  dose  of  from  thirty  to  sixty  drops,  or  about  half  tb 
number  of  minims.  W. 

TINCTURA  SANGUINARIiE.  U.S.  Tincture  of  Bloodroot. 

“ Take  of  Bloodroot,  bruised,  four  ounces ; Diluted  Alcohol  two  pints.  Mac 
rate  for  fourteen  days,  express,  and  filter  through  paper. 

“ This  Tincture  may  also  be  prepared  by  thoroughly  moistening  the  Bloodroc 
in  powder,  with  Diluted  Alcohol,  allowing  it  to  stand  for  forty-eight  hours,  tb 
transferring  it  to  a percolator,  and  gradually  pouring  upon  it  Diluted  Alcoh 
until  two  pints  of  filtered  liquor  are  obtained.”  U.  S. 

This  will  prove  emetic  in  the  dose  of  three  or  four  fluidrachms;  but  it 
rather  intended  to  act  as  a stimulant  to  the  stomach,  expectorant,  or  alterativ 
for  which  purposes  it  may  be  given  in  the  quantity  of  from  thirty  to  six 
drops.  W. 

TINCTURA  SAPONIS  CAMPHORATA.  U.S.  Liximento 
Saponis.  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub.  Camphorated  Tincture  of  Soap. 

“ Take  of  Soap  [Castile  soap],  in  shavings,  four  ounces;  Camphor  two  ounce 
Oil  of  Rosemary  half  a fluidounce;  Water  four  fluidounces;  Alcohol  tico  pin 
Mix  the  Alcohol  and  Water,  digest  the  Soap  with  the  mixture  by  means  of 
water-bath  till  it  is  dissolved;  then  filter,  and  add  the  Camphor  and  Oil.”  C- 

The  London  College  takes  two  ounces  and  a half  of  soap,  ten  drachms  of  cat 
plior,  eighteen  fluidounces  of  spirit  of  rosemary',  and  two  fluidounces  of  distill 
water;  mixes  the  water  with  the  spirit,  then  adds  the  soap  and  camphor,  ai 
macerates,  with  occasional  agitation,  till  they  are  dissolved.  The  Edinbun 
College  takes  five  ounces  of  Castile  soap,  two  ounces  and  a half  of  camphor,  s 


Pi.T  II. 


Tincturas. 


1247 


jmrachms  of  oil  of  rosemary,  and  two  Imperial  pints  of  rectified  spirit;  digests 
thsoap  in  the  spirit  for  three  days,  adds  the  camphor  and  oil,  and  agitates 
brkly.  The  Dublin  College  dissolves  two  avoirdupois  ounces  of  powdered 
(Kile  soap  in  sixteen  fluidounces  of  proof  spirit  with  a gentle  heat,  then  adds 
anvoirdvpois  ounce  of  camphor ; and,  when  it  is  dissolved,  filters  through  paper, 
or Hows  it  to  stand,  and  decants  the  clear  liquor. 

i is  necessary,  in  preparing  this  tincture,  that  the  soap  employed  should  not 
ha;  been  made  with  animal  oil,  as  otherwise  the  preparation  will  not  be  fluid  at 
or  nary  temperatures.  The  soap  indicated  by  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia  is  that 
“ epared  from  soda  and  olive  oil,”  commonly  called  Castile  soap.  Made  ac- 
co  ing  to  the  directions  of  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia  of  1840,  the  tincture  was 
urble  to  retain  the  soap  in  solution,  and,  therefore,  coagulated  more  or  less  on 
coing.  This  defect  was  corrected  in  the  edition  of  1850,  by  the  addition 
of  rater;  and  a similar  reformation  has  been  made  in  the  London  and  Dublin 
presses,  the  latter  using  proof  spirit,  instead  of  the  spirit  of  rosemary.  This 
pnaration  has  been  usually  called  soap  liniment,  a name  which  more  properly 
bengs  to  the  Linimentum  Saponis  Camphoratum  of  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia, 
or  am  m on  opodeldoc. 

he  camphorated  tincture  of  soap  is  much  used,  as  an  anodyne  and  gently 
ru:facient  embrocation,  in  sprains,  bruises,  and  rheumatic  or  gouty  pains. 

'iff.  Prep.  Linimentum  Opii.  W. 

TNCTURA  SCILL2E.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub.  Tincture  of 
Skill. 

Take  of  Squill  four  ounces ; Diluted  Alcohol  two  pints.  Macerate  for  four- 
te  days,  express,  and  filter  through  paper. 

This  Tincture  may  also  be  prepared  by  thoroughly  moistening  the  Squill,  in 
pcder,  with  Diluted  Alcohol,  allowing  it  to  stand  for  twenty-four  hours,  then 
tnsferring  it  to  a percolator,  and  gradually  pouring  upon  it  Diluted  Alcohol, 
url  two  pints  of  filtered  liquor  are  obtained.”  U.  S. 

he  London  College  takes  five  ounces  of  recently  dried  squill  and  two  Impo- 
rt pints  of  proof  spirit,  and  macerates  for  seven  days;  the  Dublin,  five  avoir- 
dins  ounces  of  the  former  and  two  Imperial  pints  of  the  latter,  and  macerates 
fo  our  teen  days.  The  Edinburgh  College  takes  five  ounces  of  coarsely  pow- 
ded  squill,  and  two  Imperial  pints  of  proof  spirit,  and  proceeds  by  percolation, 
as  ir  the  tincture  of  Peruvian  bark,  but  without  pressing  the  pulp  firmly  in  the 
peolator.  The  College  also  allows  the  tincture  to  be  prepared  by  digestion 
fru  the  sliced  bulb. 

his  tincture  possesses  all  the  virtues  of  squill,  and  may  be  given  for  the  same 
prioses,  whenever  the  spirituous  menstruum  is  not  objectionable.  The  dose 
as  n expectorant  or  diuretic  is  from  ten  to  twenty  minims  (twenty  to  forty 
dr  s),  and  the  latter  quantity  frequently  nauseates.  W. 

INCTURA  SENNiE  COMPOSITA.  Lond.,  Dub.  Compound 
T cture  of  Senna. 

Take  of  Senna  three  ounces  and  a half ; Caraway  [seeds],  bruised,  three 
drhms  and  a half;  Cardamom  [seeds],  bruised,  a drachm  ; Raisins,  deprived 
of  eds,  five  ounces ; Proof  Spirit  two  pints  [Imperial  measure].  Macerate  for 
se  n days;  then  express,  and  filter.”  Lond. 

he  Dublin  College  takes  four  avoirdupois  ounces  of  senna,  half  an  avoirdu- 
po  ounce  of  caraway,  the  same  quantity  of  cardamom  seeds,  and  two  Imperial 
pi > of  proof  spirit,  and  macerates  for  fourteen  days. 

his  tincture  is  the  elixir  salutis  of  the  old  Pharmacopoeias.  It  is  a warm 
co  ial  purgative,  useful  in  costiveness  attended  with  flatulence,  and  in  atonic 
go , especially  when  occurring  in  intemperate  persons.  It  is  also  added  to 


1248 


Tincturse. 


PART 


cathartic  infusions  and  mixtures.  The  dose  is  from  two  fluidrachms  to  a flu 
ounce  or  more.  W. 

TINCTURA  SENN2E  ET  JALAP2E.  U.  S.  Tinctura  Sex> 

Composita.  Ed.  Tincture  of  Senna  and  Jalap. 

“Take  of  Senna  three  ounces ; Jalap,  in  powder,  an  ounce;  Coriander  [seed; 
bruised,  Caraway  [seeds],  bruised,  each,  half  an  ounce ; Cardamom  [seed, 
bruised,  two  drachms ; Sugar  [refined]  four  ounces;  Diluted  Alcohol  th 
pints.  Macerate  for  fourteen  days,  express,  and  filter  through  paper, 

“ This  Tincture  may  also  be  prepared  by  beating  well  together  the  Seur 
Jalap,  Sugar,  and  Aromatics,  moistening  them  thoroughly  with  Diluted  Alt 
liol,  allowing  them  to  stand  for  forty-eight  hours,  then  transferring  them  to 
percolator,  and  gradually  pouring  upon  them  Diluted  Alcohol  until  three  pii 
of  filtered  liquor  are  obtained.”  U.  S. 

“Take  of  Sugar  two  ounces  and  a half ; Coriander,  bruised,  one  ounce;  Jala 
in  moderately  fine  powder,  six  drachms;  Senna  four  ounces ; Caraway,  bruise 
and  Cardamom  seeds,  bruised,  of  each,  five  drachms;  Raisins,  bruised,  fo 
ounces;  Proof  Spirit  two  pints  [Imperial  measure].  Digest  for  seven  da\ 
strain  the  liquor,  express  strongly  the  residuum,  and  filter  the  liquids.  T1 
Tincture  may  be  more  conveniently  and  expeditiously  prepared  by  pereolatic 
as  directed  for  the  Compound  Tincture  of  Cardamom.”  Ed. 

This  is  another  form  of  the  elixir  salutis , and  scarcely  differs  from  the  pi 
ceding  in  virtues.  It  is  given  for  the  same  purposes,  and  in  the  same  doses. 

TINCTURA  SERPENTARIaE.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed.  Tincture 

Virginia  Snalceroot. 

“ Take  of  Virginia  Snakeroot,  bruised,  three  ounces;  Diluted  Alcohol  two  fin 
Macerate  for  fourteen  days,  express,  and  filter  through  paper. 

“ This  Tincture  may  also  be  prepared  by  thoroughly  moistening  the  Virgin 
Snakeroot,  in  powder,  with  Diluted  Alcohol,  allowing  it  to  stand  for  twenty-fo 
hours;  then  transferring  it  to  a percolator,  and  gradually  pouring  upon  it  Dilut< 
Alcohol  until  two  pints  of  filtered  liquor  are  obtained.”  U.  S. 

The  London  College  takes  three  ounces  and  a half  of  the  root,  and  tiro  Impen 
pints  of  proof  spirit,  and  macerates  for  seven  days;  the  Edinburgh,  three  ounc 
and  a half  of  the  root,  iu  moderately  fine  powder,  a drachm  of  bruised  coct 
neal,  and  two  Imperial  pints  of  proof  spirit,  and  proceeds  either  by  pereolatic 
or  digestion  as  for  the  tincture  of  Peruvian  bark. 

This  tincture  possesses  the  tonic  and  cordial  properties  of  the  root,  and  on 
be  advantageously  added  to  the  infusion  of  Peruvian  bark  in  low  states  of  tl 
system.  The  dose  is  one  or  two  fluidrachms.  » • 

TINCTURA  STRAMONII.  U.  S.,  Dub.  Tincture  of  Stramoniui 

“ Take  of  Stramonium  Seed,  bruised,  four  ounces;  Diluted  Alcohol  two  poo 
Macerate  for  fourteen  days,  express,  and  filter  through  paper. 

“ This  Tincture  may  also  be  prepared  by  thoroughly  moistening  the  Strain 
nium  Seed,  in  powder,  with  Diluted  Alcohol,  allowing  it  to  stand  for  forty-eig! 
hours,  then  transferring  it  to  a percolator,  and  gradually  pouring  upon  it  Dilute 
Alcohol  until  two  pints  of  filtered  liquor  are  obtained.”  I . S. 

The  Dublin  College  takes  five  a voirdupois  ounces  of  the  bruised  seeds,  and  tv 
Imperial  pints  of  proof  spirit,  and  macerates  for  fourteen  days. 

This  tincture  may  be  used  for  all  the  purposes  for  which  stramonium  is  give 
in  the  dose  of  from  ten  to  twenty  minims  (twenty  to  forty  drops),  repeated  twi 
or  thrice  a day,  and  gradually  increased  till  it  obviously  affects  the  system.^ 


PAT  II. 


Tincturse. 


1249 


riNCTURA  TOLUTANA.  U.  S.,  Lond .,  Ed.,  Dub.  Tincture  of 
T.u. 

.‘Take  of  Balsam  of  Tolu  three  ounces;  Alcohol  two  pints.  Macerate  until 
tl  Balsam  is  dissolved;  then  filter  through  paper.”  U.  S. 

’he  London  College  employs  two  ounces  of  the  balsam  to  two  Imperial  pints 
ofrectified  spirit;  the  Edinburgh,  three  ounces  and  a half  of  the  balsam  to  two 
Ii>erial  pints  of  rectified  spirit;  the  Dublin,  two  avoirdupois  ounces  to  an  Im- 
pdal pint.  The  last  mentioned  College  directs  the  balsam  to  he  dissolved  with 
tl  aid  of  a gentle  heat,  the  solution  to  stand  for  subsidence,  and  the  clear  tinc- 
ti;  to  be  decanted. 

'he  tincture  of  tolu  has  the  properties  of  the  balsam,  and  may  be  employed 
asn  addition  to  expectorant  mixtures  in  chronic  catarrhal  affections;  but  the 
pnortion  of  alcohol  is  too  large  to  allow  of  its  advantageous  use  in  ordinary 
cc;s.  The  dose  is  one  or  two  fluidrachms.  In  smaller  quantities  it  is  often 
enloyed  to  flavour  cough  mixtures.  It  is  decomposed  by  water. 

Iff.  Prep.  Syrupus  Tolutanus;  Trochisci  Lactucarii;  Trochisci  Morphiae; 
Tchisci  Morphiae  et  Ipecacuanhae;  Trochisci  Opii.  W. 

HNCTURA  VALERIANaE.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub.  Tincture 
oWalerian. 

Take  of  Valerian,  bruised,  four  ounces;  Diluted  Alcohol  two  pints.  Mace- 
ra  for  fourteen  days,  express,  and  filter  through  paper. 

This  Tincture  may  also  be  prepared  by  thoroughly  moistening  the  Valerian, 
imowder,  with  Diluted  Alcohol,  allowing  it  to  stand  for  twenty-four  hours,  then 
tr  sferring  it  to  a percolator,  and  gradually  pouring  upon  it  Diluted  Alcohol 
ui  l two  pints  of  filtered  liquor  are  obtained.”  U.  S. 

he  London  College  takes  five  ounces  of  bruised  valerian,  and  two  Imperial 
pi's  of  proof  spirit,  and  macerates  for  seven  days;  the  Dublin,  five  avoirdupois 
oi  "es  of  the  powdered  root,  and  two  Imperial  pints  of  proof  spirit,  and  mace- 
ras  for  fourteen  days;  the  Edinburgh,  five  ounces  of  the  former  and  two  Im- 
pial  pints  of  the  latter,  and  proceeds  by  percolation  or  digestion  as  for  the 
tii  ture  of  Peruvian  bark. 

his  tincture  possesses  the  properties  of  valerian,  but  cannot  be  given  in  or- 
di  ry  cases,  so  as  to  produce  the  full  effects  of  the  root,  without  stimulating 
to  highly  in  consequence  of  the  large  proportion  of  spirit.  The  dose  is  from 
or  to  four  fluidracbms.  W. 

INCTURA  VALERIANA!]  AMMONIATA.  U.S.,Ed.  Tinctura 
\Leriaiwe  Composita.  Lond.  Ammoniated  Tincture  of  Valerian. 

Take  of  Valerian,  bruised,  four  ounces;  Aromatic  Spirit  of  Ammonia  two 
pis.  Macerate  for  fourteen  days,  express,  and  filter  through  paper. 

This  Tincture  may  also  be  prepared  by  thoroughly  moistening  the  Valerian, 
inowder,  with  Aromatic  Spirit  of  Ammonia,  allowing  it  to  stand  for  twenty- 
fo  hours  in  a covered  vessel,  then  transferring  it  to  a percolator,  and  gradually 
pc  ing  upon  it  Aromatic  Spirit  of  Ammonia  until  two  pints  of  filtered  liquor 
ar obtained.”  U.  S. 

he  London  College  takes  five  ounces  of  bruised  valerian,  and  two  Imperial 
pis  of  aromatic  spirit  of  ammonia,  and  macerates  for  seven  days;  the  Edin- 
bu  L,  five  ounces  of  valerian,  and  two  Imperial  pints  of  spirit  of  ammonia,  and 
preeds  either  by  percolation,  or  by  digestion  in  a well  closed  vessel,  as  directed 
fo  incture  of  Peruvian  bark. 

he  ammonia  in  this  preparation  is  thought  to  assist  the  solvent  powers  of 
th  dcohol,  while  it  co-operates  with  the  valerian  in  medical  action.  The  tine- 
tu  is  employed  as  an  antispasmodic  in  hysteria  and  other  nervous  affections. 
79 


1250 


Tincturse. — Trocliisci. 


paex  : 


The  dose  is  one  or  two  fiuidraehms,  and  should  be  given  in  sweetened  watt 
milk,  or  some  mucilaginous  fluid.  W. 

TINCTURA  ZINGIBERTS.  U.S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub.  Tincture 

Ginger. 

“ Take  of  Ginger,  bruised,  eight  ounces;  Alcohol  tv;o  pints.  Macerate  f 
fourteen  days,  express,  and  filter  through  paper. 

“This  Tincture  may  also  be  prepared  by  thoroughly  moistening  the  Gingt 
in  powder,  with  Diluted  Alcohol,  allowing  it  to  stand  for  twenty-four  horn 
then  transferring  it  to  a percolator,  and  gradually  pouring  upon  it  Dilut 
Alcohol  until  two  pints  of  filtered  liquor  are  obtained.”  U.  H. 

The  London  College  takes  two  ounces  and  a half  of  sliced  ginger,  and  ti 
Imperial  joints  of  rectified  spirit,  and  macerates  for  seven  days;  the  Bulk 
eight  avoirdupois  ounces  of  coarsely  powdered  ginger,  and  two  Imperial  pints 
rectified  spirit,  and  macerates  for  fourteen  days;  the  Edinburgh,  two  ounces  ai 
a half  of  coarsely  powdered  ginger,  and  two  Imperial  pints  of  rectified  spir 
and  proceeds  either  by  percolation  or  digestion,  as  for  tincture  of  Peruvian  bar 

The  tinctures  of  the  London  and  Edinburgh  Colleges  are  too  weak  with  gi 
ger  to  be  used  advantageously  for  any  other  purpose  than  merely  to  impa 
flavour.  We  greatly  prefer  the  processes  of  the  U.  S.  and  Dublin  Pharmacopoeia 
which  yield  preparations  in  which  the  virtues  of  the  ginger  are  not  complete 
swallowed  up  in  the  menstruum.  In  consequence  of  the  mucilaginous  matt 
contained  in  ginger,  the  tincture  made  with  diluted  alcohol,  or  proof  spirit, 
apt  to  be  turbid.  Alcohol  or  rectified  spirit  is,  therefore,  properly  preferre 
We  presume  that  the  diluted  alcohol  directed  in  the  U.  S.  process  by  percol 
tion  has  been  inadvertently  put  for  alcohol,  as  the  latter  is  directed  in  the  fit 
formula.  Good  Jamaica  ginger  should  be  used. 

The  tincture  of  ginger  is  a useful  carminative,  and  may  often  be  beneficial 
added  to  tonic  and  purgative  infusions  or  mixtures,  in  debilitated  states  of  t 
alimentary  canal.  It  is,  however,  in  this  country,  chiefly  used  for  the  prepai 
tion  of  syrup  of  ginger,  for  which  purpose  it  is  necessary'  to  employ  the  stroi 
tincture  of  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia. 

Off.  Prep.  Extractum  lthei  Eluidum ; Syrupus  Zingiberis.  W. 

TROCHISCI. 

Troches. 

Troches  or  lozenges  are  small,  dry,  solid  masses,  usually  of  a flattened  shap 
consisting  for  the  most  part  of  powders  incorporated  with  sugar  and  mucilag 
They  are  designed  to  be  held  in  the  mouth,  and  dissolved  slowly  in  the  saliy 
aud  are,  therefore,  adapted  for  the  administration  of  those  medicines  only  whi 
do  not  require  to  be  given  in  very  large  quantities,  and  are  destitute  of  any  ve 
disagreeable  flavour.  They  are  much  more  used,  and  more  skillfully  prepare 
in  Europe  than  in  this  country'.  Tragacanth,  from  the  greater  tenacity  ol 
mucilage,  is  better  suited  for  their  formation  than  gum  Arabic.  The  followi 
directions  for  preparing  them  are  taken  from  the  Dictionnaire  des  Drogues. 
mucilage  of  tragacanth  is  first  prepared  with  cold  water  aud  strained.  W i 
this  the  powders,  including  sugar,  are  thoroughly  mixed  by  rubbing  upon 
marble  slab,  and  are  thus  formed  into  a paste,  which  is  spread  out  by  mea 
of  a roller  upon  the  surface  of  the  marble,  previously  powdered  over  with 
mixture  of  sugar  and  starch.  The  thickness  of  the  extended  mass  is  render 
uniform  by  a frame  upon  which  the  ends  of  the  roller  are  placed.  The  upf 
surface  is  now  covered  with  a thin  layer  of  sugar  and  starch,  and  the  mass  ■ 


;.rt  ii. 


Trochisci. 


1251 


(t^ided  into  small  cakes  of  a particular  shape  by  means  of  a punch.  These 
ikes  are  placed  upon  paper,  and,  having  been  exposed  to  the  air  for  twelve 
lurs,  are  carried  into  a drying  room  moderately  heated.  When  perfectly  dry 
ley  are  thrown  upon  a sieve  to  separate  the  sugar  and  starch,  and  are  then 
iclosed  in  bottles.  In  this  way  lozenges  may  be  prepared  from  almost  any 
ndieine  which  the  physician  may  deem  it  advisable  to  administer  in  that  form, 
he  following  formula  will  serve  as  a guide.  Take  of  citric  acid,  in  powder,  a 
(lachm;  refined  sugar  eight  ounces;  oil  of  lemons  twelve  minims;  mucilage 
ii  tragacanth  a sufficient  quantity.  Form  them  in  the  manner  above  directed 
i:o  troches  of  twelve  grains  each.  A species  of  lozenge  is  made  by  uniting  the 
somatic  essential  oils  with  sugar  alone ; but  their  preparation  belongs  to  the 
cafectioner  rather  than  to  the  apothecary.  The  London  and  Dublin  Phartna- 
cipoeias  have  omitted  troches  altogether.  W. 

TROCHISCI  ACACIZE.  Ed.  Troches  of  Gum  Arabic. 

“Take  of  Gum  Arabic  four  ounces  ; Starch  one  ounce;  Pure  Sugar  one  pound. 
lix  and  pulverize  them,  and  make  them  into  a proper  mass  with  rose-water  for 
tailing  lozenges.”  Ed. 

These  are  useful  in  allaying  the  irritation  of  the  fauces  which  excites  cough- 
ilt,  and  may  be  employed  at  pleasure.  W. 

TROCIIISCI  ACIDI  TARTARICI.  Ed.  Troches  of  Tartaric 
fid. 

“Take  of  Tartaric  Acid  two  drachms;  Pure  Sugar  eight  ounces;  Volatile  Oil 
(Lemons  ten  minims.  Pulverize  the  Sugar  and  Acid,  add  the  Oil,  mix  them 
throughly,  and  with  Mucilage  beat  them  into  a proper  mass  for  making 
ljjenges.”  Ed. 

These  may  be  used  as  an  agreeable  refrigerant  and  demulcent  in  slight  colds 
si  fevers;  but  in  large  quantities  are  apt  to  derange  the  stomach.  W. 

TROCHISCI  CRETiE.  U.  S.,  Ed.  Troches  of  Chalk. 

“Take  of  Prepared  Chalk  four  ounces;  Gum  Arabic,  in  powder,  an  ounce; 
l.tmeg,  in  powder,  a drachm;  Sugar,  in  powder,  six  ounces.  Rub  them  to- 
£ her  until  they  are  intimately  mixed;  then  with  water  form  them  into  a mass, 
tbe  divided  into  Troches,  each  weighing  ten  grains.”  U.  S. 

The  Edinburgh  College  uses  the  same  ingredients  in  the  same  proportions,  and 
tits  them  with  a little  water  into  a proper  mass  for  making  lozenges. 

These  are  used  as  a gently  astringent  antacid  in  diarrhoea.  W. 

TROCHISCI  GLYCYRRHIZiE.  Ed.  Troches  of  Liquorice. 

‘Take  of  Extract  of  Liquorice  [Liquorice,  U.  S.],  and  Gum  Arabic,  of  each, 
s'  ounces;  Pure  Sugar  one  pound.  Dissolve  them  in  a sufficiency  of  boiling 
vj;er;  and  then  concentrate  the  solution  over  the  vapour-bath  to  a proper  con- 
s'ence  for  making  lozenges.”  Ed. 

These  lozenges  are  useful  in  allaying  cough,  but  have  been  superseded  in 
gat  measure  by  refined  liquorice.  W. 

TROCHISCI  GLYCYRRHIZ^E  ET  OPII.  U.S.  Trochisci  Opii. 
A.  Troches  of  Liquorice  and  Opium. 

‘ Take  of  Opium,  in  powder,  half  an  ounce;  Liquorice,  in  powder,  Sugar,  in 
prder,  Gum  Arabic,  in  powder,  each,  ten  ounces;  Oil  of  Anise  a fluidrachm. 
ix  the  powders  intimately;  then  add  the  Oil  of  Anise,  and  with  water  form 
t m into  a mass,  to  be  divided  into  Troches,  each  weighing  six  grains.”  U.  S. 

‘Take  of  Opium  two  drachms ; Tincture  of  Tolu  half  an  ounce ; Pure  Sugar, 
ii  fine  powder,  six  ounces;  Powder  of  Gum  Arabic,  and  Extract  of  Liquorice 
[ quorice,  U.  S.],  of  each,  Jive  ounces.  Reduce  the  Opium  to  a fluid  extract 


1252 


Trochisci. 


PART  i 


by  formula  [page  983  U.S.  Dispensatory];  mix  it  intimately  with  the  Liqu 
rice  previously  reduced  to  the  consistence  of  treacle;  add  the  Tincture;  sprink 
the  Gum  and  Sugar  into  the  mixture,  and  beat  it  into  a proper  mass,  which 
to  be  divided  into  lozenges  of  ten  grains.”  Ed. 

The  U.  S.  formula  is  more  easy  of  execution  than  the  Edinburgh,  and  affon 
a product  probably  not  inferior.  A preparation  equivalent  to  the  above  is  mui 
used  in  Philadelphia  under  the  name  of  Wistars  cough  lozenges.  Sometim 
sulphate  of  morphia  is  substituted  in  equivalent  proportion  for  the  opium,  ai 
occasionally  a little  tartar  emetic  is  added  ; but  these  modifications  of  the  officin 
formula  are  not  admissible  without  a change  of  title. 

These  troches  are  demulcent  and  anodyne,  and  useful  in  allaying  cough,  wh< 
the  case  admits  the  employment  of  opium,  of  which  each  of  them,  prepared  a 
cording  to  the  U.S.  formula,  contains  about  one-tenth  of  a grain.  TV. 

TROCHISCI  IPECACUANHA.  U.S.  Troches  of  Ipecacuanh 

“ Take  of  Ipecacuanha,  in  powder,  half  an  ounce;  Sugar,  in  powder,  fourtei 
ounces;  Arrow-root,  in  powder,  four  ounces;  Mucilage  of  Tragac-anth  a svfficie 
quantity.  Mix  the  powders  intimately,  and  with  the  Mucilage  form  them  in 
a mass,  to  be  divided  into  Troches,  each  weighing  ten  grains.”  U.  S. 

These  are  useful  expectorant  lozenges  in  catarrhal  complaints.  Each  of  the 
contains  about  one-quarter  of  a grain  of  ipecacuanha.  TV. 

TROCHISCI  LACTUCARII.  Ed.  Troches  of  Lactucarium. 

“To  be  prepared  with  Lactucarium  in  the  same  proportion  and  in  the  sau 
manner  as  the  Opium  Lozenge.”  Ed. 

This  is  a very  feeble  preparation ; each  lozenge  containing  only  between  tl 
fifth  and  sixth  of  a grain  of  lactucarium.  TV. 

TROCHISCI  MAGNESIA.  U.S.,Ed.  Troches  of  Magnesia. 

“Take  of  Magnesia  four  ounces;  Sugar  a pound ; Nutmeg,  in  powder, 
draclnn;  Mucilage  of  Tragacanth  a sufficient  quantity.  Rub  the  Magnesi 
Sugar,  and  Nutmeg  together  until  they  are  thoroughly  mixed;  then  with  tl 
Mucilage  form  them  into  a mass,  to  be  divided  into  Troches,  each  weighing  te 
grains.”  U.  S. 

“Take  of  Carbonate  of  Magnesia  six  ounces;  Pure  Sugar  three  ounces;  Nu 
meg  one  scruple.  Pulverize  them,  and  with  Mucilage  of  Tragacanth  beat  the 
into  a proper  mass  for  making  lozenges.”  Ed. 

These  are  useful  in  acidity  of  stomach,  especially  when  attended  with  const 
pation.  TV. 

TROCHISCI  MENTHA  PIPERITA.  U.S.  Troches  of  Peppe 
mint. 

“Take  of  Oil  of  Peppermint  a fhiidraclim ; Sugar,  in  powder,  a poum 
Mucilage  of  Tragacanth  a sufficient  quantity.  Rub  the  Oil  of  Peppermint  wi> 
the  Sugar  until  they  are  thoroughly  mixed;  then  with  the  Mucilage  form  the 
into  a mass,  to  be  divided  into  Troches,  each  weighing  ten  grains.”  U.  S. 

Useful  in  slight  gastric  or  intestinal  pains,  nausea,  and  flatulence;  but  er 
ployed  more  for  their  agreeable  flavour  than  for  their  medicinal  effects.  TV. 
TROCHISCI  MORPHIA.  Ed.  Troches  of  Morphia. 

“Take  of  Muriate  of  Morphia  one  scruple;  Tincture  of  Tolu  half  an  ounct 
Pure  Sugar  twenty-five  ounces.  Dissolve  the  Muriate  of  Morphia  in  a little  k 
water;  mix  it  and  the  Tincture  of  Tolu  with  the  Sugar;  and  with  a sufliciem 
of  Mucilage  form  a proper  mass  for  making  lozenges,  each  of  which  should  web 
about  fifteen  grains.”  Ed. 

Useful  for  alleviating  cough,  and  for  other  purposes  which  are  answered  1 
minute  doses  of  morphia,  of  the  muriate  of  which  each  lozenge  contains  abo 
one-fortieth  of  a grain.  " > 


1253 


lRT  II.  Trochisci. — Unguenta. 

TROCHISCI  MORPHIA  ET  IPECACUANHA.  Ed.  Troches 
' Morphia  and  Ipecacuanha. 

“Take  of  Muriate  of  Morphia  one  scruple;  Ipecacuan,  in  fine  powder,  one 
iiachm;  Tincture  of  Tolu  half  a fluidounce ; Pure  Sugar  twenty-five  ounces. 
issolve  the  Muriate  in  a little  hot  water;  mix  it  with  the  Tincture  and  the  Ipe- 
icuan  and  Sugar;  and  with  a sufficiency  of  Mucilage  beat  the  whole  into  a proper 
iiss,  which  is  to  be  divided  into  fifteen  grain  lozenges.”  Ed. 

Expectorant  and  anodyne,  useful  especially  in  allaying  cough.  Each  lozenge 
intains  about  one-fortieth  of  a grain  of  muriate  of  morphia,  and  three  times  as 
;ach  ipecacuanha.  W. 

TROCHISCI  SODA  BICARBON ATIS.  U.S.,  Ed.  Troches  of 
icarbonate  of  Soda. 

“Take  of  Bicarbonate  of  Soda  four  ounces ; Sugar,  in  powder,  a pound ; Mu- 
iage  of  Tragacanth  a sufficient  quantity.  Rub  the  Bicarbonate  of  Soda  with 
e Sugar  until  they  are  thoroughly  mixed;  then  with  the  Mucilage  form  them 
to  a mass,  to  be  divided  into  Troches,  each  weighing  ten  grains.”  U.  S. 

“Take  of  Bicarbonate  of  Soda  one  ounce ; Pure  Sugar  three  ounces;  Gum 
rabic  half  an  ounce.  Pulverize  them,  and  with  mucilage  beat  them  into  a 
oper  mass  for  making  lozenges.”  Ed. 

Antacid  and  antilithic,  useful  in  heartburn  and  uric  acid  gravel.  W. 


UNGUENTA. 

Ointments. 


These  are  fatty  substances,  softer  than  cerates,  of  a consistence  resembling 
at  of  butter,  and  such  that  they  may  be  readily  applied  to  the  skin  by  in- 
action. AVhen  ointments  are  prepared  by  merely  mixing  medicinal  substances 
th  simple  ointment  or  lard , care  should  be  taken,  if  the  added  substance  be  a 
wder,  that  it  be  brought  to  the  finest  possible  state  of  division,  before  being 
porporated  with  the  unctuous  matter.  If  soluble  in  water  or  alcohol,  it  may 
oen  be  advantageously  rubbed  with  a little  of  one  of  these  liquids.  Gritty  mat- 
• should  not  be  allowed  to  enter  these  preparations.  When  an  extract  is  added, 
not  uniformly  soft,  it  should  be  made  so  by  trituration  with  a little  water  or 
;cohol  according  to  its  nature.  Many  of  the  ointments  become  rancid  if  long 
pt,  and  should,  therefore,  be  prepared  in  small  quantities  at  a time,  or  only 
ren  wanted  for  use.  The  tendency  to  rancidity  may  be  in  a considerable  degree 
'unteracted  by  imbuing  the  unctuous  vehicle  with  benzoin,  or  with  poplar 
ds,  as  recommended  by  M.  Deschamps  (see  Am.  Journ.  of  P harm.,  xv.  260); 
t care  should  be  taken  that  there  be  no  therapeutical  objection  to  the  admix- 
'jre.  Slippery  elm  bark  is  said  to  have  the  same  effect.  (Seepage  741.)  Ac- 
o'ding  to  Dr.  Geisler,  ten  drops  of  spirit  of  nitric  ether,  incorporated  with  an 
nee  of  ointment,  obviates  the  disagreeable  fatty  odour  of  these  preparations. 
•‘harm.  Cent.  Blatt , A. D.  1847,  p.  927,  from  Arch,  der  Pliarm .)  W. 


ADEPS  SUILLUS  PRAPARATUS.  Dab.  Prepared  Lard. 

“Take  of  Lard  of  Commerce  any  convenient  quantity.  Melt  it  in  twice  its 
ight  of  boiling  water,  stirring  the  mixture  constantly;  then  set  the  mixture 
■ de  to  cool,  and  separate  the  Lard  when  it  has  solidified.”  Dub. 

: Perfectly  fresh  lard  is  so  readily  obtainable  in  our  markets  that  this  process 
unnecessary  with  us;  but  the  apothecary  cannot  be  too  much  upon  his  guard, 
preparing  the  ointments,  to  have  the  lard  entirely  free  from  salt  and  rancidity. 


1254 


TJnguenta. 


PART  i 


UNGUENTUM  ANTIMONII.  U.  S.  Unguentum  Antiuoniali 
Ed.  Unguentum  Antimonii  Potassio-tartratis.  Lend.  Uxguentu 
Antimonii  Tartarizati.  Dub.  Antimonial  Ointment.  Tartar  Emet ■ 
Ointment. 

“Take  of  Tartrate  of  Antimony  and  Potassa,  in  very  fine  powder,  two  drachm: 
Lard  an  ounce.  Rub  the  Tartrate  of  Antimony  and  Potassa  with  a little  of  tl 
Lard,  then  add  the  remainder,  and  mix  them.”  U.  S. 

The  London  and  Edinburgh  Colleges  mix  an  ounce  of  tartar  emetic  and  /o; 
ounces  of  lard ; the  Dublin,  a drachm  of  the  former,  and  seven  drachms  of  tl 
ointment  of  white  wax. 

This  may  be  most  conveniently  prepared  with  simple  ointment , as  lard  is  tc 
soft  to  be  spread  on  linen,  and  simple  ointment  is  sufficiently  so  to  be  applied  1 
inunction. 

The  peculiar  eruptive  effects  of  tartar  emetic  may  be  procured  in  various  way 
by  means  either  of  a strong  solution,  or  of  the  powder  sprinkled  upon  the  surfac 
of  some  adhesive  plaster,  or  of  the  ointment  as  above  directed.  The  last  methej 
is,  perhaps,  the  most  convenient,  and  most  generally  resorted  to.  The  proportiol 
of  tartar  emetic  may  vary  from  one  drachm  with  the  ounce  of  lard,  to  two  drachm 
as  in  the  U.  S.  officinal  formula,  or  even  to  three  drachms  when  a speedy  eftec 
is  required,  or  the  skin  is  not  very  susceptible  to  its  action.  A small  portion  < 
the  ointment  may  be  rubbed  twice  a day,  or  more  frequently,  upon  the  surfac 
to  be  affected,  or  it  may  be  applied  spread  upon  a piece  of  linen.  Care  shonl 
be  taken  that  the  cuticle  be  entire,  and  that  the  application  be  not  too  long  cor 
tinued ; as  otherwise  very  severe  inflammation,  and  even  gangrenous  uleeratioi1 
may  result.  We  have,  however,  in  some  instances  of  great  urgency,  applied  tb 
ointment  to  a surface  recently  scarified  in  the  operation  of  cupping;  but,  unde 
such  circumstances,  it  should  be  used  with  much  caution.  W. 

UNGUENTUM  AQUiE  ROS2E.  TJ.S.  Ointment  of  Rose  Water. 

“Take  of  Rose  Water  a fluid  ounce;  Oil  of  Almonds  two  fluid  ounces;  Spe: 
maceti  half  an  ounce;  White  Wax  a drachm.  Melt  together,  by  means  of 
water-bath,  the  Oil,  Spermaceti,  and  Wax;  then  add  the  Rose  Water  and  st; 
the  mixture  constantly  until  it  is  cold.”  U.  S. 

This  preparation  is  much  employed  under  the  name  of  cold  cream.  It  is 
white,  very  soft,  and  elegant  unguent,  deriving  a grateful  odour  from  the  ros 
water,  which  remains  incorporated  with  the  other  constituents  if  kept  enclose 
in  glazed  vessels.  It  is  a pleasant,  cooling  application  to  irritated  and  excoriate 
surfaces;  and  may  be  used  with  great  advantage  for  chapped  lips  and  hands,  s 
frequent  in  cold  weather.  As  the  ointment  is  liable  to  become  rancid  when  Ion 
kept,  and  the  water  to  separate  upon  exposure,  Mr.  Jospph  Laidley  has  propose 
the  substitution  for  the  rose  water  of  oil  of  roses  and  glycerin,  the  former  in  th 
proportion  of  two  drops,  the  latter  in  that  of  four  fluidrac-hms,  the  quantity  ( 
spermaceti  being  increased  by  two  drachms,  (im.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xii.  IIP. 
For  some  purposes  the  substitution  is  useful ; but  the  officinal  preparation 
preferable  for  chapped  hands,  as  the  glycerin,  not  being  absorbed,  leaves  a 
unpleasant  sensation  of  stickiness  on  the  skin.  W. 

UNGUENTUM  BELLADONNAS.  U.S.,Lond.  Ointment  of  Belle 
donna. 

“Take  of  Extract  of  Belladonna  a drachm ; Lard  an  ounce.  Mix  them.  ’ U.  < 

The  London  formula  is  the  same. 

This  is  a convenient  form  for  the  external  application  of  the  extract  of  belli 
donna.  Care  must  be  taken  in  preparing  it  that  the  extract  employed  have  tl 
proper  consistence;  and,  if  dry  and  lumpy,  it  may  be  restored  to  the  proper  stai 
by  rubbing  it  with  a little  water  in  a heated  mortar.  R • 


p it  ir. 


Unguenta. 


1255 


JNGUENTITM  CANTHARIDIS.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Dub.  Hnguentum 
I;?USI  Cantharidis.  Ed.  Ointment  of  Spanish  Flies. 

‘Take  of  Spanish  Flies,  in  powder,  two  ounces;  Distilled  Water  half  a pint; 
Esin  Cerate  eight  ounces.  Boil  down  the  Water  with  the  Spanish  Flies  to  one- 
hf,  and  strain;  then  mix  the  Cerate  with  the  strained  liquor,  and  evaporate  to 
fljj  proper  consistence.”  US.  • 

The  London  College  takes  three  ounces  of  the  flies,  in  very  fine  powder,  twelve 
fit. Jounces  of  distilled  water,  and  a jmund  of  resin  cerate,  and  proceeds  as  above. 

■ Take  of  Cantharides,  in  moderately  fine  powder,  Resin,  and  Bees’-wax,  of 
e;h  one  ounce;  Venice  Turpentine,  and  Axunge  [lard],  of  each,  two  ounces; 
Ring  Water  five  fluidounccs.  Infuse  the  Cantharides  in  the  Water  for  one 
n bt,  squeeze  strongly,  and  filter  the  expressed  liquid.  Add  the  Axunge,  and 
bf  till  the  water  is  dispersed.  Then  add  the  Wax  and  Resin;  and  when  these 
h e become  liquid,  remove  the  vessel  from  the  fire,  add  the  Turpentine,  and 
nc  the  whole  thoroughly.”  Ed. 

‘Take  of  Liniment  of  Spanish  Flies  eight  fluid ounces ; White  Wax  three 
opes  [avoirdupois];  Spermaceti  one  ounce  [avoird.].  Melt  the  Wax  and  Sper- 
nceti  in  the  Oil,  with  a gentle  heat,  and  stir  the  mixture  constantly  until  it 
clcretes.”  Dub. 

By  these  processes,  the  active  matter  of  the  flies  is  more  uniformly  diffused 
t'jough  the  ointment  than  when  they  are  directly  incorporated,  in  the  state  of 
p?der,  with  the  other  ingredients.  The  preparation  is  thus  better  calculated 
tcneet  the  end  proposed  of  maintaining  the  discharge  from  blistered  surfaces, 
W'hout  producing  undue  irritation.  It  has  been  said  that  the  virtues  of  the 
fls  are  impaired  by  boiling;  but  the  contrary  has  been  proved  by  experiment 
toe  the  case;  the  cantharidin  being  neither  altered  nor  volatilized  at  the  boiling 
tuperature.  (See  Canthciris .)  The  Edinburgh  College,  therefore,  gains  nothing 
b the  substitution  of  infusion.  It  is  necessary,  in  the  U.  S.  and  London  pro- 
cses,  after  the  strained  decoction  and  cerate  have  been  mixed,  to  stir  constantly 
ding  the  continuance  of  the  evaporation,  in  order  to  prevent  the  former  from 
s king  to  the  bottom.  Unless  with  care  a considerable  portion  of  the  decoction 
w be  retained  by  the  flies  when  strained,  and  thus  loss  be  incurred.  To  pre- 
v t this,  pour  the  concentrated  decoction  into  a glass  funnel  with  some  cotton 
t st  in  its  mouth,  and,  when  the  liquid  ceases  to  pass,  pour  in  water  gradually 
all  carefully  until  four  fluidounees  of  the  filtered  decoction  are  obtained  ; then 
piceed  to  incorporate  this  with  the  cerate  as  directed.  The  Dublin  preparation 
isjflore  elegant  than  the  others,  the  liniment  ordered  being  an  oleaginous  solution 

0 the  active  matter  of  the  flies,  and  easily  mixing  with  the  other  ingredients. 

1 should  be  recollected  that  this  ointment  is  intended  as  a dressing  for  blisters, 

n to  produce  vesication.  The  Edinburgh  ointment  differs  from  the  others  in 
chaining  Venice  turpentine,  which  renders  it  more  stimulating.  Dupuytren’ s 
oytment  employed  as  a local  application  to  prevent  the  loss  of  hair,  was  made 
b macerating  a drachm  of  flies  in  a fluidounce  of  alcohol,  and  incorporating 
o.  part  of  the  tincture  thus  formed  with  nine  parts  of  lard.  W. 

jlJNGUENTUM  CANTHARIDIS.  Ed.  Ceratum  Cantharidis. 
j md.  Ointment  of  the  Poioder  of  Spanish  Flies. 

‘Take  of  Resinous  Ointment  seven  ounces ; Cantharides,  in  very  fine  powder, 
o ounce.  Melt  the  Ointment ; sprinkle  into  it  the  Cantharides  powder,  and 
s ■ the  mixture  briskly  as  it  concretes  on  cooling.”  Ed. 

‘Take  of  Spanish  Flies,  in  very  fine  powder,  an  ounce;  Spermaceti  Cerate  six 
opes.  To  the  Cerate  softened  by  heat,  add  the  Flies,  and  mix.”  Lond. 

This  ointment,  like  the  preceding,  is  intended  as  a dressing  for  blistered  sur- 
f les,  with  a view  to  maintain  the  discharge.  The  flies  should  be  very  finely 


1256 


Unguenta. 


PART  . 


powdered,  in  order  that  they  may  he  diffused  as  uniformly  as  possible  throu 
the  mass.  It  is  unfortunate  that  the  term  ceratum  cantharidis  has  been  c<- 
ferred  upon  this  preparation  by  the  London  College;  as  the  same  name  is  p. 
perly  applied  in  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia  to  the  preparation  of  flies  intended  > 
be  used  as  a vesicatory.  Neither  of  these  ointments  can  be  used  in  individu; 
liable  to  strangury  from  the  external  application  of  cantharides.  W. 

UNGUENTUM  CETACEI.  Lond.  Spermaceti  Ointment. 

“Take  of  Spermaceti  five  ounces;  White  Wax  fourteen  drachms ; Olive  ( 
a pud  [Imperial  measure],  or  a sufficient  quantity.  Melt  them  together  ove:. 
slow  fire,  and  stir  them  constantly  until  cold.”  Loncl. 

This  ointment  is  employed  as  a mild  dressing  for  blisters,  wounds,  and  <• 
coriated  surfaces.  It  should  be  made  in  small  quantities  at  a time,  as  it  is  a. 
to  become  rancid  when  long  kept.  W. 

UNGUENTEM  COCCULI.  Ed.  Ointment  of  Coccuius  Indicus 

“Take  any  convenient  quantity  of  Coccuius  Indicus,  separate  and  preser 
the  kernels,  beat  them  well  in  a mortar,  first  alone  and  then  with  a little  A 
unge  [lard]  ; and  then  add  Axunge  till  it  amounts  altogether  to  five  times  t 
weight  of  the  kernels.”  Ed. 

This  ointment  is  used  for  the  destruction  of  Vermin,  and  in  the  cure  of  scab 
and  ringworm  of  the  scalp.  In  the  latter  complaint  it  was  found  very  usei 
by  the  late  Dr.  Hamilton,  sen.,  of  Edinburgh.  W. 

UNGUENTUM  CONII.  Lond.  Ointment  of  Hemlock. 

“ Take  of  fresh  Hemlock  [Leaves],  Lard,  each,  a pound.  Boil  the  Hemlo 
in  the  Lard  till  it  becomes  crisp,  then  express  through  linen.”  Lond. 

This  ointment  has  been  used  as  an  anodyne  application  to  irritable  pile 
painful  glandular  swellings  and  scirrhous  tumours,  and  to  cancerous  and  oth 
painful  ulcers;  but  the  virtues  of  the  hemlock  are  impaired  by  the  heat  nect 
sary  in  its  preparation.  An  ointment  made  by  mixing  good  extract  of  herolo< 
with  lard  would  be  more  efficient.  W. 

UNGUENTUM  CREASOTI.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub.  Ointmei 

of  Creasote. 

“ Take  of  Creasote  half  a fluidrachm;  Lard  an  ounce.  Mix  them.”  U. 

The  London  process  is  the  same  as  that  of  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia.  Ti 
Edinburgh  College  takes  a drachm  of  creasote  and  three  ounces  of  lard,  mel 
the  lard,  adds  the  creasote,  and  stirs  briskly  till  the  mixture  concretes  on  coc 
ing.  The  Dublin  College  takes  a fluidrachm  of  creasote  and  seven  drachms  (Du 
weight)  of  ointment  of  w'hite  wax  (simple  ointment),  and  proceeds  in  the  saD 
manner  as  the  Edinburgh. 

For  the  use  of  this  ointment  see  Creasotum.  It  may  sometimes  be  adva 
tageously  diluted  with  lard  when  found  to  irritate.  W. 

UNGUENTUM  CUPRI  SUBACETATIS.  U.S.,  Dub.  Ungue: 
tum  GEruginis.  Ed.  Ointment  of  Subacetate  of  Copper. 

“Take  of  Subacetate  of  Copper,  in  fine  powder,  a drachm;  Simple  Ointme' 
fifteen  drachms.  Add  the  Subacetate  of  Copper  to  the  Ointment,  previous 
melted  with  a moderate  heat,  and  stir  them  constantly  till  they  are  cold.”  U.  > 

“Take  of  Resinous  Ointment  fifteen  ounces ; Verdigris,  in  fine  powder,  o. 
ounce.  Melt  the  Ointment,  sprinkle  into  it  the  powder  of  Verdigris,  and  st 
the  mixture  briskly  as  it  cools  and  concretes.”  Ed. 

“Take  of  Prepared  Subacetate  of  Copper  half  a drachm;  Ointment  of  Whi 
Wax  [Uuguentum  Simplex,  U.  <S.]  seven  drachms  and  a half.  Triturate  tl 
Subacetate  of  Copper  with  the  Ointment  until  they  are  intimately  mixed.”  Du 

This  ointment  is  employed  as  a mild  escharotic  in  fungous  granulations,  an' 


irt  II.  Unguenta.  1257 


ore  or  less  diluted  with  lard,  as  a stimulating  application  to  foul  and  flabby 
cers,  scrofulous  ulcerations  of  the  edges  of  the  eyelids,  disease  of  the  external 
eatus  of  the  ear  with  purulent  discharge,  to  warts  and  corns,  and  to  certain 
taneous  eruptions,  particularly  that  form  of  porrigo  denominated  ringworm  of 
Ifi  scalp.  W. 

UNGUENTUM  ELEMI.  Lond.,  Duh.  Ointment  of  Elemi. 

“Take  of  Elemi  three  ounces;  Turpentine  two  ounces  and  a half;  Suet  six 
,nces;  Olive  Oil  half  a fluidounce.  Melt  the  Elemi  with  the  Suet,  and,  liav- 
g removed  them  from  the  fire,  immediately  mix  them  with  the  Turpentine 
d Oil,  and  express  through  linen.”  Lond. 

“Take  of  Resin  of  Elemi  four  ounces  [avoirdupois]  ; Ointment  of  White 
'ax  one  pound'  [avoirdupois].  Melt  them  together,  strain  through  flannel, 
d stir  the  mixture  constantly  till  it  concretes.”  Dub. 

This  ointment  is  applied  as  a gentle  stimulant  to  weak  ulcers,  and  may  be 
ed  for  maintaining  the  discharge  of  issues  and  setons.  It  is  the  linimentum 
csei  of  the  older  pharmacy.  W. 


UNGUENTUM  GALLJE.  U.S.,  Duh.  Ointment  of  Galls. 

“ Take  of  Galls,  in  powder,  an  ounce;  Lard  seven  ounces.  Mix  them.”  U.  S. 
The  Dublin  College  rubs  a drachm  of  galls,  in  very  fine  powder,  with  seven 
tachms  of  ointment  of  white  wax. 

This  is  used  chiefly  in  piles  and  prolapsus  ani,  though  it  may  also  he  advan- 
geously  applied  to  flabby  and  indolent  ulcers.  W. 

UNGUENTUM  GALLiE  COMPOSITUM.  Lond.  Unguentum 
ALLJ3  et  Opii.  Ed.  Compound  Ointment  of  Galls. 

“Take  of  Galls,  in  very  fine  powder,  six  drachms  ; Lard  six  ounces;  Opium, 
powder,  a drachm  and  a half.  Rub  them  together.”  Lond. 

The  Edinburgh  College  takes  tiuo  drachms  of  galls,  a drachm  of  opium,  and 
;jt  ounce  of  lard,  and  rubs  them  together  into  a uniform  mass. 

This  combination  of  galls  and  opium  is  sometimes  employed,  preferably  to 
Je  simple  ointment  of  galls,  in  cases  of  irritable  piles.  From  half  a drachm  to 
irachm  of  camphor  is  sometimes  added  to  the  London  ointment.  W. 

UNGUENTUM  ITYDRARGYRI.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Duh.  Mer- 


\ 'rial  Ointment. 


“Take  of  Mercury  two  pounds ; Lard  twenty-three  ounces;  Suet  an  ounce. 
ib  the  Mercury  with  the  Suet  and  a small  portion  of  the  Lard  until  the  glo- 
ries disappear;  then  add  the  remainder  of  the  Lard,  and  mix.”  U.  S. 

The  London  process  is  the  same,  with  one-half  of  the  quantity  of  material. 
“Take  of  Mercury  two  pounds;  Axunge  [lard]  twenty-three  ounces;  Suet  one 
I nee.  Triturate  the  Mercury  with  the  Suet  and  a little  of  the  Axunge  till 
ibules  are  no  longer  visible;  then  add  the  rest  of  the  Axunge,  and  mix  the 
lole  thoroughly.  This  ointment  is  not  well  prepared  so  long  as  metallic  glo- 
les  may  be  seen  in  it  with  a magnifier  of  four  powers.  The  Mercurial  Oint- 
mt  with  the  proportions  here  directed  may  be  diluted  at  pleasure  with  twice 
thrice  its  weight  of  axunge.”  Ed. 

j “ Take  of  Pure  Mercury,  Prepared  Lard,  of  each,  a pound.  Rub  them  to- 
ther  until  metallic  globules  cease  to  be  visible  to  the  naked  eye.”  Dub. 

The  Pharmacopoeias  unite  at  present  in  recognising  but  one  mercurial  oint- 
jint,  which  contains  equal  weights  of  mercury  and  fatty  matter.  When  the 
ijsician  wishes  a weaker  preparation,  he  may  direct  the  ointment  to  be  diluted 
tk  such  a proportion  of  lard  as  may  answer  his  purposes.  The  Edinburgh 
>llege,  in  allowing  dilution  of  the  ointment  in  certain  fixed  proportions,  should 
ve  given  names,  by  which  the  weaker  preparations  might  be  designated. 


1258 


Unguenta. 


PART  I 


In  the  preparation  of  mercurial  ointment,  care  is  requisite  that  the  mercui 
should  be  completely  extinguished.  The  trituration  is  best  performed  in 
marble  mortar,  as  it  is  difficult  to  keep  iron  so  clean  as  not  to  impart  more  > 
less  oxide  to  the  ointment.  The  mercury  is  known  to  be  extinguished,  when 
portion  of  the  mass,  rubbed  upon  paper  or  the  back  of  the  hand,  exhibits  i 
metallic  globules  under  a magnifying  glass  of  four  powers.  The  operation  ca 
not  be  considered  as  satisfactorily  accomplished  when  the  globules  are  invisib 
merely  to  the  naked  eye.  To  facilitate  the  process,  which  is  very  tedious,  tli 
addition  of  various  substances  has  been  proposed,  calculated  to  hasten  the  di 
appearance  of  the  metal.  Turpentine  and  sulphur  have  been  employed,  but  a- 
inadmissible;  the  former  because  it  renders  the  ointment  too  irritating,  the  latt. 
because  it  forms  with  the  mercury  an  inactive  sulphuret.  Their  presence  in  tl 
ointment  may  be  detected  by  the  peculiar  odour  which  they  respectively  em 
when  exposed  to  heat.  Sulphur,  moreover,  gives  the  ointment  a darker  coloij 
than  it  has  when  pure.  The  addition  of  a little  sulphuric  ether,  at  interval 
during  the  trituration,  is  said  greatly  to  abbreviate  the  process.  {Am.  Journ.  ■ 
Pharm.,  xvii.  80.)  Rancidity  in  the  lard  employed  facilitates  the  extinguisi 
ment  of  the  mercury,  but  is  liable  to  the  same  objection  as  turpentine,  thong! 
in  a much  less  degree.  M.  Fossembras  found  that  the  addition  of  rancid  f; 
was  required  in  the  proportion  of  only  ten  drachms  to  a pound  of  the  ointinen 
in  order  to  enable  eight  pouuds  to  be  prepared  in  an  hour.  {Journ.  de  Pharmi 
3e  ser.,  v.  75.)  31.  Gnibourt  recommends  the  addition  of  one-sixteenth  of  ol| 

mercurial  ointment.  31.  Simonin  proposes  the  use  of  lard  which  has  been  ej 
-posed  in  thin  layers  to  a damp  air  for  fifteen  days.  This  facilitates  the  extii 
guishment  of  the  metal,  but  it  probably  renders  the  preparation  more  irritant  b 
the  chemical  alteration  of  the  lard.  The  following  plan  of  preparing  the  oin 
ment  was  proposed  by  31.  Chevallier.  A pound  of  mercury,  and  half  a poun 
of  fresh  lard  previously  melted,  are  introduced  into  a stone  or  glass  bottle,  shake! 
till  the  mixture  acquires  the  consistence  of  very  thick  syrup,  then  poured  int 
a mortar,  and  incorporated  by  constant  stirring  with  an  additional  half  pound  c 
lard.  In  this  manner,  according  to  Chevallier,  a perfect  ointment  may  be  macj 
in  half  an  hour.  3Vhen  prepared  with  lard  alone,  the  ointment  is  apt,  in  hr 
weather,  to  become  so  soft  as  to  allow  the  metal  to  separate.  Hence  the  additioj 
of  suet  in  the  processes  of  the  U.  S.,  London,  and  Edinburgh  Pharmacopoeias 
and  even  a larger  proportion  might  be  employed  when  the  ointment  is  prepare 
for  use  in  the  summer  season. 

Upon  the  whole,  it  may  be  considered  doubtful  whether  any  of  the  expedieir 
for  saving  labour  and  time  in  the  preparation  of  the  ointment  are  wholly  unci 
jectionable.  Dr.  Christisou  states  that  the  better  plan  is  not  to  complete  tb 
process  by  a continuous  trituration,  but  to  operate  for  a short  time  every  da] 
and  allow  the  ointment  in  the  mean  time  to  be  exposed  to  the  air.  But  s 
much  labour  is  required  in  the  process,  that  the  ointment  is  preferably  made  b 
machinery  on  the  large  scale.  The  fatty  matters,  kept  in  the  fluid  state  by 
heat  of  about  100°,  are  triturated  with  the  metal  by  means  of  two  iron  bail 
which  are  driven  rapidly  rouud  in  a circular  iron  trough  by  steam  power.  Tt 
extinguishment  of  the  mercury  is  thus  effected  in  about  twelve  hours. 

A new  method  of  preparing  mercurial  ointment,  proposed  by  Orosi,  is  to  pn 
capitate  metallic  mercury,  in  the  pulverulent  form,  from  a solution  of  corrosiv 
sublimate,  by  an  excess  of  protochloride  of  tin,  with  the  addition  of  muriat: 
acid;  and,  having  poured  off  the  supernatant  fluid,  washed  the  precipitate  wit 
warm  water,  and  dried  it  between  bibulous  paper,  to  incorporate  it  with  the  pn 
scribed  proportion  of  lard.  To  prevent  the  precipitated  mercury  from  runniu 
into  globules,  it  is  recommended  to  cover  with  fat  the  interior  of  the  vessel  i 
which  the  precipitation  takes  place.  {Ran/cing’s  Abstract,  i.  350.) 


PRT  II. 


Unguenta. 


1259 


.Mercurial  ointment  Las  when  newly  prepared  a bluish  colour,  which  becomes 
dker  by  age.  It  has  been  thought  to  contain  the  mercury  In  the  state  of  prot- 
ode;  but  most  of  the  metal  can  be  separated  by  methods  not  calculated  to 
r uce  the  oxide;  and  it  is  now  generally  admitted  that  by  far  the  greater  part 
o it  exists  in  a state  of  minute  division,  not  of  chemical  combination.  It  has 
bn  shown,  however,  that  the  metal  is  slightly  oxidized ; and  the  change  of 
cbur  which  the  ointment  undergoes  with  age  is  attributable  to  further  oxida- 
1 1.  If  the  ointment  be  kept  long  melted  in  a narrow  vessel,  metallic  mercury 
sfisides,  and  an  oily  liquid  floats  upon  the  surface.  After  this  has  been  filtered 
sas  to  separate  everything  undissolved,  it  is  blackened  by  sulphuretted  hydro- 
£j,  and  yields  oxide  of  mercury  to  acetic  acid-  Dr.  Christison  states  that  he 
In  examined  various  samples  of  the  ointment,  and  never  failed  to  detect  oxide 
o mercury ; and  he  has  inferred  from  his  observations,  that  the  oxide  amounts 
t rather  more  than  one  per  cent.  (Christison’ s Dispensatory.')  But  the  pro- 
p-tion  is  variable  according  to  the  age  and  mode  of  preparation  of  the  ointment. 
Isc-arcely  admits  of  a doubt,  that  the  oxide  of  mercury  formed  enters  into  che- 
njal  combination  with  the  lard,  or  one  of  its  oily  acids.  Mr.  Donovan  advanced 
t idea  that  the  medicinal  activity  of  the  ointment  depended  exclusively  on 
ts  compound  of  the  lard  with  the  mercurial  oxide.  An  ointment  made  by 
lively  mixing  lard  and  black  oxide  of  mercury  has  not  the  same  effect,  because 
t re  is  no  chemical  union  between  the  ingredients.  But,  upon  exposing  such 
aiixture  to  a temperature  of  350°,  and  continually  agitating  it  for  two  hours, 
L found  that  every  ounce  of  lard  dissolved  and  combined  with  twenty-one 
g ins  of  oxide,  and  the  resulting  compound  was  proved  to  be  equally  effectual 
v k the  common  ointment,  and  capable  of  being  introduced  into  the  system  in 
ci-third  of  the  time.  It  has  been  proposed  to  substitute  an  ointment  thus 
p pared  for  that  made  according  to  the  officinal  directions,  as  being  more  man- 
a able,  and  of  more  uniform  strength.  Care,  however,  would  be  required  in 
p paring  it  to  avoid  a temperature  either  too  high  or  too  low;  as  the  former 
rght  decompose  the  oxide,  and  the  latter  would  be  insufficient  to  effect  its 
u on  with  the  lard.  There  would  be  danger,  also,  that  the  lard  might  be  ren- 
ted irritant  by  the  influence  of  the  heat.  Dr.  F.  Yon  Baerensprung  has  rea- 
died it  extremely  probable  that  metallic  mercury,  no  matter  in  what  state  of 
djision  it  maybe,  is  unable  to  enter  the  blood-vessels,  and  that  whatever  effects 
c the  system  are  produced  by  the  ointment,  or  any  similar  preparation,  or  even 
1 the  vapours  of  mercury,  are  owing  to  the  previous  oxidation  of  the  metal. 
(|e  Chem.  Gaz.,  Sept.  1,  1850,  p.  321.) 

jlYom  experiments  by  a committee  of  the  College  of  Pharmacy,  of  New  York, 
i ippears  that  the  ointment  contained  in  jars  becomes  somewhat  unequal  in 
e;  sequence  of  the  settling  of  the  metallic  ingredient.  The  inference  is  that, 
a;r  long  standing,  the  contents  of  the  jar  should  be  triturated  so  as  to  restore 
a equable  strength  before  being  dispensed.  (Am.  Journ.  of  Phcirm.,  xvi.  2.) 

Medical  Uses.  Mercurial  ointment,  when  rubbed  upon  the  surface  of  the  body, 
p duces,  in  consequence  of  its  absorption,  the  general  effects  of  mercury  upon 
t system.  It  is  resorted  to  either  alone,  when  circumstances  prevent  or  dis- 
c.rage  the  internal  use  of  mercury,  or  conjointly  with  the  internal  use  of  the 
rdicine,  to  produce  a more  speedy  or  powerful  effect  in  urgent  cases.  It  may 
a 3 be  advantageously  employed  as  a resolvent  in  local  affections;  as  in  the  case 
0; venereal  buboes,  and  of  chronic  glandular  swellings,  upon  which  it  may  be 
r de  to  operate  directly  by  being  applied  in  the  course  of  the  absorbents  passing 
bough  the  enlarged  glands.  The  proper  quantity  to  be  employed  at  one  time, 
A a view  to  salivation,  is  about  a drachm,  which  should  be  applied  night  and 
rrning,  by  means  of  friction,  to  the  inner  surface  of  the  thighs,  legs,  or  arms, 
a l continued  till  the  system  is  affected. 


1260 


Unguenta. 


PAM  ] 


In  urgent  cases,  or  in  local  affections,  it  may  also  be  rubbed  on  other  parts 
the  body,  or  applied  to  blistered  surfaces.  The  friction  should  on  each  oecasit 
be  continued  till  the  whole  of  the  ointment  is  absorbed.  When  frequent 
rubbed  upon  the  same  part,  it  is  apt  to  produce  a disagreeable  eruption  whi< 
interferes  with  its  continued  application.  Camphor  is  sometimes  added,  in  ord 
to  render  it  more  easy  of  absorption;  but,  without  producing  this  effect,  it  i 
creases  the  liability  of  the  ointment  to  irritate  the  skin,  and  is  of  no  other  a 
vantage  than  to  soften  its  consistence  when  too  firm  from  a large  proportion 
suet.  Mercurial  ointment  has  been  employed,  with  some  success,  to  prevent  ti 
maturation  of  the  smallpox  pustule,  and  the  consequent  pitting.  For  this  purpo 
it  may  be  applied  to  the  face  or  other  part,  thickly  spread  on  patent  lint  or  musli 
care  being  taken  to  prevent  the  access  of  the  air  to  the  covered  part.  To  1 
successful  it  must  be  applied  before  the  third  or  fourth  day  of  the  eruption.  Tl 
ointment  has  been  recommended  also  in  erysipelas  and  chilblains.  Iodide 
potassium  rubbed  with  mercurial  ointment  is  said  to  promote  the  separation 
the  mercury  in  the  form  of  globules  ( Journ . de  Pharm.,  3e  ser.,  x.  356);  b 
the  effect  does  not  take  place  if  the  iodide  is  thoroughly  dried  and  well  powders 
and  the  ointment  added  to  it  by  small  portions  at  a time.  {Ibid.,  x.  421.) 

The  ointment  diluted  with  twice  or  three  times  its  weight  of  lard  is  sometim 
employed  as  an  application  to  ulcers,  and  to  certain  cutaneous  eruptions. 

Off.  Prep.  Ceratum  Hydrargyri  Comp. ; Linimentum  Hydrargyri.  W. 

UNGUENTUM  HYDRARGYRI  AMMONIATI.  U.S.  Uygue: 
tum  Hydrargyri  Amjioyio-chloridi.  Loncl.  Unguentu.m  Precip 
tati  Albi.  Ed.  Ointment  of  Ammoniated  Mercury.  Ointment  of  T Vhi 
Precipitate. 

“ Take  of  Ammoniated  Mercury  a draclim  ; Simple  Ointment  an  ounce  an 
a half.  Mix  them.”  U.  S. 

The  processes  of  the  British  Colleges  are  essentially  the  same  as  the  above. 

This  ointment  is  employed  chiefly  in  cutaneous  eruptions,  such  as  psora,  po 
rigo,  and  herpes.  W.  I 

UNGUENTUM  HYDRARGYRI  IODIDE  Land.  Ointment  < 

Iodide  of  Mercury. 

“Take  of  Iodide  of  Mercury  an  ounce;  White  Wax  two  ounces;  Lard  s< 
ounces.  To  the  Wax  and  Lard  melted  together  add  the  Iodide,  and  rub  together. 
Loud. 

UNGUENTUM  HYDRARGYRI  IODIDI  RUBRI.  Dal.  Oin 

ment,  of  lied  Iodide  of  Mercury. 

“Take  of  Red  Iodide  of  Mercury  one  drachm;  Ointment  of  White  Wax  sect 
drachms.  Incorporate  the  Iodide  of  Mercury  and  Ointment  by  careful  trit 
ration  in  a mortar.”  Dub. 

Both  the  above  ointments  are  employed  as  dressings  to  scrofulous  ulcers;  tl 
ointment  of  the  red  iodide  being  preferred,  on  account  of  its  much  greater  a 
tivity,  when  the  ulcers  are  very  indolent.  "W. 

UNGUENTUM  HYDRARGYRI  NITRATIS.  U.S.,Lond.  U: 

GUENTUM  ClTRINUM.  Ed.  UNGUEYTUM  HYDRARGYRI  NlTRATIS  V 
Uyguentum  Citrinum.  Dub.  Ointment  of  Nitrate  of  Mercury.  Oitrii 
Ointment. 

“Take  of  Mercury  an  ounce;  Nitric  Acid  fourteen  fluid  rachms  ;*  Fre.; 
Neats-foot  Oil  nine  fuidounccs;  Lard  three  ounces.  Dissolve  the  Mercury 

* In  the  last  edition  of  this  work,  the  old  quantity  of  eleven  fluidrachr.is  of  nitnc  ae 
was  inadvertently  retained,  instead  of  fourteen,  as  directed  in  the  present  l . S.  Pkariu 
copoeia,  which,  by  adopting  a weaker  acid,  rendered  an  increase  of  the  quantity  necessar 


P.LT  II. 


1261 


Unguenta. 

tt  Acid;  then  heat  together  the  Oil  and  Lard,  in  an  earthen  vessel,  to  200°; 
laly,  add  the  mercurial  solution,  and  stir  with  a wooden  spatula  constantly  so 
log  as  effervescence  continues,  and  afterwards  occasionally  until  the  ointment 
stiens.”  U.S. 

Take  of  Mercury  tico  ounces  ; Nitric  Acid  four  fluidounces  [Imperial  mea- 
se;]; Lard  a pound ; Olive  Oil  eight  fluidounces  [Imp.  measure].  First  dis- 
sc  e the  Mercury  in  the  Acid  ; then,  while  the  solution  is  hot,  mix  it  with  the 
Ld  and  Oil  previously  melted  together.”  Loud. 

Take  of  Pure  Nitric  Acid  eight  fluidounces  and  six  fluidrachms  [Imperial 
unsure];  Mercury  four  ounces  ; Axunge  [lard]  fifteen  ounces;  Olive  Oil  thirty- 
tu  fluidounces.  Dissolve  the  Mercury  in  the  Acid  with  the  aid  of  a gentle  heat. 
Mt  the  Axunge  in  the  Oil  with  the  aid  of  a moderate  heat  in  a vessel  capable 
otiolding  six  times  the  quantity;  and,  while  the  mixture  is  hot,  add  the  solution 
ofaerc-ury,  also  hot,  and  mix  them  thoroughly.  If  the  mixture  do  not  froth  up, 
in-ease  the  heat  a little  till  this  take  place.  Keep  this  Ointment  in  earthenware 
v«sels,  or  in  glass  vessels  secluded  from  the  light.”  Ed.  Dr.  Christison,  in  his 
Ppensatcry,  states  that,  in  this  formula,  in  order  to  meet  the  intentions  of  its 
fruers,  the  quantity  of  Olive  Oil  should  be  thirty-eight  fluidounces  and  a half 
ai  of  Nitric  Acid  (sp.  gr.  from  l-380  to  1'390)  nine  fluidounces  and  a half 

Take  of  Pure  Mercury  one  ounce  [avoirdupois];  Pure  Nitric  Acid  one  flu  id- 
o\ce;  Distilled  Water  half  a Q/?/«irf]  ounce ; Prepared  Lard  four  ounces  [avoird.] ; 
Ore  Oil  eight  fluidounces.  Mix  the  Acid  with  the  Water,  and  dissolve  the 
Arcury  in  the  mixture,  with  the  aid  of  a gentle  heat.  Melt  the  Lard  with  the 
0,  and,  while  the  mixture  is  hot,  add  to  it  the  solution  of  mercury  also  hot ; 
It  the  temperature  of  the  mixture  next  be  raised  so  as  to  cause  effervescence, 
ai  then,  withdrawing  the  heat,  stir  the  mixture  with  a porcelain  spoon,  until 
itoncretes  on  cooling.”  Dub. 

'he  chemical  changes  which  take  place  in  the  preparation  of  this  ointment 
a;  not  precisely  known.  They  differ  somewhat  according  to  the  circumstances 
u er  which  the  operation  is  performed;  for  example,  according  to  the  propor- 
tii  and  strength  of  the  acid,  the  nature  of  the  fatty  matter,  and  the  degree  of 
h t employed.  The  mercury,  in  the  first  step  of  the  process,  is  oxidized  at 
tl  expense  of  a portion  of  the  acid,  nitrous  fumes  escape,  and  the  undeeom- 
p :d  acid  unites  with  the  oxidized  metal,  forming  binitrate  of  the  deutoxide  of 
m-eury  if  heat  be  employed,  and  a mixture  of  this  with  nitrate  of  the  prot- 
o le,  if  the  process  be  conducted  at  a low  temperature.  When  the  mercurial 
stition  is  added  to  the  fatty  matter,  a reaction  takes  place,  which  probably 
r<  fits  in  the  production  of  the  yellow  subnitrate  of  the  deutoxide  of  mercury, 
o me  or  more  of  the  fatty  acids,  as  the  oleic,  margaric,  and  stearic,  and  of 
e din  or  elaidic  acid,  or  both.  (See  page  495.)  It  is  also  highly  probable 
tit  pnrtions  of  these  fatty  acids  combine  with  the  oxide  of  mercury.  But  the 
d ree  to  which  these  changes  take  place  is  influenced  greatly  by  the  tempera- 
til;  to  which  the  mixture  is  exposed.  If  this  be  low,  there  is  little  or  no 
ejipe  of  gas;  if  elevated,  there  is  a copious  evolution  of  nitrous  fumes.  In 
tl  former  case  the  changes  are  obviously  less  considerable  than  in  the  latter. 

As  formerly  prepared,  this  ointment,  though  at  first  beautifully  yellow  and 
o the  proper  consistence,  soon  began  to  change,  acquiring  in  time  a dirty 
geuish  and  mottled  colour,  and  becoming  so  hard  and  friable  as  to  be  unfit 
t use  unless  mixed  with  lard.  These  results  were  ascribed  to  various  causes, 
a as  many  different  modifications  of  the  process  were  proposed  in  order  to 
o iate  them.  The  U.S.  process  is  based  upon  the  fact,  that  the  olive  oil  of 
t British  processes  is  hardened  by  nitrous  acid  or  the  nitrate  of  mercury, 
v le  the  same  effect  is  not  produced  upon  neats-foot  oil.  As  at  first  published, 
t process  was  defective  in  the  direction  to  add  the  mercurial  solution  to  the 


1262 


Unguenta. 


PART  i 


mixed  oleaginous  fluid  when  it  begins  to  stiffen  on  cooling.  When  this  dire 
tion  was  complied  with,  at  least  with  the  acid  of  the  ordinary  strength,  the  pr 
paration  had  a brown  colour  and  semi-lif|uid  consistence;  but,  with  some  moc 
fications  such  as  have  been  introduced  into  the  revised  formula  of  the  Pharm 
copoeia  of  1850,  the  process  yields  an  excellent  ointment,  which,  though 
sometimes  assumes  a greenish  colour  on  exposure,  retains  permanently  a so 
unctuous  consistence.  We  have  had  specimens  of  the  ointment  in  our  posse! 
sion  for  several  years,  which  have  retained  a uniform  yellowish  colour,  and 
perfectly  good  unctuous  consistence.  It  is  said  that  the  three  ounces  of  lai 
of  this  formula  may  be  advantageously  replaced  by  the  same  quantity  of  neat 
foot  oil.  (Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  iv.  197.)  It  is  probable  that  other  anim 
oils  will  answer  the  same  purpose;  and  it  is  asserted  that  a good  preparatic 
may  be  made  with  lard  or  butter  alone.  The  drying  vegetable  oils  do  not  a 
pear,  like  olive  oil,  to  be  converted  by  nitrous  acid  or  the  nitrate  of  mereui 
into  elaidin  ; and  it  was  a fair  inference  that  they  might  be  employed  adva: 
tageously  in  the  preparation  of  citrine  ointment.  Accordingly,  Dr.  Fessenden 
of  North  Carolina,  states,  in  his  inaugural  essay,  that  he  substituted  linseed  o 
for  the  neats- foot  oil  of  the  U.S.  process,  and  succeeded  in  obtaining  a perfect';, 
good  and  durable  ointment.  It  is  now  stated  that  the  failure  of  many  operate: 
who  have  followed  the  former  British  officinal  processes,  has  been  owing  not ; 
much  to  the  character  of  the  particular  oil  employed,  as  to  deficiency  of  strengt 
in  the  nitric  acid,  and  the  want  of  a due  degree  of  heat.  Mr.  Alsop  asser 
that,  if  the  nitric  acid  be  of  the  sp.  gr.  1*5,  or  if  the  quantity  of  a weaker  ac-i 
be  increased  so  as  to  compensate  for  its  deficienc-}’  in  strength,  and  if  the  fatt 
matters  be  mixed  with  the  mercurial  solution  at  an  elevated  temperature,  a pe 
mauently  soft  and  golden-coloured  ointment  will  result.  (Pharm.  Transaction 
Sept.  1841.)  It  is  probable  that  the  discoloration  which  is  so  apt  to  take  plac 
in  the  preparation  is  owing  to  the  deoxidizing  influence  of  the  fatty  matter  upc 
the  mercurial  oxide.  Now  if,  by  a sufficient  excess  of  acid  and  an  elevate 
temperature,  the  fats  be  well  oxidized  during  the  process,  they  will  have  A 
affinity  for  oxygen  afterwards,  and  consequently  less  ability  to  take  it  from  tL 
oxide  of  mercury.  That  they  are  oxidized  at  the  expense  of  the  nitric  ac-i 
when  heat  is  used,  is  proved  by  the  abundant  extrication  of  nitrous  fume 
during  the  operation. 

But  in  applying  heat,  when  the  fatty  matter  and  mercurial  solution  at 
mixed,  care  must  be  taken  that  it  be  not  too  great.  Gas  is  extricated  at  180 
and  at  212°,  escapes  so  abundantly  that  the  mixture  boils  over  unless  the  vessc 
be  very  large.  (A/sop  ) Besides,  if  the  heat  is  too  great,  a portion  of  tb 
mercury  is  reduced,  and  the  colour  of  the  ointment  impaired.  When  larg 
quantities  of  materials  are  operated  upon,  the  reaction  which  occurs  product 
of  itself  a sufficient  heat;  but  in  ordinary  cases  the  temperature  should  be  kep 
at  about  190°  by  means  of  a water-bath,  and  if  it  exceed  205°  should  be  r< 
duced.  It  should  always  be  sufficient  to  produce  a copious  extrication  of  ga.- 
The  ointment  should  be  prepared  in  a glass,  porcelain,  or  well-glazed  eartbe 
vessel;  and  a glass  rod  or  wooden  spatula  should  be  employed  for  stirriug  tb 
mixture. 

In  the  present  U.  S.,  Edinburgh,  and  Dublin  formulae,  the  provision  in  rek 
tion  to  the  application  of  heat  is  incorporated;  and  either  of  them  will  yield 
good  ointment  with  due  care  in  the  manipulations.  For  some  useful  practice 
hints  upon  this  point  the  reader  is  referred  to  a communication  by  Mr.  Josep 
Laidlaw  in  the  Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.  (xxii.  119).  It  is  due  to  Mr.  Dunear 
a chemist  and  druggist  of  Edinburgh,  to  state  that  he  appears  to  have  been  th 
first  to  ascertain  the  value  of  heat  in  the  preparation  of  this  ointment. 

Medical  Uses.  This  ointment  is  much  and  vert’  advantageously  employed,  a 


irt  li.  Unguenta.  1263 

Stimulant  and  alterative  application,  in  porrigo  or  tinea  capitis,  impetigo  lar- 
vlis  or  crusta  lactea,  psoriasis  and  pityriasis,  certain  forms  of  chronic  eczema, 
jWophthalmia  and  inflammation  of  the  eye  and  eyelids  connected  with  porrigo 
c the  face  or  scalp,  and  various  other  ulcerative  and  eruptive  affections.  It 
sbuld  be  diluted  with  lard,  unless  in  cases  which  require  a very  stimulant  ap- 
j cation.  Some  care  is  requisite  in  its  use,  to  avoid  the  risk  of  salivation, 
''hen  hard  and  friable,  it  must  be  rubbed  up  with  fresh  lard  before  it  can  be 
allied. 

;Au  ointment  prepared  with  lard  and  nitric  acid,  called  Alyon’s  ointment,  after 
ti  person  who  first  prepared  it,  was  formerly  much  used  in  cases  similar  to 
tjpse  in  which  the  citrine  ointment  is  now  employed.  Uhe  ointment  of  nitric 
cel  of  the  former  Edinburgh  and  Dublin  Pharmacopoeias,  discarded  in  the 
It  edition  of  those  works,  was  of  this  character. 

Off.  Prep.  Unguentum  Hydrargyri  Nitratis  Mitius.  W. 

UNGUENTUM  HYDRARGYRI  NITRATIS  MITIUS.  Land, 
lilder  Ointment  of  Nitrate  of  Mercury. 

“Take  of  Ointment  of  Nitrate  of  Mercury  aw  ounce;  Lard  seven  ounces. 
lib  them  together.”  Land. 

This  is  a mere  dilution  of  the  citrine  ointment,  and  might  well  have  been  left 
t extemporaneous  prescription.  The  London  College  states  that  it  should  be 
i?d  recently  prepared.  W. 

UNGUENTUM  HYDRARGYRI  OXIDI  RUBE  I.  U.S.  Un- 
^entum  Hydrargyri  Nitrico-oxidi.  Lond.  Unguentum  Oxidi 
Ijl’DRARGYRI.  Ed.  UNGUENTUM  HYDRARGYRI  OXYDI  RuBRI.  Dub. 
mtment  of  Med  Oxide,  of  Mercury. 

“Take  of  Red  Oxide  of  Mercury,  in  very  fine  powder,  a draclim ; Simple 
(ntment  an  ounce.  Add  the  Oxide  of  Mercury  to  the  Ointment  previously 
s’tened  over  a gentle  fire,  and  mix  them.”  U.  S. 

“Take  of  Nitrico-oxide  of  Mercury  an  ounce;  White  Wax  two  ounces;  Lard 
5 ounces.  To  the  Wax  and  Lard,  melted  together,  add  the  Nitrico-oxide,  in 
vy  fine  powder,  and  rub  them  together.”  Loud. 

“ Take  of  Red  Oxide  of  Mercury  one  ounce;  Axunge  [lard]  eight  ounces. 
Iturate  them  into  a uniform  mass.”  Ed. 

“ Take  of  Red  Oxide  of  mercury  one  drachm;  Ointment  of  White  Wax  seven 
(hchms.  Reduce  the  Oxide  to  a very  fine  powder,  and  mix  it  intimately  with 
tji  Ointment  by  trituration.”  Dub. 

The  red  oxide  of  mercury  here  referred  to  is  that  prepared  from  the  nitrate, 
s i usually  called  red  precipitate.  It  is  highly  important  that  the  oxide  should 
1 thoroughly  pulverized  before  being  mixed  with  the  lard ; as  otherwise  it 
light  prove  very  injurious  in  cases  of  ophthalmia,  in  which  it  is  sometimes 

lid. 

This  ointment  loses  its  fine  red  colour  when  long  kept,  probably  in  conse- 
epnee  of  the  conversion  of  the  red  oxide  into  the  black,  or  its  reduction  to  the 
i tallic  state.  It  is  best  to  prepare  it  only  in  small  quantities  at  a time.  We 
ljre  been  informed  that,  if  the  preparation  be  made  by  mixing  the  red  oxide 
vh  poplar-bud  ointment,  it  will  keep  a long  time  without  change.  According 
t R.  H.  Stabler,  of  Alexandria,  Va.,  an  equally  effectual  method  is  to  mix 
to  drops  of  liquor  potassse  with  each  ounce  of  the  ointment  when  prepared. 
( Journ.  of  Pliarm.f  xxiii.  123.)  It  is  a highly  useful  stimulating  oint- 
i nt,  much  employed  in  indolent  and  foul  ulcers,  in  porrigo  of  the  scalp,  psor- 
< ithalmia,  and  chronic  conjunctival  ophthalmia,  especially  when  attended  with 
t okening  of  the  inner  membrane  of  the  eyelids,  or  with  specks  upon  the  cornea. 
1 may  be  diluted  with  lard  if  found  too  stimulating.  W. 


1264 


Unguenta. 


PART  i 


UNGUENTUM  IODINII.  U.S.  Ointment  of  Iodine. 

“Take  of  Iodine  a scruple;  Iodide  of  Potassium  four  grains;  Water  * 
minims  ; Lard  an  ounce,  Rub  the  Iodine  and  Iodide  first  with  the  Water  uni 
liquefied,  and  then  with  the  Lard  until  thoroughly  mixed.”  U.  S. 

The  object  of  the  iodide  of  potassium  and  water  is  simply  to  bring  the  iodii 
into  a state  in  which  it  may  be  thoroughly  and  equably  incorporated  with  tl 
lard.  They  have  been  found  to  answer  better  in  practice  than  the  alcohol  fo 
merly  used. 

This  ointment,  when  rubbed  upon  the  skin,  imparts  to  it  an  orange  colou 
which,  however,  slowly  disappears  with  the  evaporation  of  the  iodine.  It 
useful  as  a local  application  in  goitre,  scrofulous  swellings  of  the  glands,  ar 
other  chronic  tumefactions,  operating  probably  through  the  medium  of  ahsor 
tion.  When  continued  for  some  time,  it  occasionally  produces  a pustular  eru 
tion  upon  the  portion  of  skin  to  which  it  is  applied.  Dr.  Cerchiari  strongi 
recommends  it  in  cases  of  enlarged  tonsils,  after  the  disappearance  of  inflamm; 
tion.  It  should  be  applied  to  the  tonsils  morning  and  evening  by  means  of 
camel’s  hair  pencil.  In  two  months,  according  to  the  author,  the  enlargemei 
disappears.  (Am.  Joum.  of  Pha.rm.,  viii.  83.)  The  ointment  should  be  pr 
pared  only  as  wanted  for  use;  for  it  undergoes  change  if  kept,  losing  its  dee 
orange-brown  colour,  and  becoming  pale  upon  the  surface.  W. 

UNGUENTUM  IODINII  COMPOSITUM.  U.S.,  Land.,  Dm 
Unguentum  Iodinei.  Ed.  Compound  Ointment  of  Iodine. 

“Take  of  Iodine  half  a drachm;  Iodide  of  Potassium  a drachm;  Alcobc 
a fluidr a chm  ; Lard  two  ounces.  Rub  the  Iodine  and  Iodide  of  Potassium  fin 
with  the  Alcohol  and  then  with  the  Lard  until  they  are  thoroughly  mixed.”  U. 

The  London  College  uses  the  same  ingredients,  in  the  same  proportions;  bi 
directs  that  the  iodide  should  be  powdered  as  finely  as  possible,  the  iodine  di 
solved  in  the  alcohol,  and  the  two  then  rubbed  together.  The  Edinburgh  CoHet, 
directs  a drachm  of  iodine  aud  two  drachms  of  the  iodide  of  potassium  to  b 
rubbed  together,  four  ounces  of  lard  to  be  gradually  added,  and  the  trituratioi 
to  be  continued  till  a uniform  ointment  is  obtained.  The  Dublin  College  rub 
half  a drachm  of  pure  iodine  and  « drachm  of  iodide  of  potassium  well  togethe: 
adds  gradually  fourteen  drachms  and  a half  of  simple  ointment,  and  triturate 
till  a uniform  ointment  is  produced. 

This  preparation  is  employed  for  the  same  purposes  as  the  preceding,  froi 
which  it  differs  chiefly  in  being  somewhat  stronger  with  iodine;  as  the  iodide  c 
potassium  is  probably  not  peculiar  in  its  effects,  and  the  spirit  is  employed  onl 
to  facilitate  the  admixture.  W. 

UNGUENTUM  MEZEREI.  U.S.  Ointment  of  Mezereon. 

“Take  of  Mezereon,  sliced  transversely,  four  ounces;  Lard  fourteen  ounces 
White  Wax  two  ounces.  Moisten  the  Mezereon  with  a little  Alcohol,  and  ber 
it  in  an  iron  mortar  until  reduced  to  a fibrous  mass;  then  digest  it,  by  means  c 
a salt-water  bath,  with  the  Lard  and  Wax  previously  melted  together,  for  twelv 
hours ; strain  with  strong  expression,  and  allow  the  strained  liquid  to  cool  slowh 
so  that  any  undissolved  matters  may  subside.  From  these  separate  the  med 
cated  ointment.”  U.  S. 

This  is  equivalent  to  the  pommade  ipispast-igue  au  garou  of  the  French  Cc 
dex,  which  is  prepared  from  the  bark  of  Daphne  Gnidium.  The  ointment  ma 
also  be  made,  as  proposed  by  Guibourt,  by  mixing  two  drachms  of  the  alc-okoli 
extract  of  mezereon  with  nine  ounces  of  lard  and  one  of  wax.  It  is  used  as 
stimulating  application  to  blistered  surfaces  in  order  to  maintain  the  dischargt 
and  to  obstinate,  ill-conditioned,  and  indolent  ulcers.  ^ • 


Pj.t  ir.  Unguenta.  1265 

JNGUENTUM  OPII.  Loncl.  Ointment  of  Opium. 

Take  of  Opium,  in  powder,  a scruple;  Lard  an  ounce.  Rub  them  together.” 

Ld. 

[ form  in  which  opium  may  he  applied  by  inunction.  W. 

JNGUENTUM  PICIS.  Lond.  Ointment  of  Pitch. 

Take  of  Pitch,  Wax,  Resin,  each,  eleven  ounces ; Olive  Oil  a pint.  Melt 
tha  together,  and  express  through  linen.”  Land. 

his  is  the  ointment  of  black  pitch  of  the  former  London  Pharmacopoeia.  It 
m be  used  for  the  same  purposes  as  tar  ointment,  but  is  less  efficient.  W. 
JNGUENTUM  PICIS  LIQUIDS.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Pd.,  Dub.  Tar 
0 tment. 

Take  of  Tar,  Suet,  each,  a pound.  Add  the  Tar  to  the  Suet  previously 
m:cd  with  a moderate  heat,  and  stir  them  constantly  till  they  are  cold.”  US. 

he  London  College  melts  together  a pound,  each,  of  tar  and  suet,  and  strains 
th  ugh  linen.  The  Edinburgh  College  takes  five  ounces  of  tar  and  two  ounces 
of  ees’  wax,  and,  having  melted  the  wax  with  a gentle  heat,  adds  the  tar,  and 
st;  the  mixture  briskly  while  it  concretes.  The  Dublin  College  melts  four 
airdupois  ounces  of  yellow  wax,  adds  half  a pint  [Imperial  measure]  of  tar, 
an  stirs  the  mixture. 

his  ointment  is  highly  useful  as  a stimulant  application  in  various  scaly  and 
sc;  by  eruptions,  particularly  in  psoriasis  and  lepra,  and  in  that  form  of  porrigo 
usdly  called  tinea  capitis,  or  scaldhead.  In  the  last-mentioned  affection,  it 
shtld  be  applied  night  and  morning;  and  in  bad  cases  the  patient  should  con- 
st; tly  wear  a cap,  thickly  coated  internally  with  the  ointment.  W. 

JNGUENTUM  PLUMBI  ACETATIS.  Ceratum  Plum- 

bAcetatis.  Lond.  Ointment  of  Acetate  of  Lead. 

Take  of  Simple  Ointment  twenty  ounces;  Acetate  of  Lead,  in  fine  powder, 
on  ounce.  Mix  them  thoroughly.”  Ed. 

he  London  College  melts  five  ounces  of  white  wax  in  eighteen  fluidounces  of 
oli;  oil;  then  adds  gradually  five  drachms  of  powdered  acetate  of  lead  pre- 
vksly  rubbed  with  two  fluidounces  of  olive  oil;  and  stirs  with  a spatula  till 
th  are  incorporated.  The  Dublin  College  mixes  an  ounce  of  acetate  of  lead 
wi  a pound  of  ointment  of  white  wax,  previously  melted  with  a gentle  heat; 
usg  the  avoirdupois  weights  in  the  process. 

his  is  an  excellent  ointment  in  burns,  and  other  excoriated  or  ulcerated 
su  ices,  particularly  blisters  in  an  inflamed  state.  W. 

NGUENTUM  PLUMBI  CARBONATIS.  U.S.,Pd.,  Dub.  Oint- 
m t of  Carbonate  of  Lead. 

Take  of  Carbonate  of  Lead,  in  very  fine  powder,  two  ounces  ; Simple  Oint- 
ml  t a pound.  Add  the  Carbonate  of  Lead  to  the  Ointment  previously  soft- 
en over  a gentle  fire,  and  mix  them.”  U.  S. 

he.  Edinburgh  College  prepares  this  ointment  by  mixing  thoroughly  one 
oute  of  carbonate  of  lead  with  five  ounces  of  simple  ointment.  The  Dublin 
Ci  ye  employs  three  ounces  of  the  carbonate  and  a pound  of  the  ointment, 
usg  the  avoirdupois  weights. 

his  ointment  is  used  for  the  same  purposes  as  the  preceding.  W. 

NGUENTUM  PLUMBI  COMPOSITUM.  Lond.  Compound 
0 tment  of  Lead. 

Take  of  Lead  Plaster  three  pounds;  Olive  Oil  eighteen  fluidounces ; Pre- 
pal  Chalk  six  ounces ; Diluted  Acetic  Acid  six  fluidounces.  Dissolve  the 
80 


1266 


Ungventa. 


PART  . 


Plaster  in  the  Oil  with  a slow  fire,  then  add  first  the  Chalk  and  afterwards  t 
Acid,  constantly  stirring  until  they  become  cold.”  Loud. 

Employed  as  a dressing  for  flabby  indolent  ulcers.  W. 

UNGUENTUM  PLUMBI  ‘iODIDI.  Land.,  Dub.  Ointment 
Iodide  of  Lead. 

“ Take  of  Iodide  of  Lead  an  ounce ; Lard  eight  ounces.  Bub  them  together 
Lond. 

The  Dublin  College  rubs  together  a drachm  of  the  iodide  and  seven  drach 
of  simple  ointment. 

Employed  as  a discutient  in  chronic  glandular  swellings,  and  enlargemet 
of  the  joints.  W. 

UNGUENTUM  POTASSII  IODIDE  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Dub.  Ok i 

merit  of  Iodide  of  Potassium. 

“Take  of  Iodide  of  Potassium,  in  fine  powder,  a drachm ; Boiling  Water 
fluidrachm ; Lard  an  ounce.  Dissolve  the  Iodide  of  Potassium  in  the  Wat« 
and  mix  the  solution  with  the  Lard.”  U S. 

The  London  process  is  the  same  as  the  above,  using  double  the  quantity 
materials.  The  Dublin  College  uses  a drachm  of  the  iodide,  half  a [flue 
drachm  of  distilled  water,  and  seven  drachms  of  simple  ointment,  and  procee' 
in  the  same  manner. 

The  preparation  is  apt  to  become  discoloured  by  time  in  consequence  of  t! 
liberation  of  iodine.  It  is  said  that  this  may  be  prevented  by  mixing  two  dro 
of  the  Liquor  Potassse  with  each  ounce  of  the  freshly  prepared  ointment.  (A 
Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xxiii.  123.) 

This  ointment  is  employed  for  the  discussion  of  goitres,  scrofulous  tumour 
and  other  indolent  swellings ; and  is  sometimes  preferred  to  the  ointment 
iodine,  as  it  does  not,  like  that,  discolour  the  skin.  W. 

UNGUENTUM  SAMBUCI  Lond.  Elder  Ointment. 

“Take  of  Elder  [flowers],  Lard,  each,  two  pounds.  Boil  the  Elder  in  tl 
Lard  till  it  becomes  crisp;  then  express  through  linen.”  Lond. 

Elder  flowers  impart  odour  to  lard  without  adding  to  its  virtues.  An  oin 
ment,  prepared  in  like  manner  from  the  leaves,  has  a green  colour,  and  is  p 
pularly  employed  as  a cooling  application  in  England.  W. 

UNGUENTUM  SIMPLEX.  U.  S.,  Ed.  LNguextum  CeraAlba 
Dub.  Simple  Ointment. 

“Take  of  White  Wax  a pound ; Lard  four  pounds.  Melt  them  togeth 
with  a moderate  heat,  and  stir  them  constantly  till  they  are  cold.”  U.  S. 

The  Dublin  process  corresponds  with  the  above.  The  Edinburgh  Collii 
orders  five  fiuidounces  and  a half  of  olive  oil,  and  two  ounces  of  white  wax. 

This  is  emollient,  and  is  occasionally  employed  as  a mild  dressing  to  blistert 
or  excoriated  surfaces,  but  more  frequently  as  a vehicle  for  more  active  sul 
stances.  It  is  the  basis  of  several  officinal  ointments.  W.  i 

UNGUENTUM  STRAMONIL  U.  S.  Ointment  of  Stramonium 

“Take  of  Extract  of  Stramonium  Leaves  a drachm ; Lard  an  ounce • Bub  tl 
Extract  with  a little  water  until  uniformly  soft,  and  then  with  the  Lard.”  U.  J 

This  is  a more  certain  preparation  than  that  of  the  former  editions  of  tl 
U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia,  which  was  made  by  boiling  the  fresh  leaves  in  lard. 

The  ointment  of  stramonium  is  a useful  anodyne  application  in  irritab. 
ulcers,  painful  hemorrhoids,  and  some  cutaneous  eruptions.  W. 

UNGUENTUM  SULPHURIS.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub.  Sulphu 

Ointment. 

“Take  of  Sulphur  a pound;  Lard  two  pounds.  Mix  them.”  U.  S. 


paT  ii.  Unguenta.  1267 

Ike  London  College  employs  the  same  proportions  as  the  U.  S.  Pharmaco- 
pi a;  the  Edinburgh,  four  ounces  of  lard,  and  one  ounce  of  sublimed  sulphur; 
ai  the  Dublin,  a pound  of  sublimed  sulphur  and  four  pounds  of  prepared  lard. 

Sulphur  ointment  is  a specific  for  the  itch.  It  should  be  applied  every  night 
ti  the  complaint  is  cured ; and  it  is  recommended  that  only  one-fourth  of  the 
b<y  should  be  covered  at  a time.  We  have  usually  directed  it  to  be  applied 
oir  the  whole  surface,  and  have  found  no  inconvenience  to  result.  Four  ap- 
pktions  are  usually  sufficient  to  effect  a cure.  It  is  thought  by  some  that 
pcdered  roll  sulphur  is  more  efficacious  than  the  sublimed.  Sulphur  ointment, 
a]  lied  freely  over  the  variolous  eruption,  in  its  early  stage,  is  said  to  prevent 
tli  maturation  of  the  pustules  and  consequent  pitting.  (See  Am.  Journ.  of 
M.  Sci.,  JY.  S.,  ii.  196.)  The  disagreeable  odour  of  the  ointment  may  be  in 
sole  measure  concealed  by  a little  oil  of  lemons,  or  oil  of  bergamot.  W. 

JNGUENTUM  SULPHURIS  COMPOSITUM.  IT.  S.,  Lond. 
Cnpound  Sulphur  Ointment. 

Take  of  Sulphur  an  ounce;  Ammoniated  Mercury,  Benzoic  Acid,  each,  a 
drrhm ; Oil  of  Bergamot,  Sulphuric  Acid,  each,  a fluidrachm ; Nitrate  of 
Pdssa  two  drachms ; Lard  half  a pound.  To  the  Lard,  previously  melted  with 
a ^derate  heat,  add  the  other  ingredients,  and  stir  them  constantly  till  they  are 
co  .”  U.  S. 

his  ointment  is  essentially  different  from  that  which  is  directed,  under  the 
sa  3 name,  by  the  London  College.  Though,  perhaps,  not  more  efficient  than  the 
siiole  sulphur  ointment  in  the  cure  of  itch,  it  has  a less  unpleasant  smell,  and 
in;  be  advantageously  applied  to  the  cure  of  other  eruptive  affections,  such  as 
tin  capitis  and  crusta  lactea. 

Take  of  Sulphur  four  ounces;  White  Hellebore,  in  powder,  ten  drachms ; 
Niate  of  Potassa,  in  powder,  two  scruples;  Soft  Soap  four  ounces ; Lard  a 
paid.  Rub  them  together.”  Lond. 

his  is  thought  to  be  more  efficacious  than  the  simple  sulphur  ointment;  but 
thuvkite  hellebore  renders  it  also  more  irritating.  W. 

NGUENTUM  SULPIIURIS  IODIDE  U.S.,  Lond.  Ointment 
of  odide  of  Sulphur. 

Take  of  Iodide  of  Sulphur  half  a drachm;  Lard  an  ounce.  Rub  the  Iodide 
wi  a little  of  the  Lard,  then  add  the  remainder,  and  mis  them.”  U.  S. 

le  London  process  is  identical  with  the  above. 

lis  is  admirably  adapted,  as  a local  remedy,  to  the  treatment  of  most  chronic 
euheous  eruptions,  unattended  with  inflammation ; but  it  is  especially  useful 
in  Joriasis,  lepra,  porrigo,  and  the  very  advanced  stages  of  eczema  and  impetigo, 
wk.[;  they  have  become  dry.  W. 

NGUENTUM  TABACI.  IT.  S.  Tobacco  Ointment. 

' fake  of  fresh  Tobacco,  cut  in  pieces,  an  ounce ; Lard  a pound.  Boil  the 
To'  eco  in  the  Lard  over  a gentle  fire  till  it  becomes  friable;  then  strain  through 
lim.”  U.S. 

j the  first  edition  of  the  U.S.  Pharmacopoeia,  this  ointment,  under  the  name 
of ' kbacco  Liniment,”  was  directed  to  be  prepared  with  common  dried  tobacco; 
bun  this  condition  the  leaves  do  not  yield  their  virtues  to  lard.  The  error  wras 
cor  3ted  in  the  second  edition.  Though  the  tobacco  plant  is  not  an  object  of 
ger.  al  culture  in  the  Northern  States,  it  may  readily  be  produced  in  gardens, 
in  i antities  sufficient  to  supply  any  demand  for  the  fresh  leaves  which  can  pos- 
sibl  arise. 

Esh  narcotic  vegetables  yield  their  active  principles,  and  chlorophylle  or 
gre  colouring  matter  to  oleaginous  substances,  when  heated  with  them;  and 
om  ^ents  have  long  been  prepared  in  this  manner.  In  the  pharmacy  of  the 


1268 


Unguenta. — Veratria. 


part  r 


continent  of  Europe,  olive  oil  is  frequently  employed  as  the  solvent,  and  th 
resulting  preparations  are  called  olea  ivfusa.  Several  of  these  are  ordered  b 
the  French  Codex,  as  the  oils  of  henbane,  stramonium,  tobacco,  Ac.  Lard 
preferred  in  British  and  American  pharmacy,  as  affording  preparations  of  a moi 
convenient  consistence.  The  boiling  takes  place  at  a lower  temperature  than  th; 
necessary  for  the  evaporation  of  the  lard  or  oil,  and  is  owing  to  the  escape  of  tl 
watery  parts  of  the  plants.  It  should  be  continued  till  all  the  water  is  drive 
off;  as  this,  if  allowed  to  remain,  would  render  the  ointment  more  liable  i 
spontaneous  decomposition ; and,  besides,  the  colouring  matter  of  the  nareot. 
is  not  freely  extracted  till  after  the  dissipation  of  the  water. 

Tobacco  ointment  is  useful  in  irritable  ulcers,  and  various  cutaneous  eni] 
tions,  particularly  tinea  capitis;  but  great  care  must  be  taken,  especially  i 
children,  not  to  employ  it  in  such  quantities  as  to  endanger  the  production  ( 
the  constitutional  effects  of  the  narcotic.  W. 

UNGUENTUM  VERATRI  ALBI.  U.S.  Ointment  of  White  Hell 
lore. 

“Take  of  White  Hellebore  [root],  in  powder,  two  ounces;  Oil  of  Lemot 
twenty  minims ; Lard  eight  ounces.  Mix  them.”  U.S. 

This  ointment  is  sometimes  employed  with  advantage  in  the  itch.  It  is  le.- 
disagreeable,  but  also  less  certain  than  the  sulphur  ointment.  It  should  be  en 
ployed  with  caution  in  children.  W. 

UNGUENTUM  ZINCI  OXIDI.  U.S.  Unguentum  Zinci.  Land' 
Ed.  Unguentum  Zinci  Oxydi.  Dul.  Ointment  of  Oxide  of  Zinc. 

“ Take  of  Oxide  of  Zinc  an  ounce;  Lard  six  ounces.  Mix  them.”  U.  <S 
Lond. 

The  Edinburgh  College  employs  six  ounces  of  simple  liniment,  and  one  oun< 
of  oxide  of  zinc  ; the  Dublin,  two  ounces  of  the  oxide,  and  twelve  ounces  of  oin 
rnent  of  white  wTax  (simple  ointment).  By  the  latter  the  ointment  is  melte 
before  the  addition  of  the  oxide. 

This  is  employed  as  a mild  astringent  application  in  chronic  ophthalmia  wit 
a relaxed  state  of  the  vessels,  in  cutaneous  eruptions,  and  in  sore  nipples  au 
other  instances  of  excoriation  or  ulceration.  It  has  taken  the  place  of  the  di 
carded  unguentum  tutiae,  or  tufty  ointment,  prepared  from  tutty  or  the  impu 
oxide  of  zinc,  by  mixing  it  with  five  parts  of  simple  ointment.  W. 

VERATRIA. 

Veratria. 

VERATRIA.  U.S.,  Land.,  Ed.  Veratria. 

“Take  of  Cevadilla,  bruised,  two  pounds;  Alcohol  three  gallons;  Sulphur 
Acid,  Solution  of  Ammonia,  Purified  Animal  Charcoal,  Magnesia,  each,  « sv£ 
dent  quantity.  Boil  the  Cevadilla  in  a gallon  of  the  Alcohol,  in  a retort  wi’ 
a receiver  attached,  for  an  hour,  and  pour  off  the  liquor.  To  the  residue  at 
another  gallon  of  the  Alcohol,  together  with  the  portion  recently  distilled,  aga 
boil  for  an  hour,  and  pour  off  the  liquor.  Repeat  the  boiling  a third  time  wi 
the  remaining  Alcohol,  and  with  that  distilled  in  the  previous  operation.  Pre 
the  Cevadilla,  mix  and  strain  the  liquors,  and  by  means  of  a water-bath  dis 
off  the  Alcohol.  Boil  the  residue  three  or  four  times  iu  water  acidulated  wi 
Sulphuric  Acid,  mix  and  strain  the  liquors,  and  evaporate  to  the  consistence 
syrup.  Add  Magnesia,  in  slight  excess,  shake  the  mixture  frequently,  th 
express,  and  wash  what  remains.  Repeat  the  expression  and  washing  two 
three  times,  and,  having  dried  the  residue,  digest  it  with  a gentle  heat  sevei 


ART  II. 


Veratria. 


1269 


nes  in  alcohol,  and  strain  after  each  digestion.  Distil  off  the  alcohol  from  the 
ixed  liquors,  boil  the  residue  for  fifteen  minutes  in  water  with  a little  Sulphuric 
.fid  and  Purified  Animal  Charcoal,  and  strain.  Having  thoroughly  washed 
lat  remains,  mix  the  washings  with  the  strained  liquor,  evaporate  with  a 
:oderate  heat  to  the  consistence  of  syrup,  and  then  drop  in  as  much  Solution 
■ Ammonia  as  may  be  necessary  to  precipitate  the  Veratria.  Lastly,  separate 
;,d  dry  the  precipitate.”  U.  S. 

The  London  College  has  transferred  veratria  to  its  Materia  Medica  list. 
“Take  any  convenient  quantity  of  Cevadilla ; pour  boiling  water  over  it  in  a 
■vered  vessel,  and  let  it  macerate  for  twenty-four  hours ; remove  the  Cevadilla, 
meeze  it,  and  dry  it  thoroughly  with  a gentle  heat.  Beat  it  now  in  a mortar, 
; d separate  the  seeds  from  the  capsules  by  a brisk  agitation  in  a deep  narrow 
ssel.  Grind  the  seeds  in  a coffee-mill,  and  form  them  into  a thick  paste  with 
Rectified  Spirit.  Pack  this  firmly  in  a percolator,  and  pass  Rectified  Spirit 
rough  it  till  the  Spirit  ceases  to  be  coloured.  Concentrate  the  spirituous  so- 
tions  by  distillation  so  long  as  no  deposit  forms ; and  pour  the  residuum  while 
it  into  twelve  times  its  volume  of  cold  water.  Filter  through  calico,  and  wash 
e residuum  on  the  filter  so  long  as  the  washings  precipitate  with  ammonia, 
aite  the  filtered  liquid  with  the  washings,  and  add  an  excess  of  ammonia.  Col- 
jt  the  precipitate  on  a filter,  wash  it  slightly  with  cold  water,  and  dry  it  first 
imbibition  with  filtering  paper,  and  then  in  the  vapour-bath.  A small  ad- 
(tional  quantity  may  be  got  by  concentrating  the  filtered  ammoniacal  fluid  and 
rowing  it  to  cool.”  Ed. 

In  the  U.  S.  process  the  first  step  is  to  obtain  a tincture  of  cevadilla.  In  the 
linburgh  process,  the  use  of  alcohol  is  preceded  by  measures  calculated  to 
ing  the  seeds  into  a proper  state  for  its  action.  This  is  not  satisfactorily 
iected  by  mere  bruising.  The  seeds  are  not  thus  separated  from  the  capsules; 
id,  on  account  of  their  elasticity,  they  cannot  be  conveniently  comminuted  in 
mortar.  The  mode  of  proceeding  given  in  the  Edinburgh  Pharmacopoeia  was 
sggested  by  Christison,  and  is  said  by  him  to  answer  the  purpose.  In  the  U.  S. 
]ocess,  the  tincture,  when  made,  is  evaporated  to  the  consistence  of  an  extract, 
his  contains  the  veratria  combined  with  some  vegetable  acid,  probably  the 
jilic,  as  it  exists  in  the  seeds.  From  the  extract  the  alkali  is  dissolved  by  the 
i dulated  water,  which  at  the  same  time  converts  it  in  great  measure  into  a 
rlphate,  a small  portion  possibly  remaining  in  the  solution  combined  with  an 
icess  of  the  native  acid.  The  magnesia  combines  with  the  acids  and  throws 
<wn  the  veratria,  which  is  then  taken  up  by  alcohol,  and  again  yielded  in  a 
] rer  state  by  evaporation.  To  purify  it  still  further,  it  is  redissolved  in  water 
1 the  agency  of  sulphuric  acid,  is  submitted  to  the  action  of  animal  charcoal, 

; I is  finally  precipitated  by  ammonia.  In  the  Edinburgh  process,  the  tincture 
i concentrated  until  it  begins  to  let  fall  a precipitate,  and  is  then  poured  into 
\ter,  which  throws  down  the  resin  and  oil  with  a portion  of  the  colouring 
i tter,  and  retains  the  salt  of  veratria.  This  is  then  decomposed  by  ammonia, 
til  the  precipitated  veratria  is  slightly  washed  with  cold  water  to  free  it  from 
tiering  impurities.  If  much  water  is  employed  in  the  washing,  a considerable 
] -tion  of  the  veratria  is  lost,  in  consequence  of  being  in  some  degree  soluble 
i that  menstruum  in  its  ordinary  impure  state.* 

Mr.  James  Beatson,  Manufacturing  Chemist  of  the  U.  S.  Naval  Laboratory  at  New 
1 ’k,  recommends  the  following  method  of  preparing  veratria  as  less  complicated  and 
t ublesome  than  the  officinal,  and  quite  satisfactory  in  its  results.  Take  73  pounds 
(I  oirdupois)  of  cevadilla,  rub  it  upon  a coarse  wire  sieve  so  as  to  separate  the  seeds  from 
1 capsules,  and  reduce  the  former  to  a coarse  powder  by  a Swift’s  drug  mill.  Pass  the 
(jisules  also  through  the  mill,  separate  the  finer  portion,  and  mix  it  with  the  ground  seeds, 
listen  the  mixture  with  alcohol,  and  allow  it  to  stand  12  hours;  then  introduce  it 


1270 


Veratria. 


part  ; 


The  U.  S.  process  is  essentially  that  recommended  by  M.  Couerbe.  T 
veratria  obtained  by  it,  though  not  pure,  is  sufficiently  so  for  medical  use. 
drachm  of  it,  in  this  state,  may  be  procured  from  a pound  of  cevadilla.  Besid 
veratria,  M.  Couerbe  states  that  principles,  which  he  calls  respectively  saloditt 
and  veratrin,  are  also  contained  in  this  product.  These  are  separated  in  t 
following  manner.  Into  the  solution  of  impure  sulphate  of  veratria  obtain 
in  the  above  process,  nitric  acid  is  to  be  introduced  by  drops.  This  oceasio; 
an  abundant  precipitate,  from  which  the  clear  liquor  is  to  be  decanted.  A we; 
solution  of  potassa  is  then  to  be  added  to  the  liquor,  and  the  precipitate  whi< 
it  produces  is  to  be  washed  with  cold  water,  and  treated  with  boiling  alcohi 
The  substance  obtained  by  evaporating  the  alcohol  yields  the  sabadillia  to  bo 
ing  water,  which  deposits  it  upon  cooling;  a substance,  called  by  M.  Couer 
resini-gum  of  sabadillia,  remaining  in  solution.  If  the  residue  of  the  substanc- 
treated  as  just  mentioned  with  boiling  water,  be  submitted  to  the  action  of  ethe 
it  yields  to  this  liquid  the  proper  veratria,  which  may  be  obtained  entirely  pu 
by  the  spontaneous  evaporation  of  the  ether.  The  matter  remaining  undissolvc 
is  the  resinous  substance  which  M.  Couerbe  calls  veratrin.  Sabadillia  is  whit 
crystallizable,  insupportably  acrid,  fusible  by  heat,  readily  soluble  in  hot  wate 
which  deposits  it  upon  cooling,  very  soluble  in  alcohol,  and  wholly  insoluble ; 
ether.  It  is  capable  of  saturating  the  acids.  ( Journ . de  Pharm.,  xix.  527 
According  to  Simon,  sabadillia  is  a compound  of  resinate  of  soda  and  resinate  j 
veratria.  Fr.  Hiibschmann  confirms  the  views  of  Couerbe  as  to  the  separate  e: 
istence  of  sabadillia.  He  obtained  it  by  treating  the  matter  considered  as  veratr 
with  ether,  which  removed  the  pure  veratria,  and  left  the  sabadillia.  The  lath 
does  not  irritate  the  nostrils  like  veratria.  (Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xxv.  133 

Veratria,  when  pure,  is  white,  pulverulent,  unerystallizable,  inodorous,  e: 
tremely  acrid,  fusible  by  heat,  scarcely  soluble  in  cold  water,  soluble  in  a tkoi 
sand  parts  of  boiling  water  which  it  renders  sensibly  acrid,  dissolved  freely  t 
alcohol,  less  so  by  ether,  and  capable  of  neutralizing  the  acids,  with  several  c 
which,  particularly  the  sulphuric  and  muriatic,  it  forms  crystallizable  salts. 

In  the  impure  state  in  which  it  is  obtained  by  either  of  the  above  officint 
processes,  it  is  a grayish  or  brownish-white  powder,  without  odour,  and  of 
bitter,  acrid  taste,  producing  a sense  of  tingling  or  numbness  in  the  tongue,  an 
exciting  violent  sneezing  and  coryza  when  admitted  into  the  nostrils.  Th 
composition  of  veratria  is  expressed,  according  to  Couerbe,  by  the  formui 
NC34HU306.  It  may  be  recognised  by  its  sensible  properties,  incapability  of  bein 
crystallized,  combustibility,  fusibility,  peculiar  solubilities,  alkaline  reaction,  th 
intense  red  colour  it  assumes  upon  contact  with  concentrated  sulphuric  acid,  tb 
yellow  solution  it  forms  with  nitric  acid,  and  the  white  precipitates  which  I 
solution  in  dilute  acetic  acid  yields  with  ammonia  and  the  infusion  of  galls.  1 
is  entirely  dissipated  by  a red  heat.  It  is  said  sometimes  to  be  sophisticate 
with  lime,  which  is  easily  detected  by  incineration,  and  may  be  separated  b 
dissolving  the  powder  in  diluted  alcohol,  precipitating  by  sulphuric  acid,  filte: 
ing,  evaporating  the  alcohol,  and  precipitating  the  veratria  by  ammonia.  ( Chen 

into  a displacement  apparatus,  and  pour  upon  it  30  gallons  of  alcohol.  When  a conveniei 
quantity  of  the  liquid  has  passed,  submit  it  to  distillation,  and  return  the  distilled  alo 
hoi  to  the  displacement  apparatus ; aud  proceed  in  the  same  way  until  the  cevadilla 
thoroughly  exhausted.  Collect  all  the  alcoholic  liquor  from  the  exhausted  seeds,  an 
continue  the  distillation  until  the  tincture  has  a syrupy  consistence.  Pour  this  while  h< 
into  eight  times  its  volume  of  cold  water,  throw  the  whole  on  a calico  filter,  and  wash  unt 
the  washings  cease  to  indicate  the  presence  of  veratria.  Mix  the  washings  with  what  hr 
passed  through  the  filter,  and  add  liquor  ammonite  in  excess  (about  4 pounds).  Has 
the  precipitated  veratria  with  cold  water,  and  dry  it  with  a very  gentle  heat.  Mr.  Beatsc 
obtained  by  this  process  eleven  and  a quarter  ounces  of  pure  veratria,  but  faintly  tinge 
with  colouring  matter.  (Am.  Journ,  of  Pharm.,  xxvi.  5.) — Sole  to  the  tenth  edition. 


PIT  II. 


Veratria,. 


1271 


C'z.,  Feb.  1845,  p.  73.)  It  may  be  used  either  in  the  uncombined  state,  or 
uted  with  acids;  as  in  both  forms  it  produces  essentially  the  same  effects. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses. — Veratria  is  locally  irritant,  and  exerts  a 
puliar  influence  on  the  nervous  system.  Rubbed  upon  the  skin  it  excites  a 
sisation  of  warmth  and  a peculiar  tingling,  which,  when  the  application  is 
ci  tinued  for  a considerable  length  of  time,  extends,  according  to  Turnbull,  over 
tl  whole  surface  of  the  body.  Sometimes  an  evanescent  blush  is  produced,  and 
si  1 more  rarely  an  eruption  upon  the  skin ; but,  according  to  the  same  author, 
n marks  of  inflammation  are  in  general  evinced.  Upon  the  denuded  cutis, 
brever,  veratria  and  its  salts  are  powerfully  irritating;  in  the  mouth  and  fauces 
p duce  an  almost  insupportable  sense  of  acrimony ; and  snuffed  up  the  nostrils 
e:  ite  violent  sneezing.  Magendie  states  that,  when  taken  internally  in  the 
de  of  a quarter  of  a grain,  they  promptly  produce  abundant  alvine  evacuations, 
al  in  larger  doses  provoke  more  or  less  violent  vomiting.  Other  experimenters 
bre  observed  similar  effects.  Dr.  Turnbull,  on  the  contrary,  says  that  he  has 
vy  seldom  found  them  to  purge,  even  when  largely  administered,  and  that  not 
frequently  constipation  comes  on  during  their  employment.  According  to 
th  author,  their  flrst  effect,  when  given  in  moderate  doses,  is  a feeling  of 
wrath  in  the  stomach,  gradually  extending  itself  over  the  abdomen  and  lower 
pt  of  the  chest,  and  ultimately  to  the  head  and  extremities.  If  the  medicine 
continued,  this  feeling  of  warmth  is  followed  by  a sense  of  tingling,  similar 
tithat  produced  by  the  external  use  of  the  medicine,  which  manifests  itself  in 
d'erent  parts  of  the  body,  and  sometimes  over  the  whole  surface,  and  is  fre- 
qSntly  accompanied  by  perspiration  and  some  feeling  of  oppression.  Occasion- 
al also  diuresis  is  produced.  A still  further  continuance  of  the  medicine,  or 
t use  of  large  doses,  excites  nausea  and  vomiting.  It  occasions  no  narcotic 
e cts.  In  over-doses  it  is  a violent  poison. 

Che  diseases  in  which  veratria  has  been  employed  are  chiefly  gout,  rheuma- 
t:u,  and  neuralgia.  M.  Piedagnel  has  used  it  with  great  supposed  advantage 
ii  acute  articular  rheumatism,  which  he  has  found  generally  to  get  well  under 
iiuse  in  seven  or  eight  days.  (See  Am.  Journ.  of  Med.  Sci.,  N.  S'.,  xxvi.  496.) 
I Turnbull  has  found  it  useful  also  in  dropsy,  and  in  diseases  of  the  heart, 
p ticularly  those  of  a functional  character.  He  thinks  he  has  also  seen  it  do 
gid  in  structural  diseases  of  that  organ,  but  chiefly  by  acting  as  a diuretic,  and 
t reby  removing  effusion  in  the  pericardium.  Veratria  has  also  been  em- 
p yed  in  various  nervous  affections,  as  paralysis,  hooping-cough,  epilepsy,  hys- 
t a,  and  disorders  dependent  upon  spinal  irritation.  For  internal  use  the  salts 
oeratria  are  preferred.  From  one- twelfth  to  one-sixth  of  a grain  may  be  given 
ii  the  form  of  pill,  and  repeated  every  three  hours  till  the  effects  of  the  rnedi- 
cs  are  experienced.  Dr.  Turnbull  prefers  the  tartrate,  as  less  disposed  to 
irtate  the  stomach.  The  sulphate  or  acetate,  however,  may  be  used.  Any  one 
O’  hese  salts  may  be  readily  prepared  by  treating  veratria  with  water  acidulated 
v h the  acid  to  perfect  neutralization,  and  then  evaporating  to  dryness. 

lut  veratria  is  much  more  employed  externally  than  by  the  stomach,  and  is 
a ilicable  in  this  way  to  all  the  complaints  already  mentioned.  It  may  be  used 
erer  dissolved  in  alcohol,  or  rubbed  up  with  lard  or  other  unctuous  substance 
i the  proportion  of  from  ten  to  twenty  grains  or  more  to  the  ounce.  Of  the 

0 tment  thus  prepared,  Dr.  Turnbull  directs  a portion  of  the  size  of  a large 
a ' to  be  rubbed  upon  the  skin  over  the  part  affected,  night  and  morning,  from 
f i to  fifteen  minutes,  or  until  the  more  urgent  symptoms  are  relieved.  Ve- 
r ria  may  be  used  in  this  way  to  the  amount  of  from  four  to  eight  grains  in  the 
d ’.  Care  must  be  taken  that  the  cuticle  is  sound  over  the  parts  to  which  it 

1 applied.  When  the  skin  is  irritable,  smaller  quantities  than  those  above 

r ationed  must  be  used.  W. 


1272 


Vina  Medicata. 


PART  , 


VINA  MEDICATA. 

Medicated  Wines. 

The  advantages  of  wine  as  a pharmaceutic  menstruum  are  that,  in  consequen 
of  the  alcohol  it  contains,  it  dissolves  substances  insoluble  in  water,  and,  1 1 
certain  extent,  resists  their  tendency  to  spontaneous  change;  while,  at  the  sa  > 
time,  it  is  less  stimulant  than  rectified  or  proof  spirit,  both  from  its  smal- 
proportion  of  alcohol,  and  from  the  modified  state  in  which  this  fluid  exists, 
its  composition.  The  acid  which  it  usually  contains,  serves  in  some  instan  , 
to  increase  its  solvent  power.  But  most  wines,  particularly  the  light  varieti 
are  liable  to  undergo  decomposition;  and  even  the  strongest  acquire  such  a hah 
ity  from  the  principles  which  they  extract  from  vegetable  substances;  so  tn 
medicated  wines,  though  they  keep  much  better  than  infusions  or  decoctioi 
are  inferior  in  this  respect  to  the  tinctures.  The  proportion  of  alcohol,  moreov 
is  not  constant;  and  the  preparations,  therefore,  made  with  them,  are  of  uneqi 
strength.  From  these  causes,  few  medicated  wines  are  at  present  retained, 
the  choice  of  wine,  the  purest  and  most  generous  should  be  selected.  Sheri 
as  directed  by  the  U.  S.  and  British  Pharmacopoeias,  Teneriffe,  or  Madeira  shoe 
be  preferred.  The  medicated  wines,  in  consequence  of  their  liability  to  c-hanr 
should  be  prepared  in  small  quantities,  without  heat,  and  should  be  kept  in  w 
stopped  bottles  in  a cool  place. 

The  London  College  directs  that  “ medicated  wines  should  be  prepared 
covered  glass  vessels,  and  frequently  agitated  during  the  maceration.”  W. 

VINUM  ALOES.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Lid.  Wine  of  Aloes. 

“ Take  of  Aloes,  in  powder,  an  ounce ; Cardamom  [seeds],  bruised,  Gingf 
bruised,  each,  a drachm;  White  Wine  [sherry]  a pint.  Macerate  for  fourte-i 
days,  with  occasional  agitation,  and  filter  through  paper.”  U.  S- 

“Take  of  Soeotrine  or  Hepatic  Aloes,  in  powder,  two  ounces;  Canella, 
powder,  four  drachms  ; Sherry  Wine  two  pints  [Imperial  measure].  Maeera 
for  seven  days,  and  filter.”  Lond. 

“ Take  of  Soeotrine  or  East  India  Aloes  an  ounce  and  a half;  Cardamo 
Seeds,  ground,  Ginger,  in  coarse  powder,  of  each,  a drachm  and  a half;  Sher; 
two  pints  [Imperial  measure].  Digest  for  seven  days,  and  strain  through  line 
or  calico.”  Ed. 

The  wine  of  aloes  is  a warm  stomachic  purgative,  useful  in  constipation  d 
pendent  on  a want  of  due  irritability  of  the  alimentary  canal,  and  in  complain 
connected  with  this  state  of  the  bowels.  It  has  long  been  used  in  chlorosj 
amenorrhoea,  dyspepsia,  gout,  paralysis,  &c.  It  is  said  to  leave  behind  it  a mo 
lax  condition  of  the  bowels  than  most  other  cathartics.  The  dose  as  a stomach 
is  one  or  two  fluidrachms,  as  a purgative  from  half  a fluidounce  to  two  fluh 
ounces.  W. 

VINUM  COLCHICI  KADICIS.  U.  S.  Vinum  Colchici.  Lond 

Ed.  Wine  of  Colchicum  Hoot. 

“ Take  of  Colchicum  Boot,  well  bruised,  a pound;  White  Wine  [sherry]  tit 
pints.  Macerate  for  fourteen  days,  with  occasional  agitation ; then  expre; 
strongly,  and  filter  through  paper. 

“ Wine  of  Colchicum  Root  may  also  be  prepared  by  macerating  as  above,  the 
transferring  to  a percolator,  and,  after  the  liquor  has  ceased  to  pass,  pouring  5 
much  wine  upon  the  residue  that  the  filtered  liquor  obtained  may  measure  tu 
pints.”  U.  S. 


ART  II. 


Vina  Medicata. 


1273 


“Take  of  dried  Meadow-saffron  Cormus,  sliced,  eight  ounces ; Sherry  Wine 
io pints  [Imperial  measure].  Macerate  for  seven  days,  and  filter.”  Lond. 

The  Edinburgh  College  directs  the  same  quantities  of  materials  as  the  London, 
d orders  digestion  for  seven  days,  straining,  strong  expression,  and  filtering. 
This  is  intended  to  he  a saturated  vinous  tincture  of  colchicum.  As  the  col- 
ficum  root  imported  into  the  United  States  is  of  variable  strength,  the  only 
ethod  by  which  an  active  preparation  can  be  ensured,  is  to  employ  a large 
lantity  of  the  bulb  in  proportion  to  that  of  the  menstruum.  If  the  former 
ould  happen  to  be  in  excess,  no  other  injury  could  result  than  a slight  pecu- 
ary  loss;  while  a deficiency  in  the  strength  of  the  preparation  would  frequently 
of  serious  detriment  in  urgent  cases  of  disease.  We  have  never  been  dis- 
jointed in  obtaining  the  effects  of  colchicum  from  the  wine  which  we  knew 
have  been  prepared  according  to  the  directions  of  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia; 
file  that  which  has  been  made  with  a smaller  quantity  of  the  bulb  has  often 
iled  in  our  hands.  A wine  prepared  from  the  fresh  bulb  is  occasionally  im- 
>rted  from  England,  and  is  thought  by  some  to  be  more  efficacious  than  our 
acinal  preparation.  The  dose  of  the  officinal  wine  is  from  ten  minims  to  a 
lidrachm,  to  be  repeated  three  or  four  times  a day,  or  more  frequently  in  severe 
Ses,  till  its  effects  are  experienced.  In  gout  it  is  frequently  given  in  connexion 
th  magnesia  and  its  sulphate;  and  in  neuralgic  cases  we  have  found  much 
vantage  from  combining  it  with  the  solution  of  sulphate  of  morphia,  especially 
aen  we  have  desired  to  give  it  a direction  rather  to  the  skin  than  the  bowels, 
has  been  employed  externally  with  asserted  advantage  in  rheumatism.  In  over- 
uses it  may  produce  fatal  effects.  Death  is  said  to  have  occurred  in  one  in- 
jknce  from  two  drachms  of  the  wine;  but  much  more  would  probably  in  general 
■ requisite  to  produce  this  result.  W. 

VINUM  COLCHICI  SEMINIS.  U.S.  Wine  of  Colchicum  Seed. 

“Take  of  Colchicum  Seed,  bruised,  four  ounces ; White  Wine  [sherry]  two 
nts.  Macerate  for  fourteen  days,  with  occasional  agitation;  then  express,  and 
ter  through  paper.”  U.  S. 

As  the  seeds  of  colchicum  are  less  liable  to  injury  than  the  bulb,  and  are, 
prefore,  of  more  uniform  strength,  there  is  not  the  same  necessity  for  pre- 
Iring  a saturated  tincture.  This  wine  corresponds  in  strength  with  the  tinc- 
re  of  colchicum  seed.  (See  Tinctura  Colchici  Semin i si)  In  the  account  of 
e seeds  given  in  the  first  part  of  this  work  ( page  275),  it  is  stated,  on  the 
thority  of  Dr.  Williams,  who  introduced  the  seeds  into  use,  that  their  active 
fiperties  reside  in  their  coating,  and  that  it  is,  therefore,  not  advisable  to  bruise 
iem  in  preparing  the  wine  or  tincture.  But  this  has  been  shown  to  be  an  error 
/ the  experiments  of  Mr.  Bonnewyn,  who  found  a larger  proportion  of  colchicia 
a tincture  of  the  bruised  than  in  one  of  the  unbruised  seeds.  (See  Am. 
pm.  of  Pharm.,  xxvi.  120.)  The  dose  is  one  or  two  fluidrachms.  Two 
iidounces  have  proved  fatal.  W. 

VINUM  ERGOTiE.  U.S.  Wine  of  Ergot. 

• “Take  of  Ergot,  bruised,  two  ounces;  White  Wine  [sherry]  a pint.  Macerate 
r fourteen  days,  with  occasional  agitation ; then  express,  and  filter  through 
per.”  U.S. 

The  large  proportion  of  fixed  oil  in  ergot  interferes  with  the  solvent  action  of 
e menstruum,  unless  the  grains  are  finely  powdered.  It  is,  therefore,  best  to 
lploy  the  ergot  in  this  process  well  powdered,  instead  of  merely  bruised,  as 
icinally  directed. 

The  dose  of  this  wine  is  for  a woman  in  labour  two  or  three  fluidrachms ; for 
her  purposes,  one  or  two  fluidrachms,  to  be  repeated  several  times  a day,  and 
adually  increased  if  necessary.  W. 


1274 


Vina  Medicata. 


tart  I 


VINUM  GENTIANiE.  Ed.  Wine  of  G-entian. 

“ Take  of  Gentian,  in  coarse  powder,  half  an  ounce]  Yellow  Bark,  in  eoar: 
powder,  one  ounce]  Bitter-orange  Peel,  dried  and  sliced,  two  drachms]  Canell 
in  coarse  powder,  one  drachm]  Proof  Spirit  four  fiwidounees  and  a half;  Sheri 
one  pint  and  sixteen  fuidounces  [Imperial  measure].  Digest  the  root  and  barl 
for  twenty-four  hours  in  the  Spirit;  add  the  Wine,  and  digest  for  seven  da' 
more;  strain  and  express  the  residuum  strongly,  and  filter  the  liquors.”  Ed.' 

This  is  a stomachic  bitter,  sometimes  employed  to  promote  appetite  and  i: 
vigorate  digestion.  The  dose  is  from  four  to  eight  fluidrachms.  W. 

VINUM  IPECACUANHA.  U.S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub.  Wince 

Ipecacuanha. 

“Take  of  Ipecacuanha,  bruised,  two  ounces;  White  Wine  [sherry]  two  pint 
Macerate  for  fourteen  days,  with  occasional  agitation;  then  express,  and  filu 
through  paper. 

“ Wine  of  Ipecacuanha  may  also  be  prepared  by  moistening  the  Ipecacuanh; 
in  coarse  powder,  thoroughly  with  Wine,  allowing  it  to  stand  for  twenty-fov 
hours,  then  transferring  it  to  a percolator,  and  pouring  Wine  gradually  upon 
until  two  pints  of  filtered  liquor  are  obtained.”  U.  S. 

The  London  College  takes  two  ounces  and  a half  of  the  bruised  root,  and  tv. 
Imperial  pints  of  sherry  wine,  and  macerates  for  seven  days;  the  Edinburg! 
the  same  ingredients,  in  the  same  proportions,  and  digests  for  a week;  th 
Dublin,  two  ounces  and  a half  [avoirdqpois]  of  aloes,  and  two  Imperial  pints  d 
sherry  wine,  and  macerates  for  two  weeks. 

The  preparations  of  the  different  Pharmacopoeias  are  virtually  of  the  sam 
strength.  Wine  of  ipecacuanha  possesses  all  the  medical  properties  of  the  root 
and  may  be  used  as  a substitute  when  it  is  desirable  to  administer  the  medicin 
in  the  liquid  form.  As  it  is  milder,  without  being  less  efficacious  than  antimonk 
wine,  it  is  in  some  instances  preferable  as  an  emetic  in  infantile  cases,  especiall 
when  the  antimouial,  as  not  unfrequently  happens,  is  disposed  to  irritate  th 
bowels.  Under  the  same  circumstances,  it  may  be  used  as  an  expectorant  an 
diaphoretic ; and  the  effects  of  the  Dover’s  powder  may  be  obtained  by  cornbin 
ing  it  with  laudanum  or  other  liquid  preparation  of  opium.  The  dose  as  a 
emetic  for  an  adult  is  a fluidouuce;  as  an  expectorant  and  diaphoretic,  from  te: 
to  thirty  minims.  A fluidrachm  may  be  given  as  an  emetic  to  a child  one  o 
two  years  old,  and  repeated  every  fifteen  minutes  till  it  operates.  W. 

VINUM  OPII.  U.S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub.  Wine  of  Opium.  Sydeh 
ham's  Laudanum. 

“ Take  of  Opium,  in  powder,  two  ounces;  Cinnamon,  bruised,  Cloves,  bruised 
each,  a drachm;  White  Wine  [sherry]  a pint.  Macerate  for  fourteen  days,  wit 
occasional  agitation  ; then  express,  and  filter  through  paper.”  U.  S. 

The  London  College  takes  two  ounces  and  a half  of  extract  of  opium,  tic 
drachms  and  a half  of  bruised  cinnamon,  the  same  quantity  of  bruised  clove; 
and  two  Imperial  pints  of  sherry  wine;  and  macerates  for  seven  days.  Th 
Edinburgh  College,  to  the  same  quantity  of  cinnamon  and  cloves,  adds  thre 
ounces  of  opium,  and  two  Imperial  grinds  of  sherry  wine,  and  digests  for  a week 
The  Dublin  College  takes  three  avoirdupois  ounces  of  opium,  and  two  Imperia 
pints  of  sherry  wine,  and  macerates  for  fourteen  days. 

The  wine  made  according  to  the  directions  of  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia  is 
saturated  vinous  tincture  of  opium.  It  contains  about  the  same  proportions  o 
the  ingredients  as  the  laudanum  of  Sydenham,  from  which  it  differs  only  it 
wanting  a drachm  of  saffron.  The  spic-es  which  it  contains  are  thought  to  adap 
it  to  certain  states  of  the  stomach  or  system,  in  which  the  simple  tincture  i> 
opium  is  found  to  produce  unpleasant  effects;  but  the  same  end  may  be  obtainei 


1-RT  II. 


Vina  Medicata. 


1275 


ban  extemporaneous  addition  of  some  aromatic  oil  to  the  latter.  Mr.  Ware 
rommends  it  as  a local  application  to  the  eye,  in  the  latter  stages  of  ophthalmia, 
wen  the  vessels  of  the  conjunctiva  still  remain  turgid  with  blood.  Two  or  three 
d ps  are  introduced  into  the  eye  every  morning  till  the  redness  disappears.  The 
de  of  the  wine  of  opium  is  the  same  with  that  of  the  tincture.*  W. 

YINTJM  RUE I.  U.S.,  Ed.,  Dub.  Wine  of  Rhubarb. 

‘Take  of  Rhubarb,  bruised,  two  ounces;  Canella,  bruised,  a drachm;  Diluted 
/johol  two  fluidounces ; White  Wine  [sherry]  a pint.  Macerate  for  fourteen 
chs,  with  occasional  agitation  ; then  express,  and  filter  through  paper. 

‘Wine  of  Rhubarb  may  also  be  prepared  by  mixing  the  Rhubarb  and  Canella, 
iicoarse  powder,  with  the  Diluted  Alcohol,  allowing  the  mixture  to  stand  for 
t"nty-four  hours,  then  transferring  it  to  a percolator,  and  pouring  Wine 
g dually  upon  it  until  eighteen  fluidounces  of  filtered  liquor  are  obtained.”  U.  3- 
The  Edinburgh  College  takes  five  ounces  of  rhubarb,  in  coarse  powder,  two 
aichms  of  canella,  in  coarse  powder,  five  fluidounces  of  proof  spirit,  and  one 
p.t  and  fifteen  fluidounces  [Imperial  measure]  of  sherry  wine,  and  digests  for 
s;en  days.  The  Dublin  College  takes  three  avoirdupois  ounces  of  the  rhubarb, 
ti  drachms  [Dub.  weight]  of  the  canella,  and  two  Imperial  pints  of  sherry 
vie,  and  macerates  for  two  weeks. 

This  is  a warm  cordial  laxative,  applicable  to  debilitated  conditions  of  the 
s tern  or  alimentary  canal  requiring  evacuation  of  the  bowels.  The  dose  is 
fijm  one  to  four  fluidrachms  or  more,  according  to  the  amount  of  effect  re- 
el red,  and  the  condition  of  the  patient.  W. 

ijVINUM  TABACI.  U.  S.,  Ed.  Wine  of  Tobacco. 

Wake  of  Tobacco,  cut  in  pieces,  an  ounce;  White  Wine  [sherry]  a pint. 
I cerate  for  fourteen  days,  with  occasional  agitation ; then  express,  and  filter 
t ough  paper.”  U.  S. 

The  Edinburgh  College  takes  three  ounces  and  a half  of  tobacco  and  two  Im- 
fiial  pints  of  sherry  wine,  and  digests  for  seven  days. 

The  dose  of  the  wine  of  tobacco,  as  a diuretic,  is  from  ten  to  thirty  minims. 
I is  very  seldom  used;  W. 

YINUM  VERATRI  ALBI.  U.S.  Vinum  Veratri  .Land.  Wine 
d White  Hellebore. 

‘Take  of  White  Hellebore  [root],  bruised,  four  ounces;  White  Wine 
[ erry]  a pint.  Macerate  for  fourteen  days  with  occasional  agitation ; then 
epress,  and  filter  through  paper.”  U.  S. 

The  London  College  takes  eight  ounces  of  the  sliced  root,  and  two  Imperial 
fits  of  sherry  wine,  and  macerates  for  seven  days. 

It  has  been  supposed  that  the  wine  of  white  hellebore,  in  consequence  of  the 
[•atria  which  it  contains,  would  act  in  the  same  manner  with  colchicum  in 
t ! cure  of  gout  and  rheumatism;  but  it  is  uncertain  and  occasionally  violent 
i its  operation,  and  is  very  little  used.  The  dose  is  ten  minims  two  or  three 
t ies  a day,  to  be  gradually  increased  till  the  peculiar  effects  of  the  medicine 
a experienced.  W. 

4 Rousseau's  laudanum  is  a tincture  of  opium  made  with  very  weak  alcohol,  which  may 
1 classed  with  propriety  along  with  the  above  preparation.  It  is  made  according  to  the 
1 owing  formula.  “ Take  of  white  honey  twelve  ounces ; warm  water  three  pounds.  Having 
[solved  the  honey,  set  the  solution  aside  in  a warm  place;  and,  as  soon  as  fermentation 
1 bins,  add  of  selected  opium  four  ounces,  previously  dissolved  in  twelve  ounces  of  water, 
row  the  mixture  to  stand  for-  a month  at  the  temperature  of  24°  Reaumur  (86°  F.) ; 
1 n strain,  filter,  and  evaporate  to  ten  ounces;  finally  strain,  and  add  four  ounces  and  a 
y of  alcohol  of  20°  B.  Seven  drops  contain  about  a grain  of  opium.”  ( Pharmacop . 
j ivers.,  ii.  265.) 


1276 


Zincum. 


PART 


ZINCUM. 

Preparations  of  Zinc. 

ZINCI  ACETAS.  U.  S.,  Pub.  Acetate  of  Zinc. 

“Take  of  Acetate  of  Lead  a pound;  Zinc,  granulated,  nine,  ounces ; D 
tilled  Water  three  pints.  Dissolve  the  Acetate  of  Lead  in  the  Water  ai 
filter.  Then  add  the  Zinc  to  the  solution,  and  agitate  the  mixture  occasional 
in  a stopped  bottle,  for  five  or  six  hours,  or  until  the  liquid  yields  no  preci] 
tate  with  a solution  of  iodide  of  potassium.  Filter  the  liquor,  evaporate  it  vri 
a moderate  heat  to  one-fifth,  acidulate  it  slightly  with  acetic  acid,  and  set 
aside  to  crystallize.  Pour  off  the  liquid,  and  dry  the  crystals  on  bibulous  papf 
Should  the  crystals  be  coloured,  dissolve  them  in  a pint  and  a half  of  distill 
water,  and,  having  heated  the  solution  to  ebullition,  drop  into  it,  while  boilin 
Precipitated  Carbonate  of  Zinc,  in  successive  portions,  until  a small  quanti 
of  the  liquid,  being  filtered,  passes  colourless.  Then  filter  the  liquid,  acidula 
it  slightly  with  acetic  acid,  and  evaporate  that  crystals  may  form.”  U.  S. 

“ Take  of  Acetate  of  Lead  one  pound  [avoirdupois]  ; Sheet  Zinc  four  ounc 
[avoird.]  ; Distilled  Water  two  pints  and  a half  [Imp.  meas.]  ; Solution 
Chlorinated  Lime  a sufficient  quantity.  Dissolve  the  Acetate  of  Lead  in  tl 
Water,  and,  having  placed  the  solution  in  a cylindric  jar,  immerse  in  it  tl 
Zinc  rolled  into  a coil.  After  the  lapse  of  twenty-four  hours  decant  the  liqui 
and  having  reduced  it  by  evaporation  to  fifteen  ounces,  drop  into  it,  while  bo’ 
ing  hot,  the  Solution  of  Chlorinated  Lime,  until  a reddish  precipitate  ceases 
form.  It  is  now  to  be  cleared  by  passing  it  through  a filter,  then  acidulated! 
the  addition  of  a few  drops  of  acetic  acid,  and  evaporated  down  to  ten  fluidounc-e 
when,  upon  cooling,  crystals  will  form.  These,  and  any  additional  crystals  o 
tained  by  the  concentration  of  the  mother  liquor,  should  be  dried  on  blotting-pap' 
placed  on  a porous  brick,  and  then  preserved  in  a well  stopped  bottle.”  Dub. 

In  the  U.  S.  process  the  lead  is  wholly  precipitated  by  the  zinc,  wbic 
forms  with  the  acetic  acid  the  acetate  of  zinc  in  solution.  In  order  to  be  suj 
that  the  solution  is  entirely  free  from  lead,  it  is  tested  with  iodide  of  potassiuc 
which  will  produce  a yellow  precipitate  in  case  any  of  the  lead  remains  uupr 
cipitated.  The  crystals  of  acetate  of  zinc,  as  first  obtained,  are  apt  to  1 
coloured  with  iron.  Should  this  be  the  ease,  a boiling  solution  of  them  in  di 
tilled  water  is  treated  by  the  addition  of  successive  portions  of  precipitated  ca 
bonate  of  zinc,  until  a small  quantity  of  the  liquid,  being  filtered,  passes  colou 
less.  The  zinc  of  the  carbonate  of  zinc  precipitates  the  iron,  and  takes  i 
place  in  the  solution  ; and  the  iron  is  known  to  be  all  removed,  when  a portic 
of  the  solution  is  found,  upon  trial,  to  filter  clear.  This  mode  of  purifying  tl 
acetate  of  zinc  from  iron  was  suggested  by  Professor  Procter,  and  was  adopte 
in  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia  of  1850,  in  place  of  the  mode  by  means  of  a soli 
tion  of  chlorinated  lime,  which  he  found  to  separate  the  iron  imperfectly.  Tl 
necessary  carbonate  of  zinc  may  be  obtained  extemporaneously,  by  converter 
one-thirtieth  of  the  coloured  solution  of  the  acetate  into  carbonate  by  preeip 
tating  it  with  carbonate  of  potassa  in  slight  excess,  as  originally  proposed  1 
Prof.  Procter.  The  precipitated  carbonate,  first  washed  from  acetate  of  potass 
is  added  in  the  state  of  magma  to  the  coloured  solution  boiling  hot.  During  tl 
evaporation  of  the  solution  of  the  acetate  of  zinc,  a small  portion  of  the  acetic  ac 
is  lost ; and  hence  the  necessity  of  acidulating  with  a few  drops  of  acetic  ac 
before  crystallizing.  In  the  Dublin  process  the  acetate  of  lead  is  decompose 
in  the  same  way  precisely  as  in  the  U.  S.  formula  ; but  the  solution  of  ac-eta 
of  zinc  is  not  tested  for  lead,  and  the  imperfect  method  of  the  former  I • > 


P IT  II. 


Zincum. 


1277 


Pirmacopceia  for  separating  the  iron  by  a solution  of  chlorinated  lime  is 
aipted.  This  precipitant,  so  far  as  it  acts,  sesquioxidizes  the  iron,  and  ren- 
d.3  it  insoluble,  by  its  chlorine  uniting  with  the  hydrogen  of  water,  and  liberat- 
ii  oxygen.  In  relation  to  the  acetate  of  zinc,  see  a paper  by  Mr.  Ambrose 
Sith,  contained  in  the  Amer.  Journ.  of  Pharrn.,  vol.  vii.  p.  14. 

Properties , c he.  Acetate  of  zinc,  when  carefully  crystallized,  is  in  colourless 
h agonal  plates,  which  effloresce  in  a dry  air.  As  found  in  the  shops  it  is  in 
wite  micaceous  crystals.  It  is  very  soluble  in  water,  moderately  soluble  in 
ritified  spirit,  and  has  an  astringent,  metallic  taste.  The  solution  yields  white 
pcipitates  with  ferrocyanuret  of  potassium  and  hydrosulphate  of  ammonia, 
le  precipitate,  thrown  down  by  ammonia  from  the  pure  salt,  is  entirely  redis- 
S'?ed  by  an  excess  of  the  precipitant ; but  if  sesquioxide  of  iron  be  present,  it 
vl  be  left  undissolved.  Acetate  of  zinc  is  decomposed  by  the  mineral  acids, 
vh  the  escape  of  acetous  vapours.  It  consists  of  one  eq.  of  acetic  acid  51, 
o:  of  protoxide  of  zinc  40'3,  and  seven  of  water  63  = 154'3. 

Medical  Properties.  Acetate  of  zinc  is  used  as  an  external  remedy  only,  for 
t)  most  part  as  an  astringent  collyrium  in  ophthalmia,  and  as  an  injection  in 
giorrhcea,  after  the  acute  stage  in  these  affections  has  passed.  The  strength 

0 the  solution,  usually  employed,  is  one  or  two  grains  to  a fluidounce  of  dis- 

t ed  water.  B. 

CALAMINA  PRiEPARATA.  U.  S.,  Lond.,  Ed.  Prepared  Cala- 
rne. 

“Take  of  Calamine  a convenient  quantity.  Heat  it  to  redness,  and  after- 
\rcls  pulverize  it;  then  reduce  it  to  a very  fine  powder  in  the  manner  directed 
f Prepared  Chalk.”  U.  S. 

The  London  and  Edinburgh  Colleges  place  prepared  calamine  in  the  list  of 
iiteria  Medica,  with  these  definitions:  “Native  carbonate  of  zinc,  calcined, 
iluced  to  a very  fine  powder,  and  elutriated.”  Ijond.  “ Levigated  impure  car- 
inate of  zinc.”  Ed.  The  Dublin  College  has  dismissed  it. 

The  object  of  this  process  is  to  bring  the  native  carbonate  of  zinc,  or  cala- 

1 ne,  to  the  state  of  an  impalpable  powder.  It  is  first  calcined,  to  render  it  more 
ndily  pulverizable,  and  then  levigated  and  elutriated.  During  the  calcination, 
'ter  and  more  or  less  carbonic  acid  are  driven  off;  so  that  little  else  remains 
tin  the  oxide  of  zinc,  and  the  earthy  impurities  originally  existing  in  the 
iineral.  Calamine,  as  sold  in  the  English  shops,  is  often  a spurious  article, 
uiposed  principally  of  sulphate  of  baryta,  as  ascertained  by  Mr.  R.  Brett. 

1 ee  Calamina , p.  150.) 

Properties,  &c.  Prepared  calamine  is  in  the  form  of  a pinkish  or  flesh- 
1, loured  powder,  of  an  earthy  appearance.  Sometimes  it  is  made  up  into 
; tall  masses.  It  is  almost  wholly  soluble  in  dilute  sulphuric  acid ; emitting 
ry  few  or  no  bubbles  of  carbonic  acid.  Potassa  or  ammonia,  added  to  this 
iution,  throws  down  a precipitate  (mixed  oxide  and  subsulphate),  which  is 
dissolved  when  either  precipitant  is  added  in  excess.  It  is  used  only  as  an 
ternal  application,  being  employed  as  a mild  astringent  and  exsiccant  in  ex- 
riations  and  superficial  ulcerations.  For  this  purpose  it  is  usually  dusted  on 
e part,  and  hence  the  necessity  for  its  being  in  very  fine  powder.  It  is  often 
lployed  in  the  form  of  cerate.  (See  Ceratum  Calamines.) 

Off.  Prep.  Ceratum  Calaminae.  B. 

ZINCI  CARBONAS  PRAECIPITATUS.  U.  S.  Zinci  Carbonas. 
ub.  Precipitated  Carbonate  of  Zinc.  Carbonate  of  Zinc. 

“ Take  of  Sulphate  of  Zinc,  Carbonate  of  Soda,  each,  a pound ; Boiling  Water 
gallon.  Dissolve  the  Sulphate  of  Zinc  and  Carbonate  of  Soda,  severally,  in 
ur  pints  of  the  Water.  Then  mix  the  solutions,  and,  having  stirred  the  mix- 
re,  set  it  by  that  the  powder  may  subside.  Lastly,  having  poured  off  the 


1278 


Z in  cum. 


PAET  : 


supernatant  liquid,  wash  the  Precipitated  Carbonate  of  Zinc  with  hot  water  un 
the  washings  are  nearly  tasteless,  and  dry  it  with  a gentle  heat.”  U.  S. 

“ Take  of  Solution  of  Chloride  of  Zinc  one  pint  [Imp.  meas.] ; Crystalliz 
Carbonate  of  Soda  of  Commerce  two  pounds  [avoirdupois] ; boiling  Distill 
Water  six  pints  [Imp.  meas.].  To  the  Carbonate  of  Soda,  dissolved  in  t; 
Water,  add  the  Solution  of  Chloride  of  Zinc,  in  successive  portions,  and  be 
until  gas  ceases  to  be  evolved.  Collect  the  precipitate  on  a calico  filter,  an 
having  poured  on  distilled  water  until  the  washings  cease  to  cause  turbidit 
when  dropped  into  a solution  of  nitrate  of  silver  containing  free  nitric  acid,  ai 
the  product,  first  on  blotting-paper  placed  on  a porous  brick,  and  finally  by 
steam  or  water  heat.”  Dub. 

This  is  a new  officinal  of  the  U.  S.  and  Dublin  Pharmacopoeias.  In  view 
the  impurities  and  frequent  falsification  of  the  native  carbonate  of  zinc,  the  r 
visers  of  the  former  work  conceived  that  it  would  be  advantageous  to  adopt ; 
officinal  the  pure  artificial  carbonate,  but  without  discarding  the  old  preparatioi 
This  is  retained  under  the  changed  name  of  Calamina  ; while  its  former  offiein. 
name  of  Zinci  Carbonas  is  applied  to  the  present  preparation.  In  the  U.  S.  fo 
inula  a double  decomposition  takes  place  between  the  salts  employed,  resultin 
in  the  formation  of  sulphate  of  soda  in  solution,  and  carbonate  of  zinc  whic 
precipitates.  Carbonate  of  soda  is  preferable  to  carbonate  of  potassa  for  decon 
posing  the  sulphate ; since  the  former  gives  rise  to  sulphate  of  soda,  which  : 
more  easily  washed  away  than  sulphate  of  potassa,  derived  from  the  latter.  I 
the  Dublin  process  the  reacting  salts  are  chloride  of  zinc  and  carbonate  of  sod; 
with  the  result  of  forming  chloride  of  sodium  in  solution,  and  carbonate  of  zin< 
Here  the  salt  to  be  washed  away  is  chloride  of  sodium,  which,  on  account  of  it 
being  less  soluble,  is  not  so  easily  removed  as  sulphate  of  soda.  The  washing 
are  tested  with  nitrate  of  silver,  until  they  no  longer  indicate  the  presence  of 
chloride.  Boiling  water  is  properly  used  iu  both  processes,  in  order  to  obtai 
a pulverulent  precipitate,  which  is  readily  washed.  If  cold  solutions  are  usee 
a gelatinous  precipitate  is  formed,  which  is  washed  with  difficulty. 

Properties,  &c.  Precipitated  carbonate  of  zinc  is  in  the  form  of  a very  soft 
loose,  white  powder,  resembling  magnesia  alba.  It  dissolves  in  dilute  sulphuri 
acid  with  effervescence,  forming  a solution  having  the  characters  of  a solution  o 
sulphate  of  zinc.  If  adulterated  with  chalk,  it  will  be  only  partly  soluble  ii 
this  acid.  Precipitated  carbonate  of  zinc  is  often  sold  under  the  incorrect  nam 
of  flowers  of  zinc,  a name  which  properly  belongs  only  to  the  oxide,  as  obtains 
by  combustion.  When  obtained  from  boiling  solutions  of  sulphate  of  zinc  ant 
carbonate  of  soda,  it  has  the  composition  8ZnO,3COo  + 6fiO.  (Schindler. 
Lefort  makes  its  composition  the  same.  (Journ.  de  Pharm.,  3e  sir.,  xi.  32 tb 
The  basic  character  of  the  salt  is  explained  by7  the  fact  that  effervescence  of  car 
bonic  acid  always  takes  place  on  mixing  the  solutions.  It  is  employed  medi 
cinally  for  the  same  purposes  as  prepared  calamine,  and  is  coming  gradually  inti 
use.  The  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia  orders  a cerate  made  from  ir,  as  a substituti 
for  calamine  cerate.  (See  Ceratum  Zinci  Carbonatis.) 

Off.  Prep.  Ceratum  Zinci  Carbonatis;  Zinci  Oxidum.  B. 

ZINCI  CHLORIDUM.  U.  S.,  Loud.,  Dub.  Chloride  of  Zinc 
Butter  of  Zinc. 

“ Take  of  Zinc,  in  small  pieces,  two  ounces  and  a half ; Nitric  Acid  [sp.  gr 
1‘42],  Prepared  Chalk,  each,  a drachm ; Muriatic  Acid  a sufficient  quantity 
To  the  Zinc,  in  a glass  or  porcelain  vessel,  add  gradually  sufficient  Muriatic 
Acid  to  dissolve  it ; then  strain,  add  the  Nitric  Acid,  and  evaporate  to  dryness 
Dissolve  the  dry  mass  iu  water,  add  the  Chalk,  and,  having  allowed  the  mixture 
to  stand  for  twenty-four  hours,  filter,  and  again  evaporate  to  dryness.”  I . S. 


IRT  II. 


Zincum. 


1279 


“Take  of  Hydrochloric  Acid  a pint  [Imp.  meas.];  Distilled  Water  two  pints 
[up.  meas.];  Zinc,  broken  into  pieces,  seven  ounces;  Mix  the  Acid  with  the 
liter,  and  add  to  them  the  Zinc ; and,  when  the  effervescence  is  nearly  finished, 
aoly  heat  until  hubbies  are  no  longer  given  out.  Pour  off  the  solution,  filter, 
ai  evaporate  until  a dry  salt  remains.  Having  fused  this  in  a lightly  covered 
eicible  by  a nearly  red  heat,  pour  it  out  on  a flat  and  clean  stone.  Lastly, 
\en  it  has  become  cold,  break  it  into  pieces,  and  keep  it  in  a well-stopped 
\isel.”  Lond. 

“Take  of  Solution  of  Chloride  of  Zinc  any  convenient  quantity.  Evaporate 
ilowu  in  a porcelain  capsule  so  far,  that,  upon  suffering  the  residual  liquor  to 
ol,  it  solidifies.  Subdivide  the  product  rapidly  into  fragments,  and  enclose 
t;:m  in  a well-stopped  bottle.”  Pul. 

In  the  U.  S.  process  the  chloride  of  zinc  is  first  formed  in  solution  by  dissolv- 
ij  zinc  in  muriatic  acid.  The  nitric  acid  added  has  the  effect  to  sesquioxidize 
ajr  iron  which  may  have  existed  as  an  impurity  in  the  zinc  employed.  By 
aporating  to  dryness  and  redissolving  in  water,  most  of  the  sesquioxide  of  iron 
ileft  behind.  Lastly,  in  order  to  remove  any  remains  of  iron,  a small  portion 
c, chalk  is  added,  which  precipitates  it  as  a sesquioxide;  and  the  mixture,  after 
snding,  is  filtered  and  evaporated  to  dryness.  This  process  is  the  same  as  that 
c the  Trench  Codex.  The  London  differs  from  the  U.  S.  process  in  dispensing 
\:h  the  use  of  nitric  acid  and  chalk,  and  in  fusing  the  dry  salt  formed.  The 
jiblin  College  uses  the  solution  of  chloride  of  zinc,  prepared  by  a distinct  form- 
u,  and  evaporates  it  to  such  an  extent  that  the  salt  solidifies  on  cooling.  As 
t s preparation  is  used  chiefly  as  a caustic,  we  should  prefer  the  London  process, 
i which  the  salt  is  fused.  In  relation  to  this  chloride,  the  reader  is  referred  to 
slaper  by  Mr.  B.  J.  Crew  in  the  Am.  Journ.  o/Pliarm.,  May,  1853,  p.  203. 

M.  Bhighini  prepares  this  chloride  by  double  decomposition  betwreeu  solutions 
(chloride  of  barium  and  sulphate  of  zinc.  Sulphate  of  baryta  is  precipitated, 
(1  chloride  of  zinc  remains  in  solution,  from  which  it  is  obtained  in  white  flaky 
rstals  by  due  evaporation. 

Properties,  Ac.  Chloride  of  zinc  is  a grayish-white,  translucent,  deliquescent 
nstance,  having  the  softness  of  wax.  When  pure  it  is  wholly  soluble  in  wa- 
t , alcohol,  and  ether;  but,  as  prepared  by  the  U.  S.  formula,  it  contains  some 
cychloride,  which  is  left  undissolved  by  water.  According  to  M.  Lassaigne, 
t:  commercial  chloride  of  zinc  sometimes  contains  as  much  as  twelve  per  cent, 
carseniate  of  zinc,  which,  being  insoluble  in  an  aqueous  solution  of  chloride  of 
z c,  will  be  left  undissolved,  when  the  chloride  is  treated  with  water.  ( Phillips’s 
inns,  of  the  Lond.  Pitarm.,  1851,  p.  375.)  Its  solution  yields  with  nitrate  of 
£i?er  a white  precipitate  (chloride  of  silver)  insoluble  in  nitric  acid;  and  with 
rmonia  and  potassa  a white  precipitate,  which  is  dissolved  by  those  reagents 
fen  added  in  excess.  The  carbonates  of  potassa  and  soda  also  throw  down  a 
Vite  precipitate,  which  is  not  dissolved  by  an  excess  of  the  precipitants.  When 
nosed  to  heat  chloride  of  zinc  first  melts  and  then  sublimes.  When  pure  it 
£ es  white  precipitates  with  ferrocyanuret  of  potassium  and  hydrosulphate  of 
a monia.  A blue  precipitate  with  the  former  test  would  indicate  iron,  a black 
Ci  with  the  latter,  lead.  It  consists  of  one  eq.  of  zinc  32 -3,  and  one  of  chlorine 
I '42=67-72. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  This  chloride  was  introduced  into  medicine  by 
Ipenguth,  and  subsequently  recommended  by  Prof.  Hancke,  of  Breslau,  and 
1 . Canquoin,  of  Paris.  Internally  it  has  been  given  as  an  alterative  and  anti- 
s.smodic  in  scrofula,  epilepsy,  chorea,  and,  combined  with  hydrocyanic  acid, 
i facial  neuralgia.  Its  chief  employment,  however,  has  been  as  an  escharotic, 
s died  to  cancerous  affections,  and  to  ulcers  of  an  anomalous  and  intractable 
( iracter.  When  thus  used,  it  acts  not  merely  by  destroying  the  diseased  struc- 


1280 


Zincum. 


PART  I 


ture,  but  by  exciting  a new  and  healthier  action  in  the  surrounding  parts.  As 
caustic  it  has  the  advantage  of  not  giving  rise  to  constitutional  disorder  froi 
absorption,  an  effect  which  is  sometimes  produced  by  the  arsenical  preparation 

Dr.  Canquoin  prepares  the  chloride  of  zinc  as  an  esc-harotic,  by  thorough] 
and  quickly  mixing  it  with  wheat  flour  and  water  into  a paste  of  four  differer1 
strengths,  containing  severally  an  ounce  of  the  chloride  incorporated  with  tw< 
three,  four,  and  five  ounces  of  flour ; fifteen  drops  of  water  being  added  for  ever 
ounce  of  flour,  or  sufficient  to  form  the  paste.  It  is  applied  in  cakes  from 
twelfth  to  a third  of  an  inch  in  thickness,  and  produces  an  eschar  more  or  le.- 
deep  (from  a line  to  an  inch  and  a half),  according  to  the  thickness  of  the  past 
the  length  of  the  application,  and  the  nature  of  the  part  acted  on.  The  stronge; 
paste  is  applied  to  lardaceous  and  fibro-eartilaginous  structures  ; the  second  t 
carcinomatous  tumours,  and  very  painful  cancers  which  have  not  much  thick 
ness,  and  the  third  to  cancerous  affections  in  persons  who  have  a dread  of  violet 
pain.  These  preparations,  applied  to  the  skin  denuded  of  its  cuticle  by  meaD 
of  a blister,  excite  in  a few  minutes  a sensation  of  heat,  and  afterwards  violet 
burning  pain.  The  eschar,  which  is  white,  thick,  and  very  hard,  falls  off,  by  th 
aid  of  an  emollient  poultice,  between  the  eighth  and  twelfth  days.  To  destro1 
thick  cancerous  tumours,  having  an  uneven  surface,  and  situated  in  fleshy  part; 
Dr.  Canquoin  uses  a caustic  formed  of  one  part  of  chloride  of  zinc,  half  a parte 
chloride  of  antimony,  and  two  and  a half  parts  of  flour,  made  into  a paste  wit 
water.  Iu  all  cases,  the  caustic  is  to  be  reapplied,  after  the  falling  off  of  th 
eschar,  until  the  whole  morbid  structure  is  destroyed.  M.  Bonnet  has  applic 
the  paste  of  chloride  of  zinc  to  the  treatment  of  aneurism.  He  announces  th 
complete  cure  of  one  case  of  subclavian  aneurism  from  a penetrating  wound,  b 
a continued  series  of  applications  of  the  paste.  Every  two  or  three  days,  th 
superficial  layers  of  the  slough  were  removed  by  a bistoury.  At  the  end  of  th 
second  month,  the  eschar  began  to  detach  itself  without  any  hemorrhage,  am 
the  clot  came  away  with  the  eschar.  Chloride  of  zinc  has  also  been  used  sue 
cessfully  by  M.  Bonnet,  in  conjunction  with  31.  Gensoul.  in  the  treatment  c 
aneurism  by  anastomosis.  {Med.  Times  and  Gaz.,  July  23,  1853.)  Instead  q 
flour,  Dr.  Alex.  Ure,  of  Glasgow,  mixes  the  chloride  with  pure  anhydrous  sul 
phate  of  lime  in  impalpable  powder.  He  states  that  this  has  the  advantages  o 
furnishing  a porous  medium  from  which  the  escharotic  gradually  exudes  int 
the  morbid  structure,  and  of  forming  afterwards,  by  acquiring  a firmer  consist 
ence,  an  impervious  case  for  the  eschar.  Mr.  Calloway,  of  Guy’s  Hospital,  ha 
employed  the  chloride  of  zinc  with  considerable  success  in  the  treatment  of  naw 
materni.  He  rubs  it  at  intervals  on  the  part,  until  the  skin  becomes  slight! 
discoloured.  3Ir.  Guthrie  has  used  it  with  advantage  for  penetrating  the  han 
case  of  new  bone  which  forms  over  a sequestrum,  in  order  to  expose  the  latter 
and  permit  its  convenient  extraction. 

Chloride  of  zinc,  with  a view  to  its  escharotic  effect,  may  be  formed  extempc 
raneously  by  means  of  galvanism , on  the  plan  recommended  by  an  English  phv 
sician,  Dr.  Thomas  Smith.  A simple  galvanic  circle  is  formed  by  riveting 
disc  of  zinc,  of  the  size  of  the  eschar  desired,  to  a disc  of  silver  of  equal  size;  th 
pair  being  excited  by  a piece  of  spongio-piline,  placed  on  the  silver,  and  moist 
ened  with  a solution  of  common  salt.  The  little  battery  is  then  fixed  upon  th 
skin  by  means  of  strips  of  adhesive  plaster.  Once  in  twelve  hours  it  must  b 
removed,  and  washed  in  salt  and  water,  and  then  reapplied.  By  the  electrolysi 
of  the  salt,  chlorine  is  liberated,  which  combines  with  the  zinc,  and  converts  it  t 
a certain  extent  into  the  chloride.  This,  acting  on  the  skin,  exercises  its  causti 
effect;  and  at  the  end  of  twelve  days  a white  eschar  is  formed.  This  mode  o 
forming  an  issue  has,  according  to  Dr.  Smith,  the  advantage  of  being  less  pain 
ful  than  those  usually  employed. 


P3T  II. 


Zincum. 


1281 


?or  internal  exhibition,  the  most  convenient  form  is  a solution  in  the  spirit 
either,  in  the  proportion  of  half  an  ounce  to  three  fluidounces.  Of  this  from 
fer  to  eight  drops  may  be  given  twice  a day.  Dr.  Lloyd,  of  London,  has  found 
doride  of  zinc  useful  as  an  injection  in  the  acute  stage  of  gonorrhoea,  made  of 
tl  strength  of  about  two  grains  to  three  fluidounces  of  distilled  water,  and  em- 
pyed  once  in  five  or  six  hours. 

n over-doses  chloride  of  zinc  acts  as  a corrosive  poison.  It  produces  burning 
pa  in  the  gullet  and  stomach,  nausea  and  vomiting,  cold  sweats,  depression  of 
tl  pulse,  and  cramps  of  the  legs.  According  to  Dr.  T.  Stratton,  surgeon  R.  N., 
w)  treated  two  cases  of  poisoning  with  this  chloride  at  Montreal,  the  best  an  ti- 
dies are  the  carbonated  alkalies,  which  act  by  converting  the  poison  into  car- 
bjate  of  zinc.  In  case  the  alkalies  are  not  at  hand,  a solution  of  common  soap 
irst  be  immediately  and  freely  given.  {Med.  Exam.,  Feb.  1849,  from  the  Brit. 
A.  Journ.  of  Med.  and  Phys.  Seif  Dr.  Letheby  reports  a fatal  case  of  poison- 
ir  by  this  chloride  occurring  in  a child  in  August  1849.  The  form  of  chloride 
si  flowed  was  Burnett’s  disinfecting  fluid.  (See  page  1282.)  Its  local  effect 
w,  that  of  a corrosive  on  the  lips,  mouth,  and  fauces.  Among  the  constitu- 
ti.ial  effects  were  paralysis  of  the  voluntary  muscles,  coldness  of  the  surface, 
d ted  pupil,  and  coma.  B. 

KIN  Cl  CHLORIDI  LIQUOR.  Dub.  Solution  of  Chloride  of  Zinc. 

‘Take  of  sheet  zinc  one  pound  [avoirdupois];  Muriatic  Acid  of  Commerce, 
Titer,  of  each,  two  pints  and  a half  [Imp.  meas.],  or  as  much  as  may  he  suf- 
fi\nt;  Solution  of  Chlorinated  Lime  one  fluid  ounce  [Imp.  meas.];  Prepared 
C ilk  one  ounce  [avoird.].  To  the  zinc,  introduced  into  a porcelain  capsule, 
gjiually  add  the  Muriatic  Acid,  applying  heat  until  the  metal  is  dissolved. 
Fer  the  liquid  through  calico,  and,  having  added  to  it  the  Solution  of  Chlori- 
n;id  Lime,  concentrate  at  a boiling  temperature,  until  it  occupies  the  bulk  of 
oi  pint  [Imp.  meas.].  Permit  the  solution  now  to  cool  down  to  the  temperature 
othe  air,  place  it  in  a bottle  with  the  Chalk,  and,  having  first  added  Distilled 
Tier,  so  that  the  bulk  of  the  whole  may  be  a quart  [two  pints,  Imp.  meas.], 
side  the  mixture  occasionally  for  twenty-four  hours.  Finally,  filter,  and  pre- 
se.e  the  product  in  a well  stopped  bottle.  The  specific  gravity  of  this  liquor 
is  '598.”  Dub. 

'his  is  a newofiicinal  solution  of  the  Dublin  Pharmacopoeia  of  1850.  It  is 
mle,  in  the  usual  way,  by  dissolving  zinc  in  muriatic  acid.  The  chlorinated 
li : is  added  to  the  liquid,  in  order  to  convert  any  iron  which  may  be  present 
in  sesquichloride,  from  which  it  is  afterwards  precipitated  by  the  chalk.  The 
in  of  this  precipitant  introduces  into  the  preparation  a small  proportion  of  chlo- 
ri  of  calcium,  which  has  no  injurious  effect.  The  two  pints  and  a half  of 
vr  ?r,  taken  in  the  formula,  are  not  used  in  the  process.  They  were  probably 
in  nded  for  the  dilution  of  the  muriatic  acid,  which  acts  better  on  the  zinc  when 
elided.  The  preparation  is  completed  by  bringing  it  to  a determinate  bulk  by 
tb!  addition  of  distilled  water,  and  by  filtration  to  separate  the  precipitated  iron 
ar!  any  excess  of  chalk. 

olution  of  chloride  of  zinc  is  a dense,  colourless  liquid,  having  a burning 
Diiseous  taste  even  when  dilute.  It  contains  175  grains  of  zinc  in  afluidounee, 
aij  has  the  sp.  gr.  1'593.  This  solution  is  equivalent  to  Burnett’s  disinfecting 
noticed  below.  It  is  a powerful  disinfectant,  and,  when  applied  to  can- 
ce  us  and  other  offensive  ulcers,  duly  diluted  with  water,  destroys  their  fetor 
soimg  as  the  dressings  are  kept  moist  with  it.  This  solution  is  recommended 
MM.  Gaudriot  in  gonorrhoea  in  both  sexes,  as  having  remarkable  remedial 
pejers.  For  men  he  uses  an  injection,  composed  of  from  twenty-four  to  thirty- 
si  drops  in  four  fluidounces  of  water.  A small  quantity  only  is  injected  about 
81 


1282 


Zincum. 


PART 


an  inch  up  the  urethra,  two  or  three  times  a day.  For  women  he  employ  a 
vaginal  suppository,  formed  of  five  drops  of  the  solution,  half  a grain  of  sulpte 
of  morphia,  and  three  drachms  of  a paste  consisting  of  a drachm  and  a hal  f 
starch,  a drachm  of  mucilage  of  tragacanth,  and  half  a drachm  of  sugar,  is 
suppository  is  introduced  every  day,  or  every  second  day. 

Burnett’s  disinfecting  fluid , like  the  Dublin  officinal  solution,  is  an  aques 
solution  of  chloride  of  zinc.  It  contains  200  grains  of  zinc  in  each  Impel 
fluidounce,  and  has  the  sp.  gr.  2.  It  is,  therefore,  considerably  stronger  to 
the  Dublin  solution.  It  is  so  called  after  Sir  William  Burnett,  who  introduced 
into  use,  in  1840,  as  a powerful  deodorizing  and  disinfecting  agent  in  neutralize 
noxious  etfiuvia,  and  in  arresting  animal  and  vegetable  decomposition.  Dilui 
with  water  it  forms  Sir  William’s  patent  preservative  against  the  dry  rot.  is 
concurrent  testimony  of  a number  of  observers  shows  that  it  acts  as  an  excell  t 
disinfectant  for  ships,  hospitals,  dissecting  rooms,  water-closets,  privies,  . 
(See  Extracts  from  British  Navy  Reports  on  chloride  of  zinc  as  a disinfects, 
in  the  Bond.  Med.  Times  and  Gaz.,  Oct.  1853,  p.  341.)  Injected  into  e 
blood-vessels,  it  preserves  bodies  for  dissection,  without  impairing  their  colou  r 
texture,  and  is  said  not  to  injure  the  knives  employed;  but  the  accuracy  of  ; 
latter  statement  is  doubted  by  some.  The  advantage  is  claimed  for  it,  tl, 
while  it  destroys  putrid  odours,  it  has  no  smell  of  its  own.  For  preserve 
anatomical  subjects,  one  part  of  the  disinfecting  fluid  to  eighteen  of  water  C 
form  a solution  of  the  proper  strength.  For  disinfecting  purposes  on  a la  3 
scale,  a pint  of  the  fluid  may  be  mixed  with  four  gallons  of  water. 

Off.  Prep.  Zinci  Carbonas;  Zinci  Ohloridum.  B 

ZINCI  OXIDUM.  U.  S.,  Loncl.  Ed.  Zinci  Oxydum.  Dub.  Oxe 
of  Zinc. 

“Take  of  Precipitated  Cai’bonate  of  Zinc  a pound.  Expose  it  to  a str: 
heat  in  a shallow  vessel,  so  as  to  drive  off  the  carbonic  acid.”  U.  S. 

The  Dublin  College  exposes  the  carbonate  in  a covered  clay  crucible  to  a v i 
low  red  heat,  until  a portion  of  it,  taken  from  the  centre,  ceases  to  effervesce! 
being  dropped  into  dilute  sulphuric  acid. 

“ Take  of  Sulphate  of  Zinc  a pound;  Sesquicarbonate  of  ammonia  six  ouis 
and  a half;  Distilled  Water  three  gallons  [Imp.  meas.].  Dissolve  the  Sulphe 
and  Sesquicarbonate,  separately,  in  twelve  pints  [Imp.  meas.]  of  Water;  th 
mix.  Wash  the  precipitate  repeatedly  with  water,  and  afterwards  expose  it  r 
two  hours  to  a strong  heat.”  Load. 

The  Edinburgh  formula  is  essentially  the  same  as  the  London. 

At  present  all  the  Pharmacopceias,  noticed  in  this  work,  prepare  the  oxide f 
zinc  from  the  carbonate, — the  carbonate  ready  formed  in  the  U.  S.  and  Dub 
formulas,  and  made  as  a step  of  the  London  and  Edinburgh  processes.  By- 
ferring  to  the  article  on  precipitated  carbonate  of  zinc,  page  1278,  it  will 
found  that  this  carbonate  is  obtained  in  the  Lb  S.  process  from  sulphate  of  zi\ 
in  the  Dublin  from  the  chloride,  in  both  cases  by  the  decomposing  influence 
carbonate  of  soda.  In  the  London  and  Edinburgh  processes  the  carbonat-s 
obtained  extemporaneously  from  the  sulphate  of  zinc,  by  means  of  carbonatcf 
ammonia.  Of  these  methods  for  forming  carbonate  of  zinc,  that  of  the  I . 
Pharmacopoeia  is  to  be  preferred.  M.  Lefort  found  it  to  furnish  a carboDe 
which  is  washed  with  facility,  and  convertible  by  calcination  into  a pure  oxi . 
readily  reduced  to  an  impalpable  and  very  light  powder.  ( Journ . de  Phar . 
oe  sir.,  xi.  329.)  The  methods  of  the  British  Colleges  are  ineligible,  on  acco  t 
of  the  comparative  cost  of  the  materials  emploj'ed.  The  carbonate  of  zinc! 
whatever  way  obtained,  is  exposed  to  heat  to  drive  off  the  carbonic  acid  ;i 
water,  in  order  to  obtain  the  oxide.  According  to  Mohr,  a full  red  heat  is  ' 
necessary  for  this  purpose;  a temperature  between  53(3°  and  572°  being  sufficik 


] RT  II. 


Zincum. 


1283 


Oxide  of  zinc  maybe  obtained  by  the  combustion  of  the  metal;  and  in  this 
iy  it  was  formerly  prepared  by  the  Dublin  College.  Zinc  melts  at  773°,  and 
mediately  becomes  covered  with  a film  of  gray  oxide.  When  the  tempera- 
tre  reaches  nearly  to  redness,  it  takes  fire  and  burns  with  an  intense  white  light, 
perating  the  oxide  in  the  form  of  very  light  and  white  flocculi,  resembling 
cded  wool,  which  quickly  fill  the  crucible,  and  are  in  part  driven  into  the  at- 
psphere  by  the  current  of  air.  Mr  Gr.  D.  Midgley,  of  Loudon,  has  recently 
( led  attention  to  the  production  of  oxide  of  zinc  by  combustion,  and  has  given 
description  of  the  apparatus,  by  which  he  is  enabled  to  prepare  from  one  to 
to  hundred  weight  of  the  oxide  at  one  operation.  It  consists  of  a large  muffle, 
lated  to  redness  in  a suitable  furnace,  and  supplied  with  zinc  from  time  to 
■me  as  the  combustion  proceeds.  The  necessary  draught  of  air  is  conveyed 
fun  the  muffle  by  a tube,  passing  through  the  top  of  the  furnace,  and  terminat- 
i'j  in  a vessel  containing  water,  in  which  the  portion  of  oxide  carried  up  by  the 
(rrent  is  retained.  The  resulting  oxide  is  freed  from  particles  of  metallic  zinc 
1 being  passed  through  a sieve.  (See  Am.  Journ.  of  JPharm.,  April,  1849.) 
Properties,  &c.  Oxide  of  zinc  is  an  inodorous,  tasteless,  white  powder,  in- 
i uble  in  water  and  alcohol.  As  obtained  by  the  London  formula  it  is  yellowish- 
nite.  It  dissolves  readily  in  acids  without  effervescence;  and  in  potassa, 
tda,  and  ammonia,  but  not  in  their  carbonates.  When  heated  moderately  it 
lomes  yellow;  but  upon  cooling  it  regains  its  white  colour,  unless  iron  is  pre- 
sit, when  a yellowish  tint  remains.  At  a low  white  heat  it  fuses,  and  at  a full 
nite  one  sublimes.  When  prepared  by  combustion,  it  was  formerly  called 
fpipholix , nihil  album , lana  philosphica,  and  flowers  of  zinc.  This  oxide  is 
een  impure.  Much  of  that  sold  in  the  shops  effervesces  with  acids,  owing  to 
13  presence  of  carbonate  of  zinc,  or  of  the  carbonate  used  to  precipitate  it.  Its 
lutral  solution  in  acids  should  give  a white  precipitate  with  ferrocyanuret  of 
jtassium  and  hydrosulphate  of  ammonia.  If  the  precipitate  with  the  former 
It  is  bluish-white,  iron  is  indicated;  if  black  with  the  latter,  lead  is  shown, 
’hen  prepared  by  the  old  officinal  process,  namely,  by  precipitating  sulphate 
( zinc  with  caustic  ammonia,  it  contained  the  subsulphate,  the  acid  of  -which 
i y be  detected  by  dissolving  the  oxide  in  nitric  acid,  and  precipitating  by 
irate  of  baryta.  If  the  oxide  contain  white  lead  or  chalk,  it  will  not  be  en- 
t sly  soluble  in  dilute  sulphuric  acid,  but  an  insoluble  sulphate  of  lead  or  of 
lie  will  be  left  behind.  If  iron  be  present,  brownish-red  flocks  of  sesquioxide 
• ! left  undissolved,  when  the  muriatic  solution  of  the  oxide  of  zinc  is  treated 
vth  ammonia  in  excess.  Oxide  of  zinc  consists  of  one  eq.  of  zinc  32’3,  and 
(3  of  oxygen  8=40'3. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Oxide  of  zinc  is  tonic  and  antispasmodic.  It 
1 3 been  given  in  chorea,  epilepsy,  hooping-cough,  spasm  of  the  stomach  de- 
Jident  on  dyspepsia,  and  other  similar  affections.  Externally,  it  is  employed 
tan  exsiccant  to  excoriated  surfaces,  sometimes  by  sprinkling  it  on  the  affected 
pt,  but  generally  in  the  form  of  ointment.  (See  Unguentum  Zinci  Oxidi.') 
r.  e dose  is  from  two  to  eight  grains  or  more,  repeated  several  times  a day,  and 
pen  in  the  form  of  pill. 

Oxide  of  zinc  is  extensively  used  at  present  (1854)  in  painting,  as  a substi- 
I e for  white  lead,  over  which  it  has  the  advantage  of  not  being  discoloured  by 
[ phuretted  hydrogen.  It  has,  moreover,  the  merit  of  not  producing  injurious 
(pets  on  the  workmen,  at  all  comparable  to  those  caused  by  white  lead. 

Off.  Prep.  Unguentum  Zinci  Oxidi.  B. 

ZINCI  SULPHAS.  U.S.,  Lond.,  Ed.,  Dub.  Sulphate  of  Zinc, 
kite  Vitriol. 

“ Take  of  Zinc,  in  small  pieces,  four  ounces ; Sulphuric  Acid  six  ounces ; Dis- 
1 ed  Water  four  pints.  To  the  Zinc  and  Water,  previously  introduced  into  a 


1284 


Zincum. 


part  ; 


glass  vessel,  add  by  degrees  the  Sulphuric  Acid,  and,  when  the  effervescen 
has  ceased,  filter  the  solution  through  paper ; then  boil  it  down  till  a pellic 
begins  to  form,  and  set  it  aside  to  crystallize."  U.  S. 

In  the  London  Pharmacopoeia  of  1851,  this  salt  has  been  transferred  to  t 
list  of  Materia  Medica. 

“ This  salt  may  be  prepared  either  by  dissolving  fragments  of  Zinc  in  Dilut 
Sulphuric  Acid  till  a neutral  liquid  be  obtained,  filtering  the  solution,  and  co 
centrating  sufficiently  for  it  to  crystallize  on  cooling — or  by  repeatedly  dissolve 
and  crystallizing  the  impure  Sulphate  of  Zinc  of  commerce,  until  the  produ 
when  dissolved  in  water  does  not  yield  a black  precipitate  with  tincture  of  gal 
and  corresponds  with  the  characters  laid  down  for  Sulphate  of  Zinc  in  the  li 
of  the  Materia  Medica."  Ed. 

“Take  of  Zinc,  laminated,  or  in  small  fragments,  four  ounces  [avoirdupois 
Oil  of  Vitriol  of  Commerce  three  Jiuidounces  [Imp.  meas.]  ; Distilled  Water  o 
quart  [two  pints,  Imp.  meas.]  ; Nitric  Acid  of  Commerce,  Dilute  Sulphui 
Acid,  of  each,  a fluidraclim  [Imp.  meas.];  Prepared  Chalk  two  drachms  [Da 
weight].  Place  the  Zinc,  Oil  of  Vitriol,  and  a pint  of  the  Water  in  a porcela 
Capsule,  and,  when  gas  ceases  to  be  developed,  boil  for  ten  minutes.  Pass  th( 
the  solution  through  a calico  filter,  and,  having  added  to  it  the  Nitric  Acid,  ev 
porate  to  dryness.  Let  the  dry  salt  be  dissolved  in  the  remainder  of  the  Wate 
and  let  the  solution  when  cold  be  shaken  several  times  for  six  hours  in  a bott 
with  the  Chalk,  and  then  cleared  by  passing  it  through  a filter.  It  is  now,  aft 
having  been  acidulated  with  the  Dilute  Sulphuric  Acid,  to  be  evaporated  till 
pellicle  begins  to  form  on  its  surface,  and  then  set  to  crystallize.  The  c-rysta 
thus  obtained  should  be  dried  on  blotting  paper  without  heat,  and  then  pr 
served  in  a bottle.  By  further  concentrating  the  solution  from  which  the  cry 
tals  have  been  separated,  an  additional  product  will  be  obtained.”  Duh. 

By  these  processes  crystallized  sulphate  of  zinc  is  obtained.  Strong  sulphur 
acid  has  very  little  action  on  zinc;  but,  when  it  is  diluted , water  is  instant! 
decomposed,  and,  while  its  hydrogen  escapes  with  rapid  effervescence,  its  oxyge 
combines  with  the  zinc ; and  the  oxide  formed,  uniting  with  the  acid,  generati 
the  sulphate  of  the  oxide  of  zinc.  Thus  it  is  perceived  that  hydrogen  is  a co 
lateral  product  of  the  process.  The  proportion  of  the  zinc  to  the  strong  acid 
as  4 to  6 in  the  U.  S.  process,  and  as  4 to  5'53  in  the  Dublin.  The  equivalei 
numbers  give  the  ratio  of  4 to  6'06;  which  indicates  that  the  U.  S.  numbe: 
approach  very  nearly  to  the  true  proportion.  If  the  materials  be  mixed  at  one-' 
without  any  precaution,  the  effervescence  of  hydrogen  is  apt  to  be  exc-essiv. 
and  to  cause  the  overflowing’ of  the  liquid.  This  is  avoided  by  the  direction! 
the  U.  S.  formula,  to  commence  the  solution  of  zinc  with  a very  dilute  ac-ii 
which,  as  the  action  slackens,  is  made  by  degrees  stronger  and  stronger,  by  tl 
addition,  at  intervals,  of  small  portions  of  fresh  acid.  The  formula  of  the  Ei 
Pharmacopoeia  embraces  directions  for  obtaining  the  salt  either  by  direct  con 
biuation,  or  by  purifying  the  white  vitriol  of  commerce  from  iron  by  repeate 
crystallizations.  The  Dublin  formula  is  peculiar  in  using  a little  nitric  acid  aD 
prepared  chalk.  The  acid  has  the  effect  of  sesquioxidizing  any  iron  which  ma 
be  present,  and  the  chalk  of  precipitating  it.  The  boiling  and  evaporation  t 
dryness  have  the  effect  of  producing  a portion  of  basic  sulphate  of  zinc,  whic 
is  converted  into  neutral  sulphate  before  crystallizing  by  the  addition  of  a litt. 
dilute  sulphuric  acid. 

Preparation  on  the  Large  Scale.  Impure  sulphate  of  zinc,  as  it  occurs  i 
commerce,  is  called  white  vitriol.  It  is  manufactured  by  roasting  blende  (nativ 
sulphuret  of  zinc)  in  a reverberatory  furnace.  This  mineral,  besides  sulphur 
of  zinc,  contains  small  quantities  of  the  sulphurets  of  iron,  copper,  and  leao 
and  by  roasting  is  converted,  in  consequence  of  the  oxidation  of  its  constituent 


PRT  II. 


Zincum. 


1285 


in  sulphate  of  zinc,  mixed  with  the  sulphates  of  iron,  copper,  and  lead.  The 
nsted  matter  is  then  lixiviated;  and  the  solution  obtained,  after  having  been 
aiwed  to  settle,  is  concentrated  by  evaporation;  so  that,  on  cooling,  it  may 
excrete  into  a white  crystalline  mass,  resembling  lump  sugar.  In  this  state  it 
a ays  contains  sulphate  of  iron,  and  sometimes  a small  portion  of  sulphate  of 
eper.  It  may  be  purified  from  these  metals  by  dissolving  it  in  water,  and 
b ling  the  solution  with  oxide  of  zinc,  which  converts  the  sulphates  of  iron  and 
c per,  by  precipitating  their  bases,  into  sulphate  of  zinc.  The  purified  solu- 
tii  is  then  decanted  or  filtered,  and,  after  due  evaporation,  allowed  to  crystal- 
li\.  It  has  generally  been  proposed  to  purify  the  white  vitriol  of  commerce  by 
desting  its  solution  with  metallic  zinc,  under  the  impression  that  this  is  capable 
o precipitating  all  the  foreign  metals;  but,  according  to  Berzelius,  though  it 
vl  precipitate  copper  readily,  it  has  no  action  on  iron. 

Properties,  &c.  Sulphate  of  zinc  is  a colourless,  transparent  salt,  having  a 
digreeable,  metallic,  styptic  taste,  and  crystallizing  usually  in  small  four-sided 
psms.  Its  crystals  have  considerable  resemblance  to  those  of  sulphate  of  mag- 
nia.  It  effloresces  slightly  in  dry  air,  and,  though  neutral  in  composition,  is 
s 1 capable  of  reddening  vegetable  blues.  It  dissolves  in  two  and  a half  times 
it  weight  of  cold  water,  and  in  less  than  its  weight  of  boiling  water,  and  is  in- 
sable in  alcohol.  When  heated,  it  dissolves  in  its  water  of  crystallization, 
wich  gradually1  evaporates ; and,  by  a prolonged  ignition,  the  whole  of  the  acid 
if  expelled,  and  the  oxide  of  zinc  left.  Potassa,  soda,  and  ammonia  throw  down 
aifhite  precipitate  of  mixed  oxide  and  subsulphate,  which  is  redissolved  by 
til  alkali  when  added  in  excess.  If  iron  be  present  it  is  precipitated  also,  but 
n redissolved.  The  alkaline  carbonates  precipitate  the  metal  in  the  state  of 
wite  carbonate.  Pure  sulphate  of  zinc  is  precipitated  white  by  ferroc-yanuret 
o potassium  and  bydrosulphate  of  ammonia.  What  is  thrown  down  by  chloride 
o barium  or  acetate  of  lead  (sulphate  of  baryta  or  sulphate  of  lead)  is  not  dis- 
ced by  nitric  acid.  The  precipitate  thrown  down  from  a solution  of  100  grains 
o.he  salt  by  carbonate  of  ammonia  yields,  after  exposure  to  a strong  heat,  27 '9 
gins  of  oxide  of  zinc.  ( Lond . Pharm.)  If  copper  be  present,  ammonia  will 
pduce  a blue  tinge;  if  iron,  the  ferrocyanuret  of  potassium  will  cause  a bluish- 
vite  precipitate  instead  of  a white  one.  Cadmium  and  arsenic  may  be  detected 
b acidulating  the  solution  with  sulphuric  acid,  and  passing  a stream  of  sulphu- 
red hydrogen  through  it;  when,  if  either  of  these  metals  be  present,  it  will  be 
town  down  as  a yellow  sulphuret.  Sulphate  of  zinc  is  incompatible  with 
a alies  and  alkaline  carbonates,  hydrosulphates,  lime-water,  the  soluble  salts 
o lead,  and  astringent  infusions. 

[he  impure  commercial  variety  of  sulphate  of  zinc,  called  white  vitriol,  is  in 
tl  form  of  irregular  white  masses,  having  some  resemblance  to  lump  sugar. 
1;  lumps  usually  exhibit,  here  and  there  on  the  surface,  yellow  stains,  pro- 
d.ed  by  the  sesquioxide  of  iron.  It  is  less  soluble  than  the  pure  salt,  on 
a 3tmt  of  its  containing  less  water  of  crystallization. 

Composition.  Crystallized  sulphate  of  zinc  consists  of  one  eq.  of  sulphuric 
a l 40,  one  of  oxide  of  zinc  40'3,  and  seven  of  water  63=143'3.  The  white 
viol  of  commerce  contains  but  three  eqs.  of  water. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  This  salt  is  tonic,  astringent,  and,  in  large 
d'es,  a prompt  emetic.  As  a tonic,  it  is  supposed  to  be  well  suited  to  cases  of 
d ility,  attended  with  irritation,  being  less  heating  than  sulphate  of  iron.  In 
d pepsia  it  has  been  used  with  advantage  in  very  minute  doses,  as,  for  instance, 
a carter  of  a grain,  repeated  several  times  a day ; but  if  its  good  effects  are  not 
S'  a apparent,  it  should  be  laid  aside.  In  obstinate  intermittents,  it  is  a valuable 
ri  »urce,and  may  be  given  alone  or  conjoined  with  cinchona  or  sulphate  of  quinia. 
E ; it  is  in  spasmodic  diseases,  such  as  epilepsy,  chorea,  pertussis,  &c.,  that  it 


1286 


Zincum. 


part  i: 


lias  been  principally  employed.  Dr.  Paris  speaks  of  its  efficacy  in  high  terra 
in  spasmodic  cough,  especially  when  combined  with  camphor  or  myrrh,  and  “i 
affections  of  the  chest  attended  with  inordinate  secretion.’'  As  an  astringent 
is  chiefly  employed  externally.  In  this  mode  of  application,  its  solution  const 
tutes  a good  styptic  to  bleeding  surfaces,  and  is  frequently  resorted  to  as  an  ii 
jection  in  fluor  albus  and  the  advanced  stages  of  gonorrhoea,  and  as  a collyriui 
in  ophthalmia.  In  some  conditions  of  ulcerated  sorethroat,  it  forms  a usefi 
gargle.  It  has  been  employed  also  in  solution  with  success  as  a remedy  for  nas, 
polypi,  in  the  proportion  of  two  scruples,  gradually  increased  to  an  ounce  of  tl 
salt,  to  seven  fluidounces  of  water,  applied  by  means  of  lint  and  by  injection 
Before  the  discovery  of  tartar  emetic,  sulphate  of  zinc  was  almost  exclusive! 
employed  to  produce  vomiting ; but  at  present  its  use  as  an  emetic  is  restricte 
principally  to  the  dislodging  of  poisons,  for  which  purpose  its  property  of  opi 
rating  rapidly  renders  it  particularly  suitable.  The  dose,  as  a tonic,  is  from  or 
to  two  grains;  as  an  emetic,  from  ten  to  thirty  grains.  To  children  affected  wit 
hooping-cough,  it  may  be  given  in  doses  of  from  an  eighth  to  a quarter  of  a grai 
two  or  three  times  a day.  When  used  as  a collyrium,  injection,  or  gargle,  or  £ 
a wash  for  indolent  ulcers,  from  one  to  three  grains,  or  more  may  be  dissolve 
in  a fluidouuce  of  water.  For  medical  purposes  the  crystallized  salt  should  I 
used,  and  in  no  case  the  impure  white  vitriol  of  commerce. 

Sulphate  of  zinc,  in  an  over-dose,  acts  as  an  irritant  poison.  Besides  vomitin 
and  incessant  retching,  there  are  produced  anxiety,  distressing  restlessness,  an 
extreme  prostration.  Few  cases  are  on  record  of  fatal  poisoning  by  this  salt 
the  patient  being  generally  relieved  by  a prompt  expulsion  of  the  poison  b 
vomiting.  Four  cases,  however,  have  been  latterly  reported  in  an  Italian  journa 
two  of  which  were  fatal.  In  one  of  the  fatal  cases,  an  ounce  and  a half  had  bee 
swallowed  by  mistake  for  Epsom  salt.  The  proper  treatment  consists  in  the  ac 
ministration  of  large  quantities  of  bland  drinks,  the  use  of  opium  to  allay  nu- 
tation, and  the  employment  of  the  usual  antiphlogistic  remedies,  in  case  symptom 
of  inflammation  should  arise. 

Off.  Prep.  Liquor  Aluminis  Compositus;  Zinc-i  Carbonas  Praecipitatus;  Zira 
Oxidurn  ; Zinci  Valerianas.  B. 

ZINCI  VALERIANAS.  Dub.  Valerianate  of  Zinc. 

“Take  of  Valerianate  of  Soda  two  ounces  and  a half  [avoirdupois];  Sulphat 
of  Zinc  two  ounces  and  seven  drachms  [avoird.]  ; Distilled  Water  one  quart  [tu 
pints,  Imp.  meas.].  Dissolve  the  Valerianate  of  Soda  in  one-half,  and  the  Su 
phate  of  Zinc  in  the  remaining  half  of  the  Water,  and,  having  raised  both  soli 
tions  to  200°,  mix  them,  and  skim  off  the  crystals  which  are  produced.  Let  tl 
solution  be  now  evaporated  at  a temperature  not  exceeding  200°,  until  it  is  reduce 
to  the  bulk  of  four  [fluidjounces,  removing,  as  before,  the  crystals  from  the  su 
face,  in  proportion  as  they  form,  and  placing  them  with  those  already  obtains 
The  salt  thus  procured  is  to  be  steeped  for  an  hour  in  as  much  cold  distilled  watt 
as  is  just  sufficient  to  cover  it,  and  then  transferred  to  a paper  filter,  on  which 
is  to  be  first  drained,  and  then  dried  at  a heat  not  exceeding  100°.”  Dub. 

In  the  formation  of  this  new  officinal  of  the  Dublin  Pharmacopoeia  of  lS5t 
a double  decomposition  takes  place  between  the  reacting  salts,  resulting  in  tl 
production  of  sulphate  of  soda  and  valerianate  of  zinc.  Upon  mixing  the  hi 
solutions,  crystals  of  the  sparingly  soluble  valerianate  of  zinc  form  on  the  surfai 
of  the  liquid ; and,  during  the  progress  of  its  concentration  to  one-tenth,  mo: 
of  them  are  successively  produced.  These  are  then  washed  with  cold  distilk 
water  to  separate  adhering  sulphate  of  soda,  drained  on  a filter,  and  dried. 

Properties.  This  salt  is  in  white,  pearly  scales,  which  have  a faint  odour 
valerianic  acid,  and  an  astringent,  metallic  taste.  It  dissolves  in  160  parts 


IRT  II. 


Zincum. 


128T 


c.d  water,  and  in  60  of  alcohol,  of  the  sp.gr.  0'833.  The  solutions,  which  have 
a acid  reaction,  become  turbid  on  the  application  of  heat,  but  clear  again  on 
oiling.  The  salt,  as  obtained  by  the  Dublin  formula,  is  anhydrous ; but,  when 
fmed  by  exactly  saturating  carbonate  of  zinc,  made  into  a paste  with  water, 
T.h  valerianic  acid,  it  contains  twelve  eqs.  of  water,  and,  when  dried  at  122°, 
pfectly  resembles  the  anhydrous  salt.  ( G.  C.  Wittstein .)  Sometimes  acetate 
ezine,  impregnated  with  oil  of  valerian,  is  fraudulently  substituted  for  this  salt. 
Te  butyrate  of  zinc  has  been  sold  in  Paris  for  the  valerianate,  and  is  so  similar 
t the  latter  as  not  to  be  distinguished  by  its  physical  properties.  The  two  salts, 
Iwever,  may  be  chemically  discriminated,  by  adding  a concentrated  solution  of 
t:  acid  of  the  suspected  salt,  obtained  by  distillation  with  sulphuric  acid,  to  a 
eicentrated  solution  of  acetate  of  copper.  If  the  acid  be  the  butyric,  its  addition 
t the  solution  of  the  acetate  disturbs  the  transparency  of  the  latter,  by  the  forma- 
tn  of  a bluish-white  precipitate;  while,  if  it  be  the  valerianic,  no  change  is 
pduced.  (Larocque  and  Huraut,  Journ.  de  Pharm.,  3e  ser.,  ix.  430.) 

Medical  Properties.  Valerianate  of  zinc  was  proposed  as  a remedy,  on  theo- 
rical  grounds,  by  Prince  Louis-Lucien  Bonaparte.  Upon  trial  it  was  found  to 
psess  antispasmodic  properties.  By  some  of  the  Italian  physicians  it  has  been 
eiolled  as  a remedy  in  neuralgic  affections.  Dr.  Namias,  of  Venice,  employed 
i with  advantage  in  anomalous  nervous  affections,  attended  with  palpitation  of 
t;:  heart,  constriction  of  the  throat,  and  pain  in  the  head.  Dr.  Francis  Devay, 
c Lyons,  found  it  useful  in  epilepsy,  and  in  the  nervous  affections  which  accom- 
py  chlorosis.  The  dose  is  one  or  two  grains,  repeated  several  times  a day,  and 
gen  in  the  form  of  pill.  (See  a paper  on  this  valerianate  by  Prof.  Procter,  in 
t|  Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  for  April,  1845.)  B. 


APPENDIX. 


I.  DRUGS  AND  MEDICINES  NOT  OFFICINAL.* 

In  the  progress  of  the  medical  art,  numerous  remedies  have  at  different  times 
risen  into  notice  and  employment,  which,  by  the  revolutions  of  opinion  incident 
to  our  science,  or  by  the  discovery  of  more  efficient  substitutes,  have  so  far  fallen 
into  disrepute  as  to  have  been  discarded  from  general  practice,  and  no  longer  to 
hold  a place  in  the  officinal  catalogues.  Of  these,  however,  some  are  still  occa- 
sionally employed  by  practitioners  and  referred  to  by  writers,  and  may  retain  a 
popularity  as  domestic  remedies,  or  among  empirics,  which  they  have  lost  with 
the  medical  profession  generally.  The  attention  of  physicians  must,  therefore, 
frequently  be  called  to  them  in  the  course  of  practice;  and  it  is  highly  desirable 
to  possess  some  knowledge  of  their  properties  and  effects,  in  order  to  be  enabled 
to  judge  of  their  agency  in  any  particular  case,  and  at  the  same  time  to  avoid 
the  suspicion  of  incompetence  which  might  attach  to  the  exhibition  of  entire 
ignorance  in  relation  to  them.  The  remark  is  true  also  of  other  substances, 
which,  though  at  no  time  ranked  among  regular  medicines,  are  yet  habitually 
employed  iu  families,  and  the  influence  of  which,  either  remediate  or  otherwise, 
must  often  enter  into  our  estimate  of  the  causes  which  produce  or  modify  dis- 
ease. New  medicines,  moreover,  are  frequently  brought  forward,  which,  without 
having  obtained  the  sanction  of  the  medical  authorities,  are  occasionally  pre- 
scribed, and  therefore  merit  notice.  To  supply,  to  a certain  extent,  the  requisite 
means  of  information  in  regard  to  these  extra-officinal  remedies,  is  the  object  of 
the  following  brief  notices,  among  which  are  also  included  accounts  of  sub- 
stances not  employed  as  medicines,  but  usually  kept  in  the  drug  stores  for 
various  purposes  connected  with  the  arts,  or  with  domestic  convenience.  In  a 
work  intended  for  the  use  as  well  of  the  apothecary  and  druggist,  as  of  the 
physician  and  medical  student,  the  introduction  of  such  accounts  is  obviously 
proper,  if  kept  in  due  subordination  to  the  more  important  object  of  teaching 
the  properties  of  medicines,  and  the  modes  of  preparing  them.  The  authors 
regret  that  the  limits  which  practical  convenience  appears  to  require  in  a Dis- 
pensatory, do  not  admit  of  a more  complete  enumeration  of  the  various  drugs 
and  medicines  of  the  kind  above  alluded  to,  or  of  ampler  details  in  relation  to 
those  actually  treated  of,  than  will  be  found  in  the  following  pages.  They  have 
endeavoured,  however,  in  the  selection  of  objects,  to  choose  those  which  are  likely 
most  frequently  to  engage  the  attention  of  the  medical  and  pharmaceutical  pro- 
fessions, and,  in  the  extent  of  the  descriptions,  to  consult  as  far  as  possible  the 
relative  importance  of  facts,  of  which  they  could  not  detail  the  whole.  In  rela- 
tion to  the  nomenclature  employed,  it  may  be  proper  to  observe  that  all  those 
vegetable  remedies,  which,  not  being  generally  kept  in  the  shops,  have  no  current 
commercial  name,  are  described  under  the  scientific  title  of  the  plant  producing 
them  ; while  other  substances  are  designated  by  the  names  which  ordinary  usage 
has  assigned  them. 

* By  the  term  officinal  medicines,  here  as  well  as  elsewhere  in  this  work,  are  meant 
such  as  are  embraced  in  the  United  States  and  British  Pharmacopoeias. 


Appendix.  1289 

ACETATE  OF  COPPER.  Cupri  Ace/as.  Crystals  of  Venus.  This  salt  is  prepared  by 
lissolving  verdigris,  with  the  assistance  of  heat,  in  vinegar  or  dilute  acetic  acid.  The  solu- 
tion, after  having  been  sufficiently  concentrated,  is  transferred  to  suitable  vessels,  where 
it  crystallizes  on  cooling.  Acetate  of  copper  is  a slightly  efflorescent  salt,  crystallizing  in 
thorn boidal  prisms,  and -having  a rich  deep-blue  colour  and  strong  styptic  taste.  It  dis- 
solves in  water  without  residue,  a character  which  serves  to  distinguish  it  from  verdigris, 
[t  consists  of  one  eq.  of  acetic  acid,  one  of  protoxide  of  copper,  and  one  of  water.  Its 
popular  name  of  distilled  verdigris  is  inappropriate ; as  no  distillation  is  practised  in  its 
preparation.  This  salt  is  used  for  colouring  maps.  It  was  formerly  the  chief  source  of 
icetic  acid.  It  has  no  medical  uses,  and  has  been  very  properly  abandoned  by  the  Dublin 
College  as  an  officinal  preparation  in  its  Pharmacopoeia  of  1850. 

ACETATE  OF  MAGNESIA.  Magnesias  Acetas.  This  salt  has  been  proposed  as  a pur- 
gative by  M.  Renault,  of  Paris.  It  has  the  merit  of  extreme  solubility  both  in  water  and 
dcohol.  Though  without  much  taste,  it  is  inferior  in  that  respect  to  citrate  of  magnesia, 
for  which  it  is  proposed  as  a substitute.  It  is  prepared  for  therapeutic  use  by  saturating 
120  parts  of  carbonate  of  magnesia  with  acetic  acid,  and  evaporating  the  resulting  liquid, 
ifter  filtration,  to  300  parts.  The  product  is  a syrupy  acetate  of  magnesia,  which  is  to 
be  mixed  with  three  times  its  weight  of  syrup  of  oranges,  to  form  the  preparation  of  M. 
Renault.  Of  this  about  four  ounces  is  the  dose.  The  objection  to  this  liquid  acetate  of 
nagnesia  is,  that,  owing  to  its  attraction  for  moisture,  it  cannot  be  preserved  of  uniform 
strength  for  mixing  with  the  syrup  of  oranges.  ( Journ . de  Pkarm.,  3e  ser.,  xiii.  260.) 

ACETIC  ETHER.  JEther  Aceticus.  This  ether  may  be  formed  by  several  processes,  the 
;hief  of  which  are  the  following: — 1.  Mix  100  parts  of  alcohol  (sp.  gr.  0-83)  with  63  parts 
}f  concentrated  acetic  acid,  and  17  parts  of  strong  sulphuric  acid,  and  distil  125  parts 
into  a receiver,  kept  cold  with  wet  cloths.  2.  Distil  to  dryness,  a mixture  of  3 parts  of 
icetate  of  potassa,  3 of  alcohol,  and  2 of  sulphuric  acid,  and  mix  the  distilled  product  with 
one-fifth  of  sulphuric  acid,  and  distil  a second  time  an  amount  of  ether  equal  to  the  alcohol 
jmployed.  3.  Distil  2 parts  of  effloresced  acetate  of  lead  with  1 part  of  alcohol,  and 
a little  more  than  1 part  of  sulphuric  acid.  In  the  last  two  processes,  the  acetic  acid  is 
set  free  by  the  action  of  the  sulphuric  acid  on  the  acetate  employed.  Acetic  ether  is  co- 
ourless,  of  a very  grateful  odour,  and  a peculiar,  agreeable  taste.  Its  specific  gravity 
s 0-866,  and  its  boiling  point  160°.  It  undergoes  no  change  by  being  kept.  By  contact 
)f  flame  it  burns  readily,  diffusing  an  acid  odour.  It  dissolves  in  seven  and  a half  parts 
)f  water,  and  unites  in  all  proportions  with  alcohol.  It  consists  of  one  eq.  of  acetic  acid  51, 
md  one  of  oxide  of  ethyle  (ether)  37=88  (C4H50,C4H,j03). 

Acetic  ether  is  occasionally  used  in  medicine  as  a stimulant  and  antispasmodic.  The 
lose  is  from  fifteen  to  thirty  drops,  sufficiently  diluted  with  water.  It  is  sometimes  em- 
ployed externally,  by  friction,  as  a resolvent,  and  for  rheumatic  pains. 

ACHILLEA  MILLEFOLIUM.  Milfoil.  Yarrow.  This  is  a perennial  herb,  common 
o the  old  and  new  continents,  though  supposed  to  have  been  introduced  into  this  country 
rom  Europe.  It  abounds  in  old  fields,  along  fences,  and  on  the  borders  of  woods  and  of 
cultivated  grounds,  throughout  the  United  States.  It  is  from  a foot  to  eighteen  inches 
ligh,  and  is  distinguished  by  its  doubly  pinnate  minutely  divided  leaves,  from  which  it 
lerived  the  name  of  milfoil,  and  by  its  dense  corymb  of  whitish  flowers,  which  appear 
hroughout  the  summer,  from  June  to  September.  The  whole  herb  is  medicinal.  Both 
he  flowers  and  leaves  have  an  agreeable,  though  feeble  aromatic  odour,  which  continues 
ifter  drying,  and  a bitterish,  astringent,  pungent  taste.  The  aromatic  properties  are 
Wrongest  in  the  flowers,  the  astringency  in  the  leaves.  The  plant  owes  its  virtues  to  a 
volatile  oil,  a bitter  extractive,  and  tannin.  It  contains  also  a peculiar  acid,  denominated 
'.chilleic  acid.  The  oil,  which  may  be  obtained  separate  by  distillation  with  water,  has  a 
teautiful  azure-blue  colour,  and  the  peculiar  flavour  of  milfoil.  The  active  principles  are 
extracted  both  by  water  and  alcohol.  The  medical  properties  of  the  herb  are  those  of  a 
aild  aromatic  tonic  and  astringent.  In  former  times  it  was  much  used  as  a vulnerary,  and 
vas  also  given  internally  for  the  suppression  of  hemorrhages,  and  of  profuse  mucous  dis- 
charges. It  has  been  recommended  in  intermittents,  and  as  an  antispasmodic  in  flatulent 
colic,  and  nervous  affections ; but  is  at  present  little  used.  It  has  recently  been  highly 
ecommended  byM.  Richart,  of  Soissons,  in  low  forms  of  exanthematous  fevers  with  diffi- 
cult eruption,  in  colic,  painful  menstruation,  and  infantile  convulsions.  He  uses  the  infusion 
it  once  as  a drink,  an  injection,  and  fomentation.  (See  Journ.  de  Pharm.  et  de  Ckim..  xviii. 
12.)  In  some  parts  of  Sweden  it  is  said  to  be  employed  as  a substitute  for  hops  in  the 
"reparation  of  beer,  which  it  is  thought  to  render  more  intoxicating.  It  is  most  con- 
■eniently  administered  in  the  form  of  infusion.  The  volatile  oil  has  been  given  in  the  dose 
'f  twenty  or  thirty  drops. 


1290  Appendix. 

ACTiEA  SPICATA.  Baneberry.  Herb  Christopher.  This  is  a perennial,  herbaceous 
European  plant,  growing  in  the  woods  of  mountainous  regions,  and  attaining  a height  o: 
two  feet  or  more.  The  root  is  of  a dark-brown  colour,  and  bears  some  resemblance  t< 
that  of  Helleborus  niger,  for  which  it  is  said  to  be  occasionally  substituted.  Its  odour, 
in  the  recent  state,  is  sweetish  and  rather  nauseous,  but  is  in  great  measure  dissipated  bj 
drying.  The  taste  is  bitterish,  and  somewhat  acrid.  In  its  operation  on  the  system,  the 
root  is  purgative  and  sometimes  emetic,  and  is  capable,  in  over-doses,  of  producing  dan- 
gerous effects.  It  is  unknown  in  this  country.  We  have,  however,  a native  species  o! 
Acteea — A.  Americana  of  Pursh — of  which  there  are  two  varieties — alba  and  rubra — dis- 
tinguished by  the  colour  of  their  berries,  which  in  the  former  are  white,  and  in  the  latter 
red.  They  are  sometimes  called  white  and  red  cohosh,  a name  derived  from  the  language 
of  the  Aborigines.  By  some  botanists  they  are  treated  of  as  distinct  species,  under  the 
names  of  Aclasa  alba,  and  Actsea  rubra.  They  grow  in  the  rich  deep  mould  of  shady  auo 
rocky  woods,  from  Canada  to  Virginia.  They  are  said  to  have  been  much  esteemed  bv 
the  Indians.  Their  medical  properties  are  probably  similar  to  those  of  the  A.  spicata. 
The  name  baneberry,  given  to  different  species  of  Acttea,  was  derived  from  the  reputed 
poisonous  properties  of  their  berries. 

ADANSONIA  DIGITATA.  Baobab.  A tree  of  enormous  magnitude,  belonging  to  the 
Linntean  class  and  order  Monadelphia  Polyandria,  and  to  the  natural  family  Sterculiacese 
(Lindley).  It  is  a native  of  Africa,  extending  quite  through  that  continent  from  Senegal 
to  Abyssinia,  and  has  been  introduced  into  the  West  Indies.  The  leaves  and  bark  ot 
this  tree  abound  in  mucilage,  and  have  little  smell  or  taste ; yet  extraordinary  virtues 
have  been  ascribed  to  them.  Adanson  found  the  leaves  very  useful  as  a preventive  of 
fevers,  and  they  are  employed  habitually  by  the  native  Africans  with  a view  to  their  dia- 
phoretic property.  Dr.  Duchassaing,  of  Guadaloupe,  has  published  a statement  of  his 
experience  with  the  bark  in  the  miasmatic  diseases  of  the  West  Indies.  Out  of  93  cases, 
chiefly  of  intermittent  fever,  he  failed  only  in  three.  M.  Pierre  has  subsequently  em- 
ployed the  remedy  with  success  in  intermittent  fever  at  Bourgogne,  in  France.  {Arch. 
Gen.  de  Med.,  3 e ser.,  xxiii.  535.)  The  bark  has  the  advantage  over  cinchona  of  being 
almost  without  taste,  and  quite  acceptable  to  the  stomach.  It  produces  no  other  observ- 
able physiological  effect  than  some  increase  of  appetite,  increased  perspiration,  and  per- 
haps diminished  frequency  of  the  pulse.  An  ounce  may  be  boiled  in  a pint  and  a half  of 
water  to  a pint,  and  the  whole  taken  in  a day.  ( Journ . de  Pharm.  3e  ser.,  xiii.  412  and 
421.)  The  fruit,  which  contains  a subacid  not  disagreeable  pulp,  is  used  by  the  Africans 
in  dysentery  and  other  bowel  complaints. 

ADIANTUM  PEDATUM.  Maidenhair.  An  indigenous  fern,  the  leaves  of  which  are  bit- 
terish and  aromatic,  and  have  been  supposed  to  be  useful  in  chronic  catarrhs  and  other 
pectoral  affections.  A European  species,  known  by  the  same  vulgar  name,  is  the  -4.  Capilhts 
Veneris,  which  has  similar  properties,  though  feebler,  and  has  been  much  used  as  a pec- 
toral, on  the  continent  of  Europe,  from  very  early  times.  It  is  given  in  the  form  of  infu- 
sion, sweetened  with  sugar  or  honey ; and  a syrup  prepared  from  it  is  popular  in  France, 
under  the  name  of  sirop  de  capillaire.  The  name  of  maidenhair  has  also  been  given  to 
Aspleniitm  Trichomanes,  the  leaves  of  which  have  a mucilaginous,  sweetish,  somewhat 
astringent  taste,  and  have  been  used  for  the  same  purposes  with  those  of  the  plants  above 
mentioned.  Another  species  of  Asplenium,  A.  Adiantum  nigrum,  has  been  substituted 
for  the  genuine  maidenhair ; but  neither  of  them  has  the  aromatic  flavour  of  that  fern. 

JESCULUS  HIPPOCASTANUM.  Horsechestnut.  The  horsechestnut  is  a native  of  Asia, 
and  was  introduced  about  the  middle  of  the  sixteenth  century  into  Europe,  where,  as 
well  as  in  this  country,  it  is  now  extensively  cultivated  as  an  ornamental  tree.  The  fruit 
and  bark  have  been  used  in  medicine.  The  fruit  abounds  in  starch,  but  has  a rough,  dis- 
agreeable, bitter  taste,  which  renders  it  unfit  for  food,  though  it  is  said  to  be  eaten  with 
avidity  by  horses,  oxen,  hogs,  and  sheep.  It  may  be  depirived,  in  great  measure,  of  the 
bitter  principle  by  maceration  in  an  alkaline  solution.  It  is  asserted  that  the  starch  may 
be  readily  obtained  in  a state  of  purity,  ami  that  it  excels  as  an  article  of  diet  that  pro- 
cured from  the  potato.  (Diet,  de  Mat.  Med.)  The  bitter  principle  is  denominated  escuhn, 
and,  according  to  llochleder,  may  be  obtained  by  precipitating  with  acetate  of  lead  a 
decoction  of  the  rind,  filtering,  treating  the  filtered  liquor  with  sulphuretted  hydrogen, 
again  filtering,  evaporating  to  the  consistence  of  syrup,  and  setting  the  residue  aside  in  a 
cool  place.  In  a few  days,  the  liquid  is  converted  into  a mass  of  crystals,  which  are  to 
be  expressed,  and  purified  by  repeated  crystallization  from  alcohol,  and  afterwards  from 
boiling  water.  If  now  washed  on  a filter  with  cold  water  till  they  have  lost  one-third  of 
their  weight,  they  are  rendered  as  pure  as  it  is  possible  to  obtain  them.  Esculin  is  m 
shining  white  prismatic  crystals,  inodorous,  bitter,  but  slightly  soluble  in  cold  water, 
more  soluble  in  boiling  water,  and  very  readily  so  in  boiling  alcohol,  and  in  alkaline  solu- 
tions. Its  solution  is  precipitated  by  subacetate  of  lead.  It  consists  of  carbon,  hydro- 


Appendix.  1291 

en,  and  oxygen.  (See  Journ.  de  Pharm.,  3e  ser.,  xxiii.  474,  and  xxiv.  292.)  The  pondered 
ernel  of  the  fruit,  snutfed  up  the  nostrils,  produces  sneezing,  and  has  been  used  with  ad- 
antage  as  a sternutatory  in  complaints  of  the  head  and  eyes.  The  bark  of  the  horsechest- 
ut  has  attracted  much  attention  on  the  continent  of  Europe,  as  a substitute  for  cinchona, 
'hat  of  the  branches  from  three  to  five  years  old  is  considered  best.  It  should  be  collected 
i the  spring.  It  has  little  odour,  but  an  astringent  and  bitter,  though  not  very  disagree- 
,ble  taste.  It  contains,  among  other  ingredients,  bitter  extractive  and  tannin,  and  im- 
arts  its  virtues  to  boiling  water.  By  numerous  physicians  it  has  been  found  very  effi- 
acious  in  the  treatment  of  intermittent  fever  ; but  it  has  entirely  failed  in  the  hands  of 
uiny  others,  and  certainly  cannot  be  considered  comparable  to  the  Peruvian  bark  in  its 
ower  over  that  complaint.  It  is  at  present  seldom  used,  and  never  in  this  country.  It 
as  been  given  in  substance,  decoction,  and  extract.  From  half  an  ounce  to  an  ounce  of 
he  powder  may  be  given  in  the  course  of  twenty-four  hours.  The  decoction  is  prepared 
nd  administered  in  the  same  manner  as  that  of  Peruvian  bark. 

AGARIC.  Touchwood.  Spunk.  Tinder.  This  is  the  product  of  different  species  of  a 
enus  of  mushrooms  denominated  Boletus.  Several  species  are  used  as  food,  several  are 
oisonous,  and  two  at  least  have  been  ranked  among  officinal  medicines  in  Europe.  The 
Joletus  laricis  which  grows  upon  the  larch  of  the  old  world,  is  the  zchite  agaric  or  purging 
■garic  of  medical  writers.  It  is  of  various  sizes,  from  that  of  the  fist  to  that  of  a child’s 
ead,  or  even  larger,  hard  and  spongy,  externally  brownish  or  reddish  ; but,  as  found  in 
ommerce,  is  deprived  of  its  exterior  coat,  and  consists  of  a light,  white,  spongy,  some- 
what farinaceous,  friable  mass,  which,  though  capable  of  being  rubbed  into  powder  upon 
sieve,  is  not  easily  pulverized  in  the  ordinary  mode,  as  it  flattens  under  the  pestle.  It 
as  a sweetish  very  bitter  taste,  and  consists,  according  to  Braconnot,  of  72  parts  of 
esinous  matter,  2 of  bitter  extractive,  and  26  of  fungin,  a nutritious  animalized  principle, 
onstituting  the  base  of  the  fleshy  substance  of  mushrooms.  It  contains  also  benzoic 
cid  and  various  saline  compounds.  In  the  dose  of  four  or  six  grains  it  is,  said  to  act 
owerfully  as  a cathartic ; but  Lieutaud  asserts  that  it  may  be  given  in  the  quantity  of 
jirty  grains  or  a drachm  without  sensibly  purging.  M.  Andral  has  found  it  useful  in 
becking  the  night-sweats  of  phthisis.  He  uses  it  in  doses  of  eight  grains,  and  gradually 
icreases  to  a drachm  during  the  day,  without  any  observable  inconvenience  to  the  diges- 
ve  functions.  In  this  country  it  is  scarcely  employed,  though  we  have  met  with  it  in 
re  shops.  That  which  is  most  esteemed  is  said  to  be  brought  from  Siberia ; but  it  is 
robably  produced  wherever  the  European  larch  grows.  Dr.  Win.  M.  McPheeters  has 
ublished,  in  the  St.  Louis  Med.  and  Surg.  Journ.  (x.  421),  an  account  of  several  cases, 
i which  he  tried  a specimen  of  Boletus  laricis,  brought  from  the  Rocky  Mountains,  in 
imost  all  of  which  it  proved  decidedly  cathartic.  The  dose  was  25  grains,  which  it 
as  sometimes  necessary  to  repeat. 

The  Boletus  igniarius,  or  agaric  of  the  oak,  like  the  species  just  described,  is  compared 
i shape  to  the  horse’s  hoof.  Its  diameter  is  from  six  to  ten  inches.  It  is  soft  like  vel- 
etwhen  young,  but  afterwards  becomes  hard  and  ligneous.  It  usually  rests  immediately 
pon  the  bark  of  the  tree,  without  any  supporting  footstalk.  On  the  upper  surface  it  is 
nooth,  but  marked  with  circular  ridges  of  different  colours,  more  or  less  brown  or 
lackish ; on  the  under,  it  is  whitish  or  yellowish,  and  full  of  small  pores  ; internally  it 
fibrous,  tough,  and  of  a tawny-brown  colour.  It  is  composed  of  short  tubular  fibres 
impactly  arranged  in  layers,  one  of  which  is  added  every  year.  The  best  is  that  which 
rows  on  the  oak,  and  the  season  for  collecting  it  is  August  or  September.  It  has  neither 
iste  nor  smell.  Among  its  constituents,  according  to  Bouillon-Lagrange,  are  extractive, 
isin  in  very  small  proportion,  azotized  matter  also  in  small  quantity,  chloride  of  potas- 
um,  and  sulphate  of  lime:  and  in  its  ashes  are  found  iron,  and  phosphate  of  lime  and 
agnesia.  It  is  prepared  for  use  by  removing  the  exterior  rind  or  bark,  cutting  the  inner 
irt  into  thin  slices,  and  beating  these  with  a hammer  until  they  become  soft,  pliable,  and 
isily  torn  by  the  fingers.  In  this  state  it  was  formerly  much  used  by  surgeons  for  arrest- 
g hemorrhage,  being  applied  immediately,  with  pressure,  to  the  bleeding  vessel.  It  pro- 
lbly  acts  mechanically,  like  any  other  soft  porous  substance,  by  absorbing  the  blood  and 
msing  it  to  coagulate,  and  is  not  relied  on  in  severe  cases.  In  the  obstinate  hemorrhage 
hich  occasionally  takes  place  from  leech  bites,  especially  those  of  the  European  leech, 
may  be  used  advantageously,  though  perhaps  not  more  so  than  well-prepared  lint.  It 
is  been  sometimes  applied  to  the  purposes  of  moxa. 

When  prepared  agaric  is  steeped  in  a solution  of  nitre,  and  afterwards  dried,  it  be- 
>mes  very  readily  inflammable,  and  is  employed  as  tinder.  Some  recommend  the  sub- 
itution  of  chlorate  of  potassa  for  nitre.  The  preparation  is  usually  known  by  the  name 
’ spunk , and  is  brought  to  us  from  Europe.  Spunk  or  tinder,  the  amadou  of  the  French, 
in  flat  pieces,  of  a consistence  somewhat  like  that  of  very  soft  rotten  buckskin  leather, 


1292  Appendix. 

of  a brownish-yellow  colour,  capable  of  absorbing  liquids,  and  inflammable  by  the  slight- 
est spark.  It  is  said  to  be  prepared  from  various  other  species  of  Boletus,  as  B.  ungu- 
lalus,  B fomenlarius,  B.  ribis,  §c. 

AGAVE  AMERICANA.  American  Agave.  American  Aloe.  Maguey.  An  evergreen 
succulent  plant,  indigenous  in  Florida,  Mexico,  and  other  parts  of  tropical  America.  This 
and  other  species  of  Agave  bear  a considerable  resemblance,  in  appearance,  to  the  plants 
of  the  genus  Aloe,  with  which  they  are  sometimes  confounded.  From  the  root  and  leaves 
of  the  American  agave,  when  cut,  a saccharine  juice  flows  out,  which  may  be  converte'd 
by  evaporation  into  syrup  and  even  sugar,  and  by  fermentation  into  a vinous  liquor.  Ac- 
cording to  M.  Lenoble,  this  juice  when  fresh  has  an  herbaceous  somewhat  nauseous  odour 
and  acrid  taste,  and  reddens  litmus  paper.  It  is  said  to  be  laxative,  diuretic,  and  em- 
menagogue.  Dr.  G.  Perin,  assistant  surgeon  in  the  U.  S.  army,  has  found  the  juice  an 
admirable  remedy  in  scurvy,  being  more  prompt  and  efficacious  even  than  lime-juice. 
He  gave  two  fluidounces  three  times  a day.  (jV.  Y.  Journ.  of  Med.,  N.  S.,  vii.  181.1  The 
expressed  juice,  evaporated  to  the  consistence  of  a soft,  extract,  has  the  property  of  form- 
ing a lather  with  water,  and  is  employed  in  some  places  as  a substitute  for  soap.  The 
fibres  of  the  old  leaves,  separated  by  bruising  and  maceration  in  water,  are  used  for 
forming  thread.  M.  Lenoble  found  in  the  leaves  an  acrid  volatile  oil,  a gum-resinous 
principle,  lignin,  salts  of  potassa  and  lime,  and  silica  : and  thinks  that  a vinegar  or  oint- 
ment of  the  leaves  might  be  advantageously  used  as  an  epispastic  application.  {Journ.  de 
Pharm.  et  de  Chim,,  xv.  350.)  The  Agave  Virginica,  which  grows  in  our  Southern  States, 
and  is  known  in  South  Carolina  by  the  name  of  rattlesnake's  master,  has  a very  bitter  root, 
which  is  used  in  the  form  of  tincture,  in  flatulent  colic,  and  as  a counter-poison  in  the 
bites  of  serpents.  (Robert  King  Reid,  Inaug.  Thes  , A.  D.  1849.) 

AGRIMONIA  EUPATORIA.  Common  Agrimony.  This  species  of  agrimony  is  a pe- 
rennial herb,  inhabiting  Asia,  Europe,  and  North  America,  and  in  this  country,  found  in 
fields  and  on  the  bordei’S  of  woods,  and  flowering  dui’ing  the  summer  months.  Its  stem, 
■which  rises  from  one  to  three  feet  in  height,  is  hairy,  furnished  with  interruptedly  pinnate 
leaves,  and  terminated  by  a long  simple  spike  of  yellow  flowers.  Both  the  herb  and  root 
have  been  employed.  The  former  has  a weak  but  agreeable  aromatic  odour,  and  a rough, 
bitterish,  somewhat  aromatic  taste.  The  fragrance  is  strongest  in  the  flowers.  The  root 
has  similar  properties  ; but  its  taste  is  more  bitter  and  astl'ingent.  A volatile  oil  may  be 
obtained  from  the  plant  by  distillation.  Agrimony  is  a mild  corroborant  and  astringent. 
The  hei’b  has  been  employed  in  relaxed  conditions  of  disease,  as  in  passive  hemorrhages, 
and  chronic  affections  of  the  mucous  membranes.  It  has  been  recommended,  also,  as  a 
deobstruent  in  jaundice  and  visceral  obstructions,  and  as  an  alterative  in  diseases  of  the 
skin.  In  Europe  it  is  popularly  used,  in  the  form  of  gargle,  in  affections  of  the  throat. 
The  Indians  of  North  America  and  the  Canadians  are  repoi'ted  to  have  employed  the  root 
with  advantage  in  fevers.  The  plant  may  be  given  in  substance,  infusion,  or  decoction. 
The  dose  of  the  powder  is  a di-achm  or  more. 

AJUGA  CHAM2EP1TYS.  Ground  Pine.  Chamsepilys.  A low,  creeping,  annual,  labiate 
plant,  a native  of  Europe,  and  found  also  in  some  parts  of  the  United  States.  The  leaves, 
which  bear  some  resemblance  to  those  of  the  pine  in  shape,  have  a strong,  peculiar,  resinous, 
not  disagreeable  odour,  and  a bitter,  balsamic  taste.  They  yield  by  distillation  with  water 
a small  proportion  of  volatile  oil,  resembling  that  of  turpentine.  They  are  said  to  be 
stimulant,  diuretic,  and  aperient;  and  have  been  given  ill  rheumatism,  gout,  palsy,  and 
amenoiThoea,  The  dose  of  the  leaves  in  powder  is  one  or  two  drachms ; but  their  infusion 
in  wine  is  considered  the  best  preparation. 

The  Ajuga.  reptans  or  common  bugle,  and  the  A.  pyramidalis,  perennial  plants  of  Europe, 
have  also  been  used  in  medicine.  They  are  nearly  inodorous,  but  have  a somewhat  astrin- 
gent, bitterish,  and  saline  taste.  Their  virtues  are  probably  those  of  a mild  astringent 
and  tonic.  They  have  been  recommended  in  pulmonary  consumption,  haemoptysis  and 
other  hemoiThages,  and  in  hepatic  obstructions,  and  have  enjoyed  considerable  reputation 
as  vulneraries;  but  they  are  at  present  nearly  obsolete. 

ALBUMINATE  OF  IRON  AND  POTASSA,  SYRUP  OF.  This  syrup,  proposed  by  M. 
Lassaigne,  is  made  as  follows. — Dissolve  100  parts  of  the  white  of  eggs  in  100  of  distilled 
water,  and  precipitate  the  filtered  solution  with  36  parts  of  a solution  of  the  sulphate  of 
sesquioxide  of  iron,  marking  5°  of  the  areometer.  Then  add  2 parts  of  alcoholic  potassa. 
previously  dissolved  in  50  parts  of  water.  This,  by  agitation,  will  gradually  dissolve  the 
precipitate  caused  by  the  ferruginous  solution,  forming  a deep  orange-yellow  liquid.  The 
liquid  is  then  converted  into  a syrup  by  dissolving  in  it  one  and  a half  times  its  weight  i t 
coarsely  powdei’ed  sugar,  and  filtered.  The  syrup  has  a slightly  alkaline  and  sweetish 
taste,  totally  devoid  of  inky  flavour.  Each  fluidounee  contains  about  six  grains  ot  anhy- 
drous sesquioxide  of  iron.  Mr.  A.  J.  Cooley  has  proposed  to  make  a simple  albuminate 


Appendix.  1293 

f iron,  by  dissolving  the  freshly  precipitated  oxides  of  iron  in  a filtered  solution  of  al- 
iumen. 

ALCHEMILLA  VULGARIS.  Ladies’  Mantle.  A perennial  European  herb,  grooving  in 
aendows,  on  the  banks  of  rivulets,  and  in  the  borders  of  woods.  The  whole  plant  has  an 
stringent  bitterish  taste,  which  is  strongest  in  the  root.  It  was  formerly  employed  in 
liarrhoea,  and  other  complaints  requiring  the  use  of  astringents.  By  the  ancients  it  was 
Highly  esteemed ; and  extraordinary  powers  were  ascribed  to  it  by  the  alchemists,  from 
rhom,  according  to  Linnaeus,  it  derived  its  generic  title. 

ALCORXOQUE.  Under  this  name,  a bark  was  introduced  into  Europe  from  South 
tmerica,  more  than  fifty  years  since,  and  for  a short  time  attracted  considerable  attention, 
t has  been  conjectural ly  referred  by  different  writers  to  different  plants,  but  its  precise 
rigin  is  unknown.  It  is  in  large  thick  pieces,  composed  of  two  layers,  of  which  the 
.sternal  is  reddish,  cracked,  granular,  spongy,  and  two  or  three  lines  in  thickness,  the 
sternal  lamellated,  woody,  and  possessed  of  the  property  of  imparting  a yellow  colour 
.0  the  saliva  when  chewed.  It  is  inodorous.  The  outer  layer 'is  of  an  astringent,  some- 
what bitter  taste,  and  was  thought  to  have  febrifuge  powers;  the  inner  is  much  more 
litter,  and  is  decidedly  emetic.  The  bark  was  brought  into  notice  chiefly  as  a remedy 
n phthisis ; but,  having  been  found  useless  in  that  complaint,  has  fallen  into  entire  ne- 
;lect.  It  was  given  in  the  form  of  powder,  in  the  dose  of  thirty  grains;  or  half  an  ounce 
f it  was  boiled  in  a pint  of  water  down  to  half  a pint,  and  two  or  three  tnblespoonfuls  of 
he  decoction  were  administered  every  two  hours.  In  these  doses  it  acted  as  an  emetic, 
’he  bark  known  in  Spain  by  the  name  of  aleornoque  is  derived  from  the  cork  tree  (Quercus 
fiber),  and  has  sometimes  been  confounded  in  European  pharmacy  with  that  derived  from 
iouth  America.  It  has  the  properties  of  the  ordinary  oak  barks. 

ALISMA  PLANTAGO.  Water  Plantain.  A perennial  herbaceous  plant,  common  to 
firope  and  the  United  States,  and  growing  in  streams,  pools,  ditches,  and  other  standing 
raters.  The  root  lias  wdien  fresh  an  odour  like  that  of  Florentine  orris,  but  loses  it -when 
ried.  Its  taste  is  acrid  and  nauseous.  It  acquired  at  one  time  considerable  credit  as  a 
reventive  of  hydrophobia,  for  which  purpose  it  was  said  to  have  been  used  with  great 
advantage  in  Russia  ; but  subsequent  experiments  have  proved  its  total  inefficacy.  The 
Almucks  are  said  to  use  it  for  food.  The  leaves  are  rubefacient,  and  will  sometimes  even 
lister  when  applied  to  the  skin.  They  have  been  recommended  in  gravel  and  complaints 
f the  bladder,  in  the  dose  of  a drachm. 

A L KAN  FT.  This  is  the  root  of  Anchusa  tinctoria  or  dyers'  alkanet,  an  herbaceous 
erennial  plant,  growing  in  the  Grecian  Archipelago  and  the  South  of  Europe.  It  is  said 
i some  medical  works  to  be  cultivated  abundantly  in  the  South  of  France:  but  another 
lant.  is  probably  referred  to — the  Lithospermv.m  tinctorium  of  Linnreus  and  De  Candolle, 
he  Anchusa  tinctoria  of  Lamarck — which  is  a native  of  that  country,  and  the  root  of  which 
j considered  as  the  true  alkanet  by  the  French  writers.  Alkanet,  as  found  in  the  shops, 

:•  in  pieces  three  or  four  inches  long,  from  the  thickness  of  a quill  to  that  of  the  little 
nger,  somewhat  twisted,  consisting  of  a dark-red,  easily  separable  bark,  and  an  internal 
gneous  portion,  which  is  reddish  externally,  whitish  near  the  centre,  and  composed  of 
umerous  distinct,  slender,  cohering  fibres.  As  it  comes  to  us  it  is  usually  much  decayed 
iternally,  very  light*  and  of  a loose  almost  spongy  texture.  The  fresh  root  has  a faint 
dour,  and  a bitterish  astringent  taste  ; but  when  dried  it  is  nearly  inodorous  and  insipid, 
ts  colouring  principle,  which  abounds  most  in  the  cortical  part,  is  soluble  in  alcohol,  ether, 
nd  the  oils,  to  which  it  imparts  a fine  deep  red ; but  is  insoluble  in  water.  It  may  be 
btained  by  first  exhausting  the  root  with  water,  and  then  treating  it  with  a weak  solution 
f the  carbonate  of  potassa  or  soda,  from  which  the  colouring  principle  may  be  precipitated 
y an  acid.  According  to  Pelletier,  by  whom  it  was  discovered,  it  possesses  acid  proper- 
es,  forming  with  the  alkalies  and  earths  neutral  compounds,  which  are  of  a blue  colour, 
nd  soluble  in  alcohol  and  ether.  He  calls  it  anchusic  acid , and  states  that  it  may  be  sub- 
med  unchanged.  ( Journ . de  Pharm.,  xix.  105.)  The  tincture  of  alkanet  has  its  colour 
eepened  by  the  acids,  changed  to  blue  by  the  alkalies,  and  again  restored  by  neutralizing 
te  latter  substances.  It  may,  therefore,  be  used  as  a test.  The  extract  obtained  by 
raporating  the  tincture  is  dark-brown. 

Alkanet  root  is  somewhat  astringent,  and  was  formerly  applied  to  the  treatment  of  several 
iseases;  but  it  is  now  employed  exclusively  for  colouring  oils,  ointments,  and  plasters, 
liich  are  beautifully  reddened  by  one-fortieth  of  their  weight  of  the  root.  It  is  said  also 
) be  used  in  the  preparation  of  spurious  port  wine. 

ALLIARIA  OFFICINALIS.  Erysimum  Alliaria.  Linn.  Hedge  Garlic A perennial  Eu- 
>pean  herb,  having  an  alliaceous  odour  when  rubbed,  and  a bitterish,  somewhat  acrid  taste, 
hen  eaten  it  communicates  its  smell  to  the  breath.  Mr.  Wertheim  obtained  from  the 


1294  Appendix. 

root  a volatile  oil,  apparently  identical  witli  that  of  mustard.  (Ann.  der  Chem.  nnd  Pharm. 
liii.  52.)  The  herb  and  seeds  are  esteemed  diuretic,  diaphoretic,  and  expectorant,  am 
have  been  given  in  humoral  asthma,  chronic  catarrh,  and  other  complaints  in  which  garli 
is  useful.  The  herb  has  also  been  recommended  as  an  external  application  in  gangrenou 
affections;  and  to  promote  suppuration. 

ALNUS  GLUTINOSA.  Common  European  Alder.  A European  tree,  twenty-five  feet  o: 
more  in  height,  growing  in  swamps,  on  the  sides  of  streams,  and  in  other  damp  places 
The  bark  and  leaves  are  very  astringent,  and  somewhat  bitter.  The  former  has  been  use< 
in  intermittent  fever,  the  latter  as  a topical  remedy  in  wounds  and  ulcers.  The  bruiset 
leaves  are  sometimes  applied  to  the  breast  for  the  purpose  of  repelling  the  milk.  Thi 
cones  also  are  said  to  be  astringent,  and  to  form  a useful  gargle  in  complaints  of  the  throat 
All  these  parts  of  the  tree  are  used  in  dyeing,  and  the  leaves  and  bark  in  tanning.  Thi 
Alnus  serrulala,  or  common  American  alder,  has  analogous  properties. 

AMBERGRIS.  Amhra  grisea.  This  substance,  which  is  found  floating  on  the  sea,  ot 
thrown  by  the  waves  upon  the  shores  of  various  countries,  particularly  in  the  southeri 
hemisphere,  is  now  generally  believed  to  be  produced  in  the  intestines  of  the  Phvsele , 
macroceplialus  or  spermaceti  whale,  and  perhaps  in  those  of  some  other  fish.  It  is  ir 
roundish  or  amorphous  pieces,  usually  small,  but  sometimes  of  considerable  magnitude 
aud  masses  have  been  found  weighing  50,  100,  and  even  200  pounds.  These  pieces  art 
often  composed  of  concentric  layers.  They  are  of  various  colours,  usually  gray,  wit! 
brownish,  yellow,  aud  white  streaks,  often  dark-brown  or  blackish  on  the  external  surface. 
They  are  opaque,  lighter  than  water,  and  of  a consistence  like  that  of  wax.  Ambergrh 
has  a peculiar  aromatic  agreeable  odour,  is  almost  tasteless,  softens  with  the  warmth  o: 
the  hand,  melts  under  212°,  is  almost  completely  volatilizable  by  heat,  and  is  inflammable. 
It  is  insoluble  in  water,  but  is  readily  dissolved,  with  the  aid  of  heat,  by  alcohol,  ether, 
and  the  volatile  and  fixed  oils.  It  consists  chiefly  of  a peculiar  fatty  matter  analogous  tc 
cholesterin,  and  denominated  by  Pelletier  and  Caventou  amhrein.  This  may  be  obtained 
by  treating  ambergris  with  heated  alcohol,  filtering  the  solution,  nnd  allowing  it  to  stand. 
Crystals  of  ambrein  are  deposited.  It  differs  from  most  other  fatty  matters  in  not  forming 
soaps  with  the  alkalies.  When  pure  it  has  little  or  no  odour.  Ambergris  is  often  adul- 
terated; but  does  not  then  exhibit  its  ordinary  fusibility  and  volatility.  It  was  long 
regarded  as  a cordial  and  antispasmodic,  somewhat  analogous  to  musk  ; and  has  been  re- 
commended in  typhoid  fevers,  and  various  nervous  diseases.  It  formerly  entered  into 
many  officinal  preparations,  and  is  still  retained  in  some  of  the  European  Pharmacopoeias. 
It  is,  however,  feeble  as  a remedy,  and  is  much  more  used  in  perfumery  than  in  medicine. 
The  dose  is  from  five  grains  to  a drachm. 

AMMONIO-TARTRATE  OF  IRON.  Ferri  Ammonio-tartras.  This  salt  was  first  em- 
ployed by  Mr.  Aiken,  of  London.  According  to  Professor  Procter,  of  this  city,  it  is  best 
prepared  by  dissolving  to  saturation,  freshly  precipitated  hydrated  sesquioxide  Miron  in 
a solution  of  bitartrate  of  ammonia.  The  bitartrate  may  be  made  by  saturating  fifty 
drachms  of  tartaric  acid,  dissolved  in  a gallon  of  water,  with  carbonate  of  ammonia,  and 
then  adding  fifty  drachms  of  the  acid  to  the  solution  formed.  This  is  heated,  by  mean; 
of  a water-bath,  with  the  fresh  hydrated  sesquioxide,  derived  from  fifty-three  and  a third 
drachms  of  U.  S.  subcarbonate  of  iron,  dissolved  in  muriatic  acid  and  precipitated  b\ 
ammonia.  The  sesquioxide  is  dissolved,  and  a deep  reddish-brown  solution  results,  which 
is  evaporated  to  dryness  by  means  of  a water-bath.  This  double  salt,  when  prepared  ir 
small  quantities,  is  in  brilliant  scales,  dark-brown  in  mass,  but  garnet-red  by  transmitter 
light.  When  obtained  in  considerable  quantities,  it  forms  angular  graius.  resembling  kino 
It  is  very  soluble  iu  water,  and  has  a strongly  saccharine  taste.  Its  aqueous  solution 
undergoes  no  change  by  a boiling  temperature.  According  to  an  analysis  by  Prof.  Procter, 
it  consists  of  two  eqs.  of  tartaric  acid,  one  of  sesquioxide  of  iron,  one  of  ammonia,  an 
four  of  water.  (Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xii.  275.)  This  salt  has  the  general  properties  o) 
the  other  ferruginous  compounds.  Its  advantages  are  its  ready  solubility,  palatable  taste, 
and  permanency.  The  dose  is  five  grains  or  more,  given  in  pill  or  solution. 

ANACARDIUM  OCCIDENT  ALE.  Linn.  Cepsuvium  pomiferum.  Lam.  Cathnc-nuU  A 
small  and  elegant  tree,  growing  in  the  West  Indies,  and  other  parts  of  tropical  America 
A gum  exudes  from  the  bark,  which  bears  some  resemblance  to  gum  Arabic,  but  is  onh 
in  part  soluble  in  water,  and  consists  of  true  gum  and  bassorin.  It  is  the  gommc  d'acajoi 
of  the  French  writers.  The  fruit  is  a fleshy,  pear-shaped  receptacle,  supporting  at  it- 
summit,  a hard,  shining,  ash-coloured,  kidney-shaped  nut.  an  inch  or  more  in  length,  am 
three-quarters  of  an  inch  broad,  consisting  of  two  shells,  with  a black  juice  between  them 
and  of  a sweet  oily  kernel.  The  reeeptacle  is  red  or  yellow,  and  of  an  agreeable  subsea 
flavour  with  some  astringeney.  It  is  edible,  and  affords  a juice  which  has  been  recent 
mended  in  uterine  complaints  and  dropsy.  This  juice  is  converted  by  fermentation  inn 


Appendix.  1295 

i vinous  liquor,  which  yields  a spirit  by  distillation,  used  in  making  punch,  and  said  to  be 
jowerfully  diuretic,  The  nuts  are  well  known  under  the  name  of  cashew-nuts.  The  black 
uice,  contained  between  their  outer  and  inner  shell,  is  extremely  acrid  and  corrosive,  pro- 
lucing,  when  applied  to  the  skin,  severe  inflammation,  followed  by  blisters  or  desquamation, 
[t  has  been  examined  chemically  by  Stoedeler,  who  found  in  it  two  peculiar  principles,  one 
laving  acid  properties,  which  he  calls  anacardic  acid,  and  the  other  a yellow,  oleaginous 
iquid,  named  cardol.  (See  Journ.  de  Pharm.,  3e  ser.,  xiii.  459.)  The  juice  is  used  in  the 
(Vest  Indies  for  the  cure  of  corns,  warts,  ringworms,  and  obstinate  ulcers,  and  is  said  to 
ie  sometimes  applied  to  the  face  by  females  in  order  to  remove  the  cuticle,  and  produce 
i fresher  and  more  youthful  aspect.  In  a case  of  external  poisoning  which  came  linger 
mr  notice,  in  a lady  who  was  exposed  to  the  fumes  of  the  nut  while  roasting,  the  face  was 
so  much  swollen  that  for  some  time  not  a feature  was  discernible.  The  kernel,  when  fresh, 
ins  a sweet,  agreeable  taste,  and  is  eaten  like  chestnuts,  either  raw  or  roasted.  It  is  also 
lsed  as  an  ingredient  of  puddings,  &c.,  and  forms  an  excellent  chocolate  when  ground  with 
joeoa.  By  age  it  becomes  rancid.  The  black  juice  of  the  nut  and  a milky  juice  which 
lows  from  the  tree  by  incision,  are  sometimes  used  for  marking  linen,  upon  which  they 
eave  a nearly  indelible  browm  or  black  stain. 

ANAGALLIS  ARVENSIS.  Scarlet  Pimpernel.  An  annual  plant,  growing  in  Europe  and 
his  country,  with  small,  delicate,  procumbent  stems,  furnished  with  opposite  branches, 
opposite  ovate  leaves,  and  small  scarlet  flowers,  which  are  supported  upon  axillary,  soli- 
tary peduncles,  and  appear  in  June  and  July.  It  is  inodorous,  and  has  a bitterish,  some- 
what acrid  taste.  The  ancients  esteemed  it  a counter-poison,  and  in  modern  times  it  has 
oeen  used  as  a preventive  of  hydrophobia;  but  at  present  no  faith  is  placed  in  its  alexi- 
oharmic  powers.  It  is,  nevertheless,  not  wholly  inactive ; as  Orfila  found  three  drachms 
of  an  extract  prepared  from  it  sufficient  to  destroy  a dog,  with  marks  of  inflammation  of 
the  bowels.  It  has  been  recommended  as  a local  application  in  old  and  ill-conditioned 
ulcers,  and  has  been  given  internally  in  visceral  obstructions,  consumption,  dropsy,  epilepsy, 
mania,  &c.  But  too  little  is  known  of  its  precise  properties,  to  authorize  its  indiscriminate 
employment  in  these  complaints.  Another  species,  considered  by  Linnteus  as  a mere 
Variety  of  the  A.  arvensis,  is  A.  ccerulea,  distinguished  by  its  blue  flowers.  The  medical 
properties  of  the  two,  so  far  as  is  known,  are  the  same. 

ANCIIUSA  OFFICINALIS.  Bugloss.  This  species  of  Anehusa  is  a native  of  Europe, 
tnd  unknown  in  the  United  States.  It  is  a biennial  plant,  from  one  to  three  feet  high,  and 
was  formerly  much  esteemed  as  a medicine.  The  root,  leaves,  and  flowers  were  officinal. 
These  are  inodorous  and  nearly  tasteless.  The  root  is  mucilaginous  and  slightly  sweetish, 
tnd  the  flowers  very  feebly  bitter.  The  plant  has  no  claim  whatever  to  the  credit,  formerly 
ittached  to  it,  of  possessing  cordial  and  exhilarating  properties.  It  tvas  used  by  the  ancients 
n hypochondriacal  affections,  but,  as  it  tvas  given  in  wine,  the  elevation  of  spirits  was 
probably  due  to  the  vehicle.  In  France,  the  Anehusa  Italica,  which  is  there  known  as 
buglosse,  is  employed  for  the  same  purposes  and  in  the  same  manner  as  Borago  officinalis. 

ANDROMEDA  ARBOREA.  Sorrel-tree.  A beautiful  indigenous  tree,  growing  in  the 
valleys  of  the  Alleghany  mountains,  from  Pennsylvania  to  Florida.  The  leaves  have  a 
very  pleasant  acid  taste,  which  has  given  rise  to  the  common  name  of  the  tree.  They  are 
tsed  by  hunters  to  allay  thirst,  and  form  in  decoction  a grateful  refrigerant  drink  in  fevers. 
The  other  species  of  Andromeda  are  shrubs,  and  some  of  them  ornamental.  Dr.  Barton, 
m his  “Collections,”  states  that  a decoction  of  A.  Mariana  is  employed  in  the  Southern 
Rates,  as  a wash  in  a disagreeable  ulceration  of  the  feet  to  which  the  negroes  are  liable. 
The  powder  upon  the  leaves  and  buds  of  A.  speciosa  is  said  to  be  a powerful  errhine. 

ANEMONE  PRATENSIS.  Meadow  Anemone.  This  plant  enjoyed  at  one  time  consider- 
ible  credit  from  the  recommendation  of  Storck,  who  believed  that  he  had  found  it  useful 
n amaurosis  and  other  complaints  of  the  eye,  in  secondary  syphilis,  and  in  cutaneous 
iruptions.  Dr.  J.  de  Ramm  found  it  also  very  useful  in  hooping-cough.  A.  Pulsatilla 
pulsatilla),  an  analogous  species,  has  been  employed  for  similar  purposes;  and  favourable 
■eports  have  been  made  of  its  effibacy  in  obstinate  diseases  of  the  skin,  and  in  hooping- 
:3ough.  The  preparation  employed  was  an  extract  of  the  herbaceous  part  of  the  plant, 
which  was  given  by  Storck  in  the  dose  of  one  or  two  grains  daily,  gradually  increased  to 
twenty  grains  oy  more.  In  large  doses  it  was  found  frequently  to  produce  nausea  and 
vomiting,  or  griping  and  looseness  of  the  bowels,  and  sometimes  acted  as  a diuretic.  It 
s,  we  believe,  a favourite  remedy  with  the  homceopathists.  The  species  of  Anemone 
ibove  mentioned  are  European  plants,  and  are  not  cultivated  in  this  country.  We  have 
several  native  species.  One  of  them,  A.  nemorosa,  ■which  is  common  to  Europe  and  the 
limited  States,  is  said  to  act  as  a poison  to  cattle,  producing  bloody  urine  and  convulsions, 
it  is  stated  also  to  have  proved,  -when  applied  to  the  head,  a speedy  cure  for  tinea  capitis. 
Most  of  the  species  are,  in  the  recent  state,  acrid  and  rubefacient,  resembling  in  this  respect 


1296  Appendix. 

other  Ranunculace®.  They  contain  a peculiar  crystallizable  principle,  named  anmonin 
convertible  into  anemonic  acid,  by  the  action  of  alkalies.  (Ann.  der  Pharm.,  xxxii.  270. 
It  is  deposited  by  water  distilled  from  the  fresh  herb  upon  standing,  and  resembles  cam 
pkor.  According  to  J.  Miiller,  it  is  formed  by  a metamorphosis  of  the  acrid  matters  whicl 
are  distilled  with  the  water.  (Pharm.  Cent.  Platt,  Sept.  11,  1850,  p.  618.) 

ANIME.  Gum  Anime.  The  substance  known  at  present  by  the  name  of  anime  is  a resii 
supposed  to  be  derived  from  the  Hymenaea  Courharil,  a tree  of  South  America  ; though  thi 
origin  is  denied  by  Hayne.  According  to  Dr.  W.  Hamilton,  the  resin  exudes  from  wound, 
in  the  bark,  and  is  found  also  underneath  the  surface  of  the  ground,  between  the  principa 
roots.  (Pharm.  Journ.  and  Trans.,  vi.  522.)  It  is  in  small,  irregular  pieces,  of  a pak 
lemon-yellow  colour,  sometimes  inclining  to  reddish,  more  or  less  transparent,  covered  witl 
a whitish  powder,  brittle  and  pulverizable,  with  a shining  fracture,  a weak  but  agreeabk 
odour,  and  a mild  resinous  taste.  It  softens  in  the  mouth,  adheres  to  the  lingers  when  ir 
the  state  of  powder,  and  readily  melts  with  heat,  diffusing  its  agreeable  odour  in  an  increasec 
degree.  It  consists  of  two  distinct  resins,  one  soluble,  the  other  insoluble  in  cold  alcohol, 
and  of  a small  proportion  of  volatile  oil.  There  is  a variety  of  a darker  colour,  less  trans- 
parent, and  exhibiting  small  cavities  in  the  interior;  in  other  respects  resembling  the  pre- 
ceding. Another  variety  of  anime  is  the  East  Indian,  supposed  to  be  derived  from  Valeric 
Indica ; but  this  never  reaches  us  as  a distinct  article  of  commerce.  Anime  formerly  en- 
tered into  the  composition  of  various  ointments  and  plasters;  but  is  now  used  only  as 
incense,  or  in  the  preparation  of  varnishes.  The  Brazilians  are  said  to  employ  it  inter- 
nally in  diseases  of  the  lungs. 

ANNOTTA.  Orleana.  The  colouring  substance  called  annotta,  arnotla,  ottoucou,  is  the 
reddish  pulp  surrounding  the  seeds  in  the  fruit  of  Bixa  Orellana,  a middling-sized  tree 
growing  in  Guiana,  and  other  parts  of  South  America.  The  pulp  is  separated  by  bruising 
the  fruit,  mixing  it  with  water,  then  straining  through  a sieve,  and  allowing  the  liquid  to 
stand  till  the  uudissolved  portion  subsides.  The  water  is  then  poured  off,  and  the  mass 
which  remains,  having  been  sufficiently  dried,  is  formed  into  flat  cakes  or  cylindrical  rolls, 
and  sent  into  the  market.  Annotta  is  of  a brownish-red  colour,  usually  rather  soft, 
but  hard  and  brittle  when  dry,  of  a dull  fracture,  of  a sweetish  peculiar  odour,  and  a 
rough,  saline,  bitterish  taste.  It  is  inflammable,  but  does  not  melt  with  heat.  It  softens 
in  water,  to  which  it  imparts  a yellow  colour,  but  does  not  dissolve.  Alcohol,  ether,  the 
oils,  and  alkaline  solutions  dissolve  the  greater  part  of  it.  It  contains  a peculiar  crystal- 
lizable  colouring  principle,  to  which  M.  Preisser,  its  discoverer,  gave  the  name  of  bixin. 1 
(See  Journ.  cle  Pharm.,  3e  ser.,  v.  258.;  The  chief  uses  to  which  annotta  is  applied  are 
for  dyeing  silk  and  cotton  orange-yellow,  and  for  colouring  cheese.  The  colour,  however, 
which  it  imparts  to  cloth  is  fugitive.  It  has  been  given  internally  as  a medicine ; but  is 
not  now  used,  and  probably  exercises  little  influence  upon  the  system.  In  pharmacy  it  is 
used  to  colour  plasters,  and  has  occasionally  been  substituted  for  saffron.  It  is  said  to 
be  sometimes  largely  adulterated ; and  red  ochre,  powdered  bricks,  and  colcotliar  have 
been  employed  for  the  purpose.  If  these  substances  be  present,  they  will  be  left  behind 
when  the  annotta  is  burned. 

ANTIIRAKOKALI.  This  preparation,  introduced  by  Dr.  Polya,  is  of  two  kinds,  the 
simple  and  the  sulphuretted.  The  simple  anthrakokali  is  formed  by  adding  160  parts  of 
porphyrized  mineral  coal  to  192  parts  of  a concentrated  and  boiling  solution  of  caustic 
potassa,  contained  in  an  iron  vessel,  the  whole  being  well  stirred  together.  IVhen  the 
mixture  is  completed,  the  vessel  is  taken  from  the  fire,  and  the  stirring  continued  until 
'the  whole  is  converted  into  a homogeneous  black  powder.  The  sulphuretted  anthrakokali 
is  prepared  in  a similar  maimer,  16  parts  of  sulphur  being  mixed  with  the  mineral  coal 
before  it  is  added  to  the  caustic  potassa  solution.  Dr.  Polya  recommends  these  prepara- 
tions both  internally  and  externally,  in  scrofula,  chronic  rheumatism,  rheumatic  tumours 
of  the  joints,  and  certain  herpetic  affections.  The  dose  is  a grain  and  a half  three  or  four 
times  a day,  mixed  with  two  or  three  times  its  weight  of  powdered  liquorice  root.  For 
external  use,  sixteen  grains  may  be  rubbed  with  an  ounce  of  lard,  to  form  an  ointment,  to 
be  used  by  friction  night  and  morning.  (Journ.  do  Pharm.,  xxvi.  545,  and  of  ser.,  ii.  153.1 

ANTHllISCUS  CEREFOLIUM.  De  Cand.  Chserophyllum  sativum.  Lam.  Seandix 
Cerefolium.  Linn.  Chervil.  An  annual  European  plant,  cultivated  in  gardens  as  a potherb, 
and  supposed  by  some  physicians  to  possess  medicinal  powers.  It  has  a strong  agreeable 
odour,  especially  when  rubbed,  and  a pungent,  slightly  bitterish  taste.  These  properties 
it  owes  to  a volatile  oil,  which  may  be  separated  by  distillation  with  water.  It  is  said  to 
be  deobstruent,  diuretic,  and  emmenagogue,  and  has  been  recommended  by  different  au- 
thors in  consumption,  scrofula,  dropsy,  cutaneous  and  scorbutic  affections,  and  as  an  ex- 
ternal application  to  swollen  breasts,  bruises,  and  other  local  complaints  or  injuries.  It 
is,  however,  very  feeble,  and  is  more  used  as  an  addition  to  broths  than  as  a medicine. 


Appendix.  1297 

ANTIRRHINUM  LINARIA.  Linn.  LIN  ARIA  VULGARIS.  Bindley.  Common  Toad- 
lax.  This  is  a perennial  herbaceous  plant,  from  one  to  two  feet  high,  with  numerous 
larrow  linear  leaves,  and  a terminal  crowded  spike  of  large  yellow  flowers.  It  is  a native 
if  Europe,  but  has  been  introduced  into  this  country,  and  now  grows  in  great  abundance 
dong  the  road  sides,  through  the  Middle  States.  It  is  readily  distinguishable  by  the 
hape  of  ils  leaf,  and  its  conspicuous  yellow  flowers,  which  appear  in  succession  from 
lune  to  October.  The  herb  is  the  part  used.  It  should  be  collected  when  in  flower,  dried 
juickly,  and  kept  excluded  from  the  air.  When  fresh  it  has  a peculiar,  heavy,  rather 
disagreeable  odour,  which  is  in  a great  measure  dissipated  by  drying.  The  taste  is  herb- 
;ceous,  weakly  saline,  bitter,  and  slightly  acrid.  This  plant  is  said  to  be  diuretic  and 
athartic,  and  has  been  used  in  dropsy,  jaundice,  and  cutaneous  eruptions.  It  is  most 
ouveniently  employed  in  infusion.  The  fresh  plant  is  sometimes  applied,  in  the  shape 
jf  poultice  or  fomentation,  to  hemorrhoidal  tumours ; and  an  ointment  made  from  the 
iowers  lias  been  employed  for  the  same  purpose,  and  also  locally  in  diseases  of  the  skin, 
’he  flowers  are  used  in  Germany  for  dyeing  yellow. 

AQUA  BINELLI.  An  Italian  nostrum,  named  after  a physician  of  Turin,  which  at  one 
ime  enjoyed  great  reputation  in  Europe  as  a styptic ; but  has  been  proved  to  possess  very 
ttle  efficacy.  It  is  a transparent  liquid,  with  little  taste  and  an  empyreumatic  odour,  and, 
ifter  the  discovery  of  creasote,  was  conjectured  to  contain  a small  proportion  of  that  prin- 
iple.  It  is  now  out  of  use.  A recipe  for  its  preparation  is  given  in  the  Annuaire  de  The- 
apeutique,  1843,  p.  227. 

AQUILEGIA  VULGARIS.  Columbine.  A perennial  herbaceous  plant,  indigenous  in 
lurope,  but  cultivated  in  our  gardens  as  an  ornamental  flower.  All  parts  of  it  have  been 
medicinally  employed.  The  roots,  leaves,  and  flowers  have  a disagreeable  odour,  and  a 
itterish,  acrid  taste.  The  seeds  are  small,  black,  shining,  inodorous,  and  of  an  oleaginous 
weetish  taste,  followed  by  a sense  of  acrimony.  Columbine  has  been  considered  diureticr 
iaphoretic,  and  antiscorbutic,  and  has  been  employed  in  jaundice,  in  small-pox  to  promote 
le, eruption,  in  scurvy,  and  externally  as  a vulnerary.  It  is  not  used  at  present,  and  is 
fen  suspected  to  possessi  dangerous  properties,  like  most  other  Ranunculacese. 

ARECA  NUT.  Betel  Nut.  This  is  the  product  of  Areca  Catechu,  an  East  India  tree 
elonging  to  the  family  of  palms.  The  fruit,  which  is  about  the  size  and  shape  of  a small 
gg,  and  of  an  orange-yellow  colour,  contains  the  nut  embedded  in  a fibrous,  fleshy  envel- 
pe,  and  invested  with  a brittle  shell  which  adheres  to  the  exterior  flesh.  The  kernel, 
kick  is  the  betel-nut  of  commerce,  is  of  a roundish  conical  shape,  rather  larger  than  a 
lestnut,  externally  of  a deep-brown,  diversified  with  a fawn  colour,  so  as  to  present  a 
‘ticular  appearance,  internally  broWnish-red  with  whitish  veins,  very  hard,  of  a feeble 
lour  when  broken,  and  of  an  astringent,  somewhat  acrid  taste.  It  abounds  in  tannin, 
id  contains  also  gallic  acid,  a fixed  oil,  gum,  a little  volatile  oil,  lignin,  and  various  saline 
distances.  It  yields  its  astringency  to  water ; and,  in  some  parts  of  Ilindostan,  an  extract 
prepared  from  it  having  the  appearance  and  properties  of  catechu.  Immense  quantities 
the  nut  are  cousumed  in  the  East,  mixed  with  the  leaves  of  the  Piper  Betel,  and  with 
ne,  forming  the  masticatory  so  well  known  by  the  name  of  Betel.  The  red  colour  which 
is  mixture  imparts  to  the  saliva  and  the  excrements  is  owing  to  the  Areca  nut,  which 
also  powerfully  astringent,  and,  by  its  internal  use,  tends  to  counteract  the  relaxation 
bowels  to  which  the  heat  of  the  climate  so  strongly  predisposes.  The  nut  is  used  in 
is  country  almost  exclusively  in  the  preparation  of  tooth-powder,  for  which  purpose  it 
first  reduced  by  heat  to  the  state  of  charcoal.  The  superiority  of  this  form  of  charcoal 
er  that  from  other  sources  is  probably  owing  to  its  hardness. 

ARGEMONE  MEXICANA.  Prickly  Poppy.  An  annual  plant,  belonging  to  the  Papave- 
cem,  growing  in  our  Southern  and  Western  States,  Mexico,  the  West  Indies,  Brazil,  and 
many  parts  also  of  Africa  and  Southern  Asia.  It  has  an  erect,  somewhat  glaucous, 
istly  stem,  with  alternate  sessile  leaves,  sinuated  and  prickly  at  the  angles,  and  usually 
irked  with  white  spots.  The  flowers  are  solitary,  yellow  or  white,  with  two  or  three 
ickly  deciduous  sepals,  four  or  six  large  petals,  about  twenty  stamens,  and  four  to  six 
flexed  stigmas.  The  whole  plant  abounds  in  a milky,  viscid  juice,  which  becomes  yellow 
exposure  to  the  air.  From  the  statements  of  different  authors,  it  may  be  inferred  that 
3 plant  is  emetic  and  purgative,  and  possesses  also  narcotic  properties.  The  juice,  which 
acrid,  has  been  used  internally  in  obstinate  cutaneous  eruptions,  and  as  a local  applica- 
n to  warts  and  chancres,  and  in  diseases  of  the  eye.  The  flowers  are  stated  by  De  Can- 
lie  to  have  been  employed  as  a soporific.  But  the  seeds  are  most  esteemed.  They  are 
all,  round,  black,  and  roughish.  In  the  dose  of  two  drachms,  infused  in  a pint  of  water, 
;y  are  said  to  act  as  an  emetic.  In  smaller  doses  they  are  purgative.  An  oil  may  be 
lainedfrom  them  by  expression,  which  has  the  cathartic  properties  of  the  seeds. 

82 


1298  Appendix. 

ARSENIATE  OF  AMMONIA.  Ammonite  Arsenias.  This  salt  is  obtained  in  crystals  I 
saturating  a concentrated  solution  of  arsenic  acid  with  ammonia  or  carbonate  of  amrnoni; 
and  allowing  it  to  evaporate  spontaneously.  It  has  been  used  with  advantage  by  Biett  : 
several  inveterate  diseases  of  the  skin.  It  is  administered  in  solution,  formed  by  dissolvin 
a grain  of  the  salt  in  a fluidounce  of  distilled  water.  Of  this  the  dose  is  from  twenty  i 
twenty-five  drops,  given  in  the  course  of  the  day,  and  gradually  increased. 

ARSENIATE  OF  IRON.  Ferri Arsenias.  This  salt  may  be  formed  by  double  decomp' 
sition,  by  adding  a solution  of  sulphate  of  iron  to  one  ofarseniate  of  soda.  It  precipitat 
in  the  form  of  a dirty-green  powder.  It  has  been  used  by  Carmichael,  diluted  with  for 
times  its  weight  of  phosp>hate  of  iron,  as  a caustic  application  to  cancerous  ulcers, 
may  be  made  into  an  ointment  by  being  mixed  with  twelve  times  its  weight  of  spermace 
cerate.  Internally  it  has  been  given  in  cancerous  affections,  in  the  form  of  pill,  in  tl 
dose  of  the  sixteenth  of  a grain  three  times  a day. 

ASARABACCA.  This  is  the  product  of  the  Asarum  Europseum,  an  herbaceous  perenni; 
plant,  growing  in  Europe,  between  37°  and  60°  north  latitude,  in  woods  and  shady  place; 
and  flowering  in  May.  All  parts  of  the  plant  are  acrid.  The  leaves  were  specially  directe 
by  the  London  College,  when  the  plant  was  recognised  as  officinal;  but  the  whole  plan 
including  root,  stem,  leaves,  and  flowers,  is  usually  kept  in  the  shops.  The  root  is  abov 
as  thick  as  a goose-quill,  of  a grayish  colour,  quadrangular,  knotted  and  twisted,  an 
sometimes  furnished  with  radicles  at  each  joint.  It  has  a smell  analogous  to  that  of  peppe) 
an  acrid  taste,  and  affords  a grayish  powder.  The  leaves,  which  have  long  footstalks,  ar 
kidney-shaped,  entire,  somewThat  hairy,  of  a shining  deep-green  colour  when  fresh,  near! 
inodorous,  with  a taste  slightly  aromatic,  bitter,  acrid,  and  nauseous.  Their  powder  i 
yellowish-green.  Both  parts  rapidly  lose  their  activity  by  keeping,  and  ultimately  becom 
inert.  Geiger,  however,  asserts  that  they  keep  well  if  perfectly  dry.  Their  virtues  ar 
imparted  to  alcohol  and  water,  but  are  dissipated  by  decoction.  According  to  MM.  Feneull 
and  Lassaigne,  the  root  contains  a concrete  volatile  oil,  a very  acrid  fixed  oil,  a yellow  sul 
^stance  analogous  to  cytisin,  starch,  albumen,  mucilage,  citric  acid,  and  saline  matters.  Th 
latest  analysis  is  by  Griiger,  who  found  in  the  root  a liquid  volatile  oil,  two  concrete  vola 
tile  substances  called  respectively  asarum  camphor  or  asarone,  and  asarile,  a peculiar  bitte 
principle  called  asarin,  tannin,  extractive,  resin,  starch,  gluten,  albumen,  lignin,  citric  aciv 
and  various  salts;  in  the  leaves,  asarin,  tannin,  extractive,  chlorophylle,  albumen,  citri 
acid,  and  lignin.  The  active  principles  appear  to  be  the  volatile  oil,  which  is  lighter  tba 
water,  glutinous,  yellow,  of  an  acrid  and  burning  taste,  and  a smell  like  that  of  valeriaD 
and  the  asarin,  which  is  soluble  in  alcohol  and  very  bitter,  and  is  probably  the  same  asth 
cytisin  of  Feneulle  and  Lassaigne.  The  root  and  leaves  of  asarabacca.  either  fresh  O' 
carefully  dried,  are  powerfully  emetic  and  cathartic,  and  were  formerly  much  used  i 
Europe  with  a view  to  these  effects.  The  dose  is  from  thirty  grains  to  a drachm.  But  as  a 
emetic  they  have  been  entirely  superseded  by  ipecacuanha ; and  they  are  now  used  chiefly 
if  not  exclusively,  as  an  errliine.  The  powdered  root,  snuffed  up  the  nostrils  in  the  quae 
tity  of  one  or  two  grains,  produces  much  irritation,  and  a copious  flow  of  mucus,  whie 
is  said  to  continue  sometimes  for  several  days.  The  leaves  are  milder,  and  generally  pre 
ferred.  They  should  be  used  in  the  quantity  of  three  or  four  grains  repeated  every  nigh 
until  the  desired  effect  is  experienced.  They  have  been  strongly  recommended  in  headache 
chronic  ophthalmia,  and  rheumatic  and  paralytic  affections  of  the  face,  mouth  and  throat 

ASCLEPIAS  CURASSAYICA.  Bastard  Ipecacuanha.  Redhead.  Blood  Weed.  This  is 
very  pretty  species  of  Asclepias,  from  one  to  three  feet  high,  and  bearing  umbels  of  bright 
red  flowers.  It  is  a native  of  the  West  Indies,  abounding  especially  in  the  Island  ofNevi 
and  St.  Kitts,  where  it  is  considerably  used  as  a medicine.  Both  the  root  and  the  expresse 
juice  are  emetic,  the  former  in  the  dose  of  one  or  two  scruples,  the  latter  in  that  of  a fluid 
ounce  or  more.  They  are  also  cathartic  in  somewhat  smaller  doses ; and  the  expresse 
juice,  made  into  a syrup  with  sugar,  has  been  strongly  recommended  as  a remedy  in  worn:; 
The  medicine,  however,  is  somewhat  uncertain  in  its  operation.  According  to  Dr.  b 
Hamilton,  the  plant  may  also  be  usefully  employed  in  arresting  hemorrhages,  and  in  tii 
treatment  of  obstinate  gonorrhoea,  in  which  it  has  been  found  very  efficient  by  Dr.  Eai 
ham.  (See  Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xix.  19.) 

ASPARAGUS  OFFICINALIS.  Asparagus.  This  well  known  garden  vegetable  is 
native  of  Europe.  It  is  perennial  and  herbaceous.  The  root,  which  is  inodorous,  and  c 
a weak  sweetish  taste,  was  formerly  used  as  a diuretic,  aperient,  and  purifier  of  the  blood 
and  it  is  stated  to  be  still  employed  to  a considerable  extent  in  France.  It  is  given  in  th 
form  of  decoction,  made  in  the  proportion  of  one  or  two  ounces  of  the  root  to  a quart  c 
water.  Hayne  asserts  that,  in  the  dried  state,  it  is  wholly  inert.  The  young  shoots  ar 
much  used  as  food.  Before  being  boiled  they  have  a disagreeable  taste;  and  their  juie 
was  found  by  Robiquet  and  Yauquelin  to  contain  a peculiar  crystallizable  principle,  caile 


Appendix.  1299 

paraffin  (see-  page  77),  which,  however,  is  not  known  to  exert  any  special  influence  on 
e system.  The  sprouts  themselves  are  not  without  effect,  as  the  urine  acquires  a dis- 
$reeable  odour  very  soon  after  they  have  been  eaten.  They  are  considered  by  some 
riters  as  diuretic,  aperient,  and  deobstruent,  and  as  constituting  a very  wholesome  and 
;eful  article  of  diet,  early  in  the  spring,  when  vegetables  are  scarce.  Broussais  thought 
at  they  were  sedative  to  the  heart,  and  recommended  them  especially  in  hypertrophy, 
id  other  diseases  of  that  organ  attended  with  excessive  action,  and  without  phlogosis  of 
.e  stomach.  M.  Gendrin,  however,  after  much  experience  with  asparagus,  affirms  that 
i never  knew  it  to  exercise  the  slightest  influence  over  the  heart,  and  ascribes  its  palliative 
fects,  in  diseases  of  that  organ,  to  a diuretic  action.  He  found  it,  in  all  the  cases  in  which 
; administered  it,  to  increase  the  quantity  of  urine,  which,  in  some  instances,  was  quin- 
pled.  The  most  convenient  forms  for  exhibition  are  those  of  syrup  and  extract,  prepared 
am  the  shoots.  The  former  may  be  given  in  the  dose  of  one  or  two  fluidounces,  the  latter, 
half  a drachm  or  a drachm.  The  syrup  may  be  made  by  adding  a sufficient  quantity 
sugar  to  the  expressed  juice  of  the  shoots,  previously  deprived  of  its  albumen  by  ex- 
isure  to  heat  and  by  filtration;  the  extract,  by  evaporating  the  same  juice  to  the  con- 
itence  of  a pilular  mass.  The  berries  are  capable  of  undergoing  the  vinous  fermentation, 
d affording  alcohol  by  distillation.  In  their  unripe  state  they  possess  the  same  properties 
the  shoots,  and  probably  in  a much  higher  degree.  We  have  employed  a syrup  prepared 
jm  them,  with  apparent  advantage,  in  a case  of  diseased  heart. 

ASPLENIUM  FILIX  FCEMINA.  B.  Brown.  Female  Fern.  This  is  th e Polypodium  Filix 
inina  of  Linn.,  the  Aspidium  Filix  foemina  of  Swartz,  and  the  Athyrium  Filix  foemina  of 
)tk.  It  has  a root  analogous  in  character  to  that  of  the  male  fern  ( Aspidium  Filix  mas), 
d has  been  supposed  to  possess  similar  vermifuge  properties.  At  present,  however,  it 
not  used.  The  vulgar  name  of  female  fern  is  also  given  to  the  Pleris  aquilina,  or  common 
ike,  which  is  said  by  some  authors  to  have  the  property  of  destroying  the  tape-worm. 
ie  leaves  of  two  species  of  Asplenium,  A.  Trichomanes,  or  common  spleenwort,  and  A. 
iiantum-nigrum,  or  black  spleenwort,  are  mucilaginous,  and  have  been  used  as  substitutes 
■ the  maidenhairs  ( Adiantum  Capillus  Veneris  and  A.  pedatum)  as  pectorals,  though 
stitute  of  the  aromatic  flavour  which  is  the  chief  recommendation  of  these  plants. 
BALM  OF  GILEAD.  Balsam,  of  Gilead.  Balsamum  Gileadense.  Baume  dela  Mecque,~Fr. 
e genuine  balm  of  Gilead  is  the  resinous  juice  of  the  Amyris  Gileadensis  of  Linn.,  the 
dsamodendron  Gileadense  of  Kunth,  a small  evergreen  tree,  growing  on  the  Asiatic  and 
rican  shores  of  the  Red  Sea.  It  was  in  high  repute  with  the  ancients,  and  still  retains 
. value  in  the  estimation  of  the  eastern  nations,  among  whom  it  is  employed  both  as  a 
: dicine  and  cosmetic.  In  western  Europe  and  in  this  country,  it  is  seldom  found  in  a 
te  of  purity,  and  its  use  has  been  entirely  abandoned.  It  is  described  as  a turbid, 
itish,  thick,  gray,  odorous  liquid,  which  becomes  solid  by  exposure.  It  possesses  no 
: dical  properties  which  do  not  exist  in  other  balsamic  or  terebinthinate  juices.  It  was 
: merly  known  by  the  name  of  opobalsamum ; while  the  dried  twigs  of  the  tree  were  called 
:i obalsamum , and  the  dried  fruit,  carpobalsamum. 

BALSAM  OF  SULPHUR.  This  name  was  formerly  given  to  a substance  resulting  from 
'■  reaction  of  sulphur  upon  olive  oil  at  a high  temperature.  It  was  directed  in  the  old 
. inburgh  Pharmacopoeia,  under  the  name  of  Oleum  Sulphvratvm ; but  was  discharged 
fm  that  work  at  the  last  revision.  The  directions  of  the  College  were  to  boil  eight  parts 
c olive  oil  and  one  part  of  sublimed  sulphur  together,  with  a gentle  fire,  in  a large  iron 
] , stirring  them  constantly  till  they  united.  The  iron  pot  should  be  large  enough  to  hold 
tee  times  the  quantity  of  the  materials  employed,  as  the  mixture  might  otherwise  boil 
( r.  As  the  vapours  which  rise  are  apt  to  take  fire,  a lid  should  be  at  hand  to  cover  the 
] , and  thus  extinguish  the  flame  if  necessary.  Sulphur  is  soluble  to  a considerable  extent 
bleated  oil,  from  which,  if  the  solution  be  saturated,  it  is  deposited  in  a crystalline  state 
( cooling.  But  it  is  not  a mere  solution  which  this  process  is  intended  to  effect.  The  oil 
i lartly  decomposed,  and  the  resulting  preparation  is  an  extremely  fetid,  acrid,  viscid, 
i dish-brown  fluid.  In  order  that  it  may  be  obtained,  the  oil  must  be  heated  to  the  boiling 
I;at.  Sulphurated  oil,  or  balsam  of  sulphur,  was  iqfmerly  thought  useful  in  chronic  catarrh, 
c sumption,  and  other  pectoral  complaints;  but  inconvenience  has  arisen  from  its  acrid 
I perties,  and  its  internal  use  has  been  abEi0doned.  It  is  said  to  be  sometimes  applied 
a i stimulant  to  foul  ulcers.  The  dose  is  from  five  to  thirty  drops. 

1ALSAMUM  TRANQUILAXS.  Baume  Tranquille.  This  is  a preparation  of  some  note, 
d ;cted  by  the  French  Codex,  and  consisting  essentially  of  olive  oil  holding  in  solution  the 
a ve  matters  of  certain  narcotic  and  aromatic  plants.  The  fresh  plants  are  boiled  with 
t oil  until  all  their  water  is  driven  off;  the  oil  is  then  expressed  and  poured  upon  the 
d :d  plants  properly  comminuted  ; and  the  mixture,  having  been  allowed  to  stand  for  a 
d ith,  is  strained,  and  the  oil  decanted.  The  preparation  is  used  by  friction  as  an  ano- 
d e in  local  pains. 


1300  Appendix. 

BAPTISIA  TINCTORIA.  Sophora  tinctoria.  Linn.  Podalyria  tincloria.  Michaux.  TTi 
Indigo.  This  is  an  indigenous  perennial  plant,  found  in  all  parts  of  the  United  State 
growing  abundantly  in  woods  and  dry  barren  uplands.  It  is  from  one  to  three  feet  big 
with  a smooth,  very  branching  stem,  small,  ternate,  cuneate-obovate,  bluish-green  leave 
and  yellow  flowers,  which  appear  in  July  and  August,  and,  like  the  whole  plant,  becon 
black  when  dried.  The  root,  which  is  the  part  most  highly  recommended,  is  of  a dar 
brown  colour,  inodorous,  and  of  a nauseous,  somewhat,  acrid  taste.  Its  virtues  appear 
reside  chiefly  in  the  cortical  portion.  In  large  doses,  it  is  said  to  operate  violently  as : 
emetic  and  cathartic ; in  smaller,  to  produce  only  a mild  laxative  effect.  It  is  said  to  ha- 
proved  useful  in  scarlatina,  typhus  fever,  and  in  that  state  of  system  which  attends  gai 
grene  or  mortification.  Dr.  Thacher  speaks  highly  of  its  efficacy  as  an  external  applicati 
to  obstinate  and  painful  ulcers ; and  Dr.  Comstock,  of  Rhode  Island,  found  it  extreme 
useful,  both  as  an  internal  and  external  remedy,  in  threatened  or  existing  mortificatio: 
By  the  latter  physician  it  was  given  in  decoction,  made  in  the  proportion  of  an  ounce 
the  root  to  a pint  of  water,  of  which  half  a fiuidounce  was  administered  every  four  < 
eight  hours,  any  tendency  to  operate  on  the  bowels  being  checked  with  laudanum.  D 
Stevens,  of  Ceres,  Pennsylvania,  has  employed  a decoction  of  the  root  advantageously 
epidemic  dysentery.  ( N.  Y.  Journ.  of  Med.,  iv.  358.)  It  may  be  used  externally  in  tl 
form  of  decoction  or  cataplasm.  The  stem  and  leaves  possess  the  same  virtues  as  the  roo 
though  in  a less  degree.  A pale-blue  colouring  substance  has  been  prepared  from  tl 
plant  as  a substitute  for  indigo,  but  is  greatly  inferior. 

BARBADOES  NUTS.  Purging  Nuts.  Physic  Nuts.  These  are  the  seeds  of  the  Cure 
purgans  of  Adanson  {Jatropha  Curcas  of  Linnaeus),  growing  in  Brazil,  the  West  Indies,  an 
on  the  western  coast  of  Africa.  The  fruit  is  a three-celled  capsule,  containing  one  see 
in  each  cell,  and  is  of  about  the  size  of  a walnut.  The  seeds  are  blackish,  oval,  aboi 
eight  lines  long,  flat  on  one  side,  convex  on  the  other:  and  the  two  sides  present  a sligl 
longitudinal  prominence.  They  yielded  to  Soubeiran  fixed  oil,  an  acrid  resin,  sugar,  gun 
a fatty  acid,  gluten,  a free  acid,  and  salts.  The  oil  may  be  separated  by  expression.  Whe 
fresh  it  is  without  smell  or  colour,  but  becomes  yellowish  and  slightly  odorous  by  tim< 
When  cold  it  deposits  a white  substance,  which  is  probably  margarin.  Alcohol  does  nc 
readily  dissolve  it.  Some  call  it  jatropha  oil.  From  three  to  five  of  the  seeds,  slightl 
roasted  and  deprived  of  their  envelope,  operate  actively  as  a cathartic,  and  not  unfrequentl 
produce  nausea  and  vomiting,  w'ith  a sense  of  burning  in  the  stomach.  The  oil  purges  i 
the  dose  of  twelve  or  fifteen  drops,  and  is  analogous  in  its  action  to  croton  oil,  though  les 
powerful.  The  cake  left  after  the  expression  of  the  oil  is  an  acrid  emeto-cathartic,  opt 
rating  in  the  dose  of  a few  grains.  Either  of  these  substances  may  produce  serious  cor 
sequences  in  over-doses.  The  leaves  of  the  plant  are  rubefacient,  and  the  juice  is  said  t 
have  been  usefully  employed  as  a local  remedy  in  piles. 

The  seeds  of  Curcas  mullifidus  ( Jatropha  multifida , Linn.)  have  similar  properties,  an 
yield  a similar  oil.  This  species  also  grows  in  Brazil  and  the  West  Indies. 

BASSORA  GUM.  The  plant  which  yields  this  substance  is  unknown.  It  came  int 
commerce  originally  from  the  neighbourhood  of  Bassora,  on  the  Gulf  of  Persia,  but  is  frt 
quently  found  mixed  with  gum  brought  from  other  countries,  and  is  probably  not  the  pre 
duct  of  one  plant  exclusively.  It  is.  in  irregular  pieces,  of  various  sizes,  never  very  large 
white  or  yellow,  intermediate  in  the  degree  of  its  transparency  between  gum  Arabic  an 
tragacanth,  inodorous,  tasteless,  and  possessed  of  the  property  of  yielding  a slight  soun 
when  broken  under  the  teeth.  But  a small  portion  of  it  is  soluble  in  water,  whether  ho 
or  cold.  The  remainder  swells  up  considerably,  though  less  than  tragacanth,  and  doe 
not,  like  that  substance,  form  a gelatinous  mass,  as  it  consists  of  independent  granule 
which  have  little  cohesion.  The  soluble  portion  is  pure  gum  or  arabin.  and,  according  t 
M.  Guerin,  constitutes  11-2  per  cent.  The  insoluble  portion  consists  of  a peculiar  prir 
ciple  called  bassorin,  associated  with  a small  proportion  of  saline  substances,  which  yielc 
when  the  gum  is  burnt,  5-6  per  cent,  of  ashes.  The  gum  is  useless  both  in  medicine  an 
pharmacy,  and  is  described  here  only  as  containing  a principle  which  enters  into  the  com 
position  of  several  medicinal  substances^,, 

Bassorin  is  insoluble  in  water,  alcohol,  and  ether,  but  softens  and  swells  up  in  hot  or  col; 
water.  Diluted  nitric  and  muriatic  acids,  with  the  aid  of  heat,  dissolve  it  almost  entirely 
The  acidulous  solution,  concentrated  by  evaporation,  and  treated  with  alcohol,  lets  tail 
flocculent  precipitate  which  has  all  the  characters  of  pure  gum,  into  which  the  bassori 
appears  to  have  been  converted  by  the  action  of  the  acid.  This  does  not.  however,  cor 
stitute  more  than  a tenth  part  of  the  bassorin  dissolved.  By  gradually  evaporating  tli 
alcoholic  acidulous  solution,  a thick  bitterish  liquid  is  obtained,  which  exhales  a stron 
odour  of  ammonia  when  treated  with  potassa.  Strong  nitric  acid  converts  bassorin  int 
mucic  and  oxalic  acids ; and,  treated  with  sulphuric  acid,  it  yields  a sweet  crystallin 


Appendix.  1301 

ibstance  which  is  incapable  of  the  vinous  fermentation.  (Guerin.)  Vauquelin  was  the 
1st  to  call  attention  to  this  principle,  upon  which  he  conferred  its  present  name,  from 
Iving  first  observed  it  in  the  Bassora  gum.  Bucholz  afterwards  discovered  the  same  or 
; losely  analogous  principle  in  tragacanth ; and  John,  a principle  which  was  supposed  to  be 
I;  same,  in  the  gum  of  the  cherry  tree;  hence  it  has  sometimes  been  called  tragacanthin 
id  Cerasin.  M.  Guerin,  however,  has  demonstrated  that  the  insoluble  principle  of  the 
(3rry  gum  is  essentially  different  from  bassorin.  Berzelius  considers  the  latter  as  be- 
hging  to  the  class  of  substances  which  he  associates  under  the  name  of  mucilage,  and  of 
- ich  the  mucilages  of  flaxseed  and  quince  seed  are  examples.  (See  Linum,  p.  448.) 

BDELLIUM.  This  name  has  been  given  to  two  different  gum-resins,  distinguished  as 
Man  and  African  bdellium.  Dr.  Royle  was  informed  that  the  former  was  obtained  from 
I;  Amyris  Commiphora  of  Roxburgh,  growing  in  India  and  Madagascar.  The  latter  is 
i d to  be  the  product-  of  Heudelolia  A fricana,  which  grows  in  Senegal.  Bdellium  some- 
ties  comes  mixed  with  gum  Arabic  and  gum  Senegal.  It  is  either  in  small  roundish 
pees,  of  a reddish  colour,  semi-transparent,  and  brittle,  with  a wax-like  fracture,  or  in 
1 ger  irregular  lumps,  of  a dark  brownish-red  colour,  less  transparent,  somewhat  tena- 
cus,  and  adhering  to  the  teeth  when  chewed.  It  has  an  odour  and  taste  like  those  of 
lTrh,  but  weaker.  It  is  infusible  and  inflammable,  diffusing  while  it  burns  a balsamic 
our.  According  to  Pelletier  it  consists  of  59  per  cent,  of  resin,  9-2  of  gum,  30-6  of  bas- 
: in,  and  1 -2  of  volatile  oil,  including  loss.  In  medical  properties  it  is  analogous  to  myrrh, 
ilwas  formerly  used  for  the  same  purposes ; but  it  is  now  scarcely  ever  given  internally. 

1 Europe,  it  is  still  occasionally  employed  as  an  ingredient  of  plasters.  The  dose  is  from 
1 : to  forty  grains. 

3EAN  OF  ST.  IGNATIUS.  Faba  Sancti  Ignatii.  This  is  the  product  of  the  Ignatia 
lara  of  the  younger  Linnmus,  which  is  now  considered  a species  of  Strychnos,  and  enti- 
t IS.  Ignatia.  (See  Nux  Vomica.)  It  is  a tree  of  middling  size,  with  numerous  long,  cylin- 
(jcal,  glabrous,  vine-like  branches,  which  bear  opposite,  nearly  sessile,  oval,  pointed,  en- 
t i,  and  very  smooth  leaves.  The  flowers  are  white,  tubular,  fragrant,  and  arranged  in 
£ .rt  axillary  racemes.  The  fruit  is  of  the  size  and  shape  of  a pear,  with  a smooth,  whitish, 
l ieous  rind,  enclosing  about  twenty  seeds  embedded  in  a dry  pulpy  matter,  and  lying 
0 upon  the  other.  These  seeds  are  the  part  used.  The  tree  is  a native  of  the  Philip- 
{ e Islands,  where  the  seeds  were  highly  esteemed  as  a medicine,  and,  having  attracted 
t attention  of  the  Jesuits,  were  honoured  with  the  name  of  the  founder  of  their  order, 
ley  are  about  an  inch  long,  rather  less  in  breadth,  still  less  in  thickness,  convex  on  one 
S3,  obscurely  angular,  with  two,  three,  or  four  faces  on  the  other,  and  marked  at  one 
e:.  with  a small  depression  indicating  their  point  of  attachment.  They  are  externally  of 
sale-brown  colour,  apparently  smooth,  but  covered  in  fact  with  a short  down  or  efflo- 
r;ence,  which  may  be  removed  by  scraping  them  with  a knife.  They  are  somewhat 
t isluce'nt,  and  their  substance  is  very  hard  and  horny.  They  have  no  smell,  but  an 
e essively  bitter  taste.  To  Pelletier  and  Caventou  they  afforded  the  same  constituents 
a lux  vomica,  and  among  them  1-2  per  cent,  of  strychnia. 

IM.  Magendie  and  Delile  have  proved  that  they  act  on  the  human  system  in  the  same 
e iner  as  nux  vomica.  In  the  Philippines  they  have  been  employed  for  the  cure  of  ob- 
s ] ate  intermittents,  and  in  numerous  other  diseases.  It  is  probable  that  in  small  doses 
fy  act  as  a tonic.  In  this  country  they  are  never  used.  We  have  noticed  them  here 
chccount  of  their  comparatively  large  proportion  of  strychnia,  which  is  triple  that  con- 
t:i  ed  in  nux  vomica.  They  are  employed  for  the  extraction  of  that  principle. 

’EBEERU  BARK.  The  bark  of  a tree  growing  in  British  Guiana,  which  has  recently 
b a brought  into  notice  as  a powerful  tonic  and  febrifuge.  The  tree  is  a species  of  Nec- 
U Jra,  and  has  been  named  by  Sir  Robert  Schomburg,  N.  Rodiei,  in  honour  of  Dr.  Rodie, 
b vliom  it  was  first  described.  The  bark  is  in  flat  pieces,  three  or  four  lines  thick,  smooth, 
gyish,  hard,  heavy,  and  brittle.  The  fruit  is  as  large  as  a small  apple,  obeordate  or 

0 rate,  somewhat  compressed,  consisting  of  an  exterior  brittle  shell,  and  an  interior 
fl  ly  kernel.  Both  the  bark  and  the  fruit  are  intensely  bitter.  They  contain  two  alka- 
li principles  discovered  by  Dr.  Rodie,  and  named  respectively  bebeerin  and  sipeerin. 

1 se  are  extracted  together,  in  the  form  of  sulphates,  by  a process  similar  to  that  for 
p )aring  sulphate  of  quinia.  The  preparation  is  of  a dark  colour,  and  has  the  appear- 
a ; of  an  extract.  Messrs.  Maclagan  and  Tilley  obtain  pure  bebeerin  by  the  following 
p css.  The  impure  sulphate  is  dissolved  in  water,  and  precipitated  by  ammonia.  The 
p apitate,  mixed  with  an  equal  weight  of  recently  precipitated  oxide  of  lead,  and  dried, 
is  eated  with  absolute  alcohol,  which,  being  evaporated,  leaves  the  two  alkalies  in  the 
fc  i of  a translucent  resinoid  mass.  The  bebeerin  is  separated  by  means  of  ether,  which 
yi  is  it  by  evaporation.  It  is  pale-yellow,  of  a resinous  appearance,  uncrystallizable, 
vi ' soluble  in  alcohol,  less  so  in  ether,  and  very  slightly  soluble  in  water.  It  softens 


1302  Appendix. 

and  melts  with  heat,  and  at  a higher  temperature  takes  fire.  Its  salts  are  uncry  stallizabl 
(Journ.  de  Pharm.,  3e  ser.,  x.  89.)  The  sulphate,  above  referred  to,  has  been  employe 
with  great  asserted  success,  in  the  treatment  of  intermittent  and  remittent  fevers.  I 
Rodie  recommended  it  so  early  as  1834;  but  it  did  not  attract  general  attention  nn 
brought  into  notice  by  Dr.  Douglas  Maclagan,  of  Edinburgh,  who  published  a number 
observations  tending  to  prove  its  possession  of  valuable  antiperiodic  properties.  Othe 
afterwards  confirmed  his  statements  in  its  favour,  and  it  was  hoped  that  a substitute  h: 
been  found  for  the  alkaloids  of  Peruvian  bark ; but  the  more  recent  published  accounts  ' 
M.  Becquerel,  of  France  (Journ.  de  Pharm.,  3e  ser.,  xx.  439),  of  Dr.  Wm.  Pepper, 
Philadelphia  (Am.  Journ.  of  Med.  Sci.,  N.  S.,  xxv.  13),  and  of  Dr.  E.  D.  Dailey,  of  Smyrn 
Delaware  (Med.  Exam.,  N.  S.,  ix.  557),  show  satisfactorily  that,  though  frequently  sn 
cessful,  it  often  fails,  and  cannot  be  relied  on  as  a substitute  for  quinia.  From  a scrap 
to  a drachm  may  be  given  between  the  paroxysms,  in  doses  of  two  grains. 

BEDEGUAR.  Fungus  Rosarum.  An  excrescence  upon  the  sweet  briar  or  eglantine,  ai 
other  species  of  Rosa,  produced  by  the  puncture  of  insects,  especially  by  one  or  more  sp 
cies  of  Cgnips.  It  is  of  irregular  shape,  usually  roundish,  about  an  inch  in  diamete 
with  numerous  cells  internally,  in  each  of  which  is  the  larva  of  an  insect.  It  has  litt 
smell,  and  a slightly  astringent  taste.  Though  formerly  considered  diuretic,  anthelminti 
and  lithontriptic,  and  employed  as  a remedy  for  toothache,  it  has  fallen  into  disuse, 
was  given  in  doses  of  from  ten  to  forty  grains. 

BENZOATE  OF  AMMONIA.  Ammonise  Benzoas.  This  salt  is  formed  by  dissolvii 
benzoic  acid  nearly  to  saturation  in  a warm  solution  of  ammonia.  Upon  cooling  tl 
solution  forms  crystals,  which  are  somewhat  deliquescent,  and  very  soluble  in  wate 
Benzoate  of  ammonia  is  deemed  diuretic,  andliasbeen  employed  in  dropsy.  Dr.  Seymou 
of  London,  used  it  with  beneficial  effects  in  gout,  and  also  in  cases  in  which  chalk  ston 
were  deposited  near  the  joints. 

BENZOIN  ODORIFERUM.  Nees.  Lavrus  Benzoin.  Linn.  Spice-wood.  Spice-bus 
Fever-bush.  An  indigenous  shrub,  from  four  to  ten  feet  high,  growing  in  moist,  shat 
places,  in  all  parts  of  the  United  States.  Its  flowers  appear  early  in  spring,  long  befoi 
the  leaves,  and  are  succeeded  by  small  clusters  of  oval  berries,  which,  when  ripe,  in  tl 
latter  part  of  September,  are  of  a shining  crimson  colour.  All  parts  of  the  shrub  have 
spicy,  agreeable  flavour,  which  is  strongest  in  the  bark  and  berries.  The  small  branch- 
are  sometimes  used  as  a gently  stimulant  aromatic,  in  the  form  of  infusion  or  decoctio 
They  are  said  to  be  employed  in  this  way  by  the  country  people  as  a vermifuge,  and  ; 
agreeable  drink  in  low  fevers  ; and  the  bark  has  been  used  in  intermittents.  The  berrie 
dried  and  powdered,  were  sometimes  substituted,  during  the  revolutionary  war,  for  allspic 
According  to  Dr.  Drake,  the  oil  of  the  berries  is  used  as  a stimulant. 

BENZOLE.  Benzine.  Benzene.  Phene.  Hydruret  of  Phenyle.  This  substance  was  orig 
nally  obtained  by  distilling  benzoic  acid  with  lime.  It  was  afterwards  discovered  by  Far 
day  as  a constituent  of  coal-gas  tar.  This  tar,  when  distilled,  furnishes  coal-naphtha, 
complex  substance,  containing  a number  of  carbohydrogens,  among  which  is  benzol 
Upon  distilling  this  naphtha  from  a metallic  still,  surmounted  with  an  open  vessel  filh 
with  water,  and  containing  a worm  terminating  in  a refrigerated  receiver,  the  benzole  w 
pass  over  and  condense  in  the  receiver:  while  the  other  substances  associated  with  i 
having  higher  boiling  points,  will  condense  in  the  worm,  and  fall  back  into  the  still.  Ti 
benzole  is  then  purified  by  distillation  at  a heat  between  176°  and  194°.  and  by  subjectii 
the  product  to  a new  distillation  from  one-fourth  of  its  volume  of  sulphuric  acid. 

Benzole  is  a colourless  oleaginous  liquid,  possessing  an  agreeable  odour.  Its  sp.  gr. 
085,  congealing  point  32°,  and  boiling  point  176°.  Its  formula  is  C]2H6.  Its  powers 
a solvent  are  very  extensive.  Among  the  substances  soluble  in  it  are  sulphur,  phospboru 
and  iodine.  It  dissolves  quinia,  but  not  cinchonia.  with  which  it  forms  a bulky,  gelatine1 
mass.  Morphia  and  strychnia  are  sparingly  soluble.  It  is  also  a solvent  of  many  of  tl 
resins ; as  also  of  mastic,  camphor,  wax.  fatty  and  essential  oils,  caoutchouc,  and  gut 
percha.  The  last  two  substances  may  be  obtained,  without  alteration  of  properties, 
tough  sheets  of  any  desired  tenuity,  by  spreading  their  benzole  solutions  on  glass  or  oth 
polished  surface,  and  allowing  the  solvent  to  evaporate.  The  same  solutions  brushed  ov 
the  skin,  form  artificial  cuticles,  which  have  been  found  useful  as  coverings  to  wounds  ai 
burns.  The  vapour  of  benzole,  when  inhaled,  acts  as  an  anaesthetic.  In  relation  to  tb 
substance  see  the  paper  of  C.  B.  Mansfield,  in  the  Chem.  Gaz.  (No.  159,  p.  2241.  fro 
which  the  facts  of  this  article  are  principally  taken. 

Benzole,  by  the  action  of  concentrated  fuming  nitric  acid,  is  converted  into  mtrobenzo 
also  called  nitrobenzule  and  nitrobenzide,  having  the  formula  C12H.,N04.  The  produ< 
after  having  been  washed  with  water,  forms  an  oily,  yellowish,  intensely  sweet  liqni 
having  an  odour  like  that  of  oil  of  bitter  almonds.  Its  density  is  1-209,  and  boiling  poi 


Appendix.  1303 

15°.  Latterly,  it  has  become  of  commercial  importance  under  the  name  of  artificial  oil 
' bitter  almonds,  being  employed  in  scenting  soaps,  in  confectionery,  and  for  flavouring 
•tides  of  diet.  Nitrobenzole  may  be  viewed  as  benzole,  in  which  one  eq.  of  hydrogen  is 
•placed  by  one  of  nitrous  acid. 

BERBERIS  VULGARIS.  Barberry.  A shrub  growing  wild  in  Europe  and  the  United 
bates,  and  sometimes  cultivated  in  gardens  on  account  of  its  berries.  These  grow  in  loose 
finches,  are  oblong,  and  of  a red  colour,  have  a grateful,  sour,  astringent  taste,  and  con- 
in  malic  and  citric  acids.  They  are  refrigerant,  astringent,  and  antiscorbutic,  and  are 
seel  in  Europe,  in  the  form  of  drink,  in  febrile  diseases  and  diarrhoeas.  An  agreeable 
uup  is  prepared  from  the  juice ; and  the  berries  are  sometimes  preserved  for  the  table, 
he  root  and  inner  bark  have  been  used  for  dyeing  yellow,  and  are  said  to  have  been  em- 
oyed  beneficially  in  jaundice.  They  owe  their  colouring  property  to  a peculiar  crystal- 
zable  principle,  which  has  been  named  berberin,  and  which  is  said,  in  the  dose  of  from  one 
p ten  grains,  to  be  tonic  and  purgative.  [Journ.  de  Pharm.,  xxi.  309.)  This  principle 
is  beeu  ascertained  to  possess  alkaline  properties.  (See  Chem.  Gaz.,  April,  1847,  p.  129, 
id  June,  1847,  p.  209.)  It  is  a vulgar  error  to  suppose  that  the  vicinity  of  this  plant  is 
ijurious  to  wheat.  The  American  plant  differs  slightly  from  the  European,  and  is  de- 
iribed  by  Pursh  as  a distinct  species,  under  the  name  of  B.  Canadensis.  It  grows  in 
ountains  and  hilly  districts  from  Canada  to  Virginia.  The  berries  are  smaller  and  much 
ss  juicy  than  those  of  the  garden  barberry. 

BETONICA  OFFICINALIS.  Wood  Betony.  A perennial  European  herb,  belonging  to 
le  labiate  plants.  It  has  a pleasant  but  feeble  odour,  and  a warm,  somewhat  astringent, 
id  bitterish  taste.  By  the  ancients  it  was  much  esteemed,  and  employed  in  numerous 
iseasfis ; but  it  is  at  present  little  used.  It  is  slightly  warming  and  corroborant,  but  is 
iferior  in  this  respect  to  many  other  plants  of  the  same  family.  The  root  has  been  con- 
dered  emetic  and  purgative. 

BETULA  ALBA.  Common  European  Birch.  Various  parts  of  this  tree  have  been  ap- 
lied  to  medical  uses.  The  inner  bark , which  is  bitterish  and  astringent,  has  been  employed 
l intermittent  fever.  The  epidermis  is  separable  into  thin  layers,  which  may  be  em- 
loyed  as  a substitute  for  paper,  and  are  applied  to  various  economical  uses.  The  bark 
jmtains  a peculiar  principle,  called  betulin,  which  is  ranked  among  the  sub-resins.  When 
»ie  bark  is  distilled,  it  yields  an  empy’reumatic  oil,  having  the  peculiar  odour  of  Russia 
:ather,  in  the  preparation  of  which  it  is  employed.  The  leaves , which  have  a peculiar, 
,’omatic,  agreeable  odour,  and  a bitter  taste,  have  been  employed,  in  the  form  of  infusion, 
l gout,  rheumatism,  dropsy,  and  cutaneous  diseases.  The  same  complaints,  particularly 
:opsy,  are  said  to  have  been  successfully  treated  by  enveloping  the  body  in  the  fresh 
aves,  which  thus  applied  excite  perspiration.  When  the  stem  of  the  tree  is  wounded,  a 
iccharine  juice  flows  out,  which  is  considered  useful  in  complaints  of  the  kidneys  and  blad- 
2r,  and  is  susceptible,  with  yeast,  of  the  vinous  fermentation.  A beer,  wine,  spirit,  and 
negar  are  prepared  from  it,  and  used  in  some  parts  of  Europe. 

Of  the  American  species  of  birch,  Betula  lenta,  variously’  called  siveet  birch,  black  birch, 
terry  birch,  and  mountain  mahogany,  is  remarkable  for  the  aromatic  flavour  of  its  bark  and 
aves,  which  have  the  odour  and  taste  of  Gaultheria  proeumbens,  and  are  sometimes  used 
i infusion,  as  an  agreeable,  gently  stimulant,  and  diaphoretic  drink.  An  oil  is  obtained 
f distillation  from  the  bark,  which  has  been  proved  by  Prof.  Procter  to  be  identical  with 
1 of  gaultheria.  (Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xv.  243.)  This  species  also  affords  a saccharine 
quor,  which,  indeed,  appears  to  be  common  to  all  the  birches.  The  bark  of  B.  papyracea 
employed  by  the  Northern  Indians  for  making  canoes ; and  thin  lay’ers  of  the  epidermis 
:e  placed  inside  of  boots  to  prevent  the  access  of  moisture. 

BEZOAR.  This  name  has  been  applied  to  concretions  which  form  in  the  stomach  or 
jitestines  of  animals,  and  which  were  at  one  time  thought  to  possess  extraordinary  medi- 
d virtues.  Numerous  varieties  have  been  noticed;  but  they  were  all  arranged  in  two 
asses,  the  oriental  bezoar  ( lapis  bezoar  orientalis),  and  western  bezoar  ( lapis  bezoar  occiden- 
iis),  of  which  the  former  was  most  esteemed.  They  have  fallen  into  merited  neglect. 
BIRD-LIME.  A viscid  substance  existing  in  various  plants,  particularly  in  the  bark  of 
iscum  album,  and  Ilex  aquifolium  or  European  holly’,  from  the  latter  of  which  it  is  usually 
■rocured.  The  process  for  preparing  it  consists  in  boiling  the  middle  bark  for  some  hours 
• water,  then  separating  it  from  the  liquid,  and  placing  it  in  proper  vessels  in  a cool  situ- 
lon,  where  it  is  allowed  to  remain  till  it  becomes  viscous.  It  is  then  washed  to  separate  im- 
urities,  and  constitutes  the  substance  in  question.  Bird-lime  thus  prepared  is  greenish,  te- 
icious,  glutinous,,  bitterish,  and  of  an  odour  analogous  to  that  of  flaxseed  oil.  Exposed  to 
ie  air  in  thin  layers  it  becomes  dry,  brown,  and  pulverizable,  but  re-acquires  its  viscidity 
pon  the  addition  of  water.  It  is  a complex  body,  but  is  thought  to  owe  its  characteristic 


1304 


Appendix. 

properties  to  a proximate  principle,  identical  with  that  which  exudes  spontaneously  from 
certain  plants,  and  is  called  glu  by  the  French  chemists.  This  principle  is  without  odour 
or  taste,  extremely  adhesive,  fusible  by  heat,  inflammable,  insoluble  in  water,  nearly  in- 
soluble in  alcohol,  but  dissolved  freely  by  ether  and  oil  of  turpentine.  According  to  M. 
Macaire,  it  is  insoluble  in  the  fixed  oils,  either  hot  or  cold.  This  property  distinguishes 
it  from  the  resins,  to  which  Berzelius  is  disposed  to  attach  it.  M.  Macaire  proposes  for 
it  the  name  of  viscin.  ( Journ . de  Pharm.,  xx.  18.)  Bird-lime  is  so  tenacious,  that  it  may 
be  employed  to  catch  small  birds,  which,  when  they  alight  on  a stick  thickly  covered  with 
it  are  unable  to  escape. 

BISTORT.  This  is  the  root  of  Polygonum  Bistorta.  a perennial  herbaceous  plant,  grow- 
ing in  Europe  and  the  North  of  Asia.  The  root  is  cylindrical,  somewhat  flattened,  about 
as  thick  as  the  little  finger,  marked  with  annular  or  transverse  wrinkles,  furnished  with 
numerous  fibres,  and  folded  or  bent  upon  itself,  so  as  to  give  it  the  tortuous  appearance 
from  which  its  name  was  derived.  When  dried  it  is  solid,  brittle,  of  a deep-brown  colour 
externally,  reddish  within,  destitute  of  smell,  and  possessed  of  a rough,  astringent  taste. 
It  contains  much  tannin,  some  gallic  acid  and  gum,  and  a large  proportion  of  starch.  It 
resembles  the  other  vegetable  astringents  in  medical  properties,  and  is  applicable  to  the 
same  complaints;  but  is  less  efficient  than  catechu  or  kino,  and  in  this  country  is  seldom 
or  never  used.  It  may  be  employed  in  the  form  of  powder,  decoction,  or  extract.  The 
dose  of  the  powder  is  twenty  or  thirty  grains,  three  or  four  times  a day. 

Besides  the  bistort,  some  other  plants  belonging  to  the  genus  Polygonum  have  been 
used  as  medicines.  Among  these  are  P.  aviculare,  or  knot-grass,  a mild  astringent,  for- 
merly employed  as  a vulnerary  and  styptic:  P.  Persicaria  (Persic aria  mitis),  of  a feebly 
astringent  saline  taste,  and  at  one  time  considered  antiseptic:  and  P.  Hydropiper  or  water- 
pepper  (Persicaria  urens),  the  leaves  of  which  have  a burning  and  biting  taste,  inflame 
the  skin  when  rubbed  upon  it,  and  are  esteemed  diuretic.  The  water-pepper  or  smart- 
weed  of  this  country — P.  punctalum  (Elliott).  P.  hydropiperoides  ( Michaux) — which  grows 
abundantly  in  moist  places,  possesses  properties  similar  to  those  of  the  European  water- 
pepper,  and  is  occasionally  used  as  a detergent  in  chronic  ulcers,  and  internally  in  gravel. 
Dr.  Eberle  very  strongly  recommended  it  in  amenorrhoea,  in  which  complaint  he  found 
no  other  remedy  equally  effectual.  He  gave  a fluidrachm  of  the  saturated  tincture  of  the 
plant,  or  from  four  to  six  grains  of  the  extract,  three  or  four  times  a day.  He  found  it  to 
produce  a warmth  and  peculiar  tingling  sensation  throughout  the  system,  with  slight 
aching  pains  in  the  hips  and  loins,  and  a sense  of  weight  and  tension  within  the  pelvis. 
[Eberle' s Mat.  Med.  4th  ed.,  i.  441.)  Dr.  Wilcox,  of  Elmira,  New  York,  has  found  advan- 
tage from  a decoction  of  the  dried  leaves,  made  in  the  proportion  of  an  ounce  to  the  pint, 
and  applied  locally,  in  mercurial  salivation,  and  the  sore-mouth  of  nursing-women.  iAm. 
Journ.  of  Med.  Sci.,  N.  S.,  xvi.  248.)  P.  Fagopyrum  is  common  buckwheat. 

BISULPHURET  OF  CARBON.  Carburet  of  Sulphur.  This  compound  is  formed  by 
passing  the  vapour  of  sulphur  over  charcoal,  heated  to  redness  in  a porcelain  tube.  Pre- 
pared on  the  large  scale,  the  charcoal  may  be  heated  in  a cast  iron  cylinder,  as  recom- 
mended by  M.  Cliandelon.  [Journ.  de  Pharm.  3 e ser.,  xiv.  187.)  It  is  a transparent, 
colourless,  exceedingly  volatile  liquid,  having  a pungent,  somewhat  aromatic  taste,  and  a 
very  fetid  smell.  Its  sp.  gr.  is  1-272.  In  composition  it  is  a bisulphuret.  It  acts  as  a 
diffusible  stimulant,  accelerating  the  pulse,  augmenting  the  animal  heat,  and  exciting  the 
secretions  of  the  skin,  kidneys,  and  genital  organs.  It  was  formerly  employed  in  obsti- 
nate rheumatic  and  arthritic  affections,  in  paralysis  and  cutaneous  eruptions,  and  more 
recently  as  a resolvent  in  indolent  tumours.  It  is  used  both  internally  and  externally. 
For  internal  exhibition  in  gout  and  rheumatism,  Dr.  Otto,  of  Copenhagen,  employed  an  al- 
coholic solution,  in  the  proportion  of  two  drachms  to  the  fluidounce,  of  which  four  drops 
were  given  every  two  hours.  At  the  sam<?  time  the  affected  parts  were  rubbed  with  a 
liniment,  made  by  dissolving  the  bisulphuret  in  the  same  proportion  in  olive  oil.  Dr.  Krimer 
applied  it  to  an  indolent  tumour,  by  allowing  forty  or  fifty  drops  to  fall  upon  it  three  times 
a day.  This  treatment,  which  may  be  supposed  to  act  by  the  cold  produced,  assisted  by 
the  internal  use  of  animal  charcoal  and  cicuta,  and  the  employment  of  warm  alkaline 
baths,  was  attended  with  success.  He  also  succeeded  in  reducing  several  strangulated 
hernias,  by  applying  some  drops  of  the  bisulphuret  to  the  hernial  tumour.  By  Dr.  Turn- 
bull  the  vapour  of  this  substance  was  found  useful,  applied  to  indurated  lymphatic  glands, 
and  for  the  removal  of  deafness,  when  dependent  on  want  of  nervous  energy,  and  a defi- 
ciency of  wax.  It  is  applied  by  means  of  a bottle  with  a proper  sized  mouth,  containing 
a fluidrachm  of  the  bisulphuret,  imbibed  by  a piece  of  sponge.  The  skin  over  the  gland 
is  first  well  moistened  with  water.  When  the  vapour  is  applied  to  the  ear.  the  bottle, 
having  a small  neck  to  fit  the  meatus,  is  held  close  to  the  organ  until  considerable  warmth 
is  produced.  [Pharm.  Journ.  and  Trans.,  ii.  852.) 


1305 


Appendix. 

BOLE  ARMENIAN.  The  term  bolus  or  bole  was  formerly  applied  to  various  forms  of 
rgillaceous  earth,  differing  in  colour,  or  place  of  origin.  Such  were  the  Armenian,  Ltm- 
dan,  and  French  boles,  and  the  red  and  white  boles.  Some  of  these  substances  were  so 
iglily  valued  as  to  be  formed  into  small  masses  and  impressed  with  a seal,  and  hence 
eeeived  the  name  of  terras  sigillatas.  They  were  all  similar  in  effect,  though  the  small 
roportion  of  oxide  of  iron  contained  in  the  coloured  boles  may  have  given  them  greater 
ctivity.  The  only  one  at  present  kept  in  the  shops  is  that  called  bole  Armenian , from  its 
esemblanee  to  the  substance  originally  brought  from  Armenia.  It  is  prepared,  by  tritu- 
ation  and  elutriation,  from  certain  native  earths  existing  in  different  parts  of  Europe.  It 
i in  pieces  of  various  sizes,  reddish,  soft  and  unctuous,  adhesive  to  the  tongue,  and  capa- 
le  of  forming  a paste  with  water.  It  consists  chiefly  of  alumina  and  silica,  coloured 
•ith  oxide  of  iron.  The  boles  were  formerly  employed  as  absorbents  and  astringents; 
nd  they  were  undoubtedly  useful  in  some  cases  of  acidity  of  the  stomach  and  relaxed 
owels.  The  bole  Armenian  is  used  chiefly  as  a colouring  ingredient  in  tooth  powders. 
BORAGO  OFFICINALIS.  Borage.  This  is  an  annual,  hairy,  succulent  European 
lant,  one  or  two  feet  high,  with  fine  blue  flowers,  on  account  of  which  it  is  sometimes 
ultivated  in  our  gardens.  All  parts  of  it  abound  in  mucilage,  and  the  stem  and  leaves 
ontain  nitrate  of  potassa  with  other  salts.  To  these  constituents  the  plant  owes  all  its 
irtues.  It  is  much  used  in  France.  An  infusion  of  the  leaves  and  flowers,  sweetened 
nth  honey  or  syrup,  is  employed  as  a demulcent,  refrigerant,  and  gently  diaphoretic 
rink  in  catarrhal  affections,  rheumatism,  diseases  of  the  skin,  &c.  The  expressed  juice 
f the  stem  and  leaves  is  also  given  in  the  dose  of  from  two  to  four  ounces.  The  flowers 
re  sometimes  applied  externally  as  an  emollient.  A distilled  water,  extract,  and  syrup 
.'ere  formerly  used,  but  have  fallen  into  neglect.  Borage  is  scarcely  known  in  this  coun- 
ty as  a medicinal  plant. 

BRAZIL  WOOD.  A red  dye-wood,  the  product  of  different  species  of  Csesalpina,  grow- 
ag  in  the  West  Indies  and  South  America.  Two  varieties  are  known  in  commerce: — 

. The  proper  Brazil-wood,  said  to  be  derived  from  Cassalpina  echinala,  and  sometimes 
jailed  Pernambuco  or  Pernambuco  wood,  from  the  province  of  Brazil,  where  it  is  collected  ; 
{.  the  brasiletto,  produced  by  C.  Brasiliensis  and  C.  Crista,  which  grow  in  Jamaica  and 
ther  parts  of  the  West  Indies.  The  former  is  the  most  highly  valued.  The  sappan  or 
ampfen  wood  may  be  referred  to  the  same  head,  being  obtained  from  the  Cassalpina  Sap- 
an,  and  possessing  properties  analogous  to  those  of  the  brasiletto.  The  Nicaragua  or 
i each  wood  is  also  analogous  to  the  brasiletto,  and  is  said  by  Bancroft  to  be  derived  from 
species  of  Caesalpiua.  It  is  produced  in  the  East  Indies.  Brazil  wood  is  nearly  in- 
dorous,  has  a slightly  sweetish  taste,  stains  the  saliva  red,  and  imparts  its  colouring 
natter  to  water.  It  was  formerly  used  in  medicine;  but  has  been  abandoned  as  inert, 
n pharmacy  it  serves  to  colour  tinctures,  &c. ; but  its  chief  use  is  in  dyeing.  A red 
ike  is  prepared  from  it,  and  it  is  an  ingredient  in  a red  ink.  Its  dy'eiug  properties  are 
wing  to  a crystallizable  colouring  principle,  named  breselin. 

BROMIDE  OF  IRON.  Ferri  Bromidum.  This  bromide  is  obtained  by  heating  gently, 
a thirty  parts  of  water,  two  parts  of  bromine,  and  one  of  iron  filings.  When  the  liquid 
ecomes  greenish,  it  is  filtered  and  evaporated  to  dryness  in  an  iron  vessel ; and  the  dry 
lass,  again  dissolved  and  evaporated  to  dryness,  furnishes  the  bromide.  Bromide  of 
ron  is  a brick-red  deliquescent  salt,  very  soluble,  and  extremely  styptic.  For  medicinal 
mployment  it  should  be  in  aqueous  solution,  protected  by  sugar.  Mr.  Dillwyn  Parrish 
as  proposed  the  following  formula:  Take  of  bromine  two  hundred  grains;  iron  filings 
ighty-five i grains;  distilled  water  four  and  a half  fluidounces ; sugar  three  ounces.  Make  a 
olution  in  the  manner  directed  for  preparing  solution  of  iodide  of  iron.  ( Med.  Exam.  vii. 
62.)  This  solution  is  deemed  tonic  and  alterative.  It  has  been  used  with  advantage  by 
)r.  E.  Gillespie,  of  Brady’s  Bend,  Pa.,  in  tetter,  scrofulous  tumours,  inflammation  of  the 
lands,  both  acute  and  chronic,  erysipelas,  and  amenorrhcea.  In  the  case  of  tumours  and 
rysipela-s,  Dr.  Gillespie,  besides  giving  the  solution  internally,  applies  it  to  the  parts 
ffected  by  means  of  a feather  two  or  three  times  a day.  (Ibid.,  vii.  158.)  The  dose  of 
Ir.  Parrish’s  solution  is  twenty  drops,  three  times  a day,  gradually  increased  until  some 
fleet  is  produced  on  the  system.  Bromide  of  iron  is  formed  as  the  first  step  of  the  pro- 
ess  for  preparing  the  officinal  bromide  of  potassium.  (See  page  1149.) 

BROMIDES  OF  MERCURY.  The  protobromide  is  formed  by  adding  bromide  of  po- 
assium  to  nitrate  of  protoxide  of  mercury.  It  falls  as  a -white  curdy  precipitate.  The 
ibromide  may  be  obtained  by  digesting  the  protobromide  in  water  containing  bromine, 
t is  in  the  form  of  colourless  crystals,  soluble  in  water  and  alcohol.  Exposed  to  heat  it 
nters  into  fusion  and  sublimes.  These  bromides  are  analogous  in  composition  and  me- 
icinal  properties  to  the  corresponding  iodides  of  mercury.  ( Seepages  1036  and  1037.) 
.’he  protobromide  is  given  in  the  dose  of  a grain  daily,  gradually  increased.  The  hi- 


1306  Appendix. 

bromide,  like  corrosive  sublimate,  is  an  irritant  poison,  and  may  be  administered  in  dose: 
of  the  sixteenth  of  a grain,  gradually  increased  to  a fourth,  either  in  the  form  of  pill,  oi 
in  ethereal  solution,  made  by  dissolving  a grain  in  a fluidrachm  of  ether. 

BRYONY.  White  Bryony.  This  is  the  root  of  Bryonia  alba , or  white  bryony,  a peren- 
nial, climbing,  herbaceous  plant,  growing  in  thickets  and  hedges  in  different  parts  ol 
Europe.  It  bears  rough,  heart-shaped,  five-lobed  leaves,  small  yellow  monoecious  flowers, 
arranged  in  racemes,  and  roundish  black  berries  about  the  size  of  a pea.  Another 
species  called  B.  dioica,  with  dioecious  flowers  and  red  berries,  bears  so  close  a re- 
semblance in  character  and  properties  to  the  preceding,  that  it  is  considered  by  some 
botanists  merely  a variety.  The  roots  of  both  plants  are  gathered  for  use.  'When  fresh 
they  are  spindle-shaped,  sometimes  branched,  a foot  or  two  in  length,  as  thick  as  the 
arm,  or  even  thicker,  externally  yellowish-gray  and  circularly  wrinkled,  within  white, 
succulent  and  fleshy,  of  a nauseous  odour,  which  is  lost  in  great  measure  by  drying,  and 
of  a bitter,  acrid,  very  disagreeable  taste.  The  peasants  are  said  sometimes  to  hollow 
out  the  top  of  the  root,  and  to  employ  the  juice  which  collects  in  the  cavity  as  a drastic 
purge.  ( Merat  and  De  Lens.)  The  berries  are  also  purgative,  and  are  used"  in  dyeing. 

As  kept  in  the  shops,  the  root  is  in  circular  transverse  slices,  externally  yellowish-gray 
and  longitudinally  wrinkled,  internally  of  a whitish  colour,  becoming  darker  by  age,  con- 
centrically striated,  light,  brittle,  and  readily  pulverizable,  yielding  a whitish  powder. 
Besides  a peculiar  bitter  principle  called  bryonin , the  root  contains  starch  in  considerable 
proportion,  gum,  resin,  sugar,  a concrete  oil,  albumen,  and  various  salts.  It  yields  its 
active  properties  to  water. 

Bryony  is  an  active  hydragogue  cathartic,  in  large  doses  sometimes  proving  emetic,  and 
disposed,  if  too  largely  administered,  to  occasion  inflammation  of  the  alimentary  mucous 
membrane.  The  recent  root  is  highly  irritant,  and  is  said,  when  bruised  and  applied  to 
the  skin,  to  be  capable  of  producing  vesication.  The  medicine  was  well  known  to  the  an- 
cients, and  has  been  employed  by  modern  physicians;  but  is  now  nearly  superseded  by 
jalap,  which  is  more  certain,  and  less  liable  to  lose  its  strength  by  age.  The  dose  of  the 
powdered  root  is  from  a scruple  to  a drachm. 

CABBAGE-TREE  BARK.  The  bark  of  Andira  inermis.  Be  Cand.,  Gcoifroya  inermis, 
Willd.,  figured  in  Woodville’s  Medical  Botany,  p.  416,  t.  151.  This  is  a leguminous  tree, 
with  a stem  rising  to  a considerable  height,  branched  towards  the  top,  and  covered  with  a 
smooth  gray  bark.  The  leaves  are  pinnate,  consisting  of  six  or  seven  pairs  of  ovate  lan- 
ceolate, pointed,  veined,  smooth,  petiolate  leaflets,  with  an  odd  one  at  the  end.  The 
flowers  are  rose-coloured,  and  arranged  in  terminal  panicles,  with  very  short  pedicels. 
The  tree  is  a native  of  Jamaica  and  other  West  India  Islands.  The  bark,  which  is  the  part 
used,  is  in  long  pieces,  thick,  fibrous,  externally  of  a brownish-ash  colour,  scaly  and  covered 
with  lichens,  internally  yellowish,  of  a resinous  fracture,  a disagreeable  smell,  a sweetish, 
mucilaginous,  bitterish  taste,  and  affording  a powder  resembling  that  of  jalap.  Hutten- 
schmidt  obtained  from  it  a crystallizable,  very  bitter  substance,  having  the  composition 
and  neutralizing  properties  of  the  vegetable  alkaloids,  and  named  very  inappropriately 
jamaicina.  Two  grains  of  it  produced  violent  purging  in  pigeons. 

On  the  continent  of  Europe  the  bark  of  Andira  retusa  ( Geoffroya  Surinamensis),  which 
grows  in  Surinam,  has  also  been  employed.  It  is  considered  more  powerfully  vermifuge, 
without  being  equally  liable  to  produce  injurious  effects.  It  has  a grayish  epidermis, 
beneath  which  it  is  reddish-brown,  laminated,  compact,  very  tenacious,  and,  when  cut 
transversely,  exhibits  a shining  and  variegated  surface.  In  the  dried  state  it  is  inodorous, 
but  has  an  austere  bitter  taste.  The  powder  is  of  a pale-cinnamon  colour. 

Cabbage-tree  bark  is  cathartic,  and  in  large  doses  is  apt  to  occasion  vomiting,  fever,  and 
delirium.  It  is  said  that  these  effects  are  more  liable  to  result  if  cold  water  is  drunk  during 
its  operation,  and  are  relieved  by  the  use  of  warm  water,  castor  oil,  or  a vegetable  acid. 
In  the  West  Indies  it  is  esteemed  a powerful  vermifuge,  and  is  much  employed  for  expelling 
lumbrici;  but  it  is  dangerous  if  incautiously  administered,  and  instances  of  death  from 
its  use  have  occurred.  It  is  almost  unknown  in  this  country,  and  does  not  enter  into  our 
officinal  catalogues.  The  usual  form  of  administration  is  that  of  decoction,  though  the 
medicine  is  also  given  in  powder,  syrup,  and  extract.  The  dose  of  the  powder  is  from  a 
scruple  to  half  a drachm,  of  the  extract  three  grains,  of  the  decoction  two  fluidounces. 

CAHINCA.  This  medicine  attracted  at  one  time  considerable  attention.  The  name  of 
cahinca  or  cainca  was  adopted  from  the  language  of  the  Brazilian  Indians.  The  Portuguese 
of  Brazil  call  the  medicine  rah.  pretta  or  black  root.  When  first  noticed  in  Europe  it  was 
supposed  to  be  derived  from  the  Chiococca  racemosa  of  Linnaeus,  which  was  known  to  bo- 
tanists as  an  inhabitant  of  the  West  Indies.  But  Martius.  in  his  "Specimen  Materise 
Medicte  Brasiliensis,”  describes' two  other  species  of  Chiococca.  C.  anguifuga  and  C.  den- 
sifolia,  which  afford  roots  having  the  properties  of  that  ascribed  to  C.  racemosa;  and,  as 


1307 


Appendix. 

the  medicine  was  brought  from  Brazil,  there  seemed  to  be  good  reason  for  referring  it  to 
one  or  both  of  the  plants  named  by  that  botanist.  A.  Richard,  however,  received  from 
Brazil  specimens  of  C.  racemosa  as  the  cahinca  plant. 

A specimen  brought  into  this  market  consisted  of  cylindrical  pieces,  varying  in  size  from 
the  thickness  of  a straw  to  that  of  the  little  finger,  somewhat  bent  or  contorted,  slightly 
wrinkled  longitudinally,  with  occasional  small  asperities,  internally  ligneous,  externally 
(covered  with  a thin  brittle  reddish-brown  bark,  having  a light-brown  or  brownish  ash- 
coloured  epidermis.  The  cortical  portion,  which  was  of  a resinous  character,  had  a bitter 
disagreeable  taste,  somewhat  acrid  and  astringent;  the  ligneous  part  was  quite  tasteless. 
The  virtues  of  the  root  reside  almost  exclusively  in  its  bark.  They  are  extracted  by  water 
land  alcohol.  Cahinca  has  been  analyzed  by  several  chemists.  Four  distinct  principles 
were  discovered  in  it  by  Pelletier  and  Caventou : — 1.  a crystallizable  bitter  substance, 
believed  to  be  the  active  principle,  and  called  cahincic  acid;  2.  a green  fatty  matter  of  a 
nauseous  odour ; 3.  a yellow  colouring  matter ; and  4.  a coloured  viscid  substance.  Roch- 
leder  and  Hlasiwetz  found  also  caffeotannic  acid.  By  these  chemists  a tincture  obtained 
by  boiling  the  bark  in  alcohol,  was  precipitated  first  with  a spirituous  sohition  of  acetate 
■of  lead,  and  afterwards,  having  been  previously  filtered,  with  the  tribasic  acetate  of  lead. 
The  first  precipitate  consisted  chiefly  of  caffeotannate  and  a portion  of  .cahincate  of  lead, 
the  second  of  cahincate  of  lead  exclusively.  To  obtain  the  caffeotannic  acid  separate,  the 
first  precipitate  was  treated  with  sulphuretted  hydrogen,  and  afterwards  with  neutral  ace- 
tate of  lead,  and  in  like  manner  several  times,  until  at  length  a pure  caffeotannate  of  lead 
remained,  which,  on  decomposition,  yielded  an  acid  identical  with  the  tannic  acid  of  coffee. 
The  cahincic  acid  was  obtained  by  treating  the  second  precipitate  with  sulphuretted  hy- 
drogen, and  concentrating  the  resulting  liquid.  The  chemists  last  mentioned  give  as  its 
formula  Cl6HI307.  ( Chem . Gnz.,  ix.  121.)  Cahincic  acid  is  white,  without  smell,  of  a taste 
at  first  scarcely  perceptible,  but  afterwards  extremely  bitter  and  slightly  astringent,  of 
difficult  solubility  in  water,  but  readily  soluble  in  alcohol,  permanent  in  the  air,  and 
unaltered  at  212°.  It  reddens  vegetable  blues,  and  unites  with  the  alkalies,  but  does  not 
form  crystallizable  salts.  It  is  thought  to  exist  in  the  root  as  subcahincate  of  lime. 

Medical  Properties.  Cahinca  is  tonic,  diuretic,  purgative,  and  emetic.  In  moderate  doses 
.it  gently  excites  the  circulation,  increases  the  discharge  of  urine,  and  produces  evacua- 
tions from  the  bowels;  but  is  rather  slow  in  its  operation.  It  may  be  made  to  act  also  as 
a diaphoretic,  by  keeping  the  skin  warm,  using  warm  drinks,  and  counteracting  its  pur- 
, gative  tendency.  In  some  patients  it  occasions  nausea  and  griping,  and  in  very  large 
doses  always  acts  powerfully  both  as  an  emetic  and  cathartic.  In  Brazil  it  has  long  been 
used  by  the  natives  as  a remedy  for  the  bites  of  serpents;  and  its  Indian  name  is  said  to 
have  been  derived  from  this  property.  According  to  Martins,  the  bark  of  the  fresh  root 
is  rubbed  with  water  till  the  latter  becomes  charged  with  all  its  active  matters  ; and  the 
liquid,  while  yet  turbid,  is  taken  in  such  quantities  as  to  produce  the  most  violent  vomit- 
ing and  purging,  preceded  by  severe  spasmodic  pains.  Patrick  Brown  speaks  of  the  root 
of  C.  racemosa  as  very  useful  in  obstinate  rheumatisms.  But  the  virtues  of  cahinca  in 
dropsy,  though  well  known  in  Brazil,  were  first  made  known  to  the  European  public  in 
the  year  1826,  by  M.  Langsdorff,  Russian  Consul  at  Rio  Janeiro.  Achille  Richard  after- 
wards published  a few  observations  in  relation  to  it  in  the  Journal  de  Cliimie  Medicate ; and 
i its  properties  were  subsequently  investigated  by  numerous  practitioners.  M.  Francis, 
of  Paris,  contributed  more  than  any  other  physician  to  its  reputation.  It  was  considered 
by  him  superior  to  all  other  remedies  in  dropsy.  But  general  experience  has  not  con- 
firmed the  partial  estimate  of  Dr.  Francois  ; and,  having  been  found  at  least  equally  un- 
i certain  with  other  diuretics,  the  medicine  is  now  little  used.  It  was  employed  in  substance, 

- decoction,  extract,  and  tincture.  The  powdered  bark  of  the  root  was  given  as  a diuretic 
and  purgative,  in  a dose  varying  from  a scruple  to  a drachm  ; but  the  aqueous  or  spirituous 
extract  was  preferred.  The  dose  of  either  of  these  is  from  ten  to  twenty  grains.  Dr. 
Framjois  recommended  that,  in  the  treatment  of  dropsy,  a sufficient  quantity  should  be 
given  at  once  to  produce  a decided  impression,  which  should  afterwards  be  maintained  by 
smaller  doses,  repeated  three  or  four  times  a day. 

CALENDULA  OFFICINALIS.  Marygold,  This  well-known  garden  plant  was  formerly 
much  employed  in  medicine.  It  has  a peculiar,  rather  disagreeable  odour,  which  is  lost 
by  drying,  and  a bitter,  rough,  saline  taste.  Among  its  constituents  is  a peculiar  principle, 
called  calendulin,  discovered  by  Geiger  most  abundantly  in  the  flowers,  and  considered  by 
Berzelius  as  analogous  to  bassorin,  though  soluble  in  alcohol.  The  plant  was  thought 
antispasmodic,  sudorific,  deobstruent,  and  emmenagogue,  and  was  given  in  low  forms  of 
fever,  scrofula,  jaundice,  amenorrhoea,  &c.  Both  the  leaves  and  flowers  were  used;  but 
the  latter  were  preferred, •and  were  usually  administered  in  the  recent  state,  in  the  form 
of  tea.  An  extract  was  also  prepared,  and  employed  in  cancerous  and  other  ulcers,  sick 
stomach,  &c.  At  present  marygold  is  very  seldom  if  ever  used  in  regular  practice. 


1808  Appendix. 

CALOTROPIS  GIGANTEA.  Brown.  Asclepias  gigantea,  Linn.  Under  the  name  of  madar 
or  mudar,  a medicine  has  been  employed  in  the  East  Indies,  with  great  asserted  advantage. 
It  is  the  bark  of  the  root  of  a species  of  Calotropis,  generally  considered  as  C.  gigantea.  but 
asserted  by  Dr.  Casanova  to  be  a distinct  species,  and  named  by  him  C.  Madarii  Indico- 
orienlalis.  C.  giganlea  is  a native  of  Hindostan,  and  has  been  introduced  into  the  West 
Indies,  where  it  is  now  naturalized.  The  bark,  as  employed,  is  destitute  of  epidermis,  of 
a whitish  colour,  nearly  or  quite  inodorous,  and  of  a bitter  somewhat  nauseous  taste.  It 
appears  to  have  the  general  properties  of  many  other  acrid  medicines ; in  small  doses,  in- 
creasing the  secretions,  and  in  larger,  producing  nausea  and  vomiting.  According  to  Dr. 
Casanova,  who  published  an  essay  upon  the  subject  at  Calcutta,  it  is  especially  directed 
to  the  skin,  the  capillaries  and  absorbents  of  which  it  stimulates  to  increased  action.  It 
is  chiefly  recommended  as  a remedy  in  the  obstinate  cutaneous  diseases  of  tropical  cli- 
mates, such  as  elephantiasis  and  leprosy.  It  has  been  employed  also  in  syphilis,  dropsv. 
rheumatism,  and  hectic  fever.  It  is  given  in  substance  in  the  dose  of  from  three  to  twelve 
grains,  three  times  a day,  and  gradually  increased  till  it  affects  the  system. 

CAM  WOOD.  A red  dye-wood,  procured  from  the  Baphia  nitida  of  De  Candolle,  a 
leguminous  tree,  growing  on  the  Western  Coast  of  Africa.  The  wood  is  usually  ke;  t in 
the  shops  in  the  ground  state.  It  yields  its  colouring  matter  scarcely  at  all  to  cold  water, 
slightly  to  boiling  water,  and  readily  to  alcohol  and  alkaline  solutions.  This  colouring 
matter  is  thought  to  be  identical  with  santalin. 

CANARY  SEED.  The  seeds  of  Phalaris  Canariensis,  an  annual  plant  belonging  to  the 
grasses,  originally  from  the  Canary  Islands,  but  now  growing  wild  in  Europe  and  the 
United  States,  and  cultivated  in  many  places.  The  seeds  are  ovate,  somewhat  compressed, 
about  two  lines  long,  shining,  and  of  a light  yellowish-gray  colour  externally,  and  brownish 
within.  Their  chief  constituent  is  starch.  They  were  formerly  esteemed  medicinal,  but 
are  now  used  only  for  emollient  cataplasms.  They  are  nutritive,  and  their  meal  is  said 
to  be  mixed,  in  some  places,  with  wheat  flour,  and  made  into  bread.  They  are  used  as 
food  for  Canary  birds. 

CAOUTCHOUC.  Gum  elastic.  Indian  Rubber.  This  substance  is  the  concrete  juice  of 
the  Siphonia  Cahuchu  of  Schreber  and  Willdenow,  identical  with  the  Siphonia  e/astica  of 
1’ersoon,  the  Jatropha  elastica  of  the  younger  Linnaeus,  and  the  Ilcvea  Guianen.-is  of  Aul  let. 
This  is  a large  tree  growing  in  Brazil,  Guiana,  and  possibly  also  in  Central  America,  i Jo>  rn. 
of  Phil.  Col.  of  Pharrn.,  iii.  292.)  On  being  wounded,  it  emits  a milky  juice,  which  con- 
cretes on  exposure,  and  constitutes  the  substance  in  question.  A similar  product  is  afforde'd 
by  several  other  lactescent  plants;  but  hitherto  it  is  only  the  juice  of  the  Siphonia  that 
has  been  extensively  collected.  Caoutchouc  comes  to  us  in  large  flat  pieces,  or  moulded 
into  various  shapes.  These  are  formed  by  applying  successive  layers  of  the  juice  upon 
moulds  of  clay,  which  are  broken  and  removed  when  the  coating  has  attained  a sufficient 
thickness  and  consistence.  In  the  drying  of  these  layers  they  are  exposed  to  smoke,  which 
gives  to  the  concrete  mass  a blackish  colour.  The  juice,  when  it  concretes  by  exposure  to 
the  air,  assumes  on  the  outer  surface  a yellowish-brown  colour,  while  the  mass  remains 
white  or  yellowish-white  within.  The  recent  juice  contains,  according  to  Faraday,  1-9  per 
cent,  of  vegetable  albumen,  traces  of  wax,  7-13  per  cent,  of  a bitter  azotized  substance 
soluble  in  water  and  alcohol,  2-9  of  a substance  soluble  in  water  but  insoluble  in  alcohol, 
5(1-37  of  water  with  a little  free  acid,  and  only  31-7  of  the  pure  elastic  principle  to  which 
chemists  have  given  the  name  of  caoutchouc.  Besides  these  principles  the  concrete  juice, 
as  it  reaches  us,  generally  contains  soot  derived  from  the  smoke  used  in  drying  it.  Pitre 
caoutchouc  is  nearly  colourless,  and  in  thin  layers  transparent.  It  is  highly  elastic,  lighter 
than  water,  without  taste  and  smell,  fusible  at  about  248°,  remaining  unctuous  and  adhe- 
sive upon  cooling,  inflammable  at  a higher  temperature,  insoluble  in  water,  alcohol,  the 
weak  acids,  and  alkaline  solutions,  soluble  in  ether  when  entirely  freed  from  alcohol, 
soluble  also  in  most  of  the  fixed  and  volatile  oils,  though  at  the  expense  of  its  elasticity. 
It  is  said,  however,  that  the  oils  of  lavender  and  sassafras  dissolve  it  without  change,  and 
that,  when  precipitated  by  alcohol  from  its  solution  in  cajeput  oil,  it  is  still  elastic.  But 
its  best  solvents,  for  practical  purposes,  are  coal-naphtha,  an  empyreumatie  oil  obtained 
by  distilling  caoutchouc  itself,  and  pure  oil  of  turpentine.  Caoutchouc  is  not  affected 
by  atmospheric  air,  chlorine,  muriatic  or  sulphurous  acid  gas,  or  ammonia.  It  consists, 
according  to  Faraday,  of  87-2  parts  of  carbon,  and  12-8  of  hydrogen. 

By  the  action  of  sulphur  caoutchouc  acquires  properties  which  greatly  increase  its  value 
in  the  arts.  It  becomes  of  a black  colour  and  horny  consistence,  preserves  its  elastic; ty 
under  the  influence  both  of  heat  and  cold,  is  compressible  with  great  difficulty,  and  resists 
the  ordinary  solvents,  such  as  petroleum  and  oil  of  turpentine.*  In  this  state  it  is  said  to 
be  vulcanized.  The  discovery  of  the  process  of  vulcanization  is  ascribed  to  Mr.  Charles 
Goodyear,  of  New- York.  ( Chem . Gaz.,  x.  193.)  It  consists  in  submitting  caoutchouc  in 


1309 


Appendix. 

thin  sheets  to  the  notion  of  a mixture  composed  of  40  parts  of  sulphuret.  of  carbon  and  1 
of  chloride  of  sulphur.  For  fuller  details  the  reader  is  referred  to  the  Journ.  de  Pharm. 
(3 eser.,  xvii.  205).  But  the  same  object  may  be  effected  in  other  methods.  When  thin  lay- 
ers of  caoutchouc  are  immersed  for  two  or  three  hours  in  melted  sulphur  at  the  heat  of  240° 
F.,  they  are  penetrated  by  the  sulphur,  but  undergo  no  change  of  properties.  If  now 
heated  in  an  inert  medium  to  a temperature  of  from  275°  to  320°,  a chemical  reaction 
takes  place,  and  the  vulcanized  product  is  obtained.  The  same  result  takes  place  if  the 
caoutchouc  be  first  pounded  with  from  12  to  20  per  cent,  of  finely  powdered  sulphur,  and 
then  heated  to  the  temperature  requisite  for  vulcanization.  In  either  case  a portion  of 
uncombined  sulphur  remains  mechanically  mixed  with  the  vulcanized  caoutchouc,  from 
which  it  may  be  separated  by  various  solvents,  such  as  solutions  of  caustic  soda  or  potassa, 
sulphuret  of  carbon,  oil  of  turpentine,  anhydrous  ether,  &c.  The  desulphurated  product 
thus  obtained,  while  exempt  from  the  disadvantages  arising  from  the  reaction  of  free  sul- 
phur, is  more  porous  than  before.  [Ibid.,  xxi.  3(36.) 

Caoutchouc  is  used  for  erasing  pencil  marks;  in  the  formation  of  flexible  tubes  for  the 
laboratory,  and  of  catheters,  bougies,  pessaries,  and  other  instruments  for  surgical  pur- 
poses; in  the  melted  state,  as  a luting  to  the  joints  of  chemical  apparatus;  in  the  shape 
of  thin  layers,  for  covering  the  mouths  of  bottles,  and  for  other  purposes  in  which  the 
exclusion  of  air  and  moisture  is  requisite;  in  the  manufacture  of  water-proof  cloth;  and 
for  numerous  other  purposes,  to  which  its  elasticity,  and  the  resistance  which  it  offers  to 
the  ordinary  solvents,  and  to  other  powerful  chemical  agents,  peculiarly  adapt  it.  It  may 
be  brought  to  the  state  of  thin  layers,  by  softening  the  small  flasks  of  it  in  ether  containing 
alcohol,  or  boiling  them  in  water,  for  fifteen  minutes,  and  then  distending  them  by  means 
of  air  forced  into  them  ; and  the  same  end  may  be  attained  by  spreading  its  naphtha  or 
ethereal  solution  upon  a smooth  surface,  and  allowing  the  solvent  to  evaporate.  Tubes  of 
caoutchouc  may  be  made  from  its  solution,  or  from  the  juice  imported  in  the  liquid  state. 
A court-plaster  prepared  with  caoutchouc  has  been  considerably  used,  and  from  its  im- 
permeability by  moisture  is  sometimes  valuable.  (See  Amcr.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xv.  38.) 
A convenient  sticking  plaster  may  be  prepared  by  spreading  the  liquid  caoutchouc,  by  a 
stiff  brush,  upon  calico,  soft  leather,  or  thin  sheets  of  vulcanized  Indian  rubber  as  found 
in  the  shops.  Small  thin  pieces  of  caoutchouc  may  be  very  advantageously  employed  to 
suppress  hemorrhage  from  leech-bites,  &c.,  by  first  softening  one  surface  of  the  piece  by 
a taper,  and  when  cool  applying  it  firmly  over  the  bleeding  point.  The  cavity  of  a decayed 
tooth  may  be  lined  with  caoutchouc,  so  as  to  prevent  the  access  of  air,  and  thus  relieve 
pain,  by  fastening  a piece  firmly  around  the  end  of  a rod,  liquefying  the  surface  by  heat, 
then  introducing  it  with  pressure  into  the  cavity,  and  again  withdrawing  it.  Caoutchouc 
has  been  given  internally  in  phthisis,  in  the  dose  of  one  or  two  grains,  gradually  increased. 
[Arm.  de.  The/ap.,  1847,  p.  73.) 

CAPPAKIS  SPINOSA.  Caper-bush.  A low,  trailing  shrub,  growing  in  the  South  of 
Europe  and  North  of  Africa.  The  buds  or  unexpanded  flowers,  treated  with  salt  and 
vinegar,  form  a highly  esteemed  pickle,  which  has  an  acid,  burning  taste,  and  is  considered 
useful  in  scurvy.  The  dried  bark  of  the  root  was  formerly  officinal.  It  is  in  pieces  par- 
tially or  wholly  quilled,  about  one-third  of  an  inch  in  mean  diameter,  transversely  wrinkled, 
grayish  externally,  whitish  within,  inodorous,  and  of  a bitterish,  somewhat  acrid,  and  aro- 
matic taste.  It  is  considered  diuretic,  and  was  formerly  employed  in  obstructions  of  the 
fiver  and  spleen,  amenorrhoea,  and  chronic  rheumatism. 

CARANNA.  Gum  Caranna.  A resinous  substance,  in  pieces  of  a blackish-gray  colour 
externally,  dark-brown  internally,  somewhat  shining  and  translucent,  brittle  and  pulver- 
izable  when  dry,  but.  in  the  recent  state,  soft  and  adhesive  like  pitch,  easily  fusible,  of  an 
agreeable  balsamic  odour  when  heated,  and  of  a bitterish  resinous  taste.  [Geiger.)  It  is 
6aid  to  be  derived  from  the  Amyris  Caranna  of  Humboldt,  a tree  growing  in  Mexico  and 
South  America.  Geiger  refers  it  also  to  the  Bursera  gummifera  of  the  West  India  Islands; 
but  the  resin  obtained  from  this  tree  is  described  by  the  French  writers  under  the  name 
of  resine  de  Gomart,  or  resine  de  chibou,  or  cachibou,  and  is  said  to  bear  a close  resemblance 
to  the  resin  tacamahac. 

CARBURET  OF  IRON.  Ferri  Carburelum.  Plumbago.  Black  Lead.  This  substance 
has  been  used  both  internally  and  externally  in  cutaneous  affections.  For  medical  use 
it  is  reduced  to  very  fine  powder,  and  purified  by  being  boiled  in  water,  and  digested  with 
dilute  nitromuriatic  acid.  The  dose  is  from  five  to  fifteen  grains  or  more,  three  or  four 
times  a day,  given  in  the  form  of  powder  or  pill.  The  ointment  is  made  by  mixing  from 
two  to  six  drachms  with  an  ounce  of  lard. 

CARDAMINE  PRATENSIS.  Cuckoo-flower.  This  is  a perennial  herbaceous  plant,  with 
a simple,  smooth,  erect  stem,  about  a foot  in  height.  The  leaves  are  pinnate;  the  radical, 
composed  of  roundish  irregularly  toothed  leaflets,  those  of  the  stem  alternate,  with  leaflets 


1310  Appendix. 

which  become  narrower,  more  entire,  and  pointed  as  they  ascend.  The  flowers  are  pur- 
plish-white or  rose-coloured,  and  terminate  the  stem  in  a raceme  approaching  the  charactei 
of  a corymb.  The  plant  is  a native  of  Europe,  and  is  found  in  the  northern  parts  of  oui 
continent,  about  Hudson’s  Bay.  It  is  a very  handsome  plant,  abounding  in  moist  meadows, 
which  it  adorns  with  its  flowers  in  the  months  of  April  and  May.  The  leaves  are  bitterish 
and  slightly  pungent,  resembling  in  some  measure  those  of  water-cresses,  and  like  them 
supposed  to  be  possessed  of  antiscorbutic  properties.  In  Europe  they  are  sometimes  added 
to  salads.  The  flowers  have  the  same  taste  with  the  leaves,  and,  when  fresh,  a somewhat 
pungent  odour.  When  dried,  they  become  inodorous  and  nearly  insipid.  They  formerly 
possessed  the  reputation  of  being  diuretic,  and,  since  the  publication  of  a paper  by  Sir 
George  Baker,  more  than  half  a century  ago,  have  been  occasionally  used  as  an  antispas- 
modic  in  various  nervous  diseases,  such  as  chorea  and  spasmodic  asthma,  in  which  they 
were  successfully  employed  by  that  physician.  They  produce,  however,  little  obvious  effect 
upon  the  system,  and  are  not  employed  in  this  country. 

CATALPA  CORDIFOLIA.  Bignonia  Catalpa.  Linn.  Catalpa  tree,  or  Catawba  tree. 
This  is  a beautiful  indigenous  flowering  tree,  occasionally  cultivated  for  ornamental  pur- 
poses. It  is  reputed  to  be  poisonous.  The  seeds  have  been  employed  by  several  prac- 
titioners of  continental  Europe  in  asthma.  M.  Automarchi  recommends  a decoction  made 
by  boiling  twelve  ounces  of  water  with  three  or  four  ounces  of  the  seeds  down  to  sis 
ounces,  the  whole  to  be  given  morning  and  night. 

CEANOTIIUS  AMERICANITS.  New  Jersey  Tea.  Red-root.  A small  indigenous  shrub, 
growing  throughout  the  United  States.  The  root  is  astringent,  and  imparts  a red  colour 
to  water.  It  is  said  to  be  useful  in  syphilitic  complaints,  in  which  it  is  given  in  the  form 
of  decoction,  made  with  two  drachms  of  the  root  to  a pint  of  water.  Schoepf  states  that  it 
is  purgative.  The  leaves  -were  used  during  the  revolutionary  war  as  a substitute  for  tea. 
Dr.  Hubbard  recommends  a strong  infusion  of  the  dried  leaves  and  seeds,  as  a local  appli- 
cation in  aphthous  affections  of  the  mouth  and  fauces,  and  the  sorethroat  of  scarlatina, 
and  as  an  internal  remedy  in  dysentery.  ( Boston  Med.  and  Surg.  Journ.,  Sept.  30,  1835.  ) 

CEDRON.  The  seeds  of  a tree  growing  in  New  Granada  and  Central  America,  and 
described  by  M.  Planchon  under  the  name  of  Simaba  Cedron,  in  the  London  Journal  of 
Botany,  v.  566,  from  specimens  sent  by  Mr.  Wm.  l’urdie,  curator  of  the  Botanical  Garden 
at  Trinidad,  to  Sir  Wm.  J.  Hooker.  Mr.  Purdie  had  received  the  first  intimation  of  the 
value  of  this  medicine  from  Dr.  Cespedes,  a physician  of  Bogota.  The  first  account  of  it, 
however,  which  reached  Europe  appears  to  have  been  that  of  Dr.  Luigi  Rotellini,  a phy- 
sician of  Saint  Domingo,  who  had  previously  resided  in  New  Granada.  It  was  published 
in  an  Italian  journal  so  early  as  the  year  1846.  Iu  France  it  appears  to  have  been  made 
known  through  M.  Jamord,  who  received  information  of  its  effects  from  M.  Herran,  Charge 
d’ Affaires  in  France  of  the  Republic  of  Costa  Rica.  The  fullest  account  that  we  have 
seen  of  the  plant  and  its  products  is  from  the  pen  of  Sir  Wm.  J.  Hooker.  (See  Bharm. 
Journ.  and  IVans.,  Jan.  1851,  x.  344.) 

Simaba  Cedron  belongs  to  the  natural  family  of  Simarubacem.  It  is  a small  tree,  with 
an  erect  stem,  not  exceeding  six  inches  in  diameter,  branching  at  top  in  an  umbellate 
form,  with  large,  glabrous,  pinnate  leaves,  and  pale-brown  flowers  in  long,  branching 
racemes.  The  fruit  is  a large,  solitary  drupe,  containing  a single  seed.  The  whole  plant 
appears  to  be  impregnated  with  a bitter  principle,  but  it  is  the  seed  only  that  is  used.  A 
specimen  of  the  dried  fruit  and  the  separated  seed  was  kindly  sent  to  one  of  the  authors  from 
Cartago,  in  Costa  Rica,  by  Dr.  Guier,  formerly'  of  Philadelphia.  It  is  light,  of  a yellowish- 
ash  colour,  flattish- ovate,  with  one  edge  convex  and  the  other  nearly  straight,  the  convex 
outline  terminating  at  each  end  in  an  obtuse  point,  of  which  that  at  the  apex  is  most 
prominent.  It  is  about  two  inches  long,  and  sixteen  lines  in  its  greatest  breadth.  Within, 
the  seed  is  loose  and  movable.  The  seed  itself  is  about  an  inch  and  a half  long,  ten  lines 
broad,  and  half  an  inch  thick.  It  is  convex  on  one  side,  fiat  or  slightly  concave  on  the 
other,  and  presents  an  oval  scar  near  one  extremity  of  the  flat  surface.  It  is  hard  and 
compact,  but  may  be  readily  cut  with  a knife. 

Cedron  seed  is  inodorous,  but  of  a pure  and  intensely  bitter  taste,  not  unlike  that  of 
quassia.  It  yields  its  virtues  to  water  and  alcohol.  M.  Lewry  obtained  from  it  a crys- 
talline substance,  of  intense  bitterness,  freely  soluble  in  boiling  water  and  neutral  to  test 
paper,  which  he  supposes  to  be  the  active  principle,  and  proposes  to  name  ccdrin.  He 
obtained  it  by  first  exhausting  the  cedron  with  ether,  then  submitting  it  to  the  action  of 
alcohol,  and  crystallizing  from  the  tincture.  {Journ.  de  Pharm.  et  de  Chim.,  xix.  335.) 

This  medicine  has  long  had  great  reputation  in  New  Granada  and  Central  America,  as 
a remedy  for  the  bite  of  serpents,  being  mentioned  in  the  History  of  the  Buccaneers,  pub- 
lished in  1699,  as  useful  for  this  purpose ; and  such  continues  to  be  the  confidence  of  the 
natives  in  its  virtues,  that  they  have  no  fears  of  the  poisonous  bite  of  these  reptiles,  if 


Appendix.  1311 

provided  with  the  antidote.  It  is  also  highly  esteemed  in  the  prevention  of  hydrophobia, 
and  in  the  treatment  of  intermittent  fever,  spasm  of  the  stomach  and  bowels,  and  dys- 
peptic atfections.  Dr.  Guier  informed  us  that  he  had  seen  it  once  apparently  successful'  in 
luring  the  bite  of  a poisonous  serpent,  and  had  used  it  effectually  in  cholera  morbus, 
lolic,  and  neuralgia  of  the  face.  Dr.  J.  13.  Thompson,  of  London,  has  found  it  useful  iu 
gout.  [Med.  Times  and  Gaz.,  April,  1852,  p.  364.)  To  us  it  appears  to  be  closely  analo- 
gous to  quassia,  with  which  it  is  botanically  allied.  The  dose  used  in  Central  America  is 
me  or  two  grains.  M.  Herran  states  that  he  had  employed  the  remedy  in  eight  cases  of 
poisoning,  and  that  his  mode  of  using  it  was  to  administer  five  or  six  grains  with  a spoon- 
iil  of  brandy,  and  to  dress  the  bite  with  the  tincture.  He  had  rarely  occasion  to  repeat 
die  dose  to  effect  a cure.  Dr.  Rotellini  says  that  it  is  poisonous  in  over-doses,  and  has 
iccasioned  death  in  the  quantity  of  twenty-five  or  thirty  grains.  A vinegar  has  been 
prepared  in  London  by  macerating  for  seven  days  two  scruples  of  the  cedron  in  an  ounce 
if  distilled  vinegar.  The  dose  is  from  twenty  minims  to  a fluidrachm.  ( Pharm . Journ.  and 
Trans.,  xii.  63.) 

CELASTRUS  SCANDENS.  Climbing  Staff-tree.  A climbing  indigenous  shrub,  growing 
"rom  Canada  to  Carolina,  and  said  to  possess  emetic,  diaphoretic,  and  narcotic  properties. 
The  bark  is  the  part  employed.  It  has  been  used  in  chronic  atfections  of  the  liver  and 
secondary  syphilis.  For  a full  description  of  the  plant,  see  Darlington’s  Flora  Cestrica, 
p.  149.  Other  species  of  Celastrus,  growing  in  various  parts  of  the  world,  have  been 
employed  in  medicine,  though  with  little  reputation. 

CENTAUREA  BENEDICTA.  Blessed  Thistle.  Carduus  benedictus.  Cnicus  benedictus. 
De  Cand.  This  is  an  annual  herbaceous  plant,  the  stem  of  which  is  about  two  feet  high, 
branching  towards  the  top,  and  furnished  with  long,  elliptical,  rough  leaves,  irregularly 
toothed,  barbed  with  sharp  points  at  their  edges,  of  a bright-green  colour  on  their  upper 
surface,  and  whitish  on  the  under.  The  lower  leaves  are  deeply  sinuated,  and  stand  on 
footstalks  ; the  upper  are  sessile,  and  in  some  measure  decurrent.  The  flowers  are  yellow, 
and  surrounded  by  an  involucre  of  ten  leaves,  of  which  the  five  exterior  are  largest.  The 
talyx  is  oval,  woolly,  and  composed  of  several  imbricated  scales,  terminated  by  rigid, 
pinnate,  spinous  points.  The  plant  is  a native  of  the  South  of  Europe,  and  is  cultivated 
n gardens  in  other  parts  of  the  world.  It  has  become  naturalized  in  the  United  States. 
The  period  of  flowering  is  June,  when  its  medicinal  virtues  are  in  greatest  perfection. 
The  leaves  are  the  officinal  portion.  They  should  be  gathered  when  the  plant  is  in  flower, 
quickly  dried,  and  kept  in  a dry  place.  The  herb  has  a feeble  unpleasant  odour,  and  an 
Dtensely  bitter  taste,  more  disagreeable  in  the  fresh  than  the  dried  plant.  Water  and 
alcohol  extract  its  virtues.  The  infusion  with  cold  water  is  a grateful  bitter ; the  decoc- 
don  is  nauseous,  and  offensive  to  the  stomach.  The  bitterness  remains  in  the  extract. 
The  active  constituents  are  volatile  oil,  and  a peculiar  principle  for  which  the  name  of 
:nicin  has  been  proposed.  This  is  crystallizable,  inodorous,  very  bitter,  neither  acid  nor 
alkaline,  scarcely  soluble  in  cold  water,  more  soluble  in  boiling  water,  and  soluble  in  all 
Proportions  in  alcohol.  It  consists  of  carbon,  hydrogen,  and  oxygen,  and  is  analogous  to 
.■alicin  in  composition.  In  the  dose  of  4 or  5 grains  it  is  said  often  to  vomit,  and  in  that 
of  8 grains  to  be  useful  in  intermittent  fevers.  {Ann.  de  Therap.,  1843,  p.  206.)  The 
jolessed  thistle  may  be  so  administered  as  to  prove  tonic,  diaphoretic,  or  emetic.  The  cold 
nfusion,  made  with  half  an  ounce  of  the  leaves  to  a pint  of  water,  has  been  employed  as 
i mild  tonic  in  debilitated  conditions  of  the  stomach.  A stronger  infusion,  taken  warm 
ivhile  the  patient  is  confined  to  bed,  produces  copious  perspiration.  A still  stronger 
nfusion,  or  decoction,  taken  in  large  draughts,  provokes  vomiting,  and  has  been  used  to 
assist  the  operation  of  emetics.  The  herb,  however,  is  at  present  little  employed,  as  all 
ts  beneficial  effects  may  be  obtained  from  chamomile.  The  dose  of  the  powder  as  a tonic 
s from  a scruple  to  a drachm,  that  of  the  infusion  two  fluidounces. 

CHELIDONIUM  MAJUS.  Celandine.  A perennial  herbaceous  plant,  growing  wild  in 
:kis  country,  about  old  houses  and  in  rocky  places  ; but  supposed  to  have  been  introduced 
rom  Europe,  where  it  is  indigenous.  It  is  one  or  two  feet  high,  bears  pinnate  leaves  and 
small  peduncled  umbels  of  yellow  flowers,  and,  when  wounded,  emits  a yellow,  opaque 
uice.  The  whole  plant  is  used.  It  has  a faint  unpleasant  odour,  and  a bitter,  acrid, 
lurable  taste,  which  is  stronger  in  the  roots  than  in  the  leaves.  The  odour  is  nearly  lost 
ay  drying,  but  the  taste  remains.  The  yellow  juice  is  bitter  and  exceedingly  acrid,  and 
ivhen  applied  to  the  skin  produces  inflammation  and  even  vesication.  The  plant,  analyzed 
ay  MM.  Chevalier  and  Lassaigne,  afforded  a bitter  resinous  substance  of  a deep-yellow 
Jolour ; a kind  of  gum-resin  of  an  orange-yellow  colour,  and  bitter,  nauseous  taste  ; mucil- 
age ; albumen ; and  various  saline  substances,  besides  free  malic  acid  and  silica.  Dr. 
Probst,  of  Heidelberg,  has  more  recently  found  in  it  a peculiar  acid  denominated  chelidonic 
Kid;  two  alkaline  principles,  one  of  which  forms  neutral  salts  with  the  acids,  and  is  called 


1312 


Appendix. 

chelerythrin  in  consequence  of  the  intense  redness  of  its  salts,  the  other  unites  with  hi 
does  not  neutralize  the  acids,  arid  is  named  chelidonin ; and  lastly  a neuter,  crystallizaljii 
bitter  principle,  which  from  its  yellow  colour  he  calls  chelidoxanthin.  Chelerythrin  appeal 
to  be  an  acrid  narcotic  poison.  ( Annul,  der  1' harm.,  xxix.  113.)  See  Sanguinaria.  pa{: 
646,  for  the  mode  of  preparing  it.  Celandine  is  an  acrid  purgative,  possessed  also  c 
diuretic,  and  perhaps  diaphoretic  and  expectorant  properties.  In  over-doses,  it  produce 
unpleasant  effects,  and  is  by  some  considered  poisonous.  By  the  ancients  it  was  mue 
esteemed  as  a remedy  in  jaundice  ; and  it  has  been  found  useful  in  the  same  complaint  b 
some  modern  physicians.  It  was  the  chief  ingredient  of  the  old  decoclum  ad  ictericos  c 
the  Edinburgh  Pharmacopoeia.  It  has  been  given  also,  in  other  eom  plaints,  especial! 
those  of  a scrofulous  character,  affecting  the  mesenteric  and  lymphatic  glands,  the  skit 
and  the  eyes.  The  yellow  juice  is  often  applied  to  corns  and  warts,  which  it  destroys  b 
stimulating  them  beyond  their  powers.  The  fresh  herb  is  also  applied  locally  about  th 
pelvis,  with  asserted  benefit,  in  amenorrhoea.  The  dose  of  the  dried  root  or  herb  is  fror 
thirty  grains  to  a drachm,  that  of  the  fresh  root  one  or  two  drachms;  and  the  same  quan 
tity  may  be  given  in  infusion.  The  watery  extract  and  expressed  juice  have  also  bee* 
employed.  The  dose  of  the  former  is  from  five  to  ten  grains,  of  the  latter  from  ten  t- 
twenty  drops,  to  be  gradually  increased  until  the  effects  of  the  remedy  are  experienced. 

CHELTENHAM  SALT,  ARTIFICIAL.  Several  artificial  mixtures  have  been  prepared 
professing  to  be  exact  imitations  of  the  saline  ingredients  in  the  chalybeate  Cheltenhan 
water;  but  the  only  ones  which  appear  worthy  of  confidence  are  those  prepared  by  Rober 
Alsop,  Chemist,  of  London,  and  W.  Hodgson,  jun.,  druggist,  of  this  city.  The  composite  i 
of  the  natural  Cheltenham  chalybeate  is  given  at  page  1 13.  The  imitation  of  Mr.  Alsop.  a- 
analyzed  by  Dr.  Faraday,  contains  the  same  solid  and  gaseous  constituents  as  the  naturn 
water,  except  the  sulphate  of  lime,  which  is  very  properly  omitted ; and  in  the  same  rr  ■ 
portions  precisely,  with  the  exception  that  there  is  about  twice  as  much  free  carbonic  acii 
in  the  artificial  preparation.  The  iron  is  present  in  the  state  of  protoxide,  and  is  immedi- 
ately dissolved  by  the  free  carbonic  acid,  upon  adding  a sufficient  quantity  of  water.  TLt 
carbonic  acid  probably  exists  in  a free  state  in  the  dry  mixture  : as  there  is  no  obvious 
agent  present  to  cause  it  to  be  disengaged  in  the  mere  act  of  solution. 

Mr.  Alsop’s  artificial  mixture  is  in  the  form  of  a powder,  nearly  white,  possessing  a 
saiine  and  slightly  ferruginous  taste.  It  forms  a good  combination,  in  which  the  aperient! 
property  of  the  salts  present  is  combined  with  the  tonic  virtue  of  the  iron.  It  is  considered 
to  be  useful  in  glandular  obstructions,  especially  of  the  liver,  and  in  scrofulous  affections, 
attended  with  feeble  digestion,  sluggish  bowels,  and  pallidness  of  skin.  It  is  employed, 
also,  with  advantage  in  sick  headache,  habitual  costiveness,  and  hemorrhoids.  The  dose 
is  a teaspoonful,  quickly  dissolved  by  brisk  stirring  in  half  a pint  of  coll  water,  anu 
swallowed  immediately,  before  the  iron  has  time  to  separate  in  an  insoluble  state.  This 
quantity  may  be  taken  in  the  morning,  fasting,  and  repeated  once  or  twice  after  an  inter- 
val of  twenty  minutes,  or  in  the  course  of  the  day.  To  obtain  its  full  tonic  and  alterative 
effects,  it  should  be  persevered  with  for  a month  or  six  weeks. 

The  artificial  Cheltenham  salt  of  Mr.  Hodgson  is  identical  with  that  of  Mr.  Alsop,  and 
may  be  used  with  entire  confidence  for  all  the  purposes  to  which  the  latter  is  applied. 

CHLORIDE  OF  MAGNESIUM.  Magnesii  Chloridum.  Muriate  of  Magnesia.  When  a 
concentrated  solution  of  this  salt  is  evaporated  to  dryness,  it  is  partially  decomposed  into 
magnesia  and  muriatic  acid,  the  latter  being  evolved.  By  a careful  evaporation,  stopping 
it  so  soon  as  the  vapour  begins  to  redden  litmus  paper,  the  chloride  may  be  obtained  in  the 
state  of  a fused  hydrate,  having  the  composition  MgCl,6HO.  (Casaseca,  Chcm.  Gaz.,  Oct.  lo. 
1853,  p.  384.)  The  physiological  action  of  this  bitter  and  very  deliquescent  salt  has  been 
made  the  subject  of  a memoir  by  Dr.  Lebert.  He  finds  it  to  act  mildly  and  favourably  as 
a purgative,  producing  a flow  of  bile,  and  an  increase  of  appetite.  On  account  of  its  ex- 
treme deliquescence,  he  recommends  it  in  the  liquid  form,  prepared  by  dissolving  the  salt 
in  its  weight  of  water.  Of  this  solution  he  gives  an  ounce  sufficiently  diluted  to  an  aduk. 
and  half  an  ounce  to  a child  from  10  to  14  years  of  age.  (Arch.  Gen  , 4e  se'r.,  iii.  448.) 

CHLORIDE  OF  MERCURY  AND  QUINIA.  Hydrargyri  ct  Quin  is  Chloridum.  Th  i - 
compound  has  been  prepared  by  Mr.  McDermott,  of  Dublin,  by  uniting  chemically  corro- 
sive sublimate  with  quinia.  The  corrosive  sublimate  was  found  to  be  reduced  to  the  state 
of  calomel ; and,  hence,  it  may  be  inferred  that  half  the  chlorine  of  the  former  united  with 
the  quinia.  This  preparation  has  been  found  useful  in  the  treatment  of  obstinate  skin 
diseases,  given  in  the  dose  of  a grain  two  or  three  times  a day. 

CHLORIDE  OF  POTASSA,  SOLUTION  OF.  Liquor  Potass a>  Chlorimtse.  JavelU's 
Water.  Eau  de  Javelle.  This  is  obtained  precisely  as  the  solution  of  chlorinated  soda. 
(See  Liquor  Sodse  Chlorinatas.)  It  is  employed  for  taking  out  fruit  stains,  &c.,  from  linen. 
In  chemical  constitution  it  is  probably  a hypochlorite. 


Appendix.  1313 

CHLORIDE  OF  SILVER.  Argenti  Chloridum.  This  has  been  already  referred  to  as 
eing  inevitably  formed  when  nitrate  of  silver  is  given  internally.  (See  page  898.)  It  is 
>adily  prepared  by  adding  a solution  of  common  salt  to  one  of  nitrate  of  silver,  as  long  as 
produces  a precipitate.  As  first  thrown  down  it  is  a white  curdy  substance,  but  it  soon 
ecomes  discoloured  when  exposed  to  the  light.  It  has  been  used,  rubbed  on  the  tongue, 
i syphilis,  and  internally  in  epilepsy,  chronic  dysentery  and  diarrhoea,  and  other  diseases 
i which  nitrate  of  silver  has  been  given.  The  dose  is  from  one  to  three  grains  or  more, 
iur  or  five  times  a da}'.  Dr.  Perry  administered  it  at  the  Philadelphia  hospital,  Blockley, 
l chronic  dysentery,  with  the  immediate  effect  of  diminishing  the  number  of  stools.  The 
rystallized  ammonio-chloride  of  silver  has  been  given  in  syphilitic  affections,  in  the  dose  of 
le  fourteenth  of  a grain.  It  is  formed  by  saturating  solution  of  ammonia,  by  the  aid  of 
eat,  with  chloride  of  silver,  and  allowing  the  liquid  to  cool  in  a stopped  bottle.  It  crys- 
Jlizes  in  cubes,  and  is  very  liable  to  decomposition. 

CHLORINATED  ANAESTHETIC  COMPOUNDS.  By  the  mutual  action  of  chlorine 
ad  olefiant  gas,  an  oily  liquid  is  obtained,  discovered  by  the  associated  Dutch  chemists, 
nd  called  Dutch  liquid,  or  chloride  of  olefiant  gas.  The  empirical  formula  of  this  compound 
; G’4H4C12  ; the  rational  C4II3C1,HC1.  When  it  is  acted  on  by  an  alcoholic  solution  of  pot- 
ssa,  muriatic  acid  is  separated  by  the  formation  of  chloride  of  potassium,  and  a compound 
presented  by  C4H3C1  is  set  free.  By  the  action  of  additional  chlorine,  the  Dutch  liquid 
; susceptible  of  having  each  equivalent  of  hydrogen  successively  replaced  by  one  of  chlo- 
ne,  forming  four  new  compounds;  namely,  C4II2C12,  HC1 — C4HC13,HC1 — C4C14,HC1 — C4C16. 
he  last  compound  here  is  evidently  a 6-4  chloride  of  carbon;  and  the  others  are  called 
y Regnault,  in  allusion  to  the  replacing  chlorine,,  without  noting  the  disappearing  hydro- 
en,  monochlorinated,  bichlorinated,  and  trichlorinated  Dutch  liquid.  The  Dutch  liquid 
as  been  tried  as  an  ausesthetliic  by  Dr.  Simpson  and  Mr.  Nunnely.  Dr.  Simpson  was  not 
itisfied  with  its  effects;  but  Mr.  Nunnely,  having  administered  it  frequently  in  practice, 
mnd  it  perfectly  agreeable  in  every  respect.  Its  use  is  not  attended  by  the  troublesome 
xcitement  produced  by  ether,  or  by  the  tendency  to  collapse  caused  by  chloroform.  Two 
inns  of  Dutch  liquid  have  been  recently  experimented  with  by  Dr.  Aran,  of  Paris ; and 
ne  of  them  furnished  satisfactory  clinical  results.  The  liquid  which  gave  favourable 
isults  has  been  ascertained  by  Mialhe  and  Flourens  to  be  the  monochlorinated  Dutch 
quid;  but  its  cost  proved  to  be  too  high  to  allow  of  its  general  use  as  a therapeutic  agent. 
1 consequence  of  this  objection  to  the  liquid  just  named,  Mialhe  and  Flourens  were  in- 
uced  to  search  for  a substitute  in  the  corresponding  compound  of  a parallel  series  of 
hers,  formed  by  the  action  of  chlorine  on  muriatic  ether.  When  muriatic  ether  (C4II5C1) 

■ acted  on  by  successive  portions  of  chlorine,  the  hydrogen  is  replaced  by  the  latter,  equi- 
ilent  for  equivalent,  and  there  are  formed  the  five  following  compounds;  C4II4C12— C4II5 
13 — C4H2C14 — CJIClj — C4C16.  Of  this  series,  the  first  member  is  isomeric  with  the  Dutch 
quid;  the  second,  third,  and  fourth  with  the  mono-  bi-  and  trichlorinated  Dutch  liquid, 
ad  the  fifth  is  the  6-4  chloride  of  carbon,  the  terminating  compound  of  the  other  series, 
he  first,  member,  though  identical  with  the  Dutch  liquid  in  elementary  composition,  and 
aving  a vapour  of  the  same  density,  has,  nevertheless,  a lower  boiling  point,  and  is  differ- 
lt  in  chemical  properties.  Thus,  it  is  not  decomposed  by  an  alcoholic  solution  of  potassa, 
i the  Dutch  liquid  is;  and  is  not  acted  on  by  potassium,  while  the  Dutch  liquid  is  imme- 
,'ately  attacked  by  it.  These  facts  show  that  the  atomic  constitution  of  these  two  sub- 
anees  must  be  different.  In  like  manner  the  second,  third,  and  fourth  members  of  this 
■vies  are  different  in  chemical  properties  from  their  isomeric  representatives  in  the  Dutch 
quid  series.  In  denoting  the  different  degrees  of  chlorination  of  the  muriatic  ether  series, 
egnault  indicates  merely  (as  in  the  Dutch  liquid  series)  the  number  of  eqs.  of  chlorine 
ipposed  to  replace  hydrogen.  Accordingly,  he  calls  the  first  member  of  the  series  mono- 
llorinated  muriatic  ether,  corresponding  to  the  Dutch  liquid;  and  the  second,  Ihird,  and 
>urth,  bi-  tri-  and  quadrichlorinated  muriatic  ethers,  corresponding  to  the  mono-  bi-  and 
ichlorinated  Dutch  liquids.  This  confusion  of  nomenclature  arises  from  the  fact  that  the 
placement  by  chlorine  sets  out  from  five  eqs.  of  hydrogen  in  the  muriatic  ether  series, 
id  from  four  eqs.  in  the  Dutch  liquid  series. 

From  the  explanation  above  given,  it  will  be  understood  that  the  compound  of  the  mu- 
atic  ether  series  corresponding  to  the  monochlorinated  Dutch  liquid,  is  the  bichlorinated 
uriatic  ether.  This  compound  proved  too  volatile  to  act  advantageously  as  a local  anaes- 
letic.  The  tri-  and  quadrichlorinated  ethers  are  denser  and  less  volatile,  and  acted  more 
vourably.  The  conclusion  arrived  at  by  Mialhe  and  Flourens  appears  to  be  that,  the 
ur  chlorinated  muriatic  ethers  all  possess  anaesthetic  properties;  and  as  it  would  be  dif- 
;ult  to  separate  them,  they  propose  the  use  of  the  mixed  ethers,  consisting  principally  of 
le  tri-  and  quadrichlorinated  compounds,  as  an  anaesthetic,  under  the  indefinite  name  of 
llorinated  muriatic  ether  ( chlorinated  chlorohydric  ether). 

83 


1314  Appendix. 

Chlorinated  muriatic  ether  is  a colourless,  very  mobile,  neuter  liquid,  having  an  aromat: 
ethereal  odour,  and  hot  saccharine  taste.  It  is  sparingly  soluble  in  water,  but  readily  soli 
ble  in  alcohol,  ether,  and  most  of  the  fixed  and  volatile  oils.  It  is  not  inflammable,  in'whic 
respect  it  agrees  with  chloroform.  Being  a mixture  of  different  liquids,  its  sp.  gr.  is  nr 
uniform.  Its  boiling  point  varies  from  230°  to  266°.  According  to  the  experiments  < 
Flourens,  it  has  a similar  action  to  chloroform,  the  most  important  of  the  chlorinated  anse: 
thetics.  (See  chlorofitrmum).  Its  local  action  is  that  of  a powerful  sedative.  ( B.  Cuc-ue 
Ann.  de  Therap.,  1853,  102.) 

CHROME  YELLOW.  This  is  the  neutral  chromate  of  lead,  prepared  by  precipitatin 
a solution  of  the  nitrate  of  lead  with  chromate  of  potassa.  It  is  of  a beautiful  lemon 
yellow  colour.  The  subchromate  of  lead,  consisting  of  one  eq.  of  acid,  and  two  eqs.  c 
base,  is  of  a red  colour,  and  is  sometimes  used  as  a pigment.  Chrome  green  is  a mixtur 
of  chrome  yellow  and  Prussian  blue. 

CHROMIC  ACID.  Acidum  Chromicum.  This  acid  is  readily  obtained  by  mixing  10 
measures  of  a cold  saturated  solution  of  bichromate  of  potassa  with  150  measures  of  sul 
phuric  acid,  and  allowing  the  mixture  to  cool.  The  sulphuric  acid  unites  with  the  potassa 
and  sets  the  chromic  acid  free,  which  crystallizes  in  brilliant  crimson-red  prisms.  Th 
mother-liquor  having  been  poured  off,  the  crystals  should  be  placed  upon  a tile  to  drain 
covered  with  a glass  bell-jar.  Chromic  acid  is  deliquescent  and  very  soluble  in  water.  I 
is  a powerful  oxidizer,  yielding  its  oxygen  readily  to  organic  matter,  which  is  thereby  dis 
solved.  In  composition  it  is  the  teroxide  of  chromium,  having  the  formula  Cr03-  This  ncii 
has  been  tried  as  a caustic  by  Prof.  Sigmund,  of  Vienna,  on  the  recommendation  of  Dr 
Heller.  Used  in  substance,  made  into  a paste  with  water,  its  action  is  exceedingly  slov 
and  gradual,  but  deeply'  penetrating.  In  saturated  solution  its  action  is  less  penetratim 
and  less  gradual.  By  using  a solution  more  or  less  dilute,  the  action  may  be  graduate 
according  to  the  degree  of  effect  desired.  Prof.  Sigmund  tried  the  concentrated  solution 
with  advantage,  for  the  destruction  of  condylomata,  occurring  in  his  syphilitic  wards 
This  caustic  is  well  suited  to  the  destruction  of  morbid  growths,  and  gives  less  pain  thai 
other  caustics.  Chromic  acid  acts  as  a rapid  solvent  of  organic  matter.  “ Smaller  ani- 
mals (mice,  birds,  &c.)  were  so  completely  dissolved  by  the  acid  within  fifteen  or  twenty 
minutes,  that  no  trace  of  their  bones,  skin,  hair,  claws,  or  teeth  could  be  discovered.' 
[Dublin  Quarterly  Journ.,  xiii.  250,  from  the  Wiener  Medizinische  Wochemchrit'!.) 

CICHORIUM  INTYBUS.  Chicory.  Succory.  A perennial  herbaceous  plant,  indigenous 
in  Europe,  but  naturalized  in  this  country,  where  it  grows  in  fields,  and  in  roads  along  tin 
fences,  in  neighbourhoods  which  have  been  long  settled.  It  is  one  or  two  feet  high,  wit! 
large,  compound,  beautifully  blue  flowers,  which  appear  in  July  and  August,  and  serve  tc 
distinguish  the  plant  at  first  sight.  The  whole  plant  has  a bitter  taste,  without  acrimony, 
or  any  very  peculiar  flavour.  The  taste  is  strongest  in  the  root,  and  weakest  in  the  flow- 
ers. The  leaves,  when  young  and  tender,  are  said  to  be  sometimes  eaten  as  salad  ir 
Europe.  Succory  is  gently  tonic  without  being  irritating,  and  is  considered  by  somt 
authors  as  aperient  and  deobstruent.  It  is  said  to  be  useful,  if  freely  taken,  in  hepatic 
congestion,  jaundice,  and  other  visceral  obstructions  in  the  early  stages:  and  is  affirmec 
to  have  done  good  even  in  pulmonary  consumption.  The  usual  form  of  administration  i; 
that  of  decoction,  which  is  prepared  by  boiling  one  or  two  ounces  of  the  root,  or  a handful 
of  the  herb,  in  a pint  of  water.  The  root  dried  and  roasted  is  much  used  in  certain  part; 
of  Europe  as  a substitute  for  coffee,  and  is  said  also  to  be  mixed  fraudulently  with  ground 
coffee  for  sale.  In  preparing  it  for  coffee,  Dausse  recommends  that  the  dried  root  should 
be  cut  into  rather  large  and  equal  pieces,  which  are  to  be  roasted  until  they  lose  140  out 
of  500  parts.  The  pieces  are  then  easily  ground  in  a mill,  and  afford  a yellowish-browc 
powder.  ( Pharm . Cent.  Blatt,  Oct.  1850,  p.  G88.)  The  garden  endive  is  a species  of  Cicho- 
rium,  denominated  C.  Endivia. 

CICUTA  VIROSA.  Water  Hemlock.  Cowbane.  A perennial,  umbelliferous  European 
plant,  growing  on  the  borders  of  pools  and  streams.  It  is  very  poisonous,  proving  fatal  tc 
most  animals  which  feed  upon  it,  though  said  to  be  eaten  with  impunity  by  goats  and 
sheep.  Several  instances  are  on  record  of  children  who  have  died  from  eating  the  root  by 
mistake  for  parsnep.  It  operates  as  an  acrid  narcotic,  producing  inflammation  of  tin 
stomach,  together  with  symptoms  which  indicate  cerebral  disturbance,  such  as  vertigo, 
intoxication,  and  convulsions.  Infusion  of  galls  is  recommended  as  an  antidote,  but  should 
not  be  relied  on  to  the  exclusion  of  emetics.  AYhen  the  plant  vomits,  as  it  frequently 
does,  fatal  effects  are  less  apt  to  ensue.  It  is  said  to  be  less  poisonous  dried  than  fresh  : 
and  it  has  been  inferred  that  the  active  principle  is  volatile.  But  the  volatile  oil,  obtained 
by  distillation,  was  found  by  Simon,  of  Berlin,  not  to  be  poisonous.  On  the  other  hand, 
the  alcoholic  extract  of  the  dried  root  operated  as  a violent  poison  upon  animals.  , Annal. 
der Pharm.,  xxxi.  258.)  It  is  at  present  never  used  internally,  having  been  superseded  by 


Appendix.  1315 

5 nium  maculatum.  Externally  it  is  sometimes  employed  as  an  anodyne  poultice  in  local 
ins,  particularly  those  of  a rheumatic  or  gouty  nature. 

The  Cicuta  maculata  or  American  water  hemlock  is  closely  analogous,  in  botanical  cha- 
cter  and  effects,  to  the  European  species.  In  several  instances,  children  have  been  fatally 
lisoned  by  eating  its  root.  It  is  never  used  in  medicine.  For  a full  account  of  this 
ant,  see  Bigelow’s  Medical  Botany  (i.  125).  In  cases  of  poisoning  by  either  of  these 
ants,  vomiting  should  be  induced  as  speedily  as  possible,  and  maintained  till  the  stomach 
thoroughly  evacuated. 

CITRATE  OF  IRON  AND  MAGNESIA.  Ferri  et  Magnesise  Citras.  This  double  salt 
|s  been  introduced  to  the  notice  of  the  profession  by  M.  Van  der  Corput.  It  is  made  by 
ssolvingtwo  ounces  of  freshly  precipitated  hydrated  oxide  of  iron  in  a moderately  heated 
lution  of  three  ounces  of  citric  acid,  and  saturating  the  liquor  with  carbonate  of  mag- 
isia.  The  solution,  after  filtration,  is  evaporated  by  means  of  a water-bath  to  a syrupy 
nsistence,  and  spread  on  glass  to  dry  in  scales.  The  carbonate  required  is  nearly  an 
ince.  Three  and  a quarter  ounces  of  sulphate  of  iron  will  furnish  by  decomposition  the 
icessary  hydrated  oxide  for  three  ounces  of  the  acid.  (See  formula  for  Ferri  Oxidum 
ydratum.)  This  salt  is  in  transparent  greenish-yellow  scales,  having  a slightly  ferru- 
nous  somewhat  acid  taste.  It  is  very  soluble  in  water,  but  insoluble  in  alcohol  and 
her.  It  may  be  given  in  doses  of  five  or  ten  grains,  in  the  form  of  solution,  syrup,  or 
11.  (See  the  remarks  of  Prof.  Procter  on  this  preparation,  contained  in  the  Am.  Journ. 

' Pharm.  for  Oct.  I860,  p.  815.) 

CITRATE  OF  IRON  AND  QUINIA.  Ferri  et  Quinise  Citras.  This  is  made,  according 
Prof.  Procter,  by  heating  together,  in  a capsule,  an  ounce  of  recently  precipitated 
linia,  two  drachms  of  citric  acid,  five  ounces  of  citrate  of  iron,  and  twelve  fluidounces  of 
ater,  constantly  stirring,  and  avoiding  ebullition.  When  the  solution  is  effected,  evapo- 
te  carefully  to  a syrupy  consistence,  and  spread  on  glass  to  dry  in  thin  layers.  This 
iuble  salt  is  in  the  form  of  shining  scales,  of  a garnet-red  colour,  more  or  less  deep.  It 
given  as  a tonic  in  doses  of  five  grains  or  more,  three  times  a day,  either  in  solution, 

• in  the  form  of  pill.  This  double  salt  is  sometimes  adulterated  with  cinchonia,  which 
places  part  of  the  quinia.  A sample,  analyzed  by  Mr.  C.  G.  Williams,  was  found  to 
ntain  only  5-3  per  cent,  of  quinia,  instead  of  12-5  per  cent.  ( Chem . Gaz.,  xi.  269.) 
CITRATE  OF  SODA.  Sodse  Citras.  This  salt  may  be  formed  by  saturating  a solution 
citric  acid  with  bicarbonate  of  soda,  evaporating  the  liquid,  aud  setting  it  aside  to 
ystallize.  It  is  a white  salt  crystallized  in  six-sided  pyramids,  and  having  a saline 
ste  without  any  bitterness.  Citrate  of  soda  has  been  proposed  by  M.  Guichon,  of 
70ns,  as  a pleasant  purgative,  having  properties  similar  to  those  of  citrate  of  magnesia, 
id,  though  possessing  a taste  more  decidedly  saline  than  the  latter,  having  the  advan- 
ges  of  cheapness,  and  of  a constant  solubility,  which  permits  it  to  be  associated  with 
her  medicinal  preparations.  The  dose  is  from  ten  to  fourteen  drachms,  given  in  simple 
tueous  solution,  or  acidulated  with  citric  acid  and  sweetened. 

CIVET.  Zibethum.  This  is  an  odorous  substance,  obtained  from  two  animals  of  the 
■mis  Viverra,  viz.,  the  V.  Civetta  or  civet  cat  of  Africa,  and  the  V.  Zibetha  which  inha- 
ts  the  East  Indies.  It  is  secreted  into  a cavity  which  opens  between  the  anus  and 
iternal  genitals,  and  is  collected  from  animals  confined  for  the  purpose.  It  is  semi- 
piid,  unctuous,  yellowish,  becoming  brown  and  thicker  by  exposure  to  the  air,  of  a very 
rong,  peculiar  odour,  similar  to  that  of  musk,  though  less  agreeable  and  less  diffusible, 
id  of  a bitterish,  subacrid,  disagreeable,  fatty  taste.  When  heated  it  becomes  quite 
lid,  and  at  a higher  temperature  takes  fire,  and  burns  with  a clear  flame,  leaving  little 
sidue.  It  is  insoluble  in  water,  and  only  slightly  soluble  in  ether  and  cold  alcohol;  but 
iated  alcohol  dissolves  it  almost  entirely,  depositing  it  again  upon  cooling.  It  contains, 
aong  other  ingredients,  a volatile  oil,  fat,  and  free  ammonia.  In  medicine  it  was  for- 
srly  employed  as  a stimulant  and  antispasmodic,  like  castor  and  musk  ; but  it  is  now 
ed  exclusively  as  a perfume. 

CLEMATIS  ERECTA.  Upright  Virgin’s  Bower.  A perennial  European  plant.  The 
ives  and  flowers  have  an  acrid  burning  taste.  When  bruised  in  a mortar  they  irritate 
e eyes  and  throat,  giving  rise  to  a flow  of  tears  and  to  coughing ; and  applied  to  the 
in  they  produce  inflammation  and  vesication.  Hence  the  name  of  flammula  Jovis,  by 
aich  the  plant  was  known  in  older  pharmacy.  The  acrimony  is  greatly  diminished  by 
ying.  Storck  found  this  species  of  Clematis  useful  in  secondary  syphilis,  cancerous 
id  other  foul  ulcers,  and  severe  headaches.  He  gave  it  internally,  and  at  the  same  time 
iplied  the  powdered  leaves  to  the  surface  of  the  sore.  It  acted  as  a diuretic  and  dia- 
loretic.  Two  or  three  drachms  of  the  leaves  were  infused  in  a pint  of  water,  of  which 
i administered  four  ounces  three  times  a day.  He  also  employed  an  extract,  in  the  dose 
a grain  or  two  in  the  course  of  a day.  At  present  the  plant  is  not  used. 


1316  Appendix. 

Other  species  of  Clematis  have  the  same  acrid  properties.  Among  these  are  C.  Fla, 
mula  or  sweet  scented  virgin's  bower,  which,  though  a native  of  Europe,  is  cultivated  in  o 
gardens,  C.  Vilalba  or  traveller’s  joy , also  a native  of  Europe,  and  several  indigene 
species,  of  which  C.  Virginica  or  common  virgin’s  bower,  C.  Viorna  or  leather  flower,  ai 
C.  crispa  have  been  particularly  cited  by  authors  as  proper  substitutes  for  the  C.  erec 
used  by  Stcirck.  All  these  are  climbing  plants.  C.  Vitalba  has  been  used  in  Euro] 
with  success  in  the  cure  of  itch.  For  this  purpose  the  roots  and  stems,  bruised,  ai 
boiled  for  a short  time  to  diminish  their  acrimony,  were  infused  in  boiling  oil,  whic 
thus  impregnated,  was  applied  to  the  skin  several  times  a day.  Twelve  or  fifteen  app! 
cations  were  usually  sufficient. 

COBALT  BLUE.  This  beautiful  pigment  is  a compound  of  oxide  of  cobalt  and  al 
mina,  obtained  by  precipitating  the  mixed  solutions  of  a salt  of  alumina  and  of  cobalt  t 
means  of  an  alkali,  and  washing,  drying,  and  strongly  calcining  the  precipitate.  \Berz 
lias.)  The  cobalt  blue  of  Thenard  is  made  by  heating  together  the  hydrated  subphosphai 
of  cobalt  and  hydrate  of  alumina.  It  is  used  in  painting.  An  oxide  of  cobalt  prepare 
by  precipitating  the  chloride  with  potassa  has  been  employed  in  rheumatism.  It  isemet 
in  the  dose  of  10  or  20  grains.  The  salts  of  the  metal  are  irritant  poisons. 

COBWEB.  Spider’s  Web.  Tela  Arancse.  The  genus  Aranea  of  Linn,  has  been  divide 
by  subsequent  naturalists  into  several  genera,  of  which  the  Tegeneria  of  Walkenaer  is  th 
one  that  includes  the  medicinal  species  of  spider.  The  T.  domeslica  of  Europe,  and  1 
medicinalis  of  this  country  (Henz,  Journ.  Acad,  of  Nat.  Sci.,  ii.  53),  are  the  particula 
species  which  have  attracted  most  attention.  They  inhabit  cellars,  barns,  and  otherdar 
places,  and  are  of  a brown  or  blackish  colour.  It  is  affirmed  that  the  web  of  the  fiel 
spider  is  inefficacious,  while  that  collected  in  the  cellars  of  houses,  & c.,  has  extraordinar 
medical  virtues.  Several  authors  speak  in  very  decided  terms  of  its  powers  as  a febri 
fuge  and  antispasmodic.  According  to  Dr.  Robert  Jackson,  it  is  superior  even  to  bar 
and  arsenic  in  the  rare  of  intermittents,  and  is,  moreover,  highly  useful  in  various  spas 
modic  and  nervous  diseases,  controlling  and  tranquillizing  irregular  nervous  action,  exhila 
rating  the  spirits,  and  disposing  to  sleep,  without  producing  any  of  the  narcotic  effects  o 
opium  on  the  brain.  Among  the  complaints  in  which  it  has  been  found  useful,  beside 
intermittent  fever,  are  periodical  headache,  hectic  fever,  asthma,  hysteria,  and  nerrou 
irritations  attended  with  morbid  vigilance  and  irregular  muscular  action.  It  will  be  ob 
served  that  these  are,  for  the  most  part,  affections  over  which  the  imagination  has  muci 
control.  The  dose  of  spider’s  web  is  five  or  six  grains,  to  be  given  in  the  form  of  pill 
and  repeated  every  three  or  four  hours.  Dr.  Jackson  states  that  its  influence  is  not  ii 
proportion  to  the  quantity  administered,  and  that  he  obtained  the  same  effects  fiom  tei 
as  from  twenty  grains.  This  might  well  be,  if  the  supposition  be  allowed  that  its  chie 
operation  is  through  the  imagination.  Spider’s  web  has  also  been  used,  with  assertei 
advantage,  as  a styptic  in  wounds,  and  a healing  application  in  superficial  ulcers.  Spider: 
themselves  were  formerly  employed  in  the  treatment  of  intermittent  fever,  and  this  appli- 
cation of  the  web  is  not  of  recent  origin. 

COCHLEARIA  OFFICINALIS.  Common  Scurvy-grass.  This  is  an  annual  or  biennia 
plant,  sending  up  early  in  the  spring  a tuft  of  radical  leaves,  which  are  heart-shaped 
roundish,  of  a deep  shining-green  colour,  and  supported  on  long  footstalks.  The  leave: 
of  the  stem  are  alternate,  oblong,  somewhat  sinuate,  the  lower  petiolate.  the  upper  sessile. 
The  stem  is  erect,  branched,  angular,  six  or  eight  inches  high,  and  bears,  at  the  extre- 
mity of  the  branches,  numerous  white  cruciform  peduncled  flowers,  in  thick  clusters.  The 
fruit  is  a roundish  two-celled  pod,  containing  numerous  seeds.  The  whole  plant  is  smooth 
and  succulent.  It  is  a native  of  the  northern  countries  of  Europe,  where,  as  well  as  ir 
the  United  States,  it  is  occasionally  cultivated  in  gardens.  The  whole  herb  is  officinal. 
It  has,  when  fresh,  a pungent  unpleasant  odour  if  bruised,  and  a warm,  acrid,  bitter  taste. 
These  properties  are  lost  by  drying.  They  are  imparted  to  water  and  alcohol  by  mace- 
ration, are  retained  by  the  expressed  juice,  and  probably  depend  on  a peculiar  volatile 
oil  which  is  separable  in  very  small  quantity  by  distillation  with  water. 

Common  scurvy-grass  is  gently  stimulant,  aperient,  and  diuretic.  It  is  highly  cele- 
brated  as  a remedy  in  sea-scurvv,  and  has  been  recommended  in  chronic  obstructions  ol 
the  viscera,  and  certain  forms  of  chronic  rheumatism.  The  fresh  plant  may  be  eaten  as 
a salad,  or  used  in  the  form  of  infusion  in  water  or  wine,  or  of  the  expressed  juice.  Al- 
cohol and  water  are  impregnated  with  its  virtues  by  distillation : and  the  distilled  spirit 
has  been  found  useful  in  paralysis,  in  the  dose  of  thirty  drops  several  times  a day.  The 
expressed  juice  may  be  used  as  a local  application  in  scorbutic  affections  of  the  gums. 

COCOA.  Cacao.  Chocolate  Nats.  These  are  the  seeds  of  Theobroma  Cacao,  a hand- 
some tree,  from  twelve  to  twenty  feet  in  height,  growing  in  Mexico,  the  B est  Indies,  and 
South  America,  in  some  parts  of  which  it  is  largely  cultivated,  particularly  in  Guayaquil 


Appendix.  1317 

d Venezuela.  Tlie  fruit  is  an  oblong-ovate  capsule  or  berry,  six  or  eight  inches  in 
lgth,  with'  a thick,  coriaceous,  somewhat  ligneous  rind,  enclosing  a whitish  pulp,  in 
lich  numerous  seeds  are  embedded.  These  are  ovate,  somewhat  compressed,  about  as 
■ge  as  an  almond,  and  consist  of  an  exterior  thin  shell,  and  a brown  oily  kernel.  Separated 
ini  the  matter  in  which  they  are  enveloped,  they  constitute  the  cocoa  of  commerce.  They 
,ve  a slightly  aromatic,  bitterish,  oily  taste,  and,  when  bruised  or  heated,  an  agreeable 
our.  They  contain  a large  quantity  of  fixed  oil,  together  with  albumen  and  bitter  ex- 
ictive.  The  oil  is  obtained  by  hot  expression,  or  by  decoction.  It  is  a soft  solid, 
iitish  or  yellowish,  with  a peculiar  agreeable  odour,  and  a bland  pleasant  taste,  and  is 
own  by  the  name  of  cocoa  butter.  According  to  Brandes,  it  has  peculiar  properties, 
d yields  a peculiar  acid  when  saponified.  He  calls  the  oil  cocin,  and  the  acid  cocinic 
id.  ( Journ . de  Pharm.,  xxiv.  652.)  It  has  since  been  found  to  contain  several  solid 
d volatile  fatty  acids ; as  caproic,  caprylic,  capric,  and  pichurie  acids.  [Ibid.,  oe  ser., 

. 69.)  The  oil  is  said  to  be  frequently  adulterated  with  animal  fats.  The  chief  use  to 
dch  it  is  applied  is  as  an  ingredient  in  cosmetic  unguents.  A peculiar  crystallizable  azo- 
ed  principle,  called  theobromin,  has  been  found  in  the  seeds  by  M.  Voskresensky.  It 
said  to  contain  a larger  proportion  of  nitrogen  than  cafein.  [Journ.  de  Pharm.,  3e  ser., 
136.)  The  shells  of  the  nuts  are  sometimes  employed  in  the  state  of  infusion,  as  a 
'bstitute  for  tea  or  coffee.  They  impart  to  boiling  water  a taste  analogous  to  that  of 
ocolate,  but  weaker.  The  kernel  is  consumed  in  great  quantities,  in  the  shape  of  choco- 
:e,  or  in  some  analogous  form. 

Chocolate  is  differently  prepared  in  different  countries.  In  Great  Britain  and  the  United 
ates,  it  usually  consists,  when  pure,  exclusively  of  the  cocoa  or  chocolate  nuts,  which  are 
st  roasted,  then  deprived  of  their  shell,  and  lastly  reduced,  by  grinding  between  heated 
mes,  to  the  state  of  a paste,  which  is  moulded  into  oblong  cakes.  Not  unfrequentlv  rice 
ur  or  other  farinaceous  substance,  with  butter  or  lard,  is  added;  but  these  must  be  con- 
lered  as  adulterations.  On  the  continent  of  Europe,  sugar  is  generally  incorporated  with 
3 paste,  and  spices,  especially  cinnamon,  are  often  added.  Vanilla  is  a favourite  addition 
South  America,  France,  and  Spain.  Cocoa  is  often  sold  in  the  state  of  powder,  which 
sometimes  mingled  with  other  ingredients,  such  as  ground  rice,  barley  flour,  sugar,  &c. 
•ocolate  is  prepared  for  use  by  reducing  it  to  powder,  and  boiling  it  in  milk,  water,  or  a 
xture  of  these  fluids.  In  this  state  it  is  much  employed  as  a drink  at  the  morning  and 
ening  meals,  and  serves  as  an  excellent  substitute  for  coffee  in  dyspeptic  cases.  It  is 
;o  a good  article  of  diet  for  convalescents,  and  may  sometimes  be  given  advantageously 
a mild  nutritive  drink  in  acute  disease. 

COFFEE.  The  coffee  plant — Caffea  Arabica — belongs  to  the  class  and  order  Pentandria 
tnogynia  of  the  sexual  system,  and  to  the  natural  order  Cinchonacete  of  Lindlev.  It  is 
jmall  tree,  rising  from  fifteen  to  thirty  feet  in  height.  The  branches  are  opposite,  the 
ver  spreading,  the  upper  somewhat  declining,  and  gradually  diminishing  in  length  as 
!;y  ascend,  so  as  to  form  a pyramidal  summit,  which  is  covered  with  green  foliage  tlirough- 
t the  year.  The  leaves  are  opposite,  upon  short  footstalks,  oblong-ovate,  acuminate, 
tire,  wavy,  four  or  five  inches  long,  smooth  and  shining,  of  a dark-green  colour  on  their 
per  surface,  paler  beneath,  and  accompanied  with  a pair  of  small  pointed  stipules.  The 
wers  are  white,  with  an  odour  not  unlike  that  of  the  jasmine,  and  stand  in  groups  in  the 
ils  of  the  upper  leaves.  The  calyx  is  very  small,  the  corolla  salverform,  with  a nearly 
indrical  tube,  and  a flat  border  divided  into  five  lanceolate,  pointed  segments.  The 
mens  project  above  the  tube.  The  fruit,  which  is  inferior,  is  a roundish  berry,  umbili- 
:e  at  top,  at  first  green,  then  red,  and  ultimately  dark-purple.  It  is  about  as  large  as 
;herry,  and  contains  two  seeds  surrounded  by  a paper-like  membrane,  and  enclosed  in 
rellowish  pulpy  matter.  These  seeds,  divested  of  their  coverings,  constitute  coffee. 

This  tree  is  a native  of  Southern  Arabia  and  Abyssinia,  and  probably  pervades  Africa 
tut  the  same  parallel  of  latitude,  as  it  is  found  growing  wild  at  Liberia,  on  the  western 
ist  of  the  continent.  It  is  cultivated  in  various  parts  of  the  world  where  the  tempera- 
■e  is  sufficiently  elevated  and  uniform.  Considerable  attention  has  long  been  paid  to  its 
lure  in  its  native  country,  particularly  in  Yemen,  in  the  vicinity  of  Mocha,  from  which 
; demands  of  commerce  were  at  first  almost  exclusively  supplied.  About  the  year  1690, 
vas  introduced  by  the  Dutch  into  Java,  and  in  1718,  into  their  colony  of  Surinam.  Soon 
er  this  latter  period,  the  French  succeeded  in  introducing  it  into  their  West  India  Islands, 
yenne,  and  the  Isles  of  France  and  Bourbon;  and  it  has  subsequently  made  its  way 
o the  other  West  India  Islands,  various  parts  of  tropical  America,  Hindostan,  and  Ceylon. 
The  tree  is  raised  from  the  seeds,  which  are  sown  in  a soil  properly  prepared,  and, 
■minating  in  less  than  a month,  produce  plants  which,  at  the  end  of  the  year,  are  large 
• mgh  to  be  transplanted.  These  are  then  set  out  in  rows  at  suitable  distances,  and  in 
•ee  or  four  years  begin  to  bear  fruit.  It  is  customary  to  top  the  trees  at  this  age,  in 
ler  to  prevent  their  attaining  an  inconvenient  height,  and  to  increase  the  number  of 


1318 


Appendix. 

fruit-bearing  branches.  It  is  said  that  they  continue  productive  for  thirty  or  forty  year: 
Though  almost  always  covered  with  flowers  and  fruit,  they  yield  most  abundantly  at  tw 
seasons,  and  thus  afford  two  harvests  during  the  year.  Various  methods  are  employed  fr 
freeing  the  seeds  from  their  coverings ; but  that  considered  the  best,  is  by  means  of  machiner 
to  remove  the  fleshy  portion  of  the  fruit,  leaving  the  seeds  surrounded  only  by  their  pap} 
raceous  envelope,  from  which  they  are  afterwards  separated  by  drying,  and  by  the  actio 
of  peeling  and  winnowing  mills. 

The  cliai-acter  of  coffee  varies  considerably  with  the  climate  and  mode  of  culturi 
Consequently,  several  varieties  exist  in  commerce,  named  usually  from  the  sources  froi 
which  they  are  derived.  The  Mocha  coffee,  which  is  in  small  roundish  grains,  take 
precedence  of  all  others.  The  Java  coffee  is  highly  esteemed  in  this  country ; but  ou 
chief  supplies  are  derived  from  the  West  Indies  and  South  America.  Some  good  coffe 
has  been  brought  from  Liberia.  Coffee  improves  by  age,  losing  a portion  of  its  strengtl 
and  thus  acquiring  a more  agreeable  flavour.  It  is  said  to  be  much  better  when  allowed  t 
become  perfectly  ripe  upon  the  tree,  than  as  ordinarily  collected.  The  grains  should  b 
hard,  and  so  heavy  as  readily  to  sink  in  water.  When  soft,  light,  black  or  dark-colourec 
or  musty,  they  are  inferior. 

Coffee  has  a faint,  peculiar  odour,  and  a slightly  sweetish,  somewhat  austere  taste.  A 
analysis  by  M.  Payen  gives  for  its  constituents,  in  100  parts,  34  of  cellulose,  12  of  hygrc 
scopic  water,  10  to  13  of  fatty  matter,  15-5  of  glucose,  with  dextrine  and  a vegetable  aei< 
10  of  legumin,  3-5  to  5 of  chlorogcnate  of  potassa  and  caffein,  3 of  a nitrogenous  body,  0- 
of  free  caffein,  0-001  of  concrete  volatile  oil,  0-002  of  fluid  volatile  oil,  and  6*697  of  minert 
substances.  ( Joum . de  Pharm.,  3 e ser.,  x.  266.)  Pfaff  recognised,  in  the  precipitate  prc 
duced  by  acetate  of  lead  with  the  decoction  of  coffee,  two  peculiar  principles,  one  resen: 
bling  tannin,  called  caff'eo-tannic  acid,  and  the  other  an  acid,  called  by  him  caffeic  ach 
Caffein  was  first  discovered  by  llunge,  and  afterwards  by  Robiquet.  According  to  Pave 
it  exists  in  the  coffee  partly  free,  partly  in  the  form  of  a double  salt,  consisting  of  a pecu 
liar  acid,  denominated  cklorogenic  acid,  combined  with  potassa  and  caffein.  It  may  b 
obtained  in  the  following  manner.  Exhaust  bruised  coffee  by  two  successive  portions  c 
boiling  water,  unite  the  infusions,  add  acetate  of  lead,  in  order  to  precipitate  the  principle 
which  accompany  the  caffein,  filter,  decompose  the  excess  of  acetate  of  lead  in  thefiltere 
liquor  by  sulphuretted  hydrogen,  concentrate  by  evaporation,  and  neutralize  with  ammonir 
The  caffein  is  deposited  in  crystals  upon  cooling,  and  may  be  purified  by  redissolving  i 
water,  treating  with  animal  charcoal,  and  evaporating.  For  another  method,  said  to  b 
more  economical,  proposed  by  H.  J.  Versmann,  of  Lubeck,  the  reader  is  referred  to  th 
Chemical  Gazette  (Feb.  16,  1852,  p.  67).  Caffein  crystallizes,  by  the  cooling  of  its  concer 
trated  solution,  in  opaque,  silky,  flexible  needles : by  slow  and  spontaneous  evaporation,  i 
long  transparent  prisms.  It  has  a feebly  bitter  and  disagreeable  taste,  is  soluble  inwatei 
alcohol,  and  ether,  melts  when  exposed  to  heat,  and  at  a higher  temperature  sublime: 
without  residue,  in  needles  analogous  to  those  formed  by  benzoic  acid.  It  is  precip 
tated  from  its  aqueous  solution  by’  no  reagent  except  tannic  acid,  and  is  remarkable  fo 
containing  a larger  proportion  of  nitrogen  than  almost  any  other  proximate  vegetabl 
principle,  in  this  respect  equalling  some  of  the  most  highly  animalized  products.  Th 
present  views  of  its  composition  are  represented  by  the  formula  V2CsH-02:  and  it  is  bt 
lieved  to  be  identical  with  them,  or  the  peculiar  principle  of  tea.  Notwithstanding  it 
large  proportion  of  nitrogen,  caffein  does  not  putrefy,  even  when  its  solution  is  kept  fc 
some  time  in  a warm  place. 

Coffee  undergoes  considerable  change  during  the  roasting  process.  It  swells  up  ver 
much,  acquiring  almost  double  its  original  volume,  while  it  loses  from  15  to  20  per  cent,  of  it 
weight.  (Pharm.  Cent.  Platt.  Oct.  1850,  p.  687.)  It  acquires,  at  the  same  time,  a peculia 
odour  entirely  different  from  that  of  the  unaltered  grains,  and  a decidedly  bitter  taste 
A volatile  oil  is  developed  during  the  process,  and,  according  to  Chenevix.  a portion  c 
tannin.  The  caffein  does  not  appear  to  undergo  material  ehange.  as,  according  to  Garo 
it  may  be  extracted  unaltered  from  the  roasted  coffee.  The  excellence  of  the  flavour  ( 
roasted  coffee  depends  much  upon  the  maimer  in  which  the  process  is  conducted,  and  th 
extent  to  which  it  is  carried.  It  should  be  performed  in  a covered  vessel,  over  a moderai 
fire,  and  the  grains  should  be  kept  in  constant  motion.  lVhen  they  have  acquired  a chestnu 
brown  colour,  the  process  should  cease.  If  too  long-continued,  it  renders  the  cofft 
bitter  and  acrid,  or,  by  reducing  it  to  charcoal,  deprives  it  entirely  of  flavour.  The  cofft 
should  not  be  burnt  long  before  it  is  used,  and  should  not  be  kept  in  the  ground  state. 

Medical  and  Economical  Uses. — More  attention  has  been  paid  to  the  effects  of  coffee  o 
the  system  in  the  roasted  than  in  the  crude  state.  Unroasted  coffee  has  been  employe 
by  Dr.  Grindel,  of  Russia,  in  intermittent  fever,  and  the  practice  has  been  followed  byoth< 
physicians;  but  the  success,  though  considerable,  has  not  been  such  as  to  lead  to  the  coi 
elusion  that  this  medicine  would  answer  as  a substitute  for  Peruvian  bark.  It  was  givt 


Appendix.  1319 

n powder,  in  the  dose  of  a scruple  every  hour,  in  decoction  prepared  by  boiling  an  ounce  with 
hgbteen  ounces  of  water  down  to  sis,  or  in  the  state  of  extract  in  the  dose  of  from  four 
o eight  grains. 

The  action  of  coffee  is  directed  chiefly  to  the  nervous  system.  When  swallowed  it  pro- 
luces  a warming  cordial  impression  on  the  stomach,  quickly  followed  by  a diffused  agree- 
ible  nervous  excitement,  which  extends  itself  to  the  cerebral  functions,  giving  rise  to 
ncreased  vigour  of  imagination  and  intellect,  without  any  subsequent  confusion  or  stupor 
uch  as  characterizes  the  action  of  narcotic  medicines.  Indeed,  one  of  its  most  extraor- 
linary  effects  is  a disposition  to  wakefulness,  which  continues  for  several  hours  after  it  has 
peen  taken.  It  is  even  capable  of  resisting,  to  a certain  extent,  the  intoxicating  and 
;oporific  influence  of  alcohol  and  opium,  and  may  sometimes  be  advantageously  employed 
or  this  purpose.  It  also  moderately  excites  the  circulatory  system,  and  stimulates  the 
ligestive  function.  A cup  of  coffee,  taken  after  a hearty  meal,  will  often  relieve  the  sense 
)f  oppression  so  apt  to  be  experienced,  and  enable  the  stomach  to  perform  its  office  with  com- 
parative facility.  The  exhilarating  effects  of  coffee,  united  with  its  delicious  flavour  when 
suitably  qualified  by  cream  and  sugar,  have  given  rise  to  its  habitual  employment  as  an 
irticle  of  diet.  Its  use  for  this  purpose  has  prevailed  from  time  immemorial  in  Persia 
md  Arabia.  In  1517  it  was  introduced  by  the  Turks  into  Constantinople,  whence  it  was 
iarried  to  France  and  England  about  the  middle  of  the  succeeding  century,  and  has  since 
gradually  made  its  way  into  almost  universal  use.  It  cannot  be  supposed  that  a substance 
;apable  of  acting  so  energetically  upon  the  system,  should  be  entirely  destitute  of  deleteri- 
pus  properties.  Accordingly,  if  taken  in  very  large  quantities,  it  leaves,  after  its  first  effects 
ire  passed,  a degree  of  nervous  derangement  or  depression  equivalent  to  the  previous  ex- 
piteinent;  and  its  habitual  immoderate  employment  is  well  known  very  greatly  to  injure 
;he  tone  of  the  stomach,  and  frequently  to  give  rise  to  troublesome  dyspeptic  and  nervous 
iffections.  This  result  is  peculiarly  apt  to  take  place  in  individuals  of  susceptible  nervous 
systems,  and  in  those  of  sedentary  habits.  We  have  repeatedly  known  patients,  who  have 
ong  suffered  with  headache  and  vertigo,  to  get  rid  of  them  by  abstaining  from  coffee. 

In  the  treatment  of  disease,  coffee  has  been  less  employed  than  might  have  been  ex- 
pected from  its  effects  upon  the  system.  There  can  be  no  doubt  that  it  may  be  advan- 
tageously used  in  various  nervous  disorders.  In  a tendency  to  stupor  or  lethargy  de- 
pendent on  deficient  energy  of  the  brain,  without  congestion  or  inflammation,  it  would 
oe  found  useful  by  stimulating  the  cerebral  functions.  In  light  nervous  headaches,  and 
wen  in  sick  headache  not  caused  by  the  presence  of  offending  matter  in  the  stomach,  it 
pften  proves  temporarily  useful.  It  has  acquired  much  reputation  as  a palliative  in  the 
paroxysms  of  spasmodic  asthma,  and  lias  been  recommended  in  hooping-cough,  and  in 
lysterical  affections.  The  Egyptians  are  said  to  have  formerly  employed  it  as  a remedy 
n amenorrhoea.  Hayne  informs  us  that  in  a case  of  violent  spasmodic  disease,  attended 
jfith  short  breath,  palpitation  of  the  heart,  and  a pulse  so  much  increased  in  frequency 
hat  it  could  scarcely  be  counted,  immediate  relief  was  obtained  from  a cup  of  coffee, 
ifter  the  most  powerful  antispasmodies  had  been  used  in  vain  for  several  hours.  By  the 
ate  Dr.  Dewees  it  was  highly  recommended  in  cholera  infantum.  It  is  said  also  to  have 
)een  used  successfully  in  obstinate  chronic  diarrhoea  ; and  the  late  Dr.  Chapman,  of  Phila- 
lelphia,  found  it  highly  useful  in  calculous  nephritis.  We  have  heard  of  its  effectual  use 
n croup.  In  acute  inflammatory  affections  it  is  contra-indicated.  It  should  be  given  in 
rases  of  poisoning  from  opium,  after  the  evacuation  of  the  stomach,  or  when  from  any 
;ause  such  evacuation  is  not  effected. 

Coffee  is  usually  prepared  in  this  country  by  boiling  the  roasted  grains,  previously 
ground  into  a coarse  powder,  in  water  for  a short  time,  and  then  clarifying  by  the  white 
pf  an  egg.  Some  prefer  the  infusion,  made  by  a process  similar  to  that  of  displacement. 
It  has  more  of  the  aroma  of  the  coffee  than  the  decoction,  with  less  of  its  bitterness.  The 
Proper  proportion  for  forming  the  infusion  for  medical  use  is  an  ounce  to  a pint  of  boil- 
ng  water,  of  which  a cupful  may  be  given  warm  for  a dose,  and  repeated,  if  necessary. 
Citrate  of  caffein,  made  by  dissolving  caffein  in  a solution  of  citric  acid  with  _a  gentle 
peat,  and  evaporating  carefully,  has  been  recommended  as  a preventive  and  remedy  in 
sick  headache,  in  the  dose  of  a grain  every  hour,  before  or  during  the  paroxysm. 

The  leaves  of  the  coffee  plant  possess  properties  analogous  to  those  of  the  fruit,  and  are 
jxtensively  used,  in  the  form  of  infusion,  as  a beverage,  in  the  vicinity  of  Padang  in  the 
island  of  Sumatra.  An  account  of  their  employment  was  published  in  the  Singapore  Free 
Press  by  Mr.  N.  M.  Ward,  of  Padang.  Previously  to  this,  Dr.  John  Gardener,  of  London, 
pad  proposed  to  introduce  them  into  use  in  Europe,  and  is  stated  to  have  taken  out  a 
patent  for  the  mode  of  preparing  them.  A specimen  examined  by  Dr.  Stenhouse  has 
peen  found  to  contain  caffein  in  larger  proportion  than  the  coffee-bean,  and  also  caffeic 
icid.  Mr.  Ward  states  that,  in  Sumatra,  the  leaves  are  prepared  for  use  by  moderately 
roasting  them,  and  then  powdering  them  coarsely  by  rubbing  in  the  hands.  The  powder 


1320  Ap-pendix. 

is  made  into  an  infusion  like  common  tea.  The  taste  is  said  to  be  like  that  of  tea  air. 
coffee  combined.  ( Pharm . Journ.  and  Trans.,  xii.  443,  and  xiii.  207  and  38J.; 

COLLINSONIA  CANADENSIS.  Horse-weed.  Horse-balm.  Richu-eed.  Heal-all.  Stone- 
root.  Knot-root.  An  indigenous  plant,  with  a perennial,  knotty  root,  and  an  herbaceous 
simple  stem  about  two  feet  high,  furnished  with  two  or  three  pairs  of  broad,  cordate- 
ovate,  smooth  leaves,  and  terminating  in  a panicle  of  yellow  flowers  in  branched  racemes. 
The  flowers  are  diandrous  and  monogynous,  with  a labiate  calyx  and  corolla,  the  latter 
of  which  has  the  lower  lip  fringed.  The  plant  grows  in  woods  from  Canada  to  Carolina, 
and  flowers  from  July  to  September.  The  whole  plant  has  a strong  disagreeable  odour, 
and  a warm  pungent  taste.  It  is  considered  tonic,  astringent,  diaphoretic,  and  diuretic : 
and  the  root,  in  substance,  is  said  to  irritate  the  stomach,  and  produce  vomiting,  even  in 
small  doses.  The  plant  is  used  in  numerous  complaints  in  domestic  practice.  It  is  pre- 
ferred in  the  fresh  state,  as  the  active  principle  is  volatile.  A decoction  of  the  fresh  root 
is  said  to  have  been  used  with  advantage  in  catarrh  of  the  bladder,  leucorrhma,  gravel, 
dropsy,  and  other  complaints;  and  the  leaves  are  applied  by  the  country  people,  in  the 
form  of  cataplasm  or  fomentation,  to  wounds,  bruises,  and  sores,  and  in  cases  of  internal 
abdominal  pains. 

COLUTEA  ARBORESCENS.  Bladder  Senna.  A shrub,  growing  spontaneously  in  the 
southern  and  eastern  parts  of  Europe,  and  cultivated  in  gardens  as  an  ornamental  plant. 
Its  leaves  are  pinnate,  consisting  of  from  three  to  five  pairs  of  leaflets,  with  an  odd  one 
at  the  end.  The  leaflets  are  obovate,  slightly  emarginate,  smooth,  and  of  a deep-green 
colour  on  the  upper  surface,  grayish-green  and  somewhat  pubescent  beneath.  The  flowers 
are  yellow,  and  the  fruit  vesicular,  whence  the  plant  derived  its  vulgar  name.  The  leaflets 
are  purgative,  and,  in  some  parts  of  Europe,  are  used  as  a substitute  for  senna,  which  is 
said  to  be  sometimes  adulterated  with  them.  Bladder  senna  is  comparatively  very  feeble. 
It  is  administered  in  infusion  or  decoction,  of  which  the  dose  is  about  half  a pint,  con- 
taining the  virtues  of  from  one  to  three  ounces  of  the  leaves. 

COMPTONIA  ASPLENIFOLIA.  Sweet  Fern.  A shrubby  indigenous  plant,  named 
from  the  resemblance  of  its  leaves  to  the  spleen-wort  fern,  but  belonging  to  the  Linnsean 
class  and  order  Moncecia  Triandria,  It  grows  in  thin  sandy  or  stony  woods,  from  New 
England  to  Virginia.  All  parts  of  it  possess  a resinous  spicy  odour,  which  is  increased 
when  the  plant  is  rubbed.  It  is  said  to  be  tonic  and  astringent,  and  to  be  occasionally 
used  in  domestic  practice  as  a remedy  in  diarrhoea,  and  various  other  complaints.  It  is 
employed  in  the  form  of  decoction. 

CONVALLARIA  MAJALIS.  I'Aly  of  the  Valley.  This  charming  little  garden  flower 
is  a native  of  Europe,  and  is  found  growing  wild  in  the  United  States,  upon  the  highest 
mountains  of  Virginia  and  Carolina.  The  flotvers  have  a strong  delightful  odour,  which 
is  in  great  measure  lost  by  drying.  Their  taste  is  nauseous,  bitter,  and  acrid.  Taken 
internally  they  are  said  to  be  emetic  and  cathartic,  and  their  extract  purges  actively  in 
the  dose  of  half  a drachm.  They  were  formerly  used  in  epilepsy  and  against  worms. 
At  present  they  are  employed  only  ns  a sternutatory,  for  which  purpose  they  are  dried 
and  reduced  to  a coarse  powder.  The  root,  which  is  also  bitter,  has  similar  purgative 
properties,  and,  reduced  to  powder,  is  said  to  be  sternutatory. 

CONVALLARIA  POLYGONATUM.  Linn.  Poh/gonatum  uniflorvm.  Desfontaines.  Solo- 
mon’s Seal.  A perennial,  herbaceous,  European  plant,  the  root  of  which  is  horizontal, 
jointed,  white,  and  marked,  at  short  intervals,  with  small  circular  impressions,  which 
bear  a remote  resemblance  to  those  made  by  a seal,  and  have  served  to  give  a name  to 
the  plant.  The  root  is  inodorous,  and  of  a sweetish  mucilaginous  taste,  followed  by  a 
slight  degree  of  bitterness  and  acrimony.  It  is  said  to  be  emetic.  In  former  times  it 
was  used  externally  in  bruises,  especially  those  about  the  eyes,  in  tumours,  wounds,  and 
cutaneous  eruptions,  and  was  highly  esteemed  as  a cosmetic.  At  present  it  is  not  em- 
ployed, though  recommended  by  Hermann  as  a good  remedy  in  gout  and  rheumatism. 
The  berries  and  flowers  are  said  to  be  acrid  and  poisonous.  C.  multifora  (Polygonatum 
mulliflorum,  Desf. ),  which  grows  both  in  this  country  and  Europe,  is  analogous  to  the  pre- 
ceding in  properties.  Dr.  John  II.  Rauch  found  two  fluidounces  of  a decoction,  made  by 
boiling  two  ounces  of  the  root  in  a pint  of  milk,  to  produce  nausea,  a cathartic  effect,  and 
either  diaphoresis  or  diuresis.  He  used  it  advantageously  as  an  internal  remedy  in  piles, 
and  externally,  in  the  form  of  decoction,  in  the  affection  of  the  skin  resulting  from  the 
poisonous  exhalations  of  certain  plants.  ( Inaugural  Essay,  March.  1849.) 

COPAL.  A resinous  substance,  brought  from  the  East  Indies,  South  America,  and  the 
western  coast  of  Africa,  but  most  abundantly  from  the  first  mentioned  source.  It  is  the 
concrete  juice  of  different  trees,  and  is  furnished  by  exudation.  The  East  Indian  copal 
has  been  ascribed  by  some  writers  to  the  Valeria  Indica  of  Linn.,  the  Elseoearpus  copal- 


Appendix.  1311 

iferus  of  Retzius;  and  the  Brazilian,  by  Martius  and  Hayne,  probably  with  justice,  to  dif- 
ferent species  of  Hymenaea.  There  is  some  reason  to  believe  that  the  East  India  copsl  is 
also  the  product  of  a Hymenaea;  at  least  a specimen  of  this  resin  was  collected  bT  M. 
Perottet  from  the  Hymenaea  verrucosa,  which  he  found  growing  in  the  Isle  of  Bourbon. 
This  tree  is  a native  of  Madagascar,  and  probably  of  the  neighbouring  parts  of  Africa; 
and  M.  Perottet  was  informed  that  the  copal  of  India  is  taken  thither  by  the  Arabs  of 
Muscat,  who  obtain  it  from  the  East  coast  of  Africa.  (Journ.  de  Pharm.,  3e  ser. , i,  406.) 
It  is  stated  by  Mr.  James  Vaughan,  who  was  stationed  as  army  surgeon  at  Aden,  in 
Arabia,  that  copal  is  taken  to  that  port  from  the  African  coast  opposite  the  island  of 
Zanzibar,  where  it  is  said  to  be  dug  up  from  the  earth.  [Pharm.  Journ.  and  Trans.,  xii. 
385.)  Copal  varies  somewhat  in  appearance  and  properties,  as  procured  from  different 
sources.  It  is  in  roundish,  irregular,  or  flattisli  pieces,  colourless,  yellowish,  or  brownish  • 
yellow,  more  or  less  transparent,  very  hard,  with  a shining  conchoidal  fracture,  inodorous 
and  tasteless,  of  a sp.  gr.  varying  from  1-045  to  1-139,  insoluble  in  alcohol,  soluble  in 
ether,  and  slightly  so  in  oil  of  turpentine.  Some  varieties  unite  with  alcohol,  if  suspended 
in  its  vapour  while  boiling.  By  heat  it  melts  and  is  partially  decomposed,  becoming 
thereby  soluble  in  alcohol  and  oil  of  turpentine.  It  is  not  a proximate  principle,  but  con- 
sists of  various  resins  united  in  different  proportions.  The  East  India  or  African  copal  is 
described  by  Mr.  Schindler  as  of  a globular  form,  softer  and  more  transparent  than  the 
other  varieties,  with  a surface  always  clear,  and  having  an  agreeable  smell  when  heated. 
It  is  readily  and  freely  dissolved  by  the  oils  of  turpentine  and  rosemary  when  pure,  but 
not  by  these  fluids  when  rendered  resinous  by  age.  It  is  more  readily  fusible  than  the 
others,  and  makes  the  best  varnish.  The  West  India  copal  is  in  flat  pieces,  seldom 
weighing  more  than  three  ounces,  rarely  containing  insects,  very  hard,  of  a rough  appear- 
ance, of  a yellowish  colour,  and  without  smell  or  taste.  It  is  much  less  readily  dissolved 
by  the  oil  of  turpentine  than  the  E.  India  variety,  swells  but  does  not  dissolve  in  oil  of 
rosemary,  and  is  slightly  soluble  in  absolute  alcohol.  A third  kind,  probably  also  Ameri- 
can, is  in  convex  or  concave  pieces,  about  a pound  in  weight,  often  containing  insects  and 
other  impurities.  In  solubility  it  resembles  the  last  mentioned  variety,  in  fusibility  is 
intermediate  between  it  and  the  E.  Indian,  and  is  altogether  inferior.  [Pharm.  Journ.  and 
Trans.,  Aug.  I860.)  Crude  and  scraped  copal  are  also  known  in  the  market — the  former 
of  a dull  opaque  appearance  externally,  the  latter  much  clearer  and  more  transparent,  in 
consequence  of  being  deprived  of  its  outer  coat.  The  process  of  scraping  is  said  to  con- 
sist in  the  removal  of  the  exterior  portion  by  means  of  an  alkaline  solution,  which  readily 
dissolves  copal.  This  resin  is  used  chiefly  in  the  preparation  of  varnishes. 

CORAL.  A substance  found  at  the  bottom  of  the  Mediterranean  and  other  seas, 
formerly  considered  as  a plant,  but  now  universally  admitted  to  belong  to  the  animal  king- 
dom. The  red  coral  ( Corallium  rubrum  of  Lamarck,  Isis  nobilis  of  Linn.)  is  in  the  form 
of  a small  shrub,  a foot  or  two  in  height,  with  a stem  sometimes  an  inch  or  two  in  thick- 
ness, fixed  to  the  rock  by  an  expansion  of  the  base,  divided  above  into  branches,  and 
covered  with  a pulpy  membrane,  which  is  properly  the  living  part,  and  which  is  removed 
when  the  coral  is  collected.  The  central  portion  is  extremely  hard,  of  various  shades  of 
red,  susceptible  of  a brilliant  polish,  longitudinally  striated,  and  formed  of  concentric 
layers,  which  are  rendered  obvious  by  calcination.  Its  chief  constituent  is  carbonate  of 
lime,  which  is  coloured  by  oxide  of  iron,  and  united,  as  in  similar  calcareous  products, 
with  more  or  less  animal  matter.  It  was  formerly  highly  esteemed  as  a remedy,  but  is  in 
oo  respect  superior  to  prepared  oyster  shell,  or  other  form  of  carbonate  of  lime,  derived  from 
the  animal  kingdom.  It  was  employed  in  fine  powder,  or  in  different  preparations,  such 
is  troches,  syrups,  conserves,  &c.  At  present  it  is  valued  chiefly  as  an  ornament. 

CORTEX  CARYOPHYLLATA.  Cassia  Caryophyllata.  Clove  Bark  These  names  have 
oeen  given  to  a bark,  brought  from  the  West  Indies,  and  derived  from  a tree  belonging  to 
:he  family  of  Myrtaceae,  supposed  to  be  the  Mi/rtus  acris  of  Schwartz.  It  is  usually  in 
jylinders  from  one  to  two  feet  long  by  an  inch  in  diameter,  composed  of  numerous  sepa- 
rate pieces  rolled  around  one  another,  having  a dark-brown  colour,  a pungent  taste,  and 
liu  odour  similar  to  that  of  cloves.  It  is  sometimes  in  fragments,  of  a similar  colour, 
:aste,  and  smell,  but  softer  and  lighter, and  supposed  to  be  derived  from  older  branches. 
4 similar  bark  is  said  to  be  derived  from  the  Myrtus  caryophyllata  of  Linn.,  which  grows 
n Ceylon.  The  clove  bark  has  aromatic  properties  not  unlike  those  of  the  spice  from 
which  it  derived  its  name ; but  it  is  much  inferior,  and  is  now  never  used  in  this  country. 
Some  authors  have  confounded  with  it  a wholly7  different  bark,  produced  in  the  Moluccas, 
ind  known  by  the  Indian  name  of  culilawan.  (See  Culilawan.) 

CORYLUS  ROSTRATA.  Beaked  Hazel.  This  is  a small  indigenous  shrub,  growing 
ispecially  in  mountainous  districts.  The  nut  is  invested  with  a scaly7  involucre,  projecting 
jeyond  it  like  a beak,  and  thickly  covered  with  short  spicula  like  those  of  Mucuna  pruriens. 


1322  Appendix. 

These  spicula  have  been  employed  by  Dr.  Heubener,  of  Bethlehem,  Pennsylvania,  as  an 
anthelmintic,  and  found  to  be  efficacious.  They  operate  in  the  same  way  as  cowhage,  and 
may  be  administered  in  the  same  manner  and  dose.  (See  a communication  by  the  late  Mr. 
Duhamel,  in  the  Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm .,  xiv.  280.) 

COTYLEDON  UMBILICUS.  Navel-wort.  Penny-wort.  This  is  a perennial,  herbaceous, 
succulent  plant,  belonging  to  the  class  and  order  Decandria  Pentagynia,  and  the  natural 
family  of  Crapulaceas.  It  is  about  six  inches  high,  with  fleshy,  peltate,  crenate  leaves, 
and  a flower-stem  bearing,  in  the  form  of  a spike,  pale-yellow,  bell-shaped,  pendulous 
flowers,  which  appear  in  June  and  July.  The  plant  is  a native  of  England,  where  it  grows 
upon  old  walls  and  rocks,  and  dry  sandy  banks.  It  was  first  brought  before  the  profession 
as  a remedy  in  epilepsy,  by  Mr.  Thos.  Salter,  of  Poole,  who  had  found  its  expressed  juice 
very  efficient  in  that  disease,  and  published  the  results  of  his  observations  in  the  London 
Medical  Gazette  for  March,  1849  (page  307).  In  the  following  May,  Dr.  Joseph  Bullar,  of 
Southampton,  communicated  the  results  of  his  observations  on  the  same  subject  to  the 
Prov.  Med.  and  Surg.  Journ.,  which  were  confirmatory  of  those  of  Mr.  Salter.  Since 
that  period,  other  testimony  has  been  advanced  in  favour  of  the  remedy ; among  which  is 
that  of  Dr.  Graves,  of  Dublin,  who  considers  it  a valuable  aid  in  the  treatment  of  epilepsy, 
and  states  'that  it  has  long  been  known  in  Ireland  as  a popular  remedy,  not  only  in  that 
disease,  but  in  asthma.  ( Dublin  Quart.  Journ.  of  Med.  Sci.,  xiv.  2G4.)  It  is,  however, 
proper  to  say,  that  Dr.  Ranking,  of  Norwich,  England,  in  a letter  published  in  the  Loud. 
Med.  Times  and  Gaz.  for  April,  1854  (page  328),  declares  that,  so  far  as  his  experience  goes, 
he  considers  the  medicine  utterly  worthless,  having  employed  it  perseveringly  in  more 
than  thirty  cases  of  epilepsy,  without  the  smallest  benefit  in  a single  instance. 

The  medicine  is  said  to  have  no  other  observable  effect  than  that  of  a gentle  tonic  to  the 
nervous  system.  The  part  used  is  the  expressed  juice,  which  should  be  obtained  when 
the  leaves  are  most  succulent,  before  the  appearance  of  the  flowers.  An  extract,  and  a 
fluid  extract  have  also  been  employed.  The  juice  has  been  given  in  doses  varying  from  a 
fluidrachm  to  a fluidounce  twice  or  three  times  a day,  and  should  be  long  persevere'!  with. 
The  dose  of  the  fluid  extract  is  stated  at  a fluidrachm,  that  of  the  dry  extract  at  five 
grains,  to  be  increased  if  necessary. 

CRABS’  CLAWS.  Chelae  Cancrorum.  These,  in  a prepared  state,  were  formerly  in- 
cluded in  the  Edinburgh  Pharmacopoeia,  but  were  very  properly  omitted  upon  the  last 
revision  of  that  work.  Supposing  them  identical  with  the  crust  of  the  lobster,  they  con- 
sist, in  the  100  parts,  of  GO  parts  of  carbonate  of  lime,  14  of  phosphate  of  lime,  and  20  of 
animal  matter.  They  are  prepared  by  levigation  and  elutriation,  so  as  to  bring  them  to 
a fine  powder.  They  were  formerly  used  as  an  absorbent  and  antacid:  but  the  animal 
matter  in  their  composition  confers  on  them  no  peculiar  virtues.  They  are  given  in  the 
same  dose  with  prepared  chalk. 

CRABSTONES.  Lapilli  Cancrorum.  Crabs'  Eyes.  These  are  concretions,  found  in  the 
stomach,  one  on  each  side,  of  the  European  crawfish,  at  the  time  the  animal  is  about  to 
change  its  shell.  They  are  most  abundantly  procured  in  the  province  of  Astracan,  in 
Asiatic  Russia.  The  crawfish  are  bruised  with  wooden  mallets,  and  laid  up  in  heaps  to 
putrefy.  The  animal  remains  are  then  washed  away,  and  the  stones  picked  out.  They 
arc  inodorous,  insipid  bodies,  somewhat  hemispherical  in  shape,  of  a white  or  reddish 
colour,  hard  and  stony  consistence,  and  laminated  texture.  They  are  very  variable  in 
size,  weighing  from  one  to  twelve  grains  each.  They  effervesce  with  acids,  and,  without 
dissolving,  become  converted,  owing  to  the  animal  matter  which  they  contain,  into  a soft 
transparent  mass,  retaining  the  original  shape  of  the  stone.  By  this  character  they  are 
distinguished  from  counterfeit  stones,  which  are  sometimes  fabricated  of  chalk,  mixed 
with  mucilaginous  substances.  They  consist  of  carbonate  and  phosphate  of  lime,  cemented 
together  by  animal  matter.  Crabstones  have  been  used  as  an  absorbent  and  antacid,  given 
in  the  same  dose  with  prepared  chalk.  They  were  prepared  for  exhibition  by. being  levi- 
gated in  the  usual  manner ; but  they  are  now  no  longer  officinal,  having  been  expunged 
from  the  Edinburgh  Pharmacopoeia. 

CROCUS  OF  ANTIMONY.  Saffron  of  Antimony.  This  compound  is  generated  during 
the  deflagration  of  equal  weights  of  tersulpihuret  of  antimony  and  nitrate  of  potassa.  The 
nitric  acid  of  the  nitre  is  decomposed,  nitrogen  and  nitric  oxide  being  given  off.  and.  by 
furnishing  oxygen  to  part  of  the  tersulphuret,  converts  its  constituents  into  sulphuric 
acid  and  teroxide  of  antimony.  The  sulphuric  acid  combines  with  the  potassa  of  the 
nitre,  to  form  sulphate  of  potassa  ; while  the  teroxide  unites  or  mixes  with  the  undeeom- 
posed  tersulphuret  to  constitute  the  crocus.  The  product  of  the  deflagration  is  reduced 
to  powder,  washed  to  separate  sulphate  of  potassa,  and  then  fused.  " hen  crocus  of 
antimony  is  intended  to  be  employed,  for  making  tartar  emetic,  it  should  not  be  fused : 
because  it  requires  for  preparing  this  nntimonihl  to  be  reduced  to  a very  fine  powder,  and 


Appendix.  1323 

the  fused  substance  is  pulverized  with  difficulty.  Instead  of  fusing  the  deflagrated  mass, 
it  should  be  reduced  to  very  fine  powder,  and  washed  with  boiling  water.  In  this  state  it 
more  readily  dissolves  in  the  solution  of  cream  of  tartar. 

Fused  crocus  is  in  masses  of  a liver-brown  colour.  As  obtained  without  fusion,  it  is  a 
saffron-brown  insoluble  powder,  containing  about  two-fifths  of  its  weight  of  teroxide,  the 
remainder  being  tersulphuret.  In  the  London  Pharmacopoeia  of  1836,  the  unfused  crocus 
was  used  for  preparing  tartar . emetic ; but  in  the  edition  of  1851  the  crocus  has  been 
abandoned,  and  the  subsulphate  of  antimony  substituted  for  it. 

CUCUMBER  OINTMENT.  An  emollient  ointment,  prepared  from  the  common  cucum- 
ber (fruit'of  Cucumis  salivus),  has  been  considerably  employed  in  irritated  states  of  the 
skin.  The  following  is  the  mode  of  preparing  it  recommended  by  Prof.  Procter.  Take  of 
green  cucumbers  7 pounds  avoirdupois,  pure  lard  24  ounces,  veal  suet  15  ounces.  Grate 
the  washed  cucumbers  to  a pulp,  express,  and  strain  the  juice.  Cut  the  suet  into  small 
pieces,  heat  it  over  a salt  water  bath  till  the  fat  is  melted  out  from  the  membrane;  then 
add  the  lard,  and,  when  melted,  strain  through  muslin  into  an  earthen  vessel  capable  of 
holding  a gallon,  and  stir  until  thickening  commences,  when  one-third  of  the  juice  is  to  be 
added,  and  the  whole  beaten  with  a spatula  till  the  odour  has  been  almost  wholly  extracted. 
The  portion  which  separates  is  to  be  decanted,  and  the  remaining  two-thirds  of  the  juice 
are  to  be  consecutively  incorporated  and  decanted  in  the  same  manner.  The  jar  is  then 
closely  covered  and  placed  in  a water-bath,  until  the  fatty  matter  entirely  separates  from 
the  juice.  The  tureen  coagulum  floating  on  the  surface  is  now  removed,  and  the  jar  put 
in  a cool  place  that  the  ointment  may  solidify.  The  crude  ointment  is  then  separated 
from  the  watery  liquid  on  which  it  floats,  melted 'and  strained,  and  placed  in  glass  jars, 
which  must  be  kept  closely  sealed.  A layer  of  rose  water  upon  its  surface  will  favour  its 
preservation.  A portion  may  be  triturated  with  a little  rose  water  until  white  and  creamy, 
and  put  into  a separate  jar  for  present  use.  (Mm.  Journ.  of  Pharrn.,  xxv.  409.) 

CUCURBITA  CITRULLUS.  'Watermelon.  The  seeds  of  the  watermelon  are  employed, 
to  a considerable  extent,  as  a domestic  remedy  in  strangury  and  other  affections  of  the 
urinary  passages.  They  have  the  same  properties  wi  » the  seeds  of  the  other  Cucurbi- 
taceae,  of  which  four  different  kinds  were  formerly  officinal  under  the  name  of  the  greater 
cold  seeds — viz.,  those  of  the  Cucurbita  Pepo  or  pumpkin,  the  Cucurbita  Lagenaria  or 
gourd,  the  Cucumis  Mclo  or  muskmelon,  and  the  Cucumis  salivus  or  cucumber.  These, 
when  bruised  and  rubbed  up  with  water,  form  an  emulsion  which  was  formerly  thought 
to  possess  considerable  virtues,  and  was  much  used  in  catarrhal  affections,  disorders 
of  the  bowels  and  urinary  passages,  fever,  &c.  ; but  they  have  been  superseded  by  other 
more  agreeable  demulcents.  Watermelon  seeds  are  also  esteemed  by  some  diuretic. 
They  are  given  in  infusion,  made  with  one  or  two  ounces  of  the  bruised  seeds  to  a pint  of 
water,  and  taken  ad  libitum. 

The  seeds  of  the  Cucurbita  Pepo,  or  pumpkin,  have  recently  obtained  in  this  country 
considerable  reputation  in  the  treatment  of  tape-worm.  This  employment  of  them,  how- 
ever, is  not  new.  In  the  Dictionary  of  Materia  Mcdica  by  Me  rat  and  De  Lens  (ii.  493),  it 
is  stated  that  Hr.  Hoarau  had  reported  that,  in  the  Isle  of  France,  the  seeds  of  a small 
variety  of  pumpkin  were  used  against  the  tape-worm,  and  with  never-failing  success.  In 
the  year  1820,  M.  Mongeny,  a physician  of  Cuba,  published  the  results  of  his  experience 
with  the  flesh  of  the  pumpkin  in  the  same  disease.  He  had  discovered  the  remedy  by 
accident,  and  found  it  uniformly  successful.  He  gave  to  the  patient,  in  the  morning,  fast- 
ing, about  three  ounces  of  the  fresh  pumpkin  in  the  form  of  a paste,  and  followed  it  at 
the  end  of  an  hour  by  about  two  ounces  of  honey,  which  latter  was  twice  repeated  at 
intervals  of  an  hour.  MM.  Brunet  and  Lamothe,  of  Bordeaux,  verified  the  statements  of 
M.  Mongeny,  as  to  the  efficacy  of  the  remedy  in  taenia,  employing,  however,  a paste 
made  from  the  seeds,  in  the  quantity  of  about  an  ounce  and  a half,  with  as  much  sugar. 
(Ann.  de  Therap.  1853,  p.  301.) 

In  the  Boston  Med.  and  Surg.  Journ.  (October  8, 1851,  page  201),  is  a communication  from 
Mr.  Richard  Soule,  recommending  the  seeds  in  very  strong  terms  as  a remedy  in  taenia ; 
and  his  letter  is  preceded  by  some  editorial  observations,  in  which  reference  is  made  to 
the  previous  successful  employment  of  the  remedy  by  Dr.  J.  S.  Jones,  of  Boston. 
Since  that  time  various  other  notices  of  the  efficacy  of  the  seeds  have  appeared  in  the 
journals,  and  a very  striking  case  was  related  to  ourselves,  on  the  best  authority,  in  which 
they  had  proved  immediately  and  completely  successful  after  the  vain  employment  of  all 
other  known  remedies,  through  a course  of  several  years.  Mr.  Soule  gives  the  preference 
to  the  seeds  from  the  West  Indies.  The  dose  of  the  seeds  is  about  two  ounces;  which  are 
to  be  taken  in  the  morning  fasting,  and  followed  in  an  hour  or  two  by  a fluidounce  of 
castor  oil.  The  mode  of  administration  is  various.  Sometimes  the  seeds,  deprived  of 
their  outer  covering,  are  beaten  into  a paste  with  sugar,  and  thus  taken.  In  other  in- 


1324  Appendix. 

stances  they  are  formed  into  an  emulsion,  by  rubbing  them  up  thoroughly  with  water,  and 
a little  sugar.  At  the  suggestion  of  the  late  Dr.  H.  S.  Patterson,  of  Philadelphia,  the  ex- 
pressed oil  of  the  seeds  was  used  in  a case  by  Mr.  John  C.  Lyons,  and  with  success.  After 
fasting  for  24  hours,  the  patient  took,  in  the  morning,  f 3; ss  of  the  oil,  which  was  followed 
in  two  hours  by  f^ss  more,  and  in  two  hours  after  the  last  dose  by  f^i  of  castor  oil,  which 
brought  away  the  worm.  (Med.  Examiner,  N.  S , ix.  G29.) 

CULILAWAN.  Cortex  Culilaban.  . An  aromatic  bark,  produced  by  Cinnamomv.m  Culila- 
wan  ( Laurus  Culilawan , Linn.),  a tree  of  considerable  size,  growing  in  the  Molucca  islands, 
Cochin-china,  and  other  parts  of  the  East.  It  is  usually  in  fiat  or  slightly  rolled  pieces, 
several  inches  long,  an  inch  or  more  in  breadth,  and  one  or  two  lines  thick.  Sometimes 
the  bark  is  thinner  and  more  quilled,  bearing  considerable  resemblance  to  cinnamon.  The 
epidermis  is  for  the  most  part  removed,  but  when  present  is  of  a light  brownish-gray 
colour,  soft  to  the  touch,  and  somewhat  spongy.  The  colour  of  the  bark  itself  is  a dull 
dark  cinnamon-brown,  the  odour  highly  fragrant,  the  taste  agreeably  aromatic,  and  not 
unlike  that  of  cloves.  The  active  constituent  is  a volatile  oil,  which  may  be  separated  by 
distillation.  Culilawan  has  the  medical  properties  common  to  the  aromatics,  but  is  scarcely 
used  at  present. 

CUNILA  MARIANA.  American  Dittany.  A small  indigenous  perennial  herb,  growing 
on  dry,  shady  hills,  from  New  England  to  Georgia,  and  flowering  in  June  and  July.  The 
whole  herb  lias  a warm  pungent  taste,  and  a fragrant  odour,  dependent  on  an  essential 
oil.  Its  medical  properties  are  those  of  a gently  stimulant  aromatic,  analogous  to  the 
mints,  pennyroyal,  &c.  In  warm  infusion,  it  is  popularly  employed  to  excite  perspiration 
in  colds  and  slight  fevers,  to  promote  suppressed  menstruation,  to  relieve  flatulent  colic, 
and  for  various  other  purposes  to  which  the  aromatic  herbs  are  thought  applicable. 

CUTTLE-FISH  BONE.  Os  Sepix.  This  is  a calcareous  body,  situated  underneath  the 
skin,  in  the  back  of  the  Sepia  officinalis,  or  cuttle-fish,  which  inhabits  the  seas  of  Europe, 
especially  the  Mediterranean,  in  the  waters  of  which  the  bone  is  not  unfrequently  found 
floating.  It  is  oblong-oval,  from  five  to  ten  inches  long,  and  from  one  and  a half  to  three 
inches  broad,  somewhat  convex  on  both  sides,  with  thin  edges,  of  a rather  firm  consist- 
ence upon  the  upper  surface,  very  friable  beneath,  and  composed  of  numerous  layers, 
loosely  connected,  so  as  to  give  to  the  mass  a porous  consistence.  It  is  lighter  than  water, 
of  a white  colour,  a feeble  odour  of  sea  plants,  and  a saline  taste.  It  contains,  according 
to  John,  from  80  to  85  per  cent,  of  carbonate  of  lime,  besides  animal  matter,  a little  com- 
mon salt,  and  traces  of  magnesia.  Reduced  by  levigation  and  elutriation  to  a tine  powder, 
it  may  be  given  as  an  antacid  like  chalk  or  oyster-shell.  It  is  sometimes  used  ns  an  in- 
gredient of  tooth-powders.  Small  pieces  of  it  are  often  put  into  bird-cages,  that  the 
birds  may  rub  their  bills  against  them  ; and  the  powder  is  employed  for  polishing.  An- 
other product  of  the  cuttle-fish  is  a blackish-brown  liquor,  secreted  by  a small  gland  into 
an  oval  pouch,  communicating  externally  near  the  rectum  by  a long  excretory  duet, 
through  which  the  animal  is  said  to  have  the  power  of  ejecting  it  at  will.  This,  when 
taken  from  the  fish,  is  dried,  and  used  in  the  preparation  of  the  water  colour  called  sepia. 

CYANURET  OF  ZINC.  Zinci  Cyanuretum.  This  cyanuret  is  precipitated  as  a white 
insoluble  powder,  by  adding  cautiously,  until  it  ceases  to  produce  a precipitate,  a recently 
filtered  solution  of  cyanuret  of  potassium,  obtained  from  the  impure  black  cyanuret,  to  a 
solution  of  sulphate  of  zinc.  It  is  used  in  Germany  as  a substitute  for  hydrocyanic  acid, 
and  is  said  to  possess  anthelmintic  properties.  It  has  been  employed  in  epilepsy,  chorea, 
and  neuralgia,  in  several  painful  affections  of  the  stomach,  and  in  the  colics  attendant  on 
difficult  menstruation.  The  dose  is  a quarter  of  a grain,  gradually  increased  to  a grain 
and  a half,  given  in  mixture.  It  is  included  in  the  officinal  list  of  the  Fieneh  Codex. 

CYNANCHUM  VINCETOXICUM.  R.  Brown.  Asc/epias  Vincetoxicum.  Linn.  White 
Swallow-wort.  Vincetoxicum.  A perennial  herbaceous  European  plant,  the  root  uf  which 
was  formerly  esteemed  a couuterpoison,  and  hence  gave  origin  to  the  officinal  name.  It 
has  a bitterish  acrid  taste,  and,  when  fresh,  a disagreeable  odour  which  is  diminished  by 
drying.  Taken  internally,  especially  in  the  recent  state,  it  excites  vomiting,  and  is  capa- 
ble in  large  quantities,  of  producing  dangerous  if  not  fatal  inflammation  of  the  stomach. 
Its  former  reputation  as  au  alexipharmic  was  without  foundation.  It  is  said  to  be  useful 
in  cutaneous  diseases,  scrofula,  &c.,  but  is  little  employed.  The  leaves  of  the  plant  also 
are  emetic.  Feneulle  found  in  the  root  a peculiar  principle  analogous  to  emetiu. 

CYNARA  SCOLYMUS.  Garden  Artichoke.  This  is  a perennial  plant,  indigenous  in  the 
South  of  Europe,  and  cultivated  in  our  gardens  as  a culinary  vegetable.  The  flowers,  con- 
stituting what  are  commonly  called  the  heads,  are  the  part  used.  The  receptacle  and  the 
lower  portion  of  the  fleshy  leaflets  of  the  calyx  are  eaten,  and  the  other  parts  rejected.  " hen 
young,  the  heads  are  cut  up  raw  and  eaten  as  salad ; when  older,  they  are  boiled,  and 


Appendix.  1325 

dressed  variously.  The  flowers  are  said  to  curdle  milk,  and  the  plant  to  yield  a good  yellow 
dye.  The  leaves  and  their  expressed  juice  are  very  bitter,  and  have  been  thought  to  be 
actively  diuretic.  They  have  long  had  some  reputation  in  the  treatment  of  dropsies.  Dr. 
Badely,  of  Chelmsford,  England,  recommends  a tincture  and  extract  prepared  from  the 
leaves,  in  rheumatic,  gouty,  and  neuralgic  affections.  He  gives  a drachm  of  the  tincture, 
with  five  grains  of  the  extract,  three  times  a day,  with  or  without  other  remedies  as  cir- 
cumstances seem  to  require.  The  leaves  should  be  fresh,  and  the  preparations  made  from 
them  quickly  used.  ( Lond . Lancet , 1843,  p.  556.) 

CYNOGLOSSUM  OFFICINALE.  Hound's  Tongue.  A biennial  plant,  common  both  in 
Europe  and  this  country,  and  named  from  the  shape  of  its  leaves.  The  leaves  and  root 
have  been  employed,  but  the  latter  has  been  generally  preferred.  The  fresh  plant  has  a 
disagreeable  narcotic  odour  resembling  that  of  mice,  which  is  dissipated  by  drying.  The 
taste  is  nauseous,  bitterish,  and  mucilaginous.  Dift'erent  opinions  as  to  its  powers  have 
been  entertained,  some  considering  it  nearly  inert,  others  as  a dangerous  poison.  Hound’s 
tongue  has  been  used  as  a demulcent  and  sedative  in  coughs,  catarrh,  spitting  of  blood, 
dysentery,  and  diarrhoea : and  has  been  applied  externally  in  burns,  ulcers,  scrofulous  tu- 
mours, and  goitre.  The  pilulse  de  cynoglosso,  which  are  officinal  in  some  parts  of  Europe, 
though  they  contain  the  root  of  hound’s  tongue,  owe  their  properties  chiefly  to  opium. 

CYPRIPEDIUM  PARVIFLORUM.  Ladies’  Slipper.  Moccasin  Plant.  Several  species 
of  Cypripedium  inhabit  the  woods  in  different  parts  of  the  United  States,  some  of  them 
with  very  beautiful  flowers.  The  root  is  the  part  used.  Dr.  R.  P.  Stevens,  of  Ceres, 
Pennsylvania,  says  of  them,  that  he  has  found  the  C.  speclabile  and  C.  aeaule,  especially 
when  growing  in  dark  swamps,  to  be  possessed  of  narcotic  properties,  and  to  be  less  safe 
than  the  C.  parviflorum , which  is  a gentle  stimulant  with  a tendency  to  the  nervous  system, 
and  is  considered  by  him  quite  equal  to  valerian.  He  has  employed  it  advantageously  in 
hysteria,  and  in  the  pains  of  the  joints  following  scarlet  fever.  (A*.  Y.  Journ.  of  Med.,  iv. 
359.)  Dr.  E.  Ives  considers  the  C.  pubescens,  speclabile,  and  humile  as  identical  in  their 
effects,  but  the  pubescens  as  the  most  powerful.  He  has  employed  them  all  in  a variety  of 
nervous  diseases,  and  known  them  to  cure  epilepsy.  The  complaints  specially  mentioned 
by  him  are  hypochondriasis,  neuralgia,  and  morbid  sensitiveness  of  the  nervous  system 
generally,  and  especially  of  the  eye.  He  gave  fifteen  grains  three  times  a day.  [Trans,  of 
Am.  Med.  Assoc.,  iii.  312.) 

DIANTHUS  CARYOPHYLLUS.  Clove  Pink.  The  clove  pink  or  carnation  is  too  well 
known  to  require  minute  description.  It  is  a perennial,  herbaceous  plant,  belonging  to 
the  family  of  Caryophyllaceae,  and  characterized  as  a species  by  its  branching  stem,  its 
solitary  flowers,  the  short  ovate  scales  of  its  calyx,  its  very  broad  beardless  petals,  and  its 
linear,  subulate,  channeled,  glaucous  leaves.  Indigenous  in  Italy,  it  is  everywhere  culti- 
vated in  gardens  for  the  beauty  of  its  flowers,  of  which  numerous  varieties  have  been 
produced  by  horticulturists.  Those  are  selected  for  medicinal  use  which  have  the  deepest 
red  colour,  and  the  most  aromatic  odour.  The  petals  should  not  be  collected  till  the  flower 
is  fully  blown,  and  should  be  employed  in  the  recent  state.  They  have  a fragrant  odour, 
said  to  resemble  that  of  the  clove.  Their  taste  is  sweetish,  slightly  bitter,  and  somewhat 
astringent.  Both  water  and  alcohol  extract  their  sensible  properties,  and  they  yield  a 
fragrant  essential  oil  by  distillation.  In  Europe  they  are  employed  to, impart  colour  and 
flavour  to  a syrup , which  serves  as  a vehicle  for  other  less  pleasant  medicines.  According 
to  the  direction  of  the  former  Edinburgh  Pharmacopoeia,  this  was  prepared  by  macerating 
one  part  of  the  flowers,  without  their  claws,  with  four  parts  of  boiling  water  for  twelve 
hours,  then  filtering,  and  adding  seven  parts  of  sugar. 

DIAPHORETIC  ANTIMONY.  Aniimonium  Diaphorelicum.  Potassse  Bianiimonias.  This 
compound  is  directed  in  the  French  Codex,  to  be  formed  by  deflagrating  in  a red-hot  cru- 
cible, and  keeping  red-hot  for  half  an  hour,  a mixture  of  pure  antimony  with  twice  its 
weight  of  nitrate  of  potassa,  both  being  in  fine  powder.  The  product  is  washed  with  water 
and  dried,  and  forms  the  washed  diaphoretic  antimony.  As  thus  prepared,  M.  Oscar  Figuier 
has  shown  that  it  contains,  besides  antimonic  acid,  both  teroxide  of  antimony  and  anti- 
monious  acid ; the  nitre  not  being  in  sufficient  quantity  completely  to  peroxidize  the  anti- 
mony. When,  however,  the  antimony  is  deflagrated  with  three  times  its  weight  of  nitre, 
and  the  matter  is  kept  at  a red  heat  for  an  hour  and  a half,  the  whole  of  the  antimony  is 
converted  into  antimonic  acid;  and,  when  the  product  is  thoroughly  exhausted  by  boiling 
water,  the  solution  obtained  contains  a large  quantity  of  neutral  antimoniate  of  potassa, 
and  the  insoluble  residue  is  impure  biantimoniate.  M.  Figuier  rejects  this  residue,  which 
forms  the  diaphoretic  antimony  of  the  ordinary  process,  and  obtains  the  preparation  from 
the  solution  of  the  neutral  antimoniate,  by  passing  through  it  a stream  of  carbonic  acid 
gas,  which  removes  one  eq.  of  potassa  from  two  of  the  antimoniate,  and  throws  down  the 
biantimoniate  in  the  form  of  a white  powder.  By  this  process,  he  obtained  a quantity  of 


1326  Appendix. 

the  preparation  equal  to  three-fourths  of  the  ■weight  of  the  materials  employed.  Diapho- 
retic antimony  is  a perfectly  white  powder.  When  properly  prepared,  as  by  the  process 
of  M.  Figuier,  it  consists  of  two  eqs.  of  antimonic  acid,  one  of  potassa,  and  six  of  water. 
The  dose  is  two  or  three  drachms.  On  account  of  its  weak  and  variable  nature,  it  has 
been  very  properly  laid  aside  in  practice. 

DICTAMUS  ALDUS.  While  Fraxinella.  Bastard  Dittany.  This  is  a perennial  Euro- 
pean plant,  the  root  of  which  is  bitter  and  aromatic,  and  has  been  used  as  an  anthelmintic, 
emmenagogue,  and  stomachic  tonic,  though  at  present  little  employed  in  Europe,  and  not 
at  all  in  this  country.  Storck  gave  it  in  intermittents,  worms,  amenorrhoea,  hysteria,  epi- 
lepsy, and  other  nervous  diseases.  The  bark  of  the  root  is  the  most  active  part.  The 
dose  is  from  a scruple  to  a drachm. 

DIPPEL’S  ANIMAL  OIL.  Oleum  Cornu  Cervi.  This  oil  is  obtained  during  the  distil- 
lation of  bones,  in  the  processes  for  obtaining  ammoniacal  products  on  a large  scale.  The 
portion  which  first  comes  over  is  pale-yellow ; but,  in  the  progress  of  the  distillation,  it 
becomes  gradually  deeper  coloured  and  thicker,  and  at  last  black  and  viscid.  It  is  puri- 
fied and  rendered  colourless  by  redistillation,  a pyrogenous  resin  being  left  behind.  Thus 
rectified  it  is  a colourless  liquid,  very  limpid  and  volatile,  with  a penetrating  extremely 
fetid  odour,  and  burning  taste.  By  repeating  the  distillation  till  a dark  residuum  is  no 
longer  left  in  the  retort,  it  may  be  obtained  free  from  fetor,  and  of  an  agreeable,  aromatic 
odour ; and  in  this  mode  it  is  said  to  have  been  prepared  by  Dippel.  Four  or  five  distilla- 
tions are  necessary.  ( Am . Journ.  of  Pharm.,  ix.  244.)  The  oil  is  soon  altered  by  the 
action  of  air  and  light,  becoming  thick,  yellow,  brown,  and  finally  black.  It  has  an  alka- 
line reaction,  and  probably  contains  the  various  principles  which  have  been  discovered  by 
Reichenbach  in  the  products  of  the  distillation  of  organic  substances. 

This  oil  was  originally  obtained  from  hartshorn,  and  was  a product  of  the  decomposition 
of  the  gelatinous  tissue,  the  horn  containing  no  fat.  IV hen  obtained  from  bones,  it  is  a 
product  of  the  same  tissue ; as  these  are  boiled  with  a large  quantity  of  water,  and  dried, 
before  they  are  submitted  to  destructive  distillation.  The  oily  product  of  this  distillation, 
after  rectification,  forms  the  bone-oil  of  commerce.  Bone-oil  has  a dark-brown  almost 
black  colour,  with  a greenish  shade.  It  is  perfectly  opaque  in  the  mass,  but  brown  when 
viewed  by  transmitted  light  in  a thin  layer.  Its  sp.  gr.  is  about  0-970.  Its  smell  is  pe- 
culiarly disagreeable  and  somewhat  ammoniacal.  A piece  of  fir-wood,  moistened  with 
muriatic  acid,  and  held  over  the  mouth  of  a vessel  containing  it,  acquires,  a dark  reddish- 
purple  colour,  characteristic  of  pyrrol.  It  contains  several  organic  bases,  such  as  pet  nun, 
picolin,  §c.,  which  have  been  examined  by  Dr.  Thomas  Anderson,  of  Scotland.  (See  his 
paper  on  the  Products  of  the  Distillation  of  Animal  Substances,  in  the  Philos.  Mag.,  3d 
series,  xxx.  174.) 

Animal  oil  was  formerly  much  used  in  medicine;  but  its  repulsive  odour  and  taste,  as  it 
is  ordinarily  prepared,  have  caused  it  to  be  almost  entirely  laid  aside.  It  is  given  in  the 
dose  of  a few7  drops,  mixed  with  water,  and  acts  as  a stimulant  and  antispasmodic.  Its 
presence  in  the  spirit  and  salt  of  hartshorn  gives  to  these  preparations  medicinal  proper- 
ties different  from  those  of  the  pure  spirit  and  carbonate  of  ammonia. 

DIRCA  PALUSTRIS.  Leather  Wood.  An  indigenous  shrub,  usually  very  small,  but 
sometimes  attaining  the  height  of  five  or  six  feet,  growing  in  boggy  woods,  and  other  low 
wet  places,  in  almost  all  parts  of  the  United  States.  The  berries,  which  are  small,  oval, 
and  of  an  orange  colour,  are  said  to  be  narcotic  and  poisonous.  The  bark  has  attracted 
most  attention.  It  is  extremely  tough,  and  of  very  difficult  pulverization.  In  the  fresh 
state  it  has  a peculiar  rather  nauseous  odour,  and  an  unpleasant  acrid  taste,  and  when 
chewed  excites  a flow7  of  saliva.  It  yields  its  acrimony  completely  to  alcohol,  but  imper- 
fectly to  water  even  by  decoction.  In  the  dose  of  six  or  eight  grains,  the  fresh  bark  pro- 
duces violent  vomiting,  preceded  by  a sense  of  heat  in  the  stomach,  and  often  followed  by 
purging.  Applied  to  the  skin  it  excites  redness,  and  ultimately  vesicates;  but  its  epis- 
pastic  operation  is  very  slow.  It  appears  to  be  analogous  in  its  properties  to  mezereon,  to 
which  it  is  botanically  allied. 

DRAGON'S  BLOOD.  Sanguis  Draconis.  This  is  a resinous  substance  obtained  from  the 
fruit  of  several  species  of  Calamus,  especially  C.  Rotang  and  C.  Draco,  small  palms,  growing 
in  the  Molucca  Islands  and  other  parts  of  the  East  Indies.  On  the  surface  of  the  fruit, 
when  ripe,  is  an  exudation,  which  is  separated  by  rubbing,  or  shaking  in  a bag,  or  by  ex- 
posure to  the  vapour  of  boiling  water,  or  finally  by  decoction.  The  finest  resin  is  procured 
by  the  two  former  methods.  It  comes  in  two  forms;  sometimes  in  small  oval  masses,  of  a 
size  varying  from  that  of  a hazelnut  to  that  of  a walnut,  covered  with  the  leaves  of  the 
plant,  and  connected  together  in  a row  like  beads  in  a necklace;  sometimes  in  cylindrical 
sticks  eighteen  inches  long  and  from  a quarter  to  half  an  inch  in  diameter,  thiekly  covered 
with  palm  leaves,  and  bound  round  with  slender  strips  of  cane.  In  both  these  forms,  it  is 


Appendix.  132 

of  a dark  reddish-brown  colour,  opaque,  and  readily  pulverizable,  affording  a fine  scnrlt 
powder.  It  sometimes  comes  also  in  the  form  of  a reddish  powder,  and  in  small  irregula 
fragments  or  tears.  An  inferior  kind,  said  to  be  obtained  by  boiling  the  fruit  in  water,  i 
in  flat  circular  cakes,  two  or  three  inches  in  diameter  and  half  an  inch  thick.  This  nisi 
yields  a fine  red  powder.  A fourth  variety,  much  inferior  even  to  the  last  mentioned,  is  in 
large  disks,  from  six  to  twelve  inches  in  diameter,  by  an  inch  in  thickness,  mixed  with  various! 
impurities,  as  pieces  of  the  shell,  stem,  &c.,  and  supposed  to  be  derived  from  the  fruit  by 
decoction  with  expression.  A substance  known  by  the  name  of  Dragon’s  blood  is  derived 
by  exudation  from  the  trunk  of  the  Dracaena  Draco,  a large  tree  inhabiting  the  Canary 
Islands  and  the  East  Indies,  and  another  from  the  Pterocarpus  Draco,  a tree  of  the  West 
Indies  and  South  America,  by  incision  into  the  bark.  These  last,  however,  are  little  known 
in  commerce.  According  to  Lieut.  Wellstead,  much  dragon’s  blood  is  obtained,  in  the  island 
of  Socotra,  by  spontaneous  exudation  from  a large  tree,  growing  at  a considerable  eleva- 
tion on  the  mountains. 

Dragon’s  blood  is  inodorous  and  tasteless,  insoluble  in  water,  but  soluble  in  alcohol, 
ether,  and  the  volatile  and  fixed  oils,  with  which  it  forms  red  solutions.  According  to 
Herberger,  it  consists  of  90-7  parts  of  a red  resin  which  he  calls  draconin,  2-0  of  fixed  oil, 
3-0  of  benzoic  acid,  I '6  of  oxalate  of  lime,  and  3-7  of  phosphate  of  lime.  It  was  formerly 
used  in  medicine  as  an  astringent,  but  is  nearly  or  quite  inert,  and  is  now  never  given 
internally.  It  is  sometimes  used  to  impart  colour  to  plasters,  but  is  valued  chiefly  as  an 
ingredient  of  paints  and  varnishes. 

DUTCH  PINK.  A yellow  or  brownish-yellow  paint,  consisting  of  clay,  or  a mixture  of 
clay  and  chalk,  or  carbonate  of  lime  in  the  form  of  whiting,  coloured  by  a decoction  of 
woad,  French  berries,  or  birch  leaves,  with  alum. 

EMERY.  A very  hard  mineral,  the  powder  of  which  is  capable  of  wearing  down  all 
other  substances  except  the  diamond.  As  found  in  commerce,  it  is  said  to  be  derived 
chiefly  from  the  island  of  Naxos  in  the  Grecian  Archipelago,  but,  according  to  Landerer, 
it  has  been  found  also  in  Asia  Minor,  and  the  Morea.  It  is  pulverized  by  grinding  it  in 
a steel  mill;  and  the  powder  is  kept  in  the  shops  of  different  degrees  of  fineness.  It  is 
used  for  polishing  metals  and  hard  stones. 

EPIG2EA  REPENS.  Trailing  Arbutus.  Ground  Laurel.  May-flower.  This  is  a small 
trailing  plant,  with  woody  stems  from  six  to  eighteen  inches  long,  entire,  cordate-ovate 
leaves,  and  small  very  fragrant  flowers,  which  appear  early  in  the  spring.  It  is  found  in 
the  woods,  and  affects  the  sides  of  hills  with  a.  northern  exposure.  Dr.  Darlington  states 
that  the  plant  has  been  supposed  to  be  injurious  to  cattle,  when  eaten  by  them.  ( Flora 
Cestrica,  p.  259.)  Dr.  Eli  Ives,  of  New  Haven,  Connecticut,  has  furnished  us  with  the 
following  account  of  its  virtues  and  uses,  founded  on  his  own  observation.  “The  Epigaea 
repens  has  been  freely  used  for  some  years  in  diseases  of  the  urinary  organs,  and  of  the 
pelvic  viscera  generally,  particularly  of  irritated  action,  in  those  cases  in  which  the  uva 
ursi  and  buchu  are  indicated.  The  leaves  and  stems  are  prepared  in  the  same  manner, 
and  administered  in  the  same  dose  as  the  uva  ursi.  The  Epigaea  has  given  relief  in  some 
cases  where  the  uva  ursi  and  buchu  have  failed.  May  4th,  1849.” 

EUONYMUS  ATROPURPUREUS.  Burning  Bush.  Spindlelree.  Wahoo.  Some  years 
since  a bark  was  introduced  into  notice  in  this  city,  as  a remedy  in  dropsy,  under  the  name 
of  wahoo,  by  Mr.  Geo.  W.  Carpenter,  who  had  obtained  a knowledge  of  its  virtues  in  the 
Western  States.  On  a journey  to  the  North  West  in  the  year  1845,  one  of  the  authors  had 
the  opportunity  of  examining  the  plant  from  which  the  bark  was  derived,  and  found  it  to  be 
Euonymus  atropurpureus ; but  it  is  probable  that  E.  Americanus  has  identical  properties. 
They  are  shrubs  or  small  trees  belonging  to  the  Linnaean  class  and  order  Pentandria 
Monogynia,  and  to  the  natural  family  of  Celastraceae  of  Lindley;  and  in  the  autumn  pre- 
sent a striking  appearance  from  the  rich  red  colour  of  their  capsules,  which  has  obtained 
for  them  the  name  of  burning  bush.  They  grow  throughout  the  United  States.  Euony- 
mus Europseus  has  probably  similar  properties.  According  to  Grundner,  who  experimented 
with  the  fruit  of  the  European  species,  this  was  found  to  have  no  other  effect  than  that  of 
a diuretic.  ( Pharm . Cent.  Blatt,  A.D.  1847,  p.  873.)  Dr.  Griffith  says  that  the  seeds  of 
this  and  other  species  are  purgative  and  emetic.  (Med.  Bot.,  p.  220.)  An  oil  expressed 
from  these  seeds  is  used  in  Europe  for  the  destruction  of  vermin  in  the  hair,  and  some- 
times also  as  an  application  to  old  sores.  (Pharm.  Cent.  Blatt,  Sept.  1851,  p.  641.)  Mr. 
C.  A.  Santos,  in  a dissertation  upon  the  American  species,  published  in  the  American 
Journal  of  Pharmacy  (xx.  80),  speaks  of  the  bark  as  tonic,  hydragogue,  cathartic,  diuretic, 
and  antiperiodic.  Dr.  Twyman,  of  Westport,  Missouri,  informed  the  author  that  he  had 
found  it  as  a cathartic  rather  to  resemble  rhubarb,  than  to  possess  hydragogue  properties, 
and  thought  he  had  obtained  useful  effects  from  it  as  an  alterative  to  the  hepatic  function. 
Similar  information  was  obtained  from  other  sources.  On  the  whole,  the  character  of  its 


.328  Appendix. 

iction  must  be  considered  as  somewhat  uncertain;  and  it  might  well  form  an  object  of 
I f urther  examination.  As  a diuretic  in  dropsy  it  may  be  given  in  the  form  of  decoction  or 
infusion,  made  in  the  proportion  of  an  ounce  to  a pint  of  water,  in  the  dose  of  a wine- 
I glassful  several  times  a day.  The  name  of  wakoo  (pronounced  wawhoo),  by  which  the  plant 
is  known  in  the  North  West,  was  given  to  it  by  the  Indians.  The  same  name  has  also  been 
applied  to  the  Ulmus  alata  of  the  Southern  States,  and  has  thus  led  to  mistakes. 

EUPHRASIA  OFFICINALIS.  Eyebrighl.  A small  annual  plant,  common  to  Europe 
and  the  United  States,  without  odour,  and  of  a bitterish,  astringent  taste.  It  was  formerly 
used  in  various  complaints,  and  among  the  rest  in  disorders  of  the  eyes,  in  which  it  was 
thought  to  be  very  efficacious,  and  in  the  treatment  of  which  it  is  still  popular  in  some 
countries.  The  probability  is  that  it  is  nearly  inert. 

FERROCYANURET  OF  ZINC.  Zinci  Ferrocyanurelum.  This  compound  is  formed  by 
double  decomposition  between  hot  solutions  of  ferrocyanuret  of  potassium  (ferroprussiate 
of  potassa)  and  sulphate  of  zinc.  It  is  thrown  down  as  a white  powder.  It  has  similar 
medical  properties  to  those  of  the  cyanuret,  and  is  used  in  the  same  diseases.  The  dose 
is  from  one  to  four  grains,  given  in  pill. 

FRAXINUS  EXCELSIOR.  Common  European  Ash.  It  has  been  stated,  in  the  first  part 
of  this  work,  that,  in  the  South  of  Europe,  this  tree  yields  manna  by  incisions  in  its  trunk. 
In  this  place,  however,  it  is  noticed  only  in  reference  to  its  bark  and  leaves.  The  bark  is 
bitter  and  astringent,  and,  before  the  introduction  of  cinchona  into  use,  was  employed  in 
the  treatment  of  intermittent  fever;  but  has  since  fallen  into  neglect.  Keller  believed  that 
he  had  found  in  the  bark  a peculiar  crystallizable  organic  alkali,  which  Buchner  denomi- 
nated fraxinin;  but  Rochleder  and  Schwarz  have  since  shown  that  the  crystals  formed  along 
with  the  bitter  substance  obtained  by  the  process  of  Keller,  were  nothing  but  manuite, 
( Pharm . Cent.  Blatl,  May,  1853,  p.  312.)  The  leaves  have  been  at  different  times  recom- 
mended as  an  antidote  to  the  poison  of  serpents,  and  as  a remedy  in  scrofula.  Within  a 
few  years  they  have  been  introduced  into  use  in  Germany  in  the  treatment  of  gout  and 
rheumatism,  in  which  they  have  acquired  considerable  reputation.  Drs.  Pouget  and  Pey- 
raud,  of  France,  have  spoken  in  the  highest  terms  of  their  efficacy  in  these  diseases;  and, 
upon  the  authority  of  the  former,  it  is  stated  that  they  have  been  used  for  forty  years  by 
the  peasants  of  Auvergne  as  a specific  in  gout.  M.  Garot  has  shown  that  they  contain  lb 
per  cent,  of  malate  of  lime,  to  which  it  is  thought  their  anti-arthritic  virtues  may  be  ascribed. 
(Journ.  de  Pharm.,  3e  ser.,  xxiv.  311.)  By  some  authors  the  leaves  are  said  to  be  purga- 
tive, which  is.  however,  contradicted  by  Drs.  Pouget  and  Peyraud.  An  ounce  may  be 
infused  in  a pint  of  boiling  water,  and  taken  three  times  during  the  day.  (See  Am.  Journ. 
of  Med.  Sci.,  N.  S.,  xxv.  492.) 

FRENCH  CHALK.  A variety  of  indurated  talc.  It  is  compact,  unctuous  to  the  touch, 
of  a greenish  colour,  glossy,  somewhat  translucent,  soft  and  easily  scratched,  and  leaves 
a silvery  line  when  drawn  over  paper.  It  is  used  chiefly  for  marking  cloth,  kc..  and  for 
extracting  grease  spots. 

FRUIT  ESSENCES,  ARTIFICIAL.  Several  of  the  compound  ethers  have  been  found  to 
possess  the  odour  and  flavour  of  certain  fruits,  a property  which  has  led  to  their  employ- 
ment as  flavouring  materials  for  confectionery  and  desserts,  under  the  name  of  fruit 
essences.  The  simple  ethers,  present  in  these  compounds,  so  far  ns  they  have  become  of 
commercial  importance,  are  common  ether,  or  oxide  of  ethyle,  which  should  be  called 
ethylic  ether,  and  oxide  of  amyle  or  amylic  ether.  Each  of  these  ethers  possesses  basic 
properties,  and  has  its  alcohol;  common  or  ethylic  ether  corresponding  to  common  or 
ethylic  alcohol,  and  amylic  ether  to  amylic  alcohol  or  fusel  oil.  These  alcohols  are  hy- 
drated oxides  of  ethyle  and  amyle  respectively.  (See  Alcohol  Amylic um , p.  851,  and  Alco- 
hol, p.  852.) 

Butyrate  of  Ethylic  Ether.  Butyric  Ether.  (C4TI50,CgH.03. ) This  ether  is  readily  prepared 
by  mixing  100  parts  of  butyric  acid  with  100  of  alcohol,  and  50  of  concentrated  sulphuric 
acid,  and  agitating  the  mixture  for  a short  time.  The  ether  forms  a layer  on  the  surface, 
and  may  be  purified  by  washing  it  with  water,  and  subjecting  it  to  the  action  of  chloride 
of  calcium.  Butyric  ether  is  sparingly  soluble  in  water,  but  very  soluble  in  alcohol,  and 
boils  at  230°.  It  is  said  to  be  much  used  to  communicate  a pine-apple  flavour  to  rum. 
Dissolved  in  8 or  10  parts  of  alcohol  it  forms  the  pine-apple  essence.  From  20  to  25  drops 
of  this  essence,  added  to  a pound  of  sugar  containing  a little  citric  acid,  imparts  to  the 
mixture  a strong  taste  of  pine-apple.  Butyric  acid  is  formed  during  what  is  called  the 
butyric  fermentation,  which  usually  consumes  two  or  three  months  before  it  is  completed, 
and  which  is  preceded  by  the  lactic  fermentation.  To  prepare  it  a solution  of  grape  sugar 
is  mixed  with  half  its  weight  of  chalk,  and  with  about  one-tenth  of  its  weight  of  cheese 
to  act  as  a ferment,  and  the  whole  is  kept  at  the  temperature  of  90°.  The  sugar  is  first 
transformed  into  a viscous  substance,  and  afterwards  into  lactic  acid,  which  is  gradually 


Appendix.  1329 

converted  into  butyric  acid,  with  the  disengagement  of  hydrogen  and  carbonic  acid.  At 
the  end  of  the  fermentation,  the  liquid  contains  principally  a mixture  of  butyrate  and 
lactate  of  lime,  from  which  the  butyric  acid  may  be  obtained  by  precipitating  the  lime  as 
a carbonate  by  carbonate  of  soda,  and  decomposing  the  resulting  butyrate  of  soda  with 
sulphuric  acid.  Butyric  acid  is  a colourless  liquid,  having  a very  disagreeable  odour  and 
a rancid  taste.  It  dissolves  in  all  proportions  in  water  and  alcohol,  boils  at  327°  F.,  and 
has  the  density  of  0-963.  It  is  a hydrated  acid,  having  the  formula  C8H703.H0. 

Pclargon ate  of  Ethy lie  Ether.  Pelargonic  Eiher.  (Enani hie  Ether.  (C4H-0,CleII1703).  A 
preliminary  step  in  forming  this  ether  is  to  prepare  the  pelargonic  acid.  This  is  most  con- 
veniently obtained,  according  to  Ur.  R.  Wagner,  by  the  action  of  nitric  acid  on  oil  of  rue. 
Treat  the  oil  with  double  its  weight  of  very  dilute  nitric  acid,  and  heat  the  mixture  until 
it  begins  to  boil.  Two  layers  are  formed  in  the  liquid ; the  upper  one  being  brownish, 
and  the  lower  consisting  of  the  products  of  the  oxidation  of  the  oil,  with  the  excess  of 
nitric  acid.  The  lower  layer,  having  been  separated,  is  freed  from  the  greater  part  of  the 
nitric  acid  by  evaporation  in  a chloride  of.  zinc  bath,  and  then  filtered.  The  filtrate  is  a 
solution  of  pelargonic  acid,  and  may  be  converted  into  pelargonic  ether  by  a prolonged 
digestion,  at  a gentle  heat,  with  alcohol.  The  ether,  as  thus  prepared,  has  the  agreeable 
odour  of  quince,  and,  when  dissolved  in  alcohol  in  due  proportion,  forms  the  quince  essence. 
(See  Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  July,  1853,  p.  320.)  Pure  pelargonic  ether  (oenanthic  ether) 
is  a colourless  liquid,  having  an  agreeable  vinous  odour,  and  a taste,  at  first  slight,  but 
afterwards  acrid.  Its  sp.  gr.  is  0-87,  and  boiling  point,  when  constant,  433°  F.  Pelargonic 
acid,  so  called  from  its  having  been  first  obtained  from  Pelargonium  roseum,  or  rose  gera- 
nium, is  a hydrated  acid,  and  has  the  formula  Cl8II1703,  HO.  DelfiVs  analysis  of  oenanthic 
acid  gives  it  the  same  composition,  and,  accordingly,  he  considers  the  two  acids  as  un- 
doubtedly identical.  ( Chem . Gaz.,  April  15,  1852,  p.  144.)  The  formula  given  for  oenan- 
thic acid  at  page  753  must,  therefore,  be  abandoned. 

Acetate  of  Amylic  Ether.  (C10HnO,C4II3O3).  This  is  prepared  by  distilling  a mixture  of 
one  part  of  amylic  alcohol  (fusel  oil),  two  of  acetate  of  potassa,  and  one  of  concentrated 
sulphuric  acid.  The  distilled  liquid  is  purified  from  free  acid,  by  washing  with  a weak 
alkaline  solution,  and  from  water,  by  distillation  from  chloride  of  calcium.  It  is  a colour- 
less, limpid  liquid,  lighter  than  water,  boiling  at  272°  F.,  insoluble  in  water,  but  soluble 
in  alcohol.  It  possesses  the  odour,  in  a remarkable  degree,  of  the  Jargonelle  pear,  and 
is  manufactured  on  a large  scale  for  flavouring  syrups  and  confectionery.  An  alcoholic 
solution  of  this  ether  forms  the  Jargonelle  pear  essence.  Fifteen  parts  of  acetate  of  amylic 
ether,  with  half  a part  of  acetic  ether,  dissolved  in  100  parts  of  alcohol,  form  what  may  be 
called  the  bergamot  pear  essence,  which,  when  employed  to  flavour  sugar  acidulated  with  a 
little  citric  acid,  imparts  the  odour  of  the  bergamot  pear,  and  a fruity,  refreshing  taste. 
Acetate  of  amylic  ether,  mixed  with  butyric  ether,  forms  another  fruity  compound,  which 
recalls  the  odour  of  the  banana,  and  forms,  in  alcoholic  solution,  the  banana  essence. 

■Valerianate  of  Amylic  Ether.  (CI0HuO,  C10H9O3).  This  is  made  by  carefully  mixing  four 
parts  of  pure  amylic  alcohol  (fusel  oil)  with  four  of  sulphuric  acid,  and  adding  the  mixture, 
when  cold,  to  five  parts  of  valerianic  acid.  The  whole  is  warmed  for  a few  minutes  in  a 
water-bath,  and  then  mixed  with  a little  water,  which  causes  the  ether  to  separate.  Lastly-, 
it  is  purified  by  washing  it  with  water  and  a weak  solution  of  carbonate  of  soda.  An 
alcoholic  solution  of  this  ether,  in  the  proportion  of  one  part  to  six  or  eight  of  alcohol, 
forms  a flavouring  liquid  under  the  name  of  apple  essence.  For  the  mode  of  obtaining 
valerianic  acid,  see  Valerianate  of  Soda,  p.  1188. 

It  is  thus  perceived  that  the  bases  of  the  fruit  essences  are  certain  ethereal  compounds 
of  organic  acids  with  the  oxides  of  ethyle  and  amyle.  Besides  the  essences  here  described, 
there  are  found  in  commerce  the  strawberry-,  raspberry,  apricot,  green  gage,  mulberry, 
and  black  currant  essences,  all  of  which  may  be  viewed  as  various  mixtures  of  the  ethers 
of  the  ethyle  and  amyle  series,  modified  by  the  addition  of  pure  nitrous  ether,  vanilla, 
volatile  oils,  &c.,  to  bring  about  a resemblance  to  the  fruit,  the  odour  and  taste  of  which 
it  is  the  object  to  imitate.  In  making  these  essences,  it  is  important  that  the  materials 
should  be  pure,  especially  the  fusel  oil  and  alcohol.  The  alcohol,  used  as  a solvent,  should 
be  rectified  and  deodorized. 

These  fruit  essences  are  extensively  employed  for  flavouring  ices,  jellies,  lozenges,  and 
drops,  and  for  making  fruit  syrups  and  effervescent  beverages.  They  are  manufactured 
on  a large  scale  by  Messrs.  Mander,  Weaver,  & Co.,  of  Wolverhampton,  England,  and  sold 
by  their  agents,  Messrs.  Phelps,  Fowler,  & Co.,  of  New  York.  The  more  useful  ones  are 
also  prepared  by  Messrs.  Powers  & Weightman,  manufacturing  chemists,  of  Philadelphia. 

FOCUS  VESICULOSUS.  Sea-wrack.  Bladder- wrack.  This  was  omitted  as  an  officinal 
in  the  edition  of  the  Dublin  Pharmacopoeia  of  1850.  It  belongs  to  Cryptogamia  Algse  in  the 
sexual  system,  and  to  the  natural  order  Algacete.  The  following  is  the  generic  character. 

84 


1330 


Appendix. 

“Male.  Vesicles  smooth,  hollow,  with  villose  hairs  within,  interwoven.  Female.  Vesicles 
smooth,  filled  with  jelly,  sprinkled  with  immersed  grains,  prominent  at  tip.  Seeds  soli- 
tary.” This  sea-weed  is  perennial,  with  the  frond  or  leaf  flat,  smooth  and  glossy,  from 
one  to  four  feet  high,  from  half  an  inch  to  an  inch  and  a half  broad,  furnished  with  a 
midrib  throughout  its  length,  dichotomous,  entire  upon  the  margin,  and  of  a dark  olive- 
green  colour.  Small  spherical  vesicles,  filled  with  air,  are  immersed  in  the  frond  near  the 
midrib.  The  fruit  consists  of  roundish,  compressed  receptacles,  at  the  ends  of  the  branches, 
filled  with  a clear  tasteless  mucus.  The  plant  grows  upon  the  shores  of  Europe  and  of 
this  continent,  attaching  itself  to  the  rocks  by  its  expanded  woody  root.  On  the  coast  of 
Scotland  anil  of  France,  it  is  much  used  in  the  preparation  of  kelp.  It  is  also  employed 
as  a manure,  and  is  mixed  with  the  fodder  of  cattle.  It  has  a peculiar  odour,  and  a 
nauseous  saline  taste.  Several  chemists  have  undertaken  its  analysis,  but  the  results  are 
not  satisfactory.  It  contains  much  soda  in  saline  combination,  and  iodine,  according  to 
Gaultier  de  Claubry,  in  the  state  of  iodide  of  potassium.  These  ingredients  remain  in  its 
ashes,  and  in  the  charcoal  resulting  from  its  exposure  to  heat  in  close  vessels.  This  char- 
coal, which  is  sometimes  called  JEthiops  vegetahilis  or  vegetable  ethiops , has  long  had  the 
reputation  of  a deobstruent,  and  been  given  in  goitre  and  scrofulous  swellings.  Its  virtues 
were  formerly  ascribed  chiefly  to  carbonate  of  soda,  in  which  it  abounds;  but,  since  the 
discovery  of  the  medical  properties  of  iodine,  this  has  been  considered  as  its  most  active 
ingredient.  The  mucus  contained  in  the  vesicles  was  applied  externally,  with  advantage, 
by  Dr.  Russel,  as  a resolvent  in  scrofulous  tumours. 

Other  species  of  Fucus  are  in  all  probability  possessed  of  similar  properties.  Many  of 
them  contain  a gelatinous  matter,  and  a sweet  principle  analogous  to  mannite:  and  some 
are  used  as  food  in  times  of  scarcity.  Large  quantities  of  a sea  weed,  named  in  the  East 
agar-agar , are  gathered  on  the  rocky  coasts  of  the  East  India  Islands,  and  sent  to  China, 
where  it  is  valued  for  making  jellies,  and  a size  for  stiffening  silks.  The  Ceylon  moss  is  a 
delicate  fucus  ( Gigartina  lichenoides ),  growing  on  the  coast  of  Ceylon,  where  it  is  gathered 
by  the  natives.  It  abounds  in  starch  and  vegetable  jelly,  which  render  it  applicable  to 
the  same  purposes  as  the  carrageen  or  Irish  moss.  (Pharm.  Journ.  and  Trans.,  xiii.  355.) 
F.  Helminihocorton  ( Gigartina  Helminihocorton  of  Greville)  has  some  reputation  in  Europe 
as  an  anthelmintic,  and  is  said  also  to  be  febrifuge.  It  is  one  of  the  ingredients  in  that 
mixture  of  marine  plants  which  is  sold  in  Europe  under  the  name  of  Corsican  moss  or  hd- 
minthocorton.  This  is  used  in  decoction,  from  four  to  six  drachms  being  boiled  in  a pint 
of  water,  and  a wineglassful  given  three  times  a day. 

FULIGOKALI.  This  preparation,  proposed  by  M.  Beschamps,  is  formed  by  boilintr  for 
an  hour,  20  parts  of  caustic  potassa,  and  100  of  shining  soot,  in  powder,  in  2 parts  or  a 
sufficient,  quantity  of  water.  The  solution,  when  cold,  is  diluted,  filtered,  and  evaporated 
to  dryness.  Fuligokali  is  in  the  form  of  a black  powder,  or  of  scales,  very  soluble  in  water, 
and  having  an  empyreumatic  odour  and  mild  alkaline  taste.  It  is  used  in  the  same  affec- 
tions as  anth'rakokali.  The  dose  is  two  or  three  grains,  repeated  several  times  a day.  An 
ointment,  containing  from  sixteen  to  thirty-two  grains  to  the  ounce  of  lard,  was  found  by 
Dr.  Gibert,  of  Paris,  to  be  detersive,  resolvent,  and  gently  stimulant.  (See  a paper  by  the 
late  A.  Duhamel,  in  the  Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xiv.  284.) 

FUMARIA  OFFICINALIS.  Fumitory.  A small  annual  European  plant,  naturalized  in 
this  country,  growing  in  cultivated  grounds,  and  flowering  from  May  to  August.  It  was 
formerly  considerably  employed  as  a medicine,  and  is  still  used  in  Europe.  The  leaves 
are  the  officinal  part.  They  are  inodorous,  have  a bitter  saline  taste,  and  are  very  succu- 
lent, yielding  by  expression  a juice  which  has  the  sensible  and  medicinal  properties  of  the 
plant.  An  extract  prepared  by  evaporating  the  expressed  juice,  or  a decoction  of  the 
leaves,  throws  out  upon  its  surface  a copious  saline  efflorescence.  The  plant,  indeed, 
abounds  in  saline  substances,  and  to  these,  in  connexion  with  its  bitter  extractive,  its 
medical  virtues  are  to  be  ascribed.  It  is  gently  tonic,  in  large  doses  is  said  to  be  laxative 
and  diuretic,  and  is  thought,  moreover,  to  have  an  alterative  action.  Both  in  ancient  and 
modern  times  it  has  been  esteemed  a valuable  remedy  in  visceral  obstructions,  particularly 
those  of  the  liver,  in  scorbutic  affections,  and  in  various  troublesome  eruptive  diseases. 
Cullen  speaks  favourably  of  its  influence  in  these  last  complaints.  He  gave  the  expressed 
juice  in  the  dose  of  two  ounces  twice  a day.  Others  have  prescribed  it  in  much  larger 
quantities.  The  leaves  either  fresh  or  dried  may  be  used  in  decoction,  without  precise 
limitation  as  regards  the  dose.  The  inspissated  juice  and  an  extract  of  the  dried  leaves 
have  also  been  employed. 

FUSTIC.  A yellow  dye-wood,  obtained  from  .1 fonts  tinctoria  ( Broussonetia  tinctorid, 
Kunth),  a tree  growing  in  the  West  Indies  and  South  America.  It  is  not  used  in  medicine 
or  pharmacy.  According  to  Bancroft,  two  different  woods  bear  in  England  the  name  of 
fustic,  one  the  product  of  the  tree  just  mentioned,  distinguished  as  old  fustic,  probably 


Appendix.  1331 

from  the  greater  magnitude  of  the  billets  in  which  it  is  imported ; the  other  derived  from 
the  Rhus  Cotinus  or  Venice  sumach,  and  called  young  fustic.  The  -wood  of  M.  tinctoria 
owes  its  colouring  properties  to  two  principles  which  have  been  isolated  by  R.  Wagner, 
one  which  he  has  denominated  morin,  and  the  other  bearing  some  resemblance  to  tannic 
acid,  which  he  calls  moritannic  acid.  (See  Chem.  Gaz.,  ix.  1,  21,  and  241.) 

GALANGAL.  Galanga.  Two  varieties  are  described  by  authors,  the  galanga  major 
and  galanga  minor,  or  large  and  small  galangal.  They  are  considered  by  some  as  the  roots 
of  different  plants;  but  there  is  reason  to  believe  that  they  are  both  derived  from  Maranta 
Galanga  of  Linn.  ( Alpina  Galanga  of  Willd.),  and  that  they  differ  in  consequence  of  the 
different  stages  of  growth  at  which  they  are  collected.  They  are  brought  from  the  East 
Indies.  The  larger  variety  is  cylindrical,  three  or  four  inches  long,  as  thick  as  the  tlifimb 
or  thicker,  often  forked,  reddish-brown  externally,  slightly  striated  longitudinally,  marked 
with  whitish  circular  rings,  orange-brown  internally,  rather  hard  and  fibrous,  difficultly 
pulverizable,  of  an  agreeable  aromatic  odour,  and  a pungent,  hot,  spicy,  permanent  taste. 
The  small  galangal  resembles  the  preceding  in  shape,  but  is  smaller,  not  exceeding  the 
little  finger  in  thickness,  of  a darker  colour,  and  of  a stronger  taste  and  smell.  According 
to  Morin,  galangal  contains  a volatile  oil,  an  acrid  resin,  extractive,  gum,  bassorin,  and 
lignin.  A.  Vogel,  jun.,  found  also  starch  and  fixed  oil.  ( Pharm . Cent.  Blatt,  1844,  p.  158.) 
R.  Brandes  is  said  to  have  found  a peculiar  crystallizable  substance  called  kempferid. 
(Annul,  der  Pharm.,  xxxii.  311.)  The  active  principles  are  the  volatile  oil  and  acrid  resin. 
Its  medical  effects  are  those  of  a stimulant  aromatic.  It  was  known  to  the  ancient  Greeks 
and  Arabians,  and  formerly  entered  into  numerous  compound  preparations.  At  present 
it  is  seldom  employed.  Its  dose  is  from  fifteen  to  thirty  grains  in  substance,  and  twice  as 
much  in  infusion. 

GALEGA  OFFICINALIS.  Goat's  Rue.  A perennial  herb,  growing  in  the  South  of 
Europe,  and  sometimes  cultivated  in  gardens.  It  is  without  smell  unless  bruised,  when 
it  emits  a disagreeable  odour.  Its  taste  is  unpleasantly  bitter  and  somewhat  rough,  and 
when  chewed,  it  stains  the  saliva  yellowish-brown.  In  former  times  it  was  much  employed 
as  a remedy  in  malignant  fevers,  the  plague,  the  bites  of  serpents,  worms,  &c.  ; but  it  has 
fallen  into  merited  neglect.  The  roots  of  Galega  Virginiana,  a native  of  the  United  States, 
are  said  to  be  diaphoretic  and  powerfully  anthelmintic.  They  are  given  in  decoction. 

GALIUM  APARINE.  Cleavers.  Goose-grass.  This  is  an  annual,  succulent  plant,  com- 
mon to  Europe  and  the  United  States,  growing  in  cultivated  grounds,  and  along  fences  and 
hedges.  It  is  inodorous,  and  has  a bitterish,  herbaceous,  somewhat  acrid  taste.  An- 
alyzed by  Schwartz,  it  was  found  to  contain,  besides  chlorophylle,  starch,  and  other  prin- 
ciples common  to  all  plants,  three  distinct  acids,  viz. : a variety  of  tannic  acid,  which  he 
names  galitannic  acid,  citric  acid,  and  a peculiar  acid  previously  discovered  by  Schwartz 
and  Rochleder,  and  named  rubichloric  acid.  (Pharm.  Journ.  and  Trans.,  xii.  190.)  The 
expressed  juice  is  said  to  be  aperient,  diuretic,  and  anti-scorbutic;  and  has  been  used  in 
dropsy,  congestion  of  the  spleen,  scrofula,  and  scorbutic  eruptions.  In  the  last  complaint 
it  has  been  thought  peculiarly  useful.  Three  ounces  of  the  juice  may  be  taken  twice  a 
day.  Dr.  Winn,  of  Truro,  Cornwall,  has  recently  called  the  attention  of  the  profession  to 
this  medicine.  Several  persons  in  his  neighbourhood  had  been  cured  of  lepra  by  a de- 
coction of  the  plant;  and  he  had  himself  employed  it  with  great  advantage  not  only  in  this 
but  other  cutaneous  diseases.  At  first  he  gave  it  in  the  form  of  decoction  made  by  boiling 
a handful  of  the  recent  herb  in  a quart  of  water  for  twenty  minutes,  of  which  a tumbler- 
ful was  given  three  times  a day ; but  he  now  prefers  the  inspissated  juice,  in  the  form  of  a 
fluid  extract,  of  which  f^j  represents  Oss  of  the  decoction.  (London  hied.  Times  and  Gaz., 
Feb.  1854,  page  144.)  The  fresh  herb,  in  the  form  of  ointment  or  decoction,  has  been 
applied  externally  to  scrofulous  swellings  with  supposed  advantage. 

GALIUM  VERUM.  Yellow  Ladies'  Bed-straw.  Cheese  rennet.  This  species  of  Galium 
is  perennial,  and  a native  of  Europe.  The  flowers,  which  are  yellow,  have  a peculiar, 
agreeable  odour,  and  have  been  given  in  nervous  affections,  with  a.  view  to  their  supposed 
antispasmodic  powers.  The  herb  is  inodorous,  but  lias  an  astringent,  acidulous,  bitterish 
taste.  The  projierty  of  coagulating  milk  was  formerly  ascribed  to  it,  but  is  certainly  not 
constant,  as  the  experiment  has  been  frequently  tried  without  success.  The  bruised  plant 
is  sometimes  used  to  colour  cheese  yellow,  being  introduced  into  the  milk  before  coagula- 
tion. It  is  also  used  for  dyeing  yellow.  The  roots  of  this  and  of  most  other  species  dye 
red;  and  the  plant,  eaten  by  animals,  colours  the  bones  like  madder.  This  plant  was 
analyzed  by  Schwartz,  and  found  to  contain  the  same  principles  as  G.  Aparine,  mentioned 
above.  It  was  formerly  highly  esteemed  as  a remedy  in  epilepsy  and  hysteria,  and  was 
applied  externally  in  cutaneous  eruptions.  It  may  be  employed  in  the  form  either  of 
the  recently  expressed  juice,  or  of  a decoction  prepared  from  the  fresh  plant.  Its  medical 
properties,  however,  are  feeble. 


1332  Appendix. 

Of  the  American  species,  the  G.  tinctorium  is  closely  allied  in  properties  to  G.  verum. 
It  is  said  to  be  useful  in  cutaneous  diseases;  and  the  root  is  employed  by  the  Indians  for 
staining  their  feathers  and  other  ornaments  red. 

GELSEMINUM  SEMPERVIRENS.  Juss.  Gelseminum  Nitidum.  Michaux.  Bignonia 
Sempervirens.  Willd.  Yellow  Jasmine.  Carolina  Jasmine.  This  is  one  of  the  most  beautiful 
climbing  plants  of  our  Southern  States,  ascending  lofty  trees,  and  forming  festoons  from 
one  tree  to  another,  and  in  its  flowering  season,  in  the  early  spring,  scenting  the  atmo- 
sphere with  its  delicious  odour.  It  belongs  to  the  Linnsean  class  and  order  Pentandria 
Digynia,  and  the  natural  family  of  Apocynaceoe.  The  stem  is  twining,  smooth,  and  shin- 
ing ; the  leaves  perennial,  opposite,  shortly  petiolate,  lanceolate,  entire,  dark-green  above, 
and  paler  beneath;  the  flowers  in  axillary  clusters,  large,  of  a deep-yellow  colour  and  tra- 
arant,  with  a very  small,  five-leaved  calyx,  and  a funnel-shaped  corolla,  having  a spread- 
ing, five-lobed,  nearly  equal  border.  The  fruit  is  a flat,  compressed  capsule,  divisible  into 
two  parts,  two-celled,  and  furnished  with  flat  seeds,  which  adhere  to  the  margins  of  the 
valves.  The  root  is  the  part  employed.  It  is  said  to  have  a slight  narcotic  odour  and  an 
agreeably  bitter  taste,  and  yields  its  virtues  to  water,  and  readily  to  diluted  alcohol.  From 
the  accounts  given  of  its  effects,  it  appears  to  be  a cerebro-nervous  sedative,  without 
nauseating  or  purgative  properties,  but  sometimes  causing  diaphoresis,  especially  in  febrile 
diseases.  Iu  moderate  doses  it  produces  agreeable  sensations  of  languor,  with  muscular 
relaxation,  so  that  the  patient  finds  some  difficulty  iu  moving  the  eyelids,  and  keeping  the 
jaws  closed.  More  largely  taken  it  occasions  dizziness,  dimness  of  vision,  dilated  pupil, 
general  muscular  debility,  and  universal  prostration ; but  after  a short  time  these  symp- 
toms pass  off  leaving  no  unpleasant  effects.  It  is  no  doubt  capable  of  causing  death  in 
over-doses,  and  must  therefore  be  used  cautiously. 

The  discovery  of  its  medical  virtues  was  accidental.  A planter  of  Mississippi,  labour- 
ing under  an  obstinate  bilious  fever,  directed  his  servant  to  get  a particular  root  from  the 
garden,  and  prepare  a tea  from  it.  The  tea  was  prepared  accordingly,  and  drank  by  the 
invalid,  who  was  soon  afterwards  affected  with  great  prostration,  and  especially  muscular 
debility,  so  that  he  could  not  raise  a limb,  but  without  stupor.  These  effects  gradually 
passed  off,  and  with  them  the  fever.  The  servant  had  made  a mistake  in  the  root,  and 
dug  that  of  the  Gelseminum,  instead  of  the  one  intended.  The  planter,  having  made  this 
discovery,  employed  the  root  afterwards  with  success  upon  his  own  plantation  and  in  the 
neighbourhood.  The  remedy  passed  into  the  hands  of  irregular  practitioners,  and  was 
employed  by  the  “eclectic  physicians”  before  its  virtues  came  to  the  knowledge  of  the 
profession.  Attention  was  called  to  it  by  a paper  of  Professor  Procter  in  the  Am.  Journ. 
of  Pharm.  for  October,  1852  {page  307),  who  derived  most  of  his  information  from  the 
“ Eclectic  Dispensatory ,”  and  a paper  by  F.  D.  Hill,  in  the  “Eclectic  Medical  Journal'’  of  Cin- 
cinnati. Communications  have  since  been  published  in  reference  to  it  in  the  Southern 
Journ.  of  Med.  and  Phys.  Sciences,  for  January,  1853  {page  40)  by  Dr  TV.  S.  Jenkins,  of 
Castilian  Spring,  Tenn. ; in  the  Stethoscope  of  Nov.  1853  {page  636)  by  Dr.  II.  M.  Nash,  of 
Norfolk,  Va. ; and  in  the  Iowa  Med.  Journ.  by  Dr.  Bachelor  (see  Charleston  Med.  Joun:.  and 
Rev.,  March,  1854,  page  243).  From  these  sources  most  of  the  statements  in  this  article 
were  drawn.  The  diseases  in  which  the  medicine  has  been  prescribed  are  intermittent,  re- 
mittent, and  typhoid  fevers,  inflammation  of  the  lungs  and  pleura,  rheumatism,  neuralgia, 
chorea,  and  epilepsy.  The  preparation  usually  employed  is  a tincture  made  by  macerat- 
ing for  two  weeks  the  fresh  bark  of  the  root,  well  bruised,  in  diluted  alcohol,  or  some  form 
of  ardent  spirit,  and  then  expressing,  and  filtering.  It  has  a dark-red  colour,  and  the 
bitterness  of  the  root,  and  is  probably  saturated.  The  dose  is  from  ten  to  fifty  drops, 
every  hour  or  two ; but  is  of  course  somewhat  indefinite,  as  there  is  no  precise  formula  for 
the  tincture.  Dr.  Jenkins  gives  from  half  a teaspoonful  to  three  times  the  quantity. 

GENISTA  TINCTORIA.  Dyers’  Broom.  Dyers'  Weed.  Green  Weed.  A low  shrub, 
growing  wild  in  Europe,  and  sometimes  cultivated  in  this  country  in  gardens.  Thefliwer- 
ing  tops  of  the  plant  are  employed  to  dye  yellow,  whence  its  name  was  derived.  Both  these 
and  the  seeds  have  been  used  in  medicine.  They  are  said  to  be  purgative  and  even  emetic, 
especially  the  seeds,  which  were  formerly  given  as  a cathartic  in  the  dose  of  a drachm  and 
a half.  By  some  authors  they  are  said  to  be  diuretic,  and  to  be  useful  in  dropsy.  The 
plant  has  been  long  used  as  a preventive  of  hydrophobia  by  the  peasants  of  Podolia,  the 
Ukraine,  and  other  provinces  of  Russia.  They  employ  it  in  the  form  of  strong  decoction, 
both  internally  and  locally,  in  connexion  with  Rhus  coriaria,  and  persevere  with  it  for  six 
weeks.  The  trials  made  with  it  in  other  parts  of  Europe  have  failed. 

GERANIUM  ROBERTIANUM.  Herb  Robert.  This  species  of  Geranium  grows  wild  both 
in  Europe  and  the  United  States,  but  is  rare  in  this  country;  and  Pursk  states  that  the 
American  plant  is  destitute  of  the  heavy  smell  by  which  the  European  is  so  well  known, 
though  the  two  agree  iu  all  other  respects.  The  herb  has  a disagreeable,  bitterish, 


1338 


Appendix. 

astringent  taste,  and  imparts  its  virtues  to  boiling  water.  It  has  been  used  internally  in 
intermittent  fever,  consumption,  hemorrhages,  nephritic  complaints,  jaundice,  &c.,  has 
been  employed  as  a gargle  in  affections  of  the  throat,  and  has  been  applied  externally  as 
a resolvent  to  swollen  breasts  and  other  tumours. 

GLASS  OF  ANTIMONY.  Yitrum  Antimonii.  This  is  prepared  from  the  tersulphuret 
of  antimony  by  a partial  roasting  and  subsequent  fusion.  The  tersulphuret  is  reduced  to 
coarse  powder,  and  strewed  upon  a shallow,  unglazed  earthen  vessel,  and  heated  gently 
and  slowly,  being  continually  stirred  to  prevent  it  from  running  into  lumps.  IVhite  vapours 
of  sulphurous  acid  arise ; and  when  these  cease,  the  heat  is  increased  a little  to  reproduce 
them.  The  roasting  is  continued  in  this  manner  until,  at  a red  heat,  no  more  vapours  are 
given  off.  The  matter  is  then  melted  in  a crucible  with  an  intense  heat,  and  kept  in  a 
state  of  fusion  until  it  assumes  the  appearance  of  melted  glass,  when  it  is  poured  out  on 
a, heated  brass  plate.  In  this  process,  part  of  the  sulphur  of  the  tersulphuret  is  driven 
off  by  the  roasting;  while  the  portion  of  antimony  which  loses  its  sulphur  becomes  teroxi- 
dized.  The  roasted  matter,  accordingly,  consists  of  teroxide  of  antimony  and  undecom- 
posed  tersulphuret  ; and  these,  by  uniting  during  the  fusion,  form  the  glass.  Glass  of 
antimony  is  in  thin  irregular  pieces,  exhibiting  a vitreous  fracture,  and  having  a metallic 
steel-gray  lustre.  IVhen  well  prepared  it  is  transparent,  and,  upon  being  held  between 
the  eye  and  the  light,  appears  of  a rich  orange-red,  or  garnet  colour;  but  if  of  inferior 
quality  it  is  black  and  opaque.  It  is  hard  and  brittle,  and  rings  when  struck  with  a hard 
substance.  It  is  insoluble  in  water,  but  soluble  in  acids  and  in  cream  of  tartar,  with  the 
exception  of  a few  red  flocculi.  Its  essential  constituents  are  the  teroxide  and  tersulphuret, 
united  in  variable  proportions.  When  of  good  quality  it  consists  of  about  eight  parts  of 
teroxide  to  one  of  tersulphuret.  It  usually  contains  about  five  per  cent,  of  silica,  and 
three  of  sesquioxide  of  iron,  which  are  derived  from  the  crucible,  and  to  the  former  of 
which  the  vitrification  of  the  product  is  owing.  When  good  it  is  dissolved,  with  the  ex- 
ception of  a few  red  flocculi,  in  strong  muriatic  acid.  An  excess  of  silica  is  known  by  the 
acid  leaving  a gelatinous  residuum,  and  the  iron  may  be  detected  by  ferrocyanuret  of  po- 
tassium, and  its  amount  judged  of  by  the  bulk  of  the  precipitate  and  the  depth  of  its  blue 
colour.  Sometimes  glass  of  lead  is  sold  for  glass  of  antimony,  a fraud  easily  detected  by 
the  difference  between  the  two  substances  in  specific  gravity;  the  glass  of  lead  having  a 
density  of  nearly  seven,  while  that  of  glass  of  antimony  is  not  quite  five. 

Medical  Properties , Glass  of  antimony  is  an  active  antimonial ; but,  owing  to  its 
variable  composition  and  uncertain  operation,  is  at  present  very  seldom  used.  When  the 
levigated  powder  is  mixed  with  one-eighth  of  its  weight  of  melted  yellow  wax,  and  the 
mixture  roasted  over  a slow  fire,  with  constant  stirring  until  it.  ceases  to  exhale  vapours, 
a coal-like  pulverizable  mass  is  formed,  which  is  the  cerated  glass  of  antimony,  a prepara- 
tion formerly  included  in  the  Edinburgh  Pharmacopoeia. 

GLECIIOMA  HEDERACEA.  Nepeta  Glechoma.  Ground-ivy.  A small  perennial  herb, 
indigenous  in  Europe  and  the  United  States,  and  growing  in  shady  grassy  places,  as  in 
orchards  and  along  fences  and  hedges.  It  belongs  to  the  family  of  labiate  plants,  and 
shares  their  general  properties.  The  herb  was  formerly  officinal,  and  still  enjoys  some 
credit  as  a domestic  remedy.  It  has  a peculiar  disagreeable  odour,  and  a bitterish, 
rough,  somewhat  aromatic  taste,  and  imparts  its  properties  to  boiling  water.  From  the 
statements  of  authors,  it  appears  to  be  gently  stimulant  and  tonic,  with,  perhaps,  a pecu- 
liar direction  to  the  lungs  and  kidneys.  It  has  also  been  considered  aperient.  The 
complaints  in  which  it  has  been  most  used  are  chronic  affections  of  the  pulmonary  and 
urinary  organs;  and  at  one  time  it  had  considerable  reputation  as  a remedy  in  consump- 
tion. It  has  also  been  employed  as  a vulnerary  and  errliine.  The  usual  form  in  which 
it  was  administered  was  that  of  infusion,  of  which  a quantity  was  given  for  a dose  con- 
taining the  virtues  of  half  a drachm  or  a drachm  of  the  herb. 

GLUE.  An  impure  form  of  gelatin,  obtained  from  various  animal  substances  by  boil- 
ing them  in  water,  straining  the  solution,  and  evaporating  it  till  upon  cooling  it  assumes 
the  consistence  of  jelly.  The  soft  mass  which  results  is  then  divided  into  thin  slices, 
which  are  dried  in  the  open  air.  Glue,  when  of  good  quality,  is  hard  and  brittle,  of  a 
brown  colour,  and  equally  transparent  throughout.  It  softens  and  swells  very  much  in 
cold  water,  without  dissolving;  but  is  readily  dissolved  by  hot  water.  It  is  employed 
chiefly  for  cementing  pieces  of  wood  together,  being  too  impure  for  the  purposes  of  a 
test,  or  for  internal  use. 

Capsules  of  Gelatin.  Glue  has  within  a few  years  been  applied  to  an  important  prac- 
tical purpose  in  pharmacy.  Certain  medicines  are  so  offensive  to  the  taste,  and  conse- 
quently so  apt  to  sicken  the  stomach,  that  it  is  highly  desirable  to  administer  them  in 
such  a way  as  to  prevent  their  contact  with  the  tongue  and  palate.  This  object  is  fully 
accomplished,  so  far  as  regards  many  disagreeable  liquid  medicines,  by  the  use  of  the 


1334  Appendix. 

capsules  of  gelatin,  invented  by  M.  Dublanc,  of  Paris.  These  are  prepared  from  the  purest 
glue  in  the  following  manner.  Small  pouches  made  of  fine  skin,  of  an  oval  form,  are 
attached  by  a waxed  thread  to  the  smaller  extremity  of  a hollow  elongated  metallic  cone, 
which  is  bent  towards  its  point,  and  has  its  base  closed  by  a cover,  which  is  screwed  so 
as  to  make  the  instrument  air-tight.  Into  this  conical  tube  sufficient  mercury  is  poured 
to  fill  the  pouch,  which,  thus  distended,  is  dipped  into  a concentrated  sweetened  solution 
of  glue,  and  afterwards  exposed  to  heat  in  a vertical  position,  so  as  to  dry  the  layer  of 
gelatin  which  it  has  received.  In  the  same  manner  a second  coating  may  be  given,  and 
the  process  again  repeated  till  a sufficient  thickness  has  been  obtained.  The  cone  being 
then  reversed,  the  mercury  flows  out  of  the  pouch,  which  collapses,  and  allows  the  cap- 
sule of  gelatin  to  be  removed.  Into  this  the  medicine  may  now  be  introduced,  care  being 
taken  to  avoid  any  contact  with  the  outer  surface  of  the  capsule.  The  opening  is  next  to 
be  closed  by  means  of  a thin  lamina  of  gelatin  previously  softened  by  steam;  and  a solu- 
tion of  the  same  substance  should  be  applied  to  the  edges  by  means  of  a camel's  hair 
pencil.  Another  mode  of  preparing  the  capsules  is  as  follows.  Take  a cylinder  of  iron 
or  hard  wood,  four  lines  in  diameter  and  a few  inches  long,  and  smoothly  rounded  at  one 
end.  Dip  half  an  inch  of  this  end  first  into  a saturated  warm  alcoholic  solution  of  soap, 
and  afterwards,  when  the  soap  has  concreted  upon  the  surface,  into  a concentrated  hot 
solution  of  gelatin,  and  repeat  the  latter  immersion  once  or  oftener,  if  it  be  desired  to  have 
a firm  capsule.  IVhen  the  glue  has  concreted,  remove  the  capsule.  A top  for  it  may  be 
made  in  the  same  way,  and,  after  the  body  has  been  filled  with  the  liquid  to  be  given,  is 
to  be  applied  and  secured  by  rubbing  a camel's  hair  pencil  moistened  with  hot  water  over 
the  line  of  junction.  (Med.  Exam.,  N.  S.,  i.  441.)  M.  Mothes  considers  the  following 
plan  of  preparing  the  capsules  the  most  convenient.  He  has  a number  of  assorted  “ cop- 
per olives”  prepared,  covers  their  surface  with  a layer  of  something  to  prevent  oxidation, 
immerses  them  in  a sweetened  and  aromatized  concentrated  solution  of  gelatin,  then 
places  them  vertically  on  boards  to  cool,  and  before  complete  desiccation  removes  the 
capsules,  places  them  on  sieves,  and  dries  them  by  a stove-heat.  ( Joum . de  Pharm.  et  dc 
Chim.,  xvii.  204.)  For  an  account  of  another  process,  invented  and  described  by  Mr. 
Alfred  Guillou,  of  Philadelphia,  the  reader  is  referred  to  the  Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.  (ix. 
20).  The  capsules  may  be  made  of  such  a capacity  as  to  contain  from  ten  to  fifteen  grains 
of  copaiba. 

GNAPHALIUM  MARGARITACEUM.  Cudweed.  Life-everlasting.  An  indigenous 
herbaceous  perennial,  growing  in  fields  and  woods,  and  flowering  in  August.  The  herb 
of  this  and  of  (}.  polgcephalum,  or  sweet-scented  life-everlasting,  is  sometimes  used  in  the 
form  of  tea  by  the  country  people,  in  diseases  of  the  chest  and  of  the  bowels,  and  in 
hemorrhagic  affections,  and  externally,  in  the  way  of  fomentation,  in  bruises,  languid 
tumours,  and  other  local  complaints:  but  it  probably  possesses  little  medical  virtue. 
Shoepf  says  that  it  is  anodyne.  In  Europe,  different  species  of  Gnaphalium  are  also 
occasionally  employed  for  similar  purposes. 

GOLD.  Aurum.  The  preparations  of  this  metal  were  introduced  to  the  notice  of  phy- 
sicians by  Dr.  Chrestien,  of  Montpellier,  in  1810.  They  are  employed  both  internally, 
and  by  frictions  on  the  tongue  and  gums.  The  priucipal  affections  in  which  they  have 
been  recommended  are  secondary  syphilis,  syphilitic  ulcerations,  scrofula,  and  inveterate 
eruptions,  particularly  those  of  a leprous  character.  The  chief  preparations  which  have 
been  employed,  up  to  the  present  time,  are  metallic  gold  in  a finely  divided  state,  the 
oxide  (teroxide  or  auric  acid),  the  chloride  (terchloride),  the  iodide,  the  double  chloride 
of  gold  and  sodium,  the  chloroaurate  of  ammonia  (a  compound  of  terchloride  of  gold  and 
muriate  of  ammonia),  and  the  cyanuret  (tercyanuret)  of  gold.  Gold  in  powder  may  be 
obtained  by  rubbing  up  gold-leaf  with  10  or  12  times  its  weight  of  sulphate  of  potassa 
until  brilliant  particles  are  no  longer  visible,  and  then  washing  away  the  sulphate  with 
boiling  water.  The  oxide  may  be  procured  by  treating  the  nitromuriatic  solution  of  gold 
with  an  excess  of  magnesia,  and  washing  the  precipitate,  first  with  water,  and  afterwards 
with  dilute  nitric  acid.  This  process  being  tedious.  M.  L.  Figuier  prefers  to  obtain  the 
oxide  by  precipitating  a cold  solution  of  chloride  of  gold,  rendered  strongly  alkaline  by 
caustic  potassa,  with  a solution  of  chloride  of  barium.  The  precipitate,  consisting  of 
aurate  of  baryta,  is  then  treated  with  dilute  nitric  acid,  which  dissolves  the  baryta  and 
leaves  the  oxide  of  gold  pure.  Ten  parts  of  gold,  thus  treated,  produced  111  parts  of 
oxide;  while  the  same  quantity  of  metal  by  the  magnesia  process,  only  yielded  9 parts. 
(Journ.  de  Pharm.,  Dec.  1847.)  The  chloride  is  obtained  by  dissolving  pure  gold  in  three 
times  its  weight  of  nitromuriatic  acid,  with  the  aid  of  a moderate  heat.  The  solution  is 
evaporated  by  a gentle  heat  nearly  to  dryness,  being  at  the  same  time  stirred  with  a glass 
rod.  It  is  in  the  form  of  a crystalline  mass  of  a deep-red  colour.  Its  solution  lias  a fine 
yellow  tint.  Being  deliquescent,  it  requires  to  be  kept  in  ground-stoppered  bottles.  The 
iodide  may  be  made  by  precipitating  a solution  of  terchloride  of  gold  by  one  of  iodide  of 


Appendix.  1335 

potassium,  and  Trashing  the  precipitate  -with  alcohol  to  remove  the  excess  of  iodine.  It 
is  of  a greenish-yellow  colour,  and,  when  heated  in  a porcelain  crucible,  is  resolved  into 
iodine  vapours  and  a residue  of  pure  gold.  Chloride  of  gold  and  sodium  is  prepared  by 
dissolving  four  parts  of  gold  into  nitromuriatic  acid,  evaporating  the  solution  to  dryness, 
and  dissolving  the  dry  mass  in  eight  times  its  weight  of  distilled  water.  To  this  solution 
one  part  of  pure  decrepitated  common  salt  is  added,  previously  dissolved  in  four  parts  of 
water.  The  mixed  solution  is  then  evaporated  to  dryness,  being  in  the  mean  time  con- 
stantly stirred  with  a glass  rod.  This  salt  is  of  a golden-yellow  colour,  and,  when  crys- 
tallized, is  in  the  form  of  long  prismatic  crystals,  unalterable  in  the  air.  The  chloroaur- 
ate  of  ammonia  is  formed  by  dissolving  one  part  of  the  terchloride  of  gold  and  two  parts 
of  muriate  of  ammonia  in  distilled  water,  assisted  by  a few  drops  of  nitromuriatic  acid, 
and  evaporating  the  solution  to  dryness  by  a gentle  heat.  The  cyanuret  is  best  obtained, 
according  to  M.  Oscar  Figuier,  as  follows.  Prepare  the  chloride  of  gold  as  neutral  as 
possible  by  repeated  solutions  and  crystallizations;  and  to  the  solution  of  this  salt  add, 
very  cautiously,  avoiding  any  excess,  a solution  of  pure  cyanuret  of  potassium,  so  long  as 
any  precipitate  falls.  (See  Potassii  Cyanuretum.)  The  precipitate,  consisting  of  cyanuret 
of  gold,  is  to  be  washed  with  pure  water  and  dried  in  the  dark.  Gold  in  powder,  and 
the  oxide,  chloride,  iodide,  sodio-cliloride,  and  cyanuret  are  officinal  in  the  French  Codex. 

The  preparations  of  gold  are  decidedly  poisonous,  though  in  different  degrees.  The 
chloride  is  most  virulent,  and,  according  to  Ur.  Chrestien,  is  even  more  active  than  cor- 
rosive sublimate.  In  an  over  dose,  it  produces  pain,  inflammation,  and  even  ulceration  of 
the  stomach  and  bowels,  and  otherwise  acts  as  a corrosive  poison.  The  general  effects  of 
these  preparations,  in  moderate  doses,  is  to  produce  increased  fulness  and  frequency  of 
the  pulse,  and  to  augment  the  urine  and  insensible  perspiration,  without  interfering  with 
the  appetite  or  the  regular  action  of  the  bowels ; but  if  the  dose  be  pushed  too  far,  general 
irritation  is  apt  to  be  produced,  inflammation  seizes  upon  some  organ,  according  to  the 
predisposition  of  the  individual,  and  fever  is  developed. 

Gold  in  powder,  the  oxide,  chloride,  and  iodide  are  not  as  much  used  as  the  double  chloride 
of  gold  and  sodium.  The  oxide  may  be  given  in  the  form  of  pill,  in  the  dose  of  a tenth 
of  a grain,  in  scrofula  and  lymphatic  swellings,  beginning  with  one  pill  daily,  and  after- 
wards gradually  increasing  to  seven  or  eight  in  24  hours.  The  chloride  has  been  used 
with  advantage  as  a caustic,  in  lupus,  and  syphilitic  tubercles  and  ulcers,  by  M.  Chavan- 
nes.  The  iodide  may  be  given  in  the  same  cases  with  the  other  preparations.  The  dose 
is  from  the  fifteenth  to  the  tenth  of  a grain. 

Chloride  of  gold  and  sodium  is  the  preparation  of  gold  most  commonly  employed.  It  may 
be  given  in  lozenges,  each  containing  the  twelfth  of  a grain,  by  mixing  intimately  five 
grains  of  the  salt  with  an  ounce  of  powdered  sugar,  and  making  the  whole  with  mucilage 
of  tragacanth  into  a proper  mass,  to  be  divided  into  sixty  lozenges.  Pills,  containing  the 
same  dose,  may  be  formed  by  dissolving  ten  grains  of  the  dried  salt  in  a drachm  of  dis- 
tilled water,  and  forming  the  solution  into  a pilular  mass  with  a mixture  of  four  drachms 
of  potato  starch  and  one  drachm  of  gum  Arabic,  to  be  divided  into  one  hundred  and  twenty 
pills.  ( Journ . de  Pharm.,  xx.  648.)  For  frictions  on  the  gums  and  tongue,  Chrestien 
recommends  the  following  formula: — Crystallized  chloride  of  gold  and  sodium,  one  grain; 
powdered  orris  root,  deprived  of  its  soluble  parts  by  alcohol  and  water,  and  dried,  two 
grains.  Mix.  At  first  the  fifteenth  part  of  this  powder  is  used  daily  by  frictions;  after- 
wards the  fourteenth,  the  thirteenth,  &c.,  until,  increasing  gradually,  the  tenth  or  eighth 
part  is  employed.  The  use  of  four  grains  of  the  salt  in  this  way  is  said  commonly  to  cure 
bad  cases  of  recent  syphilis ; such,  for  example,  as  are  characterized  by  the  co-existence 
of  chancres,  warts,  and  buboes.  In  preparing  this  powder,  lycopodium  may  be  substi- 
tuted for  the  orris. 

Chloroaurate  of  ammonia  has  been  recommended  by  Bouchardat  in  amenorrhcea  and 
dysmenorrhoea  in  debilitated  subjects,  in  the  dose  of  about  the  tenth  of  a grain.  A grain 
may  be  dissolved  in  five  teaspoonfuls  of  alcohol  and  five  of  water,  and  a teaspoonful  given 
morning  and  evening,  mixed  with  sweetened  water. 

Cyanuret  of  gold  is  employed,  like  the  chloride  of  gold  and  sodium,  mixed  with  inert 
powders,  by  friction,  and  in  the  form  of  pill.  The  fifteenth  of  a grain  maybe  rubbed  into 
the  gums  daily  for  fifteen  days,  next  the  fourteenth  of  a grain  for  fourteen  days,  and  so 
on,  increasing  until  the  dose  amounts  to  the  ninth  or  eighth  of  a grain.  The  dose  for  in- 
ternal exhibition  is  the  eighteenth  of  a grain,  gradually  increased  to  the  eighth.  Cyanuret 
of  gold  has  been  found  useful  in  the  treatment  of  syphilis  and  scrofula  by  M.  Pourche, 
and  is  said  to  be  less  exciting  than  the  double  chloride,  when  used  in  those  diseases. 
(Journ.  de  Pharm.,  xx.  599  and  649.) 

The  different  medicinal  compounds  of  gold  should  not  be  prepared  in  pill,  powder,  or 
otherwise,  until  they  are  wanted  for  use ; as  they  are  liable  to  undergo  decomposition 
when  kept.  They  should  be  carefully  secluded  from  the  light. 


1336 


Appendix. 

GRATIOLA  OFFICINALIS.  Hedge  Hyssop.  This  is  a perennial  herb,  indigenous  in 
the  South  of  Europe,  where  it  flourishes  in  meadows  and  other  moist  grounds.  The  whole 
herb  is  used.  It  is  nearly  inodorous,  but  has  a bitter  nauseous  taste.  Both  water  and 
alcohol  extract  its  active  properties.  It  is  a drastic  cathartic  and  emetic,  possessing  also 
diuretic  properties,  and  is  employed  on  the  continent  of  Europe  in  dropsy,  jaundice,  worms, 
chronic  hepatic  affections,  scrofula,  and  various  other  complaints.  With  us  it  is  almost 
unknown  as  a remedy.  The  dose  of  the  powdered  herb  is  from  fifteen  to  thirty  grains; 
of  the  infusion  made  in  the  proportion  of  half  an  ounce  to  the  pint  of  boiling  water,  half 
a fluidounce. 

GTJACO.  This  name  is  given  in  Central  and  South  America,  and  the  West  Indies,  to 
various  plants  having  supposed  alexiphannic  properties,  and  belonging  to  the  genera 
Mikania  and  Aristolqchia ; but  it  is  to  the  different  species  of  the  former  genus  that 
the  appellative  properly  belongs,  and  especially  to  the  Mikania  Guaco,  described  by  Hum- 
boldt and  Bonpland.  (PL  xEq.,  ii.  84.)  The  genus  Mikania  belongs  to  the  Linnrcan  class 
and  order  Syngenesia  EEqualis,  and  to  the  natural  order  Asteraccae.  The  plants  are  closely 
allied  to  the  Eupatoria.  For  their  generic  character,  see  Bindley’ s Flora  Med  tea  ( page 
451),  and  Griffith's  Medical  Botany  (page  392).  Mikania  Guaco  is  described  as  having 
twining  stems,  with  round,  sulcate,  and  hairy  branches;  ovate,  subacuminate,  remotely 
dentate  leaves,  somewhat  narrowed  at  the  base,  rough  above,  and  hairy  beneath  ; and 
flowers  in  opposite,  axillary  corymbs.  The  plant  is  a native  of  intertropical  America, 
and  has  been  introduced  into  the  W.  India  Islands  from  the  continent.  The  leaves  are 
the  part  used.  In  the  recent  state  they  have  a bitter  taste,  and  a strong  disagreeable 
odour;  but  their  sensible  properties  and  medical  virtues  are  impaired  by  drying. 

This  and  other  plants  have  long  been  employed  by  the  natives  as  a preventive  and  cure 
of  the  bites  of  poisonous  serpents.  This  application  of  them  was  first  made  known  by 
Mutis ; and  his  account  was  confirmed  by  Humboldt  and  Bonpland.  The  medicine  has 
also  been  employed  as  a febrifuge  and  anthelmintic,  and  a few  years  since  attracted  con- 
siderable attention  for  its  supposed  prophylactic  and  remedial  powers  in  epidemic  cholera 
and  chronic  dysentery.  It  has,  moreover,  been  recommended  in  chronic  rheumatism,  both 
internally  and  locally,  and  as  a direct  application  in  bites  of  insects,  bruises,  and  sprains, 
and  atonic  deafness.  The  probability,  however,  is  that,  like  eupatorium.  it  has  simply  the 
virtues  of  a mild  tonic,  and  gentle  stimulant  to  the  secretions.  It  is  best  employed  in  the 
recent  state.  The  natives,  when  employing  it  as  a counter-poison,  apply  the  bruised 
leaves  and  expressed  juice  to  the  bite,  and  at  the  same  time  drink  of  the  infusion.  The 
preparations  recommended  for  internal  use  are  chiefly  an  infusion  and  tincture,  the  former 
made  in  the  proportion  of  an  ounce  of  the  leaves  to  a pint  of  boiling  water,  the  latter  of 
about  a pound  to  the  gallon  of  proof  spirit.  The  dose  may  be  about  the  same  as  analogous 
preparations  of  eupatorium.  (See  Land.  Med.  Times  and  Gaz.,  Dec.  1852,  p.  C51,  and 
Journ.  de  Pharm.,  3 e ser.,  xx.  357.) 

GUANO.  Bird-manure.  This  is  a valuable  manure,  consisting  of  the  decomposed  excre- 
ment of  countless  aquatic  birds,  which  has  accumulated  for  ages  on  certain  barren  and 
uninhabited  islets  of  the  western  coast  of  South  America,  and  in  other  localities  through- 
out the  world.  The  best  comes  from  Peru,  and  will  be  here  described.  It  is  a coarse  dry 
powder  of  a brown  colour.  Exposed  to  the  air  it  absorbs  moisture,  and  becomes  some- 
what sticky.  Its  smell  is  offensive,  and  somewhat  ammoniacal.  With  the  powder  are 
intermingled  friable  lumps,  which  exhibit  in  their  inside  whitish  specks,  and  which, 
when  exposed  to  the  air,  fall  to  powder,  exhaling  an  ammoniacal  smell.  It  is  soluble  in 
great  part  in  water,  and  the  solution  formed  contains  chiefly  oxalate  of  ammonia.  When 
exposed  to  heat  it  blackens,  burns  with  a slight  flame,  exhales  the  smell  of  ammonia,  and 
leaves  a whitish  ash,  varying  in  amount  from  27  to  35  per  cent.  The  guanos  of  commerce 
vary  very  much  in  composition,  from  the  best  Peruvian  to  the  inferior  sorts,  which  have 
scarcely  any  value  as  fertilizers.  A good  specimen  of  guano,  analyzed  by  Fownes.  consisted 
of  about  two-thirds  oxalate  of  ammonia,  and  one-third  earthy  and  alkaline  phosphates, 
&c.  The  source  of  the  oxalate  of  ammonia  is  undoubtedly  the  uric  acid,  originally  in  the 
excrement,  and  which  is  often  found  undecomposed  in  the  guano.  The  value  of  guano 
as  a fertilizer,  depends  chiefly  upon  the  proportion  of  the  nitrogenous  ingredients ; the 
phosphates  being  of  secondary  importance.  Unger  obtained  from  Peruvian  guano,  a pecu- 
liar substance,  analogous  to  zanthic  oxide,  aud  called  guanine.  It  forms  crystallizable 
salts  with  acids,  and  has  the  formula  N5C10H.O2. 

In  Colombia,  S.  A.,  guano  has  been  used  with  benefit,  internally  and  externally,  as  a 
remedy  in  the  different  forms  of  lepra.  The  late  Prof.  Horner,  of  Philadelphia,  used  it  as 
a cataplasm,  mixed  with  an  equal  quantity  of  potter’s  clay,  in  chronic  inflammation  of  the 
knee-joint.  In  this  proportion  it  blistered  the  surface;  and  cataplasms  were  afterwards 
used,  containing  one-third  and  one-fourth  of  guano.  (Med.  Exam.,  Feb.  1852,  p.  69.)  Prof. 


Appendix.  1837 

Horner  attributed  the  revulsive  effect  of  the  guano  to  urate  of  ammonia;  but  the  best 
authorities  state  that  oxalate  of  ammonia  is  the  characteristic  salt  of  this  substance. 

GUN  COTTON.  Pyroxylin.  This  substance,  discovered  by  Schcihbein,  of  Bale,  in 
Switzerland,  is  conveniently  prepared  by  the  following  process,  given  by  Mr.  Thomas 
Taylor,  of  London.  Mix,  in  a glass  vessel,  It)  fluidounces  of  nitric  acid  (sp.  gr.  1-45) 
with  an  equal  bulk  of  sulphuric  acid,  and,  when  the  mixture  has  cooled,  pour  it  upon 
100  grains  of  fine  cotton,  contained  in  a Wedgwood  mortar,  and,  with  a glass  rod,  imbue 
the  cotton  as  quickly  as  possible  with  the  acids.  As  soon  as  the  cotton  is  completely 
saturated,  pour  off  the  superabundant  liquid,  and,  with  the  aid  of  the  pestle,  quickly 
press  out  as  much  of  it  from  the  cotton  as  possible.  Then  throw  the  cotton  into  a basin 
of  water,  wash  it  until  it  has  not  the  slightest  acid  taste,  and  dry  it  with  a gentle  heat. 
Gun  cotton  may  be  made  with  strong  nitric  acid  alone  ; but,  as  this  acid  is  not  always  of 
full  strength,  it  is  better  to  mix  with  it  sulphuric  acid,  which  acts  by  strengthening  the 
nitric  acid,  from  its  affinity  for  water.  It  is  also  prepared  by  immersing  the  cotton  in  a 
mixture  of  nitre  and  sulphuric  acid. 

Properties,  §'c.  Gun  cotton  has  the  appearance  of  ordinary  cotton,  but  is  harsh  to  the 
touch.  It  is  perfectly  insoluble  in  water,  and  nearly  so  in  strong  alcohol ; but  dissolves 
in  large  quantity  in  acetic  ether.  As  ordinarily  prepared  for  commercial  purposes,  it  is 
insoluble  in  ether,  but,  when  carefully  and  freshly  prepared,  it  dissolves  in  that  men- 
struum, forming  a powerfully  adhesive  liquid.  (See  Collodium.')  According  to  Dr.  J.  H. 
Gladstone,  of  England,  it  is  subject  to  spontaneous  decomposition,  if  kept  for  some  time. 
The  same  fact  has  been  observed  by  Mr.  James  Beatson,  of  New  York,  and  Prof.  Procter, 
of  Philadelphia.  The  specimen,  observed  by  Prof.  Procter  to  undergo  decomposition,  had 
not  been  well  washed.  The  change  is  shown  by  the  bottle,  in  which  the  gun  cotton  is 
kept  becoming  full  of  nitrous  acid  vapour;  and  the  substance  is  so  far  altered  that  it  is 
no  longer  explosive,  or  soluble  in  ether.  According  to  M.  Bechamp,  of  Strasburg,  the 
product  is  soluble  in  ether,  if  the  cotton  be  immersed  in  a mixture  of  nitre  and  sulphuric 
acid,  while  still  hot  from  their  reaction;  but  not  soluble,  if  the  cotton  be  added  to  the 
mixture  when  cold.  By  treating  gun  cotton  with  protochloride  of  iron,  M.  Bechamp 
caused  the  disengagement  of  nitrous  oxide  gas,  and  gave  the  filaments  a coating  of  oxide 
of  iron,  which  was  readily  dissolved  off  by  muriatic  acid.  After  this  treatment  the  gun 
cotton  was  restored  to  its  original  state  of  cotton.  ( Chem . Goz.,  Jan.  1,  1854,  p.  11.) 
When  kindled  gun  cotton  flashes  off  like  gunpowder,  burning  without  residue.  Its  inflam- 
ing point  is  at  the  temp,  of  370°.  Dr.  Marx  makes  its  inflaming  point  lower.  It  has  been 
tried  as  a substitute  for  gunpowder  in  firearms ; but.  from  its  strong  bursting  power,  it 
lias  not  been  found  to  answer  for  this  purpose.  It  appears,  however,  to  be  well  adapted 
to  rock  blasting.  Its  composition  has  not  been  satisfactorily  determined.  While  Mr.  T. 
Ransome,  of  Manchester,  makes  its  composition  correspond  with  that  of  lignin  (cotton), 
in  which  two  eqs.  of  hydrogen  are  replaced  by  two  of  nitric  acid  (C12HI0O10 — H2-|~2N06= 
gun  cotton  N2C]2H8O20) ; Mr.  Walter  Crum,  of  Glasgow,  views  it  ns  the  same  substance, 
in  which  three  eqs.  of  water  are  replaced  by  three  of  nitric  acid  (CI2H]0O10 — 3H0-(-3N05 
=N3Cl2H7022).  M.  Pelouze  gives  a different  formula. 

GUTTA  PERCHA.  This  valuable  product  of  the  East  Indies  was  first  brought  into 
notice  by  Dr.  Wm.  Montgomerie,  a British  army  surgeon,  who  became  acquainted  with 
its  singular  properties  in  the  year  1842  at  Singapore,  and  in  the  following  year  sent  speci- 
mens of  it  to  Europe.  It  is  the  product  of  a large  tree  growing  in  the  southern  extremity 
of  the  Malayan  Peninsula,  the  island  of  Singapore,  Borneo,  and  probably  many  other 
islands  in  the  neighbourhood.  This  tree  belongs  to  the  Linnsean  class  and  order  Decan- 
dria  Monogjmia,  natural  family  Sapotaceoe,!  and  genus  Isonandra  of  Dr.  Wight,  and  has 
received  the  name  of  Isonandra  gutta.  It  is  of  considerable  magnitude,  with  a trunk 
commonly  three  feet,  and  sometimes  as  much  as  six  feet  in  diameter,  having  numerous 
ascending  branches,  which  are  crowded  with  leaves  at  their  extremities.  The  flowers  are 
small  and  white ; the  leaves  petiolate,  oblong,  four  or  five  inches  long  by  two  in  breadth, 
bright  green  above  and  brownish  beneath.  Dr.  Montgomerie  states  that  the  natives  pro- 
cure the  gutta  percha  by  the  very  wasteful  mode  of  cutting  down  the  tree,  stripping  off 
the  bark,  and  then  collecting  the  milky  juice,  which  is  put  into  convenient  recipients,  and 
coagulates  on  exposure  to  the  air.  Twenty  or  thirty  pounds  are  thus  collected  from  each 
tree  ; but  the  probability  is  that  the  product  would  be  much  greater  if  obtained  by  tapping 
the  tree,  and  thus  preserving  it  for  future  use.  Large  quantities  of  gutta  percha  are  now 
imported  into  Europe  and  this  country.  As  found  in  commerce  it  is  generally  impure, 
containing  fragments  of  vegetable  matter  and  earth.  From  these  it  may  be  freed  by- 
kneading  in  hot  water,  or  by  melting  it  with  oil  of  turpentine,  straining,  and  evaporating. 

Gutta  percha  is  of  a dull  white  or  whitish  colour,  of  a feeble  odour,  tasteless,  at  ordinary 
temperatures  hard,  almost  horny,  somewhat  flexible  in  thin  pieces,  having  an  unctuous 


1338  Appendix. 

feel  under  the  fingers,  and  very  tenacious.  Its  sp.  gr.  is  0-9791.  ( Soubeiran .)  At  about 
120°  F.,  it  becomes  softer  and  more  flexible,  but  is  still  elastic,  resisting,  and  tenacious. 
At  150°  or  160°,  it  is  soft,  very  plastic,  and  capable  of  being  welded  and  moulded  into  any 
form.  It  is  thus  softened  whether  by  means  of  hot  water  or  by  dry  heat.  On  cooling  it 
reassumes  its  former  state,  and  retains  any  form  which  may  have  been. given  to  it.  In 
the  softened  state  it  is  readily  cut  with  a knife,  though  with  some  difficulty  when  cold. 
Exposed  to  a heat  of  380°  it  loses  a portion  of  water,  and  on  hardening  becomes  translu- 
cent and  gray ; but  it  recovers  its  original  characters  if  immersed  in  water.  Subjected  to 
igneous  distillation  it  yields  volatile  products,  resembling  closely  the  volatile  oil  obtained 
from  caoutchouc  by  the  same  process.  Heated  in  an  open  vessel,  it  melts,  foams  up.  and 
takes  fire,  burning  with  a brilliant  flame  and  smoke.  A portion  thus  melted  retains  the 
state  of  a viscid  fluid  on  cooling.  Gutta  percha  is  a non-conductor  of  electricity.  It  is 
insoluble  in  water,  alcohol,  alkaline. solutions,  and  the  weak  acids.  Ether  and  the  volatile 
oils  soften  it  in  the  cold,  and  imperfectly  dissolve  it  with  the  aid  of  heat.  Oil  of  turpen- 
tine dissolves  it  perfectly,  forming  a clear  colourless  solution,  which  yields  it  unchanged 
by  evaporation.  It  is  also  dissolved  by  bisulphuret  of  carbon,  chloroform,  and  benzole. 
According  to  Soubeiran,  it  contains,  besides  pure  gutta  percha,  small  portions  of  a vege- 
table acid,  casein,  and  two  resins,  one  soluble  in  ether  and  oil  of  turpentine,  the  other 
in  alcohol.  ( Journ . de  Pharm.,  3e  ser.,  xi.  22.)  Freed  from  these  impurities,  it  has  an 
ultimate  composition  closely  analogous  if  not  identical  with  that  of  caoutchouc.  For  a 
particular  account  of  the  distinctive  properties  of  pure  gutta  percha,  and  the  two  resins 
mixed  with  it,  the  reader  is  referred  to  an  article  by  M.  Payen,  in  the  Journ.  de  Pharm. 
(3 e ser.,  xxii.  183),  also  in  the  Chem.  Gar.  (x.  353.)  M.  Arppe  considers  gutta  percha 
as  a mixture  of  six  different  resins,  which  may  have  been  formed  from  a carbo-hydrogen 
C10HS.  (See  Chem.  Gaz.,  ix.  471.) 

This  singular  substance  has  been  applied  to  many  useful  and  ornamental  purposes.  Its 
plasticity  when  moderately  heated,  and  great  firmness  and  tenacity  at  ordinary  tempera- 
tures, and  its  insolubility  in  water  and  alcohol,  are  the  properties  to  which  it  chiefly  owes 
its  value.  By  immersing  it  in  hot  water,  it  is  made  susceptible  of  being  formed  into  any 
desirable  shape ; so  that  utensils  of  various  kinds,  metallic  and  other  ornamental  impres- 
sions, casts,  sheets,  bands,  cords,  sticks,  tubs,  &c.,  applicable  to  numerous  purposes  in 
the  arts,  may  be  made  from  it  with  great  facility.  To  give  it  greater  pliability,  it  is 
sometimes  mixed  with  the  tar  resulting  from  the  igneous  decomposition  of  caoutchouc,  or 
with  its  own  tar  and  lampblack.  It  may  be  vulcanized  in  the  same  manner  as  caoutchouc, 
and  imdergoes  a similar  change  of  properties.  (See  Caoutchouc.) 

In  the  dissolved  state  it  may  be  employed  as  a varnish,  impervious  to  moisture.  It  has 
been  introduced  into  surgery,  in  order  to  preserve  limbs  and  joints  in  fixed  positions;  and 
has  been  used  beneficially  in  clubfoot,  fractures,  and  diseases  of  the  joints.  It  is  employed 
for  these  purposes  in  the  shape  of  bands,  two  or  three  inches  broad  and  about  a line  thick, 
which,  being  softened  in  water,  are  applied  in  this  state,  and,  when  they  harden,  form  a 
firm  case  for  the  limb.  Holes  should  be  made  through  the  bands,  for  the  escape  of  the 
vapour  from  the  surface.  It  is  also  used  for  the  formation  of  catheters  and  other  tubes, 
splints,  stethoscopes,  bougies,  specula,  pessaries,  and  various  other  instruments,  useful  in 
surgery.  Vogel  recommends  the  solution  in  bisulphuret  of  carbon  as  an  application  to  the 
skin  in  incised  wounds.  The  liquid  speedily  evaporates,  producing  a refrigerant  efl'ect:  while 
the  gutta  percha  hardens,  and  holds  the  edges  of  the  wound  firmly  together.  According 
to  Mr.  Acton,  the  best  substance  for  protecting  the  surface  from  the  contact  of  poisons, 
contagions,  &c.,  is  prepared  by  dissolving  with  a gentle  heat  a drachm  of  gutta  percha  in 
an  ounce  of  benzole,  and  ten  grains  of  caoutchouc  in  the  same  quantity  of  the  same  men- 
struum, and  mixing  the  solutions.  It  may  be  applied  by  a brush,  and  a delicate  fiim  is 
left  by  the  evaporation  of  the  liquid.  A saturated  solution  in  chloroform  is  highly  re- 
commended in  various  chronic  affections  of  the  skin  by  Dr.  Graves,  of  Dublin.  It  is 
applied  by  means  of  a camel’s  hair  pencil,  and  forms,  on  the  evaporation  of  the  solvent,  a 
thin  elastic  covering,  which  completely  excludes  the  air,  and  acts  like  an  artificial  cuticle 
to  the  part.  The  crusts  or  scales  should  be  previously  removed  by  poultices  or  alkaline 
solutions.  The  affections  in  which  it  has  been  found  most  efficacious,  are  the  dry  scaly 
and  tubercular  diseases  of  the  skin,  especially  psoriasis.  It  has  been  used  also  to  render 
the  variolous  eruption  abortive.  (Dub.  Quart.  Journ.  of  Med.  Scu,  xiv.,  1.) 

IIAMAMELIS  VIRGINICA.  Witch-hazel.  An  indigenous  shrub,  from  five  to  fifteen  feet 
high,  growing  in  almost  all  sections  of  the  United  States,  usually  on  hills  or  in  stony 
places,  and  frequently  on  the  banks  of  streams.  It  is  remarkable  for  the  late  appearance 
of  its  yellow  flowers,  which  expand  in  September  or  October,  and  continue  till  the  weather 
becomes  very  cold  in  winter.  The  fruit,  which  is  a nut-like  capsule  not  unlike  the  hazle- 
nui.  ripens  in  the  following  autumn,  and  is  often  mingled  on  the  same  plant  with  the  new 


Appendix.  1339 

blossoms.  The  bark  has  a bitter,  astringent,  somewhat  sweetish  and  pungent  taste.  It 
probably  first  attracted  notice  as  a remedy  of  the  Indians,  who  are  said  to  have  used  it 
as  a sedative  and  discutient  in  painful  tumours,  and  other  cases  of  external  inflammation. 
It  is  used  in  the  shape  of  poultice,  or  as  a wash  in  the  form  of  decoction,  in  hemorrhoi- 
dal affections  and  ophthalmia.  The  leaves  are  said  to  possess  similar  properties,  and,  in 
the  state  of  infusion,  to  be  given  internally  in  bowel  complaints  and  hemorrhages.  Dr. 
James  Fountain,  of  Peekskill,  N.  Y.,  speaks  in  strong  terms  of  the  efficacy  of  the  bark  in 
■ hemorrhage  of  the  lungs  and  hsematemesis,  and  also  highly  recommends,  as  one  of  the 
best  applications  in  external  piles,  an  ointment  prepared  from  lard  and  a decoction  of  equal 
parts  of  this  bark,  white-oak  bark,  and  that  of  the  apple-tree.  He  believes  the  witch- 
hazel  to  possess  anodyne  properties.  (AT  1”.  Journ.  of  Med.,  x.  208.)  Dr.  N.  S.  Davis 
agrees  with  Dr.  Fountain  in  his  estimate  of  this  remedy,  which  he  has  employed  usefully 
in  incipient  phthisis.  He  gives  it  in  decoction,  made  with  an  ounce  of  the  bark  to  a pint 
of  water,  of  which  the  dose  is  a wineglassful  every  three,  six,  or  eight  hours.  ( Transact . 
of  Am.  Med.  Assoc.,  i.  350.)  The  seeds  are  black  and  shining  externally,  white,  oily,  and 
farinaceous  within,  and  edible  like  the  hazel-nut. 

HEDERA  HELIX.  Ivy.  This  well-known  evergreen  creeper  is  a native  of  Europe. 
The  fresh  leaves  have  a balsamic  odour,  especially  when  rubbed,  and  a bitterish,  harsh, 
unpleasant  taste.  They  are  used  for  dressing  issues,  and,  in  the  form  of  decoction,  have 
been  recommended  in  sanious  ulcers  and  cutaneous  eruptions,  particularly  tetter  and  the 
itch.  Dried  and  powwlered,  they  have  been  employed  in  the  atrophy  of  children,  and  in 
complaints  of  the  lungs,  in  the  dose  of  a scruple  or  more.  The  berries,  which  have  an 
acidulous,  resinous,  somewhat  pungent  taste,  are  said  to  be  purgative  and  even  emetic. 
MM.  Vandamme  and  Chevallier  discovered  in  ivy  seeds  a peculiar  alkaline  principle,  which 
they  called  hederin  ( hederia ).  It  is  very  bitter,  and  appears  to  be  closely  allied  to  quinia 
in  febrifuge  properties.  It  is  obtained  by  treating  the  seeds  with  hydrate  of  lime,  dissolv- 
ing the  precipitated  alkali  in  boiling  alcohol,  and  evaporating  the  alcoholic  solution.  (Am. 
Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xiii.  172.)  Prof.  Posselt  has  discovered  two  acids  in  the  seeds,  one  of 
which  has  their  taste  in  a high  degree,  and  was  named  by  him  hederic  acid,  the  other  he 
did  not  obtain  quite  pure.  (See  Chem.  Gaz.,  March  1,  1849,  p.  93.)  From  the  trunks  of 
old  ivy  plants,  growing  in  the  South  of  Europe  and  the  North  of  Africa,  a resinous  sub- 
stance exudes  through  incisions  in  the  bark,  which  has  been  employed  in  medicine  under 
the  name  of  ivy  gum.  It  is  in  pieces  of  various  sizes,  of  dark  yellowish-brown  colour 
sometimes  inclining  to  orange,  more  or  less  transparent,  sometimes  of  a deep  ruby-red 
colour  internally,  of  a vitreous  fracture,  pulverizable,  yielding  a lively  orange-yellow  pow- 
der, of  a peculiar  not  disagreeable  odour  when  heated  or  inflamed,  and  of  a bitterish 
resinous  taste.  Its  chief  constituent  is  resin,  though  some  pieces  contain  a considerable 
propoi'tion  of  bassorin,  and  others  large  quantities  of  ligneous  matter.  It  was  formerly 
used  as  a stimulant  and  emmenagogue,  but  is  now  scarcely  employed.  Placed  in  the 
cavities  of  carious  teeth,  it  is  said  to  relieve  toothache.  The  wood  of  the  ivy,  which  is 
light  and  porous,  is  sometimes  used  for  making  issue-peas. 

HELENIUM  AUTUMNALE.  False  Sunflower.  Sneezewort.  An  indigenous  perennial 
herb,  from  three  to  seven  feet  high,  with  large  golden-yellow  compound  flowers,  which 
appear  in  August.  It  grows  in  all  parts  of  the  United  States,  flourishing  best  in  meadows, 
moist  fields,  and  other  fow  grounds.  All  parts  of  it  are  bitter  and  somewhat  acrid,  and, 
when  snuffed  up  the  nostrils  in  the  state  of  powder,  produce  violent  sneezing.  The 
leaves  and  flowers  have  been  recommended  as  an  excellent  errhine.  Clayton  says  that 
the  plant  is  thought  to  be  useful  in  intermittent  fever. 

HELLEBORUS  FCETIDUS.  Bear’s-foot.  This  is  a perennial  European  plant,  growing 
in  shady  places,  and  flowering  in  March  and  April.  It  derived  its  botanical  designation 
from  its  offensive  odour.  The  leaves,  which  are  the  part  used,  have  a bitterish,  pungent, 
and  acrid  taste,  and  when  chewed  excoriate  the  mouth.  The  foot-stalks  are  still  more 
acrid.  This  species  of  hellebore  is  said  by  Allioni  to  be  the  most  acrid  and  energetic  of 
the  plants  belonging  to  the  genus.  It  is  powerfully  emetic  and  cathartic,  and  in  very 
large  doses  produces  dangerous  effects.  It  has  long  been  used  in  Great  Britain  as  a do- 
mestic remedy  for  worms,  and  was  brought  to  the  notice  of  the  profession  by  Dr.  Bis- 
set,  who  found  it  an  efficacious  anthelmintic,  and  prescribed  it  also  in  asthma,  hysteria, 
and  hypochondriasis.  M.  Decerfs  has  known  it  to  cause  the  expulsion  of  tsenia.  It  is 
given  in  powder  or  decoction.  The  dose  for  a child  from  two  to  six  years  old  is  from  five 
grains  to  a scruple  of  the  dried  leaves,  or  a fluidounce  of  the  decoction  made  by  boiling  a 
drachm  of  the  dried  leaves  in  half  a pint  of  water.  This  quantity  should  be  repeated 
morning  and  night  for  two  or  three  days  in  succession.  A syrup  made  from  the  juice  of 
the  green  leaves  is  used  in  England. 

HELONIAS  DIOICA.  False  Unicorn  Plant.  Star-wort.  This  is  a small  perennial  herb- 
aceous plant,  growing  in  most  parts  of  the  United  States,  in  shady  and  hilly  situations. 


1340  Appendix. 

The  root,  which  is  the  part  used,  is  bulbous.  Pursh  says  that  it  is  used  as  a remedy  in 
colic.  Dr.  Braman  has  found  it  peculiarly  efficacious  in  atony  of  the  generative  organs,  and 
has  obtained  great  advantages  from  it  in  leucorrhoea.  He  states  the  dose  of  the  powdered 
root  at  a drachm  and  a half,  three  times  a day.  It  may  also  be  given  in  the  forms  of 
syrup  and  tincture.  ( Bost . Med.  and  Surg.  Journ.,  xl.  416.) 

HERMODACTYLS.  llennodactyli.  Under  this  name  are  sold  in  the  shops  of  Europe 
the  roots  or  bulbs  of  an  uncertain  plant,  growing  in  the  countries  about  the  eastern  ex- 
tremity of  the  Mediterranean.  By  some  botanists  the  plant  is  considered  a species  of 
Colchicum,  and  the  C.  variegatum , a native  of  the  South  of  Europe  and  the  Levant,  is  par- 
ticularly indicated  by  Fde,  Geiger,  and  others  ; while  by  authors  not  less  eminent,  the 
roots  are  confidently  referred  to  Iris  tuberosa.  They  certainly  bear  a considerable  re- 
semblance to  the  bulb  of  Colchicum  autumnale,  being  heart-shaped,  channelled  on  one 
side,  convex  on  the  other,  and  from  half  an  inch  to  an  inch  in  length,  by  nearly  as  much 
in  breadth.  As  found  in  the  shops,  they  are  destitute  of  the  outer  coat,  of  a dirty  yellow- 
ish or  brownish  colour  externally,  white  and  amylaceous  within,  inodorous,  and  nearly 
tasteless,  though  sometimes  slightly  acrid.  They  are  often  worm-eaten.  Their  chief 
constituent  is  starch,  and  they  contain  no  veratria  or  colchicia.  From  this  latter  circum- 
stance, and  from  their  insipidity,  it  has  been  inferred  that  they  are  probably  not  derived 
from  a species  of  Colchicum;  but  Geiger  observes  that  they  may  have  lost  their  acrimony 
by  age.  They  are  in  fact  almost  without  action  upon  the  system,  and  are  now  seldom 
used;  never,  we  believe,  in  this  ebuntry.  It  is  doubted  whether  they  are  the  hermodactyli 
of  the  ancients,  which  were  certainly  a powerful  medicine,  operating  very  much  in  the 
same  manner  as  our  colchicum,  and  like  it  proving  useful  in  gout  and  rheumatism.  Pe- 
reira describes  a bitter  variety  of  hermodactyls,  which  was  brought  from  India  by  Dr. 
Royle.  The  bulbs  are  smaller  and  darker  than  the  others,  and  have  externally  a striped 
or  reticulated  appearance.  From  their  bitter  taste  they  are  probably  more  active. 

HIBISCUS  ABELMOSCIIUS.  Abelmoschus  moschatus.  Wight  and  Arnott.  An  ever- 
green shrub,  growing  in  Egypt,  and  in  the  East  and  West  Indies,  and  affording  the  seeds 
known  under  the  names  of  semen  Abelmoschi,  alceas  JEgyptiacx  and  grana  moschalu.  These 
are  of  about  the  same  size  as  flaxseed,  kidney-shaped,  striated,  of  a grayish-brown  colour, 
of  an  odour  like  that  of  musk,  and  of  a warm  somewhat  spicy  taste.  They  were  formerly 
considered  stimulant  and  antispasmodic ; but  are  now  used  only  in  perfumery.  The 
Arabs  flavour  their  coffee  with  them.  They  are  said  to  be  employed  in  the  adulteration 
of  musk.  Another  species.  Hibiscus  esculentus,  or  Abelmoschus  esculentus  of  Wight  and 
Arnott,  is  cultivated,  under  the  name  of  okra,  bendee,  or  gombo,  in  various  parts  of  the 
world,  for  the  sake  of  its  fruit,  which  abounds  in  mucilage,  and  is  used  for  thickening 
soup.  The  leaves  are  sometimes  employed  for  preparing  emollient  poultices. 

IIURA  BRASILIENSIS.  Assacou.  Ilura  Brasiliensis  of  Martius  is  a Brazilian  tree 
belonging  to  the  family  of  Euphorbiacese,  and  known  to  the  natives  of  the  country  it  inhabits 
by  the  name  of  assacou.  Another  species  of  the  same  genus,  II.  crepitans,  growing  in  the 
W.  Indies,  and  characterized  by  the  tendency  of  its  fruit  to  break  when  ripe  with  violence 
into  several  pieces,  and  thus  scatter  the  seeds,  has  long  been  known  as  an  acrid  erneto- 
cathartic,  capable  in  large  doses  of  acting  as  a violent  poison.  The  fresh  juice,  the  seeds, 
and  a decoction  of  the  bark,  all  have  these  properties,  which,  in  £ict,  belong  in  a greater 
or  less  degree  to  most  of  the  Euphorbiacete  : aud,  as  in  other  members  of  the  same  family, 
an  oil  expressed  from  the  seeds  is  actively  purgative.  It  is  highly  probable  that  tlieHura 
Brasiliensis  is  similar  in  all  these  respects  to  its  congener.  Martius  states  that  the  juice 
is  anthelmintic,  and  employed  to  intoxicate  fish.  But  attention  has  recently  been  espe- 
cially attracted  to  the  plant,  in  consequence  of  reports  favourable  to  its  efficacy  in  that 
terrible  scourge  of  Brazil,  the  elephantiasis  or  leprosy  of  the  country.  These  reports 
were  received  by  the  Academy  of  Medicine,  of  Paris,  from  the  French  Consul  in  one  of 
the  towns  of  Para,  of  which  province  the  natives  are  said  to  regard  the  remedy  as  a spe- 
cific in  the  complaint  referred  to.  Experiments  have  been  made  by  the  Brazilian  phy- 
sicians, and  it  is  said  with  favourable  results,  though  complete  cures  have  not  been 
•obtained.  The  fact  is,  that  various  acrid  emeto-cathartic  medicines,  capable  also  of  pro- 
ducing diaphoresis,  have  been  more  or  less  useful  in  elephantiasis,  as  the  Calotropis 
gigautea,  and  one  or  more  species  of  Ionidium ; and  it  is  probable  that  the  assacou  acts  in 
a similar  manner,  and  with  similar  results.  The  milky  juice  of  the  plant,  and  an  infusion 
or  decoction  of  the  bark  are  used.  The  juice  is  extremely  acrid,  producing  on  the  skin, 
when  applied  to  it,  an  erysipelatous  redness  and  a pustular  eruption ; and  the  natives  are 
said  to  employ  it  in  the  preparation  of  a poison.  A grain  of  the  juice  made  into  a pill,  or 
•a  scruple  of  the  bark  infused  in  a pint  of  water,  is  given  every  day,  and  gradually  increase  1 
as  the  stomach  and  bowels  will  bear  it.  Every  week  an  emetic  preparation  is  administered, 
made  by  bailing  half  an  ounce  of  the  bark  in  a pint  of  water  to  half  a pint,  to  which  twelve 


Appendix.  1341 

drops  of  the  juice  are  added.  Every  second  or  third  day  the  patient  takes  a bath,  consist- 
ing of  a saturated  infusion  of  the  bark.  ( Journ . de  Pharm.  et  de  Chim.,  xiv.  424.) 

HYDRANGEA  ARBORESCENS.  Common  Hydrangea.  Seven  Barks.  This  species  of 
Hydrangea  is  indigenous,  growing  in  shady  places,  in  the  woods  and  on  the  banks  of  streams 
throughout  the  middle  and  southern  States.  It  is  a shrub  from  four  to  eight  feet  high, 
with  ovate  or  cordate  leaves,  from  three  to  six  inches  loDg,  generally  acuminate,  serrately 
toothed,  and  slightly  pubescent  or  nearly  glabrous.  The  flowers  are  in  f'astigiate  cymes, 
and  appear  in  July.  For  a particular  botanical  description  of  the  plant,  the  reader  is 
referred  to  Torrey  and  Gray’s  Flora  of  North  America  (i.  591).  The  root,  which  is  the 
part  used,  consists  of  a caudex,  from  which  proceed  numerous  radicles,  from  the  thickness 
of  a quill  to  that  of  the  finger  or  more.  For  use  it  should  be  cut  into  transverse  pieces 
when  fresh,  and  then  dried.  The  taste  is  aromatic,  pungent,  and  not  unpleasant.  The 
root  was  analyzed  by  Mr.  Laidley,  of  Richmond,  Va.,  who  found  in  it  gum,  albumen,  starch, 
resin,  and  various  salts,  among  which  was  a protosalt  of  iron.  [Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xxiv. 
20.)  Attention  was  first  called  to  it  as  a remedy  in  the  N.  J.  Med.  Report,  and  Trans,  for 
Oct  , 1850  (p.  44),  by  Dr.  S.  W.  Butler,  whose  father,  Dr.  E.  Butler,  long  residing  as  a 
missionary  among  the  Cherokee  Indians,  employed  it  with  great  apparent  advantage  in 
their  calculous  complaints.  Dr.  Butler  used  it  in  the  form  of  decoction,  or  of  a syrup 
made  from  the  decoction  with  sugar  or  honey.  A strong  syrup  may  be  given  in  the  dose 
of  a teaspoonful  three  times  a day.  In  over-doses  it  occasions  vertigo,  oppression  of  the 
chest,  &c. 

HY  DRASTIS  CANADENSIS.  Yellow  root.  Orange  root.  This  is  an  indigenous  plant, 
growing  in  different  parts  of  the  United  States,  but  most  abundantly  beyond  the  Alle- 
glianies.  It  flourishes  best  in  rich  shady  woods.  It  has  a perennial  root,  and  an  herbaceous 
stem,  from  six  inches  to  a foot  high,  with  two  unequal  leaves,  and  a single  terminal  whitish 
or  rose-coloured  flower.  The  root  consistsof  a tortuous  caudex  and  numerous  long  fibres, 
and  is  of  a bright-yellow  colour.  It  is  juicy  in  the  recent  state,  and  loses  much  of  its 
weight  when  dried.  It  has  a strong,  somewhat  narcotic  odour,  and  an  exceedingly  bitter 
taste.  Examined  by  Mr.  Alfred  A.  B.  Durand,  of  Philadelphia,  it  tvas  found  to  contain 
albumen,  starch,  fatty  matter,  resin,  yellow  colouring  matter,  sugar,  lignin,  and  various 
salts.  He  also  discovered  a peculiar  nitrogenous,  crystallizable  substance,  for  which  lie 
proposes  the  provisional  name  of  hydrastin,  until  it  shall  be  determined  whether  it  is,  as 
lie  suspects,  an  organic  alkali.  {Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xxiii.  113.)  The  root  probably 
possesses  the  ordinary  virtues  of  the  vegetable  bitters,  and  is  said  to  be  popularly  employed 
as  a tonic  in  some  parts  of  the  country.  In  the  form  of  infusion,  it  has  been  used  in  the 
Western  States  as  a topical  application  in  ophthalmia ; and  the  Indians  are  said  to  employ 
it  in  the  same  manner  in  old  ulcers  of  the  legs.  The  notion  of  its  efficacy  in  cancer,  ori- 
ginating in  a report  which  reached  the  late  Professor  Barton,  that  it  was  used  in  the  cure 
of  this  complaint  by  the  Cherokees,  is  probably  altogether  groundless.  Dr.  U.  E.  Ewing, 
of  Lexington,  Ky.,  and  Dr.  D.  M.  McCann,  of  Martinsburgli,  Ohio,  have  recommended 
an  infusion  or  decoction  of  the  root  as  an  injection  in  gonorrhoea.  Dr.  McCann  made  the 
decoction  in  the  proportion  of  a drachm  of  the  dried  root  to  a pint  of  water,  and  injected 
a syringe-full  three  times  a day.  Dr.  Ewing  used  the  infusion  with  the  addition  of  sulphate 
of  copper.  {Med.  Examiner,  N.  S.,  vii.  733.)  Dr.  P.  C.  Gooch  has  subsequently  used  it  in 
five  cases,  and  obtained  no  good  effect  whatever.  [Am.  Journ.  of  Med.  Sci.,  N.  S.,  xxiii. 
286. ) The  Indians  employ  the  juice  of  the  root  to  stain  their  clothing,  &c,  yellow. 

IIYDRIODIC  ACID.  Acidum  Hydriodicum,  Dr.  Andrew  Buchanan,  of  Glasgow,  recom- 
mends the  following  formula  for  obtaining  this  acid  for  medicinal  purposes.  Take  of 
iodide  of  potassium  330  grains,  tartaric  acid  264  grains.  Dissolve  the  salts,  separately, 
each  in  a fluidounce  and  a half  of  distilled  water,  and  mix  the  solutions.  Filter  the  liquor, 
in  order  to  separate  the  bitartrate  of  potassa  which  precipitates,  and  add  to  it  sufficient 
distilled  water  to  make  the  whole  measure  fifty  fluidraclims.  When  of  this  strength,  each 
fluidrachm  of  the  acid  contains  five  grains  of  iodine.  The  solution  of  hydriodic  acid, 
when  thus  prepared,  is  sufficiently  pure  for  medicinal  use,  although  containing  a little 
cream  of  tartar  in  solution.  At  first  it  is  limpid,  or  has  only  a slight  yellow  tinge;  but 
on  keeping  it  assumes,  first  a ■wine-yellow,  and  afterwards  a beautiful  red  colour,  in  con- 
sequence of  the  disengagement  of  iodine. 

Dr.  Buchanan  considers  uncombined  iodine  to  be  an  irritant,  and  its  alterative  powers, 
when  these  are  manifested,  to  depend  upon  its  conversion  into  hydriodic  acid,  of  a strength 
sufficiently  moderate  to  be  readily  absorbed,  and  to  pass  into  the  current  of  the  circulation. 
He  conceives  that  when  iodine  is  given,  and  proves  to  be  absorbed,  it  is  by  being  first  con- 
verted into  hydriodic  acid  by  hydrogen  derived  from  the  gastric  juice,  or  from  the  tissues 
of  the  stomach,  which  latter  undergo  corrosion.  A desire  to  avoid  this  incidental  irritant 
effect  led  Dr.  Buchanan  at  first  to  combine  the  iodine  with  starch,  which  he  supposes  to 


1342  Appendix. 

furnish  the  necessary  hydrogen  while  undergoing  digestion,  and  finally  to  use  the  hydri- 
odic  acid  ready  formed. 

In  giving  the  liquid  hydriodic  acid  according  to  his  formula,  Dr  Buchanan  begins  bv 
exhibiting  a few  drops,  and  afterwards  increases  the  dose,  first  to  a fluidrachm  and  finallv 
to  half  a fluidounce  three  times  a day,  equal  to  a drachm  of  iodine  daily.  This  was  Id's 
ordinary  maximum  dose,  but  sometimes  he  gave  a fluidounce  three  times  a day.  In  all 
cases  the  acid  was  administered  sufficiently  diluted  with  water  to  reduce  it  to  an  agreeable 
sourness,  in  which  state  it  possesses  no  irritant  action  whatever.'  When,  however,  the 
acid  has  undergone  a change  of  colour,  as  previously  mentioned,  Dr.  Buchanan  uses  a solu- 
tion of  starch  as  a vehicle,  in  order  to  divest  the  free  iodine,  the  presence  of  which  is 
indicated  by  this  change,  of  all  irritant  qualities.  Hydriodic  acid,  when  thus  used,  ex- 
hibits the  same  therapeutic  effects  as  free  iodine,  with  the  advantages  of  having  no  irritant 
property,  and  of  affording  the  means  of  introducing  much  larger  quantities  of  iodine  into 
the  system  through  the  medium  of  absorption,  than  when  given  in  the  ordinary  form. 
(Am.  Journ.  of  Med.  Sci.,  xx.  210  and  214,  from  the  Med.  Gazette.)  Dr.  Samuel  Lewis  and 
Mr.  T.  J.  Husband,  of  this  city^,  have  combined  hydriodic  acid  with  several  of  the  organic 
alkalies,  with  a view  to  form  new  medicinal  preparations.  (Am.  Journ.  of  1'harm.,  xvi.  21.) 

HYDRIODIC  ETHER.  Mother  ILjdriodicue.  Iodide  of  Ethyle.  This  ether  mav  be 
obtained  by  gradually  and  cautiously  mixing  five  parts  of  alcohol,  ten  of  iodine,  and'  one 
of  phosphorus,  and  distilling.  The  phosphorus  is  converted  into  phosphorous  acid  bv  the 
oxygen  of  the  alcohol,  and  the  liberated  ethyle  unites  with  the  iodine.  Hydriodic  ether 
is  a colourless  non-inflammable  liquid,  insoluble  in  water,  with  a penetrating  ethereal  odour 
and  pungent  taste.  Its  density  is  192,  and  boiling  point  158°  F.  When  exposed  to  the 
air  it  becomes  red  from  the  liberation  of  iodine,  a change  which  is  prevented  by  adding  to 
the  bottle  containing  the  ether,  a globule  of  mercury.  Being  an  iodide  of  ethyle,  its 
formula  is  C4H6I.  M.  Huette  has  proposed  this  ether  as  a medicinal  agent,  to  be  used  bv 
inhalation,  placed  under  a layer  of  water.  Fifteen  or  twenty  inspirations  suffice  to  im- 
pregnate the  system  with  iodine.  Its  physiological  effects  appear  to  be  those  of  an  anti- 
spasmodic  and  general  stimulant.  It  increases  the  appetite,  renders  the  pulse  fuller,  and 
gives  vivacity  to  the  feelings  and  activity  to  the  intellect.  M.  Huette  considers  it  a 
suitable  preparation  for  bringing  the  system  rapidly  under  the  influence  of  iodine,  and 
by  any  desired  dose.  (See  Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xxiii.  156.) 

HYDROCOTYLE  ASIATICA.  Thick-leaved  Pennywort.  Bevilacgua.  Boileau.  This  is  a 
small  umbelliferous  plant,  with  a trailing  stem,  and,  in  consequence  of  the  shape  of  its 
leaves,  bearing  some  resemblance  to  the  violet.  It  grows  in  moist  groumls  in  India. 
Southern  Africa,  and  the  Islands  of  the  Indian  Ocean.  It  has  long  been  ranked  among 
the  medicinal  plants  of  India,  where  it  has  been  used  as  an  alterative  to  purify  the  blood 
in  children.  It  has  been  supposed  to  possess  diuretic  properties ; and,  according  t"  Ainslie. 
is  employed  in  infusion  with  fenugreek  in  fever  and  bowel  complaints.  But  it  has  recent', y 
attracted  considerable  attention,  from  the  claims  strongly  urged  in  its  favour  as  a remedy 
in  that  most  obstinate  affection  often  called  leprosy,  but  more  correctly  elephantiasis  of  the 
Greeks.  It  was  first  employed  in  this  complaint  by  Dr.  Boileau,  of  the  Island  of  Mauri- 
tius, who  was  himself  a victim  of  the  disease,  and  had  resorted  to  this  remedy  under  the 
false  impression  that  it  might  be  identical  or  analogous  with  the  cuichunchuUi.  He  was 
so  much  pleased  with  its  effects  that  he  was  induced  to  try  it  upon  others : and  a great 
number  of  lepers  were  put  under  its  influence.  All  the  cases  were  arrested,  many 
were  benefited,  and  in  some  the  disease  almost  disappeared.  The  statements  of  Dr. 
Boileau  have  been  supported  by  those  of  M.  Lepine,  of  Pondicherry,  and  the  medicine 
would  certainly  seem  to  merit  a thorough  investigation.  Dr.  Boileau,  probably  at  first 
in  ignorance  of  its  proper  botanical  title,  gave  it  the  name  of  bevilacgua.  He  used  it 
in  powder,  infusion,  and  syrup.  An  ounce  of  the  dried  plant  may  be  given  daily  in  the 
form  of  infusion,  made  with  a pint  of  water.  This  should  be  continued  for  several  weeks, 
and  combined  with  baths,  and  attention  to  the  state  of  the  bowels.  After  this  prepara- 
tion, the  syrup  is  to  be  given  in  spoonful  doses  three  times  a day,  to  be  gradually  in- 
creased after  three  weeks,  if  no  improvement  has  taken  place,  to  eight  spoonfuls  daily. 
The  powder  may  be  added  to  the  syrup,  if  deemed  necessary,  in  the  dose,  at  first  of  fifteen 
grains,  increased  cautiously  to  a drachm.  (Journ.  de  Pharm.,  oe  s€r.,  xxiv.  424.  and  xxv. 
153.) 

HYDROCYANIC  ETHER.  JEther  Hydrocyanicus.  Ilydrocyanate  of  Etlrine.  Cyanurtt 
of  Ethyle.  This  ether  was  discovered  by  Pelouze.  It  is  formed  by  distilling  a mixture 
of  sulphovinate  of  baryta  and  cyanuret  of  potassium.  It  is  a colourless  liquid  of  a pene- 
trating garlic  odour,  soluble  in  alcohol  and  ether,  sparingly  soluble  in  water,  boiling  at 
180°,  and  weighing  specifically  0-78.  It  is  very  poisonous,  but  less  so  than  hydrocyanic 
acid,  with  which  it  agrees  in  therapeutic  action  and  dose. 


Appendix.  1343 

HYPERICUM  PERFORATUM.  St.  John's  Wort.  A perennial  lierb,  abundant  both 
in  Europe  and  this  country,  often  covering  whole  fields,  and  proving  extremely  trouble- 
some to  farmers.  It  is  usually  from  one  to  two  feet  high,  with  leaves  which,  from  the 
presence  of  numerous  transparent  vesicles,  appear  as  if  perforated,  and  have  hence  given 
origin  to  the  botanical  designation  of  the  plant.  The  flowers,  wrhich  are  numerous  and  of 
a deep-yellow  colour,  appear  during  the  summer  from  June  to  August.  The  flowering 
summits  are  the  parts  used,  though  the  unripe  capsules  are  possessed  of  the  virtues  of  the 
plant  in  an  equal  degree,  and  the  seeds  are  said  to  be  even  stronger.  St.  John’s  wort  has 
a peculiar  balsamic  odour,  which  is  rendered  more  sensible  by  rubbing  or  bruising  the  plant. 
Its  taste  is  bitter,  resinous,  and  somewhat  astringent.  It  imparts  a yellow  colour  to  cold 
water,  and  reddens  alcohol  and  the  fixed  oils  Its  chief  constituents  are  volatile  oil,  a 
resinous  substance,  tannin,  and  colouring  matter.  As  a medicine  it  was  in  high  repute 
among  the  ancients,  and  the  earlier  modern  physicians.  Among  the  complaints  for  which 
it  was  used  were  hysteria,  mania,  intermittent  fever,  dysentery,  gravel,  hemorrhages, 
pectoral  complaints,  worms,  and  jaundice;  but  it  was,  perhaps,  most  highly  esteemed  as  a 
remedy  in  wounds  and  bruises,  for  which  it  was  employed  both  internally  and  externally. 
It  is  difficult  to  ascertain  its  exact  value  as  a remedy  ; but  from  its  sensible  properties,  and 
from  the  character  of  the  complaints  in  which  it  has  been  thought  useful,  it  may  be  con- 
sidered, independently  of  its  astringency,  as  somewhat  analogous  in  medical  power  to  the 
turpentines.  It  formerly  enjoyed  great  reputation  for  the  cure  of  demoniacs ; and  the 
superstition  still  lingers  among  the  vulgar  in  some  countries.  At  present  the  plant  is 
scarcely  used  except  as  a domestic  remedy.  The  summits  were  given  in  the  dose  of  two 
drachms  or  more.  A preparation  was  at  one  time  officinal,  under  the  name  of  oleum  hyperici, 
made  by  treating  them  with  a fixed  oil.  It  has  a red  colour,  and  is  still  used  in  many  fami- 
lies as  a sovereign  remedy  for  bruises. 

Hl'POSULPHITE  OF  SODA.  Soda;  Hyposulphis.  This  salt  is  readily  prepared,  ac- 
cording to  Walchner,  by  mixing  a pound  of  dry  carbonate  of  soda,  in  fine  powder,  with 
five  ounces  of  sulphur,  heating  the  mixture  gradually  in  a porcelain  vessel  until  the  sul- 
phur melts,  and  stirring  the  agglutinated  mass,  still  kept  hot,  in  order  that  every  portion 
of  it  may  come  in  contact  with  the  air.  The  sulphuret  of  sodium,  first  formed,  is  thus 
converted  into  sulphite  of  soda.  This  is  dissolved  in  water,  and  the  filtered  solution, 
being  boiled  with  sulphur,  becomes  one  of  hyposulphite  of  soda,  from  which,  on  concen- 
tration, the  salt  is  deposited  in  large,  colourless,  transparent  crystals,  which  are  freely 
soluble  in  water,  but  insoluble  in  alcohol.  Hyposulphite  of  soda  is  largely  used  by  da'- 
guerreotj'pists  for  the  purpose  of  dissolving  the  sensitive  coating  of  iodide  of  silver  from 
the  plate,  after  the  action  of  the  light,  and  thus  fixing  the  image  already  formed. 

Latterly,  this  salt  has  been  used  in  skin  diseases,  and  especially  in  that  form  of  stomach 
disease  attended  with  yeasty  vomiting.  It  is  particularly  efficacious  in  the  treatment  of 
violent  irritations  of  the  skin  ; but  is  also  useful  in  visceral  obstructions.  It  may  be  pre- 
pared as  a syrup  by  dissolving  an  ounce  and  a half  of  the  salt  in  seven  fluidounces  of 
water,  and  adding  sixteen  ounces  of  sugar.  Of  this  two  teaspoonfuls  may  be  taken  three 
times  a day.  (Mouchon,  Ann.  de  Therop..  1852,  111.)  Dr.  R.  Neale,  of  London,  has  used 
this  salt  with  great  advantage  in  an  obstinate  case  of  yeasty  vomiting,  in  which  the 
vomited  matter  showed,  under  the  microscope,  numerous  sarcinm  ventriculi.  He  gave 
it  in  the  dose  of  from  ten  to  fifteen  grains  three  times  a day,  in  half  a fluidounce  of  infu- 
sion of  quassia.  ( Braithu'ai/e’s  Retrospect,  xxviii.  131.) 

HYPOSULPHITE  OF  SODA  AND  SILVER.  Sodx  et  Argenti  Hyposulphis.  This 
double  salt  may  be  prepared  by  dissolving  freshly  precipitated  oxide  of  silver  in  a solu- 
tion of  hyposulphite  of  soda,  and  evaporating  the  solution.  It  is  in  the  form  of  minute 
crystals,  very  soluble  in  water,  but  insoluble  in  alcohol,  and  possessing  a very  sweet  taste. 
Its  solution,  protected  from  the  light,  undergoes  no  change,  and,  when  quite  pure,  does 
not  discolour  the  skin  or  linen.  M.  Delioux,  of  Rochefort,  has  tried  this  salt  externally 
only,  and  thinks  it  acts  like  nitrate  of  silver,  but  more  mildly.  He  used  it  with  advantage 
in  urethral  discharges  especially,  dissolved  in  the  proportion  of  one  or  two  parts  in  two 
hundred  of  water.  ( B . and  F.  Medico- Ckirurg.  Review,  Am.  ed.,  April,  1853,  p.  447,  from 
the  Bull,  de  Therap.) 

HYSSOP  US  OFFICINALIS.  Hyssop.  This  is  a labiate  plant,  belonging  to  the  class 
and  order  Didyuamia  Gymnospermia  of  the  sexual  system.  It  is  perennial,  with  nume- 
rous erect,  quadrangular,  somewhat  branching  stems,  which  are  woody  in  their  inferior 
portion,  about  two  feet  high,  and  furnished  with  opposite,  sessile,  lanceolate-linear, 
pointed,  punctate  leaves.  The  flowers  are  violet-coloured  or  blue,  sometimes  white, 
turned  chiefly  to  one  side,  and  arranged  in  half  vertieillated,  terminal,  leafy  spikes.  The 
upper  lip  of  the  corolla  is  roundish  and  notched  at  the  apex,  the  lower  is  divided  into 
three  segments,  of  which  the  undermost  is  obovate. 


1844  Appendix. 

Common  hyssop  is  a native  of  the  continent  of  Europe,  where,  as  well  as  in  this  country, 
it  is  also  cultivated  in  gardens.  The  flowering  summits  and  leaves  are  the  parts  used. 
They  have  an  agreeable  aromatic  odour,  and  a warm,  pungent,  bitterikh  taste.  These 
properties  they  owe  to  an  essential  oil,  which  may  be  obtained  separate  by  distillation 
with  water,  and  rises  also  with  alcohol.  Hyssop  is  a warm  geDtly  stimulant  aromatic, 
applicable  to  the  same  cases  with  the  other  labiate  plants.  Its  infusion  has  been  much 
employed  in  chronic  catarrhs,  especially  in  old  people,  and  those  of  a debilitated  habit  of 
body.  It  acts  by  facilitating  the  expectoration  of  the  mucus  which  is  too  abundantly 
secreted.  In  this  country,  however,  it  is  very  seldom  used  by  regular  practitioners. 

IBERIS  AMARA.  Bitter  candytuft.  A small  herbaceous  plant,  indigenous  in  Europe, 
where  it  is  cultivated  in  gardens,  on  account  of  its  bright  milk-white  flowers.  The 
leaves,  stem,  and  root  are  said  to  possess  medicinal  properties  ; but  the  seeds  are  the  most 
efficacious.  The  plant  appears  to  have  been  employed  by  the  ancients  in  rheumatism, 
gout,  and  other  diseases.  It  has  recently  been  brought  into  notice  by  Dr.  Silvester,  who 
ascribes  to  the  late  Dr.  Williams,  of  St.  Thomas’s  Hospital,  England,  the  merit  of  having 
first  ascertained  its  real  therapeutic  value.  In  large  doses  it  produces  giddiness,  nausea, 
and  diarrhoea ; but  its  virtues  do  not  seem  to  be  associated  with  any  perceptible  physio- 
logical effect.  It  is  thought  to  exercise  a happy  influence  over  the  excited  actions  or  the 
heart,  and  is  especially  useful  in  hypertrophy.  Much  advantage  is  also  said  to  have 
accrued  from  it  in  asthma,  bronchitis,  and  dropsy.  The  dose  of  the  seeds  is  from  one  to 
three  grains.  ( Prov . Med.  and  Surg.  Journ.,  July  28,  1847.) 

ILEX.  Holly.  Several  species  of  Ilex  are  employed  in  different  parts  of  the  world. 
The  I.  Aquifolium,  or  common  European  holly,  has  attracted  much  attention  in  France.  It 
is  usually  a shrub,  but  in  some  places  attains  the  magnitude  of  a middling- sized  tree. 
Different  parts  of  it  are  used.  The  viscid  substance  called  birdlime  is  prepared- from  the 
inner  hark.  The  leaves,  which  are  of  a bitter,  somewhat  austere  taste,  were  formerly 
much  esteemed  as  a diaphoretic,  and  in  the  form  of  infusion  were  employed  in  catarrh, 
pleurisy,  small-pox,  gout,  &c.  A few  years  since  they  gained  some  reputation  in  France 
as  a cure  for  intermittents,  and  were  considered  by  some  as  equal  to  Peruvian  bark  : but 
the  first  reports  in  their  favour  have  not  been  fully  confirmed.  They  were  used  in  pow- 
der, in  the  dose  of  a drachm  two  hours  before  the  paroxysm ; and  this  dose  was  some- 
times repeated  frequently  during  the  apyrexia.  Their  febrifuge  virtues  are  said  to 
depend  on  a bitter  principle,  for  which  the  name  of  ilicin  has  been  proposed.  M.  Labour-, 
dais  obtained  this  principle  by  boiling  a filtered  decoction  of  holly  leaves  with  animal 
charcoal,  allowing  the  charcoal  to  subside,  washing  it,  then  treating  it  with  alcohol,  filter- 
ing off  the  alcoholic  solution,  and  evaporating  it  to  a syrupy  consistence.  The  liquid 
thus  obtained  was  very  bitter,  and  on  being  allowed  to  evaporate  spontaneously,  yielded 
an  amorphous  substance,  having  the  appearance  of  gelatin,  which  was  the  principle  in 
question.  (Am.  Journ.  of  P harm.,  xxi.  89,  from  Ann.  de  Cnim.  el  de  Phys.)  The  b rrks  are 
about  the  size  of  a pea,  red  and  bitter,  and  are  said  to  be  purgative,  emetic,  and  diuretic. 
Ten  or  twelve  of  them  will  usually  act  on  the  bowels,  and  sometimes  vomit.  Their 
expressed  juice  has  been  used  in  jaundice. 

The  Ilex  opaca,  or  American  holly,  is  a middling-sized  evergreen  tree,  growing  through- 
out the  Atlantic  section  of  the  United  States,  and  especially  abundant  in  New  Jersey.  It 
is  so  similar  to  the  European  plant,  that  it  is,  by  some  writers,  considered  as  the  same 
species.  It  is  said  to  possess  the  same  medical  properties. 

The  Ilex  Paraguaiensis,  or  I.  Mate  of  St.  Hilaire,  yields  the  celebrated  Paraguay  tea,  so 
extensively  consumed  as  a beverage  in  the  interior  of  South  America.  The  leaves, 
which  are  the  part  used,  have  a balsamic  odour  and  a bitter  taste,  and  are  usually  at 
first  disagreeable  to  the  palate.  They  have  a pleasant  corroborant  effect  upon  the  sto- 
mach ; but,  when  very  largely  taken,  are  said  to  purge  and  vomit.  They  are  used  in  the 
form  of  infusion.  According  to  the  experiments  of  Stenhouse,  these  leaves  contain  a 
principle  identical  with  the  caffein  of  tea  and  of  coffee;  and  like  them  contain  also  tannic 
acid ; so  that  a close  analogy  exists  in  composition  as  well  as  effects  between  these  three 
products,  so  little  allied  botanically,  and  so  far  separated  in  place  of  growth. 

The  Ilex  vomitoria  of  Aitou  and  Linn.,  the  I.  Cassina  of  Michaux,  is  a handsome  ever- 
green shrub,  growing  in  our  Southern  States,  and  especially  abundant  along  the  southern 
coast  of  Florida,  It  is  the  cassina  of  the  Indians,  who  formerly  employed  a decoction 
made  from  the  toasted  leaves,  called  black  drink,  both  as  a medicine,  and  as  a drink  of 
etiquette  at  their  councils.  It  acts  as  an  emetic.  The  leaves  of  the  Ite. t Baboon  of  " al- 
ter and  Michaux  have  similar  properties,  and  are  also  said  to  have  entered  into  the  com- 
position of  the  black  drink. 

ILLICIUM  FLO  11  ID  AM  CM.  Florida  Anise-tree.  This  is  an  evergreen  shrub  or  small 
tree,  growing  in  Florida,  along  the  coast  which  bounds  the  Gulf  of  Mexico.  The  bark, 


1345 


Appendix. 

leaves,  and  probably  also  the  seed  vessels,  are  endowed  with  a spicy  odour  and  taste, 
analogous  to  those  of  anise,  and  might,  perhaps,  be  used  for  the  same  purposes  as  that 
aromatic.  It  is  a question  worthy  of  investigation  whether  the  capsules  of  this  plant 
might  not  be  substituted  for  those  of  the  IUicium  anisatum  or  star  aniseed,  which  yield 
much  of  the  oil  used  in  this  country  under  the  name  of  oil  of  anise.  (See  Anisum.)  An- 
other species,  the  I.  parviflorum,  a shrub  found  by  Michaux  in  the  hilly  regions  of  Georgia 
and  Carolina,  has  a flavour  closely  resembling  that  of  sassafras  root. 

IMPATIENS  FULYA  and  1MPATIENS  PALLIDA.  Touch-me-not.  Jewel-weed.  Bal- 
sam-weed. These  two  species  of  Impatieus  are  indigenous,  annual,  succulent  plants,  from 
two  to  four  feet  high,  growing  in  low  moist  grounds  in  all  parts  of  the  Union,  and  flower- 
ing in  JUI3’  and  August.  They  may  be  known  by  their  tender,  juicy,  almost  transparent 
stems;  by  their  yellow  flowers,  which  in  one  species  are  pale  and  sparingly  punctate,  in 
the  other,  are  deeper  coloured  and  crowded  with  dark  spots;  and  by  their  capsules, 
which  burst  elastically,  and  curl  up  with  the  slightest  pressure.  They  probably  possess 
properties  similar  to  those  of  the  I.  Noli-me-tangerc  of  Europe,  which  has  an  acrid  burn- 
ing taste,  and,  when  taken  internally,  acts  as  an  emetic, , cathartic,  and  diuretic,  though 
considered  dangerous,  and  therefore  little  used.  The  late  Dr.  Kuan,  of  Philadelphia,  in- 
formed us  that  he  had  employed  with  great  advantage,  in  piles,  an  ointment  made  by 
boiling  the  American  plants,  in  their  recent  state,  in  lard.  The  flowers  may  be  used  for 
dyeing  yellow.  The  I.  Balsamina  or  balsam-weed,  touch-me-not,  <j'C.  of  the  gardens,  resem- 
bles the  other  species  in  its  effects. 

IMPEUATORIA  OSTRUTHIUM.  Masterwort.  An  umbelliferous  plant,  indigenous 
in  the  South  of  Europe.  The  root  has  a strong  odour,  similar  to  that  of  angelica,  and  a 
pungent,  biting,  aromatic  taste,  attended  with  a flow  of  saliva,  and  followed  by  a glowing 
warmth  which  remains  long  in  the  mouth.  It  was  formerly  considered  alexipkarmic, 
stomachic,  corroborant,  emmenagogue,  diuretic,  and  diaphoretic  ; and  was  used  in  a wide 
circle  of  complaints  with  so  much  supposed  success  as  to  have  gained  for  it  the  title  of 
divinum  remedium.  The  fact,  however,  appears  to  be,  that  it  is  merely  a stimulant  aro- 
matic, analogous  but  inferior  to  angelica,  which  has  nearly  superseded  it  in  European 
practice.  In  this  country,  it  is  unknown  as  a remedy,  and  its  vulgar  name  has  been  ap- 
plied to  another  plant. 

INDELIBLE  INK.  This  is  prepared  by  dissolving  two  drachms  of  nitrate  of  silver 
and  a drachm  of  gum  Arabic  in  a fluidounce  of  distilled  water,  coloured  with  a little 
Indian  ink.  It  is  used  for  writing  with  a pen  on  linen  and  muslin.  The  place  to  be 
marked  is  prepared  by  being  moistened  with  a solution  of  two  ounces  of  crystallized 
carbonate  of  soda  and  two  drachms  of  gum  Arabic  in  four  fluidounces  of  water,  and 
then  dried.  The  alkaline  solution  serves  to  decompose  the  nitrate,  and  to  protect  the 
cloth  from  the  action  of  the  free  nitric  acid.  At  the  end  of  twenty-four  hours,  the  spot 
is  to  be  washed. 

Mr.  Redwood,  of  London,  proposes  the  following  indelible  ink,  not  requiring  the  use  of 
a mordant.  Dissolve  an  ounce  of  nitrate  of  silver,  and  an  ounce  and  a half  of  crystallized 
carbonate  of  soda,  separately,  in  distilled  water,  and  mix  the  solutions.  Wash  the  pre- 
cipitated carbonate  of  silver,  and,  having  introduced  it,  still  moist,  into  a Wedgwood 
mortar,  rub  it  with  eight  scruples  of  tartaric  acid,  until  effervescence  ceases.  Then  add 
strong  solution  of  ammonia,  just  sufficient  to  dissolve  the  tartrate  of  silver  formed  (about 
two  fluidounces).  Lastly,  having  mixed  in  half  a fluidounce  of  archil,  half  an  ounce  of 
white  sugar,  and  an  ounce  and  a half  of  powdered  gum  Arabic,  add  sufficient  distilled 
water  to  make  the  whole  measure  six  fluidounces.  M.  Soubeiran  formerly  published  the 
following  formula  for  indelible  ink,  which  he  considers  simpler  than  Mr.  Redwood’s. 
Dissolve  8 parts  of  crystallized  nitrate  of  silver,  3 of  nitrate  of  copper,  and  4 of  carbonate 
of  soda,  in  100  parts  of  water  of  ammonia,  and  add  to  the  solution  a small  quantity  of 
gum.  The  marks,  produced  by  nitrate  of  silver  on  linen  or  muslin,  nmy  be  completely 
removed  by  moistening  them  with  a solution  of  corrosive  sublimate  in  30  parts  of  distilled 
water,  and  afterwards  washing  them  with  ordinary  water. 

M.  Jules  Guiller  has  devised  the  three  following  formula  for  marking  inks  for  linen.  1. 
Nitrate  of  silver  11  parts;  distilled  water  85;  powdered  gum  Arabic  20;  carbonate  of 
soda  22:  solution  of  ammonia  20.  Dissolve  the  carbonate  of  soda  in  tlie  water,  rubbing 
the  solution  with  the  gum,  and  the  nitrate  of  silver  in  the  ammonia.  Mix  the  solutions, 
and  gradually  heat  the  mixture  in  a flask  until  it  boils.  This  ink  flows  readily  from  a pen. 
2.  Nitrate  of  silver  5 parts;  distilled  water  12;  powdered  gum  Arabic  5;  carbonate  of 
soda  7 ; solution  of  ammonia  10.  The  ingredients  are  treated  as  in  the  preceding  formula, 
with  the  exception  that  the  mixed  solution  is  heated  until  it  becomes  of  a very  dark  colour, 
and  is  reduced  about  one-twentieth  in  volume  by  evaporation.  This  ink  is  suitable  for 
marking  on  linen  with  stamps.  3.  Nitrate  of  silver  17  parts;  distilled  water  85;  pow- 

85 


1346 


Appendix. 

dered  gum  Arabic  20;  carbonate  of  soda  22;  solution  of  ammonia  42;  sulphate  of  copper 
33.  Dissolve  tlie  nitrate  of  silver  in  the  ammonia,  the  carbonate  of  soda  in  25  parts  of  the 
water,  and  the  gum  in  the  remaining  60  of  the  water.  Then  mix  with  the  soda  solution, 
first  the  gum  solution,  and  afterwards  the  silver  solution.  Lastly,  add  the  sulphate  of 
copper.  This  ink  has  a blue,  instead  of  the  dark-brown  colour  of  the  others.  (See  Am. 
Journ.  of  Pharm.,  Jan.  1853,  p.  33.) 

Herberger  recommends  the  following  indelible  ink  for  other  purposes  than  marking 
linen.  Dissolve  wheat  gluten,  carefully  freed  from  starch,  in  a little  weak  acetic  acid,  and 
dilute  the  solution  with  rain  water,  so  as  to  have  about  the  strength  of  wine  vinegar.  For 
every  four  ounces  of  the  solution,  add  ten  grains  of  the  best  lampblack,  two  grains  of 
indigo,  and  a little  oil  of  cloves.  This  ink  has  a beautiful  black  colour,  and  cannot  be 
removed  by  chlorine  or  dilute  acids.  ( Chem . Gaz.,  No.  70,  p.  394.) 

INDIAN  RED.  A purplish-red  pigment,  brought  from  the  island  of  Ormus  in  the  Per- 
sian Gulf.  It  is  a red  ochre,  and  owes  its  colour  to  the  red  oxide  of  iron. 

INDIAN  YELLOW.  This  is  a pigment  manufactured  from  a yellow  substance  from 
India,  called  purree.  Purree  occurs  in  commerce  in  balls,  of  from  three  to  four  ounces  in 
weight,  which  are  dark-brown  externally,  and  deep-orange  within.  It  has  a peculiar  smell, 
closely  resembling  that  of  castor.  This  circumstance  gave  rise  to  the  belief  that  it  was 
of  animal  origin;  but  Dr.  Stenhouse,  who  examined  it  chemically,  finds  that  it  contains 
no  nitrogen,  and  from  this  and  other  facts  is  led  to  the  opinion  that  it  is  a vegetable  sub- 
stance. Upon  analysis  he  found  it  to  consist  of  magnesia,  united  with  a peculiar  acid, 
which  he  names  purreie  ( euxanthic  acid  of  Erdmann),  and  which  forms  nearly  one-half  of 
the  crude  substance.  Purreie  acid  is  in  small  crystals  of  a light-yellow  colour,  dissolving 
sparingly  in  cold  water,  pretty  readily  in  boiling  water,  and  abundantly  in  hot  alcohol. 
It  has  at  first  a sweetish,  and  then  a slightly  bitter  taste,  and  possesses,  in  appearance, 
considerable  resemblance  to  berberiu.  When  acted  upon  by  boiling  nitric  acid,  it  is  finally 
converted  into  a new  acid,  crystallizing  in  yellow  needles,  called  by  Erdmann,  oxy picric 
acid.  The  ultimate  constituents  of  purreie  acid  are  carbon,  hydrogen,  and  oxygen.  From 
his  examination  of  purree,  Dr.  Stenhouse  concludes  that  it  is  probably  the  juice  of  some 
plant,  saturated  with  magnesia,  and  boiled  down  to  a solid  consistence.  (See  his  paper  in 
the  Philos.  Mag.,  xxv.  321.) 

INDIGO.  This  well-known  and  highly  important  dye-stuff  is  obtained  from  various  spe- 
cies of  Indigofera,  especially  I.  tincloria,  I.  Anil,  and  I.  argentca;  and  is  said  to  be  afforded 
also  by  other  plants,  such  as  Wrightia  tincloria,  Polygonum  tinctorium,  Galcga  tincloi  In,  kc. 
In  the  process  of  preparing  it,  the  plant  is  macerated  iu  water;  fermentation  takes  place; 
the  liquor  becomes  of  a greenish  colour,  and  in  due  time  is  decanted;  the  colouring  prin- 
ciple dissolved  by  the  water  absorbs  oxygen  from  the  air,  and  assumes  a blue  colour, 
becoming  at  the  same  time  insoluble;  a gradual  precipitation  takes  place,  favoured  by  the 
addition  of  lime-water  or  an  alkaline  solution;  and  finally  the  precipitated  matter,  having 
been  washed  upon  linen  filters,  is  dried,  shaped  usually  into  cubical  masses,  and  sent  into 
market.  Most  of  the  indigo  consumed  in  dyeing  is  brought  from  the  East  Indies,  though 
considerable  quantities  are  imported  also  from  Guatemala,  and  the  northern  coast  of  t-outh 
America.  It  is  of  an  intensely  blue  colour,  but  assumes  a coppery  or  bronze  hue  when 
rubbed  by  a smooth  hard  body,  as  the  nail.  Heated  to  550°,  it  emits  a reddish-violet 
vapour,  which  condenses  in  minute  crystals.  It  is  insoluble  in  water,  or  alcohol,  but  is 
readily  dissolved  by  sulphuric  acid,  which,  without  destroying  its  blue  colour,  so  far  alters 
its  nature  as  to  render  it  freely  Soluble  in  water,  and  thus  affords  a convenient  method  of 
applying  it  to  the  purposes  of  dyeing.  The  solution  in  sulphuric  acid  is  kept  in  the  shops 
under  the  name  of  sulphate  of  indigo.  According  to  Berzelius,  indigo  contains,  among  other 
ingredients,  four  distinct  principles ; — 1.  a substance  resembling  gluten ; 2.  a brown  colour- 
ing substance;  3.  a red  colouring  substance;  and  4.  a blue  colouring  substance,  which  is 
the  principle  upon  which  its  value  as  a material  for  dyeing  depends,  and  which  seldom 
constitutes  so  much  as  one-half  of  the  indigo  of  commerce.  This  blue  colouring  matter 
is  called  indigotin.  By  deoxidizing  agents  it  is  deprived  of  its  blue  colour,  which  it  recovers 
by  exposure  to  the  air,  in  consequence  of  the  absorption  of  oxygen.  Chlorine  also  destroys 
the  blue  colour.  M.  Preisser  has  concluded,  from  an  elaborate  examination  of  the  coio 
ing principles  of  plants,  1.  that  these  principles  are  colourless  in  the  young  plants.  2.  that 
they  acquire  colour  by  combination  with  oxygen,  3.  that  all  the  colouring  matters,  extracted 
from  any  one  plant,  are  produced  by  the  oxidation  in  different  degrees  of  a single  principle, 
4.  that  they  are  deprived  of  colour  by  substances  having  a strong  affinity  for  oxygen,  and 
reacquire  it  by  contact  with  oxidizing  bodies,  and  5.  that  these  colouring  principles  are 
acids,  and  the  lakes  which  they  form  genuine  salts.  {Journ.  de  Pharm.,  3 c scr..  v.  263.)  For 
modes  of  testing  the  value  of  any  specimen  of  indigo,  the  reader  is  referred  to  the  Chemical 
Gazette  (vii.  463,  viii.  443,  and  x.  159);  also  to  the  Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.  (xxv.  223). 


Appendix.  1347 

Indigo  lias  been  introduced  to  the  notice  of  the  profession  as  a remedial  agent.  It  was 
at  first  chiefly  employed  by  the  German  physicians,  from  whose  statements  our  knowledge 
of  its  physiological  action  and  therapeutical  application  was  derived.  Though  without 
odour  and  taste,  it  is  said,  in  most  individuals,  to  produce  nausea  and  vomiting,  frequently 
to  operate  upon  the  bowels,  giving  a bluish-black  colour  to  the  stools,  to  render  the  urine 
of  a dark-violet  or  dark-green  colour,  without  increasing  its  quantity,  and  sometimes  to 
stimulate  the  secretory  function  of  the  uterus.  From  these  statements  it  would  appear 
to  act  as  an  irritant  to  tire  alimentary  mucous  membrane.  The  character  of  its  general 
influence  upon  the  system  has  not  been  well  ascertained.  In  some  instances,  it  is  asserted 
to  have  been  given  in  very  large  doses  without  any  obvious  effect.  The  complaints  in 
which  it  has  been  employed,  with  supposed  advantage,  are  epilepsy,  infantile  convulsions, 
chorea,  hysteria,  and  amenorrhoea.  It  is  given,  usually,  in  connexion  with  some  aromatic 
powder,  in  the  dose  of  a scruple  three  times  a day,  which  may  be  increased  to  a drachm 
or  more;  and  from  half  an  ounce  to  an  ounce  has  daily  been  employed  for  months  together 
without  disadvantage.  (See  Am.  Journ.  of  Med.  Sci.,  xx.  487.) 

IODIDE  OF  AMMONIUM.  Ammonii  Iodidum.  Hydriodate  of  Ammonia.  This  salt  is 
best  prepared  by  the  following  method,  devised  by  Mr.  John  A.  Spencer,  of  London.  Add 
to  a portion  of  iodine,  placed  in  a flask  with  a little  water,  a solution  of  hydrosulphate  of 
ammonia,  until  the  mixture  loses  its  red  colour,  and  is  turbid  from  the  separation  of  sul- 
phur only.  Shake  the  flask,  w'hich  causes  the  sulphur,  for  the  most  part,  to  agglomerate  : 
and,  having  poured  off  the  liquid,  boil  it  until  all  odour  of  sulphuretted  hydrogen  and  of 
ammonia  is  lost.  Then  filter  the  liquid,  and,  constantly  stirring,  evaporate  it,  first  with 
a naked  flame  until  it  becomes  pasty,  and  then  in  a water  bath  until  it  forms  a dry  salt. 
Iodide  of  ammonium,  as  thus  prepared,  is  a crystalline  powder,  which  is  beautifully  white 
at  first,  but  becomes,  in  a few  weeks,  yellowish,  and,  at  last,  brown.  It  may,  however, 
be  easily  restored  by  dissolving  the  coloured  salt  in  water,  treating  the  solution  with  a 
little  sulphuretted  hydrogen  water,  until  it  is  rendered  colourless,  filtering,  and  evaporating 
to  dryness.  (See  Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  March,  1853,  p.  134.)  Latterly,  this  salt  has  been 
used  as  a substitute  for  iodide  of  potassium.  By  Dr.  Pennock  it  is  considered  as  a good 
remedy  in  certain  cases  of  lepra  and  psoriasis,  made  into  an  ointment.  (Am.  Journ.  of  Med. 
Sci.,  xv.  374.)  The  proportions  employed  are  from  a scruple  to  a drachm  of  the  salt  to 
an  ounce  of  lard;  the  weaker  preparation  being  used  when  the  disease  is  recent,  the 
stronger  when  it  is  chronic.  The  ointment  is  employed  in  frictions  in  the  amount  of  half 
an  ounce,  morning  and  evening.  As  the  iodide  is  decomposed  by  the  air,  the  ointment 
should  be  kept  in  well  stopped  bottles.  Iodide  of  ammonium  is  used  in  photography. 

IODIDE  OF  BARIUM.  Barii  Iodidum.  This  compound  may  be  formed  by  double  de- 
composition, by  adding  carbonate  of  baryta  to  a boiling  solution  of  iodide  of  iron.  M. 
Heury,  juu.,  obtains  it  by  decomposing  a solution  of  sulphuret  of  barium  (see  page  908) 
by  a concentrated  alcoholic  solution  of  iodine.  Sulphur  is  precipitated,  which  is  separated 
by  filtration,  and  iodide  of  barium  formedin  solution,  from  which  it  is  obtained  in  the  solid 
state  bj7  a rapid  evaporation  to  dryness.  It  crystallizes  in  small,  colourless  needles,  which 
deliquesce  slightly,  and  are  very  soluble  in  water.  The  solution  promptly  undergoes  decom- 
position by  exposure  to  the  air,  carbonate  of  baryta  being  precipitated,  and  iodine  set  free, 
which  colours  the  solution.  It  has  been  used  with  advantage  by  Jahn,  as  an  alterative,  in 
scrofulous  affections  and  morbid  growths.  Lugol  employed  it  in  scrofulous  enlargements. 
The  dose  is  the  eighth  of  a grain  three  times  a day,  gradually  increased  to  three  grains. 
Biett  applied  it  to  scrofulous  swellings  in  the  form  of  ointment,  made  with  four  grains  of 
the  iodide  to  an  ounce  of  lard. 

IODIDE  OF  SILVER.  Argenti  Iodidum.  This  compound  is  formed  by  double  decom- 
position, by  adding  a solution  of  iodide  of  potassium  to  one  of  nitrate  of  silver.  It  is  a 
greenish-yellow  powder,  nearly  insoluble  in  ammonia.  It  possesses  the  general  medical 
properties  of  nitrate  of  silver,  and,  according  to  Dr.  Charles  Patterson,  of  Dublin,  may  be 
used  without  any  danger  of  producing  the  discoloration  of  skin  which  sometimes  follows 
the  use  of  that  salt.  Dr.  Patterson  found  it  generally  successful  in  curing  the  stomach 
affections  of  the  Irish  peasantry,  in  the  treatment  of  which  nitrate  of  silver  had  been  pre- 
viously found  useful.  He  succeeded  with  it  in  curing  several  cases  of  hooping-cough  in 
a short  time,  and  in  greatly  relieving  a case  of  dysmenorrhoea  of  three  years’  standing. 
Its  effects  in  epilepsy  were  least  satisfactory.  The  dose  is  one  or  two  grains,  three  times 
a day,  given  in  the  form  of  pill ; for  children,  from  an  eighth  to  a fourth  of  a grain,  according 
to  the  age. 

IODIDE  OF  STARCH.  Dr.  A.  Buchanan,  of  Glasgow,  proposed  this  compound  as  a 
means  of  administering  iodine  in  large  doses  without  causing  irritation  of  the  stomach. 
He  prepares  it  by  triturating  twenty-four  grains  of  iodine  with  a little, water,  adding 
gradually  an  ounce  of  very  finely  powdered  starch,  and  continuing  the  trituration  until 


1348  Appendix. 

the  compound  assumes  a uniform  blue  colour.  The  iodide  is  then  dried  by  a gentle  heat, 
and  kept  in  a well  stopped  bottle.  The  dose  is  a heaped  teaspoonful,  given  in  water  gruel, 
three  times  a day,  and  afterwards  increased  to  a tablespoonful.  No  nicety  is  necessary  in 
apportioning  the  dose.  In  some  cases  Dr.  Buchanan  has  given  half  ounce  doses  of  the 
iodide  three  times  a day,  immediately  increased  to  an  ounce.  Exhibited  in  this  state  of 
combination,  iodine  produces,  according  to  this  writer,  little  or  no  irritation  of  the  ali- 
mentary canal ; but  is  freely  absorbed,  as  is  proved  by  its  detection  in  large  quantity  in 
the  secretions.  Dr.  Buchanan  conceives  that,  by  means  of  the  starch,  the  iodine  is  con- 
verted into  hydriodic  acid,  and  in  this  form  of  combination  enters  the  circulation.  He 
prefers  the  iodide  of  starch  to  any  other  preparation  of  iodine  for  obtaining  the  alterative 
apart  from  the  irritant  effects  of  this  substance.  (Am.  Journ.  of  Med.  Sci.,  xx.  213  and  2]  7.; 
See  Ilydriodic  Acid,  page  1341. 

It  is  a point  of  importance  to  have  the  iodide  of  starch  soluble  in  water.  This  advantage 
is  gained  by  roasting  the  starch  moderately,  whereby  it  is  converted  into  dextrine,  before 
it  is  mixed  with  the  iodine.  The  process  of  M.  Magnes-Lahens,  of  Toulouse,  with  whom 
this  plan  originated,  is  as  follows.  Take  of  iodine  one  pari,  starch,  properly  roasted  and 
afterwards  exposed  to  the  air  to  recover  its  original  hygrometrie  state,  nine  parts.  Reduce 
the  iodine  to  fine  powder,  and,  by  a rapid  trituration,  rub  the  starch  with  it,  added  by 
small  portions  at  a time.  Expose  the  mixture  to  heat  in  a closed  flask,  by  means  of  a wa- 
ter bath,  until  from  being  gray,  it  becomes  of  an  intensely  blue  colour,  and  then  wash  it 
with  alcohol  to  separate  all  traces  of  free  iodine.  The  soluble  iodide  of  starch,  thus  formed, 
may  be  converted  into  a syrup,  by  dissolving  25  parts  of  it  in  325  parts  of  water,  by  means 
of  a water  bath,  and  adding  to  the  solution  650  parts  of  sugar.  This  syrup  is  perfectly 
limpid,  entirely  exempt  from  the  odour  of  iodine,  and  of  a splendid  violet-blue  colour.  It 
contains  two  and  a half  per  cent,  of  soluble  iodide  of  starch,  and  about  a quarter  of  one 
per  cent,  of  iodine.  (Journ.  dePharm.,  April,  1851,  p.  243.) 

M.  Magnes-Lahens  has  since  abandoned  the  use  of  torrefied  starch,  and  the  washing 
with  alcohol,  and  contents  himself  with  making  an  intimate  mixture  of  iodine  and  starch, 
slightly  moistened,  which  he  subjects  to  the  heat  of  a water  bath  until  it  is  converted  into 
the  iodide  of  starch,  forming  a solution  with  water  of  a magnificent  blue  colour.  The 
heat,  thus  regulated,  disaggregates  the  starch,  without  completely  transforming  it  into 
dextrine,  and  gives  a preparation,  in  the  form  of  a black  powder,  resembling  the  soluble 
iodide  of  starch  prepared  by  M.  Quesneville  by  a secret  process.  M.  Seput,  of  Constan- 
tinople, has  also  given  a formula  for  this  soluble  iodide,  and  for  a syrup  to  be  made  from 
it.  (See  Journ.  dePharm.,  March,  1852,  p.  202.)  M.  Soubeiran  has  reported  upon  these 
preparations  to  the  Paris  Society  of  Pharmacy,  and  deems  them  ineligible  on  account  of 
their  variable  strength  in  iodine,  arising  from  the  greater  or  less  loss  of  this  element  dur- 
ing the  necessary  exposure  to  heat.  Nevertheless,  as  the  syrup  is  called  for.  he  recom- 
mends the  following  process  for  making  it,  availing  himself  of  the  observations  of  his 
predecessors,  which  he  had  occasion  to  cite  in  liis  report.  The  quantities  of  the  ingredients 
will  be  stated  in  French  grammes,  each  of  which  weighs  about  fifteen  grains.  Triturate 
thoroughly,  in  a porcelain  mortar,  36  grammes  of  nitric  starch  with  4.)  grammes  of  iodine, 
dissolved  in  three  times  its  weight  of  ether,  and  added  in  successive  portions,  until,  after 
the  evaporation  of  the  greater  part  of  the  ether,  a blue  powder  remains.  Introduce  this 
into  a weighed,  stoppered  flask,  and,  having  added  520  grammes  of  water,  expose  the  whole 
to  the  heat  of  a water  bath,  with  the  stopper  at  first  removed,  in  order  to  complete  the 
dissipation  of  the  ether.  Afterwards  the  stopper  is  replaced,  being  loosely  tied  with  a 
packthread,  so  as  to  permit  of  its  being  raised  without  being  driven  out : and  the  heat  is 
continued  for  about  an  horn-  and  a half,  when  the  iodide  of  starch  will  be  completely 
formed.  The  flask  is  then  weighed,  and  a quantity  of  water  added  to  it.  equal  to  that  lost 
by  evaporation.  Lastly,  1040  grammes  of  sugar  are  added  to  the  liquid,  and  dissolved  by 
a gentle  heat.  By  this  formula  a syrup  is  prepared,  containing  a quarter  of  one  per  cent, 
of  iodine,  a small  part  of  which  is  in  the  state  of  hydriodic  acid.  The  nitric  starch  is  used 
by  M.  Soubeiran,  because  it  unites  with  the  iodine  in  much  less  time  than  the  ordinary 
starch.  It  is  made  by  mixing  ordinary  starch,  in  the  cold,  with  150  parts  of  water,  to  which 
1 part  of  nitric  acid  has  been  added,  and  allowing  the  whole  to  dry  in  the  open  air.  Three 
grains  of  this  syrup,  diluted  with  a pint  of  water,  communicate  to  the  solution  a sensible 
blue  tint.  This  test  may  serve  to  determine  whether  the  preparation  is  of  full  strength. 
(Journ.  de  Pharm.,  May,  1852,  pi.  329.)  The  dose  of  this  syrup  is  from  one  to  four  table- 
spoonfuls a day. 

IODIDE  OF  ZINC.  Zinci  Iodidum.  This  iodide  may  be  formed  by  digesting  an  excess 
of  zinc,  in  small  pieces,  with  iodine  diffused  in  water.  Combination  takes  place,  and.  by 
evaporation,  a deliquescent,  very  soluble  saline  mass  is  obtained,  having  a metallic  styptic 
taste,  resembling  that  of  sulphate  of  zinc.  It  may  also  be  obtained  by  heating  in  a ma- 
trass a mixture  of  20  parts  of  zinc  and  170  of  iodine,  and  subliming  into  a vial.  11  hen 


Appendix.  1349 

thus  prepared,  it  is  in  the  form  of  white  needles.  This  salt  is  very  liable  to  undergo  spon- 
taneous decomposition. 

Iodide  of  zinc  is  tonic  and  astringent.  It  has  been  lately  tried  by  Dr.  Barlow,  in  Guy’s 
Hospital,  in  cases  of  chorea,  scrofula,  cachexia,  and  in  some  forms  of  hysteria.  [Med.  Times 
and  Gaz.,  Nov.,  1853,  p.  501.)  The  best  form  of  administration  is  syrup,  to  protect  it  from 
change,  originally  proposed  by  the  late  Dr.  A.  T.  Thomson,  and  made  on  the  same  plan  as 
the  syrup  of  iodide  of  iron.  (See  page  1005.)  Mr.  A.  B.  Taylor,  of  Philadelphia,  proposes 
to  form  it  by  gently  heating,  in  au  evaporating  dish,  twelve  drachms  and  two  scruples  of 
iodine,  and  an  ounce  of  finely  granulated  zinc,  with  nine  fluidounces  of  water,  until  they 
unite,  filtering  the  solution,  while  hot,  on  a pound  (avoird.)  of  sugar,  contained  in  a wide- 
mouthed bottle  holding  a little  more  than  a pint,  and  adding,  through  the  filter,  sufficient 
water  to  make  the  whole  measure  a pint.  This  syrup  is  perfectly  clear  and  colourless,  is 
styptic  to  the  taste,  and  contains  a drachm  of  iodide  of  zinc  in  each  fluidounce.  [Am. 
Journ.  of  Pharm.,  Jan.,  1852,  p.  33.)  The  dose  of  this  syrup  is  from  20  to  50  drops, 
sufficiently  diluted  with  water,  three  times  a day. 

Iodide  of  zinc  has  been  used  for  many  years  as  an  external  application.  Dr.  J.  J.  Ross, 
of  Scotland,  employed  a solution,  containing  from  10  to  30  grains  to  the  fluidounce  of  wa- 
ter, with  great  advantage  in  enlarged  tonsils,  applied  by  means  of  a piece  of  sponge  tied 
to  a quill.  After  the  use  of  the  solution  for  some  time,  he  applied  the  iodide,  rendered 
liquid  by  deliquescence,  by  means  of  a camel’s  hair  brush.  A solution  containing  one  or 
two  grains  to  the  fluidounce  of  water,  has  been  used  as  an  astringent  injection  in  gonor- 
rhoea. An  ointment,  made  of  a drachm  of  the  iodide  with  an  ounce  of  lard,  has  been  pro- 
posed by  Dr.  Ure  as  a substitute  for  the  ointment  of  iodide  of  potassium  in  the  treatment 
of  tumours,  applied  in  the  quantity  of  a drachm  twice  a day. 

IODIDES  OF  CALOMEL.  These  iodides,  comprising  a subiodide  and  protiodide,  were 
brought  forward  as  remedies  by  M.  Boutigny.  They  are  formed  by  the  action  of  one  eq. 
of  iodine  on  two  and  one  eqs.  severally  of  calomel,  the  combination  being  aided  by  a gentle 
heat.  Both  these  iodides  are  active  preparations,  and  have  been  employed  with  success 
in  syphilitic,  scrofulous,  and  cancerous  affections.  The  subiodide  may  be  given  in  pill,  in 
the  dose  of  the  twenty-fifth  of  a grain.  The  protiodide  is  used  externally  only,  and  should 
be  applied  with  caution.  It  acts  as  a caustic,  and  may  be  cast  into  sticks,  like  nitrate  of 
silver.  An  ointment  may  be  made  of  it,  by  rubbing  one  part  with  twenty  of  fresh  lard. 
A portion  of  the  ointment,  the  size  of  a large  pea,  may  be  rubbed  daily  on  a scrofulous 
tumour,  in  the  arm  pits,  or  on  the  inner  part  of  the  thigh.  The  composition  assigned  by 
M.  Boutigny  to  these  compounds  requires  confirmation.  [Ann.  de  Therap.,  1848.) 

IODOFORM.  Iodoformum.  Teriodide  of  Formyle.  (C2HTS.)  This  is  formed,  according  to 
the  process  of  MM.  Corndlis  and  Gille,  of  Liege,  by  adding  to  an  alcoholic  solution  of 
iodide  of  potassium,  heated  to  104°  F.,  chlorinated  lime,  in  successive  portions,  stirring 
after  each  addition,  until  the  liquid  ceases  to  assume  a dark-red  colour.  On  cooling, 
a mass  of  confused  crystals  is  deposited,  consisting  of  iodoform  and  iodate  of  lime.  By 
treating  these  with  boiling  alcohol  of  90  per  cent.,  the  iodoform  alone  is  dissolved;  and 
the  alcoholic  solution,  as  it  cools,  deposits  the  iodoform  in  crystals.  [Journ.  dc  Pharm., 
Sept.,  1852,  p.  196.)  It  is  in  the  form  of  yellow  crystals,  having  a strong  saffron-like 
odour,  insoluble  in  water,  but  readily  soluble  in  alcohol  and  ether.  According  to  M. 
Righini,  iodoform  possesses  remarkable  antiseptic  and  antispasmodic  properties.  He  also 
attributes  to  it  the  power  of  retarding  the  progress  of  phthisis,  when  inhaled  in  ethereal 
solution. 

IODOIIYDRARGYRATE  OF  POTASSIUM.  It  has  been  found  by  chemists  that  dif- 
ferent iodides  will  unite  together  in  different  proportions,  forming  compounds  which  are 
called  by  Berzelius  double  iodides.  Bonsdorff,  of  Finland,  and  Dr.  Ilare,  of  this  city, 
with  greater  reason,  have  viewed  these  combinations  as  a peculiar  kind  of  salts,  in  which 
one  of  the  iodides  performs  the  part  of  an  acid,  the  other  of  a base.  The  substance,  the 
name  of  which  is  placed  at  the  head  of  this  article,  is  one  of  these  compounds,  and  was 
presented  to  the  notice  of  the  profession,  as  a new  remedy  of  remarkable  powers,  in  Feb- 
ruary, 1834,  by  Dr.  William  Channing,  of  New  York.  (Am.  Journ.  of  Med.  Sci.,  xiii.  388.) 
It  consists  of  biniodide  of  mercury  acting  as  an  acid,  and  iodide  of  potassium  as  a base. 
But  as  these  iodides  combine  in  at  least  two  proportions,  it  is  necessary  to  indicate  the 
particular  combination  employed  by  Dr.  Channing. 

In  a difficult  case  of  pectoral  disease,  iu  which  the  ordinary  remedies  had  failed,  Dr. 
Channing  determined  to  make  trial  of  one  of  the  iodides  of  mercury.  He  selected  the 
biniodide ; and,  in  order  to  have  it  in  the  liquid  form,  it  being  insoluble  in  water,  he  dis- 
solved it  in  a solution  of  iodide  of  potassium.  He  was  struck  with  the  chemical  changes 
which  the  compound  solution  underwent;  and,  on  pursuing  his  observations,  he  found 
that  the  two  iodides  really  uuited  by  the  intervention  of  the  water;  for,  with  the  aid  of 


1350  Appendix. 

an  operative  chemist,  he  was  enabled  by  evaporation  to  obtain  them  in  union  in  the  form 
of  straw-coloured,  needleform,  deliquescent  crystals.  He  next  found,  upon  consulting  the 
European  authorities,  that  Bonsdortf,  who  had  taken  the  lead  in  investigating  similar  com- 
pounds, had  discovered  the  salt  in  1826. 

Dr.  Channing  analyzed  the  salt  with  which  he  experimented,  and  found  that  it  consisted 
of  one  eq.  of  biniodide  of  mercury,  and  two  of  iodide  of  potassium.  This  he  determined 
by  ascertaining  that  an  aqueous  solution  of  a little  more  than  eight  grains  of  iodidfe  of 
potassium  would  dissolve,  and  combine  with,  eleven  grains  of  biniodide  of  mercury,  with- 
out being  liable  to  decomposition  when  largely  diluted  with  water.  The  combination  here 
indicated  corresponds  with  one  of  the  double  iodides  of  mercury  and  potassium,  described 
by  Thenard.  ( Traite  de  Chimie , 6 hmeed.,  iii.  493.)  The  other  is  represented  by  this  author 
as  consisting  of  a single  eq.  of  each  iodide.  When  copiously  diluted  with  water,  every  two 
eqs.  of  this  iodide  let  fall  one  eq.  of  the  mercurial  iodide;  thus  evidently  converting  the 
salt  into  the  medicinal  double  iodide.  The  same  decomposition  by  the  use  of  abundance 
of  water  is  noticed  by  Dr.  Channing.  For  remarks  on  these  double  iodides  see  a paper  by 
Mr.  Ambrose  Smith,  Am.Journ.  ofPharm.,  xii.  265. 

Dr.  Channing  attributes  to  this  preparation  the  effects  of  diffusing  excitement,  and 
equalizing  the  circulation.  In  the  different  cases  in  which  he  tried  it,  he  thought  he  saw 
evidence  of  its  favourable  influence  on  the  lungs,  in  allaying  cough  and  improving  expec- 
toration; on  the  alimentary  canal,  in  restoring  the  healthy  secretions;  on  the  kidneys,  in 
reviving  their  activity  ; on  the  skin  and  cellular  tissue,  in  cicatrizing  superficial  ulcera- 
tions; and  on  the  absorbent  and  exhalant  systems,  in  causing  the  disappearance  of  effused 
fluid.  The  principal  diseases  in  which  he  found  it  useful  were  chronic  bronchitis,  hooping 
cough,  tonsillitis,  chronic  gastro-enteritis,  dyspepsia,  ascites,  anasarca,  amenorrhoca,  leu- 
corrhoea,  eruptions,  and  scrofula.  In  some  cases  of  phthisis,  it  mitigated  the  symptoms, 
and  appeared  to  prolong  life.  Dr.  Hildreth,  of  Ohio,  has  tried  this  preparation,  and 
reports  favourably  of  its  effects  in  ordinary  dyspepsia  unattended  by  organic  disease, 
enlargement  of  the  spleen,  amenorrhoea,  dysmenorrhoea,  leucorrhcea,  scrofulous  affections, 
ascites,  and  general  dropsy.  (Am.  Journ.  of  Med.  Sci.,  xxvi.  312.) 

The  average  dose  of  the  remedy  may  be  stated  at  the  twelfth  of  a grain  three  times  a 
day;  but  in  peculiar  constitutions,  not  more  than  the  forty-eighth,  the  ninety-sixth,  or 
the  two  hutulreth  of  a grain  daily  can  be  borne.  For  the  convenience  of  physicians  who 
may  wish  to  make  trial  of  the  remedy,  we  give  the  following  formula,  deduced  from  the 
statements  in  Dr.  Channing’s  paper. — Take  of  iodide  of  potassium  three  and  a half  grains; 
biniodide  of  mercury  (red  iodide),  four  and  a half  grains;  distilled  water  a fluidounce. 
Dissolve  first  the  iodide  of  potassium  and  then  the  biniodide  of  mercury  in  the  water.  The 
compound  salt  in  this  solution  may  be  assumed  to  amount  to  eight  grains,  though  there  is 
a small  excess  of  the  iodide  of  potassium.  Of  this  solution,  from  two  to  five  drops,  con- 
taining from  the  thirtieth  to  the  twelfth  of  a graiu.  may  be  given  three  times  a day.  It 
may  be  administered  in  the  compound  syrup  of  sarsaparilla,  which  does  not  decompose  it. 

IONIDIUM  MARCUCCI.  This  name  has  been  conferred  by  Dr.  Bancroft  upon  a South 
American  plant,  supposed  to  be  the  source  of  a medicine  used  with  great  asserted  advan- 
tage in  Maracaibo  and  elsewhere,  in  some  of  the  horrible  cutaneous  affections,  especially 
elephantiasis,  to  which  the  inhabitants  of  the  tropical  regions  of  this  continent,  are  subject. 
A specimen,  however,  received  from  Dr.  Bancroft,  was  found  by  Sir  W.  Hooker  to  be  iden- 
tical with  the  lonidium  parvifiorum  of  Yentinat.  The  medicine  is  called  by  the  Indians 
cuichunchulli,  and  grows  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Riobamba,  a small  town  at  the  foot  of 
the  great  mountain  of  Chimborazo.  It  is  said  to  be  diaphoretic,  diuretic,  occasionally 
sialagogue,  and  in  large  doses  emetic  and  cathartic.  The  root  is  the  part  used.  It  is  highly 
probable  that  other  vegetable  emeto-cathartics,  having  the  same  property  of  stimulating 
the  secretions,  would  be  found  equally  effectual.  For  an  account  of  what  is  known  in  re- 
lation to  this  medicine,  the  reader  is  referred  to  a paper  by  Dr.  Bancroft,  republished  in 
the  Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  iii.  p.  125. 

ISATIS  TINCTORIA.  Wood.  Pastel.  A biennial  plant,  indigenous  in  Europe,  where 
it  is  also  cultivated.  The  leaves  have  a fugitive  pungent  odour,  and  an  acrid  very  durable 
taste,  and  have  been  used  in  scorbutic  affections,  jaundice,  and  other  complaints;  but  the 
plant  is  valuable  only  as  the  source  of  a blue  dye  stuff,  called  wood,  which  has  been  long 
employed  in  Europe,  though  at  present  nearly  superseded  by  indigo.  The  leaves  are  pre- 
pared by  grinding  them  to  a paste,  which  is  made  into  balls,  placed  in  heaps,  and  allowed 
to  ferment.  When  the  fermentation  is  at  an  end,  the  mass  falls  into  a coarse  powder, 
which  is  the  dye- stuff  in  question. 

KALMIA  LATIFOLIA.  Laurel.  Mountain  Laurel.  Broad-leafed  Laurel.  Calico-bush. 
This  well-known  evergreen  inhabits  all  sections  of  the  United  States,  but  is  particularly 
abundant  on  the  sides  of  hills  and  mountains,  which  it  adorns  in  summer  with  its  elegant 


Appendix.  1351 

flowers.  It  is  from  three  to  ten  feet  in  height.  The  leaves  are  possessed  of  poisonous, 
narcotic  properties,  and  have  been  used  in  medicine.  They  have  been  analyzed  by  Mr. 
Charles  Bullock,  of  Philadelphia,  and  found  to  contain  gum,  tannic  acid,  resin,  chlorophvlle, 
fatty  matter,  a substance  resembling  mannite,  an  acrid  principle,  was,  extractive,  albu- 
men, yellow  colouring  matter,  lignin,  and  salts  of  potassa,  lime,  and  iron.  (Am.  Journ.  of 
Pharm.,  xx.  264.)  They  are  said  to  prove  fatal  to  sheep  and  some  other  animals,  but  are 
eaten  with  impunity  by  deer,  goats,  and  partridges.  Dr.  Barton  states  in  his  “Collections,” 
that  the  Indians  sometimes  use  a decoction  of  the  leaves  to  destroy  themselves.  It  is  said 
that  death  has  been  occasioned  by  eating  the  flesh  of  partridges  and  pheasants  which  have 
fed  upon  them  during  winter.  Dr.  N.  Shoemaker  published,  in  the  North  American  Medical 
and  Surgical  Journal,  two  cases  of  poisoning  which  resulted  from  eating  a pheasant,  in  the 
craw  of  which  laurel  leaves  were  found.  The  symptoms  were  nausea,  temporary  blindness, 
pain  in  the  head,  dyspnoea,  pallid  countenance,  cold  extremities,  and  a very  feeble  pulse, 
which  in  one  case  was  for  some  time  absent  at  the  wrist,  in  the  other  beat,  only  forty  strokes 
in  the  minute.  In  both  cases  relief  was  afforded  by  vomiting,  produced  by  a tablespoonful 
of  flour  of  mustard  mixed  with  warm  water. 

Dr.  Barton  was  informed  that  the  powdered  leaves  were  employed  by  an  empiric  with 
success  in  certain  states  of  fever;  and  Dr.  Thomas,  in  an  inaugural  dissertation,  published 
at  Philadelphia,  A.  D.  1802,  states  that  an  obstinate  case  of  diarrhoea  was  cured  by  a 
decoction,  made  by  boiling  an  ounce  of  the  leaves  in  eight  ounces  of  water  down  to  four 
ounces.  Thirty  drops  were  given  six  times  a day;  but  this  quantity  produced  vertigo,  and 
the  dose  was  afterwards  repeated  only  four  times  daily.  The  leaves  are  said  to  have  been 
used  advantageously  in  syphilis.  Externally  applied,  in  the  shape  of  ointment  or  decoction, 
they  have  been  found  useful  in  tinea  capitis,  psora,  and  other  cutaneous  affections;  but 
caution  is  necessary  in  their  application,  as,  according  to  Dr.  Barton,  nervous  symptoms 
have  resulted  from  the  external  use  of  the  decoction.  Dr.  Bigelow  has  seen  the  recently 
powdered  leaves  given  in  doses  of  from  ten  to  twenty  grains,  without  perceptible  effect. 

It  is  probable  that  the  other  species  of  Kalmia,  as  K.  angustifolia,  or  sheep-laurel,  and  K. 
glauca,  or  swamp-laurel,  have  properties  identical  with  those  of  the  K.  latifolia.  A decoc- 
tion of  the  leaves  of  K.  angustifolia  is  used  by  the  negroes  of  North  Carolina  as  a wash  for 
ulcerative  affections  between  the  toes. 

KOOSSO.  The  flowers  of  Brayera  anthelmintica  (Kunth),  Hagenia  Abyssinica  (Lamarck), 
Bancksia  Abyssinica  (Bruce),  a tree  about  twenty  feet  high,  belonging  to  the  family  of 
Rosaceoe,  growing  on  the  table  land  of  Abyssinia,  at  an  elevation  of  not  less  than  six  or 
seven  thousand  feet.  The  .Abyssinian  name  of  the  medicine  has  been  variously  spelled  by 
European  writers  kosso,  kousso,  cusso,  cosso,  &c. ; but  that  at  the  head  of  this  article  is 
deemed  the  most  appropriate  English  title,  as  it  indicates  the  proper  pronunciation  of  the 
word.  The  flowers  are  small,  greenish  becoming  purple,  and  arranged  in  repeatedly  di- 
chotomous clusters.  The  following  is  their  botanic  character.  “ Calyx  with  the  tube 
bibracteolate  at  the  base,  turbinate;  throat  internally  constricted  by  a membranous  ring: 
the  limb  with  two  series  of  segments,  each  five  in  number,  the  outer  much  larger.  Petals 
five,  inserted  in  the  throat  of  the  calyx,  small,  linear.  Stamens  from  15  to  20,  inserted 
with  the  petals.  Filaments  free,  unequal.  Anthers  bilocular,  dehiscing  longitudinally. 
Carpels  two  at  the  bottom  of  the  calyx,  free,  unilocular,  containing  one  or  two  pendulous 
ovules.  Styles  terminal,  exserted  from  the  throat  of  the  calyx,  thickened  upward.  Stigmas 
subpeltate,  dilated,  crenate,  oblong.”  The  flowers  are  said  to  be  dioecious;  though  the  male 
have  well  developed  carpels.  The  petals  are  apt  to  be  wanting  in  the  dried  flowers.  They 
are  brought  from  Abyssinia  packed  in  boxes,  the  clusters  being  unbroken  though  com- 
pressed. The  general  colour  of  the  mass  is  greenish-yellow.  As  the  medicine  in  con- 
sequence of  its  high  price  is  apt  to  be  adulterated,  it  should  if  possible  be  procured  in 
the  unpowdered  state,  when  the  botanical  characters  of  the  flower  will  sufficiently  test  its 
genuineness. 

The  flowers  have  a fragrant  balsamic  odour:  and  their  taste,  little  perceptible  at  first, 
becomes  in  a short  time  somewhat  acrid  and  disagreeable.  Analyzed  by  IVittstein,  they 
were  found  to  contain,  in  100  parts,  1-44  of  fatty  matter  and  chlorophylle,  2-02  of  wax,  6-25 
of  bitter  acrid  resin,  0-77  of  tasteless  resin,  1-08  of  sugar,  7-22  of  gum,  24-40  of  tannic 
acid,  40-97  of  lignin,  15-71  of  ashes,  with  0-14  parts  loss. 

Koosso  is  highly  valued  in  Abyssinia  as  a vermifuge.  Bruce  speaks  of  it  in  his  travels, 
and  gives  a figure  of  the  plant.  Dr.  Brayer,  a French  physician  practising  in  Constan- 
tinople, employed  the  medicine  effectively,  and  published  a treatise  on  it  at  Paris,  so  long 
ago  as  1823.  It  was  in  his  honour  that  Kunth  adopted  his  generic  title  of  the  plant.  Much 
attention  has  recently  been  attracted  to  this  medicine;  and  trials  made  with  it  have  proved 
that  it  has  extraordinary  efficacy  in  the  destruction  and  expulsion  of  the  tapeworm.  Its 
effects  when  taken  internally  are  not  very  striking.  In  the  ordinary  dose  it  sometimes 
produces  heat  of  stomach,  nausea,  and  even  vomiting,  and  shows  a tendency  to  act  on  the 


1352  Appendix. 

bowels,  though  this  effect  is  not  always  produced.  It  appears  to  operate  exclusively  as  a 
poison  to  the  worms;  and  has  been  found  equally  effectual  in  both  kinds  of  tapeworm. 
The  high  price  demanded  for  it  has  tended  very  much  to  restrict  the  use  of  the  remedy; 
but,  should  the  demand  continue,  it  will  no  doubt  be  supplied  at  a reasonable  cost,  as  it  is 
brought  by  caravans  from  Abyssinia  into  Egypt ; and  the  monopoly  which  was  at  first  the 
cause  of  its  expensiveness  cannot  be  long  maintained.  The  medicine  is  taken  in  the  morning 
upon  an  empty  stomach,  a light  meal  having  been  made  the  preceding  evening.  A previous 
evacuation  of  the  bowels  is  also  recommended.  The  flowers  are  given  in  the  form  of  pow- 
der, mixed  with  half  a pint  of  warm  water;  the  mixture  being  allowed  to  stand  for  fifteen 
minutes,  then  stirred  up,  and  taken  in  two  or  three  draughts  at  short  intervals.  The  medi- 
cine may  be  preceded  and  followed  by  lemonade.  The  medium  dose  for  an  adult  is  half 
an  ounce,  which  may  be  diminished  one-third  for  a child  of  12  years,  one-half  for  one  of 
6,  and  two-thirds  for  one  of, 3.  Should  the  medicine  not  operate  on  the  bowels  in  three  or 
four  hours,  a brisk  cathartic  should  be  administered.  One  dose  is  said  to  be  sufficient  to 
destroy  the  worm.  Should  the  quantity  mentioned  not  prove  effectual,  it  may  be  increased 
to  an  ounce  or  more. 

LABDANUM.  Ladanum.  A resinous  substance  obtained  from  various  species  of  Cistus, 
especially  C.  Creticus,  C.  ladaniferus,  and  C.  laurifolius,  small  evergreen  shrubs,  inhabiting 
the  islands  of  the  Grecian  Archipelago,  and  the  different  countries  bordering  on  the  Medi- 
terranean. Upon  the  leaves  and  branches  of  these  shrubs  a juice  exudes,  which  is  collected 
by  means  of  an  instrument  resembling  a rake,  with  leather  thongs  instead  of  teeth,  which 
is  drawn  over  the  plant.  The  juice  adheres  to  the  pieces  of  leather,  and  is  afterwards 
separated.  It  is  said  that  labdanum  was  formerly  collected  by  combing  the  beards  of  goats 
which  had  been  browsing  upon  the  leaves  of  the  cistus ; and  Landerer  states  that  it  is  at 
the  present  time  gathered  in  the  same  way  in  Cyprus  from  sheep,  whose  fleeces  become 
loaded  with  it  while  they  are  pasturing.  (See  Pham.  Journ.  and  Trans.,  xi.  6.)  It  comes 
chiefly  from  the  Grecian  islands.  Two  varieties  exist  in  commerce.  The  purest  labdanum 
is  in  masses  of  various  sizes,  sometimes  weighing  several  pounds,  enclosed  in  bladders, 
dark-red  almost  black  externally,  grayish  internally  when  first  broken,  of  the  consistence 
of  a plaster,  softening  in  the  hand  and  becoming  adhesive,  of  an  agreeable  balsamic  odour 
like  that  of  amber,  and  of  a bitter,  balsamic,  somewhat  acrid  taste.  It  is  very  inflammable, 
burning  with  a clear  flame.  On  exposure  it  becomes  dry,  porous,  and  brittle.  Little  of 
this  variety  is  found  in  the  markets.  Common  labdanum  is  in  pieces  of  a contorted  or  spiral 
form,  light,  porous,  blackish-gray,  hard  and  brittle,  not  softening  between  the  fingers, 
similar  in  odour  and  taste  to  the  preceding  variety,  but  less  inflammable,  and  mixed  with 
much  sand  and  other  earthy  matter,  which  are  obvious  to  the  sight.  Guibourt  found  in 
100  parts  of  the  labdanum  in  masses,  86  parts  of  resin  with  a little  volatile  oil.  7 of  wax, 
1 of  watery  extract,  and  6 of  earthy  substances  and  hair.  In  the  contorted  variety,  Pelle- 
tier found  20  per  cent,  of  resin,  3-6  of  gum  with  malate  of  lime,  0-6  of  malic  acid,  1-9  of 
wax,  1-9  of  volatile  oil  including  loss,  and  72  of  ferruginous  sand. 

Labdanum  is  a stimulant  expectorant,  and  was  formerly  given  in  catarrhal  and  dysen- 
teric affections.  At  present  it  is  employed  only  in  plasters,  and  seldom  even  for  that  pur- 
pose in  the  United  States.  It  is  sometimes  used  in  fumigation. 

LAC.  A resinous  substance  obtained  from  several  trees  growing  in  the  East  Indies, 
particularly  from  Croton  lacciferum,  and  two  species  of  Ficus,  F.  religiosa  and  F.  Indica. 
It  is  found  in  the  form  of  a crust  surrounding  the  twigs  or  extreme  branches,  and  is 
generally  supposed  to  be  an  exudation  from  the  bark,  owing  to  the  puncture  of  an  insect 
belonging  to  the  genus  Coccus,  and  denominated  C.  Lacca.  By  some  it  is  thought  to  be  an 
exudation  from  the  bodies  of  the  insects  themselves,  which  collect  in  great  numbers  upon 
the  twigs,  and  are  embedded  in  the  concreted  juice,  through  which  the  young  insects  cat 
a passage  and  escape.  Several  varieties  are  known  in  commerce.  The  most  common  are 
slid:  lac,  seed  lac,  and  shell  lac. 

Slick  lac  is  the  resin  as  taken  from  the  tree,  still  encrusting  the  small  twigs  around  which 
it  originally  concreted.  It  is  of  a deep  reddish-brown  colour,  of  a shining  fracture,  trans- 
lucent at  the  edges,  inodorous,  and  of  an  astringent,  slightly  bitterish  taste.  Its  external 
surface  is  perforated  with  numerous  minute  pores,  as  if  made  by  a needle : and  when  broken 
it  exhibits  many  oblong  cells,  often  containing  the  dead  insect.  IVken  chewed  it  colours 
the  saliva  beautifully  red,  and,  when  burnt,  diffuses  a strong  agreeable  odour.  It  is  in  great 
measure  soluble  in  alcohol. 

Seed  lac  consists  of  minute  irregular  fragments,  broken  from  the  twigs,  and  partially 
exhausted  by  water.  It  is  of  a light  or  dark-brown  colour,  inclining  to  red  or  yellow, 
feebly  shining,  almost  tasteless,  and  capable  of  imparting  to  water  less  colour  than  the 
stick  lac,  sometimes  scarcely  colouring  it  at  all.  It  is  occasionally  mixed  with  small  frag- 
ments of  the  twigs. 

Shell  lac  is  prepared  by  melting  the  slick  or  seed  lac  previously  deprived  of  its  soluble 


1353 


Appendix. 

colouring  matter,  straining  it,  and  pouring  it  upon  a flat  smooth  surface  to  harden.  It  is 
in  thin  fragments  of  various  sizes,  from  half  a line  to  a line  thick,  often  somewhat  curved, 
of  a lighter  or  .darker  brown  colour  inclining  more  or  less  to  red  or  yellow,  shining,  more 
or  less  transparent,  hard  and  brittle,  inodorous  and  insipid,  insoluble  in  water,  but  easily 
and  almost  entirely  soluble  in  alcohol,  especially  with  the  aid  of  heat. 

A variety  of  lac  is  mentioned  by  writers  in  the  form  of  cakes,  called  cake  or  lump  lac 
[lacca  in  placentis ) ; but  this  is  at  present  rare  in  commerce. 

According  to  John,  lac  consists  of  resin,  colouring  matter,  a peculiar  principle  insoluble 
in  alcohol,  ether,  or  water,  called  laccin,  a little  wax,  and  various  saline  matters  in  small 
proportion.  The  resin,  according  to  Unverdorben,  consists  of  several  distinct  resinous 
principles  differing  in  their  solubility  in  alcohol  and  ether.  The  laccin  is  nearly  or  quite 
wanting  in  the  shell  lac,  which  also  contains  scarcely  any  of  the  colouring  principle.  Mr. 
Hatchett  found  in  stick  lac  68  per  cent,  of  resin  and  10  of  colouring  matter  ; in  seed  lac 
88-5  per  cent,  of  resin,  and  2-5  of  colouring  matter;  in  shell  lac  90-9  per  cent,  of  resin  and 
0-5  of  colouring  matter.  The  other  constituents,  according  to  this  chemist,  are  wax  and 
gluten,  besides  foreign  matters. 

Lac  in  its  crude  state  is  slightly  astringent,  and  was  formerly  used  in  medicine.  At 
present  it  is  not  employed.  Shell  lac  is  wholly  inert.  Stick  lac  and  seed  lac  are  used 
on  account  of  the  colouring  principle  which  they  contain.  Shell  lac,  as  well  as  the  other 
varieties  deprived  of  their  colouring  matter,  is  applied  to  numerous  purposes  in  the  arts. 
It  is  the  chief  constituent  of  sealing  wax.  The  best  red  sealing  wax  is  made  by  melting 
together,  with  a very  gentle  heat,  48  parts  of  shell  lac,  19  of  Venice  turpentine,  and  1 of 
balsam  of  Peru,  and  mixing  with  the  melted  mass  32  parts  of  finely  powdered  cinnabar. 
But  common  resin  is  often  substituted  in  part  for  the  lac,  and  a mixture  of  red  lead  and 
chalk  for  the  cinnabar.  The  best  black  sealing  ivax  consists  of  60  parts  of  lac,  10  of  tur- 
pentine, and  30  of  levigated  bone  black ; the  best  yellow  sealing  wax,  of  60  parts  of  lac,  12  of 
turpentine,  and  24  of  chromate  of  lead.  ( Berzelius .)  'Lac  is  also  used  as  a varnish,  and 
forms  an  excellent  cement  for  broken  porcelain  and  earthenware.  It  has  been  highly  re- 
commended as  an  adhesive  material  for  the  dressing  of  wounds,  ulcers,  &c.  It  is  prepared 
for  use  by  dissolving,  with  the  aid  of  a gentle  heat,  in  alcohol  contained  in  a glass  bottle, 
sufficient  lac  to  give  it  a gelatinous  consistence,  and  then  closing  the  bottle.  It  is  used 
by  simply  spreading  it  on  the  bandages. 

LACTATE  OF  IRON.  Ferri  Lactas.  Lactate  of  Protoxide  of  Iron.  MM.  Gdlis  and 
Conte  introduced  this  preparation  to  the  notice  of  the  profession.  As  it  was  admitted  by 
many  physiologists,  that  lactic  acid  was  the  cause  of  the  acidity  of  the  gastric  juice,  and  the 
fact  seemed  to  be  proved  by  MM.  Bernard  and  Barreswil,  MM.  Gtilis  and  Conte  concluded 
that  the  ordinary  ferruginous  preparations,  when  efficacious,  are  dissolved  by  this  acid  in 
the  stomach,  and  were  led  to  suppose  that  lactate  of  iron,  ready  formed,  might  prove  a 
valuable  remedy.  Their  anticipations  appear  to  have  been  realized ; for  several  French 
physicians  of  note,  among  whom  were  MM.  Fouquier,  Bally,  and  Bouillaud,  the  committee 
appointed  on  their  memoir  by  the  French  Academy  of  Medicine,  reported  favourably  in 
relation  to  its  therapeutic  powers. 

M.  Louradour  recommends  the  following  process  for  obtaining  lactate  of  iron.  Fer- 
ment whey  by  keeping  it  at  a temperature  between  70°  and  80°,  whereby  it  becomes 
charged  with  a considerable  quantity  of  lactic  acid.  Evaporate  the  liquor  to  a third  of 
its  bulk,  decant  and  filter,  and  then  saturate  with  milk  of  lime.  This  converts  the  lactic 
acid  into  lactate  of  lime,  remaining  in  solution,  and  throws  down  a precipitate,  con- 
sisting principally  of  phosphate  of  lime  The  liquor  is  filtered  again,  and  precipitated 
by  oxalic  acid,  which  throws  down  the  lime  as  oxalate  of  lime,  and  sets  free  the  lactic 
acid.  By  a new  filtration  a solution  of  lactic  acid  is  obtained,  containing  lactin  (sugar  of 
milk]  and  certain  salts,  but  pure  enough  for  conversion  into  lactate  of  iron.  For  this 
purpose  iron  filings  are  digested  with  it  on  a sand-bath  at  a gentle  heat.  At  the  end  of 
six  or  seven  hours,  the  liquor  is  made  to  boil;  after  which  it  is  filtered,  concentrated,  and 
allowed  to  cool  and  crystallize.  The  lactin  and  foreign  salts  remain  in  the  mother-water. 
The  crystals  are  drained  in  a funnel,  washed  with  alcohol,  dried  rapidly,  and  then  trans- 
ferred to  a bottle  which  must  be  well  stopped.  A better  process  for  preparing  lactate  of 
lime,  preparatory  to  its  conversion  into  lactic  acid  and  lactate  of  iron,  is  that  of  M.  Gobley, 
as  follows. — Add  to  2 pints  of  skim-milk,  diluted  with  twice  its  bulk  of  water,  and  con- 
tained in  an  earthen  pan,  64  drachms  of  powdered  lactin,  and  51  drachms  of  powdered 
chalk.  Allow  the  whole  to  ferment  for  eleven  or  twelve  days,  at  a temperature  of  from 
80°  to  90°,  supplying  water  as  it  evaporates.  Transfer  the  liquor  to  a capsule,  heat  it 
gradually  to  boiling,  and  stir  it  constantly.  Boil  for  a quarter  of  an  hour  to  coagulate 
casein,  allow  the  insoluble  matters  to  subside,  and  strain  the  liquid  through  flannel.  The 
clear  liquid  is  a solution  of  lactate  of  lime.  In  this  process  the  casein  of  the  milk,  act- 
ing as  a ferment,  converts  not  only  the  lactin  of  the  milk,  but  the  lactin  added,  into  laotio 


1354  Appendix. 

acid ; a result  -which  would  not  take  place  were  it  not  for  the  presence  of  the  chalk,  which 
saturates  the  lactic  acid  as  it  is  formed,  and  prevents  it  from  uniting  with  the  casein, 
whereby  the  power  of  the  latter  as  a ferment  would  be  destroyed.  (Journ.  de  Pharm.,  3e 
ser.,  vi,  54.)  Lactate  of  lime  may  be  converted  into  lactate  of  iron  more  expeditiously 
than  bj1-  the  method  of  M.  Louradour  by  the  following  process  of  M.  Lepage.  Dissolve 
100  parts  of  lactate  of  lime,  obtained  by  .\1.  Gobley’s  process,  in  500  parts  of  boiling 
water;  and  68  parts  of  pure  crystallized  sulphate  of  protoxide  of  iron  in  500  parts  of  cold 
distilled  water.  Mix  the  filtered  solutions  in  a matrass,  acidulate  slightly  with  lactic  acid, 
and  heat  in  a water  bath,  stirring  frequently  until  the  double  decomposition  is  com- 
pleted. Then  filter  to  separate  the  sulphate  of  lime,  and  evaporate  rapidly  to  one-half, 
either  in  an  iron  vessel,  or  in  a porcelain  capsule  containing  a few  turnings  of  iron.  Filter 
again,  and  set  aside  to  crystallize;  and,  having  washed  the  crystals  in  a funnel  with  a little 
alcohol,  dry  them  on  bibulous  paper.  [Journ.  de  Pharm.,  3e  ser.,  ix.  272.)  In  relation  to 
the  precautions  to  be  observed  in  preparing  this  lactate,  so  as  to  prevent  the  partial  ses- 
quroxidation  of  the  iron,  see  the  paper  of  M.  C.  J.  Thirault  in  the  Journ.  deTharm.,  copied 
into  the  Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.  for  Nov.,  185-3,  p.  556. 

Lactate  of  iron  is  in  white  crystalline  plates,  undergoing  little  change  in  the  air.  When 
in  the  form  of  a yellowish  or  greenish-white  powder  it  is  impure.  It  is  but  sparingly  solu- 
ble in  water,  requiring  forty  parts  of  boiling  water  to  dissolve  it.  It  has  an  acid  reaction, 
and  possesses  a mild  ferruginous  taste.  The  aqueous  solution  quickly  becomes  yellow,  in 
consequence  of  the  iron  passing  to  a higher  state  of  oxidation.  M.  Louradour  has  ob- 
served several  samples  of  this  lactate,  variously  adulterated ; as  with  effloresced  sulpha’te  of 
iron,  starch,  and  lactin ; the  sophistication  being  concealed  by  the  sale  of  the  salt  in  powder. 
These  impurities  may  be  detected  by  appropriate  reagents;  but  M.  Louradour  recommends, 
as  a simpler  way  of  avoiding  them,  the  rejection  of  the  salt  when  not  in  crystalline  plates. 

Medical  Properties.  Lactate  of  iron  has  the  general  medical  properties  of  the  ferruginous 
preparations.  It  has  a marked  effect  in  increasing  the  appetite.  The  disease  in  which  it 
was  principally  tried  in  Paris  was  chlorosis,  with  or  without  amenorrkoea;  and  in  this  dis- 
ease, Andral,  Fouquier,  Bouillaud,  and  others  obtained  very  favourable  results.  The  dose 
is  one  or  two  grains,  repeated  at  intervals  and  gradually  increased.  As  much  as  12  or 
even  20  grains  may  be  given  in  the  course  of  the  day.  It  may  be  administered  in  lozenge, 
pill,  or  syrup.  The  lozenge  may  be  made  of  one  grain  of  the  lactate  to  twelve  of  sugar; 
and  the  pill,  of  one  grain  of  the  salt,  with  an  equal  weight  of  some  inert  powder  free  from 
astringent  matter,  and  sufficient  honey.  The  following  is  the  formula  for  a syrup  proposed 
by  M.  Cap,  expressed  in  the  nearest  weights  and  measures  used  in  this  country.  Take 
of  lactate  of  iron  a drachm;  white  sugar  twelve  ounces  and  a half;  boiling  distilled  water 
six  fluidounces  and  a half.  Piub  the  salt  to  powder  with  half  an  ounce  of  the  sugar:  and 
dissolve  the  mixture  quickly  in  the  boiling  water.  Pour  the  solution  into  a matrass 
placed  on  a sand-bath,  and  add  to  it  the  rest  of  the  sugar  in  small  pieces.  When  the  sugar 
is  dissolved,  filter  the  syrup,  and,  as  soon  as  it  is  cold,  transfer  it  to  bottles  which  must  be 
well  stopped.  This  syrup  has  a very  light  amber  colour,  and  contains  about  four  grains 
of  the  salt  to  the  fluidounce.  The  dose  is  from  two  to  four  fluidrachms.  Bread,  called 
chalybeate  bread,  containing  lactate  of  iron  in  the  proportion  of  about  a grain  to  the 
ounce,  has  been  used  with  advantage  by  chlorotic  patients  in  one  of  the  hospitals  of  Paris. 
The  bread  is  not  injured  in  taste  or  quality.  Dr.  Brainard,  of  Chicago,  has  treated,  with 
success,  a large  erectile  tumour  of  the  orbit,  by  infiltrating  it  by  injection  with  a fluidrachm 
of  a solution  of  lactate  of  iron,  containing  eight  grains  of  the  salt.  (See  Ranking' s Ab- 
stract, xviii.  253.) 

LACTIC  ACID.  Acidum  Lacticum.  This  acid  was  discovered  by  Scheele.  It  is  interest- 
ing as  having  been  found  in  a number  of  the  secretions,  including  the  healthy  gastric 
juice,  in  -which  its  presence  has  been  incontestably  proved  to  exist  by  Bernard  and  Barres- 
wil.  It  is  a product  of  the  viscous  or  lactic  fermentation  of  rice-water,  and  of  the  juices 
of  the  beet,  turnip,  and  carrot.  Indeed,  it  is  formed  whenever  sugar,  in  solution,  of  what- 
ever kind,  is  placed  in  contact  with  an  alkaline  or  earthy  carbonate,  in  presence  of  a ferment, 
as,  for  example,  the  casein  of  milk.  ( Pelouze .)  It  may  be  conveniently  obtained  from  the 
solution  of  impure  lactic  acid,  mentioned  in  the  last  article,  by  concentrating  it  to  a syrupy 
consistence,  and  treating  it  with  alcohol,  which  dissolves  the  acid  and  precipitates  the 
lactin  and  foreign  salts.  The  solution  is  filtered,  and  the  lactic  acid  is  obtained  pure  by 
distilling  oft'  the  alcohol.  It  is  a colourless  syrupy  liquid,  having  a very  sour  taste,  and  tire 
sp.gr.  1-215.  When  heated  to  480°,  the  greater  part  of  it  is  converted  into  a new  body 
called  concrete  lactic  acid,  or  lactide.  Lactic  acid  coagulates  albumen,  and  dissolves  a 
large  quantity  of  freshly  precipitated  phosphate  of  lime,  a property  which,  doubtless, 
renders  it  of  importance  in  the  animal  economy.  The  formula  of  the  hydrated  acid  is 
C.sff506-f-  HO.  The  acid  obtained  from  the  fluids  of  the  flesh  of  animals  by  Liebig,  was 
found  to  have  the  same  per  ceutage  composition  as  lactic  acid,  but  still  to  differ  from  it 


Appendix.  1355 

in  the  proportion  of  water  i-n  the  zinc  and  lime  salts.  Dr.  W.  Heintz  considers  the  acid 
from,  flesh  to  be  isomeric  with  lactic  acid,  and  proposes  to  call  it  paralactic  acid.  ( Che.m . 
Gaz.,  Mar.  1,  1849.)  The  lactic  acid  of  the  stomach  is  ordinary  lactic  acid.  (Heintz, 
Ibid.,  Nov.  1,  1849.) 

. Lactic  acid  was  proposed  by  Magendie  on  theoretical  grounds  as  a remedy  in  certain 
forms  of  dyspepsia,  and  for  the  removal  of  phosphatic  deposits  in  the  urine.  It  is  most 
conveniently  given  in  solution  sweetened  with  sugar,  prepared  like  lemonade.  From  one 
to  three  drachms  may  be  taken  in  the  course  of  the  day. 

i LAKES.  These  are  compounds  of  vegetable  or  animal  colouring  principles  with  alumina 
or  other  metallic  oxides,  and  are  usually  obtained  by  adding  alum,  or  perchloride  of  tin, 
to  the  solution  of  the  colouring  matter  in  water,  and  precipitating  by  means  of  an  alkali. 
The  alumina  or  oxide  of  tin  unites  with  the  colouring  matter  at  the  moment  of  separation, 
and  forms  an  insoluble  compound.  Lakes  are  obtained  in  this  way  from  cochineal,  mad- 
der, Brazil  wood,  seed  lac,  French  berries,  &c.  They  are  used  in  painting. 

LEDUM  PALUSTRE.  Marsh  Tea.  Rosmarinus  sylvestris.  A small  evergreen  shrub, 
growing  in  swamps  and  other  wet  places,  in  the  northern  parts  of  Europe,  Asia,  and 
America,  and  in  the  mountainous  regions  of  more  southern  latitudes.  The  leaves  have 
a balsamic  odour,  and  an  aromatic,  camphorous,  bitter  taste;  and  contain,  among  other 
ingredients^  volatile  oil  and  tannin.  They  are  thought  to  possess  narcotic  properties,  and 
have  been  employed  in  exanthematous  diseases  to  allay  irritation,  in  hooping  cough,  in 
dysentery,  and  in  various  cutaneous  affections,  particularly  leprosy  and  scabies.  In  com- 
plaints of  the  skin,  they  are  used  both  internally  and  externally  in  the  form  of  decoction. 
When  placed  among  clothes,  they  are  said  to  prevent  the  attacks  of  moths.  In  Germany 
they  are  sometimes  substituted  for  hops  in  the  preparation  of  beer.  Ledum  latifolium,  or 
Labrador  tea,  which  is  a larger  plant  than  the  preceding,  is  a native  of  North  America, 
growing  in  damp  places  in  Canada  and  the  northern  parts  of  the  United  States.  The 
leaves  have  an  agreeable  odour  and  taste,  and  are  esteemed  pectoral  and  tonic.  They 
are  said  to  have  been  used  as  a substitute  for  tea  during  the  war  of  independence. 

LEEK.  Porrum.  The  bulb  of  Allium  Porrum.  The  leek  is  a biennial  bulbous  plant, 
growing  wild  in  Switzerland,  and  cultivated  in  the  gardens  of  Europe  and  this  country 
for  culinary  purposes.  All  parts  of  it  have  an  offensive  pungent  odour,  and  an  acrid 
taste,  dependent  on  an  essential  oil,  which  is  in  a great  measure  dissipated  by  decoction, 
and  may  be  obtained  separate  by  distillation.  The  bulb,  which  is  the  medicinal  portion, 
consists  of  concentric  layers,  like  the  onion,  which  it  resembles  in  medical  properties, 
though  somewhat  milder.  It  is  gently  stimulant,  with  a peculiar  direction  to  the  kidneys. 
The  expressed  juice  may  be  given  in  the  dose  of  a fluidrachm,  mixed  with  syrup.  This 
species  of  Allium  is  not  used  medicinally  in  the  United  States. 

LEPTANDRA  YIRGINICA.  Nuttall.  Veronica  Virginica.  Linn.  Culver's  Physic. 
This  is  an  indigenous  perennial  plant,  with  an  herbaceous  stem  three  or  four  feet  high, 
furnished  with  leaves  in  whorls,  and  terminating  in  a long  spike  of  white  flowers.  A 
variety  was  seen  by  Pursh  with  purple  flowers.  This  was  described  and  figured  as  a 
distinct  species  by  Rafinesque,  under  the  title  of  L.  purpurea.  The  plant  growTs  through- 
out the  United  States,  affecting  particularly  calcareous  hills  and  sunny  exposures,  and 
flowering  in  August.  The  root,  which  is  the  part  used,  is  bitter  and  nauseous,  and  yields 
its  active  properties  to  boiling  water.  When  recent  it  is  said  to  act  violently  as  a cathartic, 
and  sometimes  as  an  emetic.  In  the  dried  state  it  is  more  uncertain.  The  dose  of  the 
powder  is  from  twenty  grains  to  a drachm.  It  was  formerly  recognised  in  the  U.  S. 
Pharmacopoeia,  but  was  omitted  in  the  edition  of  1840. 

LIATRIS  SPICATA.  Gay-feather.  Button  SnaTceroot.  An  indigenous  perennial  plant, 
growing  in  natural  meadows  and  moist  grounds  throughout  the  Middle  and  Southern 
States.  It  has  a tuberous  root,  and  an  erect  annual  stem,  which  terminates  in  a spike  of 
beautiful,  purple,  compound  flowers,  which  appear  in  August.  The  root  is  said  by  Sehoepf 
to  have  a terebinthinate  odour,  and  a warm,  bitterish,  terebinthinate  taste;  to  be  pos- 
sessed of  diuretic  properties;  and  to  be  useful  in  gonorrhoea  and  sorethroat,  being  em- 
ployed internally  in  the  shape  of  decoction  in  the  former  complaint,  and  as  a gargle  in 
the  latter.  Pursh  informs  us  that  L.  scariosa  and  L.  squarrosa  are  known  in  Virginia, 
Kentucky,  and  the  Carolinas,  by  the  name  of  rattlesnake' s master ; and  that  their  roots 
are  employed  to  cure  the  bite  of  the  rattlesnake,  being  bruised  and  applied  directly  to 
the  wound,  while  their  decoction  in  milk  is  taken  internally.  According  to  Dr.  William 
P.  C-.  Barton,  all  the  tuberous  rooted  species  of  Liatris  are  active  plants,  and  appear  to 
be  diuretic. 

LIGUSTICUM  LEVISTICUM.  Lovage.  An  umbelliferous  plant,  growing  wild  in  the 
South  of  Europe,  and  cultivated  in  gardens.  The  whole  plant  has  a strong,  sweetish, 


1356  Appendix. 

aromatic  odour,  and  a warm  pungent  taste.  When  wounded  it  emits  a yellow  opaque 
juice,  which  concretes  into  a brownish  resinous  substance,  not  unlike  opopanax.  The 
roots,  stem,  leaves,  and  seeds  have  all  been  employed ; but  the  last  have  the  aromatic 
properties  of  the  plant  in  the  highest  degree.  They  are  small,  ovate  oblong,  somewhat 
flattened,  curved,  strongly  ribbed,  and  of  a yellowish-brown  colour.  The  medical  pro- 
perties of  lovage  are  closely  analogous  to  those  of  angelica.  It  is  a stimulant  aromatic, 
and  has  been  employed  as  a carminative,  diaphoretic,  and  emmenagogue.  The  best  form 
for  administration  is  that  of  infusion. 

LIGUSTRUM  VULGARE.  Privet.  A shrub  from  four  to  ten  feet  in  height,  growing 
wild  both  in  Europe  and  the  United  States,  usually  in  hedges  and  by  the  roadside.  The 
leaves  which  have  an  astringent,  bitter  taste,  and  the  flowers,  which  are  small,  snow-white, 
and  of  an  agreeable  odour,  have  been  used,  in  the  form  of  decoction,  in  soretbroat,  and 
aphthous  and  scorbutic  ulceration  of  the  mouth.  The  berries  are  black,  have  a sweetish, 
bitter  taste,  and  are  said  to  possess  purgative  properties,  and  to  colour  the  urine  brown. 
They  are  sometimes  used  for  dyeing.  The  bark  was  analyzed  by  M.  G.  Potex,  who  found 
a peculiar  substance  which  he  denominated  ligustrin,  besides  mannite,  sugar,  muco-sac- 
charine  matter,  starch,  chlorophylle,  bitter  extractive,  bitter  resin,  tannin,  albumen,  and 
salts.  (Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xii.  347.) 

L1LIUM  CANDIDUM.  Common  White  Lily.  This  well-known  plant  is  a native  of 
Syria  and  Asia  Minor,  but  has  been  long  cultivated  in  gardens.  The  bulb,  which  consists 
of  imbricated  fleshy  scales,  is  without  odour,  but  has  a peculiar,  disagreeable,  somewhat 
bitter,  and  mucilagiuous  taste.  It  contains  much  mucilage,  and  a small  proportion  of  an 
acrid  principle,  which  is  dissipated  or  destroyed  by  "roasting  or  boiling.  In  the  recent 
state  it  is  said  to  have  been  employed  with  advantage  in  dropsy.  Boiled  with  water  or 
milk  it  forms  a good  emollient  cataplasm,  more  used  in  popular  than  in  regular  practice. 
The  flowers  have  an  agreeable  odour,  which  they  impart  to  oil  or  lard:  and  an  ointment 
or  liniment  is  sometimes  prepared  from  them,  and  used  as  a soothing  application  in  ex- 
ternal inflammations. 

LIQUIDAMBAR  STYRACIFLUA.  Sweet-gum.  An  indigenous  tree,  growing  in  dif- 
ferent parts  of  the  United  States  from  New  England  to  Louisiana,  and  flourishing  also 
in  Mexico,  where,  as  well  as  in  our  Southern  States,  it  sometimes  attains  a great  magni- 
tude. In  warm  latitudes  a balsamic  juice  flows  from  its  trunk  when  wounded.  This  has 
attracted  some  attention  in  Europe,  where  it  is  known  by  the  name  of  liquidamber.  or 
copalm  balsam,  and  is  sometimes,  though  erroneously,  called  liquid  storax.  It  is  not  yielded 
by  the  trees  which  grow  in  the  Middle  States,  and  is  obtained  from  Mexico  and  Louisiana. 
It  is  a liquid  of  the  consistence  of  thin  honey,  more  or  less  transparent,  of  a yellowish 
colour,  of  a peculiar,  agreeable,  balsamic  odour,  and  a bitter,  warm,  and  acrid  taste.  By 
cold  it  becomes  thicker  and  less  transparent.  It  concretes  also  by  time,  assuming  a 
darker  colour.  According  to  M.  Bonastre,  it  contains  a colourless  volatile  oil,  a semi- 
concrete substance  which  rises  in  distillation  and  is  separated  from  the  water  by  ether,  a 
minute  proportion  of  benzoic  acid,  a yellow  colouring  substance,  an  oleo-resin,  and  a pe- 
culiar principle,  insoluble  in  water  and  cold  alcohol,  for  which  M.  Bonastre  proposes  the 
name  of  styracine.  The  proportion  of  benzoic  acid  is  greatly  increased  by  time.  Mr. 
Hodgson  obtained  from  a specimen  which  he  examined  4 2 per  cent.  (Journ.  of  the  Phil. 
Col.  of  Pliarm.,  vi.  190.)  - 

Another  product  is  said  to  be  obtained  from  the  same  tree  by  boiling  the  young  branches 
in  water,  and  skimming  off  the  fluid  which  rises  to  the  surface.  It  is  of  a thicker  con- 
sistence and  darker  colour  than  the  preceding,  is  nearly  opaque,  and  abounds  in  impu- 
rities. This  also  has  been  confounded  with  liquid  storax,  which  it  resembles  in  proper- 
ties, though  derived  from  a different  source. 

Liquidamber  may  be  employed  for  the  same  purpose  as  storax,  but  is  very  seldom 
used,  and  is  almost  unknown  in  the  shops  of  the  United  States. 

Liquidambar  AUingia  is  said  to  exude  a balsam  in  the  Tennasserim  Provinces  of 
India,  bearing  some  resemblance  to  liquid  storax.  (See  Pharm.  Journ.  and  Trans.,  viii. 
243.) 

LITHIA.  Protoxide  of  Lithium.  This  is  the  protoxide  of  a metallic  radical  called 
lithium,  and  ranks  with  potassa  and  soda  as  one  of  the  fixed  alkalies.  It  is  a constituent 
of  several  minerals  (petalite,  spodumene,  lepidolite,  &c.),  and  has  been  found  in  a number 
of  the  mineral  waters  of  Europe,  principally  in  the  state  of  carbonate  or  bicarbonate. 
Carbonate  of  lithia  in  solution  in  water  has  been  proposed  by  Mr.  A.  Ire  as  a solvent  for 
uric  acid  calculi,  injected  into  the  bladder.  By  experiments  made  out  of  the  body,  con- 
ducted at  the  heat  of  the  blood,  it  was  found  that  a solution  of  this  salt  was  a better 
solvent  of  uric  acid  than  either  borax  or  the  carbonates  of  potassa  and  soda.  It  is  a 
white  powder,  soluble  in  100  parts  cf  cold  water,  but  insoluble  in  alcohol.  Its  effects 


Appendix.  1357 

■when  exhibited  by  the  stomach  have  not  been  tried;  but  it  is  supposed  that  it  might 
prove  useful  in  the  uric  acid  diathesis.  According  to  Aschenbrenner  it  may  be  given  in 
doses  of  from  five  to  ten  grains  daily. 

LITHOSPERMUM  OFFICINALE.  Gromwell.  Milium  Solis.  A European  perennial, 
the  seeds  of  which  are  ovate,  of  a grayish-white  or  pearl  colour,  shining,  rather  larger  than 
millet  seeds,  and  of  a stony  hardness,  from  which  the  generic  name  of  the  plant  originated. 
From  an  opinion  formerly  prevalent,  that  nature  indicates  remedies  adapted  to  certain 
diseases  by  some  resemblance  between  the  remedy  and  the  character  of  the  complaint  or 
of  the  part  affected,  the  seeds  of  this  plant  were  applied  to  the  treatment  of  calculous 
disorders ; and  they  retained  their  ground  in  the  estimation  of  physicians  as  a diuretic, 
useful  in  complaints  of  the  urinary  passages,  long  after  the  fanciful  notion  in  which  their 
use  originated  had  been  abandoned.  But  they  are  at  present  considered  nearly  inert,  and 
are  not  employed. 

LONICERA  CAPRIFOLTUM.  Honeysuckle.  This  ornament  of  our  gardens  is  a native 
of  the  South  of  Europe.  Its  sweet-scented  flowers  are  sometimes  used  in  perfumery ; and 
a syrup  prepared  from  them,  has  been  given  in  asthma  and  other  pectoral  affections.  The 
expressed  juioe  of  the  plant  has  been  recommended  as  a remedy  for  the  stings  of  bees, 
being  rubbed  directly  on  the  injured  spot.  The  fruit  of  all  the  species  of  Lonicera  is  said 
to  be  emetic  and  cathartic.  ( Meral  et  De  Lens,  Diet,  de  Mat.  Med.,  iv.  144.) 

LYCOPODIUM  CLAVATUM.  Club-moss.  The  capsules  of  this  moss,  and  of  others 
belonging  to  the  same  genus,  contain  a fine  dust  or  powder,  which  is  collected  in  Switzer- 
land and  Germany7,  and  used  in  the  shops  of  Europe  under  the  name  of  lycopodium,  or 
vegetable  sulphur.  This  powder  is  considered  by  some  as  the  pollen  of  the  plant,  by  others 
as  the  seed.  It  is  extremely  fine,  very  light,  of  a delicate  yellow  colour,  inodorous  and 
tasteless,  and  exceedingly  inflammable,  so  much  so  that  it  takes  fire  like  gunpowder  when 
thrown  upon  a burning  body7.  It  is  said  to  be  often  adulterated  with  the  pollen  of  the 
pines  and  firs,  and  sometimes  with  talc  and  starch.  In  medicine,  it  is  used  as  an  ab- 
sorbent application  to  excoriated  surfaces,  especially  those  which  occur  in  the  folds  of  the 
skin  in  infants.  In  pharmacy,  it  answers  the  purpose  of  facilitating  the  rolling  of  the  pilular 
mass,  and  of  preventing  the  adhesion  of  the  pills  when  formed.  It  is  not  much  used  in 
this  country.  The  moss  itself  has  been  esteemed  diuretic,  antispasmodic,  &c.  ; and  has 
been  employed  in  the  form  of  decoction,  in  rheumatism,  epilepsy,  and  complaints  of  the 
lungs  and  kidneys : but  it  has  fallen  into  discredit. 

LYTHRUM  SALICARIA.  lyoosestrife.  Purple  Willow-herb.  This  is  an  elegant  peren- 
nial plant,  two  or  three  feet  high,  with  an  erect,  quadrangular,  hexagonal,  downy,  herbace- 
ous stem,  bearing  opposite,  ternate,  sessile,  lanceolate  leaves,  cordate  at  the  base,  and 
dow^iy  on  the  under  surface  and  at  the  margin.  The  flowers  are  axillary,  forming  a leafy 
verticillate  spike.  The  calyx  is  red,  with  unequal  segments,  the  petals  purple  and  un- 
dulate, the  fruit  a small  elliptical  capsule.  The  plant  grows  wild  in  all  parts  of  Europe, 
and  is  found  in  New  England  and  Canada.  It  prefers  meadows,  swamps,  and  the  banks 
of  streams,  which  it  adorns  in  July  and  August  with  its  showy  purple  flowers.  The 
whole  herbaceous  part  is  medicinal,  and  is  dried  for  use.  In  this  state  it  is  inodorous, 
and  has  an  herbaceous  somewhat  astriugent  taste.  It  renders  boiling  water  very  muci- 
laginous, and  its  decoction  is  blackened  by  the  sulphate  of  iron.  Loosestrife  is  demulcent 
and  astringent,  and  may  be  advantageously  given  in  diarrhoea  and  chronic  dysentery, 
after  due  preparation  by7  evacuating  treatment.  It  has  long  been  used  in  Ireland  in 
these  complaints,  and  is  said  to  be  a popular  remedy  in  Sweden.  The  dose  of  the  pow- 
dered herb  is  about  a drachm  two  or  three  times  a day.  A decoction  of  the  root,  prepared 
by  boiling  an  ounce  in  a pint  of  water,  may  be  given  in  the  dose  of  two  fluidounces. 

MALAMBO  or  MATIAS  BARK.  A bark  received  from  S.  America  by  Dr.  Alexander 
Ure,  under  the  name  of  m alias  bark,  was  found  to  have  the  characters  of  the  malambo 
bark,  which  is  held  in  high  esteem  in  New  Granada  where  it  is  produced,  and  has  been 
long  kuown  to  the  French  pharmacologists.  It  is  described  by  Dr.  Ure  as  being  three  or 
four  lines  thick,  brittle  though  somewhat  fibrous,  of  a brown  colour,  and  covered  with  an 
ash-coloured  tuberculous  epidermis.  It  has  an  aromatic  odour,  and  a bitter  pungent  taste, 
and  yields  these  properties  to  water  and  alcohol.  Its  active  ingredients  appear  to  be  a 
volatile  oil,  and  a bitter  extractive  matter.  According  to  Dr.  Mackay,  it  has  been  used 
successfully  in  intermittents,  convalescence  from  continued  fever,  hemiernnia,  dyspepsia, 
and  other  cases  in  which  tonic  remedies  are  useful,  and  also  as  an  adjuvant  to  diuretics. 
It  is  probably  nothing  more  than  an  aromatic  tonic.  Dr.  Ure  has  often  administered  it 
with  good  effect  as  a substitute  for  Peruvian  bark.  ( Pharm . Journ.  and  Trans.,  iii.  169.) 

MANDRAGORA  OFFICINALIS.  Airopa  Mandragora.  Linn.  Mandrake.  Mandragora . 
A perennial  European  plant,  with  spindle-shaped  root,  which  is  often  forked  beneath,  and 


1358  Appendix. 

is  therefore  compared,  in  shape,  to  the  human  figure.  In  former  times  this  root  was 
supposed  to  possess  magical  virtues,  and  was  used  as  an  amulet  to  promote  fecundity, 
&c. ; and  the  superstition  is  still  cherished  by  the  vulgar  in  some  parts  of  Europe.  The 
plant  is  a poisonous  narcotic,  somewhat  similar  in  its  properties  to  belladonna,  to  which 
it  is  botanically  allied.  It  was  much  used  by  the  ancients  with  a view  to  its  narcotic 
effects ; and  the  root  has  been  recommended  by  some  eminent  modern  physicians,  as  an 
external  application  to  scrofulous,  scirrhous,  and  syphilitic  tumours  It  is  said  to  have 
been  used  by  the  ancients  as  an  anaesthetic  agent  before  surgical  operations.  (Journ.  de 
Pharm.  et  de  Chim.  xv.  290.)  It  is  unknown  as  a remedy  in  the  United  States. 

MANGANESE.  Manganesium.  This  metal  and  its  compounds  with  oxygen  ithree  re- 
gular oxides  and  two  acids)  have  been  already  described.  See  Manganesii  Oxidum.  Several 
of  its  combinations  have  been  proposed  as  medicines,  and  the  therapeutic  trials,  thus  far 
made  with  its  preparations,  place  them  alongside  of  those  of  iron  as  tonic  and  anti-anemic 
remedies.  It  will  be  recollected  that  manganese  as  well  as  iron  is  always  present,  in 
minute  proportion,  in  healthy  blood;  and  it  is  probable  that  the  former  is  as  necessary 
to  its  normal  constitution  as  the  latter.  According  to  an  analysis  by  M.  Burin-Dubuisson, 
the  amount  of  the  manganese  in  the  blood  corpuscles  is  about  one-twentieth  that  of 
the  iron.  Besides,  manganese  has  been  detected  in  the  gastric  juice,  the  bile,  the  brain, 
the  hair,  and  in  healthy  pus.  It  is  stated  as  an  advantage  of  the  preparations  of  man- 
ganese, that  they  may  be  prescribed  in  conjunction  with  tannic  acid  and  the  various 
astringent  medicines,  which  are  all  incompatible  with  the  preparations  of  iron.  < if  the 
oxides  of  manganese,  the  protoxide  alone  is  strongly  salifiable ; and  this  is  the  oxide  present 
in  the  ordinary  salts  of  the  metal.  It  may  be  obtained  by  precipitation  as  a white  hydrate 
from  any  of  the  soluble  salts  of  manganese  by  the  addition  of  a caustic  alkali.  This, 
according  to  M.  Hannon,  is  a good  medicinal  preparation  ; but  a strong  objection  to  it  is 
that  it  rapidly  absorbs  oxygen,  and  passes  to  the  state  of  the  brown  hydrated  sesquioxide. 
The  officinal  deutoxide  (native  black  oxide)  is  described  at  page  463,  where  its  medical 
properties  are  also  noticed.  This  oxide  is  the  source,  directly  or  indirectly,  of  all  the 
preparations  of  manganese. 

Sulphate  of  Manganese.  This  salt  may  be  prepared  by  heating  the  native  black  oxide 
with  concentrated  sulphuric  acid.  Oxygen  is  evolved,  and  the  sulphate  of  the  protoxide 
is  formed.  The  product,  upon  being  exhausted  by  water,  furnishes  a solution  which  must 
be  heated  to  nearly  the  boiling  point,  and  treated  with  carbonate  of  manganese,  added  by 
small  portions  at  a time,  which  will  precipitate  any  iron  present  as  a carbonate,  and  change 
the  colour  of  the  liquid  from  a dark-red  to  a pale-rose  tint.  The  liquid  is  then  filtered, 
evaporated  to  the  consistence  of  a thin  syrup,  and  set  aside  to  crystallize.  Sulphate  of 
manganese  is  in  the  form  of  pale  rose-coloured  crystals,  which  contain  different  propor- 
tions of  water  of  crystallization,  according  to  the  temperature  at  which  they  are  produced. 
Its  taste  is  astringent  and  bitterish.  It  is  very  soluble  in  water,  but  insoluble  in  alcohol. 
This  salt,  if  carelessly  prepared,  is  apt  to  contain  copper  and  arsenic,  as  well  as  in  n.  As 
it  is  the  source  of  nearly  all  the  preparations  of  manganese,  it  is  of  importance  that  it 
should  be  pure.  Ilence,  the  sulphate,  as  first  obtained,  should  be  calcined  at  a low  red 
heat  at  least  twice,  to  render  the  contaminating  metals  insoluble,  and  then  tested  in  solution, 
to  be  sure  of  its  purity.  According  to  M.  A.  Gorgeu,  copper  and  iron,  as  well  as  nickel 
and  cobalt,  are  completely  precipitated  by  sulphuret  of  manganese.  In  applying  this 
reagent,  the  impure  solution  is  shaken  for  about  a quarter  of  an  hour  with  the  sulphuret, 
and  then  boiled  for  a few  minutes.  ( Chcm . Gaz.,  July  1,  18-53,  p.  249.)  C.  G.  Gmelin 
found  sulphate  of  manganese  to  produce  an  extraordinary  secretion  of  bile  when  given  to 
the  inferior  animals,  and  its  effects  as  a cholagogue  have  been  observed  in  man.  Accord- 
ing to  the  late  Dr.  Thomas  Thomson,  of  Glasgow,  it  resembles  sulphate  of  soda  both  in 
taste  and  effect.  The  dose  as  a purgative  is  one  or  two  drachms ; as  an  alterative,  from 
five  grains  to  a scruple. 

Iodide  of  Manganese.  This  iodide  may  be  administered  in  syrup  or  in  pill.  Prof.  Procter 
has  piroposed  the  following  formula  for  the  syrup.  Dissolve  sixteen  drachms  of  sulphate  of 
manganese,  and  nineteen  drachms  of  iodide  of  potassium,  separately,  in  three  t/uidoun  • • of 
water,  each  portion  of  water  being  previously  sweetened  with  two  drachms  of  syrup.  Mix 
the  solutions  in  a glass  stoppered  bottle,  and,  when  the  crystals  of  sulphate  of  p-.  tassa 
have  ceased  to  precipitate,  throw  the  liquor  on  a strainer  of  fine  muslin,  and  allow  it  to 
filter  into  a pint  bottle  containing  twelve  ounces  of  powdered  sugar.  When  the  solution  has 
ceased  to  pass,  wash  the  filter  with  a little  sweetened  water,  aud  add  sufficient  of  that 
liquid  to  make  the  whole  measure  a pint.  Lastly,  agitate  the  liquid  until  the  sugar  is 
dissolved.  Prof.  Procter  states  that  this  syrup  contains  about  a drachm  of  iodide  of  man- 
ganese in  each  fluidounce,  and  corresponds  in  strength  to  the  officinal  solution  of  rxlide 
of  iron.  The  small  proportion  of  sulphate  of  potassa  which  remains  dissolved  in  the  syrup, 
does  not  interfere  with  its  medicinal  efficacy.  The  dose  is  from  ten  to  thirty  drops,  re- 


Appendix.  1359 

peated  several  times  a day.  ( Am . Journ.  of  Pharm.,  Oct.  1850.)  M.  Hannon  makes  the 
pill  of  iodide  of  manganese  by  double  decomposition  between  equal  weights  of  iodide  of 
potassium  and  crystallized  sulphate  of  manganese.  The  salts  are  perfectly  dried,  accu- 
rately mixed  in  powder,  and  then  rubbed  up  with  honey,  so  as  to  reduce  the  whole  to  a 
pilular  mass,  which  may  be  divided  into  four-grain  pills.  Assuming  that  the  honey  added 
compensates  the  loss  of  water  in  drying,  each  pill  will  consist  of  about  two  grains  of 
iodide  of  manganese,  one  of  sulphate  of  potassa,  and  one  of  honey  and  of  sulphate  of 
manganese  in  excess.  The  dose  is  one  pill  daily,  gradually  increased  to  six.  According 
to  M.  Hannon,  iodide  of  manganese  is  particularly  useful  in  the  anemia  attendant  on 
scrofula,  phthisis,  and  cancer,  and  in  syphilitic  cachexy.  Given  in  conjunction  with  cin- 
chona it  rapidly  removes  the  enlargement  of  the  spleen,  which  so  often  follows  protracted 
fevers. 

Carbonate  of  Manganese.  This  salt  may  be  obtained  by  the  following  formula,  which  is 
that  of  M.  Hannon,  accommodated  to  the  weights  and  measureS'of  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia. 
Dissolve  seventeen  ounces  of  crystallized  sulphate  of  manganese  and  nineteen  ounces  of  car- 
bonate of  soda,  separately,  in  two  pints  of  wTater,  a fluidounce  of  syrup  having  been  previ- 
ously added  to  each  pint,  and,  having  mixed  the  solutions  in  a well  stopped  bottle,  allow 
the  precipitate  to  subside.  Decant  the  supernatant  liquid,  wash  the  precipitate  with 
sweetened  water,  allow  it  to  drain  from  a cloth  saturated  with  syrup,  express,  mix  with 
ten  ounces  of  honey,  and  evaporate  rapidly  to  form  a pilular  mass,  which  is  to  be  divided 
in  four-grain  pills.  By  a double  decomposition  between  the  sulphate  of  manganese  and 
carbonate  of  soda,  carbonate  of  manganese  is  precipitated,  and  sulphate  of  soda  remains 
in  solution.  The  sulphate  is  washed  away,  and  the  carbonate  is  brought  to  a pilular  con- 
sistence with  honey,  which,  together  with  the  syrup,  prevents  the  protoxide  of  manganese 
in  the  pill  from  rising  to  a higher  stage  of  oxidation.  The  dose  is  from  two  to  ten  pills 
daily.  Carbonate  of  manganese  was  tried  by  M.  Hannon  as  a medicine  on  himself.  After 
its  use  for  fifteen  days  he  found  his  appetite  improved,  and  his  pulse  increased  in  force ; 
and  he  experienced  a feeling  of  sanguineous  plethora.  He  afterwards  exhibited  the  remedy 
in  several  anemic  cases  with  the  effect  of  exciting  the  functions  to  a more  healthy  action, 
incfeasing  the  strength,  and  improving  the  blood. 

Phosphate,  tartrate,  and  malate  of  manganese  have  also  been  proposed  by  M.  Hannon  as 
useful  remedies.  The  phosphate  is  prepared  by  double  decomposition  between  sulphate 
of  manganese  and  phosphate  of  soda. 

Ily permanganate  of  Potassa.  Permanganate  of  Potassa.  This  salt  maybe  formed  by  mix- 
ing equal  parts  of  very  finely  powdered  deutoxide  of  manganese  and  chlorate  of  potassa 
with  rather  more  than  one  part  of  hydrate  of  potassa,  dissolved  in  a little  water,  and  ex- 
posing the  whole,  after  evaporation  to  dryness,  to  a temperature  just  short  of  redness.  The 
mass  is  treated  with  hot  water,  the  insoluble  oxide  separated  by  decantation,  and  the 
deep-purple  liquid  concentrated  by  heat,  until  crystals  begin  to  form  upon  its  surface, 
when  it  is  left  to  cool  and  crystallize.  The  crystals  have  a dark-purple  colour,  and  are 
soluble  in  sixteen  parts  of  water.  The  salt  is  represented  by  the  formula  K0,Mn207. 
Hypermanganate  of  potassa  has  been  used  successfully  by  Mr.  Sampson,  of  London,  in 
diabetes.  The  dose  is  three  grains,  three  times  a day,  given  in  three  or  four  tablespoonfuls 
of  water,  and  gradually  increased.  {Pharm.  Journ.  and  Trans.,  July  1,  1853,  p.  18.) 

Ferro-manganic  Preparations.  M.  Hannon  conceives  that  manganese  is  peculiarly  suited 
to  the  treatment  of  anemic  cases  in  which  iron  has  failed,  or  acts  very  slowly.  But,  in- 
stead of  'passing  at  once  from  the  use  of  iron  to  that  of  manganese,  he  prefers  to  give 
intermediately  a mixture  of  the  two  metals.  For  this  purpose  he  recommends  the  follow- 
ing formula.  Take  of  crystallized  sulphate  of  iron  six  drachms  and  a half;  crystallized 
sulphate  of  manganese  two  drachms  ; carbonate  of  soda  nine  drachms ; honey  five  drachms. 
Rub  together,  and  with  syrup  make  a mass,  to  be  divided  into  four  grain  pills.  In  this  piil 
both  the  metals  are  present  as  carbonates;  and  as  the  sulphate  of  soda  is  not  washed  away,  it 
contains  that  salt  also.  The  dose  is  from  two  to  ten  pills  daily.  See  the  paper  of  M.  Han- 
non (Journ.  de  Pharm.,  3 eser.,  xvi.  41  and  189;  also  a note  of  the  favourable  results  obtained 
by  M.  Pdtrequin,  of  Lyons,  Ibid.,  xvi.  381).  Further  experience  has  confirmed  the  favoura- 
ble opinion  of  M.  Petrequin  in  relation  to  the  therapeutic  value  of  the  ferro-manganic  pre- 
parations. A number  of  formulae  have  been  devised  by  M.  Burin-Dubuisson,  of  Lyons,  for 
making  them,  containing  the  metals  variously  combined ; but  the  most  important  of  them  is 
the  syrup  of  iodide  of  iron  and  manganese,  for  the  preparation  of  wdiich  we  prefer  the  following 
formula  of  Prof.  Procter.  Take  of  iodide  of  potassium  1000  grains;  sulphate  of  protoxide 
of  iron  630;  sulphate  of  protoxide  of  manganese  210;  iron  filings  100;  sugar,  in  coarse 
powder,  4800.  Powder  the  iodide  and  sulphates  separately,  and,  having  mixed  them  with 
the  filings,  add  half  a fluidounce  of  distilled  water,  and  triturate  to  a uniform  paste.  Then 
add  another  half  fluidounce  of  distilled  water  to  the  paste,  and  triturate  again ; and,  after 
an  interval  of  fifteen  minutes,  add  a third  half  fluidounce,  and  mix.  Next  transfer  the 


1360  Appendix. 

magma  of  salts  to  a moistened  filter,  supported  on  a funnel,  and  allow  them  to  drain  into 
a bottle,  holding  a little  more  than  twelve  fluidounces,  and  containing  the  sugar.  After 
they  have  drained,  add  boiled  cold  water  by  small  portions  at  a time,  until  the  solution 
of  the  iodides  has  been  displaced  and  washed  from  the  crystalline  magma  of  sulphate  of 
potassa.  Finally,  add  sufficient  boiled  cold  water  to  make  the  whole  measure  twelve  fluid- 
ounces.  The  object  of  the  iron  is  to  prevent  the  liberation  of  iodine.  This  syrup  has  a 
very  pale  straw  colour.  It  necessarily  contains  a little  sulphate  of  potassa,  which  does  not 
injure  it  as  a therapeutic  agent.  If  the  salts  have  not  been  all  decomposed  during  their 
reaction,  it  will  be  greenish.  Each  fluidounce  contains  fifty  grains  of  the  mixed  iodides, 
in  the  proportion  of  three  parts  of  iodide  of  iron  to  one  of  iodide  of  manganese.  The  d>  se 
is  from  ten  drops  to  half  a fluidrachm.  ( Am . Journ.  of  Pharrn.,  May,  1853,  p.  198.  / Tins 
syrup  is'considered  by  M.  P€trequin  to  be  particularly  suited  to  the  treatment  of  anemia 
resulting  from  obstinate  intermittent  fevers,  from  prolonged  suppuration,  and  from  scrofu- 
lous, syphilitic,  and  cancerous  affections. 

Dr.  T.  S.  Speer,  of  Cheltenham,  in  imitation  of  the  practice  of  M.  Hannon  and  M.  Petre- 
quin,  has  employed  the  combined  carbonates  of  iron  and  manganese  with  excellent  effects: 
but,  instead  of  using  the  carbonates- in  pill,  protected  by  honey  and  syrup,  as  M.  Hannon 
has  done,  he  prefers  a saccharine  carbonate  of  the  two  metals,  in  imitation  of  the  London 
saccharine  carbonate  of  iron,  made  by  the  following  formula.  Dissolve  three  ounces  and  erne 
drachm  of  sulphate  of  iron,  one  ounce  and  one  scruple  of  sulphate  of  manganese,  and  five 
ounces  of  carbonate  of  soda,  each,  in  thirty  Imperial  fluidounces  of  water,  and  thoroughly 
mix  the  solutions.  Collect  the  precipitated  carbonates  on  a cloth  filter,  and  wash  them 
immediately  with  cold  water,  to  separate  the  sulphate  of  soda.  Then  press  out  as  much 
water  as  possible,  and,  without  delay,  triturate  the  pulp  with  two  and  a half  ounces  of 
finely  powdered  sugar.  Lastly,  dry  the  mixture  at  a temperature  not  exceeding  120°  F. 
The  saccharine  carbonate  of  iron  and  manganese,  as  thus  prepared,  is  a reddish-brown  pov- 
dev,  devoid  of  all  taste,  except  that  imparted  by  the  sugar.  The  dose  is  five  grains,  grad- 
ually increased  to  a scruple,  three  times  a day,  given  with  the  meals,  or  immediately  after 
them.  (See  Am.  Journ.  of  Pharrn.,  March,  1854,  p.  127,  from  the  Med.  Times  and  Ga:.) 

MEAT  BISCUIT.  This  alimentary  substance,  containing  much  nutriment  in  a small 
bulk,  is  the  invention  of  Mr.  Gail  Borden,  jun.,  of  Texas.  It  is  made  by  mixing  a concen- 
trated fluid  extract  of  flesh,  strained  through  wire-cloth,  and  freed  from  fat.  with  good 
wheat  flour  or  other  meal,  and  baking  the  dough  into  a biscuit,  which  must  be  preserved, 
in  mass  or  coarse  powder,  free  from  moisture,  in  gutta  percha  bags,  or  air-tight  casks  or 
cases.  To  make  the  dough,  about  two  parts  of  the  extract  are  mixed  with  three  of  the 
flour;  and  about  twenty  per  cent,  is  lost  in  baking.  The  extract  contains  the  soluble  in- 
gredients of  the  flesh,  not  coagulable  by  heat:  namely,  gelatin,  kreatin,  kreatinin,  ph  os- 
phoric,  lactic,  and  inosinic  acid,  and  certain  salts.  Of  course  it  contains  no  albumen  cr 
fibrin,  unless  in  some  altered  state  in  which  they  are  rendered  soluble  at  a boiling  tem- 
perature. In  this  nutritious  biscuit,  the  absence  of  albumen  and  fibrin  is  supposed  to  be 
supplied  by  the  vegetable  fibrin  (gluten)  of  the  flour.  The  meat  biscuit  is  said  to  be  greatly 
superior  in  nutritive  qualities  to  pemmican,  used  by  the  Hudsqn  Bay  Company  and  others, 
and  which  is  made  by  mixing  muscular  flesh,  cut  in  thin  strips,  thoroughly  dried,  and 
reduced  to  powder,  with  melted  fat.  To  prepare  a pint  of  palatable  soup,  an  ounce  of  the 
powdered  biscuit,  first  made  into  a thin  paste  with  cold  water,  is  added,  with  constant 
stirring,  to  sufficient  boiling  water,  and  the  whole  boiled  for  twenty  minutes.  Salt  and 
pepper  are  then  added  to  suit  the  taste.  The  meat  biscuit  forms  an  important  resource  in 
all  cases  in  which  food  must  be  carried  on  long  journeys  for  daily  consumption. 

MEDEOLA  VI RG I NIC  A.  Gyromia  Yirginica.  Nutall.  Indian  Cucumber.  An  indigenous 
perennial  herb,  growing  in  all  parts  of  the  United  States.  The  root,  which  in  shape  and 
flavour  bears  a strong  resemblance  to  a small  cucumber,  is  said  by  Pursh  to  be  eaten  by 
the  Indians.  According  to  the  late  Professor  Barton,  it  has  been  thought  useful  in  drop- 
sies, and  probably  possesses  diuretic  properties.  It  is  figured  and  described  by  Dr.  Wil- 
liam P.  C.  Barton  in  his  Medical  Botany. 

MELILOTUS  OFFICINALIS.  Melilot.  An  annual  or  biennial  plant,  indigenous  in  Eu- 
rope, and  growing  also  in  this  country.  We  have  two  varieties,  one  with  yellow,  the  other 
with  white  flowers,  which  are  considered  by  some  as  distinct  species.  The  plant,  when  in 
flower,  has  a peculiar  sweet  odour,  which,  by  drying,  becomes  stronger  and  more  agreea- 
ble, somewhat  like  that  of  the  tonka  bean.  Indeed,  according  to  M.  Guillemette,  the 
odorous  principle  of  the  two  substances  is  identical.  [Journ.  de Pharrn.,  xxi.  172.  The 
taste  of  melilot  is  slightly  bitterish.  It  has  little  medical  power,  and,  though  formerly 
recommended  in  various  diseases,  is  at  present  not  employed  internally.  As  a local  appli- 
cation, it  is  used,  in  the  form  of  decoction  or  cataplasm,  in  moderate  inflammations,  though 
probably  with  little  other  advantage  than  such  as  results  from  the  combination  of  warmth 
and  moisture. 


Appendix.  1361 

MENISPERMUM  CANADENSE.  This  is  a climbing  plant,  growing  in  various  parts 
of  the  United  States,  from  the  northern  boundary  to  the  Gulf  of  Mexico.  It  is  described 
in  the  Flora  of  North  America  by  Torrey  and  Gray  (vol.  i.  p.  48).  In  an  unpublished  in- 
augural dissertation  by  Dr.  Geo.  F.  Terrell  (Feb.  1844),  it  is  stated  that  the  root  of  this 
plant  is  considerably  employed  in  Virginia,  both  in  domestic  practice  and  by  physicians, 
as  a substitute  for  sarsaparilla,  in  scrofulous  affections.  It  has  a bitter  taste,  and  is  said 
to  be  a gently  stimulating  tonic. 

MESEMBRYANTHEMUM  CRYSTALLINUM.  Ice-plant.  A biennial  plant,  growing 
spontaneously  in  the  South  of  Europe,  and  cultivated  as  a curiosity  in  colder  countries,  by 
the  aid  of  artificial  warmth.  The  stem  and  under  surface  of  the  leaves  are  covered  with 
crystalline  drops,  which  give  the  plant  the  appearance  of  being  coated  with  ice.  The  herb 
is  without  smell,  and  has  a saline  somewhat  nauseous  taste.  It  is  considered  demulcent 
and  diuretic,  and  has  been  highly  lauded  as  a remedy  in  various  complaints,  especially  in 
those  affecting  the  mucous  membrane  of  the  lungs  and  urinary  passages.  It  has  also  been 
used  in  dropsy.  The  expressed  juice  is  the  form  in  which  the  remedy  has  been  generally 
employed. 

MOMORDICA  BALSAMINA.  Balsam  Apple.  Balsamina.  An  annual  climbing  plant, 
a native  of  the  East  Indies,  but  cultivated  in  our  gardens  for  the  sake  of  the  fruit.  This 
is  ovate,  attenuated  towards  each  extremity,  angular,  warty,  not  unlike  a cucumber  in 
appearance,  of  a lively  red  or  orange-yellow  colour,  easily  falling  when  touched,  and  spon- 
taneously separating  into  several  pieces.  It  was  formerly  highly  esteemed  as  a vulnerary, 
and  is  still  in  use  among  the  common  people.  A liniment  formed  by  infusing  the  fruit, 
deprived  of  its  seeds,  in  olive  or  almond  oil,  is  applied  to  chapped  hands,  burns,  old  sores, 
piles,  prolapsus  ani,  &c. ; and  the  fruit  itself  is  sometimes  mashed  and  used  in  the  form  of 
poultice.  According  to  M.  Desconrtlitz,  it  is  poisonous  when  taken  iuternally,  having 
proved  fatal  to  a dog  in  the  quantity  of  two  or  three  drachms.  An  extract  prepared  from 
it  is  said  to  be  useful  in  dropsy,  in  the  dose  of  from  six  to  fifteen  grains. 

MONESIA.  Under  this  name,  a vegetable  extract  from  South  America  was,  a few  years 
since,  introduced  to  the  notice  of  the  medical  profession  in  France  by  M.  Bernard  Derosne, 
and  for  a time  attracted  much  attention.  Its  origin  was  for  some  time  uncertain;  but  it 
appears  to  have  been  ascertained  to  be  derived  from  the  bark  of  Chrysophyllum  glycyphlcs- 
um,  a tree  of  middling  size,  growing  in  the  forests  near  Rio  Janeiro,  and  elsewhere  in 
Brazil  (Virey,  Journ.  de  Pharm.,  3e  sir.,  vi.  (53.)  Specimens  of  the  bark  were  obtained 
along  with  the  extract. 

The  bark  is  in  pieces,  some  of  which  are  three  or  four  lines  thick,  is  very  compact  and 
heavy,  of  a deep-brown  or  chocolate  colour,  contrasting  strongly  with  the  grayish  colour 
of  the  epidermis  when  this  remains,  and  of  smooth  fracture.  The  extract  wras  received 
from  S.  America  in  cakes  weighing  rather  more  than  a pound,  from  three-quarters  of  an 
inch  to  an  inch  in  thickness,  of  a dark-brown  almost  black  colour,  very  brittle,  of  a frac- 
ture neither  very  dull  nor  very  shining,  and  of  a taste  at  first  sweet,  then  astringent,  and 
ultimately  acrid;  the  acrimony  being  very  persistent,  and  especially  felt  in  the  fauces.  It 
is  entirely  soluble  in  water.  The  bark  was  analyzed  by  MM.  Derosne,  Henry,  and  Payen, 
and  found  to  contain  in  100  parts,  1-2  of  stearin,  chlorophylle,  and  wax,  1-4  of  glycyr- 
rhizin,  4-7  of  an  acrid  principle  analogous  to  saponin,  called  monesin.  7-5  of  tannic  acid, 
9-2  of  a red  colouring  substance,  1-3  of  malic  acid  and  malate  of  lime,  3-0  of  various  salts, 
including  silica  and  oxides  of  iron  and  manganese,  and  71-7  of  pectic  acid  or  pectin  and 
lignin,  including  loss,  besides  traces  of  an  aromatic  principle,  and  of  gum.  Monesin  was 
obtained  by  treating  the  bark  or  extract  with  alcohol,  adding  to  the  tincture  an  excess  of 
hydrate  of  lime  in  fine  powder,  filtering,  evaporating  the  clear  liquor  to  dryness,  treating 
the  residue  with  water  and  animal  charcoal,  filtering,  and  again  evaporating  to  dryness. 
Thus  procured  it  was  in  transparent  yellowish  scales,  which  were  easily  pulverized,  form- 
ing a white  powder.  It  was  readily  dissolved  by  alcohol  and  water,  to  the  latter  of  which 
it  gave  the  property  of  frothing ; but  was  insoluble  in  ether.  It  could  not  be  made  to  crys- 
tallize. It  had  no  power  to  saturate  acids,  was  without  odour,  but  had  a slightly  bitterish 
taste,  followed  by  a very  decided  and  permanent  acrimony  in  the  posterior  mouth  and 
fauces.  {Journ.  de  Pharm.,  Janvier,  1841.)  Monesia  owes  its  activity  probably  to  this 
principle  and  to  tannic  acid. 

The  effects  of  this  medicine  upon  the  system  appear  to  be  those  of  a moderate  stomachic 
excitant,  a general  alterative,  and  a feeble  astringent.  In  over-doses,  it  is  said  to  produce 
heat  in  the  epigastrium  with  obstinate  constipation  and  tenesmus.  It  has  been  used  in- 
ternally with  asserted  advantage  in  diarrhoea,  haemoptysis,  menorrhagia,  scrofula,  scurvy, 
the  chronic  catarrh  of  old  people,  and  dyspepsia.  As  a local  remedy  it  has  been  found 
useful  in  leucorrhoea,  ulcerations  of  the  mouth  and  fauces,  spongy  and  scorbutic  gums, 
carious  teeth,  and  obstinate  scrofulous,  and  otherwise  unhealthy  ulcers  upon  the  surface. 

86 


1362  Appendix. 

The  extract  may  be  given  in  pill  or  powder,  in  aqueous  solution,  in  tincture,  or  in  syrup. 
The  dose  of  it  is  from  two  to  ten  grains,  repeated  every  hour,  two,  or  three  hours,  or  less 
frequently.  From  ten  grains  to  a drachm  may  be  given  daily.  In  scrofulous  affections,  it 
must  be  given  in  large  quantities,  and  persevered  in  for  several  weeks,  in  order  to  obtain 
its  curative  effects.  Monesia  is  applied  to  ulcers  either  by  being  sprinkled  in  powder  upon 
the  surface,  or  in  the  form  of  ointment  made  with  one  part  of  the  extract  and  seven  parts 
of  simple  ointment.  Monesin,  or  the  acrid  principle,  has  been  given  internally  in  the  dose 
of  about  half  a grain,  and  has  also  been  applied  to  ulcers. 

Mr.  Dupuy,  of  New  York,  states  that  specimens  of  an  extract  sold  as  monesia,  which 
have  come  under  his  notice,  bear  so  close  a resemblance  to  extract  of  logwood  as  to  sug- 
gest the  inquiry,  whether  they  might  not  really  have  been  the  product  of  the  same  plant. 
(N.  Y.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  i.  167.) 

MOXA.  The  term  moxa  is  employed  to  designate  small  masses  of  combustible  matter 
intended,  by  being  burnt  in  contact  with  the  skin,  to  produce  an  eschar.  They  are  of 
various  forms,  and  made  of  different  materials.  The  Chinese  moxa  is  in  small  cones  from 
eight  to  twelve  lines  in  height,  and  is  prepared  from  the  leaves  of  one  or  more  species  of 
Artemisia.  A.  Chinensis  and  A.  Indica  were  indicated  by  the  Dublin  College ; but  Lindley 
states  that  it  is  the  A.  Moxa  of  De  Candolle  which  is  employed.  According  to  some  authors, 
the  part  used  is  the  down  which  covers  the  leaves  and  stems;  but  others,  with  greater 
probability,  assert  that  it  is  a fine  lanuginous  substance,  prepared  from  the  leaves  by 
beating  them  in  a mortar.  A coarser  and  a finer  product  are  obtained,  the  former  of 
which  is  used  for  tinder,  the  latter  worked  up  into  moxa.  A similar  moxa  has  been  made 
iu  France,  by  a similar  process,  from  the  leaves  of  A.  vulgaris. 

_ Various  substitutes  have  been  proposed  for  the  Chinese  moxa,  all  composed  of  some 
light,  porous,  soft,  inflammable  substance,  which  burns  slowly,  and  thus  allows  the  heat 
to  be  regulated  according  to  the  effect  desired.  Linen  rolled  into  a cylinder,  cotton 
formed  into  the  same  shape  and  enclosed  in  a piece  of  linen,  cords  of  cotton  in  small 
masses  of  various  shapes,  and  even  common  spunk  made  from  the  agaric  of  the  oak,  have 
been  employed  by  different  persons  with  the  desired  effect.  But  all  these  bodies  are  sub- 
ject to  the  inconvenience  of  requiring  to  be  constantly  blown  upon,  in  order  that  their 
combustion  may  be  sustained.  To  remedy  this  defect,  cotton  impregnated  with  nitre  has 
been  recommended  ; and  the  moxa  usually  employed  is  prepared  from  that  substance.  It 
is  important  that  the  impregnation  should  be  uniform ; as  otherwise  different  parts  of  the 
cylinder,  burning  with  different  degrees  of  rapidity,  would  produce  unequal  effects  upon 
the  skin.  The  following  process  is  recommended.  One  pound  of  cotton  is  introduced 
into  a vessel  containing  two  ounces  of  nitre  dissolved  in  half  a gallon  of  water,  and  a 
moderate  heat  applied,  till  all  the  liquid  is  evaporated.  The  cotton  when  perfectly  dry  is 
formed  into  thin,  narrow  sheets,  which  are  rolled  round  a central  cord  of  linen,  so  as  to 
form  a cylinder  from  half  an  inch  to  an  inch  in  diameter,  and  several  inches  long.  This 
is  enclosed  in  a covering  of  silk  or  linen  sewed  firmly  around  it : and.  when  used,  may  be 
cut  by  a razor  into  transverse  slices  a few  lines  in  length.  By  leaving  a hole  in  the  cen- 
tre of  the  cylinder,  the  combustion  will  be  rendered  more  vigorous,  and  a deeper  eschar 
produced. 

The  pith  of  the  Helianthus  annuus,  or  common  sun-flower,  has  been  proposed  by  M. 
Percy  for  the  preparation  of  moxa,  for  which  it  is  well  adapted  by  the  nitre  which  it 
contains,  and  which  enables  it  to  burn  without  insufflation.  The  stem,  when  perfectly 
mature,  is  cut  into  transverse  sections  about  half  an  inch  in  thickness,  which  must  be 
carefully  dried,  and  kept  in  a perfectly  dry  place.  They  have  this  advantage,  that,  in 
consequence  of  the  retention  of  the  cortical  portion,  they  may  be  held  with  impunity, 
while  burning,  between  the  fingers  of  the  operator.  They  are.  however,  frequently  de- 
fective in  consequence  of  an  insufficiency  of  nitre  in  the  pith,  or  of  the  unequal  inflam- 
mability of  different  parts  of  it. 

M.  Robinet  has  perfected  the  preparation  of  moxa,  by  combining  the  advantages  of 
the  two  kinds  last  described.  He  rolls  cotton  round  a small  central  cylinder  of  pith,  and 
envelopes  the  whole  in  a piece  of  muslin,  which  is  more  or  less  firmly  applied,  according 
to  the  degree  of  compactness  required.  The  cylinders  thus  made,  burn  without  assist- 
ance, uniformly,  and  with  a rapidity  proportionate  to  their  firmness. 

Dr.  Jacobson,  of  Copenhagen,  has  proposed,  as  a substitute  for  the  ordinary  forms  of 
moxa,  small  cylinders  formed  out  of  strips  of  paper  imbued  with  a solution  of  chromate 
of  potassa ; and  cotton,  impregnated  with  the  solution  of  chlorate  of  potassa  instead  of 
nitre,  is  said  to  answer  an  excellent  purpose.  (Journ.  de  Pharm..  xix.  608.)  Small  cylin- 
ders made  out  of  strips  of  coarse  muslin  imbued  with  the  same  solution  are  also  em- 
ployed. M.  Guepratt  proposes  paper  or  cotton  dipped  into  the  solution  of  subacetate  of 
lead,  and  afterwards  dried.  (Med.  Exam.,  N.  S.,  iii.  455,  from  London  Lancet.) 

Lime  in  the  act  of  slaking  has  been  employed  by  Dr.  Osborne  for  the  purposes  of 


Appendix.  1363 

moxa.  A portion  of  powdered  quicklime,  half  an  inch  in  thickness,  and  of  suitable 
lateral  dimensions,  is  applied  to  the  skin,  and  confined  by  some  convenient  arrangement. 
A few  drops  of  water  are  then  added,  and  a degree  of  heat  is  soon  evolved  sufficient  for 
a caustic  effect,  if  the  lime  be  allowed  to  remain  as  long  as  the  heat  continues.  This  may 
be  increased  or  diminished  by  increasing  or  diminishing  the  quantity  of  lime  employed. 
The  eschar  formed  is  somewhat  more  than  double  the  extent  of  the  base  of  the  moxa. 
(. Dublin  Journ.,  Jan.  1842.) 

Medical  Use.  Cauterization  by  fire,  in  the  treatment  of  disease,  has  been  commonly 
practised  among  savage  and  half  civilized  nations  from  the  earliest  periods  of  history, 
and  has  not  been  unknown  as  a remedy  in  the  most  polished  communities.  The  ancient 
Egyptians  and  Greeks  were  acquainted  with  the  use  of  moxa ; and  in  China,  Japan,  and 
other  countries  of  Asia,  it  appears  to  have  been  employed  from  time  immemorial.  From 
these  countries  the  early  Portuguese  navigators  introduced  it  into  Europe;  and  the  term 
moxa  is  said  to  have  been  derived  from  their  language,  though  supposed  by  some  to  be  of 
Chinese  origin.  The  true  Chinese  name  is  said  to  be  kiew.  ( Percy  and  Laurent.)  Some 
years  since,  the  remedy  became  very  popular  in  France,  and  attracted  some  attention  in 
this  country.  It  acts  on  the  principle  of  revulsion;  relieving  deep-seated  inflammation, 
and  local  irritation  whether  vascular  or  nervous,  by  inviting  the  current  of  excitement  to 
the  skin.  In  some  cases  it  may  also  operate  advantageously  by  the  propagation  of  a 
stimulant  impression  to  neighbouring  parts. 

The  celebrated  Larrey  was  among  those  who  contributed  most  to  bring  this  remedy 
into  repute.  The  diseases  in  which  it  was  recommended  by  this  author  were  amaurosis, 
loss  of  taste,  deafness,  paralytic  affections  of  the  muscular  system,  asthma,  chronic  catarrh 
and  pleurisy,  phthisis;  chronic  engorgement  of  the  liver  and  spleen,  rachitis,  diseased 
spine,  coxalgia,  and  other  forms  of  scrofulous  and  rheumatic  inflammation  of  the  joints. 
It  has  also  been  used  advantageously  in  neuralgia,  and  is  applicable  to  chronic  complaints 
generally  in  which  powerful  external  revulsion  is  indicated. 

The  parts  of  the  body  upon  which,  according  to  Larrey,  it  should  not  be  applied,  are 
the  cranium  where  protected  only  by  the  skin  and  pericranium ; the  eyelids,  nose,  and 
ears;  the  skin  over  the  larynx,  trachea,  and  mammary  glands,  over  superficial  tendons, 
projecting  points  of  bones,  and  articular  prominences  in  which  the  capsular  ligament 
might  be  involved;  the  anterior  surface  of  the  abdomen;  and  the  genitals. 

As  a general  rule  it  should  be  applied  as  near  as  possible  to  the  seat  of  the  disease; 
and,  in  neuralgic  or  paralytic  cases,  at  the  origin  or  over  the  course  of  the  nerves  pro- 
ceeding to  the  part  affected.  Some  advise  that  the  cylinder  be  attached  to  the  skin  by 
some  adhesive  liquid;  but  a more  general  practice  is  to  retain  it  in  the  proper  position 
by  a pair  of  forceps  or  other  instrument.  Larrey  recommends  that  the  skin  around  it  be 
covered  with  a piece  of  moistened  lint,  having  a hole  in  the  centre  to  admit  the  base  of 
the  cylinder.  The  moxa  should  be  set  on  fire  at  the  summit,  and  the  combustion  sus- 
tained if  necessary  by  the  breath,  the  blow-pipe,  or  the  bellows.  The  size  of  the  cylinder 
should  vary,  according  to  the  effect  desired,  from  half  an  inch  to  an  inch  or  more  in  dia- 
meter, and  from  a few  lines  to  an  inch  in  height.  Any  degree  of  effect  may  be  obtained, 
from  a slight  inflammation  to  the  death  of  the  skin,  by  regulating  the  time  during  which 
the  moxa  is  allowed  to  burn.  When  a slough  is  required,  it  should  be  suffered  to  burn 
until  consumed.  The  first  sensation  experienced  is  not  disagreeable ; but  the  operation 
becomes  gradually  more  painful,  and  towards  the  close  is  for  a short  time  very  severe. 

MURIATIC  ETHER.  JEther  Muriaticus.  Muriate  of  Etherine.  Chloride  of  Ethyle. 
This  ether  was  discovered  by  Rouelle,  but  first  obtained  in  sufficient  quantities  to  permit 
the  examination  of  its  properties  by  Basse.  It  may  be  procured  by  several  processes, 
but  the  following  is  the  best. — Distil  a mixture  of  equal  measures  of  concentrated  muriatic 
acid  and  alcohol,  and  receive  the  product,  by  means  of  a curved  glass  tube,  in  a tubulated 
bottle,  half  filled  with  water  at  a temperature  between  70°  and  80°,  and  connected  by 
means  of  a second  tube  with  another  bottle,  loosely  corked,  and  surrounded  by  a mixture 
of  common  salt  with  snow  or  pounded  ice.  The  ether  which  comes  over  into  the  first 
bottle,  is  mixed  with  alcohol  and  acid,  which  are  retained  by  the  water,  while  the  pure 
ether  passes  forward,  and  is  condensed  in  the  refrigerated  bottle.  This  ether  must  be 
kept  in  strong  bottles,  well  secured  with  ground  stoppers  covered  with  leather.  Before 
being  opened,  the  bottle  should  be  cooled  down  to  the  freezing  point. 

Muriatic  ether  is  colourless,  has  a strong,  slightly  saccharine,  alliaceous  taste,  and  a 
penetrating,  ethereal,  alliaceous  smell.  Its  sp.  gr.  at  the  temperature  of  41°  is  0-774.  It 
is  extremely  volatile,  entering  into  ebullition  at  54°  ; so  that  in  summer  it  may  be  collected 
in  the  gaseous  state,  in  bell-glasses  over  water.  Its  density  in  the  state  of  vapour  is  2-22. 
When  kindled  as  issuing  from  a fine  orifice,  it  burns  with  an  emerald-green  flame  without 
smoke,  diffusing  a strong  odour  of  muriatic  acid;  but  when  set  on  fire  in  quantities,  it 
burns  with  a greenish-yellow  smoky  flame.  Water  dissolves  one-fiftieth  of  its  weight  of 


1364  Appendix. 

this  ether,  and  acquires  a sweetish,  ethereal  taste,  and  alcohol  unites  with  it  in  all  pro- 
portions. These  solutions  are  not  precipitated  by  nitrate  of  silver,  showing  that  the 
chlorine  present  is  in  a peculiar  state  of  combination.  Like  sulphuric  and  nitric  ether, 
it  dissolves  sulphur  and  phosphorus,  the  fat  and  volatile  oils,  and  many  other  substances. 
It  consists  of  one  eq.  of  muriatic  acid  36-42,  and  one  of  etherine  28=64-42  ; or,  in  volumes, 
of  two  volumes  of  the  acid,  and  one  volume  of  the  vapour  of  etherine,  condensed  into 
two  volumes.  Viewed  as  the  chloride  of  ethyle,  its  formula  is  C4H.C1. 

Muriatic  ether,  like  the  other  substances  of  this  class,  is  a diffusible  stimulant;  but, 
owing  to  its  extreme  volatility,  cannot  be  kept  in  the  shops.  It  may,  however,  be  pre- 
served in  a cool  cellar,  the  temperature  of  which  does  not  rise  above  45°  or  50°,  being 
well  secured  in  bottles,  which  should  be  placed  reversed.  When  used  as  a medicine,  it 
is  generally  mixed  with  an  equal  bulk  of  alcohol,  forming  what  is  called  alcoholic  muriatic 
ether.  The  dose  is  from  live  to  thirty  drops,  given  in  sweetened  water,  or  other  conve- 
nient vehicle. 

MUSHROOMS.  Fungi.  This  extensive  family  of  cryptogamous  plants  is  interesting  to 
the  physician,  from  the  consideration,  that,  while  some  of  them  are  very  largely  consumed 
as  food,  others  are  deleterious  in  their  nature,  and  capable,  when  eaten,  of  producing 
poisonous  effects.  Their  substance  is  made  up  of  a cellular  tissue,  which  is  usually  of 
that  soft  consistence  denominated  fungous,  but  is  sometimes  corky,  ligneous,  or  even 
gelatinous.  Many  of  them  have  an  agreeable  odour  and  taste,  while  others  are  unplea- 
sant or  offensive  both  to  the  nostrils  and  palate.  Their  juice  generally  exhibits  an  acid 
reaction.  According  to  Braconnot,  most  of  them  contain,  among  other  substances,  a pe- 
culiar principle  denominated  fungin , a peculiar  acid  called  fungic  acid  usually  combined 
with  potassa,  and  a peculiar  saccharine  matter  less  sweet  than  the  other  varieties  of  sugar, 
less  soluble  in  alcohol  and  water  than  that  of  the  cane,  and  distinguished  by  some  writers 
as  the  sugar  of  mushrooms.  M.  Bolby  found  mannite  in  two  different  species,  with  oxalic 
acid  in  one,  an  acid  which  he  supposed  to  be  the  fumaric  in  a second,  and  the  lichenstearic 
acid  in  a third.  ( Journ . de  Pharm.,  3 eser.,  xxiv.  236  ) Fungin  constitutes  the  basis  of 
these  vegetables,  and  is  the  principle  upon  which  their  nutritive  properties  chiefly  depend. 
It  is  the  fleshy  substance  which  remains  when  they  are  treated  with  boiling  water  holding 
a little  alkali  in  solution.  It  is  whitish,  soft,  and  insipid;  inflammable;  insoluble  in 
water,  alcohol,  ether,  weak  sulphuric  acid,  and  weak  solutions  of  potassa  and  soda ; solu- 
ble in  heated  muriatic  acid;  decomposed  by  nitric  acid,  and  by  concentrated  alkaline 
solutions;  and  converted  by  destructive  distillation  into  substances  resembling  those 
which  result  from  the  distillation  of  animal  matters. 

It  is  highly  important  for  those  who  employ  mushrooms  as  food,  to  be  able  to  distinguish 
those  which  are  wholesome  from  the  poisonous.  The  following  general  rules  were  given  by 
M.  Richard  in  the  Dictionnaire  des  Drogues.  Those  should  be  rejected  which  have  a nar- 
cotic or  fetid  odour,  or  an  acrid,  bitter,  or  very  acid  taste:  which  occasion  a sense  of  con- 
striction in  the  throat  when  swallowed;  which  are  very  soft,  liquefying,  changing  colour, 
and  assuming  a bluish  tint  upon  being  bruised : which  exude  a milky,  acrid,  and  styptic 
juice;  which  grow  in  very  moist  places,  and  upon  putrefying  substances;  in  fine,  all  such 
as  have  a coriaceous,  ligneous,  or  corky  consistence.  The  last,  however,  are  injurious  in 
consequence  rather  of  their  indigestible  than  of  their  poisonous  nature.  Even  mushrooms 
which  are  usually  edible,  may  prove  poisonous,  if  collected  too  late,  or  in  places  which  are 
too  moist.  It  is  said,  moreover,  that  the  poisonous  species  sometimes  become  innocent 
when  they  grow  under  favourable  circumstances.  Immense  quantities  of  mushrooms 
are  eaten  in  France,  Germany,  Italy,  and  other  parts  of  continental  Europe;  and  they  are 
said  to  constitute  the  chief  food  of  the  people  in  certain  provinces. 

Some  experiments  of  M.  Gerard  would  tend  to  show  that  poisonous  mushrooms  may 
be  rendered  innocent,  by  treating  them  with  water  slightly  acidulated  with  vinegar,  before 
cooking  them.  About  a pound  avoirdupois  of  poisonous  mushrooms,  cut  into  pieces, 
are  to  he  macerated  for  two  hours  in  a quart  of  water,  acidulated  with  two  or  three 
spoonfuls  of  strong  vinegar,  and  afterwards  to  be  washed  with  a large  quantity  of 
water.  Next  day  they  are  to  be  put  into  cold  water,  boiled  for  half  an  hour,  then  taken 
out,  washed,  and  dried.  They  are  now  fit  for  food.  (See  Mm.  Journ.  of  Pharm..  xxv.  274.1 
But  subsequent  experiments  by  MM.  Demartis  and  Corne,  of  Bordeaux,  have  proved  that 
this  method  is  not  always  to  be  relied  on;  as  certain  mushrooms,  after  having  been  treated 
in  the  manner  suggested,  have  nevertheless  produced  fatal  effects  on  animals  to  which  they 
were  given;  and  as  the  same  mushrooms  may  be  poisonous  at  one  season,  or  in  one  situ- 
ation, and  innocent  in  another,  the  inference  is  that  those  experimented  on  by  M.  Gerard, 
though  ordinarily  poisonous,  may  not  have  been  so  in  that  particular  instance.  [Journ.  dc 
Pharm.,  oe  ser.,  xxi.  468.) 

The  symptoms  produced  by  the  poisonous  mushrooms  are  anxiety,  nausea,  faintness, 
vomiting,  and,  if  they  are  not  rejected  from  the  stomach,  somnolence,  stupor,  small  and 


Appendix.  1365 

intermittent  pulse,  tension  of  the  .abdomen,  cold  extremities,  livid  skin,  and  death  in  thirty- 
six  or  forty-eight  hours.  Sometimes  violent  pains  in  the  stomach  and  bowels  are  expe- 
rienced; and  occasional^  severe  vomiting  and  purging  occur,  and  save  the  patient.  The 
remedies  are  emetics,  if  the  physician  is  called  in  time,  accompanied  with  the  free  use  of 
warm  drinks,  and  followed  by  cathartics.  After  the  evacuation  of  the  alimentary  canal, 
demulcent  and  nutritive  beverages  should  be  given,  and  the  strength  of  the  patient  sus- 
tained by  mild  tonics  or  stimulants.  Ether  is  particularly  recommended. 

Some  of  the  poisonous  species  have  been  used  as  medicines;  but  in  this  country  they 
are  never  employed;  and  too  little  seems  to  be  precisely  known  of  their  modes  of  action, 
and  their  qualities,  even  in  the  same  species,  vary  too  much,  according  to  the  circumstances 
of  their  growth  and  situation,  to  justify  their  introduction  into  the  materia  medica,  without 
further  investigation.  A species  of  Lycoperdon  or  puff-ball,  L. proteus,  has  been  proved  by 
Mr.  B.  W.  Richardson,  of  London,  to  have  remarkable  narcotic  and  anmsthetic  properties. 
Having  noticed  that  the  smoke  of  this  fungus  was  used  in  the  country  for  stupefying  bees, 
he  made  experiments  with  the  fumes  upon  various  animals,  which,  when  caused  to  inhale 
them,  became  insensible,  and  could  be  operated  on  without  evincing  any  signs  of  pain. 
When  carried  far,  they  caused  death.  He  had  himself  inhaled  the  fumes  clarified  by 
passing  them  through  water,  and  experienced  symptoms  of  intoxication  and  drowsiness. 
They  were  procured  by  burning  the  fungus.  ( Bond . Med.  Times  and  Gaz.,  June,  1853,  p.  610.) 

MUSK,  ARTIFICIAL.  Moschus  Factitius.  This  is  prepared,  according  to  M.  Eisner,,  by 
adding,  by  small  portions  at  a time,  one  part  of  rectified  oil  of  amber  to  three  parts  of 
fuming  nitric  acid.  The  resulting  resin  is  washed  with  water  to  separate  acid,  and 
brought  to  the  consistence  of  a firm  extract  in  a water  bath.  Thus  prepared  it  is  a dark 
brownish-red  substance,  having  a burning,  bitter,  aromatic  taste,  and  a musky  odour.  It 
is  very  soluble  in  alcohol,  ether,  and  the  volatile  oils;  its  alcoholic  solution  reddening 
litmus.  Triturated  with  caustic  potassa,  it  gives  off  ammonia.  When  set  on  fire,  it  burns 
with  a very  smoky  flame,  and  leaves  a shining,  porous  charcoal.  Its  formula,  deduced 
from  its  combination  with  protoxide  of  lead,  is  N2C,.H607.  Comparing  its  composition 
with  that  of  the  oil  of  amber,  the  action  of  the  nitric  acid  evidently  consists  in  eliminating 
a portion  of  carbon  and  hydrogen,  adding  to  the  oxygen,  and  furnishing  nitrogen.  M. 
Eisner  found  oil  of  amber  to  consist  of  several  oily  principles,  having  different  boiling 
points,  one  of  which,  resembling  eupione,  he  calls  amber  eupione.  As  this  substance  yields 
artificial  musk  by  the  action  of  fuming  nitric  acid,  he  believes  the  property  possessed  by 
oil  of  amber  of  yielding  the  same  substance  is  due  to  its  presence.  ( Journ . de  Pharm.,  3e 
sir.,  ii  144.)  During  the  reaction  of  nitric  acid  with  oil  of  amber,  Dr.  John  T.  Plummer, 
of  Indiana,  has  observed  that  oxalic  acid  is  generated.  ( Am . Journ.  of  Pharm.,  Jan. 
1852,  p.  36.) 

Dr.  S.  W.  Williams  gives  the  following  formula  for  the  preparation  of  artificial  musk. 
Add  gradually,  drop  by  drop,  three  drachms  and  a ; half  of  concentrated  nitric  acid  to  a 
drachm  of  rectified  oil  of  amber,  contained  in  a glass  tumbler,  or  very  large  wineglass.  The 
mixture  grows  hot,  and  emits  offensive  fumes,  which  the  operator  must  avoid.  W'hen  the 
ordinary  nitric  acid  is  employed,  which  is  not  of  full  strength,  the  reaction  must  be  assisted 
by  heat;  in  which  case  Dr.  Williams  recommends  that  the  vessel  containing  the  mixed 
ingredients  be  placed  in  a plate  before  the  fire,  they  being,  meanwhile,  continually  stirred 
with  a glass  rod.  After  the  mixture  has  remained  at  rest  for  twenty-four  hours,  it  acquires 
a resinous  appearance,  and  divides  into  two  portions,  an  acid  liquid  below,  and  a yellow 
resin  above  resembling  musk  in  smell.  This  being  thoroughly  washed,  first  with  cold  and 
then  with  hot  water,  until  all  traces  of  acid  are  removed,  is  the  artificial  musk.  (Am.  Journ. 
of  Pharm.,  viii.  14,  from  the  Boston  Med.  and  Surg.  Journ.) 

Artificial  musk  is  an  antispasmodic  and  nervine,  and  possesses  the  general  therapeutic 
properties  of  the  natural  substance,  though  in  a weaker  degree.  It  is  praised  by  Dr.  Wil- 
liams in  the  treatment  of  hooping-cough,  typhoid  states  of  fever,  and  nervous  diseases 
generally.  When  combined  with  water  of  ammonia,  compound  spirit  of  lavender,  or 
laudanum,  he  found  no  remedy  so  efficient  in  the  sinking  faintness  occurring  in  the  last 
stage  of  pulmonary  consumption.  The  average  dose  for  an  adult  is  ten  grains;  for  a child 
of  two  years  old,  from  half  a grain  to  a grain,  repeated,  in  each  case,  every  two  or  three 
hours.  It  may  be  prepared  as  the  musk  mixture,  or  with  almonds  in  the  form  of  emulsion. 
According  to  Berzelius,  the  tincture  is  formed  by  dissolving  a drachm  of  artificial  musk  in 
an  ounce  of  alcohol,  equivalent  to  ten  fluidrachms  of  the  sp.  gr.  0-835.  Of  this  the  dose 
for  an  adult  is  a teaspoonful.  Though  artificial  musk  is  not  equal  in  power  to  the  natural 
substance  when  genuine,  yet  it  is  in  all  probability  superior  to  the  adulterated  article,  so 
frequently  sold  under  the  name  of  musk. 

MYROBALANS.  Myrnbalani.  These  are  the  fruits  of  various  East  India  trees,  par- 
ticularly of  different  species  of  Terminalia.  They  are  noticed  here  partly  on  account  of 


1366  Appendix. 

their  ancient  reputation,  partly  because  they  are  still  occasionally  to  be  found  in  the  shops, 
though  seldom,  if  ever  used  in  medicine.  Five  varieties  are  distinguished  by  authors. 
1.  Myrobalani  belliricse.  These  are  obtained  from  Terminalia  BelUrica.  They  are  roundish 
or  ovate,  from  the  size  of  a hazelnut  to  that  of  a walnut,  of  a grayish-brown  colour,  smooth, 
marked  with  five  longitudinal  ribs,  and  sometimes  furnished  with  a short,  thick  footstalk. 
They  consist  of  an  exterior,  thin,  firm,  resinous,  brown,  fleshy  portion,  and  an  interior 
kernel,  which  is  light-brown,  inodorous,  and  of  a bitterish  very  astringent  taste.  2.  Myro- 
balani chebulx.  This  variety  is  produced  by  Terminalia  Chtbula.  The  fruit  is  oblong, 
pointed  at  each  extremity,  from  fifteen  to  eighteen  lines  in  length,  of  a dark-brown  colour, 
smooth  and  shining,  with  five  longitudinal  wrinkles,  but  without  footstalks.  In  their  in- 
ternal arrangement  and  their  taste,  they  resemble  the  preceding.  3.  Myrobalani  cilrinae 
vel  flavse.  These  are  from  a variety  of  the  same  tree  which  affords  the  last-mentioned 
myrobalans,  from  which  they  differ  only  in  being  somewhat  smaller,  of  a light-brown  or 
yellowish  colour,  and  of  a taste  rather  more  bitter.  They  were  formerly  sometimes  sold 
in  the  shops  in  Philadelphia,  under  the  name  of  white  galls , to  which,  however,  they  bear 
no  other  resemblance  than  in  taste.  4.  Myrobalani  Indicse  vel  nigrse.  These  are  thought 
to  be  the  unripe  fruit  of  Terminalia  Chebula,  or  T.  Bellirica.  They  are  ovate-oblong, 
from  four  to  eight  lines  long,  and  from  two  to  three  lines  thick,  of  a blackish  colour, 
wrinkled  longitudinally,  and  presenting,  when  broken,  a thick  brown  mass,  without  kernel, 
but  with  a small  cavity  in  the  centre.  They  are  sourish  and  very  astringent.  5.  Myro- 
balani emblicx.  This  variety  is  wholly  different  from  the  preceding,  and  derived  from  a 
plant  having  no  affinity  to  the  Terminali®,  namely,  the  Phyllanihus  Emblica  of  Linnjeus. 
It  is  often  in  segments,  as  kept  in  the  shops.  When  the  fruit  is  entire,  it  is  blackish, 
spherical,  depressed,  of  the  size  of  a cherry,  presenting  six  obtuse  ribs  with  as  many  deep 
furrows,  and  separating  into  six  valves,  and  has  a strongly  astringent  and  acidulous  taste. 

These  fruits  were  in  high  repute  with  the  Arabians,  and  were  long  emplov'ed  by  Euro- 
pean practitioners,  as  primarily  laxative  and  secondarily  astringent,  in  various  complaints, 
particularly  diarrhoea  and  d^ysentery.  Their  dose  was  from  two  drachms  to  an  ounce. 
They  are  not  now  employed  as  medicines.  AVe  have  been  told  that  they  have  been  used 
as  a substitute  for  galls  in  the  preparation  of  ink-powder. 

NAPHTHALINE.  This  may  be  obtained  by  subjecting  coal-tar  to  distillation,  when  it 
passes  over  after  the  coal-naphtha.  It  is  a white,  shining,  concrete,  crystalline  substance, 
fusible  at  176°  and  boiling  at  423°.  It  is  soluble  in  alcohol,  ether,  naphtha,  and  the  oils, 
but  insoluble  in  water.  It  has  been  proposed  by  Dupasquier  as  an  expectorant,  and  has 
been  found,  on  trial,  to  act  decidedly  as  such.  In  the  impending  suffocation,  sometimes 
occurring  in  the  chronic  pulmonary  catarrh  of  old  persons,  and  in  humoral  asthma,  it 
facilitated  expectoration  in  a remarkable  degree.  Being  a stimulating  remedy,  it  is  not 
proper  in  acute  bronchitis,  or  where  pulmonary  inflammation  exists.  The  dose  is  from 
eight  to  thirty  grains,  given  in  emulsion  or  syrup,  and  repeated  at  intervals  of  a quarter 
of  an  hour,  until  an  abundant  expectoration  takes  place.  ( Journ . de  Pharm.,  3e  ser.,  ii. 
513.)  M.  Rossignon  considers  naphthaline  to  act  like  camphor,  and  to  be  capable  of 
replacing  it  on  many  occasions  as  a remedy.  It  produces  excellent  effects  in  verminose 
affections.  It  has  been  found  useful  by  M.  Emery,  in  the  form  of  ointment  made  by  mixing 
a scruple  of  naphthaline  with  five  drachms  of  lard,  in  dry  tetter,  psoriasis,  and  lepra  vul- 
garis. ( Annuaire  de  Therap.,  1843,  pp.  64  and  06.) 

NAPLES  YELLOW.  A yellow  pigment  prepared  by  calcining  a mixture  of  lead,  sul- 
phuret  of  antimony,  dried  alum,  and  muriate  of  ammonia,  or  a mixture  of  carbonate  of 
lead,  diaphoretic  antimony,  dried  alum,  and  muriate  of  ammonia,  ( Gray .) 

NARCISSUS  PSEUDO-NARCISSUS.  Daffodil.  This  well-known  bulbous  plant  is  a 
native  of  Europe,  but  is  very  common  in  the  gardens  of  this  country,  where  it  attracts 
attention  by  the  early  appearance  of  its  conspicuous  yellow  flowers.  Both  the  bulb  and 
flowers  have  been  used  in  medicine.  The  latter  have  a feeble  peculiar  odour,  and  both 
have  a bitter  mucilaginous  taste.  They  are  emetic,  though  uncertain  in  their  operation. 
It  is  probable  that  the  flowers  of  the  wild  plant  are  more  powerful  than  those  of  the  cul- 
tivated. They  may  be  given  dried  and  powdered,  or  in  the  form  of  extract.  The  dose  of 
the  powder,  to  produce  an  emetic  effect,  varies,  according  to  the  statements  of  different 
physicians,  from  a scruple  to  two  drachms ; while  the  extract  is  said  to  vomit  in  the  dose 
of  two  or  three  grains.  It  is  conjectured  that  the  emetic  property  is  developed  by  the 
agency  of  water.  The  bulb  is  most  powerful  in  the  recent  state,  and,  within  our  own 
knowledge,  is  occasionally  used  as  an  emetic  in  domestic  practice  in  this  country.  Y hen 
dried  and  powdered,  it  has  been  given  in  the  dose  of  thirty-six  grains  without  vomiting. 
The  flowers  are  said  also  to  possess  antispasmodic  powers,  and  have  been  used  in  France, 
with  supposed  advantage,  in  hooping-cough,  epilepsy,  and  other  convulsive  affections.  It 
is  probable,  however,  that  they  operated  in  these  cases  by  their  nauseating  or  emetic 


Appendix.  1367 

property.  They  have,  moreover;  been  advantageously  employed  in  diarrhoea,  dysentery, 
and  intermittent  fever.  Other  species  of  Narcissus  are  said  to  possess  the  same  proper- 
ties, though  they  have  not  been  so  much  used. 

NARD.  Spikenard.  Several  aromatic  roots  were  known  to  the  ancients  under  the 
name  of  nardus,  distinguished,  according  to  their  origin  or  place  of  growth,  by  the  names 
of  nardus  Indica , nardus  Celtica , nardus  montana,  &c.  They  are  supposed  to  have  been 
derived  from  different  species  of  Valeriana.  Thus  the  nardus  Indica  is  referred  to  V. 
Jatamensi  of  Bengal,  the  nardus  Celtica  to  V.  Celtica,  inhabiting  the  Alps,  Apennines,  &c., 
and  the  nardus  montana  to  V.  tuberosa,  which  grows  in  the  mountains  of  the  South  of 
Europe.  The  Indian  nard,  or  spikenard,  sometimes  also  called  Syrian  nard,  is  still  occa- 
sionally to  be  found  in  the  shops.  It  is  a small  delicate  root,  from  one  to  three  inches 
long,  beset  with  a tuft  of  soft,  light-brown,  slender  fibres,  of  an  agreeable  odour,  and  a 
bitter,  aromatic  taste.  It  was  formerly  very  highly  esteemed  as  a medicine,  but  is  now 
almost  out  of  use.  Its  properties  are  analogous  to  those  of  the  officinal  valerian. 

NASTURTIUM  OFFICINALE.  R.  Brown.  Sisymbrium  Nasturtium.  Linn.  Water-cress. 
A small,  perennial,  herbaceous,  succulent  plant,  growing  in  springs,  rivulets,  and  ponds, 
in  North  America,  Europe,  and  some  parts  of  Asia.  The  fresh  herb  has  a quick  pene- 
trating odour,  especially  when  rubbed,  and  a bitterish,  pungent  taste,  but  loses  both  when 
dried,  lu  sensible  and  medical  properties  it  bears  some  resemblance  to  scurvy  grass, 
though  milder,  and  on  this  account  is  preferred  for  the  table.  It  is  thought  to  be  useful 
in  scorbutic  affections,  and  visceral  obstructions.  The  expressed  juice  is  sometimes  given 
in  the  dose  of  one  or  two  ounces ; but  the  herb  is  more  frequently  used  in  the  form  of  a 
salad.  Other  species  of  Nasturtium,  as  N.  paluslre,  or  marsh  water-cress,  and  N.  amphi- 
bium  or  water-radish,  grow  in  similar  situations  with  the  N.  officinale,  and  possess  similar 
virtues. 

NIGELLA  SATIVA.  Nutmeg-flower.  Small  fennel-flower.  A small  annual  plant,  grow- 
ing wild  in  Syria  and  the  South  of  Europe,  and  cultivated  in  various  parts  of  the  world. 
The  seeds,  which  are  sometimes  kept  in  the  shops  under  the  name  of  semen  nigellse,  are 
ovate,  somewhat  compressed,  about  a line  long  and  half  as  broad,  usually  three-cornered, 
with  two  sides  flat  and  one  convex,  black  or  brown  externally,  white  and  oleaginous 
within,  of  a strong,  agreeable,  aromatic  odour,  like  that  of  nutmegs,  and  a spicy  pungent 
taste.  Their  chief  constituents  are  a volatile  and  fixed  oil,  and  a peculiar  bitter  principle 
denominated  nigellin,  which  exists  in  the  seeds  in  very  minute  proportion.  ( Journ . de 
Pharm.,  3e  ser.,  ii.  128.) 

NITRATE  OF  COPPER.  Cupri  Nitras.  This  well  known  salt  has  been  employed  with 
advantage  as  a caustic,  in  a severe  case  of  ulceration  of  the  throat  and  tongue,  and  in 
several  similar  cases,  by  Dr.  William  Moore,  of  Ballymoney,  Ireland.  The  application  is 
attended  with  no  danger,  provided  the  ulcer  or  part  is  dried  before  applying  the  caustic, 
and  afterwards  smeared  with  oil.  (See  Braithwaite’ s Retrospect,  xxv.  201.) 

NITRATE  OF  SODA.  Cubic  Nitre.  This  salt  may  be  formed  by  treating  carbonate  of 
soda  with  nitric  acid.  It  is  found  naturally,  in  inexhaustible  quantities,  in  the  desert  of 
Atacama  and  elsewhere,  in  Peru,  where  it  forms  beds  of  vast  extent.  Attempts  were 
made  between  1820  and  1830  to  export  it  to  England  and  the  United  States;  but  the  car- 
goes were  unsalable.  Soon  afterwards,  however,  its  value  came  to  be  known ; so  that 
at  present  large  quantities  are  exported  from  Peru,  being  consumed  in  the  manufacture 
of  sulphuric  and  nitric  acids,  and  as  a fertilizer.  Considerable  quantities  have  been 
brought  to  the  United  States. 

Nitrate  of  soda,  when  pure,  is  a white  salt,  crystallizing  in  rhomboidal  prisms,  and 
having  a sharp,  cooling,  and  bitter  taste.  It  attracts  moisture  slightly  from  the  air,  and 
dissolves  in  about  twice  its  weight  of  water  at  60°.  It  has  been  praised  as  a remedy  in 
dysentery  by  two  German  physicians,  Drs.  Yelsen  and  Meyer,  given  in  the  quantity  of 
from  half  an  ounce  to  an  ounce  in  the  course  of  the  day,  dissolved  in  gum  water  or  other 
mucilaginous  liquid.  The  crude  salt,  as  it  comes  from  Peru,  is  in  saline  lumps,  rather 
soft  and  friable,  and  damp  on  the  surface.  It  is  distinguished  into  varieties,  according  to 
its  colour  and  state  of  aggregation ; as  white  compact,  yelloic,  gray  compact,  gray  crystal- 
line, and  white  crystalline ; and  varies  very  much  in  purity,  from  containing  eighty-five  to 
only  twenty  per  cent,  of  the  pure  salt.  Some  of  the  varieties  contain  iodine.  (See  page 
41.)  The  impurities  consist  of  common  salt,  sulphate  and  carbonate  of  soda,  and  chloride 
of  calcium.  Occasionally,  borate  of  lime  is  found,  associated  with  borate  of  soda,  under 
the  beds  of  the  nitrate.  (See page  687.) 

As  nitrate  of  soda  has  been  imposed  upon  our  merchants  for  nitre,  it  may  be  useful  to 
mention  that  the  former  salt  may  be  distinguished  by  its  giving  rise  to  an  orange-yellow 
flame  when  thrown  on  burning  coals,  and  by  the  rhomboidal  shape  of  its  crystals;  those 
of  nitre  being  long  six-sided  prisms.  (See  page  590.) 


1368  Appendix. 

NITROPRUSSIDE  OF  SODIUM.  This  is  the  most  interesting  of  a series  of  salts, 
discovered  by  Dr.  Playfair,  called  nitroprussides,  which  are  produced,  for  the  most  part, 
by  saturating  the  acid  ( nitroprussic  acid),  generated  by  the  action  of  nitric  acid  on  ferro- 
cyanuret  of  potassium,  with  different  bases.  The  sodium  salt  is  best  obtained  by  the 
process  of  A.  Overbeck,  as  follows. — Dissolve  four  parts  of  pow  dered  ferrocyanuret  of  po- 
tassium contained  in  a flask,  in  five  and  a half  parts  of  commercial  nitric  acid,  diluted  with 
an  equal  weight  of  water.  After  the  action  is  completed,  which  generally  occupies  about 
ten  minutes,  and  is  accompanied  by  a copious  evolution  of  gases,  heat  the  resulting  coffee- 
brown  liquid  by  a water  bath,  until  a drop  of  it  gives  a dingy  green,  instead  of  a blue 
precipitate  with  a solution  of  sulphate  of  protoxide  of  iron.  Then  allow  the  liquid  to 
cool;  whereupon  the  larger  part  of  the  nitrate  of  potassa  generated  will  be  deposited  in 
crystals.  Pour  off  the  green  mother-liquor  from  these,  and  separate  the  remaining  nitrate 
of  potassa  by  repeated  concentrations.  Next  neutralize  the  liquid,  while  heated  on  a 
water  bath,  with  carbonate  of  soda,  taking  care  to  add  the  carbonate  so  long  only  as  a 
pure  blue  precipitate  is  produced.  Lastly,  filter  the  solution,  and  set  it  aside  that  crys- 
tals may  form,  which  must  be  washed  with  water,  and  dried  between  blotting  paper. 
(Chem.  Gaz.,  July  15,  1853,  p.  271.)  This  salt  is  in  the  form  of  large  ruby-coloured 
prismatic  crystals,  very  much  resembling  those  of  ferridcyanuret  of  potassium  i red  prus- 
siate  of  potassa).  It  is  soluble  in  two  and  a half  parts  of  cold  water,  and  in  a less  quan- 
tity of  hot  water.  Its  solution,  exposed  to  sunshine,  is  decomposed,  with  evolution  of 
nitric  oxide  gas,  and  deposition  of  Prussian  blue,  at  the  same  time  acquiring  a green 
colour.  Nitroprusside  of  sodium,  as  well  as  the  other  soluble  nitroprussides,  is  a most 
delicate  test  for  the  alkaline  sulphurets,  with  which  it  strikes  a beautiful  violet  colour. 
(See  page  716.)  Its  composition  is  not  certainly  known : but  the  following  formula,  given 
by  Gerhardt,  is  probably  the  correct  one.  (Na2.Fe2Cy5NO,-|-4HO.)  Nitroprussic  acid  is 
the  nitroprusside  of  hydrogen,  with  the  formula  H„,Fe2Cy5N02. 

NITROSULPHATE  OF  AMMONIA.  This  compound,  discovered  by  Pclouze  in  1835, 
may  be  formed  by  passing  nitric  oxide  through  a solution  of  sulphate  of  ammonia  in  five 
or  six  times  its  volume  of  water  of  ammonia.  A large  number  of  crystals  are  formed, 
which  must  be  quickly  washed  with  liquid  ammonia  previously  refrigerated,  and  dried 
without  heat.  Nitrosulphate  of  ammonia  has  been  used  at  the  Hotel  Dieu  in  Paris,  in 
doses  of  twelve  grains,  with  apparent  advantage,  in  typhoid  fevers.  Its  composition  cor- 
responds with  one  eq.  of  nitric  oxide,  one  of  sulphurous  acid,  and  one  of  ammonia;  but 
as  the  salt  is  not  precipitated  by  barytic  water,  Pelouze  conceives  that  the  nitric  oxide 
and  sulphurous  acid,  together,  form  a peculiar  acid  which  he  calls  nitrosulphuric  acid, 
consisting  of  one  eq.  of  nitrogen,  one  of  sulphur,  and  four  of  oxygen. 

NITROUS  OXIDE.  This  well  known  gas,  generally  called  the  laughing  gas,  from  its 
power  to  cause  a transient  intoxication  when  breathed,  is  capable  of  producing  anaesthetic 
effects ; but  even  if  these  were  as  safely’  induced  as  by  ether,  the  comparative  expense  of 
the  gas  would  prevent  its  employ’ment.  The  late  Mr.  Horace  Wells,  dentist,  of  Connec- 
ticut, tried  to  introduce  it  as  an  anaesthetic;  but  his  first  experiments  were  unsuccessful, 
and  further  attempts  were  superseded  by  the  discovery  of  etherization. 

Water,  impregnated  by  pressure  with  about  five  times  its  volume  of  this  gas,  forms  the 
nitrous  oxide  rvater,  known  in  England  under  the  name  of  Searle’s  patent  oxygenous 
aerated  water,  which  has  been  used  to  some  extent  as  au  internal  remedy.  Sir  H.  Davy 
tried  the  aqueous  solution,  made  without  pressure,  and  thought  it  acted  as  a diuretic,  and 
promoted  digestion;  and  Serullas  used  it  in  Asiatic  cholera  with  apparent  advantage. 
The  patent  water  is  asserted  to  be  suited  to  the  treatment  of  torpor,  debility,  depression 
of  spirits,  asthma,  and  dyspepsia ; but  to  be  contra-indicated  in  inflammatory  and  ple- 
thoric states  of  the  system.  Dr.  George  J.  Ziegler,  of  Philadelphia,  has  made  a number 
of  therapeutic  trials  with  nitrous  oxide  water,  charged  with  five  times  its  volume  of  the 
gas,  and  finds  it  to  possess  tonic,  resolvent,  exliilarant,  and  diuretic  properties.  He  has 
observed,  however,  that  its  free  and  prolonged  use  is  apt  to  produce  emaciation.  Dr. 
Ziegler  has  also  made  some  interesting  experiments,  tending  to  show  the  antidotal  and 
revivifying  properties  of  nitrous  oxide.  In  these  experiments,  dogs  were  asphyxiated  or 
poisoned  with  carburetted  hydrogen,  chloroform,  carbonic  acid,  hydrocyanic  acid,  and  other 
agents,  and,  when  in  a state  of  suspended  animation  more  or  less  complete,  were  gene- 
rally revived  by  the  nitrous  oxide  water,  injected  into  the  bowels  in  the  amount  of  from 
two  to  three  pints.  When  administered  by  the  stomach,  the  dose  of  the  water  is  from 
half  a pint  to  a pint  and  a half,  taken  in  the  course  of  the  day.  Dr.  Ziegler  concludes 
from  his  observations  and  experiments  that  nitrous  oxide  is  a powerful  arterial,  nervous, 
and  cerebral  stimulant,  possessing,  at  the  same  time,  valuable  antidotal  powers.  ( Boston 
Med.  and  Surg.  Journ.,  xlvi.  453  and  xlvii.  383.) 

NYMPH7EA  ODORATA.  Sweet-scented  Water-lilt/.  An  indigenous  herbaceous  peren- 
nial, growing  in  most  parts  of  the  United  States,  in  fresh  water  ponds  and  the  borders 


Appendix.  1369 

of  streams,  and  distinguished  by  the  beauty  and  delicious  odour  of  its  large,  -white,  many- 
petaled  flowers.  Its  root  is  large  and  fleshy  in  the  recent  state,  but  becomes  light,  spongy, 
and  friable  by  drying.  It  is  very  astringent  and  bitter,  and,  according  to  Dr.  Bigelow,  con- 
tains much  tannin  and  gallic  acid.  It  is  sometimes  employed,  in  the  form  of  poultice,  as  a 
discutient  application.  The  root  of  the  Nymphcea  alba,  or  European  white  water-lily,  was 
esteemed  aphrodisiac  by  the  ancients,  but  has  long  lost  this  reputation.  Like  that  of  the 
American  plant,  it  is  bitter  and  styptic,  and  may  have  been  useful  by  its  astringency  in 
some  cases  of  leucorrhoea,  gonorrhoea,  dysentery,  &c.,  in  which  it  was  formerly  employed 
for  its  reputed  sedative  virtues. 

OCHRES.  These  are  native  mixtures  of  argillaceous  or  calcareous  earth  and  oxide  of 
iron,  employed  in  painting.  They  are  prepared  for  use  by  agitating  them  with  water, 
decanting  the  turbid  liquor  after  the  coarser  particles  have  subsided,  then  allowing  it  to 
rest  in  order  that  the  finer  parts  may  be  deposited,  and,  lastly,  drying  the  sediment  which 
forms.  The  colour  of  the  ochres  varies  with  the  state  of  oxidation  of  the  iron,  and  with 
the  proportion  which  it  bears  to  the  other  ingredients,  and  is  sometimes  artificially  modi- 
fied by  the  agency  of  heat.  Several  varieties'  are  kept  in  our  shops  under  different  names, 
according  to  their  colour  or  place  of  origin.  Such  are  the  brown  ochre,  the  yellow  ochre, 
the  red  ochre,  the  Roman  ochre  of  a brownish-yellow  changing  by  heat  to  a purple-red,  the 
Oxford  ochre  of  a brownish-yellow  colour  less  deep  than  the  Roman,  and  the  French  ochre 
which  is  yellow.  The  Indian  red  from  the  Persian  Gulf,  the  Spanish  brown,  may  also  be 
ranked  in  this  class  of  pigments.  Sometimes  ochres  come  in  a powder}’  state,  and  some- 
times in  hard  masses ; in  the  latter  state  they  are  called  stone  ochres. 

OCIMUM  BASILIC UM.  Basil.  An  annual  plant,  a native  of  India  and  Persia,  and 
cultivated  in  Europe  and  in  this  country  in  gardens.  The  whole  plant  has  a strong,  pe- 
culiar, agreeable,  aromatic  odour,  which  is  improved  by  drying.  The  taste  is  aromatic, 
and  somewhat  cooling  and  saline.  Basil  has  the  ordinary  properties  of  the  aromatic  plants, 
and  is  in  some  places  considerably  used  as  a condiment.  The  seeds  ate  said  by  Ainslie 
to  be  used  in  India,  in  the  form  of  infusion,  as  a remedy  in  gonorrhoea  and  nephritic  affec- 
tions. 

CENANTHE  CROCATA.  Hemlock  Water-dropwort.  A perennial  umbelliferous  aquatie 
European  plant,  exceedingly  poisonous  both  to  men  and  inferior  animals.  The  root,  which 
has  a sweetish,  not  unpleasant  taste,  is  sometimes  eaten  by  mistake  for  other  roots,  with 
the  most  dangerous  effects;  and  numerous  instances  of  fatal  results  are  on  record.  The 
symptoms  produced  are  such  as  attend  irritation  or  inflammation  of  the  stomach,  united 
with  great  cerebral  disturbance,  indicated  by  giddiness,  convulsions,  and  coma.  Exter- 
nally applied,  the  root  produces  redness  and  irritation  of  the  skin,  with  an  eruptive  affection. 
It  is  said  to  be  sometimes  used  empirically  as  a local  remedy  in  piles ; and  a case  is  re- 
corded in  which  an  obstinate  leprosy  was  cured  by  the  continued  use  of  the  juice  of  the 
plant.  Other  species  of  (Enanthe  are  poisonous,  and  the  whole  genus  should  be  regarded 
among  the  suspected  plants.  We  have  two  or  three  indigenous  species.  The  proper 
remedies,  in  cases  of  poisoning  from  these  plants,  are  emetics,  followed,  after  the  stomach 
has  been  thoroughly  evacuated,  by  demulcent  drinks.  A peculiar  resinoid  principle,  de- 
nominated cenanthin,  has  been  found  by  M.  Gerding  in  CEnanthe  fistulosa,  of  which  half  a 
grain,  given  to  an  adult,  produced  long-continued  irritation  of  the  fauces,  with  hoarseness, 
and  a grain  occasioned  vomiting.  (See  Am.  Bourn,  of  Pharrn.,  xxi.  68.) 

(ENANTHE  PHELLANDRIUM.  Sprengel.  Phellandrium  aquaticum.  Linn.  Fine- 
leaned  Water-hemlock.  A biennial  or  perennial,  umbelliferous,  European  water  plant,  the 
fresh  leaves  of  which  are  said  to  be  injurious  to  cattle,  producing  a kind  of  paralysis  when 
eaten.  By  drying,  they  lose  their  deleterious  properties.  The  seeds  have  been  used  in 
Europe  to  a considerable  extent  in  the  treatment  of  disease.  They  are  from  a line  to  a 
line  and  a half  in  length,  ovate-oblong,  narrow  above,  somewhat  compressed,  marked  with 
ten  delicate  ribs,  and  crowned -with  the  remains  of  the  calyx,  and  with  the  erect  or  reverted 
styles.  Their  colour  is  yellowish-brown  ; their  odour  peculiar,  strong,  and  disagreeable; 
their  taste  acrid  and  aromatic.  Among  their  constituents  is  a volatile  oil,  upon  which  their 
aromatic  flavour  depends.  By  different  writers  they  are  described  as  aperient,  diuretic, 
emmenagogue,  expectorant,  and  sedative.  They  probably  unite  mild  narcotic  properties 
with  the  stimulant  powers  which  are  common  to  most  of  the  aromatics,  and  may  be  di- 
rected, according  to  circumstances,  to  different  secretory  organs.  In  over-doses  they  pro- 
duce vertigo,  intoxication,  and  other  narcotic  effects.  They  appear  to  have  been  used  most 
successfully  in  chronic  pectoral  affections,  such  as  bronchitis,  pulmonary  consumption, 
and  asthma.  They  have  been  given  also  in  dyspepsia,  intermittent  fever,  obstinate  ulcers, 
&c.  The  dose  of  the  seeds,  to  commence  with,  is  five  or  six  grains,  so  repeated  as  to 
amount  to  a drachm  in  twenty-four  hours.  They  should  be  given  in  powder.  A tincture 
and  alcoholic  extract  of  the  seeds  have  been  prepared,  pf  which  the  former,  containing  the 


1370 


Appendix. 

virtues  of  lialf  a drachm  of  the  seeds  in  a fluidounee.  is  given  in  the  dose  of  from  f ^ss  to 
f^j,  and  the  latter  in  that  of  three  to  five  grains.  ( Pharrrt . Journ.  and  Trans.,  xii.  591.) 

fENOTIIERA  BIENNIS.  Tree  Primrose.  A biennial  indigenous  plant,  growing  in  fields 
and  along  fences,  from  Canada  to  the  Carolinas.  It  is  from  two  to  five  feet  high,  with  a 
rough  stem,  alternate,  ovate-lanceolate  leaves,  and  fine  yellow  flowers,  which  make  their 
appearance  in  July  and  August.  Schoepf  states  that  it  is  esteemed  useful  as  a vulnerary. 
The  late  Dr.  R.  E.  Griffith  found  a strong  decoction  of  the  small  branches,  with  the  leaves 
and  cortical  part  of  the  stem  and  larger  branches,  very  beneficial  in  eruptive  complaints, 
especially  tetter.  lie  applied  the  decoction  several  times  a day  to  the  affected  part.  He 
believed  the  virtues  of  the  plant  to  reside  in  the  cortical  part,  which  has  a mucilaginous 
taste,  and  leaves  a slight  sensation  of  acrimony  in  the  fauces.  {Journ.  of  the  Phil.  Col.  of 
Pharm.,  iv.  292.) 

OIL  OF  ANDA.  A fixed  oil  procured  by  expression  from  the  seeds  of  Anda  Brasili- 
ensis  (Radde),  Anda  Gomesci  (Ad.  Jussieu),  a tree  of  Brazil,  belonging  to  the  family  of 
Euphorbiacese.  The  bark  yields  on  being  wounded  a milky  juice,  which  is  said  to  be 
poisonous,  and  to  be  used  for  -stupefying  fish.  The  fruit,  which  is  about  as  large  as  an 
apple,  ash-coloured,  with  two  larger  and  two  smaller  angles,  encloses  a two-celled  nut, 
containing  two  seeds,  about  the  size  of  a chestnut.  Like  the  seeds  of  other  Euphorbiace- 
ous  plants,  these  are  actively  purgative;  one  seed,  according  to  Martius,  being  the  dose 
for  a man.  By  expression  these  seeds  yield  a pale-yellow  transparent  oil,  with  little  smell 
or  taste,  which  is  said  to  be  used  in  Brazil  for  burning  and  painting.  Dr.  Norris,  who  tried  the 
oil  at  the  Pennsylvania  Hospital,  found  it  to  operate  on  the  bowels  moderately  in  the  dose 
of  fifty  drops,  and  copiously,  when  more  largely  given.  ( Cyclopaedia  of  Pract.  Med.  and  Surg., 
i.  470.)  Dr.  Alexander  Ure,  who  has  experimented  with  it  in  several  cases,  states  that,  in 
the  average  dose  of  twenty  drops,  it  usually  operates  mildly,  without  producing  heat  or 
pain  in  the  throat,  and  seldom  causing  nausea  or  vomiting. 

OIL  OF  BEN.  This  is  a fixed  oil  extracted  from  the  seeds  of  the  Moringa  pterygo- 
sperma  and  M.  aptera  of  Gsertner,  confounded  by  Linnaeus  under  the  name  of  Guilandina 
Moringa.  Ilyperanthera  Moringa  (Vahl)  is  a synonyme  of  the  former  species.  These  are 
trees  belonging  to  the  family  of  Leguminosse,  inhabiting  different  parts  of  India,  Arabia. 
Syria,  &c.,  and  introduced  into  the  W.  Indies.  The  leaves  and  other  parts  have  an  acrid 
property,  which  has  probably  given  the  name  of  horseradish  tree  to  M.  pterygosperma. 
The  oil  of  the  seeds  has  long  been  known,  though  used  rather  in  the  arts  than  in  medicine. 
Most  of  it  is  prepared  in  Europe  from  seeds  brought  from  Egypt  ( Merat  and  De  Luis) ; but 
it  is  said  also  to  be  extracted  in  the  W.  Indies.  It  is  inodorous,  clear,  and  nearly  colour- 
less, and  keeps  long  without  becoming  rancid.  It  is  employed  for  similar  purposes  with 
olive  oil.  Merat  and  De  Lens  say  that  it  is  purgative;  but  most  of  the  fixed  oils  are  so 
in  sufficient  doses.  According  to  Volker  the  oil  contains  margarin,  olein,  and  a peculiar 
fatty  matter  yielding  au  acid  by  saponification,  which  he  proposes  to  call  benic  acid.  {Journ. 
de  Pharm.  el  de  Chim.,  xvi.  77.) 

OIL  OF  CADE.  Oleum  Cadinum.  Huile  de  Cade.  French.  This  is  a kind  of  tar  ob- 
tained by  distillation  per  descensum  from  the  interior  reddish  wood  of  Juniperus  communis, 
or  more  strictly  of  J.  Oxycedrus,  which  grows  in  the  South  of  France  where  the  substance 
is  prepared.  It  is  a thick  liquid,  black,  and  of  a smell  analogous  to  that  of  common  tar. 
It  has  long  been  employed  in  the  treatment  of  the  cutaneous  diseases  of  horses,  sheep,  ,XC. : 
and  was  also  applied  by  the  peasantry  to  their  own  skin  affections.  Recently  it  has  ac- 
quired much  reputation  in  these  complaints,  inconsequence  of  its  extensive  and  successful 
use  in  the  hospitals  of  Paris.  M.  Bazin  has  employed  it  with  success  in  psora,  lichen 
agrius,  the  different  scaly  affections,  the  advanced  stage  of  eczema,  and  favus.  In  most 
of  these  complaints  we  have  long  been  in  the  habit  of  employing  common  tar  ointment, 
and  with  probably  equal  success.  A kind  of  soap  is  prepared  from  the  oil  of  cade,  which 
affords  a convenient  method  of  applying  it.  In  the  Ed.  Monthly  Journ.  of  Med.  Set.  for 
July,  1852  {page  66),  it  is  stated  that  the  soap  is  made  by  distilling  the  tar.  incorporating 
the  volatile  oil  thus  obtained  with  a fixed  oil,  and  then  saponifying  this  with  soda.  It  is 
in  the  form  of  black  balls,  which  readily  unite  with  water,  and  may  be  applied  to  the  sur- 
face like  any  other  soap.  The  best  plan  is  probably  to  apply  it  at  bedtime,  and  wash  it 
off  next  morning. 

OIL  OF  EUPHORBIA.  A fixed  oil,  obtained  from  the  seeds  of  Euphorbia  Lathyris,  a 
biennial  plant  growing  wild  in  this  country,  though  believed  to  have  been  introduced  from 
Europe.  It.  is  often  found  near  gardens  and  in  cultivated  fields,  and  is  generally  called 
mole  plant,  under  the  impression  that  moles  avoid  the  grounds  where  it  grows.  {Pursh.) 
It  is  the  Caper  plant  of  England.  {Loudon's  Encyc.  of  Plants.)  Like  the  other  species  of 
Euphorbia,  it  contains  a milky  juice,  which  is  extremely  acrid:  and  the  whole  plant  pos- 
sesses the  properties  of  a drastic  purge;  but  the  oil  of  the  seeds  is  the  only  part  used  in 


Appendix.  1371 

regular  practice.  This  may  he  extracted  by  expression,  or  by  the  agency  of  alcohol  or  of 
ether.  In  the  first  case,  the  bruised  seeds  are  pressed  in  a canvass  or  linen  bag,  and  the 
oil  which  escapes  is  purified  by  decanting  it  from  the  whitish  flocculent  matter  which  it 
deposits  upon  standing,  and  by  subsequent  filtration.  By  the  latter  process,  the  bruised 
seeds  are  digested  in  alcohol  or  macerated  in  ether,  and  the  oil  is  obtained  by  filtering  and 
evaporating  the  solution.  According  to  Soubeiran,  however,  the  oils  obtained  by  these 
different  processes  are  not  identical.  That  procured  by  expression  is  probably  the  purest. 

Oil  of  euphorbia  is  colourless,  inodorous,  and,  when  recent,  nearly  insipid  ; but  it  speedily 
becomes  rancid,  and  acquires  a dangerous  acrimony.  Soubeiran  has  ascertained  that  it 
has  a complex  composition,  containing,  besides  the  pure  oil,  four  distinct  proximate  prin- 
ciples. {Journ.  de  Pharm.,  xxi.  259.)  From  40  to  44  parts  are  obtained  by  expression 
from  100  of  the  seed. 

This  oil  is  a powerful  purge,  operating  with  much  activity  in  a dose  varying  from  five  to 
ten  drops.  It  was,  some  yea'rs  since,  much  used  by  certain  Italian  and  French  physicians, 
who  did  not  find  it  to  produce  inconvenient  irritation  of  the  stomach  and  bowels.  Its 
want  of  taste,  and  the  smallness  of  the  dose,  recommended  it  especially  in  the  cases  of 
infants.  It  was  said  to  be  less  acrid  and  irritating  than  the  croton  oil,  over  which  it  also 
had  the  advantage  of  greater  cheapness.  Some  trials  which  have  been  made  with  it  on 
this  side  of  the  Atlantic  have  not  tended  to  confirm  these  favourable  reports.  It  was 
found  uncertain  in  its  cathartic  effect,  and  very  liable  to  vomit.  (Scattergood,  Journ.  of 
the  Phil.  Col.  of  Pharm.,  iv.  724.)  It  may  be  given  in  pill  with  the  crumb  of  bread,  or  in 
emulsion. 

OIL  OF  JASMINE.  This  oil  is  obtained  from  the  flowers  of  Jasminum  officinale  or  com- 
mon white  jasmine,  and  from  those  also  of  ./.  Sambac  and  J.  grandiflorum..  Alternate  layers 
of  the  fresh  Hewers,  and  of  cotton  saturated  with  oil  of  ben  (see  page  1370),  or  perhaps 
other  fixed  oil,  are  exposed  in  a covered  vessel  to  the  warmth  of  the  sun ; the  flowers 
being  occasionally  renewed  till  the  oil  becomes  impregnated  with  their  odour,  when  it  is 
separated  from  the  cotton  by  pressure.  This  method  is  necessary,  as  the  flowers  do  not 
yield  their  aroma  by  distillation.  The  oil  of  jasmine  is  used  only  as  a perfume. 

OLIBANUM.  Olibanum,  th & frankincense  of  the  ancients,  was  erroneously  ascribed  by 
Linnaeus  to  Juniperus  Lycia.  There  appear  to  be  two  varieties  of  olibanum,  one  derived 
from  the  countries  bordering  on  the  Red  Sea,  and  taken  to  Europe  by  way  of  the  Mediter- 
ranean, the  other  brought  directly  from  Calcutta.  The  tree  producing  the  former  lias  not 
been  botanically  described,  though  believed  by  some  writers  to  be  a species  of  Amyris. 
Captain  Kempthorne,  of  the  E.  India  Company’s  Navy,  saw  it  growing  upon  the  mount- 
ains, on  the  African  coast,  between  Bunder  Maryah  and  Cape  Guardafui.  According 
to  his  statement,  it  grows  upon  the  bare  marble  rocks  composing  the  hills  in  that  region, 
without  any  soil  or  the  slightest  fissure  to  support  it,  adhering  by  means  of  a substance 
thrown  out  from  the  base  of  the  stem.  This  rises  forty  feet,  and  sends  forth  near  the 
summit  short  branches,  covered  with  a bright  green,  singular  foliage.  The  juice,  which 
exudes  through  deep  incisions  made  into  the  inner  bark,  is  at  first  of  the  colour  and  con- 
sistence of  milk,  but  hardens  on  exposure.  {Pharm.  Journ.  and  Trans.,  iv.  37.)  The  India 
olibanum  has  been  satisfactorily  ascertained  to  be  the  product  of  the  Boswellia  serrata  of 
Roxburgh,  a large  tree  growing  in  the  mountains  of  India,  and  found  by  Mr.  Colebrook 
abundant  in  the  vicinity  of  Nagpur.  The  tree  belongs  to  the  class  and  order  Decandria 
Monogynia,  and  to  the  natural  order  Terebintacese  of  Kunth. 

The  Arabian  or  African  frankincense  is  in  the  form  of  yellowish  tears,  and  irregular 
reddish  lumps  or  fragments.  The  tears  are  generally  small,  oblong  or  roundish,  not  very 
brittle,  with  a dull  and  waxy  fracture,  softening  in  the  mouth,  and  bearing  much  resem- 
blance to  mastich,  from  which,  however,  they  differ  in  their  want  of  transparency.  The 
reddish  masses  soften  in  the  hand,  have  a stronger  smell  and  taste  than  the  tears,  and  are 
often  mixed  with  fragments  of  bark,  and  small  crystals  of  carbonate  of  lime. 

The  Indian  frankincense,  or  olibanum,  consists  chiefly  of  yellowish,  somewhat  translu- 
cent, roundish  tears,  larger  than  those  of  the  African,  and  generally  covered  with  a whitish 
powder  produced  by  friction.  It  has  a balsamic  resinous  smell,  and  an  acrid,  bitterish, 
somewhat  aromatic  taste.  When  chewed  it  softens  in  the  mouth,  adheres  to  the  teeth, 
and  partially  dissolves  in  the  saliva,  which  it  renders  milky.  It  burns  with  a brilliant 
flame,  and  a fragrant  odour.  Triturated  with  water  it  forms  a milky  imperfect  solution. 
Alcohol  dissolves  nearly  three-fourths  of  it,  and  the  tincture  is  transparent.  From  100 
parts,  Braconnot  obtained  8 parts  of  volatile  oil,  56  of  resin,  30  of  gum,  and  5-2  of  a glu- 
tinous matter  insoluble  in  water  or  alcohol,  with  0-8  loss.  Various  saline  substances  were 
found  in  its  ashes.  The  oil  may  be  separated  by  distillation,  and  resembles  that  of  lemons 
in  colour  and  smell. 

Medical  Properties.  Olibanum  is  stimulant  like  the  other  gum-resins;  but  is  now  never 


1372  Appendix. 

used  internally.  It  is  chiefly  employed  for  fumigations,  and  enters  into  the  composition 
of  some  unofficinal  plasters. 

ONION.  Cepa.  The  bulb  of  Allium  Cepa.  This  is  a perennial  bulbous  plant,  with  a 
naked  scape,  swelling  towards  the  base,  exceeding  the  leaves  in  length,  and  terminating 
in  a simple  umbel  of  white  flowers.  The  leaves  are  hollow,  cylindrical,  and  pointed. 
The  original  country  of  the  onion  is  unknown.  The  plant  has  been  cultivated  from  time 
immemorial,  and  is  now  diffused  over  the  whole  civilized  world.  All  parts  of  it  have  a 
peculiar  pungent  odour,  but  the  bulb  only  is  used.  This  is  of  various  size  and  shape,  ovate, 
spherical,  or  flattened,  composed  of  concentric  fleshy  and  succulent  layers,  and  covered 
with  dry  membranous  coats,  which  are  reddish,  yellowish,  or  white,  according  to  the  variety. 
It  has,  in  a high  degree,  the  characteristic  odour  of  the  plant,  with  a sweetish  and  acrid 
taste.  Fourcroy  and  Vauquelin  obtained  from  it  a white  acrid  volatile  oil  holding  sulphur 
in  solution,  albumen,  much  uncrystallizable  sugar  and  mucilage,  phosphoric  acid  both  free 
and  combined  with  lime,  acetic  acid,  citrate  of  lime,  and  lignin.  The  expressed  juice  is 
susceptible  of  the  vinous  fermentation. 

The  onion  is  stimulant,  diuretic,  expectorant,  and  rubefacient.  Taken  moderately,  it 
increases  the  appetite  and  promotes  digestion,  and  is  much  used  as  a condiment : but  in 
large  quantities  it  is  apt  to  cause  flatulence,  gastric  uneasiness,  and  febrile  excitement.  The 
juice  is  occasionally  given,  made  into  syrup  with  sugar,  in  infantile  catarrhs  and  croup,  in 
the  absence  of  much  inflammatory  action.  It  is  also  recommended  in  dropsy  and  calculous 
disorders.  Deprived  of  its  essential  oil  by  boiling,  the  onion  becomes  a mild  esculent: 
and  it  is  much  more  used  as  food  than  as  medicine.  Roasted  and  split,  it  is  sometimes 
applied  as  an  emollient  cataplasm  to  suppurating  tumours. 

OPOPANAX.  The  concrete  juice  of  Pastinaca  Opopanax  (Willd.),  Opopanax  Chironium 
(De  Candolle).  This  species  of  parsnep,  usually  called  rough  parsnep,  has  a thick,  yellow, 
fleshy,  perennial  root,  which  sends  up  annually  a strong  branching  stem,  rough  near  the 
base,  about  as  thick  as  a man’s  thumb,  and  from  four  to  eight  feet  in  height.  The  leaves 
are  variously  pinnate,  with  long  sheathing  petioles,  and  large,  oblong,  serrate  leaflets,  of 
which  the  terminal  one  is  cordate,  others  are  deficient  at  their  base  upon  the  upper  side, 
and  the  whole  are  hairy  on  their  under  surface.  The  flowers  are  small,  yellow,  and  form 
large  flat  umbels  at  the  termination  of  the  branches.  The  plant  is  a native  of  the  Levant, 
and  grows  wild  in  the  South  of  France,  Italy,  and  Greece.  When  the  base  of  the  stem  is 
wounded,  a juice  exudes,  which,  when  dried  in  the  sun,  constitutes  the  opopanax  of  com- 
merce. Some  authors  state  that  it  is  obtained  from  the  root.  A warm  climate  appears 
necessary  for  the  perfection  of  the  juice ; as  that  which  has  been  collected  from  the  plant 
in  France,  though  similar  to  opopanax,  is  of  inferior  quality.  The  drug  is  brought  from 
Turkey.  It  is  said  to  come  also  from  the  East  Indies;  but  Ainslie  states  that  he  never 
met  with  it  in  any  Indian  medicine  bazaar. 

It  is  sometimes  in  tears,  but  usually  in  irregular  lumps  or  fragments,  of  a reddish-yellow 
colour,  speckled  with  white  on  the  outside,  paler  within,  and,  when  broken,  exhibiting 
white  pieces  intermingled  with  the  mass.  Its  odour  is  strong,  peculiar,  and  unpleasant; 
its  taste  bitter  and  acrid.  Its  sp.  gr.  is  1-622.  It  is  inflammable,  burning  with  a bright 
flame.  In  chemical  constitution  it  is  a gum-resin,  with  an  admixture  of  other  ingredients 
in  small  proportion.  The  results  of  its  analysis  by  Pelletier  were  from  100  parts.  23-4  of 
gum,  42  of  resin,  4-2  of  starch,  1-6  of  extractive,  0-3  of  wax,  2-8  of  malic  acid,  0-8  of 
lignin,  5-9  of  volatile  oil  and  loss,  with  traces  of  caoutchouc.  Water  by  trituration  dis- 
solves about  one-half  of  the  gum-resin,  forming  an  opaque  milky  solution,  which  deposits 
resinous  matter  on  standing,  and  becomes  y-ellowish.  Both  alcohol  and  water  distilled 
from  it  retain  its  flavour;  but  only  a very  minute  proportion  of  oil  can  be  obtained  in  a 
separate  state. 

Opopanax  was  formerly  employed,  as  an  antispasmodic  and  deobstruent,  in  hypochon- 
driasis, hysteria,  asthma,  and  chronic  visceral  affections,  and  as  an  emmenagogue  in  sup- 
pression of  the  menses ; but  it  is  now  generally  regarded  as  a medicine  of  very  feeble 
powers,  and  in  this  country'  is  scarcely  ever  used.  The  dose  is  from  ten  to  thirty  grains. 

ORANGE  RED.  Orange  Mineral.  Sandix.  Red  oxide  of  lead,  prepared  by  calcining 
carbonate  of  lead.  It  is  of  a brighter  colour  than  minium,  and  is  used  as  a pigment. 

OROBANCHE  VIRGINIAN  A.  Epifagus  Americanus.  Nuttall.  Beech-drops.  Cancer- 
root.  This  is  a parasitic,  fleshy  plant,  with  a tuberous,  scaly  root,  and  a smooth  stem, 
branched  from  the  base,  from  twelve  to  eighteen  inches  high,  furnished  with  small  ovate 
scales,  of  a yellowish  or  purplish  colour,  and  wholly  destitute  of  vex-dui-e.  It  is  found  in 
all  parts  of  North  America,  growing  upon  the  roots  of  the  beech  tree,  from  which  it  ob- 
tained its  popular  name.  Is  is  in  some  places  very  abundant.  The  plant  lias  a bitter, 
nauseous,  astringent  taste,  which  is  said  to  be  diminished  by  drying.  It  has  been  given 
internally  in  bowel  affections;  but  its  credit  depends  mainly  upon  the  idea  that  it  is  usetul 


Appendix.  1373 

in  obstinate  ulcers  of  a cancerous  character,  to  -which  it  is  directly  applied  in  the  state  of 
powder.  The  late  Frofessor  Barton  conjectured  that  it  was  an  ingredient  of  a secret 
remedy,  at  one  time  famous  as  Martin’ s cancer  powder,  of  which,  however,  the  most  active 
constituent  was  arsenious  acid. 

Other  species  of  Orobanche,  growing  in  America  and  Europe,  have  been  employed. 
They  are  all  parasitic,  fleshy  plants,  without  verdure,  and  of  a bitter,  nauseous  taste.  In 
Europe  they  are  called  broom-rape.  The  0.  Americana  and  0.  uniflora,  of  this  country, 
are  said  to  be  used  for  the  same  purposes  as  the  species  above  noticed,  and  like  it  are 
called  cancer-root. 

ORPIMENT.  King’s  Yellow.  A native  tersulpliuret  of  arsenic,  consisting  of  one  eq.  of 
metal  75  and  three  eqs.  of  sulphur  48  = 123.  It  is  in  masses  of  a brilliant  lemon-yellow 
colour,  composed  of  flexible  laminae,  and  slightly  translucent.  It  exists  in  various  parts 
of  the  world,  but  is  obtained  for  use  from  Persia  and  China.  ( Guibovrt .)  It  is  sometimes 
mixed  with  realgar,  which  gives  it  a reddish  or  orange  hue.  A similar  sulphuret  may  be 
made  artificially  by  passing  sulphuretted  hydrogen  through  a solution  of  arsenious  acid  in 
muriatic  acid.  There  is  reason  to  believe  that  neither  the  native  sulphuret,  nor  the  arti- 
ficial, when  prepared  in  the  manner  just  mentioned  and  well  washed,  is  poisonous ; at  least 
in  a degree  at  all  comparable  to  other  arsenical  compounds. 

Artificial  orpiment  is  prepared  for  use  by  fusing  together  equal  parts  of  arsenious  acid 
and  sulphur.  {Turner.)  In  Germany,  according  to  Guibourt,  it  is  prepared  by  subliming 
a mixture  of  these  two  substances.  In  this  case,  however,  it  retains  a large  portion  of  the 
acid  undecomposed,  and  is  therefore  highly  poisonous.  Guibourt  found  a specimen  which 
he  examined  to  contain  94  per  cent,  of  arsenious  acid,  and  only  6 per  cent,  of  the  sulphuret 
of  arsenic. 

Orpiment  is  an  ingredient  of  certain  depilatories.  Atlcinson’s  depilatory  is  said  to  consist 
of  one  part  of  orpiment  and  six  parts  of  quicklime,  with  some  flour  and  a yellow  colouring 
matter.  (Ann.  der  Pharm.,  xxxiii.  348.)  But  this  arsenical  sulphuret  is  chiefly  used  in 
fireworks,  and  as  a pigment. 

ORYZA  SATIVA.  Rice.  This  is  an  annual  plant,  originally,  perhaps,  derived  from  the 
East  Indies,  but  now  cultivated  in  all  parts  of  the  globe  where  the  climate  and  soil  are 
adapted  to  its  growth.  The  rice  of  commerce  consists  of  the  seeds  of  the  plant  deprived 
of  their  husk.  Carolina  rice  was  found  by  Braconnot  to  contain  85  07  per  cent,  of  starch, 
3-60  of  gluten,  0-71  of  gum,  0-29  of  uncrystallizable  sugar,  0-13  of  fixed  oil,  4-80  of  vege- 
table fibre,  5-00  of  water,  and  0-40  of  saline  substances.  This  grain  is  highly  nutritious 
and  of  easy  digestion,  and  constitutes  the  almost  exclusive  diet  of  whole  nations.  Being 
wholly  free  from  laxative  properties,  it  is  admirably  adapted  to  cases  of  weak  bowels,  in 
which  there  is  a strong  tendency  to  diarrhoea.  Care,  however,  should  be  taken  that  it  be 
boiled  till  it  becomes  soft.  A decoction  of  rice,  usually  called  rice-water , is  a good  nutritive 
drink  in  fevers,  and  inflammatory  affections  of  the  bowels,  lungs,  and  kidneys.  There 
appears  to  be  no  ground  for  the  opinion,  wdiich  has  been  entertained  by  some,  that  a diet 
of  rice  is  injurious  to  the  eyes. 

OXALIC  ACID.  Acidum  Oxalicum.  This  acid  is  found  both  in  animals  and  vegetables. 
It  is  generated  occasionally  in  consequence  of  a diseased  action  in  the  kidneys,  and  de- 
posited iu  the  bladder  as  oxalate  of  lime,  forming  a peculiar  concretion,  called  from  its 
appearance  the  mulberry  calculus.  In  vegetables,  it  occurs  in  a free  state  in  the  bristles 
of  the  chick-pea  ( Cicer  arietinum),  combined  with  potassa  as  a supersalt  in  the  Rumcx 
acetosa  or  common  sorrel,  and  the  Oxalis  Acetosella  or  wood-sorrel,  and  united  with  lime 
in  several  species  of  lichen,  and  iu  the  roots  of  rhubarb,  valerian,  and  several  other  plants. 
It  is  from  the  generic  appellation  Oxalis , that  it  takes  its  name. 

Preparation.  The  usual  process  for  obtaining  oxalic  acid  consists  in  decomposing  sugar 
by  nitric  acid.  Four  parts  of  sugar  are  acted  upon  by  twenty-four  of  nitric  acid  of  the 
sp.  gr.  1-24,  and  the  mixture  is  heated  so  long  as  any  nitric  oxide  is  disengaged.  A part 
of  the  carbon  of  the  sugar  is  converted  into  carbonic  acid,  by  oxygen  derived  from  the 
nitric  acid,  which  is  thereby  partially  converted  into  nitric  oxide.  The  undecomposed 
nitric  acid,  reacting  on  the  remaining  elements  of  the  sugar,  generates  oxalic  and  sac- 
charic (oxalhydric)  acids;  the  former  of  which  crystallizes  as  the  materials  cool,  while 
the  latter  remains  in  solution.  The  crystals  being  removed,  a fresh  crop  may  be  obtained 
by  further  evaporation.  The  thick  mother-water  which  now  remains  is  a mixture  of  sac- 
charic, nitric,  and  oxalic  acids;  and,  by  treating  it  with  six  times  its  weight  of  nitric  acid, 
the  greater  part  of  the  saccharic  acid  will  be  converted  into  oxalic  acid.  The  new  crop 
of  crystals,  however,  will  have  a yellow  colour,  and  contain  a portion  of  nitric  acid,  the 
greater  part  of  which  may  be  got  rid  of  by  allowing  them  to  effloresce  in  a warm  place. 
From  the  experiments  of  Mr.  L.  Thompson,  of  Newcastle-on-Tyne,  it  appears  probable 
that,  in  the  reaction  occurring  between  nitric  acid  and  sugar,  half  the  carbon  of  the  lat- 
ter is  converted  into  carbonic  acid,  and  the  other  half  into  oxalic  acid. 


1374 


A ppendix. 

The  manufacturing  chemists  are  said  to  obtain  oxalic  acid  on  a large  scale  by  heating 
a mixture  of  112  lbs.  of  sugar,  500  lbs.  of  nitrate  of  potassa,  and  280  lbs:  of  sulphuric 
acid.  The  products  are  135  lbs.  of  oxalic  acid,  and  490  lbs.  of  supersulphate  of  potassa, 
or  sal  enixum.  ( L . Thompson .) 

Many  substances,  besides  sugar,  yield  oxalic  acid  by  the  action  of  nitric  acid ; as  for 
example  molasses,  rice,  potato  starch,  gum  wool,  hair,  silk,  and  many  -vegetable  acids. 
In  every  case  in  which  it  is  thus  generated,  the  proportional  excess  of  oxygen  which  it 
contains,  compared  with  every  other  organic  compound,  is  furnished  by  the  nitric  acid. 
IVhen  the  acid  is  obtained  from  potato  starch,  this  is  first  converted  into  starch  sugar  by 
the  action  of  sulphuric  acid.  The  following  is  an  outline  of  the  process,  as  conducted  on 
a large  scale.  The  pulp  of  potatoes,  obtained  by  rasping  or  other  suitable  means,  is 
washed  two  or  three  times  by  stirring  it  well  with  water,  allowing  it  to  subside,  and  run- 
ning off  the  water.  It  is  then  boiled  for  some  hours  with  water  in  wooden  boilers,  lined 
with  lead  and  heated  by  steam;  a quantity  of  sulphuric  acid  being  stirred  in  the  mixture, 
equal  to  two  per  cent,  of  the  weight  of  the  potatoes  employed.  By  this  treatment  the 
starch  of  the  potatoes  is  converted  into  starch  sugar ; and  the  change  is  -known  to  be 
completed,  when  a drop  of  tincture  of  iodine,  added  to  a little  of  the  boiling  liquor, 
placed  on  a piece  of  glass,  ceases  to  produce  a purple  colour.  The  product  is  then  fil- 
tered through  a horse-hair  cloth,  and  the  liquid  which  passes  is  carefully  evaporated  until 
a gallon  of  it  weighs  about  fourteen  pounds.  This  liquid  consists  of  a concentrated  solu- 
tion of  starch  sugar,  and  is  now  ready  for  conversion  into  oxalic  acid  by  the  action  of 
nitric  acid.  For  this  purpose  it  is  placed  in  wooden  boilers,  lined  with  lead,  eight  feet 
square  and  three  deep,  and,  having  been  mixed  with  the  requisite  proportion  of  nitric 
acid,  is  heated  to  a temperature  of  about  125°  F.  by  means  of  steam,  passed  through  a 
coil  of  lead  pipe,  until  the  decomposition  is  effected.  The  liquor  is  then  drawn  off  by  a 
syphon  or  cock  into  shallow  lead-lined  wooden  coolers  to  crystallize.  The  crystals  having 
formed,  the  mother-waters  are  drawn  off  for  use  in  a subsequent  operation.  When  the 
manufacture  of  the  acid  is  conducted  in  vessels  of  the  size  just  indicated,  the  density  of 
the  nitric  acid  should  not  be  less  than  1 -20  nor  higher  than  1-27.  If  the  nitric  acid  be  used 
of  undue  strength,  a part  of  the  oxalic  acid  at  first  formed  becomes  converted  into  carbonic 
acid,  to  the  no  small  diminution  of  the  desired  product.  ( Chem . Gaz..  March  15,  1852.  p. 
112.)  The  product  of  oxalic  acid  from  a given  quantity  of  saccharine  material  has  been 
much  understated.  If  properly  treated  with  nitric  acid,  100  lbs.  of  good  sugar  will  yield 
from  125  to  130  lbs.  of  oxalic  acid,  and  the  same  tveight  of  molasses,  from  105  to  110  lbs. 

Certain  organic  substances  yield  oxalic  acid  when  heated  with  potassa.  Thus  shavings 
of  wood,  if  mixed  with  a solution  of  caustic  potassa,  and  exposed  to  a heat  considerably 
higher  than  212°,  will  be  partially  decomposed,  and  converted  into  oxalic  acid,  which 
then  combines  with  the  alkali. 

Properties.  Oxalic  acid  is  a colourless  crystallized  solid,  possessing  considerable  vola- 
tility, and  a strong,  sour  taste.  Its  crystals  have  the  shape  of  slender,  flattened,  four  or 
six-sided  prisms,  with  two-sided  summits ; and,  when  exposed  to  a very  dry  atmosphere, 
undergo  a slight  efflorescence.  It  dissolves  in  about  nine  times  its  weight  of  cold,  and  in 
its  own  weight  of  boiling  water.  The  solution  of  the  crystals  takes  place  with  slight  crepi- 
tation. It  dissolves  also,  but  not  to  the  same  extent,  in  alcohol.  The  presence  of  nitric 
acid  renders  it  more  soluble  in  water.  It  combines  with  salifiable  bases,  and  forms  salts 
called  oxalates.  The  most  interesting  of  these  are  the  three  oxalates  of  potassa,  sever- 
ally called  oxalate,  binoxalate,  and  quadroxalate,  and  the  oxalate  of  lime.  The  binoxalate 
and  quadroxalate,  both  absurdly  called  essential  salt  of  lemons,  are  employed  for  removing 
iron  moulds  from  linen,  and  act  by  their  excess  of  acid,  which  forms  a soluble  salt  with  the 
sesquioxide  of  iron  constituting  the  stain.  Oxalic  acid  is  used  for  removing  ink  stains 
and  iron  moulds,  for  cleaning  the  leather  of  boot-tops,  and  for  discharging  colours  in 
calico-printing. 

This  acid  has  a very  strong  affinity  for  lime,  and  forms  with  it  an  insoluble  precipitate 
consisting  of  oxalate  of  lime,  whenever  the  acid  and  earth  are  brought  into  contact  in 
solution.  Hence,  oxalic  acid  and  its  soluble  combinations  are  the  best  tests  for  lime: 
and,  conversely,  a soluble  salt  of  lime  for  oxalic  acid.  When  lime  is  searched  for.  oxalate 
of  ammonia  forms  the  most  convenient  test.  So  strong  is  the  mutual  attraction  between 
this  acid  and  lime,  that  the  former  takes  the  latter  even  from  sulphuric  acid.  Hence,  the 
addition  of  a soluble  oxalate  disturbs  the  transparency  of  a solution  of  sulphate  of  lime. 

Oxalic  acid  is  distinguished  from  all  other  acids  by  the  form  of  its  crystals,  and  by  its 
solution  yielding  a precipitate  with  lime-water,  insoluble  in  an  excess  of  the  acid. 

Composition.  Oxalic  acid  consists  of  two  eqs.  of  carbon  12.  and  three  of  oxygen 
24=36.  When  crystallized,  three  eqs.  of  water  27  must  be  added,  making  the  eq.  of 
the  crystals  63.  Two  eqs.  of  this  water  may  be  driven  off'  by  a regulated  heat,  by  which 
the  acid  is  made  to  effloresce,  but  the  third  cannot  be  expelled  without  destroying  the 


Appendix.  1375 

acid  itself.  Accordingly,  we  have  no  knowledge  of  anhydrous  oxalic  acid  in  an  uncom- 
bined state. 

From  the  constitution  of  oxalic  acid,  as  above  given,  it  is  plain  that  this  acid  corresponds 
in  composition  to  carbonic  acid  and  carbonic  oxide  taken  together,  and  is,  therefore,  inter- 
mediate in  the  quantity  of  oxygen  winch  it  contains,  between  that  acid  and  oxide.  Not- 
withstanding that  it  contains  less  oxygen  than  carbonic  acid,  it  is  incomparably  stronger 
as  an  acid,  which  circumstance  may  be  accounted  for  by  supposing  some  peculiarity  in  the 
mode  in  which  its  constituents  are  combined.  The  composition  of  the  acid  not  only  cor- 
responds with  the  united  constituents  of  carbonic  acid  and  oxide,  but  there  is  reason  to 
believe  that  these  two  compounds  are  actually  its  proximate  constituents ; for,  if  treated 
with  strong  sulphuric  acid,  the  whole  of  the  water  will  be  abstracted,  and  the  elements  of 
the  dry  oxalic  acid  are  instantly  resolved  into  equal  volumes  of  carbonic  acid  and  carbonic 
oxide. 

Oxalic  acid  combines  with  salifiable  bases  in  two  principal  ways.  Sometimes  it  drops 
its  essential  equivalent  of  water,  which  at  other  times  it  retains.  Thus  the  oxalate  of  lead 
is  a compound  of  the  dry  acid  and  the  protoxide  of  lead ; while  the  oxalate  of  lime  retains 
one  equivalent  of  water. 

Medical  and  Toxicological  Properties.  Oxalic  acid,  in  small  doses,  largely  diluted  with 
water  and  sweetened  to  the  taste,  forms  an  agreeable,  cooling  beverage,  which  may  be 
used  in  febrile  diseases  as  a substitute  for  lemonade.  M.  Nardo  recommends  it  as  an 
antiphlogistic  and  anodyne  remedy  in  inflammation  of  the  mucous  membranes,  given 
in  the  dose  of  a grain  and  a half  dissolved  in  eight  fluidounces  of  liquid.  Notwith- 
standing the  safety  of  its  employment  in  medicinal  doses,  it  is  a virulent  poison,  pro- 
ducing death  with  great  rapidity  and  certainty.  Instances  are  on  record  of  its  proving 
fatal  in  ten  minutes,  and  few  survive  the  effects  of  a poisonous  dose  beyond  an  hour.  As 
this  acid  is  generally  kept  in  the  shops,  and  not  a few  instances  are  on  record  of  its  fatal 
effect,  when  taken  by  design,  or  by  mistake  for  Epsom  salt,  we  shall  feel  ourselves  justified 
in  being  somewhat  full  on  its  toxicological  relations. 

Oxalic  acid  was  first  noticed  as  a poison  by  Mr.  Royston  in  1814;  since  which  time  it 
has  been  principally  investigated  in  this  relation  by  the  late  Dr.  A.  T.  Thomson,  of  London, 
Dr.  Percy,  of  Lausanne,  Dr.  Coindet,  of  Geneva,  and  Dr.  Christison,  of  Edinburgh.  Since 
its  properties  of  certainty  and  rapidity  as  a poison  have  been  more  generally  known,  its 
employment  for  committing  suicide  has  become  more  frequent. 

From  the  general  resemblance  which  the  crystallized  oxalic  acid  bears  to  Epsom  salt, 
many  fatal  mistakes  have  occurred,  in  consequence  of  its  being  sold  for  that  saline  pur- 
gative. Nothing,  however,  can  be  easier  than  to  distinguish  them;  for  upon  tasting  a 
minute  portion  of  the  acid,  which  may  be  done  with  perfect  safety,  it  will  be  found  strongly 
sour,  whereas  the  salt  in  question  is  bitter.  Unfortunately,  however,  in  the  instances  of 
these  fatal  mistakes,  no  suspicions  being  awakened,  the  solution  is  swallowed  with  haste, 
and  the  mischief  is  done  before  the  victim  is  aware  of  his  danger. 

Oxalic  acid  acts  on  the  economy  in  two  principal  ways,  according  as  its  solution  is  con- 
centrated or  dilute.  When  concentrated  it  causes  exquisite  pain,  followed  by  violent  efforts 
to  vomit,  then  sudden  dulness,  languor,  and  great  debility,  and  finally  death  without  a 
struggle.  When  dilute  it  acts  in  a different  manner.  Dissolved  in  twenty  times  its  weight 
of  water,  it  possesses  no  corrosive  and  hardly  any  irritating  power,  and  yet  operates  as  a 
deadly  poison,  causing  death  by  acting  on  the  brain,  spinal  marrow,  and  heart.  This 
statement,  however,  does  not  accord  with  the  observations  of  Dr.  Letheby,  who  asserts 
that  the  acid,  whether  in  strong  or  weak  solution,  always  exercises  a corroding  or  soften- 
ing power  on  the  animal  tissues. 

The  morbid  appearances  caused  by  oxalic  acid  are  various.  In  a dissection  reported  by 
Dr.  Christison,  the  mucous  coat  of  the  throat  and  gullet  had  an  appearance  as  if  scalded, 
and  that  of  the  gullet  could  be  easily  scraped  off.  The  inner  coat  of  the  stomach  was 
pultaceous,  in  many  points  black,  in  others  red,  and  that  of  the  intestines,  similarly  but 
less  violently  affected.  In  another  case,  recorded  by  the  same  author,  the  whole  villous 
coat  of  the  stomach  was  either  softened  or  removed,  as  well  as  the  inner  membrane  of  the 
oesophagus;  so  that  the  muscular  coat  was  exposed,  and  this  coat  exhibited  a dark  gan- 
grenous appearance,  being  much  thickened  and  highly  injected.  The  stomach  usually 
contains  a dark  fluid,  resembling  coffee-grounds,  consisting  chiefly  of  altered  blood.  In 
a few  cases  after  death  by  this  acid,  no  morbid  appearances  have  been  discovered. 

In  the  treatment  of  poisoning  by  oxalic  acid,  the  remedial  measures  must  be  employed 
with  great  promptitude.  If  the  antidotes  are  not  at  hand,  and  vomiting  is  not  free,  emetics 
will  be  proper.  The  stomach  pump  would  be  useful,  but  no  delay  in  the  application  of 
other  remedies  is  admissible,  in  the  expectation  of  its  use.  Qr.  Christison  objects  to  the 
use  of  warm  water  to  promote  vomiting,  from  a fear  that  it  would  increase  the  danger 
by  promoting  the  absorption  of  the  poison ; but  it  may  be  a question  whether  this  evil, 


1376 


Appendix. 

considering  tlie  incidental  benefit  of  the  water  in  promoting  vomiting,  is  not  less  than  that 
of  the  corrosion  of  the  stomach,  which  copious  dilution  has  a tendency  to  prevent.  The 
proper  antidote  is  chalk  or  magnesia,  mixed  with  water ; and  as  soon  as  either  can  be  pro- 
cured, it  must  be  administered  in  large  and  frequently  repeated  doses.  Chalk  was  first 
proposed  for  this  purpose  by  Dr.  A.  T.  Thomson.  These  substances  act  by  neutralizing 
the  poison,  forming  with  it  an  insoluble  oxalate  of  lime  or  magnesia,  both  of  which  are 
inert.  The  soluble  salts  of  oxalic  acid,  as  the  oxalate  of  ammonia,  and  the  oxalates  of 
potassa,  are  likewise  poisonous,  and  the  antidotes  for  them  are  the  same'as  for  the  acid. 

The  best  tests  for  the  detection  of  oxalic  acid  in  the  contents  of  the  stomach,  or  in  the 
vomited  matter,  in  cases  of  suspected  poisoning  by  this  acid,  are  chloride  of  calcium,  sul- 
phate of  copper,  and  nitrate  of  silver.  The  first  causes  a white  precipitate  of  oxalate  of 
lime,  known  by  its  being  soluble  in  nitric  acid;  the  second,  a bluish-white  precipitate  of 
oxalate  of  copper;  and  the  third,  a dense  white  precipitate  of  oxalate  of  silver,  which, 
when  dried  and  heated,  becomes  brown  and  detonates  faintly.  When  the  antidotes  have 
been  freely  used  during  life,  the  poison  will  be  in  the  state  of  oxalate  either  of  lime  or 
magnesia.  In  this  case,  the  oxalate  found  is  to  be  boiled  with  a solution  of  carbonate  of 
potassa,  whereby  an  oxalate  of  potassa  will  be  generated:  and  this  must  then  be  examined 
by  the  reagents  above  indicated. 

OXALIS  ACETOSELLA.  Wood-sorrel.  Acetosella.  The  wood-sorrel  is  a small,  peren- 
nial, herbaceous,  stemless  plant,  with  numerous  radical  leaves,  which  are  all  ternate,  and 
supported  upon  slender  hairy  petioles.  The  leaflets  are  obcordate,  entire,  hairy,  of  a 
yellowish-green  colour,  hut  frequently  purplish  on  their  under  surface.  The  scape  or  flower- 
stalk,  which  usually  exceeds  the  petioles  in  length,  is  furnished  with  two  scaly  bract** 
near  the  middle,  and  terminates  in  a large  white,  or  flesh-coloured  flower,  marked  with 
red  streaks.  The  styles  are  of  the  same  length  with  the  inner  stamens.  This  plant  is  a 
native  both  of  Europe  and  North  America.  In  this  country  it  is  found  chiefly  in  the  mount- 
ainous regions  of  the  interior.  It  selects  shady  places,  such  as  woods,  groves,  and  hedges, 
and  flowers  in  May.  Other  indigenous  species  of  Oxalis,  more  widely  diffused  than  the 
0.  Acelosella,  might  be  substituted  for  it  without  disadvantage;  as  they  possess  similar 
properties.  They  all  have  ternate  leaves  with  obcordate  leaflets,  and,  with  the  single  ex- 
ception of  0.  violacea,  bear  yellow  flowers.  The  whole  herbaceous  portion  may  be  used. 

Wood-sorrel  is  without  smell,  and  has  an  agreeable  sour  taste.  It  owes  its  acidity  to 
binozalate  of  potassa,  which  is  sometimes  separated  for  use,  and  sold  under  the  name  of 
salt  of  sorrel.  This  is  prepared  in  Switzerland  and  Germany,  from  different  species  of  Oxalis 
and  Rumex,  by  the  following  process.  The  plants,  previously  bruised,  are  macerated  for 
some  days  in  water,  and  then  submitted  to  pressure.  The  liquid  thus  obtained  is  mixed 
with  clay,  and  occasionally  agitated  for  two  days.  At  the  end  of  this  time,  the  clear  liquor 
is  decanted,  and  evaporated  so  that  crystals  may  form  when  it  cools.  These  are  purified 
by  solution  and  a new  crystallization.  Five  hundred  parts  of  the  plant  afford  four  parts 
of  the  acidulous  salt.  The  same  salt  may  be  prepared  by  exactly  neutralizing  with  pota-sa 
one  part  of  oxalic  acid  in  solution,  then  adding  one  part  more  of  the  acid,  and  evaporating 
the  solution  so  that  it  may  crystallize  upon  cooling.  Binoxalate  of  potassa  is  in  rhomboidal 
crystals,  of  a sour,  pungent,  bitterish  taste,  soluble  in  forty  parts  of  cold  and  six  parts  of 
boiling  water  ( Kane ),  and  unalterable  in  the  air.  It  contains  72  parts  or  two  equivalents 
of  oxalic  acid,  47-2  parts  or  one  equivalent  of  potassa,  and  18  parts  or  two  equivalents  of 
water.  Quadroxalate  of  potassa  is  often  substituted  for  the  binoxalate.  It  is  prepared  in 
the  same  manner,  except  that,  instead  of  one  part,  three  parts  of  the  acid  are  added  to 
the  original  portion  neutralized  hv  potassa.  Both  salts  are  kept  in  the  shops  under  the 
names  of  salt  of  sorrel  and  essential  salt  of  lemons , and  are  employed  for  removing  iron 
mould  and  ink  stains  from  linen,  and  sometimes  as  a test  for  lime.  Both  are  poisonous, 
though  in  a less  degree  than  uncombined  oxalic  acid. 

Medical  Properties.  This  and  other  species  of  sorrel  are  refrigerant : and  their  infusion, 
or  a whey  made  by  boiling  them  in  milk,  may  be  used  as  a pleasant  drink  in  febrile  and 
inflammatory  affections.  A solution  of  the  binoxalate  of  potassa  is  used,  on  the  continent 
of  Europe,  as  a substitute  for  lemonade.  The  fresh  plant,  eaten  raw,  is  said  to  be  useful 
in  scorbutic  cases.  Oxalis  crassicaulis,  a Peruvian  species,  yields  an  edible  root,  and,  by 
expression  from  its  leaves,  a very  sour  and  astringent  juice,  which  is  employed  in  the  form 
of  syrup,  in  hemorrhages,  chronic  catarrh,  bowel  affections,  and  gonorrhoea,  with  asserted 
advantage. 

OX-GALL.  FelBovinum.  The  bile  of  the  ox  is  a viscid  fluid,  of  a green  or  greenish- 
yellow  colour,  a peculiar  nauseous  odour,  and  a bitter  taste.  The  exact  composition  of  bile 
is  not  yet  settled.  According  to  Berzelius,  it  contains,  1.  bilin,  2.  cholepirrhin,  to  which  the 
bile  owes  its  colour,  3.  mucus,  4.  extractive  matters,  5.  a peculiar  fatty  matter,  originally 
found  in  biliary  calculi,  called  cholesierin,  6.  oleate,  margarate,  and  stearate  of  soda,  with 


Appendix.  1377 

a little  fatty  matter  not  saponified,  7.  chloride  of  sodium,  sulphate,  phosphate,  and  lactate 
of  soda,  and  phosphate  qf  lime.  Of  these  substances,  the  most  abuudant  and  essential  is 
bilin.  This,  when  pure,  is  uncrystallizable,  colourless,  translucent,  inodorous,  of  an  acrid 
and  bitter  taste  with  an  after-taste  of  sweetness,  inflammable,  soluble  in  all  proportions 
in  water  and  anhydrous  alcohol,  insoluble  in  ether,  neither  alkaline  nor  acid,  and  composed 
partly  of  nitrogen.  One  of  its  most  striking  properties  is  the  great  facility  with  which  it 
undergoes  decomposition ; and  hence  the  numerous  principles  which  different  chemists 
have  found  in  bile,  many  of  which  are  nothing  more  than  metamorphoses  of  bilin.  Under 
the  action  of  acids,  it  is  changed  into  two  resinous  acids  called  respectively  fellinic  acid  and 
cholinic  acid,  into  taurin,  and  ammonia.  The  union  of  these  two  acids  with  a portion  of 
bilin  constitutes  the  choleic  acid  of  Demarpay.  The  colouring  principle  or  cholepyrrldn 
is  also  readily  changed,  and  gives  rise  to  various  new  products,  among  which  are  biliverdin, 
a green  colouring  matter  resulting  from  the  absorption  of  oxygen,  and  bilifulvin,  a yellow 
colouring  matter,  which  is  a double  salt  of  lime  and  soda  with  a peculiar  azotized  acid. 
[Journ.  de  Pharm.,  3e  ser.,  iii.  177,  from  the  Jo  urn.  fur praklische  Chemie.)  E.  A.  Platner 
succeeded  in  separating  the  chief  constituent  of  bile  in  a crystalline  form,  and  considered 
it  a compound  of  soda  with  a peculiar  organic  body.  Liebig  denominated  this  compound 
bilale  of  soda.  The  most  recent  analysis  of  bile  that  we  have  seen  is  that  of  A.  Strecker, 
whose  views  differ  essentially  from  those  of  Berzelius.  According  to  Strecker,  the  bile  of 
the  ox,  independently  of  the  colouring,  fatty,  and  saline  matters  above  jnentioned,  consists 
essentially  of  a mixture  of  a nitrogenous  acid  free  from  sulphur,  which  he  calls  c/ioZic  acid, 
and  a sulphuretted  acid  free  from  nitrogen.  Both  of  these  acids  are  combined  w'ith  soda. 
The  sulphuretted  constituent  undergoes  decomposition  with  great  facility,  yielding  a resin, 
taurin,  and  ammonia;  so  that  it  is  with  difficulty  obtained  separate.  It  is  probably  this 
constituent  to  which  the  picromel,  biliary  sugar,  and  bilin  of  other  chemists  may  be  refer- 
red. ( Chern . Gaz.,  A.  D.  1848,  pp.  154  and  155,  from  Jinn,  der  Chem.  und  Pharm.) 

Bile  was  formerly  highly  valued  as  a remedy  in  numerous  complaints,  and  was  considered 
peculiarly  applicable  to  cases  attended  with  deficient  biliary  secretion.  It  is  supposed  to 
be  tonic  and  laxative.  It  is  prepared  for  use  by  evaporating  it  to  the  consistence  of  an 
extract.  The  dose  is  from  five  to  ten  grains.  Refined  ox-gall,  much  used  by  limners  and 
painters,  is  prepared,  according  to  Gray,  in  the  following  manner.  Take  of  “fresh  ox-gall 
one  pint;  boil,  skim,  add  one  ounce  of  alum,  and  keep  it  on  the  fire  for  some  time;  to  an- 
other pint,  add  one  ounce  of  common  salt  in  the  same  manner;  keep  them  bottled  up  for 
three  months,  then  decant  off  the  clear;  mix  them  in  an  equal  proportion  ; a thick  yellow 
coagulum  is  immediately  formed,  leaving  the  refined  gall  clear  and  colourless.” 

PJEONIA  OFFICINALIS.  Peony.  This  well  known  plant  is  a native  of  Southern  Eu- 
rope, but  is  everywhere  cultivated  in  gardens  for  the  beauty  of  its  flowers.  The  root, 
flowers,  and  seeds  were  formerly  officinal.  The  root  consists  of  a caudex  about  as  thick 
as  the  thumb,  which  descends  several  inches  into  the  ground,  and  sends  off  in  all  directions 
spindle-shaped  tubers,  which  gradually  taper  into  thread-like  fibres,  by  which  they  bang- 
together.  It  has  a strong,  peculiar,  disagreeable  odour,  and  a nauseous  taste,  which' is  at 
first  sweetish,  and  afterwards  bitter  and  somewhat  acrid.  The  odour  disappears  or  is  much 
diminished  by  drying.  Peony- root  was  in  very  great  repute  among  the  ancients,  who  used 
it  both  as  a charm  and  as  a medicine  in  numerous  complaints,  particularly  epilepsy.  ’ In 
modern  times  it  has  also  been  given  in  epilepsy  and  various  nervous  affections,  but  is  at 
present  seldom  used.  The  dose  of  the  fresh  root  is  from  two  drachms  to  an  ounce,  boiled 
in  a pint  of  water  down  to  half  a pint,  which  should  be  taken  daily.  It  is  said  to  be  less 
active  when  dried.  The  expressed  juice  of  the  recent  root  is  recommended  in  the  dose  of 
an  ounce.  It  is  milky,  of  a strong  odour,  and  very  disagreeable  taste.  The  flowers  are 
usually  of  a deep-red  colour,  though  in  some  varieties  of  a light-red,  and  even  whitish. 
They  have,  when  fresh,  an  odour  similar  to  that  of  the  root,  but  feebler,  and  an  asti-ingent, 
sweetish,  herbaceous  taste.  When  dry  they  are  inodorous.  As  a medicine  they  have  little 
power,  and  are  scarcely  used.  The  seeds  are  roundish-oval,  about  as  large  as  a pea,  exter- 
nally smooth,  shining,  and  nearly  black,  internally  whitish,  inodorous  when  dry,  and  of  a 
mild,  oleaginous  taste.  By  some  authors  they  are  said  to  be  emetic  and  purgative,  and 
by  others  are  considered  antispasmodic.  They  may  be  given  in  the  same  dose  with  the 
root,  but  are  not  used  in  regular  practice. 

PALM  OIL.  This  highly  valuable  fixed  oil  is  the  product  of  Elais  Guinicnsis,  a palm 
growing  on  the  Western  coast  of  Africa,  and  cultivated  in  the  West  Indies  and  South 
America.  It  is  among  the  handsomest  trees  of  its  graceful  family  which  flourish  in  the 
tropical  regions  of  Africa.  The  oil  is  obtained  by  expression  from  the  fruit.  It  is  brought 
to  this  country  chiefly  from  Liberia,  and  other  places  on  the  African  coast,  though  pre- 
pared also  in  the  West  Indies,  Cayenne,  and  Brazil.  It  is  not  improbable  that  various 
species  of  palms  contribute  to  the  supply  of  this  article  of  commerce. 

87 


1378  Appendix. 

Palm  oil  has  the  consistence  of  butter,  a rich,  orange-yellow  colour,  a sweetish  taste, 
and  an  agreeable  odour,  compared  by  some  to  that  of  violets,  by  others  to  that  of  the 
Florentine  orris.  By  age  and  exposure  it  becomes  rancid  and  of  a whitish  colour.  It 
melts  with  the  heat  of  the  hand,  and  when  perfectly  fluid  passes  readily  through  blotting 
paper.  Highly  rectified  alcohol  dissolves  it  at  common  temperatures,  and  in  ether  it  is 
soluble  in  all  proportions.  According  to  M.  Henry,  it  consists  of  31  parts  of  stearin  and 
09  of  olein.  But,  from  the  experiments  of  Fremy  and  Stenhouse,  it  appears  that  the 
stearin  has  peculiar  properties  entitling  it  to  be  considered  as  a distinct  principle,  and  it 
has  accordingly  received  the  name  of  jjaimi'!/!.  This  is  converted  into  palmitic  acid  by 
saponification.  (Kane's  Chemistry.)  It  appears  also  that  a considerable  proportion  of  this 
acid,  together  with  some  glycerin,  exists  uncombined  in  the  oil,  as  ascertained  by  MM. 
Pelouze  and  Boudet ; so  that  the  changes  which  are  effected  in  oils,  through  the  agency 
of  alkalies,  in  the  process  of  saponification,  take  place,  to  a certain  extent,  spontaneously 
in  palm  oil.  ( Journ . de  Pharm.,  xxiv.  389.)  Hence  it  is  more  easily  saponified  than  any 
other  fixed  oil.  It  is  said  to  be  frequently  imitated  by  a mixture  of  lard  and  suet,  coloured 
with  turmeric,  and  scented  with  Florentine  orris.  It  is  much  employed  in  the  manufac- 
ture of  a toilet  soap,  which  retains  its  pleasant  odour.  Palm  oil  is  emollient,  and  has 
sometimes  been  employed  in  friction  or  embrocation,  though  not  superior  for  this  purpose 
to  many  other  oleaginous  substances. 

PAItlETARIA  OFFICINALIS.  Wall  Pellitory.  A perennial  European  herb,  growing 
on  old  walls  and  heaps  of  rubbish.  It  is  inodorous,  has  an  herbaceous,  somewhat  rough 
and  saline  taste,  and  contains  nitre  derived  from  the  walls  where  it  flourishes.  It  is  diu- 
retic and  refrigerant,  and  is  said  also,  but  without  good  reason,  to  be  demulcent  and 
emollient.  The  ancients  employed  it  in  various  complaints,  and  it  is  still  considerably 
used  on  the  continent  of  Europe,  especially  in  domestic  practice.  It  is  given  in  com- 
plaints of  the  urinary  passages,  dropsy,  and  febrile  affections,  usually  in  the  form  of  de- 
coction. The  expressed  juice  is  also  used,  and  the  fresh  plant  is  applied  in  the  shape  of 
a cataplasm  to  painful  tumours. 

PARTHENIUM  1NTEGI1.I  FOLIUM.  Prairie  Dock.  This  is  an  herbaceous  perennial, 
growing  abundantly  in  the  prairies  of  our  South-western  States.  It  is  recommended  by  Dr. 
Mason  Houlton  as  a powerful  antiperiodic.  The  flowering  tops  are  the  part  used.  They 
have  an  intensely  bitter  taste;  and  two  ounces  of  them  in  the  dried  state,  given  in  the 
form  of  infusion,  are  thought  by  Dr.  Houlton  to  be  equivalent  to  twenty  grains  of  sulph- 
ate of  quinia.  Thirty  successive  cases  of  periodic  fever  were  cured  by  this  remedy,  with- 
out any  uupleasant  effect  on  the  nervous  system.  (Med.  Exam.,  N.  S..  ix.  719,  from  Mei.iphit 
Med.  Recorder;  and  Pharm.  Journ.  and  Trans.,  xii.  002,  from  X.  Y.  Journ.  of  Pharm.) 

PATENT  YELLOW.  Mineral  Yellow.  A pigment,  consisting  of  chloride  combined  with 
protoxide  of  lead.  It  is  prepared  by  mixing  common  salt  and  litharge  with  a sufficient 
quantity  of  water,  allowing  the  mixture  to  stand  for  some  time,  then  washing  out  the 
liberated  soda,  and  exposing  the  white  residue  to  heat. 

PAULLINIA.  Guarana.  This  is  a new  medicine  introduced  into  Europe  from  Brazil, 
which  has  attracted  some  attention  from  the  asserted  fact,  that  it  contains  a principle 
identical  with  caffein.  The  name  of  paullinia  has  been  bestowed  upon  it  from  the  generic 
title  of  the  plant  from  which  it  is  obtained.  That  of  guarana,  by  which  it  was  previously 
known,  was  derived  from  a tribe  of  aborigines,  called  Guaranis,  who  are  said  to  use  it 
extensively  as  a corrigent  of  their  vegetable  diet.  It  is  prepared  from  the  seeds  of  the 
Paullinia  sorbilis  of  Martius,  a climbing  shrub,  belonging  to  the  class  and  order  Octandria 
Trigynia  of  the  Linnsean  system,  and  the  natural  family  of  the  Sapindacete.  The  seeds, 
which  are  contained  in  a three-celled,  tliree-valved,  coriaceous  capsule,  are  lenticular  and 
almost  thorny,  and  invested  with  a flesh-coloured  arillus  which  is  easily  separable  when 
dry.  They  are  prepared  by  powdering  them  in  a mortar,  or  upon  a chocolate  stone  pre- 
viously heated,  mixing  the  powder  with  a little  water,  exposing  it  for  some  time  to  the 
dew,  then  kneading  it  into  a paste,  mixing  with  this  some  of  the  seeds  either  whi  le  or 
merely  bruised,  and  finally  forming  the  mixture  into  cylindrical  or  globular  masses,  which 
are  dried  and  hardened  in  the  sun,  or  by  the  smoke  of  a fire.  These  masses  are  ot  a 
reddish-brown  colour,  rugose  on  the  surface,  very  hard,  and  of  a marbled  appearance 
when  broken.  Paullinia  is  of  a somewhat  astringent  and  bitterish  taste,  and  in  this  as  well 
as  in  its  odour,  bears  some  resemblance  to  chocolate,  though  not  oleaginous.  It  swells 
up  and  softens  in  water,  which  partially  dissolves  it.  Martius  found  in  it  a crystallizable 
principle,  which  he  named  guaranin,  and  which  seems  to  have  been  proved  by  the  researches 
of  MM.  Berthemot  and  Dechastelus  to  be  identical  with  cajfein.  The  discovery  of  caffein 
in  four  plants  belonging  to  distinct  natural  families,  namely,  the  coffee  and  tea  plants,  the 
Paraguay  tea,  and  the  Paullinia,  is  a highly  interesting  result  of  recent  chemical  investi- 
gations. It  is  said  to  be  more  abundant  in  the  Paullinia  than  in  either  of  the  other  vege- 


Appendix.  1379 

tables.  According  to  Berthemot  and  Dechastelus,  it  exists  in  the  seeds  united  with  tan- 
nic acid,  with  which  it  appears  to  form  two  compounds,  one  crystallizable  and  soluble  in 
water,  the  other  of  a resinoid  appearance  and  insoluble.  Besides  these  ingredients,  the 
seeds  contain  also  free  tannic  acid,  gum,  albumen,  starch,  and  a greenish  fixed  oil.  ( Journ . 
de  Pharm.,  xxvi.  514.) 

The  effects  of  paulliuia  upon  the  system  are  said  to  be  those  of  a tonic ; but  they  do 
not  appear  to  have  been  very  accurately  investigated.  It  is  highly  probable,  both  from 
its  composition  and  the  use  made  of  it  by  the  natives  of  Brazil,  that  it  has  an  influence 
over  the  nervous  system  similar  to  that  of  tea  and  coffee.  It  is  habitually  employed  by 
the  Indians,  either  mixed  with  articles  of  diet,  as  with  cassava  or  chocolate,  or  in  the  form 
of  drink  prepared  by  scraping  it  and  suspending  the  powder  in  sweetened  water.  It  is 
considered  by  them  useful  in  the  prevention  and  cure  of  bowel  complaints.  Br.  Gavrelle, 
who  was  formerly  physician  to  Don  Pedro,  in  Brazil,  and  there  became  acquainted  with 
the  virtues  of  this  medicine,  called  the  attention  of  the  profession  to  it  some  years  since 
in  France.  He  had  found  it  advantageous  in  the  diarrhoea  of  phthisis,  sick-headache, 
paralysis,  tedious  convalescence,  and  generally  as  a tonic.  By  l)r.  Ritchie,  Surgeon  in 
the  British  navy,  it  is  highly  recommended  in  irritation  of  the  urinary  passages.  ( Ed . 
Month.  Journ.  of  Med.  Sci.,  N.  S.,  v.  467.)  It  may  be  given  in  substance,  in  the  quantity 
of  one  or  two  drachms,  scraped  into  powder  and  mixed  with  sweetened  water;  but  the 
most  convenient  form  of  administration  is  that  of  spirituous  extract.  According  to  M. 
Dechastelus,  alcohol  is  the  only  agent  which  completely  extracts  its  virtues;  ether  and 
water  effecting  this  object  but  partially.  Of  the  extract  eight  or  ten  grains  may  be  given 
during  the  day  in  the  form  of  pill.  Paullinia  may  also  be  taken  along  with  chocolate  as  a 
drink. 

PEACH  LEAVES.  Leaves  of  Amygdalus  Persica.  (Willd.  Sp.  Plant.  ii.  982.)  Persira 
vulgaris.  (Miller,  Lamarck.)  Everyone  is  familiar  with  the  appearance  of  the  common 
peach  tree.  It  is  characterized  specifically  by  having  “ all  the  serratures  of  the  leaves 
acute,  and  by  its  sessile  solitary  flowers.”  Though  its  native  country  is  not  certainly 
known,  it  is  generally  supposed  to  have  been  brought  originally  from  Persia.  In  no 
country,  perhaps,  does  it  attain  greater  perfection,  as  regards  the  character  of  its  fruit, 
than  in  the  United  States.  Peaches  are  among  the  most  grateful  and  wholesome  of  our 
summer  fruits.  They  abound  in  saccharine  matter,  which  renders  their  juice  susceptible 
of  the  vinous  fermentation ; and  a distilled  liquor  prepared  from  them  has  been  much 
used,  in  some  parts  of  the  country,  under  the  name  of  peach  brandy.  The  kernels  of  the 
fruit  bear  a close  resemblance  in  appearance  and  properties,  and  probably  in  chemical 
nature,  to  bitter  almonds,  for  which  they  are  frequently,  and  without  inconvenience,  sub- 
stituted in  our  shops.  They  are  employed  by  distillers  in  the  preparation  of  liqueurs,  and 
by  cake-bakers  to  give  flavour  to  various  productions  of  their  ovens ; and  are  said  to  yield 
as  much  amvgdalin  as  bitter  almonds.  The  flowers,  leaves,  and  bark  also  have  the  pecu- 
liar odour  and  taste  of  bitter  almonds,  and  yield  hydrocyanic  acid.  The  leaves  afford  a 
volatile  oil  by  distillation.  The  distilled  water  prepared  from  them  was  found,  in  one 
instance,  to  contain  1-407  parts  of  hydrocyanic  acid  in  1000,  and  in  another  only  0 437 
parts  in  the  same  quantity.  From  some  experiments  it  may  be  inferred  that  the  proportion 
of  acid  is  greatest  where  there  is  the  least  fruit.  (See  Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xxiv.  172.) 

Medical  Properties.  Peach  leaves  are  said  to  be  laxative ; and  they  probably  exert,  to 
a moderate  extent,  a sedative  influence  over  the  nervous  system.  They  have  been  used 
as  an  anthelmintic  with  great  reported  success.  More  recently  their  infusion  has  been 
recommended  in  irritability  of  the  bladder,  in  sick  stomach,  and  hooping-cough.  Half 
an  ounce  of  the  dried  leaves  may  be  infused  in  a pint  of  boiling  water,  and  half  a fluid- 
ounce  given  for  a dose  three  times  a day,  or  more  frequently.  Dr.  Dougos  gives,  in 
hooping-cough,  a pint  of  the  strong  infusion,  in  small  doses,  in  the  course  of  the  day. 
(Journ.  de  Pharm.,  xxiii.  356.)  The  flowers  also  arc  laxative  ; and  a syrup  prepared  from 
them  is  considerably  used,  in  infantile  eases,  upon  the  continent  of  Europe.  Woodville 
states  that  a drachm  of  the  dried  flowers,  or  half  an  ounce  in  their  recent  state,  given  in 
infusion,  is  the  dose  as  a vermifuge.  Cases  of  fatal  poisoning  from  their  use  in  children 
are  on  record.  The  kernels  have  more  of  the  peculiar  powers  of  hydrocyanic  acid,  and 
therefore  require  to  be  used  with  some  caution.  Blanched,  and  rubbed  up  with  hot 
water,  they  form  an  emulsion  well  adapted  to  coughs  depending  on  or  associated  with 
nervous  irritation.  The  bruised  leaves,  flowers,  or  kernels  may  be  used  by  the  apothe- 
cary for  cleansing  his  vessels  from  disagreeable  odours.  (See  page  92.)  The  dried  fruit, 
stewed  with  sugar,  is  an  excellent  laxative  article  of  diet,  suitable  to  cases  of  conva- 
lescence attended  with  torpid  bowels. 

P11LORIDZIN.  This  is  a bitter  principle,  discovered  by  Dr.  Konink,  of  Germany,  in 
the  bark  of  the  apple,  pear,  cherry,  and  pluxn  trees.  It  is  most  abundant  in  the  bark  of 


1380  Appendix. 

the  root,  and  derived  its  name  from  this  circumstance  (from  two  Greek  words.  <p> 5t- 
bark,  and  pi a root).  It  is  light,  white,  crystallizable  in  silkj-  needles,  of  a hitter  taste, 
soluble  in  about  1000  parts  of  cold  and  in  all  proportions  in  boiling  water,  very  soluble 
in  alcohol,  scarcely  soluble  in  ether  cold  or  hot,  dissolved  without  change  by  solutions  of 
the  alkalies,  especially  by  ammonia,  deprived  of  its  water  of  crystallization  at  212°,  and 
fusible  at  a somewhat  higher  temperature.  It  is  without  acid  or  alkaline  reaction,  and 
consists  of  carbon,  hydrogen,  and  oxygen;  its  formula  being,  according  to  G.  Roser,  when 
dry,  C42lI25O20,  with  the  addition  of  4 eqs.  of  water  when  crystallized.  When  heated  with 
dilute  muriatic  or  sulphuric  acid,  it  is  converted  into  sugar  and  a peculiar  substance 
called  phlorelin.  (See  Chem.  Gaz.,  viii.  392.)  To  obtain  it,  the  fresh  bark  of  the  root  of 
the  apple  tree  should  be  selected,  as  the  dried  bark  is  said  to  contain  it  in  much  smaller 
proportion.  The  bark  is  to  be  boiled  for  an  hour  or  two  successively  in  two  separate 
portions  of  water, l each  sufficient  to  cover  it,  and  the  decoctions  set  aside.  At  the  end  of 
thirty  hours  they'will  have  deposited  a considerable  quantity  of  coloured  phloridzin.  which 
may  be  purified  by  boiling  for  a few  minutes  with  distilled  water  and  animal  charcoal, 
filtering,  repeating  this  process  two  or  three  times,  and  then  allowing  the  solution  to  cool 
slowly.  The  phloridzin  is  deposited  in  the  crystalline  state.  An  additional  quantity  may 
be  obtained  by  evaporating  the  (decoction  to  one-fifth  of  its  bulk,  allowing  it  to  cool,  and 
purifying  the  substance  deposited  in  the  same  manner  as  before. 

Phloridzin  is  said  to  possess  the  anti-intermittent  property  in  a high  degree,  and  to  have 
proved  successful  where  quinia  had  failed.  It  was  employed  by  Dr.  Konink  in  the  dose  of 
ten  or  fifteen  grains,  and  in  this  quantity  effected  cures  in  several  cases  of  intermittent  fever. 

PHOSPHATE  OF  AMMONIA.  Ammonise  Phosphas.  There  are  several  phosphates 
of  ammonia;  but  the  one  here  described  is  the  neutral  tribasic  phosphate,  and  con- 
sists of  one  eq.  of  phosphoric  acid,  two  of  oxide  of  ammonium,  and  one  of  basic  water 
(2NH40,H0,P05).  It  may  be  made  by  saturating  a somewhat  concentrated  solution  of 
phosphoric  acid  with  ammonia,  applying  heat,  and  setting  the  solution  aside  that  crystals 
may  form.  (See  Acidum  Phosphoricum  Dilutum.)  Another  method  of  forming  it  is  to  satu- 
rate the  excess  of  acid  in  superphosphate  of  lime  by  means  of  carbonate  of  ammonia. 
Phosphate  of  lime  is  precipitated,  and  phosphate  of  ammonia  obtained  in  solution,  which, 
being  duly  concentrated  by  a gentle  heat,  affords  the  salt  in  crystals  upon  cooling.  See 
the  paper  of  Mr.  Charles  Ellis  on  the  mode  of  procuring  this  salt,  in  the  Am.  Journ. 
of  Pharm.,  xviii.  10.)  The  method  of  obtaining  the  superphosphate  of  lime  is  given  at 
page  1186.  Phosphate  of  ammonia  is  a white  salt,  crystallizing  in  rhombic  prisms  with 
dihedral  summits,  very  soluble  in  water,  but  insoluble  in  alcohol.  Exposed  to  the  air 
it  effloresces,  loses  ammonia,  and  becomes  acid. 

This  salt  was  first  brought  under  the  notice  of  the  profession,  as  a remedy  for  gout  and 
rheumatism,  by  Dr.  T.  H.  Buckler,  of  Baltimore,  in  a paper  published  in  the  Am.  Journal 
of  the  Medical  Sciences,  for  Jan.  1846.  In  this  paper  a number  of  cases  are  reported  of 
these  diseases,  which  were  treated  mainly  by  this  remedy  by  Dr.  Buckler  and  several  of 
his  medical  friends,  and  with  apparently  good  effects.  Dr.  Buckler  was  led  to  employ  the 
salt  on  theoretical  grounds.  He  conceives  that  the  “matter  of  gout’’  consists  of  two  salts, 
the  urates  of  soda  and  lime,  existing  in  the  blood;  and  that  the  phosphate  of  ammonia, 
by  reacting  with  them,  would  give  rise  to  soluble  salts.  The  new  salts  formed,  if  the 
double  decomposition  should  take  place,  would  be  urate  of  ammonia,  and  the  phosphates 
of  soda  and  lime.  Unfortunately  for  this  theory,  as  furnishing  the  means  of  eliminating 
uric  acid,  urate  of  ammonia  is  not  more  soluble  than  urate  of  soda.  Nevertheless,  apart 
from  all  theory,  the  therapeutic  powers  of  phosphate  of  ammonia  deserve  to  be  investi- 
gated. Since  the  publication  of  Dr.  Buckler’s  paper,  several  practitioners,  both  in  this 
country  and  in  Europe,  have  used  the  remedy  with  apparently  useful  results.  The  d"se 
of  the  salt  is  from  ten  to  forty  grains,  three  or  four  times  a day,  dissolved  in  a tablespoon- 
ful of  water. 

PHOSPHATE  OF  POTASSA.  Poiassse  Phosphas.  The  phosphate  of  potassa  which 
has  of  late  come  into  use  as  a medicine,  is  the  neutral  tribasic  phosphate,  having  the 
formula,  2KO,HO,POs,  and.  therefore,  a composition  precisely  analogous  to  that  of  the 
medicinal  phosphates  of  soda  and  ammonia.  It  is  derived  from  the  variety  of  phosphoric 
acid  containing  three  eqs.  of  water,  by  the  substitution  of  two  eqs.  of  potassa  for  two  of 
water,  and  is  called  neutral  on  account  of  its  slight  action  on  test  paper,  and  to  distinguish 
it  from  the  acid  tribasic  phosphate,  K0,2H0,P03,  and  the  alkaline,  3K0,P05.  It  may 
be  formed  precisely  as  phosphate  of  soda  is  prepared  (see  page  1186);  or  by  saturating 
glacial  phosphoric  acid  (HO,P06),  changed  by  solution  in  water  and  ebullition  inte 
3H0,P05,  by  means  of  carbonate  of  potassa.  The  medicinal  phosphate  of  potassa  is  a 
white,  amorphous,  deliquescent  salt,  incapable  of  crystallization.  It  has  been  given  as  an 
alterative  in  scrofula  and  phthisis,  and  in  some  other  diseases,  with  supposed  advantage. 


Appendix.  1381 

The  dose  is  from  ten  to  thirty  grains  three  times  a day,  dissolved  in  a tablespoonful  of 
water. 

PHYSALIS  ALKEKENGI.  Alkekengi.  Common  Winter  Cherry.  A perennial  herbaceous 
plant,  growing  wild  in  the  South  of  Europe,  and  cultivated  in  our  gardens.  The  fruit  is 
a round  red  berry,  about  as  large  as  a cherry,  enclosed  in  the  calyx,  and  containing  nu- 
merous flat  kidney-shaped  seeds.  All  parts  of  the  plant  are  bitter,  especially  the  leaves 
and  the  capsules  enveloping  the  fruit.  The  berries  are  very  juicy,  and  have  an  acidulous, 
bitterish  taste.  By  drying  they  shrink,  and  become  of  a brownish-red  colour.  The  bitter 
principle  has  been  isolated  by  MM.  Dessaignes  and  Chautard,  and  named  by  them  physalin. 
It  is  obtained  by  agitating  an  infusion  of  the  plant  with  chloroform,  which  extracts  the 
bitter  principle,  and  yields  it  by  evaporation.  To  purify  it,  dissolve  it  in  hot  alcohol,  add 
a little  animal  charcoal,  filter,  precipitate  by  water,  and  wash  the  precipitate  with  the 
same  liquid.  It  is  a light  powder,  white  with  a shade  of  yellow,  of  a taste  slight  at  first, 
but  in  the  end  permanently  bitter,  very  slightly  soluble  in  cold  water,  somewhat  more 
soluble  in  boiling  water,  and  very  soluble  in  alcohol  and  chloroform,  especially  with  the 
aid  of  heat.  It  consists  of  carbon,  hydrogen,  and  oxygen.  ( Journ . de  Pharm.,  3c  scr.,  xxi. 
24.)  The  berries  are  said  to  be  aperient  and  diuretic,  and  have  been  recommended  in 
suppression  of  urine,  gravel,  and  other  complaints  of  the  urinary  passages.  M.  Gendron 
recommends  them  very  highly  as  a febrifuge.  He  thinks  they  are  most  etfective  when  allowed 
to  ripen  and  begin  to  dry  on  the  stem.  He  usually  administers  about  three  drachms  daily 
in  two  doses.  (Arch.  Gen.,  xxiii.  536.)  From  six  to  twelve  berries,  or  an  ounce  of  the 
expressed  juice,  may  be  taken  for  a dose;  and  much  larger  quantities  are  not  injurious. 
They  are  consumed  to  a considerable  extent  in  some  parts  of  Europe  as  food.  The  berries 
of  the  Physalis  viscosa,  of  this  country,  are  said  by  Clayton  to  be  remarkably  diuretic. 

PICIIURIM  BEANS.  The  seeds  of  an  uncertain  tree  growing  in  Brazil,  Guiana,  Vene- 
zuela, and  other  parts  of  South  America.  The  tree  has  been  supposed  to  be  the  Ocotea 
Pichurim  of  Kunth  ( Laurus  Pichurim,  Richard,  Aydendron  Laurel,  Nees) ; but  this  is  posi- 
tively denied  by  F.  Nees  von  Esenbeck;  and  the  brother  of  that  botanist  refers  the  seeds 
to  Nectandra  Puchury.  The  beans  are  the  kernels  of  the  fruit  separated  into  halves. 
They  are  ovate-oblong  or  elliptical,  flat  on  one  side,  convex  on  the  other,  of  a grayish-brown 
colour  externally,  chocolate-coloured  within,  of  an  aromatic  odour  between  that  of  nutmegs 
and  sassafras,  and  of  a spicy  pungent  taste.  There  are  two  kinds,  one  about  an  inch  and 
a half  long  by  half  an  inch  in  breadth,  the  other  little  more  than  half  as  large,  rounder, 
and  of  a dark-brown  colour.  Their  virtues  depend  on  a volatile  oil.  In  medical  properties 
they  resemble  the  common  aromatics,  and  may  be  employed  for  the  same  purposes.  They 
are  rare  in  this  country. 

PIMPINELLA  SAXIFRAGA.  Small  Burnet  Saxifrage.  Scixifraga.  A perennial  umbel- 
liferous European  plant,  growing  on  sunny  hills,  and  in  dry  meadows  and  pastures.  The 
root  is  officinal  in  some  parts  of  Europe.  It  has  a strong,  aromatic,  yet  unpleasant  odour, 
and  a sweetish,  pungent,  biting,  aromatic,  bitterish  taste.  Its  active  constituents  are  volatile 
oil,  and  an  acrid  resin.  It  is  considered  diaphoretic,  diuretic,  and  stomachic;  and  has  been 
used  in  chronic  catarrh,  asthma,  dropsy,  amenorrhoea,  &c.  The  dose  in  substance  is  about 
half  a drachm,  and  in  infusion  two  drachms.  The  root  is  used  also  as  a masticatory  in 
toothache,  as  a gargle  in  palsy  of  the  tongue  and  in  collections  of  viscid  mucus  in  the 
throat,  and  externally  to  remove  freckles. 

PINCKNEYA  PUBENS.  Michaux.  A large  shrub  or  small  tree,  growing  in  South 
Carolina,  Georgia,  and  Florida,  in  low  and  moist  places  along  the  sea  coast.  It  is  closely 
allied,  in  botanical  characters,  to  the  Cinchonas,  with  which  it  was  formerly  ranked  by  some 
botanists.  The  bark  is  bitter,  and  has  been  used  with  advantage  in  intermittent  fever.  Dr. 
Law,  of  Georgia,  cured  six  out  of  seven  cases  in  which  he  administered  it.  The  dose  and 
mode  of  preparation  are  the  same  with  those  of  cinchona.  The  chemical  composition  and 
medical  properties  of  this  bark  deserve  a fuller  investigation  than  they  have  yet  received. 

PISCIDIA  ERYTHRINA.  Jamaica  Dogwood.  Dr.  William  Hamilton,  of  Plymouth, 
England,  in  a communication  to  the  Pharmaceutical  Journal  and  Transactions  (iv.  76, 
August,  1844),  speaks  of  this  plant  as  a powerful  narcotic,  capable  of  producing  sleep  and 
relieving  pain  in  an  extraordinary  manner.  He  had  noticed,  when  resident  in  the  West 
Indies,  the  use  of  the  bark  of  the  root  in  the  taking  of  fish,  upon  which,  even  when  of  a 
large  size,  it  exercised  a very  strong  narcotic  effect.  He  was  induced  to  try  it  as  an  ano- 
dyne in  toothache,  and  found  a saturated  tincture  exceedingly  efficacious,  not  only  affording 
relief  when  taken  internally,  but  uniformly  curing  the  pain  when  introduced  upon  a dossil 
of  cotton  into  the  carious  tooth.  The  bark  of  the  root,  to  be  effectual,  should  be  gathered 
during  the  period  of  inflorescence  in  April.  When  chewed  it  has  an  unpleasant  acrimony 
like  that  of  mezereou.  It  yields  its  virtues  to  alcohol  but  not  to  water.  The  formula 
employed  by  him  in  preparing  the  tincture,  was  to  macerate  an  ounce  of  the  bark,  in 


1382  Appendix. 

coarse  powder,  in  four  fluidounces  of  rectified  spirit,  for  twenty-four  hours,  and  then  to 
filter.  The  dose  is  a fluidrachm.  He  first  tried  it  on  himself,  when  labouring  under  severe 
toothache,  taking  the  quantity  mentioned  in  cold  water  on  going  to  bed.  He  first  felt  a 
violent  sensation  of  heat  internally,  which  gradually  extended  to  the  surface,  and  was 
followed  by  profuse  perspiration,  with  profound  sleep  for  twelve  hours.  On  awaking,  he 
was  quite  free  from  pain,  and  without  the  unpleasant  sensations  which  follow  a dose  of 
opium. 

PLANTAGO  MAJOR.  Plantain.  A well  known  perennial  herb,  growing  in  fields,  by 
the  roadsides,  and  in  grassplats,  and  abounding  both  in  Europe  and  in  this  country.  The 
leaves  are  saline,  bitterish,  and  austere  to  the  taste;  the  root  saline  and  sweetish.  The 
plant  has  been  considered  refrigerant,  diuretic,  deobstruent,  and  somewhat  astringent. 
The  ancients  esteemed  it  highly,  and  employed  it  in  visceral  obstructions,  hemorrhages, 
particularly  from  the  lungs,  consumption,  dysentery,  and  other  complaints.  In  modern 
times  it  has  been  applied  to  similar'purposes,  and  the  root  is  said  to  have  proved  useful  in 
intermittents.  At  present,  however,  it  is  generally  believed  to  be  very  feeble,  and  is  little 
used  internally.  As  an  external  application  it  has  been  recommended  in  ulcers  of  various 
kinds,  and  in  indolent  scrofulous  tumours.  Among  the  vulgar  it  is  still  much  used  as  a 
vulnerary,  and  as  a dressing  for  blisters  and  sores.  The  dose  of  the  expressed  juice  is 
from  one  to  four  fluidounces.  Two  ounces  of  the  fresh  root  or  leaves  may  be  boiled  in  a 
pint  of  water,  and  given  during  the  day.  Externally  the  leaves  are  applied  whole  or  in 
decoction.  Planlago  media,  and  P.  lancifolia  or  rib-grass,  which  are  also  indigenous,  pos- 
sess properties  similar  to  those  of  P.  major,  and  may  be  used  for  the  same  purposes. 

Under  the  name  of  semen  psyllii,  the  seeds  of  several  species  of  Plantago,  growing  in 
different  parts  of  Europe,  are  sometimes  kept  in  the  shops.  The  best  are  obtained  from 
Plantago  Psyllium  or  fleawort,  which  grows  in  the  South  of  Europe  and  Barbary.  They 
are  small,  about  a line  long  by  half  a line  in  breadth,  convex  on  one  side,  concave  on  the 
other,  flea-coloured,  shining,  inodorous,  and  nearly  tasteless,  but  very  mucilaginous  when 
chewed.  They  are  demulcent  and  emollient,  and  may  be  used  internally  and  externally 
in  the  same  manner  as  flaxseed,  which  they  closely  resemble  in  medical  properties. 

PLATINUM.  In  1826  Prof.  Gmelin,  of  Tubingen,  made  experiments  to  determine  the 
action  of  this  metal  on  the  economy.  In  1841  I)r.  Ferdinand  Hoefer  published  some  ob- 
servations on  the  same  subject.  The  latter  experimented  chiefly  with  the  bichloride,  and 
the  double  chloride  of  platinum  and  sodium.  They  are  both  poisonous:  the  bichloride 
in  the  dose  of  15  grains,  the  double  chloride  in  that  of  30  grains.  When  a concentrated 
solution  of  the  bichloride  is  applied  to  the  skin,  it  produces  violent  itching,  followed  by 
an  eruption.  Administered  internally  it  irritates  the  mucous  membrane  of  the  stomach, 
and  occasions  headache.  The  double  chloride  has  no  action  when  externally  applied, 
and,  when  given  internally,  operates  on  the  system  in  a less  sensible  manner  than  the 
bichloride.  It  possesses  the  power  of  augmenting  the  urine.  Dr.  Hoefer  ranks  the  pre- 
parations of  platinum  with  the  alteratives,  by  the  side  of  those  of  gold,  iodine,  and  arsenic. 
He  considers  them  particularly  suited  to  the  treatment  of  syphilitic  diseases:  the  bichlo- 
ride to  cases  of  long  standing  and  inveterate,  the  double  chloride  to  those  which  are  recent. 
The  dose  of  the  bichloride  is  from  one  to  two  grains  twice  a day,  given  in  pill.  Eight 
grains  may  be  made  into  sixteen  pills,  with  a drachm  of  the  extract  of  guaiacum  wood  of 
the  French  Codex,  and  sufficient  powdered  liquorice  root..  Of  these,  one.  two,  or  three 
may  be  taken  morning  and  evening.  The  double  chloride  may  be  prepared  for  adminis- 
tration by  dissolving  five  grains  of  the  bichloride  and  eight  of  pure  chloride  of  sodium  in 
seven  fluidounces  of  gum-water.  This  quantity  may  be  taken  by  tablespoonfuls  in  the 
course  of  twenty-four  hours.  For  frictions  on  indolent  ulcers,  Dr.  Hoefer  used  an  oint- 
ment composed  of  sixteen  grains  of  the  bichloride,  thirty-two  grains  of  extract  of  bella- 
donna, and  an  ounce  of  lard.  ( Journ . dc  Pharm.,  xxvii.  213.) 

PLUMBAGO  EUROPGJA.  Leadwort.  Dentettaria.  A perennial,  herbaceous  plant, 
growing  in  the  South  of  Europe.  It  has  an  acrid  taste,  and,  when  chewed,  excites  a flow 
of  saliva.  This  is  particularly  the  case  with  the  root,  which  has  been  long  used  to  relieve 
toothache.  Hence  the  plant  derived  the  name  of  dentelaire,  by  which  it  is  known  in  France. 
A decoction  of  the  root  in  olive  oil  has  been  highly  recommended  for  the  cure  of  the  itch. 
Writers  differ  much  in  their  statements  in  relation  to  the  activity  of  the  plant,  some  speak- 
ing of  it  as  rubefacient,  vesicatory,  and  caustic,  and.  when  swallowed,  as  violently  emetic 
and  liable  to  produce  dangerous  irritation  of  the  alimentary  canal;  while  others  consider 
it  nearly  inert.  Perhaps  the  difference  may  be  ascribed  in  part  to  the  use  of  the  plant 
in  the  recent  state  in  one  case,  and  dried  or  long  kept  in  the  other.  A crystallizable, 
acrid  principle,  called  plambagin,  has  been  extracted  from  the  root  by  Dulong. 

POLYPODIUM  VULGARE.  Common  Polypody.  A fern  belonging  both  to  the  old  and 
new  continents,  and  growing  in  the  clefts  of  old  walls,  rocks,  and  decayed  trunks  of  trees. 


Appendix.  1383 

The  root,  which  is  the  part  considered  medicinal,  is  rather  long,  about  as  thick  as  a goose- 
quill,  somewhat  contorted,  covered  with  brown,  easily  separable  scales,  furnished  with 
slender  radicles,  and  marked  by  numerous  small  tubercles.  As  found  in  the  shops,  it  is 
sometimes  destitute  of  the  scales  and  radicles.  Its  colour  is  reddish-brown  with  a tinge 
of  yellow,  its  odour  disagreeably  oleaginous,  its  taste  peculiar,  sweetish,  somewhat  bitter, 
and  nauseous.  The  root  of  the  variety  growing  upon  the  oak  has  been  preferred,  though 
without  good  reason.  It  was  deemed  purgative  by  the  ancients,  who  employed  it  for  the 
evacuation  of  bile  and  pituitous  humours,  in  melancholic  and  maniacal  cases.  Modern  phy- 
sicians have  used  it  in  similar  complaints,  and  as  a pectoral  in  chronic  catarrh  and  asthma. 
At  present,  however,  it  is  scarcely  ever  employed,  being  considered  nearly  inert.  It  was 
given  in  doses  varying  from  a drachm  to  an  ounce,  usually  in  connexion  with  cathartics. 

POLYTRICHUM  JUNIPEItlNUM.  Hair-cap  Moss.  Bobbin's  Rye.  This  moss  is  a native 
of  the  United  States,  and  abounds  in  New  England.  For  a particular  description  of  it,  the 
reader  is  referred  to  a communication  in  the  Am.  Journ.  of  Med.  Sci.,  N.  S.  (xxvii.  267), 
by  Dr.  Wm.  Wood,  of  East  Windsor-Hill,  Connecticut,  who  speaks  in  very  strong  terms 
of  its  efficacy  as  a diuretic,  having  found  it  the  most  successful  remedy  which  he  has  em- 
ployed in  the  treatment  of  dropsy.  He  infuses  a large  handful  of  the  whole  plant  in  water, 
and  allows  the  patient  to  drink  freely  of  the  tea,  “the  more  so  the  better.” 

POPULUS.  Poplar.  Several  trees  belonging  to  this  genus  have  attracted  some  atten- 
tion in  a medical  point  of  view.  In  most  of  them  the  leaf  buds  are  covered  with  a resinous 
exudation,  which  has  a peculiar,  agreeable,  balsamic  odour,  and  a bitterish,  balsamic, 
somewhat  pungent  taste.  This  is  abundant,  in  the  buds  of  Populus  nigra  or  the  black  poplar 
of  Europe,  which  are  officinal  in  some  parts  of  that  continent.  They  contain  resin  and  a 
peculiar  volatile  oil.  The  buds  of  P.  balsamifera,  growing  in  the  northern  parts  of  N. 
America  and  Siberia,  are  also  highly  balsamic;  and  a resin  is  said  to  be  furnished  by  the 
tree,  which  is  sometimes,  though  erroneously,  called  tacamahac.  The  virtues  of  the  poplar 
buds  are  probably  analogous  to  those  of  the  turpentines  and  balsams.  They  have  been 
used  in  pectoral,  nephritic,  and  rheumatic  complaints,  in  the  form  of  tincture  ; and  a lini- 
ment, made  by  macerating  them  in  oil,  has  been  applied  externally  in  local  rheumatism. 
The  unguentum  populeum  of  European  pharmacy  is  made,  according  to  the  directions  of  the 
French  Codex  of  1837,  by  bruising  in  a marble  mortar,  and  boiling  in  2000  parts  of  lard, 
with  a gentle  fire,  rill  the  moisture  is  dissipated,  250  parts,  each,  of  the  fresh  leaves  of  the 
black  poppy,  deadly  nightshade,  henbane,  and  black  nightshade;  then  adding  of  the  dried 
buds  of  the  black  poplar,  bruised,  375  parts  ; digesting  for  24  hours  ; straining  with  strong 
expression;  and  finally  allowing  the  ointment  to  cool  after  defecation.  This  is  an  anodyne 
ointment,  occasionally  employed  in  Europe  in  painful  local  affections.  It  has  been  ascer- 
tained that  poplar  buds  are  capable  of  imparting  a principle  to  ointments,  which  in  a 
considerable  degree  obviates  their  tendency  to  rancidity. 

The  bark  of  certain  species  of  poplar  is  possessed  of  tonic  properties,  and  has  been  used 
in  intermittent  fever  with  advantage.  Such  is  the  case  with  that  of  the  P.  tremuloides  or 
American  aspen,  and  of  the  P.  tremula  or  European  aspen.  In  the  bark  of  the  latter, 
Braconnot  found  salicin,  and  another  crystallizable  principle  which  he  named  populin.  It 
is  in  these,  probably,  that  the  febrifuge  properties  of  the  bark  reside.  They  may  be  ob- 
tained by  precipitating  a saturated  decoction  of  the  bark  with  solution  of  subacetate  of 
lead,  filtering,  precipitating  the  excess  of  lead  by  sulphuric  acid,  again  filtering,  evaporat- 
ing, adding  animal  charcoal  towards  the  end  of  the  evaporation,  and  filtering  the  liquor 
while  hot.  Salicin  gradually  separates,  upon  the  cooling  of  the  liquor,  in  the  form  of  crys- 
tals. If,  when  this  principle  has  ceased  to  crystallize,  the  excess  of  sulphuric  acid  in  the 
liquid  be  saturated  by  a concentrated  solution  of  carbonate  of  potassa,  the  populin  will 
be  precipitated.  If  this  be  pressed  between  folds  of  blotting  paper,  and  redissolved  in 
boiling  water,  it  will  be  deposited,  upon  the  cooling  of  the  liquid,  in  the  crystalline  state. 
The  leaves  of  P.  tremula  also  afford  populin,  and  more  largely  even  than  the  bark.  It  is 
probable  that  both  principles  exist  also  in  the  bark  of  P.  tremuloides,  and  other  species. 
Salicin  is  described  under  Salix.  Populin  is  very  light,  purely  white,  and  of  a bitter, 
sweetish  taste,  analogous  to  that  of  liquorice.  IVhen  heated  it  melts  into  a colourless  and 
transparent  liquid.  It  is  soluble  in  2000  parts  of  cold,  and  about  70  parts  of  boiling 
water;  and  is  more  soluble  in  boiling  alcohol.  Acetic  acid  and  the  diluted  mineral  acids 
dissolve  it,  and,  upon  the  addition  of  an  alkali,  let  it  fall  unchanged.  Piria  regards  it 
as  a complex  body,  consisting  of  benzoic  acid,  saligenin,  and  glucose,  and  states  that  the 
effects  of  reagents  on  it  correspond  with  this  view  of  its  constitution.  By  boiling  it  with 
solution  of  baryta,  and  precipitating  the  excess  of  baryta  from  the  solution  by  carbonic 
acid,  he  found  remaining  in  the  solution  only  benzoate  of  baryta  and  salicin.  (See  Am. 
Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xxiv.  240.) 

PORTULACA  OLERACEA.  Garden  Purslane.  An  annual  succulent  plant,  growing  in 
gardens  and  cultivated  grounds  in  the  United  States,  Europe,  and  most  other  parts  of  the 


1384  Appendix. 

globe.  It  lias  an  herbaceous,  slightly  saline  taste,  and  is  often  used  as  greens,  being 
boiled  -with  meat,  or  other  vegetables.  It  is  considered  a cooling  diuretic,  and  is  recom- 
mended in  scurvy,  and  affections  of  the  urinary  passages.  The  seeds  have  been  thought 
to  be  anthelmintic ; but  they  are  tasteless  and  inert. 

POTENTILLA  REPTANS.  Cinquefoil.  A perennial,  creeping,  European  herb,  'with 
leaves  which  are  usually  quinate,  and  have  thus  given  origin  to  the  ordinary  name  of  the 
plant.  The  root  has  a bitterish,  styptic,  slightly  sweetish  taste,  and  was  formerly  used  in 
diarrhoea,  and  other  complaints  for  which  astringents  are  usually  prescribed. 

POWDER  OF  ALGAROTH.  Pulvis  Algaroihi.  Oxychloride  of  Antimony . Nilromuriatic 
Oxide  of  Antimony.  This  powder  is  formed  by  dissolving  tersulphuret  of  antimony  in 
muriatic  acid,  assisting  the  action,  at  first,  by  a gentle  heat,  wTiich  must  be  gradually 
increased  to  ebullition ; and  then  pouring  the  resulting  solution,  when  cold,  into  a large 
quantity  of  water.  By  a double  decomposition  between  the  tersulphuret  and  acid,  sul- 
phuretted hydrogen  is  given  off  copiously  by  effervescence,  and  a solution  of  terchloride 
of  antimony  is  formed.  When  this  is  thrown  into  water,  the  greater  part  of  the  terchloride 
is  converted,  by  the  elements  of  that  liquid,  into  muriatic  acid  which  remains  in  solution, 
and  ter  oxide  of  antimony,  which  precipitates  in  union  with  the  remainder  of  the  terchloride 
as  the  powder  of  Algaroth. 

Properties,  $c.  This  is  a white  powder,  having  a crystalline  appearance  if  left  long  in 
contact  with  the  solution  from  which  it  is  precipitated.  When  exposed  to  a red  heat,  it 
fuses  and  forms  a yellow  liquid,  which,  on  cooling,  concretes  into  a grayish  crystalline 
mass  of  a pearly  aspect.  It  consists  of  nine  eqs.  of  teroxide  of  antimony,  and  two  of  ter- 
chloride. It  is  used  for  making  tartar  emetic  in  the  U.  S.  and  Edinburgh  Pharmacopoeias, 
but  without  being  recognised  under  a distinct  name;  being  formed  as  the  first  step  of  the 
process  adopted  in  those  works,  for  preparing  this  antimonial.  It  was  formerly  officinal 
in  the  Dublin  Pharmacopoeia,  and  used  for  making  the  same  antimonial ; but  in  the  last 
edition  of  that  work,  published  in  1850,  it  was  dismissed,  aud  the  pure  teroxide  substi- 
tuted for  it.  (See  Antimonii  Terchloridi  Liquor  and  Antimonii  Oxidurn.)  Powder  of  Algaroth 
was  formerly  used  in  medicine;  but,  owing  to  its  unequal  operation,  has  been  piroperly 
laid  aside.  It  is  liable  to  contain  tersulphuret  of  arsenic  (orpiment),  unless  when  ob- 
tained from  the  distilled  concrete  terchloride  of  antimony.  (Larocque,  Journ.  de  Pharm., 
March,  1849.) 

PRENANTHES  SERPENTARIA.  Lion’s  Foot.  This  is  a perennial  indigenous  herb, 
growing  in  the  mountainous  districts  of  Virginia  and  North  Carolina.  It  belongs  to  Syn- 
gcnesia  JEqualis  in  the  sexual  system,  and  to  the  natural  family  of  Cichoracese.  The  genus 
is  characterized  by  its  “ four-tlowered  nodding  heads,  its  cylindric  involucre  calyculate  at 
the  base,  its  subterate  unbeaked  akenes,  its  scabrous  pappus  in  several  series,  and  its  naked 
receptacle.”  This  particular  species  has  rough  dentate  leaves,  of  which  the  radical  are 
palmate,  the  cauline  with  long  footstalks,  sinuate  pinnatifid,  disposed  to  be  tliree-lobed, 
with  the  middle  lobe  three-parted,  the  upper  lanceolate.  The  racemes  are  terminal,  some- 
what panicled,  short,  and  nodding,  with  an  eight-cleft  calyx,  and  twelve  florets.  ( Pursh .) 
Dr.  Darlington  considers  this  a variety  of  Prenanthcs  alba.  It  is  about  two  feet  high,  with 
purple  flowers.  Pursh  speaks  of  it  as  in  great  repute  among  the  inhabitants  of  the  regions 
it  inhabits  as  a remedy  for  the  bite  of  poisonous  serpents,  and  relates  a case  in  which  he 
had  seen  it  used  effectively.  The  milky  juice  of  the  plant  was  taken  internally,  and  the 
leaves  steeped  in  water  were  applied  to  the  wound  and  frequently  changed.  In  October, 
1849.  the  author  received  a specimen  of  a plant  from  Dr.  Newsom  J.  Pittman,  of  N. 
Carolina,  with  the  information  that  he  had  employed  it  effectually  in  ten  or  twelve  cases 
of  the  bite  of  the  rattlesnake  -with  uniform  success.  He  gave  internally  a decoction  of  the 
root,  which  is  extremely  bitter.  This  plant  was  the  Prenanthes  Serpentaria  of  Pursh. 

PRUNELLA  VULGARIS.  Self-heal.  Heal-all.  A small  perennial  labiate  plant,  com- 
mon both  in  Europe  and  the  United  States,  growing  especially  by  the  waysides.  It  is 
inodorous,  but  has  an  austere  bitterish  taste.  The  herb  in  flower  was  formerly  used,  in 
the  state  of  infusion  or  decoction,  in  hemorrhages  and  diarrhoea,  and  as  a gargle  in  sore- 
tliroat.  In  this  country  it  is  not  employed  in  regular  practice. 

PULMONARIA  OFFICINALIS.  Lungwort.  An  herbaceous  perennial,  indigenous  in 
Europe,  and  sometimes  cultivated  in  this  country  in  gardens.  The  leaves  are  inodorous, 
and  have  an  herbaceous,  somewhat  mucilaginous,  and  feebly  astringent  taste.  They  have 
been  considered  pectoral  and  demulcent,  and  employed  in  catarrh,  haemoptysis,  consump- 
tion, and  other  affections  of  the  chest;  but  their  virtues  are  doubtful,  and  they  were  pro- 
bably used  in  pectoral  complaints  as  much  on  account  of  the  supposed  resemblance  of 
their  speckled  surface  to  that  of  the  lungs,  as  from  the  possession  of  any  positively  useful 
properties. 


Appendix.  1885 

PUMICE  STONE.  Pumex.  A very  light  porous  stone,  found  in  the  vicinity  of  active 
and  extinct  volcanoes,  and  believed  to  have  been  thrown  up  during  their  eruption.  The 
pumice  stone  of  commerce  is  said  to  be  obtained  chiefly  from  Lipari.  It  is  used  whole, 
in  the  mariner  of  a file,  for  removing  the  outer  surface  of  bodies,  or  for  rubbing  down 
inequalities,  and,  in  the  state  of  powder,  for  polishing  glass,  metals,  stones,  &c. ; purposes 
to  which  it  is  adapted  by  the  hardness  of  its  particles. 

PYRE  THRUM  PARTHENIUM.  IVilld.  Matricaria  Parthenium.  Linn.  Chrysanthemum 
Partkenium.  Persoon.  Feverfew.  A perennial  herbaceous  plant,  about  two  feet  high,  with 
an  erect,  branching  stem,  pinnate  leaves,  oblong,  obtuse,  gashed,  and  dentate  leaflets,  and 
compound  flowers  borne  in  a corymb  upon  branching  peduncles.  It  is  a native  of  Europe, 
but  cultivated  in  our  gardens.  The  whole  herbaceous  part  is  used.  The  plant  has  an 
odour  and  taste  analogous  to  those  of  chamomile,  which  it  resembles  also  in  the  appear- 
ance of  its  flowers,  and  in  its  medical  virtues.  Though  little  employed,  it  is  undoubtedly 
possessed  of  useful  tonic  properties. 

PYROACETIC  SPIRIT.  Pyroacetic  Ether.  Acetone.  This  substance  may  be  obtained 
by  carefully  distilling,  acetate  of  lime,  and  rectifying  the  product  by  frequent,  distillations 
from  quicklime  in  a water-batli,  untii  the  boiling  point  becomes  stationary,  whereby  it  is 
freed  from  water  and  empyreumatic  oil.  It  is  a colourless,  volatile,  inflammable  liquid, 
having  a peculiar  penetrating  smell,  and  a pungent  taste  like  that  of  peppermint.  Its 
specific  gravity  is  0 7()2,  and  boiling  point  182°.  As  found  in  the  shops  its  density  is  not 
generally  lower  than  0-820.  It  is  miscible  in  all  proportions  with  water,  ether,  and  alco- 
hol, without  disturbing  its  transparency.  If  it  become  turbid  when  mixed  with  water, 
the  fact  shows  that  it  contains  empyreumatic  oil.  It  has  been  confounded  with  pyroxylin 
spirit,  from  which  it  is  distinguished  by  its  inability  to  dissolve  a saturated  solution  of 
chloride  of  calcium,  which  instantly  dissolves  in  pyroxylic  spirit,  ( Scanlan .)  Its  formula 
is  CjIIjO;  while  that  of  pyroxylic.  spirit  is  C2H402.  In  constitution  it  bears  considerable 
resemblance  to  alcohol.  Thus  its  formula  doubled  is  C6H602,  and  that  of  alcohol  is 
C4H602.  It  was  thought  at  one  time  that  the  substance  brought  to  the  notice  of  the  pro- 
fession by  Dr.  John  Hastings,  under  the  name  of  naphtha,  as  a remedy  for  pulmonary 
consumption,  was  pyroacetic  spirit:  but  it  now  appears  to  be  settled  that  what  he  intended 
was  pyroxylic  spirit.  (See  Spiritus Pyroxilicus,  p.  701.)  There  is  no  doubt  that  these  spirits 
were  used  indiscriminately  in  the  therapeutic  trials  which  grew  out  of  the  publication  of 
Dr.  Hastings’s  book;  but  no  exact,  experiments  have  been  made,  so  far  as  we  know,  to 
determine  the  precise  physiological  action  of  pyroacetic  spirit. 

REALGAR.  This  is  the  bisulphuret  of  arsenic,  consisting  of  one  eq  of  arsenic  75,  and 
two  of  sulphur  82=107.  It.  is  found  native  in  Saxony,  Bohemia,  Transylvania,  and  in 
various  volcanic  regions.  Realgar  is  artificially  made  by  melting  arsenious  acid  with  about 
half  its  weight  of  sulphur.  (Turner.)  Thus  prepared,  it  is  of  a crystalline  texture,  of  a 
beautiful  ruby-red  colour,  of  a uniform  conchoidal  fracture,  somewhat  transparent  in  thin 
layers,  and  capable  of  being  sublimed  without,  change.  Native  realgar  is  said  to  be  inno- 
cent when  taken  internally,  while  that  artificially  prepared  is  poisonous,  in  consequence, 
according  to  Guibourt,  of  containing  a little  arsenious  acid.  Realgar  is  used  only  as  a 
pigment. 

RED  CHALK.  Reddle.  A mineral  substance  of  a deep-red  colour,  of  a compact  texture, 
dry  to  the  touch,  adhering  to  the  tongue,  about  as  hard  as  chalk,  soiling  the  fingers  when 
handled,  and  leaving  a lively  red  trace  when  drawn  over  paper.  It  consists  of  clay  and 
oxide  of  iron,  and  is  intermediate  between  bole  and  red  ochre,  containing  more  oxide  of 
iron  than  the  former,  and  less  than  the  latter.  It  is  used  for  drawing  lines  upon  wood, 
&c.,  and  is  sometimes  made  into  crayons  by  levigating  and  elutriating  it,  then  forming  it 
into  a paste  with  mucilage  of  gum  Arabic,  moulding  this  into  cylinders,  and  drying  it  in 
the  shade.  It  has  been  used  internally  as  an  absorbent  and  astringent. 

RESEDA  LUTEOLA.  Weld.  Dyers’  Weed.  An  annual  European  plant,  naturalized  in 
the  United  States.  It  is  inodorous,  and  has  a bitter  taste,  whi'ch  is  very  adhesive.  Clievreul 
obtained  from  it  by  sublimation  a peculiar  yellow  colouring  matter,  which  he  called  luteolin. 
In  medicine  it  has  been  employed  as  a diaphoretic  and  diuretic,  but  is  now  neglected.  On 
the  continent  of  Europe  it  is  much  employed  for  dyeing  yellow,  and,  before  the  introduction 
of  quercitron  into  England,  was  extensively  applied  to  the  same  purpose  in  that  country. 
The  whole  plant  is  used. 

RHODODENDRUM  CRYSANTIIUM.  Yellow-flowered  Rhododendron.  This  is  a beautiful 
evergreen  shrub,  about  a foot  high,  with  spreading  branches,  and  oblong,  obtuse,  thick 
leaves,  narrowed  towards  their  footstalks,  reflexed  at  the  margin,  much  veined,  rugged 
and  deep-green  upon  t.heir  upper  surface,  ferruginous  or  glaucous  beneath,  and  surrounding 
the  branches  upon  strong  petioles.  The  flowers  are  large,  yellow,  on  long  peduncles,  and 
in  terminal  umbels.  The  corolla  is  wheel-shaped,  with  its  border  divided  into  five  roundish. 


1386  Appendix. 

spreading  segments.  The  plant  is  a native  of  Siberia,  delighting  in  mountainous  situations, 
and  flowering  in  June  and  July.  The  leaves  are  the  part  used.  When  fresh,  they  have 
a feeble  odour,  said  to  resemble  that  of  rhubarb.  In  the  dried  state  they  are  inodorous, 
but  have  an  austere,  astringent,  bitterish  taste.  They  yield  their  virtues  to  water  and 
alcohol. 

They  are  stimulant,  narcotic,  and  diaphoretic,  producing,  when  first  taken,  increase  of 
heat  and  arterial  action,  subsequently  a diminished  frequency  of  the  pulse,  and,  in  large 
doses,  vomiting,  purging,  and  delirium.  They  have  been  long  employed  in  Siberia  as  a 
remedy  in  rheumatism ; and  their  use  has  extended  to  various  parts  of  Europe.  Their 
action  is  said  to  be  accompanied  with  a sensation  of  creeping  or  pricking  in  the  affected 
part,  which  subsides  in  a few  hours,  leaving  the  part  free  from  pain.  They  have  been 
recommended  also  in  gout,  lues  venerea,  and  palsy.  In  Siberia  they  are  prepared  by 
infusing  two  drachms  of  the  dried  leaves  in  about  ten  ounces  of  water,  in  a close  vessel, 
and  keeping  the  liquid  near  the  boiling  point  during  the  night.  The  strained  liquor  is 
taken  in  the  morning;  and  a repetition  of  the  dose  three  or  four  days  successively  gene- 
rally effects  a cure.  The  remedy  is  not  used  in  this  country. 

RIGA  BALSAM.  Bahamum  Carpaticvm.  Bahamum  Libuni.  This  is  a product  of  the 
Bums  Ccmbra,  a large  tree  growing  in  the  mountainous  regions  and  northern  latitudes  of 
Europe  and  Asia.  The  juice  exudes  from  the  extremities  of  the  young  twigs,  and  is  col- 
lected in  flasks  suspended  from  them.  It  is  a thin  white  fluid,  having  an  odour  analogous 
to  that  of  juniper,  and  possessing  the  ordinary  terebinthinate  properties.  In  this  country 
it  is  very  rare;  but  it  is  occasionally  brought  from  Riga  or  Cronstadt,  in  bottles.  A similar 
product,  called  Hungarian  balsam , is  obtained  in  the  same  manner  from  the  Finns  Pumilio, 
growing  on  the  mountains  of  Switzerland,  Austria,  and  Hungary.  It  is  scarcely  known 
in  the  United  States. 

ROTTEN  STONE.  Terra  Cariosa.  An  earthy  mineral,  occurring  in  light,  dull,  friable 
masses,  dry  to  the  touch,  of  a very  fine  grain,  and  of  an  ash-brown  colour.  It  is  obtained 
from  Derbyshire  in  England,  and  is  used  for  polishing  metals. 

SALEP.  Though  not  directed  by  any  of  the  British  Colleges,  nor  by  our  national  Phar- 
macopoeia, this  substance  deserves  a slight  notice,  as  it  is  frequently  mentioned  by  writers 
on  the  materia  medica,  and  is  occasionally  to  be  found  in  the  shops.  The  name  is  given 
to  the  prepared  bulbs  of  Orchis  mascula  and  other  species  of  the  same  genus.  The  male 
orchis  is  a native  of  Europe,  the  Levant,  and  northern  Africa.  Its  bulbs,  which  are  two 
in  number,  oval  or  roundish,  internally  white  and  spongy,  are  prepared  by  removing  their 
epidermis,  plunging  them  into  boiling  water,  then  stringing  them  together,  and  drying 
them  in  the  sun  or  by  the  fire.  By  this  process  they  acquire  the  appearance  and  con- 
sistence which  distinguish  them  as  found  in  the  shops.  Landerer.  however,  denies  that 
as  prepared  in  Greece  or  Macedonia  they  are  dipped  in  boiling  water,  and  ascribes  their 
horny  character  to  their  being  quickly  dried  in  a baking  oven.  ( Pharm.  Journ.  and  Trans.. 
March,  1850.)  They  were  formerly  procured  exclusively  from  Macedonia,  Asia  Minor, 
and  Persia,  but  are  now  said  to  be  prepared  in  France,  and  perhaps  other  parts  of  Western 
Europe. 

Salep  is  in  small,  oval,  irregular  masses,  hard,  horny,  semi-transparent,  of  a yellowish 
colour,  a feeble  odour,  and  a mild  mucilaginous  taste.  It  is  sometimes  kept  in  the  state 
of  powder.  In  composition  and  relation  to  water  it  is  closely  analogous  to  tragacanth, 
consisting  of  a substance  insoluble,  but  swelling  up  in  cold  water  ( bassorin\ , of  another 
in  much  smaller  proportion,  soluble  in  cold  water,  and  of  minute  quantities  of  saline 
matters.  It  also  occasionally  contains  a little  starch.  It  is  highly  nutritive,  and  may  be 
employed  for  the  same  purposes  as  tapioca,  sago,  &c.  The  reputation  which  it  enjoyed 
among  the  ancients,  and  still  enjoys  in  the  East,  of  possessing  aphrodisiac  properties,  is 
wholly  without  foundation.  On  account  of  its  hardness,  salep,  in  its  ordinary  state,  is  of 
difficult  pulverization ; but  the  difficulty  is  removed  by  macerating  it  in  cold  water  until 
it  becomes  soft,  and  then  rapidly  drying  it.  Landerer  states  that  it  is  sometimes  used  for 
adulterating  Smyrna  opiium. 

SANDARACH.  Sandaraca.  This  is  a resinous  substance  obtained  from  Thnva  ariicu- 
lata,  an  evergreen  tree  growing  in  the  North  of  Africa.  It  is  in  small,  irregular,  roundish 
oblong  grains  or  tears,  of  a pale-yellow  colour,  sometimes  inclining  to  brown,  more  or  less 
transparent,  dry  and  brittle,  breaking  into  a powder  under  the  teeth,  of  a faint  agreeable 
odour  increased  by  warmth,  and  of  a resinous  slightly  acrid  taste.  It  melts  with  heat, 
diffusing  a strong  balsamic  odour,  and  easily  inflames.  It  is  almost  entirely  soluble  in 
ordinary  alcohol,  and  entirely  so  in  that  liquid  when  anhydrous,  and  in  ether.  Heated 
oil  of  turpentine  also  dissolves  the  greater  part  of  it,  but  very  slowly.  According  to  I n- 
verdorben.  it  consists  of  three  different  resins,  varying  in  their  relations  to  alcohol,  ether, 
and  the  oil  of  turpentine.  The  sandaracin  of  Geise,  which  remains  after  sandarach  has 


Appendix.  1387 

been  exposed  to  the  action  of  ordinary  alcohol,  is  a mixture  of  two  of  these  resins. 
Sandarach  was -formerly  given  internally  as  a medicine,  and  enters  into  the  composition 
of  various  ointments  and  plasters.  At  present  it  is  used  chiefly  as  a varnish.  It  is  some- 
times employed  as  incense,  and  its  powder  is  rubbed  upon  paper  in  order  to  prevent  ink 
from  spreading,  after  letters  have  been  scratched  out. 

SANICULA  MARILANDICA.  Sanicle.  An  indigenous,  umbelliferous,  perennial,  her- 
baceous plant,  two  or  three  feet  in  height,  growing  in  woods  and  thickets,  in  almost  all 
parts  of  the  United  States,  as  far  south  as  S.  Carolina.  For  its  botanical  character  see 
Eaton's  Botany,  and  Torrey  and  Gray's  N.  Am.  Flora  (vol.  i.  p.  601).  The  root  is  the  part 
used,  and  is  popularly  known  in  some  parts  of  the  country  by  the  name  of  black  snakeroot. 
It  is  fibrous  and  of  an  aromatic  taste,  and  has  been  used  as  a domestic  remedy  in  inter- 
mittent fever.  Dr.  J.  B.  Zabriskie  has  found  it  highly  effectual  in  chorea.  He  considers 
it  most  efficient  in  substance,  and  gives  the  powder  to  children  of  eight  or  ten  years  old 
in  the  dose  of  half  a drachm  three  times  a day.  (Am.  Journ.  of  Med.  Sci.,  N.  S.,  xii.  374.) 

SANTALUM.  Sandal  wood.  Saunders.  There  are  three  kinds  of  wood  known  by  the 
name  of  santalum  or  sounders; — 1.  santalum  rubrum , or  red  saunders,  from  Pterocarpus 
Santalinus,  already  described  in  this  work  (page  647)  under  the  officinal  name  of  Santa- 
lum; 2.  santalum  album,  or  white  saunders,  from  the  Santalum  album  of  Linnaeus,  growing 
in  the  East  Indies,  the  S.  Pacific  Islands,  and  South  America ; and  3.  santalum  citrinum, 
or  yellow  saunders,  formerly  supposed  to  be  the  inner  wrood  of  the  tree  of  which  the  outer 
constituted  white  saunders,  but  now  stated  to  be  from  a different  tree,  the  S.  freycivetianum 
of  M.  Gaudichaud,  growing  in  the  Sandwich  Islands,  the  Fejee  Islands,  the  Marquesas, 
on  the  coast  of  Malabar,  &c.  It  is  the  latter  which  supplies  the  sandal  wood  so  highly 
valued  by  the  Chinese.  Both  kinds  have  a very  agreeable  aromatic  odour.  The  white  is 
thought  by  the  East  India  physicians  to  be  refreshing,  and  useful  in  remittent  fevers, 
gonorrhoea,  and  other  complaints.  It  was  formerly  used  in  European  pharmacy,  and  still 
enters  into  certain  compound  syrups,  confections,  &c.  The  Chinese  employ  the  yellow 
saunders  chiefly  as  a perfume,  burning  it  in  their  temples,  sick  chambers,  &c..  and  obtain 
from  it  a volatile  oil  by  distillation,  which  they  mix  with  oil  of  roses.  This  variety  was  also 
formerly  used  in  Europe,  and  praised  as  cordial  and  alexipharmic.  The  three  saunders 
were  not  unfrequently  combined  in  the  same  preparation.  (Merat  and  Be  Lens.) 

SAPONARIA  OFFICINALIS.  Soapu-ort.  A perennial  herbaceous  plant,  growing  wild 
in  this  country,  in  the  vicinity  of  cultivation,  but  probably  introduced  from  Europe.  It 
is  commonly  known  by  the  vulgar  name  of  bouncing  bet.  It  is  one  or  two  feet  high,  with 
smooth,  lanceolate  leaves,  and  clusters  of  conspicuous  whitish  or  slightly  purplish  flowers, 
which  appear  in  July  and  August.  The  root  and  leaves  are  employed.  They  are  in- 
odorous, and  of  a taste  at  first  bitterish  and  slightly  sweetish,  afterwards  somewhat  pun- 
gent, continuing  long,  and  leaving  a slight  sense  of  numbness  on  the  tongue.  They 
impart  to  water  the  property  of  forming  a lather  when  agitated,  like  a solution  of  soap, 
whence  the  name  of  the  plant  was  derived.  This  property,  as  well  as  the  medical  virtues 
of  the  plant,  resides  in  a peculiar  proximate  principle,  obtained  from  the  root  by  Bucholz, 
and  called  by  him  saponin.  This  principle  constitutes,  according  to  Bucholz,  34  per  cent, 
of  the  dried  root,  which  contains  also  a considerable  quantity  of  gum  and  a little  bassorin, 
resin,  and  altered  extractive,  besides  lignin  and  water.  Saponin  is  obtained,  though  not 
absolutely  pure,  by  treating  the  watery  extract  with  alcohol  and  evaporating.  It  is  brown, 
somewhat  translucent,  hard  and  brittle,  with  a sweetish  taste,  followed  by  a sense  of  acri- 
mony in  the  fauces.  It  is  soluble  in  water  and  officinal  alcohol,  but  is  insoluble  in  anhy- 
drous alcohol,  ether,  and  the  volatile  oils.  Its  watery  solution  froths  when  agitated. 
This  principle  has  been  found  also  in  various  other  plants,  as  different  species  of  Silene, 
Dianthus,  Lychnis,  and  Anagallis  (Journ.  de  Pharm.,  3e  ser.,  x.  339.)  It  is  said  to  pos- 
sess poisonous  properties.  Soapwort  has  been  much  used  in  Germany  as  a remedy  in 
venereal  and  scrofulous  affections,  cutaneous  eruptions,  and  visceral  obstructions.  It 
appears  to  act  as  an  alterative,  like  sarsaparilla,  to  which  it  has  been  deemed  superior  in 
efficacy  by  some  physicians.  The  plant  is  given  in  the  form  of  decoction  and  extract, 
which  may  be  freely  taken.  From  two  to  four  pints  of  the  decoction  daily  are  recom- 
mended in  lues.  The  inspissated  juice,  given  in  the  quantity  of  half  an  ounce  in  the 
course  of  a day,  is  said  by  Andry  generally  to  cure  gonorrhoea  in  about  two  weeks,  with- 
out any  other  remedy.  According  to  Dr.  Bonnet  and  M.  Malapert,  this  and  other  plants 
containing  saponin  are  capable  of  producing  poisonous  effects.  (Journ.  de  Pharm.,  3e  ser., 
x.  339.) 

SARCOCOLLA.  A peculiar  vegetable  product,  exuding  spontaneously  from  the  Pensea 
Sarcocolla,  P.  mucronata,  and  other  species  of  Penoea,  small  shrubs  growing  at  the  Cape 
of  Good  Hope,  in  Ethiopia,  Arabia,  &c.  It  is  in  the  form  of  small,  roundish,  irregular 
grains,  sometimes  agglutinated  in  masses,  friable,  opaque  or  semi-transparent,  of  a yel- 


1388  Appendix. 

lowisli  or  brownish-red  colour,  inodorous  unless  heated,  when  they  have  an  a°Teeable 
smell,  and  of  a peculiar,  bitter,  sweetish,  and  acrid  taste,  Sarcocolla,  according  to  Pelle- 
tier, consists  of  65-3  per  cent,  of  a peculiar  substance,  considered  by  Dr.  Thomson,  as 
holding  an  intermediate  place  between  gum  and  sugar,  and  called  sarcocollin  or  pure  sar- 
cocolla, 4-6  of  gum,  3-3  of  a gelatinous  matter  having  some  analogy  with  bassorin,  and 
26-8  of  lignin,  &c.  It  is  said  to  be  purgative,  but  at  the  same  time  to  produce  serious 
inconvenience  by  its  acrid  properties.  The  Arabian  physicians  used  it  internally : and 
by  the  ancients  it  was  employed  as  an  external  application  to  wounds  and  ulcers!  under 
the  idea  that  it  possessed  the  property  of  agglutinating  the  flesh,  whence  its  name  was 
derived.  It  is  at  present  out  of  use. 

SARPiACENIA.  Side-saddle  Plant.  Fly-trap.  Two  southern  species  of  this  curious  in- 
digenous genus  of  plants,  S.  flava  and  S.  variolaris,  have  been  brought  into  notice  by  Dr. 
F.  P.  Porclier,  in  a communication  published  in  the  Charleston  Medical  Journal  and  Review. 
Dr.  Porclier  states  that  the  roots  of  these  plants  have  long  been  used  as  a domestic  remedy 
by  the  inhabitants  of  the  lower  portions  of  South  Carolina.  The  medicine  is  believed  in 
that  region  to  possess  extraordinary  powers  in  dyspepsia ; and  he  received  reports  from 
persons  entirely  deserving  of  confidence,  of  its  efficacy  in  sick  headache,  waterbrash,  gas- 
tralgia,  abdominal  distension,  &c.  In  trying  the  remedy  upon  himself,  he  found  it  to  be 
bitter  and  astringent  to  the  taste,  and  in  its  effects  on  the  system,  stimulant  to  the  sto- 
mach, the  circulation,  and  in  some  degree  to  the  brain,  and  at  the  same  time  to  a certain 
extent  diuretio,  and  disposed  to  operate  mildly  on  the  bowels.  From  the  results  stated  by 
Dr.  Porcher,  we  should  infer  that  the  medicine  is  a stimulating  tonic,  with  some  tendency 
to  act  on  the  brain;  and  probably  well  suited  to  cases  of  dyspepsia  dependent  on  debility 
of  stomach.  Professor  Sheppard  submitted  the  root  to  chemical  examination,  and  found 
it  to  contain,  lignin,  colouring  matter,  resin,  an  acid  salt  of  lime,  and  a salt  probably 
of  an  organic  alkali.  The  best  mode  of  administration  seems  not  to  have  been  well 
determined.  Invalids  chew  it  as  they  would  chew  tobacco;  and  from  Dr.  Porcher’s  state- 
ments we  should  infer  that  it  might  be  appropriately  given  in  powder  in  the  dose  of  half 
a drachm  three  or  four  times  a day.  (See  Wood's  Quarterly  Retrospect,  ii.  78.) 

SASSA  GUM.  This  name  has  been  applied  by  Guibourt  to  a gum.  occasionally  brought 
into  market  from  the  East,  and  answering  so  exactly  to  Bruce’s  description  of  the  pro- 
duct of  a tree  which  he  calls  sassa,  that  there  is  reason  to  believe  in  their  identity.  Ac- 
cording to  Guibourt’s  description,  it  is  in  mammillary  masses,  or  in  convoluted  pieces 
resembling  an  ammonite,  of  a reddish  colour-,  and  somewhat  shining  surface,  and  more 
transparent  than  tragacanth.  Its  taste  is  like  that  of  tragacantli,  but  slightly  acrid. 
'V hen  introduced  into  water,  it  becomes  white,  softens,  and  swells  to  four  or  five  times 
its  original  bulk;  but  it  preserves  its  shape,  neither  like  tragacanth  forming  a mucilage, 
nor  like  Bassora  gum  separating  into  distinct  flocculi.  It  is  rendered  blue  by  iodine. 

SASSY  BARK.  This  bark  is  interesting  chiefly  from  its  employment  by  the  natives 
of  Western  Africa  as  an  ordeal  in  their  trials  for  witchcraft  or  sorcery.  Specimens  sent  to 
this  country  from  Liberia  were  first  examined  by  Mr.  C.  A.  Santos,  who  published  his 
observations  in  the  Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm,  (xxi.  07,  April,  1849).  Other  specimens,  both 
of  the  bark  and  of  the  plant  producing  it,  afterwards  came  under  the  notice  of  Professor 
Procter,  who  was  thus  enabled  to  determine  as  well  the  chemical  characters  as  the  botani- 
cal source  of  the  product.  His  papers  on  the  subject  are  contained  in  the  same  Journal 
(xxiii.  301.  and  xxiv.  195);  and  in  the  last  is  given  a botanical  description  of  the  tree.  To 
these  papers  the  reader  is  referred  for  particular  information  on  the  subject.  It  appears 
that  the  bark  is  the  product  of  a previously  undescribed  species  of  Erythrophh  um.  for  which 
Prof.  Procter  proposes  the  name  of  E.  judiciale.  It  is  a large  tree  with  spreading  branches, 
doubly  pinnated  leaves,  flowers  in  spike-like  racemes,  and  leguminous  fruit.  The  bark  is 
in  pieces  more  or  less  curved,  with  or  without  epidermis,  in  the  former  case  somewhat 
fissured  externally,  of  a dull-red  colour  diversified  by  whitish  spots,  brittle,  presenting 
when  cut  transversely  numerous  fawn-coloured  spots  surrounded  by  reddish-brown  tissue, 
nearly  inodorous,  of  an  astringent  taste,  and  according  to  M.  Santos  of  the  sp.  gr.  1 054. 
Prof.  Procter  found  it  to  contain  tannic  acid,  insoluble  apotheme  analogous  to  that  of 
rhatany,  a red  colouring  matter  formed  by  a combination  of  the  two  preceding  constituents, 
gallic  acid,  gum,  a little  resin,  fatty  matter,  various  salts,  and  a peculiar  substance 
precipitable  by  tannic  acid,  and  soluble  in  alcohol  and  chloroform.  He  was  unable  to 
isolate  the  active  principle.  The  bark  yields  its  virtues  to  water.  Its  effects  on  the 
system  have  not  been  accurately  studied ; but  it  is  certainly  emetic  and  cathartic,  and 
appears  to  superadd  an  influence  over  the  nervous  system,  as  it  paralyzes  muscular 
power.  Professor  Procter  found  three  grains  of  the  aqueous  extract,  given  to  a cat.  to 
produce  great  prostration,  frothing  at  the  mouth,  dilatation  of  the  pupils,  and  total  loss  of 
inclination  to  eat.  Largely  taken  the  bark  often  causes  death.  The  powder  snuffed  up 
the  nostrils  occasions  violent  sneezing. 


Appendix.  1389 

'SATUREJA  HORTENSIS.  Summer  Savory.  An  annual  labiate  plant,  growing  sponta- 
neously in  the  South  of  Europe,  and  cultivated  in  gardens  as  a culinary  herb.  It  has  an 
aromatic  odour  and  taste,  analogous  to  those  of  thyme,  and  was  formerly  used  as  a gentle 
carminative  stimulant ; but  is  now  employed  only  to  give  flavour  to  food.  The  S.  montana, 
of  winter  savory,  which  is  also  cultivated  in  gardens,  has  similar  properties,  and  is  simi- 
larly employed. 

SCOLOPENDRIUM  OFFICINARUM.  Smith.  Asplenium  Scolopendrium.  Linn.  Ilarts- 
tongue.  A fern  indigenous  in  Europe  and  America.  Its  vulgar  name  was  derived  from  the 
shape  of  its  leaves,  which  were  the  part  formerly  used  in  medicine.  They  have  a sweetish, 
mucilaginous,  and  slightly  astringent  taste,  and,  when  rubbed,  a disagreeable  oily  odour. 
They  were  used  as  a deobstruent  in  visceral  affections,  as  an  astringent  in  hemorrhages 
and  fluxes,  and  as  a demulcent  in  pectoral  complaints  ; but  their  properties  are  feeble,  and 
they  have  fallen  into  neglect. 

SCROPHULARIA  NODOSA.  Figwort.  The  root  of  the  knotty  rooted  figwort  is  peren- 
nial, tuberous,  and  knotty ; the  stem  is  herbaceous,  erect,  quadrangular,  smooth,  branch- 
ing, and  from  two  to  three  feet  high  ; the  leaves  are  opposite,  petiolate,  ovate-cordate, 
pointed,  sharply  toothed,  veined,  and  of  a deep-green  colour;  the  flowers  are  small,  dark- 
purple,  slightly  drooping,  and  borne  on  branching  peduncles  in  erect  terminal  branches. 
The  plant  is  a native  of  Europe,  where  it  grows  in  shady  and  moist  places,  and  flowers 
in  July.  The  leaves,  which  are  the  part  used,  have  when  fresh  a rank  fetid  odour,  and 
a bitter  somewhat  acrid  taste;  but  these  properties  are  diminished  by  drying.  Water  ex- 
tracts their  virtues,  forming  a reddish  infusion,  which  is  blackened  by  the  sulphate  of  the 
sesquioxide  of  iron.  Figwort  leaves  are  said  to  be  anodyne  and  diuretic,  and  to  have 
repellent  properties  when  externally  applied.  They  were  formerly  considered  tonic,  dia- 
phoretic, diseutient,  anthelmintic,  &c.,  and  were  thought  to  be  useful  in  scrofula.  They 
are  at  present  very  little  employed,  and  never  in  this  country.  In  Europe  they  are  some- 
times applied  in  the  form  of  ointment  or  fomentation  to  piles,  painful  tumours  and  ulcers, 
and  cutaneous  eruptions. 

SCUTELLARIA  LATERIFLORA.  Scullcap.  This  is  an  indigenous  perennial  herb, 
belonging  to  the  Linnsean  class  and  order  Didynamia  Gymnospermia,  and  to  the  natural 
order  Labiatae.  Its  stem  is  erect,  much  branched,  quadrangular,  smooth,  and  one  or  two 
feet  high.  The  leaves  are  ovate,  acute,  dentate,  subcordate  upon  the  stem,  opposite,  and 
supported  upon  long  petioles.  The  flowers  are  small,  of  a pale-blue  colour,  and  disposed 
in  long,  lateral,  leafy  racemes.  The  calyx  has  an  entire  margin,  which,  after  the  corolla 
has  fallen,  is  closed  with  a helmet-shaped  lid.  The  tube  of  the  corolla  is  elongated,  the 
upper  lip  concave  and  entire,  the  lower  three  lobed.  The  plant  grows  in  moist  places,  by 
the  sides  of  ditches  and  ponds,  in  all  parts  of  the  Union.  To  the  senses  it  does  not  indi- 
cate, by  any  peculiar  taste  or  smell,  the  possession  of  medicinal  virtues.  It  is  even  destitute 
of  the  aromatic  properties  which  are  found  in  many  of  the  labiate  plants.  When  taken 
internally,  it  produces  no  very  obvious  effects.  Notwithstanding  this  apparent  inertness,  it 
obtained,  at  one  period,  extraordinary  credit  throughout  the  United  States,  as  a preventive 
of  hydrophobia,  and  was  even  thought  to  be  useful  in  the  disease  itself.  A strong  infu- 
sion of  the  plant  was  given  in  the  dose  of  a teacupful,  repeated  several  times  a day,  and 
continued  for  three  or  four  months  after  the  bite  was  received  ; while  the  herb  itself  was 
applied  to  the  wound.  Strong  testimony  has  been  adduced  in  favour  of  its  prophylactic 
powers;  but  it  has  already  shared  the  fate,  which  in  this  case  is  no  doubt  deserved,  of 
numerous  other  specifics  against  hydrophobia,  which  have  been  brought  into  temporary 
popularity,  only  to  be  speedily  abandoned.  Nevertheless,  it  is  thought  by  some  practi- 
tioners to  have  valuable  therapeutic  properties;  and  Drs.  Ariel  Hunton  and  C.  H.  Cleave- 
land,  of  Vermont,  speak  in  strong  terms  of  its  efficacy  as  a nervine.  They  have  employed 
it  in  neuralgic  and  convulsive  affections,  chorea,  delirium  tremens,  and  nervous  exhaustion 
from  fatigue  or  over-excitement,  and  have  found  it  highly  advantageous.  Dr.  Cleaveland 
says  that  he  prefers  it  to  all  other  nervines  or  other  antispasmodics,  except  where  an 
immediate  effect  is  desirable.  Dr.  Cleaveland  prefers  the  form  of  infusion,  which  he 
prepares  by  adding  half  an  ounce  of  the  dried  leaves  to  a teacupful  of  water,  and  allows 
the  patient  to  drink  ad  libitum.  (Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xxiii.  370,  from  N.  Y.  Register  of 
Med.  and  Pharm.,  also  N.  J.  Med.  Reporter,  v.  13.)  The  Scutellaria  galericulata,  or  common 
European  scullcap,  which  also  grows  wild  in  this  country,  has  a feeble,  somewhat  alliace- 
ous odour,  and  a bitterish  taste.  It  has  been  employed  in  intermittents,  and  externally 
in  old  ulcers,  but  is  now  out  of  use.  Dr.  R.  W.  Evans,  of  Canada  West,  has  found  it 
useful  in  epilepsy;  but  to  effect  a cure  it  must  be  continued,  he  says,  for  five  or  six  months. 
He  makes  an  infusion  with  two  ounces  of  the  herb  and  eight  ounces  of  water,  and  gives  a 
fluidounce  every  eight  hours,  doubling  the  quantity  after  a week.  (See  Am.  Journ.  of  Med. 
Sci.,  xvii.  495.)  Another  indigenous  species,  the  S.  integrifolia,  of  which  the  S.  liyssopifo- 


1390  Appendix. 

lia,  Linn.,  is  considered  by  some  as  a variety,  is  intensely  bitter,  and  might  probably  be 
found  useful  as  a tonic. 

SECALE  CEREALE.  Rye.  Syria,  Armenia,  and  the  southern  provinces  of  Russia  have 
been  severally  indicated  as  the  native  country  of  rye.  The  plant  is  now  cultivated  in  ail 
temperate  latitudes.  The  grains  consist,  according  to  Einhof,  of  24-2  per  cent,  of  envelope. 
65-6  of  flour,  and  10-2  of  water.  The  flour , according  to  the  same  chemist,  consists  ox 
61-07  per  cent,  of  starch,  9-48  of  gluten,  3-28  of  albumen,  3 28  of  uncry stallizable  sugar. 
11-09  of  gum,  0.-38  of  vegetable  fibre,  besides  5-62  of  loss,  comprising  an  acid,  the  nature 
of  which  was  not  determined.  Rye  flour  has  been  much  used,  in  the  dry  state,  as  au 
external  application  to  erysipelatous  inflammation,  and  other  eruptive  affections,  the  burn- 
ing and  unpleasant  tingling  of  which  it  tends  to  allay,  while  it  absorbs  the  irritating  secre- 
tions. In  the  form  of  mush  it  is  an  excellent  laxative  article  of  diet,  and,  mixed  with 
molasses,  may  be  given  with  great  advantage  in  hemorrhoids  and  prolapsus  aui,  con- 
nected with  constipation. 

SEDUM  ACRE.  Biting  Stone  crop.  Small  Houseleek.  A small,  perennial,  succulent 
European  plant,  growing.on  rocks  and  old  walls,  with  stems  about  as  long  as  the  finger, 
and  numerous  very  minute  leaves.  It  is  inodorous,  and  has  a taste  at  first  eooling  and 
herbaceous,  afterwards  burning  and  durably  acrid.  Taken  internally  it  vomits  and  purges, 
and  applied  to  the  skin,  produces  inflammation  and  vesication.  The  fresh  herb  and  the 
expressed  juice  have  been  used  as  an  antiscorbutic,  emetic,  cathartic,  and  diuretic,  and 
have  been  applied  locally  to  old  ulcers,  warts,  and  other  excrescences;  but  the  plant  is  at 
present  little  employed.  It  has  recently  been  recommended  in  Germany  as  a remedy  in 
epilepsy.  Other  species  are  less  acrid,  and  are  even  eaten  as  salad  in  some  parts  of  Europe. 
Such  are  the  Scdum  rupestre  and  S.  album.  S.  Telephium  was  formerly  employed  externally 
to  cicatrize  wounds,  and  internally  as  an  astringent  in  dysentery  and  haemoptysis;  and  is 
still  esteemed  by  the  common  people  in  France  as  a vulnerary. 

SEMPERVIVUM  TECTORUM.  Common  Houseleek.  A perennial  succulent  European 
plant,  growing  on  rocks,  old  w-alls,  and  the  roofs  of  houses,  and  remarkable  for  its  tenacity 
of  life.  It  is  occasionally  cultivated  in  this  country  as  an  ornament  to  the  walls  of  houses, 
or  as  a domestic  medicine.  The  leaves,  which  are  the  part  used,  are  oblong,  pointed,  from 
half  an  inch  to  two  inches  in  length,  thick,  fleshy,  succulent,  flat  on  one  side,  somewhat 
convex  on  the  other,  smooth,  of  a light-green  colour,  inodorous,  and  of  a cooling,  slightly 
saline,  astringent,  and  sourish  taste.  They  are  employed,  in  the  recent  state  and  bruised, 
as  a cooling  application  to  burns,  stings  of  bees,  hornets,  &c.,  ulcers,  and  other  external 
affections  attended  with  inflammation.  They  contain  a large  proportion  of  supermalate 
of  lime. 

SENECIO  VULGARIS.  Common  Groundsel.  An  annual  European  plant,  introduced 
into  this  country,  and  growing  in  cultivated  grounds.  The  whole  herb  is  used,  and  should 
be  gathered  while  in  flower.  It  has,  when  rubbed,  a peculiar  rather  unpleasant  odour,  and 
a disagreeable,  herbaceous,  bitterish,  and  saline  taste,  followed  by  a sense  of  acrimony. 
It  is  emetic  in  large  doses,  and  has  been  given  in  convulsive  affections,  liver  complaints, 
spitting  of  blood,  &c.,  but  is  now  very  little  used.  The  bruised  herb  is  sometimes  applied 
externally  to  painful  swellings  and  ulcers.  The  plant  is  empdoyed  also  as  food  for  birds, 
which  are  fond  of  it.  Other  species  of  Senecio  have  also  been  medicinally  used ; and  an 
indigenous  species,  the  S.  aureus  or  ragwort,  is  said  by  Schoepf  to  be  a favourite  vulnerary 
with  the  Indians. 

SIENNA.  Terra  di  Sienna.  An  argillaceous  mineral,  compact,  of  a fine  texture,  very 
light,  smooth  and  glossy,  of  a yellowish-brown  or  coffee-colour,  leaving  a dull  orange 
trace  when  moistened  and  drawn  over  paper.  By  calcination  it  assumes  a reddish- 
brown  colour,  and  is  then  called  burnt  sienna.  In  both  the  raw  and  burnt  states  it  is 
used  in  painting.  The  best  sienna  is  brought  from  Italy,  but  an  inferior  kind  is  found 
in  England. 

SILENE  VIRGINICA.  Calchfly.  Wild  Pink.  An  indigenous  perennial  plant,  growing 
in  Western  Virginia  and  Carolina,  and  in  the  States  beyond  the  Alleghany  mountains.  Ur. 
Barton,  in  his  “Collections,”  states  that  a decoction  of  the  roots  is  said  to  be  efficacious 
as  an  anthelmintic.  We  are  told  that  it  is  considex-ed  poisonous  by  some  of  the  Indians. 
<8.  Pcnrisylvanica,  which  grows  in  the  Eastern  section  of  the  Union,  from  New  York  to 
Virginia,  probably  possesses  similar  properties. 

SISYMBRIUM  OFFICINALE.  Scopoli.  En/simum  officinale.  Linn.  Hedge  Mustard.  A 
small  annual  plant,  growing  in  the  United  States  and  Europe,  along  the  roadsides,  by- 
walls  and  hedges,  and  on  heaps  of  rubbish.  It  has  an  herbaceous  somewhat  acrid  taste, 
which  is  strongest  in  the  tops  and  flower-spikes,  and  resembles  that  of  mustard,  though 
much  weaker.  The  seeds  have  considerable  pungency.  The  herb  is  said  to  be  diuretic 


Appendix.  1391 

and  expectorant,  and  lias  been  recommended  in  chronic  coughs,  hoarseness,  and  ulcera- 
tion of  the  mouth  and  fauces.  The  juice  of  the  plant  may  be  used  mixed  with  honey  or 
sugar,  or  the  seeds  may  be  taken  in  substance.  Sisymbrium  Sophia,  or  the  flix  weed,  was 
formerly  also  officinal.  It  is  of  a pungent  odour  when  rubbed,  and  of  an  acrid  biting  taste. 
The  herb  has  been  used  externally  in  indolent  ulcers,  and  the  seeds  internally  in  worms, 
calculous  complaints,  &c. 

SIUM  NODIFLORUM.  Water-parsnep.  A perennial,  umbelliferous,  aquatic  European 
plant,  growing  also  in  the  Southern  section  of  the  United  States,  where  it  is  supposed  to 
have  been  introduced.  It  is  commonly  considered  poisonous;  but  the  expressed  juice, 
given  by  Withering  in  the  dose  of  three  or  four  ounces  every  morning,  was  not  found  to 
affect  the  head,  stomach,  or  bowels.  He  found  it,  in  this  quantity,  very  advantageous  in 
obstinate  cutaneous  diseases ; and  the  plant  has  been  usefully  employed  by  others  in  similar 
complaints,  and  in  scrofulous  swellings  of  the  lymphatic  glands.  It  is  considered  diuretic. 
Sium  latifnlium,  which  grows  in  Europe  and  the  United  States,  and  is  the  common  water 
parsnep  of  this  country,  is  positively  asserted  to  be  poisonous;  and  madness  and  even 
death  are  said  to  have  followed  the  use  of  the  root.  The  <S.  Sisarum  or  skirret,  a plant  of 
Chinese  origin,  cultivated  in  Europe,  has  a sweetish,  somewhat  aromatic  root,  which  is 
employed  as  food  in  the  form  of  salad,  and  is  supposed  to  be  a useful  diet  in  compdaints 
of  the  chest. 

SMALT.  Azure.  When  the  impure  oxide  of  cobalt,  obtained  by  roasting  the  native 
arseniuret  of  that  metal,  is  heated  with  sand  and  potassa,  the  mixture  melts,  and  a beau- 
tiful blue  glass  results,  which,  when  reduced  to  powder,  receives  the  name  of  smalt.  It 
is  used  chiefly  in  painting. 

SOOT.  Fuligo  Ligni.  This  well  known  substance  has  a peculiar  smell,  and  a bitter, 
empyreumatic,  and  disagreeable  taste.  Its  composition  is  very  complex.  Reduced  to 
powder  and  treated  with  water,  it  affords  an  infusion  of  a deep-yellow  or  brown  colour, 
the  colour  being  deeper  if  heat  be  employed.  The  insoluble  portion  amounts  to  about 
forty-four  per  cent.  The  soluble  part  consists  chiefly,  according  to  Berzelius,  of  a pyro- 
genous  resin  united  with  acetic  acid  ( acid pyrelin),  saturated  with  potassa,  lime,  and  mag- 
nesia. It  also  contains  sulphate  of  lime,  chloride  of  potassium,  acetate  of  ammonia, 
and  traces  of  nitric  acid.  If  the  solution  be  evaporated  to  dryness,  it  furnishes  a black 
extract.  This  forms  with  water  a blackish-brown  solution,  which,  when  treated  with  any 
free  acid  except  the  acetic,  lets  fall  the  acid  pyretin,  in  the  form  of  a black  mass  resem- 
bling pitch ; while  the  acid  employed  remains  in  solution  with  the  bases  previously  in 
combination  with  the  pyretin.  Braconnot  thought  he  had  discovered  in  the  pyretin  a 
peculiar  principle,  to  which  he  gave  the  name  of  asbolin;  but  Berzelius  thinks  he  was 
mistaken.  Besides  these  substances,  Braconnot  ascertained  the  existence  in  soot  of  an 
azotized  extractive  matter  to  the  amount  of  twenty  per  cent.  This  matter,  when  sub- 
mitted to  dry  distillation,  afforded  a considerable  portion  of  pyrogenous  oil.  The  soot 
itself,  when  subjected  to  a similar  distillation,  furnishes  one-fifth  of  its  weight  of  empy- 
reumatic oil.  To  the  above  ingredients  of  soot  must  be  added  creasote,  to  the  presence  of 
which  it  is  supposed  to  owe  its  medicinal  properties. 

Soot  was  formerly  officinal  with  the  Edinburgh  College,  and  the  Scotch  physicians  were 
in  the  habit  of  frequently  prescribing  it  as  a tonic  and  antispasmodic  in  the  form  of  tinc- 
ture. It  went  very  much  out  of  use  in  regular  practice;  and  it  is  only  within  a few  years, 
that  its  employment  has  been  revived  on  account  of  its  containing  creasote.  At  present 
it  is  chiefly  used  as  an  external  remedy  in  the  form  of  decoction  or  ointment.  In  the 
Revue  Med.  for  June,  1834,  M.  Bland  details  a number  of  cases  of  various  affections,  such 
as  obstinate  tetters,  porrigo  favosa,  psora,  fistula,  cancerous  and  venereal  ulcers,  chronic 
irritations  of  the  lining  membrane  of  the  mouth,  exudations  from  the  mucous  membrane 
of  the  nose,  herpetic  eruptions  of  the  genital  organs,  and  pruritus  of  the  vulva,  in  which 
the  use  of  soot  effected  a cure.  The  decoction  is  made  by  adding  two  handfuls  of  soot  to 
a pint  of  water,  boiling  for  half  an  hour,  and  filtering.  It  is  applied  as  a lotion  to  the 
affected  parts,  or  injected  into  the  fistulas  several  times  a day;  and,  in  the  intervals,  the 
part,  if  accessible,  is  dressed  with  an  ointment,  made  by  rubbing  up  a drachm  of  finely 
powdered  soot  with  an  ounce  of  lard.  In  cases  of  porrigo,  the  crusts  must  be  removed 
by  poultices  before  the  soot  is  applied.  In  scrofulous  ophthalmia,  M.  Caron  Duvillards 
and  M.  Baudelocque  have  found  a collyrium,  made  according  to  the  following  formula, 
very  useful.  Infuse  two  ounces  of  soot  in  boiling  water,  filter  the  solution,  and  evaporate 
it  to  dryness.  Dissolve  the  dry  residue,  with  the  assistance  of  heat,  in  strong  white  wine 
vinegar,  and  add  extract  of  roses  in  the  proportion  of  twenty-four  grains  to  twelve  fluid- 
ounces  of  the  liquid.  It  is  prepared  for  use  by  adding  a few  drops  of  the  liquid  to  a glass 
of  water.  [Bull.  Gen.  de  Therapeutique , March,  1834.)  This  formula  is  not  very  satisfac- 
tory ; as  it  does  not  indicate  the  proportion  of  vinegar  to  be  employed.  In  a case  of 


1392  Appendix. 

severe  and  extensive  burn,  in  which,  after  the  separation  of  the  sloughs,  the  patient  began 
to  sink  from  the  profuse  discharge,  Dr.  Ebers,  of  Bordeaux,  found  advantage  from  the 
application,  to  the  granulating  surface,  of  lint  soaked  in  a decoction  of  soot.  It  reduced 
the  discharge  in  a surprising  manner,  and  promoted  cicatrization. 

The  late  Dr.  Ilewson,  of  this  city,  found  an  infusion  of  soot  an  efficacious  remedy,  em- 
ployed by  injection,  in  cases  of  ascarides.  In  one  case  of  long  standing  in  an  adult,  in 
which  a number  of  remedies  had  been  tried  unsuccessfully,  injections  of  soot  daily,  per- 
severed in  for  two  weeks,  effected  a complete  cure.  The  injection  was  made  by  adding 
a cupful  of  soot  to  a pint  of  boiling  water,  and  straining  the  solution.  An  infusion  of 
hickory  ashes  and  soot  is  used  in  this  city  as  a popular  remedy  for  dyspepsia.  It  is  made 
by  infusing  a pint  of  clean  hickory  ashes  and  a gill  of  soot  in  half  a gallon  of  boiling 
water,  allowing  the  liquor  to  stand  for  twenty-four  hours,  and  then  decanting.  Of  this 
a small  wineglassful  is  taken,  three  or  four  times  a day.  No  doubt  this  infusion  has  been 
useful  in  acidity  of  stomach:  but  its  indiscriminate  use  in  the  various  gastric  affections 
popularly  confounded  under  the  name  of  dyspepsia,  is  calculated  to  do  much  harm. 

Soot  is  decidedly  antiseptic.  A few  shovelfuls  of  it,  thrown  into  privies  or  drains, 
effectually  destroy  their  foul  exhalations. 

SPANISH  BROWN.  A brownish-red  ochre,  much  used  in  painting. 

SPARTIUM  JUNCEUM.  Spanish  Broom.  A small  shrub,  indigenous  in  the  South  of 
Europe,  and  cultivated  in  our  gardens  as  an  ornamental  plant.  The  flowers  are  large, 
yellow,  and  of  an  agreeable  odour.  The  seeds  are  in  moderate  doses  diuretic  and  tonic, 
in  large  doses  emetic  and  cathartic,  and  have  been  used  advantageously  in  dropsy.  The 
dose  is  from  ten  to  fifteen  grains  three  times  a day.  They  may  also  be  given  in  tincture. 

SUCCINIC  ACID.  Acidum  Succinicum.  This  acid  is  obtained  by  distilling  amber. 
(See  Succinum.)  The  product  is  an  aqueous  solution  of  impure  succinic  acid,  associated 
with  empyreumatic  oil.  (See  Oleum  Succini.)  By  filtering  the  liquor  the  solution  of  the 
impure  acid  passes  through,  while  the  oil  is  absorbed  by  the  paper.  The  acid  may  be 
purified  by  boiling  the  solution  with  nitric  acid,  diluted  with  twice  its  bulk  of  water,  and 
then  evapoyating  to  crystallize.  Should  the  crystals  not  be  colourless,  the  treatment  with 
nitric  acid  must  be  repeated  until  they  are  so.  Succinic  acid  is  formed  artificially  by  the 
action  of  nitric  acid  on  the  fatty  acids,  and  under  various  other  circumstances.  M.  De- 
saignes  obtained  it  from  malate  of  lime,  subjected  to  the  influence  of  fermentation  excited 
by  casein.  The  malate  was  converted  into  the  succinate  of  lime. 

Succinic  acid,  when  pure,  is  a white,  transparent  solid,  crystallizing  in  prisms,  and 
having  a somewhat  acrid  taste.  It  dissolves  in  five  times  its  weight  of  cold,  and  twice 
its  weight  of  boiling  water.  It  is  soluble  also  in  alcohol,  but  very  sparingly  so  in  ether. 
Nitric  acid  is  without  action  on  it.  It  melts  at  365°,  and  boils  without  alteration  at  473°. 
It  sublimes,  however,  at  a much  lower  temperature.  According  to  Wackenroder  it  is 
sometimes  adulterated  with  tartaric  acid,  soaked  in  oil  of  amber.  Crystallized  from  its 
solution  in  water,  its  formula  is  C4H203-(-H0.  The  sublimed  acid  has  the  formula 
2C4IT003-(-HO.  Some  chemists  double  the  equivalent  of  this  acid,  and  make  its  formula 
C81I406. 

Succinic  acid  is  at  present  never  used  in  medicine,  and  has  been  very  properly  omitted 
in  the  Dublin  Pharmacopoeia  of  1850.  It  has  lately  been  ascertained  to  be  a product  of 
vital  action,  having  been  detected  by  M.  Heintz  in  the  colourless  liquid  found  in  the  hydatid 
cysts  of  the  liver.  ( Journ . de  Pharm  , Sept  , 1850.  from  Poyg.  Annaten.')  One  of  its  salts, 
succinate  of  ammonia,  has  been  used  with  great  alleged  success  in  delirium  tremens.  This 
salt  is  occasionally  used  as  a precipitant  of  sesquioxide  of  iron. 

SULPHATE  OF  ALUMINA.  Aluminas  Sulphas.  The  salts  of  alumina  have  been  ascer- 
tained by  M.  Gannal  to  be  powerful  preservatives  of  animal  matter.  Among  these  the 
sulphate  is  to  be  preferred,  on  account  of  its  easy  preparation  and  moderate  price.  It 
may  be  made  by  saturating  dilute  sulphuric  acid  with  hydrated  alumina,  and  evaporating. 
It  may  be  prepared  also  by  the  process  of  MM.  Huria  and  Brunei,  which  consists  in  ex- 
posing in  an  iron  cylinder,  sulphate  of  alumina  and  ammonia  ^ammoniacal  alum),  first 
dried  to  separate  its  water  of  crystallization,  to  a cherry-red  heat.  Sulphate  of  alumina 
remains  in  the  cylinder,  and  the  volatilized  products  are  collected  in  water.  The  chief  of 
these  is  sulphite  of  ammonia,  which  serves  for  the  preparation  of  a fresh  portion  of  alum, 
after  having  been  changed  into  the  sulphate  by  oxidation  in  the  air.  (Chon.  Ga:..  Sept. 
15,  1852,  p.  359.)  A solution  of  this  salt  was  found  by  M.  Gannal  to  be  very  effectual  in 
preserving  bodies  for  dissection,  when  injected  into  the  blood-vessels.  In  the  summer 
season  the  bodies  were  preserved  fresh  for  twenty  days  or  more;  in  the  winter,  for  three 
months.  For  use  in  the  winter,  a quantity  of  the  solution,  sufficient  for  injecting  one  body, 
may  be  made  by  adding  a pound,  avoirdupois,  of  the  salt  to  a quart  of  water;  for  use  in 
warm  weather,  the  solution  must  be  stronger.  This  salt  has  been  used  extensively  iu  the 


Appendix.  1393 

Philadelphia  Hospital,  Blockley,  at  the  suggestion  of  Dr.  Dunglison,  as  an  antiseptic  and 
detergent  application  to  ulcers,  and  with  favourable  results.  Dr.  Pennypacker  reports 
several  cases  in  which  it  proved  useful.  The  strength  of  the  solution  employed  varied 
from  gijss  to  giij  of  the  salt  to  f^vi  of  water,  according  to  the  state  of  the  ulcer.  Dr. 
G.  Johnson,  of  Georgia,  found  the  solution  attended  with  the  happiest  effects,  used  as  an 
injection  in  fetid  discharges  from  the  vagina.  ( Med . Exam.,  vi.  63  and  112.)  Acetate  of 
alumina  and  chloride  of  aluminium  (muriate  of  alumina)  also  possess  antiseptic  powers. 

SULPHATE  OF  ALUMINA  AND  IRON.  Aluminae  et  Ferri  Sulphas.  This  double  salt 
has  been  brought  forward  by  Sir  James  Murray,  of  Dublin,  as  an  astringent,  styptic,  and 
vermifuge.  The  method  which  he  gives  for  preparing  it  is  not  very  clearly  expressed ; 
but  it  may  be  presumed  to  be  formed  by  dissolving  alumina  and  carbonate  of  iron,  both 
recently  precipitated,  in  sulphuric  acid,  and  duly  evaporating  the  solution.  Sir  James 
recommends  it  in  the  treatment  of  chronic  dysentery,  diarrhoea,  fluor  albus,  and  the  col- 
liquative sweats  and  diarrhoea  which  attend  hectic  fever  and  consumption.  Externally  he 
found  it  a powerful  styptic,  useful  as  a gargle  in  relaxation  of  the  tonsils  and  uvula,  and 
in  salivation,  as  an  injection  in  hemorrhages,  and  as  a wash  for  foul  and  flabby  ulcers. 
The  dose  for  internal  exhibition  is  from  five  to  ten  grains,  dissolved  in  some  aromatic 
water.  This  salt  probably  consists  of  tersulphate  of  alumina,  combined  with  tersulphate 
of  sesquioxide  of  iron.  It  is,  therefore,  not  an  alum.  A time  alum,  using  that  term  as 
the  designation  of  a class,  has  the  general  formula,  M203,3S03-{-M0,S034-24H0.  In 
ordinary  alum  the  sesquioxide  is  alumina,  and  the  protoxide,  potassa ; but  the  latter  may 
be  replaced  by  protoxide  of  iron,  so  as  to  give  an  alum,  having  the  formula,  Al203,3S03-f- 
Fe0,S03-)-24H0,  which  occurs  native,  forming  one  variety  of  plumose  alum,  and  may  be 
made  artificially.  But  the  alumina  may  be  replaced  by  certain  other  sesquioxides,  as  by 
those  of  manganese,  chromium,  and  iron,  firming  the  alums  commonly  called  manganese, 
chrome,  and  iron  alum.  The  latter  has  recently  come  into  notice  as  a medicine,  and  de- 
serves a notice  in  this  place ; the  information  respecting  it  having  come  too  late  for  inser- 
tion under  Alumen. 

Iron  Alum.  Potassio-sulphate  of  Sesquioxide  of  Iron.  Double  Sulphate  of  Sesquioxide  of 
Iron  and  Potassa.  (Fe203,3S034-k0,S034-24H0. ) This  alum  is  formed  by  first  convert- 
ing the  sulphate  of  protoxide  of  iron  by  sulphuric  acid,  assisted  by  nitric  acid,  into  the 
tersulphate  of  the  sesquioxide,  and  then  adding  an  equivalent  quantity  of  sulphate  of  po- 
tassa. (See  page  1001.)  The  solution  is  then  treated  with  an  excess  of  sulphuric  acid, 
and  sufficiently  evaporated  to  form  crystals  on  cooling.  Iron  alum  is  in  the  form  of  octo- 
hedral  crystals,  of  a pale-violet  colour,  more  soluble  than  common  alum,  and  forming  a 
solution  having  a reddish  colour.  It  was  brought  to  the  notice  of  the  Pharmaceutical 
Society  of  London,  in  Dec.  1853,  by  Mr.  Lindsey  Blytli,  as  a new  remedy  prescribed  in 
St.  Mary’s  Hospital  of  that  city.  Dr.  Tyler  Smith  found  it  to  be  a more  powerful  astrin- 
gent than  common  alum,  but  devoid  of  the  stimulating  effects  of  the  other  salts  of  iron. 
The  ammonio-sulphate  of  sesquioxide  of  iron,  in  which  the  potassa  is  replaced  by  oxide  of 
ammonium,  has  identical  therapeutic  effects.  The  dose  of  iron  alum  is  the  same  as  that 
of  ordinary  alum.  ( Pharm . Journ.  and  Trans.,  Jan.  1854,  p.  306.) 

SULPHATE  OF  CADMIUM.  Cadmii  Sulphas.  This  salt  may  be  formed  by  dissolving 
carbonate  of  cadmium  in  dilute  sulphuric  acid,  or  metallic  cadmium  in  the  same  acid, 
assisted  with  a little  nitric  acid.  It  is  a soluble,  astringent,  efflorescent  salt,  crystallizing 
in  prisms,  which  resemble  those  of  sulphate  of  zinc.  It  acts  on  the  economy  like  that 
salt,  but  is  considered  tenfold  more  powerful.  Besides  its  emetic  property,  it  possesses, 
according  to  M.  Grimaud,  valuable  powers  as  a remedy  in  syphilis,  rheumatism,  and  gout. 
As  yet  it  has  been  used  almost  exclusively  as  an  astringent  and  stimulating  remedy  in 
diseases  of  the  eyes.  In  specks  and  opacities  of  the  cornea,  it  has  been  employed  success- 
fully by  a number  of  European  surgeons.  It  is  used  either  in  solution,  in  the  proportion 
of  from  half  a grain  to  four  grains  to  the  fluidounce  of  distilled  water,  or  in  the  form  of 
ointment,  made  by  mixing  two  grains  with  four  scruples  of  fresh  lard.  M.  Fronmiiller 
has  employed  it,  with  excellent  results,  in  specks  of  the  cornea,  dissolved  in  rose  water  in 
the  proportion  of  three  grains  to  two  fluidounces,  associated  with  from  half  a fluidrachm 
to  a fluidrachm  and  a half  of  wine  of  opium.  (Journ.  de  Pharm.,  March,  1851.) 

SULPHATE  OF  NICKEL.  Niccoli  Sulphas.  This  salt  is  formed  by  dissolving  car- 
bonate of  nickel  in  dilute  sulphuric  acid,  concentrating  the  solution,  and  setting  it  aside 
to  crystallize.  The  carbonate  is  procured  by  dissolving  the  impure  arseniuret  of  nickel, 
sold  under  the  name  of  speiss,  coarsely  powdered  and  mixed  with  half  its  weight  of  iron 
filings,  in  nitromuriatic  acid.  The  solution  is  evaporated  to  dryness,  and  the  residue 
treated  with  water,  which  takes  up  the  impure  chloride  of  nickel,  and  leaves  the  arsenic 
in  the  form  of  the  insoluble  arseniate  of  iron.  The  liquid  is  then  acidulated  with  muriatic 
acid,  treated  with  sulphuretted  hydrogen  in  excess,  which  precipitates  the  copper,  and, 
88 


1394 


Appendix. 

after  filtration,  boiled  -with  a little  nitric  acid,  to  sesquioxidize  any  remaining  iron.  The 
cold  liquid,  largely  diluted  with  water,  is  next  treated  with  a solution  of  bicarbonate  of 
soda,  gradually  added,  which  throws  down  the  iron  in  the  state  of  sesquioxide.  Lastly, 
the  filtered  solution,  containing  the  chloride  of  nickel  nearly  pure,  is  boiled  with  carbo- 
nate of  soda,  which,  by  double  decomposition,  throws  down  a pale-green  precipitate  'of  car- 
bonate of  nickel.  Sulphate  of  nickel  is  in  the  form  of  emerald-green  prismatic  crystals, 
efflorescent  in  the  air,  soluble  in  three  parts  of  cold  water,  but  insoluble  in  alcohol  and  in 
ether.  It  has  a sweet  and  astringent  taste.  It  consists  of  one  eq.  of  sulphuric  acid  40, 
one  of  protoxide  of  nickel  37-5,  and  seven  of  water  63  = 140-5.  (NiO,SO,-)-7HO.) 

Prof.  Simpson,  of  Edinburgh,  has  made  some  therapeutic  trials  with  this  salt,  ’and  found 
it  to  act  as  a gentle  metallic  tonic,  like  the  preparations  of  iron,  yet  somewhat  differently. 
He  used  it  successfully  in  a case  which  he  relates,  of  severe  and  obstinate  periodic  head- 
ache. The  dose  is  from  half  a grain  to  a grain  three  times  a day,  given  in  the  form  of 
pill,  or  of  simple  solution.  In  large  doses  it  is  liable  to  produce  nausea,  especially  if  taken 
on  an  empty  stomach.  (See  Braithu-aite' a Retrospect,  xxvii.  446.) 

SULPHITE  OF  SODA.  Sodse  Sulphis.  (Na0,S02-|-SH0.)  This  salt  may  be  prepared 
by  passing  sulphurous  acid  into  a solution  of  carbonate  of  soda,  and  evaporating  out  of 
contact  of  the  air.  It  is  in  the  form  of  transparent  crystals,  soluble  in  four  parts  of  cold, 
and  less  than  their  weight  of  boiling  water.  Sulphite  of  soda  has  been  used  in  cases  of 
yeasty  vomiting  with  remarkable  success.  The  matter  vomited  in  these  cases  has  a yeasty 
appearance  on  the  surface,  and  is  generally  found  to  contain,  when  examined  by  the  micro- 
scope, two  microscopic  fungi,  called  sarcina  ventriculi  and  torula  cerevisite.  The  remedy 
was  first  used  at  the  suggestion  of  Prof.  Graham,  of  London,  who  supposed  that  the  sulphu- 
rous acid,  necessarily  extricated  from  the  salt  in  the  stomach  by  the  acid  of  the  yeasty 
matter,  would  destroy  the  parasites.  Dr.  Dobie,  of  Edinburgh,  has  reported  two  cases  of 
yeasty  vomiting,  occurring  under  his  observation,  in  which  the  disease  was  immediately 
checked  by  the  sulphite.  In  one  of  the  cases  the  vomited  matter  contained  an  enormous 
quantity  of  the  torula,  without  sarcina.  {Ed.  Monthly  Journ.,  xiv.  574.)  The  dose  of  sul- 
phite of  soda  is  a drachm  three  times  a day.  (See  Hyposulphite  of  Soda,  p.  1343.) 

SULP1IOCYANURET  OF  POTASSIUM.  Potassii  Sulphocyanuretum.  This  salt  is  pre- 
pared by  fusing  in  an  iron  vessel,  at  a low  red  heat,  a mixture  of  two  parts  of  dried  ferrocya- 
nuret  of  potassium,  and  one  part  of  flowers  of  sulphur.  The  mass,  when  cold,  is  dissolved 
in  boiling  water,  and,  to  decompose  some  sulphocyanuret  of  iron,  the  solution  is  treated 
with  carbonate  of  potassa,  which  throws  down  the  iron  as  a carbonate,  and  gives  rise  to 
the  formation  of  a fresh  portion  of  sulphocyanuret  of  potassium.  The  whole  is  then  boiled 
for  a quarter  of  an  hour,  filtered  to  separate  the  precipitated  iron,  and  evaporated  that 
crystals  may  form.  These  are  purified  from  carbonate  of  potassa  by  being  dissolved  in 
alcohol,  which  takes  up  the  sulphocyanuret  and  leaves  the  carbonate.  The  alcoholic 
solution  is  then  allowed  to  crystallize.  Sulphocyanuret  of  potassium  is  in  long,  striated, 
anhydrous  prisms,  deliquescent  in  a moist  atmosphere,  very  soluble  in  alcohol,  and  having 
a cooling,  somewhat  biting  taste.  It  has  been  proposed  as  a medicine  by  Soemmering,  as 
a substitute  for  hydrocyanic  acid  and  cyanuret  of  potassium,  on  the  ground  that  it  pos- 
sesses the  same  therapeutic  properties,  without  their  inconveniences. 

SULPHURET  OF  CALCIUM.  Calcii  Sulphuretum.  Hydrosulphate  of  Lime.  This 
compoi/nd  is  formed  by  passing  sulphuretted  hydrogen,  so  long  as  it  is  absorbed,  through 
water  holding  lime  in  suspension.  It  is  in  the  form  of  a paste  of  a greenish-gray  colour, 
and  exhaling  a strong  odour  of  sulphuretted  hydrogen.  It  is  used  as  a depilatory,  and  is 
applied  in  a layer  on  the  part  which  is  to  be  deprived  of  hair.  At  the  end  of  fifteen 
minutes  it  is  removed  with  a wet  sponge,  which  at  the  same  time  detaches  the  hairs.  On 
account  of  this  preparation  giving  out  sulphuretted  hydrogen,  it  must  not  be  applied  near 
the  mouth  or  nose. 

SUMDUL.  Jatamansi.  Musk-root.  Under  the  name  of  sumbul  or  jatamansi,  a root 
has  long  been  used  in  India,  Persia,  and  other  parts  of  the  East,  as  a perfume,  as  incense 
in  religious  ceremonies,  and  medicinally.  It  is  the  product  of  an  unknown  plant,  supposed 
to  be  umbelliferous,  and,  from  the  character  of  the  root,  to  grow  in  low  wet  places.  The 
plant  is  said  to  inhabit  no  part  of  British  India,  but  the  regions  to  the  North  and  East  of 
it,  as  Nepaul,  Bootan,  Bucharia,  &c.  The  root  is  taken  northward  to  Russia,  and  reaches 
the  rest  of  Europe  through  St.  Petersburg.  The  physicians  of  Moscow  and  St.  Petersburg 
were  the  first  to  employ  it  on  the  Continent  of  Europe  ; Dr.  Granville  first  introduced  it  to 
the  notice  of  the  profession  in  Great  Britain  and  this  country.  It  has  recently  also  been 
imported  into  England  from  India,  whither  it  was  brought  from  a great  distance  in  the 
interior. 

The  medicine  comes  in  transverse  sections,  from  two  to  four  inches  in  diameter,  and 
from  an  inch  to  an  inch  and  a half  in  length,  with  a dusky,  light-brown  wrinkled  epidermis. 


Appendix.  1395 

and  an  interior  porous  structure  consisting  of  coarse,  irregular,  easily  separable  fibres. 
The  fresh  cut  surface  of  a transverse  section  presents,  within  the  epidermis,  an  exterior 
white  and  spotted  layer,  and  an  inner  yellow  substance  which  forms  the  greater  part  of 
the  root.  Examined-by  means  of  a microscope  it  exhibits  translucent  points  which  prob- 
ably represent  starch  granules.  Sumbul  has  a strong  odour,  very  much  resembling  that 
of  musk,  which  it  retains  even  when  long  kept.  The  taste,  at  first  feebly  sweetish,  be- 
comes after  a time  bitterish  and  balsamic,  but  not  disagreeable ; and  a strong  aroma  is 
developed  under  mastication,  diffusing  itself  with  a sensation  of  warmth  through  the  mouth 
and  throat,  and  rendering  the  breath  fragrant.  This  effect,  however,  is  much  diminished 
by  time.  That  brought  from  India  differs  somewhat  from  the  Russian,  being  of  closer 
texture,  more  dense  and  firm,  and  of  a reddish  tint.  (Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xxiv.  174, 
from  Pharm.  Journ.) 

The  root  has  been  analyzed  by  Reinsch  and  other  German  chemists,  and  found  to  con- 
tain volatile  oil,  two  balsamic  resins,  one  soluble  in  alcohol,  the  other  in  ether,  wax, 
gum,  starch,  a bitter  substance  soluble  in  water  and  alcohol,  a crystallizable  acid  which 
Reinsch  proposes  to  call  sumbulic  acid,  and  saline  matter.  The  musk-like  odour  seems  to 
be  connected  with  the  balsamic  resins,  and  probably  depends  on  some  principle  associated 
with  them  not  yet  isolated.  The  volatile  oil  yielded  by  distillation  has  a taste  like  that 
of  peppermint. 

The  virtues  of  the  drug  appear  to.  be  those  of  a nervous  stimulant.  It  is  used  by  the 
Russian  physicians  in  low  fevers  of  a typhous  character,  and  in  asthenic  cases  of  dysen- 
tery and  diarrhoea.  It  has  also  been  employed  by  them  with  asserted  success  in  malignant 
cholera.  The  authors,  on  the  occasion  of  a visit  in  the  summer  of  1853  to  St.  Petersburg, 
were  informed  by  Dr.  Thielmann,  physician  to  the  Hospital  of  St.  Peter  and  St.  Paul, 
that  he  depended  mainly  on  this  remedy  in  the  treatment  of  delirium  tremens,  having  found 
it  superior  in  its  composing  influence  over  that  complaint  even  to  opium.  Dr.  Granville 
recommends  it  in  gastric  spasm,  hysteria,  chlorosis,  amenorrhoea,  dysmenorrhoea,  palsy 
of  the  limbs,  epilepsy,  and  other  nervous  disorders.  Its  real  value,  however,  is  yet  to  be 
ascertained.  It  is  given  in  substance,  infusion,  decoction,  and  alcoholic  and  ethereal  tinc- 
ture. There  seems  to  be  no  great  precision  in  relation  to  the  dose;  but  it  is  inferrible 
from  the  accounts  of  the  drug,  that  it  may  be  used  very  much  as  we  use  valerian.  The 
facts  above  stated  are  taken  chiefly  from  a pamphlet  by  Dr.  A.  B.  Granville,  published  in 
London,  A.  D.  1850. 

SUPPOSITORIES.  Suppositoria.  These  are  solid  bodies  intended  to  be  introduced 
into  the  rectum,  with  the  view  either  of  evacuating  the  bowels  by  irritating  the  mucous 
membrane  of  the  rectum,  or  of  producing  a specific  effect  on  the  neighbouring  parts,  or 
on  the  system  at  large.  They  fulfil  the  same  indications  as  enemata,  and  are  sometimes 
preferable  from  the  facility  of  their  application,  and,  when  the  object  is  to  produce  the 
peculiar  effect  of  a medicine,  from  the  smallness  of  their  bulk,  which  facilitates  retention. 
Their  form  may  be  cylindrical,  conical,  or  spherical;  the  last  being  preferable  when  the 
bulk  is  small.  They  should  be  of  such  a consistence  as  to  retain  their  shape,  but  so  soft 
as  to  incur  no  risk  of  wounding  the  rectum.  For  laxative  purposes  the  suppository  may 
be  from  one  to  three  inches  long,  and  about  as  thick  as  a common  candle.  Soap  is  not 
unfrequently  employed  for  this  purpose.  A piece  of  solidified  molasses  (molasses  candy) 
is  sometimes  preferred.  To  increase  the  purgative  effect,  and  at  the  same  time  act  on 
the  uterine  function,  aloes  maybe  added  to  the  soap.  Mr.  A.  B.  Taylor,  of  Philadelphia, 
recommends  cocoa  butter  as  the  best  excipient  for  solids  administered  by  the  rectum,  hav- 
ing more  exactly  the  requisite  degree  of  consistence  and  fusibility  than  any  combination 
of  suet,  spermaceti,  wax,  &c.,  that  could  be  employed.  (Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xxiv.  211.) 
Opium,  or  some  one  of  its  preparations,  is  very  advantageously  administered  in  the  form 
of  a suppository,  in  cases  of  irritation  of  the  rectum,  urinary  passages,  or  genital  appa- 
ratus. The  other  narcotics  may  be  used  in  the  same  way;  and  indeed  any  other  medicine,  in 
reference  to  its  effects  on  the  system,  provided  the  quantity  be  not  too  large,  and  the  local 
effects  not  too  irritant.  The  dose  ma}'  in  general  be  three  times  that  of  the  medicine 
given  by  the  mouth. 

SWIETENIA  FEBRIFUGA.  A large  tree  growing  in  the  East  Indies.  The  bark  is 
the  part  employed.  It  is  smooth  and  red  internally,  rough  and  gray  on  the  outer  surface, 
of  a feeble  aromatic  odour,  and  an  astringent  bitter  taste.  Water  extracts  its  virtues  by 
infusion  or  decoction.  It  is  said  to  have  been  much  used  in  India  as  a substitute  for 
Peruvian  bark,  to  which  it  is  somewhat  analogous  in  medical  properties.  The  dose  of 
the  powder  is  from  thirty  grains  to  half  a drachm.  The  watery  extract  has  the  virtues 
of  the  bark. 

The  Swietenia  Mahagoni  or  mahogany  tree,  wdiicli  grows  in  the  West  Indies  and  other 
parts  of  tropical  America,  has  also  a bitter  astringent  bark,  which  resembles  that  of  the 


1396  Appendix. 

S.  febrifuga  in  virtues  as  well  as  in  sensible  properties.  The  wood  of  this  tree  is  the 
mahogany  so  much  used  in  ornamental  wood-work.  The  bark  of  S.  Senegalensis  is  used 
on  the  coast  of  Africa  in  the  cure  of  intermittents ; and  M.  Caventou  has  extracted  an 
alkali  from  it,  which  has  been  suggested  as  a cheap  substitute  for  quinia.  (See  Am. 
Journ.  of  Med.  Sci.,  N.  S.,  xx.  168.) 

SYMPHYTUM  OFFICINALE.  Comfrey.  A perennial  European  plant,  cultivated  in 
our  gardens  for  medical  use.  Its  root,  which  is  the  part  used,  is  spindle-shaped,  branched, 
often  more  than  an  inch  thick  and  a foot  long,  externally  smooth  and  blackish,  internally 
white,  fleshy,  and  juicy.  By  drying  it  becomes  wrinkled,  of  a firm  horny  consistence,  and 
of  a dark  colour  within.  It  is  almost  inodorous,  and  has  a mucilaginous,  feebly  astringent 
taste.  Among  its  constituents  are  mucilage  in  great  abundance,  and  a small  quantity  of 
tannin.  It  was  formerly  highly  esteemed  as  a vulnerary,  but  has  lost  its  credit  in  this 
respect.  Its  virtues  are  chiefly  those  of  a demulcent,  and  it  may  be  advantageously  used 
for  all  the  purposes  to  which  the  marshmallow  is  applied.  It  is  a very  common  ingredient 
in  the  domestic  cough  mixtures,  employed  in  chronic  catarrh,  consumption,  and  other  pec- 
toral affections.  The  most  convenient  form  of  administration  is  that  of  decoction,  which 
may  be  made  either  from  the  fresh  or  dried  root.  According  to  Lewis,  comfrey  root  yields 
to  water  a larger  proportion  of  mucilage  than  the  root  of  Althaea. 

SYRINGA  VULGARIS.  Common  Lilac.  The  leaves  and  fruit  of  this  common  garden 
plant  have  a bitter  and  somewhat  acrid  taste,  and  have  been  used  as  a tonic  and  febrifuge. 
In  some  parts  of  France,  they  are  said  to  be  employed  habitually  by  the  country  people 
in  the  cure  of  intermittent  fever ; and  they  were  recommended  by  Cruveilhier  in  the  treat- 
ment of  that  complaint.  The  fruit  was  examined  by  MM.  Petroz  and  Robinet,  who  found 
a sweet  and  a bitter  principle.  The  latter  was  afterwards  obtained  pure  by  M.  Meillet, 
who  gave  it  the  name  of  lilacin.  The  green  capsules,  which  yield  it  in  largest  proportion, 
are  boiled  in  water,  the  decoction  is  concentrated,  subacetate  of  lead  is  added,  the  liquor 
is  evaporated  to  the  consistence  of  syrup,  magnesia  is  added  in  excess,  and  the  whole  is 
evaporated  to  dryness.  The  residuum  is  powdered,  digested  in  water  at  90°  or  100°.  and 
then  treated  with  boiling  alcohol  and  animal  charcoal.  The  alcoholic  solution,  being 
filtered  and  concentrated,  yields  lilacin  upon  cooling.  This  principle,  though  not  alkaline, 
is  thought  by  M.  Meillet  to  exist  in  the  fruit  combined  with  malic  acid.  It  is  crystalliz- 
able,  bitter,  and  insoluble  in  water.  ( Am . Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xiv.  139,  from  Journ.  de 
Pharm.) 

TACAMAHAC.  Tacamahaca.  The  resinous  substance,  commonly  known  by  this  name, 
is  supposed  to  be  derived  from  the  Fagara  octandra  of  Linn.  ( Elaphrium  (omentoeum.  Jacq., 
Amyris  tomentosum,  Spreng.),  a tree  of  considerable  size,  growing  in  the  island  of  Curacoa, 
and  in  Venezuela.  The  juice  exudes  spontaneously,  and  hardens  on  exposure.  As  brought 
into  the  market,  it  is  in  irregularly  shaped  pieces  of  various  sizes,  some  not  larger  than  a 
mustard  seed,  others  as  much  as  an  inch  or  two  inches  in  diameter.  The  colour  is  usually 
light-yellowish  or  reddish-brown  ; but  in  the  larger  masses  is  more  or  less  diversified.  The 
pieces  are  in  general  translucent,  though  frequently  covered  with  powder  upon  their  sur- 
face, so  as  to  render  them  apparently  opaque.  They  are  heavier  than  water,  brittle,  and 
pulverizable,  yielding  a pale-yellow  powder.  Their  odour  is  resinous  and  agreeable, 
their  taste  bitter,  balsamic,  and  somewhat  acrid.  Exposed  to  heat  they  melt  and  exhale 
a stronger  odour.  Tacamahac  is  partially  soluble  in  alcohol,  and  completely  so  in  ether 
and  the  fixed  oils.  It  consists  of  resin  with  a little  volatile  oil. 

Another  variety  is  obtained  from  the  E.  Indies,  and  called  tacamahaca  orientale,  or  taca- 
mahaca in  testis.  It  is  supposed  to  be  derived  from  the  Calophyllum  Inophyllum,  and  comes 
into  the  market  in  gourd-shells  covered  with  rush  leaves.  It  is  of  a pale-yellow  colour 
inclining  to  green,  slightly  translucent,  soft  and  adhesive,  of  an  agreeable  odour,  and  an 
aromatic  bitterish  taste.  It  is  at  present  very  rare  in  commerce. 

Guibourt  describes  several  other  varieties  of  tacamahac,  which,  however,  are  little 
known.  Among  them  is  a soft,  adhesive,  dark-green  resin,  said  to  be  procured  from  the 
Calophyllum  Tacamahaca,  growing  in  the  islands  of  Bourbon  and  Madagascar. 

Tacamahac  was  formerly  highly  esteemed  as  an  internal  remedy,  but  is  now  employed 
medicinally  only  in  the  composition  of  ointments  and  plasters,  and  little  even  for  this  pur- 
pose. Its  properties  are  analogous  to  those  of  the  turpentines.  It  is  sometimes  used 
as  incense. 

TANNATE  OF  ALUMINA.  Aluminse,  Tannas.  Mr.  Rogers  Harrison,  of  London,  has 
employed  an  aqueous  solution  of  a substance  which  he  calls  by  this  name,  as  an  injection 
in  gonorrhoea,  after  the  acute  symptoms  have  passed.  He  makes  it  of  such  a strength  as 
always  to  produce  smarting.  The  substance  is  described  to  be  in  crystals,  about  the  size 
of  those  of  coarse  sugar,  of  a dirty-yellowish  colour,  and  readily  soluble  in  hot  water. 
( Lond . Med.  Gaz.,  xiii.  853.)  It  is  not  easy  to  conjecture  what  is  the  substance  employed 


Appendix.  1397 

by  Mr.  Harrison.  Tannate  of  alumina  is  nearly  insoluble  in  -water.  Prof.  Procter,  of  Phila- 
delphia, tried  to  make  a soluble  tannate  of  this  earth,  but  without  success ; and  from  the 
description  of  the  substance  used  bj7  Mr  Harrison,  he  is  inclined  to  the  opinion  that  it  was 
a mixture  of  tannic  acid  and  alum.  (See  Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  Jan.  1853,  p.  25.) 

TANNATE  OF  IRON.  Ferri  Tannas.  This  salt  is  prepared  by  dissolving  44  parts  of 
precipitated  subcarhonate  of  iron,  moderately  dried,  in  a boiling  solution  of  9 parts  of  pure 
tannic  acid,  evaporating  the  solution  at  the  temperature  of  176°,  in  a porcelain  vessel, 
until  it  becomes  thick,  pouring  it  out  on  a glass  or  porcelain  plate,  and  drying  it  with  a 
gentle  heat.  As  thus  obtained,  tannate  of  iron  is  in  flat  pieces,  of  a crimson  colour, 
without  taste,  and  insoluble  in  water.  It  acts  as  an  astringent  and  tonic,  and  may  be 
given  in  chlorosis,  in  the  dose  of  from  eight  to  thirty  grains,  in  the  course  of  a day,  made 
into  pills.  Ink  is  an  aqueous  solution  of  the  tanno-gallate  of  iron  and  probably  possesses 
similar  medical  properties.  It  is  a popular  and  efficacious  application  to  ringworm. 

TANNATE  OF  LEAD.  Plumbi  Tannas.  This  is  obtained  by  precipitating  a concentrated 
infusion  of  oak  bark  with  acetate  of  lead,  added  drop  by  drop.  It  has  been  used  as  an 
external  application  with  success  by  Dr.  Fantonetti  in  two  cases  of  white  swelling  of  the 
knee-joint.  He  employed  it  at  first  mixed  -with  a third  of  its  weight  of  lard,  and  afterwards 
pure,  the  fresh  precipitate  admitting  of  application  as  an  ointment.  Autenrieth  recom- 
mends it  as  a dressing  to  gangrenous  sores.  With  this  intention,  the  precipitate,  either 
uncombined,  or  mixed  in  its  dry  state  with  simple  ointment  in  the  proportion  of  two 
drachms  to  the  ounce,  may  be  spread  on  linen,  and  applied  to  the  sore.  The  preparation 
here  referred  to  is  a bitaunate.  Other  tannates  of  lead  exist. 

TARTRATE  OF  SODA.  Sodas  Tartras.  This  salt,  in  crystals,  has  been  recommended 
by  M.  Delioux  as  an  agreeable  purgative,  almost  without  taste,  and  acting  with  power 
equal  to  that  of  the  sulphate  of  magnesia,  in  the  dose  of  ten  drachms.  The  soda  pow- 
ders, so  much  used  in  the  United  States,  form  an  extemporaneous  tartrate  of  soda,  some- 
what aerated  with  carbonic  acid.  (Seepage  1164.) 

TEA.  The  plant  which  furnishes  tea — Thea  Chinensis — is  an  evergreen  shrub,  belong- 
ing to  the  class  and  order  Monadelphia  Polyandria  of  the  sexual  system  (Polyandria  Mo- 
nogynia,  Linn.),  and  to  the  natural  order  Terustromiaceae.  It  is  usually  from  four  to  eight 
feet  high,  though  capable,  in  a favourable  situation,  of  attaining  the  height  of  thirty  feet. 
It  has  numerous  alternate  branches,  furnished  with  eiliptical-oblong  or  lanceolate,  pointed 
leaves,  which  are  serrate,  except  at  the  base,  smooth  on  both  sides,  green,  shining,  marked 
with  one  rib  and  many  transverse  veins,  and  supported  alternately  upon  short  footstalks. 
They  are  two  or  three  inches  long,  and  from  half  an  inch  to  an  inch  in  breadth.  The  flow- 
ers are  either  solitary,  or  supported  two  or  three  together  at  the  axils  of  the  leaves.  They 
are  of  considerable  size,  not  unlike  those  of  the  myrtle  in  appearance,  consisting  of  a short 
green  calyx  with  five  or  six  lobes,  of  a corolla  with  from  four  to  nine  large  unequal  snow- 
white  petals,  of  numerous  stamens  with  yellow  anthers  and  connected  at  their  base,  and 
of  a pistil  with  a three-parted  style.  The  fruit  is  a three-celled  and  three-seeded  capsule. 
It  has  not  been  certainly  determined  whether  more  than  one  species  of  the  tea  plant  exists. 
Linnaeus  admitted  two  species — T.  Bohea  and  T.  viridis — differing  in  the  number  of  their 
petals : but  this  ground  of  distinction  is  untenable,  as  the  petals  are  known  to  vary  very  much 
in  the  same  plant.  Ilayne  makes  three  species — T.  stricla,  T.  Bohea,  and  T.  viridis — w'hich 
are  distinguished  severally  by  the  shape  of  their  leaves  and  fruit,  and  the  direction  of  the 
footstalk.  De  Candolle  admits  but  one  species,  with  two  varieties — the  viridis  or  green 
tea,  with  “lanceolate  flat  leaves,  three  times  as  long  as  they  are  broad,”  and  the  Bohea, 
with  “elliptical  oblong,  subrugose  leaves,  twice  as  long  as  broad.”  Lindley  recognises  the 
two  Linnean  species,  distinguishing  them  by  the  leaves,  which  in  T.  viridis  are  acumi- 
nate and  emarginate  at  the  apex,  and  in  T.  Bohea  are  smaller,  flatter,  darker  green, 
with  small  serratures,  and  terminate  gradually  in  a point,  but  are  not  at  all  acuminate  or 
emarginate.  (Flora  Medica,  120.) 

The  tea-plant  is  a native  of  China  and  Japan,  and  is  cultivated  in  both  countries,  but 
most  abundantly  in  the  former.  In  Japan  it  forms  hedgerows  around  the  rice  and  corn- 
fields ; in  China,  whence  immense  quantities  of  tea  are  exported,  whole  fields  are  devoted 
to  its  culture.  It  is  propagated  from  the  seeds,  which  are  planted  in  holes  at  certain  dis- 
tances, six  or  eight  seeds  being  placed  in  each  hole,  in  order  to  ensure  the  growth  of  one. 
In  three  years  the  plant  yields  leaves  for  collection,  and  in  six  attains  the  height  of  a 
man.  When  from  seven  to  ten  years  old  it  is  cut  down,  in  order  that  the  numerous  shoots 
which  issue  from  the  stump  may  afford  a large  product  of  leaves.  These  are  picked  sepa- 
rately by  the  hand.  Three  harvests,  according  to  Kcempfer,  are  usually  made  during  the 
year;  the  first  at  the  end  of  February,  the  second  at  the  beginning  of  April,  and  the  third 
in  June.  As  the  youngest  leaves  are  the  best,  the  product  of  the  first  collection  is  most 
valuable,  while  that  of  the  third,  consisting  of  the  oldest  leaves,  is  comparatively  little 


1398  Appendix. 

esteemed.  Sometimes  only  one  or  two  harvests  are  made ; but  care  is  always  taken  to  assort 
the  leaves  according  to  their  age ; and  thus  originate  numerous  commercial  varieties  of  tea. 
The  character  of  the  plant,  dependent  upon  the  soil,  situation,  climate,  and  culture,  has 
also  a great  influence  upon  the  value  of  the  leaves.  It  is  said  that  the  best  tea  is  procured 
from  the  shrubs  which  grow  upon  the  sides  of  steep  hills  with  a Southern  exposure.  Though 
the  plant  grows  both  about  Pekin  in  the  North  and  Canton  in  the  South  of  China,  it  is  said 
to  attain  greater  perfection  in  the  intermediate  country,  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Nankin, 
for  instance,  where  the  climate  is  neither  so  cold  as  in  the  first-mentioned  vicinity,  nor  so 
hot  as  in  the  second.  Some  of  the  commercial  varieties  have  their  origin  in  this  cause  ; 
and  it  is  not  improbable,  though  the  fact  has  not  been  ascertained,  that  difference  in  spe- 
cies may  be  another  source  of  diversity.  After  having  been  gathered,  the  leaves  are  dried 
by  artificial  heat  in  shallow  iron  pans,  from  which  they  are  removed  while  still  hot,  and 
rolled  with  the  fingers,  or  in  the  palm  of  the  hand,  so  as  to  be  brought  into  the  form  in 
which  they  are  found  in  commerce.  It  is  stated  that  the  odour  of  the  tea  leaves  them- 
selves is  very  slight;  and  that  it  is  customary  to  mix  with  them  the  leaves  of  certain  aro- 
matic plants,  such  as  Oleafragrans  and  Camellia  Sasanqua,  in  order  to  render  them  pleasant 
to  the  smell.  The  cultivation  of  tea  has  been  successfully  introduced  into  Brazil.  ( Journ . 
cle  Pharm.  et  de  Chim.,  xix.  276.) 

Tea  is  brought  to  this  country  from  Canton  and  other  ports  of  China,  Numerous 
varieties  exist  in  commerce,  differing  in  the  shape  communicated  by  rolling,  in  colour, 
in  flavour,  or  in  strength  ; but  they  may  all  be  arranged  in  the  two  divisions  of  green  and 
black  teas,  which,  at  least  in  their  extremes,  differ  so  much  in  properties,  that  it  is  difficult 
to  conceive  that  they  are  derived  from  the  same  species. 

Properties.  Green  tea  is  characterized  by  a dark-green  colour,  sometimes  inclining  more 
or  less  to  blue  or  brown.  It  has  a peculiar,  refreshing,  somewhat  aromatic  odour,  and  an 
astringent,  slightly  pungent,  and  agreeably  bitterish  taste.  Its  infusion  has  a pale  greenish- 
yellow  colour,  with  the  odour  and  taste  of  the  leaves.  According  to  Mr.  Warington, 
who  examined  numerous  varieties  of  tea  carefully  both  by  the  microscope  and  chemical 
tests,  many  of  the  green  teas  imported  into  Great  Britain  owe  their  colour  to  a powdery 
coating,  consisting  of  sulphate  of  lime  and  Prussian  blue,  others  to  a mixture  of  these  with 
a yellowish  vegetable  substance,  and  others,  again,  to  sulphate  of  lime  alone,  i Pharm.  Journ. 
and  Trans.,  iv.  37.)  Black  tea  is  distinguished  by  a dark-brown  colour.  It  is  usually  less 
firmly  rolled,  and  lighter  than  the  green,  and  contains  the  petioles  of  the  plant  mingled 
with  the  leaves.  Its  odour  is  fainter,  and  of  a somewhat  different  character,  though  still 
fragrant.  Its  taste,  like  that  of  green  tea,  is  astringent  and  bitterish  ; but  it  is  less  pung- 
ent, and  to  many  persons  less  agreeable.  To  hot  water  it  imparts  a brown  colour,  with 
its  sensible  properties  of  taste  and  smell.  These  vary  exceedingly  in  strength  in  the  dif- 
ferent varieties ; and  some  black  teas  are  almost  wholly  destitute  of  aromatic  or  agreeable 
flavour.  According  to  Mr.  Warrington,  the  difference  between  green  and  black  tea,  so  far 
as  concerns  their  chemical  and  physical  condition,  arises  from  a species  of  fermentation 
which  the  latter  is  made  to  undergo,  in  its  preparation,  before  being  roasted.  (Pharm. 
Journ.  and  Trans.,  x.  618.)  A sophisticated  tea  is  largely  exported  from  China,  consisting 
of  powdered  tea  mixed  with  sand  and  other  earth,  and  agglutinated  with  gum ; that  which 
is  to  pass  for  black  being  coloured  with  plumbago,  and  the  green  with  the  coating  above 
referred  to.  On  analysis,  these  teas  were  found  to  afford  from  35  to  45  per  cent,  of  ashes, 
while  the  genuine  yield  only  5 per  cent.  They  may  be  detected  by  not  unfolding  when 
steeped  in  boiling  water.  (Ibid.) 

Analyzed  by  G.  J.  Mulder,  100  parts  of  green  Chinese  tea  afforded  0-79  of  volatile  oil, 
2-22  of  chlorophylle,  0-28  of  wax,  2-22  of  resin,  8-56  of  gum,  17-80  of  tannic  acid  of  the 
variety  contained  in  galls,  0-43  of  thein,  22-80  of  extractive,  traces  of  apotheme,  23-GO  of 
muriatic  extract,  3-00  of  albumen,  17-68  of  lignin,  and  5-56  of  salts.  The  muriatic  ex- 
tract was  the  matter  taken  up  by  diluted  muriatic  acid  from  tea,  previously  exhausted 
successively  by  ether,  alcohol,  and  water,  and  consisted  of  artificial  tannin.  The  same 
chemist  obtained  from  100  parts  of  black  Chinese  tea  0-60  of  volatile  oil,  1 -84  of  ehloro- 
phylle,  3-64  of  resin,  7 -28  of  gum,  12-88  of  tannic  acid,  0-4G  of  thein,  19-88  of  extractive, 
1-48  of  apotheme,  19-12  of  muriatic  extract,  2-80  of  albumen.  28-82  of  lignin,  and  5-24 
of  salts.  (Anna!,  der  Pharm.,  xxviii.  317.)  Dr.  Bochleder  has  found  also  a peculiar  acid, 
which  he  calls  boheic  acid.  M.  Bug.  Peligot  obtained  a much  larger  proportion  of  thein 
than  was  found  by  Mulder,  the  lowest  quantity  from  green  tea  being  2-4  per  cent,  and  the 
highest  4-1  per  cent.;  but  even  this  quantity  is  too  small  to  represent  all  the  nitrogen 
contained  in  tea.  (Journ.  de  Pharm.,  3e  ser.,  iv.  224.)  The  volatile  oil  is  probably  one 
of  the  principles  upon  which  the  effects  of  tea  upon  the  nervous  system  depend.  Hence 
old  teas  are  less  energetic  than  those  recently  imported:  and  it  is  said  that  the  fresh 
leaves  have  often  produced  dangerous  effects  in  China.  Nevertheless,  the  tannic  acid  is 
not  without  influence  upon  the  system;  aud  it  is  not  impirobable  that  both  the  extractive 


Appendix.  1399 

and  them  contribute  to  the  peculiar  influence  of  this  valuable  product.  Of  these  active 
ingredients,  the  volatile  oil,  tannic  acid,  and  extractive  are  found  most  largely,  according 
to  the  analysis  of  Mulder,  in  the  green  tea.  Thein  is  a crystallizable  principle  discovered 
by  Oudry.  It  was  afterwards  proved  by  Jobst  to  have  the  same  composition  as  caffein, 
and  is  now  generally  considered  as  in  all  respects  identical  with  that  principle.  It  is  also 
said  to  exist  in  the  leaves  of  the  Ilex  Paraguaiensis  or  Paraguay  tea,  and  in  the  seeds  of 
.Paullinia  sorbilis.  (See  Coffee,  Ilex,  and  Paullinia.)  According  to  Mulder,  thein  exists  in 
tea  combined  with  tannic  acid.  Peligot  obtained  it  by  adding  to  a hot  infusion  of  tea,  first 
subacetate  of  lead,  and  then  ammonia,  filtering  the  liquid,  passing  sulphuretted  hydrogen 
through  it,  again  filtering,  and  evaporating  with  a moderate  heat.  On  cooling,  the  liquid 
deposits  thein  abundantly,  and  yields  an  additional  quantity  by  a careful  evaporation. 
( Journ . de  Pharrn.,  Se  sir.,  iv.  224. ) It  may  be  cheaply  prepared  by  putting  some  old  spoiled 
tea  in  an  iron  pot  covered  with  filtering  paper,  enclosing  the  whole  in  a cylindrical  paper 
cap,  and  cautiously  applying  heat.  Thein  rises  in  vapour  and  condenses  on  the  paper. 
(See  Chem.  Gaz.,  No.  178,  p.  119.)  Thein  has  a feebly  bitter  taste;  in  the  state  of  crys- 
tals, is  dissolved  by  93  parts  of  water,  158  of  alcohol,  and  298  of  ether;  melts  at  about 
350°  F.,  and  at  723°  sublimes  in  white  vapours  which  condense  in  minute  needles.  From 
its  watery  solution  scarcely  any  reagent  precipitates  it.  Infusion  of  galls  causes  a deposit 
of  tannate  of  thein,  which  is  again,  however,  dissolved  by  heating  the  water. 

Medical  Properties  and  Uses.  Tea  is  astringent  and  gently  excitant,  and  in  its  finer  varie- 
ties exerts  a decided  influence  over  the  nervous  system,  evinced  by  the  feelings  of  comfort 
and  even  exhilaration  which  it  produces,  and  the  unnatural  wakefulness  to  which  it  gives 
rise,  when  taken  in  unusual  quantities,  or  by  those  unaccustomed  to  its  use.  Its  properties, 
however,  are  not  of  so  decided  a character  as  to  render  it  capable  of  very  extensive  appli- 
cation as  a medicine;  and  its  almost  exclusive  use  is  as  a grateful  beverage  at  the  evening 
and  morning  meals.  Taken  moderately,  and  by  healthy  individuals,  it  may  be  considered 
as  perfectly  harmless;  but  long  continued  in  excessive  quantity,  it  is  capable  of  inducing 
unpleasant  nervous  and  dyspeptic  symptoms,  the  necessary  consequences  of  over-excitement 
of  the  brain  and  stomach.  Green  tea  is  decidedly  more  injurious  in  these  respects  than 
black,  and  should  be  avoided  by  dyspeptic  individuals,  and  by  those  whose  nervous  sys- 
tems are  peculiarly  excitable.  As  a medicine,  tea  may  sometimes  be  given  advantageously 
in  diarrhoea;  and  a strong  infusion  will  often  be  found  to  relieve  nervous  headache.  The 
mode  of  preparing  it  for  use  is  too  well  known  to  require  description.  An  extract  is  made 
from  it  in  China,  which  is  said  to  be  useful  in  fevers. 

TELLURIUM.  Several  of  the  combinations  of  this  metal  have  been  tried  on  the  living 
organism  by  M.  Hansen.  Five  grains  of  the  tellurite  of  potassa,  given  to  dogs,  produced 
stupefaction  and  vomiting,  and  the  garlic-like  odour  of  tellurium  in  the  breath.  The  same 
salt,  tried  upon  himself  for  seven  successive  days,  in  a dose  daily  of  half  a grain,  after- 
wards increased  to  a grain,  caused  drowsiness  at  first,  followed,  after  the  seventh  day,  by 
a sense  of  oppression  in  the  cardiac  region,  nausea,  an  increased  flow  of  saliva,  and  loss 
of  appetite.  The  breath  had  a garlic-like  odour  throughout  the  experiment.  {Chem.  Gaz., 
March  1,  1854,  p.  90.) 

TEUCRIUM  CHAM7EDRYS.  Germander.  Chamsedrys.  A small,  didynamous,  labiate, 
perennial  European  plant,  the  leaves  and  tops  of  which  have  an  agreeable  aromatic  odour, 
diminished  by  drying,  and  a bitter,  somewhat  astringent,  aromatic,  durable  taste.  They 
have  been  employed  as  a mild  corroborant,  in  uterine,  rheumatic,  gouty,  and  scrofulous 
atfections,  and  intermittent  fevers ; but  are  at  present  little  used,  and  never  in  this  country. 
Germander  was  an  ingredient  in  the  Portland  powder,  noted  as  a remedy  in  gout.  This 
powdei’,  according  to  the  original  prescription,  consisted  of  equal  parts  of  the  roots  of 
Aristolocliia  rotunda  and  Gcntiana  lutea,  of  the  tops  and  leaves  of  Teucrium  Chamsedrys 
and  Erylhrsea  Centaurium,  and  of  the  leaves  of  Ajuga  Chamsepytis,  or  ground  pine.  The 
dose  was  a drachm  taken  every  morning  before  breakfast,  and  continued  tor  three  months, 
then  two  scruples  for  three  months,  afterwards  half  a drachm  for  six  months,  and  finally 
half  a drachm  every  other  day  for  a year.  {Parr.) 

Two  other  species  of  Teucrium  have  been  used  in  medicine — T.  Marum,  cat  thyme, 
or  Syrian  herb  maslich,  which  is  a native  of  the  South  of  Europe,  and  T.  Scordium,  or  water 
germander,  growing  in  the  higher  latitudes  of  the  same  continent.  The  former  is  a warm, 
stimulating,  aromatic  bitter,  and  has  been  recommended  in  hysteria,  amenorrhoea,  and 
nervous  debility;  the  latter  has  the  odour  of  garlic,  and  a bitter,  somewhat  pungent  taste, 
and  was  formerly  highly  esteemed  as  a corroborant  in  low  forms  of  disease;  but  ueither 
of  them  is  now  much  employed.  T.  Marum  is  errhine,  and  was  formerly  an  ingredient 
in  the  Pulvis  Asari  Compositus.  The  dose  of  either  of  the  three  species  is  about-half  a 
drachm.  A plant  said  to  have  been  used  advantageously  in  cholera  in  the  Levant,  a 
specimen  of  which  was  sent  to  Paris,  proved  to  be  Teucrium  Folium.  {Journ.  de  Pharrn. 
el  de  Chim.,  xv.  352.) 


1400 


Appendix. 

THUJA  OCCIDENTALIS.  Arbor  Vitse.  An  indigenous  evergreen  tree,  growing  wild, 
from  Canada  to  Carolina,  and  cultivated  for  ornament  in  gardens.  The  leaves,  or  small 
twigs  invested  with  the  leaves,  are  the  part  used.  They  have  an  agreeable  balsamic  odour, 
especially  when  rubbed,  and  a strong,  balsamic,  camphorous,  bitter  taste.  In  the  state 
of  decoction,  they  have  been  used  in  intermittent  fever,  and,  according  to  Schoepf,  in 
coughs,  fevers,  scurvy,  and  rheumatism.  Made  into  an  ointment  with  lard  or  other  animal 
fat,  they  are  said  to  form  a useful  local  application  in  rheumatic  complaints.  The  distilled 
water  is  praised  by  Boerhaave  as  a remedy  in  dropsy.  (Schoepf.)  A yellowish-green  vola- 
tile oil,  which  may  be  obtained  from  the  leaves  by  distillation,  has  been  used  with  success 
in  worms. 

THYMUS  VULGARIS.  Thyme.  A small,  well  known  undershrub,  indigenous  in  the 
South  of  Europe,  and  with  us  cultivated  in  gardens.  The  herbaceous  portion,  which 
should  be  gathered  when  the  plant  is  in  flower,  has  a peculiar,  strong,  aromatic,  agreeable 
odour,  which  is  not  lost  by  drying,  and  a pungent,  aromatic,  camphorous  taste.  Its  active 
constituent  is  a volatile  oil,  which  may  be  separated  by  distillation.  Oil  of  thyme  ( oleum 
thymi)  is,  when  fresh,  of  a pale-yellow  or  greenish  colour,  but  as  found  in  the  shops  is 
often  brown.  Its  sp.  gr.  is  0-905.  It  is  said  to  be  commonly  sold  under  the  name  of  oil 
of  origanum.  The  plant  has  the  aromatic  properties  of  sage,  lavender,  &c.,  and  may  be 
used  for  the  same  purposes.  It  is,  however,  more  employed  in  cookery  than  in  medicine. 
The  T.  serpillum,  or  wild  thyme  of  Europe,  is  analogous  in  properties  to  the  garden  thyme. 
Both  are  occasionally  used  in  baths,  fomentations,  and  poultices,  along  with  other  aro- 
matic herbs. 

TONKA  BEAN.  The  seed  of  Dipterix  odorata  of  Willd.,  the  Coumarouna  odorata  of 
Aublet,  a large  tree  growing  in  Guiana.  The  fruit  is  an  oblong-ovate  pod,  enclosing  a 
single  seed,  from  an  inch  to  an  inch  and  a half  long,  from  two  to  four  lines  broad,  usually 
somewhat  compressed,  with  a dark-brown,  wrinkled,  shining,  thin,  and  brittle  skin,  and 
a light-brown,  oily  kernel.  The  bean  has  a strong,  agreeable,  aromatic  odour,  and  a 
bitterish,  aromatic  taste.  Its  active  constituent  is  a crystallizable,  odorous  substance, 
analogous  to  the  volatile  oils  and  camphor,  and  called  coumarin  by  Guibourt.  This  sub- 
stance is  sometimes  found  in  a crystalline  state,  between  the  two  lobes  of  the  kernel.  It 
has  been  shown  by  M Bleibtreu  to  be  identical  with  the  odorous  principle  of  J. specula 
odorata,  Trifolium  melilotus,  and  Anlhoxant/tum  odoratum.  (See  Chem.  Gaz.,  Feb.  10,  1852, 
p.  Cl.)  The  tonka  bean  is  used  to  flavour  snuff,  being  either  mixed  with  it  in  the  state 
of  powder,  or  put  entire  into  the  snuff-box. 

TRIGONELLA  FCENUMGR2ECUM.  Fenugreek.  An  annual  plant  growing  spontaneously 
in  different  parts  of  the  South  of  Europe,  and  cultivated  in  France  and  Germany  for  the 
sake  of  its  seeds.  These  are  one  or  two  lines  in  length,  oblong-cylindrical,  somewhat  com- 
pressed, obliquely  truncated  at  each  extremity,  brownish-yellow  externally,  yellow  inter- 
nally, and  marked  with  an  oblique  furrow  running  half  their  length.  They  have  a strong 
peculiar  odour,  and  an  oily,  bitterish,  farinaceous  taste,  and  contain  fixed  and  volatile  oil, 
mucilage,  bitter  extractive,  and  a yellow  colouring  substance.  An  ounce  of  the  seeds 
boiled  in  a pint  of  water  render  it  thick  and  slimy.  They  yield  the  whole  of  their  odour 
and  taste  to  alcohol.  Their  virtues  depend  chiefly  upon  their  oil  and  mucilage.  On  the 
continent  of  Europe  they  are  employed  in  the  preparation  of  emollient  cataplasms  and 
encmata,  and  enter  into  the  composition  of  some  officinal  ointments  and  plasters.  They 
are  never  used  internally. 

TRILLIUM.  This  is  an  indigenous  genus  of  pretty  little  herbaceous  plants,  growing 
generally  in  woods  and  shady  places.  The  roots  are  reputed  to  possess  valuable  remedial 
properties.  They  were  employed  by  the  aborigines,  have  been  long  used  in  domestic 
practice  in  some  parts  of  the  country,  and  were  noticed  as  medicinal  in  Henry's  Herbal, 
published  in  1812.  Dr.  S.  W.  Williams  published  a paper  upon  them  in  the  New  England 
Journ.  of  Med.  and  Surg.,  in  the  year  1820,  and  has  since  published  another  in  the  A".  1 . 
Journ.  of  Med.  (viii.  94).  The  roots  have  a somewhat  balsamic  odour  and  taste,  and  pro- 
duce, when  chewed,  a sense  of  heat  and  irritation,  with  an  increased  flow  of  saliva.  They 
are  thought  to  be  astringent;  and  tonic,  expectorant,  and  alterative  properties  have  been 
ascribed  to  them.  They  have  been  used  by  the  vulgar  to  hasten  parturition.  The  com- 
plaints in  which  they  are  said  to  have  been  employed  most  successfully  are  the  hemorrhages ; 
but-  they  have  been  used  also  in  cutaneous  affections,  and  externally  in  obstinate  ulcers. 
Dr.  Williams  gives  a drachm  of  the  powdered  root  three  times  a day.  Of  the  different 
species,  the  T.  erectum  is  generally  esteemed  most  active;  though  little  is  known  of  their 
relative  value. 

TRIPOLI.  Terra.  Tripolitana.  An  earthy  mineral,  of  a whitish,  yellowish,  or  pale  straw 
colour,  sometimes  inclining  to  red  or  brown,  usually  friable,  often  adhesive  to  the  tongue, 
and  presenting  the  aspect  of  argillaceous  earth,  though  differing  from  clay  by  the  rough- 


Appendix.  1401 

ness  and  hardness  of  its  particles,  and  by  not  forming  a paste  with  water.  The  Venice 
tripoli  is  said  to  come  from  Corfu.  Tripoli  is  sometimes  artificially  prepared  by  calcining 
certain  argillites.  It  is  used  for  cleaning  and  polishing  metals. 

TPJTICUM  REPENS.  Couch-grass.  Dog-grass.  Quickens.  A perennial  European  plant, 
very  common  in  gardens,  and  cultivated  grounds,  where  it  is  considered  a troublesome 
weed.  The  root,  which  is  the  part  medically  used,  is  horizontal,  creeping,  jointed,  about 
as  thick  as  a straw  or  thicker,  inodorous,  and  of  an  agreeable,  sweetish,  slightly  pungent 
taste.  It  is  used  in  some  parts  of  Europe,  ill  the  form  of  decoction,  as  a slightly  aperient 
and  nutritive  drink.  Great  quantities  of  it  are  said  to  be  consumed  in  the  hospitals  of 
Paris.  The  decoction,  in  consequence  of  the  sugar  which  it  contains,  is  susceptible  of  the 
vinous  fermentation. 

TUSSILAGO  FAREARA.  Coltsfoot.  Coltsfoot  is  a perennial  herb,  with  a creeping  root, 
which  early  in  the  spring  sends  up  several  leafless,  erect,  simple,  unifloral  scapes  or  flower- 
stems,  five  or  six  inches  high,  and  bearing  appressed  scale-like  bractes  of  a brownisli- 
pink  colour.  The  flower,  which  stands  singly  at  the  end  of  the  scape,  is  large,  yellow, 
compound,  with  hermaphrodite  florets  in  the  disk,  and  female  florets  in  the  ray.  The  lat- 
ter are  numerous,  linear,  and  twice  the  length  of  the  former.  The  leaves  do  not  make 
their  appearance  until  after  the  flowers  have  blown.  They  are  radical,  petiolate,  large, 
cordate,  angular,  and  toothed  at  the  margin,  bright-green  upon  their  upper  surface,  white 
and  downy  beneath.  The  plant  grows  spontaneously  both  in  Europe  and  North  America. 
In  this  country  it  is  found  upon  the  banks  of  streams  in  the  Middle  and  Northern  States, 
and  flowers  in  April.  The  whole  of  it  is  employed,  but  the  leaves  most  so.  They  should 
be  gathered  after  their  full  expansion,  but  before  they  have  attained  their  greatest  magni- 
tude. The  flowers  have  an  agreeable  odour,  which  they  retain  after  desiccation.  The  dried 
root  and  leaves  are  inodorous,  but  have  a rough,  bitterish,  mucilaginous  taste.  Boiling  water 
extracts  all  their  virtues.  Coltsfoot  exercises  little  sensible  influence  upon  the  human 
system.  It  is,  however,  demulcent,  and  is  sometimes  used  in  chronic  coughs,  consump- 
tion, and  other  affections  of  the  lungs.  The  expectorant  properties  which  it  was  formerly 
thought  to  possess  are  not  obvious.  The  leaves  were  smoked  by  the  ancients  in  pulmonary 
complaints;  and  in  some  parts  of  Germany  they  are  at  the  present  time  said  to  be  substi- 
tuted for  tobacco.  Cullen  states  that  he  found  the  expressed  juice  of  the  fresh  leaves, 
taken  to  the  extent  of  some  ounces  every  day,  beneficial  in  several  cases  of  scrofulous 
sores;  and  a decoction  of  the  dried  leaves,  as  recommended  by  Fuller,  answered  a similar 
purpose,  though  it  often  failed  to  effect  a cure. 

The  usual  form  of  administration  is  that  of  decoction.  An  ounce  or  two  of  the  plant 
may  be  boiled  in  two  pints  of  water  to  a pint,  of  which  a teacupful  may  be  given  several 
times  a day. 

TUTTY.  Tutia.  Impure  Oxide  of  Zinc.  This  oxide  is  formed  during  the  smelting  of 
lead  ores  containing  zinc.  It  is  deposited  in  the  chimneys  of  the  furnaces,  in  the  form  of 
incrustations,  moderately  hard  and  heavy,  and  studded  over  with  small  protuberances,  of 
a brownish  colour  on  the  outside,  and  yellowish  within.  As  it  occurs  in  commerce,  the 
pieces  occasionally  present  a bluish  cast,  from  the  presence  of  small  particles  of  metallic 
zinc.  Sometimes  a spurious  substance  is  sold  for  tutty,  consisting  of  a mixture  of  blue  clay 
and  copper  filings,  made  into  a paste  with  water,  and  dried  on  an  iron  rod.  It  is  distin- 
guished from  the  genuine  tutty  by  its  diffusing  in  water  and  exhaling  an  earthy  smell,  and 
by  its  greater  friability. 

Tutty  is  used  as  an  external  application  only,  being  employed  as  a desiccant  in  exco- 
riations. To  fit  it  for  medical  use  it  must  be  reduced  to  fine  powder,  which  is  dusted  on 
the  affected  part,  or  applied  in  the  form  of  ointment.  It  has  been  very  properly  dismissed 
from  the  Edinburgh  officinal  list ; its  use  being  superseded  by  that  of  the  pure  oxide. 

ULTRAMARINE.  This  fine  blue  pigment  was  formerly  obtained  from  lapis  lazuli  or 
lazulite,  a mineral  of  Siberia.  It  is  now  prepared  artificially  by  mixing  equal  parts  of 
sulphur,  carbonate  of  soda,  and  silica,  adding  enough  solution  of  soda  to  dissolve  the 
silica,  and  rapidly  igniting  the  mixture.  A bluish-green  mass  results,  which  becomes 
blue  by  ignition  in  contact  with  air.  It  is  thought  to  be  a compound  of  the  silicates  of 
alumina  and  soda  with  sulphuret  of  sodium.  ( Pharm . Journ.  and  Trans.,  xi.  230.) 

UMBER.  Terra  Umbria.  A mineral  of  a fine  compact  texture,  light,  dry  to  the  touch, 
shining  when  rubbed  by  the  nail,  and  of  a fine  pale-brown  colour,  which  changes  to  a pe- 
culiar beautiful  deep-brown  by  heat.  According  to  Klaproth,  it  contains  13  parts  of  silica, 
5 of  alumina,  48  of  oxide  of  iron,  20  of  manganese,  and  14  of  water  in  100.  Burnt  umber, 
as  well  as  the  mineral  in  its  unaltered  state,  is  used  in  painting.  The  umber  of  commerce 
is  said  to  be  brought  chiefly  from  the  island  of  Cyprus. 

URATE  OF  AMMONIA.  Ammonise  Uras.  (NH40,N4C1QH204+H0.)  This  salt  may  be 
formed  by  digesting  uric  acid  in  solution  of  ammonia.  Uric  acid  is  generally  obtained  from 


1402  Appendix. 

the  dried  and  powdered  excrement  of  the  boa  serpent,  and  of  other  large  snakes,  by  dis- 
solving it  in  a solution  of  potassa  with  the  aid  of  heat,  and  precipitating  the  uric  acid  from 
the  filtered  solution  by  muriatic  acid,  added  in  excess.  Urate  of  ammonia  is  a white, 
amorphous,  very  sparingly  soluble  salt.  It  is  a constituent  of  some  varieties  of  guano ; 
and  the  medicinal  properties  of  that  substance  are  attributed  by  some  to  its  presence. 
This  salt  has  been  used  with  good  effects  by  Dr.  Bauer,  of  Germany,  as  an  external  appli- 
cation, in  the  form  of  ointment,  in  chronic  cutaneous  eruptions,  and  in  tubercular  diseases 
of  the  lungs.  The  ointment  is  made  of  a scruple  of  the  salt  to  an  ounce  of  lard,  and  is 
applied  to  the  eruptions  night  and  morning,  and,  in  the  pectoral  disease,  by  friction,  night 
and  morning,  alternately  to  the  back  and  front  of  the  chest.  ( Medico-Chirurg . Review, 
July,  1852,  p.  207,  from  Buchner's  Repert.) 

URE  A.  (N2C2I1402.)  This  substance,  the  characteristic  organic  constituent  of  urine,  is 
identical  with  the  hydrated  cyanate  of  ammonia  (N1I3,NC20+H0).  which  salt  is  the  first 
example  of  an  organic  product  artificially  formed.  When  obtained  from  urine,  the  most 
convenient  process  is  that  proposed  by  Dr.  Gregory,  which  consists  in  saturating  concen- 
trated urine  with  oxalic  acid,  dissolving  in  water  the  oxalate  of  urea  formed,  decolorizing 
the  solution  with  animal  charcoal,  digesting  it  with  carbonate  of  lime,  separating  the  pre- 
cipitated oxalate  of  lime  by  filtration,  and  concentrating  the  filtrate  that  crystals  may  form. 
For  the  mode  of  obtaining  artificial  urea,  the  reader  is  referred  to  chemical  treatises. 

Urea  is  in  the  form  of  silvei-y  acicular  crystals,  colourless  and  free  from  odour  when 
pure,  somewhat  resembling  nitre  in  appearance,  and  having  a similar  saline,  cooling  taste. 
It  is  soluble  in  its  weight  of  cold  water,  and  in  every  proportion  in  hot  water.  Though 
neither  acid  nor  alkaline  in  its  reaction,  yet  it  is  capable  of  uniting  with  several  acids, 
forming  crystallizable  compounds  like  salt.  This  substance  was  proposed  many  years  ago 
by  the  French  physicians  as  a diuretic ; and  its  use  in  this  way  has  been  revived  by  Dr. 
T.  II.  Tanner,  of  London.  In  the  few  cases  in  which  Dr.  Tanner  tried  the  remedy,  it  acted 
as  a powerful  diuretic,  without  giving  rise  to  any  unpleasant  symptom  whatever.  The 
dose  to  begin  with  is  ten  grains  every  six  hours,  dissolved  in  water,  flavoured  with  syrup ; 
the  action  of  the  medicine  being  aided  by  the  free  administration  of  diluents,  and  by  keep- 
ing the  skin  moderately  cool.  (See  B r ait hw ait e's  Retrospect,  xxv.  161.) 

URTICA  DIOICA.  Common  nettle.  A well  known  perennial  herbaceous  plant,  growing 
both  in  Europe  and  the  United  States,  by  the  roadsides,  in  hedges,  and  gardens.  The 
leaves,  seeds,  and  roots  were  formerly  officinal  They  were  deemed  diuretic  and  astring- 
ent, and  were  employed  in  nephritic  complaints,  hemorrhages,  consumption,  jaundice, 
worms,  &c.  The  young  shoots  are  boiled  and  eaten  by  the  common  people  as  a remedy 
in  scurvy ; and  the  fresh  plant  is  sometimes  used  to  excite  external  irritation  in  cases  of 
torpor  and  local  pals}',  the  part  being  beaten  with  it  till  the  requisite  degree  of  action  is 
produced.  The  irritant  effect  of  the  nettle,  applied  to  the  skin,  is  said  to  be  owing  to  the 
presence  of  free  formic  acid  in  the  sharp  hairs.  (See  Am.  Journ.  of  Pharm.,  xxii.  181.) 
The  U.  urens  or  dwarf  nettle,  which  is  an  annual  plant,  and  smaller  than  the  former  species, 
has  similar  properties,  and  is  used  for  the  same  purposes.  This  species  also  grows  wild 
both  in  America  and  Europe.  The  two  plants  were  formerly  distinguished  by  the  names 
of  urtica  major,  applied  to  U.  clioica,  and  of  uriica  minor  to  U.  urens.  Dr.  U.  B.  John- 
son, of  Marion,  Alabama,  has  found  the  U.  urens  very  efficacious  in  uterine  hemorrhage. 
(2V.  Orleans  Med.  andSurg.  Journ.,  vi.  452.) 

VALERIANATE  OF  BISMUTH.  Bismutlii  Valerianas.  This  salt  is  formed  by  double 
decomposition  between  solutions  of  nitrate  of  bismuth  and  valerianate  of  soda.  Valeria- 
nate of  bismuth  precipitates  as  a white  powder,  which  is  washed  with  water,  and  dried  by 
a gentle  heat.  It  has  been  recommended  by  Itighiui  in  neuralgia  and  painful  affections  of 
the  stomach.  The  dose  is  from  half  a grain  to  two  grains,  repeated  several  times  a day, 
and  given  in  the  form  of  pill. 

VANILLA.  This  has  been  supposed  to  be  the  fruit  of  Vanilla  aromatica  of  Schwartz, 
the  Epidendrum  Vanilla  of  Linn.,  a climbing  plant  growing  in  the  West  Indies,  Mexico, 
and  South  America.  It  is  said  also  to  be  cultivated  in  the  Isle  of  France  and  Bourbon. 
Doubts,  however,  exist  whether  the  best  commercial  vanilla  is  derived  from  this  species, 
and  some  ascribe  it  to  the  Vanilla planifolia.  (Journ.  de Pharm.  etde  dim,.,  xvi.  274.  The 
pods  are  collected  before  they  are  quite  ripe,  dried  in  the  shade,  covered  over  with  a coat 
of  fixed  oil,  and  then  tied  in  bundles,  which  are  surrounded  with  sheet  lead,  or  inclosed  in 
small  metallic  boxes,  and  sent  into  the  market.  Several  varieties  of  vanilla  exist  in  com- 
merce. The  most  valuable,  called  ley  by  the  Spaniards,  consists  of  cylindrical,  somewhat 
flattened  pods,  six  or  eight  inches  long,  three  or  four  lines  thick,  nearly  straight,  narrow- 
ing towards  the  extremities,  bent  at  the  base,  shining  and  dark-brown  externally,  wrinkled 
longitudinally,  soft  and  flexible,  and  containing  within  their  tough  shell,  a soft  black  pulp, 
in  which  numerous  minute,  black,  glossy  seeds  are  embedded.  It  has  a peculiar,  strong, 


Appendix.  1403 

agreeable  odour,  and  a warm,  aromatic,  sweetish  taste.  The  interior  pulpy  portion  is  most 
aromatic.  Another  variety,  called  simarona  by  the  Spaniards,  is  smaller,  of  a lighter  colour, 
and  less  aromatic.  A third  variety  is  the  promprona  of  the  Spaniards.  In  this,  the  pods 
ai'e  from  five  to  seven  inches  long,  from  six  to  nine  lines  broad,  almost  always  open,  brown, 
soft,  viscid,  and  of  a strong  odour,  but  less  pleasant  than  that  of  the  ley , to  which  it  is  con- 
sidered inferior.  According  to  Bucholz,  vanilla  does  not  yield  volatile  oil  when  distilled 
with  water.  It  is  employed  to  flavour  chocolate,  ice-cream,  &c.,  and  as  a perfume.  It 
has  been  recommended  as  a remedy  in  hysteria  and  low  fevers,  in  the  form  of  an  infusion 
made  in  the  proportion  of  about  half  an  ounce  to  a pint  of  boiling  water,  and  given  in 
tablespoonful  doses.  Prof.  Procter  prepares  a fluid  extract  of  vanilla  by  the  following 
process.  An  ounce  of  vanilla,  cut  transversely  into  short  pieces,  is  rubbed  with  two  ounces 
of  granular  sugar  to  coarse  powder,  and  then  submitted  to  percolation  with  deodorized 
alcohol,  until  a pint  of  tincture  is  obtained.  This  is  evaporated  with  a gentle  heat  to  one- 
half,  twelve  fluidounces  of  syrup  are  added,  and  the  evaporation  is  continued  until  the  liquid 
measures  a pint,  after  which  it  is  strained.  Thus  prepared  it  has  the  odour  and  taste  of 
the  vanilla  in  perfection. 

VENETIAN  RED.  Bolus  Veneta.  A dull  red  ochrey  substance  used  in  painting. 

YERBASCUM  THAPSUS.  Mullein.  This  is  a biennial  plant,  with  an  erect,  round,  rigid, 
hairy  stem,  which  rises  from  three  to  six  feet  in  height,  and  is  irregularly  beset  with  large, 
sessile,  oblong  or  oval,  somewhat  pointed  leaves,  indented  at  the  margin,  woolly  on  both 
sides,  and  decurrent  at  the  base.  The  flowers  are  yellow,  and  disposed  in  a long,  close, 
cylindrical,  terminal  spike. 

The  mullein  is  common  throughout  the  United  States,  growing  along  the  roadsides  and 
in  neglected  fields,  and  springing  up  abundantly  in  newly  cleared  places,  at  the  mostremote 
distance  from  cultivation.  It  is,  however,  considered  by  many  botanists  as  a naturalized 
plant,  introduced  originally  from  Europe,  where  it  is  also  abundant.  It  flowers  from  June 
to  August.  The  leaves  and  flowers  have  been  employed.  Both  have  a slight,  somewhat 
narcotic  smell,  which  in  the  dried  flowers  becomes  agreeable.  Their  taste  is  mucilaginous, 
herbaceous,  and  bitterish,  but  very  feeble.  They  impart  their  virtues  to  water  by  infu- 
sion. Mullein  leaves  are  demulcent  and  emollient,  and  are  thought  to  possess  anodyne 
properties,  which  render  them  useful  in  pectoral  complaints.  On  the  Continent  of  Europe, 
an  infusion  of  the  flowers,  strained  in  order  to  separate  the  rough  hairs,  is  considerably 
used  in  mild  catarrhs.  Dr.  Home  found  a decoction  of  the  leaves  useful  in  diarrhoea.  The 
infusion  or  decoction  may  be  prepared  in  the  proportion  of  an  ounce  of  the  leaves  to  a pint 
of  water,  and  given  in  the  quantity  of  four  fluidounces.  The  leaves  are  also  employed  ex- 
ternally, steeped  in  hot  water,  as  a feebly  anodyne  emollient.  An  ointment  is  prepared 
from  them  in  the  recent  state,  and  used  for  the  same  purposes.  It  may  be  made  in  the 
same  manner  as  ointment  of  stramonium,  by  boiling  the  leaves  in  lard.  It  will  be  found 
advantageous  to  moisten  them  with  water  previously  to  the  boiling. 

VERBENA  OFFICINALIS.  Vervain.  This  is  a common  European  weed,  growing  on 
the  roadsides,  in  the  vicinity  of  towns  and  villages.  Its  sensible  properties  do  not  indi- 
cate the  possession  of  medical  virtues;  as  it  is  nearly  inodorous,  and  has  only  a slightly 
astringent  bitterish  taste.  By  the  ancients  it  was  highly  esteemed  both  as  a medicine, 
and  as  a sacred  plant  employed  in  certain  religious  rites.  In  modern  times,  superstitious 
notions  in  relation  to  its  virtues  are  still  entertained ; and  the  suspension  of  the  root 
around  the  neck  by  a wdiite  riband,  has  been  gravely  recommended  for  the  cure  of  scro- 
fula. The  leaves,  bruised  and  made  into  a cataplasm,  are  used  by  the  vulgar  as  a remedy 
in  severe  headache,  and  other  local  pains.  The  plant,  however,  is  probably  inert.  An 
American  species,  the  V.  hastata.  is  more  bitter  than  the  European,  and  is  said  to  be 
emetic.  It  is  not,  however,  used  in  regular  practice.  Sclioepf  states  that  the  root  of  the 
V.  urticifolia,  another  indigenous  species,  has  been  advantageously  used  in  poisoning  from 
the  Rhus  Toxicodendron.  It  is  prepared  by  boiling  it  in  milk  and  water  along  with  the 
inner  bark  of  the  'white  oak. 

VERDITER.  Two  preparations  of  copper,  employed  as  pigments,  are  known  by  this 
name  in  commerce,  and  are  distinguished  by  the  epithets  of  blue  and  green.  Blue  verditer 
is  prepared  in  London  from  the  solution  of  nitrate  of  copper  obtained  in  precipitating 
silver  by  copper.  According  to  Gray,  this  solution  is  poured  hot  upon  whiting  (carbonate 
of  lime),  and  the  mixture  stirred  every  day  till  the  liquor  loses  its  colour,  when  it  is  de- 
canted, and  fresh  portions  added  till  the  proper  colour  is  obtained.  By  a process  for 
procuring  this  pigment,  invented  by  Pelletier,  the  solution  of  nitrate  of  copper  is  decom- 
posed by  quicklime,  and  the  precipitate,  after  being  washed,  is  incorporated  intimately 
with  another  portion  of  quicklime.  By  the  former  process,  a carbonate  of  copper  is  ob- 
tained ; by  the  latter,  a mixture  of  the  hydrated  oxide  of  copper  and  hydrate  of  lime. 
Green  verditer  is  prepared  by  precipitating  a solution  of  nitrate  of  copper  by  chalk  or  a 


1404  Appendix. 

white  marl,  and  consists  of  carbonate  of  copper  mixed  with  an  excess  of  the  calcareous 
carbonate. 

VERONICA  OFFICINALIS.  Speedwell.  Several  species  of  Veronica,  common  to 
Europe  and  this  country,  have  been  medicinally  employed.  Of  these  the  V.  officinalis, 
and  V.  Beccabunga  or  brooklime,  are  the  most  conspicuous.  V.  officinalis  has  a bitterish, 
warm,  and  somewhat  astringent  taste ; has  been  considered  diaphoretic,  diuretic,  expec- 
torant, tonic,  &c.  ; and  was  formerly  employed  in  pectoral  and  nephritic  complaints, 
hemorrhages,  and  diseases  of  the  skin,  and  in  the  treatment  of  wounds.  The  beccabunga, 
which  is  very  succulent,  was  used  in  the  fresh  state  with  the  view  of  purifying  the  blood, 
and  as  a remedy  in  scurvy.  Both  plants,  however,  are  at  present  out  of  use. 

VISCUM  ALBUM.  Mistletoe.  A European  evergreen  parasitic  shrub,  growing  on 
various  trees,  particularly  the  apple  and  other  fruit  trees,  and  forming  a pendent  bush 
from  two  to  five  feet  in  diameter.  The  plant  is  famous  in  the  history  of  druidical  super- 
stition. In  the  religious  rites  of  the  Druids,  the  mistletoe  of  the  oak  was  employed,  and 
hence  was  afterwards  preferred  when  the  plant  came  to  be  used  as  a remedy : but  it  is 
in  fact  identical  in  all  respects  with  those  which  grow  upon  other  trees.  The  fresh  bark 
and  leaves  have  a peculiar  disagreeable  odour,  and  a nauseous,  sweetish,  slightly  bitter 
taste.  The  berries,  which  are  white,  and  of  about  the  size  of  a pea,  abound  in  a peculiar 
viscid  principle,  and  are  sometimes  used  in  the  preparation  of  bird-lime,  of  which  this 
principle  is  the  basis.  At  one  time  the  mistletoe  was  highly  esteemed  as  a remedy  in 
epilepsy,  palsy,  and  other  nervous  diseases ; but  it  is  now  out  of  use.  The  leaves  and 
wood  were  given  in  the  dose  of  a drachm  in  substance,  and  of  an  ounce  in  decoction. 
Several  species  of  Viscum  grow  in  the  United  States,  but  are  not  used. 

WHITING.  This  is  essentially  the  same  as  prepared  chalk,  being  made  by  the  pul- 
verization and  elutriation  of  crude  chalk.  It  is  used  as  a coarse  paint,  and  for  various 
purposes  in  the  arts,  for  which  carbonate  of  lime  is  requisite.  Paris  white  is  a variety  of 
the  same  material. 

WOORARI.  The  name  of  a powerful  poison,  prepared  by  the  aborigines  in  the  inte- 
rior of  British  Guiana,  and  used  for  arming  the  points  of  their  weapons.  Various  opi- 
nions have  been  advanced  in  relation  to  its  source  and  preparation  ; but  the  most  proba- 
ble account  is  that  of  Dr.  Hancock,  who  states,  from  information  derived  from  the  natives, 
that  it  is  a watery  extract  from  the  bark  of  a gourd-like  plant.  When  this  poison  is  in- 
serted in  a wound,  the  animal  speedily  falls  into  a state  of  stupor,  and  dies  in  a few 
minutes,  the  heart  continuing  to  act  for  some  time  after  respiration  has  ceased.  If  arti- 
ficial respiration  be  resorted  to  before  the  heart  has  ceased  to  act,  and  be  sustained,  the 
animal  recovers.  Dr.  Hancock  states  that  it  is  swallowed  by  animals  with  impunity.  It 
lias  not  been  introduced  into  medicine.  For  further  notice  in  relation  to  it,  the  reader  is 
referred  to  the  Lond.  Pharm.  Journ.  and  Trans.,  iii.  75. 

WORMSEED,  EUROPEAN.  Santonici  Semen.  Semen  Cyrix.  Semen  Contra.  This  pro- 
duct has  been  discarded  from  the  Dublin  Pharmacopoeia  of  1850.  It  was  formerly  ascribed 
in  that  work,  in  accordance  with  the  general  belief  at  one  time,  to  Artemisia  Santoraca  or 
Tartarian  Southernwood;  but  upon  insufficient  grounds.  European  wormseed  is  of  two 
kinds ; one  called  the  Aleppo,  Alexandria,  or  Levant  wormseed,  the  other  Barbary  worm- 
seed.  The  former  is  supposed  to  be  the  product  of  Artemisia  Contra,  which  grows  in 
Persia,  Asia  Minor,  and  other  parts  of  the  East.  It  consists  in  fact  not  of  the  seeds,  but 
of  the  small  globular  unexpanded  flowers  of  the  plant,  mixed  with  their  broken  peduncles, 
and  with  minute,  obtuse,  smooth  leaves.  It  has  a greenish  colour,  a very  strong  aromatic 
odour  increased  by  friction,  and  a very  bitter  disagreeable  taste.  The  Barbary  worm- 
seed  is  thought  by  some  to  be  derived  from  Artemisia  Judaica,  by  others  from  the  A. 
glomerata  of  Sieber,  both  of  which  grow  in  Palestine  and  Arabia.  It  consists  of  broken 
peduncles,  having  the  calyx  sometimes  attached  to  their  extremity.  The  calyx  is  also 
sometimes  separate,  consisting  of  very  small  linear  obtuse  leaflets.  The  flowers  are 
wanting,  or  in  the  shape  of  minute  globular  buds.  All  these  parts  are  covered  with  a 
whitish  down,  which  serves  to  distinguish  this  variety  from  the  wormseed  of  the  Levant. 
It  is,  moreover,  lighter  and  more  coloured  than  the  latter.  Its  smell  and  taste  are  the 
same. 

These  products  contain  a volatile  oil  and  a resinous  extractive  matter,  to  which  their 
virtues  have  been  ascribed.  A peculiar  principle  has  also  been  discovered  in  them,  which 
has  received  the  name  of  santonin.  It  is  crystallizable,  colourless,  tasteless,  but  leaving 
a slight  sense  of  acrimony  in  the  mouth,  inodorous,  soluble  in  ether  and  alcohol,  and 
nearly  insoluble  in  water.  Its  alcoholic  solution  has  a decided  bitterness.  Though  neuter 
in  its  action  upon  test-paper,  it  combines  with  the  alkalies  to  form  soluble  and  erystal- 
lizable  salts.  It  may  be  obtained  by  treating  wormseed  with  hydrate  of  lime  and  alcohol, 
evaporating  the  tincture  to  one-quarter,  filtering  the  residue  to  separate  the  resin,  and 


Appendix.  1405 

treating  it  while  hot  with  concentrated  acetic  acid.  The  santonin  is  deposited  in  crystals 
as  the  liquor  cools.  It  is  a powerful  anthelmintic,  and,  from  its  want  of  taste,  is  much 
used  in  Europe  in  the  treatment  of  worms  in  children.  The  dose  is  from  one  to  four  grains 
twice  a day.  It  has  also  been  employed  with  considerable  asserted  success  in  the  treat- 
ment of  intermittent  fever.  In  over-doses  it  may  prove  dangerous.  The  case  of  a child 
of  four  3-ears  old  is  recorded,  in  which,  after  the  administration  of  only  three  grains,  severe 
abdominal  pains  came  on  with  vomiting  and  purging,  great  prostration,  cold  sweats, 
spasms  of  the  extremities,  and  dilated  pupils ; though  the  patient  ultimately  recovered. 
(Ann.  de  Therap.,  1852,  p.  218.)  For  details  as  to  the  mode  of  extracting  santonin,  the 
reader  is  referred  to  the  American  Journal  of  Pharmacy  (vol.  xv.  p.  278).  Vie  have  re- 
ceived a very  handsome  specimen  of  it  from  Messrs.  Powers  and  Weightman,  manufac- 
turing chemists  of  Philadelphia. 

The  products  above  described  have  long  been  celebrated  as  a vermifuge,  and  the  title 
of  semen  contra,  by  which  they  are  designated  in  many  works  on  pharmacy,  originated  in 
their  anthelmintic  property.  They  may  be  given  in  powder  or  infusion.  The  dose  in 
substance  is  from  ten  to  thirty  grains,  which  should  be  repeated  morning  and  evening  for 
several  days,  and  then  followed  by  a brisk  cathartic.  They  are  not  used  in  this  country, 
having  been  superseded  by  the  seeds  of  Chenopodium  anthelminticum,  which  are  universally 
known  among  us  by  the  name  of  wormseed. 

XANTHORRHCEA  RESINS.  Two  resinous  substances,’  the  products  of  different  species 
of  Xanthorrhoea,  have  recently  been  introduced  into  England  from  New  Holland.  They  are 
obtained  by  spontaneous  exudation  from  the  stems  of  the  plants,  which  are  usually  shrubs. 
One  of  the  resins  is  yellow  and  the  other  red.  The  yellow  variety  is  in  tears,  in  flatfish 
pieces  having  on  one  side  the  mark  of  the  stem,  or  in  masses  of  various  size  and  irregular 
shape.  It  has  a reddish-yellow  colour,  resembling  gamboge  when  broken,  and  when 
heated  emits  a fragrant  odour  like  that  of  Tolu  balsam.  It  contains  resin,  cinnamic  and 
benzoic  acids,  and  a trace  of  volatile  oil,  and  may  therefore  be  ranked  among  the  balsams. 
When  heated  with  nitric  acid,  it  yields  a large  product  of  carbazotic  acid.  In  medical 
properties  it  is  said  to  bear  a close  resemblance  to  storax  and  the  balsam  of  Tolu.  A 
tincture,  made  in  the  proportion  of  two  ounces  to  a pint  of  alcohol,  may  be  given  in  the 
dose  of  one  or  two  fluidrachms.  The  red  variety  resembles  dragon’s  blood  in  colour,  and 
appears  to  be  analogous  to  the  other  variety  in  properties.  The  above  account  has  been 
abridged  from  that  of  Dr.  Pereira  in  the  third  edition  of  his  Materia  Medica. 

ZEA  MAI’S.  Indian  Corn.  Maize.  Common  Indian  corn  contains,  according  to  the 
late  Dr.  Gorham,  of  Boston,  77  per  cent,  of  starch,  8 of  a principle  analogous  to  gluten, 
called  zein,  2-5  of  albumen,  1-45  of  sugar,  0-8  of  extractive,  1-75  of  gum,  1-5  of  sulphate 
and  phosphate  of  lime,  3 of  lignin,  and  9 of  water.  The  meal,  in  the  form  of  mush, 
makes  an  excellent  emollient  poultice,  much  used  in  hospitals;  and  a gruel  may  be  pre- 
pared from  it,  which  is  sometimes  more  grateful  to  the  sick  than  that  made  from  oat  meal. 

ZEDOARY.  Radix  Zedoarise.  There  are  two  kinds  of  zedoary,  the  long  and  the  round, 
distinguished  by  the  old  officinal  titles  of  radix  zedoarise  lonyse,  and  radix  zedoarise  rotundse  ; 
the  former  produced  by  the  Curcuma  Zedoaria  of  Roxburgh,  the  latter,  as  some  suppose, 
by  the  Ksempferia  rotunda  of  Linn.,  but,  according  to  others,  by  the  Curcuma  Zerumbet  of 
Roxburgh.  Both  kinds  come  from  the  East  Indies.  The  long  zedoary  is  in  slices,  from 
an  inch  and  a half  to  three  inches  in  length,  and  from  half  an  inch  to  an  inch  thick,  ob- 
tuse at  the  extremities,  and  exhibiting  the  remains  of  the  radical  fibres ; the  round  is  also 
usually  in  slices,  which  are  the  sections  of  a roundish  root,  ending  in  a point  beneath, 
and  divided  longitudinally  into  two  parts,  each  of  which  is  flat  on  one  side,  convex  on  the 
other,  and  heart-shaped  in  its  outline.  Sometimes  the  root  of  the  latter  variety  is  entire, 
and  sometimes  in  quarters  instead  of  halves.  It  is  marked  with  circular  rings  on  the 
convex  surface,  and,  like  the  former,  with  small  projecting  points  which  are  the  remains 
of  radical  fibres.  Both  are  grayish-white  on  the  outside,  yellowish-brown  within,  hard, 
compact,  of  an  agreeable  aromatic  odour,  and  a bitterish,  pungent,  camphorous  taste. 
The  round,  however,  is  less  spicy  than  the  long.  They  yield  a volatile  oil  when  distilled 
with  water. 

Zedoary  is  a warm,  stimulating  aromatic,  useful  in  flatulent  colic  and  debilitated  states 
of  the  digestive  organs.  It  is  not  now  employed,  as  it  produces  no  effects  which  cannot 
be  as  well  or  better  obtained  from  ginger.  The  dose  is  from  ten  grains  to  half  a drachm. 

ZERUMBET.  Cassumuniar.  Under  these  names  an  East  India  root  was  formerly  used, 
having  some  analogy  in  sensible  and  medical  properties  to  ginger,  and  ascribed  to  the 
Zingiber  Zerumbet  of  Roscoe.  Some  consider  the  cassumuniar  as  a distinct  root,  and  refer 
it  to  the  Zingiber  Cassumuniar  of  Roxburgh.  The  difference  of  opinion  is  of  little  import- 
ance, as  neither  of  the  roots,  supposing  them  not  to  be  the  same,  is  at  present  to  be  found 
in  the  markets.  By  some  authors  the  zerumbet  has  been  erroneously  confounded  with 


1406 


Appendix. 

the  round  zedoary.  Geiger  describes  it  as  in  pieces  of  the  size  of  a fig  or  larger,  exter- 
nally grayish-brown  and  wrinkled,  internally  yellowish,  hard  and  tough,  of  a biting  aro- 
matic taste,  and  a spicy  odour. 

ZIZYPHUS  VULGARIS.  Lamarck.  Rhamnus  Zizyplius.  Linn.  A shrub,  or  small  tree, 
growing  on  the  shores  of  the  Mediterranean,  and  cultivated  in  Italy,  Spain,  and  the  South 
of  France.  The  fruit  is  the  part  used.  This  consists  of  oval  drupes,  of  the  size  of  a large 
olive,  with  a thin,  coriaceous,  red  or  reddish-brown  skin,  a yellowish,  sweet,  acidulous 
pulp,  and  an  oblong  pointed  stone  in  the  centre.  These  have  the  officinal  name  of  jujubx. 
By  drying,  their  pulp  becomes  softer  and  sweeter,  and  acquires  a vinous  taste,  evincing 
the  commencement  of  fermentation.  They  are  nutritive  and  demulcent,  and  are  used  in 
the  form  of  decoction  in  pectoral  complaints.  Jujube  paste  consists,  properly,  of  'nun 
Arabic  and  sugar,  dissolved  in  a decoction  of  this  fruit,  and  evaporated  to  the  proper  con- 
sistence. As  a demulcent,  it  is  in  no  respect  superior  to  a paste  made  with  gum  Arabic 
and  sugar  alone ; and  the  preparation  commonly  sold  in  this  country  under  the  name, 
contains  in  fact  none  of  the  fruit. 

The  fruits  of  two  other  species  of  Zizyplius,  the  Z.  Lotus,  growing  in  the  North  of 
Africa,  and  the  Z.  Jujuba,  a native  of  the  East  Indies,  possess  properties  similar  to  those 
of  the  first-mentioned  species,  and  are  used  as  food  by  the  inhabitants  of  the  countries 
where  they  grow. 


Note. — Of  the  articles  included  in  the  foregoing  list,  those  upon  Acetate  of  Copper, 
Acetate  of  Magnesia,  Acetic  Ether,  Albuminate  of  Iron  and  Potassa,  Ammonio-tar Irate  of  Iron, 
Anthrakokali,  Arseniate  of  Ammonia,  Arseniate  of  Iron,  Benzoate  of  Ammonia,  Benzole.  Bi- 
sulphuret  of  Carbon,  Bromide  of  Iron,  Bromides  of  Mercury,  Carburet  of  Iron,  Cheltenham 
Salt.  Chloride  of  Magnesium,  Chloride  of  Mercury  and  Quinia,  Chloride  of  Potassa,  Chloride 
of  Silver,  Chlorinated  Anaesthetic  Compounds,  Chromic  Acid,  Citrate  of  Iron  and  Magnesia, 
Citrate  of  Iron  and  Quinia,  Citrate  of  Soda,  Crabs’  Claws,  Crabstones,  Crocus  of  Antimony, 
Cyanuret  of  Zinc,  Diaphoretic  Antimony,  Dippel's  Animal  Oil,  Ferrocyanuret  of  Zinc,  Arti- 
ficial Fruit  Essences,  Fuligokali,  Glass  of  Antimony , Gold,  Guano,  Gun  Cotton.  Hydriodic 
Acid,  Hydriodic  Ether,  Hydrocyanic  Ether,  Hyposulphite  of  Soda,  Hyposulphite  of  Soda  and 
Silver,  Indelible  Ink,  Indian  Yellow,  Iodide  of  Ammonium,  Iodide  of  Barium,  Iodide  of  Silver, 
Iodide  of  Starch,  Iodide  of  Zinc,  Iodides  of  Calomel,  Iodoform,  lodohydrargyrate  of  Potassium, 
Lactate  of  Iron,  lactic  Acid,  Lithia,  Manganese,  Meat  Biscuit,  Muriatic  Ether,  Artificial  Musk, 
Naphthaline,  Nitrate  of  Copper,  Nitrate  of  Soda,  Nitroprusside  of  Sodium,  Nitrosulphate  of 
Ammonia,  Nitrous  Oxide,  Oxalic  Acid,  Phosphate  of  Ammonia,  Phosphate  of  Potassa,  Pla- 
tinum, Powder  of  Algaroth,  Pyroacclic  Spirit,  Soot,  Succinic  Acid,  Sulphateof  Alumina,  Sul- 
phate of  Alumina  and  Iron,  Sulphate  of  Cadmium,  Sulphate  of  Nickel,  Sulphite  of  Soda,  Sul- 
phocyanuret  of  Potassium,  Sulphuret  of  Calcium,  Tannate  of  Alumina,  Tannale  of  Iron,  Tan- 
nate  of  Lead,  Tartrate  of  Soda,  Tellurium,  Tatty,  Urate  of  Ammonia,  Urea,  and.  Valerianate 
of  Bismuth,  were  written  by  Dr.  Bache ; the  remainder  by  Dr.  Wood. 


Appendix. 


1407 


II.  ART  OF  PRESCRIBING  MEDICINES. 


The  physician  should  be  acquainted  not  only  with  the  properties  of  medicines, 
and  the  diseases  to  which  they  are  respectively  applicable,  but  also  with  the  art 
of  prescribing  them,  so  that  they  may  be  adapted  to  the  peculiarities  of  indi- 
vidual patients,  and,  by  the  mode  in  which  they  are  administered,  may  produce 
the  greatest  curative  effect  with  the  least  possible  inconvenience.  In  relation  to 
these  points,  a few  general  rules  will  be  useful  for  the  guidance  of  the  young 
practitioner,  although  much  must  be  left  to  his  own  judgment  and  discretion. 
We  shall  compress  the  remarks  which  we  have  to  offer,  under  the  two  heads  of 
the  quantity  or  dose  in  which  medicines  may  be  given,  and  the  mode  of  their 
exhibition. 

1.  Dose  of  Medicines. — In  the  body  of  the  work,  the  quantity  has  been 
stated  in  which  each  medicine  must  ordinarily  be  given  to  produce  its  peculiar 
effects  in  the  adult  patient.  But  there  are  various  circumstances  which  modify 
the  dose,  and  demand  attention  on  the  part  of  the  practitioner. 

The  age  of  the  patient  is  the  most  important  of  these  circumstances.  The 
young  require  a smaller  dose  than  those  of  maturity,  to  produce  an  equal  effect; 
and  the  old,  though  their  systems  are,  perhaps,  less  susceptible  to  the  action  of 
medicines  than  those  of  the  middle-aged,  cannot  bear  an  equally  forcible  im- 
pression. The  following  table  of  G-aubius,  exhibiting  the  doses  proportioned  to 
the  age,  is  frequently  referred  to. 


i of  middle 

age 

being 

1 

or 

1 

drachm, 

n 14  to  21 

yean 

3 will  be 

§ 

or 

2 

scruples, 

7 to  14 

(6 

U 

1 

a 

or 

5 

a drachm, 

4 to  7 

u 

u 

* 

or 

i 

scruple, 

of  4 years 

U 

A 

4 

or 

15 

grains, 

3 “ 

(( 

i 

or 

10 

grains, 

2 “ 

(( 

i 

or 

8 

grains, 

1 year 

t ( 

1 

1 2 

or 

5 

grains. 

We  prefer  the  following  simple  scheme  of  Dr.  Young,  which  we  extract  from 
Paris’s  Pharmacologia. 

“ For  children  under  twelve  years,  the  doses  of  most  medicines  must  be  di- 
minished in  the  proportion  of  the  age  to  the  age  increased  by  12 ; thus  at  two 


years  to  4 — viz., 


At  twenty-one  the  full  dose  may  be  given.” 


2+1.2 

To  the  above  rule  some  exceptions  are  offered  in  particular  medicines,  which 
require  to  be  given  to  children  in  much  larger  proportional  doses  than  those  above 
stated.  Such  are  castor  oil  and  calomel,  a certain  quantity  of  which  will  in 
general  not  produce  a greater  effect  in  a child  two  or  three  years  old  than  double 
the  quantity  in  an  adult. 

Sex,  temperament,  and  idiosyncrasy  have  also  an  influence  upon  the  dose,  and 
should  be  kept  in  view  in  prescribing.  Females  usually  require  somewhat  smaller 
doses  than  males,  and  persons  of  sanguine  temperament  than  the  phlegmatic. 
Constitutional  peculiarities,  called  idiosyncrasies,  often  exist  in  individuals,  ren- 
dering them  more  than  usually  susceptible  or  insusceptible  to  the  action  of  certain 
remedies,  the  dose  of  which  must  be  modified  accordingly.  Thus  in  some  per. 


1408  Appendix. 

sons  a grain  or  two  of  calomel  will  excite  salivation,  while  in  others  scarcely  any 
quantity  which  can  be  safely  administered  will  produce  this  effect.  Sometimes, 
moreover,  a medicine  operates  on  an  individual  in  a manner  wholly  different 
from  its  ordinary  mode.  In  all  such  cases  experience  is  the  only  sure  guide; 
but  the  occasional  existence  of  these  peculiarities  indicates  the  propriety  of 
making  particular  inquiries  in  relation  to  the  idiosyncrasies  of  those  patients, 
for  whom  we  may  be  called  for  the  first  time  to  prescribe. 

Habit  is  another  important  circumstance  which  modifies  the  dose  of  medicines. 
Generally  speaking,  the  susceptibility  to  the  action  of  medicines  is  diminished 
by  their  frequent  and  continued  use;  and,  in  order  to  maintain  a given  im- 
pression, the  quantity  must  be  regularly  increased.  This  is  especially  true  in 
regard  to  the  narcotics,  which  are  sometimes  borne  in  enormous  doses  by  those 
habituated  to  their  use.  It  is  a good  practical  rule  in  prescribing,  when  circum- 
stances demand  the  continuance,  for  a considerable  length  of  time,  of  some  par- 
ticular effect,  to  vary  the  medicine,  and  employ  successively  several  with  the 
same  general  powers,  so  as  not  too  rapidly  to  exhaust  the  susceptibility  to  the 
action  of  any  individual  remedy.  Another  important  practical  rule  connected 
with  the  influence  of  habit  is,  when  any  medicine,  which  from  its  nature  is  of 
variable  strength,  has  been  employed  for  some  time  in  increasing  doses,  to  reduce 
the  dose  upon  resorting  to  a new  parcel,  until  its  relative  strength  has  been  ascer- 
tained. A neglect  of  this  precaution,  in  cases  where  the  last  parcel  happened 
to  be  more  powerful  than  that  previously  employed,  has  sometimes  been  followed 
by  very  serious  consequences. 

2.  Mode  of  Administering  Medicines. — This  has  reference  both  to  the 
combination  of  medicines  with  one  another,  and  the  form  in  which  they  are 
exhibited. 

Simplicity  in  prescription  is  always  desirable,  when  no  object  is  to  be  gained 
by  deviating  from  it.  Remedies  should  never  be  mixed  together  without  a defi- 
nite purpose,  nor  with  the  vague  hope  that,  out  of  the  number  prescribed,  some 
one  may  perchance  produce  a salutary  impression.  Those  exceedingly  complex 
prescriptions,  formerly  so  much  in  vogue,  of  which  the  ingredients  were  so 
numerous  as  to  render  altogether  impossible  a reasonable  estimate  of  their  bearing 
on  each  other,  or  their  effects  on  disease,  have  been  generally  abandoned  by 
modern  practitioners.  The  only  ground  upon  which  any  of  them  can  be  justi- 
fiably retained  is  that,  by  very  frequent  trials,  through  a long  course  of  years, 
and  in  various  states  of  disease,  their  influence  on  the  system  may  have  been 
fully  ascertained,  so  that  they  may  be  considered  rather  in  the  light  of  a single 
remedy  than  a compound  of  many.  Upon  this  ground,  however,  no  prudent 
physician  would  attempt  to  originate  such  combinations.  In  mixing  medicines, 
we  ought  to  proceed  no  further  than  we  should  be  justified  in  doing  by  a clear 
knowledge  of  the  properties  and  mutual  relations  of  the  several  ingredients,  and 
their  fitness  to  answer  some  particular  indication  in  the  treatment  of  disease. 
There  are  certain  principles  upon  which  medicines  may  be  advantageously  com- 
bined, and  which  it  may  not  be  amiss  to  mention  for  the  benefit  of  the  young 
practitioner. 

Remedies  of  the  same  general  character  may  be  given  in  connexion,  in  order 
to  increase  their  energy,  or  to  render  their  action  more  certain.  It  has  been 
well  ascertained  that  substances  thus  combined  will  often  act  vigorously,  when, 
severally,  they  would  produce  comparative!}7  little  effect;  and  it  sometimes 
happens  that,  while  their  activity  is  augmented,  they  are  at  the  same  time  ren- 
dered less  irritating,  as  in  the  case  of  the  drastic  cathartics.  (See  Piluise  Ca- 
tharticse  Compositas.) 

Different  medicines  are  very  often  mixed  together,  in  order  to  meet  different 
and  co-existing  indications,  without  any  reference  to  the  influence  which  they 


Appendix.  1409 

may  reciprocally  exert  on  each  other.  Thus  in  the  same  patient  we  not  unfre- 
quently  meet  with  debility  of  stomach  and  constipation  of  the  bowels,  connected 
with  derangement  of  the  hepatic  function.  To  answer  the  indications  presented 
by  these  morbid  conditions,  we  may  properly  combine  in  the  same  dose,  a tonic, 
cathartic,  and  mercurial  alterative.  For  similar  reasons  we  often  unite  tonics, 
purgatives,  and  emmenagogues,  anodynes  and  diaphoretics,  emetics  and  cathar- 
tics, antacids,  astringents,  and  tonics;  and  scarcely  two  medicines  can  be  men- 
tioned, not  absolutely  incompatible  with  each  other,  which  may  not  occasionally 
be  combined  with  advantage  to  counteract  co-existing  morbid  conditions. 

Another  very  important  object  of  combination,  is  the  modification  which  is 
thereby  effected  in  the  actions  of  medicines  differing  from  each  other  in  pro- 
perties. In  this  way  new  powers  are  sometimes  developed,  and  those  previously 
existing  are  greatly  increased.  Examples  of  such  a result  ai'e  afforded  in  the 
officinal  powder  of  ipecacuanha  and  opium,  and  in  the  combination  of  squill  and 
calomel;  the  former  operating  as  a diaphoretic,  the  latter  as  a diuretic  beyond 
the  capabilities  of  either  of  their  constituents.  The  effects  of  one  medicine  are, 
in  numerous  instances,  increased  by  the  influence  of  another  in  augmenting  the 
natural  susceptibility  of  the  system  to  its  action.  Thus  bitters  enable  cathartics 
to  operate  in  smaller  doses;  purgatives  awaken  the  dormant  susceptibility  to  the 
action  of  mercury;  and  stimulants  excite  the  torpid  stomach,  so  that  it  will  re- 
ceive impressions  from  various  medicines  before  inoperative.  In  some  instances, 
the  action  of  one  medicine  is  promoted  by  that  of  another  apparently  of  a nature 
wholly  opposite.  Thus,  when  calomel  and  opium  are  given  in  colic,  the  purga- 
tive operation  of  the  former  is  facilitated  by  the  relaxation  of  intestinal  spasm 
produced  by  the  latter.  Medicines,  in  addition  to  the  effects  for  which  they  are 
administered,  very  frequently  produce  disagreeable  symptoms,  which  may  be 
moderated  or  altogether  prevented  by  combination  with  other  medicines;  and 
this  object  may  usually  be  accomplished,  without  in  the  least  degree  interfering 
with  the  remediate  influence  desired.  Thus  the  griping  produced  by  cathartics, 
and  the  nausea  by  these  and  various  other  medicines,  may  often  be  corrected  by 
the  simultaneous  use  of  aromatics.  To  cover  the  disagreeable  taste  or  odour  of 
certain  medicines,  and  to  afford  a convenient  vehicle  for  their  administration,  are 
also  important  objects  of  combination;  as  upon  these  circumstances  often  depend 
the  acceptability  of  the  medicine  to  the  stomach,  and  even  the  possibility  of 
inducing  the  patient  to  swallow  it.  Substances  should  be  preferred  as  vehicles 
which  are  calculated  to  render  the  medicine  acceptable  to  the  palate  and  stomach, 
and  in  other  ways  to  correct  its  disagreeable  effects;  as  syrups  for  powders,  the 
aromatic  waters  for  medicines  given  in  the  form  of  mixture,  and  carbonic  acid 
water  for  the  neutral  salts. 

But,  in  the  mixing  of  medicines,  care  should  be  taken  that  they  are  neither 
chemically  nor  physiologically  incompatible;  in  other  words,  that  they  are  not 
such  as  will  react  on  each  other  so  as  to  produce  new  and  unexpected  combi- 
nations, nor  such  as  will  exert  contrary  and  opposite  effects  upon  the  system. 
Thus  when  the  operation  of  an  acid  is  desired,  an  alkali  should  not  be  given  at 
the  same  time,  as  they  unite  to  form  a third  substance  entirely  different  from 
either;  nor  should  a soluble  salt  of  lime,  baryta,  or  lead  be  given  with  sulphuric 
acid  or  a soluble  sulphate,  as  decomposition  would  ensue,  with  the  production 
of  an  inert  compound.  So,  also,  in  relation  to  physiological  incompatibility, 
diaphoretics  and  diuretics  should  not,  as  a general  rule,  be  uuited  with  a view 
to  their  respective  effects;  as  these  are  to  a certain  extent  incompatible,  one 
being  diminished  by  whatever  has  a tendency  to  increase  the  other.  There  are 
cases,  however,  in  which  we  may  advantageously  combine  medicines  with  a view 
to  their  chemical  reaction,  as  in  the  instance  of  the  effervescing  draught;  and 
circumstances  sometimes  call  for  the  union  of  remedies  apparently  opposite,  as 
89 


1410 


Appendix. 


in  the  ease  of  colic  before  alluded  to,  in  which  opium  may  be  advantageously 
combined  with  purgatives.  Still,  such  combinations  should  never  be  formed, 
unless  with  a full  understanding  of  their  etfects,  and  a special  reference  to 
them. 

The  form  in  which  medicines  are  exhibited,  is  often  an  object  of  considerable 
importance.  By  variation  in  this  respect,  according  to  the  nature  of  the  medi- 
cine, the  taste  of  the  patient,  or  the  condition  of  the  stomach,  we  are  frequently 
enabled  to  secure  the  favourable  operation  of  remedies,  which,  without  such 
attention,  might  prove  useless  or  injurious.  Medicines  may  be  given  in  the 
solid  state,  as  in  the  form  of  powder,  pill,  troche,  or  electuary ; in  the  state  of 
mixture,  in  which  a solid  is  suspended  in  a liquid,  or  one  liquid  is  mechanically 
mixed  with  another  in  which  it  is  insoluble ; or  in  the  state  of  solution,  under 
which  may  be  included  the  various  forms  of  infusion,  decoction,  tincture,  wine, 
vinegar,  syrup,  honey,  and  oxymel.  Of  these  different  forms  we  have  already 
treated  sufficiently  at  large,  under  their  respective  heads,  in  the  second  part  of 
this  work. 

In  writing  extemporaneous  prescriptions,  neatness,  order,  and  precision, 
should  always  be  observed ; as,  independently  of  the  pleasing  moral  effect  in- 
separable from  these  principles  in  all  things,  a positive  practical  advantage 
results,  in  the  greater  accuracy  which  the  habit  of  attending  to  them  gives  to 
the  prescriber,  and  the  comparative  certainty  which  they  afford  that  his  direc- 
tions will  be  strictly  complied  with.  As  a general  rule,  when  medicines  are 
combined  in  prescription,  that  should  come  first  in  order  which  is  considered  as 
the  most  prominent  and  important,  next  the  adjuvant  or  corrigent,  and  lastly 
the  vehicle.  Sometimes,  however,  it  is  important  to  indicate  to  the  apothecary 
the  succession  in  which  the  substances  should  be  combined  in  reference  to  the 
perfection  of  the  mixture,  and  this  may  render  convenient  a deviation  from  the 
order  above  mentioned.  The  physician  should  always  be  careful  either  to  write 
out  the  full  name  of  the  medicine,  or  to  employ  such  abbreviations  as  are  not 
likely,  by  the  misunderstanding  of  an  ill-formed  letter,  to  lead  into  error.  Very 
serious  and  even  fatal  mistakes  have  been  occasioned  by  a neglect  of  this  pre- 
caution. The  formulae  of  the  several  Pharmacopoeias  which  are  detailed  in  this 
work,  will  serve  as  good  examples  for  the  guidance  of  the  young  practitioner. 
The  following  table  explains  the  signs  and  abbreviations  habitually  used  in  pre- 
scriptions. The  formulae  afterwards  given  will  serve  to  illustrate  the  ordinary 
mode  of  prescribing,  while  they  exhibit  combinations  of  medicines  frequently 
employed  in  practice. 


Appendix. 

Table  of  Signs  and  Abbreviations. 


1411 


R 

Recipe. 

Take. 

Collyr. 

Collyrium. 

An  eye-water. 

aa 

Ana. 

Of  each. 

Cong. 

Congius  vel 

A gallon  or  gal- 

ft 

Libra  vel  libr*. 

A pound  or 

Congii. 

Ions. 

pounds. 

Decoct. 

Decoctum. 

A decoction. 

5 

Uncia  vel  unci®. 

An  ounce  or 

Ft. 

Fiat. 

Make. 

ounces. 

Garg. 

Gargarysma. 

A gargle. 

3 

Drachma  vel 

A drachm  or 

Gr. 

Granum  vel 

A grain  or 

drachm®. 

drachms. 

gran  a. 

grains. 

9 

Scrupulus  vel 

A scruple  or 

Gtt. 

Gutta  vel  gutt*. 

A drop  or  drops. 

scrupuli. 

scruples. 

Haust. 

Haustus. 

A draught. 

0 

Octarius  vel  oc- 

A pint  or  pints. 

Infus. 

Infusum. 

An  infusion. 

tarii. 

M. 

Misce. 

Mix. 

Fluiduncia  vel 

A fluidounce  or 

Mass. 

Massa. 

A mass. 

fluidunci*. 

fluidounces. 

Mist. 

Mistura. 

A mixture. 

f3 

Fluidrachma  vel 

A fluidrachm  or 

Pil. 

Pilula  vel 

A pill  or  pills. 

fluidrachm*. 

fluidrachms. 

pilul*. 

«l 

Minimum  vel 

A minim  or 

Pulv. 

Pulvis  vel  pul- 

A powder  or 

minima. 

minims. 

veres. 

powders. 

Chart. 

Chartula  vel 

A small  paper 

Q.  S. 

Quantum  suffi- 

A sufficient 

chartulse. 

or  papers. 

cit. 

quantity. 

Coch. 

Cochlear  vel 

A spoonful  or 

S. 

Signa. 

Write. 

cochlearia. 

spoonfuls. 

Ss. 

Semis. 

A half. 

Examples  of  Common  Extemporaneous  Prescriptions. 

Powders. 


g Antimonii  et  Potass*  Tartratis  gr.i. 
Pulveris  Ipecacuanhas  31- 
Fiat  pulvis. 

S.  To  be  taken  in  a wineglassful  of 
sweetened  water. 

An  active  emetic. 

g Hydrargyri  Chloridi  Mitis, 

Pulveris  .Jalap*,  aa  gr.x. 

Misce. 

S.  To  be  taken  in  syrup  or  molasses. 
An  excellent  cathartic  in  the  commence- 
ment of  bilious  fevers,  and  in  hepatic  con- 
gestion. 

g Pulveris  Jalap®  gr.x. 

Potass®  Bitartratis  jii. 

Misce. 

S.  To  be  taken  in  syrup  or  molasses. 

A hydragogue  cathartic,  used  in  dropsy, 
and  in  scrofulous  inflammation  of  the  joints. 

g Sulphuris  f. 

Potassae  Bitartratis  jii. 

Misce. 

S.  To  be  taken  in  syrup  or  molasses. 

A laxative  used  in  piles  and  cutaneous 
diseases. 

g Pulveris  Rhei  gr.x. 

Magnesi®  3SS. 

Fiat  pulvis. 

S.  To  be  taken  in  syrup  or  molasses. 


A laxative  and  antacid,  used  in  diarrhoea, 
dyspepsia,  &c. 

g Pulveris  Scill*  gr.xii. 

Potassae  Nitratis  3L 
Fiat  pulvis,  in  chartulas  sex  dividen- 
ds. 

S.  One  to  be  taken  twice  or  three  times 
a day  in  syrup  or  molasses. 

A diuretic  employed  in  dropsy. 

g Potass®  Nitratis  fi. 

Antimonii  et  Potass*  Tartratis  gr.i. 
Hydrarg.  Chlorid.  Mitis  gr.vi. 

Fiat  pulvis,  in  chartulas  sex  dividen- 
dus. 

S.  One  to  be  taken  every  two  hours  in 
syrup  or  molasses. 

A refrigerant,  diaphoretic,  and  alterative, 
used  in  bilious  fevers'  'usually called  nitrous 
powders. 

g Pulveris  Guaiaci  Resin®, 

Potass®  Nitratis,  aa  fi. 

Pulveris  Ipecacuanh*  gr.iii. 

Opii  gr  ii. 

Fiat  pulvis,  in  chartulas  sex  dividen- 
dus. 

S.  One  to  be  taken  every  three  hours 
in  syrup  or  molasses. 

A stimulant  diaphoretic,  used  in  rheu- 
matism and  gout  after  sufficient  depletion. 


1412  Appendix. 

R Ferri  Subcarbonatis,  S.  One  to  be  taken  three  times  a day 

Pulveris  Colombae,  in  syrup  or  molasses. 

Pulveris  Zingiberis,  aa  3b  A tonic,  used  in  dyspepsia  and  general 

Fiat  pulvis,  in  chartulas  sex  dividendus.  debility. 


Pills. 


R Pulveris  Aloes, 

Pulveris  Kliei,  iia.  3SS. 

Saponis  Qi. 

Misce,  et  cum  aqua  fiat  massa  in  pilulas 
viginti  dividenda. 

S.  Two  or  three  to  be  taken  daily,  at 
bed-time,  or  before  a meal. 

An  excellent  laxative  in  habitual  consti- 
pation. 

R Mass®  Pilularum  Hydrargyri, 

Pulveris  Aloes, 

Pulveris  Rliei,  aa  ^i. 

Misce,  et  cum  aqua  fiat  massa  in  pilulas 
viginti  dividenda. 

S.  Three  to  be  taken  at  bed-time. 

An  alterative  and  laxative,  useful  in  con- 
stipation with  deranged  or  deficient  hepatic 
secretion. 

R Pulveris  Aloes, 

Extracti  Quassias,  aa3i. 

Olei  Anisi  Ttpx. 

Syi'upi  q.  s. 

Misce,  et  fiat  massa  in  pilulas  triginta 
dividenda. 

S.  Two  to  be  taken  once,  twice,  or  three 
times  a day. 

A laxative,  tonic,  and  carminative,  useful 
in  dyspepsia. 

R Pulveris  Soil!® 

Hydrargyri  Chloridi  Mitis  gr.x. 

Pulveris  Acaci®, 

Syrupi,  iia  q.  s. 

Misce,  et  fiat  massa  in  pilulas  decern 
dividenda. 


S.  One  to  be  taken  two  or  three  times 
a day. 

A diuretic  and  alterative,  much  used  in 
dropsy,  especially  when  complicated  with 
organic  visceral  disease. 

R Pulveris  Opii  gr.iv. 

Pulveris  Ipecacuanha  gr.xviii. 

Pulveris  Acacia, 

Syrupi,  aa  q.  s. 

Misce,  et  fiat  massa  in  pilulas  duodecim 
dividenda. 

S.  One  to  be  taken  after  each  stool. 

An  anodyne  diaphoretic,  useful  in  dysen- 
tery and  diarrhoea  after  the  use  of  laxatives. 

R Pulveris  Opii, 

Pulveris  Ipecacuanha,  aa  gr.iii. 
Hydrargyri  Chloridi  Mitis  gr.vi. 
Pulveris  Acacia, 

Syrupi,  aa  q.  s. 

Misce,  et  fiat  massa  in  pilulas  tres  divi- 
denda, 

S.  One  or  more  to  be  taken  at  bed-time, 
or  according  to  circumstances. 

An  anodyne,  diaphoretic,  and  alterative, 
very  useful  in  diarrhoea,  dysentery,  typhoid 
pneumonia,  and  various  other  diseases. 

R Plumbi  Acetatis,  in  pulv.  triti,  gr.xii. 
Pulveris  Opii  gr.i. 

Pulv.  Acaci®, 

Syrupi,  aa  q.  s.  ut  fiat  massa  in  pilulas 
sex  dividenda, 

S.  One  every  two,  three,  or  four  hours. 
An  astringent  much  employed  in  haemo- 
ptysis and  uterine  hemorrhage. 


Mixtures. 


R Magnesia?  3L 
Syrupi  f|i. 

Tere  simul,  et  affunde 
Aquae  Acidi  Carbonici  f^iv. 

Fiat  haustus. 

S.  To  be  taken  at  a draught,  the  mix- 
ture being  well  shaken. 

An  agreeable  mode  of  administering  mag- 
nesia. 

R Mann®  gi. 

Foehiculi  contusi  31. 

Aquee  bullientis  f^iv. 

Fiat  infusum  et  cola ; dein  adjice 
Magnesi®  Carbonatis  3!!. 

Ft.  mist. 


S.  One-third  to  be  taken  every  three  or 
four  hours  till  it  operates,  the  mixture  being 
shaken. 

An  excellent  carminative  and  mild  laxa- 
tive in  flatulence  and  pain  in  the  bowels. 

R Olei  Rieini  f^i. 

Pulveris  Acacite, 

Sacchari,  aa  3d. 

Aqua?  Mentha?  Piperita?  f 3 iii. 

Acaciam  et  saccharum  eum  fluiduncia 
dimidia  aqua?  month®  tere:  dein  oleum  ad- 
jice, et  eontere : denique  aquam  reliquam 
paulatim  infunde.  et  omnia  misce. 

S.  To  be  taken  at  a draught,  the  mix- 
ture being  well  shaken. 


Appendix.  1418 


R Olei  Ricini  f^i. 

Yitellum  ovi  uuius. 

Tere  simul,  et  adde 
Syrupi  fgss. 

Aqu®  Me  nth®  Piperit®  f^ii. 

Ft.  lmust. 

S.  To  be  taken  at  a draught,  the  mix- 
ture being  well  shaken. 

This  an^l  the  preceding  formula  afford 
convenient  modes  of  administering  castor 
oil,  when  the  stomach  is  irritable.  Any 
other  fixed  oil  may  be  given  in  the  same 
way.  Half  the  quantity  will  often  answer. 

R Olei  Ricini  fgiss. 

Tinctur®  Opii  rrpxxx. 

Pulv.  Acacias, 

Sacchari,  aa  gii. 

Aquae  Menthae  Viridis  f 5 iv. 

Acaciam  et  saccharum  cum  paululo  aquae 
menthae  tere ; dein  oleum  adjice,  et  iterum 
tere ; denique  aquam  reliquam  paulatim  in- 
funde,  et  omnia  misce. 

S.  A tablespoonful  to  be  taken  every 
hour  or  two  hours  till  it  operates,  the  mix- 
ture being  each  time  well  shaken. 

Used  as  a gentle  laxative  in  dysentery 
and  diarrhoea.  It  is  usually  known  by  the 
name  of  oleaginous  mixture. 

R Elaterii  gr.i. 

Spiritus  AStheris  Nitrici  fgii. 

Tinctur®  Scill®, 

Vini  Colchici  Rad.,  aa  f^ss. 

Syrupi  f|i. 

Ft.  mist. 

S.  A tablespoonful  to  be  taken  three  or 
four  times  a day  in  a little  water. 

Diuretic,  used  by  Ferriar  in  dropsy. 

R Copaibas, 

Spiritus  Lavandulae  Comp.,  aa  fgii. 
Mucilaginis  Acaciae  fgss. 

Syrupi  f 3 i i i . 

Simul  tere ; dein  paulatim  affunde 
Aquae  f§iv. 

Misce. 

S.  A tablespoonful  to  be  taken  four 
times  a day,  or  more  frequently. 

Given  in  chronic  catarrh,  and  chronic 
nephritic  affections.  The  dose  must  be 
larger  in  gonorrhoea. 

-> 

Neutral  Mixture. 

R Acidi  Citrici  gii. 

Olei  Limonis  rtpi. 

Simul  tere,  et  adde 
Aquae  f'3  iv. 

Liqua,  et  adde 

Potassae  Carbonatis  q.  s.  ad  saturand. 
Misce,  et  per  linteum  cola. 

Or, 

R Succi  Limonis  recentis  f^iv. 

Potass®  Carbonatis  q,  s.  ad  saturandum. 
Misce  et  cola. 


S.  A tablespoonful  to  be  given  with  an 
equal  quantity  of  water,  every  hour  or  two 
hours. 

An  excellent  diaphoretic  in  fever. 

Effervescing  Draught. 

R Potass®  Carbonatis  gii. 

Aqu®  f^iv. 

Liqua. 

Or, 

R Potass®  Bicarbonatis  giii. 

Aqu®  fijiv. 

Liqua. 

S.  Add  a tablespoonful  of  the  solution 
to  the  same  quantity  of  lemon  or  lime-juice, 
previously  mixed  with  a tablespoonful  of 
water ; and  give  the  mixture,  in  the  state  of 
effervescence,  every  hour  or  two  hours. 

An  excellent  diaphoretic  and  anti-emetic 
in  fever  with  nausea  or  vomiting. 

Brown  Mixture. 

R Pulv.  Extract.  Glycyrrliiz®, 

Pulv.  Acaci®,  aa  zii. 

Aqu®  ferventis  f^iv. 

Liqua,  et  adde 
Vini  Antimonii  f^ii. 

Tinctur®  Opii  rrpxx. 

Ft.  mist. 

S.  A tablespoonful  to  be  taken  occa- 
sionally. 

Expectorant,  demulcent,  and  anodyne, 
useful  in  catarrhal  affections. 

R Antimonii  et  Potass®  Tartratis  gr.i. 
Syrupi  Scill®, 

Liquoris  Morphi®  Sulphatis,  aa  f^ss. 
Pulveris  Acaci®  gii. 

Syrupi  f £ss. 

Aqu®  f^iv. 

Ft.  mist. 

S.  A tablespoonful  to  be  taken  occa- 
sionally. 

An  expectorant  and  anodyne  cough  mix- 
ture. 

R Acidi  Nitrosi  f 3L 
Tinctur®  Opii  gtt.xl. 

Aqu®  Camphor®  fgviii. 

Misce. 

S.  One-fourth  to  be  taken  every  three 
or  four  hours. 

Hope’s  mixture,  used  in  dysentery,  diar- 
rhoea, and  cholera. 

R Camphor®  gi. 

Myrrh®  sjss. 

Pulv.  Acaci®, 

Sacchari.  aa  gii. 

Aqu®  f§vi. 

Camphoram  cum  alcoholis  paululo  in 
pulverem  tere ; dein  cum  myrrha,  acacia,  et 
saccharo  contere  ; denique  cum  aqua  paula- 
tim instillata  misce. 


1414 


Appendix. 


S.  A tablespoonful  to  be  taken  for  a dose, 
the  mixture  being  well  shaken. 

A convenient  form  for  administering 
camphor. 

R Cret®  Pr®parat®  J^iv. 

Mass®  Pil.  Hydrarg.  gr.viii. 

Tinctur®  Opii  gtt.viii. 

Pulveris  Acaci®, 

Sacchari,  aa  gi. 

Aqu®  Cinnamomi, 

Aqu®,  aa  fgi. 

Solida  simul  tere,  dein  liquida  paulatim 
inter  terendum  adjice,  et  omnia  misce. 

S.  A teaspoonful  to  be  taken  for  a dose, 
the  mixture  being  well  shaken. 

An  antacid  and  alterative  mixture,  well 
adapted  to  infantile  diarrhoea  with  white 


stools.  The  dose  mentioned  is  for  a child 
a year  or  two  old,  and  may  be  repeated  four 
or  six  times  in  twenty-four  hours. 

R Pulveris  Kino  gii. 

Aquse  bullientis  f gvi. 

Fiat  infusum  et  cola;  dein  secundum 
artem  admisce, 

Cretse  Pr®parat®  giii. 

Tincturse  Opii  fgss. 

Spiritus  Lavandulae  Compositi  f^ss. 
Pulveris  Acaci®, 

Sacchari,  aa  gii. 

S.  A tablespoonful  to  be  taken  for  a dose, 
the  mixture  being  well  shaken. 

Astringent  and  antacid,  useful  in  diar- 
rhoea. 


Solutions. 


R Magnesias  Sulphatis  gi. 

Syrupi  Limouis  fgi. 

Aqua;  Acidi  Carbonici  f^vi. 

Misce. 

S.  To  be  taken  at  a draught. 

An  agreeable  mode  of  administering  sul- 
phate of  magnesia. 

R Potass®  Nitrafis  gi. 

Antimonii  et  Potass®  Tartratis  gr.i. 
Aqu®  fgiv. 

Liqua. 

S.  A tablespoonful  to  be  taken  every  two 
hours. 

A refrigerant  diaphoretic,  used  in  fevers. 


R Magnesi®  Sulphatis  Ji. 

Antimonii  et  Potass®  Tartratis  gr.i. 
Succi  Limonis  recentis  fgi. 

Aqu®  f^iii. 

Misce. 

S.  A tablespoonful  to  be  taken  every  two 
hours  till  it  operates  upon  the  bowels. 
Useful  in  fevers. 

R Quini®  Sulphatis  gr.xii. 

Acidi  Sulphurici  Aromatici  gtt.xxiv. 
Syrupi  fg  ss. 

Aqu®  Menth®  Piperit®  fgi. 

Misce. 

S.  A teaspoonful  to  be  taken  every  hour 
or  two  hours. 

A good  mode  of  administering  sulphate 
of  quinia  in  solution. 


Infusions. 


R Sennre  giii. 

Magnesi®  Sulphatis, 

Mann®,  aa  ^ss. 

Foeniculi  gi. 

Aqu®  bullientis  Oss. 

Macera  per  horam  in  vase  leviter  clauso, 
et  cola. 

S.  A teacupful  to  be  taken  every  four  or 
five  hours  till  it  operates. 

An  excellent  purgative  in  febrile  com- 
plaints. 

R Colomb®  contus®, 

Zingiberis  contusi,  aa  gss. 

Senn®  gii. 

Aqu®  bullientis  Oi. 

Macera  per  horam  in  vase  leviter  clauso, 
et  cola. 

S.  A wineglassful  to  be  taken  morning, 
noon,  and  evening,  or  less  frequently  if  it 
operate  too  much. 

An  excellent  remedy  in  dyspepsia  with 
constipation  and  flatulence. 


R Spigeli®  gss. 

Senn®  gii. 

Mann®  gi. 

Foeniculi  gii.  \ 

Aqu®  bullientis  Oi. 

Macera  per  horam  in  vase  leviter  clauso, 
et  cola. 

S.  A wineglassful  to  be  given  to  a child 
from  two  to  four  years  old,  three  or  four 
times  a day. 

A powerful  anthelmintic. 

R Pulveris  Cinchon®  Ruhr®  gi. 

Acidi  Sulphurici  Aromatici  fgi. 

Aqu®  Oi. 

Macera  per  horas  duodecim,  subinde 
agitans. 

S.  A wineglassful  of  the  clear  liquid  to 
be  taken  for  a dose. 

A good  method  of  administering  Peru- 
vian bark  in  cold  infusion. 


Appendix. 


1415 


III.  TABLES  OF  WEIGHTS  AND  MEASURES. 


APOTHECARIES’  WEIGHT.  V.  S.,  Land.,  Ed. 


Pound.  Ounces. 

Drachms. 

Scruples. 

Grains. 

Ib  1 = 12 

= 96  = 

288 

5760 

l 1 

= 8 = 

■it  = 

480 

3 1 = 

3 = 

60 

9 l = 

gr.  20 

The  Imperial  Standard  Troy  weight,  at  present  recognised  by  the  British 
laws,  corresponds  with  the  Apothecaries’  weight  in  pounds,  ounces,  and  grains, 
but  differs  from  it  in  the  division  of  the  ounce,  which,  according  to  the  former 
scale,  contains  twenty  pennyweights,  each  weighing  twenty-four  grains. 


AVOIRDUPOIS  WEIGHT. 


Pound, 

ife  1 


Ounces. 
16 
)Z.  1 


Drachms. 

256 
16 
dr.  1 


= gr 


Troy  Grains. 

7000 
437-5 
27-34375 


Relative  Value  of  Troy  and  Avoirdupois  Weights , 

Pound.  Pounds.  Pound.  Oz 

1 Troy  — 0’822857  Avoirdupois  = 0 

1 Avoirdupois  — P215277  Troy  = 1 


13 

2 


Grains. 

72-5 

280 


DUBLIN  WEIGHTS* 


Pound. 

lb  1 


Ounces. 


Drachms. 


Scruples. 


Grains. 


Gallon. 


Cong. 


= 

16  = 128 

= 

384  = 

7000 

11=  8 

= 

24  = 

437-5 

3 i 

- 

3 = 

= 54-68 

3 1 = 

= 18-22 

APOTHECARIES’  OR  WINE  MEASURE. 

U.S. 

Pints. 

Fluidounces.  Fluidrachms. 

Minims. 

Cubic  Inches. 

= 8 

= 128  = 

1024 

= 61440 

= 231 

O 1 

= 16  .= 

128 

= 7680 

= 28-875 

n i = 

8 

= 480 

= 1-8047 

f 3 l 

= nr  60 

==  -2256 

IMPERIAL  MEASURE. 

Adopted  by  all  the  British  Colleges. 


Gallon. 

Pints. 

Fluidounces. 

Fluidrachms. 

Minims. 

1 = 

8 

= 160  = 

1280  = 

76800 

1 

= 20  = 

160  = 

9600 

1 = 

8 = 

480 

1 

60 

* By  this  term  is  meant  the  division  of  weights  adopted  by  the  Dublin  College  in  their 
Pharmacopoeia  of  1850.  The  division  of  the  drachm  and  scruple  is  not  the  nearest  ap- 
proximation to  accuracy.  The  precise  number  for  the  drachm  is  54-6875,  which  would 
give  as  the  nearest  to  the  precise  number,  with  two  decimals,  for  the  drachm  54-69,  and 
for  the  scruple  18-23. 


1416 


Appendix . 


Relative  Value  of  Apothecaries'  and  Imperial  Measure. 


apothecaries’  measure. 

1 gallon 
1 pint 
1 fluidounce 
1 fluidrachm 


IMPERIAL  MEASURE. 
Pints.  Fluidounces.  Fluidrachms. 

6 13  2 

1.6  5 

1 0 

1 


Minima. 

23 

18 

20 

2.5 

104 


IMPERIAL  MEASURE. 


gallon 

pint 

fluidounce 

fluidrachm 

minim 


apothecaries’  measure. 


Gallon. 


Fluidoz.  Fluidr. 


Minims. 

8 

38 

41 

58 

096 


Relative  Value  of  Weights  and  Measures  in  Distilled  Water  at 
60°  Fahrenheit. 

1.  Value  of  Apothecaries’  Weight  in  Apothecaries’  Measure. 


pound  = 
ounce  = 
drachm  == 
scruple  = 
grain  = 


0V900031  pints 
1'0533376  fluidounces 
1‘0533376  fluidrachms 


Pints.  Fluidoz.  Fluidr. 


12 

1 

0 

0 

0 


Minims. 

7-2238 

25-6020 

32002 

21-0667 

1-0533 


Value  of  Apothecaries’  Measure  in  Apothecaries’  Weight. 


gallon 

pint 

fluidounce 

fluidrachm 

minim 


Pounds.  Oz.  Dr.  Sc.  Gr. 


Grains. 


10-12654270  pounds  =10  1 4 0 

1-26581783  pounds  =13  11 

0"94936332  ounces  = 0 0 7 1 

0"94936332  drachms  = 0 0 0 2 

0 '94936332  grains  = 


8-88  = 58328-886 

11  11  = 7291  1107 

15- 69  = 455-6944 

16- 96  = 56-9618 

•9493 


3.  Value  of  Avoirdupois  Weight  in  Apothecaries’  Measure. 


to 

Pints.  Fluidounces. 

1 pound  = 0"9600732  pints  =0  15 

1 ounce  = 0 9600732  fluidounces  =0  0 


Fluidrachms. 

9 


Minims. 

53-3622 

40-8351 


4.  Value  of  Apothecaries’  Measure  in  Avoirdupois  Weight. 

1 gallon  = 8"33269800  pounds. 

1 pint  = 1 04158725  pounds. 

1 fluidounce  = 1"04158725  ounces. 


5.  Value  of  Imperial  Measure  in  Apothecaries’  and  Avoirdupois  Weights. 


Imperial  Measure. 

1 gallon  = 12  lb 
1 pint  — - 1 

1 fluidounce  = 

1 fluidrachm  = 

1 minim  = 


Apothecaries’  Weight. 


1 


63 


29 

2 

0 

2 


0 gr. 
10 
17-5 
14-69 


Avoirdupois  Weight.  Grains, 


10  ft 


Cubic  Inches. 


= 70.000  = 277-27384 

= 8.750  = 34-65923 

= 437-5  = 1-73296 

54-69  = 0-21662 

•91  = 0-00361 


Appendix.  1417 

In  converting  the  weights  of  liquids  heavier  or  lighter  than  water  into 
measures,  or  conversely,  a correction  must  be  made  for  specific  gravity.  In 
converting  weights  into  measures,  the  calculator  may  proceed  as  if  the  liquid 
was  water,  and  the  obtained  measure  will  be  to  the  true  measure  inversely  as 
the  specific  gravity.  In  the  converse  operation,  of  turning  measures  into 
weights,  the  same  assumption  may  be  made,  and  the  obtained  weight  will  be 
to  the  true  weight  directly  as  the  specific  gravity. 


FORMER  FRENCH  WEIGHTS. 


Pound. 

Marc. 

Onces. 

Gros.  Deniers. 

Grains.  Troy  Grains. 

Grammes. 

1 Poids  de  Marc 

2 

= 16  = 

128  = 384 

= 9216  = 7561 

= 

489-5058 

1 Apothecary 

= 1-5 

= 12  = 

96  = 288 

= 6912  = 5670-5 

— 

367-1294 

1 

— 8 — 

64  = 192 

= 4608  = 3780-5 

— 

244-7529 

1 — 

8 = 24 

= 576  = 472-5 

— 

30-5941 

1 = 3 

= 72  = 59-1 

— 

3-8242 

1 

= 24  = 19-7 

— 

1-2747 

1 = 0-8 

= 

•0530 

Relative  Value  of  old  French  and  English  Weights. 


Poids  de  Marc. 

1 pound 
1 once  (ounce) 

1 gros  (drachm) 
1 grain 

Troy  TV  eight.  Avoirdupois. 

= 1-312680  ib  ==  1-080143  lb 

= -984504  oz.  = 1-080143  oz. 

==  -954504  dr.  = 

Troy  Grains. 

= 7561 
= 472-5625 
59-0703125 
•820421 

Troy. 

1 pound 
1 ounce 
1 drachm 
1 grain 

Poids  de  Marc. 

= 0-76180  lb  = 

= 1 '01574  onces  = 

= 1'01574  gros  = 

Trench  Grains. 

7561 
585-083 
73  135 

1-219 

Avoirdupois. 

1 pound 
1 ounce 

Poids  de  Marc. 

- 0-925803  ib  = 

= 0 '925803  once  — 

French  Grains. 

8532-3 

533-27 

To  convert  French  grains  into  Troy  grains,  divide  by 

■ Troy  grains  into  French  grains,  multiply  by 

French  ounces  into  Troy  ounces,  divide  by 

Troy  ounces  into  French  ounces,  multiply  by 

French  pounds  (poids  de  marc)  into  Troy 

pounds,  multiply  by 

Troy  pounds  into  French  pounds,  divide  by 


1-2189 

1-015734 

1-31268 


FRENCH  DECIMAL  WEIGHTS  AND  MEASURES. 

The  French  metrical  system  is  based  upon  the  idea  of  employing,  as  the 
unity  of  all  measures,  whether  of  length,  capacity,  or  weight,  a uniform  un- 
changeable standard,  adopted  from  nature,  the  multiples  and  subdivisions  of 
which  should  follow  in  decimal  progression.  To  obtain  such  a standard,  the 
length  of  one-fourth  part  of  the  terrestrial  meridian,  extending  from  the  equator 
to  the  pole,  was  ascertained.  The  ten  millionth  part  of  this  arc  was  chosen 
as  the  unity  of  measures  of  length,  and  was  denominated  metre.  The  cube  of 
the  tenth  part  of  the  metre  was  taken  as  the  unity  of  measures  of  capacity, 
and  denominated  litre.  The  weight  of  distilled  water,  at  its  greatest  density, 
which  this  cube  is  capable  of  containing,  was  called  kilogramme , of  which  the 
thousandth  part  was  adopted  as  the  unity  of  weight,  under  the  name  of  gramme. 
The  multiples  of  these  measures,  proceeding  in  the  decimal  progression,  are 


1418  Appendix. 

distinguished  by  employing  the  prefixes,  deca,  hecto,  Jcilo,  and  myria,  taken 
from  the  Greek  numerals ; and  the  subdivisions,  following  the  same  order,  by 
deci,  centi,  mill,  from  the  Latin  numerals. 

The  metre,  or  unity  of  length,  at  32°  = 39 '311  English  inches  at  62°. 
The  litre,  or  unity  of  capacity  = 61'028  English  cubic  inches. 

The  gramme,  or  unity  of  weight  = 15 '434  Troy  grains. 

Upon  this  basis  the  following  tables,  taken  with  some  slight  alterations  from 
the  Edinburgh  New  Dispensatory,  have  been  constructed.  It  was  ascertained 
by  accurate  examination  at  the  London  Mint,  that  the  gramme  is  only  15'434 
Troy  grains,  though  sometimes  stated  at  15 '444  grains. 


MEASURES  OF  LENGTH. 


The  metre  being  at  32°,  and  the  foot  at  62°. 


Millimetre 

Centimetre 

Decimetre 

= 

English  Inches. 

•03937 

•39371 

393710 

Miles. 

Fur. 

Yards. 

Feet. 

Inches. 

Metre 

= 

39-37100  = 

0 

0 

1 

0 

3-371 

Decametre 

= 

393  71000  = 

0 

0 

10 

2 

9-710 

Hectometre 

= 

3937-10000  = 

0 

0 

109 

X 

1100 

Kilometre 

= 

39371-00000  = 

0 

4 

213 

1 

11-000 

Myriametre 

= 

393710  00000  = 

6 

1 

156 

1 

2-000 

MEASURES  OF 

CAPACITY. 

Millilitre 

Centilitre 

Decilitre 

Litre 

Decalitre 

Hectolitre 

Kilolitre 

Myrialitre 


English  Cubic  Inches. 

= '061028  = 

= '610280  = 

= 6 102800  = 
= 61-028000  = 

= 610-280000  = 

= 6102-800000 

= 61028-000000 

= 610280-000000 


Apothecaries’  Measure. 

16  2318  minims. 
2*7053  fluidrachms. 
3*3816  fluidounces. 
2*1135  pints. 
2*6419  gallons. 


MEASURES  OF  WEIGHT. 


Milligramme 

Centigramme 

Decigramme 

Gramme 

Decagramme 

Hectogramme 

Kilogramme 

Myriagramme 


Troy  Grains. 

•0154 

•1543 

1-5434 

15-4340  ib. 

154-3402  0 

1543-4023  = 0 

15434-0234  ==  2 

154340-2344  = 26 


oz.  dr.  ct. 

0 2 34-3 

3 1 434 

8 1 14 

9 4 20 


Though  the  decimal  system  of  weights  and  measures  was  established  by  law 
in  France,  it  was  found  impossible  to  procure  its  general  adoption  by  the  people, 
who  obstinately  adhered  to  the  old  poids  de  marc  and  its  divisions ; or,  if  they 
adopted  the  new  weights,  gave  them  the  names  of  the  old  weights  to  which  they 
most  nearly  approached.  Thus  the  kilogramme,  which  is  equal  to  18,827  TVo 
French  grains,  or  2 pounds  5 gros  35  y'/o  grains  poids  de  marc,  was  divided 
into  two  parts,  and  the  half  of  it  called  a pound.  One  reason  for  this  adherence 


Appendix. 


1419 


to  the  old  weights  was  the  convenience  of  division  into  halves,  quarters,  &c.,  of 
which  the  new  were  not  susceptible.  To  obviate  this  difficulty  the  Imperial 
government  legalized  the  employment  of  the  half  kilogramme  as  the  unity  of 
weight,  under  the  name  of  pound,  and  allowed  this  to  be  divided  into  half 
pounds,  quarters,  eighths,  ounces,  &c.,  as  in  the  old  poids  de  marc.  The  new 
pound  is  distinguished  by  the  name  of  metrical  pound,  and  has  been  adopted  to 
a considerable  extent;  while  the  old  weights  are  retained  by  some,  particularly 
by  the  apothecaries  and  goldsmiths;  so  that  three  systems  are  now  more  or  less 
in  use  in  France — the  original  poicls  de  marc,  the  decimal  system,  and  the 
metrical  pound  with  its  divisions.  The  following  table  represents  the  relative 
value  of  these  different  weights. 

Decimal  System.  Poid?  de  Marc.  Metrical  Pound. 


lb  oz.  dr. 

gr- 

a 

oz. 

dr. 

gr. 

1 centigramme  = 

0 0 0 

0T9 

= 

0 

0 

0 

0-18 

1 decigramme  — 

0 0 0 

1-88 

0 

0 

0 

1-84 

1 gramme  - 

0 0 0 

18-83 

0 

0 

0 

18-43 

1 decagramme  = 

0 0 2 

44-27 

■ - 

0 

0 

2 

40-32 

1 hectogramme  — 

0 3 2 

1071 

= 

0 

3 

1 

43-2 

1 kilogramme  = 

2 0 5 

35-15 

'= 

2 

0 

0 

0 

Poids  de  Marc. 

Grammes. 

Metrical  Pound. 

Grammes. 

1 grain  == 

0-0531 

1 

grain 

— 

0-054 

24  grains  or  9i  = 

1-2747  , 

24 

grains 

or 

9i 

— 

1-302 

72  grains  or  3i  = 

3-8242 

72  grains  or  3i 

= 

3-906 

1 ounce 

30-5941 

1 

ounce 

= 

31-25 

1 pound  - - 

489-5058 

1 pound 

= 

500 

The  following  table  is  taken  from  Christison’s  Dispensatory,  and  was  calcu- 
lated chiefly  from  data  contained  in  Soubeiran’s  Traite  de  Pharmacie. 

Table  of  certain  foreign  Apothecaries'  Weights,  exhibiting  the  Value  of  their 


different  Denominations  in  Troy 

Grains. 

Pound. 

Ounce. 

Drachm. 

Scruple. 

Grain. 

French  (old) 

- 5670-5 

472-50 

59-10 

19-70 

0-820 

Spanish  - r 

- 5320  4 

443-49 

55-44 

18-47 

0-769 

Tuscan  - 

- 5240-3 

436-67 

54-58 

18-19 

0-758 

Roman  - 

- 5235-0 

436-25 

54-53 

18-17 

0-757 

Austrian 
German  or  ) 

- 6495-1 

541-25 

67-65 

22-55 

1127 

Nuremberg  j- 
Russian  ) 

- 5524-8 

460-40 

57-55 

19-18 

0-960 

Prussian 

- 5415-1 

45126 

56-40 

18-80 

0-940 

Dutch  ) 

Belgian  j 

- 5695-8 

474-64 

59-33 

19-78 

0-988 

Swedish 

- 5500-2 

458-34 

57-29 

19-09 

0 954 

Piedmontese 

- 4744-7 

395-39 

49-45 

16-48 

0-824 

Venetian 

- 4661-4 

388-45 

48-55 

16-18 

0-809 

Of  these  weights,  all,  except  the  French,  Spanish,  Tuscan,  and  Roman  (first 
named  in  the  table),  are  divided  into  parts  corresponding  with  those  of  the 
English  Apothecaries’  weight.  In  these  four,  the  drachm  contains  72  instead 
of  60  grains,  and  the  scruple  24  instead  of  20  grains ; but,  as  in  the  English, 
there  are  3 scruples  in  the  drachm,  8 drachms  in  the  ounce,  and  12  ounces  in 
the  pound. 


1420 


Appendix. 


APPROXIMATE  MEASUREMENT. 

For  the  sake  of  convenience,  in  the  absence  of  proper  instruments,  we  often 
make  use  of  means  of  measurement,  which,  though  not  precise  nor  uniform, 
afford  results  sufficiently  accurate  for  ordinary  purposes.  Of  this  kind  are  cer- 
tain household  implements,  of  a capacity  approaching  to  uniformity,  and  cor- 
responding to  a certain  extent  with  the  regular  standard  measures.  Custom 
has  attached  a fixed  value  to  these  implements,  with  which  it  is  proper  that  the 
practitioner  should  be  familiar;  although  their  capacity,  as  they  are  now  made, 
with  the  exception  of  the  wineglass,  generally  somewhat  exceeds  that  at  which 
they  were  originally  and  still  continue  to  be  estimated. 

A tea-cup  is  estimated  to  contain  about  four  fluidounces,  or  a gill. 

A wineglass  ....  two  fluidounces. 

A tablespoon  (cochlear  magnum)  - half  a fluidounce. 

A teaspoon  (cochlear  parvum)  - a fluidrachm. 

Small  quantities  of  liquid  medicines  are  often  estimated  by  drops,  each  of 
which  is  usually  considered  equivalent  to  a minim,  or  the  sixtieth  part  of  a 
fluidrachm.  The  drop  of  water  and  of  watery  fluids  is,  on  an  average,  about 
this  size;  but  the  same  is  by  no  means  the  case  with  all  medicinal  liquids,  and 
the  drop  even  of  the  same  liquid  varies  much  in  bulk,  according  to  the  circum- 
stances under  which  it  is  formed.  This  is,  therefore,  an  uncertain  mode  of 
estimating  the  quantity  of  liquids,  and  should  be  superseded  where  minim 
measures  can  be  had. 

The  results  stated  in  the  following  table  were  obtained  by  Mr.  E.  Durand, 
of  Philadelphia.  (See  Journ.  of  the  Philadelphia  College  of  Pharmacy,  i.  169.) 
They  may  be  relied  on  as  accurate,  but  should  be  considered  as  indicating  only 
the  relative  number  of  drops  afforded  by  the  several  liquids  mentioned ; for, 
under  other  circumstances  than  those  of  Mr.  Durand’s  experiments,  entirely 
different  results  might  be  obtained  as  relates  to  each  liquid.  The  preparations 
experimented  with  were  those  of  the  first  edition  of  the  U.  S.  Pharmacopoeia. 


Table,  exhibiting  the  Number  of  Drops  of  different  Liquids  equivalent  to  a 

Fluidrachm. 


Drops. 


Acid,  acetic  (crystallizable)  1*20 

Acid,  hydrocyanic  (medicinal)  45 

Acid,  muriatic  54 

Acid,  nitric  84 

Acid,  nitric,  diluted  (1  to  7)  51 

Acid,  sulphuric  90 

Acid,  sulphuric,  aromatic  120 

Acid,  sulphuric,  diluted  (1  to  7)  51 

Alcohol  (rectified  spirit)  138 

Alcohol,  diluted  (proof  spirit)  120 

Arsenite  of  potassa,  solution  of  57 

Ether,  sulphuric  150 

Oil  of  aniseed,  of  cinnamon,  of 
cloves,  of  peppermint,  of  sweet 
almonds,  of  olives  120* 


Drops. 


Tincture  of  assafetida,  of  fox- 


glove,  of  guaiac,  of  opium 

120 

Tincture  of  chloride  of  iron 

132 

Vinegar,  distilled 

78 

Vinegar  of  colchicum 

78 

Vinegar  of  opium  (black  drop) 

78 

Adnegar  of  squill 

78 

Water,  distilled 

45 

Water  of  ammonia  (strong) 

54 

Water  of  ammonia  (weak) 

45 

Wine  (Teneriffe) 

78 

AVine,  antimonial 

72 

Wine  of  colchicum 

75 

AVine  of  opium 

78 

* See  page  1098  for  tlie  results  obtained  by  Professor  Procter  with  the  volatile  oils, 
which  give  a considerably  smaller  number  of  drops  to  the  fluidrachm  than  here  stated, 
showing  how  different  may  be  the  results  obtained  under  different  circumstances. 


Appendix, 


1421 


IY.  ALPHABETICAL  TABLE  OF  PHARMACEUTICAL 
EQUIVALENTS* 


Name. 

Symbol  or  Formula,  j 

Equivalent. 

, acetic  - 

- 

cjelo3 

51 

crystallized 

- 

c4h3o3+ho 

60 

amylic.  See  Acid,  valerianic, 
antiinonic  .... 

Sb05 

169 

antimonious  - 

- 

Sb04 

161 

arsenic  - 

- 

As03 

115 

arsenious  ... 

- 

AsOg 

99 

benzoic  - - 

- 

c14h503 

113 

crystallized 

- 

c14ha+ho 

122 

boracic  - 

- 

bo3 

349 

camphoric  (monohydrated) 

- 

cjia+iio 

100 

carbonic  ... 

- 

coa 

22 

chloric  - 

- 

C103 

75-42 

chlorous  ... 

- 

C104 

67-42 

chromic  - 

- 

Cr03 

50-27 

citric 

- 

C„HsO« 

165 

crystallized 

- 

AIIAA4IIO 

201 

gallic  (dried  at  212°) 

- 

C-HA 

85 

hydriodic  ... 

' HI 

127-3 

hydrocyanic  (prusoie  acid) 

- 

HCy 

27 

hydrosulphuric  (sulphuretted  hydrogen) 

HS 

17 

hypochlorous  - - - 

- 

clo 

43  42 

hyponitrous  - 

- 

no3 

38 

hypophosphorous 

- 

PO 

40 

hyposulphuric 

- 

SA 

72 

hyposulphurous 

- 

SA 

48 

iodic  - - 

- 

10, 

166-3 

kiuic  (crystallized)  - 

- 

0,HA 

96 

lactic  (monohydrated) 

- 

c6ha+ho 

90 

meconic  (dried  at  212°)  - 

■■  .V 

c44h4014 

200 

muriatic  (hydrochloric  acid) 

- 

HC1 

36-42 

nitric 

- 

N0S 

54 

quadrihydrated  (sp.  gr. 

1-42) 

N05+4H0 

90 

* This  table  includes  all  the  elements,  although  many  of  them  are  not  used  in  medi- 
cine. It  also  embraces  a few  compounds  which  are  not  used  in  pharmacy,  but  which  are 
inserted  on  account  of  their  general  importance.  Including  aridium  and  elonarium,  the 
present  number  of  the  elements  is  65. 

f By  modern  chemists  the  elements  are  designated  by  letters,  called  symbols'.  The 
initial  letter  of  the  name  is  the  symbol,  whenever  it  is  distinctive;  but,  when  several 
elements  have  names  beginning  with  the  same  letter,  the  plan  adopted  is  to  represent 
one  of  them  by  the  initial  letter,  and  the  rest  by  the  initial  letter  with  some  other  asso- 
ciated with  it.  Thus  C stands  for  carbon,  Ca  for  calcium,  Cd  for  cadmium,  Ce  for  cerium, 
Cl  for  chlorine,  Co  for  cobalt,  Cr  for  chromium,  Cu  for  copper,  &c.  The  use  of  these 
symbols  saves  time  and  space  in  designating  the  composition  of  compounds.  Where  a 
single  equivalent  is  intended  to  be  designated,  the  symbol  of  the  element  is  simply  given ; 
but  where  several  equivalents  are  to  be  represented,  the  symbol  is  preceded  by  a figure 
indicating  the  number.  Thus  C means  one  equivalent  of  carbon,  2C  two  equivalents,  and 
so  on.  Sometimes  the  number  of  equivalents  is  denoted  by  a small  depressed  figure  fol- 
lowing the  symbol;  and  this  plan  has  been  adopted,  in  most  instances,  in  the  above  table. 
The  group  of  letters  and  figures,  thus  used  to  denote  the  composition  of  any  compound, 
is  called  the  formula  of  such  compound.  The  symbols  given  are  those  of  Berzelius,  and 
should  not  be  varied  from,  for  fear  of  destroying  their  usefulness  by  creating  confusion. 


1422 


Appendix. 


Name. 

Symbol  or  Formula. 

Equivalent. 

Acid,  nitrous  - - - - 

- 

no4 

46 

oxalic  - - - - 

- 

ca 

36 

crystallized 

- 

CA+3HO 

63 

sublimed 

- 

CA+HO 

45 

phosphoric  - - - 

- 

IA 

72 

monohydrated  (glacial  acid) 

P05+H0 

81 

phosphorous  - 

- 

P03 

56 

prussic.  See  Acid,  hydrocyanic. 

succinic  - - - - 

- 

caa 

50 

sulphuric  - 

- 

so:! 

40 

monohydrated  (sp.  gr. 

1-845) 

SCX  + HO 

49 

(Nordhausen  acid) 

- 

2S03+H0 

89 

sulphurous  ... 

- 

S02 

32 

tannic  (tannin  from  galls) 

- 

CiAAs 

212 

tartaric  - 

- 

C4ha 

66 

crystallized 

- 

caa+ho 

75 

uric  (lithic  hcid) 

- 

naaA^ 

150 

hydrated  - 

- 

NAoHA+2HO 

168 

valerianic  (amylic  acid)  - 

- 

C10HA 

93 

hydrated 

- 

CjAA+HO 

102 

Aconitia  - 

- 

NCeoH47Ou 

533 

Alcohol  - 

. 

C4H50+H0 

46 

amylic  - 

- 

CiAnO+HO 

88 

methylic  - 

- 

CA3O  + HO 

32 

Aldehyd  .... 

- 

, c4ha 

44 

Alum.  See  Sulphate  of  alumina  and  potassa. 

Alumina  - 

- 

A1A 

51-4 

tersulphate  (salt  in  alum) 

- 

A1o03,3S03 

171-4 

Aluminium  - 

- 

A1 

13-7 

Amide  (amidogen) 

- 

NIL 

16 

Ammonia  - 

- 

nh3 

17 

acetate  - 

- 

nh3,c4ha 

68 

crystallized 

- 

NH3,  C4I1303 + 7 HO 

131 

bicarbonate  - 

- 

NE3,2C03 

61 

bihydrosulphate 

- 

NH3,2HS 

51 

carbonate  - 

- 

nh3,co3 

39 

hydrosulphate  (hydrosulphuret) 

nh3,hs 

34 

muriate  (sal  ammoniac)  - 

- 

NH3,HC1 

53-42 

nitrate  - 

. 

nh3,no5 

71 

sesquicarbonate 

- 

2NHs>3G02 

100 

hydrated  (medicinal  carbonate) 

2NH3,3CO„+2HO 

118 

sulphate  - 

- 

nh„so3+ho 

66 

urate  - 

- 

NII3,NAAA+2HO 

185 

Ammonium  - 

- 

nii4 

18 

Amyle 

- 

71 

acetate  of  oxide  (acetate  of 

amylic  ether)  C10llnO,C4II,03 

130 

oxide  (amylic  ether) 

- 

C10H41O 

79 

Antimony  or  Stibium  - 

- 

Sb 

129 

oxychloride  (powder  of  Algaroth) 
oxysuiphuret  - 
tartrate  of  teroxide  - 
terchloride  (butter  of  antimony) 
teroxide  (medicinal  oxide) 
tersulpburet  (medicinal  sulphuret) 


9Sb03+2SbCl3  1847-52 

SbOs+5SbSs+16HO  1182 

SbOsAHA  219 

SbCL  235-26 

SbOs  153 

SbS3  177 


Appendix. 


1428 


Name.  Symbol  or  Formula. 

Aridium  ?* 

Equivalent. 

Arsenic 

As 

75 

bisulphuret  (realgar) 

AsS3 

107 

terchloride  - 

AsC13 

181-26 

teriodide  - 

AsI3 

453-9 

tersulphuret  (orpiment)  - 

AsSg 

123 

Atropia 

NC^Oa 

289 

sulphate  ....  NC34H2J06,S03? 

329 

Barium 

Ba 

68-7 

chloride  - 

BaCl 

104-12 

crystallized 

BaCl  + 2HO 

122-12 

Baryta  ------ 

BaO 

76-7 

carbonate  - - - 

Ba0,C03 

98-7 

hydrate  - - - - - 

muriate.  See  Barium,  chloride. 

BaO, HO 

85-7 

nitrate  - - - - - 

BaO,N03 

130-7 

sulphate  - - - - 

Ba0,S03 

116-7 

Benzole  - 

C12H6 

78 

Benzyle  - - - - - 

c14h503 

105 

Bismuth 

Bi 

213 

nitrate  of  teroxide  - - - 

Bi03,N05 

291 

teroxide  .... 

BiO, 

237 

Black  oxide  of  manganese.  See  Manganese,  deutoxide. 

oxide  of  mercury.  See  Mercury,  protoxide. 

Blue  vitriol.  See  Copper,  sulphate  of  protoxide. 

Borax.  See  Soda,  biborate. 

Boron  

B 

10-9 

Bromine  

Br 

78-4 

Brucia  ------ 

NaC^H^Oj 

373 

Cadmium 

Cd 

55-8 

protoxide  - 

CdO 

63-8 

sulphate  of  protoxide 

Cd0,S03 

103-8 

Caffein  (also  the'in  and  guaranin) 

n4c16h10o4 

194 

Calcium  - - 

Ca 

20-5 

chloride 

CaCl 

55-92 

crystallized  - 

Calomel.  See  Mercury,  protochloride. 

CaCl  + 6HO 

109-92 

Camphene  - 

CI0HS 

68 

Camphor 

C10HsO 

76 

Carbon  ------ 

C 

6 

bisulphuret  - 

Caustic  potassa.  See  Potassa,  hydrate, 
soda.  See  Soda,  hydrate. 

cs3 

38 

Cerium 

Ceruse.  See  Lead,  carbonate  of  protoxide. 

Ce 

46 

Cetin  ------ 

Chalk.  See  Lime,  carbonate. 

c32h330 

233 

Chlorine  - 

Cl 

35-42 

Chloroform 

C3HC13 

119-26 

* This  was  announced,  some  years  ago,  as  a new  metal  by  M.  Ullgren.  M.  Bahr  has 
repeated  M.  Ullgren’s  experiments,  and  has  arrived  at  the  conclusion  that  the  so-called 
aridium  consists  of  iron,  containing  phosphorus  and  probably  chromium. 


1424 


Appendix. 


Name. 

Symbol  or  Formula. 

Equivalent. 

Chromium  ----- 

Cr 

2627 

Cinchonia  - 

nc20h12o 

154 

disulphate  - 

2NC20H12O,SO3 

848 

crystallized  - 

2NC20H120,S03+2H0 

866 

sulphate  - 

nc20h^o,so3 

194 

Cinnabar.  See  Mercury,  bisulphuret. 
Cobalt  

Co 

29-5 

Codeia  ------ 

NC^O* 

284 

Columbium  or  Tantalum*  - 

Ta 

185 

Common  salt.  See  Sodium,  chloride. 
Copper  or  Cuprum 

Cu 

31-6 

acetate  of  protoxide  - - - 

CuO,C4H303 

90-6 

black  or  protoxide  - 

CuO 

396 

diacetate  of  protoxide  (verdigris) 

2Cu0,C4EL03 

130-2 

nitrate  of  protoxide  - - - 

Cu0,N05 

93-6 

crystallized  - 

Cu0,N05+3H0 

1206 

red  or  dioxide  ... 

Cu20 

.712 

sulphate  of  protoxide  (blue  vitriol) 

Cu0,S03 

79-6 

crystallized  - 

Cu0,S03  + 5H0 

124-6 

Corrosive  sublimate.  See  Mercury,  bichloride. 

Cream  of  tartar.  See  Potassa,  bitartrate. 

Creasote  - - - - - C^Hj-O. 

216 

Cyanogen  - 

■NC„or  Cy 

26 

Didymium 

Di 

48 

Donarium  ?f 

Epsom  salt.  See  Magnesia,  sulphate. 
Erbium  - 

E 

? 

Ethal 

c3„h33o+ho 

242 

Ether 

‘ c4h50 

37 

acetic 

c4h5o,c4h3o3 

88 

hydriodic  - - - - 

c4h5i 

155  3 

hyponitrous  - 

c4h5o,no3 

75 

muriatic  ----- 

c4h3ci 

6442 

sulphuric.  See  Ether. 

Ethereal  oil.  See  Sulphate  of  ether  and  etherine. 
Etherine  -----  C.H. 

28 

Ethyle 

C4Hs 

29 

Ferrocyanogen  - 

FeCy3 

106 

Flowers  of  zinc.  See  Zinc,  protoxide. 
Fluorine 

F 

18-68 

Formyle  - - 

C2H 

13 

Fusel  oil.  See  Alcohol,  amylic. 
Glauber’s  salt.  See  Soda,  sulphate. 
Glucina  - - - 

g2o3 

3792 

Glucinium 

Gr 

696 

Glycerin  - 

c6h.o5+ho 

92 

Glyceryle  ----- 

CgH. 

43 

* According  to  M.  H.  Rose  the  columbium  of  Hatchett,  and  the  tantalum  of  Ekeberg 
are  distinct  metals. 

•j-  This  is  the  name  given  by  M.  Bergemann  to  a metal  assumed  to  be  present  in  an 
oxide,  supposed  to  be  new,  found  by  him  in  a Norwegian  mineral,  called  orangite.  The 
oxide  in  question  is  now  stated  to  be  impure  thorina;  and,  should  this  statement  be  con- 
firmed, donarium  must  be  struck  from  the  list  of  metals. 


Appendix. 


1425 


Name. 

Symbol  or  Formula. 

Equivalent. 

Gold  or  Aurum  - 

- 

- 

- 

Au 

199 

Goulard’s  extract  of  lead.  See  Lead,  diacetate  of  protoxide. 
Green  vitriol.  See  Iron,  sulphate  of  protoxide. 

Heavy  oil  of  wine.  See  Sulphate  of  ether  and  etherine. 


Hydrogen 

H 

1 

protoxide  (water)  ... 

HO 

9 

Ilmenium 

11 

60-24 

Iodine  

I 

126-3 

Iodoform  

c2hi3 

391-9 

Iridium 

Ir 

988 

Iron  or  Ferrum  - - - 

Fe 

28 

bitartrate  of  sesquioxide  - 

Fe203,2C4Ha0s 

212 

bromide  - 

FeBr 

1064 

carbonate  of  protoxide 

FeO,COn 

58 

citrate  of  sesquioxide 

FeA,C12H50u 

245 

ferrocyanuret  (pure  Prussian  blue) 

Fe7Cy9 

430 

iodide 

Fel 

154-3 

crystallized 

FeI+5HO 

199-3 

medicinal  black  oxide 

Fe303+2Fe0 

152 

native  black  oxide  - 

F e203  -p  FeO 

116 

protoeyanuret  - 

< FeCy 

54 

protoxide  - 

FeO 

36 

red  or  sesquioxide  ... 

Fe203 

80 

hydrated  - 

Fe203  +2HO 

98 

sesquichloride  - 

Fe2Cl3 

162-26 

subarseniate  of  protoxide  - 

4FeO,AsOs 

259 

sulphate  of  protoxide  (green  vitriol) 

FeO, SO. 

76 

crystallized 

FeO,S03  + 7 HO 

139 

tartrate  of  protoxide 

Fe0,C4Ho05 

102 

tartrate  of  sesquioxide 

Fe203,C4HA 

146 

teracetate  of  sesquioxide  - 

Fe203,3C4H303 

233 

ternitrate  of  sesquioxide  - 

FeA,8XOs 

242 

tersulphate  of  sesquioxide 

Fe203>3S03 

200 

tervalerianate  of  sesquioxide 

Fe2O3,3C10H9O3 

359 

tribasic  phosphate  of  protoxide  - 

2Fe0,H0,P05 

153 

Lantanium 

La 

44-15 

Lead  or  Plumbum 

Pb 

103-6 

acetate  of  protoxide  (sugar  of  lead) 

PbO,C4H303 

162-6 

crystallized 

Pb0,C4H303  + 3H0 

189-6 

carbonate  of  protoxide  (white  lead) 

2 (Pb0,C02)  -f  PbO,HO 

387-8 

chloride 

PbCl 

139-02 

deutoxide  (puce  oxide) 

Pb02 

1196 

diacetate  of  protoxide  (Goulard’s  extract)  2Pb0,C4H303 

274-2 

iodide  - 

Pbl 

2299 

nitrate  of  protoxide  - 

PbO,NOs 

165-6 

protoxide  (massicot) 

PbO 

111-6 

red  oxide  (red  lead  or  minium)  - 

Pb304 

342-8 

Lime 

CaO 

28-5 

bone-phosphate 

3Ca0,P05 

157-5 

carbonate  (chalk)  - 

CaO,CO„ 

50-5 

chlorinated  .... 

CaO, Cl" 

63-92 

hydrate  (slaked  lime) 
muriate.  See  Calcium,  chloride. 

CaO, HO 

37-5 

90 


1426 


Appendix. 


Name. 

Symbol  or  Formula.  Equivalent. 

Lime,  oxalate 

Ca0,C203 

64 '5 

tartrate  - 

CaO,C4H205 

94-5 

Lithia  ------ 

LO 

14 

carbonate  - - - - 

L0,C03 

36 

Lithium 

L 

6 

Magnesia 

MgO 

20 

carbonate  (magnesia  alba) 

3(MgO,CO„+HO)+MgO,HO 

182 

citrate  

SMgOjC^HjOn 

225 

sulphate  (Epsom  salt) 

MgO, SO, 

60 

crystallized  - 

Mg0,S03+7H0 

123 

Magnesium 

Mg 

12 

hydrated  chloride  - - - 

MgCl,6HO 

10142 

Manganese 

Mn 

27-7 

deutoxide  (black  oxide)  - 

MnO, 

437 

Mannite  ----- 

CeH-Oa 

91 

Massicot.  See  Lead,  protoxide. 

Mercury  or  Hydrargyrum  - 

Hg 

202 

acetate  of  protoxide 

HgO,C4H3Os 

261 

ammoniated  (white  precipitate)  - 

HgCl,NH3 

253  42 

bichloride  (corrosive  sublimate) 

HgCla 

272-84 

bicyanuret  (prussiate)  * - 

HgCy2 

254 

biDiodide  - - - - 

Hgl2 

454-6 

binitrate  of  deutoxide 

HgOa,2NOs 

326 

bisulphate  of  deutoxide  - 

Hg02,2S03 

298 

bisulphuret  (cinnabar) 

HgS2 

234 

deutoxide  (red  precipitate) 

Hg02 

218 

nitrate  of  protoxide  - 

HgO,NOs 

264 

protiodide  - 

Hgl 

328  3 

protochloride  (calomel) 

HgCl 

237  42 

protosulphuret  - 

HgS 

218 

protoxide  (black  oxide)  - 

HsO 

210 

sesquiodide  - 

HgJs 

782  9 

subsulphate  of  deutoxide  (turpeth  mineral)  3Hg02,2S03 

734 

sulphate  of  protoxide 

HgO,SOs 

250 

Methyle  ----- 

c2h3 

15 

Minium.  See  Lead,  red  oxide. 

Molybdenum  - 

Mo 

47-7 

Morphia  - 

NCJI.Oe 

292 

acetate  

NC35HM)6,C4H303 

343 

muriate  - - - - - 

nc35h2,a,hci 

328  42 

sulphate  - - - - - 

NCMHgoOe,SO, 

332 

Narcein  ------ 

NC^HooO,, 

298 

Nickel 

Ni 

295 

protoxide  - 

NiO 

375 

sulphate  of  protoxide 

NiO.SOs 

775 

crystallized  ... 

Ni0,S03  + 7H0 

1405 

Niobium* 

Nb 

? 

* Niobium  and  pelopium  were  alleged  to  exist  in  the  Bavarian  and  North  American 
columbites.  Recently,  however,  M.  H.  Rose  has  announced  that  they  are  the  same,  and 
proposes  to  retain  the  name  niobium.  It  is  not  contended  that  the  peculiar  metal  of  the 
columbites  is  different  from  that  discovered  in  1801  by  Hatchett:  and,  therefore,  as  justly 
remarked  by  Prof.  A.  Connell,  of  St.  Andrews,  it  should  be  called  columbium.  the  name 
given  to  it  by  its  discoverer,  and  the  name  niobium  should  be  abandoned.  (Philos.  Mao., 
June,  1854,  p.  461.) 


Appendix. 


1427 


Name. 

Symbol  or  Formula. 

Equivalent. 

Nitre.  See  Potassa,  nitrate. 

Nitrogen  - - - 

- 

N 

14 

Norium  - - - 

- 

No 

? 

Olefiant  gas 

Orpiment.  See  Arsenic,  tersulphuret. 

C2IIa 

14 

Osmium  .... 

- 

Os 

99-7 

Oxygen  .... 

- 

0 

8 

Palladium  .... 

- 

Pd 

53-3 

Pelopium. 

Phosphorus  - - - - 

- 

p 

32 

Platinum  .... 

- 

Pt 

98'9 

Potassa  . - - - - 

KO 

472 

acetate  .... 

- 

KO,C4H303 

98-2 

crystallized 

- 

K0,C4H303  + 2H0 

1162 

arsenite  - 

- 

K0,As03  , 

146-2 

bicarbonate  ... 

- 

K0,2C03 

91-2 

crystallized 

- 

KO,2COa+HO 

100-2 

bichromate  - 

- 

K0,2Cr03 

147-74 

binoxalate  (salt  of  sorrel) 

- 

K0,2C203 

119-2 

crystallized 

- 

K0,2Ca03  + 3H0 

146  2 

bisulphate  ... 

- 

K0,2S03 

127-2 

crystallized 

- 

K0,2S03+2H0 

1452 

bitartrate  (cream  of  tartar) 

- 

KO,2C4H3Os 

179-2 

crystallized 

- 

K0,2C4H303+H0 

188-2 

carbonate  (salt  of  tartar)  - 

KO,COa 

69-2 

chlorate  - 

- 

K0,C105 

122-62 

chromate  ... 

- 

KO,CrOo 

97-47 

citrate  - - - - 

ferroc-yanate.  See  Potassium 

SKO^HAr 

, ferrocyanuret. 

306-6 

hydrate  (caustic  potassa)  - 
hydriodate.  See  Potassium, 
nitrate  (nitre  or  saltpetre) 

iodide. 

KO,HO 

56  2 

j 

KO,NOs 

101-2 

oxalate  - 

- 

K0,C203 

83-2 

sesquicarbonate 

2K0,3C02 

1604 

sulphate  (vitriolated  tartar) 

ko,so3 

87-2 

tartrate  (soluble  tartar)  - 

K0.C4H30s 

113-2 

tribasic  phosphate  - 

- 

2K0,H0,P05 

175-4 

Potassium  or  Kalium  - 

- 

K 

39-2 

bromide  - - - - 

* ■ 

KBr 

1176 

chloride  - 

- 

KC1 

74-62 

cyanuret  ... 

- 

KCy 

65-2 

ferrocyanuret  - 

- 

2KCy,FeCy 

184-4 

crystallized 

- 

2KCy,FeCy  + 3HO 

211-4 

iodide  - - - - 

. v .. 

KI 

165-5 

iodohydrargyrate 

- 

2KI,HgI2 

785-6 

teroxide 

- 

ko3 

63-2 

tersulphuret  - 

s;  j" 

ks3 

87-2 

Prussian  blue.  See  Iron,  ferrocyanuret. 

Prussiate  of  mercury.  See  Mercury,  bicyanuret. 
Prussic  acid.  See  Acid,  hydrocyanic. 

Puce  oxide  of  lead.  See  Lead,  deutoxide. 
Pyroxylic  spirit.  See  Alcohol,  methylic. 


1428 


Appendix. 


Name. 

Symbol  or  Formula. 

Quinia  ------ 

NC*,H,A 

disulphate  (medicinal  sulphate) 

2NC30H1203,S03 

crystallized  - - - 

2NG„„HiAS03+8H0 

muriate  - - - - - 

NC20H1202,H(T 

sulphate  - 

NC^HjA.SOg 

valerianate  - 

NCaoHjAAnHA 

Quinidia 

NC.AjO 

disulphate  - 

2NC18H110,S03 

crystallized  - 

2NC^HuO,S03+HO 

Realgar.  See  Arsenic,  bisulphuret. 

Red  lead.  See  Lead,  red  oxide. 

precipitate.  See  Mercury,  deutoxide. 

Rhodium 

R 

Rochelle  salt.  See  Tartrate  of  potassa  and 

soda. 

Ruthenium  ----- 

Ru 

Sal  ammoniac.  See  Ammonia,  muriate. 

Salicin 

Salt  of  sorrel.  See  Potassa,  binoxalate. 

of  tartar.  See  Potassa,  carbonate. 
Saltpetre.  See  Potassa,  nitrate. 

Selenium 

Se 

Silica 

Si03 

Silicon 

Si 

Silver  or  Argentum  - 

Ag 

chloride 

AgCl 

cyanuret - - - - - 

AgCy 

nitrate  of  protoxide  - - - 

AgO,NOs 

protoxide  - - - - 

AgO 

Slaked  lime.  See  Lime,  hydrate. 

Soda 

NaO 

acetate  

NaO,C4HA 

crystallized  - 

NaO,C4H303+6HO 

biborate  (borax)  - 

Na0,2B03 

octohedral  - 

Na0,2B03+5H0 

prismatic  - 

Na0,2B03  + lGH0 

bicarbonate  - - - 

NaO,2C02 

crystallized  - 

NaO,-2CO„+HO 

carbonate  - - - - 

NaO,C02 

NaO,CO„+10HO 

crystallized  - - - 

hydrate  (caustic  soda) 

NaO, HO 

muriate.  See  Sodium,  chloride. 

nitrate  - - - - - 

Na0,N05 

sesquicarbonate  - 

2NaO,3CO„ 

hydrated  - 

2NaO,3CO.,+4HO 

sulphate  (Glauber’s  salt)  - 

NaO,SOs 

crystallized  - 

NaO,SO3+10HO 

sulphite  - 

NaO, SO., 

crystallized 

NaO,SO.,-f  8HO 

tartrate  - - - - - 

NaO,04H„O, 

crystallized 

Na0,C4H.,054-2H0 

tribasic  phosphate  (medicinal  phosphate)  2Na0,H0,P05 
crystallized  ...  2Na0,H0.P05+24H0 

valerianate  ....  NaO,C10H9O3 


Equivalent. 

162 

864 

486 

198-42 

202 

255 

141 

322 

331 


52-2 
52  2 
286 


39- 6 
45  3 
213 

108 

143-42 

134 

170 

116 

313 

82-3 

1363 

1011 

1461 

191-1 

753 

84- 3 
53  3 

143-3 

40- 3 

85- 3 
128-6 
164-6 

71  3 
1613 
63-3 
1353 
973 
115-3 
143-6 
359-6 
124-3 


Appendix. 


1429 


Name. 

Symbol  or  Formula.  Equivalent. 

Sodium  or  Natrium 

- 

Na 

23-3 

chloride  (common  salt) 

- 

NaCl 

5872 

iodide  - 

- 

Nal 

1496 

sesquioxide  ... 

- 

Na303 

70-6 

Soluble  tartar.  See  Potassa,  tartrate. 

Starch  - 

- 

CAicAo 

162 

Strontia  .... 

- 

SrO 

51-8 

Strontium  .... 

- 

Sr 

43-8 

Strychnia  .... 

- 

NAAA 

347 

muriate  - - - - 

- 

N^H^HCl 

383-42 

Sugar,  cane  .... 

- 

CiaHjjOn 

171 

of  lead.  See  Lead,  acetate  of  protoxide. 

of  milk  - 

- 

315 

crystallized 

- 

CJE^Ao+SHO 

360 

Sulphate  of  alumina  and  potassa  (alum) 

Alg03,8S03+  K0,S03 

258-6 

crystallized  ... 

- A1A,3S03+K0,S03+24H0 

474-6 

Sulphate  of  ether  and  etherine 

- 

C^HASOg+C^SO, 

145 

Sulphur  .... 

- 

s 

16 

iodide  (bisulphuret  of  iodine) 

ISa 

158-3 

Sulphuretted  hydrogen.  See  Acid,  hydrosulphuric. 

Tartar  emetic.  See  Tartrate  of  antimony  and  potassa. 

Tartrate  of  antimony  and  potassa 

Sb03,C4II203+ KO,C4H3Os 

332-2 

Tartrate  of  iron  and  potassa 

- 

F e203,  C4H205 + KO,  C4H„Os 

259-2 

Tartrate  of  potassa  and  soda 

- 

KO,C4H2Os + NaO,  C4H265 

210-5 

Tellurium  - 

- 

Te 

64-2 

Terbium  .... 

. 

Tb 

? 

Thebaina  - 

- 

NCAA 

202 

Thorina  .... 

- 

ThO 

67"6 

Thorium  - 

- 

Th 

59-6 

Tin  or  Stannum  - - - 

- 

Sn 

58-9 

protochloride  - - - 

- 

SnCl 

94-32 

Titanium  - - - 

- 

Ti 

25 

Tungsten  or  Wolfram 

- 

W 

92 

Turpeth  mineral.  See  Mercury,  subsulphate  of  deutoxide. 

Uranium  - 

- 

U 

60 

Urea 

- 

n2c2ha 

60 

Vanadium  ...  - 

- 

V 

68-5 

Yeratria NC34H,,A  288 

Verdigris.  See  Copper,  diacetate  of  protoxide. 

Yitriolated  tartar.  See  Potassa,  sulphate. 

Water.  See  Hydrogen,  protoxide. 

White  precipitate.  See  Mercury,  ammoniated. 
vitriol.  See  Zinc,  sulphate  of  protoxide. 


Yttria  ------ 

YO 

402 

Yttrium  ------ 

Y 

322 

Zinc 

Zn 

32-3 

acetate  of  protoxide 

ZnO,C4H303 

91-3 

crystallized  ... 

Zn0,C4H303  + 7H0 

154-3 

carbonate  of  protoxide  (precipitated 

carbonate)  ... 

8Zn0,3C02+6H0 

442-4 

chloride  - 

ZnCl 

67  72 

cyanuret  - 

ZnCy 

58-3 

iodide  - 

Znl 

158-6 

1430 


Appendix. 


Name. 

Zinc,  protoxide  (flowers  of  zinc) 

sulphate  of  protoxide  (white  vitriol) 
crystallized  ... 
sulphuret  (blende)  - - - 

valerianate  of  protoxide  - 
Zirconia  ..... 
Zirconium 


Symbol  or  Formula. 

Equivalent. 

ZnO 

40-3 

ZnO,SO, 

80-3 

ZnO,SO,+7HO 

143-3 

ZnS 

48-3 

ZnO,C10Hg03 

133-3 

Zr203 

91-2 

Zr 

336 

B. 

Y.  CORRESPONDENCE  BETWEEN  DIFFERENT  THERMOMETERS. 

In  Fahrenheit' s thermometer,  which  is  universally  employed  in  this  country 
and  Great  Britain,  the  freezing  point  of  water  is  placed  at  32°,  and  the  boiling 
point  at  212°,  and  the  number  of  intervening  degrees  is  180. 

The  Centigrade,  thermometer,  which  has  long  been  used  in  Sweden  under  the 
name  of  Celsius’s  thermometer,  and  is  now  most  generally  employed  on  the  con- 
tinent of  Europe,  marks  the  freezing  point  zero,  and  the  boiling  point  100°. 

In  Reaumur’s  thermometer,  used  in  France  before  the  revolution,  the  freez- 
ing point  is  at  zero,  and  the  boiling  point  at  80°. 

In  De  Lisle' s thermometer  used  in  Russia,  the  graduation  begins  at  the  boil- 
ing point,  which  is  marked  zero,  while  the  freezing  point  is  placed  at  150°. 

From  the  above  statement,  it  is  evident  that  180  degrees  of  Fahrenheit  are 
equal  to  100°  of  the  centigrade,  80°  of  Reaumur,  and  150°  of  De  Lisle  ; or  1 
degree  of  the  first  is  equal  to  f of  a degree  of  the  second,  f of  a degree  of  the 
third,  and  § of  a degree  of  the  last.  It  is  easy,  therefore,  to  convert  the  degrees 
of  one  into  the  equivalent  number  of  degrees  of  the  other;  but,  in  ascertaining 
the  corresponding  points  upon  the  different  scales,  it  is  necessary  to  take  into 
consideration  their  different  modes  of  graduation.  Thus,  as  the  zero  of  Fahren- 
heit is  32°  below  the  point  at  which  that  of  the  centigrade  and  of  Reaumur  is 
placed,  this  number  must  be  taken  into  account  in  the  calculation.  The  follow- 
ing propositions  will  embrace  all  the  cases  which  can  arise  in  relation  to  the 
three  last-mentioned  thermometers.  That  of  De  Lisle  is  seldom  or  never  re- 
ferred to  in  works  which  are  read  in  this  country. 

1.  If  any  degree  on  the  centigrade  scale,  either  above  or  below  zero,  be  mul- 
tiplied by  9 and  divided  by  5,  or  if  any  degree  of  Reaumur  above  or  below  zero 
be  multiplied  by  9 and  divided  by  4,  the  quotient  will,  in  either  case,  be  the 
number  of  degrees  above  or  below  32°,  or  the  freezing  point  of  Fahrenheit. 

2.  The  number  of  degrees  between  any  point  of  Fahrenheit' s scale  and  32°, 
if  multiplied  by  5 and  divided  by  9,  will  give  the  corresponding  point  on  the 
centigrade;  if  multiplied  by  4 and  divided  by  9,  will  give  the  corresponding 
point  on  the  scale  of  Reaumur. 

3.  Any  degree  of  the  centigrade  multiplied  by  4 and  divided  by  5,  will  give 
the  corresponding  degree  of  Reaumur;  and  conversely,  any  degree  of  Reaumur 
multiplied  by  5 and  divided  by  4,  will  give  the  corresponding  degree  of  the 
centigrade. 


Appendix.  1431 

VI.  TABLES, 

SHOWING  THE  SPECIFIC  GRAVITY  CORRESPONDING  WITH  THE  SEVERAL 
DEGREES  OF  HYDROMETERS  IN  USE. 

Baum6’s  hydrometer  is  usually  employed  in  France.  In  this  instrument, 
the  sp.  gr.  of  distilled  water  is  assumed  as  the  zero  of  the  descending  scale,  in 
relation  to  fluids  heavier  than  itself,  while  it  is  assumed  as  10  on  the  ascending 
scale,  in  relation  to  lighter  fluids.  In  the  Pharmacopoeia  Batava,  a modification 
of  the  instrument  has  been  adopted,  in  which  the  sp.  gr.  of  distilled  water  has 
been  assumed  as  the  zero  of  both  scales.  In  the  following  tables,  the  specific 
gravity  of  liquids  is  given,  corresponding  with  the  several  degrees  of  these  two 
hydrometers.  The  first  column  of  specific  gravities,  corresponding  with  Baume’s 
scale,  is  taken  from  the  Paris  Codex,  and  is,  therefore,  of  high  authority;  the 
second  is  that  which  has  been  given  in  previous  editions  of  this  work,  taken 
from  Duncan’s  Edinburgh  Dispensatory  (A.  D.  1830),  and  based  on  the  calcu- 
lations of  Huss. 


For  Liquids  lighter  than  Water. 


Degree 
of  hydro- 
meter. 

Specific  Gravity. 

Degree 
of  hydro- 
meter. 

Specific  Gravity. 

By  Banm6. 

In  Pharm. 
Batava. 

By  Baume. 

In  Pharm. 
Batava. 

0 

1000 

32 

0-867 

0-8638 

819 

l 

993 

33 

0-862 

0-8584 

814 

2 

987 

34 

0'857 

0-8531 

810 

3 

980 

35 

0-852 

0-8479 

805 

4 

974 

36 

0-847 

0-8428 

800 

5 

967 

37 

0-842 

0-8378 

796 

6 

961 

38 

0-837 

0-8329 

792 

7 

954 

39 

0-832 

0-8281 

787 

8 

948 

40 

0-827 

0-8233 

782 

9 

941 

41 

0-823 

0-8186 

778 

10 

1-000 

1-0000 

935 

42 

0-818 

0-8139 

774 

11 

0-993 

0-9930 

929 

43 

0-813 

0-8093 

770 

12 

0-986 

09861 

923 

44 

0-809 

0-8047 

766 

13 

0-979 

0-9792 

917 

45 

0-804 

0-8001 

762 

14 

0-973 

0 9724 

911 

46 

0-800 

0’7956 

758 

15 

0966 

0-9657 

906 

47 

0-795 

0-7911 

754 

16 

0-960 

0-9591 

900 

48 

0-791 

0-7866 

750 

17 

0953 

0-9526 

895 

49 

0-7821 

746 

18 

0-947 

0 9462 

889 

50 

0-7777 

742 

19 

0941 

0-9399 

884 

51 

0-7733 

20 

0-935 

0-9336 

878 

52 

0-7689 

21 

0-929 

0-9274 

873 

53 

0-7646 

22 

0 923 

0-9212 

868 

54 

0 7603 

23 

0917 

0-9151 

863 

55 

0-7560 

24 

0-911 

0-9091 

858 

56 

0-7518 

25 

0-905 

0 9032 

852 

57 

0-7476 

26 

0 800 

0-8974 

847 

58 

0-7435 

27 

0-894 

0-8917 

842 

59 

0-7394 

28 

0-889 

0-8860 

837 

60 

0-7354 

29 

0-883 

0-8804 

832 

61 

0-7314 

30 

0-878 

0-8748 

828 

62 

0-7251 

31 

0-872 

0-8693 

823 

1432 


Appendix . 


For  Liquids  heavier  than  Water. 


Degree 
of  hydro- 
meter. 

Specific  Gravity. 

Degree 
of  hydro- 
meter. 

Specific  Gravity. 

By  Baume. 

In  Pharm. 
Batava. 

By  Baume. 

In  Pharm. 
Batava. 

0 

1000 

1-0000 

1000 

41 

1398 

1-3947 

1398 

1 

1007 

1-0070 

1007 

42 

1412 

1-4082 

1412 

2 

1014 

1-0141 

1014 

43 

1426 

1-4219 

1426 

3 

1022 

10213 

1022 

44 

1440 

1-4359 

1440 

4 

1029 

1-0286 

1029 

45 

1454 

1-4501 

1454 

5 

1036 

1 0360 

1036 

46 

1470 

1-4645 

1470 

6 

1044 

1-0435 

1044 

47 

1485 

1-4792 

1485 

7 

1052 

1-0511 

1052 

48 

1501 

1-4942 

1501 

8 

1060 

1-0588 

1060 

49 

1516 

1-5096 

1516 

9 

1067 

1 0666 

1067 

50 

1532 

1-5253 

1532 

10 

1075 

1-0745 

1075 

51 

1549 

1-5413 

1549 

11 

1083 

1-0825 

1083 

52 

1566 

1-5576 

1566 

12 

1091 

1-0906 

1091 

53 

1583 

1-5742 

1583 

13 

1100 

1-0988 

1100 

54 

1601 

1-5912 

1601 

14 

1108 

11071 

1108 

55 

1618 

1-6086 

1618 

15 

1116 

11155 

1116 

56 

1637 

1-6264 

1637 

16 

1125 

1-1240 

1125 

57 

1656 

1-6446 

1656 

17 

1134 

1-1326 

1134 

58 

1676 

1-6632 

1676 

18 

1143 

11414 

1143 

59 

1695 

1-6823 

1695 

19 

1152 

1-1504 

1152 

60 

1715 

1-7019 

1714 

20 

1161 

1-1596 

1161 

61 

1736 

1-7220 

1736 

21 

1171 

11690 

1171 

62 

1758 

1-7427 

1758 

22 

1180 

1-1785 

1180 

63 

1779 

1-7640 

1779 

23 

1190 

1-1882 

1190 

64 

1801 

1.7858 

1801 

24 

1199 

1-1981 

1199 

65 

1823 

1 8082 

1823 

25 

1210 

1-2082 

1210 

66 

1847 

1-8312 

1847 

26 

1221 

1-2184 

1221 

67 

1872 

1-8548 

1872 

27 

1231 

1-2288 

1231 

68 

1897 

1-8790 

1897 

28 

1242 

1-2394 

1242 

69 

1921 

1-9038 

1921 

29 

1252 

1-2502 

1252 

70 

1946 

1-9291 

1946 

30 

1261 

1-2612 

1261 

71 

1974 

1-9548 

1974 

31 

1275 

1-2724 

1275 

72 

2002 

1-9809 

2002 

32 

1286 

1-2838 

1286 

73 

2031 

2-0073 

2031 

33 

1298 

1-2954 

1298 

74 

2059 

2-0340 

2059 

34 

1309 

1-3072 

1309 

75 

2087 

2-0610 

2087 

35 

1321 

1-3190 

1321 

76 

2116 

2116 

36 

1334 

1-3311 

1334 

37 

1346 

1-3434 

1346 

38 

1359 

1-3559 

1359 

39 

1372 

1-3686 

1372 

40 

1384 

1-3815 

1384 

Appendix.  1433 

The  French  Codex  employs  Baum6’s  hydrometer  to  indicate  the  density  of 
liquids  heavier  than  water;  but  for  those  lighter  than  water,  it  has  recourse  to 
the  instrument  of  Cartier , as  the  one  most  diffused  in  commerce.  This  differs 
from  Baume’s  only  in  a slight  modification  of  the  scale.  In  both,  the  lowest 
point  is  10°;  hut  30°  of  Cartier  correspond  with  32°  of  Baume,  so  that  20 
degrees  of  the  former  are  equivalent  to  22  of  the  latter.  Such,  at  least,  was 
the  original  relation  of  the  two  instruments ; but  that  of  Cartier  has  subse- 
quently undergone  some  slight  modifications.  The  following  table,  extracted 
from  the  Codex,  shows  the  value  of  the  several  degrees  of  Baume’s  scale  in  those 
of  Cartier’s.  The  centesimal  alcoholmeter  of  Gray-Lussac  is  applicable  only  to 
alcohol.  The  scale  of  this  instrument  is  divided  into  100  unequal  degrees,  the 
zero  corresponding  to  pure  water,  and  100°  to  absolute  alcohol;  and  every  in- 
termediate degree  expresses  the  per  centage  of  pure  alcohol,  by  measure,  con- 
tained in  the  liquors  examined.  Thus,  when  the  instrument  stands  at  40°  in 
any  alcoholic  liquid,  it  indicates  that  100  parts  of  the  liquid  contain  40  of  pure 
alcohol  and  60. of  water.  But,  as  it  was  graduated  for  the  temperature  of  59° 
of  Fahrenheit,  the  liquors  to  be  tested  should  be  brought  to  that  temperature. 
In  page  62  of  this  Dispensatory  is  a table  indicating  the  specific  gravity  cor- 
responding with  each  per  centage  of  alcohol  by  weight;  and  as,  in  the  table 
given  in  the  next  page,  the  value  of  Cartier’s  degrees  in  those  of  the  alcohol- 
meter  is  stated,  there  can  be  no  difficulty  in  converting  the  degrees  of  any  one 
of  these  instruments  into  those  of  another,  or  of  ascertaining  the  specific  gra- 
vity, or  the  per  centage  of  alcohol  whether  by  measure  or  weight,  to  which 
they  respectively  correspond. 


Table  showing  the  Value  of  the  Degrees  of  Baume  s Hydrometer  in  those  of 

Cartier's. 


Baume. 

Cartier. 

Baume. 

Cartier. 

Baume. 

Cartier. 

10 

10 

23 

21  94 

36 

33-88 

li 

10-92 

24 

22-85 

37 

34-80 

12 

11-84 

25 

23-77 

38 

35-72 

13 

12-76 

26 

24-69 

39 

36-63 

14 

13-67 

27 

25-61 

40 

37-55 

15 

14-59 

r 28 

26  53 

41 

38-46 

16 

15-51 

29 

27  44 

42 

39-40 

17 

16-43 

30 

28-38 

43 

40-31 

18 

17-35 

31 

29-29 

44 

41-22 

• 19 

18-26 

32 

30-31 

45 

42  14 

20 

19-18 

33 

3113 

46 

43-06 

21; 

20-10 

34 

32  04 

47 

43-98 

22 

21-02 

35 

32-96 

48 

44-90 

1434 


Appendix. 


Table  showing  the  Value  of  the  Degrees  of  Cartier's  Hydrometer  in  those  of 
Gay-Lussac’ s Centesimal  Alcoholmeter. 


Cartier. 

Centesimal 

Alcoholmeter. 

Cartier. 

Centesimal 

Alcoholmeter. 

1 

Cartier. 

Centesimal 

Alcoholmeter. 

10 

0-2 

22 

58-7 

34 

86-2 

11 

51 

23 

61-5 

35 

88 

12 

11-2 

24 

64  2 

36 

89-6 

13 

18-2 

25 

66-9 

37 

912 

14 

25-2 

26 

69-4 

38 

92-7 

15 

31-6 

27 

71-8 

39 

94-1 

16 

369 

28 

74 

40 

95-4 

17 

41-5 

29 

76-3 

41 

96-6 

18 

45-5 

30 

78-4 

42 

977 

19 

494 

31 

80-5 

43 

98  8 

20 

52-5 

32 

82-6 

44 

998 

21 

55-6 

33 

84 '4 

INDEX 


A 


Abbreviations,  table  of  1411 
Abelmoschus  esculen- 


tus 

1340 

Abelmoschus  moschatus  1340 

Abies  balsamea 

729 

Abies  Canadensis 

564 

Abies  communis 

563 

Abies  excelsa 

563 

Abies  larix 

730 

Abies  nigra 

729 

Abies  pectinata 

729 

Abies  picea  563 

, 729 

Abies  taxifolia 

729 

Absinthic  acid 

5 

Absinthin 

5 

Absinthium 

4 

Absolute  alcohol 

852 

Abuta 

551 

Acacia 

5 

Acacia  Adansonii 

6 

Acacia  Arabica 

6 

Acacia  catechu 

198 

Acacia  decurrens 

7 

Acacia  Ehrenbergiana 

6 

Acacia  floribunda 

7 

Acacia  gummifera 

6 

Acacia  karroo 

6 

Acacia  Nilotica 

6 

Acacia  nostras 

7 

Acacia  Senegal 

6 

Acacia  seyal 

6 

Acacia  tortilis 

7 

Acacia  vera 

6 

Acacice  verm  succus 

7 

Acer  saccharinum 

632 

Aceta 

793 

Acetate  of  alumina 
Acetate  of  ammonia,  so- 

1393 

lution  of 

861 

Acetate  of  am ylic  ether  1329 

Acetate  of  copper 
Acetate  of  iron,  tinc- 

1289 

ture  of 

995 

Acetate  of  lead 

569 

Acetate  of  magnesia 

1289 

Acetate  of  morphia 
Acetate  of  morphia,  so- 

1087 

lution  of 

1088 

Acetate  of  potassa 

1133 

Acetate  of  quinia 

251 

Acetate  of  soda 

686 

Acetate  of  zinc  1276 

Acetated  tincture  of 
opium  1242 

Acetic  acid  15 

Acetic  acid,  aromatic  799 

Acetic  acid,  camphor- 
ated 798 

Acetic  acid,  diluted  800 

Acetic  acid,  glacial  16,  19 

Acetic  acid  of  com- 
merce 15,  20 

Acetic  acid,  strong  16 

Acetic  ether  1289 

Agetic  extract  of  colchi- 
cum  973 

Acetification  13 

Acetone  1 385 

Acetosella  1376 

Acetum  12 

Acetum  Britnnnicum  1 4 

Acetum  cantharidis  795 

Acetum  colchici  796 

Acetum  destillatum  794 

Acetum  Gallicum  14 

Acetum  opii  796 

Acetum  scillae  798 

Achillea  millefolium  1289 
Achilleic  acid  1289 

Acid,  acetic  15 

Acid,  aromatic  sulphu- 
ric 81 6 

Acid,  arsenious  21 

Acid,  benzoic  800 

Acid  binitrate  of  deut- 
oxide  of  mercury  1042 
Acid,  chlorohydrie  35 

Acid,  citric  32 

Acid,  diluted  acetic  800 

Acid,  diluted  hydrocy- 
anic 805 

Acid,  diluted  muriatic  812 

Acid,  diluted  nitric  812 

Acid,  diluted  phospho- 
ric 815 

Acid,  diluted  sulphuric  816 

Acid,  gallic  803 

Acid,  hydrochloric  35 

Acid,  hydrocyanic  806 

Acid,  medicinal  hydro- 
cyanic 808 

Acid,  muriatic  35 

Acid  nitrate  of  mer- 
cury 1042 


Acid,  nitric 

40 

Acid,  nitromuriatic 

813 

Acid,  prussic 

805 

Acid,  pure  arsenious 

903 

Acid,  pure  nitric 

813 

Acid,  pure  sulphuric 

818 

Acid  pyretin 

1391 

Acid,  pyroligneous 

15 

Acid,  sulphuric 

45 

Acid,  tannic 

819 

Acid,  tartaric 

51 

Acid,  valerianic 

745 

Acida 

799 

Acids 

799 

Acidum  aceticum  15,  17 

Acidum  aceticum  cam- 

phoratum 

Acidum  aceticum  dilu- 

798 

tum 

Acidum  aceticum  e ligno 

800 

venale  15,  17 

Acidum  aceticum  forte  16,  17 
Acidum  aceticum  gla- 

ciale 

16 

Acidum  arseniosum 
Acidum,  arseniosum 

21 

purum 

903 

Acidum  benzoicum 

800 

Acidum  chromicum 

1314 

Acidum  citrieum 

32 

Acidum  gallicum 

803 

Acidum  hydriodicum 

1341 

Acidum  hydrochloricum 
Acidum  hydrochloricum 

35 

dilutum 

812 

Acidum  hydrocyanicum 
Acidum  hydrocyanicum 

805 

dilutum 

805 

Acidum  lacticum 

1354 

Acidum  muriaticum 
Acidum  muriaticum  di- 

35 

lutum 

Acidum  muriaticum  pu- 

812 

rum 

Acidum  muriaticum  ve- 

35 

nale 

35 

Acidum  nitricum 
Acidum  nitricum  dilu- 

40 

tum 

812 

Acidum  nitricum  purum 

813 

Acidum  nitricum  venale 

40 

Acidum  nitromuriaticum  813 
Acidum  oxalicum  1373 


1436 


Index , 


Acidum  phosphoricum 
dilutum  815 

Acidum  pyroligneum  15,  17 
Acidum  succinicum  1392 
Acidum  sulphuricum  45 
Acidum  sulpliuricum 
aromaticum  816 

Acidum  sulphuricum 

dilutum  816 

Acidum  sulphuricum 

purum  t~  818 

Acidum  sulphuricum 
venale  45 

Acidum  tannicum  819 

Acidum  tartaricum  51 

Acipenser  huso  403 

Acipenser  ruthenus  403 
Acipenser  stellatus  403 
Acipenser  sturio  403 

Aconite  leaves  54 

Aconite  root  54 

Aconiti  folia  54 

Aconiti  radix  54 

Aconitia  56,  822 

Aconitic  acid  56 

Aconitin  56 

Aconitum  anthora  54 

Aconitum  cammarum  54 
Aconitum  ferox  54 

Aconitum  lycoctonum  54 
Aconitum  napellus  55 

Aconitum  neomontanum  54 
Aconitum  Neubergense  55 
Aconitum  paniculatum  54 
Aconitum  Sinense  54 

Aconitum  Tauricum  54 
Aconitum  uncinatum  54 
Acorus  calamus  151 

Acrid  lettuce  442 

Actaea  alba  1290 

Act® a Americana  1290 

Actsea  racemosa  217 

Act® a rubra  1290 

Act®a  spicata  1290 

Adansonia  digitata  1290 

Adeps  57 

Adeps  suillus  57 

Adeps  suillus  pr®para- 
tus  1253 

Adhesive  plaster  956,  957 
Adiantum  capillus  ve- 
neris 1290 

Adiantum  pedatum  1290 

Administering  medicines, 
mode  of  1408 

iErugo  305 

iEsculus  hippocastanum  1290 
ASther  825 

AStlier  aceticus  1289 

AEther  hydriodicus  1342 

AEther  hydrocyanicus  1342 

Alt  her  muriaticus  1363 

/Ether  sulphuricus  825 

AEtherea  825 

AEthiops  vegetabilis  1330 


iEthylamine 

534 

Ale 

755 

African  kino 

433 

Alembic 

778 

Agar  agar 

1330 

Aleppo  scammony 

661 

Agaric 

1291 

Aletris 

64 

Agaric  of  the  oak 

1291 

Aletris  farinosa 

64 

Agaric,  purging 

1291 

Alexandria  senna 

672 

Agaric,  white 

1291 

Alhagi  Maurorum 

464 

Agathis  Damarra 

733 

Alisma  plantago 

1293 

Agathosmas 

148 

Alizarin 

623 

Agathotes  chirayta 

215 

Alkalimetry 

584 

Agave  Americana 

1292 

Alkanet 

1293 

Agave  Virginica 

1292 

Alkekengi 

1381 

Agedoite 

370 

Alliaria  officinalis 

1293 

Agrimonia  eupatoria 

1292 

Allium 

65 

Agrimony,  common 

1292 

Allium  Canadense 

65 

Aix  la  Chapelle  water 

112 

Allium  cepa 

1372 

Ajuga  chamrepitys 

1292 

Allium  porrum 

1355 

Ajuga  pyramidalis 

1292 

Allium  sativum 

65 

Ajuga  reptans 

1292 

Allspice 

559 

Alantin 

405 

Allyle 

66,  684 

Albumen  as  an  antidote 

Almond  confection 

928 

for  corrosive  subli- 

Almond emulsion 

1076 

mate 

1029 

Almond  mixture 

1076 

Albumen  ovi 

548 

Almond  oil  soap 

650 

Albumen,  vegetable 

343 

Almonds,  bitter 

90,  91 

Albuminate  of  iron  1292-3 

Almonds,  sweet 

90,  91 

Albuminate  of  iron  and 

Alnus  glutinosa 

1294 

potassa,  syrup  of 

1292 

Alnus  serrulata 

1294 

Alee®  -Egyptiac® 

1340 

Aloe 

67 

Alchemilla  vulgaris 

1293 

Aloe  Africana 

69 

Alcohol,  Ed.,  Dub. 

852 

Aloe  arborescens 

67,  72 

Alcohol,  U.  S. 

59 

Aloe  Barbadensis 

67 

Alcohol,  absolute  62,  852  ; 
Alcohol,  ammoniated  864 
Alcohol,  amylic  851 

Alcohol  amylicum  851 

Alcohol  as  a poison  63 

Alcohol,  diluted  854 

Alcohol  dilutum  854 

Alcohol,  methylic  701 

Alcohol,  preparations  of  851 
Alcohol,  table  of  the  sp. 

gr.  of  62 

Alcoholic  extract  of  aco- 
nite 969 

Alcoholic  extract  of  bel- 
ladonna 972 

Alcoholic  extract  of  hem- 
lock 976 

Alcoholic  extract  of  hen- 
bane 979 

Alcoholic  fermentation  60 
Alcoholic  muriatic  ether  1364 
Alcoholic  potassa  1132 
Alcoholic  solution  of 
chloroform  849 

Alcoholmeter,  Gay-Lus- 
sac’s centesimal  1433,  1434 
Alcornoque  1293 

Aldehyd  14,  838 

Aldehyd  resin  14,  838 

Alder,  American  1294 

Alder,  black  595 

Alder,  common  Euro- 
pean 1294 


Aloe  commelyni 
Aloe  ferox 
Aloe  hepatica 
Aloe  Indica 
Aloe  multiformis 
Aloe  plicatilis 
Aloe  purpurascens 
Aloe  Socotrina 
Aloe  spicata 
Aloe  vera 
Aloe  vulgaris 
Aloes 

Aloes,  Barbadoes 
Aloes,  Bethelsdorp 
Aloes,  caballine 
Aloes,  Cape 
Aloes,  fetid 
Aloes,  hepatic 
Aloes,  horse 
Aloes,  Mocha 
Aloes,  shining 
Aloes,  Socotrine 
Aloesin 
Aloetic  pills 
Aloin 

Alpinia  eardamomum 
Alpinia  galanga 
Alsop’s  infusion  jar 
Alteratives 
Althtea 

Althaea  officinalis 
Althaea  rosea 
Alth®®  flores 


67 
69 
67 
67,  71 

67 
69 

67,  72 

68 

67 

68 
68 
67 

71 
69 

72 
69 
72 

71 

72 

72 
69 
69 

73 

1110 

73 

183 

1331 

1050 

3 

76 

76 


Index. 


1437 


Althaeas  folia 

76 

Althaeas  radix 

76 

Alum 

77 

Alum,  dried 

855 

Alum,  preparations  of 

855 

Alum- root 

385 

Alum  slate 

77 

Alum  spring,  Rockbridge  112 

Alum  stone 

77 

Alumen 

77 

Alumen  exsiccatum 

855 

Alumen  siccatum 

855 

Alumen  ustum 

855 

Alumina 

79 

Alumina,  acetate  of 
Alumina  and  iron,  sul- 

1393 

phate  of 

1393 

Alumina,  sulphate  of 

1392 

Alumina,  tannate  of 

1396 

Aluminse  et  ferri  sulphas 

1393 

Aluminas  sulphas 

1392 

Aluminas  tannas 

1396 

Aluminium 

80 

Aluminous  schist 

77 

Alyon’s  ointment 

1263 

Amadou 

1291 

Amalgamation 

117 

Amber 

713 

Amber  eupione 

1365 

Ambergris 

1294 

Ambra  grisea 

1294 

Ambrein 

1294 

American  agave 

1292 

American  aloe 

1292 

American  centaury 

629 

American  columbo 

354 

American  gentian 

354 

American  -hellebore 
American  ipecacuanha 

748 

336,  368 

American  sanicle 

385 

American  senna 

193 

American  silver  fir 

729 

American  spikenard 

116 

Amide 

1047 

Amidin 

94 

Amidogen 

1047 

Ammonia 

81 

Ammonia,  aromatic  spi 

rit  of 

864 

Ammonia,  arseniate  of 

1298 

Ammonia,  benzoate  of 

1302 

Ammonia,  bicarbonate  of  858 

Ammonia,  carbonate  of  855 
Ammonia,  fetid  spirit  of  865 
Ammonia,  hydriodate  of  1347 
Ammonia,  hydrochlorate 


of  85 

Ammonia,  hydrosulphu- 
ret  of  858 

Ammonia,  muriate  of  85 
Ammonia,  nitrosulphate 
of  1368 

Ammonia,  phosphate  of  1380 


Ammonia,  preparations 
of  855 

Ammonia,  sesquicarbon- 
ate  of  855 

Ammonia,  solution  of  859 

Ammonia,  spirit  of  863 

Ammonia,  stronger  so- 
lution of  83 

Ammonia,  succinate  of  1392 
Ammonia,  urate  of  1401 
Ammonia,  water  of  859 
Ammoniac  88 

Ammoniac  mixture  1076 
Ammoniac  plaster  947 

Ammoniacal  alum  78 

Ammoniacal  ointment, 
vesicating  85 

Ammoniacum  88 

Ammoniacum  proepara- 
tum  1023 

Ammonite  acetatis  aqua  861 
Ammonite  aqua  859 

Ammonite  aqua  fortior  83 
Ammonite  arsenias  1298 

Ammonite  benzoas  1302 

Ammonite  bicarbonas  858 
Ammonise  carbonas  855 


Ammonite  carbonatis  aqua 


858 

Ammonite  citratis  liquor  863 
Ammonise  hydrochloras  85 
Ammonias  hydrosulphu- 
retum  858 

Ammonias  liquor  859 

Ammonite  liquor  fortior  83 
Ammonite  murias  85 

Ammonite  phosphas  1380 

Ammonite  sesquicarbo- 
nas  855 

Ammonise  uras  1401 

Ammonia-meter  84 

Ammoniated  alcohol  864 

Ammoniated  copper  933 

Ammoniated  copper,  so- 
lution of  935 

Ammoniated  iron  1019 

Ammoniated  mercury  1047 

Ammoniated  tincture  of 
castor  1225 

Ammoniated  tincture  of 
guaiac  1233 

Ammoniated  tincture  of 
opium  1243 

Ammoniated  tincture  of 
valerian  1249 

Ammonii  iodidum  1347 

Ammonio-chloride  of 
iron  1019 

Ammonio-chloride  of  iron, 
tincture  of  1019 


Ammonio-chloride  of  sil- 
ver 1313 

Ammonio-citrate  of  iron  999 
Ammonio-tartrate  of  iron 

1294 


Ammonium  81 

Ammonium,  chloride  of  87 
Ammonium,  iodide  of  1347 
Ammonium,  oxide  of  82 


Amomum  angustifolium  182 
Amomum  cardamomum 

181,  182 

Amomum  grana  paradisi  182 


Amomum  maximum  181 

Amomum  melegueta  182 

Amomum  racemosum  181 

Amomum  repens  183 

Amomum  zingiber  762 

Amorphous  quinia  1171 

Amygdala  amara  90,  91 

Amygdala  dulcis  90,  91 

Amygdalte  oleum  498 

Amygdalic  acid  92 

Amygdalin  91 

Amygdaline  soap  650 

Amygdalus  communis  90 
Amygdalus  Persica  1379 
Amylaceous  ipecacuanha  418 
Amyle,  hydrated  oxide  of  851 
Amylic  acid  851 

Amylic  alcohol  851 

Amylic  ether,  acetate  of  1329 
Amylic  ether,  valerian- 
ate of  . 1329 

Amylum  93 

Amyris  caranna  1309 

Amyris  commiphora  1301 

Amyris  elemifera  324 

Amyris  Gileadensis  1299 

Amyris  kataf  488 

Amyris  tomentosum  1396 

Anacardic  acid  1295 


Anacardium  occidentale  1294 
Anacyclus  officinarum  599 

Anacyclus  pyrethrum  599 

Anaesthetic  compounds, 


chlorinated  1313 

Anagallis  arvensis  1295 

Anagallis  caerulea  1295 

Anamirta  cocculus  267 

Anchusa  Italica  1295 

Anchusa  officinalis  1295 

Anchusa  tinctoria  1293 

Anchusic  acid  1293 

Anda  Brasiliensis  1370 

Anda  Gomesii  1370 

Anda,  oil  of  1370 

Anderson’s  pills  1111 

Andira  inermis  1306 

Andira  retusa  1306 

Andromeda  arborea  1295 

Andromeda  mariana  1295 

Andromeda  speciosa  1295 

Anemone,  meadow  . 1295 

Anemone  nemorosa  1295 

Anemone  pratensis  1295 

Anemone  pulsatilla  1295 

Anemonic  acid  1296 

Anemonin  1296 

Anethum  96 


1438 


Index. 


Anethum  foeniculum  352 

Anethum  graveolens  96 

Angelica  97 

Angelica  arcliangelica  97 
Angelica  atropurpurea  97 
Angelica- tree  bark  116 

Angelicic  acid  98 

Angola  weed  437 

Angustura  98 

Angustura  bark  98 

Angustura,  false  100 

Anhydrous  alcohol  62 

Animal  charcoal  177 

Animal  charcoal  as  an 
agent  for  procuring 
vegetable  active  prin- 
ciples 918 

Animal  charcoal,  purified 

917 

Animal  oil  86 

Anime  1296 

Anise  101 

Anise  water  890 

Aniseed,  star  101 

Anise-tree,  Florida  1344 

Anisum  101 

Aunotta  1296 

Anodyne  enema  959 

Anodyne  liniment-  1067 

Anodynes  3 

Antacids  3 

Anthelmintics  3 

Anthemis  102 

Anthemis  arvensis  102 

Anthemis  cotula  295 

Anthemis  nobilis  102 

Anthemis  pyrethrum  599 

Anthemis  tinctoria  102 

Anthoxanthum  odoratum 

1400 

Anthracite  176 

Anthrakokali  1296 

Anthrenus  168 

Anthriscus  cerefolium  1296 

Antilithics  2 

Antimonial  ointment  1254 

Antimonial  powder  882 

Antimonial  wine  876 

Antimonic  acid  105 

Antimonii  et  potass*  tar- 
tras  867 

Antimonii  oxidum  866 

Antimonii  oxysulphure- 
tum  878 

Antimonii  potassio-tar- 
tras  867 

Antimonii  sulphuretum  106 
Antimonii  sulphuretum 
aureum  878 

Antimonii  sulphuretum 
prmcipitatum  878 

Antimonii  sulphuretum 
prseparatum  877 

Antimonii  tartarizati  li- 
quor 876 


Antimonii  terchloridi  li- 


quor 865 

Antimonii  tersulphure- 
tum  106 

Antimonious  acid  105 

Antimonium  104 

Antimonium  diaphore- 
ticum  1325 

Antimonium  tartariza- 
tum  867 

Antimony  104 

Antimony  and  potassa, 
tartrate  of  867 

Antimony  ash  104 

Antimony,  crocus  of  1322 
Antimony,  glass  of  1333 
Antimony,  oxide  of  866 
Antimony,  oxychloride 
of  " 1384 

Antimony,  oxysulphu- 
ret  of  878 

Antimony,  precipitated 
sulphuret  of  878 

Antimony,  preparations 
of  865 

Antimony,  prepared 
sulphuret  of  877 

Antimony,  suboxide  of  105 
Antimony,  sulphuret  of  106 
Antimony,  tartarized  867 
Antimony,  teroxide  of  866 
Antirrhinic  acid  313 

Antirrhinum  linaria  1297 
Antispasmodics  2 

Apiin  554 

Apis  mellifica  203,  473 
Apiurn  petroselinum  554 
Apocynin  107 

Apocynum  androsasmi- 
folium  106 

Apocynum  cannabinum  107 
Aporetiri  616 

Apothecaries’  measure  1415 
Apothecaries’  weight  1415 
Apotheme  961 

Appert’s  process  988 

Apple  essence  1329 

Application  of  heat  775 
Approximate  measure- 
ment 1420 

Aqua  108 

Aqua  acidi  carbonici  8S7 

Aqua  aluminosa  Bateana  855 
Aqua  ammonias  859 

Aqua  amygdalae  amarte  8S9 
Aqua  anethi  890 

Aqua  anisi  890 

Aqua  Binelli  1297 

Aqua  calcis  911 

Aqua  camphor*  890 

Aqua  carui  891 

Aqua  cassi*  891 

Aqua  ciunamomi  891 

Aqua  destillata  884 

Aqua  fluvialis  110 


Aqua  foeniculi  891 

Aqua  fontana  110 

•Aqua  fortis  40 

Aqua  lauro-cerasi  891 

Aqua  luci*  650 

Aqua  menth*  piperit*  892 

Aqua  menth*  pulegii  893 

Aqua  menth®  viridis  892 

Aqua  phaged*nica  1027 

Aqua  picis  liquid*  566 

Aqua  piment*  892 

Aqua  pulegii  893 

Aqua  regia  813 

Aqua  ros®  893 

Aqua  sambuci  893 

Aqua  sapphirina  307 

Aqu®  885 

Aqu*  medicat*  885 

Aquilegia  vulgaris  1297 
Arabin  9 

Aralia  hispida  116 

Aralia  nudicaulis  115 

Aralia  racemosa  116 

Aralia  spinosa  116 

Araucaria  Dombeyi  733 
Arbor  vit®  1400 

Arbutus  uva  ursi  743 

Arcanum  duplicatum  592 
Archangelica  officinalis  97 
Archil  438 

Arctium  lappa  443 

Arctostaphylos  uva  ursi  743 
Ardent  spirits  of  com- 
merce 61 

Areca  catechu  201,  1297 
Areca  nut  1297 

Argel  672 

Argemone  Mexicana  1297 
Argenti  chloridum  1313 
Argeuti  cyanuretum  895 
Argenti  iodidum  1347 

Argenti  nitras  896,  899 
Argenti  nitras  fusus  899 
Argenti  oxidum  901 

Argentine  flowers  of 
Antimony  105 

Argentum  117 

Argentum  purificatum  117 
Argol  580 

Arica  bark  237 

Aricina  249 

Aristolochia  clematitis  676 
Aristolochla  hastata  677 
Aristolochia  hirsuta  677 
Aristolochia  Iudica  676 
Aristolochia  longa  676 
Aristolochia  pistolochia  676 
Aristolochia  reticulata  677 
Aristolochia  rotunda  676 
Aristolochia  sagittata  677 
Aristolochia  semper  vi- 
rens  676 

Aristolochia  serpen taria  676 
Aristolocliia  tomentosa  677 
Armoracia  118 


Index 


1439 


Arnica  119 

Arnica  Montana  119 

Arnicina  120 

Arnotta  1296 

Aromatic  acetic  acid  799 

Aromatic  confection  929 

Aromatic  mixture  of 
iron  1078 

Aromatic  powder  1162 

Aromatic  spirit  of  am- 
monia 864 

Aromatic  spiritof  vinegar  799 
Aromatic  sulphuric  acid  816 
Aromatic  syrup  of  rhu- 
barb 1209 

Aromatic  vinegar  799 

Arrow-root  467 

Arseniate  of  ammonia  1298 
Arseniate  of  iron  1298 
Arsenic  121 

Arsenic  acid  121 

Arsenic,  bisulphuret  of  1385 
Arsenic,  iodide  of  904 

Arsenic,  preparations  of  903 
Arsenic,  teriodide  of  904 
Ai-senic,  tersulphuret  of  1373 
Arsenical  paste  24 

Arsenical  solution  905 
Arsenical  solution  of 
Pearson  23 

Arsenici  et  hydrargyri 
hydriodatis  liquor  904 
Arsenici  iodidum  904 

Arsenici  oxydum  album 
venale  21 

Arsenicum  121 

Arsenicum  album  21 

Arsenicum  purum  121 

Arsenious  acid  21 

Arsenious  acid  as  a poison  25 
Arsenious  acid,  pure  903 
Arsenious  acid,  tests  for  29 
Arsenite  of  potassa,  so- 
lution of  905 

Arsenite  of  quinia  251 
Art  of  prescribing  medi- 
cines 1407 

Artanthe  elongata  471 
Artemisia  abrotanum  4 
Artemisia  absinthium  4 
Artemisia  Chinensis,  4,  1362 
Artemisia  contra  1404 

Artemisia  glomerata  1404 
Artemisia  Indica  4,  1362 
Artemisia  J udaica  1404 
Artemisia  moxa  1362 

Artemisia  Pontica  4 

Artemisia  santonica  4,  1404 
Artemisia  vulgaris  4 

Arterial  stimulants  2 

Artesian  wells  110 

Artichoke,  garden  1324 
Artificial  camphor  519 

Artificial  gum  95 

Artificial  musk  1365 


Artificial  oil  of  bitter 
almonds  499,  1303 

Artificial  Seltzer  water  887 

Arum  122 

Arum  maculatum  122 

Arum  triphyllum  122 

Asagrsea  officinalis  628 

Asarabacca  1298 

Asarin  1298 

Asarone  1298 

Asarum  122 

Asarum  camphor  1298 

Asarum  Canadense  123 

Asarum  Europmum  1298 

Asbolin  1391 

Asclepias  curassavica  1298 

Asclepias,  flesh-coloured  124 
Asclepias,  gigantea  1308 
Asclepias  incarnata  124 

Asclepias  Syriaca  124 

Asclepias  tuberosa  125 

Asclepias  vincetoxicum  1324 
Ash-bark  231 

Ash-coloured  cantharis  172 

Asiatic  pills  25 

Asparagin  77 

Asparagus  1298 

Asparagus  officinalis  1298 

Asparamide  77 

Asparmic  acid  77 

Aspartic  acid  77 

Aspen  1383 

Asperula.  odorata  1400 

Asphaltum  553 

Aspidium  filix  foemina  1299 

Aspidium  filix  mas  350 

Asplenium  adiantum- 
nigrum  1299 

Asplenium  filix  foemina  1299 

Asplenium  scolopen- 

drium  1389 

Asplenium  trichomanes  1299 

Assacou  1340 

Assafetida  126 

Assafetida  mixture  1077 
Assafetida  pills  1112 

Assafetida  plaster  948 

Assafoetida  126 

Assafoetida  prmparata  1023 
Astragalus  aristatus  738 
Astragalus  Creticus  737 
Astragalus  gummifer  737 
Astragalus  massiliensis  737 
Astragalus  strobiliferus  738 
Astragalus  tragacantha  737 
Astragalus  verus  738 

Astringents  2 

Athyrium  filix  foemina  1299 

Atkinson’s  depilatory  1373 

Atropa  belladonna  „ 140 
Atropa  mandragora  1357 

Atropia  141 

Atropim  sulphas  907 

Attaleh  8 

Attar  of  roses  517 


Aurantii  aqua  131 

Aurantii  cortex  129 

Aurantii  floris  aqua  131 
Aurantii  oleum  131 

Aurantium  129 

Aurum  1334 

Australian  gum  9 

Ava  472 

Avena  132 

Avena  sativa  132 

A venae  farina  132 

Avens  367 

Avens,  purple  367 

Avens,  water  366 

Avoirdupois  weight  1415 

Axungia  57 

Aya-pana  333 

Aydendron  laurel  1381 

Azedarach  133 

Azure  1391 

B 

Bacher,  tonic  pills  of  978 

Balaustines  373 

Balm  474 

Balm  of  Gilead  732,  1299 
Balm  of  Gilead  tree  729 

Balsam  apple  1361 

Balsam,  Canada  731 

Balsam,  Carpathian  729 

Balsam,  Hungarian  1386 

Balsam  of  copaiva  286 

Balsam  of  fir  731 

Balsam  of  Gilead  1299 

Balsam  of  Peru  134 

Balsam  of  sulphur  496,  1299 
Balsam  of  Tolu  137 

Balsam,  Riga  1386 

Balsam  weed  1345 

Balsam,  white  135 

Balsamina  1361 

Balsamito  136 

Balsamodendron  .Gilea- 
dense  1299 

Balsamodendron  myrrha  488 
Balsamum  Canadense  727 
Balsamum  Carpaticum  1386 
Balsamum  Gileadense  1299 
Balsamum  Libani  1386 


Balsamum  Peruvianum  134 
Balsamum  Tolutanum  137 
Balsamum  tranquilans  1299 
Balsamum  traumaticum  1222 


Balston  Spa  water  113 

Banana  essence  1329 

Bancksia  Abyssinica  1351 
Baneberry  1290 

Bang  338 

Baobab  1290 

Baphia  nitida  1308 

Baptisia  tinctoria  1300 

Barbadoes  aloes  71 

Barbadoes  nuts  1300 


1440 


Index , 


Barbadoes  petroleum  553 

Barbadoes  tar  552 

Barbary  gum  8 

Barberry  1303 

Barii  cbloridi  liquor  909 

Barii  chloridum  908 

Barii  iodidum  1347 

Barilla  691,  692 

Barium  138 

Barium,  chloride  of  908 

Barium,  iodide  of  1347 

Bark,  Arica  237 

Bark,  ash  231 

Bark,  Bogota  245 

Bark,  Calisaya  233 

Bark,  Carabaya  236 

Bark,  Caribsen  247 

Bark,  coquetta  245 

Bark,  crown  229 

Bark,  Cusco  236,  237 

Bark,  Fusagasuga  245 

Bark,  gray  230 

Bark,  Huamilies  232 

Bark,  Huanuco  230 

Bark,  Jaen  231 

Bark,  light  Calisaya  236 

Bark,  Lima  230 

Bark,  Loxa  229 

Bark,  Maracaybo  241 

Bark,  new  247 

Bark  of  St.  Ann  236 

Bark,  pale  228 

Bark,  Peruvian  218 

Bark,  Peruvian  Calisaya  237 
Bark,  Pitaya  245 

Bark,  red  239 

Bark,  St.  Lucia  247 

Bark,  Santa  Martha  242 

Bark,  silver  230 

Bark,  yellow  233 

Barks,  Carthagena  241 

Barks,  false  246 

Barks,  non-officinal  241 

Barley  389 

Barley  sugar  636 

Barley  water  940 

Baroselenite  139 

Barosma  crenata  149 

Barosma  crenulata  148 

Barosma  serratifolia  148 

Barras  731 

Baryta  138 

Baryta,  carbonate  of  139 

Baryta,  muriate  of  908 

Baryta,  preparations  of  908 

Baryta,  sulphate  of  139 

Baryta  water  1 38 

Barytse  carbonas  139 

Barytas  rnurias  908 

Barytse  sulphas  139 

Barytina  7 47 

Basil  1 369 

Basilicon  ointment  925 

Bassora  gum  1300 

Bassorin  1300 


Bastard  dittany 

1326 

Bastard  ipecacuanha 

1298 

Bateman’s  drops 

1244 

Bates’s  alum  water 

855 

Bath  water 

113 

Baths 

114 

Baume  de  commandeur  1222 

Baume  tranquille 

1299 

Baumd’s  hydrometer 
Baume’s  hydrometer, 

768 

table  of  the  value  of 

the  degrees  of,  in 
sp.  gr.  1431, 

1432 

Bay  salt 

696 

Bay  berries 

444 

Bay  leaves 

445 

Bdellium 

1301 

Bead  tree,  common 

134 

Beaked  hazel 

1321 

Bean  of  St.  Ignatius 

1301 

Bearberry 

743 

Bears-foot 

1339 

Beaver  tree 

460 

Bebeerin 

1301 

Bebeeru  bark 

1301 

Keccabunga 

Bedeguar 

1404 

1302 

Bedford  spring  water 

112 

Beech-drops 

1372 

Beef’s  marrow  soap 

650 

Beer 

755 

Beet  sugar 

632 

Belladonna 

140 

Belladonnin 

140 

Bendee 

1340 

Bengal  cardamom 

182 

Bengal  opium 

530 

Benjamin  tree 

144 

Benne  leaves 

679 

Betula  alba  1303 

Betula  lent  a 1303 

Betula  papyracea  1303 
Betulin  1303 

Bevilacqua  1342 

Bezoar  1303 

Bibasic  phosphate  of 
soda  1187 

Biborate  of  soda  689 

Bicarbonate  of  ammonia  858 
Bicarbonate  of  potassa  1 139 
Bicarbonate  of  soda  1178 
Bichloride  of  mercury  1025 
Bichromate  of  potassa  579 
Bicolorata  (cinchona)  247 
Bieyanuret  of  mercury  1035 
Biferrocyanuret  of  po- 
tassium 806 

Bignonia  catalpa  1310 

Bignonia  sempervirens  1332 
Bilate  of  soda  1377 

Bilifulvin  1377 

Bilin  1376 

Bili verdin  1377 

Biniodide  of  mercury  1037 
Binoxalate  of  potassa  1376 
Binoxide  of  mercury  1042 
Birch,  European  1303 

Birch,  sweet  1303 

Bird-lime  1303 

Bird-manure  . 1336 

Bismuth  145 

Bismuth,  magistery  of  911 
Bismuth,  nitrate  of  910 
Bismuth,  subnitrate  of  910 
Bismuth,  teroxide  of  146 
Bismuth,  trisnitrate  of  910 


Bismuth,  valerianate  of  1402 
Bismuth,  white  oxide  of  910 


Benne  oil 

Benzene 

Benzine 

Benzoate  of  ammonia 
Benzoe  amygdaloides 
Benzoe  in  sortis 
Benzoic  acid 
Benzoin 

Benzoin,  flowers  of 
Benzoin  odoriferum 
Benzoi’ne 
Benzoinum 
Benzole 

Benzyle  499 

Berberin  279, 

Berberis  Canadensis 
Berberis  vulgaris 
Bergamot  pear  essence 
Bergamot®  oleum 
Bestucheff’s  tincture  of 
iron 
Betel 
Betel-nut 
Bethelsdorp  aloes 
Betonica  officinalis 
Betony,  wood 


679  I Bismuthi  nitras  910 

1302  ! Bismuthi  subnitras  910 
1302  ; Bismuthi  valerianas  1402 
1302  ! Bismuthum  145 

144  ; Bismuthum  album  910 
144  j Bistort  1304 

800  j Bisutphate  of  potassa  1146 
144  1 Bisulphuret  of  carbon  1304 

801  Bisulphuret  of  iodine  1198 

1302  Bisulphuret  of  mercury  1045 

499  Bitartrate  of  potassa  580 

144  Biting  stone-crop  1390 

1302  ! Bitter  almond  water  889 


),  802 

Bitter  almonds 

90,  91 

1303 

Bitter  candytuft 

1344 

1303 

Bitter  cucumber 

275 

1303 

Bitter  polygala 

578 

1329 

Bittersweet 

317 

500 

Bitumens 

552 

Bituminous  coal 

176 

998 

Bixa  orellana 

1296 

1297 

Bixin 

1296 

1297 

Black  alder 

595 

69 

Black  ash 

691 

1303 

Black  birch 

1383 

1303 

Black  cantharis 

172 

Index, 


1441 


Black  cyanuret  of  po- 


tassium 

1151 

Black  draught 

1061 

Black  drink 

1344 

Black  drop  796,  797 

Black  flux 

582 

Black  hellebore 

381 

Black  ipecacuanha 

418 

Black  lead 

1309 

Black  mustard  seeds 

683 

Black  nightshade 

318 

Black  oxide  of  iron 
Black  oxide  of  manga- 

1010 

nese 

462 

Black  oxide  of  mercury 

1038 

Black  pepper 

560 

Black  pitch 

562 

Black  poplar 

1383 

Black  poppy 

525 

Black  salts 

583 

Black  snakeroot  217, 

1387 

Black. spruce 

Black  sulpkuret  of  mer- 

729 

cury 

1044 

Black  wash 

1033 

Blackberry-root 

623 

Black-oak  bark  602,  603 

Bladder-senna 

1320 

Bladder-wrack 

1329 

Blazing  star 

64 

Bleaching  powder 

155 

Blende  760, 

1284 

Blessed  thistle 

1311 

Blistering  cloth 

923 

Blistering  paper 

923 

Blistering  plaster 

921 

Blisters,  use  of 

170 

Block-tin 

704 

Blood  weed 

1298 

Bloodroot 

645 

Blooming  spurge 

335 

Blue  flag 

421 

Blue  gentian 

365 

Blue  mass 

1119 

Blue  pills 

1119 

Blue  stone 

306 

Blue  vitriol 

306 

Blunt-leaved  dock 

625 

Bog-bean 

476 

Bogota  bark  243,  245 

Boheic  acid 

1398 

Bole  Armenian 

1305 

Boles 

1305 

Boletus  fomentarius 

1292 

Boletus  igniarius 

1291 

Boletus  iaricis 

1291 

Boletus  ribis 

1292 

Boletus  ungulatus 

1292 

Bolus  Veneta 

1403 

Bone 

546 

Bone-ash 

547 

Bone-black 

177 

Bone -earth 

547 

Bone-oil 

1326 

Bone-phosphate  of  lime 

91 

547 

Boneset  333 

Bone-spirit  85,  177 

Bonplanclia  trifoliata  99 

Boracic  acid  689 

Boracic  acid,  native  688 

Borage  1305 

Borago  officinalis  1305 

Borate  of  soda  687 

Borax  687 

Borax,  octohedral  689 

Borax,  prismatic  689 

Bordeaux  turpentine  731 

Borneo  camphor  . 162 

Boswellia  serrata  1371 

Botany  Bay  kino  433 

Boullay’s  filter  782 

Bouncing  bet  1387 

Brake,  common  1299 

Bran  342,  344 

Brandy  702 

Brandy  mixture  1080 

Brasiletto  1305 

Brass  761 

Brayera  anthelmintica  1351 

Brazil  wood  1305 

Brazilian  sarsaparilla  655 

Bread  343 

Breselin  1305 

Briangon  manna  464 

Brighton  water  112 

Brimstone  714 

British  barilla  692 

British  gum  94 

British  oil  521 

British  vinegar  12 

Bromide  of  carbon  147 

Bromide  of  iron  1305 

Bromide  of  potassium  1149 

Bromides  of  mercury  1305 

Bromine  146 

Brominium  146 

Brooklime  1404 

Broom  666 

Broom,  Spanish  1392 

Broom-rape  1373 

Broussonnetia  tinctoria  1330 

Brown  mixture  1080 

Brown  sugar  631,  637 

Brueea  antidysenterica  100 

Brucia  491 

Bryonia  alba  1306 

Bryonia  dioica  1306 

Bryonin  1306 

Bryony  1306 

Bubon  galbanum  355 

Bucharian  rhubarb  613,  615 
Buchu  148 

Buckbean  476 

Buckthorn  berries  607 

Buckthorn  juice  607 

Bucku  148 

Buckwheat  1304 

Buena  219 

Bugle,  common  1292 

Bugle-weed  455 


Bugloss  1295 

Burdock  442 

Burgundy  pitch  562 

Burgundy  pitch  plaster  953 
Burnett’s  disinfecting 
fluid  1282 

Burning  bush  1327 

Burnt  alum  855 

Burnt  hartshorn  292 

Burnt  sienna  1390 

Burnt  sponge  1192 

Burnt  umber  1401 

Bursera  gummifera  1309 
Butea  frondosa  433 

Butea  gum  433 

Butter  of  antimony  866 

Butter  of  zinc  1278 

Buttercup  604 

Butterfly-weed  125 

Butternut  426 

Button  snakeroot  331,  1855 
Butyrate  of  ethylic 

ether  1 328 

Butyric  acid  1 328 

Butyric  ether  1328 


c 

Caballine  aloes  72 

Cabbage-tree  bark  1306 

Cacao  1316 

Cadmii  sulphas  1393 

Cadmium,  sulphate  of  1393 
Casnotus  330 

Caesalpina  Brasiliensis  1305 
Ctesalpina  crista  1305 

Caesalpina  echinata  1305 

Caesalpina  sappan  1305 

Caffea  Arabica  1317 

Caffeic  acid  1318 

Caffein  1318 

Caffein,  citrate  of  1319 

Catfeo-tannic  acid  1318 

Cahinca  1306 

Cahincic  acid  1307 

Cajeput  oil  501 

Cajuputi  501 

Calamina  149 

Calamina  proeparata  1277 

Calamine  149 

Calamine  cerate  920 

Calamine,  prepared  1277 

Calamus  1 51 

Calamus  aromaticus  151 

Calamus  draco  1326 

Calamus  rotang  1326 

Calcii  chloridum  152 

Calcii  sulphuretum  1394 

Calcination  784 

Calcined  magnesia  1071 

Calcined  mercury  1041 

Calcis  carbonas  prceci- 
pitatus  913 


Calcis  chlorinatoe  liquor  916 


1442 


Index , 


Calcis  murias 
Calcis  muriatis  solutio 
Calcis  phosphas  praeci- 
pitatum 
Calcium 

Calendula  ofiicinalis 
Calendulin 
Calico  bush 
Calisaya  bark 


152 

915 

916 
152 

1307 
1307 
1350 
233,  234 
Calisaya  barks,  false  235 

Callicocca  ipecacuanha  416 
Calomel  1031 

Calomel,  iodides  of  1349 

Calomel  pills  1121 

Calomel  pills,  compound  1112 
Calomelas  1031 

Calophyllum  inophyllum  1396 
Calophyllumtacamaha- 


ca 

1396 

Calotropis  gigantea 

1308 

Calotropis  madarii  In- 

dico-orientalis 

1308 

Calumba 

277 

Calx 

153 

Calx  chlorinata 

154 

Cam  wood 

1308 

Cambogia 

359 

Camellia  sasanqua 

1398 

Camphene 

162 

Camphor 

• 159 

Camphor,  artificial 

519 

Camphor  liniment 

1066 

Camphor  liniment,  com- 

pound 

1066 

Camphor  tea  164 

Camphor  water  890 

Camphora  159 

Camphora  officiparum  159 

Camphorated  acetic  acid  798 

Camphorated  soap  lini- 
ment 

Camphorated  tincture 
of  opium 

Camphorated  tincture 
of  soap 

Camphoric  acid 
Canada  balsam 
Canada  fieabane 
Canada  pitch 
Canada  snakeroot 
Canada  turpentine  727, 
Canarium  commune 
Canary  seed 
Canary  weed 
Cancer-root 
Candytuft,  bitter 
Cane  brimstone 
Cane  sugar 
Canella 
Canella  alba 
Canna 

Canna  coccinea 
Canna  edulis 
Canna.  starch 
Cannabin 


1067 

1243 

1246 
161 
731 
330 
504 
123 
, 731 
324 
130§ 
437' 
1372 
1344 
715 
632 
165 

165 

166 
166 
166 
166 
339 


Cannabis  Indica 

Cannabis  sativa 

Cantharidal  collodion 

Cantharides 

Cantharidin 

Cantharis 

Cantharis  seneas 

Cantharis  albida 

Cantharis  aszelianus 

Cantharis  atrata 

Cantharis  cinerea 

Cantharis  marginata 

Cantharis  Nuttalli 

Cantharis  politus 

Cantharis  vesicatoria 

Cantharis  vittata 

Caoutchouc 

Caoutchouc,  vulcanized 

Cap  cemeut 

Cape  aloes 

Cape  gum 

Caper  plant 

Caper-bush 

Caphopicrite 

Capnomor 

Cnpparis  spinosa 

Caprification 

Capsicin 

Capsicum 

Capsicum  annuum 

Capsicum  baccatum 

Capsicum  frutescens 

Capsules  of  gelatin 

Carabayn  bark 

Caracas  kino 

Caracas  sarsaparilla 

Caramel 

Caranna 

Caraway 

Caraway  water 

Carbo 

Carbo  animalis 
Carbo  animalis  purifi- 
catus 

Carbo  ligni 
Carbohydrogens 
Carbolic  acid 
Carbon 

Carbonate  of  ammonia 
Carbonate  of  baryta 
Carbonate  of  iron  and 
manganese,  saccha- 
rine 


338 

338 

924 

167 

168 
166 
173 
173 
173 
172 
172 

172 

173 

173 
167 
171 

1308 

1308 
780 

69 

9 

1370 

1809 

616 

296 

1309 
349 

174 
173 
173 
173- 
173 

1333 

236 

432 

655 

636 

1309 

187 

891 

175 
177 

917 

179 

176 
196 
175 
855 
139 


1360 


Carbonate  of  lithia  1356 
Carbonate  of  magnesia  455 
Carbonate  of  manga- 
nese 

Carbonate  of  potassa 
Carbonate  of  potassa 
from  pearlash 
Carbonate  of  potassa, 
impure 

Carbonate  of  potassa, 
pure 

Carbonate  of  potassa, 
solution  of 
Carbonate  of  soda 
Carbonate  of  soda,  dried  1178 
Carbonate  of  soda,  so- 
lution of 

Carbonate  of  zinc 
Carbonate  of  zinc,  pre- 
cipitated 


1359 

1136 

1136 

582 

1138 

1139 

690 


1178 
1277 

1277 

Carbonated  waters  111,112 
Carbonic  acid  889 

Carbonic  acid  water  887 

Carburet  of  iron  1309 

Carburet  of  sulphur  1304 

Cardamine  pratensis  1309 

Cardamofn  181 

Cardamomum  181 

Cardamomum  longum  181 

Cardamomum  maius 

181,  182 

Cardamomum  medium  181 

Cardamomum  minus  181 

Cardinal  flower  454 

Cardol  1295 

Carduus  benedictus  1311 

Caribseau  bark  247 

Carminative,  Dalby’s  458 

Carminatives  3 

Carmine  270 

Carnation  1325 

Carolina  jasmine  1332 

Carolina  pink  698 

Carota  1 84 

Carotin  185 

Carpathian  balsam  729 

Carpobalsamum  1299 

Carrageen  216 

Carr.vgeenin  216 

Carrara  marble  469 

Carron  oil  1066 

Carrot  ointment  186 

Carrot  root  184,  185 

Carrot  seed  184,  185 


of 

1116 

Carthagena  barks 

241 

Carbonate  of  iron,  pre- 

Carthagena ipecacuanha  417 

cipitated 

1013 

Carthamic  acid 

186 

Carbonate  of  iron,  sac- 

Carthamine 

186 

charine 

995 

Cafthamus 

1S6 

Carbonate  of  iron  with 

Carthamus  tinctorius 

186 

sugar 

995 

Cartier's  hydrometer 

1433 

Carbonate  of  lead 

571 

Carui 

187 

Carbonate  of  lime 

299 

Carum 

187 

Carbonate  of  lime,  pre- 

Carum cami 

187 

cipitated 

913 

Carvacrol 

1099 

Index, 


1443 


Carvene 

310 

Carvole 

310 

Caryophyllic  acid 

1100 

Caryophyllm 

189 

Caryophyllus 

188 

Caryophyllus  aromaticus  188 

Cascarilla  190,  219 

Cascarillin 

191 

Casein 

343 

Cashew  nut 

1294 

Cassava 

725 

Cassia  19 

2,  266 

Cassia  acutifolia 

670 

Cassia  iEthiopica  671,  672 

Cassia  Brasiliana 

193 

Cassia  buds 

267 

Cassia  caryophyllata 

1321 

Cassia  elongata 

671 

Cassia  fistula 

192 

Cassia  lanceolata  67 

1,  672 

Cassia  lignea 

265 

Cassia  Marilandica 

193 

Cassia  obovata 

671 

Cassia  obtusata 

671 

Cassia  ovata 

671 

Cassia  prmparata 

1160 

Cassia,  purging 

192 

Cassia  senna 

670 

Cassi®  cortex 

262 

Cassi®  fistul®  pulpa 

1160 

Cassi®  oleum 

503 

Cassi®  pulpa 

1160 

Cassina 

1344 

Cassumuniar 

1405 

Cassuvium  pomiferum 

1294 

Cast  iron 

344 

Castanea 

194 

Castanea  pumila 

194 

Castile  soap 

651 

Castillon’s  powders 

915 

Castor 

195 

Castor  fiber 
Castor  oil 

195 

513 

Castoreum 

195 

Castorin 

196 

Cat  thyme 

1399 

Catalpa  cordifolia 

1310 

Catalpa  tree 

1310 

Cataplasm  of  chlorinated 

soda 

920 

Cataplasma  carbonis 

919 

Cataplasma  conii 

919 

Cataplasma  fermenti 

919 

Cataplasma  lini 

919 

Cataplasma  sinapis 
Cataplasma  sod®  clilo- 

919 

rinat® 

920 

Cataplasmata 

918 

Cataplasms 

918 

Cataria 

197 

Catawba  tree 

1310 

Catch-fly 

1390 

Catechu 

198 

Catechuic  acid 

201 

Catechuiu 

201 

Catechus,  non-officinal  200 

Cathartic  clyster  959 

Cathartics  2 

Cathartiu  608,  675 

Cathartocarpus  fistula  192 

Catmint  197 

Catnep  197 

Caustic  potassa  1131 

Caustics  2 

Causticum  commune 

acerrimum  1132 

Causticum  commune 
mitius  1133 

Cayenne  cinnamon  266 

Cayenne  pepper  173 

Ceanothus  Americanus  1310 
Cedar  apples  429 

Cedar  oil  430 

Cedar,  red  429 

Cedriu  1310 

Cedron  1310 

Celandine  1311 

Celastrus  scandens  1311 

Cements  780 

Centaurea  benedicta  1311 

Centaurin  203 

Centaurium  203 

Centaury,  American  629 

Centaury,  European  203 

Centesimal  alcoholmetcr 

769,  1433 
Cepa  1372 

Cephaelis  ipecacuanha  416 

Cera  203 

Cera  alba  204 

Cera  fiava  204 

Cerain  205 

Cerasin  9 

Cerasus  lauro-cerasus  443 

Cerasus  serotina  597 

Cerasus  Virginiana  597 

Cerata  920 

Cerate  of  carbonate  of 
zinc  927 

Cerate  of  mercury,  com- 
pound 925 

Cerate  of  Spanish  flies  921 

Cerate  of  subacetate  of 
lead  925 

Cerate,  simple  927 

Cerated  glass  of  antimony 

i333 

Cerates  920 

Ceratum  927 

Ceratum  calamin®  920 

Ceratum  cantharidis, 

Lond.  1 255 

Cerat  um  cantharidis,  U.S.  921 
Ceratum  cetacei  924 

Ceratum  hydrargyri  com- 
positum  925 

Ceratum  plumbi  acetatis 

1265 

Ceratum  plumbi  compo- 
situm  925 


Ceratum  plumbi  subace- 


tatis  925 

Ceratum  resin®  925 

Ceratum  resin®  compo- 
situin  926 

Ceratum  sabin®  926 

Ceratum  saponis  926 

Ceratum  saponis  compo- 
situm  926 

Ceratum  simplex,  Ed.  924 

Ceratum  simplex,  U.  S.  927 
Ceratum  zinci  carbonatis  927 
Cerevisi®  fermentum  207 

Cerin  205 

Cerotic  acid  205 

Cerotine  205 

Ceroxylon  Andicola  206 

Ceruse  571 

Cerussa  acetata  569 

Cervus  elaphus  292 

Cervus  Virginianus  292 

Cetaceum  209 

Cetic  acid  209 

Cetin  209 

Cetraria  210 

Cetraria  Islandica  210 

Cetraric  acid  211 

Cetrarin  • 210 

Cevadic  acid  628 

Cevadilla  627 

Ceylon  cardamom  181 

Ceylon  cinnamon  266 

Ceylon  gamboge  360 

Ceylon  moss  1330 

Chmrophyllum  sativum  1296 
Chalk  299 

Chalk  mixture  1078 

Chalk,  prepared  914 

Chalybeate  bread  1354 

Chalybeate  waters  111,  112 
Chammdrys  1399 

Chammpitys  1292 

Chamomile  102 

Chamomile,  German  472 

Chamomile,  wild  295. 

Charcoal  179> 

Charcoal,  animal  177 

Charcoal  cataplasm  .919 

Charcoal,  pure  .175: 

Cheese  rennet  1331. 

Chel®  cancrorum  1322' 

Chelerythrin  1312 

Chelidonic  acid  1311 

Chelidonin  1312 

Chelidonium  majus  1311 

Chelidoxanthin  1312 

Cheltenham  salt,  artifi- 
cial 1312 

Cheltenham  water  112,  113 
Chemical  operations  780 

Chenopodium  212 

Chenopodium  ambrosi- 
oides  213 

Chenopodium  anthelmin- 
ticum  212 


1444 


Index. 


Chenopodium  botrys  213 

Cherry  birch  1303 

Cherry-laurel  443 

Cherry-laurel  water  891 
Chervil  1296 

Chian  turpentine  728,  732 
Chicory  1314 

Chillies  174 

Chimaphila  213 

Chimaphila  maculata  214 

Chimaphila  umbellata  213 

China  root  653 

China  wax  206 

Chinese  camphor  160 

Chinese  cinnamon  266 

Chinese  galls  357 

Chinese  rhubarb  612 

Chinoidine  1171 

Chinquapin  194 

Chiococca  anguifuga  1306 

Chiococca  densifolia  1306 

Chiococca  racemosa  1306 

Chirayta  215 

Chiretta  215 

• Chironia  angularis  629 

Chironia  centaurium  203 

Chlorate  of  potassa  585 

Chloric  ether;  strong  849 

Chloride  of  aluminium  1393 

Chloride  of  ammonium  87 

Chloride  of  arsenic,  so- 
lution of  903 

Chloride  of  barium  908 

Chloride  of  barium,  so- 
lution of  ■ 909 

Chloride  of  calcium  152 

Chloride  of  calcium,  so- 
lution of  915 

Chloride  of  ethyle  1363 

Chloride  of  gold  1334 

Chloride  of  gold  and  so- 
dium 1335 

Chloride  of  iron,  tinc- 
ture of  996 

Chloride  of  lime  155 

Chloride  of  magnesium  1312 

Chloride  of  mercury  and 
ciuinia  1312 

Chloride  of  olefiant  gas  1313 

Chloride  of  potassa,  so- 
lution of  1312 

Chloride  of  silver  1313 

Chloride  of  soda,  solu- 
tion of  1181 

Chloride  of  sodium  695 

Chloride  of  sodium,  pure 

1185 

Chloride  of  zinc  1278 

Chloride  of  zinc,  solu- 
tion of  1281 

Chlorinated  anaesthetic 
compounds  1313 

Chlorinated  chlorohy- 

dric  ether  1 31 3 

Chlorinated  lime  154 


Chlorinated  lime,  solu- 
tion of  916 

Chlorinated  muriatic 

ether  1314 

Chlorinated  soda,  solu- 
tion of  1181 

Chlorine  895 

Chlorine  water  894 

Chlorinii  liquor  894 

Chloroaurate  of  ammo- 
nia 1335 

Chloroform  840 

Chloroform,  methylic  842 
Chloroformum  840 

Chloroformyl  840 

Chlorogenic  acid  1318 

Chlorohydric  acid  35 

Chlorophylle  323 

Chocolate  1317 

Chocolate  nuts  1316 

Choke  cherry  597 

Cholepyrrhin  1377 

Cholesterin  1376 

Cholic  acid  1377 

Cholinic  acid  1377 

Chondrus  216 

Chondrus  crispus  216 

Christmas  rose  381 

Chrome  green  1314 

Chrome  yellow  1314 

Chromic  acid  1314 

Chrysanthemum  par- 

thenium  1385 

Chrysene  713 

Chrysophanic  acid  616 

Chrysophyllum  glycy- 
phlteum  1361 

Chrysoretin  675 

Chulariose  631 

Churrus  339 

Cicer  arietinum  1373 

Cichorium  endivia  1314 

Cichorium  intybus  1314 

Cicindela  166 

Cicuta  281 

Cicuta  maculata  1315 

Cicuta  virosa  1314 

Cider  755 

Cimicifuga  217 

Cimicifuga  racemosa  217 

Cimicifuga  serpentaria  217 

Cincholin  253 

Cinchona  218 

Cinchona  acutifolia  219 


Cinchona  amygdalifolia  224 
Cinchona  asperifolia  224 
Cinchona  australis  224 
Cinchona  Boliviana  223 
Cinchona  caduciflora  224 
Cinchona  Calisaya  221 

Cinchona  Carabayensis  224 
Cinchona  cava  219 

Cinchona  Chomeliana  224 
Cinchona  cinerea  218,  230 
Cinchona  Condaminea  221 


Cinchona  cordifolia  222 
Cinchona  coronse  218 

Cinchona  crassifolia  224 
Cinchona  dichotoma  224 
Cinchona  flava  218,  233 
Cinchona  glandulifera  224 
Cinchona  hirsuta  223 

Cinchona  Humboldtiana  223 
Cinchona  Josephiana  221 
Cinchona  lanceolata  223 
Cinchona  lancifolia  222 
Cinchona  lucumtefolia  223 
Cinchona  macrocalyx  224 
Cinchona  macrocarpa  219 
Cinchona  magnifolia  219 
Cinchona  micrantha  222 
Cinchona  Mutisii  224 

Cinchona  Muzonensis  224 
Cinchona  nitida  223 

Cinchona  oblongifolia  219 
Cinchona  officinalis  219 
Cinchona  ovalifolia  223 
Cinchona  ovata  • 223 

Cinchona  pallida  218,  228 
Cinchona  pelalba  224 

Cinchona  Pitayensis  222,  246 
Cinchona  pubescens  223 
Cinchona  purp.urascens  224 
Cinchona  purpurea  223 
Cinchona  rotundifolia  224 
Cinchona  rubra  219,  239 
Cinchona  scrobieulata  222 
Cinchona  stenocarpa  219 
Cinchona,  testing  of  257 

Cinchona  villosa  224 

Cinchonia  252,  1170 

Cinchonia,  kinate  of  255 

Cinchonia,  sulphate  of 


252, 

1170 

Cinchonic  acid 

255 

Cinchonic  red 

250 

Cinchonicine 

254 

Cinchonidia 

254 

Cinchonidine 

254 

Cinchotannic  acid 

250 

Cinchovatin 

249 

Cinnabar 

1045 

Cinnabaris 

1045 

Cinnameine 

136 

Cinnamic  acid 

503 

Cinnamomi  oleum 

502 

Cinnamomum 

262 

Cinnamomum  aromati- 

cum 

264 

Cinnamomum  cassia 

264 

Cinnamomum  culilawan 

264; 

1324 

Cinnamomum  Loureirii 

264 

Cinnamomum  nitidum 

264 

Cinnamomum  rubrum 

264 

Cinnamomum  sintoc 

264 

Cinnamomum  tamala 

264 

I Cinnamomum  Zeylanicum 


Cinnamon 


263 

262 


Index.  • 1445 


Cinnamon  water 

891 

Cnicin 

1311 

Cinnamyle 

504 

Cnieus  benedictus 

1311 

Cinquefoil 

1384 

Coal-fish 

506 

Cissampelina 

552 

Coal-gas  liquor 

856 

Cissampelos  glaberrima 

551 

Cobalt  blue 

1316 

Cissampelos  pareira 

551 

Cobweb 

1316 

Cistus  Canadensis 

380 

Coccoloba  uvifera 

432 

Cistus  Creticus 

1352 

Cocculus 

267 

Cistus  ladaniferus 

1352 

Cocculus  Indicus 

267 

Cistus  laurifolius 

1352 

Cocculus  lacunosus 

268 

Citrate  of  ammonia,  so- 

Cocculus Levanticus 

268 

lution  of 

863 

Cocculus  palmatus 

278 

Citrate  of  eaffein 

1319 

Cocculus  Plukenetii 

268 

Citrate  of  iron 

998 

Cocculus  suberosus 

267 

Citrate  of  iron  and  mag 

Coccus 

269 

nesia 

1315 

Coccus  cacti 

269 

Citrate  of  iron  and  quinia 

Coccus  Uieis 

269 

1315 

Coccus  laeca 

1352 

Citrate  of  magnesia,  so 

Cochineal 

269 

lution  of 

1071 

Cochinilin 

270 

Citrate  of  potassa 

1142 

Cochlearia  armoracia 

118 

Citrate  of  potassa,  solu 

Cochlearia  officinalis 

1316 

tion  of 

1143 

Cocin 

1317 

Citrate  of  quinia 

251 

Cocinic  acid 

1317 

Citrate  of  soda 

1315 

Cocoa 

1316 

Citrated  effervescing 

Cocoa  butter 

1317 

powders 

1164 

Cod,  common 

506 

Citric  acid 

32 

Codeia 

535 

Citrine  ointment 

1260 

Cod-liver  oil 

506 

Citron 

447 

Coffee 

1317 

Citrullus  colocynthis 

275 

Cohobation  778, 

1097 

Citrus  acris 

447 

Cohosh 

217 

Citrus  aurantium 

130 

Cohosh,  red 

1290 

Citrus  bigaradia 

130 

Cohosh,  white 

1290 

Citrus  decumana 

136 

Coke 

176 

Citrus  limetta 

500 

Colchici  cormus 

271 

Citrus  limonium 

447 

Colchici  radix  271,  272 

Citrus  medica 

446 

Colchici  semen  27 

1,  275 

Citrus  vulgaris 

130 

Colchicia 

273 

Civet 

1315 

Colchicum  autumnale 

271 

Claret 

752 

Colchicum  root 

271 

Clarification 

774 

Colchicum  seed 

271 

Clarified  honey 

1073 

Colchicum  variegatum 

1340 

Clarry 

644 

Colcothar 

47 

Cleansing  of  vessels 

787 

Cold  bath 

115 

Cleavers 

1331 

Cold  cream 

1254 

Clematis  crispa 

1316 

Cold  seeds,  greater 

1323 

Clematis  erecta 

1315 

Collecting  of  plants 

765 

Clematis  flammula 

1316 

Collinsonia  Canadensis 

1320 

Clematis  viorna 

1316 

Collodion 

849 

Clematis  Yirginica 

1316 

Collodion,  cantkaridal 

924 

Clematis  vitalba 

1316 

Collodium 

849 

Climbing  staff-tree 

1311 

Colocynth 

275 

Cloud  berry 

623 

Colocynthin 

276 

Clove  bark 

1321 

Colocynthis 

275 

Clove  pink 

1325 

Colomba 

277 

Cloves 

188 

Colombin 

279 

Club-moss 

1357 

Colophonic  acid  . 

606 

Clyster,  cathartic 

959 

Colophony  60 

5,  731 

Clyster  of  aloes 

958 

Coloquintida 

275 

Clyster  of  assafetida 

958 

Colouring  principles  of 

Clyster  of  colocynth 

959 

plants 

1346 

Clyster  of  opium 

959 

Coltsfoot 

1401 

Clyster  of  turpentine 

960 

Columbia  acid 

279 

Clysters 

958 

Columbine 

1297 

Columbo  277 

Columbo,  American  354 

Columbo,  false  280 

Columbo  wood  280 

Colutea  arborescens  1320 

Comfrev  1396 

Commercial  muriatic 
acid  35 

Commercial  nitric  acid  41 
Commercial  sulphate  of 
iron  348 

Commercial  sulphuric 

acid  45 

Common  caustic,  milder  1133 
Common  caustic,  strong- 
est 1132 

Common  salt  695 

Common  silkweed  124 

Common  water  109 

Compound  calomel  pills 

1112 

Compound  camphor  lini- 
ment 1066 

Compound  cathartic  pills 

1113 

Compound  cerate  of 

mercury  925 

Compound  confection  of 
catechu  929 

Compound  decoction  of 
aloes  936 

Compound  decoction  of 
barley  941 

Compound  decoction  of 
broom  944 

Compound  decoction  of 
flaxseed  , 941 

Compound  decoction  of 
sarsaparilla  943 

Compound  extract  of  co- 
locynth  975 

Compound  galbanum 

plaster  " 950 

Compound  honey  of 

squill  1213 

Compound  infusion  of 

catechu  1053 

Compound  infusion  of 

flaxseed  1058 

Compound  infusion  of 

gentian  1056 

Compound  infusion  of 

orange  peel  1052 

Compound  infusion  of 

Peruvian  bark  1053 

Compound  infusion  of 
roses  1059 

Compound  infusion  of 

senna  1061 

Compound  liniment  of 

ammonia  1065 

Compound  mixture  of 

gentian  1079 

Compound  mixture  of 

iron  1079 


1446 


Index. 


Compound  mixture  of 

liquorice  1080 

Compound  ointment  of 
galls  1257 

Compound  ointment  of 
iodine  1264 

Compound  ointment  of 
lead  1265 

Compound  pill  of  chlo- 
ride of  mercury  1112 

Compound  pill  of  colo- 
cynth  1114 

Compound  pill  of  gam- 
boge 1113 

Compound  pill  of  hem- 
lock 1115 

Compound  pill  of  sto- 
rax  1124 

Compound  pills  of  aloes  1111 
Compound  pills  of  gal- 
banum  1118 

Compound  pills  of  iron  1117 
Compound  pills  of  rhu- 
barb 1123 

Compound  pills  of  soap  1123 
Compound  pills  of  squill  1123 
Compound  plaster  of 

Spanish  flies  949 

Compound  powder  of 

aloes  1161 

Compound  powder  of 

alum  1162 

Compound  powder  of 

antimony  882 

Compound  powder  of 

catechu  1162 

Compound  pqwder  of 

chalk  1163 

Compound  powder  of 

chalk  with  opium  1163 

Compound  powder  of 

ipecacuanha  1164 

Compound  powder  of 
jalap  1165 

Compound  powder  of 

kino  1165 

Compound  powder  of 

rhubarb  1166 

Compound  powder  of 

scammony  1166 

Compound  powder  of 

tragacanth  1166 

Compound  resin  cerate  926 
Compound  saline  pow- 
der 1166 

Compound  solution  of 
alum  855 

Compound  solution  of 

iodide  of  potassium  1157 
Compound  solution  of 
iodine  1064 

Compound  spirit  of 

ether  834 

Compound  spirit  of 

horseradish  1189 


Compound  spirit  of 
juniper  1190 

Compound  spirit  of 

lavender  1190 

Compound  sulphur  oint- 
ment 1267 

Compound  syrup  of  sar- 
saparilla 1211 

Compound  syrup  of 

squill  1212 

Compound  tincture  of 

ammonia  1220 

Compound  tincture  of 

benzoin  1222 

Compound  tincture  of 

cardamom  1224 

Compound  tincture  of 
■ cinnamon  1228 

Compound  tincture  of 

colchicum  1229 

Compound  tincture  of 

gentian  1232 

Compound  tincture  of 
iodine  1236' 

Compound  tincture  of 

Peruvian  bark  1227 

Compound  tincture  of 

quassia  1244 

Compound  tincture  of 

quinia  1244 

Compound  tincture  of 
rhubarb  1245 

Compound  tincture  of 

senna  1247 

Comptonia  asplenifolia  1320 
Concrete  oil  of  nutmeg  487 
Concrete  oil  of  wine  833 
Confectio  amygdal®  928 
Confectio  aromatica  929 
Confectio  aurantii  corticis  929 . 
Confectio  cassi®  929 

Confectio  catechu  com- 
posita  929 

Confectio  opii  930 

Confectio  piperis  930 

Confectio  ros®  931 

Confectio  ros®  canin®  931 
Confectio  rut®  931 

Confectio  scammonii  932 
Confectio  senn®  932 

Confectio  sulpliuris  933 
Confectio  terebinthin®  933 
Confection,  aromatic  929 

Confection  of  black  pep- 
per 930 

Confection  of  cassia  929 

Confection  of  catechu, 
compound  929 

Confection  of  dog  rose  981 
Confection  of  opium  930 
Confection  of  orange  peel  929 
Confection  of  roses  931 
Confection  of  rue  931 

Confection  of  scammony  932 
Confection  of  senna  932 


Confection  of  sulphur  933 
Confection  of  turpentine  933 


Confectiones  927 

Confections  927 

Conia  282 

Conii  folia  280 

Conii  semen  280 

Coniic  acid  282 

Conium  280 

Conium  maculatum  280 

Conscrva  amygdalarum  928 

Conserva  aurantii  929 

Conserva  ros®  931 

Conserva  ros®  fructus  931 

Conserve  of  roses  931 

Conserves  928 

Constantinople  opium  529 

Contrayerva  285 

Contusion  770 

Convallaria  majalis  1320 

Convallaria  multifiora  1320 

Convallaria  polygona- 
tum  * 1320 

Convolvulus  batatas  93 

Convolvulus  jalapa  422 
Convolvulus  Orizabensis  424 
Convolvulus  panduratus  285 
Convolvulus  scammonia  660 
Cooper’s  gelatin  404 

Copaiba  286 

Copaifera  Beyrichii  286 

Copaifera  bijuga  286 

Copaifera  cordtfolia  286 

Copaifera  coriaeea  286 

Copaifera  Guianensis  286 

Copaifera  Jaquini  286 

Copaifera  Jussieui  286 

Copaifera  Langsdorffii  286 

Copaifera  laxa  286 

Copaifera  Martii  286 

Copaifera  multijuga  286 

Copaifera  nitida  286 

Copaifera  oblongifolia  286 

Copaifera  officinalis  286 

Copaifera  Sellowii  286 

Copaiva  balsam  286 

Copaivic  acid  288 

Copal  1320 

Copalchi  bark  190 

Copalm  balsam  1356 

Copper  304 

Copper,  acetate  of  1289 

Copper,  ammoniaied  933 
Copper  as  a poison  304 
Copper,  nitrate  of  1367 
Copper,  preparations  of  933 
Copper,  subacetate  of  305 
Copper,  sulphate  of  306,  935 
Copperas  34S 

Coptis  290 

Coptis  teeta  291 

Coptis  trifolia  290 

Coquetta  bark  243,  245 
Coral  1321 

Corallium  rubrtrm  1321 


Coriander  291 

Coriandrum  291 

Coriandrum  sativum  291 

Coriaria  myrtifolia  673 

Corinthian  currants  742 

Corn  poppy  618 

Corn  spirit  oil  851 

Cornine  294 

Cornu  292 

Cornu  ustum  292 

Cornus  circinata  292 

Cornus  Florida  293 

Cornus  sericea  294 


Correspondence  between 
different  thermometers 


1430 

Corrosive  chloride  of 

mercury  1025 

Corrosive  sublimate  1025 

Corsican  moss  1330 

Cortes  caryophyllata  1321 

Cortex  culilaban  1324 

Cortex  frangulte  608 

Corylus  rostrata  1321 

Coscinium  fenestratum  280 
Cosso  1351 

Cotarnine  533 

Cotton  371 

Cotton,  gun  1337 

Cotula  294 

Cotyledon  umbilicus  ■ 1 322 
Couch  grass  1401 

Coumarin  1400 

Coumarouna  odorata  1400 

Court  plaster,  404,  1222 
Cowbane  1314 

Cowhage  484 

Cow-parsnep  385 

Coxe’s  hive  syrup  1213 

Crabs’  claws  1322 

Crabs’  eyes  1322 

Crabstones  1322 

Cranesbill  365 

Crawfish,  European  1322 

Cream  of  tartar  580 

Cream-of  tartar,  soluble  689 
Cream  of  tartar  whey  582 

Creasote  295 

Creasote  mixture  1078 

Creasotum  295 

Cremor  tartari  580 

Creta  299 

Creta  prsecipitata  913 

Creta  prteparata  914 

Crocus  300 

Crocus  of  antimony  1322 

Crocus  sativus  300 

Croton  benzoe  144 

Croton  cascarilla  191 

Croton  Eleuteria  190 

Croton  lacciferum  1352 

Croton  lineare  191 

Croton  oil  521 

Croton  oil  liniment  1067 

Croton  pavana  523 


Index. 


Croton  pseudo-china  1 90 

Croton  suberosum  190 

Croton  tiglium  521 

Crotonic  aci'd  522 

Crotonin  522 

Crotonis  oleum  521 

Crowfoot  604 

Crown  bark  of  Loxa  229 

Crucibles  776 

Crumb  of  bread  344 

Crystal  mineral  590 

Crystallization  783 

Crystals  of  tartar  580 

Crystals  of  Venus  306,  1289 
Cubeba  302 

Cubebin  303 

Cubebs  302 

Cubic  nitre  1367 

Cubic  pyrites  _ 1018 

Cuckoo-flower  1309 

Cucumber  ointment  1323 

Cucumber  seeds  1323 

Cucumber  tree  461 

Cucumis  colocyntliis  275 

Cucumis  melo  1323 

Cucumis  sativus  1323 

Cucurbita  citrullus  1323 

Cucurbita  lagenaria  1323 

Cucurbita  pepo  1323 

Cudbear  438 

Cudweed  - 1334 

Cuichunchulli  419,  1350 
Culilawan  1324 

Culver’s  physic  1355 

Cumin  plaster  949 

Cumin  seed  310 

Cuminum  310 

Cuminum  cyminum  310 

Cunila  mariana  1324 

Cunila  pulegioides  379 

Cupellation  117 

Cupels  547 

Cupri  acetas  1289 

Cupri  ammoniati  solutio  935 
Cupri  ammonio-sulphas  933 
Cupri  nitras  1367 

Cupri  subacetas  305 

Cupri  subacetas  praspa- 
ratum  933 

Cupri  sulphas  306,  935 
Cupri  sulphas  venalis  306 

Cupro-sulphate  of  am- 
monia 934 

Cuprum  304 

Cuprum  ammoniatum  933 

Curcas  multifidus  1300 

Curcas  purgans  1300 

Curcuma  308 

Curcuma  angustifolia  467 

Curcuma  longa  308 

Curcuma  rotunda  308 

Curcuma  zedoaria  1405 

Curcuma  zerumbet  1405 

Curcumin  308 

Currant  wine  755 


1447 


Currants,  Corinthian 

742 

Cusco  bark  236,  237 

Cusparia 

98 

Cusparia  febrifuga  98,  99 

Cusparin 

100 

Cusso 

1351 

Cuttle-fish  bone 

1324 

Cyanide  of  silver 

895 

Cyanogen 

810 

Cyanohydric  acid 

805 

Cyanuret  of  ethyle 

1342 

Cyanuret  of  gold 

1335 

Cyanuret  of  mercury 

1035 

Cyanuret  of  potassium 

1150 

Cyanuret  of  silver 

895 

Cyanuret  of  zinc 

1324 

Cycas  circinalis 

639 

Cycas  revoluta 

639 

Cydonia  vulgaris 

309 

Cydonin 

310 

Cydonium 

309 

Cyminum 

310 

Cynanchum  argel 

672 

Cynanchum  Monspelia- 

cum 

663 

Cynanchum  oleoifolium 

672' 

Cynanchum  vincetoxi- 

cum 

1324 

C^para  scolymus 

1324 

Cynips  quercusfolii 

357 

Cynoglossum  officinale 

1325 

Cypripedium  acaule 

1325 

Cypripedium  humile 

1325 

Cypripedium  parviflo- 

rum 

1325 

Cypripedium  pubescens  1325 

Cypripedium  spectabile  1325 

Cytisin 

120 

Cytisus  laburnum 

120 

Cytisus  scoparius 

667 

D 

Daffodil 

1366 

Dalby’s  carminative 

458 

Damarra  turpentine 

733 

Dandelion 

726 

Daphne  Alpina 

479 

Daphne  gnidium 

478 

Daphne  laureola 

478 

Daphne  mezereum 

478 

Daphnin 

479 

Datura  ferox 

710 

Datura  stramonium 

709 

Datura  tatula 

709 

Daturia 

710 

Dauci  radix 

184 

Daucus  carota 

184 

De  Valangin’s  arsenical 

solution 

903 

Deadly  nightshade 

140 

Decantation 

772 

Decocta 

935 

Decoction 

781 

1448 


Index, 


Decoction  of  aloes,  com- 
pound 936 

Decoction  of  barley  940 
Decoction  of  barley,  com- 
pound 941 

Decoction  of  bittersweet  939 
Decoction  of  broom  944 
Decoction  of  broom,  com- 
pound 944 

Decoction  of  dandelion  945 
Decoction  of  dogwood  939 
Decoction  of  elm  bark  945 
Decoction  of  flaxseed, 

compound  941 

Decoction  of  galls  939 

Decoction  of  guaiacum 
wood  940 

Decoction  of  Iceland 

moss  937 

Decoction  of  logwood  940 
Decoction  of  mezereon  941 
Decoction  of  myrrh  941 
Decoction  of  oak  bark  942 
Decoction  of  pale  bark  938 
Decoction  of  pareira 

brava  942 

Decoction  of  pipsissewa  937 
Decoction  of  pomegran- 
ate 939 

Decoction  of  pomegran- 
ate root  939 

Decoction  of  poppy  941 
Decoction  of  quince  seed  939 
Decoction  of  red  bark  938 
Decoction  of  sarsaparilla  942 
Decoction  of  sarsaparilla, 
compound  943 

Decoction  of  seneka  945 
Decoction  of  the  woods  940 
Decoction  of  tormentil  945 
Decoction  of  uva  ursi  945 
Decoction  of  white  oak 
bark  942 

Decoction  of  wintergreen  937 
Decoction  of  yellow  bark  938 
Decoction  of  Zittmann  944 
Decoctions  935 

Decoctum  ad  ictericos  1312 
Decoctum  aloes  composi- 
tum  936 

Decoctum  amyli  1093 

Decoctum  cetrarhe  937 
Decoctum  chimaphilae  937 
Decoctum  cinchonas  938 
Decoctum  cinchonas  flav®  938 
Decoctum  cinchonas  pal- 
lid® 938 

Decoctum  cinchonae  ru- 
br®  938 

Decoctum  cornus  Florid®  939 
Decoctum  cydonii  939 

Decoctum  dulcamarse  939 
Decoctum  gall®  939 

Decoctum  granati  939 

Decoctum  eranati  radicis  939 


941 

937 

941 

941 

941 

941 

942 
937 
942 


943 

944 

944 

945 
945 
945 
945 
945 
944 
362 

311,  705 
3 ID 
311 
311 


Decoctum  guaiaci  940 

Decoctum  haematoxyli  940 

Decoctum  hordei  940 

Decoctum  hordei  compo- 
situm 

Decoctum  lichenis  Islan- 
dici 

Decoctum  lini  composi- 
tum 

Decoctum  mezerei 
Decoctum  myrrh® 

Decoctum  papaveris 
Decoctum  pareira 
Decoctum  pyroke 
Decoctum  quercus 
Decoctum  quercus  alb®  942 
Decoctum  sarsaparillas  942 
Decoctum  sarsaparillse 
compositum 
Decoctum  scoparii 
Decoctum  scoparii  com- 
positum 

Decoctum  seneg® 

Decoctum  taraxaci 
Decoctum  tormentill® 
Decoctum  ulmi 
Decoctum  uv®  ursi 
Decoctum  Zittmanni 
Deer-berry 
Delphinia 
Delphinium 
Delphinium  consolida 
Delphinium  exaltatum 


Diluted  hydrocyanic  acid  805 
Diluted  muriatic  acid  812 
Diluted  nitric  acid  812 
Diluted  phosphoric  acid  815 
Diluted  solution  of  sub- 
acetate  of  lead  1126 
Diluted  sulphuric  acid  816 
Dinneford’s  magnesia  457 
Dinner  pills  1111 

Diosma  148 

Diosma  crenata  149 

Diospyros  315 

Diospyros  Yirginiana  315 
Diplolepis  gall®  tinctori®  357 
Dippel’s  animal  oil  1326 
Dipterix  odorata  1400 

Dirca  palustris  1326 

Disernestongummiferum  88 
Disinfecting  fluid,  Bur- 
nett’s 1282 

Dispensing  of  medicines  784 
Displacement,  method 
of  782,  789 

Distillation  777,  793 

Distillation,  apparatus 
for  793 

Distillation  in  vacuo  779 
Distilled  oils  495,  1094 
Distilled  verdigris  1289 

Distilled  vinegar  794 

Distilled  water  S84 

Distilled  waters  885 

Distvlium  racemosum  357 


Delphinium  staphisagria  705  Disulphate  of  einchonia  252 


Demulcents 

2 

Disulphate  of  quinia 

1172 

Denarcotized  laudanum  1242 

Dittany,  American 

1324 

Dentelaire 

1382 

Dittany,  bastard 

1326 

Dentellaria 

1382 

Diuretic  salt 

1135 

Deobstruents 

3 

Diuretics 

2 

Depilatory,  Atkinson’s 

1373 

Divinum  remedium 

1345 

Depilatory  of  sulphuret 

Dixon’s  antibilious  pills 

75 

of  calcium 

1394 

Dock,  blunt-leaved 

625 

Deshler’s  salve 

926 

Dock,  water 

625 

Dewberry  root 

623 

Dock,  yellow-rooted 

Dextrine 

95 

water 

625 

Dextro-tartaric  acid 

53 

Dog  rose 

620 

Dhak-tree 

433 

Dog-grass 

1101 

Diachylon 

956 

Dog’s-bane 

106 

Diamond 

176 

Dog’s-tooth  violet 

332 

Dianthus  caryophyllus 

1325 

Dogwood 

293 

Diaphoretic  antimony 

1325 

Dogwood,  Jamaica 

1381 

Diaphoretics 

2 

Dogwood,  round-leaTed 

292 

Diastase 

390 

Dogwood,  swamp 

294 

Dictamus  albus 

1326 

Dolichos  pruriens 

484 

Diet  drink,  Lisbon 

944 

Dolomite 

45S 

Digestion 

781 

Dombeya  excelsa 

1 33 

Digital®  acid 

313 

Dombeya  turpentine 

733 

Digitalin 

312 

Donovan’s  solution 

904 

Digitalis 

311 

Dorema  ammoniacum 

S8 

Digitalis  purpurea 

311 

Dor  sch 

506 

Dilatometer 

754 

Dorstenia  Brasiliensis 

285 

Dill  seeds 

96 

Dorstenia  contrayerva 

285 

Dill  water 

890 

Dorstenia  Drakena 

285 

Diluted  acetic  acid 

800 

Dorstenia  Houstonia 

285 

Diluted  alcohol 

854 

Dose  of  medicines 

1407 

Index, 


1449 


Double  aqua  fortis 

41 

Double  sulphate  of  ses- 
quioxide  of  iron  and 

potassa 

Dover’s  powder 

1393 

1164 

Dracaena  draco 

1327 

Draconin 

1327 

Dracontium 

316 

Dragon-root 

122 

Dragon’s  blood 

1326 

Dried  alum 

855 

Dried  carbonate  of  soda  1178 

Dried  sulphate  of  iron 

1017 

Drimys  Chilensis 

758 

Drimys  Winteri 

758 

Drops,  table  of 

1420 

Drugs  and  medicines 

not  officinal 

1288 

Dry  wines 

751 

Drying  of  plants 

765 

Drying  oils 

494 

Dryobalanops  aromatica  162 

Dryobalanops  camphora  162 

Dublin  weights 

1415 

Dulcamara 

317 

Dupuytren’s  ointment  of 

Spanish  flies 

1255 

Dutch  camphor 

160 

Dutch  liquid 

1313 

Dutch  pink 

1327 

Dwarf  elder 

116 

Dwarf  nettle 

1402 

Dyers’  alkanet 

1293 

Dyers’  broom 
Dyers’  oak 
Dyers’  saffron. 

1332 

357 

186 

Dyers’  weed  1332, 

1385 

E 

East  India  arrow-root 

468 

East  India  kino 

431 

Eau  de  Javelle 

1312 

Eau  de  luce  650 

1220 

Eaumedicinale  d’Husson  274 

Ebullioscope 

754 

Ecbalium  agreste 

321 

Ecbalium  elaterium 

321 

Eczema  mercuriale 

397 

Effervescing  draught 

1144,  1413 
Effervescing  powders  1163 


Effervescing  water  of 
potassa  1142 

Effervescing  water  of 
soda  1181 

Egg  548 

Eglantine  1302 

Egyptian  opium  529 

Elaeocarpus  copalliferus  1320 
Elaidic  acid  495 

Elai'din  495 

Elain  58 

Elais  Guiniensis  1377 


Elaphrium  elemiferum  324 
Elaphrium  tomentosum  1396 


Elaterin 
Elaterium 
Elder  flowers 
Elder  ointment 
Elder  water 
Elecampane 
Electric  calamine 
Electuaries 


323 

320 

644 

1266 

893 

405 

150 

927 


Electuarium  aromaticum  929 
Electuarium  catechu  929 

Electuarium  opii  930 

Electuarium  piperis  930 

Electuarium  sennas  932 
Electuary,  lenitive  932 
Elemi  324 

Elemin  324 

Eleoptene  496 

Elettaria  cardamomum  183 
Elettaria  major  181 

Elixir  of  opium  1242 

Elixir  of  vitriol  816 

Elixir  proprietatis  1220 

Elixir  sacrum  1245 

Elixir  salutis  1247,  1248 
Ellagic  acid  358 

Ellis’s  magnesia  1070 

Elm  bark  739 

Elm,  red  740 

Elm,  slippery  740 

Elm,  white  740 

Elutriation  771 

Emery  1827 

Einetia  417 

Emetic  tartar  867 

Emetics  2 

Emmenagogues  2 

Emollients  2 

Emplastra  946 

Emplastrum  adhtesivum  956 
Emplastrum  ammoniac!  947 
Emplastrum  ammoniaci 
cum  hydrargyro  918 
Emplastrum  assafoetidae  948 
Emplastrum  belladonna;  949 
Emplastrum  calefaciens  953 
Emplastrum  cantharidis  921 
| Emplastrum  cantharidis 
compositum  949 

| Emplastrum  cerse  958 

Emplastrum  cumini  949 
Emplastrum  de  Vigo  cum 
mercurio  952 

Emplastrum  epispasticum 

921 

Emplastrum  ferri  950 

Emplastrum  galbani  950 
Emplastrum  galbani  com- 
positum 950 

Emplastrum  gummosum  951 
Emplastrum  hydrargyri  951 
Emplastrum  lithargyri  954 
Emplastrum  opii  952 

Emplastrum  picis  952 


Emplastrum  picis  Bur- 


gun  diem 

953 

Emplastrum  picis  cum 

cantharide 

953 

Emplastrum  plumbi 

954 

Emplastrum  potassii 

iodidi 

956 

Emplastrum  resinm 

956 

Emplastrum  roborans 

950 

Emplastrum  saponis 

957 

Emplastrum  simplex 

957 

Empyreumatic  oils 

778 

Emulsin 

91 

Emulsion 

1075 

Emulsion,  almond 

1076 

Emulsion  of  bitter 

almonds 

1077 

Endive 

1314 

Enema  aloes 

958 

Enema  anodynum 

959 

Enema  assafoetidae 

958 

Enema  catharticum 

959 

Enema  colocynthidis 

959 

Enema  foetidum 

958 

Enema  opii 

959 

Enema  tabaci 

1062 

Enema  terebinthince 

960 

Enemata 

958 

English  barilla 

692 

English  court-plaster 

404 

English  garlic 

65 

English  port 

753 

English  rhubarb 

614 

Ens  mnrtis 

1020 

Epidendrum  vanilla 

1402 

Epifagus  Americanus 

1372 

Epigsea  repens 

1327 

Epispastics 

9 

Epsom  salt 

458 

Equivalents,  table  of 

pharmaceutical 

1421 

Ergot 

325 

Ergota 

325 

Ei’cotsetia  abortifaciens  o26 

Ergotate  of  secalin 

327 

Ergotin  32 

7,  329 

Erigeron  annumn 

331 

Eriueron  Canadense 

330 

Erigeron  heterophyllum  331 

Erigeron  Philadelphieum  331 

Erigeron  pusilum 

330 

Errhines 

2 

Eryngium 

331 

Eryngium  aquaticum 

331 

Eryngo,  water 

331 

Erysimum  alliaria 

1293 

Erysimum  officinale 

1390 

Erythraea  centaurium 

203 

Erythrsea  Chilensis 

203 

Erythric  acid 

437 

Erythronium 

332 

Ervthronium  Ameneanum 

332 

Erythronium  lanceolatum 
3 832 

1450 


Index , 


Erythrophleum  judiciale 

1388 

Erytkroretin  615 

Erythrose  616 

Escharotics  2 

Esculin  1290 

Essence  de  petit  grain  131 
Essence  of  ambergris  1190 
Essence  of  anise  1221 

Essence  of  bergamot  500 
Essence  of  caraway  1225 
Essence  of  cinnamon  1228 
Essence  of  European 

pennyroyal  1 240 

Essence  of  fennel  1232 
Essence  of  nutmeg  1239 
Essence  of  peppermint  1240 
Essence  of  pimento  1244 
Essence  of  rosemary  1246 
Essence  of  roses  517 

Essence  of  spearmint  1 240 
Essence  of  spruce  729 
Essences,  artificial  fruit  1328 
Essentia,  anisi  1221 

Essentia  carui  1225 

Essentia  cinnamomi  1228 

Essentia  foeniculi  1232 

Essentia  mentkre  pipe- 
ritae  1240 

Essentia  menthse  pule- 
gii  1240 

Essentia  menthse  viridis  1240 
Essentia  myristicse  mos- 
ckatse  1239 

Essentia  pimentae  1244 

Essentia  rosmarini  1246 

Essential  oils  495,  1095 
Essential  salt  of  lemons  1376 
Etkal  209 

Ethalic  acid  209 

Ether  825 

Ether,  acetic  1289 

Ether,  hydric  825,  829 
Ether,  hvdriodic  1342 

Ether,  hydrocyanic  1342 

Ether,  hyponitrous  838 

Ether,  muriatic  1363 

Ether,  nitric  838 


Ethylic  ether  1328 

Eucalyptus  dumosa  464 
Eucalyptus  mannifera  464 
Eucalyptus  resinifera  433 
Eugenia  caryophyllata  188 
Eugenia  pimenta  559 

Eugenic  acid  1100 

Eugenin  189 

Euonymus  Americanus  1327 
Euonymus  atropurpu- 
reus  1327 

Euonymus  Europoeus  1327 
Eupatorium  332 

Eupatorium  aya-pana  333 
Eupatorium  cannabiuum  333 
Eupatorium  perfoliatum 

332,  333 

Eupatorium  pilosum  333 
Eupatorium  purpureum  332 
Eupatorium  teucrifolium  333 
Eupatorium  verbenaefo- 
lium  333 

Euphorbia  antiquorum  337 
Euphorbia  Canariensis  337 
Euphorbia  corollata  334,  335 
Euphorbia  hypericifolia  335 
Euphorbia  ipecacuanha  336 
Euphorbia  lathyris  lo'O 
Euphorbia  maculata  335 
Euphorbia  officinarum  337 
Euphorbium  337 

Euphrasia  officinalis  1328 
Eupione  295 

European  pennyroyal  598 
European  rhubarb  614 

Euxanthic  acid  1316 

Evaporation  777 

Everitt’s  salt  806 

Exogonium  purga  423 
Exostemma  219 

Exostemma  Caribsea  247 
Exostemma  floribunda  247 
Expectorants  2 

Expressed  oils  493 

Expression  774 

Extemporaneous  pre- 
scriptions, examples 
of  1411 


Ether,  nitrous 

838 

Extract  of  aconite 

968 

Ether,  oenanthic 

753 

Extract  of  aconite,  al- 

Ether, sulphuric 

825 

coholic 

969 

Ethereal  oil 

832 

Extract  of  aloes 

970 

Ethereal  solution  of  gun 

Extract  of  belladonna 

971 

cotton 

849 

Extract  of  belladonna, 

Ethereal  tincture  of  ergot 

alcoholic 

972 

1232 

Extract  of  bittersweet 

977 

Ethereal  tincture  of  lobe 

Extract  of  black  helle- 

lia 

1238 

bore 

978 

Etherine 

829 

E x tract  of  black  pepper, 

Etherization 

831 

fluid 

990 

Etherole 

833 

Extract  of  butternut 

981 

Etherosulphuric  acid 

829 

Extract  of  chamomile 

970 

Ethers 

825 

Extract  of  colchicum 

973 

Ethiops  mineral 

1044 

Extract  of  colchicum, 

Ethyle 

829 

acetio 

973 

Extract  of  colocynth  974 
Extract  of  colocynth, 
compound  975 

Extract  of  cubebs,  fluid  989 
Extract  of  dandelion  987 
Extract  of  foxglove  977 
Extract  of  gentian  977 
Extract  of  hemlock  975 
Extract  of  hemlock,  al- 
coholic 976 

Extract  of  hemp  338 

Extract  of  henbane  979 
Extract  of  henbane,  al- 
coholic 979 

Extract  of  hops  982 

Extract  of  jalap  979,  980 
Extract  of  lettuce  982 

Extract  of  logwood  978 
Extract  of  may-apple  984 
Extract  of  nux  vomica  982 
Extract  of  opium  983 

Extract  of  opium,  de- 
narcotized  983“ 

Extract  of  pale  bark  -972 
Extract  of  pareira  brava  984 
Extract  of  poppy  9S4 

Extract  of  quassia  985 
Extract  of  red  bark  972 
Extract  of  rhatanv  981 
Extract  of  rhubarb  985 
Extract  of  rhubarb,  fluid  990 
Extract  of  sarsaparilla  986 
Extract  of  sarsaparilla, 
fluid  991 

Extract  of  scammony  986 
Extract  of  senna,  fluid  992 
Extract  of  spigelia  and 
senna,  fluid  992 

Extract  of  stramonium 
leaves  987 

Extract  of  stramonium 
seed  9S7 

Extract  of  taraxacum, 
fluid  988 

Extract  of  uva  ursi  989 
Extract  of  valerian,  fluid  992 
Extract  of  yellow  bark  972 
Extracts  960 

Extracta  fluida  989 

Extractive  960 

Extracts  960 

Extracts,  fluid  989 

Extractum  aconiti  96S 

Extractum  aconiti  alco- 
liolicum  969 

Extractum  aloes  970 

Extractum  aloes  Bar- 
badensis  970 

Extractum  anthemidis  970 
Extractum  belladonna  971 
Extractum  belladonna 
alcoholicum  972 

Extractum  cannabis  338 
Extractum  cannabis  In- 
die® 338 


Extractum  cannabis  In- 


die®  purificatum 

339 

Extractum  cinchon® 
Extractum  cinchonas 

972 

flavse 

Extractum  cinchon® 

972 

pallid® 

Extractum  cinchon® 

972 

rubr® 

972 

Extractum  colchici 
Extractum  colchici  ace- 

973 

ticum  „ 

973 

Extractum  colocynthidis  974 
Extractum  colocynthi- 

dis  compositum 

975 

Extractum  conii 
Extractum  conii  alco- 

975 

holicum 

Extractum  cubeb®  fluid- 

976 

urn 

989 

Extractum  digitalis 

977 

Extractum  dulcamar® 

977 

Extractum  elaterii 

320 

Extractum  gentian® 

977 

Extractum  glycyrrhiz® 

340 

Extractum  hoematoxyli 

978 

Extractum  hellebori 

978 

Extractum  hyoscyami 
Extractum  hjmscyami 

979 

alcoholicum 

979 

Extractum  jalap®  979, 

980 

Extractum  juglandis 

981 

Extractum  krameri® 

981 

Extractum  lactuc® 

982 

Extractum  lupuli 

982 

Extractum  nucis  vomic® 

982 

Extractum  opii 

983 

Extractum  opii  aquosum 

983 

Extractum  papaveris 

984 

Extractum  pareir® 
Extractum  piperis  fluid- 

984 

urn 

990 

Extractum  podophylli 

984 

Extractum  quassi® 

985 

Extractum  rhei 

985 

Extractum  rhei  fluidum 

990 

Extractum  sarsaparill® 
Extractum  sarsaparill® 

986 

fluidum 

991 

Extractum  scammonii 
Extractum  senn®  fluid- 

986 

um 

Extractum  spigeli®  et 

992 

senn®  fluidum 

992 

Extractum  stramonii 
Extractum  stramonii 

987 

foliorum 

Extractum  stramonii 

987 

seminis 

987 

Extractum  styracis  1024 

Extractum  taraxaci 

987 

Extractum  uv®  urs.i 
Extractum  valerian® 

989 

fluidum 

992 

Eyebright  1328 1 

Index. 

F 


Faba  Sancti  Ignatii  1301 

Fagara  octandra  1-396 

False  angustura  100 

False  barks  246 

False  sarsaparilla  115 

False  sunflower  1339 

False  unicorn  plant  1339 
Farina  341 

Fat  lute  779 

Fat  manna  465 

Febure’s  remedy  for 
cancer  24 

Fel  bovinum  1376 

Fellinic  acid  1377 

Female  fern  1299 

Fennel,  common  352 

Fennel,  sweet  353 

Fennel  water  891 

Fennel-flower,  small  1367 

Fennel-seed  352 

Fenugreek  1400 

Fermentation,  alcoholic  60 
Fermentation,  vinous  60 

Fern,  female  1299 

Fern,  male  350 

Feronia  elephantum  7 

Ferri  ammonio-chlori- 
dum  1019 

Ferri  ammonio-citras  999 
Ferri  ammonio-tartras  1294 
Ferri  arsenias  1298 

Ferri  bromidum  1305 

Ferri  carbonas  1013 

Ferri  carbonas  cum  sac- 
charo  995 

Ferri  carbonas  sacclia- 
ratum  995 

Ferri  carburetum  1309 
Ferri  citras  998 

Ferri  et  magnesias  ci- 
tras 1315 

Ferri  etpotassce  tartras  999 
Ferri  et  quini®  citras  1315 
Ferri  ferrocyanuretum  1001 
Ferri  filum  347 

Ferri  iodidi  syrupus  1005 
Ferri  iodidum  1003 

Ferri  lactas  1353 

Ferri  limatura  347 

Ferri  muriatis  tinctura  996 
Ferri  oxidum  hydratum  1008 
Ferri  oxidum  nigrum  1010 
Ferri  oxidum  rubrum  1013 


Ferri  oxydum  magneti- 
cum  1011 

Ferri  pernitratis  liquor  1007 
Ferri  peroxydnm  1012 

Ferri  peroxydum  hy- 
dra turn  1008 

Ferri  phosphas  1012 

Ferri  potassio-tartras  999 
‘Ferri  pulvis  993 

I Ferri  ramenta  347 


1451 


Ferri  sesquioxidum 

1013 

Ferri  subcarbonas 

1013 

Ferri  sulphas 

1014 

Ferri  sulphas  exsicca- 

tum 

1017 

Ferri  sulphas  granu- 

latum 

1017 

Ferri  sulphas  venalis 

348 

Ferri  sulphuretum 

1018 

Ferri  tannas 

1397 

Ferri  valerianas 

1018 

Ferric  acid 

345 

Ferrocyanate  of  potnssa  593 

Ferrocyanate  of  quinia 

251 

Ferrocyanide  of  potas- 

sium 

593 

Ferrocyanogen 

594 

Ferrocyanuret  of  iron 

1001 

Ferrocyanuret  of  po- 

tassium 

593 

Ferrocyanuret  of  zinc 

1328 

Ferro-manganic  prepa- 

rations 

1359 

Ferroprussiate  of  po- 

tassa 

593 

F errugo 

1008 

Ferrum 

344 

Ferrum  nmmoniatum 

1019 

Ferrum  tnrtarizatum 

999 

Ferula  ammonifera 

88 

Ferula  assafoetida 

127 

Ferula  erubescens 

355 

Ferula  ferulago 

355 

Ferula  galbanifera, 

355 

Ferula  Fersica  127 

, 639 

Ferula  tingitana 

88 

Fetid  aloes  72 

Fetid  spirit  of  ammonia  865 
Fever-bush  1302 

Feverfew  1385 

Fever-root  739 

Fibrin,  vegetable  342 

Fibroin  704 

Fibrous  Carthagena 


bark 

243,  244 

Ficus 

348 

Ficus  carica 

349 

Ficus  Indica 

1352 

Ficus  religiosa 

1352 

Figs 

348 

Figwort 

1389 

Filicic  acid 

351 

Filix 

350 

Filix  mas 

350 

Filter,  Boullay’s 

782 

Filters 

772 

Filtration 

772 

Filtration  by  displace- 

ment 

782,  789 

Fine-leaved  water-hem- 

lock  • 

1369 

Fish  glue 

402 

Fishery  salt 

696 

Fixed  oils 

493 

Flag,  blue 

421 

1452 


Index, 


Flag,  sweet 

151 

Frankincense  563,  1371 

Flake  manna 

465 

Frasera 

354 

Flammula  Jovis 

1315 

Frasera  Carolinensis 

354 

Flax 

448 

Frasera  Walteri 

354 

Flax,  purging 

450 

Fraxinella,  white 

1326 

Flaxseed 

448 

Fraxinus  excelsior  464, 

1328 

Flaxseed  cataplasm 

919 

Fraxinus  ornus 

464 

Flaxseed  meal 

449 

Fraxinus  parviflora 

464 

Flaxseed  oil 

505 

French  berries 

607 

Fleabane,  Canada 

330 

French  chalk 

1328 

Fleabane,  Philadelphia 

330 

French  rhubarb 

614 

Fleabane,  various  leaved  330 

French  vinegar 

12 

Fleawort 

1382 

Friar’s  balsam 

1222 

Flesh-coloured  asclepias  124 

Frost-weed 

380 

Flies,  potato 

171 

Frostwort 

380 

Flies,  Spanish 

166 

Fruit  essences,  artificial  1328 

Flint,  powdered 

680 

Fruit  sugar 

631 

Flix  weed 

1391 

Fucus  crispus 

216 

Florence  receiver 

1097 

Fucus  helminthocorton  1330 

Florentine  orris 

420 

Fucus  palmatus 

406 

Flores  martiales 

1020 

Fucus  vesiculosus 

1329 

Flores  sulphuris 

716 

Fuligo  ligni 

1391 

Florida  anise  tree 

1344 

Fuligokali 

1330 

Florida  arrow-root 

468 

Fumaria  officinalis 

1330 

Flour,  wheat 

341 

Fumaric  acid 

1304 

Flowering  ash 

464 

Fumigating  pastiles 

145 

Flowers  of  benzoin 

801 

Fuming  sulphuric  acid 

Flowers  of  sulphur 

716 

of  Nordhausen 

47 

Flowers  of  zinc 

1283 

Fumitory 

1330 

Fluid  extract  of  bark 

262 

Fungi 

1364 

Fluid  extract  of  black 

Fungic  acid 

1364 

pepper 

990 

Fungin  1291, 

1364 

Fluid  extract  of  buchu 

149 

Fungus  rosarum 

1302 

Fluid  extract  of  cubebs 

989 

Funnel  stands 

774 

Fluid  extract  of  ergot 

329 

Furnaces 

775 

Fluid  extract  of  rhubarb  990 

Fusagasuga  bark 

245 

Fluid  extract  of  sarsa- 

Fused nitrate  of  silver 

899 

parilla 

991 

Fusel  oil 

851 

Fluid  extract  of  senna 

992 

Fusiform  jalap 

425 

Fluid  extract  of  serpen 

Fusion 

784 

taria 

679 

Fustic 

1330 

Fluid  extract  of  spigelia 

and  senna 

992 

Fluid  extract  of  taraxa 

G 

cum 

988 

Fluid  extract  of  valerian  992 

Gaduin 

508 

Fluid  extract  of  vanilla 

1403 

Gadus  FEglifinus 

506 

Fluid  extracts 

989 

Gadus  callarias 

506 

Flux 

784 

Gadus  carbonarius 

506 

Fly-trap 

1388 

Gadus  merluccius 

506 

F oeniculum 

352 

Gadus  morrhua 

506 

Foeniculum  dulce 

353 

Gadus  pollachius 

506 

Foeniculum  officinale 

352 

Galam,  gum 

8 

Foeniculum  vulgare 

352 

Galanga 

1331 

Folia  Malabathri 

264 

Galangal 

1331 

Foliated  earth  of  tartar 

Galbanum 

Ot)5 

1135 

Galbanum  officinale 

355 

Formulae  for  prescrip- 

Galbanum plaster,  com 

- 

tions 

1411 

pound 

950 

Formyl,  terehloride  of 

840 

Galbanum  prceparatum  1024 

Fossil  salt 

695 

Galega  officinalis 

1331 

FothergilPs  pills 

75 

Galega  tinctoria 

1346 

Fowler’s  solution 

905 

Galega  Yirginiana 

1331 

Foxglove 

311 

Galena 

566r 

Frangulce  cortex 

608 

Galipea  cusparia 

99 

Galipea  officinalis  99 

Galipot  731 

Galitannic  acid  1331 

Galium  aperine  1331 

Galium  tinctorium  1332 

Galium  verum  1331 

Galla  356 

Gallic  acid  803 

Gallic  acid  fermentation  804 
Gallo- tannic  acid  821 

Galls  356 

Galls,  Chinese,  , 357 

Gallus  Bankiva  548 

Gambir  200 

Gamboge  359 

Gambogia  359 

Gambogic  acid  361 

Garbling  of  drugs  767 

Garcinia  cambogia  359 

Garcinia  morella  360 

Garden  angelica  97 

Garden  carrot-root  184 

Garlic  65 

Gas  burners  776 

Gas  liquor  85 

Gaultheria  362 

Gaultheria  procumbens  362 
Gay  feather  1355 

Gein  110 

Gelatin,  capsules  of  1333 

Gelseminum  nitidum  1332 

Gelseminum  sempervirens 

1332 

General  remedies  2 

Genista  tinctoria  1332 

Gentian  363 

Gentian,  blue  365 

Gentiana  363 

Gentiana  Catesbsei  365 

Gentiana  chirayta  215 

Gentiana  lutea  363 

Gentiana  macrophylla  363 

Gentiana  Pannonica  363 

Gentiana  punctata  363 

Gentiana  purpurea  363 

Gentiana  saponaria  365 

Gentianin  364 

Gentisic  acid  364 

Gentisin  364 

Geoffrova  inermis  1306 

Geoffroya  Surinamensis  1306 
Geranium  365 

Geranium  maculatum  366 

Geranium  Kobertianum  1332 
German  chamomile  472 

Germander  1399 

Geurn 

Geum  rivale  367 

Geum  urbanum  367 

Gigartina  helminthocor- 
ton  1330 

Gigartina  lichenoides  1330 

Gillenia  368 

Gillenia  stipulacea  368 

Gillenia  trifoliata  308 


Index, 


1453 


Ginger 

762 

Green  iodide  of  mercury 

Ginger  syrup 

1216 

1036 

Ginseng 

549 

Green  vitriol  348, 

1014 

Glacial  acetic  acid  16,  19 

Green  weed 

1332 

Glacial  phosphoric  acid 

815 

Griffith’s  antihectic 

Glasgow  soft  soap 

652 

myrrh  mixture 

1079 

Glass  of  antimony 

1333 

Grinding 

770 

Glass  of  borax 

689 

Groats 

133 

Glass  of  lead 

1333 

Gromwell 

1357 

Glauber’s  salt 

693 

Ground-ivy 

1333 

Glechoma  hederacea 

1333 

Ground  laurel 

1327 

Glu 

1304 

Ground  pine 

1292 

Glucic  acid 

637 

Groundsell,  common 

1390 

Glucose 

631 

Gruel,  oatmeal 

133 

Glue 

1333 

Gruffs 

769 

Gluten 

342 

Guaco 

1336 

Glycerin 

1021 

Guaiac 

376 

Glycerin  ointment 

1022 

Guaiac  mixture 

1080 

Glycerina 

1021 

Guaiaci  lignum 

374 

Glyceryle 

1022 

Guaiaci  resina 

376 

Glycion 

370 

Guaiacic  acid  87s 

, 377 

Glycocoll 

404 

Guaiacin 

377 

Glycyrrhiza 

369 

Guaiacum 

376 

Glycyrrkiza  echinata 

369 

Guaiacum  arboreum 

375 

Glycyrrhiza  glabra 

369 

Guaiacum  officinale 

374 

GlyGyrrhiza  l'epidota 

369 

Guaiacum  sanctum 

375 

Glycyrrhizas  radix 

369 

Guaiacum  wood 

374 

Glycyrrhizin 

370 

Guanine 

1336 

Gnaphalium  margarita- 

Guano 

1336 

ceum 

1334 

Guarana 

1378 

Gnaphalium  polycepha- 

Guaranin 

1378 

lum 

1334 

Guatemala  sarsaparilla 

655 

Goat's  rue 

1331 

Guilandina  bonduc 

216 

Godfrey’s  cordial 

1244 

Guilandina  moringa 

1370 

Gold,  preparations  of 

1334 

Guinea  grains 

182 

Golden  sulphur  of  anti 

Gum 

9 

mony 

880 

Gum  anime 

1296  j 

Golden-rod 

697 

Gum  Arabic 

5 

Goldthread 

290 

Gum  Arabic  mixture 

1075 

Gombo 

1340 

Gum,  artificial 

95 

Gondret’s  vesicating  oint- 

Gum,  Australian 

9 

ment 

85 

Gum,  Barbary 

8 

Goose-grass 

1331 

Gum,  Bassora 

1300  S 

Gossypium 

371 

Gum,  Cape 

9! 

Gossypium  herbaceum 

371 

Gum  elastic 

1308 

Goulard’s  cerate 

925 

Gum  galam 

8 

Goulard’s  extract 

1126 

Gum  gedda 

7 

Gourd  seeds 

1323 

Gum,  India 

8 

Grain  oil 

851 

Gum,  pectoral 

12  1 

Grains  of  paradise 

182 

Gum  plaster 

951 : 

Grana  Molucca 

522 

Gum,  Senegal 

8! 

Grana  moschata 

1340 

Gum  turic 

7 i 

Grana  paradisi 

182 

Gum,  Turkey 

7 

Grana  tiglia 

522 

Gummi  acaciae 

5 1 

Granati  fructus  cortex 

372 

Gummi  gutta 

360 

Granati  radicis  cortex 

372 

Gummi  rubrum  astrin- 

Granatum 

372 

gens  Gambinense 

433 

Granulated  sulphate  of 

Gummi-resinse 

1023 

iron 

1017 

Gum-resins 

1023 

Grape  sugar 

631 

Gun  cotton 

1337 

Grape,  varieties  of  the 

751 

Gun  cotton,  ethereal  so 

Gratiola  officinalis 

1336 

lution  of 

849 

Gravel-root 

332 

Gunjah 

338 

Gray  bark 

230 

Gutta  percha 

13371 

Greaves 

593 

Gyromia  Yirginiea 

1360! 

H 


Haddock  506 

Haematoxylon  37S 

Hmmatoxylon  Campe- 
chianum  378 

Hagenia  Abyssinica  1351 

Hair-cap  moss  1383 

Hake  506 

Hamamelis  Yirginiea  1338 

Hard  Carthagena  bark  242 
Hard  water  109 

Hardback  700 

Harris’s  patent  sieve  770 

Harrowgate  water  112 

Hartshorn  292 

Harts-tongne  1389 

Hashish  338 

Heal-all  1320,  1384 

Heat,  application  of  775 

Heavy  carbonate  of 
magnesia  456 

Heavy  oil  of  wine  832 

Heavy  spar  139 

Hebradendron  cambo- 
gioides  359 

Hedeoma  379 

Hedeoma  pulegioides  379 

Hedera  helix  1339 

Hederic  acid  1339 

Hederin  1339 

Hedge  garlic  1293 

Hedge,  hyssop  1336 

Hedge  mustard  1390 

Hedysarum  Alhagi  464 

Helenin  405 

Helenium  autumnale  1339 

Helianthemum  380 

Helianthemum  Cana- 

dense  380 

Helianthemum  corym- 
bosum  380 

Helianthus  annuus  1362 

Hellebore,  American  748 

Hellebore,  black  381 

Hellebore,  white  747 

Helleborin  382 

Helleborus  381 

Helleborus  foetidus  1339 

Helleborus  niger  • 381 

Helleborus  orientalis  381 

Helleborus  viridis  381 

Helminthocorton  1330 

Helonias  dioica  1339 

Helonias  officinalis  628 

Hematin  379 

Hematoxylin  379 

Hemidesmic  acid  383 

Hemidesmus  383 

Hemidesmus  Indicus  383 

Hemlock  281 

Hemlock  cataplasm  919 

Hemlock  gum  564 

Hemlock  leaves  280 

Hemlock,  oil  of  564 


1454 


Index. 


Hemlock  seed  280 

Hemlock  spruce  564 

Hemlock  water-drop- 

wort  1369 

Hemp  338 

Hemp,  Indian  107,  338 
Henbane  leaves  399 

Henbane  seed  399 

Henry’s  aromatic  spirit 
of  vinegar  799 

Henry’s  magnesia  1069 

Hepar  sulpkuris  1158 

Hepatic  aloes  71 

Hepatica  384 

Hepatica  acutiloba  384 

Hepatica  Americana  384 

Hepatica  triloba  384 

Heptree  620 

Ileracleum  384 

Heracleum  gummiferum  88 
Heracleum  lanatum  384 

Herb  Christopher  1290 

Herb  Robert  1332 

Herba  Britannica  625 

Hermodactyls  1340 

Heuchera  385 

Heuchera  Americana  385 
Heuchera  cortusa  385 

Heuchera  viscida  385 

Heudelotia  Africana  1301 
Hevea  Guianensis  1308 

Hibiscus  abelmoschus  1340 

Hibiscus  esculentus  1340 

Hickory  ashes  and  soot, 
infusion  of  1392 

Hiera  picra  1162 

Himalaya  rhubarb  615 

Hircic  acid  680 

Ilircin  680 

Hirudo  385 

Hirudo  decora  387 

Hirudo  medicinalis  386 

Hive-syrup  1212 

Hoffmann’s  anodyne  li- 
quor 834 

Holly  1344 

Hollyhock  77 

Homberg’s  pyrophorus  79 
Honduras  sarsaparilla  654 
Honey  473 

Honey,  clarified  1073 

Honey  of  borax  1074 

Honey  of  roses  1074 

Honey,  preparations  of  1073 
Honeysuckle  1357 

Hooper’s  pills  1111 

Hops  391 

Hordein  390 

Hordeum  389 

Hordeum  distichon  389 

Hordeum  perlatum  390 

Hordeum  vul'gare  389 

Ilorehound  469 

Horse  aloes  72 

Horse  brimstone  715 


Horse-balm  1320 

Horsechestnut  1290 

Horsemint  480 

Horse-radish  118 

Horse-radish  tree  1370 
Horse-weed  1320 

Hot  bath  114 

Hound’s  tongue  1325 

Houseleelc,  common  1390 

Ilouseleek,  small  1390 

Howard’s  hydrosubli- 
mate of  mercury  1032 
Huamilies  bark  232 

Iluanuco  bark  230 

Humulus  391 

Ilumulus  lupulus  391 

Hundred-leaved  roses  620 
Hungarian  balsam  1386 
Hura  Brasiliensis  1340 

Hura  crepitans  1340 

Husband’s  magnesia  1070 
Iluxham’s  tincture  of 
bark  1227 

Hydrangea  arborescens  1341 
Hydrangea,  common  1341 
Hvdrargyri  ammonio- 
chloriclum  1047 

Hvdrargyri  bichlori- 
dum  1025 

Hydrargyri  biniodidum  1037 
Hydrargyri  binoxidum  1042 
Hydrargyri  bisulpliu- 
retum  1045 

Hydrargyri  chloridum  1031 
Hydrargyri  chloridum 
corrosivum  1025 

Hydrargyri  chloridum 
mite  1031 

Hydrargyri  cyanuretum  1035 
Hydrargyri  et  quin  ire 
chloridum  1312 

Hydrargyri  iodidum  1036 
Hydrargyri  iodidum 
rubrum  1037 

Hydrargyri  iodidum 
viride  1036 

Hydrargyri  nitrico-oxi- 
dum  1040 

Hydrargyri  oxidum  ni- 
grum 1038 

Hydrargyri  oxidum  ru- 
brum, U.  S.  1040 

Hydrargyri  oxydum  ru- 
brum, Dub.  1040 

Hydrargyri  pernitratis 
liquor  1042 

Hydrargyri  precipita- 
tum  album  1047 

Hydrargyri  sulphas  1043 

Hydrargyri  sulphas  fla- 
vus  1043 

Hydrargyri  sulphure- 
tum  nigrum  1044 

Hydrargyri  sulphure- 
tum  rubrum  1045 


Hydrargyria  397 

Hydrargyrum  393 

Hydrargyrum  ammonia- 
tum  1047 

Hydrargyrum  cum  creta 

1048 

Hydrargyrum  cum  mag- 
nesia 1049 

Hydrargyrum  praecipi- 
tatum  per  se  1041 

Hydrargyrum  pururn  1024 

Hydrastin  1341 

Hydrastis  Canadensis  1341 
Hydrate  of  potassa  1131 

Hydrated  oxide  of  iron  1008 
Hydrated  sesquioxide 
(peroxide)  of  iron  1008 

Hydric  ether  825,  829 
Hydriodate  of  ammonia 


1347 

Hydriodate  of  arsenic 
and  mercury,  solu- 
tion of  904 

Hydriodate  of  potassa  1154 

Hydriodic  acid  1341 

Hydriodic  ether  1342 

Hydrochlorate  of  am- 
monia 85 

Hydrochlorate  of  lime  152 
Hydrochlorate  of  mor- 
phia 1088 

Hydrochloric  acid  35 

Hydrocotyle  Asiatica  1342 
Hydrocyanate  of  ether- 
ine  1342 

Hydrocyanic  acid,  an- 
hydrous 808,  809 

Hydrocyanic  acid,  di- 
luted 805 

Hydrocyanic  ether  1342 
Hydrogen  1284 

Hydrometer,  Baume’s 

768,  1431 

Hydrosublimate  of 
mercury  1032 

Hydrosulphate  of  lime  1394 
Hydrosulphuret  of  am- 
monia 858 

Hydrosulphuric  acid  1018 

Hydruret  of  benzyle  499 

Hydruret  of  salicyle  196 

Hymentea  courbaril  1296 

Hymensea  verrucosa  1321 

Hyoscyami  folia  399 

Ilyoscyami  semen  399 

Hyoscyamia  400 

Hyoseyamus 

Hyuscyamus  albus  400 

Hyoseyamus  niger 
Hyperanthera  moringa  1370 
Hypericum  perforatum  1343 
Hyperiodic  acid  407 

Hypermanganic  acid  462 

Ilypermanganate  of 
potassa  1359 


Index, 


1455 


• Hyperoxymuriate  of 


potassa 

585 

Hypochlorite  of  lime 

155 

Hypochlorite  of  soda 

1183 

Hyponitrous  ether 

83S 

Hypopicrotoxic  acid 

268 

Hyposulphite  of  soda 

1343 

Hyposulphite  of  soda 

and  silver 

1343 

Ilyposulphuric  acid 

716 

Hyposulphurous  acid 

716 

Hyraceum 

196 

Hyrax  Capensis 

196 

Hyssop 

1343 

Hyssopus  officinalis 

1343 

I 

Iberis  amara 

1344 

Ice-plant 

1361 

Iceland  moss 

210 

Ichthyocolla 

402 

Icica  icicariba 

324 

Ictodes  foe  till  us 

316 

Idrialine 

713 

Igasuria 

490 

Igasuric  acid 

490 

Ignatia  amara 

1301 

Hex 

1344 

Ilex  aquifolium  1303, 

1344 

Ilex  cassina 

1344 

Ilex  dahoon 

1344 

Ilex  mate 

1344 

Ilex  opaca 

1344 

Ilex  Paraguaiensis 

1344 

Ilex  Vomitoria 

1344 

Ilicin 

1344 

Illicium  anisatum  102,  1345 

Illicium  Floridanum 

1344 

Illicium  parviflorum 

1345 

Impatiens  balsamina 

1345 

Impatiens  fulva 

1345 

Impatiens  noli-me-tan- 

gere 

1345 

Impatiens  pallida 

1345 

Imperatoria  ostruthium 

1345 

Imperial 

582 

Imperial  measure 

1415 

Impure  carbonate  of 

potassa 

582 

Impure  oxideof  zinc 

1401 

Impure  potassa 

582 

Impure  soda 

690 

Incineration 

784 

Incitants 

2 

Indelible  ink 

1345 

India  aloes 

72 

India  gum 

8 

India  myrrh 

4S8 

India  opium 

529 

India  rhubarb 

612 

India  senna 

673 

Indian  corn 

1405 

Indian  cucumber 

1360 

Indian  hemp  107 

, 338 

Indian  physic 

368 

Indian  poke 

748 

Indian  red 

1346 

Indian  rubber 

1308 

Indian  sarsaparilla 

383 

Indian  tobacco 

452 

Indian  turnip 

122 

Indian  yellow 

1346 

Indigo 

1346 

Indigo,  sulphate  of 

1346 

Indigo,  wild 

1300 

Indigofera  anil 

1346 

Indigofera  argentea 

1346 

Indigofera  tinctoria 

1346 

Indigotin 

1346 

Infusa 

1049 

Infusion 

781 

Infusion  jar,  Alsop’s 

1050 

Infusion  of  angustura 

bark 

1051 

Iufusion  of  buchu 

1052 

Infusion  of  cascarilla 

1052 

Infusion  of  catechu, 

compound 

1053 

Infusion  of  Cayenne 

pepper 

1052 

Infusion  of  chamomile 

1051 

Infusion  of  chiretta 

1053 

Infusion  of  cloves 

1052 

Infusion  of  columbo 

1055 

Iufusion  of  dandelion 

1062 

Infusion  of  ergot 

1056 

Infusion  of  flaxseed, 

compound 

1058 

Infusion  of  foxglove 

1056 

Infusion  of  gentian, 

compound 

1056 

Infusion  of  ginger 

1062 

Infusion  of  hickory  ashes 

and  soot 

1392 

Infusion  of  hops 

1057 

Infusion  of  horse-radish  1051 

Infusion  of  juniper 

1057 

Infusion  of  matieo 

105S 

Infusion  of  orange  peel, 

compound 

1052 

Infusion  of  pale  bark 

1054 

Infusion  of  pale  bark, 

inspissated 

1055 

Infusion  of  pareira 

brava 

1058 

Infusion  of  Peruvian 

bark,  compound 

1053 

Infusion  of  Peruvian 

bark,  inspissated 

1055 

Infusion  of  pinkroot 

1062 

Infusion  of  quassia 

1059 

Infusion  of  red  bark 

1054 

Infusion  of  rhatany 

1057 

Infusion  of  rhubarb 

1059 

Infusion  of  roses,  com 

pound 

1059 

Infusion  of  sarsaparilla  106C 

Infusion  of  sassafras 

pith  1060 

Infusion  of  seneka  1060 

Infusion  of  senna  1061 

Infusion  of  senna,  com- 
pound 1061 

Infusion  of  simaruba  1061 
Infusion  of  slippery  elm 
bark  ‘ 1062 

Infusion  of  spearmint  1058 
Infusion  of  thorough- 

wort  1056 

Infusion  of  tobacco  1062 

Infusion  of  valerian  1062 

Infusion  of  Virginia 

snakeroot.  1061 

Infusion  of  wild-cherry 
bark  10<S 

Infusion  of  yellow  bark  1053 
Infusions  1049 

Infusum  angustur®  1051 

Infusum  antkemidis  1051 

Infusum  armoraci®  1051 

Infusum  armoracioe  com- 
positum  1051 

Infusum  aurantii  1052 

Infusum  aurantii  eom- 
positum  1052 

Infusum  buchu  1052 

Infusum  calumb®  1055 

Infusum  capsici  1052 

Infusum  caryophylli  1052 

Infusum  cascarill®  1052 

Infusum  catechu  compo- 
situm  1053 

Infusum  chirett®  1053 

Infusum  cinchona  1053, 1054 
Infusum  cinchon®  com- 
positum  1053 

Infusum  cinchon®  flay®  1053 
Infusum  cinchon®  pal- 
lid® 1054 

Infusum  cinchon®  pal- 
lid® spissatum  1055 

Infusum  cinchon®  ru- 
br®  1054 

Infusum  cinchon®  spis- 
satum 1 055 

Infusum  colomb®  1055 

Infusum  cuspari®  1051 

Infusum  digitalis  1056 

Infusum  ergot®  1056 

Infusum  eupatorii  1056 

Infusum  gentian®  com- 
positum  1 056 

Infusum  humuli  1057 

Infusum  juniperi  1057 

Infusum  krameri®  1057 

Infusum  lini  compositum 

1058 

Infusum  lupuli  1057 

Infusum  matieo  1058 

Infusum  menth®  viridis  1058 
Infusum  pareir®  1058 

Infusum  polygal®  1060 


1456 


Index . 


Infusum  pruai  Virgini- 
an® 1058 

Infusum  quassi*  1059 

Infusum  rhei  1059 

Infusum  ros®  acidum  1059 

Infusum  ros®  composi- 
tum  1059 

Infusum  sarsaparill®  1060 
Infusum  sassafras  me- 

dull®  1060 

Infusum  seneg®  10C0 

Infusum  senn®  1061 

Infusum  sennas  composi- 
tum  1061 

Infusum  serpen tari®  1061 

Infusum  simarub®  1061 

Infusum  spigeli®  1062 

Infusum  tabaci  1062 

Infusum  taraxaci  1062 

Infusum  ulmi  1062 

Infusum  valerian®  1062 

Infusum  zingiberis  1062 

Ink  1397 

Inspissated  infusion  of 
pale  bark  1055 

Inspissated  infusion  of 
Peruvian  bark  1 055 

Inula  4Q5 

Inula  belenium  405 

lnulin  405 

Iodic  acid  407 

Iodide  of  ammonium  1347 
Iodide  of  arsenic  904 

Iodide  of  arsenic  and 

mercury,  solution  of  904 
Iodide  of  barium  1347 

Iodide  of  etliyle  1342 

Iodide  of  gold  1334 

Iodide  of  iron  1003 

Iodide  of  iron,  solution 
of  1005 

Iodide  of  iron,  syrup  of  1005 
Iodide  of  lead  1126 

Iodide  of  manganese  1358 

Iodide  of  mercury  1036 

Iodide  of  potassium  1152 

Iodide  of  silver  1347 

Iodide  of  starch  1347 

Iodide  of  sulphate  of 

quinia  1172 

Iodide  of  sulphur  1198 

Iodide  of  zinc  1348 

Iodides  of  calomel  1849 

Iodine  406 

Iodine  baths  41 2 

Iodine,  bisulpliuret  of  1198 
Iodine  caustic  412 

Iodine,  compound  solu- 
tion of  1064 

Iodine  inhalation  413 

Iodine  lotion  411 

Iodine,  Lugol’s  solution 
of  " 411 

Iodine  ointment  of 

Lugol  411 


Iodine,  oxide  of  407 

Iodine,  preparations  of  1063 
Iodine,  pure  1063 

Iodine,  rubefacient  solu- 
tion of  412 

Iodinei  liquor  composi- 
tus  1064 

Iodinium  406 

Iodinium  purum  1063 

Iodism  409 

Iodoform  1349 

Iodoformum  1 349 

Iodohydrargyrate  of  po- 
tassium 1349 

Iodous  acid  407 

Ioduretted  oil  414 

Ionidium  ipecacuanha  419 
Ionidium  marcucci  419,  1350 
Ionidium  microphyllum  419 
Ionidium  parviflorum 

419,  1350 
Ipecacuanha  415 

Ipecacuanha,  American 

336,  368 


Ipecacuanha,  amvlaceous 

418 


Ipecacuanha,  black 

418 

Ipecacuanha,  Peruvian 

418 

Ipecacuanha  spurge 

336 

Ipecacuanha,  striated 

418 

Ipecacuanha,  undulated  418 

Ipecacuanha,  white 

418 

Ipecacuanhas,  non-offim 

nal 

418 

Ipecacuanliic  acid 

417 

Ipomrna jalapa 

423 

Ipomma  macrorhiza 

422 

[pornrna  purga 

423 

Iris  Florentina 

420 

Iris  foetidissima 

421 

Iris  Germanica 

421 

Iris  pseudo-acorus 

421 

Iris  tuberosa  421, 

1340 

Iris  versicolor 

421 

Irish  moss 

216 

Iron 

344 

Iron  alum 

1393 

Iron,  ammoniated 

1019 

Iron,  ammonio-chloride 

of 

1019 

Iron,  ammonio-citrate 

of 

999 

Iron,  ammonio-tartrate 

of 

1294 

Iron  and  alumina,  sul- 

phate of 

1393 

Iron  and  magnesia,  ci- 

trate of 

1315 

Iron  and  potassa,  tar- 

trate of 

999 

Iron  and  quinia,  citrate 

of 

1315 

Iron,  arseniate  of 

129S 

Iron,  black  oxide  of 

1010 

Iron,  bromide  of 

1305 

Iron  by  hydrogen  993 

Iron,  carbonate  of,  with 


sugar 

995 

Iron,  carburet  of 

1309 

Iron,  citrate  of 

998 

Iron,  commercial  sul- 

phate of 

348 

Iron,  dried  sulphate  of  1017 

Iron,  ferrocyanuret  of 

1001 

Iron  filings 

347 

Iron,  granulated  sulphate 

of 

1017 

Iron,  hydrated  oxide  of  1008 

Iron  in  fine  powder 

348 

Iron,  iodide  of 

1003 

Iron,  lactate  of 

1353 

Iron,  magnetic  oxide  of  1011 

Iron,  peroxide  of 

1012 

Iron,  phosphate  of 

1012 

Iron  plaster 

950 

Iron,  powder  of 

993 

Iron,  precipitated  car- 

bonate of 

1013 

Iron,  preparations  of 

993 

Iron,  protoxide  of 

345 

Iron,  Quevenne’s 

993 

Iron,  red  oxide  of 

1013 

Iron,  reduced 

993 

Iron,  saccharine  carbon 

- 

ate  of 

995 

Iron,  sesquioxide  of 

1012, 

1013 

Iron,  solution  of  iodide 

of 

1005 

Iron,  solution  of  nitrate 

of 

1007 

Iron,  subcarbonate  of 

1013 

Iron,  sulphate  of 

1014 

Iron,  sulphuret  of 

1018 

Iron,  syrup  of  iodide  of 

1005 

Iron,  table  of  the  prepa 

- 

rations  of 

346 

Iron,  tannate  of 

1397 

Iron,  tartarized 

999 

Iron,  tartrate  of  protoxide 

of 

1000 

Iron,  teroxide  of 

345 

Iron,  tincture  of  acetate 

of 

995 

Iron,  tincture  of  chloride 

of 

996 

Iron,  tincture  of  muriate 

of 

996 

Iron,  valerianate  of 

1018 

Iron,  -wine  of 

1020 

Iron  wire 

347 

Isatis  tinctoria 

1350 

Isinglass 

402 

Isis  nobilis 

1321 

Isonandra  gutta 

1337 

Issue  peas  131,421, 

1339 

Ivory  black 

177 

Ivy- 

1339 

Ivy  gum 

1339 

Index , 


1457 


J 


Jaen  bark 

231 

Jaggary 

632 

Jalap 

422 

Jalap,  fusiform 

425 

Jalap,  light 

424 

Jalap,  male 

424 

Jalap,  overgrown 

425 

Jalap,  rose-scented 

425 

Jalapa 

422 

Jalapin 

424 

Jamaica  dogwood 

1381 

Jamaica  ginger 

763 

Jamaica  kino 

432 

Jamaica  pepper 

559 

Jamaica  sarsaparilla 

654 

J ames’s  powder 

882 

Jamestown  weed 

709 

Janipha  manihot 

725 

Japan  camphor 

160 

Japan  sago 

640 

Jargonelle  pear  essence  1 329 

Jasmine,  common  white  1371 

Jasminum.grandiflorum  1371 

Jasminum  officinale 

1371 

Jasminum  sambac 

1371 

Jatamansi 

1394 

Jatropha  curcas 

1300 

Jatropha  elastica 

1308 

Jatropha  manihot 

725 

J atropha  multifida 

1300 

Jatropha  oil 

1300 

Java  cardamom 

181 

Javelle's  water 

1312 

Jelly,  vegetable 

185 

Jerusalem  oak  212,  213 

Jervina 

747 

Jesuit?’  drops 

1222 

Jesuits’  powder 

259 

Jewell’s  hydrosublimate 

of  mercury 

1032 

Jewel-weed 

1345 

Juglans 

426 

Juglans  cathartica 

426 

Juglans  cinerea 

426 

J uglans  nigra 

426 

Juglans  regia 

426' 

Jujubee 

1406 

Jujube  paste 

1406 

Juniper 

428 

Juniperus 

428 

Juniperus  communis 

428 

Juniperus  depressa 

428 

Juniperus  lycia 

1371 

Juniperus  oxycedrus 

VI 370 

Juniperus  sabina 

630 

Juniperus  Virginiana 

429 

K 

Ksempferia  rotunda 

1405 

Kalium 

579 

Kalmia  angustifolia 

1351 

92 

Kalmia  glauca  1351 

Kalmia  latifolia  1350 

Kava  472 

Kelp  691 

Kempferid  1331 

Kermes  mineral  879 

Kinate  of  cinchonia  255 
Kinate  of  quinia  255 

King’s  yellow  1373 

Kinic  acid  255 

Kino  430 

Kino,  African  433 

Kino,  Botany  Bay  433 

Kino  Caracas  432 

Kino,  East  India  431 

Kino,  Jamaica  432 

Kino,  South  American  432 
Kino,  West  India  432 

Ivinoic  acid  431 

Kinoile  256 

Kinone  256 

Kino-red  431 

Kinovic  acid  256 

Ivinovic  bitter  249 

Knot-grass  1304 

Knot-root  1325 

Koosso  1351 

Krameria  435 

Ivrameria  ixina  435 

Krameria  triandra  435 

Krameric  acid  436 

Krimea  rhubarb  614 


L 


Labarraque’s  disinfect- 


ing  liquid 

1181 

Labdanum 

1352 

Labrador  tea 

1355 

Lac 

1352 

Lac  ammoniaci 

1076 

Lac  assafcetidse 

1077 

Lac  sulphuris 

1197 

Laccin 

1353 

Lachryma  scammony 

662 

Lacmus 

437 

Lactate  of  iron 

1353 

Lactate  of  quinia 

251 

Lactic  acid 

1354 

Laetide 

1354 

Lactin 

638 

Lactose 

638 

Lactuca 

438 

Lactuca  altissima 

438 

Lactuca  elongata 

43.8 

Lactuca  sativa 

438 

Lactuca  scariola 

442 

Lactuca  virosa 

442 

Lactucarium 

438 

Lactuceriu 

441 

Lactucic  acid 

441 

Lactucin 

440 

Lactucone 

440 

Ladanum 

1352 

Ladies’  mantle  1293 

Ladies’  slipper  1325 

Lady  Webster’s  pills  1111 

Lsevo-tartarie  acid  53 

Lake  water  110 

Lakes  1355 

Lampblack  178 

Lamps,  alcoholic  776 

Lana  philosophica  1283 

Lancaster  black  drop  797 

Lapilli  cancrorum  1322 

Lapis  bezoar  occidentalis 

1303 

Lapis  bezoar  orientals  1303 
Lapis  calaminaris  149 

Lapis  infernalis  899 

Lapis  lazuli  1401 

Lappa  4-12 

Lappa  major  443 

Larch,  European  730 

Lard  57 

Lard,  prepared  1253 

Large-flowering  spurge  334 

Larix  Europaea  730 

Larkspur  310 

Laudanum  1 240 

Lauda  num,denarcotized  1242 
Laudanum,  Rousseau’s  1275 

Laudanum,  Sydenham’s  1274 

Laurel  1350 

Lauro-cerasus  443 

Laurus  444 

Laurus  benzoin  1302 

Laurus  camphora  159 

Laurus  cassia  263,  264 
Laurus  cinnamomum  263 

Laurus  culilawan  1324 

Laurus  nobilis  444 

Laurus  pichurim  1381 

Laurus  sassafras  658 

Lavandula  445 

Lavandula  spica  445 

Lavandula  vera  445 

Lavender  445 

Lavender  water  1190 

Lazulite  1401 

Lead  566 

Lead,  acetate  of  569 

Lead,  as  a poison  567 

Lead,  carbonate  of  571 

Lead,  diluted  solution 

of  subacetate  of  1126 

Lead,  dioxide  of  567 

Lead,  iodide  of  1126 

Lead,  nitrate  of  573 

Lead  plaster  954 

Lead,  preparations  of  1124 

Lead,  protoxide  of  567 

Lead,  red  574 

Lead,  red  oxide  of  574 

Lead,  semivitrified  oxide 
_of  575 

Lead,  sesquioxide  of  567 

Lead,  solution  of  sub- 
acetate of  1124 


1458 


Index, 


Lead,  sugar  of 

569 

Lead,  tannate  of 

1397 

Lead,  white 

571 

Lead-water 

1126 

Leadwort 

1382 

Leather  flower 

1316 

Leather  wood 

1326 

Lecanora  tartarea 

437 

Lecanoric  acid 

437 

Ledoyen’s  disinfecting 

fluid 

574 

Ledum  latifolum 

1355 

Ledum  palustre 

1355 

Leech,  mechanical 

389 

Leeches 

385 

Leek 

1355 

Lee’s  New  London  Pills 

75 

Lee’s  Windham  pills 

75 

Lemon  juice 

446 

Lemon  peel 

446 

Lemon  syrup 

1207 

Lemons 

446 

Lenitive  electuary 

932 

Lentisk 

470 

Leontgdon  taraxacum 

726 

Leopard’s  bane 

119 

Lepra  mercurialis 

397 

Leptandra  purpurea 

1355 

Leptandra  Virginica 

1355 

Lettuce 

438 

Lettuce,  acrid 

442 

Lettuce  opium 

440 

Lettuce,  strong  scented 

442 

Lettuce,  wild 

438 

Leucol 

253 

Levigation 

771 

Liatris  scariosa 

1355 

Liatris  spicata 

1355 

Liatris  squarrosa 

1355 

Lichen  Islandicus 

210 

Lichenin 

210 

Lichstearic  acid  211, 

1364 

Liebig’s  distillatory  ap- 

paratus 

793 

Life-everlasting 

1334 

Light  jalap 

424 

Light  oil  of  wine 

833 

Lignum  colubrinum 

490 

Lignum  vit® 

375 

Ligusticum  levisticum 

1355 

Ligustrin 

1356 

Ligustrum  vulgare 

1356 

Lilac,  common 

1396 

Lilac  in 

1396 

Lilium  candidum 

1356 

Lily,  common  white 

1356 

Lily  of  the  valley 

1320 

Lima  bark 

230 

Lime 

153 

Lime,  carbonate  of 

299 

Lime,  chloride  of 

155 

Lime,  chlorinated 

154 

Lime,  fresh-burned 

153 

« Lime,  hydrosulphate  of  1394 
Lime,  hypochlorite  of  155 


Lime  liniment  106G 

Lime,  muriate  of  152 

Lime,  precipitated  car- 
bonate of  913 

Lime,-  precipitated  phos- 
phate of  916 

Lime,  preparations  of  911 
Lime,  saecharate  of  913 

Lime,  syrup  of  913 

Lime,  solution  of  chlo- 
rinated 916 

Lime,  solution  of  mu- 
riate of  915 

Limes  447 

Limestone  299 

Lime-water  911 

Limon  446 

Limonis  cortex  446 

Limonum  oleum  504 

Limonum  succus  446 

Linaria  vulgaris  1297 

Lini  farina  449 

Lini  oleum  505 

Lini  semen  448 

Liniment,  anodyne  1067 

Liniment,  camphorated 
soap  1067 

Liniment,  mercurial  1067 

Liniment  of  ammonia  1065 
Liniment  of  ammonia, 
compound  1065 

Liniment  of  opium  1067 

Liniment  of  sesquicar- 
bonate  of  ammonia  1065 

Liniment  of  Spanish 
flies  1066  ' 

Liniment  of  turpentine  1068 

Liniment  of  verdigris  1064 

Liniment,  simple  1068 

Liniment,  volatile  1065 

Linimenta  1064 

Liniments  ■ 1064 

Linimentum  oeruginis  1064 
Linimentum  ammonias  1065 
Linimentum  ammoniae 

compositum  1065 

Linimentum  ammonite 

sesquicarbonatis  1065 

Linimentum  arcaei  1257 
Linimentum  calcis  1066 
Linimentum  camphor®  1066 
Linimentum  camphor® 
compositum  1066 

Linimentum  cantharidis  1066 
Linimentum  crotonis  1067 
Linimentum  hydrargyri  1067 
Linimentum  opii  1067 

Linimentum  saponis  1246 
Linimentum  saponis 
oamphoratum  1067 

Linimentum  simplex  1068 

Linimentum  terebin- 

thinte  1068 

Linin  450 

Linseed  44S 


Linseed  oil  505 

Linum  448 

Linum  catharticum  450 

Linum  usitatissimum  448 

Lion’s  foot  1384 

Liquefaction  777,  784 

Liquid  storax  712,  1356 
Liquidambar  altingia  1356 


Liquidambar  orientale  712 
Liquidambar  styraciflua 

712,  1356 
Liquidamber  1356 

Liquor  aluminis  compo- 
situs  855 

Liquor  ammoniae  859 

Liquor  ammoniae  aceta- 
tis  861 

Liquor  ammonite  citratis  863 
Liquor  ammonite  fortior  83 
Liquor  ammonias  ses- 
quicarbonatis 858 

Liquor  arsenicalis  905 
Liquor  arsenici  chloridi  903 
Liquor  arsenici  et  hy- 
drargyri iodidi  . 904 

Liquor  barii  chloridi  909 

Liquor  calcii  chloridi  915 

Liquor  calcis  911 

Liquor  cupri  ammonio- 
sulphatis  935 

Liquor  ferri  iodidi  1005 

Liquor  ferri  nitratis  1007 

Liquor  hydrargyri  bi- 
chloridi  1030 

Liquor  iodinii  composi- 
tus  1064 

Liquor  magnesitE  citra- 
tis 1071 

Liquor  morphioe  aceta- 
tis  1088 

Liquor  morphite  muri- 
atis  1091 

Liquor  morphite  sul- 
phatis  1092 

Liquor  plumbi  diaceta- 
tis  1124 

Liquor  plumbi  subace- 
tatis  1124 

Liquor  plumbi  subace- 
tatis  dilutus  1126 

Liquor  potassce  1128 

! Liquor  potass®  arse- 
nitis  905 

Liquor  potass®  carbo- 
natis  1139 

Liquor  potass®  chlori- 
nat®  1312 

Liquor  potass®  citratis  1 143 
Liquor  potassii  iodidi 
compositus  1157 

Liquor  sod®  1177 

Liquor  sod®  chlorinat®  1181 
Liquorice  ^ 340 

Liquorice  root 

Liriodendrin  451 


Index, 


1459 


Liriodendron 

450 

Liriodendron  tulipifera 

450 

Lisbon  diet  drink 

944 

Lisbon  sarsaparilla 

655 

Litharge 

575 

Litharge  plaster 

954 

Lithargyrum 

575 

Lithia 

1356 

Lithia,  carbonate  of 

1356 

Lithia  in  mineral  waters 

111 

Lithospermum  officinale 

1357 

Lithospermum  tinctori- 

um 

1293 

Litmus 

437 

Litmus  paper 

437 

Liver  of  sulphur 

1158 

Liverwort 

384 

Lixiviation 

781 

Lixivus  cinis 

582 

Lobelia 

452 

Lobelia  cardinalis 

454 

Lobelia  inflata 

452 

Lobelia  syphilitica 

454 

Lobelic  acid 

452 

Lobelina 

452 

Loblolly  pine 

728 

Local  remedies 

2 

Logwood 

378 

Long  pepper 

562 

Long-leaved  pine 

728 

Lonicera  caprifolium 

1357 

Loosestrife 

1357 

Lotio  nigra 

1033 

Lovage 

1355 

Loxa  bark 

229 

Lozenges 

1250 

Lunar  caustic 

899 

Lungwort 

1384 

Lupulin 

392 

Lupulina 

392 

Lupulite 

392 

Lupulus 

391 

Luteolin 

1385 

Lutes 

779 

Lycoperdon  proteus 

1365 

Lycopodium 

1357 

Lycopodium  clavatum 

1357 

Lycopus 

455 

Lycopus  Europeeus 

455 

Lycopus  Virginicus 

455 

Lythrum  salicaria 

1357 

Lytta 

166 

Lytta  Nuttaili 

173 

M 

Mace  485 

487 

Maceration 

781 

Macis  485,  487 

Macropiper  methysti- 

cum 

472 

Macrotys  racemosa 

217 

Madagascar  cardamom 

182 

Madar  1308 

Madder  622 

Madeira  wine  752 

Magistery  of  bismuth  911 
Magnesia  1068 

Magnesia,  acetate  of  1289 
Magnesia  alba  455 

Magnesia,  calcined  1071 
Magnesia,  carbonate  of  455 
Magnesia,  Dinneford’s  457 
Magnesia,  Ellis’s.  1070 
Magnesia,  heavy  car- 
bonate of  456 

Magnesia,  Henry’s  1069 
Magnesia,  Husband’s  1070 
Magnesia,  muriate  of  1312 
Magnesia,  preparations 
of  1068 

Magnesia,  solution  of 
citrate  of  1071 

Magnesia,  sulphate  of  458 
Magnesite  acetas  1289 
Magnesite  carbonas  455 
Magnesite  carbonas  pon- 
derosuip  456 

Magnesite  citratis,  li- 
quor 1071 

Magnesite  sulphas  458 

Magnesii  chloridum  1312 
Magnesite  459 

Magnesium  1070 

Magnetic  oxide  of  iron  1011 
Magnetic  pyrites  101 8 

Magnolia  460 

Magnolia  acuminata  460 

Magnolia  glauca  460 

Magnolia  grandiflora  460 

Magnolia  tripetala  461 

Maguey  1292 

Mahogany  tree  1395 

Mahy’s  piaster  956 

Maidenhair  1290 

Maize  1405 

Malabathri  folia  264 

Malambo  bark  1357 

Male  fern  350 

Male  jalap  424 

Male  nutmeg  486 

Male  orchis  1386 

Mallow,  common  461 

Malt  ' 390 

Malt  vinegar  14 

Maltha  553 

Malva  461 

Malva  alcea  77 

Malva  rotundifolia  462 

Malva  sylvestris  461 

Malwa  opium  530 

Mandioca  725 

Mandragora  1357 

Mandragora  officinalis  1357 
Mandrake  577,  1357 

Manganese  462,  1358 

Manganese,  carbonate 
of  1359 


Manganese,  iodide  of 

1358 

Manganese,  malate  of 

1359 

Manganese,  oxide  of 

462 

Manganese,  phosphate 

of 

1359 

Manganese,  sulphate  of  1358 

Manganese,  tartrate  of 

1359 

Manganesii  oxidum 

462 

Manganesii  peroxidum 

462 

Manganesium 

1358 

Manganic  acid 

462 

Manna 

464 

Manna,  Hriangon 

464 

Manna  cannulata 

465 

Mannite 

466 

Maple  sugar 

632 

Maracaybo  bark 

241 

Maranta 

467 

Maranta  allouya 

467 

Maranta  arundinacea 

467 

Maranta  galanga 

1331 

Maranta  Indica 

467 

Maranta  nobilis 

467 

Marble 

469 

Margaric  acid 

649 

Margarin  59,  494 

Marine  acid 

35 

Marjoram,  common 

546 

Marjoram,  sweet 

546 

M armor 

469 

Marrubium 

469 

Marrubium  vulgare 

470 

Marseilles  vinegar 

799 

Marseilles  white  soap 

652 

Marsh  rosemary 

706 

Marsh  tea 

1355 

Marsh  trefoil 

477 

Marsh  water 

110 

Marsh  water-cress 

1367 

Marsh’s  test  for  arsenic 

31 

Marshmallow 

76 

Marshmallow  flowers 

76 

Marshmallow  leaves 

76 

Marshmallow  mixture 

1076 

Marshmallow  root 

76 

Martial  ethiops 

1011 

Martin’s  cancer  powder  1373 

Mary  gold 

1307 

Massicot 

567 

Masterwort  97,  384,  1345 

Mastich 

470 

Mastiche 

470 

Masticin 

471 

Matias  bark 

1357 

Maticin 

472 

Matico 

471 

Matonia 

182 

Matricaria 

472 

Matricaria  chamomilla 

472 

Matricaria  parthenium 

1385 

May-apple 

577 

Mayflower 

1327 

Maynard’s  adhesive 

liquid 

849 

May-weed 

294 

1460 


Index, 


Mead 

755 

Mercurius 

393 

Meadow  anemone 

1295 

Mercury 

393 

Meadow-saffron 

271 

Mercury,  acid  nitrate 

Meadow-sweet 

700 

of 

1042 

Mealy  star  wort 

64 

Mercury,  ammoniated 

1047 

Measurement,  approxi- 

Mercui-y and  quinia, 

mate 

1420 

chloride  of 

1312 

Measures  and  weights 

Mercury,  bibromide  of  1305 

767, 

1415 

Mercury,  bichloride  of 

1025 

Meat  biscuit 

1360 

Mercury,  bicyanuret  of  1035 

Mecca  senna 

674 

Mercury,  biniodide  of 

1037 

Mechanical  division 

769 

Mercury,  binoxide  of 

1042 

Mechanical  leech 

389 

Mercury,  bisulphuret  of  1045 

Mechoacan 

424 

Mercury,  black  oxide  of  1038 

Meconic  acid 

538 

Mercury,  black  sulphuret 

Meconin 

537 

of 

1044 

Medeola  Yirginica 

1360 

Mercury,  bromides  of 

1305 

Medicated  vinegars 

793 

Mercury,  calcined 

1041 

Medicated  waters 

885 

Mercury,  corrosive  chlo 

- 

Medicated  wines 

1272 

ride  of 

1025 

Medicinal  hydrocyanic 

Mercury,  cyanuret  of 

1035 

acid 

808 

Mercury,  green  iodide 

Medicines  and  drugs 

of 

1036 

not  officinal 

1288 

Mercury,  hydrosubli- 

Mel 

473 

mate  of 

1032 

Mel  2Egyptiacum 

1064 

Mercury,  iodide  of 

1036 

Mel  boracis 

1074 

Mercury,  mild  chloride 

Mel  depuratum 

1073 

of 

1031 

Mel  despumatum 

1073 

Mercury,  preparations 

Mel  roste 

1074 

of 

1024 

Mel  scillse  compositum 

1213 

Mercury,  protiodide  of 

1036 

Melaleuca  cajuputi 

501 

Mercury,  protobromide 

Melaleuca  hypericifolia 

501 

of 

1305 

Melaleuca  leucadendron  501 

Mercury,  prussiate  of 

1035 

Melaleuca  minor 

501 

Mercury,  pure 

1024 

Melampodium 

382 

Mercury,  red  iodide  of 

1037 

Melassic  acid 

637 

Mercury,  red  oxide  of 

1040 

Melegueta  pepper 

182 

Mercury,  red  sulphuret 

Melia  azedarach 

133 

of 

1045 

Melilot 

1360 

Mercury,  solution  of 

Melilotus  officinalis 

1360 

pernitrate  of 

1042 

Melissa 

474 

Mercury,  sulphate  of 

1043 

Melissa  officinalis 

474 

Mercury,  table  of  the 

Melissic  acid 

205 

preparations  of 

398 

Melissine 

205 

Mercury  with  chalk 

1048 

Mellita 

1073 

Mercury  with  magnesia  1049 

Meloe  majalis 

167 

Mercury,  yellow  sul- 

Meloe niger 

173 

phate  of 

1043 

Meloe  proscaraboeus 

167 

Mesembryanthemum  errs- 

Meloe  trianthem* 

167 

tallinum 

1361 

Menispermin 

268 

Metaeinnameine 

136 

Menispermum  Cana- 

Metaphosphoric  acid 

815 

dense 

1361 

Methylamine 

534 

Menispermum  cocculus  267 

Methyle 

701 

Menispermum  palmatum  277 

Methylie  alcohol 

701 

Mentha  piperita 

475 

Methylic  chloroform 

842 

Mentha  pulegium 

698 

Metroxylon  sagu 

640 

Mentha  viridis 

476 

Mezereon 

477 

Menyanthes 

476 

Mezereum 

477 

Menyanthes  trifoliata 

477 

Mica  panis 

344 

Meny  anthin 

477 

Mikania  guaco 

1336 

Mercurial  liniment 

1067 

Mild  chloride  of  mer- 

Mercurial ointment 

1257 

cury 

1031 

Mercurial  pills 

1119 

Mild  volatile  alkali 

855 

Mercurial  plaster 

951 

Milder  common  caustic  1133 

Milder  ointment  of  ni- 


trate of  mercury  1263 

Milfoil  1289 

Milium  solia  1357 

Milk  of  ammoniac  1076 

Milk  of  assafetida  1077 

Milk  of  lime  154 

Milk  of  sulphur  1197 

Milk-weed  125,  335 

Mimosa  Nilotica  6 

Mindererus,  spirit  of  861 

Mineral,  etbiops  1044 

Mineral,  kermes  879 

Mineral  tar  553 

Mineral,  turpeth  1043 

Mineral  water  887 

Mineral  waters  111 

Mineral  yellow  1378 

Minium  574 

Mint  476 

Mistletoe  1404 

Mistura  acaciee,  Ed.  1075 
Mistura  acacite,  Lond.  1093 
Mistura  althaea  1076 

Mistura  ammoniaci  1076 
Mistura  amygdalae  1076 
Mistura  assafoetidte  1077 
Mistura  camphor*, Lond. 

890 

Mistura  camphor*  cum 
magnesia  1077 

Mistura  creasoti  1078 

Mistura  cretse  1078 

Mistura  ferri  aromatica  1078 
Mistura  fern  composite  1079 
Mistura  gentian*  com- 
posita  1079 

Mistura  glycyrrhizoe 

composite  1080 

Mistura  guaiaci  1080 

Mistura  hordei  941 

Mistura  scammonii  1080 
Mistura  spiritus  vim 
Gallici  1080 

Misturte  ■*  1075 

Mithridate  930 

Mixture,  almond  1076 

Mixture,  ammoniac  1076 

Mixture,  assafetida  1077 

Mixture,  brandy  1080 

Mixture,  brown  1080 

Mixture,  chalk  1078 

Mixture,  creasote  1078 

Mixture,  guaiac  1080 


Mixture,  gum  Arabic  1075 
Mixture,  marsh  mallow  1076 
Mixture,  neutral  1143.  1413 
Mixture  of  camphor  with 
magnesia  1077 

Mixture  of  gentian,  com- 
pound 1079 

Mixture  of  iron,  aromatic 

107S 

Mixture  of  iron,  com- 
pound 1079 


Index, 


1461 


Mixture  of  liquorice,  com- 


pound 1080 

Mixture,  oleaginous  1413 
Mixture,  scammony  1080 
Mixtures  1075 

Moccasin  plant  1325 

Mocha  aloes  72 

Mocha  senna  673 

Mode  of  administering 
medicines  1408 

Molasses  631,  633,  637 
Mole-plant  1370 

Momordica  balsamina  1361 
Momordica  elaterium  321 
Monarda  480 

Monarda  punctata  480 
Monesia  1361 

Monesin  1361 

Monkshood  55 

Monohydrated  nitric  acid  40 
Montpellier  scammony  663 
Mori  succus  • 480 

Moringa  aptera  1370 

Moringa  pterygosperma  1370 
Morphia  1080 

Morphia,  acetate  of  1087 
Morphia,  hydrochlorate 
of  1088 

Morphia,  muriate  of  1088 
Morphia,  preparations 
of  1080 

Morphia,  solution  of  ace- 
tate of  1088 

Morphia,  solution  of  mu- 
riate of  1091 

Morphia,  solution  of  sul- 
phate of  1092 

Morphia,  sulphate  of  1091 
Morphia  acetas  1087 

Morphias  hydrochloras  1088 
Morphias  murias  1088 

Morpliise  muriatis  solu- 
tio  1091 

Morpkise  sulphas  1091 

Morrkua  Americana  506 
Morrhua  vulgaris  506 

Morrhuas  oleum  506 

Mortars  770 

Morus  alba  481 

Morus  nigra  480 

Morus  rubra  481 

Morus  tinctoria  1330 

Moschus  481 

Mosckus  factitius  1365 
Moschus  moschif'erus  481 
Mountain  damson  681 

Mountain  laurel  1350 

Mountain  mahogany  1303 

Mountain  rhubarb  626 

Mountain-tea  362 

Moxa  1362 

Mucilage  449,  1092 

Mucilage  of  barley  1093 
Mucilage  of  gum  Arabic  1093 
Mucilage  of  starch  1093 


Mucilage  of  tragacanth  1094 


Mucilages  1092 

Mucilagines  1092 

Mucilago  1093 

Mucilago  acaciss  1093 

Mucilago  amyli  " 1093 

Mucilago  hordei  1093 

Mucilago  tragacanthas  1094 

Mucuna  484 

Mucuna  pruriens  484 

Mucuna  prurita  485 

Mudar  1308 

Mugwort  4 

Mulberry  juice  480 

Mullein  1403 

Muriate  of  ammonia  85 

Muriate  of  baryta  908 

Muriate  of  baryta,  solu- 
tion of  909 

Muriate  of  etherine  1363 

Muriate  of  iron,  tincture 
of  996 

Muriate  of  lime  152 

Muriate  of  lime,  solution 
of  915 

Muriate  of  magnesia  1312 

Muriate  of  morphia  1088 

Muriate  of  morphia,  so- 
lution of  1091 

Muriate  of  quinia  1176 

Muriate  of  soda  695 

Muriate  of  soda,  pure  1185 

Muriate  of  strychnia  1197 

Muriatic  acid  35 

Muriatic  acid,  commer- 
cial 35,  38 

Muriatic  acid,  diluted  812 

Muriatic  acid  gas  39 

Muriatic  acid,  table  of  the 
specific  gravity  of  37 

Muriatic  ether  1363 

- Mushrooms  1364 

Musk  481 

Musk,  artificial  1365 

Muskmelon  seeds  1323 

Musk-root  1394 

Must  750 

Mustard  682 

Mustard  cataplasm  919 

Mustard  seeds,  black  683 

Mustard  seeds,  white  683 

Mustard,  volatile  oil  of  683 

Mylabris  cichorii  166 

Mylabris  pustulata  167 

Mynsicht’s  acid  elixir  816 

Myrica  cerifera  207 

Myricin  205 

Myristica  485 

Myristica  moschata  485 

Myristica  officinalis  4S5' 

My ri Stic®  adeps  485,  487 
Myristicse  oleum  487,  510 
Myristicic  acid  487 

Myristicin  487 

Myrobalani  1365 


Myrobalans  1365 

Myronate  of  potassa  683 

Myronic  acid  683,  684 

Myrospermum  of  Sonso- 
nate  135 

Myrospermum  Pereira  135 

Myrospermum  peruife- 
rum  134 

Myrospermum  pubescens  135 
Myrospermum  toluiferum  137 
Myrosyne  683,  684 

Myroxocarpin  136 

Myroxylon  balsamiferum  135 
Myroxylon  peruiferum  134 
Myroxylon  toluiferum  137 
Myrrh  488 

Myrrha  488 

Myrrhic  acid  489 

Myrrhin  489 

Myrtle  wax  207 

Myrtus  acris  1321 

Myrtus  caryopliyllata  1321 
Myrtus  pimenta  559 

N 

Naphtha  552 

Naphtha,  artificial  553 

Naphthaline  1366 

Naples  yellow  1366 

Narcein  536 

Narcissus  pseudo-nar- 
cissus 1366 

Narcotics  2 

Narcotin  533 

Narcotina  533 

Nard  1367 

Nardus  celtica  1367 

Nardus  Indica  1367 

Nardus  montana  1367 

Narthex  assafoet-ida  127 

Nasturtium  amphibium  1367 
Nasturtium  officinale  1367 
Nasturtium  palustre  1367 
Native  soda  690 

Natron  690 

Nauclea  Brunonis  199 

Nauclea  gambir  200 

Navel-wort  1322 

Neat’s-foot  oil  500 

Nebuel  8 

Nectandra  puchury  1381 

Nectandra  Rodiei  1301 

Nepaul  cardamom  182 

Nepeta  cataria  197 

Nepeta  glechoma  1333 

Nephrodium  filix  mas  350 

Nereck  8 

Neroli  131 

Nettle,  common  1402 

Nettle,  dwarf  1402 

Neutral  mixture  1143,  1413 

New  bark  247 

New  Jersey  tea  1310 


1462 


Index. 


New  York  petroleum  553 

Nicaragua  wood  1305 

Niccoli  sulphas  1393 

Nickel,  sulphate  of  1393 

Nicotia  719 

Nicotiana  fruticosa  718 
Nicotiana  paniculata  718 
Nicotiana  quadrivalvis  718 
Nicotiana  rustica  718 

Nicotiana  tabacum  717 
Nicotianin  720 

Nicotin  719 

Nicotina  719 

Nigella  sativa  1367 

Nigellin  1367 

Nightshade,  black  318 

Nightshade,  common  318 

Nightshade,  deadly  140 

Nightshade,  woody  318 

Nihil  album  1283 

Nitrate  of  bismuth  910 
Nitrate  of  copper  1367 
Nitrate  of  iron,  solu- 
tion of  1007 

Nitrate  of  lead  573 

Nitrate  of  potassa  587 
Nitrate  of  potassa,  pure  1145 
Nitrate  of  silver  896 

Nitrate  of  silver,  fused  899 
Nitrate  of  silver,  in 
crystals  896 

Nitrate  of  soda  1367 

Nitrate  of  water  40 

Nitre'  . 587 

Nitre,  cubic  1367 

Nitre,  sweet  spirit  of  835 

Nitre-beds,  artificial  588 
Nitric  acid  40 

Nitric  acid,  anhydrous  44 

Nitric  acid,  commercial  41 

Nitric  acid,  diluted  812 

Nitric  acid  fumigation  44 

Nitric  acid,  pure  813 

Nitric  acid,  table  of  the 
specific  gravity  of  43 

Nitric  ether  838 

Nitric  starch  1348 

Nitrification  588 

Nitrobenzide  1 302 

Nitrobenzole  499,  1302 
Nitrobenzule  1302 

Nitromuriatic  acid  813 

Nitromuriatic  oxide  of 
antimony  1384 

Nitroprussic  acid  1368 

Nitroprusside  of  sodium 

1368 

Nitrosulphate  of  ammo- 
nia 1368 

Nitrosulphuric  acid  1368 

Nitrous  ether  • 838 

Nitrous  oxide  1368 

Nitrous  oxide  water  1368 

Nitrous  powders  591,1411 
Nopal  269 


Nordhausen,  fuming 
sulphuric  acid  of  47 

Norway  spruce  563 

Nutmeg  485 

Nutmeg,  concrete  oil  of  487 
Nutmeg-flower  1367 

Nux  moschata  486 

Nux  vomica  490 

Nymphaea  alba  1369 

Nymphaea  odorata  1368 

0 

Oak  bark  602 

Oatmeal  132 

Oatmeal  gruel  133 

Ochres  1369 

Ocimum  basilicum  1369 

Ocotea  picliurim  1381 

(Enanthe  crocata  1369 

CEnanthe  phellandrium  1369 


(Enantliic  ether 

753,  1329 

(Enanthin 

1369 

(Enothera  biennis 

1370 

Officinal  directions,  ge- 

neral 

788 

Officinal  medicine 

s,  mean- 

ing  of  the  term 

1288 

Oidium  abortifaciens  326 

Oil,  benne 

518,  679 

Oil,  cajeput 

501 

Oil,  castor 

513 

Oil,  cedar 

430 

Oil,  cod-liver 

506 

Oil,  croton 

521 

Oil,  ethereal 

832 

Oil,  flaxseed 

505 

Oil,  linseed 

505 

Oil,  neats-foot 

500 

Oil  of  almonds 

498 

Oil  of  amber 

1106 

Oil  of  amber,  rectified  1107 

Oil  of  anda 

1370 

Oil  of  anise 

1098,  1345 

Oil  of  ben 

1370 

Oil  of  benne 

679 

Oil  of  bergamot 

500  ! 

Oil  of  bitter  almonds  498  ; 

Oil  of  bitter  almonds, 

artificial 

499  i 

Oil  of  cade 

428,  1370  1 

Oil  of  camphor 

162  j 

Oil  of  caraway 

1099 

Oil  of  cassia 

503 

Oil  of  chamomile 

1099 

Oil  of  cinnamon 

502 

Oil  of  cloves 

1100 

Oil  of  copaiba 

noi ! 

Oil  of  cubebs 

1101 

Oil  of  dill 

1098 

Oil  of  ergot 

327,  329 

Oil  of  euphorbia 

1370 

Oil  of  fennel 

1101 

Oil  of  fern 

351 

Oil  of  hemlock 

564i 

Oil  of  horsemint 

1104 

Oil  of  jasmine 

137^1 

Oil  of  juniper 

1102 

Oil  of  lavender 

1103 

Oil  of  lemons 

504 

Oil  of  mace 

487 

Oil  of  marjoram 

1104 

i Oil  of  mustard 

683 

Oil  of  nutmeg 

510 

Oil  of  nutmeg,  expressed  487 

Oil  of  origanum 

1104 

Oil  of  partridge-berry 

1102 

Oil  of  pennyroyal,  Ame- 

rican 

1102 

Oil  of  pennyroyal,  Eu 

ropean 

1105 

Oil  of  peppermint 

1103 

| Oil  of  pimento 

1105 

Oil  of  rosemary 

1105 

; Oil  of  roses 

517 

Oil  of  rue 

1106 

Oil  of  sassafras 

1106 

j Oil  of  savine 

1106 

(Oil  of  spearmint 

1104 

Oil  of  spike 

1103 

Oil  of  sweet  marjoram 

1105 

Oil  of  tar 

565 

Oil  of  thyme 

1400 

Oil  of  tobacco 

1108 

Oil  of  turpentine 

518 

Oil  of  turpentine,  puri- 

fied 

1108 

Oil  of  valerian 

1108 

Oil  of  vitriol 

45 

Oil  of  wine  camphor 

833 

Oil  of  wine,  concrete 

833 

Oil  of  wine,  heavy 

832 

Oil  of  wine,  light 

833 

Oil  of  wormseed 

1100 

Oil,  olive 

511 

Oil,  palm 

1377 

Oil,  phosphorated 

556 

Oil-cake 

449 

Oilnut 

427 

Oils 

493 

Oils,  distilled  495,  1094 

Oils,  drying 

494 

Oils,  empyreumatic 

778 

Oils,  essential  495.  1094 

Oils,  expressed 

493 

Oils,  fixed 

493 

Oils,  volatile  495, 

1094 

Ointment,  antimonial 

1254 

Ointment,  citrine 

1260 

Ointment,  compound 

sulphur 

1267 

Ointment,  elder 

1266 

Ointment,  mercurial 

1257 

Ointment  of  acetate  of 

lead 

1265 

Ointment  of  ammoniated 
mercury  \ 1260 

Ointment  of  belladonna  1254 
Ointment  of  bromide  of 
potassium  1150 


Index. 


1463 


Ointment  of  carbonate 

Olefiant  gas,  chloride  of  1313 

of  lead 

1265 

Oleic  acid 

649 

Ointment  of  cocculus 

Olein  58,  494 

Indicus 

1256 

Oleo-saccharum 

636 

Ointment  of  creasote 

1256 

Oleum  absinthii 

5 

Ointment  of  elemi 

1257 

Oleum  aethereum 

832 

Ointment  of  galls 

1257 

Oleum  amygdalae 

498 

Ointment  of  galls,  com 

Oleum  amygdalae  amaroe  498 

pound 

1257 

Oleum  anethi 

1098 

Ointment  of  hemlock 

1256 

Oleum  anisi 

1098 

Ointment  of  iodide  of 

Oleum  anthemidis 

1099 

lead 

1266 

Oleum  bergamii 

500 

Ointment  of  iodide  of 

Oleum  bubulum 

500 

mercury 

1260 

Oleum  cadinum 

1370 

Ointment  of  iodide  of 

Oleum  cnjuputi 

501 

potassium 

1266 

Oleum  cari 

1099 

Ointment  of  iodide  of 

Oleum  carui 

1099 

sulphur 

1267 

Oleum  caryophylli 

1100 

Ointment  of  iodine 

1264 

Oleum  chenopodii 

1100 

Ointment  of  iodine, 

Oleum  cinnamomi 

502 

compound 

1264 

Oleum  copaibce 

1101 

Ointment  of  lead,  com- 

Oleum cornu  cervi 

1326 

pound 

1265 

Oleum  cubebae 

1101 

Ointment  of  mezereon 

1264 

Oleum  foeniculi 

1101 

Ointment  of  nitrate  of 

Oleum  gaultherise 

1102 

mercury 

1260 

Oleum  hedeomoe 

1102 

Ointment  of  nitrate  of 

Oleum  hyperici 

1343 

mercury,  milder 

1263 

Oleum  jecoris  aselli 

506 

Ointment  of  nitric  acid 

1263 

Oleum  juniperi 

1102 

Ointment  of  opium 

1265' 

Oleum  lavandulae 

1103 

Ointment  of  oxide  of  zinc  1268 

Oleum  limonis 

504 

Ointment  of  pitch 

1265 

Oleum  lini 

505 

Ointment  of  red  iodide 

Oleum  menthae  piperitse  1103 

of  mercury 

i260 

Oleum  menthae  pulegii 

1105 

Ointment  of  red  oxide 

Oleum  menthae  viridis 

1104 

of  mercury 

1263 

Oleum  monardse 

1104 

Ointment  of  rose  water 

1254 

Oleum  morrhuae 

506 

Ointment  of  Spanish 

Oleum  myristicae 

510 

flies 

1255 

Oleum  olivse 

511 

Ointment  of  stramo- 

Oleum origani 

1104 

nium 

1266 

Oleum  phosphoratum 

556 

Ointment  of  subacetate 

Oleum  pimentos 

1105 

of  copper 

1256 

Oleum  pulegii 

1105 

Ointment  of  the  powder 

Oleum  ricini 

513 

of  Spanish  flies 

1255 

Oleum  rosae 

517 

Ointment  of  white  belle 

Oleum  rosmarini 

1105 

bore 

1268 

Oleum  rutae 

1106 

Ointment  of  white  pre- 

Oleum sabinae 

1106 

cipitate 

1260 

Oleum  sassafras 

1106 

Ointment,  simple 

1266 

Oleum  sesami  518 

, 679 

Ointment,  spermaceti 

1256 

Oleum  succini 

1106 

Ointment,  sulphur 

1266 

Oleum  succini  rectifi- 

Ointment,  tar 

1265 

catum 

1107 

Ointment,  tartar  emetic  1254 

Oleum  sulphnratum 

1299 

Ointment,  tobacco 

1267 

Oleum  tabaci 

1108 

Ointments 

1253 

Oleum  tartari  per  de- 

Okra 

1340 

liquium 

1137 

Old  field  pine 

728 

Oleum  terebinthinoe 

518 

Olea 

493 

Oleum  terebinthinae  pu 

Olea  destillata 

1094 

rificatum 

1108 

Olea  Europoea 

511 

Oleum  thymi 

1400 

Olea  fixa 

493 

Oleum  tiglii 

521 

Olea  fragrans 

1398 

Oleum  valerianae 

1108 

Olea  volatilia 

495 

Olibanum 

1371 

Oleaginous  mixture 

1413 

Olivas  oleum 

511 

Olive  oil  511 

Olivile  511 

Onion  1372 

Ophelia  chirata  215 

Opiania  532 

Opianic  acid  533 

Opiauine  532 

Opiate  pills  of  lead  1122 
Opine  537 

Opium  524 

Opium,  Bengal  530 

Opium,  Constantinople  529 
Opium,  Egyptian  529 

Opium,  India  529 

Opium,  Malwa  530 

Opium,  Patna  530 

Opium,  Persia  530 

Opium  plaster  952 

Opium,  Smyrna  528 

Opium,  tests  of  539 

Opium,  thebaicum  527 

Opium,  Turkey  528 

Opobalsamum  1299 

Opodeldoc  1067 

Opoidia  galbanifera  355 

Opopanax  1372 

Opopanax  ckironium  1372 

Opuntia  cochinillifera  269 
Orange  berries  131 

Orange  flower  water  131 

Orange  mineral  1372 

Orange  peel  129 

Orange  red  1372 

Orange  root  1341 

Oranges  131 

Orchil  438 

Orcliilla  weed  437 

Orchis  mascula  1386 

Orenburgh  gum  730 

Orgeat,  syrup  of  1204 

Origanum  545 

Origanum  majorana  546 
Origanum  majoranoides  546 
Origanum  vulgare  546 
Orleana  1296 

Ornus  Europoea  464 

Ornus  rotundifolia  465 

Orobanche  Americana  1373 
Orobanche  uniflora  1373 
Orobanche  Yirginiana  1372 
Orpiment  1373 

Orpiment,  artificial  1373 

Orris,  Florentine  420 

Orsellic  acid  437 

Oryza  sativa  1373 

Os  546 

Os  sepioe  1324 

Ossa  546 

Ostrea  edulis  734 

Otolithus  regalis  404 

Otto  of  roses  517 

Overflowing  wells  110 

Overgrown  jalap  425 

Ovum  548 

Oxalate  of  potassa  1374 


1464 


Index. 


Oxalhydric  acid  838 

Oxalic  acid  1373 

Oxalis  acetosella  1376 

Oxalis  crassieaulis  1876 

Oxalis  violacea  1376 

Ox-gall  1376 

Oxide  of  antimony  866 

Oxide  of  gold  1334 

Oxide  of  manganese  462 

Oxide  of  silver  901 

Oxide  of  zinc  1282 


Oxide  of  zinc,  impure  1401 
Oxychloride  of  antimony 


1384 

Oxychloride  of  sodium  1183 

Oxymel  1074 

Oxymel  of  squill  1075 

Oxymel  scillce  1075 

Oxymuriate  of  lime  155 

Oxypicric  acid  1346 

Oxysulphuret  of  antimony 

878 

Oyster  734 

Oyster-shell  734 

Oyster-shell,  prepared  915 

Ozone  47 


P 


Poeonia  officinalis  1377 

Pagliari’s  styptic  145 

Pale  hark  228 

Palm  oil  1377 

Palm  soap  650 

Palm  sugar  632 

Palma  Christi  513 

Palmic  acid  516 

Palmin  516 

Palmitic  acid  1378 

Palmitin  1378 

Panacea  lapsorum  120 

Panax  549 

Panax  quinquefolium  549 
Panax  schinseng  549 

Panis  550 

Pansy  757 

Papaver  550 

Papaver  orientale  524 

Papaver  rhoeas  618 

Papaver  somniferum  524 
Papaverina  532 

Papaverine  532 

Paraffine  295 

Paraguay  tea  1344 

Paralactic  acid  1355 

Paramenispermin  268 

Paramorphia  536 

Paratartaric  acid 

53,  742,  750 
Paregoric  elixir  1243 

Pareira  551 

Pareira  brava  551 

Parietaria  officinalis  1378 
Pariglin  656 


Parillinic  acid 

656 

Paris  white 

1404 

Parsley  root 

554 

Parsnep,  rough 

1372 

Parthenium  Lntegrifolium 

1378 

Partridge-berry 

362  | 

Pastel 

1350  ! 

Pastiles,  fumigating 

145 

Pastinaca  opopanax 

1372 

Patent  yellow 

1378 

Patna  opium 

530 

Paullinia 

1378 

Paullinia  sorbilis 

1378 

Peach  leaves 

1379 

Peach  wood 

1305 

Pearl  barley 

390 

Pearl  sago 

640 

Pearl  tapioca 

725 

Pearl  white 

911 

Pearlash 

582 

Pearson’s  arsenical  solu 

- 

tion 

23 

Pectase 

804 

Pectic  acid 

185 

Pectin 

185 

Pectoral  gum 

12 

Pectose  186,  804 

Pegu  catechu 
Pelargonate  of  ethylic 

199 

ether 

1329 

Pelargonic  acid 

1329 

Pelargonic  ether 

1329 

Pelargonium  roseum 

1329 

Pellitory 

599 

Pellitory,  wall 

1378 

Pemmican 

1360 

Pensea  mucronata 

1387 

Pensea  sarcocolla 

1387 

Pennsylvania  sumach 

619 

Pennyroyal 

379 

Pennyroyal,  European 

598 

Pennyroyal  water 

893 

Penny-wort 

1322 

Peony 

1377 

Pepper,  black 

560 

Pepper,  Cayenne 

173 

Pepper,  long 

562 

Pepper,  white 

560 

Peppermint 

475 

Peppermint  water 

892 

Perchloride  of  carbon 

844 

Percolation  782,  789 

Percolator 

782 

Periploca  Indica 

383 

Periploca  secamone 

662 

Permanganate  of  potassa 

1359 

Pernambuco  wood 
Pernitrate  of  iron,  so- 

1305 

lution  of 

1007 

Peroxide  of  iron 

1012 

Peroxide  of  manganese 

462 

Perry 

755 

Persia  opium 

530 

Persian  galbanum  356 

Persica  vulgaris  1379 

Persicaria  mitis  1304 

Persicaria  urens  1804 

Persimmon  315 

Peruvian  bark  218 

Peruvian  Calisaya  237 

Peruvian  ipecacuanha  418 

Peruvine  136 

Peter’s  pills  75 

Petinin  1326 

Petroleum  552 

Petroselinum  554 

Petroselinum  sativum  554 
Phseoretin  615 

Phalaris  Canariensis  1308 
Pharmaceutical  equiva- 
lents, table  of  1421 

Phasianus  gallus  548 

Phellandrium  aquaticum 

1369 

Phene  1302 

Phenyle,  hydruret  of  1302 
Phenylic  acid  297 

Philadelphia  fleabane  330 

Phloretin  1380 

Phloridzin  ' 1379 

Phoenix  farinifera  639 

Phosphate  of  ammonia  1380 
Phosphate  of  iron  1012 

Phosphate  of  lime,  pre- 
cipitated 916 

Phosphate  of  potassa  1380 

Phosphate  of  quinia  251 

Phosphate  of  soda  1186 

Phosphorated  oil  556 

Phosphoric  acid,  diluted  815 
Phosphorus  555 

Phyllanthus  emblica  1366 

Physalis  alkekengi  13S1 

Physalis  viscosa  1381 

Physeter  macrocephalus 

209 

Physic  nuts  1300 

Phytolacca  decandra  557 

Phytolacc*  baccse  557 

Phytolaccse  radix 
Picamar  295 

Pichurim  beans  1381 

Picolin  1326 

Picrfena  excelsa  600 

Picroglycion  319 

Picromel  1377 

Picrotoxic  acid  268 

Pierotoxin  268 

Pig  iron  * 344 

Pill  of  aloes  vrith  soap  1110 
Pill  of  chloride  of  mer- 
cury, compound  1112 

Pill  of  colocynth,  com- 
pound 1114 

rill  of  gamboge,  com- 
pound 1113 

Pill  of  hemlock,  com- 
pound 1115 


Index, 


1465 


Pill  of  iodide  of  manga- 
nese 1359 

Pill  of  ipecacuanha  with 
squill  1121 

Pill  of  storax,  compound  1121 
Pills  1109 

Pills,  aloetic  1110 

Pills,  Asiatic  25 

Pills,  assafetida  1112 

Pills,  blue  1119 

Pills,  calomel  1121 

Pills,  compound  calomel 

1112 

Pills,  compound  cathartic 

1113 

Pills,  mercurial  1119 

Pills  of  aloes  and  assa- 
fetida 1111 

Pills  of  aloes  and  iron  1112 
Pills  of  aloes  and  myrrh  1112 
Pills  of  aloes,  compound  1111 
Pills  of  aloes  with  soap  1110 
Pills  of  ammoniated 


copper  1116 

Pills  of  calomel  and 

opium  1113 

Pills  of  carbonate  of 

iron  1116 

Pills  of  colocynth  and 

henbane  1115 

Pills  of  copaiba  1115 

Pills  of  digitalis  and 

squill  1116 

Pillsof  galbanum,  com- 
pound 1118 

Pills  of  iodide  of  iron  1118 

Pills  of  ipecacuanha  and 
opium  1121 

Pills  of  iron,  compound  1117 
Pills  of  lead,  opiate  1122 

Pills  of  mild  chloride  of 
mercury  1121 

Pills  of  opium  1121 

Pills  of  rhubarb  1122 

Pills  of  rhubarb  and 

iron  1123 

Pills  of  rhubarb,  com- 
pound 1123 

Pills  of  soap,  compound  1123 
Pills  of  squill,  com- 
pound 1123 

Pillsof  sulphate  of  iron  1118 
Pills  of  sulphate  of 

quinia  1122 

Pills,  Yallet’s  ferrugin- 
ous 1116 

Pilula  cambogi*  com- 
posita  1113 

Pilula  coloeynthidis 

composita  1114 

Pilula  conii  composita  1115 
Pilula  hydrargyri  chlo- 
ridi  composita  1112 

Pilula  ipecacuanha 

cum  scilla  1121 


Pilula  styracis  compo- 


sita 1124 

Pilul*  1109 

Pilules  aloes  1110 

Pilul*  aloes  composit*  1111 

Pilul*  aloes  cum  sa- 

pone  1110 

Pilul*  aloes  et  assafoe- 
tid*  1111 

Pilul*  aloes  et  ferri  1112 


Pilulas  aloes  et  myrrh*  1112 
Pilulas  assafoetidae 

1112,  1118 
Pilulae  calomelanos 


composite  1112 

Pilulas  calomelanos  et 
opii  1113 

Pilulae  cambogite  1113 

Pilulae  cathartic*  com- 
posites 1113 

Pilulae  coloeynthidis 

composite  1114 

Pilulae  coloeynthidis  et 
hyoscyami  1115 

Pilulae  copaibae  1115 

Pilulae  cupri  ammoniati  1116 
Pilulas  de  cynoglosso  1325 
Pilulae  digitalis  et  scil- 
1*  1116 
Pilulae  ferri  carbonatis  1116 
Pilulas  ferri  compositae  1117 
Pilulae  ferri  iodidi  1118 
Pilulae  ferri  sulphatis  1118 
Pilulae  galbani  compo- 
sitae 1118 

Pilulae  hydrargyri  1119 
Pilulae  hydrargyri  chlo- 
ridi  mitis  1121 

Pilulae  ipecacuanha®  et 
opii  , 1121 

Pilulae  opii  1121 

Pilulae  plumbi  opiates  1122 
Pilulae  quiniae  sulphatis  1122 
Pilulae  rhei  1122 

Pilulae  rhei  compositae  1123 
Pilulae  rhei  et  ferri  1123 
Pilulae  saponis  compo- 
sitae 1123 

Pilulae  scillae  composi- 
tae 1123 

Pilulae  stomachic*  1111 
Pilul*  styracis  1124 

Pilul*  Thebaic*  1121 

Pimenta  559 

Pimento  559 

Pimento  water  892 

Pimpernel,  scarlet  1295 

Pimpinella  anisum  101 

Pimpinella  saxifraga  1381 

Pinckneya  pubens  1381 

Pine  nuts  729 

Pine-apple  essence  1328 
Pinic  acid  606 

Pink,  Carolina  698 

Pink,  clove  1325 


Pink,  wild  1390 

Pinkroot  698 

Pinus  abies  563 

Pinus  australis  728 

Pinus  balsamea  729 

Pinus  Canadensis  564 

Pinus  cenibra  729,  1386 

Pinus  Damarra  733 

Pinus  Lambertiana  464 

Pinus  larix  730 

Pinus  maritima  729 

Pinus  nigra  729 

Pinus  palustris  728 

Pinus  picea  729 

Pinus  pinaster  729 

Pinus  pinea  729 

Pinus  pumilio  729,  1386 

Pinus  rigida  565 

Pinus  sylvestris  729 

Pinus  t*da  728 

Piper  560 

Piper  angustifolium  471 

Piper  betel  202,  1297 

Piper  caninum  302 

Piper  cubeba  302 

Piper  elongatum  471 

Piper  longum  562 

Piper  methisticum  472 

Piper  nigrum  560 

Piperin  560 

Pipsissewa  213 

Piscidia  erythrina  1381 

Pistacia  lentiscus  470 

Pistacia  terebinthus  730 

Pitaya  bark  245,  247 

Pitaya  bark,  hard  245 

Pitaya  bark,  soft  245 

Pitaya  condaminea  bark  245 
Pitayna  247 

Pitch  562 

Pitch,  black  562 

Pitch,  Burgundy  562 

Pitch,  Canada  564 

Pitch  pine  729 

Pitch  plaster  952 

Pittacal  296 

Pix  562 

Pix  arida  562 

Pix  Burgundica  562 

Pix  Burgundica  pr*pa- 
rata  1024 

Pix  Canadensis  564 

Pix  liquida  565 

Pix  nigra  562 

Plantago  lancifolia  1382 

Plantago  major  1382 

Plantago  media  1382 

Plantago  psyllium  1382 

Plantain  1382 

Plantain,  water  1293 

Plants,  collecting  of  765 

Plants,  drying  of  765 

Plaster,  adhesive  956,  957 
Plaster,  blistering  921 

Plaster  machine  ' 947 


1466 


Index . 


Plaster  measurer  785 

Plaster,  mercurial  951 

Plaster  of  aconite  970 

Plaster  of  ammoniac 

with  mercury  948 

Plaster  of  belladonna  949 
Plaster  of  carbonate  of 
lead  956 

Plaster  of  iodide  of  po- 
tassium 956 

Plaster  of  myrrh  489 

Plaster  of  pitch  with 

Spanish  flies  953 

Plaster  of  Spanish  flies  949 

Plaster  of  Spanish  flies, 
compound  949 

Plaster,  simple  957 

Plaster,  strengthening  950 
Plaster,  warming  953 

Plasters  946 

Platinum  1382 

Pleurisy-root  1 26 

Plumbagin  1382 

Plumbago  176,  1309 

Plumbago  Europoea  1382 

Plumbi  acetas  569 

Plumbi  carbonas  571 

Plumbi  diacetatissolutio  1124 
Plumbi  iodidum  1126 

Plumbi  nitras  573 

Plumbi  oxidum  rubrum  574 
Plumbi  oxidum  semivit- 
reum  575 

Plumbi  subacetatis  li- 
quor compositus  1126 
Plumbi  tannas  1397 

Plumbum  566 

Plummer’s  pills  1113 

Plumose  alum  1393 

Poaya  415 

Plunket’s  caustic  24 

Podalyria  tinctoria  1300 

Podophyllin  578 

Podophyllum  577 

Podophyllum  peltatum  577 

Poison-oak  735 

Poison-vine  735 

Poke  berries  557 

Poke  root  557 

Pollock  506 

Polyckroi'te  301 

Polygala  amara  578,667 
Polygala,  bitter  578 

Polygala  paucifolia  1102 

Polygala  polygama  578 

Poly  gala  rubella  578 

Polygala  senega  667 

Polygala  vulgaris  667 

Poly  gallic  acid  668 

Polygonatum  multiflo- 
rum  1320 

Polygonatum  uniflorum  1320 

Polygonum  aviculare  1304 

Polygonum  bistorta  1304 

Polygonum  fagopyrum  1304 


Polygonum  hydropiper  1304 
Polygonum  hydropiper- 
oides  1304 

Polygonum  persicaria  1304 
Polygonum  punctatum  1304 
Polygonum  tinctorium  1346 
Polypodium  filix  foemina  1299 


Polypodium  filix  mas  350 

Polypodium  vulgare  1382 

Polypody,  common  1382 

Polytrichum  junipe- 

rinum  1383 

Pomegranate  rind  372,  373 
Pomegranate  root,  bark 
of  372,  373 

Pompholix  1283 

Pontefract  cakes  341 

Poplar  451,  1383 

Poppy,  black  525 

Poppy  capsules  550 

Poppy,  corn  618 

Poppy,  i-ed  618 

Poppy,  white  524 

Poppy-heads  550 

Populin  1383 

Populus  1383 

Populus  balsamifera  1383 

Populus  nigra  1 383 

Populus  tremula  1383 

Populus  tremuloides  1383 

Porphyrizatioa  771 

Porphyroxin  537 

Porrum  1355 

Port,  English  753 

Port  wTine  752 

Portable  soup  547 

Porter  755 

Portland  arrow-root  123 

Portland  powder  1399 

Portland  sago  123 

Portulaca  oleracea  1383 

Potash  583 

Potashes,  kinds  of  584, 
Potassa  1131 

Potassa,  acetate  of  1133 

Potassa  alum  78 

Potassa,  alcoholic  1132 


Potassa,  bicarbonate  of  1139 
Potassa,  bichromate  of  579 
Potassa,  binoxalate  of  1376 
Potassa,  bisulphate  of  1146 


Potassa,  bitartrate  of  580 

Potassa,  carbonate  of  1136 

Potassa,  caustic  1131 

Potassa  caustica  1131 

Potassa  caustica  cum 
calce  1133 

Potassa,  chlorate  of  585 

Potassa,  citrate  of  1142 

Potassa  cum  calce  1133 

Potassa,  dry  579 

Potassa,  effervescing 

water  of  1142 

Potassa,  ferrocyanate  of  593 
Potassa,  hydrate  of  1131 


Potassa,  hydriodate  of  1154 
Potassa,  liypermanga- 
nate  of  1359 

Potassa,  impure  carbon- 
ate of  582 

Potassa,  nitrate  of  587 
Potassa,  phosphate  of  1380 
Potassa,  preparations  of  1128 
Potassa,  pure  carbonate 
of  1138 

Potassa,  pure  nitrate  of  1145 
Potassa,  quadroxalateofl376 
Potassa,  sesquicarbon- 
ate  of  1142 

Potassa,  solution  of  1128 

Potassa,  sulphate  of  592 

Potassa,  supertartrate  of  580 
Potassa,  tartrate  of  1147 

Potassa  with  lime  1133 

Potass®  acetas  1133 

Potass®  aqua  1128 

Potass®  aqua  effervescens 

1142 

Potass®  biantimonias  1325 

Potass®  bicarbonas  1139 

Potass®  bichromas  579 

Potass®  bisulphas  1146 

Potass®  bitartras  580 

Potass®  carbonas  1136 

Potass®  carbonas  h lixi- 
vo  cinere  1136 

Potass®  carbonas  impu- 
rus  582 

Potass®  carbonas  purus  1138 
Potass®  carbonatis  liquor 

1139 

Potass®  caustic®  liquor  1128 


Potass®  chloras  585 

Potass®  citras  1142 

Potass®  et  sod®  tartras  1184 
Potass®  hydras  1131 

Potass®  nitras  587 

Potass®  nitras  purum  1145 
Potass®  phosphas  1380 
Potass®  sulphas  592 

Potass®  sulphas  cum 

sulphure  1145 

Potass®  tartras  1147 

Potassii  bromidum  1149 
Potassii  cyanuretum  1150 
Potassii  ferrocyanidum  593 
Potassii  ferrocyanuretum  593 
Potassii  iodidi  liquor 

compositus  1157 

Potassii  iodidum  1152 

Potassii  sulphocyanure- 
tum  1394 

Potassii  sulphuretum  1158 

Potassio-sulphate  of  ses- 
quioxide  of  iron  1393 

Potassium  579 

Potassium,  bromide  of  1149 
Potassium,  cyanuret  of  1150 
Potassium,  ferrocyanu- 
ret  of  593 


Index , 


3467 


Potassium,  iodide  of  1152 
Potassium,  iodohydrar- 


gyrate  of  1349 

Potassium,  sulpkuret  of 

1158 

Potassium,  teroxide  of  579 
Potato  318 

Potato  flies  171 

Potato  spirit  oil  851 

Potato  starch  95 

Potentilla  reptans  1384 

Potentilla  tormentilla  735 

Pothos  316 

Potus  imperialis  582 

Powder,  antimonial  882 

Powder,  aromatic  1162 

Powder,  compound  saline 

1166 

Powder,  Dover’s  1164 

Powder  folder  786 

Powder  of  Algarotk  1384 

Powder  of  aloes  and  ca- 
nella  1162 

Powder  of  aloes,  com- 
pound 1161 

Powder  of  alum,  com- 
pound 1162 

Powder  of  catechu,  com- 
pound 1162 

Powder  of  chalk,  com- 
pound 1163 

Powder  of  chalk  with 

opium,  compound  1163 

Powder  of  ipecacuanha 
and  opium  1164 

Powder  of  ipecacuanha, 
compound  1164 

Powder  of  iron  993 

Powder  of  jalap,  com- 
pound 1165 

Powder  of  kino,  com- 
pound 1165 

Powder  of  rhubarb,  com- 
pound 1166 

Powder  of  scammony, 

compound  1166 

Powder  of  tin  1193 

Powder  of  tragacanth, 

compound  1166 

Powder,  Portland  1399 

Powdering,  methods  of  769 
Powders  1161 

Powders,  effervescing  1163 

Powders,  Seidlitz  54 

Powders,  soda  1164 

Prairie  dock  1378 

Precipitate  per  se  1041 

Precipitated  carbonate 
of  iron  1013 

Precipitated  carbonate 
of  lime  913 

Precipitated  carbonate 
of  zinc  1277 

Precipitated  extract  of 
bark  1171 


Precipitated  phosphate 
of  lime  916 

Precipitated  sulphur  1197 

Precipitated  sulphuret 
of  antimony  878 

Precipitating  jars  772 

Precipitation  774 

Prenanthes  alba  1384 

Prenanthes  serpentaria  1384 

Prepared  ammoniac  1023 

Prepared  assnfetida  1023 

Prepared  Burgundy 

pitch  1024 

Prepared  calamine  1277 

Prepared  chalk  914 

Prepared  Frankincense  1024 

Prepared  galbanum  1024 

Prepared  lard  1253 

Prepared  oyster-shell  915 

Prepared  sagapenum  1024 

Prepared  storax  1024 

Prepared  subacetate  of 
copper  933 

Prepared  sulphuret  of 

antimony  877 

Prescribing  medicines, 
art  of  1407 

Prescriptions,  formulas 
for  1411 

Preservation  of  medi- 
cines 766 

Preserved  juice  of  ta- 
raxacum 988 

Preserved  vegetable 
juices  1218 

Prickly  ash  116,  760 

Prickly  poppy  1297 

Pride  of  China  134 

Pride  of  India  134 

Prinos  595 

Prinos  verticillatus  595 

Privet  1356 

Proof  spirit  61,  854 

Proof  vinegar  14 

Propylamin  327,  508,  534 
Protein  343 

Protiodide  of  mercury  1036 

Prunella  vulgaris  1384 

Prunes  596 

Pruni  pulpa  1160 

Prunum  596 

Prunum  pi-separatum  1160 

Primus  domestica  596 

Prunus  lauro-cerasus  443 

Prunus  spinosa  7 

Prunus  Virginiana  596 

Prussian  blue  1001 

Prussiate  of  mercury  1035 

Prussiate  of  potassa  593 

Prussic  acid  805 

Pseudomorphia  537 

Psychotria  emetica  418 

Psyllii  semen  1382 

Pteris  aquilina  1299 

Pteritannic  acid  351 


Pterocarpus  647 

Pterocarpus  draco  1327 
Pterocarpus  erinaceus  433 
Pterocarpus  marsupium  431 
Pterocarpus  santalinus  647 
Puccoon  645 

Puce  oxide  of  lead  567 
Puff  ball  1365 

Pulegium  ' 598 

Pulmonaria  officinalis  1384 
Pulp  of  prunes  1160 

Pulp  of  purging  cassia  1160 
Pulp  of  tamarinds  1160 

Pulp®  1159 

Pulps  1159 

Pulsatilla  1295 

Pulveres  1161 

Pulveres  effervescentes  1163 
Pulveres  effervescentes 
citrati  1164 

Pulveres  effervescentes 
tarfarizati  1163 

Pulverization  769 

Pulverization,  table  of 
loss  by  769 

Pulverized  silex  680 

Pulvis  Algarothi  1384 

Pulvis  aloes  eompositus  1161 
Pulvis  aloes  et  canellae  1162 
Pulvis  aluminis  compo- 
situs  1162 

Pulvis  antimonialis  882 

Pulvis  antimonii  compo- 
situs  882 

Pulvis  aromaticus  1162 

Pulvis  Capucinorum  629 

Pulvis  catechu  composi- 
tus  1162 

Pulvis  cinnamomi  com- 
positus  1162 

Pulvis  comitissse  259 

Pulvis  cretes  eompositus  1163 
Pulvis  cretas  eompositus 
cum  opio  1163 

Pulvis  cretffi  opiatus  1163 

Pulvis  hydrargyri  cinereus 
1039 

Pulvis  ipecacuanhoe  com- 
positus  1164 

Pulvis  ipecacuanhas  et 

opii  1164 


Pulvis  jalap®  eompositus 

1165 

Pulvis  kino  eompositus  1165 
Pulvis  rhei  eompositus  1166 
Pulvis  salinus  eompositus 

1166 

Pulvis  scammonii  com- 


positus  1166 

Pulvis  tragacanth®  com- 
positus  1166 

Pumex  1385 

Pumice  stone  1385 

Pumpkin  seeds  1323 

Punica  granatum  372 


1468 


Index. 


Punicin ' 373 

Pure  arsenious  acid  903 

Pure  carbonate  of  potassa 

1138 

Pure  chloride  of  sodium  1185 

Pure  iodine  1063 

Pure  mercury  1024 

Pure  muriate  of  soda  1185 

Pure  nitric  acid  813 

Pure  nitrate  of  potassa  1145 

Pure  Prussian  blue  1001 

Pure  sulphuric  acid  818 

Pure  water  108 

Purging  agaric  1291 

Purging  cassia  192 

Purging  flax  450 

Purging  nuts  1300 

Purified  animal  charcoal  917 
Purified  oil  of  turpentine  1108 
Purified  pyroligneous  acid  15 
Purified  storax  1024 

Purified  sugar  635,  637 
Purple  avens  367 

Purple  willow-herb  1357 

Purree  1346 

Purreic  acid  1346 

Purslane,  garden  1383 

Pyrethrum  599 

Pyrethrum  parthenium  1385 

Pyretin  562 

Pyretin,  acid  1391 

Pyrites,  cubic  1018 

Pyrites,  magnetic  1018 

Pyrmont  water  112 

Pyroacetic  ether  1385 

Pyroacetic  spirit  1385 

Pyrogallic  acid  805 

Pyroglycerin  1022 

Pyrola  umbellata  213 

Pyroligneous  acid  15 

Pyroligneous  acid,  crude 

17,  20 

Pyroligneous  ether  701 

Pyroligneous  spirit  701 

Pyroligneous  vinegar  18 

Pyrolusite  463 

Pyrophosphate  of  soda  1187 

Pyroxylic  alcohol  701 

Pyroxylic  spirit  701 

Pyroxylin  1337 

Pyrrol  860 

Pyrus  cydonia  309 


Q 

Quadrihydrate.d  nitric  acid  41 
Quadroxalate  of  potassa  1376 


Quaker’s  black  drop  797 

Quassia  599 

Quassia  amara  600 

Quassia  excelsa  600 

Quassia  simaruba  681 

Quassin  601 

Queen  of  the  meadow  700 


Queen’s  delight 

707 

Queen’s  root 

707 

Quercin 

603 

Querci-tannic  acid 

821 

Quercitric  acid 

603 

Quercitrin 

603 

Quercitron 

603 

Quercus 

602 

Quercus  segilops 

357 

Quercus  alba 

602 

Quercus  cerris 

357 

Quercus  excelsa 

357 

Quercus  falcata 

602 

Quercus  ilex 

357 

Quercus  infectoria 

357 

Quercus  montana 

602 

Quercus  pedunculata 

602 

Quercus  ,prinus 

602 

Quercus  robur  357 

, 602 

Quercus  tinctoria  602 

, 603 

Quercus  virens 

603 

Quevenne’s  iron 

993 

Quickens 

1401 

Quicklime 

153 

Quicksilver 

393 

Quince  disulphas 

1167 

Quince  murias 

1176 

Quince  valerianas 

1176 

Quince  essence 

1329 

Quince  seed 

309 

Quinia 

250 

Quinia,  acetate  of 

251 

Quinia,  amorphous 

1171 

Quinia,  arsenite  of 

251 

Quinia,  citrate  of 

251 

Quinia,  ferrocyanate  of 

251 

Quinia,  klnate  of 

255 

Quinia,  lactate  of 

251 

Quinia,  muriate  of 

1176 

Quinia,  phosphate  of 

251 

Quinia:,  preparations  of 

1167 

Quinia,  sulphate  of 

1167 

Quinia,  tannate  of 

251 

Quinia,  valerianate  of 

1176 

Quinite  sulphas 

1167 

Quinic  acid 

255 

Quinicine 

254 

Quinidia 

253 

Quinidia,  sulphate  of 

254 

Quinidina 

253 

Quinidine 

253 

Quinoidine 

1171 

Quiuolein 

■ 253 

R 

Racemic  acid  53 

:,  742 

Radcliff’s  elixir 

75 

Radical  vinegar 

19 

Radices  colubrinoe 

490 

Radix  caryophyllatte 

367 

Radix  zedoarice 

1405 

Ragwort 

1390 

Rain  water 

109 

Raisins  741 

Rangoon  petroleum  553 
Ranunculus  604 

Ranunculus  acris  604 

Ranunculus  bulbosus  604 

Ranunculus  flammula  604 

Ranunculus  repens  604 

Ranunculus  sceleratus-  604 

Raspberry  623 

Raspberry  syrup  1207 

Rattlesnake’s  master 

1292,  1355 
Realgar  " 1385 

Rectification  778 

Rectified  oil  of  amber  1107 
Rectified  spirit  59 

Red  bark  219,  239 

Red  cedar  429 

Red  chalk  1385 

Red  chromate  of  potassa  579 
Red  cohosh  1290 

Red  coral  132.1 

Red  elm  740 

Red  iodide  of  mercury  1037 
Red  lead  574 

Red  oxide  of  iron  1013 

Red  oxide  of  lead  574 

Red  oxide  of  mercury  1040 
Red  pepper  174 

Red  poppy  618 

Red  precipitate  1040 

Red  roses  . 621 

Red  sarsaparilla  654 

Red  saunders  647 

Red  sulphuret  of  mer- 
cury 1045 

Red  tartar  580 

Red  wine  750 

Red  wrine  vinegar  14 

Reddle  1385 

Redhead  1298 

Red-root  1310 

Reduced  iron  993 

Reduction  784 

Refrigerants  3 

Refrigeratory  793 

Regulus  of  antimony  104 
Renealmia  cardamomum  183 
Reseda  luteola  1385 

Resin  605 

Resin  cerate  925 

Resin  cerate,  compound  926 
Resin  of  jalap  980 

Resin  of  scammony  986 

Resin  oil  606 

Resin  plaster  956 

Resin,  white  606 

Resin,  yellow  606 

Resina  605 

Resina  alba  606 

Resina  flava  606 

Resina  jalapte  980 

Resina  scammonii  986 

Resine  de  chibou  1309 

Resine  de  Gomart  1309 


Index , 


1469 


Rkabarbaric  acid  615 

Rhabarbarin  616 

Rhabarbarum  608 

Rhamni  baccae  607 

Rhamui  succus  607 

Rhamnin  607 

Rhamnoxanthin  608 

Rliamnus  catharticus  607 

Rhamnus  frangula  608 

Rliamnus  infectorius  607 

Rhamnus  zizyphus  1406 

Rhapontic  root  614 

Rhapontic  root,  Siberian  615 
Rhapontic  rhubarb  614,  615 
Rhatany  435 

Rhein  616 

Rheum  608 

Rheum  australe  610 

Rheum  Caspicum  611 

Rheum  compactum  610 

Rheum  crassinervium  611 

Rheum  emodi  610 

Rheum  hybridum  611 

Rheum  leucorrhizum  611 

Rheum  Moorcraftianum  611 

Rheum  palmatum  610 

Rheum  Rhaponticum  610 

Rlieum  Russicum  Tel 

Turcieum  613 

Rheum  Sinense  vel  In- 
dicum  612 

Rheum  speciforme  611 

Rheum  undulatum  610 

Rheum  Webbianum  611 

Rheumin  616 

Rhodeoretin  424 

Rliodeoretinic  acid  424 

Rhododendrum  crysan- 
thum  1385 

Rhodymenia  palmata  406 

Rhoeas  618 

Rhubarb  608 

Rhubarb,  Batavian  612 

Rhubarb,  Bucharian613, 615 
Rhubarb,  Chinese  612 

Rhubarb,  Dutch-trimmed  612 
Rhubarb,  English  614 

Rhubarb,  European  614 

Rhubarb,  French  614 

Rhubarb,  Himalaya  615 

Rhubarb,  India  612 

Rhubarb,  Krimea  614 

Rhubarb,  Rhapontic  614 

Rhubarb,  Russian  613 

Rhubarb,  Taschkent  613 

Rhubarb,  Turkey  613 

Rhus  coriaria  1332 

Rhus  cotinus  1331 

Rhus  glabrum  618 

Rhus  pumilum  737 

Rhus  radicans  735 

Rhus  toxicodendron  735 
Rhus  vernix  736 

Rib-grass  1382 

Rice  1373 


Richardsonia  Brazili- 


ensis  419 

Richardsonia  emetica  419 
Richardsonia  scabra  419 
Rich  weed  1320 

Ricin  516 

Ricini  oleum  613 

Ricinic  acid  516 

Ricinoleic  acid  516 

Ricinolein  516 

Ricino-stearic  acid  516 

Ricino-stearin  516 

Ricinus  communis  513 

Riga  balsam  1386 

River  water  110 

Robbin’s  rye  1383 

Roccella  tinctoria  437 

Roche  alum  79 

Rochelle  salt  1184 

Rock  oil  552 

Rock  rose  380 

Rock  salt  695 

Rockbridge  alum  spring  112 
Roll  sulphur  715 

Roman  alum  79 

Roman  cement  780 

Roman  chamomile  102 

Roman  vitriol  306 

Rosa  canina  620 

Rosa  centifolia  620 

Rosa  damascena  517 

Rosa  Gallica  621 

Rosa  moschata  517 

Rosse  oleum  517 

Rose,  dog  620 

Rose  geranium  1329 

Rose  water  893 

Rose- scented  jalap  425 

Rosemary  „ 621 

Roses,  hundred  leaved  620 
Roses,  red  621 

Rosin  606 

Rosmarinus  621 

Rosmarinus  officinalis  621 
Rosmarinus  sylvestris  1355 
Rotten  stone  1386 

Roucou  1296 

Rouge  186 

Round  cardamom  181 

Round-leaved  dogwood  292 
Rousseau’s  laudanum  1275 

Rubefacients  2 

Rubia  622 

Rubia  tinctorum  622 

Rubichloric  acid  1331 

Rubigo  ferri  1012 

Rubus  Canadensis  624 

Rubus  trivialis  623 

Rubus  villosus  623,  624 
Rue  626 

Rufus’s  pills  1112 

Rumex  acetosa  625 

Rumex  acetocella  625 

Rumex  acutus  625 

Rumex  Alpinus  625 


Rumex  aquaticus  625 

Rumex  Britannica  625 

Rumex  crispus  625 

Rumex  hydrolapnthum  625 
Rumex  obtusifolius  625 

Rumex  patientia  625 

Rumex  sanguineus  625 

Rumex  scfetatus  625 

Rumicin  626 

Russian  rhubarb  613 

Rust  of  iron  1012 

Ruta  626 

Ruta  graveolens  626 

Rutinic  acid  627 

Rutulin  642 

Rye  1390 

S 

Sabadilla  627 

Sabadillia  628,  1270 

Sabadillic  acid  628 

Sabadillin  628 

Sabbatia  629 

Sabbatia  angularis  629 

Sabina  630 

Saccliari  foex  631 

Saccliarate  of  lime  913 

Saccharic  acid  636,  838 
Saccharine  carbonate  of 
iron  995 


Saccharine  carbonate  of 
iron  and  manganese  1360 
Saccharine  fermentation  60 
Saccharine  iodide  of  iron  1 006 


Saccharum  631 

Saccharum  commune  631 
Saccharum  lactis  638 

Saccharum  officinarum  632 
Saccharum  purifieatum  631 
Saccharum  saturni  569 
Sacchulmic  acid  636 

Sacchulmiu  636 

Sack  7 52 

Sacred  elixir  1245 

Safflower  186 

Saffron  300 

Saffron  of  antimony  1322 
Sagapenum  639 

Sagapenum  prasparatum 

1024 

Sage  643 

Sago  639 

Sago  meal  640 

Sago  palm  640 

Sago,  pearl  640 

Saguerus  Rumphii  639 

Sagus  lsevis  639 

Sagus  Ruffia  639 

Sagus  Rumphii  640 

St.  John’s  wort  1343 

Saint  Lucia  bark  247 

Sal  absinthii  5 

Sal  aeratus  1141 


1470 


Index . 


Sal  alembroth  1027 

Sal  ammoniac  85 

Sal  de  duobus  592 

Sal  diureticus  1135 

Sal  enixum  1147,  1374 

Sal  gemmae  695 

Sal  polyckrestus  Glaseri 

* 1146 

Sal  prunelle  590 

Salep  1386 

Salicin  642 

Salicornia  690 

Salicyle  042 

Salicylous  acid  642 

Saline  mixture  1145 

Saline  waters  111,  113 
Saliretin  642 

Salix  641 

Salix  alba  642 

Salix  Babylonica  642 

Salix  caprea  641 

Salix  helix  643 

Salix  nigra  642 

Salix  pentandra  641 

Salix  purpurea  641 

Salix  Russeliana  641 

Salseparine  656 

Salsola  090 

Salt,  common  695 

Salt  of  sorrel  1376 

Salt  of  tartar  1137,  1188 

Salt  of  wisdom  1027 

Salt  of  wormwood  5 

Saltpetre  587 

Salvia  643 

Salvia  officinalis  643 

Salvia  pratensis  644 

Salvia  sclarea  644 

Sambucus  644 

Sambueus  Canadensis  644 

Sambucus  nigra  644 

Samovey  isinglass  403 

Sampfen  wood  1305 

Sandal  wood  1387 

Sandaraca  1386 

Sandarach  1386 

Sandaracin  1386 

Sand-bath  777 

Sandix  1372 

Sanguinaria  645 

Sanguinaria  Canadensis  645 
Sanguinnrina  646 

Sanguis  draconis  1326 

Sanguisiiga  interrupta  386 
Sanguisuga  medieinalis  386 
Sanguisuga  officinalis  386 

Sanicle  1387 

Sanicula  Marilandica  1387 

Santa  Martha  bark  242 

Santalin  648 

Santalum  647,  1387 

Santalum  album  1387 

Santalum  citrinum  1387 


Santalum  freycinetianum 

1387 


Santalum  rubrum  1387 

Santonici  semen  1404 

Santonin  1404 

Sap  green  607 

Sapo  648 

Sapo  durus  648,  649 

Sapo  guaiacinus  378 

Sapo  mollis  648,  650 

Sapo  vulgaris  648,  650 

Saponaria  officinalis  1387 

Saponification  648 

Saponin  1387 

Sappan  wood  1305 

Saratoga  water  113 

Sarcocoila  1387 

Sarcocollin  1388 

Sarracenia  1388 

Sarracenia  flava  1388 

Sarracenia  variolaris  1388 

Sarsa  652 

Sarsaparilla  652 

Sarsaparilla,  false  115 

Sarsaparilla,  Indian  383 

Sarsaparillin  656 

Sarza  652 

Sassa  gum  1388 

Sassafras  medulla  658 

Sassafras  officinale  658 

Sassafras  pith  658,  659 

Sassafras  radicis  cortex  658 
Sassafras  root,  bark  of  659 
Sassafrid  659 

Sassy  bark  1388 

Satureja  hortensis  1389 

Satureja  montana  1389 

Saunders,  red  647 

Saunders,  white  1387 

Saunders,  yellow  1387 

Savine  630 

Savine  cerate  926 

Savory  1389 

Saxifraga  1381 

Scabious  - 331 

Scammonium  660 

Scammony  660 

Scammony,  factitious  663 

Scammony,  genuine  661 

Scammony,  in  shells  661 

Scammony  mixture  1080 

Scandix  cerefolium  1296 

Scarlet  pimpernel  1295 

Schuylkill  water  111 

Scilla  664 

Scjlla  maritima  664 

Scillitin  665 

Sclerotium  clavus  325 

Scolopendrium  officina- 
rum  * 1389 

Scoparin  667 

Scoparius  6S6 

Scotch  fir  729 

Scroplmlaria  nodosa  1389 

Scullcap  1389 

Scurvy-grass  1316 


Scutellaria  galericulata  1389 


Scutellaria  hyssopifolia  1389 

Scutellaria  integrifolia 

1389 

Scutellaria  lateriflora 

1389 

Sea  salt 

695 

Sea  water 

113 

Sealing  wax 

1353 

Sea  side  balsam 

191 

Sea-side  grape 

432 

Sea-rvrack 

1329 

Secale  cereale  325,  1390 

Secale  cornutum 

325 

Secalin 

327 

Sedum  acre 

1390 

Sedum  album 

1390 

Sedum  rupestre 

1390 

Sedum  telephium 

1390 

Seed  lac 

1352 

Seidlitz  powders 

54 

Seidlitz  water 

113 

Seignette’s  salt 

1185 

Self-heal 

1384 

Seltzer  water 

112 

Seltzer  water,  artificial 

887 

Semen  abelmoschi 

1340 

Semen  contra 

1404 

Semen  cynre 

1404 

Semen  nigell® 

1367 

Semen  psyllii 

1382 

Semivitrified  oxide  of  lead  575 

Sempervivum  tectorum  1390 

Seneca  oil 

553 

Senecio  aureus 

1390 

Senecio  vulgaris 

1390 

Senega 

667 

Senegal  gum 

* 

Senegin 

668 

Seneka 

667 

Senna 

670 

Senna,  American 

193 

Separation  of  liquids 

775 

Separation  of  mixed  sub- 

stances 

772 

Separation  of  solids  from 

liquids 

772 

Separatory  775, 

1097 

Sepia 

1324 

Sepia  officinalis 

1324 

Septfoil 

735 

Serpentaria 

676 

Sesami  folia 

679 

Sesamum  Indicum 

679 

Sesamum  orientale 

679 

Sesquicarbonate  of  am- 

monia 

855 

Sesquicarbonate  of  po- 

tassa 

1142 

Sesquicarbonate  of  soda  690 

Sesquioxide  of  iron 

1012, 

1013 

Seven  barks 

1341 

Sevum 

6S0 

Shaddock 

130 

Sheep-laurel 

1351 

Shell  lac 

1352 

Sherry  wine 

752 

Index , 


1471 


Shining  aloes  69 

Sialngogues  2 

Siberian  Rhapontic  root  615 
Siberian  rhubarb  615 

Side-saddle  plant  1388 

Sienna  1390 

Sieves  770 

Signs  and  abbreviations, 
table  of  1411 

Silene  Pennsylvanica  1390 
Silene  Virginica  1390 

Silex  contritus  680 

Silex  pulverized  680 

Silica  680 

Silicate  of  zinc  150,  760 

Silicic  acid  680 

Silicon,  teroxide  of  681 

Silk-weed,  common  124 

Silurus  glanis  403 

Silver  117 

Silver  bark  230 

Silver,  chloride  of  1313 

Silver,  cyanide  of  895 

Silver,  cyanuret  of  895 

Silver  fir,  American  729 

Silver  fir,  European  729 

Silver,  fused  nitrate  of  899 
Silver,  iodide  of  1347 

Silver,  nitrate  of  896 

Silver,  oxide  of  901 

Silver,  preparations  of  895 
Simaba  cedron  1310 

Simaruba  681 

Simaruba  amara  681 

Simaruba  excelsa  600 

Simaruba  officinalis  681 

Simple  cerate  927 

Simple  liniment  1068 

Simple  ointment  1266 

Simple  plaster  957 

Simple  syrup  1202 

Sinapis  682 

Sinapis  alba  682 

Sinapis  nigra  682 

Sinapisin  683,  684 

Sinapisms  920 

Single  aqua  fortis  41 

Sipeerin  1301 

Siphonia  cahuchu  1308 

Siphonia  elastica  1308 

Sirop  de  capillaire  1290 

Sirop  de  Cuisinier  1211 

Sisymbrium  nasturtium  1367 
Sisymbrium  officinale  1390 

Sisymbrium  sopliia  1391 

Siuin  latifolium  1391 

Sium  nodiflorum  1391 

Sium  sisarunr  1391 

Skirret  1391 

Skunk  cabbage  316 

Slippery  elm  bark  740 

Small  burnet  saxifrage  1381 
Small  fennel  flower  1367 

Small  houseleek  1390 


Small  sea-side  balsam  191 


Small  spikenard  115 

Smalt  1391 

Smart- weed  1304 

Smilacin  656 

Smilasperic  acid  383 

Smilax  aspera  653 

Smilax  China  653 

Smilax  Cumanensis  653 

Smilax  medica  - 654 

Smilax  officinalis  653 

Smilax  papyracea  654 

Smilax  sarsaparilla  653 

Smilax  syphilitica  653 

Smooth  sumach  619 

Smyrna  opium  528 

Smyrna  scammony  661 

Snakeroot,  black  217,  1387 
Snakeroot,  button  331,  1355 
Snakeroot,  Canada  123 
Snakeroot,  seneka  668 

Snakeroot,  Virginia  676 
Sneezewort  1339 

Snow  water  109 

Soap  648 

Soap,  almond  oil  650 

Soap,  amygdaline  650 

Soap  balls  650 

Soap,  beef’s  marrow  650 
Soap,  Castile  651 

Soap  cerate  926 

Soap,  common  648,  650 

Soap,  common  yellow  650 
Soap,  grain  649 

Soap  liniment  1247 

Soap  liniment,  camphor- 
ated 1067 

Soap,  marbled  649 

Soap  of  guaiac  378 

Soap,  palm  650 

Soap  plaster  957 

Soap,  rosin  650 

Soap,  soft  648,  650,  651 
Soap,  Starkey’s  650 

Soap,  transparent  650 

Soap,  Windsor  650 

Soaps,  insoluble  649 

Soaps,  soluble  649 

Soapwort  1387 

Socotrine  aloes  69 

Soda,  acetate  of  686 

Soda,  artificial  691 

Soda  ball  691 

Soda,  biborate  of  689 

Soda,  bicarbonate  of  1178 

Soda,  borate  of  687 

Soda,  carbonate  of  690 

Soda,  caustic  686 

Soda,  citrate  of  1315 

Soda,  dried  carbonate 
of  1178 

Soda,  dry  686 

Soda,  effervescing  water 
of  1181 

Soda,  hydrate  of  686 


Soda,  hypochlorite  of  1183 


Soda,  hyposulphite  of  1343 
Soda,  impure  690 

Soda,  muriate  of  695 

Soda,  native  690 

Soda  of  vegetable  origin  690 
Soda,  phosphate  of  1186 
Soda  powders  1164 

Soda,  preparations  of  1177 
Soda,  sesquicarbonate  of  690 
Soda  soap,  animal  oil  651 
Soda  soap,  olive  oil  651 
Soda,  solution  of  1177 
Soda,  solution  of  chlo- 
rinated 1181 

Soda,  sulphate  of  693 

Soda,  tartarized  1184 

Soda,  tartrate  of  1397 

Soda,  tribasic  phos- 
phate of  1186 

Soda,  valerianate  of  1188 
Soda,  vitriolated  693 

Soda  water  887 

Soda-ash  692 

Sod®  acetas  686 

Sodas  aqua  effervescens  1181 
Sodas  bicarbonas  1178 

Sodas  boras  687 

Sodas  carbonas  690 

Sod*  carbonas  exsicca- 
tus  1178 

Sodas  carbonatis  liquor  1178 
Sodas  caustic®  liquor  1177 
Sod®  chlorinates  liquor  1181 
Sod®  citras  1315 

Sodas  et  argent!  liypo- 
sulphis  1343 

Sodas  et  potass®  tartras  1184 
Sod®  hyposulphis  1343 
Sod®  murias  695 

Sod®  murias  purum  1185 
Sod®  phosphas  1186 

Sod®  potassio-tartras  1184 
Sod®  sulphas  693 

Sod®  sulphis  1394 

Sod®  tartras  1397 

Sod®  valerianas  1188 

Soda-pyrophosphate  of 
iron  1013 

Sodii  chloridum  695 

Sodium  686 

Sodium,  chloride  of  695 


Sodium,  nitroprusside  of 

1368 

Sodium,  sesquioxide  of  686 
Soft  soap  648,  650,  651 


Soft  water  109 

Solania  319 

Solanum  dulcamara  318 

Solanum  nigrum  318 

Solanum  tuberosum  318 

Solidago  697 

Solidago  odora  698 

Solidago  virgaurea  697 

Solomon’s  seal  1320 


Soluble  cream  of  tartar  689 


1472 


Index, 


Soluble  iodide  of  starch  1348 

Soluble  tartar  1147 

Solutio  baryta?  muriatis  909 

Solutio  solventis  mine- 
ralis  903 

Solution  780 

Solution  of  acetate  of 

ammonia  801 

Solution  of  acetate  of 
morphia  1088 

Solution  of  alum,  com- 
pound 855 

Solution  of  ammonia  859 

Solution  of  ammoniated 
copper  935 

Solution  of  arsenite  of 
potassa  905 

Solution  of  bichloride  of 
mercury  1030 

Solution  of  carbonate 
of  potassa  1139 

Solution  of  carbonate 
of  soda  1178 

Solution  of  caustic  soda 

1177 

Solution  of  chloride  of 
arsenic  903 

Solution  of  chloride  of 
barium  909 

Solution  of  chloride  of 
calcium  915 

Solution  of  chloride  of 
potassa  1312 

Solution  of  chloride  of 
soda  1181 

Solution  of  chloride  of 
zinc  1281 

Solution  of  chlorinated 
lime  916 

Solution  of  chlorinated 
soda  1181 

Solution  of  chlorine  894 

Solution  of  citrate  of 
ammonia  863 

Solution  of  citrate  of 
magnesia  1071 

Solution  of  citrate  of 
potassa  1143 

Solution  of  hydriodate 
of  arsenic  and  mer- 
cury 904 

Solution  of  hydrochlo- 
rate of  morphia  1091 

Solution  of  hydrosul- 
phate of  ammonia  858 

Solution  of  iodide  of  ar- 
senic and  mercury  904 

Solution  of  iodide  ©f 
iron  1005 

Solution  of  iodide  of  po- 
tassium, compound  1157 

Solution  of  iodine,  com- 
pound 1064 

Solution  of  muriate  of 
baryta  • 909 


Solution  of  muriate  of 

lime 

915 

Solution  of  muriate  of 

morphia 

1091 

Solution  of  nitrate  of 

iron 

1007 

Solution  of  pernitrate 

of  iron 

1007 

Solution  of  pernitrate 

of  mercury 

1042 

Solution  of  potassa 

1128 

Solution  of  sesquicar- 

bonate  of  ammonia 

858 

Solution  of  soda 

1177 

Solution  of  subacetate 

of  lead 

1124 

Solution  of  subacetate 

of  lead,  diluted 

1126 

Solution  of  sulphate  of 

morphia 

1092 

Solution  of  terchloride 

of  antimony 

865 

Solution  of  ternitrate  of 

iron 

1007 

Soot 

1391 

Sophora  tinctoria 

1300 

Soporifics 

3 

Sorbin 

631 

Sorbus  aucuparia 

631 

Sorrel 

625 

Sorrel-tree 

1295 

South  American  kino 

432 

South  American  salt- 

petre 

589 

Southernwood 

4 

Southernwood,  Tarta- 

rian 

1404 

Spa  water 

111 

Spanish  barilla 

691 

Spanish  broom 

1392 

Spanish  brown 

1392 

Spanish  flies 

166 

Spanish  soap 

651 

Spartein 

667 

Spartium  junceum 

1392 

Spartium  scoparium 

667 

Spearmint 

476 

Spearmint  water 

892 

Specific  gravity 

768 

Specific  gravity  bottle 

768 

Speediman’s  pills 

75 

Speedwell 

1404 

Speiss 

1393 

Speltre 

761 

Spermaceti 

209 

Spermaceti  cerate 

924 

Spermaceti  ointment 

1256 

Sphacelia  segetum 

325 

Sphterococcus  crispus 

216 

Spiced  plasters 

1162 

Spiced  syrup  of  rhu- 

barb 

1210 

Spice-bush 

1302 

Spice-wood 

1302 

"Spider’s  web 

1316 

Spigelia  698 

Spigelia  anthelmia  698 

Spigelia  Marilandiea  698 

Spikenard  1367 

Spikenard,  American  116 

Spikenard,  small  115 

Spindletree  1327 

Spireea  700 

Spirma  lobata  1102 

Spiraea  tomentosa  700 

Spiraea  ulmaria  700,  1102 

Spirit  lamps  776 

Spirit  of  ammonia  863 

Spirit  of  ammonia,  aro- 
matic 864 

Spirit  of  ammonia,  fetid  865 
Spirit  of  aniseed  1189 

Spirit  of  caraway  1189 

Spirit  of  cassia  1189 

Spirit  of  cinnamon  1189 

Spirit  of  ether,  com- 
pound 834 

Spirit  of  hartshorn  292 

Spirit  of  horse-radish, 
compound  1189 

Spirit  of  juniper,  com- 
pound 1190 

Spirit  of  lavender  1190 

Spirit  of  lavender,  com- 
pound 1190 

Spirit  of  Mindererus  861 

Spirit  of  nitre  40 

Spirit  of  nitric  ether  835 

Spirit  of  nutmeg  1191 

Spirit  of  pennyroyal, 
European  1192 

Spirit  of  peppermint  1191 

Spirit  of  pimento  1192 

Spirit  of  rosemary  1192 

Spirit  of  sea-salt  35 

Spirit  of  spearmint  1191 

Spirit  of  sulphuric  ether  833 
Spirit  of  turpentine  518 

Spirit  of  wine  59 

Spirit,  proof  61,  854 

Spirit,  pyroacetic  1385 

Spirit,  pyroxylic  701 

Spirits  1188 

Spiritus  1188 

Spiritus  aethereus  ni- 
trosus  835 

Spiritus  mthercus  oleo- 
sus  834 

Spiritus  tetheris  com- 
positus  834 

Spiritus  setheris  nitrici  835 

Spiritus  cetheris  sul- 
phurici  833 

Spiritus  ammonite  863 

Spiritus  ammonite  aro- 
maticus  864 

Spiritus  ammonite  fce- 
tidus  865 

Spiritus  ammonia;  suc- 
cinatus  1220 


Index. 


1473 


Spiritus  anisi 

1189 

Spiritus  armoraci® 

compositus 

1189 

Spiritus  camphoroe 

1223 

Spiritus  carui 

1189 

Spiritus  cassi® 

1189 

Spiritus  cinnamomi 

1189 

Spiritus  colchici  ammo- 

niatus 

1229 

Spiritus  fortior 

852 

Spiritus  juniperi  com- 

positus 

1190 

Spiritus  lavandulre 

1190 

Spiritus  lavandul®  com 

positus 

1190 

Spiritus  menth®  piper- 

ita 

1191 

Spiritus  menth®  viridis 

1191 

Spiritus  Mindereri 

861 

Spiritus  myristic® 

1191 

Spiritus  nitri  dulcis 

835 

Spiritus  piment® 

1192 

Spiritus  pyroxilicus 

701 

Spiritus  pulegii 

1192 

Spiritus  rectificatus 

59 

Spiritus  rosmarini 

1192 

Spiritus  tenuior 

854 

Spiritus  vini  Gallici 

702 

Spleenwort,  black 

1299. 

Spleenwort,  common 

1299 

Spleenwort  fern 

1320 

Sponge 

703 

Sponge,  burnt 

1192 

Sponge  tent 

704 

Spongia 

703 

Spong-ia  officinalis 

703 

Spongia  usta 

1192 

Spongy  Carthagena  bark  243 

Spotted  winter  green 

214 

Spring  water 

110 

Spruce  beer 

730 

Spruce,  essence  of 

729 

Spunk 

1291 

Spurge,  ipecacuanha 

336 

Spurge,  large  flowering 

334 

Spurge  laurel 

478 

Spurred  rye 

325 

Squill 

664 

Squilla  maritima 

664 

Squirting  cucumber 

321 

Staff-tree,  climbing 

1311 

Stalagmitis  cambogioi- 

des 

359 

Stanni  pulvis 

1193 

Stannic  acid 

705 

Stannum 

704 

Staphisagria 

705 

Star  aniseed  101, 

1345 

Star  grass 

64 

Starch 

93 

Starch,  iodide  of 

1347 

Starkey’s  soap 

650 

Star-wort 

1339 

Statice 

706 

Statice  Caroliniana 

706 

93 

Statice  limonium  707 

Stavesacre  705 

Steam  bath  777 

Stearic  acid  649 

Stearin  58,  494 

Stearoptene  496 

Steel  346 

Sterlet  403 

Stibium  104 

Stick  lac  1352 

Still  and  worm,  common  778 
Stillingia  707 

Stillingia  sebifera  707 

Stillingia  sylvatica  707 

Stimulants  2 

Stizolobium  pruriens  484 

St.  John’s  wort  1343 

St.  Lucia  bark  247 

Stone-crop,  biting  1890 

Stone-pine  729 

Stone-root  1320 

Storax  711 

Storax,  purified  1024 

Stoved  salt  696 

Strainers  773 

Stramonii  folia  708 

Stramonii  radix  708 

Stramonii  semen  708 

Stramonium  708 

Strasburg  turpentine  729, 732 
Strengthening  plaster  950 

Striated  ipecacuanha  418 

Strong  acetic  acid  16 

Strong  chloric  ether  849 

Stronger  solution  of 
ammonia  83 

Stronger  spirit  852 

Strongest  common  caus- 
tic 1132 

Strong-scented  lettuce  442 

Strychnia  490,  1193 

Strychnia,  muriate  of  1197 
Strychnias  murias  1197 
Strychnos  colubrina  490 
Strychnos  Ignatia  1301 
Strychnos  nux  vomica  490 
Sturgeon  403 

Styptic,  Pagliari’s  145 

Styracine  1356 

Styrax  711 

Styrax  benzoin  144 

Styrax  officinale  711 

Styrax  preeparata  1024 

Styrax  purificata  1024 

Subacetate  of  copper  305 

Subacetate  of  copper, 
prepared  933 

Subacetate  of  lead,  so- 
lution of  1124 

Subcarbonate  of  iron  1013 

Sublimate  779 

Sublimation  779 

Sublimatus  corrosivus  1025 

Sublimed  sulphur  716 

Subnitrate  of  bismuth  910 


Succinate  of  ammonia  1392 

Succinic  acid 

1392 

Succinum 

713 

Succory 

1314 

Suet 

680 

Sugar 

631 

Sugar,  barley 

636 

Sugar,  brown 

631,  637 

Sugar  cane 

632 

Sugar,  Havana 

633 

Sugar  maple 

632 

Sugar,  Muscovado 

631 

Sugar  of  gelatin 

404 

Sugar  of  grapes 

631,  742 

Sugar  of  lead 

569 

Sugar  of  milk 

638 

Sugar  of  mushrooms  1364 

Sugar,  palm 

632 

Sugar,  purified 

635,  637 

Sugar,  uncrystallizable  631 

Sugar,  white 

635,  637 

Sugar-candy 

636 

Sugar-house  molasses 

635,  637 


Sulphate  of  alumina  1392 

Sulphate  of  alumina 
and  iron  1393 

Sulphate  of  alumina 
and  potassa  77 

Sulphate  of  atropia  907 

Sulphate  of  baryta  139 

Sulphate  of  cadmium  1393 

Sulphate  of  cinchonia 

252,  1170 
Sulphate  of  copper  306,  935 
Sulphate  of  ether  and 


etherine  832 

Sulphate  of  indigo  1346 

Sulphate  of  iron  1014 

Sulphate  of  iron,  dried  1017 

Sulphate  of  iron,  gra- 
nulated 1017 

Sulphate  of  magnesia  458 

Sulphate  of  manganese  1358 

Sulphate  of  mercury  1043 

Sulphate  of  morphia  1091 

Sulphate  of  morphia, 
solution  of  1092 

Sulphate  of  nickel  1393 

Sulphate  of  potassa  592 

Sulphate  of  potassa 
with  sulphur  1145 

Sulphate  of  quinia  1167 

Sulphate  of  quinidia  254 

Sulphate  of  soda  693 

Sulphate  of  zinc  1283 

Sulphite  of  soda  1394 

Sulphocyanuret  of  po- 
tassium 1394 

Sulphoglyceric  acid  1022 

Sulphohydric  acid  716 

Sulplio-salts  716 

Sulpho-sinapisin  684 

Sulpliovinic  acid  829 

Sulphur  714 


1474 


Index. 


Sulphur,  brown  viscid  716 
Sulphur,  crude  715 

Sulphur,  flowers  of  715,  716 
Sulphur,  iodide  of  1198 
Sulphur  lotum  714 

Sulphur,  milk  of  1197 

Sulphur,  native  714 

Sulphur  ointment  1266 
Sulphur  proecipitatum  1197 
Sulphur,  precipitated  1197 
Sulphur,  preparations  of  1197 
Sulphur,  roll  715 

Sulphur  sublimatum  714 
Sulphur,  sublimed  715,  716 
Sulphur  vivum  715 

Sulphur,  volcanic  714 

Sulphur,  washed  714,  717 
Sulphurated  oil  1299 

Sulphuret  of  antimony  106 
Sulpliuret  of  calcium  1394 
Sulphuret  of  iron  1018 
Sulphuret  of  potassium  1158 
Sulnhuretted  hydrogen 

716,  1018 
Sulphuretted  waters  111,  112 


Sulphuric  acid  45 

Sulphuric  acid,  aromatic  816 
Sulphuric  acid,  commer- 
cial 45 

Sulphuric  acid,  diluted  816 

Sulphuric  acid,  pure  818 

Sulphuric  acid,  table 
of  the  specific  gravity 
of  49 

Sulphuric  ether  825 

Sulphuris  iodidum  1198 

Sulphurous  acid  716 

Sumach  618 

Sumach,  swamp  736 

Sumatra  camphor  162 

Sumbul  1394 

Sumbulic  acid  1395 

Summer  savory  1389 

Sunflower  1362 

Superphosphate  of  iron  1012 

Supertavtrate  of  potassa  580 
Suppositories  1395 

Swallowwort,  white  1324 

Swamp  dogwood  294 

Swamp  hellebore  748 

Swamp  sassafras  460 

Swamp  sumach  736 

Swamp-laurel  1351 

Sweet  almonds  90,  91 

Sweet  bay  460 

Sweet  birch  1303 

Sweet  briar  1302 

Sweet  fennel  353 

Sweet  fern  1320 

Sweet  flag  151 

Sweet  marjoram  546 

Sweet  principle  of  oils  1021 

Sweet  spirit  of  nitre  835 

Sweet-gum  1356 

Swietenia  febrifuga  1395 


Swietenia  mahagoni  1395 
Swietenia  senegalensis  1396 
Swift’s  drug  mill  771 

Sydenham’s  laudanum  1274 
Sylvie  acid  606 

Symphytum  officinale  1396 
Symplocarpus  foetidus  316 
Synaptase  91 

Syrian  herb  mastich  1399 
Syringia  vulgaris  1396 
Syrup  1202 

Syrup,  ginger  1216 

Syrup,  lemon  1207 

Syrup  of  acetate  of 
morphia  1208 

Syrup  of  albuminate  of 
iron  and  potassa  1292 
Syrup  of  almonds  1204 

Syrup  of  assafetida  1077 

Syrup  of  blackberries  1207 

Syrup  of  buckthorn  1209 

Syrup  of  citric  acid  1203 

Syrup  of  cochineal  1205 

Syrup  of  currants  1207 

Syrup  of  fruits,  prepa- 
ration of  1207 

Syrup  of  garlic  1203 

Syrup  of  ginger  1216 

Syrup  of  gum  Arabic  1203 

Syrup  of  hyposulphite 
of  soda  1343 

Syrup  of  Indian  sarsa- 
parilla 1205 

Syrup  of  iodide  of  iron  1005 
Syrup  of  iodide  of  iron 
and  manganese  1359 
Syrup  of  iodide  of  starch  1348 
Syrup  of  iodide  of  zinc  1349 
Syrup  of  ipecacuanha  1205 
Syrup  of  lime  913 

Syrup  of  marshmallow  1203 
Syrup  of  mulberries  1207 
Syrup  of  muriate  of 
morphia  1208 

Syrup  of  orange  peel  1204 
Syrup  of  orgeat  1 204 

Syrup  of  pineapples  1208 
Syrup  of  poppies  1208 
Syrup  of  pyrophosphate 
of  iron  1013 

Syrup  of  raspberries  1207 

Syrup  of  red  poppy  1210 

Syrup  of  red  roses  1210 

Syrup  of  rhatany  1206 

Syrup  of  rhubarb  1209 

Syrup  of  rhubarb,  aro- 
matic 1209 

Syrup  of  roses  1210 

Syrup  of  saffron  1205 

Syrup  of  sarsaparilla  1211 

Syrup  of  sarsaparilla, 
compound  1211 

Syrup  of  s'eneka  1214 

Syrup  of  senna  1214 

Syrup  of  squill  1212  I 


Syrup  of  squill,  com- 
pound 1212 

Syrup  of  strawberries  1207 

Syrup  of  tolu  1214 

Syrup  of  vinegar  " 1203 

Syrup  of  violets  1215 

Syrup  of  wild-cherry 
bark  1209 

Syrup,  simple  1202 

Syrupi  1199 

Syrups  1199 

Syrupus  1202 

Syrupus  acaciae  1203 

Syrupus  aceti  1203 

Syrupus  acidi  citrici  1203 

Syrupus  allii  1203 

Syrupus  althreae  1203 

Syrupus  amygdalae  1204 

Syrupus  aurantii  cor- 
ticis  1204 

Syrupus  cocci  1205 

Syrupus  croci  1205 

Syrupus  ferri  iodidi  1005 

Syrupus  hemidesmi  1205 

Syrupus  ipecacuanhoe  1205 

Syrupus  kramerise  1206 

Syrupus  limonis  1207 

Syrupus  mori  1207 

Syrupus  morphiae  ace- 
tatis  1208 

Syrupus  morphiae  mu- 
riatis  1208 

Syrupus  papaveris  120S 

Syrupus  pruni  Tirgi- 
nianae  1209 

Syrupus  rhamni  1209 

Syrupus  rhei  1209 

Syrupus  rhei  aromaticus 

1209 

Syrupus  rhoeados  1210 

Syrupus  rosae  1210 

Syrupus  rosae  Gallicae  1210 

Syrupus  sarsae  1211 

Syrupus  sarsaparilla} 
compositus  1211 

Syrupus  scillae  1212 

Syrupus  scillae  compo- 
situs 1212 

Syrupus  senega;  1214 

Syrupus  sennae  1214 

Syrupus  simples  1202 

Syrupus  tolutanus  1214 

Syrupus  violoe  1215 

Syrupus  zingiberis  1216 


T 

Tabacum  717 

Table  of  Baunri's  and 
Cartier's  hydrometer  1433 
Table  of  Cartier’s  hy- 
drometer and  the  cen- 
tesimal alcoholmeter  1434 
Table  of  drops  1434 


Index. 


1475 


Table  of  pharmaceuti- 
cal equivalents  1421 

Table  of  signs  and  abbre- 
viations 1411 

Tables  of  the  value  in  sp. 
gr.  of  Baum4’s  hydro- 
meter degrees  1431 

Tables  of  weights  and 
measures  1415 

Tacamahac  1396 

Tacca  fecula  468 

Tacca  oceanica  468 

Taoca  pinnatifida  468 

Tallow,  vegetable  707 

Tamarindi  pulpa  1160 

Tamarinds  722 

Tamarindus  722 

Tamarindus  Indica  722 

Tamarindus  prasparatus  1160 
Tamarix  Gallica  464 

Tanacetic  acid  724 

Tanacetum  723 

Tanacetum  vulgare  724 

Tannaspidic  acid  351 

Tannate  of  alumina  1396 

Tannate  of  iron  1397 

Tannate  of  lead  1397 

Tannate  of  quinia  251 

Tannic  acid  819 

Tannin  820 

Tansy  723 

Tapioca  724 

Tar  565 

Tar,  Barbadoes  552 

Tar  beer  566 

Tar,  mineral  553 

Tar  ointment  1265 

Tar  water  566 

Taraxacin  , 727 

Taraxacum  726 

Taraxacum  dens-leonis  726 
Tartar,  51,  580 

Tartar,  cream  of  580 

Tartar,  crude  580 

Tartar,  crystals  of  580 
Tartar,  emetic  867 

Tartar  emetic  ointment  1254 
Tartar,  red  580 

Tartar,  salt  of  1138 

Tartar,  soluble  1147 

Tartar,  white  580 

Tartarian  moss  437 

Tartarian  southernwood  1404 
Tartaric  acid  - 51 

Tartarized  antimony  867 
Tartarized  iron  999 

Tartarized  soda  1184 

Tartarum  vitriolatum  592 
Tartrate  of  antimony  and 
potassa  867 

Tartrate  of  iron  and  po- 
tassa 999 

Tartrate  of  potassa  1147 
Tartrate  of  potassa  and 
magnesia  1185 


Tartrate  of  potassa  and 
soda  1184 


Tartrate  of  protoxide  of 

iron 

1000 

Tartrate  of  soda 

1397 

Taschkent  rhubarb 

613 

Tasteless  ague  drop 

906 

Taurin 

1377 

Tea 

1397 

Tea-berry 

362 

Tegeneria  domestica 

1316 

Tegeneria  medicinalis 

1316 

Tela  araneae 

1316 

Tellurite  of  potassa 

1399 

Tellurium 

Temperature,  officinal, 

1399 

for  different  operations  789 

Teneriffe  wine 

752 

Tephrosia  Apollinea 

672 

Tepid  bath 

115 

Terckloride  of  antimony, 

solution  of 

865 

Terchloride  of  formvle 

840 

Terebinthina  727,  730 

Terebinthina  Canadensis  727 

Terebinthina  Chia 

728 

Terebinthina  Veneta 

728 

Terebinthina  vulgaris 

731 

Terebinthinos  oleum 

518 

Teriodide  of  formyle 

1349 

Terminalia  bellirica 

1366 

Terminalia  benzoin 

144 

Terminalia  chebula 

1366 

Ternitrate  of  iron,  solu 

tion  of 

1007 

Ternitrate  of  sesquioxide 

of  iron 

1007 

Teroxide  of  antimony 

866 

Teroxide  of  bismuth 

146 

Terra  cariosa 

1386 

Terra  di  sienna 

1390 

Terra  foliata  tartari 

686 

Terra  Japonica 

200 

Terra  Tripolitana 

1400 

Terra  umbria 

1401 

Terras  sigillatas 

1305 

Tersulphuret  of  anti- 


Thermometers,  compa- 
rative value  of  the  de- 


grees  of 

1430 

Thick-leaved  pennywor 

1342 

Thieves’  vinegar 

799 

Thorna’pple 

709 

Thoroughwort 

332 

Thridace 

439 

Thus 

563 

Thus  prasparatum 

1024 

Thuja  occidentals 

1400 

Thuya  articulata 

1386 

Thyme 

1400 

Thymus  serpillum 

1400 

Thymus  vulgaris 

1400 

Tiglii  oleum 

521 

Tin 

704 

Tin,  powder  of 

1193 

Tincal 

687 

Tinctura  aconiti  foliorum 

1219 

Tinctura  aconiti  radicis 

1219 

Tinctura  aloes 

1220 

Tinctura  aloes  composita 

1220 


Tinctura  aloes  et  myrrh  as 


1220 

Tinctura  ammonias  com- 

posita 

1220 

Tinctura  assafcetidse 

1221 

Tinctura  aurantii 

1221 

Tinctura  belladonnse 

1222 

Tinctura  benzoini  com- 

posita 

1222 

Tinctura  buchu 

1222 

Tinctura  calumbse 

1229 

Tinctura  camphoras 

1223 

Tinctura  camphorae  com 

posita 

1243 

Tinctura  cannabis  Indicfe 

1223 

Tinctura  cantharidis  1223 

Tinctura  capsici  1224 

Tinctura  cardamomi  1224 

Tinctura  cardamomi  com- 
posita 1224 


mony 

106 

Testa 

734 

Testa  prasparata 

915 

Tcucrium  chamasdrys 

1399 

Teucrium  marum 

1399 

Teucrium  polium 

1399 

Teucrium  scordium 

1399 

Thallochlor 

211 

Thea  Bohea 

1397 

Thea  Chinensis 

1397 

Thea  stricta 

1397 

Thea  viridis 

1397 

Thebaina 

536 

Thein 

1399 

Theobroma  cacao 

1316 

Theobromin 

1317 

Theriaca 

930 

Theriaca,  Dub . 

631 

Tinctura  cascarillas  1225 

Tinctura  cassias  1225 

Tinctura  castorei  1225 

Tinctura  castorei  ammo- 
niata  1225 

Tinctura  catechu  1226 

Tinctura  chirettae  1226 

Tinctura  cinchonse  1226 

Tinctura  cinchonse  com- 
posita 1227 

Tinctura  cinchonas  ferrata 

1227 

Tinctura  cinchonas  pal- 
lidas 1228 

Tinctura  cinnamomi  1228 

Tinctura  cinnamomi  com- 
posita 1228 

Tinctura  cocci  cacti  1229 


1476 


Index. 


Tinctura  colchici  1229 

Tinctura  colchici  com- 
posita  1229 

Tinctura  colchici  seminis 

1229 

Tinctura  colomb®  1229 

Tinctura  conii  1230 

Tinctura  croci  1231 

Tinctura  cubeb®  1231 

Tinctura  cuspari®  1231 

Tinctura  digitalis  1231 

Tinctura  ergot®  1232 


Tinctura  ergot®  setherea 

1232 

Tinctura  ferri  acetatis  995 
Tinctura  ferri  ammonio- 


chloridi  1020 

Tinctura  ferri  chloridi  996 
Tinctura  ferri  muriatis  996 
Tinctura  ferri  sesqui- 
chloridi  996 

Tinctura  gall®  1232 

Tinctura  gentian®  com- 
posita  1232 

Tinctura  guaiaci  1233 

Tinctura  guaiaci  arnmo- 
niata  1233 

Tinctura  hellebori  1234 

Tinctura  humuli  1234 

Tinctura  hyoscyaini  1234 

Tinctura  iodinii  1235 

Tinctura  iodinii  compo- 
sita  1236 

Tinctura  jalap®  1236 

Tinctura  kino  1237 

Tinctura  krameri®  1237 

Tinctura  lactucarii  1237 

Tinctura  lavandul®  com- 
posita  1190 

Tinctura  limonis  1238 

Tinctura  lobeli®  1238 

Tinctura  lobeli®  ®therea 

1238 

Tinctura  lupuli  1234 

Tinctura  lupulin®  1238 

Tinctura  matico  1239 

Tinctura  melampodii  1^34 

Tinctura  myrrh®  1239 

Tinctura  nucis  vomic®  1239 

Tinctura  olei  menth® 
piperit®  1240 

Tinctura  olei  menth® 
viridis  1240 

Tinctura  opii  1240 

Tinctura  opii  acetata  1242 


Tinctura  opii  ammoniata 

1243 

Tinctura  opii  camphor ata 

1243 

Tinctura  quassi®  1244 

Tinctura  quassi®  compo- 
sita  1244 

Tinctura  quin®  compo- 
sita  1244 

Tinctura  rhei  1245 


Tinctura  rhei  composita  1245 
Tinctura  rhei  et  aloes  1245 
Tinctura  rhei  et  gentian® 

1245 


Tinctura  rhei  et  semi®  1246 
Tinctura  sanguinari®  1246 
Tinctura  saponis  cam- 
phorata  1246 

Tinctura  scill®  1247 

Tinctura  seminum  col- 
chici 1229 

Tinctura  senn®  compo- 
sita 1247, 1248 

Tinctura  senn®  et  jalap® 

1248 

Tinctura  serpentari®  1248 

Tinctura  stramonii  1248 

Tinctura  thebaica  1241 

Tinctura  tolutana  1249 

Tinctura  valerian®  1249 

Tinctura  valerian®  am- 
moniata 1249 

Tinctura  zingiberis  1250 
Tinctur®  1216 

Tincture  of  acetate  of 
iron  995 

Tincture  of  aconite,  Fle- 
ming’s 1219 

Tincture  of  aconite  leaves 

1219 

Tincture  of  aconite  root  1219 
Tincture  of  aloes  1220 
Tincture  of  aloes  and 

myrrh  1220 

Tincture  of  ammonia, 

compound  1220 

Tincture  of  ammonio- 

chloride  of  iron  1020 
Tincture  of  Angustura 
bark  1231 

Tincture  of  assafetida  1221 
Tincture  of  belladonna  1222 
Tincture  of  benzoin, 

compound  1222 

Tincture  of  black  helle- 
bore 1234 

Tincture  of  bloodroot  1246 
Tincture  of  buchu  . 1222 

Tincture  of  camphor  1223 
Tincture  of  cardamom  1224 
Tincture  of  cardamom, 
compound  1224 

Tincture  of  cascarilla  1225 
Tincture  of  cassia  1225 
Tincture  of  castor  1225 
Tincture  of  castor,  am- 
moniated  1225 

Tincture  of  catechu  1226 
Tincture  of  Cayenne 
pepper  1224 

Tincture  of  chiretta  1226 
Tincture  of  chloride  of 
iron  996 

Tincture  of  chloroform  849 
Tincture  of  cinnamon  1228 


Tincture  of  cinnamon, 

compound 

1228 

Tincture  of  cloves 

189 

Tincture  of  cochineal 

1229 

Tincture  of  colchieum, 

compound 

1229 

Tincture  of  colcliicum 

seed 

1229 

Tincture  of  columbo 

1229 

Tincture  of  cubebs 

1231  ' 

Tincture  of  ergot 

1232 

Tincture  of  ergot, 

ethereal 

1232 

Tincture  of  foxglove 

1231 

Tincture  of  galls 

1232 

Tincture  of  gentian, 

compound 

1232 

Tincture  of  ginger 

1250 

Tincture  of  guaiac 

1233 

Tincture  of  guaiac,  am- 

moniated 

1233 

Tincture  of  hemlock 

1230 

Tincture  of  henbane 

1234 

Tincture  of  hops 

1234 

Tincture  of  Indian  hemp 

1223 

Tincture  of  iodine 

1235 

Tincture  of  iodine,  com 

pound 

1236 

Tincture  of  jalap 

1236 

Tincture  of  kino 

1237 

Tincture  of  lactucarium  1237 

Tincture  of  lemon  peel 

1238 

Tincture  of  litmus 

437 

Tincture  of  lobelia 

1238^ 

Tincture  of  lobelia, 

ethereal 

1238 

Tincture  of  lupulin 

1238 

Tincture  of  matico 

1239 

Tincture  of  muriate  of 

iron 

996  > 

Tincture  of  mvrrh 

1239 

Tincture  of  nux  vomica  1239s® 

Tincture  of  oil  of  pep- 

permint 

1240 

Tincture  of  oil  of  spear 

mint 

1240 

Tincture  of  opium 

1240 

Tincture  of  opium,  aee- 

tated 

1242 

Tincture  of  opium,  am- 

moniated 

1243 

Tincture  of  opium,  cam- 
phorated 1243 

Tincture  of  orange  peel  1221 
Tincture  of  pale  bark  1228 
Tincture  of  Peruvian 

bark  1226 

Tincture  of  Peruvian 

bark,  compound  1227 
Tincture  of  quassia  1244 
Tincture  of  quassia,  com- 
pound 1244 

Tincture  of  quinia.  com- 
pound 1244 


Index , 


1477 


Tincture  of  rhatany  1237 

Tincture  of  rhubarb  1245 

Tincture  of  rhubarb  and 
aloes  1245 

Tincture  of  rhubarb  and 
gentian  1245 

Tincture  of  rhubarb  and 
senna  1246 

Tincture  of  rhubarb, 

compound  1245 

Tincture  of  saffron  1231 

Tincture  of  senna  and 
jalap  1248 

Tincture  of  senna,  com- 
pound 1247 

Tincture  of  soap  651 

Tincture  of  soap,  cam- 
phorated 1246 

Tincture  of  Spanish  flies  1223 
Tincture  of  squill  1247 

Tincture  of  stramonium  1248 
Tincture  of  tolu  1249 

Tincture  of  valerian  1249 

Tincture  of  valerian,  am- 
moniated  1249 

Tincture  of  Virginia 

snakeroot  1248 

Tinctures  1216 

Tinder  1291 

Tin-foil  704 

Tinnevelly  senna  674 

Toadflax,  common  1297 

Tobacco  717 

Tobacco  ointment  1267 

Tolene  137 

Tolu,  balsam  of  137 

Toluifera  balsamum  137 

Tonics  2 

Tonka  bean  1400 

Toothache-tree  116 

Tormentil  734 

Tormentilla  734 

Tormentilla  erecta  735 

Tormentilla  officinalis  735 
Torula  aceti  12 

Torula  cerevisi®  60 

Touch-me-not  1345 

Touchwood  1291 

Tous  les  mois  166 

Toxicodendron  735 

Tragacanth  737 

Tragacantha  737 

Tragacanthin  738 

Trailing  arbutus  1327 

Travellers’ joy  1316 

Treacle  631 

Tree  primrose  1370 

Tribasic  phosphate  of 

soda  1186 

Trifolium  melilotus  1400 

Trigonella  foenumgrrecum 

1400 

Trillium  1400 

Trillium  erectum  1400 

Triosteum  739 


Triosteum  perfoliatum  739 

Tripoli  1400 

Tripoli  senna  673 

Trisnitrate  of  bismuth  910 

Triticum  mstivum  342 

Triticum  compositum  342 

Triticum  hybernum  341 

Triticum  repens  1401 

Triticum  vulgare  341 

Trituration  771 

Troches  1250 

Troches  of  bicarbonate 
of  soda  1253 

Troches  of  chalk  1251 

Troches  of  gum  Arabic  1251 
Troches  of  ipecacuanha  1252 
Troches  of  lactucarium  1252 
Troches  of  liquorice  1251 

Troches  of  liquorice  and 
opium  1251 

Troches  of  magnesia  1252 

Troches  of  morphia  1252 

Troches  of  morphia  and 
ipecacuanha  1253 

Troches  of  peppermint  1252 
Troches  of  tartaric  acid  1251 
Trochisci  1250 

Trochisci  acacias  1251 

Trochisci  acidi  tartaricil251 
Trochisci  cretas  1251 

Trochisci  glycyrrhizae  1251 
Trochisci  glycyrrhizae  et 
opii  1251 

Trochisci  ipecacuanhas  1252 
Trochisci  lactucarii  1252 
Trochisci  magnesiae  1252 
Trochisci  menthas  piperi- 


t® 

1252 

Trochisci  morphi® 

1252 

Trochisci  morphi®  et 

ipecacuanh® 

1253 

Trochisci  opii 

1251 

Trochisci  sod®  bicar- 

bonatis 

1253 

Trona 

690 

Tub  camphor 

160 

Tulip-tree  bark 

450 

Tunbridge  water 

112 

Turkey  gum 

7 

Turkey  myrrh 

488 

Turkey  opium 

528 

Turkey  rhubarb 

613 

Turlington’s  balsam 

1222 

Turmeric 

308 

Turmeric  paper 

309 

Turner’s  cerate 

920 

Turnsole 

437 

Turpentine 

727 

Turpentine,  Bordeaux 

731 

Turpentine,  Canada  727,  731 

Turpentine,  Chian  728,  732 

Turpentine,  common 

American 

730 

Turpentine,  common 

European 

731 

Turpentine,  Damnra  733 
Turpentine,  Dombeya  733 
Turpentine,  Strasburg  732 
Turpentine,  Venice  728,  732 
Turpentine,  white  730 

Turpentinic  acid  519 

Turpeth  mineral  1043 

Tussilago  farfara  1401 
Tutia  1401 

Tutty  1401 

Tutty  ointment  1268 

u 

Ulmic  acid  740 

Ulmin  110,  740 

Ulmus  739,  740 

Ulmus  alata  1328 

Ulmus  Americana  740 

Ulmus  campestris  740 

Ulmus  fulva  740 

Ulmus  rubra  740 

Ultramarine  1401 

Umber  1401 

Umbrella  tree  461 

Uncaria  garnbir  200 

Uncrystallizable  sugar  631 
Undulated  ipecacuanha  418 
Unguenta  1253 

Unguentum  ceruginis  1256 
Unguentum  antimonii  1254 
Unguentum  aquas  rosse  1254 
Unguentum  belladonnas  1254 


Unguentum  cantharidis, 

Ed.  1255 

Unguentum  cantharidis, 

U.  S.  1255 

Unguentum  cer®  alboe  1266 
Unguentum  cetacei,Zh/i>.  924 
Unguentum  cetacei,  Land. 


1256 

Unguentum  citrinum  1260 

Unguentum  cocculi  1256 

Unguentum  conii  1256 

Unguentum  creasoti  1256 

Upguentum  cupri  sub- 
acetatis..  1256 

Unguentum  elemi  1257 

Unguentum  gallas  1257 

Unguentum  gall®  com- 
positum 1257 

Unguentum  hydrargyri  1257 
Unguentum  hydrargyri 
ammonia  ti  1260 

Unguentum  hydrargyri 
iodidi  1260 

Unguentum  hydrargyri 
iodidi  rubri  1260 

Unguentum  hydrargyri 
nitratis  1260 

Unguentum  hydrargyri 
nitratis  mitius  1263 

Unguentum  hydrargyri 
nitrico-oxidi  1263 


1478 


Index, 


Unguentum  hydrargyri 
oxidi  rubri  3263 

Unguentum  infusi  can- 
tharidis  1255 

Unguentum  iodinii  1264 

Unguentum  iodinii  com- 
positum  1264 

Unguentum  mezerei  1264 

Unguentum  opii  1265 

Unguentum  oxidi  hy- 
drargyri 1263 

Unguentum  picis  1265 

Unguentum  picis  liquid* 

1265 

Unguentum  plumbi  ace- 
tatis  1265 

Unguentum  plumbi  car- 
bonatis  1265 

Unguentum  plumbi  com- 
positum  1265 

Unguentum  plumbi  iodidi 


1266 

Unguentum  populeum  1383 
Unguentum  potassii 
iodidi  1266 

Unguentum  precipitati 
albi  1260 

Unguentum  resin*  925 
Unguentum  resinosum  925 
Unguentum  satin*  926 
Unguentum  sambuci  1266 
Unguentum  simplex  1266 
Unguentum  stramonii  1266 
Unguentum  sulphuris  1266 
Unguentum  sulphuris 

compositum  1267 

Unguentum  sulphuris 
iodidi  1267 

Unguentum  tabaci  1267 
Unguentum  tuti*  1268 
Unguentum  veratri  albi  1268 
Unguentum  zinci  1268 

Unguentum  zinci  oxidi  1268 
Unicorn  plant,  false  1339 

Upland  sumach  619 

Urate  of  ammonia  1401 

Urea  1402 

Ursin  744 

Urtica  dioica  1402 

Urtica  urens  1402 

Ustulation  784 

Uva  passa  741 

Uva  ursi  743 

Uv*  pass*  minores  742 

Uvic  acid  53 


Y 


Vaccinium  vitis  IJ* a 743 

Valerian  744 

Valeriana  744 

Valeriana  Cel tica  1367 

Valeriana  dioica  746 

Valeriana  jatamensi  1367 


Valeriana  officinalis  745 
Valeriana  phu  746 

Valeriana  tuberosa  1367 
Valerianate  of  amylic 

ether  1329 

Valerianate  of  bismuth  1402 
Valerianate  of  iron  1018 
Valerianate  of  quinia  1176 
Valerianate  of  soda  1188 
Valerianate  of  zinc  1286 
Valerianic  acid  745 

Valeric  acid  745 

Vallet’s  ferruffinous  pills 

1116 

Vanilla  1402 

Vanilla  aromatica  1402 
Vanilla  planifolia  1402 
Vapour  bath  114 

Vareck  691 

Variolaria  437 

Various-leaved  fleabane  330 
Varvicite  462 

Vateria  Indica  1296,  1320 
Vegetable  albumen  343 

Vegetable  charcoal  179 

Vegetable  ethiops  1330 

Vegetable  fibrin  342 

V egetable  jelly  185 

Vegetable  juices,  pre- 
served 1218 

Vegetable  sulphur  1357 

Vegetable  tallow  707 

Vegetable  wax  206 

Vegeto-animal  substances 

342 

Vegeto-mineral  water  1126 
Venetian  red  1403 

Venice  sumach  1331 

Venice  turpentine  728,  732 
Vera  Cruz  sarsaparilla  654 
Veratria  1268 

Veratric  acid  628 

Veratrin  1270 

Veratrum  album  747 

Veratrum  officinale  628 

Veratrum  sabadiila  628 

Veratrum  viride  748 

Verbascum  thapsus  1403 
Verbena  hastata  1403 

Verbena  officinalis  1403 

Verbena  urticifolia  1403 

Verdigris  305 

Verdigris,  distilled  1289 

Verditer  1403 

•Vereck  8 

Verjuice  742 

Vermilion  1046 

Veronica  beccabunga  1404 
Veronica  officinalis  1404 

Veronica  Virginica  1355 

Vervain  1403 

Vesicating  ammoniacal 
ointment  85 

Vesicating  taffetas  923 
Vesicatoi’ies  2 


Vibumic  acid 

645 

Vienna  caustic 

1133 

Vina  medicata 

1272 

Vincetoxicum 

1324 

Vinegar 

Vinegar,  distilled 

12 

794 

Vinegar  generator 

12 

Vinegar  of  colchieum 

796 

Vinegar  of  opium 

796 

Vinegar  of  Spanish  flies 

795 

Vinegar  of  squiil 

798 

Vinegar,  radical 

19 

Vinegars 

793 

Vinous  fermentation 

60 

Vinum  album  750 

, 752 

Vinum  album  Hispanicum 

750 

Vinum  aloes 

1272 

Vinum  antimonii 

876 

Vinum  colchiei  radicis 

1272 

Vinum  colchiei  seminis 

1273 

Vinum  ergot* 

1273 

Vinum  ferri 

1020 

Vinum  gentian* 

1274 

Vinum  ipecacuanh* 

1274 

Vinum  opii 

1274 

Vinum  rhei 

1275 

Vinum  rubrum  750 

, 752 

Vinum  tabaci 

1275 

Vinum  veratri  albi 

1275 

Vinum  Xericum 

750 

Viola 

756 

Viola  odorata 

756 

Viola  ovata 

756 

Viola  pedata 

757 

Viola  tricolor 

757 

Violet 

756 

Violine 

757 

Virgin  scammony  661 

, 062 

Virgineic  acid 

6 §8 

Virginia  snakeroot 

676 

Virgin’s  bower,  common 

1316 

Virgin’s  bower,  sweet- 

scented 

1316 

Virgin’s  bower,  upright'!  315 

Viscin 

1304^ 

Viscum  album  1303, 

1404 

Vitellus  ovi 

548 

Viti  vinifera 

741 

Vitriol,  blue 

306 

Vitriol,  green  34S, 

1014 

Vitriol,  white 

1283 

Vitriolated  soda 

693 

Vitriolated  tartar 

592 

Vitrum  antimonii 

1333 

Viverra  civetta 

1315 

Viverra  zibetha 

1315 

Volatile  alkali 

SI 

Volatile  alkali,  mild 

S55 

Volatile  liniment 

1065 

Volatile  oils  495, 

Volatile  oils,  table  of 

1094 

drops  of 

109S 

Vulcanized  caoutchouc 

130S 

w 


Wade’s  balsam  1222 

Wahoo  1327 

Wake-robin  122 

Wall  pellitory  1378 

Walnut,  black  426 

Walnut,  European  426 

Walnut,  white  427 

Warm  bath  114 

Warming  plaster  953 

Warner’s  gout  cordial  1246 
Washed  sulphur  714,  717 
Water  108 

Water  avens  366 

Water  bath  777 

Water,  distilled  884 

Water  dock  625 

Water  eryngo  331 

Water  germander  1399 

Water  hemlock  1314 

Water  hemlock,  Ame- 
rican 1315 

Water  of  ammonia  859 

Water  of  ammonia,  table 
of  the  strength  of  861 
Water  of  carbonate  of 

ammonia  858 

Water  of  cassia  891 

Water  plantain  1293 

Watercress  1367 

Water-drop  wort,  hem- 
lock 1369 

Water-hemlock,  fine- 

leaved  1369 

Water-lily,  sweet- 

scented  1368 

Water-lily,  white  1369 

Watermelon  1323 

Water-parsnep  1391 

Water-pepper  1304 

Water-radish  1367 

Waters  885 

Waters,  distilled  885 

Waters,  medicated  885 

Wax,  myrtle  207 

Wax,  vegetable  206 

Wax,  white  204 

Wax,  yellow  204 

Waxed  cloth  923 

Weak  fish  404 

Weights  and  measures  767 
Weights  and  measures, 
tables  of  1415 

Weld  1385 

Well  water  110 

West  India  kino  432 

Wheat,  common  winter  341 
Wheat  flour  341 

Wheat  starch  95 

White  agaric  1291 

White  arsenic  21 

White  balsam  135 

White  bay  460 

White  bismuth  910 


Index. 


White  bryony 

1306 

White  cohosh 

1290 

White  elm 

740 

White  flux 

582 

White  fraxinella 

1326 

White  hellebore 

747 

White  horehound 

470 

White  ipecacuanha 

418 

White  lead 

571 

White  lily 

1356 

White  mustard  seeds 

683 

White  oxide  of  arsenic 

of  commerce 

21 

White  oxide  of  bismuth 

910 

White  pepper 

560 

White  poppy 

524 

White  precipitate 

1047 

White  resin 

606 

White  saunders 

1387 

White  sulphur  water 

112 

White  swallow-wort 

1324 

White  tartar 

580 

White  turpentine 

730 

White  vitriol 

1283 

White  walnut 

427 

White  water-lily 

1369 

White  wax 

204 

White  wine 

750 

White  wine  vinegar 

14 

White-oak  bark 

602 

Whiting 

1404 

Wild  briar 

620 

Wild  cardamom 

181 

Wild  carrot 

184 

Wild  chamomile 

295 

Wild  cucumber 

321 

Wild  ginger 

124 

Wild  horehound 

333 

Wild  indigo 

1300 

Wild  ipecac 

739 

Wild  lemon 

577 

Wild  lettuce 

438 

Wild  nutmeg 

486 

Wild  pink 

1390 

Wild  potato 

285 

Wild  sarsaparilla 

115 

Wild  senna 

194 

Wild  thyme 

1400 

Wild-cherry  bark 

596 

Willow 

641 

Willow-herb,  purple 

1357 

Windsor  soap 

650 

Wine 

750 

Wine,  antimonial 

876 

Wine,  claret 

752 

Wine,  madeira 

752 

Wine  measure 

1415 

Wine  of  aloes 

1272 

Wine  of  colchicum  root 

1272 

Wine  of  colchicum  seed 

1273 

Wine  of  ergot 

1273 

Wine  of  gentian 

1274 

Wine  of  ipecacuanha 

1274 

Wine  of  iron 

1020 

Wine  of  opium 

1274 

Wine  of  rhubarb 

1479 

1275 

Wine  of  tar 

566 

Wine  of  tobacco 

1275 

Wine  of  white  hellebore  1275 

Wine,  port 

752 

Wine,  sherry 

752 

Wine,  teneriffe 

752 

Wine  vinegar 

14 

Wine-whey 

756 

Wines,  acidulous 

751 

Wines,  astringent 

751 

Wines,  dry 

751 

Wines,  light 

751 

Wines,  medicated 

1272 

Wines  of  different  coun- 

tries 

751 

Wines,  red 

751 

Wines,  rough 
Wines,  sparkling 

751 

751 

Wines,  spirituous 

751 

Wines,  sweet 

751 

Wines,  table  of  the 
strength  of 

754 

Wines,  white 

751 

Winter  a 

757 

Wintera  aromatica 

758 

Winter-berry 

595 

Winter-cherry,  common  1381 

Winter-green  213,  362 

Winter-green,  spotted 

214 

Winter’s  bark 

757 

Wistar’s  cough  lozenges  1252 

Witch-hazel 

1338 

Witherite 

139 

Woad 

1350 

Wolfsbane 

55 

Wood  alcohol 

701 

Wood  betony 

1303 

Wood  naphtha 

701 

Wood  spirit 

701 

Wood  vinegar 

20 

Wood-sorrel 

1376 

Woody  nightshade 

318 

Woorari 

1404 

Worm  tea 

700 

Wormseed 

212 

Wormseed,  European 

1404 

Wormwood 

4 

Wrightia  tinctoria 

1346 

X 

Xanthochymus  ovalifolius  359 


Xanthopicrite  760 

Xanthorrhiza  7 58 

Xanthorrhiza  apiifolia  7 58 

Xanthorrhiza  tinctoria  758 

Xanthorrhoea  resins  1405 

Xanthoxylin  760 

Xanthoxylum  759 

Xanthoxylum  American- 
um  759 

Xanthoxylum  clava  Her- 
culis  760 


1480 


Index , 


Xanthoxylum  fraxineum  759 
Xylobalsamum  1299 

Y 

Yarrow  1289 

Yeast  207 

Yeast  cataplasm  919 

Yellow  bark  218,  233 

Yellow  Carthagena  bark, 
common  242 

Yellow  gentian  363 

Yellow  jasmine  1332 

Yellow  ladies’ bed- straw  1331 
Yellow  pine  728 

Yellow  resin  606 

Yellow  saunders  1387 

Yellow  sulphate  of  mer- 
cury 1043 

Y ellow  wax  204 

Yellow-flowered  rhodo- 
dendron 1385 

Yellow-root  758,  1341 

Yellow-rooted  water  dock  625 


z 


Zamia  integrifolia  468 

Zamia  lanuginosa  639 

Zea  mays  1405 

Zedoary  1405 

Zein  1405 

Zerumbet  1405 

Zibethum  1315 

Zinc  760 

Zinc,  acetate  of  1276 

Zinc,  butter  of  1278 

Zinc,  carbonate  of  1277 

Zinc,  chloride  of  1278 

Zinc  colic  761 

Zinc,  cyanuret  of  1324 

Zinc,  ferrocyanuret  of  1328 
Zinc,  flowers  of  1283 

Zinc,  impure  oxide  of  1401 
Zinc,  iodide  of  1348 

Zinc,  oxide  of  1282 

Zinc,  precipitated  car- 
bonate of  1277 

Zinc,  preparations  of  1276 
Zinc,  silicate  of  150,  760 


Zinc,  sulphate  of  1283 

Zinc,  table  of  the  prepa- 
rations of  762 

Zinc,  valerianate  of  1286 

Zinci  acetas  1276 

Zinci  carbonas  1277 

Zinci  carbonas  prsecipi- 
tatus  1277 

Zinci  chloridi  liquor  1281 

Zinci  chloridum  1278 

Zinci  cyanuretum  1324 

Zinci  ferrocyanuretum  1328 
Zinci  iodidum  1348 

Zinci  oxidum  1282 

Zinci  sulphas  1283 

Zinci  valerianas  1286 

Zincum  7 60 

Zingiber  762 

Zingiber  cassumuniar  1405 

Zingiber  officinale  762 

Zingiber  zerumbet  1405 

Zittmann’s  decoction  944 

Zizyphus  jujuba  1406 

Zizyphus  lotus  1406 

Zizyphus  vulgaris  1406 


To  all  Physicians  and  Medical  Students. 
NEW  AND  VALUABLE  MEDICAL  BOOKS, 

PUBLISHED  BY 

LIPPINCOTT,  GRAMBO,  & CO„ 

PHILADELPHIA, 

AND  FOR  SALE  BY  BOOKSELLERS  GENERALLY  IN  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


THE 

DISPENSATORY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES: 

TENTH  EDITION,  IMPROVED. 

CONSISTING^  OF 

1st.  A TREATISE  ON  MATERIA  MEDICA,  or  the  Natural,  Commercial,  Chemi- 
cal, and  Medical  History  of  the  Substances  employed  in  Medicine,  and  recognized  by 
the  Pharmacopoeias  of  the  United  States  and  Great  Britain ; 

2d.  A TREATISE  ON  PHARMACY : comprising  an  account  of  the  preparations 
directed  by  the  American  and  British  Pharmacopoeias,  and  designed  especially  to 
illustrate  the  Pharmacopoeia  of  the  United  States;  and 

3d.  A copious  APPENDIX,  embracing  an  account  of  all  substances  not  contained  in  the 
officinal  catalogues,  which  are  used  in  medicine  or  have  any  interest  for  the  Physician 
or  Apothecary. 

BY  GEORGE  B.  WOOD,  M.  D., 

Professor  of  the  Theory  and  Practice  of  Medicine  in  the  University  of  Pennsylvania,  §c.  <f*c. 

AND 

FRANKLIN  BACHE,  M.D., 

Professor  of  Chemistry  in  the  Jefferson  Medical  College  of  Philadelphia , 8fC.  S^c. 

The  work  has  been  thoroughly  revised,  with  many  alterations  and  additions,  so  as  to 
bring  it  fully  up  to  the  level  of  the  present  state  of  Materia  Medica  and  Pharmacy.  It 
embraces  the  substance  of  the  recently  revised  United  States  and  British  Pharmacopoeias, 
with  a commentary  on  all  that  is  new  in  those  publications.  Nothing,  indeed,  has  been 
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the  public  confidence  which  it  has  so  long  enjoyed. 


DR..  WOOD’S  PRACTICE. 

A TREATISE 

ON  THE 

PRACTICE  OF  MEDICINE. 

IN  TWO  VOLS.  OCTAVO.  FOURTH  EDITION,  IMPROVED. 

BY  GEORGE  B.  WOOD,  M.D., 

Professor  of  the  Theory  and  Practice  of  Medicine  in  the  University  of  Pennsylvania. 

“ This  is  by  far  the  best  work  on  the  Practice  of  Medicine  in  the  English  language,  and  we  recom- 
mend it  strongly  to  the  attention  of  our  readers.  It  is  much  fuller  than  Dr.  Watson’s  admirable  Lec- 
tures, while  it  is  less  lengthy  than  the  Library  or  Cyclopaedia  of  Medicine;  and  it  has  this  further 
advantage  over  the  two  last-named  works— that  while  they  are  far  behind,  it  is  a fair  reflex  of  the  actual 
state  of  knowledge.” — London  Medical  Times  and  Gazette , 1852. 


A BEAUTIFUL  ILLUSTRATED  AMERICAN  SURGERY, 


SMITH’S  OPERATIVE  SURGERY; 

Illustrated  by  nearly  One  Thousand  Engravings  on  Steel, 

MANY  OF  WHICH  HAVE  BEEN  DAGUERREOT YPED  FROM  NATURE,  AND  FINISHED  IN  THE  FINEST  STYLE  OF 

STEEL  ENGRAVINGS. 

The  whole  forming  two  large  octavo  volumes. 


A SYSTEM  OF  OPERATIVE  SURGERY; 

BASED  UPON  THE  PRACTICE  OF 

SURGEONS  IN  THE  UNITED  STATES: 

AND  COMPRISING 

A full  Bibliographical  Index  of  the  most  important  American  Surgical  Works  and  Papers, 

AS  WELL  AS  A 

HISTORY  OF  AMERICAN  SURGERY, 

DURING  A PERIOD  OF  TWO  HUNDRED  AND  THIRTY-FOUR  YEARS. 

BY  HENRY  H.  SMITH,  M.D., 

Consulting  Surgeon  and  Lecturer  on%Clinical  Surgery  in  the  Philadelphia  Hospital ; 

Surgeon  to  the  St.  Joseph's  Hospital; 

. Lecturer  071  the  Practice  of  Surgery  in  the  Pennsylvania  Academy  of  Medicine  ; 

Fellow  of  the  College  of  Physicians , Philadelphia , fyc. 

SECOND  EDITION, 

TTITH  NUMEROUS  ADDITIONS  IN  BOTH  THE  TEXT  AND  ILLUSTRATIONS. 

The  Plates  are  presented  either  tinted  or  colored  to  life — and  the  work  is  in  neat 

substantial  binding. 

Price,  tinted,  §7  50 — colored  to  life,  $15. 

PUBLISHERS’  NOTICE. 

In  tendering  to  the  profession  an  original  work  on  American  Surgery,  the  publishers  have  spared 
no  expense,  and  they  now  present  it  as  a specimen  of  an  Illustrated  Surgery  which  is  adapted  to 
the  wants  of  the  practitioner  and  student.  The  laborious  research  evident  in  its  pages  is  such  as 
must  recommend  it  to  every  practitioner  who  desires  to  be  accurately  informed  of  the  acts  of  his 
countrymen,  as  well  as  of  the  most  distinguished  European  surgeons,  whilst  the  conciseness  of  the 
descriptions  of  the  operative  proceedings  makes  it  valuable  as  a text-book  for  the  student. 

As  each  operation  is  preceded  by  an  account  of  the  surgical  anatomy  of  the  region,  the  practi- 
tioner who  has  been  long  absent  from  the  dissecting-rooms  will  be  able  from  the  text,  in  connection 
with  the  plates,  to  refresh  his  anatomical  knowledge  and  obtain  almost  as  accurate  an  idea  of  the 
surgical  relations  of  the  part  as  if  he  had  a recent  dissection.  The  spirit  and  accuracy  of  the  illus- 
trations have  gained  for  them  the  universal  approbation  of  the  medical  journals,  as  expressed  on  the 
publication  of  the  different  parts.  A few  of  the  notices  of  the  volume,  as  recently  expressed,  are 
hereafter  quoted. 

NOTICES  OF  THE  PRESS. 

“ We  are  sure  the  profession  will  welcome  this  truly  national  work  in  preference  to  being  dependent 
upon  reprints  of  foreign  books.” — New  York  Med.  Gazette. 

“ The  beauty  and  extent  of  the  illustrations  would  amply  suffice  to  command  attention  ; but  its  cha- 
racter as  an  essentially  American  work,  built,  as  its  title-page  imports,  upon  a strictly  national  founda- 
tion, must  secure  for  it  a general  welcome.  No  book  has  hitherto  been  written  which  has  presented  the 
American  practitioner  with  a comprehensive  view  of  the  opinions,  operative  methods,  and  instruments 
of  those  who  have  given  to  American  surgery  a character  of  its  own.  The  Bibliography  is  a treasure 
in  itself,  and  a monument  of  the  compiler’s  industry  which  must  win  for  him  the  gratitude  and  esteem 
of  every  medical  inquirer  who  can  appreciate  the  vast  amount  of  labor  which  its  preparation  has  re- 
quired.”— Philadelphia  Medical  Examiner. 

“ Dr.  Smith’s  work,  the  most  splendid  on  Operative  Surgery,  is  now  before  us.  We  cannot  give  a full 
outline  of  this  very  elaborate  and  complete  work,  but  we  take  pleasure  in  saying  that  it  is  better  adapted 
to  the  wants  of  the  American  practitioner  than  any  which  has  preceded  it  in  this  or  any  other  country. 
We  have  no  hesitation  in  recommending  it  in  the  very  highest  terms  to  those  who  desire  to  perfect 
themselves  in  this  department  of  our  profession.” — Ohio  Medical  and  Surgical  Journal,  Jan.  1S53. 

“ We  have  seen  nothing  like  it,  and  the  whole  ground  has  been  so  thoroughly  occupied  by  the  per- 
severing author,  that  it  will  be  a long  time  before  the  work  can  have  a rival.  No  one  competent  to 
estimate  the  value  of  these  researches  would  hesitate  an  instant  in  admitting  that  it  is  a valuable  and 
splendid  book,  and  one  which  no  surgeon  can  do  without  if  he  has  a particle  of  ambition  to  keep 
pace  with  the  progress  of  Operative  Surgery  on  this  continent.” — Boston  Med.  and  Surg.  Journal, 
Nov.  1S52. 


THE  UNITED  STATES  DISSECTOR; 

OR, 

L,ESSOJ\S  IN  PRACTICAL  AMTOMY. 

BY  WM.  E.  HORNER,  M.  D. 

Fifth  edition,  1 vol.  12mo. 

CAREFULLY  REVISED,  AND  ENTIRELY  REMODELLED, 

BY  HENRY  H.  SMITH,  M.  D. 

With  one  hundred  and  seventy-seven  new  illustrations. 

ELEMENTS  OF  HUMAN  ANATOMY, 

BY  T.  Gh  RICHARDSON,  M.  D., 

OF  LOUISVILLE,  KENTUCKY. 

WITH  OVER  FOUR  HUNDRED  ILLUSTRATIONS. 

In  one  volume,  octavo. 

KQILIKER’S  ANATOMY  OF  THE  HOMAN  BODY. 

A MANUAL  OF 

MICROSCOPICAL  AMTOMY  OP  THE  HUMAN  BODY. 

BY  ALBERT  KOLLIKER, 

Professor  of  Anatomy  and  Physiology , in  Wurtemberg. 

TRANSLATED  FROM  THE  GERMAN 

BY  J.  DA  COSTA,  M.  D., 

Member  of  the  Academy  of  Natural  Sciences , Philadelphia. 

WITH  THREE  HUNDRED  AND  FIFTEEN  WOOD-CUTS. 

IN  ONE  VOLUME  OCTAVO. 

UNITED  STATES  PH  ARM  ACOPCEI  A. 

THE  PHARMACOPEIA  OF  THeInITED  STATES  OF  AMERICA. 

BY  AUTHORITY  OF  THE 

NATIONAL  MEDICAL  CONVENTION, 

HELD  AT  WASHINGTON,  A.  D.  1S50. 

IN  ONE  VOLUME  OCTAVO. 

GENERAL  NOTIONS  OF  CHEMISTRY, 

BEING  A POPULAR  AND  GENERAL  TREATISE. 

BY  J.  PELOUZE, 

Member  of  the  Institute 3 $c. 

AN  D 

E.  FREURY, 

Professor  of  Chemistry  in  the  Polytechnic  School , £*c. 

TRANSLATED  FROM  THE  FRENCH, 

BY  EDMUND  C.  EVANS,  M.  D. 

One  volume,  octavo. 


3 


PLATES 

OF  THE 

MUSCLES  OF  THE  HUMAN  BODY. 

BY  M.  J.  WEBER,  M.D., 

Professor  of  Anatomy  in  the  University  of  Bonn,  Prussia. 

ENGRAVED  ON  COPPER,  WITH  THE  NAME  ATTACHED  TO  EACH  MUSCLE, 

After  B.  S.  ALBINUS. 

Price  $2  50. 

The  Plates  of  the  Muscles  of  the  Human  Body,  as  arranged  by  Prof.  Weber,  having  obtained  an  ex- 
tended circulation  among  the  medical  profession  in  Europe,  are  now  presented  to  the  students  and 
practitioners  of  the  United  States,  as  calculated  to  facilitate  the  study  of  an  extensive  department  of 
anatomy. 

To  those  who  have  experienced  the  difficulties  attendant  on  the  use  of  such  anatomical  drawings  as 
are  accompanied  by  a separate  explanatory  text,  and  in  which  every  point  and  corner  of  the  illustration 
is  covered  by  figures  and  lines  of  reference,  the  simplicity  of  the  plan  pursued  by  Prof.  Weber  will  be 
readily  apparent;  the  attachment  of  the  name  to  the  muscle  to  which  it  belongs  rendering  its  origin, 
insertion,  shape,  and  surgical  relations  evident  at  a glance. 

These  plates,  therefore,  present  the  student  with  information  similar  to  that  afforded  by  the  map  of  a 
country,  whilst  they  also  enable  the  practitioner  to  recall,  at  a glance,  the  information  which  long  ab- 
sence from  the  dissecting-room  often  obliterates.  Being  adapted  to  every  work  on  Special  Anatomy, 
they  are  admirably  suited  to  the  instruction  furnished  in  every  medical  school. 

Should  the  utility  of  these  plates  be  as  generally  approved  as  is  anticipated,  it  is  the  intention  of  the 
author  to  furnish  others  of  a similar  character,  illustrative  of  the  OSSEOUS,  VASCULAR,  and  NERV- 
OUS SYSTEMS. 

A SYSTEMATIC  TREATISE, 

HISTORICAL,  ETIOLOGICAL,  AND  PRACTICAL, 

ON  THE 

PRINCIPAL  DISEASES 

OF  THE  INTERIOR  VALLEY  OF  NORTH  AMERICA, 

AS  THEY  APPEAR  IN  THE 

CAUCASIAN,  AFRICAN,  INDIAN,  AND  ESQUIMAUX  VARIETIES  OF  ITS  POPULATION. 

BY  DANIEL  DRAKE,  M.  D. 

Edited  By  S.  H ANBURY  SMITH,  M.  D. 

ONE  VOLUME,  LARGE  OCTAVO. 

WARRINGTON’S  OBSTETRIC  CATECHISM. 

THE  OBSTETRIC  CATECHISM, 

CONTAINING 

TWO  THOUSAND  THREE  HUNDRED  AND  FORTY-SEVEN  QUESTIONS  AND  ANSWERS, 

ON  OBSTETRICS  PROPER. 

BY  JOSEPH  WARRINGTON,  M.D. 

One  Hundred  and  Fifty  Illustrations. 

One  Volume,  12mo.,  New  Edition,  Revised  and  Enlarged. 


4 


NEW  AND  POPULAR  WORK  ON 

DOMESTIC  MEDICINE  AND  SURGERY. 


THE  DICTIONARY 

OF 

DOMESTIC  MEDICINE  AND  HOUSEHOLD  SURGERY. 

BY  SPENCER  THOMPSON,  M.  D.,  L.  R.  C.  S.,  Edinburgh. 

EDITED  AND  ADAPTED  TO  THE  WANTS  OF  AN  AMERICAN  COMMUNITY,  BY  A WELL-KNOWN 
PRACTITIONER  OF  PHILADELPHIA. 

ILLUSTRATED  WITH  NUMEROUS  CUTS. 

This  work  is  intended  to  afford  a concise  and  ready  book  of  reference  for  families  in  cases  of 
emergency,  during  the  absence  of  immediate  medical  assistance.  It  will  also  serve  as  a safe  guide  in 
the  domestic  management  of  slight  ailments  and  injuries,  whilst  affording  instruction  in  the  duties  of 
the  sick-room  generally. 

The  touch  of  a gentle  hand  will  not  be  less  gentle,  nor  the  safe  domestic  remedies  be  less  care- 
fully administered,  when  the  attendant  upon  the  sick  is  guided  by  a correct  knowledge  of  the  ana- 
tomical arrangement  and  physiological  requirements  of  the  human  frame. 

In  many  of  the  accidents  of  daily  life,  and  especially  in  thinly  populated  districts,  in  the  railroad 
car,  and  in  the  steamboat,  the  information  possessed  by  a neighbor  or  bystander  of  “what  is  best  to 
be  done,”  is  often  of  essential  service,  and  the  Medical  Dictionary  of  Domestic  Surgery  will  always 
present  under  the  appropriate  heading  precisely  such  information  as  is  required. 

As  a compendium  of  those  sanitary  principles  on  which  the  preservation  or  attainment  of  health 
depends,  it  is  recommended  to  the  intelligent  mechanic,  inexperienced  mother  or  emigrant;  whilst, 
as  a counter-agent  to  the  impudent  quackery  which  preys  upon  the  ignorance  and  credulity  of  every 
community,  it  is  deserving  of  the  attention  of  the  medical  profession.  In  England,  the  volume  has 
received  the  highest  encomiums  from  all  classes. 

“ We  are  glad  to  see  this  most  excellent  and  useful  work  completed.  It  has  been  compiled  with  the 
utmost  care  and  attention,  and  forms  by  far  the  best  and  cheapest  compendium  of  Domestic  teaching 
on  Medical  and  Surgical  subjects  with  which  the  public  have  yet  been  favored.  It  makes  a convenient 
sized  volume,  and  can  be  referred  to  without  a moment’s  loss  of  time — the  subjects  being  arranged  in 
.alphabetical  order,  with  leading  letters  at  the  head  of  each  column.” — TaiVs  Edinburgh  Magazine, 
Jan.  1S53. 


EBERLE  AND  MITCHELL  ON  CHILDREN. 

A TREATISE 

ON  THE 

DISEASES  AND  PHYSICAL  EDUCATION  OF  CHILDREN, 

BY  JOHN  EBERLE,  M.D.,  &c.  &c. 

Fourth  Edition,  with  Notes  and  large  Additions, 

BY  THOMAS  D.  MITCHELL,  A.  M.,  M.  D.,  &c.  &c.  &c. 

One  volume  8vo. 

From  the  New  York  Medical  Gazette,  November,  1850. 

“ A cursory  examination  of  the  notes  and  large  additions  made  by  Dr.  Mitchell,  has  convinced  us  that 
he  has  greatly  enhanced  the  value  of  the  work,  and  has  introduced  a very  great  variety  ot  new  and 
valuable  matter  ; so  that  it  now  comprises  a full  exhibit  of  the  state  of  existing  knowledge  in  this  depart- 
ment, and  deserves  a place  among  our  standard  books.” 

EBERLE'S 

NOTES  FOR  STUDENTS. 

NEW  EDITION. 

One  volume,  12mo. 


5 


MITCHELL’S  THERAPEUTICS. 


MATERIA  MEDICA  AND  THERAPEUTICS, 

WITH 

AMPLE  ILLUSTRATIONS  OF  PRACTICE 

IN  ALL  THE 

DEPARTMENTS  OF  MEDICAL  SCIENCE, 

AND  COPIOUS  NOTICES  OF  TOXICOLOGY; 

THE  WHOLE 

ADAPTED  TO  THE  WANTS  OF  MEDICAL  PUPILS  AND  PRACTITIONERS, 

BY  THOMAS  D.  MITCHELL,  A.M.,  M.D., 

Professor  of  the  Theory  ami  Practice  of  Medicine  in  the  Philadelphia  College  of  Medicine,  formerly  Professorof 
Chemislry  and  Pharmacy  in  the  Medical  College  of  Ohio.  Professor  of  Chemistry  and  Materia  Medina 
in  Lexington,  Ky.,  Lecturer  on  Obstetrics,  and  the  Diseases  of  Women  and  Children, 

Author  of  Elements  of  Chemical  Philosophy,  See. 

IN  ONE  VOLUME,  OCTAVO. 


NOTICES  OF  THE  PRESS. 

From  the  Boston  Medical  and  Surgical  Journal. 

“We  take  much  pleasure  in  noticing  this  able  work  of  Dr.  Mitchell,  and  can  assure  our  readers  it  is 
one  of  the  best  works  on  Materia  Medica  and  Therapeutics  that  has  been  published.  It  is  written  in  a 
style  that  interests  and  instructs  at  the  same  time.” 

t From  the  New  York  Medical  Gazette. 

“ This  new  work  upon  an  old  subject,  will  be  found  to  embody  a variety  and  amount  of  practical  in- 
struction in  this  department,  which  are  not  to  be  met  with  in  any  one  of  the  numerous  treatises  on 
Materia  Medica  or  Therapeutics,  or  both,  with  which  the  profession  has  been  favored.  The  ample  il- 
lustrations of  practice  in  all  the  departments  of  medical  science,  with  the  very  copious  notices  of  tox- 
icology, &c.,  render  it  a valuable  book  for  students,  and  also  adapt  it  for  reference  by  practitioners,  both 
of  which  purposes  are  subserved  by  its  alphabetical  arrangement.” 

From  the  Western  Lancet,  Cincinnati. 

“ On  the  whole,  we  do  not  know  a better  work  on  Therapeutics.  It  is  copious  without  tediousness, 
condensed  without  incompleteness,  and  embraces  as  much  reliable  information  on  the  treatment  of  dis- 
ease as  any  work  of  similar  size.  We  are  very  much  deceived  if  medical  students  will  not'find  this 
treatise  more  to  their  taste  and  wants  than  any  hitherto  published  in  this  country;  and  practitioners 
will  find  many  references  to  Therapeutics  which  will  prove  interesting  and  valuable.  We  hope  it  may 
be  extensively  circulated  among  the  profession.  The  style  of  the  work  is  terse,  agreeable,  and  always 
interesting  ; dulness  being  no  part  of  the  author’s  composition.” 

From  the  Transylvania  Medical  Journal. 

“ To  express  the  opinion  which  we  have  formed  of  it  as  a complete  record  of  the  knowledge  of  the 
author,  acquired  by  years  of  study,  and  in  a lengthened  course  of  teaching,  would  only  be  to  add  our 
tribute  to  the  testimonials  sent  in  to  him  from  all  directions.  We  cheerfully  recommend  it  as  an  excel- 
lent text-book.” 

Extract  of  a letter  from  Prof.  Lawson,  of  the  Medical  College  of  Ohio,  Cincinnati. 

“ I have  glanced  through  the  work,  and  it  affords  me  pleasure  to  say  it  merits  liberal  praise,  and  will 
prove  attractive  to  medical  students.” 

QUARTERLY  SUMMARY 

OF  THE 

TRANSACTIONS  OF  THE  COLLEGE  OF  PHYSICIANS. 

This  periodical  is  issued  in  January,  April,  July,  and  October  of  each  year.  It  may  be  obtained 
from  Booksellers  and  Periodical  Agents,  or  from  the  Publishers. 

Price  One  Dollar  a year,  or  Twenty-five  cents  a number. 

Any  person  remitting  one  dollar  by  mail  can  have  the  numbers  sent  as  soon  as  published. 


THE  QUARTERLY  SUMMARY  from  Nov.  1841  to  Nov.  1850, 

IN  TWO  VOLUMES,  OCTAVO, 

Containing  the  Medical  Reports  and  Essays  read  before  the  College  ; debates  upon  Medical  Subjects, 
&c.  &c.,  during  the  above  period.  Price,  $2  00  per  volume,  in  neat  binding. 

6 


AN  ILLUSTRATED 


SYSTEM  OE  HUMAN  ANATOMY, 

SPECIAL,  MICROSCOPIC,  AMD  PHYSIOLOGICAL, 

Principally  designed  for  the  Use  of  Practitioners  and  Students  of  Medicine. 

In  One  Volume  Royal 'Octavo. 

BY  SAMUEL  GEORGE  MORTON,  M.D. 

BSSTThis  Work  is  invaluable  to  the  Medical  Profession,  and  one  of  the  most  splendid,  as  to  En- 
gravings and  Typographical  execution,  ever  issued  from  the  American  press. 

Price,  only  $4. 

The  following  are  a few  of  the  many  notices  of  Dr.  Morton's  Anatomy : 

In  point  of  elegance  of  form,  as  well  as  exactness  and  completeness  of  execution,  the  Illustrated 
System  of  Human  Anatomy,  Special,  General,  and  Microscopic,  by  Dr.  Samuel  George  Morton,  sur- 
passes all  the  works  which  have  proceeded  from  American  medical  authors  within  the  last  year.  This 
celebrated  savant,  whose  reputation  has  been  carried  abroad  to  a wide  extent,  and  whose  name  is 
familiar  to  the  profession  at  home,  through  his  Crania  Americana,  Crania  iEgyptiaca,  and  Pulmonary 
Consumption,  has,  in  his  last  work,  conferred  additional  renown  upon  our  literature. — Transactions  qf 
the  American  Medical  Association. 

Dr.  Morton,  with  happy  felicity,  has  compressed  within  the  limits  of  a single  volume  the  most  recent 
Microscopic  results,  an  acquaintance  with  which  has  led  to  the  truest  exposition  of  anatomical  and  phy- 
siological science.  And  Dr.  Morton’s  distinguished  position  as  an  investigator  in  this  department  of 
Anatomy  has  gained  for  him  a reputation  which  the  appearance  of  his  excellent  Anatomy  has  served  to 
increase. — Charleston  Med.  and  Surg.  Journal,  March,  1849.  t 

We  freely  recommend  the  work  of  Dr.  Morton  to  the  whole  profession,  particularly  students,  who, 
we  are  certain,  will  not  fail  at  once  to  recognize  the  superior  merits  of  this  book,  a thorough  knowledge 
of  which  will  lay  the  foundation  of  anatomical  science — without  which  they  cannot  be  successful  or 
scientific  practitioners — deep  in  their  memories.  We  shall  call  attention  to  this  volume  again  in  a future 
number:  meantime,  we  would  say  to  all,  purchase  it. — New  York  Journal  of  Medicine,  March,  1849. 

Louisville,  Ky.,  April  11,  1849. 

The  book  (Dr.  Morton’s  Anatomy)  is  really  a magnificent  one.  The  paper,  typography,  and  cuts, 
are  perfect.  Altogether,  it  is  the  most  beautiful  work  that  has  ever  been  issued  by  the  medical  press  of 
this  country.  That  it  will  meet  with  a ready  sale  is  unquestionable.  The  work  takes  well  in  the  West, 
and  will,  I doubt  not,  be  well  received  by  the  profession  everywhere. — S.  D.  Gross,  M.D. 


DR.  MeCLELLAN’S  SURGERY. 


PRINCIPLES  AND  PRACTICE  OF  SURGERY, 

In  One  Volume  Octavo. 

Containing  the  Recent  Novelties  and  Improvements  in  that  Important  Branch  of 

Medical  Science. 

By  the  late  GEORGE  McCLELLAN,  M.D. 

The  Publishers  have  received  numerous  recommendatory  notices  of  the  great  practical 
value  of  this  work  to  the  Medical  Profession.  Most  of  the  Medical  Journals  in  this 
country  have  spoken  in  the  highest  terms  of  the  importance  of  this  work  to  every  American 
Practitioner. 


GERHARD  ON  THE  CHEST. 


THE  DIAGNOSIS,  PATHOLOGY,  AND  TREATMENT 

OF  THE 

DISEASES  OF  THE  CHEST. 

BY  W.  W.  GERHARD,  M.  D., 

Lecturer  on  Clinical  Medicine , University  of  Pennsylvania , fyc.  <$*c. 

Fourth  Edition,  Revised  and  Enlarged.  One  Volume,  8vo. 


7 


EBERLE’S  PRACTICE  OP  MEDICINE. 


A TREATISE 

ON  THE 

THEORY  AND  PRACTICE  OF  MEDICINE, 

TWO  VOLS.  IN -ONE,  OCTAVO.  NEW  EDITION. 

BY  JOHN  EBERLE,  M.D., 

Late  Professor  of  Materia  Medica  and  Obstetrics  in  the  Medical  Colleges  of  Philadelphia , Cincinnati , Ohio , and 

Lexington , Ky.:  fyc.  fyc. 

WITH  NOTES  AND  ADDITIONS, 

BY  GEORGE  McCLELLAN,  M.D., 

AND  OTHER  DISTINGUISHED  PHYSICIANS. 

Embracing  all  the  late  Improvements  and  Discoveries  in  Practice. 

This  is  one  among  the  most  valuable  works  on  the  Practice  of  Medicine  that  has  ever  issued  from 
the  American  or  English  press. 


NOTES  OF 

M,  BERNARD’S  LECTURES  ON  THE  BLOOD, 

WITH  AN  APPENDIX. 

BY  WALTER  F.  ATLEE,  M.D., 

One  volume,  12mo. 

COSTILL  ON  POISONS. 

A PRACTICAL  TREATISE  ON  POISONS; 

THEIR  SYMPTOMS,  ANTIDOTES,  AND  TREATMENT. 

BY  0.  H.  COSTILL,  M.  D. 

iSnio.  CloUIi.  Price  50  Cents. 

®s§“This,  although  a small  work,  contains  all  the  important  information  on  the  subject, 
and  is  highly  approved  by  the  Medical  Faculty. 

WE  HAVE  FOR  SALE  ALL  THE  TEXT-BOOKS, 

TOGETHER  WITH  AS  COMPLETE  AN  ASSORTMENT  OF 

STANDARD  MEDICAL  WORKS 

AS  CAN  BE  FOUND  IN  THE  COUNTRY. 

MEDICAL  STUDENTS  AND  PHYSICIANS 

Will  find  it  much  to  their  advantage  to  call  upon  or  write  us  before  purchasing. 

LIPPINCOTT,  GRAMBO,  & CO,, 

Publishers,  Booksellers,  and  Stationers, 

No.  20  North  Fourth  Street 

N.  B.  Particular  attention  will  also  he  paid  to  all  orders  for  MEDICAL,  LAW,  AND 
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8 


